Wednesday 24 February 2010

Biscuit Bear

It started snowing again today, and my little girl's friend was not able to visit due to the bad weather, so to cheer her up, I read her one of her favourite stories...

...and then we baked and decorated some biscuit bears.
But this little bear does not want to be stuck in the cookie jar...
He's trying to work his way up to the lid...
...on the other hand...this little bear couldn't give two hoots...he has stars in his eyes, and he is dreaming of being discovered.

Tuesday 23 February 2010

Frugal February Jar - a fun little project for you.

Finally, now that our heating is back on after four days of freeeeeeeeeeeeezing, I bring you a inexpensive little idea for jazzing up a little jar for February - or what is left February, but that is not to say you couldn't do this project whatever the month! Am I rambling? Sorry!

You will need...

A little jar, just the right size for a tealight. I used a tuna paste jar. I'm sure you can find something - maybe a baby food jar?

A glue gun, a pair of scissors a heart punch - or some other decorative shape, and a biro.
and...wait for it...I kid you not...an empty tube of tomato paste/puree.

This is an easy make.

Cut the ends of the tomato puree tube. I used a tomato paste and a garlic paste tube in this project. Very carefully insert your scissors into the tube and cut down the edge to open it up. Now wash with some nice hot soapy water. Please be careful with this. It will have sharp edges!

Now you have something like this...


It's a bit crinkly, so out with the rolling pin...

Now comes the heart punch...
Now emboss however you fancy with a biro on the back of the hearts...

You end up with something like this...
Now it is time to get the glue gun out - sorry couldn't coordinate glueing and taking pictures at the same time! I also fashioned a rim out of the foil, embossed it and made a bow to cover the gap as it wasn't long enough to go round my jar. And here you see the finished product. I told you it was easy !

Tomato paste foil is great for embellishments for many other projects too.If the colour on the back of the foil bothers you when using it on glass (it does show on this project) you could always give it a couple of coats of craft paint first. Or if you are really energetic, you can use a course grade wire wool to rub it off first. Me...no...that was too much effort for now.
I hope this project inspires you to start chopping tomato paste tubes! It's great fun, and a good way to recycle/upcycle.

Wednesday 17 February 2010

Stuff

Last week was one of those weeks, and I am still catching up, so I still haven't managed to get the tutorial ready yet. We've had mice - and outbreak of lice (the joys of having young children) and we've had punctures and all sorts. I am still trying to catch up with the mountain of washing and ironing that has created, but i thought I would show you a few things I have made that haven't made it to the blog yet.

You probably already know I love black and white, but I also love red and white. The cushion and little quilt cover are my youngest daughters. Her room theme will be red and white once I get around to it. The quilt is make from a vintage cotton sheet and I used a red fabric pen for the design. It was one of those ultra quick spur of the moment kind of projects. The red heart on the cushion, is from a bit of fabric from my favourite skirt when I was a girl. It was actually Laura Ashley furnishing fabric. I wore it as a long skirt when I was about 8 or 9 and then as a teenager it was a not quite so long gypsy skirt. I loved it and have always meant to do something with it. I am sure there are going to be more projects on the way with this. It was just a quick fix with some Bondaweb (Wonder Under).

Here is a close up of the animals. My little girl loves these.

These are some lavender sachets made from linen from a pair of trousers I no longer wear.

OK, I must get on and do some work around here now. Thanks for visiting today!

Tuesday 16 February 2010

OWOH Winners

I have chosen the three winners for my OWOH giveaway. They are as follows...
Congratulations girls! I hope to hear from you soon so I know where to post the goodies!

Tuesday 9 February 2010

interlude

I made this tiny bunny the other evening while watching the TV. Don't ask me what possessed me to make a bright pink bunny with a blue tail. Who knows! He is approximately two inches from nose to tail.
I am busy working on the jar for February tutorial right now. Also, I am trying to clean this house and locate the mouse which has found his way in somehow. (Any mouse deterrent tips gladly received)
Hopefully next post will be the Tutorial.

Friday 5 February 2010

A Handy Hint

To fill a scented sachet, cut the top part off an empty 2 litre plastic drinks bottle. Fold electrical tape or similar over the edges to prevent any cuts. Place a small elastic band (you can just make out a green band in the picture) on the bottle lid before placing in the hole in the fabric that you have left for filling, then pull the elastic over your fabric to hold it in place while you fill.
I just made this hop and lavender scented sachet for my husband. I'm hoping it's scent will soothe him to sleep sweetly tonight! He's had a busy week!

Tuesday 2 February 2010

One man's trash...

Every time my parents visit, my dad insists on bringing me stuff he has cleared out from his garage. In this case, it was a dirty tin full of old nails, screws, nuts and bolts. I'm afraid the contents have been relagated to an old plastic ice cream container, 'cos this tin was far too adorable for such a use. I gave it a scrub and it is now home to my acrylic paints. It makes me happy just to look at it! Thanks Dad! Don't you just love vintage tins? This one was from Burtons Gold Medal Biscuits.