Love birds

So as soon as Christmas has come and gone, all the Valentines stuff appears - I hate it too, but that's just the way it is, I suppose. Anyway, I've been playing around with several ideas, and here is my first offering...'Love Birds'. Originally the birdcage (made essentially using gardening wire and an embroidery hoop) was covered with papier mache with a poem printed around the bottom, but I couldn't get it right and using fabric seemed softer somehow. I don't think I'll be making many of these as it was very time-consuming, although I would like to trial one using darker fabrics. I'm finding it really hard putting a price on it - it did take me ages, but you have to be realistic about how much someone would be willing to pay...a common dilemma for artists everywhere I guess (unless your name is Damien Hirst or something!)
Anyway, your comments are always most welcome. Hope you're having a good week! (It's snowing again here!)

PS Spotty and floral linen fabric by the very lovely Sarah Hardaker

Seahorse

I've become a bit obsessed with seahorses of late. I'm working on a cushion as part of a childrens range and made this card yesterday for a friend who's just had a baby boy. I like the freedom you get stitching on to paper or card with a sewing machine.

I seem to be diverting slightly from my former nautical theme! I'm sure I will come back to beach huts and driftwood boats, but for the moment my heart seems to be more into animals and birds (though no more robins for a while!) I'll just go with it for now and see what happens!

Happy New Year!

Hooray, we had a little bit of snow today! Not alot, granted, but this is Cornwall, remember, so anything is better than nothing!
I was a bit hungover yesterday (tut, tut!) so apologies that my message is a little delayed, but I just want to wish you all love and best wishes for the coming year! See you soon xx

Kirsty's Handmade Christmas

So, as promised, some photos of Christmas presents I made for members of my family..

First up, a driftwood boat and hanging lavender fish for my brother and his girlfriend...

A chicken doorstop for my mum...

This is an apron I made for my nan...I nearly bought one as I didn't have a piece of suitable fabric that was big enough. Then I discovered a pair of brand new tea towels...I laid them together so that the bottom one overlapped the top one to make a pocket, stitched along the bottom of the 'pocket' and up the sides. Then I simply shaped the sides and stitched on some spotty ribbon around the neck and waist and, hey presto!

I'm sure she appreciated it more than if I'd simply bought one.
Next up a mobile for my sister (as requested)....
A pair of lovebirds for one of my nieces...


And a rather jolly owl cushion for my other niece - one of a range of childrens cushions I am currently designing - more on that soon!


I particularly like the button detail on the eye!

Phew! That's all folks! Which is your favourite?

Seven

I still can't quite believe it, our little baby turned seven today, I don't know where the time has gone!

As this blog is the closest I get to keeping a diary, I just wanted to say to you, Buddy, you are as beautiful inside as you are out, and we all love you very much!

Happy Holidays

Two more sleeps!! I still have stuff to do, but my last order was sent out a couple of days ago, and that is cause for a large glass of mulled wine! I still have a couple more pressies to make - I will show some photos of them with my next post, don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone!


Thought I'd share some snaps of our lounge....Can you make out the antique sled in the fireplace? I found it in a junk shop years ago. Usually we stand our tree on it, but the tree was bigger than usual this year - nearly touching the ceiling! You may also notice the old wooden ice skates hanging above - if this cold weather continues, I may get to use them this year!

My sister just gave me some cut alphabet stamps for my birthday (21st Dec) so I was busy last night making some gift tags. I seem to be using my bakers twine for absolutely everything - it was such a good buy!
Anyway, I sincerely wish you all a most Merry Christmas!
Cheers!

Christmas Makers Market (Part 2)

So that's the last of my Christmas Fayres for another year! Here is a photo of my little pitch, I wish I had taken a picture from further back, because I was in front of a huge window with a beautiful view of St Andrews Church in Ashburton - and with bright sunshine and blue skies, it made for a truly amazing backdrop!
Anyway, I'm not going to bore you with my wares, you've seen them all before, instead I thought I'd share some photos of some other work on display. Here are some of my favourites...

First up, these love birds by textile artist Rose Tydeman. Her felt birds are so vibrant and beautiful - just like her! I love the intense colours - you can see more of her work here.

This sweet little folk angel by Kathryn Craddock caught my eye...

My absolute favourite work for sale was that by kinetic sculptor Michael Chaikin. These copper reindeer were simply stunning. I would have loved a set of eight, but at £45 each they were slightly over my budget!

And check out his copper shark, which moves in a remarkably lifelike fashion when nudged or is blown by the wind (it is intended to be hung outside.) I'm afraid my photo doesn't do it justice at all, it was awesome! I was thrilled for him when a couple bought it to hang above their swimming pool (how the other half live!) You can see more of Michael's work here.
Anyway, I enjoyed the event thoroughly. It makes a refreshing change to escape being 'just a mum' for a day and you always meet lots of interesting people and a few barking ones as well!

By the way, I sold the Mistletoe Robins!