tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44971151548873530362024-03-05T14:32:33.040-08:00Creative SparkIf it sparks my imagination, or my inner magpie finds it pretty, then it stays on here. I love to share my tutorial finds and sometimes post some of my own goodies.
Come find me on tumblr http://www.tumblr.com/blog/creativesparknewcastle
Come find me on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/biskityas/Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-57761884554512754322014-10-20T05:05:00.000-07:002014-10-20T05:05:59.686-07:00Tie Dye.I got a wonderful tie dye kit for my birthday last year so I was itching to use it. As soon as the weather changed I decided to host a tie dye party for my daughter and my friends. I set up some dye baths in plastic tubs I bought from Poundland, using Dylon dyes. I reluctantly made up my fancy Jaquard dyes too as I wanted to try out the colour spiral. Everyone had a great time putting the elastic bands on their whites and experimenting with the colours. The youngsters found dip dying the easiest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F8z_PRDI0mYqb2KSNFk-pr1KznBa1J06LdN4AA29lB9hP99HzpiWXjz-dLBCeFkix3BUQBB9zfkmtXcU8joT2wi_oTVnQ1ETP2N9JVsqG1DCG3aP640gvlu6EhnPEzKDDtx_VySoy6as/s1600/20140506_121656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F8z_PRDI0mYqb2KSNFk-pr1KznBa1J06LdN4AA29lB9hP99HzpiWXjz-dLBCeFkix3BUQBB9zfkmtXcU8joT2wi_oTVnQ1ETP2N9JVsqG1DCG3aP640gvlu6EhnPEzKDDtx_VySoy6as/s1600/20140506_121656.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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As you can see the whole process was a great success!</div>
Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-70860553438304653772013-06-02T14:25:00.000-07:002013-11-15T15:19:57.512-08:00Cross stitchIt's amazing what you can accomplish when you're supposed to be doing something else. I have been swept away on a tide of cross stitch, and it has yet to deposite me back with my pending WIP's. Because of this I am making little progress with my granny square blanket and the loom beading has been discarded. It hasn't stopped me from looking at reference books on loom beading, though!<br />
I find my cross stitch obsession funny; I would never have seen myself as a cross stitch kind of girl. In the past I have avoided cross stitch because I didn't see the place in my life for twee pictures rendered in thread. All this changed when I saw an <span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><a href="http://www.spritestitch.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7645" target="_blank">Avengers Assemble project,</a></span> soon I was being pulled down the cross stitch rabbit hole to <a href="http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/" target="_blank">Subversive Cross Stitch</a> and other such delights.<br />
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During half term I found myself using up the last of my patience teaching my middle daughter and her friends to cross stitch. I have to admit that my irritation threshold for repeating myself is very low, thus I make a terrible craft teacher. One of the girls really took to cross stitch so this perked me up out of my grump.Then I decided to cross stitch LO a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0K5wNLZ4N-jXYla_C4T0M_Pp2TZKEoVcx5UtKYp_PJtA2nDM4WmE23g1m3wUf_AMcCv8qZaUjbEPy16kQnDeHH9OUTPnAd37m-wHlYmKw-dIHUEULtwSGOvwOvjzfYx6RzHXKgcO5KYl/s1600/cross+stitch+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0K5wNLZ4N-jXYla_C4T0M_Pp2TZKEoVcx5UtKYp_PJtA2nDM4WmE23g1m3wUf_AMcCv8qZaUjbEPy16kQnDeHH9OUTPnAd37m-wHlYmKw-dIHUEULtwSGOvwOvjzfYx6RzHXKgcO5KYl/s320/cross+stitch+edited.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I started with the pattern of the girl. My daughter chose her hair and I chose the dress colour. She seemed a bit lonely just sitting there on the Aida so I put a pink border round her, but it didn't look right so I unpicked it. I thought for a bit and chose another one of the motifs out of the magazine and stitched it around the girl. working out the pattern was difficult because I have the attention span of a flea and you need one to count the itty bitty squares. In the end it turned out fine, just a quick bit of centering and it was as if they had meant to be together! In keeping with my cross stitch free life this one will be being framed in an oval frame and hung in my daughters bedroom.<br />
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Whilst I was on with the threads I thought I'd have a go at freehand embroidering a bird onto some vintage linens I was given. I have this book from the library called <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1446301664" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><u><i>The Stitch Bible</i></u></span></a> which contains a beautiful blackwork bird pattern that I decided I'd try. I didn't have the correct material so I just started to copy it with my own flourish and this is how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcp3nKnDER4H5rbW9KroiAksnHovqdNN5k5wZFqX68aoeUtyzLAvLQ17S9R9ox0JB6VrISO9sbe6FA6sLWjd7StwFHgUOt3y3D7Fr-etqudKm2HEQu9NivJYxUogIlUc2pUZIqH4djVZ4/s1600/embroidered+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcp3nKnDER4H5rbW9KroiAksnHovqdNN5k5wZFqX68aoeUtyzLAvLQ17S9R9ox0JB6VrISO9sbe6FA6sLWjd7StwFHgUOt3y3D7Fr-etqudKm2HEQu9NivJYxUogIlUc2pUZIqH4djVZ4/s320/embroidered+bird.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I love it! It needs some tweaking around the tummy but other than that I really enjoyed making it.<br />
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One of my friends had a beautiful hand embroidered romper suit that was given to her baby daughter as a welcome gift and I coveted it, so much so that I think I'll be making a couple of my own now that I have embroidery skills. <br />
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I'm not sure how long this diversion will last as I've been looking through the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Craft-Techniques-Projects-Dk-Crafts/dp/1409383903" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><u><i>Craft</i></u></span></a> book I got for Christmas. There are loads of cool things to make in there, next up is probably going to be some tie dying in spirals. Hopefully this avoidance of pending WIP's will end very soon and I can show off my gorgeous new blanket to you all.<br />
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<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-6168278710038730732013-05-27T14:39:00.000-07:002013-05-27T14:39:29.909-07:00Trying out cross stitch. I've been really hankering after cross stitch for a while now so when I was perusing the magazines in the local supermarket I came across a free kit to make a cross stitched blue tit card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCKQMyH2MbGlVvJ5CSOfWqsMzPN3mvTfgO1GFem0EmS8XfepwhzY0cEXiQBfPIunyXLnKjfwEo9FcX6NEzvuRVeSJu68OJYNU6uGBPzXNv8SrJ-FtUACMakxQMQ83Hv-dJyrWQem2fUK6/s1600/cross+stitch+tit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCKQMyH2MbGlVvJ5CSOfWqsMzPN3mvTfgO1GFem0EmS8XfepwhzY0cEXiQBfPIunyXLnKjfwEo9FcX6NEzvuRVeSJu68OJYNU6uGBPzXNv8SrJ-FtUACMakxQMQ83Hv-dJyrWQem2fUK6/s320/cross+stitch+tit.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love craft, I love birds, what better way to get a cheap thrill than to get this magazine? I know I have a blanket and a bead loom waiting for my attentions but I just couldn't resist!<br />
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Even though this was my first ever cross stitch project I found it quite easy. I think I can remember the ladies in home economics saying that the back of a cross stitch should be as neat as the front which made me have a little experiment and then a think about how I was going to achieve that. It was fun, quick and I did it in one evening. Here is the finished project in the little frame it came with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oD8ekJjUhJrC41SPkl6KkI07DQXj86drdzZfF2KbGgLTru_pmA1HpZ0rpfWuuquwR1G97x1j3kNhNptgTbt3IB5GzDeQAsVm_D-CREIXloLDUVb17XViM1urDkcy9UST_zsR3AGxhsWA/s1600/edited+tit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oD8ekJjUhJrC41SPkl6KkI07DQXj86drdzZfF2KbGgLTru_pmA1HpZ0rpfWuuquwR1G97x1j3kNhNptgTbt3IB5GzDeQAsVm_D-CREIXloLDUVb17XViM1urDkcy9UST_zsR3AGxhsWA/s1600/edited+tit.jpg" /></a></div>
I did the lines a little thicker by accident, but I like them so they're staying (trust me to go off piste) and I think there was one are two squares that I counted wrong but it hasn't affected the over all picture. Thankfully. I loved this little guy and would love to do more cross stitch birds by this lady, they're really cute. Oh yeah, and here is a picture of the back. It's not as neat as I would have liked but it was my first try!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jElpFH9gGLIx_AgNejK6vKd5JuISZSjttTaDzWlFXK0MzzTZqbi6Y-A6NvXeoC3r-Jlz5SW95Oo6hyqiWnEiuGFJKK4DM0PsmiRZQRvAQzYgnkOnC3y-vUekz2IoF4PLmd-jfGarugXU/s1600/edited+tit+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jElpFH9gGLIx_AgNejK6vKd5JuISZSjttTaDzWlFXK0MzzTZqbi6Y-A6NvXeoC3r-Jlz5SW95Oo6hyqiWnEiuGFJKK4DM0PsmiRZQRvAQzYgnkOnC3y-vUekz2IoF4PLmd-jfGarugXU/s1600/edited+tit+back.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-79239372002106204232013-05-23T07:02:00.000-07:002013-05-23T07:04:40.452-07:00Beginning Beading on a LoomI have been a bit intrigued by loom beading for a while now, I really thought that the effects you could achieve were really stunning but difficult. I even went so far one year as to ask for a loom for Christmas, unfortunately I was bought an enormous weaving loom which made me panic! So I took it upon myself to buy an Indian hand loom off of Amazon for not much money and it arrived with a supply of needles, thread and beads. I strung the thing up and left it sitting on the windowsill for about a week, just sitting there judging me and my lack of bead looming skills. To say I was intimidated by it was an understatement, the whole thing seemed to be so difficult to use that I might need the Rosetta Stone of crafting to approach it. Thankful the local library had just the thing,<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0715323008/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=9550951509&ref=asc_df_0715323008" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><u><i> Dorothy Wood's 'Beaders Bible'</i></u></span></a>. This book was my saviour in the looming department, it has tutorials in loom beading and off loom beading which are pretty simple to follow. So I set about starting my project and discovered that this was actually really easy. I started with twelve strings but very quickly started to run out of beads, so I restrung the loom with seven threads which I'm not sure but I think this is the warp. I decided I wanted a summery colour scheme to go with the season so used blue orange and white.<br />
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I thought starting small would be a good idea, just beading a 6x6 square or two, and then I realised that I hadn't left much length on the threads to be sewn in and there were going to be more bits of thread than beads in the finished product. But that didn't stop me as I had an idea forming, take the little squares and put them on lengths of silver chain, what could be more summery than that? Here is the finished product.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbWTnIJl5mfqRI3I2r17upHrUlIQRjBlXZdrLdUmCPciFWgwKmB6Xnwp1y01-wYMI95wDUbWqGGFNCg9tJRpsTfvaBxuiUCcsvsf_syGZ4w0uDD4dUM6ac6pQsOMLGDQn28MN1n7thms/s1600/bead+square+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbWTnIJl5mfqRI3I2r17upHrUlIQRjBlXZdrLdUmCPciFWgwKmB6Xnwp1y01-wYMI95wDUbWqGGFNCg9tJRpsTfvaBxuiUCcsvsf_syGZ4w0uDD4dUM6ac6pQsOMLGDQn28MN1n7thms/s320/bead+square+necklace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm really glad I tried loom beading, I have really enjoyed it and will be trying a slightly larger project next time. I definately would recommend it to anyone. It just goes to show that with the right information/teacher/tutorial it is possible to achieve things you thought impossible.<br />
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I didn't find any great tutorials out there on Youtube, a lot of them are long winded or are trying to sell you something. <a href="http://youtu.be/ScjJsOIQP3w" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><u><i>Here</i></u></span></a> is an ok one with videos of off loom tutorials in the sidebar, worth a look and a save if you're getting into beading.<br />
<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-48965464231814639892013-05-21T14:23:00.000-07:002013-05-21T14:25:22.430-07:00Crochet blanket WIP pt1I am crocheting a blanket to give as a Christmas gift, which is a good time to choose because it's going to take ages. All together the whole blanket will be 15x15 squares, large enough to cover a UK double bed! I have toyed with the idea of making it smaller but it would only be by one or two squares. What I want is a luxurious throw that will cover a whole bed <i>and</i> drape elegantly to the floor, this fall will take the extra squares! With this being a gift I keep swinging wildly between being really happy to be making it for the person and being crippled with doubt that this archaic bed covering will be actually used. I think I have the crafters version of stage fright. Whatever I decide, it won't be because I'd like to abandon this WIP, it will be seen through to the end.<br />
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Here are the first twenty five squares sewn together. They are a simple granny square, I got a tutorial from <a href="http://youtu.be/3b6fh2ETLl0" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;"><u><i>here</i></u></span></a> on YouTube, this is an amazing place to learn just about anything you want and there are so many people who want to show you their skills. There are many different ways to join squares together but I wanted the blanket to lie flat so opted for a double crochet join, which I found <a href="http://youtu.be/y14dKIsOmcg" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;"><u><i>here</i></u></span></a> on YouTube.<br />
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I learned to crochet when I was a wee girl but it didn't hold my interest, I only took it back up again about three years ago after finding a really cute crocheted baby dress pattern in a charity shop that I just <i>had</i> to make. I found it quite a challenge, learning all the crochet terms and following a pattern, but it was ultimately rewarding. I went on to crochet a small bag out of plarn I made from carrier bags but didn't do much for a while, then I had my newest daughter and decided to make her a version of the dress I made a few years before. From then on I haven't stopped for very long, learning how to do a baby blanket, out of one large granny square, for my nephews arrival and then a large throw for myself. I am planning on furthering my crochet by learning a bit of amigurimi, making plarn shopping bags and learning tatting.<br />
<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-64852172275326427972013-05-18T14:45:00.004-07:002013-05-18T14:51:33.947-07:00Spring Update.Today the natural light was good, so I got a few pictures of my WIP. First of all is my hand loom. I've only got as far as stringing it. I've used seven strands of cotton for a six bead strip. I'm unsure as to what I should make, I have toyed with the idea of a seaside inspired bracelet or a square of beads to hang off a chain. To know fully I'll just have to let the beads take me there. Wherever the journey takes me I'll be using a book I got out of the library called <span style="color: purple;"><u><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beaders-Bible-Comprehensive-Beading-Techniques/dp/0715323008/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368912080&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beaders+bible" target="_blank">The Beaders Bible</a>.</i></u></span> It's a really good book for beginners as it has step by step guides as to how to string your loom, it even has a section on how to make a loom out of two pieces of doweling and two rubber bands! Now that would be cool.<br />
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I first got a hankering for loom beading when I saw some <span style="color: purple;"><i><a href="http://www.tias.com/39/PictPage/3923702087.html" target="_blank">vintage work from the 1920's</a></i>.</span> I thought it was beautiful and skillful and I wanted to try it out. I also wanted a hand loom to do a wire weaving tutorial I had seen in a craft book called <span style="color: purple;"><u><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jewellery-Using-Textiles-Techniques-Methods/dp/1408101076/ref=pd_sim_b_2" target="_blank">Design and Make Jewellery Using Textile Techniques</a>.</i></u></span> I absolutely love this book and I definitely need it on my bedside table for inspired reading before bed.<br />
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My second project is a granny square crocheted blanket I'm making as a gift. I love granny squares as they are pretty easy to do. I have tried doing straight lines in crochet by my work starts to slant. I have successfully crocheted a toddler dress but that pattern didn't have that many end of rows so for now I'm keeping it simple. I'm using up all my yarn bits and bobs but trying not to make doubles of the colours. This has been difficult because I had originally intended for the blanket to fit a double bed, this would require making approx 225 unique squares. I'm not sure making 225 unique squares would be possible unless I remortgaged the house and sent the kids to live with relatives. Thankfully there shouldn't be too many repeats on the colours as I was gifted a lot of odd ends of wool from my Grandmother in law and I can get pretty cheap yarn from a haberdashers in Newcastle Grainger Market. They usual have 100g balls of acrylic wool in impossible colours for about £1.50 and that does me fine for a project like this. For more muted colour Wilkinson do a range of 100g acrylic baby wools for £1.79. These are often a lot better quality than the wools from the Grainger market. Here is a little pic of some of my squares.<br />
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I've used four double crochet in the corners to save on wool and I'm going to join the together with a running double crochet and hopefully they'll lie flat and neat. More pictures as I put the whole lot together.<br />
<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-27271057823482359002013-05-15T14:45:00.003-07:002013-05-19T11:35:00.790-07:00Another thread.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I may not be able to craft with any gusto at the minute but that doesn't mean I can't look at other crafts! I have been trawling embroidery inspiration, started by looking at pictures of rice mandalas created by Buddhist monks. I didn't realise I had a big think about mandalas until posting this here but they really seem to fire my brain. <br />
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I found this <span style="color: purple;"><i><a href="http://europeanxs.com/cgi-bin/chat_detail.pl?CDSpringKnot-" target="_blank">wonderful site</a></i></span> for cross stitch mandala patterns, and have gone so far as choosing my favourite for my birthday. On my Internet embroidery meandering I found a<u><i> <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.spritestitch.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7645" target="_blank">lady who converts pictures into cross stitch</a></span></i></u>. Here is her Avengers Assemble offering. I am pretty much in awe of her skills and will be making full use of them as I acquire cross stitch prowess. She takes requests and will help you convert any image, so if there was a favourite photo you wanted to cross stitch but didn't know where to start then she's your lady.<br />
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<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-73323148519987163382013-05-15T14:18:00.001-07:002013-05-15T14:18:38.432-07:00Ahhh, The (Chicken) Pox!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The best laid plans! Baby steps have been made into the first spring project of loom beading and blanket crocheting, I have got as far as stringing the hand loom and crocheting twenty granny squares, but my Pinky Pie has come down with chicken pox. Having two small people at home is proving a problem in the crafting department. I have some time tomorrow evening, Pinky Pie allowing, to take some photos of the empty loom and the beginnings of my blanket.Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-36627404649516668272013-05-09T15:53:00.002-07:002013-05-19T11:36:06.168-07:00Spring fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is here and it makes me think of sandals and bare legs. So I have been having a look at my craft archive and found this<u><i> <a href="http://www.elleapparelblog.com/2010/09/socialite-skirt.html" target="_blank">beautiful skirt tutorial</a></i></u>. I am a bit daunted by the stripes but I think it will be beautiful both dressed up and down. H&M have the perfect jacket to go with this. Must buy it now.<br />
To go with it I will need a reusable shopping bag for putting my springtime finds in, something plain that will go with all my sunny stripes and floral patterns. So I have chosen the <u><i><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/charlie-reusable-grocery-bag--2" target="_blank">free bag tutorial from Burd</a>a</i></u>. It'll be perfect for carrying my materials home from the haberdashers.<br />
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If you try these out please let me know how they went! I am curious...Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-39867301443112962912013-05-09T15:30:00.000-07:002013-05-19T11:37:47.695-07:00The return of the Mumming Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been busy! After the arrival of Tiny Spark I have been Mumming on an Olympic level. What with Pinky Sparkle Cheeks going off to school, and me hitting the baby groups, I don't seem to have had time for much else. I know, but I haven't stopped craft hoarding. I have been gathering supplies for my next adventure in making. I have realised that I love creating, but I'm a bit of a craft octopus. I haven't been able to settle on one craft that keeps me busy, I prefer to have a go at most things until I learn them. Some of the crafts I've learned I've gone back to (knitting, sewing) and some have been left by the wayside (hand beaded felt), but all of them have been enjoyed. Right now I have quite a few new things I want to get into, but some or all require equipment. Things I want to do are loom beading, wire working with a jig, PMC and<span style="color: purple;"> </span><a href="http://alphamom.com/family-fun/holidays/earth-day-craft-t-shirt-weaving/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">peg loom</span> <span style="color: purple;">weaving</span></a>. I also want to make a granny square blanket and some <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/39-easy-diy-ways-to-create-art-for-your-walls" target="_blank">wall art</a>,</span> some <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://melissaesplin.com/2012/02/baby-leggings-tutorial-pattern/" target="_blank">upcycled clothes for my girls </a></span>and some tie dyed stuff.<br />
I have purchased a little Indian hand loom and have a large amount of wool, so I shall be trying out the granny square blanket (takes a bit longer than a month so will be doing it alongside another craft) and a beaded bracelet. Wish me luck!<br />
p.s. I have included a bee mandala for you to colour in. xBiskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-38581820495781930132012-10-25T13:50:00.002-07:002013-05-19T11:38:17.239-07:00Halloween. Craft.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I freaking love Halloween! So much so that I'm hosting a spooky day at my house for Aminah and some of her friends. I'm going to give them goody bags and have been thinking of cool stuff to put in them. Then I saw some<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nuffnufftoys" target="_blank"> cute felt plushies</a> and they inspired me to make something of my own. What would your monster of choice be? I'm going to have to tone down mine seeing as the recipients will be age five and under. Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-72112319387415585812012-10-25T13:44:00.001-07:002013-05-19T11:40:53.937-07:00Christmas is coming! Gift!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around our way there are some amazing beaches. Northumberland has a stunning coastline with award winning sands. The downside is that we only get a few days a year to roll around on them in our bikinis. The rest of the year they can be used for such things as bracing, restorative morning after walks, wrap up warm rockpool hunting trips and, if you're lucky, sea glass hunts. I always get a bit of sea glass when I'm at the beach but nothing like the lady at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/surfandsilver" target="_blank">Surf and Silver</a>. I have seen her at the local craft markets and covet her wares everytime. She can do some pretty inspirational stuff with the glass that she finds, and some of the glass she finds is exquisite! Have a look and hopefully it'll be a gift inspiration. Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-24158726812224729552012-10-25T13:20:00.002-07:002012-10-25T13:35:15.979-07:00Christmas is coming! Decorate pt2After posting about my felt tree ornaments I had the urge to find some lovely gingerbread man bunting. Bunting is very popular at the moment and is a welcome addition to most Christmas spreads. The question is can you be bothered to make your own? If not you should have a look at the festive cuteness on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87592769/gingerbread-love-gingerbread-garland?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=gingerbread&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank">Ginger Creations Etsy </a>store. This woman is so inspirational! And seasonal.<br />
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<br />Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-3247374556583270412012-10-25T13:09:00.002-07:002012-10-25T13:35:27.330-07:00Christmas is coming! Decorate pt1I love to make felt christmas ornaments. They are so easy to make yet so effective. I usually use my cookie cutters to get the shapes I need, which are usually gingerbread people, stars and christmas trees. I use an array of felt colours, but usually use red, green and brown the most.<br />
I think for this year I'll be making some red stars with white nordic style snowflakes stitched onto them, ginger bread men with french knot buttons and eyes, and some round baubles in pale blue and pink with geometric patterns around the middles.<br />
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Everytime I've had these at a winter sale they have flown off the stall and I've wished I'd made more. And you don't have to stop at christmas themes, I've also had great success with sequined fish and pac man characters! Here is a link to a page of felty inspiration, http://www.shelterness.com/50-diy-felt-christmas-tree-ornaments/Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-38089449240706281242011-12-20T15:10:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:26:21.089-07:00I saw this and thought of you pt4. Beautiful handmade silver and costume jewellery.A lovely lady I know has this little business making silver and costume jewellery beauties for us all to wear, at very reasonable prices. She's a qualified silversmith with a whimsical bent and everyone who I've bought her jewellery for has been delighted by their gifts.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-fairy-goldsmith/242266762496245">https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-fairy-goldsmith/242266762496245</a><br />
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Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-88367268606860368562011-12-20T14:03:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:26:53.661-07:00I saw this and thought of you pt3. Bit late for this year but definitely a go for next.I have just discovered Martha Stewarts website. There is so much stuff on there to inspire and to create. Here is an advent calendar so beautiful in its simplicity. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265851/m-is-for-matchbox-advent-calendar">http://www.marthastewart.com/265851/m-is-for-matchbox-advent-calendar</a><br />
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Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-77578171084028597962011-12-15T15:55:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:27:29.690-07:00I saw this and thought of you pt2. Something for your bookworms.The other day I saw this episode of Kirstie's homemade Christmas on repeat on one of the channels. I thought this would be an awesome present for the writers and journal keepers in your life. Just wish I had a bit more time to knock a few of them up!<br />
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<a href="http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/crafts/how-to-bind-a-book">http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/crafts/how-to-bind-a-book</a><br />
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Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-43965014415594516382011-12-15T15:37:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:28:10.143-07:00Some tasties for your Christmas jars.Another gift idea from Tumblr. May just try these out tomorrow. Buckeyes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVeqdoWRprODhx-ik3kIzORp-s0f4TsfCE-ZIOdgZaviuA8SL6n_FZ6515tpOjRl3GKHW2czzLJFeMPWpduExN9mL_rZ9aEY3_VODdga3Oxn99xLH8kdzCMtBz2zQL1LNQilFcww-saJv/s1600/buckeyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVeqdoWRprODhx-ik3kIzORp-s0f4TsfCE-ZIOdgZaviuA8SL6n_FZ6515tpOjRl3GKHW2czzLJFeMPWpduExN9mL_rZ9aEY3_VODdga3Oxn99xLH8kdzCMtBz2zQL1LNQilFcww-saJv/s1600/buckeyes.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/buckeyes-i/">http://allrecipes.com/recipe/buckeyes-i/</a>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-73934627074143701832011-12-15T15:04:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:30:14.830-07:00I saw this and thought of you pt1. Fashion forward present for your sister.<a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/do-it-yourself-baroque-necklace/">Do It Yourself: Baroque Necklace</a><br />
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Whilst I was looking at some pretty awesome stuff on Tumblr I saw this and thought of you lot who were stuck for something a bit different to give your design student sister. Here is some inspiration.Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-88136804475533382452011-12-14T14:11:00.000-08:002012-10-25T13:33:13.276-07:00Don't you just hate it when blogs have huge gaps?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry about the massive gap in my posts. All I can give you as an excuse is the fact that I've been pregnant ill. I'm feeling much better now, but it's only five days to EDD! So a whole new set of reasons to not be blogging will come along soon.<br />
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Since we last spoke I have been manically knitting tiny cardigans for the new arrival (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/my_pages/babywear/hkp/026.shtml" target="_blank">pattern here</a>). The fact that these cardigans are tiny means that I can afford to splash out on beautiful wool. There have been a few done in soft cashmere and a few in fluffy lambs wool. I have slowed down now and all projects are on hold whilst I gather my strength for the days ahead.<br />
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At the beginning of my pregnancy I was bought the starting material for a changing bag, it is safe to say that I haven't even gotten the material out of the bag it came in. I doubt I'll get the chance to for some time either. Maybes I should use the material for clothing for my DDs and enjoy it in other ways.Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-6739416630655215952011-04-08T14:49:00.000-07:002011-04-08T15:25:32.578-07:00New things for Spring and Easter<div>I've been one busy bee these past few weeks but mostly not on the internet. However I have devised new brooches for sale at the next Venus in Furs event on 10th March at the Settle Down Cafe. I really loved coming up with these and they have been influenced by feedback I've had about my own brooch. It seems that the net like design of the knitted jewellery wire evokes different things in different people. One friend commented that it was like a fishmans basket, one said it was a place to whisper secrets and one put her Tictac's in it! However they'll be used I hope they'll provide hours of enjoyment.<div>I went to visit my sister-in-law France the start of this week and on my way to the Airport I happened upon a makers fair in Harrogate. It was a lovely affair packed with creative types selling tempting wares. I took business cards from the most evocative sellers but they've been mislaid on my travels. However, I can remember the silversmith <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><a href="http://www.silverinktree.com/#">Silver Ink Tree</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">. There was also a lovely lady selling felted goods. I was really taken with her felting packs and if I hadn't been travelling would have bought one.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Come down and see me and the other makers at the Venus in Furs Vintage and Craft fair on Sunday 12-4. Free entry.</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTUfrFfFuzbVmLFXTgLeR5NLi1x4ZKxvHam6bK-C-LBGVOYssXsnmHHwDKiTP6rqWKyzhSA3mAYN78O2r9HFBFJFffvnNZ33HhL3N9V7M2VKbLADHUDESDgJpTnJqFSA3q77CHWfP9g1H/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTUfrFfFuzbVmLFXTgLeR5NLi1x4ZKxvHam6bK-C-LBGVOYssXsnmHHwDKiTP6rqWKyzhSA3mAYN78O2r9HFBFJFffvnNZ33HhL3N9V7M2VKbLADHUDESDgJpTnJqFSA3q77CHWfP9g1H/s200/IMG_0883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593340266947630370" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTUfrFfFuzbVmLFXTgLeR5NLi1x4ZKxvHam6bK-C-LBGVOYssXsnmHHwDKiTP6rqWKyzhSA3mAYN78O2r9HFBFJFffvnNZ33HhL3N9V7M2VKbLADHUDESDgJpTnJqFSA3q77CHWfP9g1H/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTUfrFfFuzbVmLFXTgLeR5NLi1x4ZKxvHam6bK-C-LBGVOYssXsnmHHwDKiTP6rqWKyzhSA3mAYN78O2r9HFBFJFffvnNZ33HhL3N9V7M2VKbLADHUDESDgJpTnJqFSA3q77CHWfP9g1H/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Knotted cord dangles £</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3</span></span></a></div></span><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS_J-5NlhCG6ldjG41Dm-hoomx-KBAUmQoxfElouYRPIq7SR_LRoIrTnupnJBPuUNfgVpYEmE5wZEhuC_NK8A209ofOPci2lcrzU_xWMB78rbD9Hll5w1JyQEoOt6DuikWDx-8hj_lHJQ/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS_J-5NlhCG6ldjG41Dm-hoomx-KBAUmQoxfElouYRPIq7SR_LRoIrTnupnJBPuUNfgVpYEmE5wZEhuC_NK8A209ofOPci2lcrzU_xWMB78rbD9Hll5w1JyQEoOt6DuikWDx-8hj_lHJQ/s200/IMG_0866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593340259770916066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mermaids purse basket brooch £8</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtpxcpuNgcY9rjYYndLSS6_wi9yLI6aZYMcO_1buY1-RxL6STcoIlJTN2i73cmt4XRMd73TiRE4DLy0C9Vbb1ZpLvJeLeVbqsbDHwTk1XwO_QklEWWTfsbS86ec2GyYEZw6DLnEpjdIy/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtpxcpuNgcY9rjYYndLSS6_wi9yLI6aZYMcO_1buY1-RxL6STcoIlJTN2i73cmt4XRMd73TiRE4DLy0C9Vbb1ZpLvJeLeVbqsbDHwTk1XwO_QklEWWTfsbS86ec2GyYEZw6DLnEpjdIy/s200/IMG_0864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593340259496956930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Catch a fallen star basket brooch £8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxQQG0iv86Iway-MTdXyOhIIG52_3X8-INbcgAguj8_GjNkV6s5sl7DqrTVmo-jR_ssTLj6zrntdPXtbh38kVvMT1lCAO72lYZX_53ycYksfQcQdM6dQETG3BmvwmVa6jDYaHBHcWJrBU/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxQQG0iv86Iway-MTdXyOhIIG52_3X8-INbcgAguj8_GjNkV6s5sl7DqrTVmo-jR_ssTLj6zrntdPXtbh38kVvMT1lCAO72lYZX_53ycYksfQcQdM6dQETG3BmvwmVa6jDYaHBHcWJrBU/s200/IMG_0859.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593340249010665266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wonders of the Universe Brooch £8 </div><div style="text-align: center;">and scribble earrings £5</div></div></div></div></div>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-41253212285629586812011-03-24T15:49:00.000-07:002011-03-24T16:12:00.769-07:00Crafty sprinklingI have to say that in the time since I last wrote I've been finding it hard to get the creative juices flowing. I've tried everything from perusing online shops to visiting junk shops but nothing has worked. That is until last weekend when I met up with my sister at my mother-in-law's where I suddenly knew what I had to do. Rings, sparkly rings and lots of them. They should be dripping with sparkles and ready for adornings Easter bunnies' fingers. So here are a few I've put together.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrf9tC9iEWzeYjDn8FjjW3QMx-KZAm1Vk-6sSZEoDQpGrzobe6Dize8ySmCzBp40bfDSF3z0y2XZ96fZ1DFGQoBkhlfVQfo2zQVzBQ1qi74XyedKBMHeIN8RBUwJswOfopmI6mmpVOi-j/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrf9tC9iEWzeYjDn8FjjW3QMx-KZAm1Vk-6sSZEoDQpGrzobe6Dize8ySmCzBp40bfDSF3z0y2XZ96fZ1DFGQoBkhlfVQfo2zQVzBQ1qi74XyedKBMHeIN8RBUwJswOfopmI6mmpVOi-j/s200/IMG_0747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587786440392910466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage inspired bead ring <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47d_keh2qiBcJ0hZIdD5VErqxxNPgFuFbDIHGBa2LXimwIiSgy0w5R7vdFV7y8BE5Lan1kMFuE2cmv0gGqsNUzGhBqh6GLH6-QAUbCvzB7NIombdQsosX7d4Bao51gyHjjzknbI3wKngr/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47d_keh2qiBcJ0hZIdD5VErqxxNPgFuFbDIHGBa2LXimwIiSgy0w5R7vdFV7y8BE5Lan1kMFuE2cmv0gGqsNUzGhBqh6GLH6-QAUbCvzB7NIombdQsosX7d4Bao51gyHjjzknbI3wKngr/s200/IMG_0722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587786435222995842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">1930's inspired rings <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7Xek4R6IWBJ2MCZwg6Il1sPJfQEoCCTvpnRW5Ha_V99VIpjV5XrR3W-0HyI3CktFFFRLgaSeZAVjbvp9kzVP7nRdJugPSNqof1BG-2-VjMpz15HNpF1llO3L7MTVuDcezAKvI7H7ICWP/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7Xek4R6IWBJ2MCZwg6Il1sPJfQEoCCTvpnRW5Ha_V99VIpjV5XrR3W-0HyI3CktFFFRLgaSeZAVjbvp9kzVP7nRdJugPSNqof1BG-2-VjMpz15HNpF1llO3L7MTVuDcezAKvI7H7ICWP/s200/IMG_0736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785260100447538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">1930's inspired ring <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyyEgEbB8D4RSKZkqme9YOjF5NpRC6PUUaO1ldYIaQF5ch6Ngb1ua-qVe26XpbhhcOC3HbfnpCI2hT5k9mKz3V8Zq0pZcVkmKbY5wIfbsFNC3v8-4GM9zBaSoWRps4bI67jA3szQF6Ys4/s1600/IMG_0740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyyEgEbB8D4RSKZkqme9YOjF5NpRC6PUUaO1ldYIaQF5ch6Ngb1ua-qVe26XpbhhcOC3HbfnpCI2hT5k9mKz3V8Zq0pZcVkmKbY5wIfbsFNC3v8-4GM9zBaSoWRps4bI67jA3szQF6Ys4/s200/IMG_0740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785251077044834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage inspired ring <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SeTaM9ApuNUTr7abmrDTDfJoDnX8SpKnMVXaJHGNe8cqjWLW46tA8swN4m4nn3yU1k66arL5h9NaFZ1AH55AdPLhNl5i_w151jC9w4Ee3PlADMCE9SzUYB7p575RZ3dISgrDaPdRlbcw/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SeTaM9ApuNUTr7abmrDTDfJoDnX8SpKnMVXaJHGNe8cqjWLW46tA8swN4m4nn3yU1k66arL5h9NaFZ1AH55AdPLhNl5i_w151jC9w4Ee3PlADMCE9SzUYB7p575RZ3dISgrDaPdRlbcw/s200/IMG_0749.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785247721105522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Golden spring <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzryFyllh-EgbBX5pdFEAXBHjRWGugaxTN7JXBcZ2eUUctoc6ebr-gk7cmUxXOmki3F7kwbYiKLkd9fpKboVdKDhjlNCeKwzVf3FDW_rcWSX0g-SBlTqF4KejH9ERYRZvABU6vgxif_7xB/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzryFyllh-EgbBX5pdFEAXBHjRWGugaxTN7JXBcZ2eUUctoc6ebr-gk7cmUxXOmki3F7kwbYiKLkd9fpKboVdKDhjlNCeKwzVf3FDW_rcWSX0g-SBlTqF4KejH9ERYRZvABU6vgxif_7xB/s200/IMG_0764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785238950832658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Gothic vintage inspired rings <b>£5</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj_D366U3LR_VAW9MWC8Bg9YWwTZKLbr5TrliFyRufQwIHl5NHY7kW4VZQn5uHpxoetZnM2WWKziD4w4pGZRjsiWoeNT5ZGMAHWw70BKAQ57WcQMzKUoJdraX9NQtbjDxmVLQVsA5G_MW/s1600/IMG_0766.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj_D366U3LR_VAW9MWC8Bg9YWwTZKLbr5TrliFyRufQwIHl5NHY7kW4VZQn5uHpxoetZnM2WWKziD4w4pGZRjsiWoeNT5ZGMAHWw70BKAQ57WcQMzKUoJdraX9NQtbjDxmVLQVsA5G_MW/s200/IMG_0766.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785232695728370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Crystal rings <b>£5</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-44317885251675226412011-03-11T15:36:00.001-08:002011-03-11T15:44:11.544-08:00Weekend is here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaQJE_mdGeOLIUV4qom8A2ATPdDjb-qSc_TKibJ9Q4ew94fXKY0M_FRabuL2CX3bCOKCfZwZsxzW5FywG4TVqkE1dwq71htbaCDXDkMmZxlX6OQTJag2a6CmIsV9lH9p-3pPRw681vPR5/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaQJE_mdGeOLIUV4qom8A2ATPdDjb-qSc_TKibJ9Q4ew94fXKY0M_FRabuL2CX3bCOKCfZwZsxzW5FywG4TVqkE1dwq71htbaCDXDkMmZxlX6OQTJag2a6CmIsV9lH9p-3pPRw681vPR5/s200/IMG_0530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582972332777936386" /></a><br />I am curious to see what you crafty lot will be up to this weekend. Please link me in to your latest project, show me how the lot of you are going to fill you weekend hours.<div><br /></div><div>Other than dreaming of lace and satin and making yoyo earrings I'll be trying Fimo jewellery techniques, making choc choc chip muffins and trying to figure out how to make monofilament produce a teardrop end. I shall drop some photo's here tout de suite.</div>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-30210418003731288882011-03-11T15:23:00.000-08:002011-03-11T15:35:59.708-08:00Twiddling thumbs?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf3BNWbu_coJd0tZPPJVOy4ERVRn6Q64Zmtp98Aw2kvcy-8k0xXUaTUZ1mgz0gMgvE-0IlURCbkctK8Wujb_4ONc-1y-EUM1yrnqFTUnppJi1icbhyFu0Ky1JTqjpU-NIN2nHIjw1IPn1/s1600/This+is+more+like+it%2521.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf3BNWbu_coJd0tZPPJVOy4ERVRn6Q64Zmtp98Aw2kvcy-8k0xXUaTUZ1mgz0gMgvE-0IlURCbkctK8Wujb_4ONc-1y-EUM1yrnqFTUnppJi1icbhyFu0Ky1JTqjpU-NIN2nHIjw1IPn1/s200/This+is+more+like+it%2521.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582970015755700866" /></a><br />I know it's been a few days since I've put anything crafty down but I have been spending my time constructively, preparing for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venus-in-Furs/189460524426482?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Venus in Furs Vintage and Craft</span></a> event at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/settledowncafe?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Settle Down Cafe</span></a> on Sunday. However I have not been totally craftless. I'm making prototype yoyo jewellery (photo's to follow) and looking at vintage dresses to inspire me. One day I hope to use these images to recreate some of the roaring twenties lovelies. <div><br /></div><div>See you Sunday 12-4?</div>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4497115154887353036.post-28755893209638303332011-03-09T12:09:00.000-08:002011-03-09T12:54:52.621-08:00All in the name of charity!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMkSzDLmSCL9f1PtDxw8y8fqks206gXlgJVPYphMFtyWbUlT1M9MNxB4Bxpw2MPqDZR9-ia4xxNdRchA31fYX0lC_nSCWUt-G6yCvRRIkoj1sz_wu2BW3YaEgSPZ1Z4fMmi0QIBuX68Eb/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMkSzDLmSCL9f1PtDxw8y8fqks206gXlgJVPYphMFtyWbUlT1M9MNxB4Bxpw2MPqDZR9-ia4xxNdRchA31fYX0lC_nSCWUt-G6yCvRRIkoj1sz_wu2BW3YaEgSPZ1Z4fMmi0QIBuX68Eb/s200/IMG_0661.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582186081109693794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPdd6MwgxsMAkGNVgPA6x9aqh-myFEYDWvss5vIGVIpXnhiBhUlvPyT3-MFibtpruEcGuIn6bHOo0dinKpyXB3JgV_fXIp1nCISIfCGHVFsYgFeLyuqKk4kibdAm6so3Hd6BtdRl3GuE-/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPdd6MwgxsMAkGNVgPA6x9aqh-myFEYDWvss5vIGVIpXnhiBhUlvPyT3-MFibtpruEcGuIn6bHOo0dinKpyXB3JgV_fXIp1nCISIfCGHVFsYgFeLyuqKk4kibdAm6so3Hd6BtdRl3GuE-/s200/IMG_0659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582186078878236754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgqlcg6FFrTzU0bMces971DDHqFBNcJyHe_gJwAARk7iv8fUc7JvuCUA3oQTLaVmAObsOkd-AhUo80s4g0tVBqj6Wq4lw2NbB86H-nR-XD1ptNNZilT3tWD63kQemWypZ_39hq72uF5_g/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgqlcg6FFrTzU0bMces971DDHqFBNcJyHe_gJwAARk7iv8fUc7JvuCUA3oQTLaVmAObsOkd-AhUo80s4g0tVBqj6Wq4lw2NbB86H-nR-XD1ptNNZilT3tWD63kQemWypZ_39hq72uF5_g/s200/IMG_0664.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582186064246169458" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was a lovely early spring day in Newcastle. It was gloves weather with light spots of rain but it was the kind of day to take a walk. I was off to deliver cup cakes and I decided that while i was there I could have a look in the junk shops on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Benwell</span> Road. I had been recommended them by two of my friends and thought that the chance of a bargain couldn't be passed up. <div>I walked through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fenham</span> and down to <a href="http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/librarieswestend"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Benwell</span> library</span></a>, where I popped in for a quick look at the craft books. It's a really nice library but it stank! Some guy was sitting using the computers and farting loudly! I hot footed it out of there and headed along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Benwell</span> shops. I've driven past here lots of times but I've never walked past. There are lots of interesting cheap shops and penny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bizzare's</span>, I plan to have another little foray to these places. </div><div>I headed for the first junk shop and straight away found it impossible to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">manoeuvre</span> round it with the buggy. I did manage to get inside but was right in the way of everyone. I had a look at the plate for future cake stands and asked if they had any buttons. I came away from there empty handed but decided that since I was down that way I'd pop into the one across the road. </div><div>This one has a huge range of goods outside under tarps and the inside was a bit more clutter free. It was still full of second hand furniture like the other one but I could swing the buggy. Straight away I found a box full of costume jewellery including a load of clip on earrings. I got the box and everything for £4. Pretty stoked I asked for buttons and the lady was really nice and said that she had some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">squirrelled</span> away somewhere and that she'd keep them to the side for me. She also said that her granddaughter had loads of Tinkerbell stuff that she's gather up for my little one. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">definitely</span> walked away from there feeling happy which is probably what decided me on walking into Newcastle. It's a bit of a slog but I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">buoyed</span> up by my purchase and wanted to sit somewhere and look at my new treasures. </div><div>I walked over to the <a href="http://www.thesettledown.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Settle Down Cafe</span></a> and had a rocket coffee and a snoop. everything in the box was lovely. I was so made up by the whole experience that when I walked into Newcastle for my bus home I popped into all the charity shops on the way. In the <a href="http://www.mind.org.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">mind</span></a> shop I bought a wool wrap over <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cardy</span> and in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> </span><a href="http://giftshop.bhf.org.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">British Heart Foundation</span></a> I bought an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">intarsia</span> tunic. All in all it has been a really good day for cheap diversions.</div><div>On a crafty note I've been given some lovely beading books. A few of the projects have caught my eye so I'll let you know how they get on.</div><div>I've also joined <a href="http://pinterest.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pinterest</span></span></a>! I'm just in the process of seeing how the whole thing works but I'll let you know how it goes. Also, If you'd like to be invited to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pinterest</span> drop me a message.</div></div>Biskityashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14589184255498715502noreply@blogger.com0