Toastie Studio Sewing Blog

Made Monday

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000+01:00

Another week, another link party! Lets see what you have all been up too!!!

Diezijn Leuk 2012!!

2012-01-29T13:37:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I got the news that Diezijn Leuk is planning another craft fair on April 1st 2012 in Groningen!!

I am so super excited for this. In November I went to my first one there, and although it was a bit cold we didn't have any snow, and I had great neighbours and it turned out a lovely day. Even with the trouble of carrying all my stock and displays to the fair by bicycle (two of us) I still managed to fill a 4meter booth!

So this time the fair is Sunday April 1st (lets hope its no April fools!!) so I have to get my new collection of Easter decorations ready for it. I also decided I would have an area on my stand for my sewing patterns too. Although my patterns are in English, many Dutch people can read English so I hope that wont be a problem.

So over the coming months I am going to be experimenting with more display ideas, especially ways to add height to my display but still be easy to transport by bicycle!

Diezijn Leuk website
Diezijn Leuk on Facebook

Made Monday Picks

2012-01-28T15:22:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who took part this week! These are my three favourites from this last week!

This adorable card from SCRaPPY CaNuCK STuDioS
I just thought it was adorable, with its little opening wings!

Fabric pin board from Crafting and Creativity
I have a craft fair coming up soon, so thought this was a really nice idea for a display stand.

Hot chocolate dippers from the Moody Fashionista
These just look soooo yummy! I can't get candy canes here, but I think I can find something else instead!

Packet full of Rainbows!

2012-01-27T12:11:00.000+01:00

This week my order from Sew Sweet arrived. I love opening packages from them because they are so bright and colourful and really get my sewing fingers going!!

I ordered lots of felt in a beautiful rainbow of colours.
And also some buttons and brads ready for some easter projects!!

Thinking Thursday {Octopus}

2012-01-26T08:30:00.000+01:00

With yesterdays launch of my newest sewing pattern, Octoplush, what better theme for Thinking Thursday then octopus items on etsy?! Here are my favourites.

Happy Octopus Decal... graphicspaces $20.00	Amigurumi Crochet at... pepika $5.00	Deluxe Metal Gentle ... egyptianruin $12.00	Octopus Organic Bab... GrowingUpWild $24.00
Crochet Octopus - Blue annemariesbrei... $2.50	Baby Octopus Mini di... TMLcreates $7.25	OOOhh Octopus Card Glademade $4.50	Know Your Octopode... BlingSquared $90.00
Octopus Pirate Ring -... ManifestedDrea... $5.00	Octopus Vinyl Decal f... InAnInstantArt $28.00	Customized Octopus ... SimplyEncharmi... $6.00	iPhone case - Purple ... exwoo $25.00
Octopus Valentines deepbluesea $19.50	Boy Personalized Ho... NurtureMe $32.00	Octopus Plaid, stuffe ... Musers $33.00	2 Red Octopus Cake ... JadestoneStudi... $11.00

New Pattern - Octoplush

2012-01-25T15:57:00.000+01:00

Well today my Octoplush pattern is for sale here on my blog, and in my etsy shop.

What do I like best about this pattern?
If you are not very neat with ladder stitching up stuffing openings this is great because all openings are hidden at the end.

What inspiration did you have for the pattern?
I first made these octoplush after the toy story 3 movie and the purple octopus in that. Now I made them into a pattern because postage charges for this size toy are very high.

How long does it take to make an Octoplush?
For a average sewer using a sewing machine it would take about 1-2 hours start to finish. There are really only two main parts to sew for the Octoplush and the rest is stuffing.

What unique touches can I add to my Octoplush?
Well you can make it in any mix of colour fleece and fabric. The base of the Octoplush is fabric so you can pick lots of different patterns etc. You can also do different eye styles, add a hair bow or moustache to make your Octoplush extra special!

Chinese New Year Lanterns {Printable}

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was Chinese New Year!! 2012 is the year of the dragon

To celebrate I have a fun printable to share with you! Chinese Paper Lanterns

Download in black & white
Download in colour

1. Print out the lantern. You can print off the black and white version if printing onto red paper, or if you want to make a fun colouring activities with the kids.

2. Cut out the lanterns. Cut along the solid black lines, and fold along the dashed black lines.

3. Starting at one end of the lantern, glue or tape each of the tabs onto the next panel of the lantern. Keep going all the way around the lantern, for the top and bottom tabs. When you reach the end, glue the last tabs onto the first panel.

4. Punch two holes at the top of the lantern (where indicated with black dots). Thread the lanterns onto some string, or onto some fairy lights like I did. Do not place a flame inside the lanterns.

Made Monday

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

This weekend I managed to make some great things for valentines and I will be sharing them with you tomorrow, but I want to know what you made this last week!!!

Octoplush Sewing Pattern

2012-01-22T14:22:00.000+01:00

Here is my secret of the week!
My next sewing pattern will be available on Wednesday (just a few tweaks to make to it) and just in time for valentines!!

I made these octoplush's last year but decided to not sell them on etsy because of their size (they had very high postage charges). They are such cute little things that I figured I would write up a sewing pattern for them and add it to my collection of doll patterns! And I wanted to get them published before valentines because what other creature gives such great hugs with so many arms!!!

Made Monday Picks

2012-01-21T14:20:00.000+01:00

Week two of my link parties and so many great items were submitted! There are really so many creative people out there, I just love it!!
Here are my three favourites.

Elastic Shoelaces from Sew Can Do

I wish I had these when I was younger! My mum always shouted at me for not doing my shoelaces :P

Button Heart Frame from Take 10 with Tricia

I have the biggest weakness for buttons! They are so cute and colourful and soooo many different sorts :)

Valentines Burlap Treat Bags from Pocket Full of Pink

I love things made with burlap, I am always on the look out for places to buy it, but it doesn't seem to be as easy to get hold of here in the Netherlands.

Thinking Thursday {Dutchable}

2012-01-19T16:35:00.000+01:00

Today I got my letter telling my I passed my Dutch Speaking exam and have now completed my langauge course!! I am soooo over the moon and happy about it. I have been living in the Netherlands for 2 1/2 years now, and although most people here can speak English, I feel it is really important to speak Dutch too and to embrace the culture and people I live around. As such this weeks Thinking Thursday theme is Dutch etsy artists.

Quak's RED woodens... QuaksOriginals $27.95	Custom Handwritten ... VillaFigura $39.00	colored birdhouse, blu... wendyvanderve... $12.50	Happy Shooting Star -... KittyDarknessD... $5.00
felted pillow rock - &... HoodwinkedO... $130.00	Crochet Flower Garland annemariesbrei... $12.50	Music mobile / oh ba.... MizzleKids $42.50	Teapots - A4 print lauraamiss $10.50
pillow cover pink with ... kitsdiezijn $17.00	Amsterdam cats - Big... houseofharriet $65.00	Teether made from na... kitsdiezijn $13.50	Soft cat doll, brown, f... NikkiDotti $25.00
Alice and the white R... IsabellasArt $19.00	kinchi kids half apron ... kinchi $38.00	Amsterdam Canal ho... lauraamiss $30.00	Pink Polka dot should... AforUfromMePr... $30.00

Dutch and end of new year slump!!

2012-01-17T17:22:00.000+01:00

Argh!! This morning I had my Dutch speaking exam. I sadly failed my first attempt before Christmas (I was just sooo nervous I made so many small silly mistakes). I hope I did better this time, I tried to keep calm and kept telling myself I could do it, because when I am speaking Dutch with my boyfriend I have no problem. I wont hear for another week but gosh I am hoping I did ok this time.

Oh another note, I got my sewing swing back a bit!
I though, what project do I love to do the most? Answer is my Rapunzel organiser towers. I just adore each one I make.

This time I made it in purple and as usual I am totally in love with it :P But it is available in my etsy shop if someone else loves it just as much.

I also made two button hearts ready for valentines! See these also in my etsy shop.

Made Monday

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000+01:00

Oh last week was sooooo much fun!! Thank you to everyone who took part. On Saturday I featured some of my favourites!!
I can't wait to see what everyone was up to this week! Link away!!

Made Monday Picks

2012-01-14T17:19:00.000+01:00

Wow! Thank you to everyone who took part in my first link party! Was really great and I loved all the posts!
Seeing so many valentine crafts really makes me want to pull my finger out and get my next sewing pattern finished!

Well here are my top three picks from this weeks made monday links.

Bunting kindle case from Just another hang up

I loved the colourfulness of the bunting against the calmer background fabric. I don't have a kindle but think this would be amazing for bags, laptop sleeves etc.

Rainbow Ripple Blanket from Sweet buee buzzings

As some of you know I want to learn to crochet, I have the hooks and a few colours of wool... but sitting down and learning it... well maybe before 2013 :) I would love to make a blanket like this.

Miss Evie ~ Child's Bag from Threading that way

I love these little bags! I think they could make the most sweetest Easter egg hunt bags. I love the spring flower fabric and the extra yo-yo detail on the front.

If I featured you here is a special button for you!!

And thank you to everyone who took part, next link party starts on Monday.

Thinking Thursday {sewing patterns}

2012-01-12T15:00:00.000+01:00

Well I am still struggling to get motivated again after the holidays!
I have a lot of website work to do too, so finding time to sit and sew and blog is more of a chore than fun at the moment. But I thought maybe a new sewing pattern would get me going so did some looking around etsy and here are some of my favourites.

Caitlyn Handbag PDF Sew... betzwhite $12.95	One-Trip-Up Stair Baske... CozyNestDesign $9.99	Baby Boots PDF sewing p... LenasShoePatte... $4.50	Big Rocket toy sewing p... DIYFluffies $9.00
Sewing Pattern - How to... tiedyediva $4.95	SEWING PATTERN PDF - ... KikiKreation $7.00	messenger bag sewing pa... patternpatti $7.00	Sewing Pattern PDF - Pa... lindylou2 $5.00
Pillowcase Romper Patte... pinkpoodlebows $6.00	Childrens DIY Crayon Ro... JasmineArtWork... $3.50	Strap Clutch Sewing Pat... keykalou $7.00	WHIMSY COUTURE Sewin... whimsycouture $6.00
i heart bowling PDF sew... BirdifulStitch... $6.00	Sewing Pattern Fleece B... StudioCherie $10.00	Sewing Pattern Girls Dr... ThreadCouture $6.99	PDF Sewing Pattern Unio... LillyBlossom $6.25

Made Monday

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000+01:00

I love seeing the creative ideas and projects of fellow crafters. And it always amazes me how many new ideas and projects I see posted in link parties each week.
Every Monday I will be holding a link party for you to showcase things you made during the past week, and on Saturday I will pick some of my favourite links to share on my blog!

Thinking Thursday {Motivation}

2012-01-05T16:32:00.000+01:00

Well first Thinking Thursday of the new year, and I decided to pick {Motivation} as the theme.
Although I am not one to make new years resolutions, I do see the new year as a chance to start a new, and to get cracking on all the big plans for the coming year.
These are some things I found on Etsy that I think could help keep someone motivated towards achieving personal goals! I hope you like my finds.

Every Accomplishment St... LuciusArt $39.00	TODAY I WILL Wrap Brace... TheRunHome $17.00	Be Awesome Inspirationa... digibuddhaArtP... $18.00	motivational life quote... lyricbrock $15.00
Motivational Print: i D... 10cameliaway $16.00	BUY 2 GET 1 FREE Motiva... FreshWordsMark... $30.00	Original Painting WISH ... wellerwishes $100.00	Be Wholehearted with Bu... barnowlprimiti... $90.00
Art for Kids A Study on... GoingPlaces2 $13.00	one step at a time - mo... JessicasGifts $16.50	Motivational Custom Qui... greatquiltatio... $95.00	motivation rock - No. 1 srobison $11.00
Motivational quote for ... mikeswoodburni... $12.99	Talk Less Make More - M... RADROBOT $15.00	Courage Motivational Te... backbonestudio... $8.95	Blue Believe in Miracle... CherryCute $1.50

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T13:27:00.001+01:00

Hello 2012!! It is very nice to meet you!!
I have so many plans and dreams for the coming year. New doll designs, sewing patterns and printables.
I hope all of you will enjoy 2012 with me, and that you also have a brilliant 2012.

Custom Orders

2011-12-28T20:24:00.000+01:00

Over the Christmas period I had a couple of custom orders. I love working on something special for someone, and it is great fun creating something new for someone.

I made a Thomas the Tank Cushion

I also made a rocket cushion and dinosaur cushion with custom text embroidered on each.

And also an orange monkey keychain! (What monkey's aren't orange?)

Christmas Tutorial Advent {A Collection}

2011-12-24T20:45:00.000+01:00

For my final day of the Christmas Tutorial Advent I am showing a collection of some of my favourite tutorials I have seen published around blog land this month!

1. 3D Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cookies from Not Martha

2. Scrappy Stocking Christmas Ornament from Stumbles & Stitches

3. DIY Diet Coke Ornament from Sips etc

4. Candy Cane Marbled Ornaments from the Cheese Thief

5. Crochet Christmas Trees from Annemaries

6. Salt Dough Ornaments from Melissa Weicker

7. Joy Christmas Door Decorations from the Country Chic Cottage

8. bite-size holiday cookies in a jar from the Decorated Cookie

9. Sock Santa from lolovie

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Thank you printable}

2011-12-23T20:46:00.000+01:00

I have to admit I am terrible at sending out thank you cards after Christmas. Half the time it is end January before I do them *shamed*

This year I saw in the shops some thank you cards for kids and knew I wanted to design my own. And I thought they would make a great final addition to my advent calendar.

I designed two sets that are available for download. You get two letters per sheet of paper. Simply print at 100% scale and trim down.

Download: Red Girl / Blue Boy

I also have other thank you card printables in my etsy shop, including ones like this where you can design the character and colour scheme.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Peppermint Cushion}

2011-12-21T20:44:00.000+01:00

I can't help myself! I keep thinking of lovely peppermint designs! Today I have a tutorial to make a peppermint circle cushion!

Materials:
Red Fabric
White Fabric
2 Large Red or White buttons
Sewing Machine etc
Pattern (download it here)

How to:
Begin by printing off the pattern and using it to cut out 12 white pieces and 12 red pieces.

Pair up a white and red piece, right sides together and sew along one edge.

Repeat for all pieces so you have a total of 12 joined pieces.

Now take 3 of the pieces, and sew them together so they go white/red/white/red etc

Repeat this so you now have 4 semi circle pieces.

Then pin two semi circles right side together and sew across them, so now you have 1 big circle in alternating colours.

Repeat for the other two semi circles so you have 2 full circles. Iron the seams flat for a nicer finish.
As you can seen on mine, none of the centers line is perfectly, but we will hide that later on with the buttons :P

Place the two circles right sides together and line up the sections so white is on white, and red is on red.
Pin in place and sew all the way around the outer edge, leaving one piece open with a gap (it is a lot easier to not have the gap on a seam)

Clip the curves and turn the cushion right way out. Stuff it nice and full and plump, then ladder stitch the opening closed.

Thread a needle and pass it from one side of the cushion to the other, through the center point. Add 1 large button and thread back through the cushion. Add the other button and keep sewing back and forth through the cushion. Pull the thread tightly so that it makes the cushion dip in the middle. Secure the thread and you have your peppermint cushion!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Star Keychain}

2011-12-20T20:43:00.000+01:00

I like making new keychains. It is something new and colourful to add to my keys, and after a month the old ones are getting a bit dirty and icky from my messy bag!
So I figured I should make a fun Christmas keychain. I picked out some blue and white beads from my collection, you can really make this with any colour scheme and what ever beads you have lying around.

Materials:
2 x 50cm pieces of cord/leather/wool/string/ribbon etc.
1 Split ring
8 Large beads (big enough for two strands of cord)
4 Special beads (I used star shaped ones)
24 Smaller beads

How to:
Fold both pieces of cord in half and slip the split ring on. Tie a knot just below the split ring.

Take the two middle pieces of cord and thread them through 1 large bead. Then take the two outer pieces of cord and thread them through another large bead. Wrap the two middle strands around the bead and thread another bead on. Keep repeating until you use up all your large beads.

Knot the cord, then add single knots to each of the single strands. Do 2 knots 1cm from the big knot, and 2 knots 2cm from the big knot.

For each strand, add 1 small bead, 1 special bead, 5 small beads and knot the end and trim. Repeat for all 4 strands.

That is your keychain finished, super simple right! Makes a lovely last minute gift, or could even make a nice tree decoration. You could add some bells too for a little jingling :)

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Chocolate nut circles}

2011-12-19T20:45:00.000+01:00

A while ago I saw a recipe on the BBC. It was circles of chocolate with almonds and nuts on top. I personally hate HATE nuts, but my boyfriend saw the recipe and was right away begging me to make him some.
I was too lazy too look up the recipe, but you can view it here. Or here is how I did it after watching the show.

Chop you pistacho nuts up, and some orange candy peel.
Place some almond shavings on a tray and stick under a low grill for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle some sugar over and put back for a minute. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
Mix the nuts and candy peel together and add some sea salt flakes and mix it all up.
Melt some milk chocolate in the microwave (careful not to burn it).
Spoon the chocolate onto some baking paper and make small discs from it, then sprinkle with the nut mixture and leave for the chocolate to set. Then you can put them in some little bags and decorate all pretty to give for family and friends!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Penguin Soft Toy}

2011-12-18T20:31:00.000+01:00

I like Penguins. I was watching the BBC series "Frozen Planet" and loved the episode with the penguins, and the rock stealing hehe.
I knew as part of my tutorial advent I wanted to make another small felt soft toy similar to little lamb, and little chicken. So here is a tutorial to make a little penguin. (My boyfriend thought it was meant to be the penguin powerup from Super Mario :P )

Materials:
Black / Navy wool felt from Sew Sweet
Orange / Yellow wool felt from Sew Sweet
Toy Stuffing
Pattern (download here)

How to:
First print off the pattern and cut out all the pieces from felt.

Take one body piece and sew on the white tummy, eyes and beak. Add some extra detail to the eyes by sewing stars with white thread.

Lay the other body piece down, and place the flippers and feet in place, then the front body piece face up. Pin around the edges.

Sew around the edge of the penguin, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Stuff and sew close the opening.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Cherry Pie Coasters}

2011-12-16T20:36:00.000+01:00

Cherry Pie... hmm any pie is yummy, but cherry pie just has that something special about it.

Materials:
Golden Felt from Sew Sweet
Red Felt from Sew Sweet
Needle and thread
Pattern

How to:
Print off the pattern above and cut out the pieces of felt.
For the pie crust I cut with zigzag scissors for a rough edge, but you can also do it with a straight edge.

Take one pie base and stitch the felt pie filling to the middle of it.

Lay out the pie crusts, starting by making a cross in the middle then adding the other pieces in a weaving pattern.

With a needle and thread add a x stitch where each pie crust cross over.

Go around the edge of the pie and trim off any excess pie crust that stitck out.

Add the second felt pie base to the back to hide all the stitches and whip stitch around the edge of the pie.

The pie coaster is finished! You can make a whole set as a gift, or change the red felt to purple for blueberry/blackberry pie instead! Lots of options!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Christmas Mouse}

2011-12-15T20:36:00.000+01:00

I think real mice are horrid and scary, but I love toy mice!! I use to have a cutey little one that I took in my school bag to exams for luck, and something about mice feels quite festive... I can see them in little Santa hats, or with jingle bells on their shoes...
I absolutely love the dutch / UK sellers from The House of Mouse!! You should look at their shop! They make the most creative little mice ever!
But if you feel like something a bit less technical I have a simple felt mouse tutorial for you today.

To make mousey I used:
Grey wool blend felt from Sew Sweet
Scrap pink wool blend felt from Sew Sweet
2 Black mini brads from Sew Sweet
10cm piece of thin ribbon
And basic sewing equipment, needle, thread etc.
This pattern:

How to:
Start by printing off the pattern above and cutting out all the pieces from felt. I used a light grey felt for the body and pink for the inner ear.

Stitch each inner ear to the outer ear and fold the ear nearly in half and add a few stitch to hold in place.
Then slide the ear into the slit you cut in your mouse body so the fold is facing the nose point. Stitch the ear in place and repeat for the other body (making sure you do the ear coming out the opposite site!)

Place your two mouse bodies with right sides together (so the ears face inwards) and sandwich the tail ribbon inwards near the mouses bottom. Stitch around the top edge.

Turn the body right way out and position the eyes so they match. I used mini brads but you could use buttons, or beads or a simple french knot etc.

Turn the mouse wrong way out again and pin the bottom around the edges of the body, lining up the nose point and bottom point. Sew around the edge leaving a gap to turn later on.

Turn mouse right way out and stuff him , making sure you get his nose nice and pointy. Then ladder stitch the turning hole shut. Mousey is finished and ready to hide under the Christmas tree!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Pet Christmas Stocking}

2011-12-14T20:35:00.000+01:00

I never forget to buy something sweet for my pets at Christmas. They are just as much a part of the family as anyone else!! So they deserve to have a little stocking hung up for them too!!

Materials:
Red fabric
White felt from Sew Sweet
Pattern (download it here)

How to:
Start by downloading and printing off the pdf pattern. Then cut out all the pieces from your fabric and felt.

Take one paw piece and machine stitch the felt toes and palm onto it.

Machine sew each of the felt top edge to the fabric paws. Sew it so the top edge is facing the reverse of the fabric paw (this goes against what your sewing mind is telling you)
For the front paw piece lay it right way down and sew the felt top edge along the top.

For the back paw piece lay it right way down add a ribbon loop and then the felt top edge on top and sew it all together like the other paw piece.

Pin the two paws with right sides together and machine stitch around the edge, leaving the top edge open.

Turn the stocking the right way out and fold down the felt edge. You may need to iron it a bit to make it stay down nicely.

Now you just need to go buy some presents for your pet!!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Snowman Garland}

2011-12-13T20:35:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I spend the evening watching TV and making pompoms since I bought one of them machines that make them so easy to make :P
As such I have a stash of different colours and sizes and figured I should start finding some uses for them. Instead of the straightforward pompom snowman I decided to make a pompom snowman garland instead!

Materials:
White Wool to make 5 pompoms and to string them together
Scrap black and orange felt
Glue Gun

How to:
Start by making your pompoms, if you don't have one of those handy machines here is a simple tutorial to make them.

Cut up your black felt to make 10 1cm diameter felt circles for eyes. They don't need to be perfect so do it freehand! Also cut 5 triangles from the orange felt for carrot noses.

Heat up your hot glue gun and glue on two black felt circles. Then glue on your carrot felt nose. Repeat for all 5 pompoms.

Thread a needle with 1m of white wool. Take one snowman pompom and pass the needle through the middle of it and out the other side.

Continue adding the other snowman pompoms onto the wool string and add loops to each end of the string so you can hang it up. I made my garland only 1m because I have a tiny tree, but you can make it longer with more snowman pompoms too.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Gift tag printable}

2011-12-12T11:00:00.000+01:00

Well today I went and bought a memory card reader so I can access my camera and catch up with my tutorials! Some advent it turned into :( But I wont loose heart. I will slowly be back posting all the missing tutorials so check them out too!!

Yesterday I posted a tutorial to make a pillow gift box and included a free printable with the template and a holly design.

Well today is another free printable with some gift tags to match the pillow gift box!

Download the high resolution pdf here.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Gift box printable}

2011-12-11T20:33:00.000+01:00

Wrapping presents can be so fiddly sometimes, you get lumps and bumps and torn paper!
One thing I love to pop presents in to make them all cute are pillow gift boxes, but sometimes these can be expensive, or you can't find them in festive patterns.
But pillow gift boxes are super easy to make!!

First download this pdf template and holly pattern pillow gift box and print it out on some white card stock.
Cut around the solid outline, and score along the dotted lines.

Add some double sided tape to the tab on the end, and stick the two ends together.

Fold down the scored flaps on each end and add some decorative ribbon and a tag!

Your present will look stunning!! Tomorrow I have some gift tags to match the pillow gift box design!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Embroidery Christmas Card}

2011-12-10T20:32:00.000+01:00

I love super simple handmade cards! And this year I am loving red and white themes and peppermint. Today I am sharing how to make an embroidered Ho Ho Ho Christmas card!

How to:
Print off the pattern above and cut around it. Place it on top of an A6 folded card.

Placing the card on a cork board, stab through each dot on the pattern with a chunky needle.

Take some red sewing threads and stitch through the holes you made to create the design.

Knot the thread at the end and give your card to someone special!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Paper Star Garland}

2011-12-09T20:38:00.000+01:00

I made this paper star garland last year for my tree, and deicded to keep it this year because I love the bright colour theme.

It is really simple to make, but can take a bit of time to make all the stars!

To make the stars I follow the above great youtube video tutorial. They are really simple and once you get the hang of them you can just whip them up without checking the video.

Start by cutting an A4 piece of paper into long strips about 1cm / 1/2 inch wide by 20cm /8inch long.
Follow the youtube tutorial to make your stars. You will need about 70 stars to make a 1 meter approx garland.

Once you have all your stars made thread a needle with 1.5meter long piece of sewing thread.
Add a small button or bead and knot the thread to secure one end so the stars wont fall off.

Poke your needle through the point of the star to the opposite non-point of the star, pass the star all the way down to knotted end.

Continue to mix up the colours until you have threaded all your stars on. To end the garland add a small button or bead and knot the thread tightly.

Hang your garland on your tree :)
You can make the stars bigger by using wider and longer pieces of paper, so try experimenting.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Button Wreath}

2011-12-08T20:30:00.000+01:00

Today I sorted all my buttons by colour and put them into their own little jars! While sorting them all I thought a button wreath would look so cute. Last year I made a felt square wreath and this uses a similar method.

Materials:

25cm long piece of wire

Assorted buttons, I used a mix of blue ones from Sew Sweet.

How to:

Pick some buttons, you will need about 50 buttons to make a wreath.

Fold the end of the wire slightly and thread the first few buttons so they go through both pieces of wire.

Thread the rest of the buttons onto the lengh of wire.

Pass the end through the loop we made in the other end (without pushing the buttons off) and pull the two ends tightly together. Wrap the end of the wire around till it is all tight

Add some ribbon to hide the join.

You can hang it on your tree, or door, or window etc, and make them in lots of different colours. You could also do a mix of buttons and felt squares.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Peppermint Star}

2011-12-07T20:28:00.001+01:00

Peppermint is such a Christmas thing!! Candy canes and swirly sweets!
This year in blog land I have seen lots of peppermint crafts and recipes so wanted to join in the happy white and red swirly fun!!

Materials:
Red felt
White felt
Thread & needle
Pattern below

How To:
1. Print off the pattern above and cut out the pattern pieces.
2. Cut out 1 normal and 1 reverse star shapes from red felt, and cut out 1 normal and 1 reverse swirl shapes from white felt.

3. Stitch each swirl shape to each star shape.

4. Place the two star shapes back to back and blanket stitch around the edge. I decided I didnt want to add stuffing but if you want to that is fine.

5. Add a loop of thread to the top point of the star to hang it on your christmas tree with.

Look what I got!!

2011-12-07T19:30:00.000+01:00

Look at these lovely gifts from my exchange partner, Katherine, for the craftaholics anonymous gift exchange.

I love the little bunny basket! I am using it to keep the treats for Tulip (my rabbit) in. She already knows when she sees it she is going to get something nicer :P

I love the scarf she made! And with the weather here at the moment I need it!
And the crochet flowers have really brightened up my bag.
I also received some muled wine spices which I am saving for Christmas :)

I just love the gift exchanges! It is so nice to see what other creative things people make!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Chocolate Brownie Cookies}

2011-12-06T11:12:00.000+01:00

Oh dear!! The electrics in my flat blew today and my computer popped because of it :(I still have my laptop but no ports to connect my camera too :( So here is a very yummy brownie cookie recipe and pictures will follow soon!!
Update: Here is what they look like! But they smell sooo yummy too :)

Ingredients
200g Caster Sugar
40g Cocoa Powder
60ml Vegtable Oil
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanillia Extract
125g Plain Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
30g Icing Sugar

How to make them
1. Mix together the caster sugar, cocoa and vegetable oil in a medium bowl.
2. Beat in 1 egg at a time to the mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, then stir into the cocoa mixture.
4. Cover the dough with cling film and leave to chill over night.
5. Preheat your oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4, and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough into 2cm balls and then roll the balls in the icing sugar. Place the balls on the prepared trays leaving lots of room between for the dough to spread out in the oven.
7. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. When done leave them for a couple of minutes on the baking tray before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
8. Sprinkle with some extra icing sugar and EAT!!

These keep for quite a few days when stored in an air tight container.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Paper Angel Printable}

2011-12-05T23:00:00.000+01:00

When I was little I remember making little paper angels with my parents to decorate the Christmas tree with. They are such sweet little things, so I wanted to design a little angel printable for my Christmas tutorial advent.

Download the pdf version of the pattern here. (Please don't use the image below, it is low resolution so wont print out nicely!)

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Felt Tree Garland}

2011-12-04T11:11:00.000+01:00

Materials: I used Vintage Holly felt from Sew Sweet (prefect colour name for the season!) and then decorated the trees with a mix of buttons, or with sequin ribbon I had for wrapping presents.

Step 1:
Print and cut out the pattern pieces, and decide what you want to decorate the tree with. It helps to lay out the design before you start sewing things on.

Step 2:
Sew on the decorations, I did some trees with buttons, and some trees with sequin ribbon.

For the sequin ribbon I just sewed down a sequin at each point, you could also use glue to stick bits down.

Step 3:
On the other piece of felt tree, add a dot of glue to secure the hanging loop, this makes it much easier to sew together. Add the brown piece of felt and the other felt tree on top and pin together.

Step 4:
Sew around the edge of the tree. If you like add some stuffing but I decided to leave mine without.

Make more trees and then string them together to make a pretty garland!

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Felt Peacock}

2011-12-03T11:10:00.000+01:00

After making my peacock bag for the gift exchange I thought I would make a felt peacock tree decoration as part of my Christmas tutorial advent calendar.

Materials:
I used some teal wool blend felt from Sew Sweet for the body, lavender for the wings and yellow for the beak.
For the eyes I used mini black brads, also from Sew Sweet. And for the tail I used a mix of 6mm satin ribbon, 10 pieces in blue and purple each 10cm long, plus an extra piece to hang the decoration by.

Step 1:
Push one of the mini black brads through a peacock body and spread out the back bits. Repeat for the other body side making sure the eye is facing the right way.

Step 2:
Sew on one purple wing to the side of the peacocks body, and repeat for the other body piece.

Step 3:
To make the tail, lay all 10 pieces of satin ribbon on top of each other and sew through them a couple of times so the end is secured (this makes it a lot easier in the next steps)

Step 4:
Lay out your peacock with the beak, tail and hanging loop in place, and pin the other peacock body on top ready to sew.

Step 5:
Sew around the edge of the peacock, starting just below the tail and pausing when nearly all the way around to add a little bit of stuffing (make sure you get some up into the head area).

Step 6:
Finish sewing all the way around and secure the thread. Your pretty peacock is all ready! You can make these in lots of colours, rainbow, white. I wish I had some feathers as they would look pretty mixed in with the ribbons.

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Pyramid Pouch}

2011-12-02T09:22:00.000+01:00

Day two of my Christmas Tutorial Advent Calendar and today I have a guest post! Rikka from Ricochet and Away! has a lovely tutorial for a pyramid pouch, perfect little gift to make for someone this Christmas!

Hello from Ricochet and Away! My name is Rikka, and Stephanie has graciously allowed me to be a guest poster today! Stephanie posted her awesome Cupcake Tote Tutorial on my blog a while back and now here I am with an easy-peasy Pyramid Pouch Tutorial for all of you. Thank you Stephanie!

Fuse the interfacing to the backs of all the squares. The rectangles don't need interfacing. For this pouch l used med weight interfacing. The outer fabric is a corduroy and the lining is linen. You want to give your fabric enough body or stiffness to hold it's shape when it's all sewn together. A sturdy canvas or thick corduroy may not require interfacing. Batting (wadding) or fusible fleece are other good options.

Sometimes I don't cover up the ends of my zipper, but the results are well worth the effort. Your pouch will look that much more neat and finished. Plus, it's the easiest way to shorten a zipper that is too long.

1. Line up a rectangle of lining, right side up, under the zipper, as shown.
2. Add a rectangle of the outer fabric, wrong side up, on top. Stitch across.
3. Repeat for the other side. Fold back and press.

Where exactly do you place the rectangles? I position them so the zipper opening, or the distance between the lines of stitching, will be 6".

For you zipper virgins out there, this is how you get around the zipper and keep your stitches nice and straight:

A. Pin a square of outer fabric to the zipper, right sides together, as shown.
B. Using your zipper foot, stitch up to the zipper pull.
C. With the needle lowered, raise the foot and zip the zipper closed.
D. Now the zipper pull is out of the way and you can stitch away.

Zips can be frustrating and confusing. I avoided them for a long time. There are a million tutorials out there on installing zips, so I won't go into great detail here. Basically, you repeat the above steps for all the remaining squares of fabric. Pay attention to the direction of the print on your fabric, and keep the right sides together, and you'll do fine.

1. After you fold back your squares and press, you should have something like this.
2. This is what it looks like from the back.
3. Top stitch around the zipper and trim the little rectangles even with the squares.
4. This is what the outside looks like all top stitched and trimmed.

At this point, you can add things like labels, pockets, straps, tabs, etc. I kept this bag pretty simple for the sake of the tutorial, but usually I add a Ricochet label to the exterior. If you used batting or fleece, this would be the time to do any quilting, keeping your stitches well clear of the edges of the squares.

A. Pin the lining, right sides together. Pin the outer fabric, right sides together. Stitch around the perimeter leaving the bottom open.
B. This shows another view of step A. The lining stitched together on one side, the outer fabric on the other, and the zipper is in between. The bottom of the zipper is facing the camera.
C. This step is easier to see than it is to explain. The side seams are matched with (and centered on) the zipper. Pin the fabrics right sides together. It looks a little like a space ship at this point. ;-D
D. Start at each edge/corner and sew towards the zipper, stopping just short of the zip. You can see in the picture that I left an opening on one side of the lining. Pin together the lining and outer fabrics, as shown, and sew right across the zipper (between the pins) through all the fabric.

1. Snip the corners and start pulling the bag inside out Through the opening in the lining.
2. Machine stitch the opening closed. No one will see the stitching because of where it will end up in the finished bag, so don't feel like like you need to hand stitch.
3. Almost done!
4. Done!

The very last step is to add something to the zipper pull. A scrap of ribbon or trim works great. Thanks for sticking with me until the very end! I know I'm long-winded, and I do apologize!

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

Christmas Tutorial Advent {Paper candy advent }

2011-12-01T10:47:00.000+01:00

When I use to work in a shop, every year on 1st December we would have 50+ adults come in searching for chocolate advent calendars because they had forgotten to buy one for their kids, and usually by then we had sold out of them too so the poor kids ended up with the nasty chocolate ones, or none at all.

If you are one of those who forgot to buy an advent, don't worry here is a really simple tutorial to make your own advent calendar.

Materials: I am using some kraft paper I bought from Sew Sweet, but you can use wrapping paper, printer paper, scrap book paper etc. What ever you have on hand. You will also need some small candy bars, or loose sweets, nothing sticky or short lasting though.

Step1
Fold you paper in half and sketch (with a pencil) a Christmas shape, eg. star, tree, stocking etc.

Cut out your shape through the two layers of paper so you have two identical paper shapes.

Step 2
Sew around the edge of the paper, and stop leaving a gap to put in your sweets.

Add your sweets (if using loose sweets a funnel could be useful!)

Step 3
Back to the sewing machine and sew close the opening. Trim all lose threads

Because it is an advent calendar you need to make 24/25 of the little packets, and then with a big black pen number each packet so you have one for each day.

You can keep them in a basket, or hang them out on a ribbon with some little pegs. And on each day you can rip open the packet to find your surprise inside!!
If you like you could add extra things, like a little note inside, or photo, lots of options!!

Check back tomorrow for day two of my Christmas tutorial advent calendar!

My gift exchange gift

2011-11-30T10:12:00.000+01:00

This month I took part in the handmade gift exchange over at craftaholics anonymous.
I love taking part in her gift exchanges, it is so fun to meet you gifting partner and think up what you want to make for them!

This time I was partnered up with Katherine from Ireland. I sent her an email about myself and think I like and got one back too. Reading through her email nothing jumped to mind to make so it took me awhile to get started but in the end this is what I made her.

I have to admit I took the basic peacock design from a postcard I have and made it all bright colours instead of the postcards teal and purple, and I also changed the tear drop shapes to circles because I wanted buttons, and round buttons looked stupid on tear drop shaped felt pieces, but if I wasn't adding buttons I think I would have stuck with tear drops.

The tote is made of a sandy velvety feeling fabric, and the peacock is made from felt circles with buttons sewn on. I used a light blue cotton for the lining. It is a pretty big bag so you can keep lots in it, and my partner also likes to knit so I thought if she doesn't use it as a handbag, she could use it to keep wool and stuff in!

To make it, I first cut out my tote pieces. I cut two pieces 35cm by 50cm and two the same size from the lining and interfacing, and then 2 pieces 10cm by 50cm for the handles. Then I cut out all the different sizes of felt circles, I did it freehand (because I was too lazy to draw around things). I then sketched on a piece of paper the design and used that to mark points on the bag to sew the lines. Once I did all the lines I sewed on the peacocks body, and the circles above her head. Then I machine sewed on each of the other circles, using my sketch as a guide on where I needed them to go. Once they were on I sewed on each button.
Because my fabric was medium weight I added a layer of interfacing, but if you are smarter than me you do this before you sew on all the buttons, it is not easy to iron on top of buttons!!
Once that was done I constructed the bag like a general tote, adding 8cm box corners to it. If you have never made a tote before here are some great tutorials for it.

I also included some small extra gifts in with my package, some buttons, little felt purse and some Christmas decorations.

Christmas Challenge - Round Up

2011-11-29T13:35:00.018+01:00

Well today I had to get my presents in the post to my family, so it was the deadline for me also for the Christmas Challange.
Now the big question, did I complete my Christmas sewing list?

YES!!!

This weekend was crazy, but I managed it! I did all my Christmas gift sewing, my craft exchange sewing, custom orders and wholesale Christmas items! Phew!
Over the last couple of weeks I made:
1 Sponge Bob cushion

1 Gruffallo cushion

2 Christmas stockings, filled with sweets

2 Fabric storage baskets filled with sweets

6 shopping bag holders in different colours for family members

And now it is all wrapped up and in the post to my family in time for Christmas.

For the next week I will have a little break from sewing while I catch up with all my other work, website etc
And on Thursday begins my Christmas Tutorial Advent Calendar!!

Gruffalo, Gruffalo.... GRUFFALOOooo

2011-11-27T23:27:00.004+01:00

One gift I wanted to make this year was a Gruffalo cushion for my nephew. He loves the book, and last year my sister got him Gruffalo bedding but it was terrible quality so now I made him this cushion for Christmas.

Maddeningly thought I had to do lots of research to make sure I got all the details and now I have the music of it in my head!!!

Thinking Thursday - Black Friday for Etsykids

2011-11-24T13:38:00.013+01:00

As you may know I am now a co-leader of the Etsykids team. We are all sellers on Etsy that specialize in all sorts of items for kids, clothing, toys, furniture etc. Well this year we are doing a super fun group promotion for Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Here are some fav items from shops who are participating, or you can see a full list of shops and their discounts here on the Etsykids team blog.

Creative Kids Art Bucke... MomNMiaQuilts $22.00	Green Fandango- Patchwo... Sweetiebugs $50.00	LIMITED Edition/Girl Pa... lefthandedcraf... $39.99	A Pair of Pachyderm, Bo... DaisyChains $6.00
Christmas Twirl Skirt -... ChewChewsClose... $35.00	Black Friday Sale Disne... MonkeysNMunchk... $12.80	POLKA DOTS Cloth Play B... knitstyle $21.00	Skiing Snowman Printabl... GreenBeansieCa... $14.00
Elephant Plush Baby Toy... BareSockcrafts $15.00	Birthday Party Banner, ... stitchinnetka $34.00	Frost - The Christmas P... MichellesZoo $26.95	Fall in Love ChickadeeVinyl $44.99
Crayon Wallet & Chalk M... LilBDesigns $11.00	SALE-Custom Plush Owl P... tzburps $17.00	c is for cupcake topper... ohbuckets $4.25	Knob Notes (Carnival): ... LilBDesigns $12.00

Working on lots all at once

2011-11-23T15:22:00.003+01:00

Today I have been working on a couple of things as well as being super busy with some website projects (2 on the go at once!)

Juffies asked if I could make some angel decorations to go with my Christmas collection so I made them and took them to the shop.

I also finished my big project for Craftaholics Anonymous gift exchange, but can't share until I post it off, so it is just waiting for a last couple of things to go in with it!

And I also now have both dates for my dutch exams so am trying to fit in extra studing for them too! Oh such a busy season

Sew Sweet Order

2011-11-21T11:16:00.008+01:00

Yay!! It arrived!! My order from Sew Sweet!!

Look at all those buttons!! Now I can make some more decorations :D

I also ordered more ribbon, some little white pom poms and accidentally ordered kraft PAPER instead of kraft CARD, so need to decide what to use that for.

And see that Reindeer kit? Sew Sweet is giving them for free on every order more than £15! How sweet of her :)

Special orders

2011-11-20T08:10:00.001+01:00

I send out quite a few custom orders but never want to post pictures till the items arrive with their new owners, so here are a two sweet little ballerina dolls that I know are at their new homes now :)

I really love making the ballerina dolls because they are just sooooo cute when finished :)

Rudolph Pattern!!

2011-11-19T11:18:00.004+01:00

FINALLY DONE!!
I made Rudolph soft toys last year, and so had a basic pattern and just needed to smarten it up and write instructions for it.

The pattern is 7 pages long and includes full instructions to make him and computer drafted pattern. I also included information and patterns to make different style scarf's for him.

The pattern is available to buy on my blog or in my Etsy shop.
Coming next week is Santa and maybe one extra if I have time!

2011 Christmas Tutorial Advent Calendar

2011-11-18T15:41:00.007+01:00

In december I will be once again be celebrating the count down to Christmas with a 24 day Christmas tutorial advent calendar!
Each day I will be sharing different tutorials, including felt toys, sewing projects, recipes, printables and other fun things!!
This year though I would like to invite others to share a tutorial or project on my blog. So if you would like to participate send me an email to stephanie@toastiestudio.nl

Thinking Thursday - Christmas Advent Calendars

2011-11-17T22:31:00.000+01:00

Getting ready for tomorrows post, I decided to make today's Thinking Thursday theme "advent calendars"!
I was really naughty when I was little and would sneak out the chocolates from behind doors before I should have! Now I get a scratch card calendar which is great fun, but I also love the traditional ones and here are some lovely handmade ones from Etsy.

Christmas decoration Ad... marabaradesign $75.00	Christmas Advent calend... happythought $8.00	Tea Advent Calendar Ass... BlueMoonstone $15.00	Advent Calendar Garland... twosistersorig... $6.50
Christmas Advent Calend... SewUnique55 $23.00	Deck the Halls Advent C... daisysanddots $45.00	Christmas Advent Calend... twirlybirdbaby $6.00	Mr and Mrs Claus Countd... knottingwood $30.00
Amsterdam Advent Calend... nouveaudesigns $20.00	Set of 25 Christmas Adv... JennifersCooki... $37.50	Bunting advent calendar... SewSweetViolet $59.90	Advent calendar that co... NanLouise $120.00
Counting Down Yipeeee..... janesays $30.00	Red Mini Mitten Advent LookHappy $16.00	Countdown to Christmas,... InspiredStudio $7.00	Christmas Advent Calend... aLittleFrayed $48.00

Christmas Challenge - Week Two

2011-11-16T11:21:00.010+01:00

ARGH!! My Christmas sewing keeps getting side tracked!! I did at least make a start on gifts.
I made two fabric boxes from camouflage fabric, and filled them with a selection of dutch chocolates and sweets.

Later today I am cutting out and sewing two stockings for my nephews which I will also be filling with dutch candy.
And I am still madly searching for ideas on what to make for the adults and need to find something fast as time is running out!! 2 weeks left till I need to send it all off!!

Cupcake Tote for solids-only tote challenge!

2011-11-15T17:14:00.001+01:00

Isn't it just yummy!!! I made this cute cupcake tote for the solids-only tote challenge hosted by Ricochet and Away! and sew la vie. It was challenging making the cupcake pattern, but love how it turned out, and the little cherry is actually a brooch! And the best bit is I have shared the tutorial to make this cupcake tote on Ricochet and Away! And this tote is also for sale in my etsy shop here.

For the challenge you had to make a tote using only solid colours, and either Applique, Reverse Applique, or Patchwork. The challenge is open until end of November so there is still time for you to enter your own tote, and in December voting will start to pick the best one!

More Christmas Decorations

2011-11-14T07:40:00.000+01:00

After my craft fair last weekend I spent some of the week restocking my sold items. One of the things that sold well were my fun Christmas decorations so I have been making more for a wholesale order.

I also took pictures finally of my Christmas stockings to put them on etsy, so tomorrow they should all be online! And I also have a couple more custom orders to get done too. It is nice to be busy :)

Custom orders - Christmas Stockings

2011-11-11T11:01:00.000+01:00

Well I finished and posted all the custom orders from my craft fair on Sunday.
As usual I get so happy when I finish that I wrap up the order and forget to take a picture!!
I did remember to take one picture though, of a pair of Christmas stockings.

It was nice adding the extra touch of an initial to each of the stockings. I hope the two little girls receiving them will love them (and that they get lots of presents inside them!)

Later tonight is St. Martins so I have my bowl of candy ready, and a little lantern to set outside so kids know we have candy. I also made a couple extra lanterns from my tutorial to put in the window.

Thinking Thursday - Adult gifts

2011-11-10T10:00:00.001+01:00

This week I have really been trying to figure out what to make for family members for Christmas (it is soooo difficult!!)
But just in case I don't manage to get everything made by end of November, I searched Etsy for some back up ideas that I could order instead. All the items are made in the UK (as that is where I am sending my gifts) and cost less then €15!

Chalkboard Tags . Set O... UtopiaHomeAndG... $6.50	Mango Toffee trufflepigletc... $1.00	felted soap pack of two sfeltaccessori... $11.00	Lavender Soap and Bath ... BodycareLuxuri... $12.50
Sunflower Fused Glass H... BlueFairyDesig... $7.50	Lavender Sachet Country... Inkmeupdesigns $3.50	Custom made Vinyl Recor... AquillaDesign $10.00	Tea-light Holders Recyc... HomeDecorLab $15.00
Ash Log Candle holder -... StairLodgeSupp... $10.00	Apple Ginger Jam LauraLeesLarde... $2.75	Vanilla Rose tin candle... Onestoppampers... $3.50	Pink/Blue Delicious Jel... katiejunodesig... $5.00
Polaroid Coaster - Beer... justnoey $7.50	Cocoa Butter Christmas ... AromaVille $2.00	Recycled Coke Bottle Gl... WestArtAndGlas... $7.00	Chilli Vinegar LauraLeesLarde... $1.95

Christmas Challange - Week One

2011-11-09T11:04:00.003+01:00

Last week I shared my list for the Christmas Challenge hosted by polka dot daze. Because of the craft fair I haven't really done much on the list, but I did make sketches of my cushion designs for my nephews.

I am making them a sponge bob cushion and a gruffalo cushion.

I also did some more brainstorming for adult gifts. I find this so difficult because I normally make children's things. I have been pinning lots of ideas on pinterest and will have to make up my mind by the end of the week!
And although I don't know what I am making, I did find a really pretty fabric yesterday that I think I will be using.

New stuff from Sew Sweet

2011-11-08T11:56:00.026+01:00

Well last week I got a packet with lovely new things from Sew Sweet, but with the madness of getting ready for the craft fair I didn't have time to share it.

In the packet I got more buttons! And used some to make things for the craft fair, although they sold before I took a picture so I will need to make more!

And also got some ribbon, I love the red gingham ribbon, its very seasonal!

I also got some mini black brads, and have not yet decided what to use them on, but will let you know when I do!

And also in the packet was some lovely kraft paper, I used a lot of it already to make tags for my products for the craft fair. It really is quality paper, and love how my tags turned out using it.

I am still working on my custom orders and will share them later in the week!

Diezijn Leuk!

2011-11-07T10:40:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I had a stall at the Diezijn Leuk craft fair in Groningen. We had great weather, no snow or rain, was cold but not too bad. It was lovely meeting all the people, and I really could see how much I have improved in speaking Dutch compared to my last craft fair when I needed my boyfriend to help a lot more with customers.

We got to the fair at 9am, and as we don't have a car we carried everything on our bicycles! I carried 3 laundry sized bags on my handle bars, and a crate on the back of my bike, and Tomas carried one big laundry bags and a duffel bag. Took just over an hour to set up and then we sat and waited for the fair to begin at 11am.

As the day went on we had lots of visitors and so many nice comments about my products, every sale made me happy and made it worth while standing outside in the cold all day. I have a couple of custom orders from the day too which I am working on today to ship out by Wednesday. I also have a Dutch exam on Wednesday so this week will be just as busy I am sure.

Thinking Thursday - Etsykids Team

2011-11-03T10:04:00.000+01:00

Well this weeks theme is the Etsykids Team. This week it was announced that the team leaders (Marci & Jocelyn) would be stepping down. I love working with the team and so with Erin am becoming the teams new leaders. As such I thought what better than to feature some of the amazing items made by other members of the team!

TODDLER DRESS- Little M... wildthingsdres... $30.00	Fabric Bunting, Nursery... stitchinnetka $31.00	Bear On Bike - 11 x 14 ... weandthebean $25.00	PIZZAZZERIE Featured Fi... greenbeansie $41.00
Fabric Coil Basket in V... snugglymonkeyc... $30.00	Baby Shower Favors- SET... ThurztysSockMo... $36.00	Long Sleeve Teddy Bear ... crochele $60.00	Baby - Toddler Quilt, S... Lilikin14 $48.00
Animal Scarf Owl Child LittleSproutBa... $20.00	Nifty Nancy Cupcake Set... thelittleLOVEb... $9.00	Plush Toy Sewing Patter... tiedyediva $5.95	A Little Rhapsody....Gi... pinkmouse $42.00
Woven Grosgrain Ribbon ... MasterpiecesOf... $14.00	tooth fairy pillow with... looploft $25.00	Wood Toy- Autumn Harves... applenamos $10.00	set/3 Baby Boats Quilt ... LittleElephant... $31.99

St Martins Day {tutorial}

2011-11-02T12:29:00.058+01:00

It makes me sad seeing all the fun Halloween posts in blog land over the last few weeks. So many beautiful costumes made and decorations but in the Netherlands no one really celebrates it.
But we do celebrate St. Martins Day on 11th November!
On St. Martins night kids walk around the neighbourhood with handmade paper lanterns or candles. They knock at your door and sing you a little song about St. Martin in exchange for some candy.

Although St. Martins Day is not celebrated everywhere in the world, I am sharing a little tutorial to make paper lanterns today. You can always use the tutorial to make some lanterns for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

You will need:
Template (download here, includes small and medium template)
Coloured card
Tissue paper
Glue
Decorating materials, this can be what ever you have on hand, pencils, glitter, stickers, felt etc.

Print off the template onto your coloured card stock and cut around the edge and cut the 4 squares out of the panels. Score along the fold lines to make it easier later on.
If you are making the medium lantern, glue the two pieces together so it looks like the small lantern template and keep some scrap card to make the hanging loop.

Cut your tissue paper into squares big enough to cover the cut out panels and glue them into place on the back side of the lantern.

Turn your lantern over and take your decorating materials and make your lantern look super pretty! You can really use anything to decorate it with.

Once you have finished glue the end tab of the lantern to the other side so you get a square.

Then glue each of the tabs on the top two sections all the way around making the lanterns shape.

Now glue on the little handle strip, or use ribbon if you prefer.

In the Netherlands you can buy little sticks with string on one end and an electric candle attached so you can hang them from the stick to go out and sing with. But you can always leave them on the table with an electric candle inside.

NOTE these lanterns are made from paper, do not use a real candle in them as its a fire hazard!!

My Christmas Challenge List

2011-11-01T09:47:00.002+01:00

Well this last week was busy, but I did find some time to think about my Christmas gift list! I am also including items I need to make for two birthdays as I have to post them with all my other items back to the UK at the end of November.

Kids gifts
4 large felt Christmas stockings with different designs. I am going to then fill with dutch chocolate and candy.
1 Sponge Bob cushion cover
1 Gruffalo cushion cover

Adult gifts
I need to find an idea to make small gifts for older family members. I am still trying to decide what to make/buy for them but here are some ideas.

Christmas decorations
Candles or soap
Dutch candy hamper in a handmade box
Felt coffee coasters with cup and coffee beans
Lavender scent bag
And still searching for more ideas

I sometimes wish I had kids because then there are so many other ideas I could make!

In addition to Christmas gifts, I am also getting started on ideas for this years Christmas tutorial advent calendar. I will post about that next week!

Friends visit - part 2

2011-10-31T17:02:00.039+01:00

Yesterday we visited Emmen Zoo!

We had to get up super early to catch the train, but were happy we gained an hour with daylight savings!

After 2 hours on the train we arrived at the Zoo. We started at the aquarium section. Pictured are the sharks, and spider sea urchin thingy, puffy fish and a lobster climbing up the glass.

Then we headed outside through the butterflies to the reptiles (Rosy got that awesome picture of a geckos feet). We then headed to the petting zoo! I wanted to play with the rabbits but they just wanted to sleep so we played with the goats instead.

The flamingos were all sleeping too, stood on one leg. Rosy tried to get a picture of the sloths, but their room was too dark. Finally we found the piranhas! The zoo has over 140 of them, wow... Then we watched the sea lions play for a bit, and watched a female shove a lazy male off the rocks.

We quickly visited the hippos and brown bear before stopping for some lunch. We had quite a view for the picnic table and watched the giraffes and zebras run around.

After lunch we walked past the kangaroos, they were just chill-axing. And we got to the baboons intime for the feeding show. There were some very naughty baboons! We saw a dragon!! well a komodo dragon and spotted the rhinos that were hiding while we ate lunch.

We made it to the Elephants in time for their feeding show. But sadly the big male elephant Radza had an accident, he got knocked into the ring that surrounds their enclosure and broke his tusk!

After that everyone was asked to leave the zoo as their was a chance Radza would escape out of the ring and into the rest of the park. On the way home we enjoy an oliebollen and rested our feet :)

It was a great end to a lovely visit from my friend. And now I have to finish all my sewing for the craft fair, start my Christmas sewing and get ready for a Dutch language test next week! Phew!!

All photos were taken by my friend Rosy because again I didn't bring my camera with me!

Friends visit - part 1

2011-10-29T15:58:00.000+02:00

This weekend I have a friend from the UK coming to visit me! I have not been sewing this week so have nothing new to share, but do have some pretty pictures of what we were up to instead!

We got to go around a windmill and climb up to the top floor and walk around the outside. I bought some pizza dough mix to try.

We climbed up the Martini Tower and looked out over the city. We timed it perfectly terrible and went up just after the bells rang and as we came out they rang again (maybe it was best, they were pretty loud!)

We visited the comic strip museum. Everything was in Dutch so it was a bit hit and miss understanding things, but we managed. We also went around town and the market, ate stroop waffles and saw big cheese!

All picture are thanks of my friend Rosy as I forgot my camera all the time!