Our new kitchen cupboard door

They say that necessity is the mother of invention - I didn't invent curtains, but...

One of the cupboard doors fell off in our kitchen! And unfortunately, because of the way that the previous owners have installed their kitchen, we needed to replace the whole kitchen unit to reattach the door....... OR! I could make a bright curtain. Much preferred option indeed.

Before

After

Just a taster

Recently I've been working on a selection of birthday cards with the help of some new tools that have been recommended to me.

Here is a taster of what is yet to come!

Just to note, I have been encouraged to use my sense of humour, as in the past I have avoided it a little. Hopefully you all have a similar sense of humour to me and will get a kick out of sending these greetings to your loved ones once they are available :)

Also, it's my birthday soon, so I've been channelling how old I will be versus how old I "am".... the numbers don't match!

Just a quick note...

I just wanted to put it out there that I am aware that I haven't updated LillyPotters for a while - it's been a busy month!

 I have recently come home from our belated honeymoon and am working towards the next step in my life - going back to university!  I shall update you all with my crafting tales soon!

xx

The Festival of Quilts (N.E.C. Birmingham 09/08/2015)

It was inspirational, the festival of quilts! I got to spend the day with my mum and ogle at some beautiful quilts, followed by a spot of shopping to add to the ever growing stash of fabric that I seem to be building. I may even consider attending again next year! (Depending on the line up for a certain festival that is!) 

Note: I always thought my mum was crazy collecting fabrics from around the world just so that she could look at them - what was the point? But now, as I grow older and wiser (yes, wiser), I understand.

The Quilters of Mexico

One of my favourite things about this festival is that it includes work and stalls belonging to people all over the world. Of particular interest was the Quilters of Mexico, as we lived in Mexico City for a while. Mum was part of a quilters guild while we were there. It was nice to have a giggle at the exhibition, as it was based on common expressions of the country.

Alice in Wonderland

Another part of the exhibition was inspired by Alice in Wonderland. I might have a go at designing a bookmark like the ones below.

Other pieces that caught my eye around the exhibition:

Ocarina of Time

Quite a long time ago a friend asked me to paint some pictures relating to Zelda: Ocarina of Time, one of his favourite video games. After looking around the internet and at stills taken from game play, I produced these beauties!

I was inspired by the artists on deviant art, by official game art work and stills from the game.

Copper Mousai

Yesterday I went and visited my friend Ruth who over the last few months has been working hard to make beautiful hand made jewellery to sell through her shop, Copper Mousai. It was the first time that she had her stall set up with all her jewellery pieces and it was inspirational to see everything set up!

Every time I see her she always has new pieces to show me, where she has learnt a new method of creating rings, necklaces, bracelets... the lot! So I thought I'd dedicate this post to her and the launch of Copper Mousai! 

Link to Copper Mousai on Etsy 

Link to Copper Mousai on Facebook

Making Book Covers with Jenny

Every now and then I tag along to the Saturday workshops that take place at Angie's. Last week I attended one where Jenny was teaching us all how to make book covers. We were taught two methods of making them. Here's how mine turned out :) 

 

Desktop Organising

My friend Stacy at work asked if there was anyway I could make something to keep all of her funky pens in at work. I've got quite a few bits and bobs at home left over from the wedding and a few scrappy bits of things that needed to be put to use, so I made her a girly pen jar to add to her desk.

I think she liked it! Oh - and she had to personalise it a bit more with her Arsenal pin... she was quite happy with the win!

Something for outside

We went to B&Q at the beginning of the month to find a trellis for some climbing plants that were a gift for my birthday. I didn't really feel comfortable paying circa £20.00 for some wood, so the hunt was on to find tools to make an alternative. I managed to find that Tesco do a pack of 10 pieces of bamboo for £1.50 and a roll of garden wire for £1.00. So for £2.50 I made this bargain!:

Hopefully our Jasmine and Honeysuckle will flower soon! 

I just wanted to add a picture of some of the lovely fabrics that Mum has at her shop. I went to visit over the weekend and she's currently battling to find more room for more fabric that is on it's way! I'm looking forward to taking part in one of the workshops that one of her quilting ladies is holding soon. She's going to show us how to make book covers. Watch this space!

Sunday Sewing

My dear Mummy prescribed sewing therapy for me this bank holiday weekend. How could I resist after a visit to her lovely shop full of brightly coloured thiiiiiings.
 

The lady who made this quilt won first prize recently - it's so beautiful!

Anyway - I'm learning more in my later life that mum actually knows what she's talking about (sorry mum... ) So low and behold... we now have more cushions for the sofa - just what we need :D (sorry husband......... no not really)

Quite a productive afternoon really :)