Recycled Junk

The rainy weather has continued so I have lots of inside time which is great for preparation. I started by cutting up the form guide into 11 cm wide strips. This is for an experimental project.







Then I took to a pile of junk mail.

Then finally the comics from the Sunday papers.

That pile is now paper beads.

Today the rain has eased to showers with a promise of fine weather this afternoon. I might just have enough time to finish cutting up the rest of the junk mail. That is before the next lot arrives in the letter box.

Monograms

While on holidays last October I started embroidering some monograms on scraps of hand dyed fabric. I was also using left over lengths of hand dyed threads.







They have sat on the work bench ever since waiting to be finished. Today's rainy weather provided the perfect excuse to sit and stitch. Nothing too mind bending though.

Just simple buttonhole stitch in lots of bright contrasting colours. Love that I used materials I already had. Must do more of that. Beats keeping the stash tidy.

Art Pop Quiz 2

I've continued playing with the technique from this post. This time I used paper towel. The results are a little different to fabric. Would like to try using a lesser quality paper towel. Here a few before and after shots.






Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

To me it is a little like looking at clouds. I see flowers in this one. What do you see?

Takadai Braid Progress

This is my first 2/2 Oblique Twill Braid.







After one complete sequence.

After 3 sequences you can see that the braid is just past the Torii Bar.

And after 5 sequences the braid has just started to roll around the warp roller. I have to admit that I felt all at sea to begin with; couldn't get used to the rythym of the braid. After 5 sequences though I'm starting to get the hang of it.......I think.

Art Pop Quiz

What are these?







They are each about 10cm square.

Made with? Check your kids school bags.

And the bathroom cabinet.

Any ideas? I'm not telling yet. I'm too busy playing with them. One last hint. This is so much fun to do AND is suitable for children. Now that was 2 more hints. Stay tuned for the answer.

Not Goodbye

Yesterday, Linda from Lilly Cottage closed her shop due to health reasons. I feel a litle sad that I will no longer be able to see her every day but that is just being selfish. I am more excited for all the new oportunities that Linda can now explore.



Linda and I have known each other long before she opened Lilly Cottage across the road from us. We were both stall holders at the markets at the same time. I was on the committee and I walked past Linda's stall every Sunday on the way to those boring meetings. We often conspired together on ways to liven up those boring old men. While we are quite diferent people we are very similar in others. We are both determined people ( the 'D'word is good, the 'S' word is bad), both enjoyed family holidays at her new home Bribie Island, and have similar values and beliefs.



I have learnt a lot from Linda here are a few of my favourites:

1. Pink is not just a colour, its a decorating style.


2. This one is the most recent lesson. Tickling the roof of your mouth stops you from crying. Must do before you get to the "ugly crying" part.


3. It is possible in this day and age to raise three beautiful children with lovely manners and values. I will miss their visits to the shop to share what Santa brought or what they got for their Birthdays.


4. This one is huge. Scientist have spent millions searching for a biodegradible, eco friendly cleanser. All they needed to do was ask Linda. One's own spit is THE answer.


Now enough sentimental stuff. Lets move to some pics.







This innocent bauble from my trip to Japan inspired Linda's gift. For the last 2 years I have been pondering how they folded the braid into that shape. Not wanting to unpick it, I have been experimenting.

Linda gave me these fabric strips when she moved, "Can you use these?", she asked. So I kept experimenting. And came up with these.

Linda now has a little box of these charms. I gave them to her with a challenge to make something from them. I can't wait to see what she comes up. Oh and by the way, I'm still no closer to working out how the braid was folded.

Todays Radio Show

Today on the 4BC radio segment we discussed crafty ways to reuse Christmas Leftovers. I've listed the links here. Have fun.

Hayley from ReRead's ReCards.

Paper n Stitch's Stamp Project

Recycled Notepads

Bottle Cap Charms

Paper Quilts from Michaela Laurie

Junk Mail Reused

Scrunch Cricket

Envelope Book

Paper Beads

On days when the markets are set up I like to be doing something when customers come into the shop. Many aren't crafty and just wander in for a look around. My first plan was to wind this cone of silk thread into skeins.

But I couldn't concentrate. There was sooooo much music going on outside. In the space of about 50 m we had Carollers, the Buskers, the Band and the Roving Trumpet Player. All playing at the same time. Is it possible to have too much?

So onto Plan B. I had a bag of paper all ready for rolling into beads. This all started life as junk mail. I haven't even made a dent in the pile that has been delivered over the last 2 weeks.

They don't take long to make and you end up with some pretty colours and designs. Ahhhh! quiet at last.

The Crafter's Way 122 - Aussie Gingerbread Man

This is the last Messenger column for this year. "The Crafter's Way" will return mid January.




Gingerbread Decoration.

To make a Gingerbread Decoration you are going to need: 1 piece tan felt (this will make 2). Sewing needle, Stranded cotton, ribbon for hanging, small amount of stuffing (optional).If making the Aussie Gingerbread Man you will also need a small scrap of Christmas fabric.









Step 1: Trace off 2 each of template or draw your own shape.




Step 2: Transfer face markings to 1 felt shape; this will be the front. If small children are making these you might also like to make some small dots as stitching guides.

Step 3: Stitch eyes, mouth etc on front.

Step 4: Place 2 felt shapes together and start stitching using running stitch.

Step 5: When you get to the middle of the head, fold ribbon in half, insert ribbon and secure. Continue stitching. If you wish to stuff your gingerbread man leave a small opening. Gently insert stuffing then stitch opening close.

To make the Aussie Gingerbread Man Follow steps 1-3, Using template trace a pair of board shorts from the Christmas fabric. Place 2 felt shapes together with shorts on top and join together using blanket stitch. Continue with Step 5 as above.

Personalise your Gingerbread man by mixing and matching the above instructions for stitching. Replace face stitching with sequins or buttons. To make a brooch: reduce template by 50%.


Return to more of "The Crafter's Way"

Kumihimo Convert

They say if you can't beat them then join them. Alan has become quite a competent braider.








Here he is demonstrating out the front of the shop. Alan has even sold a couple of his braids, he was very excited about that.

I've had this vintage stocking silk for a while now so I decided that I would dye it for Alan to braid with.

When I opened the wrapping I found the care instructions carefully tucked inside.

So yesterday afternoon I started cutting the silk threads to length.

There was heaps, so much more than I imagined. It looks a little like spaghetti. Now because there is so much the dyeing is now on the backburner for now. I might even let Alan choose the colour.

Don't Run with Sharp Objects

The title is little melodramatic I admit.

But people wonder why I don't use a rotary cutter. The poor thing was sitting on the table minding its own business when I scraped my hand across the blade. One more scar to add to the collection. It is official, I'm a clutz!

ReRead Win

Hayley from ReRead recently hosted a giveaway on her blog and I won it.






Hayley makes the most wonderful quirky cards from recycled books. She even made the envelope. This reminds me that I have 2 different sized perspex templates somewhere.

Inside were 4 gift cards.

Love the sayings.

And some Christmas Cards. I know exactly who is getting the 'crank up the stereo' gift card. Thanks Hayley!