Category: Modern art

I love these trendy novelty mini aprons for your washing up bottles, http://www.craftroommagic.co.uk/NOVELTY-MINI-PINNY-MAGIC–.html

A friend bought me one for Christmas and I bought one recently for my daughter.

Washing up bottles are far from attractive at the best of times but with these aprons on them they are so much better.

There’s lots of choice from ebay sites and online shops (like the one above), and with mothers day the next date in our diaries, it could be an ideal gift. I’m also sure we could make these ourselves.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-NOVELTY-WASHING-UP-LIQUID-BOTTLE-APRON-HAND-MADE-/250697928172?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&hash=item3a5ec2cdec

‘The Shirt off his Back’ is a book by Hilary Bruffell which has 30 projects ideas on what you can make out of a man’s shirt.

It’s available from Amazon and other good book stores. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shirt-off-his-Back-transforming/dp/1906417644

The Shirt off his Back provides crafters with the ultimate thrifty, creative project. What happens to men’s shirts when they are no longer worn? This book puts them to excellent use and shows how, with a little imagination, it’s easy to transform them into beautiful, useful objects – from bunting to bags, doorstops to duvet covers, cushions to chairs and much more. Successful blogger and craft expert Juliet Bawden reveals how to re-invent men’s shirts to make an array of charming, pretty and functional projects, including things to wear, accessories, toys and a host of ideas for your home. Charity shops are always brimming with men’s shirts in a wonderful array of styles, patterns and colours. Whether it’s stripes, checks, florals, retro prints or plain brights or pastels, you’ll have little problem sourcing inexpensive, good quality material with which to create fabulously stylish items. Each project is beautifully photographed and features clear instructions as well as either painted illustrations or step-by-step photos. You’ll be surprised and inspired by how many inventive ways there are to utilise every part of your shirt – from buttons to sleeves, collars and cuffs.

When you start looking into buying vintage clothing then you have to remember that many dresses were small in size (a modern 8-12).

The trouble is that most will probably not have the original labels in but if they do then remember that we have all grown considerably since the war.

A 1950/s early 1960s size 14 is more often the same as our size 10.

Skirts can easily be altered by moving buttons but you will need to see if you bought a coat or top if it showed enough excess to alter.

The 1950’s cotton dresses were very high quality and in fact you will most probably find that vintage clothing is often cheaper and better quality than their modern day equivalents.

Many were fully lined and extra details such as popper tags in the shoulders to secure bra straps as no underwear was shown in the fifties.

One trick for stubborn zips is to try rubbing them with a lead pencil or a plain white candle.

You can soon refresh tired bedroom furniture with pretty colourful vintage inspired knobs and handles. There are a number of ceramic blue and white ones which could also change the look of a kitchen.

Even your main doors from one room to another can look quite different with vintage style glass, shell and bone doorknobs.

Some of the website that I found that had some really different styles were http://www.bombayduck.com
http://www.lauraashley.com http://www.chloealberry.com and http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk. Of course you can also buy them from local hardware stores like B&Q, Homebase and Whicks.

VINTAGE can start with the young as well and this American blog I have found has everything for the baby from the 1930’s to the 1980’s with some amazing patterns and inspirations for any granny or mum to be. A blog worth browsing through http://www.curbyscloset.com/

“Curby’s Closet” is a very special shop filled with lovely vintage baby clothing. Each piece captures the feel, style and look of days gone by.

“Curby’s Closet” vintage baby clothing is perfect for decorating your babies’ nursery, child’s bedroom or any room that needs a delicate vintage touch. These unique vintage baby finds are wonderful for buyers of Antique Stores, and Baby or Doll specialty boutique shop owners and collectors or for moms and grandmas that just love vintage.

“Curby’s Closet” is also about Quilted Baby Shoes for Newborns through 9 months. Original sweet little baby shoes that are soft and comfy and are just “Too cute to kick off”!!

As most of you will know I’ve been without my laptop for over a fortnight now and the computer I was using was very very slow so I ended up with a lot of time on my hands.

It’s now fixed (thank goodness) and so I could download some photos I took of some handmade crafts I have done while waiting for my computer to come back.

The first two photos above are a knitted cover for my iphone (the burgundy colour) and a knitted cover for my kindle. If anyone wants the pattern which I put together myself just message me and I will send it onto you.

The pictures above and below are of some more cards I’ve made. The black and white ones are made from self adhesive wallpaper boarder paper which I had left over.

The ones with the matching wrapping paper (below) are made from cutting the paper to fit a blank card and then using the gift tag to make it look a bit more personalised.

Comments on them all would be appreciated.