tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90973247419084015822024-02-19T04:18:49.176+00:00Gifts by JennyMy little world of handmade gifts, knitting, crochet and family lifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-57454936845201305772014-02-28T11:19:00.000+00:002014-02-28T11:25:02.630+00:00Pinterest Picks - February 2014<div style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px;">
Here's a quick roundup of a few of my favourite images this month:</div>
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First - following on the Star Wars theme from Valentines Day:</div>
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<img alt="star wars cool stuff" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152907.jpg" data-mce-style="border: 0px; border-style: none;" height="131" src="https://login.create.net/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152907.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; outline: black solid 1px;" title="star wars cool stuff" width="400" /></div>
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Star Wars rubber ducks - Valentine quotes (note to self: might be useful next year!) - Han Solo encapsulated in a fridge door! Ha ha ha!!</div>
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Next some brilliant hat ideas:</div>
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<img alt="geeky hats" data-mce-src="/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152919.jpg" data-mce-style="border: 0px; border-style: none;" height="132" src="https://login.create.net/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152919.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="geeky hats" width="400" /></div>
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R2D2 hat (just the right shape) - ET hat, good idea but he didn't have blue eyes did he?? - Brain hat, LOVE THIS!!</div>
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Finally, so good ol' crochet and knitty fun stuff</div>
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<img alt="fun knits for feb" data-mce-src="/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152948.jpg" data-mce-style="border: 0px; border-style: none;" height="132" src="https://login.create.net/siteimages/28/1/1/281193/8152948.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="fun knits for feb" width="400" /></div>
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Knitted snowment being pulled by rabbits (very random, but brilliant - reminds me of Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit) - Monster Feet slippers, I need to make these! - and a Crochetdermy Rabbit Head which is just gorgeous!</div>
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If you love Pinterest, then do pop over and <a data-mce-href="http://www.pinterest.com/giftsbyjenny2/" href="http://www.pinterest.com/giftsbyjenny2/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0) !important;" title="Gifts by Jenny on Pinterest">follow my Pinterest boards</a> :)</div>
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See you soon - have a woolly weekend!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-16010751699503454412014-02-06T12:17:00.000+00:002014-02-06T12:17:09.783+00:00My 3 Favourite Fictional Couples<div style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia;">
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Not long until Valentines Day now... and everywhere is filled with hearts, flowers and happy couples!</div>
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Of course, if you're not part of a happy couple then you definitely need a knitted monster to hug instead - well, that's what Dave tells me anyway!</div>
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To follow the loved-up feeling in the air, I thought I would pick some lovely couples to share with you...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsBUWWgq5LRbRLls5tFzUPIw8Q0ZjLVfjFiJuZeFtJdjRTIVBM1-8mslUoTPfLxCnjtddmuy1B8sEXgPqy_kbgagl8cAKBL5Hrv7TplvqS9f0lIxTV8L48p5D1Cw15wWvSCrLlj7KRXD4/s1600/shrek+and+fiona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsBUWWgq5LRbRLls5tFzUPIw8Q0ZjLVfjFiJuZeFtJdjRTIVBM1-8mslUoTPfLxCnjtddmuy1B8sEXgPqy_kbgagl8cAKBL5Hrv7TplvqS9f0lIxTV8L48p5D1Cw15wWvSCrLlj7KRXD4/s1600/shrek+and+fiona.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a taster!<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.giftsbyjenny.com/blog/" target="_blank">Read the rest of this post</a> on my website :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-59591008523860659662012-03-05T14:40:00.000+00:002012-03-05T14:40:16.847+00:00Some Spring coloured creations!Hello again! It's gone rather chilly today - very different from the lovely mild weather we've had in the last week or so. Still, at least the sun is shining and so I can try and warm up my frozen fingers by telling myself that yes, it really is spring!<br />
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It's been a colourful week - I bought some lovely Cascade wool a while back and have been busy making a few bunny nuggets. Remember them? They got a mention last year in a <a href="http://www.giftsbyjenny.blogspot.com/2011/03/handmade-monday-more-recent-projects.html" target="_blank">recent projects</a> post! I would really love to make them all year round - maybe with seasonal add-ons like little sunglasses for summer, or Santa hats for Christmas. Maybe I'll get round to it soon....<br />
By the way, I should mention that the pattern is not my own creation - it's from a very clever lady called Rebecca Danger and if you want to make your own, here is the <a href="http://www.rebeccadanger.typepad.com/dangercraftsbunnynuggetknittingpattern.pdf" target="_blank">Bunny Nugget free pattern</a> that she kindly shares with everyone!<br />
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Here is the latest Bunny Nugget gang :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBS5Ozq9_ZRDDkKQOkYHmbJYFKuCCp7uBPBncpdZBo0VmnEnuJ7-kI3ZA0m1dVRGq-c9K3VDv5tAziQ5AoBrmLO_wAEuBeJDXkD4NuzjsuN29evod-enwTlZref_jW6FiEOCx_WRmWnTp/s1600/Bunny+Nuggets+Spring+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBS5Ozq9_ZRDDkKQOkYHmbJYFKuCCp7uBPBncpdZBo0VmnEnuJ7-kI3ZA0m1dVRGq-c9K3VDv5tAziQ5AoBrmLO_wAEuBeJDXkD4NuzjsuN29evod-enwTlZref_jW6FiEOCx_WRmWnTp/s320/Bunny+Nuggets+Spring+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny Nuggets for 2012! </td></tr>
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The one at the front has been turned into a keyring - perfect for a little Mothers' Day gift. If you love it, you can buy it from me <a href="http://www.giftsbyjenny.co.uk/userimages/Seasonal-Gifts(2666055).htm" target="_blank">on my website</a>.<br />
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Finally, at long last I finished my crochet baby blanket! I don't have any babies (and am definitely not expecting any more!!) but a baby blanket is just about the right size I think. A huge doube-bed sized blanket would take me far too long and boredom would soon set in!<br />
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I love the bright, spring-like colours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOYJ09pGJj7RS1vnvKLUeccztD3nT7D00WO8fdopPBSUz8Hwvt5k2DRH4_rO4wmdQ3-gWbFf_3dqSN3bVs_4Yrw-PSjX2BcGnmUv23E98gMwr5pZiSSpXROwS5xhP0LPDNCImZjwxTHIC/s1600/Baby+blanket+LoRes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOYJ09pGJj7RS1vnvKLUeccztD3nT7D00WO8fdopPBSUz8Hwvt5k2DRH4_rO4wmdQ3-gWbFf_3dqSN3bVs_4Yrw-PSjX2BcGnmUv23E98gMwr5pZiSSpXROwS5xhP0LPDNCImZjwxTHIC/s320/Baby+blanket+LoRes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlZh1NNpYqQXqgkWzCyHNB1MM-b_MXekd19yg0Bt0vKSedXTXvwo4WC_1nL4NPdR79I4VzZBtN5sGWXDp7l-tzAta-6Lw8U-8x5NfW_1vIsGDzbqWELf0zeedKOFbngayqVl_HzkgXGgF/s1600/Baby+blanket+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlZh1NNpYqQXqgkWzCyHNB1MM-b_MXekd19yg0Bt0vKSedXTXvwo4WC_1nL4NPdR79I4VzZBtN5sGWXDp7l-tzAta-6Lw8U-8x5NfW_1vIsGDzbqWELf0zeedKOFbngayqVl_HzkgXGgF/s320/Baby+blanket+detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny square baby blanket - finished!</td></tr>
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This has been keeping me lovely and warm over winter - and I'm quite sad to finish it. I will miss it's cosy softness sitting on my lap in the evenings. My next one is going to be an organic cotton one I think - just need to find some lovely colours, and wait until my husband isn't around to catch me spending yet more money on yarn!!<br />
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Don't forget to pop in and see what the other <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> bloggers have been up to.<br />
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Off now to warm my hands up on the dog!!<br />
Ooh! By the way, I've just discovered <a href="http://instagr.am/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> on my phone - it's brilliant, so expect some more of my attempts at photography soon.<br />
I snapped this one of Bea, our beagle, and I just love it :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8IkyIfGLOvcZnzNlB_4UrOFZEWb6eTJBqkcrVG2mnWBX7tZd92NOEzGG_JJ9JCI22OX8lTqYhJQKsefJqYWSGTo7KYyYWHfDcwL0Nhp3n0zGesb1z3i_qbM0qmjf6ZhZ9Lu_8Iz3-wb3/s1600/Beagle+photo+Bea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8IkyIfGLOvcZnzNlB_4UrOFZEWb6eTJBqkcrVG2mnWBX7tZd92NOEzGG_JJ9JCI22OX8lTqYhJQKsefJqYWSGTo7KYyYWHfDcwL0Nhp3n0zGesb1z3i_qbM0qmjf6ZhZ9Lu_8Iz3-wb3/s320/Beagle+photo+Bea.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea - looking very pretty!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-33329329683918673862012-02-27T13:57:00.000+00:002012-02-27T13:58:36.284+00:00Handmade Wedding KeepsakesRecently I've been working on something a bit different! As you know (or might not) I run a baby hand/foot casting business when I'm not busy being buried under knitting and crochet.<br />
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This year I've decided it's time to move into Wedding Impressions - after all, the whole 'handprint' idea is that it's a keepsake of a special time, capturing a wonderful moment and reminding you of those precious memories whenever you look at it - and weddings most definitely fall into that category!<br />
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I took some hand casts from my friends, then gathered together some lovely little wedding mementos and downloaded a royalty-free photo. They were all mounted together in a solid oak box frame, and I'm really pleased with the end result.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCNseZlp7c25WgCUHJrt0zRgfZwUH2yNksYhVdx5P1KRd4FUT8pLBpO9KD73iRRlSkQPj0XgH2adzskaEdsrgLO8xWZDoLcFCBUbRJnx3l6YeSzd79V10jhzHvd5g6aEBDBRlcA87puT5/s1600/WeddingMem2+LoRes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCNseZlp7c25WgCUHJrt0zRgfZwUH2yNksYhVdx5P1KRd4FUT8pLBpO9KD73iRRlSkQPj0XgH2adzskaEdsrgLO8xWZDoLcFCBUbRJnx3l6YeSzd79V10jhzHvd5g6aEBDBRlcA87puT5/s320/WeddingMem2+LoRes.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Impressions and keepsakes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I9TTtenZQLFl7P_UtIjtOrqvZIHinlXJItiJ7yQFhfUbcq7w1-EhUqA2H46lmxKV5hMySCvLXvYqGKQZw3Tg4npRRfzk7hM_Fazlgp2T5KOhNapca3iGugN2-oinfGcCrhbAnxgLvVzO/s1600/WeddingMem1+LoRes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I9TTtenZQLFl7P_UtIjtOrqvZIHinlXJItiJ7yQFhfUbcq7w1-EhUqA2H46lmxKV5hMySCvLXvYqGKQZw3Tg4npRRfzk7hM_Fazlgp2T5KOhNapca3iGugN2-oinfGcCrhbAnxgLvVzO/s320/WeddingMem1+LoRes.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up view</td></tr>
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I also did a bridesmaid one which you can see on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150576076987633.372918.321876602632&type=1" target="_blank">Little Impressions Stafford Facebook Page</a> - you can't see it in the photos but I added some confetti before I framed it too. Both frames got some really good feedback from a local wedding fair that my husband went to, so I'm looking forward to doing some more soon :)<br />
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If you have friends in Staffordshire who are getting married soon, then you can buy Impressions Vouchers online from <a href="http://www.little-impressions.com/acatalog/Casts_and_Vouchers.html" target="_blank">Little Impressions</a>.<br />
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And finally, here are some other lovely handmade wedding keepsakes that I spotted whilst browsing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEOsUsYNS3-qX596MORGoFJxpkhk8cZMU4G1H6PeQlGMysRp3dm3_X4wAwUO0ykgdX6T_j6AqQk4JQMguWmLns_F8ih62x1ywn3Pxh1QaZxGEmWgnMR2xbUEg75UClhBuP2hJz8qVHv05/s1600/Wedding+fingerprint+keepsake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEOsUsYNS3-qX596MORGoFJxpkhk8cZMU4G1H6PeQlGMysRp3dm3_X4wAwUO0ykgdX6T_j6AqQk4JQMguWmLns_F8ih62x1ywn3Pxh1QaZxGEmWgnMR2xbUEg75UClhBuP2hJz8qVHv05/s320/Wedding+fingerprint+keepsake.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding guest fingerprint art</td></tr>
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This is such a great idea - available from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84098283/finger-print-balloons-on-a-bicycle-built" target="_blank">Personalized Prints on Etsy</a></div>
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I couldn't do a blog post without some crochet, so here we are:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MgFT-qr4ozQQKnxoEOr7527ixlT_0SFDhLXRh8yrptx3zlpz03c1bO9-tRyv1hbwAcGsUWjtOonlxXzqFroE3M09mT14xSIgHBIA8kF8Av_phO5Xahlql6_0I6Jw31lubSQ7mRAhGExe/s1600/Crochet+stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MgFT-qr4ozQQKnxoEOr7527ixlT_0SFDhLXRh8yrptx3zlpz03c1bO9-tRyv1hbwAcGsUWjtOonlxXzqFroE3M09mT14xSIgHBIA8kF8Av_phO5Xahlql6_0I6Jw31lubSQ7mRAhGExe/s320/Crochet+stone.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful crochet covered stone</td></tr>
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These would make beautiful table decorations or wedding favours - see them at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93936817/wedding-decor-ring-bearer-pillow-rustic" target="_blank">Table Top Jewels on Etsy</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJNn23pmHTJT6sJF7kiRvXU2Yg6hKm0PktntNyj1r_e-k2vpdn1vEjoeTiyMT0m3pfiWcAdsS6vX_psRWJlN8KnxfQRWcRjIm3uU45H7bPEs7lvlTY8LfChExJRwDDCR5mVmT7TqCmyiv/s1600/crochet+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJNn23pmHTJT6sJF7kiRvXU2Yg6hKm0PktntNyj1r_e-k2vpdn1vEjoeTiyMT0m3pfiWcAdsS6vX_psRWJlN8KnxfQRWcRjIm3uU45H7bPEs7lvlTY8LfChExJRwDDCR5mVmT7TqCmyiv/s320/crochet+necklace.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet necklace</td></tr>
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Wish I could make these - see it on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/giftsbyjenny/wedding-keepsake-ideas/" target="_blank">Wedding Keepsakes Pinterest Board</a></div>
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Finally, don't forget to look at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> to see what the other creative people have been up to!</div>
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See you next time :)</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-81052532305846563702012-02-20T14:09:00.000+00:002012-02-20T14:12:55.470+00:00Owls everywhere!<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Here we are again - another Monday! As always, do visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> to see lots more lovely craft blogs. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I'm n</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">ot a having a very productive one here since the kids have a teacher training day, so one has gone out to work on homework with a friend, leaving the other one here all alone with no-one to play with! So I'd better get on with it...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">As mentioned last time, I've been introduced to Pinterest (notice my new button up at the top left?? *hint hint*) and I pinned one of my knitted creations on there. It seemed to get quite a lot of 'repins' so I thought I'd share it with you all too! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM23G9aNqJ7x0Wff8btsn6gBvPSgo4IOWznxHYG-KFqYyMMC8ehtmnCLs7HqnVECgd4YvG1YzQ56nM-Btl9gAtQWbmWalWbkboCFJWmpl9WwkirVpsARWu2h22Y93rIVEZ906ptJJSkQsO/s1600/Knitted+Sock+Owl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM23G9aNqJ7x0Wff8btsn6gBvPSgo4IOWznxHYG-KFqYyMMC8ehtmnCLs7HqnVECgd4YvG1YzQ56nM-Btl9gAtQWbmWalWbkboCFJWmpl9WwkirVpsARWu2h22Y93rIVEZ906ptJJSkQsO/s320/Knitted+Sock+Owl.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">My Little Knitted Sock Owl</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span>It's a prototype really - I think it needs a bit more 'cuteness' somehow. Maybe some more embroidery on it? Does anyone have any suggestions?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The owl was made from hand-dyed sock yarn, and is filled with plastic pellets and lavender so it smells gorgeous!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">This then got me thinking about all the lovely handmade owls that there are around, so here are some of my favourites:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZIefxEjk_i8F02z48sJkzWRERG0tl4joSCLULsv4uZma-8om93kUElux9Fe_ECI4gjzM2lY0ZczIDQtg7cGzIm-EW1BIFo3vJc4FTlBFRcTuUzHMHIaXrnn61N-hlM72iNqKX9EtUeJK/s1600/Mini+owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZIefxEjk_i8F02z48sJkzWRERG0tl4joSCLULsv4uZma-8om93kUElux9Fe_ECI4gjzM2lY0ZczIDQtg7cGzIm-EW1BIFo3vJc4FTlBFRcTuUzHMHIaXrnn61N-hlM72iNqKX9EtUeJK/s320/Mini+owls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91866842/little-hoots-tiny-crochet-owl-monsters-3" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">Tiny Crochet Owls on Etsy</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">These are so sweet! I want them all dangling off my bag.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73663088/pdf-pattern-cute-crochet-owl-cell-phone" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">Owl Mobile Phone Cosy on Etsy</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Here's another thing on my 'Projects to Make' list!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVDZYdiKernMwFPgT4ImugWqtaFweksHI3hsSmb6XmjONL3-v5xhf24mUNJqpUy10XaQZcmLq6pbcX5JxVnIpq8mdm38sC54nVqiHd1mWZbNKUwzy0UVFmIAvGUWq6GX9rXzHBZSksUTc/s1600/PurlBee+Snowy+Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVDZYdiKernMwFPgT4ImugWqtaFweksHI3hsSmb6XmjONL3-v5xhf24mUNJqpUy10XaQZcmLq6pbcX5JxVnIpq8mdm38sC54nVqiHd1mWZbNKUwzy0UVFmIAvGUWq6GX9rXzHBZSksUTc/s320/PurlBee+Snowy+Owl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.purlbee.com/big-snowy-owl/" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">Owl Cushion from The Purl Bee</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">This is just too gorgeous and huggable! It's made from alpaca yarn, so I can only just imagine how soft it must be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Lastly, a lovely big thank you to <a href="http://jamdalory.blogspot.com/2012/02/liebster-blog-award.html?showComment=1329738535498#c7372575429766090737" target="_blank">Jam Dalory</a> for this lovely award - it's very kind, and it's always nice to have a pretty picture to add and brighten up my page! I am struggling to find 5 blogs to award, because all the ones I follow have too many followers to qualify - but I will work on it and pass on the award soon!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa8mqAj9aHacYSbiU-HafjlWBFLUr7ACHwD_jImm-nvb2ku92jUTeJ5zIgx-wDlFa8PsPUtkp4wyhPD_Pogt_R5t3qYuTuu7CnEolsTWK1F342VqKbE02Cv0FLJvhjpHUn0HpxsAJrHZb/s1600/Liebsterblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa8mqAj9aHacYSbiU-HafjlWBFLUr7ACHwD_jImm-nvb2ku92jUTeJ5zIgx-wDlFa8PsPUtkp4wyhPD_Pogt_R5t3qYuTuu7CnEolsTWK1F342VqKbE02Cv0FLJvhjpHUn0HpxsAJrHZb/s1600/Liebsterblog.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">See you soon!</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-10419910958002847812012-02-13T16:38:00.000+00:002012-02-13T16:38:15.582+00:00Short & SweetOk, I confess - I have rather neglected my blogging duties of late! I could blame all sorts of things - Christmas, New Year, laziness, the children, my very old/slow/unreliable computer etc. etc. All of those things do hinder my progress - so.... I am attempting a new tack. I will try to post more often, but in shorter bursts. Let's see if it works!!!<br />
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So, what have I been up to? The most exciting thing is that I'm currently doing a handmade marketing course - so I'm busy learning all about all sorts of cool stuff like branding, writing great product descriptions, the dos and don'ts of selling online... we've covered so much my poor brain can hardly take it all in! This week is our week off, so I'm supposed to be putting it all into action, so I'm gradually re-vamping my website, hopefully listing some things on Folksy and adding to my new Etsy shop - phew!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k_sAZqTHHGxZSUpGTwgppophkuw-x_sz3LF-23RDSsiM1W7auVpFsOh4ObmXl5W3-vchS6W3mT9J8qJgNJ48xH76uZG8fUjvRZOOMiMBQOyjDqD1wQLSIAvPR60CnUbJpWNv9cJEC2uK/s1600/2inch_square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k_sAZqTHHGxZSUpGTwgppophkuw-x_sz3LF-23RDSsiM1W7auVpFsOh4ObmXl5W3-vchS6W3mT9J8qJgNJ48xH76uZG8fUjvRZOOMiMBQOyjDqD1wQLSIAvPR60CnUbJpWNv9cJEC2uK/s320/2inch_square.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Etsy shop scheme</td></tr>
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If you want to have a nosey at the course I'm on, there are some great freebies on their website so do feel free to have a look at <a href="http://www.handmadehorizons.com/" target="_blank">Handmade Horizons</a>, and watch this space for more news!<br />
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I've also discovered the black hole of gorgeousness that is <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> - those of you who are on there already, you will know what I mean!!! I could spend literally hours pinning away, so have had to be strict and set my timer when I'm on there. If you like, you can follow me <a href="http://pinterest.com/giftsbyjenny/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Finally, here's a couple of recent makes - a mini monster, who lives on my daughter's schoolbag!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5QlTlnV7l6v3aIqYOgeoRGXfh-oF0zIQCheM9OctQjSUqbM370y7FmjvkecP-v6Oalz1h_6zegWOUfgfQfVxvZCufa2eUEYg0bih4aYcGEeyhovh1wHsTj1SGjDtQ5Q4BOKrrhvE6SDh/s1600/Knitted+Monster+Keyring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5QlTlnV7l6v3aIqYOgeoRGXfh-oF0zIQCheM9OctQjSUqbM370y7FmjvkecP-v6Oalz1h_6zegWOUfgfQfVxvZCufa2eUEYg0bih4aYcGEeyhovh1wHsTj1SGjDtQ5Q4BOKrrhvE6SDh/s320/Knitted+Monster+Keyring.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Mini Monster bag charm</td></tr>
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and since I'm thinking about Easter - the knitted chickens are back! I've done a variation on last year - this one has been knitted and then felted, and has crochet & embroidered features. She is filled with polypellets and lavender too, so she smells rather nice - unlike real chickens...!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC_xp6TUzQEqYA28JvGyMd83qx06hbeu8acLInbP5jaeLcHyCboXjjrWOgqPBd4_op7henC05W0_LIP9_DK6g2UNkhIX-sB-qHCWRhOYLP0MLkB7Rfq39gyYBXxl9YHLy005FayO2g42D/s1600/Felted+lavender+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC_xp6TUzQEqYA28JvGyMd83qx06hbeu8acLInbP5jaeLcHyCboXjjrWOgqPBd4_op7henC05W0_LIP9_DK6g2UNkhIX-sB-qHCWRhOYLP0MLkB7Rfq39gyYBXxl9YHLy005FayO2g42D/s320/Felted+lavender+chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A felted Spring Chicken!</td></tr>
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Ok - that's it for now! I shall try to post again sooner rather than later.<br />
Now don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> and click on some of the other links!<br />
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See you soon ;-) xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-33721727027131508222011-12-05T21:08:00.001+00:002011-12-05T22:03:56.191+00:00Sudbury Christmas Market - some lovely things!This weekend I was at Sudbury Hall - a National Trust property near Uttoxeter - where they held a Christmas market over the weekend. Luckily for me, it turned out to be nicely busy! <br />
I usually display a range of products - some are bought-in wholesale gifts and others are my own handmade items (I don't think I could make enough stock to fill a whole table!) and I have to say that it was the 'bought-in' things that sold more than anything else. I do think that it has a lot to do with the fact that people seem to be being quite careful with their money this year and the imported, mass produced goods are obviously much cheaper than good quality handmade ones. However, it's not all doom and gloom - I did sell a good few of my wooden plaques, knitted boots, crochet toys etc. so I'm happy :-)<br />
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I was lucky enough to share the marquee with some very talented and lovely crafters so I thought I'd share some photos with you. Sorry that the quality of the photos is so awful - I used my phone, and I blame the fact that it was so cold that my hands must have been shaking too much!<br />
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Well, you know what a fan I am of cute needlefelted critters - imagine how inspiring it was to find these on the stall next to mine! They are amazing aren't they? All made by the very clever Sarah at <a href="http://www.twofat-hens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Two Fat Hens</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsiR0sL2CM4ru_orv_dIO0MGkMz2mi0vTvrdV0fUyrwMLpTe9og1SrZYFlZ7HLChmdihfLnLyF_AK7moeNlG0xI9p5qhrLZYlQgC5l30J50XIDTvaq3N6FHHAHkjlDMCOgYSZqRe6-d2Y/s1600/Needlefelted+teddy+bears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsiR0sL2CM4ru_orv_dIO0MGkMz2mi0vTvrdV0fUyrwMLpTe9og1SrZYFlZ7HLChmdihfLnLyF_AK7moeNlG0xI9p5qhrLZYlQgC5l30J50XIDTvaq3N6FHHAHkjlDMCOgYSZqRe6-d2Y/s320/Needlefelted+teddy+bears.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needlefelted teddy bears</td></tr>
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It was also lovely to catch up with Naomi from <a href="http://www.deco-craft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Doveridge Crafts</a> who sells Decopatch materials and also makes her own gorgeous items - check out this chair!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELp85ms_jc0ziXPZSjo-pE3ekJiqOdWBKQXF5YiGnorMVgYjkcwrJyIsHfjCGXrGRC2qqA8rMMHByFBEB7LrDylpbO-D62snmDtPlGIHrvWGA-QqBgY7GhiJ8mGzFSgi8gRJD2E9sdZ9P/s1600/Decopatch+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELp85ms_jc0ziXPZSjo-pE3ekJiqOdWBKQXF5YiGnorMVgYjkcwrJyIsHfjCGXrGRC2qqA8rMMHByFBEB7LrDylpbO-D62snmDtPlGIHrvWGA-QqBgY7GhiJ8mGzFSgi8gRJD2E9sdZ9P/s320/Decopatch+chair.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decopatch chair in progress</td></tr>
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I love the way the paper blends so well with the colour of the wood - what a lovely way to make a piece of furniture really special. I couldn't resist a closer shot...!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyuJIIEX5FwPlJaxckBXUWYFXIfo0aKDLVBIwR5PqwLcfR24O_TSqnZdmEZjbESUak6iT3tx9FtGavyA-V27pR1VTg7VWP8gAEhGgSWDPGkWqwSydMcT6iemvaWnbw0YgpfPcCVHaNpAR/s1600/Decoupage+vintage+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyuJIIEX5FwPlJaxckBXUWYFXIfo0aKDLVBIwR5PqwLcfR24O_TSqnZdmEZjbESUak6iT3tx9FtGavyA-V27pR1VTg7VWP8gAEhGgSWDPGkWqwSydMcT6iemvaWnbw0YgpfPcCVHaNpAR/s320/Decoupage+vintage+chair.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the knitted hearts too!</td></tr>
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Being a birdwatcher in a previous life, it didn't take me long to spot these little lovelies - which I recognised from <a href="http://www.hwrdesigns.com/" target="_blank">HWR Designs</a> because I've admired them on Etsy! It was so nice to meet Helen, and I can now put a face to all the tweets (no pun intended!). I know what I'm going to be saving up for now... a whole menagerie of these little birds!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju92w3BpXGEPDcjVevx-d7wLZ76PWO6CotclYOu2D7YKgqlQWNfYbb2B4RGjDTW2ff_28VZV-Is__N1qou7SPojepPEZmDW9Qtb-FzG_rVZgN9N_Vt4Sb6QsgYkjHxU0WU2y9efaIzhkgn/s1600/Cute+fabric+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju92w3BpXGEPDcjVevx-d7wLZ76PWO6CotclYOu2D7YKgqlQWNfYbb2B4RGjDTW2ff_28VZV-Is__N1qou7SPojepPEZmDW9Qtb-FzG_rVZgN9N_Vt4Sb6QsgYkjHxU0WU2y9efaIzhkgn/s320/Cute+fabric+birds.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And last but not least, here are some beautiful wooden ornaments from Diane at An Eggcup Full of Whiskers - sorry but I don't have a website address for her! These are made from reclaimed wood - can you guess what they were in a previous life? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTFQYRdsi4UNRfjmkOkUgtqYEwTyylHW37OGkcHpej_cUrNqstVV601X7a2LTgZepu2AGTTgFCWASZK8rncbUxllb5rfYilqoB5XGcwv1XkvLecObTq4aAyWEgysV_EnFd4PfLKC_ZWIQ/s1600/Handmade+wooden+decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTFQYRdsi4UNRfjmkOkUgtqYEwTyylHW37OGkcHpej_cUrNqstVV601X7a2LTgZepu2AGTTgFCWASZK8rncbUxllb5rfYilqoB5XGcwv1XkvLecObTq4aAyWEgysV_EnFd4PfLKC_ZWIQ/s320/Handmade+wooden+decorations.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely, simple wooden ornaments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, believe it or not Diane gets a lot of her wood from old pallets!! What a great way to recycle an everyday (and let's be honest, rather ugly) piece of wood. <br />
<br />
So there you are - a lovely, inspiring weekend. Thank you to everyone who chatted to me, and especially to the stallholders who let me take photos of their fabulous products!<br />
Now go and visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Handmade Monday</a> to see what everyone else has been up to - see you next time :-)<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-15998843285311462052011-11-28T21:38:00.001+00:002011-11-28T21:57:48.884+00:00Sock Monster completion!!Just a quick post today - I finished my latest knitted sock monster! Hooray!!<br />
I know, I know... she took absolutely ages (I don't know why, but this one feels like a female) but to be fair, I was working on other projects in between.<br />
<br />
I made a concerted effort over the weekend to finish knitting the final arm while I was at a craft event at a local shopping centre. Then the evening was spent stuffing and sewing...<br />
and finally this morning, came the last (and rather cruel) part - sticking her little monster mouth onto her face.<br />
Here's a photo of the torture in progess!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbyLLLSCXFwYAdQTPnqKlEeddtccq_5GfQYdelgxr1X0SR67TeqrH7SMm4P7WO4QhOoCe3konv8tuzFO4fvX7s62uz72mAKObF97zrOlzlStB2ELqT_Nlojo6X0odtiQH1wiQBWwWFu4n/s1600/Sock+Monster+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbyLLLSCXFwYAdQTPnqKlEeddtccq_5GfQYdelgxr1X0SR67TeqrH7SMm4P7WO4QhOoCe3konv8tuzFO4fvX7s62uz72mAKObF97zrOlzlStB2ELqT_Nlojo6X0odtiQH1wiQBWwWFu4n/s320/Sock+Monster+in+progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know it looks cruel - but it was worth it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And last but not least, here is the new sock monster (at the back on the right) making friends with the original 'Sock' (my little boy's bedtime companion) and my other recent monster.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg-teObzBw-8r0N8f7NuyJKX0HB9Q-utKxzx80-7nDRM2KA2mXgweO-H16vRo4ZirHupdxnqe0yAd-SPEqD5Z-PjZtrGiHu9iOYjRZol60zxELBtLuLf5_yysWHaAUSphCvvPXI59JqY-/s1600/Knitted+sock+yarn+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg-teObzBw-8r0N8f7NuyJKX0HB9Q-utKxzx80-7nDRM2KA2mXgweO-H16vRo4ZirHupdxnqe0yAd-SPEqD5Z-PjZtrGiHu9iOYjRZol60zxELBtLuLf5_yysWHaAUSphCvvPXI59JqY-/s320/Knitted+sock+yarn+toys.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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They make quite a cute little family don't they?<br />
<br />
I should mention here that the monsters are designed by the very clever Rebecca Danger, and if you want to make your own you can buy the patterns <a href="http://www.dangercrafts.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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As always, do pop over to <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/2011/11/handmade-monday-44/#comment-6744" target="_blank">1st Unique Gifts</a> and see what's been going on for Handmade Monday this week.<br />
<br />
See you next time :-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-66936946096385401482011-11-14T20:48:00.001+00:002011-11-15T09:55:21.687+00:00A busy month of knitting and crochetOh dear! It's been rather a long time since my last post - I don't know where the time has gone!<br />
<br />
So what have I been up to? Well, after my little foray into felting I bought some needlefelting equipment and have had a little play around - and made these little felt hearts as a starter project. They are lovely and squishy, but I'm not really sure they have much use!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z08SJujEiobl9OQjFZL11wsu2FHioy9weC67_esGMDaQBAWdu4SXsA9NsMOw8qiOaKWPLOF9XGaN3YbbFUkoC_ew9zO1fz8Yf7ifrpj3g50ofVzIgCGrbkGR2wUbPFbZCsH9QpTsVcba/s1600/Needlefelted+hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z08SJujEiobl9OQjFZL11wsu2FHioy9weC67_esGMDaQBAWdu4SXsA9NsMOw8qiOaKWPLOF9XGaN3YbbFUkoC_ew9zO1fz8Yf7ifrpj3g50ofVzIgCGrbkGR2wUbPFbZCsH9QpTsVcba/s320/Needlefelted+hearts.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little needlefelted hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'll hang on to them until Valentines Day and they can be used as little table decorations - or can you think of any uses for them?<br />
<br />
I also knitted and then felted a little table mat for my daughter, then decorated it with some needlefelted flowers and twirly bits - it was a bit of an experiment (as always!) but she loves it, and it really brightens up her bedside table.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQo1ATEVwQYN7wpGqhsVgaft_S7pxaSzFoLEFJPKVhJ3yD_ZRvCeOAhixtqKkAsQ-EUgi_3wu81i79_hy6hamDkyZwLMu7sb8zlEVZ_QT_lYOyPb0AqSn4zarYAHmfpmDC5XaAH_WUAFy/s1600/Felted+pot+holder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQo1ATEVwQYN7wpGqhsVgaft_S7pxaSzFoLEFJPKVhJ3yD_ZRvCeOAhixtqKkAsQ-EUgi_3wu81i79_hy6hamDkyZwLMu7sb8zlEVZ_QT_lYOyPb0AqSn4zarYAHmfpmDC5XaAH_WUAFy/s320/Felted+pot+holder.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter's bright colourful felted mat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've been busy with lots of orders for crocheted baby bootees too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtgJzFiduXe-Nd8xKi77neMqeuPz2Fs-CusDzXPJ_T2wc5X7u3RlqLkR7jvgXqMBzzO5LzRqDoqJfVuPqbatjqMiE8bkLcZB0cbLvw1BNdpI7Nhg4tgJYo2Be7oLWdJ5dlRWbeF5_HxZz/s1600/Merino+Wool+Baby+Bootees+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtgJzFiduXe-Nd8xKi77neMqeuPz2Fs-CusDzXPJ_T2wc5X7u3RlqLkR7jvgXqMBzzO5LzRqDoqJfVuPqbatjqMiE8bkLcZB0cbLvw1BNdpI7Nhg4tgJYo2Be7oLWdJ5dlRWbeF5_HxZz/s320/Merino+Wool+Baby+Bootees+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have them listed in my <a href="http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/supplier_1388-products.htm">Giftwrapped and Gorgeous online store</a>, from which I get a steady flow of orders. I also went along to a couple of local 'Babysensory' classes to set up a display of my goodies (both my handmade bits and my baby castings) and got LOADS of orders from there!<br />
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I created a little owl hat to go with some boots too - here you go!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFizyURxFjXNIgn17fZfQ-XUkTkifPHWkyK2oU0I_cN9KZVKlsRcddvBU7KKH6hwsw_qIemjUTnbLX_5yCkTl7fx97j_fumwsEZwA4xNYir-MI2zGZ-oxcpBXbrULJy3uwOZ1nKCNwhuO/s1600/Baby+owl+hat+and+bootees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFizyURxFjXNIgn17fZfQ-XUkTkifPHWkyK2oU0I_cN9KZVKlsRcddvBU7KKH6hwsw_qIemjUTnbLX_5yCkTl7fx97j_fumwsEZwA4xNYir-MI2zGZ-oxcpBXbrULJy3uwOZ1nKCNwhuO/s320/Baby+owl+hat+and+bootees.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocheted baby owl hat and bootees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next on the list is going to be a little hat with teddy bear ears I think - they still seem to be popular this autumn.<br />
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I've also made myself a cowl - it's not often I get time to make something just for me! Luckily, it's made in such a way that you can do it piece by piece so it was a case of doing little and often - I love the way the colours blend from one to another.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_QuKt81bIbOEWeFYTIpMkG7H-QDfsA7eohCreCNiZu6edbpoemIYtbiX14nshld8-Bt_5dAPZ3_jZNakcDXvq32qG9f5mx0CVdXaabwvpAbdHkwBEoWEugq2aHKNczX3IKL0Pscb_iWo/s1600/Crochet+Noro+cowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_QuKt81bIbOEWeFYTIpMkG7H-QDfsA7eohCreCNiZu6edbpoemIYtbiX14nshld8-Bt_5dAPZ3_jZNakcDXvq32qG9f5mx0CVdXaabwvpAbdHkwBEoWEugq2aHKNczX3IKL0Pscb_iWo/s320/Crochet+Noro+cowl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The new project for me (or rather our home) is going to be a crocheted throw! The pattern is out of a magazine I bought a while back, and I'm hoping it's going to be a good way to use up all my odds and ends of wool. Here's an idea of what I hope it will look like and here are the few squares I've done so far.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGA5LeHqZz1oQ307wyhCc0aEPL3bipIUMidKg-a0eBB7UIcLz6LzFdIbR3iw3KFcVZBvVL6hIM-eT_k-ZxxsYVb4_t0yuxBek63Ioj-JWyks7t700a1GNoZBsT-cTZpQkyvtxRdqqryy_/s1600/Crochet+flower+squares.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGA5LeHqZz1oQ307wyhCc0aEPL3bipIUMidKg-a0eBB7UIcLz6LzFdIbR3iw3KFcVZBvVL6hIM-eT_k-ZxxsYVb4_t0yuxBek63Ioj-JWyks7t700a1GNoZBsT-cTZpQkyvtxRdqqryy_/s320/Crochet+flower+squares.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 down, 94 to go!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, I also got round to using up some of my ever-growing stash of yarn - I made a second monster! If you missed the first one, you can read about him <a href="http://giftsbyjenny.blogspot.com/2011/07/apologies-for-lack-of-blogging-and-sock.html">here</a>.<br />
This one is really cuddly and soft, and made from hand-dyed wool which has sat in my wool-bag for about a year. Here it is :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKHs_Hl9Cpm_Tu3cvoIrzSgNiHQfnUFxHdsLF2SKgFYmHevn9YML7zkFXBXxXFhrJ56upB3XWHyOCXF_stdGqkBIWS1_MWNtfjtjb2QGw1G-LHDuo4sDrI33w9bF3t0mpkBHl6-RxuPs6/s1600/Knitted+Toy+Monster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKHs_Hl9Cpm_Tu3cvoIrzSgNiHQfnUFxHdsLF2SKgFYmHevn9YML7zkFXBXxXFhrJ56upB3XWHyOCXF_stdGqkBIWS1_MWNtfjtjb2QGw1G-LHDuo4sDrI33w9bF3t0mpkBHl6-RxuPs6/s320/Knitted+Toy+Monster.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The greeny coloured one is still in progress by the way - just one more arm to go!<br />
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Well, that's enought rambling from me - don't forget to check out the other blogs taking part in <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">Handmade Monday</a>.<br />
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See you next time - I will try and post something sooner rather than later! xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-24429280307741901472011-09-26T10:56:00.000+01:002011-09-26T10:56:17.978+01:00Something New - Felting!It's a lovely sunny morning here in Staffordshire, so a very happy Handmade Monday to you all!<br />
Please do check out the other crafters taking part because there is always something lovely to discover. Thanks again to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting this for us.<br />
<br />
Well, you might remember that it was my birthday over the summer (you can read what I got up to in <a href="http://giftsbyjenny.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html">this post</a>) and one of my lovely prezzies from hubby was a gift voucher to go on a felting course. It's something I had been hinting about quite heavily so I was amazed, thrilled even, that he actually noticed!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, on Saturday I spent the day felting with a lovely lady, Lisa Marie Olson, who runs <a href="http://www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk/">Tigerlily Makes</a> - a felt-making boutique. I have to say, we all had a wonderful time - lots of coffee and cake was involved,<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ9d0iDlL29WKyBSVnoqFXqL2R7T-uj1ZSQH_VnhUx6UwuQS0bPSyAB1zuD8Z3yTROz1ASYSUfNBGUCLyZCKi_OB97YiUqTJ9EvrmmuAFqFmwM6zUuiI6uG0ajyoqCXaACoDqcO_y6R8j/s1600/cake+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ9d0iDlL29WKyBSVnoqFXqL2R7T-uj1ZSQH_VnhUx6UwuQS0bPSyAB1zuD8Z3yTROz1ASYSUfNBGUCLyZCKi_OB97YiUqTJ9EvrmmuAFqFmwM6zUuiI6uG0ajyoqCXaACoDqcO_y6R8j/s1600/cake+photo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake is very important in crafting, isn't it?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
as well as a surprising amount of soap, water and lots (and lots and lots) of rubbing and agitating the fibres. I didn't realise how much effort it takes to make felt from wool fibres - our arms were quite tired by the end of it all and I think Lisa's catchphrase of the day was "nearly there.... just another 5 minutes!"<br />
<br />
Once we had made our felt - we were making cushion covers - we then had even more fun embellishing them with whatever we fancied. I had a go at needlefelting and LOVED it!! I can feel a new hobby starting (and hear my husband sighing in resignation!). Basically, you get a really sharp needle, and stab at bits of carefully placed wool until they embed themselves into your fabric - and hopefully not your fingers....<br />
<br />
So.... do you want to see the finished result?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgceLBUQgaXrGsyBei0WVOpjF_6oaq6jDUzL4dZGbtcBvBeI7OToeiBjlD812jSHfLLA4ezxxDSQJtygNwgQYmCDa7AFa0I0sc71Oc4sxud1Q1QAMMyBYcV5fGbAkIyITPf7Ydb060dxe/s1600/Handfelted+autumn+cushion+low+res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgceLBUQgaXrGsyBei0WVOpjF_6oaq6jDUzL4dZGbtcBvBeI7OToeiBjlD812jSHfLLA4ezxxDSQJtygNwgQYmCDa7AFa0I0sc71Oc4sxud1Q1QAMMyBYcV5fGbAkIyITPf7Ydb060dxe/s320/Handfelted+autumn+cushion+low+res.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handfelted cushion!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Ta daaa! My first ever felted project - and probably the first of many! I am really pleased with how it came out - it makes me think of windy, autumnal days. Here are some close-ups of my favourite bits:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT4m5xrBAVVRxR2egL1I2XmfVBLsdqkrM2H1aPGodGTv-_RZZfPIil7qicSnOaIKvLJ5WkvwWri6bovWqolJC7AtzJu0KbdbvAWUV7P_j6UshNhjm-WxpI-M9Bw4__13RmHHL5XOWJNIp/s1600/Needlefelted+cushion+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT4m5xrBAVVRxR2egL1I2XmfVBLsdqkrM2H1aPGodGTv-_RZZfPIil7qicSnOaIKvLJ5WkvwWri6bovWqolJC7AtzJu0KbdbvAWUV7P_j6UshNhjm-WxpI-M9Bw4__13RmHHL5XOWJNIp/s320/Needlefelted+cushion+detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this little swirly bit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYHtMDLl8abM2W47F75401XP2JjTDmclu4e4SSDOkHpLUbDfG8vFxiqH1TeN5gYPoTfb5grtH9RVYsGQY3P5TalBe4IMqUshFs_5IMVliTS__ce0a_n31hhu27qub4Rp4cP2Shfss7z8i/s1600/Needlefelted+leaf+shape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYHtMDLl8abM2W47F75401XP2JjTDmclu4e4SSDOkHpLUbDfG8vFxiqH1TeN5gYPoTfb5grtH9RVYsGQY3P5TalBe4IMqUshFs_5IMVliTS__ce0a_n31hhu27qub4Rp4cP2Shfss7z8i/s320/Needlefelted+leaf+shape.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pleased with how this leaf turned out too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79M70-qX-n1fHwAhq3debzHkdYz9eewsD4cduADJOv6LWpS35sFd_ILLT4kCWCBpokqjWSYW5HlE7n6cz_W9lKV_1EH9GIHGhyphenhyphenBT0zAt9WrzwkJGqcgMRj8zOF-Y2RNUeQlQ3oxINs8td/s1600/Wool+cushion+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79M70-qX-n1fHwAhq3debzHkdYz9eewsD4cduADJOv6LWpS35sFd_ILLT4kCWCBpokqjWSYW5HlE7n6cz_W9lKV_1EH9GIHGhyphenhyphenBT0zAt9WrzwkJGqcgMRj8zOF-Y2RNUeQlQ3oxINs8td/s320/Wool+cushion+detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another swirly bit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So there you are! If you are thinking about trying a new craft, I would say 'Go for it!' because you never know what wonderful new ideas it will give you. Felting is great fun, and of course you don't just have to make cushions. I'm just trying to decide which felting course I want to try next - a wall hanging? a vase? a lovely new handbag.... maybe I'll have to do them all!<br />
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Better go before husband disconnects me from the internet...<br />
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See you next time! xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-90895591134027684142011-09-12T20:05:00.000+01:002011-09-12T20:05:30.894+01:00Handmade Monday - Like Mother Like Daughter!Hi again! Here's another Handmade Monday post - this week with some items made by my rather talented daughter - well, I would say that because I'm biased aren't I?<br />
(I also have to say a quick thank you to a lady called Lucy from <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/">Attic 24</a> who inspired me by writing <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2011/09/more-yarn-stuff.html">this post</a> about her daughter's craft creations)<br />
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One of the best things about being a 'crafty' mum, is that the house is always full of bits and bobs of thread, beads, bits of fabric, leftover knitting wool etc. etc. It drives my poor husband to distraction by messing up the place and generally not leaving him anywhere to sit down and read the paper!<br />
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Fortunately (my husband would say '<em>unfortunately</em>'), our daughter - age 10 - seems to have inherited a very arty/crafty streak and she spotted this book which I bought a while ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHa63-k6xlZcm5LszEehphbknnis7seTsFHit99v8lvtJYMCp6ieGFbOGAKqQiw2o3oXGNxje7D2_FGyiargy_ZfQEtQp1JrcO7X7hPoMzBcGvDlaQJTdy2Q3zA6ALpy7IboAiiFtQDH6/s1600/Doodle+stitching+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHa63-k6xlZcm5LszEehphbknnis7seTsFHit99v8lvtJYMCp6ieGFbOGAKqQiw2o3oXGNxje7D2_FGyiargy_ZfQEtQp1JrcO7X7hPoMzBcGvDlaQJTdy2Q3zA6ALpy7IboAiiFtQDH6/s320/Doodle+stitching+book.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to say, it's a lovely book full of wonderful little motifs which aren't too tricky, and leave lots of room for extra inspiration! It came with a CD of the motifs as pdf files too, so you can spend ages playing about on the computer making up your own designs - a great way to spend far too many hours!!<br />
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Anyway, I am going off on a tangent - back to Daughter's efforts.<br />
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First, she decided to turn an old t-shirt (which was far too small) into a little cuddly cushion. She cut out the shapes and I showed her how to stitch the pieces together, then she stuffed it with polyfibre filling and sewed up the hole. Finally she chose a sweet cherry motif which she sketched onto the fabric, and then embroidered over it - and voila! Her very own snuggly cushion which she has by her pillow in bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJOzkCnWkLu2LeEk8uamfG4Kkbpe04lxJgtrpR2EvIXg84xbVJiXsCogoyMdrFZ5iSrEJhSYKfBQoXY6_blnm7td2EnKPSYu0YPuRI_H6pQrdNmi66TN84ZjgqMvFBCkSzJTvwlMjBI8X/s1600/Embroidered+cushion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJOzkCnWkLu2LeEk8uamfG4Kkbpe04lxJgtrpR2EvIXg84xbVJiXsCogoyMdrFZ5iSrEJhSYKfBQoXY6_blnm7td2EnKPSYu0YPuRI_H6pQrdNmi66TN84ZjgqMvFBCkSzJTvwlMjBI8X/s320/Embroidered+cushion.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made from an old t-shirt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Boosted by the success of this project, we found some leftover aida fabric and transferred a couple more motifs onto it - Daughter stitched them and we bought an embroidery hoop to act as a pretty little frame - wrapped in purple ribbon, her favourite colour!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxSfrlZz6Rbcw7LZBvUG1W-H5Nw7rdb5g4IfXLqjI8i6s40z6yMI5W-C0Kl4KEyLlMzcQv_ypa-otsqkXRaYlFOgHkRBm6_d19mzhX2mleXyVpmBkJ436ipcROQDl3NM1uvH7uyQbTezM/s1600/Embroidered+cupcake+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxSfrlZz6Rbcw7LZBvUG1W-H5Nw7rdb5g4IfXLqjI8i6s40z6yMI5W-C0Kl4KEyLlMzcQv_ypa-otsqkXRaYlFOgHkRBm6_d19mzhX2mleXyVpmBkJ436ipcROQDl3NM1uvH7uyQbTezM/s320/Embroidered+cupcake+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another little project!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, here is her latest creation - inspired by the sock animals which we saw at a craft fair yesterday! This is Floppy Dog, the sock puppy - made from a very old pair of (sort of clean) socks!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Bxza1Q7qzIYYzeWaWJE0cqEVzrEavHiRyJwKGh3DXHENHs3kXP-235NdgCB6Pz2tfYIlq6PjHJ6aN1aKHsHTREaUbXFmwqotIloDydywr7S_UCQ7Xbz8cNQwrNCzUR3Jhj2TZDewYJc/s1600/Sock+pet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Bxza1Q7qzIYYzeWaWJE0cqEVzrEavHiRyJwKGh3DXHENHs3kXP-235NdgCB6Pz2tfYIlq6PjHJ6aN1aKHsHTREaUbXFmwqotIloDydywr7S_UCQ7Xbz8cNQwrNCzUR3Jhj2TZDewYJc/s320/Sock+pet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little sock puppy - so sweet :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So there you are - I did ask Daughter if she wanted to write this post herself, but she has too much homework tonight and I secretly think she would rather finish knitting the little bag that she's started.<br />
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Please don't forget to look at the <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">Handmade Monday blog</a> by Wendy, and see what the other lovely crafters have been up to.<br />
Until next time, keep safe and snug! xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-41722639458987932872011-08-28T21:00:00.002+01:002011-08-28T21:00:00.506+01:00Handmade Monday - all the way from JerseyThis week I have been on holiday in my favourite place, Jersey in the Channel Islands. We are here for two weeks, which is a real treat - mainly because I celebrated my 40th birthday yesterday, so now am officially 'old' I guess!!<br />
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Of course, since I love crafts I couldn't resist visiting a local craft market here, so yesterday I dragged along a friend and my daughter round this lovely little lot of stalls. They were set up in St Aubins, which is a beautiful little part of the island.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCNOjs2fj2gjTaXo6Zr7MmQxEC8cyemxDITOF50Mk4BgQhxBq1uGm7uoEgks-EVM9QKXrfSrx2l-uf9V046sIaU6irtn0uVFrjcHpBK7ISeUNj4Uam1_cwkRN58412VPfWFqUTrr3aWTB/s1600/Jersey+crafts+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCNOjs2fj2gjTaXo6Zr7MmQxEC8cyemxDITOF50Mk4BgQhxBq1uGm7uoEgks-EVM9QKXrfSrx2l-uf9V046sIaU6irtn0uVFrjcHpBK7ISeUNj4Uam1_cwkRN58412VPfWFqUTrr3aWTB/s320/Jersey+crafts+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Aubins Farmers and Craft Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Many of the stallholders belong to an association called <a href="http://www.genuinejersey.com/">Genuine Jersey</a> which promotes locally produced goods on the island - what a wonderful way to keep people buying local to support their economy. <br />
First stop was a lovely stall <a href="http://www.danglyhearts.co.uk/">Dangly Hearts</a> which had some lovely fabric hearts, bunting, doorstops, cushions and many other pretty things. It was too busy to get a decent photo, but here is what I bought!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCCIO1J2BxSy4qfs-EW2Gp5sqshk9rQKm8ZPEnnvv7j1Iyve8IbuwrLrBO5JXJHuNqDkzETRq-MK1s9X4v5mYePrtANHKUrsLuHBYum2vf5UR5LN2faY1F-3X_a7vc5ddhXh5z3xQtYeo/s1600/Jersey+crafts+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCCIO1J2BxSy4qfs-EW2Gp5sqshk9rQKm8ZPEnnvv7j1Iyve8IbuwrLrBO5JXJHuNqDkzETRq-MK1s9X4v5mYePrtANHKUrsLuHBYum2vf5UR5LN2faY1F-3X_a7vc5ddhXh5z3xQtYeo/s320/Jersey+crafts+5.JPG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade by Dangly Hearts :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next stop was a lovely, bright stall with painted pebbles and aromatic gifts. The stall was called 'On The Beach' but I can't find a website for them, so sorry I can't add a link!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4xnRHOKNIuBDAKnm9gccGT-905QSOCOG7ddifKWkhu4RhRLJL0AJ0TIDcSaIw7b2usJxM4076ITIefx3NX39ExxCeE5LL6zsIP67ihOuqbG4Pj7I8Rrox6nOpuQgmPWoJPkGc_dJeVgf/s1600/Jersey+crafts+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4xnRHOKNIuBDAKnm9gccGT-905QSOCOG7ddifKWkhu4RhRLJL0AJ0TIDcSaIw7b2usJxM4076ITIefx3NX39ExxCeE5LL6zsIP67ihOuqbG4Pj7I8Rrox6nOpuQgmPWoJPkGc_dJeVgf/s320/Jersey+crafts+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous brightly painted stones</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There were some fabulous smells coming from this stall - <a href="http://www.thesoapmill.moonfruit.com/">The Soap Mill</a> - so we just <em>had</em> to buy some soaps didn't we?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS65-CVt8HBUdle_8p1DBdrU9j5TOztuFZgcAdJvbIzKTqXfy7fjjceAS9VrwdVNraMjGE0mWVDG7_P6ICVgMNoKhXVX-A-8Uzj0Ue9cMo1loE7r0WuZkp85zpLkHwVdENe7Bot06w-nY/s1600/Jersey+crafts+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS65-CVt8HBUdle_8p1DBdrU9j5TOztuFZgcAdJvbIzKTqXfy7fjjceAS9VrwdVNraMjGE0mWVDG7_P6ICVgMNoKhXVX-A-8Uzj0Ue9cMo1loE7r0WuZkp85zpLkHwVdENe7Bot06w-nY/s320/Jersey+crafts+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shame you can't smell things over the internet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Finally, this was the stall that my daughter couldn't wait to get to - she literally dragged me across the square to get to it! We had a nice chat and bought a pencil case. My daughter is really pleased with the fact that hers will be different to anyone else's at school - a girl after my own heart!! Do have a look at <br />
<a href="http://www.nanetteregan.com/">Nanette Regan</a> - her products are really unique and great quality!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vFmM1OKG4mm3mAMDNP0zNg6z3c6bqVwt84TJZtWOofmzNCDnfzEb-WplndrzXVhoqJON_zekA2Huese_7zz_fDvP8g1xnYaokEOx-OLJ5ohZdLfeSG_h4wDnenXBIlU6gqthAC7VsHye/s1600/Jersey+crafts+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vFmM1OKG4mm3mAMDNP0zNg6z3c6bqVwt84TJZtWOofmzNCDnfzEb-WplndrzXVhoqJON_zekA2Huese_7zz_fDvP8g1xnYaokEOx-OLJ5ohZdLfeSG_h4wDnenXBIlU6gqthAC7VsHye/s320/Jersey+crafts+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely bright fabrics by Nanette Regan</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We met so many lovely stallholders - all of them were so friendly and chatty, it made it a lovely morning for us all so thank you!<br />
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We've got a few more days in Jersey, so hopefully there will be some sunshine and days on the beach. Then it's back home, and back to work - but don't worry, I have brought my knitting/crochet with me so hopefully there will be something of my own making to share next time :)<br />
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Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> to see what the other Handmade Mondayers have been up to :)<br />
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Happy Bank Holiday! xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com8St Brélade, UK49.187743824836119 -2.169358825683616549.165304324836121 -2.2136338256836163 49.210183324836116 -2.1250838256836166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-56475494204657378822011-08-01T22:43:00.000+01:002011-08-01T22:43:36.997+01:00Photo Frames and Famous Footprints! - Handmade Monday #27My goodness, how can it be August already?! I hope you're all enjoying some nice weather, and that you will find time to visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">the 1st Unique Gifts blog</a> to look at other crafters who are taking part in this 27th (!) Handmade Monday.<br />
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The summer holidays have descended upon us here, so I now have to fit my work/crafting in around my two children for the next six and a half weeks - oh dear!<br />
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My handmade efforts have mainly been these two personalised photo frames.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2ueuBVPB6EBhyphenhyphen_fW3jpH6mm9-XflulnXfa6UG1wmGH4xXQWoRjztNiCLvNBLSKnI1dL8xd9BuBuHSyJH4ebtRlCsfImDqMZkjr5-CB6-2r5Mqal9dOMO5cao6KyFVSIZQbWnBCU619Lk/s1600/I+love+Mummy+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2ueuBVPB6EBhyphenhyphen_fW3jpH6mm9-XflulnXfa6UG1wmGH4xXQWoRjztNiCLvNBLSKnI1dL8xd9BuBuHSyJH4ebtRlCsfImDqMZkjr5-CB6-2r5Mqal9dOMO5cao6KyFVSIZQbWnBCU619Lk/s320/I+love+Mummy+frame.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyJTIWZLPSYp56IemkF3ota3wXxm-P11RfmJwOTHdR-a57gRR-OdnyYg005S0Iw4Z-rCWbX24PalAG_yWaBn1TGWhBEHsbmBn8NynFyKWYSS6zz_92XaXv9hzhAzABoUV2YhVP79JGkKi/s1600/We+love+Daddy+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyJTIWZLPSYp56IemkF3ota3wXxm-P11RfmJwOTHdR-a57gRR-OdnyYg005S0Iw4Z-rCWbX24PalAG_yWaBn1TGWhBEHsbmBn8NynFyKWYSS6zz_92XaXv9hzhAzABoUV2YhVP79JGkKi/s320/We+love+Daddy+frame.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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As usual, I've been crocheting some more baby boots - I'm trying to build up some stock for winter!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vXeMI2ftuy5eAWyq6dhyphenhyphenL018gHEKaShAvFYn9bxl09lXNNLFMcp2uO4DRoYf3kqoUoYTkpm9-K22y5aeOqLKob_Vm46V7Isc2NBUB8VrZf6HcjaWpXZJ_1wylSTA7v_0xDB42JjLKa5l/s1600/Baby+boots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vXeMI2ftuy5eAWyq6dhyphenhyphenL018gHEKaShAvFYn9bxl09lXNNLFMcp2uO4DRoYf3kqoUoYTkpm9-K22y5aeOqLKob_Vm46V7Isc2NBUB8VrZf6HcjaWpXZJ_1wylSTA7v_0xDB42JjLKa5l/s320/Baby+boots.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I also run a baby casting business - a franchise called Little Impressions - so have been busy finishing off little hands and feet too. I love the detail that my casts capture - all down to using the right sort of clay and plaster, and usually some luck too (babies can be extremely wriggly!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ub6Ujkgp1ROOQM7tUSdDrPIu_e8XShHsEY9V_syjdwbe0ArzIGmb_qtvMYapDt3cW1qnqBgvZ75uOM7tsMoThrLtYz0sy5u3mRKjuCp2q9iT9GHx54NovZ8nliin3o5A1bvSltBpj04F/s1600/1697+Cranston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ub6Ujkgp1ROOQM7tUSdDrPIu_e8XShHsEY9V_syjdwbe0ArzIGmb_qtvMYapDt3cW1qnqBgvZ75uOM7tsMoThrLtYz0sy5u3mRKjuCp2q9iT9GHx54NovZ8nliin3o5A1bvSltBpj04F/s320/1697+Cranston.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love all the detail on this cast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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The highlight of my week (even my year, actually) was that Little Impressions as a whole, was invited to the Eurostar Terminal at St. Pancras to take part in an Olympics '1 Year to Go' event. We took footprints from some famous sportsmen, and also footprints of some lucky competition winners from all over Europe. The prints are going to be turned into paving slabs (a bit like the Hollywood Boulevard thing) and will be placed at the station, leading everyone to the Olympics next year.<br />
I'm afraid I didn't get to take prints of anyone famous, but my colleagues took prints from Lord Coe, and also Colin Jackson who was so nice and posed for lots of photos for us :)<br />
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Here are a few photos of our very busy morning - all these are courtesy of <a href="http://www.little-impressions.com/">Little Impressions</a> - thanks guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStUGsebGB1DGz4iFEl_IzRv_PIilOw0ID-P2yp5smArHdScPA5XLmQOQK4eKVAi995gTYILa_Qj-vuDwcleGMR08TxLwxHXrFwY_Z7oJXUK1HK6DVRL-MXubBij57jREOw0UbToNQ8KNs/s1600/Olympic+footprint+taking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStUGsebGB1DGz4iFEl_IzRv_PIilOw0ID-P2yp5smArHdScPA5XLmQOQK4eKVAi995gTYILa_Qj-vuDwcleGMR08TxLwxHXrFwY_Z7oJXUK1HK6DVRL-MXubBij57jREOw0UbToNQ8KNs/s320/Olympic+footprint+taking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Coe and Colin Jackson having their footprints taken</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzTwFlTqMOXtzeugUhGOMzVGLvtHrkRDNlSLF1XOFS3jD294BxZSbmQWYLxU0JHZIFI3SuOAm5g5e6A7k6567giRVeijo96Puad-KmTBm1WVcm6ARLEAe3GFlMW0bQAhMrU8JhifRaYHk/s1600/Olympic+countdown+celebs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzTwFlTqMOXtzeugUhGOMzVGLvtHrkRDNlSLF1XOFS3jD294BxZSbmQWYLxU0JHZIFI3SuOAm5g5e6A7k6567giRVeijo96Puad-KmTBm1WVcm6ARLEAe3GFlMW0bQAhMrU8JhifRaYHk/s320/Olympic+countdown+celebs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sports Minister, Lord Coe & Colin Jackson with their prints</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEFfzAzDEvj0MpoQo5bswG3gqmiLtFTgvWc-c7VwMZhyphenhyphenciRinyE0BxfessIC-jK68OlOeZywGzLOMeC_AZTC8aIeGgz-oRYjuhFJZADxDXeui2HmpHZWTL91WSXGkSmgXxj13KXnNhb5u/s1600/Olympic+impressions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEFfzAzDEvj0MpoQo5bswG3gqmiLtFTgvWc-c7VwMZhyphenhyphenciRinyE0BxfessIC-jK68OlOeZywGzLOMeC_AZTC8aIeGgz-oRYjuhFJZADxDXeui2HmpHZWTL91WSXGkSmgXxj13KXnNhb5u/s320/Olympic+impressions.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in action (holding the bin!) - with a lady from Paris<br />
who won a competition to take part.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We all had a great time - although it was hard work preparing all those slabs of clay. My arms were aching the next day!<br />
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Anyway, it's back to normality now - trying to get on top of my baby casting orders before we go away on our holidays - not that we're counting the days or anything.<br />
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Oh, and the sock monster has hardly grown at all - I've been too busy :(<br />
Maybe next time....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-31261157419031628252011-07-12T10:11:00.000+01:002011-07-12T10:11:10.537+01:00Handmade Monday - sort of!Since my last post was rather long, this is a very quick and nearly late Handmade Monday.<br />
As always, many thanks to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting this. Please have a look at her blog and click through some of the other handmade links on there :)<br />
<br />
So, this week I have been painting and decoupaging lots of wooden letters - so here are a few!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-jbpV_HdJQFyiUGsqlIgBLW4RdO6cicx63OaML0UWAXv8kxX8R3eS9j-FBRPv-R_c7HcBV7yC6mpHtBD4fYPqddJGSwIuBl9aUQujK1_ftrU9SbPb6PdjEH0pDExq4_1hiEa6rurrh4/s1600/Pink+spotty+letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-jbpV_HdJQFyiUGsqlIgBLW4RdO6cicx63OaML0UWAXv8kxX8R3eS9j-FBRPv-R_c7HcBV7yC6mpHtBD4fYPqddJGSwIuBl9aUQujK1_ftrU9SbPb6PdjEH0pDExq4_1hiEa6rurrh4/s320/Pink+spotty+letters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDfEB4O_2gLy2Og5g-kkOWQXIAbu1rVolCNtlQXWo_i_32R7f7bjhdOTVGnYEHG89E8wYV9qB9QoiGH3KdIfuo2YquwVQ8OlDx_wFggVeRyuSl7Te9YXzhFO6IPdnI1a3ViqsR3OHoyL_/s1600/Pink+girly+letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDfEB4O_2gLy2Og5g-kkOWQXIAbu1rVolCNtlQXWo_i_32R7f7bjhdOTVGnYEHG89E8wYV9qB9QoiGH3KdIfuo2YquwVQ8OlDx_wFggVeRyuSl7Te9YXzhFO6IPdnI1a3ViqsR3OHoyL_/s320/Pink+girly+letters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtHVNSSyZ83MCsFjSNSzovgfTs6l7zbFU2Veeyn_OTRoER3wdUcISTX4AJm7195KaVrIwQfGOLjDeVMTfLCAhNVaXAAOb1_IzUOeM_811OT3-xlE1SFUlaTXmuN2tmu_ECpkqmbniImyq/s1600/Pretty+wooden+letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtHVNSSyZ83MCsFjSNSzovgfTs6l7zbFU2Veeyn_OTRoER3wdUcISTX4AJm7195KaVrIwQfGOLjDeVMTfLCAhNVaXAAOb1_IzUOeM_811OT3-xlE1SFUlaTXmuN2tmu_ECpkqmbniImyq/s320/Pretty+wooden+letters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I have also made a start on my daughter's Sock Monster - she chose a lovely yarn with shades of brown, green and aqua, so maybe it will be a sea monster! Here it is in progress...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8crdz4KKJLa6jfJ_NvrCVeFjwZfkU3zn3A-sM4Kz1tPJRFc-7DIcelyZVBbyF-TEykudmTcn9gqI6Hf4K9QqyVydiM_L1ynAty1chbBWlBNj8nDtG9eNzitkzHRVMFEmD7DXu_qA88NYC/s1600/Green+knitted+monster+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8crdz4KKJLa6jfJ_NvrCVeFjwZfkU3zn3A-sM4Kz1tPJRFc-7DIcelyZVBbyF-TEykudmTcn9gqI6Hf4K9QqyVydiM_L1ynAty1chbBWlBNj8nDtG9eNzitkzHRVMFEmD7DXu_qA88NYC/s320/Green+knitted+monster+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock Monster in progress!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
That's all for now - I must get on with some 'proper' work!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-89374582575859356762011-07-10T21:58:00.000+01:002011-07-10T21:58:14.704+01:00My Blog Awards!I have been so lucky this week - two lovely ladies decided (for some unknown reason!) that I should get awards for my blog. First was the One Lovely Blog award from <a href="http://dorset-girl.blogspot.com/">Dorset Girl</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ojlfOQOV8DT6SO_ZsC4SvDi468A9dV7lwvYyF79svxTO4REk8vMFU2BfKfD7u_liM3Vt76KPYmvfoyzmK9M_ai83t6pZrWnuaeGhhgHCBwxaLrsp8T-PHOotmMUN_HMTzajlt0Tyties/s1600/lovelyawardpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ojlfOQOV8DT6SO_ZsC4SvDi468A9dV7lwvYyF79svxTO4REk8vMFU2BfKfD7u_liM3Vt76KPYmvfoyzmK9M_ai83t6pZrWnuaeGhhgHCBwxaLrsp8T-PHOotmMUN_HMTzajlt0Tyties/s1600/lovelyawardpic.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then there was a Versatile Blogger award from <a href="http://with-u-in-mind.blogspot.com/">With U in mind</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oqbnSwvXM1mOTwG3aGjmYwu4rVYdKGpm-TWFs8rNPoPjGuJk4Vfg_mlRqKxzBpkot1-bE0qqpjqBwOnoHtYlI-QPnqfFm0sn4G_I8vd_Wz6Ufd1NHsslYzZeQm47U6P-EbcEPS_s8dhe/s1600/the_versitle_Blogger_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oqbnSwvXM1mOTwG3aGjmYwu4rVYdKGpm-TWFs8rNPoPjGuJk4Vfg_mlRqKxzBpkot1-bE0qqpjqBwOnoHtYlI-QPnqfFm0sn4G_I8vd_Wz6Ufd1NHsslYzZeQm47U6P-EbcEPS_s8dhe/s1600/the_versitle_Blogger_award.jpg" /></a></div><br />
so thank you both very much! I'm afraid I'm going to cheat and combine the two into one post, mainly because I'll never find the time to do them both separately!<br />
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And now the tricky bit.... because I have to think of 7 random things about myself to tell you, which is really difficult because I don't want to bore you all to death. Anyway, here we go....<br />
<ol><li>I am addicted to my iphone - my husband must be cursing the day he bought me an ipod touch!</li>
<li>I am currently reading 'The Girl Who Played With Fire'.</li>
<li>I once reversed into my husband's car on our own driveway - wasn't I popular that day! Not one, but two lots of insurance to sort out!</li>
<li>I love eating peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches.</li>
<li>Before I had the kids, hubby and I used to travel all over the country birdwatching.</li>
<li>I have a degree in classical music, and play the oboe and piano.</li>
<li>I taught myself to crochet about 18 months ago.</li>
</ol>There you are - so now you know a little bit more about me!<br />
Now for 7 of my favourite blogs - all of them are recent discoveries really, since I only started blogging this year and am still finding so many good reads...<br />
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<div></div><ol><li><a href="http://thelimegarden.blogspot.com/">The Lime Garden</a> - Anna makes gorgeous things, and blogs about other things including books and health stuff.</li>
<li><a href="http://lottyblue.co.uk/blog/">LottyBlue</a> - my friend has recently rediscovered her love of vintage and mid-century items, so her blog is full of lovely items and tales of times gone by.</li>
<li><a href="http://thelinencat.wordpress.com/">The Linen Cat</a> - Beth used to know my hubby when they lived up in Yorkshire, and we discovered her again via twitter! Her creations are gorgeous!</li>
<li><a href="http://grace-marshall.com/blog/">Grace Marshall</a> is an amazing lady - a wonderful life and business coach. Her blog is full of great advice on anything from combining business with family life, growing confidence, setting goals, how to survive the summer hols etc. etc.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.growingspirit.moonfruit.com/#/blog/4552483066">Growing Spirit</a> - a lovely lady who has recently discovered her artistic side, and blogs about her family and her healing business.</li>
<li><a href="http://angelasgate.blogspot.com/">Views from my Garden Gate</a> - if you live in a town or city like me, then this blog will transport you to the Staffordshire countryside! Angela is also a talented jewellery maker.</li>
<li><a href="http://feltmeupdesigns.blogspot.com/">Feltmeup Designs</a> - it's amazing what you can make from wool! These creations are just adorable, and the markings on the birds are very true to life, which I really admire.</li>
</ol>So there they are - not all crafty blogs, because there are so many other sides to life than just creativity. Many of us are also in business trying to sell our wares, we have other interests, and families that need looking after, houses that need cleaning, meals to cook.... the list goes on doesn't it?!<br />
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I hope you find time to have a look at the lovely blogs listed above - I shall hopefully be back tomorrow for a Handmade Monday post so see you then! <br />
Jenny xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-5176657646591384472011-07-04T17:09:00.000+01:002011-07-04T17:09:24.707+01:00Apologies for lack of blogging... and a sock monster!Well, I don't know where the last couple of months went... well, actually I do. It seems to have passed by in a blur of baby impressions and wooden letters. Oh, and we also fitted in a week in Turkey!<br />
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Anyway, last week brought a couple of exciting events so I thought it would be a good idea to get me motivated and blogging again, and I also wanted to share a finished project with you, which was half done last time!<br />
As always, do have a browse through the other Handmade Monday blogs please, courtesy of <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/2011/07/handmade-monday-23/">1st Unique Gifts</a><br />
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The first bit of excitement came from Giftwrapped & Gorgeous who told me that my crochet bootees had been picked to be in a shopping guide in a magazine. This is the first time I've had my crafty things in the press - very exciting! So, you can find them in the current edition of Popular Crafts' current edition called 'Kids Crafts'<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgYrBv65n08Rf9IoHILHsCQ1LsDsh63nLybGZ8qeUmIEzRTVt3Y9StTEuxCEVyfOfJIJyKOYf2a3hPO1Z69-ZB3R0BE2n7FSgrUeJ-lHDyteVejAcD7lAYMIcQEXqkMTfu85qoihlciIq/s1600/Crochet+bootees+in+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgYrBv65n08Rf9IoHILHsCQ1LsDsh63nLybGZ8qeUmIEzRTVt3Y9StTEuxCEVyfOfJIJyKOYf2a3hPO1Z69-ZB3R0BE2n7FSgrUeJ-lHDyteVejAcD7lAYMIcQEXqkMTfu85qoihlciIq/s320/Crochet+bootees+in+mag.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby boots in a magazine!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've also just finished a pair of these in pink - I'm really pleased with the way they turned out :) Luckily I spotted some more of the same wool on ebay - it's been discontinued, so I bought LOADS to keep me going over winter!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQi_0siKX8HZHXpTDpeg1HP5Kdhckj-U_p_444dTTgRE1tlw05TR6HzO1n5XkFlwctlTzxpAk5t_SMH99XPCCz2-GHXMKAJLVk7boin6e7VzU-d34-djQVPkx42n12rGODtjqmyy6A4Bs/s1600/Merino+Baby+Bootees+Pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQi_0siKX8HZHXpTDpeg1HP5Kdhckj-U_p_444dTTgRE1tlw05TR6HzO1n5XkFlwctlTzxpAk5t_SMH99XPCCz2-GHXMKAJLVk7boin6e7VzU-d34-djQVPkx42n12rGODtjqmyy6A4Bs/s320/Merino+Baby+Bootees+Pink.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink bootees, made from organic merino wool</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And the second bit of exciting news was that I finally finished the knitted Sock Monster! Here he is - my son has decided to call him 'Sock'! (Apologies that my son is slightly lacking in imagination! lol!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDwBWxEoFzCqg_jhgnMS0Xk4F5ytNXGZ7qhcCr7s4ax5MoUu0-ojT2XwvKSCRn2kSvfgn9AuvmqSmSMuNufsDTQsDBbg9K_d0g__9e4mghyphenhyphenjypeSmw3O8uHHbN7BqGD156Bf1SxKO1Qj4/s1600/Sock+Monster+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDwBWxEoFzCqg_jhgnMS0Xk4F5ytNXGZ7qhcCr7s4ax5MoUu0-ojT2XwvKSCRn2kSvfgn9AuvmqSmSMuNufsDTQsDBbg9K_d0g__9e4mghyphenhyphenjypeSmw3O8uHHbN7BqGD156Bf1SxKO1Qj4/s320/Sock+Monster+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Sock Monster</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
That's all for now - I will try my best to blog again soon!<br />
Thanks for sticking with me so far :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-4489051998965540392011-04-25T22:43:00.000+01:002011-04-25T22:43:06.359+01:00Handmade Monday No.13This week's post is going to be short and sweet - mainly because I've been out today at a craft fair and it's getting late!<br />
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Firstly, many thanks again to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting this again - do have a look at the other entries, there is always something lovely to look at :)<br />
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Today I've been at a local craft fair at <a href="http://www.astonmarina.co.uk/">Aston Marina</a> which is a lovely place for a short walk and nice meal or coffee. They had a small craft marquee and I was lucky enough to be given a spot in one of their 'cedar huts' - so here's my little setup. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-5HpbWV3lOKWd9NEXUOG5gArFo8kipI5xX7WoX2ZqQCuZoj-F5tdFohy020WIzFrEvofcoZRyESricIY6eNO6_o2CEHl_Zs7zl3YGxK-51YX0gpzwdAz_xEVXEbcrdbt7aAwumzxWKI9/s1600/Aston+Marina+stall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-5HpbWV3lOKWd9NEXUOG5gArFo8kipI5xX7WoX2ZqQCuZoj-F5tdFohy020WIzFrEvofcoZRyESricIY6eNO6_o2CEHl_Zs7zl3YGxK-51YX0gpzwdAz_xEVXEbcrdbt7aAwumzxWKI9/s320/Aston+Marina+stall.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
It's not a great photo - just a quick one that I grabbed while no-one was in the way! It was a lovely, sunny day and it was nice to hear peoples' comments and feedback.<br />
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Here is the cushion that I ordered from <a href="http://www.made-by-emma.co.uk/">Made By Emma</a> for my parents' Ruby Anniversary - I took the children down to Bedford to see them on Easter Saturday and we gave them the cushion (better late than never because I didn't order it until <em>after</em> their anniversary!!). They were thrilled with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlCGBNpFEZcOzRyN5VnxskqFjuhbIwWiuPF3V84QJZ_E5KCBqw0xV8QCm2iUP1IjNV6SeJzk30GpjxojQBAbwme2ayUIPFN_bUxzRrTitnIiN6RJKke0MZkkGq1X6lEAbH32Sb8_L-3nK/s1600/Custom+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlCGBNpFEZcOzRyN5VnxskqFjuhbIwWiuPF3V84QJZ_E5KCBqw0xV8QCm2iUP1IjNV6SeJzk30GpjxojQBAbwme2ayUIPFN_bUxzRrTitnIiN6RJKke0MZkkGq1X6lEAbH32Sb8_L-3nK/s320/Custom+cushion.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
I've also been busy crocheting - I made these little baby 'pumps', and then Emma (as in 'Made By Emma') promptly bought them for a friend before I could take a decent photo - so I grabbed them back and quickly snapped them on my phone. They are so sweet and made from a cotton/acrylic mix yarn, so nice and cool but also washable. I will get some listed on my website or Folksy shop when I get the chance!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVizniuoxV7I1oUNzHExQkYkXxM7sqnz56scKEVmzlNci-v2PrO89jV1wrQ-URxgCazLh-6GcUiBMAiYThCw5oqILMwQzT2mOiOYVKGSWsMUN9G7feJM3wdkrkmvNZ7r2zdsLUk1-uJrzz/s1600/Green+crochet+pumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVizniuoxV7I1oUNzHExQkYkXxM7sqnz56scKEVmzlNci-v2PrO89jV1wrQ-URxgCazLh-6GcUiBMAiYThCw5oqILMwQzT2mOiOYVKGSWsMUN9G7feJM3wdkrkmvNZ7r2zdsLUk1-uJrzz/s320/Green+crochet+pumps.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet baby pumps</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also had an order for these cute bootees from my <a href="http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/gifts-by-jenny_1388-products.asp">Giftwrapped & Gorgeous store</a> which was an unexpected surprise since it's been rather neglected lately!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr8COCtnzMHd0V30ukiDLlQ3Ld4Pg4vCvmo4LBUGszNtNoOB4XiYKB8tJVxfCr3ecB_D3j4q-XiwZ3fHlFyfQN5ucDVgc8GfQejeQNOxKzg_v3V9x14fXbyjMfw4sulmex6SocV2ch5oN/s1600/Crochet+Baby+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr8COCtnzMHd0V30ukiDLlQ3Ld4Pg4vCvmo4LBUGszNtNoOB4XiYKB8tJVxfCr3ecB_D3j4q-XiwZ3fHlFyfQN5ucDVgc8GfQejeQNOxKzg_v3V9x14fXbyjMfw4sulmex6SocV2ch5oN/s320/Crochet+Baby+Boots.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
Finally, I have made a start on the sock monster I mentioned last time - I took the children to a wool shop and they chose some wool each. I'm amazed they agreed to come along since I can spend literally <em>hours</em> in there! My son chose some lovely bright, colourful wool - and here's his monster so far....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUnqDNATCEGT5rUCHYdLyp25BxNS9Oxbb25KIct8yEhS_kg8HQKvsDWID2hQlv07W06xhCc5COMKys1lLSAbFkXt386qpsWEqroScODWRqFvr-a5_6N4kpkqysRaxstJ4czOaTQEKCDfB/s1600/Sock+Monster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUnqDNATCEGT5rUCHYdLyp25BxNS9Oxbb25KIct8yEhS_kg8HQKvsDWID2hQlv07W06xhCc5COMKys1lLSAbFkXt386qpsWEqroScODWRqFvr-a5_6N4kpkqysRaxstJ4czOaTQEKCDfB/s320/Sock+Monster+1.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
I know it looks like a big, baggy sock at the moment but I will try and photo it as it progresses, so you can see it take shape. My son is very excited, and keeps asking me when it will be finished - as if I need an excuse to knit!<br />
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That's it for now - definitely past my bedtime! Hope you've all had a lovely Easter xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-77905665005486936442011-04-11T17:08:00.000+01:002011-04-11T17:08:34.931+01:00Handmade Monday 11 - more knitted bunnies!It's Handmade Monday again - yay! Many thanks as always to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting this. Do please visit her and the other crafters' links - there are some lovely things!<br />
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This week, it's been the usual mix of personalised gifts...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7muYK5b_MsPHv4sqq7CgoH0Tj08A98VRhLraiNYDaaf5-7k8pVWp9v-LQbHGCmxytHTSV3lXdZ0M31w4cNbDLayizUaoadGGwAvuPG63CttGD9it_AZBWGjXOGOir9F7NlG7N4P5RTR6W/s1600/Girls+Photo+Frames.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7muYK5b_MsPHv4sqq7CgoH0Tj08A98VRhLraiNYDaaf5-7k8pVWp9v-LQbHGCmxytHTSV3lXdZ0M31w4cNbDLayizUaoadGGwAvuPG63CttGD9it_AZBWGjXOGOir9F7NlG7N4P5RTR6W/s320/Girls+Photo+Frames.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personalised Photo Frames</td></tr>
</tbody></table> ... baby castings....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I3SZ6BZcsDcIaeKeb4ABqqoq8Gn37A7vOC5ajIKUOCzfMZc6Q72KnlgKDmDv4E4XBOy8UMzGIV3ZVxIOwOwQKdsUFDTPoER36MeogToA6Sydgf1oHKP2QePZaa5AjqMbM8KF30PmMp-o/s1600/Tiny+baby+casting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I3SZ6BZcsDcIaeKeb4ABqqoq8Gn37A7vOC5ajIKUOCzfMZc6Q72KnlgKDmDv4E4XBOy8UMzGIV3ZVxIOwOwQKdsUFDTPoER36MeogToA6Sydgf1oHKP2QePZaa5AjqMbM8KF30PmMp-o/s320/Tiny+baby+casting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A teeny, weeny hand cast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>... and, of course, knitted bunnies!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHyuNazue2Q6jFRn1kHf67MkvNs5I51n3hPaB2HlHf3D6wobAWIFpNwJqE10LR69GMdZW83sXOA0NW27KjO9JEUPSkniZx5r-rNOjTU_ter-JpwlCH4fspI_toAQdTzpcrp_HZTsp3xvK/s1600/Part+finished+Bunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHyuNazue2Q6jFRn1kHf67MkvNs5I51n3hPaB2HlHf3D6wobAWIFpNwJqE10LR69GMdZW83sXOA0NW27KjO9JEUPSkniZx5r-rNOjTU_ter-JpwlCH4fspI_toAQdTzpcrp_HZTsp3xvK/s320/Part+finished+Bunny.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD4yal-3-vE-cuPiatP7JfGDSJKeyDMEjvNEgxUq4LU1T7qlqfyCtIs8YVz-2d51TwdYiwqq1XCL01sckVRp2swG1kh5uadZBfwryKuf_4CGb8rH9dX3zYgUedJDA3kI5eQ08GV6eEx17/s1600/Summer+Knitted+Bunnies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD4yal-3-vE-cuPiatP7JfGDSJKeyDMEjvNEgxUq4LU1T7qlqfyCtIs8YVz-2d51TwdYiwqq1XCL01sckVRp2swG1kh5uadZBfwryKuf_4CGb8rH9dX3zYgUedJDA3kI5eQ08GV6eEx17/s320/Summer+Knitted+Bunnies.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny Nuggets - new colours!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The one on the right is about the same colour as my son! We all spent all day Saturday out in the sunshine at Clumber Park (near Chesterfield) where we met up with some relatives and had a great time - but didn't realise how strong the sun was :(<br />
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Next on my knitting list (apart from lots more Bunny Nuggets) is this Sock Monster! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm3WHFtCgB6zBMWUWYgxW8nBhpW4Xfju-WHULLgpMVUlEmN8Qao2qwem4tjUinVaP1JeTVdtGYuP025ZXHs37KkejxcjK0IdK0gKAEzUGFdN8qo7B39m9KS1UXdtc788m4u5S0MTI7reP/s1600/Sock+Monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm3WHFtCgB6zBMWUWYgxW8nBhpW4Xfju-WHULLgpMVUlEmN8Qao2qwem4tjUinVaP1JeTVdtGYuP025ZXHs37KkejxcjK0IdK0gKAEzUGFdN8qo7B39m9KS1UXdtc788m4u5S0MTI7reP/s320/Sock+Monster.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock Monster by Danger Crafts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He's been designed by the same lady who designed the Bunnies, and when my son saw this he literally begged me to make him one - he even wants one instead of an easter egg (that really shows how much he wants it!!) The pattern for these, and lots more cute knitted toys is available to buy from Rebecca Danger's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62749033/quincy-quade-quentin-a-very-memorable">Etsy store</a>.<br />
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This week I've also done my bit by ordering a custom item from <a href="http://www.made-by-emma.co.uk/gallery-1">Made by Emma</a>. She is a lovely local lady, who is making a personalised cushion for me, for my parents' Ruby Anniversary - I'm looking forward to seeing it!<br />
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Last but not least, here's the knitted chicken that didn't make it into last week's blog:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiPWWCDvDtCiWFYd9imkcPucTaAqc7dnuYEi-GAxbcbTMvIOjle-SuRfGT-duQ10ek652edG0kMUQq24_hgmSAVU62J2EURfeLRL1pnOVsRVh71ibSCw_4KR9dgcIXjEM1FverQBsLKkr/s1600/Knitted+Chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiPWWCDvDtCiWFYd9imkcPucTaAqc7dnuYEi-GAxbcbTMvIOjle-SuRfGT-duQ10ek652edG0kMUQq24_hgmSAVU62J2EURfeLRL1pnOVsRVh71ibSCw_4KR9dgcIXjEM1FverQBsLKkr/s320/Knitted+Chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm not 100% happy with the beak, but as a first attempt it's ok - I will probably tweak the pattern to suit me next time!<br />
See you next week, if not before :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-72841937435986384682011-04-04T21:58:00.000+01:002011-04-04T21:58:45.685+01:00Handmade (Manic) Monday - again!Many thanks again to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting Handmade Monday again - it's a lovely way to share handmade things, and have a look at what everyone else has been up to. I'm sorry that I've been absent for a while - I did have a quick look at some of the links, but didn't get through them all!<br />
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The last couple of weeks has been rather a battle - lots of baby impressions, as mentioned in my <a href="http://giftsbyjenny.blogspot.com/2011/03/handmade-monday-more-recent-projects.html">previous post</a> and also a few last-minute Mothers' Day orders, coupled with my daughter being off school with a tummy bug! Not a very relaxing combination of events!<br />
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Here are a couple of the Mothers' Day photo frames I did:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK6f7J6sasjMuoPrQUAG7h6-jf4ZDLNN_CCaOsrMBSAu7mPCLU9E86U5qS9jIReTrBvYE1xjJUNHsVkNNoaBqjJdcBjBm9s8OVfuHcainEN1j2dDug-fftTG_j_bERtpzCuA6pyxU6Zna/s1600/Custom+Mum+Frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK6f7J6sasjMuoPrQUAG7h6-jf4ZDLNN_CCaOsrMBSAu7mPCLU9E86U5qS9jIReTrBvYE1xjJUNHsVkNNoaBqjJdcBjBm9s8OVfuHcainEN1j2dDug-fftTG_j_bERtpzCuA6pyxU6Zna/s320/Custom+Mum+Frame.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZVxDiaGUc0z2_Khhw5TuzkncZqwzlpqmXgvoqWSI9ZPvWjJ92rhFG_XAjLS0o-iAzHH5uBLobNeOPTohQzWWz6NZGcUqgzJA87XivuNwGQiE-200ksUwhmQrSayRgDSIuAFpBWNTRxEr/s1600/I+Love+Mummy+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZVxDiaGUc0z2_Khhw5TuzkncZqwzlpqmXgvoqWSI9ZPvWjJ92rhFG_XAjLS0o-iAzHH5uBLobNeOPTohQzWWz6NZGcUqgzJA87XivuNwGQiE-200ksUwhmQrSayRgDSIuAFpBWNTRxEr/s320/I+Love+Mummy+frame.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here are some New Baby frames I've done too - I know the design isn't exactly original. Polka dots are everywhere, but it's such a classic and a bit less 'fussy' than the daisy frame I do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt1W-S-kWn2uaDJwVyd4ahM01Zvo63XUlanTSZcy0cqspx9IxGag_jl46m6YgLuSrpaKAd-it3h_w-fX3n6DKd82z1ExIhozsSKP1DR_BYj1XjaTYPBpaLm2en-RH6_61zFGmVmlqlQ1H/s1600/Baby+Photo+Frames.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt1W-S-kWn2uaDJwVyd4ahM01Zvo63XUlanTSZcy0cqspx9IxGag_jl46m6YgLuSrpaKAd-it3h_w-fX3n6DKd82z1ExIhozsSKP1DR_BYj1XjaTYPBpaLm2en-RH6_61zFGmVmlqlQ1H/s320/Baby+Photo+Frames.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finally, I did finish the little crochet baby pumps - so here they are.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKmdIYyejPTqui2Z-3G75WSgWnFFqq6FrHHkIfVq9UlEF_ceLiI7G5gpc_6ZD9Xy71RCMQtINzZMKkrtZx_NuIfNIz5-MCKk_-0n7TnDYLgmSAm3_IODl5qpHlI5YAWibIJJuYs2VM9jo/s1600/Crochet+Baby+Slippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKmdIYyejPTqui2Z-3G75WSgWnFFqq6FrHHkIfVq9UlEF_ceLiI7G5gpc_6ZD9Xy71RCMQtINzZMKkrtZx_NuIfNIz5-MCKk_-0n7TnDYLgmSAm3_IODl5qpHlI5YAWibIJJuYs2VM9jo/s320/Crochet+Baby+Slippers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've also just finished a knitted chicken - so I'll photo her for next time, and there are more bunny nuggets on the way too - not long until Easter now....<br />
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Apart from all this, I also took part in 2 concerts - one in the lovely <a href="http://www.lichfield-cathedral.org/Visiting-Lichfield-Cathedral/visiting-lichfield-cathedral.html">Lichfield Cathedral</a>, and one in Stoke on Trent. I play the oboe in a local orchestra - the only musical thing I do nowadays. Having studied music at university a long time ago it's great to be able to keep my music going as a hobby.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80jD8EpWS0JKqjc3hJujKMMiMsXVBfo8pz19uRhdBWdXjeDW23oljgMilMwtldl8sSbwZRHs_i2hXJoZftctnq200dmAgNG8yOa7s0-Dj7QImlBYF542J3yJpA42NDfTQxwkF-Ga1MexC/s1600/oboe+pic+from+google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80jD8EpWS0JKqjc3hJujKMMiMsXVBfo8pz19uRhdBWdXjeDW23oljgMilMwtldl8sSbwZRHs_i2hXJoZftctnq200dmAgNG8yOa7s0-Dj7QImlBYF542J3yJpA42NDfTQxwkF-Ga1MexC/s320/oboe+pic+from+google.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what an oboe looks like (in case you were wondering!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Maybe I'll see what musical-themed handmade items I can find for next time - any suggestions welcome!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-30658400831393650932011-03-21T16:57:00.000+00:002011-03-21T16:57:29.351+00:00Handmade Monday: More recent projectsRight - I'm determined to take part in Handmade Monday this week!! It's a great idea by Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> and I really need motivating at the moment, so here are some recent bits of work. Don't forget to look at Wendy's blog and see what the other participants have been up to - it's always a good read.<br />
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It's been an unusually busy couple of weeks - I've had so many bookings for baby castings (which is what I get up to when I'm not knitting/crocheting). I offer a home visit service, so have been driving around lovely Staffordshire to see cute, cuddly babies - not a bad way to spend your time :)<br />
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The end result of all this is now on my drying rack waiting to be finished off and framed!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionVUOS6W3OL6b5KOvaGLRxDOr-r6OuLCaj8I5_tZm_nCkaj9RvgMpJAQGJQzjwbq2WRsR9GElvmUuOgNCLunzFtLZnRucJrjIjhthaTbaKbocD8fs4dmj1AgieI_seQGyqcyo52nX3zQw/s1600/Unfinished+Baby+Castings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionVUOS6W3OL6b5KOvaGLRxDOr-r6OuLCaj8I5_tZm_nCkaj9RvgMpJAQGJQzjwbq2WRsR9GElvmUuOgNCLunzFtLZnRucJrjIjhthaTbaKbocD8fs4dmj1AgieI_seQGyqcyo52nX3zQw/s320/Unfinished+Baby+Castings.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby casts drying off</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've also had plenty of orders for wooden name letters to keep me busy - here's one that went out last week. I think I quite like the Union Jack pattern! I used Emma Bridgewater patterned paper and am really pleased with how the colours stayed nice and bright under all that varnish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptfH5IEEZrAKAsibqhxdntp_hNZGi1wi4SC4Y9QR3Gq2j53gegrjEBGunZbN7LKtSAa58lF61GPGa0f7wRvoYfObGytRBO5Dy8BgPB-wURqIMvhAK8xTVkiAi7MzjcqYHYVqbJoNkUxpz/s1600/Boys+Name+Letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptfH5IEEZrAKAsibqhxdntp_hNZGi1wi4SC4Y9QR3Gq2j53gegrjEBGunZbN7LKtSAa58lF61GPGa0f7wRvoYfObGytRBO5Dy8BgPB-wURqIMvhAK8xTVkiAi7MzjcqYHYVqbJoNkUxpz/s320/Boys+Name+Letters.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden letters for walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There have been requests for more bunny nuggets too - they make great little Easter gifts if you don't want to give your kids too much chocolate! I must get round to making a basketful before my next craft fair....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vbIUXQSLLNQZMZdsKcY4pzubISpMY-MHoJ-DcifV66g2uTmZCNBKpJQBCEZWsUo3LclSCR7_qgPRTQaFdJdNByNqOa7ikF6vAjbScjBMWjL3nCOIP_jF-msxM1iXJuUUgFC9x6QkckAV/s1600/Cute+Knitted+Bunny+Rabbits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vbIUXQSLLNQZMZdsKcY4pzubISpMY-MHoJ-DcifV66g2uTmZCNBKpJQBCEZWsUo3LclSCR7_qgPRTQaFdJdNByNqOa7ikF6vAjbScjBMWjL3nCOIP_jF-msxM1iXJuUUgFC9x6QkckAV/s320/Cute+Knitted+Bunny+Rabbits.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bunny nuggets!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Finally, I finished my crochet bunting - so here it is - well, most of it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61cHsRzu7Tk5XP42XpYSoI5QHYLzUbrLr8JNJoo4gR4ZyhhO8ecaR4rpMl_U-Nb7TVDshB0j0RL4feDfnNt6F2Pt3vCKQh3EU46QmYOZ_LD1jHwg_E0CGbx_iRwsTolXtBGSrIyaW6483/s1600/Crochet+Granny+Bunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61cHsRzu7Tk5XP42XpYSoI5QHYLzUbrLr8JNJoo4gR4ZyhhO8ecaR4rpMl_U-Nb7TVDshB0j0RL4feDfnNt6F2Pt3vCKQh3EU46QmYOZ_LD1jHwg_E0CGbx_iRwsTolXtBGSrIyaW6483/s320/Crochet+Granny+Bunting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished 'granny' bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Hopefully, I will have some little baby bootees to show you soon - I've got some lovely soft cotton yarn, and have seen some fab patterns... <br />
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Oh, and one final thing - totally unrelated to handmade things! Please, PLEASE try and remember to change your internet/email etc. passwords and security things regularly - my husband's email and ebay account was hacked into over the weekend and he nearly ended up 'buying' thousands of pounds worth of quadbikes! We have up-to-date virus software, firewalls etc. so goodness knows how they did it. Luckily he spotted something was amiss and fingers crossed, we think we've regained control of our accounts.<br />
Very scary though...<br />
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See you soon :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-4967215915460708762011-03-07T14:09:00.000+00:002011-03-07T14:09:40.824+00:00Handmade Monday: Lots of variety!Here we are - Handmade Monday again! Thanks to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> for hosting this - it's really helping to keep me motivated to blog regularly and share my creations! I originally planned to blog twice a week, but hey - once a week is better than nothing isn't it?!<br />
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It's been a very varied week - a combination of baby impressions and other handmade bits & bobs. Just the way I like it - I love the variety of working from home and choosing what to work on each day.<br />
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Here are some baby casts that I finished - so sweet! It does have a little foot on the right hand side, but it didn't fit into the photo without catching reflections off the window! Still, you get the idea...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68cu8nLiOE2qhNwMJbbkXXNBG7Pk0XfbhNOHSkyfcHrVofhsr2B8JX4uFXKzrFViRs6y9pIW4PQcvJf-UFRjt9Yr5u6QmGHvkiTYjQc27aNKwwZg6xmoKWWbnITUpdTtMx16uR3RxNtCP/s1600/Baby+Cast+and+poem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68cu8nLiOE2qhNwMJbbkXXNBG7Pk0XfbhNOHSkyfcHrVofhsr2B8JX4uFXKzrFViRs6y9pIW4PQcvJf-UFRjt9Yr5u6QmGHvkiTYjQc27aNKwwZg6xmoKWWbnITUpdTtMx16uR3RxNtCP/s320/Baby+Cast+and+poem.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby hand cast with a sweet poem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On the knitting/crochet front, I made a knitted letter 'B' for my daughter - what do you think? I've also started making an 'L' and 'O' - probably to make 'LOVE' but maybe 'LOL' if I'm feeling lazy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiBJ9G9HBHIVt11yq-hwpkXcSDrGPYdUk7Gei9NvYHwGeBzj71iTHqweXj3H9TZpMQfU0OpvtTXEGyVIWgoLsRkDF2lcKjGYp76hfrA8gc5bp1CAJC3rHJTul3dk7sI1XK-CmLZ_vT6XJ/s1600/Knitted+Letter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiBJ9G9HBHIVt11yq-hwpkXcSDrGPYdUk7Gei9NvYHwGeBzj71iTHqweXj3H9TZpMQfU0OpvtTXEGyVIWgoLsRkDF2lcKjGYp76hfrA8gc5bp1CAJC3rHJTul3dk7sI1XK-CmLZ_vT6XJ/s320/Knitted+Letter.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Letter for my daughter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also started (but haven't finished) some crochet 'granny' bunting - I want to finish this off before the weekend when I'm at my monthly craft market near home. Nothing like a deadline to keep me focused! There are going to be some other colour combos in it, I'll try and photograph it when it's all done.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlgevxNkYgvaYLKztPSbRH2gR4NMGHVONlS3DuB5R38pOxFwmIBpI9aKvqwTaWk9kExN06NaE1zUCrb8EkqxdvOYE0wWZ_zuXlPOj8h7pt9z5NLr7zf9ci9IaTUicm74c96AW9lG_pFcz/s1600/Crochet+Granny+Bunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlgevxNkYgvaYLKztPSbRH2gR4NMGHVONlS3DuB5R38pOxFwmIBpI9aKvqwTaWk9kExN06NaE1zUCrb8EkqxdvOYE0wWZ_zuXlPOj8h7pt9z5NLr7zf9ci9IaTUicm74c96AW9lG_pFcz/s320/Crochet+Granny+Bunting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I sent off one of my photo frames to be professionally photographed for my <a href="http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/gifts-by-jenny_1388-products.asp">Giftwrapped & Gorgeous</a> boutique, and I received the files back. I was really thrilled at how well they came out - much better than I could ever manage. Now I just need to sell lots of them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmwvICHaGjlqTD6VOMsA7VfaQTUA4ZaHjq5Zt_JoyHy8Q_g_18IKmwrMx-1D3z2OvzSriJpiFAcUfutnbdnfmvribnFHp_4b83T4ksyv5o1QMCshe2YwHd_SR9H7zjTKfRmEHtF1De7hh/s1600/I+love+my+mummy+frame+a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmwvICHaGjlqTD6VOMsA7VfaQTUA4ZaHjq5Zt_JoyHy8Q_g_18IKmwrMx-1D3z2OvzSriJpiFAcUfutnbdnfmvribnFHp_4b83T4ksyv5o1QMCshe2YwHd_SR9H7zjTKfRmEHtF1De7hh/s320/I+love+my+mummy+frame+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started making these last year, but recently changed the style and size of the writing to make it look like it's written by a child - actually it was really difficult to write like that! My natural instinct was to try and be neat rather than the opposite. The little shapes in the corners are made from polymer clay, with the images stamped into it before baking. By the way, the cheeky little boy is actually my son (not called Harry!) - the photo is quite old now but he is still just as cheeky!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoyed this week's post - now you've read this, please visit <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> and have a look at the other bloggers and their lovely creations! See you next week (if not before...) xx</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-25102064191871839312011-02-28T14:05:00.000+00:002011-02-28T14:05:55.823+00:00Handmade Monday: Campervans!It's handmade Monday again - sorry I missed last week, but it's been rather busy here with lots of wooden letters needing painting, covering, varnishing, posting out.... whew!<br />
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Anyway, don't forget to check in on Wendy's blog <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> to see what she's been up to, and to have a browse through the other Handmade Monday blogs.<br />
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I've also been busy with baby impressions - here's one I finished this week:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbsP9qrkvyZViXhshV5_y_VuODyg0YbvuNmxlCHIf6vobHrhovk_r12FyjAD3dX-fEp8q5Wp8LS4s8f1kwfpHdzoYODw4HfR74h6356kH802IDgfR-MxTVXrLRlkCuyR62g8IXZt2ik5o/s1600/Little+Impressions+family+casts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbsP9qrkvyZViXhshV5_y_VuODyg0YbvuNmxlCHIf6vobHrhovk_r12FyjAD3dX-fEp8q5Wp8LS4s8f1kwfpHdzoYODw4HfR74h6356kH802IDgfR-MxTVXrLRlkCuyR62g8IXZt2ik5o/s320/Little+Impressions+family+casts.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Impressions: hand casts of 3 sisters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So you might be wondering why this blog post is called 'Campervans'!<br />
Well, as part of my business is dealing with cute cuddly babies, I'm often browsing the internet or looking on twitter for great and unusual baby products - anything I can talk to my customers about whilst I'm squashing their baby's hands or feet in clay!<br />
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This week I came across some fabulous little baby shoes - they just made me think "Oh wow! How sweet are these? I wish I'd seen them when my daughter was a baby." So here they are:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWdDZQJswvUqleIFsiDa246AvdhbVBiDqLuyRPC7DJCL3uboEnAN_grM_qgGIjWg9N3Wy93XNbM2dsGKPwyQgZ4iIKB_AC9NzdEtDA1jlFIxImnOU3x2tGJcSrO_T2RTEqYbiotcaVLyf/s1600/Campervan+baby+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWdDZQJswvUqleIFsiDa246AvdhbVBiDqLuyRPC7DJCL3uboEnAN_grM_qgGIjWg9N3Wy93XNbM2dsGKPwyQgZ4iIKB_AC9NzdEtDA1jlFIxImnOU3x2tGJcSrO_T2RTEqYbiotcaVLyf/s1600/Campervan+baby+shoes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campervan Baby Shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They are made from lovely quality leather by the British company <a href="http://www.preshoes.co.uk/index.asp?action=showproduct&id={E4FD026F-80F6-47F8-9572-5E5E96397A85}">Pre Shoes</a> . There are loads of lovely designs, including a blue/red campervan design for boys too!<br />
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Following on from that, I thought I'd have a browse on <a href="http://www.folksy.com/">Folksy</a> to see what else I could find with campervans on! There are loads of things!! However, some of the nicest I found were these cushions:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kASql6_nW8xUJUgECAkYSfIjefeDnsS_BqFVr8dzRJF52Ef-2hR7VM2c5hDOkVaq7geFfSBhl5CeiTFLNYrhBQWq3GKIFNCDs4ZrgnDjFXkvPCLo6Q48sH7Aqw31-T7UYtd0lRh8hlTA/s1600/Campervan+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kASql6_nW8xUJUgECAkYSfIjefeDnsS_BqFVr8dzRJF52Ef-2hR7VM2c5hDOkVaq7geFfSBhl5CeiTFLNYrhBQWq3GKIFNCDs4ZrgnDjFXkvPCLo6Q48sH7Aqw31-T7UYtd0lRh8hlTA/s320/Campervan+cushion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade Campervan cushion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They are made by <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/kindredrose">Kindred Rose</a> and there are other lovely cushions in gorgeous colour combos. She is patiently waiting for her first Folksy sale, so please do visit :)<br />
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That brings me nicely back to Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts who, of course, makes these which you can buy <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/wall%20art%20gifts.0.html">here</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0qG5-H1Koj88lYIo1FRC9BzUSgH9usArTHieB2crDnxEBSeEeSpuRntF-OZvk4Xi0sfY77iPX6-OH7rKEGBTnR_c1zQLTBBYQi73gLmgQTTn1fHrH1IH46uyYiJzXq02MoxfDXrgBN2R/s1600/Campervan+canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0qG5-H1Koj88lYIo1FRC9BzUSgH9usArTHieB2crDnxEBSeEeSpuRntF-OZvk4Xi0sfY77iPX6-OH7rKEGBTnR_c1zQLTBBYQi73gLmgQTTn1fHrH1IH46uyYiJzXq02MoxfDXrgBN2R/s320/Campervan+canvas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personalised Campervan wall canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wendy very kindly nominated me for a 'Stylish Blogger' Award as did <a href="http://angels-and-diamonds.blogspot.com/">Angels and Diamonds</a> . Thank you both very much! I haven't had much chance to return the mention and nominate my 15 blogs, but I haven't forgotten....<br />
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Perhaps, once I've got through my piles of painted letters, unframed baby impressions, bags of knitting wool etc. I'll be organised enough!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-16095259800781397082011-02-14T13:45:00.000+00:002011-02-14T13:45:31.770+00:00Handmade Monday: Happy Valentines Day!Another week gone already - here is Handmade Monday again! There seem to be quite a few of us now sharing what we've made recently, so please visit the <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts blog</a> to see more links, and read about what Wendy's been up to over the weekend.<br />
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In case you've just arrived from another planet, today is Valentines Day so I couldn't resist knitting this when I found the pattern on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login">Ravelry</a>, the knitting/crocheting website! I think I might do one in cream, perhaps with some sequins or beading - might make a nice wedding gift idea. What do you think?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcB6pdD3bG2j0jVSOiDId_8oXvvd3uUCZybeNc08xY0VMLixTjnzI3R58Hmcezda5nx50Z1In-03tUY7t43EpOQAwd09OUzkZNM-QLkxy2QFWe6kUpnF3VWZa1AxhJcIaMTg9wFarUoWE/s1600/Knitted+love+u.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcB6pdD3bG2j0jVSOiDId_8oXvvd3uUCZybeNc08xY0VMLixTjnzI3R58Hmcezda5nx50Z1In-03tUY7t43EpOQAwd09OUzkZNM-QLkxy2QFWe6kUpnF3VWZa1AxhJcIaMTg9wFarUoWE/s320/Knitted+love+u.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Valentine message</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Hubby and I got a lovely handmade card this morning - from my daughter! She must have sneaked off and made it sometime over the weekend - it brought tears to my eyes, but then I am a bit of a softie where my kids are concerned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz2nld56n6LzDfVRFiK4tCT4iihq9mBZJV5ZEyPTCMEASfvj5h7IpkMT7CaTepoKjrcHN0Wn8Mpdy-NV5HzjTQr8mWf_S6i4wp41LIM3Zb6gaZGwmLC_CFXJFjTJmUpXfs92kH7nURm4Y/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz2nld56n6LzDfVRFiK4tCT4iihq9mBZJV5ZEyPTCMEASfvj5h7IpkMT7CaTepoKjrcHN0Wn8Mpdy-NV5HzjTQr8mWf_S6i4wp41LIM3Zb6gaZGwmLC_CFXJFjTJmUpXfs92kH7nURm4Y/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I was at a local crafts & collectables market at the weekend - the first one of the year. It was a bit of a shock to the system having to get up so early on a Saturday!! I mainly specialise in baby and young children's items so Valentines Day isn't a major selling event for me, but I did sell one of these to a gentleman looking for a last-minute gift. I hope his wife liked it :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxdaW_3ohEYnv0zAxwk0zatJckTGrdUxKKRZHD_YbSbGO-Jq6MI6QYnxpDNgIhRF2_6FT4EKlpvUj4hvkiTImA6H9KOT3O-cOO46Dy2ix6nwY-bsc3y-foZPNS06GEFlOhj0ZkzX2V3nj/s1600/Romantic+plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxdaW_3ohEYnv0zAxwk0zatJckTGrdUxKKRZHD_YbSbGO-Jq6MI6QYnxpDNgIhRF2_6FT4EKlpvUj4hvkiTImA6H9KOT3O-cOO46Dy2ix6nwY-bsc3y-foZPNS06GEFlOhj0ZkzX2V3nj/s320/Romantic+plaque.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romantic wooden hanging heart</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also at the market were the lovely ladies from <a href="http://www.caramelocean.co.uk/our_stall.html">Caramel Ocean</a> who make gorgeous things! I took this quick pic when their display of Union Jack items caught my eye. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapohHyBqvkT8CMOrmfgVEOjl_icuCz0yOsrW5ZFu-JCyxWzO1JD1fiACx31rgJ-kYTkOzfHdZSjUGtYFde3puKGOy06YnNsVL-I4IcVPt2LgwYHc13khXhcjh2n_XqSnophKF2IzSsXjg/s1600/Union+Jacks+at+Stone+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapohHyBqvkT8CMOrmfgVEOjl_icuCz0yOsrW5ZFu-JCyxWzO1JD1fiACx31rgJ-kYTkOzfHdZSjUGtYFde3puKGOy06YnNsVL-I4IcVPt2LgwYHc13khXhcjh2n_XqSnophKF2IzSsXjg/s320/Union+Jacks+at+Stone+market.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items by Caramel Ocean, Stone Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, I know lots of you loved the bunny nuggest last week - I found time to make another, extra fluffy one who might have a new home soon ;-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwih337TZmphpnWrPM1aT89LH3rD1913uxesuUkJW689-obAQo11gUowKdHHFUIWk8Nb6z2pW4h4T_rk-eY572yxpL1N_e0IrwdlkxRJNf77nfZvl4DNvATwxTPGsAwuMvnTI-NFHwvO2W/s1600/Purple+knitted+bunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwih337TZmphpnWrPM1aT89LH3rD1913uxesuUkJW689-obAQo11gUowKdHHFUIWk8Nb6z2pW4h4T_rk-eY572yxpL1N_e0IrwdlkxRJNf77nfZvl4DNvATwxTPGsAwuMvnTI-NFHwvO2W/s320/Purple+knitted+bunny.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I think that's it for now - don't forget to have a look at the other Handmade Monday blogs. I'm off to have a look! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-13861948908061749782011-02-11T13:21:00.001+00:002011-02-11T13:35:08.016+00:00Baby Casting - (or how to turn little fists into handprints!)You may (or may not!) know that when I'm not busy painting mdf, crocheting or running about like a headless chicken, I run the <a href="http://www.little-impressions.com/">Little Impressions</a> franchise for the South Staffs area. It is a professional baby casting service, making lovely keepsakes for parents and grandparents.<br />
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Having casts or prints of your little one's hands or feet is such a great way to preserve at least a bit of their 'babyness'. I've been trading since 2004 (oh my, is it really that long??) so have reached the stage where some of 'my' first babies are now at school, with little brothers or sisters too!<br />
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There is a huge variety of casting kits and services available to parents now, for all tastes and budgets - here are just a few:<br />
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<strong>DIY kits</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCl8v-8xeGMAqyxzRXF8jIbdXzdIsyVmXsmOKN0HsJDacHvxWfVrWrsie6DjRGPvq51krUtqecNiS5CbfqE7s_qv8hUOarZ9ScUTcDNO5y-4xxpis-omgL0Uqux_gmh46ETjshyphenhyphen69AS6b/s1600/Ink+handprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCl8v-8xeGMAqyxzRXF8jIbdXzdIsyVmXsmOKN0HsJDacHvxWfVrWrsie6DjRGPvq51krUtqecNiS5CbfqE7s_qv8hUOarZ9ScUTcDNO5y-4xxpis-omgL0Uqux_gmh46ETjshyphenhyphen69AS6b/s200/Ink+handprint.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br />
This is a flat print - which can be done with paint or ink, and you can get 'inkless wipes' too, making it all much less messy! You can get paint prints put onto plates, mugs etc. at many local pottery studios.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxL3h8kzV93Zv_SwFtiSQxvjJnsRjXikPMbriK37UffNmTKtiZnissPay40vZoBUsZmjtcBxTS5CnnYRxCNWyvzsUh3lKlb-xrDWxUJVWmaz731om25JP9V6D-dMPqC7E456SnjvxoQxd/s1600/Imprint+tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxL3h8kzV93Zv_SwFtiSQxvjJnsRjXikPMbriK37UffNmTKtiZnissPay40vZoBUsZmjtcBxTS5CnnYRxCNWyvzsUh3lKlb-xrDWxUJVWmaz731om25JP9V6D-dMPqC7E456SnjvxoQxd/s200/Imprint+tin.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is the sort of thing you can buy on the High Street quite cheaply - you take the print in a white clay. The resulting print is indented into the clay. The quality can be quite variable, and the clay may need softening by kneading it. Make sure you read the instructions!<br />
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<strong>Professional Castings</strong><br />
These are for those that don't want to 'have a go', and want a good quality product without all the mess and stress!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39GAlycHPCaQEvMiuyK0rsWvkYqprtxTzAUuxCcyWVxTC9x9sWs3nvCo-2mNDvhlzHSobnFnsDnvEPoObbVAWlSwSIu76zBrWcEMgj_ARcYUFPFQvooSwWmISq4kw5Iw80NhD05m1SE-B/s1600/clay+impressions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39GAlycHPCaQEvMiuyK0rsWvkYqprtxTzAUuxCcyWVxTC9x9sWs3nvCo-2mNDvhlzHSobnFnsDnvEPoObbVAWlSwSIu76zBrWcEMgj_ARcYUFPFQvooSwWmISq4kw5Iw80NhD05m1SE-B/s200/clay+impressions.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>These are clay impressions - notice they are indented into the clay - which are glazed and fired, and then framed. They are available from some pottery studios and also some large department stores.<br />
Very sweet :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxMSgRm5tpYc7FFdYTYirO9HSTjU_XPc04zK0Q1MqBdqjvmLvXFXEDHPEUc_IZxeThpOWt04QP188H0ZxAAsrFpN4Dgg8CrVDE2wPOey8BTJbrqsotxIqA_Uw5V3tFqqMbb8SBBFRT4_8/s1600/bronze+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxMSgRm5tpYc7FFdYTYirO9HSTjU_XPc04zK0Q1MqBdqjvmLvXFXEDHPEUc_IZxeThpOWt04QP188H0ZxAAsrFpN4Dgg8CrVDE2wPOey8BTJbrqsotxIqA_Uw5V3tFqqMbb8SBBFRT4_8/s200/bronze+feet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>These are '3D' casts - you can get them as DIY kits or have them professionally made in plaster and also metals like bronze, cast iron and also lead crystal (beautiful, but not cheap!)<br />
These are lovely as a life-size, tactile reminder of those tiny fingers and toes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS8dU_k61e_RyqGeOE3_0vwIBOxGkvVbicJ0TX08Jf21_7YnatsGFCfrdhY7y4J9COr9TGp_vaQmJtWsJCXmseMOJ4H64tCvxdh0bN7uEmqGL-DNU2Ug4Xk3GJ3ZxB78NfecJXlI8uoKR/s1600/Baby+impressions+and+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS8dU_k61e_RyqGeOE3_0vwIBOxGkvVbicJ0TX08Jf21_7YnatsGFCfrdhY7y4J9COr9TGp_vaQmJtWsJCXmseMOJ4H64tCvxdh0bN7uEmqGL-DNU2Ug4Xk3GJ3ZxB78NfecJXlI8uoKR/s200/Baby+impressions+and+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Finally, here is a Little Impression (not one of mine, but off the website). We use clay to take the print, and then cast it in plaster - so the print sticks out giving a raised impression.<br />
There are other processes involved in making them look so gorgeous, but I'm not allowed to divulge them :)<br />
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<strong>My Top Tips</strong><br />
If you're planning on trying to take some prints from your baby, either by yourself or by arranging to see a professional, there are a few tips I've picked up over the years.<br />
<ul><li>A contented baby makes life easier - seems obvious, but if your baby is clean, well-fed and not over-tired the whole process will be much easier and enjoyable for all.</li>
<li>For very tiny babies (under 4 weeks) I find it easier to lay them on their backs and move their arms down to their sides to take the prints - rather than them being held and 'dangled' over the clay, which they find rather alarming!</li>
<li>For older babies (8 weeks to toddlers) - lots of eye contact and 'baby talk', lots of encouragement, and have some toys to hand in case you need to distract them. Singing songs sometimes works well too.</li>
<li>Toddlers (12-24 months) - good luck!! No, seriously I find this the hardest age group. If they don't want to do it, they just ain't gonna do it! You can try bribery, and sometimes they like to just mess about with the clay on their own first, to get used to the feel of it. You can also try counting their fingers while you take the prints.</li>
<li>Older children (age 2+) - generally not a problem unless they are tired, so avoid evenings or naptimes. As above, they might like to count with you whilst you take prints. Usually I find they're quite excited about the whole thing, and are keen to show Mummy/Daddy how clever they are!</li>
</ul>I hope that you might find those tips useful. Of course, each child is different and what works for one doesn't work for another. Sometimes you just need to be patient, and other times just get on with it!<br />
Hopefully, though, you'll eventually end up turning this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1mpaJiJuzLihMPWjn052GJ-ySHFUeFjRtJ0GovMOJ_m6886z0BG48nQoHi_qZkE7eqgj7MizyruS5hNxdWvvMYNHT6uPt8hgBO0pXbC399Y-BiyJXVd3tiM2oOhg96NZUv0xicGx91II/s1600/Baby+handprint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1mpaJiJuzLihMPWjn052GJ-ySHFUeFjRtJ0GovMOJ_m6886z0BG48nQoHi_qZkE7eqgj7MizyruS5hNxdWvvMYNHT6uPt8hgBO0pXbC399Y-BiyJXVd3tiM2oOhg96NZUv0xicGx91II/s200/Baby+handprint.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handprint in clay</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">in my case, into this! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4jqlhyphenhyphenXvMC37LTfYaJzfq6T84I9IbPbWSoZsEr8YTYz4hdsMecydT-PRj3lifO_C4dSq4G39DWN4a3M2SgL7_GTEvYk0ED0QVRLrfnpHh7vSVv4rxuhXLwQ5fgsvUVsT9mphp9_lQxvV/s1600/Acrylic+Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4jqlhyphenhyphenXvMC37LTfYaJzfq6T84I9IbPbWSoZsEr8YTYz4hdsMecydT-PRj3lifO_C4dSq4G39DWN4a3M2SgL7_GTEvYk0ED0QVRLrfnpHh7vSVv4rxuhXLwQ5fgsvUVsT9mphp9_lQxvV/s320/Acrylic+Hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Little Impressions cast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097324741908401582.post-25017255226237880072011-02-07T13:37:00.001+00:002011-02-07T13:40:25.152+00:00Things to brighten up a blustery dayI don't know where last week went, but it's Handmade Monday again! It's all thanks to Wendy at <a href="http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/">1st Unique Gifts</a> who came up with the idea -so please have a look at her blog and all the links from other lovely craftspeople who have been busy creating.<br />
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This week has been mostly taken up with finishing off orders for my Wooden Name Letters, which seem really popular at the moment!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMDJCdxUWBDyN6TLVSLiwqwP3iwxSioYJy3WgMBEHqSfiWQ_LzddRs3alojR3ZeQrG5w_JzbgB9w9XHxn9Vg3Np2_CfHEjIEyDy2-oj0kbimZOA9aD4MNlhhpjYk6qsrP2K-SUPzh1yVd/s1600/Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMDJCdxUWBDyN6TLVSLiwqwP3iwxSioYJy3WgMBEHqSfiWQ_LzddRs3alojR3ZeQrG5w_JzbgB9w9XHxn9Vg3Np2_CfHEjIEyDy2-oj0kbimZOA9aD4MNlhhpjYk6qsrP2K-SUPzh1yVd/s320/Lily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorated Wooden Name Letters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love making these - they are all either handpainted, or decoupaged with patterned paper. There is a huge pile of them on our dining table waiting to be finished, so I suppose that's an incentive to get them done before dinnertime!<br />
I've made a start on my (currently very basic) <a href="http://www.giftsbyjenny.co.uk/">Gifts by Jenny</a> website, so they are now available to buy there, as well as direct from me at craft fairs.<br />
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As usual, I've also spent some time knitting in front of the telly. I sold this little cutie a while ago, and have had a request for another so have nearly finished and I think I'll do some more in lovely spring colours, all ready for Easter!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJrjo-N5-JkA06CYtiYUJURjiihyu6XaeTWGzibIFtKn5xE1OdqmPoSFojli3AVXEJr_jiH513Il0SdrqO4nLIZ3iVc9vez3L7FbcfCZoM5PzW0yTloRjKPbdgN5JrovDEogen7cQSBLV/s1600/Knitted+rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJrjo-N5-JkA06CYtiYUJURjiihyu6XaeTWGzibIFtKn5xE1OdqmPoSFojli3AVXEJr_jiH513Il0SdrqO4nLIZ3iVc9vez3L7FbcfCZoM5PzW0yTloRjKPbdgN5JrovDEogen7cQSBLV/s320/Knitted+rabbit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Bunny Nugget</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lastly, I popped along to the Spring Fair in Birmingham yesterday - mainly to have a good nosey and get some inspiration, and also to look for any lovely items that I can stock and sell online or at markets.<br />
So, in keeping with the general Valentines theme (only 1 week to go) here are some gorgeous little hearts that I saw.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1g_KqfSsE7B1vhLUwIMjyWrKOcWZxpQcJt-XjCKBlb63BiPEbiorb7PyFmJxaY5IFP6bz802a9s_SolKMTghFlkEPcbLJ10n5ewcbHI7fLiL3qsMXVklo9sPAEZ3e4T88hm20Y4Si6fy/s1600/papier-mache+hearts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1g_KqfSsE7B1vhLUwIMjyWrKOcWZxpQcJt-XjCKBlb63BiPEbiorb7PyFmJxaY5IFP6bz802a9s_SolKMTghFlkEPcbLJ10n5ewcbHI7fLiL3qsMXVklo9sPAEZ3e4T88hm20Y4Si6fy/s1600/papier-mache+hearts.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Trade papier-mache hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They are made from papier-mache, and imported by a fair trade company. They come from Kashmir where they are made by local women - the quality of these was absolutely amazing and I'm looking forward to stocking some of these as well as their other lovely decorative items.<br />
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That's it for now - I'm hoping my next post will be about my baby casting business. I took some great photos of some baby footprints that I'm saving for you...<br />
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Enjoy the rest of Monday & see you soon. xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12086321222796617293noreply@blogger.com12