Rose Tattoo Embroidery

You can get the instructions for my Rockabilly-inspired rose tattoo embroidered 

denim shirt in Mollie Makes Magazine Issue 36!

Pin it!

I've been getting really into Pinterest lately as a way of collecting and archiving all the inspiring things I see all around the web. Gone are the days of bookmarking it would seem; really good news for me because I never knew which folder I ended up saving things to anyway!

DIY Print Art

I've been doing a bit of DIY around the flat lately and have been trying to do it on the cheap. Art prints can be really expensive but here's a way to whip up your own art in minutes and all it really costs you is the price of the frame plus a bit of card stock and printer ink. Here's how I did it.

Birdcage Lamps and Giant Pom Poms...

Whenever I have a writing deadline I always find new and imaginative ways to procrastinate.

How to make: an ornament tree

I woke up this morning and looked out onto my balcony with a start. For a moment there I thought the flowers were blooming but alas, it was just the snow covered leaves glistening in the watery light.

I Love Old Books

The smell, the texture of the well-thumbed pages, the dog-ears and notes in the margin; nothing beats a well-loved old book.

Dip Dye Extreme

The snows have melted to mush and I just saw cherry blossoms blooming on a tree in the park. And today was the first time in ages when outside didn't make me want to go back inside! Admittedly
it may be a false alarm but somewhere behind the blanket-clouds I feel that Spring is ready to dazzle.

This week I'm all about colour. Vibrant, happy ones. So I've taken to dip-dying anything white I can scrounge from my humble abode. Here is some crochet cotton I intend to make into sugar-starched bowls:

Great British Makers Competition

Exciting news! I'm part of the Great British Makers Competition being run by Seek and Adore. If you're feeling especially lovely you can vote for me, Leanne Garrity, here and don't forget to check out all the clever British designer-makers also in the running. To vote, all you need to do is follow the link above and click the Facebook 'like' button in my listing. Thank you! xx

Crazy-Cushion-Cover-Commission-Completed! CHUFFED!

Phew! They look like an innocent stack but these babies have really put me to the test over the last couple of weeks. In amongst the regular work routine, I've been washing and drying and ironing and taping and painting and painting and fanning and ironing and sewing and ironing again, over and over and over.

Creative Block

Cool! Check out my feature spot on the topic of creative block in this month's issue of Craftseller Magazine :o)

Hot-steppin'

My sister is preggers, big time. Whilst eagerly awaiting the now-fashionably-late little miss, she has not allowed herself to grow idle. She's used the opportunity to really get her craft on, with some impressive results.

Sad Happiness?

Is it really sad that the highlight of my day was receiving a package of fabrics in the mail? I was so happy I thanked the postman profusely, to which he replied, "Lady, it's what I'm paid for".

iMake Interview

A very big thanks to Martine from iMake for featuring me on her lovely blog :o) Martine is very crafty Guernsey gal and her blog really is a treasure trove of all things handmade and craft related, including photography and cookery as well! So go over and check it out! You can read the full Chi Chi Dee Handmade interview here.

Bye-e! Love Leanne xx

Monday Makes: Decoupage Chairs

Ok, I know I'm doing a 'Monday Make' on a Friday, but it's been a busy week! I've been in Stuttgart attending an author's workshop for my other job as a writer (I know - so adult!) but I've since returned and, having caught up on all my orders, now have a chance to type up this post, propped up in bed surrounded by assorted German chocolates and Hasselnusswaffeln crumbs. Yum.

My Top Tips For Selling Your Knitting

Moss Stich Knit Cowl

I was recently contacted by a writer for a knitting magazine asking me if I had any top tips for people who are thinking of starting to sell their knitting, either to raise money for charity or just to make a bit of extra cash to help out during those lean times. It turns out I have learnt a thing or two about selling my handmade goodies over the years (mostly through trial and error)! So I thought I would share my ideas here too :o)

Monday Make: How To Upcycle An Old Jumper

I'm starting the week with a new how-to. Yip! And it's a two-in-one project which makes it twice as good. This week we're learning how to upcycle an old jumper into a cosy cowl and armwarmer set. And with the wind rattling my rain-splattered window panes as I type, what better way to spend today! (Other than lying in bed watching old movies and Mad Men Season 5 Episode 3, but I did that yesterday...)