Kid's Craft Session

We had a lovely time messing and creating, using beads and buttons, as well as "FIMO"(polymer clay). James made loads of buttons, varnished them and even made one lovely button perfect for my bag commission.
I know this sounds like an advertisement - well it is really - for "Klara's Crafts", where I had bought most of the stuff we used. I so love it when even the boys join in, you should have seen James's friend Harry and Damla's little brother, Arda, making friendship bracelets.

College Bag Commission

The bag is finished at last - it was hard work with my little "Bernina" but so much fun. The pressure foot would just not want to lift high enough.....All you needlewomen will get a cold sweat, remembering many a broken needle, sorry for reminding you!

I'm afraid that I can not yet show you pictures of it because I want Jane to be the first to see it. After all, it was her kind commission!

Going back to the hard work aspect, I do not think we appreciate what a hardwearing material jeans cotton weave is. No wonder they started off as true "workhorses". It pleases me that I can give at least some of them a new life, like a creative reincarnation.

College Bag Commission

With the help of my neighbour friend Sarah here are at last the pictures of the materials for the Aliki College Bag. As you can see the main part is a much loved skirt and we agreed to highlight the blue in the pattern by using "NEXT" jeans trousers for straps details and lining.

I collected felt and "FIMO" for custom made buttons and hopefully a corsage.

The two bags are unsellable items from Oxfam, which I will use for the metal fittings, possibly the Velcro for the main bag closure.

 I have started on the bag but progress is slow because it's half term and I am playing at being very involved Grandma. I would like to say that I take my hat off to all you parents who keep the kids entertained, fed, watered and safe. I cannot believe that I ever was a single parent career woman.

Commission

Here is the proud announcement that I finally have got the time - BH and no grandma duties - to start work on my proud 1st AlikiBag commission. Even better, that the bag is going to accompany a woman I greatly admire on her return to student days in September.

Please cross your fingers that the needle /scissors and design angels watch over me!

Progress pictures to follow.

See what you can get at Oxfam! Not including me!

  Can you believe that absolutely everything I wear on these photos was bought at Oxfam, Formby. Please don't laugh I could have included (at times) my knickers and socks! Some things were new still with shop labels or wrapped, some excellent condition. The labels range from Per Una, Next, Clarks, Principles to one off fashion boutiques.

  Whenever I wear a bag it will be one of my Aliki Bags.

     You may have gather by now that I try to live my life as 'green' as possible. I also have been supporting Oxfam since I lived in England - 40 years now. I do so love that I support a worthy cause whilst feeding my female vanity and sense of fashion (I hope!)

  I know it can be a pain to mooch about in charity shops but have a go you may never know what treasures you may find.

  Please don't get bored with this because I would also like to tell you that on Monday I bought myself a brand new pink bike and after lots of frustrated searching in D.I.Y shops, catalogues and Ikea I finally found a perfect fit corner shelf for my bathroom.

Amazing Recycled Fun Summer Bag

This bag has so pleased me and challenged me in it's design and creation. Can you believe that it has the following items integrated:

• Per Una Skirt
• Next Jeans
• Unwanted Shower Curtain
• Black-out Curtain for interfacing
• Metal fittings, recovered from unsellable Laura Ashley and Quicksilver bags
• Machine made Satin Stars, given to me by my mum about 20 years ago
• Base inforcement from Tesco placemat
• Fun Buttons from Southport indoor market.
• Tears of frustration and total delight

I promised a friend 1st refusal so at this point I am only showing it off to see what reaction I will get. There is also a total brian block about the price (priceless)

"Flights of Fancy"

Thinking this might act as a "Good Luck" charm for the Grand National at Aintree.

This is one of my favourite bags, thinking of the fun and special occasions it might be taken to.

Also, this is my first attempt at a "proper" blog with pictures!!!! However, I can not take credit alone; I would not have been able to do it without the help of my youg neighbour friend (Sarah, 14 ) who patiently guided me through it. How can they be so savvy and I feel like a big and slow Dinosaur?