Viking evolution....part 2

 Thanks for your comments yesterday on the first Viking!

After looking at it, yes, the face wasn't big enough, so........

after adding more hair and a few more accessories, here is the bigger, rougher, meaner version.

Lock up your daughters......

Kathryn. XX

Viking evolution.....

I spent yesterday afternoon painting faces for a Viking. This was really hard. I wanted rough, mean and a little bit scary without freaking kids out when they see it.

This was the first......

does anyone see 'Mitchell' from 'Modern Family' here.......? LOL.

Yeah, let's try again......

And this guy looks like he'd rather play with a fluffy bunny than pillage a village...if you know what I mean.

And this guy looks like he'd murder you in your sleep....high pitched squealing in the middle of the night is not what we are after.....

 This was a similar version to the really scary one above but I toned down the eyes, a bit.

Looks OK, but more tweaking will be going on......

Kathryn. XX

The Royal Guard.....

I have been wanting to make these 'Royal Guards' for ages and, after many requests for boys toys at the market on Saturday, I set to work. I drafted the pattern from the Matryoshka Dolls, with a bit of tweaking, and this is the end result.

What do you think, would little boys like them? I am thinking that I will do some English 'Bobbies" as well, by replacing the red with Navy?

Anyway, this is what I am listening too this morning......

....non stop digging and hammering at rock and more rock and more rock from next door. I will be glad when it's over but that's progress for you!

Have a great day everyone, Kathryn. XX

Post surprise.....

These cheeky things were found in a parcel last Friday, from the lovely Kerryanne, as a 'thank you' for participating in 'Simply Chirstmas' (check it out on Kerryanne's blog). It was very unexpected and I was thrilled to receive some original artwork from this very clever lady. Thank you so much Kerryanne, they shall adorn our Christmas Tree with lots of bloggy love!

Hubs asked me if I would like to join him an a little drive this afternoon to look at a block that one of his clients is wanting to build a house on.

Just look what was next door.......OMGoodness!

The building on the left of the 'house' (more like a mansion...) is a pool house! And just look at the beautiful gardens.....It is in a stunning spot with views to the north over rolling hills...ah.

How the other half live eh!!!

Anyway, in other news, the Buninyong Makers Market was another success on Saturday. We didn't get the crowds that we did with the first one, but all of the stall holders still did very well and we will be looking forward to the next one before Christmas. It was also very nice to meet some more local bloggers including Linda from 'Heartfire at Home' and Rachel from 'Picklebug'. I didn't know Linda before Saturday and I know Rachel from School but didn't know she blogged and was crafty!!!

Such a wonderful day was had by all. Thanks to everyone who came along and said 'hello'!

Kathryn. XX

Pattern release - Tutu Cute Lavender Sachet

The 'TUTU Cute' Lavender sachet is now available as a pattern complete with full instructions, diagrams and a full pattern piece for you to cut out and use.

Those of you who live internationally will be happy! I had a LOT of enquiries about the 'TUTU Cute' Lavender sachet but couldn't send lavender overseas due to quarantine restrictions on plant products.

So, here is the pattern for you to create your very own 'TUTU Cute' Lavender sachet!!

Available in my Etsy shop here, or you can email me directly, see my profile page for details.

I will be adding a 'Patterns' page to the website soon, including the 'Matryoshka Rose' Doll Quilt and Pillow, too; watch this space.

Kathryn. XX

Stripping is really tough.....

Lavender that is!

I have had this lavender for about 10 months just sitting there waiting for me to strip it. The last lot I did (which I had run out of) took forever to do and my hands were a bit sore after it. Anyway, I bit the bullet and stripped last week! The end result was worth it. The lavender was from Kylie's place, she has a beautiful lavender hedge row and it smells so sweet. I'm not sure what variety it is?

And these lavender strawberries were made after all the effort!

They are, completely, filled with 1 cup lavender.

They will be for sale at the Buninyong Makers Market this Saturday.

Kathryn. XX

Made It......

'Our Shabby Cottage' is now on MadeIt.

I'm still not too sure about this site yet; the site itself is very slow (but they have assured me they are working on it!) I find it a bit frustrating and I do wonder if potential buyers are put off by how slow it is. I have high speed broadband so it's not my end.....Oh, well only time will tell but I really wanted some presence here in OZ.

Also the winner of the 'Brooch Cushion Kit' is Lee from Artfulee Designed. Congrats Lee, Kerryanne will pop your prize in the post to you. Thanks to everyone who popped by and said 'hi' and commented on both Kerryanne's and my blog! It is always nice to meet new blogging friends.

Sunny and 18 degrees here today, better find a t-shirt......Kathryn. XX

Playing around....

With the blog, of course! Thought it needed a bit of an overhaul, although I  can't seem to figure out how to add linked pages beneath the header? Any suggestions? I seem to be able to add one, but no more...anyway, I'm sure I will figure it out eventually.

These photos were taken on Saturday morning before we set off for tennis with Masters 9 & 8. We were hoping it would be called off but alas the organisers obviously thought that we Buninyong peeps were up to standing around in 3 degrees and gale force winds.......and snow....

And the countdown is on again to the next Buninyong Makers Market.

The first one was a huge success. This time around we have lots of new/different stall holders so there will be something new to see for everyone. Start thinking about Christmas gifts too, bring a list of people to buy for, come along and enjoy!

Lots of last minute preparations for the market are happening at Our Shabby Cottage this week and I will be announcing the winner of the Brooch Cushion Tutorial Kit along with Kerryanne tomorrow morning!

See you then, Kathryn. XX

Brooch Cushion Tutorial 'Simply Christmas'

Today is the day for my guest post tutorial over at Kerryanne's for 'Simply Christmas'.

Make this pretty brooch cushion for yourself or someone you love with only two fat quarters of fabric and a few pretty embellishments.

As part of the festivities we will be having a giveaway too.

My gift to you is a full kit and intructions (you will need fibrefill to fill it) to make the identical brooch cushion featured here. (without the brooches)

All you need to do, to win, is leave a comment here, then, pop over to Kerryanne's blog and leave a comment on the tutorial post. Easy peasy!

I also have 4 (make that 3 now) other kits for sale for $25+pp which includes everything needed to make the cushion above. (Just email me for details or leave a comment in the comments that you would like one, be quick though!)

You have until midnight on Tuesday 19th October to enter and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the tutorial!

Kathryn. XX
For those of you who have commented on the post below, that's fine! I wasn't quick enough getting this post ready in time!!!!

'Simply Christmas'

'Simply Christmas' 1st October - 24th December

Join in the fun with Kerryanne during 'Simply Christmas' - bringing the handmade, homebaked back into Christmas. Recipes, Tutorials, organising!

 This is a little sneak peak at my tutorial which Kerryanne will be posting tomorrow! There will also be a giveaway so make sure you pop by tomorrow for some fun and festivities!!

Kathryn. XX

PVC...

I thought I'd give the PVC front flap idea another whirl.

It wasn't as hard as I thought.

Added to the website today.

Have a great weekend everyone, Kathryn. XX

My creative space........

Taking pics of some new 'Tutu Cute' Lavender sachets.......

By the way, back here when they were first blogged about I put it out there for suggestions on the name for these little sachets. Well, Kylie from A Bite of Country Cupcakes suggested 'Tu-Tu cute' and Sarah from Shabby Roses and Pretty Things suggested 'Tutu Cute' - so, guess what girls? I have a little surprise for you - your very own Tutu Cute sachet will be coming your way!
And more 'Pussikins' to be stuffed.
More fun over here, thanks Kirsty!
What's happening in your creative space today?
Kathryn. XX

Disappearing.....

How on earth do the days disappear so quickly? Holidays are over, kids are back at school and I spent nearly all of yesterday trying to get the house cleaned and in order. Mountains of washing was done, groceries bought, bolognaise in the slow cooker, bathrooms cleaned, floor mopped, ah the list just goes on and on......

And this is what my hubby gave me to keep me going, oh bless! He is getting a bit creative with his froth these days!
And, some new fabrics turned up from Etsy. I bought these to make some more Pussikins!
Girls this time.
I love Matryoshkas and I could not resist these Matryoshka cats! How cute!
Purchased from here.
And, I have begun my tutorial for my paticipation in the 'Simply Christmas' fun over at Shabby Art Boutique.
I have been given the task of showing you a pretty and feminine gift to make!
If you haven't been over to see what Kerryanne has planned for us all, please do. It's all about getting back to basics for Christmas, forget commercial buying, buy handmade or make it yourself! Kerryanne has lots of talented bloggers involved in this over the next 12 weeks of Christmas - check her sidebar to see who's who.

Get organised, get creating, get cooking and have fun in the lead up to Christmas!
Now, how many hours are left today?
Kathryn. XX