Stitches and Thrills

Papieren diamantjes hanger. Hier is de eerste beschrijving van de Etsy #CraftParty 2015 in Leiden. Materiaal:  Papieren stroken . Voor een diamantje heb je een strook nodig waarvan de lengte 8x de breedte is. Dus bv als de strook 2.5 cm breed is, dan is de lengte minstens 20 cm. Of als de lengte 32 cm is (bv een atlas pagina), dan knip je hem op 1/8 dus 4 cm breed. Dun touw en een lange naald . Stokje / takje / grote sateprikker. Je kan ook een mobile maken door bv een oude borduurring te gebruiken. Paper diamond hanging decoration. Here's the first tutorial from the Etsy #Craftparty 2015 workshop Leiden! Material:  Paper strips : For 1 diamond  you need a paper strip of which the length 8 times the width. So if your width is 1 inch, than the length is at least 8 inch. Thin thread and a long needle. A stick or little branch. Or you can go circular with an old embroiderie ring. Draai de strook om en vouw een hoekje van 45 g...

At Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden there is a very special exhibition about the Geisha culture in Kyoto (these Geisha's in Kyoto are called Geiko's). There was so much to see I had to go twice (luckily I have a Museum card that gives free entrance to a lot of Dutch museums.) The Geisha exhibit is only on till Monday May 25th, so if you are in the neighbourhood do go and visit! Last week there was a contest on the Facebook page of the museum and I won a surprise package!   The package contained 2 fans, a pair of miniature geta (shoes), a gorgeous calender with vintage Japanese photo's and a 'Noren': a decorative curtain to keep out sun and dust. The envelope with the lady turned out to contain the cutest little gift bags. Lucky me :-)  Here is a photo impression of the Museum Volkenkunde. Two more Japan related tips for the coming week: Sunday 24th May: Japanmarkt, Leiden and until Sunday 31st May: Zijden Pracht in Sieboldhuis (S...

It is Etsy #CraftParty time again! For the first time this year we are hosting a Craft Party in our very own home town of Leiden! Two years ago I had attended a party in Amsterdam hosted by the Ka-Ching Collectief and had enjoyed myself very much. With our growing and active Leiden team we decided to join in with this annual event. During the Etsy Craft Party people are organizing creative events worldwide! Find out if there is a party in your neighbourhood here . The theme for 2015 is: " Kaleidoscope: Paper Taking Shape ". We have translated the theme in 3 small workshops which we are currently preparing. 1: Making a landscape booklet 2: Using discarded books as material 3: 3D folding Go and check our inspiration board on Pinterest . We found some great projects, albeit some way too ambitious for one afternoon. We are taking into account that a lot of non-Dutch speaking people are also very fond of crafting so we are prepared on giving instructions in E...

Most of you will be familiar with the internet meme Grumpy Cat . I couldn't resist making my signature look-a-like "Boink The Cat" door draft stoppers to look like her. I bet she would be right grumpy if you used her as a sausage cat draught dodger . The first original door draft stopper was designed to resemble the cat Bonke (hence the name Boink The Cat): Bonke found new owners after being in Stevenshage animal shelter. 5 euro of every sold door draft stopper goes to this animal shelter in Leiden.

Yesterday I came across a fascinating art installation at the Aalmarkt in Leiden: A big red threatening button, montaged outside a former shop window, and above it a big sign saying: DO NOT PRESS! In the shop window there was a siren, a monitor, and much display of possible bells and whistles. So, what does one do when seeing a great big threatening button... Exactly!  (From: Doctor Who - The Christmas Invasion) I pressed the button, anticipating a lot of noise, lights and movement. But what happened was... nothing at all! :( Unfortunately there was not a name of an artist on the installation. Because now I am curious about his or her intentions. Was it on purpose that nothing happened, was it all about the moment of anticipation? Or did the neighbours complain? Perhaps dysfunctional due to the snow and ice? And how many passers-by did press the button despite (or because!) there were so many warning signs? - - - - - - + - - - - - - Anyway: her...

Today was a beautiful day ( after a rainy morning ) for the Open Day of the animal shelter in Leiden : Stevens h age . Many animals have found a new home today ! = ^ x ^ = Other highlights : the always delicious pancakes , beautiful face paint and I saw many balloon animals pass by . I raised a nice amount for the animal shelter (107 euros ) and got a chance to promote Miss Minoes ​​. Photo of the Day: