Creative Tunnel Vision

Altered Childrens Book - Dumbo AJ

2011-06-26T14:48:00.000+10:00

Just a quick look at the pages I worked on this weekend.

Dumbo AJ - Front Cover

Dumbo AJ - Inside Cover

Dumbo AJ - Time to Fly

Tri-Blue Poncho

2011-06-25T10:00:00.000+10:00

I wanted to try out this poncho pattern because it's a pattern handed down from my grandmother, my mother taught me. It's a very simple pattern & I have seen this style of poncho many times before.

I have gone a lil' poncho crazy actually. I have almost finished a pink swirly style one for my niece & I have just started a joined motif poncho in a nice grape colour for myself. The weather is ideal for ponchos right now & I need some more winter accessories like scarves, mittens & beanies!

What to choose?

2011-06-23T10:00:00.001+10:00

I want some new doodle books, notebooks, sketchbooks etc . . . I do have a few but they all have a purpose already so I think it's more of a need! Oh but what to choose, I have found so many wonderful, cute, useful books . . . I can not pick just one?

1. Alice in Wonderland Altered Journal/Notebook/Diary - AnistaDesigns
2.  Mountain Monster Screen Printed Pocket Moleskine - finestimaginary
3. Plum-Tastic in Green Extra Small Blank Journal - parksideharmony
4. Blog Mouse/Doddle Pad - lazaflair
5. Dangerous Animal notebooks -  MonkeyDogStudio
6. Little Red and Wolfboy Notebook -  theblackapple
7. Wire Bound - Hardback Journal - My Very Important Notes - PressaRussa
8. White Rabbit Altered Journal/Notebook/Diary - AnistaDesigns
9.  Green and Blue on White Mix Tape Journal - NerdJerk

I really love the Blog Pad & I think it will be great to use, especially since I need help in doing more on & with my blog. I'm a sucker for Alice in Wonderland & I love the leather look of these books. I don't know what to pick!!

Paper Play into AJ

2011-04-08T11:25:00.000+10:00

One of the things I love about being on holidays is that I can sit around in my daggy clothes. I am planning to have a shower & become presentable shortly. First, I wanted to pop on & share what I was up to this morning with my little paper squares. I have put them into my AJ. I have no idea what I'm going to do now, but they are in there.

Paper Play

2011-04-07T13:56:00.002+10:00

I wanted to have a creative play today but I wasn't sure what exactly to do. I bought a box of crayons a few weeks ago & I decided to try them out. I got some scrap patterned paper out & a few other tools to play with. Here is what I came up with.

I ripped the scrap into small squares which I am yet to decide what to do with. At the moment I'm leaning towards using them in my AJ.

My 1st Doily & this morning so far . . .

2011-04-07T07:59:00.000+10:00

Tadah! I got this on the 3rd attempt but at least I didn't throw the towel in. I had trouble getting grasp of the pattern, but when I figured out what I was doing wrong it went smoothly. I made this doily from the Berroco yarn website.

This morning I got up early-ish & started to do some . . . creating (I'm not to sure what to call it) with crayons, watercolours, papered paper & bubble wrap. So far so good. But I have no room. My desk is a mess, I need to tidy up. So I'm going to make a fresh cup of tea (my other went cold while I was in my creative tunnel :P), tidy up & get back into it.

Lists 1-8 in Everything Journal

2011-04-03T08:21:00.000+10:00

As mentioned before, I have started to put my lists from the 30 Days of Lists challenge into my Everything Journal. I haven't included much for the month of March yet so this will be a good record of what was going on during my life around this time.

I also wanted to share a taste (the yarn I used) for a crochet project that is almost finished. I have a week off work next week so I'm looking forward to using my time productively.

Final Lists (30 Day of Lists) on Listography

2011-04-01T15:10:00.002+10:00

30 Days of Lists has ended & here are my final lists.

I bought Crobots by Nelly Pailloux. I'm so excited with what there is to make! Which is exactly what I needed because I have not made an amigurumi in a while. The Babybot on the front cover is so cute. They are quite small though & I'm used to making more medium sized toys. Learning how to attach beads etc & embroider is something I'm looking forward to. I just hope it isn't to fiddly . . .

Other interesting things I want to try:
1. Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread. Yum!
2. Awesome & adorable Leather Coin Purse
3. Workshop - 30 Days of Play
4. Funny Bunnies are so clever & cute!
5. Painted Cross Stitch Wall

Chicken Dumpling Soup

2011-03-27T13:03:00.000+10:00

I like soup. I like eating soup & making soup. I seem to make the same soups though. Pea & Ham mainly. So time to try some new soup/s. I used less chilli then the recipe said. I like chilli but you never know how hot it could be. I will be making this one again (with more chilli). Yum!

Chicken Dumplings in Chilli & Ginger Soup

Some Success So Far . . . Vege Garden Update

2011-03-25T15:24:00.001+10:00

The Alysmm has little white flowers which are adorable with their tininess.

Success.

Lots of little Salsa Capsicums growing.

Success.

Caterpillars had started to have a go at the Basil, but I have gotten it back on track. I still need to find a way to keep caterpillars away. Any suggestions?

Semi-Success.

The Cucumber I'm unsure of, they are tall with plenty of leaves but the leaves are starting to go yellow. Maybe those bottom round ones are meant to fall off . . . such a learning experience.

Success.

The Tomatoes are going great & have needed the least attention so far.

Easy Success.

Finally the Spring Onions that got re-planted by the dog. They are growing but sparingly & unstructured. I planted some more.

Semi-Success.

Lists on Listography

2011-03-24T11:26:00.003+10:00

I have been participating in the 30 Days of Lists using Listography.com. I mainly use this site to keep track of things like movies I watch, music I like, games I play, current to-do & wish list etc. I like using Listography for this challenge because I can add to it as I think of things, I can link items on my lists & it is quick & easy.
List #22 has been my favourite so far. The inspiration for this list introduced me to Jill's Today I Saw blog. I really like this idea & Jill's drawings of what she sees are fantastic.

Here is my list of what I saw on the 22nd of March.

I have started to transfer these lists into my Everything Journal which I'm looking forward to posting about very soon.

And something I absolutely have to share, my latest Etsy WANT!

Marion Max Fannie Pack

Other interesting things I want to try:

1. Blind Scribble drawing. Great fun!

2. Using a book for an Altered Art Journal

3. Folded Paper: Froebel Star.

4. A super-easy, super-cute bracelet

My Vege/Herb Garden

2011-03-14T11:10:00.000+10:00

I got a raised garden bed for Christmas, it took a couple of months to finally set up & get the soil then I was able to get planting. I planted seeds for chives, parsley, cucumber, spring onions, sweet basil & lettuce. Now I have sprouts, yay!

Sweet Basil

Burpless Cucumber

Still waiting for the chives & parsley to come up, the spring onions are a bit all over the place because the dog decided to have a dig so I need to plant some more. I also planted pre grown seedlings of beetroot & cherry tomatoes (which are going great), & a already grown salsa capsicum & red jalapeno plant.

Salsa Capsicum

My Weekend Inspiration

2011-03-12T08:35:00.000+10:00

1. Crochet Bunting by PaisleyJade

2. Inspiration Wire by artsychick75

3. ulubione oblicze zimy by mumkaa

4. A sweet Kiss for you by Daniela.H

5. Ruling Pen & Inktense Pencils by carmelscribe

6. Stack of Squares by Ms.toosh

7. Opposites by Pat Pitingolo

8. Gruppo by Donnaraita

9. Zentangle by PaperArtStudio

EveryDay/Everything Book

2011-03-05T12:18:00.001+10:00

I have been inspired to make a small journal for just regular everyday things by this post at Inspiration Everywhere. I love the idea of a SMASH book.

I have the perfect book to do this in. I got it for my birthday. It's cover is made from a recycled license plate.

It's designed as a travel journal but that's not what I'm going to use it for. I like that I can take the individual page out that I am working on. It makes it so much easier especially since the pages are only small. Here are the first few additions to my Everything Journal.

Why I have been MIA

2011-03-03T15:32:00.000+10:00

My last post was at the start of last month, how slack! However most of my spare time (until yesterday) was spent reading a 766 page book. Such a fantastic book that I had trouble putting it down (hence no posts), and all other things got neglected. And now I have learnt that it’s a trilogy!! If they are as big & brilliant as the first one then I’m sorry but more neglect will happen. Hehee.

The second book is scheduled to come out in 2012, thats a long wait . . . and movies after that?! Now my addiction to this book is over I am starting to notice other things to do & I have started working on some projects. I also need to pick the next book to read.

My Must Haves AJ Supplies

2011-02-06T19:09:00.001+10:00

I enjoyed reading about other Art Journal Everyday participates Must Have Supplies over at Blazer Designs.

It was interesting to see what other artist use . . . on a regular basis, as I primary set of materials, their favoured tools of creation.

I have decided to share my 5 (set limit) most used medium/tool.

1. Gesso

2. Mod Podge

3. Watercolours

4. Paint Brushes

5. Patterned Paper

Fix It Fridays are Fun!

2011-01-22T08:44:00.002+10:00

Fix It Friday #83 - Such a fun photo to edit this week, I couldn't resist. This is the original:

Colour Edit

Black & White Edit

Vintage? Edit

Not only was this photo fun to edit but it has made me want to take some great, fun, action photos of my own!

First Fix-It-Friday

2011-01-15T07:11:00.001+10:00

I have been following iheartfaces for a little while now & today (finally) I have participated in something from that blog. Fix-It-Friday #82.

Original:

My Edit:

I like to play around with the lighting/shadows/highlights first. Sometimes the highkey photo effect is good for this. Then the contrast is the next to change. However when I do this, occasionally it tends to leave the person looking washed out like this:

I'm absolutley not the most experienced person on photoshop (far from it). For me I find that adjusting the skin tone can bring warmth & more of a natural glow to the face.

Prepin' some backgrounds

2011-01-13T10:56:00.000+10:00

I've been spending my time alternating between activities. Working in my Aj, crochet projects & watching Season 4 of Heroes (◕‿-)

I have been working on two pages in my Aj. I tried to create a sort of Astrological sky. Whirls of watercolours with black spray paint. I like the result & am looking forward to working on this background.

The following page is a monthly to do list. Currently I'm procrastinating about putting my 'to dos' on this list (by watching Heroes). The flowers match my blog colours hhmmmm . . . *note to self: "Try new colours".

AJ - Page 2 is Finished

2011-01-08T13:56:00.000+10:00

I had left to add the motivating song lyrics, which I did. Then I added some stars & splatter. And also some glitter paint. I'm much MORE pleased with this page now.

Interesting facebook status - I'm joining in !

2011-01-08T07:40:00.000+10:00

I was #3 to comment on my friends status. My turn to post this. I'm looking forward to doing something nice for a few of my friends. It will be fun to see who the 5 will be !

AJ - Motivate Me

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

This page is not the neatest but I needed to learn not to be so precious. I'm definitely a person who lacks motivation so to remind myself to be motivated I created this page. I have left to fill in the journaling spaces with lyrics from songs that 'get me going'!

She loves it lots & lots

2010-12-30T19:33:00.000+10:00

I started this after all the Christmas deeds were done. In the hope to get it to a friend by her birthday. Her birthday is today & I succeeded! I made it, into the post & it got delivered on her special day. Did I plan it?

AJ - Page 1

2010-12-28T08:14:00.002+10:00

Inspired by Jessica Sprague's Inspiration Everywhere class - it was suggested to create a dedication page. This being my first art journal I figured it would be a good idea. My dedication is to what I want to achieve during this creative experience.

All in the details . . .

Tissue paper with watercolour painted over it. Used foam stamps with acrylic paint & stamped while the watercolour was still wet.

Crocheted a sun motif using a free pattern at Crochet Spot & attached it using hot glue gun.

I really like the rainbow. Stripes of watercolour paints which I then went over with Mod Podge Gloss-Lustre.

There are a few more activities in the Inspiration Everywhere class I want to complete. The sooner I get these done the better because there are a couple of other challenges I would like to participate in the new year.

Art Journal Every Day starts on the 30th December - this challenge encourages you to do something (at least 10 minutes) in your AJ Every Day. The first months sign up for January has started & so far there are 115 participants!!

A Year in the Life of an Art Journal - prompts are posted the 15th & 30th of every month. The first date for this in 2011 will be the 15th of January which is when I will start. Even if it is just once a month.

Some things I did around Christmas

2010-12-26T09:26:00.000+10:00

I really enjoyed Christmas this year. For some reason it was more fun & exciting. Especially with this sign on my garage door for 2 weeks before Christmas . . . & I didn't peek.
It also could have been the numerous presents I received. Top 3 - 1. Raised Garden Bed (for vege patch) 2. Donkey Kong Country Returns Game (for Wii) 3. Recycled Licence Plate Book.

We had a small branch style Christmas Tree this year. I made a garland to go on it. I just crocheted as many chains as needed for the length I wanted & hot glue gunned small squares of paper at regular intervals.

At the base/vase of the tree I put some other glass bottles with decorations on them. I have collected a couple of these from my father who makes them for a living.

I liked how the tree turned out & I can't wait until next year so I can add more!

For a few presents this year I made some washers to go with some lovely handmade soap I bought from Inner Earth Soaps. With all the rush of Christmas I only managed to take one photo of a washer I made for a friend at work. It was really hard to part with but I have plenty of yarn left over to make some for myself.

Merry Christmas !

At 7am - Snapshot

2010-12-07T19:56:00.000+10:00

Even though I have posted this rather late, I still took this photo at 7am for the challenge. In the mornings I get up earlier then usual now because I have a puppy. I used to get up with just enough time to get ready for work & out the door. One advantage is that it has actually given me more time to do things in the morning . . . really . . . who would have thought?!

So that morning I had time to blog.

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Inspiration Everywhere - Art Journal Cover

2010-12-03T07:47:00.000+10:00

I have joined Jessica Sprague's Inspiration Everywhere FREE class. 10 days of Inspiration. This class was just too interesting to pass up, so close to Christmas with presents still to make & I take on this as well. I need this for me.

Most people who have joined the class seem to be flying through all the inspiring activities. I'm going at a snails pace. 5 days into it & I've only completed #1. Hopefully with the weekend coming up I will get a chance to do more.

Keeping/making/expressing/creating in an art journal is one of the projects in the class. I want my art journal to be more arty then scrapbooky. But I'm sure a lot of the scrapbook style will come through.

1st Dec, 1st Day of Summer & 1st . . ?

2010-12-02T21:02:00.000+10:00

It was very rainy & gloomy on the 1st day of summer in Brisbane. My favourite season, the one thing I do actually like at this time of year. The heat, the itchy-ness to do something, anything! On this day I just felt sticky & damp. Thankfully the little treasure in my mailbox seemed unaffected by these miserable conditions, waiting . . .

. . . uncharacteristically I did check for mail when I pulled in from work. The first thing I saw on the envelope was 'CARD ONLY'.

Thanks to my talented friend Kate for this amazing card! Maybe there is something else to like about this time of year . . . Christmas.

At 4pm - Snapshot

2010-11-27T07:25:00.000+10:00

I didn't work today, I had Friday & Monday off to make a 4 day weekend. It's my birthday! Well it's on Monday. Having the Friday off worked out great because my cousin Reece (who is like a brother to me) is visiting from up North with his two little boys. So I was visiting them of course. Taking photos of such gorgeous kids was a delight for me.

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At 9pm - Snapshot

2010-11-20T08:19:00.000+10:00

Ahhh Friday night, the beginning of the weekend. I usually like to relax around this time & on this particular occasion I was enjoying a Midori Splice . . .

. . . while reading up on finishing techniques for crochet. I used my fresh knowledge to join together the squares for my crochet bag.

Make Your Own Owl Calendar

2010-11-20T07:22:00.000+10:00

I did.

You choose a picture for each month & then download your 2011 calendar. My Mum loves owls so I will definitely have to share with her & I just think it is too cute not to use.

Latest Crochet Project

2010-11-18T07:03:00.000+10:00

Over the weekend I finished three crochet squares. Two were basic granny squares & the third a double crochet block (if that is even what it's called). These are going to be used to make a bag. I have left to make the strap which I can easily attach with buttons. Also the joining of the squares, which I have never done before & have no idea what to do. Time for research.

I think crochet bags are fantastic, however I am not extremely confident in making them. Lets just say I definitely don't have extensive knowledge when it comes to this hobby, I'm still learning. However by starting off with a simple bag I am hoping to (eventually) be able to make something like this:

Derek Bag by Che - available at Ravelry

At 10am - Snapshot

2010-11-13T07:40:00.001+10:00

This is my third week participating in the Snapshots of Life challenge. At 10am on Friday I was at my desk at work . . .

I Y my big monitor at work (it's bigger then my one at home). On Fridays, once I get all my jobs done I can go. So at this time of day I'm usually stuck to my seat entering the stock count for the following week. I managed to get out at around 12:30 this Friday. And you would think that I would go home and do something useful with my time - instead I played with the dog and watched Eat Pray Love. (✿◠‿◠)

At 8:00am - Snapshot

2010-11-06T08:21:00.001+10:00

I am driving along on a motorway with my camera seating on the dashboard. When 8am appears on the car clock I am on my way to work, doing 100ks.

Let the Race Begin

2010-11-06T07:58:00.000+10:00

Even though I didn't win anything in the sweeps, it was a great day. I loved dressing up & wearing my lil' hat/fascinator.

It turned out better than I expected. A crochet white top hat, with lace sewn on under the rim for a girly effect. I used paper flowers from my scrapbook stash & matched them with my dress. The flowers were attached with jewel brads (also from scrap stash). Finishing touches were rick-rack ribbon & the butterfly.

A good Sunday

2010-11-01T12:57:00.001+10:00

To begin - I received a fantastic free crochet pattern from anjibeane for participating in the naming of it. Now dubbed the Neck Candy Neckpiece, what a wonderful pattern! How many colour combinations can I make & to go with what? Time to look through my wardrobe . . .

Neck Candy Neckpiece Pattern Available @ anjibeane Etsy Store

Next on the agenda - Make my little hat/fascinator, so I had to give the puppy a treat for him to leave me alone . . . then I could crochet. He has to be right near me, preferably touching me naaawwww Y my boy. (More on the fascinator later when it is all finished.)

Out & About – After some crocheting I ducked out with Mum to go opp/thrift shopping. Something which I have wanted to do for quite a while, yay! My most exciting find were two small wooden bowls at $1.50 each. Bargain. Not sure what to do with them yet . . . paint, sand & varnish . . . or even where to put them?

At 5:00pm - Snapshot

2010-10-30T08:03:00.002+10:00

Something new has started over at eighteen25. At a scheduled time each Thursday (Friday in Oz), we each take a photo of what is happening in our lives.

For me, this is what was going on -

I was drawing/designing the Alice In Wonderland tattoo for my arm.

Cock your Hat, Angles are Attitudes - Frank Sinatra

2010-10-29T15:26:00.000+10:00

It's Melbourne Cup next week so . . . what an excuse to have some yummy food, dress up and help get through another working week. We are expected to bring a plate of food and wear a hat or fascinator. FUN! Which means . . . I can MAKE myself a cute little hat.

Some Inspiration:

Etsy Store - Black Crochet Mad Hatter Hat

EveryoneIsMadHere

Flicker - ¡¡¡Ohhhh!!!
Lu Muñoz

Flickr - Doll.
Lu Muñoz

I'm thinking a crochet top hat, very much like the mad hatters. Thanks to Renske's blog Fun and Fang for just that . . .

Crochet Pattern - Mad Hatters Hat

. . . with some sort of crochet flower and beautiful ribbon that is long enough to drape down with my hair. The only other decision to make is if it will have netting, maybe lace - hhhhmmm. Time to get designing.

Granny Stripes Blanket . . . The Beginning.

2010-10-28T07:21:00.001+10:00

I know that black & white are usually used as the neutral colour, but I'm drawn to tan, brown, beige. I find it more subtle, I just love it! I use these colours as a background in some of my scrapbooking as well. It's the colour I tend to reach for first.

I'm so happy with how the blanket is coming along, it's an enjoyment to make. With such a great & easy pattern the blanket is building up rather quickly & at times I find it hard to put down!

Some of my layouts using tan/brown/beige background.

New Book to add to My Collection

2010-10-23T14:00:00.001+10:00

I picked up Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventure in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass for $8.99. What a great bargin & I can't wait to read it. Just after I finish Stieg Larsson - The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Granny Stripes Tester

2010-10-23T08:00:00.000+10:00

My Dad has been asking me to make a blanket for him for quite a while now. Part of the reason it has taken me so long to start is because I hadn't found a pattern I liked. This is a test run using the colours I have chosen for the blanket. I'm glad I picked the pattern up easily. Now time to start the real thing.

Granny Stripes Pattern over at Attic24

Cluck Clutch Complete

2010-08-29T16:15:00.000+10:00

Looking at it now, there doesn't seem much too it. So understanding why it took so long to make is beyond me. It did feel like a big task.

I can't wait to show it off.

The Cluck Clutch pattern designed by the talented Brigitte at roman sock.

First Test Shot with My NEW CAMERA !

2010-08-27T17:15:00.000+10:00

Yay, I can be snap happy again. My old camera just didn't have it anymore. I am still going through the manual. A lot more functions. But results are great . . . so far.

My First Ever, Cute, Gorgeous Puppy !!

2010-08-20T15:39:00.001+10:00

Finally after quite a while of waiting, I/We can have a puppy. There are 13 more sleeps until he arrives. I have only seen a few photos of him, but I'm so in ❤ already. I have edited a couple of them. Here are the before & afters.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Chico & "the list"

2010-08-06T17:58:00.000+10:00

Chico - Serious Cute Factor

I saw this pattern on one of my favourite Etsy shops a while ago. When I did I instantly knew I had to make it for my partner. He has always wanted a pure breed English Bull Terrier. I think his head is so cute & a really fantastic elongated egg shape. I found making the ears the most challenging.

There are a number of patterns for varies dog breeds available

on jaravee's shop and they all have serious cute factor.

I have complied a list of the the crochet projects I want to complete in the near future, and as fast as I can. I have added that project list to my blog. You will be able to see what upcoming items I maybe working on. I will update "the list" as I finish each item.

Bobbly Birthday Bird

2010-07-22T22:12:00.003+10:00

If I had asked myself a few months ago "Could I make this and it turn out that good?", I would have said "No". I have found amigurumi quite challenging at times, especially when attaching parts. And there were a lot of parts to attach on this bird. The 3 toes on each leg, the 2 legs to the body & the 2 wings to the body.

One of the very first crochet toys I made was a purple octopus with 8 legs to attach. I almost threw in the towel on that one. The number of times I tried to get those legs sewn on! All on the same row, so they had to fit perfectly one next to the other. Now it only takes me three attempts at the most to attach a limb. Yay!

This Bobbly Bird pattern from rosieok's Etsy store, I used to make the pink Bobbly Bird for my Sister-in-laws birthday present. I adore the way it has turned out . . . hhhmm aqua blue one for me?

I feel like a Crochet Machine

2010-07-10T11:36:00.002+10:00

Never have I taken to such a hobby. I crochet on my breaks at work. I crochet after work. I crochet in bed at night watching T.V. I crochet on the weekends. When I'm not crocheting, I'm thinking about it. Unless I'm asleep (I haven't had a dream about crocheting yet).

I'm working on an Amigurumi animal for a birthday present. But I also want one for myself. So I've got a little production line going. It's working out well, I started last weekend & I'm about half-way through. I've been stuck on changing colours each line to get stripes. The part where I change the colours seems to have big holes.

But I kept at it, tried different ways & I have now figured it out. So hopefully by the end of the weekend I will be close to finishing. Then I have to start on another birthday present !!

I finished the scarf I wanted to make for myself. I think it has turned out well. The day I wore it to work my friends seemed to like it & were hinting that they would love one *cough*purple*cough*.

I had a little experiment in Photoshop Elements with this photo. I like finding new things I can do.

Halfway Through 2010

2010-07-04T10:10:00.002+10:00

It is the first week in July & I think I should get started on thinking about Christmas presents. I am hoping to make a fair few handmade presents. Last year made a couple. One of them being this family tree canvas for my Nan & Pop. They seemed to really like it. I find handmade presents are much more personal.

I have some ideas floating around in my head already, I just hope I'm going to have enough time to get them done! But even before that I have 3 birthdays coming up soon & close to each other. I'm keeping my fingers crossed & eye focused on the end of the tunnel. And amongst all this I'm going to try & find time to scrapbook - I have so much to catch up on in that area.

Winter Warmers

2010-06-26T15:06:00.000+10:00

Mittens

My first attempt at these mittens & they turned out fairly good. They do come in handy for me. My steering wheel is leather & in winter it gets very cold. I love wearing them in the morning, during the week when I'm driving to work.

Get the Fingerless Mittens pattern on Etsy at melpdesigns shop.

Scarf

This scarf most definitely didn't turn out like the picture. I think because I used a smaller crochet hook (I have limited crochet supplies, for now). And the pattern uses bulky weighted wool, I had 8ply at home (again, limited supplies).

However, I do like the way it turned out. It isn't long enough for me (I like long scarves) but I think it is perfect for my god-daughter.

She is always playing with her cousin who is around the same age as her. I want to make them one each so they can be a matching pair. I have some nice aqua wool that will be perfect.

Using light brown & white wool I'm going to try to make a scarf in this style for myself. Elements that I want to include:

Longer
Stripe - Light Brown & White
Double Crochet - Instead of Half-Double Crochet

I got the Ruffled Scarf pattern from LionBrand.

Discovered - Yarn Bombing

2010-06-19T08:30:00.000+10:00

All I can think is "How Wonderful". Imagine walking down the street, you could be on your way to work, or meeting friends for a coffee. And you see this . . .

Yarn bombing is a form of graffiti or street art but in knit or crochet form. You could say that they are art installations in public. Imagine hundreds of people walking past and admiring your fantastic work. The main appeal of this kind of graffiti, besides it being so CUTE, is that it's not permanent and can be easily removed. The people that create these installations are fantastic!

Thanks to Yarn Bombing.com I am absolutely inspired. There are many more examples of yarn bombing, so go check it out.

This Is ALL I Have To Show For A Long Weekend

2010-06-14T18:25:00.000+10:00

Monday (today) is a public holiday so I got a 3 day weekend. I thought what a great opportunity to get some things done. It turned out I only got one thing done. I had a major block when trying to think of ideas & I spent most of the time going through magazines trying to find inspiration. Here is what I came up with . . .

I was really happy to have used the Nursery Rhyme paper I have had for a very long time. It worked well that the paper had a image of a golliwog doll, and the present that is being opened is a golliwog doll.

I used my newly discovered craft (crochet), to make some cute flowers for the layout. Also I made a ruffle & lace affect along the bottom of the page. Folded strips of paper for the ruffles & scalloped cut white paper to mimic lace.

Around the text, I put some gorgeous jewels & pearls. For something that took me so long, it doesn't seem like much . . . . must try harder.

Amigurumi - Monster 'Ike'

2010-06-08T13:06:00.006+10:00

Super Cute & Cool !

I'm so pleased with myself. Thanks to jaravee's shop at Etsy for the Cute Monsters pattern. Yes there is more than one & I plan to make them all.

Ok, so I cheated on this one . . . I didn't feel confident enough to change colours every few rounds so I used a multi-colour wool instead. But when I make Poko Chan (tall hat with pom pom) I will test my crochet skills & give it a go.

Next up on the crochet agenda:

a winter accessory
something for a baby

Super Cute Photo

2010-06-06T18:25:00.005+10:00

I was playing in Photoshop Elements today. I have some cute little pictures of my niece that needs something done to them. I think most photos have potential you just have to find it.

I am almost finished the other crochet project I have been working on, which is great because I have plenty more I want to start! My aim is to have it done and posted some time tomorrow.

Owl #2

2010-06-06T14:31:00.005+10:00

The first owl (dark brown), I made for my Mum for Mother's Day. I decided it will be cute if I make a little family of owls.

I will make a set of three in co-ordinating colours so that they match. The dark brown owl is the largest, this owl (2nd) will be the middle size. One more to go.

Success, At Least One Goal Achieved

2010-05-30T20:35:00.011+10:00

I finished a layout today. I'm so glad to have at least one thing completed, my weekend went so quickly that I'm surprised to have done this much.

I've noticed the flag rope used in a few layouts in magazines recently & I knew it would be perfect to use with these photos.

I wanted to show the sky above the flag rope, I didn't have any cloud paper so I had to make my own. I just cut out cloud shapes, put them on top of some white cardstock and spray painted over them. I then flicked a few splashes of light blue paint over it.

I used some snowflake rubons to convey that August is still cold & windy in Queensland. I really adore the little stickers I've used through out the layout. They are actually made of foam.

Small Change Of Plans

2010-05-29T13:23:00.009+10:00

After work on Friday afternoon, I decided that I was going to organise my scrap supplies. I didn't know what I had or where I had it. I will not be able to make good layouts without knowing all the great stuff I have. Such a wonderful idea has taken me forever ! It is now early Saturday afternoon & I still have a few small piles to sort out, some rubbish to get rid of & places to find for things I don't need anymore.

Something cute did come out of this. I had found a KaiserCraft, Beyond the Page Ribbon Box I had decorated a while ago. I needed a place for my ribbon & be able to display it so I know what I have to use. Box + Ribbon =

So now I have no completed crochet projects to share & also still to get started on some layouts. I wonder what I will get done today. . .

What I Have Been Working On . . .

2010-05-28T07:25:00.005+10:00

I have compiled a list of all the 'tasks' I need to catch up on. The majority of that list consists of developed photos to scrapbook. There are 17 lots of photos, some will need to be double layouts. I think I'm going to need a new album by the end of it.
For the past week and half I have been concentrating on 2 crochet projects which I hoped to have finished on or by Friday night. I really want to have these done by then so I can spend my weekend starting on my large stack of photos.

Hopefully by the end of the weekend I will be able to share my 2 finished crochet projects & at the very least 1 completed scrapbook layout.

Recent Creations That Sparked My Focus

2010-05-22T15:22:00.006+10:00

My Mum taught me how to crochet when I was quite young. However, I never really took up the craft until very recently. I'm kicking myself now because I could have been making gorgeous amigurumi years ago.
I have been crocheting again for two months now. I make the amigurumi from patterns and it takes me about 2 - 3 weeks to finish each toy.

The octopus pattern I got for free at Lion Brand and the owl pattern from Roman Sock.

My attempts don't look exactly how the patterns depict them, but I'm extremely happy with the end results.

After many months (almost over a year) of not being productive, crocheting these animals made me realise how much I miss 'making things'. Especially scrapbooking !!