Even Bigger SALE

OK I am now committing to some serious clearance business required, I have made my offers BIGGER and BETTER than before

There are 2 deals........

Buy 1 item and get 20% off price,

OR

Buy 1 item and get the second HALF price.

All you have to do is convo me, or email me with your selections and I will create a listing for you with the revised price.

Happy Shopping!!

Sale finishes 29th June 2009.

(Please note half price item is of lesser valued item.

Sale excludes shipping, and does not include transfers)

Tutorial - Traffic Jam Pillow Case

I have been meaning to make many things for Hudson as well as myself. Time just gets away......

I started a pillow case today & I finished it, it's so satisfying when something is complete. This as well took a whole 30mins, can you believe it's taken weeks for me to complete though!!

I had some Michael Miller fabric called Traffic Jam which most of us, I am assuming have seem. I bought enough to make a pillow case for Hudson's throw cushion.

Materials needed;

1. Fabric - 110cm wide (43 1/4inch) x 48cm (19inch), basically it is 2 fat quarters.

2. Pillow 41cm (16inch) x 41cm (16inch). Purchased from spotlight.

3. Sewing machine & overlocker

From the selvage edge I have folded down 14cm and pressed.

I have used the selvage as a hem, you don't have to do this you can fold it over and machine.

The creates the flap in which your pillow will sit under.

Machine down both edges of the flap about 5mm (1/4inch) in from

raw edges of fabric. This will hold the flap in place for the next step.

Once you have stitched them down make sure you are happy with it. Pop you pillow underneath and check it out.

We are half way there!!

At the other end of the fabric fold the selvage over 1cm, press then stitch making a neat hem. Of course if you edge is raw create a double folded hem, or overlock then stitch.

Fold the fabric in half with right sides together with top edge meeting. Machine down both sides 1cm (approx 1/2 inch) in from raw edge.

Finish raw edges with your overlocker.

At top edges to neaten. It isn't necessary it just tidies think up I believe.Fold the overlocked edges toward the flap and hold.

Now turn the fabric right side up, place under foot of machine & topstitch down 14cm whic is the length of the flap. Don't forget to back tack.

Fold into correct way, give a good press pop in your pillow.

MMMMM Looking comfy.

Now give to customer for test drive.
I think he's happy.

Enjoy!!

Updated Hippo's

I posted some transfer hippos a week or two ago, but was never 100% happy with them.

To solve this problem I have jazzed them up given them some eyes and a big smile.

Cheese!!

Much happier.

Some new bibs

Here are a few bibs that I left that I tested out at Mathilda's market last Sunday.

I had a great response to them, so be sure to see these, and some other new ones very soon.

Artist of the week - "Cassy from Jingerbella"

I haven't posted an artist of the week for a couple of weeks, and was really happy when when Cassy from "Jingerbella" contacted me wanting to share her fabulous collection of accessories with other fab Etsians.

Jingerbella has a fabulous collection of stunning handmade jewellery derived from a variety of materials including silver, handmade buttons, sterling silver findings and glorious swarovski crystals and pearls. Cassy's selection of fabrics are great, and sourced from some of our favourites Moda, Michael Miller and Amy Butler.

I gave Cassy my 8 tough questions (not) and here what she had to say;

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 23 and working full time, I started learning to make jewellery during uni when I had a lot of time off but was never pleased with anything I made until I discovered buttons!I live in Melbourne with my partner and our dog and cat and I love to shop (discovering Etsy was horrible for my poor credit card), play with shiny new gadgets (my current favourite is my ebook reader) and watching Firefly over and over again.

2)Where did your business name come from?

It's really quite random but my nickname in primary school use to be Jinglebells... which wasn't very original so somehow it turned into Jingerbella when I trying to name my business!

birds of paradise

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
I sell jewellery and accessories that I make out of handmade buttons. I love finding new things to attach buttons and finding out what works and what doesn't. My buttons range from cute kawaii to artsy geometric shapes depending on the mood I'm in. I also love to work with sterling silver wire (hammering is great after a long day at work!) and I can never resist swarovski crystals.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
The mood I'm in generally dictates what kind of fabrics I buy and use. Sometimes I'll want to make something really cutesy and other times I just want to make something really different. I also look at things I use every day and try to work out how I can attach a button to it!

animal farm badges

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
I haven't discovered this secret yet but I am being told its promotion promotion promotion :) Joining the Etsy DUST team really helped too!

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
I am currently listening to 'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire which is my favourite song at the moment. I do admit to cranking up the disney songs sometimes though. I saw Star Trek for the second time last week and it was as amazing as the first so that is my geeky side showing!Re-reading Breaking Dawn (Stephenie Meyer) because it always makes me happy I love hanging out in forums so Etsy, Dust Forums and Mactalk are my most frequented websites currently.

pearls and things

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I am completely blanking on this one. I would be terrible in an interview and probably go off topic so its probably a good idea I have no one in mind :)

8)Where is your next holiday destination?

Nothing planned at the moment but somewhere warm I hope!

more mod blue

And my favourite item............

a little tweet

Thanks Cassy for the insight you gave us not only to yourself but you business. Make sure you visit her Esty store to see the rest of her products :)

Fresh New Iron On Owls

Some Fresh New Iron On Owls ready to find new homes.

It can be a tee shirt, bag, jeans, anything you like they aren't fussy.

Check them out here.

Right to left moving clockwise;

Vintage Pinwheels Owl

Solid Chocolate Owl

Stripey Owl

Starry Owl

Spotty Owl

Wishlist Wednesday

My wishlist Wednesday has turned into an unexpected GIVEAWAY!!!

I have been busily drawing some new bookmark designs and have just finished two lots.

You will see my Elegant Birdy collection at my Etsy store which I have just listed.

It is the second collection I am struggling with, it's finished I just can't think of a theme name.

My Wishlist for Wednesday is a name.......

So I am asking you pick a name, that's my wish.

For doing so I will be giving away one of the bookmarks in the collection, and you (the winner) gets to choose which one of the four you would like.

Now take a look and what do you think?

All you have to do.....

1. Tell me what you think they should be called.

2. For a extra entry blog about this "name game" on your blog and leave a link of your post.

3. For another entry become a follower of my blog.

Entries open worldwide.

I will post the winning name next Wednesday along with the who's brilliance it was behind it.

Good luck

It's Tuesday and I can't wait.....

It's Tuesday and I can't wait to get stuck into making some fab new iron on transfers.

The response I received at both Sisters Market and Mathilda's Market was fantastic, and beyond what I ever expected. Not that I am counting my chickens before they hatch, but it's hard to not be a tad excited.

Anyway I have just gone and bought some new fabric and have ideas flowing around everywhere. Time wise I am always challenged to get them out, but there is always hope.

I just bought little bits of fabric, "baby steps" so I can keep changing it up not only to keep myself interested bust most important customers.

Well better get stuck into it.

I will keep you posted.

Sale Time

As we all know it's that time of year...SALE time.....

I am needing to clear some of my already existing products so I can let loose on some new products and ideas that I have. I am offering everyone some BIG savings.

BUY 1 PRODUCT & GET YOUR 2ND 35% OFF!!

Should you want to make a purchase, all you have to do is convo me and I will create a reserve listing for you with a revised price and that's it.

Make sure you read my shop front for sale conditions.

Ends June 30th.

I want it.... I want it.....

I want it.... I want it..... The little monster that is. If you click on over to Kookie you will know what I am talking about. Monique from Your Cheeky Monkey is putting this up for grabs to the lucky person.

All I can say is PICK ME PICK ME!!!

Wishlist Wednesday

I thought I would share another little past time that I have. Actually it's another place I waste time when I am not reading everyone's blogs. I am sure a lot of you out there who love their fashion already know about 'Polyvore', but I thought I would share it anyway. I love it as it's basically a way to window shop your perfect outfit for the day, dependant on what mood your in. It's also great picking delicious items from all price brackets, like my Temperley London Cobra silk dress worth $1490, and then at the other end my head band worth $4.90 from Forever 21. I know they're not handmade, but we can still love everything beautiful that isn't can't we?

My mood for this style is Romance, it's soft and girly and a reminder of the many things I COULD wear before Hudson. Goodness if I had any of this on grubby sticky fingers would leave lovely hand prints, and boy would he go to town picking and tugging at everything. I also just have to mention I am in love with these shoes mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

My wish list for Wednesday is to dress like this for the day.

It's Tuesday and I can't wait for....

It's Tuesday and I can't wait to give Jemma, from Hand Made Kids the prize she has won from Tiges and Weince. Two weeks ago I took part in the giveaways contest that Kookie offers us all to be involved in.

Jemma has won my 'Lemon Cupcake Bib & Face Washer set". This is the last one of these and one of my favourites.Well Jemma I have posted it today & it has now begun it's journey from Melbourne to WA.

I hope you like it.

Mundane Monday

I feel a little sleepy today, and my mood is mundane.

I don't know why, Hudson and I went for a lovely walk in the winter sunshine?

When I am sleepy I tend to draw, I guess for me it's a zone out time where I can let go with colours and ideas and don't have to think too much. This is what I came up and I am happy with it so I have placed it into some bookmarks and I have called it "Flamingo Fever".

Now I just have to upload it to Etsy

Maybe after dinner :)

Saturday market results

I had a fantastic day on Saturday at Sisters Market, no complaints. I had a great response overall for the day with a decent sum of sales and have had to remove some items from my Etsy shop. Which is great so now I can start with some new items.

My bookmarks went well and I nearly sold out which was great. I would be doing cartwheels if I completely sold out.

My transfers were a hit, and found a brand new customer wanting them. Three quarters of the women who bought them, bought for themselves!!! They wanted to funk up their own tshirts which was great, which makes me think really I should be doing the same. Become my own advertisement, what do you think? I am guessing after Saturday the products are quite ageless, and has set my head into a spin with other ideas.

Thanks also to Nikki from My Black Cardigan for taking the time to come and say hi to me.

I also got to meet Jay from Finki, even her mum came and said hi to me. Jay was also a stall holder on Saturday. Jay's products are so cool there were quite a few things I liked, especially her scissor holders. I am thinking of purchasing some I just need to work out which ones. However before I do so I MUST clean out my studio/study as it looks like a bomb has hit it. These scissor holders I think will be my reward.Fancy Floral Scissor holderNana's best scissor holder

I also love this sticky note holder. I love sticky notes they are always posted on something to help my brain remember. I actually adore this print.

Adhesive/sticky note holder, chocolate dots.

There are so many cool things check out her shop.

Thanks again girls for dropping by :)

Ky x

Flat out Friday

had to go car shopping today which was a very exciting. I had the get my dad to come along to watch Hudson, as I obviously can't take him 'test driving'. So I have narrowed 2 cars down. It's between the Mazda 6 wagon or Peugeot 308 touring wagon. I desperately want to Peugeot as it's not too big or too small, stylish, french, has a really cool dash board as it's kind of retro, and in my eyes slick all over. Daniel is hoping to do a deal, can everyone cross their fingers for me.

I am nearly ready for tomorrow at Sisters Market I feel like I haven't stopped. I have been finalising the last few things and I am nearly done. All I have to do is;

1. Organise my gift bags - Put business cards inside, Mathilda's market flyer as I am attending next week, and of course some incentive vouchers to entice buyers to return.

2. Add some press studs to a couple of bibs.

3. Pack the car

4. Relax and finish with a glass of red wine.

I have started my display for tomorrow & it's coming along OK. I don't know about you but I will organise it tonight & change it by tomorrow. I have changed it around & decided to hang my stock instead of presenting it on the trestle's as I have built up quite a bit over the last few months.

My iron on transfers, bookmarks and 'Baby To Go" gift boxes.

My rack or product which is basically a lot of items in my etsy store, and a few other items.

I still have to find a few props I think, but then sometimes keeping it simple works well too.

Getting ready for my market Saturday

On Saturday 13th I have the first of my 3 markets this June, Sisters Market. I really look forward to this market, the fact that there are fab stores there and they make me keen to shop, and the fellow crafter friends I have made are great. I also love the lady who's name I can not remember who sells her delicious baked pretzels. They are so soft, large and leave me wanting more than one, my favourite is vanilla sugar and cinnamon MMMMMM.

At the moment I am working furiously at getting all of my transfers adhered, cut out and packed. I have never sold these at the markets before so it will be great to see the response I receive.

Only a few ready to go....

So many to go.....Mental note.... Don't photograph while transfers are in plastic!! My poor owls look blotchy :(

I will also have my bookmarks to launch there, too so fingers crossed it will be a successful day.

One for the boys

I hope everyone had a great long weekend. I honestly can say I didn't stop, I worked on Sat, was trying to get over a cold Sunday, Monday I was with family & today was out with my mum. Phew...It's nice to catching up on blogs though.

I have heaps of time thinking and thought I would aim my next set of bookmarks for the boys.

Something personal, for now or later...Designed for dads, grandads, grandpas, poppy or just because. I know it's Fathers day in the US on June 21st and I might be cutting it fine but I know I can get them to you if I post them by June 15th latest!! All you have to do is email the photo's and tell me which design you would like...EASY! I am more than happy to change the wording to whatever suits you, just convo or email me the details.

Yes I know they are all of Hudson but I had to use him as an example. As I get some personalised orders I will load those samples up. Oh and for the girls, I am working on those soon.

Grandad & I

Happy Father's Day

I was thinking of you

Just photos

I have also added some very cool viking for the guys/boys.

Vikings

Bye for now

Ky x

LAST ONE

My bookmark sale finished yeterday however I have ONE lonley opening sale left. I have decided to leave it there for whoever gets to it first. Once it's gone thats it.

Thanks to those who have bought from me during this opening time buttonsbyloulou, giggleberry, cateymeg (several times), missymaomao I appreciate it :)

Have a great Saturday

Garden Up

It's been a while since I have posted about my garden. Now I shouldn't complain as Melbourne has been getting some rain, but it's brought out the weeds. There are still a million things to do to make it complete. The fact we bought tub plants doesn't help as they are still looking small and non established. I am learning to be a green thumb so buying the plants in tubes was less of a worry if my semi green thumb didn't allow them to thrive, or my dog Jasper didn't decide to eat them or roll over them. Anyway here are a few progressive pics.

An overall back view. Left hand side is all compacted Tuscan topping, where the dirt is will be grass. The right has side is Hudson's sand pit, and play area with slide and so fourth. The fact my plants aren't established yet or there isn't any grass it's still looking very nothing.The very small vegie patch. Don't know how successful this will be??However the beetroot seems to be happy :) All i want to do is juice this with some apple mmmmLooking from the opposite side Hudson's area and mummy's chair. Not that I get to sit & relax on it too much, it's hard work removing bark from curious mouth's.Lastly I am sure the garden would flourish if I had a set of these gardening from Lindsay Darren's Boutique.

Have a fun Friday :)