DIY Fabric Pumpkins

As anyone who follows me knows, I love nothing more than re-using/re-cycling/up-cycling, call it what you want, basically making something new from something old.  It's the joy of being creative, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING has a possibility.  The only downside to this is that it can lead to hoarding tendencies because, seriously, there's a purpose for everything.  Look at the things McGyver did with chewing gum wrappers!!

So for today, day 28 of my #30daysgreener challenge I'm showing you how to make some super cute pumpkins from old fabric (kid's clothes are perfect for this as they come in fun prints) and old cushions! 

So what are you waiting for let's get stitching!

Grab your fabric and 

follow the instructions here.  

Follow my full 30 Days Greener challenge over on Facebook

Feeling Festive

Halloween is over so I feel I can go all out now!

I've been holding back, ever so slightly but after a trip to the shops yesterday and seeing all the windows decorated in all things festive I thought I'd do the same.

So my facebook page has had a makeover and a new festive banner applied.  What do you think?  Do you think its too early or are you with me and feeling festive for weeks ... ok months!!  

I think when you do what I do i.e. my business is making and selling crafts you just have to start early.  I started in July!

However, this year I got a little bit more into Halloween and had a few decorations.  I think because I don't have kids it's taken me longer to get into it, however I have noticed it growing more and more in popularity each year here in Ireland.  

I started with a few skeletons hung outside (cheap as chips from the local two euro shop) 

Then I made a quick wreath.   

I've been making wreaths for Christmas so I had them sitting on the table and found the banner as a free download online. (sorry can't remember where!?)  The plastic rats were two euro for a packet (again in the two euro shop) and the hessian, rafia and ribbon I had at home.  

I didn't stop there.

I then decided to make a lampshade.  I had planned to cut out black felt silhouettes and stitch to the lampshade but I started sketching out on the shade where to position them and decided to colour it in and voila ... this is what I ended up with. 

I love when things like this happen from an accident.  It looks really well lit up.

So I think the Halloween bug has hit me.  Looking forward to next year as I've seen loads of great things online, especially on pinterest!!

But Halloween is over now and the Festive Fever has struck!

I have been sketching and stitching for days and weeks getting ready for festive fairs.

The first one I'll be doing is Thursday November 28th in Athlone Springs Hotel (more details here)  This is part of a Cookery Demonstration with Irish celebrity chef Neven Maguire.  The tickets are already sold out so I'm hoping it will be a good night sales wise. 

I will have lots of cushions, decorations, cards and of course my cookie plates, which are hugely popular on the night.

If you can't get to the event you can order plates via my etsy shop.

That's all for now folks!

Have a super Sunday and chat soon x

On telly

Sorry for the lack of posts but I was back on telly this week and had lots to prepare for with that and all my workshops.  I was also interviewed by a local paper, will share that with you tomorrow though.

Here's a few pics from my slot on RTE's Four Live show (it's an Irish show on live at 4pm in the afternoons).  Unfortunately due to licensing restrictions some of you outside of Ireland may not be able to view the programme but for those of you that are it can be seen online here.

Luckily I got a few pics for the rest of you :O)

These are my lovely models

Amy (modelling the owl costume I made)

 Connor (modelling the Harry Potter outfit)

and Saoirse modelling the spider outfit.

Connor really got into character, he was great fun.

This is me demonstrating how to make Harry Potter glasses out of wire!

Unfortunately Amy got a little camera shy but she was soooo cute in the owl costume. 

This is Maura, the presenter of the show, modelling the owl mask I made and demonstrated (below)

So that was yesterday.

Today I've been training a group of people how to use facebook, I've been cleaning the cottage and now I've got to get me wellies on and clean out the chicken coop.  

Never a dull moment! 

Are you dressing up for Halloween?  If so share a link - would love to see your costumes.  

Happy Halloween!

image source

As someone who doesn't have kids the Halloween thing hasn't really hit me but if it did these are some of the things I'd probably make :o)

Love this super cute knitted witch from the fabulous Purl Bee! 
I know 'cute' and 'witch' don't really go but hey, I think she's cute :o)

Felted dolls - instructions here

Pumpkins for grown ups
I'm loving the chocolate brown velvet one on the right!!

Oak leaf bowls

Black magic party invitations 
The simple things are always the best :o)

and of course a Knitted pumpkin

What have you made for Halloween this year??  Leave a comment with a link back to your blog if you like :O)

 

Happy Halloween !

Happy Halloween

I've decided that Halloween is a 'family' holiday, and seems to bypass us singletons. However, last night I helped a friend make her son's Halloween costume and I wished I had made more of an effort so tonight I've scoured the web for some ideas and I hope to make them .... next year :o)

I LOVE these cushions, super cute! I think I might make them in another colour as they're not just for Halloween :o) Instructions for making can be found here




I know it's a bat but I think it's cute. Instructions for making can be found here




Printable skeleton ... simply print, cut and hang (my kind of decoration). Instructions for making can be found here



Love this tree full of bats and ghosts. Instructions and downloadable template can be found here.

If that isn't enough, check out the fabulous Martha Stewart site here for LOADS of ideas & templates.

Or the Canon website for bucket patterns, garlands, witches hats and so much more.

Wishing you all a fun filled Halloween weekend.

Hopefully there will be no tricks but lots of treats :o)