Summer in a Bowl

Ireland is currently experiencing some of the highest temperatures ever recorded. This week shall live in legend! 

Myself and my Mother went for a run about the cliffs of Clogherhead (my Mam's home village). We wore dresses and shoes! That's all! No fleeces, no sweaters, no jeans for us. No, Siree! Glorious...

Sea-thrift over Clogherhead, Ireland

 

View out over the head at Clogherhead, Ireland

However, if aliens were to land here now, they would, understandably, conclude that Humans are a lobster coloured species whose skin peels, enthusiastically, off at the rate of 1 new full body layer per week.

In response to the heat I have created a crafting domain (or nest, if I'm truthful ) just a few steps outside the back garden so that I can retreat swiftly to the kitchen when I start to burn.

On such sojourns to the kitchen I like to prepare my favorite little fruit salad, perfect for the soaring temperatures.

Here are the ingredients for a little Summer in a Bowl Salad

 

• chopped peaches (or blueberries or banana or apple.. you get the picture, follow your heart)
• chopped strawberries
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 pot of 0% fat coconut Greek yogurt (or flavor of your choosing)
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp milled linseed

1. Combine fruit and yogurt in a bowl

2. Take scissors, ball up your basil leaves and snip them to bits over your bowl. Just snip them   right up.

3. Scatter the almonds over.

4. Toss honey and linseed into the party.

 

 

WOLLLAAA

Basil and strawberries should get married. 

Mostly so that I can eat their progeny.

 

Necessity is the Mother, Spray paint is the Pop

I don't know how many of you guys read Centsational Girl but if you do then you probably share my wonder at her ability to effect complete transformations using spray paint and little else.
Recently I had to come up with a cheap, fun but still presentable way to make prizes for a sports tournament at work. My original idea was to make medals from fimo, stamp them with the organisations name, the year and the event and then cover them in gold leaf (which I already had). Alas, post varnishing the prototype experienced some sort of weird oxidation effect and it looked like a doubloon which had been submerged for a few hundred years( I'll add a photo purely for comic effect once I find the little blighter).
Then it hit me (or spritzed me) SPRAY PAINT. I wasn't sure if the hardware shops here would be up to the challenge but shame on me, not only did they have spray paint - they had Rustoleum -Centsational Girl's brand of choice.
I picked the super shiny gold and rest is paint splattered history. Even my tiny flower pot got a coat!


I've come across a few other ideas for the remainder of that can of gold. Oh dear, I'm feeling a Midas moment coming on. Click the pics for the link to these other wonderful blogs.



Goldfinger...you've got competition.

Run around Sally.

Is it just me or does the new year exercise craze really seem to be sticking this year? The paths of Dublin will be pounded to a fine powder if we keep this up!
My fella ( to use the colloquialism ) is a "runner for life" with 2 marathons under his belt at only 27. He asked me to read this book as even though it's quite new it has becoming a bit of a runner's bible.
Now even the Etsy Storque blog is getting on the endorphin inducement. Check out the this post on the Zen of Running: http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/noted-the-zen-of-running-12278/

Shop Update!

Been a busy little bee lately updating my shop. Hoping to stimulate a bit more traffic on my Etsy so we'll see how it goes.
Here are a few of the items I've been posting recently





Still got loads to come too. Whew! I'll have this photo editing thing down to a fine art in no time.

Monday, Monday

Need something to perk you up, make you laugh? I know I usually do on a dreary old Monday.
If you've never read the Cake Wrecks blog you are missing out on real belly laughs and some truly stomach turning confections.
All the featured cakes are professionally made, actually on sale! I mean, take a look at this little girls birthday cake. Terrifying!

The writers are also hilarious. You won't be disappointed:
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Charlotte Holmes

This little number is a piece I recently completed. It had been sitting in my UFO pile (that's "unfinished objects" to all you non-procrastinators out there) for so long that tackling was really a cathartic act cause I was just so sick of looking at it! By the way, does anyone else have more clothes in their refashioning piles than in the wardrobe or do I just have a problem?

And were back. So this cape began it's existence as a hideous, humongous suit jacket that fastened with a suede ribbon thingy. The only extra supplies I used in the refashion were bias binding and a vintage button.
My process was far from exemplary (even if you ignore the 2 year gap) and it's not photogenic inside but it's still effective and of course, unique!
A brief outline of this method would be as follows:

1. Try on jacket and mark with chalk the length you would like the arms to be.
2. With the jacket layed out measure a straight line from your chalk marks to the centre point and then come down about three inches and mark with chalk. Draw a smooth curve connecting your marks. Check you like the length then mark the back similarly.
   
3. Pin lining to facing and cut your shape out.
4. Unpick collar and sleeves.
5. Pin the shoulders of your sleeves to the body and see what needs to be kept, add an inch or two for seam and then cut the excess from the sleeve.
6. Re-attach sleeve.
7. Bias bind bottom of your cape and up the open centre and collar if you like.
8. My collar was made from the suede ribbon which came with the jacket I simply sewed it over the raw edge left from the unpicked collar.
9. Make a fastener from a button, ribbon or even a cardigan clip (which I hope to have a tute up for very soon)

Do excuse the death stare. No future as a model I fear.

Now if you are looking for a cape How-To that's a little less rough then follow the link below and learn from the ever-resourceful Meg of Enderby Designs.
http://www.threadbanger.com/episode/THR_20081205

Wooly Escapades

The colder days are blowing in complete with nipped noses and ears. While I haven't come up with anything in the way of an attractive nose cosy I have got the ears covered (no pun intended).

Inspired by the basic concept of this lovely creation,
I decided to crochet a version and whittle down some of my stash of random single balls of wool.
It's not as soft looking as the knitted version, an aspect of crochet I often lament, but it works up faster and I think I might love shell stitch. This project is so easy, honestly, a great starting point for someone just starting crochet who wants to try a more decorative stitch.
The wool I used was 50g of Jaeger Siena 4 Ply and the hook was 3.5mm

So on to the pattern my lovelies.
Chain 32,
Row 1. Single crochet into 2nd chain from hook, skip 2, {double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2, single crochet into next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. For the next shell just double crochet into the stitch three times. Each row should have 4 and a half shell patterns.
Row 2. Chain one, turn, {single crochet into next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. On the last shell double crochet into the stitch three times.
Row 3. Repeat Row 2
Row 4. Repeat Row 2 ... and so on
Continue like this until you have a strip of about 61cm (24 inches).

When complete twist in the centre. You can sew together or crochet the ends together. I crocheted and this is what the seam looks like:
I'm currently working on a slimmer one in purple which I may put up for a giveaway if you are really good! As always if you have any question just holla!

Let's take it to the Street's

Feel like picking up some Sailmaker's Daughter pieces, like the ones below, from a brick and mortar shop? A month ago I would have said "tough luck dumb-dumb".

But now, well now things have changed. Wait for it.....
I have a concession in Lucy's Lounge in Temple Bar. HURRAH!

I've been selling there for just under a month and it's going really well.
Lucy's is such a quirky spot and if you have an eye for the vintageous then you should check out all the lovely wares. Deirdre, the owner is very cool and the place has a really welcoming vibe.
Check out their blog for more info on Lucy's Lounge: http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/

Swap Meet

I've joined a new site called the Swap Workshop. I was thinking it would be a great way to move some of the impulse purchases of supplies I've made - you know how it is: "Oh, this mini chainsaw is half price, it's so cute and I've been meaning to try my hand at ice sculpting". Story of my life.
I'm hoping it might also be a way of moving items which have been ignored on my etsy as I don't believe in renewing an item more than 3 times unless it had A LOT of hearts.
Swap shops could be a great boon for the crafters out there, after all we are each others best customers, plus you can swap vintage or supplies as well. Here's the blurb from the site if you think it sounds like your cup o' chai:

If you are anything like me you work very hard for a living, raising the kids, running the house and even holding down a "proper" job?

On top of this you choose to open your online shop because you love to make things or are passionate about life gone bye. In these difficult times wouldn't it be great to supplement the sales from our shops and get those little extras by trading or swapping the things we have!

Now, life is hectic enough without involving ourselves in another full time activity. So, what if you could choose a couple of items, list them somewhere and almost forget about them until another person wanted them? Sounds easy? Then Swap Workshop is the place for you.

In just the first 2 weeks, we have 35 new members, 40 listed items and so there is plenty to choose from. Membership is FREE, no item is for sale, just the cost to ship your item!

Take a look at our introduction and if you join before the end of August. You will receive free points when you list just 3 items!

Swap Workshop - the place to swap handmade, vintage or craft supply items!

www.swapworkshop.com

Have a great weekend guys. Smooches!

Fall Hard

I made it into another treasury (I said that like I'm always in 'em - alas not quite).
This Treasury focuses on the hues of Autumn and features many wonderful Irish etsy sellers.
It makes even a summer bunny like me think wistfully about wrapping up for the colder months.
My Orange you Glad Now earrings are included.

Skirting Summer

My skirt for the Summer essentials sewing has been finished for 2 weeks now but I'm only just getting round to posting it. I'm a disaster I know. I actually have a shrug finished too but I'll save that for another eon shall I?

This skirt is made from my Aunts curtain valances which she gave me before Christmas.
I love the flowery summer fabric.
I used a tutorial from burdastyle as my base and then changed it up a bit to suit the fabric and effect I was going for: http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/nayantara%E2%80%99s-quick-party-skirt

As you can see it's a little short which is why I didn't hem it and just left it overlocked. I do like the length though. It's racy!

This photo is the truest colour:


Here's the skirt with the (store bought) top that it was intended for. I wore it out with a bunch of the gals and everyone thought it was a dress. I like that it's versatile that way AND *it has pockets*.
Only a week left before I go on holidays to Marrakesh so I better get the sewing (and blogging) skates on to make the start of August deadline. Click the Summer Essentials button at the top of the page to see what the other participants have made.

Sew Summer Essentials: Dress

I've joined the Summer Essentials Sew-Along that is going on over here:
http://wardrobereimagined.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-essentials-sew-along.html

The basic gist is that you make 5 items from the 6 categories by August. The catagories are:
Poolside Pretties;
Clam Diggers and co.;
Sweet and Sassy Skirts;
The Sundress;
Tee, Tunics and Blouses;
Those Summer Nights.

Due to the lack of inexpensive and pretty fabric round these parts 2 or 3 of my pieces will be recons. I think I'm gonna try to go for 6 items altogether as recons aren't as intensive as from-scratch sewing.
Without further ado here is my first recon project - My Sundress!

Before:
It's a nice enough dress but I just don't like shirt collars plus it's all a bit tired looking.


After:
A sweet heart neckline and gathered straps for a more pin-up style. It's a few inches shorter now to boot, sitting about 2" above my knee, which is much better on my 5, 1" frame.

I like it much better. What do you guys think?
Skirt next I think and it shall have a scalloped hem. This is the inspiration (plus a tutorial link) that I'll be using: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=333760.0

Oh and the necklace is from my new line of pennant necklaces. Check them on my mini on etsy if you likey.

Get thee to a Gallery

The Science Gallery to be exact. This is the final week that you can see the woolly wonder of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef.
I truly enjoyed this exhibition and if you are interested in any manner of wool craft I would say it's a must see.
The exhibition highlights environmental issues surrounding coral and reef formation using ingenious methods which yield awe inspiring results. Given my interest in both marine biology and crafting it was a real treat for me.

The Bleached reef highlights the phenomenon of coral bleaching which happens as a result of stress to the coral by environmental conditions or over feeding by coral predators such as certain starfish.

The Toxic Reef is an effort to portray the damage that plastic is doing to our seas and the ocean floor.
The frightening inspiration for this piece is what is known as, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch is great indeed (in the physical sense). It is 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
A swirling mass of non-degradable waste caused by currents to collect off the coast of Hawaii, the GPGP will be a reminder of a throw-away mentality that will still be choking our seas in many hundred of years time. Small pieces (relatively speaking) break off and litter the nearest shores while other bits sink to the ocean floor and become a permanent fixture in our planets geological strata.
Knock on effects such as the blocking out of light to the plant and animal life below by the 30 meter deep plastic pain in ass will also come to bear their sticky petroleum-based fruit. The patch will of course result in a dead zone similar to areas blighted by acid blooms like those off our own coast. Sorry I'm ranting. Crafting, yes.. I digress.

There were many other wonders made from beads and glowing tubing, all a feast for the eyes and a splendid marvel for all and for any hookers (crochet hooks, people) out there- a real inspiration.
Not to forget of course the Irish reef which celebrated our homegrown talent and homegrown reefs off the west.
Hyperbolic mathematics are explained in diagrams and by helpful staff if you are particularly eager. Kids, both young and young at heart, can try their hand at applying the idea to making a paper soccer ball at an activity table up stairs. So go, play, enjoy and tell me what you thought.

Oh there is also a lecture tomorrow on Ireland's cold water coral reefs which I know I'll be going to. Check out the website for a list of events to come: http://sciencegallery.com/this_is_science_gallery

Sailboats and Salutations

Hope you are all having a smashing bank holiday weekend (or a smashing regular weekend if you're not from round these parts.)
I spent yesterday at the Maritime Festival in Dublin with a friend and her family. Lots of sails and sailors. My crafty self felt very at home.
This photo was taken from on-board an Irish Navy gunboat. Despite the imposing sky it was actually a very warm day.

I came home after my delightful outing to find that I had sold and item and my Curious Corvid lavender bag had been featured on a blog round-up of black crows. Ah, twas a great day altogether!
Check out the rest of the round-up from the lovely Vabo's Blog. http://vabodesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/76-day-12-whatever-tickles-my-fancy.html

They call me Mellow Yellow (quite rightly)

Hey Dudes and Dames. Bagged myself another Etsy Treasury. A woo-hoo.
Treasury is an interesting feature on the Etsy website which allows you to pick items and arrange them similar to what you see on Etsy's front page. Some Treasuries are picked for the front page too - if the tone is to the admin's liking. I think of it as a sort of mood board. Well here's mine anyhow:

If you wanna get a closer look at these babies just click the link below.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=131248

With spring well and truly sprung I decided it was high time for some green fingered gallivanting.
A small balcony and a window-sill to work with - a challenge but not impossible, I think you'll agree.
About 2 weeks ago we went to Homebase and got ourselves some potting compost, seeds and pots. Radish, Rocket, Lambs Lettuce and Parsley have been planted so far.
The radish were sprouted in about 3 or 4 days! It was so gratifying to see them popping up. Look at them now 2 weeks in they are flying up. They'll be ready to pick in another 3-4 weeks apparently. Yummers!
What do you think of my plant markers? I just drew the letter backwards roughly on to a pieces of card and cut away. Then I just free handed the little radish beside it. Twas shocking easy.
Tried a different style R for the Rocket but don't like the effect as much.

I'd love to give these guys a go sometime. They're just darling, don't you think?

Slings and Arrows

Hi everyone. Obviously I'm on a bit of a hiatus. I'm kinda re-evaluating my crafting business. Having changed jobs twice already in 2010 life has been eventful in general. My new job is part time though so I had decided to make a real go at the Etsy business. Just when I was getting my butt in gear I had a set back in the form of an imitator. Crap right? While I understand this is part of putting your creations out there it's unpleasant none the less.
I'm gonna take a while to craft for myself and just enjoy that without concentrating on the business. I won't be shelving the business but I won't be making it the focus of my creativity for a while. Lets call it comfort crafting. I'll post anything worth while on the blog if I get a chance. Here are some things I'll be trying:

Popcorn Squares Afghan

Cocktail Umbrella Lantern

Beautiful Holly Golightly inspired dress from Burdastyle user Myk

Tried it Tuesday!

I had been meaning to get reviews in of some tutorials so without further a-do I bring you.. a something I made earlier:
Paper carnations
You may remember these rustling beauties from an earlier blog post.
Here's their version....
Gorgeous aren't they. I just had to try it!

So here are mine....
They were very simple. I didn't have everything they required but I improvised. I had no gardening tape so I substituted thick gauge jewelery wire, adding masking tape at the tip and base of the flower to secure things. Neither did I have 'felt tips' so I used the fabric markers I have laying about.
I think it turned out well, all things considered, don't you? I would definitely recommend this tutorial for a quick, low maintenance way to spruce up your living space this spring.