tiny happy

making journal

about

‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

retro-rainbow cases (and a giveaway)

January 26, 2011

I had fun making these cosmetic/project cases from some of the rainbow-coloured vintage linen that I'd been hoarding for a while. I've reopened my etsy shop for the new year, and thought it would be nice to start with some cheerful and bright goods. I think most of the linens I used to make these cases are from the 1960's or 70's. My favourite is the one with orange marigold-style flowers.

And every new shop opening is a bit sweeter with a giveaway, don't you think? To say thank you for all your support and for visiting my blog, I have the blue linen case (in that last picture above) and some other wee things to give away to a reader. If you leave a comment on this post I'll draw a name randomly tomorrow or the next day. Maybe you could tell me something that you'd like to see in the etsy shop this year? Or otherwise, something about yourself. Cheers!

Posted in Uncategorized

226 responses to “retro-rainbow cases (and a giveaway)”

Karey

January 26, 2011

Hi Melissa, I was thinking the other day that you haven’t had any kids t shirts in your shop for a while. I remember those cute checked apple t shirts you used to make. Would love to see some more of that sort of thing. Or some of your needlework as art….
Nice to see your shop open again!

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Leslie

January 26, 2011

I love those bags and so glad your shop is open again. I have one of your small zippered pouches and I love it! I have nothing to add as far as ideas except keep doing vintage linen, I love it!

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Julie

January 26, 2011

I love seeing how you use old things to make something new. I have oodles of fabric and old garments waiting for new life. Always need some inspiration!

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lauren

January 26, 2011

Hello! I would maybe like to see some dresses in your shop this year? I’ve seen some of the ones you’ve made for your self and your kids but I don’t think I have seen any in the shop! I love your vintage prints so maybe a sundress dress made of those??!
I don’t know but your creations sure are lovely 😉

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lauren

January 26, 2011

oh and my blogity blog is: http://rancidchic.livejournal.com/

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Nelia

January 26, 2011

I just love the neat fabrics that you find and all of the little goodies you create – I love to see your embroidery work. You’re very talented. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

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Irene

January 26, 2011

Love your delicate embroidered works. Would like to see them on little coin purses, bags and pendants (on the outside, not within a locket, so that all can see and appreciate its beauty!)

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Deidre

January 26, 2011

I really your pieces with embroidery — but all of your stuff is great ( I also love your happy “housewife” — I’ve been searching our local thrift stores for some lovely vintage ribbon…no luck yet – but I will keep looking!) Thanks for chance to win!

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katie

January 26, 2011

oh me too! the ‘orange marigold-style flowers’ case pops off the page!! X

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Beth

January 26, 2011

I love your clothes and embroidery. Some clothes to buy would be awesome 🙂

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Erin N.

January 26, 2011

I really love it all. These bags are so darling!

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Sherrieg

January 26, 2011

I would love to see a simple linen scarf (with embroidered details, of course). The marigold one is my fave, too. 🙂

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sophia foley

January 26, 2011

mmm…i love the clothing idea as well. I second (or third or fourth whatever…) that notion by far!! you’re tiny happy makes me mighty joyful every time I check it!!

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tinyhappy

January 26, 2011

thanks for that, cherie- the shirring is easy peasy so go for it! 🙂

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Joanne Foot

January 26, 2011

Hi Melissa, I’m finding your blog inspirational, giving me all sorts of starting points. I have to say that I recognise that orange print – must have been around while I was growing up 😉 LOL
Would love to see more of your clothing 🙂

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tinyhappy

January 26, 2011

ooh- have fun with it, jo, and good luck! 🙂

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Karen

January 26, 2011

Those fabrics are perfect for Summer!
Australia Day here,so been for a swim at the Ocean Baths.Temp may reach high 30 degrees.
Always enjoy looking at your blog including lovely NZ photos
Karen
Newcastle (NSW)

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fiona

January 26, 2011

hello M! 🙂 you could start off with those fabric of your lovely designs. happy shop opening and happy sales to you!

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Jennifer

January 26, 2011

I only recently found your blog, but you make such beautiful things. Your bags are just gorgeous and your necklaces are beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you make this year.

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Julie

January 26, 2011

I love everything that you make and check your blog every single day and really look forward to it. I really like your work with old doilies and would LOVE to see more of this if I had to choose something. But really its all just great and you are so talented. Wishing you a creative 2011. 🙂

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Carole

January 26, 2011

what a great idea to use old linens for bags.
My favourite thing on your site is the shoulder bag tutorial. I’m quite addicted to making bags, but not good at finishing any projects!
Carole

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heather

January 26, 2011

I love your embroidered pins, always! My favorites are the flower and animals ones. I wear the swan one I bought from you all the time. Also, I am secretly in love with those velveteen rabbits.

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Barb

January 26, 2011

your zip purses are beautiful and can be used for so many things. more of those in all kinds of colours would be great!

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Tracy

January 26, 2011

I would love to see some more of your floppy eared (sp?) rabbits in your etsy shop this year. I think that they are just super.

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Barbara

January 26, 2011

I second (or third) the call for the rabbit pattern. Also more needle cases and as my daughter gets big enough to wear them – some of the awesome kids clothes you make.

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*karen

January 26, 2011

I ❤ your aesthetic. I do lurk at your blog for tiny bursts of happy :o)

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Heart Felt

January 26, 2011

As much as I adore your needlework, I’m always a fan of your children’s clothing ~ simple, care free but beautiful. xx

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Sally

January 26, 2011

I love both your delicate handwork, embroideries such as brooches and I also like your use of retro fabrics for bags or purses. Your blog has inspired me to collect vintage tablecloths. You have resuscitated 1970s florals for me!

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Andree

January 26, 2011

love these little purses, great for my bus card and change, think the fabric lovely.

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lydia persson

January 26, 2011

love the one with orange flowers. it reminds me of a couch my mum and dad had.
just so cute.

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Cinnamon

January 26, 2011

I’d love to see some of your embroidery framed as is on a hoop for hanging on the wall. Maybe a set of small pieces? Or two larger ones sold together? A quick something about me…I’m from Hawaii and danced hula from age 5 until I was 17 (competed and all).

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Rebecca

January 26, 2011

I love your blog and love your shop. One of my favorite things you make are the lockets. Any thing that you think up for the shop will be brilliant, I’m sure.
This is a great give away!

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Dag

January 26, 2011

these are beautiful! – how can you even think about parting with the beautiful fabrics… i hope for your sake, that you’ve hoarded some of these beauties for yourself!
thanks for the chance to win!

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Thouraya Battye

January 26, 2011

Thanks for the giveaway…I love you work and the beautiful photos you take of your work…a great combo!

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Megan

January 26, 2011

I’m so glad the shop is open again. Your cards are some of my favorite things; I’m holding onto the last two hellebore notes until just the right person needs a letter. I’d love to see some of your fabric designs in the shop!

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lisa

January 26, 2011

melissa, i just adore the simplicity of your guileless style! i would love to use one of your darling pouches for my cosmetics, but i prefer the triangular-shaped pouches… it’s so much easier to find what you’re looking for. tall enough for a powder, long enough for a brush or eye pencil. but if i win your giveaway, i have plenty of loose items for that too!

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Aria

January 26, 2011

Hi Melissa
I really like your little baby shoes.
From,
Aria

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Erin

January 26, 2011

I love reading your blog to see what you’ve been up to on the other side of the world… I especially like the glimpses of the corners of your home and how you fill them with pretty things. I like the needle cases and the little bags that you make…

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Kirsty

January 26, 2011

I’d love to see more of your drawings.
I’m currently stuffing a little calico doll that my 4 year old daughter sewed this morning. Her first proper go on the sewing machine.
Thanks for your beautiful blog and thanks for being so inspiring. I look forward to reading every day and miss your posts on the weekends!
Thanks Melissa 😉

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pippa

January 26, 2011

Hi my name is Pippa I come from England, living in Australia & married to NZ maori, I am quite new to this, my sister recomended I take a look at your blog & since then I’ve been hooked, you really are an inspiration & I too have started a blog mainly so my sister & I can see what eachother have been doing & making, I get excited to see what you have been doing everyday, love it all xx

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eveline

January 26, 2011

I love your needlebooks! 🙂

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Shalvi

January 26, 2011

I love your work. Thanks for the chance to win this pouch.

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Emily

January 26, 2011

I would love to see anything with your lovely, whimsical embroidery on it. Your blog has so inspired me to get back into embroidery. Thank you 🙂

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jenni

January 26, 2011

Hi Melissa, i loved the material you designed…i am also still enjoying summer here in South Africa….and your dress design…is also one of my favorite …

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Nzgirl05

January 26, 2011

Just joined your blog… I read about you in the, ummmm… was it the Sunday magazine? anyway, love it!!

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tina

January 26, 2011

loved the rose pins you made last year from felt. pillowcases are always great. and sometimes when you make a cute skirt for the kids i secretly wished there would be an adult version of it, too. x

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Mirva

January 26, 2011

Hi! I’ve been a follower of your blog for a while now, and more recently I’ve discovered the art of recycling used fabrics and clothes for children’s wear, so for inspiration I’ve been reading your blog, when I have the time, from the beginning. Thanks for the lovely lemon curd recipe.
What I’d like to see in your shop is precisely children’s wear (a busy student/mom doesn’t have all the time in the world!) and your lovely bags of course.
Thanks for sharing your ideas and instructions with all of us out there. You really are a true inspiration!

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tinyhappy

January 26, 2011

hi mirva, and thank you for your lovely comment!

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Laura

January 26, 2011

Your fabric! It’s beautiful!

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Bek

January 26, 2011

Thanks for the giveaway! I love your needle books too. All your embroidery is lovely. Little works of art.

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