Flower Sugar Fabric

I have so much that I want to show you, but alas this has to be quick as I need to get back to the sewing machine (sewing Christmas presents has turned me into a bit of a monster!). While I'm onto the sewing thing, I have to share these delish fabrics with you...

Enough said. What are you waiting for??? Get over there and have a look!
retromummy

Stamped Wrapping Paper

I promised you a little look when we finally had some wrapping paper. 

Set up

Impromptu art smock

The finished stamps

Jellyfish's first attempt at stamping

Some more designs

The crinkles in the paper in the last few pics were per favour of Jellyfish, who thought it would be fun to play with the paper while Mummy was changing Little Clam's pants. :{ (Just gives it more of a "handmade" look, now doesn't it!)

 I just used acrylic paint and since I didn't have any sponge to put it on, I just used a piece of the foam sheeting that we cut the stamps out of to put the paint on, and a big roll of brown paper from Art Riot.

Take up the challenge...

So today I got a challenge from Jenn.

"...post challenge...if you choose to accept it...go to your camera, pick it up and then walk 50 paces from wherever your camera is...in any direction. When you get to 50 paces, stop. Wherever you are (provided it isn't in the middle of a road, or somewhere else dangerous...take a photo, "artsy" or otherwise and upload it as a post with or without commentary."

I walked to the top of the driveway - 29 steps - and turned right. This is what I found...

 

Shell Ginger leaf

 

 Plucky little ant

Back to the centre of the driveway, and turn left... 

(becuase I couldn't make up my mind which way to go!)

 

A random rusty thumbtack in a tree.

And while I am talking about out and about, I thought I would show you what I  found on Sunday while I was sweeping out the front  - this little lady was on the lounge room windowsill...

(Photos courtesy of Mr. Kelp)

If you would like to participate in the 50 paces photo challenge, leave a link to your blog post in the comments :) I can't wait to see what the rest of you come up with!

Conquering the Machine!

Any of you who have been following along for some time now will know that I have a phobia about sewing machines. And that I want to conquer this phobia. The scariness of it all partly stems from using my mum's sewing machine in primary school, having the cotton knot up around the bobbin, and being told not to do any sewing "for a while...". Twenty one years later, and here I am in trepidation of the beast. Problem is, I love fabric. Lots and lots of lovely fabric. I would be happy rolling around in great swathes of yummy colours and textures! :)

Well... I have news!

First I sewed not only on the sewing machine - but the over locker too! AND I sewed in my very first zip. The finished product is not perfect... but, I think it's cool, and I am feeling very pleased with myself. :) I also managed to sew a mostly straight line or two.  I'd show you more, but I am gifting it for Christmas, and I don't want the person to see too much.