Embroidered Art

My WI group have started doing monthly projects this year (aptly named 'WI are creative'). Last months brief was to create a self-portrait using any medium apart from pen and paper. I'd just bought a couple of books on embroidery, so decided to give it a try. Fairly happy with the result, as it was my first attempt. Nothing compared with some of the embroidered art you can find on Etsy or Folksy though. Especially the art in hoops, which are everywhere at the moment! Love these pieces by Jammer Sage.

Now here's mine. Be nice now.

Mama's Little Babies

This Christmas, my incredibly discerning older brother bought me this stunning handmade necklace from Mama's Little Babies. I love everything about this jewellery range and have long been an admirer, even including them in an Etsy Lust post back in July. These are perfect present for people who love wearable art (and by present, I mean the 'to myself, love myself' kind!)

Octopus Necklace

Tattoo Lady Brooch

Technicolour Pansy Bracelet

Tiffany Glass Butterfly Bobby Pins

Plump Joe Joe Earrings

Talent

gunnmgally

trance-orange

oakyoh

milktoast

vainille

mion

Crochet Sculptures

After months and months of failed efforts and lack of accomplishment, I learnt to crochet. Now I have made a blanket that is only big enough to fall into the 'leg-warming' category and 6 old-american squares I have no idea what to do with but adore the wool. I feel the union between me and crochet is a slightly dangerous one as I am slowly discovering that, unlike knitting, the possibilites with this medium are more or less unlimited. Crochet is much more about sculpting and developing as opposed to endless row upon row of straight stitches.

This morning I decided to go in search of some of the more adventurous things you can accomplish with crochet and have been absolutely amazed by some of the projects I came across, from a whole exhibition of crochet marine life to a life-size crochet amardillo. But nothing I have found yet excites me quite like the work of meekssandygirl, on Etsy.

Inspired by the lyrics of 'The Beatles', shes creates fairy-tale works that evoke deep feelings of nostalgia. Most mere mortals can only ever dream of creating such wonders. Yet again, I am in love.

Tea and Tarts

In december last year, I was selling my wares at my local theatre's annual Festive Fayre where I came across a very lovely set of ladies.....completely unawares that they were actually the local Women's Institute group! "Run away!" I hear you cry, "They're all middle-aged, middle-class tory jam makers!" And yes, although I'm ashamed to admit it now, those are the thoughts that rushed through my mind when anyone mentioned the WI. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've always been a believer that women should at least be able to sew a button back on a loved cardigan and that nowadays, women are useless at the things that used to give us a collective sense of gender identity.

The best thing about my new discovery is that it fulfils my longing to join a regular group learning new skills and sharing crafty knowledge. Whether it's knitting, crochet, lace-making, book-binding...whatever the skill, there's something for everyone.

The meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at Gerry's Vintage Tearooms in Huddersfield (next to Verve and opposite the Parish Church). I attended my first meeting this month and absolutely loved it! The women are so warm, friendly, welcoming and a wide range of ages.

The first session of this year was how to knit a cupcake. Although we didn't have time to finish the whole project in one evening, our creative spark was ignited enough to carry it on when we went home. Here's the finished project. Not bad for my first try I think!

So ladies, I suggest we put away our old prejudices and assumptions and try something new this year. Be brave!

The Tortoise and The Hare

My other half is working on some models for his first animation based on the famous tale of the Tortoise and the Hare. Here they are as works in progress. I'll keep you posted as they transform! I'm very honoured to have been asked to be the voice of the Hare :)

Brooches and Bakewells

Hello readers!

Hope you all had a very merry christmas and a boozy new year! I'm feeling very excited about 2011! Although I don't believe in New Year's resolutions (let's face it, vowing to quit chocolate never lasts past January), I have thought of a few changes I'd like to make to the way I live. One of these is to blog at least once a week. From now on, check back every Thursday! Feel free to pester me if I start getting slack, I'm determined to stick to this one!

For me, this year is where my future career begins. In a couple of weeks, I will be attending a business enterprise course to apply for funding for my craft business. I am also planning on enrolling on a diploma course in Interior Design. Scary, but amazing. I've finally found something I'm 100% to making my life's work.

Another of my 'new year's changes' is to make all my friend's and family's birthday cards and presents. Yesterday was my close friend Suze's 24th birthday. I spent the afternoon making her some yummy cherry bakewells (very pleased with the result to say I've never made them before!) and the last week making a personalized brooch, inspired by her love of vintage and shabby chic. She loved them, I was so happy. Nothing beats seeing the look on someone's face when you give them something you've put time and love into.