Minnie Burton Craft

Book Review- The Cookiepedia by Stacey Adimando

2012-01-24T22:09:00.001Z

A few ~~weeks~~ months ago, PGUK publishng very kindly sent me some of their crafty titles to review. I’ve been really slow in getting round to reading them and testing the projects out, but I’m planning to review a new one each week and I’m starting off with The Cookiepedia shown above.

The book is a fairly substancial hardcover spiral bound book. It is cute and quirky the kind of book I'd expect to see stocked in Urban Outfitters or some other cool bookshop.

The book has over 50 classic and unique recipes. (So many cookies, so little time!) Visually the book is stunning, lovely detailed pictures, cool illustrations, modern fonts- it is very pleasing to read.

I have only had time to test one recipe so far which was the Frosted Cookie receipe on the first few pages. I'm pleased to report that this was a sucess and you can see my effort by clicking here.

The only thing I would say is that I was very dubious about the book to start with because it is an American publication. I am a Brit and I felt that measuring in cups and other American formats could be a bit daunting. (I am used to, and prefer to measure in lbs and ozs) But luckily the book does have a conversion chart so I needn't have worried. It was simple enough to follow and the recipe came off without a hitch.

This book is pretty perfect regardless of whether you have an existing cookie cook book as it has the classic biscuits and the more interesting variety with a range of really scrummy sounding recipes. (I cannot wait to try the maple pecan or the green tea cookies!)

This book is avaliable now from all good bookshops or pick up your copy on Amazon for the bargain price of £10.79*

*Price correct when published.

Hello Kitty Cookies

2012-01-24T21:53:00.001Z

I was bought a Hello Kitty cookie set for Christmas. Yay for me. Boo for everyone else as now every biscuit and cookie I make will be Hello Kitty shaped!! (Unless they like Hello Kitty as much as me!)

I made these using a recipe from this book and even if I say so myself, they tasted delicious! But I also think they looked pretty darn good. Needless to say I was pretty proud of this effort!

Button Pins

2011-04-29T22:15:00.000+01:00

I got this kit from the Southbank Shop.

I made these with it:

Made with Cath Kidston scrap fabric.

Made from old Pillowcases and Scrap fabric.

More scrap fabric.

Sweetie Jewellery!

2010-12-15T01:21:00.000Z

So I've been adding stuff to my Folksy. And there's a bit of a theme going on.....

(Click picture to enlarge)

Yup it's official I only make sweet themed jewellery these days!

Hey Dollface!

2010-12-15T00:59:00.000Z

So I made this doll.....

It was meant to be super simple.... but basically I'm lazy and get distracted really easily so the four I'd initially planned to make aint gonna happen.

I thought it was ok but then the next day I got this in the post and realised I know nothing about making dolls.

How bloomin' cute is that? She's Kiki from the Ghibli film 'Kiki's delivery Service'.

She was crocheted by the very talented and lovely Heather who also has this wicked cute Etsy shop which you should all look at!

Not only is she gorgeous but not wanting to be a bit odd..... she even has mini crocheted undies! Look!!!

I sent her some stuff too... but it's not arrived yet... the snow is playing such havoc with all the parcels I've sent recently... :/

The doll I made was called Molly but I pretty much hate her and love Kiki now. So Molly's taking a trip to the charity shop soon.

Make the most of it Molls... your days are numbered!

Craft Fairs!

2010-11-17T00:27:00.000Z

I have lots of craft fairs coming up. So if you live in the Hertfordshire area I suggest you come and say Hello because I'm nervous and would really love to see a friendly face!

But I really must remind myself that any craft fair involving these:

and these:

Isn't going to be bad!

First one is next Saturday (20th of November) in Bayford Hertfordshire! Which if you're on Facebook (who isn't?) you can find out more about here! It's going to be great! So if you want to do some crafty Xmas shopping with a percentage of the money going to charity, pop down and buy!

Incidentally if you're wondering why there has been a lack of posts, Fuji and Argos are to blame for that! Week 3 and the camera hasn't even been fixed yet. The saga continues! Till next time!

Minnie

xxx

Introducing...

2010-11-07T13:55:00.001Z

Ok so it isn't craft related but this is the reason for my recent happy self I mentioned in my post about button necklaces!

She's settled really well and spends her time playing with a pink flamingo toy and sleeping in the sun. We're taking her to puppy training so hopefully we'll get the commands under control soon!

(I haven't forgotten about the domino themed give-away but my camera still isn't back from Fuji, so until then it won't be happening. Can't give away something you guys can't see!)

The Bead Party

2010-11-03T03:52:00.001Z

November already! That means I am way overdue in writing about 'The Bead Party' So without further ado...

Back in September Wib's mum had a birthday, a 'special' birthday, but I won't say how old she was because that would be mean but it was one of those big deal birthdays.

Anyway she decided that as it was a milestone birthday she would like to have a beady party so when she asked for my help I was totally cool and not obsessed about it for weeks...

Only that's a lie because I was completely taken over by all things beaded. Couldn't stop buying, organising, sorting, separating beads for weeks. Lived and breathed beads (not literally of course because that would have killed me) It was kinda really sad O.C.D behaviour now I look back on it.

I've just realised that I haven't explained what a bead party is. I think it's something that kinda got made up by those planning 'The Bead Party' but basically it was a party that involved beads. Lots of beads. And the attendees were invited to decide what they wanted to make and what beads that they wanted to use, sit and have wine and make pretty jewellery.

We hired a village hall, filled it with beads and invited people.

The bead supply area bit.

The table where everyone sat and made pretty things.

It was a pretty successful evening I think and now I really want someone else to have a birthday so we can do it all again. It was so much fun!

You may be wondering why I'm posting this now. Partly because I have nothing else to write about due to lack of crafting, because of preparing for Thursday (which will from now on be known as 'The day my dream came true.' ) But also partly because my new amazing camera BROKE and is now with the manufacturers being fixed. Encase you're wondering why the photos on this post look like they have jaundice, it's because the camera was on the verge of breaking. Stupid dumb flash!

And on that note I will leave you with some pictures of things people made on the night.

Enjoy!

Button Necklaces

2010-10-31T23:18:00.001Z

This weekend has been the best weekend for a long time.. possibly in forever.... but I will have to reveal all at a later date not wishing to tempt fate and all that.

Why this weekend has been great, is partly because I've been making button necklaces. Of course that isn't the soul reason for the best weekend ever but it did help. So because I am blissfully happy and surrounded by bright colorful buttons and beads you all have to look at stock images of pretty button necklaces too and maybe it will make you feel as happy as I do right now!

Enjoy!

And The Winner Is...

2010-10-30T01:35:00.000+01:00

The lovely Lauren at Ten23 Design!

It was honestly a tough call there were lots of cool comments but something jumped out at me about Lauren's

Lauren @ten23designs said...

"I am now a subscriber... so glad I found you. I would love to and should win this book because I love crafts and love halloween... so the book is just screaming my name.

I am also part of a moms group and I think this book would be a great addition to our craft ideas collection."

So Lauren, the book is yours! I have emailed you so please get into contact to claim your prize!

Sorry to everyone else that entered and didn't get picked but there will be another give-away this week! (yay)...So check back for that!...It's vintage and domino themed!

Also coming soon:

The launch of my Etsy shop.
A recap of my makes.
More give aways!
And maybe some other stuff if I get around to it!

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-10-24T22:23:00.002+01:00

As the title suggests I have been really busy this week. I haven't had a chance to really get up to many crafty or creative things! BUT I did have a spare moment to make this:

(Click to enlarge)

It's a backdrop for a Wib's band called Rhythm.(Duh!)...Anyway my friend and I Jonny Garrill (who also designed the album artwork for Rhythm and is the synth player) came up with it. It's made of a dust sheet, orange netting, black fabric paint and one of my old sarongs. It was all in aid of Rhythm's first live performance that took place in Wib's house..

But as well as helping to organise an after-show house party and designing a backdrop with Jonny I also found time to make these:

Cupcake shaped cookies ftw!

And on a side note.... the blog is totally playing up at the moment. I keep editing it and making it different because I'm so indecisive on how it should actually look..... BUT hopefully I'll figure out the HTML soon and it won't be so wonky looking! hmmm :-/

Pacman Resin Bangle- Waka waka waka

2010-10-17T20:38:00.000+01:00

I love PACMAN! I made this for a little swap I was taking part in on Cut out and Keep. I can post it now as my partner has recieved it and hopefully she likes it as much as I liked making it!

I also made this little sloth tote for our swap. He's just hanging there on a branch that has heart shaped leaves.

You can check out her blog here. I think she was happy with what I sent. :)

Also the contest to win a sweet Halloween craft book is still open! BUT you now have less than 6 days to enter. So be quick!

What does everyone think of the new ribbon design? Were the mad flowers better?

Kiki- Japanese Chin Pendant

2010-10-14T16:07:00.002+01:00

Are you bored of the Jewllery posts yet? I was thinking I should perhaps rename the blog to 'Minnie Burton Jewllery!' Just because I haven't really done any other craft recently aprart from making earrings and necklaces and being obsessed with beads.
In my defence since I had a little accident and my eye got a little bit injured I've only been able to manage with large beads and chunky cords.. but I'm feeling so much better now so normal sewing type craft will resume soon.

In the mean time take a look at this little pendant I made. This was one I techincally "broke" my eye on but miracuously it came out ok.

I can't take credit for the pretty picture as this was drawn by a friend of mine. It was an originally a Christmas card that she sent out last year and in all honesty I was toying with the idea of just chucking it, but then I thought 'Nah! Kiki looks way to cute! I'll embed her!' Not literally of course but you know what I mean.

I'm assuming this was the photo inspiration:

One tiny dog in a whole load of snow!

CLOSEDGiveaway! Free Craft Book! Witch Craft!

2010-10-11T14:01:00.009+01:00

This give-away is now closed but check back for more freebies... coming soon!

What's this? A free book?
Yes my friends for the first time on this blog there is going to be a giveaway!
I am really pleased to be able to partner with PGUK and Quirk Books to be able to giveaway a fantastic copy of Witch Craft.

Initially if I'm honest I was a little dubious about hosting a giveaway as it's not something I really want my blog to be about...but this book is so fantastic I couldn't resist and I just had to share!

The book is all kinds of awesome with 25 spooky themed crafts to be made just in time for Halloween!

My particular favourite are the Ruby Slippers and the creepy Cross Stitch Button Earrings!

Click here to read my review on Witch Craft.

For your chance to win!

*YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER TO MINNIE BURTON CRAFT*

1)Read my review of Witch Craft by clicking here!

2)Then leave a comment on this post or the review to let me know why you think you should be the winner!

*If you aren't already a subscriber don't panic! Go to the Subscribe tab and take one of the options, it's quick and painless! I promise!

The contest if open from today (Monday 11th of October) and will close on Saturday the 23rd of October 23:59 (GMT)

Good Luck!

*YOU CAN ENTER MORE THAN ONCE!...

*If you also feel like promoting this contest via your own blog, facebook, twitter or other means, you can enter more than once! Yay! Just send me a message with your link of promotion and feel free to leave another comment!

Any comments left by non subscribers will not be entered into the contest.

Second commens left without any promotion will be removed.
I reserve the right to remove any comment I feel inappropriate to this blog, book and giveaway.
The winner will be sent the book by PGUK or Quirk books depending on location. Minnie Burton Craft is not responsible for it's delivery.

Book Review- Witch Craft Magaret (McGuire and Alicia Kachmar)

2010-10-11T13:57:00.001+01:00

The kind people at Quirk books and PGUK have sent me a copy of Witch Craft to review. What with Halloween just round the corner I felt it was fairly apt to have a look and see what kind of craft ideas were on offer.

Witch Craft- Wicked Accessories, Creepy-Cute Toys, Magical Treats, and More! Compiled by Margaret McGuire and Alicia Kachmar

This book is a cute little manual for all things spookily sweet. It has a range of crafts from crocheting to cookery and with over 25 different projects there is sure to be something for everyone.

I was a little dubious that the book would continue to have a good standing after the Halloween festivities had passed, but a lot of the projects (though Halloween themed) are transferable to other holidays or can be made into more gerneral crafts. For example the sparkly mary janes and the gorgeous recipe for posion Ivy lip balm could be made at any time of the year and still make a wonderful gift of project.

Whatever level of craft you are at, the book will have something it can offer you... But I must warn that some of the projects involving crocheting or knitting can only really be completed with some prior knowlege of these techniques. The book seems to assume that most of it's readers will have basic knitting or crocheting experience so a little learning as you go along may be required.

Some of the projects are also suitable for more littler ones, such as the graveyard cupcakes and the spooky crystal balls. As well as some fantastic gift ideas it also offers decoration tips which is great if you thinking of planning a Haloween themed bash!

Overall it is a great little book, especially with Halloween just around the corner. You can currently buy it from Amazon for the bargain price of only £6.99 or for even more of a bargain you can enter my giveaway and win a copy for FREE!

8/10

Button Resin Pendants

2010-09-25T18:42:00.001+01:00

Some more resin pendants that I've been busy making... but this time with tiny buttons!

You might say that they're as cute as a button...God I'm sad!

Anyway they have now been drilled and sanded and one has become a phone charm but the other two are reserved for necklaces.

Pictures to follow shortly!

Cath Kidston and Vintage Scrap Fabric Resin Necklace Pendants

2010-09-15T20:51:00.003+01:00

The resin jewellery making is going OK! I've actually had pieces that I'm really pleased with! But then on the other hand I have had a serious accident due to the resin making fun! Ah well swings and roundabouts?

The above picture are made from a tear-drop mould and are a mix of Cath Kidston scrap fabric and vintage fabric. I especially like the second from left one. So 70s!

Here is one of the necklaces after it had been sanded, glossed and drilled.

Not sure if I like it hanging from a ribbon but am unsure as to what else I can use. Suggestions?

Cath Kidston- Stitch! New Craft Book!

2010-09-12T01:10:00.001+01:00

Eeek! Cath Kidston is to release a third craft book on the 1st of October 2010! I am already excited! I have both 'Make' and 'Sew' and I'm hoping the third instalment won't be a disappointment! This time it claims to focuse on needlepoint and cross stitch so fingers crossed it will be full of cute patterns and fun projects! As per the last two books you also get your free kit to get you started! This time it's the cute little pouch on the front!

It is already pre-ordered so I can have it on the day of release! I am a keen bean! In the mean time I shall have to wait..so have been busying myself updating my Amazon wishlist because I'm cool!

You can pre order form Play.com or Amazon!

Make Do And Mend Resin Bangle

2010-09-11T14:42:00.001+01:00

So when I bought that resin sewing bit and bobs bangle, it got me thinking if I could produce the same sort of thing myself. It's just a natural reaction I seem to have to anything I buy, 'Could I have made that myself?'

So I got Google-ling and realise that I probably could have made it myself. I then purchased myself some jewellery resin making supplies and have been messing about experimenting since.

This one of the things I came up with. Inspired by the bracelet I already purchased because quite frankly you can never have too much sewing inspired jewellery.

I still need to file and gloss this one but I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

I got these little sewing decorations from my 99p store which are actually card decorations but they worked so well embedded in my bangle.

I added my own gold decorative paint to the sewing machine...not really sure if I like that part so much!

Ah well more of my pieces to come soon!

Button Necklace

2010-09-01T00:34:00.000+01:00

A small selection of the buttons!

I got lots and lots of buttons from eBay. They were pretty and colourful and I decided to make some of them into a necklace. It was a massive pack and I now have 133 buttons to use in another projects/ projects!

It was lovely and simple to make and I'm now thinking that I may make some in shades as well! A greeny one, a bluey one, a pinky purplely one?

I was wearing a black outfit today and the multi coloured one seemed to work really well!

Hope you like it!

Union Jack French Memo Board- How To

2010-08-21T23:33:00.004+01:00

I've made a lot of French memo boards for friends and family over the years but I realised I'd never put one of my creations on the internet! So here is the latest one I made which was inspired by the Union Jack flag but I couldn't resist making it pink, floral and girly!

(That Forest ticket is from 2006! Oldskool!)

I used pink gingham ribbons, blue chintz fabric and stuck a big pink heart to the front (cos the middle pin was slightly wonky!).

If you'd like to learn how to make one of these for yourself click below to read more! A sweet little tutorial and more photos of the board follow! The best thing about this project is that it requires no sewing skills!

You will need:

A piece of wood, cork board or notice board or similar.
A piece of fabric equal to the size of the wood (or cork, etc.) plus 3 inches on each side. (Pillow cases tend to be perfect!)
A piece of batting, wadding, padding equal to the size of the base plus 2 inches on each side. (I actually sometimes use a small amount of old quilt cut to size.
A staple gun (power or manual) and enough staples.
Ribbon for each board.
Split pins to put into the board where the ribbons cross. (It also keeps the ribbon on the board and in place!)
Felt for the back to cover the staples and split pin marks.

Step 1: Lay out all the pieces and line up all your edges. Make sure to smooth down the fabric and batting, which could bunch up in the process.

Step 2: Staple, beginning at the center of each side by turns and then stapling the rest of each side based on whatever scheme you think works best. Pull on the fabric so it becomes taught and smooth.

Step 3: The corners are tricky, but the best method I've found it to staple each side's length out and then fold the corner into a diagonal over itself, like a diamond.

Step 4: Trim the edges of the fabric down to 1/4 - 1/2" to keep it neat.

Step 5: Measure and cut your ribbons. First, measure corner to corner diagonally and cut those with about 2 inches to spare on each side.

Step 6: Cutting the rest of the ribbons isn't easy so use a tape measure, pieces of string, whatever you can to visualise the lengths and then cut them with a bit to spare, plus the usual 2" on each end to wrap over the frame.

Step 7: Decide on what layout you want your ribbons to be in. You can do diagonal, rectangular, union jack shaped, endless! Play about and see what works for you!

Pin the ribbons in place, applying tension as you pin.

Step 8: Trim the ribbon edges on the back. Then use a bradawl to put holes though the ribbons, fabric and board. (Be careful and don't puncture yourself!) Pop the split pins through the board.

Step 9: Cut a size of felt to cover the board's back so you can't see the ugly split pins, ribbon ends, and staples. Either staple it or glue it to the back to create a neat finish.

Step 10: Bask in the glory of your new French memo board.

If you have any questions or problems making this drop me a line here! Apologies for the poor photographs my camera is out of action and the I-phone has had to step in!

Sewing Bits and Bobs Bangle

2010-08-20T20:29:00.000+01:00

I bought a bangle today. It was so ME! It was filled with cute sewing bits and I just had to have it! I thought it was quite pricey at £14.99 but it was unlike anything else I'd ever seen so took the plunge and just bought it, as they only had one left!

I'm really pleased with it! I got it from a tiny boutique in my home town called the Closet.

Honestly soo much cuter in the flesh!

BUT I felt a bit guilty for spending so much on it, so I did what I always do by torturing myself and seeing if I could have found it cheaper online and then feeling sad for being impulsive.

SO I did exactly that and decided to peruse the internet and I FOUND IT!
It was exactly the same but it was £35.00! (YAY!)

For once I had taken an impulsive shopping risk and it had paid off! Yay.

If you want to buy my bracelet for yourself at over double what I paid then head over to the Joy website where you can buy it here.

Minnie Burton Breaks Turkey!

2010-08-09T22:38:00.000+01:00

I didn't literally break Turkey! I did 'break' it in the sense that now over a quarter of my readers come from that particular country.

I really couldn't understand it! I mean 'Why Turkey?' Don't get me wrong, I love Turkey! I had a holiday there once and it was FAB-U-LOUS. Lots of white sand and clear blue water. Gorgeous.
But why were a high percentage of my readers coming from there and not for arguments sake, say Canada or Russia or even Indonesia for that matter....

I decided to do some detective work and looked at all my hits, where they'd come from, what had been typed into a search engine the geographical location of each visitor and so on. I then discovered this website.

And there were two of my skirt tutorials in full glory.

I can not for the life of me work out what this website is about. I wish I had a translator installed on my computer. I just hope whatever is being said about my projects in Turkish is nice and friendly.... and if that is the case I'd just like to say thanks to Turkey for all the support and hits they've been giving me the past couple of weeks! You guys are ace!

Vintage Inspired Alice In Wonderland Birthday Card

2010-08-06T01:35:00.000+01:00

I can reveal this now as it has been sent!

I made this little Alice in Wonderland card for my friend who is a massive fan of the original cartoon version. Super easy to do and did't break the bank! Yay!

Here she is about to eat some cake! Then.....

Oh no! She has grown into a big Alice!

I think I'm done now!

2010-08-06T01:29:00.001+01:00

I have finally decided on the design now and I am sticking with it! Afterall can't go back on what I said! I've been working really hard. Hopefully you like the new look. So for your crafting needs, you are in the right place! But if you really did love my silly ramblings you can access those on my brand spanking new blog Modern Minnie! If you spot any errors or mistakes please point them out! I'm by no means perfect!

Thanks for your patience while the site was 'down'!

Change is good..

2010-08-01T17:39:00.001+01:00

CHANGE

[cheynj]
–verb (used with object)
to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of(something) different from what it is or from what it would beif left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion;to change the course of history.

So the time has come for a big shake-up on this blog. I'm just generally tired with the content, layout, design and everything to do with Minnie Burton. I could give up and just ignore that I ever created this blog, but I don't want to do that! Incidentally did you know most blogs are abandoned within their first three months! I have happily got past that mark but it is time for a complete over-haul... and all though I'm scared because it's gonna be a lot of work with what could be fruitless results, I think it will be kinda exciting too!

So what can you expect from these changes....

Consistency- I am bad at blogging loads in a week, then nothing for three weeks. It's gotta stop!
I vow to also decide on a design and stick with it I'm too indecisive but the time has come to find a theme that I like, that works and that I'll keep.... for at least six months!
More posts about craft- Majority of hits to my blog come from craft minded people. People looking for how-tos, books reviews, and project inspiration. So that is exactly what Minnie Burton is going to become. I originally set up Minnie Burton as a crafting blog and I've jut become lazy and it's got to stop. Posts aboutshoes, hamsters and Burt and Ernie pot holders belong somewhere else! However if you also enjoy the insane ramblings, shopping posts and pretty pictures DON'T WORRY! There is a new blog for that! (Coming soon!)
More 'how-tos' I've been doing a lot of thinking recently, not that I'm a stranger to it(did I mention that I studied Philosophy?) but In this thinking, I came to the conclusion that I can make a few things from scratch to an OK-ish standard, so it's time to share. I am after all self-taught at sewing, baking, knitting and crafting so how hard can it be? Therefore at least one how-to a week. Promise!
Guest bloggers and blogging. Self explanatory me thinks!
Better photos. Must stop using my I-phone to take pictures and get out my decent camera! Another lazy issue!
Advertisement and affiliates. Yep finally decided on what websites, blogs and companies I want advertised on my site. So that's a bit more boring but also coming soon!

That's all for now. Keep checking back and hopefully you'll like what you see. Tata for now!

I am McBlogLovin!

2010-07-20T00:48:00.003+01:00

To make this blog lark even easier for you nice people you can now follow me via Blog Lovin. What it is exactly... I'm not sure, how it works... I don't know but let's give it a go and see if it's fun!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Moving...

2010-07-18T23:20:00.001+01:00

Minnie Burton has moved!

Once upon a time to find me you had to type the slightly long winded http://minnie-burton.blogspot.com

I've made it slightly easier and you can now access the blog at www.minnieburton.co.uk

Hooray!
(If you really like the old web address you can still access it that way... if you really want to!)

My thanks goes out to Jack, as without him I couldn't work out how to change the URL and all that hosting shizzle. So Thank-you Jack I owe you a pint!

Also just wanted to mention that I've been tracking all my visitors and have had:

5,541 unique hits
131 returning visitors since May 2010
A plethora of visitors from all over the globe

Lovely!

Thank You for the support new and loyal readers!

xxx

P.S In celebration check out the new layout design and let me know your opinion.

Vintage Silk Scarf Cushion

2010-06-29T21:26:00.003+01:00

I love scarves and I have lot and lots of them! I collect them and they sit in a drawer and unless they're woolly and warm I just forget to wear them. I just never think, 'I know this outfit needs a scarf!'
So as a result I had a little clean up of my scarf collection and amongst the cashmere, wool, silk, chiffon and pashmina scarves I set aside some that I could use in sewing and crafting projects.

I loved the particular silk scarf I used, it was made in Japan and the colours made me feel so summery! But I find square shaped scarves really hard to wear and the colours of this was perfect for sprucing up my living room!

So I turned it into a cushion cover. I think it worked pretty well. The back fabric was also recycled material (I bet you can't guess what it used to be!? Yup a pillowcase!)

I have another lilac scarf in a similar style which I will do the same thing to when I find it.... but in the mean time I hope you enjoy the pics!

There are more pictures of the scarf and pillowcase before it was transformed after the jump!

I'm back baby! (And I made a tie!)

2010-06-27T22:14:00.004+01:00

Hello! Remember me? Sorry for lack of posting but now I finally feel a bit settled and ready to re-start this neglected blog! I've been busy busy busy!

But now I'm back and let me show you some of the things that have kept me from blogging:

So I recently went to a wedding it was lovely! I made cakes for the wedding which I will post about when I get my photos back. I was also in charge of decorating which I will also post about at some point in the near future!

For said wedding Will couldn't decide what tie to wear, but he knew he wanted it to match his purple shirt. So after trying in vain to find one he'd like we decided it would be best if I made him one. I luckily had the excellent craft book S.E.W by Diana Rupp which I reviewed a while back!)It was nice and simple and I even made it with polka dot lining. It was made from my favourite recyclable item- a pillowcase!

Once it was a pillowcase.

(Click 'Read More') To see more pictures.

But who needs one odd pillowcase with no matching duvet? It was calling out to be recycled!

Polka dot lining.

Today is May the Fourth...

2010-05-04T16:25:00.001+01:00

Therefore I have one thing to say "May the fourth be with you." Geddit? No fourth of May would be complete without some Star Wars related craft. Enjoy!

Aladdin Sane David Bowie- Silhouette T-shirt

2010-04-22T15:54:00.001+01:00

I am a massive Bowie fan! He's had many looks over the years and I love them all even the Labyrinth look but my personal fave is the one he sports on the front cover of Aladdin Sane. There's something so striking about that zigzag across his face. Anyway I have to admit that this idea wasn't entirely my own, it came about from one shirt I saw in a shop for a whooping £30, Will's ideas and Mine and all together we came up with this...

More pictures after the jump!

It was so simple to do but I guess those are often the best projects! The outline was drawn on with a T-shirt marker and I have to admit, I made a few errors it isn't easy to get that silhouette perfect and I am by no means that good at drawing. But I think it turned out OK! I then got some blue and red PVC and sewed a nice zigzag across his face. I'm fairly pleased with how it turned out! Simple but effective. Here's the original inspiration encase you've never seen it, which quite frankly would be surprising!

Another Pillowcase Skirt

2010-04-20T18:26:00.001+01:00

I Spent last night making this skirt whilst watching the trials and tribulations of the characters on Eastenders. It was a pillowcase with a gorgeous broderie anglais trim. It seemed a shame to waist it so I hemmed it to the bottom of the skirt thus killing two birds with one stone.

The pillowcase was hella see through so I made a lining for it out of an old white duvet cover. All in all the skirt cost me less than 50p to make, which makes me a very happy sewer!

I used my own tutorial which you can access via the Cut Out and Keep website here.The only difference is that I added a lining and the trim for this version which aren't included on the CO+K instructions.

Minnie xx

Weekend Inspiration

2010-04-16T22:49:00.000+01:00

It's my birthday this weekend! While I'd like to be having a relaxing time with my family, sadly I am a bit snowed under with working this week! But hey it's not like its a special birthday and while technically I am not three years old (add 19 years to that figure!) I just love this card and am going to be thinking about all the..

Good Times.
Suprises.
Friends to Play With.

For a little bit of happy inspiration!

It is also a minor double celebration as this here post marks Minnie Burton's 50th post!... which either means I am doing myself proud by keeping up with this blogging lark or that I am too full of my own waffle for my own good!

I'd also like to say a very happy birthday to my brilliant cousin Scott! He's 21 today! We could have so nearly been twins if only he'd have been born 363 days earlier!

Have a brilliant weekend I'm going to get my birthday started with some (Palm Oil free) birthday cake!

Book Review: Make Your Own Clothes: Twenty Custom-fit Patterns to Sew by PatternMaker and Marie Clayton

2010-04-13T21:49:00.000+01:00

Make your own clothes, is a craft book with a difference. It has the usual step by step instructions but it also comes with a CD rom that prints off custom made patterns to your size! Simply input your vital statistics, press print and voila perfect custom pattern for your bod! So in theory the book should be brilliant but is it all that it promises to be?

I bought this book on a bit of a whim and have been studying it for a while now and I think the simplest way of doing this is to highlight the book's good and bad points because there are multiples for both!

THE GOOD
1) The book is part of the C&B craft range and I have a couple of these books and find them fantastic reference points. They are great for beginners to advanced sewers and have good overall techniques and advice.
2)The cd-rom that comes with the book means you can print out patterns to be your exact size. You simply imput your measurements and it will create a tailor made pattern. You print it out on your own computer and stick the sheets together so you can make multiple copies of the same pattern.
(one tailored for you and one for a friend possibly?) The CD rom is also very simple to use and happily you do not have to be a computer whiz to use it!
3)Lovely full colour illustrations and simple to follow steps.
4)Generally it is a nice book, nice print, nice pics, nice cd-rom, you know it's nice!

THE BAD
1) The patterns are a little hit and miss. I would say just over a third of them I will attempt at some point. I am 21 but by no means looking for uber trendy outfits, just wearable. Sadly I have a feeling this book may have been rehashed from the 80s or 90s but with more modern pics. Some of the patterns are God awful! The swing jacket and elasticated waist trousers in particular!
2)Though the pictures are nice and in full colour the models all look a little stiff and uncomfortable. A teenage girl in a hideous swing jacket in YELLOW. Need I say more?
3)Some of the pieces which would be brilliant have been made in TERRIBLE fabric. It's a shame whoever was the design brains behind this book didn't research more trendy or even non-dating fabric.
4)The price. At the moment I think this is still a little steep for a book that is GOOD but not GREAT. Especially where there are so many great patterns available via BurdaStyle. The tailor made patterns cinched the deal for me and while I don't regret buying it I could have easily waited for it to be reduced further. Not an essential purchase for me I suppose!

You can currently buy it at Amazon priced at £8.56

Painting in Nepal

2010-04-08T00:26:00.002+01:00

I've been doing what I do best and reminiscing about the good old days! I thought I'd share with you something that was mighty important to me and one of the best make overs I was ever apart of!

(Before)

(The desk my little helper is standing on is actually her bed!)

(After)

More pictures after the jump!

Decorating a bedroom in a Nepali children's home is very stressful when you don't speak the language. Imagine trying to communicate with the carers about your ideas for the girl's bedrooms! Or trying to go into a hardware ~~store~~ shack and order paint. It isn't easy! I didn't know that the paint we bought had to be mixed with oil and water! I did wonder for the first hour or so why it was going on the walls like the substance of thick cream cheese! We got there in the end though and I think the result wasn't half bad! Much better than that hideous peach colour previously!

Now for cheesy 'during' shots!

Spring Birds

2010-04-07T20:24:00.001+01:00

I am desperately hoping the weather hots up soonish. It is so cold still here in the Midlands! I still have to wear my Winter coat! Brrrr! Anyway whilst wishing I could truly believe Spring had arrived I got all crafty in a Spring like mood and I turned this....

Into this...

Click to read more!

Who knew wedding invites could be so geeky chic?

2010-04-03T00:30:00.000+01:00

A good friend of mine, Lara is getting married this summer and the wedding I'm sure will be full of fun and unconventional, unstuffy traditional wedding stuff! Why would I think this? ... Just take a look at the wedding invites, you'll know what I mean!

(Click image to enlarge)

They are so damn beautiful, personal and original and the best part is she designed them herself! Using your own artistic skills to personalise your wedding day is such a nice touch, don't ya think?

The invites feature aspects that are personal to the couple and they just could not be any cooler! I received mine in the post last week and it's so much better in the flesh! I mean it looks fab on-line but even better on the gorgeous paper she chose. (Plus it arrived with a dog postal stamp which made it better still!)

This is not her first foray into the world of graphic design! Check out her website here! or find the Toastmonster button in the blog sidebar. And the best news is if you like the look of these invitations, she does commissions! HOORAY! Click here to contact Lara Crow via email.

I phone Sock

2010-04-03T00:12:00.000+01:00

I had a little bit of spare material left over from the pillowcase skirt I made. I recently got an I-phone and was dithering about what case to get to protect it. I wasn't sure if I wanted a flip one, a skin style one, a sock style one....There are just too many to choose from so I decided to take the decision making into my own hands and make myself a sock for my I-phone.

It was so simple and easy to make and took me less than twenty minutes! I just measured my phone and worked out how much material I needed. I made a casing for the top so it was a nice tight elasticated fit. I'm just loving red at the moment so luckily it matches my bags, shoes, purse and other things. It must be an Aries thing being a fire sign and all.

Because it is a sock for my I-phone and I use my phone for taking pictures for the blog I can't get a picture of my phone inside the sock! Doh! Ah well just use your imaginations!

Easter Vacation!

2010-03-26T21:30:00.000Z

I am taking an Easter Vacation so no blog updates till the 2nd of April I'm afraid! In the mean time I hope you have a fabulous Easter and I'll be back blogging before you know it.
Keep checking out my projects on Cut Out and Keep and don't be afraid to drop me messages via the blog, email or twitter. All messages and feedback is greatly appreciated and the support I've had so far from family, friends and the online craft community has been ace. Thank-you!

Have a fabulous palm oil free Easter!

Love Minnie!

xxxxxxx

In the mood for some Easter craft projects.

2010-03-26T16:58:00.000Z

With this being Friday and Easter fast approaching I thought I'd give you a little present for the weekend. Check out the tutorials and websites to make some amazing Easter crafts!
Enjoy!

Egg themed greetings cards from Martha Stewart.

Coffee Filter Flower from Craft Tutorials.

Bowling Pin Easter Bunnies from Beneath the Rowan Tree.

Easter Cake Pops from Bakerella.

And finally marbled chocolate Easter cake from Somerfield.

Palm Oil Free Fair Trade Easter Egg- Lir

2010-03-25T20:46:00.000Z

I've had a lot of hits on my blog about my post on palm oil and my quest to find a chocolate Easter Egg that contained none of the yucky stuff.
Well I am pleased to say that for those of you in the UK and Ireland I have found you a palm oil free Easter egg! Hallelujah!

I found this in my local Tesco store it was the only one I could be sure was palm oil free as it had no mention of vegetable oil. The best thing is that it's only £4.99 and made by Lir, who are a fairly small independent chocolate and coffee company based in Killarney, Ireland. I've been to Killarney and had a brilliant time so perhaps I'm biased but it feels good to support a smaller company rather than Cadbury or Nestle for a change! The only thing I'm a bit peeved about is that it came from Tesco, so in a way I'm supporting one of the biggest suppliers of palm oil filled products to the UK but hey you can't win every battle I suppose!

Check out Lir, Killarney here.

Egg is £4.99 at Tesco.

How To- Make a Skirt from a Pillowcase Tutorial

2010-03-25T17:06:00.000Z

I bought this pillowcase ages ago from a charity shop and only just rediscovered it. It has everything I love.. polka dots and flowers! Plus the colours and panelling almost have a nautical theme about it. Anyway I turned it from this.......

To This!

I think it was 50p well spent!

Click 'Read more' to see my tutorial for how to make a pillowcase skirt yourself!

You will need:

One pillowcase
Matching thread
Sewing elastic
Stitch ripper (optional)
Tape measure

Start by unpicking all the seams of the pillowcase. I did this as it meant I would have ready made hems and seams, and it added a tiny bit of length to the finished skirt. BUT you could just cut along the seams if you are feeling lazy and not too bothered about how short the skirt will become.
When you've unpicked the seams you will be left with one large oblong panel. Cut off the folded envelope bit so your left with one panels which should have a fold down the middle making two equal panels.
Cut along that fold line. Then sew it back together! Obviously this is a little tedious but it means my skirt had two side seams rather than just the one seam. You could skip this step and leave the panel as one piece and just have one seam at the back of the skirt. I personally much prefer two side seams!
When you have you two piece joined at one side you need to fold over 1/2" and press and then 1/2" again and press to make a neat hem. Then sew.
Now you need to make a casing. A casing is what the elastic will lie inside and will form the waistband of your skirt. First measure your elastic's width not length! (mine was one cm wide)
You then need to turn over 1/2" and press then turn over again by about 1cm to make your casing. Press that 1cm fold and sew as close to edge as you can.
You should now have a sort of tunnel in which you will thread your elastic through. Another helpful tutorial on making a casing can be accessed here. When you have your casing you need to figure out how long to make your elastic. Measure your waist or wherever you want your skirt to sit and take away 4" as it will stretch!
Thread your elastic through the casing gathering the material as you go. Make sure you don't lost one end of the elastic inside the skirt or you may have to start again. Pinning it at one end while you thread the other end through is a great idea.
When you've threaded the elastic through the casing you will have a gathered waist band. Now you just need to pin the final side seam together (make sure you leave the pins in the elastic!) and sew!

Enjoy your new pillowcase skirt!

I'd rather be thrifting....

2010-03-23T13:32:00.000Z

Rather self explanatory!

How to- Make A Circular Tablecloth Into A Full Circle Skirt.

2010-03-08T00:55:00.004Z

My tutorial on how to turn a tablecloth into a kimono is reaching a high level of popularity on the Cut Out and Keep website. (#13 in the top 20 last time I checked.) I am absolutely over the moon, the response I have had for that creation has just been great. Such nice comments!
It got me thinking about how else can I use a tablecloth in other re-fashion projects? I then discovered this gorgeous full circle table cloth in my local charity shop and its fate was decided right there and then.
It went from this .........

To this..........................

A full circle skirt! The print just automatically decided its fate! It was too vintage to be any other type of skirt I think a 50s style suited it down to a T! If you are interested in how to do this project yourself you can find the how to if you click 'read more'.

Circular tablecloths have sometimes seen better days! That's why I suggest breathing new life into one and making it something retro and beautiful to wear!

1) First select your circular tablecloth. I was lucky enough to find this one with gorgeous trim to the bottom. It was calling out to be a skirt!(excuse my messy flat! :s)

2)You the need to fold the circle in half and the half again! (Into a quarter of its size.) The head over to this tutorial........
http://www.whatthecraft.com/tuts/circ.htm and look at technique 2 for how to cut your waist.

BUT because I am lazy and a cheat I decided to make my waist too big.

Firstly because of the pattern on my skirt. By cutting it too big it meant there was an easy to follow flower print to the top I could cut along I also wanted it to be the main focus of my waistband. Basically I could keep a flower effect on the waistband that I particularly liked.

Secondly because it is much easier to make a casing and elasticated skirt than to insert a zipper :)

Tutorial here for making your casing! http://www.ehow.com/how_2216208_make-waistband-casings.html

3) Then fold your skirt into half and cut along the sides. You could just cut one side open but I prefer the two to be cut which means they make side seams rather than just having one at the back. However it is completely up to you!

4) You then need to sew one of the skirt's seams right sides together and make your casing. When making the casing try to get it so it is not smaller than the elastic or much bigger as it will result in a nicer finish.

5) Measure how big your elastic should be and thread through your casing. The sew the last side seam together.

6) Then bask in the glory of your new tablecloth skirt!

Who knows how to crochet?

2010-03-05T22:57:00.000Z

If anybody can crochet I'd love for someone to make me this...

[it's my birthday in April]

I found it over at the rather cool 'Crochet Living' which is full of nifty vintage crafting patterns. In case you were wondering it is a poodle wine cosy! I don't know why you need a cosy for wine because I thought most should be served chilled, but hey who cares! I want a poodle wine cosy dammit!
I so wish I could crochet. Oh well another thing for the 'To Do' list!

If you are lucky enough to be able to crochet head over to 'Crochet Living' where the patten is available for free! Then get your hooks out and some pink merino and then pop it in the post to me! Thanks!

Book Review: S.E.W. Sew Everything Workshop- Diana Rupp

2010-03-04T15:04:00.000Z

My newest purchase is:
Diana Rupp's 'S.E.W. Sew Everything Workshop'.

The book is designed for the beginner sewer with all basic techniques covered. It is informative and simple for the novice sewer, but not so much that a more experienced crafter would be put off.
It takes you through step by step almost holding your hand as you progress through techniques to a range of patterns starting from the novice project of sewing a no fastening skirt, to more complex projects, such as making boxer shorts. The book has some homeware patterns too including cushions, curtains (etc) but it is mainly for the dressmaking market.

My only grumble with the book, is that it has too much information on sewing machines! To me it was an unnecessary point of reference as most readers, (I'd imagine) would have already purchased or obtained a sewing machine so her suggestions are a little irrelevant. Not to mention all pricing is done in dollars so left me a little bewildered!

Overall it is a great book, which I recommend. It is also a great buy when you consider you get eight free dressmaking patterns included in the sleeve of the book. I can't wait to try some out!
I give it 8.5/10

You can currently buy it from Amazon priced at £11.03

Porcupine and a Hedgehog.

2010-03-02T00:22:00.000Z

My cake decorating skills are a bit naff. I tried so hard to make a nice cake for for Ryan, but he had to make do with a thing that resembled a bloated porcupine and a dead hedgehog. That frosting was made from cream cheese though, so it tasted delicious! Oh well my skills may be pants but check out Sue B's!

Jealous.

Now I haven't seen ~~many~~ any other Labyrinth cakes, but I'm pretty sure this is the best one in existence.

I'm not sure this is the best Mario cake I've ever seen but it certainly is the most tasty one I've ever eaten!

Hmmm cake!

Total Recall T Shirt.

2010-03-01T20:53:00.001Z

Total Recall is an awesome film, possibly my favourite Arnie film!

Thinking it would look awesome on a Tee, I set about to make it become reality.

This was the result.

Click below to see the inspiration!

I found this wicked art designed by Taylor Stout.

www.tstout.com

Also check out my 'How To' tutorial on Cut Out and Keep!