Little commissions and other work

 Goodness me, it has been such a long time since I last blogged: it only dawned on me when I realised how many photos I was uploading on to this post (though I have been busy too!)

I've undertaken a couple of lovely special orders recently. This first one was for a friend who requested a cottage with a birdhouse and washing line....and a heart if possible.

 

So I stitched a little one on to the laundry. Subtle but sweet I thought!

This next one is really quite exciting! I had the pleasure of meeting a customer recently who has gutted her newly purchased delapidated cottage, and done much of the renovations herself. I found her utterly inspiring! Anyway, she asked me to make a little driftwood copy of her house. The slate roof is part of the original roof (now replaced) and she gave me a little tester pot of the exterior paint, so that the colour is perfect!

Recycling at its best!

Here are some other recent pieces...

These cottages, complete with post box. I love the red and green together.

I found this amazing piece of driftwood and knew immediately I was going to use it for crashing waves!

 Little seaside houses in co-ordinating and a lighthouse complete the scene.

Lots more cottages: townhouses and country houses.

Quirky miniature vehicles of one kind...

....and another...

A dwelling that looks like it should sit on a Loch somewhere...

This little oak barn is only a few centimetres high!

Something a little bit different. The windmill sails are made from nails and offcuts from an old wire basket.

So, the summer holidays are here again. I don't like the last week of term because it makes me realise how fast time is flying by, and that my boys are getting older! They were both extremely fortunate to have brilliant teachers this year, so I made a few small gifts as tokens of my appreciation!

Well that's all folks!! I hope you are all enjoying the glorious weather we are having at the moment!

NB If you are in Cornwall on Sunday 5th August, why not visit Homespun Fair in Portscatho? I'll be there selling my wares along with lots of other lovely ladies....and there will be cake! Nuff said!

Christmas Fairs

Hello my lovelies, sorry for another long period of absence: I have been working flat out for these upcoming Christmas fairs and as usual there are not enough hours in the day! I honestly wonder how people manage to do them more than a couple of times a year: they nearly kill me!!

In case you live in, or happen to be visiting, this fantastic corner of the country in the next few weeks, here are some dates to put in your diary!
The first event is at Cowslip Workshops (near Launceston) on 18th, 19th and 20th Nov (details on their website). Kirstie Allsopp and her posse will be there filming on the Friday (18th) - how I do wish she would give me some SPACE - ha ha!! Most likely it will be very busy on that day in particular!

Then, the following Sunday (27th Nov), I will have a table at the wonderful Homespun Fair in Portscatho. I may well find it hard standing by this point, but if you are able to, then please drop in! It is always a lovely event.

I am trying to think of clean ways to display my Christmas decorations: I have a couple of simple designs that I am hoping Steve will be able to help with. In the meantime, I converted this old white box - simply by threading lengths of dowelling through drilled holes...

I have a strict agenda everyday in order to make sure I make enough stock: here are some spotty whales in various colours waiting to be transformed into mobiles...

A line of mice - as yet minus their candy canes (see above!)....

March Of The Penguins...

(my friend reckons they are doing the conga!)

And of course, a whole brood of lavender jellyfish! I could quite happily make these all day - they are such fun!

Well, thats all for now - if you manage to make either fair, please come and say Hello - it would be great to meet you!
Have a lush weekend folks! xx

Remember me?

Hello lovely neglected readers! So sorry I've been away from the beach hut for such a long time! I always worry when I haven't written a post for a while, but I guess with the school holidays, Easter and 4 Bank Holidays recently, I'm not the only one who has put blogging on the back burner! I'll quickly give you a run-down of what's been happening round here...

I've been making a lot of cottages, and boats - mostly for the Homespun Fair, which as usual was a roaring success!
This one was a special order for Gertie...

Here's a photo of my stand. I didn't take many photos (always forget!) but you can see plenty on the Homespun blog...

I had to share this one with you though - it was a delight to meet Sarah of The Salvaged Tea Party! You can view her hand customised vintage ceramics here.

It's been ace spending a lot of time with the family - these photos were taken at Bone Hill on Dartmoor, which is looking so lush and green at the moment!


And finally, I'm dead chuffed to tell you that one of my textile sculptures is featured in this beautiful Australian online magazine!


(It's these little guys) It's a gorgeous read, full of stunning photographs and images - and this issue has an emphasis on boys, so those with sons get over here and have a look!
Well, there you go! Up to date for now, I will be back soon, I promise!
Have a good week guys xx

Fisherman's cottage with lighthouse

A piece I've made this afternoon. I found the striped bit of wood ages ago, and knew it would make the perfect lighthouse, it's just taken me a while to get other bits together!

I've used a washer to represent the lightbeam.

The cottage was a lovely bit of ply with flaky white paint on one side: I've scratched the paint off at the top to make the 'roof' - and added my trademark nail 'chimneys'! The piece of driftwood along the bottom had paint along one edge, so I've turned that into a sea wall - the paint then becomes the sea!
I'm planning on taking this one to Homespun Fair (Easter Monday - soon be here!), but if anyone is interested in buying it, you can always e-mail me!

There wasn't much wood to be found this weekend - seems alot of it has been used for beach barbeques/fires lately (one drawback to the beautiful weather we've had) but I did find this cute piece (above). Isn't the shape perfect? And in the prettiest shade of blue!

This one is for sale in my Folksy shop!
Hope you're enjoying the Easter holidays so far! xx

Have a gander....

At these geese...



...stitched freehand on the sewing machine and taken from these old sketches...

I've got a pitch booked at the Royal Cornwall Show in June, thought I'd frame some stitchings and see if I can sell any! I'm going to frame the top 3 together, ie in a triple frame.

On the subject of birds, look as this fantastic book I bought a couple of weeks ago.

Take a look at the author's website here. She also writes a great blog here. The book includes patterns and instructions on making all manner of birds. I can't wait to get enough time to have a go at this beautiful swan...

Before I go, I must tell you that another Homespun Fair is fast approaching!
It's taking place at Portscatho on Easter Monday (April 25th) and promises to be a wonderful event. You can find more details on the Homespun blog.

Really hope to see you there!

Homespun Fair

I've had a fab time today - Homespun was another great success! It was lovely to see old and new faces - and meeting fellow bloggers was one of the highlights! So nice to put faces to names!
Anyway, I managed to take a few snaps before it all started so I'll give you a little tour!

Many of you will be familiar with the gorgeous creations by Viv (Hen's Teeth). I love the brooches above and these charming purses...


Look at these great notebooks by Jane...

Wonderful goodies from Michelle (Cowboys and Custard)... check out that Codeg phone!

...and beautiful buttons...

This photo just doesn't do Treutmade's stand justice....sorry Gertie!

I was lucky enough to be sharing the stage space with Amanda (Shabby Chick) and her mum...

and Jenny, whose delightful creations (each with it's own personality) raised many a smile!

So here's my stand - remembered to take a photo this time!

Next time I'll make more lavender fish - I sold out in the first 2 hours! Any items that didn't go will be in my Folksy shop in the next few days.
So, all in all, a fantastic day was had - and look at this shirt I found for Steve!


A bargain at £3! And it fits him perfectly!
Shame... I could have made something really pretty from that!