tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75054004088422432702024-03-09T01:11:05.078+11:00create forever more by debbi weissMy creative adventures and lots more.Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-34331938212242153422013-06-25T12:19:00.000+10:002013-06-25T15:53:33.509+10:00Sari Silk Wrap JewelleryI am preparing a few things to take with me to my first public Art Fair - including these sari silk beaded wrap bracelets that I've just finished designing.<br />
<br />
After a bit of experimentation, I'm happy with the result.<br />
<br />
Sari silk is beautiful to work with and available <a href="http://www.darngoodyarn.com/" target="_blank">here</a> (or <a href="http://www.yazzii.com/" target="_blank">here</a> is easier for us Australians!).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocV8a3MKKM4/Ucj8Tj6ZwfI/AAAAAAAABfs/AZoRM95XrPY/s1600/IMG_5184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocV8a3MKKM4/Ucj8Tj6ZwfI/AAAAAAAABfs/AZoRM95XrPY/s320/IMG_5184.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sari Silk before stitching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For these bracelets, I started by stitching long lengths of the silk using various stitches on my machine and stitching to about 2cm wide. This becomes the wrap for the wrist. Cut off the frayed edges to your liking - I left some of the fraying as I think it adds a nice look.<br />
<br />
Then I wet the silk ribbon and twisted it into a tight ball and left it to dry. This adds creases and character to the ribbon wrap.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKNfNcapFxA/Ucj8HOXukbI/AAAAAAAABfk/Lt_mbfu4ES4/s1600/IMG_5183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKNfNcapFxA/Ucj8HOXukbI/AAAAAAAABfk/Lt_mbfu4ES4/s320/IMG_5183.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After stitching, wet and twist and leave to dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, using various beads, connectors, wire, and findings, I've been able to get a lovely finished product, which looks very boho cool! Especially at the moment, it's very fashionable to wear a bunch of mixed bracelets at one time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-gTcFjta9c/Ucj8jIC_sTI/AAAAAAAABf0/pIvMsf4WtnY/s1600/IMG_5194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-gTcFjta9c/Ucj8jIC_sTI/AAAAAAAABf0/pIvMsf4WtnY/s320/IMG_5194.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make charms with beads and findings.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The finished bracelets are looking lovely, and I'll look forward to taking these with me to the Art Fair and displaying them on these gorgeous pieces of driftwood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaeOfgI3bFo/Ucj9JFstx8I/AAAAAAAABf8/YIPed7m8rxc/s1600/IMG_5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaeOfgI3bFo/Ucj9JFstx8I/AAAAAAAABf8/YIPed7m8rxc/s320/IMG_5185.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_xSgbe05Iw/Ucj94emPStI/AAAAAAAABgM/fw1Fhc8PZSw/s1600/IMG_5191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_xSgbe05Iw/Ucj94emPStI/AAAAAAAABgM/fw1Fhc8PZSw/s320/IMG_5191.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-13921970485951260762013-05-29T13:09:00.000+10:002013-05-29T13:21:30.185+10:00Digital PhotobooksOne of the many things I love doing is designing digital photobooks.<br />
<br />
I like to use <a href="http://www.blurb.com/make-books">BLURB</a> to print the books as they have a great range of sizes and options for the finished product. Depending on the budget, you can go from basic to top of the line including linen covers and sheer inserts.<br />
<br />
The challenge when doing one of these books is keeping a uniform design concept throughout. If I'm doing a book from ONE EVENT (eg. a wedding, holiday, school highlights) then this is much easier to achieve. <a href="http://www.blurb.com/books/4151577-jesse-s-barmitzvah">Here</a> is an example of a recent book I did for a barmitzvah album. Doing a one-event book, can also be executed quite successfully by simply using the templates available in Blurb - although I like to create myown templates so that the pages don't all look the same!<br />
<br />
However, I recently did a book for an 80 year old as a tribute to his life. I've decided to call this type of book a LifeAlbum. With these albums, it's much harder to create the uniformity of design, as I am given vintage photos, black and whites, documents, certificates, postcards, and all sorts of paraphernalia aside from photos, to include in the book. 80 years of photos and memorabilia is no easy task to incorporate into a book, but once it's done, it's such an amazing keepsake. <br />
<br />
I like to design using Photoshop and PSElements as well as sometimes using the templates available in Blurb. <br />
<br />
At the moment, I'm also designing a book for myself called my great big collection of family photos<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo-2FqGv97A/UaVvrhKVjiI/AAAAAAAABdA/0QkTRN-7XzQ/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo-2FqGv97A/UaVvrhKVjiI/AAAAAAAABdA/0QkTRN-7XzQ/s320/Picture+4.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
This is an idea that came to me when I realised that although I have printed photos or albums of big events or holidays we've had over the last 7-10 years, there's not much photographic evidence of any life in between those events - other than a lot of images saved onto CD's! All the birthday parties, lost teeth, ballet concerts, school ceremonies, mother's day breakfasts etc. are nowhere to be found... until now! In my Big Book! I'm sure, once it's done, my family will be very chuffed to see themselves in pictures again - on the coffee table.<br />
<br />
Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-5595846681681653942013-05-07T22:22:00.000+10:002013-05-07T22:29:14.339+10:00Floral WorkshopsI have taken the proverbial plunge and designed a series of Floral Workshops for home floral styling! <br />
<br />
Yes... after much deliberation and consideration, I decided to do it. I've done workshops with children for so long, and so the time has come now to give working with adults a try! <br />
<br />
From my experience working at the Florist, I discovered that so many people actually don't know very much about flowers - they either stick to buying the same things, spend money on the wrong things, or often waste money buying things they don't know how to look after. Not knowing how to look after fresh cut flowers or plants can be quite costly, so I've designed my workshops around all the questions people often ask at the florist, and added in some extra bonus activities - like how to make a vase of metal or glass, which I thought would be fun (and very appropriate seeing that I am facilitating the workshops and I love making things!).<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGw1EE14FLo/UYjwO8hgspI/AAAAAAAABb8/qAJnWFZ8eQc/s1600/6+secrets+compact.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGw1EE14FLo/UYjwO8hgspI/AAAAAAAABb8/qAJnWFZ8eQc/s320/6+secrets+compact.png" /></a><br />
Maybe one day, I might write an e-book with all the info I put into my workshops.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uErTD1-G-M/UYjwqTKaMaI/AAAAAAAABcE/myO8LcGoaWA/s1600/Thinking+Outside+the+Vase+compact.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uErTD1-G-M/UYjwqTKaMaI/AAAAAAAABcE/myO8LcGoaWA/s320/Thinking+Outside+the+Vase+compact.png" /></a> <br />
If you are interested to book in or read more details, please click <a href="http://stickytickets.com.au/debbiweisscreative">here</a> or in the link on the side bar of my blog. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA75j9Ne0Qs/UYjxNqHRnYI/AAAAAAAABcM/gchqznfIBfg/s1600/Shake+up+Your+Blooms+compact.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA75j9Ne0Qs/UYjxNqHRnYI/AAAAAAAABcM/gchqznfIBfg/s320/Shake+up+Your+Blooms+compact.png" /></a><br />
<br />
The workshops will be loads of fun and make lovely gifts for anyone who loves flowers! Contact me if you would like a gift voucher.<br />
Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-32136197550796908182013-04-27T14:38:00.001+10:002013-04-28T10:33:32.462+10:00Gift TagsHow many times have you been stuck for a card or tag to attach to a gift? It happens to me all the time! And I handmake them - so I have no excuse! <br />
I made a huge batch of tags for the florist where I've been working recently and they have been marching out the door tied on to all the bouquets of flowers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/26/2399.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/26/s_2399.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
They are sitting on the counter near the cash register and people seem to prefer these gorgeous little handmade lovelies to the standard florist cards. <br />
There's something so nice about the handmade touch. It's quite interesting how handmade is really making a comeback in so many areas as we all look for that more personal connection in our everyday lives. You can't get that same sense of character from machine made stuff!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/26/2400.jpg"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/26/s_2400.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
So now my workbench is full of papers, tools, glues, cutting mat scalpel and Stanley knife as I churn out the gift tags. <br />
A couple of gift stores in my local area have already ordered to sell through their shops and to add to their gift wrapping service. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/26/2401.jpg"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/26/s_2401.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I've put them into my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/createforevermore?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">etsy shop</a> in manageable packs of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130572090/bespoke-handmade-mix-and-match-gift-tags?" target="_blank">10</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130572310/bespoke-handmade-mix-and-match-gift-tags?" target="_blank">25 </a>and included postage in the price. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/04/26/2754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><center><br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/04/26/s_2754.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="251" /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
<br />
Grab a pack today and you will know you have them at the ready to tie on to your next gift!<br />
<br />
<br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneDebbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-29359848847348889902013-01-22T08:11:00.001+11:002013-04-28T10:29:37.103+10:00Valentines Day CreationI've been charged with making some decorations for the florist shop where I work for Valentines Day. After having a quick look at the catalogue of florist shop point of sale decorations, I decided that I would rather do something with a bit more handmade flair. <br />
I found a couple of polystyrene hearts in our storeroom, and decided to turn them into big, plush, red felt hearts that we could hang in the shop window. <br />
I used about 2.5 meters felt for each heart that I made. You also need long strong pins - I used floristry pins. <br />
Start by cutting 10cm strips and then cut them into squares and then into circles. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1943.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1943.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Fold the circles in half then in half again and pin to the top of the heart surface till completely covered. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1944.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1944.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
When the top is covered, turn over and do the other side then continue around the side edges. I cut slightly smaller circles to do the sides. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1945.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1945.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1946.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1946.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
On my second heart, I painted the heart with red paint first, so that I didn't need to worry to much if there were a couple of gaps. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1947.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1947.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/2093.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_2093.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
In the background you can also see some hanging heart garlands that I made. If you'd like me to post how I did them, please let me know. <br />
Now... Lets hope the customers feel the luuuuurve! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/21/1935.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/21/s_1935.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Also did a similar one using paper doilies and a fresh rose in the center. I used a pink rose for the pic but we'll be putting in a red rose for Valentines day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/23/321.jpg"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/23/s_321.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The rose is in a water tube which is hidden under the doilies. I used white wired string to secure it in place. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/23/322.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/23/s_322.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="299" /></a></center><br />
<br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<br />
Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-67338365397127678422012-10-21T16:42:00.001+11:002013-04-28T10:35:25.128+10:00Wired Glass Jars & BottlesI love glass jars and bottles. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/21/414.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/21/s_414.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center><br />
When we got married - 24 years ago, I convinced my hubby that we should start a collection of art glass pieces. We got a few nice glass pieces for our wedding but that's about where the collection stopped! Once children and bills start taking over, there's not a lot left to spend on expensive hand-blown glass!<br />
<br />
So, how have I managed to fulfil my passion for glass collecting?? <br />
<br />
Recycling glass jars of course!<br />
<br />
One day, at a homewares store, I noticed they had cute glass jars with wire handles - that cost A BOMB! It was then that I decided I would rinse out and take the labels off all the cute and interestingly shaped glass jars from food products we used at home. I keep a bottle of this label remover under my kitchen sink just in case I come across a nice bottle I want to recycle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/21/416.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/21/s_416.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center><br />
Sometimes I would buy a certain product at the supermarket just to get the jar it was in! My favorite jars and bottles are - essence bottles, pasta sauce jars, embossed jars, cordial bottles, mustard jars, and antipasti jars.<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/21/417.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/21/s_417.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center><br />
These ones usually have great shapes and interesting patterns embossed on the glass.<br />
<br />
I have added wire collars and handles to hundreds of jars and bottles with these easy steps:<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/21/418.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/21/s_418.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="297" /></a><a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></center><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
<br />
1. Cut a piece of wire twice the length of the top of your jar.<br />
2. Make a loop at one end. <br />
3. Make 2 more loops at the 1/2 and 3/4 points along the length of the wire. These will be the loops for the handle to hook on. <br />
4. Thread the end of the wire through the first loop and tighten the wire around the top of the bottle. Bend the end back so the collar is now secure. Cut the excess wire. <br />
5. Give the 2 handle loops an extra twist with the pliers to tighten the wire collar. <br />
6. Cut another piece of wire for the handle and thread through the handle loops. Bend wire back to secure the handle in place. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/21/419.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/21/s_419.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center><br />
I have built up a great collection that I've used to decorate many functions.<br />
I've also added hooks to some of the handles so that the jars can be hung if needed. <br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<br />
Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-43366809638332297862012-10-21T16:19:00.001+11:002012-10-21T22:40:03.953+11:00A Giant Wire ChandelierI've been working on some decorations for a wedding that is being held at a fabulous venue in Sydney called <a href="http://www.theschool.com.au/" target="_blank">The School</a> and suggested to the client that we make a giant wire chandelier as a decorative feature. She loved the idea, so I decided to make a mini- version as a test and we will be taking it to the venue to see how it can be sized to fit. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2815.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2815.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="298" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
It started out as a concept drawing and bit by bit I put it together. Of course, starting with the tools...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2816.jpg"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2816.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Then creatively putting together the different lengths of wire...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2823.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2823.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2824.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2824.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2825.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2825.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2818.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2818.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2819.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2819.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I needed to 'tie down' the wire so the struts don't move around the rings. This required an additional short length of wire threaded through the wire loop, and tied down to the ring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2820.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2820.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
My fingers took a bit of a beating from all the twisting but I was thrilled with the result! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2821.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2821.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="237" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/20/2826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/20/s_2826.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished Chandelier - not the easiest thing to photograph!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We will see what works best in the space- either using the <a href="http://createforevermore.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/wired-glass-jars-bottles.html?m=1" target="_blank">wired bottles and jars</a> hanging from the chandelier with sprigs of greenery and flowers, or maybe even covering the whole thing with fresh or even silk flowers. <br />
Whichever way, i think it will make a wonderful happy festive statement! <br />
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-49633797706390784042012-10-08T22:24:00.001+11:002012-10-08T22:27:52.258+11:00Corsage Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year, my son was asked to a school formal and aside from all the expenses involved... suit, shirt, transport, cover charge, (I hate to think what the girls spend on their hair, makeup and outfits....)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
there was also the CORSAGE to think about.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I only had to walk in to one florist to realise that these kids were forking out an unnecessary fortune for a corsage, and so I suggested to my son, that I would make all the corsages for his mates to give their dates. Not only would I make them, I would make them BETTER than anything I'd seen at the florist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60BQqdsOUD0/UHKyy2GZEUI/AAAAAAAABZc/ZwMRYsej_PQ/s1600/IMG_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60BQqdsOUD0/UHKyy2GZEUI/AAAAAAAABZc/ZwMRYsej_PQ/s320/IMG_0132.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Some of the corsages I made by hand.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I asked the boys to find out what colours their dates were wearing, and did an assortment of different corsages for them. They all had a wide satin ribbon to tie on to the wrist so they were totally adjustable. (We had a 'how to tie on the ribbon' lesson in the kitchen before the boys went to pick up their dates!).</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8NQN5w-jq4/UHK3nmE1HRI/AAAAAAAABZk/6RlWmmyjyEc/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8NQN5w-jq4/UHK3nmE1HRI/AAAAAAAABZk/6RlWmmyjyEc/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All my corsages had a gorgeous WOW factor - with a bit of drama thrown in with the colour combinations, the addition of feathers, diamantes, pearls, greenery, and floral embellishments. The girls told me that they were very comfortable to wear due to the quality and width of the satin ribbon that I used.<br />
<br />
I've done a lot of work with flowers in decor, arrangements, table settings, and event centerpieces, and now happy to add corsages to that list!<br />
<br />
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-27098308782610079542012-08-12T18:58:00.000+10:002012-10-08T22:41:28.999+11:00Graduation EventI've been busy the past few weeks designing and making the decor for a Graduation Event that I'm styling. I decided to go for a vintage cool classroom theme and have incorporated loads of decor ideas using vintage books and papers. <br />
I collected all sorts of vintage text books including history, physics, music, language, plays, even a 1970 thesaurus. I try to choose books that have a certain type of paper - quite yellowish, lots of markings and stains, and thick in texture - almost velvety to the touch. <br />
I've used the papers in various ways.<br />
The first idea is to stitch them together to make paper binding - which I have then folded and stitched onto hessian for a centerpiece table overlay.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nRQnVmgD7c/UCdkE0yt53I/AAAAAAAABXs/gX41OMYF18k/s1600/IMG_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nRQnVmgD7c/UCdkE0yt53I/AAAAAAAABXs/gX41OMYF18k/s320/IMG_1738.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stitched paper edge binding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4aoXcP74ao/UCdmaRKsbYI/AAAAAAAABX0/uYEmiciTXGA/s1600/IMG_1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4aoXcP74ao/UCdmaRKsbYI/AAAAAAAABX0/uYEmiciTXGA/s320/IMG_1854.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">binding with mitred corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKAsTdfxCRk/UCdmgZ-F04I/AAAAAAAABX8/HsO1BES3eSg/s1600/IMG_1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKAsTdfxCRk/UCdmgZ-F04I/AAAAAAAABX8/HsO1BES3eSg/s320/IMG_1853.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished overlay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The second style of overlay is made of stitched papers which have been hand stencilled with black gesso, and then taped onto a brown paper backing. I've folded the edges of the backing paper back over the inlaid section to give it the nice wide edge binding. Then I stitched all around the edge.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyQPOFqESOM/UCdnRo37UOI/AAAAAAAABYE/2wuKKLHCYak/s1600/IMG_1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyQPOFqESOM/UCdnRo37UOI/AAAAAAAABYE/2wuKKLHCYak/s320/IMG_1727.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mixed papers including hand stencilled pages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6P0ucPYVNI/UCdnWKkxHjI/AAAAAAAABYM/xbquQo1lixg/s1600/IMG_1725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6P0ucPYVNI/UCdnWKkxHjI/AAAAAAAABYM/xbquQo1lixg/s320/IMG_1725.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">hard at work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNLxbtnfGpc/UCdnmdn0JnI/AAAAAAAABYg/_RQXs7kQGWI/s1600/IMG_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNLxbtnfGpc/UCdnmdn0JnI/AAAAAAAABYg/_RQXs7kQGWI/s320/IMG_1728.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brown paper backing - with double sided tape to secure paper while stitching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5nOmp-GBw8/UCdngCEnLqI/AAAAAAAABYY/B_soMKow51o/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5nOmp-GBw8/UCdngCEnLqI/AAAAAAAABYY/B_soMKow51o/s320/IMG_1721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brown paper folded over the edges to become the binding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We are having mini blackboards for the table numbers - I was going to use blackboard paint, but discovered that black gesso works well as the blackboard surface - so just painted up a whole load of cardboard and cut to size to fit the frames I sourced.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUoaDdXg3Js/UCdpLVsgbdI/AAAAAAAABYo/1OilIHvYR2w/s1600/IMG_1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUoaDdXg3Js/UCdpLVsgbdI/AAAAAAAABYo/1OilIHvYR2w/s320/IMG_1852.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mini blackboard table numbers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The centerpieces will be glass hurricane lamps with candles, and they will be standing on a small stack of books that I've covered with brown paper. Each table will have 3-4 books with the family names of the people at that table printed onto the spines.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLiqAvy2BdM/UCdp1gWh-EI/AAAAAAAABYw/Fx5j1ezp-TI/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLiqAvy2BdM/UCdp1gWh-EI/AAAAAAAABYw/Fx5j1ezp-TI/s320/IMG_1855.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">covered books packed and ready! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Lastly, the hall will be decorated with this gorgeous bunting which I've just finished making. I had a roll of vintage measuring tape lying around which came in handy for this!! Each triangle on the bunting is 2 pieces of paper just to give it strength. I tried to make sure that while putting all the papers together, that I had an interesting assortment and variety and also that there were no two of the same next to each other! Mad! But it looks really good.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8399HVf1Qk/UCdsYZUEdHI/AAAAAAAABY4/vUlEUAQnOsc/s1600/IMG_1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8399HVf1Qk/UCdsYZUEdHI/AAAAAAAABY4/vUlEUAQnOsc/s320/IMG_1780.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sewing the bunting onto vintage measuring tape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZOfbLTJSpQ/UCdsdSZ38lI/AAAAAAAABZA/TbsL4ZEMU7c/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZOfbLTJSpQ/UCdsdSZ38lI/AAAAAAAABZA/TbsL4ZEMU7c/s320/IMG_1786.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the finished bunting - with all the assorted papers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
I also designed the invitation, reply cards, DVD covers and programmes, for the event which continues the theme of the vintage/brownpaper/etc look. </div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
I'm looking forward to putting it all together at the event - but for now, my family and I will be happy to clear out our dining room - which has become my workshop!<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Here's the final table centerpiece on the night. I even managed to do a little matching match box with dymo tape on the front saying 'class of 2012". Very retro!<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/08/643.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/08/s_643.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="259" /></a></center>
<br />
The room looked spectacular and the styling was so well received it made all the hours and effort worthwhile. Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-80490026094953160762012-07-25T12:23:00.003+10:002012-07-25T12:24:54.083+10:00Blessed with Family.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a wonderful friend who is facing a huge challenge at the moment. Today, she is have a double mastectomy for breast cancer - that has come back after 15 years in remission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It got me thinking about my family, my health, my life. And everything that is precious to me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It got me thinking about the gift that I have been given, and the legacy that I am gifting the world - my children.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It got me thinking about my exemplary parents, who are the most selfless and beautiful people, and who have shown me and given me so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It got me thinking about my hubby, and his parents, who became my family 24 years ago, and to whom I owe so much gratitude. My husband has been an incredible role model to our two children, and sure, married life together for 24 years has it's twists and turns, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am blessed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We never know when our turn to be faced with something so overwhelmingly difficult is going to come up. Maybe we will be lucky and get to a ripe old age without suffering at the hands of illness and pain. Like my grandmother who lived to 103 years old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But if, life doesn't go to plan, where will your family be? Will they turn up because they feel obliged or because they love you? Will they lose sleep and worry for you or will they shrug it off as your problem? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Family is what counts most to me. And so I put together a list of old-fashioned tips, some I've learned from my parents, and some are just what I do in my own little family. But whatever works for you, invest in your family, and keep your family together. Because when the hard times hit, it's the family that you will want around you the most. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONdd7IakhFU/UA9TTz7zaXI/AAAAAAAABXk/fN42Q2Iq-hY/s1600/TIPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONdd7IakhFU/UA9TTz7zaXI/AAAAAAAABXk/fN42Q2Iq-hY/s640/TIPS.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY PARENTS</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">(and a few of my own tips just because)</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-48966956856669708642012-06-26T14:06:00.000+10:002012-06-26T14:12:08.370+10:00Make a Meaningful GiftThere is nothing like receiving a gift that is original and meaningful. I love being asked to make a gift for a special commission, but it's even better if I can make something for a friend or loved family member, that they will treasure.<br />
<br />
Recently, a very close friend turned the big five oh! I hope she doesn't mind me blogging about her age! She's an amazing cook (and co-author of <a href="http://mondaymorningcookingclub.com.au/" target="_blank">Monday Morning Cooking Club</a>) and so I thought it would be extra nice to organise a 'foodie' type gift that could include input from a bunch of us girlfriends. <br />
<br />
Everyone emailed me a couple of words they thought best described her, and I designed a decal that I applied to a lovely platter. I ordered the special inkjet decal paper from <a href="http://www.renascentcollege.com/index.php?cPath=29_123" target="_blank">Renascent College</a>. Before I printed on the decal, I printed a sample on paper to make sure my design looked good and fitted.<br />
<br />
You need to use 3 coats of <a href="http://www.cavalierart.com.au/catalog/paint/varnishes/acrylic-varnish-spray-450gm-gloss-satin-matt" target="_blank">acrylic spray</a> to seal the decal BEFORE you apply it to the receiving surface (in this case, the platter). It takes a couple of days to get it together, as you need to wait 24hrs between the coats of acrylic spray. <br />
<br />
To apply the finished decal, soak it for a couple of minutes in water - very carefully. Watch closely, because the paper curls up and you need to keep it flat. You then apply the decal to the receiving surface, sliding off the backing paper very carefully, as it slips around a bit. Use a sponge to soak up the excess water.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NogT5Q6KmE/T-kzTXvc_wI/AAAAAAAABQ0/zOc7a72kmJI/s1600/IMG_1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NogT5Q6KmE/T-kzTXvc_wI/AAAAAAAABQ0/zOc7a72kmJI/s200/IMG_1506.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soak in water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzU46JvxD_g/T-kzctM_arI/AAAAAAAABQ8/bZFUbwsApj0/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzU46JvxD_g/T-kzctM_arI/AAAAAAAABQ8/bZFUbwsApj0/s200/IMG_1515.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">slide off the backing paper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The finished platter looks excellent. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__-dleYw2E/T-kwWiCBDCI/AAAAAAAABQY/Tx_Vktf_XcM/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h__-dleYw2E/T-kwWiCBDCI/AAAAAAAABQY/Tx_Vktf_XcM/s320/IMG_1525.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also included a candle with the platter - as she lights up our lives just by being our friend! I removed the label from the candle and added a personalised one. You can do this on your computer, and as you can see, it's up to you how you put together your label. I did some stitching, and added some twine and a couple of charms.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJN245Hl93Y/T-kwi0hBmiI/AAAAAAAABQg/U2TzTAHfKYo/s1600/IMG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJN245Hl93Y/T-kwi0hBmiI/AAAAAAAABQg/U2TzTAHfKYo/s320/IMG_1530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgX64NDMJO4/T-kwpjKgRFI/AAAAAAAABQo/OiNhvMg9AT4/s1600/IMG_1538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgX64NDMJO4/T-kwpjKgRFI/AAAAAAAABQo/OiNhvMg9AT4/s320/IMG_1538.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She was very touched, and it was really special being able to make something for her that was received with such excitement!Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-77752500895733843382012-05-25T13:39:00.001+10:002012-05-25T19:14:45.632+10:00Random TipMayonnaise is usually reserved for sandwiches right??<br />
<br />
Well here's something else you can do with mayonnaise. <br />
<br />
I have had a watermark stain on my antique baby grand piano - for years...which I've just been covering up with my pile of music books. I came across an article with <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/35-lifechanging-ways-to-use-everyday-objects" target="_blank">35 'great tips that will change your life"</a> and read that if you smear mayonnaise on a watermark on a piece of furniture then it will disappear! I decided it was worth a try - and to my surprise, it worked a treat.<br />
<br />
My piano is lacquered, I don't think I'd do it on an unlacquered wood as it would just seep into the wood and make an oily stain. <br />
<br />
And as for changing my life... I'm not looking to do that, and if I was, I think that might take more than a jar of mayonnaise! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IhVy4VTOjsk/T77-5trF4sI/AAAAAAAABPk/kkxg6OPyFUE/s640/blogger-image--1746225643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IhVy4VTOjsk/T77-5trF4sI/AAAAAAAABPk/kkxg6OPyFUE/s640/blogger-image--1746225643.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WPUAL2UHwFE/T77-6f2ayoI/AAAAAAAABPo/WAGG8BImiO8/s640/blogger-image--2076406326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WPUAL2UHwFE/T77-6f2ayoI/AAAAAAAABPo/WAGG8BImiO8/s640/blogger-image--2076406326.jpg" /></a></div>Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-68975558342609909612012-05-22T18:12:00.000+10:002012-05-22T18:12:05.338+10:00My new little Blog Badge.I cannot begin to tell you how frustrated I've been, trying to get a blog badge onto my blog. <br />
<br />
I just couldn't work it out. I tried SO many tutorials and spent countless hours... until I came across the instructions from <a href="http://oikology101.blogspot.com.au/2008/09/make-your-own-button-for-your-blogger.html" target="_blank">Oikology 101</a>. Thank you, thank you. Maybe it was because I'd been trying for so long that the instructions started to make sense.... not sure. But if you need a badge for your BLOGGER blog, then I would recommend you give this tutorial a go. <br />
<br />
Next step is to now start a little collection of cool badges...Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-23345712677890929272012-05-22T14:17:00.000+10:002012-05-22T16:08:30.239+10:00Pinterest Spam AlertI've said it once, and I'll say it again... I love <a href="http://pinterest.com/debbi_weiss" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. And if you are looking at this post, you probably arrived here via Pinterest. So maybe you can help me....<br />
<br />
I have an issue that I'm trying to sort out....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S7EevlrXqM/T7sR6qEBQeI/AAAAAAAABN8/2pwj8io4fnY/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S7EevlrXqM/T7sR6qEBQeI/AAAAAAAABN8/2pwj8io4fnY/s1600/Picture+8.png" /></a></div>
A few months ago, I put up my <b>very</b> <b>first</b> pin... it was for a <a href="http://createforevermore.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/cable-reel-table.html" target="_blank">repurposed cable reel table</a> which I had made. Click <a href="http://createforevermore.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/cable-reel-table.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the instructions. <br />
<br />
Within a couple of weeks, it had been repinned nearly 1000 times. I was quite staggered. (What a pity I wasn't selling them on my blog!!). <br />
<br />
One day, I found myself playing around on the Pinterest site, and noticed that if I entered "cable reel" into the Pinterest search box, my little table came up on the screen hundreds of times!!! What the??<br />
<br />
So I started clicking on the images, and noticed that some of them <b>didn't link back to my blog </b>(which is what is supposed to happen when you click on an image on Pinterest)<u>,</u> they either went to another site selling something, or else there was an alert put up by Pinterest saying:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4BIqbDlnu8/T7sN6l06eMI/AAAAAAAABNs/4QFn2FoOyjs/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4BIqbDlnu8/T7sN6l06eMI/AAAAAAAABNs/4QFn2FoOyjs/s200/Picture+4.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I sent a message to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> to report this and I'm still waiting to hear an answer from them.<br />
<br />
I think I might have to delete my original pin.... and replace the picture with another one. But who's to say it won't happen again? I certainly don't want to direct people to spam sites!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKzSKdFlt_8/T7sPOiJitkI/AAAAAAAABN0/H2BpJ0RbRNw/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKzSKdFlt_8/T7sPOiJitkI/AAAAAAAABN0/H2BpJ0RbRNw/s400/Picture+2.png" width="248" /></a></div>
Just for the record, I'm going to load up a screen shot of my original pin - which has now got close to 10,000 repins. <br />
<br />
I'm not a technical guru, so if someone out there can tell me what to do ... I'd love some advice.<br />
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-56761672730690071832012-05-17T18:43:00.001+10:002012-05-17T19:20:56.898+10:00Time for a bit of sewing.Who has time...<br />
<br />
I mean really!!?<br />
<br />
Between work, family, extended family, cooking, cleaning, gardening, laundry, maintaining the house... sometimes I just get the urge to sit and create something nice.<br />
<br />
I had a friend with a birthday this week, so I decided to make her a cute little makeup pouch using a tutorial from the very talented <a href="http://flossieteacakes.blogspot.com.au/2009/05/lined-zippered-pouch-make-up-bag.html">Flossie Teacakes: Lined, zippered pouch / make up bag tutorial</a>. My friend loves Babushkas, so I found a fun fabric, and had some handy scraps for the lining. I've got quite a collection of zippers and had just the right size and colour at the ready. <br />
<br />
I also made a beaded bracelet to give her with the pouch. And of course, I made a spare purse...just for me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ux3ZDAbs_A/T7S53EhyX8I/AAAAAAAABNg/XVkJRtCtzuo/s1600/babushka+purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ux3ZDAbs_A/T7S53EhyX8I/AAAAAAAABNg/XVkJRtCtzuo/s320/babushka+purse.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
(I secretly wish I had more friends who could give me a homemade gift on my birthday too!!)<br />
<br />
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-11978966337438512312012-04-28T18:59:00.001+10:002012-04-28T18:59:38.129+10:00Trying to work out the blogging thing.Gee there are some amazing blogs out there.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm into <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> I've been visiting loads of blogs. Creative blogs - cooks, artists, crafters, builders, DIY people and all sorts of stuff.<br />
<br />
As a result, I decided to change my blog header and look. I t's taken me the better part of 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon to do this and it makes me wonder how all these bloggers get the time to maintain and update their blogs. Also, how do they get the advertising?<br />
<br />
Can anyone give me any tips? <br />
<br />
For some reason, I also have had about 2000 page views every month - yet I only have 12 followers? How do these bloggers get thousands of followers?<br />
<br />
If you are stopping by my itsy bitsy blog for a peek, please leave me a comment if you can answer the above for questions!Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-28546310490442695382012-03-29T15:59:00.001+11:002012-03-29T16:00:42.923+11:00To Etsy or Not...that is the question?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been thinking about trying out a little etsy shop.... but what to make? I've decided if I go there, it will be with some beading. Love, love, love beading! And it's very in right now. So I tested out a couple of ideas, including the bracelet below, using fabrics, leather, beads, semi-precious stones and other bits and pieces. I actually gave this bracelet as a gift to a good friend. What do you think? Comments anyone?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2xANmMu8LA/T3PryUN85PI/AAAAAAAABM0/7h2iGYWtbJs/s1600/believe+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2xANmMu8LA/T3PryUN85PI/AAAAAAAABM0/7h2iGYWtbJs/s320/believe+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMW4pBo5o1w/T3Pr2iTarUI/AAAAAAAABM8/CXTFYO2629Q/s1600/believe+bracelet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMW4pBo5o1w/T3Pr2iTarUI/AAAAAAAABM8/CXTFYO2629Q/s320/believe+bracelet3.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-2835224339457708602012-03-17T09:42:00.001+11:002012-03-18T08:06:41.113+11:00Bring Back Creativity.What has happened to us?? Birthday presents have turned into vouchers, money inside cards, and electronic gadgetry! I vote to turn the tide and go back to the good old days of presents with a bit of heart! <br />
My niece turned 13 recently and although I know she would have been thrilled to get a voucher to use at the shopping center, I decided I would give her a different voucher... A "learn to crochet with Aunty Debbi" voucher. This idea quickly became a bit more than just the printing up of a voucher to pop inside the card. <br />
I crocheted a granny square, sewed it onto some nice paper and backing - making a little tag pocket for my voucher. Then I got a plain calico bag and personalised it with her initial appliquéd on to some fabric which I embellished with some crocheted flowers and buttons. <br />
I filled the bag up with colored wools and a selection of crochet hooks. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/16/2476.jpg"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/16/s_2476.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="193" /></a></center><br />
She was delighted! And we will be starting our first lesson this weekend. <br />
My grandma would be so proud of me! There should be a world wide movement to get kids off the couch, away from gadgets, out of malls, and back to creativity and sports!! <br />
<br />
I'm all for that concept. <br />
<br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneDebbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-38040390812973862632012-03-01T14:47:00.000+11:002012-04-28T18:47:37.651+10:00Personalised Recipe Binder<br />
<br />
I just finished a beautiful personalised recipe binder - made for a client who wanted something special for a pre-wedding kitchen tea bridal gift.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhkhTBJcqfs/T07qyHKfncI/AAAAAAAABJ0/PliSD1DlmuU/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhkhTBJcqfs/T07qyHKfncI/AAAAAAAABJ0/PliSD1DlmuU/s400/IMG_0805.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love taking ordinary stuff and giving it a WOW factor!<br />
<br />
The client asked for whites and neutrals, and explicitly asked for it to be extra chunky and textural. So this is how the front detail looked:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XTKuyNgYM/T07treuJHwI/AAAAAAAABKE/kwYjNhXiqyI/s1600/IMG_0807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XTKuyNgYM/T07treuJHwI/AAAAAAAABKE/kwYjNhXiqyI/s400/IMG_0807.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As you can see, I embossed a wooden spoon as the focal point for the front, and added a beautiful big coconut shell button, which I wired up with beads to make the flower. I added the natural meshy leaves which were originally part of a big bow that I found in the millinery section of the craft store.<br />
<br />
The divider pages have been detailed with a strip of paper which I cut to size and machine stitched onto the plastic divider sheets. I then used my label maker to make the labels for each section.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeSIfvx57fM/T07u8pFsC6I/AAAAAAAABKQ/bi7yPJRLOas/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeSIfvx57fM/T07u8pFsC6I/AAAAAAAABKQ/bi7yPJRLOas/s400/IMG_0801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I made a cute pocket for the inside of the binder - to put magazine recipe cut outs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZmQk53UQOU/T07v1fuC7vI/AAAAAAAABKc/_T4wx01YZ-g/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZmQk53UQOU/T07v1fuC7vI/AAAAAAAABKc/_T4wx01YZ-g/s400/IMG_0819.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also designed a sheet that can be photocopied - to keep track of all the dinner parties/celebrations/entertaining that the couple will do. (I actually have my own book which I've kept for the last 23 years, with all the dates/visitors/afternoon teas/birthdays/entertaining etc. that we've done!! - It's a wonderful thing to look back on and see what we ate and who came over!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_gBGhNSDbE/T07wxRdsf4I/AAAAAAAABKo/Nub70swSRb0/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_gBGhNSDbE/T07wxRdsf4I/AAAAAAAABKo/Nub70swSRb0/s400/IMG_0825.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Here are the instructions if you want to have a go at making one yourself.</span></b><br />
<b>Materials List: Binder, dividers, Fabrics, iron on interfacing, papers/buttons/embellishments, label maker, spray adhesive.</b><br />
<b>Tools: Scissors, sewing machine, iron, paper/pencil, hot glue gun, double sided tape, bull clips</b><br />
<br />
Step one: Measure your front cover fabric adding about 6cm all around. This extra will be folded around the binder edges and glued down later. I used 2 fabrics and sewed them together. Iron on the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsssTERU4NU/T07zHAkSVGI/AAAAAAAABK4/4mQNEp8WfTM/s1600/IMG_0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsssTERU4NU/T07zHAkSVGI/AAAAAAAABK4/4mQNEp8WfTM/s320/IMG_0738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pin the cover around the binder and press with your fingers. Lightly press with the iron. You can now see where the edge is - which makes it easier to decorate the front cover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtIBnXMXOFw/T07zLQzHqsI/AAAAAAAABLA/oRB5TrrH4Xg/s1600/IMG_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtIBnXMXOFw/T07zLQzHqsI/AAAAAAAABLA/oRB5TrrH4Xg/s320/IMG_0743.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Put the cover aside, and now get to the fabric lining the inside of the binder. Measure the inner fabric to the exact size of the binder. Cut a piece of interfacing 2cm shorter all around and iron on to the fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dryhlVw9eN4/T07zQhfrYGI/AAAAAAAABLI/sSyXJ0KGLDY/s1600/IMG_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dryhlVw9eN4/T07zQhfrYGI/AAAAAAAABLI/sSyXJ0KGLDY/s320/IMG_0748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fold the edges of the lining fabric and iron down. Stitch around the edge with your sewing machine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now, we come to making the template for the hole for the binder rings to fit through the lining fabric.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used a piece of scrap paper and eyeballed the size and shape of the binder rings and drew it onto my paper. Then I cut out the paper to check I had the right size and that it fit around the binder rings. You need to cut the paper as you see here - with a notch and fold to the edge. This is where the fabric will be folded and sewn around the binder rings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ3urnDfEEw/T071v9j_hmI/AAAAAAAABLQ/YGteTKjVVFQ/s1600/IMG_0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ3urnDfEEw/T071v9j_hmI/AAAAAAAABLQ/YGteTKjVVFQ/s320/IMG_0752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
To position the hole on the lining fabric, <b>line up your lining fabric with the binder cover</b>, and place your paper template in position. It will be uncentered, as the binder rings are not usually centered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euxizdpcSo4/T0710GgifNI/AAAAAAAABLY/NqN7fjrLzes/s1600/IMG_0753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euxizdpcSo4/T0710GgifNI/AAAAAAAABLY/NqN7fjrLzes/s320/IMG_0753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Trace around your template. Check measure before cutting, that your opening is in the right position from the top and bottom of the fabric lining - remembering that you are about 2cm away from the actual edge of the binder, as the lining is 2cm shorter all the way around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl2wmtgnC5E/T0714bkOWNI/AAAAAAAABLg/98uFsuUcmKk/s1600/IMG_0754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl2wmtgnC5E/T0714bkOWNI/AAAAAAAABLg/98uFsuUcmKk/s320/IMG_0754.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is how it looks on the fabric lining.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SydL2l98W4/T071-NxZYjI/AAAAAAAABLo/AxOsGu2I5AQ/s1600/IMG_0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SydL2l98W4/T071-NxZYjI/AAAAAAAABLo/AxOsGu2I5AQ/s320/IMG_0755.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut out the hole and diagonal notches to the corners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fp9C7ex8Mn0/T072CiMCQvI/AAAAAAAABLw/82HhcNiBYyI/s1600/IMG_0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fp9C7ex8Mn0/T072CiMCQvI/AAAAAAAABLw/82HhcNiBYyI/s320/IMG_0756.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Fold the edges to the inside and pin down. Check that it all fits over the binder rings!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vaWZ4Ltb_E/T072Hl3IXPI/AAAAAAAABL4/R_pMLzCYg5w/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vaWZ4Ltb_E/T072Hl3IXPI/AAAAAAAABL4/R_pMLzCYg5w/s320/IMG_0757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Stitch around the folded edges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqdvzMRSbwY/T072MoX_rbI/AAAAAAAABMA/BDmMiVtlbPo/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqdvzMRSbwY/T072MoX_rbI/AAAAAAAABMA/BDmMiVtlbPo/s320/IMG_0758.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now you are up to decorating the front cover and making a pocket. Pin everything down using the ironing lines as your guide to where the edges are. Then stitch in place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOO3O8Flw9w/T0789X5eMzI/AAAAAAAABMI/aTOZOPWxfCM/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOO3O8Flw9w/T0789X5eMzI/AAAAAAAABMI/aTOZOPWxfCM/s320/IMG_0750.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut your pocket and iron on some interfacing to the wrong side. Add your embellishments and sew into place. Then stitch pocket onto fabric lining. <b>You won't be able to stitch anything onto the pocket or front cover once they are glued down onto the binder. So make sure anything you want to stitch down is done now.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OaAuR_lCmuw/T079Dbt79WI/AAAAAAAABMQ/eKrX89cH9G4/s1600/IMG_0761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OaAuR_lCmuw/T079Dbt79WI/AAAAAAAABMQ/eKrX89cH9G4/s320/IMG_0761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To make the dividers, put double sided tape at the very edge of the divider - including on the very edge of the tab. Stick down a strip of scrapbooking paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcnDjfuddD4/T079IQ5YUjI/AAAAAAAABMY/YX744fULGWM/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcnDjfuddD4/T079IQ5YUjI/AAAAAAAABMY/YX744fULGWM/s320/IMG_0797.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Stitch the paper in place using your machine. I used a zig zag stitch. Turn the divider over and trim around the divider tab shape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQWlxwSs0yY/T079OYxB2iI/AAAAAAAABMg/vW-kPX84OA4/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQWlxwSs0yY/T079OYxB2iI/AAAAAAAABMg/vW-kPX84OA4/s320/IMG_0800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I made 10 divider tabs - starters, soups, salads, pasta, fish, meat, chicken, cakes & desserts, inspirations, and entertaining. Use a label machine to make the label tabs. I used a similar one to <a href="http://labelcity.com.au/p-181-brother-p-touch-7100vp.aspx">this.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47P5FbNL6xE/T079SzhGLII/AAAAAAAABMo/ZFjprY2HMfs/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47P5FbNL6xE/T079SzhGLII/AAAAAAAABMo/ZFjprY2HMfs/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now, for covering the binder. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spray the outer side of the BINDER with spray adhesive. Position the cover and press into place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Carefully spray around the inside EDGE of the BINDER and fold over the cover fabric. Clamp down using some bull clips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spray the inside of the binder carefully, and up to about 2cm AWAY from the edge. Stick down the lining fabric making sure the edges are firmly glued down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lastly, add on the chunky details using your hot glue gun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Add the dividers and plastic sleeves and voila... you have your recipe binder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If it's all too hard... you can contact me and I'll be happy to make one for you!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-17571676271673247182012-02-22T15:24:00.002+11:002012-02-26T11:31:47.330+11:00Literally a "Pinspiration"I stumbled across a good idea on Pinterest recently and as soon as I saw the picture I went to my scraps box and whipped up this pincushion in 15 minutes. <br /><br />I now have a pinterest inspired pincushion on my sewing machine. A True Pinspiration. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5711726278720965874'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kTO5Xozyig4/T0QgydltTPI/AAAAAAAABJM/QQR4gErx21w/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='185' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I only checked afterwards, that the original idea used ribbon to attach to the sewing machine, but I used elastic and a buttonhole. <br /><br />Very happy!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5711726324618814802'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qu4a23nopOI/T0Qg1Ikm5VI/AAAAAAAABJU/kCXhwDy98GU/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Every sewer knows the perils of pins! My pins always fall on the floor or spike my fingers as I try to get them out of my pinbox. This way, I have a pincushion attached to my machine which also looks really cute and is very functional!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to make:</span><br />1. Measure elastic to fit around machine. <br />2. Measure and cut thick fabric that folds in half to fit front panel of machine. Add an extra 4cm for the buttonhole panel. My fabric was 14x12cm which I folded to 14x6. <br />3. Fold the fabric and sew in the elastic on the short side of the folded fabric. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5711726369099139202'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kN1DwjA0Ye4/T0Qg3uRiyII/AAAAAAAABJc/zNzXgS2uSKU/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Continue sewing the longer side so you have 2 sides sewn and one shorter side left open. <br />4. Turn inside out and stuff with some stuffing. I stuffed about 11cm into the tube which is the measurement of the front panel of my machine. <br />5. Stitch a seam to hold the stuffing in - leaving about 3cm for the button hole section. My seam was at 11cm - the same as the front panel of my machine. The seam separates the stuffing from the buttonhole panel. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5711726416393642114'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l5fqfREqkIM/T0Qg6edboII/AAAAAAAABJk/UIlWMMnOGaI/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='228' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />6. Turn in the raw end and stitch. Put in your buttonhole. Or if you can't, then a bit of Velcro or a press stud would work. <br /><br />7. Sew the button to the end of the elastic and attach to the machine. <br /><br />Done.Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-83199371958231445772012-01-26T21:51:00.002+11:002012-04-28T18:48:05.788+10:00Lucky FindsOne of my favorite thrills is finding a discarded piece of junk by the side of the road, and knowing that I can give it a new lease on life! <br /><br />I was recently driving with my daughter and we spotted this disgusting foot stool on the nature strip. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890482011869058'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d8gH6K-7BGQ/TyEvLvh_j4I/AAAAAAAABHk/K-Ef8L2i6N8/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It even had an adjustable feature for angling the cushion. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890575776760066'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DDWz6ozbRcA/TyEvRM1SQQI/AAAAAAAABHs/C_TDohxA2f4/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We did an illegal U-turn and checked that it was in reasonable working order - aside from a very saggy seat cushion, so we packed it into the boot of the car. <br />A couple of days later, we decided to give it a makeover. <br /><br />We first took out the staples and removed the seat cushion. This is how it looked inside:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890656406263954'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GKVCLwMGz8/TyEvV5M22JI/AAAAAAAABH0/64doRh3IZqA/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It actually had CARDBOARD rather than foam!! No wonder it was so saggy. <br /><br />So, our materials list was:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890721779845506'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9GL9QcxaWug/TyEvZsvIiYI/AAAAAAAABH8/2_t-VYUNjm0/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We popped into one of our favorite fabric stores <a href=" http://www.cheesoonfitzgerald.com/ ">Chee Soon & Fitzgerald</a> where my daughter picked out a lovely floral linen fabric. Cost $50.00 - a bit of a splurge but I figured if it didn't work out I could make something else with the fabric. We then went to <br /><a href="http://www.thefoambooth.com.au/">The Foam Booth</a> where we got our foam seat cushion supplied and cut to size for $13. <br />Then went in to <a href="http://www.porterspaints.com/">Porters Paints</a> to get a good quality paint. I bought a couple of small sample pots $5 each. <br /><br />The reupholstering actually didn't take too long once we got started. <br />I saved the outer wooden edge and cut an extra piece of wood to add strength to the center of the cushion. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890788606804466'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tq3Uc9QTdO8/TyEvdlr7AfI/AAAAAAAABIE/f7mN6MASshU/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we covered the foam and wood frame with wadding and stapled it together with the staple gun. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890842603400258'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mdVsnO-b00g/TyEvgu1trEI/AAAAAAAABIM/fsbV-rczcsM/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I wrapped the wadding with a spare piece of fabric to give strength to the outer layer of fabric. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701890973724339906'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KD1m1ZXaaI/TyEvoXTYbsI/AAAAAAAABIU/-1GNZ7T7xPA/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I finished the edges with some strong upholstering thread and a running stitch as there was too much thickness for the staple<br />gun. <br />Then covered the seat with the linen fabric gathering the edges again in the corners. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701891148035612546'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XYms4hjwMYg/TyEvygqbX4I/AAAAAAAABIc/buft4oFiJug/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701891330802936738'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oFLyuYd-5rU/TyEv9Jhja6I/AAAAAAAABIk/jZPyrXXYock/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cut off the excess fabric and put the cushion aside while painting the wooden frame. <br />We sanded the frame and then painted it - only needed one small sample pot! Rubbed back some of the paint after it dried with methylated spirits and a rough rag. The whole job took about 3 hours - including the painting!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5701891519137902338'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-11mSDA6BVpI/TyEwIHIG7wI/AAAAAAAABIs/Suntm6MGl8I/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='274' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We are thrilled with the results and love our new little quirky blue footstool!!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneDebbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-74086213687795545562011-12-30T07:46:00.000+11:002012-02-26T11:34:00.598+11:00Moroccan Beading & Henna PartyI recently facilitated a Morrocan Beading Bar for a pre wedding Henna Party. The Henna Party is a Middle Eastern custom where the bride and groom to be, are blessed through prayer and song, and is a beautiful ceremony including Henna Tattoos for all the guests and the bridal families. <br /><br />My Beading Bar was a huge hit with all the guests including the adults young and old, male and female, and the few kids who were there. I supplied a beautiful range of crystal, silver, pearl, stone, bronze beads which meant that the bracelets and anklets that everyone made looked so good! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5691659777673181458'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A9sVllXTfRA/TvzWaX6WuRI/AAAAAAAABGY/Uoit1rIePFU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I restored an old printers tray I had lying under my studio table to hold all the beads. I also sourced some wooden and silver bowls at some local vintage markets to hold assorted beads. I made a tree from wire and paper mâché to display all the sample bracelets that I'd made. And I painted some terracotta dishes for the guests to use as their bead trays. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5691659799465495890'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1sIg6WGnQpg/TvzWbpGDDVI/AAAAAAAABGg/g1-NZJbN7XI/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5691659830978848082'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2qzp3z-ueqs/TvzWdefapVI/AAAAAAAABGo/NFmvPeQNO9U/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Some of the guests were surprised to find that they were able to make something so pretty with a few beads and a bit of patience. <br /><br /> All in all, a big hit. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5691659853247910898'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m3UHF9Zpna0/TvzWexcxk_I/AAAAAAAABGw/jxYE-u-z658/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5691659871679919266'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B4Dd-CBNl7I/TvzWf2HTtKI/AAAAAAAABG0/oHC1-d5_N5k/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress<br /> from my iPhone<br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-27753952565337765782011-12-20T09:26:00.004+11:002012-02-26T11:30:06.538+11:00A Christening with a Difference<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3rXOr4TBsY/Tu-8P0Nl5oI/AAAAAAAABF8/UDutBUVuODE/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3rXOr4TBsY/Tu-8P0Nl5oI/AAAAAAAABF8/UDutBUVuODE/s400/IMG_0102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687971834291938946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've never been asked to work at a Christening before... but there's always a first, and this was it. <br /><br />A very classy event, with a stylist, a beautiful venue, a band, catering and me! <br /><br />I had a young crowd to please so we did some wet/dry pastel painting on canvas, beading, colouring in (on a custom designed personalised placemat by me especially for the event), photo frame and treasure box making. The brief was to keep things as 'clean' as possible, and I'm happy to say that the white starched table cloths had more stains from the tomato sauce and chips than they did from the art making!<br /><br />It was a challenge doing the art at the lunch table, and I also had to set up a display on the lunch table to fit in with the room decor, but the event went beautifully and we managed to keep the kids happy and busy between 11am and 4pm! So the client was thrilled and so were the kids.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9BbCdGF6r4/Tu-9RPC8txI/AAAAAAAABGM/69PlOdVHbyw/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9BbCdGF6r4/Tu-9RPC8txI/AAAAAAAABGM/69PlOdVHbyw/s400/IMG_0104.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687972958186551058" /></a>Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-43017548122857997842011-12-20T08:53:00.006+11:002012-02-26T11:29:24.789+11:0089 Kids on a Rainy DayI was booked to facilitate and design some activities at a large party at Nielsen Park Kiosk recently, with many families invited. The kids had lunch and then had the option of coming to my 'art studio' which I'd set up in a gorgeous hall or going to the beach for a swim. Problem was, the rain started. So all the kids came in to the studio at once! My well thought out plan went into meltdown and it was all hands on deck for the first 15 minutes of chaos! After that, it settled down and the event went really well. Luckily, there was a microphone, so I was able to be heard above the mayhem, and explain to the kids how the afternoon would pan out! There were 89 kids from ages 4-17. I had 3 activities organised including tie dying singlets - for all of them, painting and decorating a shadow box for the 4-6 yr olds, and making a "family boat" canvas for the 6+ kids. The brief was to create things with an earthy Hamptons Design feel... so I used lots of neutral colours, driftwood, metals, twine, and natural elements including shells, and starfish. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that the kids have a ball - and they did.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is the Family Boat Canvas - the kids painted a background, and a wooden word, then made a boat using tin, driftwood, wire, metal mesh, and various tools. You can't see so well in the picture, but the family name was embossed onto the tin sail using metal punches. It looked really good I must say!.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9McbxD8wyI/Tu-2vU3XAnI/AAAAAAAABFs/Z24yv0BAF0A/s1600/IMG_0118.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9McbxD8wyI/Tu-2vU3XAnI/AAAAAAAABFs/Z24yv0BAF0A/s400/IMG_0118.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687965778563236466" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My studio display corner!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwVcrys6lgg/Tu-2uhgZ_oI/AAAAAAAABFg/Ym8l8qB6otI/s1600/DSCF1343.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwVcrys6lgg/Tu-2uhgZ_oI/AAAAAAAABFg/Ym8l8qB6otI/s400/DSCF1343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687965764776754818" /></a>Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7505400408842243270.post-48935375993519421242011-12-19T09:22:00.002+11:002012-02-26T11:30:47.759+11:00Cable Reel TableA couple of weeks ago I picked up these cable reels from an old building site and thought they'd make great coffee tables. We have an oddly shaped room which has been waiting for a coffee table for months but I just haven't found anything suitable in the stores.<br /><br />We went to the hardware store and bought ourselves an orbital sander - now my favorite tool! It's amazing what this little thing does and I can't wait for more council pickups to get my hands on some more old furniture that I can now sand and restore or repurpose!<br /><br /><br />We needed quite a lot of tools for the job. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5687597284862912226'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L2mHV17aKfw/Tu5nmK265uI/AAAAAAAABEc/UZhq5sKXTDQ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Sanding all over the reel was easy with this orbital sander by Ozito - $30 from the hardware store. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5687597315392561778'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jvclw-6VXGc/Tu5nn8lwYnI/AAAAAAAABEk/CUJL6nmxNSE/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We measured 70mm from the outside edge of the reel and drilled 25mm holes through the top with a spade bit. <br /><br /><br />We pushed 25mm dowel through the holes and then notched out another hole in the bottom of the reel for the dowel to fit into straight and tight. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5687597383617558994'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZE-hrtLFIPg/Tu5nr6v3OdI/AAAAAAAABE8/jmk3WiMKbD8/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The finished table is really cool - still may get some castors, but for now we love it! <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/100795772015293315629/CreateForeverMoreByDebbiWeiss#5687597402275613650'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_CiU9yNv4yE/Tu5ntAQSi9I/AAAAAAAABFE/SI4Od6voKew/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Debbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08287192657187451516noreply@blogger.com17