Mrs Gibson's Atelier

Knit nut

2012-01-23T13:15:00.004Z

So, the reason I have been a bad blogger is mainly due to work and family using up all my time but also because I have been knitting ... a lot.

I am actually quite good at knitting but in a horrible twist of fate I can't read knitting or crochet patterns. I just do it freeform. This is immense fun for me but I end up with miles and miles of 'scarf'.

I also can't read crochet patterns so start with a little doily and end up with a blanket after going round and round and round for months.
I really really need to sit and concentrate so I can figure this out. Watch this space.

Been a while.....

2012-01-22T15:02:00.002Z

Well it's been a while, life just got in the way of blogging, life and Twitter O_o
I do still love you though.

2011-08-04T17:11:00.002+01:00

I am ADDICTED to Pinterest.

Stone

2011-06-16T12:57:00.002+01:00

I have almost rendered myself blind making charm for this bracelet. Lovely sterling silver with Italian stone beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals in a champagne colour. I really really need to get new glasses.

Veiled

2011-06-14T14:33:00.000+01:00

Poor dead bee

2011-06-10T12:25:00.002+01:00

This tiny furry body was found in a flowerpot, under the kitchen window, by a local child. The emergency services were alerted but it was too late, the bee had been dead several hours. Witnesses say they had seen a bee fitting the victims description 'bumbling about the flowers willy nilly, you know just buzzing around'. The victim is believed to be from the local area. Police are baffled but are following several lines of inquiry.

Pale Blue Cream Palette

2011-04-06T17:06:00.004+01:00

Been making some buttony bracelets to add to my Etsy shop very drawn to a pale blue and cream palette, kinda got a headache from a bunch of brights I was making, these have been very soothing.

MWAH

2011-04-04T11:15:00.002+01:00

Orla Kiely

2011-04-01T11:21:00.003+01:00

I am a big fan of Orla Kiely and lately when I catch a glimpse of her products in a shop or magazine I end up grinning from ear to ear. I absolutely love the shapes and colours. Surely the sign of successful design, the ability to make people happy when they see the products.

Poorly Child

2011-03-31T12:54:00.004+01:00

My son is ill, the poor wee fella was feeling sick from about 3am and I found him sobbing by the toilet in the bathroom at 5am. Needless to say he is off school. He is running a temperature so I am keeping a watchful eye. He is asleep on the sofa, I don't want to wake him so I am taking the day off from making and browsing the internets on the lap top. There are so many great blogs, handmade artists and interesting people to catch up with. Here are couple of my favourites.........
Flora Jamieson, the artist behind Through The Round Window blogs here
Flora makes the most beautiful stained glass windows and decorative items, I'm gonna buy a selection when I get me some corn.

There are links to Flora's shops on her blog, check her out.

I am also completely in love with Moose Allain's drawings. He has a pretty excellent Tweeting style and consistently makes me laugh.

Collecting

2011-03-28T13:33:00.002+01:00

I am a magpie, shiny shiny pretty things make me go funny.....in a good way.
I like collecting blue things and green things. I put these blue things and green things in my kitchen.
I sometimes watch Antiques Roadshow and imagine making a bazillion quid from a junk shop find but I know if push came to shove I would find it really hard to let one of my blue or green things go. I actually only ever spend a few pounds and always buy things I love. These are my latest purchases. I am sure most people find this sort of thing a bit ugly which is great for me because it means I can buy them quite cheaply.
Hurrah for collecting.

The coffee pot and the glass jar I bought in *The Most Marvellous Place To Shop* in Northampton, the little teal covered jar I bought in *Brackley Antiques Cellar*. Two of my favourite places to buy shiny shiny treasure.

Elizabeth Taylor 1932 - 2011

2011-03-23T15:52:00.002Z

Book 'Em Danno....

2011-02-09T10:54:00.004Z

So the re-make of Hawaii 5 0 is awesome. I've been watching it and sewing furiously while gnarly gangsters are taken down. Rah!

Shelves and ledges, I have a few.

2011-01-17T10:48:00.002Z

There's nothing I like more than a set of shelves.
Shelves in the kitchen......

Shelves full of books....

Window ledges full of cacti....

Racks full of cds

I like the order and the clutter, I like a house full of stuff, but I like it in it's place.

New Stitch & Make Workshops

2010-12-28T16:30:00.003Z

Abi Jackson popped round this afternoon, we giggled at my new David Shrigley book, drank Earl Grey then got down to business, namely updating the fabulous new workshops on Abi's web site.

The new workshops include a beginners sewing class, making a coat, a weekend bag or mastering felt jewellery. All details can be found on Abi's web site on the Stitch & Make Studio events page.
Abi is an amazing teacher and a really inspiring designer if you are interested in buying her work or taking part on a workshop drop her a line.

Happy Christmas everyone!

2010-12-24T14:21:00.000Z

I hope you all have a lovely lovely time xxx.

Time to put my feet up.

2010-12-17T12:23:00.003Z

Well it has been AGES since I last blogged, just been too too busy. I had a whole bunch of embroidery orders which took forever and then the Christmas jewellery buying kicked in. Thankfully I have been good and organised and everything was in place for an easy Christmas ride, which it was. I can now put my feet up and enjoy the Christmassy sparkly season.
I must thank all my lovely customers and wish you all a beautiful Christmas and a happy Christmas to all you wonderful makey crafty arty peeps whose blogs and Tweets have been a joy to read over these last months. Cheers!

New eye study

2010-10-17T12:54:00.004+01:00

Spent last week catching up with embroidery orders and building a selelction of works for my textile art shop
Sitting sewing all week doesn't feel like a proper job and I sometimes feel like a bit of a fraud. I had such a great time, like being on holiday.

OooOO woolly goodness

2010-09-28T13:20:00.006+01:00

I really really love autumn, I love scarves, coats, woolly dresses and brightly coloured tights. Imagine my delight when I saw these delish frocks at Laura Ashley. Feast your eyes!

Got me some book shelves

2010-09-08T17:02:00.003+01:00

Went over to Brackley Antiques Cellar and got me a nice set of oak shelves for my office, I love a thrifty buy.

Dig For Victory oh how I love thee...

2010-07-01T12:48:00.005+01:00

Dig For Victory are a Brighton based clothing company specialising in creating sustainable one off items from vintage fabrics. They make prom dresses and day dresses and romper suits and all manner of cute cute things. They make me wanna lose 5 million stone so I can fit into their stuff! You can look at their web site here and they have an Etsy shop here.

Red White & Blue

2010-06-18T13:28:00.004+01:00

Having a little bit of a World Cup, red white and blue promotion in my Etsy and Folksy shops. Grab some brightly coloured fun frippery for you and a friend.

I stitched an eye and I liked it.

2010-06-04T13:31:00.004+01:00

This has kept me busy while I watched Genius Of Britain on Sky+.

Get the kettle on

2010-06-01T15:05:00.003+01:00

These are on my shopping list.

Calming blue porcelain kyusu teapot set by Dirt Kicker
Cute teapot silhouette by An Original Jewelry
Teapot on blue print by Studio Lyon
Periwinkle and green tea cup jewellery stand by Lauren Amos Designs

Bank Holiday Brain

2010-05-31T13:42:00.003+01:00

This bank holiday has been lovely and relaxed but not very sunny so I have been sewing sewing sewing. I stitched a brain....same design as the one that was exhibited last year at Gallery Hanahou. I keep getting asked for more but haven't really had the time.

I used black linen thread on a heavy weave cotton fabric background. The linen thread looks lovely but it is very stiff to sew with and dries your hands out like a mofo.

Italian Polished Stone

2010-05-19T12:26:00.005+01:00

When I was in Italy I found a little antique shop selling old polished beads and naturally I bought the lot.....I have been busy making these lovely jewellery bits with them.

Post Election Blues

2010-05-12T13:30:00.003+01:00

Feeling exhausted after the election, what a palaver! Anyhoo to keep me occupied whilst watching BBC rolling news I did a bit of hand embroidery, a quote from Withnail & I that always makes me giggle like an idiot.
Watch the clip here...

Interwebs

2010-05-01T15:50:00.006+01:00

OOOooOo I have square eyes from staring at my computer screen.
I have been busy updating Abi Jackson's web site. The Stitch & Make Studio in Northampton has an exciting new programme of events with Abi's ever popular workshops booking up fast. You can view them here. You will not be disappointed, it's a very inspiring place and always fun. Tea and coffee are free and there is always a stray cupcake or packet of delicious biccies in need of scoffing.
I have also added a little shop now feature to my Facebook fan page and will be offering items from my buttony bracelet and sterling silver luxury ranges at a 'mates rate' for my fans. To join me click the Facebook box on the left hand column over there >>>>>> and get yourself a little bargain.

We had a lovely time....

2010-04-23T11:40:00.003+01:00

Driving to Italy and around Lake Garda we saw a lot of this....

.....we sat around reading books and paddling ...like this....

and it was good.

Holiday!

2010-04-08T10:51:00.001+01:00

Sorry I have been a bad blogger but Italy is just too fabulous to be on the internets. See you soon!

Life Begins At ?......

2010-03-25T17:38:00.006Z

This year I am 40......not until June BUT this gives me plenty of time to compile a list of fabulous gifts that you can buy me ;). First up I would like some of these.....

They are by Helen Bateman the fabulous Scottish based designer and oh how I love them, they also do them in silver. I might need both, size 5 please, cheers!

Statement Buttony Necklace

2010-03-13T17:39:00.002Z

I see BIG necklaces everywhere, I love them, so I have decided to broaden my range into the neck department....I will be making these necklaces in all my usual button colour ways and in any length desired.

G Plan Style

2010-03-10T13:35:00.005Z

I have a confession........I LOVE LOVE LOVE G Plan. I know most people would run a mile but I find it strangely comforting and stylish. I guess growing up in the 70's and 80's did it but I am a devil for a wall unit. Obviously if I had a house packed full of G Plan furniture it wouldn't be sleek and stylish, it would be chock full of all my crap BUT to me it would be great.

Need Inspiration.

2010-03-05T12:24:00.003Z

Felt a bit stuck in a rut creatively this week, I think I have been distractd by Twitter and the lovely sunshine. I have so many half finished projects which also isn't good. I think I need to get out and be inspired, I reckon a bike ride up the hill or a visit to an art gallery would be just the ticket.

2010-02-19T12:26:00.004Z

Deary me, spent all day struggling with the clothes in my wardrobe. I have made a right old mess, creating piles and piles of stuff that is quite lovely but needs updating, altering slightly or re-imagining. I think I will embark on a Springtime project to make myself a whole new wardrobe out of the clothes I already have, there really is some great stuff there it just needs dragging to the front and fixing up, I will blog my progress. Wish me luck!

I love you all

2010-02-14T14:28:00.002Z

Toot toot... all aboard!

2010-02-13T16:22:00.003Z

This is what I have been making all day....you can haul your stuff around in tube map loveliness, finished off with metal tipped bamboo handled luxury.

I have just started making one made using a vintage Australian flag but the light is fading and I won't be able to take a piccy today, will leave you in suspense.

Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T16:00:00.006Z

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Alexander McQueen. I am such a huge fan of his work and the loss to the fashion world is immense. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time.

I have this picture above my desk, it is of Amiee Mullins, former athlete modelling for Alexander McQueen wearing specially made legs, she wore the amazing woooden carved ones for his cat walk show. I have had this picture displayed for years and years and it has been a massive inspiration, I think it is just beautiful in so many ways. I will now look at it with melancholy.

abbott & ellwood

2010-02-09T17:17:00.004Z

I just had to blog about *abbott and ellwood*, they are two artists, Mike Abbott and Kim Ellwood who work and live togther St Ives, Cornwall, producing the most wonderful metal brooches and figurative art. When I saw these I nearly wept with joy they are just magical. Visit their web site here and feast your eyes.

Party!

2010-01-24T15:03:00.006Z

Last night was the opening party for Abi Jackson's Stitch & Make Studio. Situated in the centre of Northampton in a renovated dress factory we feasted on cake and mulled cider and mingled with family and friends.
The Studio will be a hot bed of stichery, knittery and fabric related shenanigans. Inside Abi has her knitting lounge; fully equipped with comfy sofas, a boutique area where Abi can sell the amazing one of a kind clothes she handmakes and a big studio space with sewing tables and a large pattern cutting table. There is a schedule of workshops listed on Abi's website that are fast filling up, you can learn to make a ball gown or a simple corsage. Abi will be runnign a wide variety of woprkshops aimed at all levels of sewing knowledge as well as field trips and Stitch and Bitch evenings.

The lovely entrance sign

Abi's boutique corner, lovely handmade items will be available to buy as well as all of Abi handmade clothes.

The big pattern cutting table.

Guests mingle at the party.

SNEEZE!

2010-01-22T17:17:00.003Z

Yes I have the tell tale signs of a cold coming on...a tingle behind the nose, hot cold flushes, sneezing. I have tried to get everything done so I can lie on the sofa and feel sorry for myself all weekend.
Having said that tomorrow night is the party to celebrate the opening of Abi's Stitch & Make Studio so I will have to disguise my impending man-flu behind some sparkly mascara and a pair of high heels.

From Britain With Love

2010-01-20T11:53:00.004Z

Do check out the new directory web site From Britain With Love it's a 'gorgeous guide to buying British' and really is a feast for the eyes. A very pretty and informative site there are competitions and interveiws with some great British crafters, designers and makers. I have been lucky enough to be featured in the Shopping Inspiration section, a huge honour to be sat along side such talented people.

POST!

2010-01-20T11:43:00.003Z

I was just finishing off sorting all my paperwork after filing my tax returns and I was quite flabbergasted as to how many parcels I had posted over the past 4 months. That is a picture of all the post office receipts from about September.

That's how busy I have been in post office receipt form....and I have to say people shouldn't be scared of posting internationally or really making a go of their small business. Of all those parcels only one was delayed, one was delivered to the wrong address and one was lost, that's just three out of all those hundreds of items sent. Marvellous.

Fingerprint

2010-01-14T11:16:00.002Z

Just finished this hand embroidery, the new series of CSI has started and I was inspired hahaha.

''Blue & Green Should Never Be Seen''

2010-01-08T14:16:00.003Z

I have never understood that saying. I think blue and green should be seen together ALL THE TIME!

Snow Day Jewellery

2010-01-06T13:13:00.007Z

The children are home from school today because of the snow, whilst they have been building giant snowballs in the cul de sac I have been making these bracelets.....sterling silver with antique glass and vintage chunky mother of pearl buttons. The mother of pearl are just amazing, so thick and substantial, they just don't make buttons like these anymore.

Avon

2010-01-03T19:02:00.002Z

Sometimes a nice coat of flashy red nail polish can make you feel like a million dollars.

The Stitch & Make Studio

2010-01-03T17:18:00.007Z

Woohoo! My friend Abi has nearly finished renovating the upper floor of an old dress factory in Northampton into her fabulous new studio. It promises to be a hotbed of stitchery and awesomeness.
Situated in Burns Street, central Northampton, above the warehouse space of Trashy Flowers, the best local vintage clothes retailers. They have recently taken a new retail space in Abington Street and are well worth a visit selling amazing quality retro items.

Abi cleaning in trade mark head gear.

Before the fabulous conversion.

Abi's website can be seen here, all the details of her forth coming workshops are listed. Her blog can be read here.
She makes the most exquiste clothes and runs the most fun packed workshops, I really do recommend partaking in a slice of Miss Jackson's magic.

7.54 am

2009-12-18T08:31:00.002Z

The most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-11T11:27:00.005Z

The tree is up! It looks fantastic, much better in real life than my rubbish picture. I sit and tweek it constantly, I find it relaxing to reposition each bauble a million times.

AND.....one of my favourite Christmassy things has arrived! Each year we get sent a Fortnum and Mason's hamper we have the best fun unpacking it. The children oooing ansd arrrring as each foody treat is unpacked and marvelled at. They usually do this sitting in the outer box although they might be getting too big for that. Getting one of these each year really saves on food shopping and my friend Abi gets the piccalilly.

I love love love Christmas!

Ribbony Trim

2009-12-02T17:49:00.007Z

Have been listing these lovely vintage trims in my supply shop, they are so delicious I nearly kept them but I have so many projects on the boil at the moment that I don't have time to do anything with them.

I would like my bedroom decorated in these aqua and champagne colours, so fresh and clean.

Oh You Pretty Thing

2009-11-10T13:10:00.004Z

Hello all! Gosh, I have been so busy with buttony that I haven't had a chance to do anything else. Finally managed to finish this little hand embroidery, something I have had in the pipeline for ages, I wanted to do some text based work, song lyrics, poetry etc. How are YOU?

Creamy Buttons

2009-10-17T18:18:00.003+01:00

The French buttony haul is being put to good use in bracelet form, there are some real gems in this bunch, it has taken me twice as long to make this bracelet as usual as I am oooooing and arrrring over each buttons.

Miss Jackson

2009-10-16T14:10:00.004+01:00

I have just spent a lovely morning with my friend Abi Jackson. She makes the most incredible clothes and accessories as well as teaching and championing the handmade movement. She is on a quest to re-introduce people to sewing, stitching and making. Below is one of her beautiful dresses, made using vintage curtain fabric and adorned with a lush satin bow. I have been taking photographs for the website I am building for Abi and when it's finished you will be able to keep up to date with all of Abi's new projects and workshops, well well worth it.

In the meantime do pop in and visit her shop in Northampton's Fishmarket Gallery.
Thurs - Sat 10-6.

Does anyone know........

2009-10-14T10:35:00.003+01:00

how to safely clean ink pens......both my favourite beloved pens are blocked and a bit crusty. Far too much e-mailing and not enough proper letter writing. Do I soak them in warm water or just run them under the tap?.....any advise would be gratefully received.

Deary deary me....

2009-10-13T18:23:00.003+01:00

I have beem such a terrible blogger..... just been so so busy.....
Woman & Home buttony bracelets, so many orders keep flooding in, thank you all my lovely customers.
So much sewing sewing embroidery to be done.
I have GOT to out all my studio storage and get things tidy for the Christmas planning and making and selling rush.
My head is chock full of ideas for new work and even though I have had a horrible cold I have never felt so inspired and busy.......NOT TO MENTION all the lovely soup I have to make with the veggie harvest and the pictures I took on holiday that I haven't posted. oOOoooOoooOo I need an extra hour in the day or I maybe I should knit myself a wife!

Postal Strike

2009-10-08T17:47:00.002+01:00

Dear Post Office people.....please please try to come to an amicable arrangement...a postal strike during the Christmas season is really really bad for me.
Hugs and kisses, Sam xxxxx

Buttony

2009-10-06T16:11:00.003+01:00

This is a small selection of the vintage buttons I bought as a job lot in France....I have begun to sort them and these are the muted tones. As a treat I allowed myself to open one packet and wasn't at all disappointed, like a bag of my favourite sweets I got all excited.....BUT I mustn't get too engrossed in marvelling at each individual gem until they are all sorted properly.......oh and what fun that will be.

Back

2009-10-06T16:02:00.003+01:00

Got back from holiday on Saturday and have just about caught up with orders and e-mails and enquiries. Had a great time in France with family and managed a visit to my favourite haberdasher in Dinan. A absolute treasure palace, did a deal on 7 kg of vintage buttons...oh yes I am looking forward to sorting them all out. I will post pictures if I am not too mesmerised. How have YOU been?

Sneeze

2009-09-24T07:06:00.002+01:00

Since the children went back to school I have been a victim of every bug and cold and virus there is. After a lovely summer running around in the fresh air they are cooped up in a warm classroom and are bringing home all kinds of lurgy! I feel totally rubbish! As a consequence I have been a terrible blogger and I do apologise. I am in the process of re-working all my online shops and re-vamping my website. Also lots of preparation for new designs and of course the Christmas rush. I am doing a bit of travelling to get new and beautiful supplies, some from my favourite antique haberdashery in France....a real treasure palace of goodies, I can't wait!

Mrs Gibson Mercantile

2009-08-30T15:18:00.003+01:00

SoOooOooO firsty let me say that I haven't forgotten about the giveaway, I will be making the draw on Tuesday......good luck everyone!
Secondly I have decided to open a supplies store on Etsy......I have a HUGE collection of vintage and antique haberdashery treasure which is taking over my studio, house and frankly my life....arrghhhh. I will find it terribly hard to part with a lot of it but I am just too busy to do anything creative with it and it seems such a shame to have it all stored away. I will be listing it slowly and with care, I want to make sure I photograph it all beautifully...well to the best of my ability.
Here's a taster.....

Yummy vintage cotton trim.

Fab 1950s cotton fabric.

Early Bird

2009-08-19T19:19:00.002+01:00

SOOooOoo I just bought my first Christmas present from this shop, Girls Can Tell , I am not freakily organised or usually this prepared but I think I had better get shopping before I become too busy or skint. There is the temptation to spend all my bracelet money on Folksy and Etsy before I get the stuff I really need like shoes for the kids and food.
I want Christmas to be lovely and stress free so I am starting now.

WOOooooOO up to date!

2009-08-04T15:11:00.003+01:00

I am totally up to date with all bracelet orders and other work related stuff. YAY! After the feature in Woman & Home things have been very very busy indeed but I have managed to make all the bracelets and get them out the next day PHEW! The house is a total mess and the children have been living on 'treat' food (like in 'Mermaids') but I have just about managed to keep it all under control. All those years of organising and preparing have paid off... I now know I can function as a full time busy artisan. Yes I did go to Tesco in my slippers BUT all my customers are happy.
Many thanks to my lovely husband for the full support and 'hurrahs!' every time a new order came through.

Press!.... part 2

2009-07-29T13:22:00.002+01:00

The lovely team at SewHip asked me to do a pattern and 'how to' of one of my embroidery pieces. I chose a simple skeleton key, they are quite in vogue at the moment and easy for a beginner to master. The resulting magazine piece is just brill and I am so grateful for the team for making the work look so beautiful. I hope lots of people make one up for themselves. SewHip have featured lots of excellent UK crafters and they are really championing the movement.

Press!

2009-07-29T13:08:00.004+01:00

So I am in 2 magazines this month, what a thrill! First is Woman & Home who are featuring my button bracelets on their 'Our Favourite Things' shopping page. I am so excited and have been stalking WH Smith to see if it is on the shelves yet. The subscribers have already had their copies so I have been frantically filling those orders and many thnaks to the lovely customers who have already been buying.
I received a copy yesterday through the post so thank you to the Woman & Home team for sending that to me.
If there are any Woman & Home readers or anyone else really who like the bracelets please do e-mail me if there is a colour combination that you would like making but can't see on any of my websites. Also many thanks to Fiona at Not Mass Produced who is a marketing wizard!

Supplies

2009-07-24T08:29:00.002+01:00

I am been supply shopping mad this week and the best thing about supply shopping is when it all turns up and you can have a 'sorting session'. My sorting sessions see me methodically emptying jump rings and head pins into draws and containers and teacups that sit around my studio ( front double bedroom that I have claimed as my 'lab'). This often leads to a COMPLETE TIDY UP where I re-jig everything and sit back an admire my newly organised space before doing it all again. I am constantly on the lookout for second hand book cases, display cabinets and wot-nots that I can fill with stuff for my work. Another favourite time of year is when the annual Fortnum and Masons hamper turns up, one of the contractors who do work for my husband sends one every year. Not only do you get a fabulous leather strapped wicker basket ( I store all my large items waiting for sale like cushions in one and all my postal supplies in another) BUT after all the yummy food is consumed you get great biscuit tins and fancy boxes to reuse as storage. I find these sorting sessions brilliant for inspiration and mulling over my next project.

Long Summer Holidays..... Day 2

2009-07-21T20:28:00.004+01:00

The rain has kept us all in and huddled up together on the sofa. We managed an all day ramble around the forest yesterday but today was an indoor day. DVDs, popcorn and home baked cakes. As a result I got no work done what-so-ever. It's fine, a day off or two (or three) is OK now and again. I just have to remember that even though the children are on holiday from school I still have to work. I have to prepare for my national magazine appearances next month....hopefully fame and fortune beckons!

Spudualicious

2009-07-11T16:52:00.002+01:00

This is my first potato harvest, I am thrilled and digging them up with the children was a blast.

Finally finished

2009-07-10T12:16:00.003+01:00

I finally finished my big 'Eye' hand embroidery, I kept adding to it and needed to just stop, I am extremely pleased with it and will list it for sale later today. The linen thread I used was just lovely to work with, it had a little sewing machine crossed out on the label denoting it was for hand embroidery only, this made me chuckle.

Monster Plants

2009-07-03T17:50:00.002+01:00

I thought I had planted veg but it looks like we got triffids.

WORLDWIDE FREE SHIPPING

2009-07-03T08:21:00.002+01:00

Just to let you all know I am having a free shipping extravaganza in my Etsy shop. Why not treat yourself to a little trinketry!

Lazy Day

2009-06-30T16:03:00.003+01:00

Deary deary me, it's far too hot to work so I have literally done NOTHING all day. I shall catch up later when it has cooled down. I do need to take some pictures of various different projects but the thought of going outside in the raging heat does not appeal, I shall sit on my shady patio and look at the beautiful sunnyness from afar.

Lazuli Blue Creations

2009-06-30T11:27:00.004+01:00

In a new feature I wanted to give a bit of free publicity to an Etsy newbie.
Lazuli Blue Creations found here on Etsy, makes the most beautiful summery clothes from vintage textiles. Based in New South Wales Australia, owner and designer in chief Melinda has been collecting vintage crochet, trimming and lace for over 20 years. If you are looking for a relaxed beach style unique item treat yourself to one of her timeless creations.

Oh Oscar!

2009-06-14T15:06:00.005+01:00

Oh Mr Wilde! Your plays and poems still make me giggle like a fool.
I love making charm bracelets even sitting and babysitting the resin. I often do this whilst watching the BBC iPlayer on my PC. This week I have mostly been watching the poetry documentaries, the Robert Webb on TS Eliot episode made me cry, especially when he talked about the poem his wife woo'd him with. Great stuff.

Flower Arranging

2009-06-12T14:04:00.004+01:00

The new button bridal bouquet is coming along nicely, slowly building into a huge bunch. Had to work through tears as I was watching Robert Webbs documentary about TS Eliot on the iPlayer, it thrust me back to school and made me cry especially when he talked about his wife and the poem she wrote him. Foolish silly me. It was just so lovely and profound.
The sun has come out so I am going to tease some veggies in my raised beds, they need to be transferred from pots lets hope I don't kill them!

Bouquet

2009-06-10T20:41:00.004+01:00

I am working on another one of these wedding bouquets...the one pictured was made by me for my sister in law who got married last August. It was constructed from vintage buttons and old crystal and rhinestone necklaces that were broken up and recycled. Many of the buttons were family heirlooms passed down from a great aunt. The whole wedding was vintage themed with the bride's dress made from a beautiful 50s evening gown and the bride and grooms wedding rings created by the bridesmaid (the fabulous jeweller Hannah L Lamb)from gold donated by family members. All in all a fantastic day. I am hoping to be able to offer this service to other brides who may not want a traditional bouquet.....this one will last forever and won't make you sneeze if you have allergies!

Juicy

2009-06-10T13:27:00.004+01:00

Took delivery of some fab orange buttons which coupled with my vintage collection are making me crave freshly squeezed orange juice......in fact it reminded me I really do want to buy a new juicer to replace my nearly knackered old one.

Green fingers and lack of knowledge

2009-06-01T19:58:00.003+01:00

I have had a few days off stitching and making as the RSI in my elbow has been playing me up badly, instead I have been tending to my vegetables. Making sure they have plenty of water, looking for potential bugs and predators. One thing this exercise in self sufficiency has highlighted is my utter ignorance of what some veggie plants look like, sounds stupid but I have never grown a courgette before and had no clue what a courgette leaf looks like, never seen one, turns out most of them are from the same family so look the same, marrow and courgette etc etc, it has made it easier to identify the mystery veg that have grown but I forgot to label.
I am most excited about my strawberries, oh the delicious looking fellas that are hanging from the baskets are making me salivate just looking at them, they will be most satisfying to pick and eat. If you aren't doing it, go and get some seeds and grow something, it feels bloody marvellous.

Eye, eye.

2009-05-26T15:46:00.001+01:00

Nearly finished this hand embroidery project, I had to put it down for a while as I had a bit of RSI in my elbow, and had to rest it before it got too bad to work. I am very excited about this piece.

If only you could smell these....

2009-05-26T15:43:00.002+01:00

they smell divine, homegrown are so much lovelier than bought. I love it when my roses start to bloom.

How delicious are these!

Hasty Carpark Sketch

2009-05-15T19:29:00.002+01:00

I never ever leave home without a pen and sketch/notebook. The car is filled with paper and pens a plenty as you never know when an idea will come to you. This is a sketch hasilty done in the car whilst waiting for the children to finish school. It will be my next big hand embroidery work, I think the water will be bead work of somekind. Can't wait to get it started.

I am not quite David Bailey

2009-05-14T18:08:00.002+01:00

I have been experimenting, taking photos with my work on the wall to give potential customers an idea of what the art will look like hanging up. The results are pretty good although not as clean as I would like. The light in the hall is great though.

Veg Update...Rain Stops Play

2009-05-04T14:34:00.003+01:00

Well it's raining today, it being a Bank Holiday is it almost rude not to, so I will be doing sewing and stuff instead of veg and stuff. I did get a bunch of seeds planted in small pots, the front garden looks super productive. I realised the raised bed will need a HUGE amount of compost so that will have to wait a week or so. I planted the bell peppers out into a huge pot. It used to have an acer in that I planted out into the garden and was deciding what to do with the pot. The peppers will do well in it, up the front of the house, luckily we live in a really secluded close with a very sunny big front garden, no danger of veggie burglers nicking the goods. The kids are very excited too so this project has already raised smiles all round.

Vegtastic

2009-05-03T16:34:00.003+01:00

Sorry I haven't been posting much, I have been busy with a huge embroidery piece, plus a magazine thingy plus trying to sort my new vegetable garden. My husband kindly built me a raised veggie bed. I have some bell peppers already at about 6 inches ready to go out and a whole bunch of other stuff in little pots that will be ready soon.....I just need to get some gravel to put around the bottom of the bed to mark it out from the lawn and hide the bare earth. I will also be able to put more pots with strawberries and other soft fruit on the gravel so the whole area will look super smashing and marvellous. I am so excited, I have loved gardening since I was able to put some mud in a paper cup for a cress harvest and since getting a proper garden (my London landlords didn't really let us run wild and free with plants around the flats) have become quite serious about it but only this year have considered vegetables. A necessary leap in these lean money times. Lets hope I don't kill everthing and am able to harvest some salad at least. Wish me luck!

Spring Fresh Button Badge Goodness

2009-04-21T14:24:00.002+01:00

I really got the RSI in my elbow singing after making a ton of these cutesy button badges. I always put a couple of these in with my sold items but the full set look great on a tea dress or little cardi.

Marie Antoinette called she wants her handbag back.

2009-04-18T14:37:00.003+01:00

I was inspired by my many viewings of Sophia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' to make a handbag with her in mind, I think she would have liked it.

Work in progress

2009-03-30T12:50:00.005+01:00

10 inch hoop, giant eye free hand embroidery, this could take me a while.

My house plants are doing clever things

2009-03-30T12:44:00.002+01:00

I bought these plants when they were just a couple of tiny leaves in a teeny tiny pot, the last week or so have seen them burst into flower. Talk about showing off.

Finshed Article Vintage Union Jack Flag Bedspread Quilt.

2009-03-16T16:43:00.006Z

Here it is, my work for today, the vintage Union Jack flag is really nice, soft cotton. I used coffee and cream coloured cotton bullion fringing to add a bit of faded luxury, the back of the quilt is a riot of English floral chintz, just the ticket to complete this Brit fest of a bed spread.

I hope it finds a lovely home, full of mismatched cushions and thrifted kitchen chairs.

Work In Progress.... vintage Union Jack quilt.

2009-03-15T15:04:00.004Z

This should be finished in a couple of days, just need to finish quilting it and add the beautiful bobble trim. I hand embroidered the 'Made In England' logo and the words 'Fast Colours' that are printed on the flag. The flag is just gorgeous, cotton, old with loads of marks teeny holes that show it's age and history. I hope it finds a loving home.

Poor Neglected Blog

2009-03-11T13:52:00.004Z

I haven't blogged for a while, have been busy moving stuff around and having a clean out.

Fabric was tided and stacked neatly in the cupboards instead if piled up precariously.

I am not wild about the red walls in this room as it makes the cupboards look too orangey but I can change it later on, it is bigger than my old work room and brighter. The children call it Mummy's Lab. I have put a lot of stuff in cupboards instead of having it out all over the place, everthing was getting too dusty and disorganised.

I feel all invigorated and can breathe, I was getting overwhelmed by stuff and even though I really really love stuff it was affecting my motivation...now I can get on and get busy.

Skeleton Key

2009-02-26T13:56:00.003Z

I wanted to get more of these key embroideries done today but have achieved NOTHING! Dispite being on the Telephone Preference Service (ergo I should recieve no cold calls) I have been plagued by call centres trying to get me to buy Sky Box insurance, I am covered thanks very much... now let me get on with my work!

Golly Gosh

2009-02-24T12:15:00.001Z

Latest Etsy favourites...click each one to go through to the sellers shop.

Scheduled Maintenance

2009-02-23T09:43:00.002Z

I was looking forward to posting a few of my favourite finds from Etsy but they are performing scheduled maintenance! Horror of horrors! Not being able to log into Etsy is like picking up a delicious cupcake and realising you haven't got a mouth. Maybe I need to take stock of my Etsy addiction. :)

Holy Stitchery Batman!

2009-02-17T11:39:00.002Z

BAM POW!

New Embroidery

2009-02-16T18:27:00.003Z

Carbon footprints.....hand embroidered, 8 hours of ecologically sound stitchery

Gallery Hanahou

2009-02-11T19:33:00.004Z

oOOooOOo very exciting to see all the Flickr and blog posts from the 'Forget Me Not' exhibition at Gallery Hanahou in New York. I have been looking at them greedily trying spot my stuff. I would have loved to be able to go and see it 'live' but that fella keeps picking the wrong lottery numbers!

There I am on the far left next to the beautiful work of Diem Chau

*blushes with pride*

It's been a fine silver day.

2009-02-07T16:36:00.004Z

Spent the morning making fine silver pendants, my hammering and polishing was getting on eveyone's nerves so I had to stop after two items. I would love to have a garden studio instead of a room in the house but at least I do have a whole room to myself!

Snow and Notebooks

2009-02-02T14:04:00.003Z

The snow has broken London and my lovely husband couldn't get to his office so I have been lucky enough to have him at home all day making cups of tea and bacon sandwiches. I have been in my laboratory making gorgeous felty covered notebooks.

Chintzy Notebooks

2009-02-01T15:45:00.003Z

I love love love notebooks, I am a proper devil for buying them when I already have boxes full( nice Laura Ashley decorative boxes, but BOXES of them non the less). I moved onto notebooks when I ran out of room for shoes.
This weekend I have been tidying up my workroom and decided I needed to start making things with some of the materials I had been stashing away, fabrics, buttons, ribbons and these little blank notebooks. I sold a whole bunch of these one Christmas (I used to co-run a little shop in Northampton's Fishmarket)and thought it was time I revived them. They make great little gifts and are a good way to recycle fabric scraps and bits of ribbon too short for anything other use.