2011

Surreal. That is what I think I would call this year for us.

Starting over twice, not knowing where we would end up. 

The 'makes' I've shared here (on what has essentially become a craft blog),

have helped me get through alot of tough times thats for sure!

I have met some beautiful bloggers who are SO amazing and supportive,

challenging me to push the boundaries and have a go at things I wouldn't have otherwise.

This sounds a bit corny, but I am hoping for peace for us in 2012.

Just a bit please! Enough of the big decisions and dramas.

I just want to plod along and evolve.

See you next year you guys!!

xxxJennie.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit me here this year.

And thank you to all who made a home for a doll!

I hope next year brings new opportunities, new inspirations and lots of new friendships!

Merry Christmas!xxx

Early pressie gorgeousness!

The girls were surprised and thrilled today to get some beautiful handmade gifts!

This chenille bunny in the little one's favourite colours, has been christened Flopsy.

(she likes one ear down - oops, should have done that for the photoshoot!)

And guess what this is -  for our crochet girl!

How about that?

THE perfect gift for her (and for my hooks too!)

They also got a christmas decoration each -

so pretty with the christmas lights shining through them.

Thank you so much Selina -

also for the fabulous teatowels and trim. 

We love love love everything!xx

Buying Handmade

Here's a few handmade purchases we have made recently!

This is Marvin - made by the lovely Jess at Teddy Bears Wednesday.

Each character Jess makes has a little background info. This is Marvin's:

He is a supreme tap dancer.

He likes collecting umbrellas

 and those little olives you get in martinis.

And Romeo likes belly dancing and pickled cucumbers.

He used to be a tram conductor, 

but well we know what happened to them...

(there's more of Jess' creations over here)

This absolutely stunning sunglass pouch from Cam at Curlypops.

Currently being used by Miss 5 - who has always loved her sunnies!

A two piece swim suit by Bec at Beccasaurus.

Such a wonderful practical style - tshirt and shorts,

in gorgeous colours and design.

(Miss 5 is enjoying her swim lessons in these!)

And finally this custom made coat by Wendy at Little Tree Kids.

It is made with wool rug and embroidered doilies - 

so beautiful and suits Miss 10 so well.

Romeo and Marvin have been hidden away for Christmas day now.

Thank you lovely ladies for all the wonderful handmade goodness!xx

Twelve dollars and fifty cents...

 I'm having to revise my Op Shop Finds of the Year.

Because I think this is it now!

(nightmare to photograph)

A very tall (5ft 11inch) retro/art deco floor lamp

that I have been after for a loooong time.

It ain't in perfect condition, but thats fine with me!

Its the shape that I LOVE (and the price!)x

Fur cuffs and all!

Someone I know loves bunny rabbits.

And I haven't made an animal doll for aaaages!

So to say Merry Christmas and a great big thank you -

 for welcoming me to Queensland ...

Here's a bunny girl for you Selina!

(I hope Barry can contain himself!).XXX

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to Brianna and Percolator!

More WW here.

Mini Granny Cuff

These look like grannyish jellyfish multiplying!

So these granny squares are

made from embroidery thread with a 3mm hook.

They measure about 1 1/2 inches square.

After stitching them together, and only one coat of fabric stiffener -

they were firm but still had movement.

 (thought I'd have to add more than that!)

Added a couple of snap fasteners.

Just as well it was only one coat of fabric stiffener - otherwise it

 would have been a nightmare to sew through!

And its a mini granny square cuff for my crochet girl for Xmas!

(So hard to photograph this).

I found an arm to model it, the only thing is - she wants one now as well!

 You can just see the snap fasteners holding it together in this shot.

I've still got one granny left, that can be made into a brooch too - yay!xx

****

PS. I haven't shown you what my crochet girl (Miss 10)

made for her teachers birthday last week:

It wasn't small - about the size of the palm of your hand.

I hope she makes some really big ones sometime!x

Stockings on a grey afternoon

Thought it was about time that our two had some handmade 

Christmas stockings, instead of the polyester ones bought years ago!

This one is made from a retro purple and orange vintage fabric.

(picks taken on a very dark grey day!)

They both have granny square pockets on the front.

Beaded lace from the vintage wedding dress trims.

Oop! Someone is trying to have a sneak peak inside already!

The pattern I drew out turned out looking like the dolls legs sort of!

Three quick things (for the eldest)

Living in a rental with only these 'lovely' blinds at the windows,

I've eventually got around to making some bunting for Miss 10 to brighten them up a bit! (Miss 5's is here) *the old cassette tape fabric was a large unopened hanky from the op shop.

Each triangle is different, mainly vintage fabric.

(so hard to photograph when its rainy and dark)

Then I kept cutting triangles, very random ones though! 

And got the 5 inch needle out to make a circle cushion.

 (last time I made these was way back here!)

*warning - if you make one, they take ALOT of stuffing!

I also recovered a little rectangle cushion.

So the bunting and the cushions are actually for Christmas -

she'll have to wait till then! (I'll set them up in her room while shes opening her pressies!)

While taking these shots - I found that someone has been having a go

at some teen tiny crochet. (with one of my hooks!)

She is managing to follow a crochet books instructions, 

whilst also adding her own ideas to things.

It looks much more comfy with the bunting up,

can't wait till she see's it!

More creative spaces here.

My Place and Yours Christmas!

Joining in with Vic's My Place and Yours!

Everyone is showing what they've done for Xmas so far.

Having moved countries again, we have another new christmas tree!

This is the angel at the top of the tree holding a little babe,

 which was the first Christmas decoration we ever got for the eldest!

Every year the girls get a new decoration. 

This is one of  G's, a ballerina peg doll.

And this one was made a very long time ago.

This is the heaviest one on the tree -

Mr Ice Man, made of cubes of glass!

The one made for show and tell at school.

(oop - theres some choccies in that bauble!)

My favourites are mostly the ones from England.

This blue bird has always been special.

The girls have also decorated little

tiny trees to have in their rooms.

You can't fit much on them tho!

Loving these little blue lights - only $2!

The Nutcracker - he's a newbie around here!

(theres a lever at the back so the kids can make him talk!)

And this is our advent calender.

Bit of a nightmare trying to fit two lots of things in each drawer.

But we store 'extras' in the trains chimney!

To see what everyone else is up to, 

visit the last My Place and Yours for the year here!xx