Op Shop Finds - A Lesson in Looking Up

This week I was in one of my favourite op shops, looking through the shelves and about to walk away, when I looked up. And there, all by itself on the top of the shelves sat this Weet-Bix tin. Yep, I gave a little yelp out loud and grabbed it! It's not old, old (from the early 1990's I think) but I love it. You may remember my felt Weet-Bix? Yes, I will need to do a new photo shoot using this as a prop:)

On the same shelves (eye level) I found this black tole tray. I collect tole trays of all sizes and shapes so this will be  lovely addition.

And what would a trip to the op shop be without a few book? I found this hard cover Enid Blyton classic from the 1970s. It's a little worse for the wear but I had to have it. I also found the little cowboy book printed in 1967. My oldest is past the cowboy stage at age 10, but I am sure there will be some little cowboys somewhere in my future:)

To see more fun finds from the last week be sure to visit Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures. Happy Op Shopping! Cyndy Pin It

A Little Moment - Weet-Bix Tryathalon

I love that my children are willing to try things and push themselves. In March, oldest and middle participated in the Weet-Bix tryathalon held locally. This was oldest's second year participating and middle's first (she wasn't old enough last year). The tryathalon includes three segments: swim, bike and run.

I was a bit worried last year about how oldest would do. He takes swimming lessons, but would he be able to swim the entire way, and what about the run segment, running isn't his strong point. I thought my fears had been realized when I didn't see him finish the bike segment, but it turns out he got a tire puncture half way through and had to walk the rest of the way. Despite this he finished and felt good about his participation, there were never any doubts in his mind.

Ironically this year also had an unexpected challenge. At the last minute they cancelled the swim segment due to algae in the water, and replaced it with a second run segment. Again, I am proud to say my children finished and yes, both are already looking forward to next year:)

Pin It

My Creative Space - To Market To Market

I have been on an unintended blog break for the last couple of weeks. Two weeks ago I did my first market of the year (and only my third ever), the Artefact Market. Really, I don't know how people do them on a regular basis! I was flat out, especially the week of the market, I didn't even go to sleep the night before. Yeah....I will never do that part again.

That said, I did enjoy the market. For me markets are not about the selling, but the response to my making. And the response from the market goers was wonderful. They especially loved my felt food creations. It was fun to see their smiles, hear their comments, and watch them bring someone else over to see them:) My felt Weet-bix got the biggest response. Who knew something so silly would have such an impact? Laura and Penny from the  Oh! Hello Geelong  blog did a review of the Artefact market and highlighted (including pics) my felt creations. How can that not make you feel good about what you create?

It was also fun to see people get what I am trying to do. While I do make many things, when I decided to start selling my handmade items I wanted to be different. I also wanted to be able to create all manners of things in a way that would seem consistent and connected. That ultimately led to me focusing my making for selling on items that have an Australiana theme. I loved having people exclaim over my gumnut babies bibs, or Possum Magic bag tags or Magic Pudding magnets. To hear people comment on my felt lamingtons, wool embroidered native flower hoop art or koala crayons. Yes, all my items are functional and have a purpose, but they also evoke memories and connections.

In the two weeks since the market I have had a string of sales in my Madeit shop (including a custom order) and have just been trying to catch up on all the things I had neglected. But as I look around my house I am thinking there is still lots of catching up to do! So I am glad the school holidays are about to start - I am actually looking forward to just being at home. No  kinder, no school, no ballet, no netball, no swimming etc... No schedule:) There will, however, be some crafting. Both girls have birthdays in April, so I have some projects to finish:)

I hope you have been getting lots done in your creative space and I look forward to catching up on my blog visiting. Check out Our Creative Spaces to see what others have been up to. Cyndy Pin It

My Creative Space - Weet-Bix

Next weekend I will be doing my first market of the year. I have decided 4 markets in a year is probably the most I can handle, both in terms of making stock and balancing all the other activities in my life:)

This week I have been working on finishing up some more of my felt food for the market. Tim Tams, Iced Vo Vos, Hundred and Thousands yes, but I have also been working on finishing up a design I started last year, when I was feeling guilty that all my felt food was of the sweet kind. Surely there had to be some good for you foods that are unique to Australia, right? Well, one of the ones I decided to give a go was Weet-Bix. Yes, you heard right felt Weet-Bix.

If you have visited before you know I do a lot of research on my felt foods. That means I use the real thing as my model (it's a hard life looking at a plate of Tim Tams:). We are not a Weet-Bix family (its NutraGrain in our house) so I did have to buy a package of Weet-Bix.

In examining the Weet-Bix I decided the key element in creating a felt version of Weet-Bix is creating the feeling of texture; to create the look of all those flakes squished together. It took me more than one try, but I am actually quite chuffed with how it finally turned out. I have also added some banana slices for a bit more colour. I may also throw in a few strawberry slices for more colour.

Who thought someone could write a whole post on felt Weet-Bix? Anyway, this will be available via special order from my Madeit shop after next week, and at the Artefact Market in Geelong, March 16th:)

Hope you are getting lots done in your creative space. To see what other have been up to you can visit Our Creative Spaces:) Cyndy Pin It

My Creative Space...

What do you do when you have an idea in your head? Me? I usually go through what's in my craft stash, pull out anything that I think might work with what I see in my head and then its trial and error. If it's something real (like a flower or a food) I will look for pics on the Internet or in the case of food look for the real thing (had to buy a pack of Iced Vo Vos the other week in the name of research:) Sometimes my first try at making is the best try, sometimes it takes more than one try to get it the way I see it in my head.

This week I finished up the Iced Vo Vo set I was working on (just listed in my Made It store if you are interested:) and already had an idea for the next food I wanted to make. I have been on a sweet treat kick (Iced Vo Vo, lamington, pavlova, fairy bread) and have been feeling guilty. My new idea is definitely healthier - Weet-Bix!

Above is take two of my Weet-Bix, conveniently situated next to my research (not as fun as the Iced Vo Vos I will admit). Yes, Weet-Bix is a brown rectangle, but that by it self doesn't capture its essence. Weetbix has texture, and how to capture that in a felt food has been challenging. My first take was one layer of small pieces (like the piece at back of plate in the pic), but it didn't look right. I have now added another layer of pieces, in a more rounded shape. Better, but still mulling it over. And the sides, I do have an idea, but I think it is going to be even harder than the top!

Hope you are getting lots done in your creative space today! For more lovely spaces you can visit here. Cyndy Pin It