The beautiful simplicity of natural jute rope bowls

 

 Hello,

Earlier this year on one of my trips to Sham Shu Po, I chanced upon a new-to-me shop selling ropes and natural trims.  I bought some gorgeous jute/cotton blend rope and proceeded to become obsessed with it.  Within days, I needed more as I'd sewn it all into bowls.

The colour and texture of it are so beautiful, so simple.

I have now been sewing the jute into nesting bowls.

They are now in my etsy shop with a blue bowl feature. You can find them here.

 

Have a lovely week.

Cat.

Wrapping Fabric

Hi peeps,

From now on, if you buy any of my handmade goodies, they will come to you, wrapped in fabric.

I love wrapping up parcels of handmade goodies.  Using paper and knowing most of it would be put straight in the rubbish really got to me though.  So, now when I wrap using fabric, it can be used again and again. No more rubbish.

The fabric I use is from the Sham Shui Po fabric street market.  I feel like I am rescuing the fabric.  Many fabrics have been there for a very long time waiting for some one to use them.  Now, these fabrics I buy have been sent all over the world and are being reused again (and again and again I hope)

I tie up each parcel with ribbon, no sticky tape is required (again, less waste).  The ribbon can be reused again and again also.

 

The beautiful handmade fabric cards by Here We Loopy Lou are a perfect match with my wrapping fabric (below).  I love Melinda's cards and must confess I have quite a collection of them now.

 

All the edges of my wrapping fabric have been overlocked (serged).

Last Christmas I wrapped most presents in fabric.

It feels good that my wrapping fabrics can be used again and that less paper is going into the rubbish or recycling bin.

Have a great week.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: gifts for teachers, school buddies and work kris kringles.

Hello peeps,


Today is the last installment of our handmade Christmas gift guide for 2013. Cat and I thought we would add this category in at the very end to give you ideas of some handmade and DIY options that are simple, cost effective and meet a variety of personality types.  Here are some ideas to cover teachers, kris kringle work colleague gifts, kindergarten and school friends.

1. Notebooks - surely everyone loves a notebook?  I do!  These are a great gender neutral option made by Trink Arts - $91 HKD available here and another option from Quimmz - $49 HKD available here.

2. Zippered Pouches, handmade by me - $99 HKD - I give these to my girls teachers with their name embroidered on the inside - available via my etsy store here.  See below for details on how to win one of my travel zippered pouches. 

3. Customisable Teacher print from My Sweet Prints $28 AUD - store here.

4.  Pens from Chibi Run - though not strictly handmade, Germaine from Chibi Run has an enormous variety of excellent stationery options in her store here $70 HKD - store here.

5. Wire angel covered in Liberty of London fabric $70 HKD from Jane Planet Joy - this is one very clever lady who I know some of you will already be familiar with via her lovely presence on Instagram. Jane uses divine Liberty of London fabric to cover wire and wooden letters and they make really fabulous gifts...I know because I've gifted several of them and kept a few for me.  This one is available here.

6. Canberra Creatives Creative Case.  This is a monthly craft-in-a-box Project Kit delivered to your door.  The gift can be a monthly one, three monthly, six monthly or for the full twelve months. Prices start at $169 HKD - for full details visit the Canberra Creatives website here. 

7. Reindeer food DIY - these are a great option for kindergarten/school friends.  There are loads of tutorials around and yes, we've all seen it on Pinterest but I like this one by Milk Please Mum here who had her little one write her name on the tags. 

8. Cat's salted caramel popcorn in a jar DIY!  Add the popcorn, sugar, salt, baking soda and some instructions.  Easy peasy!  See the instructions here.  What a fabulous idea.

9. Cloud brooch by Each to Own $141 HKD available here.

10. Bookmarks, these are made by Zippy Zippy - $70 HKD and are available here.

11. Polyhedra Note Cards (set of 10) $187 HKD. These are designed by the very awesome Messagemark and can be found here.

12. DIY polymer clay pinch pot.... I am at risk of being obsessed with polymer clay projects and this is a great, simple project to try via Spoonful here.

GIVEAWAY: I'd love to make one of our lovely blog readers a travel zippered pouch in their choice of fabric. Leave a comment here or on Cat's blog. One person will be chosen at random on Saturday 30 November in the evening (HK time) and I'll post anywhere in the world.

Thank you all so much for your lovely feedback on Facebook and Instagram in particular about our series, we've really enjoyed sharing our finds and love of the homemade and handmade with you.

Much love,

Cat and Cat.

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: gifts for grandmothers, mums and mother-in-laws.

Hello,

Here on our second last Christmas gift guide, we've put together a few ideas for some of the most important people in our lives - our Mum's, Grandma's and Mother-in-laws.

I miss my mum and Grandma terribly now we live overseas.  I love to buy or make thoughtful gifts for them, I take their gift selection very seriously.

1. Porcelain replica vintage milk bottle : milk colour by Urban Cartel - $283 HKD available via the etsy store here.

2. One of Cat's stitched children's artwork pieces, starting at $290 HKD - her etsy store is here..... also, Cat is giving one of these away..... see below for details!

3. Fabric Greeting Card Set of 4 - Here we go Loopy Lou $140 HKD available via madeit here. I love Melinda's cards, they are all gorgeous. I have been buying and using them for years.  I am gifting some to my Grandma and the Shropshire boy's Grandma this year.

4. Small light & soft Felted scarf in red with purple tones and its matching brooch by SM Boutique - this just looks so divine! $363 HKD - etsy store here.

5. DIY: Make your own sweet DIY votives - a tutorial by fellow fellow here.

6. Mint Peony Brooch by Delilah Devine (Cat's Mama is getting one of these if she does not decide to keep it herself!) $155 HKD, available here. Look, it's a hexie, so I love it already!

GIVEAWAY: Cat would love to stitch one of our blog readers a little portrait for a special gift! She has taken to these small portraits set in 15cm hoops and she would love to stitch one for one of you! If you'd like to win, please just comment below telling me what either you, or your child loves to draw most. How cute is this?  Very, I say!

Entries are open to international entrants and will close on Friday evening, the 29th of November 2013. The winner will be drawn at random.

Happy day to you.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: grandfathers/dads/father-in-laws

Hello peeps,

Today's gift guide is all about grandfathers and dads and father-in-laws. I find them difficult to buy for every year, do you too?

1. Magnetic bookmark by Sparrowhawk Designs $35 HKD, madeit store here.

2. These Vintage Silverware garden markers by me2 are gorgeous, I know a few Grandmothers who would like these also, $140 HKD, madeit store here.

3. These World Map Cushions by My Bearded Pigeon are fabulous! $942 HKD, etsy store here.

4. Ancient Column Architecture Journal/notebook by Trink Arts Studio, $57 HKD, madeit store here.  I've bought notebooks for my step-father before, he uses them often.

5. DIY tutorial: make an apron, tutorial here from the Purl Bee by Purl Soho.  This tutorial looks great as it has pockets in it.

Have a great week.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: gifts for us

Hello,

Today's handmade Christmas gift guide is all about us, Cat and I, or gifts for other ladies in your lives like sisters, Aunties and girl friends.

This list *may* be full of things we want for Christmas.

1.  Oh my gosh, how cute are these porcelain cloudy dishes/trinket plates by Urban Cartel $187 HKD, etsy store here.  I'd love one of these (are you reading this my Shropshire boy?, hint hint)

2. I love all that Lamina at Do A Bit creates, her hand printed pouches are stunning, Fuchsia Poppies pouch $150HKD, etsy store here. 

3. Yes please, who wants a crochet granny square brooch or a hexagon chain brooch?  Me, me, me! Ali from Ali Pink makes these and they are absolutely fabulous!  $150 HKD each, etsy store here.

4. How lovely is this To Kill a Mockingbird brooch by House of Ismay?  $129 HKD, etsy store here.

5. DIY tutorial: Make your own polymer clay necklaces, here on Arts & Crafts by The Red Thread.  This tutorial is excellent, it inspired me to try making my own earlier in the year and I've made a few ombre ones since, you can see them here and here.  Cat has made some too, she has a story to tell on her blog here about making them the first time (and almost burning her house down!)

I am so thoughtful (or cheeky) that last month I put together an etsy Treasury list of Christmas presents that I'd love to receive, you can see it here.

What do you want for Christmas?  Do tell us.  

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for husbands/partners

Hello peeps,

Next up in our handmade Christmas gift guide is gifts for husbands and male partners.  When ever I buy or make presents for my Shropshire Boy, it is usually some thing geeky or involves guitars.  Can you remember the kindle cover I made him which was both?  You can see it here.

This list of course has a few geeky goodies on it.

1. Upcycled Pantone Clock by Pantock $822 HKD, etsy shop here. 

2. Vintage Map Cuff Links by Brass And Chain $143 HKD, etsy shop here.

3. PacMan badge or magnet by Bunny and Bird Designs $31 HKD, etsy shop here.

4. I love this t-shirt so much, Vader's day off, Stormtrooper t-shirt by Mini Mayhem $186 HKD, etsy shop here. 

5. DIY make a salt dough paper weight, tutorial by Crafts by Amanda, find it here.

What do you buy your husband or partner for Christmas?  Is he difficult to buy for?

Have a great day.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for teen girls.

Hi peeps,

Teenage girls are so fun to buy for! We've included a variety of ideas in this guide to cover young teens through to older teens.

1. DIY Miniature Embroidery Hoop  by Dandelyne - $142 HKD. Sonia from Dandelyne is one cool and clever lady.  Her stitched pieces are so beautiful.   We have a family portrait stitched of us, you can see it here, Sonia really captured us all perfectly. 
This little kit is a fairly new addition to Sonia's etsy shop here.  Now you can create and stitch a design of your own, go get creative!

2. A three pack of choose your own hair bobbles by Raspberry Rainbow (me!) - $99 HKD.  I give my hair bobbles as gifts all the time, I love choosing just the right colour or fabric to suit the person I am gifting to, I often spend way, way too much time choosing.  You can see my etsy shop here.

3. Set of 3 journals with lovely detailing by Buntmal - $159 HKD - etsy store here.

4. Cosmetic Bag by Cloud Love Baby - $112 HKD - etsy store here.

5. DIY tutorial: DIY Painted Tribal Bracelets - tutorial via Dismount Creative here - again, this DIY is totally achievable for even a crafty novice.

6. Clutch purse in grey and yellow (super on trend yes?!) by byMART $254 HKD- etsy store here.

And now to our GIVEAWAY...cue the trumpets!

Sonia from Dandelyne has offered up two of her five packs of DIY necklace kits (you can see them here) to a couple of VERY lucky people! Each pack retails at $45 AUD!

One kit will be given away via our blog comments and another on instagram. To win via the blog all you need to do is comment on either of our posts saying which item you've liked most in our series to date.  Winners will be picked at random at the evening of Friday November 22nd.  International entries are most welcome.  For details of our instagram giveaway check our profiles later today - you can find Cat at cat_beloverly and me at raspberryrainbow  GOOD LUCK!

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for teenage boys.

Hi peeps,

Today's gift guide is all about teenage boys, a category notoriously difficult to buy for .... because there are only so many video games (do they still call them video games?) a young man surely needs!

Our ideas embrace the quirky, geeky and we have two awesome DIY options too.

1. Hangry cushion - from My Bearded Pigeon $373 HKD - etsy store here

2. Black leather handmade notebook - via Buntmal $238 HKD - etsy store here

3. Dalek cross-stitch (this is super dooper cute for the Dr Who fan!) - $181 HKD made by This Grand Life - madeit store here

4. Wallet designed and made by the awesome folk at Kitty Came Home $411 HKD - etsy store here

5. DIY Option - an Ice Cream Care package + online movie voucher of your choice.  This idea is from The Misadventurous Maker (see her original post here) and also appeared on Fat Mum Slim here - cost is up to you as to how fancy you make it.

6. A DIY gadget cover tutorial via Curlypops here - I would be very surprised if a teenage boy didn't have a gadget of some type!  I have made a few gadget pouches using this tutorial, it is very easy to follow.

Have you got a teen boy to buy for? What are they in to?

Happy Monday to you.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for little girls

Hi peeps,

Today in our series compiled with Cat, it's all about girls.  I may know a few things about girls, being the mumma of two girly whirlies (as I call them) and I was a little girl once too.

My girls love imaginative play and can spend hours together making elaborate scenes with their toys.  The whole lounge room floor is usually covered with their imaginary world, they will include their toy kitchen food with My Little Ponies, Sylvanian Family toys, Little People, puzzles, books, anything they can find. I love listening to these games, they make up the funniest stories and scenarios.

1. Handmade Dolls, cats, koalas and more by A Little Vintage, various prices.  I personally want one of each.  We own a koala, her name is Mildred, and she is adorable.  Etsy shop here.

2. Wooden Toadstool house puzzle by Raw Toys $290 HKD.  We own two puzzles from Raw Toys and love them both.  Madeit shop here.

3. Dress up Rainbow bird wings by Sparrow and B Costumery $520 HKD.  My girls would love these, we adore anything rainbow in our house.  Etsy shop here.

4. Australian biscuits and cakes felt food set by Wombat's Picnic $215 HKD, madeit shop here.  I've had my eye on this set for so long now!

5. Crochet Rainbow bracelet by The Black Sheep Crafts $58 HKD, madeit shop here.  I know both my girls would love this.

6. DIY Tutorial: Make your own hair ties, this tutorial could not be easier.

What else do you buy for the little girls in your life?

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for little men.

Hi peeps,

Today in our series Cat and I are sharing some ideas of what to give the little men in our lives....Cat may know a thing or two here as she is the mum of two little boys.

Her boys are creative players, puzzle do-ers, collectors and avid readers and our list reflects the kinds of things they love doing.

Row 1:
Marble Starter Kit by Flower Press by Flower Press $222 HKD - etsy store here.  My girls received one of these last Christmas and they love playing with it.

Pirate Messenger Bag Satchel for Kids Mee a Bee $193 HKD - store here.  Cat's boys carry their crayons, twigs, leaves, small notebooks, toy cars, planes, trains. compasses, torches and all manner of things in these bags (not all at once!) and they're small enough for them to sling over their shoulders comfortably.  My girls both have a Mee a Bee bag, they are a great size for kids.

Row 2:
Dimple Wheel Cushion by One Pear $326 HKD - madeit store here. (Cat's little boys may be receiving these exact ones for their reading corner)

Handmade soft toy superhero "Edwin" by Tiny Morsels Emporium $175 HKD - etsy store here. Someone better snap this one-of-a-kind up before one of us do!  He's adorable.

DIY Tutorial: Circus Paper City by Made by Joel - free! - blog here. Cat has used a number of Joel's tutorials now and they are all great. You could make a beautifully presented gift by pasting on to thicker card stock and presenting in a lovely tin.

Special offer: As a special offer today Jacqui from Mee a Bee has offered free shipping for anyone who wants to order a bag from her store.  To claim this offer just enter: BELOVERLY at the checkout.

Do you have little boys to buy for this Christmas?

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for the sweet littlest ones.

Hello peeps,

Welcome to the first in a co-authored series of blog posts with Cat from Wouldn't it be Loverly and I. 

Our series of guides focuses on handmade, homemade, local and also includes some DIY tutorials. Over the coming days we will have some little surprises for you so stay tuned!

On Day 1 we give to you our guide for babies featuring some of our favourite makers and generally clever clogs'.

It seems it's been influenced by our love for clouds but there are some gorgeous pieces to suit any budget here.

Row 1:

Baby Mobile/Owls and Clouds Hanging Mobile/Nursery Mobile $358.28 HKD by Gosh and Golly - etsy store here

Chalkboard onesie by Bubby Makes Three $175 HKD- madeit store here

Baby Bib "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by CurlyPops $108.23 HKD – store here

Customisable world map print by My Sweet Prints $252.55 HKD – store here

Row 2:

Organic and bamboo cloud trackies by the smallest tribe (seriously, you can't go wrong with ANYTHING Kathryn makes and we had to stop ourselves listing her in every category) $288.63 HKD – store here

DIY Tutorial: Hot Air Balloon Mobile e-Pattern (PDF) by Craft Schmaft $71.66 HKD - etsy store here

Wooden blocks alphabet 26 letters by little sapling toys $358.28 HKD - etsy store here

Special Offer: The lovely folks at Little Sapling Toys are offering a 10% discount on any toys purchased in their etsy store.  To redeem just enter the coder LOVELY10 at the checkout.

Do you have anything on your wish list for babies that we need to know about?

Have you started thinking about your Christmas shopping yet?  

Have a great day.

Cat.