Hello from Carrie

This is a bookmark and is like a caterpillar with a tail.  Any suggestions on how to make it better will be gratefully received.  I'm calling it a Looky Loo and it will sell for 50p.

Hope you like the sky blue.

Carrie

x

Ready for a new craft challenge?

So, hot on the heels of the last post, it's time to announce the next craft challenge and using the rather fabulous 'meow meow', the following theme and colours have been picked at random .......................

As always, feel free to also use black and/or white.

Happy crafting,
Jo
x

October's Craft Challenge

Hi everyone,

Nic surprised me with the most fab (and seriously inspired!) item for October's craft challenge - she made a brilliant spinning wheel to help pick all future projects, I've nicknamed it the 'meow meow' and here's a photo of me at the Bead Fair yesterday, looking a bit manic spinning the wheel!  I think you'll agree it's a great use of a lever arch file, yep really, that's what it used to be!

 

For my challenge, I knitted a blue mouse catnip toy and here's a photo of CharlieCat snoozing after a mad 15 mins of playing with it ..............

There are a couple more items to add from our lovely fellow crafters, so pop back and see what else arrives.

Jo

x

A Grand Day Out - Nottingham Bead Fair

Hi everyone,

Hope you've had a fun weekend! Jo and I negotiated some foggy motorway to spend the day at the Nottingham Bead Fair yesterday, and had a brilliant time catching up and being enchanted by every flavour of bling. It was bigger and better than last year's, with lots of stalls and free workshops in felted beads, crochet flowers, beaded snowflakes and dichroic fused glass. We loved the Wigjig earring and Celtic scroll workshop - I can't remember an hour that flew by faster, with some lovely friendly people. Wirework is definitely addictive (or as Kirsty would have it, the crack cocaine of the craft world). The place was packed initially but luckily the crowd thinned out by the end of the day so we got to take a photo and see everything on offer, including some breathtaking ideas for beaded Christmas decorations and gifts.

All in all a fabulous experience!

Have a good week,
Nic x

Felt Mouse Fever

Hey everyone! Hope the dark evenings aren't getting you down, I'm shifting into ubercraft mode and thought I would keep you posted on how I get on with my charity makes, hopefully it will inspire some of you to jump in and help your local shelter too :)

I've been trying to find a quick pattern for cat toys with NANNA animal rescue in mind - quick because a LOT of unwanted cats are cared for by these fine folk, so both quantity and quality are important. (You ever delivered a lovely treat to one pen and watch all the other residents' eyes follow you out? I do not wish to deliver crushing disappointment along with the bargain.) I need to make something fun, safe and large enough not to easily fall out of the pens as some toys will go through the bars. I came across a cute-looking candidate here which I really like the look of, so I'll be test driving felt mice this weekend as the images and instructions look very clear and appealing. I'll use thread instead of beads for eyes as I believe that if they are successful, they WILL be chewed off, I'll be adding jingle bells and catnip for added oohlala and I can't wait to deliver my little presents...I'll be there for hours...

Tell us if you do something along similar lines, we'd love to poach share your ideas ;)

Have a brilliant weekend!
Nic x

23 November - Update: Yup, oi bin makin' looooots of felt mioce, but they are without exception of the lumpy and deformed variety. I'm experimenting with stuffings and it's...interesting. I'll keep you posted...

Can You Guess What It Is Yet?

Here's a clue about what I'm making for October's challenge.

That's your lot! Heh heh!
Nic x