Scrappy Houses!

 

I'm on a mission!

 

A mission to use up all my scrap fabric!

I'm not sure about you - but I have HEAPS - and I don't want it to go to waste.

This little project is one that I finished a few months back but I wanted to share it with you all.

Please forgive the 'roughness' and 'crinkles'. Lets just pretend the 'roughness' was on purpose, and the wrinkles......well I was too lazy to get the iron out!

 

But have no fear, after the project was finished, I ironed the whole lot!

So here's the progress shots!

 

The bit that I really loved most about this project was adding all the little embellishments. I used buttons, little hand stitches, and ribbons which I think just helped to finish it off!

Ta daa!!!! It's now hanging proudly in my dining room. What do you think? Since I took this picture I have added a little owl button to the tree, and I have some mushroom buttons waiting to be added too! I think it is going to be a work in progress!

Handmade Love - Owls

Have I mentioned before how much I love handmade? ...Ok..maybe I've mentioned it a few times. And as I am constantly on the net, and love looking at so many clever peoples creations, I thought I might share some of the things I love!
So I thought I'd start by sharing other handmade owl items. And if you think they are as awesome as I do,  pop by their pages, show them some love ('like' / 'share' / comment / buy) and let them know I sent you!
( if you click the image it will take you to their shop )

How cute are these little earrings! And how much work must go into making them!  



Kawaii Owl stud Earrings
by Daisuki
 

I love this little set! Hair clips and a card! What a perfect gift for an owl lover!

Hairclip Birthday Card
by Pretty Little Things

 

Wow! This owl definitely combines my two addictions! A girl can never have too many owls or buttons!

Cute Pink Button Owl
by Addicted to Buttons

 

This is super cool. Love the natural wood look!

Bamboo Brooch
by Lily and Charlie

Oh and what can I say! I'm in love with geo pattern!

Handmade Owl Doorstop
By House of Nicnax

 

Of course that last one there is my fav (wink wink!)

Are you a maker? Do you have an awesome owl product that you want to share? Leave a link in the comments- I'd love to see! 

 

I'm a market girl, in a market world!!

Hello Blog and Blog Friends!!

 

It is such a crazy time of year isn't it??!! I've been so busy sewing owls and doing markets, that I have had to take a little rest from blogging. I'm not promising anything, but I'm going to try and be here a little bit more now.

 

I have actually been around though, lurking behind my screen,  just quietly reading other blogs, getting inspired and looking at such wonderful and amazing things that are being made and created around the world!

I've got so many projects just waiting to be completed (actually starting them first would help) and then I will happily share with you all.

 

In the mean time, I thought I'd share a few market pics.

 

See you soon!

 

 

 

 

Weekend Project - Mouse Pad Making!

Whilst sitting at my computer, mouse in hand, trying to think of my next project, my eyes gazed down to my tatty old rubber mouse pad. Perfect. 

Ive been looking for a quick and simple project to use up my scrap fabric. A mouse pad will be perfect. 

Here's what I did:

Materials: 

scrap fabric

Piece of felt

Pins

Iron

Sewing machine

Step 1: Gather the scraps you wish to use. These can be either co-ordinating, random or just a single piece. 

Step 2: Cut your piece of felt to the desired size and shape of your mouse pad- who says they have to be squares? Why not try a heart or flower shape? 

Step 3: Pin the scraps together (patterns facing inside) and sew leaving minimal seem. 

Step 4: Unfold and iron piece flat. 

Step 5: Lay the right side down on felt. Sew around the edges leaving a gap of about 3cm. 

Step 6: Cut excess fabric off. 

Step 7: Turn in the right way and iron flat again. 

Step 8: Zig zag stitch around the outside of your mat, making sure to fold in the open edge. 

Step 8 Ta Da!!!! Your very own hand made mouse pad!!! 

Completely easy and would make a cool gift for Father's Day, Mother's Day, or a gift around the office!! 

Why not make one this weekend! 

Life's a Hoot!!!

Good afternoon!!

I know I've been a bit quiet with blogging recently, despite all the blogging I do in my head- getting to the computer is a bit of a challenge sometimes! And you know how it is... the words in your head are fantastic and you have that 'if only I'd actually written that down I'd win awards'!!

But the reason for my absent-ness is I've been busy at my sewing machine. I've been building up some stock for some upcoming markets and for my Etsy store - House of Nicnax. 

 

My Etsy store has been on my mind a little bit recently. I haven't been able to devote as much attention to it as I would like. I was pretty much ready to shut up shop for a bit and maybe re open at Christmas time - when - as I sign from the crafting universe - I made two more sales! (yes only two but that's huge for me!) So then I starting thinking -

I was thinking back to a time about 5 years ago when I had to return back to work after having my second bub. I remember thinking "if I could do anything what would it be?" I thought ultimately I would love to just craft and sell my craft whilst spending time at home with my family.

Well here I am, 5 years later and I'm at home and I have an Etsy store!

Obviously sales don't anywhere near equal a second wage, but I have what I want now I just have to make it work!!

So back to my original point....I have been busy sewing and listing in my store!

 Here's a sneak peak of my latest additions!

 

Feel free to pop by and have a look at my store! You can find it HERE

 

Do you own an Esty store or have a favourite store you visit? Pop a link in the comments - I'd love to come see!

Busy busy....

So I have been neglecting my blogging duties a little bit this week..... but I've got a good reason! I decided as I don't have any markets booked for May I would hold a Facebook Market just in time for Mothers Day!

So I have been busy finishing off some owls, babushkas, nappy bag pouches and a few other bits and pieces.

So if you've got a few minutes spare, pop over and have a look at my newly listed items.

Oh and I nearly forgot my exciting news ........ I have hit 100 'likes' on Facebook!! YAY!!

www.facebook.com/houseofnicnax

Todays Project - A Nappy Wallet

Organisation is not my strong point. I know that. Doesn't matter how organised I try to be, it doesn't happen. I have a terrible memory and time management doesn't always exist. PLUS just when I feel as though I am getting on top of things, I find myself wondering into new projects - normally ones with no necessity!!

 

But today was a little different. Although I have a HUGE stack of sewing to be done, and a (smaller) pile of unfinished projects to be completed (not to mention cooking, cleaning, and general house duties), I decided to use my bubs nap time to make a nappy wallet.

 

As I say, this project is a bit different. I actually need a nappy wallet to keep my bag tidy and make it easier to find things in there! So this little project wasn't a waste of time.

 

I used fabric that I already had, and made a button from the scraps to match.

It is kind of big, but it fits not only two nappies and the change mat (pictured) but also a pack of wipes, plastic bags and a small tube of cream.

 

It's not perfect, but it will definitely do the job!



Off to market!

Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it's off to market I go........

Yes market time again!! A new market for me this month! This time The Glades Arts and Produce Market! This one was great as it was an afternoon / night event!

There was an atmosphere around that was just fantastic!! My stall was located in quite a dangerous position though - a food van next to us (dinner), ice cream van opposite (desert), coffee behind (to keep us going), fresh popcorn being popped a few stalls down (always yum) and mini cupcakes not far from us either!! TOO MUCH FOOD!!!!
And every time the breeze picked up, a different and delicious aroma would head in our direction and make us hungry again!!
As I said - a dangerous location!!

There was also a band who played all night, face painting for the kids, bouncy castle, kids craft activities and a super special guest..........

The EASTER BUNNY!!!!!

It was really a great night out - and as a bonus I almost sold out of my owls!!

 



Inspiration

This morning I woke up and read my Facebook Wall as I do every morning. And every morning it is pretty much the same. People complaining about all the negative things going on in their lives. I get it... we all have to have a vent, and we all need to express that frustration, and by doing it on Facebook it is said to no particular one person - yet said to every one. By facebooking problems, you also receive a sea of supportive comments - whether the people are genuine or not.
But I'm not going to whinge about this, I suppose I am guilty myself of it too. But my point being, Facebook is full of negativity, the nightly news is all doom and gloom, not to mention the local newspaper that is just filled with local crime.
So when I sat down this morning to read my favourite blogs, I came across a refreshing post by Green Tea and Cupcakes titled Inspiration.

It was really lovely to see some positivity, and just be left with a smile on my face. So thanks Green Tea and Cupcakes!

So now I am taking that inspiration and sharing my own. I posted this on my facebook wall last week, and I thought it would be appropriate to put it here now.

So Happy Thursday friends. I hope your day is filled with nice things and positive thoughts!

 

 

 

 

Busy, Busy

Hello my friends! Boy have I missed you! It's been nearly a week since I've blogged. I actually don't know where all my time has gone....oh wait......cooking, cleaning, school pick-ups, school drop-offs, parent/teacher meetings ("conveniently" in the middle of the day, so I have to make extra trips to the school and back!), washing, ironing, more washing.....ok, you get my point. Well it hasn't been all work and no play, I've added some new little friends to my House Of Nicnax Etsy store,

 

Received an awesome little package of new fabric this morning,

and I have been super busy designing a new owl!

Yes a new owl product is in production!
All thanks to one of my beautiful friends! She wanted me to make her an owl pillow. So I have designed and created one for her that is the "pillow" version of the "doorstop".
So my bloggging friends I shall reveal to you first, the new Owl Pillow By House of Nicnax.

Drum roll please........

What do you think??

I know its a bit rough, but I've become a little bit addicted, and made a few now. And the pillow has now evolved to just a pillow case. This way I thought if there was any interest I could sell them through Etsy.

So let me know your thoughts friends! I value your opinions! Do you think she will like them??