Nifty Thrifty

Following My Dream ...

2010-02-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm back! As you will know, during the run up to Christmas, I was attending craft shows as a maker as well as organising craft shows myself. A hell of a lot of work goes into planning and promoting a craft show. We had great turn-outs and, in spite of news of a recession, people were spending money. Obviously we would all have liked to have seen more cash being spent but the support was extraordinarily heartening.

My original plans had been to expand the craft shows over the next couple of years so that they became a regular feature for both the local and tourist markets with a view to, some time in the future, turning this experience into my long-held dream of opening a craft gallery here in North Devon.

And so, to cut a long story short, I've decided to skip a step and go straight for the gallery!

And that's pretty much why I've been very quiet so far this year. I've been looking at spaces, frantically researching as much background information as I can glean oh and selling my house (we've exchanged contacts at long last).

The upshot is that I will be opening a commercial contemporary gallery specialising in crafts from selected local and British designer makers. So watch this space folks!

Craft Flu

2009-11-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

Honestly - I think I have it. I've spent the whole of November either making stuff for craft shows, organising craft shows or selling at craft shows. This is in addition to fulfilling freelance obligations such as my copywriting contracts.

It was my Handmade Here event in the Pannier Market on Sunday and I was chuffed with the range and quality of the work on display from local artists and makers. In spite of downpours and blustery gales we had a great turn-out. It was the usual mixed bag of sales with some makers doing a roaring trade and others feeling disappointed with takings. Good ol' lovely Lou manned my stand all day and managed to do very well for me (a huge mwah mwah!!)

I manned a makey-do table all day showing folk how to make crafty Christmas decorations with a thrifty theme - of course - and I did loads of potato printing with the kids ... I think that's where I caught it, this craft flu.

The upshot is that I'm well and truly pooped.

One more craft event this weekend - Friday and Saturday I'll be at the Yarner Trust over at Welcombe and then I'm taking a couple of weeks off.

How is everyone else doing out there in crafty land?

2009-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

FREE Make-do-and-mend workshops at Barnstaple's Pannier Market

If you fancy cutting costs this Christmas why not have a go at making your own Christmas decorations and gift tags at a FREE workshop this Sunday (22nd November)? All things handmade are being celebrated at the Handmade Here Contemporary Arts and Crafts event, where Devon based-artists and makers are showcasing their work in the Barnstaple Pannier Market from 10am to 4.30pm.

As part of the celebrations, local artists will be showing you how to make your own crafty creations. FREE workshops for adults and children will be running throughout the day giving you the chance to make your own Christmas decorations using a range of materials.

‘Make-do-and-mend will be a big theme this year in many households so we’ll be showing you how to make simple, but beautiful garlands, Christmas bunting, decorations and gift tags out of scraps of fabric and paper. We want to show how easy it is to make designer-inspired goods using inexpensive materials,’ said event organizer Tracey Benton.

There will also be a prize draw at the event where visitors will have the chance of winning goodie bags full of handmade products. Even better the prize draw will be FREE to enter.

Bridesmaid dresses up for grabs

2009-10-25T14:53:00.001-07:00

A good friend of mine married her handsome prince last year and I got to be Bridesmaid along with two close friends. One year on and my friend is expecting her first baby. The bridemaids are selling their dresses and putting the cash raised towards lots of lovely baby presents. We've sold one dress but two remain. They are a deep red/burgundy colour, perfect for a winter wedding and are from the Debenhams debut range. They're both size ten, which is miraculous because I'm actually a size 12 in real life, though my friend is a definite size ten. So I'd say they are a big size 10. The pic in blue is from the Debenhams current range and is the same as the red dresses except, obviously it's blue instead. They were £100 new and have only been worn once. Do you know of anyone who would like to make us an offer? All cash raised goes to the bouncing baby kitty! xx

Ta Da

2009-10-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

Here's the poster for my forthcoming arts and crafts event at the Barnstaple Pannier Market Nov 22nd. I'll have 30 artists and makers with a stunning range of work ... all handmade here in Devon.
The poster was designed by the brilliant graphic designer Ziggi Baker .. let me know if you want her contact details ...

Be afraid ... be very afraid ...

2009-10-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

I got a call today from my bank. Someone has been using my credit card to buy stuff ... and that person wasn't me. Thank goodness for all the anti-fraud measures that banks have in place now. Any slightly odd looking purchases and they call you up.

Someone had made used my card that very morning to buy something for £25 from Cyprus??? And had knocked up a few bills buying goods from a dodgy mail order company. Anyway a few small amounts had been spent over yesterday and today and the total was only about £100 and my card has been stopped so none of the payments will go through.

The scary thing is that apparently there are people out there who spend all day generating random numbers to see which ones work and which ones don't. Sometimes they strike lucky and will try to see if they can get away with a few small payments before going for a big one.

Thank heavens that my bank ... big plug for LLOYDS TSB folks ... are so on the ball.

Show and tell

2009-10-08T01:33:00.001-07:00

Photos aren't great and need to take some better ones ... when there's some sunshine, maybe. Anyhows here are some of my new pieces. I've been combining vintage lace with freshwater pearls. I've also been working up some new pieces using ceramic parts and those good old gummy bears. Really pleased that they went down well at the Boutique Night at Lilico's and sold quite a few pieces (hooray). Need to seriously get my behind into gear as I have five ... yes ... FIVE ... craft events lined up over November. That includes one that I'm organising myself at the Historic Pannier market in Barnstaple. I have some great makers lined up by the way and it's gonna be a seriously fab event.

Off to put some socks on as my tootsie are freezing cold ... there's a real chill in the air.

Boutique Night at Lilico's

2009-10-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from my first craft event in Barnstaple (some of my photos were a bit rubbish but this should give you a good idea of the range and quality of work there). The venue Lilico's was absolutely perfect to showcase some of Devon's talented designer makers. We had people queuing up before 5pm to get in, which was flipping fantastic, and thanks to the 30 goodie bags I had standing by. The bags were filled with scented soy candles in vintage containers, handmade brooches and ceramic bunnnies - all handmade by yours truly (if I hadn't been so up against it I would have taken pics). Thanks also to Jan from Hetty Hesketh who donated some fabric love hearts to go in the bags. We had fantastic coverage in the local rags, which was brilliant and helped bring new audiences in. All told we had about 170 people through the door, which is pretty good going for a Wednesday night in Barny. And they spent money too, which is even better. These kind of events don't happen that often in Barny and I truly believe that if we can make good quality handmade arts and crafts a regular feature, we can build up a good strong and dedicated fan base. The punters went away very happy and many asked when we would be doing something like this again. It was worth all that hard work. Lilico's did a roaring trade too so they're up for more. Watch this space!

To find out more about the individual makers click here.

And now that I have a successful event under my belt I need to work really hard to make sure that my next event is even better: HandmadeHere @ Christmas in the Historic Pannier Market on Barnstaple High Street on Nov 22nd.

2009-09-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

I had a go at making some sock critters - there's a monkey, bunny and thingumy. What do you think? I can see why some of you are addicted to making them - once you've added a few details, they really do take on their very own personalities.

Anyhows, I'm not making sock critters to sell but just to add to my 'craft' party offerings. I love that they're pretty easy to sew as the fabric doesn't need complicated hemming etc and figured they'd be a great project for those who are relatively new to sewing. I need to work up a super simple version for beginners - those pictured are for people who can already sew.

What's great about these sock critters is that you can adapt the project to suit different levels so those with more advanced sewing skills can make super fancy schmancy versions (like the brilliant itty bitty pirate kitty ones from theothermouse).

My craft parties are primarily for kids and teens - though a few adults have swooned over monkey ...

2009-09-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

The lovey Lindsey from Swirly Arts is having some serious cupcake loving over at her Cuteable blog. Apparently it's national cupcake week this week, which is, frankly, far more important to the nation than national moth night (I am not joking it's 18th Sep). Moths are horrid hairy critters and they flap and point their horrid hairy antenae things towards you. Whereas cupcakes are simply devine, delicious and completely calorie free (according to one of my cleverest friends who knows stuff like this).

Check out Lindsey's cupcake posts as there's loads of fantastic handmade gorgeousness totally inspired by the not-so-humble cupcake. Including my upcycled cupcake pictured above. The base is made from the cuff of a man's shirt (left over from making a cushion) and the top is made from a linen chair-back. Lindsey is such a star is also featured my cupcake on CraftJuice

2009-09-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well folks the Boutique Night at Lilico's (30th September 5-9pm) is fully booked with an absolutely fantastic range of Devon-based makers. It's mainly a mix of jaw-droppingly gorgeous fine jewellery and contemporary dress jewellery, exquisite bags and accessories. All handpicked by moi so I can guarantee that it's all fabulous. Importantly it's all handmade here in Devon ... which brings me to my new blog

Ta da ...

The new blog aims to update folks on craft events and workshops in the area as well as showcase the artists and makers who will be there.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Bookings have opened for a Craftacular Christmas celebration of Devon's artists and makers. We'll be at the historic Barnstaple Pannier Market on November 22nd to coincide with the light switching on ceremony and to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Touting me wares in Torrington

2009-08-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

Doing my stuff and meeting people. Accessories went down really well (so much so that my table started to look a bit bare - must make loads more stuff) and met loads of talented Devon crafty folk.

upcycled peg bags ...

2009-08-23T05:53:00.001-07:00

My brother asked me to make him a peg bag, so I rummaged through my pile of 'recycling stuff' which included some kids clothes that a friend of mine had given me to chop up. Hmmm, I thought, I wonder if this will work. So I went about chopping up said clothes and embellishing with appliques and vintage buttons. I am mighty pleased with the results and am happily making more to list on my website and to take along to the craft fairs in the run up to Christmas.

Gummy Bears get the beady treatment ...

2009-08-19T04:45:00.001-07:00

I've had this ring for years. Bought it on a trip to New York. It's getting a bit jaded now but I still wear it and still love it. So much so that it has provided the inspiration for a new ring. I wanted to see how many different ways I could use my Gummy Bear beads so I tried this ...

Here's a close-up of my test piece ...

For a first attempt at beading I'm pretty chuffed, though it does need some refining. I may try doing a simple beaded ring and then weave the Gummy Bear bead in over the top and see how that works.

I have to wear my nails stupidly short because I'm such an oaf that when i'm working with clay, if my nails aren't short I keep stabbing my work and leaving nail marks. doh!

On another note, I went to the cinema to see the Time Travellers Wife (loved the book and loved the film too). Stopped off for a glass of wine at the fabulous Lilico's of course and my friend and I got talking about ceramics. My very clever friend made the very valid point that the makers who stick at what they are doing and have a distinctive and definite style are the ones who appear to be the most successful.

Me, I tend to jump around from idea to idea and project to project. In a way it's important to do this too - how else will you find your creative groove? However as I jump between ceramics and upcycled textiles I think I need to hone things down a little so that instead of making lots of good stuff I can start making a distinct selection of excellent stuff.

The tricky thing is working out where to focus. Doing a craft market over in Torrington next week so maybe I can see what happens there and take a lead from that.

Other makers - what are your thoughts on developing a distinct range?

Oooh and on a final note. One day I hope to be this good ...

This is from the very talented Nicola from Kianda - who has opened her own bespoke jewellery boutique up the road in Ilfracombe. Her work is absolutely stunning and you'll be able to see it at Lilico's on September 30th for my fabulous boutique evening.

Gossip girl style head bands

2009-08-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Eat yer hearts out Blair and Serena! Inspired by my daughter's favourite TV show Gossip Girl where fashionable and exceedingly rich Manhattan fashionistas sport an array of fetching head gear, I fancied trying to make some fancy schmancy headbands from bits of fabric left over from other projects. I also want to add some upcycled accessories to my collection ready for the Boutique night at Lilico's at the end of September. I am loving these test pieces ...

Rubbish pics - I need to invest in a decent camera. Ohhh and look can you spot the sunshine. It was here for a moment or two.

A huge thank you to Nisha, my daughter's friend who stepped in to model (my daugther refused point blank). Though I had to promise not to show her face because she was embarrassed - as only a 14 year old can be. She's astonishingly gorgeous and can't see it in herself!

My beautiful clever girl ...

2009-08-06T14:10:00.001-07:00

She done good ... and she made this ... all by herself. She's a budding crafty gal.

In fact she's already cutting up her 2nd little apron as we speak.

Bursting with crafty pride

Nifty Thrifty Mummy

handmade goodies for spider boy

2009-08-04T08:31:00.001-07:00

My scrummy little nephew is having his room decorated and has decided to go for a spiderman theme. So Auntie Tracey (that'll be little ol' moi!) got the scissors and sewing machine out to whip up some spider themed goodies for his birthday.

I made a ginormous floor cushion

I used my late grandad's old army blanket as the base - that's my nephews great grandad. And added a little spider's web applique to brighten the base up a little.

I used ribbon ties with button and toy spider details ...

Having done a post on bunting - well I just had to didn't I? Et voila ... spider themed bunting for his party and his room ....

I also made a fab card with a spider dangling from it ... but forgot to take a photo.

I'm so pleased I made that handmade pledge I'm having so much fun making lovely gifts for my peeps. I hope they like them too!

simple, thrifty homemade bunting ...

2009-07-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love all that shabby chic bunting, draped over walls to announce parties or strung across the washing line to give the back garden a village fete look. I also know that many of you are perfectly capable of sewing your own ... with your eyes shut. However, just in case, I’ve found two brilliant online tutorials that I have posted on my birthday party site that show you how to make your own fabulous birthday party bunting … without using a sewing machine. Even better they make use of bits and bobs that you already have in the house so cost next to nothing to make …

Click here to go to my Ziegel Publishing blog post

I'm gonna build me one of these ...

2009-07-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's dark, it's grey and it's just about as wet as it can be. All the tourists are clogging up the roads instead of enjoying themselves on the beach and I am really quite fed up of getting wet!

Inspired by Glue and Glitter ...

2009-07-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

It's always a bit nerve wracking when you post pics of work in progress but thanks to positive feedback from the brilliantly talented Laura at Glue and Glitter I've decided to share the early shenanigans of my foray into a new line of ceramic jewellery.

Laura had a sneak preview because my work has been heavily inspired by her wonderful, playful pieces that use graphic drawings of objects that are linked together under a theme. I love the way that she plays with the visual language of classic jewellery to create something quirky, individual, unique ... AND fun!

Such as her 'homesick' necklaces ...

So I took some of the ceramic beads that I recently made (using my handmade bead rack so that I could glaze them all over and have threading holes in them!) and played around to see what I could come up with.

A close up ...

These are longer chains and I just wanted to see how I could combine different elements and have different textures through chain, ribbon beads etc. As I'm keen to pursue the 'trompe d'oueil' theme where it looks like a classic piece of jewellery from a distance but close you you see that it's not freshwater pearl used as drops, but gummy bears!

Laura's suggestion is that, instead of trying to combine the vintage button beads with my sweeties, that it could be a stronger piece of work if I kept those two theme separate. By George, I think she's right.

I think I need to do a bit more work but I'm pleased with the concept and overall 'look and feel' of the pieces.

These are my new gummy bear 'pearl drop' earrings which will be winging their way to my Folksy shop in the next few days. Again the idea is that they look like a pair of classic pearl drop earrings from a distance but at closer inspection you see that they are gummy bears. These are based on a pair of earrings I bought years ago (and still wear) from Ore Struck.

In my recent travels playing with jewellery I also tried making some fabric beads from scraps left over from other projects. I also made use of some bits and bobs sent to me by Zennith Zark in a recent destash swap organised by fellow recycler Kerli.

I love the fabric beads (the photo doesn't do this one justice) and they got lots of oohs and ahhs at a recent craft fair (they were there as examples of stuff to make through my newly launched crafternoon parties ...) but the problem I am having is how to attach this to a necklace without it twizzling round. It's annoying and unflattering. I've tried several ways of attaching and securing them but nothing has worked that well as yet. I may have to put a tiny weight in there ... does anyone have any suggestions?

Thrifty bargains and other stuff ...

2009-07-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Popped into the local charity shop and had a natter with the lovely ladies there. One happens to be my old neighbour who, incidentally, is also a magistrate AND takes the oldies out for a posh lunch once a week. She and her husband are a lifeline to some of the older folk in the village who wouldn't see anyone otherwise. I hope to have her energy and compassion when I'm 20 years older.

Well, as we were chatting, I asked if the rather wonderful programme 'Mary Queen of Charity shops' had made any impact on the quality of goods they receive. Erm - no. Apparently some scanky people still think the charity shop is the place to send manky unwashed rubbish - one bag had a pair of soiled knickers in. Obviously this stuff doesn't make it to the shop floor.

The manager was a bit miffed that someone had just handed in a bag of nonsense - old buttons, sequins, threads and scraps of fabric. He was about to chuck it. 'I'll have it', I piped up. He said I could have it for free but I slipped them some readies.

So here's what I went home with ....

I was too lazy to take more pics but there are some vintage buttons, loads of threads some lovely fabrics and some bits and bobs. A bit of 'fun' fur too ... if anyone wants it just email me!

I also came away with some vintage sewing patterns for 10p each - I just can't resist them. I have some lingerie, a cool big wrap coat, a simple A line skit AND ... AND ... AND ... an ORIGINAL Holly Hobbie sewing pattern.

I loved Holly Hobbie when I was 5/6 years old - flip - that was a long time ago. I even used to have a Holly Hobbie duvet set. And a weeny Holly Hobbie shopper - shoppers, they were popular in the 70's too don't ya know! Not sure if I'll use it and may pass it on to someone who can do something with it.

On top of that I also picked up for a quid this lovely table cloth - I'm thinking of turning it into a giant floor cushion. I love the delicate embroidery. I got four napkins to match too.

What a nifty thrifty haul!!

Crafty Devonistas wanted ...

2009-07-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well I've only gone and done it - I've booked two venues for a couple of crafty events here in Deepest Darkest North Devon.

I'm hosting a Boutique evening at Lilico's in Barnstaple on Wednesday September 30th. It's a gorgeous venue which has a tapas restaurant on one side and a cool bar on the other. We'll be taking over the whole of the restaurant - upstairs and downstairs - with stalls chocca full of handmade goodies from local designer makers. There'll be jewellery, accessories, bags, hats, fascinators, lingerie and lotions and potions. All handmade here in Devon!!

It'll be from 5pm til 9pm so people will be able to go straight from work and have a quick massage (there'll also be two gifted massage therapists giving chair massages), a tasty tapas plate, a glass of the old vino and some indulgent shopping ... all under one roof!

Ooo I'm also having one table that will feature a selection of UK handmade goodies to promote some of talented makers I have come across on my travels ..

On top of that I'll be handing out goodie bags and prizes through the evening. Should be flippin' fabulous.

Then later in the year I'm hosting a 'Handmade Christmas' event at the Parish Hall in Braunton. There'll be about 20 stalls featuring all manner of crafty loveliness - textiles, felt, ceramics, art, jewellery, gifts. Again everything will be handmade here in Devon. The idea is to provide a platform for local sellers and to promote the availability of quality handmade products direct from the maker as an alternative to the homogeneous high street. There'll be hot drinks and cakes and a small area dedicated to crafting.

So any brilliant crafty makers who would interested in being involved please let me know. I'm particularly keen to hear from anyone who makes clothes or lingerie by hand as..

Spaces are limited for these events but more are in the process of being planned so watch this space ...

Sending Nifty Thrifty Crafty Devon Love x

Nifty Thrifty Gifty ...

2009-07-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

It was a friend's birthday and she is the sort of person who can turn her hand to anything. Really, she's pretty amazing. I couldn't make any old thing - it had to be special and a bit different. She's just having her sofa recovered so it just had to be a cushion. My friend loves earthy colours and I had a lovely piece of deep purple wool that I had picked up at a charity shop. Freshly laundered, I turned it into a simple envelope cushion cover. To decorate it I had some old crocheted chair backs and cut out some circles and stitched them on. Finally I added some vintage buttons. I'm so pleased with the results - I love it - even better, my friend loved it too ... I think I may have to make one for myself ....

Gazebo Envy ...

2009-07-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

Went to the Pilton Festival yesterday - it was my first outdoorsy event and I was unsure whether or not to attend as the weather had been awful. To cut a long story short, I was too tight to splash out on a gazebo as attending this event was just a test to see if I would do this sort of thing again. So of course it rained and all my beautiful card mounts got soggy so I had to sell my accessories (when they weren't covered up) unmounted. That said it went really well; I got loads of great feedback on my recycled goods and my ceramic pendants. I sold quite a lot of things, including a couple of cushions and promoted the availability of craft parties.

Of course I forgot to take my camera ...

Come back soon ... I'm going to do my very first Nifty Thrifty give-away to celebrate

the generosity of strangers ...

2009-07-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've taken part in a couple of swapperoos recently and I have been blown away by the generosity of people ... who don't even know me ... sending boxes chocca full of crafty gorgeousness. I sure hope that people like the stuff I sent to them!

Take Miriam from Bubba Chenille who was my swap partner in a Polka Dot Swap organised by Polka Dot Daze. Miriam is based in Australia and makes gorgeous funky kids clothes and cute stuff from recycled chenille. If that's not uber nifty thrifty loveliness, I don't know what is! Not only that but she also runs her own craft events too. And still had time to send me ...

A handmade dilly bag (not sure what the dilly bit means - it's OZ talk so will have to ask) but it's a cute little draw-string bag covered in polka dot yo yos. She made some gift tags and covered some buttons and sent me a little dotty travel tag too.

On top of that I got some fabric and dotty ribbons. I hope Miriam likes the spotty stuff I have sent over to Oz. I tried to mix a bit of upcycling in there and made something I've not made before out of fab polka dot fabric.

Then there's Zennith Zark. We both took part in a de-stash swap organised by a fellow recycler Kerli. I got the MOST gi-normous box of stash. Loads of wool - which is tempting me back to my knitting needles, especially as there are two babies on the way via girlfriends. (That said my last knitting soiree was a bit of a disaster - I tried to knit a wee patchwork blanket for my niece, which ended up as a cushion cover due to my lack of skill!)

She also very kindly sent me some beads and bits and bobs - which I'm currently using on some fabric jewellery that I'm experimenting with - THREE bars of chocolate and some sweet little prezzies - a knitted rose to embellish something and a choker made from beads.

All I can say is a very BIG thank you, it is such a treat to get packages fully of crafty goodies. I really do enjoy these swaps - Eeek I hope my recipients enjoy them just as much ...

boo hoo my house sale has fallen through

2009-07-10T04:16:00.001-07:00

I have picked just about the crappiest time to want move. There was a flurry of house buying activity a few months back and I accepted a good offer on my house. I was really pleased, the purchasers had fallen in love with my house, the way I did when I first saw it. It's a beautiful quirky old place, built in the 1820's.

But it's all gone wrong and I'm horribly disappointed. Of course, luck be a lady and a rather fickle one at that, in addition to my buyers pulling out it's now also gone deathly quiet and nobody appears to be buying anything ... again.

If someone could have a word with the house fairies for me that would be grand.

Bags to die for

2009-07-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some research - trying to find really good quality handmade products made by local artisans for an event I'm planning later this year.

And I am so delighted to have come across these little lovelies. These bags are exquisitely crafted by a lady called Jan who trades under the fabulous name: Hetty Hesketh. Jan has a real knack of finding gorgeous vintage fabrics and remaking them into unique and highly desirable goodies. And they're less than £30 each! I think I may have to 'bag' myself one of those bags for my birthday.

What is more - she lives about 3 minutes down the road from me! Who knew that there was a fellow recycler literally a stone's throw away.

Oh and stop press .... I've just opened a new shop, on MISI this time. I'll post a link once it's a bit more populated. I hope to be doing a craft fair with them later this year (if I'm not too late).

In the mean time just 2 weeks to go 'til the Pilton Green Man Festival where myself and Hetty will be selling our stuff x

Some people think I'm bonkers - but I just think I'm free!!

2009-07-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

It's not the best pic but I thought I'd share anyway. This is one of the pieces that I made for my ceramics degree course. It is ever so slightly bonkers ... and yes, that is a jelly baby cameo with swirls and ceramic love heart sweeties! It is now officially MY mug, in that no one else will be allowed to drink out of it.

My last project (the very same one that I got a whopping 84% for) was about iconic images and consumer culture. This is where I get all arty farty. I am interested in taking a traditional iconic image and playing around with it so that, effectively, it says something else. So for this module I took Wedgwood Jasperware i.e. this stuff ...

It was cutting-edge ceramic in its day (late 1800's) and highly regarded, but by the 1970's had become a naff-ware. Not my cup of tea but I am in total admiration for the skill and craftsman ship.

So that was the starting point. I then wanted to look at modern day iconic images and was drawn to our culture of conspicuous consumption. I was also somewhat bemused by the fact that sweeties such as Haribo had become style statements (it says so in Grazia so it must be true!). So I did my own version of the iconic Jasperware pot. It's a bit rough and ready as it's a maquette (i.e a piece that you make to test out your idea). I have taken a Coca Cola bottle (you can't get more of an iconic image than coke!) slip cast it in a handmade Wedgwood blue clay and then frou- frou'd it up with iconic sweets made out of clay, piped clay and little swirls of clayto look like the tops of midget gems.

Now you can see where I got the idea for making gummy bear and jelly baby necklaces - this was the staring point. I know this piece is pretty fugly but, the great thing about doing this course is that you can play around with ideas and it doesn't matter if they 'work' or not aesthetically, because it's about ideas and working out how to make them. I love the fact that I can go with the maddest ideas and not worry about the commercial viability of them. I just have to go with the creative process and fine-tune my skills as a maker along the way.

And along the way new ideas spring up - such as my pendants and a whole new line of jewellery that I'm working on over the summer break.

In the mean time - NOBODY touch my fugly frou frou jelly baby mug!!! Tea tastes fantastic out of it.

I just had to have it!

2009-06-30T03:16:00.001-07:00

It was one of those moments. I logged on to the Folksy homepage and this hit me immediately - it didn't just hit me, it spoke to me ... literally ... in big red letters. Isn't this just the most fabulous statement ever?

It's actually the manifesto of a tea-room and gallery in St. Leonard’s called Aardvark. It's exactly the sort of place that I would love to open here in North Devon. They sell quirky and cool handmade crafts, they support local indie makers and they sell tea and home made cake. Ahhh dream, dream, dream. In the mean time if I can't have my little tea-shop/gallery just yet - I can at least buy a poster that sums up some of my thoughts and views.

I will be launching some small handmade craft events here in North Devon as a pre-cursor to my own little place so any crafters in the North Devon/Devon catchment area please let me know if you would be interested in being involved ...

Name Envy

2009-06-27T02:02:00.000-07:00

They say 'it's all in the name' - hmmm - not fair. I have serious name envy. Two colleagues on my ceramics degree course have the most perfectly fabulous names: Karly La Fontaine and Sue Schmarzel. I mean almost anything they make becomes immediately desirable due to the enormous fabulousness of their names. Karly La Fontaine, for me, conjures up Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, immaculately dressed, eternally stylish, iconic and cool. Sue Schmarlzel is a name I like to roll around my tongue. It reminds me of the sort of sweeties you used to be able to buy by the quarter with your precious (limited) pocket money. I'm thinking bright colours with swirls in them.

In addition to having fabulous names, they are lovely, lovely ladies too.

Karly also happens to be a very talented jewellery maker. All her glass beads are made by hand. The photo at the top of this post is her handywork and here's a close up. Please do take a moment to check out her website with loads more gorgeous hand made jewellery - it's definitely worth the trip.

I think she may have unwittingly made a few glass Schmarzels!!

Do any of your friends or colleagues have amazing names?

Somewhere to chuck clay around

2009-06-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is my messy room. Kinda obvious really given, well ... erm... the mess! It's a pretty fair reflection of all the stuff that's going round in my head at the moment. I have a jumble of ideas that I'm really excited about and need to focus on just one or two for the time being.

This room is just the shabby 'lean to' at the back of my house so it's a great place for using clay - which is a pretty messy business - especially if, like me, you also chuck plaster of paris about for making moulds and use liquid clay for slip casting. Drippy, sticky, dusty and messy all at the same time.

It's also wonderfully peaceful and here, I can make and dream all at the same time.

I'm showing you a picture of my ceramics studio as part of a blogosphere 'creative space' share over at Kootoyou.

I'll soon be posting my new ceramic 'button' pendants (see post below for pics) in my folksy shop as well as more ceramic gummy bear and new ceramic jelly baby necklaces.

Buttonista therapy

2009-06-22T03:38:00.000-07:00

What do you get if you take some pretty vintage buttons, make some dinky little moulds and then cast them in ceramic? These lovely little pendants, that's what. Well at least I think they are pretty. I wasn't sure how they would turn out but was wonderfully pleased with my three test pieces ... so I'm going to make some more. The problem that I always have is how to price them. They are fiddly little blighters to make and involve lots of finishing when they are leather hard. For these I put the glaze into the slip so only fired them once. I might try with a glaze too to see how they look, but I do like the sheer simplicity of form and the way that the detail has come through - this might be lost with a layer of glaze. Any thoughts on price, I really do have no idea??

Girlie Swot!!!

2009-06-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Just got back from my end of year college assessment and came away with 84%, which is absolutely flipping fantastic. Just one more year to go and I complete my part time FDA in ceramics, then I plan to do my final 'BA' year as a full time student (providing that my house sale goes according to plan!). On track to get a 1st so I'm really pleased. *dances around the room*

I'm Going Polka-dotty-swappie

2009-06-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

There's a Polka Dot themed swap going on over at the Polka Dot daze blog and I've just been given details of my dotty swapperee. Won't be revealing what I've made until it's been parcelled, posted and received. It's my first international swap and my partner lives all the way over in Oz.

In honour of Bump!

2009-06-15T01:48:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine at college, who is also doing the ceramics course, is currently sporting the most magnificent bump. She stopped me on Friday to hand over a little note. In short, the note said that she was asking each of her chums make a small 16cm x 16cm patch to welcome her pending arrival (due August). She said it could be any colour, any design and that the fabric doesn't have to be baby safe as she plans to use it as a wall decoration once it's made up. I thought it was such a brilliant idea that I made three!!!
I'd been practising embroidery stitches a few months ago and had a bird and a heart stashed away in one of my boxes. I thought they were perfect to use to decorate the patches. Never had a go a patchwork myself, but these were so quick and easy to make, I might just have a go myself after all - I have two other girlfriends with babies on the way so that's a good excuse. I'll let you know how I get on.

And the stupendously active Leanne at See the Woods has just launched a new craft magazine based around Folksy sellers and their work. It includes info on craft and crafers as well as recipes and 'how to's'. It's even completely and utterly FREE. Click here to read the first issue of Go handmade ... go on you know you want to ...

Yeh - I made it myself!

2009-06-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

I got to use my all time favourite saying again today. A lovely lady in one of the shops in the village told me how much she liked my necklace. I beamed like a five-year-old being told their scribble is marvellous: 'Yeh, I made it myself,' I said proudly.

It was, of course, my ceramic gummy bear pendant. Skipedy do dah. I'm so chuffed. My pendant has had so many admiring glances and numerous pre-orders I really need to get my clay skates on.

I'm mixing up some 'sweetie' coloured glazes this weekend as I'd like to see how they look with bright colours. Though I have a sneaky feeling that I'll still prefer the plain white one. It's like my first born bear!!

Contemporary Crafts at Bovey Tracey

2009-06-09T01:13:00.000-07:00

Took a drive out to Bovey on Sunday to check out marquees full of crafty loveliness. A bit of a trek but only took an hour and a half in the end. The only problem with events like this is that there is sooooo much wonderful handcrafted gorgeousness that your head does kind of swim after a while. I was wiped out by the end of it - but in a good way - inspired and in awe at the sheer diversity of skill and creativity.

I thought I'd just give a brief mention to one or two of the particularly talented makers who took the time to chat about their work.

The main picture is by a fellow North Devon-based crafter and textile artist - Vicky Lindo - I'd seen her work before at The Burton Gallery in Bideford. Here's another piece:

Her pieces are beautifully hand-stitched and tell a little story based around animals. On top of being talented she was such a gentle and friendly lady so I was delighted to hear that several of her pieces had been snapped up at the event.

I was also somewhat taken by the ceramic artist Claire Loder - she of the strangely appealing ceramic heads.

I'm not sure what it was about them that drew me to her stand - other than the eye-popping display of floating heads! It's not the sort of thing that I would have expected to have liked but there is something gentle and soulful about her work as well as it being lightly amusing - and dang it! you kind like to look at them too.

I also thought I'd introduce you to hanne rysgaard -one of five designer makers to have set up the Bristol based gallery Blaze.

Her work combines fun with functionality, retro kitsch with modern. I particularly liked the slipcast milk bottles and juice cartons emblazoned with brightly coloured decals. As I'm currently exploring slipcasting and mould making and how to play around with iconic forms, this work appealed to me. Unlike me she also throws beautifully (I throw slowly and wobbly) and a few of her cups were featured in the 'Cup' show at the Devon Guild (also at Bovey).

There were tons of other fabulous makers, incuding some stonkingly good jewellery, and if I have time I'll blog about some other favourites.

Sending Nifty Thrifty Crafty Loveliness from Devon x

Playing with Silver

2009-06-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

I went to the Appledore Arts Festival at the weekend and spent a whole day playing with Silver Clay. It's this amazing stuff that you use in exactly the same way that you would use traditional clay (except in much, much smaller quantities). But then the magic happens when you fire it - either in a kiln or, amazingly, with a blow torch. In just a few minutes your lump of clay turns into solid silver. I made three completely different pendants from one tiny bit of clay.

Everyone at the workshop made something completely different. Isn't it just wonderful that a group of people can be given the same task and - thanks to different personalities and tastes - everyone will make something completely original.

Basically this stuff is called PMC (precious metal clay) has been invented by Mitsubishi. The sterling silver is suspended in a clay body, and the clay body burns away. You have to brush it and burnish it to get it all shiny. I then oxidised the flower and fold-over pendants as I felt they would look better with that aged look due to the texture.

My plan is to try making some of my gummy bear pendants using this stuff. Did try yesterday but fired it too high with my rubbish cheap blow torch so must buy another. PMC is expensive stuff mind so i want to get it right next time. It's about £10 for a lump the size of a 10p!

Ohh I've been blogged!

2009-06-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

WIN WIN WIN!!

The lovely Emma over at Scavenger Bird has very kindly given me a very nifty write up! I'm chuffed to craft pieces. She's also doing a competition and giving away a brooch that I donated to her blog.

Check it out!

Loads of lovely crafty stuff

2009-05-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Kay over at Trashy Princess organised a craft swap. The idea was to provide some tit bits of crafty inspiration for a fellow crafter. It's a bit like secret santa ... only better! I was lucky enough to have been sent a stash by Gemma from Sew You ... lookey, lookey, lookey ...

She only flipping well made me a banner ... with Nifty Thrifty sewn on to the flags. How absolutely, completely brilliant is that?

I got got this cool pattern that I can't wait to try out (it looks easy enough to finish in a day).

She sent me a prototype for a new corsage she has designed . It's lovely and floaty and floppy.

And - as if that wasn't generous enough I got a cupcake pincushion, some buttons, some beads and findings to make earrings and some sequins. Needless to say I was thrilled! I just hope my swapee is pleased with the things I've sent over!

Thank you Gemma x

A load of old rubbish

2009-05-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not these fabulous pieces of art are made entirely out of rubbish - packaging, newspapers, even an empty bag of frozen peas. Who knew that rubbish could be turned into something so beautiful. This is the work of the very brilliant Katie Wall over at Wallop.

In the past I have used old sweetie wrappers and such to make hand made cards (see pics below) but my work does not in any way compare to this. I love the way that Katie has not tried to disguise the original materials, this really enhances the quality of the picture. I think they are fun and fabulous!!

Cupcake floozie!!

2009-05-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

My Nifty Thrifty cupcakes have been featured in the sewing section of the brilliant US craft site craft gossip. I'm ridiculously pleased because this is the 2nd time my work has been featured there. They went down really well at the craft show I went to in Bristol the other week too - I had to stop several people from having a sneaky lick!!!

Button bitchin'

2009-05-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

I'm having a chillful day after very busy day yesterday. Hopped in the car at 7am (on a Saturday morning no less) and hot footed it over to my old stomping ground Bristol for my first ever craft fair. Well, as it turns out, even though there were quite a few fellow crafters touting their gorgeous handmade goodies, the event had been marketed as a Flea Market, so the punters came in looking for cheap stuff. It was at the Folk House on Park Street which is a lovely venue, tucked away in one of Bristol's groovier shopping quarters. There wasn't much footfall that day but I sold a few of my new brooches and had lots of oooh and ahhs over my new line (I need to get some pics and post them for y'all). Anyway, along toodles these two older ladies. They were looking at my brooches and chatting away to each other.

'These are nice,' said one to the other.

'Yes, they are pretty aren't they. I don't like her buttons though, I've got much nicer ones at home,' came the reply.

My daughter and I just giggled - if I was feeling braver I should have asked her to hand them over so that I could make up some brooches and keep the rest!!

Anyway, the brooches seemed to go down rather well with the younger folks and a couple were purchased as gifts, so I was well chuffed with that ... someone buying my stuff as a gift for someone else. How cool is that!!?

Met Clara Bows from Folksy who had her hand made felt hats and candles in vintage tea cups (they smell yummy by the way) and the ZedHead design team were there with their fabulous cushions and lampshades - my daughter has her eye on the one with flamingos for her birthday. There was also this guy who designed and sold these amazing 3D card sculptures check out Cool 4 Cats - the King Kong is just incredible.

With Nifty Thrifty Sunday love x

I've been featured on Craft Gossip

2009-05-02T01:50:00.001-07:00

I should have posted this a few days ago but I've been so busy telling everyone I know that I forgot to blog it - anyway - my pinstripe cushions and cupcake have been featured on the prominent US craft site Craft Gossip. I'm chuffed to crafty pieces and am blogging this for posterity!

You can't chew these Gummy Bears

2009-05-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yummy, yummy, gummy bears!

I've been playing again. For my ceramics degree I am making sweetie sprigs using iconic sweets (it's all about iconic images, consumer culture and desirability). I've made some moulds and am now making tiny Gummy bears, love hearts, jelly beans etc and I'll be attaching them to larger pieces as decoration. Anyway - to cut a long story short - someone suggested that I should think about using some of my sprigs in other ways ... so I turned them into ceramic gummy bear pendants. I used white earthenware (as, unlike porcelain, it doesn't shrink too much) and a clear glaze. I'm going to experiment with using 'sweetie' coloured glazes, so I tested this idea by making some out of polymer clay first and added a varnish. I do like the red polymer clay versions but I love, love, love the ceramic bear. I also think I prefer the simplicity of the white clay and clear glaze but will endeavour to try other things .... so watch this space.

I wore it to college today (I'm a mature student!) and already have 2 orders! So on the basis of that feedback I've decided to add them to my Folksy shop.

Here's a pic of the back of the pendants because they look pretty too ...

Beautiful made-to-order buttons

2009-04-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Lookey, lookey, what arrived for me today. These little lovelies have the initials of all the children in my family, so I'm going to be making some little gifts for them. All kids love having their name or initial on something so this is such a fab idea. Even better they are made to order by incywincystitches and you get to chose from different fabrics and different coloured threads. They're only £1.20 each and I was delighted to receive some extra little buttons (the tiddlers in the pic) that I can use on other sewing projects.

A tutorial for a cupcake in a teacup

2009-04-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this tutorial, which I found on the wonderful crafty website Instructables.

Here's the really easy how to:

Cupcake in a Teacup Pincushion (recycled/upcycled/repurposed!) - More DIY How To Projects

Calorie-free cupcake

2009-04-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to make interesting things out of the bits of shirt left over after making my cushions.

I've tried making hedgehogs (disaster! mutant hedgehogs more like) and after reading the current issue of the rather fabulous Spring issue of UK Handmade I thought I'd have a crack at making cupcakes. They appear to be very much in vogue at the mo. After fiddling around with the sleeve I suddenly hit upon the idea of using the cuff for the base. I wanted to keep the cuff in its entirety so that there was still the clear reference to its previous existence.

I also had these fabulous bright red buttons that I thought would make great cherries. I'd really like to know what you think. Does it work? Would it be better if I just used spare fabric rather than the cuff - and the bit I'm struggling with is - how much should I sell them for? I've put £7 on my Folksy shop - is that too much - too little? I honestly don't know so your views are welcome.

I'm a Kreativ Blogger

2009-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well I'll be bloggered. I haven't logged on to my blog for a few days having been busy over the Bank Holiday weekend. So what a very lovely surprise to find a message to say that I have received a special blog award from Alison at AMIDesigns. Do check out her great blog as she also regularly has very tempting give-aways of her beautiful handmade jewellery.

I'm delighted. Thank you so much!
The rules for this award are:-
1) Add the logo to your blog
2) Link to the person from whom you've received the award
3) Nominate 8 blogs of your choice (see below)
4) Leave a message on the nominees' blogs

I'm taking the concept of 'Kreativ' literally and have chosen the following blogs because a) I read them and enjoy them and b) they help keep me inspired and creative. There are many other blogsthat I love too but I can only choose 8 for this award. So my choices for the Kreativ Blog Award go to -

Lynsey at Swirly Arts
Kay Louise at Trashy Princess
Anna at Half an Acre
The Forever Foxed blog
Dollydoo ...
Kala from Chalk Hill Studio
And Sew Recycled

The UK has a crafty bunch of recyclers!

2009-04-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

We're a talented bunch!!!

I'm embarrassed to reveal that I came to the crafting movement via the USA - which is something of a feat given that I live in deepest darkest Devon. It was through sites such as http://www.craftzine.com/ (I'm soo sad that this magazine will no longer be published) and whipup.net that I reacquainted myself with the art of making stuff. And from these US sites I came across Natalie Chanin who makes the most fabulous garments and stuff from upcycled cotton T-Shirts.

That's when I changed my focus to re-using and re-purposing. It is only very recently, since joining the fabulous UK Handmade (A MUST for anyone who makes things by hand) and the UK based Folksy.com that I discovered some amazing and talented UK-based makers and crafters who upcycle. I've now added a new links list to the ones I've discovered so far and will add to my list as and when I make new discoveries.

Please do send in your own recommendations!!

Pictured top to bottom (click on the photos to buy!)

Recycled stationery by Lottie Lodge. Here she's upcycled a Spanish text book.

Gift tags from Swirly Arts made from cast-off books

Cupcake gift tag from Trashy Princess

Buttons re-made from the inside of envelopes by Milo Made (so very clever!!)

Tea cosy by Vintage Town

Kitty in a box by Abigail Brown

Frabric dog from vintage material by FabricNation

Candle in a Tea Cup by Clara Bows

Easy-peasy Easter baskets from empty milk cartons

2009-03-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

Something really easy for the kids to make this Easter

I just thought I'd post this super easy 'how to' in case it rains and you fancy having a making session with the kids. I made these little Easter baskets out of empty plastic milk bottles. I know they don't look spectacular but I made these up really quickly just as examples. (I'm using beautiful hand-made boxes purchased from Gooseberry Moon's shop on Folksy for Easter goodies for the tiddlers in my family). I usually make these milk carton 'bags' and decorate them to use as party bags for birthday parties. It's an idea from my book Birthday Party which shows you how to run a simple, thrifty but fabulous birthday party for kids.

Anyway here's what you need to do. Take a milk carton, wash it out and chop the top off. You'll see a line just underneath the handle. This is where I usually cut with a craft knife and then tidy up with a pair of scissors. Grown-ups have to do this bit. You can keep the top bit as a scoop if you pop the lid back on - great for getting compost out of the bag!!!

Now you get the kids to decorate them by sticking stuff on like ribbons or sequins or bunnys as per the main pic. You can glue stuff or paint stuff, it's up to you. I've done stripes and spot and pirates and all sorts before so do whatever you fancy. Here's some pics of other's I've made before.

Once you've decorated them use a hole punch to put in some holes. Thread through some ribbon or string and job -done. Pop some choccies in for Easter or make your own party bags and pop some goodies in there for the kids to take home ...

Happy Easter!!

I've bitten the bullet and set up a Folksy shop

2009-03-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

OMG!!

I've gone and done it. I've actually set up a shop with my first few items. I've turned some borning old men's shirts into very girlie cushion covers. So I say to all those ladies out there who are thinking of chopping up their husband/boyfriends clothes ... STOP ... think again. Turn them into something beautiful instead.

Here's the link for my folksy shop

Please go have a look - and if you like what you see please say nice things and do that favouriting thingumy. xx

I've been making again

2009-03-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

EB phone home!!

Here's something I made for the Gorgeous Girl. She takes her phone to school (hmmm) to call me if she misses the bus (so say). Anyway I thought I'd make her a little cosy for 'said' phone. It's red felt on the outside with a jaunty marmalade stripe inside. I even had a go at doing some embroidery by sewing the word 'phone' ... just in case anyone got confused.

Here are some more pics ...

Join the WWF campaign

2009-03-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

I've just signed up for the WWF's Earth Hour campaign. They are asking that 1 billion people across the globe switch off their lights for one hour on March 28. Good idea and not much to ask!!!

To find out more, click on the light switch link in the top right hand corner of ths web page or go to:

http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/signup/

Pretty Maids All in a Row

2009-03-07T01:07:00.000-08:00

All for under a tenner!

I didn't even know I had green fingers - I don't usually have soil under my fingernails - mostly plaster of paris or clay. However, my back yard was looking dull and shabby so I decided to do something about it. I work from home and my window looks out over the yard, what a dull and depressing view ... so I added a splash of colour in a very thrifty way. I saved a few old dog food tins from the re-cycling bin and popped in some pretty pansies from the local garden centre.

Now it looks so much prettier - even better it cost next to nothing and it's re-cycling.

I had trouble taking these pics and most of them turned out a bit blurred. You see Darcy was nibbling my ear at the time and it was, as you can imagine, somewhat distracting! Darcy is my doglett and she has a fondness for nibbling various body parts - but is rather partial to earlobes for some reason. Here she is ...

Something strange is brewing ...

2009-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

OMG!! EeeW!

It's not a pretty sight is it? Looks like something really nasty, slimy and all together not-very-good-for-you has landed on top of this concoction.

But guess what? It's actually supposed to look like this.

I'm making Kombucha. Which is a specially fermented tea that is supposed to be delicious and vitalicious, full of vitamins and nutrients and other 'good' stuff, that you don't get from packets of crisps, cup cakes or Reese's Peanut Cups.

It does look pretty minging doesn't it? But what's happening here is that a new 'culture' is growing on top of the existing culture. This living yeasty thing is what turns sugary tea into a lightly sparkling beverage of mystical medicinal properties - it's supposed to taste nice too.

I'd read about Kombucha and thought I'd give it a go. You need a starter culture - I got mine from aurorashopping.com and it arrives looking like a fat American pancake - except it's very pale and not covered in maple syrup. It arrived vacuum sealed in some Kumbucha juice so that all I had to do was brew up some tea, add some sugar, pop in the pancake (actually called a scoby which stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts). You leave it in the airing cupboard for a week and hey presto some bubbling loveliness is waiting for you.

I left mine a little too long - I tasted it and it was divine but I had read that you need to leave it about 7 days - by which time it was a bit too 'dry' for my taste (in a tongue rasping way). So I've bottled it and I'll try it again in a few weeks - it's supposed to mellow or something. Might turn to vinegar for all I know. My next batch I'll just leave for 5 days - it's currently brewing so I'll let you know.

Here's some more information if you are interested in strange brews from the Far East:

http://www.aurorashopping.com/shop/kombucha.php

Take two T-shirts

2009-03-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

My beautiful new pin cushion

Having tested the waters with a hand made book cover using Natalie Chanin's book - Alabama Stitch Book - (see previous post) I ventured into new territory. It took ages to make as it's all hand stitched and uses 4 layers of fabric. I used the same two T-Shirts that I made the book cover out of and there's still plenty of fabric to make a few more bits and bobs.

Back to the pin cushion - the pockets are weighted with a line of dried rice stitched into the pockets. I totally loooove my new pin cusion because I can put cotton, my small snipping scissors and other bits and bobs in the pockets and balance this on the back of one of my chairs when I'm crafting at the table. Or, as shown, on the arm of my 'snugging' in the corner chair. I love it so much here's another pic so that you can share in my adoration ...

Alabama Inspired

2009-02-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've stopped drooling and started making!

Last year I treated myself to a wonderful book called Alabama Chanin. The book is full of fabulous projects - from book covers to corsets - all made out of old T-Shirts. For months I drooled over the projects and now

Ta da,

I've finally pulled my finger out and made a couple of things.

Here's the book cover I made for a friend. She's just got a new garden and is discovering that her fingers are quite green so I gave her a book on growing salad leaves through the seasons. I thought the leaf design (from a template in the book) rather cunningly went perfectly with the book. The book (the sewing book not the one on salad leaves!!) focuses on hand sewing and applique techniques including the reverse applique that I used for this book cover. This is basically two layers of and you cut through one layer to reveal the material underneath. It's surprisingly simple to do. This is coming from someone who didn't know they could actually sew by hand until they tried.

Here's a close-up!

I used a cream T-shirt underneath and a yummy pink one on top. I used some slightly sparkly pink acrylic paint for the stencil and matched up my thread. I love the way that the book encourages you to leave the knots from your thread on show. it adds a decorative and textural element and also puts the making process on full display.

I also really like the ethos of the company as they make one-off pieces that are hand-stitched by local artisans. They call it 'slow design'. The area where the company is based (Florence Alabama) once had a thriving cotton industry - it doesn't any more. So this company also brings 'cotton' back to in its own unique way. Their website is here: http://alabamachanin.com/

One weeny gripe is that they don't answer your emails - well they didn't answer mine and I was writing an article for an environmental magazine! (I'm a freelence writer and PR when I'm not making stuff)

If you want to find out more I highly recommend you get hold of the book. Amazon sell it for £13.99.

Here's a pic so you can spot it.

The new Royal Wedding

2009-02-25T01:26:00.000-08:00

And now for
something
a little bit silly!

Remember this?

The Royal Wedding - Charles and Diana - what a fairy tale that was. I know that it had a tragic ending but think back to the magic of that day. I was still at school, preparing for O'levels (we didn't have GSCE's then) and dreaming of stealing Prince Andrew from Brooke Shields and her bushy eyebrows and, then of course, marrying him myself. He was the Prince Harry of his day, cool, good looking and ever-so-slightly naughty.

Hey ho. It was not to be.

Fast forward to 2009. My very good friend Susan went and found herself her very own handsome Prince - Jeremy. He rode in on his black beemer and stole her heart. Jeremy popped the question last year and they had the most beautiful winter wedding in December. These guys have pretty much everything they need so I decided to make them a bowl as a wedding gift. It all went a bit horribly wrong because I fired it too high so I gave them a precious bottle of home-made sloe-gin and had a rethink. Last week they came home from their honeymoon and I sent them this as a welcome-home gift ...

Voila!

Their wedding had been such a beautiful fairy take that it reminded me of a Royal wedding. So I made a fakey-fakey Royal Wedding tea towel using their photos and some embroidery. It's really naff and really cool all at the same time!

It was really easy but very time-consuming. It's made of 100% linen with a cotton backing. To add the photos I did a bit of jiggling around in the 'paint' function on my pc and then printed out the pics on iron-on transfer paper. I used the kind for dark fabric because that has a white background and a softer feel when it's ironed on. The stuff for light fabrics is transparent but thicker and I don't like it so much (I learnt this after making tea shirts for my nephews and nieces this Christmas).

I also used a nifty little bias binding gadget to make my own - they cost about £5 from your local haberdashery and are brilliant.

If you'd like to use the photo template I can send you it by email as a bitmap because I haven't worked out how to put downloads on this blog yet.

Fun with wrappers

2009-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ok so I've been making some cards.

I'd seen a really lovely tutorial posted on the Purl Bee sewing blog for valentine cards made using scraps of fabric and a sewing machine. Here's the link for the original posting: http://www.purlbee.com/sewn-paper-valentines/ . I thought that it was such a lovely idea and I wanted to play around with it. I had a stash of papers from amaretti biscuits that I'd saved because they were so pretty, with an interesting fringe and a lovely waxy texture, so I just used a simple zig zag stitch and sewed them to some card. I did a valentine heart for my gorgeous girl, a lotus flower for a yogi friend and a park scene for a friend who loves the outdoors.

Something lovely to sit on

2009-02-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

Cushions fit for a Princess

My 7 year-old niece wanted some big squishy cushions for her newly decorated room. She specifically asked for gold so I chose some lovely antique golden silk and a contrasting fabric with small circles on it. This was my first big sewing project for many years. I went for an envelope style with ties. I love the little flowers - I've designed them so that they will fray ever so slightly and look all floppy and vintage. I'm more than a bit pleased with the way that they turned out given that I didn't use a pattern - just measured about 75 times before cutting!