Crafty B

Changes v2

2009-02-04T23:40:00.002Z

Think I've got it all sorted!?!

Sadly it's farewell to Crafty B and hello to Pink Stitches!!
I am going to leave this blog up and running so people can see where I've gone!
Please pop on over and say hello at Pink Stitches

Changes

2009-02-03T22:27:00.002Z

Hello there! (So much to catch up on and talk about but for today an explanation)
I have been pondering about this for a while and now I've decided to put the plan into action!
My dilemma - two blogs CraftyB and Pink Stitches.
When I get round to selling my goodies I do so under the name of Pink Stitches, I have changed Flickr to Pink Stitches, therefore as you can partly see I am going to be changing the blog to Pink Stitches!

Does all that make sense!?!
So hopefully as of tomorrow you will only be able to access my blog through pink-stitches.blogspot.com

I do hope that all my fab readers follow me over!
Pink Stitches xx

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-22T21:51:00.001Z

It's been snowing!
Originally uploaded by Crafty B

It's been forever since I've visited my blog!!
What with the start of November presenting me with a cold, that turned into another cold that turned into the flu that I have only just got rid of!
Yep no mojo at all around here!
I have not been posting nor have I been keeping up to date with what everyone else is up to! I have a lot to catch up on!
This will be the last post of 2008. I am hoping for a germ free, relaxing holiday ready and raring for a refreshed outlook on 2009!!

So to everyone have a Happy, Healthy Christmas and sending Crafty Wishes for 2009. x

(Photo from April 08 - yes April!! If only to wake up to this on Christmas day!)

Tutorial revival!

2008-11-11T23:38:00.005Z

Hi - apologies for the unexpected time out. It was needed!
I have been busy putting together a few things for Christmas, one project is more of my fabric covered buttons and fabric covered button magnets.

These make great little presents.
So for all newbies blog readers and if you fancy a go yourself here is a tutorial revival that I originally posted last June! Enjoy!

Leafletter is a great interactive tool for tutorials so get clicking and it will take you through each stage. As this is a tutorial revival they are no longer a giveaway! Sorry!

(P.S - Pink Stitches is the name that I sell my hand made goodies under - just in case you were wondering!)

Bubble wrap!

2008-11-05T00:04:00.001Z

I've seen bubble wrap used in textiles a few times and this was an amazing piece of work that was on display at the Knit and Stitch show!

That Monday morning feeling!

2008-11-03T21:29:00.003Z

Not a good start to the day...I was a bit like Donald!!
Thank goodness for the RAC!!

Cloud + rain - sunshine = poor photos!!

2008-11-02T17:13:00.004Z

Trying to take photos of projects at this time of the year I always find difficult. I don't have a fancy camera just a bog standard digital one, but today out came the hand book and I had a little play moving away from the Auto mode, changing lighting, ISO speed etc and they came out much better than usual. I always find the colour different in my photos to real life. Still not 100% but better! Any tips or suggestions much appreciated!
Here are a couple of shots of my new cotton yarn.

Handmade Holidays!!

2008-11-01T23:45:00.004Z

If you're not familiar with the fab blog, shop and forums at Sew, Mama, Sew then I suggest you go check it out!
November sees the start of their Handmade Holidays!! Lots of great ideas, tutorials, links and giveaways!!

2008-10-31T16:49:00.002Z

(Photo of my pumpkin last year before stuffing, cooking and eating!)

Crafty books for the Christmas list!

2008-10-30T20:50:00.002Z

You can never be too early putting your Christmas list together!

Some of these are pre release for 2009, but would love to know people's thoughts if they have any of these!

Crafting - but something is missing??

2008-10-29T21:40:00.004Z

No fabric!! There must be something wrong!!
Yep I'm away from my sewing machine and craft room, but I just can't sit still. I've bought a little hand sewing project with me to do and may give that a go tomorrow but for now I've started a paper crafting project.

So here is WIP...
Lots of paper circles

With a bit of scoring

Generosity returned

2008-10-28T16:12:00.005Z

What a lovely end to the day yesterday - just as I finished and packaged up my little giveaway parcel I found out I had won a giveaway!!
1 yard of lovely fabric from Sew, Mama, Sew!
If you have never checked out their site rush on over. They have great fabric in their shop, an excellent blog with lots of ideas and a forum to chat about all things crafty!

Thanks to everyone for all their lovely e mails lately! I do enjoy replying to them but not everyone has a link to an email address, so I apologise if you are awaiting a reply as some of you asked me questions about my blog. E mail me again with your address and I'll get back to you!

And the winner is...

2008-10-27T21:24:00.005Z

Congrats to Muralimanohar, comment number 9! Using a random number generator you have won the Cath Kidston coin purse, I will be in touch. Thanks to everyone else who left a comment. There will be another giveaway at the end of November!
I am away from my usual abode this week but hope to keep up my daily posting!
Yes have you noticed I have been blogging daily!! I can't quite believe it myself! I will soon run out of things to say!!

Image from PBS Sesame Street - print out and go colour in!

A crafty post?

2008-10-26T18:49:00.004Z

Yes thought it about time to post a bit of crafty news!
I still need to take photos of all the goodies I bought at the Knit and Stitch show but it is so dark tonight what with the clocks going back that the plan went out of the window!
Some earlier photos of sewing/crafting gadgets I can not live without.
My fab bobbin saver! Doesn't look too full there and is also purple although looks blue!!

Fabric marking pencils - hate using a normal pencil!

What crafting gadgets do you have?
Remember you have a few hours left to enter the giveaway to win this.

Good luck!

Crazy Daisy

2008-10-25T21:53:00.004+01:00

Whilst at the garden centre today I did my guilty photo taking (always worry a shop assistant is going to come and tackle me!) of this lovely tableware by Portmeirion called Crazy Daisy. How fab is that pattern!

REMEMBER TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY - CLICK HERE!

Warning, warning....

2008-10-24T22:21:00.005+01:00

Slight photo overload!!
Can't believe Friday is here again!
To finish the week here are a few random but favourite photos from my holiday to Canada and New York. Enjoy!

Hairspray on Broadway - Fantastic!!!

Peering into Sky Dome whilst having dinner at top of CN Tower at revolving restaurant.

Amazing view from Casa Loma.

Lovely buildings at the Distillery district.

Tim Hortons I love you! Yummy scrummy sweet treats!

How cute is this!

Even cuter at Toronto Zoo!
Not too bad out of 600 photos!

I could definitely live here!

2008-10-23T22:38:00.006+01:00

Niagara on the Lakes!
This place was gorgeous. After a short drive from the Falls we stopped here late afternoon and stayed all evening. Lovely buildings, people, shops and restaurants.

And just look at these delights!!

REMEMBER TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY - CLICK HERE!

New York

2008-10-22T19:53:00.003+01:00

Walking around the Fashion District in New York. Just look at the size of the button and needle!

These were dotted around the fashion district but I could not get many photos as there were too many people walking all over them!

Don't forget the giveaway!

Niagara Falls

2008-10-21T23:56:00.006+01:00

When I look back at my holiday we did do some slightly adventurous activities. The glass floor at the top of the CN Tower was fab, I was more nervous being crammed in the lift going up that high!
I also visited Niagara Falls which was breath taking!
The Maid of the mist boat was excellent although I was slightly anxious - visions of Titanic movie floating through my mind! (Or that may have just been Leo!)
Sorry no photos of me in my lovely blue rain mac but some of the top of the Falls and below on the boat.

Don't forget to enter the Cath Kidston giveaway! Leave a comment on Monday's post.

Holiday pics (and giveway) !!

2008-10-20T21:54:00.006+01:00

Cold, wet and dark outside. So to cheer up those Monday blues and celebrate the following:

108th post - totally missed 100th post birthday!
4 days until the weekend!!
65 days until Christmas!!!

It's time for a special giveaway!
Sorry no hand made item this time, everything is WIP, but instead a gorgeous Cath Kidston travel purse! Who could resist?

As everything is WIP, this week thought I would post a few holiday pics.
Me at the bottom of the CN Tower, Toronto and at the top stood on the glass floor. Scary! Even had dinner up there in the revolving restaurant!

To enter the giveaway just leave a comment! That's all - winner will be selected Monday 27th.

Change of plans

2008-10-19T19:03:00.003+01:00

The plan for the weekend was to get the sewing machine out and start some of the projects piling up on my desk, but it was just such nice weather yesterday instead I:

1. Went to Sainsburys.
2. Popped into John Lewis and a local fabric store for more supplies.

3. Came home, sun still shining, looked out at the back of the house to see somewhat of a jungle! Back breaking gardening for several hours! Had fun listening to my I pod at the same time!
4. Knackered, bath and bed.

Then today I woke up with a sudden urge to paint! Strange don't ask me why.
So painted the bathroom!

So much for a weekend of relaxing sewing.

Fabric shopping

2008-10-18T00:08:00.007+01:00

After work tonight I popped into John Lewis to have a quick wander and had a pleasant surprise when I spied they had Amy Butler fabric in stock!!
Yes can you believe it - finally!
So feeling all excited I rushed over and decided to get a couple of metres. Off I skipped to the counter, chatting away to the lady serving me saying how great it is that they have got the fabric in and would they be having any more and she asked me what I was going to do with the fabric, I replied possibly a bag a few things around the home and then wait for it ... this is where I was a bit miffed! She replied "I'm not too keen on the fabric it looks like my grans curtains from the 60's" - I so wanted to reply with "well your gran had good taste then" but I just had to bite my tongue!!
Apologies for the poor photo tried to sneak a quick one in, always feel guilty in shops in case they think I'm some kind of shopper spy for the competitors!

Weekend project

2008-10-16T21:58:00.003+01:00

Amy Butler treats!
Last weekend at the Knitting and Stitching show I managed to get hold of some gorgeous Amy butler fabric. Then this little lovely arrived in the post today. I am hoping after getting home from work tomorrow to give it a go! (If I'm not too knackered!)

Sorry it's too dark to take photos but the fabric I am going to use is the left hand bottom one.

Check back soon for progress!

So where did I go?

2008-10-15T22:41:00.004+01:00

Well if you hadn't guessed I went to Toronto and New York and had an amazing time! And yes I did take around 600 photos!
I love taking photos and really do need to look at getting myself a SLR digital camera thingy. I took photos of everything - me, me and my mate, scenery, people, animals, buildings, designs and patterns, street signs, my dinner and breakfast - just about anything!

Here's a few from New York inside the most amazing M&M store! Apart from loving all the chocolate I just loved all the colours!

Yummy!!

Even more chocolate!!

I also hadn't realised I'd passed my 100th post! 104 today!

So why no posts this Summer?

2008-10-14T21:00:00.003+01:00

Because I had an amazing holiday here

and here

Do you recognise them? I have around 600 photos from the trip to keep me going for a while! Don't worry I won't be posting all of them!

Don't you just love that pattern!

2008-10-13T20:36:00.005+01:00

Lovely new notebook!
After picking up lots of flyers and business cards at the Knit and Stitch show I wanted somewhere to stash them rather than in a bottom of a box or carrier bag so went out and got this today from PaperChase.

Love the design and colours plus it is cleverly divided into sections with lots of plastic pockets.

Have also been spending more time reading Sew hip!

Just what the Doctor ordered!

2008-10-12T17:28:00.005+01:00

A trip to the Knit and Stitch show!
After getting up early this morning and travelling through the fog I'm now home and absolutely knackered after a lovely day at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Ally Pally in London.

It was just what I needed to get me in the crafting mood again being around all the goodies and inspiration - so much to tell and show!
The thought of all the depressing news about the credit crunch etc was left behind for several hours as I shopped, shopped and went back and shopped for more!

My pile of goodies are all sat in front of me, unopened, as the first important thing to do when I got in was to make a good cup of tea!
Here are a few photos of the day, will post more soon!

Giant sized knitting!!

Close up of the amazing Crochet Coral Reef!

I also managed to get my hands on a copy of the new Sew Hip magazine!!! (well actually took out a subscription!)
I've had a very quick flick through and it looks soooo good! It's also funny seeing all my favourite blogs in print with their projects.

All I need now is a week off work to start using some of fab new crafting goodies, but I don't think that is going to happen!

Cool furniture

2008-09-15T22:26:00.002+01:00

Just found this fab furniture! Loving the bright vivid colours and the retro style radio.Plus those shelves have magnetic ability!!
Also loving the design of the twisty cupboard. Would make a great craft store. How cool!

html nightmare!!

2008-09-07T21:20:00.004+01:00

I need some lessons in html!
Been trying to add a few bits and pieces to the blog such as the Folksy and Dawanda logo but as you can see not of all of them fit! Then the centre part of my blog was bugging me as it was not in the middle but after several attempts still not getting anywhere! Nevermind!

Have now updated the Pink Stitches shops over at Etsy, DaWanda and Folksy ready to add some of my goodies tomorrow. Was going to do it tonight but I've had enough of computers for today!

Pink Stitches

2008-09-06T18:00:00.002+01:00

New labels for my hand made goodies!

Ramblings of my crafting adventures?

2008-09-03T22:49:00.004+01:00

Yes, uummmm?! That's what on this blog header Crafting adventures ...... well I've been having many adventures lately just not crafty ones!
I know my crafty mojo will return!
Anyways before the Summer holidays I managed to get quite a few sets of my mini lavender pillows made ready to go on Etsy. There I was busying away, plans to get organised and where are they now? In a box on a dusty shelf with the rest of my hand made goodies! I am planning (optimistically hoping) that I will get myself into gear and have them on my Etsy shop at the weekend! If not Etsy then possibly on my Dawanda or Folksy shop. The shops are all very bare!

I really like these new cute designs and they smell wonderful!

2008-09-01T21:27:00.002+01:00

It's been a long time!!

I had a desire to start up my blog posting again today after a long break and plenty of time to think about whether I wanted to carry CraftyB on. I just wasn't into it! Not sure why but I wasn't, but I think a break has been good. So Hello. Hopefully some of my regular readers are still out there?

I do have quite a bit to blog about and lots of photos of projects that I have completed or are still in progress before I took my break.

But for now Hello again!

Relax and breath...

2008-07-01T22:06:00.003+01:00

Blimey it's been manic around here!!
I really do not know where the time has gone since my last post but it has gone with a whirlwind!
My day job is keeping me mighty busy at the moment! Some of you know I'm in education and although we are soon nearing the summer hols I've never been so busy!
Over the last month and a half any craft or sewing projects have not even entered my mind and there is a nice layer of dust now settled over everything. I have not been catching up with my favourite blogs or been very good at email, so I do apologise!
I've even been tagged twice since being away so will soon get around to that as well.

Any way to cheer up the start of July and hopefully a glimpse of relaxation I went to the shops tonight and came across this lovely little beauty!

One of the Supermarkets here in the UK has teamed up with Cath Kidston to make these lovely shopper bags made from recycled bottles. Plus some of the money goes to Marie Curie Cancer Care. So far I have seen two designs so think I may have to purchase the other one as well!

Anyways it's lovely to be back and hopefully I will get in the habit of posting again.

Wrapped up

2008-04-13T19:19:00.003+01:00

Been busy this weekend purchasing goodies for several birthdays coming up soon.
I'm a sucker for stationary, pens, papers etc and can spend quite a bit of time and money in the likes of Paperchase! During my spending spree in several shops managed to find these little lovelies!
Gorgeous paper by Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater.

Completion

2008-04-08T22:11:00.004+01:00

Remember this WIP:

Well here are a select few of the finished items - a gorgeous array of wristlet key fobs. They were all destined for Etsy or DaWanda but one managed to find itself attached to my work keys!!

Etsy and DaWanda shops will be up and running this weekend. Have put it on hold for a while as they may be something else in the pipeline as well ;)

Weird Weather!!

2008-04-07T17:57:00.004+01:00

The weather over here is very strange at the moment!
Yesterday morning woke up to this outside:

Unfortunately that lovely view is not from my house but from a hotel that I was staying in. How picturesque!

Giveaway results:

Congratulations to lesalicious! If you can email me your details it will be in the post. Thanks to everyone that left comments, it was lovely to here from lots of new readers. Look out for the next giveaway in May!

Giveaway!

2008-04-01T11:34:00.008+01:00

April's here already - so as it's the first of the month thought it was time for another giveaway!
I've been busy trying new ideas for wristlets after completing my first one for the Bag Ladies Swap over on Flickr. Here is the latest creation, a nice mix of crisp white and pinks! There are one or two little imperfections with this one (I am a perfectionist - unfortunately one little mistake drives me mad!) so it turned out to be a sample but is still very usable!

Back to the giveaway - here is what is on offer:

To win leave a comment telling me what you are busy making this April!
~ Even if you're not a Crafter leave a comment for a chance to win!
Good luck! Draw will be made late this Sunday and winners announced Monday!

Bag Ladies Swap

2008-03-31T15:44:00.004+01:00

My parcel finally arrived in the US (suprisingly rather quickly) containing my handmade wristlet I sent as part of the Bag ladies swap over here. I'm glad my partner liked it!

I've already whipped up a few more for Etsy!

Summertime is here!

2008-03-30T14:56:00.005+01:00

Apparently!
So the clocks went forward last night and I've managed to change most of them around the house. Yay - an extra hour of light in the evenings. Maybe it will give me a chance to take some decent photos of the stuff I've got ready for Etsy when I get home from work in the evenings.
Busy finishing a couple of things and then time for photos and listings.
One thing I did manage to do yesterday before I lost an hour was set up my shop on DaWanda. Not sure how I'll get on there but will give it a go!

Playing around with new style mini lavender pillows made from lovely soft flannel cotton fabric. Definitely need smell-a-vision here!

It's miserable outside but...

2008-03-29T16:15:00.003Z

That's great as it means that I've actually managed to get the sewing machine out and see some of my ideas come to life! I've been busy finishing off a couple of projects to be sent to people and then trying to get some items completed for Etsy.

Work in progress:

Spring clean

2008-03-27T19:27:00.003Z

I felt it was time for a bit of a change so my blog has had a spring clean!

A few new colours, information and a new header. The header took me forever to sort out! Not that clued up on html and changing the template etc so if it looks a bit funny on your computer please let me know. It seems bigger than last time but I can not sort out the photo size without screaming at the computer!!

Now for the crafting adventures:

At the start of the week completed a wristlet for the March Bag Ladies Swap over here. Here's a sneak peek, will show the completed outcome once my swap partner receives it.

Easter may be over but ....

2008-03-26T16:44:00.004Z

There's still plenty of chocolate around!!

See loads - 12 little creme eggs!
Just in case you're wondering I didn't buy them myself they were a present, honestly!

Although I did buy this little book today from a charity shop.

Some interesting recipes to try out in here including chocolate and courgette loaf!?
Hope everyone had a good Easter!

Rainbow

2008-03-04T21:59:00.003Z

Look what the postie bought today!
Lots more lovely tissue paper to wrap up my hand made goodies!
All I need to do now is get down to making! Etsy looking very sad at the moment.

How cute!

2008-03-01T21:40:00.002Z

Thank you to everyone for your kind birthday wishes comments and e mails! It was great to hear from you all.

Sweet Scent

2008-02-22T19:40:00.003Z

Gorgeous flowers!
My Birthday tomorrow!
Fun weekend with friends! x

Edible creations

2008-02-20T21:39:00.002Z

No fabric creations round here at the moment but some lovely muffins!!

Pear and Ginger - Yummy!!

Perfect Parcel

2008-02-19T18:21:00.003Z

How nice it is to get home from work and have some lovely mail lying on the mat!
How cute is this little parcel - and it got even better inside!

I was lucky enough to be a freebie winner over at Sarah's fab blog Paper-and-String

How cute is this - Thank you Sarah!
Even the parcel was cutely decorated!

Boo!!

2008-02-18T22:55:00.003Z

Scared you with a new post then?

Well I'm not sure where January went, and at the moment the same seems to be happening with February!

Life has been keeping me ultra busy and everytime I've thought lets just do a quick blog update something else has come along! Plus I missed my one year blogiversary!

Anyways hoping to be a little more inspired and things to get back to normal with the blog.

Too miserable for photos!

2008-01-15T22:06:00.000Z

The weather is so dull and miserable that I can not get any good photos of what I am busy making!

Here are a few from when the sun was shining. I have decided to make a batch of items and then place them on Etsy all in one go. This gives me something to aim for in terms of completion.
Busy making:
1. Cute lavender sachets/mini pillows (I did a bit of a test run with these. Lavender is still fresh and sweet smelling after several months!)
2. Hanging lavender felt hearts. These go great in the airing cupboard!
3. Felt heart magnets.

Hoping for some sunshine soon to take some decent photos!
Thanks to everyone who has left comments over the past few days - Karyn, Muralimanohar, Vanessa (thanks for the labels site!), Clare and Jennifer. I don't have email addresses for all of you but thanks for stopping by and Hi!

Spots and stripes

2008-01-13T14:54:00.000Z

That what my latest creation consists of!
A make up, wash bag, general hold anything kind of zippered bag. It's also nice and roomy!
I had fun making this and am really pleased with the outcome. I was originally going to make one with a cute applique design on the front using different fabric, but my patient couldn't hold out and I wanted to see the finished outcome so went with this combination of fabrics.

Thinking now I need some "Pink Stitches" fabric labels and I might make these and alternatives for my Etsy shop. What do you think?

Busy, busy, busy!

2008-01-12T17:06:00.000Z

At last the sewing machine has seen daylight!
I've had a lovely afternoon trying out a couple of things.
I'm really pleased with my new little zippered bag using a pattern from "Sew Pretty Homestyle". I'm loving that book!
Only thing - it is now pitch black outside so the photos look terrible! Hope for a bit of sunshine tomorrow so I can take some decent photos so check back then!

It took a bit of time

2008-01-11T19:27:00.000Z

At last I have my first PINK STITCHES Etsy sell!
It was only for one of my cover button tools but at least that's a start. I only have a couple of items in the shop but have not had much success. Not sure whether it's the price of items, that I'm based in the UK and a lot of buyers are based in the US? Or numerous other reasons that I can think of!
I am hoping to add a few other items to the shop, so we will just have to wait and see how it goes. Fingers crossed.

Visiting from?

2008-01-09T21:55:00.000Z

One of my problems of not spending as much time as I would like actually in front of my sewing machine or coming up with new projects is partly down to the daily readings of all the fab crafts blogs out there. I dare not say how many of them are saved in my favorites!
I found it really interesting the other day when I managed to find out through Crafty Blogs UK where my some of my readers come from. The UK, US, Canada, Israel, Portugal. I find it fascinating!
So if you're out there and you have yet to leave a comment I would love to hear from regular or new readers from all around the world!

(Image from Wildgoose education resources)

Gorgeous reads

2008-01-09T21:38:00.000Z

There are so many lovely craft books out there at the moment and I was lucky to receive some fab ones at Christmas. I have been wanting these for ages but just had to control myself from a spending splurge and get them as gifts.

I know probably most of you have had these books for a while, but if you haven't you've got to get them.

Plans for the weekend - going to try and squeeze some time in to start making some of the lovely projects!

Arrrrgggghhhh!!!

2008-01-07T21:37:00.000Z

That's the one and only word (well there are a few other select words that are far to rude for here!) that have come out of my mouth over the past few days!
So much for me wanting to post more regularly - as well as human viruses my computer went and got one! Not at all fun!!

Anyways thanks for the lovely comments on the previous post and sorry I have not emailed you all back. I do hope to get busy with my blog soon and as usual have loads of ideas floating around in my head that need to be put into practice.

I just need to get going now! Avoiding all viruses - human and computer!

Happy 2008!!

2008-01-04T17:27:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a wonderful start to the New Year!

I am hoping to get back to regular posting soon but for now a trip down memory lane and some of the things I got up to in 2007.....

2 days to go!!!

2007-12-22T23:44:00.000Z

Finally I've managed to shake off the horrible bug that I had but now that has left me very behind with my Christmas preparations. Very little crafting has gone on around here for about a month!
I managed to squeeze in a few hours of making Christmas cards but that's about it!

(Apologies it was very late and dark when I took these photos!)

Off to take a blogging break over the holiday period. Have a lovely Christmas everyone and catch up in the New Year. x

Aachoo!!

2007-12-04T21:23:00.000Z

Still feel awful!!
Hoping this nasty bug will soon be gone - only 20 shopping and prepping days til Christmas, and I really couldn't afford to miss last weekend but the thoughts of hitting the shops were the last on my mind!

Not been up to much therefore not much to post about!
Although thought I'd treat you to a pic of my lovely new fabrics that arrived from Sew, Mama, Sew.

**GORGEOUS**

I managed to be sent these lovelies when I won the monthly gift certificate! I also love the little card they sent which has 50 fun things to sew and a cute little button! Thanks guys!

Mountain and valley folds?

2007-12-01T13:29:00.000Z

Thought I managed to escape the bout of winter colds and flu doing the rounds but oh no!! I feel terrible this morning. I could feel it creeping up on me last night until I could just about breathe!
After having such a good day yesterday I now feel awful!

Most of my do it yourself and craft projects are self taught. Some with success others need a little more practice. This year I've challenged myself to make my own Christmas cards. I've never really done the paper crafting/scrapbooking thing until yesterday. Went on a day course, learnt a lot of tips about using paper in your crafts and made this ...

It's such a cute little tin that I covered with paper and a few other bits and bobs and then made the matching gift card (that's where I learnt about mountain and valley folds - who knew!) The tin will be great for adding a little present or money.
Was hoping to start the Christmas cards today but feel awful so off to get a Lemsip instead!

Where's the craft gone?

2007-11-12T20:51:00.001Z

The day job has taken over again so very little craft going on around here!
However, a few more button magnets in production and goodies that arrived in the post.

My first purchase through Etsy! Love this fabric and hoping to make some cute Key fobs as Christmas presents!

Getting paper crafty!

2007-11-04T21:56:00.000Z

I love crafting but I'm more of a fabric, thread kind of a girl than paper and card. I love buying hand crafted cards but have never really given it ago myself.
So in preparation for Christmas I've stocked up on a range of goodies to make handmade cards and tags!

Not sure how they will turn out like but looking forward to messing around and having fun!

Etsy!

2007-11-04T15:07:00.000Z

Finally I have got round to sorting out my Etsy shop - Pink Stitches!

It has taken me most of the afternoon to place a few items on there, hopefully I will get quicker!
Look forward to filling it up soon, but we will see how it goes!
Now off to do some crafting rather than being sat at the computer all day!

WIP

2007-11-03T17:58:00.000Z

I tend not to find many exciting crafty, fabric things in charity shops but when I do I get so excited!
I picked this up last week. It's already been stripped of it's fabric and the handles have been sanded and re stained. Hoping for a good end result!

2007-10-31T22:36:00.000Z

Hope everyone is having a lovely (spooky) evening and the pumpkins are holding up well.
This was one I cooked a while ago - stuffed mini pumpkin - very tasty!

Visitors welcome!

2007-10-29T18:22:00.000Z

It's been a whirlwind weekend with a few lovely surprises I've been waiting to post about!
I couldn't believe it when I opened my e mail on Saturday and found out I had won the October Sew Mama Sew Flickr group $25 gift certificate!!
I never win anything - things like this just don't happen to me!

Then it got even better when I arrived home from work this evening to find a lovely e mail from Beth and Kristin at Sew Mama Sew. They have done a little write up about me and my blog on their site! How cool is that!

So if you are a new visitor here - Welcome !! I hope that you like what you see and will pop by again soon and I would love to hear from you all!

Etsy shop is up and running but is yet to be stocked - fingers crossed it will be soon!

Have a lovely week everyone and thanks again to Beth and Kristin!

How many days til Christmas?

2007-10-27T12:11:00.000+01:00

Another week has flown by and all I seem to have heard this week is "How many days are there until Christmas?" Days!! I'm thinking in months!
The Christmas buzz is definitely here, the shops are crammed and mince pies are on the supermarket shelves!
The clocks go back tomorrow as well so we have shorter days and longer nights!! Which makes taking photos very difficult with it getting dark earlier!

Managed to get reasonable photos of my latest two projects:
1. A hanging organiser - sorry still with the pink theme!

2. A cute pincushion cube! How can you not be happy sewing with these little faces looking at you!

These will be available on Etsy when I get round to sorting it out, hoping the beginning of November!!

Nearly forgot - main reason for posting is to announce the winner of the needle book giveaway.
Using a random number selector the winner is NIC!! Congratulations!

(Nic - I can not find an email contact so if you can drop me an email I can arrange sending out to you!!)

DIY day (Giveaway reminder!)

2007-10-25T16:42:00.001+01:00

I love being on holiday as I get so much done! Today has been a DIY day, put up some shelves, defrosted the freezer and been busy crafting away.
Today I've finally put more of my ideas into action:
More of my felt heart magnets in production (these were some of the first things I blogged about!)

Cutting ready for lavender felt heart hangers

Cute little magnets - made using my trusty cover button tool!

And since I'm hoping to start selling my goodies this little tag design has been floating around my mind for ages! I had ideas of embellishing them with stitching, ribbons and buttons but in the end I decided simple was better! I'm really pleased with how the first few have turned out!

Since I've been posting a lot this week - reminder if you want to win the needle book leave on comment on that post! Thanks!

See Sparks fly...

2007-10-24T19:03:00.000+01:00

On my machine that is! Although it could be from all the fireworks that have been going off this week and it's not even Halloween yet!!
My machine has been busy today coming up with this..

A cute little tote bag with a front pocket. I'm still in my pink phase as you can see. (This one will be available on Etsy or eBay soon)

Have also been prepping for other projects cutting and sewing fabrics. So many ideas running through my head!

Remember any readers of my blog have til this Friday to comment on my previous post with a chance of winning the giveaway!

The dust has gone from the machine!

2007-10-22T18:05:00.000+01:00

Finally some completed craft projects! I can't quite believe it myself.
Have dusted off the sewing machine and been trying out a few ideas with some lovely fabric that I received ages ago from Sheree.
As well as a few other goodies ended up making this needle book, first one I have ever made and hadn't intended making it anyway, it just sort of evolved out of scraps of fabric!

I'm fairly pleased with it. One thing I have discovered this afternoon is how self critical I am of my work! Any one else like that?
I think I'm a bit of a perfectionist - stitches have to be right, corners need to be exact!

I am pleased with the needle book but one of the corners is sticking out like a sore thumb although it is only short of 90 degrees!! I do like the way the ribbon has worked out and I do love the striped fabric design and the white felt in the middle and the little hearts ribbon. Oh come to think of it it's not too bad!
I may even make up a batch for Etsy.

Well I've decided to give this one away!
All you need to do is say Hi (or introduce yourselves if your lurking about) and leave a comment letting me know if you are as critical on your own work, or if it's just me in my little mad world!
I'll leave this post open until Friday 26th midnight(BST) then will find a number generator on the Internet to help me find a winner. Good luck!
Off for a cup of tea, still have some of my chocolates left as well, before I get back to my machine.

More photos over at Flickr

WIP

2007-10-16T21:29:00.000+01:00

It's a simple as that WIP!
Finally getting back to some actual crafting and have a few projects that I want to get going on!

Reminder

2007-10-09T22:29:00.000+01:00

We can all do our bit ...

Monday medicine!

2007-10-08T20:10:00.000+01:00

October is definitely in full force!
The cold weather has arrived, the heating has gone on, scarves have reappeared and the nights are getting darker!
Time to cosy up in front of the TV with my Monday medicine!
(Or any day is an excuse for chocolate!)
This yummy gift was just what October had ordered.

2007-10-07T15:04:00.000+01:00

As you can see even more changes to my blog!
I keep having visions of new headers and designs that I can do. I have changed the blog name back to CraftyB (as that is the address!) and have left Pink Stitches for the Etsy shop. It's all so confusing - apologies.
Plus I'm learning all this stuff as I go along so it takes me forever to change and modify things!
I'm so indecisive that I'll probably change things around again soon!
Just a short post today as I'm actually going to try and get round to some crafting!!
My sewing machine is gathering dust at the moment - not too good!!

Pink, pink and more pink!

2007-10-01T20:59:00.000+01:00

Happy October! Dark nights and woolly jumpers out of the cupboards! I do like a bit of cold weather!

Dare I mention the word pink -
It's only when you actually start looking at one of your favourite things that you realise how much of an obsession it is! Thought I would take a few more pink pics when all I could see around me was pink!!
Here's a few for you pink enthusiasts.

Hopefully I'll have some craft to post about soon!

I'm baaaccckkk!!

2007-09-30T19:59:00.000+01:00

Yes - can some of you believe your eyes!! I'm finally back!
Not sure where the last couple of months has gone but it has gone. I hope that I have not lost all my blog friends who have been stopping by and seeing me stuck on August!
As you can see I've had a bit of a re-style as well.
I'm still CraftyB but have changed the name of the blog to "Pink Stitches".
Why I hear you ask - well partly because my favourite colour is Pink and I'm stitching all the time! Or at least when I have the time!
Plus when I finally get round to launching my Etsy shop it is called "Pink Stitches".
Life has been very busy and my crafting has been put on a bit of a hold but hopefully all back to normal now!
So a quick Hello and Goodbye and here are a few of my favourite pink things!!

2007-08-02T17:22:00.000+01:00

I told you all I couldn't keep away for the whole summer!!
Well just a quick check in for a bit of advice.

I have had so many emails and comments via my blog or over at Flickr in relation to my buttons and the button covering tool and was wondering whether people would be interested in buying them if I placed them in my (up and coming) Etsy shop?

Plus what would the interest be for my felt heart magnets/pin cushions/lavender sachets?
All advice and comments gratefully appreciated guys!! Thanks!!

Summer is apparently here?

2007-07-23T19:10:00.000+01:00

Well it is the summer hols here, although looking out my window now at the grey cloud filled sky and raindrops at my window it does not feel like it!
Any way I have a busy few weeks a head and lots of projects that I want to get going on, so I am taking a short blog break!
I know it will not be for long as the lure of the computer and checking out my favourite blogs is always strong!!
Farewell for now, but I will be back!!
Crafty B xx

Memory reminders!

2007-07-17T20:42:00.000+01:00

At the moment I have so many things in my head all for different things that post it notes will just not do, so I have had to resort to a Swaps memo board so I don't forget any of them!!

This is my quick and easy solution - using a cork trivet and covering it first with white cotton and then a thick polka dot furnishing fabric. The back is also covered with white cotton and everything is held in place by using a staple gun. It only took about 10 minutes and does just the job for now as it is hung up on the wall as I leave the room so I don't forget to look and make sure nothing should be in the post!

2007-07-15T15:47:00.000+01:00

Over the next few weeks I hope to get things sorted around here and start thinking about and stocking my new Etsy shop. At the moment it is all at the very early stages and I have loads of ideas floating around my head, all I need now is some precious time to get going!

My latest crafting venture was this little front zippered coin purse I made yesterday. One good thing about the poor weather in the UK this summer is I seem to be spending more time inside and therefore out comes the sewing machine which also distracts me from my day to day work.
This was my first attempt at the front zip style and I'm fairly pleased with it. It was a bit fiddly with the lining but now I know the process of putting it togeher it should be easier and quicker next time!

Update on storage project!

2007-07-12T20:24:00.000+01:00

A while ago I posted about the set of drawers that I salvaged from my garage, ready for a makeover to go in my craft room.
So here is the final result...

I went with a plain white coat of paint and once I've lived with them for a while I may decide to add a design to the front or cover some of the drawers with pretty paper or fabric. At the moment though I'm loving the extra storage space. It's amazing how much I can cram into the drawers!

The storage boxes on top are great! I got these for a £1 and they are really sturdy! When I get a bit of time will cover these as well.

2007-07-11T18:57:00.000+01:00

Discovered Angelina Fibres yet?
If not you must!!
I have had these in my craft supplies for a while and finally had the time to have a quick play with them. It's so easy and great fun!
You take the fibres and arrange them as you want between a sheet of greaseproof paper. Apply an iron on a low to medium heat which bonds the fibres together! See easy! The hotter the heat you apply it gives the fibres a shiny effect. I then used one of my sheets of bonded fibres to make a vessel (or cone) simply by bonding the edges together with heat.
Now that I have had a quick taster I can't wait to have more fun experimenting!

Thank you

2007-07-03T21:14:00.000+01:00

I arrived home this evening to a lovely swap parcel all the way from Brazil. Upon opening first of all I fell in love with the wrapping paper which made me think I must use more of that with my swap parcels. I tend to just wrap them in tissue paper and bubble wrap to protect them in the post - not very creative or cute!
Then inside a bundle of lovely goodies. The swap from Tatiana was part of the Bag Ladies Swap and not only did I get a bag but lots of extras that I will definitely put to good use!

It amazes me the generosity of fellow bloggers whom we never meet but they find the time to craft and send beautiful packages all around the world. I have read peoples misfortunes with swaps not turning up but so far (and fingers crossed) I've had only fab ones!
All I can say to Tatiana is THANK YOU!

Storage chaos!

2007-07-02T20:02:00.000+01:00

Sometimes the things you need are just under your noses!
I have quite a small office/sewing room and desperately need more storage. I've been looking for ages for a small, but big in storage, functional item.
Could I find anything to go with my room - no!

Then several days ago I was sorting out my garage when there it was!
Don't know why I had not noticed it before, an old set of drawers that I purchased used with papers for a short while and then it went in the garage.

Anyways it's had a bit of a dust down and spider removal and hopefully will be painted and ready for use! Praying for some sunshine in order to paint it outside!

The Sun has got his hat on ...

2007-06-28T21:35:00.000+01:00

Hip-Hip-Hip Hooray - NOT!!

The weather is very depressing at the moment. I've had to revert to my Autumn/Winter wardrobe!

Tried to take some photos of craft projects this evening but it is so dull and dark they looked awful, so thought I would post a sunny, cheery image from my garden taken a couple of weeks ago!

Looking forward to some finer weather although they are predicting sun mid July!!

Another new bag!

2007-06-27T00:02:00.000+01:00

My addiction for making and buying bags is growing yet again!
This time it is a hand made bag for my swap partner in Brazil as part of the Bag Ladies Swap over at Flickr. The theme for June was fruits and polka dots.
I've mainly gone for fruits - Strawberries to be exact. It's a smaller version of my pleated tote bag, but big enough to hold a wallet, phone and a couple of other girlie things. I'm hoping my partner will like it as I love making these bags! I'm even thinking of putting some on Etsy, what do you think?

My partner has already had a sneak peek of the bag so the photos will not be spoiling the surprise!

How exciting!!

2007-06-23T15:21:00.000+01:00

Just checked my blog this morning and noticed that I had an large amount of visitors over night! Hold on something is wrong here, I think I usually get a couple of regular visitors a day reading my ramblings and my crafting antics.
Then whilst browsing my usual sites I saw it!!

Thank you so much to Kath at Whip Up for mentioning my covered button tutorial! It amazes me how other people actually want to come and look at what I'm doing!

So if you've stumbled across here via Whip Up - THANKS - and would love to hear from you!

And the winner is ....

2007-06-22T22:23:00.000+01:00

Finally the winner of last Friday's giveaway is -

Congratulations Bunnys Designs!

The trouble I had with that video! Excuse what look like my massive hands and the fumbling around with one hand. First video for me, unfortunately did not have a clue on how to put some cheery music over the top, so you pick up the noise in the background! Likely I muted my TV otherwise you would have been listening to Big Brother! Will have to play some music next time!

The covered buttons are yours along with a few other goodies! Yes you do get the polka dot bag - it was a sample that I made so enjoy!

Send me an email with your details and the following goodies will be on their way!

2007-06-21T21:47:00.001+01:00

Hi - thanks for all the lovely comments and emails about the giveaway. All entries are now in and I will be making the draw tomorrow (going to try and video it, but we will have to wait and see if I can manage that with my lack of technical knowledge!!)
Will post the winner here tomorrow night, in the mean time here's a picture of one of my favourite things - tea and homemade muffin!

Friday giveaway !!

2007-06-15T22:10:00.000+01:00

Well as promised here is my first giveaway! Thanks to those who left comments or sent emails about my cover button tutorial, hope it inspired or helped in some way!

So up for grabs is the cute little set of strawberry buttons plus some other little crafty surprises!

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Wednesday 20th June and then I will choose a winner!

Good Luck!

Cover Button Tutorial !!

2007-06-11T18:58:00.000+01:00

Well it's finally here!! A few lovely people who have contacted me through my blog or over at Flickr asked if I could explain how I made the cover buttons, so I thought what better than a quick tutorial!!

At the moment I'm sat here like a Cheshire cat with a big grin as I managed to figure out how to use Leafletter to post the tutorial rather than a lengthy post and loads of photos!! I just hope that you can all see it and it works!
Let me know!

Well here it is - have fun and any questions let me know!

2007-06-10T18:01:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Drewzel over at Flickr she found this fab website tool - been playing around with their name signs to make my name in soup!! Loads of fun!
Plus lots of crafting today so hopefully post about that this week :)

4 months

2007-06-06T21:33:00.000+01:00

It's nearly been 4 months since I started this blog and I can't believe I'm kinda still going strong. Not posting as frequently as I would like due to work commitments but hopefully I will get better!
Since joining the world of blogs I have met and been in touch with some fab people all around the world. It's amazing that there are so many like minded people that have the same love for crafting!
Thank you for all your comments and kind emails as I get really excited to see if someone has left me a comment! I can also not believe that I have had just over 500 visitors! I worry that maybe only one or two people may stumble across my little blog and ramblings. Those of you who are yet to come out of the woodwork (or web world) I would love to hear from you!

My little mushroom buttons have gone down a storm and because I've been a little addicted to making them I am going to put together a set to give away some how! I will work out some fab and ingenious way so check back soon!!
CraftyB

A bit of craftiness at last!!

2007-06-03T17:31:00.000+01:00

Another lovely day over here - beautiful blue sky - and at last a bit of crafting going on!

New tool...

Shiny buttons...

The fear of cutting into one of my lovely new fabrics...

but a really cute button at the end! A few more of these to be made in the evening sun!

To Do...

2007-06-01T22:46:00.000+01:00

I find life a little bit easier when I have a to do list to keep me busy but at the moment the list is out of control and not even on paper but in my head!! So many things crammed in there at the moment I needed a nice day of relaxing... gardening and baking!

Beautiful Clematis flowers on a lovely sunny and warm day!!

Home made cranberry and poppy seed muffins - this was the first time I tried this recipe and changed a few things to suit me and they are so yummy!!
Will definitely be trying this again with different flavours! If anyone fancies the recipe let me know and I will post it!

2007-05-27T21:06:00.001+01:00

Blimey - just had somewhat of a memory loss and couldn't remember my log in details!! Frantically searching through bits of paper, but then all okay at the end! Phew!

Well slowly getting back to crafting, wayhay!! Purchased these lurvely new fabrics!! I will let you all sit and stare at their loveliness while I think of something to do with them!! Enjoy the bank holiday weekend!! (That's if you're in the UK)

2007-05-22T20:13:00.000+01:00

Typical - it's been a glorious sunny day today, get out of work at a reasonable time with the thought of sunshine, gardens or crafting (yes I know crafting!! Not done a lot of that lately) only to sit in a traffic jam!! At least the countryside was looking good, and can you see that blue sky!

2007-05-21T17:51:00.000+01:00

Sometimes an advertising campaign comes along that makes me think WOW, or how did they come up with that idea, or how clever!!
Well there's an advert on at the moment in the UK that I absolutely love! What a fab idea to make a car completely edible - YES the whole thing is a cake!! Plus it comes with a fab tune!!
If you want to check it out visit here and watch the baking of!!

2007-05-13T18:40:00.000+01:00

Blimey I didn't realise that it's been nearly two weeks since I've posted!!
When I started this blog earlier this year I had hoped and planned to post regularly - not sure what happened there though!? Life and work!
In two weeks time things should be a little less hectic and the sewing machine may come out again!
In the meantime I managed to track down some lovely magazines. I always see these on US based blogs and a visit to my local Borders store came up trumps!! Lots of lovely images and ideas, I particularly like the handsewn apron ideas.

Swap love!!

2007-04-30T20:23:00.000+01:00

I'm still overwhelmed with work at my day to day job but the temptation of posting today was just too strong! The reason being for this fab little parcel that arrived the other day.

I have only recently started taking part in craft swaps mainly organised by fab people over on Flickr. My latest swap is fab - it's amazing how generous people are that you have never met before! I just love the strawberry fabric and can't wait to get some free time to come up with a little project for it! I just hope my swap partner likes her package when it arrives!

Still here!

2007-04-24T20:24:00.000+01:00

It's been nearly a week since my last post but I wanted to say that I am still here (or over posting pics on Flickr) but life is a little hectic!!
I'm extremely busy with my day to day job and all craft has been put on a major hold :(
Hope to get back to things soon, but a short break is needed.
Catch up soon!