Life in Balance again.

I've had a really successful week, my Uni essay result came in and I passed (75%), so relieved.  Next  end of year essay due at the end of September, so I am trying to do everything in moderation and balance.   This week, I have reviewed Block 1 and 2 notes , written up my Learning Journal (so that's 3 Uni things) and I have completed 3 craft projects.  Feeling very pleased with myself.

So here they are in order of being made.

Sewing Reel Box.  

I really enjoyed making this one, lots of sections to glue together and bend into shape.  Then I selected some fibres I've had in my crafty stash for about 3 years and used them with a hat pin to embellish the reel.  This is ideal for stashing actual sewing craft products in.  It measures 5 inches tall, so it is quite big. 

  Hi-Top Trainer

With all the talk of Uni and the kids going back to School, I was delighted when SVG cuts produced this in their Back to School design kit.  I love my own red 'trainers' so couldn't resist making this with some Bazzil Basics dotty card.  It is really robust and would be great on any teens desk (or your own)  with your specs (showing my age), pens etc stored in it.  Some lovely white ribbon instead of shoe laces, just finished this project off.

Call Me!

 I think this project speaks for itself.  I have completed it using really quite girly pink papers,   but my next plan is to do one a little more vintage style and stick to light browns etc.  Again, it forms a box.  It could even be used as a charging station for your mobile etc.  Keeping everything tidy and tucked away.   Cool eh?  I think this is my most favorite project so far - and that's saying a lot, from the number I have made.  You might then wonder what my next favourite has been.

 Well it's below, I made this in 2008.

Christmas Wreath 2008

  I read about how to make them the second day of my holidays in Cuba and was itching to make one upon my return.  Had it all planned, colours and everything.  I've made a few since then.  I love wreaths in general, this one just seemed to have a massive visual impact.    Unfortunately it mysteriously disappeared off of my office door in a North London Hospital and was never seen again!  At least I know my work was appreciated.  

Off to a wedding next Saturday and it's my wedding anniversary; 16 years, so blog might not be up until Monday the 2nd. Enjoy your week.

Don't work to hard

Mhairi
x

I've been on holiday

Hi,

Firstly, I must apologise.  I've been on holiday from work, I wasn't really on holiday though, as I was writing a uni assignment (just hoping it passes now).  Seems my claim two weeks ago that I was getting good at work life balance wasn't actually that true!  Re wrote this assignment twice!  Anyway with it submitted I turned my attention to my other priorities in life.  Visiting relatives and crafting.  

I completed two projects that I have been meaning to get to for some time.  A picture for my front hall - keeping to gold,  beige and brown so that it fits in with my decor.  I used my silhouette cameo to create a vinyl stencil, laying this over the first coat of gold paint on a canvas.  Then I applied a coat of brown and then cream.  I waited for it to dry , good for me, as normally I am in too much of a rush to undertake the next step of peel and reveal! Below is how it turned out.  

While I was waiting to do the peel and reveal I turned my attention to decopatch.  I bought a plywood , flat packed reindeer head and tartan decopatch papers last December in Berlin.    I didn't get round to getting it done for last Christmas, but with 120 days to go to Christmas 2013, finally it is done.  

Lastly, I wanted to have a go at creating a Santa Boot, based upon the SVG cuts cowboy boot which Thienly worked on.  I added some bells, sentiment and Glitter!  I LOVE Glitter, if only to annoy my husband.  He regularly moans about being covered in the stuff, he's convinced I spread it round the house just to annoy him.... His name's Edward, so at least in one way, he sparkles like a certain Vampire of the same name.  If only............

Anyway, back to work tomorrow, off for my Sunday night bath now, just like the rest of the kids here in Stranraer, first day of School tomorrow after their summer holidays.  Many a sigh of relief from the Mums I work with.  

You might think I haven't made much in my time off, but believe me I have used my time well.  I have 'cut' another 6 projects all ready to glue together.  This includes;  more topiary trees and a piano (wedding style), a telephone box,  a threat bobbin box and a high top trainer- all SVG cuts designs.  You'll just have to check back regularly to see them in all their paper glory.

Have a great week, don't work too hard!

Mhairi
x  

This one doesn't need a Mortgage!

Christmas House

I've had a pattern( from SVG cuts) for cutting and building this house  for the last three weeks, as my mum used to say about me and my pocket money, I've just been itching to use it!  This is hopefully just going to be the first of a few and I think I'll probably add to this one and make it even more 'Christmassy', add a few trees , baubles etc.  The good thing about this house is that it could be made for any occasion - it even has two areas for storing a gift inside - even though it's a gift in itself.  I hope you like it....... 

PRAM and Card

I've been asked to make a pram too for someone to give as a gift.  I decided to add in a box, as it gives the pram something to sit on and of course it then made sense to make a little card to go in the box.    This is a good practice run for me as I have just heard too that I am going to be a Great Aunt again, the third time.  I'm really excited for the happy couple - Great news Robbie and Angie - you deserve every happiness.  More news of that in February 2014 though.........  

GIFT BAGS

 The last thing I want to show you this week is a couple of photos of the gift I mentioned in my last blog update.  This bag was requested to be made in 50's style for a couple who take part in education sessions about living in the 1950's.  They look like an amazing couple - have a look at this website for more info; http://murielandjasper.co.uk/ 

I hope you like this weeks makes.  Remember  you can follow this blog or you can also like me on Facebook for regular updates.  

 Have a great week, don't work too hard!  

Mhairi x