Hello 2016 ...and a handmade book!

Happy New Year to you all!
Wow! 2015 you have been quite a year. 
Stretching. Challenging. Amazing. Joyful. Liberating. Frustrating. Sad. Expanding. Exciting.... A Blessing.
Life is one incredible roller coaster, and I really wouldn't have it any other way. I open my arms and welcome whatever 2016  may bring.

I hope 2016 treats you well too!

* Business *

*Family*

I suddenly got the urge to make a book on Hogmanay, so that I could it fill with the doodles and ideas that emerge in 2016. I'm out of sketchbooks, and sometimes find them an actual deterrant to being creative (ie can feel too formal and pristine, too big to stick in a pocket or bag ,can't be disguised when out and about !)
So I set to it, to make one before the bells brought in a new year.
The great thing being that when you hand-make a book you get to choose what paper to use for the pages.
I'd saved some wrapping paper that I loved which wrapped a present from my niece.... so that was definitely going in creases, tears and all..along with some graph paper and plenty of blank white cartridge paper as I do want to be able to draw!

I have to apologise for the photos...they are a bit like what my make up has been like for the last 2 weeks (because of the non stop rain), done in the dark and somewhat dodgy!

I had thought about taking apart one of the previous books I'd made and binding some new pages into the fabric cover...however brain wave struck and after rummaging through some drawers I found the sweet sample I'd made last year for the pdf pattern ; Mathilde and Celeste . Matches the wrapping paper perfectly too!

I had to extend the stitched piece by adding on some more linen plus a little bit of foxy fabric too, however the cover was quick to whip up...and once I was binding the pages it felt somewhat nostalgic and good to be returning to bookmaking again.

I'm raring to go and get these pages filled...I'll share some with you soooon! 
Ps. My niece did my nails too! :) xx

Warm wintery wishes

This month has been a bit of a blur...in fact lets include the whole year! Incredible.
I'd like to take this chance to thank you all for being a part of it. Your support , whether it's been taking the time to send an email, leave a comment, buy a kit/pattern, come to a workshop or visit my blog (and other social media)... it is so SO appreciated. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure this is really all happening...that I get to spend my days being creative, feeling inspired and making a very long held dream become real. THANKYOU!

I hope that you have someone near and dear to snuggle and that you stay cosy this winter.

HUGEST of hugs to you all xxxx

Jenny xx

Weaving workshop

I just want to start by saying thank you all so much for all your fantastically supportive comments and feedback about my 'little idea'......the next step is underway and I've been scouting out venues to host crafty classes with mums-to -be. After the large amount of messages I received from those who were not 'with child' but equally wanted to make a sweet little deer, I've also decided to make the design into some kits. So keep your eyes peeled :)

This friday just passed saw me heading up to the little seaside village of Johnshaven with some looms and wool in hand, to host a weaving workshop. The venue is Starfish Studios, where I've hosted a couple of workshops before, and am always happy to return as it never fails to be a really lovely day. The crafty table that sits snuggly in the craft shop can sit 6 ladies around it, which I find the perfect number for a gentle day of chatting, relaxing and creating.

I always seem to say the same thing after a workshop,but I find it so inspiring and interesting to see what happens when you present different people with the same materials, share a few techniques, step back and watch how they make it their own..... so FAB!

Love this combo of colours and textures, makes me think of mossy woods and fairies! 

And how about these sparkle-tastic ocean inspired weavings.....just gorgeous.

Beautiful pale greens and neutrals..... gentle layers and loopy textures. Lush!

Funnily enough 2 of the ladies gravitated towards a similar choice of colours, even though they happened to be on opposite ends of the table with mountains of wool in between! Loving the bold black and grey with pops of purple (one even has a pompom too yipee!...I was being a total pompom pusher that day! haha!).

A super day.....and plenty more inspiration to fuel my next weaving project :)

x

Magical Garden Embroidery. Recent Embroidery Projects

Just poppping in for a quick visit and to share what I've been stitching lately. If I wait until I have something 'official' to share then before I know it the weeks will have flown by, followed by months....!

Do you remember when I made a unicorn? It got commandeered by my eldest and named Legolas. (of course!)

Naturally my youngest took the hump with this,and requested I also make her a unicorn...which I did...or atleast almost did. A year later it is still awaiting some eyes, hair and a horn! Aherm.

Occasionally the 'not quite finished' unicorn has got a mention, followed by a swift excuse. Recently, however, I came up with an idea that would fill the unicorn gaping hole AND satisfy my embroidery urges (alas I'm all out of unicorn making urges at the mo)

Step in cute Bunny No.1.......

Followed by cute Bunny No. 2

Add in some extra flowers, shrubbery and fluttering insects and you get....

A magical garden inspired S for SKYE! Yipee!

It's safe to say the unicorn has been forgotten. (*cue audible sigh*)

I've been playing about with other letters and entertaining the idea of creating an alphabet so that you can embroider the initial of your choice.... what do you think? Would you like to embroider a magical garden inspired initial? It would be quite a large undertaking to embroider another 25 letters....and you know how lame I am even when it comes to making 2 unicorns?!

Talking of large undertakings, I've recently turned Maurice the Bear into a PDF pattern. As there is nothing dainty about this handsome bear (he commands some admiration and attention!), the pdf is to create a BIG striking wall piece or cushion cover. It's a substantial project to accompany the coming winter months.Yes!

Oh and I've just snazzed up my acorn embroidery kits by packaging them in a lovely white gift box... it's autumn fruits harvesting time!

Hope you are all flowing with the seasonal changes easily....I tend to drag my heels a bit and resist....at least autumn projects help :)x

Hello again! Summer adventures

Hello hello!
It feels really good to be sitting here writing this post after a long summer away from the blog. 
How the heckadoodle are you all? I'm hoping you are all really well and have enjoyed at least a little bit of time off  holidaying in one form or another?  
I personally have probably had the most relaxed summer yet, which ultimately came down to letting go of ALL the things I had hoped or wanted to achieve, accepting I had no control over the weather, AND  lastly that pj's on till noon is a perfectly acceptable holiday activity! :)

Here is a little montage of what we got up to (when our Pj's were removed prior to noon!)

Funnily enough, (and as is usually the case) after easing back on what I had hoped to get done business and creative wise, what actually transpired was a decent amount!  

I finished a few embroidery projects.....

This is a wedding gift for one of my oldest friends who was marrying her love of many years. She's a scottish girl, he's an english guy and their home is in the French Alps..... seemed like the perfect gift to celebrate :)

I added a bear and bee to my embroidery repertoire too....

 Meet Maurice, the handsome bear....

I also created 3 new embroidery pattern PDF's....... remember Beyonce's "Put a Ring on it"?.....

well I've come up with an embroidery slant on that...when ever in doubt of what to stitch.....

 I stitched up this sweet peterpan collar with ....oh wait....not just one bird, but 2 birds on it!

OR you could always......

Put a stag on it is available here OR

Put a flower on it is available here

Genius don't you think?! :)

I also squeezed in some weaving, which has become a slight addiction and now finds me hacking sawing away on some unsuspecting pieces of wood which Stu has left lying around. (he's a cabinet maker, so there is ALWAYS some piece of wood or another taking up residence in our home) I'll fill you in on a later date as to what comes of that!

Some of my recent weaving adventures.

So there you have a very brief catch up on my summer adventures! I hope you have been enjoying the last few months as much as I have.

It's good to be back :)x

News and updates, bits and bobs!

I feel like I'm turning up a little empty handed here, but can I just say behind the scenes there is spring time BOOM of ideas, and projects and workings under way. Honest!
So what can I share so far?
Well........ my embroidery kits are so close to being released out into the world....this little doe included.

I'm also busy working on a new shiny website..where everything can live under one roof..instead of a blog here, shop there, gallery way over yonder..... it's a place I can offer online classes too,which has been a LOOONG  held dream of mine and is becoming more and more do-able. So stay tuned!

I do have to say though, this website building is challenging every part of brain and will power I have. It is tough! So I'm going slow and steady.

Sticking to the topic of classes though, I am delighted to say that I will now be offering a couple of workshops in Perth's "The Peacock and the Tortoise", in autumn (dates to be confirmed shortly). I am excited to be joining the workshop ensemble at this well reknowned establishment. The fabrics in there are drool worthy (it took every ounce of restraint not to disgrace myself!)

I'm also about to send out April's newsletter with this sweet little bashful bunny pattern included. I stitched him up while watching it attempt to snow outside.....  which I can now smile in recollection as it is soooo much cosier and sunnier now. Oh yes spring sunshine I do love you! 

It's now the school Easter Hols, so I can't promise to be back with much more than a bit of this and that for the next couple of weeks. So I'll part with a sunny picture of an egg roll taken yesterday! Proof that t-shirt can be worn in Scotland in April! :)

A weekend of weaving

I mentioned before that I had put a weaving loom on my Xmas list (having been inspired by all the gorgeous woven wall hangings that are out there). Lo and behold I had been a good girl and got one....a mahoosive one at that! 

I also mentioned that I'd planned to use the holidays as a chance to get weaving with the tutorial created by "A beautiful Mess " as my starting point. Yes I have done weaving before, but it was several decades ago on a piece of small cardboard  with zigzag ends.... I know you know what I'm talking about :)

Of course the weaving never got a look in over Christmas, but this weekend brought the opportunity as the girls, Stu and I seemed geared for a quiet one. (Usually the case is small child needs"exercised" and I have cabin fever) So the weaving weekend began.......

                      

It's much like embroidery...a slow, repetitive process, very relaxing and allows the mind to unwind. And just like embroidery I end up jumping about, working on different bits so I get a change in wool/thread colours. (and undoing bits I'm not happy with!)

Come saturday evening I'd gotten this far (above).... tis a slow process for sure, but beginning to take shape...and I've got some tassles on the go so I'm happy!

Sunday morning brought a surprise wee sprinkling of snow. Couple this with sunshine and I felt inspired to enjoy a little weaving on the windowsill. Felt somewhat "historic", as the town I grew up in (and currently live) was once known as a textile centre with over 1500 hand loom weavers around the 1860's. I actually grew up in a an old weavers home, with small low windows where the looms would be positioned under....... 

Yeah well.......don't think they'd be using neon pink wools.....and while  my loom might be big it's no way nearly as big as theirs :)

This is where is where I finished before a venture out into the world called (and a cup of tea and cupcake! ) I'm getting there, just need another weekend of weaving...... xx

Hello 2015!

I do love a bright new shiny year.... a great opportunity to take stock, get clear and begin again with a renewed sense of energy and exuberance, along with fresh hopes and possibilities. 

Its going to be good one....I can feel it!

Wait...didn't I say that last year and the year before?? ;)

I finished 2014 with a bustle followed by a readiness to stop, be still, enjoy family times PLUS try out some new crafty endeavours. (I signed up for a Winter Writing Course hosted by Do What You Love, and created a Weaving board on Pinterest to fuel the juices for the loom & wool I'd put on my list for the Man in Red. In the end I did NEITHER! It seemed I needed a break from creativity completely...it was a real break from "the mould"and I must say I felt so refreshed as a result.

This has spurred on a little theme that I'd like to take into 2015..... the year I do things a little differently and "break the mould"! (it may just be me but the image of me cracking through some mouldy green cheese is conjured immediately..erm definitely not on the plan!)

I'm allowing the very poorly balanced "work/personal hobbies/down time" mould to break completely =  MORE time spent outside, and maybe even some running (ohlala!).

                    I'll let you know how I go as the year progresses!

I'm also looking forward to developing the embroidery kit side of my business more and spending some time designing a new range. I really do love these kits of mine and it seems you do too! Yipee!!

There are a few other things in the pipeline too, which will unfold as this year creeps along.

I hope you are feeling equally as excited about all the things that lie ahead for you, and have decided on a few small changes that can bring a little more love and support :) Wishing the Happiest of New Years to you!

 xx

A new take on a sketchbook....

Its taken me a long time to get into sketchbooks, but over the last year or two I've really enjoyed letting loose amongst the pages. The phrase "letting loose" has been key to my enjoyment, as for so long sketchbooks have intimidated me with their blank pages full of expectations! 

Now they are simply a place to splurge, explore and play around without much focus or direction at all.

As you can see from the little snippets below,my sketch books pages are full of  mess and colour, as well as different mediums - paint, pencil, pens, paper and fabric amongst them....

Lots of ideas and projects have sprung from the quick sketches and splurges of creativity, but the best bit for me is the pure and simple happiness that comes from creating without agenda. 

You see I find myself often falling into the trap that has come with being a self employed artist... you know, the one where you seldom find yourself creating for creativity's sake, but rather with an end product in mind. Somehow the hobby (and love) gets replaced by a full time FULL TIME job, where there is never any down time (and not much room for love either!) 

I noticed myself falling into that little trap again recently, so decided to pull out the old sketch book again..but this time with a twist!

Evenings (especially in winter) are a time when I love to curl up on the couch with a little sewing project on the go. So my thinking was to create a sketchbook where I could stitch and doodle, add mixed media, splodge paint and draw with pencil as the notion  took. A sketchbook I could perch on my knee with the required bits and bobs on hand and work on in the evening "down time".

You can see what I came up with below.......

I got a long strip of fabric and divided it up into squares for "pages". This will turn into a book when I'm done, but for now is like a very long scarf! (see! exactly what a winter evening requires!) I began by dabbing, stamping and sticking a few bits of paper and paint onto the fabric with no specific plan in mind,  then the little step by step ideas /experiments/explorations begin. Turns out I'm doing a brown/blue and pink colour theme....it may change! 

These are a couple of close-up  "sketch book" pages, where things are in the beginning stages....

I'm look forward to coming back and sharing what this little winter evening project of "letting loose" will bring!

What are your plans for the upcoming wintery evenings? Have you got a little something planned to bury yourself and keep (creatively) cosy in? Hope so :) xx

Embroidery for children - gentle ways to encourage them

My mum has always sewn and crafted as well as both my grandmothers, but I actually learned how to embroider at primary school. I was 9 and can remember it well.... our teacher Mrs Frew, presented the whole class with some bits of denim to transform into a peg bag. It seemed an impossible task but in actual fact was entirely do-able.... and most enjoyable! I was completely smitten and been in love ever since (spurred on by the fact I won that years sewing prize, which admittedly went straight to my head!) 

My mum still uses that peg bag some 30+ years later! Looking a bit worse for wear ;)

It would be fair to say that I'm keen to nurture any interest in sewing with my 2 girls, and Skye (who is now 6) has shown an interest in sewing and embroidering for a few years now. 

I came up with a couple of ways that suited her skills and interest, which I thought I'd share, just in case you know a little person that would like to try!

Granted there are a lot of sewing kits available to buy for children, but  there doesn't seem to be much for the pre-schooler , plus I am always keen to use items I already have at home, and like the idea of  personalising which the kits don't necessarily allow for.

Skye did this when she was 4! Makes me smile :D

This is made from a craft foam sheet where I drew a very simple shape (as requested by Skye) and then punched out holes,using a hole punch around the outline.(I had planned to cut out the butterfly shape, but Skye liked the rectangular shape)  It's much like the old lacing cards I remember playing with as a child.... and simply requires the weaving in and out of the thread, and adding on some big beads if they fancy! 

I had previously bought  some yarn needles which are big, blunt, plastic needles that can easily be threaded with a colourful wool. These captured the essence of a "real" needle which seemed the most important element to Skye at the time.....she wanted to do "real" sewing!  The craft foam added to that by coming in a variety of colours to choose from, and being flexible enough to allow movement and being comfortable to hold.

I also took the craft foam, hole punch,needles and wool up to Skye's pre-school nursery where all the girls and boys seemed quite enamoured with the idea. Shapes varied from hearts and rockets, to rabbits and kites :)

Fast forward a year and a bit later, Skye wanted to do some sewing where she was using an embroidery hoop and "proper" thread!

I still reckoned the yarn needle would be the best/safest option so looked out some fabric with a loose enough weave that would allow for a thick needle. Linen seemed like the best option out of what I had.

Using the water soluble pen I have to transfer embroidery designs, Skye then drew her picture onto the fabric.

Skye wanted to go over the lines of her drawing with a line of stitch and the easiest way I found was to show her Running stitch. She would go up one line doing running stitch until she reached the end of the line, then she'd turn the fabric around and go back down the line sewing running stitch in between the gaps she'd just created. She got it pretty quickly and was happy with the effect, which I reckoned was far more important than teaching a "proper" backstitch.

She used embroidery floss which was doubled with a MASSIVE knot on the end! I think I've mentioned it before but I am ALL for a good granny knot....though my Granny would be most disgusted! :)

 

I love seeing that little face in deep concentration...and the proud smile that came with the realisation that she too could embroider!

I would love to end this with the finished embroidery to show you...but as with most kids, the attention span ended shortly after these photos! And the desire to go back and finish the little picture has not returned either.

I'm curious to see where our little sewing adventure takes Skye and I next :)x