There are few things in life as thrilling as well organised supplies.
It’s the small things, people.
I’ve noticed that sorting things by colour brings a kind of calm to my mind… I don’t have to think too hard about which colours go where because I just know, and I’m achieving two things at once – organisation, and beauty! Clearly I’ll grasp at anything to get my office tidier! haha
Hey hi hello! How were your weekends?
We had a really relaxed one, without too much going on at all really.
We ended up just doing some tidying up on our balcony which required a trip to the nursery (and the flower market next door!) which is always fun! Then on Sunday I headed into China Town to wander the fabric shops and look at all the ribbons and buttons. I even left without buying anything which was amazing haha.
What did you get up to?
Isn’t this fabric gorgeous? I found it on a trip to Arab Street the other day. I plan to make a shirt from it, or at least.. attempt to. Wish me luck.
I had such a great response from the DIY Heat Pack I did a while ago that I thought doing a mini version, perfect for Christmas gifts, was definitely in order!
If you live in the northern hemisphere and winter is descending upon you, I’m sure these sweet little pocket warmers would really come in handy! They’d be a welcome gift for just about anyone (make them from their favourite fabrics and colours!), or would even make the perfect stocking stuffers!
They’re super quick and easy to make, so lets get to it!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cotton fabric
- Uncooked rice
- Essential oil (optional)
- Pinking Sheers
- Fabric Scissors
- Pencil (normal, or fabric pencil)
- Sewing machine and thread
- Something round to trace around
- Funnel (optional)
Step 1.
Start by choosing your front and back fabrics, and place them wrong sides together. Use something round to trace a circle onto the fabric using your pencil. Keep in mind that this will be the line you sew around (mine was approx. 7cm (2 3/4″) diametre).
Step 2.
Cut out a square of fabric around your circle, making sure to leave at least 3cm (1″) around the outside. At this point, if you’d like to embroider anything onto your fabric you can. I just used some wool to highlight some of the flowers, but this is totally optional.
Step 3.
Sew around the circle as carefully as you can, leaving a small gap (approx. 1.5cm or 1/2″) wide in the stitching – this is where you’ll pour the rice.
Step 4.
If you’re using essential oil, place some rice into a bowl and add a drop or two of oil, mix. Pour the rice through the hole you left in the stitching (a funnel might help here), and fill the circle until it’s sufficiently full but not bursting. Take it back to the sewing machine and close up the hole.
Step 5.
Cut around the outside of the circle (not too close to the stitching) using your pinking sheers.
That’s it! Now go throw them in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, pop them in your pockets, and feel the warmth :)
Note: It’s probably a good idea to put them on a plate in the microwave to help keep them clean.
And as always, you can find all my other DIYs over here :)
I had a belly ache the other day and decided a heat pack would be the only rememdy… except we didn’t own one. Cue sad face.
So I went hunting for a DIY. There are stacks out there, but this one on The Johnston’s blog was what I referenced before I started. You can make so many versions of this once you know how – like not creating segments, adding different oils, or even adding herbs and tea. I decided to give the segmented pack a go, and added lemongrass oil because I had it here with me.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cotton Fabric
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Uncooked rice (I used 2.5 – 3 cups)
- Essential Oil (optional)
Step 1.
Cut your fabric into two strips about 16″ x 7″ (40 x 18cm). With right sides together, pin and sew 1.5 cm (5/8″) in from the edges, leaving a small gap of around 5 cm (2″) on one edge.
Step 2.
Trim corners, turn your bag right-side out and use a pencil to push out the corners from the inside. Iron.
Step 3. (optional)
Measure and mark out your bag into 4 equal sections along the length. You want to sew these dividing lines, but not right to the edge – leave around 2 – 2.5 cm (~1″) free on each end. Sew each line. I also then ran a top-stitch around the edge (quite close to the edge), but still leaving the gap open.
Step 4.
Pour your rice into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Mix.
Step 5.
Using a funnel (if you don’t have one, make one from paper), gradually fill your bag with rice. If you decided to go for the sectioned bag, it will take a bit of work to feed the rice equally into each section.
Step 6.
Once your bag is as full as you’d like it, fold in the open edge of your hole and top stitch it closed.
Step 7.
Once you’re ready to use it, put the bag in the microwave for up to 2 minutes and enjoy! OR you can keep it in the freezer for a cold pack :)
*Note: Some blogs I read recommend putting a glass of water in the microwave with the heat pack to stop the rice burning. Also never leave the heat pack in the microwave unattended, and be very careful removing it from the microwave as it could be quite hot.
Growing up, we had some pretty hard and fast rules about sticking things on our bedroom walls. I think it had to do with it being a newish house with a nice paint job.. but basically the rule was – don’t do it. No JTT posters for me.
But now, there’s a really beautiful solution that won’t take the paint off.. hooray! Love Mae make the most delightful reusable fabric wall decals, mini decals, wrapping papers, melamine dinnerware, and bedding. My 8 year old self would have died at the Dress Up Doll wall decals, that can actually be moved around to dress and doll in all sorts of outfits. My 27 year old self is dying at the photo dots and wrapping papers..
No matter where you live, there’s a Love Mae online store just for you.. head over here to check it out :)
Hello again! Just popping in to share a bit of my workspace this Wednesday.. the wedding is this weekend, so I’ve been cutting and sewing fabric banners for what seems like days. Phew.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Measure the height and circumference of your jar, and cut strips of fabric to roughly fit (approx. 1cm wide – doesn’t have to be perfect).
2. In your small cup, pour in some glue and dilute it with a bit of water (about 1:2), mix well. It should be the consistency of slightly thicker water.. yes, I know I’m being vague but it shouldn’t make much difference to the end result.
3. Submerge your first strip of fabric in the glue. Once soaked, lightly run your thumb and forefinger down the strip to get rid of any excess glue.
4. Place the strip into your jar (pattern side facing the jar) and position it. Use your paintbrush to push any air bubbles out from between the fabric and the jar.
5. Repeat with the rest of your fabric. Allow to dry overnight before using.
Note:
- It would be best to use battery operated tea lights instead of real candles
- I find that it’s ok to have fabric going above the top of your jar because it can be easily cut off after it’s dried.
- I don’t mind the look of the overlapping lines of fabric once the candle is lit, but if you do try not to overlap the strips in the gluing process.
** I’m just going to add this little disclaimer… please be careful! Even though I’ve used real candles in my jars, it would be better to use battery operated tea-lights. If you do decide to go with real candles, make sure your jar is big enough that the candle has plenty of room around it (the bigger the better), with no chance of the flame touching the fabric. Make sure the glue is dried overnight before using the votives, and keep an eye on them – if you see any signs of them starting to burn, stop using them immediately! **
