Contents of a swap

This year I finally got to participate in the "Flat Swap' and I must say I was a bit nervous. I'm not an expert at swaps, and it also felt a bit weird to have to be the one picking someone to be your partner.

I soon forgot I was the one organizing it, and set off to make, wrap and send. I do take the flat part very seriously, because if the measurements are not correct, the "letter" becomes a package, and the price, a massive pain in the wallet.

My partner proposed the guidelines from last years swap (a letter, something handmade, a quote, something I own, and something edible).

And then I chose flowers as the theme.

Some of the parcels from the swap have been arriving, and some are here if you want to take a look.

I'm still waiting for others to send me some pictures so I can put them on the blog's FB page.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead,
Giova

Small parcels with lots of love

I have always believed in the perfect timing of things and how they find their way to you. These parcels below are amazing examples of excellent timing. They arrived in time to cheer, comfort, reassure and most of all to deliver the love the person invisibly wrapped just for me.

My life has felt a bit like a roller coaster lately, and these beautiful and amazing people from far away have made me feel loved, and for that I am deeply grateful.

It is magical how "pen-palships" are born, why some are a perfect match, and some others aren't, why some last many years and others don't. I've always thought it is actually quite similar to meeting someone in person- you either have the chemistry or you don't, and you either insist or you don't.

What I  know for certain is, that when beautiful parcels like these or simple, long letters arrive on my mailbox, my life is so much fuller and brighter because of them... And I feel very darn lucky!!

Thank you so very much, Juliane, Jenni, Puk, Julia, and Jen!!

I wish you a beautiful weekend ahead and may the stars align so that beautiful parcels arrive at your doorstep,
Giova

Mini Buntings for Valentine's day

At one point I had the intention of doing last years heart project again. Who knows where the time went? Did you know it was already february? I just realized it two days ago, when I received the most amazing Valentine's package. I'm still blown away by how beautiful and kind people are, so Julia if you are reading this, thank you so, so much! I am deeply touched by your thoughtful gift.

That package (you can see it at the end of this page), made me realize I have done nothing for my favorite holiday of all. I also realized that I haven't done many normal buntings (triangular ones), for the blog, and so I thought "now is the time."  You can read last year's Valentine's day manifesto here or take a look at the heart project here.

I made these little buntings in no time, so if you haven't done anything (like me), maybe this is the perfect craft for you.

As it is pretty straight forward I'll skip the instructions. But I do have one tip; fold the paper and then cut the triangles, don't cut 2 triangles and then paste, believe me, it is much easier the other way.

What I've used:

• old paper (from an old book I got in France)
• glue stick
• glitter (mine is this one)
• glue for glitter (I used this one)
• twine (I used this one)
• alphabet rubber stamps  (I've had mine for a really long time, but they have similar here)
• blank cards

I had to show you a fabric version as well. Tiny diamond shapes sewn together. They measure more or less 3 cms each. Obviously the paper ones are quicker, but these ones take just 10 more minutes to make.

Gather some blank cards in your preferred color and simply tie the bunting around it. This way you'll be sending a greeting with a little handmade gift.

Lately time passes through me so quickly that an entire month just goes away without me realizing that it did. I do hope that my Valentine's greeting reach their destination, if not by the 14th at least in February.

And this is the beautiful package that found it's way to my mailbox!

I wish you a lovely weekend ahead, filled with hearts, and all things crafty!
And if by any chance you want to see this movie thinking it will be a romantic one, as it says on the description, please don't. There is nothing romantic about it. Serves me well for not reading the whole synopsis.
Giova

A very easy to make fabric pouch, clutch

I love pouches, all colors, sizes and textures. I use them for all sorts of things. There is one filled with old ribbons, another with new, one keeps crochet needles, another holds my traveling "things." This one here is my favorite because it is very easy to make and  it is not heavy at all (empty, that is).

 What you'll need:

• fabric
• thread and needle
• scissors
• sewing machine just makes this project super quick

- Cut 2 pieces of fabric about 24 x 33 cms
- Sew seams on both pieces 2 cms more or less- they should be 22 x 31 cms now
- Sew them together, the nice part of the fabric should be facing each other, I just mention this silly information because I forgot to do this on the red one!

- Leave 8 cms or so without sewing at the top, turn it inside out
- Iron, it makes the next step much easier

- Fold the lower part about 8.5 cms as to make a pouch
- This part I did by hand. Just grab a bright thread (if you feel like it) and sew both parts together as shown
- Sew the 8cms on the top part of the pouch.
- You can add strings before or after that step, it is up to you
- I added one string that goes around to the blue one, and 2 strings that tie together to the grey

- I added a piece of hearts fabric on one, and embroidered my initial on the other one, to add an extra touch of niceness!
- The pouch/clutch measures 20 x 11 more or less, I say more or less because I really don't measure anything, only for this project I had to keep track of the measurements
- Keep them to yourself or give them away!

 Fill the with:

• pens, pencils
• crochet needles
• nib holders
• threads
• make-up
• travel essentials

This is another very easy project that you can make in no time. Seriously, if you have a sewing machine it shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes to do it. Including the sewing by hand part!

Just one more week until December, are you ready??
I've been trying to get things ready, but I'm such a procrastinator that things only hit me when it is too late.

I hope your week is sunny and beautiful,
Giova

DIY- Handmade coasters using scraps of fabrics

To continue with the idea of handmade presents that can be personalized, easy to make, that don't break your budget (or mine for that matter) and just in time for Christmas, I decided to make some coasters using fabric scraps.

I love coasters, and use them for almost everything. To put little flower pots, trays with trinkets, and even candles, and the best part is I can change them depending on whatever color mood I'm in.

Lately I'm into blues (also the music genre) but fabrics in this case;  beautiful indigos, navy blue, denim blue and the color of a bright and sunny day, with a splash of red.

 What you'll need:

• fabric scraps in your preferred color/colors
• bigger piece of fabric for the back
• needle and thread
• scissors
• sewing machine optional (I used mine to make these), but you can also do it by hand. I made last year's coasters by hand.

1. Cut out 5 or 6 pieces depending on the size you want your coasters to be. The four I made are all different sizes, but the coasters range 10x7.5cms for the smallest one (which is the one with the letter "G" embroidered) and 10.5x8.5cms for the biggest one (which is the one with the red stitches).

2. Arrange them how you want, and also whether you want a square or rectangle

3. Sew them together. By this point you are probably thinking no way, too much! But since the squares are so little, it really doesn't take that much time. The pieces of fabric are more or less 4x5cms.

4. I first made the top part and when I was done I cut out the piece of fabric for the back. I used the same fabric for all 4, but only because I had leftover fabric from another project, but you can use different ones if you like. 

5. Make the top and bottom part the same size and iron them (this helps a lot) and then sew them together.

6. I actually left the personalization for the end but you can always do that before putting the 2 pieces together. 

Even if you are sending 2 or 4, just make sure you make each one special. It doesn't take much time to add a few stitches, embroider an initial or a word. I think it does make the gift more special.

The other nice side to this present is that it is flat and doesn't weight at all, so you can send it via post with no problems. For more "flat ideas" go here.

Just a little reminder that there is a really nice (ahem) giveaway going on and there is still time to join!

Wishing you a crafty week ahead,
Giova.

DIY- Handmade notebooks for watercolors or sketching

For the next few weeks I'll be sharing some crafty ideas that can be easily made and just in time for Christmas. I know my favorite presents are always handmade things (not the ones I mentioned on the giveaway), but really there is something so incredible about handmade things. The love, time and dedication that goes into a gift, makes it so much more valuable than anything store bought.

After visiting this mill, I knew this was bound to happen (pun intended). What else was I going to do with the lovely "zaansch bord" I bought there?

I recently made a little notebook of scraps of paper that I learned at this e-course, but actually I learned this very easy binding technique here. Igloo letterpress sells "make your own notebook kits" if you want things already cut out for you.

  What you'll need:

• thick paper for the cover (obviously these were purchased at the paper mill)
• a bookbinder's awl (if you have one)otherwise a thick needle will do. My awl is a little one and  apparently for children, I can't think why you would let children use these, as I actually pierced myself with it, and boy does it hurt
• paper for sketching or watercolors (I got Canson's Montval 185gm)
• x-acto knife or scissors to cut the paper
• linen thread
• thick needle
• and things to decorate the cover such as rubber stamps, scraps of fabrics,beads, stamps, etc…)

First: Cut the paper in the desired size and fold . This instructions that follow are for 3 holes, but you can add as many holes as you like.

Top left to right: Make 3 holes with the awl, 3 cms apart, and insert needle on the first hole leaving a long piece of thread in the back (I like how the long strands look). Then insert needle on either hole bringing it to the back.

Lower left to right: Insert needle on last hole and then insert needle in the center hole. That way both strands end up together.

Tie a knot and then tie another knot, this time include the strand that goes from lower hole to upper hole, that way they're tied together.

Personalize the cover, that way you'll be adding an extra touch to the notebooks. For this one I made I rubber stamp and added some beads to the thread.

Have some beautiful stamps? Well sew them on to the cover. I used my sewing machine, but it can be sewn by hand.

Lately I'm a bit obsessed with scraps of fabric, and I think this indigo dyed piece, looks rather nice. You can always add the person's name or initials or a word to the cover, anything goes really, it just means taking the extra step.

I hope you like them and give them a go. They are really easy to make, and I'm sure the recipient would be delighted, I know I would be.

As I mentioned on the giveaway there was a present missing. This is it! One of these notebooks (winner gets to pick which one) will be included. I hope you decide to join in, all you need is to answer my question here on the blog or on the Facebook page.

Have a fantastic and very crafty weekend, and see you monday for another handmade gift idea!!
Giova.
P.S: These will be included in The Flat Project as they are perfect for sending via mail. Light and flat (just my type).

How to make a scraps of fabrics garland

I think it is not a secret that I absolutely love garlands (in fact I'm a bit obsessed with them, always have), and I really like coming up with new ideas to make them.

Recently I've been thinking about a present I needed to make and thought of this garland which I'm sharing with you today (a garland born out of necessity). I'm also selling them on my Etsy shop just in case you don't feel like making any. (wink, wink).

Either way, I would also like to touch (lightly) on a subject that I find a bit frustrating; I don't mind a bit sharing my ideas, also that you make these or the other things that I've made for the blog to share with friends or family, is the reason why I share my ideas in the first place. But from this to actually find someone selling the exact same things on Etsy is quite annoying, frustrating, maddening … In the end people will do whatever they want, and I think this is a battle I will never win. I just needed to get  that out of my chest (sort of)!! ok, pheewww!!!

These are quite easy to make once you decide on the fabrics and colors you'll choose, which is always the hardest part for me.

What you'll need:

• 7 pieces of fabric
• 2 ribbons or lace
• 1 piece of thick thread
• button, safety pin and charm
• threads in your favorite colors - I used 2 different ones per garland
• a favorite word, and some glue

How to:

-Cut a 65 cms piece of thread and start from the lower part.
-Attach a charm so it gives weight to the string.
-Embroider the first piece of fabric directly to the piece of thread so it won't allow any sliding or
 moving. Each piece of fabric measures 1x1 or 1x2 cms (aprox).
-Glue your favorite word to the first piece.
-Leave between 3 or 4 cms of space between each piece.
-I embroidered a word on the next piece, but you can omit this part
-Then add a piece of lace
-Followed by another piece of fabric, then 2 bias bindings, then a ribbon, and 2 other pieces of fabric
- I attached a button and a safety pin
-The final piece is a piece of old paper with a type written word

There is not a right or wrong way of doing this, which ever way you prefer to place or add things, will look great (I think). I simply followed the same pattern in all the garlands as I didn't want to think too much.

So what do you think? Do you think my friend will like the one I made for her? I surely hope so.

These end up being really light and would be perfect as snail  mail gifts. Even if I say so myself, I think they are quite happy garlands.

I wish you a very creative week ahead,
Giova

DIY- Tissue circles and Confetti garlands

The other day I was thinking I don't like how messy confetti is, but I find it quite beautiful when it is contained. I already pick my share of things from the floor every day, and the thought of itsy bitsy pieces of paper everywhere makes me sweat.

I've been thinking about this garland for quite a while, but didn't get around to making them until now. My idea was to hang them by a window so that when the light hits them you can see all the pretty colors. Perfect for blue summer days (if you're lucky enough to get them)!

As you can see it wasn't a very blue day, but still I like the effect. What do you think?

 You will need:

• glue (preferably not a very strong one otherwise it will tear the tissue paper or wrinkle it)
• scissors
• thin thread
• clear tape 
• paper confetti
• white tissue paper (one big piece makes 4 garlands, each garland has 7 circles)
• you can use a punch hole for the circles if you're aiming at a more consistent look

Cut the circles or any other shape you prefer, and put glue on one side. I found the rougher side of the tissue paper much better than the smooth part for the glue.

Place a thin layer of the paper confetti on the side you just glued and then put glue on the other side, and simply sandwich them together trying to smooth the paper out. Make sure you let it dry on an appropriate place so it won't stick - tissue paper is very delicate.

Then simply cut a piece of thread and place the confetti circles how you want them to look. I used a very thin piece of clear tape.


Some suggestions:

• the more the merrier, meaning garlands look great when there are a whole bunch of them
• perfect to send to your pen pals and a perfect addition to the flat project
• you can always get just one or two colors of paper confetti, for example blue or red for tomorrow's 4th of July celebration, or red or green for Christmas
• place a plastic under before putting the glue, as it bleeds through the tissue paper
• use them to decorate your gifts or parties
• for many more garland ideas go here

**I just wanted to say sorry for not showing up on Monday, but a bunch of books and the World Cup are keeping me quite busy.

Until next week. Wishing you a happy weekend and lots of fireworks on the 4th!!
Giova

Lavender bags with quotes for your letters

This idea combines 2 things I enjoy; tea and quotes (nice ones).  I also have a soft spot for nice packaging, oh! and nice smelling things, OK this is actually 4 things I enjoy (sorry)!!

I combined the wonderful looking bags from Kusmi tea with the idea of the quotes from Yogi tea, and filled the bags with lavender, and voilà I nice little gift for your pen pals.

If you don't like the smell of lavender (you're a weirdo), no I'm kidding! Then try something like dried rose petals? Anything that will make your letter smell lovely, and who doesn't like a nice smelling letter?

I  painted little pieces of paper with watercolors, wrote quotes I liked, and sew them to the bags.  The fabric I used is gauzy like, forgive me as I have no idea the name of the fabric, but you can see it is quite thin.

I made these four in 10 minutes, including the time I spent unravelling the piece of fabric that my sewing machine had swallowed. You can also sew it by hand if you want or don't have a sewing machine.

These lavender sachets fit the dimensions for my flat project, just don't overfill the bags (wink).
I hope this inspires you to make some of your own, and send out nice smelling letters. Instead of quotes you can always write wishes or more personal messages, that is entirely up to you.

Wishing you a lovely and crafty day,
Giova