Apologies for my absence, but for the first time in about 18 months I’ve been away from home. I wish I could tell you it was because I’ve been on a lovely holiday, but in fact I was in Shropshire, caring for my mum after a hip replacement. It was odd to be elsewhere and to begin with there were lots of caring responsibilities, but these declined gradually and I have been able to come home and hand over to Alex, one of my nieces, for a while. Hopefully, all will be well when Alex leaves and mum will be able to cope, but if not I will go back. My change of location and all it entailed seemed to completely drain my creativity, so for the past few weeks I’ve only managed some knitting and a tiny bit of crochet. My return home and the incentive of ScrapHappy has, however, encouraged me to think about making again.
Wanting a quick project to get me started, I had a rummage through my fabric scraps to see if there was any inspiration to be had. I pulled out a few woven cotton scraps, but they did not speak to me, and then I came across a bit of jersey with some funky squirrels, just asking to be used for something. Each squirrel is just the right size for a greeting card, so I thought that I would experiment. To make sure the fabric didn’t stretch too much, I attached it to a scrap from an old sheet, stitching along some of the lines in the design. Next I made a frame from an old square of handmade paper and machine stitched the squirrel panel onto this before trimming off the excess. I then stitched the whole thing onto card and glued a tiny leaf motif from the squirrel fabric over the knot inside to finish it off.
I could have done a better job with the stitching and next time I’ll use some thin wadding or felt to achieve a quilted effect, but overall I’m rather pleased with how it’s turned out… plus it is good to make something original and feel that my creative juices are flowing again.
-oOo-
I’ve been inspired to write this (and future) ScrapHappy posts by Kate, Tall Tales from Chiconia. On the fifteenth of every month lots of folk s often publish a ScrapHappy post, do check them out:
Kate, Gun, Eva, Sue, Lynn, Lynda, Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan (me), Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean, Jon, Hayley, Dawn, Gwen, Bekki, Sue L, Sunny, Kjerstin, Vera, Nanette, Ann, Dawn 2 , Bear, Carol, Noreen, Preeti and Edith
If you fancy joining, contact Kate and she’ll add you to the list. It would be lovely to see more non-sewing posts, but any use of scraps is welcome.
The Snail of Happiness 
arlingwoman
/ June 15, 2021Those ARE funky squirrels. I like the idea of a card made from fabric and I like the look of yours. It IS good to make things. I am glad your mother is getting better. I think hip replacement recovery times vary greatly with the person whose hip has been replaced. It’s good you have a niece who can spot for you. Make on!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021I’m rather pleased with the way it turned out and the fact that I used minimal glue.
My mum seems to be doing remarkably well and has even tackled a few stairs now… another two weeks and she’ll be able to put her own sock on!
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Nice Piece of Work
/ June 15, 2021I think this is brilliant, really gorgeous. It sounds like your mum is on the road to recovery (sorry, I hate that phrase but it’s still early in the morning here) and I’m glad you can have a break and that your niece can step in. I’m sure all will be well. xx
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021I am pleased with both squirrel and mum’s recovery… and so happy to be home at least for a while.
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DawnGillDesigns
/ June 15, 2021That’s a really nice card. I bet it was lovely to have a tiny bit of distance, just to remind yourselves how much you enjoy being together. Great that your mum has a grandchild close and willing.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021Alex is still furloughed, so was very happy to step in for a while, for which I am immensely grateful.
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DawnGillDesigns
/ June 15, 2021It’s wonderful, and considering the past 18months, pretty close to perfect timing.
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nanacathy2
/ June 15, 2021The card looks amazing, it looks like appliqué . Someone is going to be a lucky recipient. Good news on your Mum’s health. The new hip will give her a new lease on life.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021I really wasn’t feeling at all inspired until I came across that scrap of fabric… now I’m wondering what other gems might be hiding away in my scrap bag.
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tialys
/ June 15, 2021You can’t go wrong with a funky squirrel.
I know what you mean about being away from home and having caring responsibilities messing with your creative mojo but I’m glad to hear your Mum is recovering nicely and that she has other relatives nearby to step in if and when needed.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021The family is very supportive, but it had to be me for the first few weeks as she didn’t really want anyone else to have to help her with personal things. Now we are over the initial problems and everything is getting easier, it’s much more simple for others to contribute to her ever-reducing needs.
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rutigt
/ June 15, 2021Great idea and the result is very nice!
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katechiconi
/ June 15, 2021Those squirrels are incredibly cute! And I really like your idea for a future project with batting to give them a bit of dimension. What’s most impressive, though, is your determination to find a scraphappy project and literally pulling one out of the bag!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 15, 2021I did have an old scraphappy project or two that I could have shared, but I really, really wanted to make something afresh and this felt like a manageable thing to get me started.
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davidprosser
/ June 15, 2021It’s very very effective. Looks like this lean period did you good.
Huge Hugs
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Going Batty in Wales
/ June 15, 2021Welcome back! Both to Wales and to blogging and making. Good news about your Mum and I love the squirrels!
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Quimper Hitty
/ June 15, 2021So hard to dredge up enthusiasm when busy and worry fill up the day – I am vastly impressed with your squirrel! It sounds as though your mum is heading in the right direction, with your help! Now to drink tea the way You like it, and take a wee break.
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Bear
/ June 15, 2021Oh, I do LOVE that squirrel card! So awesome! I’ve been running frazzled this last month, too. Life goes on, and into it, we’re happy to see a few scraps, eh. I will keep you and your Mum in prayers.
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polesparadise
/ June 15, 2021Love it! Glad you have your creativity back. Mine has done a runner.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 16, 2021I’m not convinced it’s back completely…
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polesparadise
/ July 20, 2021Still no sign of mine… 😦
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The Snail of Happiness
/ July 20, 2021this week I have made a jacket from boiled wool… so appropriate for the weather!!
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onesmallstitch
/ June 15, 2021great small project to get back your creative enthusiasm – hope it helped to get you making again. Best wishes to your Mom for a speedy recovery.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 16, 2021Last nigh was the first she has spent on her own since the operation… I’m hoping all was ok.
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tinaor
/ June 18, 2021I hope your mum has a speedy recovery. Nice little project x
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