Changes & New Creations

A lot's been going on, new house - bit of a project, work, new crafts, a sewing class and Shakespeare Richard II...so it's all go!

Many things in the house need sorting (not least to say a new kitchen!) All in good time...I keep telling myself, got to watch the ££ it's a busy and costly time of the year!

We 'inherited' some chickens, who desperately needed looking after, that's an ongoing project and the garden seems to have been a dumping ground, so more clearing and sorting there, just want the worst done before the really cold weather sets in!

Potential for a decent garden - just get rid of the 'dump' at the bottom, sort the chicken's pen, sort the hedges and tree, get some more light in, get up the paving slabs, demolish old shed, build new larger shed, get a veg patch in, flowers etc...this may take a while!

I have had a little 'me' time in between, so my sister and I attended a lovely sewing class at Guthrie & Ghani in Moseley. See more here.
I also was fortunate enough to get tickets for Stratford to see Richard II with David Tennant- we had excellent seats, so close. The play was very good and had light hearted comedy moments, and parts of the play are relevant to today, so Shakespeare was well ahead of his time, that or the problems of then are still with us today!

I have been crafting I can, which isn't often enough and sometimes I'm too tired to craft- which isn't on! Anyway I have agreed to make a few items for The Donkey Sanctuary, a lovely charity looking after neglected/abandoned Donkeys I hope to make a few items for them, it's just fitting it in around my crafting too!

Crochet - as well as various donkey themed items, I have been working on some cute crochet creations including owls and robins. 

Felt - again I have been making donkey items as well as some robins here, which I hope to make into brooches/decorations/hair clips...hopefully in time for Christmas!

Lavender scented donkey sachets - typically my felt robins have gone walkies, I can't remember where I put them!

I have also got some background projects I have been working on, including some bouquets I hope to finally put together, it's all a bit experimental, but involves crochet, beads, buttons, vintage pearls and various bits and bobs. I would love to get something finished this year, but with robins in need of making and turning to Christmas - hand made decorations...who knows if I'll have time!

I'm also considering a craft swap...may be join one or organise myself? I'd like to, but it all boils down to time - if only we had more of it!!

Crochet Flowers

Vintage bead earrings

Shells - making into Angel Wings & Butterflies

Headband - button centre

Crochet Owls

Been trying out some simple crochet patterns just to build up my skills and keep in the loop of making. I have found 2 patterns for owls which I think I've done ok with, here's one of them.




I'm trying a few new things using this pattern as a starting point and I'm hoping in a few months to have a bunch of new items to list on etsy. I say a few months as I'm meant to be moving and I have half my stuff packed away so I may well need to dig out some bits at some point, but I'm doing some trial and error bits at the moment.

I'm also trying out some sewing projects... both with vintage fabrics I have collected over the years and also some felt creations. Hopefully I'll keep on top of my various crafts - I tend to move between a few crafts, dependant on mood and unfortunately reoccurring RSI so some days I really shouldn't be on the computer or doing certain crafts is a pain - literally!

I'm also hoping to get to a few antique fairs/car boots (before they finish for the year) and see if I can find some bargains - not just for me, but things I can upcycle.

I want to be more creative and do more crafting, but little is getting done now, hopefully I'll be back on track soon - I did start practicing my drawing again, I'd love to be able to produce something like a painting, but I need more practice! I can do the painting part, not so much the drawing!!

Oh and my other interest I'm trying to fit in - cooking. Season for harvesting and foraging is beginning - here I was making just a simple Gooseberry crumble.

Make Do and Create Part 2

Well as part of my last blog I did agree to challenge myself to use some of the craft supplies I already have, and I made a few things and have a few in the pipe line!


From this....

To this!!! A lavender and hop scented doormouse! I made several of these for Christmas gifts and still had the fabrics left over (velveteen) so I made another one and plan to make more using the vintage fabric scraps I have left. I have several scattered around my bedroom, very handy and the hops are from last years crop- home grown in my parents garden!

http://folksy.com/items/3132570-Doormouse-Scented-Sachet-Lavender-and-Hops-Alice-In-Wonderland-Theme

These lovely birds are also scented, I used the felt I had brought about a month ago and then the larger bird has vintage fabric for its wings. The eyes ar glass pearls (part of my never ending bead collection.)

These can by hung up in your wardrobe or around the house for decoration- not decided whether to sell these or keep them!

This next creation is partly new,  have been making stud earrings and hair clips recently and after hunting through my button jar I found these pink flower buttons and thought they'd make great earrings, simple but fun and a lovely colour. I will be listing this in my shop when I get time! I have also made some lovely vintage accessories (see my etsy shop.)

Now I do plan to make more and use what I have...however the NEC craft show is approaching so I know I will be buying bits (making a list) but I will try to incorporate items I have already. So this challenge is on going and I will be 'destashing' so please keep an eye out for any bits you think you might be able to make use of!