Kirstie Allsopp's Appliqued Cushion

I was never a huge fan of Kirstie Allsopp, until she started her Craft series on channel 4, which followed her around country shows entering various craft competitions. I found the series very inspiring as I always intend to enter competitions but then never seem to get around to it - although it did seem like an unlikely coincidence when she started to win ALL the prizes! I then received a copy of the book from the series for Christmas (well I actually ended up with 2 copies, but my mum kindly took one off my hands!) I have now finally completed one of the projects from the book... an embroidered, appliqued and quilted cushion - combining many different skills in one. I am quite pleased with it and it kept me occupied for a weekends. Let me know what you think...

 Finished Cushion

 Appliqued hare detail

 Patchwork, disolvable fabric embroidered flower and quilting

Hand embroidery

Button Cards

I have a new found love for buttons, all shapes sizes and colours. They are great for so many different craft projects and I have recently been using them to make cards... a lovely sweetie jar and Christmas baubles. Very quick and easy to make and so effective.

 

 

Farm yard sketches

Pen and marker drawings of some farm yard animals. These have been inspired by a wallpaper I came across at work. I think these will be perfect to use for my Dad's card when Father's Day comes around.

Photographic plates

Heidi Parson's combines photography and ceramics to create these lovely wall plates. Each of which is perfectly individual with fracture lines and cracks revealing the terracotta clay below. This works incredibly well with the tree trunk photos, adding to the aged character of the wood.

Beautiful Porcelain

Nuala O'Donovan is a sculptural ceramics artist from Ireland. I recently saw her work at an exhibition in Hereford and loved the way she uses natural forms to inspire her exquisite designs.

Bird Cards...

I have started making cards out of scrap fabric, textured wallpapers and old birthday cards. The theme seems to be birds at the moment, but I am going to start trying out some other designs too.

Work in progess...

This is a rug making kit which my mum bought me about 10 years ago!!..when I liked the idea of having the rug in my bedroom. We have both worked on it over the years but as you can see it is taking a while. It has recently made its way back out of the cupboard and I am busy with the wool hook once again. Maybe it will be finished in time to go in my grandchildren's room!