Summer Update

I've been very bad at writing blog posts lately, so have much to let you all know about!  Mostly, I've spent my time creating a special little Paper Doll booklet for the Hockaday School's centennial celebration.  You may remember that I mentioned it a little while ago in this post.  It has taken up a huge amount of my time, but I've enjoyed every minute of it!

 Below is a photo of Daisy wearing the school uniform from 1928 and below her are the different school uniforms from past to present.  I made a little pair of cowgirl boots for her to honour the fact that she's from Texas!

 Here she is wearing her white hat and dress, which is part of the graduation ceremony.

 Whilst working on the Paper Doll project, I started creating some new pattern designs.  The first were two new Binky Boo's - a cow and a little lamb.  I have a couple more sketched in my notebook, so they're next on my list:)

Also in the works is a new doll pattern with the option of making three different outfits.  I have not started on the third doll yet, but she'll have a bohemian theme which I've very excited about!  As always, these patterns will be available as regular pdf's, but I'd like to know your thoughts on having them available as separate kits - complete with the pattern booklet, felts and yarn to make each one. 

 A little while ago, I was asked by one of my Australian friends if I would like to participate in a charity auction called Collaborate for a Cause.   It's an annual event that raises money for all sorts of good causes.  Our little group is donating kitties made from my Flora the Explorer pattern and we've chosen a theme based on different careers.  Here's my little baker:)

I'll admit that I completely revised Flora's original pattern to make this little one and I'm very happy with the new version!  So happy in fact, that I've decided to make three more! 

I haven't sewn them up yet, but I can't wait to see how sweet they're going to be!  And I think these would be perfect as kits as well!

Last, but not least - I am so happy to share that my Pocket Pets made it into this month's Molly Makes magazine!  Woohoo!  What a complete honour!!  And look our for next month's Australian Homespun magazine - they'll be featuring my Hansel and Gretel pattern as a project in the mag for those of you who'd like to make them!  Can't wait!!

Wishing you all a very crafty week!
~Shelly xo

Weekend at Pender Harbour

You know, I have to say that we're really quite lucky to live in beautiful British Columbia!  There's just so much to see and do and Summer is the best time to embark on an exploration of this magnificent province!

Early on Friday morning, John and I took a 40 minute ferry ride to the Sunshine Coast.  We planned to spend the weekend at the Sunshine Coast Resort, located in Pender Harbour.  The day started out cold and blustery but the trip from Horseshoe Bay across the Sound to Langdale was very scenic.

 Leaving Horseshoe Bay.

Approaching Langdale.

Exploring Gibsons - the town is famous for the TV show, The Beachcombers.

View from our little suite at the Sunshine Coast resort.

We brought our canoes along and started out early on Saturday morning.  If you look closely, you can spot a deer having breakfast:)

Preparing to disembark for our own breakie!  We parked the canoes at the Fisherman's Wharf in Maderia Park and found a little bakery where we stopped for coffee and cinnamon buns.

Look what we found tucked at the back of this lush garden!  A perfect spot for getting a hair cut!

I can't imagine who lived on this boat, but it sure made for a great photo!  The rust, the junk, the peeling paint all add so much character to this old vessel!

An abandoned dwelling perched on the side of the hill.

 At the end of the day, we drove to Francis Point and though we didn't complete the entire nature walk, we did explore the tide pools on the beach and the stunning view of  the other islands in the distance.

We had such a lovely time together and I can't wait till our next little getaway!
~Shelly xo

Little Mermaid Girl

Sometimes good things come out of bad situations.  I managed to catch a nasty cold a few days ago, which of course meant the usual symptoms of sneezing, coughing, nose blowing etc that go hand in hand with sore, achy bones and head, and taste buds that make food very unappetizing.  Well, those things are all fine and dandy during the day, but unfortunately, it's at night, when you're super tired and just want to get some sleep that they become the most annoying!  So, as I tossed and turned one night, going through a box of tissues, coughing and itching all over - I forgot to mention a terrible allergy to the dreadful Cotton trees that are making my life a misery right now - an idea started forming in my sleep deprived mind.  And oh, what a lovely image she was!  I could not wait for the sun to come up so I could get started on her and I hope you love how she turned out!

I think she's the perfect pattern to start Summer off with!  She's super easy too and I know you'll want to make more than just one!  She's made from the merino wool blend felts that I carry in my shop, measures about 8 inches tall and features beaded embroidery on her tail.  Her hair has been needle felted on - and yes the pattern is ready and available right now! as an instant download in my etsy shop!!

 

In other news....   I've finally gotten around to making some stickers using my little doodle sketches.

There are 20 different designs and they're perfect for sticking on envelopes, packages, cards etc and they come packaged up neatly in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag.

And last, but not least...  I'm nearing the end of a huge project I've been working on for a private girl's school in Texas.  I've been commissioned to make a paper doll booklet as part of the commemoration of their centennial year and I'm so honoured that they have asked me to do this for them!  Below are some photos of all the rough drafts of the doll herself, as well as the different uniforms worn by the students.

Below are the finished designs so far.  I just need to work on the accessories and everything will be ready!

Take care,
~Shelly xo