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New Year New Me

Big sigh as I type this because I’ve written and re-written this blog post a few times! I’m also salivating…
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Meet Michelle

Michelle is a compulsive home maker and DIYer. She designs and makes adorable handmade gifts, accessories, homewares, dolls and lots more from her charming cottage in the West of Ireland. When she’s not making she loves sharing her creative and business skills through workshops, both at the cottage and online. Read More…

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Happy Thursday. A 4 day week used to be the best

Happy Thursday. A 4 day week used to be the best thing ever but now it’s just meh! I had to look up what day it was!!
So many projects on the go but nothing in any way insta shareable just yet. I’m waiting for a top soil delivery today 🤞🤞🤞 after weeks of trying to get some, I’m making lots of collars for orders, thank you so much 😘 I’m also .... dare I say this out loud .... thinking of repainting the bathroom floor tiles and the entry way. There I’ve said it. I have to now. The potato print tiles have not survived the winter very well. I’ve already started scraping off some of the paint. I’m now wishing I just left it and gave it a rough sand. Anyone else like to tackle at least 5 DIY jobs at once? Life would be oh so boring otherwise.

Hello 🌸 Yes Easter is over but I’m still lovi

Hello 🌸
Yes Easter is over but I’m still loving my spring makes.
These eggs are my most favourite DIY for sure.
They were a pack of 6 naff white plastic eggs from @dealzireland I used a hacksaw to saw off the top, I then painted them with three coats of emulsion and finally added the splattered brown flecks. It took days to do. Those of you who partook in the painting of eggs know the palava of painting a spherical item without getting thumb prints etc on it. I thought I took progress pics, and even videos, to do a reel but I have no idea where they went or if I did even take any. The covid brain fog is a real thing you know. As for the spring blooms. To say I am besotted with these little bursts of sunshine is an understatement. I just adore these teeny tiny daffs. Remember me planting them last autumn? I have no idea what they are called. Do you? Because I’m so buying mire of them 💓
Have a lovely day wherever you are and whatever you are doing xx

How hard can it be to take a picture of cups hangi

How hard can it be to take a picture of cups hanging from a chandelier?
Very hard.
I repeat. Very hard.
How’s your Spring/Summer/Winter day going?
Ummm nothing else to report.
I might join Tinder after all.
Comments? Suggestions? Analysis? Musings? I’m here for them all. I cannot faff with decor any more. Or can I ?
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Have a lovely Easter everyone. I’m taking a bre

Have a lovely Easter everyone.

I’m taking a break for a few days.

Let’s hope the sun stays around 😘

Good Morning 🌸 Back at my sewing machine again

Good Morning 🌸

Back at my sewing machine again. I’ve been a busy bee working on these collars. speaking of bees, did you see the Sewing Bee is back, I think it’s 14th April).
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The collars will be up on my website for sale in the next few days or you can DM me to pre order. Pricing varies according to design. I’ll share more as I’ve made them. Loving the response I’ve had so far. The gingham is definitely a favourite. It’s making me think of picnics and Parisian cafes.
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They are the perfect accessory to liven up your pyjama top for that Zoom meeting you just realised you had when you were about to hit snooze on your phone 😂😂
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Have a lovely day everyone 🌸🌸🌸

What a lovely day ☀️☀️☀️ loving seeing

What a lovely day ☀️☀️☀️ loving seeing everyone’s outdoor spaces come back to life. So far, aside from my walk this morning, I’ve not been outside once!
I’ve been a busy bee inside cutting collars as the orders have come in and the show is on the road. Loving these prints which I’m calling the picnic collection ... gingham and strawberries 🍓 🧺💓
Hoping the sun stays out a little longer as the sewing machine is now unplugged and I’m downing tools to get my first swim in in ages! I’ve missed it so much 💦💦💦
Have a lovely evening everyone ☀️☀️☀️

It’s funny how trends come and go. I remember w

It’s funny how trends come and go. I remember wearing big collars in the 80s, round about the time of the big Fergie bows in your hair. Remember them? Here we are in 2021 and they’re all back in fashion. They kind of snuck in a few years ago, and did collar making workshops, but they quickly disappeared and now here we are again. I have to say I’ve always been a fan of the big collar and it’s been fun revisiting my old collar patterns and sewing some up in the past few weeks. That’s another thing I love about sewing, you can jump into trends but with your own take on them. You know me, it’s got to be gingham, roses of polka dots!! Not to mention broderie anglaise 💓💓💓 Are you into the big collar trend?

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#bigcollar #rufflecollar #ginghamcollar #fashioncollar #diycollar #michellemadethis #handmadefashion #homemadefashion #sewingcollar #onmysewingtable #currentlysewing #sewinglove #memadecollar

No Easter Egg Hunts with the little munchkins this

No Easter Egg Hunts with the little munchkins this year 💔
So I’m putting a little parcel together for them including these bunnies I’ve knitted for them. The pattern is from Julie’s Etsy shop @littlecottonrabbits 🐰🐰🐰
There’s nothing eggciting about this Easter, it’s eggstremley disappointing that we still can’t move outside 5k. Never mind the eggs, I’m starting to crack 🥚🥚🥚🥚
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Wood Slice Chicks 🐣 🐥 . . Even the log bask

Wood Slice Chicks 🐣 🐥
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Even the log basket isn’t safe in my house. When you’re creative EVERYTHING holds inspiration. I loved my little wood slice snowmen at Christmas so I thought I’d try some chick versions 🐣
So easy and quick to do. Just be careful with the saw. If you’re not so keen on the DIY aspect you can buy pre cut wood slices from most craft shops or online. This paint is also fantastic. It’s paints on any surface. I bought mine from @cormicansofficeartschool Not an ad!
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Thank you so much for everyone who had commented on and shared these little DIYs. It’s hugely appreciated. It also helps me to know what you are interested in for future DIYs.
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Don’t forget the Save option too in insta. You can save posts you like to come back to later. I’m also working on creating blog posts for my DIYs so head over to michellemadethis.com and subscribe to my mailing list if you would like to keep up to date 🐥

#diyeasterdecor #easyeastercrafts #easterdecorating #simpleeasterdecor #michellemadethis #irishcrafter #irishmaker #madeinireland #easterchicks #diyeaster #cadburyseggs #cuteeasterdecorations

Always make that eggstra effort, even if you’re

Always make that eggstra effort, even if you’re eating on your own. In fact more so when you’re eating on your own 🐰🥚🐰 Ive always set the table and decorated it for friends, or just myself. 🐰🥚🐰
Because you’re worth it x
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#tabledecor #tablesetting #tablescapestyling #eastertabledecor #easterdecor #easternapkins #napkinfolding

Good Morning from the cottage 🌸 . Happy Birthd

Good Morning from the cottage 🌸
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Happy Birthday to my most amazing, gorgeous, adorable friend Lucy Lu 🌸
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Happy International Womens Day
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Day 8 of #marchmeetthemaker2021 Work in progress are these egg vessels I’ve been trialling. Super happy with this, a few tweaks for the next batch. Shared more in my stories.
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Feeling very tired as I stayed up to watch the interview with Megan and Harry. It was like that Lady Di interview all over again. I was hanging on to every word. Not listened to any news reports today but I can only imagine the fall out. God help them. They will never really be free. How lucky I am and how crazy it is that so many people crave fame. Imagine not being able to potter in your garden without paparazzi, or go to the shops or for a walk. It would be like a permanent life of lockdown.
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Other exciting news, my hot water bottle leaked whilst I was watching the interview in bed so for the first time in a long time I had to sleep on the edge of the bed to avoid the damp patch. I certainly don’t miss that nonsense 😂🤣
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The countdown is now on until I can get back into bed though.
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Have a lovely day 🌸🌸

Nothing to see here, just another bunny, waiting f

Nothing to see here, just another bunny, waiting for it to be sunny ☀️

🌸 Happy Sunday 🌸

DIY bunny made from wire and twine 🙌 because lockdown is the year we over decorate for every single occasion right?

🌸 Happy Saturday 🌸 . Enjoying a slow morning

🌸 Happy Saturday 🌸
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Enjoying a slow morning at the cottage. Currently printing out oodles of pages of a sewing pattern to make a dress with the fabric I shared on my stories yesterday. It’s a beautiful pink gingham seersucker that I purchased from @threadsofgreenfabrics 🌸 The pattern I also shared in my stories. Did you see it? What do you think?
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Also still working on lots of Easter makes. I love how this cute bunny turned out, even if it did involve a glue gun, which as you all know I’m not a fan of using. I try hard to keep my crafts as sustainable as possible but so far I’ve not found a perfect eco friendly replacement for a glue gun and even though sewing is my preference I’m always asked to do crafts that don’t involve sewing.
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#marchmeetthemaker has been great fun this week as I’ve found so many gorgeous new accounts and like minded creative souls. Love that @joannehawker have us a free weekend though as sometimes I find myself not quite ready for the prompt of the day 😘
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What are you up to? Have a lovely Saturday whatever you are doing 🌸

#diybunny #fabricbunny #diyeasterdecor #easterdecorating #farmhouseeaster #michellemadethis #createdontcontaminate #prettyspringdecor #shabbychiceaster #cottagestylehome #irishcottage

Happy Friday everyone 🌸 Hope it’s been fun fi

Happy Friday everyone 🌸
Hope it’s been fun filled and fabulous so far 🌸
Day 5 of #marchmeetthemaker2021 is Newest Make. Here’s mine. Some DIY clay daffodil candle holders 🌼🌼🌼. It’s funny seeing so much yellow as it’s not normally a colour I use at all but it definitely is a mood lifter. I can see why @joannehawker loves it so much, this hashtag is clearly influencing me. In fact it’s influencing and inspiring me and really feeding my creativity at the minute, hence my absence from insta. I’ve literally been popping in and out and have been very absent from the socialising side so apologies to all the lovely accounts I’m normally chatting with behind the scenes. It’s not you, it’s me 😘
So what’s been your newest make? I currently have three tables full of different projects at different stages!! Honestly that perfect builder/carpenter/architect basically shed builder perfect guy needs to show up soon so I can get my cottage back. It’s more workshop than home at the minute and definitely getting a bit too messy. Anyone else find that during lockdown? Despite the fact we’re all at home it’s so hard to keep it tidy. Come on, don’t leave me looking like a lemon here 🤣🤣
Right. That’s all from me folks. Time to chill out and switch off the technology. 🌼

#michellemadethis #diyclaycraft #claydaffodil #diyspringdecor #diyeasterdecor #easterdecor #springdecor #springflowers🌼🌱 #myhomemadehome #claycrafts #caringtoshareyourfeed #myfloralhome #myseasonalstyling

Day 3 of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Beliefs

Day 3 of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Beliefs and Values

🌸 I believe in magic, the magic of imagination and creativity.
🌸 If what I’m making doesn’t make me smile I won’t make it or sell it. I love that Roald Dahl quote, if you have happy thoughts they will shine out of you like sunbeams. That’s all I want from someone who buys something I’ve made. I want it to make them smile. The same for my workshops. I miss that so much. Seeing people arrive at the cottage, walking in nervously and saying they are a total beginner, they have no idea etc and then by the end they are beaming with delight at what they have made. That is what it’s all about for me. The feeling people get from being creative, the joy it brings, the escapism.
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🌸Sustainability. I try to recycle, upcycle, reuse wherever possible. I think there is so much unnecessary waste and plastic gadgetry that has been created for the craft world in recent years. Most of which is completely unnecessary. I try to keep this in mind with all my tutorials and workshops too. Small changes.
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🌸 Promoting Creativity. I feel passionate about promoting creativity in its most basic form. Picking up an actual pencil, a needle, paper, fabric etc and just creating. Or decorating your home, creating a garden. Hands on proper creativity. Not a kit that takes all the creativity away and all you have to do is hot glue it together. I worry about how much, or rather, how little actual creativity is being encouraged in the world.
🌸 what are your values/beliefs in your business or just in general?

Day 2 of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker is Style

Day 2 of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker is Style (I’m a day late)
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It’s a funny one to try and describe your own style as you look at your own work so much. However pulling together a few pieces for the previous prompt has definitely made me look at my “style” with a fresh eye.
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Childlike, Whimsical, cute, pretty, doll house, granny chic, cottage style, homemade, shabby chic.

Ok I’m cheating and using words that I have been told from other people when describing my makes. But I agree with all of the above. Especially when it comes to my dolls.
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🌸I know It’s all a bit “last year” in the world of insta and current makers but it’s me and it’s what I love to make. Having said that I’ve definitely toned things down a lot and I’m more drawn to linens and lace than polka dots and gingham and much more muted shades too.
🌸 In one way I think it’s good to have a style that’s not changed for so many years. I’ve stood my ground and made only what I liked and not been influenced to change style with different trends. Yes, that could be a bad thing too but that’s the joy of being a creative and self employed. You do you.
🌸 what would you say my style is, going by what you see on here? intrigued to see if you agree or disagree.

Happy first day of March everyone 🌸☀️🌸 H

Oh what a beautiful morning ... eventually. It wa

Oh what a beautiful morning ... eventually. It was thick fog when I got up this morning but it’s turned out lovely now.
Last night I took a notion to see if I could wipe off the paint on my wallpaper ... I painted over it during the last lockdown. I really didn’t think it would come off so well but it has so I’m removing it all. But of a tedious job but oh my gosh I am loving seeing my pretty red and pink roses blooming before my eyes 💓🌷💓
This is the joy of DIY, just try it, most things can be undone. Except chalk paint on furniture, sweet holy mother of god, biggest nightmare ever to remove but it’s great if you never want to remove it. Obvs 🙄
What’s your biggest DIY disaster or regret?

I’m so done with being indoors Its starting to

I’m so done with being indoors
Its starting to feel like a prison cell
I’ve got pictures of gardens stuck on the wall and I’m only interested in all things cottage garden related at the minute. I want to flood the garden with pretty flowers and a sea of colour. Today is just gorgeous, the sun is beaming, the sky is blue, the birds are singing and all is good with the world. I sat outside with my morning coffee and again for lunch. Is it nice where you are? Hope you’re having a lovely day 🌸

Transformation Tuesday 🌸 A couple of years ago

Transformation Tuesday 🌸

A couple of years ago I won a competition with @albanyhomedecor @treacy_decor which was an external home makeover to the value of €3,000. I also got a new front door thanks to Albany and Roscommon Windows 🙏
Not only that but I had the lovely @adeleroche.ie come to the cottage as part of the package. Adele was amazing, she visited the cottage and blew me away with her knowledge of colour and colour psychology. In the end I chose a different colour for the door, Cinder Rose, Farrow and Ball, which I love! It’s probably the most asked question on here. 🌸💕🌸
Now off you go and enter some competitions because people do actually win 😜

Thank you so much again @albanyhomedecor (especially Paul 💓) @treacy_decor @adeleroche.ie and Roscommon Windows 🙏🌈🌸💕

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