2 hours to make a birthday present and no cash * =
A monkey bag.
Bag made from an old cushion cover = £0.00
Monkey made from thrifted woollen blankets = £0.01
Monkey's t-shirt made from a tiny piece of Molly's old t-shirt = £0.00
Lining made from Ikea fabric which cost about £3 a metre = 25p ish.
Total cost £0.26p.
I'm off to the big smoke (London) tomorrow to spend the weekend with my sister
Just me on my own.
Woo-hoo !
And there will be no men, just Harve and the dog who don't count because we can boss them around and misbehave to our hearts content.
As if we would.
Here's hoping you do a bit of misbehaving this weekend too.
* I like to save my money for wine.
xx
:))
Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by: méri | September 25, 2008 at 02:55 PM
What a perfectly sweet little bag...and you can't beat the price! Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Chica Schmica | September 25, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Great bag, great price, really great reason for saving money!
Have a nice weekend
Posted by: Christine | September 25, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Super gift with great value.
Well done!
Posted by: Lappesola | September 25, 2008 at 04:07 PM
brilliant! birthday presents v. wine? wine always wins!!!
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | September 25, 2008 at 04:07 PM
what a lovely bag - I love the monkey - home made gifts are so much better than bought ones.
Love H
Posted by: Helen Lambert | September 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
He has just the sweetest little face! I always make birthday presents for my daughters friends. While at our last party my daughter asked "What did your Mommy make?".
And your weekend? That sounds like my kind of weekend. Have fun!
Posted by: Siew | September 25, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Love a bag with a story, who wouldn't be delighted with such a cheeky chap, and is that a Bunnikins mug I spy?
E
xx
Posted by: Eleanor | September 25, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I have never written in to your blog but feel I must give you a rave - I have probably read most of your blog posts and think you are the funniest and warm hearted person, AND make the cutest things (LOVE Ruby). Thank you for sharing all you do, including all the little funny things.
Posted by: romaine | September 25, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Long time lurker here... that is really adorable! I just had to tell you. You are very talented and I love seeing your creations. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Liz | September 25, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Awww such a sweet monkey!
Have a lovely weekend! xo
Posted by: Jenny S | September 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Haha, I save my money for wine as well 8-)
I like how you stitched the monkey's face so it frays just a bit around the edges, it looks more--playful? than just using an applique stitch.
Posted by: Donna | September 25, 2008 at 05:06 PM
This is such a great gift! What a sweet little monkey! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Christine | September 25, 2008 at 05:11 PM
That is unbelievably cute. Nice work!
Posted by: Vonnie | September 25, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Hello, I have just discovered you via 'feeling stictchy'
Had a good read, it sounds very like my house! We too broke a dyson after we'd done some DIY. We cleaned it for many hours in the bath but the fine plaster dust didn't shift so I just had to have a new one!
It's a shame I missed your giveaway :-( but I'll be back (oooh, came over all Arnie then)!
Daisie xxx
Posted by: Daisie | September 25, 2008 at 05:51 PM
It's so cute. You are one resourceful lady!
Posted by: Tiff@Three Peas | September 25, 2008 at 06:03 PM
So awesome. Your no cash presents rock.
Posted by: amigurumigirl | September 25, 2008 at 06:18 PM
oh! so cute!
may i copy this little monkey? my little daughter would love it on a shirt!!
greez, lina
Posted by: lina | September 25, 2008 at 08:02 PM
How can I get put on your birthday gift list??? That is precious! A very brilliant and resourceful gift and I am sure the recipient loved it.
And, for the sake of solidarity, may I just say how familiar I am with the birthday party but no money for a birthday gift dilemma? Because I have several kids, there are lots of birthday invitations that cross our paths. In addition to sometimes not having the cash, I hate to just go out and buy another mass-marketed plastic thingy for someone to add to their already too-big pile of STUFF.
Enjoy your visit with your sister. I hope you will share with her that bottle of wine you bought with the money you saved on the birthday gift!
Posted by: busyHSmom | September 25, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Crazy cute!
Posted by: Its_Lily | September 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
O.O
THAT IS ONE OF THE MOST CUTEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN.
Cheers to your talent! :3
Posted by: Savannah | September 25, 2008 at 08:47 PM
That is so lovely! Handmade presents are by far the best. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Posted by: Joanne Tinley | September 25, 2008 at 09:39 PM
that is one cute little monkey!
Posted by: amandajean | September 25, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Ha, ha...love your sense of humor. Cute monkey bag!
Posted by: tammyCA | September 25, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Soooooo cute!
Think this is my first comment so hi :)
Posted by: Starry | September 25, 2008 at 10:32 PM
How much nicer is it to get something handmade than something from a shop that loads of other people have. Well done you - it's gorgeous.
Posted by: Fiona | September 25, 2008 at 10:48 PM
and the look on the lucky recipients face? Priceless!!
Posted by: LizJury | September 25, 2008 at 10:52 PM
that monkey is so cute
Posted by: ciyou | September 26, 2008 at 03:23 AM
That is so incredibly cute! It's even better that you made it out of htings you had on hand, I just love your designs!
Posted by: ohthecuteness | September 26, 2008 at 05:26 AM
Yay for handmade, loving prezzies! We are known far and wide as the family who always gives a book. (Usually something else along with, but ALWAYS a book.)
Posted by: kt | September 26, 2008 at 06:21 AM
i looooove spending time with my sister but sadly she is in london and i am all the way here in australia:( your monkey is way way way cute. have fun xx
Posted by: rosey | September 26, 2008 at 09:29 AM
The bag is SO cute!
Posted by: Tizzalicious | September 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
That's adorable! Nicely done!! :)
Posted by: Meg | September 26, 2008 at 01:32 PM
So lovely, just something for a little boy or girl! Such a present makes it so special.
Posted by: betty | September 26, 2008 at 04:25 PM
i totally LOVE that bag...
sooooooo cute!
Posted by: gkgirl | September 26, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Wow. I am totally in awe of your last-minute, on-the-cheap gift--you'd never know either to look at it!
Posted by: Emma | September 27, 2008 at 03:33 AM
Such a nice monkey bag!
I also love to make the presents, not only for the money I save but also because the present it's just for that person.
But I'm gelous, I wish I could be able to make such nice thigs in just 2 hours, I am much slower.
Greetings!
Posted by: ElenaMelena | September 27, 2008 at 07:48 AM
more dash than cash - i like it!!
with you on the vino as i sit here with a glass of very nice burgundy and i swear there are no food miles on this and besides, when was wine a food?!!
Posted by: louise | September 27, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I am in love with this monkey. How creative. Just wonderful. Well done!
Posted by: Jodi Renshaw | September 28, 2008 at 04:40 AM
I love that monkey.
Posted by: Emma | September 28, 2008 at 01:42 PM
I like your site wery much ! I hope its ok for You that I make a link from my blogg ?
Elin from Norway
Posted by: elin-e | September 28, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Stashbusting projects are the best! Yours is quick and cute!
Posted by: quenna | September 29, 2008 at 02:14 AM
don't you love it when you can save money AND when what you've made is cuter than what you could buy anyway?? I'm sure she'll love it..
Posted by: kburklin | September 29, 2008 at 02:55 AM
very cheap and very cute, i love it !!!
Posted by: distantshores | September 29, 2008 at 11:47 AM
brilliant as usual!
Posted by: margaret | September 29, 2008 at 01:25 PM
oh, I`d like to make something so cute right away! Thank You for inspiration!!!!!!
Posted by: eva | September 30, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Awesome! Gifted and Thrifty. Amy
Posted by: amy zimmer | October 01, 2008 at 01:57 AM
Impressively thrifty as well as lovely!
Posted by: little red hen | October 03, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I love the the monkey bag. It totally is a great feeling when you can use existing supplies to come up with such a great gift.
Posted by: LynAnne Smucker | October 03, 2008 at 06:53 PM
too cute! don't you love turning something free into something that someone will value and cherish?
Posted by: Angela | October 04, 2008 at 03:11 AM
Oh! Love the bitty monkey!!
Just read your C.R.A.P. post (I'm a wee bit behind)...Bwahaha!!!! I think I am afflicted too, sun shines today tho!
Posted by: angie.a | October 05, 2008 at 05:42 PM
I love that! A monkey bag and money for wine! How perfect.
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | October 05, 2008 at 09:29 PM
HOW CUTE ! :)
Will you do a tutorial for it? (pretty please)
have a great weekend :D
Posted by: Emily | October 06, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Amo visitar o seu blog =D
Beijinhos
Posted by: Ana Melo | October 06, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I just love you crafts, so cute. I often make pressies too, but they dont turn out as as yummy as yours!
First time mention for me too! so Hi as well.
Posted by: Leah | October 07, 2008 at 04:23 AM
I love your stuff! Darling things. The monkey is adorable ...and those shoes....I love to save money and make things out of old things too!!!
Posted by: lymda | October 08, 2008 at 10:36 PM
LOVE it! So thrifty - but so perfect!
Posted by: Rachael Rabbit | October 09, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I just found your blog recently, so much fun! I love the monkey bag, so cute!
Posted by: Amy | October 10, 2008 at 06:41 AM
hi! this is the best monkey bag I´ve ever seen!
I really like your blog :o)
Posted by: sonia | October 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM
You are brilliant!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | October 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Hi Molly! I've given you a blog award if you'd like to stop by my blog and see!
Posted by: Missy Hollenbeck | October 11, 2008 at 02:16 AM
I'm totally impressed!
Posted by: april | October 11, 2008 at 05:46 AM
I am in love with your wee monkey bag. So sweet! In my opinion, waaaaaay better than anything you could have bought in the store.
Posted by: Steph | October 11, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Love your blog and how lovely is this. You'll see in my blog that I always call my little ones monkeys. I will show them this bag tomorrow!
Posted by: Busy Betsy | October 11, 2008 at 10:43 PM
That bag is so gorgeous. I wish I could whip up such fabulous presents for so little money.
Hope you had a great weekend.
Posted by: Jennie | October 14, 2008 at 07:25 AM
A really cute bag indeed..
Posted by: Jeanne | October 15, 2008 at 05:19 PM
What a great bag, I love it! Thank you for the inspiration...
Laurie
Posted by: Laurie Miller | October 16, 2008 at 03:05 AM
An award for you:http://ciyoucolorscity.blogspot.com/2008/10/butterfly-award-for-coolest-blog-i-ever.html
I love reading your blog
Posted by: ciyou | October 16, 2008 at 05:02 AM
Brilliant and inspired!
Posted by: Fran | October 16, 2008 at 05:21 AM
It might have taken you two hours but it took this novice four and a half to shamelessly mimic your cheeky monkey. Thanks for the fab inspiration!
Posted by: nat blue | October 17, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Magical! And for no money! Amazing..
Posted by: lisette | October 22, 2008 at 09:04 PM
That monkey bag is unbelieveably cute!
Posted by: crissy | January 01, 2009 at 02:30 AM
When your out of money the creativity is always better!
Good job and lovely too!
Posted by: pussman | February 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
great ideas will keeping coming back for great ideas like this one thanks xx
Posted by: beds | May 21, 2010 at 12:50 PM