Crocheted Brooch

I've bought myself a very nice dress in the sale at Didi's. Just my style but it needed a little bit more color so I made a broche the evening before we went to visit family (and me of course in my new dress)

• I've crocheted a double flower from a Dutch Crochet book: Marie Claire idees 250 Haakwerksteken. The yarn was an Alpaca mix
• Gathered a brown piece of lace I've had in my stash
• Cut circle with pinking sheers from fabric I'm making a skirt from. A light weight corduroy in purple with hints of Cherise and white (photo's as soon as it is finished)
• used a brown wooden button
• used a piece of a creme wool mix. I've used it to knit the top part for a cushion in my sitting room (photo as soon as it is finished)
• used a piece of Cherise zpagetti I've used in the zpagetti pouffe and handbag I've crocheted.
• a brooch pin I got from a broken brooch

And ta-da a very nice arty broche to go with my dress!

Zpagetti bag Milano

I've finished my zpagetti bag

as soon as I've received my ordered handle!

Pattern:

Milano

Zpagetti colours:

Pinkorange & Fuchsia

Bag handle with beads:

from Marutska

I had to improvise a bid as after I've crocheted the bottom part the Zpagetti was half the size, so I had to put away my zpagetti 12mm hook and take my crochet needle of 9mm to finish the job.

At first just continued to crochet with the zpagetti hook but the "holes" were so far apart and the bag became much to floppy and elastic at the top. I had to unto it all and then swap to the smaller hook. I guess that's on of the things what I like about Zpagetti,

the elelment of supprise :)

I've added a funky braided rosette for detail and added a large wooden button

so the bag can be closed.

Give Away sent!

I've sent the self created Iron transfer for my blog's giveaway.

By now the envelope must've/nearly reached the receiver

wrapped apple compote

It was Sunday and an aunt was coming to visit.

In the Netherlands apple pie/apple turnovers is/are a very standard to serve with the coffee.

Everybody eats them so it is a good bet every time and that is why I chose to make the turnovers as I had very little time.

I made the apple turnovers a bit different just not to get bored.

My 10 year old peeled, cored, cut 6 apples into dices

and I used frozen puff pastry (yeah I know looks good tastes likes nothing)

I cooked the apples untill soft with some cinnamon, cloves,brown sugar and added vanilla

(couldn't find my straw rum essence)

After letting the pastry defrost a bit I placed it in a muffin pan

and added the apple compote.

Unfortunately I couldn't add nuts or raisins as I would be the only one eating it.

25min in the oven and it was good enough to serve with the coffee.

Would've been nicer with cream but nobody was in the mood for that..

hello kitty kitty

Went this morning to a b-day party of the 4 year old,

only allowed if my 2 year old brought me allong.

Of course I made the necklace just before I went:

Dutch Doggy de-luxe bedding

Ok I got up this morning and just had to make the new nest zone for Zizi. Her pillow was getting really old and the time was ripe to make a new one. Today. The last one I've painted with textile paint, I just can't seem to find a photo of it as I thought I posted it on the blog. Well, will keep looking for it.

My kitchen's theme is funky Dutch in the colours blue/white/red

I just love Dots. Originally the Dutch use red or blue check with the delft type of prints.

I kept it simple as I normally complicate things with my creativity attacks.

I made a cover from the red (used stash for that woot-woot!)

and then made a pillow with a Dutch couple print (used up stash so another woot!)

I filled the pillow with polystyrene balls that waited for a special moment like this for at least 4 years (brought it with me when I moved...so another double woot for using up stash)

I added a label with Dutch Windmills to both covers just to be fancy:

The cute little bear that got nipped by zizi was a gift from my friend in South Africa.

The other cute little one is my own and she's surely going to get a smooch!

zizi always have to share her nest. I posted on my blog when our cat annexed zizi's bed and then colonized it with a fresh batch of kittens. When it was safe for Zizi to reclaim her ground the kittens then in return claimed Zizi as their godmother. A dog's life. No democracy when cats and kids are around.

La or Le pouffe

I started crocheting the pouffe yesterday and finished the crocheting part very late in the evening while doing all my motherly duties in between.

I'm very chuffed with myself!

This morning I joined the two crocheted circles with the Cherise zpagetti with and overcast stitch. The colors of my curtains are the same so the pouffe will be for the sitting room.

I had to stop my project as I needed stuffing. I read on the maria's blog(where I bought the zpagetti from) that she stuffs them with Ikea duvets as they're cheaper than stuffing. I found that to be a very good idea. Only problem was that I'm not heading for an Ikea this week and HOW ON EARTH CAN I WAIT TO STUFF MY POUFFE.

Well, I found 3 continental pillows that I've stored away on the attic. At last I had I had a reason to use them after 8 years of storage....

It is still a bit wobbly so I have to take out the stuffing of the three and put it in one inner bag like an old duvet cover. My husband will be relieved that I actually used things take are taking up space for so long lol. I'll get a star behind my name this evening lol.

In the meantime the kids and the dog got on it and they all love it and fight over it...

Well should I now crochet 3 more?

I just love this zpagetti and closed up this pouffe with a little bow tie (knotted) so it can be opened up easy for washing.

To make your own zpagetti see this Dutch blog and a youtube movie

Hello, my name is Monique and I'm addicted to Zpagetti

Yes, after 2 years I just couldn't resist the temptation anymore and when I saw there was a discount offered all resistance just crumbled.

I'm just so weak when it comes to colorful fibers...

Zpagetti

I've ordered the goodies on Friday night at a Ladies'night discount at marutska.nl

and it arrived Tuesday evening at 15 pas 6 when I gave up all hope of it arriving yesterday (they don't deliver on Monday). Great service as always by marutska.nl

As you can see I've bought the 12mm crochet hook and this morning watching Teletubbies and started crocheting a poef (pouffe in French and in English it would be a ottoman without the legs/frame I guess).

From the chocolate brown Zpagetti I already used one and a half as seen in the pic. I've bought four in total. It would be nice for the kids to sit on but I guess the little maltese will be the underdog that will surely in this case claim her right to the pouffe as well!

I'm also making progress with the wool/angora mix I'm knitting for a pillow cover for the sitting room.

Really something I'll have to try: Powertex

Well, not specifically what this lady did but the powertex technique looks just awesome .

Tips and tricks for future reference here

iron on transfers and GIVEAWAY

I've bought transfer paper end of last year and it was really time to try it out. This past friday I stumbled on this key chain tutorial on Vlijtig blog and it was just the kick in the behind that I

needed.

I sat down to draw two cliparts as I wanted to give two little girls (sisters)

each a different key chain.

I have drawn a sweet snail and a curious tortoise,

scanned it and then printed it on the transfer paper

Next came the ironing which was a bit trying because I have a steam iron and an iron with a flat surface would've been much better. My iron has got only 2cm at the back with no steam holes in it..

.

a bit over exposed but when I pulled away the transfer paper a snail smiled very cutely at me:

I've made keychains for 2 little girls. Again sadly enough the photo is over exposed because it was such dark weather the camera called in the help of the flash:

Key chain caught on the job:

Now for the giveaway:

I have a snail iron on transfer up for grabs

example first top photo

If you're interested and

you'll promise to post a photo of how you've used it

you may try your luck in a draw

1. please leave a comment on how you would use it
2. and a way for me to contact you (no addresses please.Preferably your blog link)

I'll draw a name on Friday the 28th of January at 20:00 (GMT+1)

1. If I draw your name I'll make it know here on the blog and contact you
2. I'll post anywhere in the world
3. Remember to e-mail me a photo showing how you've used it
4. NOTE:You don't have to use it the way you thought you would. Just use it!

things to do

Sooner than later:

1. I have to make a better bedding for our maltese called Zizi. **DONE**

I've stumbled on the following on READYMADE blog and just love the idea

but will have to see what I do with her situation :)

2. I have to make two draft snakes/pillows

3. Finish the pillow cover I'm knitting

4. Finish the poncho I'm crocheting

5. Finish the pinafore I'm crocheting

6. Make 2 gifts for two little girls - want to try out the keychains I saw at Vlijtig blog. I have the iron transfer paper for some time now and the clipart I'm drawing/doodling so that would make and awesome combo with my farbenmix ribbon I can't wait to use! ***DONE***

fabric scrap tree

I have been wanting to wrap something with fabric scraps for years now. Originally I wanted to wrap the frame of a lamp shade so I still have that one on my list to do. As my 10 year old had a party coming up I swatted the two flies in one go. My husband sawed some thin branches into 20cm parts. I had some wire left which I used for making jewelry so I bended some roots, wrapped the wire around the "tree trunk" and made some Baobab type of branches at the top. I was wondering how I should made the branches and then finally ended it in little creative curls. I wrapped the tree with scraps of fabric and for the girls at the party I had a heap of torn fabric and did the "wiring" beforehand for them. During Christmas I picked up a piece of jewelry from one of my daughters and clipped it onto the little branch. Well, that gave me an idea and asked the owner to bring me some more! So the little scrap Baobab ended up being an artistic Christmas tree:

Winter Fun

It was time to make some new paintings for school, Christmas was gone and I had to paint again something with a winter theme. I painted on the two glass panels at the main entrance a little stove, red hot, with a bit of smoke and a sleeping cat on a pillow on the other panel.

I owe you the photo's.

Then due to a lack of time a sick kids I painted on both sides of an A3 poster so that I can just tape it to the glass panels of another door.

I painted a red robin as I just love their attitude, very very inquisitive and cocky.

a close-up:

I painted the body of the robin with gold and copper which created a beautiful effect

And I painted a penguin on the other side:

The falling snow was done with a natural spunge

This penguin must be a Jackass penguin from South Africa as all the others live in the Antarctic and are used to cold weather.

Flora fox as wisteria wolf :)

When I saw the Flora Fox fabric from Farbenmix I just COULDN'T resist! Though I had a stash I just HAD TO add 1m of foxy deliciousness. To make up for my backsliding behaviour I've used 2 fabrics from my stash (winter stenso range from I don't know which year). I got the stenso fabric in a suprise box and wasn't happy with it in the beginning but then Flora arrived.

I also saw this pattern on youcanmakethisand it just invites one to use it! The pattern I'm tlaking about is the Audrey ruffle skirt .I love ruffles, I love the author of this pattern's creations and I just have millions of ideas what to do on that front panel/apron.

The check apron seperate from the front panel. The fabric below the apron is a corduroy.

I cheated a bit and used(at last!) a farbenmix ribbon of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf for a finishing touch on the apron and on the top ruffle at the back:

At the back I've only made three ruffles on the pattern you can make up to six! I adore ruffles but am not that eager when it comes to sewing them.

I've used too much flash on the photo's which is a pity because the colours are vivid and a wealth to look at.

I've finished the skirt just in time for my parents-in-law's 40th marriage celebration.

Flora Fox just invites one making snazzy creations.

• Check out Sara's jounal cover at WillowandMoo.
• Peta treated herself with this neat Flora Fox embroidery on a skirt at Onelittlestitch
• please if you have a flora fox creation leave a comment and share the fun!

Baby Jesus

I was asked by the decorating mothers of school to please paint an A3 poster for the background of the one display table around the December theme . Everything is decorated with snow, bells, and anything wintery or Christmas like and the school is actually a Christian school. I missed something why we celebrate Christmas and I think we can all do with some warm love in the cold dark days of Christmas:

John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I painted baby Jesus:

I painted the star with 3D gel which was fun:

I gave him a cute little face because God gave Him to us because He loved us so much. Jesus knew complete love!

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

painting on glass

Every season or festival/happening I paint on the primary school's windows or glass paneled doors. It is tricky because it is ordinary school acryl paint I'm painting with and not glass paint. It is very difficult to clean and time consuming. I ussualy clean and paint 2.5 hours at a time with a todler walking around me. I paint free hand and quick otherwise it would be a half day job! The result is the best it can be and anyway I only paint because nobody else wants to! lol

these below were for the headmaster when it was the month of her going away.

and the cupcake is giant 80x80cm

These ones below where for St.Nicholas. A celebration here in The Netherlands (Belgium and Germany) on the 5th of December

He rides on a white horse and his coloured helpers have Spanish clothes with a feather in the barette.

This deer I painted in the main hall and he is 1.5mx1.5m for fall 2010. It is very difficult to paint with ordinary Acryl on glass. What made this cute was when the sun shone from the back it created a nice colourplay

Fabric just for me me me!

I'm always creating for other people, or my kids. Well times have change, I"ve decided to sew something for myself. I've bought this four lovely fabrics from stenso (summer 2010 and the grey one on the right:winter 2010):

I wanted to make half circle skirts from the fabric for our holiday in South Africa. Okay I wanted to sew 4 skirts in 5 days apart from having to pack for 5 people, get the house tidy, feed the household and prepare all the animals for our going away. In my lunacy I drove everyone mad and of course my most favourite (far left) got caught in the knives of my overlocker. My two year old try to comfort me when I was crying in dispair. My 8 year old gave me 4 different solutions to rescue the situation. IN the end I've sewn the "v"cut close with little felt flowers in orange and pink and nobody saw any evidence of the accident. I've finished the buttons and seams in South Africa with my mother's sewing machine. The skirts looked very colourfull and I was very happy I did go through all the trouble to finish them. Here is a tutorial for making a half circle skirt.

Here are one of the skirts, photo taken in South Africa

Pencil cases for little girls

I needed gifts for two different parties, both girls turned 10.

I've decided to make pencil (or fill it with whatever) cases. I can't find the tutorial I've used but it is similar to this one. May it be obvious that I had fun making them:

• I've made the rose with a yoyo maker from clover.
• The leave I've made with felt and sewn some veins on it with my sewing machine

felted tulips from Amsterdam

My husband's grandmother passed away just before we went on holiday to South Africa, in October. I wanted to send flowers to his aunts and nieces but couldn't find nice online bouquets and especially for the prices, flowers seemed to be so temporary. I don't know how but I came across the idea to look for felted flowers. I just love their texture and they appearance had enough weight to convey what I feel without using words. I couldn't find flowers though especially because I had just 3 days. Etsy had a couple of beautiful ones but the delivery time was just too long or they weren't white, which I wanted. I've decided to make some myself and found a webshop (Het kleine atelier) with three white tulips. There is enough material enclosed to make 5 tulips. The technique used is dry and wet(white part) felting. I attached three circle labels made with my scrapbooking stock and attached it with an off-white satin ribbon. I wrote on the labels a small poem I came up with, our condolences and names. Though I really didn't have enough time it turned out well.

My baby is TWO

My mom used to make me beautifull cakes for my birthday parties. Very creative and lovely and delicious. I dreamt of making cakes for my kids. Well hello reality. Here in the Netherlands it is a different story. A lot of "I don't eat thats" and a lot of effort for nothing. I ended up eating the cake with my kids. So I've decided to change tactics. All children love cupcakes so that was going to be my show stopper when Avon turned TWO. If you can't beat them..join them. So I went to this terrible shop called Bakfeest ("bakefeast"). If you go in there you just CAN'T LEAVE EMPTY HANDED. The result:

100% succes garanteed