Christmas pressie update

So for Christmas this year many of the family got handmade hampers with chutneys, jams, pickled nasturtium seeds (bit like capers), elderflower cordial and Sloe Gin.

However those overseas means I cannot always send handmade food items (especially to New Zealand) so I have to rethink their gifts.

This year I was able to make my mum some glass ear rings and necklace.  I attended a glass workshop and we made different items learning how to layer glass rods etc, I really enjoyed it and it is something I would do again (it could be quite addictive I have already done a couple of glass blowing lessons too!)

It meant got to make something individual and personal that I know she won't already have so I was pleased with that.

If anyone else has any ideas for presents that can be sent overseas then please let me know as I am running out of ideas!!

Happy crafting

kyla

Contemporary Craft Fair

I recently went to the Contemporary Craft Fair at BoveyTracey in Devon http://www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk/ 

I have been attending for many years and the array of work is amazing.  Once again they had the pottery show down, a vintage cinema, willow weavers, stone masons etc

The level of work is amazing and we may have made one or two purchases (though not as much this year, last year we bought an original piece for the bedroom wall).

I prefer to buy direct from craftspeople and this is why I love events such as this.  

You get to talk to them direct and really appreciate the work that goes into each piece.

My mum and I bought a selection of handmade zipper bags. 

 A couple of screen printed ones on linen with waterproof linings (https://www.helenround.com) and three where a fabric was created from their original paintings (http://www.maggiemagoodesigns.com/).

My husband also bought me this from http://www.yvettebrownworld.co.uk/ How cute is it?  I cannot wait to wear it on my suit jacket at work, I think it has SO much character-she is stomping, a little like me at times!

Do you have any events you attend where you can buy direct from the maker?  I would love to know (especially if they are in the UK) as I am always on the lookout.

Happy crafting

kyla

A production line of tissue holders

There is a story behind these pocket tissue holders.

I struggle with sewing.  To be honest I am not great with measuring, cutting or detail but I do actually enjoy sewing.  I mentioned to Fiona (Staring at the Sea) that I was looking to make something small and she kindly sent me a link to her blog where she makes these.  Now, Fiona is a sewing genius, seriously, she has the ability to make something with relatively difficult instructions into something clean and simple to follow-it is a true skill.

So, for the first time in AGES (and I mean years) I followed instructions for sewing and not only made one (which I have no issues with) but replicated them MANY times (and that is my issue-I struggle to replicate and produce something with a consistency).  In fact I kept replicating them!!!!

They are great for using up smallish pieces of fabric and are perfect for keeping one in each handbag, desk drawer, pockets-yep, I did make quite a few!

I sent one over to my auntie in New Zealand and also made her a glass pendant for Christmas (as I am unable to send over items such as the elderflower cordial or lavender bags due to quarantine and infection regulations).

I think I will keep making these little tissue holders as they are sweet little gifts to keep handy in the present drawer for those moments when you need a small gift.  Do you have any small crafting gifts you make in advance for those "just in case" moments?

Happy crafting

Kyla

Silk cocoons

I must apologise for the photo as it's not the best but this is the birthday present I made for my sister-in-law's 40th Birthday (forgot I hadn't blogged it).

I stuffed a dyed viscose ribbon and created ruching and knots at regular intervals.

I then cut dyed silk cocoons and hand stitched them together adding sequins and beads.

 

I attached these with silk thread and viola-the lightest necklace ever (seriously, I have made a lot of necklaces over the years and there is NO weight to these).

It is hard, fiddly work on the hands and takes several days to make but I do love these and have made about half a dozen (most of which I end up keeping as I love them SO much!!).

Happy crafting

Kyla

 

a bit of grunged jewelry

These are my latest creations, made with my new ranger memories slide holder. I distressed a page from a dictionary for the definition of time, adding the words 'fly' and time', silhouette of birds flying, some stained lace and a little stickles glitter bling and finally I disassembled a pocket watch and used some of the cogs

I also decorated the back with more ravens

This is my grungepaper cuff. I distressed it, adding black stayzon stamped flourishes and added some grungeboard precut wings and heart which Ionce again distressed and added a little homemade distressed stickles (i apply the glitter rubbing it in with my finger, then wet my finger tip, to be honest I find a bit of spit is best as its not too wet, yuck I know, but ot works!! and rub it over to randomly remove some)

I then attached it all with eyelets set with my crop a dile and added a tim holtz hitch fastner to fasten the cuff around my wrist.

I then applied matt modge podge to seal it all, then I sprayed acrylic sealant to reduce any tackiness from the modge podge, and voila, in matter of a few hours 2 new pieces.

Happy crafting, off to watch a bit more of the Chelsea Flower Show (such an inspiration)

Li'l Pidge