lisajhoney

Facebook Giveaway

2011-09-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

To celebrate reaching 500 fans on Facebook i'm doing a giveaway

Post on my facebook page what felt food you would like to see me make. I will pick a random answer who can choose an item in my shop worth up to $15 NZ before postage (thats about $12.65 US)

http://www.facebook.com/lisajhoney

Here is my newest item i've made for my shop, lemon meringue pie

Trip To the UK

2011-09-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

In July we travelled to the UK for 6 weeks. We had an awesome time visitng family and doing all the 'tourist' things. We spent one week in Hastings, a long weekend in Dublin, 3 weeks in Torquay then back to Hastings for 10 days. The first week we travelled to London and went to The Doctor Who Experience at Olympia. My daughter and I are big Dr Who fans and really enjoyed ourselves. We were hoping to see Much Ado About Nothing with Davis Tennant and Catherine Tate, but they were fully booked.

Dublin was wonderful and we stayed with my cousin and family. In Torquay we spent some quiet time with my mum and brother. We managed to visit Plymouth, Totnes and went on the boat to Brixham. Back in Hastings lots of hectic family gatherings and a visit to London to The National Gallery and Tate Modern. It was the week of the riots and the train to london was very quiet. london was business as usual.

My cousins wife has a, Etsy shop and I helped her to tweak listings etc. I'm hoping she can get some sales. While there she knitted me some gorgeous wrist warmers a new edition to her shop.

Bridge To Nowhere

2011-01-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

My husband and I just got back from the most amazing weekend, we would definately recommend this if you ever go to visit New Zealand. We decided on a treat for our 18th wedding anniversary and chose to go on a bit of an adventure. We finally settled on The Bridge To Nowhere tour, doesn't it sound mysterious?

We settled on the package for The Lodge and a canoeing adventure

Arriving at Pipiriki we got on the jet boat for an 1hrs ride up the Whanganui River. The guide pointed out areas of interest such as how high the flood of 1904 got and where the film River Queen was filmed. Our guide said he regularly ferried actors and crew up the river in the jet boat.

We arrived at our destination for a 40 minute walk to The Bridge To Nowhere It was built across the deep Mangapurua Gorge to provide access to an area where the government was opening up land in 1917 for pioneering farmers, mainly soldiers who had returned from World War I. The intention was to build roads to it later, but the area proved to be so remote and unsuitable for farming that the venture failed and the farms reverted to native bush.

We then boarded our canoe for a 2 hour paddle down to The Lodge. This was great practice for the next day. The Lodge was in a beautiful setting with gorgeous views over the river. Our room had a balcony where we could sit and take in the spectacular scenery. After some cheese and crackers we had some dinner overlooking the river and then a relaxing evening. There are plenty of walks around the property and various animals such as horses, llamas, peacocks and an emu.

The next day we set off for our half day of canoeing down the river. There was hardly any traffic with only three jet boats speeding past us. There was only the noise of the birds and the odd bleat of a goat. At times we were surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. We pulled up to a flat area to have our lunch and my husband explored the caves. There were a few rapids which were a bit scary but I was proud of myself for managing them. There was one that was a bit too violent which we avoided. The canoeing took us 5 hours and we arrived home exhausted and happy

Fun Giveaway

2010-11-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

You have till Thanksgiving till enter this fun giveaway on the right sponsered by 30 Etsy sellers.
So this means there are 30 winners. Have a look through the list of lovely items

If you buy from one of the sponsers you have 15 extra entries

What Can Be Made With Buttons?

2010-10-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

There is a shop on etsy that creates awesome handmade buttons, each button is unique and made with love. Please check out buttonalia, there is a choice of red swirly buttons, sand and sea, fun little buttons to name a few

buttonalia says "I'm a New Zealand trained ceramicist with my specialty being sculpture, glazes and glaze techniques. I am now working from my small studio in Kent, England. Each button is hand crafted by me and many of the glazes are my own. Because these buttons have been glazed front and back and fired to a high temperature, they are non porous, durable and will never lose the brilliance of the colours. Do enjoy them, as I have in making them.

Here are some of buttonalias creations

Here are a selection of items made using these fun buttons. Buttons are not just for fastening your cardigan you know!

An Aviator Bomber Hat by melaniegansion

Flower Bookmark by DorsetHillBeads

Fun Wine Bottle Decoration by ArtByAna

And I made some fun cupcake pincushions

Buttonalia made a fun treasury featuring some fun items made using her fab buttons

FREEDOM

2010-09-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

A selection of my birdcage necklaces. Some of them have the bird trapped inside the cage, some have regained freedom

These are fun to make and fun to wear. Something a bit different

My Newest Items - Something Different

2010-09-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

Thought i'd make something different to the felt food and ended up making some hanging ornaments and magnets. So far the toadstool, cupcake and bird, hopefully this week an acorn and owl. Owls seem to be very popular at the moment.

I've also been busy with cupcakes and muffins and am hoping to make a batch of six muffins this week. When i was little my mum used to make awesome fairy/butterfly cakes and i managed to make a set out of felt. I'm quite pleased with the outcome. Here is a recipie for the real thing, plus a photo of my felt creation.

Ingredients

4oz soft margarine

4oz caster sugar

2 egs

4oz self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

Icing
6oz butter

12oz icing sugar, sifted

Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Get about 18 paper cases ready.
Measure all the ingredients into a large bowl and beat well for 2-3minutes until the mixture is well blended. Half fill the paper cases with mixture.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cakes are well risen and golden brown. Allow to cool.
For the icing beat the butter until it is soft, add the Icing sugar and mix until smooth.
Cut a slice from the top of each cake and cut this slice n half. Pipe a swirl of butter cream into the centre of each cake and place the half slices into the butter cream at a fairy like wings.

New Items - Pies and Cheesecakes

2010-09-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

I've been making some new items and came up with slices of pie and cheesecake. Hopefully very soon i'll be making a whole pie, cheesecake and cake. I may start with a whole chocolate cake, who doesn't like chocolate cake?

They look quite yummy and when i've finished i have to raid the kitchen for something to eat. I particularly like cheesecake, luckily i didn't have any in the freezer.

When I tell my poor husband what i've made that day he looks hopeful then soon realises he can't actually eat them

Beautiful Hummingbird Treasury

2010-09-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

The Beautiful Hummingbird

Morning Glory
dkjart$18.00 USD

SALE - Sweet Nectar
raquelcastillo$130.00 USD

Hummingbird No. 2 - fine
NatureMandalas$25.00 USD

Laptop Sleeve 13 inch Cas
bertiescloset$22.99 USD

Shadow in Autumn Pillow a
bonjourteaspoon$75.00 USD

Large Round Hummingbird B
uniquebuttons$7.00 USD

A Hummingbird's Fligh
Marolsha$22.00 USD

Art Print . Hummingbird A
DevineDesignStud$10.00 USD

Hummingbird Scrabble Tile
bluefingerstudio$6.95 USD

Heavenly Hummer 5 - 8x10
CactusHuggers$30.00 USD

Colorful Set Hummingbird
DolphinMoonCreat$30.00 USD

SALE Mustard Hummingbird
joom$29.00 USD

FRAMED PRINT--- Mix And M
MatchBlox$28.00 USD

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER, Fused
GloriousGlassGar$34.00 USD

Hummingbird Flight - arti
Emilynn$35.00 USD

Vinyl Wall Sticker Decal
urbanwalls$119.00 USD

Generated using Treasure Trove by packagery.com

Preview

4GetMeNotTreasures On Etsy

2010-08-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Time to feature our second mother hen from the daily listing club. 4GetMeNotTreasures has a shop full of wonderful treasures from vintage jewelry, and vintage h ome goods to handmade diorama eggs There are also a selection of fun salt and pepper sets, collectible spoons and stamps. Its fun to see what new item will be listed each day. 4GetMeNotTreasures keeps the listing club ticking along nicely and we would be quite lost without her and mystuff2.

We live in a time when people just can't be bothered and just throw stuff away. I love to think that the items i've lovingly collected over the years would be respectfully and carefully found a new home as 4GetMeNotTreasures is doing with her mothers and Great Aunts items.

Heres what 4GetmeNotTreasures says about why she opened her etsy shop

"A bit about me…. I’m the mom of 3 kids – all grown now. My two sons still live here at home, my daughter is out on her own – and just gave us our first grandchild back in Dec. '09 (we’re so excited still!!). We have the wonderful pleasure of babysitting for him every weekday - and we're loving every (well - ok - almost every) minute. I live on Long Island, NY with my husband, two sons, a menagerie of dogs & cats…..and school of goldfish & a turtle. We are heavily involved in Boy Scouting. LOL – believe it or not it’s very important that this is known since there are weekends on end that we are out running events for hundreds of Scouts and I will be unavailable to check the shop until late Sunday night or early Monday morning. (Fall & Spring are our 2 heaviest seasons in Scouting.) Needless to say – it’s a busy – and cluttered household in more ways than one! :)

I’ve always loved collecting things. I’ve been collecting ever since I can remember – and the older I get, the worse the compulsion is. It’s in the genes. My Grandmother & Grand Aunt were both “antiquers” – well…..my aunt collected just about anything. And…my Mom collected anything AND everything & this apple did not fall far from that tree!

Like many people it’s time for me to begin to pass on some of my – and my family’s – treasures. In a few years I plan on moving to my mom’s old place…a house which is considerably smaller than my own & packed with just as much stuff (if not more). No matter how much I have tried to ignore the obvious, I now have to face the reality. My packed house and her packed house are impossible to combine (that is if I want to be able to actually live in the house :) )!!

Add to the collecting bug that I am an extreme sentimentalist – or as some would say – a pack rat. I save just about everything! I love junk…it almost always turns out to be quite the treasure (at least in my eyes). In my spare time (what little I have) I like to craft (usually using some “junk”), cross stitch & garden (where you’ll see more “junk”).

Mom and I loved to shop flea markets, second-hand stores, antique stores, garage sales and – auctions (you’ve got the idea!). She had so many plans for us and our collecting frenzies but unfortunately passed on before we could see any of it come to fruition together.

4Get-Me-Not Treasures is in a sense, a tribute to mom. Her favorite flower, combined with the promise that I will forget-her¬-not – nor the promises, dreams, and times we shared. She and I can still work together side-by-side while in different worlds. What more could anyone ask for?"

Here are some of my favourite items from 4GetmeNotTreasures shop

mystuff2 On Etsy

2010-08-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

I thought i'd feature one of the mother hens who help keep The Daily Listing Club on etsy run smoothly. Mystuff2 takes wonderful photos and creates them into inspiring bookmarks, greeting cards, prints and mini thank you cards

Here's what mystuff2 says has inspired her to create..

"I used to say I was going to learn to watercolor "when I grow up" because I love the medium and have collected prints and cards for years, but sadly, I'm fully grown now (and then some!) and I don't think it's meant to be. So I continue to admire the artistry of others while I focus on photography.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to travel, which provides me with lots of subjects, and to train with award-winning photographers in several states, which has brought me different perspectives and skill sets. I've found that a glance at a photo can take me away to a special time or place, and it's my hope that some of these photos can do that for you, too.

While obviously these photos can be printed in any dimension, my current focus is on bookmarks. As an avid reader, I always have a few books I'm reading at any given time, plus cookbooks and reference books that need markers as well. After misplacing one too many dental appointment reminder postcards used to mark a page and then forgotten, I've found that seeing a favorite photo when I return to my reading puts me in the right frame of mind and brings a bit of beauty to an ordinary day.

I hope you'll find that some of my images speak to you, and I would love for you to tell me if they do - especially if you decide not to buy. If you'd like to own one or more, I would be most honored to know that my photo will be brightening your day, and thank you for the opportunity to share that with you"

Mystuff2 has a wonderful selection of fun, beautiful and inspiring items in her etsy shop and i hope you'll stop by her shop and have a look. Here are a few of my favourites

New banners and lots to make

2010-08-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to revamp both my etsy shops but its a slow process. This week i've purchased new banners for both my shops, both very cute. I'm also trying to take new and better photos of my items. From the listing club i'm a member of i've been learning a lot about tagging my items from 4GetMeNotTreasures so thats next on the list to sort out.

Here are a few new items in my shops

The sun is trying to come out here in New Zealand so i'm hoping that winter is nearly out. I'm very excited as next July i'll be going out for a holiday to the UK for 4 weeks (i'm trying to stretch it out to five) I'll be avoiding the worst of winter here and catching the summer in the UK

Cute Crochet by MelanieGanson

2010-07-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've joined a listing club on Etsy and the aim is to list one item per day. We also check each others listings and give helpful hints and encouragement. I've been listing nearly every day for about a month now in either of my shops and the comments from other members has really helped me in listing my items and encouraged me

Every now and then i'll feature one of the members on my blog. I've found some awesome shops and have traded with a few members and purchased from a few

Todays feature is melanieganson who makes awesome crochet items. These include dress up hats, cute beanies, crochet food, washcloths to name a few

I've actually ordered a few items as presents for little ones. The cupcake hat is adorable and will be given to a friend who has just had a little girl and the red hat with flower is going to my three year old niece.

Crochet is on my list of what i'd like to learn, in fact a friend is coming to see me on Thursday and attempt to teach me. I'm quite amazed at the amazing items that can be crocheted

Lisajhoneydesigns

2010-07-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been busy stocking up my new Etsy shop and have listed some more necklaces and earings. I find it quite soothing making jewelry. Some good news, a local shop spotted me on Etsy and asked for me to sell some of my items in their shop. I have a few now stocked in their shop and will see how it goes. I'm quite obsessed with buying jewelry items now and have to hold myself back till i've sold some more items

The steampunk owl is a particular favourite of mine

Save The Gulf T-Shirts and Cute Soy Candles

2010-06-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

I thought i'd feature two etsy sellers for you today that caught my eye, rctees and ClassyChicBoutique The first caught my eye from posting in the etsy team i'm a member of. I know that for those of you in the USA this means a lot to you. The etsy shop rctees has made some awesome items in aid of Save The Gulf. There are various t-shirts and a lovely canvas bag. Here is what they said:

Wear the Message....SAVE THE GULF!!!25% of the proceeds from this tee will go directly to help with the Gulf animal cleanup through Craft Hope. We sent our first care package on Friday, June 11th and will continue sending supplies as long as it's needed. c/o IMMS (Institute for Marine Mammal Studies) Oil Spill Relief in Pensacola Florida. Pensacola Beach before OS ---> All of my life, family vacations have been spent at various beaches on the Gulf Coast. This is where my husband and I plan to retire. What is happening there now is a tragedy that must be stopped. Until BP steps up and takes full responsibility for the environmental devastation that is taking place, WE must band together and save our wonderful wildlife. I know I'm not alone is feeling that MY animals and MY beach are being destroyed. I'm angry and I'm willing to do what I can to help. Sending donations through Craft Hope is the least we can do. Rctees will be sending supplies through Craft Hope as long as they need us to. With your help we CAN make a difference.

There are various unisex t-shirts, womens t-shirts and an awesome canvas bag which i'm saving up for.

Another seller that caught my eye today was from the June Listing Club etsy forum thread, a group of shops committed to adding at least one new listing to their shop every day this month. Today etsy seller ClassyChicBoutique listed a blueberry cobbler casserole dish soy candle and hot baked apple casserole dish soy candle, see photos below. I've never seen these before and would love to have them in my kitchen, pity i'm so far away

PIF - Pay It Forward

2010-06-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

I've not been online much as i've had a nasty cold, but i'm feeling a lot better now

I've just listed a PIF in my etsy shop for my Japanese doll pattern I've been wanting to do this for a while and finally got round to it. PIF meand Pay It Forward. So if you buy one of the PIF's on etsy you do a similar act yourself. For example if you have an etsy shop then list a PIF yourself or you can just do an act of kindness sometime through the day. The idea is that you don't make money on the sale just cover the etsy and paypal fees. Mine is listed for 50c and at the end of the day i only lose about 4c for each PIF. Some etsy sellers list something for 20c then the postage is a crazy price. e.g earings listed for 20c, postage $20. This is not a true PIF

Felt Fruit Salad - New Pattern

2010-06-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've just created a new felt fruit pattern, fruit salad. Its just been listed in my etsy shop. Learn to make banana slices, strawberry slices, satsuma segments, peach slices, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, pineapple chunks, whole strawberries and cream puffs.

You can make how many you like and mix and match your fruit salad, maybe you want a dish of strawberries and cream, maybe mixed berries.

My First Necklaces

2010-05-30T14:29:00.001-07:00

I'm quite proud of my first attempt at creating necklaces

A New Interest

2010-05-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited as I have something new to keep me busy. I'm still sewing felt food and creating patterns but i've always had an interest in making jewellery. I thought that it was time to give it a go. I went mad on etsy and ordered some supplies, 3 out of 5 parcels have arrived so far, very exciting.

I thought i'd create something easy at first and made some bobby pins, earings and a hair comb. When the rest of the supplies arrive i'll try something more daring. I spent a while just happily sorting through beads, charms and chains. The flower cabochons are very cute. I'm selling these items in my felt.co.nz shop

Baby Shoes

2010-05-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making felt baby shoes lately for my shop on felt.co.nz The Mary Janes seem to be the most popular. I've settled on 3 colour combination and i can make them from 0 - 3 months up to 12 - 18 months. The tiny ones look so "cute and mini" as my daughter would say

My latest news is that i'm going to have a go at jewelery making on felt.co.nz. I've scoured the items on there and i can see a gap in the market. I've just gone absolutely mad on Etsy ordering supplies and can't wait to get started. I've had a look on You Tube for tutorials for the basics. I never knew what to do with a head pin, but I do now. All I need to get now is some glue, i'm going to try E6000. As soon as i've created a few pieces i'll post them on here.

If you want to suggest some felt food items for me to have a go at making, you can comment on my facebook page. The idea I pick to make will receive the first one I make

Awesome Book - Cleo, how an uppity cat helped heal a family

2010-05-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading this book and I would definately recommend it. It is a bit sad but its also funny and uplifting. If you love cats you will definately love reading about Cleo. You may need a few tissues in the first part.

Helen Brown wasn't a cat person, but her nine-year-old son Sam was. So when Sam heard a woman telling his mum that her cat had just had kittens, Sam pleaded to go and see them.Helen's heart melted as Sam held one of the kittens in his hands with a look of total adoration. In a trice the deal was done - the kitten would be delivered when she was big enough to leave her mother.A week later, Sam was dead. Not long after, a little black kitten was delivered to the grieving family. Totally traumatised by Sam's death, Helen had forgotten all about the new arrival. After all, that was back in another universe when Sam was alive.Helen was ready to send the kitten back, but Sam's younger brother wanted to keep her, identifying with the tiny black kitten who'd also lost her brothers. When Rob stroked her fur, it was the first time Helen had seen him smile since Sam's death. There was no choice: the kitten - dubbed Cleo - had to stay.Kitten or not, there seemed no hope of becoming a normal family. But Cleo's zest for life slowly taught the traumatised family to laugh. She went on to become the uppity high priestess of Helen's household, vetoing her new men, terrifying visiting dogs and building a special bond with Rob, his sister Lydia, Helen - and later a baby daughter

My husband and I watched the film "Boy" yesterday. Its set in the 1980's in New Zealand and brings back memories for my husband. Very funny film

Boy (James Rolleston) is obsessed with Michael Jackson - in particular, his dance moves - and his little brother Rocky (Te Aho Eketone-Whitu) possibly possesses 'powers'. The pair are trying to find their potential (and the meaning of the word "potential") while living in the shadow of their larger-than-life dad, Alamein (Waititi).
In Boy's eyes, his dad is a hero: a deep-sea diver, war veteran, rugby captain and close relation of Michael Jackson. But in reality Alamein is doing seven years in jail and is a member of the three man gang crazy horses

Etsy Friends Spring Giveaway

2010-05-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

I am a member of Etsy Friends and we are hosting an awesome spring giveaway. 20 members have each donated a handmade item that makes up a spring basket of goodies for one lucky winner. It is very easy to enter and is open to anyone who lives in the USA and is over 18. Click here to enter Spring Giveaway

Pocket Perks - To Spread Good Cheer

2010-04-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've been very slack on my blog these last couple of months. I've been working on some patterns, my latest is for felt needlecases which is nearly finished. We've also just swapped bedrooms with my daughter and decorated the master bedroom, which is just finished at last! Its amazing how much stuff my daughter has, she's a hoarder like her father! I'm hoping to get creating some new felt food, I fancy trying something different. If you have any ideas leave a comment.

I found these pocket perks on Etsy by pacokeco , how cute. I'd love to find one in my pocket or in my bag as a surprise. You can write on the back or remain anonymous. Check out the Paper Nummies the sheep trio are super cute

Felt Cake Pattern Just Listed In Shops

2010-04-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've just listed my cake pattern in Etsy here and here These are both at the cheaper price. I've also got an offer on all my patterns on etsy buy 2 get 1 free

In my felt shop here

I'm hoping to stock up my etsy shop this week with some sushi, cupcakes and chocolates. I'm also hoping to work on a needlecase pattern to sell.

New Felt Food Pattern

2010-04-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished my fun felt slices of cake pattern. You will be able to make a lemon, coffee, chocolate and strawberry cake. 3 lucky facebook fans will receive a free pattern to try before I release it for sale.

The first 3 buyers in each of my 2 shops, etsy and felt.co.nz will be able to buy the pattern at a cheaper price. Etsy has an offer of buy 2 get 1 free on my patterns.

When i reach my 300th sale on etsy the lucky buyer will receive a free gift worth US$10.00

An Award

2010-03-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much e-Louisions for my award. Its very sweet of you :) Check out her handmade goodies.

This is a fun little award, but its comes with some rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5.Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Ok so 7 things about me:

1. I can do British Sign Language but not New Zealand Sign Language, so a bit useless now!

2. I used to act and sing when I was young and was in a professional play when I was 9, The Wind In The Willows. The audition was to do a tap dance, problem! I didn't do tap dancing. Anyway I must have been ok as I got the part of Thomas Twitchett.

3. When I was little I thought The Borrowers were real. My teacher had to phone my mum to get her to tell me they weren't real as I'd disrupted the class by getting them to check out all the holes and cracks in the walls.

4. I hate going uphill and my husband is always trying to get me to climb to the top of Mt Taranaki. Maybe if there was a craft shop on top with everything 90% off I might think about it.

5. My mums cousin did our family tree and found out we're related to Constable. A great great great..... Uncle

6. I've been round the world three times

7. I only learned to drive 3 years ago. I'm still on restricted (can't carry passengers apart from family and can't drive between 10.00pm and 6.00am) I keep putting off taking my full test as i'm terrified

Ok the last couple were lame but I couldn't think of anything

Now for the 7 I nominate

1. Nikki's Attic full of handmade goodies

2. My life, my values, my art A very talented lady

3. Trinket's Letter Box Lots of crafts to see

4. Get to know Wonderfully Sew Knit

5. For lots of free cute images paperglitter

6. CherylsPurpleCow raising awareness for epliepsy

7. Amazing Art MagicMarkingsArt

Alice In Wonderland Swap

2010-03-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

I don't do many swaps now, but this one caught my eye. I love the cartoon Disney film and can''t wait to watch the new film tomorrow.

The swap was to send 3 different fake food items to your partner. Well I got a bit carried away! I thought it would be easy but the challenge wasn't as easy as I thought. I ended up making 3 cupcakes themed with Alice, The Queen of Hearts and The Cheshire Cat. I also made 4 playing card cookies and a little drink me bottle. I made them in the theme of the cartoon Disney film. I adore The Cheshire Cat!

I hope my partner likes them and I can't wait for mine from Dana (MamaD)

Iced Coffee Recipe

2010-03-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

I love Iced Coffee especially when its a really hot day. I thought i'd have a go at making my own and after a bit of tweaking this is how I made it

You will need

Coffee

Sugar

Milk

Ice Cubes

Ice Cream

Chocolate Sauce

Squirty Cream

Decorations

Make a strong coffee with not too much water. I used my coffee plunger and used 3 large teaspoons per person. Put 1 teaspoon of sugar in the coffee. If you have a very sweet tooth you may want more. Leave the coffee to stand for a while (I am usually impatient to get on and make it!)

Pour into the glass and add a few ice cubes. Almost fill the glass with milk. Add a few scoops of ice cream (Chocolate or Vanilla) and top with squirty cream. You can add some chocolate sauce and for decoration I added some small marshmallows and chocolate powder. Yummy and very moorish

Fun Etsy Shop - All Thangs Old But New 2 U

2010-03-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've just joined a fun group on Etsy.com - Etsy Friends I've been having a look through some of the awesome shops and came across this fun shop All Thangs Old But New 2 U As some of you may know I adore amigarumis and there are definately some super cute ones in the shop. Available are a variety of animals, plus hats scarves and gloves. Here are some of my favourite animals

I made a very very yummy iced coffee on the weekend (its hot here!) and will be posting the recipe with a photo on my next posting. Trouble is its very moorish!

I'm tweaking my party food pattern and i'm adding a couple of little sandwiches, hopefully i can finish that today. I'm also working on another set of bread with spreads.

New Felt Food Patterns

2010-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

I've just released two new felt patterns breakfast food and party food They are availabe on etsy, artfire and felt.com

They are very easy to make and i've included step by step photo instructions

I've also just joined Felt.com which is a New Zealand-based online marketplace for handmade goods. I'm very excited to be a part of this and can't wait to list more items.

Tutorial For Blanket Stitch

2010-02-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

I thought, as i'm in the process of making some felt food patterns, i should do a little tutorial on my blog for one of the stitches I use the most in my patterns

Secure thread into the material, come up with your needle from underneath and insert about 1/2 cm from where you started

Pull thread through, you will see a loop

Insert needle into loop from behind and pull tight

Continue onto next stitch, the same as before, leaving about a 1/2 cm space

Felt Baby Shoes

2010-02-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

The children went back to school today, so i've been madly cleaning and tidying up the house. Its amazing how much mess two youngsters can make. I've finally finished my second pair of baby shoes. A friend has just had a little boy, so the Mary Janes were no good! I went back to ithinksew and ordered another cute pattern. The tiger shoes didn't quite turn out the same as they should, but i'm quite pleased with them. I've also ordered some cute kimono shoes which i'm going to try next

Camping Holiday - Raglan - New Zealand

2010-01-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Got back on the weekend from our camping holiday. Raglan is a surfing hot spot in New Zealand. My husband had a go at surfing on the last day and we even saw four of the All Blacks having a go at surfing on one of the beaches. Beautiful weather all week, one day of rain. We came back from a lovely lunch to find our tents living area was a pond. Luckily nothing was ruined.

One day we hired some double kayaks and went to the other side of the peninsula. Lots of caves and lush greenery. It was so peaceful and beautiful. My sister-in-law and I left some of the rowing to the men. My son was on his own in our kayak. It was our wedding anniversary on the 16th (17 years) so we left the children with the family and went our for a romantic dinner. After dinner we had a walk along Whale Bay.

Back home and lots of washing and finding homes again for our camping gear. Sam and Holly start school next week, so we bought my daughters uniform this week (ouch) She starts High School. My son is starting year 11. Here in New Zealand we have to buy all the books as well as stationary.

I haven't really got into the swing of sewing again yet. I'll wait till the kids are back at school. I want to make some more boxes of chocolates and sushi. Here is a cake i've just finished for Swap-Bot. I left it the the last minute to finish (it has to be sent by the 30th)

Natural Living - Part 2

2010-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

First my Princess Nimble Thimble dolls came today and they are adorable, even better in real life. My daughter squealed in delight when she saw her doll

Early this morning my dog took fright to the smoke alarm beeping and ran in our bedroom and had a wee in fright. I looked up in my book and sprinkled baking soda on the mess. This should remove the odour and moisture . I'll clean it up later and see how it goes.

The shower gel worked out well. The only problem is its quite runny, so we have to be careful and not squirt out too much!

I had a go at washing my hair with baking soda and rinsing with white vinegar. It actually was much better than i thought and makes your hair feel really clean. The smell of vinegar didn't last too long. My husband and daughter had a go too. Its meant to work really well for dandruff.

We have a really musty cupboard which stores shoes and tents etc. I've had a few items go mouldy. On a programme on the Living Channel called Lush House they suggested hanging up sticks of chalks in the cupboard and airing them outside once a week. The chalks should soak up the moisture in the air. They can be used indefinately.
I cleared everything out of the cupboard and sprinkled a mixture of equal parts of wheat bran and baking soda onto the carpet. After a while i vacuumed it up. Since then the cupboard doesn't seem as musty as it was. Just looks wierd with chalks hanging up in it!

We found another use for baking soda. My daughter made some toffee and it was stuck fast to the saucepan. We heated up some water in the pan with some baking soda, after a while tipped out the water and the saucepan was left lovely and clean.

I've been trying to find a way to soften my towels in the washing machine without having to use fabric softener. So far the best option has been doing a final rinse with white vinegar. I still have a couple of towels that are very hard still though.

We're going camping next week, when i get back home i'm going to have a go at making laundry detergent. I'll let you know how it goes.

Princess Nimble Thimble - Bendy Dolls

2010-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

I came across this gorgeous etsy shop Princess Nimble Thimble a while ago. Dannielle makes such a wonderful selection of dolls that are perfect for little ones and adults. I decided to order six of these dolls. One for my daughter, one for my mum and auntie and three for me. As Dannielle accepts custom orders i had a great time checking out her facebook fan page and working out my favourite dolls. It was actually quite hard to make a choice as there were a lot I really liked. These are the ones I chose in the end.

My daughter loved the toadstool little girl and I wanted the little pink fairy and one of the pirates. The young lady in the middle is for my antique shop that my husband has been making for me. I'm waiting for him to finish it (its been three years now!)
My auntie has a crush on Captian Jack Sparrow so I had to get her a pirate and the little lilac fairy is for my mum. My mum and auntie live on the other side of the world so i'm collecting together seven little presents each one to open every day of the week.

Here are a few gorgeous little dolls that are available in Dannielles shop now.

My Sons Artwork

2010-01-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

My son, Sam loves to draw and has been very busy lately. My husband made a long L shaped table in the craft room and there are lots of windows that are perfect for doing some drawing and painting. He prefers to draw in pencil and has been busy drawing mechanical animals. We're trying to get him to try some new techniques, as you can see from the picture of the mountain. I promised him I would include some of his artwork on my blog. If you want to check out more of his work here is his facebook fan page. He'll be starting his senior year in February and will be taking Graphics and Art Design, which he's really looking forward too.

Mustang

Mt Taranaki, New Zealand

Mechanical Bird

Natural Cleaning and Beauty

2009-12-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

I don't normally make new year resoloutions, but in 2010 i've decided to change the way i clean and try and make some of my own products such as washing powder, shower gel etc I want to cut down on the chemicals I use in the home plus its better for the environment and should work out heaps cheaper too. In between posting about my crafts and about other etsy sellers, i'll let you know how i get on and i'll share some tips and recipies.

Bicarbonate of soda/baking soda and white vinegar are my new best friend.
I had tea stains in my cups and in my stainless steel sink, so i sprayed some white vinegar, sprinkled some baking soda, let it fizz, then got to work with a bit of elbow grease, perfect. I then washed it down with some of my general cleaner (see below). Bicarb is a salt and alkaline which neutralises acids such as white vinegar, which releases carbon dioxide and water which penetrates stains and dissolves grease.

General Cleaner - All purpose bathroom/kitchen and woodwork cleaner

I got this out of my local paper.

1 tbsp baking/bicarb soda
1 tsp white vinegar
500ml water
squirt dishwashing liquid
Few drops of essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Put all ingredients in a recycled plastic spray bottle.

Shower Gel

I made this up last night, but haven't used it yet, it smells nice. This recipie came from
pioneertthinking.com

1/2 cup unscented shampoo
1/4 cup water
3/4 teaspoon salt
15 drops fragrance oil

I used vanilla extract, but you can use kiwi, raspberry, strawberry or coconut extract

Pour shampoo into a bowl and add the water, stir until well mixed. Add the salt and fragrance. I've used an old shower gel bottle to fill the mixture with

Its been kindly pointed out that the preservative in the shampoo has been diluted so the mixture should be used up straight away and not stored.

I'll let you know what its like when i've used it.

Felt Food - Picnic

2009-12-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

I've managed to finish my niece's felt food picnic set, at last! Some of the items were made be fellow swap-botters in various swaps and some were made by me. I bought a cute little picnic basket and some plates and cups. The banana was fun to make and it even comes out of its skin.

I've Been Busy

2009-12-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I've been very busy with custom orders the last couple of weeks. This one was quite a challange. I was asked to make Challah bread. I googled it and found out it is a special braided bread eaten by the Jews on the sabbath and holidays. It was quite easy in the end, i made three long filled tubes and braided them together. I hope it looks ok. I also made filled pitta bread with falafal balls, tomato, cucumber and hummus.

My next custom order was for more glittery and cute items. Doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, poptarts and tea bags. I've never seen a pop tart gasp! At first i made them too fat, so had to remove some of the stuffing. I also designed the pattern for the brownies and tea bags. I think the tea bags came out quite well, so i'll be adding them with some cookies to my etsy shop in the new year.

Beautiful Art Dolls By FFEST member WHSKR

2009-12-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

I though i'd show off some items made by my FFEST friend who doesn't live too far from me. WHSKR She makes gorgeous one of a kind art dolls. You can hang these on your walls or use as a brooch. Each doll is made from different textures and fun embellishments. WHSKR is a fellow New Zealander and lives in Wellington. Hurry free shipping through 7th December.

Giveaway Winner

2009-11-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Giveaway is Krismakes. Congratualtions I'll be sending you an email for your address. Some of the entries were in one comment so I added them seperately, so even though there were 53 comments, there were actually 63 entries.
Thank you to everyone for entering, I will definately be arranging another fun giveaway in the future.

New Giveaway For November

2009-11-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

To celebrate reaching 100 followers i'm hosting another fun giveaway. The winner will have a choice of one of the three prizes, Mini Moopy Doll, Felt Chocolate Cake or Toadstool Needlecase.

IMPORTANT Each comment counts as one entrance, you will have up to 7 chances to win.
Winner will be announced in one week, Thursday 26th November (New Zealand time). I will contact the winner via blogspot. If you don't have a blogspot account, come and check if you have won, if you are the winner, please leave a comment with your email address (this won't be published) and i will get in touch with you. Here are the 7 ways you can enter:

1. Comment that you have become or are already a follower of my blog

2. Leave a comment on which of the three items you would like to win.

3. Check out my etsy shop and come back and paste a link of your favourite item

4. Share a link of your favourite item on your wishlist from any shop on etsy.

5. Twitter about this giveaway, if you post a link of your twitter i'll follow you

6. Become a facebook fan If you have a fan page too, leave a link on my page so i can follow you.

7. Blog about this giveaway

If anyone knows of a good online random number generator i can post of the winner, please let me know, thanks :)

Princess Pink Cupcakes

2009-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ive been experimenting with different styles of felt cupcakes. My husband worked out the pattern for me on the computer using his CAD programme. I decided to try some icing with sprinkles and a cute pink cupcake with a pink button as a topping. Both needed a little extra somthing so i added a ribbon on the outside.

I'm now making a batch of 4 in each design to sell in my etsy shop. I thought they'd be perfect for pretend play.

I'll also make an extra one for my niece. I'm putting together a selection of felt goodies for her, some made by me and some that i've received from my Swap-bot partners.

I'm also in the middle of making some cute little felt shoes. I'll post a picture when i've finished

Giveaway coming up soon

2009-11-09T12:34:00.001-08:00

Just to let you know that as soon as i hit 100 followers i'll be doing another giveaway. Yes the Mini Moopy will be one of the prizes

Fun Treasury - Lets Pretend

2009-11-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to create a fun treasury with pretend play in mind for a while. At last i managed to snag a treasury last night. It was down to 27mins to go so i went and had a cup of tea, popped back 5 mins later and it was suddenly 2 mins to go!

Time To Play - Felt Food Wedding Cake

2009-10-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my felt food wedding cake. Many hours work but i'm really pleased with it. Each tier is split into slices which are have small pieces of velcro on to hold them together. Inside the slice you can see the layer of icing and marzipan. On top is a layer of icing and topped with roses to decorate. I'm letting the customer choose the colour of roses they would like.

I can just picture a little one handing out plates of wedding cake to her little "guests" I also thought it would make a great centrepiece for a bridal shower.

Free Gift for 200th sale on Etsy

2009-10-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

I've had 198 sales on etsy. To celerbrate my 200th sale i'll be sending a free gift. For felt food items a cupcake, for needlecases and fabric i'll send a hanging felt ornament and for the patterns a free pattern.

Cheese and Crackers

2009-10-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

My latest challenge, cheese and crackers, with grapes for a touch of greenery. I'm thinking of trying out a few more cheeses for variety. I've got a few pictures of real cheese off google, now to figure out how to make them out of felt. The wheel of brie was a bit of a challenge because of the shape. I ended up reinforcing it with card to hold the shape. One of my weaknesses is cheese and crackers topped with pickle, yummy!

Bread and Jam

2009-10-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

I've been busy sewing this week. I'm in the middle of making a felt wedding cake and just finished various projects. I love this bread and jam set. A half loaf with two slices of bread and three spreads, butter, jam and chocolate. I can just imagine a little one playing with this set, pretending to butter the bread and giving the slices of bread to Mr Bear.

I'm putting a set of felt food together for my niece. I was in a soft picnic set swap and was hoping to receive some items that I could include to give to her, but due to some difficulties with the swap, i'm not sure if I will receive these now. I have two little doughnuts that I received from Ann from Harvest Moon By Hand in a swap a while ago, that i will include for her. I'm also going to make some bread with various spreads and a couple of little cakes. She'll be three in January so I think she's nearly old enough for them now.

FFEST Treasury - Gifts For Mamma

2009-10-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post, i managed to snag a treasury for the FFEST (Facebook Fans On Etsy)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=87576

A selection of items that i would love to give to my mum who lives in the UK. I'm hoping she'll be coming out for a visit (I live in New Zealand) in January. My lovely husband has kindly offered to pay for half her air fare, which i'll be surprising her with when i next phone her up!

Featured Etsy Seller - In My Head Studios

2009-10-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today i'm featuring a fellow FFEST member who makes beautiful scrabble tile and domino pendants and exquisite glass collage pendants. Vicki is also happy to use custom artwork too. Now there are an awful lot of scrabble tile and domino pendants on etsy but these certainly stand out as unique. I love the detail and the charms.

You can find Vicki at:

her Etsy Shop and blog

Here are four of my favourites:

Baby Sea Turtle Fabric

2009-09-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

I bought this gorgeous fabric yesterday as it reminds me of my trip to Hawaii. We saw one turtle while snorkelling on the Island of Oahu and then we spent a week on the Big Island. On one of the beaches we went in the water and there were lots, and i mean lots of turtles, we had to be really careful we didn't trip over them. We were trying to keep put their way but they kept coming up near to us. It was a truly amazing experience. On our way back to the hotel after spending the day travelling round the island, we stopped off for a walk along a beach and saw a turtle on the sand. It was getting dark so we couldn't get a photo.

I'm going to make the material into a wall hanging and i'm hoping to embellish the material with small seed beads etc. I had to get a metre and only need a quarter, so i'm selling the rest on etsy. I'll post a photo of the wall hanging when i've finished, it will probably take me a while though!

My daughters "dismembered" teddy bear

2009-09-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

My daughter joined a lunch time art club with a difference. To take apart various soft toys and create something new, think Frankenstein! The kids loved it, especially the boys. There is even a waiting list for the next group. If you want to read more check this out http://http//www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/2888133/No-picnic-for-dismembered-teddy-bears

Don't you just love the lips! Its great as they're even teaching knitting at lunch time too. I'm hoping that they teach them to crochet, so my daughter can then teach me. Its great to see these crafts coming back!

On a side note, coming from the UK and living in New Zealand, whenever they say bear, it sounds like beer, why are they making beer at school?

Featured Etsy Shop - BeneathTheRowanTree

2009-09-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

When i saw this name on the etsy forums i just had to have a look at the shop http://www.beneaththerowantree.etsy.com/ and found that the shop certainly lives up to the gorgeous name. You will find some truly gorgeous items, including needlefelted owls, hedgehogs, gnomes, beavers, bears, cupcakes..... Gorgeous silk streamers in a variety of beautiful colours plus more. I recommend you check this shop out. Here is a little taster of what is available

Free Tutorial - Mini Scrapbook

2009-09-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

This scrapbook/card is made out of one piece of 12 x 12 paper (pref double sided). It can be used as a unique and fun card or as a mini scrapbook. I've used it as a card for my SIL's baby with lots of fun baby pictures and saying on the tags and decorated on the front. I also used it as a mini scrapbook for my grandmother, with photos and memories on the tags and decorated on the front and back. I can't take credit for the idea, i think it was on one of the shopping channels craft hour.

First fold the paper in half, then make into a concertina with 4 sections

Fold back the 2 end section and hold in place with a fun brad

For the 2 middle sections, with scissors or a square punch, cut out a small rectangle shape, leaving space at the sides. These 4 sections will become pockets for the tags

Open out the paper and put a thin line of glue or double sided tape (sorry, mine turned out messy!) down the side of each section leaving space for the tags to slide in. Carefull place both halves together

Make up 4 tags, punch a hole in the top and tie on a fun ribbon. You can then decorate as much or as little you like. You can decorate both sides of the tags and both sides of the mini scrapbook. Is less more? Nuh!

Felt Butterfly Cake

2009-09-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've been sitting with my daughter all day as she's been sick in the night and through the day. As my son had his appendix out when he was 5, thats one of the things i worry about when anyone is vomitting and has bad stomach pain, we may be down to the doctors tomorrow. I decided to have a go at designing something i've been meaning to have a go at for a while, a felt butterfly cake. I remember making these with my mum when i was young, i think they're also called fairy cakes. My daughter loves to make them too, my son just loves to eat them!

Heres a picture of my creation, it hasn't turned out too bad, the felt paper casing was a bit of a challenge!

Swap-Bot Etsy Treasury

2009-09-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

I've managed to snag another treasury and featured some items made by fellow swap-botters. There are some gorgeous items included. Here is the link if you want to check it out, http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=81354 i think the more clicks the more chance of being on the etsy front page? I'm sure i'll be making more as its really addictive! Mmmm i think i need to work a bit more on my cropping skills on paint. Its taken me a few days to find out how to get a picture of a treasury onto my blog!

The swap-botters featured are, Me (lisajhoney), Invisible, MissThundercat, Courtney, Rengawk, Momwithahook, Trinket, Freespirit66, Craftaddict02, ArtsyAthina, KatinaNavane and TangleCrafts

Pegs For Towels

2009-09-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

My new bathroom is nearly finished and i only want matching towels that go with the colour scheme to be used, the only problem is whose towel is whose??

So i made some funky pegs, (i need to make 2 more). Each member of the family has their own peg and when they've used a towel they pop the peg on. This will save on me having to wash the towels every day!

Cream and Raspberry Jam Doughnut

2009-09-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

After a bit of experimenting i managed to come up with a cream and jam doughnut. I feel though that i need to do a bit more tweaking with the cream. The sugar sparkles don't look too bad.

This is one of my favourite doughnuts, although i have to have mine with real cream rather than mock cream. Its not one i have too often though!

My next tutorial will be for a mini scrapbook made out of one piece of 12 x 12 paper. The photos are on my memory stick, as we've got a new computer, but my daughter has it at school at the moment with her homework on being marked! Hopefully i'll get it back this week

Jack's New Bed

2009-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got round to making my dog Jack a new bed. His old bed was falling to pieces and not washable, so i bought some material and wadding and its been sitting in the cupboard for a few weeks. It was so easy to make and i've made one end accessible with poppers so i can put it in the washing machine. I think he likes it!

My Felt Food Has Been Featured

2009-09-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today i found out my felt chocolate cake, fruit slad and pizza slice has been featured among other yummy food plushies in the OC weekly blog

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit/the-art-of-felt-and-crocheted/index.php?page=3

They are doing a feature on the Art of Plushie Food and there are some real cuties on there

Flickr seller scrumptious delight http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrumptiousdelight/3638057989/in/set-72157616765907478/

Etsy seller Eternal Sunshine http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=48984

Etsy Seller Karen Swimmer http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5723362

Giveaway Winner

2009-09-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the random number picked was comment number 66
So Lilly is the winner and will receive a cupcake needlebook, well done

The Moopy Doll will be available for another giveaway. That was so fun i will definately be doing another one.

Thank you everyone for entering :)

One More Day To Enter The Giveaway

2009-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

If you want to enter my giveaway here http://lisajhoney.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-first-blog-giveaway.html you have one more day to post in the comments to enter. I will draw the winner on Wednesday afternoon, New Zealand time.

Remember you must be a follower of my blog to be in with a chance to win and you can make up to 5 comments from the list. Each seperate comment is one entry. Some of you have commented on being a follower of my blog as a comment which is fine.

At the moment i think the moopy doll is the most popular choice

Good Luck x

My First Etsy Treasury

2009-08-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

This treasury has a "blue" theme and is made up of items from the new facebook fans of etsy team. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=79322

If you want to check out our new team have a look at the blog http://facebookfansonetsy.blogspot.com

Cute Blog

2009-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this super cute blog http://myfantastictoys.blogspot.com/2009/08/five-fun-freebies-from-fantastic-toys.html There are some lovely free downloads.

They also have an etsy shop http://www.FantasticToys.etsy.com

My First Blog Giveaway

2009-08-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

I thought reaching 50 followers merited a fun giveaway. The winner can choose any one of these 3 prizes, a cute mini moopy doll, practical cupcake needlebook or tempting felt chocolate tart.

You can have up to 5 chances to enter, the only rule being you must be or become a follower of my blog. The winner will be chosen using an online random number generator. I will post the winner on Wednesday afternoon (New Zealand) time, 2nd September. Each comment will be one entry, so don't forget to come and post that you've twittered or blogged etc.

For the 5 chances to win

**IMPORTANT** Each comment counts as one entry

1) Name which of the three prizes you would like to win

2) Have a look at my etsy shop http://www.lisajhoney.etsy.com/ and come back and post which is your favourite item in the shop

3) Mention this giveaway in your blog

4) Twitter about the giveaway

5) Become a Facebook Fan www.facebook.com/lisajhoney (You're welcome to put a link to your blog or etsy shop on my facebook fan page)

Have fun and good luck :)

50 Followers!

2009-08-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you. To celebrate reaching 50 followers i'll be setting up a giveaway on my blog in the next couple of days. You'll be able to choose one of 3 prizes.

Watch this space!

Win a set of felt pancakes

2009-08-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

You have till August 23rd

Design Girl is doing a big giveaway and set of my felt pancakes is one of the prizes for the week.
Check it out http://designgirlblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-week-3-giveaway-no-5.html

Frog Prince

2009-08-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

I just received this little chap in the post, and love him, so cute. I won him in a giveaway on facebook http://www.facebook.com/lostsentiments I kissed him, but alas, no Prince :(

I had a look again at Dawns etsy shop and had to share these cuties with you http://www.etsy.com/lostsentiments

Etsy Bloggers - Mega Giveaway

2009-08-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

The EtsyBloggers MEGA GIVEAWAY starts Sunday August 9th, 2009 and ends Friday Aug 14th, 2009 @ 11:59pm EST. All winners will be announced on: Saturday August 15th, 2009
http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com/

This super exciting event is a celebration of the EtsyBloggers 2nd Anniversary. All of the above handmade items -- OVER 2 DOZEN -- are all being given away, absolutely FREE!! With 10 chances to WIN, this is a total giveaway value of almost $300!!!

Giveaway - Facebook Fan Page

2009-08-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

To celebrate reaching 100 fans i'm having a giveaway for the next week. Check out my fan page http://www.facebook.com/lisajhoney The winner will receive a cupcake of their choice

As you can see i've been busy making cupcakes. My son is very disappointed that i haven't been baking, so i'll have to make some muffins today!

My Daughters Cupcake

2009-08-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

My 12 year old daughter and her friend had a go at making some felt food on the weekend. I was very proud of what they made. My daughter is into hot pink at the moment as you can tell!

My daughters friend wanted the pattern to have a go at home, her mum is really going to love me as she's not really into crafts and doesn't sew much apart from sewing on buttons.

Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding

2009-08-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

I have to share with you this yummy and very quick to make pudding........

Mix together:

2 cups self raising flour
1 and a half cups of sugar
third cup of cocoa
120g melted butter
1 cup milk

Put in a baking pan/dish

In a bowl mix together:

third cup of cocoa
1 cup sugar

Sprinkle this over the flour mixture in the baking dish, then pour 2 cups of hot water into the baking dish

Bake at 180 for 45mins (mine sometimes takes less so keep checking after 30mins)

Lovely with ice cream or cream

Fake Food - Picnic swap

2009-07-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post. I recently set up a fake food soft picnic swap. Each person is to send a sandwich, wrap or burger, snack item, cake item, fruit and senders choice, plus a picnic cloth. I had mine all ready to be posted, plus i made a few extras for my partner. I'm hoping to set up a party food swap next

Cute Crochet Food

2009-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

I came across this etsy shop a few days ago and had to share. Crochet is one of the crafts i am trying to learn. I have a DVD and book, i now just have to master it. These are some things i would love to be able to make. The shop also sells pdf patterns too

The shop is http://www.honeybee69.etsy.com/

I have fallen in love with the peelable orange, so cute :)

Flu, Yuck!

2009-07-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Haven't been online much, or done much at all over the last couple of weeks. Had the flu! Haven't been unwell like that for a long time. Feeling a lot better now, just got a lingering cough.

I managed to do a bit of sewing. I made a mini box of chocolates and a party food set. I got a bit bored of the same old things, so decided to try something different.

Two crackers, two sausages on sticks, 2 cheese and pineapple on sticks, sausage roll and shrimp

Mini box of chocolates

New Facebook Fan Page

2009-06-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

I've just set up a page on my facebook. Anyone who becomes a fan will receive a 10% discount on any items ordered in my etsy shop. Get a sneak peek at any new items before i add them to my shop.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/lisajhoneys-sweet-things/94328873345

Free Felt Food Tutorial - Doughnut

2009-06-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

First for the doughnut template, find something round thats the size that you want your doughnut to be. Draw round it twice and cut out, so you have 2 circles. Mine is about 9.5cms across

To find the centre fold one of the circles in half, then fold out again.
Find something small to draw round in the centre of the template and cut out. This is your doughnut template.

For the icing, place the doughnut template over the other circle and draw out the centre hole. Take the template off and draw your icing shape. Cut out the centre hole and the icing shape.

Use your template to cut out a piece of icing for your doughnut.

To make the doughnut, place your doughnut template over 2

squares of felt, leaving plenty of room round the outside. Either

machine or handstitch round the outside of the template, leaving a small gap for turning. Carefully cut out the centre hole and trim round the outside of the doughnut leaving a small gap. To make a neater finish make small snips round the outside making sure you don't snip your stitches (yes i have learnt from my experience!)

Carefully turn the doughnut inside out through the small gap

Sew the small hole closed with small blanket stitches

Carefully and firmly stuff the doughnut then sew the gap together with a ladder stitch

Add frosting to your icing, then first sew the two centre pieces together with blanket stitch, next sew the outside of the icing to the doughnut with blanket stitch.

Time Flies....

2009-06-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

At last here i am. Can't believe that nearly a month has flown by. We've got a replacement computer at last, but not a brand new one. A friends reconditioned computer, unfortunately its just as slow as the old one. Very frustrating, especially when you're hooked on The Farm on facebook and have lots of fields to plow and grow seeds. The time i've wasted on it.

Last friday went to a craft show with my daughter and a friend. Holly's school had a teacher only day. Bought some Munchy seeds and spices for mulled wine. Lots of food tastings on offer. Didn't end of buying a lot of craft stuff, just a tiara embossing stencil and some gold and silver border peel offs. Holly bought some special pens.

Went to my friends baby shower on Saturday and she loved the nappy cake. Played lots of silly games and ate lots of yummy food. Tried something new. A prune wrapped in a piece of bacon, sounds wierd, but its very yummy. She only has 7 weeks to go now!

Just set up a new swap on Swap-bot, soft food picnic items. Sandwich, wrap or burger, piece if fruit or 2 slices of fruit, snack item, a cake, doughnut or 2 cookies plus one own choice item. Also a picnic cloth. I've made three items so far...

I'm hoping to add a tutorial for felt doughnuts in the next couple of weeks, so watch this space!

I bought a t-shirt for Jack, which hubby wasn't too happy with. he thinks i'm turning him into a woosey dog! Well, he's got to be warm hasn't he? Here's a photo

Fruit and Sushi

2009-05-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been really busy with etsy. My latest creation is a selection of fruit slices to go in a felt fruit salad, I don't think i'll be making too many as they're really fiddly. I got some images from google for inspiration plus had a look in my fruit bowl. I'm not really into eating fruit, i wish i liked it more, i really hate bananas. There are a couple of fruits i hadn't heard of before till i moved to New Zealand. Feijoa and tamarillos. Not too keen though!

Got a couple of awesome swap packages in the post last week. I'm in a fake food group on Swap-bot and joined a soft sushi swap and beginners swap. I received a felt chocolate ice lolly and some gorgeous crochet sushi.

Couldn't resist this gorgeous sock bunny from Trinketys new etsy shop. Perfect present for my auntie in England. She has two more cute sock bunnies available and more soon. www.Trinkety.etsy.com

Nappy/Diaper Cake

2009-04-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the nappy cake i've just finished for my friends baby shower. She loves Beatrix Potter, hence Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. This is my second cake and i think this one looks a lot better.

Its made from about 60 rolled newborn nappies, a baby bottle in the middle holding it together, then decorated with ribbons, little cut outs and soft toys. As i rolled each nappy i held it together with an elastic band, then tied with white thread, taking of the elastic band. Each circle of nappies was tied with white elastic.

Rotorua

2009-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

We took the children on a surprise weekend away to Rotorua. We told the children the night before, but my daughter had found a bag full of yummy food and had figured out something was happenning.

As soon as you enter the town, the smell hits you, rotton eggs, but you sort of get used to it. Drove past the local park that has areas of bubbling mud and steam rising up from the ground. These areas are cordoned off. Some of the hotels have their own natural mineral spas in their backyard, cool! We stayed in a lodge that has their own little farm that the kids loved. Two lively dalmations, 2 minature ponies, a pig, a few sheep and cows and 2 alpacas. My daughter soon learnt all their names.

The first full day we visited a 3D maze and i got thoroughly lost. You had to find your way to all four coloured corners, then find your way out again. The children finished quickly! We then had a go at mini golf, then up the skyline gondala thing and had a go on the luge. I was following my daughter who was going very fast. I dread to think of her learning to drive! We then found somewhere to eat dinner and then bliss! The polynesian spa!

The next day we spent the morning looking at the farmers market in the park then had a close up look at the bubbling mud and steam. The afternoon an hours pony trek looking at the awesome scenery. In the evening we went to the local swimming pool and i had a relax in the spa. Packed quite a lot into the weekend, definately recommend it for a visit. I'm hoping my mum is coming out next January, so i saved some good places to visit with her.

The children went back to school today so i've been tidying the house. Why are boys such grubs! My 14 year old son has the habit of laying on the 2 seater sofa with his legs hanging over the arm and the sofa cover is filthy.

Once i've caught up i hope to make some more needlecases for my etsy shop. I've made some new patterns up i want to try out. I've also just finished a diaper cake for my friends baby shower. I'll add the photo soon.

Felt Food Patterns

2009-03-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Another awesome seller on etsy i've bought a couple of patterns from is http://www.umecrafts.etsy.com/

These are three of my favourites and i've bought the first two. The patterns are really easy to follow.

I haven't got round to making the fruits slices yet, but i've made some chocolates from the second pattern. First I followed the pattern, then used the basic patterns and used my imagination. for some of my own designs.

Busy Busy Busy

2009-03-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

I've had a busy week. I had a bit of a shock with my etsy shop yesterday, 8 sales in one day. I thought i'd been sneak attacked, but no, just a good day. I made up my own design for a lemon cake and not long after it was listed it sold, so i listed another one and that sold. I'm going to make a free tutorial for the lemon slices to put on here. I couldn't find any patterns for them so i ended up making my own. I'm also making up some truffles too.

I'm trying to get as much crafting done as possible as hubby is knocking down a wall tomorrow between the living and dining room, so there will be lots of mess. My son is having a work day at school. All the boys have to earn $30 for the day and give it to the school. Over 1000 boys, not bad money. If they don't earn the money they get a detention. So my son is helping hubby doing some demolition work. They're also going to knock down the wall by the driveway as i've nearly backed into it a few times!

I've found some awesome felt food patterns on etsy. One seller http://www.littlecrickets.etsy.com/ makes some lovely patterns

I love the face on the paper bag :) Get in quick as buy 2 get 1 free on the patterns at the moment!

The Simpsons

2009-02-21T20:19:00.001-08:00

A custom order from etsy

I was asked to have a go at making a doughnut inspired by The Simpsons. I enjoyed making it and finished it this afternoon. I don't have any long beads in primary colours so used small pieces of felt and sewed them on. I didn't want to use glue as i tend to get in a mess and they may fall of anyway. I found working with small pieces of acrylic felt better as wool felt tends to go fluffy.

I also had a nice surprise today as an etsy member used a picture of my felt pancakes in her treasury.

Update on Jack, his tail was fine the next day. We think he may have slept on it and thats why it was a bit bent and sore. My husband says i baby him too much. I worry about him nearly as much as the children. Yes i'm one of the mothers who texts the children when they're 5 minutes late getting off the school bus

Jack has lost his wag

2009-02-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

For some unknown reason poor Jack has lost his wag. His tail is normally upright, but since yesterday his tail is hanging down and looks a bit bent. He's still wagging his tail but not as much. We're giving it a couple of days, but if its still the same its a trip to the vets. I gave him a bone shaped chew as a treat, he ate half then buried the rest in the garden amongst some flowers i'd recently planted.

Its been very hot lately, which i'm not used to coming from the UK. Most of the afternoon I had the fan on full blast. Its been snowing in England and the thoughts of putting my feet in snow sounds like bliss!

Today i made my first food with a face item. I made a piece of toast smothered with chocolate spread. He's not too happy as someones had a bite! I've set up a swap on swap-bot for food with faces, but i'm having a go at selling Mr Toast on Etsy to see if there's interest. My daughter has fallen in love with him, so i said i'd make one for her too.

I may try to make a pattern of Mr Toast to sell on Etsy so far I've sold two monster patterns and one Russian doll pattern. Its really nice to think of someone making something from a pattern i've made.

Here is a photo of Mr Toast

At Last!

2009-02-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well after a few frustrating hours i figured out how to add the flickr and etsy photos. I thought i was going to have to ask for help from one of my online friends, but i did it. The etsy one was so easy i felt rather stupid!

I had a go today at making some DIY Kimono Girls. Nicc79 from Swap-bot bought me the pattern from etsy. They look quite good and will make nice bookmarks. Just got to get the faces right.
http://www.revidevi.etsy.com/

Tomorrow i'm hoping for a quiet crafting day and make some more goodies for my etsy shop. I'm going to make some felt pancakes with blueberries and cream and two more owl needlecases.

I hate watching the news at the moment with the devastating fires in Austrialia. Nearly 100 dead so far. I'm in an Australia and New Zealand group on Swap-bot, so i'm hpoing that everyone is ok.

New Blog

2009-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

Well this is the first part of my blog. I've been busy making felt food for etsy and i've just finished three yummy doughnuts, which i'll be listing soon.

As i sit here at my computer my faithful dog Jack is laying at my feet, having a great dream as his legs are going crazy. He's part foxy terrier and we think maybe whippet. He came to live with us last May as his family were moving to Australia. When we got him he was a year and a half old, so we missed the puppy stage. Maybe thats a good thing! He settled in very quickly and is now a pampered pooch