For the past 18 months I’ve been tolerating some drab curtains in our kitchen/eating area. I had bought some thermal drapes on sale in the hopes of keeping out some of the intense afternoon heat and light. The drapes did their job to some degree, but I just couldn’t stand how dreary they looked, especially since it covered a large space of the wall and we spend much of our time in this area of our home. It was definitely time to do something about it!
Read more
Months and months ago, like last year in July, I came across a simple granny square crochet pattern that really caught my eye. The pattern is generously provided (for free!) by Sara from the Creative Jewish Mom and can be found here: Simple Filet Crochet Starburst Square Pattern.
Read more
On my recent trip to Australia I attempted my first big sewing project. My goal was to make three patchwork bedspreads, one for my niece’s double bed and another two for each of my nephew’s single (twin) beds. I managed to complete 2 out of the 3, I still have to make the third one and send it over to my nephew (thank you for being patient Mathew!).
Read more
Hands up if you like origami – I certainly do! Here is an easy to follow youtube video on how to make these cute little bunnies out of paper.
Read more
My lovely customer, Larissa, who previously had a special request for a pirate dog, asked me if I could custom make another plush toy, but this time for her daughter’s upcoming birthday. Larissa came up with the idea of a Fairy Pig as her daughter’s favorite animal at the moment is a pig and she also loves to dress up as a fairy. What a great idea!
Read more
These are a few of my favorite things around our home:
a bird print by Geninne Zlatkis that I bought from Urban Outfitters, I suppose I could have bought it from her Etsy Shop, but I just adored the frame that came with it; a Bird Chirping Weather print by Katie Daisy purchased from her Etsy shop; the Ryan Berkley Ensemble which I embroidered last year;
Read more
This week has been busy busy busy in my studio with lots of orders, including this special request for a pirate dog. Arrr, arrr! Has a front pocket for stashing treasure – I really like pockets on plush toys, I think I will continue making more stuffed animals that include a pocket. Read more
It’s been a while since I created something for Illustration Friday. For the topic of “carry”, I came up with this little mixed media (watercolour, coloured pencil and collage) illustration of Pablo the Panda on one of his adventures. Read more
The floor near our kitchen sink is always getting little drops and splashes of water on it while we are washing up, so this was my solution. A scrappy patchwork rug! This is another easy sewing project to do and a great way to use up any fabric scraps you may have, especially if you have a mixture of different kinds of fabric. Read more
Previously, I had written about our chickens, explaining that they would be laying eggs in the next month or two. Well, it has happened sooner than expected and exactly one week ago today, the first egg landed in the nesting box! Read more
For a while now I have been admiring the raggy and fluffy edges of rag quilts, but most rag quilts I have seen on the internet are made with squares and the bulky, chunky look of them put a damper on my admiration.
And then I stumbled on a rag quilt that was made with strips which fired me up again. Read more
Not only is this a great way to use up any magazines you have lying around, it’s also an easy summer craft project to do with the kids AND the results are pretty awesome!
Read more
Sometime in April (about 3 months ago) I planted some sunflower seeds in a small patch of our backyard. It really is amazing how a little seed can grow so big in just a few months! The sunflowers are now 4-5 feet tall and seem to keep growing taller each day. Read more
*** This giveaway is now closed – the winner is Emily from the UK (comment#14) - congratulations Emily! ***
Welcome to my second Giveaway Day hosted by Sew Mama Sew! {be sure to check them out for other great giveaways}
Read more
The other week I saw on the Etsy Blog a project that they do in conjunction with Citymeals-on-wheels. Along with delivering nutritious meals to elderly New Yorkers on Valentine’s Day, they will also be providing handmade greeting cards and companionship. It’s a project that has become an Etsy tradition.
Read more
I spent yesterday morning cutting out paper snowflakes to go with some Christmas decorations the kids and I made last year (Christmas Banners: A Fun Craft Project for the Kids). Really love how each one turns out unique, just like the real snowflakes. It is such a simple thing to do and the results are so satisfying.
Read more
This winner is: Katina and her comment was “ Your owls are so cute. I love owls and they are popping up all over the place now. My favorite colors are fuchsia and royal blue. My favorite smell is CHOCOLATE!! Thanks for the great giveaway!”
Congratulations Katina! I have already notified you by email.
Read more
***Entries for this giveaway are now closed.***
AND THE WINNER IS …>>> click here
Well, actually it’s for 5 days – Monday Dec 12 to Friday Dec 16.
For this giveaway I am going to give you a choice of two patchwork owl pillow plush toys – one is for a girl and one is for a boy – the winner gets to choose which one they would like!
Read more
It’s almost here – the big Giveaway Day hosted by Sew Mama Sew!
Thankfully some supplies I ordered last week got delivered today – just in time to make what I plan to giveaway next week. Gotta say, am quite excited :P !!!
Read more
My step-daughter turned six this year and for her birthday I said I would make her a bag and wallet. I found an excellent tutorial on how to make a basic messenger bag by mmmcrafts and thought I would try it out. Read more
Since making these delightful patchwork owls for my Etsy Shop, I have noticed that owls have been visiting us at night, hoo hooing away while we are watching TV or getting ready for bed. At first I couldn’t work out where the sound was coming from, thinking that it was part of the TV show we were watching, but then I realized it was coming from the chimney. And sure enough when I went outside, I could see an owl perched on top of our chimney, and another sitting on the neighbor’s chimney!
Read more
This “perennial” beauty is the Magnolia. I painted it back in 2006 as part of a series of flower paintings for my Aunt’s restaurant. Read more
It’s complete! About two weeks ago I bought the Ryan Berkley embroidery pattern from Sublime Stitching and was very excited that I could combine the two as I’m a big fan of both. I just LOVE how they have turned out! Read more
