The pods have got me!

I came across a cute little pattern for making Sweetpea Pods by Lazy Girl Designs (bought from Sew Thankful - who also supplied a speedy dispatch and quick delivery to the UK from the US - I'm not affiliated, just appreciative of good service). They are great. Really simple to make and quick, once you've made the first one. I even discovered that by not doing the final step of stitching the corners you can make a nice little flat purse (the lime green one at the back). I may have to make a few of these for gifts and fill them with something nice like chocolates or sewing goodies.

Another of Lazy Girl Designs patterns is the Becca Bag and just as easy, if not easier to make up.

Another lot of pods by a different designer are the Storage Pods by Beth Studley. I came across this pattern on Pinterest and thought it would be great for the hooks on the back of the craft room door. I paid for the downloadable pattern but you can order a paper pattern if you prefer - I just couldn't wait for one to be delivered. Another nice little gift idea and great as a quilting project for those who want to quilt but don't need multiple bed covers, table runners or cushions. This one holds my fabric scraps at the moment but I think I will need to make more for all those little bits and pieces I have lying around.

New bracelet kits

I have added some little bracelet kits to my Etsy store this month. They are boxed kits that show you how to make fine, handmade silk bracelets with a tiny paper bead as the focus. All the materials needed are enclosed in the kit along with full instructions and both the silk cords and the paper beads are handmade by myself. I also re-listed the brightly coloured silk cord so those who don't like the black silk in the kits can buy a colour of their choice. They do make nice little gifts, either as unmade kits or as finished jewellery - and the box can be used to either store the bracelet or give it away.

Post-Christmas commission pics 4

These two guys were painted for a lady who was treating herself to paintings of her lovely bunnies. They are called Toffee and Casper. I'll let you guess which is which. Watercolour paintings, 8x6 inches.

Post-Christmas commission pics 3

Third in the line of Christmas commissions is Milly. She is a chocolate labrador belonging to my neighbours and whose daughters wanted to give them an original gift this year. Watercolour painting, 6x8 inches.

Button-a-Day for January

This year Gina-B Silkworks is taking part in a button-a-day project. A whole year of buttons. Can you imagine it? Talk about focused. Unfortunately my focus does not extend to seeing twelve months ahead but I did like the idea of making a button every day. So I have been doing the Button-a-Day for January. Below are the photos of each of the buttons - a veritable rainbow. I even had to order some new threads because I was so 'inspired'. Now I just have to find projects to add the buttons to.