tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44806830648339315272024-03-05T00:28:35.423-08:00Bits and Bobs CraftsBits and Bobs Crafts is all about crafting from the "bits and bobs" you have left in your yarn stash and work box and turning them into beautiful items - bags, scarves, pincushions, jewelry, afghans... the world is your oyster!Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-85399184916691754342012-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:44:58.721-08:00Logo Competition<b>Competition</b><br />
<br />
The next phase of the re-focus is to
come up with a new logo. I have a designer in mind but need to create a
mood board for her to work from. I have rough ideas about colours and the structure of the 3 parts of the business below. But I'm
looking for 3 words and a colour that sum up Bits and Bobs Crafts that can form part
of this logo. All you need to do to enter is to visit my <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts">Home Page</a> and fill in the contact form. I'll then show the completed entries to my designer and we'll design from there.<br />
<br />
And what do you win??? The prize is a bespoke mobile phone cover. I'll contact the winner and you can then commission me to make a cover for your phone in your choice of colours!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwTDV6E9K07NngUHwuNMfvvfx9psb3cBLHgZZ8yr3xNlCaltzVy2udIo1AGKBU0pWqqDMuPCNXnnADZOJAiVST5eSlkscKiJ5Wx0nxX5c6iaK6bS0mLU7qcYFCU254L3CUL95qd937CPF/s1600/Image1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwTDV6E9K07NngUHwuNMfvvfx9psb3cBLHgZZ8yr3xNlCaltzVy2udIo1AGKBU0pWqqDMuPCNXnnADZOJAiVST5eSlkscKiJ5Wx0nxX5c6iaK6bS0mLU7qcYFCU254L3CUL95qd937CPF/s640/Image1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Reaching this point!</b><br />
<br />
I've spent a couple of weeks really thinking about moving Bits and Bobs on so that it will run the way I'd like it to. So now its going to take a bit of organisation and discipline to implement it.<br />
<br />
I want Bits and Bobs to be a social enterprise, to bring craft lessons to the community and make sure they're affordable. Even when I was working as an NHS manager, being a single mum spending £20 plus on a workshop then having to add on childcare and travel was something I would have had to think very hard about in terms of budgeting. Having needed to claim incapacity benefit for a few years has really enhanced that sense of distance from craft workshops I've wanted to try being way out of my price range.<br />
<br />
However craft has been a sort of hand up from the challenges I've faced in the past 5 years. Being able to produce something is great for self esteem, especially when someone else falls in love with it and asks you to make them one! When it comes to learning to live life at a slower pace, crafts are invaluable because if you have to take regular breaks and rest, being able to lay on the couch and do something constructive, like knitting, crochet, cross stitch takes the sting out of the transition to being less active. And knowing its something I enjoy and having had the opportunity to experiment, discover ways to craft on a tight budget I want to share the opportunity with others.<br />
<br />
Years ago we made our own clothes because it was cheaper. With the advent of cheap imports from the far east and cut price chain stores, now its not. Clothing is seen as disposable, throw away and not something to be treasured. I sometimes wonder how many little girls still have the thrill of putting on their "best dress" to go somewhere special! I can still remember that and the dress wasn't downgraded until it was getting too short - then it was often taken up or let out or something to provide a play dress. And I remember the joy of watching my new cardi grow on Mum's needles and dreaming of the day I could do that too! Going and choosing the wool and knowing no-one else would have a cardi like mine was probably part of the thrill too.<br />
<br />
It would be great to share these experiences with others and bring back a quiet craft revolution. To see skills again being passed from Mother to Daughter or Son! We have male knitters in the family although they prefer to be anonymous!<br />
<br />
And that's why the focus of Bits and Bobs will be on making craft affordable!<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm going to need to support the Social Enterprise arm of the business by generating more substantial income from other sources. So I'm developing relationships with bricks and mortar shops where I can sell my makes. I'll also be offering some of the intermediate and all of the advanced level workshops and courses at current market levels. I'm also planning to sell patterns for baby clothes, that will fit the smallest babies too! <br />
<br />
I'm also exploring options for forming partnerships with other crafters and with charities and other socially minded businesses. These could lead to funding opportunities. By building up networks and building in space to explore new possibilities for working in creative ways this should in the longer term allow Bits and Bobs to continue to grow and meet the needs of the community.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwTDV6E9K07NngUHwuNMfvvfx9psb3cBLHgZZ8yr3xNlCaltzVy2udIo1AGKBU0pWqqDMuPCNXnnADZOJAiVST5eSlkscKiJ5Wx0nxX5c6iaK6bS0mLU7qcYFCU254L3CUL95qd937CPF/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-31589768251935330052011-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:48:08.538-08:00Reviews and Redirections<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpfm6QOyMl6RzKjduGwKcnp_QAeI-rJ0W3VHYiQR1O3glbyicSuHLbAZoo0jQevvjH6emLCtu0ayX1ALW46Q03trerOhOVKt_X-0CCOKgimU6TWeK52Hm1GZMfpfSkApniVwjLjuw2p21/s1600/November+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpfm6QOyMl6RzKjduGwKcnp_QAeI-rJ0W3VHYiQR1O3glbyicSuHLbAZoo0jQevvjH6emLCtu0ayX1ALW46Q03trerOhOVKt_X-0CCOKgimU6TWeK52Hm1GZMfpfSkApniVwjLjuw2p21/s320/November+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I've not blogged in ages as I've been so busy networking, teaching and building contacts to take Bits and Bobs to the next level and its been crazy at times! However I now have a sense of direction for 2012 which feels much firmer than the organic flow of 2011 where I simply drifted around various ideas and projects. But in someways I think that period of drift was needed. Its given me space to think and develop ideas and contacts and give me a feel of where I want to take the business....<br />
<br />
So this last post for 2011 is about looking back at what I've learned in 2011, who I've met, what I've achieved and about putting in writing and committing to a plan for 2012.<br />
<br />
<b>Bits and Bobs Review of 2011</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKGVyeKB1MkoprpGlKmK15x2HyQDBtagBbU1itcI5jZKhQU6_5AVea5LMXH8BPJZvxOHmN3qc8m0rFif_-Q-yV5fQELSFXMKQJNGXklWeVhKqdK3_aVQABW_NdY1Oa_3ueupTi45fXlJU/s1600/HPIM0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKGVyeKB1MkoprpGlKmK15x2HyQDBtagBbU1itcI5jZKhQU6_5AVea5LMXH8BPJZvxOHmN3qc8m0rFif_-Q-yV5fQELSFXMKQJNGXklWeVhKqdK3_aVQABW_NdY1Oa_3ueupTi45fXlJU/s200/HPIM0015.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>January</b></i> - I finally got my new motability car and freedom to roam was mine! I was still drifting around but had started to pick up commissions from friends and had the odd surprise online sale - at a time when I was pretty low with life stuff and had almost abandonded E-marketing as too much effort. Plus I was busy making 50 heart, star and rose keyrings for a charity do the Tuesday Club ladies were organising!<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">February</span></b></i> - Saw me feeling more positive but struggling to understand how anyone could plan their business in advance - design wise too. What on earth was a mood board? Did it matter if I used the season's colours and trends? Could I crochet lace? If I learned what would I do with it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2378553-Lace-covered-bangle" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkEU6nbv7jNfFq07O4nErwDHsunvDJ2GVMt6VQhggBILYeyJtwcgT05JaVnlXUpY3g710sFzCDW6KTe-AR8VAN2fwaoXIuTZYdK9b2DqoFhE7tJ-wjv-32GzE1tMW2DdT6_CtZJns91Jc/s200/HPIM0001.JPG" width="200" /></a><i style="color: #38761d;"><b> </b></i><br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>March</b></i> - I got off my bum and booked an appointment at a back to work project with the Wheatsheaf Trust. Had a chat with the advisor and also had a root through their leaflets..... the result was booking my self on a FREE Taste of Enterprise Programme with the <a href="http://www.wict.co.uk/">West Itchen Trust.</a> I duly went along and got the opportunity to meet a few people, network and chat. Plus I got myself mentoring and coaching as a freebie! In another aspect of my world the ladies group I was involved in on a Tuesday morning lost its funding and its support worker. We decided to carry on regardless and managed to persuade the local community centre to give us a very good deal!<br />
<br />
<u style="color: #38761d;"><b>April</b></u> - Was mainly taken up with making things and meetings with the lovely Hammie Tappenden from Taste of Enterprise. Not sure if this is when I first me Lucie V who I'll hopefully be working with in the coming year or if that was later but Hammie introduced us. I also decided to announce to the local craft world that a knitting and crochet tutor was available, so sent off several speculative emails explaining who I was and what I could offer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2075521-Sunflower-Brooch" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvB53UFmBeNwuh7KA5EXm6ecy5WlY9NmUv1mQ3YdxlL-5ovEtk-cjD06bAad7L4rFDQfZlJToFfBLSYk7woHgVtDfmiwNkw9eaGDVPHOR2PSYwf-h4CzLdSOX8q0aly_xg0jOXXvGOzH9/s200/HPIM0167.JPG" width="200" /></a><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">May</span></b></i> - I was asked to meet with the crafts manager at <a href="http://www.candh.co.uk/">C&H Fabrics </a>and we negotiated a couple of beginners workshops for later in the year. The ladies at the Tuesday group were stars and allowed me to practice on them. The result was many of them rediscovered knitting or learned to crochet and are now making things for themselves!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">June</span></i></b> - My birthday happened this month with me flat on my back and finding standing a challenge but also prompted me to use the time to explore the world of craft sales - how did I book one, what happened at them, could I do it? The result was a summer of events booked, some sales, some new contacts and of course my daughter and best friend signed up to a period of slavery fetching, carrying and pitching the odd gazebo but that's another tale for August!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaAqegYfVjqHIDPGwln1racGEan753Co4ftzJyjwJkMRTxp__Do1jHchOZIFTF2HluEvMWE0iTZSpoBY2Z53NXmc7furAeuFUv8bQ8HdBdRRIHpJa-UCImJBmccRLxE8UMC9JphMJmiqg/s1600/HPIM0002+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaAqegYfVjqHIDPGwln1racGEan753Co4ftzJyjwJkMRTxp__Do1jHchOZIFTF2HluEvMWE0iTZSpoBY2Z53NXmc7furAeuFUv8bQ8HdBdRRIHpJa-UCImJBmccRLxE8UMC9JphMJmiqg/s200/HPIM0002+%25283%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">July </span></b></i> - Well into the swing of community festivals and crocheting flowers for hair accessories. I also got asked if I'd be willing to set up a Knit and Natter Group at the <a href="http://www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk/">Art House</a> and somehow with Hammie kicking me under the table ended up saying yes, whilst thinking -HELP!! But again more of that story later....<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBcyPgitNZ_qvvdQSjCXUxHOtHv3S-qmu3quXGOmhGUD0nLSLZbejhhgeMMyJq6WxJzQWClLF-6aQqhWOsYHl3wXFf0qCv0UFBxsG5ez5W3z1vqGKfXmJeQywASo2Cvy2FmpeKRAsMrA3/s1600/best+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBcyPgitNZ_qvvdQSjCXUxHOtHv3S-qmu3quXGOmhGUD0nLSLZbejhhgeMMyJq6WxJzQWClLF-6aQqhWOsYHl3wXFf0qCv0UFBxsG5ez5W3z1vqGKfXmJeQywASo2Cvy2FmpeKRAsMrA3/s200/best+shot.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">August</span></b></i> - More events, the first trip out with the Gazebo, ably erected by G and L for me. And boy did it prove nedcessary with the first half of the event being marred by pouring rain. We made friends with the lads doing photography in the next tent and I got some help with my camera skills and the settings adjusted for me. I met them again at an event in December and it was good to catch up. Knit and Natter started and <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/albums/commissions">2 commissions</a> arrived - 1 for a crochet bag and the other samples of crochet lace for C&H.... crochet lace using a chart....... my brain screamed in terror but with a bit of perseverance and practice I got there and the finished board looks somewhat impressive! This was also the month of swirls and ruffles as I experimented with some crochet techniques and created bags and purses!<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>September</b></i> - The first workshops happened and went well, leading me to consider running some myself and Crochet for Christmas was born. A few more commissions came in including recovering 15 caravan cushions!!! By Hand!!! Lets say my daughter was not popular initially but I learned a new skill and achieved it! A couple more craft fairs were attended and I met some of the lovely people who had supplied me with coffees at a very wet and windy event earlier in the summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHbx9ULe1kNaR0YvnwuOvV7aFWEGWysjTplS25Qq6A8uC0yEOn8q3OQfqHJ10-N9AU9VAbj77K_AEhJOGif2rzwNjA8s0lIq4cymMxE4bwSpGplJEn0Uwc9mN0-UC0IzrYvdca76obof1/s1600/toddler+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHbx9ULe1kNaR0YvnwuOvV7aFWEGWysjTplS25Qq6A8uC0yEOn8q3OQfqHJ10-N9AU9VAbj77K_AEhJOGif2rzwNjA8s0lIq4cymMxE4bwSpGplJEn0Uwc9mN0-UC0IzrYvdca76obof1/s200/toddler+set.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>October</b></i> - Clicking up commissions was the key activity. I'd also been asked to supply the Art House with some hats, scarves and mitts for their Trash Cocktail Boutique. So some rapid designing was called for as well as knitting up. I also created some pumpkin themed makes for the annual Pumpkin Fair in aid of the <a href="http://uk.search-results.com/web?l=dis&o=15918&q=Jubilee+Sailing+Trust&atb=sysid%3D1%3Auid%3D59403cfac854ae47%3Auc%3D1321136966%3Aq%3DJubilee+Sailing+Trust%3Asrc%3Dffb%3Ao%3D15918">Jubilee Sailing Trust</a> and rapidly learned that people like themed things! And cute baby wear. 2 more crochet workshops were commissioned by C&H too for November. I also did some lets try groups at the Art House, teaching simple crochet nets and learning lace making and dorset buttoning! That lead me on to working in plarn and learning to spin it - and hence the pumpkin pot was born. I wanted to develop the idea for Dec but ran out of time but its definitely on the list for next Christmas...<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>November</b></i> - the song for November was definitely the Bangles Manic Monday - though it was manic Monday to Friday really! With Christmas workshops,commissions to finish, a very recalcitrant pair of glittens to conquer and the 2 crochet workshops for C&H much time was spent slaving over a hot keyboard. And the Christmas Fair season was underway too. Plus I attended a social enterprise networking event and met a couple of people who I am going to be working with in 2012! and of course there was the voluntary workshop for Age Concern - using your digital camera - taught with my camera holic friend Susie - she did the photo side and I got them playing with and sharing images on the computer. It was a great experience and we have a follow up workshop in January<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOgGep3Wbj6JnMktFeFsbZJV35yT8_mQALj0JWyy5sRl03eLePC1oREDdl_llS2wruaxpRPuRfpd-Musp5ONLtOGtCyeaQC6UjHJJKUpdZuzRA64qP2OfDfPapJdizke3USdFlDWLny2y/s1600/HPIM0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOgGep3Wbj6JnMktFeFsbZJV35yT8_mQALj0JWyy5sRl03eLePC1oREDdl_llS2wruaxpRPuRfpd-Musp5ONLtOGtCyeaQC6UjHJJKUpdZuzRA64qP2OfDfPapJdizke3USdFlDWLny2y/s200/HPIM0153.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>December</b></i> - more
commissions, robin brooches that flew away, linking into Books for Free
and the recycled craft makers in Southampton were highlights. Meeting
the team at <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/southamptonplacebook/building-bridges">Step-Across</a> and getting the support to develop into a Social
Enterprise is also helping to open doors and has linked me into the
Intergenerational Network and its opportunities for collaborative
projects across the statutory and voluntary sector! I can't wait to try
out some ideas about pulling communities together with knitting and
crochet and also skill shares! I also discovered a new outlet, <a href="http://www.loungecafe.co.uk/">The Lounge </a>- a gorgeous cafe come crafty place, who sold many of my
Christmas Baubles for me! And a blissful 2 weeks off to mentally unwind,
take stock and think about how to move it on! Knit and Natter has grown
and I've met some lovely people and strengthened existing friendships
as a result. We're now a rowdy core group with different visitors coming
to join us from time to time and we have a lot of fun. We've just been
donated a bag of yarn and our next project is to do something with it
for charity<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OPHCLDJtIL5TmcczdzPHwQ1VThEqg3fVQnbSPRre71wyNKvntOraT73Om9RNL1y7aCVJcCe62fKD5bwbbodHhwgnrcSeBP-Q4OyqV2NO9wYH61_P_flwCuCRjbEZJNLO25OpsR9zkUI5/s1600/November+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="color: #38761d;"><b>Looking Forward</b></u></div>
<br />
<br />
What does 2012 hold?<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Knitting lessons at a Community Centre in Bursledon aimed at getting young Mum's to know each other better</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 crochet workshops to organise for January, one in Eastleigh, the other in Southampton</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A monthly crochet club - Workshop plus project support, so am venue hunting at present</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Plus there are some exciting opportunities for working with various partners to offer wellbeing and craft workshops!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>And the option of running a couple of crafting with recyclables workshops</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have 2 potential outlets for stock to explore </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>And I'm working with other local crafters to develop a sort of co-operative network which will run its own events </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Plus I finally appreciate the need for planning ahead for the coming season, having a core of key items that can be made up, adapted and customised to order and get stock sorted well ahead for key events. So watch this space for details of:</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For You - </span></b></i>The Bits and Bobs Collection of Hats, Gloves, Baby Wear and Homewears<br />
<br />
<b><i style="color: #38761d;">Valentine - </i></b>something special for all those in love!<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>Titanic -</b></i> Some gift ideas to commemorate the 100th anniversary <br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mum </span></b></i>- Our Mothers' Day range of brooches, bookmarks and Decorative items<br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b>Easter </b></i> - Faith based gifts that celebrate the gift of Easter<br />
<br />
Also in the pipeline is a review of the website and working with the amazing Stephanie Baker at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FrenchToastAndBeans">French Toast and Beans</a> to develop marketing tools and get some decent photos out there! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-90508991927736154262011-09-21T06:01:00.000-07:002011-09-21T06:01:50.487-07:00Commissioning Crafts<br />Its interestsing to receive commissions from people, either for handmade items to your design or to a design they have in mind. As a tutor, meeting the learners needs also demands flexibility and the need to adapt lessons or even devise them to suit the customer's needs.<br />
<br />
Over the past few months I've had a few commissions for items as diverse as caravan cushions - reupholstery - which I've learned on the hoof!! to hand crocheted bags. Some customers give me a pattern and I simply get on with the job, others have a pattern that requires luxury yarns way beyond their means - so as well as finding a substitute yarn, lots of reworking needs to be done to ensure the tension is right. Others give me a pattern and yarn and say I love this but I want less colours. Others give me a size and come and rifle through my stash for their choice of colours. I then start playing with ideas and see how the design evolves.<br />
<br />
Its also a learning curve for me about pricing commissions, I've used this series of work to calculate the time it takes me to produce an item or a piece of teaching. And I've realised I drastically undercharge most of the time. Its also making me query my pricings in my shop. I really need to sit down with an "expert" in the field and get them right. I think I'm beginning to realise that if I under value my work or my time, it leads people to wonder if my work is of a suitable quality and skill level. Quite how I'm going to "up my game" price wise I'm not entirely certain but I know I need to do something. I do have a bit of a "mates rates" policy and will also barter - you can see below the outcome of bartering in a very yummy way. But when I start to charge the wider public I can't quite get my head around asking them for what I'm worth! From reading forum posts on Folksy and Creative Connections, I know I'm not unique in this.... but as I want to make a living from crafting and teaching crafts I need to make sure I put my business head on when going forth into the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the commissions:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Red Bolero </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8SgqdKUkTZ5Ez3gQn4SuCR7GfpAvtJ-LpOR1P4qtHsnW660L_WjTFb3c-tnIHXpx_RDsh7E5exDXuaVZ4Yh4mrhZa8zBfehHWhbCu03TB6ZI46K_dA1rdmJSrRTrA5z0s9Sj3cjuJOgm/s1600/HPIM0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8SgqdKUkTZ5Ez3gQn4SuCR7GfpAvtJ-LpOR1P4qtHsnW660L_WjTFb3c-tnIHXpx_RDsh7E5exDXuaVZ4Yh4mrhZa8zBfehHWhbCu03TB6ZI46K_dA1rdmJSrRTrA5z0s9Sj3cjuJOgm/s320/HPIM0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Knitted for the customer from a pattern. However the customer wanted to cardigan knitted in a machine washable, reasonably priced yarn. The original pattern was written for Louisa Harding Silk. I did search for it online but the colour had been discontinued - had I managed to get some surplus stash from EBay I would have been very pleased. However I did manage to find the standard meterage for the 50g balls of silk yarn, so this made it possible to estimate the quantities of a replacement. I started off knitting a tension square and quickly realised that the yarn was going to give a much looser tension that the silk yarn. A few mathematical workings later, I arrived at the solution of knitting the cardigan 2 sizes smaller - 12 - 14 instead of 18 - 20.<br />
The bolero is knitted in one piece from the bottom of the back to the bottom of the fronts. It was surprisingly easy to put together at the end too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Caravan Cushions</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggfBwHC144IgJK2CD9RdAchNHtkzQWY-pilR49EqyZkOBacvKwyJpkd46DNjmt-0aTJW8Xq3A9RdPM8qbM97WGcU4-0SUGwdEDQAphhSmva28awXtJ92Wz6RHldawmyaXFugHojhiju4X/s1600/HPIM0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggfBwHC144IgJK2CD9RdAchNHtkzQWY-pilR49EqyZkOBacvKwyJpkd46DNjmt-0aTJW8Xq3A9RdPM8qbM97WGcU4-0SUGwdEDQAphhSmva28awXtJ92Wz6RHldawmyaXFugHojhiju4X/s320/HPIM0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My daughter sort of volunteered me to recover a set of 15 cushions from a caravan. am very much on the home straight now with only a few left to do. Some are the same size as a single caravan bed so have been quite time consuming. I devised a method of covering the tops of the cushions and then whip stitching the fabric to the thick piping around the base. They've turned out really well. Some cushions can also be entirely covered so again they've proved fairly easy to sew up on the machine - once I'd figured out that it didn't like upholstery thread anyway!<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Crochet Bag</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrXWsnljyha9xPn4UX4sKLN04kODOn0OEm57XJl2j5wLh65VkkCcbNDewKmZd8b-x_dfklSI3yTvJ-Q3eG4Nbl6gojFfx-WkrFD2f-a3DfMifpGyj_NedHsKjdjBgNfAYw3c4c-zsL37E/s1600/HPIM0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrXWsnljyha9xPn4UX4sKLN04kODOn0OEm57XJl2j5wLh65VkkCcbNDewKmZd8b-x_dfklSI3yTvJ-Q3eG4Nbl6gojFfx-WkrFD2f-a3DfMifpGyj_NedHsKjdjBgNfAYw3c4c-zsL37E/s320/HPIM0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Made of from granny squares, the customer liked the pattern in principle but not the colours. Also instead of 6 colours she wanted 4. So with a few suggestions and ideas from the ladies at the church "granny sport" club I came up with the idea of having 4 solid coloured squares and the rest 2 coloured. I worked the coloured squares in pairs so I could keep count - so when I worked a pink and white, I would then work a white and pink and so on. When I put the bag together I chose 2 solids for each side and then worked out a pattern with the coloured squares to so that the featured solid colours dominated their side of the bag. The bag is lined in a white silky feel fabric. I'm strongly considering making another to my own design and putting it in my shop as granny squares seem popular at the moment.<b> </b>They're also portable so I can take my work wherever I tend to roam!<br />
<br />
<b>Mobile Phone Case</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRI5De_gVwhJg0CKy4v-yaxv6ZPdq666XBBeL6ufkLFO8guMhcPzabkFT7aG9XHKJdbsZonB_bzfqFt33XH9ytQ16yvfRTvD7FLS3j2jvnjmtsfWm7IOGShZS_ODN2hiO2EVvl8rJRBux/s1600/HPIM0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRI5De_gVwhJg0CKy4v-yaxv6ZPdq666XBBeL6ufkLFO8guMhcPzabkFT7aG9XHKJdbsZonB_bzfqFt33XH9ytQ16yvfRTvD7FLS3j2jvnjmtsfWm7IOGShZS_ODN2hiO2EVvl8rJRBux/s320/HPIM0035.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
I make mobile cases from small amounts of left over yarn in my stash. In the summer I made a rainbow zigzags one. The lady who commissioned this one, loved it but wanted one made with a cord so she could hang her phone around her neck. It meant she had her hands free to cope with her small children. So I knitted up an I Cord on 6 stitches and worked in some rainbow stripes symetrically on the cord. I turned out really well.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bartering for Cake</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrD502RpLBxkYx8hxfW4uyjxoaq3kgDkYC5lFWPcACNXwIsGH8yUU0mYMa5yCuBiA0jcd6XpLNxd-M2AssdFNV3WcBSFuGxtJSnix_Xv1OCdHHQpeWT-qxw_NqnLABupprdIS_uGLyJ91/s1600/HPIM0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrD502RpLBxkYx8hxfW4uyjxoaq3kgDkYC5lFWPcACNXwIsGH8yUU0mYMa5yCuBiA0jcd6XpLNxd-M2AssdFNV3WcBSFuGxtJSnix_Xv1OCdHHQpeWT-qxw_NqnLABupprdIS_uGLyJ91/s320/HPIM0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The final piece is very much a work in progress. I was asked to knit and crochet a bag as a birthday present for a friend's mum. She chose chocolate, raspberry, soft pink and cream. She wanted the main bag to be plain with a hint a contrast colour with the flap and strap in all the contrasting shades. I've knitted the main bag in chocolate stocking stitch. I then knitted in a raspberry stripe every 14 rows in moss stitch. The strap and sides are worked in crochet in 2 continuous loops which I'll then join together. I then need to get the flap completed. Its actually flowing together really well and I hope she'll be pleased with it. The same friend was then commissioned by my daughter to make her 18th birthday cake. So in the end we decided to do a trade - the cake for the bag. I think in terms of time, effort and materials its a fair exchange. <b> </b><br />
<br />
And the cake!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH2ZBOmb4HEfKLRpy4W8PB-waZEYerDHbnYOdtKUrlUdSIf8ypldRZh4hg9Qu97Xe9JmJpm6Uk-9xR5FlWl9I66PEex5fOvmu8wpjrp7B3dCypOYx5DLDwfYGKh_4GxKkC7RUrzF2hU2b/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH2ZBOmb4HEfKLRpy4W8PB-waZEYerDHbnYOdtKUrlUdSIf8ypldRZh4hg9Qu97Xe9JmJpm6Uk-9xR5FlWl9I66PEex5fOvmu8wpjrp7B3dCypOYx5DLDwfYGKh_4GxKkC7RUrzF2hU2b/s320/Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe the cute baby on the left is the teen on the right! Its not been an easy journey for either of us at times but I'm proud of my beautiful 18 year old daughter!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>The Folksy "Commissionaires"</b><br />
<br />
As well as "blowing my own trumpet", I've decided to give some fellow makers over at Folksy an opportunity to let the world know that they too take commissions:<br />
<b> </b><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/uniquebeadedgems"><u>Unique Beaded Gems</u></a><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18300985/Blue_John_Sterling_Silver_Ring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18300985/Blue_John_Sterling_Silver_Ring.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As well as offering a beautiful selection of handcrafted jewellery
featuring beautiful gem stones, owner Jo Walters is always ready to take
commissions. This beautiful <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2228729-Blue-John-Sterling-Silver-Ring-18x13mm?shop=yes">Blue John Sterling Silver Ring</a> is just one example of her beautiful work:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/NOfkantsCurios"><u>NofKants Curio's</u></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/19176161/Blue_Witch_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/19176161/Blue_Witch_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Natalie Ofkants produces beautiful hand crocheted bags and accessories
including the fab <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2309481-Blue-Witchy-Woo-Crocheted-Adult-Fantasy-Hat-?shop=yes">"witchy woo hats"</a> pictured left. Natalie also polishes
and mounts fossils and gemstones into fabulous keyrings and trinkets.
Her shop is well worth a visit and she is always happy to take
commissions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/19121193/TEye_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/KawaiiBoutiqueUK"><u>Kawaii Boutique UK</u></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18749325/100_2653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18749325/100_2653.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Kawaii in Japanese means cute, pretty, lovely, charming and Kawaii Boutique UK definitely deliver. There is a fantastic range of handcrafted jewelerry, which in the words of the owner is "handmade kitsch and kawaii jewellery, inspired by animals,
cupcakes, sweets, anything cute and colourful. I also make
custom-designed pieces so you can have something entirely unique."<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2262893-Pink-Blue-Rain-Clouds-Kawaii-Necklace?shop=yes">The Pink and Blue Rainclouds</a> especially appeal to me, I think they're really cute! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/GaiaNoir">Gaia Noir</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18894561/gothic_black_burgundy_armwarmers_gloves_LRG.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18894561/gothic_black_burgundy_armwarmers_gloves_LRG.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Owner Jane Faye makes an eclectic range of unusual makes from ethically sourced / green materials. She does not work with plastics or other toxin based materials. Jane especially welcomes commissions that have an ethical basis. She also has a range of beautiful <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/GaiaNoir?shop_section=made_to_order_items">vintage style made to order items</a> in her Folksy shop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/girlybunches"><u>Girly Bunches</u></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18126029/Set_of_4_Crochet_Bright_Coasters-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18126029/Set_of_4_Crochet_Bright_Coasters-01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Oliva, owner of Girly Bunches, has a shop full of crocheted delights. From traditional doilies to funky coasters and hair accessories. She welcomes commissions and says "I love making things that I wouldn’t have normally thought of…. helps me to keep my work evolving!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/thepressgang"><u>The Press Gang</u> </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16351133/purple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16351133/purple1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This beautiful <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2027801-Hand-bound-Small-Clasped-Purple-Journal-chain-coptic-stitch?shop=yes">handbound journal</a> is created by owner Leanne and her collection of presses. Leanne loves to take commissions for bookbinding and you can see from the quality of this journal, that it would be worth the outlay for a treasured item like a wedding album or special journal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/users/BaggieAggieToo"><u>Baggie Aggie Too</u></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18402521/business_card_wallet_business_card_wallets_mushrooms_funky_www.baggieaggietoo.folksy.com.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18402521/business_card_wallet_business_card_wallets_mushrooms_funky_www.baggieaggietoo.folksy.com.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Designer, maker Rosie has a wide range of beautiful covers and cases, from specs to kindles. The Mushrooms Business Card Wallet pictured is just one example of her work. Like the other makers featured, she can share photo's of previous commissions with you. She welcomes custom orders via her Folksy Shop<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-36295699615151516482011-09-16T01:58:00.000-07:002011-09-16T01:58:10.108-07:00Fair...ly Well Prepared!Today's been spent finishing off the pics and postings for Craft Fest and I can safely say I am copy and pasted out!! I spent yesterday evening getting sorted for a craft fair with cream tea today. Its in aid of a Christian charity - <a href="http://www.eabrazil.com/">Evangelical Action Brazil</a>. They do amazing work providing education and support to kids who grow up in some pretty horrendous conditions and are suffering because of it. One of the best things - in my opinion - is the extra schooling they provide. Families all over the world sponsor a child and the money pays for extra education and support. Kids who were not expected to achieve anything much end up leaving school with qualifications that give them a real hand up, out of poverty. So will be more than happy to donate 15% of anything I make tomorrow to send to the kids. And to keep costs down and make sure the money goes to the kids, all the admin is done by a small army of volunteers - of which I'm 1! We're just mentally gearing up for the Christmas update, so I'll soon be up to my ears in paper and envelopes instead of yarn!<br />
<br />
Here are a few more examples of the work I'll be selling via Craft Fest and you can view a side show <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/photo/slideshow?albumId=3872179:Album:46105">HERE</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLXtV2AQfH_r0CEXDzEEfjhKV7VBc9b812ygJz1OCTsEQrqBL_AE6OHJ_Y1rsEQY5arqWz7jHGQv1GsA-_cRcp7gJemZ5-OaAdGiYaH34mjH_92KgaXDhPBUIurPgBRYbqEtCdL9Y4V3G/s1600/rectangle.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please Click on The Photo to Visit My Stall</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/crocheted-hair-accessory-gift-pack?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A46105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/iRaP5lVt-H2JlQf7e-volCEnaGpl6gcnZk4knZdRIMMlLC6TC3xVGxxEeg2KuLTkMAB5cl8I1NV9WczLC4QDnhbaPPAf8KEU/HPIM0286.JPG?width=559&height=430" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/hpim0400?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A46105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/9u3G-SQSX0Hum5Vwd*Y5rogwtCAwYACSLVtcqiYd9qqKBumdYxaYbZf1nZHt9FfjU-*ju5S41sBIl7AjK6FduQsdcfeyJKOY/HPIM0400.JPG?width=600&height=600" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/retro-allsorts-bag?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A46105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/2AF*u3UwcP7WzxPJyffodALQ2C8jQLnJ6BMjwv1M3TVrGkX8mm8XMk4vqndc*UY-oFXEKSvahrkzqnUVjsJOyHounfxFtYHg/HPIM0036.JPG?width=600&height=600" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/sari-handbag?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A46105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/83B7-t-viViyg32u*jUloqEo-GpDRMvvmLd2wqsk-FM7ScNI6c-XG71toJHaHU56XFwVkeATGPDNk86muYGiGbf4pnnOxWOS/Image14.png?width=415&height=415" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/hpim0378?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A46105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/8MsXVG1rZh3ogdTl8LvICmMw9EKwYGr1sgTf8e142aBnJTxR7BoS65NKt8uRmQTuYQePrKtOQd-4xYOpi*O8rMizdvq9vMX6/HPIM0378.JPG?width=600&height=600" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/bmPWdN*ifBY6KeHWTcr2hrCAEYyGRRBwEtPKpdsWzhhrgDgYm0U1hzJ3k9VVZQ7qkr8GIFdUallqO-I14I7lUair-BS8C-8e/HPIM0389.JPG?width=600&height=600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/bmPWdN*ifBY6KeHWTcr2hrCAEYyGRRBwEtPKpdsWzhhrgDgYm0U1hzJ3k9VVZQ7qkr8GIFdUallqO-I14I7lUair-BS8C-8e/HPIM0389.JPG?width=600&height=600" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
</center><center> </center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
</center><b>FOLKSY FRIDAY</b><br />
<br />
And for my Folksy Friday, here is a treasury of Folksy Sellers who are also taking part in Craft Fest. Again please click on their photo to visit their stall:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Diomo Glass 2. Dottie Designs 3. Infiniti Jewellery<br />
4. Lynwood Crafts 5. Martha Moo Beads 6. Nofkants Curios<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/elephant-tea-light-holder?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A42103"><img alt="DIOMO GLASS" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/FlyyzEeM242j3cFP5ji4jc3SUO2GaLghf*j4GsTcTDDdzXkc3puVYDvDvdfASyH*VMTd9EPCjI3LESB1tXtfvP0hZq4Ccqn3/Elephanttealightholder4.jpg?width=465&height=600" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/img-3596-edited-1?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A56863"><img alt="Dottie Designs" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fBMgPgkmpG-jU7drR8Zm0AwdGkseLzZnSJ3fYrT*1KTZLBj1JpTISY3-NZb8wJ5W9JVNcof8dL9ZnRTHjT16IFgxgK2PhhyN/IMG_3596_edited1.jpg?width=595&height=600" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/img1589-1?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A40655"><img alt="Infiti" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/y4gJd0OgabKjHtxOKxTN9K56GTfodVwYiuUfK1xfWHUcc86-lVNTMZ6-YHUdFK9Cdm-mIM5uJ2RP2Y-znPDRR214tNAbAUbj/IMG_1589.JPG?width=737&height=552" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/embroidered-brooch-golden-roses?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A55448"><img alt="Lynwood" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/FiFwZtObV*K-XJpgdbFzO83rPLe28IcCHEjQuUvoDYydLZt88QgSWFNQVvH2dfMVUwmFQZcKikzr6JBXxwp9bqNJaGvINpK5/rosesbrooch038.jpg?width=600&height=600" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/funky-bracelet?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A56169"><img alt="Martha Moo Beads" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/TXTw5mXq6flP9JqkuC8L4zkPz5maU*3KHtiU4TEbkPhOXaW-OvIxqDKKqU11qhCatxs2ZiUcCEr-Anl2dbPJ-THUOp1tcYFv/MarthamooMarch2011031.JPG?width=737&height=552" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/firey-leaves-hand-knitted-crocheted-handbag-with-glass-bead-strap?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A53224"><img alt="Nofkants Curios" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/71rkbAiyQyJpNkeJpqDwnXE6rN5U3TgaeaIXXofB*rp3KvcXi28M8q84FxF1BW39J8GXUVx7ZlHQ56g5HejhEqgfv9E6UYuc/Red_1a1.png?width=495&height=495" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
</center>
Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-75611755088628817332011-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:002011-09-14T07:09:21.443-07:00Relax at Craft FestHow many of us love to shop online? Beats trudging round the supermarket, competing with the "demon old ladies" with "trolley rage", the confused single man who has no idea what anything other than oven chips are, tantruming toddlers, stressed out mums and dangerous women in wheelchairs like me! I know I'm hopelessly sterotyping here but you get the idea. Online shopping means a relaxed look through the cupboards to see what you might like, a cuppa, maybe some biccy's, no having to fit round opening times, bedtimes, naptimes and all the other restrictions we have on life.<br />
And when it comes to Christmas shopping, it gets worse - I know I become evermore invisible in my chair - the temptation to fit it with airhorns and a "people plough" always surfaces around mid-November and gently fades away by mid January! The shops are more crowed, you get jostled as you browse, tempers seem shorter and the struggle to find something nice for Great Aunty Maud, that won't be hidden in the cupboard and recycled to another relative next year seems even harder than last year...<br />
So what if there was a solution? An online craft fair where you put your feet up, log on anytime in a 48 hour period, email the makers for advice and help, maybe even to ask if they could possibly make something in a different colour etc... Well the clever people at Creavite Crafting / Creative Connections have put their thinking caps on and come up with such an idea. On 17th and 18th September there will be a showcase of shops all in one place for your browsing pleasure. Many of the makers will be around, and if they can't be at their PC all the time, message them and they'll respond. And I'll challenge anyone not to find the perfect Christmas present for the most hard to choose for person on their list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7HSne1h6g697iqKQZkohzm0vJA_0JKeht7Ow7i2wug_kKIzhVHOtGsG4jM1T-tcNt11uPQ90XVw4vSjJtdznLHN8WVE_BSwDrjf9dpGVMGz8E7WgweUUGYUstaphNuR-XzZ-rnb1Yaxa/s320/eflier.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
As a taster I've chosen some beautiful makes from some of the <a href="http://creative-crafting-magazine.blogspot.com/2011/09/confirmed-stall-holders-for-craftfest.html">registered sellers</a>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bits and Bobs Selection Pack
</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2224037-jade-and-grey-fingerless-mitts?shop=yes"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18265469/1.png" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2087929-Storage-Pot?shop=yes"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16956941/HPIM0035.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a bbc"="" border="0" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2064013-Crocheted-scarf?shop=yes"><img ="="" alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16634301/P1030060.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2055929-Camomile-Lawn-Brooch?shop=yes"><img 0"="" alt="BBC border=" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16572777/HPIM0117.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2034921-Crochet-Cushion-Patched-by-Dianthus-?shop=yes"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16417345/HPIM0131.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1812537-Floral-Eco-Shopper?shop=yes"><img alt="BBC" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14617765/DSC00149.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
</center><br />
<br />
<b>Guest Selection Pack </b><br />
<br />
1. Aingeal Designs 2. Ann Chandler Designs 3.Buttercup Boutique<br />
4. Colour Me fun 5. Daisy Beth Creations 6.Egyptian Inspirations<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.aingealdesigns.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1552105-Tea-Party-set-of-six-wine-glass-charms.html"><img alt="Aingeal Designs" border="0" src="http://www.aingealdesigns.co.uk/siteimages/25/5/8/255846/2492159/f_1552105.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1929317-Kimono-Silk-Handbag?shop=yes"><img alt="Ann Chandler Designs" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15562965/IMGP0678.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2275093-Little-Owl-Brooch?shop=yes"><img alt="buttercup boutique" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18896913/handmade_owl_brooch.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.colourmefun.co.uk/miscellaneous/81-love-hearts-set-of-5.html"><img alt="Colour Me Fun" border="0" src="http://www.colourmefun.co.uk/81-190-large/love-hearts-set-of-5.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/photo/black-telephone-crochet-phone-case?context=album&albumId=3872179%3AAlbum%3A45359"><img alt="Daisy Beth Creations" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/HwAn2gJOhEtnCD5SIVDEnGbDEqJrnSxsmXxGcTeQBLuJtkGYD1wcTprQWswdK6NFCiADqH9qSG7zVfISvdD598Qa1kQUj-1z/BlackWhitephonecase.jpg?width=600&height=600" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.egyptianinspirations.co.uk/"><img alt="Eygyptian Inspirations" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/FalconC/Egyptian%20Inspirations/AnkSuNumunCuffBracelet.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-63008154541613211842011-09-12T03:37:00.000-07:002011-09-12T03:40:34.431-07:00Showcasing FinesseSome weeks back I blogged about a commission I had to create some crocheted lace for display in a local store. I handed the work in a coule of weeks ago but holidays, return to college for one disorganised teenage girly and life in general has meant I've only had time to edit the pics today.<br />
<br />
I said I was looking forward to the return to college but its oddly silent here this morning - so have dear old Homes Under the Hammer running in the background for some noise lol! Only because I'd been watching Helicopter Heroes over breakfast though - I have a real thing for the gorgeous presenter - am probably old enough to at least be his aunty though lol <blush><br />
<br />
Anyway enough digressing into parts of my mind best left unshared and onto some beautiful lace work:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmKV8DZ2Z9BhjH-Z9I_9pNtf7qrYp-fn-X3sLEbCT1aOPEfiCm3F0u9B8KOpmVVstEsdaV7I4kRGjzvH25Qp8XV_BwTgLJJfmPv5pJs7q9K6mF_AzdO9Ob987aXzgqsPvSv6W5YnlBgPQ/s1600/HPIM0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmKV8DZ2Z9BhjH-Z9I_9pNtf7qrYp-fn-X3sLEbCT1aOPEfiCm3F0u9B8KOpmVVstEsdaV7I4kRGjzvH25Qp8XV_BwTgLJJfmPv5pJs7q9K6mF_AzdO9Ob987aXzgqsPvSv6W5YnlBgPQ/s320/HPIM0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful butterfly - was a real challenge to read the chart for this one but I was determined!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc0Z29doBVyFt2ywwzbu2o3yFJvrOfXXlfQKN8hUgZzBWFdGCgUgHsIgEbIgptHNF2tzsw_IXKRgisarpZglxsKjTJ1q4y2qLOMc0q6KhbICjoBLtzkhyQnR1nxqLy5PAhQK1tRtZPJwr/s1600/HPIM0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc0Z29doBVyFt2ywwzbu2o3yFJvrOfXXlfQKN8hUgZzBWFdGCgUgHsIgEbIgptHNF2tzsw_IXKRgisarpZglxsKjTJ1q4y2qLOMc0q6KhbICjoBLtzkhyQnR1nxqLy5PAhQK1tRtZPJwr/s320/HPIM0359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelf edgings, butterfly, circles for cushion covers, tablecloth edgings </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-YpsFsulyyuU1R6C5qhi7P3KDlUKpJC_bz-DQwEPIsjWPMQEE1kvrvFOtOUiq8rRNkzX0xcwgfzoHWf5qP2y1wSQPCGWMfEtSejzVquYS7PYpG9M9OuHE_M4g5udmHEDzTKvojyCibNX/s1600/HPIM0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-YpsFsulyyuU1R6C5qhi7P3KDlUKpJC_bz-DQwEPIsjWPMQEE1kvrvFOtOUiq8rRNkzX0xcwgfzoHWf5qP2y1wSQPCGWMfEtSejzVquYS7PYpG9M9OuHE_M4g5udmHEDzTKvojyCibNX/s320/HPIM0360.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the filet work for the table cloth edging - you'd need at least 20 panels to do one cloth! But would be well worth it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQC_rTj8AMn2z2PixCute-mffa3SQJmqW_FB9RGsjYNHjC6i9u0fZjxzjsqWLwWhmCtw-bFDeiHReHslbLlUvqkcJjKgT_IHE3671mud_6rx0piYJWO_lDXdkeAzlwKyB_Rndmb7Zdt3m/s1600/HPIM0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQC_rTj8AMn2z2PixCute-mffa3SQJmqW_FB9RGsjYNHjC6i9u0fZjxzjsqWLwWhmCtw-bFDeiHReHslbLlUvqkcJjKgT_IHE3671mud_6rx0piYJWO_lDXdkeAzlwKyB_Rndmb7Zdt3m/s320/HPIM0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace for trimming towels or cushions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It really makes me take my hat off to the number of Victorian and Edwardian ladies who pioneered crochet lace, often by candle or gaslight - what must their eyes have been like?<br />
<br />
The pieces above were created on 1.0 and 1.5mm hooks, which were fine enough. I then received a commission for a bookmark - to fit the wording in, I had to go down to a 0.75mm hook - which raised some eyebrows in the yarn shop - the lady thought I'd be crocheting with human hair! But the effort was well worth it and this was the result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUeKCQ-cHRcEbGSEdMnE98PF9vZAR_WvB242UVvdEH8wWvmaNh3MdNtlPHbuUY9-WnAE4TBiGWIrIO9psBS5_c9_tr00eZxJlT5pbRjiZxjS3IkqxXfSJuCplA65SHOjFtNPtX20KGg7l/s1600/Anniversary+for+OC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUeKCQ-cHRcEbGSEdMnE98PF9vZAR_WvB242UVvdEH8wWvmaNh3MdNtlPHbuUY9-WnAE4TBiGWIrIO9psBS5_c9_tr00eZxJlT5pbRjiZxjS3IkqxXfSJuCplA65SHOjFtNPtX20KGg7l/s320/Anniversary+for+OC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you would like to commission your own lace pieces please <a href="mailto:bev,bitsandbobs@gmail.com">email me</a> with your requirements<br />
<br />
<b>Adventures with Henrietta</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Before I move on to the fab intricate work offered by the September Embers over on Folksy, I'll just share a tale or two of my experiences related to "Henrietta" my polystyrene head:<br />
<br />
<b>Winchester</b><br />
Having just finished a craft fair, I loaded up the wheelchair with all my stock but just couldn't squeeze her into a bag. Having arrived there before 9am, she's already sat on my lap en route, so not thinking that I had 3 pubs / cafe bars to pass at 4:30pm I decided to repeat the idea! As I'm trundling along the pavement avoiding running over those who seem to think wheelchairs come complete with their own Harry Potter style invisibility cloak - very common in seaside towns - I heard a comment "There's a woman in a wheelchair with 2 heads" lol! Obviously some alcohol had been taken and I couldn't help laughing!<br />
<br />
<b>Small children and Henrietta</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
I did a community fair yesterday and had Henrietta modelling a hat for me. Some friends' children came along and were fascinated by her - in fact I had to go on a hot pursuit with a walking frame to reclaim her from one child!<br />
The main question was "Why have you got a head on your stall?" Being a bit of a wind up merchant and already suspected by the kids of being barking mad, I then told them that I used Henrietta when I had a headache - my real head could go and have a rest and Henrietta could keep working. Great discussions then ensued about how I managed to take my head off and do the swap! Fortunately I wasn't asked to demonstrate!! One little boy gave me a look that said it all! A sort of old fashioned sideways frown often reserved for maiden aunts of a certain age who are definitely becoming eccentric!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>September Embers</b><br />
<br />
This is the Folksy daily listings club for September - I aim to list "dailyish" depending on other demands on my time. For those who want to see more, there's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1693492@N24/">Flickr Group</a> with many more photo's<br />
<br />
Here's a showcase of work that I feel, echoes the intricacies of lace making:<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
1. Lilac Elephant 2. Diomo Glass Gifts 3. NofKants Curios<br />
4. Clouberry Gems 5.TheCrafty Warren 6. Pip Designs<br />
<br />
Please click on the image to visit the makers' beautiful stores<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1967237-Blue-alphabet-quilted-ABC-wall-hanging?shop=yes"><img alt="Lilac Elephant" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15857365/Advent_calendar_blue_abc_047.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2211349-Christmas-Pudding-Tree-Decoration"><img alt="Diomo Glass Gifts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18164469/Christmas_Pudding_decoration_4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1633901-One-Day-Sale-Abstract-Floral-Embroidered-Brooch-"><img alt="Nofkants Curios" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12968485/Flower_Abstract_Brooch_1.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://folksy.com/items/2273849-Pink-Ruffle-Bracelet?shop=yes"><img alt="Cloudberry gems" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18888649/pinkruffle.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2270637-Origami-bird-earrings?shop=yes"><img alt="The Crafty Warren" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18864121/P1010257.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2269933"><img alt="Pip Designs" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18857913/PouchCaseZipKindle3W15xL22cmAppliqueFlower-1.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>
</center>
Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-4218786337622145122011-09-08T06:09:00.000-07:002011-09-08T15:27:36.407-07:00Inspirations From the PastAm having a trawl through my "wintery" makes and have rediscovered my love of vintage, which is heavily featured in my autumn / winter collection<br />
<br />
The latest additions to my folksy shop are both inspired by vintage, please click on the link below the photo to visit the shop:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18644673/P1030081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18644673/P1030081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2258249-Pink-Ladies-Hat?shop=yes">70's inpired wooly ladies hat</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18742561/HPIM0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18742561/HPIM0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2262681-Navy-Blue-and-White-Knitted-Scarf?shop=yes">Inspired by an early C20th pattern</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What it is about vintage that inspires crafters I'm not sure. For me its a combination of:<br />
<br />
1. Harking back to a time when handmade was the "norm" and the work was appreciated because people saw the time that went into it.<br />
<br />
2. The classic techniques that have been handed down through the generations<br />
<br />
3. Beautiful patterns, styling and decal are preserved and used in new ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been really inspired too by some of the fabulous makers on Folksy who are also inspired by vintage:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Imogen's Imagination have this beautiful Deco inspired beret, which has been featured in Vogue:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18396825/Red_Felt_Fan_Beret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18396825/Red_Felt_Fan_Beret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2241401-Red-Handblocked-Felt-Beret-Hat-with-Fan-Beading">Imogen's Imagination - Red Handblocked Felt Beret</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18588353/Mitts_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18588353/Mitts_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2253793-One-Day-Sale-Upcycled-Granny-Square-Long-Length-Adult-Fingerless-Mittens-">Nofkants Curio's - Upcycled Arm Warmers</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18665945/Picture_4102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/18665945/Picture_4102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2261065-Vintage-Cameo-Wired-Necklace?shop=yes">Be Beautiful Again Trinkets - Vintage Cameo Necklace</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-16990436759394236152011-08-24T11:31:00.000-07:002011-08-24T11:31:26.198-07:00Swirls and Ruffles - the final resultsOn my last blog post I showed some WIP's using some new techniques I was experimenting with - swirls and ruffles. Once I'd got the set made up I started turning them into all manner of things from hair accessories to purses. The pics below are pics from a recent craft fair, followed by a showcase of my finished work:<br />
<br />
<b>The Craft Fair - All Set To Go and Praying for Sun!!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m3Jqey7uQA0Fe8OkRkgJxNFcngDV_TaqbQ6Fvz0RxM7KarcSYajHz5HB-dY6lITeOdH26h_hyk3V9muRm-gsBMFFrCC_ja9sIUBYxNzIok1cWA5zDUbLmockNtS0M2PFh_pF3KBddgXP/s1600/HPIM0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m3Jqey7uQA0Fe8OkRkgJxNFcngDV_TaqbQ6Fvz0RxM7KarcSYajHz5HB-dY6lITeOdH26h_hyk3V9muRm-gsBMFFrCC_ja9sIUBYxNzIok1cWA5zDUbLmockNtS0M2PFh_pF3KBddgXP/s320/HPIM0270.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62tjNtcspo30bbv3ukxi8yvgGYZTu3ckOtCWI1xNuNe0xWqrWVdRIut-OKDI99mPYd7OzUst203-TSUeBD6o3RD3T-K1OLLCAIS5Ek_BuIYgeIj3WRlrOjGNP3Vvgiz1gyv0oXxd1iPPb/s1600/HPIM0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62tjNtcspo30bbv3ukxi8yvgGYZTu3ckOtCWI1xNuNe0xWqrWVdRIut-OKDI99mPYd7OzUst203-TSUeBD6o3RD3T-K1OLLCAIS5Ek_BuIYgeIj3WRlrOjGNP3Vvgiz1gyv0oXxd1iPPb/s320/HPIM0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Not sure I'll give the great outdoors a go next year - but its been a good experience. Have 1 more outdoor event to go. The craft fairs are then stacking up for the Autumn, so I'm making a list and prioritising which ones I really want to go to. There's a lovely vintage event coming up at <a href="http://www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk/index.php">Burlsedon Brickworks</a> that I really like the sound of. Its a fascinating place - an abandoned brick factory being brought back to life by dedicated volunteers with an interest in industrial archaeology. Their latest project involves getting former workers together to do some form of living history. Its a good day out, with lots of hands on stuff to keep the kids happy, trains, a bookshop full of inspiration for crafters with an interest in vintage and of course an onsite miniature railway.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Spirals Showcase!</b></div><br />
Am already getting orders for this little coin purse - available from my Folksy Shop as a custom order - click on the photo to visit the store:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/BitandBobsCrafts"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17869933/HPIM0302.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Sneak Preview of Listings to Come!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG2F95h_eGwQh1jXMmQoFsIV_BT-Lp6yikTFPjxsNcxw8-1Aar-dq6_sjtOwgeNpALo4Y0auY6dLPE3ehNopVypv-XYszxEB8M8jEIUTDqWXgjNrn5qYY5D0OCmwfjZpnStEQjsUIw_Pv/s1600/HPIM0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG2F95h_eGwQh1jXMmQoFsIV_BT-Lp6yikTFPjxsNcxw8-1Aar-dq6_sjtOwgeNpALo4Y0auY6dLPE3ehNopVypv-XYszxEB8M8jEIUTDqWXgjNrn5qYY5D0OCmwfjZpnStEQjsUIw_Pv/s320/HPIM0279.JPG" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiVGsDvskzOB9nt90Sk0BSq_-4Gozpgvbnb66bL1UGHICs87mK5LeEeKMxW9WyGXG0jeLf83QPN4vrjVhir3gqDqSxfJ6SZVVZ2_cDNzeXYOdnLIrd66Ik88Fa_KfHggn6Ufsl09dyvJ/s1600/HPIM0307.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiVGsDvskzOB9nt90Sk0BSq_-4Gozpgvbnb66bL1UGHICs87mK5LeEeKMxW9WyGXG0jeLf83QPN4vrjVhir3gqDqSxfJ6SZVVZ2_cDNzeXYOdnLIrd66Ik88Fa_KfHggn6Ufsl09dyvJ/s320/HPIM0307.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7o05JPO0uVxuJ3sshJCmGpHWGxepCEy5E_Ygjd-WQRcmiZFCZV3aWgQAqxnMj2k9AXRrBTrlt2ydm4GCDSkfrehdmNixsJrBlAILi-MOEze5PF9F3_XYkzjBQWuEx7IvivOuOPw1ulSL/s1600/HPIM0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7o05JPO0uVxuJ3sshJCmGpHWGxepCEy5E_Ygjd-WQRcmiZFCZV3aWgQAqxnMj2k9AXRrBTrlt2ydm4GCDSkfrehdmNixsJrBlAILi-MOEze5PF9F3_XYkzjBQWuEx7IvivOuOPw1ulSL/s320/HPIM0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgvBvRQYg1wwvBGtZYqCT2pxW9E0sVEIZ18-p84JVNAvwQt4GrjrRICWZvj9oaFp3haJlCMWW-U_duAKFzwsqKxg7GrGeDIq8zG1wnAiuriI7QwiOhNq8D6MRMiRyNOauTNNcDXnDMAtb/s1600/HPIM0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgvBvRQYg1wwvBGtZYqCT2pxW9E0sVEIZ18-p84JVNAvwQt4GrjrRICWZvj9oaFp3haJlCMWW-U_duAKFzwsqKxg7GrGeDIq8zG1wnAiuriI7QwiOhNq8D6MRMiRyNOauTNNcDXnDMAtb/s320/HPIM0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Am planning to write up some patterns for spiral designs once my daughter is back to college and Mum's Taxi can have a bit of a rest! Its going to be challenging to explain the spiral process, I had to hunt through several blogs and how to sites before I found one that "clicked" for me.<br />
<br />
<b>A-Listers</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
As well as doing fairs and some teaching, I've also been trying - badly - to do the A-Listers Daily Listings Club on Folksy. Last week was manic as I had tax courses and a very short notice all day training to write and deliver. It was the first one in 3 years and I loved it. It was also a bit of a test for me as to whether I can physically cope with the demands of work again and I think I did ok all in all. And my crafts became a source of relaxation again, which I really appreciated. Am hoping that I won't go into my usual "September Slump" and have a bit of relapse - apparently its all to do with atmospheric pressure and most people with similar spinal issues experience it, so I might just have to accept its going to be a regular thing. Once I get the business established I can then plan around anticipated problem areas and ensure my workload is realistic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Here's a mini showcase form the A-Listers - Cirles and Spirals</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2183545-Clear-Resin-Pendant" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17785421/unique_handmade_subtle_pendant.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura Faye Crafts - Clear Resin Pendant</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2192717-Universal-jewellery-Mifeliori-gemstones-bracelets?shop=yes" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17857341/DSCF2355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling Dew - Universal Jewellery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2193161-Mega-Sale-Round-Pink-Glitter-Necklace-Sterling-Silver-Chain?shop=yes" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17860757/IMG_2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esme Dodswoth - Round Pink Glitter Necklace</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2193345-Pendant-Polymer-Clay-Textured-and-Layered-Silver-Black-Green-Circle" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17862169/037-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Averil Pam - Polymer Clay Layered Pendant</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2194705-Charcoal-Grey-Flower-Rose-Wire-Wrapped-Ring?shop=yes" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17873105/IMG_4975_grey_rose_ring_1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gimme that Thing - Charcoal Grey Flower Ring</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgvBvRQYg1wwvBGtZYqCT2pxW9E0sVEIZ18-p84JVNAvwQt4GrjrRICWZvj9oaFp3haJlCMWW-U_duAKFzwsqKxg7GrGeDIq8zG1wnAiuriI7QwiOhNq8D6MRMiRyNOauTNNcDXnDMAtb/s1600/HPIM0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-51409604495278556022011-08-15T08:36:00.000-07:002011-08-15T08:36:29.751-07:00Crochet TechniquesI've been doing much experimenting with crochet this past week - and over the weekend I was looking around for inspiration for a craft fair - I wanted something a little different and eye catching. I'd been having a go for a while at trying to create spirals and ruffles but was never completely happy with them. So I decided to try google images and see what I could see. Sometimes I find it easier to search that way as you can actually see what you want. With the help of some fab pictures and the odd blog I finally cracked them both! As you can see from the pics the majority are still WIPS - mainly needing some ends sewn in and the bag of course needs to be lined.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPq9V8OJ7NbgGIBnRWGmeYRYOIFy8S_-HUZKVLnfqqNV1A9-Vv_9qNrMX2oFqZrI2Tk8OJhKgRMGec8IFnQGMmQRiHYBzZxXCX7uNv0ulEmXO5G4HZaVPAkh_vGadIhind-fAzGQZ3nG6/s1600/HPIM0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPq9V8OJ7NbgGIBnRWGmeYRYOIFy8S_-HUZKVLnfqqNV1A9-Vv_9qNrMX2oFqZrI2Tk8OJhKgRMGec8IFnQGMmQRiHYBzZxXCX7uNv0ulEmXO5G4HZaVPAkh_vGadIhind-fAzGQZ3nG6/s320/HPIM0261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I started off making some very simple spirals in 2 colours - just to see what would happen:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ZJZq-VDdBOwZ3roqmWoXuyYA2ZkkAa8j-4v069UWaVCUghrPvLwpEM1pYQSwtvO2wQE79nvGCnOs3bS0OHtWB9oN-u_Ll-8RYx361-95pVF1J4yu0VSOseVrckRTi2FadCUZDq9-oym/s1600/HPIM0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ZJZq-VDdBOwZ3roqmWoXuyYA2ZkkAa8j-4v069UWaVCUghrPvLwpEM1pYQSwtvO2wQE79nvGCnOs3bS0OHtWB9oN-u_Ll-8RYx361-95pVF1J4yu0VSOseVrckRTi2FadCUZDq9-oym/s320/HPIM0256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Decided that they looked like treble clefs if you joined 2 together so have started on a shabby chic musically inspired brooch<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJfRlpPpUaJZp-CWL55L5Vqg_uPljo-AuzS_Rak4_SDa880RY-QO375lyiaSFNFrucVRUexIhoRXzbth6_RoIA7XDAz1s3K7Xw_kX9ypE7JmjY-r6f4wxae7h3DyCJCqedWqI4D7NeymJ/s1600/HPIM0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJfRlpPpUaJZp-CWL55L5Vqg_uPljo-AuzS_Rak4_SDa880RY-QO375lyiaSFNFrucVRUexIhoRXzbth6_RoIA7XDAz1s3K7Xw_kX9ypE7JmjY-r6f4wxae7h3DyCJCqedWqI4D7NeymJ/s320/HPIM0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Some edging, crochet net and a suggestion from a friend and a simple spiral can easily become a retro snood...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUwZv6vsKi25HxLCcJrx2qx43UiO_gRmjCssTWzNi7OmRFY-O89zFSUdG7shRaPCMbB2kFyGmBDYAHsN42IqvahqiXgXkuo-z4JN5G9yWYo6ZtUOVdnEnEyn1CR3SL0HmU1Zu5ZU76XIM/s1600/HPIM0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUwZv6vsKi25HxLCcJrx2qx43UiO_gRmjCssTWzNi7OmRFY-O89zFSUdG7shRaPCMbB2kFyGmBDYAHsN42IqvahqiXgXkuo-z4JN5G9yWYo6ZtUOVdnEnEyn1CR3SL0HmU1Zu5ZU76XIM/s320/HPIM0257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Thought hmmmm what about bigger and invented a coin purse, complete with safety strap - am going to have a go at a few more colour combinations and also write up the pattern for this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLGOwubG4RnEuN61pSA0SCKFGM8QBqylE-DKTEw_RQzxeVXI3uolnYLTXg02lTRF88ODpveLw2gjhmYB5lbi1P7MeFaorn66aJx-qpCYyoMFbCo6nAZjm4C0tyWs0WWXu7XV4wxAG8sSJ/s1600/HPIM0258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLGOwubG4RnEuN61pSA0SCKFGM8QBqylE-DKTEw_RQzxeVXI3uolnYLTXg02lTRF88ODpveLw2gjhmYB5lbi1P7MeFaorn66aJx-qpCYyoMFbCo6nAZjm4C0tyWs0WWXu7XV4wxAG8sSJ/s320/HPIM0258.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLGOwubG4RnEuN61pSA0SCKFGM8QBqylE-DKTEw_RQzxeVXI3uolnYLTXg02lTRF88ODpveLw2gjhmYB5lbi1P7MeFaorn66aJx-qpCYyoMFbCo6nAZjm4C0tyWs0WWXu7XV4wxAG8sSJ/s1600/HPIM0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
Then a bag, very 70's retro but ideal for the minimalist!.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJfRlpPpUaJZp-CWL55L5Vqg_uPljo-AuzS_Rak4_SDa880RY-QO375lyiaSFNFrucVRUexIhoRXzbth6_RoIA7XDAz1s3K7Xw_kX9ypE7JmjY-r6f4wxae7h3DyCJCqedWqI4D7NeymJ/s1600/HPIM0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81vKfF4VNFwEluEvDGjSmsPE85b9lt41GMmKu4S-aawv1WUkQjI96Ifhk4PhUEj9902LWj_v7caK2b_kF3zm6-GQODi6QKcT0r1aGQRcGW-nBFZVsiLOMH71qQlA17ZtV4MqbQkiugYUe/s1600/HPIM0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81vKfF4VNFwEluEvDGjSmsPE85b9lt41GMmKu4S-aawv1WUkQjI96Ifhk4PhUEj9902LWj_v7caK2b_kF3zm6-GQODi6QKcT0r1aGQRcGW-nBFZVsiLOMH71qQlA17ZtV4MqbQkiugYUe/s320/HPIM0265.JPG" width="294" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And am itching to get commissions finished so I can do a scarf and a blankie..<br />
<br />
<br />
As for the ruffles, I came across an entry for "hyperbolic" scrubbies... I knew what a scrubbie was but had no idea what hyperbolic meant... but it turned out to be "simples" - its basically when the circumference of a circle doubles or more in size with each row you add to it. The edges then start to "run away" from each other producing a lovely waved effect. The more rows you add the crinklier your work gets. <br />
<br />
I also found that thicker yarns (DK) on thin hooks (2mm) upped the "crinkle factor" whereas 4ply yarns on the same size hook made for a smoother curve. Have started on brooches but also have some other ideas such as ruffly hats if I can sort out how to join the basics pieces together.... I do love playing with freestyle crochet so am sure there's a solution somewhere!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4H70BaJqMq_TRyCq5rTTE4u1pD7HiikxWkktSFXgc8Nw3nkey4XQJm_SsKcnyiGNmG4V2w-8dT4ekN9EKZz3ITlYmu7npL0hxnsXtoflOiMjC9AwOHBU8VxjlvdlY6bYwT4v4p9uP7O5/s1600/HPIM0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4H70BaJqMq_TRyCq5rTTE4u1pD7HiikxWkktSFXgc8Nw3nkey4XQJm_SsKcnyiGNmG4V2w-8dT4ekN9EKZz3ITlYmu7npL0hxnsXtoflOiMjC9AwOHBU8VxjlvdlY6bYwT4v4p9uP7O5/s320/HPIM0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My 4ply ruffle is one of my favourites and has made it into my Folksy Shop as a very pretty brooch. I went out into the New Forest on a cheer me up mission with a lovely friend a few weeks back. She's a camera nut and helped me take some sunset pics<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWQmWLbaImNkIk1n-_MWkJtnWYq_jZlbUcl8XLIBSRnqMPCWPX_Eqq_5wu7XNtOy4YEzNaBOsMhHVDckRICI4zC-g6xIxn0lLWddXAAyIAnp5NQVW8kr8yzQZTs0iPTG-bRJiCwDfDbr/s1600/HPIM0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWQmWLbaImNkIk1n-_MWkJtnWYq_jZlbUcl8XLIBSRnqMPCWPX_Eqq_5wu7XNtOy4YEzNaBOsMhHVDckRICI4zC-g6xIxn0lLWddXAAyIAnp5NQVW8kr8yzQZTs0iPTG-bRJiCwDfDbr/s320/HPIM0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The one above is a favourite and very atmospheric. Whilst I was odds and ends hunting to have a go at ruffles, I came across a range of 4ply yarns in "sunset shades". With this pic in mind, plus many other beautiful Hampshire sunsets - across the Solent as well as the forest and even from my very urban back garden, I created this lovely little brooch. Its an ideal way to take these bright and hopeful colours wherever you roam:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17559521/HPIM0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17559521/HPIM0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2153845-Orange-Crochet-Brooch?shop=yes">Tequila Sunset Brooch - Bits and Bobs Crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-90505783589643754512011-08-12T12:30:00.000-07:002011-08-12T12:30:35.915-07:00Charting Progress with the Pink Ladies, Folksy FridayI've been given a commission to produce a lace crochet wall display for a local shop. I love experimenting with lace so I grabbed the opportunity.... and then came the moment of fear!!! The patterns they wanted me to use were in the form of crochet charts - you can see an example <a href="http://www.smart-knit-crocheting.com/crochet-patterns.html">HERE</a>.The <a href="http://www.dmc.com/majic/pageServer/1j010000iq/en_US/Reading-Crochet-Instructions.html">DMC America Site</a> also has a gorgeous heart pattern - but you do need to remember that the abbreviations are written in "USA Crochet" I've seen charts in books alongside written instructions many times, had a bit of a brain melt down whilst looking at them and returned to the conventional written word.... but this time I had no choice....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2134309-Hair-Barre?shop=yes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>So having waded through the booklet and found the pages where the chart symbols were explained in English I decided I needed to give it a go. But.... I didn't want to mess up the lovely anchor cottons I'd been given to work with, so I ripped out a baby hat I'd been given as a "spare wool" item by a friend and had a play with larger hooks and conventional yarns first. And discovered it was quite easy once you understood the code. As a result of my experimenting I created a few flowers and decided they'd look good as hair barres. So I unpicked the work again, added some clear reflective beads to the yarn and got going, the end results being ( please click on the photo's to visit my store):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2134309-Hair-Barre?shop=yes" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17392125/HPIM0216.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2139537-Denim-Hair-Barre?shop=yes"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17432765/HPIM0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b> PINK LADIES FOLKSY FRIDAY</b> <br />
<br />
Anyway as I'd mastered charts I decided to have another attempt at mastering spirals. My first attempt wasn't 100% right but with some stuffing materials and a bit of floral inspiration, it did form the perfect centre for a flower brooch. Rewatching the Grease DVD whilst in a "pink mood" then provided the inspiration for my Pink Ladies Folksy Friday :<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1886228622" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17465097/HPIM0230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1886228622">Bits and Bobs Crafts - Pink Floral Brooch</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1886228622"><br />
</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2143725-Pink-Floral-Brooch?shop=yes"><br />
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
1. Squintissential 2.CraftyBitz 3. Aunty Joan Crafts<br />
4. Pants and Paper 5. Be Beautiful Again Trinkets 6. Jessica's Jotters<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2141557-Funky-Kitty-Pendant"><img alt="Squintissential" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17448729/Funky_Retro_Kitty_Pendant__1_.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2137977-Pink-handknitted-girls-bonnet?shop=yes://craftybitz1.folksy.com"><img alt="CraftyBitz" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17421881/P1020288.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2132081-Juicy-Pink-Magnolia-Tilda-Card?shop=yes"><img alt="Aunty Joan Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17375181/Pinklittlegirlcard.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2134713-Pure-Irish-Linen-Sewing-Set?shop=yes"><img alt="Pants and Paper" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17398453/117.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2124581-In-the-Pink-Flower-Necklace?shop=yes"><img alt="Be Beautiful Again Trinkets" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17295613/Picture_3903.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2125021-Pretty-Pastel-Pink-Heart-Jotter"><img alt="Jessica's Jotters" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17300253/Jesicasjotters_Pink_Heart_Jotter_2.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-59465769137107116872011-08-05T13:19:00.000-07:002011-08-05T13:19:16.880-07:00Fileting CrochetI've been listing a few filet crochet items in my store recently as I've developed a bit of a love for it. So I thought I'd share the basics and feature some of my favourite places for inspiration.<br />
As a cross stitcher filet crochet appealed to me as I can use my cross stitch design software to design the filet work. And essentially its similar to cross stitch but with a crochet hook.<br />
<br />
Stage 1 is to plan out the design - what do i want to feature?<br />
<br />
<u>Is it a name?</u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2095529-Personalised-filet-Lace-Bookmark?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17064589/Name_message.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
If it is, how many letters? What size does the finished piece need to be? <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>A symbol?</u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1957149-Cross-Filet-Lace-Bookmark?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15776233/Easter_Cross_2.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/10559757/Val2.jpg?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/10559757/Val2.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>A Covering?</u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1387861-Neapolitan-Lace-bangle?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/10841613/HPIM0001.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once that's decided, the next step is to work out how big it needs to be and to consider the thickness of crochet cotton to use. Crochet cotton comes in sizes 10 to 30 - the smaller the number the finer the the cotton and hence the hook. 1 - 1.75mm hooks are best for filet as they produce a denser fabric. But filet can be worked on larger scale items too, e.g. scarves and wraps to produce beautiful effects - so if you don't enjoy fine work, you can still grab a hook and get going.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then plot the item on my cross stitch program but graph paper works just as well. Once that's done its time to get going...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The principle behind filet is to work an open net, but where you want the pattern to appear you fill in the gap. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For a simple motif<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z0T3UPBegSP0pdizryx8zZjJ761o9LABNNGp0PpnRdQwTzjJaKmgNVKq3iXzuy7hdAW0G04J3zLeWbpi6usKwTU3dK4Qk01P1BR24Y-WLE5coIGPfo2Ze1gyW8ToKBWYhJw2snGDDGYN/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z0T3UPBegSP0pdizryx8zZjJ761o9LABNNGp0PpnRdQwTzjJaKmgNVKq3iXzuy7hdAW0G04J3zLeWbpi6usKwTU3dK4Qk01P1BR24Y-WLE5coIGPfo2Ze1gyW8ToKBWYhJw2snGDDGYN/s1600/butterfly.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
you would make 15ch. Rows 1-3 - Miss 4 chain, 1tr into 2nd stitch from hook, *1ch, miss 1 ch, 1tr. Work from * to end.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Row 4, you would work as row 1 but where you have a coloured in square on your graph paper - for example 10 squares from the edge, you would then work 3 tr into that stitch. You then continue working a mixture of netting stitches and solid stitches until you have completed your design.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/">antique pattern library</a> has some amazing patterns that you can use to create beautiful pieces of work. It contains knit and crochet magazines from the late 19th / early 20th century. Filet crochet was really popular then so the majority of the books contain some patterns and examples.<br />
<br />
Here are some beautiful lace inspired makes from the fabulous makers at Folksy:<br />
<br />
1. Laura's Jewellery 2. Swings and Roundabouts 3. Gimme That Spin <br />
4. The Crafty Bride 5. Milly Mooshu 6. Lynwood Crafts<br />
<br />
Please click on the image to visit their shop</div><br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2112701-Vintage-Style-Turquoise-Blue-Flower-Cabochon-Filigree-Ring"><img alt="Lauras Jewellery" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17200061/newetsy_023.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://folksy.com/items/2100409-Baby-s-Crochet-Blanket?shop=yes"><img alt="Swings and roundabouts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17109173/IMG_1405.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2114225-Soft-Grey-Luxury-Mohair-Short-Sleeved-Shrug?shop=yes"><img alt="Gimme That Spin" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17211601/IMG_4679_grey_mohair_shrug_1.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1864853-Aqua-crochet-lace-shawl-wedding-special-occasion?shop=yes"><img alt="Crafty Bride" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15032709/aqua_crochet_shawl.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1653545"><img alt="Milly Mooshu" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/13113801/DSC03779.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1825617"><img alt="Lynwood Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14732477/lace_needlebook_001x.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-21346582839927006132011-08-01T13:26:00.000-07:002011-08-01T13:26:33.887-07:00Joining the A-ListersDoes this mean Bits and Bobs have gone up in the world? Not exactly.... The A Listers are the Folksy Folk who are taking part in the daily listings challenge for August.<br />
<br />
Thinking of A Listers, I was beginning to wonder which celebs might be suited to the creative talents of Folksy's fabulous creators!! (as ever click on the pic to visit the store)<br />
<br />
Cliff Richard - he might be getting on a bit but he can still "strut his stuff". He's known to be a Christian and a great reader, so I've teamed him up my beautiful personalised filet lace book mark:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2095529-Personalised-filet-Lace-Bookmark"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts " border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17064589/Name_message.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This hat from Imogen's Imagination is just perfect for Kate Middleton, otherwise known as the Duchess of Cambridge as she takes up her royal duties:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2016529-Purple-Large-Rose-Birdcage-Veiled-Fascinator"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16253701/Single_Purple_Rose_Birdcage_Fascinator.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Whilst these beautiful princess crayon set would make an ideal purchase for Tom Crusie and Katie Holmes to buy for their little Suri:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2095129-Glitter-Princess-Crayons-Limited-Edition-"><img alt="Colour Me Fun" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17061889/Princess_.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And perhaps Darcy Bussel would love this beautiful ballerina brooch by Laura's Jewellery:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2095185-Turquoise-Ballerina-Brooch"><img alt="Laura's Jewellery" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17062277/SS100097.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And this beautiful keyring / handbag charm from SimJaTa2 would be perfect for Susan Boyle who's rumoured to be moving back to her childhood home soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2094013-Bag-Charm-Greyhound?shop=yes"><img alt="SimJaTa2" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17053173/Bag_Charm__Hound__Greyhound__Lurcher.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Superman Returns actress Kate Bosworth would love this beautifuls Twinkle Little Star pendant from SteamPunk Storm<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2096169-Twinkle-Twinkle-Little-Star-Pendant?shop=yes"><img alt="Steampunk Storm" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17069985/a_021.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Simpson's creator Matt Groenig and famous American hero, General Custer, being greyhound owners, would really appreciate this beautiful Greyhound trivet from Dach Crafts<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/2097685-Sleeping-Greyhound-trivet"><img alt="Dach Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/17080045/tght.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
Not being an avid reader of mags like Hello and Closer - I leave that to my daughter, this has been a real challenge but I've learned alot and had alot of fun trawling the net discovering the secrets of the celebs posted here - can you believe I found the doggy info on a site called <a href="http://www.thepoop.com/pooppourri/celebpoop.asp">The Poop.com !</a><br />
<br />
The biggest challenge was Steampunk - I eventually decided to see if I could find a celeb modelling jewellery and was fortunate to find a designer who showcases her celeb clients. The house moving was also difficult as I expect many celebs don't want to give their addresses out. Though it was really interesting reading Susan Boyle's story as she's giving up the luxury lifestyle to move back home. It says a lot to me about her values and her need to have people she can trust around her, and it sounds better than isolating yourself in a grand home like so many celebs have done over the yearsBevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-86571347612891388732011-07-29T09:18:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:18:28.183-07:00What's in a Heart? = Folksy FridayFor today's Folksy Friday, I'm featuring hearts as my theme. So I got to wondering what the heart symbolises, is the meaning the same now as in the past. What about if hearts are different colours than the traditional red. So I spent an hour or so wandering the internet reviewing info on a wide range of sites - some very informative and interesting and others as clear as mud and gleaned the following info:<br />
<br />
<i><u>What do hearts mean?</u></i><br />
<br />
We use the heart in many ways to act as a symbol for many words, even though in modern times it is often a symbol for the commercialism of St Valentine:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMzGmmkE43eKEibhoRJin6P4GYLY-wZOe-itK4gbi5qFXUb0E-EVt7DisWX_EFDxC_G-QuOdqWojZfCeKffeWfgc0ltdmdYqSoMSucw-jKOnjJ0YydLqUkTK-_NHBpusTFfcDnI51hceQ/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMzGmmkE43eKEibhoRJin6P4GYLY-wZOe-itK4gbi5qFXUb0E-EVt7DisWX_EFDxC_G-QuOdqWojZfCeKffeWfgc0ltdmdYqSoMSucw-jKOnjJ0YydLqUkTK-_NHBpusTFfcDnI51hceQ/s1600/Image1.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The simple heart says "I love you" or "I love this" or "Sending you lots of love". Its originis come from ancient times when the heart was thought to be the centre of the soul and controller of all emotions - that's why we "give our heart" to someone or "Put heart and soul" into something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However change the colour of the heart and you change its meaning:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Black - hard heartedness or evil intent<br />
<br />
<br />
Yellow hearts - lack courage<br />
<br />
<br />
Purple hearts in America are a symbol for bravery - an award for valour in wartime<br />
<br />
<br />
White hearts - purity and innocence<br />
<br />
<br />
Whilst many believe the green heart is a symbol for envy, in ancient cultures green is the colour of nature, of balance, unconditional love, forgiveness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut3iztGB-NkycnUAultXz0Y6LMhitvy0tHuy_jiUGQ4sTEPMNcpLBQCpVPlBKWAvutVSP3bCiotbGlZ0-GULXns7OtUfoC8adCJVtUP0fNqqcsU97a-WCo0Trg_Be1Cje0lVkrnXQn1rP/s1600/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut3iztGB-NkycnUAultXz0Y6LMhitvy0tHuy_jiUGQ4sTEPMNcpLBQCpVPlBKWAvutVSP3bCiotbGlZ0-GULXns7OtUfoC8adCJVtUP0fNqqcsU97a-WCo0Trg_Be1Cje0lVkrnXQn1rP/s1600/Image2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The heart with the arrow is taken to mean "love struck", you've been hit with one of "cupid's arrows". However the original symbol has Christian origins - the heart pierced was an ancient symbol for Christ - who gave his heart by chosing to die on the cross. There are many instances where new cultures adopt symbolism from others and perhaps this is one , maybe the heart pierced had a pagan meaning - or perhaps we've taken a Christian symbol and brought it into modern popular culture and changed its meaning? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gHM1zbt2u1ehhibW2zXP8cmguLPrZOHF59ZWSb3QeLQAgOnzifNXg6xDcJwoexyMYXQNdKNzRZAYCZMSKf5MMU4t-EbsD04N7S7n2mL3yiMkmfwm4M8MqCoPpDazcOnf9KDIMTIwgZbf/s1600/Image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gHM1zbt2u1ehhibW2zXP8cmguLPrZOHF59ZWSb3QeLQAgOnzifNXg6xDcJwoexyMYXQNdKNzRZAYCZMSKf5MMU4t-EbsD04N7S7n2mL3yiMkmfwm4M8MqCoPpDazcOnf9KDIMTIwgZbf/s1600/Image3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally this is the broken heart - a sign of sorrow, adandonment, the end of a relationship. Its a powerful symbol that says a lot without words about our state of mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>What else do hearts say about us?</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doodling hearts is a sign of being in love or having a romantic nature</div><br />
Dreaming of hearts can be sign of love or stress - it depends what your heart is doing in the dream - racing hearts mean stress. This is giving me images of hearts with trainers on going for a jog lol!<br />
<br />
Adding flames to a red heart and gives a symbol for passion<br />
<br />
<br />
So next time you're doodling a heart...... will you think about what it really means?<br />
<br />
<br />
I crocheted this heart as a way of acknowledging the work and progress made by myself and a group of other ladies across Hampshire. We did a confidence building course and ended it off with a Gala Night, which we organised. Each lady had a goodie bag - and I crocheted and knitted keyrings. I'm now selling off the surplus ones in my Folksy Shop - to purchase a keying, please click on the photo:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2084577-Heart-Keyring?shop=yes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16900661/HPIM0014.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><i>What do you think the Fabulous Folksy Makers are saying with their hearts?</i></u><br />
<br />
1. Polly Krafts 2.Clarkie Designs 3.Pants and Paper<br />
4. Sow's Ear, Silk Purse 5.Murano Magic 6. Photography by Gail Griggs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://folksy.com/items/2082305-Sewing-kit-to-make-two-lavender-hearts-?shop=yes"><img alt="Polly Krafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16863569/IMG_kit.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2084249-Vintage-Hearts-Personalised-Wall-Art"><img alt="Clarkie Designs" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16898821/Heart_personalised_wall_art_1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2076625-Needle-Book"><img alt="Pants and Paper" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16820153/needle_case.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2071653-Vintage-Dove-Earrings?shop=yes"><img alt="Sow's Ear, Silk Purse" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16707157/vintage_blue_dove_earrings__2_.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2071945-Sterling-silver-cage-heart-pendant-?shop=yes"><img alt="Murano Magic" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16709269/P1140018.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2065893-Chocolate-lover-5-x-5-inch-photographic-print"><img alt="Photography by Gail Griggs" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16648249/chocheart.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-13125231527996333832011-07-27T09:21:00.000-07:002011-07-27T09:21:12.356-07:00A bit of sunshine!For most kids the school holidays have finally started today but although there's none of the dreaded wet stuff down in Hampshire, there are no reported sightings of the rare yellow disc in the skies. It seems to be hiding under its big grey duvet again. Its really muggy and humid today and totally energy sapping. I feel I would be much happier laying on a beach somewhere being fanned and served cocktails by a George Clooney lookalike - can't afford the real thing lol!<br />
<br />
But the skilled gang at Folksy have been working hard to create all sorts of lovely things that remind us of the sun (click on the photo to visit their shop):<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.folksy.com/forums/6/topics/310489" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16801089/HPIM0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bits and Bobs Crafts - Sunflower Brooch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2069801-Fimo-Sunflower-Necklace" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16693793/N163Fimo_flower_necklace__yellow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedecked Beads - Fimo Sunflower Necklace</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2073353-Spring-Daisies-Print?shop=yes" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16719537/R1B3000A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooms Art - Spring Daisies Print</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Today's lack of sun has at least meant I've been working hard - got lots of research sorted this morning that I've been putting off, taught a 1 to 1 lesson and have been off browsing in yarn shops - red yarn for a commission, which lead to a bargain ball of a soft green denim knit yarn. I then wandered into a couple of charity shops and after being fleeced by my daughter for a dress I now have to let out - they never listen do they! - I found a tunisian crochet hook and a technical knitting manual and all for £2.50 total so am quite pleased with myself there. Next step is to start covering some caravan cushions before getting the needles out and starting on the red bolero!Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-36253551593206356432011-07-22T09:48:00.000-07:002011-07-22T09:48:36.713-07:00Folksy Friday - "The Wild"Yesterday I was driving home from a fair and noticed that our local council had left over half of each verge at the roadside "wild" - but had cut a strip of grass along the roadside I assume to improve visibility. It was really beautiful seeing the wild flowers and grasses - very meadow like. Having grown up in the country and spent many an hour picking flowers - when it was still legal, seeing this natural abundance gives me alot of pleasure. And brings back lots of lovely memories of walks with Mum and Dad - many of which ended up with Dad being sent up hedges to pick the "perfect primrose" for Mum.... am sure it was some cunning plan of hers lol. But apart from gathering the flowers my brother and I really learned to appreciate the natural world - as well as picking flowers, we were taught about what they were, were always encouraged to leave some behind for the next person etc. And of course there was the rest of nature to enjoy - birds, the joy of being lifted up to peer into a nest! Hunting for small mammal tracks, pond dipping, hanging over bridges to find fish, wandering across Dartmoor - Dad knew all the local tracks really well so we rarely went to anywhere touristy unless there was a need for icecream... mmmm! Swimming in local rivers in the summer was another pleasure. I remember taking my daughter in a few times when she was small and I could still manage it. And I hope I've passed some of this down to my daughter by taking her out into the New Forest and around the local trails. i know my nephew spends alot of time out on the moors cycling with my brother too. Looking back although we never had all the electronics our kids have today, I sometimes think our childhoods were much richer for it.<br />
<br />
Having crocheted and listed this lovely camomile brooch in my Folksy store:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2055929-Camomile-Lawn-Brooch"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16572777/HPIM0117.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a>.</div><br />
I'm featuring items inspired by "The Wild" for my Folksy Friday. Please click on the picture to visit the makers store<br />
<br />
1. Violetta Handmade 2. Nofkants Curios 3. Blooms Art 4. The Whimsical Wren 5. Bedecked Beads 6. JewellFelt<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2055593-Knitted-Wire-Wrapped-Pebble-Pendant?shop=yes"><img alt="Vioetta Handmade" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16570217/S13.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1915385-One-Day-Sale-Blue-Tit-on-Branch-Embroidered-Yarn-and-Felt-Picture-3-50?shop=yes"><img alt="Nofkants Curios" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15458937/Blue_Tit_1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2053289-Oak-Tree-Print?shop=yes"><img alt="Blooms Art" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16553101/182_copy.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2055533-Botanical-Garden-Bracelet?shop=yes"><img alt="The Whimsical Wren" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16569785/GEDC0246.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2046837-Glass-Toadstool-Charm-Bracelet?shop=yes"><img alt="Bedecked Beads" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16507533/B099Toadstool_Fairy_Charm_Bracelet.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2051609-Harry-the-hedgehog-keyring"><img alt="JewellFelt" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16541541/folksy_162.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-77566208297449639932011-07-17T07:33:00.000-07:002011-07-17T07:33:35.012-07:00Patching it Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS1_WHfPVtQMLm5GpnNa98Gsf11KWmTFP70QVFOVwOoLwUCGehx4y8IJjh-P3h2nQ1sOlKpLLxbon_KwVDMYsZ-UaWNWjJgzvReVn8hh1Ry4DMPpC0M4K12JxU6dBQ1lCyjdngBfEU042/s1600/9807939-dianthus-deltoides-in-a-summer-field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS1_WHfPVtQMLm5GpnNa98Gsf11KWmTFP70QVFOVwOoLwUCGehx4y8IJjh-P3h2nQ1sOlKpLLxbon_KwVDMYsZ-UaWNWjJgzvReVn8hh1Ry4DMPpC0M4K12JxU6dBQ1lCyjdngBfEU042/s320/9807939-dianthus-deltoides-in-a-summer-field.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>Have been really pondering over my blog post today - do I choose colours or another theme. The quandry has arisen because my latest offering is a crazy patchwork crochet cushion. The patches were inspired by dianthus flowers and I soon realised I had a bit of a problem. The finished patch was a pentagon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiov5R5mYGsUk4NpRLjb4_GMYybmSWEIF-_dsKrv_I939P9tPQkmzuYeqqR7IxdgkNPuy1_R1KWTcfn_8G3ghh2cVq_yES1PhCjX7IWbYOb4mE0KFsh_PwjCtAR1ZlQLoTiBfk1GThlCyx3/s1600/HPIM0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiov5R5mYGsUk4NpRLjb4_GMYybmSWEIF-_dsKrv_I939P9tPQkmzuYeqqR7IxdgkNPuy1_R1KWTcfn_8G3ghh2cVq_yES1PhCjX7IWbYOb4mE0KFsh_PwjCtAR1ZlQLoTiBfk1GThlCyx3/s320/HPIM0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As I tried to work out how to put them together I quickly realised that patchworkers use hexagons and 4 sided shapes for a reason - its much simpler to join them up! However am never one to shy away from a challenge so I got experimenting with freestyle patches to fill up the gaps and "square" the cover off. Which lead to this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2034921-Patched-by-Dianthus-Cushion"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16417345/HPIM0131.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So then it was simply a case of sewing in the ends - of which there were millions - well it felt that way lol - and add them to my "stuffing bucket" for the next patch of pincushions and sew on some buttons and I was done. All in all it took me 2 -3 evenings to crochet the patches and the back - sorting out the connecting pieces and the sewing took somewhat longer. In fact the sewing in lead to the poor cushion spending at least 2 weeks on the "procrastination pile" - where anything that demands much end sewing resides from time to time. I think all crafty people have one - but the trick I've found is to keep it in plain sight!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
The July Jewels over on Folksy are talented patchworkers too, in a wide variety of media and here's a selection of this weeks offerings :</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<i>Please click on the photo to visit the store</i><br />
<br />
1. Pants and Paper 2. Polly Krafts 3. Nofkants Curios<br />
4. With Hugs and Kisses 5. Jewellfelt 6. Cherrytree Handmade<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2034513-Needle-Case"><img alt="Pants and Paper" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16414753/needle_book.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://folksy.com/items/2028225-Crochet-flower-scarf-in-rainbow-colours?shop=yes"><img alt="Polly Krafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16355709/IMG_rainbowflower.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2024653-Floral-Detail-Patchwork-Hand-Knitted-Crocheted-Handbag-"><img alt="NofKants Curios" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16327205/Plum_Patch_1.PNG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2022977-Boat-Trouser-and-T-Shirt-Outfit?shop=yes"><img alt="With Hugs and KIsses" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16314621/boat_tshirt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2025445-wool-n-lace-burnt-orange-Felt-Shoulder-Bag?shop=yes"><img alt="Jewellfelt" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16333333/folksy_141.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1907889-Shades-of-Pink-Floral-Wreath?shop=yes"><img alt="Cherry tree Handmade" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15402857/IMGP6383.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-11350740767269913502011-07-11T15:30:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:32:45.986-07:00Sari SilkI've been going through my stock preparing for fairs and discovered a gorgeous bag I knitted from recycled sari silk. The word "recycled" might sound a little off putting to some - we can all develop mental images of sari's that have be worn to the extent the silk's decaying - but here, that's not the case! What happens is that when silk garments are woven "thrums" are left over. A thrum is the left over warp threads from silk weaving. Skilled local women then take these thrums and spin them into a silken thread which is then plyed and wound into balls.<br />
<br />
What I love about using spun sari silk for bag making, is the rich colours and rich textures it produces. Each bag then becomes totally unique, with a style all of its own. Its also relatively quick to work with as its not a yarn that demands pattern - it looks its best in stocking stitch, as the wide variety of hues are shown to their best. I also like to think that this provide income for women in India and Nepal - although its not easy to find out how much they get paid relative to the cost of the finished product. And even though India is becoming one of the worlds richer nations, many of its people still live in absolute poverty, often without homes or in shanty towns and I suppose any pay is better than none - although it would be good to know that the women receive a fair percentage of the sales cost as spinning all day has to be a pretty back breaking job, leaning over the wheel etc.<br />
<br />
Here's the bag:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16167101/HPIM0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16167101/HPIM0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2006097-Sari-Handbag?shop=yes">Bits and Bobs Crafts - Recycled Sari Silk Bag</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And now for some equally "jewel tones" offerings from the July Jewels:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16153245/DSCF2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16153245/DSCF2720.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2004209-Fiery-Phoenix-?shop=yes">Amyurgumis - Fiery Phoenix</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16161165/Green_and_wood_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16161165/Green_and_wood_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2005329-Green-Glass-and-Wood-Necklace?shop=yes">Adien Crafts - Green Glass and Wood Necklace</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15870341/DSCF0053__2_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15870341/DSCF0053__2_.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1968945-Lapis-Lazuli-Sterling-Silver-Vermeil-Necklace-with-Magnetic-Clasp">J Austen Jewellery - Lapis Lazuli Necklace</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16123957/Rainbow_Glass_Spiders_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16123957/Rainbow_Glass_Spiders_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2000693-A-Rainbow-of-Spiders-">Diomo Glass - A Rainbow of Spiders</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16181793/LibertyBetsyPurse2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16181793/LibertyBetsyPurse2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2008021-Pretty-Floral-Liberty-Print-Small-Coin-Clasp-Purse">Court and Spark - Liberty Print Coin Purse</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15984089/purple_bead_silver_hair_comb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15984089/purple_bead_silver_hair_comb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1983725-Beaded-silver-hair-comb?shop=yes">Becky Leigh - Beaded Silver Hair Comb</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-20507447844808231332011-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-08T07:00:17.447-07:00Folksy Friday - Beautiful BroochesHave made quite a few brooches of late to take along to community fayres etc and have decided to list them for sale on Folksy too as they look lovely! So for today's Folksy Friday, I'm featuring a selection of brooches available from the July Jewels<br />
<br />
My listing today is a Folk Art inspired flower - I love Folk Art, its simplistic in style and translates well into yarn crafts. I also like the way it takes its influences from the past but with a bit of imagination you can make the flowers relevant to today. Please click on the photo to visit my shop<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1952837-Folk-Art-Brooch"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16075241/HPIM0119.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And now for the July Jewels beautiful brooches:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br />
1. Beadesk Crafts 2. Carols Crafts 3. Cherry Tree Handmades 4. Juniper Spools <br />
5. Merry Berry and the Little Panda 6. Lynwood Crafts<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1870965-Green-Kilt-Pin?shop=yes"><img alt="Beadesk Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15085553/M028....JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1644657-Red-Chinese-Brocade-Flower-Brooch?shop=yes"><img alt="Carols Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/13045985/IMG_0736.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1933417-Recycled-Map-Brooch?shop=yes"><img alt="Cherry Tree Handmades" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15594125/IMGP6451.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1727649-modern-brooch?shop=yes"><img alt="Juniper Spools" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14908885/modern_black_and_mustard_felt_brooch.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1941065-Brooch-?shop=yes"><img alt="Merry Berry and the Little Panda" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15652773/brooch2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/LynwoodCrafts"><img alt="Lynwood Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16070953/large_posy_003.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-3573941271991604872011-07-07T05:10:00.000-07:002011-07-07T05:19:13.313-07:00Not just jumpersAs I've been doing lots of small pieces of late for community fairs and also commissions for hair sets etc, its got me thinking about the wide range of ways we use yarn. Having a look through the July Jewels today has been really inspiring so here's a small selection of the goodies available that are yarn based but definitely not a jumper!<br />
<br />
<b>Necklaces</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16012801/plum_felt_necklace_whole_thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16012801/plum_felt_necklace_whole_thing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1987405-Plum-Felt-Necklace?shop=yes">Anna King Jewellery - Plum Felt Necklace</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<b>Hair Accessories</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16039297/HPIM0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16039297/HPIM0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1990413-Girls-Hair-Accessories-Gift-Set?shop=yes">Bits and Bobs Crafts - Girls Hair Accessories Gift Set</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Hats</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15694705/Lilac_Felt_Crochet_Flower_Fascinator-angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15694705/Lilac_Felt_Crochet_Flower_Fascinator-angle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1946485-Lilac-Felt-and-Crochet-Flower-Fascinator">Imogen's Imagination - Lilac Felt and Crochet Flower Fascinator</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Cards</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16026113/IMG_abacus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16026113/IMG_abacus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/1988937-Greetings-card-with-detachable-silk-brooch-crochet-flower-Ideal-teacher-gift-?shop=yes">PollyKrafts - Greetings Card with Detachable Brooch</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Shoes</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16027657/Loafer_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16027657/Loafer_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1989153-Baby-Loafers">Booties By Dannie - Baby Loafers</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Phone Cosies<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16039065/folksy_115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/16039065/folksy_115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/1990345-Woof-Felted-Blackberry-ipod-Case?shop=yes">JewelFelts - Woof Felted Blackberry Cover</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-45589355244080362922011-07-05T06:08:00.000-07:002011-07-05T06:11:27.521-07:00Girls and CurlsHave been asked to do quite a few girly hair bits at present, from slides and bun holders to scrunchies. The interesting thing is that all the Mum's have asked they are made in school colours.... so I did the dangerous thing called thinking and have decided to develop 3 custom made lines.<br />
<br />
I then started to think back to when I was little and the pharmacy in the village started selling hair grips with little flowers on. I remember Mum buying them for me and being really thrilled with them as they were so pretty and no one else in my class at school had them. I'm sure I drove the family mad showing them all my pretty slides - but I can't exactly remember what they were now.... except they were pink and white.<br />
<br />
Please click on the image to go to my shop and order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. Bun Holders and slides / grips</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00094.JPG&width=250&height=250" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00094.JPG&width=250&height=250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>2. Slides / grips only</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00096286201113127.JPG&width=250&height=250"><img border="0" src="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00096286201113127.JPG&width=250&height=250" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b> Scrunchies</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1980817-Skools-Out-Scrunchie-Made-to-Order"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15960125/HPIM0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Gift packs will also be available with 2 Scrunchies with Slides / Grips or 2 Scrunchies, 2 slides or grips and 1 bun holder.<br />
<br />
All you need to do is contact me via my <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts/home/">website</a> contact forms with your requirements - colour, type of flower, number of items / gift packs required. I'll get the needles out and whip a set up. Once completed I'll email you the link where they'll be listed in my shop as a custom order. Once the order is porcessed I'll post them to you!<br />
<br />
The gift packs will be a perfect present for little ones going up to "big school" and individual items would make a beautiful gift for teachers to give to pupils at the end of year or for Christmas. Please note bulk orders need 10 days notice.<br />
<br />
<b>July Jewels </b><br />
<br />
And if scrunchies aren't your thing, here's a mini showcase of the July Jewels who have created some fab accessories for your hair. One seller I really wanted to :<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15734061/IMG_5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15734061/IMG_5944.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1951541-Handmade-Pretty-Hairpin-Freshwater-Pearl-and-Swarovski-Crystal-Aditi-?shop=yes">GlitterRT - Pretty Hair Pin</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12026341/Hair_Accessory_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12026341/Hair_Accessory_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1515485-Japan-Appeal-Item-Full-Bloom-Choice-of-Four-Crocheted-Floral-Hair-Accessories?shop=yes">NofKants Curio's - Japan Appeal Full Bloom</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12536749/DSCF2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12536749/DSCF2595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1581725-Tiara-pearl-and-rose-quartz?shop=yes">Laura Faye Crafts - Pearl and Rose Quartz Tiara</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15920881/square_copper_filigree_hairclip_2_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15920881/square_copper_filigree_hairclip_2_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1975605-Filigree-copper-coloured-hair-clip?shop=yes">Damselfly Gemma - Filigree Copper Coloured Hair Clip</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12568313/P2180172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/12568313/P2180172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1586257-Steampunk-Bee-Hair-Comb?shop=yes">SteamPunk Storm - Steampunk Bee Hair Comb</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/11110001/IMG00326-20110223-1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/11110001/IMG00326-20110223-1416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1422345-Raspberry-headband-with-crocheted-flower?shop=yes">Tickled Pink Sheep - Floral Headband</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-44044134779292921592011-07-04T06:50:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:50:53.391-07:00Bouncing Babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15925017/mermaid_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15916633/organic_cotton_blanket_mauve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15916633/organic_cotton_blanket_mauve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>As I've mentioned before I'm developing a line of baby items - cardi's, hats, booties and blankets in the main. It came from doing some knit to order items and I realised just how much I enjoyed baby knitting. The last time I did some was on Maternity leave almost 18 years ago now! Once I had a hectic little lady around it was too much effort especially as she could climb anything at 9 months and access my knitting and "help"!!! Now she is totally anti-crafts unless Mum is making something for her, like the scarf I made to go with her dress for her college awards night. I was really proud of her as she has an interesting range of specific learning difficulties, found school a real struggle because of bullying and their lack of interest in respecting her individual learning plan but she's really done well at college. 14 kids out of 600 with additional needs were nominated for the award for being "On Track" with their studies and overcoming difficult circumstances to succeed. Its the first award she's won since junior school where the head totally undermined her success by making barbed comments at the assembly about some pupils proving they could do well with a bit of effort! But this time was different and they got so much praise from the college and from the local mayor. And what was really interesting was that many of the kids who got awards were almost written off by schools but were competing for apprentiships against the academically gifted and were beating them hands down on their practical skills and knowledge and getting the job!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH869wa6Jx98-FnffboqYCW3v-YOWsyJfljADUIE9FvVTE_olGuGu5JwCcd_HFiQA6kxH_Xw_iQFdCUDaX7gV0npfo284EQ7JNUfPMAjLKXpyCsnD9dvOuXIrSRhWQq1d-pwlkuzqXaohG/s1600/HPIM0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH869wa6Jx98-FnffboqYCW3v-YOWsyJfljADUIE9FvVTE_olGuGu5JwCcd_HFiQA6kxH_Xw_iQFdCUDaX7gV0npfo284EQ7JNUfPMAjLKXpyCsnD9dvOuXIrSRhWQq1d-pwlkuzqXaohG/s320/HPIM0018.JPG" width="178" /></a></div><br />
But I am wandering off down by ways again! Today's feature is all about the <a href="http://forums.folksy.com/forums/6/topics/304137?page=3">July Jewels</a> who cater for babies and toddlers:<br />
<br />
Snuggly Blankets<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15924697/HPIM0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15924697/HPIM0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_736667100">Bits and Bobs Crafts - Wrapped in Buttermilk</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_736667100"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_736667100"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_736667100"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_736667100"><br />
</a></div><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1976129-Wrapped-in-Buttermilk?shop=yes"><br />
</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15916633/organic_cotton_blanket_mauve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15916633/organic_cotton_blanket_mauve.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1975049-organic-cotton-baby-blanket">Baban Cat - Organic Cotton Blanket</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<u>Bright Books</u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15365641/opposites__counting_book_014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15365641/opposites__counting_book_014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1868689-Fabric-Book-Opposites?shop=yes">Lilac Elephant - Opposites Fabric Book</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<u> Beautiful Bunting</u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15918217/zoo_menagerie_fabric_bunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15918217/zoo_menagerie_fabric_bunting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1975277-Personalised-blue-elephant-handmade-bunting-Designed-for-you-">Eva Jeanie - Personalised Elephant Bunting</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-15872284278986314572011-07-01T04:23:00.000-07:002011-07-01T04:23:31.096-07:00July Jewels Folksy FridayToday is the first day of the "July Jewels" daily (well dailyish if your name is Bev!) listings club and to celebrate have chosen the theme of Jewels for my Folksy Friday.... but that doesn't mean its all jewellery.... it could be a bag has a jewelled decal or be created in "jewel colours".... or maybe even something in a jewel shape!<br />
<br />
Please click on the pictures to be taken to the shop<br />
<br />
To kick us off here's my deckchair mobile / camera cover, with a shiny little diamante jewel on the button:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1965317-Deckchair-Stripes-Phone-Case?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15842409/HPIM0083.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And now for a rummage through my "jewellery box" for some stunning <a href="http://forums.folksy.com/forums/6/topics/303333?page=1">July Jewels</a> - some of whom are new to the daily listings club:<br />
<br />
1. Carols Crafts - Pandora Bracelet<br />
2. Imogen's Imagination - "amethyst" - Lilac Fascinator<br />
3. Dottie's Design - "silver" - Wedding Guest Book<br />
4. EvaJeanie - "sapphires and rubies" - Make Up Bag<br />
5. Elinor Jenkins - "gold" - Golden Pearl and Crystal Bracelet<br />
6. Bule Daisy Glass - "green topaz" - Crazy Fused glass earrings<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1961673-Unique-rainbow-handmade-pandora-bead-bracelet-?shop=yes"><img alt="Carols Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15812945/IMG_1394.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1956101-Lilac-Hydrangea-Veiled-Small-Fascinator"><img alt="Imogen's Imagination" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15767497/Lilac_Hydrangea_Small_Veiled_Fascinator.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1964305-Large-Personalised-Guest-Book-Blackwatch-tartan-?shop=yes"><img alt="Dotties Design" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15834373/IMG_3751_edited-1.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1964605-Make-up-bag-large-coin-zip-purse-Beach-Hut-"><img alt="EvaJeanie" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15836101/beach_hut_zipper_purse.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1959933-Golden-Pearl-and-Crystal-Multi-strand-Bracelet"><img alt="Elinor Jenkins" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15797609/pearl_crystal_gold_01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1964577-crazy-fused-glass-dangle-earrings-green"><img alt="blue daisy glass" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15835973/dangle_earrings_green.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-13690189494656513292011-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:002011-06-28T05:53:15.953-07:00Mary Mary.... <b>The Crafter's Garden</b><br />
<br />
Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?<br />
With wool and needle<br />
Lace and beads<br />
And pretty things all in a row<br />
<br />
Have been playing with flowers recently, probably because its been too wet to go and harrass the real ones in the garden and have got to thinking about how often us crafters use flowers as either embellishments or the key feature of our work. This week I've been crocheting bun holders for a friend's daughter for school and thought she needed matching slides too.... so came up with 2 sets for her one with forget me not slides and one with pansies. Sadly the curse of Bev and camera's struck with the forget me not design but the pics of the pansy slides and matching bun cover came out well. Have added them as a custom make to <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts/shop/view-product?pid=7335">Bits and Bobs Baby and Home </a>- this link will take you there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00094.JPG&width=250&height=250"><img border="0" src="http://www.frooly.com/ImageThumb.ashx?file=sitecontents%2F13950%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2FDSC00094.JPG&width=250&height=250" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Am also going to be making more - but obviously not all the same - as have been offered a table at the school fair!<br />
<br />
I've also started making a cushion cover out of larger crocheted flowers than can be edged into a circle. Am using a range of soft nursery colours and its starting to look really pretty. In fact am a bit of a "butterfly" at the moment as am working on 3 projects at once!<br />
<br />
Interestingly the Folksy June Bugs are also inspired by all things floral... so here is an herbaceous border all of their own creation....<br />
<br />
From: Chrysanthemum Corner - Bits and Bobs Crafts<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1952953-Blue-Chrysanthemum-Corsage"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15744181/DSC00098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Follow the windy path to Tulips and Topiary - Dottie Designs - a handy journal for all your plans!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1951721-Gardening-Journal?shop=yes"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15735789/IMG_3734_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then through the climbers arch to a feast of Gladioli by Maxine Veronica<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1950005-ACEO-Gladioli-Original-Watercolour?shop=yes"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15722525/Picture_3768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Underplanted with a serene array of mini florals by Ickle Imogen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1810929-Ivory-and-Blue-Floral-Ditsy-Print-Bow-Band"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14606173/Blue_Ditsy_Print_Bow_Band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finally sinking onto a bench in a rose garden supplied by:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1917669-Vintage-Stud-Earrings-Pink?shop=yes"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15476297/japanese_stud_earrings_pink__1_.JPG" width="320" /></a> Silk Purse, Sow's Ear and.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">CShell Designs <a href="http://folksy.com/items/1951613-Pale-Pink-Roses-Card?shop=yes"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15734693/palepinkroses2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
Overlooking a pond with dragon flies flitting around, from Bessie Loves<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1952369-Blue-drop-dragonfly-earrings"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15740101/Blue_drop_dragonfly_earrings_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-54563873970979273852011-06-27T06:33:00.000-07:002011-06-27T06:33:24.930-07:00New Ranges and Organisations!Have finally bitten the bullet and decided to become "more structured".... so am in the process of dividing my 2 shops up into:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/BitandBobsCrafts">Bits and Bobs Accessories</a> and <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts/shop/">Bits and Bobs Baby and Home</a><br />
<br />
Although there's a fair bit of "furniture" and stock to be shuffled yet!<br />
<br />
As a celebration of making this decision I've launched a new product range - <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts/shop/view-product?pid=7319">Handy Pots!</a><br />
<br />
They can be:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs9x-sz75rk8oeA7YXas4deIu6C5KNp0QjOOPqtidlQHR2-SuAQCDiPRNhC9rs86bpBQ4AfGvIpPIhVAnOfR_F0LgB0nK9i59iHRALWwknVBpY2rry0PFl34KEPcKSpm6BquTl2cyQna0/s1600/HPIM0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs9x-sz75rk8oeA7YXas4deIu6C5KNp0QjOOPqtidlQHR2-SuAQCDiPRNhC9rs86bpBQ4AfGvIpPIhVAnOfR_F0LgB0nK9i59iHRALWwknVBpY2rry0PFl34KEPcKSpm6BquTl2cyQna0/s320/HPIM0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 1. Craft Storage<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-K70fo8ueZENxUyFxYwedrGcHRl-GblzF6vck1sEeMwBY8A6-3rpK-T3mLK4-rzuODh8PvBCU67KDGWbkP5D7VFrLqplcXUBPPKsuSw_f0Y_Gv6fKxsI-I-pwwDe7KMPymzQu-HEIPp/s1600/HPIM0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-K70fo8ueZENxUyFxYwedrGcHRl-GblzF6vck1sEeMwBY8A6-3rpK-T3mLK4-rzuODh8PvBCU67KDGWbkP5D7VFrLqplcXUBPPKsuSw_f0Y_Gv6fKxsI-I-pwwDe7KMPymzQu-HEIPp/s320/HPIM0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 2. Pencil Pots or Tool Pots<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQUyzw27M0zNDfnrxUVJaxyN1fHX3YgK_L_IbUETLix5TO7JT2aLNo_M-j7VEor64PxWvEY7xaJd3Wu3nswMq7_RCM2HLiSJ8jZLWmNdVA4ZR2IfwD5Zy_rMpNhJGj5BcDf04fPVJUxJH/s1600/HPIM0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQUyzw27M0zNDfnrxUVJaxyN1fHX3YgK_L_IbUETLix5TO7JT2aLNo_M-j7VEor64PxWvEY7xaJd3Wu3nswMq7_RCM2HLiSJ8jZLWmNdVA4ZR2IfwD5Zy_rMpNhJGj5BcDf04fPVJUxJH/s320/HPIM0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 3. Dressing Table Tidies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTc0RoR7fbcby1bNY7_9Gs2aidbbQ7YCpgkEGYAZPwaAG9QOKcjsoHglS4E3kdVZrdc69ULMbMQfhqFmuMeTo7aLye_2-F9guo1lwUd-qZmZypvs0Ikq395TOT2kzmMZh-Q_n3h1xMIyu/s1600/HPIM0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTc0RoR7fbcby1bNY7_9Gs2aidbbQ7YCpgkEGYAZPwaAG9QOKcjsoHglS4E3kdVZrdc69ULMbMQfhqFmuMeTo7aLye_2-F9guo1lwUd-qZmZypvs0Ikq395TOT2kzmMZh-Q_n3h1xMIyu/s320/HPIM0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 4. Vases - if made of glass<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhFK6j16pZEquu1k2wRU7QHf3E6sbuvtI3IzKhU_EW6rNQnxGA9P3epX-NpHxU-Qm1289yWdXJwbX_7d-YLSMA3DqV9et1dyJZvNhcnVlBvRAcxSsWmLhh-hDsoI8QPTLmK4mdNRyfQwi/s1600/HPIM0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I got inspired to make handy pots when i was looking for something different for a craft sale and discovered a collection of of empty tubs and jars in a cupboard. I got out needles and yarn and had a go at making these poor naked little items personal coats to keep them warm and hence the handy pot was born!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">They real joy of handy pots is that the only limit on how they turn out is your imagination! I've been asked to have a go at making a few football orientated ones and also a "cricket sweater", so they can be personalised to suit hobbies, interests of colour schemes. Handy pots will be available both as OOAK originals and bespoke items so <a href="http://www.frooly.com/bits-and-bobs-crafts/home/">pop over to my website</a> and leave me a message me with your specifications and I'll get clicking!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Eight is the Magic Number</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Having watched a documentary all about octopi and how clever they are I've been experimenting with things octagonal too! And over the weekend turned a lonely ball of soft apple green cotton from my stash into this set of fab coasters:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1949149-Green-Coasters?shop=yes"><img alt="Bits and Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15716089/HPIM0029_thumb.JPG" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In celebration of my "numerical obsession", today's Folksy Feature is in Numerical Order</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1</b> Horse on this fab cushion from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1948325-Retro-Cushion-Cover-Child">Audrey's Cat </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15709657/vintage_cushion_230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15709657/vintage_cushion_230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 2 </b>little birds on this beautiful decorative bowl from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1698925-Decorative-Bowl-Birds">Lily's Night Garden</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14273717/18.5.11_065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14273717/18.5.11_065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>3</b> flowers on this cute Bunny Plaque from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1948389-Bunny-Plaque?shop=yes">Aunty Joan Crafts</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15710241/Bunny-heart-plaque-270611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15710241/Bunny-heart-plaque-270611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> 4</b> Red Beads on this quirky Red Squiggle bookmark from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1936921-Red-Squiggle-Bookmark?shop=yes">Beadesk</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15619089/M017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15619089/M017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5 Flowers and Berries on this beautiful "Wild Strawberries Brooch" from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1817413-Wild-Strawberries-Brooch?shop=yes">Linwood Crafts</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14658429/roses_brooch_043x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/14658429/roses_brooch_043x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>6</b> bright cheery flowers on this "Retro Flower Eco Bag" from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1949101-retro-flower-eco-bag">Maytree Lane</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15716929/eco_friendly_craft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15716929/eco_friendly_craft.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7</b> stones in this fab necklace from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1946265-Necklace-with-Variscite-in-green-and-cream?shop=yes">Brockstones </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15693073/Cream_agate_necklace_with_Variscite_and_gold_seed_beads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15693073/Cream_agate_necklace_with_Variscite_and_gold_seed_beads.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480683064833931527.post-25184079080314100692011-06-22T02:51:00.000-07:002011-06-22T02:51:41.685-07:00Going GreenI'm about to start experimenting again with the joys of "plarn" making. Plarn is yarn made from recycled carrier bags and there's lots out there on the internet about how to make it and use it. I'm also about to start experimenting with how to cut fabric into yarn to make sturdy shoppers. I already use as many upcycled, recycled and end of line products in my makes as I can but I just feel I could do more.. I regularly prowl charity shops and boot sales looking for other people's surplus yarn and just recently have picked up some beautiful cotton yarn in a shell pink - the colour is as soft as the feel of the yarn - for 50p a ball!!! And bargain of the week was a bag of vintage yarn from a boot sale for £1!!!! And the bag it was stored in as well!!! And yes I got mates rates as my lovely friend Sue was running the stall but she did say it was only £2 for anyone else. There are lots of balls of a really nice airforce / denim blue and some gorgeous remnants of a soft beige yarn and a toffee yarn with glitter effect. Having had a peruse of my stash I have plan for a gorgeous mixed yarns winter scarf in shades of golds and soft browns... <br />
<br />
Another reason for experimenting is that I am currently writing a workshop that I'm planning to run in the Autumn - the "working title" is "Crafting on a Budget".... but all ideas for something more catchy and yarn related are greatly appreciated! The plan is to promote yarn swaps, build a local "directory" of how to pay less for good quality raw materials, have fun, experiment and of course drink coffee and eat cakes! So I want to have a small range of made up items I'm really happy with I can show the participants as well as improving my skills with plarn and fabric work.<br />
<br />
In celebration of "going green", I've listed a <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1929857-Green-Satchel-Bag">green satchel bag</a>, made from surplus stash in my Folksy store today and have also been perusing the work of the June Bugs to discover some of their green makes...<br />
<br />
1. Bits and Bobs Crafts 2. Ann Chandler Originals 3. Flo Nightingale 4. Audrey's Cat 5. Girl of the Sixties 6. Ritzy Swish<br />
<br />
As ever, please click on the image to go to the store <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1929857-Green-Satchel-Bag"><img alt="BIts n Bobs Crafts" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15566981/Image10.png" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1929309-Kimono-Fabric-Handbag?shop=yes"><img alt="Ann Chandler Originals" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15562877/IMGP0675.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1924561-Beaded-Purse-necklace"><img alt="Flo Nightengale" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15526909/Beaded_Purse_necklace_by_flonightingale_3.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1924641-Rabbit-Retro-ReBorn-Vintage-Fabric"><img alt="Audrey's Cat" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15527709/vintage__176.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1924789-SALE-SALE-SALE-Little-geese-glasses-case?shop=yes"><img alt="Girl of the Sixties" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15530925/P6200024.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a> <a href="http://folksy.com/items/1922893-Wash-Bag-Daisy-?shop=yes"><img alt="Ritzy Swish" border="0" src="http://d200fahol9mbkt.cloudfront.net/item/15515929/Wash_Bag_Daisy_Ritzy_Swish.jpg" style="height: 160px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
</center>Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08162354452177453894noreply@blogger.com0