Pushing through my colour boundaries....

 I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I have my favourite colours that I'm always drawn to when I make, buy or choose something. For anyone who knows me it is fairly obvious that I like all things blue and green, actually I lean towards the blues more but green is often in there too. So when it comes to making things to sell in my Etsy shop I have to really push myself out of my blue and green comfort zone and remind myself that not everyone is a fan of all things blue and green. 

 So this past week I intentionally chose fabrics out of my colour safe zone to make up these nice, bright and happy writing folders/compendiums. Yes I know there is a green one in there :-) but not much blue at all.

 The green one is actually green and brown with a little splash of red and okay just a minor hint of pale blue.

 And here's the inside with lots of pockets for pads and sketch books and pens with not a hint of blue :-)

 Each one has a handmade button like this one on the yellow writing folder/compendium.

 Each compendium is made up of scraps of coordinating fabrics that I then embellish with a variety of machine embroidery stitches in a variegated colour thread.

 For me the fun part of making these compendiums is adding the little details like the different stitches, the pretty ribbon down the centre of the inside and the handmade buttons. All these things do take time but I think that is the beauty of buying handmade items on places like Etsy and Felt. Each item is made with love, care and attention for those all important details that make it unique.

Each of these compendiums can be found here for purchase on my Etsy shop. And if there is a colour I have not made I am happy to make a custom item just for you ;-)

Enjoying the process.....

Oops didn't mean to have yet another mini break in posting here but I have been busy in my sewing attic creating accessories to go with the 'Boho bag' I created a couple of weeks ago. Making that bag seemed to really reignite the creative processes in my head and also reignite my love of batik fabrics. These fabrics are so colourful and vibrant that you can't not feel happy working with them.

Each one is embellished with some coordinating ribbon which I have been collecting (hoarding perhaps) for a while now, waiting for that perfect project, as you do :-) Inside each one is a little pocket for cards or perhaps a make-up mirror.

 For the lining in the purple/turquoise one and the blue/white one I used some African "Shwe shwe" fabric which I also used inside the 'Boho bag'

I tied some ribbon to the zipper pull to make it easier to close and the bottoms are 'boxed' so the sit on there own.

Plus each one has a wrist strap making it easier to carry if using on its own.

I cannot decide which one I like more. They are such a cute size too at 6" across the widest part and just 5" tall. What do you think??
 You can find them for purchase here in my Etsy shop and also in my Felt shop  :-)

Shop updates.....

I have been busy this week adding my new brooches to my shop like these cute little heart brooches with their mini heart safety pins. My favourite is the black and white one with the aqua stitching so if that one sells I might have to make one for myself to wear. I have also finally gotten around to getting my "Felt shop" up and running. "Felt" is the kiwi version of Etsy so if you're a local reader it will make buying my items easier.

I have only added my brooches so far to my felt shop but will add other items as time permits :-)

To visit my shops click on the buttons in my side bar. The Felt shop avatar and link is directly under my Etsy shop showcase button.

Hoping to get some more sewing done this weekend and maybe tidy up another part of my garden if the sun comes out to join me.

Wishing you a lovely weekend with whatever you have planned.