30 January 2013

****Little Dotty Bird is having a 'GIVEAWAY' ****



****Stop the press!!!****
The lovely Lisa (a.k.a Little Dotty Bird) is having herself a dotty little giveaway!
Yes-sir-ree!! 
Spreading a little love around blogland with her handmade dinky dotty heart brooches.
Love,love,love them!!
And alls you have to do is simply... become a follower!!
How good is that?
Lisa popped over to Rubie Magpie and introduced herself a week or so back.
Me being me, nosey!! (cough) I popped over to Little Dotty Bird to take a peek at the author who left such a lovely comment.
So glad I did!
I was not disappointed!!
Not only is Lisa a super duper crafter, especially with her sewing machine but her voice behind her adventures has very much kept me entertained over the past week as I have caught up with her shenanigans. 
Can't wait for her next instalment!

Pop over!
Have a read for yourself!
Say Hi!
You never know, you could bag yourself a treat in the process!!

xx

P.S I would just like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who wished Rubie Magpie a Happy '1st year of blogging' Birthday. 
Very kind of you! 
What an 'Eeeee-jit' I am for forgetting about it!!


And...welcome aboard to Rhiannon @ Me, Myself and I (Rhiannon is my swap partner in the 'I Love Hearts' swap over at All4meggymoo, and super duper crocheter). JoKnows, her blog is full of delectable delights and to Karen over @ Two Cupboards in a KitchenFind out just why Karen has an obsession with shelves! (love your idea behind your blog Karen!! genius! your shelves filled with gorgeous goodies will keep this magpie hooked with intrigue to what you will be displaying next!!)  Enjoy your stay here at Rubie Magpie, so pleased to meet you and happy you popped by x

21 January 2013

Belated Wishes for Rubie Magpie

I missed my blog birthday!!
DOH!!


How on earth did that happen??

This time last year I was a mere twinkle in Blogland's eye.
Happy 1st  Birthday Rubie Magpie
Never did I think I'd see a year pass as quickly as 2012 did.
I think I blinked and missed it!
Nor did I for a second, think that peeps would be interested in the what I had to say. 
Here, there and around the world.
I just thought it would be these four walls, a large mug of tea and Elsie Mac (my faithful computer)
Over whelmed!!
That's what I am!
I have had such fun along the way. 
This new journey has been a great way to document my makes and finds and meet like minded crafts people along the way!
It's a delight!

I'd also like to take this opportunity thank each and every one of you who take the time to read my babble and to comment, I love hearing from you so 'THANK YOU'
You make my day!!

So here's to the next year of creative adventures.
2013!! 

What's on the horizon??
Well, what better way to start this year than a swap
I'm very excited!
Lots of peeps have entered!
Here is a list of all the entrants and links to their blogs pages.
Take a peek!
I am currently being introduced to some very talented crafters.


Snatasha3 - Lissylou

Fantastic result for our host, the lovely Shelley.
Now we all have our 'partners in swapping crime', let the swap commence!

My partner is the lovely Rhiannon over at Me, Myself and I (adventures of a crafty mum).
I am very much looking forward to stalking, (cough) getting to know her and sending her some goodies that I hope she will like and find useful?!
So far, my time spent reading about her adventures has been very good indeed and I am in ore of Rhiannon's crochet makes.
She is inspiring me to take this craft up again.
I'm still learning!
So please, if you haven't already, pay her a visit. 
Say hi!
You won't be disappointed!!

Ok so, over the next few weeks, I will be busy foraging around to find bits and bobs for my swap as Shelley would like us all to send our packages to one another by Valentine's day so I best get cracking.

In the meantime I hope the snow isn't disrupting daily life for you too much.
Keep safe and stay warm!
Grab yourself a large cup of hot chocolate, that's where I'm heading now and then returning to check out some more lovely blogs to get lost in.

Oh! and Happy New Year everyone!! 
Hope it's a good one for you all!!

Much love 

xx

P.S I would also like to a big hello Lisa @ Little Dotty Bird, Tiffane @ An Aussie Felter Wendy @ Young Heart as well as House of Nicnax and Mirjam over @ Stins.
Welcome aboard, enjoy your stay here at Rubie Magpie, so pleased to meet you and happy you popped by x

27 December 2012

Forgiveness needed!!

Oh Boy!
Merry Christmas!
Am I too late to say that?
I truly hope you have all had a jolly good time over the last few days?
Where have a you been? I hear you ask...
Good question!

Life has run away with me.
I think I have blinked and missed the last seven weeks since I last posted.
One thing is for sure I have loads to fill you all in on.

First things first.
If you still here with me, I have to tell you about a fabulous swap that Shelly (my bff ) over at All4meggymoo is hosting.
Ta-dah!



I 'heart' it!
Literally!
Shelley has an obsession with hearts (the ornate variety) for as long as I can remember. 
Last year, from me, Shelley's birthday present simply consisted of nothing but heart shaped objects.
So please join in, I know I will be, by following the link above and spread the 'LOVE'.
While you're there, why not sit back with a cupa and catch up with Shelley's makes, creates and marvellous bakes, you won't be disappointed!!


Also, while I'm here, can I just introduce you to Foxie Loxie's friend, Spike. 



The buddies together!


This pair of ickle critters has kept me entertained while Elsie Mac (my beloved computer) was having her hard drive replaced.
Which is another reason for this magpie's absence.
Oh! and potty training Mini Magpie.
Decorating.
A Wedding.
A Multitude Birthdays.
A Christening.
Work in the Real World
And Christmas!
It's been all go at this end!

I also need to fill you in on my time at the WYPW (The West Yorkshire Print Works) and how I got from here...



...to there in a fabulous screen printing weekend!



So please don't give up on me??
I will return to tell all in the New Year!
Wishing you a very peaceful 2013 that's filled with everything you enjoy and lots of happiness with everyone you love to spend time with.

HAPPY NEW YEAR folks!!

Much love xx

P.S To all of you beautiful people who took the time to comment on my last post back in October, I would just like to 'thank you' all for your lovely comments, all very much appreciated and to welcome Hazel over @ Hazel's Crochet to Rubie Magpie.


14 October 2012

P.S...

...and as promised an up date on Project: Foxie Loxie.



Project: Foxie Loxie is starting to take shape.

After deliberating for an age as to whether or not poke more white felt fluff into Mr Loxie's face.
I caved.
Now I know it was the right thing to do.
Still can't believe how lovely needle felting is.
Feels just like you're are drawing with wool. 

On the picture below, I started to add in Mr Loxie's white beard.
Continually stabbing with a single felting needle, this helped me add in all the extra fluff he needed.


Sara @ bichinhos na cabeca asked if I would put a mini tutorial together for those, like me, who are trying this craft for the first time. 
Sure! 
No problem!
It is top of my to do list! 
In the mean time here is where I found my felting needles and this is where I laid my paws on some divine colours for future projects.



For Mr Loxie's nose, I simply cut a triangle piece of normal crafting felt and again, poked.
Mr Loxie has been totally trial and error so far.
I had a spot of fun styling Foxie's hair.
Only kidding!
His head needed a little more shaping after adding on his ears.
Cool though, don't you think? ; )



Slightly worried that I was just carrying around the head of a creature who has a name but nothing else, next on the to do list must be his body.

In the same way I made his head.
Using an odd end ball of wool that I had left, I started to wrap orange felt fluff around it, poking it into the ball of wool as I go.
On a plus side, stabbing the felting wool into the old ball of wool has quickened up the forming process and saved me using all of the orange coloured fluff.
Bonus!
Will do this again on future projects.
So as I continued to shape his body, stabbing and poking away. 
I thought he needed a nice white bib.
Having the bib shape in mind, I took more white fluff and poked it into position.
Oh the joy!! 



Thought it was about time to marry these two floating body parts together.
Come on! 
What's he going to look like???
So taking a long, sturdy darning needle and the help of a very experienced {in the soft toy making department} good friend of mine. 
We made 2 parts became 1!
Foxie Loxie has started to gain some character!
I added the eyes in the same way as I had his nose.
My little friend just needs some limbs and his tail now.
Oh his tail!
It's under construction as I type.
Very Basil Brush style bushy. 
Hee Hee!

Watch this space!
Till next time...Take care

xx

Two weeks on...

All Finished!
Hooray! 
I can finally share what I have been up to over these past two weeks...

Love is in the air....
                                 
                  ...30 ribbons tied...
                                             ...and...
                                                      ...100 hearts sewn...


                                                                             ...to bring two beautiful people together...
                                                                                                        ...to become one fabulous team.

The fun I have had buried under mountains of ribbons, beads and sequins.
Sticking my fingers together with super glue.
All in the name of  L.O.V.E!!!

Can not wait for the big day!

xx

01 October 2012

White Rabbits!...White Rabbits!...

...White Rabbits!!!

October 1st 2012
Autumn.
I heart this time of year in a big way!
It's my favourite colour palette.


I know an entire month has passed before me since I last posted.
My absence can be explained.
The main reason is my cousin is getting married this December and I had the honour of being asked to create the 'happy couple's' wedding stationery. Time is not on our side though so it has been full stream ahead.
Ever spare minute has been covered in sequins and sparkly beads.
Oh the excitement!



I'm also still locked into Project: Foxie Loxie. {photos to follow}. 
I also can't wait to upload my photos of my birthday present that the magnificent Mr Magpie bought me for my birthday this year.
A child free weekend ticket to the West Yorkshire Print Works (WYPW) Screen Printing Course.
A-MAZ-ING!!!!!!
And I also wanted to thank everyone who left lovely comments about my new project and about other posts I have made, you all made my day!

Sara, I will, I PROMISE!! , catch up with you and answer all your questions about needle felting asap. 


Plus, just before I sign off for the day and head to work, I would like to say a huge, warm 'welcome' to my new followers here at Rubie Magpie. 
Hope you enjoy your stay!

Have a good day everyone!!

xx

03 September 2012

Trying something new..

Yep! Thought I would try my hand at a new craft recently and despite a few minor incidents in which I took my felting needle for granted, we are getting on like a house on fire, I just need to pick up the pace a little.

So here is the story so far of Project: Foxie Loxie
Wasn't sure where to start or what to make, but here goes and my obsession with woodland creatures seemed to be the obvious choice.


Starting out his life as a mere ball of wool, I have found myself constantly stabbing (can't think of a nicer way to put it) Foxie Loxie into some sort of shape, well his head anyways. I've noticed it is a very time consuming craft, one that can not be rushed as injuries occur. I unfortunately dropped my 7 pronged needle on my big toe last week and it gave me a nice tattoo! Doh!

Still I am finding it very therapeutic, just like crocheting, which I have to say has taken a back seat, hopefully not for long though.

I have noticed something while typing away...since I started blogging in January, I have been very inconsistent and some what flighty. I seem to start something and never finish it (e.g my crochet birdie, he's still half finished) Too many open ended projects.

You see, I am easily distracted, temptation is too great, I'm just drawn to so many inspiring crafts, like bees to flowers, flies to... and wander of on a tangent. I just want to try my hand at everything. Where is the harm in that? I know...you should finish what you started young lady, heard that so many times.

Wandering off on a tangent does have its plus points though.
I mean, take yesterday for example, I was tackling my cousin's wedding stationery (this was after needle felting, making dinner and playing shops with Mini Magpie) I needed to load up gold thread into Sadie (my sewing machine). Realising that yet again I had forgotten to purchase extra spools to save me winding on a new coloured cotton over the last and then unwinding it when it isn't needed but i need the colour three different thread colours deep, I suddenly had a 'eureka' moment. 

I wasn't going to waste cotton any more, uh-uh! no-sir-ree.
I wasn't going to be lazy and discard it, rehoming it in the waste bin. 
NO! 
I was going to find something to attach it to and save it to be used again...but what could I use? 
Looking around my wonderfully tidy, huh! yeah right, I'm flighty remember, craft room, I couldn't see anything to hand, until...waiting patiently behind Elsie MAC, were several toilet roll tube inners that I had been saving to grow my next batch of seedlings in. 

Bingo!!
Instant cotton reel!! Soooo sorry just had to share. Just like putting neat bleach onto mould really does zap it away!! FACT! It really disappeared before my peepers.

Anyway, before you give up on me and I am committed for too much babbling, as the nights will be drawing in soon and my favourite time of year approaches, here are a couple of my latest finds, in some of my favourite Autumnal colours. Meet my new sewing tins.


Thanks for sticking with me tonight, nice to have you here, till next time...

xx