carmel renehan

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Prizes

A couple of weeks ago I was the lucky winner of a prize from the wonderful JETteam. The lovely Barbara from Capital City Crafts sent me these gorgeous earrings

I just love them-They are sterling silver and the ear wires have the cutest little flowers on them. Thank you so much Barbara :)

Big bracelet sale

I need to make room for new items in Lace and Links so I'm having a big sale on my bracelets. I have marked them all down by at least 20% some by more.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

I have finally finished my June item for the 12 month craft challenge. I only just made it though.
I decided to make a ball for Joseph-with all the toys he has been given he doesn't have a ball. I made a pattern piece that I thought looked about right-I was wrong they were too fat so after sewing it all together I had to cut two panels out so it didn't look like a pumpkin! I used red ribbon for tags and different textured fabric. I think it looks ok now and more importantly he loves it.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The 12 Month Craft The World Challenge

Adelle has chosen 12 themes-one for each of the next 12 months-for us to interpret and make something for.

JUNE 2010 Black & White

JULY 2010 Nature

AUGUST 2010 Music or Michael Jackson

SEPTEMBER 2010 Red

OCTOBER 2010 Shapes

NOVEMBER 2010 Faces

DECEMBER 2010 Water

JANUARY 2011 Shoes

FEBRUARY 2011 Garden

MARCH 2011 Friendship

APRIL 2011 Ice Cream

MAY 2011 Solar System

Check out Adelles blog for more info or just click the button above.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Makes me happy

Happy childhood memories make me happy.
So many memories in this collection-makes me thankful for the wonderful childhood I had. Great friends, fun toys and wonderful parents.

Pop beads from artbycandice
Kids photo from vintagewarehouse
Vintage toy camera from covetablecuriosities
Scooter from thelovely's
Call of the Wild and Black Beauty book from nummynaze

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Chocolate cake for one

I have had this recipe for ages but have only just got around to trying it. It's a chocolate cake cooked in a coffee mug just for one person -I guess you could share if you want to, I didn't I ate the whole lot myself.

Here's how to make one-
1 large coffee mug
4tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons choc chips
splash vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well. Make sure the measurements are level-not heaped. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add choc chips(if you want) and vanilla and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 mins on high(1000watts). Cake will rise over the top. Allow to cool a little and tip out onto a plate if desired (I ate mine from the cup)

Mine was a bit dry but I think that was because I ate too much before it was cooked so I only really had half the mixture left. Next time I might try to make it self saucing or have some cream with it. Thanks Heather xxx

Makes me happy

Jess from Epheriell designs came up with this post idea-good isn't it?
All about babies today-girl babies :)

Booties from allysanneskidstuff

Rufflebutt onesie from Littlepoppett

Baby blanket from craftycrackpot

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wish list Wednesday

Last weekend I rediscovered crochet. I learnt how when I was younger but prefered knitting so I haven't done any for a long, long time. With help from my sister and cousin and a long phone call to my Auntie, I finished a granny square. With a bit more practice, and probably a lot of unpulling, I hope one day I can make things like these :))

Freeform poncho/wrap by Rensfibreart

My poppy bag pattern from knit1sew1

Vintage cupcake pattern from charmingcrochet

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

More great buys

I just had the best weekend, I went to Mt. Compass to babysit with my cousin and my sister. The whole weekend was spent visiting wonderful family and shopping-two of my fav past times :) Found some great op shops, one at Strathalbyn and the other Meningie. 2nd time around at Meningie supports the hopital and over the last 5 years they have raised $160,000 an amount I found amazing. Any way here are my bargains

Latest purchases

I won a set of Missisaau pencils the other day and I love them so much I had to share with everyone. Thank you Rachel
I also spoilt myself and bought a gorgeous scarf from Leanne at rainbowrevolution and some handmade lampwork beads from Feyglass.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wish list Wednesday

Another week gone!! The signs are up in the shop windows telling us how many weeks until Christmas, so I guess that means I should start getting organised. Not yet though, I have too many things that I want.

Ricky Sicky worm by wormgalaxy
Party animal from FunkyFriendsFactory
Black and copper wire cat by WireArtInk

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Wish list Wedneday

I can't believe how long it's been since I made a wishlist! Where does the time go???

Hope you enjoy this weeks picks

Cinderella earrings by binkaminka

Earring holder by sarahlizzyt ish

Free form crochet evening bag by rensfibreart

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A couple of weeks ago Jess from Epheriell Designs put this on her blog-

"Those of us in the handmade scene love what we do. Many of us would also love to make a living from it, but I think the love of the craft came first.

I’m sure many of you have participated in craft swaps over the years, but I want to take the concept of sharing what we love that one step further.

And so – Handmade Pay It Forward. The idea is simple. You recieve a handmade gift from a fellow craftsperson. You Pay It Forward by sending some of the things you have made and loved to others."

I thought it was a great idea and so I joined up. Yesterday I recieved my gift

Gorgeous isn't it? I love it. Now I have to find someone to pass something on to so if you would like to be a part of this fun game just leave me a comment.

In order to participate in this, there are a few requirements:

1. I will choose an undisclosed number of people who comment on this post to send a gift to. This gift I have made with my own hands, and with love.

2. If you choose to comment, and you recieve a gift from me, you commit yourself to Paying It Forward.

3. You must then make a post on your blog, making the same offer to your readers.

4. On your blog post, you must include this list of requirements (basically, all the text between the asterisks). You choose how many people you Pay It Forward to – though it would be nice if it was more than one. However, I realise that some of you make high-end or expensive wares, and I don’t want to exclude you from participating by setting a minimum number above one.

5. In each of your packages, as well as your gift, please include a minimum of 5 business cards (if you have them). Also include the business cards that you recieved in your gift – this allows every recipient to visit the people who’s generosity brought Handmade Pay It Forward to them.

6. Finally, in your PIF blog post, include the history of your gift – i.e. the name and blog of all the people before you in the journey.

Handmade Pay It Forward 2009 – Those that gave before me: Jess from EpheriellDesigns,

7. Please only participate once. Obviously, if you haven’t recieved a gift within a few weeks of leaving a comment on a PIF post, you can probably assume you missed out that time, and try again if you see it elsewhere This keeps the PIF goodness spreading to new people! I think I will start a new one once a year… but we’ll see how this evolves!

Please use this button on your blog to share that you have participated!

HandmadePayItForwardButton

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Aussie Christmas in July

Do these words conjure up an Australian Christmas for you??

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
(Torme & Wells, 1946)

No, not usually. Unless, of course, they refer to the Etsy Down Under Street Team (DUST) “Aussie Christmas in July” promotional weekend.

Etsy DUST members from all around Australia are coming together for one whole weekend, 12.01AM Saturday 25th July through to 11.59PM Sunday 26th July (AEST), to showcase their talents & stunningly handmade creations.

All stores participating will be offering a promotion to their customers - free worldwide shipping or % off sales; a selection of items at reduced prices or reverse auctions.

With so much variety, including jewellery, children’s clothing & accessories, art, supplies, vintage items, stationery & bags, you are sure to find something to suit each & every taste.

The DUST team will also be running giveaways for the entirety of the weekend, giving you the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes from Australian sellers. Poke your nose into the Etsy Forums during the promotion for your chance to win.

I encourage you to visit the participating stores, as well as our team website – http://www.dustteam.com/ – and support the handmade revolution sweeping Australia.

Stay tuned for more details as the weekend draws nearer, but for now here's a sneak peak at som