Merry Christmas!

The view from my study

Makes me smile and think creative thoughts :-)

my tiny christmas tree

Pretty sure this is the cutest tree ever!

 Thankyou Borders for being awesome and having so many cute Chrissy things :-)

What I've been up to lately

Here are some of the sewing projects I have been up to lately. I am happy to say most of these projects made use of recycled materials I found at the local op-shops :-)

 This jumpsuit is for my sister for christmas. I used secondhand black cotton, and second hand floral rayon. I pretty much just Traced out a pair of shorts, and a singlet top I had at home.  All up, this gift will cost me $11. Yay!

I re-worked an eighties dress from the salvos, which actually came together in time to wear at my engagement party :-)

I was pretty much over an old dress from supre, so I cut it in half, which made a nice swing top, and the rest I turned into a headband :-) I will put instructions up here soon on how to make the headband :-)

Northern Rivers market finds

As 2010 wraps up, I find myself scouring the local markets for handmade gifts (and goodies to give to myself :-)  ). This got me listing all my good finds and memories from the markets this year. The markets this year became a wonderful place to escape (aka procrastinate) from doing uni assignments and the general weekly routine. It was also a place to bond with friends and family, an outing when I had visitors, and a way for me as a marketing student, to see how others turned their ideas into reality and a livelihood. Here is my list of finds.
Lismore Car boot Markets. I went here the most frequently, as it was in walking distance from my home.  - Fudge!!!!! especially choc mint. mmmmmm, Herbs, local honey (soooo much cheaper!!!) a stall called Bird and Rose sold beautiful vintage clothing, and the prices were written on playing cards. I regret not buying an 80s sequinned bolero from there, but did get a bright blue silk office blouse (win). Picked up some bargain tea/sugar/flour cannisters from a vintage homewares stall- which get used daily.
The Channon Markets - went here on an outing when we had visitors. Discovered 'the Tea People' company from Nambucca, and got some chocolate chai tea off them. I can see me becoming very addicted to their teas :-).   Apparently 20 years ago according to our guest, it was a place where the hippies would come out of the hills nearby and gather to sing and play music. None of this was there - was very disappointed !! However the crafts were brilliant - I wish I had taken more money :-(
Love Vintage Yamba- punters packed into a small church hall at Yamba on a stuffy day to snatch up the  treasures. I found some 60s peach coloured gloves for the races, and an 80s black tiered ra-ra skirt- am yet to convert this skirt into and evening dress, watch this space.
Bangalow Markets - joined the hoards in the mud (I heart my gumboots) on a sunday afternoon. Discovered a stall selling jewellery out of kimono fabric- shall come in handy for gifts for the women in my famliy. 
Brisbane art and Craft fair- not technically a grassroots local market, as it is held annually in the exhibition centre at Southbank, Brisbane. However, I did pick up some hugely cute rabbit button earrings, kimono fabric brooches, and the birds which I made fridge magnets out of. I feel however I need a buying strategy going to this markets, as there are so many cute bits and pieces I want, but  have no idea how I would use them.
Lismore Farmers Market - keeping me stocked up on local avocadoes!!!

Re-using Jars

Here is a way to use old jars:

• wash them up
• wrap a fabric remnant around them
• secure with twine.

I have used mine as a lolly jar at parties, I have filled them with goodies and given them as gifts, and one currently sits in my kitchen holding my utensils.
Happy Recycling :-)

Cute Christmas presents - Boxed Bird Magnets

Looking for some budget-friendly Christmas present options? Hit your local scrapbooking store. I picked up these cute wooden bird shapes from a scrapbooking stall at the most recent Craft & Quilt Fair in Brisbane. Similar shapes can be found in many scrapbooking stores. Just attach some self-adhesive magnets, which can be found in hardware stores, and you have some wonderful magnets. Box them up in a cute and quirky container, and there's your Christmas gift!