It's nice to be appreciated!

Embroidered tree pipit

A couple of weeks ago I had one of those emails that brightens your day and makes you feel all inspired again. It was from a lady who had been bought one of my embroidered bird bags from Folksy a few years ago, a damp flat had sadly ruined the bag but she liked it so much that she got in contact to ask if I could make another.

The original bag

I made a few of these bags (about 5 or 6 I think) but I didn't continue making them as although people liked them they took a lot of time and effort and I couldn't justify selling them at a price that would make it worthwhile for me. However, flattery will get you a lot of places and I was so pleased that my work had meant enough to someone that they would take the time and effort to contact me and request a replacement that I agreed straight away.

The new bag

If you've been following this blog you'll know that I've been struggling with my creative mojo recently so this little project has been great for me. It's given me a nice confidence boost (someone likes my work, can't be all bad) and given me a reason and focus to not only get into the studio but to do something more productive than sort out my threads whilst I'm in there!

Tree Pipit line drawing, pen on paper

I began as I usually do by drawing, just quick line drawings to capture the flighty nature of birds. I did this sketch of  tree pipit and really liked it and decided it would work well so I used my sketch and the photograph I did the drawing from as a basis for the embroidery. I used three shades of purple and free motion embroidery to create this little guy, I like his inquisitive look and I hope that he'll be as loved as his predecessor (and not succumb to damp!)

Detail

I really enjoy free motion embroidery, it is very like drawing and I like the quality of line. I was so inspired by working on this piece that I went straight on to another stitched bird, but more about that in another post...

Responding to Pattern on Fabric

Framed Small Bird Embroidery

I ran an embroidery workshop at the weekend and, as I usually do, used it as an opportunity to try out a couple of new ideas and make some new samples and pieces. I often use my own drawings as a starting point for embroideries but one of the comments I frequently get in workshops is 'but I can't draw.' Now, I personally believe that everyone can draw, however, I do not want to put people off and if they have come to do an embroidery workshop it is only fair to ensure the focus is on that rather than drawing. So, I started looking at pattern in fabric and using that as a starting point. I had some lovely Ikea bird print fabric left over form a dress I made ages ago and decided to start experimenting with that.

Experimenting with threads and stitches

Detail

Detail

The fabric is white with line drawings of birds and some printed taupe areas. I began by colouring in some of the birds to act as a colour guide and a more interesting base to work on. I then experimented with different stitches to fill in the coloured areas and complete the birds.

More experimenting

Detail

French knots

During the workshop the participants wanted to try reverse appliqué so I started off another sample using this technique. I layered up some patterned fabrics and then put the bird fabric on top. I then began stitching around parts of the bird shapes and then cut the top layer back to reveal the patterns underneath. I'm pleased with how this piece is starting to look and am looking forward to doing a bit more work on it.

Reverse appliqué and embroidery bird

Stitch detail

Detail

I really enjoyed working these pieces, they are a lovely way to experiment with stitches and explore different thread, colour and stitch combinations. I am continuing to work on them and looking forward to seeing what new ideas they may spark.

I love cutting and sticking

Collaged Bird

When I was at University my Mum explained to her friends young daughter that I went to a big school to learn about cutting and sticking, I've always rather liked this explanation of my profession and it is probably more accurate than I would like to admit. As last weekend was so lovely I decided it should be devoted to all things enjoyable so I worked on a couple of cutting and sticking projects. Collage is such a satisfying way of working and is so versatile, it can be used to create great artworks or to breathe new life into old containers and anyone can do it.

In progress

Hopping around 

Lace motifs form the wings

I made the bird quite a while ago now, it was going to be a part of an artwork but I changed my mind about what I was doing so he has sat on my shelf unfinished for ages. The body is made from newspaper wrapped in masking tape with wire legs and a card beak and tail.

Lace eyes

Painted legs

Adorning my bookshelf

To complete him I first covered him with a layer of white linen scraps (from an old tablecloth) and then a layer of lace scraps. I found some lace motifs to use for his wings and eyes and then painted his beak and legs white to finish him off. He seems to me to have his own character, I'm always surprised how something handmade can develop it's own character but things do and this bird is a cheeky and inquisitive kind of soul.

Fabric collaged flowerpot 

In progress

Detail

I picked up the terracotta flower pot (with plant) for 20p from the bargain shelf, the plant has been resuscitated and I have embellished the pot with a selection of pretty fabric scraps and some ribbon and it is now adorning my desk, along with my terrariums full of cacti and succulents. It matches nicely a pair of candle holders I made from old jars a couple of months ago. Again they are covered with fabric and ribbon and look very pretty lit up from within.

Fabric collaged jars (candle holders)

Detail

Viewed from above

Happy Times

Wedding present commission

A while ago I was asked to create a pair of owls as a wedding present. I really enjoyed making them and, I am led to believe, the happy couple were very pleased with their owls, which had their names and special date embroidered on. So, I was very pleased to be asked to make another wedding present. This time I was asked to make a bird cushion in blacks and reds with the names and wedding date embroidered in silver.

Bird cushion with names and date

Head detail

I'm very pleased with how this guy has turned out, I played around with several different fabrics before settling on a heavy black cotton twill and some funky red cotton prints. I also enjoyed making the pattern for this cushion and I think it is one I will use again as I like the chunky shape.

Wing button

Stitch detail

I used buttons for the eyes and to affix the wings and I hand embroidered the name and date in chain stitch. I used a fine silver thread and after about three letters I remembered why I don't often use this kind of thread for embroidery; it snaps and uncoils frequently but I'm really pleased with the finished result and glad I persevered. I hope the happy couple are pleased with their present!

New Cushions

Three Cushions, applique and hand stitch

Well, no posts for a while because I've been a very busy bee with one thing and another. Anyway, I'm off to do a craft fair in Appleby tomorrow (10-4, in the market hall just by tourist information if you're around!) and have just made these cushions which I'm really rather pleased with. I appliquéd lace and organza onto cushion covers with bondaweb and then added handstitch details to finish them off. I think the smaller bird works better than the bigger ones but I'm pleased with both designs. They definitely have potential!

Warwick on Eden Craft Fair and Two Commissions

My Stall

Close up

The craft fair I did on Sunday at Warwick on Eden went very well; it was quite quiet but I still managed to do fairly well and it was a nice, relaxed affair. I met some very nice people and one of my friends from work came down to support me and my friend Helen (I offered Helen half my table as she wanted to do a fair but hadn't done one before.) I also was asked to make two pieces for presents, I like special requests as it means people like my stuff (always a good ego boost) and it's fun to make things for specific people rather than just making a product.

Cat head brooch

Cards and frog 'phone case

Hedgehog 'phone case

Polymer clay 'lace' brooch

The first commission was for a cream cushion with a swallow on, I'd taken an aqua coloured cushion with a swallow on but the lady wanted a cream cushion with a 'proper' coloured swallow. I'm really pleased with the way it came out and may well make something similar for my next craft fair. The second commission was for a doggy doorstop. This was more of a challenge because I really don't like dogs. However, I decided to rise to the challenge and after a bit of planning and experimenting I came up with a design, made a pattern and used this to make a little hound doorstop. I hate to admit it but I think it's quite cute! I hope the recipients are pleased with their presents, I did have fun making them!

The original cushion

The commissioned cushion

Detail of the swallow



Hound doorstop

Detail