Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: gifts for grandmothers, mums and mother-in-laws.

Hello,

Here on our second last Christmas gift guide, we've put together a few ideas for some of the most important people in our lives - our Mum's, Grandma's and Mother-in-laws.

I miss my mum and Grandma terribly now we live overseas.  I love to buy or make thoughtful gifts for them, I take their gift selection very seriously.

1. Porcelain replica vintage milk bottle : milk colour by Urban Cartel - $283 HKD available via the etsy store here.

2. One of Cat's stitched children's artwork pieces, starting at $290 HKD - her etsy store is here..... also, Cat is giving one of these away..... see below for details!

3. Fabric Greeting Card Set of 4 - Here we go Loopy Lou $140 HKD available via madeit here. I love Melinda's cards, they are all gorgeous. I have been buying and using them for years.  I am gifting some to my Grandma and the Shropshire boy's Grandma this year.

4. Small light & soft Felted scarf in red with purple tones and its matching brooch by SM Boutique - this just looks so divine! $363 HKD - etsy store here.

5. DIY: Make your own sweet DIY votives - a tutorial by fellow fellow here.

6. Mint Peony Brooch by Delilah Devine (Cat's Mama is getting one of these if she does not decide to keep it herself!) $155 HKD, available here. Look, it's a hexie, so I love it already!

GIVEAWAY: Cat would love to stitch one of our blog readers a little portrait for a special gift! She has taken to these small portraits set in 15cm hoops and she would love to stitch one for one of you! If you'd like to win, please just comment below telling me what either you, or your child loves to draw most. How cute is this?  Very, I say!

Entries are open to international entrants and will close on Friday evening, the 29th of November 2013. The winner will be drawn at random.

Happy day to you.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: grandfathers/dads/father-in-laws

Hello peeps,

Today's gift guide is all about grandfathers and dads and father-in-laws. I find them difficult to buy for every year, do you too?

1. Magnetic bookmark by Sparrowhawk Designs $35 HKD, madeit store here.

2. These Vintage Silverware garden markers by me2 are gorgeous, I know a few Grandmothers who would like these also, $140 HKD, madeit store here.

3. These World Map Cushions by My Bearded Pigeon are fabulous! $942 HKD, etsy store here.

4. Ancient Column Architecture Journal/notebook by Trink Arts Studio, $57 HKD, madeit store here.  I've bought notebooks for my step-father before, he uses them often.

5. DIY tutorial: make an apron, tutorial here from the Purl Bee by Purl Soho.  This tutorial looks great as it has pockets in it.

Have a great week.

Cat xox

Explorer Skirts and Shorts go to Market

Hello peeps,

All ready for the market this Sunday are Explorer Skirts and Shorts.  They are in my etsy shop too.

 

They are made with 100% cotton light weight navy blue denim.  The pocket fabric is your choice, to suit your poppet, and 100% printed cotton.

I love these Skirts and Shorts, they have wonderful big pockets so your little explorer can fill them up with treasures or toys.

They both have an elasticised waistband at the side and back with a flat front and make it easy for a child to dress themselves.  They come in sizes to fit ages 1-10. The sizing is based on age, for example, size 1 is for an average one year old.  If your child is larger or smaller, adjust accordingly.  My petite seven year old wears a size 6.  My average sized four year old wears a size 4.  Please ask if you need assistance with the sizing.

Please check the pockets before washing, you never know what you might discover.

This is a selection of the 100% cotton fabrics I have available to use for the pockets.  If you would like a different colour or pattern, please ask, I have many other fabrics to choose from.

The pattern has been designed by Hey There Threads and is used with kind permission.

Now go forth and let your kids explore!

Happy Friday to you.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: gifts for us

Hello,

Today's handmade Christmas gift guide is all about us, Cat and I, or gifts for other ladies in your lives like sisters, Aunties and girl friends.

This list *may* be full of things we want for Christmas.

1.  Oh my gosh, how cute are these porcelain cloudy dishes/trinket plates by Urban Cartel $187 HKD, etsy store here.  I'd love one of these (are you reading this my Shropshire boy?, hint hint)

2. I love all that Lamina at Do A Bit creates, her hand printed pouches are stunning, Fuchsia Poppies pouch $150HKD, etsy store here. 

3. Yes please, who wants a crochet granny square brooch or a hexagon chain brooch?  Me, me, me! Ali from Ali Pink makes these and they are absolutely fabulous!  $150 HKD each, etsy store here.

4. How lovely is this To Kill a Mockingbird brooch by House of Ismay?  $129 HKD, etsy store here.

5. DIY tutorial: Make your own polymer clay necklaces, here on Arts & Crafts by The Red Thread.  This tutorial is excellent, it inspired me to try making my own earlier in the year and I've made a few ombre ones since, you can see them here and here.  Cat has made some too, she has a story to tell on her blog here about making them the first time (and almost burning her house down!)

I am so thoughtful (or cheeky) that last month I put together an etsy Treasury list of Christmas presents that I'd love to receive, you can see it here.

What do you want for Christmas?  Do tell us.  

Cat xox

Fabric Headband Covers go to Market.

Hello peeps,

All ready to go to market are my fabric headband covers.  They are removable, interchangeable and best of all, washable.

They are made with a printed fabric on the top and a solid colour fabric on the bottom.  There is an opening to put the plastic head band in, as shown in the photo below.

They are quick and easy to change.  Wear a different one every day to match your mood or outfit.  Or if you are 4 years old like my Zoe, change it a few times during the day, just because you can.

They are now available in my etsy shop in a 4 pack.  You choose which 4 fabric covers you would like and one plastic headband is included.  The 13 different fabrics to choose from are below.  If you are after a different colour, please ask.

If you are in Australia, I am happy to accept payment via bank deposit.  Email me for details, then you can pay in Australian dollars and are not effected by the fluctuating exchange rate. (I'll email you the amount, I now have an Australian price list to make it easier).
I hope you are having a great day.

Cat xox

Felt Squishies go to Market.

Hi peeps,

Eeekkk, only one week to go until my very first market.  I am nervous and excited, I have no idea what to expect.

On the day, I will have a big bowl of squishies available.  I must thank my mum who made most of these for me on her recent visit.  What are squishies?, I hear you ask.  They are hand made little felt love hearts, for your child to squeeze if they are feeling anxious or missing you.

We love squishies in our house.  They have saved the day on so many occasions when Abbey has been upset before school.  I find one in her school uniform pocket most days if she is having a challenging week.  Some weeks she won't use her squishies at all (she has two of them).

Her squishies have been through the washing machine a few times too - and survived.

We have been using these little felt squishies for years now, they really offer comfort to children.

Have a great weekend.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for little girls

Hi peeps,

Today in our series compiled with Cat, it's all about girls.  I may know a few things about girls, being the mumma of two girly whirlies (as I call them) and I was a little girl once too.

My girls love imaginative play and can spend hours together making elaborate scenes with their toys.  The whole lounge room floor is usually covered with their imaginary world, they will include their toy kitchen food with My Little Ponies, Sylvanian Family toys, Little People, puzzles, books, anything they can find. I love listening to these games, they make up the funniest stories and scenarios.

1. Handmade Dolls, cats, koalas and more by A Little Vintage, various prices.  I personally want one of each.  We own a koala, her name is Mildred, and she is adorable.  Etsy shop here.

2. Wooden Toadstool house puzzle by Raw Toys $290 HKD.  We own two puzzles from Raw Toys and love them both.  Madeit shop here.

3. Dress up Rainbow bird wings by Sparrow and B Costumery $520 HKD.  My girls would love these, we adore anything rainbow in our house.  Etsy shop here.

4. Australian biscuits and cakes felt food set by Wombat's Picnic $215 HKD, madeit shop here.  I've had my eye on this set for so long now!

5. Crochet Rainbow bracelet by The Black Sheep Crafts $58 HKD, madeit shop here.  I know both my girls would love this.

6. DIY Tutorial: Make your own hair ties, this tutorial could not be easier.

What else do you buy for the little girls in your life?

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for little men.

Hi peeps,

Today in our series Cat and I are sharing some ideas of what to give the little men in our lives....Cat may know a thing or two here as she is the mum of two little boys.

Her boys are creative players, puzzle do-ers, collectors and avid readers and our list reflects the kinds of things they love doing.

Row 1:
Marble Starter Kit by Flower Press by Flower Press $222 HKD - etsy store here.  My girls received one of these last Christmas and they love playing with it.

Pirate Messenger Bag Satchel for Kids Mee a Bee $193 HKD - store here.  Cat's boys carry their crayons, twigs, leaves, small notebooks, toy cars, planes, trains. compasses, torches and all manner of things in these bags (not all at once!) and they're small enough for them to sling over their shoulders comfortably.  My girls both have a Mee a Bee bag, they are a great size for kids.

Row 2:
Dimple Wheel Cushion by One Pear $326 HKD - madeit store here. (Cat's little boys may be receiving these exact ones for their reading corner)

Handmade soft toy superhero "Edwin" by Tiny Morsels Emporium $175 HKD - etsy store here. Someone better snap this one-of-a-kind up before one of us do!  He's adorable.

DIY Tutorial: Circus Paper City by Made by Joel - free! - blog here. Cat has used a number of Joel's tutorials now and they are all great. You could make a beautifully presented gift by pasting on to thicker card stock and presenting in a lovely tin.

Special offer: As a special offer today Jacqui from Mee a Bee has offered free shipping for anyone who wants to order a bag from her store.  To claim this offer just enter: BELOVERLY at the checkout.

Do you have little boys to buy for this Christmas?

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for the sweet littlest ones.

Hello peeps,

Welcome to the first in a co-authored series of blog posts with Cat from Wouldn't it be Loverly and I. 

Our series of guides focuses on handmade, homemade, local and also includes some DIY tutorials. Over the coming days we will have some little surprises for you so stay tuned!

On Day 1 we give to you our guide for babies featuring some of our favourite makers and generally clever clogs'.

It seems it's been influenced by our love for clouds but there are some gorgeous pieces to suit any budget here.

Row 1:

Baby Mobile/Owls and Clouds Hanging Mobile/Nursery Mobile $358.28 HKD by Gosh and Golly - etsy store here

Chalkboard onesie by Bubby Makes Three $175 HKD- madeit store here

Baby Bib "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by CurlyPops $108.23 HKD – store here

Customisable world map print by My Sweet Prints $252.55 HKD – store here

Row 2:

Organic and bamboo cloud trackies by the smallest tribe (seriously, you can't go wrong with ANYTHING Kathryn makes and we had to stop ourselves listing her in every category) $288.63 HKD – store here

DIY Tutorial: Hot Air Balloon Mobile e-Pattern (PDF) by Craft Schmaft $71.66 HKD - etsy store here

Wooden blocks alphabet 26 letters by little sapling toys $358.28 HKD - etsy store here

Special Offer: The lovely folks at Little Sapling Toys are offering a 10% discount on any toys purchased in their etsy store.  To redeem just enter the coder LOVELY10 at the checkout.

Do you have anything on your wish list for babies that we need to know about?

Have you started thinking about your Christmas shopping yet?  

Have a great day.

Cat.

Hair Bobbles go to Market.

Hello,

When Raspberry Rainbow goes to Market, there will be a huge selection of hair bobbles to choose from.

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You can buy one pair, or get them cheaper in a three pack.

Take your pick.

They make great stuffing fillers and are available in my etsy shop also, here.

They are perfect for big and little girls.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Cat xox

Wooden Beaded Necklaces go to Market.

Hello,

When I go to Market on Sunday 24th November, there will be a selection of beaded necklaces.

These are some that will be available on the day.

Hope to see you there.

If you want one of my rainbow beaded necklaces, there are three different types available in my etsy shop at the moment.

Have a great day.

Cat xox

Raspberry Rainbow goes to market!

Hi peeps,

Raspberry Rainbow is going to market!  Yes, next month on Sunday 24th November I will be at the Handmade Hong Kong market held at Discovery Bay in the Main Plaza.

I'll be there from 12noon to 7pm with a large selection of my hand made creations.  I'll show you over the following weeks what I have made and been busy making.

If you see any thing you want to buy now and can't be in Hong Kong on the 24 November, let me know by emailing me cat@raspberryrainbow.com or contact me through FaceBook.

If you are in Hong Kong, come and say hello.  Start your Christmas shopping.

See you there or on the interwebs!

Cat

Sausage rolls, quilts and ideas. And a picnic or two.

Hello peeps,

We are back in Hong Kong, it is always wonderful to be home after a trip away, especially after a long one.   Don't get me wrong, we had a lovely time away,  but I missed my sewing machine and crafting time.

Abbey has started school again.  Zoe will start kinder in a few weeks.  We are getting back into our routine.

My week looks like this:

• Cooking: yummy sausage rolls.  I love this recipe so much. It is easy and tasty and we all enjoy them.  They freeze very well (as either completed, un-cooked sausage rolls or the mince mixture by itself)
• Cooking: yummy pasta salad.  I made enough to have it as left overs one night, so yay, a night off cooking.
• Sewing: I have started another quilt, one for the Shropshire boy this time.  I'll share some photos soon.  I may be a little obsessed with it, no other sewing is happening.
• Thinking: I really should sew the binding on to my scrappy trip quilt, it is so close to being finished. So very close (but not happening due to the previous point)
• Eating: A precious bag of Burger Rings, brought back from Australia.  We can't buy them here in HK (probably a good thing!)
• Playing:  with Zoe, lots.  Play picnics, colouring in, puzzles, reading books.  She is missing Abbey now school has gone back.  
• Opening: My Etsy shop is now open again.  I have so many new ideas in my head and written down.  I better finish this quilt for the Shropshire boy pronto, then I can start on a few of these new ideas. 

How is your week looking?  Good I hope.

Take care, Cat xox

Shall I sew us a ric rac rainbow?

Hello peeps,

I am writing this from freezing cold Melbourne (Australia)  We are visiting friends and family as the girls are on Hong Kong summer school holidays.

It has been great to get some respite from the heat and humidity of Hong Kong.  I am missing home though.  We are all missing the Shropshire boy/daddy.  We will be home next week, and school commences again for Abbey in the middle of August.

I have to share some photos of a recent creation.  I joined the lovely Cam from CurlyPops to make a hot water bottle cover for the 2013 Hottie Challenge.  There was a recent exhibition of all the amazing hotties (see lots of photos here on Cam's blog)

The finished hotties are donated to the Margaret Pratt Foundation, so that they may be sold to raise funds.  The aim of the Foundation, as stated on their website is:

The Margaret Pratt Foundation Heart Lung Transplant Trust is a registered charity whose aim is to encourage, develop and maintain Australia's world class expertise in the field of organ transplantation by supporting research that addresses the problems faced by children and adults after heart and lung transplant. 

If you know Cam or follow her CurlyPops blog, you will already know she is the recent recipient of a double lung transplant.  She has been given the gift of a new life.  The hottie challenge is important to her.

My entry to the hottie challenge was an idea I have had rattling around in my head for months: to make a rainbow out of ric rac.  I love how it turned out.  This will not be the last ric rac rainbow you will see in the land of the Raspberry Rainbow.  When I get back to Hong Kong, I have plans.

Have a great week.

Cat xox

Let's take a scrappy trip, shall we?

 

 Hello peeps,

My Grandmother's quilt should not have been my first.  I had actually started another quilt before I made hers - this one I am going to show you now.  Back in late December of last year, I noticed on Instagram that a quilt-along was happening, called the Scrappy Trip Along. The blocks for the quilt looked so interesting, I was fascinated how they were made and I so desperately wanted to make a quilt of my own. I knew that I would soon be trying one of these blocks.  Of course, I loved making my first blocks, but I was not happy with using random fabrics.  Maybe the control freak in me did not like the randomness. I wanted more control.  I chose to have each block as a colour theme.  Six different fabrics of the same colour together in each block, kind of like a rainbow.  I do like rainbows!

By the end of January, I had 24 finished blocks.  All fabrics used had come from my stash. I was in love.  To be honest though, I had no idea where I was heading with this quilt.  I laid out all my blocks together, seen in the photo below, and I knew it needed to be bigger, a few more yellow and orange blocks too.

I took a break from my Rainbow quilt to make Grandma's.  I was itching to add more blocks, but I had the deadline of Grandmas 90th birthday party.  I had to finish that quilt before her party.

Finally by the end of May, I had 30 completed blocks.  As I was laying them out with much excitement, I believed I had finished all my blocks.  Once they were all together though, I knew immediately I had to make 5 more.  If this quilt was to be the one we snuggled under on our couch, it had to be longer.

So 5 more blocks were made.  I have yet to take a photo of all completed 35 blocks, it is getting more and more difficult to photograph as this quilt is so large and our living area very small.

If you want to make your own scrappy trip quilt, all the instructions are here.  It really is easy to do, the blocks come together quickly once you have all your fabric strips cut.  I used this photo as a reference guide how to iron my blocks before cutting (the photo in the instructions is not clear to me)

I have created a board on Pinterest with all this info together, you can see that here.  There is also a Flickr group with so many photos of gorgeous scrappy trip along blocks and completed quilts. Go check it out of you want some inspiration.

I am so eager to finish this quilt, but a secret project has been taking up my time, I'll share that as soon as I can.

Do you want to make a scrappy trip along quilt, or have you already made one?

Happy Creative Space day to you.

Cat xox

All stitched up with love.

Hello peeps,

I recently commissioned Sonia from Dandelyne to make our family portrait.  This is how we look, all stitched up.

It warms my heart looking at it, our little family frozen in time, made out of fabric and thread and stitched up with love by Sonia.

I supplied the fabric for our outfits, some of it sentimental.  The purple paisley fabric used in Abbey's dress is vintage.  I bought a remnant of this fabric at an opshop (charity shop) almost 20 years ago.  As a teenager, I made a mini skirt out of it.  Unfortunately, the skirt no longer fits, but I have kept it to re-purpose one day.  I love this fabric.  The fabric used in my dress is Liberty, I adore Liberty.  Enough said.

How cute are Zoe's pony tails?  Love them!  And the head band in Abbey's hair, perfect.

Sonia really captured us perfectly.  I have never met her, we do not know her.  She managed to make us perfect by looking at photos of us, how clever is that?

You can find the Dandelyn shop here and her facebook page here.  Do pop in and be amazed at what she can stitch up.

Thank you so much Sonia, you are one clever lady!

Happy day to you.

Cat xox

The Pink Hexie Quilt, an update.

Hello peeps,

It is about time I had an update on my Pink Hexie Quilt.

In early April I laid out all my completed hexie flowers, I had 61 completed.  This is how they looked all together:

I honestly have no idea how many more I will make.  This is my "take away" craft.  I take it with me everywhere. It is small and portable.

I feel it is now time to be thinking about the edge of this quilt.  I want the edge to be straight, that is all I know.

I still can't decide if I will put a border on it or not.  Any suggestions?

I'll just keep hand sewing my hexie flowers for a little longer, and see where I end up. Who knows where, or when, that will be.

Have a great week.

Cat xox

Do you want to wear a rainbow?

Hello peeps,

Do you want to wear a rainbow?  If so, now you can.  New in my shop are RAINBOW necklaces.

There are two different types at the moment (the yellow bead is a different shape in each one).

I have a funny feeling I will be making many more of these.  Mine has been worn almost every day since I fist made it.  I love my rainbow necklace, I love wearing a rainbow.

Also in the shop are other beaded necklaces, these are some of them:

I have a special offer for all my friends and family.  Use the code "FRIENDS" at check out and receive 10% off your order (does not include shipping)

Happy Monday to you.

Cat xox