Mad Like A Hatter

For the month of October, Stitch 'N' Bitch are holding an exhibition in the gallery at the Wonders of Wynyard. The theme is Mad Hatter's Tea Party and it promises to be all sorts of craftacular brilliance.

I haven't mentioned it before now, because I left my entry until the last minute to do. The. Last. Minute. I finished it today (started it yesterday), and the exhibition is being installed on Monday. I hoped that if I didn't mention it, nobody would notice the tardiness *peers around suspiciously*

I've made a few little top hats, similar to the hat that I made for the March Made With Love. The original intention was to make a plethora of hats (man, I love the word plethora) and have them arranged on a cupcake stand.

Original idea: fail. It turns out that I didn't have a spare week to make a dozen hats. So, I just ended up making three, and hoping, again, that nobody notices the difference.

To see other madly-inspired projects, go here and here. Oh, and here. And check this out while you're at it.

Flagged

A couple of weeks ago I made some bunting as a custom order for a friend of mine. Her friend is having a bubba, and she wanted something for the room of the new little kidlet.

It was great to get back into the scrappy swing of things - I haven't done anything like this for a while.

And before we proceed, I apologise for the quality of the photos. It was late. I was fatigued. The lighting was not ample. I wasn't appropriately attired. The moon was in the wrong phase.

It has nothing to do with my photography skills. No-thing.

Working 9 To 5

I have so much news. So, so much news. I was going to break all of this up into separate posts, but the lazy in me scored the upper hand, so you’ll just have to deal with me talking crap for a little while. Or not read the whole blog post. Whatever.

First things first – I got a job. And no-one was more surprised than me. The job interview was one of those that you walk out of, as gracefully as you can, but on the inside you’re berating yourself, and your hand is itching to connect with your forehead. I didn’t think that I’d answered questions as well as I could, and I’d generally made a bit of a tool of myself. Afterwards, I considered doing a blog post about things to avoid in job interviews (What? You mean it’s been done before?!?), but I was too ashamed. Now, seeing as I actually somehow got the job, I have a few little tips.

I have long legs (yes, this is related… just keep reading). Don’t get me wrong. I like my legs – they’ve come in really handy for walking and stuff. However, they can become a troublesome thing on public transport, and when I sit at tables at cafes and restaurants and job interviews. There’s just not enough room under the table for me to sit comfortably. I spent the interview twitching and shifting, and trying to get comfortable – it didn’t work, but may have given the interview panel that I’d taken some illicit drugs.

Hand shaking. I am a hand shaker when the mood crosses me, and I know all of that stuff about how to shake hands, using the correct pressure, etc. The bit that I DIDN’T think through was the position of people in the room. I shook the hands of the first 2 members of the panel, and then realised that in order to shake the hand of the third, I would have to walk behind everybody and approach her from the back, which made things awkward for both of us. Upon the realization of my faux pas, I started walking in this hunkered down, crab crawl-type gait. I was thinking that it was probably one of the more unimpressive things that I’d ever done, but maybe they dug it. Who knows? The moral of this story is to think of placement. Location, location, location.

Secondly, the March Made With Love Market Bazaar is happening THIS WEEKEND! I’ve done so very little for it, but I know other people have actually been constructive. We ran a competition on our facebook page for this market, so that one of our followers could come up with the dress-up theme for it. We had some great entries, and the winner is “MARCH Hare, and The Mad Hatter”. We’re all a bit excited about the possibilities of this one. The winner will receive a vintage suitcase full of Made With Love goodies worth over $200. We’ll be running another competition in July, so if you’re interested in scoring some rad stuff, keep an eye on our facebook page.

I started making my hat for the market the other night at Stitch ‘N’ Bitch, and it seems to be going pretty well… Somehow I just guessed measurements and everything, and it seemed to come together. It made me realise that one of the most painful assignments from my TAFE days (making 3D letter using cardboard and glue and lots and lots of tabs) actually put me in good stead for making a top hat. Go figure.

Ridiculous TAFE assignment

I’ve been getting my papercraft on lately, and have done a scrapbooking layout for Allana, demonstrating how radtacular her fabric tape is. She’s made it from lovely vintage fabrics, and it’s self-adhesive so it’s really easy to use!

I’ve also made some cards for the markets.

And as of this week, I’m a fully fledged Tasmanian driver. I already had my Tassie driver’s license, and now I have the license plates to prove it. It was actually a bit of a sentimental moment when I took my ever so slightly crumpled New South Wales plate to swap over. But it’s the start of a new driving chapter. My car no longer gets egged on a regular basis, I’m not getting tailgated nearly as much, and she’s actually clean at the moment. Love it.

Quick update on online dating: Dear random toolbag, I am not here to stroke your ego. Please stop fishing for compliments, as I will shut you down in a heartbeat. Kind regards, Sarahla.

I Have Paper And I'm Not Afraid To Use It

Well, actually, I WAS kind of worried. Yesterday I sat down to do some scrapbooking for the first time in quite a while. I still had three layouts to finish from my "Year In Review" series, which I'd intended to finish before the end of 2010, but somehow the end came and went, and I was still just sitting here trying to remember where I'd left my scissors.

It's always a bit of a worry going back to a craft after having a break from it. There are times while scrapbooking that I've just sat and stared at the papers. I'm not exactly sure what good this does, but perhaps if I concentrate REALLY hard, they'll arrange themselves into some sort of pleasing configuration.

Yesterday wasn't like that though. Yesterday was one of those magical days where everything just seemed to work. And I could find my scissors with ease.

The first layout is for September. September is when I started doing volunteer work at the RSPCA, so I thought I'd do a little something on that. The background is part of a vintage pillowcase stuck to some cardstock, and the frills are just different scraps that I had laying around (mainly October Afternoon and The Girls Paperie).

"Caring For September"

The next layout is for November, when we started the Made With Love Bazaar. I know that these photos are actually from the December markets we had, but I like them. So there. The paper is the "Simply Stylish Collection" from Scribble Scrabble, and the chipboard dressing table is from Dusty Attic. Dusty Attic have THE best chipboard shapes. The polka dot doily was a pressie from my lovely scrappy friend Gill.

"November Is Made With Love"

And finally - December. These paper are The Girls Paperie "On Holiday" range. Even though I was doing paper stuff, I seemed to keep wanting to get my sewing machine out, so I've stitched over the top of the dress pattern borders. The brown frame was an awesome op-shop find.

"Discover December"

Whew. The year is now finished, paper-craft style. Hurrah!

Also, for all of those scrappy gals (and guys) out there who know how cool they are, my clever friend Michelle has designed a tee just for you. Check it out. Buy it. Wear it with pride.

Goodbye, Old Friend

Well. What an eventful week. That I didn’t *ahem* get a chance to blog during. The lack of blogging has absolutely nothing to do with laziness…

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the removal of one of my piercings. It’s all very sad. I had a dermal piercing on my sternum that I’d had for over 2 years, and over the past few weeks it has been making itself known and growing out. I finally reached the difficult decision during the week to have it removed. I hate having piercings taken out – it feels like the death of a friend (albeit slightly less dramatic). One of those friends that are really cool to be around, occasionally irritate the hell out of you, but are always there – whether they’re hidden or not. And now I’m in mourning for my friend. Have I taken this analogy too far? Perhaps.

And what an adventure it ended up being to have it removed. After about 5 phone calls I found out that they don’t even DO dermal piercings in Burnie (which panicked me a bit… where am I going to go for my next piercing???), so I had to go to the doctor, wait there for half an hour, then be referred to the skin clinic. Where I waited for about an hour, and was then put through a few minutes of quite intense pain. But it’s ok – I’m tough. No, really. I am.

My Friday consisted of breaking into a building with bolt cutters, restraining an angry cat, and being a barmaid. All while doing volunteer work for the RSPCA. While I was using the bolt cutters I had to cut through a padlock, which is actually not the easiest feat. Considering that they’re made so that that can’t happen. But anyway, once my muscular, strongwoman-esque task was finished, I was standing there in my grey sweater with the hood up, rain drizzling down, and I got the Rocky theme song stuck in my head. I may have also jumped around with my arms above my head.

And today we went out to Table Cape to check out the tulip farm there. I am, admittedly, not much of a gardening person, although I do have the enviable skill of killing plants with just a glance. Even without an avid horticultural interest, it was still pretty rad. Lots of tulips (funnily enough).

Recreational outings aside, I have managed to also get some crafting done during the week. I’ve done a layout on the photos of Michelle and I twirling, because we’re just so damned cute. Stop laughing – you know it’s true. I’ve used the lovely The Girls Paperie “Paper Girl” range. I just looooove the paper with the cabbage flowers on it. I’ve also used a cute Jodie Butler flower that I picked up a while ago – she makes the best floral goodies.

The second layout is of my brother and I on a carousel when we were just youngin’s. I’ve used the Fancy Pants “Road Show” range. And another Jodie Butler flower. The book page is from a Golden Book. I was sure that while I was ripping the page from the Golden Book I was going to be struck down by lightning – it’s one of the cardinal sins isn’t it? The blue circle behind the title is actually a coaster that I bought at an op-shop a few months ago. I knew it’d come in handy sometime.

Sarah’s Guide To Card-Writing (or Why Grandmas Are Rad)

Yesterday I made a card for my Grandma. Her sister passed away last week, and I wanted to send a little something to say that she’s in my thoughts. Grandmas are rad people. They are an absolute fount of wisdom and compassion that can often be overlooked. My Grandma was the one person that I could really relate to after I’d had hip surgery – we discussed our various aches and pains, and how much fun cortisone injections can be. But you don’t need surgery to have a conversation topic with your Grandma – strangely enough, they’ve probably been through a lot of what you’ve already been through. They have a myriad of experiences, a different view of life, and if you’re lucky, some kick-ass recipes. I don’t speak to my Grandma much, but she’s one stable part of my life that I really appreciate; always ready with a cuppa and a sweet biscuit from the canister on the top shelf in the kitchen. Regardless of who she is – Grandma, Nan, Gran – she’s a pretty cool chick. Hey, maybe you have one too.

So, card made, then there’s the issue of writing in it. I never know what to write in cards, let alone a commiseration card. If I’ve made the card, surely that’s enough effort?? Do I have to WRITE in it as well? Thankfully, I found a lovely quote by Emily Dickinson to put in Grandma’s card.

“Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops… at all.”

But normally… I have no idea what I’m doing.

Dear Person, (Are they really dear to me? I mean, they’re more of an acquaintance.)

To Person, (Does that sound too impersonal?)

Happy Birthday/Happy Anniversary/Merry Christmas/Congratulations.

I hope you have a radtacular/awesome/nice/lovely/fantastic/gnarly day.

Regards, (Does that make me sound like a prat?)

From, (God, could I be any more clichéd?)

Best wishes, (Do I really wish them the best? I’m more ambivalent about the whole thing.)

Love, (I mean, you’re cool and all, but I’m not sure I feel that way about you yet.)

Sar

Sarah

That chick you’ve met once who felt obliged to make you a card.

An October Afternoon (In September)

On Tuesday I received my package of new October Afternoon papers, and yesterday I got down to work. I love October Afternoon so much! As far as I’m concerned, they can do no wrong. Fun, vibrant colours, retro prints and images… It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Anyway, soliloquy aside, I got down to it yesterday afternoon. I managed to get two layouts done, a personal best for a while now. The first is my August in review, which is about my move to Tassie. Of course – I don’t shut up about it while talking to other people, so why would I not harp on about it in my scrapbooking? I’ve used a terribly cute toy mirror that I bought from a craft show a couple of months ago, and also some flowers I’ve crafted from some scraps I had from a bag I’d made the other night. I was inspired by a friend who is in the process of making a rag rug, and have made the flowers in a similar fashion.

When I first saw these papers, I really dug them, but wasn’t sure what I’d use them for. There’s a total beach theme happening (funnily enough this range is called "Seaside"), and I wanted to continue that. However, being as fair skinned and temperamental as I am, I’m not much of a beachgoer. To me, the beach in summer is a whimsical and foreign concept… “You mean, you actually go out – in the SUN?!?”. Therefore, beach photos are a bit thin on the ground. But the other night I walked into my room, and glanced at the photos hanging above my bed. I have various photos of friends there, but the one that caught my eye was one of my friend Jake – at a beach. Late 2008, Jake and I went on an epic road trip that took us from Darwin to western Sydney, via Hervey Bay. This photo in particular was taken during our few days in Hervey Bay, when we’d gone exploring the locale. I’ve always really liked it because he didn’t know I was taking it, and thereby wasn’t able to be a smart ass and ruin the picture. I didn’t want to go over the top with the embellishments and go all girly on it (I think the checked background is quite masculine. I also didn’t think Jake would appreciate being on a feminine layout) so I’ve been relatively restrained. Plus I couldn’t find any other appropriate embellishments.

I can’t believe September is nearly over. I am going to be horribly clichéd here and say it – the year goes by so quickly! I’m quite eager for October to arrive though, as I’m going away on a craft weekend to Port Sorrell. “Where’s that?” you ask. I’m not sure. East somewhere. But anyway, I’ve been attending a weekly craft group called Stitch ‘N’ Bitch, and they’ve organised a lovely crafty weekend away. It involves a trip to the RSL, drinking, hopefully a tribute band, sewing, op-shopping, and general craftiness and gossiping. I’m very excited about the prospect of it, and have bought a dress pattern in preparation. I have no idea what else I’ll work on while I’m there, so I’m going to have to do some serious brainstorming over the next week. And also find some fabric to make my lovely 60’s swing dress from. Ahhhh, Stitch ‘N’ Bitch – where would I be without you?

I've added some extra pages to my blog, featuring Ye Olde stuff that I have crafted over the past year or so. Check it out!

Four Seasons In One Day

Having been in Tasmania for a couple of weeks now, and getting Crowded House getting stuck in my head almost every day, I’ve learnt a little something about the winter weather here. It has a serious personality disorder. One minute it’ll be sunny, and then you’ll walk into a shop, walk back out and the sky is black. It’ll start raining, and it’ll clear within a couple of minutes. And oh, there’s the sun again. Hang on, is that sleet? All within the span of a couple of minutes you’ve gone through, yes that’s right, four seasons. And so it continues for the rest of the day. It leads to much wardrobe confusion and a distinct feeling of unease, as you wonder if the weather has it in for you…

Which leads me to my next lesson I’ve learnt – one cannot be too precious about their hair-do here. Having been a slave to my hair straightener for years, it’s been a difficult learning curve for me. But regardless of how much time you put into a do, or how much product you use, as soon as you go outside the weather has decided upon a new style for you. And it generally falls somewhere in between bedraggled and windswept. I just thank whatever deity (or designer) saw fit to put hoods on clothing. I may look like a sullen teenager while strolling the streets here, but at least I manage to retain some semblance of dignity, hair-wise.

I’ve started getting back into crafting after having a hiatus over the madness that was the massive move. I started getting all restless, and as we all know that idle hands are the devils playpen, I thought I should use my powers for good. The first craftiness is an embroidery hoop that I’ve used gorgeous vintage-style fabric in, with a few embellishments thrown in for good measure. I’ve been meaning to do some embroidery hoops for decorative purposes for a while now, and finally got around to it a couple of weeks ago. I have another one laying around waiting for divine inspiration. Soon, my pretty, soon.

And I’ve also done a scrapbooking layout for the month of July. I’m part of a group on The Boxx where we’ve started the year by doing a layout on our goals for the year, and then at the end of each month you do a layout on that month in review. Regardless of whether the month saw good or bad things happening, it’s a way to recognize what happened, and move on to what the next month may hold. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to keep motivated to do layouts (some may not need motivation, but I tend to slip into lazy-mode if left to my own devices).

With my months in review, I started getting slack with journaling what had taken place during the month, so decided that I’d use the titles to describe the overall feeling or the biggest event of that month.

And as for the papers used… before I moved I stocked up on delicious papers and embellishments from my work (Fred The Needle ), and they’ve been sitting there just begging to be used on something. So I’ve used Echo Park Paper Co.’s “A Walk In The Park” range. It’s just so fun! Add a couple of home-crocheted flowers, and it’s good to go.

At this point I’m a little worried that I may be coming across as some sort of demented craft-salesperson. Or a person doing crafty things with a running monologue, “And now we just add the flower… See how it lifts everything up?!?!?” Rest assured, I’m neither of those things. I’m just a girl with a serious penchant for the hand-made.