Blogging Holiday!

We're all going on a .... blogging holiday .... no more crafting for a week or two ...

We're going where ... the sun shines brightly

... we're going where the sea is blue ...

That's quite enough of my singing - LOL

I'll miss you all, but will see you soon

Happy Crafting crafters ....

and a BIG thank you to everyone who looks in and leaves me lovely comments I do so appreciate it!

Bags of Fun!

I had my sewing machine out this weekend and made these two bags which I am quite happy with (for a change!)

The pink and green one is a net book bag, quite small measuring approximately 10 x 11 inches (excluding the handles).  I followed the tutorial at My Backyard Eden which is very clear and easy to follow and can be adapted to any size of bag.

Between the main fabric and lining I sandwiched quite a thick layer of wadding - too thick really, but at least it will protect the contents of the bag. It's very soft and plump, like a pillow.

I die cut some of Tim Holtz' Alterations 'tattered florals' flowers from the main fabric and felt and sewed them together with buttons.  

The other bag I made following one of the patterns in a book called 'Sew What! Bags' by Lexie Barnes.  Again the instructions are very clear and precise and there are not lots of measurements involved - nice and easy, that's the way I like it!

I love this cotton fabric with beach huts on.  I've had it quite a while and couldn't decide what to do with it, but eventually settled for this quite simple tote bag.  It's another smallish one and measures approximately the same as the other bag.

The bag is reversible too.  The other fabric also cotton I've had for ages and I think the colour compliments the beach huts quite well.

I like the beach huts side much more though and added a couple of die cut flowers to that side under the handles with some co-ordinating buttons.

I think I'll be making some more of these soon!

Thanks for looking!

Who Loves Ribbons?

I do, do you too?

A couple of days ago I received these spotty ribbons in the post from Crafty Ribbons for taking part in their Ribbon Challenge No. 17 'Organza Swiss Dots'.  As I was one of the first 15 people to email them I was sent a bundle of their exclusive ribbons and in return they asked that I create and send them two items where their ribbon had been used. 

I hadn't made a paper doll for a while and thought this was a good excuse to do another and dress her completely in the ribbons!  Her name is Miss Dotty Swiss and she is showing you all the ribbons above!

Of course she had to have a couple in her hair!

The ribbon is narrow - only 10mm wide so for the bodice I glued strips onto a bodice shape piece of card (with sticky dots - how appropriate!).  For the skirt I cut small strips and glued them under the bodice.  Musn't forget her spotty tights either!  Her legs were just about slim enough for one strip of the ribbon. I glued the ribbon onto the legs with Anita's 3-D glue.

For the other piece I created a little wall hanging, details of which may be found in my previous post.  I used the ribbon on the flower pots and for the hanger too.

Here are both pieces together

If you haven't been over to Crafty Ribbons website before, it's well worth a visit as they have all sorts of ribbons at very reasonable prices - and there's a sale on at the moment.  Also, every week they have a 'Friday Freebie' just for leaving them a comment - well, it seems rude not to!

Thanks Crafty Ribbons and I hope you'll like my two items which will be on their way to you tomorrow.

Compendium of Curiosities - Challenge No. 9 - Distress Crackle

The challenge this week set by Linda over on her blog Studio L3 was to create something working from Tim Holtz' book Compendium of Curiosities page 42  'Distress Crackle'. 

Isn't it great to see the Distress crackle paint do just that before your very eyes - crackle that is.

I used Shabby Shutters Distress crackle paint and Tea Dye Distress ink to colour two die cut Grungeboard flowerpots.

I would have loved to have used a terracotta kind of colour, but had to use what I had (kind of appropriate for the quote!)

For the die cut Grungboard flowers I used Studio acrylic paint as a base then the Distress Crackle Paint (clear rock candy) over the top.  I wasn't as pleased with the flowers as I was with the pots - but having just read the book again - I see that I missed out the final step - doh!!  Oh well, I'll know for next time.

I mounted the flowers in pots onto a piece of mountboard (cut with one of Tim Holtz alterations Sizzix dies) and coloured the background with a mixture of various distress inks and a touch of cream acrylic paint.

I added some ribbons for the finishing touch (and there'll be more about those ribbons in my next post) and that's it, a little wall hanging, duly distressed and crackled - with a lovely uplifting quote.

Happiness is the art of making a bouquet

of those flowers

within reach

Thanks for looking!

'Aloha' Dancing Girl .... just danced her way to me!

How lucky can one girl get!  I had an email this morning from Lilla in Hawaii saying I had won her giveaway - a beautiful lace collaged book and cover.  It's simply divine and you can see it on her blog here, I can't wait to receive it!.

Lilla's email was titled 'aloha' and she ends it with the same greeting too.  Why am I telling you this - because I received something in the post this morning which was called 'Aloha' - Dancing Girl.  What a co-incidence (maybe I should buy an extra lottery ticket this week!).

The Dancing Girl is a prize I won on the blog 'It's an Alien Life' from the multi talented Mrs A who set a little competition. 

Mrs A said as soon as she saw this in her book (Japanese hand made gifts I think it is) she thought of the little dresses I make every month in the Dress Up challenge and had to make it for me.  That is so thoughtful and kind!

Mrs A said the 'pocket is designed to take a special piece of jewellry or a little bottle of cologne'  ....  wonder what I'll put in it!

The hanger is made up of some lovely glass beads, and there are more stitched onto the ruffle on the silk bodice. 

Everything is hand stitched, so neat and exquisite and the fabric is beautiful!

The back is decorated too

Inside, the pocket is lined with the softest felt and the skirt petals are also lined with felt - all hand stitched, such patience she must have.

Here's one more photo of the side view

You may have guessed that I am just a little bit pleased with my prize!

Thank you again Mrs A - you're the best!