Cork Pin Boards

If you're looking for a new pin board to get organised this year, try this simple idea. 

These three cork boards cost $4.99 at Ikea, I used a permanent spray adhesive to adhere lovely fabrics to each board and removable velcro tabs to hold them onto the wall.  To stop the edges from fraying on the linen and patterned cotton fabric I used 'Fray Stoppa', the third fabric is felt which doesn't fray.  Draw the shape onto the fabric then just inside the line run a bead of the fray stoppa, once it's dried cut out in the middle of this section just 1-2mm from the drawn line - so you don't end up with pencil mark showing through to the front of the fabric. 

Organisation the beautiful way!

Valentines Day

Well, it will soon be Valentines Day, here's another quick project for you...

Take a wire coat hanger and a pair of plyers, undo the coat hanger and make it straight using the plyers (wear safety goggles and do this outside away from others), leave the end as it was that joins the pieces together, you'll use that part again as it is.  Shape it into a heart shape.  Use a roughly cut strip of fabric, long enough to fit the coat hanger with some gathering.  I have chosen raw linen with contrasting red thread, in a stitch which is doubled up so it looks really thick, and I made the stitch length quite long, so it looks hand sewn. Sew along the long side, thread it onto the hanger then wind the metal ends around each other and hide them within the fabric, use a couple of hand stitches to hold the fabric together at the back.  Cut two pieces of fabric together in the shape of a luggage tag, sew them together, I used a blanket stitch and then sew or hand stitch the word 'love' onto the tag, hang from a matching ribbon and tie onto the heart.  Hang it from the wall, sit it on the bed, in front of a window, wherever it works for you, it's lightweight so it can hang from lots of places. 

Have a Happy Valentines Day!

Sunrise

Whilst writing up ideas for my new business this morning, I was watching the sunrise from my window and I thought I would share it with you.... 

It was so lovely that after I took this photo I walked down to the beach to have an even better view.

Coasters

A little project that you can do when you have some spare time, make a few gorgeous fabric coasters.  I chose denim and a japanese linen print - just cut out the size you like, plus a little strip to use on the contrast fabric, sew this on to your plain side, then use spray adhesive to join the front and backs together and sew around the edges - easy!  If you use softer fabric - use iron on interfacing to join the front and back together, it will provide the rigidity you'll need to make them feel like store bought coasters.  You can also spray waterproofing onto them so they won't stain.. enjoy!

iPad cover

 Sometimes when I design I can't decide between styles, this is one of those times, so here are two iPad covers which of course co-ordinate with the felt messenger bag. I couldn't decide between the more basic, contemporary style cover or the more Japanese inspired design, so two for you.

Welcome to 2012

Welcome back for the New Year!

I love the Lunar (Chinese) New Year, it allows me to slink back into the New Year a little later than most here in the West and say Happy New Year!  

May 2012 bring love, happiness and creativity to you all..

It has been quite a while since my last post, mostly due to moving house with the only internet connection coming from the 3G on my iPhone.. not quite sufficient for photo's on a blogsite - plus truth be known I have been enjoying the weather as much as I can, as well as setting up my new sewing area. It's been so hard to find a spot for all of my fabrics, not to mention spice jars and craft boxes. Over the festive season I moved from a large, three bedroom house with a sewing room into a two bedroom apartment and finding space has been a bit of a challenge - but finally..Success!  I actually love it, all of my stuff on one level, not split over four, although I have had to increase my beach walks to counteract losing all of the stairs which were so good for my glutes... :- ) 

Here's my lastest project - a gorgeous felt carry bag - which holds A4 folders etc. Can you tell I love turquoise?  I am about to make a iPad case and several other stationary type products to compliment it, shall keep you posted...