tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42745802819584139032024-03-13T19:49:19.012+00:00TiddlybobsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-79165568913751991732016-08-16T11:31:00.000+01:002016-08-16T11:38:46.108+01:00Bring it all back to you...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I jumped on the bandwagon and watched the awesomeness that is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4574334/">Stranger Things</a> on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> and it brought back so many memories of being young, watching The Goonies and ET for the first time and how fun hanging out with your friends for ten hours a day could be.</div>
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It made me miss all the cool things we used to have as kids and got me thinking about crafty ways of bringing the 90's back into my life....</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq92RXTdD6A/V7LlKTXrbxI/AAAAAAAAAkY/bOSbHa0_95AlV7rJE3mPfcv3YqKr2o3ZwCLcB/s1600/Trolls-90s-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq92RXTdD6A/V7LlKTXrbxI/AAAAAAAAAkY/bOSbHa0_95AlV7rJE3mPfcv3YqKr2o3ZwCLcB/s320/Trolls-90s-cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but I loved trolls and had quite the collection. I also love biscuits. So <a href="https://www.jbcookiecutters.com/product/troll-doll-cookie-cutter/">this cookie cutter</a> is perfect for bring them back into our lives in a very delicious way just like <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37981000@N06/14085856221/in/photostream/">cookienan</a> has done. </div>
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<a href="http://67.media.tumblr.com/4fb01376e47b23eaa49ebb4bec4458b4/tumblr_mkb7v6P6so1s45c84o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://67.media.tumblr.com/4fb01376e47b23eaa49ebb4bec4458b4/tumblr_mkb7v6P6so1s45c84o1_500.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Speaking of delicious things, I think we all remember the feel of soggy string on our wrists after biting our way around a candy necklace. Now we can be proper adults and use them as elegant napkin holders at our fancy schmancy dinner parties! Thanks to <a href="http://collarinos.tumblr.com/post/46408770260/from-wwwlamarieeauxpiedsnuscom">The Fairies Home</a> for this idea. </div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.melissaesplin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/isly-fortune-teller-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.melissaesplin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/isly-fortune-teller-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The many hours we wasted with one sheet of paper predicting our future love lives.... Nowadays paper fortune tellers are used as wedding favours, classroom tools and even in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! Refresh yourself on how to make one and download your free template from <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/paper-fortune-teller-from-isly-blog/">Skip to my Lou</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://66.media.tumblr.com/c2b40f98a30fff079ee76f8804dec2a2/tumblr_mgqkdcaKpy1rx4f45o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://66.media.tumblr.com/c2b40f98a30fff079ee76f8804dec2a2/tumblr_mgqkdcaKpy1rx4f45o1_1280.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had about 3 million sticker books and never did anything with them. <a href="http://fancymade.tumblr.com/post/40740646510/im-still-obsessing-over-anything-lisa-frank">This tutorial</a> from <a href="http://fancymade.tumblr.com/">FancyMade</a> on making a sticker iPhone case is a great way of bringing both the 90's and stickers back into your life! </div>
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<a href="http://fashionfollower.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cher-feather-pen-clueless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fashionfollower.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cher-feather-pen-clueless.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ah the feel of a feather pen on your cheek as you daydreamed about what jelly sandals you were going to buy.... Bring that feeling back and make your own fluffy pen with <a href="http://fashionfollower.com/how-to-make-a-clueless-feather-pen/">this great tutorial </a>from <a href="http://fashionfollower.com/">Fashion Follower.</a></div>
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<a href="https://images.britcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images.britcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/backpack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bring back all the things you love about the 90's by sewing (or hot gluing if you're lazy) patches to your backpack. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildflowerandCompany/items?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=16429274">Wildflower and Company</a> have super 90's inspired patches for you to choose from. Or maybe add some enamel pins? <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ChicKawaii?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Chic Kawaii</a> have some great ones like this awesome Polly Pocket one. </div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/113/0/7924669/il_570xN.1070833305_4lc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/113/0/7924669/il_570xN.1070833305_4lc9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4egY-VKrVI/U77CrQGjeGI/AAAAAAAAEkc/pVMBrRs3nSA/s1600/_MG_2052-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4egY-VKrVI/U77CrQGjeGI/AAAAAAAAEkc/pVMBrRs3nSA/s1600/_MG_2052-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And where would any of us be without the tattoo choker? Guess what? You can make you're own and it's soooo easy. Just follow <a href="http://hellowhimsy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/tutorial-90s-chokers-part-2.html">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://hellowhimsy.blogspot.co.uk/">Hello Whimsy</a>. </div>
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For more 90's inspired nostalgia please visit my Pinterest board <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/theatricaldig/90s-nostalgia/">here</a>. Make sure you've got the Spice Girls blaring in the background first! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-47103117786577572015-12-14T11:10:00.000+00:002015-12-14T11:10:22.644+00:00A very crafty birthday<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was super blessed this year with a wonderful birthday surrounded by all my fabulous friends who have made moving to London the best decision I've ever made. Not only that but everyone absolutely blew me away with all their thoughtful presents and not only that but I hit the craft girl jackpot!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RT3eOPNmsh8/Vm6cuanIzeI/AAAAAAAAAjM/2AII99pPweg/s1600/IMG_6946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RT3eOPNmsh8/Vm6cuanIzeI/AAAAAAAAAjM/2AII99pPweg/s320/IMG_6946.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I got the cutest new knitting bag which is exactly what I needed as my other one was bursting it's so full! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPcCWr_kqYo/Vm6csRce5uI/AAAAAAAAAiw/_k_SF2yAN-s/s1600/IMG_6938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPcCWr_kqYo/Vm6csRce5uI/AAAAAAAAAiw/_k_SF2yAN-s/s320/IMG_6938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEHsr8I9LyQ/Vm6b6eVHJuI/AAAAAAAAAhw/SKuCg8282NE/s1600/IMG_6937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEHsr8I9LyQ/Vm6b6eVHJuI/AAAAAAAAAhw/SKuCg8282NE/s320/IMG_6937.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also got this great little kit for building your own bird feeder which is super handy considering I've and two bags of bird seed in my press for the last two years and should really get it out to the birds....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2HxK9dt40Q/Vm6ctZPMvuI/AAAAAAAAAi4/n2Gwi5Sm970/s1600/IMG_6942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2HxK9dt40Q/Vm6ctZPMvuI/AAAAAAAAAi4/n2Gwi5Sm970/s320/IMG_6942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As readers of this blog will know, I love colouring in and I equally (okay, maybe a little bit more..) love Harry Potter and some genius has combined this two into the Harry Potter colouring book, of which I got not one but two!! I was also given lots of colouring pencils and pens which means I can start colouring straight away! HAPPINESS overload. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w1zwyK_uTs/Vm6ct5ZBpgI/AAAAAAAAAjI/NgOWHVaY4Ok/s1600/IMG_6945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w1zwyK_uTs/Vm6ct5ZBpgI/AAAAAAAAAjI/NgOWHVaY4Ok/s320/IMG_6945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the lovely woman my mother did home help for passed away earlier this year but she left a legacy of a life of crafting behind her. So much wool, crochet patterns, material that she probably could have had her own shop. One beautiful thing she left behind was this unfinished embroidery project which my mother sent to me. It's such a beautiful pattern and I can't wait to finish it and turn it into a beautiful cushion which will always be a reminder of this awesome woman. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tUep9GSM58/Vm6eukVg75I/AAAAAAAAAjs/rEUxjrDrMDQ/s1600/IMG_6940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tUep9GSM58/Vm6eukVg75I/AAAAAAAAAjs/rEUxjrDrMDQ/s320/IMG_6940.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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My family and friends also did something wonderful with their present buying - they supported independent artists. The awesome print is from <a href="http://emilymcdowell.com/">Emily Mc Dowells studio</a>. I love the sentiment of it and it's a mantra I'm going to try and take into my life going forward. I hate getting things wrong though so it may take a while.... </div>
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The calendar below is from the awesome <a href="http://www.thenativestate.com/shop">The Native State</a> which not only is one of my favourite <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenativestate/?hl=en">instagram</a> accounts to follow but also makes awesome inspirational arts and stationery. Be sure to check them out. If nothing else happens at least I'm going to be inspired next year! :) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01stxiAIozo/Vm6e11eNkzI/AAAAAAAAAj4/hvY7gvoSNbE/s1600/IMG_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01stxiAIozo/Vm6e11eNkzI/AAAAAAAAAj4/hvY7gvoSNbE/s320/IMG_6941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Not only did my friends support independent artists but they became artists and got very creative with their envelopes and cards. This card is probably the greatest card I've ever received. Handmade is the best way. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8d6MLHlu8E/Vm6ctmn4_ZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/K9k0AlOu4B8/s1600/IMG_6943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8d6MLHlu8E/Vm6ctmn4_ZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/K9k0AlOu4B8/s320/IMG_6943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And finally the pièce de résistance.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELhrmwavxMA/Vm6e1v3IkrI/AAAAAAAAAj0/lHmsShnLTas/s1600/IMG_6947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELhrmwavxMA/Vm6e1v3IkrI/AAAAAAAAAj0/lHmsShnLTas/s320/IMG_6947.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Meet Phoebe! Although I love my old singer sewing machine, it's impractical if I want to attend workshops or bring it to another workspace as it's so heavy so my wonderful mammy and daddy gifted me with this shiny, new, lovely beast of awesome! I am so excited to get started and finally get making some actual clothes... well trying to, at least. </div>
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As you can tell I am super set up for a crafty year so expect a lot more making and blogging in the New Year. </div>
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Thank you to all my friends who gave me such thoughtful presents, craft related and non-craft related. You are all wonderful people who made me feel so special and loved. xxxx</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-24917968364967380102015-11-17T10:46:00.001+00:002015-11-17T20:51:53.475+00:00What's a Pakkekalender?<div style="text-align: justify;">
The making and giving of a Pakkekalender is a tradition which comes from Denmark. It involves making a gift calendar in any form you like but there must be 24 different gifts (whether they be toys, books, little poems, sweets etc.) and you give the whole calendar to someone else on December 1st and they then receive 24 little gifts in the run up to Christmas. Such a sweet idea!</div>
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For the next 8 days or so I have the privilege of facilitating workshops for <a href="http://www.tigerstores.co.uk/">Tiger</a> to tell people about Pakkekalenders and help them to make one. It's been so much fun so far and so wonderful seeing families make something together and how pleased everyone is with their finished product. </div>
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I have been able to make my own Pakkekalender already which was so much fun and made me realise how much I miss making things. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWhk-LMeld8/VksEleP5OdI/AAAAAAAAAhY/FF2qeZrmkCU/s1600/IMG_6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWhk-LMeld8/VksEleP5OdI/AAAAAAAAAhY/FF2qeZrmkCU/s320/IMG_6764.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
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I choose a red, what and brown theme which was a real challenge for me as there were so many other colours to choose from but it made be really inventive in the different ways I could use the materials and I surprised myself with some of the ideas I came up with!</div>
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I would like to give this Pakkekalender away to someone on December 1st so if any of you like the design please let me know by November 22nd and I will fill it with presents tailored to you and send it off to you in time? Just e-mail me at tiddlybobs@gmail.com<br>
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And if you're dying of crafting envy and fancy coming along to a workshop to make your own, please find more information <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/840638722672155">here</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-70045285688631344782015-11-08T22:48:00.001+00:002015-11-08T22:48:44.637+00:00Snowdrops and Daffodils, Butterflies and Bees...My mammy, like most mothers in Ireland, is a tad obsessed with the Eurovision and particularly that 1970 gem of a song "All kinds of everything" as performed by the beautiful Dana. As soon as my nieces were able to sing she was teaching them the words and now they can sing it in their sleep! For ages, I've been trying to find her a gift related to this song but I couldn't find anything anywhere so, eventually, I decided to make it myself.<br />
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Using Photoshop (Oh yes, I've moved on from Microsoft paint!), I put together an image with the title as well as snowdrops, daffodils, butterflies and bees - that famous opening line! I then traced this template off the screen onto the fabric which was tricky but a bit of tape kept the fabric in place!<br />
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<span id="goog_485300044"></span><span id="goog_485300045"></span>I then started sewing. I kept the stitches quite small and tight as I felt the small details of the images and font would be lost with longer stitches. I should have mentioned I know nothing about sewing and did not look up how to do any stitches before embarking not his project so I could very well be talking out of my arse!<br />
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But that was my plan and eventually I was left with this....<br />
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I then popped it into a frame from the awesome <a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/">Oliver Bonas</a> (sooooo addicted to that shop!) and wrapped it up using nature themed (obviously, I love a theme!) paper and ribbon.<br />
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This was in February. I managed to actually give it to my mammy in September. But it's the thought that counts right?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-81771435257524776362015-08-24T17:30:00.001+01:002015-08-24T17:30:56.552+01:00Return to Crafting<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all you Tiddlybobbers!</div>
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Sorry for the long absence but a lot of personal problems have kept me away from blogging for a bit. However, things have now begun to steady out a little so back to my craft desk I go.</div>
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I am lucky enough to have incredible friends and a group of them bought me a <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/">Hobbycraft</a> gift card for my last birthday. I have spent hours on the site putting things in the basket and taking them back out and putting them back in again but finally I selected my chosen items and my box of awesome craft supplies arrived yesterday. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm... crafty goodness!!!</td></tr>
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And it was just in time as today is the rainiest day in a long time so absolutely perfect for many cups of tea and lots of crafting. </div>
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I've made a few projects today. I've become quite self-reflective in the last few months and have begun journalling. A bit part of that has been jotting down all the inspirational quotes I come across.</div>
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So I decided to bring this into our house and energize my housemates with an inspirational word on our wall. </div>
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The wooden word is from <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/">Hobbycraft</a> and was super cheap. I painted it in a lovely acrylic blue and popped it on the wall with Bluetac so now, as we descend our stairs every morning, we are inspired to do what we do best. </div>
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The wall above my bed is very blank and I've been contemplating what to put on it for ages. I saw another wooden word on the Hobbycraft website and it instantly stimulated a project idea in my head. </div>
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I painted the word in the same blue acrylic paint and then added gold glitter to some wooden pegs. I then hung some string with clear tape and hung up some clouds I had cut from white paper. Voila! A super cute way to brighten up my blank wall.</div>
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The final project involved my favourite crafting skill - embroidery. I bought a plain pencil case to keep all of my craft tools (pom pom makers, paper cutting knife etc.) in and brightened it up with some simple stitching and my favourite buttons. </div>
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Feels so good to be making things again and I can't wait to post about more of my creations int he future. Sorry if I bore you to tears!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-41161016830566265422015-04-17T12:13:00.002+01:002015-04-17T12:13:58.855+01:00Interview with Sophia Cadogan <div style="text-align: justify;">
I am very lucky to have spent my teenage years developing my creativity with a local youth theatre group, Kildare Youth Theatre. I had the most wonderful opportunities there, least of all becoming friends with some of the most magical people I have ever met. One in particular, Sophia Cadogan, has also been the embodiment of beautiful things since I met her and now she is bringing that to the world through her artwork. </div>
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Sophia recently started posting pictures on her Instagram of her gorgeous pieces combining watercolours, exquisite typography and of course, my favourite, glitter!! The second I saw them I knew I wanted one so I asked Sophia to commission me a piece around one of my favourite quotes "We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams." I was so excited about what she would make and I wasn't disappointed for when this showed up on my doorstep I almost peed myself with joy! </div>
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I also asked Sophia if she would like to be interviewed for my blog so I could find out more about how she creates such wonderful work and share that with you in the hope start it might inspire you to indulge in your own creativity. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Has art always been a passion of yours or is it just something you've come to recently?</span></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I have always loved art. Since I was able to hold a pencil I've been trying to draw. I began using Disney VHS covers as reference images in the 90's and slowly progressed from there. Art was my favourite subject all through school and through college, drawing and painting continued in between essays and assignments! In recent years I've had less time for it (what with creating a tiny human who now takes a fair amount of my time and attention) but as this tiny human became a tiny bit more independent (for like 10 minutes at a time anyway), I've been able to get back to it. Since I am currently working random, sporadic hours, I'm at home a lot with the tiny human so I decided that I might as well turn that aul hobby into something useful! Who says your passion can't pay your bills?? (Well, here's hoping!)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You are using watercolours in your most recent work - are they as difficult to work with as everyone says they are?</span></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Um, yes! well no. Well, ehhh.. you see. I'm mostly self-taught when it comes to, well, most of this so I'm always terrified that I'm not even using the correct techniques. I have very little patience so oils never suited me, I like acrylics for more detailed pieces but for these illustrations I'm working on at the moment, the watercolour splashes work really well and I find it’s a really effective, vibrant look that’s quite simply achieved. It is very VERY easy to overwork them though, so knowing when to stop is very important I find! Less is ALWAYS more.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Inspiration is constant. I have a little ideas thread on my phone and in random notebooks that I jot down notes in as ideas come to me throughout the day. I could be searching through images or something idiotic on the web or flicking through books, just walking down the street and something will strike me as a possible idea. If anyone were to read it thought it'd be hilarious, oftentimes its just a meaningless string of gibberish or crap that I thought made sense at the time - ''hourglass-...ravenclaw-...why skin attached?... spill some popcorn- monopoly? '' -- just an example, Don't. even. ask.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I get really inspired by other artists, I was in Madrid recently in the Reina Sofia and swooned over Guernica and the other Picasso pieces there, so I came back and it was all geometrics, angles everywhere! I also saw some incredible war inspired drawings that really affected my line drawing technique. I was the weirdo in the gallery squinting as close as possible to the pieces without the surly guards coming to drag me out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I also fucking love street art, there's a few amazing accounts on Instagram that are constantly inspiring. At the moment I am having a major moment for Joe Caslin, his recent project 'Our Nation's Son's' around Ireland is unreal. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">There's so many incredible illustrators out there at the moment too. Instagram is a great place to discover new talent. I adore </span><a href="http://aymsdesigns.com/" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">aymsdesigns</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">, found </span><a href="https://instagram.com/AymsDesigns/" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">her instagram account</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> a good while ago and she's been a great inspiration - to be so young and use her talent to build her own business is so awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My favourite part is when the idea is still in my head and the page is blank because then I cant possibly fuck it up and its still mine and perfect and flawless, haha, no honestly, My favourite part is probably just seeing it coming together in the final stages (when I haven't messed it up). I also love initial sketches, there's something raw and lovely about an unfinished sketch, (although some would say that's just my laziness). </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My least favourite part is definitely my inevitable fuck up. I don’t think there is a single piece that I've completed and thought, yup, 100% flawless! Those little imperfections help me to learn for next time though and make every piece unique I guess (or something something about making excuses for myself!). I also, love the part where it's all finished and mounted and done, and I can finally be proud! I spent years with just scraps in sketchbooks so it's so satisfying now to see some ideas become finished pieces. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;">Try. and try and try over and over again. and mess up, fail and then try again. If you want to be an artist, make some art, and then do it over and over and over and over again.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;">I used to go on and on about starting up something like this or getting more serious about my art but as long as the ideas were all safe in my head and I hadn't tried, I therefore couldn’t fail. I could be comfortable in the fact that 'I could do it if I want'. Once I got over that fear of failure and actually embraced it (cuz you're gonna fail, a lot) I slowly, slowly began to have little successes and then I found I was doing something I could actually be proud of. (There should probably be a Beckett quote around here somewhere).</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;">Also, invest in a ruler. I eventually had to admit to myself that I am not a super human and NO, 'true' artists don't know how to draw perfectly straight lines (why the hell was I labouring under that illusion??). Rulers aren't for nerds and squares, they're for super hip artists too. Rulers for life. #rulernation</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I hate them all equally.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">HA, no ok, It's hard to pick a favourite. I am AWFULLY fond of this watercolour I made for my mates' apartment. Probably it's because it was the first attempt at a portrait with watercolours and my first actual commitment to using my art in a non-hobby way. (I'm sure there's a better way to phrase that). Plus I'm really chuffed that it is actually in my friends' home (they didn’t just humour me and chuck it in the bin) which I think was confirmation that I could maybe, just maybe do this whole 'art' thing. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Also this: because It's on a wall in an actual house and that’s awesome and also because I can mural and I did not come up with a more natural and creative way to slip that in to this interview! Plus look! A toilet!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Could you tell us about how you create your pieces especially the lettering and what drives your choices?</span></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ok, so I adore typography and once tried to save for a fancy and stupidly expensive coffee table book that was purely about typography. I think my money ended up going on something boring instead like rent or feeding my daughter BUT there's always ye olde google! I love lettering, calligraphy, any sort of handwriting porn and so I've always tried to emulate that. I guess mostly I try out a few different fonts by hand until I find one that I feel would suit the tone of the piece. Ya feel me? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then I guess it's the composition is very important. You can go to class and learn about it OR you can wing it and mess up until you structure things in a way that doesn’t hurt your eyes and makes your picture-mind a happy mind. Whichever way works for you!! but, honestly, don't listen to me I'm just a dirty artist that’s trying her hardest to avoid getting a 'real' job. </span></div>
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I hope you enjoyed reading this interview with Sophia Cadogan. You can follow her work via <a href="https://instagram.com/sophiacadogan/">her Instagram account</a> and even better, you can buy her work at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/sophiacadogan">her Etsy shop</a>.</div>
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I can't wait to see what else is to come from this beautiful artist! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-26067621339217543322015-03-26T17:22:00.001+00:002015-03-26T17:58:37.893+00:00Crafty fun times!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well it's been a crafty week this week! First off I had to make some props for a drama club show. Well I didn't <i>have</i> to, I chose to! I facilitate a drama club for 5-6 year olds once a week and at the end of each term we do a little showing for the parents. This term it was all about space so the kids performed a short poem all about the planets in our solar system. </div>
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I printed colouring book sheets of each of the planets from twistednoodle.com and gave them to the kids to colour in. I then took them away, cut them out and using masking tape to attach them to wooden skewers. </div>
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This week I also made my first attempt at paper cutting and made a Secret Garden bookmark. I cut the shape of the keyhole out in white card and stuck it on top of flowery paper to give the illusion of a garden through the keyhole. </div>
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I then stuck more white card on the back and added a purple ribbon. I didn't like the finished product as the keyhole is not as symmetrical as I would have like so I'll use a stencil next time! I also didn't think the paper did what I wanted it to so I'll draw the garden behind next time I think! </div>
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I also finished a project I've been working on since the New Year but I'll tell you more about that one after Easter! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-17281102623021621002015-03-20T10:17:00.003+00:002015-03-20T10:17:53.160+00:00How to make a pinhole camera<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning all parts of the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse (the best since 1999 apparently!) but experts have been warning to not look directly at the sun when it happens so what should you do so that you don't miss this wonderful spectacle? Make a pinhole camera of course! </div>
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<b>What you need</b>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XO-Gamnmr0/VQvq9RKg89I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/0o5RT-4fAS8/s1600/IMG_4798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XO-Gamnmr0/VQvq9RKg89I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/0o5RT-4fAS8/s1600/IMG_4798.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">A Cereal Box</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Tinfoil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">A scissors</li>
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Firstly, cut out a piece of white paper and sellotape it to the bottom of your cereal box. This will make it easier to see the projected image of the eclipse. </div>
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Next, cut two slots either side of your cereal box and tape the middle together. </div>
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Cover one of the slots with tinfoil. </div>
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I then used a needle to poke a hole in my tinfoil but the size doesn't really matter so you can vary the size with anything you have to hand. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAol9fp91cU/VQvvkpulzjI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rKm_8PpmP9I/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAol9fp91cU/VQvvkpulzjI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rKm_8PpmP9I/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And there you have it. All you have to do is bring your camera out and face your pinhole in the direction of the sun while you look into the box through the other opening - you should then see the projected image of the eclipse not he white paper. </div>
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Unfortunately, for me, there were too many clouds so my pinhole camera never got used! All I saw was a cloudy sky change to a slightly darker cloudy sky! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAdcl16MDhk/VQvy_F4Lw-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/MAeNBopICPU/s1600/Pinholeeclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAdcl16MDhk/VQvy_F4Lw-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/MAeNBopICPU/s1600/Pinholeeclipse.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you want to see what it would have looked out please check out <a href="http://hilaroad.com/camp/projects/eclipse_viewer/eclipse_viewer.html">this tutorial from Hilaroad</a> which I followed to create mine. </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-cAdcl16MDhk%252FVQvy_F4Lw-I%252FAAAAAAAAAbw%252FMAeNBopICPU%252Fs1600%252FPinholeeclipse.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2994px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-cAdcl16MDhk%252FVQvy_F4Lw-I%252FAAAAAAAAAbw%252FMAeNBopICPU%252Fs1600%252FPinholeeclipse.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2994px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-41627545939719605252015-03-14T14:47:00.000+00:002015-03-14T14:53:08.217+00:00Kiss me I'm Irish<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we all know the day when people all over the world celebrate the fact that Irish people are the best as an excuse to get very drunk, tell some stories and have a dance, is fast approaching. I always seem to end up working or involved in something that prevents me from celebrating and this year is no different but if, unlike me, you are more prepared and have booked the day off then here are a few more ideas on how you can make it even more fun!</div>
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<a href="http://ohhappyday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/clover.crown_.done1_.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ohhappyday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/clover.crown_.done1_.600.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Well, first of all, you have to be looking your best for the parade! Sure the whole town will be out! This awesome </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2015/03/st-patricks-day-clover-crown/" style="text-align: justify;">clover crown</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> from one of my favourite sites </span><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/" style="text-align: justify;">Oh Happy Day</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> will make sure you're looking your best as well as sticking with the theme. </span></div>
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<a href="http://cms.cb.asmsrv.co/cnvyr/2013-02-07_allan_st-patricks-day-treats-for-kids-gold-candy-rainbow-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cms.cb.asmsrv.co/cnvyr/2013-02-07_allan_st-patricks-day-treats-for-kids-gold-candy-rainbow-3.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once you've got your look sorted then you'll need to focus on your luck! You'll need a lot to get you through this marathon of a day so why not make <a href="http://www.celebrations.com/c/read/bag-of-gold-st-patricks-day-treats-for-kids">these bags of gold</a> created by <a href="http://www.celebrations.com/c/writer/patti-allan?rel=author">Patti from Celebrations</a>? They are super cute and include chocolate so I don't see what's not to love. </div>
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<a href="http://lovelyindeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lovelyindeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_0677.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that we've got those out of the way, on to the important stuff - the drink. <a href="http://lovelyindeed.com/diy-st-pattys-cups-with-airheads/">These edible cups</a> from <a href="http://lovelyindeed.com/">Lovely Indeed</a> mean that, not only are you getting a taste of the Irish fuel but, by eating them, they're also providing the necessary soakage so that you can carry on drinking. A full proof plan. </div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/wmax-520/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/03_march/in_house_cmyk/good_things/clover-straws-mld108128_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/wmax-520/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/03_march/in_house_cmyk/good_things/clover-straws-mld108128_vert.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">And you can make your drink even more festive by making these </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/875748/shamrock-straw-toppers" style="text-align: justify;">Shamrock Straw toppers</a><span style="text-align: justify;">;</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> another awesome project from </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" style="text-align: justify;">Martha Stewart.</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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And if you're stuck no what you should drink, try out some of <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/a5925/st-patricks-day-cocktails-and-drinks/">these cocktails</a> - all Irish themed, obviously. Cocktail making is craft to learn all in itself so you'd be killing two birds with one stone. </div>
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<a href="http://liagriffith.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DIY_Leprechaun_Trap_Printable-560x837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://liagriffith.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DIY_Leprechaun_Trap_Printable-560x837.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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And when you've had enough to drink and start seeing tiny men then <a href="http://liagriffith.com/st-patricks-day-crafts-leprechaun-trap/">this leprechaun trap</a> from <a href="http://liagriffith.com/">Lia Griffith</a> will be just what you need so set it up before you go out! </div>
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If none of these ideas tickle your fancy then head over to the Tiddlybob's <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tiddlybobs/kiss-me-im-irish/">Pinterest board</a> where there are lots more. </div>
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Happy St. Patricks Day!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-6113619257038893002015-02-17T11:15:00.001+00:002015-04-17T11:04:00.389+01:00Interview with Scribble and Sew<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">
Recently I came across a lovely business on Twitter called <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbleandsew">Scribble and Sew</a> where children's drawings, paintings or doodles are turned into embroidered works of art as keepsakes, gifts or just to hang on your wall. They were running a competition to win a free commission and I entered and won!!! </div>
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Amy, who runs the business, was super lovely to work with and super quick! Over the course of only a few days we and gone from agreeing the design to the beautiful piece landing on my doorstep. The piece was of a picture my niece had drawn. She had been bird-watching when I was visiting, and inspired by my illustrator boyfriend, decided to draw pictures of all the birds she was looking at. I thought that this drawing was the perfect project for Amy from Scribble and Sew to work on. She loved the idea and thought it would be great to put the birds in a tree too. Below is the drawing and the finished product - isn't it awesome?!</div>
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I loved Amy's work so much, I decided to find out more and interviewed her for Tiddlybobs! </div>
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<i>Amy is the owner of Scribble and Sew. She is almost 30 and has been married for seven years. As well as being a step mum she has two cats called Pickle and Pumpkin (cute or what?).</i></div>
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<b>Amy, what inspired you to start Scribble and Sew? </b></div>
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My Nan and Mum both taught me to sew starting with cross stitch samplers, I have my first completed one, a home sweet home sampler by my front door. I always try to make or sew something for friends birthdays & christmas. It wasn't until, sadly in 2013, I lost both my Nan and Mum that it forced me to re-evaluate certain things and start focusing on doing more for myself and that is when Scribble & Sew went from a hobby to a little business.</div>
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<b>What's a typical day for you when you're working on a new project?</b></div>
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Well I work full time so I fit my project's in whenever I can. It's brilliant that you can take it everywhere with you, on lunch breaks, while my daughter is at her gymnastics lessons, when I get in from work. My favorite time to embroider is with a big cup of tea and with Murder She Wrote on the telly, I'm a smidge obsessed with Angela Lansbury (I have her portrait tattooed on my leg!)</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You create your wonderful designs using embroidery. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What are your top tips for someone just beginning to use this technique?</span></b></div>
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My top tips...It may seem obvious but practice and lots of patience. It can take along time to produce a finished hoop. I would say to start simple just using back stitch to create solid lines then when you are comfortable with your stitch length you can move on to slightly more complicated stitches such as split stitch which is what I favour. There are such wonderful tutorials online and don't be afraid, you can always unpick.</div>
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<b>Which has been your favorite project?</b></div>
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This is a relatively new venture for me and it came about from little embroidering portraits of wrestlers for my husband. I just thought it was a lovely way to show your child's work other than on the fridge And also I thought they would make lovely mothers day presents of for grandparents. I have two favorite pieces so far - they are a brilliant little rocket and some very cute little birds that needed a home, so I placed them in a tree.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>What is the best and worst thing about running your own creative business?</b></span></div>
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The best thing about running my own creative business is being able to do something that I truly love doing and being able to create unique pieces that mean so much to the lovely people who ask for commissions.</div>
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And the bad? Hmmm, well I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing but not being able to run Scribble & Sew as my full time job - perhaps a little way down the road this might happen... fingers crossed.</div>
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I love running Scribble and Sew and it makes me ever so happy not just that I get to sew everyday but because I get to create wonderful keep sakes for lovely people. Children have a fantastic view of the world and I feel very humble to be asked to capture these little moments with a craft I enjoy. </div>
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If you want to find out more about Scribble and Sew or if you think a custom piece would be the perfect Mothers Day gift then visit Scribble and Sew on <a href="https://twitter.com/scribbleandsew">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/scribbleandsew">Instagram</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-74600282374842614862015-02-10T14:27:00.002+00:002015-02-10T14:27:36.953+00:00If I only had a heart...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Valentines Day is just a round the corner Tiddlybobbers and it's a bit like marmite - people either love it or hate it! I, for one, love it! I think it's great to have a day to celebrate love and happiness but I do wish there was more of a focus on all kinds of love and not just the romantic kind. So, this year, try and tell your friends, family members and pets how much you love them too and let's celebrate love in all it's forms!! In fact I'm so excited I want to make everything heart shaped!! Below are a few ideas if you want to too!</div>
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<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Natural-Valentines-Day-Kids-Crafts-300x224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Natural-Valentines-Day-Kids-Crafts-300x224.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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How about letting nature know how much you love her by making these <a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/01/all-natural-valentines-day-treats.html">awesome heart-shaped bird feeders</a> created by Alison at <a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/">No Time For Flashcards</a>? Birds will appreciate it and you'll get to wile away the Valentines day hours bird-watching - sounds like bliss!</div>
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<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1951587/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1951587/original.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
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But if looking at nature is not your thing, what about looking at some photographs? You could create a photo collage in a heart shape of all the people you love. I particularly love the overlapping design above from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hadley-walsh/">Hadley at Huffington Post</a> as part of another <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/13/decorating-dorm-rooms_n_5652017.html">inspirational list blog</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://iambaker.net/wp-content/uploads/6a00e551040fb788340120a86782ac970b-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://iambaker.net/wp-content/uploads/6a00e551040fb788340120a86782ac970b-500wi.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or why not invite all those people you love over for some cake and surprise them with a secret hidden heart! A brilliant creative bake <a href="http://iambaker.net/heart-cake-tutorial-surprise-inside-cake/">recipe</a> from <a href="http://iambaker.net/">I am Baker</a> and one that definitely must be tried out!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oYS1C-A3zc/TzIf0ySQpyI/AAAAAAAABD8/Tq4NCOZdcHw/s1600/tea1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oYS1C-A3zc/TzIf0ySQpyI/AAAAAAAABD8/Tq4NCOZdcHw/s1600/tea1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
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And what is cake without a cup of tea? Try making these genius <a href="http://herimajination.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/diy-heart-shaped-tea-bags.html">heart-shaped teabags</a> courtesy of <a href="http://herimajination.blogspot.co.uk/">Her Imajination</a>. It's a great tutorial - very easy to follow and beautiful pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/craftfoxes-assets/articles/images/000/001/928/blog.jpeg?1375875611" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/craftfoxes-assets/articles/images/000/001/928/blog.jpeg?1375875611" width="293" /></a></div>
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And if there's something I love more than tea then it's books! This heart shaped bookmark is perfect for those gorgeous times when you get to curl up with a great book and travel to your favourite far off world. This video tutorial below is from <a href="http://www.craftfoxes.com/authors/lindsay-conner">Lindsay at Craft Foxes</a> and shows you how to make them. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/qVlXXJMs5AE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qVlXXJMs5AE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day celebrating love in all it's forms even your love of crafting! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-11024891494761506092015-01-29T12:18:00.001+00:002015-01-29T12:37:41.329+00:00Boiled, Scrambled or Painted?<span style="font-family: inherit;">So we all know you can paint eggs and there are many people out there who have taken that to a whole new level and created masterpieces on shell BUT did you know you could do all this??</span><br />
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<a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/easter-eggs-mix-match-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.mrprintables.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/easter-eggs-mix-match-1.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This fantastic <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/easter-eggs-mix-match-sculptures/">Egg Totem Pole</a> from <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/">Mr. P</a> for example. A great decoration for a room or if you glue a piece of wood or a plate to the top you could create an awesome candle stand.</span> </div>
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We've all heard of message in a bottle but what about this? Surprise your Valentine by ditching the Hallmark card and sending a sweet message in an eggshell. T<a href="http://www.poppytalk.com/2010/04/happy-hippity-hop.html">his great tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.poppytalk.com/">Poppytalk</a> shows you how with beautiful pictures.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or why not vent some stress and anger by filling eggs with paint and throwing them at some canvas? Love <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/10/paint-filled-eggs-on-canvas.html?m=1">this idea </a>from Crystal Underwood on <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/">Growing a Jeweled Rose</a> - soooo messy and fun and you have something to hang on your wall at the end! Brilliant!</span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.kidspot.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSC00833-660x371.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.kidspot.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSC00833-660x371.jpeg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of filling your eggshells with stuff - fill them with wax and create beautiful candles. You can leave the wax in the shell like <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/how-to-make-eggshell-candles/">these candles</a> from <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/">Kidspot</a> or you can peel the eggshell off and create <a href="http://www.guidecentr.al/make-egg-shaped-candles/ClTy5Neuqr?step=1">egg shaped candles</a> like those below from Andrea at <a href="http://www.guidecentr.al/">Guide Central</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also use the technique to create the most awesome craft that I think is possible with eggs - <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/03/easter-fools/">JELLY SHAPED LIKE EGGS</a>!! Yes that's right! JELLY!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://ohhappyday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/eggs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ohhappyday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/eggs3.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's just amazing. And so joyful. Thanks to Steph at <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/">Oh Happy Day</a> for creating and blogging about this.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have an Eggcellent time crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(see what I did there!</span>)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-19735724840748551112015-01-25T14:22:00.000+00:002015-01-25T14:22:09.694+00:00Give it socks!<div style="text-align: justify;">
So my New Year, New Skills resolution carries on with Cross Stitch this week. One of my good friends has recently put up pictures on Facebook of her beautiful and hilarious cross-stitch work so it inspired me to take up the needle and get started.</div>
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I found a cross-stitch iPhone over project in a local shop and thought it would be a great place to start. The first problem I ran into was separating floss. It's a nightmare. Knots and tangles everywhere!!</div>
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But I found <a href="http://youtu.be/6XfauuaNJ2I">this great video</a> on YouTube and though I still had some tangles, it definitely wasn't half as bad. </div>
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The other problem was planning my design. I started just stitching without properly counting the squares and so kept running out of space and having to pull everything and start again! My own fault but definitely make sure you plan before you start. </div>
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And once you've figured out those two things, it really is great fun. You can use whatever colours you like and there are no limit to the designs you can do. I settled on the motivational Irish phrase of "Give it Socks" with two patched socks to inspire me on days when I'm feeling demotivated. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-39006044039479949792015-01-23T13:00:00.000+00:002015-01-23T13:00:39.470+00:00Say Cheese!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I live in rented accommodation and currently I'm trying to figure out little ways to make our space feel like our own. I think one of the best ways to make a room more personal is by adding photographs to it. Unfortunately hanging photo frames often means holes in the walls which equals an angry landlord so I've been looking up alternative ways to display our photographs. </div>
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<a href="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/inspiration/storytelling/archives/diy--nostalgic-greetings/jcr%3acontent/leftPar/textimage_4/image.img.jpg/1355811402470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/inspiration/storytelling/archives/diy--nostalgic-greetings/jcr%3acontent/leftPar/textimage_4/image.img.jpg/1355811402470.jpg" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most people now have a set of chunky letters in their house so I love </span><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-book/storytelling/archives/diy--nostalgic-greetings.sfly" style="font-family: inherit;">this idea </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">from Petia Mitchell</span><span style="color: #181512;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.22em;"> on <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> to use them as a way to display </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">photographs</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.22em;">. You </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;">could</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.22em;"> also add old ticket stubs or other mementos to make them even more personal. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/2MakeContent/images/2012/4170864_284854_dolls1.jpg?Action=thumbnail&Width=512&Height=640&algorithm=fill_proportional" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/2MakeContent/images/2012/4170864_284854_dolls1.jpg?Action=thumbnail&Width=512&Height=640&algorithm=fill_proportional" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turning photographs into dancing cut-outs is such a brilliant and silly idea! It's great! <a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/crafts/dancing-family-cut-outs">Here's the tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/">Sweet Paul</a> and I love the suggestion of adding magnets to the back so you can stick them to your fridge. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WX6oH7lGUY/T6q_fwRNBuI/AAAAAAAAG6I/MzA9gauSVAc/s800/DSC_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WX6oH7lGUY/T6q_fwRNBuI/AAAAAAAAG6I/MzA9gauSVAc/s800/DSC_5308.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of magnets, <a href="http://sundaesins.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/so-youve-got-no-idea-what-to-do-on.html">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://sundaesins.blogspot.co.uk/">Sundaesins</a> is a gorgeous and cute way to turn your pictures into magnets. I like how she added a polaroid photo border to each but you could use borders of different colours and shapes to your liking instead and to give a bit of variety. </div>
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<a href="http://crafts-ehow-com.blog.ehow.com/files/2014/05/photo-cubes-puzzle-ehow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://crafts-ehow-com.blog.ehow.com/files/2014/05/photo-cubes-puzzle-ehow.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-crafts/blog/byauthor/tonialarson/">Tonia on eHow</a> made <a href="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-crafts/blog/fathers-day-photo-puzzle-gift/">this awesome photo jigsaw</a> as a fathers day present but you could just make one to keep on your coffee table and maybe put a different photo on each side of the cubes so you can have six different jigsaws. You could even just display the jigsaw in it's box on a bookshelf or mantelpiece. </div>
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<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e20162ffdd3770970d-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e20162ffdd3770970d-800wi" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You could also follow <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2011/10/how-to-transfer-a-photo-to-fabric.html">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/">A Beautiful Mess</a> and learn how to transfer photographs to fabric. You could then add your photographs to cushions and blankets to make the ultimate personal soft furnishings and your landlord can say nothing about it!</div>
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I would also recommend getting some blender pens so you can add photographs easily to your journals like FP Jana has done <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2014/04/diy-photo-transfers/">here</a> or display lots of photos at once by creating some collages from your digital photographs and then display the collages instead - <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">Pic Monkey</a> is a great site to do this and helped me create the photo strip below. Now I've just got to make a decision on which way to display it. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2H3qd6Jkrc/VMJE6LMX2pI/AAAAAAAAAXg/MpJ_KGLmIe8/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2H3qd6Jkrc/VMJE6LMX2pI/AAAAAAAAAXg/MpJ_KGLmIe8/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" height="400" width="100" /></a></div>
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I hope this has inspired you to get creative with your photographs and add an an extra personal touch to your home. I'd love to see pictures of your projects so feel free to comment or tweet me @Tiddlybobs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sweetpaulmag.com%252F2MakeContent%252Fimages%252F2012%252F4170864_284854_dolls1.jpg%253FAction%253Dthumbnail%2526Width%253D512%2526Height%253D640%2526algorithm%253Dfill_proportional%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 389px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sweetpaulmag.com%252F2MakeContent%252Fimages%252F2012%252F4170864_284854_dolls1.jpg%253FAction%253Dthumbnail%2526Width%253D512%2526Height%253D640%2526algorithm%253Dfill_proportional%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 389px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-15978215597859877472015-01-15T09:55:00.000+00:002015-01-15T09:55:00.805+00:00If the key fits...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately this week our house was broken into so a change in locks was necessary. With this brought a new house key but it also left me pondering about what to do with the old key. Leave it in a drawer to get lost forever or is there something more interesting I could do with it?</div>
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So off I popped to Pinterest and what an awesome collection of craft project ideas I found including an amazing organisation...<br />
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<a href="http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_41371-1024x894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_41371-1024x894.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
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First up and the most common idea is to turn old keys into necklaces, earrings or badges. You just need some old bits and bobs and some glue and a chain to string through the hole in the key. It's super easy but looks very cool.<br />
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<a href="http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_4145-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_4145-1024x768.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pictures above are from the lovely ladies at <a href="http://thegreendivas.com/">The Green Divas</a> who take you through making your own jewellery <a href="http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_4145-1024x768.jpg">here</a> too so you can never get lost! </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanthreads.com/productimages/project/UT_PR191_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.urbanthreads.com/productimages/project/UT_PR191_top.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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Another popular idea was making windchimes. There are many different styles and types - a few of which are on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tiddlybobs/if-the-key-fits/">my Pinterest board</a>. I think it's probably best to let your imagination go wild and work with the materials you have at home to make a really unique piece (and save on cost!) but if you are looking for direction you can find <a href="http://www.urbanthreads.com/tutorials.aspx?t=PRM1186">the tutorial for the windchime shown in the picture</a> on the awesome <a href="http://www.urbanthreads.com/">Urban Threads</a> blog.</div>
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<a href="http://vault.sierraclub.org/sierra/201205/images/RP_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vault.sierraclub.org/sierra/201205/images/RP_01.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this idea from Wendy on <a href="http://vault.sierraclub.org/">Sierra</a> of turning old keys into a key rack as it completes the life cycle of a key perfectly and as we know from The Lion King the circle of life moves us all!! The tutorial is great and can be found in slideshow form <a href="http://vault.sierraclub.org/sierra/201205/repurpose-key-holder-DIY/default-163.aspx">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0185/1724/t/2/assets/logo.png?3550" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0185/1724/t/2/assets/logo.png?3550" height="97" width="400" /></a></div>
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The final project is called <a href="http://www.thegivingkeys.com/">The Giving Keys</a>. These are repurposed keys with inspirational words carved into them. They are given to a person when it's felt they most need it and the person keeps it until they meet someone else they think needs that word in their lives. It's a beautiful project and it exists to employ those transitioning out of homelessness so it's for a great cause also. I urge you to get involved if you can. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-89162707901214909402015-01-13T09:30:00.000+00:002015-01-13T09:30:00.357+00:00Pom Pom BookmarkOk I know it's pom poms <a href="http://tiddlybobs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/for-wonderful-annabel.html">AGAIN</a> so it doesn't count as a new skill.... but I got new pom pom makers and I HAD to use them!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJYH4HfK678/VLRPTAdon2I/AAAAAAAAAWs/bSn34exXMlc/s1600/IMG_4298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJYH4HfK678/VLRPTAdon2I/AAAAAAAAAWs/bSn34exXMlc/s1600/IMG_4298.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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PLUS it is a new project so it counts as new learning! </div>
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It's super easy to make your Pom Pom Bookmark and this <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2012/10/the-perfect-gift-yarn-ball-bookmark/">great tutorial </a>from <a href="http://www.designmom.com/">Design Mom</a> shows you exactly how to make one. I changed mine up a little bit by making a plaited tail. I simply tied an extra bit of string to the knot in the middle of the pom pom and then plaited all three bits of string together. </div>
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If you don't know how to plait then <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Plait">here's three ways from WikiHow</a>. </div>
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Looking forward to seeing pictures of all of your pom pom bookmarks!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-36620461056127258532015-01-08T13:04:00.002+00:002015-01-08T13:04:57.104+00:00New Year, New Skills2015 is going to be all about learning a lot of various new crafting skills, exploring the types of projects that they can lend themselves too and hopefully inspiring you to get crafting!<br />
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Today is all about crochet! So far I'm this far along on my first ever granny square.....<br />
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It's a bit messy as I'm still getting used to my holding technique so the tension is all over the place but I think it's pretty decent for a first attempt if I do say so myself.<br />
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This video tutorial from <a href="http://www.bellacoco.co.uk/">Bella Coco</a> is the one I followed and it's brilliant. Also don't forget to not be afraid to pause and replay so you can tailor it to your own learning speed. Good luck!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-42351375701855690742015-01-08T00:16:00.003+00:002015-01-08T00:16:45.220+00:00Finding Method in the Madness<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a few days of serious organisation in my house and I definitely think it's on most of our minds at the start of any new year so this weeks Tiddlybits is all about offering you some crafty inspiration for organising all your bits and bobs. </div>
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The christmas cakes and biscuits have all been gorged on over the last few weeks but what to do with the tins? Why not paint them and use them as storage boxes for all your favourite things? <a href="http://www.homedit.com/3-simple-diy-projects-kitchen/">This tutorial </a>from <a href="http://www.homedit.com/">Home DIT</a> shows you how to create a cute tea caddy as inspiration to get you started. </div>
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<a href="http://imgs.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/wallflower/2009/07/01/W530RT425x425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imgs.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/wallflower/2009/07/01/W530RT425x425.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Spring is just around the corner so before the flowers start to bloom pick up the last of the winter twigs and use them as a jewellery stand. You can even pop them in glass bottles left over from the Christmas drinks - two birds with one stone and all that! Thanks to Tina on <a href="http://blog.sfgate.com/wallflower/2009/07/02/branch-mania/">SF Gate</a> for the idea.</div>
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<a href="http://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/HE9N/HCV9881V/FZWHE9NHCV9881V.MEDIUM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/HE9N/HCV9881V/FZWHE9NHCV9881V.MEDIUM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I'm getting older I am discovering two things: </div>
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1. Adhesive hooks are probably the most genius invention of all time</div>
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2. There is nothing more frustrating and annoying than the pots and pan press (a.k.a the pots and pans cupboard for you non-Irish folk!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Easiest-Cupboard-Pan-Lid-Organiser/?ALLSTEPS">This great idea</a> from the genius people at <a href="http://www.instructables.com/">Instructables</a> may just have proven number 1 and deleted number 2 making me a very happy lady and hopefully doing the same for you! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLAPcrN_uE0/UgTXN-C5MSI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/2Q-e6qfY3Ug/s640/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLAPcrN_uE0/UgTXN-C5MSI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/2Q-e6qfY3Ug/s640/final.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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I love <a href="http://sewingbarefoot.blogspot.ca/2012/08/hidden-storage-books.html">this idea</a> from <a href="http://sewingbarefoot.blogspot.ca/">Sewing Barefoot</a> as a way to hide cables, wireless routers or other tidbits on your shelves but I would use old cereal boxes and make up mock book covers instead. This is only because destroying books makes me cry inside but if this doesn't bother you then destroy away!</div>
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How many lost keys do you come across organising your drawers? Why not <a href="http://www.abubblylife.com/2012/04/5-minute-diy-color-code-your-keys.html">use nail varnish to colour code your keys</a> and never be confused again! Great idea from <a href="http://www.abubblylife.com/2012/04/5-minute-diy-color-code-your-keys.html">A Bubbly Life</a>!</div>
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And finally possibly the most awesome idea of all time comes from the genius of <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/">Buzzfeed</a>. Use lego people to <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/important-the-best-way-to-organise-your-cables-is-with-lego?sub=3385551_3319806#.onnPYQPWlK">organise your cables</a>. I don't care if you don't own any (like that's even possible), you go and buy some. This is brilliant. So brilliant. </div>
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I hope this has given you some cool ideas and best of luck with your organising!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-19194808429023065602015-01-01T21:33:00.001+00:002015-01-01T21:33:58.022+00:00New Years Resolutions 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G2c-vKC8dmQ/VKW9QwwxS4I/AAAAAAAAAWA/NGcQzawPgZ0/s640/blogger-image--1638637227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G2c-vKC8dmQ/VKW9QwwxS4I/AAAAAAAAAWA/NGcQzawPgZ0/s640/blogger-image--1638637227.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Day one of 2015 and it's been a great day of scrapbooking my resolutions! I also may have developed an addiction to scrapbooking so watch this space for more of that!! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-34420299730526217392014-12-29T20:12:00.001+00:002014-12-29T20:12:50.302+00:00Deck the halls with piles of icing!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately getting caught up in the Christmas madness has prevented me from doing anything crafty but fortunately my two nieces and I changed all that today by making some colourful Christmas biscuits! </div>
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It was great to be creative with my hands again especially with my two favourite little people while singing songs from 'Frozen' and running screaming from Bears half way through - we may have consumed a little too much sugar and went crazy for a bit! </div>
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The result was hilariously messy but I think you'll agree still tasty looking! I also wanted to use the finished product as a way of thanking each of you who voted for Tiddlybobs in the UK Blog Awards and shared the link. Unfortunately I didn't get through to the next round but it meant a lot to know how many of you are enjoying reading the blog and I can't wait to post more creative inspiration in the New Year. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-42102314361421649472014-12-03T21:15:00.002+00:002014-12-03T21:15:49.509+00:00Deck the halls...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #45818e;">CHRISTMAS IS SO CLOSE!!!</span></b></h2>
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Yes I may have already overdosed on sweets and Christmas films but there's still time to craft up some quick decorations before the real fun begins. This weeks <a href="http://tiddlybobs.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tiddlybits">Tiddlybits</a> has some great ideas on projects for you to try and don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tiddlybobs/snow-is-falling/">the Pinterest board</a> for lots more. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBCEtknKI9c/UlIC--IvDwI/AAAAAAAAFew/1s3Kweo2FCc/s640/Christmas+Every+Monday+-+Part+1+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBCEtknKI9c/UlIC--IvDwI/AAAAAAAAFew/1s3Kweo2FCc/s640/Christmas+Every+Monday+-+Part+1+007.jpg" height="400" width="177" /></a></div>
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First up is <a href="http://20northora.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/christmas-every-monday.html">this gorgeous wall hanging</a> from <a href="http://20northora.blogspot.co.uk/">20 North Ora</a>. I'd love to make a wreath for my front door but I have no idea where to find the greenery and I can't afford the greenery or afford the base they need to go on so this wall hanging offers an awesome alternative. </div>
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<a href="http://lizoncall.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-l63DDeVbqOA/UqFa7Pl3sOI/AAAAAAAABAM/MF0wZXgCIGY/s1600/Front%2BDoor%2BGift%2BTag%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lizoncall.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-l63DDeVbqOA/UqFa7Pl3sOI/AAAAAAAABAM/MF0wZXgCIGY/s1600/Front%2BDoor%2BGift%2BTag%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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I tried this idea myself last year and I love it. It's such a great and easy way to add Christmas cheer to doors and cupboards. However, last year I didn't add a gift tag and think it's a brilliant idea so thanks to<a href="http://lizoncall.com/2013/12/05/gift-wrapped-front-door-with-tag/"> Liz on Call</a> for that one! </div>
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<a href="http://designmemorycraft.typepad.com/.a/6a0134896f7ad2970c019b02176261970d-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://designmemorycraft.typepad.com/.a/6a0134896f7ad2970c019b02176261970d-800wi" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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So, if like me, you've started the Christmas celebrations already, you may have some wine corks lying around the house. Instead of dumping them, why not turn them into colourful Christmas decorations that you can from year to year? <a href="http://designmemorycraft.typepad.com/design-memory-craft/2013/12/christmas-wine-cork-tree-with-gelatos.html">This tutorial</a> from <a href="http://joyslife.com/">Joy's Life</a> is awesome and more importantly easy to do and for those of you with children, it's one that they can get involved with too. You could also use glue to sprinkle them with glitter too! </div>
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And if, you've got wine corks then you must have wine bottles too! Follow <a href="http://bornineightytwo.com/2013/12/09/diy-christmas-decoration-joy/">this great tutorial</a> from <a href="http://bornineightytwo.com/">Born in '82</a> for a clever way to turn them into beautiful decorations. Super simple but so elegant and decorations you'll have for years!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psa5bKdjfaE/UqZm4kLKGZI/AAAAAAAAFUs/pvoTTQDk0GI/s1600/paper+ball+ornament+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psa5bKdjfaE/UqZm4kLKGZI/AAAAAAAAFUs/pvoTTQDk0GI/s1600/paper+ball+ornament+6.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also, if you have old magazines or no idea what to do with the toy catalogues after you've finished writing your list to Santa, why not try making <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2013/12/homemade-paper-ball-ornaments.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderTheTableAndDreaming+%28Under+The+Table+and+Dreaming%29">these gorgeous paper ornaments</a> from them? A beautifully simple idea from <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Stephanie Lynn</a>. </div>
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And because we don't restrict ourselves to crafts here at <a href="http://tiddlybobs.blogspot.co.uk/">Tiddlybobs</a>, why not try your hand at creative baking and make <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday---celebration-recipes/christmas-recipes/how-to-make-santa-bread?keycode=ZPIN1213HOW#1">a Santa bread</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://images.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/300x300/exps35968_CWX1154012D1_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/300x300/exps35968_CWX1154012D1_WEB.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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How cool is that?? Love this idea from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">Taste of Home</a> and hopefully will get a chance to try so keep your eyes peeled for that! </div>
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As followers of this blog will already know, recently I was gifted with a beautiful, old Singer machine from my boyfriends grand aunt. I was super excited as so many crafting techniques and projects require sewing and I just don't have the time or patience to do it all by hand! However, my first attempt at using it didn't go too well. It ended with me crying on the bed while my boyfriend used a screwdriver to remove a clump of thread from the inside. I was defeated and scared and the beautiful old sewing machine was put back in it's case.</div>
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Luckily, it kept shouting from the end of the bed to be used and my favourite craft magazine, <a href="http://homemakermagazine.co.uk/">Homemaker Magazine</a>, came with an easy sewing project for beginners that month so I plucked up the courage to try again. This time, the thread clumped again but I fixed it, read a bit more of my user booklet, adjusted the tension on the machine and away I went! I finished my first sewing project on my own machine! Huzzah! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uss7tfC_JD4/VHt7EKrEnnI/AAAAAAAAATg/YV2LXNA1bns/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uss7tfC_JD4/VHt7EKrEnnI/AAAAAAAAATg/YV2LXNA1bns/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was so happy that I immediately hopped onto <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> to see what my next project could be and then it hit me. An advent calendar. The one I made two years ago didn't have big enough pockets to hold the sweets and that really annoyed me so I decided a new advent calendar would be the best project. There were so many ideas to choose from but I loved all the garland based ones so much that I decided to do one in that style.</div>
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So out came the old Christmas tea towels (4 to be exact about it!)...</div>
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Out came some sock drawing skills, which I didn't know I had, to make my template. I first drew it on paper, added a 1cm border as a seam allowance and cut it out. Then I glued it to some cardboard and cut it out to have a firm template to use on the tea towels. </div>
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I then drew around the template 12 times on each tea towel making sure to turn the template every second time. This ensures that once all the socks are cut out, each pair will have the right side of the tea towel facing out when pinned together.</div>
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Once all the socks were cut out I had 48 single socks pinned into 24 pairs. Then it was time to sew. Originally I was going to sew them on the wrong side and then turn them out but when I had them all cut I liked their size as they were so I decided to sew on the right side instead. Scarily, on my first sock, this happened...</div>
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But I just took a breath, ripped it out, adjusted my tension (as I learned previously!) and off I went. In no time I had 24 beautifully sewn socks. Thanks to the boyfriend I also, and a beautifully new pair of pinking shears so I used them to trim the edges. And yes my sewing wasn't perfect, so many of the borders became smaller than the others post pinking resulting in various sized socks but that's the joy of homemade right? Right guys?! .... Right?</div>
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I was then ready to hang my garland. I had bought some lovely red twine which I weaved in and out of the bannister on my stairs and then tied it in place. I had also bought the adorable pegs below - I know, for shame, I should have made them too but one step at a time guys!</div>
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I then pegged each sock to the twine, popped in the sweets and my beautiful advent calendar sock garland extravaganza was complete!</div>
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I can't express how happy I am with the finished result. I can't stop looking at it and smiling. Seriously, if you haven't made anything for your home for this Christmas yet do it now! I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have something you made yourself hanging up and looking so beautiful. I think I might finish this project crying on my bed too but this time they will be tears of joy. </div>
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Yes. Crying over tea towel socks. I am still cool. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-17142721968604507122014-11-27T11:12:00.004+00:002014-11-27T11:12:55.215+00:00It's the final countdown!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I have started making my own advent calendar which will soon be revealed on this blog but in the meantime I thought I'd give you a few advent calendar ideas, in the form of this weeks <a href="http://tiddlybobs.blogspot.ie/search/label/Tiddlybits">Tiddlybits</a>, so that you might be inspired to make your own. </div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/wmax-520/ecl/images/content/pub/kids/2001Q4/ka98981_hol01_advent_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/wmax-520/ecl/images/content/pub/kids/2001Q4/ka98981_hol01_advent_vert.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the queen of all things crafty, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha Stewart</a>, comes <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/265851/m-is-for-matchbox-advent-calendar">this delightful matchbox advent calendar</a>. Each day the matchbox is turned around to reveal a piece of a Christmas themed picture, in this case a Christmas tree but you could pick your own. You can also place sweets inside the boxes or perhaps rolled up pieces of paper with wishes or activities to do together on them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsunleashed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/adventcalendar06sm-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.craftsunleashed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/adventcalendar06sm-682x1024.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I love this <a href="http://www.craftsunleashed.com/seasonal/winter/make-your-own-advent-calendar/">box garland advent calendar</a> from <a href="http://www.craftsunleashed.com/">Crafts Unleashed</a>. It's super easy to make and you can add your own flair by mixing up the colours and number design. You could also think about making the boxes yourself out of recycled toilet paper rolls.</div>
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As followers of this blog may know, I have discovered that there is nothing that you can't do with a recycled toilet roll and advent calendars are no exception. </div>
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<a href="http://www.morningcreativity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/roll-cal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.morningcreativity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/roll-cal4.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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Take for example <a href="http://www.morningcreativity.com/">Morning Creativity's</a> <a href="http://www.morningcreativity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/roll-cal4.jpg">super charming advent calendar house</a> made from toilet rolls covered with brown paper. I bet this is sooooo much fun to break into each day and see what's inside! I think I would paint the roof too or perhaps make it into a Christmas tree shape rather than a house.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toPKFYGoMZo/Tt7XnfIP0PI/AAAAAAAAKcM/U9n-Im4z9hQ/december%20319_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toPKFYGoMZo/Tt7XnfIP0PI/AAAAAAAAKcM/U9n-Im4z9hQ/december%2520319_thumb%255B3%255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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You could also cover your toilet paper rolls in fabric or paper and make <a href="http://mindypitcher.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/our-countdown-to-christmas.html">this great cracker themed advent calendar</a> from <a href="http://mindypitcher.blogspot.co.uk/">Mindy Pitcher</a>. This is the perfect one if you haven't got much space as you can hang it on the back of a door or the side of a bookshelf. </div>
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<a href="http://www.northstory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY-Advent-Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.northstory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DIY-Advent-Calendar.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Or how about making your toilet paper rolls completely unrecognisable and turning them into <a href="http://www.northstory.ca/diy-advent-calendar/">this gift box advent calendar</a> from <a href="http://www.northstory.ca/">North Story</a>? This is such a beautiful idea and the tutorial is fantastic so you have no excuse not to make it!</div>
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<a href="http://cdn.honestlyyum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Gingerbread-garland-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.honestlyyum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Gingerbread-garland-2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Finally, I love this <a href="http://honestlyyum.com/7543/gingerbread-men-garland/">gingerbread man garland</a> from one of my favourite food blogs <a href="http://honestlyyum.com/">Honestly Yum</a> and as I was putting this blog post together, I thought why not ice numbers on to the gingerbread man and each day you could eat one? So I'm putting that out there into the world and if you make it, I want day 24! </div>
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I could go on and on as there are so many creative advent calendar ideas out there but please check out the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tiddlybobs/snow-is-falling/">Tiddlybobs Christmas Pinterest Board 'Snow is falling...'</a> for some more ideas as well as many many more craft ideas for the holiday season. I will be updating it all the time so make sure you follow that board!</div>
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Thank you for reading and happy crafting!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-85943253312665230682014-11-19T10:58:00.001+00:002014-11-19T18:14:36.219+00:00Folding Frolics!<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you may have seen on Tiddlybobs already this week, I have been trying my hand at <a href="http://tiddlybobs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-pitter-patter-of-elven-feet.html">napkin folding</a> and this got me wondering about what other crafts you can make using folding and <b><i>TAH-DA</i></b> this weeks Tiddlybits was born!</div>
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There are so many wonderful things you can make for your tables using napkins and soooo many tutorials available online in blogs and on YouTube. I loved <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/08/a-special-occasion-napkin-fold.html">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/">One Good Thing by Jillee</a> as it's a really sensible idea and can be used for every occasion; you can just theme it by changing what napkins you use! The simple ideas are always the best. </div>
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<a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/.a/6a01053717ab71970b014e5ff8d6cf970c-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/.a/6a01053717ab71970b014e5ff8d6cf970c-320wi" height="400" width="378" /></a></div>
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Another great idea is to create beads from old scraps of paper or magazines that you have about the house. These beads can then be turned into necklaces or bracelets simply by stringing them together. You could even purchase earring clasps and make a unique and beautiful pair of earrings out of them. <a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2011/03/tutorial-time-and-two-winners.html">This tutorial</a> from <a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.comt/">Cosmo Cricket</a> is really in depth at showing you how the technique works and it's so easy, I'm not sure why I haven't done it before!</div>
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<a href="http://peppermintcreative.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/paper-stars-folded-printablePHOTO6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://peppermintcreative.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/paper-stars-folded-printablePHOTO6.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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As the picture says, <a href="http://peppermintcreative.com/blog/2013/07/how-to-make-a-folded-paper-star/">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://peppermintcreative.com/">Peppermint Creative</a> shows you how to make paper stars by folding (there is also glue involved but we don't mind that here!). It's a really pretty idea and with Christmas coming up it might be a great way to make a star for the top of your tree. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QVKlqsOO0k/TtdxZq61ldI/AAAAAAAAKac/lViopRFtDak/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QVKlqsOO0k/TtdxZq61ldI/AAAAAAAAKac/lViopRFtDak/s1600/finished.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of Christmas, how gorgeous are these folded Christmas trees? <a href="http://www.thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2011/12/1st-day-of-christmas-crafts-diy-glitter.html">In this great tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/">The House that Lars Built</a> these have been sprayed with gold paint and glitter but if you picked paper with a festive pattern, you wouldn't need to get the paint out at all! </div>
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<a href="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/HelloSandwich/pb02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/HelloSandwich/pb02.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></div>
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If you're thinking of Christmas and you think like me, then you're thinking of gift bags. <a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/paper-gift-bag-tutorial.html">This simple tutorial</a> from <a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.co.uk/">Hello Sandwich</a> is great for showing you how a bit of folding and some sellotape can create gorgeous gift bags. Don't forget that handles can be made from string and/or ribbon too!</div>
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<a href="http://wwwdesignspongecom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/dsaccordionbook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wwwdesignspongecom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/dsaccordionbook2.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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Accordion books are definitely more complicated than just a bit of folding but still they are not impossible to make and are definitely well worth it. <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/03/bookbinding-101-accordion-book.html">This tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/">Design Sponge</a> is the best I've come across on how to make one. They are a great away to create journals of specific events like your wedding or graduation. They can also be used as memento books. For example you could use it as a travel diary where you can stick photos, ticket stubs, diary entries etc. and you could even decorate the cover with a map of your trip. </div>
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And finally, like last week I am going to end this weeks Tiddlybits with a video tutorial showing you how to wrap your presents in old shirts (or new ones that could form part of the gift!). But all of this is really only the tip of the iceberg in folding crafts - please visit <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tiddlybobs/folding-fun/">my Folding Fun Pinterest Board</a> for even more inspiration. </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8594325331266523068&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.onegoodthingbyjillee.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F08%252Fnapkin-folding-10.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 223px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4274580281958413903%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8594325331266523068&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.onegoodthingbyjillee.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F08%252Fnapkin-folding-10.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 223px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421291243570043917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274580281958413903.post-68294010903792391202014-11-17T15:36:00.001+00:002014-11-17T15:38:52.490+00:00The pitter patter of elven feet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Christmas decor preparations here at Tiddlybobs HQ continue with napkin folding. My housemates and I have our own Christmas day before we all split home and go our separate ways for our family Christmas days so I am thinking of ways to decorate our table. I love making things out of napkins ever since I learned how to make a pirate hat at my first job. And then I came across this tutorial video on how to make an Elf boot out of a napkin and I almost died with excitement (Yes I am that sad!). </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pFr4i6k-AFk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">It's a really easy to tutorial to follow but at the end I folded it down (like the slipper!) and then turned up the toe to make it more elf like. </span></div>
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