Bindu Designs

Etsy findings of the week

2012-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

An embroidered Hoop art by Erica Campbell looks so cute and adorable. The pink embroidery work on the white background, fixed on an embroidery hoop for easy wall decor.

This is the sevenberry Fabric cup by Miwa Vicary from U. K. There are many more to choose from.

And, I can't resist the temptation of this rosette...

It is made byKelly Hoang of Shelby's Enchanted Bowtique from United states. This adorable rosette can make a good embellishment to a purse, dress, or can make a pretty hair accessory.

Bindu Designs

My item on Etsy Treasury.

2012-02-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

This mini gift bag was a pleasure to crochet. The shell stitches were coming like a dream. When it was finished I just added it to my Etsy shop. Now this one is featured on an Etsy treasury here.

This one is curated by neta steponaviciute. The new treasury by nets is called "Sky is for Blue and Red is for you". Isn't it a very apt name for a treasury curated the week before Valentines day?

I am so thankful to be featured on a treasury.

Beads on a headpin

2012-02-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

The winter is just being mild in Toronto. occasional flurries and a bit of wind for a few days, I am just being happy in this winter. Usually I will lose some of my favorite earrings during the winter. Mainly because of forgetting to put the stopper on the ear-wire. When I found these square ear wires, which can stay on the ear without a stopper, I bought them thinking of these winter losses.

They are just simple earrings, like beads on a headpin. The picture turned out great.

usually when I take pictures of jewelry, they will be far from the real thing. Guess, today being a cloudy day, there is not much light to give that reflection.

Then I made another pair, which took some time to finish. \not because of the complex design, but the more amount of headpins I had to deal with.

These are also just beads on a headpin. The beads are very shiny. With basic skills, anybody can make these earrings. The beads are not like all over the places. Look at this view:

Heart Greeting Card on Etsy

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

I created a heart motif and placed on a blank embossed card. Isn't it lovely?

Just in time for valentines...Added to the Etsy shop. What you think?

Working on another heart project now. Will post ones it is done.

Quick and Easy Framed crochet flower

2012-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

It is just snowing!!!Snow didn't forget about Toronto.
While surfing on the net I got the idea of framing crocheted flowers. But I couldn't find the blog entry inspired me.
I made crocheted flowers and kept them thinking of creating some hair clips. But it didn't happen. Instead I thought about putting them on top of my microwave to remind me of spring.

Here is what I did. Crocheted a flower. Made a stem using chain stitches. Made a leaf. Put everything together on a paper. I know, I could have used card stock ...I wanted a white background. So I cut a white paper and pasted on top of an unwanted photo. Used small pieces of double sided tape to attach the flower, stem and the leaf.

So you can see the not so perfect work here. Now, I have this tall glass, a memento of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. I just put my crocheted flower plant inside the glass.

The first picture shows how it is in my kitchen. Actually it looks much better than in the photos. My kitchen has mirror back splashes. So it reflects the flash....But I hope, you enjoy a quick crafty idea

Bindu Designs

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hip Hats and Cool caps!!!

2012-01-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

I have taken this book from the Toronto public library before. It has many hat patterns. Recently, I took it again from the Malvern library. I already made a cap using one of the patterns. The cap will look better with a pom pom. But I haven't made my mind to make one.

Love the stripes. May add a bit of edging later. The book is available at Amazone. But I would like to lend from the library. I would love to try "soon come" which has a brim. But I want to change the stitches though.Another days work....I guess...

Bindu Designs

Working on...

2012-01-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

I was really getting my crocheting slide during the month of December. I was lucky that i got few sales, without much trying.
Right before the New Year, I got this really really bad feeling of crafts and not financially supporting it. That blocked me from touching my crochet hooks.
Right after the New Year, I thought about it, and thought about my shop...Decided just make few simple things and keep the work going. If they are not getting sold, I still can give away to friends and even to strangers. Many people will like to have a free handmade cap or scarf on a cold day. So that is it. Make them, put them on the shop....Let the world do the work!!!

My aim is to finance my hobby and to get a bit extra so I can donate things to Women's shelters in Toronto.
Also, in the future, I am planning to give a subscription of crochet and craft magazines to the Library. For a New Years goal making I think, that can be achievable.

Now I want to show off the things I made in January...

Bindu Designs

Lip balms on the Key ring

2011-12-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

I don't use the lip stick that often. But when it is winter, I try to put the lipstick only to find out it is not protecting my lips. Then my friends told me to use the lip balms which are called chap-sticks also. There are many brands available...with reasonable price. The problem is I keep them in my bag and being small, they get lost with other items. Since I do crochet and make cozy for almost everything, my solution is to make lip-balm cozies.

I made them in different colors, with tassels, without tassels....flower buttons....Then it occurred to me to keep them on my key-ring for easy access. Now look at the picture below. I am happy that my lip-balm is readily available whenever I want it.

I added many different colors in my shop,Bindu Designs on Etsy. I am giving free shipping for this one in Canada. If you like to make one, just do so. But can't crochet, head over to my shop and place an order. I am glad to make you happy .

My Etsy shop

2011-11-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

I started an Etsy shop on August 3/2011. So far, I have got only one sale. But that didn't made me from adding more items to the shop. So far, I have over 20 items there. This is the one thing I am not thinking of stopping that fast.

Let us see how it goes.....I love to add things there. I used to create a lot of simple jewelry. But I lost that interest now. I love to do crochet more now a days. So the shop has many crocheted things.Recently I got a box full of cotton threads. So, I really have to make stuff before I buy more supplies.

Today I made the coasters and added them to the shop. The main thing about the shop is shipping. Canada Post is increasing the shipping charges more often. I am not that sure of how much to put for shipping most of the time. Guess, there is a learning curve and it may come with experience.
I guess, there are more people making money on "How to sell on Etsy" than the real Etsy sellers.

Quick Noodles dinner

2011-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am so much inspired by Jamie Oliver's dinner in minutes. Here is a noodles dinner inspired by him. I made it yesterday.

I bought the instant noodles last weekend. I don't like the spice mix usually comes with the noodles.

While the water was boiling on the stove top, I cut 2 carrots and 2 potatoes in thin wedges.Put them in microwave covered for 5 minutes. Chopped one onion and put it on the fry pan with a bit of oil. Chopped my lettuce-just 2-3 leaves, for salad. While stirring the onions, I added the noodles in the boiling water and off the stove.( My electric burner will keep hot more longer...so it is Ok to turn off). Added a spoon of Realemon, bit of olive oil and a bit of grated ginger along with salt and a 1/2 teaspoon honey to the salad. The microwaved carrots and potatoes goes with the onion. Added salt , pepper and garlic powder. Added a few drops of sesame oil. added the drained cooked noodles. Added little bit of Soyasauce, gave another stirring. Off the stove and there you served DINNER.

I took 15 minutes all together.

How did I use my Pear Sauce?

2011-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

In the previous post I wrote about my Pear Sauce. I put it in a recycled Salsa jar. It smelled nice...See, I said "smelled"...because, it is all finished.

How did I finish that???? Added to cold milk smoothie. sweet and yum...
Put it as a spread on bread for evening snack.
Yesterday, I really had this great idea, when kiddoo was asking for a sweet treat after dinner.
Plain yogurt in a bowl, a big spoon of Pear Sauce on top and drizzled with honey.
It was divine!! Try it, and you will agree to that.
to make more, I need to go to grocery shopping again.....

Pear sauce

2011-09-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

My family love the crunchy pears. When I bring them home from the weekend grocery shopping, they will be crunchy. Two days later, they are getting softer and they are getting the ripe yellow color. Then they are not great for my family.
I found that I can make a bit of pear sauce with them.
Here is my recipe for Pear Sauce:
3 ripped pears
1 table spoon lemon juice ( I used the Realemon)
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
4 tablespoon of sugar
1/4 cup water

Peel, core and chop the pears. I chopped them really small. Put them in a pan over medium heat. Add the lemon juice. Stir them so they don't burn. If needed add the the 1/4 cup water, may be less. The point is not to burn the pear.When the fruit is getting cooked and looking very tender, mash them using a potato masher. Add the ginger, cinnamon and the sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring often. When it reaches a sauce consistency remove from fire.
If you make it more thicker, it will taste better.

Zucchini: Kerala style cooking

2011-08-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

It is the zuchini season. I am a first generation immigrant to Toronto. In my native Keral, the south Indian State, we didn't have Zuchini. When I saw this green cucumber like vegetable here, I wasn't sure what I can do with it.

I decided to experiment with Zucchini. So here is one of my successful results:

Cut 2 zucchini in to cubes.

Cut 2 carrots in to cubes.

Chop 1 onion

cut 2 green chillies (Add more if you want more hot)

A 1/4 inch piece of ginger finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder

1/4 teaspoon tumeric powder

1 clove of garlic chopped/crushed

Add fresh or dry coconut according to your taste.

Splutter the mustard and curry leaves in a teaspoon of oil. Add all the ingredients. Be careful to cook on low heat. Don't add any water, because zucchini is going to bring water to cook. Half way through cooking add salt. When the carrots are cooked, it is all done. I like to add a can of kidney beans to the Zucchini carrot mix at this time. Just mix everything well and let the kidney beans get heated through. Add more salt and cumin if you need. It is all done!!!!

A week gone by...

2011-08-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

We were visiting our cousin at Strathroy, a small town near London, Ontario. We went a fish farm and done some fishing.

Then got a lot of fun at the bowling alley. This was the first time I was trying bowling.

So I was very busy and was enjoying the summer.That also means I was not getting time to do crafting.
We went to the farm and picked some zuchini, eggplants and hot peppers. Oh! don't forget the green peas. So after coming back, I was busy freezing the extra stuff and cooking.
I shelled the green peas and put them in zip lock bags to be used later.
Zuchini, I shredded to be used in Zuchini bread and put in the freezer (2 cups in a bag). That way I can thaw it for just one bread . The eggplants are cut in cubes to freeze. The peppers are the easy stuff. Just wash, dry with the paper towel and put them in bags. They are really hot. My fingers were burning after handling the peppers.

By the way, I did some craft though. I posted some of my new scarves in the Facebook page.

2011-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am presently learning some lace stitches from the book "Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, patterns. There are many lace stitches I am drooling over. Already tried the arcade stitches and Eyelet pyramids.

The stitches are a bit complicated. But the author provides good explanations and easy to follow charts. Each stitch starts with the requirement of multiple stitches needed for the base chain. I find it very useful to keep for reference in case I decide to use the stitch to create an afghan or a long scarf.

Below is a scarf with the arcade stitches from the book. I use Paton's Grace yarn in multi color lavender.

I also started working on the Eyelet Pyramids. It is getting worked in orange thread using a 2mm steel crochet hook. I am thinking of making it a bit more longer to create an applique.

Isn't the eyelet pyramid looking cool?

I started working on the Harlequin stitch already. The photo will be added soon.Since I am using a thick yarn and a size 5mm hook, it is going to be a nice scarf sooner.

The book is definitely worth to buy. With many color pictures and easy to understand instructions, every one will find some project to make their own.

I would not limit myself to the lacy stitches. I am definitely going to try the motifs in the book.

New page!!

2011-07-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

I added a new page Link Party.
If you like to add a link of your blog please do so. A link back will be very appreciated.

Crochet flowers on wall

2011-07-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was busy over the weekend making crocheted flowers. I was thinking of having a wall decor using the crocheted flowers. First, I thought I can make an assortment of flowers and put them randomly. Then later settled for the red flowers on a bristle board.

I used poster mount to put it on the wall. The flowers are attached to the board using glue suitable for fabric.

Tips for cleaning Microwave

2011-07-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

My microwave can be really messy some times.Being a lazy cleaner, I use to let the spills and accidental splatters stay in there. After a few hours, when I am in a mood to clean it, it is all dried up and hard to remove.
So, I found out that, if I boil water, the steam will help to loosen the things and making cleaning easier.
So here is what I do: Just boil a cup of water in the microwave, (mine will take only 2 minutes for 1 cup water), of course, in a microwave safe bowl. I will use a bit bigger bowl for safety. Be careful when you remove the boiled water from the microwave, because it can splatter on your face. Now you can use a damp sponge or wash cloth or paper towel to wipe down the mess.

For better results, add 1 or 2 table spoons of white vinegar to the water before boiling.
If you want to have a nice smell in your kitchen, add few slices of lemon to the water before boiling. The acid in the lemon makes the cleaning easier. I love the scent of lemon.
Now remove the glass turn table and wash it with soap and water in your sink. Wipe it dry with a paper towel and place it back.
I will tell you, the easiest of all is cleaning up the mess immediately after the mishap happened.

Messy housekeeping...

2011-07-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am a messy person. I wanted to be organized and neat. That being said, I continuously forget about things I am suppose to do. My hubby will get mad at some of my habits.
He always want to keep the kitchen cup boards closed. I agree to that and promised to keep them closed. this is my first confession. Think of me making coffee. I take the coffee powder, sugar and whitener from the cup board. Make coffee and give it to every one. The things will go back to the cup board. After a few minute, hubby will be irritated and bothering me with "I told you to keep that closed" and I have no clue why I didn't closed.

Another thing that bothers him is my dish sponge in the sink. I use the sponge to wash some thing, and totally forget about where I leave it after use.

Sometimes I promise to myself to do these little things properly and remember for a couple of days. But, the mind and hand forget what i am supposed to do. As a consequence, there will be unpleasant moments at the house.

The cycle continues....Am I the only one with messy housekeeping habits?????

Greeting card

2011-07-13T15:06:00.001-07:00

Greeting card 2, a photo by bindusaju on Flickr.

This is the first project I want to reveal this week. Look at the card leaning to my flower pot.The flower pots are recycled cans with crocheted coves.

Here is another view of the card.

Is it worth to do Extreme couponing?

2011-07-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

I was wondering what these folks doing wit Extreme Couponing. While, in Toronto, many of the coupons cannot be combined with any other offer, I still wanted to watch the show.I really wanted to know how they are saving money.
What I saw was people buying tons of mustard, sauses, and other processed food. They also have tons of paper towels, hygiene products etc.What I didn't see is the day to day things like bread, milk, and other food items to be cooked before eating.Their house is full of stuff. That made me wonder how much stuff a family needs!!
The valuable space is filled with things, they are not going to use in the near future, some probably in years to come. They bought things, which could be worth a $1000, and did not paid because they used coupons. To be honest with you,do any one in their right mind, will buy $1000 worth of things from a grocery store, even though you are not paying the full amount? These people spend a lot of time to cut and organize the coupons. Then after shopping, they need to find space to keep the things.The valuable real estate is used up for storing things and not for living. Actually they are not saving. They just spend some money to use up the coupons and got some things to be stored at home. OK, if they are selling it for profit, I agree they saved money. But honestly, How many bottles of mustard you really need for an year? How many litters of laundry detergent you need for an year?
Now the question is did the extreme couponer saved money or spend money? I really think, the money is spend on things that they don't really need.

Don't take me wrong, I do use coupons. But I use the coupons to buy things I really use. If there is a coupon available for soyamilk, for the brand I normally use, I will use it. The bottom line is use the coupons to buy the things you really use, in a reasonable period of time. Since time is extremely valuable, use up the time to be really productive and bring in some income.

Saving Money by paying in time

2011-07-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

I usually use credit cards to make my purchases. It is mostly because of the points I can accumulate, like airmiles and points to get free grocery etc. Another thing is, my bank gives only a certain number of debit transaction free.After than each transaction will cot me about 50 cents each.
WHILE accumulating points is a good thing to get things free on a rainy day, I would like to point out the importance of paying the credit card bill in time. If you are late to pay it after the due date, yo will see a financial chargs on your next bill. Tha is the interest charged on your balance.
So, if you are not planning to pay the balance in full on every credit card, then check for the card with higher interest rate. Pay that in full. Use the credit card with lowest interest rate more often.
Sometimes I get the free cheques, from the credit card companies saying "Free Cash". By looking on the fine print, I realized, the date I submit that cheque, they will start charging interest. So it is very important to read the small print.
My friends, collect points by using the credit cards, but remember to pay in full before the due date to avoid the financial charges.

Crocheted Roses: a bunch

2011-07-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I was working on a Spring Rose pattern from Theresa's blog. I made a bunch of flowers using the thicker yarn. They were made in red and white.
I had some river rocks at home, left over from a previous project. Also, had some pink yarn purchased before, waiting for a perfect project. Now the spring rose is a good project to use up the pretty pink crochet yarn from Bernett. I was able to make 8 roses. The stems are made using the pipe cleaners.

Now I have a vase of flowers in my living room.The picture is taken on the patio.

Clean Home challenge Week 2

2011-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

This week's clean home challenge, I think, I am successful.
All the laundry is done and put away. Also, I did vacuum clean the place. More than that I used Pledge to dust the surfaces.
Now I am taking some measures to save money on the Hydro, ie the electricity. While cleaning and throwing away unwanted stuff, I came across the energy plan guide I got on the mail and forgotten to put on the fridge for reference. The time of peak power rate time is different than that of summer.

Since the off peak time is from 7 pm to 7 am, I decided to cook either in the evening or in the morning before 7. That also changes my cleaning time. The vacuum cleaning time is either on the weekends or in the off peak time.
For this week, I am glad that there was no dirty dishes in my sink. After finishing the cooking, I am able to clean all the dishes and wipe down the counter tops. Wow!!!! That makes the kitchen clean and nice.
During the week, I used my broom and dust pan to clean the floors, instead of using the vacuum cleaner. The house is looking much better. Thinking of adding some picking up time to the schedule to keep the floors neat.

http://www.bindu.ca

Pledge Furniture Polish

2011-06-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Pledge Furniture Polish

I like to use the Pledge furniture polish. I bought the one with lemon scent. The product is marketed by S.C Johnson company. They says that it can remove 84% of allergen in dust. I have no clue about the allergen, but pretty sure about that it helps me to remove dust from the surfaces.

I use the Pledge spray furniture polish to clean the wooden surfaces, granite counter tops as well as the mirrors. The label on the can says, it is safe to use on stainless steel, granite and marble. It doesn't said to use on my mirrors though.

My backsplash in the kitchen is mirror. I love that. I cook a lot in my kitchen too. That makes the mirror looks dull. When hubby got me Pledge, I started using it on the kithcen counters as well as the mirror back splash. Just once a week and less than 5 minutes of work, my back splash looks nice. I use it on my bathroom mirrors too. Whatever way other parts of my home is, my mirrors are shining. thanks to Pledge.

I love the lemon scent it leaves after.

I am just telling this to let the people who love my blog an idea of what cleaner I like. S.C Johnson is not paying me to write this. So it is all my experience with Pledge.

By the way, while I was checking on Candian tire website, they says they give one year of extra warranty on Pledge. One more tip, before finishing today's entry: If you register at http://www.rightathome.ca, you can get coupons for the products.

http://www.bindu.ca