Sparrow Hand Embroidered Brooch

Sparrow Hand Embroidered Brooch, a photo by Handmade and Heritage on Flickr.

Its my Birthday today, not that you would know it just seems like another day! It's my last year as a 20 something which i'm totally cool with. Even as a teenager I always thought my life would begin in my 30's.

So to treat myself I stitched this sparrow this morning. Our street is a real mecca for sparrows, I sometimes wonder if its the fact that the street has so few cats, in fact ive only ever seen one. They nest in our guttering and swoop along the neighbours gardens stopping for natters on a neighbours bush. I love watching them even if they are not the more exciting to look at.

So Happy Birthday to me...... x

Popular Crafts Magazine - Artist of the Month

I'm Artist of the Month at Popular Crafts Magazine!!!!! (who'd a thunk'd it)

Click Here to see my mug in full view and to read about what I do, what I love and where I get my inspiration from.

Hand Embroidered Wren Pocket Watch Pendant

Hand Embroidered Wren Pocket Watch Pendant, a photo by Handmade and Heritage on Flickr.

Following on from the lovely feedback of my Wren embroidery I have decided to explore it a little further and make a necklace.

It's encased in a vintage style pocket watch and hung on green ribbon with a bird charm for extra detailing.

I'm sort of hooked on this little birdie so im thinking my next piece will be a brooch - watch this space!

Wren

Over on my Facebook page I asked for inspiration for my next embroidery project. I had some fab suggestions for birds and the one I have chosen will be made for a special giveaway on my blog. However as someone who gets easily distracted I decided to do a little miniature embroidery of a wren.

He's one of my favourite pieces to date, of course I can see bits i'm not happy with but I really love how the eyes have turned out this time. I think she has a bit of personality which sometimes my embroideries lack - probably due to me trying to be so clinical with colours and shapes.

I'm not quite sure what to do with her yet, I may just have to keep her!

Cross Stitch Robin Christmas Card

cross stitch robin christmas card, a photo by Handmade and Heritage on Flickr.

I think it has to be at least 10 yrs since I last did any cross stitch. I used to do a bit when I was a teenager but I found the big ones too boring and time consuming.

This little robin only took about an hour whilst watching TV. I think it looks really cute although whether people still appreciate traditional cross stitch is another discussion.

I might make some of these for my Etsy shop, but at least my friends and family will receive one for xmas.

Robin Gift Wrap

I've been making lots of things recently and I wanted to show you some of my favourite makes. I originally made a Robin lino block to use in greetings cards, but having seen how nice it looked I decided to make some gift wrap. I changed the main colour to black and coloured the Robin's breast to add an extra detail. I think it looks really nice and my friends and family will definitely be receiving their gifts wrapped in this design. I'm making lots as I am doing a couple fairs over the next few months and really want a decent haul of stock in interesting designs.

The original use for the block

The finished Gift Wrap

I've also been making some printed 3d bird decorations. My screen printing equipment finally got an airing and I made this simple designs to be used as Christmas decorations (the bird lover in me would have them hanging all year round). I think they look really effective and its something a bit different for those of us that love quirky Xmas interior styling. Some I have kept simple and stylish but i've also experimented with colour and stitching.

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Blue Tit

In other news I'm organising a craft fair!!! I run a little craft group in our local village and decided it would be nice to showcase their work along with other local sellers. Some ladies have had very little experience in crafting and its amazing to see their progress. I shall post more details nearer the time.... its all very exciting and VERY stressful! 

The Thrifty Forager

This is my bedtime reading, alas I seem to be suffering from a bout of insomnia. Its comes and goes depending on stress levels (usually near to payday lol)....

I shall blog some recent makes tomorrow or some day in the not to distant future!