House of Blue Damask

1 Ramadhan 1431H

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Selamat Berpuasa!

I've an early start this morning with sahur at 3.30am. My eldest is super excited about fasting this time (not so much last year) and I hope he'll able to hold it until berbuka time.

No (good) craft photo today as I've problem accessing them and I'm a bit lazy to do any tinkering so I'm sharing with you one of the earlier MSPaint's drawings by my youngest, Adam Luqman.

Red&Black Stickmen in Action

His brother draws (on paper and MSPaint) too, I'll share with you some of his works in the future.

Tatting Project: Raya Cookie Cannister

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:05:00 +0000

I did some cleaning in the kitchen over the weekend and discovered a few plastic PET jar with red cover in various size. Wonder where they came from, couldn't recall buying them at all.

Since the RE set I made last year is still serviceable, I think dressing up a few taller jars would complement them. So I tinker a bit with what I already have and here it is.

PURPLE MAT with GOLD BOW

I tried a few version and this is the one that makes the cut. It's not's properly adhered to the base fabric yet. So I can still do some changes, if I feel like it, later.

From the top

It is the center of the Be-Stitched's Mom's Pink Doily. It's lovely but I stopped at round 3 - for no particular reason and have yet to pick it up.

These are the rejects - I've very firm panel of judges. They won't budge at all.

PURPLE MAT with ECRU BRAID

It's smaller and fits the cover nicely. I love the braid and will use it whenever possible :-)

ECRU & GREEN BEADS

I forgot which book the original pattern is from but it's definitely bead-less. And nobody likes it, at all. (In this house, the appropriate term is A BIG X)

MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE

I've always love this motif - I've made it countless time. In fact, I have another version in ecru that goes beautifully with the square cotton hankie.

But still, a BIG X *grin*

Decoupage Project: Classic Rose Teacup

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:27:00 +0000

My second set of teacup.

It is bigger than the one I made before (seems that IKEA has discontinued the Duktig set). This pair I picked up at a shop along Jalan TAR.

CLOSE UP

The cup is 2" high and 3" wide. Still tiny than the average cup but more space to work with the design.

TOP VIEW

I just love the gold rim :-)

THE SAUCER

I keep it very very simple for the saucer this time.

I used clear spray to protect the surface cos the pasted napkin cut-out can be peeled off easily.

Tatting Project: A few reds

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:24:00 +0000

Updated 7.08.2010

I already tried a few of the patterns from that Blomqvist & Persson's book.

The motifs & edgings in blue, pink and ofcourse ecru came out very good but the photos are totally not, so you'll only be getting these, for now.

Sunflower while still a WIP

The pattern is on page 77. I've completed this doily over the weekend but still haven't properly block it.

The pattern is quite straightforward and I don't have much problem with it - not that I expect any, LOL. Using the Babylo Red #10, the completed doily is about 21cm in diameter.

This little motif is part of tatted fabric ATC set. Will update the rest later. It looks too simple so I add a few beads. Yes, it kinda similar to this pillow.

The fabric is IKEA's Lenda, I think. The eyelet was a last minute addition that nearly ruin the whole thing cos the finished rectangle is pretty thick (with a mounting board base) but good for me it went just nice - very tidy indeed but I couldn't say much about the stitches - looks pretty bad here, LOL..

And finally, this butterfly - the pattern is in this book. This is the 2nd time I tat it.

With the shuttles more than half full after finishing up the Sunflower doily, I was pretty confident they're sufficient - only to have to do an emergency SLT and fingertat the last 10 ds :-)

I did a bit of tweaking on the original pattern.

For the body, instead of double rings each I only did one - all split rings. The wings are supposed to be all chains which I find it a bit puzzling the first time since there are 2 small rings in the design - which is what I did this time.

No have any immediate plan for this butterfly yet.

Decoupage Project: Lemons Can

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:05:00 +0000

As promised earlier, here is the 2nd can (well, technically, it's the 3rd but the other one is not really presentable, it needs ~~some~~ a lot of touch-ups )

For the record, this was formerly Yeo's Baked Bean in Tomato Sauce.

I like this tin since the surface is flat and not ridges as the norm with can that comes with paper labels. Base coating cans with printed surface requires more time and effort.

The Other Side

I actually like this side better.

Maybe I'll redo the other can with the leftovers from this napkin.

It just occurred to me that I still have plenty of napkins & tissues in my collection that I haven't use in any of my project, shame isn't it?

Decoupage Project: Herb FM

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:14:00 +0000

A very simple project, one completed under 15 minutes*

This is made using one of my favourite herb napkins (not that I have that many, LOL). I personally love the background (a mix of Jo Sonja's Pine Green and Island Sand).

The somewhat worn edges is intentional.

* I already cut this napkin aeons ago for another project - so that makes it easier and a craft-dedicated hairdryer helps :-)

Book: Tatting Patterns And Design

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:43:00 +0000

I bought this book at Kinokuniya KLCC, recently.

This is my 4th tatting book published by Dover and the first thing I noticed is that it's smaller than the others.

The introduction by the writers is informative and there's 2 photos of the most exquisite handkerchiefs I've ever seen - I wonder how long it took to complete each. There's one section on mobiles (motif), pretty and not difficult at all (I already did a few). The doily patterns are lovely to look at too! Yes, I might give it a try someday..

But one (a beginner especially) might be a bit intimidated cos the instruction is in writing (and kinda brief) - if you're like me (who much prefer drawn patterns) but the photos are helpful. Still, I'm happy to have this book in my collection.

Image source

Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications Inc. (New English edition 1 Nov 1989)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0486258130
ISBN-13: 978-0486258133

Decoupage Project: Door Hanger

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:12:00 +0000

This is the MDF door hanger I made for a swap challenge.

DO NOT DISTURB

I seldom go for dark background in my decoupage. This is a combination of Jo Sonja's Background Colour; Island Sand and Pine Green.

ENTER

Here the background looks maroon-ish, it's actually Rose Pink on top of Pine Green.

The fonts is one of the samples available in this book.I used Folk Art's Metallic Champagne. For the edges, Krylon 18k Gold.

Decoupage Project: Summer Blossom Fridge Magnet

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:34:00 +0000

One of my favourite napkin. I already made a coaster sets before.

I used Jo Sonja's Rose Pink for the polka dots border

There'll be more to come (both coasters and FM).

Decoupage Project: Olive Can

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:03:00 +0000

This can, formerly an Ayam Brand Sliced Peach can, is for a swap challenge.

I used this napkin.

The background is Jo Sonja's Island Sand plus a mix of Americana's Burnt Umber and Folk Art's Basil Green for the splatter.

The Other Side

I lined inside with some foam (cut to size) to lessen the clattering noise.

I will post the 2nd can in another post, insya-Allah.

Decoupage Project: Antique White Photo Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:09:00 +0000

Another version of this frame only this time, I put a little more effort and painted the frame with Apple Barrel's Antique White :-)

I guess I better make it official - I truly love this shade!

Since I have plenty of this photo frame, I'm gonna put it and a few others for sale. I haven't fix the price yet, so if you're interested, do let me know.

For Sale: Tatting Shuttle

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:44:00 +0000

Updated 7.7.2010
Both pairs sold. Thank you!

Clover Tatting Shuttles (Red & Black)
Price: RM12 excluding postage

I have ~~2 extra~~ one pair exactly like these - brand new. I previously posted about this shuttle here.

Interested? Please email me.

Decoupage Project: Green Summer Blossom Photo Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:53:00 +0000

The last of the frames. (I'll be posting another series of photo frames next week, insya-Allah)

The background is a mix of Folk Art's Basil Green & Ivory White.

Decoupage Project: Rose Teacup

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:09:00 +0000

A new look for this pair. They're very plain before.

Fancy a Cup of Tea?

I know the image is a bit crummy - sorry in advance.

Most essential tool for this project is a ruler! Eyeballing (a very bad habit of mine) won't work here. Trust me!

From The Top

I used my new Krylon 18k Gold Leafing Pen to outline the edges. I like it very much!

The Saucer

The centerpiece is an afterthought - it's leftovers of the pieces already used. Better not waste 'em.

I think I'll make another pair but not anytime soon!

WMC's Decoupage Exchange: Crackle part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:23:00 +0000

An overdue post.

This is the crackled signage from my partner, Razna. She uses wooden alphabets for the wordings (available at her online shop)

Thank you!

Monday, 21st June 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:51:00 +0000

School resumes after 2 weeks break. Luckily the eldest is not cranky with the early morning call.

Our morning rituals now includes the World Cup supplement - I'm not up to watch the early morning matches - even for my favourite teams.

The Ivy died (after a few short weeks) :-( but the money plants seems to flourish.

This is an inexpensive round mug with a decal I made myself. The image is from this book.

Tatting Project: Red Throw Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:21:00 +0000

I'm often asked about what I did with my tatting.

Well, I already did a few hankies (there's more in the pipeline). I'm still working on THE doily (I've yet to resume after stopping at round 3, errrr, weeks ago) and then, here is the throw pillow.

Lady in Red

I was reading Country Bumpkin's Webletter# 333 when saw this notebook cover (one of Inspiration 66's ready-to-stitch kit) and aptly inspired. I already own this 100% cotton cover - a bargain purchased at Tesco (and remains as the only red item in the house) and I know just the right pattern for this project

Meandering Path

This motif is Meandering Path by LadyTat. I really like it - it's like love at first sight. She has a few other patterns that I like to try.

I did have to go out and bought myself a deep red DMC Babylo 10. It took less time tatting this motif the second time. I used Elmers' Fabric Glue to secure it on an off-white fabric and a few minutes to hand-sew.

Easy peasy!

Secret to a plump pillow? Double insert! Or in my case, an about-to-be-thrown cushion fibers cut to size on top of ready-made insert. I hate flat and/or saggy pillow.

Decoupage Project: Pink RR Photo Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:51:00 +0000

Another leftover on RAM frame.

I totally omitted the roses from this napkin and only used the purple fillers on pink background.

Whle drafting this post I realized I already did this before but on a much smaller sized frame.

Decoupage Project: Pink Summer Blossom Key Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:44:00 +0000

I enjoyed doing this blue key holder so much that I decided to make another one.

I'm not aiming for anything elaborate - so no ribbon or gold bows, it's very straightforward.

Again, I used Cath Kidston's Pink Summer Blossom tissue for the front (the leftover portion is for a 27 pieces ATC set - I'm working on 'em right now).

It matches perfectly with Folk Art's Sheer Blossom (it's not too pink) and elsewhere is Apple Barrel's Antique White (I truly love this shade!!).

Close Up

To neutralised the pink, I decided to line the inside with a green polka dots paper. I added the white lace to match the white dots.

The Knob - Must show off this knob cos I love it.

I haven't install the metal hooks yet, I'm enjoying it as it is. There's a good chance that it'll end up as something else.

Tatting Project: Blue Gingham Handkerchief

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:25:00 +0000

I mentioned about this hankie in the previous tatting post. Here are the 'decent' photos, fresh from my pendrive.

I followed the pattern written by Kak Jon of tatsaway. The instruction is very clear but I sort of stumbled at the corner, so it differs a lot from the original.

Sorry, I've no close-up on the corner, only the edge.

I should really be experimenting with pattern meant for scalloped edges.

Decoupage Project: Collette Photo Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:21:00 +0000

I forgot to sechedule this post after editing it a few times.

Ikea's RAM frame, 1 of 3.

I started my napkin collection with Collette (that was a very long time ago). I'm using leftovers from another project. Background is FA's Taffy and smudges of Coffee Bean.

I usually paste the napkin/tissue first before deciding on the background colour and the opposite when it involves crackle effect.

Decoupage Project: Crackled Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:50:00 +0000

I did this heart a couple of weeks ago (around the time when I did this project).

The rose is a portion of Elizabethan Garden.

I kept the background white. Crackle medium used is Deco Art's One Step. My first attempt was a failure. Luckily I managed to wipe it off in time before it fully settled.

The second attempt was much better except for the right portion (it was thicker) where I've to use the hairdryer. Then I used Plaid's Walnut Stain to enhance the crack effect.

I think it'll be quite sometime before I attempt another project using this brand again.

Decoupage Project: Green Pitcher

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:31:00 +0000

This tin pitcher has been a WIP for the longest time.

It's one half of a pair, purchased at The Curve's Daiso (one of my favourite places to shop for project related stuff).

I've changed my mind about its colour a few times until I settled on green which I think goes nicely with this tissue - IHR Magnolia (I have a napkin version once - not a favourite).

Look that way

This nice shade of green is Jo Sonja's Pine Green+Titanium White. I used Folk Art's Basil Green to outline it.

This poor thing has suffered a few injuries.

The handle already came off (a few times) until I hot-glued it in place. I took great care with the flower placement to hide this defect so it's hardly noticeable even at close-ups.

Then I came across this old photo while searching for images in my hard disk.

Almost similar angle, yes? (I find it a bit.. weird)

Well, I've to say that I'm quite happy with the way this pitcher turns out BUT I'm still not too sure if I'm going to duplicate the look on the other one.

Your guess is as good as mine cos it is a fact that I'm not good at creating twins :-)

Decoupage: Sweet Photo Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:31:00 +0000

A very simple project - I only need to use the glaze to paste the leftover flowers of the Pastel Stripe napkin and varnish. I did do some sandpapering to the edges to enchance its (somewhat already) worn look.

So, while it is quite similar to this frame or this frame, it's not really the same and somehow looks sweeter - to me at least!.

Decoupage: Bon Bon Plaque

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Damask) — Mon, 31 May 2010 02:18:00 +0000

I truly love chocolate tho I prefer bars (not so sweet) than bonbons.

This is the first time I use this tissue. Acrylic paints are Americana's Burnt Umber and Buttercream.