Wicker Chair Upgrade

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Why oh why did nobody tell me sooner about the wonders of spray paint?!

I bought this wicker chair for Darcy from a vintage emporium (see blog post and pictures of it HERE) for about £15 and whilst the colour is inoffensive, it didn't look very special in my living room.

Add a can of spray paint and some elbow grease and wowee, wowee, brand new chair. 

Before you spray, it's best to lightly sand (or get your little sister to do it for you, heh heh), wipe off any dust and debris and take it into a well ventilated space. 

The spray paint I used was from a craft store and under £10. Be sure to check the label to see if it is suitable for the surface you are using it on, ie. wood, metal etc. 

I decided to leave it at one coat but if you wanted a completely covered look, with no natural wood colour showing through, I would go for two. I prefer the shabby chic, slightly aged effect. 

The chair now fits perfectly into our lounge which is where we spend the majority of our time. Darcy feels very special to have her own little place and if we decide it doesn't work for the space anymore, it's small enough to fit in lots of other nooks. 

This was such a fast, affordable project that I am now continually on the hunt for new things to paint. I have been doing more and more projects around the house lately and can't wait to share a full tour with you soon. 

This last tour I did was Darcy's room whilst I was pregnant (link), so I am well overdue!

What do you like to do to spruce your rooms up? Have you done any projects lately?

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my discloser policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser - It's A Blondes Life. Click HERE for more info. 

Toodlepip!

xx

DIY || Spray Painted Wicker Basket

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It's no secret at all that I like things in muted tones and pretty looking. I know shabby chic is just sooooo 2010 but frankly, I don't care. Throw me a bit of distressed wood and lace and I'm yours. 

We'd had this wicker basket floating round for a few years and I liked the shape too much to throw it out during my current 'get rid of crap' phase. I decided that the only way it was staying was if it were usable and so project make-the-wicker-white-and-think-of-a-better-project-name-next-time came about. 

This was probably the easiest craft project I have ever done in my life. 

How To Spray Paint Wicker

Using a damp cloth, clean the basket.

Allow to dry.

In a well ventilated and protected (you don't want spray paint everywhere!) area, hold the can 30-50cm away from the object and spray evenly.

Leave to dry (I left the basket outside for a good few hours).

Embellish.

My spray paint was bought from hobbycraft. Just read the label to see what kind of materials it is suitable. This said yes to wood so I went for it. 

Easy peasy! My basket still has that 'new paint' smell but I think in time it will fade. Overall, I'm really happy and think I've caught the spray painting bug! Watch this space!!

Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | Hello Cotton | Bloglovin'

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Barbie and Pie. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

How To :: Colour Glass Jars

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Remember back in the olden days when I was Mrs Loved To Craft? Well, the other day she was back! back with a painty-inspired-by-pinterest venom!

How To Colour Glass Jars

Now, before all you DIY goddesses throw down your PVA in anger, yes, I know there is more than one way to colour glass jars and I think all of them are lovely. This way however, is with acrylic paint and is beyond simple. I like simple.

Gather your clean, dry glass jars.

Generously pour acrylic paint (I bought mine from Hobbycraft) into the bottom and if you can, round the edges INSIDE.

Roll/twist the jar about to encourage paint to coat the inside completely. 

On newspaper or a surface you're happy to ruin, leave the jars upside down to finish the inner coating and let the excess paint drain out. 

Leave to dry and add contents.

Voila!

Do you think this is something you'll try? Think of the possibilities!!

Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | Hello Cotton | Bloglovin'

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Ji Ji Kiki . If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.

My Tiny Valentine

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Happy Valentines Day!

I know the 14th of February envokes a lot of mixed feelings for people. Some think it's a great excuse to celebrate love and romance, where as others think it's just an excuse for card companies to make money and begrudge every couple they know. I must say, throughout the last decade I have been on both sides of the luurrvvee fence. 

Which ever way you feel this year, you can't deny the cuteness of handmade gifts from tiny little people.

Of course Matt and I have also done special things for each other but this year, I want an excuse to get my coloured card out with Baby Glitter and so we had a little crafting session. You may have seen a sneak peak of it in THIS post. 

I have to admit that after she had done the initial paint stamping, the cutting and sticking was my department. The finished results were inspired by something we saw on Pinterest, so I shan't take all the credit. I'm really pleased with how these turned out and hope the recipients enjoy the love flavoured sentiment.

However you are or aren't celebrating Saint Valentine today, I hope you are happy and with people you love. If you're feeling a bit lonesome, why not have a chat in the comments? Us Sprinklerinos are a very loving crowd and I'm sure someone will have something kind to say!

Let me know what you've done today!

Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | Hello Cotton | Bloglovin'

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Ji Ji Kiki . If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE. 

Shabby Chic Summer Treats

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Give me a wooden dresser and I'll sand and distress it, give me a pretty glass plate and I'll fill it with candles, drop me off at a craft fair and I'm in heaven. I am a through and through shabby chic addict. 

I adore 'prettying' things up and just taking ordinary objects and making them quaint. You might call it twee, but it floats my boat and lights my fire. Oh yeah. 

I thought I would share a cute little idea with you that I have been doing a lot lately. Also, it's free- what more could you want?

On summer patio evenings, rather than drinking out of regular glasses, I have been saving little glass jars from jams and sauces, thoroughly washing them, adding cute straws (I bought mine HERE), fruity cocktail sticks, ice and voila!

It's not a big deal, but it's fun, free and makes us smile. These are also great if you have little ones coming over as they seem to think it very novel indeed to have a drink out of a jam jar. I'm totally with them on that one, haha.

Does this little idea tickle your pickle?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Confessions of a Secret Shopper. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

LOTD || Etsy #3

 

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It's no secret on this blog that I am a whopping great big fan on Etsy. For those that don't know, it is like a gigantic ebay but only for handmade or vintage items and it is quite simply, BEAUTIFUL. I saved the best LOTD til last. The idea is very simple- find a beautiful item for sale on etsy, and tell us so we can be equally impressed!

Sunday will always be : Esty.

 

Well, it's July and I'm just starting to think about Christmas time now. Normal? I doubt it. Organised? Yeah baby!

 

I recently had all my instagram pictures printed off onto little pieces of 2"x2" card and have been looking into new ways of displaying them (like this DIY Collage). I found THESE great little frames with loops that would allow you to thread ribbon through and intend to buy some to put my snaps in. I think they would make really cute customised Christmas tree decorations, lavish gift tags or even table place settings. I find it a little odd that you have to buy the glass separately, but they are pretty affordable and will make a really unique but easy craft project. Yay. 

If you would like to join in, simply copy and paste the image above (please link this blog with it), find your favourite etsy product and share it with the world. Feel free to let us know in the comments if you have done this and we can all mooch about together!

Are you thinking this far ahead?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Confessions of a Secret Shopper. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

DIY Instagram Collage

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Once upon a time I lived in a stylish city apartment, with my delicious smelling boyfriend and we would spend Friday nights in swanky bars, laughing with friends and wearing shockingly high heels (me, not him!). Nowadays things are a little different. 

This Friday just gone, once Baby Glitter was in bed, I put on some cheesy romcom and grabbed my sellotape with relish. Forty minutes later and I had made this ::

 

Do excuse my fuzzy instagram pictures. Once it is hung I will photograph it with the cannon and we can all oooh and aaaaar. 

After I had instagramed the finished product, a lot of you sweetly asked how I made it so I have decided to tell you. It really was easy and is incredibly adaptable, so hopefully you can make something gorgeous for yourselves too. 

:: Step One :: 

Have your instagram images printed. I used Pinstagram for this. I opted for 2inch by 2inch squares and for $12 you can choose 48. They are sent in a little brown box on sturdy white card with a neat white trim. I LOVE them! I ordered multiples of a couple (like the one of me and my sister) so send in little cards- how quaint. At christmas, I intend on taking some cute shots of Baby Glitter, having them printed and using them as gift tags for family and friends. Delivery time took 2-3 weeks so plan ahead if you want to use this service. I was really happy with it. Also, as an extra bonus, you can pay by paypal, easy streets!

:: Step Two ::

Buy your frame. I bought this one from IKEA as I liked the raised edges. I also liked that it was only £7.99 and absolutely massive. Hurrah!

:: Step Three ::

The fun part- choose and arrange your photos. In this frame, if you squish them all up, you can fit 60 in perfectly. Since I had 144 to choose from, this was pretty tricky! Haha.

:: Step Four ::

Adhere your photos. For this you can use anything you like, but since I could only find sellotape, that had to do. Ideally a craft glue would have been more suitable. This particular frame came with a large sheet of fitted cardstock, so I was able to just stick directly to that. If your frame doesn't have one of these, you may need to improvise. Don't splash out, something as simple and accessible as cut out card from a cereal box will work beautifully. 

:: Step Five ::

Close the frame up securely and hang proudly. You are a craft genius and deserve a blue ribband or other such delightful treat.

♥

This little craft project is great because it was easy, mess free, affordable (frame was £7.99 and 48 pictures were $12, so for the sixty in there it probably equates to about a tenner, entire project coming in at under £20) and can be adapted to so many things. Obviously you could make different sized and shaped collages, but you could also make birthday card, invites, or decoupage table tops. The possibilities are endless!

I'm really glad I took the time to print my pictures, all too often my memories sit unseen in digital form and so I am looking forward to finding more and more ways to display my growing love for photography.

Is this a project you might try? How do you display your pictures?

If you would like to follow me on instagram, I am 'Sprinkleofglitr', just like my twitter handle.

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Confessions of a Secret Shopper. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

Gift Ideas for Dashing Dad's

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

All my life I have struggled with buying gifts for men. This Father's Day I did myself proud though. So proud, I'm going to share my idea with you. I should probably point out at this point that it was my friend Marie's idea, but seeing as she lives on the other side of the world in America, I don't think she'll squeal on me any time soon! 

 (I have editted the flower over Baby Glitter's chest because naturally I don't want her topless on the internet. In real life, that's not there! Matt was THRILLED with his gift and can't wait to hang it in his study.)

How to make this Dashing Dad's Gift

1. Think about the word you want to use and buy the correct frame. I wanted 'D.A.D', so I only needed a tripple window frame (mine was from Ikea). 

2. Buy the letters you need to make the word and paint them the colour your choose. I used some paint I had in a little B&Q tester pot, so you really don't need to be Mrs Fancy here. 

3. Get snap happy! I dressed Baby Glitter in a little tutu and pink bloomers, sat her on a blanket which I held up behind her, whilst Zoe clicked away. You may have to take a fair few shots (especially with young children and babies) but hang in there and be patient. If possible, ask a friend to help because it makes life so much easier! Thank You Zoe! 

4. Take your snaps to the developer and frame. Simples. 

: TIPS :

Try this for the Christmas season but with 'J.O.Y' or 'N.O.E.L' and a festive outfit. You don't need a baby/child for this, I made one for my Dad with these photographs. Don't I look spiffing?! Haha.

Buy a double windowed frame and hold numbers to make a unique birthday gift. 

Use a four windowed frame for words like 'LOVE', 'LIVE', 'LUCK', 'BABY, 'HOME'.

To make photographs look extra swish, consider using a free photo editting site like picmonkey. You don't need a professional camera to make brilliant images, just a bit of creativity.

If this was a gift from children, buy a simple frame and allow them to embellish it with gems, paints, buttons or sparkles.

HAVE FUN!

Is this an idea you like and might try? Do you have any great DIY ideas for the menfolk in your life? Share the love. 

Toodlepip!

xx

PS- I am now on Pinterest and you are welcome to come and snoop through my boards/follow me. Go on, you know you want to ;)

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Dashing Divas. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

Accidental Mice

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

This is an accidental post. I say 'accidental' because it wasn't planned, and the idea was stumbled upon purely by chance. 

Earlier, as I typed something into my search bar, I made a typo and ended up on Etsy. Woooopps. I actually love Etsy, so it was no hardship for me to stick around and enjoy myself a little while.

Whilst browsing, I found THE cutest little plushy toys ever. In real life (as opposed to internet lust life), I have no need for cutesy toys, no need for more 'stuff' and nowhere to house these little creatures, and yet they call to me. They call to me like the moon calls to the shore. How romantic. 

I thought I would share my find with you, just because I liked them and figured you might like them too. Yes yes?

Blue Felt Mouse

 

Pink Felt Mouse

Pink Felt Mouse

 

Mint Green Mouse 

These little mice cost £14.09 plus P&P. I think they would make charming gifts for the beautiful little girls in your life.

I don't know the seller, the shop, nor am I being in any way sponsored or compensated, I just really, rreeaalllyy think these are too cute to go unnoticed! 

What do you think? Do they make you smile as much as me?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Dashing Divas. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

PS- These images have been taken from the seller's page, which I have linked under each photo.

Fantastic Father's Day

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

As tomorrow is Father's Day and I have a love of crafts, I decided to put my creative hat on and make something rather marvellous for both Matt (from Baby Glitter) and my Dad (from me, obviously).

I won't show you the finished product yet because despite saying they don't read my blog, it would be Sod's Law that they read it tonight and spoilt the surprise.

So here's a teaser....

I know it's a bit slushy but I really don't know where I'd be without my Dad. Aside from orphaned of course! He is always on hand when I need advice, supports me in all my mental little ideas and projects and knows all that 'Dad stuff' like what to do when you smash your car up or how to arrange life insurance. How do people learn that kind of thing?! They really should teach 'life' lessons in school.

If you are lucky enough to have a good Father in your life (and I appreciate that not everybody is), then don't forget to tell him you care, I bet he'll be glad to hear it. Men are emotional deep down. 

What have you done for your Dad this Father's Day? Can you guess what I made? You'll have to wait and see...

Toodlepip!

xx

7 Things for 7 Days

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Remember a few weeks ago I wrote a post about things I wanted to achieve for the week, in a bid to motivate myself to actually do them and share my progress? Well, against all odds, it actually worked! I checked back through my list as the days ticked by and gradually, one by one, did them all. I know this isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it pleases me.

It pleases me so much, I thought I would do it again and then update you on how I get on. I would love to hear some of you own mini goals or targets in the comments and how you get on too. We can be a sort of online support to one another and then at the end hold hands and sing songs. Too far? I think so.

 

(Image : weheartit.com) 

This week, I plan to:

Exercise. I'm not suggesting a marathon here, but more than my usual sedentary life would be a bonus. Maybe a couple of walks or a work out DVD to blow out the cobwebs and give my bottom a good jiggle.

Cook. Hmmm maybe not the best goal to set after 'exercise'! I have been having way to much pre prapared and junk food these last few weeks and I really have no excuse other than laziness. I'm going to don my pinny (or at least locate it!) and make a few healthy snacks and meals. How hard can it be?

Clean. You know how sometimes you just keep your house ticking over and do the bare essentials? I've been doing that and things need a good 'deep clean' as I like to call them. I'm not sure which area I'll tackle. but I'm looking forward to it. How sad.

Create. I have three projects on the go at the moment and so this week I am going to finish at least one of them.

Plan. More and more often I neglect the fun things I used to do all the time, so this week I will arrange three fun activities for me, Matt or my chums. Woop woop!

Read. I absolutely love reading to Baby Glitter. Firstly because I know how beneficial and bonding it is for her, but also because I'm rather fond of an illustrated tale, so over the next seven days, I'm going to either buy, find or borrow (from the library) some new books for us to enjoy.

Unwind. Pretty much what it says on the tin. Baths, salon trips, candles and magazines are all things I'm considering.

As an extra add on, I am feeling super inspired blog-wise so I have a lot of post ideas that I want to bring into fruition and make happen. 

Would you like to do any of these mini goals with me and let me know how you got on? I'd love some 'goal gals'.

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Dashing Divas. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

How To Make A No Sew Tutu

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Last week whilst focusing on achieving little goals to make me smile, I aimed to see a craft project through from start to finish. Surprisingly all round, I actually did it. Go me!!

I decided to make Baby Glitter a multicoloured tutu, but unfortunately, my proportions were a little out of sync and so now it is more suitable for my friend's six year old Daughter. I'm not too worried though as it will make a lovely birthday gift and I have plenty more fabric to make Darcy one too- hurrah for buying too much! Haha.

The first thing you should know about this project is that it is NOT HARD. It is quite possibly, the easiest thing you could ever want to make in the garment department. There was no sewing, no interfacing (I know it's game over if there is interfacing involved) and no pesky pattern to follow. If you can use scissors and tie a knot, you can make this.

Want to know how? Let's go!

1. Cut a length of elastic to the size of the waist. I used knicker elastic from Hobbycraft. Tie it in a circle.

2. Cut strips of netting. Mine were about 40cm long and 15cm wide but you can vary yours to suit.

3. Loop each strip over the elastic and pull it through tightly to secure it. 

4. Repeat all the way round until your tutu is as full as you want it to be. 

Tips!

The more strips you add, the 'poofier' it will be.

You can sew on sequins or glue on crystals, but do bare in mind that tots are like hungry magpies and may attempt to remove and consume. Make sure they are secure.

I tied a navy bow on the front of the skirt, just to add a finishing touch and differentiate front from back. It's Jazzy, non?

If you are struggling to find netting (I bought mine in a little craft store in Liverpool but was REALLY unimpressed with the selection I found in Hobbycraft, John Lewis and my local market), THIS ebay seller provides every colour under the sun for only 99p per metre- Bargain! To give you some perspective if this is your first tutu time, the skirt above used 1.5m of netting in 3 different shades. So half a metre of each.

I'm so glad I made time to be a bit creative and fulfill my makey makey urges. I can rest easy for another week!

Are you creative? What sorts of things do you make?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Laura from Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

Pintrest Inspired :: Disco Baths

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A few months ago I created an account on Pintrest, not for Sprinkle of Glitter (although you are welcome to try and find me), but just for myself and to discover new things to do in my home, with Baby Glitter and for life in general. I tell you what, Pintrest is addictive. If you have a creative mind and like to gorge on eye candyliscious photographs, go there. Go there now!

(I know this snaps are fuzztastic, but seeing at it was late and I was naked in my bathroom, I didn't think I'd wanna take the big camera! Instagram images it is then.)

During one of my many late night mooches, I came across a lady who had put glosticks in the bath and thought, 'yes, that's doable'. So, I placed an order on wilkinsons plus, waited for my magical luminous sticks to arrive, ran a bath, got nakie (nice mental image for you there) and wallowed happy as a clam in my glowy, jazzy tub!

This really is what you might call, 'life's simple pleasures'. It's an incredibly low skill project, simply run a bath and chuck a load of sticks in! Yes, it's a little tricky when you first get in because you don't want sticks going where they shouldn't, but I'm sure you can all manage :)

Currently Baby Glitter goes to bed and wakes up whilst it's still light so she won't reap the benefit of this fun until Autumn, but I think young children (and grown women haha) would absolutely love this game and if it makes bath time fun, I'm all over it- Darcy is still not one for the tub. I also think this sort of lighting effect makes a good alternative to candle light and could be quite sensual.....oooerr. 

Is this a project you might try or have tried? Do you obsess over Pintrest too?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Laura from Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

Lou's How To's :: Birthday Wreath

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A couple of days ago I instagrammed ('Sprinkleofglitr') a picture of something I had made for Baby Glitter and I had so much interest in it, that I thought I would write a blog post for you all.

This is the image in question. It is a Birthday Wreath made for Baby Glitter's upcoming 1st Birthday Party and it was beyond easy to make.

My friend Marie in America had made one for her little girl's birthday bash and I instantly fell in love and decided to make my own. You can check her video out HERE to see all her gorgeous party decor.

I shall give you a step by step and ebay links for crafty bits if you like to order online. Alternatively, you could pop along to your local craft store. I just like ebay because it's easy, speedy and paypal friendly- ohhh yeaaah!

Steppy by Steppy's:

1. Get yourself a polystyrene ring, a ball of wool in whichever colour you prefer, about 50cm (to be on the safe side- you may have excess) of ribbon in whichever colour you prefer, stick on gems, scissors and most fun of all, embellishments!! You can go wild with whatever you would like, but I chose cupcakes to give it a birthday feel.

2. Wrap the wool around the ring. For a more full and plush appearance, wrap round a couple of times. Warning- this takes time! Sit yourself in front of a film and just enjoy the easy task and feel satisfied watching it slowly fill up.

3. Wrap the ribbon round the ring to give it a candy cane spiral effect. Tie a bow and loop at the top so that you will be able to hang it from a hook.

4. Add the embellishments in any pattern or design.

5. Add the stick on gems in any pattern or design.

6. Stand back smugly in the knowledge that you just made a Birthday Wreath.

Seriously, this is an easy peasy lemon squeezy project and could be adapted for any occasion. How nice would an Autumnul wreath look? Mmmmm, I love Autumn.

I plan on displaying this near Baby Glitter's highchair at her party so that it is in a lot of her photographs and then afterwards I will hang it in her bedroom. Maybe we'll get it out every year!

If simple pimple baby projects are your bag, last year I wrote a post on customising baby clothes with pens and waaaayyy back in 2009 in my first ever month of blogging, I wrote a post on making a tutu for a barbie doll. Craft-tastic!

Is this something you might try? Do you think it will make a unique decoration?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Lovelies :: DIY Applique Personalisation

Aloha Bloggerinos,

It's been a loooonnnngg time coming, but I thought I'd throw a crafty post out there, since we have had so many beauty related things in the last few months. I go through phases with crafts, I have to be super in the mood to get my sewing machine or glue gun out and for the past few months I've felt a little bleaugh towards it all. However, this little project was so quick and easy, it didn't seem like a chore- woop!

Anyhoo, a few weeks ago, whilst in Hobbycraft, Matt spotted these cute little letters for £1.25 each. They had girlie ones and boyish ones, every letter of the alphabet. We picked up her initials and I decided that I would have a hunt for something to personalise for her, just to jazz up her stash a bit and make something a bit special.

Little moan here- I just saw the website in the photo, looked it up and saw that you can actually buy individual letters for 70p, which is a lot less than £1.25!! Naughty Hobbycraft!

I attached the letters to one of her shoulder cloths because I know I can hang the motiffed part over my back so it doesn't scratch her face at all and I thought it looked a little plain. Other applique contenders were blankets, muslin squares, little tops or towels, so it goes to show how versatile this project is :)

It was beyond easy! I positioned the letters where I wanted them, dampened a different cloth (I just used a muslin square as it was to hand), popped the damp cloth over the letters, ironed it thoroughly for about 15-20 seconds, removed the iron and damp cloth and voila!

I really think this is something I would like to do more of, not only for Baby Glitter but I also think it would make a unique gift for other mummy friends or relatives. I think this is ideal for someone like me who is now pressed for time but still has the urge to craft and customise :)

Is this something you might try?

Toodlepip!

xx

Marching on in March

Aloha Bloggerinos!

I'm 3 days late, but as I said yesterday, I just can't believe it is March already.

I've been waiting for this month since summer 2010, when I found out Matt and I were pregnant and now it's here!

Being pregnant has been nothing like I expected. You hear of women 'blooming' and 'glowing' and shopping for fantastic nursery furniture and fluffy little blankets. This hasn't been the case for me. I hate to use that reality tv cliche, but it really has been a 'journey' that I feel I have learnt a lot from, mentally and physically. I think I will do a separate post on this because it's quite a biggie, but for now, one of the biggest things I have noticed is that I feel like being pregnant has made me more ambitious.

I've always been a bit of a go-with-the-flow kinda gal and just meandered nicely through my adult life- a-levels, uni, house, wedding, pregnancy etc, but now I feel that I want to achieve things and be not only a good role model to my Daughter (still feels weird saying that!!) but also to myself.

So with that in mind, March is going to be my deciding month. I've got a few ideas of things I want to achieve in 2011, the obvious and main one is to deliver this baby safely and calmly and be a good mummy, but I also aim to improve other areas of my life too.

I want to improve and progress this blog a bit, improve my body confidence, learn a new little skill (I really want to make funky little girl tutus with amazing colours and sparkles and what not!) and to be able to cook a few things (this'll be a real challenge because I hate cooking, hate it hate it hate it).

So Bloggerinos, I will keep you posted on all this and hopefully by April I will have a bit of an action plan in place. All tips and suggestions are welcome or if you want to tell me about goals I'd love to hear- I was so inspired by all of you who told me what your 2011 plans were in my 1000 follower giveaway. Oohh btw, look! I'm nearly at 1500 followers now- if you haven't already, please do click that little follow button, it means A LOT to me and I appreciate every click.

Wishing you all a Marvellous March!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Image: www.weheartit.com

Christmas Crafts :: Fabric Brooches/Corsages

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With Christmas around the corner (46 festive nights away to be precise), Santa (aka, me) is busy busy in his workshop, crafting all sorts of lovely gifts.

These corsages are so easy to make and require very basic sewing skills.

What you will need:

1. A few different colours of synthetic material. It HAS to be synthetic to make the edges curl, more on this later. I picked my sheer organza type fabric up from a place called Abakhans in Liverpool. If you live in scouseland, I strongly suggest you check this place out. It's an Aladdin's cave of bargainous craft stuff, everything you can imagine :)

2. A candle and matches/lighter.

3. Scissors.

4. Needle and thread.

5. Safety pin or brooch back. (I used a safety pin as I had these to hand).

6. Embellishments. I used assorted glass beads and a few flat faux pearls. You could use buttons, sequins, beads, stick on gems or anything jazzy that you can get your hands on. Don't go crazy spending money if you can't, this is the perfect opportunity to use the bits of that broken necklace or old buttons.

How to make your corsage:

1. Cut out varying sizes of circles from your materials. The more circles you use, the fuller your brooch will look. I usually go for about five circles, but it is entirely up to you. Cut the circles by eye, you're going to be curling the edges so no need for total accuracy here.

2. Melt the edges of your circles over a lit candle. This is quite easy but its best to have a couple of trials first. You want to just run the fabric through the flame to create a curled edge and enhance the petal-like effect.

3. Stack the petals on top of each other in size order until it looks how you want it. It should now look corsagey.

4. Using your needle and thread, pop a few stitches through the centre of the corsage to tie all the petals together.

5. Sew/glue on your chosen embellishments.

6. Sew/glue on your safety pin.

This project is great as it's so versatile and can be kept basic for beginners or jushed up a bit for a more advanced crafter. You can go to town with embellishments, colours, layers and textures. Why not incorporate bows or feathers?

These will now be carefully wrapped, sent to Father Christmas and dropped down my Aunties chimneys. Lovely.

Is this something you have, or might in the future try? If you have any questions, do let me know :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Chic Garland

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With winter well and truly here (as I type, my windows are about to be blown in by gale force winds and also, veering of course a bit here, my 60 something year old neighbours are having some shockingly loud 'couple time' if you get my jist- erlack), I felt it time to crack open the craft box and get busy.

As previously mentioned, I am currently rich in time but poor in mula, so this Christmas is going to be inspired by vintage, handmade and upcycling- very fashionable dontchya know? I've set myself the challenge of using up all the copious supplies I have and will not, not, NOT go to HobbyCraft under any circumstances!!

So, one of the first things I have made was inspired by my Ideal Homes (I think) Christmas magazine which Matt bought me at an M6 service station, I do love that man. Basically, it's a paper garland that you can adapt to however you like and hang pretty much anywhere- versatile oui??

I would described the skill level of this project as- superduper basic. A monkey could do it I would think.

What you need:

1. Paper. I used paper from a music book jobby that I bought at a charity shop last year (gawd knows why). 2. Scissors/Stamp cutter. I already have a circle and heart cutter from HobbyCraft, but you could just use scissors to cut whatever shape you like. I suggest using a template for accuracy though.

3. Ribbon or string cut to whatever length you want your garland (remember to leave a little bit at each end to loop or hook.

4. Glue. I used kiddy type PVA, just because that's what I found first :)

5. Gems/Glitter/Embellishments. This is optional. I used hot pink crystals. Ohh yeeaah.

Cut/stamp out your shapes. I went for circle and then heart alternatively. Next time I'll do just hearts but you live and learn.

Squeeze out your glue into something. That pot is an old nailvarnish wipe pot. You seeeee crafts and cosmetics go hand in hand. Ho ho.

On one side schmear (mm love that word sscchhmmeeaarr) you glue and lay the ribbon/string on it. Then, take another shape of the exact same size and lay it on top, to make a ribbon/strong sandwich if you will.

To add a bit of festive sparkle, embellish however you fancy. I stuck on little gems. I used the end of a plastic fork to splot the glue on so that I could make a small gem sized blob and prevent a glue related nightmare!

Leave to dry and voila, a very unique garland that you can hang from the tree, mantelpiece, banister or wherever you fancy. You could also adapt this for other occasions- pink hearts on red ribbon for Valentines, orange pumpkin shapes on green ribbon for Halloween etc. I may even make some for the nursery in girly shapes and colours of boyish ones. It's a nice easy project that you need very little for. Super.

If you would like to buy a kit for £3.50 (inc P&P anywhere) pop your paypal email in the comment box and I will send it out to you. Kit will include 32 hearts or circles or a mixtures (please specify) which is enough for 16 shapes on the garland, 100 crystals in clear (which is enough for 6-7 on each shape) and 125cm of fairy pink wrapping ribbon (you know like the type you can curl). All you'd need to sort out yourself is your glue, and voila- Your Own Chic Garland Project Kit :)

What do you think? Is this something you might try?

Toodlepip!

xx