Rainbow Pinata Cross Stitch Pattern

As you probably saw in Sunday's blog post, my newest craft addiction is cross stitch. I initially started is as part of my uni project, but I think I'm going to continue with it. It's been a much more relaxing way to stay occupied on long tube journeys than playing angry birds and pet rescue saga!

Besides a few little cacti, this Rainbow Pinata is the first proper cross stitch project I've done in years. It's inspired by my Mexican Project and the adorable Adventure Time pinata Manfried.

Here's the pattern for anyone wanting to stitch this!

Picture Catch Up #1

Over the past few weeks I've been frantically crafting and sewing ready for the start of term on Monday. This project is based on Mexico so I've been drawing inspiration from Mexican parties, plants, artists, food and crafts so I've been doing lots of colourful embroidery and applique as well as lots of illustration and pattern ideas.

Here's some pictures from my sketch book work, I'll be posting a pattern for my Pinata cross stitch later in the week.

Don't forget to enter my Kelsea Echo Giveaway for your chance to win a $40 gift card for her shop!

Kelsea Echo $40 Giveaway!

I mentioned in my last post that I had an awesome giveaway for you this week! This one is from one of my fav bloggers and Etsians; Kelsea Echo. Not only is Kelsea super stylish and has a kick ass blog, but she's recently opened up a new Etsy shop dedicated to cute and colourful kawaii jewelry.

The lucky winner of this giveaway gets $40 store credit in Kelsea's shop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A quick update and a charitable giveaway!

Hi guys, just thought I'd write a quick update! I've been busy doing lots of uni work and working on some new card/bag/cushion/mug designs that I will release soon! So unfortunately my poor blog has been neglected for a few days.

I'll be back next week with a fantastic giveaway from one of my fav bloggers/Etsy sellers.

In the mean time I wanted to make you aware of another fantastic giveaway hosted by the talented Etsian Monkeyshine.  Entering this giveaway not only gives you a chance to win fantastic brooches and hand made baskets by Monkeyshine, but also the opportunity to help out some suffering animals in great need.

Read more about the giveaway and the plight of these poor animals here. Any shares of Monkeyshines giveaway will be greatly appreciated! 

Etsy Love - Labradors!

One of my readers, Amber, suggested Labradors for this weeks Dog Etsy Love. She pointed out that big dogs don't seem to get so much love on blog posts like this, so as a big dog lover I'm making an effort to include more gorgeous gentle giants in this feature!

Labs are actually one of my fav breeds, I've known some amazingly loyal and lovable labs in the past. Although there weren't so many cutesy, bright Labrador items on Etsy, there were some absolutely beautifully made crafts! So for once I'm doing a neutral colour schemed post to showcase a few of these beautiful Lab themed items.

1. Northfield Primitives / 2. Kat Spreadbury Designs / 3. Napkin Items / 4. Quintessential Hostess / 

5. SHP Designs UK / 6. The Magic Zoo / 7. Little Shop of Clays / 8. What a Novel Idea / 9. Deborah Mix

Etsy Love - Cute Corgis!

I love corgis, they have such cute little lets and big smiley faces and they look so friendly and cuddly. Someone send me an adorable corgi to snuggle right now please??

This Dog Etsy Love post was really hard to do, there are so many quality corgi items on Etsy to choose from. The dog breed this week was suggested by Sam from The Bees Knees. Feel free to suggest your fav breed in the comments below!

1. Miss S Designs / 2. Idamarysl / 3. Mama Runs With Scissors / 4. Back to Zero / 5. Nice Mice For You / 

6. Cuore / 7. Mochas Friends / 8. Kathryn Mcelroy / 9. Ayu Tomikawa Art

Desk of the Day - A family of Matryoshka

This desk of the day was from July but I didn't want to post it then as they were for an anniversary in August.

This will be my last set of Russian Dolls (for a long time anyway). It's been such a fun order to end on, probably one of my favourites. It's always really special when I'm asked to make/paint something that will be a gift for someone.

I'll be sharing the final pictures next week!