Tried and Tested Tip Number 10 [Paint Palette]

When you've got your acrylic paints out for a painting session, what do you use for a palette? When I was younger and needed a paint palette I used to use lids from margerine tubs, and the such like. But on a painting course a few years ago, I was offered an ingenious solution - a white plate!

 

I think this one cost me the huge sum of 20p in Woolworths closing down sale! But it's been my friend ever since.

I like to use the edges to put my paint directly on...

And the middle for mixing! I certainly would never go back. Such a cheap and effective solution to a paint palette - and yes, it often does end up completely full! It's also easy to clean, but more on that next time...

So, what do you use as a palette?

Knott End Sunset

(Do click to see it larger!)

Tried and Tested Tip Number 9 [Crochet Butterflies]

I think when you first get into crochet, there are certain projects which you feel you should try. A granny square, a flower, a butterfly and a heart were mine. Admittedly, I still haven't crocheted a heart, and yet have created my own patterns for toys. Who said I did things in an orderly manner?!

Anyway, it can take a while to find the right pattern for you, especially when there are so very many options out there. But for me, this butterfly pattern is perfection.

It's easy.

It's beautiful.

It's elegant enough for a lady's badge.

But cute enough for a child's toy.

And it offers options for different colour combinations and antennae.

What more could you want?!

As you can see, it's also quite addictive! This would be a great pattern to try with different wools, and also great for various accessories and decorations.

 Check out the pattern here, with thanks to Tangled Happy for sharing it a while ago!

Flora

[Extra helpings!]

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Brain Fog]

brain fog | cognitive difficulties | soup like | forgetful | confusion | memory problems

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Weak]

weak | muscles | joints | dropping | breaking | inner strength

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Pain]

pain | aches | joints | muscles | constant | headache | back pain

Passing Time

I love summer evening light, when the sun is setting. I love it even more when it makes perfect photos straight out the camera :)

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Break the Silence]

anxiety | fear | depression | silence | trapped | frustration | anger | mood swings

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Fatigue]

fatigue | exhaustion | shattered | insomnia | vivid dreams | nightmares | reversed sleep

ME Awareness Week 2012 [Scream?]

If you've followed this blog for a while, you'll know that both my husband and me suffer from ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The thing with ME, is that it covers a vast array of symptoms, and is really an umbrella term for an array of illnesses, with similar symptoms, which haven't been individually identified yet. As such, there is no cure. For the next week, I just want to share some of the main symptoms I experience.

Time to break the silence. Make people aware of ME. Get funding to find a cure. Time to scream.

Skirt to Dress Transformation

My sister recently had a clear out of her clothes, and I was lucky enough to inherit this skirt...

I love the floral pattern, and I knew immediately what I would do with it...

 I attached two strips of black cotton tape to make straps, and rethreaded the dried up elastic.

I made a really simple but effective belt from a strip of wide black elastic and a black cummerbund clip. (Seriously, so easy.)

And... Hello new summer dress!

Thanks again to my wonderful husband for the photos :)
And May the Fourth be with You! Sorry today isn't Star Wars themed, I think I'm still all geeked out from the last couple of months...

Denim Jeans Skirt

 Several years ago now, I came across a skirt online... It was made of layers and layers of denim jeans, and I fell in love.

Somewhere, I made a bookmark, I saved a photo. I started collecting every pair of jeans I wore through, hoping one day I could make one for myself.

One day, and after a quick nip to a charity shop to buy some extras, I had enough pairs. But, I'd lost my original link.

Hours and hours of searching later, I found it. One Of A Kind Skirts.

I had an image in my head again, and I set to work.

I pinned and repinned. Tacked and retacked. I broke a sewing machine and was given a new one. I blunted a needle and broke a needle, and bought new ones. I unpicked stitches and sewed bits up again.

And finally, I handsewed my clothing label, "Creatively Chaotic" down a seam. The finishing touch.

With huge thanks to my husband for some wonderful photos :)