denim aprons + 5 minutes of fame

Two sets of full-length aprons + oven mitt + pot holder, with denim as the backing. This denim was a remnant from Spotlight and is nice and soft with yellow/green undertones - so matched perfectly with these fabrics. The floral is an Amy Butler fat quarter - and there was only scraps left over from this project that I used to make a few cards. The bird fabric was thrifted so I'm unsure of its origin - the print is a little bit Liberty but the fabric has a stiffer hand.

This wooden table is an old rickety one of HandyMan's that is only really used by me for hammering in press studs. I'm not normally trusted with HandyMan tools so using press studs for the cuffs has been exciting. I haven't hammered my fingers once! Yet. However I still don't trust myself with an axe - and although HandyMan did chop up an amount of kindling before he went away, I've run out. He better get home tonight. Because it's freezing! I stepped across the back lawn this morning to take some pics of Calico and heard the grass crunch underfoot.

In other news, HandyMan and I appeared in the local paper on Wednesday - there was apparently a backlog of wedding pics - but it was a good one - worth the wait! Hopefully we should see the professional proofs in the next couple of days - and we'll be able to relive the glamour of the day.

the return of the craft mojo

Well 2 months after the wedding, I finally have my craft mojo back. I didn't realise until it was all over just how exhausted I was, in all aspects. Strangely HandyMan doesn't seem similarly afflicted... I visited LyssyMay a couple of weeks ago and was much inspired by all the goodies in that sweet little shop, as well as catching up on what's hot right now in Brisvegas, and getting some ideas for collaboration. Also we have a craft gathering at work this week, so I have been madly making brooches, aprons, oven mitts, coasters and other bits and pieces. And inspired by all the cuffness that's going on out there in CraftLand (too many to mention!), I've been experimenting with these, which are an extremely good way to use special little bits of vintage fabric that won't mix with anything else. I have so many little pieces like this that just get lost when put with other fabrics, and this is a way for them to stand alone. I don't know if these are going to take off in the "rural business centre" in which I live - I've noticed curious looks whenever I've worn one to work - we'll see. Also on a practical note, this is one type of bracelet/bangle that I can wear to work and still happily type on the keyboard - they're flat and they don't jangle. Awesome!

Almost forgot - there is a new independent online site for selling handmade goods - like etsy I suppose, but just for Australian makers. madeit - it just opened last week so it's early days, but go check it out. I've listed a few things so fingers crossed.

In other news, HandyMan has been away for a week for work, and was supposed to be home in two more days. However some other not-so-handy-man broke the work car so now they have to wait in the middle of nowhere for it to be fixed. Either that or they put him on a plane and send him home. I'm hoping for Option B, because despite the fact that I normally just enjoy the precious time alone with the cat and my craft, I'm actually missing him. So that's what marriage does to you then...

thank you wedding helpers

For our recent 1920's wedding I collected lots of vintagey blue and brown thrift store goodies - and pearls - for the table decorations, and some lovely friends helped lay them out. They did an awesome job - when we walked in after hours of getting our photos taken and looking lovingly at each other (exhausting after a while!), it was such an amazing surprise to see it all so beautiful. Not that it was a surprise that they did an awesome job, but a surprise to see it all at once, together - and so perfect! Anyway I finally got in this weekend and got their thank you gifts made.

I've also just given some new life to my etsy shop with some cute new handbags.

luxury bird house

bird house fabric
Originally uploaded by djbebe

I like this take on the bird house. If I was a bird, I would like to live in a house like this. I used this fabric to make a sweet little handbag for my cousin, which I promised months ago but then got carried away with wedding stuff. I also used buttons from our grandma's button box which I inherited last time she downsized. It contains all kinds of treasures which she saved for many years - which I will only use for the most special of projects.

the honeymoon is over

wishing birdcage
Originally uploaded by djbebe

Well my poor blog has been silent and neglected for a while now - I had other things on my mind. Not much to report, just that I got married and went on a honeymoon to Vanuatu.

Thanks to my Super Bridesmaids who made their fabulous dresses, and all the guests who dressed up in 1920's garb - just for me! I never knew I had such power - too bad you only get to be the bride for one day. Although the luscious (as stated in groom's speech) bridesmaids may tell you I milked it for a bit longer than that. I didn't make my dress but I played with lots of beads and feathers and fabric to assemble the decorations. And fascinators. Isn't that a great term - an accessory that has no object but to draw attention to itself.

Everything went smoothly on the day, and everyone had heaps of fun - and now that it's all over, the lack of wedding preparation leaves somewhat of a void in my evenings. So once I get over the flu that hit me when I got home from my honeymoon, I can start crafting again.