Merry Upcycled Xmas Tree

I was inspired to make this tree after seeing the tree that the lovely girls in the Library here at work made. For those in the know it's on display here at cafeteria.

I made this tree from a Xmas magazine/catalogue. The next one I make, I think I'll be using a much thicker magazine to make it.

(It's currently on display in our office ^_^)

recycled magazine necklace

I have far too many magazines lying about the place. Surely there is a use for them rather than sending them to the recycle bin. As my first love is jewellery I decided to try and make a pendant necklace using a magazine

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here's what you will need:

1 magazine

Sticky tape (or glue)

Scissors or craft knife/craft mat

Ruler (optional)

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instructions:

Rip 5 to 6 pages out of a magazine

 

Trim off jagged edge of the magazine sheets with a craft knife (or scissors)

Fold sheet in half and cut (lengthways)

Fold sheet in half length ways – repeat two more times

Fasten with sticky tape (or glue)

Repeat process with each magazine strip

Join strips together to create one long strip using sticky tape or glue

Get a pencil, chopstick, or any other stick that you can find. Wrap the long strip around the pencil moderately tight. Secure with tape or glue at the end. Remove pencil

You can choose to keep the pendant in the round shape, or bend it to a particular shape

Insert string (I used several strands of wool) and voilà

cute pieces of art

after procrastinating for so long I've finally gotten onto the swivel chair and behind the computer screen to create these cute prints

let me know who you think!

TUTORIAL: no sew tutu

items you will need:

1.5 to 2m polyester netting (or tulle if you want to spend the extra $$)

you can have multiple colours to your tutu, just be sure to have a min 1.5m all up of fabric

scissors

elastic

Step 1

measure your waist (or the waist of the person who's lucky enough to have a tutu made for them)

cut the elastic to fit comfortably (and without the fear of the tutu falling down)

Step 2

secure the ends of you elastic. 

I chose to use my sewing machine to sew the ends, it's your choice to sew it or to fasten it with a pin, or even just knot it securely

Step 3

cut your netting into approx 20-30cm wide strips

Step 4

place elastic around a chair or another structure that will hold the elastic taut

Step 5

fold strip of netting in half and loop through elastic

Step 6

continue adding strips of netting to the elastic until the entire length of the elastic is covered

Voilà 

the finished tutu

^_^

handmade 2nd birthday

my friend's daughter Jade had her 2nd birthday on the weekend. Aunty Trish was thinking, what can I make this young girl? I was aiming for something that wasn't disposable, and something that wasn't the next toy fad.

After racking my brain, I decided to make a pictorial depiction of her name:

Ikea RIBBA frame:
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/70179513

I also made an accompanying birthday card as well (morning of the party too! - talk about cutting it fine):

Prince should sing: ribbon and pearls

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/01/craft-1-ribbon-and-pearl-neclace_04.html

I saw this tutorial a while ago about making a pearl necklace using ribbon. So I've decided to make one for myself. 

Here's the finished result, using organza ribbon and some faux pearls. I will be sourcing some freshwater pearls soon and trying this out as well.

(apologies for the poor quality photo - only had my mobile phone to take the photo with)

i ♥ cute rings

I've listed 3 new rings on etsy. Ultra cute plastic rose rings in 3 colours - yellow, black, and purple/mauve.

Here's the link to my etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebyTrishM

handmade cards

I hate trying to find the perfect greeting card for someone. 

a) because it's so overpriced

b) there just isn't stuff that I like there

c) there's always a thought in my head...surely I can make stuff just as good as this (if not better)

So here's my first attempts at the creation of my own greeting cards. Simple yet I think they're pretty cool.

shell based earrings

As most of my jewellery making is done either on the weekend or whilst watching #qanda on the ABC, it comes as no surprised that a few more pieces were made over the weekend.

Here is a sample of what was produced:

green shell & silvertone

purple shell & silvertone

black painted shell | silvertone | diamontes 

green shell & silvertone

new item from me at etsy

these ultra cute earrings have just been listed at my little space on etsy. you can find these earrings here http://www.etsy.com/listing/55980005/cute-purple-filigree-bird-chick-wood?ref=em

have I ever told you about Mod Podge?

It is the most fantastic product that I have come across, thanks to this little blog http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/

 

There seems to be no end to what can be made with this nifty little product. Though sadness has become me - I can only find the matte, gloss & glitter Mod Podge in Sydney. No fabric Mod Podge anywhere! *cry*

Do take a look at that site. It links to so so so many different tutorials and items for sale using the wonderful Mod Podge.

i ♥ my bestie

she bakes the most scrumptuous cupcakes, which i enjoy photographing to no end.

i'm just really bragging - but these were a sample of the cupcakes baked for us trivia playing types this week.

mint slice cupcake

strawberry cream cupcake

she really should get her own blog to showcase her prowess...opinion?

my first etsy sale

I didn't have an active blog when my first etsy sale was made.

Though never fear...here it is!
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/31947867

It's possibly my favourite pair of earrings that I've made. For those who know me, red is very high on my to wear list, and these are just so so cute too ^_^

Since my first sale, I've sold a further pair on etsy. There's more pairs available too here
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53404545/red-filigree-peacock-bird-wood-earrings

in the beginning...

Welcome to my first post in my brand new blog.

I have decided to put together a space to showcase the jewellery, buttons, crafts and all round cute stuff that I make. As well as linking to other fabulous blogs out there in the interwebs.

I hope you enjoy.

xx