Brainstorm: 2018

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Em's 2018 Christmas Presents

Fold-up bag
I have had these 2 pillow cases for a while to make something with. I love the pattern. I made reusable bags using this style. I really liked the idea of the button and elastic closure of this style bag so incorporated that into it. I tried to make it as easy as possible to fold as I gave them to my aunties.

Beetroot Relish

I made a batch of my favourite beetroot relish for everyone for Christmas. We have a constant supply in our fridge and cupboard to put on eggs or fritters etc. I also made the labels.

Reindeer Noses

I made these reindeer noses as effective Christmas gifts. I think it is a really clever way to give the sometimes boring gift of chocolate in a new way, as everyone likes chocolate right? A packet of Malteasers and a packet of Jaffers made two big jars perfectly (Damn! I was hoping for some left overs!). I also like the added touch of a reindeer Foo on the label! 😁

Eggs
Our chooks supplied the three dozen eggs we needed for our family Christmas lunch, so I edited the usual label I use when giving people eggs and put little Santa hats on the chickens!

Monday, August 27, 2018

Em's Knitted Blanket #2

I finished another knitted blanket using scrap wool. I loved my first attempt a knitted blanket and still had lots of beautiful wool to use so decided to make this one for my Mum's 60th. I used the same technique. A circular knitting needle, mix of weights and fibres, leaving the ends for the tassel. I knitted with 2 yarns each row and left out any yarns that were too furry this time. I also kept a darker, denser colour palette using the aqua and purple yarns as a base. I love those yarns and have lots of them. I've already looked at a new colour combination to start a new one!!

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Em's Macrame

I still would love to try a big macrame wallhanging!! Getting some rope seems to be the hardest. It's not cheap and there's so much variety! I had some string so I decided to try this tutorial and create a macrame necklace. I think it is really cute!

Then I decided to try a mini macrame owl. I had some wooden beads that were perfect for this tutorial luckily. I finally got the hang of some of the knots too!

I like the beads and feathers in the tail of this one, which uses the same pattern.

Friday, June 29, 2018

1960's clock

Inspiration for a 1960's starburst style clock..

Love this one!!! but add dots for numbers.. via

similar but gold..

via

A bit too busy but I like the mix of wooden and metal spikes via

via

But not pink! via

Could be cool as different wooden pieces or one metal piece- could also have a small clock face to hide the joins.. Via

via

Love the colours! Mixed with white..

BONUS CLOCK!! How cool is this!

Couldn't resist.. via

Visit previous Clocks post

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Em's Gold Magnets

I freshened up my old coloured letter magnets that were faded, by spraying them with gold spray paint. I only wish I had stuck them on a wall in the shed to spray them as the newspaper looked great outlining the letters and would have made an interesting feature on a shed wall.

Em's Knot Pillow

I really liked the idea of a knot cushion so decided to give it a go using this tutorial. I used some old curtain fabric from the op shop cut it in three lengths about 2m long and 13cm wide. Then sewed them end to end followed by sewing right-sides facing into a long tube. I sewed one end shut and turned the tube the right way then I used the help of a broom handle to stuff the tube, which took a bit of time and actual stuffing, trying not to pack it too tight or loose. Then came the fun part of tying it into a knot. I used the turk's head knot without tightening into a ball. But am keen to try making a ball one too someday. (Another knot tutorial)

I was hoping to have some left over stuffed tube, but it was a perfect amount. I wanted to try making these balloon animals. Another project to add to the list. They would probably need a stretcher fabric anyway.

via

Here's another great tutorial for a knot pillow or here's a tutorial to use old leggings to make a knot pillow (or video tutorial here).

Also check out my other DIY cushions made from jumpers/sweaters or other Cute Cushion ideas.

Em's Jumper/Sweater Cushion

Em's Jumper/Sweater Cushions #2

Monday, February 26, 2018

Macrame

Macrame! A great way to add boho or retro elements to your home! I love the idea of a huge wall hanging above the bed (especially like the one below on a dark wall!). I would love to make one! But also love the more simple versions of a door curtain.. But I might start with a smaller project like some jewellery or planters..