Giveaway/Fundraiser!!

Actually, strictly speaking it’s not a giveaway, but there’s nothing like that word to get people’s attention!!

Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time may remember Red Nose Day two years ago. Well, this time I don’t have a whole lot of stock to sell, so I have had to come up with another idea. I thought about some kind of auction, but to make it fairer and give everyone a chance I am holding a virtual raffle!

So for  as little as £2 you could win this driftwood terrace, worth £100!!

All you have to do is go to my Just Giving page here and follow the instructions. You can buy as few or as many tickets as you like (eg £10 will get you 5 tickets) and on the evening of Red Nose Day (Friday 15th March) I will put all the names in a hat and pick a winner!
NB Unfortunately gift aid cannot be claimed as there is a prize, so please do not tick that box!

In 2011 we raised £348 - I would dearly love to beat that this time! Please spread the word!!

The first signs of spring

 My latest piece wasn’t planned from the outset: it kind of developed from the lovely bit of wood which I used for the shed (above). Then, rummaging around in my fabric scrap drawer, I had the idea of making a simple deckchair!

 Nothing says Spring better than daffodils: these are made from tiny nails, bent at the tip with the ends painted yellow. The outer petals are little scraps of dried acrylic paint, threaded on to the nail. 

A washing line adds a bit of colour, and I made this very simple lawnmower to balance out the composition!

"First sign of spring" is available for sale in my Madebyhandonline shop here.

Have a good week folks!

If you see a crocodile....

 ....don't forget to scream!!!

 Ha ha! I found this great piece of wood a while back and though it was perfect for a croc's nose - the nostril and eye are in just the right place! I found a rusty old saw blade in the shed and used them for the bottom teeth, and added a few nails for the top ones. Say cheese!

Ye Olde Water Mill

I was given a couple of old model railway wheels, so I thought I would make a water wheel. The base part has some lovely touches of turquoise paint suggesting water.

 Safe Passage

The piece of wood above was a bit special. I knew I wanted to use it as a wave, but as it dried out, it separated to form fingers and a thumb! A helping hand!

Reflections

This is only a small piece, but the driftwood I have used as the water was too beautiful not to utilise! I made a few houses to match the reflections and also added a street light.

In all my days "wrecking" on our beaches, I have normally turned my nose up at plywood! But no more!

I have started painting it to add as a backdrop to some pieces - and I am liking the extra colour!

Believe it or not, I am still getting orders for snowy, Christmassy scenes!

Brrrrrrr! I hope you are keeping warm. Stay safe! xxx

#imapiece Craftivist Jigsaw Project

Hopefully some of you will have heard about this unique project to support Save The Children's Race Against Hunger Campaign.

You are urged to make a jigsaw piece, complete with an important message, which will then be a piece of a thought-provoking final installation, showing that the crafting community wants the government to tackle injustice at the G8 summit this year. 

Full instructions, jigsaw template, suggested slogans, and info can be found here. Further information can be found on the Craft Blog UK site here.

my piece for #imapiece

 Want to help raise awareness of world poverty? Then be a craftivist and get stitching! And please help to spread the word!

2013

Already, really? Time goes too fast!

There are exciting times on the horizon: already this year I have 2 workshops, 2 exhibitions and I am delighted to say I have been accepted to show at the Contemporary Craft Festival again this year.

 Plenty to be going on with then!

"Frosty Forest"

"Harbour Lights"

I have enjoyed a little rest over the festive period, spending time with my family, watching Christmas telly and getting into my PJs in the late afternoon. But typically of me, I get twitchy after a while, and have made the above pieces during the last couple of days. Guess I can't help myself!

I will endeavour to blog as much as I can this year: maybe I will make the posts shorter but more regular!

2012 was a fantastic year for Kirsty Elson Designs. If 2013 is anywhere near as good I will be delighted!

Happy New Year to you all. I wish you health and happiness for the coming year. xxx

Winter wonderland

I am signing off for this year (after a pretty hectic few weeks) so I wish you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas. See you on the other side xxx

Short film

A bit random, I know, but someone made a film about me!
Many thanks to Stephen Tolfrey at Studio Wallop for doing such a great job!
I would love to know what you think!

http://vimeo.com/55704853