The Sleepy Badger Crafts

Playing with wire...until my fingers went numb

2011-03-17T22:15:00.000Z

I thought I would share some of the jewellery items and techniques I have been experimenting with. I used to make jewellery as a teenager and sell it to friends and family, but I went to college and focused on other things, so I have really enjoyed digging out some old (really old) materials and researching some new ones.

I also found a great book called The Beaders Bible, which was a fab place to start with techniqes and for less than £9 from Amazon, its a bargain (actually I got mine from a book shop as I found some book tokens I must have had for about 10 years but they still worked!)

I also have to apologise for the photos as I was too tired (and my fingers are still throbbing) to set up the SLR and used a compact digital...and they just arent as good. But they're okay for now, as these are really just experiments.

Going back to the sore fingers...wire wrapping...its not for the softies, or those of the soft flesh. I joke not as I look down and see the blisters and cuts on my hand, but the out come is so lovely.

Well I will leave you with the pictures and look forward to the feedback :)

First attempt at chain mail

These took ages as I actually made the chain and eye pins from scratch

the guilty culprit that finished off my fingers...theres a lot of wire wrapping and making of eye pins in a charm braclet.
Its also in love shades of pink but the camera bleached them out :(

These are the same beads used in the charm bracelet

This is a shell I found on the beach near my Mum's house

My glorious stash...I'm in fabric heaven

2011-03-05T21:38:00.000Z

I just had to blog about my

amazing fabric find

today, my head is still a little woozy about it.

I was out doing the incredible dull food shopping and trying to find the strange things the Grumpy Badger aske me to find (a hose connector, but a specfic one, but he didnt know the name of it...hmmm) when I was accosted by a 'yoof' asking me if I would like to have a look at their charity sale. I kinda ignored him (might have been a 'her' but I'm past forty now [just] and I cant always tell) and walked on.

But something made me turn around...

and step into the empty shop that had about six paste tables, strewn with tat (a northern word for junk) and I spotted a table with clothes on. I asked how much the items where and was told £1 a scarf.

BARGIN!!!

I thought I would have a quick rummage and see what I could find for the £3 in change that was burning a hole in my pocket. Well I have to say I could hardly breathe by the time I had finished rummaging. I grabbed an armful of fabric, offered the £3 as a deposit and ran to the bank and spent a whole £9! Well as it was for Comic Relief, I donated the change and handed over a crisp £10* took the fabric and ran.

This is what my £10* bought me...52 metres/yards of fabric including a red wedding sari...please dont hate me...I'm really not that lucky...usually!

*I have just realised, whilst typing this, I actually forgot that I had given a £3 deposit so I paid a whole £13 for my stash...outageous eh?!!

I want to be a princess...

2011-03-04T14:49:00.000Z

Well I know I have been away for a long time, but with losing my Aunty, my Gran falling ill (who is now much better and 97 next week), I just didnt have the time to work on the blog or re-write the tutorials I managed to delete :(

I have been making lots of things, and going back to some crafts I used to do as a teenager...which as a strange, barefoot hippy (I was born out of my time), it consisted of making a lot of clothes and jewellery. I will try and get some pics up and even a couple of tutorials, over the next few weeks but please bare with me, whilst I get back into the routine of blogging!

I will just leave you with something I made last night, the pictures arent fantastic as I had to use my phone. It was a first attempt at a wire tiara (you can find my tutorial for felt tiara here). Nothing blinding orginal, and a little wonky but I made me feel like a princess when I put it on.

Now isnt that the job of a tiara??

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz

Yet another update

2011-01-30T14:38:00.000Z

Hi everyone

Well we said goodbye to Aunt Eva this week, and its left a gap for us all, especially for my poor Gran, who is also now quite poorly.

This means that my focus is not currently on this blog. I did try to update you, using my dongle and the result was to lose my entry and delete quite a few of my previous entries. I will get them back up at some point, but foolishly, I enter everything straight onto the blog and will need to re-write everything.

I should have known better as I have tried using a dongle before, with the same results as you can see here. I guess the lesson learnt is to make sure I keep everything documented!

I'll leave this entry with a picture of House Martins as I use to watch these in the summer as the nested in the eves my Aunt Eva's house.

The Sleepy Badger

Update...

2011-01-15T20:04:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

Just to let you know that there will not be any blogs for the next week, due to a sudden family berevment. My lovely Aunt Eva has died and due location and family members I will spend the next week driving up and down the country. I will be back (all things being sorted) a week on Sunday. I hope you will bare with me as we are all very sad to lose a wonderful lady.

The Sleepy Badger

Flowered Hair Slide Tutorial

2011-01-14T23:57:00.002Z

Its it now Friday, it is officially the Weekend and I fancied a little something to keep my wild locks under control.

Soooooo I headed off to the work room and to see what was lurking in my stash and ended up something floral and fanciful...I think spring is on my mind...how about you!?

I love this flower and its made from an old curtain. Don't you just love up-cycling?!

Enough of the patting on the back shall we get on with the tutorial?

Resources

Material

Brads

Felt

Hair slide/barrette

Tools

Scissors

Pins

Paper

Pen

Glue gun

Scrap of felt

Candle

To start draw for circles on a piece of paper, each one slightly smaller than the other.

You can see this in the picture below

Now cut out eight circles of each size and 'Candle' each petal.

'Candeling'

Hold each petal near the flame (not in it or you will be on fire) and using quick smooth movements, turn the petal in your fingers.

The edge of the petal will melt and seal the fabric. It will also add some curl to the petal which adds to the colour and movement of the finished item

Now stack up your petals, largest at the bottom, smallest on the top. Don't make a neat stack, keeping some off centre so it looks much more natural.

Now make a hole in the centre of your heap of petals, I used this hole punch but scissors or an awl work just as well

Place a brad through the hole and fasten in place

I mean how easy was that?

I decided that I would use a hair clip I think you folks across the pond call it a barrette?

Using a piece of scrap felt left over from the Sunshine Daisy Pin Cushion I attached the hair clip to the flower by using a hot glue gun and covering the felt and the clip to ensure that it stays attached.

Why such extreme measures you ask???

I have very strong willed curly, hair that kills combs...and has its own personality. Over the years I have learnt to understand that some days we will get on, some days we are just going to clash

The result is this lovely flower that should stay put in the wildest of curls or the smoothest, shiny locks

I do hope you will have a go at making this flower as it takes, at the most, an hour.

But please don't chop down your Mom's curtains without asking!

££££££

I'm almost embarrassed to admit, this was out of my stash again...I promise I will post a picture next week, so you will understand the depths of my horde.

However, if you were buying the hair clips, you can get them from HobbyCraft for 99p and I think there was 3 in a pack, so if you wanted a cost, how about 33.3p????

I think the best thing, is using up a voile curtain that someone gave to me....Woohoo!!

If you don't want to make your own, or don't have the time, you can buy my Flowered Hair Slide in my Folksy Shop, including free UK postage

If you would like to know more about the Sleepy Badger you can join me on

The Sleepy Badger Facebook page

just click on the Like button and you can keep up with whats going on and you might even find the odd give away (if I have time!)

I hope you have enjoyed tutorial #4 and hope to see you here tomorrow...I know its where I will be

Much Love

From the Set of The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Just a PS

I liked this flower so much, I experimented and came up with this...but that's another tutorial

Zombie Attack - Folksy Friday

2011-01-08T00:04:00.000Z

I know there has been a bit of a gap in between postings, which has been due to a Christmas and a few things going on, as if Christmas wasn't big enough! However there will be more on the lack of posting on Sunday when I shall reveal why I haven't been around.

Enough of the cloak and dagger intrigue, I thought I would had a Folksy Friday around Zombies. A strange choice you may think but Zombies seem to have moved from horrific, scary bloody masses (well I was always scared of them) to rather cute and humorous creatures...

I can hear you saying..."Oh really"

Yes really...take a peak!

I love these coasters from Fiona T. Now that will get your guests talking :)

And now for Rob the Zombie Owl, by Loop da Loop. Apparently he was caught by a Zombie when he was hungover...and the rest is history. Rob is only £20 and you should visit the shop just to read his story where you will fall in love with him and immediately buy him :0)

I just adored this Zombie Sweeties Pattern by Butterfly Love, I don't use the word cute too often, but I think these deserve it. They. Are. Cuuuuuuute. I know Halloween is a long way off, but I am going to have to make some of these to put in the treat box and maybe a few for my Goth-y friends who love Zombies any time of the year.

This handbag from really made me chuckle Uniquely Different really made me chuckle...Beyonce in a totally different light... Check out her store as there are some really great bags to be snapped up with the majority being under £20.

And another great item from Loop Da Loop to finish with...The Klumsies...Uber Cute and small enough to buy one of each :)

Much love from the Set of The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

Painting at the speed of light

2011-01-07T22:55:00.000Z

I thought this was amazing, so quick and skillfull!

Folksy Friday

2010-12-10T09:30:00.001Z

Well it seems that a lot of people are having a Folksy Friday, if you've never heard of Folksy, its a fabulous online place where you can buy unique art and hand crafted items. There is also a supplies side, so you can find anything from amazing japanese fabric to hand made buttons. A Folksy Friday is where you pick out your favourite items, maybe on a theme or just a wish list for a birthday or Christmas ;) Of course you can also check out my shop on Folksy too :)
My theme for today is poppies, I've always loved them and the way they move. You can see some of my photos of poppies here

My first is this lovely cuff, by Lynn Wood Crafts, that is so detailed and a bargin at £22, when you look at how much work has gone into it.

How about this for a fabulous bit of kitsch? A Poppy Tea Cosy, perfect for High Summer Teas :)
Handmade by Vintage Rose and a steal at £15!

I love this Poppy Abstact painting from Innerspace its so cheerful and warm. Its definately worth looking in her shop as she has some great pictures

I'm loving this rememberance bracelet from Glitter Bug Wishes, the detail is lovely

How about a cute dress to go with the bracelet? This Tea Dress from Dig For Victory and at just £85 for a unique one of a kind dress, is just stunning! If you like to be eco aware these dresses are made from vintage fabrics so it ticks all my boxes :)

And to finish, not only feel good that you have supported hand crafted in the UK products, reducing your carbon foot print but these Poppy Hair Clips from Wychbury are just devine and they also make a donation to the Royal British Legion fund for each set that is sold.

Who would have thought that poppies could come in such a variety of ways?

The Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Snow, Snow and more Spnow!

2010-12-09T22:30:00.000Z

Well if you are in the UK we have had a week of being snowed in, but the good news is that the thaw is on the way, of course, as if we would have a white Christmas!!

There has been some fab shots and I thought I would share a couple with you, so the folks outside of the UK can have an idea of what its been like for the last week...

BPO with hats on :)

a couple of black stripes and it could be a badger...

With added Photoshop... :))

Traffic ground to a halt

The beaches up north...brrrrrrrrrr

So pretty, but it stopped my trip to London and the V&A but you can have a peep at the V&A here which is very frustrating after my visit to Loughbrough University (you can read more about the trip here) as I really need to find some inspiration right now to stretch me out of my comfort zone.

But there is always the fun side of the snow :)

A new way to chase criminals

My Nieces snowman

Gus, my friends Westie that just loved to sit in the snow

Well thats enough for now...and thanks to my friends for letting me nick your photo's

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Slashing quilts

2010-12-07T22:29:00.001Z

As part of my research for my portfolio I've been exploring some different quilting techniques and I came across 'Slashing' which really appeals to my rather haphazard way of apporaching things and the finished products have such amazing texture.

I love this video by Colourcurious that explains the basic technique of slashing (sometimes known as chenille fabric), inspired by the work of Fay Maxwell, in about five minutes. I love you tube but sometimes the videos go on for far too long and I really dont want to meet your four dogs, cat with one eye and goldfish...does that make me ungrateful?

Back to slashing...I had a dig around google and found the following examples...

Chenille fabric

Shaggy Bag

Love this from GoatGirl so has some fantastice textiles

I think I really need to have a go at this one...I have lots of denim that I think would make a nice outer fabric and look good made up as a bag. I even have some sea glass that I think I could work into it.

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Snowy Sunday Surfer Round Up

2010-12-05T19:08:00.000Z

This week has been consumed with crochet and quilting...so a few blogs and websites that I have looked to for inspiration this week!

I love this blog from Tree Fall who is one of the artist featured on Kirsty Allsops Home Made Christmas. I adore this quilt...for some reason when I look at this I want to go and stay in a caravan...must be something to do with my childhood

Quilting is a huge area and I stumbled onto Diane Wrights Art Quilts blog. What an inspiration, I cant believe how detailed these quilts are, some as small as an A4 piece of paper. This is definately not a twee craft, but an art form. I love this landscape piece that was displayed at Whistler House Musem of Art

I loved this blog Happiness is a Bottomless Button Box, and her felted mobile phone holders

the writer is Sarah and she has just left her well paid job to jump into the world of creativity...with all the changes I have going on, it just rings so true for me...(more on that in a later blog)

I also found Second Street:a creative blog and love these trees that Kalleen, the write of the blog, made with her children. Easy and quick, enough to keep the attention span of any child (there is also a small element of mess, using the fabulous ModPodge which also helps :))

However, looking at these trees I was drawn back to quilting and the felted jumpers...I thought it might felted leaves would look good appliqued...I think I might have to have a go at this

Still on the up-cycling pathway, I loved this bag made from an old sweater on Make it, Love it and they provide a really clear tutorial so its worth a visit. I have an lovely dark blue wool sweater that has slightly felted in the wash, still wearable, but would make a fabulous bag...a definate once I hit boxing day and have time to myself!

Well thats all for this entry from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZzzzzzzzz

PS I love to see comments from you all and would love to see what you are looking at!

Sunday Surfer Round up

2010-11-21T18:42:00.001Z

Happy Sunday you lovely Surfers...

Whats going on today you ask??!!

Well I am in love with DudeCrafts, which is meant to appeal to the men that craft...who's perception is that its all girls...I believe at one point there was a mascline noun only for crafters...craftsmen...maybe us ladies are just better at communicating?? Enough of the soapbox, you should really check out the blog and the guy who has built a canoe out of used chopsticks...it looks amazing and takes the eco/recycling thing a step further

I also found Kim Rugg through Dude Craft, who's work seems to have really grown on me. This artist has just me most incredible patience I have seen, I particularly like the stamp work.

I've also just joined Cafe Handmade, I'm still exploring it and it looks great but I thought I would share the link with you in case you felt the urge to stop by the Cafe too :)

Well its brief surfer round up as this is my second blog entry today, the first was all about Yarn Bombing which you can read here...I am looking for fellow yarn bombers so I can organise a world wide flash yarn bombing...email me on thesleepybadger@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested!

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

A call out to Yarn Guerrillas...

2010-11-21T10:18:00.000Z

I am just bursting to tell you about this! I was perusing the blogs that I follow and I found out about Yarn Bombing at the Crochet Queen's blog. Its all about creating a piece of work and then attaching it to somewhere without being spotted and then just leaving it.

You just have no idea how much this appeals to me. Its just the randomness of it and the ability to share a bit of craft/art with unsuspecting people in the most randome of places...I cant stand it I have to do something about this...give me a little time...I'm sure it will appear on the blog eventually but in the mean time why not like my Facebook page and you will see things as they happen :))))

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

PS I'm looking for fellow Yarn Guerrillas...drop me a comment to let me know if you are intresting as I think a flash yarn bombing could be the order of the day!

The Late Late Sunday Surfer Round up....

2010-11-16T19:05:00.000Z

I know its Tuesday, but I'm going with the old addage that is 'better late than never'...

I have been swamped this weekend with selling my books on Ebay...I'm not sure what possessed me to list 79 (yes that is 79) of my books to sell and end on Sunday...I guess I didnt think they would sell that well...erm I sold 60 of them! Admitted they all started and some finished at 99p (not bad when some of them cost me £30). So whats this got to do with this blog, you ask...

Well you may have seen the picture of my work room...if not please visit the chaos here... I cant move since the move to this new house and the lack of work space is driving me nuts...as the Badger will be able to tell you as I had a Diva fit on Sunday and he went to work very very grumpy...so I'm selling some of my books, just the academic ones ;)

Enough of the lifestory...whats in the round up?

I love, love, love this tutorial from RicRac on how to make plastic wallets, how cute is this??? Me thinks a multitude of stocking fillers coming on!

But wait....

Need to humilate your teenager (well just a little bit ;)

You can make them from there old school reports...actually I would love one made from my old school report...from my sewing teacher, who gave me a double E and said 'Louise shows little interest in sewing'...lol

Whilst we are on wallets Jenny Jen has some lovely new wallets in her Etsy shop. I love her designs, they are so orginal and just a little bit different :) Have a look at her shop, there are some great items

If you like your crafts and need to participate in a bit of sesonal shopping All Things Arty have a Christmas Fayre on the 4th and 5th of December in Bilton, Hull (thats in the UK!). I think it would be a great opportunity to get your hands on some quality crafts

Well I've been watching a lot of spinning videos on YouTube, its amazing what you can learn to do or even not to do! I love this series of videos on shearing and spinning Angora wool from the Garden Girl that takes it all the way from shearing the bunnies to knitting a really cute baby hat (the Badger has said I'm not allowed any rabbits :()

After seeing this video of spinning from a bunny...I'm not not sure if I was worried or wanted one to sit on my knee like that!

Not sure what an angora bunny looks like...

Cute little fellas arent they?

Anyway I think thats enough for now!

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

PS if you would like to be featured in the Sunday Surfer Round up, please let me know and I will be happy to share your link :)

Fabric Flowers of the Stash Busting Variety

2010-11-12T13:44:00.012Z

Fabric Flowers of the stash busting variety

Well I know this was promised an eon ago but my organisation skills at the moment are a little wanting. Aparently the Badger seems to think its hidden in the same place as my housekeeping skills. I just think he has a Monica Complex as he likes to clean the house 'properly' and then bathe in the glow of used cleaning products when I'm out of the house for at least 4 hours.

Anyway enough of the Badger lifestyle, lets move on to the flower brooch/bag accessory.

After writing the very simple tote bags tutorial, which can be found here, I had random corners left over and I just can bare to throw fabric away, so the flower 'thing' was born!

As you can see from the picture, take the corners of the bag and fold into a square shape so the seams are on the edge, not the centre. You can iron your pieces at this point if you like but I find the 'ironing' comes under the house work category, so its kept to a minimum...evidence can be found here...

Now take the the corner marked a, fold into the middle, then fold corner b into the centre.

Repeat if you want to, if not, keep it simple and pretty (unlike my offering)

Pin in place (as seen in the photograph)

Now the slightly fiddly bit of sewing all the petals together to make your flower...having thought about it, I would try starting with a small circle of felt and sew the petals onto the felt, to which you can always add a brooch backing/pin or a bit of velcro. I make these mistakes so you dont have to...thats my excuse and I AM sticking to it. Instead I endured the stabbing pins and vicious needle to hand sew the petals together...you see...I'm just give, give, give....

Now the fun begins...decoration...woohoo

I used fabric glue to stick on some sparklies and a rather substantial beastie in the middle (my love of sparkles come from a past history of being a belly dancer)

Of course you can go to town with this, or you may have more taste than me and go for a couple of tasteful buttons to go with your much nicer fabric. Maybe one of these very cute crochet flowers in the middle and topped off by a button...

too much you say...

really????...

I call it a stash buster....

Well on that note, I will see you on the Sunday Surfer Round up but until then have a fabulous weekend (the last one can be found here...)

Much love from the set of

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Crochet Flowers

2010-11-09T19:21:00.000Z

Crochet Flowers

I thought you would like a quick and easy pattern for some crochet flowers. I love these and I can make them in about 10 minutes now...but I have made a few! I think they would look lovely in festive colours and hung on the tree. If your really adventurous you could even try making them in a fine wire with beads...they really would look great on the tree :)

Simple flower

Round 1

Make a slip knot, chain 4 and join with a sl st

Round 2

Now work 15 dc into the centre of the circle, join with sl st

Round 3

Ch 4, sl st into 3rd dc

ch 3 sl st into 3rd dc repeat another 3 times, joint with sl st

(change colour at this point if you want to)

Round 4

Working into the chain [picture]

Ch 1

dc, 2htc, tr, 2htr, dc, sl st into next chain (this completes the first petal)

Repeat this into each chain so you have a total of five petals and join the final petal to the first with a sl st

Fasten off

(leave a long tail if you want to attach your flower to one of your crafty makes)

Now you have made your first crochet flowers, what an earth can you do with them???

A couple of suggestions….

Flower belt

Something to decorate a gorgeous calorie free cupcake pin cushion...

I will be adding more flower patterns to my blog...I just need to take the photographs!

Hope you enjoy making your flowers, I would love to see what you do with them :)

Much love from the set of

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Allsorts Scarves

2010-11-08T10:41:00.001Z

I've been busy making stock for Christmas and the fayres I will be attending. My poor little hook has been a blur!

The original scarf that started the whole thing off!

This collection on OOAK scarves was inspired by my Grandad's love of Liquorice Allsorts. He used to love them and I would buy them for him every Christmas. The Allsorts took place alongside his Foxes glacier mints and Keller Butterscotch sweeties on the gram (record player for you youngesters) in the living room. My Grandad Brown was such a generous and loving person this collection is all about him and his love of these sweeties. Miss yah Pops! (you can read about Pops and see some great pictures of him here)

I've put the photos of the scarves up on my Facebook page before they go into my Etsy shop so Like my Facebook page and you will get sneaky peaks at all my items before they hit the shop...even a chance to grab one before they get snaffled up in the shop! But be warned...they are selling already!

Here is a peak at some of the lovely scarves available...
There are a lot more available in my Folksy and Etsy shops

Sorry this one is already sold :0)

I will be doing some give aways over the next couple of weeks and you might find one of these lovely scarves amongst them

Make sure you follow the blog and my Facebook page as some will be for the blog and some for Facebook only!

Sunday Surfer Round up

2010-11-07T18:50:00.000Z

Welcome to the Sunday Surfer Round Up!

Firstly I thought you might like to know I know have a Flickr Photostream, so you can up-load pictures of anything you have made from my blog or any links found in my blog. You can find The Sleepy Badger Flickr Stream here. I'm still finding my way around Flickr so please be patient with me in this area!

Did you know about the Sizzix Blog Hop?

Its a great way to find lots of blogs of really creative people that write tutorials in lots of different media

The Blog Hop has already started but you can follow it here with 60 designers involved you are going to find something you love!

As I was hopping around I found Faerie Dust Dreams blog which is run by the artist Michelle Cummings

I ADORE this crown Michelle has made...seriously I adore this. An item of this gorgeousness should not be allowed (unless its on the mermaids head that inspired this!)

I loved this idea of using vinyl records (or LP's to us oldies), inspired by a Banksy piece on the Gaza Wall (see the post here). By the way, I found this through Twitter!

I have also found this great blog by Ann Gorman, who interviews artists/crafters about the space they create in. Its so interesting so see the spaces people use and how they store everything. My working space is horrendous at the moment due to the move :(

Did I show you my craft room at the moment....

I have to say its not as bad now as I have some shelving, but its still not a workable space :( I'm not sure Ann would be too keen to feature my workspace right now!

Well I had better get on with some spinning...as I'm spinning some devine aubergine merino to make some lovely scarves and wristwarmers for my Folksy shop (I do ship abroad if you find something that takes your fancy)

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

zzzZZZZZZzz

PS Does anybody fancy a give away? Not sure if you would be interested...let me know as I might have a skien of hand spun wool waiting :)

PPS Dont forget you can keep up with the Sleepy Badger on Facebook and Twitter

In a spin

2010-11-03T18:07:00.001Z

Well I have once again neglected you...in my poor defence...I am still travelling from Derby to Yorkshire every weekend as I'm still trying to sell my house, I've started a new job which involves an hour commute each way and I still dont have a working space.

Well thats not true...here is my work space (its is a combined pic so its three sides of the room)

I guess that means I dont have a space I can work in...lol

However what little time I've had has been consumed with learning to spin and I love it! This is my lovely Ashford Traditional spinning wheel...

I started with some lovely tops from Forest Fibres....

The green is a merino and silk blend that is soooo soft, the red/gold/brown is 100% merino and the grey is Suffolk top

This is what is looks like with my very basic spinning skills

The grey is already spoken for as the Badger (who is currently poorly in bed) wants a new hat thats lined with gold fleece...Yes I love him but I cant account for his taste!

Well I'm off to order some more tops as I'm not very keen on carding wool and I'm not so keen on spinning 'in the grease'...oooooo look at me with my techical terms...shame my spinning isnt as good

Any way I have a desperate need to order some more tops :)

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

PS...I had a little fun with the Suffolk Top and the Badger...

I guess this is a picture of the hat...before it was spun and crocheted :)

Pops and Liquorice Allsorts

2010-10-19T22:06:00.001+01:00

A while ago, when I first mentioned the Liquorice Allsorts Scarves, I said I would write a blog on my Grandad Brown (Pops) as his love of these colourful sweeties inspired me to make the scarves.

This picture really captures my Grandad and his sense of fun

Pops was a fisherman, and engineer on the Trawlers that sailed out of Grimsby Docks. Fishing was dangerous (its not much better now) and he lost his eye at sea when he was 21. This just gives you an idea of his character, he just didnt see anything as a problem, you just did it. I remember as a child, watching him sew his own finger up when he had cut it open chopping wood.

But enough of the 'spine of steel' character I want you to know about how funny and loving he was...oh and some of his strange habits, such as pouring soup on his sausage and chips, 'As it all goes down the same way'

My Grandad was a muscian, who could play anything but as he lost his hearing he lost this skill as played by ear and couldnt read music.

This is just the best picture that captures my Grandad, its also at his Golden Wedding Anniversary

As a child music was so important to us all and we would sit in the kitchen, infront of the coal fire, singing songs, nursery rhymes and the odd rude limerick...such as "There was an old woman from Idundee...". When things really got swinging my Grandad would play the spoons or paper and comb. I loved watching him play as he would start playing on his knees, then onto his arms and even his chest whilst he danced around the kitchen. He was lovely and taught us all how to play and I can still play the spoons now, but I never managed to master the paper and comb!

We would wait until my Gran was out shopping (we had to wait until then as it was in the middle room and we werent allowed in there until the 6 o'clock news) he would put a record on, usually Rose Marie and sing his heart out. On the windowsill behind the gram was where he used to keep his jars of Keller Butterscotch sweeties in those lovely gold wrappers and Foxes Glacier Mints. It was very rare to see Liquorice Allsorts as he ate these so quickly...lol

I used to love mornings at Pop's, I would get up with him and watch him light the fire, carefully placing the newspaper, stacking the kindling on top and then adding a few strategic pieces of coal. Then the fire would be 'drawn up' with the coal shovel and a piece of newspaper. When the fire was settled we would sit, around the tiled hearth of the fire, a slice of bread from the local bakers, speared onto a toasting fork, trying really hard not to burn my piece of bread (usually failing) and then eating it hot with real butter on. I can smell it now, a mix of bread, burnt bread and a bit of coal :)

I hope this gives you a snippet of how such a wonderful man can inspire what I make. I'm lucky to have such great memories as Pops died over 15 years ago now but we all still remember him and miss him.

I have some lovely pics of my Grandad and I'd like to share them with you, most of them are of him dancing or partying

Pops was in his eighties in this picture poorly at this stage and this is my oldest niece who is now 20

Pops is the one in the brown suit and the chap with his arm around him is his Son-in-Law

This is my Gran and Grandad at their Golden Wedding

This is Grandad at his Ruby Wedding, I'm the one in the blue skirt :|

I hope you enoyed sharing the story of one of the people that inspire me in life

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZzzzzzzz

Fabulous Butternut Squash Pie

2010-10-18T23:37:00.000+01:00

I know this isnt a food blog, but my friend Charlene has asked me to put this recipe up after a small disaster with her pie this weekend, I'm also going to add in the link for the Chocolate Mug Microwave Miracle Pudding...just cause I'm nice like that :)

I'm afraid no pics of the pie as it was too nice and everyone ate it (some had second helpings...Lewis!) but a nice one of the Chocolate pudding :)

Ingredients
1 medium Butternut Squash, halved and deseeded (you can have a large if you want more topping)
2 medium potatoes
400g extra lean minced beef
1 medium onion, diced
200g mushrooms, roughly chopped
2 Oxo cubes
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1tsp mixed spice
1tbls worcestshire sauce
Gravy granules

Oven roast the Butternut squash in a hot (200degrees C) oven until soft

Peel potatoes and place in a pan to boil until soft and then drain
Dice onion and dry fry in a large frying pan (I use a wok) until soft.
Add mince and fry until brown (you can use a tsp of oil if your not on a diet). Add garlic, spice, worcestershire sauce and oxo cubes.
Add enough boiling water to meat mixture so it doesnt quite cover the meat then add gravy granules, stirring all the time.

Your mix should be quite thick or the topping will sink. Dont worry if its a bit runny, just keep it on the heat until its reduced down. Tip the mix into an oven proof dish and put to one side.
Mash Squash and potatoes together until creamy and gently spoon onto the meat mixture. Spread with a fork and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Bake in the oven at about 180 degrees C for 20 mins and then serve

I served this with lashings of gravy and carrots, I think some lovely spring greens would be fabulous with it :)

And to top it off....

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (Microwave Safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly before pouring in the milk and oil in. Keep mixing. Add the optional chocolate chips next (who makes that an option!) and vanilla extract, and mix again…

Put your mug in the micro wave and cook for three minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow it to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT ! (this can serve two if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because we are all only 5 minutes away from warm, gooey, delicious chocolate cake any time, night or day.

This fab recipie is from Marisa's New Dress a Day Blog which is great so check it out for some inspiration!

Oh, I've just had a thought...what if you a spoon of instant coffee...mocha chocolate cake...oh why am I on a diet???

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZzzzzzzzz

PS if you are a Weight Watcher the pie serves 4 generous portions at 5.5 points per serving...I darent work out the chocolate cake :(

Sunday Surfer Round up

2010-10-17T20:29:00.000+01:00

Hello peeps

How are you all on this Sunday? I have finally made the move to the lovely County of Derby which is fab, even though I had a bit of a wobble this afternoon and couldnt figure out why. After snapping and then aplogising to the Badger (I also groomed his tuft to make up for it) I realised I was having withdrawl symptoms from my craft space :(

I have a full room in our new house, but I cant even bare to take a picture of it to show you at the moment as its just a mess and unworkable. I shall have it fixed up in a week or so and you shall have tutorials a plenty :)

Enough of the waffle...let me share my surfing wonders with you :)

I know I often mention Lollychops but she has a great tutorial on making a Halloween tutorial. You can find it here and its part of the Helmar Blog Hop which has lots of hidden prizes, but even better lots of tutorials, its well worth looking up and add them as a like on Facebook as they have lots of random giveaways!.

I loved...

This journel by Tracy Weinzapfel, I really suggest taking a peak as the leaves are amazing and 3D as for the rest you will have to hop to it...heehee

I've also registered with craftbloguk as they have over 500 UK craft blogs on their directory, a great resource! This is the blog of UK Handmade and were the key players in getting Mary Queen of Shops to support the Handcrafted market. She has responded on her website in an open letter (which you can read here) but they havent given up yet they want more help! You can get a badge to put on your blog here to show your support

I love Spud and Chole, they sell fabulous yarn and have great free patterns. The Badger has insisted on a new knitted hat with a faux fur lining so I'm going to give this one from Spud and Chole a bash and have a play with the lining. If its a success I shall make the Badger pose for a picture.

I also have some gorgeous Alpaca yarn from America to knit a scarf for my Mum's Christmas box (but dont tell her if you see her!) and I've going to have a bash as cabling with this scarf from Spud and Chole

Isnt it gorgeous, can you imagine it in a lovely light, cream alpaca?

I also love the website And So I Whisper, I'm still exploring this but some of the items she makes are amazing! I shall leave you with these dainty crowns...

Dont you just want one????

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZzzzzzzz

I just wanted to add a PS this week...

One thing I have learnt this weekend, is what fabulous friends I have...thank you to you all and the help you have given me xxx

I'd pick more daisies...

2010-10-11T21:58:00.000+01:00

I've been experimenting...you dont look surprised....

After a strole throught the fabulous Etsy and Folksy I fell upon some knitted wire jewellery, and then would you believe I found a pattern in a magazine (sorry I cant remember the name!) but I wanted to make something of my own.

Sooooooo I got some wire, a set of dpn's (double pointed kneedles) ignored any pattern or advice and tried to knit it...as you can see it was abandoned...the wire was too thick and my experience too limited...

The out of focus blob at the front is the abandoned intital knitting experiement...even the camera didnt want to witness this mess!

You would think that I would learn from this and actually follow a tutorial first...oh if I wasnt so impatient...its a case of do what I say and not what I do here!

Back I trotted to Boyes (I swear I should have shares in that shop) and bought some thinnner wire and smaller beads...threaded more beads than I thought I would need onto the wire cast on 6 stitches and proceeded with a straight forward garter stitch

I have to admit, I rather like the teal bracelet and I have several people (well family and friends...thats what you get for working at your Mum's kitchen table) try to poach it off me before I even finished it...but this is one item I am going to keep myself as I {heart} it :)

But that wasnt enough, I wanted to tackle the wire beasty with the one stick wonder of a crochet hook. I fancied making a daisy as I love flowers, and being a barefoot hippy girl daisies are my favourite.

Again I started with the bead first, but wrapped the wire through the bead so I had a basis to crochet through.

I rather like the finished item but I think I need to find some way to add more beads or emblishments...a little sparkle is needed in everyones life!

Any thoughts on how to make my daisies more interesting?

Oh just one more thing...this working with wire is a tad hard on the fingers so build up slowly!

Much love from the set of...
The Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Sunday Surfer Round-up

2010-10-03T12:40:00.001+01:00

I know its been a while since the last Sunday Surfer Round-up but I am still trying to work on a dongle, that spits its dummy out every time I try to upload a picture and now its developed a nasty habit of crashing just before I publish a post and losing the lot. However I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as I am just waiting for a date for the new broadband to be turned on at our new house in the lovely village of Kegworth. I shall then make up for the poor posting that has been going on (hangs head in shame)

So what delights have I seen in my meanderings of the world wide web???

I love this headband tutorial from LucyKate Crafts and I know its in summer colours but wouldnt this look fab covered in black velvet ribbon with a red rose for your little girls Chrismas party?

This Snap Wrap Dress from Prudent Momma is also fab, add a long sleeved t-shirt underneath and it will look great for the Autum as well. Oh and the tutorial is soooooo easy to follow

If you have Christmas in mind, and I have to face the fact its not that far away now, how about these lovely trees from Lollychops. I was thinking they would look fabulous in a gold glitter paper or in black and white. You could even use up lasts years left of wrapping paper. Oh yes, I know you have half a roll lurking in the cupboard under the stairs... I think even the Grumpy Badger might approve of these and he hates Christmas trees.

I also came across a great Facebook Fan page Cakes by Libby. She really does have some great designs, something different from the usual and that appeals to me :)) Please drop by and tell her I sent you and give her a thumbs up and like her page

Finally I thought you might like a peek at my new scarves collection inspired by my Grandad Brown's love of Licorice Allsorts and sweeties.

Starting from just £15 for a hand crafted, unique item that acutally keeps you warm and makes you look great :). I will add another post in the week that explains more about this inspiration so add me to your RSS feeds or follow me so you can find out more about this amazing man.

If you want to see more Pictures drop by my Sleepy Badger Facebook page and give me a thumbs up or even better leave me a comment! If you want to purchase a scarf leave a comment on the Facebook page or inbox me. I will be listing the scarves in the Etsy shop in the next week or so (depending on when my broadband connection starts up!) or on my Facebook Etsy Tab

Much love from the set of

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

PS...hats and mittens coming soon :))

Beautiful Baby Blankets

2010-09-29T17:51:00.000+01:00

I was purusing around Prudent Baby when I noticed this great link to make ric rac baby blankets, but you know me by now...

I wanted to experiement, helped along by not having enough of the fabric I wanted...the answer...Patchwork!

The first result was this lovely little yellow number, made with cotton and fleece (which I got from Grimsby Sewing and Knitting) that will be soooooooooooo warm and cozy for this wet, chilly autumn days we seem to be having (in summer...yay go British weather)

I then had a dig through my stash and found this cute brushed cotton and lovely white cotton from Boyes.

But I wanted something that would make it cuter and more touchy feely. I decided a crochet border would add a lovely finishing touch. I blanket stitched all around the border so I could attach the crochet border and did contemplate making it wider, but I thought it would just make it too twee. Soooo I pulled out some baby pink 4ply acrylic wool and a 2.5 crochet hook and produced a super cute border for the blanket

If you want the pattern for the border its as follows

Slipknot and chain through the first stitch

Round 1
2 dc into each stitch until the corner
2 dc into each corner stich
repeat until all blanket stitches are covered, join with a slst

Round 2
ch 2
htr into each dc until corner
2 htr into each corner stitch
repeat until all dc stitches are covered with htr's and join with a sl st

Round 3
3 ch, 1 tr into same stich
*ch1 skip one stitch, 3 tr into next htrb repeat from* to first corner
3tr into first corner stitch, 2 ch, 3tr into first corner (repeat for each corner)
Repeat pattern for next three sides
Join with sl st
Fasten off

I hope you feel inspired to make a baby blanket...I seem to have a list as everyone...and I mean everyone, is having babys around me!

Much love from the set of
The Sleepy Badger
ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Gifts for teachers

2010-09-26T16:11:00.000+01:00

My friend Erika left me a message on Facebook to ask for some ideas for gifts to give to the kids teachers, so I decided to have a rummage around the web to see what was out there...

I did also find a teachers comments of gifts and she said no more 'C's i.e candles, candy and cards but she would love a scrap book to remind her of the year with her students

I found a great idea on the Disney family fun site...felted mittens...a great way to get rid of old jumpers and do your bit for the environment. How about adding a felted scarf, you could use lots of different colours.

Lucy Kate Crafts is a great website for ideas and she has some fabulous tutorials that are really clear and easy to follow. I love these soft trees, great for the teachers desk and can be brought out each year

There is also a great tutorial on how to make an Owl egg cosie that can also be changed into a key ring so there is something, not quite so 'whimsical' for the male teachers!

I love this apple pin from Kaboose, a different kind of apple for the teacher :)

I also love these felted soaps, great for gentle exfolation and you can be as crazy as you like with the design and when the soap is used up you can use the felt for something else. Its also something that can be done with the kids. This tutorial from WikiHow is really clear with lots of pictures.

If you want ideas for designs have a look at Etsy. I love these designs...

Black Pebbles from SoFino, check out the shop for lots of goodies and ideas

Finally I will leave you with something that is unisex and everyone needs one! A mobile phone case of course! Try out this tutorial at About.Com or this megga easy one from WeHeartLife. Just decorate it up with some buttons, sequins or what every takes your fancy!

Hope that gives you some idease Erika!

Have any links you would like to share for Crafts for the Teacher? Add them into my comments but please, no spam!

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

I have neglected you :(

2010-09-15T21:59:00.000+01:00

Well its true, I have neglected my blogging. I hang my head in shame but put two things forward as circumstantial evidence…

I’m in the process of moving to another city and no longer have a landline and have to fight the battle with a ‘dongle’, which at times all I want to do is ‘dongle’ it out of the window. This has led to crashed computers, blog entries made, saved and disappeared (I have no idea how this happens) and working at an unbelievable slow rate. Don’t even get me started on the whole uploading pictures malarkey.

To compound the guilt I already feel, Joanne from Craft Passion is still waiting for the tutorials I have promised to write her. I have done most of the work but its those finishing touches…its so hard to focus on these when I am surrounded by boxes 

Never the less I will attempt to round up some of the lovely things I have seen and share them with you…on the Sunday Surfer Round up, but just to keep you ‘dongling’…here’s a picture of a John Deere Ice Cream Maker, curtsey of Simply Modern Mom

Sunday Surfer Round up

2010-08-31T22:56:00.000+01:00

Well there has been a lack of blogging this week due to feeling under the weather, but I have seen some great links for you this week...

I love Joanne Goddard's blog, called a Cup of Joe, which has this great entry on a Cookie Swap Party. I think it sounds like a fab idea as I love to cook...I shall tempt you with a pic of some tasty wares I have cooked .

I did also make cookies but the family ate them before I even got a chance to take a picture

If you have a more savoury tooth, how about Cheese Cakes?

These are amazing and are available from the Cheese Shed

I'm feeling mighty blugh....

so this is a shorty and I will try for something tomorrow....

Much love and sickness from the set of

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Sunday Surfer Round up

2010-08-22T21:53:00.000+01:00

Well its been another busy week and its only going to get busier as I am moving from Yorkshire to Derbyshire. Me and the Grumpy Badger are finally moving in together, so now we have to merge two houses into one...how do we collect all this junk???? I will try my best to keep blogging but I may get a little overwhelmed by stuff going on, so please be a little patient with me :)

Anyways enough on that front...lets have a gentle surf on the Sunday round up

Firstly I have to start with this, and maybe its not a good thing as I think you may then desert me! Check out New Dress A Day, where Marisa has a budget of $365 to make a new dress a day. Some of the make overs/unders are amazing. check out the pics below!

Before...

After!

But what you really need to know is the chocolate mug cake recipe one of her fans sent in..., made in minutes...literally! Oh this is soooooo sinful but how could you say no??? If you want the recipe check out the link!

I'm loving this owl from Mary Wells

This arigurimi Giraffe is just adorable and the patter is available from Madisons Craft Nook Etsy shop

If you love all things Retro...you will love Sew Retro, there is so many fabulous pictures that I didnt really know where to start so check out the blog!

Well I think thats enough for now and just a quick peek at something I have been making this week...

I shall be writing a 'How to' for this so keep watching this space :)

Love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzz

WARNING...exciting times ahead...

2010-08-18T20:06:00.001+01:00

Phew its been quite a week, yes I know its only Wednesday, thats the type of week its been!

I am sooooooooo excited, Joanne from Craft Passion has asked me to write a guest tutorial and I have had a bucket load of ideas...here's a quick peek at some of the things that have my creative juices running...

I will post on here when Joanne puts the tutorial up!

I have also managed to trap my friend into the sticky, sticky web of fabrics and now, after a crochet lesson given with a ball of twine and paperclip (seriously!) I think I might have taken Erika a step too far...

...after a text told me that she has taken over the conservatory as the 'kids have got their bedrooms and garden to play in'. I nearly wet myself laugh...very nearly a Tena Lady moment!

The sad part is she has left the organisation we work for so I made her a couple of pressies as a leaving gift

But check out her great Blog to see the rest and read it in her own words, plus the fab write up on the Sleepy Badger :)

Well today is a quicky as I have a brief to make a leaving present and I am already running out of time as it needs to be finished by tomorrow!!

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Sunday Surfers Round-up

2010-08-15T19:00:00.000+01:00

I thought...I do that a lot...that Sunday is often the day we tend to relax, chill out after Sunday dinner and have a bit of a surf (if you can get the kids off the computer) sooooooooo I thought I would give you a bit of something to to have a look around, some nice piccies, an interesting website or maybe a how to from some of you wonderfully crafty people out there.

I would love to put some of your pictures up as well...just drop me an email or comment on here on my Facebook page

Firstly the good news, followed by a great link! Joanne from Craft Passion has asked me to write a guest tutorial for her website...woohoo...I is very excited and have some many ideas running around my head...but I think it will be another type of wee alien creature or a funky crochet belt...you will only be able to see it on Joanne's website but I will put a link on here for you :)

Have a look at Joanne's site, she has some adorable patterns and how to's, I just love this sun hat which you can get here but this is just the tip of the iceberg!

If you are a quilter then check out these lovely Fat Quarters and jelly rolls at

Grimsby Sewing and Knitting Centre

Don't worry if you dont live in Grimsby, you can contact the shop here and they also have an Ebay store, so mail order is an option for you fabraholics out there. Paul and Linda who run the shop are great as well, so pop in or give them a ring...you just wouldnt believe how much stock they have!

If you like the crazy world of Lollychops as much as I do, then you will love Momchops first blog tutorial of a very cute change purse which you can find here

I also love Jenny Jen's blog and her Birdy Birds, they always cheer me up and I find a lot of inspiration from this blog :)

I thought you would also like to see this fabulous print from Twisted Nature on how the Badger got his name. I now have the print and its signed and numbered and perfect. The Grumpy Old Badger whom I'm about to move in with thought it was the perfect House Moving gift :)

I found this fab print on Folksy, in which nestles my shop which is a little low on stock :( but I will be working on that over the next week and once I have done the whole moving business I will be filling it to the rafters :) ! I also have a little shop on Etsy which you can find here and dont forget if you are on the UK Mainland you get free P&P!

Lots of love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz

A tale to tell .....2 U?: One more for good luck!

2010-08-15T16:03:00.001+01:00

I thought you might like to have a look at my friend Erika's blog A Tale 2 Tell, she has a natrual flare for colour and I think she is going to be fab with fabric.

Unfortunately at the moment she cant get the stick (aka) crochet hook to work...nevermind Erika, I'm sure I will convince you to give them another try :)

Perhaps this lovely pic will tempt you to the goodies of the yarn basket...

You can find Erika's blog here
A tale to tell .....2 U?: One more for good luck!: "Last fabric post for the day....I promise. A couple more that I ordered today !! and these cute little flowers I will be..."

How to Make Fabulous Felt Tiaras for your Princess

2010-08-11T22:02:00.000+01:00

Making felt tiara's is soooooooooooo simple and sooooooooo much fun. You could even make these with your princess, if you dont want to use needles you can use PVA glue which is a non toxic glue, that does work really well with fabric. The down side is that you have to wait for the glue to dry before you can use your tiara.

Anyways, this is what you will need:

Felt
Ribbon
Heavyweight sew in interfacing
Embrodery silk/floss
Beads
Sequins
Beading needle
Embroidery needle
Paper and pen (to draw your pattern)
Scissors

Your colour choice is up to you and you can use anything to decorate your tiara. Do think about who will be wearing the tiara, and avoid anything small, dangly or pointy for very young children.

Start by making your pattern, I just used an A4 sheet of plain paper out of my printer (none of this fancy pattern paper malarky for me!)

If my writing is hard to decipher it’s as follows

Use an A4 Sheet of paper

Fold the sheet in half

Draw half the tiara/crown

Cut out paper pattern

Cut two in felt

Cut one in interfacing

When it comes to sizing, you can measure your princesses head (or prince if you are making a crown) and make the tiara fit all the way around the head, but I prefer a gap of about 3 inches (7cms) as I like to see the ribbon bow. However its all personal choice :)

You can use elastic if you prefer and it does provide a tighter but comfortable fit...but doesnt look so precious

On the pattern I am using in the photographs I have cut out diamonds but you dont have to do this if your not overly confident.

You also need to cut out the interfacing so its about 5mm smaller than the felt so it doesnt stick out.

I have also cut this out on the fold of the fabric but it doesnt matter if your felt isnt the right shape or size to do this. I always stitch the bottom anyway.

NOW....the fun bit

Play with your trimmings, as you can see I had a few ideas :)

If you like the felt flowers Lollychops does a great video tutorial which you can link to here. The only thing I did differently is to use a hot glue gun to stick the flap down, rather than a sticky glue dot.

Attach your trimmings, to the front piece of the tiara, however you want to. Make sure that you only sew through one piece of felt, as you dont want to see the stitches on the other side of the tiara!

I love to sew things, so its a needle and thread for me, but nothing wrong with a glue gun either

Next, cut your ribbon into two pieces and sew onto the interfacing not the fabric. This way hides the wobbly stitches holding the ribbons on!

Now place the interfacing between the two pieces of felt, wrong sides to the interfacing and your decorated piece to the front.

Then stitch around all of the outside edges and cut pieces with blanket stitch. (very clear video tutorial from YouTube here) This holds your masterpiece together and hides all your knots and stringy bits from decorating the front.

You can see my handiwork below.

Personally I love the effect of the blanket stitch but you can just machine stitch it in a contrasting cotton if you prefer

I love this one and it is for sale in my Folksy shop if you dont want or dont have the time to make your own

All of them on my blog will be in the shop at some point but drop me a email or comment if you have something special in mind that you would like me to make :0)

As you can see I use lots of different shapes and notions so each tiara is an OOAK (one of a kind)

I hope you have lots of fun make a tiara for your princess or a crown for your prince.

I would love to hear from you, so please leave me a comment or a cry for help if my instructions are as clear as mud ;0)

Lots of love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

Fabulously Fantastic Fabrics...

2010-08-08T22:05:00.002+01:00

I just had to share this with you all...

The New Grimsby Sewing and Knitting shop has just opened in Freeman street, Grimsby. It was amazing, just have a look at some of the fabric's (no drooling on your keyboards if you are a fabraholic like me)

The layout of the shop is fab, so easy to see all the fabrics (not so good for my purse though)

A small selection of buttons, fastenings and allsorts of wonderful things that I 'need'

Love, love, love this Michael Miller fabric which you can buy from their Ebay Shop

Do you know how long I have been looking for these Japanese Fabrics???

You can buy this fabric here, you can also buy the fabric in red here. I really have no idea how I managed to walk out the shop without this in my hand!

I hope this gives you just a little taster of what is available and I havent even mention the dressmaking fabrics, trimmings, machines and all those little things you read about but can find anywhere.

There is more to come as Linda and Paul will be hosting workshops from around September to cover a whole host of crafts that use fabrics and yarn!

I highly recommend this shop, the selection and service is great...even when Paul manages to sell me a sewing machine I didnt go into buy! (what can I say, it was a bargin!)

These are pictures from Paul and Linda's Facebook and Ebay sites, so I'm hoping they will forgive me for 'borrowing them' as I've put the links in but it would help if you have a peep at their site and like their Facebook page :0)

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

P.S. I wish Paul and Linda the best of luck with their Emporium :)

P.P.S. I will return in the week with some Mod Monkeys...he he he

P.P.P.S. Just a few more lovely fabrics!

Folksy...the crafters store

2010-08-05T21:28:00.000+01:00

I just thought I would make a quick post about Folksy.

Its a place were crafts people and artists can sell their work at a set fair price without the ever increasing amounts charged by some very large auction sites

Much of the issues around selling hand crafted items is the price...but that discussion is for another day

This isnt a place to get on a soap box about this topic but to show you how fabulous Folksy is....of course I have my own shop, funnily enough called The Sleepy Badger (I admit the stock is a little sparse due to a lack of time to list but I will stock it up over the next week or so) but I do hope you have a quick peek and its free P&P for the UK Mainland (so its not all bad!)

I also wanted to share something I have just bought of Folksy, but dont tell Dave (the real Sleepy Badger as he is on nights) as its going to be a present for our new home. Its a limited edition print called "Badger" from a seller called Twisted Nature.

I just couldnt stop laughing when I looked at the print, which explains how the badger got its name. You really should have a peep as his work is fab and appeals to my rather odd sense of humour...

BUT...

the real reason I love folksy is that you can get such unique items that you know other people wont be wearing, as all items have to be hand made!

I love this ring made from satin which has been made by serenhandcrafts

Or you can top up your stash (cough cough) with this yummy hand spun wool from Rebekka Leigh

I could go on and on about folksy but dont listen to me a moment longer...

check it out...no really, I insist ;)

Love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

P.S....I'm getting old as I forgot what I was going to type here :/

Mo the Musical Sock Monkey

2010-08-04T23:27:00.001+01:00

I thought you might like to meet Mo the Sock Monkey as you can see he is a giant amongst Sock Monkeys, one of the the gentle kind. Being more 'mature' Mo doesnt care for scampering around the furniture like George but likes to chill out and relax and on occasion listen to Radio 4.

His greatest pleasures in life are good company (He loves to curl up and sleep with his owner Lucy) and music.

I often find him sat at the piano (he likes a bit of blues)

Mo is also partial to a bit of accoustic guitar (he always prefers the colour red)

However dont be lulled into Mo's laid back, carefree attitude, underneath that cool exterior lies a...

ROCK GOD!!!

Crack open a bag of honeyed banana chips, wait till he's had a few and he can tell you some stories of the days when he travelled around in the van, watched Ozzy snort ants and partied with Vixen.

Just be warned, one too many of those banana chips and the tattoos get displayed....

and the party starts....

Love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz

Make Your Own Tesco Green Points

2010-08-01T22:10:00.000+01:00

A strange heading, but I was so sick of seeing the usual bags that everyone drags to the supermarket, I thought we should have the opportunity to have something a little different.....so I trawled through the internet and a variety of books and magazines and pulled together pattern that is quick and easy.

Firstly I had to have a rummage through my fabric stash, personally I don't think its large enough, even though it is greeted with a rolling of the eyes when I walk in with the odd extra piece to add to it...

Thinking for practicality, I have gone for a heavyweight calico and a lovely flowered cotton. Both were bought from a local store and its very easy and relatively cheap to buy the fabric.

Materials

You will need about half a metre of both fabrics
Thread to match or clash (its a personal thing!)
Bond-a-web or spray adhesive (make sure its suitable for fabric)
Ironing board and iron
Things you would like to decorate your bag with e.g. buttons, beads etc (don't forget that if you want to wash your bag, you will need to be able to take these off)

Start by making a paper pattern by drawing a rectangle 48 x 38 cms and a second 48 x 10 cms.

(I'm so glad I did as I'm sure I'm going to be making sooooooooooo many of these lovelies!)

Once you have done this you will need to cut out 2 large rectangles in the patterned fabric and 2 in the calico. Then cut out 2 of the smaller rectangles out of the patterned fabric

(you dont need these in calico...but I cut them out before I realised...I'm sure they will come in handy for something...)

Now you need to make the handles from the smaller rectangles.

Fold them in half length ways and iron so you have a seam. Open up the fabric and fold each outside edge to the centre seam and iron in place.

If that makes no sense, use the picture as a guide, its probably a lot better than me waffling on...

Now you need to topstitch the handles, I used a contrasting thread as I like to see the stitching

Once you have topstitched the handles you need to place them so there is an even space on both sides of the handle (this allows you to have a shorter or longer handle) I placed mine about 16cms in from the edge

Pin the handles into place, making sure they aren't twisted and then pin the right sides of the fabric pieces together and sew along the top of the bag. Repeat with the other two pieces of fabric but leave a 5cm gap (you will need this to turn the bag the right way out)

Now you need to add you applique shape (this is optional, you can just keep it plain). This is also the point where you need to add and pockets but then it wouldn't be reversible...I guess you can't have everything ;)

I've decided to go for a heart with this bag...aww so sweet eh?!

Anyways....as you can see it was an exacting process of grabbing a spare bit of paper out of my notebooke, folding it in half and drawing the heart.

See crafting at its best :0)

Now you can use a fusible webbing to attach your shape to the bag or I used a spray adhesive that is suitable for fabrics (wonderful stuff, no more bond-a-web melted patches on my iron that rub off on to my nice white work tops...)

Now you need to set your machine to zig zag and sew all the way around your shape. I set my stitch width really narrow and the length long as it slows down the area covered and its easier to stick to the shape...but its up to you

Heres another design I appliqued on the small Amy Butler bag I made using the same pattern (but smaller of course!)

As you can see its possible to cover quite complicated shapes with just an ordinary sewing machine foot. I also added some seed beads to give it a bit more of a 'wow' factor

Now lay out the bag pieces so that the right side of the fabrics are facing and matching (see the picture above, it makes much more sense!)

Pin the pieces...this makes things so much easier and I am talking from experience...and sew all around the edge.

This is the fun bit...pull everything through the 5cm gap you left when you attached the handles. You can at this point just jump to the top stitching and finish your bag off but if you want a bag with a gusset...the next step is...

Pull out each corner and draw a line across at 7cms, repeat this on every corner (that should be 4...if you have more or less you might want to check the pattern ;))

Sew straight across and then trim to a 0.5cm seam

Push the lining back into the bag and top stitch around the top of the bag (where the handles are) making sure you catch the seam to close the opening that was used to turn the bag. Now you can decorate your bag to your hearts content, I kept these simple as I intend to use them for shopping and I want to be able to wash them.

Have a look at the pic of the Amy Butler bag and you can see I have gone crrrazyyyyyyyy with the seed beads...okay, so I'm a little subdued when it comes to bags!

After a pressing...this is what mine looked like...can you tell I like hearts?

I have to say, I love these bags, they are so comfy and fit perfectly, in fact I liked them sooooooooooo much I made a smaller version with a fabulous Amy Butler fabric

What do you think?

Well I hope that 'How to' was as clear as mud, drop me a comment if anything seems totally confusing

Love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

P.S....Don't throw those corners away...They have a use...I will post in the week :0)

P.P.S. Those Bunnies have got it in for me....

Sock Monkies aka Cheeky Monkey

2010-07-25T22:58:00.000+01:00

Sock Monkeys

Introducing George

I have to admit I'm not overly keen on Sock Monkeys, they are often ugly in a way I cant find cute. I know, I'm odd, everyone seems to love them. I even made one for my niece this week, who she named Mo and fell asleep on the sofa cuddling him (she is 18).

As you can see he is rather cheeky

Well this was the case until I found a pair of socks in Boyes, Grimsby. They were reduced and only a pound a pair and for some reason I could see a monkey in them. I had a rumage around the web to see the different ways to make them. I never thought there would be so many ways to make the same thing (unless your microsoft) even though they are cut in the same way.

Its very hard to take pictures of an escaping monkey

I made Lucy's the diffcult way and stuffed it through the let, this was a horrendous job and nearly put me off making a sock monkey in my lifetime! So I sat down and had a think about it and decided to stuff it through the head. It was sooooooooooooooo much easier, then I just gathered up the head with a running stitch and oversewed the edges together. You can hardly see where it has been stitched together.

Abe from Lollychops.com dropped in for a flying visit

So I will leave you with a link to a pattern you can use at Craftbits (this one gets stuffed between its legs!)

Love from the set of the Sleepy Badgers

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz

PS...you know the bunnies and my feeling that they are watching me....

What did I tell yah?!!

P.P.S you can find the Sleepy Badger on

Facebook here and

Twitter here

Bunny Bad Boyz

2010-07-19T18:00:00.003+01:00

I really am beginning to think I have a bit of an obsession with rabbits, to the point where even the rabbits are becoming suspicious...

I present the following as evidence...

Da Boss
(you can tell by the tie)

Da tip off....
Careful...it looks like the boss is looking at you!

Da crew...

Notice Da Bosses Moll next to him in the designer pink outfit?

Da Bunny Bad Boyz are watching you....

Don't belive me????

Dont say I didnt warn you...

Love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

Crafty links

2010-07-13T20:34:00.000+01:00

I thought I would share a few links with you...some I have tried and others are on my waiting list!

This is a tutorial from craftzine on how to use your inkjet printer to print out your designs onto fabric. This is most definately on my to do list!

(image from Craftzine website)

Prudent Baby is another great website that gives round ups of crafting websites and blogs, a really good starting place to explore this wonderful world on 'tinternet...as they say up here in Yorkshire. Prudent Baby also has a great tutorial on how to make bias tape here

I also love Kitschy Coo, who has some fab patterns for the sweetest childrens clothes with a real retro feel

Of course lets not forget Ravelry, an amazing resource, full of free patterns for knitting and crochet...we like free :)

If you're liking the Sleepy Badger then join him on

The Sleepy Badger

Facebook page

Happy Crafting!

Much love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

I think I saw a wabbitt...

2010-07-11T23:02:00.001+01:00

I seem to have a bit of a thing about rabbits...or wabbitts...

I present the following evidence...

Can you tell what it is yet? Yeah, I know it doesnt look like a rabbit, unless you look for the ears...

This is what it looks like when its finished
Made in a bamboo yarn, she is soft and squishy to the touch

and yet more Wabbitts....

Aww what a pair of cuties :)

Love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Poppies to remember

2010-07-05T22:43:00.000+01:00

I couldnt resist making a trip across Hull after seeing these poppies one morning whilst parking up for a meeting. I just knew I had to capture the fragility of the poppies. What I adored even more was the fact that this was on a council estate, one considered to be a tad rough.

This is how the picture turned out, it almost looks like it is painted

Hard to believe this is in the middle of a council estate

I love the bee in this one and she didnt seem to mind me sticking my lense into her path

This was a solitary purple poppy...so different to the wild poppies

I love the papery texture in this picture and my lovely bee

Just a final thought for those lost and remembered when we wear our poppies

As I drove away from the poppies, my mind was spinning with ideas and problems...how do I get that papery texture of the poppy into fabric, that amazing orange red, with the deep black centre.

Well that is something that I will be working on...I think I like the idea of a cushion or a tote bag with big blousy blooms on it.

I hope you find the pictures as inspiring as I did

And finally....

Isnt it wonderful where we find an oasis of peaceful summer?

Love from the set of the

Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZzzzzzzz

PS...I'm working on a 'How to' for a reversible shopping bag...watch this space :0)

Wee Alien Fugly Pattern

2010-06-23T23:55:00.004+01:00

At last I have a quick pattern for you although I tend to work in freeform, so dont get bound down by the pattern, its just a guide and shouldnt take you more than a couple of hours and evening at the very most.

Its for one of my Fugly's. These are strange Wee Alien creatures that identify a Human to attach themselves too. They are a one human creature and if they are left without their daily hugs and squeezes, they die of a broken heart.

Wee Aliens communicate through dreams and thoughts, therefore you must ask the person whom you are making a Wee Alien for, to describe what they look like e.g. eye colour, skin colour, how many eyes (!) and hair colour (if they have any!). I can assure you, this has been communicated via the Wee Alien that has bonded with this person.

What you will need

4.5 mm crochet hook

aran weight or chunky wool

Toy stuffing
Child safety eyes
Darning needle

If you dont want to use eyes, you can stitch on buttons or embrioder a cross...remember each one is unique!

Crochet stitches

English American (if different)

Double Crochet (dc) Single Crochet (sc)

Treble Crochet (trble) Double Crochet (dc)

Front Post Crochet (fpc)

Chain (ch)

Slip stitch (ss)

This is a great link to front post crochet which is way better than my dodgy photo's. It is an American video, so the stitch being demonstrated is double crochet or for an English pattern, treble crochet ( I hope that makes sense!)

The pattern is written in English crochet terms.

I start with three chains, join with a slip stitch, but you might want to use a magic circle/loop to start.

6 dc into loop, join with ss

Ch 1

2 dc into each stitch (12), join with ss

Ch 1

2 dc into first stitch, 1 dc into next stitch, repeat to end of round (18), join with ss

Ch 1

2 dc into first stitch, 1 dc into next two stiches, repeat to end of round (24), join with ss

Ch 1

1 dc into each stitch, join with ss

Ch 1

repeat last round, change colour

Repeat last round three times

change colour

Repeat last round three times

place a marker at the 12th and 24th stitch (if you have ended up with more/less stitches, just divide by two and place the markers so they are opposite each other), this is so you can make the legs.

change colour

12 dc and then join the two sides with a slip stitch

Ch 1

Continue to work on this leg only

Repeat previous row twice

Ch 1

1 double front post crochet into next stitch, complete to the end of the round (12), join with ss

Crochet 2 together 6 times

Fasten off

Now add the eyes and then stuff the body (you can also add the hair at this point)

Join colour to body (you might want to use a different colour for this leg)

Complete as other leg (but add more stuffing before you start the foot or your Wee Alien wont stand up!)

Sew up the bottom of the feet

Add hair by looping through the stitches

You have your first Wee Alien

If anything isnt clear, leave me a comment or email me and I will try and clarify the situation!

You can make as many of these as you like but please dont sell them to make personal profit. The pattern and all images remain copyrighted and property of The Sleepy Badger

If you would like to use the pattern for a fundraising event, please let me know, I'm alwaya pleased to say yes as long as you credit the design to me and keep the name (the Wee Aliens get upset if you dont) and send me a picture :)

I would love to see your Wee Aliens and Fugly's, please send me lots of pictures and I will post them on the blog or start a Flicker group :)

Lots of snuffles from the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The Sleepy Badger lives!

2010-06-10T14:46:00.000+01:00

At last the Sleepy Badger has been created...drum roll...fanfare...dun dun dahhhhhhhhhhh

as you can see, his favourite snoozing place (when he has been kicked off the bed) is amongst soft yarns of any colour

When this isn't available...

...the back of a sofa will do

I'm not sure what Wendy and Abe make of the new guy in town...

he doesnt seem to say much

The Sleepy Badger (aka Mr Snuffles) has been made using free form crochet and is not for sale...sorry peeps but if there is enough demand I might make a pattern. Oh, and I will tell you the story of Mr Snuffles one day :)

The Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

PS don't forget you can find the The Sleepy Badger on Facebook, Twitter,
and Etsy
I hope to see you there!

My Inspirations

2010-06-07T21:34:00.000+01:00

I thought you might like to know where I find my inspiration from for my designs. Much of it comes from the environment around me, some from family and friends...

(This Fugly was described to me by my niece Molly for her birthday present)

but I also spend a lot of time looking at blogs and the internet, so I thought I would share some pictures and links that inspire me.

http://www.lollychops.com/

I love Lollychops, not only is she incredibly creative but her writing style is hilarious (as is her obsession with teal). She has some great patterns that you can download and you really must read the story of the creation of Abe.

This is my version of Wendy and Abe from Lollychops site

I also love the Crochet Dude who has great free patterns and really demistfys crochet

The Crochet Dude

(Little booties I've crocheted)

I also love, love, love Ravelry

(just to show you how much I love Ravelry)

Ravelry

it is the most inspiring place where you can find so many different patterns and ideas

Also the friendliest knitting forum in the world!

Phonenix Knitting Forum

I actually attend two knitting groups a month due to meeting great people on here (I'm usually the one crocheting...;))

and of course Etsy,

Etsy

an amazing place full of artists and a great place to source materials and of course I have my own shop on there :)

The Sleepy Badger Shop

I will be posting more on the Sleepy Badger as he has now been created

Well I hope you like some of my inspirations

Love from the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzz

I love hearts...

2010-05-31T17:17:00.000+01:00

Well I have been busy designing and making lots of lovely things over the bank holiday weekend and I thought I would like to share them with you.

Lots of lovely shabby chic door hangers and the little ones are key rings, arent they cute?

A few more key rings :)

These will be going up for sale on Esty.com in my new shop, called the The Sleepy Badger you can find my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesleepybadger

(I've had a busy weekend!)

I've also been working on some prototypes...namely a cute purse. This has given me a chance to play with some basic machine embroidery and I think I am hooked! The external fabric is linen with the inside lined in a bright fabric. I have some lovely linens that would make these a show stopper.

But at this point its still an experiment :)

And finally I thought you might like to see the Fugly my Niece designed. I have written the pattern down and will put it on my blog and my Raverly page as well if you would like to access it.

But thanks to my niece Molly and her wonderfully creative imagination

Much love from the set of the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Sweet-a-licious Baby booties

2010-05-21T14:06:00.003+01:00

I thought I would share some of my commissioned work with you today and I have decided it should be the adorable Baby Booties. Whenever displayed they are met with ooo's and aahhs and turn most women (and even the odd man) into complete baby melts (you know, when they get that glazed look in their eyes and make strange cooing noises .

I thought I would show you the lovely creamy white ones first. They are crocheted in a 4ply and the lace is worked into the stitches rather than sewn on later.

These are my version of Ugg Boots for a baby, I thought they were rather cute but less fancy. More for the decerning urban baby ;)

Now for the prize of sweet-a-licious bootees goes to the candy pink little numbers, suitable for all princesses. The should be bought by the person who keeps pinching your baby and saying that she is so sweet they want to eat her...this sounds much cuter when my mum does it, typed it sounds a little sinister...but really its sweet-a-licious!

Finally, what should the avant guarde baby be wearing with the jimmy choos of shoes?

The designer hat, of course, made to match. I have to say this hat does come with a warning...if worn with bootees can cause delays...due to adoring fans

Just one more shot of the hat...

Love from the Sleepy Badger

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Yet more prototypes

2010-05-14T14:13:00.000+01:00

Well I have spent another week up to my ears in fabric and yarn trying to put my prototypes together, so I thought I would put some pictures up for you. Some are still in the development stage (literally!) and after a trip to my mom's,some are missing after being claimed by nieces and nephews. My cousins little boy also put quite a large and specific order in for a purple wee bunny and I couldnt say no or it was going to come to blows with my nice who had claimed the orginal.

Wendy and Abe

This is Wendy and Abe, based on a design by Lollychops, who has the most amazing blog and sense of humour. I need to change Wendy the bird as my niece said she looks like a seal...hmmm I think the tail needs to change and the eyes too.

I think Abe needs a bit of work on his shape (bless him, its not his fault its his genes)

Beanies
These are the beanies I've been working on. The front beanie is made in yard made from bamboo and feels incredible. The maroon and cream beanie behind is made from an aran wool mix from the LYS and is really warm. The beanie in the background is made in acrylic and is very thick and warm...but...it just doesnt feel as nice as the wool or bamboo so I think the acrylic is out. Woohooooo.... its a go for natural yarns.

Tea Cosys - or Strawberries R Us

This is only the third thing I have ever knitted from a pattern and it was a bit of a challenge at first, but I love this and the verdict from the family and friends was a big thumbs up. I have to say I was surprised I even got out of the house with the cosy in my bag!

My lovely best friend Miss Enid (there is a story behind the name but thats for another day :) thinks we should make strawberry jam and sell the jam and tea cosys together...I think its a sweet idea. Miss Enid said I could decorate the stall as I can do all that 'flip flap stuff'. I have to say I was giggling away at this all day.

Well I guess thats enough for now but I will be posting more prototypes this week. I would love to know your thoughts and if you have any ideas I would love them :)

I also seem to have caught the quilting bug...but more of that in a later post, after this entry I'm off to buy some more fabrics...oooohhh bliss!

The Sleepy Badger......ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Rag Dolls that make you smile

2010-05-02T17:18:00.000+01:00

Raggerty Dolls

I have spent this week buried in wool, legs, arms and stuffing of different kinds. No I havent been carrying out a weird ceremony, but working on my Rag Dolls.

I have found out a new way to attach the hair which makes it much more secure and saves my poor fingers. There are also now three sizes, with the smallest being 18 inches from head to toe and the largest being about 40 inches.

I have inserted a couple of pictures of the largest doll I make, sorry they arent perfect quality, but it was a commissioned piece and had to be delivered the next day and I only had my rather jaded phone on me. My lovely boyfriend is holding Amy Lee so you can see her actual size.

She is called Amy Lee and the eyes and hair colour was specified by the customer.

She has stripey tights, a lovely orange dress with sparkly buttons and a black cord jacket with red roses on. I hope the the pictures give you an idea of the size...lol. All Rag Dolls from the Sleepy Badger come with a Birth Certificate and your chosen name.

I will upload some better pictures !

The Sleepy Badger...

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Knitted character and Peter the Duck

2010-05-02T16:52:00.000+01:00

Well I have nearly finished the pattern for the Knitted character, well the beta version...just a bit of work on the body and ears and then I will put the pattern on my blog.

This is a picture of the finished item, I think its quite a good likeness

I have also made a Peter the Duck (my rather zany boyfriend added the Santa Cruz sticker to make Peter cool!) and have my first order for him :)

Hope you like the pictures, my next entry will be on my Rag Dolls, with some pictures of the giant ones.

The Sleepy Badger ...ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Facebook page

2010-04-13T11:00:00.001+01:00

Well I have been working on a Facebook page for The Sleepy Badger. I will be adding lots of pictures to show the different things I make and hopefully in time provide some photo instructions for you to make your own Sleepy Badger items.

You can find me by searching face book for Sleepy Badger and I have a picture of the Knitted Character from Harry Hill's TV burp. I will be making a Sleepy Badger very soon :)

I'm currently also working on a pattern for the Knitted Character and if its workable I will post it on my blog for everyone to try! Oh by the way it is actually crocheted...sorry knitters!

The Sleepy Badger

In the beginning....

2010-04-12T10:02:00.001+01:00

Well this is the start of the journey of Sleepy Badger Crafts, at this moment, nothing more than a plan, which is the next step on from a dream :)

My dream is to run my own business, working from home (currently Yorkshire) producing hand crafted gifts, with a retro feel to make your home a warm and welcoming place.

At the moment I am working on some prototypes and doing lots of research. My goal is to be up and running by Oct 2010, whilst I work part-time for the first year of the business.

I will be updating my blog with the adventures of the Sleepy Badger and his friends. I hope you want to share this journey with me :)