Happy New Year

Thought I would grab the chance to post now as I don't think I'll get back here until after the New Year . What a great year this has been , I joined the Handmade Craft Forum something I would never dreamed of doing . I participated in swaps and challenges and met lots of great people online and then in "real life" . I started this blog as a way to boost my business and little did I know that I would meet even more amazing and generous people . I have been thrilled each time someone leaves a comment as I return each visit and know that it all takes time . Thankyou all for your visits and comments and I hope you continue to enjoy your visits next year as I'm really getting the hang of this blogging stuff . I really love giveaways and although I never win one same as raffles and lotto , I'd like to do a few next year . First off will be my 50th post giveaway . Yes I know it is normally a 100 post giveaway but I'm just not that normal .

As I did for Christmas I will be posting lots of "Quick and Easy" ideas for Easter and Mothers Day and so on . Keep watching for those as I've had great feedback from the previous ones so they must have helped some crafters with ideas .

The best thing about 2008 is that my family has been happy and healthy , what more could a girl want ?

This then is my wish for your year 2009 - happy , healthy families! Happy New Year !

Christmas Challenge

Priscilla at Casa Bella Chic hosted a Christmas challenge this year . A selection of images were posted on her blog and we needed to design a piece using one , some or all of the images . I'm a bit of a cheat as I paint a new Santa for one of my brothers each year and decided to put my new Santa in for the challenge .

When you get a chance pop over and check Priscillas' blog for her unique pieces .

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Too many brothers and sisters

As usual I have left things to the last minute and have just finished the tags for my families gifts .

I have 2 brothers and 5 sisters and each year I make everyone gift tags that double as decorations . This year was very simple with an appliqued star on Christmas fabric and then lightly stuffed like a little cushion and a ribbon attatched for hanging .

Now that's done I suppose I should start thinking about gifts !!.....

My little angel.

My little angel is one of my earlier designs and has just been published in Handmade v26 no5.

It is always very exciting to see my work in print .

I have a few more pieces being published 2009 I hope you enjoy them .

Crikey I could make those !

I saw ones like these in one of those lovely kitchen/home shops the other day . I thought how lovely they were until I looked at the price . $9.95 EACH!!!! Obviously I don't get out much as this really stunned me . I wasn't so stunned that I couldn't find my way to the register at GoLo to pay for 3 tealight holders 79c each . Candles I already had and ribbon , lace and braid galore .

As is always the case for me the longest part was choosing the ribbons (yes I was playing again)

A stitch or two and there you have them , very pretty tealights !

Really effective and you don't just have to have them at Christmas . If you're really flash you could decorate the holders to match your cloth or table setting for a special celebration dinner .

Chester the Supervisor

Chester one of my Kennedy Kids range of soft toys is keeping an eye on me as I pack patterns for the The Handmade Expo

My forum friend and blogger Denihttp://misspudge.blogspot.com/ is having her first market stall . Deni is an extremely talented

crafter and sews beautifully . You'll know her stall, it will be the one with the crowd in front jostling to buy her things . Deni is also about to launch her own range of patterns I have had a preview and they are so good .

My own range of patterns will also be on her stall and if your favourite craft shop doesn't already stock them wholesale enquiries are always welcome .

Call in and visit Deni at the Ipswich Showgrounds Saturday 13 December for great Christmas Shopping .

Chookhouse Creations

More buttons!

Yes I know more buttons . Really and truly this doesn't take long . The hardest part is choosing the buttons as I have to play with them not just use them .

Decide what size you want your decorations and cut two circles of medium weight cardboard .

Use a hot glue gun and glue the circles together with a looped piece of ribbon secured inside the two for hanging .

Play with your button collection for a while and then select the colours you would like .

Again using the hot glue gun glue buttons to your cardboard on both sides .

Fill in any small gaps with beads .

Make sure you use enough glue as everyone wants to touch them .

We made a few in different colours but they have mysteriously dissapeared .

I think I need to check my daughters purple room for the mauve one , really pretty .

Squished into a post bag.

The indignities a girl must suffer . This little redhead was stuffed in a post bag with her ankles around her ears and sent off to Victoria to my Bee Sew Whimsical swap partner June .
June has released Angel and thankfully she is unharmed .Thanks for being my partner June I'm
glad you saved her .

Button up !

I love buttons can you tell?

These little decorations or

place settings can be whipped up very quickly and

you're also doing a good thing by recycling your old

spice jars .

The buttons were simply

threaded on fine wire and

matching ribbon was added

to disguise the white lid with the holes in it .

Fill the jars with buttons , beads ,lollies or even rice coloured

with food colouring . Just make sure the rice is really dry before adding to the jars .

Aren't they cute ?

Finally - pink balls!

The plan was simple , won't take a sec , fill my glass cake stand with pink balls to display in the kitchen for Christmas .

That was were it all started to go wrong .

The cupboard where the cake stand sat was dusty - remove and clean everything .

My melamine collection was looking a bit grubby - clean them all .

Wow the containers look really good now - take a photo .

Go to put everything back - windows dirty - clean them .

Rearrange and finally -3 hours later- pink balls !

Got Me! Now I'm a real blogger ! (I think)

Kylie over at A Bite of Country Cupcakes tagged me ! I need to tell you 6 random things about myself . http://abiteofcountrycupcakes.blogspot.com
Now the rules of this tag are:
1.) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your post is up

Ready ? No hang on you might want to get yourself some strong coffee to stay awake .

1. I love cricket especially the tests .
2. My family has a pet snake .
3. I never wear brown and I always wear odd socks .
Hey wake up I'm talking to you !
4. I'm vegetarian .
5. I have clocks everywhere and still not enough time .
6. The name I was born with is not the name I have now and no I wasn't adopted .
Well how did you enjoy your nap ?
I'm still thinking about who I'm going to punish sorry I meant tag , I'll get back to you .

Bee Sew Spoilt

As you probably know I joined up for the Bee Sew Whimsical Secret Santa Swap . When the partners were drawn a few weeks ago I received a lovely mysterious card from my partner just to say hello . Today I received a parcel from my Secret Santa and what a parcel it was . Just look at the time and effort my partner put into making a gift for someone she hasn't met . It was all made so beautifully and taking the time to personalise it was that extra touch that made it even more special . My partner was Bev from http://www.kaingahappenings.blogspot.com/ and I'd love for you to see her lovely work .

Thankyou Bev I love what you have done for me and the wallhanging will take pride of place this Christmas in my home .

Cheats Christmas Tags

If you go to all the trouble to make a handmade Christmas gift it's really nice to finish it with a handmade card . Little finishing touches make things extra special. These cute luggage tags are extra quick to make and perfect to have on hand for when time is really short . The kids can also help make them for adding to their teachers gifts .

Manilla luggage tags are available in a range of sizes from newsagents or you can always cut your own tags from coloured cardboard .

Prepare fabric in Christmasy shapes and fabric as you would do for applique.Use" heat and bond" or similar to stick shapes to tags .

Add the "stitching" around the edges of the tag and the shape with a fine marking pen .

Write your greeting on the back .

Thread a pretty ribbon through the provided hole .

These are so quick to make it's worthwhile making a few , just in case !

Pay It Forward

You probably all know about "Pay it Forward". I'm not really sure when or where it began but the idea is to spread some kindness without expecting anything in return . I was lucky enough to sign up with

Dee from The Cackle Club

http://craftismydrug.blogspot.com/

Now what I need to do is add a PIF symbol to my blog and a link back to Dee .(done)

The first 3 visitors to visit my blog and leave a comment saying they would like to be involved will receive a handmade gift from me within 365 days of joining .

These 3 visitors must have their own blog and be prepared to do the same for their first 3 visitors . It all just means (besides keeping Aussie Post on their toes) people that have generally never met are prepared to share some happiness just because it feels good .

If you would like to join up just leave me a comment and I will get in touch with you re - colours ,dislikes and address .

Fun with Dick and Jane

What to do , what to do !

I have always loved this fabric and have wanted some forever .

I even have some of my primary school readers that match it .

My problem is I can't bear to cut it now .

I think I might just cover some canvasses with it so I can look at it all the time .

Am I strange ?

Isn't it just beautiful ?

I love it !

Bon Bons

Fabric bon bons are a great little extra to make for a stitching friend .

Raid your scrap pile and cut the main fabric piece approx . 8" x 11".

Cut the centre piece approx . 3" x 8" .

Lay the narrow piece right side down , place the larger piece on top with the right side down .

Place a cardboard roll in the centre .The roll can fit all sorts of little goodies inside .

Try adding embroidery threads , buttons , needle packets even more fabric scraps rolled up .

Roll the fabric tightly around the tube and secure ends with braid , ribbon or ric rac .

These bon bons would make a fun lucky dip at your craft Christmas party or personalise

them for special friends by making them in their favourite colours and fabrics .

Advent Swap

The Craft Forum is having an Advent Swap . Partners are chosen randomly ,we then shop and buy and sew and create 25 gifts to be opened each day from the first of December .

I have only just completed mine and wrapped all the little goodies today .

My parcel will now be packed up and sent to my partner PIECEMAKER .

Another lovely lady , Carol , then sends a parcel of 25 to me .

It has really been so much fun I can't wait till next years !

All together now -OUCH!

I just had to share this egg with everyone , isn't it hilarious ?

Really hate to say this but it cracked me up !!!!

Creepy Crawlies

Is it any wonder my garden isn't looking that great .

These little critters have been lurking and breeding out there .

Get yourself some little pom poms and stick on eyes from the $2 shop and thread the pom poms with dental floss , leave a bit at the end for threading some beads for antennas and glue on the eyes .

We are using these for adding to lolly bags for my daughters birthday party . A lot more interesting for the kids who have probably had enough lollies anyway . Besides they are so cute and fun to make .

Ladybird Ladybird

Ladybird , Ladybird fly away home !

Not only are ladybirds helpful in the garden now they can look great in your home .

Very simple stitchery pattern available for $12.00 (inc p/h)

Goodbye Old Shed

A bit of a sad post as I say goodbye to a shed . It's not just any old shed it has been next door to me at my in-laws and I have looked fondly at it for a long time . The shed is very old , probably over 50 years and has lovely tree trucks inside for supporting the roof and walls . Some may feel it is a bit of an eyesore and it certainly has some safety issues but I love that this shed has such character and sense of history . It will be coming down in the next day or so and my studio looks directly at it . I think the day it comes down I will leave the curtains closed .

Christmas Chatter

The "silly season" is now upon us . November 1 must have been declared the day the shops were allowed to stop being subtle . Everywhere I went the decorations and gift ideas were on display and if I didn't know better all the stores would have you believing Christmas was just days away instead of weeks . Relax we all have plenty of time to make thoughtful gifts for our friends and family . Don't we ? Really , don't we ?

Garden Angel

I don't know about you but I could do with an angel in my garden .

Stitchery pattern only $12.oo (inc p/h) contact me for payment details .

Soccer Star

The soccer season is well and truly over so you should have plenty of time before the next season to stitch this for your "Soccer Star" . Possibly while you are spending the Summer months watching your "Cricket Star " or" Swimming Sensation"

Soccer Star stitchery pattern is available for $12.00(inc p/h) Contact me for payment details .

Ah ah tissue !

Yes I know I was meant to be sewing my bedroom curtains today (boring ) but how could I ignore the pleas from the local school for a few items for their Christmas stall .

These little tissue holders were so quick and easy and they use up scraps therefore making more room for yes you guessed it more fabric !

If you want to run up a few for Mothers Day or extra little gifts they don't take long at all .

Raid your stash and cut fabric 8"wide x 5"high . Fold the ends in wrong sides facing 1" and press . This is the time to add your extra touch such as ric rac or ribbon . Stitch the folds down .

Lay your stitched piece wrong side down and fold the ends into the centre , press .
Stitch along the short ends about 1/4" .

Turn piece right side out , press and add a small packet of tissues .

Told you they were easy .

Much prettier than daggy plastic packets . Ah ah tissue !

Afternoon Tea

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS

I have been inundated lately with lemons and

I have made good use of them .Lemon Butter,

Lemon Jam , Lemon Cordial and Lemonade .

This arvo I tried my hand at a Lemon Cake .

It tastes even better than it looks , lovely and moist .

New Stitchery Pattern

Here's a sneak peek at one of my new stitcheries . Hopefully it will be ready for release on December 1 . If you would like to see more of this design feel free to leave a comment or contact me . Happy crafting , Clare

Secret Santa

Yes I know I need another swap like a hole in the head but how could I resist . Darlene from Bee Sew Whimsical has organised this one . Click on the Santa logo to visit her blog ,sign up is until 30 October . Don't you just love Christmas .

The Stitching Room Thread Holder

Found these little thread holders at The
Stitching Rooms blog .Leanne provided a
very clear tutorial with lots of photos .
Yes her photography is much better than
mine . These little holders are a little tricky
but when you get the hang of them they're
fun and would make great little gifts .
You can also fit a small jar in them so items
will stand upright . My daughter has already
claimed one for her hairties .
Stop by http://thestitchingroom.blogspot.com
for Leanne's clear instructions .

Little Doily Angels

Little Doily Angels

These little angels are so easy to make .

They look great at Christmas on the tree

or to use as gift tags .

I think they look special all year round .

All you need are 4" doilies , buttons,

wool scraps , ric rac , calico and toy fill .

Cut some circles of calico about 2" diameter .

Add a little toy fill and gather the excess at

the back and stitch to a folded doily .

Use french knots and brown thread for the eyes.

Stitch on some wool hair and a matching button .

Ric rac or ribbon is stitched at the back for hanging .

Make extras as as soon as someone sees one they

want one too .

Feel free to leave a comment about Little Doily Angels .

Spring is my favourite season temperature just right with a little rain in the evenings what more could we ask for . I originally wanted to fill a garden bed with tulips but realized just how expensive it was going to be and opted for anemones and ranunculus with the pansies at the base . So easy to grow and such beautiful colours .

Horsey Princess from the Craft Forum designed a Creative Challenge . Pictures are drawn randomly as are colours . The idea is to design an item based on these two things . The picture that was chosen for me was this one and the colour PINK . Of course it is fairly obvious that I could just run up a GINGERBREAD MAN with pink ric rac or bows . I think I would like to try something a little beyond this although I am not ruling out my first idea as it really depends on time . This could be very interesting ..........

My daughter and I made this during the last school holidays . It was a very cheap bottle from GoLO a branch from the yard and little crystals hung from fishing line . It sits on our dining table and is commented on every time someone sees it . The" corregated iron" door in the background is actually my pantry cupboard that I painted as it was a very boring door . We really do live in a very crafty house .

Yes I know I'm a showoff but here is a picture from my driveway too lovely to miss .

I do like to be beside the seaside .... I live near a river which I like even more !

This stitchery with fabric scraps was published in Handmade v25 no12 . Easy Peasy !

Nothing to do with craft at all . I just wanted to show you a bit of our beautiful Murrumbidgee River . Can you believe I'm lucky enough to live here .

Denni from our craft forum let us know she updated her blog twice today obviously the girl has far too much time on her hands but you would never know it judging by all the beautiful work she produces . Anyway I felt guilted to blog .
Clare's Craftroom also designs decorative painting patterns . This lovely girl has always been very popular .

John Bear one the "Kennedy Kids" range is available as a pattern only for $12.00 (inc p/h)

Hawk

This beautiful creature was found by my son in our shed .

HOLLY TREE

HOLLY HO HO HO !

TOBY one the "Kennedy Kids" range was feeling left out.

I'm back . Here are a couple more photos of published pieces .

I hope you enjoy having a look .