Much as recycling is important, re-using stuff is even better. This tutorial shows you how to prettify glass jars with paint. I can see these on my desk or craft table and the ‘how to’ is simple enough to do with the kids. Win!
Craft
Steampunk crochet bunny slippers
Steampunk crochet bunny slippers.
Best. Header. Ever.
Just when I think I couldn’t love Jennifer Crusie any more, she starts brainstorming for a new series of books (which sound amazing – meep!) with steampunk crochet. Steampunk crochet, people.
Go check out her wonderful creations here and, if you’re inspired to make your own bunny slippers, head here for the pattern.
(Sorry for the quick post: I’m wrestling with the first act of the book and it’s putting up one heck of a fight.)
Writing room inspiration
Now that my garden office is becoming a reality (installation date booked – whoop!) I’m turning my attention to the inside. Yes, I know I should be turning my attention to clearing the old shed and rockery that are currently sitting where the office needs to go, but this is more fun.
I’m on a budget. A super-strict budget, truth be told, so most of my day dreams will remain just that. I don’t care; I’m beyond delighted that I’m going to have a room all of my own and I have the essentials (chair, desk, computer).
But a girl can dream. And Google. Ah-hem.
I like the vintage bits and bobs in this picture and the shelving unit looks very cute painted aqua. I’ve actually picked up a pine shelving unit similar to that one (but taller) from Freecycle that I was going to paint white; perhaps I’ll go wild and paint it turquoise instead.
[Image credit: decor8]
I’m planning to leave the walls plain white and I want to have my massive pin board on one wall (for plotting). Above my desk, I was thinking about narrow shelves and perhaps a wire or string with clips for pictures and photos. A few people have mentioned DEKA curtain wire from IKEA and I think that’s what has been used in the picture above.
[Image credit: DesignSponge]
Or, if I can find the right boxes, something like this would be brilliant.
[Image credit: The Vintage Valley]
I also love books-as-art and this is a nifty way to display them. It’s a £2.99 IKEA spice rack painted white. Bargainous and pretty.
[Image credit: IKEA Live]
Friday Five: Happy days
Happy Friday y’all! In defiance of the dreich weather outside I’m spewing sunshine on this here blog. Enjoy…
1. A day that begins with a parcel of books is always going to be good. The very lovely YA author Karen Mahoney sent me both The Iron Witch and its sequel The Wood Queen as a prize for taking part in her writing challenge and their arrival has totally made my day. The writing community is joyful and supportive and something I am proud and honoured to be a part of. Thanks Kaz! (Now I just have to resist cracking those beautiful spines until AFTER I’ve got my word count for the day…)
2. You know how – usually after a few hits of firewater – people say things like ‘wouldn’t it be cool to make a film’? Well, my brilliant brother has done exactly that. He (and two talented friends) formed Hugawookie Films and they just completed a five minute film in two days for the Sci-Fi London 48 Hour Challenge. I’m in awe of what they’ve achieved in such a short time.
3. The Oatmeal’s cartoon on how to get likes on Facebook (top tip – create something awesome) and Hank Green’s video response. A grown man making a sing-a-long song about how to load a dishwasher is just the kind of endeavour that gives me hope for the future of mankind.
4. Write books? Check out Patrick Samphire’s helpful advice on creating an author website.
5. I’ve mentioned craftacular magazine Mollie Makes before but if you subscribe now (for six months or a year), you get a free fabric, button and ribbon pack courtesy of The Makery.
Easy-peasy pretty tealight holders
I love this idea from Pretty Much Penniless. Who would’ve thought something so simple – lace wrapped around a jam jar – could look so effective?
I’ve got a fair amount of ribbon in my craft stash and was thinking about adapting this idea with coloured ribbon (and, perhaps a few vintage butons). What do you think?
My Weekend: Puppets, Zombies and Lemon Drizzle Cake
On Saturday the sun was shining and my husband was off gallivanting (climbing a hill) and my favourite daughter was home from her school trip so I donned an apron (yes, really) and did a passable impression of a domestic goddess. I baked flapjacks and lemon drizzle cake, I cleaned and tidied, I hung laundry on the line to dry and I sewed a couple of cushion covers. My mum came round for lunch and board games were played. It was a properly domestic, cosy and delightful day.
In the evening, just to balance things out, we watched Zombieland. I loved it. Woody Harrelson is a very funny man. I will warn you, however, that the first twenty minutes or so are pretty disgusting. I was starting to worry that it was all going to be a bit too graphic for my delicate sensibilities but I was already through the ‘worst’. Either that, or I just got used to close up shots of zombies spewing blood. Whatever.
It was Mother’s Day in the UK yesterday and I was awoken by my children bearing gifts. Green & Black’s chocolate, a beaded bracelet, homemade cards and… Mummy Puppet. My son made me in puppet form and I couldn’t be happier. I now have a partner in crime and someone to blame when things Go Wrong (“Mummy Puppet did it!”). Plus, as I pointed out to my bemused husband, I will now win any discussion that we put to the vote: Husband = 1 vote, Me = 1 vote, Mummy Puppet = 1 vote. Score.
My daughter tried to rename Mummy Puppet ‘Muppet’, but was vociferously overruled by my son. And, oddly, by Mummy Puppet herself. She’s actually quite strong-minded and, rather creepily, she sounds like Mr Punch. Hmm. She’s looking at me now. Staring, really. With… Intensity. Hold on, while I turn her to face the wall… That’s better.
Friday Five: Etsy goodness, International Women’s Day and deep water
I was spoiled for choice for this edition of Friday Five but there are still only four things on the list… My internet has gone a bit wobbly and I want to press ‘publish’ before it dies completely. Enjoy!
1. This one comes courtesy of some book-research which got out of hand. I began looking for bird-themed ceramics on Etsy and, as if by magic, lost six hours of my life. Steampunk Bicycle print ‘The Sparrow Thief’. CollageOrama upcycles old dictionaries by printing bold images on the pages.
2. Even though I am personally freaked out by the depth of the ocean, and find it difficult to think about that volume of cold dark water without nausea, I couldn’t fail to appreciate the brilliance of this graphic by the BBC. It illustrates the awesome depth of oceanic trenches in a clever and informative way. As long as I don’t picture myself in a tiny boat floating on the surface, I’ll be fine. Urp.
[Found via Jennifer Crusie’s blog]
3. March 8th was International Women’s Day 2012 and although I actually intended to post about it yesterday, I’m going to pretend that I’m a day late in order to make a statement about gender equality being relevant every day. Also, check out this excellent article from The Huffington Post: 10 Reasons Why Feminism is Good For Boys and Men.
4. An inspired (and very patient) crafter has built a Tardis in a bottle. Cool.
Craft: Screenprinted textiles by Solitaire
This is one of those times that unpromising phrases such as ‘fox bag’ and ‘snail cushion’ turn out to be rather lovely.
Husband and wife team, Em and Matt Bruty, screenprint their illustrations onto cotton and linen to create home textiles inspired by the British countryside.
I like their placemats, too. They’re available in a range of colours and are priced £6.50 each. Visit Solitaire for tea towels, lavender bags, cushions and more.
[Thanks to Fay for the recommendation! *waves*]
Penguin procrastination
We’re all pretty keen on penguins in the this house, but my son is especially enamoured. If I were a first-rate mother I would whip up one of these adorable stuffed-toy penguins.
Purl Bee not only offers comprehensive instructions, but also sells the perfect fabric pack for the project, so there’s really very little excuse not to…
Except for the rewrite. Oh yes. That.
Speaking of lucky…
Yesterday’s post made me think about my blessings and, without wishing you all to lightly vomit, they are legion.
Top of the list this week has to be this gorgeous dotty apron which my daughter made for my birthday. She had the help of a talented (and wonderful – thanks Mum!) Gran and it was her very first sewing machine project.
To say I was overwhelmed when I opened the parcel would be an understatement. I won’t lie to you, dear reader; tears were shed. How could it be that my baby girl* could’ve executed a surprise present so perfect? How? My mind, it boggleth. My heart, it squeezes with joy. Seriously; how did I get this lucky?
[Thanks to Mum for the photo, too. Read more about the fabulous apron-project on her craft-filled blog The Turtle Moves]
* Anybody who wishes to point out that my baby girl is now eleven years old is perfectly at liberty to do so. I have my fingers in my ears.