Creative Space : Late!

I know, I know - creative space is a Thursday thing, and I had it in my head to do all day yesterday but I just got side-tracked...I'm sure you all know how it is.

So it's late, BUT it's still here...that's the main thing, right? :-P

This week I've been working on things for my upcoming markets...

More pillowcase dresses....

My robot screen print at stage 1, on t-shirts and tote bags...

And the all-important labelling on my screen printed tops..

I'm trying to work through things in a sensible manner, instead of my usual 'jumping from dresses to cutting to printing' way of doing things, and so far, I feel like things are more under control, so that's a good thing.

If you are after some eye candy, or just feel like some inspiration, why not head over here for some blog fun.

Back soon, with a fun holiday, crafty project for the kids, and my boy's tees designs.

xx

Cupcakes!

Friday night, my friend Kate and I headed into the city, to CAE in Flinders Lane to attend 'Cupcakes Galore' - a cupcake decorating course. We had bought a couple of vouchers from one of those websites (you know the ones? - Scoopon, Living Social, Daily Deals, etc) at around 60% off of the regular price - bargain!

The course was all about technique, more than anything, and after 2 hours of theory, we got to play on our own 6 cupcakes.

Here are the 5 techniques I played with :

This one the teacher called 'The Proposal Cupcake' but it really was just using chocolate ganache instead of buttercream and adding red roses...(oh, and all the flowers used were premade..but I will learn how to do them one day too! The leaves are by me though :-P)

"The Classic"

"The Lattice"

"The Softserve" - this is my favourite, as I think it would look fantastic on mass, and it's just so cupcake-y..

"The Topiary"

And she also demonstrated "The Rose" which was just beautiful but I didn't get a chance to try that one, although Kate did and it looked amazing, even with the icing being a bit too warm and droopy.

So, that was my Friday night.

How was your weekend?

xx

Quick Quiche Yumminess

I love this recipe - it's quick, it's easy, you can change the fillings and the kids love it - win, win!

So I thought I'd share :

Quick Chicken and Pesto Quiches
Makes 12

3 sheets Puff Pastry, partially thawed
1 small BBQ Chicken
1 cup grated Cheese
4 Eggs
2/3 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Basil Pesto

* Place a baking tray into the oven. Preheat oven and tray to 200 deg.
* Lightly grease a 12 x 1/3 cup muffin pan.
* Cut 4 x 10cm diameter rounds from each sheet of pastry (I used a rammekin for my guide)
* Use pastry to line bases and sides of muffin holes.
* Remove chicken from bones. Shred chicken.
* Divide chicken and cheese between pastry cases.
* Beat eggs, sour cream, pesto, salt and pepper in a jug, with a fork to combine.
* Spoon over chicken and cheese.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until centres are set.
* Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations : When I made these yesterday, I swapped the chicken for shaved virginian ham and mushrooms. Other options are olives and roasted capsicum, ham and pineapple, tomato and mushroom...and I'm sure I could think of plenty more!

Also, I swapped to 'light' ingredients where I could - usually the cheese and sour cream - and it still worked fine.

And I usually have enough egg mixture to make another 4-6 quiches, so having a spare sheet of puff pastry could be useful.

Perfect for a sunny spring lunch!

xx

Creative Space : Fabric Love

Going on from last week's post, I have finished my very first pillowcase dress...

and I must say I am still loving this fabric - so summery, so bright and very funky!

I have a few more cut out and ready to go, now that I've tweaked my pattern, and I'm really enjoying the process...

I'm sure having adorable little heart pins to use, is helping with my inspiration and motivation too... :-P

More lovely creative spacers over here.

xx

A Merging of Makers

With market season upon us, it is probably an apt time to let you all know about this little merger with my friend Kate.

Life is so busy and hectic, and the pressure of making for markets, can, at times, feel a little overwhelming. So with that in mind, my friend and I decided on a merge of stock for markets, while still maintaining our own Made It shops and branding, on the actual items.

Basically, one shop with 2 design ranges.

So when we took Polkadot Lane...

And Sew Chirpy...

We got Chirpy Lane...

Cute, right?

The super talented Danielle from over at Curiouser is the clever one, who created all 3 of these brands - thanks chica!

Now this is the banner you will find me under at all upcoming markets, and there are a few coming up, but I'll fill you in a bit closer to the dates.

Meanwhile, I better get my sewing and printing mojo into line, and get making, making, making!

Next on the list : boys screen printed tees - 1 design down, 2 to go.

Enjoy your week!
xx

Creative Space - Prints & Pillowcases

Today I plan on playing with ink and fabric a bit more (nothing new there, hey? :-P)

Here is a bag I was experimenting with, a screen print, but reversed, with a touch of hand painting too...thoughts please?
I was also thinking of adding a couple of fabric embellishments to it, maybe music notes or hearts...hmmm...not sure...

 

And I also have every intention on making up a few pillowcase dresses - I'm in love with this new funky floral fabric that I picked up last week. It's a Michael Miller fabric design in a range called 'Sorbet'...just love it! 

Anyway, it's all cut out and ready to be made up into a sweet pillowcase dress.

What's happening in your creative world this week?
So many busy creative types sharing their projects over here.

xx

Girls Tees

So I've been going a bit mad with my screen printing bug...

My fingers itch to print on days when time has just not allowed it.

On Sunday afternoon, I was fortunate enough to have some time, and I went a little nuts, printing on little girls tees, and bigger girls strappy tank tops.

After much sketching and deliberating and playing, I have decided on printing these four designs for the upcoming market season, on a variety of coloured cotton tops for girls up to size 12. (I have boy designs planned too - just not yet!)

Here they are :

Sweet Tweet Bird

Daisy Girl

Dandelion Wishes

 Tree Swirls

So, my dear blog readers - what do you think?
Do you have a favourite?
Would you like any of these designs on a tote bag?

I would love any feedback, if you have time.

Hope your weeks are going fabulously!

xx