Tigerlily Makes: September 2013

Monday, 30 September 2013

Never Too Young To Start …

“Mum, what are you doing?”

“Mum, can I help?”

“Mum, I’m bored!”

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there – desperate to get on with our latest craft project but also trying to be super-mum at the same time.

Why not encourage their creative side and treat your little trouper to one of my kits, aimed specifically at children aged 8 and above (with a little help from mum, of course!) Once created, the bunting can brighten up a bedroom, or perhaps be split down into smaller pieces and framed for wall prints – a lovely gift for grandma and grandpa for Christmas! Its also a great way to have some quality time with your children and the boys will want to help too as I find on many of my schools workshops, the boys are just as keen to get stuck in as the girls.

A great way to pass those wet and windy winter weekends too …… http://ow.ly/p0TMs

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Friday, 27 September 2013

The End Of An Era_VW Camper Van Alert!

It was with utter disbelief and a tinge of sadness that we heard about VolksWagon ceasing production of their iconic camper van.

31^st December is D-Day for the last ever VW Camper at the only remaining factory in Brazil.

The first type 2 Camper Van was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in November 1949, and was on sale from March 1950 – it’s since sold over 10 million! In the 1960’s a converted Camper Van would have set you back between £850 and £1300 but nowadays their value has risen to anything from £2,000 for one needing total refurbishment to in excess of £37,000!

Often associated with music festivals, lovely hippies and the surf scene, the VW Camper has in itself become an instantly recognisable brand. Some enterprising geniuses use them to hire out as wedding vehicles, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver made his way around Italy in one!

We have many happy memories of holidaying in camper vans, which never fail to make us smile.

We’re pleased to say that the Iconic Classic Camper will live on for years to come at Tigerlily Towers, and you too can share in a piece of design history with my Campalily range iPad cover/bag http://ow.ly/pfoQZ and greeting cards.

Have a fabulous day!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Monday, 23 September 2013

A NEW Course!

I’m always keen to receive feedback following courses, and at shows, and it’s as a result of customer feedback that I’m launching a new Needle Felting course in November!

Birds & Blooms is a one day felting course where you will learn how to make beautiful decorative felt flowers or a cute little bird. Once you’ve mastered the art, your new-found skills can be used to make corsages, brooches and decorative items for the home.

The first Birds & Blooms day will be held on 23^rd November at Middleton Hall Wedding Venue Nr Tamworth. We’ll get going at 10.30 and needle felt our way through the day, ending at around 4.30 pm.

The day costs £55.00 which includes all your needle felting materials, tea/coffee and cake/biscuits. All we ask is that you bring a packed lunch, or some money to buy lunch when we have a break.

No experience is necessary as full tuition will be given. Make something truly bespoke and handmade by you whilst you experience the magic that "Tigerlily Makes" to book your place just email info@tigerlilymakes.co.uk

If making them yourself doesn't interest you, but you like the idea of owning one then simply visit My Etsy shop.

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Nan, Gran, Grandma, Granny ….. just call me Nain!

Gooooood morning lovely felt fans!

Well, what can I say? After weeks of biting my tongue and almost bursting at the seams it’s now out in the open that I am going to become a grandparent in March 2014. We’re all so excited at the prospect of the new arrival – and we’re all busy swatting up on the latest pregnancy advice as things have moved on apace since my son was born.

And so began the “what do I want to be called” debate! Not feeling quite ready to be granny, nan or grandma, I’ve settled on Nain, which is Welsh for Grandmother.

On the creative side, the news of a new baby has been most inspiring, to say the least! Whilst having to keep mum for the initial three months or so, I’ve come up with a whole new range of cards and am currently working on some new felt kit designs which may – or may not – have a baby-theme running through them! As and when time permits itself, I may even be tempted to pick up those knitting needles again and create something warm and wonderful for our impending bundle!

The only thing I would ask is that for the rest of his/her life, our grandchild remembers …..

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Everybody Loves A Button!

When we learn to sew, one of the first things we do is to attach a button to a garment – a simple task that takes minutes, with little experience required.

But have you ever given the humble button a second thought? Initially used to embellish clothing rather than fasten it, buttons come in all shapes and sizes, some made from simple moulded plastic, others more extravagant for the high-end fashionistas.

· The oldest button ever found was in the Indus Valley Civilization which is now Pakistan. The button is made of a curved shell and dates back 5,000 years!

· Buttons with buttonholes used to keep clothing closed first appeared in 13th century Germany

· During the World Wars, the British and U.S. military used button lockets which were buttons constructed like lockets to store compasses

We now have our very own range of buttons, which are proving very popular! We’ll share more designs with you as and when they’re ready, but for now, here’s Lily with her button collection.

Our Lily The Pink buttons are on special offer for this week only, visit our Facebook page for more details.

Sunday, 15 September 2013

You’re Never Too Old To Learn Something New

Since spending time at the Handmade Boutique, one recurring theme from the lovely people who take time to visit us and buy our products is “ooooh aren’t you all clever”!

It’s wonderful to have our hand-crafted products admired but I often wonder why more people don’t take up the challenge to be more creative themselves. We have a number of courses at The Handmade Boutique and attendees always have a good time, learning a new skill, getting creative and making friends at the same time.

Why not join me on one of my Needle Felting Courses, either in Birmingham or Tamworth. No experience required, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time ….. and leave with something created by you!

http://ow.ly/onz2w

Monday, 9 September 2013

The Perfect Start To Every Day

I don’t know about you, but my day always starts with a cup of tea. Regardless of the season, or my schedule, a cuppa is a must to get me on track for a busy day. But did you know …..

· The UK drinks 165 million cups of tea per day – that’s 62 billion cups per year!

· The UK tea market is worth circa £700 million annually

· The British East India Company started commercial tea production in the 1820s, planting a Chinese variety high in the hills of Darjeeling

· The English fashion for tea drinking began in the early 18^th Century, driven by the British East India Company, who imported tea to the UK

· During WW2, the tea ration was just 2oz (50g) per person, per week!

and finally …..

The world is a far better place when you have a tea cosy!

Have a great day, and keep that kettle boiling!

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Love Your Phone, Love Your Phone Cover!

They used to be the size of a house brick, weigh half a ton and have a battery life of approximately 30 minutes. Nowadays our mobile phones are sleek machines, light as a feather and capable of more than the average PC.

We rely on our phones to send text messages, take photographs, make notes, play games, check the weather forecast …. and yes, even to make and receive phone calls!

Mobile phone accessories are big business too. Whether bling is your thing, or a more executive leather-look, we spend a small fortune on phone cases, charms and even customised chargers are now starting to appear on the market.

Why not be kind to your phone – and your pocket – and take a peek at our range of mobile phone cases. Handmade with a vintage twist, you’ll stand out from the crowd instead of being one of the flock.