Books Books Books

Yeeeha! Early birthday presents from my dear mama. Two crafty books by Pip Lincolne...."Meet Me At Mike's" and "Sew La Tea Do"......filled to the brim with sewing, knitting and crochet projects, patterns, instructions, etc.  And also lots of pretty pictures of vintage fabric and bits and bobs. Just delightful!

Pip Lincolne is a Melbourne based crafter, blogger, writer, shopkeeper, author and all round inspiring lady. You can find out more by checking out her lovely blog Meet Me At Mike's. She has two more books on the way (pictured below so you can keep your eyes peeled for them) So I best get cracking on the crafty recipes in her first books....then maybe by christmas I'll be ready for more! ; )

DIY: handmade paper decorations

DIY Paper Lanterns

DIY Paper Wheels

DIY Streamer Backdrop

Ruby Bluebird is getting married! The wedding is still a loooong, looooong way off. However, I have lately been inundated with the advice that "it'll be here before you know it!" and so I have started to slowly peruse the net for DIY wedding ideas.

And these paper decorations have most certainly caught my eye. I am a lover of COLOUR!!! And texture. And, of course, all things handmade. These decorations are fun, simple to make and could certainly be re-used....for weddings, parties, anything (if you'll excuse my reference to a certain 90s folk rock band)  ; )

You can find step by step instructions for these glorious Paper Lanterns here. The Paper Wheels and Streamer Backdrop come from Ruffled, which is a delightful site showcasing plenty of real handmade weddings, as well as recycling and DIY ideas.  A good "read" for the handmade bride.

DIYcouture: making DIY easy

Oooooh I just love stumbling across a website that supports the handmade revolution, bucks the concept of "fast fashion" and makes DIY less daunting and more accessible. DIYcouture is a UK based website which does away with scary, complex sewing patterns in favour of booklets filled with easy to read, simple, visual instructions. The philosophy behind it is to encourage  people to get involved in the craft and fun of 3D creation. Each DIYcourture collection consists of 12 classic, staple pieces that can be encorprated into any wardrobe. The latest collection includes a cloak, a jumpsuit, a pleated skirt, a gathered dress, a hoody and more.

Now the only question is....what will I try my hands at first?