Creating my way to Success

Learning about advertising on blogs

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000+10:00

Do you accept sponsors for your blog? Do you have Adsense or another advertising widget?

Of course many of us want to make money from our blogs and have added advertising in some shape or form.

I have Google Adsense on my blog - and I'm pleased to see as my stats grow, so is my income from that. It's still small, but at least I've had my first payment from them and am well on the way to my second! Small steps - but at least I can watch the progress and see the effect of growing my blog on the financial return there.

With sponsors - companies who pay a small fee to place their button or advert on my sidebar, you have to be a little more active. I run monthly feature posts for my sponsors and do encourage my readers to visit their sites. I have turned down offers of sponsorship from companies that I don't think fit my blog and I wouldn't feel right promoting to my readers who may not find their products relevant.

I was delighted last week to receive an email from one of my sponsors who kindly shared with me their statistics showing what traffic they were getting to their site from mine. This was great to see, as it showed what had or hadn't been effective in getting people to visit my sponsor. Of course you want to send lots of traffic through so that companies will chose to renew their advertising on your blog.

I learnt that to have separate feature posts for my sponsors, may not be the best form of promotion for them. To add their feature to a regular popular post will help to gain exposure.

Also to add a link to older popular posts that get weekly visits is also an idea I'm trying now. My tutorials are by far my most popular posts - and to add a relevant sponsored link to those posts does make sense!

If anyone has any ideas of tips on blog sponsorship or advertisng, then do share!

What have you learned this week?

My new clutch and entry into the naughty notions challenge!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.019+10:00

Well I've finally made a start on my clutch for the naughty notions clutch challenge!

My inspiration came from these clutches I have:

A simple silver one - the perfect size..

And this amazing one my husband brought me back from a trip to India a couple of years ago..

The challenge finishes on Tuesday - and I know I'm cutting it fine now - but will post my finished entry on Tuesday!!!!

Creating Success around the World - Karmann from KM Crafts

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001+10:00

Welcome to

Creating Success around the World

The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.

Every Wednesday our hosts on each continent will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world. Here's the hosts:

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Today's guest is Karmann from KM CraftsMornington in Victoria, Australia

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What do I Create?

Polymer Clay Mushroom Earrings

I play around with creating Polymer Clay jewellery as well as doing some bag making. I love to do cross stitching too when i have the time.

I am still very new to the world of polymer clay but it is a medium that i have really come to enjoy over the past few months and am working out new techniques and trying to come up with new designs for how i can use it

Fabric Christmas Decoration

Why do i Create?
Because i love it, ever since i was in school i have enjoyed doing crafts. It started off being longstitches etc, then i got into making clothing and working with fabric and now i have tried out polymer clay

Do I Sell my creations?
I am selling my items on etsy and on madeit. I would love to sell at the markets but i am still new to the world of selling and dont have a lot of stuff in my stores yet. I do have a website but am also yet to add items to it hopefully i will have this up and running soon. Sometimes i find it hard once i make something to then part with it but the reality of it is you just can't keep everything you make. It soon takes over your house.

What Mistakes have i made?
I think it's important to spend just as much time working on your craft and ideas as much as it is to list items and spend time on the computer. Sometimes you get so caught up trying to sell your items that you don't get to spend enough time doing what you love. I know i am guilty of this. I find it hard to keep up with creating, listing items, keeping my blog up to date and posting in the forums. I don't know how one person does all of this.Polymer Clay Christmas Tree Earrings

What's Next?

Well for this year i would like to get my website up and running and branch out a little in terms of i would like to sell fabric and beads along with my handmade items. I am hoping to build on sales and go to some markets to start selling.

Karmann

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Thanks Karmann for your lovely answers - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!Do go and say hi to Karmann at her blog and check out more of her wonderful creations! ----------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact your continent's host! Each featured guest here on Creating my way to Success, will also receive one week's free advertising in my sidebar as a thank you for your post!

Shiny clutch tutorial - 5 steps in 15 minutes

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000+10:00

I love experimenting when I sew - and discovered last year that you can make some interesting things by sewing with old car windscreen shades!

Recently I was given a nice shiny red one that was no longer used so decided to make a shiny clutch!

It's another very simple project that anyone can sew in just 5 steps and 15 minutes!

All you need is:

An old car windscreen shade, some scrap material for the lining, a large button and a piece of elastic, ribbon or old hairtie!

Step 1

Measure and cut a piece each of the windscreen shade and your lining material 30 x 20cm (12 x 8").

Fold the elastic/ribbon (around 12cm/ 4.75") or hair-tie into a loop, and pin to the right side of your windscreen shade rectangle in the middle of the shorter edge.

Lay the lining fabric face down on top and pin all around, leaving a gap of around 10cm (4") in one edge.

Step 2

Stitch around all 4 edges - leaving the gap you marked with your pins. Clip all 4 corners.

Step 3

Turn right sides out.

Note - your stitching next to the gap may rip a little as you turn it out. Don't worry about this, just go as slowly and carefully as you can!

Pin the opening closed, then top-stitch around all 4 edges, close to the edge.

Step 4

Measure 10cm (4") up from the centre of the opposite end to the elastic or ribbon loop and stitch on your button.

Step 5

Fold up the bottom of the clutch 12cm (4.75") and pin along both sides, then stitch. Run over the top edges of the fold a few times with your stitching for extra strength.

All done! A nice simple shiny clutch !

For more simple projects that anyone can sew in 5 steps and 15 minutes - go here!

I'll be linking this project to many of the wonderful linky parties whose pretty buttons can be found on the bottom of this page, and names and links on my linky party page.

A Round Tuit 85 and the fabulous Madwestdesigns

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001+10:00

Just before the party today I wanted to introduce you to...

Madwestdesigns

A fabulous shop where you can find some gorgeous crocheted items.

New this year, you'll find, this gorgeous crochet hat with flower:

This funky crochet teen hat with lace edge:

Or one for the boys perhaps..

with this smart Fishermans rib scarf:

and this handknitted Fishermans beanie:

Do go and take a look at Madwisetdesigns fabulous shop full of goodies handmade right here in Australia!

There's lots more to see - something for everyone!

Now to this week's party!

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Tuits are very hard to come by, especially the round ones. For years people have been saying, "I'll do it as soon as I get a round tuit". Well now you can have one of your very own, and all those jobs that have needed doing will finally get done!

Here's my favourites from last week's party: First of all, this family tree word art by From Gardners 2 Bergers:

Becca has heaps of fabulous crafts and DIY on her blog every single week - so take some time and go for a visit!http://gardenberger.blogspot.com/

Next, this Tinfoil rose by I Gotta Create:

There are lots more fabulous ideas on her blog - so please do go and say hello to Christina!

http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/

Finally, this gorgeous Faux fur vest by Scattered thoughts of a SAHM:

Isn't it gorgeous?

For lots of great sewing tutorials and recipes - go and visit Jamie at

http://scatteredthoughtsofasahm.blogspot.com/

For those featured, feel free to grab a 'featured on' button from my buttons page.

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Now it's your turn:

Link up your own projects - old or new - no rules - just share your creativity and inspiration!

I'd love if you grabbed the button - then you can have your very own Round Tuit!

And of course we all love visitors and comments so do visit some of the other links!

By linking up here you're giving me permission to use photos from your post in features here on my blog.

I will feature my favourites on facebook during the week, and also on this post next week.

Back into daily exercise!

2012-01-22T08:33:00.000+10:00

This photo is my entry into Suzy's 2012 photo challenge. The theme this week was rocks. Well, I wasn't near any rocks this week -so used the ones by our pool around the newly planted pineapples. I'm afraid I wasn't very inspired with taking the photo - so explored more effects on Picnik!

But onto my fitness for the week:

I'm motivated and exercising well now - but annoyed that I can't kick the last dregs of this cold! Just a lingering cough, but slowly getting better!

Anyway - my goals last week were to do my Spartacus cardio-weights circuit twice - yes I did this on Thursday and Saturday.

To exercise every day - yes I cycled on Monday night, did some skipping on Tuesday - not much at all - only 3 lots of almost 2 minutes - but I was exhausted!! Definitely something I can build up and practice! Funny I can run for 1 hour, but only skip for 2 minutes!!

I even went out afterwards and bought myself a fancy digital skipping rope - much better to have one my size than holding onto my daughter's rope with my fingertips to try and make it long enough!!

On Wednesday I went for our family 3 km run on the esplanade. The girls were motivated and ran fast this week! I went with the elder daughter and we did it in 20mins! Not bad for an 8 year old!

On Friday I mowed the lawn - which is pretty good exercise - 1 hour of pushing the mower through long soggy grass!!

Then this morning (Sunday) I did my long run again...

More than 5 minutes faster than last week and getting close to my best time for this run again. This week it took me 59 mins and 31 secs!

A really good week of exercise - and I definitely feel my fitness returning !

Next week I'm having a trip away for a family wedding - so my goals are to fit in exercise as and where I can!

Hope you're havng a great weekend!

New Blogger reply to comments , improved watermarks and tables!

2012-01-20T07:00:00.002+10:00

This week I learned a few things while blogging!

Most weeks here I post a sewing tutorial for which I generally use a lot of photos. Until now I've been watermarking them using Picmarkr. The only problem with this is that you can only upload 5 photos at a time, which for some of my photo-heavy tutorials takes quite some time!

This week I found a new option which lets me watermark ALL my photos in one go, and so takes a fraction of the time!

I downloaded the free Kigo Image Converter, and it's made things so much easier!! I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this!

How about you? What do you use to watermark your photos?

Another thing I learned this week is that Blogger added a reply to comments function to our blogs! Now I try to reply to all of my comments - and have been doing this up until now by individual emails. But I've always thought it would be good if the replies could be seen on my posts too - like on wordpress.

Well - now they can! (at least I think they get emailed to the person who left the comment too!)

At the beginning of the week when I discovered this option was now available on Blogger, I changed my settings - made my comments 'embedded' rather than 'pop-up' so that I could use this function. However, I couldn't then get into my comments at all!! Some people were still managing to leave me comments - so something was working somewhere. Also when I was visiting some people's blogs, it was jumping straight to the comment form rather than their post! AND there were some blogs that I couldn't view individual posts at all! Most frustrating when I was trying to visit all my Round Tuit party links!

Anyway - I figured this was just teething problems with the new Blogger function so switched back to a pop up box for my comments for now and all worked fine!

Yesterday I decided to try again with the embedded comments but had the same problem so I searched it on Google. I found that the issue was with internet explorer and firefox and was being worked on. SOooo I switched to Google Chrome - which we also have installed on our computer (just an alternative to internet explorer) and all works perfectly!!! So I've replied to a couple of comments to test it and it seems to work fine! Phew!

One other useful thing I learned this week was from Pam at Threading my Way. She linked up a wonderful post to my Round Tuit party this week about making tables in your blog. Now I've been adding tables for a while now - but only copying and pasting chunks of html and slowly trying to figure out which bits do what and how to customise them a bit more. Now Pam has saved me the trouble with her excellent tutorial! Thanks Pam!

A great week of learning some useful things!

What have you learnt this week? Not just about blogging - but anything?

(I also learnt how amazing my 6 year old's memory is too!!)

My Creative Space

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

Why is it that I always think I'm going to get more done and achieved when the kids are on school holidays - but in reality I get less done than when they are safely tucked away at school and I have the house to myself!??

I think the same every holiday - but it just never works out that way!

Anyway - I don't have much creative to report today.

I did make little keychain pouches for our MP3 players earlier in the week - tutorial posted here.

But other than that....

I spent little time today on this:

Our old desktop computer finally bit the dust over Christmas - but before the defunct keyboard (and even older and even more useless keyboard) got chucked, I had to prise off the letter keys...

I now have a bag of keys which looks rather like a bag of lego. All because I saw someone had crafted some name tag bracelets from old keyboard keys once and thought it was a neat idea.....

Surely I can make something with all those lovely letters....

Mind you - it was pretty scary to see the 10 years worth of yeuky stuff under the keys!!

Eeuuuukk!!

Just so as not to end this post on such a gross picture - here's one of my new soda stream which I got for Christmas - being christened with its first use!!

Starting the year USING my gadgets! not letting them sit in the cupboard all unloved! Now I just need to get out my pasta maker from the previous Christmas and christen that next...

I'll be linking up to Our Creative Spaces today if it's running - and looking for inspiration as the girls go back to school next week!!!

Creating Success around the World - Julie from Sesenarts

2012-01-18T07:00:00.002+10:00

Welcome to

Creating Success around the World

The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.

Every Wednesday our hosts on each continent will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world. Here's the hosts:

-----------------------
Today's guest is Julie from Sesenarts in Western Australia

1. What do I create?

blue nuno felted silk wrap

I play with most mediums from painting mixed media   canvasses to working with textiles. But it is the textiles that are filling my  studio (and every nook of my house) at the moment! I am a particularly touchy  feely person and love texture, so working with wool and silk is very rewarding  for me.

I love the dyeing of the natural fibres. Mixing colours  to get just the right one, drying the wool/silk then maybe painting up a silk  scarf to match the wool. This will then be transformed into a nuno felted scarf.  Or maybe just wool which will be felted in the traditional manner.

Wool felted web scarf

I have also been recently playing with crocheting pure  wool into rose brooches which are then felted and embellished.

lavender wool brooch

2. Why do I create?

I honesty cannot tell you why. Only that I must! Most  artists that I know have a built in mechanism in their brains to create works of  (hopefully) beauty to enhance the world they live in. I can only go a day or two  without creating something, if only a doodle on paper. Otherwise I start going a  little batty!

3. Do I sell my creations?

I have been selling either canvasses or textiles for  over 25 years usually at galleries but in the last 2 years I decided to get  serious about my 'work', and have two outlets. One on Etsy and the other at Madeit.  

4. Have I made mistakes? 

 I'm sure Ive made plenty! But probably what I have  learn't over the last 2 years was to remember to have fun with my art. It is  very easy to get into sales mode, where your life can be swallowed by the  maintenance of the online shops, to the detriment of the rest of your family and  art. So I try to regularly take breaks from the computer and studio. (if only  short ones!)

Felted glass or camera case

And finally.

Whats next?

Well this year is going to be busy with us selling our  home and building again just down the road. The next house will be a lot  smaller, but I am getting a much larger studio. I am hoping, when it is complete  and we are settled to start teaching mixed media classes, plus having my own  small gallery. We'll see. It is all in the lap of the Gods! But hopefully it  will be lots of fun along the way.

x Julie

--------------------------------Thanks Julie for your lovely answers - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!Do go and say hi to Julie at her blog and check out more of her wonderful creations! ----------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact your continent's host! Each featured guest here on Creating my way to Success, will also receive one week's free advertising in my sidebar as a thank you for your post!

Fashionable Fabrics

2012-01-17T19:00:00.030+10:00

One of my favourite online fabric shops is the fabulous Fashionable Fabrics.

They have an amazing selection of novelty fabrics - on their easy to navigate site. You can search by designer, collection, manufacturer or print - and that's before you start on their Japanese fabric, notions, sewing patterns and books!

How about this Yui Kokeshi fabric by Alexander Henry Fabrics:

Or this amazing British Subway Map fabric fabric by Timeless Treasures.

Then there's this wonderful

If She Sews She Knows by Michael Miller Fabrics:

There are so many cute and gorgeous fabrics to see - don't just take my word for it - go and see for yourself!

OH - but before I go - you know I love a bargain and must take a peek at what they have on sale just now:

This adorable Hoot in Blue by Michael Miller fabrics: for just $7.50!!

Go - on, head on over to Fashionable Fabrics and see for yourself!

iPod keychain case tutorial

2012-01-17T07:00:00.001+10:00

I wanted to make small cases for an upcoming plane trip to Sydney, so my girls and I can take our MP3 players to listen to some music or audio books. We currently all have MP3 players, but I'm aware that a case I sew is likely to outlast the electronic gadget itself, so I found the dimensions of iPods, and made cases that will fit these in, so we're prepared for if and when we have to upgrade!!

They're also just a useful little pouch that could be used for a mobile phone, or any other small objects, snacks etc!!

So here's how to make your own:

First you need your materials. I wanted to use some denim, after starting last week to use up a pair of jeans I got from the charity shop for 50c!

The back pockets are already gone and transformed to pot holders!

For this project - I used the back of one of the legs! and some other scraps of fabric I had.

So here's what you need:

2 pieces outer fabric, 15 x 10cm (6 x 4")

2 pieces inner fabric, 15 x 10cm (6 x 4")

1 strip inner fabric for decorative strip 15 x 6cm (6 x 2.5")

1 strip inner fabric for keychain loop 15cm x 4cm (6 x 1.5")

1 zip, 15cm (6") or longer

1 keychain ring

buttons for monogram letter

First put the decorative bits on your outer fabric.

Draw the letter outline centrally on one outer piece using a pencil, then stitch the buttons into place along the lines:

Fold the outer edges of your decorative strip of inner fabric in and press. Then pin and topstitch to the centre of your other outer piece of fabric:

Now you add the zip.

Place the zip face down centrally on one of your outer pieces of fabric - which is face up. I used a zip that is much wider than the fabric - just let the edges hang over - you will trim them later.

Then using the zipper foot attachment on your machine, stitch the zip in place:

Then turn the zip over and topstitch the outer fabric to the zip to hold in place.

Now take on of your inner pieces of fabric. You are going to join this to the same side of the zip.

Lay the inner fabric down, right side facing up. Lay your outer fabric plus zip face down on top of this with the zip in between the layers and pin along the narrow edge at the top as shown here:

Again using the zipper foot, stitch these pieces together along the narrow strip you just pinned:

Then open it out and top stitch the inner fabric to the zip:

Now you attach the other two rectangles of fabric to the other side of the zip.

First, lay the 2 pieces plus zip you just stitched, right sides facing up with the zip also lifted up - the free edge at the top. Then place your other piece of outer fabric face down on this and pin the edge to the other side of the zip:

Machine stitch where you pinned - again using your zipper foot. And once again flip the fabric over afterwards and topstitch to the zip.

Then to the final inner piece of fabric:

Lay this final piece down right side facing up, and then your other 3 pieces plus zip on top, with the zip facing down between the layers.

Pin along the top, and stitch into place:

And once again, turn the final piece over and topstich to the zip.

Now to the keychain tag.

Take your final strip of inner fabric.

Fold in half lengthways and iron:

Then open this out and fold the outer long edges to the centre fold and press again:

Then finally fold the whole thing in half lengthways so the raw edges are hidden, and press.

Topstitch along both long edges, and put this with your keychain ring:

Push this fabric strip through the ring and fold the strip in half. Then pin the edges to one side of an outer piece of your case like this:

And stitch securely in place with several rows of machine stitching:

You're nearly done!

Time to stitch it all together around the edges.

Fold the case so both outer pieces of fabric are together - right sides facing, and both inner pieces of fabric are together - right sides facing.

Make sure the zip is OPEN - this is very important!!

Then pin around all the edges, leaving a gap of around 5cm (4") for turning it out at the end:

Machine stitch around all four edges - remembering to leave the gap open, and running extra stitches over both ends of the zip.

Trim the corners and the ends of the zip:

Now turn it all right sides out through the gap you left:

Use your scissors or a chopstick to push the corners out fully.

Then handstitch the opening closed:

All done!

Your case is ready for use!

I made 3 - so we're all set for our trip now! They fit in our MP3 players, earphones and even the USB charger so we can charge them up again for the return flight!

Perfect to clip to my keys, and keep everything together and easy to find!

I hope you liked this tutorial. There are many more on my tutorials page too!

I'll be linking this post to many of the wonderful linky parties whose pretty buttons are on the bottom of this page

A Round Tuit (84)

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000+10:00

Here's my favourites from last week's party: First of all, this amazing button and ribbon purse from Artfully Caroline:

Just gorgeous! And the fabric that it's lined with is lovely too!

Caroline has a wonderful blog with lots of great tutorials - so do go and take a look:

http://www.artfullycaroline.com/

Next, this great fingerless gloves from Sassafras Salvation:

Another lovely blog to explore:

http://sassafrassalvation.blogspot.com/

Finally, these great
activity bags from placemats by Second chances by Susan:

She's also posted a great tutorial on how she made them!
She has more great upcycling ideas and tutorials on her site! Please do take a look!
http://secondchancesbysusan.blogspot.com/

For those featured, feel free to grab a 'featured on' button from my buttons page.

----------------------------------------------------------

Now it's your turn:

Link up your own projects - old or new - no rules - just share your creativity and inspiration!

I'd love if you grabbed the button - then you can have your very own Round Tuit!

And of course we all love visitors and comments so do visit some of the other links!

By linking up here you're giving me permission to use photos from your post in features here on my blog.

I will feature my favourites on facebook during the week, and also on this post next week.

What is motivation?

2012-01-15T18:04:00.000+10:00

Over the last couple of weeks I've been thinking lots about motivation. To start the new year with lots of resolutions and plans - which include the ever popular fitness goals of course, then to also start the year being sick for 10 days and unable to start these resolutions and plans was hard!

Of course there's no real reason why you can't start a plan on any day of the year - you can have a fresh start any time you choose. I'm a big fan of Anthony Robbins, and often listen to his CDs to motivate me. One thing that has really stuck in my mind from that is that he says, if you want to - you can change your life in an instant. You just have to make that decision. Yes, then you have to stick to your plans, goals whatever, but it's the mindset that is important. Many successful people speak of a turning point in their lives - often a real low point - that served as their motivation to turn things around. That's when they changed their mindset and started on their road to success.

Sometimes I think about this - and wonder if my life is too comfortable to really give me the motivation to do something extraordinary. We're not rich, nor poor, just an average family, we're all healthy, and live in a beautiful place. We've worked hard to get where we are, and yes I'm happy. However, I've always wanted to excel and strive for something big- but the question is do I have what it takes to push myself long enough and consistently enough to achieve that?

My big goals that I'm striving for this year - are to grow my blogs to the stage they are providing me with a decent financial income. I know this is going to take LOTS of effort, time and commitment - but the reward for all that will surely be worth it!

My other big goal is to run this year's pyramid race in under 2 hrs - which would be a HUGE improvement on my current best time of 2hrs 39mins! Again I know this will take seriously hard work, effort and time.

Basically it boils down to my mindset. I think by choosing to do everything I do the best I can - and live life to the full, not wasting moments or days by being lazy, or putting things off, but focussing on the goals and the reasons, then that is the secret to success.

During my 10 days of illness (lost voice and nasty chest infection and cold - nothing serious) I was frustrated because I couldn't exercise - and didn't have the energy to launch into action with my new year declutter and organisation plans. It made me start to see all the little things that I don't do when I'm well. Just little things around the house to keep it tidy, or taking extra time here and there to play with my kids. I saw clearly the number of times I don't do something because I can't be bothered - or I think I'll leave it till later. It was 10 days of a realisation that I need to 'just do it' a lot more, and stop coming up with excuses.

Leaving small tasks (that I don't really want to do) to later, doesn't make them any easier, it just delays the discomfort of actually doing them. Things like hand washing the few dishes that can't go in the dishwasher, or folding the washing to put away. They may sound like small things - but that's the kind of thing I leave till later....

Well no more.

Now that I'm well and getting back into fitness - I'm going to 'just do it' every day - and enjoy the benefits!

Finally - I just need to recap my fitness for the week - for my own benefit to record what I've done and plan the next week!

I managed to get on the exercise bike on Monday and Tuesday and have a gentle 30 min cycle each day - slowly getting my muscles working again, but not pushing too much as I was still a bit blocked up.

On Wednesday we as a family meet with the local roadrunners club for a free 3km running session on the esplanade. Our girls enjoy this, and running at their pace was again good for me to be doing something, but not pushing too hard.

By Friday I felt well enough to do one of my favourite workouts - Spartacus! - this is a cardio weight circuit that takes about 35 mins and really works LOTS of different muscles!

On Saturday my legs ached a bit from Spartacus, but weren't too bad. My husband and I did some gardening, which is always a good workout - digging and moving lots of stones!

Then today (Sunday) I got up early and went for a good 1 hr run (9.21km) - just around the streets, but we have some pretty good hilly streets here!

I was happy to do my first run of the new year - slower that usual, but I guess that's to be expected after an illness. I was also very happy I finally managed to get the sports app on my mobile phone to work and tracked my run! (luckily last year I learnt how to add a zip pocket to shorts - and put one in my running shorts which is just the perfect size for my phone!)

It's pretty cool to be able to see how fast or slow I was going at each point, and to be able to measure how far I was running too!

This will be great for comparing the same runs as I repeat them and watch my progress!

So - for next week I need to do some form of exercise every day. I will do my spartacus workout twice, cycle in the evenings when I haven't done anything during the day. Run on Wednesday with the family on the explanade - and next Sunday repeat the same run as today, in a faster time, hopefully returning to more like the time I was running it in towards the end of last year.

Aside from fitness next week - I am super motivated to 'just do it' with all aspects of my daily life! So - this will mean a tidier house, time taken to prepare healthier snacks (instead of just grabbing the easy option of a bag of chips) and a focus on doing what's important and needs to be done first - not just what I would prefer to do first!

How about you? Are you still sticking to your new year's resolutions? Are you motivated? Can you change your life - in an instant to what you want it to be? Will you?

Fat Quarter Shop

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002+10:00

One of the best places to go online for all your fabric and sewing needs is the Fat Quarter Shop.

Look at what's new in 2012:

If you want to do some quilting this year - then what better way than this:

"The Fat Quarter Shop is thrilled to present our fifth annual Designer Mystery Block of the Month^TM featuring our favorite designers. This year, we will unveil a spectacular vintage sampler quilt filled with traditional blocks guaranteed to fill your home with color and style! You will receive 12 different sampler blocks featuring the Vintage Modern collection by Bonnie & Camille for Moda Fabrics. Each block finishes at 12" and will be an easy to intermediate pieced block (no templates, applique or paper piecing), making this block of the month suitable for all quilters."

Click here for more details

and to see who the fabulous featured designers are!

If this isn't for you, then of course they still have their amazing selection of fabrics, patterns and notions.

And you know me - I love a bargain, so always have to take a look at what's in the sale section!

Look what I found this time:

Gorgeous Jungle friends Brown Roar Lion Tossed yardage

for just $6.99 per yard!

But don't take my word for it! Go take a look for yourself, and find some fabulous fabric to start off your 2012 sewing projects!

Visit the Fat Quarter Shop!

My daughter's new blog post!

2012-01-13T20:03:00.000+10:00

Just had to give my daughter a shout out for her latest blog post and yummy cake she made for us!!

Do pop over and have a look! She loves visitors and comments!

http://www.cakescreative.blogspot.com/

Thank you!!

Cleaning up your apps and doing what is asked!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.002+10:00

Having started the year by losing my voice, and still not quite over this stubborn cold, I've not been forging ahead with blogging or sewing that much but I have still managed to learn a couple of things this week.

One thing I learnt yesterday, that I'd like to pass on, is that you can see what and who you've allowed access to various things like your facebook and twitter accounts- and stop that access if you no longer want it.

Just go here: http://mypermissions.org/

and click on the links to see who has access to your accounts, and change that if you want to! I was surprised at how many apps had access to all my account details, particularly on facebook!

Something else I've gradually come to realise is that if you want people to do things then ask them directly. Now I know that might sound a little obvious and you're thinking that I'm a bit slow on the uptake - ok, yes sometimes I am!!

However what I mean is that through blogging - and particularly through my efforts to grow my blog, I can see that you have to be proactive in asking people to click on your links, to read your posts, to vote for you in competitions. Just hoping people will chance upon your blog, and hoping they will follow you, and hoping they will come back again, and hoping they will tell their friends, just doesn't cut it.

I know that if I visit someone's blog, and I like what I see, if they've asked in their post for you to vote for them, or follow them, then I'll happily do it!

I know how much time and effort goes into blogs and the posts. Not many people get any kind of significant financial reward for this - yet lots of people get enjoyment out of reading the blog posts. So to follow, comment on, or vote for the blog author is an acknowledgement of your appreciation of their time and effort.

I've been spending time this week finding some new hosts to join in my Wednesday Creating to Success hop. I've been amazed by the response and how many people are keen to be involved! It's wonderful!

I am still looking for more European bloggers to join us - and African and Asian too!! So if you're reading this and are from those areas, or know a blogger in one who might be interested - then please do leave me a comment here - or email me directly and I'll get right back to you!

What about you? What do you ask your blog readers to do when they come to visit and read your posts? and does it work?

My Creative Space

2012-01-12T07:00:00.009+10:00

I had all sorts of plans this week - but am still not feeling 100% - can't kick the last of this cold, and things just aren't getting done.
So my sewing plans for this week scrapped - I thought I'd prepare my photo for Suzy's 2012 photo challenge that I'm joining in with.

This week's theme is 'Fine Art'
so here's my first attempt - using one of my daughter's littlest pets!!

What do you think?

Hopefully some others will have been more creative than me this week!
Let's go see :

Our Creative Spaces

Creating Success Around The World - Nicole from Merry-Go-Round Handmade

2012-01-11T07:00:00.046+10:00

Welcome to

Creating Success around the World

The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.

Every Wednesday our hosts on each continent will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world. Here's the hosts:

-----------------------
Today's guest is Nicole from Merry-Go-Round Handmade in Melbourne, Australia

The person behind the ‘brand’
Hi, my name is Nicole.
I have a husband and I am a stay at home mum of two lovely little girls but was previously a graphic designer working for a marketing company in Melbourne, Australia.
Merry-Go-Round Handmade is a new venture for me, It only started six months ago!

How did you come up with your business name?
Merry-Go-Round evokes feelings of a fun childhood, a playground laughter but for me it also means...
a 'rotating platform' (so to speak) of quality handmade items that are displayed for sale. Handmade just simply a general term that describes what I do.

What do you create?
Handmade crafts. I LOVE to use colour! I dream in colour so why not work with it!
I also love fabric, buttons, ribbons &; wonderful vintage crafty finds!
Many of my items are New, Retro or Vintage.
I try to upcycle/recycle/repurpose where I can to create an unique item - usually One Of A Kind. OOAK
My main items in a little more description are my:

Metro Retro Tea Towel Aprons.

My Metro Retro Aprons are all OOAK - that is, One Of A Kind.
All of these aprons are handcrafted originals and unique!
I love to upcycle and give a new life to something that had an intended previous use.
Some of my tea towels are brand new but many are retro vintage - that is 20-40 years old! They are in excellent condition as they have never been used for their original purpose.
I try to source my tea towels from all around the world, Australia, United Kingdom & the USA, to just name a few.

Vintage Fabric Flag Bunting.

Mostly Made from Upcycled, Reclaimed Fabric.
Made from eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind reclaimed fabrics, whilst some may be similar, each flag bunting banner is a One of a Kind (OOAK). These buntings are also perfect to use for a party decoration or as a permanent wall hanging.
Taggy Snuggly Comforter Toy Tag Mini Taggie Blankie - for Baby.

These Taggy Snuggly’s are soft, cuddly, and fun and are a great size for taking along wherever you go.
Made with lots of assorted ribbon tags of different colors, fun textures, and various sizes for little fingers to play with - this sensory experience helps with a babies fine motor coordination.
A fun pattern on one side and super soft minky dot fabric on the other.
Taggy Snuggly’s are suitable for all ages from newborn to toddlers, portable, durable & made from quality materials.

Why do you create?I knew I HAD to do something creative after my first child was born.
I always crafted as a child.... it always was going to be a natural progression.
At uni I dabbled in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, etc
A few years ago I had a go at Mosiacs.
It took me quite some time to decide but when I was given my grandmother’s (rather new) Janome, I decided sewing it was going to be! I had not touched a sewing machine since I was at high school.
I have so many ideas but not enough time to develop them to the finished item I’d like them to be.
Inspiration can come from anywhere & everywhere.
I love to create unique & ‘One of a kind’ items, It’s nice to have your work appreciated. I also know that buyers like to buy handmade gifts because they are personal, made with love & care and are a refreshing change from the mass produced items that are out there.

Do you sell your creations? If so, how? Where? And is it profitable?I sell my items in my store, online via craft online websites, Etsy & Madeit.
www.madeit.com.au/merry-go-round www.etsy.com/shop/MerryGoRoundHANDMADEI also like to sell at various markets such as Maribrynong Makers Market.

I think it’s ‘somewhat’ profitable but you certainly don’t get full payment for all the time that goes into making an item.
For me, craft is a part time love (family is the other), it’s not about large profits.
I would not make something I did not enjoy making. I also get enjoyment when a buyer states they love the item they have bought. I love positive feedback!

What mistakes have you made or lessons you have learned?Learn from your mistakes however small.
Love what you do, crafting should never be about making money - meaning large profits. If you only have this in mind you could be disappointed.
As a seller, some markets are better than others. You need to try many before you find the one that works for you.
Time Management! I’m still trying to balance crafting time & family time. I’m not great at it.
Don’t be scared to try something new, start that new project today, not tomorrow!
Other crafters/sellers you meet, either via Facebook or at markets, can be a great source of inspiration but more importantly information, they usually have great tips and advice. I’ve meet a lot of lovely crafters.

What, to you is success? Have you achieved it yet, or are you on your way towards success?Success means different things to different people. For me, it is not just about crafting it’s about marketing your product well (& creating a great service) also selling to people that love & appreciate what you do. A happy buyer is success.
I’m pleased with what I have achieved in the last six months.
Success is about the small achievements & the large ones but I’m enjoying the journey.
I believe success takes time and ‘Life is a journey, not a destination’.
So what's next?I expect ‘more of the same’. It’s been fun so far!
I do hope to make some cushions this year. I would like to make a ‘new’ and also a ‘vintage’ range of decor cushions for adults and for kids.

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Thanks Nicole for your great answers! Do go and say Hi to Nicole at her blog, where there's links to her etsy and made it shops too!--------------------------------
If you would be interested in being a host for his worldwide tour, we are currently looking for people who would like to post interviews each week for a one month period. If you would like to be a part of this with us - then please email me, Jill at jillinamillion@y7mail.comI look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact your continent's host! Each featured guest here on Creating my way to Success, will also receive one week's free advertising in my sidebar as a thank you for your post!

Pot holders from jeans pockets - a tutorial

2012-01-10T07:00:00.067+10:00

I saw one of these at a friend's house a few weeks ago, and loved the idea of them! Having recently bought some jeans from the charity shop for 50c a pair, I thought I'd have a go at making my own pot holders!

Here's how:

First gather your materials. You will need 2 back jeans pockets, some fleece for the batting (padding) on the inside, pretty material for the other side of the holders and contrasting material for the binding round the edges.

Cut around the back jeans pockets leaving as much space as you can.

Then neaten up the edges. Mine were 20 x 18cm (8 x 7"). Then cut pieces the same size from the pretty fabric and your fleece.

Also cut strips from the contrasting fabric, 6cm (2.5") wide for the binding around the edge. You will need strips that total in length, the distance all the way around your holders, plus a little extra to spare for the hook.

(I needed about 1 metre (39.5") for each pot holder.

Pin together the pretty fabric and the fleece.

Then stitch together.

I decided to try out another bit of quilting (I'm very much a beginner at this). I just ran wiggly lines of stitching down the fabric. It's quite fun not having to keep a straight line for a change - and just wiggle woggling all over the place!

With my fabric being stripy, wiggly lines may not have been the best choice! I tried the wiggles both ways - what do you think?

Then pin and stitch together your fleece parts to your pocket parts, so you have the pockets and the pretty fabric facing outwards.:

Now to the binding. Take your strips of fabric and stitch them together to make 2 long pieces - one for each pot holder:

Then using your iron, press each strip in half lengthways. Then open it up and press the edges in again to touch the center crease:

Then finally fold the whole strip in half again so all the raw edges are completely hidden and press again:

And now you have your two strips of binding ready to attach to the pot holders. Trim around the edges of your pockets to neaten up the edges and you're ready to go!

Now here is where I admit I'm not very good at binding.

If you want a nice clear set of instructions for perfection - and handstitching to finish off - here's a good one. I would recommend you take a look at how it should be done properly!!

Me - I opened up my binding and pinned one side all around, folding the ends under to hide the raw edges, and trimming the end to make a loop for the hanger which I pinned to the reverse side. I stitched all around, folded the binding over, and machine stitched it down on the other side. It's not perfect - but practical ! The raw edges are hidden and the edges of my pot holders are bound!

Apologies to those perfectionists out there. One day with practice I might get the hang of binding - but for now this will have to do!

And there you have it - two pot holders made from jeans pockets and scraps!

Hang them up and they're ready to use!

A nice upcycle - and use of scraps!

If you enjoyed this tutorial - there are many more to be found here on my tutorials page!

I shall be linking this post to many of the fabulous linky parties whose pretty buttons can be found on the bottom of this page.

A Round Tuit 83

2012-01-09T07:00:00.002+10:00

Here's my favourites from last week's party: First of all, this amazing Hopscotch Quilt from Love Affair with my Brother:

Sunni always has fabulous things on her blog - so do go and say hi:

http://loveaffairwithmybrother.blogspot.com/

Next, these really tasty looking spinach balls from Bliss Images and Beyond:

For more goodness and amazing creativity - head on over to her blog at:

http://blissimagesandbeyond.blogspot.com/

Finally, this quarterback snack from Kitchen fun with my 3 sons:

How cute is that apple helmet??

Jill has some fabulous fun food ideas over on her blog - go check them out!

http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/

For those featured, feel free to grab a 'featured on' button from my buttons page.

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Now it's your turn:

Link up your own projects - old or new - no rules - just share your creativity and inspiration!

I'd love if you grabbed the button - then you can have your very own Round Tuit!

And of course we all love visitors and comments so do visit some of the other links!

By linking up here you're giving me permission to use photos from your post in features here on my blog.

I will feature my favourites on facebook during the week, and also on this post next week.

Fitness and Motivation - or the lack of it!

2012-01-08T07:00:00.006+10:00

This photo is my first one joining in with Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom in her 2012 photo challenge.

I need to improve my photography skills - so thought this would be a good thing to do. Unfortuately this week hasn't been the best - so this is the one and only silhouette shot (theme of the week) that I took!

It's a plant called a croton in our garden that here looks kind of like a hand from a Dr Seuss character!

But back to my weekend post - which is my first of the year in what I'm going to post as my fitness and motivation for the week - to keep myself accountable with my fitness goals! I know it doesn't really fit with a sewing and creative blog - but this is for me. Keeping fit, helps me stay motivated in every aspect of my life - so I'm sure my sewing will benefit too!! :)

Well, erm the first week of the year has not started well. I lost my voice TOTALLY for 4 days - which wasn't fun at all - and I've been coughing and generally quite sick all week! I'm on antibiotics now and seem to be on the mend, but frustratingly have done no exercise at all and don't feel very healthy!

I have plenty motivation though ! I'd love to get out and have a good hard run, or swim, or run around and feel like I've done something - but my body is telling me "no" so I'll have to wait another couple of days or so.

But THEN, watch out as I'll be back into it with gusto! Up until last week I was getting well into my exercising and doing something every day. And I even bought a dress that is a size 10! (I've always been a 12, well since kids anyway) so this was a big boost showing me I'm definitely toning up with all my exercise!

So - next week my aim is to get back into exercising slowly as my body recovers, and back on track hopefully by the end of the week!

How are you all going with your goals to keep or get fit in 2012! One week in are you on track?? If you're not, like me, then it's never too late to start!!

Blog followers and blunt needles!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.002+10:00

One of my goals this year is to try to grow my other blog - Be Our Best as I have done this one. To try to replicate the actions I took last year and see what is transferrable to grow another different type of blog.

My starting out point this week was to look at number of followers.

Last year I participated in lots of blog hops - linking up to find lots of new blogs to visit, comment on and follow, bringing lots of new visitors back to my own blog in the process.

With the blog hops there is a certain amount of 'follow me, follow you' just to increase numbers - with no genuine interest in the blogs themselves. But it is also a way of finding new blogs too - and since a large proportion of the blogs joining the hops are crafty ones - this suited my quest to connect with more people and grow my creative blog!

However, Be Our Best - is an education/parenting and motivational blog. That coupled with the fact that my recognisable little furry Jem logo tells people that they already know my blog and are following me!:,

I tried visiting blog hops this week and linking up as 'Be Our Best' but found that

1. A lot of the blogs hops I used last year are no longer running

2. I've already followed the majority of the blogs which are still linking up.

3. Google Friend Connect is no longer the main focus of followers - since it's not going to be available to non-blogger blogs soon; and so twitter, facebook, and google + are other options being pushed - but not one any more than another.

So what I have learnt from all this and decided to do with my other blog - is to try not to get lost thinking about the 'number of followers' but instead to concentrate on spending my time finding other relevant and similar blogs. It's a different area to this blog - so I need to be looking at different blogs to network with!

So action to be taken - is spending time daily (perhaps a couple of hours) - finding blogs I'm genuinely interested in and that are in some way similar to 'Be our Best'. I need to build up a network as I've done with this blog of places I visit regularly, and people I interact with, who have similar interests and views!

On another note - what I've learnt from sewing this week is that no matter how much you try and clean dust and lint from your sewing machine, it's not going to work very well if your needle is blunt!!!

What did you learn this week?

Using what I've got and a new challenge

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000+10:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions or goals is to make use of the things I have in the house. In doing so I'll see what I really need and want and will gradually organise and declutter my house.

This week I started by looking at my laundry:

I know - pretty scary! We don't have a lot of space and this is tucked into a corner of the kitchen. Ultimately I want a concertina door across it to hide it away - but it's not in the budget yet!

Anyway - There's lots to be done here - but I at least made a start this week on making it easier for my 2 daughters to help with the cleaning!! (yes, I've got my priorities right!)

They have started doing small chores for their pocket money and extra cash. They wipe surfaces with a damp cloth - and they also like cleaning the bathroom! (long may that continue!!)

Anyway - that's all well and good, but they can't reach the cloths themselves so I have to get everything for them. Time to remedy that so they can do it all themselves!!

I found and old 'bag for bags' that my mum made me years ago, the elastic stretched and it's been folded up unused for years now!

I set to work replacing the elastic to make it a useable stuff bag again:

Then I stuffed it full of old cloths - which are lots of old t-shirts reused!

Then I hung the bag - together with the girls' own pink and white rubber gloves, low by the laundry sink so they can reach!

That orange spray bottle you can see on the right is also now within reach - and filled with white vinegar so safe for the girls to use by themselves for cleaning!

This may not seem like a very exciting project - but anything that makes it easier for my kids to help out in the house is exciting to me!

(and my kids like it because they feel more independent and grown up!)

As to the rest of the laundry - well little by little I'll spruce it up to make it look better, since hiding it behind a door isn't happening any time soon!

So that's my organisation at least started!

Another challenge I've taken on for January is this:

hosted by Rikka at Ricochet and Away and Keren at Sew La Vie

The challenge is to make a clutch bag using lots and lot of notions - so a chance for me to use up some of my stash of zips, buttons, and oh my goodness what else....I have so much.....

I do like a challenge - and I've set myself a target that by next Thursday I'll have something to show that I've started work on!

So watch this space!

What projects have you made a start on this year?

I'm linking up to Our Creative Spaces, so time to grab a cuppa and see what everyone else has been up to!

Creating Success around the World- Jess from Epheriell Designs

2012-01-04T07:00:00.047+10:00

Welcome to

Creating Success around the World

The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.

Every Wednesday our hosts on each continent will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world. Here's the hosts:

-----------------------
Today's guest is Jess from Epheriell Designs in Queensland, Australia

In my eyes - Jess has a LOT of success and is very generous is sharing her knowledge about how she achieved what she has - and helping others to Create their own way to Success! - so you can see why I'm so happy and excited to be featuring her today! After you've read her interview - I'd highly recommend going over to visit her site. If you sign up for her newsletter too - you can get a copy of her free e-book -

"How I went from nothing to a sale a day online -

(and it only took me one month!)

Now if you yourself create - and I know how creative my readers are.. then this could be a BIG help!

So - take it away Jess!

What do you create?

I'm a multi-faceted creative entrepreneur - basically, because I have so many ideas (don't we all) and I get bored easily! So, I have lots of projects on the go to keep me engaged.

My main creative business is my contemporary silver jewellery range, Epheriell. I'm also a full-time blogger at EpheriellDesigns.com, the editor and publisher of *bespoke* zine, and I also run another jewellery range, Vintette, as well as write e-books and undertake regular speaking engagements.

Though I've got a lot going on, everything I do revolves around creating a unique and fulfilling life by following my passions - and helping others to do the same!

Why do you create?

I’m an accidental entrepreneur! Seriously. I was a teacher/science communicator/manager in past career incarnations, and a few years ago, I took up knitting as a hobby after reading a novel that featured a yarn-store-owner while on holiday in Fiji.

That quickly led me to making beaded jewellery. I enjoyed working with my hands so very much! All my life and work before this had been academic, and the satisfaction I gained from making an actual object with my hands was immense.

Do you sell your creations? If so, how? Where? And is it profitable?

I sell my jewellery in many places - both offline and online. Though I make the bulk of my income from online sales. My 3 most successful venues are my own site, Epheriell.com, my Etsy store and my madeit store.

I've designed my business to be profitable - it is my full-time gig, after all!

What mistakes have you made or lessons you have learned?

I learnt early on not to work myself into the ground. It's an easy mistake to make when you start out with your own business - you're passionate, full of energy, and you want to do everything RIGHT NOW! And while it's important to ride that wave of motivation, it's also important to remember to take care of the other aspects of you and your life.

For example, in my previous jobs I'd been relatively active, and so it was a shock when I got so wrapped up in my work that I gained a few surprise kilos! Now I make sure to get up from that desk and exercise everyday - my brain and body thank me for it. I also make sure I take time off every day (sounds funny, but sometimes I work non-stop from waking to sleeping!).

The main lesson - building a business takes time - it's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't try to do everything now at the expense of the other aspects of your life. It will happen.

What, to you is success? Have you achieved it yet, or are you on your way towards success?

I know that to many other crafty business-people, I seem a success, and I am very happy with what I've achieved so far. Knowing you're in control of your work and your income is quite a rush, and I adore working for myself. It's also quite an amazing feeling when someone loves what you make enough to part with their hard-earned money to buy it.

I think I've got a long way to go - there is so much more I want to do and achieve!

So what's next?

I want to keep growing *bespoke* zine and my jewellery brand Epheriell. I’ve got big plans for some pretty awesome e-courses… so hopefully I’ll carve out the time to get them written in the new year!

Most importantly though – I want to keep living and enjoying every day, doing what I love. What more could you ask for?

***

Jess Van Den is a creative entrepreneur who’s passionate about crafting a DIY lifestyle. She makes eco-conscious, modern sterling silver jewellery under the label Epheriell, edits and publishes *bespoke* zine, and also blogs daily at Epheriell Designs about craft, creativity, life, and business.

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Thanks so much Jess for sharing a little of yourself with us! I for one am inspired and motivated by what you do and really enjoy your email newsletters!

Go on - go visit Jess here and say Hi!!

But before you go - why not link up your blog below and join our Creative Worldwide community! Visit some new friends, both new and old and discover amazing creative talent across the globe!

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If you would be interested in being a host for his worldwide tour, we are currently looking for people who would like to post interviews each week for a one month period. If you would like to be a part of this with us - then please email me, Jill at jillinamillion@y7mail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact your continent's host!

Each featured guest here on Creating my way to Success, will also receive one week's free advertising in my sidebar as a thank you for your post!

Smart and Simple Tablet Cover Tutorial

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001+10:00

For Christmas, my husband got a tablet - but no accessories with it - and no cover!! Now, he's not a big fan of things I make with pretty and fancy material, but he did let me make him a plain smart cover for his tablet!

Perhaps you, or someone you know, got a tablet for Christmas - or maybe in the sales?

Here's a tutorial to make a smart and simple case with whatever fabric you like!!

(note: tablets vary in size and thickness.

My husbands is an Acer and measures 18 x 26cm (7 x 10.25").

The 2 pieces of fabric I cut were 24 x 65cm ( 9.5 x 25.5")

You could use these measurements if you like - or follow these instructions to measure your tablet and customise your case a little more!)

First choose your materials. I used a tough fake black leather for the outside, and a soft fleece for the inside. Plus some sew in velcro for the fastening.

Measure your tablet across the width and add 2cm (0.75") for the seams,

Then cut the velcro to a little wider than the tablet width, lie it across the top and measure the length including the velcro. Double this measurement and again add 2cm (0.75") for seam allowance.

Cut a rectangle from both your inner and outer fabric using your measurements:

Now lay one side of your velcro at each end of the inside fabric (on the right side of the fabric) leaving a gap of 1.5cm (0.5") to the edge. Stitch securely into place.

Now take both the inner and outer fabric and fold them in half lengthways, right sides together like this, and pin:

Stitch down the sides using a 3/8" seam. Leave an opening of around 10cm (4") in one side of the inner fabric. You will need this to turn the case right sides out when you put both pieces together!

Now turn the outer fabric pocket right side out and push it inside the inner fabric pocket like this:

Pin the openings together, matching up the side seams:

Then stitch all the way around using a 3/8" seam:

Now turn the case right sides out through the gap you left in the side of the inside fabric:

Then handstitch the opening closed.

Push the inner fabric into the case and you're done!

Slip your tablet inside, seal with the velcro and you're ready to go!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

There are many more on my tutorial's page, and each Tuesday I post another tutorial of my own - or try out one I find on another blog!

I'll be linking this post to many of the wonderful linky parties whose pretty buttons can be found on the bottom of this page