http://pixiegenne.typepad.com/my_weblog/crafty/page/8/Here's a tutorial on how to make your own covered cases. I love that she uses vintage kid's books, dictionary pages and is NOT technical. All you need is loads of Mod Podge (but I use PVA for everything cause it's cheaper!), time, a sharp craft knife, a suitcase or old makeup box (even tin can's), and old clothes. What fun.
NB: I think it's important to note that while we can take advantage of other crafter's tutorials and their amazing generosity for our own personal use, it is important to acknowledge where ideas originate. Secondly, when a person is making their living from their craft, do not go and undersell them in their marketplaces. This kind of sharing is part of our wonderful world of creativity and is a real blessing. Unfortunately I have read recently of people having their work copied and sold on as 'original' works in the same towns and marketplace (Etsy is rife with blatant rip-offs sometimes). I believe that's bad practice and while no art or craft work is without influence, we need to stay honest and have integrity in our practice wherever possible. The kaupapa or protocols are tricky because it's hard to copyright a lot of what we do. It's up to us to keep it 'all good'.
Personally, I think mimicry is flattering and that we all start by copying others (even if it was your mother teaching you to knit a scarf), but we also need to try and put our own twist on our own works eventually, and develop our own designs wherever possible. Also, I think truly creative people don't run out of ideas and can keep on creating. They are not threatened with sharing their learning and knowledge. I am where I am because others were not elitist and did not withold but enthusiastically shared their passion and skills with me. I also have paid out big money to spend time with other artists learning my skills and a lot of time at art school and in my own life just playing and refining my own ideas. We just need to also appreciate that many artists and craftspeople have spent years refining their practices and processes, and to respect their work by referencing them and even making contact to make sure we don't inadvertently 'step on anyones toes'.
Ok, lecture over. Have fun making this season.
Unironed but freshly laundered embroidered cloths and doilies found on our op-shop (thrifting) trips. 
The other side.
Which inspired me to make these from what else ... my stash and some vintage buttons.
Rich reorganising our already cramped bedroom to squeeze Knuckles change table in. Another score, this time from TradeMe: $70 and it's barely been used. They retail upwards of $200-odd. This is one motivated man. Last week he made up the bassinet with sheets and wool blankets. He packed the baby's suitcase for the hospital. He bought the carseat. He reckons he is the most excited family member re: Knuckles arrival. I reckon he is too. Might have to fight him for a cuddle of OUR baby although he can have the night shift. 
Here is my new favourite inspired by looking at Julie Arkell's amazing mixed media creatures. 
Fellow crafter Cleo gave me a hand to put some personality into the glove creatures I made last week. I was stoked that the box of buttons I purchased from the Salvation Army Family Store had some incredible giant buttons that were perfect for these guys. Cleo knit the scarf on this wee girl bear.
My infamous cupcake pincushions up close and personal.
Tea party anyone? I know I have posted photos of some of these things before, but it was neat to see everything together. BTW there was more but I got sick of taking photos. I also have some angry dolls and some Pacifica themed mixed media objects but they will stay under wrap as I am currently involved in a crafty Xmas decoration swap. 
Happy crafting fellow crafters! It's the season to indulge all that crafty goodness, get stuck in and start making prezzies, cards, decorations for your home and yummy things for the baking tins. BTW, 2 weeks and 5 days to go ... not that I'm counting.
Sand patterns. 
My little fellah, Marcus sits on his chair from Trash Palace ($1) and tries to warm up.
I have such a close connection with the sea. It is tied undoubtably to my own childhood in Ahipara and hours, days, weeks, months of playing at the beach. It is my own desire that my kids develop just such a relationship with the outdoors. They spent the last two days learning to body surf with their Dad. It is getting harder to do 'natural' things when one lives in the city. Rich and I sat up last night trying to figure how to do a vegie garden and if it works out cheaper than buying vegies from the local market on Saturday morning. If it is worth the effort which I know it is. 
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I went shopping today and checked out the new Emporium in Porirua. Not too shabby, mostly just craft stuff but good to have an alternative to Spotlight. The prices are better too. And they sell mother-of-pearl buttons and cool threads. I spotted some small corks for making my own stamps later for printing and a few other bits and pieces but nothing too exciting. I got some pink embroidery thread (50cents) and some hooks so I can hang up the tea towels in our kitchen. Like I said, nothing to write home about. And some white gardening gloves for $3.60 a pack of five pairs for some new creations I am playing around with.
My most exciting find ... A giant tin of vintage buttons - all sorts, some covered in fabric, some glass, some old school plastic, all old! I think it's funny they assume someone will make necklaces from these. I love old stuff, I tried to use some new buttons on my creations and they just looked wrong. Mismatched, worn and odd buttons work best I reckon.
$10 the lot. Steep price for me, a bargain hunter but honestly this tin has so much in it, I would be an idiot not to get them.
What is it about a button collection? I want to start sorting them out and playing with them, but the joy of a big messy tin full of buttons is to gorgeous to tamper with.
So when I can sit comfortably enough for a period, I get sewing. Here is some stuff I am getting ready for a craft fair next week. If they don't sell, guess what all the whanau are getting for Xmas ...
I love these baby blue ones, they are soft like chenille.
Check out ... 
She papier maches, sews, sculpts and makes amazing story-type scenarios for each little creature. Having felt mocked and dismissed at art school somewhat for my love of craft and things that honour handmade, I feel a deep connection to ARTISTS like these ladies who meld both conceptual work and handcrafted creations to create meaningful and moving pieces. Their work moves me without even knowing the stories behind them, unlike some fine art pieces which although well-executed (sometimes) can also be incredibly cryptic and vague unless the artist 'undresses' their work in front of you. I think that is why I love crafting, it doesn't need to be pre-th0ught out but can be intuitive and still meaningful. 
I love Anna Torma's and Julie Arkell's work. As textile artists, they are so inspiring. Go here to see more on both artists .... 
Next year I have decided to do tailoring at night school so I can learn to construct and finish things properly. I also want to do Photoshop and some photography classes for those all important 'action' shots and 'night' photos. Then if and when I return to art school, I will have a stronger skills base to work from. Of course, I am also keen to complete my counselling degree. I have my diploma and am qualified to work as a counsellor, but love the learning in this field. Plus being older now does mean I have a little more context and life experience to bring to the field. My ideal job would allow me to be creative, help others, travel and make money, as well as enhance my involvement with my family. I think crafting is the ideal vehicle for this.