Dressing my kids up like freaks is AWESOME!!!!!

Karen from Urban Craft is one hip craftster. She likes to poke her tongue out at lots of things and make funny felty craft while she's at it. She's also totally on top of kiddy programming trends. And she's generous. She sent these shirts over for the boys.

What, you don't know who these creatures are? Muno and Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba! It's retro, it's disco, it's education-via-beatboxing. Have you been hiding under a ROCK people?! Or just watching highbrow kiddy television like, um, err, that one with the books and real people in it?

 

Suffice to say that these t shirts have gone down an absolute treat. The 3-year-old, whose preference right now is for nudity at all times, demanded to wear his as soon as the parcel was opened, and has barely taken it off since. The 1-year-old said 'car', which in his special dialect denotes approval.

Karen, you're so hot right now in the clutterpunk household. You've almost made my children feel like normal toddlers, a feeling they are mostly robbed of whilst I parade them around the inner city in our Christiania bike. Thanks for bringing a sense of normalcy (even if it is flourescent, 70s, alien-creature normalcy) to my little brood.

My creative space...

I'm still not so much for the words or the creating myself at the moment... instead, I'm enjoying that my space is filled with the creativity and generosity of others.

Kate's gorgeous, even-better-in-real-life crochet christmas potholders. I won them, and they make me so happy. They're never going near a pot though. Nor is the handmade brown and blue potstand which my friend Beck found for me in Wanaka, New Zealand. I think I'm going to dedicate a hanging space in my kitchen for handmade kitchenalia... I could look at these all day!

A copy of Stitch bought for me by my creative friend Jo, a lovely for-no-apparent-reason gift with lots of interesting and funky projects. I'm diving right in after I've finished that sandwich...

And the JOY Christmas card... it's one of Lisa Stubb's prints. The orange, the typography, the bird, the sentiment: it was love at first sight for me. I'm framing this one to go up somewhere in the house. Because even when the joy isn't flowing easily, it's there for the finding...

More creative spaces at Kirsty's (new) house, which is looking mighty fine. And thanks Kirsty for the space-sharing in 2009... you're ace.

My creative space...

My creative space began rather early this morning (5am to be precise) when the closer-to-3-than-2-year-old paid his morning visit to the marital boudoir and produced this:

"Daddy and Mummy-the-badger". Right-o.

I was too chuffed to be annoyed. Usually he hurls books at us. Today, he produced what I think is his first discernable drawing. Amusingly, his tools of choice were a scrap of heavy interfacing and my air-faiding fabric marker! (What were they doing in reach?!) So I've traced it already, and plan to embroider it onto something quick smart, a la Soulemama.

One advantage of the regular early visitations is that I'm given the 'opportunity' to get a few things done in those fresh, still hours of the morning. This morning I've been out at the line, airing a whole bunch of items that I received in the post from the wonderful Virtually Sally. Perhaps you recognise these gorgeous birds from her blog?

When I expressed interest in them, Sally offered to send me some, which she generously did... along with a few blank versions....

Oh, and these fabulous printed panels from her screenprinting experiments... (LOVE!):

AND these totally fabulous embroidered pears!!!:

But wait... there's more... she also sent two large calico drawstring bags with aeroplane prints, on which she'd embroidered my boys' names! Unbelieveable. They now have their Christmas stockings.

I thought it was apt to acknowledge this amazing package in Creative Spaces, because indeed this is where Sally and I first 'met'! Thank you Sally from the bottom of my heart. I'm having so much fun planning what to make with all your bits and pieces...

And thank you as always to Kirsty for hosting My creative space... it's a winner.

::friday flickr favourites::

1. Patchwork scarf with lace, 2. Doily and linen garland, 3. woven linen quilt block, 4. Velo a Paris, detail 2006, 5. RDV a St Germanie des Pres, 2006, detail, 6. Paris Teacake; Single serving, 2003-2006, 7. Paris Teacake; Single Serving, 2003-2006, detail, 8. Highfield Wagga, 2002, 9. Jackson's baby quilt ~ Back

I couldn't pass up Tam's invitation to share some inspiration. I've been doing less making and more dreaming recently, and I'm starting to think about making a quilt/throw for the marital bed. Of course I have a zillion ideas I want to incorporate. I want it to be calm, muted, kind of ye olde worlde but also modern and funky, earthy but slightly frilly with a bit of doily action and maybe some thread sketchery oh and an ampersand or two. Are you with me?

So above I present to you my flickr craft crushes, very prominently featuring the work of the talented Tara Badcock, a textile artist of high calibre whose work I adore... errm, maybe I should just commission an artwork from her instead. Because she's hit the nail on the head precisely for me, and now anything I do will just be a cheap imitation. *SIGH*.

Whose work is floating your boat at the moment? Come and link in at 1/4 of an inch!

Lunch to go...

Ahhhh. Nothing I like better for lunch on a warm day than a cold glass of water and a salad sandwich. Especially one that's been prepared earlier by a witty, creative, slightly daft and ridiculously clever friend.

If you think this looks good over at Myrtle & Eunice, you should see it in real life. The stitching is perfect. My boys have been play-munching for the last few days. Even the husband has been salivating. But this one is all MINE.

My creative space... brought to you by YOU

I was gazing at the Hack Station this morning, wondering which current project (of the seemingly hundreds on the go) was worthy of exhibition in today's creative space.

And as I gazed at the board, and the table beneath, it struck me just how many new things I've been inspired and prompted (and occasionally forced!) to try since I've started blogging. So I thought I'd run through a few of them. And really, this is the tip of the iceberg...

1. The pippjoe fabric bag was enabled by raglan guld, who sent me the fabric for a skirt refashion. I cut it out wrong (oops!) and had to turn it into something else... so it has become my version of a handkerchief dispenser, inspired by this post of Leonie's. It's stuffed with hankies I made from gorgeous Liberty scraps given to me by myrtle and eunice. (Sorry Tania! But it feels almost elegant, snotting all over Liberty!).

2. The hexagon paper piecing is a new love - material and basic skills provided by one flew over. Kate, you don't know what you've started!

3. The piece of mustard vintage trim, hanging around awaiting inspiration, is c/o loz and dinny's birthday giveaway challenge.

4. I'm planning to cover up a stained shirt with a cute birdie screenprint, part of a super gift from Mim.

5. That bit of brown paper pegged up there is a cute toddler-pants pattern provided to my by Curlypops.

And down on the table:

6. Why yes, there's my handy and attractive HAC spool holder, thanks kootoyoo! (Sitting under the gorgeous paper garland I won over at my handmade heart...)

7. The laminator's getting an airing thanks to some ideas I got over at my black cardigan.

8. And there are some felt booties, from a pattern link recommended to me by virtually sally. I've just finished embellishing them with a bit of dry-felting, materials generously provided by selina's vintage.

Holy schemoly. And to think that basically all I'd made before I started blogging was a bag or two... Thanks to you all, I have serious craft ADD. And I'm loving it.

More creative spaces here.

A stab of brooches?

After poking my nose around a few peoples' collections last week, I was wondering whether I could be considered a collector of anything.

I aspire to be a collector of tea-cups, and indeed have two beautiful, quirky, tasteful sets of cups given to me by one of my dearest friends (thank you, Melski!). But a tea-cup collection in my view is the sort of thing that needs decades to grow slowly and meaningfully, and given the small flat/limited shelf space/rampaging boy-children, now is NOT the time to augment it.

I do, however, have a new-found passion for brooches, it seems. And I'm not sure whether there is an particular number at which a smattering of brooches turns into a collection worthy of its own collective noun - but I've decided that 8 is a jolly good start!

More to the point, I can see myself collecting brooches in an ongoing manner. Yes, my Beloved, if you are reading this - I DO plan to add to the brooch collection. You see, brooches are the perfect accessory for me. I've never really pulled off the bejewelled look, and tend to get earrings, rings and necklaces snagged on things. And people.

But brooches - well, they're miniature works of art. They can incorporate such a huge variety of materials and span a wide range of styles. They're small, easy to store, functional (Pin that scarf! Poke that intruder's eye out!). I. LOVE. BROOCHES.

Clockwise from top left:

1. The Curlypops brooch - sooo hot right now! I love the detail and professionalism in this gorgeous pop of colour, and it brightens my day when I wear it.

2. A cute mingus designs birdie from Meet Me At Mikes - my first brooch a few years back.

3. A classic W-Class Tram brooch from Jennie - check out her cushions!

4. A wearable domino from Meet Me At Mikes (the store is just around the corner from the hospital I gave birth at OK?!)

5. Wooden ampersand (I heart ampersands) from a great shop in Hobart called Love & Clutter. Cool name hey????

6. An AMAZING brooch from Betty Jo Designs. You have no idea how thrilled I was to win a button giveaway at Lino Forest last week - and then to discover in my very generous package this fabulous creation. I LOVE it.

7. Little mousy brooch - another treat-to-self from talented stitcher Rebecca from Edward & Lilly. Tell you what, this one's been through the washer and dryer by accident and still looks perfect.

8. Another fabulous giveaway win, an inimitable Buttonhead Brooch from Sam at Jetta's Nest.

OK, so that's my collection thus far. I'm really hoping to add a few more iconic, bloggy brooches to the mix. I have my eye on one of the lovelies that Sophie of Her Library Adventures makes - she's currently hosting a giveaway, but I'd prefer if you didn't enter because it's mine, MINE...

Oh, and heads up, Kylie of 3Sheets - if you don't open a shop soon I'm coming to steal a brooch from you!

So...I don't suppose you make brooches, do you?

Craft crush: more blog loot!

Like many of you, I'm an arduous supporter of handmade goods, to the point where my Beloved wonders whether I'm attempting to support handmade singlehandedly.

Admittedly, my swag of handmade loot may have increased ever so slightly since starting to blog. Well, gosh darn it, you all make such purdy thangs! And now, having taken the handmade pledge, I do feel that I require a bit of a gift stash for the times I can't or won't make something myself. (What do you mean... of course they're for other people. Well, maybe. Eventually. OK, I'm lying).

So, here's a bit of a loot list, some from recent times, some from a while ago, all stuff that comes from crafty bloggers whom I read regularly. I've been saving them up for a mention. Or hiding them away from the Beloved. You choose.

WON: Alice in Wonderland Sunnyboy bag and Bloomin' Buttonhead Brooch from Jetta's Nest -

A fabulous haul - sorry about the photo Samantha! As well as the brooch and sunnyboy (which has gorgeous lining) Samantha included a great set of cards with her original artwork on them - thank you, they're really delightful. Jetta's Nest goodness available here.

BOUGHT: A TINNIE!

When I saw that TinnieGirl is moving on to other artistic endeavours, I decided I wanted to experience a bit of bloggy history and get myself a Tinnie quick smart. I chose the beautiful vintage tin above, which is now home to favourite postcards and paper goods. The inside was chock-full of vintage goodness - fat quarters, buttons and notions - which Cathy chose for me:

I have various projects a-brewin' with these gorgeous items.

BOUGHT: A vintage doilie needlecase from Selina's Vintage:

My other needle-storage methods just weren't cutting it, and this little needlecase won my heart, it's so beautiful Selina. P.S. Selina's closing down her Ebay store and there's a lot of funky chenille for the taking if you're in the market for it...

BOUGHT: a bunny and a brooch from Edward and Lilly -

I've long admired the sweet stitches of Rebecca, and these items fill me with joy every time I look at them. I'm wearing the brooch today. Thanks to Rebecca's work I'm now an embroidery fan... I hadn't really thought much of it until I came across her stuff, but now I'm obsessed! These pics are from her etsy shop - can you resist?

Finally (for this post, anyway)...

A GIFT: this brown paper package tied up with string from Raglan Guld -

The exceedingly generous Leonie sent me this package which arrived yesterday - contents to be revealed tomorrow in my Creative Space. Leonie, the brains and beauty behind these gorgeous pants, gave me this gift to encourage me in my refashioning efforts. Encouraged I am!! Thanks so much, Leonie. Go check out the Raglan Guld store here.

Feeling the love from Blogland!

This week at chez clutterpunk:

5 hrs sleep on average
4 fraying tempers
3 hacking coughs

2 snotty noses

and a mother going off her tree.

Yet in spite of the illness, sleeplessness and additional cabin fever (due to rain and a broken bike spoke), I've been in generally high spirits and had many moments of delight. And here's why:

1. The arrival of this very awesome cassette coin purse, a PIF gift from urban craft. Karen is one cool, feisty, irreverent crafter and blogger. I love the stuff she makes and the things she writes make me think. And laugh. Thanks Karen, love it.

2. This fabulous Babel Fish softie which arrived from Jodie of Ric-Rac. *SQUEEEEE*. I stalked Jodie a bit at last week's blog love-in and professed my undying love for her Babel Fish creation, which I'd seen at a friend's place. And of course, being the lovely, nutty lady she is, she decided to give me one. I love Jodie's work - her selvedge obsession, her fabulous softies, and the humour and generosity that shines through in her craft.

Now if you don't know the origins of the Babel Fish softie, get your geek on and go read this book.

3. I was awarded the 'One Lovely Blog' Award from Sayraphim of Page 63 of your manual, Tania of Myrtle&Eunice and Bec of Marjoryjane. Nawwwww, shucks guys. Thanks for reading.

Now the deal is if I'm to accept this award I should also pass it on to some other bloggers I love in return (15, actually, but I'm not going to do quite that many I think... as this award has really been doing the rounds!). Check out these lovely crafty blogs for yourselves...

3 Red Buttons - Angie makes lovely clothes for kids and is the upcycling champ!

3 Sheets - Multi-media artiste Kylie shares her creations and inspiration.

August St - I'm closely following Jenaveve's adventures into sewing. Hurrah for her sewing classes!

Bear Among Bees - Love Clairebee's blog header illustration. And check out the stuff this lass has made recently in her '30 things in June' post.

Crafty Girl with Ruffle - Anne Marie is a delight PLUS she makes awesome Melways purses!

Little Grubs - Abi shares NZ green/family/craft inspiration with humour.

Little Eco Footprints - Tricia is a great source of info and thoughtful fodder for sustainable living, plus she makes these amazing reclaimed cloth nappies.

Thanks guys for your inspiration. Feel free to skip passing the award on - but know that I'm enjoying what you do!

Craft Crush!!!!!!

So I went to the Brunswick Sisters' Market on Saturday, and came home starry-eyed. There were so many beautiful creations to ogle and lovely people to talk to. I wish I could have brought home one of EVERYTHING, but I practised restraint and only bought a few, ahem, essentials.*.

There were two major highlights for me.

The first was meeting dear, dear Fi, of (you guessed it) Dear Fii! She wasn't holding a stall, just loitering about, but she was instantly recognisable due to her funky glasses, gorgeous entourage of kidlets, and the dead giveaway Burrito in her hand!! We had a nice chat about her recent ascent to crafty stardom, and I tried not to sound too stalker-ish as I gushed over her colourful creations.

And then it happened. She just turned to me... and GAVE ME A BURRITO PATTERN. For NOTHING. Just because! How nice is THAT? Here's a person, trying to make a bit of a living out of her creativity, but she just couldn't help but be generous and share the love. I was quite thrilled and embarrassed and humbled all at once.

Thank you so much Fi. You're a delight and I'll so enjoy making lots of Burritos to add to my growing softie collection. I'll put photos up when I do, I promise!

The second major highlight was meeting Mel from Pieces of You.

Have you seen this gal's work? You really must. I really love and admire her handiwork, but also the approach behind it. I'm very new to sewing in general, and the concept of dressmaking and refashioning in particular, but one day I aspire to be able to take the bold, intuitive and artistic approach that Mel does to her garment-making. Here's what she says about her approach:

I like to work in an intuitive and exploratory way and to be surprised by the outcome... I like to create wearable pieces which can be worn differently by different body types. I take great pleasure in the simple acts of combining different shapes, colours and textures; of cutting and joining.

I own several of Mel's 'artworks' as I like to think of them, and I find them to be lovely, flattering, quality pieces of clothing. I also love the fact that she works with reclaimed fabrics, and respects the diversity of the female form. Please, go and check out her blog, and visit her at one of the markets she frequents. It will be worth it!

*That's right my beloved, essentials. What's not essential about a doughnut softie?