34 Handmade Gift for Little Boys + Little Girls….. with Tutorials
November 28, 2011
Ideas for Little Girls
1. Upcycled Knit Pom Hair Accessories by Lil Blue Boo.
2. Puffy Bead Bracelets by Running With Glitter.
3. Non Slip Hair Bows by Make It and Love It.
4. Little Girl Romper by Make It and love It.
5. Braided Headband by Skip To My Lou.
6. Bonsai Tree Applique by Lil Blue Boo.
7. Lazy Days Skirt by Oliver and S (download).
8. Black Apple Dolls by Martha Stewart.
Ideas for Little Boys
9. Upcycled : Shirt to shorts by Saltwater Kids.
10. 'Gak' by Make It and Love It.
11. Picture Matching Word Cards by Canon.
12. I Spy Bag by Make It and Love It.
13. Boys Shorts with Cargo Pockets by Craft Passion.
14. Upcycled Fused Plastic Belt by Lil Blue Boo.
15. Green Robot Stenciled T-shirt. by Lil Blue Boo.
Little Kids
16. Personalised Memory Game by Momtastic.
17. A frame play tent by My Cakies.
18. Alphabet Wall Art by The Handmade Home.
19. Owl And Elephant Collages by Martha Stewart.
20. Kids size Ironing Boards by Duo Fiberworks
21. Rolling Pin Stamps by Redefining Creativity.
22. Nesting Dolls by the ETSY blog
23. Stick Horse by Light Blue Grey.
24. Felt Cookie Presents/Playfood by Redefining Creativity.
25. A Matching Game (Tutorial and Download) by Lil Blue Boo.
26. No Sew Pennant Banner by Place To Bloom.
27. Libray Totes by Noodle Head.
28. Dr Suess Activity Blocks by Sugar Bee Crafts.
29. Painted Block Puzzle by Momtastic.
30. Window Garland by Noodle head.
31. Accidental Painting by Lil Blue Boo.
32a. Thrifty Fort Building Kit by Saltwater Kids.
32b. Fort Building Kit ( all packed up) by Saltwater Kids.
33. Birthday (or Picnic) in a Suitcase by Funky Time.
34. Fabric Dollhouse (or Barn) by UK lass in US.
22 Handmade Gifts for Men or anyone really….. with Tutorials.
November 21, 2011
1. Vintage Trophy Coat Rack by Design Sponge.
2. Gardener's Apron by Martha Stewart.
3. Leather Journal by Duo Fiberworks.
4. Honey Walnut and Dried Fruit Topping by Martha Stewart.
5. Car Wash Kit by Martha Stewart.
6. Oilskin Zippered Pencil Case by Momtastic.
7. Upcycled Messenger Bag From Cargo Pants by Noodlehead.
8. Framed Initial by Make It and Love It.
9. Whimsical Key Chains by Living With Punks.
10. Dishtowel Apron by Made By Petchy.
11. Wooden Pendant Necklaces and Keychain by Lil Blue Boo.
12. Retro Duffle Bag by saltwater Kids.
13. Personalised Coffee Blend by Martha Stewart.
14. Toffee by Martha Stewart.
16. Homemade Book Plates by Martha Stewart.
15. Jam recipes with Printable Labels by Funkytime.
17. Rollie Pollie Pillows by So You Think You're Crafty.
18. Large Paintings Full of Text by Redefining Creativity.
19. Paint Chip Wall Art by How About Orange.
20. Car Travel Kit by Martha Stewart.
21. Monogram Mugs by Designmom.
22. Big Scrappy Painting by Redefining Creativity.
19 Handmade Gifts for Women and Older Girls…. with Tutorials.
November 14, 2011
1. Chalkboard Necklaces by Henry Happened.
2. Felt Ball Necklace by Purl Bee
3. Twig Necklace by henry Happened.
4. Sewing Kit in a Jar by Martha Stewart.
5. Paper Clip Earrings by Evie-S.
6. Recycled Woven Rug by Craft Passion.
7. Fold-over bag by Noodlehead.
8. Little Letter needle Book by Emaykayee.
9. Silhouette Jewellery by Less than Perfect Bliss.
10. Feather Hair-clips by Henry Happened.
11. Clay Necklace by Henry Happened.
12. Embellished Resin Rings by Tatertots and jello.
13. Beach Towel Tote by Redefining Creativity.
14. Swatch Portraits by Purl bee.
15. Vintage hankie Pillow Cover by Noodle Head.
16. Fabric Beaded Jewellery by Make It and Love It.
17. Dip Died Scarf by Henry Happened.
18. Love letter Corsage by Less Than Perfect Life Of Bliss.
19. Confetti Earrings by Evie-S.
13 Handmade Advent Calendars…. with Tutorials
November 7, 2011
1. Pottery Barn Inspired Advent Calendar by Hallelujahs for Joy.
2. Bucket Advent Calendar by Curbly.
3. Pocket advent Calendar by Noodlehead.
4. Advent Tree How To by Paige + Russell.
5. DIY Advent Calendar (Burlap) by Funkytime.
6. Advent Calendar Tutorial (House) by See Mommy Sew.
7. An idea to adapt for Advent Calendar by Hambley Screen Prints.
8. Countdown Calendar by Maya Made
9. Button Advent Calendar by Craftstylish.
10. Fabric (Paper Type) Advent Calendar by Roots and Wings.
11. Simple Advent Bags by Moment to Moment.
12. Burlap Sack Stocking Advent Calendar by Making the world cuter.
13. Giving Advent Baskets by Molly Piper.
….no tutorials for these but I think you get the idea!
14. IDEA: Advent shoes by Great Craft Disaster.
15. IDEA or Purchase Advent Calendar Printed Pouches by nuvonova.
16. IDEA Printable labels by Poppy Talk.
16. IDEA Parcels in a parcel by Women bible Life.
What our family did in 2010…including contents ideas.
What our family did in 2009….. including contents ideas.
Cathy’s content’s ideas from Women Bible Life (a simpler and more complex version….. keep going to the end of the post for the easier one!)
Ruth’s ideas via 168 hours
Jesse (Jesus) Tree reading ideas from the voice.
Fete feedback
September 11, 2011
The school fete is fast approaching, so I have been raking my brain and the internet for some inspiration. As usual….lots of ideas….not a lot of time/money to create some craft stall winners.
So….. what I would love from you is some feedback.
What should I (and my band of crafting mumma’s) be spending our hours making? Please let me know in the comments below what you would buy at a school fete and a rough price. Also if you have kids….ask them. Lots of kids bought things from the craft stall last year. I would love their feedback too.
'Make It Modern' boxy pencil case tutorial. Image from blog.
Cupcake bath bombs.... aren't they adorable. Image and tutorial from Little Birdie Secrets.
Fabric Headbands. Tutorial and Image from Foofanagle.
Last year we made these and these inspired by my friend Kat. This year maybe these windmill drinking straws. The tutorial and image source is at 'Ginger and George'.s
Galactic Sparkly Playdough from Neatorama. Image theirs.
More girlie Sparkly Playdough by One Crafty Mumma. Image from her blog.
Very cute library bag. Image from Sew Mama Sew
Aprons for little ones. This one from Sew Much Ado. Image theirs
Sleep masks. This panda one is too cute. I think I could maybe try some other animals as well. Idea and image from Craftster.
Fabric boxes at 'The Sometimes Crafter'. Tutorial and photo from her blog.
Cute baby shoes...... Image via Jennifer Ladd for Sew Mama Sew.
Fabric wall hangings. Image from Sew Much Ado.
Egg-cup pincushions by 'The Sometimes Crafter'. Image hers.
Tea Cup Pincushion by Punk Projects. Image and tutorial hers.
Kit ideas….so the kids can do it themselves.
Cookies in a jar from Bakerella.....thanks Cath for the tip off. Image from Bakeralla
Seed bombs.....either made or as kits. Image from Gardening Australia.
If you have never heard of these….and the picture isn’t helping at all. Have a look at how to make Seed bombs. This could also fit into the next category…. things for kids to make and do.
Things for kids to buy…. and do…
Hair braiding ..... from 'Method of hair braiding'
Friendship bracelet. Image from Honestly WTF
'I could make that' corner bookmarks. Image and tutorial from that blog.
Other ideas :
- cards
- lavender bags
- door stops
- origami brooches
- oilskin lunchbags
- felted stuffed animals
- berets or hats
- homemade heating pads
- pet rocks
- summer snowballs (for water fighting)
If you want to make any of the crafts yourself, all the images have a click through to a tutorial. The fast approaching holidays is a good time to try some of them out.
For an idea of what we made for the craft stall at last years fete, look here and here and here.
Another Penhall!
July 20, 2011
Silvery grey Penhall..... with floral lining.
I’ve just posted this new one on etsy
It’s the second promised bag made using the colours inspired by you. You can see the green and blue version here.
I’m loving it, and was glad of the opportunity to put a silver grey bag together….as I have been wanting to use this colour combo for a while.
So thanks…..
The repositional rosette....
....and the back.
...the oval base with pleats...
The bag is also completely reversible. The other side is lined with a liberty-esque floral in blue green and grey tones with a touch of pink….so it’s a bit girlie.
...a peek at the inside....
Commission for Jenny: Bible cover
July 12, 2011
Front cover with journal pocket..... look closely from the green button to the top.
My latest commission was a really lovely one for me to be part of.
Jenny’s daughter made her profession of faith* last weekend and this is her gift.
It’s a bible cover!
I know some of you who are right now scratching your head in confusion….. and saying “Why cover your bible and give it handles?” Well the reason is when bibles are taken to and from church week after week they don’t last long…so some Christians cover them and make them easy to carry so that they last longer…. and look cooler.
Zipper enclosing pages
...other side
I’m so happy with the way this one has turned out….especially as I haven’t made one before.
It completely made from her late grandfather’s ties, which her wore mostly on Sundays as he preached to his congregation. So it is so special.
Jenny said:
So special! I think there may have been a few quiet tears shed. She has been discovering all the little special parts – pockets and hand-stitching and thinking of all the things she can use the different pockets for.
inside back....with hidden slip pocket....
Front inner flap....with hidden pocket.
...the other side....or back.
* profession of faith: a public commitment to be a follower of Jesus always.
The Penhall is now available.
June 21, 2011
The first Penhall for sale on etsy..... $140
Close-up.
Even closer. Rosette brooch detail.
The back.... or front (you can choose)
The base.....a pleated oval.
....a peek inside.....navy velvet.
But wait...there's more.... it's totally reversible!
Even switch the rosette to the navy side.
....and of course....it's a harrysdesk.
Lots of you will have an extra 10% discount on this price…and some even 20%….. due to the special anniversary bag give-away.
Thanks again to those who entered.
If you would like to sling this on your shoulder (or someone that you know) let me know and I will give you your special code word, so you can access your discount.
For a more detailed description and measurements ….. go here.
The winning bag
June 13, 2011
The anniversary bag.
The drawing
The first of the anniversay bags is done…. and delivered.
Although the 5 years old says it looks like an upside down pair of undies, I have resisted the urge to name them knickers, undies or y-fronts…. or to enter into any conversation with her about who these ‘undies’ would fit…. even though she would love to.
The Penhall bag in small and medium. I added a button clasp which pulls the sides in a little.
No. The new bag will be called the ‘Penhall’.
Customarily I name new bags by the surname of the first person to own that style. Because …. as I mentioned earlier, Heidi already has a bag named after her….the “Broadbent’ (her married name) so this time I have used her maiden name.
So …introducing the “Penhall” with absolutely no reference to undies!….I think it’s best.
Now I better get cracking on the etsy ones…..
Commission for Deb and Tim
March 5, 2012
Before Christmas, the house move and the best holiday we have had as a family yet, I made my first ever unisex nappy bag. It was quite a fun process, so I thought I would share some of it.
It all began with an email out of the blue from all the way over in WA…. Deb wanted a bag that both her and her husband were happy to carry. She liked the Phoenix Files Bags shape and colour palette (although wanted to see some other ideas for colour), but wanted to make sure it was still ‘male enough’ for her Tim.
Blue/ grey Combo
Black/Avocado combo.
Red/Black/White/Grey Combo.
Tan/Brown Combo.
School Tie combo.
I emailed her a number of tie combinations. They settled on the black and avocado greens combination. To make sure it wasn’t t too feminine we stayed away from florals, paisleys and shiny ties. After we decided on the colour-way Deb cleared out her husbands wardrobe and asked if it were possible to upcycle one of his shirts for the lining.
The shirt was a King Gee style one made for a church men’s weekend away. The shirt had special memories for Tim but wasn’t something he wore. It didn’t yield quite enough fabric for the lining alone….so I added some ikea fabric from my stash.
Here’s what we ended up with.
Finished Nappy Bag with Change Mat.
Bag back....
...change mat.
Deb also wanted lots and lots of pockets.
Pockets for wipes, wallet, diary and notebooks, bottles and creams and of course nappies.
She also requested a special hook for her keys so that she wasn’t constantly searching for her keys at the bottom of the bag.
Inside looked like this.
Lots and lots of pockets. Open and zippered.
Button on key holder.
One of the more obviously telling details of the nappy bag are the side bottle pockets. I enjoyed getting my head around shaping these without compromising the given shape of the tie too much.
The strap is adjustable so as to be able to lengthen it for going over the handles of a pram or stroller and then shorten it again for carrying on the shoulder. I used a reclaimed computer-bag shoulder pad for extra comfort.
Right bottle pocket ...
Left bottle pocket.
Shoulder pad.
After I posted the bag off I received this lovely email from Deb’s husband Tim.
I really enjoyed making this one.
Anyone else need a nappy bag?