Il Tutto Makeover: Shiny Sparkly Silver Sienna

I had the opportunity to pick up a bargain Sienna from a friend. It was cream but had seen better days. The colour was rubbing and the leather was dry and cracking. It was particularly bad along the strap.

For this project I used rubbing alcohol, waproo stripper and waproo sprayon colour change. I will also need a sealant I will update with that process later.

First I cleaned the bag with the rubbing alcohol, then used the stripper to thoroughly clean the bag paying particular attention to the parts with very cracked surface. It is a bit scary seeing the colour flaking off but it is important to get any loose colour off the surface to make sure the new colour adheres well. Then use masking tape to cover anything you don't want painted like hardware and internals if you want to leave them as is.

If you don't want to end up with fingers like this I recommend gloves...or just keep enough stripper to wash your hands with after.

When the stripper is dry the fun starts. Shake the sprayon colour well and then in light even strokes coat the bag paying particular attention to seams and crevices. 

I also painted the internals by pulling them inside out. 

I gave a second touch up coat when the first was dry and have enough paint left for any future touch ups if need be.

I need to seal the bag now as it is transferring colour to my hands when I touch it. A good sealant will fix this and I will let you know which one I decide to use. 

The Original Pram Pocket is back!

It has been almost 2 years since I first designed Pram Pockets

I was the reviewer at Strollers and prams website and saw a need for extra storage for smaller, on hand items that always ended up lost at the bottom of your nappy bag. Pram pockets started with the small size, perfect for snacks, toys and dummies. 

Soon after, the drink bottle size was born. Accommodating up to a 500ml water bottle, it quickly became very popular.
Last but not least the 'mama' size came along, with 2 handy pockets.
A trio of handy pockets, perfect for the family on the go.
I use only high thread count 100% cotton denim and quilters cotton, organic where available. I also use genuine Kam snaps, top quality threads and pay close attention to fine details.
Each set of pram pockets take me over 6 hours to create. I cut each out using the 'fussy cut' style to ensure a perfect pattern placement and I make my own bias. Every step along the way is done with love.
I believe in my products and I enjoy creating them. I hope you enjoy using them!

If you would like to order a set of Mahogany Turtle Pram Pockets email me at mahoganyturtle@hotmail.com or visit me at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MahoganyTurtle

Hat season!

It's that time of year again! Hats are important all year round, but the harsh Aussie sun makes a hat essential at this time of year. No Hat, No Outside!
I make the kiddies a few hats each season to keep it fun and fresh for them. I keep them everywhere, nappy bag, stroller basket, car so there is always one on hand....do they keep them on... Of course not but I do try my best ;)

This weeks sneak peek 2nd Oct 2011

Click on the photo for a larger view (please not this is a sneak peek and pockets have not had snaps added at time of photography)

This week we have a:
Mama Combo in Groovy Guitar, $59.65 posted
Mama Combo in Pink Monkeys $59.65 posted
Mama Combo in Lime Owls $59.65 posted
Mama Combo in Forrest creatures $59.65 posted

Mama pocket in Green Monkeys $32.90 posted
Mama in Pink Monkeys $32.90 posted

Double stroller Boy/Girl Jumbo Mama combo consisting of on Mama, 2 Grandes and 2 pocos in pink and green monkeys, $80 with free registered post

All Mahogany Turtle items are posted with registration and insurance.

Stocking will tomorrow 2nd October at 4pm AEST on my Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mahogany-Turtle/266418180041848

iPocket for ipod touch

My 3 yr old has Apraxia of speech (Dyspraxia) so we got him an ipod touch to help with his communication skills (AUSLAN video dictionary app rocks!!)

He needed something to transport it safely so I made him a little iPocket. Made off 100% cotton including wadding and strapping. It has two layers of padding over the outer side for extra protection.

An iPhone will fit in this also and I am working on a iPad size as well.

Orders can be made via mahoganyturtle@hotmail.com see my FB page for fabric choices

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.295841827099483.96033.266418180041848#!/media/set/?set=a.296132013737131.96132.266418180041848

This weeks sneak peek

Click on the images above for a larger view.

There are 4 Mama Combos, a grande set and 2 bike pockets

Stocking will be 4pm AEST 18th Sept on my Facebook page :D

Balance Bike pocket

Oran got this balance bike for his birthday last week so of course it needed some storage ;)

Pram Pockets Stocking sold out!!

I am thrilled that my very first stocking on Facebook was a success!! I am looking into ways to combine the stockings right here on my blog so hopefully I can find a solution ;D

Pram Pockets

So... What exactly are Pram Pockets and what are they useful for?
Pram pockets are cotton pouches that hang anywhere on your pram or stroller, that hold anything you need them to hold. 

Water bottle, snacks, toys or simply just a place to pop all those things kids seem to want to hand you while you are wizzing about on your busy day. 

Pram Pockets are a fun, stylish and practical addition to your pram or stroller.

Made from 100% cotton fabrics (excluding trims and snaps) the pockets are fully washable.

Keep an eye on my facebook page (like button is in the top right corner) for upcoming stockings.

Making Bias!

I just had to share these videos I found on you tube for making bias. It literally made me gasp out loud in awe of how easy the technique was.

It is in two parts and a little long (and daggy) but it is worth the watch!





I made some right away I just had to try it.





Ok so this last one is less about the bias and more about how gorgeous Master Oran is <3

Another Satellite ball

Made for a dear friends new little man

Scary Monsters

A Quilt for Quinn

Log cabin quilt

My DS2 and I started this quilt together (his interest wandered after block 2 lol)

It's a foundation peiced log cabin, I only made it cot sized (because my interested wandered too ;) )

What I've been up to lately

An organiser for 2011!
A Pencil bag for Quinn!

A travel Pillow for Oran!

Back veiw of Quinn's monkey

Free hand embroidery

A handbag for me- Back

And the front...

crayon rolls for little friends.

A treasure hunt bag for Quinn

Our Christmas tree!

Mobile phone pouch for my new phone

You pull the tab and it slides the phone out ;)