Amazing acetate

I was given a packet of acetate sheets a while ago. Not quite sure what I was going to do with them, I experimented a bit. I made a few boxes for chocolates and sweets (no photos I'm afraid) and then began trying to make cards with them.

My first card was a Christmas card where I used a small square of acetate as a window with star sequins and punched white circles behind. This was raised using strips of foam tape so that it became like a mini snow globe.

Christmas snow shaker card

For my next card I used the idea of little windows again. I used a laminator to seal pressed flowers inside and made a little flower shop.

Flower shop card

My next couple of cards are a bit different as I used the acetate as the main material.

Sailboat acetate card

Dragonfly acetate card

It's a great material for adding layers to a picture, as demonstrated by the dragonfly card (although this is hard to photograph). Each additional layer of acetate brings something new to the overall effect and image.

Fantastic foxes

I thought I'd take my sewing challenges to the next level and attempt some soft toys for a couple of children close to my heart. This is quite a step up, and I'm sure I could have done a lot of things more easily, I really should try following patterns and learning crafts properly!
I decided to try and make foxes, as they're such beautiful creatures and make super cute toys. The results are clearly handmade, but kind of adorable. :)

A pair of fox toys

Keeping to the foxy theme, a few years ago I made some heart shaped chocolates for my other half and presented them in a cute foxy box. I made this out of cardboard and used velcro dots to keep the flap closed. I think this would make a particularly good box for a scrap book or as an envelope for a 3D card. I might try this in the future.

Fox Box

Christmas hearts

In a merging together of previous themes, I thought my next post would be about Christmas decorations I've made, both through crochet and sewing.

Firstly, a crochet heart which I made a few years ago, and now adorns my tree every December.

Crochet heart decoration

This is edged with the same sparkly, white wool I used for my Christmas angel (see previous post-Crochet Christmas Nativity).

Next are two hearts which I made out of some fat quarters of fabric I found in a couple of shops on my travels.

Cherry heart decoration

House heart decoration

These both became gifts to friends. They didn't take very long to make, so I think I might have a go at making some more in the future. They make lovely additions to a hamper gift. :)

Sew exciting!

I recently bought myself a cheap, basic sewing machine. I have no experience with sewing and thought I'd have a go as there are so many gorgeous fabrics about that I get the urge to buy, and this is pretty pointless if you can't make anything out of them!

The first thing I made was a cushion for my friend's birthday, she's a big fan of purple and cushions. :)

Front side

Reverse Side

Stitching close-up

As you can see, I have some lessons to learn in terms of lining up sections of fabric, but I thought it wasn't bad for a first attempt. :)

The second project was a handbag for another friend's birthday. She's also a fan of purple, and is very musical, so I went for a music theme.

Music bag

 I found some cute little heart details which say 'made with love' so I've started to add these onto some of my handmade projects.

Close-up detail

Lining of bag

I found some lovely cotton fabric with musical notes which I made as the lining of the bag, and the pocket lining.

What to sew next...? :)

Crochet Christmas Nativity

Continuing the theme of Christmas, I really should have started some other Christmas projects by now. For the past few years I've been making my niece a crocheted nativity. This year I'm hoping to make her a shepherd and a sheep, although I'd better get cracking if I want to make both in time!
So far I've made her the following characters;

Mary and baby Jesus

Joseph

Angel

You can't tell in this photo, but the angel has sparkly white wool for her wings and around her middle which finished the angelic effect quite nicely.
I wasn't very happy with Joseph, he looks a little odd. I found myself wishing I'd followed a pattern instead of making it up as I went along, but my niece seems to love him, so that's all that matters!

Christmas Creations

Now I know it's only October, but in the world of creation this is actually quite late for thinking about Christmas. If you intend on giving handmade presents and cards, that's a lot of things to make, and can take months!

Yesterday was my first day of beginning to create Christmas cards although, as these haven't been received by anyone yet, I'll post these at a later date to avoid ruining the surprise for any recipients. Instead, I'll post an example of a previous Christmas project.

'Gingerbread house'

Front of Gingerbread House

Back of Gingerbread House

This was a gift I made for someone with a sweet tooth. I originally thought I'd make a house which was classic Hansel and Gretel with sweets all over the outside, but as it took shape it seemed to me it would look better a little more simplistic, I made it out of very strong card covered in paper. The roof tiles are made out of an old cereal box! The roof comes off to reveal a gift inside, in this case it was, of course, sweets and chocolate. :)

Inside Gingerbread House

What it's about..

I've always liked to make things. Seeing something be created from nothing brings me great joy, and I like to share this joy with others, which is why most of my creations are gifts for friends and family. Projects I make for myself have a tendency to get left for years or pushed to the back of the cupboard.

It doesn't seem to matter what it is that I'm making, it's the act of creating something new which brings me happiness.

I'm not brilliant at anything, my creations aren't masterpieces, but I don't think that matters all that much. If you put effort in, people generally see that and appreciate that it was made especially for them.

This blog is just a collection of things I've created which hopefully will inspire others to spread joy in the same way. :)