Market Day!

 

 

Wow! What a fantastic weekend I've had!

Yesterday was my first market back for the season. I was a bit worried with the weather we've been having recently, but it actually turned out to be a beautiful day! The photos look a little grey, and even though it was cold it was nice day!

 

So this market was run by Street Hassle Events. The Heron Park Local and General Market!

 





 

The thing I love about markets is not only all the amazing handmade items, but also the people. I probably spent much more time than I should have chatting away to other stall holders! But I was able to catch up with so many amazingly talented people, and see all there wonderful creations! Over the next week I'll be sharing some of them in my Handmade Love series (Here is a link to my first post in this series)

 

The food is also a huge part of a great market.

I met Marnie from Marnies Raw Creations.

I haven't had much experience with raw foods before, but it is definitely something that interests me. I wont go into details of raw foods - as I would hate to get it wrong (as I say - I don't know much about it) but please check out Marnies Facebook page to find out some more info. And check out these goodies that we bought. So Delicious!!!! 

 
 

 

It was a bit tricky for me to photograph my items this time. I was in the lovely homestead and I had a window behind me - so the sun was adding a glare to my pictures!!! But here's a couple anyway!!

 

 

And so now I've done my first market for the season, I have 7 days to prepare for my next one!!

Next weekend is the Rockingham Handmade Expo! I better get sewing!

 

What's your favourite thing about craft markets?



Weekend Project - Bunting

Whats better than balloons, streamers, tinsel and tacky decorations?? Whats handmade with love and care and can be used year after year?? BUNTING of course!!

I think using bunting to celebrate special occasions is a great tradition to start! I'm going to make each of the kids their own special ones for their birthdays, as well as a Christmas one...maybe Valentines, Easter, Halloween.... oh the possibilities are endless!!!!

Making bunting is something that I find really therapeutic. Maybe it's because of the repetition? Not sure really, but it's something that I enjoy, so I thought I would share it as a Weekend Project for you to try too.

So firstly - gather your fabric supplies. Either co-ordinated or random, or make it all from the same piece, it's up to you. You'll also need some Bias Binding Tape or ribbon or something to string it all together, Plus a sewing machine and your usual sewing supplies.

 

Then, I like to make a stencil. This makes it easier to keep all the pieces the same size. Empty cereal boxes come in really handy for stencil making! My stencil is about 18cm across the top, and measures about 23cm from the top to the point.

 

You then need to fold your fabric in half, with the pattern facing in, and pin together. Then either trace around the stencil or pin it on and cut out. Do this until you have your desired amount of 'flags' in each of your chosen fabric.

 

Stitch around each set of flags leaving minimal seam around the edge. I leave the top of the flag unstitched as this will be sewn later. Then cut any extra fabric off, so the stitching is as close to the edge as possible.

 

Turn the flags in the right way ensuring you have a good point at the end. I like to use a knitting needle to poke it all out.

 

Then iron your flags flat and order them how you would like them hung.

 

 

I use Bias Binding Tape along the top of my bunting. I fold it in half and iron it flat. Then I slip the top of each of the flags into the fold and pin down. You could easily run a length of ribbon across the top if you didn't have the Bias Tape.

 

 

Then sew it all together!

 

 

And there you have it! A funky new bunting to hang around the house or to use for a special occasion!

 

Why not try one for yourself this weekend! - or if you would prefer head over to my Etsy Store where I have some for sale!!

Spoilt doggies!

Yes I have two very spoilt doggies!! I've been busy making them toys.  Well..... truth actually is our new pup is a bit of a destroyer - she chews everything...... shoes, toys, furniture, bras, even the walls! So even though both dogs have toys, I thought they may need more things to keep them occupied!

These 'bone' shaped toys they LOVE! I just made them from recycled fabric, and filled with the scrap fabric. That way they have a bit of weight to them - perfect for tossing in the air!

I've also made a couple of dog coats for these cooler morning walks. They look so proud wearing them! They actually aren't quite finished yet. I've got to add a strap on the underneath to hold them on.

But as I say, spoilt doggies.... they probably have nearly as many toys as my kids!

Market time

Yes it was Craft Market time again yesterday!!!

We braved the 40deg heat and set up the stall. It was busier than I thought to be truthful!

Maybe like me, people can't pass up the opportunity to just soak in a little of the market atmosphere. I could have easily not gone - knowing that the temperature was going to soar and the stall would be in the sun most of the day, but I just had to go!

I love people watching, and hearing feedback from my customers. I love the fresh food available (fresh made pancakes and coffee was for breakfast). I love watching the entertainment provided by some very nervous singers, and I just love seeing other peoples beautiful creations.

 

Market day is definitely one of my favourite days of the month!

Today's little project

Todays Project - updating the wall art in my bedroom!

Its something that has been driving me crazy for ages now. The old pictures up in my room have been there for nearly 10 years now, from when we first built our house - as you can imagine I'm a bit sick of them now!!

So down they came, and on to making some new ones!

I just covered some canvas's with some material that I picked up cheap a while ago. I actually really liked this fabric and was waiting for the perfect project to come up to use it - and this was it!

I couldn't find my staple gun - so Hot Glue it had to be.

 

So there is just one slight problem now - they don't match the blue wall! So although I can cross off "replace bedroom pictures" off my "to do" list, now I have to add - paint bedroom wall!! 

December market day!

So I realise I've been a bit quiet on here recently! Well this has been the reason why - I've been preparing for the December Christmas Market!
So much to do!!!
In the last month I think I have made at least 100 owls!!

It has definitely been crazy round here and my owls have kind of taken over the house!! But it's certainly been worth it, I LOVE doing markets The atmosphere is always fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this month was even more of a family affair as my sister joined us with her own stall selling Doggie Treats- a HUGE success, selling out an hour before finishing time!
So overall it's been a crazy month!
Now for Christmas!! Let the preparations begin!!!!!

I love buttons!!

So I while ago my crafty Mumma made me a button bracelet. I love it! And because I have millions (not exaggerating) of buttons I decided to make one myself!!
It was so easy and I received some great feedback, so there will definitely be more on the way.....