A4 Envelope Sized Flat Handbag (Satchel)!

Merry Christmas! Hope you're having an enjoyable time with your family and friends.

To BUSINESS!!

Please excuse the really bad quality of the photo!! 

The dark blue background level are pockets. The straps separate and make 3 pockets. Goes around the bag so that makes it 6 external pockets! 2 internal pockets. I LOVE POCKETS!! 

The bag is a big A4 sized envelope to hold documents and stuff.

This was initially made for my mum for Xmas but because it's not up to MY standards, I'm keeping it for myself and will make her a better bag! 

Enjoy and be safe!

Reversible messenger bag!

Here's my 2nd project that I stayed up till 3.30am to finish on Sunday morning!

It's a reversible messenger bag for my work's Kris Kringle. Hope she likes it!

I can provide the measurements but I didn't take photos of the process of making it. I took photos of the finished product tho! :D I adapted the pattern from No time to sew: Messenger Bag Tutorial and simplified it for myself.

2 sets (Coordinating fabric - For the main body and lining):

• 2 of 15" x 10.5" (Main)
• 1 of 12" x 10" (Flap)
• 2 of 7.5" x 10" (Lined pocket)
• 1 of 44"-45" (Strap)

Inbetween the main and lining, I used quilt batting to 'soften' the bag instead of fusible interfacing. I thought I'd just give the quilt batting idea a try because I've never sewn with quilt batting before:

• 2 of 15" x 10.5" (Body)
• 1 of 12" x 10" (Flap)

I ended up forgetting to sew one of the pockets to the main/outside fabric. I finished sewing up the main side before attaching the pocket. So I sew the 7.5" x 10" pocket and split into 2 pockets in the middle, to the inside lining. Also personal choice with the number of pockets and where to put them!

The finished messenger bag measurements: 

• Flap: 11" x 9"
• Bag: 14.5" x 8" x 3.5"
• Strap: 1 3/4" x 44"

Enjoy!! :o)

Janome 2160DC and my first project!!

I am a proud mummy to my birthday/early Xmas present, a Janome 2160DC  sewing machine! The first thing I felt was scared. Absolutely SCARED!!! I'm scared of needles, sewing needles and pins... but not injection needles when I get my vaccination jabs?? Weird!

The Janome 2160DC is a sweet little sewing machine introduced to me by Denice, who works at Liz's Sewing Centre at Boronia. Lovely, lovely lady! She sat me down (with my husband staring into space! haha) and taught me briefly how to use the sewing machine. I was intrigued! I've always wanted a sewing machine but that thought never eventuated until this year! HAH!

For the first time in my life, I know how to thread the sewing machine and the bobbin. It was a big achievement for me!! It was so much fun!! Then I started playing around with the machine, tested different stitches and different foot. Still a bit lost with the button holes but I'll learn somehow! Just be aware that the Janome 2160DC has a mind of its own when you go past almost 3/4 of the sewing speed.

I won't go into the whole spiel about the Janome 2160DC since that info can be found at the Janome website.

Today... Or yesterday rather, I decided to make a bag. I followed the instructions that Debbie Shore shared on YouTube. She is awesome!!! It took me much longer to make the bag because I sewed 2 pieces together a few times on the wrong sides so I had to unpick them. After some unlady-like swearing, I finally unpicked the pieces and got on with the sewing. After 1am, I finally got the result that I wanted!! VOILA!

I might try to make a bigger sized handbag with a zip! Goodie goodie!! Add some interfacing as well so the bag will be stronger to stand on its own.

If you're looking for a beginner's sewing machine, I'd highly, highly, highly and absolutely recommend the Janome 2160DC.

Enjoy!!! :D

Single Rose Bloom La Blanche stamp card idea/tutorial

Front of the Kraft card is embossed with the Mpress "Antique Flourish" embossing folder.

Stamped blank cardstock with La Blanche's gorgeous Single Rose Bloom stamp. Coloured it with Distress Inks: Barn Door, Fired Brick and Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo. Blended Vintage Photo lightly as background then ran the coloured/front image FACE DOWN through my Xyron "Create a Sticker", so the adhesive is on the FRONT. Sprinkle Alison Ellis "Crystal Fizz" glitter so the adhesive parts are covered with glitter.

For some reason the adhesive just wouldn't adhere onto the red parts of the rose!!! I think it's because I applied too much ink and it was still a bit damp-ish when I ran it through the Xyron. I even used a bone folder to scrape the crap out of it but when I peeled off the smooth paper, it still wouldn't adhere. Came out pretty nice though!! :D

I then adhered the stamped cardstock onto Peeled Paint distressed background and then layered it onto a pearly, slightly goldish cardstock. 

Lastly, I used pop-up 3D Glue Dots on the back of the stamped and layered cardstock then stuck it onto the centre of the card.

More random handmade cards and craft tools!

My sister requested for 2 handmade cards to send to her friends. This is one of them.
I thought the rhinestones kinda look like water droplets. The bird sitting on the branch is the Magenta stamp. I stamped Chipped Sapphire distress ink and quickly dusted Antique Gold embossing powder, flicked it on the back then heat embossed it. The effect of the stamping is that the Chipped Sapphire ink shows through with gold embossing on top. Decorated with Prima? flowers!

Hero Arts stamped "Remember", embossed with Stampendous Pearl Purple and embossed gold tree. Decorated with gem/rhinestones as the "fruits".

I can't remember the brand of the lace ribbon stamp! Noooo!!

Background colours distressed with Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool, Tumbled Glass and Pine Needles. Lace colour is Tattered Rose, coloured in with Cut-n-Dry pen nibs.

Absolutely uninspired with this one. 

Simple Simple Simple!

Panels are made from scraps (Papersource)

Hero Arts "Thinking of you" stamp, glazed with Glossy Accents.

Background ink blended with Barn Door distress ink.

I hope this can be used as a manly card!!

Card method is called "Triple Time". 

Youtube has a few videos of crafty ladies making cards with that method.

Hero Arts "Friend Definition" background stamp, La Blanche "Clock" stamp, coloured with distress inks: Old Paper, Pine Needles and Vintage Photo.

As you can tell, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Hero Arts stamps!!! I also LOVE La Blanche stamps. I also LOVE Distress Inks! :D

On the other hand, I've received my new toys today from CraftOnline. Absolutely AWESOME website and great prices that you can't really find elsewhere in Australia! I ordered the goodies last Friday and they arrived TODAY! YAY!!

The Xyron CREATE a STICKER is a nifty little machine! No heat, batteries or electric needed to run this little baby. Just stick your die cut or paper, widest 2.5", onto the white label, turn the handle on the side, the paper comes out with a sticky back and voila! STICKER! :D Easy as can be!

The pink Papermania heat tool will replace my blue PaperCraft noisy little heat tool. The pink heat tool is a lot more quiet with less fan force! Goodie goodie!

Inkssentials Glossy Accents. I'm in love! The "thinking of you" card above has the Glossy Accents on, making it look like enamel sticker word. Lovely!!

The Martha Stewart Circle Cutter is still in the packaging... I will give it a whirl soon!!

One butterfly card after another long hiatus!!

I'm bacccckkkk!!! With one card. :-|

Better than nothing, right?? :o)

I used:

• Hero Arts Heart Winged Butterfly stamp 
• I tapped Mustard Seed distress ink onto the stamp and then tapped Dusty Concord distress ink on the sides but ended up looking brown instead!
• While the ink is still wet on the cardstock, I quickly dumped some Stamp World Hologram Sparkle embossing powder on it then heat embossed it. The camera can't seem to capture the pretty hologram sparkles but it's definitely there!!
• I then used Dusty Concord around the stamped butterfly with with ink blending tool.
• It looked quite plain so I ended up colouring the pattern with distress inks using a small paint brush and some water.
• Hero Arts Old Letter Writing (Writing is ineligible)
• I used Rich Cocoa memento ink and then stamped it on white card stock.
• Wait for it to dry then VINTAGE it with Vintage Photo distress ink.
• Dark brown ribbon
• Kaisercraft purple rhinestones
• Random white and purple cardstock from Riot Art and Craft 
• Best quality Kraft cardstock purchased from Envelope Solutions (Unfortunately you can only see them at some craft shows or book an appointment to see the stock that they have)
• Border around the butterfly card - I purchased that beautiful but expensive quality paper from Kami Paper store at Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

I was defiant about buying the Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink Pads when I saw it a few years ago... Then I saw how they're used to make cards and stuff look Vintage... I LOVE VINTAGE!!! And got the whole set of ink pads (half at a time) from CraftOnline (Australian online craft store). OH EM GEE! They have the BEST range of craft stuff with the BEST and cheapest (to me) prices ever!! Do check them out! ;o) If I ever get to meet Tim Holtz in real life, I'd give him a big long hug for being such a GENIUS with the inks, stamps and tools!!!

The Paperific craft show back in August has inspired me to get back to card making. It took a while but I'm slowly getting back to it. I've also SHAMEFULLY purchased lots of Hero Arts stamps from Simon Says Stamp online store (Don't like waiting but it takes up to 3 weeks to arrive!). There are still some goodies on the way to me and some goodies sitting in the cart calling out my name to buy them... And "Picture to Page" paper craft show is coming up this Saturday... YAY and NOOOO at the same time! hehe

Anywho, please stay tuned for more cards and thank you for your support even if it's just a glance of this page. :o)

Enjoy!!

Whipped Body Butter Tutorial with pictures

 WHIPPED BODY BUTTER TUTORIAL

• 300g Shea Butter
• 2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil 

Melt Shea Butter and Coconut Oil

• 1oz Jojoba 
• 1oz Meadowfoam Seed Oil
• 2oz Sweet Almond Oil
• 12 Vitamin E capsules (popped and liquid added to soft/liquid oils)

Measure soft/liquid oils in Pyrex measuring cup and add to the cool melted Shea Butter and Coconut Oil concoction

• 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 

Add Lavender Essential Oil to whipped mixture

 I had to melt the Shea Butter and Coconut Oil because the last time it blended all grainy and lumpy.

I don't know how Soap Queen does it but hers blended so smoothly!

Note the doubler boiler system instead of heating it directly over the fire.

While waiting for the Shea Butter and Coconut Oil concoction to cool to paste-like consistency, I measured out the soft/liquid oils into the pyrex cup.

I added the soft/liquid oils to the Shea Butter and Coconut Oil concoction when it cooled to about 30C/Cool to the touch.

I didn't have to wait almost 2 hours to cool for the last batch. I didn't put this in the fridge but just waited for it to cool at room temperature. As you could see, the paste-like consistency traced the whip when I lift/tilt the Kitchenaid mixer.

 Whip back into the bowl!

That's how I determine when to start whipping. There's no point whipping while it's still in liquid state because it will take as long as the cooling period to whip and increase in volume.

Start whipping from medium for 5 minutes and then fast until the concoction looks whipped and increased in volume.

After much whipping, there's a volume increase. 

Add the Lavender Essential Oil and whip on fast again.

Beautiful whip consistency!!

Looks yummy enough to eat!

Scoop into washed clean and dry containers.

I filled 2x 500ml and a little bit into another container of Whipped Body Butter that I'm still using.

There's roughly 430grams of ingredients when it is unwhipped.

Freshly Whipped Body Butter!!

ENJOY!!

Kitchenaid Platinum Collection or Artisan Mixer vs Breville BEM800

Here are some links to compare the Kitchenaid Platinum Collection mixer, Kitchenaid Artisan mixer and the Breville BEM800.

Kitchenaid Platinum Collection KSM156 - Candy Apple Red + Information
Kitchenaid Platinum Collection KSM156 - Other colours (Metallic Colours in this collection)

Kitchenaid Artisan Range KSM150 - Empire Red + Information
Kitchenaid Artisan Range KSM150 - Other colours

Breville Scraper Pro BEM800 - Silver
Breville Scraper Pro BEM800CB - Cranberry Red

Basically, the Breville is more technologically advanced with the LED light to indicate the power range, timer, load sensing technology, lift assist handles and includes a spatula.

It all comes down to personal preference with me as I'd prefer the retro, metallic red colour and manual-manner of the Kitchenaid mixer.

Candy Apple Red Kitchenaid Platinum Collection

I am happy to announce that my husband and I are proud parents to a Candy Apple Red Kitchenaid Platinum Collection mixer!!!

I have been researching for the past few weeks about which mixer I want to purchase. Here's my simplest prduct comparisons (from the Kitchenaid and Breville websites) minus reviews. Kitchenaid always gets the FIRST preference but because it is so damn expensive here in Australia AUD$799, I thought I'd go for the alternative, Breville BEM800 AUD$440~$479. After lots of research and indecisiveness, I thought I'd go for the Breville BEM800 because of the raving reviews, which is as great as the Kitchenaid mixer. Then I couldn't make up my mind again...

After speaking to my colleagues and a friend, whose mum has a red Kitchenaid Artisan mixer, I've then decided that I will put the Candy Apple Red Kitchenaid mixer on layby since I don't have the moolah to pay it upfront. Instead, my dear wonderfulest and bestest husband said he will contribute to our Candy Apple Red Kitchenaid mixer so we can take her home on the same day. WOOHOO! HEAVEN!!! It did put a huge dent in our bank account BUT we are very happy with Scarlet. Even my manly husband reckons she is an awesome machine! I have not made anything as yet. Just admiring how beautiful, sexy and sturdy Scarlet is! Even the attachments are sturdy!

If I have decided to go ahead with the Breville BEM800 instead, I wouldn't have been as happy because in my heart and soul, Kitchenaid would always be the one and only! You know, that nagging feeling when you get the next best alternative but your heart is on your very first choice...

Anyway, enough blabbing! Here are some more pictures.

Comes with a glass bowl

 Speed 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10

 Defaults to Lock all the time

I'm not too sure if the Artisan models have this feature

Contents:

Glass Bowl

Flex Edge Flat Beater

 Flat Beater

Whisk

Dough Hook

(All accessories are made of stainless steel except for the glassbowl)

NOT pictured: Warranty paperwork, Instructions booklet, Care leaflet for the glassbowl and Kitchenaid DVD (How to use and includes some recipes)

I am not too sure if the 'cap' is in the Artisan models but Scarlet comes with the 'cap' already attached

From what I could see in a Youtube video, the Artisan model uses a 'washer' instead of the 'cap' 

(Please do correct me if I'm wrong!)


SoapQueen TV uses the same Candy Apple Red Kitchenaid Mixer!

YAY!!!

Diced rainbow coloured soaps in Goatsmilk & Oatmeal soap Tutorial!

I was shattered when I couldn't find the magic tool, the butter curler (the one that Eden's Secret used to make the pretty soap curls with), here in the stores in Australia?? Potato/Apple peelers and cheese slicers just won't work for me!!! Kept "almost" sliced my fingers off! :o( I was inspired by her soap curls design that I wanted to try for myself but tough titties for me!

By the way, Karen from Eden's Secret is one of the best soapers that I know of! Her soap designs are absolutely beautiful! She also makes cupcake soaps, soap cakes, massage bars, bath bombs, men soap, etc. I get a lot of inspiration from her! :D She also has a youtube channel filled videos of her making and designing her products!

Here's my first little tutorial that I will share with the world! Or whoever decides to look at my blog...

I get my supplies/goodies from Aussie Soap Supplies!

DICED RAINBOW SOAPS IN GOATSMILK & OATMEAL MELT & POUR SOAP TUTORIAL (MOSAIC DESIGN)

I made up layers of the rainbow spectrum (minus orange) in a container. Good thing about not spraying rubbing alcohol is the layers do not adhere and can be easily "peeled" off. I used clear soap and made red, missed orange, yellow, green, blue and purple layers. Once each coloured layer is almost solid, I pour another layer of coloured soap on top of it. Leave it overnight to fully solidify.

Unmould from the container and slowly pull apart the layers. I am extremely annoyed with myself for not taking pictures of that process!!!!

As I mentioned before, I initially wanted to make the pretty soap curls like Eden's Secret's but because I can't find the right tool, I decided to dice the coloured soap. My last post about improvising? Here's improvising!!

My untidy work bench! 

For now. :D

 This Lock and Lock mould holds 2 litres.

Measurements roughly: 9cm x 9cm x 25cm

First Goatsmilk & Oatmeal layer, I melted 200ml (or grams) for the bottom layer and added Bramble Berry's Oatmeal, Milk & Honey fragrance oil.

Once the bottom layer is almost solidified, I scattered a layer of the diced colour soaps.

I initially wanted it to stay in the middle BUT because the diced coloured soaps are not stuck to the bottom, it decided to do some floaty movements as shown below after I poured another layer on top of it.

REMEMBER TO SPRITZ THE TOP OF EACH LAYER BEFORE POURING THE NEXT LAYER!!

 That's the second layer with diced coloured soap.

Once the layer is almost solidified, spray rubbing alcohol for the little diced coloured cubes to momentarily adhere to the bottom layer. 

For the next layer remember to spritz rubbing alcohol before pouring!!

 

Just keep adding the layers of diced coloured soap.

As you can see, the 2nd layer is scattered because I don't want the coloured soap sitting on top of each other, if that makes sense!

I think it was up to 4 layers of diced coloured soap before I cover the top completely.

Remember the base was 200ml (or grams) of just the plain Goatsmilk & Oatmeal soap?

After the last layer of cubed coloured soaps are laid out, I poured 400ml of the Goatsmilk & Oatmeal soap. 

200ml to fill the layer of diced coloured soaps 

200ml to completely cover the top layer (to mirror the bottom layer)

This is now a waiting game. I will have to wait till tomorrow to ensure that the soap is fully solidified in the mould then I will cut it! EXCITEMENT!!!

***DRUM ROLLS***

...until tomorrow!!...

GOOD MORNING!!!

Lesson learned from last night?
1) REMEMBER TO SPRAY EVERY LAYER WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL BEFORE POURING ANOTHER LAYER ON TOP!!!
The bottom plain layer detached because I forgot to spray some rubbing alcohol...

2) Dice the coloured soaps bigger

I think that's it.
VOILA! Smells like baby powder. :o)