what's the buzz ?

 

So all in all this year hasn't been too bad .

It hasn't been fantastic but life isn't perfect .

 

The best thing I did in 2012 was to give up smoking .

I didn't say anything earlier because I wanted to see if I could

do it and I have for almost 7 months .

To say that I am thrilled is an understatement .

 

I moved my kids to a different school so we have all been adjusting to this change.

Some of you already know that I picked up some casual work that

has turned into almost full time work .

The hours are all over the place and it is physically exhausting work

for an old chook like me but I'm really enjoying it .

 

So with all this stuff  going on my crafting and in

turn my blog has taken a back seat.

I did think (for a sec) about letting my blog go .

I tweet , and use pinterest and facebook but my blog is

the place that affects me the most .

 

So next year I need to pace myself a bit .

I'll still be posting a few times a week but I would like

to get more of my readers involved .

 

Would you like me to host and/or promote a giveaway for you ?

Would you like an honest opinion/review on your product ?

Would you be interested in more swaps ?

What about a craft competition ?

 

What's the buzz ?

Contact me here if you like .

 

Don't be shy I won't sting you in fact I'm allergic to bees

which is why I used so many bee photos in this post .

If I needed to risk my life taking these photos I'd

better use lots to make it worthwhile .

 

Happy happy New Year may it be everything you need it to be x

 

 

 

christmas 2012

 

Are you still up ?

It's after 10 pm here and I am nowhere near ready

for the big day tomorrow .

 

What about you , are you on top of things ?

 

 

I'm looking forward to a few days just relaxing .

 

Are you going away or staying home ?

 

 

Why wouldn't I want to stay home when this sight

greets me in the mornings .

 

Travel safely and have a Merry Christmas xx

 

 

under the christmas tree

 

This time next week it will be Christmas Eve !

 

This will then be our last Under The Christmas Tree .

Thanks to everyone who shared their crafts and Christmas goodies .

Also a big thanks to those who tripped around blogland and

visited and commented on every link .

 

I'd love to see this week to be our biggest ever so

if you have any craft or decorations or cooking to share

leave your link and we'll be around to wish you Merry Christmas !

 

knock knock

 

I had the morning off .

 

 

I knew that I had to do some housework but

really I couldn't be bothered.

 

So I combined cleaning and craft and

covered the dirty door with paper doilies ..

win , win !

 

Even the cat was impressed .

 

I just used paper doilies and double sided sticky tape .

The trick is to use small pieces of tape and secure it on the frilly

edges so you really can't see it even from the outside .

under the christmas tree

 

Hellooooo!

How crazy is this time of year !

I've taken some casual work on and because it's in

retail I have been getting lots of work and get home

all tuckered out . So I haven't been visiting or blogging and

to be honest my family are lucky to be fed .

 

What's going on with you ?

Are you all relaxed and happy ?

Or just busy but still happy ?

 

Have you been getting ready for Christmas ?

Have you made some food or decorations , gifts or cards ?

Would you like to share what you've done ?

 

Just add your link here and show everyone .

 

So many questions from me this week , can you tell I've missed you ?

 

under the christmas tree

 

Hello again !

 

So sorry that sometimes I'm a bit late getting the tree up

but things around here are as chaotic as ever and now

my poor elderly father in law has been very unwell .

Please keep 90 year old Bill in your thoughts x

 

Do you have some craft or cooking or gifts or recipes to share ?

 

Please add your link here so we can all see .

Last week we had a lot of you playing and I do apologise

for not leaving a comment for all of you but I did visit

all the fantastic links , thanks so much .

 

Three weeks till Christmas eve , I'd better get a move on !

tidying up my balls

 

I've been known to be a little crazy about my Christmas lights .

Each year when it's time to take my 1000s of solar lights down

I give them a dust off , remove the battery and wrap each set

carefully in their own bag which is then labeled coloured or white.

 

This fussiness has never extended to the inside house decorations

or really inside the house at all anywhere.

 

Last year I started to address this by threading some of the balls on

a thin piece of ribbon when I packed them away .

It didn't take long before it grew ..

 

and grew

 

and grew .

 

 

Now when you walk in the front door you can't miss this

 

and if you look up when you sit in my husband's chair you see this

 

and if you so happen to walk past the loungeroom you see it like this .

 

I never knew getting organised could make me this happy !

under the christmas tree

 

Hello again , how are you ?

 

How are your Christmas plans coming along ?

 

Do you have some Christmas craft , decorations or recipes to share ?

 

Just add the link to your post here , we'd love to see !

 

Just a little P.S ...although we only had 7 links added last week

we had a whopping 4874 hits to that post !

 

hooray for a hoo roo giveaway !

 

I'm back for a quick visit and to introduce you

to my new softie Hoo Roo !

 

 

I'm lucky enough to live in the bush and see lots of roos.

Kangaroos for those who live overseas .

 

 

In Australia we often say hooroo when we are saying goodbye.

So here you are say hello to Hoo Roo !

 

 

Hoo Roo will be at The Australian Quilt Market (trade only)

in Melbourne this weekend with Kathryn from F.D. Textiles.

 

If you would like your favourite shop to stock Hoo Roo ask the owner

they're bound to say yes . (Get it , bound .)

 

I'd love to give someone the chance to win a pattern .

Would you like to make a Hoo Roo ?

 

Please just leave a comment on this post with a way that I can contact you .

 

If you would like to spread the word via facebook , twitter or anywhere

else I will be eternally in your debt .

 

I'll be back on Sunday to put the Christmas Tree up

and I'll let you know then who won .

 

under the christmas tree

 

Here we are again and even closer to the big day .

 

How are your plans going ?

Do you have anything to show us ?

 

It doesn't need to be craft it can be presents , decorations or food .

 

Newly made or something from last year is good too .

 

Add your link and inspire us .

 

Finally my new pattern will be released this week , yahoo !

Come back in the next few days for a giveaway xx

under the christmas tree

Hi there , remember me ?

Those of you who visit here regularly know I'm not

very good at all the personal stuff , hence the blog name is Clare's Craftroom

not the trials and tribulations of Clare's crazy life .

 

Let's just say life is never dull around here .

 

Anyway here I am better late than never to put the tree up .

 

If you would like to add your blog link here and show us

some of your Christmas craft , presents , decorations or food

that would just be great !

It would even be greater if you visited some of the other blogs linking up

and say hi , besides being inspired you just might make a new friend .

 

 

As you can see by this fine tail I have been working .

All will be revealed next week !

 

Thanks so much for popping in xx

 

 

 

if not for you

Life to say the least has been a bit busy here .

 

I am assuming that most most of my readers are women

and are a bit like me juggling lots of balls or just trying

to keep them in the air .

Well life has a funny way of testing our ball skills so I'm juggling

while standing on one leg and trying to

 chew as fast as I can .

 

So believe me it's not because I don't want to be here

or visiting lots of crafty blogs it's just not possible at the moment.

 

 

I know that I have THE bestest readers and friends here

so I can't wait to hang out with you all again .

 

In the meantime if you would like to visit THE bestest sponsors ever,

all the links are in my sidebar .

 

I hope to be back soon with a new pattern and a giveaway !

 

Tell me what you've been up to and tell me how you juggle !

 

Also please let me know if you would like me to continue

with the Under the Christmas Tree craft linkup ?

 

passing notes from my cell

 

Hi , thanks for getting through the prison security .

 

Although I am here in solitary confinement I have given

some thought to my friends from overseas and

wanted to wish you a very scary Halloween !

 

To all those affected by Sandy I hope you are safe and well .

 

Hope to see you again soon xxx

 

Next time please bring cake .

 

read all about it

testing out Christmas

 

I've been doing a few Christmas gift try outs.

This one is so very easy .

 

All I did was melt some really nice chocolate in the microwave.

Then I dipped in some beautiful old teaspoons I found at Vinnies.

Pop them onto some baking paper to set in the fridge and

when they are nice and firm wrap some cellophane around them.

Decorate with a pretty piece of festive ribbon .

 

I thought the dipped spoons would go really well with

some Christmassy cups with marshmallows.

They would also be good with homemade bickies or special coffee.

 

The chocolate spoons can be swirled through hot milk or coffee

and then your friend gets to keep the spoon and the cup .

 

 

The whole thing only costs a few dollars so you could

make a few for teachers , neighbours or

for the unexpected Christmas guest .

 

Or your kids could just pinch them and suck the chocolate

off like my kids are sure to do !

 

What do you think ?

Do you have any cheap and cheerful Christmas ideas ?

 

under the christmas tree

 

Oh my golly gosh the time is flying !

The last fortnight has just been a blur .

 

How are you ?

Do you thrive on being busy or fall to pieces ?

 

Have you had a chance to think about Christmas ?

 

I admit I have been thinking about it a lot but have not

had a chance to get anything done sigh.....

 

I'll be very happy for you to inspire us all !

 

Please add your link and maybe you'll get us moving !

 

the one with dr who

My husband launched his handcrafted woodwork range this week .

Months of hard work went into the preparation for his first exhibition .

The soiree went off beautifully with lots of arty farty types

swanning around oohing and aahing .

The wife of the now famous artist just wanted to sneak off to crochet

but that's a whole other story .

 

Congratulations David xxx

morning tea with

 Good morning to Fiona Tully from Two Brown Birds .

What is your business ? What do you do ?

My business is called “Two Brown Birds”.  I design and create craft textile patterns, including quilts, stitcheries, and soft toys.
How long has it been going ? How did it start out ?
The business has been running for almost two years.  It started out when lots of people told me I should write up my patterns and try selling them – so I did!
How do manage around your family ?
Ah yes, the balancing act!  I try to mange balancing everything by schedueling “work free days”, and doing as much work as I can while my girls are at school, or after they’re in bed at night.
When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?
Other ways I relax are by reading, baking, or every now and again when my brain is completely drained from over-work, I might work on a craft project by another designer – that way I can enjoy stitching without having to think about the technical pattern writing aspect.
Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
I often keep things for myself!  When I make something, I feel quite attached to it, and if I give it away I feel like I’m giving away one of my children!  But there are times when I decide that I will make something for some-one, and if I know that from the start of the project, I’m happy to give it away.
What is your favourite craft ?
I don’t have one, but several that I rotate. I love designing  and working stitcheries – I feel like it’s colouring in on fabric.  Quilting is a big love of mine – there’s nothing better than having a new pile of fabrics to play with, arrange, re-arrange, and make into a quilt.  Sometimes I will have an idea for a new little character or playset, which I love making.  I decide on the personality of the character as I create it.  Every now and then if I’m feeling a bit overworked, I love to knit – I find the rhythmic repetition of the needles click-clacking relaxing, and it’s rewarding to see knitting grow quickly!

Are your designs your own ?
The designs that I feature on my blog are my own.  Occasionally I work on a project made by another designer if my brain needs a break after months of working on my own designs, but I tend not to blog about those projects.
Tell us something quirky about yourself ?
Hmmm…….well I don’t think it’s quirky ( I think I’m normal ha ha!), but anyone that watches me tie my shoelaces always comments and says “Wow!!  You tie you’re shoelaces different to anyone else I’ve ever seen!”

 

 

What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?
I am so excited that the wonderful people from “Creative Abundance” have recently invited me to  join their list of talented designers.  This has truly been a dream come true for me, and I am so excited to see where this will lead.
Where do you sell ? 
 Creative Abundance distribute my patterns to retail and online craft shops.  Anyone that’s interested in my patterns can follow my blog at   to see pictures of my current designs, and sneak peeks of upcoming projects.

Find Fionas gorgeous designs at Creative Abundance (wholesale enquiries)
Fiona is having some great pattern giveaways on her blog at the moment too !
Or maybe you'd like to chat with my friend on facebook .

Thanks so much and and congratulations Fiona x

under the christmas tree

 

Only ten weeks till Christmas !

 

Have you started any crafty decorations ?

Have you started making any Christmas gifts ?

 

If you've gotten a head start on Christmas , please show us !

 

Leave your link below and don't forget to visit some other blogs and say hello .

 

 

 

back to school muffins

 

We are a fruit loving family and eat lots of it

but even here we end up with the odd bruised and battered banana.

 

I have a fantastic banana cake recipe that makes 2 big loaves

but it takes six bananas.

 

I wanted a recipe (besides making smoothies) to use lonely bananas.

After a bit of fiddling I ended up with a recipe that uses only 1 cup

of banana but makes 12 delicious muffins and if there are any

not eaten they freeze beautifully .

 

Whisk together 2 cups S/R flour , 1/3 cup brown sugar , 1 egg ,

100g melted butter , 1/2 cup milk , 1 cup mashed up lonely banana

and 1/4 cup maple syrup (the syrup really gives a special taste)

 

Spoon into muffin cases and bake at 180c for about 25 mins.

 

I hope your family enjoys them as much as my family does xxx

morning tea with

 

 

 Hi everyone!! I am Meegan from What Meegan Makes  

I am so happy to be here this morning with Clare for"Morning Tea".

I am an ocean loving, grand baby kissing, vintage finding, paint hungry woman and wife that loves to blog about all of the above.

 

Coffee or tea ?
  I personally like Hazelnut Herbal tea

 

What is your business ?

 I write a blog about my crafting and designing. I also do wedding flowers occasionally.  I enjoy making our home an oasis from the stresses of the world. My hope is to help others create a warm and cozy home with minimal cost.
 

How long has it been going ? I have been blogging for 9 mths.
 

 How did it start out ? We had moved into a condo from living in a fairly large home. I decided it would be fun to change things up and make it "our home". I was using up a lot of our family blog space to share my projects-so I decided to start my own .
 

How do manage around your family ?
 Our 7 children are all grown with families of their own. Our youngest gets married this Nov :) But, I still need to manage my blog around them and my Hubby. I try to keep balance between Hubby, his job (and school), and all my projects. Sometimes I am not so good at it.
 

When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ? I like to watch old movies and eat ice cream. But, I LOVE to lay out by the pool most of all.
 

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
  Most times I do keep them. But, lately it has been fun to share them with friends and family.
 

Are you right or left handed ? Yes I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions
I am right handed :)
 

What is your favourite craft ? I would have to say painting a frame, piece of furniture, or any kind of home accessory such as a candlestick, end table, or mirror. I like to refresh items and give them new life!!

 

Describe a normal day for you ? 

  My brain is constantly creating and working. My husband will often ask me,"Does your creativity ever stop?" My answer is always no. So, when I get up in the morning, I am already looking and starting the next project. Sometimes the idea comes right away and others I have to sit on them awhile-then the creative juices start flowing. When the projects come together I can't stop until it is done. I LOVE seeing the finished project. I walk by it several times to see it from all angles. Then I decide how I could perfect it, and maybe I even just look at it for a day or so. Then it finds a place in our home.
 

Are your designs your own ? I LOVE to make my own creations, by putting a little twist or highlight to it. But, there is so much to see "out there" that who can resist being inspired by others .
 

What is the very first thing you would buy if you won the lottery ?
A home by the beach so all of our family could come play in the sun. Then give the rest to charity to help others.
 

Tell us something quirky about yourself ?

  Hmmm...There are SO many things!! I like ice cream and cookies for breakfast. I don't eat it-but I certainly like it !
 

What are your plans ?

  I would love to make a little money from my blog. But am enjoying floral design as well.

 How much further do you plan to take your business ?
I want to do what I love for as long as I love it. Once the love is gone, so will be the business
 

Do you sell your crafts if yes where do you sell ?

 People ask me all the time if I sell my crafts, or furniture. I haven't sold any yet. But I would want to if the time and price was right.
 

Thanks for having me for "Morning Tea today, Clare! It has been an honor and a pleasure. I hope your readers will come by for a visit .

    Come join along with me as I share what I love, and love what I do.

 

Find Meegan at her blog ~ here or at pinterest ~ here

or on facebook ~ here or hometalk ~ here

or stumble upon ~ here   

and if Meegan isn't in any of these places she's probably

transforming a boring piece of furniture into a thing of beauty !

 

I have another special crafter next week and she has BIG news for us !

Ooooh don't you just love a bit of mystery .......