Dorset Buttons

 large Dorset Button

 giant Dorset Button!

my new obsession: 

making large Dorset buttons with rags

after my first failed attempt 

i read the tutorial properly and succeeded 

i really like them :)

new stuff

ha ha i thought i was making Dorset Buttons but as usual hadn't read the instructions properly!!! 

ah well i'm quite liking my woven buttons anyway but will try and follow the tutorial to the word next time i'm in the shop!

recycled lampshade - bird cage - mobile

inspired by the lampshades in 

"Granny Chic"

http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/books/granny-chic/9780857831552

by bloggers Dottie Angel and Ted and Agnes

i wanted to make one since i first saw one on Dottie Angel's blog

it is such a happy sunshiney piece.

i'm now scouring the charity shops for more ratty old lampshades to recycle!

Adventures with my sewing machine!

look look LOOK

i actually sewed in a zip!!!

it even open and closes!!!

I made myself a little pouch/purse/bag thingy :)

This is the first time i've actually sewn in a zip

 so it's a bit rough and ready but i'm very pleased with myself!

wordless wednesday

busy Christmas making!

bambi pom-pom wreath

deer pom-pom wreath

watch the birdy bauble

snowy gnome wreath

glittery angel bauble

cute russian doll clips

frosty the snowman clip

fruity clips!

sorry i've been neglecting my blog lately but i'm busy making stock to fill my shop for Christmas :)

revamped vintage baubles

recycled linens/doileys to new tote bags :)

there are more photo's and info on my shop's facebook page 

The-MaGpiEs-Nest

i'd love it if you'd "like" my page and share it with friends please

Merry Christmas everyone 

x xXx x

"Commotion in the Ocean"

 So here is my first attempt at a fascinator!

I was approached by a Mum from school about making her a hat for a fancy dress party, she sent me a photo of a crazy sea themed fascinator and asked if i could make something similar for her. Admitting i was rather nervous to take it on having never done anything like it before we emailed a few times and met up to discuss it further. 

I decided that yes i could do it and got my teeth thoroughly into the project!

here is the start

 and here is the end result

 i made a little corsage to go with it too

 it's not easy taking photo's of yourself!

i used loads of beads and shells all stitched on individually

and some long curly dried grasses to represent seaweed, 

the original photo sent to me had long grasses sticking straight up from the hat 

but i decided sideways was better and less chance of getting caught up in lampshades!

here is a photo of the party girl herself 

wearing my first ever fascinator!

Louise added some fish to the veil.

I think it definitely fitted the theme

"Commotion in the Ocean"

I loved making this fascinator, so i bought a bunch of millinery supplies and already have my next order from my daughter, who is by the way 18 years old on Wednesday, now how the hell did that happen?!