Attic 24: A Crochet Lover's "Go To" Blog

Easter Wreath

You all have to know by now just how much I have enjoyed learning how to crochet, and I thought I would share with you one of my favourite crochet blogs.  For those of you who don't already know it, Attic 24 is an English blog full of beautiful photos of nature, baked goodies and bright and colourful crocheted items.  Lucy very generously shares many fun crochet patterns and ideas on her blog, of which I've tried one or two.  So if you love to crochet and still haven't discovered Attic 24, then head on over to Lucy's blog and check it out!

Crocheted Spring Flowers

 

My Creative Space - Literary Cufflinks

Looking back over my blog, I was a little horrified to note that it's been almost a month since I've shared my creative work with my dear readers!  Although I have been working on various handmade items, I think the dreary Melbourne weather combined with recovering from surgery and then a sinus infection have all conspired against my natural urge to share my creations.

But I've been working hard at improving my focus and motivation, so today I'm showing off some new additions to the "literature inspired" range of jewellery in my Two Cheeky Monkeys stores.  The latest additions are all for the well-groomed male in your life - cufflinks featuring the words "Mr Darcy" and "mad Hatter".  I adore the look of a crisp shirt and suit with cufflinks (especially when worn by Mr Cheeky Monkeys!!!) and I'm sure many of my readers must feel the same about their favourite man!

All cufflinks are now available in my Etsy and Madeit stores, as well as at my NSW stockist, The Bower Bird Project (for those of you who happen to live that way and want to see the cufflinks in person).  In the mean time, I'm planning to make some more cufflinks but can't decide whether I should make more of the above or feature more favourite characters from classic stories.  What do you think?

Op Shop Chic - Book Review

During my three weeks of recuperating from foot surgery, I spent a lot of my "free time" reading craft books borrowed from one of my local libraries.  I have read so many craft books that I thought I would review some of them for you, because there is nothing worse than buying a craft book only to find that you really don't like it (and with many people moving to buying books online, sight unseen as it were, this is a risk you sometimes take).

The book I'm reviewing today is Op Shop Chic by Rosie Lyons, which I'm sure you all realised I borrowed because of my love of upcycling.  This cute little book is packed with projects and tips on how to create beautiful items from unwanted, broken or other found objects.  There are four main sections which cover upcycling or recycling old clothing, furniture, fabrics and kitchenwares.

I absolutely love the idea behind this book, including the author's preface explaining why she believes in upcycling and recycling.  There are some highly inventive and pretty projects in this book, and I especially liked the re-decorated lampshade and tea towel bag projects.  However, for the experienced upcycler or op shopper, many of the projects in this book won't be new to you.

On the positive side, with something like forty or so projects in one small book, there are lots of projects to get a novice upcycler started on the right track or to inspire the more experienced creator.  The variety of projects in this little book is also quite impressive.  On the minus side, though, many of the project instructions are brief and not always self-explanatory, and there are no step-by-step photos, making it harder for novice crafters to follow along.  Many of the instructions also assume at least a basic knowledge of various crafting techniques.

So what's my final verdict on this book?  Op Shop Chic is a fun and compact book with many clever recycling and upcycling ideas.  Due to the brief nature of the project instructions and a distinct lack of photography (except for final product photos), I wouldn't recommend this book for those who are new to the creative world.  However, this book would be a good start for creative individuals looking for inspiration or a "how to" to get them started on the creative path that is upcycling.

DIY Mother's Day Roundup - For the Walls

Today is my final in my series of DIY mother's day posts.  I am a big fan of creating art for my walls (not that I have much wall space in my home), so today's post has various ideas for you to help your mum decorate her home.

Quirky cutlery art

What mum doesn't love to display photos (or silhouettes) of her "babies"?

Fabric in embroidery hoops is simple, but effective!

Another one for mums who like their art on the quirkier side of life.

What about a framed crochet "sampler" for the crafty mum?

Melt a mother's heart by framing her little one's artwork or by helping a child to upcycle their paintings into new works of art.

DIY Mother's Day Roundup - Flowers

I know that flowers can get pretty expensive around mother's day, and it's always a little disappointing when those beautiful flowers eventually fade and die.  So why not make your mum some longer lasting flowers???

Make a flower corsage for mum.

An oldie, but a goodie - ribbon roses.

A muffin cup/patty pan flower with a lollipop - kids could make this one so easily!

What about a handmade floral wreath for mum?

Another oldie but goodie - tissue paper flowers.

DIY Mother's Day Roundup - Jewellery

I hope you have been enjoying the DIY roundups so far.  I couldn't put together a week's worth of DIYs without including a post full of jewellery tutorials!  So today's roundup has a range of tutorials for those who have jewellery loving mums.

Make a beaded bar necklace for your mum.

Fun peacock feather earrings.

A simple button bracelet children could make for mum or grandma.

Make this eye-catching necklace for the mum who loves statement jewellery.

Something for granny chic-loving mothers.

Another project children could try out (with a little help).

DIY Mother's Day Roundup - Greeting Cards

Today's DIY mother's day roundup features a variety of cards to make for your mum, mother-in-law, step-mum, etc.  Enjoy!

Embroidered mother's day card

 A pop up mother's day card

For the mum who loves chevrons.

A cute as can be momma bird card.

Needle felt a card for your mum!

A bouquet card for the littlies to make.