Christmas crafting…keeping family tradition alive

My grandmother was a wonderful crafter. She knit, crocheted, sewed, cross stitch, etc. Any handmade gift from her was an absolute gem. She made each of my siblings an embellished felt Christmas stocking. I’ve cherished it for as long as I can remember and always thought I would make one for my child on day. The stockings she made us were from these great kits from various companies, each one unique and special for the recipient. I was so excited to find so many options from which to choose for my first one for Mazie. The picture below shows my stocking, made by my grandmother 30 years ago, on the left and the one I’ve just made for Mazie on the right. I’m hopful Mazie will cherish it as much as I have mine. When I showed it to her, a huge grin came over her face and she said “Mummy I like it”. Pretty good marks from your toddler.

Here’s a little more detail on my stocking. The pattern was from Dimension Crafts

I had so much fun with the project, I think I’ll work on a tree skirt as well and I’m certain any new additions to our family will be receiving them as well.

Filed under handmade, homemaking | Comment (1)

Amazing.

I’m not sure what else I can possibly say about the work of Yulia Brodskaya other than…….amazing.

Filed under Design, handmade | Comment (0)

Another retraction of previous toilet paper tube comments

I guess I never let my mind open up to the possibility of the toilet paper tube.   See this lovely idea from Claire Robertson of Loobylu where she uses biodegradable tubes as pots to start seeds.  I think we’ll have to adopt this method for our seed starting efforts this spring.

Filed under environment, homemaking | Comment (0)

Sometimes love can come so easily….

Etsy never ceases to stop providing lovely things over which I can fawn.  Check out these AMAZING scarves by Necklush .

I am always wearing scarves and am never really warm unless my neck is warm.  If anyone, Robbie, wants to buy me one of these as a gift, I would be delighted and the gift giver might score some points.

Filed under Cool Products, Design, Indie, handmade, shopping | Comment (0)

I take back everything I’ve ever said about toilet paper tube crafts

I often use a description of “toilet paper tube crafts” as an analogy for art, design, and things handmade that I deem to be crappy, e.g., “the handmade items on Etsy are a amazing, not the kind you find at a church fair made out of old toilet paper tubes.” However, today I take it all back. I take back every bad word I’ve ever said about the use of old toilet paper tubes in crafting and art.

Check out this art work by artist Yuken Teruya It’s absolutely amazing and gives a whole new meaning to the toilet paper tube.

Filed under Design, handmade | Comments (2)

These are really neat. You should get one and give one.

I’ve recently come across this new spin on Kokeshi dolls, which are traditional friendship dolls given to family and friends accompanied by well wishes.  The new spin on an old tradition are called Momiji friendship dolls.  Seems that there is also an interesting sub-culture around these little cuties, which I’ve not yet quite figured out.

Each doll has a personality assigned to it and a sentiment for the recipient.  For instance “Twinkle” shown here on the right is accompanied by “Your heart has a happy twinkle that keeps me always cosy.” Twinkle will be in my mom’s Christmas Stocking this year.  You can also include your own personal note in a secret compartment on the bottom of each doll.

I’m always looking for new and interesting little trinkets to give my friends and family.  Both Mazie and my mom will be getting these and you never know, one of you just might end up with one too.

Some of these were designed by this interesting designer, Joanna Thou. Pics courtesy of her site.

Filed under Cool Products, Design, shopping | Comment (0)

Apologies for the post hiatus

Just a note to say sorry about the delay in posting.  I was having some sort of trouble inserting images, but my husband has fixed it now. I have a back log of posts so just wait.

Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)

One of my most treasured posessions.

My mom purchased this for me long before I was even a blip on the radar screen.  I’ve cherished it my whole life.  Used to only be able to take it out on Christmas, so this Christmas I’m reminded again about just how special this one little object has been over my life time.  Mazie loves it too.  There is barely a day that doesn’t go by where she doesn’t ask me to play the “mee-gits” aka music on my music box.  It plays Lula-Bye and Goodnight.  One day she’ll have one of her own too.

You can see other lovely creations like this here.

Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)