Make it Work Challenge - Week 4

Welcome to week 4 of our 'Make it Work' Challenge. This week our designers were asked to create something 'for home' with the theme being ombre. Ombre is the latest trend that has been sweeping the nation. And its easy to see why. I love what our designers have come up with this week. 

Congratulations to our Week 3 winner Max and Me with their Sail Away Vintage Postage Stamp Art. Thank you to all our designers and voters for last weeks challenge. Week 3 winner receives a 12 month online advertising package from Shop Contemporary Handmade valued at $300.

Now its time to vote for your favourite creation from our Week 4 designers. The designer with the most votes will win a 12 month subscription to Peppermint Magazine valued at $44, plus the new Valley View Fat quarter bundle from Saffron Craig valued $49. TOTAL PRIZE POOL VALUED AT $93. You can only vote once so please choose carefully. Voting is open until next Saturday at 5pm and the winner for week 4 will be announced next Sunday.

View all the fabulous submissions from our designers below and get voting.

Dewberry Workshop - Zip Purse

This pink ombre zip purse by Dewberry Workshop is made from various pink cotton fabrics and fully lined in pink cotton. Very useful for keeping and organising many items around the home! For more items from Dewberry Workshop visit the Made it shop or facebook.

Cherubs Kiss - Ruffled Cushion

This beautiful hand dyed cotton poplin cushion from Cherub's Kiss in shades of turquoise has lots of lovely ruffles to create an ombre effect. Perfect for that reading nook, or boudoir. Find more from Cherub's Kiss on facebook or visit their website.

Pretty Practical - Mail Organiser

This mail organiser wall hanging from Pretty Practical is a great way to organise all that paperwork that comes across the kitchen bench and gives a place to put everything – plus it’s pretty! Furthermore this wall hanging provides a way to process each piece of paper. First step: the “sort” pocket, then the paperwork moves into the “pay”, “action” or “file” pocket; or failing that – that cylindrical filing cabinet ... unless your garbage bin is rectangular. It has been made with Navy, Blue and Silver 100% cotton fabric with the labels embroidered in beautiful silver rayon thread. You can find Pretty Practical on facebook or the web.

Merry Go Round Handmade - Vintage Bunting

This vibrant ombre vintage flag bunting from Merry Go Round Handmade has sixteen (16) flags in various 'yellow toned' vintage retro preloved fabrics and is one of a kind (OOAK). This retro vintage 'yellow floral' flag bunting adds charm and style to any room in your home. Add a little sunshine into your day - EVERYDAY, with this lovely cheerful floral bunting! For more gorgeous creations from Merry Go Round Handmade find them on facebook or visit their madeit shop.

Melisa Jane - Pleated Cushion

This pleated cushion from Melisa Jane gives a beautiful ombre effect in gorgeous tones of pink and would make a great addition to any home. Want to see more gorgeous creations from Melisa Jane? Find her on facebook.

Rachelle Rachelle - Wall Art

This blue ombre inspired wall art from rachelle rachelle is perfect for a nursery or little boys room. Made from paint swatches and circle punches layered to give an ombre effect. For more handmade goodies from rachelle rachelle find them on facebook or online.

10 Paper Lane - Ombre Jars

Inspired by the colours of the ocean - this collection of glass jars from 10 Paper Lane are a gorgeous addition to any shabby chic coastal home decor. With a beautiful combination of textures and fabrics, they can be used as candle holders, flower vases.. even a statement collection on their own. You can find 10 Paper Lane on Etsy or Facebook. 

And why is it so important to vote?

This weeks winner will receive a 12 month subscription to Peppermint Magazine valued at $44, plus the new Valley View Fat quarter bundle from Saffron Craig valued $49. TOTAL PRIZE POOL VALUED AT $93.

Peppermint is the green fashion and lifestyle magazine, celebrating eco and ethical style with a fun, fresh, intelligent and positive spin. It was created for the rapidly-growing number of consumers who appreciate good design, fashion and creativity, but also care about social and environmental issues and where their clothing and consumer goods come from. 

Promoting individuality, DIY personal style, respect and ‘slow fashion’, Peppermint encourages readers to get off the trend mill by showcasing the best in eco and handmade design from Australia and the rest of the world. Fashion, accessories, natural beauty, art, film, design, social issues, lifestyle and culture: if it’s real thought and creativity you’re after, then you can bet Peppermint has got it covered. With inspiring, informative editorials and in-depth, behind-the-scenes features on the fashion industry and social issues, Peppermint is at once informative and inspirational, high-end and handcrafted, cutting-edge and old-fashioned… Because sometimes you have to look behind you to learn the way forward.

Saffron Craig is an Australian fabric designer based on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Her mission is to inspire others through her own creativity. Her beautifully designed fabrics can be transformed into quilts, bags, clothes, wall hangings, cushions, or anything your heart desires.

Saffron has just released her latest range of designer fabrics, Valley View which captures the essence of Australia's breathtaking valley’s with hidden spots and natural secrets while paying homage to folk art, cross stitch and patch work. Colours include pink, magenta, purple, yellow, black and white. This week's lucky winner will receive a Valley View fat quart bundle from the new range. To buy your own Valley View bundle visit saffroncraig.com.

DIY Mother's Day Gifts

Looking for the perfect little gift to make to give your mum this Mother's Day. Look at these 9 fabulous DIY gifts that the DIY Mommy put together. I love them all.

1. Rosette Pillow Tutorial by Thrifty & Chic
2. Tea Bag Wrappers Tutorial by The DIY Dreamer
3. Tissue Paper Flowers by Rust & Sunshine
4. DIY Bow Sandal by Swell Mayde
5. Free Amy Butler Blossom Bag Pattern from Sew Mama Sew
6. Jewellery Holder from a Cutlery Tray by The DIY Mommy
7. Easy Rosette Bib Necklace from Create. Craft. Love.
8. Tea & Crumpet Apron from Sewing in No Man’s Land
9. Mother’s Day Gift & Free Printable from Shanty 2 Chic

Wishing all the mummies out there a wonderful day this Sunday. I hope your family spoils you with a little handmade love.

Shopping Guide

Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

1. Seventh Tree Soaps

2. Choochie Bubble

3. Hey Charlie

4. LaLaLa Designs

5. Stella & Jane

6. Rachelle Rachelle

7. Marjorie Handmade

8. The Happy Red Dog

1. Seventh Tree Soaps Mother's Day Gift Set, $21
2. Choochie Bubble Owl Wheat/Lavender Heat Pack, $30
3. Hey Charlie Infinity Scarves, 2 for $40
4. LaLaLa Designs Make up Case, $21
5. Stella & Jane Chevron Necklace, $40
6. Rachelle Rachelle Mother's Day Printable, $20.95
7. Marjorie Handmade Vintage Tea Towel Messenger Bag, $35
8. The Happy Red Dog Mother's Day Wall Art, $32

Make it Work Challenge - Week 3

Welcome to week 3 of our 'Make it Work' Challenge. This week our designers were asked to create something 'for him' with the theme being upcycled or recycled. There are so many ethical designers out there that recycle or upcycle and we wanted to showcase some of the amazing things you can do to give new life to something once loved. Well done to all of this weeks designers, you certainly rose to the challenge.

Congratulations to our Week 2 winner Cherub's Kiss with their Cross Over Pinny. Thank you to all our designers and voters for last weeks challenge. And a big thank you to last weeks Sponsor Peek-a-boo patterns who has provided a 10 pack pattern bundle for our winner.

Now it's time to vote for your favourite creation from our Week 3 designers. The designer with the most votes will win an online advertising package from Shop Contemporary Handmade valued at $300, including 12 month listing in our directory, 12 months banner advertising on our blog and 1 month slider advertising to use within the 12 months. You can only vote once so please choose carefully. Voting is open until next Saturday at 5pm and the winner for week 3 will be announced next Sunday.

View all the fabulous submissions from our designers below and get voting.

Max and Me - “Sail Away” Vintage Postage Stamp Art

This original, handcrafted OOAK design of a sailing boat has been created using a variety of beautiful red and blue upcycled stamps from all over the world, including Australia, France, Canada & Austria.  Every stamp tells a story and captures a moment in history, imagine the places these stamps have been!  On the back of the artwork you will find details about one of the vintage stamps that features in your design.  The perfect keepsake gift for a special man in your life. For more beautiful designs from Max and Me head over to their website www.maxandmedesigns.com.

Over it! - Reversible Star Wars Satchel

I have a real passion for recreating, recycling and refashioning. This custom satchel combines all of the above. The main body is made from recycled, hard wearing denim. Darth Maul has been hand stenciled to perfection in vibrant colours. A nice masculine cot sheet has been used for lining/reverse side as well as 2 inside pockets and a key chain holder. The wide, chunky strap with strong sturdy buckles was rescued from a useless bag completing this one of a kind, built to last, reversible fanboy satchel. For more recycled and recycled goodies find Over it! on facebook.

Merry Go Round Handmade - ‘Grand Prix Racing’ Mens Upcycled Apron

Metro Retro Tea Towel Apron by Merry-Go-Round Handmade uses vintage (new condition) linen tea towel, vintage cotton panels & vintage cotton straps.

Our aprons are fun & funky. Expect the unexpected! Vintage, retro design with modern & practical use. Each one is unique and one of a kind - just like you! One size fits most. Each apron is never to be repeated, never to be exactly the same as another. All of my aprons are handcrafted originals and unique. The ideal handmade gift for someone special or for spoiling yourself. To find more upcycled goodies from Merry Go Round Handmade visit their website.

Melisa Jane - Men's Messenger Bag

Melisa Jane have upcycled a men's t-shirt into a men's messenger bag! Turning something once loved in to a very useful accessory that any man would love. For more fabulous handmade finds from Melisa Jane visit them on facebook.

Big Little Big - Upcycled Guitar Strap

This upcycled floral garden guitar strap is soft and comfortable, with leather ends and metal buckles. Can be made in range of colours/patterns. Find more fabulous designs on Made it and find them on facebook.

Two Cheeky Monkeys - Men's Cufflinks

Two Cheeky Monkey's submission for Week 3 is a pair of Mr Darcy cufflinks made from snippets of text from an old copy of "Pride and Prejudice". Find Two Cheeky Monkeys on facebook for more gorgeous handmade designs.

Dewberry Workshop - Sleepy Teddy

This Sleepy Teddy soft toy by Dewberry Workshop, is for the little "him", made from  recycled/upcycled old wool fabric blanket for the body. It's a fabric that has long been a favourite fabric and only rarely gets used in Dewberry Workshop projects! This teddy is really soft to cuddle and has a sweet embroidered face. More of Dewberry Workshop's pieces are available on Madeit and via Facebook.

Chook Shed Designs - Tea Set

For the little 'him' that likes to play house. This original tea set is created from a pair of genuine double red tab Levi jeans and a vintage pillow case. The tea pot features the zip, button, a belt loop, label, and patch from the jeans, as well as a small piece of vintage lace. The tea cups include two loops and the two red tabs. The vintage pillowcase has been used to line the tea cups. For more gorgeous creations from Chook Shed Designs visit www.chooksheddesigns.com.au.

King Billy - Galaxy Racer Shorts

King Billy galaxy racer shorts are made from my old curtains (sorry mum) revamped with a funky tie dye! (these are for sale in a few different sizes) so if you would like to purchase them contact King Billy via facebook or email.

Cherubs Kiss - Fedora Hat

This funky little hat has been made from a recycled much loved tshirt of my husband, into a hat for my little man. I've used the Nicole M Fedora pattern. Find Cherub's Kiss on facebook or visit their website.

Pretty Practical - Mug Rugs

These fantastic little mug rugs from Pretty Practical have been made from upcycled neckties. What's a mug rug? It's just a funky name for an overgrown fabric coaster that you can use for your mug AND your snack! The neckties used to make this set were bought from my local Salvation Army store and specifically chosen to complement a Red, Blue and Yellow colour scheme. The mug rugs are lined with heat resistant wadding and are backed with a dark blue chambray. The embroidery design has been specifically chosen to reflect a masculine design. You can find out more about these little mug rugs at Pretty Practical on the web or on facebook.

And why is it so important to vote?

This weeks winner will receive an amazing online advertising package valued at $300 from none other than Shop Contemporary Handmade. Prize includes 12 months listing in our directory, 12 months banner advertising and 1 month slider advertising to be used within the 12 month period. For more information on advertising with Shop Contemporary Handmade click here.

DIY Wedding Table Numbers

Both my sisters are getting married this year in September and October and I've been working on invitations for both of them over the last few weeks. My head has been filled with all things weddings so here are a few DIY ideas for wedding table numbers I came across today that I thought I'd share with you.

Below are some of my favourites. Head over to HandamdeandCraft.com for full 20 DIY wedding table numbers. I just love weddings, they are one of my favourite celebrations. Have a great weekend!

Shopping Guide

Mother's Day Gifts Under $20

1 Amaya Handmade

2. Miss Mack

3. Plushka

4. The Happy Red Dog

5. Over It!

6. Marjorie Handmade

7. 10 Paper Lane

8. Jadae

1. Amaya Handmade Cosmetic Bag $18.00
2. Miss Mack You Are My Sunshine Wall Print $15.00
3. Plushka Pin Cushion $13.00
4. The Happy Red Dog Fabric Bookmark $15.00
5. Over It! Tape Measure Bow Necklace $18.00
6. Marjorie Handmade Pink Floral Vintage Card with Free Brooch $6.50
7. 10 Paper Lane 3m Paper Heart Garland $17.90
8. Jadae 5 Large African Blossom Soy Melts $17.95

Make it Work Challenge - Week 2

Welcome to week 2 of our 'Make it Work' Challenge. This week our designers were asked to create something for kids inspired by their favourite designer fabric. This meant that they could use their favourite designer fabric  or come up with something inspired by their favourite designer fabric for those that use other mediums.

Congratulations to our Week 1 winner Cherub's Kiss with their Essential Wristlet. Thank you to all our designers and voters for last weeks challenge.

Now it's your time to vote for your favourite creation from our Week 2 designers. The designer with the most votes will win a 10 pack pattern bundle from Peek-a-boo patterns. You can only vote once so please choose carefully. Voting is open until next Saturday at 5pm and the winner for week 2 will be announced next Sunday.

View all the fabulous submissions from our designers below and get voting.


Chook Shed Designs - Tea Set

The fabric of Jennifer Paganelli are bright and colourful – perfect for a fabric tea set. Each tea set is original and designed by Chook Shed Designs. This set features fabric from the ‘Happyland’ range – perfect for creating hours of play one cup of tea at a time. For more gorgeous designs from Chook Shed Designs click here to find them on facebook.

Melisa Jane - Girl's Pinny

Melisa Jane has made a gorgeous little pinny from the brand new Saffron Craig fabric range "Valley View." Pinny is made from a Boo! Designs pattern. For more gorgeousness from Melisa Jane head over to her facebook page here.

Pretty Practical - Reusable Snack Packs

These beautiful little reusable snack packs from Pretty Practical are made in quality Riley Blake Designs quilting cottons in the "Polka Dot Stitches" and "The Sweetest Thing" ranges. These snack bags have been made and personalised with embroidery for a special little girl called Zoe, and Zoe chose these fabrics herself! With a velcro closure, these bags also have little tabs so Zoe can easily close AND open them. These little bags have no visible seams or raw edges, inside or out, and have been lined with food-safe polyurethane laminated cotton. This means that she can use them for crackers/biscuits but also for "wetter" types of food like pieces of fruit, without the wetness seeping through the bag (yeah I know - EWE!). I hope Zoe will like her little bags and that you like her favourite fabrics! You can find Pretty Practical on the web and on facebook.

Dewberry Workshop - Sleepy Creature Softie

This Sleepy Creature softie features beautiful fabric from the designers of Umbrella Prints. A unique soft toy any child would love to cuddle! For more gorgeous softies and more visit Dewberry Workshop on facebook.

Cherub's Kiss - Cross Over Pinny

One of my favourite designers is Tilda, I love the classic romantic styling of her fabrics and homewares. I've chosen to use my favourite things combined in this gorgeous wee dress. Divine smocking in tones to match the dress and given some love and life with hand embroidery. Mini piping trims this little cross over pinny which would be suitable throughout the year.

King Billy - Travel Change/Utility Pack

King Billy has used the Children at Play range by Sarah Jane and made this gorgeous little travel change utility pack with change mat. For more gorgeous designs from King Billy head over to their facebook page.

Little Lady Bug - Girls Pinny 

Little Lady Bug has made a BOO! Designs Pinny in Flower Sugar by Lecien. For more gorgeous designs from Little Lady Bug head over to their facebook page.

Addison Avenue - Pinny

Addison Avenue has used a gorgeous vibrant Michael Milly fabric to create her girls pinny which is perfect to wear all year round. For more gorgeous designs from Addison Avenue head over to their facebook page. 

Rachelle Rachelle - Frilly Apron

I love designer fabrics and choosing just one is way too difficult so what better way to showcase some of my favourite designers then with a frilly apron with removable flower brooch, which was custom made for a sweet little girl for her her arts and craft party next weekend. I've used Alexander Henry, Heather Bailey and Timeless Treasures Fabrics to make this custom made, personalised frilly apron. For more designs from rachelle rachelle head over to their facebook page.

And why is it so important to vote?

This weeks winner will receive an amazing 10 pack of patterns of their choice from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop. They have an amazing range of patterns to chose from with new patterns released all the time, like their new Adelaide Vintage Romper Pattern. So if you love to sew I highly recommend checking them out. I have quite a few peek-a-boo patterns in my collection.