Stitching Magpie

Busy week

2010-11-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hey, busy week for me, trying to get everything done at the start as I'm away for a Hen weekend Friday-Woo hoo can't wait!!
Only bonus would be if I was able to move, have trapped a nerve and am now walking like a little ol'lady-I'm sure a hot tub and alcohol may help!
Did I mention I joined the boys school's PTA, and yes I somehow managed to become Chair in quick succession, AGM tonight so not alot of time left for blogging, will be back later with some picks of my xmas bunting and the new design.

It's raining, it's pouring...but I'm not snoring

2010-11-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well this week has consisted of me trying to get frog design finished and getting some new ideas layed down. I must admit the weather is making it a hard slog as it's cold, gloomy and wet not really lending itself to working!!!

Today has poured nearly all day, me and the boys looked like drowned rats getting to school and we just missed the down pour on the way home. A visit to the dentist made me smile when my youngest put on the glasses they give you, then asked what the water was used for, the dentist replies "for swilling out" which then resulted in my eldest saying why is the water dripping over the top???One panicked dentist later, realises he has a blockage and the swill out bowl is over flowing on the floor!! Lol.

On a lighter front, have included some images of designs that have gone to print and sold through Etsy of mine. Thought it would add a bit of colour to the day.

TTFN xxx

Hop little froggies

2010-11-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Have spent the morning selling cupcakes with my sister in aid of the local children's ward at the hospital, we made 94 cakes and sold 90, so not a bad days work. Am one very proud big sister, who loves sampling the cupcake delights that my sis cooks up-think sprinkles and frosting are a fab combination!!

New froggie design in the process, have been working on it on and off all week, just a couple of tweaks and it'll be there.

Bit of a funny day, my eldest is not going into school well at the mo, lots of tears which is not a great combination for either him or me first thing in the morning. Trying to get to the bottom of it, new teacher and some kind of "cloud"system which monitors whether they're behaving is possibley to blame???

Roll on Friday, looking forward to a Bonfir party with good friends xx

Designing here I come.........

2010-10-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, what a mad few weeks.

I have officially got my designing head back on, the designer shoes are back on lol!!!

Thrown in at the deep end with a commission, which was great-a bit nerve racking but it was ok in the end, and a design sale in NY. WHat more can i say, I'm bursting with pride and can't wait to get a bit more time to concentrate on new layouts.

For the time being i'm making do with drawing ideas when i can, with a very helpful 4yr old who also likes to do his designing as well- ha ha!

Will keep you posted!

Long time no see...

2010-10-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

Long time no see, lots to do and never enough time to blog, may get a chance to update now, fingers crossed x

Checking in..........

2009-08-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Soooooooo, my creative juices are not flowing at the mo but I'm loving looking at other peoples blogs, hoping to be inspired very soon!!!

Things are all ok in the Stitching household, boys enjoying Summer and popping down the allotment which is providing us with lots of yummy veggies. On the downside have had bad news concerning a friend, who I'm very worried about and a little nephew who is poorly.

Works busy and my outlet for being a grown-up rather than just Mum!! Looking forward to some baking with my boys this weekend, will post some piccies.

Have a great weekend xx

Long time no see...

2009-07-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Well hello there,
Long time no see. I've been a busy bee trying to get myself, the house and my work in order. I'm now feeling better and have been enjoying the wonderful sunshine with my boys!! The allotment is thriving and i have one very happy husband and 2 little boys that enjoy picking veggies for their tea.

On a sad note I have finally admitted defeat with my design work, its just not happening and I think I've finally realised that there is more to life and I really don't have to feel guilty that
1) The ideas are not coming
2) Working to deadlines that make not only me but the whole household stressed
3) That I may never design for an agent again?!?

Sooooooooo, I started Usborne books which was great but still not really paying the bills so I'm now working behind a bar/restaurant, working set hours, with a boss and I leave all the problems there when I finish. It's quite a relief not being my own boss, yes I enjoyed it but it's non-stop and does take over family life!

So there it is, I have had a good clear out of my fabric store and have listed them in bundles on e-bay, pop across if you want to grab a bargain http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=150358761206 Hope i've done this link right, any probs drop me a line.

Take care and I look forward to hearing from my bloggy friends xx

Long time no see...

2009-05-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

Well hello there, long time no see. I've been trying to take things easy and have successfully not had a migraine in 2 wks(but shhh don't mention it I'm a bit superstitious!!!) Taking things a day at a time and enjoying the sunshine and my boys. O the plus side I have started a new venture and become a rep for Usborne books which is fab as my boys love the books nd it fits in fab with them, Sooooooo this week I had my first party and lots of people popped in to see us.

The boys very successfully made cakes and biscuits from the 30 Yummy things to bake cards, and I must admit they went down a storm!

Yummy delicious cakes!

This is the display of fab books and as you can see from the wall, beautiful monsters made by my boys from the Monster make and do book!!

If anyone is interested in purchasing books from the range or having a party or knows of any fairs/fetes coming up please get in contact.

Once again I feel really lucky to have so many bloggy friend concerned with my health, I'm getting there and enjoying the sunshine to boot!!

Have a fab weekend and I'll get the pic's on of the PIF gifts I received on here very soon xx

Thanks girls

2009-05-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you girls for all your kind words, beginning to feel better, just taking it easy and popping on here every so often. I received my swaps organised by the 6 o'clock swap, will post all swap piccies when i getthe chance.

Hope all is well in the world of blogland, catch up soon!

Quick hello!

2009-05-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quicky, I've been away a while now, the migraines have got quite serious every other day so feeling pretty rough most of the time. Trying to limit the amount of time I spend on here as my head and eyes are sore. Not really sure whats going on but hoping to start feeling better soon, then I'l be back full of bouncing beans!!

What a day

2009-04-24T11:34:00.001-07:00

Today hasn't been very productive, managed to clean the house while keeping an eye on youngest who has been complaining of a tummy ache. So as promised in previous blogs here are the piccies i've promised.

This little lovely was sent to me by Emma, and I've always admired her beautiful work but to get one in the post I was over the moon. My youngest is probably going to get this in his room as he throughly enjoys being in the garden and our allotment has become his most favourite place in the whole world!! So a great big thank you Emma, it's fab!

I meant to blog about this ages ago, I entered a give-away hosted by the 6 o'clock Stitch. I received this gorgeous postcard congratulating me on being a winner, love the spotty background! I received some cute little Cup cake paper cut outs in cute pink and black papers, can't wait to use them in a project.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Today hasn't been very productive, did manage to clean the house but had a little boy unwell so have kept an eye on him. So here as promised are the piccies I've promised in previous blogs.

Back in blog land

2009-04-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well hello there, I'm back in blog land with lots to show and tell. This is my swap that I received from Tammy, I took part in the semi-slackers swap and this little beauty came all the way from America. I sneakily opened it up without the boys about otherwise I'd never have got a look in!! And look at all the lovelies inside, a really cute handmade bunny, a hollow milk chocolate duck, some lovely smellies, which my youngest has already taken off to the bathroom! , a lovely tea towel, cute pink bunny, a memopad and stickers and some lovely fabric.......

A close up of the cute bunny tea towel and porcelain pink bunny.

Extremely cute fabric.

Thank you so much Tammy, it's always nice to meet new blog friends and receive lovely parcels of goodies!

The other day I purchased this cute little tote bag from Matalan, couldn't resist the gorgeous strawberry pattern, but did think I'd need to add a little bit of stitching.......

.........and taaaaa daaaa the felt strawberries are made and attached, love it! :)

I do apologise for lack of blogs but been busy being a new Auntie, looking after my munchkins, one of which has the bruised remains of an egg shaped lump on his head where he ran into some parallel bars at gym on Tuesday-The trials and tribulations of being a parent!! I've been designing again the last couple of days, and have received some samples of my work on gift wrap which I'll post tomorrow.

Also pay it forward parcels will be going out tomorrow.

And I've enrolled on my crochet course.

Have a good evening!

Good excuse for not blogging

2009-04-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, have been very slack since Thursday but will put full update on later.
What has prohibited me from blogging is the new arrival of my First baby nephew, who is just sooo cute!!
To say I'm excited would be an understatement, had my cuddles and popping in for another visit this arvo, obviously to see how my sister is getting on!

To all my Pay it forward friends waiting for gifts, they'll be on there way by the end of the week!!

Have a great arvo in the sun!

What A Fab Day

2009-04-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well what a great day I've had. A group of us girlies and children all trooped off for a morning at "Pets Corner" then a picnic in the local park. Yes I must admit we looked like the Waltons(we numbered 18), but with so many enthusiastic kiddies you couldn't fail to hear us coming!

After looking at numerous rabbits, goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, reptiles and various other small animals, and feeding them(at this point can I just add that I really don't like animals and scream like a right girlie when anything comes close, so picture me with lots of wet wipes and anti-bac)

My two boys we're really brave and wanted to hold the bunnies which were only 6wks old, very cute, very fluffy but hell no we're defo not having any new residents in our home. One very proud mummy took lots of piccies and did venture to stroke one cute lil'bunny as I felt my 2yr old was showing me up! Also my youngest had a run in with two small goats in a small space, I'm still giggling at the memory-he'll learn why mummy says don't go off without me, did feel like it was an "I told you so!" moment.

Had a great picnic, I had managed to make some crispy cakes first thing this morning 24 of them, so there was lots of happy chocolately faces. I don't know whether I've mentioned why we had our little day out, firstly it's because we all go stir crazy over the Easter holidays but secondly and probably most importantly all us Mummy's are going shopping tomorrow in Norwich, all day! We can't wait for a day full of shopping in "Women's" shops, without tutting, whinging or full on tantrums,and that's just our husbands. A full day to indulge and pamper ourselves, a relaxing lunch uninterupted and not having to share half of it, then more shopping, then an evening round one of the girlies having a few beverages!!

To say I can't wait would be an understatement, one of my friends already has everything ready for the morning, I'm not that organised. The only short fall is that my sister still hasn't had her baby and I can guarantee it'll happen tomorrow!!

Also received a lovely print today from Emma, will blog the piccie over the weekend, Thank you Emma it was very kind of you can't wait to put it up.

I also received a prospectus today for short courses, I'm considering Dress-making, Crochet or Fun with Textiles. I really can't decide, would appreciate any feedback from you fellow bloggers. Crochet appeals as I have never had the patience to learn ................

Have a great Friday, I'm going too!!

Emma

Look what I got....Swap 2 and 3

2009-04-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

After a great Easter weekend I've finally managed to get my swap piccies on my blog. So here goes, get ready for picture overload.....
This was my "Make" swap with Jaime, look at all my lovely parcels wrapped with tissue and tied with ribbon, which has all been kept for later use! Inside my packages were a lovely beaded purse, a little teapot book mark(i think?), a needle case and brooch, cute silver heart box and choccy bunnies, gorgeous handmade ear-rings and 2 divine smelling oatmeal, milk and honey soaps-how lucky am I?!?

I was so pleased with this needle book as I haven't got one and the brooch is so sweet, can't wait to use them.

Close up of the handmade ear-rings, really lovely and I'm wearing the black and silver ones as we speak.

My second parcel from Emilie contained these wonderful Easter tins, how cute, and very intriguing.

Inside this beautiful little box was the cutest magic glass egg which changes colour with light and water, thank you Emilie my boys were amazed with this!!

The other tin contained this wonderful Americana garland and bucket, just love them both!!

This is my gorgeous glass egg which changes colour in front of my bunnies, Emilie also included some really cute little bunnies which I have forgotten to add but they're on my display with my Easter goodies( will pop piccie on in a bit)

These last piccies are from my Easter display, my fat hens look right at home with the bunnies and chickens!

By the way my eldest has named all the Hens, this one is Bryan!

This one is chicken pox!!

Happy Bank Holiday xx

Could Vintage girl,Beaky and Blueberry Heart contact me......

2009-04-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ok girls, 3 pay it forward comments so could........

Vintage Girl,

Beaky,

Blueberry Heart,

Please e-mail me their addressesand i'll pop something in the post to you, thanks.

Pay it forward...........

2009-04-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've joined this thing called pay it forward (has anyone seen the film-Haley Joel Osment is in it?), anyway..................... For those who don't know, it goes like this - the first three people to leave a comment will receive a hand made gift from me! The only thing you have to do is participate and carry on the gift giving to three more people...as soon as you have left a comment do a "pay it forward post" on your blog and continue the giving. I've signed up for the one over on Bex's blog. It's such a great idea!!

Happy Easter, and enjoy those choccies eggs!!

Have a great Easter weekend

2009-04-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick check in, busy few days, so will update everything with piccies in the next couple of days.
Firstly my sister is due to have her first baby in the next couple of days and i spent Thursday over the hospital with her as she thought the baby was on its way- unfortunately not yet but we did get very familiar with all the hospital areas as we walked laps around the top floor!

Secondly my Easter party was the same day, so thank god i'm organised as i arrived home 10mins after the party started, great day had by all.

And finally my swaps arrived which i've been so excited about, must take some pic's as keep forgetting to take them when the sun's shining, everything's been a bit delayed and jumbled up.......i'm so excited at the thought of becoming an Auntie.

Will be back the start of the week with more swap pic's and hopefully news of a new arrival!!
Have a great Easter weekend!!

Grab yourself a bargain!!

2009-04-09T10:37:00.001-07:00

For any of you wanting to grab yourself a bargain, my e-bay items are due to finish in the next 3 hours, go and have a look!!!

Lovely pin cushions, hearts, rabbits, chickens, ribbon and much much more...........

Getting ready..............

2009-04-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

Now I can finally show you all what I included in my swap parcels as they have arrived at there destinations. My first swap was with Emilie from A Bunch of Scrap, it was a mini Easter swap so I included a few cute chickens and Easter stickers, sweets, brooches, hearts. After getting to know Emilie I found she likes the Union Jack so I've manipulated it into a cute little heart hanger with gorgeous strawberry fabric and spots. I also made a cute doulbe ended strawberry book mark which you can see on the edge.

This is the reverse of the heart-cute green spotty fabric.

These are the brooches I made for Emilie, to have another look at the goodies, Emilie has blogged about them on her site. Thanks for Emilie for my first international swap!!

This was my second lot of swap goodies sent to Jaime, it was a Makers swap, so I could pretty much do whatever I fancied. Through e-mails we got to know each other, and I put together one of my flower ladies in her favourite colours. I also included a few goodies which I hope Jaime liked, and a bunny for her son.

A close up piccie of the stitch work that went into the flower girl, included Jaime's name in beads. Also the brooch that I made for her as well. This was a great swap as it gave me the freedom to create anything.

I'm trying to persuade Jaime to create a blog so she can join the online world of crafty bloggers!!

So that's it, I do have one last swap partner who hasn't received her goodies as yet, will post pic's as soon as hers arrives.

I have spent the day turning my house into an Easter grotto, well something similar-sounds a bit strange saying putting up my decorations!! But that's what I've been doing, getting ready for the Easter party tomorrow afternoon when 12 children will descend on my home for an Easter egg hunt, Hat parade, Pin the tail on the bunny and lots more fun in the garden, don't know who's more excited.......probably me. Have just finished the chocolate nest cakes topped of with a fluffy chick, I just love Easter can't wait, will post pic's tomorrow if I haven't run out of energy.

By the way Bewilderwood was fantastic, a totally magical experience from the boat ride when you get there to the tree houses, mazes and den building, well worth a visit!!

Do you ever go blank?

2009-04-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get a blank when you've got a free reign on what to design, well that was me first thing this morning. No kids to distract, just the dull ache I've had in my ear and throat all week.

So being the practical kinda gal that I am, I started to tidy the masses of fabric that's always in my studio, and arrange some of my design inspiration and hey presto a design popped into my head.This is a peek of part of my design, I love the reds/creams and browns, it works so well.

I think I've been getting to het up with designs and thats why I keep getting blanks, my agent suggests relaxing and trying to enjoy the design process again, fab idea so I'm going to take it slow and go back to basics. As any woman knows you're always juggling several eggs in one basket(hee hee ideal for Easter)and I never feel like I have enough time to completely concentrate on one thing, plus I always feel guilty. So tomorrow is going to be a better day, got some antibiotics to help with the aches/pain in my ear. Also Mr S had to put olive oil in my ear, which was a strange experience, But it's helping!

Finger's crossed the weathers good as we're off to Bewilderwood, which is full of Tree houses, Zip wires, and jungle bridges up in the tree's. Can't wait should be great will post pic's after our adventures!

Have a great Tuesday!

Have you seen Skinny la minx in print?

2009-04-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Having just purchased the latest addition of Sew Hip, I was casually flicking through when I came across a delightful selection of tea towels and who should be there as No.2 but a design by the delightful Heather from Skinny la minx.
If you have never visited her site pop across to see some more of the gorgeous design work she does. Ok enough said, just got a tad excited at seeing a fellow blogger in print, back to my magazine!
Have a great arvo !!

Look what I got....

2009-04-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have managed to sneak in another work day this week, which was good as managed to get another design layed down-did take a couple of attempts and did nearly throw it all in have a tantrum that my 2yr old would have been proud of, but with patience I finally got there!!

I also finished up my last swap which will be winging it's way to it's partner soon. I've been busy tying up all the loose ends with my swaps this week and have found it great to make my own things but a bit aprehensive as to what my swap partner will think?!?

Last thing this arvo I managed to get these (flat but will be fat) chickens made, thank you Claire I appreciate you sending across the pattern. Thinking I may adapt the design to incorporate a tail as my eldest asked where it was!!! I have changed the legs slightly but I'm pleased with the overall look and love mixing different fabrics. I wonder who's going to want one of these for Easter? Today I also received my first blog award from Emma , which I was totally chuffed about. Thank you Emma for choosing me it means alot (glad someone reads my ramblings!!) I love your blog too!

So, the Easter holidays are nearly upon us, my eldest has finished nursery for the hols and he was a little bit tearful as most of the kids he goes to school with will be going up to reception after easter, I'm sure a few chocolate eggs will take his mind off it.

Tomorrow me and the boys are going to get the Easter tree out and decorate it, pic's will follow. Love decorating the house for any occasion, I'm sure Mr S thinks I'm mad but he's grown used to it-I think?! Any excuse to have lots of pretty decorations out which means no dusting for a week hee hee!

Have a great weekend!

Give-away at stitches & scissors

2009-04-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have just found a delightful give-away for all you fabric fantatics out there, pop over to stitches and scissors. The lucky winner will be in with a chance of winning 3 Fq's from the lush line.
You'd be mad to miss it!!!

Grab yourself a bargain..going going gone

2009-04-02T15:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've been a busy bee listing some of my items on e-bay, so if anyone is looking for a bargain or gift I've got, ribbon, pin cushion, Gisela Graham items, shabby chic decorative items and many more, please feel free to log on and have a look.

For any of my eagle-eyed bloggers you'll remember that I recently had a sale for my othe business, I am trying to clear out stock so your bound to grab a bargain!
I will be listing more items in the next few days!!

Emma's e-bay items

How productive....

2009-03-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well, what a busy day I've had, after dropping off the eldest to nursery I then came back and started on a new design layout for my agent, a beautiful butterfly design in pastels took a bit of tweaking but looked great once it was down. I've only been back designing for the last 2 months, and I'm finding it a bit of a struggle. I thought my design flair would just spark straight away but I've found it hard juggling the kids/house/lack of time to work, before the boys arrived I was confident and throughly enjoyed my design work so I'm hoping later this year things will be back in order and I'll have more time to concentrate on work.........These little beauties have been sat in my sewing basket for the last week, I keep adding stitches and buttons. I love the farm animals and the layering of fabric, these are probably going to be brooches but I may use them as panels on cushions?!?

This is a sneaky peak at one of my handmade gifts for the swaps, I couldn't resist popping it in as I felt it's just so yummy, plus the final outcome for my swap partner looks quite different, watch this space for final pics once my swaps have been posted.

And then Mr Postie arrived with 2 parcels, the 1st a wonderful package from Sophie Isobel Designs, and look how lovely the outer packing was(took a pic before I ripped the packaging)

And once inside, swooon, look how lovely my brooches were wrapped, lovely purple ribbons going to use them!

And these were what it was all about-gorgeous. I keep looking at them and can't wait to put them on my coat tomorrow!

The 2nd parcel was a wondeful picture from Aunty Cookie, and I can't think of a more perfect phrase-it definitely aplies to me and will be hung in pride of place, next to my stash!!

A busy day, and this evening I've been finishing off my swap items!

Have a great evening!

Getting there

2009-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is what my busy husband has been doing this last week. As you can tell from the previous post he's been busy fencing in an area so our boys will be safe when they go down there to give me a bit of free time to work.

There's no longer rolls of carpet over the ground, but the beginnings of beds-Mr S said that he's even found potato's growing which is great. The area in the left hand corner where my MIL is working was full of glass, she managed to clear 4 bucket fulls of the stuff to make it safe for us to grow and the boys to play!! She'a real gem.

This is the view from the back part of the allotment, as you can see Mr S is still uncovering lots of wood, he reckons there's 2 shed's and several doors laid out over the allotment!! I can't believe how busy he's been, but determination is definitely his middle name, and if that means we'll get veg by the summer than so be it!! You don't see me down there this weekend as I've been a bit poorly AGAIN:( bad throat and very sore ears (can hardly hear anything which is great in some respects but not helpful for answering the phone or hearing the kids!!) Fingers crossed for a better week, lots to do and I'm soooo looking forward to Easter!!

Vintage egg give-away

2009-03-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

I have just come across this fantastic give-away on Betty and Violet's blog, beautiful vintage eggs pop over and have a look at all their vintage loveliness, would be a shame to miss out!

Just checking in...

2009-03-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Not had the most creative week in the world, been working on my swaps so can't blog much about them incase the people in question have a peek at my blog. Lets just say that everything's coming on nicely and will be in the post early next week!
So here's a little lovely that I have hanging from my kitchen cupboard that I thought I'd share, I love quirky looking cow's, sheep, pigs and chickens and have quite a few on my window sill. I have to be a bit careful where i hang them now as they drive Mr S mad!!! These delicious looking cakes where made for Mother's day and they went down a treat. Forgot to add piccie early but thought they'd add a splash of colour today as it's a bit dull and miserable here! Not sure who had more fun making them the boys or me??? Yep you got it.........me!!

Mr S has managed to get down the allotment this week for a few hours and put some fencing in place, so the boys can be kept in. Now all he wants is another shed!! Me and the boys walked across to see how he was getting on yesterday and got completely soaked, not just a sprinkling of rain, we could only be described as "drowned rats", so I suppose if he did have a shed at least we could shelter from the rain!

Hope you have a great weekend, I'm off round a friends tonight to have Mexican-yum yum!

The Good Life

2009-03-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is what has been playing on my mind, and mostly Mr S's, it's going to be his pride and joy and I must admit his enthusiam is beginning to rub off. As of Monday Mr S is the proud owner of an allotment, a piece of land which at the moment is covered in carpet and looks slightly like a bomb site, but he tells me it has the potential of:
1. Keeping us in fruit & veg for the forciable future
2. Keeping the kids out of my way so I'm free to work and stitch.

Well what more can I say, the last statement obviously did it for me so off we trotted today to have a look. Yes it needs alot of work but the last owners have left some rhubarb, parsnips and an apple tree which is good. Mr S has got some fencing that he's hoping to use to keep the kids in, fingers crossed for another dry day tomorrow and that should be up.

A quick visit to the garden centre and we're fully stocked on seeds, the boys wholeheartedly joined in on this, including Sunflowers and some activity seeds which create wacky animal shapes-will show pic's of these as they're funky but very strange once they've grown.

And now the fun begins, Mr S is a bit meticulous and likes to draw plans and layouts much to my amusement( he's drawing one as I type!!) I'm sure they'll be several sketches left around the house, teatime talk will centre around shed's but it's going to look great and I'm very proud of his determination! Hopefully I'll get more bunches of flowers when they're home grown and to hand!!!

Busy bee

2009-03-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy bee finishing off my deadline, migraines have stopped (touch wood) and I'm trying not to beat myself up with the fact that I didn't get the final piece done, I know there's always another day but I'm a 110% kinda girl so I do push myself hard. This is a sneaky peek of part of my design that I've been working on-can't show you any more that would be cheating!!

I've been tossing lots of idea's about in my head, layering up different fabrics and textures as a base, not sure where it's going but thinking a chicken or two may look good on it, will post a pic later and add it to my to do list!!

Also thinking about making some baby bunting for my Sister, she's expecting her first baby in 3wks. I saw her moses basket today and it's got the cutest bunting around the top. Cream and beige would fit well in her nursery, OR I wait till Baby arrives and add a colour-any thoughts? Or ideas on what I could make the new arrival??

My Mum's gifts

2009-03-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

This little box full of goodies will be winging there way to my Mum this afternoon. My Mum, having seen one of my other bunnies said she'd love to have one-so me being me-I knocked this one out Friday afternoon, complete with red dress, flower applique on the corner and flower in her hair! Also in the box(lovingly covered with wrap by my boys!) are my mum's fav smellies, a book, and some decorative hearts, hope she likes them!! Close up of the flower brooch that I've pinned to her ear, love the colour linen I've used for this bunny. Also have used different colour fabric inside ear (cream spotty stuff) to the dress which looks super cute!

Close up of the gift tag I made, couple of freebies off the front of mags combined with cut out lettering-guessing my Mum's probably going to keep this, along with the other bits and pieces I've made her over the years hee hee!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-03-22T04:45:00.001-07:00

This little assortment of treats is what awaited me this morning from my 2 little boys, a beautiful wild flowers bouquet in purples, pale pink and cream-with roses (double points!!) Gorgeous, and a box of Swiss choc's which always goes down a treat. Not in the pic (because I'm wearing it) is a yummy Mummy apron, will be in later pics tonight. These are priceless, a hand-made card and hand-made truffles made at school by my eldest, he's only 4 but it made me smile, he'd already told me earlier in the week that he'd made them but shhhhhh, they're a secret surprise-Kid's they're priceless!!!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there, we're all off to my sisters for a spot of lunch. Me and the boys have made iced bun's covered in sweets to take as a treat for us all. Have a great afternoon!

Free Give-away

2009-03-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone, I have just found a delighful first blog anniversary give-away on Her Library Adventure's. A beautiful mixed media collage entitled "Ballet History" and if this wasn't enough the chance of also owing some custom made brooches. Now I love surfing blogs and I came across this blog a while back, it's a lovely combination of beautiful items and a very talented lady that combines and mixes up collage techniques and fabric brooches.
In the next 2 weeks I will be the brand new owner of 2 of these delightful brooches-I can't wait!!
Pop over and leave a comment and you'll be entered as well-who could say fairer than that!

That brooch and a Bunny!

2009-03-20T02:28:00.000-07:00

Just a sneaky peak at my new Liberty Bunny...............how cute, just couldn't leave him sitting on the shelf. Lots to do today, also got to make my Mum's Mother's day gift, bought the fabric yesterday will post pic's once it's made!
Have a good day wherever you are, hope the sun's shining!

Taa daa, adorned on my navy top, with a little bit of my mad hair on show at the top!!!

Looks fab, looking forward to showing it off today. A little treat to me as a Mummy, ready for Mother's day, looking forward to the weekend.

Oh oh oh

2009-03-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Look at what arrived on my doorstep this arvo(don't look at the shadow on piccie, dull day and just wanted to show you what I got) this little gem of a brooch from Zoe Woods. I'm over the moon with it and can't wait to wear it tomorrow, will get a better photo as well. Pop over to Zoe's blog and visit her shop here there's lots of lovelies to be had. And I'll defo be popping across for more.

Haven't been blogging lately as been busy with deadline looming and having quite a few migraines-on the plus I've got some pills and the Doc reckons I'm not going mad soooooooo, just a case of slowing down, chilling out and de-stressing........yeah right!!!!

Have more piccies to put on later of bits I've been working on, ta ta for now!

My Saturday night date!

2009-03-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

This is what I spent my Saturday evening making..you know the one I followed the pattern for. Found the perfect fabric for the dress-vintage roses-from my haberdashery shop-and yes I did go into a kind of trance when I saw this. Have appliqued a little felt flower on the edge and trimed bottom of dress with lace.
Still have to add eye's but thats easy peasy!!

Didn't realise bunny and wallpaper blend slighty!!

Swap reminder for me.....

2009-03-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is as much for me as it is for you, a reminder of the swaps that I've joined. As I've got a brain like a seive and no matter how much hair dye I apply I still manage to forget things frequently, my Mum reckons it's got alot to do with having children, but I think I've always been a bit like this. I'm one for lists, and find it helpful to put things in order even if I don't remember till the last minute, so here goes........
Semi slacker Spring swap-Tammy
Maker swap-Jaime
Bunch of Scrap mini swap-TBA

So gotta get my thinking cap and making cap on!!

Hooo humm

2009-03-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well what a lovely day, the suns been shining and managed to get the boys out for a walk. Been busy stitching some new softie bunnies which i will put on tomorrow, can't believe i've managed to follow a pattern and it looks pretty ok even if i do say so myself.

Have also joined some new swaps, will let you know.....
Without a computer i'm at a loss, and borrowing my sister's laptop-so will update a bit more tomorrow, don't want to seem completely antisocial at my Mum's!!!

Sale day pictures

2009-03-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd include a couple of piccies of my Mad Sale Day, lots of goodies to be had. You can see my bunnies peeping out from the top shelf! More of the goodies that were on offer.

My Easter tree, full of bunnies, eggs, butteflies and hedgehogs-love the candy colours!

Great day had by all, lots of ladies popped by to have a look, lots of goodies sold and a very wary me by the end of the day!!

My First Swap

2009-03-14T01:24:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness, this very exciting parcel arrived on Thursday and as you know I was having my sale day, so I didn't get to open it till friday and this is what was inside-woow weee!! A gorgeoous selection on beads, buttons, brads, dye-cuts, felt, paper, and just lots more. This is my first ever swap and my partner Jayne from Cupcake Fantasy put a wonderful package together.

This rather cute little Easter chick favour came with a secret inside, some yummy Cadbury's cream eggs-which i may share with the boys or keep to myself!!

Imagine my amazment as I kept discovering new gems, wire shapes-love them can't wait to use them-and a cute little knitted/crochet bag full of fudge-will have to keep them out of the way of Mr S, there his favourites!!

This selection of felt and ribbons will be added to my stash, already got my creative head on, thinking what lovely Spring projects they could be included in. Also a lovely hand made heart which will be found a good home!

And still more, a fantastic selection of papers which I will be putting to good use soon. All I can say is a big Thank you to Jayne what a wonderful first swap and I'm looking forward to the next swap!!

Job well done!!

2009-03-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update as i'm pooped. Very successful day but non-stop, started at 11.30am and went through till 9pm, long day, aching feet, but very happy with how things went. Now chilling with a glass of vino.

Received my swap today but haven't had chance to have a look, so piccies tomorrow.

On a sad note my laptop has had to go to be fixed, definitely feel like my right arm is missing now-should be back in a week so sharing Mr S's computer!!!

Hmmmmmmmm

2009-03-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

After another migraine this morning, I have managed to get all the stock out, displayed and priced. Everything looks lovely and hopefully will inspire Easter and Mother's Day gifts, will post some piccies tom. Fingers crossed I sell lots.

Sun's been shining all day (which hasn't helped the dull pain behind my eyes) and it really feel likes Spring is finally here, love the fact the evenings are pulling out, won't be long till we can eat al fresco!!

Have a good day tomorrow, full of creative fun.

Taa Daa

2009-03-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well this is what happens when your finally get your eldest to stitch, he created a pig and a "humming" bird. Bearing in mind he's only 4 i was really impressed at his creativity. I'm going to take full credit for this as I always laughed and said if my boys can't sew by the time they're 5 I'll have to send them back ha ha!!

Not much creativity and craftiness from me today as trying to get organised for a sale that I'm doing with my other business. Times are hard this year, and I'm completely unsure what to do....I'm not a quitter but I'm also not daft enough to plough money into something which won't prosper.

Beaded Flower Lady

2009-03-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have been working up an idea from the girly flower faces and this is what materialised. I throughly enjoyed the freedom of layering fabrics and stitching freely. Thinking of working up a striped panel in these colours with lots of ribbon and beads....what do you think?? A close up of the stitching and bead work.

Today has not been very productful in the craft sense, have done the obligatory food shop with a toddler that tried to strangle me with my own scarf while pushing the trolley! The joys of motherhood! Took the boys to a mini olympics activity this arvo which ended with my eldest testing out his football skills and my youngest throwing another tantrum of epic proportions-award worthy-definitely!!

Not sure where my crafty ideas are going- don't seem to be able to make finished items, lots of things that COULD be used, but don't have an end purpose-HELP?/? Perhaps it's because I have so many things going on in my head and just need to prioritise..............

My Charm parcel

2009-03-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

This rather cute fabric is also another find from Phat sheep and I just adore the cute little ladies, what do you think?

Yesterday this rather lovely parcel arrived with my charm pack from Phat sheep, it 's fab and I can't wait to use the fabrics on a new project. I must admit I'm a hoarder who would rather keep all these nice pieces of fabric in a safe place where I can go and look at them constantly, but I have promised myself this year I will try and turn them into something!!

I decided on the sea bird fabric as I live on the coast and most of the birds on the fabric live about here, but if you visit Phat sheep you'll find lots of other lovely fabric including Fairy tale birds and Summer flowers which would look great on any craft project, to name but a few, i also think that Croft house print is really sweet.

Pop over to the Phat sheep blog to see more beautiful fabric and the article that she features in, in Sew Hip!

Pom-pom Critters

2009-03-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

These little pom-pom critters where made by my youngest today, he's only 2, and throughly enjoyed glueing the bits togetehr including his fingers. I'm not sure he realises that the little monsters have raided his book shelf!!

Love the bright colours and the fact he decided what each one was wearing!

Flower girls

2009-03-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

How cute do these look, I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out.

Ok, here's my little doodle from last night that inspired my "Flower girls". Simple yet effective, not sure what to use them for-brooches/decoration on something???

Just a quick note...

2009-03-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

Morning, I'll be doing some crafty blogging later. Have spent the morning tidying the house so I'll be able to work uninterrupted this arvo. Can't wait to get stitching- have design work to do first then going to indulge myself in a little idea that I drew up last night.

Have a good day, by the way the sun's shining in my part of the world hope it is in your! :)

The give away I won

2009-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

As promised the cards that I won in Orange you lucky, first blog anniversary. You can't imagine how pleased I was when this little parcel arrived on my doorstep with a lovely letter as well.

Can't wait to use them!!

Time for tea!

2009-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

This cute little magnet was a real find-in includes my 2 favourite things, fabric and beads and it's functional and looks pretty on my fridge (well out of the way from sticky fingers!!) Haven't been creative today, but have managed a visit to the local haberdashery shop for more filling and sparkly bits. Boys have been to a play area today so 2 worn out and very tired, which explains why my youngest is having another beautiful tantrum-picture the lady from the advert laying on the floor stamping her hands and feet-well thats him!!!

It's a family affair

2009-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hop little bunnies, hop hop hop...........................
Here's my family of bunnies which I've been busy finishing off today. I'm really pleased with the outcome, love the mix of fabrics and I've managed to indulge each bunny with a select few buttons.
Today has been a rollercoaster ride with my youngest as he's spent the best part of the day having tantrums, I think the saying goes..."he's testing the patience of a saint" and my word he definiely has pushed every boundary, was glad to finally get him to bed and relax with my stitching.
Tomorrow holds a visit to the haberdashery department, need some more filling and some brooch backs, watch this space have something in mind!

The latest additions.....

2009-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest additions to my bunnie collection, I've affectionately named them: Sweetpea, Ivy and Bramble.

Hop little Bunnies, hop.. hop.. hop..

2009-03-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

As promised piccies of my first 3 finished Bunnies, it took longer than expected as I couldn't decide on the buttons and bits to put on them...hope you like!

Busy day

2009-03-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today I have received my swap partner, and I must admit I'm very excited about it, the colour package I'll be making for her is Pink!!

Been busy today taking the boys to gym club which they throughly enjoyed and wore themselves out on. I wish they had something like that when I was younger, completely child friendly and even when the boys lumped each other over the head with large foam chips no damage was done!
When we got back I was able to stitch and stuff a few more bunnies, so hopefully will be able to complete them over the next few days-will add piccies.

Also been getting some lovely comments off fellow bloggers which is great and makes me think that I'm not completely mad typing my thoughts into a computer and hoping that like minded people will read them.

Springy!

2009-03-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to add this piccie, my new mugs from Next, I just love the colours and the simple patterns-makes me feel all Springy!!

Swaps

2009-03-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have finally managed to join a couple of swaps, my mum reckons it's the modern version of a pen-pal. Can't wait to find the outcomes....

Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!: A Charming Color Swap

2009-03-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!: A Charming Color Swap

2009-03-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

Amazing what little bits of off-cut's can look like when stitched together.

I really like the colours, not sure what to do with it yet,any comments welcome on this one!

Finally started making again....for my enjoyment!!

2009-03-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

I've been busy yesterday making some little bunnies with remenants of fabric, still have faces to make but I'm thinking they look sooo cute. Look out for the others that i get finished soon. Going to attach some cotton so they can be hung as decorations-can't wait to get the green star one hung in my kitchen!

Easter bits.....

2009-02-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have purchased lots of Easter bits to make ready for our grand Easter party in April. The boys have always enjoyed Mum's easter egg hunts and this year we are including their friends which will be amazing. I decided it would be lovely to have an easter hat parade, so watch this space for the end results.

The sun has been shining most of the day and it definitely feels like Spring has sprung!

Spare pair of hands anyone??

2009-02-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today has involved working furiously to get another design down in a few hours that Mr S looked after our youngest, successful-well with a bit of tweaking i'll get there! Lunch involved meeting up with friends at Pizza hut which was lovely, and always entertaining where our children are involved.

The high-light of my day was when my parcel arrived from Orange you Lucky, I won the give away for her cards-they're fab and will post piccie's tomorrow.

Still feeling frustrated at not having enough time to be able to be creative, feels like my design work is suffering.......also it could be the time of year where there's lots going on in my head but just a lack of time to get it into production, could do with a spare pair of hands-any volunteers??

I'm interested having read other blogs that people seem to be doing swaps, if anyone reads my ramblings and knows anything about/involved in this drop me a line, i'd be really interested.

Fresh & Funky

2009-02-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

These are the colours that I have been working with today-fresh and funky. The outcome was surprisingly pleasing to the eye, can't wait to get stitching the design.

Also had slight mis-hap with youngest son losing his "taggy", comfort blanket that he's had since birth. Good old Mum came to the rescue and stitched a new one made from Nemo fleece which went down a storm!!

Today's the day

2009-02-26T04:19:00.001-08:00

Having had a very non-productive week and a half, I have been looking after the boys, I am off out to my studio to work on some new designs. Looking forward to getting stuck in and working through the ideas that I've had bouncing round my head the last few weeks.

On a more positive note, my bathroom is getting there, Mr S has been busy putting up my new tiles, they look great- I love the pattern and can't wait to accessorise with the duck egg blue!!!

Yummy!

2009-02-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

And of course after a day tidying you need something to relax with. Chocolate crispy cakes with smarties made by my 4yr old-deeellliicious!!!!

2009-02-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

After several failed attempts at cleaning-hampered by a 2yr old shredding tissue all over the carpet- I finally managed to sneak this bunny into place!!

Tidying the house

2009-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is one of my new purchases from a local supermarket.

I love Russian dolls and this colour way is really contemporay and so eye catching.

Spring flowers

2009-02-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd add some nice cheerful Tulips to brighten up even the dullest day-I call them "Happy Flowers".

The lovely bright colours are great and I love the two tones of colour on the petals.

Spring in my step....

2009-02-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

A morning spent looking round quaint shops, finding some cute home accessories that I can't wait to put on display. Can't believe spring is in the air, it's so cold here-but having purchased some cute Easter bits feel the need to re-arrange a little Spring collection on my shelves, watch this space.......I'm sure my boys will give me a helping hand!

A little about me...

2009-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone into a sweet shop and not been able to make you mind up from the vast selection on show? Well take that image and place me in a fabric shop, I've always felt that way and find great comfort in browsing the various cottons, prints etc, and don't get me started on the embellishments, I am a definite magpie for anything shiny, sparkly or unusual and love to add them to designs that I'm working on.

It was definitely in my gene pool that I was destined to stitch, as a little girl I was never more at home then when my Nanny's would get their sewing boxes out and allow me to rummage through them. The button boxes where my idea of Heaven and I've got some that were my Great-Nanny's, so probably over 100yrs old now!!!

I've always enjoyed making things, from little peg dolls to cushions, so off I went to Uni to study Surface decoration-hey presto i found like minded people that enjoyed designing things, I found printmaking theraputic but haven't done anything like that for years(watch this space as this is one of those things that I plan to do again by the time I'm 30) After graduating I became a free-lance designer and found myself an agent that has been selling my designs, for fabric, gift wrap, and many more surfaces that have design on them, for the last 8 years.

In between I have managed get married and have 2 little boys, who think Mummy is quite funny when she indulges in their glue and stick activites. I juggle all this like most women do, with some finesse and alot of laughs with a good set of friends and family.

I find looking at design blogs relaxing and always inspiring so thought I'd have a go and let you into the mad world that inspires me...................

2009-02-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

I love stitching and mixing different colours and techniques together. I'm rather fond of Hoot with his big button eyes........

2009-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is a little something i've just finished.

I've finally done it!!!

2009-02-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

After many weeks of surfing lots of inspiring blogs I have finally plucked up the courage and the time to create my own, this is no easy task with 2 small boys who take up most of my time and attention!! I'm hoping that I will find like minded people who will enjoy reading and commenting on projects that I'm working on.