Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Some inspiration for cute gifts
These are simply adorable and will make the perfect gift for an arty friend. I love the linen thread and soft colours! Think I should get one of these to use as a journal for my Australian adventure.
Mini Monkey Flap Hat by citefuzz
Julia Ring With Cream Ivory Vintage Rose by Just Peachy
I don't know if you've noticed, but I have a tiny obsession with roses... I just love them! I even named my blog after them. This pretty ring caught my eye and I am SO ordering one!
Old Town Original Signed Fine Art Photograph by Alicia Block
This pretty picture caught my eye and would make a beautiful gift for any girl with a love of vintage things. I have the perfect spot for it in my room. It's enough to get me on a bicycle!
These are a few ideas for gifts when you don't have time to make them yourself. I love looking for inspiring and pretty things to get my creative juices flowing.
I went to Darling Harbour today, absolutely beautiful! And I found the cutest pair of ankle boots on a SALE! yay!
Cherio
Monday, June 29, 2009
Cleaning fun at Aleph
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My first crochet beaded bracelet
I've just finished my first crochet beaded bracelet! So proud of my little creation. I found the pattern on futuregirl and it was really easy to follow. I'm making another one as a gift for my great friend, Jana. Do hope I finish in time to give it to her.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The best cupcakes in the world
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My absolute favourite gift - homemade bath salts
I like using organic ingredients wherever I can. I've found that they are soft on the skin and leave me bathing with a clean conscience. Most commercially made bath salts are full of chemicals that destroy the environment and your skin. Organic is a bit more expensive, but definitely worth the cost!
These are a few of my favourite recipes:
Soft Citrus Twist:
1/4 Cup Epsom Salts
1/4 Teaspoon Orange Fragrance oil
1/4 Teaspoon Tangerine or Lemon Fragrance oil
Blend all ingredients in a blender until a fine powder
Summer Garden:
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
3 Drops Bergamot Fragrance oil
3 Drops Rose Geranium Fragrance oil
3 Drops Lavender Fragrance oil
2 Drops Frankincense Fragrance oil
Mix thoroughly
Cool Breeze:
1 Cup Epsom Salts
1 Cup Baking Soda
4 Drops Blue Organic Food Coloring
3 Drops Jasmine Fragrance oil
4 Drops Vanilla Fragrance oil
2 Tablespoons Glycerin
Mix ingredients and ensure that the oils are equally distributed
Relax a while:
1 Cup Instant Powdered Skim Milk
1 Tablespoon Powdered Orris Root
3/4 Cup Dead Sea Salt
10 Drops Jasmine Fragrance oil
7 Drops Ylang Ylang Fragrance oil
5 Drops Bergamot Fragrance oil
Mix ingredients thoroughly
Wild Earth:
1/2 Cup Epsom Salts
1 Cup Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Rock Salt
1/2 Tablespoon Vitamin E oil
2 Teaspoons Almond oil
20 Drops Patchouli Fragrance oil
15 Drops Cypress Fragrance oil
The fun thing about making your own bath salts is that you can customize them and create your own recipes. For a longer lasting aroma, spread the salt on a large paper and let it settle down for a day or two before you place it in a jar. Package your lovely salts in pretty glass jars and seal them tight. I always round mine off with a ribbon, cute label and a sprig of lavender on top. I also like adding some lavender or mint leaves inside the jar for decoration. Sprinkle a few spoons into the bath and relax a bit.
I sure need to...
Monday, June 22, 2009
I am so inspired...Buttercup bags! yay!
10 Easy steps to making a tote bag
- Decide on all the particulars e.g. the type of material, size and the shape you want.
- I made a pattern using some spare brown paper, use whatever you have. Cut the paper into two identical rectangles (remember seam allowances). You can keep corners straight or make them round like mine. Mark out a long strip of paper as wide as you would like and cut out the long rectangle to form your centre panel. Mine was about 15cm wide. Pin your patterns onto the material and lining. Cut away!
- Turn the material inside-out. Pin the front and back panels to the centre panel and leave the top open. Stitch both sides to the centre panel and voila! Your bag is starting to take shape. Do exactly the same with the lining.
- Now the fun starts. Place the material you chose for the outside inside the lining (you're basically doing everything inside-out).
- Pin all around top and neatly stitch them together. I've found it works best if the materials aren't too thick.
- Make the handles by cutting out two identical strips of material. Keep in mind that they have to be in proportion to your bag. Fold the strips in half with the side you want to show on the inside. Pin and stitch them to be as wide as you would prefer. Turn them over by using a knitting needle or similar object.
- Finish the top of the bag by stitching a double-seam.
- Mark out the places where you want to attach the handles. Attach them by sewing in a block formation.
- Use some lace or ribbon as a trim around the top edge.
- Fill it with lots of goodies and bless one of your friends with a gorgeous handbag!
Mine was made out of a really cool maroon and white striped material with a rose print centre panel and handles. I must admit, I'm a bit of a mix 'n match addict.
I'm not supposed to be blogging right now though. Writing Chemistry tomorrow. Not cool. Haven't opened my books yet. Wish I could swap them for a nice fluffly patchwork pillow.
Back soon! Will post pics later
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