This week I made a trip to Springwools in walkinstown with my Mum and aunts ( featured left). I'd heard of Springwools and was a fan of theirs on facebook but never got around to popping over.
So over we went and after mad directions from my Aunt, we walked into what can only be described as an Aladdin's cave of wool.They had every kind you could possible want and before we knew it our baskets were overflowing.
I fell in love with some chunky wool called indie which I'm going to use to make some cool scarfs and mittens because chances are were going to have another mad winter like last time. So stockpiling scarfs isn't such a mad idea... ok ok I'm justifying spending a fortune on wool =(
But look at these bright colours double knit, they were on sale for €2..60, Mum says there too bright for baby cardies but I'd put my little one in them. Maybe I'm just mad though. I'm also going to try knitting or crocheting them into bobbles i think they'd look lovely as decorations




Last but not least check out my amazing scarf I knit it from Rico Loopy, it comes in amazing colours, some vintage, some ultra bright and some plain, you knit it by folding it back on itself, took a few mins to work out but after a quick glance at a youtube tutorial by blacksheepwool I was sorted. it also comes in another style called Rico CanCan, which is less loopy obviously. More of a ripple effect, I'll post up some photo's when I finish it.

MMM yummy Japanese paper...

Oh oh oh got amazing japanese paper last week. I've been like a kid in a candy store playing around with it... I love the way its gold highlights sparkle when it hits the light. There are two main types I do to use,

One is Chiyogmai, Chiyogami is a specific word developed to describe the graphic, repetitive designs applied to paper in the Edo period. Originally these patterns were printed by woodblock for use in paper doll and small accessory making. In the twentieth century, these patterns began to be applied using silkscreens and this continues today. They apply the colours layer by layer which really makes the designs "POP"

the other is "Katazome-shi" which means stencil-dyed (katazome) papers (-shi), and is also referred to as "Wazome ." As the name implies, they are stencilled - with traditional materials, and the care that comes with craftsmanship by hand - to produce unforgettable, intense colours and patterns. like this one below
I buy most of my papers in Daintree in Camden street or Online from craft stores, only prob with online sites is you can't see the paper quality until after... which has disappointed me a few times..

What a differance a year makes.... this time last year I was doing nothing craft wise... hardly making cards, let alone painting or anything else. But I guess I've found my inspiration again. This last year has been amazing in my personal life, ups and downs. Lost some amazing people who will always be remembered and found new loves and friends. Its time I started showing what I've been up too