Resin Pendant

Resin Pendant
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

Lately I have been trying out some resin jewellery making. Whilst I think I have some good ideas, each batch seems to present itself with a new set of challenges. This is one of my favourites, but I am disappointed with the blurring of the original watercolour image. However, at least you can tell it is an original. Created with watercolour, crystal resin, silver bale and leather thonging. I do love the way the red thonging compliments the image..

Taking a Break

There has been lots happening around here, since I last posted. Plenty of finished and of course unfinished projects.. I have been doing lots of ATCs, working on refurbishing a fairly large painting for the house, actually started and finished a skirt (using a real pattern), and of course the usual things..

The thing is though, I have been having trouble actually finding time to do other things, things like sewing, knitting and just enjoying being creative. So, about a week or so ago I decided that it is time to take a break from ATC swapping.. I'll see how it goes. I must say though, that I already feel a bit 'free-er'. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy making, swapping and of course receiving ATC's - it's a real thrill and gives you a reason to try something a bit outlide of your usual comfort zone. I'm not actually giving it up forever, just taking a break. Of course, though, life has a funny way with things. Just as I put the last touches to my very last cards for a while I got a message from the good people at Nescafe. They saw one of my 'Morning Tea Delights' cards I did for the YahooGroups ATCOz swap that I'm hosting and wanted permission to use my image on their facebook site.. That's a bit flattering so of course I said 'yes' and there it is, my card on the Nescafe Facebook site. How exciting!

Moololabah Beach Sunset

Moololabah Beach Sunset
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

Taken just on sunset at Moololabh Beach, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I love this photo as it was one of the very first photos I took on my new camera, whilst on a photography workshop.

This is my submission for this week's Photo Friday challenge with the theme of 'coast'.

Steampunk Brooch

Steampunk Brooch
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

For the next two and a half months, I'm going to be working part time only, which is something I'm really looking forward to. I have done thig by taking some long service leave and taking every Thursday off. This, in conjunction with all the public holidays, is making for a lovely, relaxing few months. I am determined to done lots of things on these days off - definately no television or work!

On the crafting front, I am STILL knitting the baby set. I have done the bonnet, booties and now just have to finish off the jacket and I'll be done. It all looks very pretty so far. I have also been doing plenty of ATC'ing and recently baked the most amazing chocolate tart ever. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo. Never mind, I'll just have to bake another!

I made this brooch from the internal workings of two discarded alarm clocks. I mostly used the cog shaped washers and hands, and layered them on larger flat itms. Lastly I attached a brooch clip on the back. I am rather pleased with the outcome, but photographed them on a bright pink background, so converted the image to black and white.

Home From the Holidays

Usually the Easter break seems to be far too short, but this year the week and a bit break has left me rejuvenated and relaxed. I split the time between being at home and going away to the beach. I have also had house guests which has kept me busy.

The weather was nice, although I can say that as I was tucked up in a warm, dry bed at night. I don't think the soggy, wind blasted campers at the beach would have agreed! I took the opportunity to take Charlie on some beach walks to her very favourite spot and she even enjoyed dining out on some tiger prawns at sunset. I wonder if this dog is spoilt?
I really like this photo taken at Inspip Point, that is one of the barges finishing for the afternoon, going off to tie up for the evening. As you can see the sun is setting through the clouds. It always amazes me how quickly the sun disappears below the horizon in those last moments of the afternoon. Especially when you're moving quickly to set up a shot before it disappears altogether. Anyhow, I think this shot pretty much captures the essence of the occasion.

Cupcake Obsession

With the Easter holidays coming up, I have just managed to squeeze in a quick baking session in time to make some cupcakes for the staffroom at work tomorrow. I love baking and find cupcakes and slices are great to take to work. Everybody seems to love any little morsel as they can quickly pick up a treat on their way. Tonight's effort was inspired by the 'Cloud Cakes' in the Women's Weekly "Cupcakes" cookbook.

I was originally going to use butter icing, until I discovered I was almost out of icing sugar. Me, being the resourceful, not lazy, type found a way around this. The answer was to use marshmallow frosting. It looks so delicate and pretty, and of course tastes absolutely beautiul. We all know the only reason to eat cupcakes is for the icing.

I am so looking forward to the upcoming Easter break. Rain is predicted, which is unfortunate but I plan to take advantage of the weather and continue on with my baby knitting. So far I have finished the cardigan back and fully completed the bonnet. I did begin one little bootie but decided to start again. Can't wait to share the photos soon.

Take care and happy Easter!

Suddenly It Is Knitting Weather

All of a sudden the weather has changed from hot and steamy to cold, wet and miserable. Everything is wet, the roads are flooding and I'm in the mood for knitting. Since taking up knitting only last year, I have gained heaps of confidence and had a lot of fun, especially knitting small things like scarves, dog coats and small toys. Of course the birth of a couple of babies over the summer period provided me with some great excuses to do some baby knitting, so when I saw this vintage knitting pattern book at Lifeline, and was lucky enough to find some matching needles the decision was made to start knitting baby things. Perhaps I'm being a bit ambitious, but I hope to make a little set - cardigan, booties and hat for two babies. My mum had a great idea of making three booties for each set. She said booties tend to get lost, so that would likely be appreciated. I think that was a totally awesome piece of advice that I hope to take up.

I think I'm about half way up the bottom of the back, including the little waistband. It is very sweet and I have made only one small mistake, so I am pretty pleased about that.

In other craft projects I don't have much to report. Remember that pasta machine I bought to use with polymer clay? Yep, you guessed it, I have become addicted to making and eating fresh pasta! I am strongly considering buying another pasta machine, which I really will use for polymer clay! I have been doing a little bit with ATC's and have sent off my first swap to ATCs for all. This is a great group so I'm really looking forward to getting into this..