Whimsy & Whatnots

Playing catch up!

2012-01-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

I've been quite busy over the last few weeks and have hundreds of photos sitting on my pc with tutorials etc I'd planned to post on the blog...but I'm just not getting round to everything at the moment.
Plus I've been ordered to take it easy or risk being forced to take it easy in hospital...so you'll all have to forgive me if the blog take a bit of a back seat for a while :)

Here are some pics though of a few orders that went in the last week...

A name tag...the other charm was provided by the customer

Family circle

An etsy buy ready to be shipped
Some more packages ready to go, and inside...
A washer and heart necklace (chain not pictured)
And some keyrings

Etsy!!!

2012-01-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

I've been getting some international inquiries recently so I finally decided to open my own little Etsy shop.

You can have a peek at it here, I'll be updating it with bits and bobs as I make them.
You can all still order directly with me but please feel free to spread the word to any international friends and family you may have!

Update: I made my very first sale today....squuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, so excited!!!

Little hats!

2012-01-03T00:20:00.000-08:00

I found some spare time to knit a few hats to welcome our new arrival.
I used only the softest wool, nothing scratchy for baby, and there's enough colours to choose from depending on the baby's gender once he/she arrives!

Book of Love & Ring

2011-12-29T04:27:00.000-08:00

Some bits I made for Christmas but didn't want to spoil the suprise so am only updating the blog with now.
Hope they are treasured!

Blythe Peasant Dress

2011-12-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

When I saw this vintage style cotton with little rosebuds on I knew it was perfect for Lina.
I decided to make a little peasant style dress for her with it, and I think the colours look perfect on her.

The last few bits and bobs

2011-12-20T01:04:00.000-08:00

And I'm done for 2011!

Thank you everyone for your support over the last year, it's been awesome!

Hope you have a lovely Christmas and New year and I'll catch you in 2012, unless of course I have a couple personal crafts to upload in the mean time ;)

Birdie earrings

Birdie Charm

Pendants

Dorian - Take 2

2011-12-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

So after a week Dorian's makeover wasn't really growing on me, in fact a bit of the opposite, I was liking it less and less as the time went on. So I decided to redo her make up, add some freckles and change her eyelashes, as well as give her some more gaze correction.

I'm quite happy with her now, she's looking so sweet with her freckles!

Getting some fresh air outside

Another Christmas Gift!

2011-12-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hope they love it!

Hip, Hippo, Hurrah!!!

2011-12-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

Just over 2 weeks until Christmas!!!

And here's a sweet little washer and hippo pendant I made this week!

Meet Dorian

2011-12-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to "play" with one of my dolls this weekend and plucked up the courage to take some sandpaper to her.

And so here's my little Dorian!

She's been sand matted, had a wee bit of carving don on her lips and nostrils and had her makeup redone with chalk pastels.
I sealed her face but still want to add some freckles...which I have no had any luck with as yet...boohoo
She also got 3 new sets of eye chips, some new eyelashes and had a haircut as well as a slight gaze adjustment.

I may change her makeup again and do some more gaze correction, but am seeing how she grows on me first for a bit. I am not loving her eyelashes, I may have to change those soon!

Here are her stock pink chips

New lilac chips
New blue chips (although I'm sure the ones I ordered were a lot lighter the ones that arrived are a very close colour to her stock chips...when I order again I'll be ordering a lighter blue for her.
Grey Chips
And here she is modelling a little dress I made for her - slowly starting to come to grips with the intricacies of sewing teeny tiny clothing.

Book of Love & some thank yous...

2011-11-30T04:49:00.001-08:00

These are a little thank you gift for giving me and my family a wonderful holiday.

My first pair of Socks!

2011-11-29T04:03:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by this book by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee to try my hand at knitting a pair of socks.

I decided they would make a great gift for my Mom cause she'd appreciate the work I put into them, so off I went to Arthur Bales and found the most gorgeous soft cashmere wool. I didn't want anything itchy on my Mom's feet!

Then I found this beautiful pattern on Ravelry called Francie which called for knitting with 4/5 needles...eek!!!

But all's well that ends well, they didn't turn out perfect but I was happy with my first attempt at socks, and Mom seemed pretty happy when she opened her pressie while we were on holiday :D

Adios Amigos!!!

2011-11-17T05:50:00.000-08:00

I am officially on holiday WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I'll see you guys on the flipside!

Sadly I run on such an outdated version of Microsoft that I can't even set up an "Out of Office" on my e-mail account, so I apologise in advance if anyone e-mails me and doesn't realise I'm away. However there is a note on my website as well as at the top of this blog so hopefully I won't upset too many people!

Anyone wanting to enquire/order is still welcome to e-mail me during this time, and I will respond as soon as I can on my return!

Whatnots will be closed from the 18th - 28th November 2011, all orders placed and/or paid for during this time will only be processed from the 29th November and the 2 week turnover period will apply from then, unless otherwise discussed.

Other than that I've been a bit too busy to do much with my Blythes, although they have been marvellous company in the studio, very supportive and not critical in any way ;)

I did however get a few bits and bobs and thought I'd snap a few pics of them showing off some of their new shoe wardrobe!

Vanilla showing off her funky boots & tights
Vinter in a felt dress I made and some rocking boots!
Chocolate is casual in her knee highs & docs!

See you guys soon!!!!!!

Earrings & coffee mugs!

2011-11-16T05:20:00.001-08:00

I'm very busy finishing off last orders before I close for our holiday...so far I haven't even had time to look forward to our time away, but the time is fast approaching and an end is in sight!

With that in mind here's one of the orders I've been busy with, hope everyone likes their gifts.

A little coffee mug

Kitty earrings
Cloud earrings

Birdie earrings

Tweet...

2011-11-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

Another sweet washer & birdie pendant, hope it is much loved

Hearts

2011-11-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

Two little hearts with two beautiful names. Hope they are treasured!

Discs with Cutouts

2011-11-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

2 Little 16mm discs with a cutout flower & star, and names stamped with the funky font.
Also a heart shaped swarovski crystal dangle!
Hope this gift is treasured by the recipient!

Another sweet star

2011-11-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

Family Circles

2011-11-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

Two family circles stamped with the typewriter font!

They are basically finished, just want to find out if the crystal should be attached to the pendant to hang in the center of it (as pictured with pendant on the left) or if it should remain separate so it can be slid on and off the chain at will (as pictured on the right).

Let me know what you think?

Oops, I did it again...

2011-11-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

So I picked up a parcel yesterdayAnd yes, I did again...except this time x 2

Simply Vanilla

Simply Chocolate

My 2 girls together

These two will definitely be getting a makeover so stayed tuned, I'm just waiting for some supplies before I get stuck in.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

2011-11-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Whatnots will be closed from the 18th - 28th November 2011
If you require anything during this time period or immediately following it please make sure you place your order in good time.
While we are closed we will not be responding to e-mails, processing or shipping any orders.
When ordering please bear in mind that we have a 2 week turnaround time from confirmation of payment, which DOES NOT include shipping times.
Thank you!

Lovely Pendants

2011-11-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Some bits and bobs for my lovely sister in law who I can't wait to see!
Hope you like them L!

Hot Pink

2011-10-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

I decided to take some hot pink pics for a photographer friend of mine...seeing as she's the pro I'm hoping the colour makes up for my lack of skill in the picture department :)

She's a wonderfully talented photographer so pop on over to her website & blog to have a peep

I was mostly given free rein so I really really hope she's happy with it!

*heart*
cheep cheep
camera love
live love laugh
All together now!

Star light, star bright...

2011-10-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

These are for some teachers as thank you gifts, I hope they love them!

Words of Wisdom

2011-10-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

I've had various orders for my words of wisdom sets recently and most of them seem to be headed out to many of our wonderful teachers as end of year gifts, I hope they are all enjoyed!

Here's a bunch all ready to be packed & shipped

Washer & Birdie Pendant

2011-10-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Someone ordered this birdie & washer pendant as a gift, I hope the recipient treasures it!

Family Circle

2011-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

A sterling silver family circle pendant, hope the person it's for likes it!

Blythe Arrived & Deboxed!

2011-10-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

I've had quite a few people asking if my Blythe doll arrived safe and sound and I have to apologise for not updating sooner.

She arrived a week after being shipped from Hong Kong (the post office is certainly impressing me these days) and off I went to collect her...only to find out post office was GONE!
I stood there having a heart attack until some kindly passerby saw my dilemma and pointed out it had just moved out of our Spar and into one of the neighbouring stores...phew!
So I went home with my parcel tightly clutched in my hands and immediately set about deboxing her.
I will have to apologise for the quality of the photos, the lighting was terrible, and to be honest I wasn't really concentrating on taking decent pics, I only realised after how awful they really were!

But anyway, here's the few of when she arrived!

The parcel!
Her Takara box!
And here she is!
I have to add it is quite a fiddly thing getting everything out
Finally all deboxed!

Well the pictures do her no justice and she was far prettier than I had even thought, I totally get why people collect Blythe now, she is gorgeous!
The problem is I had all the dreams of customising her, but now she turned out so pretty I'm too scared to touch her...lol. I'm thinking of getting another doll I don't like quite as much just so I can do her up!

Anyway, I gave her a much needed hairwash and have made her a few bits and pieces since she arrived, and this morning while the kids were dancing in the sprinklers I had a few peaceful moments to myself to finally take some photos.

So here she is now!

In her stock outfit
With a little beanie I crocheted her
In her stand with a little cream & lace dress I made - I'm still working on designing for Blythe, so it's far from perfect, but I like the white/cream colour on her
A little A-line dress I made
With a simple crocheted headband
And here's a little hooded jersey I knitted her
With the hood down

So I'm a happy chappie :)

Some Gifts

2011-10-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

We had a couple birthdays this weekend and I've decided to at least try hand make some gifts, so here's what I got up to.

Some more freezer paper stencils, and I now have 2 boys in my house wanting thundercats & space invader t-shirts themselves lol

And a pair of little sterling silver cloud earrings

Medals

2011-10-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

A bunch of graduation medals for some little people moving onto bigger pastures!

Charms - having a whale of a time!

2011-10-14T01:22:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun making this collection of charms, I hope the person wearing them enjoys them as much as I did!

There was a wee little whale
And an eensy elephant
A tiny tag with a flower cutout
And a petite little hammered star
Everything together

Baby Blanket

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've basically spent the last couple months traveling between the couch and the bathroom.
With a great part of my time being horizontal on the couch I was getting a bit bored and decided to use the time to knit a blanket for our new baby.
Well the blanket is finally finished so I'm showing it off here :D

I'm quite pleased with how it turned out and it's a very simple pattern to follow.

If anyone would like to make their own I used a pattern from Pickles which you can find here
I didn't use their wool because it's not available locally but I popped into Arthur Bales and found so many gorgeous wools I would have left with half the shop if I could have afforded it!

I think my next knitting/crochet project will be for my Blythe doll. I'm just waiting for her to arrive so I have to work out the correct sizing...hoepfuly the wait won't be too much longer, I'll keep you posted!

Freezer Paper Tutorial

2011-09-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

Since seeing various freezer paper crafts on the internet I've been dying to try my hand at it, but it's not as easy a thing to come by in sunny South Africa as it seems to be in the USA.

The other day I was in luck though and found some in my local quilting store, so I just had to buy a couple meters to try it out!

As it happens it all turned out quite well so I decided to post my own tutorial.

So here's the list of stuff you'll need:

Freezer paper if you're not sure where to get it in SA follow this link
Your design/stencil
An art knife (I love my olfa one)
A surface to cut onto like a healing mat
Seloptape
Iron
Fabric paint
Paint brush
Something to put your design onto like a t-shirt, piece of fabric, canvas bag etc.

You can find lots of pictures/stencils online, or you can create your own. I used some images and photoshop to design mine and then printed them out. You can print directly onto your freezer paper if you trim it to the right size and make sure it prints onto the paper side NOT the plastic side. That seemed like to much effort to me though so normal paper it was.

Once you have your design drawn/printed out secure it to your cutting surface with seloptape. Place your freezer paper over the design with the shiny/plastic side down and again secure it in place. This is just so nothing moves while you're cutting out your design.

Then you are good to go, put on some music, pick up your art knife and get cutting!

Here's the start of mine, I wanted some text
With a picture to go with it

Once you've finished cutting out your whole design, lift the tape carefully from your cutting board and discard all the bits of paper & freezer paper you don't need.

Place your stencil onto the piece of clothing/fabric you're using making sure the shiny/plastic side is face down and carefully iron into place

Now it's time to get out your fabric paint & paintbrush. But before painting make sure you've put something behind your piece of clothing/fabric to prevent the paint bleeding through. I just used some magazines that were laying close to hand.

Soon you should have your whole stencil painted in!

Once it's had time to dry you can carefully start pulling off the freezer paper

And voila, you're done!!!
All that's left to do is follow the instructions of your fabric paint to seal it, in my case using heat (the iron) on the reverse side does the trick!

And now you can go on and make your own baby grows, bags, t-shirts etc!
I've got some great ideas for some baby showers I have coming up :D

And just cause I can here's a little top I did for my little girl!

Heart & Tiny Tag Pendant

2011-09-22T02:20:00.003-07:00

Some pendants and dangle ready to slip onto a chain!

Blythe be mine!

2011-09-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited and I have no one to share this with so I thought I'd share it with my blog & readers :)

I've always loved the Blythe dolls, and wanted one for my very own. Well this past week I found a seller in SA, and *gasp* he could get hold of the very one I was pining over, Vinter Arden. And then my gorgeous husband said I could have it as my Christmas and birthday gift...eeeeek!

So my order has been placed and I have to wait out the painful 2-4 week delivery time.
But she will soon be here and be all mine!

Isn't she beautiful?

Here's a few which have been customized by their owners...so gorgeous!!!

Teacher pendant

2011-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

A necklace, pendant & dangle for a teacher, which incorparates some of their school logo.
I hope she likes her gift.

Getting organised

2011-09-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely...
Now I can actually see all the pretty ribbons I have :)

Charmed

2011-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

A bunch of charms for a perfectly charming bracelet

Personal Craft - Pregnancy Journal

2011-09-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a personal "craft" for a change!

When I found out I was pregnant I knew I would need a notebook to keep track of appointments, notes and to do lists, notes from my midwife appointments and ante natal classes. I also thought it would be nice to keep a sort of journal/scrap book. So I went shopping for a nice notebook/journal...and found nothing I particularly liked.
So instead I grabbed a plain notebook and some scrapbooking paper...
...and with a little help from my modge podge and my much loved olfa cutter I re-covered it to look like this!
Some snaps from inside:

Looking a pictures of our baby :D

Another Bracelet

2011-09-02T03:46:00.001-07:00

Bracelet

2011-08-29T06:19:00.001-07:00

A sweet little ID bracelet ordered for a birthday gift.
I've got lots of ideas for bracelets now :)

Book Review - Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

2011-08-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Water’s Edge is a story about Thomas Crane, a lawyer who returns to his hometown to close down the legal firm of his recently deceased father. Along the way he stumbles across some discrepancies in his father’s files, involving the other man who died in the same tragic accident as his father. Will Thomas learn to trust God, do the right thing and solve the mystery?

The book was an easy read and for me the genre was a pleasant change from other Christian fiction I’ve read. While the plot line wasn’t too surprising you were kept reading right until the end trying to figure out the finer details.

Of all the characters I found Uncle Elias the most interesting, and loved the interaction between him and Thomas. I also loved the setting of the novel, I could almost imagine the town and people of Bethel and wish I could live there.

I enjoyed the spiritual message of the novel and the dilemmas with which Thomas is faced, as they are not simply “black and white” decisions. I would recommend this book to others, it was a good read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Little Souls

2011-08-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

A gift for a special milestone birthday

And a pendant for a teacher adapted from their school logo

Hope these gifts are treasured for years to come!

Friendship is a Sheltering Tree

2011-07-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a lovely quote?
Someone commissioned this piece with this quote on it for their best friend, I hope she likes it a lot!

Sweetheart Earrings

2011-07-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to try my hand at making some sterling silver earrings for a while now and I just never seem to have time.
But after finishing up the rest of my orders I had scheduled this week I found myself with a free afternoon today and decided it was as good a time as any to have a go.

So here's how they turned out

I've tried to take a picture of me wearing them to give you an idea of how they look on.
Do you have any idea of how difficult it is to take a photo of your own ear?
Anyway after feeling like a real dork for a while this is as good as it's going to get
The earrings sit snugly against your ear and are very comfortable.
They are also highly unlikely to fall out

Let me know what you think!

More Bean Bags

2011-07-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

I finished these earlier this week, hope they are as well used as ours are!

Now it's time for me to get started on another one for our house.
I was planning on doing a spare 1 or 2 for friends but it won't be long before Boomp needs one, so I may as well make one for him/her.
I was thinking they would be quite handy for a newborn (before they can roll of course), you can move it to wherever you are, make a snuggly hole in the middle to put baby in and cover with a blanket.
I'll take a picture in about 9 months time if it all works out :)

I'm so crafty...

2011-07-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

...I hand painted a t-shirt!

It reads "I'm so crafty I make people"

Just a little announcement...looks like I'm going to be even busier in the near future :)

You're Someone Special!

2011-07-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

This one turned out quite sweet I thought, I hope the person who it's intended for likes it!

Keyrings & Family Circles!

2011-07-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

I got quite a large order from a client recently, it seems July is a busy month in her family!
Hope everyone loves their gifts!

Oh and I also had fun playing with the photographs and trying new backgrounds!

Eternity Ring

2011-06-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

A friend commisioned this ring from me.
I hope it's everything she imagined!

Baby Cuff

2011-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

I made this sweet, teeny little baby cuff for a little 1 year old's christening. I hope they had a wonderful day and she treasures this memento!

A Little Update

2011-06-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that we recently updated the website with some of the more popular products, as well as pricing.
There is also a chart showing approximately how many letters & spaces you can fit on the various size discs.
So head on over to www.whatnots.co.za for a peek.
If you don't see what you want over there you can mail me for a quote !

And here's just a pendant I finished the other day

Another Bean Bag

2011-06-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

Finished my little girl's bean bag this last Friday, and think they look quite nice & cheerful in the play room, also if we need more space they stack on top of each other no problem!

I've got a bunch of left over fabric and another fabric I think could work quite nicely with the ones I've already used...so think I may still make another 1 or 2 for when we have friends over!

Washer & Disc Pendant

2011-06-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

I finished this sweet pendant earlier this week, hope the recipient loves her gift!

Personal Project - Bean Bags!

2011-06-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted one of my personal projects...in fact it's been a while since I even had any time to do any other crafting!
Recently though we donated some couches to my BIL who moved into his own place, and the kids were left short of a place to sit.
After looking around for a bean bag we found there were 2 classes of beanbags out there;
a) those that were affordable, but not very nice
b) those that were very nice, but not affordable at all!
Then someone suggested making one, so I went for a bit of a wander around the world wide interwebz, pulled out my sewing machine & overlocker and went shopping

Then I was ready to turn this
Into this:
The beanbag has an inner "cushion" and a removable, washable outer cover
It also has a handle - which has proven to be quite important ;)
One down and one or 2 more to go...I'll keep you posted on how the others turn out!

Washer Pendants

2011-05-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

The person who ordered these asked me to put the sterling silver pendants & dangles onto keyrings, but they would look lovely on a sterling silver chain too!

A washer with a littler sterling silver heart dangling in the center
And this washer has a little disc dangling in the center

Charm Bracelet

2011-05-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad blogger here lately I know, but life has just been busy...excuses, excuses lol

Anyway here's a sterling silver charm bracelet I finished last week, with a little star, heart & bird, all hand cut and shaped, and then stamped with initials.

It was a gift for a special friend whose been through a lot lately, I hope she is as right as rain ASAP xxx

Heart Pendant

2011-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

A little heart shaped pendant I finished earlier this week

The finished necklace ready to go, hope the person who it's for is happy with it, I enjoyed making it!

Children's Cutlery Sets

2011-04-19T08:25:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a pic of these, so thought it was about time to do some recent ones

A whole bunch of goodies!

2011-04-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

I've been busy so everything is going in one post today. Work on the website is plod plod plodding along...perhaps sometime in the next millenia it will happen :)

Until then thanks to all who are ordering regardless, I hope you all enjoy your creations!

A special piece for a special friend - I hope you like it ♥
A little star with hammered edges & wee little cut out heart
Another layered pendant with a couple of dangles
Some dainty discs (16mm) necklaces
A rolled bar pendant
And a Baby Charm Necklace (with that same rolled bar from above)
And perhaps you can all help me here...I'm looking at photos of my pieces and wondering what is better, the background with the gorgeous text I love so much, or something plainer?
Feel free to leave me a comment letting me know what YOU think =)
Exhibit A
Exhibit B

I feel it in my fingers

2011-03-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

I feel it in my toes...

Lots of hearts in the air lately

♥♥♥♥♥

Layered Disc Necklace

2011-03-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Two slightly domed sterling silver discs & a Czech pressed glass heart, layered on top of each other and hung on a sterling silver chain.

heart ring

2011-03-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

I finally tried my hand at making a ring.
Initially it was going to be all polished etc, but as I was cleaning it up I realised I quite liked the weathered look so left it pretty rough.

There's a wee little heart, and a secret message inside just for me.

I know my hands aren't very pretty but what's a gal to do when there's no hand model in the house?

So now my lovely hubby has commissioned one from me...to replace the one he lost at his bachelor's (insert rolly eyes here) lol...will let you know how that turns out!

Layered Washer Pendant

2011-03-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Dainty Dangles & Baby Charms

2011-02-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

A necklace I made with the option to add more charms & dangles at a later stage.

Oh and I now have sterling silver chains available :)

A teeny tag

A dainty disc - isn't the partridge just gorgeous ♥
All together!

I'm back and hoping to FLY!

2011-02-22T00:36:00.001-08:00

Holiday was great, but who knew that holidays with kids are soooo busy!!!!
I'm totally exhausted in body but absolutely refreshed in spirit and mind.

So sadly I didn't get as much time to work on my website as I hope, not to mention our internet connection there was hideous and kept bombing out while I tried to upload the new site, so here I am again asking you to bear with me, hopefully I'll have the new site up soon.

In the meantime here's a little sterling silver keyring I made for a good friend, it can also be used as a pendant ;)

And We're OFF!!!

2011-02-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

Catch you on the flip side xxx

Last Ones Before I'm Off!

2011-02-03T03:49:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone loves their goodies xxx

A Gaggle of Giraffes

2011-02-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

A few years back already (*gasp* - I can't believe it's been so long!) , I made this giraffe for a babyshower.

Well a few weeks back I got a lovely e-mail from the mommy of the little girl who's giraffe it is, and she told me how much "Gigi" had been loved.

Loved to death that is!

And the little girl couldn't sleep without "Gigi" so she asked if I could possible make her some more.

After hearing how much the giraffe was loved how could I refuse...so of course I made some more, and a couple extra for some other babies while I was at it too!

Hope the new ones are loved as much as the original :D

Giraffe Love ♥

Bookmarks

2011-02-01T04:31:00.001-08:00

I've made a couple of bookmarks over the last few weeks and thought I'd share a quick picture.
Other than that I'm busy busy in the studio trying to finish up my last orders before our holiday...HURRAH!
Also hoping to finish up the website over the holiday and be able to launch it when I'm back, so watch this space.....

Family Circle

2011-01-24T02:48:00.000-08:00

A friend with the most beautiful family ordered a pendant from me recently.
She requested the pendant not be shaped but rather remain flat.

The beads are high quality glass pressed Czech beads, hung on handcrafted sterling silver head pins.

Perpetual calendar

2011-01-20T04:34:00.000-08:00

So over the break I decided to make a perpetual calendar to go on our fridge, something we could use to track the days etc.

The project encountered a few hiccups, and after I laminated it to protect it, it turned out the magnetic sheet wasn't strong enough to hold up the markers any more.

Anyway, plan B worked and our calendar is up. Although I forgot that small children never ever use anything for what it's actually for and they keep moving and swiping the markers, so our calendar is constantly on the wrong date...oh well, at least they're having fun...lol

Book Review: An Amish Love – 3 novellas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long

2011-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

The first novella in the book is A Marriage of the Heart, which starts with Abby “tricking” Joseph into a marriage within the Amish community. As the story continues their relationship blossoms and you learn that some things really do work out for the best.

What the Heart Sees, is about Ellie who lost her sight in a tragic car accident. As a result she loses her betrothed and has little reason to believe she may find someone else romantically interested in her. However she wasn’t the only person wounded by the accident, and when Chris returns from the outside world he finds himself drawn to Ellie, but first he has to make peace with the past.

Healing Hearts is the story of the Lapps, rather than new love theirs is one that’s withstood children and the inevitable sacrifices a marriage makes when raising a family of small folk, but will their marriage survive the break Naaman Lapp enforced upon his wife & children? Not to mention that his return to the community is shortly followed by a law man in search of him!

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I’ve not read a lot of fiction set in the Amish community, and didn’t know how the romance would be conveyed, but I found the stories romantic and sweet.

As the book consisted of 3 short novellas there was not as much “depth” to the stories as I would have liked, but it certainly made for an easy & enjoyable read.

Of all the books I would have liked to have followed the story of Abby & Joseph, in A Marriage of the Heart, more in depth, the story really left me wanting to know more about them.

Word of the Year

2011-01-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

Susan contacted me about creating a piece with her word/s of the year.

Besides enjoying creating something for her it was also interesting to consider what my word of the year would be?

There's lots I think would be appropriate and it's very hard to choose just one, but I like the word "Possibility"

...which also puts me in mind of one of my favourite Bjork songs & music videos, Possibly Maybe

Here's just a few of the lyrics

"...uncertainty excites me
baby
who knows what's going to happen?
lottery or car crash
or you'll join a cult

possibly maybe probably love

mon petit vulcan
you're eruptions and disasters
i keep calm
admiring your lava
i keep calm

possibly maybe probably love..."

So what would your word for 2011 be? Leave me a comment & let me know!

And after all that, here's your pendant Susan, and I hope you have a phenomenal year!

NOTICE - closed from 29th Jan - 21st Feb

2011-01-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

This is just an advance warning to anyone planning to order in the early half of Feb, please place your orders before the end of this month cause Whatnots will be closed to any new orders during the above dates.

You are more than welcome to still contact me during that time, but I will only be able to respond to e-mails and fulfill orders from the 21st Feb again.

We are off to watch some waves roll on by...

Name Disc

2011-01-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

Finished this handmade pendant today, it's a 25mm sterling silver disc with 2 swarovski crystals, all the findings are sterling silver, including the clasp on the cord it's hung from.
The disc is slightly cupped.

I hope the recipient likes her gift!

A Little Deer to Fawn Over!

2011-01-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

So I made a little deer pendant...hee hee hee, get it...fawn lol

But I'm so undecided, which do you think looks better, just the plain silhouette, or more detail?

Don't be put off by the first photo, it's before the pendant has been finished and polished.
Here is the finished product with detail
Hmmm, I'm thinking maybe the plain is better...maybe with just a little heart on the side?

Let me know what you think?

I made my own!!!

2010-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

So today I finally sat down and did a wee bit of work and I'm very happy to say I am no longer at the whim and mercy of suppliers but can now make my very own pendants...WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!

The pendants are all 100% made by me, including the findings.
Everything is sterling silver, with the exception of the stringing wire which is nylon coated stainless steel...but the clasps etc on the cord will all be sterling silver.

Now just to give the "web dev" a poke in the ribs and hopefully we'll have the website up and running properly in the next few millennia :P

And I have to sit down and do the boring stuff like the costings...but while I'm busy with that you can take a peek at what I'm up to!

The disc cutter!
And some of the discs (& a wee moon) ready for stamping
Sterling silver jumprings
And what my initial charms turned out like.
The discs are 12.5mm and are slighly cupped

Just a little something

2010-12-28T04:18:00.000-08:00

I've been busy catching up with the kids and getting involved in all the Christmas & New Years festivities so I haven't really had as much time as I though to experiment with my goodies over the holidays.

I did however get that chance to make a little something for a friend who's an old work colleague...from back in the days of yore when I was still a working lass :)

I stamped, filed, shaped and polished the washer myself...so got a little chance to test out some tools :)

A slightly curved "family circle"

We've gone dotty!!!

2010-12-21T05:04:00.000-08:00

While I was so busy I didn't know if I was coming or going, I discovered the cupboard doors had joined me by going completely dotty!
And on that note, I know I should be working, there is so much to do, but I think instead I'm going to try do some baking with my kids...they've barely seen me the last few weeks and I have some making up to do!

Princess!

2010-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

A friend commissioned a doll for her niece from me, and I had quite a bit of fun trying to decide exactly how I was going to make her, although it took me far too long. I'm just glad I did get her finished in time for Christmas!

And here she is, I do hope her new friend likes her!

For Bronwyn

2010-12-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Here are the sets, hope everyone likes them!

xxx

Bookmarks!

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

So this week has seen the last of the already made pendants I bought go on out

And I finally found 5 minutes to try out my new equipment to make my own pendant for a very patient friend of mine who has been waiting for months now... sorry and I hope your guys are happy with their pendants!
And then tonight is book club, and not only is it book club but it's CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOK CLUB!!!
I am so excited, pretty much all my favorite things are going to be together, books, wine, champagne, good company, good food and of course crackers and presents...YAY!!!

And in the spirit of Christmas I decided to make a little something for everyone in our little club...sometimes that one night out a month keeps me sane, so thanks guys and have a fab Christmas!

Wine Charms!

2010-12-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

So amongst the flurry of keyrings I got an order for something I've been wanting to work on for a while but haven't had much chance. A few months ago I made one or 2 samples but never had a chance to share them.

So thanks for giving me the chance to make some and I hope the recipients like them and get good use out of them!

A few bits and bobs...

2010-11-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

...from the last week!

More keyrings, I never ever thought I'd be making this many...it feels like hundreds lol

Also done other stuff though, including a sugar spoon & a cake lifter

My Studio/Office/Mess Room

2010-11-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

I have to share this cause it's just awesome!

The other day my Dad was visiting when some equipment was delivered, the kids were climbing into it so he helped me move it to my studio...only to arrive and find no place to put it. I just told him to dump it on the floor and I'd find a spot for it later, and mentioned I probably needed to put up some shelves.

Lo and behold 4 days later he calls and asks if he can install my shelves!

We were off to a wedding so I just said he was welcome to come around but we wouldn't be there...well I got home to this!See all that stuff on all the shelves...well that was all on top of or under the desk...this is sooooooo much better I can't even begin to describe.

And this is just phase one apparently!!!

Thank you so much my wonderful Dad!

Now I just need to decide what to do to make them look prettier...I was thinking wallpaper...there are some droolishious wallpapers out there and with our textured walls we can't use them, so this might be the perfect opportunity!

Oh and some pretty baskets to store stuff in instead of old apple and wine boxes!

Now all I need is a bit of time to actually go wallpaper browsing :)

An Order For a Friend

2010-11-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

I finished an order for a friend I'd dearly like to meet face to face one day.
I'll be sending it off to her shortly so I hope it arrives safe and sound and she's pleased with it.

Other than that you must forgive me for my erratic posting, it's a very busy time of year between weddings, Christmas parties, visiting family from the UK, not to mention the kids & work...so things are just crazeee!!!!

I'm hoping to be able to breathe again closer to Christmas :)

Silver Pendants - SOLD OUT

2010-11-18T06:19:00.001-08:00

So last week saw me stamping almost the last of the sterling silver pendants I had, and the last few are on back order, so I am sadly officially sold out!

Watch this space though, I'm hoping to be able to offer my very own pendants shortly!

And here's what they turned out like, hope everyone who receives them likes them!

A Little Christmas Spirit

2010-11-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Crept into the studio last week when I was busy with some Christmassy keyrings for Leandre Warren Photography down in Cape Town...before I knew it I was humming Christmas carols while I was working!
If you are in the Cape you should definitely check out Leandre's site, she'll help you capture all those precious memories with her beautiful photography!

For anyone who has had trouble commenting in the past, please do try again, I've played around with the settings and hopefully it should be much easier to comment now.

Ideas!

2010-11-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

At the moment I haven't had much time to work on anything new but the other day I was tinkering around and came up with an idea for a series of pendants I could make once all my equipment arrives.

Talking of the equipment, stuff is finally on the way...early next week should see the arrival of the equipment, new beads and I'm already sitting with a pretty piece of silver :)

I'd love some feedback so please feel free to leave a comment. The designs are just rough but you get the general idea.

A little stargazer for the dreamers
A little love fool for those in love
A little flower power for those who are hippies at heart
And a little something for those smitten with/bitten by the Twilight bug...lol

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

2010-11-12T05:13:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Indulge Set
Set includes a teaspoon with the word "coffee", a cake fork with the word "cupcake", and a coffee mug.
Great to give with some home baked Christmas goodies or just as is
R85 each
Dr Seuss themed Children's Cutlery Set
Set includes a small spoon & fork with the words "Green Eggs & Ham"
R70 each

*offer valid until November 30th 2010*
*all prices exclude shipping & handling*

Hedgehog Looking for a Home!

2010-11-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

I just finished this little guy and he's looking for a home with a little person to love him.
He has a friendly smile and a rattle in his tummy!
He also comes with a washer tag which you can personalise with the new owner's name, the hedgehog's name or a few words of wisdom...it's your choice!

If you've got a home for him please contact me through my website!

Children's Cutlery Sets with Knives!

2010-11-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

"Knives???...
KNIVES!!!"

I hear you exclaim, but fear not, there's little to no chance (read negative a 100% chance) of your child severing a finger or their favourite toy's head with this one. But it is a nice way to introduce your child to eating with a knife safely!

I posted excitedly a few weeks ago when I found a few of these knives in a local shop, and they have proved to be very popular. Luckily I had my mother scout out a bit more stock for me and we quickly snapped them up. So if you'd like to order a complete set of cutlery including a knife they are still available at R105 each excluding postage.

Sadly I am unable as yet to add them to my website as the "back end" is still not functioning and I dare not harass my flustered programmer to much at the moment. I DO however very much look forward to being able to edit my site myself once it is complete ;)

And here's what they look like
A bunch ready to go

Keyrings Galore

2010-11-02T00:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've been so busy of late I haven't had much time to take photos or blog at all. Thank you to everyone who is ordering though, you're keeping me busy and out of trouble!

I must have made a million keyrings recently...ok slight exaggeration, but honestly there have been many, lots of them for teacher gifts. I haven't been able to get pictures of all of them but I did get a snap or two, so here are 2 of my fave fun ones.

So good news and bad news...

Bad news - I've basically sold outof my sterling silver pendants and my supplier has now told me they are not going to manufacture them any more...this after only finding them a few months back and they assured me I could get through them...anyhooo

Good news - thanks to all the marvellous support recently I have managed to place an order for equipment to hopefully make my own. Now obviously I am new to all this so you'll have to bear with me, but I'll keep you updated with when the equipment arrives and how the actual silversmithing itself goes...I'm quite excited to learn!!!

The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan

2010-10-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

This book houses a small collection of short stories, accompanied by photos, that are centred around Christmas, however they may surprise you with their untraditional Christmas content. A stolen car, a last minute purchase at the end of an unhappy honeymoon, and young boy snowbound with his sickly grandfather are just some of the scenarios you’ll find.

I read this book out loud to my 2 young children while they were playing and I enjoyed the fact they were long enough to entertain them for a little while, but not too long as to become chore some. However my children didn’t find the pictures included very interesting or relevant to the stories. I thought the stories themselves were lovely and send out a lovely message of what Christmas should be about, rather than the over commercialised and over indulgent holiday it has become. I’d recommend the book to anyone who loves Christmas or would like to read some Christmas stories to their children that contain the true spirit of Christmas. It would also make a lovely gift book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com>\ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Starry starry night!

2010-10-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

I made another washer necklace the other day and quite enjoyed all the stars!

Knitted Hairband

2010-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I posted about any personal crafts, mainly cause I don't have much time to do any of them at the moment lol

I thought I'd share this though, just a plain and simple knitted hair band. I made this just after she was born during the first wonderful week I spent cuddling her in bed...it turned out a bit big for her back then but now finally fits.

I want to try my hand at a crochet hairband sometime, but for now here's the one I already made

Something to Inspire...

2010-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Washer Bracelet

2010-10-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

I got an order for a very special person the other day, I hope it helps her see through this challenge!

One side
The other side

2 Little Love Birds

2010-10-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Whimsy & Whatnots

Playing catch up!

Etsy!!!

Little hats!

Book of Love & Ring

Blythe Peasant Dress

The last few bits and bobs

Dorian - Take 2

Another Christmas Gift!

Hip, Hippo, Hurrah!!!

Meet Dorian

Book of Love & some thank yous...

My first pair of Socks!

Adios Amigos!!!

Earrings & coffee mugs!

Tweet...

Hearts

Discs with Cutouts

Another sweet star

Family Circles

Oops, I did it again...

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Lovely Pendants

Hot Pink

Star light, star bright...

Words of Wisdom

Washer & Birdie Pendant

Family Circle

Blythe Arrived & Deboxed!

Some Gifts

Medals

Charms - having a whale of a time!

Baby Blanket

Freezer Paper Tutorial

Heart & Tiny Tag Pendant

Blythe be mine!

Teacher pendant

Getting organised

Charmed

Personal Craft - Pregnancy Journal

Another Bracelet

Bracelet

Book Review - Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Little Souls

Friendship is a Sheltering Tree

Sweetheart Earrings

More Bean Bags

I'm so crafty...

You're Someone Special!

Keyrings & Family Circles!

Eternity Ring

Baby Cuff

A Little Update

Another Bean Bag

Washer & Disc Pendant

Personal Project - Bean Bags!

Washer Pendants

Charm Bracelet

Heart Pendant

Children's Cutlery Sets

A whole bunch of goodies!

I feel it in my fingers

Layered Disc Necklace

*heart* ring

Layered Washer Pendant

Dainty Dangles & Baby Charms

I'm back and hoping to FLY!

And We're OFF!!!

Last Ones Before I'm Off!

A Gaggle of Giraffes

Bookmarks

Family Circle

Perpetual calendar

Book Review: An Amish Love – 3 novellas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long

Word of the Year

NOTICE - closed from 29th Jan - 21st Feb

Name Disc

A Little Deer to Fawn Over!

I made my own!!!

Just a little something

heart ring