Progress so far

I was so hopeful at the start of the year and I'm happy to report that a certain amount of progress has been made. It took awhile to sort out the craft room, amazing how much time that takes. I recently was given some small aluminium buckets which I will use to sort my ever growing button collection. My new sewing machine arrived yesterday so I have threaded it and sewn a straight line but that's as far as I've got as I'm still reading all the ins and outs in the manual. It sews buttons too! which when you sew as many as I do is really good news. Below are some pictures of a pin brooch made from felt, it was a test one, I want to make some more so that I can throw them in a hot wash to see what happens.

I'm Back

After all the build up to the last show I needed a break, but I'm back to full working order and with a new sewing machine purchase imminent very excited about future projects. I have to figure out how to balance painting and sewing. They aren't very compatible, you can't do it in the same room for instance.
My project list for early 2010 includes in no particular order: Argyle recycled sweater pig, Recycled sweater owl, lettered garland, pin brooches, wet felted flowers (learn how to wet felt first) Image transfers on wood then made into coasters, multiple paintings of the ocean, donkey ornaments and fancy zippered bags.

It sounds like a lot just typing it out. I will also be bringing to the blog stuff that I read that interests me and inspiring projects. In this way it will lessen the burden on me to take copious photos of my stuff or lack of it !!

How to make the garland.

I found this on katiedid.squarespace.com and absolutely love it. I was thinking of making one that said Give me strength and just have it up all year round. Patience is a virtue could be another one, must blog etc etc. I was super excited to find out that Muji has an online store, NO one sells those clear sleeve folders and so I bought 2 to begin with that will help deal with the backlog of cutouts and printouts that form my must have a go at this one day file. They currently reside in a box. The office has now got a much needed lamp which means I can work when its dark, I salvaged a corkboard from work which will need a little trimming to get it to fit the nice frame I have for it. Must get back to work. Happy New Year everyone.

Unique LA

So, I've been a slacker on the blog front but only because I've been chained to my sewing machine. I felt like a factory worker as I attempted to complete projects in time for the show. My fingers are sore from not using a thimble. The regular job just gets in the way and when there's gossip girl and desperate housewives to catch up on its hard to get down to serious stuff. I've been sucked in by Melrose Place too, oh the shame of it. Anyway, thank you to all the lovely people who stopped by and were so complimentary about my wares. The most comical moment was when I wasn't even there, a small boy with his father apparently picked up a penguin and licked it. The father then felt obliged to buy it and later on I saw the small boy still clutching the penguin. So for you kids out there wanting new toys, don't scream and throw a tantrum, just lick !!!

The furry travel buddies awaiting adoption.

I was sad to see glamour owl go, she had sparkly eyes.

The paintings before they got straightened.

Happy Shoppers.

Shop Banner

This banner is for the craft shows that I'm doing. It's not quite finished yet as I have to punch some grommets in and back it but you get the gist. You may have been wondering about the delay in posting and I would love to say that I've been super busy and productive but in fact I had an accident and badly sprained my wrist. (Spent 4 hours in A&E for an x-ray just to be sure) and have been in a splint since. It's a lot better now, I can use scissors and a mouse ! I have been very grumpy though, as I had a lot of plans and they had to be abandoned and the accident could have been easily avoided. Such is life. Coming soon more lettering inspired projects.

Hug a Tree

My goal is to create a big forest of trees, but there are only four at the moment. The wool has been felted so they are very soft. It took ages to finish the big tree as I couldn't get the bird to look the way I wanted it to, I did in the end and thus the forest began.

Papa Massimo and the Penguinos

Behold the Penguino Family. Here are some photos from the family album. As you can see there is a striking resemblance between the babies and their parents. I am reluctant to put them up for sale at the weekend as I have grown rather attached. Leave a comment if you like them. Thanks.

Non Painting Chronicles - Noisy Men

Am I a bad person because I want the workman next door to stop singing. He's clearly enjoying himself although he's clearly no Pavorotti, but he's giving me a headache. They are making some sort of medical suite in the building and between the banging, drilling, shouting and now singing I'm ready to go to war. I think I've answered my own question, Yes I am. Mind you in my defense I've only eaten a couple of pistachio nuts and half a cup of coffee hardly a balanced breakfast. It sounds like they are trying to saw through the ceiling now. GIVE ME STRENGTH.

Onto brighter news, the Penguino family is expanding rapidly. The tote pattern is almost complete and its nearly the weekend. Although I have to work on Sunday, so its slightly less exciting. Debating whether to go to Ikea this evening before heading out to the husband's gig. So much to do before the shows in November and December. I had a supremely strange dream last night, I was in Politics, assisting John Kerry and then I can't remember much more but it was dark. That's what you get for watching Criminal Minds before going to bed. John Kerry must have been on the news is my only explanation, I barely know who he is. OK, singing and drilling. This is TOO much.