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.

DIY Sidewalk Chalk

Stuck for ideas to do with the kids now that school holidays are coming to an end? Why not go old school with a bit of sidewalk chalk fun and make your own with the kids.

Full tutorial over at Playful Learning.

What you'll need:

• Tempera Paint (use primary, and mix secondary colors)
• Plaster of Paris
• Water
• Wrapping Paper Tubes
• Wax Paper
• Masking Tape
• Sandwich baggies (for piping bags)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut the tube into 5 inch segments.  Line the interiors with wax paper, tape the base to seal one end, and set aside.
2. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of tempera paint with 1/2 cup of water.  Stir in 3/4 cup of plaster of Paris.  Spoon the mixture into a sandwich baggy and snip the end. Squeeze the contents into the tube. Prop straight up (I used the masking tape ring to support my 6 tubes).
3. Allow to dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours.  Enjoy!

Tutorial and photos courtesy of Playful Learning.

Shopping Guide

Animal Magnetism

1. Piggledee

2. Billy and Scarlet

3. Joyfoolery

4. Three Little Kisses

5. Coco and Moose

6. rachelle rachelle

1. Piggledee Extra Large Beach Tote Bag, 72.00
2. Billy and Scarlet 8x10 Watercolour Polar Bear Print, $20.00
3. Joyfoolery Cute Red Fox Keyring, $16.00
4. Three Little Kisses Kids Giraffe Ottoman, $45.00
5. Coco and Moose Super Cat Long Sleeved T-shirt, $25.00
6. Rachelle Rachelle Light Grey Secret Squirrel Toddler Scarf, $22.00

Make it Work Challenge - Week 1

It's finally here!!!!! Yippee.

Welcome to week 1 of our 'Make it Work' Challenge. Each week over 6 weeks we will be showcasing handmade creations from various designers with a different theme each week.

This is what we have coming up for you over the next 6 weeks:
WEEK 1: For Her - Embellishments (Commences Sunday 21st April)
WEEK 2: For Kids - Favourite designer fabric (Commences Sunday 28th April)
WEEK 3: For Him - Upcycled/recycled (Commences Sunday 5th May)
WEEK 4: For Home - Ombre (Commences Sunday 12th May)
WEEK 5: For Parties - Paper (Commences Sunday 19th May)
WEEK 6: For Play - Chevron (Commences Sunday 26th May)
This week our designers were asked to create something for women inspired by embellishments. This meant they could either use an embellishment in their creation or use their creative nous and come up with something inspired by an embellishment.

Now it's your turn to vote for your favourite creation from our designers. The designer with the most votes wins the challenge for the week and walks away with a $70 embellishment pack from Little Tee Tee Laces and Trims and the honour of being our first winner of our Shop Contemporary Handmade 'Make it Work' challenge. You can only vote once a week so please choose carefully. Voting is open until next Saturday at 5pm and the winner for week 1 will be announce next Sunday.

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

IsaAvA Designs - Ladies knotted patchwork necklace

Created using fabric from Alexander Henry's Golden Garden Collection in Grey and black the necklace is finished with a hand crafted satin layered flower with pearl centres. For more gorgeous pieces from IsAvA Designs click here to find them on facebook.

Laura Maidment - Ladies Black Doilie Dress

This soft a-line jersey dress features hand dyed vintage doilies embellished along the hemline. For more gorgeous designs from Laura Maidment visit her online.

Three Beans in a Pod - Hand Crocheted Collar

Made from a silky-soft cotton/acrylic blend yarn this gorgeous collar is hand crocheted and has a button to fasten it at the front. This piece is inspired by lace and can be worn with almost anything. For more gorgeous designs from Three Beans in a Pod click here to find them on facebook.

2 Tone Designs - Ladies Singlet

Made from 100% stretch cotton this black singlet has been embellished with handmade flowers to give it a romantic look. For more gorgeous designs from 2 Tone Designs find them on online.

Just 2 Crafty - Geisha Necklace

This stunning handmade pendant features a Geisha Girl cabochon and has been set in crystal clay with a back drop of Swarovski Light Amethyst and Amethyst crystals. For more gorgeous designs from Just 2 Crafty visit their website.

Cherub's Kiss - Women's Essential Wristlet

The cutest little Essential Wristlet - constructed of lightweight Denim and Tilda prints. Delicious hand embroidered Sunflowers and Roses adorn the front.  This little bag measures just 19 x 12cm, but is perfect for keys, a phone and some change, just what you need for ducking into the shops or picking up the kids from school. It closes with a zip, has a little internal pocket and a wrist strap. Find Cherub's Kiss on facebook.

Now that you have seen them all it's time to vote. You can vote at the top right hand side of the blog. Definitely some ideas for mum this Mother's Day, um or me. He he.

And why is it so important to vote?

This weeks winner will receive an amazing $70 embellishment pack from our sponsor Little Tee Tee Laces, Trims & More. They supply gorgeous laces, trims, appliques, flowers and so much more. If you are feeling a little inspired and crafty you can get your own embellishment pack from Little Tee Tee Laces Trims & More. 

Little Tee Tee are running a mother's day showcase starting 30th April. Make sure you take a peek and follow on facebook for more details.

Keep an eye out for our handmade giveaway commencing tomorrow. Have a great week!

DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms

Oh dear, a day late with our DIY Friday project. But you know what they say, better late than never. My excuse was that it was hubby's birthday yesterday and I got distracted. He he.

This is an oldy but a goody, and as it's our 2nd Birthday today why not celebrate with a festive DIY project for your next soiree. 

For the full tutorial head over to rachelle rachelle.

Enjoy your weekend and make sure you watch out for our birthday festivities over the coming days and weeks. 

What you'll need:

• Tissue paper in desired colours (8-10 sheets per pom pom. You can pick up a pack for around $1 from most discount stores)
• 24 gauge florist’s wire or jewellery making wire (any thin gauge wire will do the trick)
• Sharp scissors
• Cotton or fishing line

Steps:

1. Accordion fold the layers of tissue paper
2. Wrap wire around centre of folded tissue paper
3. Trim the ends (rounded or pointing)
4. Separate the layers of tissue paper
5. Hang and admire!

Shopping Guide

Let's Party
It's our 2nd Birthday this Saturday so its only fitting that this weeks shopping guide is filled with party pretties.

Our 'Make it Work' Designer challenge kicks off on Sunday and we have a mega handmade giveaway so make sure you look out for it next week.

1. Vintage Sew and So

2. Little Fish Creations

3. Merry Go Round

4. Tambo Creations

5. Ben & Jess

6. Suella for Kids

1. Vintage Sew and So Lolly Shop Party Display Unit $490.00
2. Little Fish Creations Garden Tea Party Tutu $40.00
3. Merry Go Round Vintage Style Floral Bunting $29.95
4. Tambo Creations Birthday Invitations $15.99
5. Ben & Jess Party Favor Bags $6.00
6. Suella for Kids OOAK Vintage Tea Party Hat $24.00

DIY BEAR KIDDO TEE

It's DIY Friday already. Gee where did that week go? How cute is this Bear Kiddo Tee from Oana’s blog. I think I'll be making one for my little man this season. I've been wanting to experiment with fabric paint a little more so this might be the perfect project to start with.

What you'll need:

• tshirt
• template (download from Oana's blog)
• fabric paint
• pencil
• paint brush
• iron

Steps:

1. Download the outline drawing and print it.
2. Insert the print inside the tee, center it and trace the outline with a pencil.
3. BEFORE applying the fabric paint make sure you have a paper sheet or cardboard inside the tee so that the paint will not bleed through the back of the shirt. 
4. Carefully paint inside the line drawing.
5. After you have finished, let it dry according to paint bottle instructions.  
6. Once it has dried iron the back of the painted area to set the paint (or as per your paint instructions).

Then just admire your handy work. Oana has a whole series on the KIDDO TEE so make sure you head over to the blog to check them out! Very cute indeed.

Shopping Guide

This weeks shopping guides takes flight. Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's a superhero.

1. Flight of Fancy

2. Two Cheeky Monkeys

3. The Happy Red Dog

4. Little Alligator

5. LA Crafts

6. Ruby Marshall Designs

1. Flight of Fancy Gold Swallow Necklace, $29.00
2. Two Cheeky Monkeys Hot Air Balloon Print, $20.00
3. The Happy Red Dog Personalised Name Sign, $35.00
4. Little Alligator Kids Toy Bag, $14.00
5. LA Crafts Superhero Hooded Vest, $36.00
6. Ruby Marshall Designs Superhero Softie Doll, $35.00

Store Spotlight @ Eklectic Mix

This month sees the revamp of Jennifer McDermott's label Eklectic Mix. 

A clean fresh look website is filled with a bounty of new stock. Jennifer's focus was to brush up and add, not one, but a few ranges of jewellery with special emphasis on the development of an eco friendly range. 

Her ever faithful gorgeous dresses and skirts are hopping off the sewing machine and flying out the door. If you take a peek at them over at their website you will see why. And now with the winter months swiftly creeping in they have their Sailor Pants back in stock. The range has expanded, with optional colours added to complement any wardrobe this winter.

One thing you always find at Eklectic Mix is the variety of products, array of fabric and their attention to providing excellent customer service. 

{Website} {Facebook} {Twitter}

DIY Geo Patchwork Wall Art

I'm so in love with anything with geometric prints at the moment so when I saw this tutorial I saved it to give it a go at home myself.

What you'll need:

• Foam core board
• Coloured and metallic origami paper
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Cutting knife or scalpel
• Pencil and metal ruler
• Blu Tac or 3M removable strips

This is an easy project you can do when you have a few hours spare. I think it would make a great backdrop for a dessert table or to hang in your home to add a splash of colour. I'm thinking the larger paint swatches might also work well for this project.

For the full tutorial head over to craft tuts+. I'm adding this one to my must do DIY list.

Shopping Guide

I hope you are recovering from over indulging over the Easter Break. We had one of our first Easters with sunshine in quite a while. Lucky Easter was early this year as the weather has turned inclement this week. Today's shopping guide is cloudy with a chance of ....

1. Go Gin Gin

2. Hello Hudson

3. Evie The Elephant

4. Bubby Makes Three

5. 1000 Pretty Things

6. Epheriell

7. King Billy

8. Berlin Roses

1. Go Gin Gin Large Cumulus Cloud Necklace $135.00

2. Hello Hudson Sheet of White Vinyl Clouds $6.00 

3. Evie theElephant Confetti Clouds Invitations $25.00 

4. Bubby MakesThree Rain Cloud Baby Bodysuit $24.00 

5. 1000 PrettyThings Cloud Mobile $25.00

6. Epheriell Clouds Urban Eco Earrings $38.00

7. King Billy Cloud Shorts from from $25

8. Berlin Roses Cloud in a jar Ring $29.00