handmade gifts

 

Over the last few weeks I have been using every spare moment I have to get stitching and sewing, creating new pieces for my Christmas exhibition at The Old Fire Station in Oxford. It's on until the 23rd December and there are lots of other crafts for sale too.

I've made a lovely new range of one of a kind handmade gifts; from lace beaded brooches, velvet pin cushions, sewing cases, purses, lavender bags and festive bunting. So if you are looking for some present buying inspiration, why not pop in and have a browse. I'll be there this Sunday 8th from 11am -1.30pm. 

If you can't make it, have a look in my Etsy shop.



These needle cases have everything you need for a spot of sewing; pins, colourful cottons, needles and safety pins. All are handmade with linen, floral cotton and vintage lace. 

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I'm planning to make a lot more of this festive bunting to string up around the house over Christmas and New Year. Each one is handmade with vintage music sheets, lace, buttons, bells, gold glitter and silk ribbon. They look so pretty hung up in my sewing room, but now they are packaged up for sale in the exhibition.

day trip

A recent trip to London involved plenty of sparkly trims, vintage lace, silk ribbons, braids, velvet and raffia. I bought my stash from Liberty, VV Rouleaux and The Cloth House, should keep me going for while.

 

vintage haberdashery

I was so excited to receive this parcel of crochet and lace motifs that I ordered from The Linen Garden.  I've got a feeling it won't be the last either, as there are so many beautiful things to buy in Vicky's haberdashery shop.
I'm starting work on some new pieces tomorrow using these lovely bits.

I've also been working on a beaded lace brooch, with a step by step guide on how to make it, which will be featured in a new sewing magazine in November. I was really pleased with the finished brooch, so I hope you like it too.

I couldn't resist this piece of floral fabric, I love the autumnal colours. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to make with it yet, maybe a laundry bag or a cushion for this little chair?

open studio

Well, my studio exhibition is all ready to open this Saturday, here are some photos from last years show. I've made lots of new pieces; from vintage lace brooches, coin purses, jewellery pouches to clutch purses, lots of handmade cards and also three special little vintage collage pictures.

Exhibition starts Saturday 18th -27th May - details here

 I always really enjoy displaying my work alongside some vintage treasures. I recently bought a lovely 1950's glass fronted cabinet for my show and it looks great with my textiles displayed inside. I can't wait to take some photos to show you.

  

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in the city

When we went to London for the day last week it was just like spring,clear blue sky and warm sunshine.

It seems like ages ago now, especially as it's sooooo cold today!

I can never visit London without a trip to Liberty. I love their little florist shop which is full of Hydrangeas, Roses and Hyacinths. As usual I spent ages in their haberdashery deciding on which Liberty fabric to buy, but went for this one in the end.

 

As the weather was so lovely we walked (for miles) over to Covent Garden then on to Bankside, the Thames looked beautiful as it sparkled in the sunshine, everybody was out and about listening to buskers on the riverside.

 

The final stop was Alex Monroe's jewellery shop in Snowsfields which was very inspiring, everything was beautifully displayed in vintage glass domes and cabinets alongside old pictures and china. I loved it all.  

february flowers

Brrrrrrrr it's cold! The sunshine we had didn't last very

long, instead there is a flat grey sky and an icy wind that makes you want to stay wrapped up inside, but hopefully this drawstring bag will add a touch of spring to your day. The floral fabric is so cheerful, I've made a few pieces out of it, from little purses to lavender bags. This one has a vintage lace pocket on the front. 

I've made a few for myself too in all different fabrics and they are a great place to keep pretty underwear or hung up storing special bits and pieces in.

 

Keep cosy and warm x

treasure

I've been sat at my desk, radio on, making a few more pieces for my next show at West Ox Arts Gallery in Bampton. I will be exhibiting along side other members of the Oxfordshire crafts guild.

 Hidden in this mess are some little lace brooches I have been working on. Can you spot them?

and this mess resulted in some cards being made.

enjoy the rest of your week..

 

my week...

My week has looked a bit like this...lovely new floral fabrics to make lavender bags, I always feel quite sleepy making these, perfect to tuck under your pillow for a peaceful nights sleep.

I found these little blue daisies hidden away in a box of bits, they will look lovely on my handmade cards.

I love eating outside, listening to the birds tweeting away. We felt quite pleased with ourselves, as we ate the little chard leaves we grew.

My mum treated me to a pink Geranium, which I've put in the bedroom as it's a nice and sunny spot.

nice and tidy

My work room doesn't actually look this tidy now, this was taken before I started work on a new design, now the jars of lace have been emptied out, sketch books open and buttons everywhere. It's hard to keep the space tidy when you are in the middle of making, but I hate to start work in a mess. I find the best way is to have jars, boxes and tins to pack it all neatly away afterwards. 

I bought some great fabrics yesterday, I really love the red flower piece, very 1940's, I'm going to make some little lace and fabric lavender bags with them later.

sketchbook

Thinking about what to make next.....looking at all my favourite things; handmade lace, vintage buttons, faded tea stained colours, bronze and cream, pleats and folds.