SUMMER PROJECTS 2018

Summer is almost over and boy, have I been busy.upcycling stuff , painting, sewing and doing all the things I love to do. So I'll divide this blog post into categories.

1. Seamus the Scarecrow

I want to scare away the pesky birds from attacking my vegetables and fruit so what better way than to make a traditional scarecrow? Seamus is bigger than life and since this was my first time trying to make a scarecrow, I had great fun. The best part is I made a little vest for him from fabric that my sister gave me from the States about 20 years ago!

I also made new markers for my crops.

2. Fish and shell mural

I love shellfish so instead of discarding the shells after a meal, I decided to create a wall mural. First I made the fish out of clay. After firing, I painted them with fluorescent acrylics. Sticking them to the wall required loads of patience.

3. Water Barrels

Planters created out of water barrels are rather fetching. Due to adverse weather conditions last year, the 2 barrels that I painted were a sorry sight so I gave them a makeover.

Then I got another barrel and painted a new one for this year, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's sunflowers.

free hand painting with acrylics.

4. Milk Churns

I purchased 2 vintage milk churns that didn't come cheap. For the one below I used stenciling and free hand painting.

Then I used grout for the poppies on the second milk churn to give a 3 - D effect.

And this was the original milk churn

5. Love the Birds

I made 3 bird boxes for nesting next Spring. They can also keep the birds warm during winter.

Then for the existing bird house, I gave it a summery feel. Notice that Mrs. is wearing a red bikini.

6. Ceramic mural

I did the abstract ceramic tiles last year and decided to paint them this year and mount them on wood.

7. Denim season

Apparently denim jeans and tops are back in fashion. I thought they'd look great in the garden too as planters! So I made a whole family: daddy, mummy and junior.

8. Gifts for friends

For their ordination as full time ministers in church, I made my friends memory boxes.

And for a lovely friend who called for tea, I made her a cactus pin cushion.

I'm back to painting with chalk paints and am in the midst of creating some new stuff so watch this space!

Creative Upcycling

I was bitten by the Upcycling bug for the last few weeks and so Michael and I went hunting for furniture. We were in Kilkenny and we chanced upon a number of lovely pieces. There was a rocking chair that was simply fabulous but alas, it was too big to fit into the boot. So we went away with smaller pieces.

                                                    Before: A step stool from IKEA

                                                 After: A total makeover

Before: a dinner chair that has seen better days

After: A brand new look, with handpainted roses and a seat covered with Cath Kidston's Provence Rose Large Cotton fabric

A plain dinner chair given a total change with calligraphy ink

Still restless, I decided to turn some cans into colourful planters to remind me that summer is approaching soon!

Craft Fair at Quay Arts

Finally the day has arrived. After a month of preparation, Michael and I made our way to the craft fair. The doors opened at 11a.m. and already most of the stall vendors had set up their stalls! Praise God I had a lovely table to display my crafts.

Two of my friends had also booked tables to display their wares.

Maria and her daughter Laura were there with their lovely tatting pieces - collars, christmas ornaments etc.

Kathleen showcased her home-made scrubs and creams.....lovely smells

The best part for me was when my friends came from far and near. It felt good to see familiar faces and it was certainly very encouraging.

And I made new friends too -  Jill with her handpainted cards and Lisa with her Christmas stuff.

It was wonderful to see people admiring and buying the stuff that I made. God has given us many talents and gifts. And these are some of the stuff that I did...

So, for now I'm going to fold my hands and go for a lovely, relaxing holiday ...