dipping jars

Hi there! My name is Kimberley Reh and I am on work experience with Kristen this week.
We've been preparing for the craft retreat these past couple of days and today we decorated a whole heap of jars to decorate the tables.

This idea is all thanks to Chiara Alberetti Milott's 'Paint-dipped Baby Food Jars DIY' on the Oh Happy Day blog.

Here's how to DIY...

First, you'll need: clean jars, water-based paint, wax paper, shallow bowl, (I also found it useful to use a straw or stick to wipe excess paint)

Pour some paint into the bowl (have a look at the images to get an idea of how much paint you need). Spread out some wax paper, making sure that it doesn't get blown about by the wind!
Once you tip the bowl on an angle, dip the edge of the jar in the paint and slowly turn as the paint touches the jar.
There was a lot of excess paint dripping off the jars so we waved them around a bit until the dripping stopped (or alternatively scrape the drips off with a stick or straw).
Put them down right-side up on the wax paper, let them dry for an hour or two.
Once the sides are relatively dry and won't drip, turn the jars upside-down so that the bottom can dry.
WALAH!

modern

My modern take on an embroidered flower. This is so simple, but has taken me some time due to my indecision. Colours. I have sewn and unpicked this a few times until I was happy with the colour choice.
This is one of the 3 new designs available at the SEW craft retreat in August.

by the metre

Elissa from Kelani has been telling me FOREVER that 'winter nest' should be available by the metre. And I've been saying 'will do' back to her for just as long. 

DONE.

And here is a massive cushion (65cm x 65cm) on my bed. What is that hanging in the last picture? Oh yes, no more bare bulb in my bedroom. A new pendant light from Ikea. Well actually, there's been no bare bulb at all since it shattered all over my bed one night (6 months ago) and I haven't been able to replace it. Thanks to a sparky friend I now have new light fittings all through the house. After 12 years of bare bulbs, it's quite a change.

Available here, or if you are Sydney and want to see it in the flesh... Kelani is at the Craft & Quilt Fair this week with a few metres in red and grey.

ducks

'3 ducks' embroidery. Getting ready for the SEW craft retreat and this time it's my ducks embroidery. My grandma had a set on her wall, did yours?
I'm not sure what I will turn this into when done. Maybe a wall hanging, maybe a hot water bottle cover.

balloon

This is one of the embroideries designed for my "SEW" craft retreat. Jack (9) claimed it as his own. Then the negotiations began. Colours, placement of colours and what it would become when finished. We couldn't agree on colours. We couldn't agree on what it was to be. I wanted a cushion cover, cloth book cover or a zip book bag. He was having none of that. So a deal was struck. I could choose the colours and the placement, he would choose the end product.
I gave him the 'Meet Me at Mike's' craft book to look through and he chose the 'udderly lovely cow' by Fliss Dodd. I've always wanted to sew this, but was unsure about the combination af my embroidery and this design.
So I have to say 'good call' Jack. Moo-moo is very cute!
PS. Please note the craft retreat has been moved to August and has a new bargain price.

for logan

This cushion was made for a little baby boy called Logan (otherwise known as Logie-bear). Made from the 'retro caravan' embroidery and an 'eva & kit' panel. It now sits on his rocking chair in the nursery.

embroidery at 'sew'

I was sharing with a friend about the SEW craft retreat coming up. Telling her about the embroideries to choose from and the paper-cut garlands and tissue paper pom-poms Mel will be teaching. Her question was simple, but something I realised people may ask... What do you do with the embroidery once it's done?
Good question. So here's a picture of a work in progress using one of my designs, hummingbird. It will feature as the centre of a quilt for my God daughter. But would look equally as good on the front of a cushion or even a little drawstring pouch. There are many possibilities.
So for the people that like to idea of a an embroidery but are unsure of what's next, I will make up some samples of the new designs and bring them with me to the retreat. If you haven't gotten around to booking, it's getting close and we would love to have you join us!!!

wrapped

this morning

I spent a great morning with my favourite students sewing at Free Range Living! Who wouldn't want to sew, and talk about Offspring with friends in a beautiful store that sells only Australian made products?

Check out future workshops here.
PS. Don't you just love how Claudia's fingernails match her new drinks coaster?

chevron

Don't you just love a good chevron stripe? I do! Instead of doing it on fabric, it's now a wood veneer stitch panel. I started stitching the sample panel last night, but got very distracted by the new episode of Survivor. Maybe tonight.

winter nest

new repeat (150cm wide)

original design

original design in cushions

In Yardage!!! Yes, well almost. I have laboured over this repeat for a long, long time. Did a bit, packed it away. Thought a bit and even gave up a few times. Getting those branches to somehow line up was a little challenging. The film went off today and maybe, just maybe, it will be printed within the month. Fingers crossed. Another favourite print given a new lease on life. I can't wait to sew up a few things with this one.

felt

Playing around with my first love, felt.

refresh

new

original

The 'little owls' design was my 2nd ever print produced under my own label in 2007. I had decided last year to retire this print to make way for the new. But felt unsure about this decision. The solution is to refresh! My same drawings, but with a new brush and super sized. They were little before, they are huge now (about 20cm tall). Just need to think up a few new colourways.