I {heart} appreciation photos...

Etsy is not 100% my piece of cake, but the one thing I do love is that your customers can post appreciation photos.
Check out this awesome quilt made by Clair almost entirely from fabrics in the Fabric scrap bag she purchased from my Etsy store. I love it.

Turns out Clair is a super talented photographer and has an Etsy shop as well.
I love seeing your photos of My Poppet goodness, Facebook fans can post them on the My Poppet page even!

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Thanks for all your kind 'Get Well' wishes. I'm feeling much better.
An annoying little bug got to me while I was particularly run down and shook me around a bit. Still feeling a bit 'couchy' but on the mend...

Animation Friday - Buttons...

The lovely Cate from Polka Dot Rabbit made me a heap of badges from my vintage fabric scraps. I am smitten with them and can't stop playing with my buttons...

I've been a bit sick this week, so this is all I could manage, oh and it was lovely to meet some of my fellow animators last Sunday at the Mulgrave Makers Market.

Now it's your turn (and if I can do one from my death bed - I exaggerate, you have no excuse!)

Here are some simple instructions on how to make moving pictures...Go on have a play, you've got all week. Post it to your blog and link here so we can all see. Remember to link back to this post so your other readers can join in to. Feel free to grab a little button for your sidebar.
xx Cintia

Sick bunny, poor me...

I'm tired and a bit sick. Have decided to have a nap...here is a picture of a bunny I made. That's all.

Mega facebook SALE...

I've been doing some spring cleaning and am clearing out odd random bits and pieces left from the Caulfield store that I don't wish to stock on Poppet in the Post.

You will probably have to become a fan of the fb page to participate as you need to comment on the photo to win the item. If you are not on facebook it's worth signing up for these prices, or get a friend to bid.

You can view the stock and prices here. Terms and conditions on the facebook page.

If you have any questions leave a comment here and I'll get back to you asap.

Tell your friends, I need the space...

Cheers Cintia

At my house...tantrums!

It's official, we've hit the terrible twos, six month early. Tantrums everywhere, over the most trivial of things, I'm exhausted...

I don't really care about the annoyed looks from people, or the picking up a flailing toddler off the ground, it's the eardrum piercing squeals that leave my ears ringing, that drive me a bit mental.

So I know a lot of you out there can relate, big respect to you all. That's all I have to say, RESPECT!

On a lighter note, Emma is wearing a pretty dress that I bought from my next door neighbour at the market yesterday The Textured Leaf. Not quite Emma's colours but I couldn't resist the fabric. Also met Eleesa from DorothyBills who was my across the road neighbour. Had a great day...

read about whats happening at Lou Lou's place...

How to: Dye wool fleece

I've had lots of orders for my little felt macarons after they were featured in the latest Frankie Magazine, and have quickly run out of my supply of tasty coloured roving. Time to make some more so I thought I'd share my little wool dying experience with your all.

This was the first time I've dyed my own wool, and because the amounts are small and I didn't want to make a mess, I used jars...

You will need:
wool top/roving
cold water dye (dylon)
white vinegar
water
large jars or plastic containers
plastic cutlery
rubber gloves
sticky tape

How to:
-Portion off your wool into the required amount
-2/3 fill your containers with hot tap water (not boiling)
-add vinegar ( I used about 90ml per container)
-carefully pierce your dye containers and add a small amount of powder to water (I can only guess that i added about a third of the powder)
-seal up the hole in the tin with some tape for use next time
-stir to dissolve powder
-carefully add wool to liquid, and give it a poke and swish around till its fully submersed and soaked with dye liquid
-pop on lids and leave for at least 1 hour (we went to the beach so mine was in maybe 3 hours?)

Rinsing
-Put your gloves on (I didn't and my hands went a little pink)
-Gently pour out dye liquid and rinse wool gently until water runs clear

Leave to dry...

Hints:
-try to do this outside if possible
-wear old clothes, an splashes will stain
-don't go overboard with stirring, agitating or squeezing wool or it will felt
-I would recommend keeping these containers for dying only as I don't know how food safe they are after dying
-These tins of Dylon are discontinued but you can still find them at pharmacies with old stock

I was really pleased with the results, and I have saved a heap of dosh as coloured wool top can get pretty expensive. I picked up these little tins of dye for 50c each from a local pharmacy that was clearing them. I have about 40 tins in assorted colours, so now i have the freedom to create any felt colour my heart desires, Yay!

Animation Friday - paper balloons 101

I receive a ton of e-mails asking me how these cute Japanese paper balloons work, and if it's true what they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, then an animation must be worth a million!

If you fancy this little tiger, you can purchase him here, along with some of his pals...

I've really been enjoying all of your animations, they are getting more creative every week. Tell your friends how easy they are to make, I think some people don't join in because they think it may be too hard for them...

Here are some simple instructions on how to make moving pictures...Go on have a play, you've got all week. Post it to your blog and link here so we can all see. Remember to link back to this post so your other readers can join in to. Feel free to grab a little button for your sidebar.
xx Cintia

Mulgrave Makers Market...

Take a vintage place mat, a half metre remnant of seersucker and dada! One pretty smock top ready for the Mulgrave Makers Market...

Inaugural market this Sunday and then the fourth Sunday of every month between 8am-1pm.
Looks like the weather will be lovely (lucky for me because it's a 6am start, umph!)

Located in the grounds of The Body Shop‘s HQ, Mulgrave (enter from Jacksons Road, ample parking available on-site)
It's run alongside the Mulgrave Farmers Market, so there will be lots of awesome things to see and do in one convenient location.

If you live in the area, stop by for a visit, I'd love to catch up.

xx Cinti

Bent out of shape...

Spent the day at Estelle's making some goodies for my market stall this Sunday...

Before-After-Tomorrow I plan to spend the day sewing...

Wardrobe refashion, literally...A tutorial

Some of you may not know that I have another blog called MADE OF CLOTH. Earlier this year I posted this tutorial explaining how I made these cute little decals for Emma's wardrobe...here it is for those of you that may have missed it...

Before, a generic pine wardrobe gathering dust in a friends garage...going cheap at zero dollars!

Added a couple of coats of Acrylic gloss paint, some cute little red knobs from Ikea and some sweet little homemade fabric decals...

Instructions for Decals:

You will need: Cotton fabric scraps, stiff iron-on fabric interfacing (white), scissors, Iron, a pencil, PVA (woodwork) glue or similar, a damp cloth, a brush to apply glue.

How to:

Iron your fabric to remove any creases.

Iron on a piece of interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric, this should make your fabric nice and thick and prevent fraying.

Trace your desired design in reverse (interfacing side) remember it will come out in reverse so if you are doing letters you will need to trace the mirror image.

Cut out your shapes.

Glue them on to your desired location with the PVA, brush onto the back of decal initially then when positioned brush onto front. The glue will soak through and great a bit or a shiny finish when it dries. Make sure to wipe of any excess with a damp cloth while the glue is still wet

You're done!

New Bloesem Kids...

How great is Bloesem Kids new look? I really like Irene's little story about the elephant logo :

"The Elephant stands for Kualalumpur.
When moms in Holland read a book for their children and they finish their last sentence
they ask the elephant to 'blow the story out...'
This elephant doesn't blow the story 'out', but starts it..."


looking forward to being inspired by BKids...Yay!

Making room...

The awesome Draw!Pilgrim has organised an Online yard sale to help all us hoardy bloggy types clear some space in our homes. Thanks Pilgrim!
So I've opened a little etsy shop for the occasion to get rid of some of my vintage clothes and other bits. Some larger pick up only items will be listed too.

It officially starts on the 1st of November, so plenty of time to join in. Some people are using, ebay, bigcartel, etsy or their blogs to sell there wares. You can do whichever suits you.

There is an explanation here and a list of participants, which will grow as November gets closer.

Photography FAIL...

This is what happens when I try to take product shots with Emma around...a little head always gets in the way.

Animation Friday - I love U

Where has this week gone? Thought I'd have some fun with the felt letters that I made a while ago.
I hope the linky gadget is working this week...
Here are some simple instructions on how to make moving pictures...Go on have a play, I can't wait to see what you come up with, you've got all week. Post it to your blog and link here so we can all see. Remember to link back to this post so your other readers can join in to. Feel free to grab a little button for your sidebar.
xx Cintia

Paper Balloons back in stock...

I've ordered some more Japanese Paper Balloons, back in stock are, animals (single and in a 5 pack), globes and coming soon, traditional balls in a 3 pack.

De-stash...

You all know I like fabric, I have a lot of it, too much in fact! No more storage room means it's time for a de-stash. I've listed some Fat Quarter packs in the shop and on Etsy. Perfect for little projects, quilting and dolls clothes, or maybe just to build up your stash...

Blogtoberfest Self Portrait Day...

I don't often post photos of myself on the blog, who really wants to see my big head? But it's self portrait day in Blogtoberfest land, so here you go. Taken about 2 years ago on my sister's wedding day. I'd found out I was pregnant the night before but couldn't say anything because I didn't want to steal her lime light - pretended to drink champagne all night, fooled everyone!

Pretty Flowers...

Emma is developing quite a large vocabulary, she can say 'flowers' and 'pretty', but thinks flowers are for eating - so maybe not so smart after all.

Having a play with my new 50mm lens, still getting used to the zooming with my feet concept...

and the Winner is...

...Sweetypiedie. Congratulations, your comments were very well considered and helpful, you will be receiving a Make your own Bunting Kit.
The winners of the PDF pattern are Emma, Katrina, Jessica, Miss Rabbit & The Clip Cafe, patterns will be in your in-box soon.
Thanks for everyone's considered comments, I have taken action on a lot of you suggestions already. You may have noticed I have added a Vintage/Up-cycled fabric category, I'm in the process of adding and creating more unisex baby and kids products, and am working on some more kits/fabric packs soon.
Hope you liked visiting Poppet in the Post, don't forget your discount code is valid till the end of the month. xx Cinti

Embellished...

A lovely sunny day in Melbourne was the perfect excuse to drag the man and child into town to check out the Finders Keepers market at the docklands.
It takes a while for me to get around a lot of craft markets these days, not only are there lovely things to see, but I probably know every second or third stall holder. Neither of my companions were too patient with me, luckily there was music and food to keep them entertained.

My friend and amazing artist, Madeline Stamer, embellished me with some washi tape, so I was like a moving art installation. I think this piece was her inspiration...

I didn't buy anything there because I spent my pennies on a new camera lens. I'm smitten with it. Expect to see some amazing photos (hopefully) soon...

Houses...

I've made some new products, I really like them...This fabric was just screaming out to be coloured in, so I did.
Get the blankets here and the House softies here...

Animation Friday - Hum Drum

Just to show you that animations don't have to be fancy to join in the fun. Emma finds the washing machine going round and round fascinating... Oh I'm getting dizzy watching it
Why don't you try and make an animation about the hum drum things in your life, maybe we can make them a bit more fun for you?
Here are some simple instructions on how to make moving pictures...Go on have a play, I can't wait to see what you come up with, you've got all week. Post it to your blog and link here so we can all see. Remember to link back to this post so your other readers can join in to. Feel free to grab a little button for your sidebar.
xx Cintia

Second Edition...

Some of you may remember a while back that my car broke down and had to get towed...that was 4 weeks ago and I'm still without a vehicle. It's not all bad though, the weather is fining up and Emma and I are getting about on the tram and on foot a lot more.

Yesterday we discovered Second Edition, a cafe and second hand book shop run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, with all proceeds going to the charity. What a breath of fresh air, I've been struggling to find a child friendly cafe in the area. This one not only has a great and well priced range of snacks and drinks, but a great kids play area, comfy sofas and tons and tons of books to browse. You all know my love of Op-shops, this is like all my fave things combined. I didn't get much time to look around because Emma was due for a nap, but can't wait to get back in the next couple of days.

If you are in the area, be sure to pop in for a great cuppa and support a great social enterprise.

Brotherhood of St Laurence
Second Edition
215 Glenferrie Road
Malvern Vic. 3144
Phone: (03) 9509 5241

trading hours are:
Monday to Friday 7.30 am – 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

All photos from Second Edition facebook page

How To: Tossing Bean Bags

I used to love playing with bean bags as a child, they are great to practice throwing, catching and balancing. You can make your own from materials lying about, here's how...You will need:
Some fabric scraps (medium weight fabric is best)
Filling (beans, popping corn, rice, aquarium gravel or plastic pellets)
Sewing machine, iron, scissors, thread, paper

How to:
Cut your fabric into rectangular/square shapes double the size of your desired size when folded in half. A bean bag no bigger than about the size of your hand is ideal, remember it's for little hands.

A. Fold in half, right side in and stitch around 2 sides leaving one side open for turning. Use a 1cm seam. I recommend double stitching using a small stitch. Trim corners to remove bulk.
B. Turn inside out and press in a 1cm fold, this will help later
C. Use a paper cone to help with filling. About 2/3 full is ideal
D. Double stitch opening closed
E. All Done!

Hints & Variations:
Make bags in different sizes, colours or fabric textures
Add lavender or some essential oil to filling for some aromatic play
If you use food items for filling, store in a cool dry place away from pest attack

Games:
Walk, hop, run with them balancing on head, shoulders, elbow etc...
Throw and catch
Throw into pots or baskets
Knock over plastic bottles
Hopscotch
The options are endless....

I'd love you to share your game ideas...Have fun!
Cinti

Guest Bloggin'

Check out Emma's favourite books on the Baby Space blog. I've written a guest post over there today...

Blogtoberfest GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate Blogtoberfest I'm having a Giveaway! You can participate even if you're not doing Blogtoberfest.
Up for grabs is ONE x Make your own Bunting Kit, and FIVE x Tooth Fairy PDF patterns. Six prizes in total, the odds on this one are good!
You'll have to help me with a bit of research though...

To enter - Visit my web shop Poppet in the Post, and leave a comment telling me what your favourite item is, what products you would like to see or even what you don't like about the store (keep it constructive please). I'd really like your feedback on how to make the store better.

T&C - Open to anyone around the world, the Bunting kit will go to the comment I feel is most helpful, the other 5 pattens will be randomly drawn. Giveaway closes in 1 week (5pm melb time 11th Oct)

Bonus - Edit: Am so impressed by all your comment so far, I've decided to reward everyone that leaves a comment with a discount code, make sure your email on comments is enabled, so I can reply directly with the code.

If you are participating in Blogtoberfest tell me in your comment and I'll send you a super secret discount code for Poppet in the Post to use during Blogtoberfest.

Confessions of a terrible mother?

Emma is back from her holiday in the country and I feel like a bad mother. You see, I didn't really miss her at all, am I horrible? Apparently she had a great time and didn't miss me either!
I suppose she takes after me then. I'll always be grateful to my mother for encouraging me to satisfy my wanderlust and never veto any of my travel itineraries when I was younger, that's what I want for Emma too. Although I won't be putting her on a plane yet, I'm glad she had a big adventure with her Nan and Pop.Her Auntie had lots of fun making a big poster with photos of all her holiday activities, we will take it to creche next week so she can show all of her friends...

Eric Carle talks about The Very Hungry Caterpillar...

One of my all time favourite children's books, stumbled across this video whilst researching a guest blog post. You can also view an extended version here where he talks about his childhood in Nazi Germany and how that influenced his art. ( click on widget menu then video)

Animation Friday - nudge,nudge,wink,wink

Running a bit late today for Animation Friday, decided to enjoy my last bit of freedom, sans rugrat, and pop into town. Did you miss me?
Don't normally plug products in my animations but couldn't resist making this little guy wink. He was originally a pattern I'd created for Mixtape Zine and is now available for purchase as a PDF file from Poppet in the Post. He has a little pocket in the back for teeth and moneys.

And in other news, I'll be participating in Blogtoberfest this month of October thanks to {tinniegirl}. One post every day, should be fun. I'll even be doing some guest blogging this month, I expect I'll wear the letters off my keyboard!
Are you joining in? At least you got Fridays covered ;)

Here are some simple instructions on how to make moving pictures...Go on have a play, I can't wait to see what you come up with, you've got all week. Post it to your blog and link here so we can all see. Remember to link back to this post so your other readers can join in to. Feel free to grab a little button for your sidebar.
xx Cintia