Let's Add Some Colour

Love the blue: I especially like the instructions for cleaning the toilet seat.

If you know me, you'll know that I like a good splash of colour. I really enjoy bright, clear colours. During my trip to Japan I made sure I took photos of some cool and cute things to include in some mosaics. I love making mosaics and now use them as wallpaper on my iPhone. Love, love, love that one. I use Big Huge Labs' mosaic maker, which is really easy, especially if you have your photos on Flickr already.

Some nice red images her, but the exhausted rickshaw driver is my favourite.

Photographer in green jumper is my favourite.

Hard to choose a favourite yellow, but emergency toilet instructions gets my vote.

I hope you enjoyed my splash of colour, stay tuned with and update of my local art show entries.

Back From Japan

I have been home for a few days from a few weeks in Japan. Wow, this was an amazing holiday and I enjoyed the country even more than I expected. The people were very friendly and helpful, the scenery was stunning, the environment - even is the huge city of Tokyo - was clean and rubbish free. Probably one of the nicest things was the feeling of safety, it was wonderful to never feel in danger or have any pickpocketing etc.

We spent time in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. All cities were wonderful, yet different. We also took a day trip to Hakone to view Mt Fuji, which was probably one of the trip's highlights. We did everything from shopping, visiting museums, riding the rail system to singing Karaoke!

I have come home with lots of crafting ideas, mostly based around bag making. While over there I was lucky enough to visit some wonderful craft stores, selling some wonderful things that we just don't get here in Australia.

When planning the visit, I found the internet such useful resource, as you cam imagine. I printed out directions to our hotel from the railway, Google map directions for all accommodation from the nearest station (very useful this one!), and some really useful information on finding craft shops etc.

Thank You Jennifer Jangles!

Jennifer Jangles Fabric
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

My patient waiting has paid off, with the fantastic load of brightly coloured fabric arriving on my doorstep. As I previously posted about, I was lucky enough to chosen as the winner of Jennifer Jangles awesome, huge giveaway. Also included in the prize were 3 matching buttons. The hardest thing is to now decide what to make with all this lovely fabric - it is all so nice that I don't even want to take the ribbon off it!

Watch this space, I am sure to get over that all soon and have a finished product photo to post!

Once again, thanks Jennifer for the wonderful prize! I totally love your work..

Feels Good To Be A Winner!

I am such a blog addict. I love checking out craft blogs and I have a big of a list that I check out regularly. From time to time I try my luck at competitions that I come across too. So... Today, when I checked out one of my faves I saw that I have won a super-sized giveaway. I am very excited because I really love the bright fabrics and fun buttons made by Jennifer Jangles - they are just beautiful. I cant wait for my winnings to arrive and be able to post some photos to share.

Fabric Bento Carry Bag

Fabric Bento Carry Bag
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

Yes, I'm still alive and crafting. I know it has been a long break since my last post and in that time I have had some changes... I have really cut back on both my crafting and computer time. I realised that I was a little cut off from reality and needed to take a break away from crafting, ATC's in particular. My lounge room was looking like a disaster site, even though I was really careful to tidy up each night before turning in. And, on that note, I was so busy creating that my sleep was suffering. I just love making things so much I was having trouble turning off and going to bed!

During my break I actually deleted my blog... But then decided not to, and luckily was able to retrieve it! Whew, that was lucky, because I didn't really want to delete it all, but I have decided that I really don't need to update it regularly, just when I have something to share..

So, that brings be to my latest creation, made using Pink Penguin's tutorial. The fabric is rather heavy weight furnishing fabric, in complimenting colours and pattern, with a white poplin drawstring cover. I bought the fabric a while back at Spotlight and was planning to make a tote bage with it, but now it is a nifty bento carry bag - not that I own a bento box (but I AM going to Japan next month), but that is here nor there.. This is a great pattern and tutorial, and I am definately going to be making it again soon - really soon!

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!