fancypicnic

'Bringing home the tree...'

2009-12-15T00:47:00.000-08:00

The approach to Christmas is my favourite time of the year. This year, as last, it began in November with a visit to the Country Living Christmas Fair in London with a dear friend who loves the whole kit and caboodle as much as I do. A great start.

December got underway and as usual, we had an hour of family fun building a gingerbread house. I say 'we' - what I really mean is, I sit back on my hands and let them get on with it, resisting the temptation to step in and 'neaten it all up a bit'. We all sat back and admired it. Then little fingers wanted to get in there and break bits off and....eat them!! Pardon? I think not! This little house I like to think will outlast Christmas and will be the final thing to dismantle on twelfth night. First in, last out. Why? I have no idea. But I like it that way. So, as every year, they had to make do with polishing off the leftover icing and glittery sweets.

Now, when I was a child, my family had its own traditions - my mum would pop me on the back of her bike on the last day of the school term and we'd go and pick up a tree. It would get lashed to the saddle and handlebars and we would walk slowly back singing 'Bringing home the tree, bringing home the tree....'. Such a fond memory for me. Not until Christmas Eve was it brought into the house and the decorating commenced. I wish, wish, wish I followed on with that tradition. But I don't. We went out in the pick-up for our tree this weekend - drove all the way to the farm shop, hoiked it in the back and drove home again. But it was a fun afternoon, picking and choosing as the woodcutter held each one at arms length for us to walk slowly around and measure up - Father Christmas himself brought the freshly cut trees down from the field on his tractor. Who could ask for more?

Our tree, the one that had our name on it, is waiting outside, preparing for its moment of glory...

Shopping List Saturday...on Sunday

2009-12-06T10:27:00.001-08:00

Winter has arrived - this week saw the ground covered in frost and a strong chill in the air. At times like this, I can only think of layers, snuggly wool and ruffles - we all love pretty things!! I hope you enjoy my selection this week:

1)La Reine Maria Leszczynska bracelet cuff/ hypericumfragile

2)Midnight Clusters Scarf/ Fabulize

3)Elan-Rosa...Knitted Neckwarmer/ Scarflette - Chartreuse Green-Pink Flowers/ irregularexpressions

4)Hunter Green Ruffle Flower Handbag/ mojospastyle

Thanks for popping in - do check out the lists of fellow Etsians and supporters...please use the linklist in the sidebar. Have a good Sunday!

Merry Go Round

2009-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their reponses to the same question. This month, our question is:

What is your Purple Cow?

This question refers to Seth Godin, who maintained that the key to success is to find a way to stand out and be remarkable - to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins.

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more! I mean, when we look at successful artists and crafters work, we can intuitively see what it is that gives them an edge...what makes them stand out. Maybe they have something to offer that no-one else provides or maybe their superb craftsmanship is evident. Whatever it is, they've got it in spades.

But what about me...? What is my purple cow? Yikes. Do I even have one? I'm not sure. Or about the success part, either. So, I cast an eye over my Etsy feedback that I've received over the past 18 months. That was helpful. Then, I asked my family. Tell me about my work, I said. Throw some words at me that sum it up. Go on, I can take it...and these are the words that my girls and the woodcutter came up with:

pretty - I like this word. It sums up all things girly and feminine. All women want to feel pretty, don't they?

bold - Good! I like to think that if you're going to wear jewellery, wear it! Let it be seen and get you noticed! It's not for everyone, but I try to put a bit of boldness into each piece I create.

colourful - colour is important - it lifts your spirits, it says so much about you. It captures your attention. I need colour in my otherwise rather monochrome life (yes, I tend to live in black!).

intricate - I just love details. It's all in the detail. Sometimes, it's just that one little extra bead that you need to add to a piece to create a certain sparkle and allure, or just one more layer of fabric to complete the story. Without it, a piece can seem almost lifeless.

Now that I re-read this back to myself, I can see that it has made me think a bit clearer about my purple cow - I'm going to name my purple cow 'complexity'. I realise that every item I create combines all of the above...a bit of this and a bit of that; old bits and new bits; layer upon layer of fabrics; multitudes of beads...I use it all. I like to think this results in the viewer being intrigued and totally drawn in by the complexities of each piece. I can hope...

I found that quite thought provoking and tough to answer. I wonder how my fellow Merry Go Rounders got on this month? Find out by clicking on the links in the sidebar...purple cows await you!

New Beginnings

2009-11-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, a little bit of wind and rain can wash away the cobwebs and pave the way for new beginnings.
Last week saw the launch of a new blog. Curious Nature is a collaborative venture between myself and the lovely Mariana. For some time we have discussed the possiblities of working together on a photographic project of some description, and this is the result!

We are both excited about this long-term adventure. Curious Nature is a personal interpretation of our world around us - Mariana (florcita) is an Argentinian ceramicist and fibre artist living in the Netherlands who, like me, shares a passion for detail; for colours, textures and patterns. We are taking our first steps right now, but there are great things ahead...

Come and share the journey with us...

Merry Go Round

2009-10-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their responses to the same question...this month, our thought to ponder is:

'Failure sucks...but instructs'

Hmmmn. Not easy, this one. Prepare for honesty by the bucketload...

I can honestly say that good things really can emerge from failure. Just over two years ago, we embarked on a huge lifestyle change. We sold our house and almost everything we owned and upped sticks and moved here, to the middle of a glorious forest, to set up a luxurious tipi holiday campsite. We had spent several years talking about it, researching it, finding the perfect place for it and gaining planning permissions for it. We started work on it...but this happened and that happened, and the whole project faltered. Now that's a blow to your self-worth.

The woodcutter continued with felling and stripping the tipi poles and I worked in the evenings on fancypicnic products. We just couldn't be defeated by this. We had many black moments - moments that so often made it hard to get out of bed in the morning. But how can you let your children down? How can you sit back and let it consume you? Both of us have artistic backgrounds - he'd been a product designer since graduating - and being thrown into this peculiar abyss of 'now what?!' made us think. Think really hard.

The woodcutter hates waste...our tipi poles needed chopping to length and the thick butts removing...and these smoothly peeled offcuts felt good in our hands. They smelled good. They looked darn good!! There must be something we could do with these....

And there was. The Log Basket had arrived. It certainly isn't going to make us millionaires, and it is extremely hard work, particularly for the woodcutter - but it is truly a family business, one where we can spend more time with the children but at the same time work all night if need be. We're doing it for ourselves and we have discovered that working for yourself is tough but incredibly rewarding. It is immensely challenging, to say the least and throws us into many a conundrum - but we like a challenge! We can also see that from this our children are learning. They often get involved with various processes, from helping to offload the logs from the kiln and stack them, to popping the tealights into the candleholders and lending a helping finger when tying the raffia on the gift boxed packaging. My fancypicnic baby can develop alongside, maybe even become integrated within The Log Basket (watch this space), and I like that. One year on, I can see that we have room to grow and widen our product line. It is certainly different to cleaning tents and laundering sheets! It sucked to fail, but we realised that we could, and should, be resourceful - and with a bit of imagination and gritted teeth we could change things. A hard lesson to learn, maybe x

Please now pop in on my fellow Merry Go Rounders - their bloglinks are in the sidebar. We are all in different timezones, so please call back to read their posts. Have a great Friday!

The shop is lucky...

2009-10-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

...it is getting some new stock!

Today, the Elven range arrived back from Stampington in America, following publication in the Autumn edition of Belle Armoire Jewelry. Over the next day or two, these five items will be added to the shop!

Shopping List Saturday...

2009-10-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

...on Sunday.

My spot of window shopping may be a little late this weekend, but I hope these lovely items will tickle your fancy nonetheless. Enjoy!

1)Calm - soft wool woven bag/ memake

2)beret31/ dadaya

3)Small Arctic Fox Scarflette/ PilliPillihandmade

4)Verdigris And Rust 11.../ barefootweaver

For more Shopping List inspirations from fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters, do click on the links in the sidebar; if you would like to share your weekly window shopping with us, let me know!
Hope you've had a lovely weekend x

Autumnal Air

2009-10-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

Autumn is most definitely upon us...falling leaves, delicious coppery tones appearing everywhere, and a distinct chill in the air. How about this enveloping, multi-functional neckwarmer to carry you through the season?
Completely reversible, with red silk one side and latte and old gold shades on the other, there are so many ways to wear it! Button it up, flip it over, wrap it around...you choose! For a closer look, click here.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-10-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

So...a week has slipped by...where does all the time go?
At the end of this busy day, here are some of my Etsy favourites this week - as ever, enjoy!

1)Large felt and velvet brooch/ dogdaisy92

2)Siesta cotton canvas cushion in orange and tan/ roddyandginger

3)Marley the Mini-Zaubermausi/ cynicthelamb

4)Purple Metal Flower Wall Sculpture FREE SHIPPING (US)/ merritthyde

For more Shopping List inspirations from fellow Etsians and handmade supporters, do click on the links in the sidebar; if you would like to join in with your own lists just let me know!
Happy weekend x

Shopping List Saturday

2009-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday, so let the shopping commence!

These are a few of my favourites from browsing Etsy this week. Enjoy!

1)349 Blushing Sparrow Avenue - House Pillow/ Olive

2)Ranunculus No. Three - 5x5 Fine Art Print/ saranorris

3)little love tree/ gypsyandtwink

4)the Atheist 4x4 print/ telltalesigns

For many more inspiring selections, do click on the Shopping List links in the sidebar for other lists from fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters. Have a lovely weekend...!

*Late edit...Welcome to Buttons and Lizzy, (a fellow Etsian), who has been posting her Shopping Lists for a week or two already (whilst I was taking a summer break) - it is lovely to have you join us!

Merry-Go-Round

2009-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their responses to the same question...this month, our little poser is:

'What's Your Next Chapter...?'

I've been clearing out kitchen cupboards today - they really needed it - and much as it is a dull and tedious job, sometimes, it simply has to be done, doesn't it? All that stuff...clutter...dust...disorganisation...it can all get a bit too much, I think. The time has arrived for me to take stock, clear out and clear up. And I feel better for it.

This is a perfect way to describe my life at the moment, as it happens. So much is going on around me; lots of jobs keep calling to me; new skills need to be learned and I just have to bite the bullet and get on with it. But it is hard sometimes to make changes...necessary changes.

De-cluttering: throwing out the old and making way for the new.

So what does the future hold for me? What will be new, and what will be cast out? Well, the woodcutter's empire is growing. That's a good thing! A really, really good thing. Our future's looking eco-friendly, rustic and wooden.
The Log Basket is exceeding all expectations and our energies have to be channelled. I need to develop a sanders' hands and lumberjacks' muscles. I also have to don a secretary's head and get stuck-in to that lurking headache called paperwork. What do they say? A cluttered house is a cluttered mind? I'm taking steps already...

As for de-cluttering, I think really I mean 'paring down'. Stitchery is very important to me - it is something that is truly 'mine'. Stitchery gives me time to think; it provides that creative outlet that I love; it really becomes an extension of 'me'. I hope that I won't have to leave it behind. I hope that there is room in my life for logs, paperwork, taking pictures and textile explorations. I think a work timetable will evolve and some things will give whilst others take my time. And it will be okay....

Thank you for reading! Please take a few minutes now to read about what the future may hold for my fellow merry-go-rounders - just click on their links in the sidebar, but do remember that we are all in different time zones so posts will appear at differing times.

In Print...

2009-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is quite exciting!

fancypicnic's Elven jewellery has been published - find it in the current (Autumn 09) issue of Stampington's Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. Such a thrill to see my textile jewellery in print!

This issue (like every issue) is gorgeous - packed full of beautifully crafted, highly individual pieces from extremely talented designers...a pleasure to be featured alongside them.

Shopping List ... Sunday, Irish Style

2009-09-20T09:22:00.001-07:00

So - it's Sunday, the sun is out...I'm feeling summery! This week, my offerings to you all come from my Etsy neighbours in Ireland. I featured the lovely TanyaMac in my list last week, and through her, I have discovered the Crafty Ireland Etsy Team and their blog, Etsy Ireland. Do have yourselves a little visit...use the shop directory on their blog to find a whole host of wonderful stores!

This is a little delve into just a few of them...enjoy!

1)Bunting and Flags Lavender Sachet/ SailmakersDaughter

2)Little Recycled Flowers in Garnet...sterling silver earrings/ madeforanangel

3)Bone China Cup/ niceartthings

4)Cuada Pink Silk Purse - with teal flowers and beading/ cuada

Do check out the links in the sidebar for more shopping lists - and if you'd like to join in with your own lists, just let me know! Happy shopping!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

...will be coming on Sunday for me, this week.

Sorry - do pop back in and come shopping with me tomorrow! In the meantime, why not click on the links in the sidebar and take a peek at fellow Etsy sellers' and handmade supporters' lists? Lots of goodies to tempt you!

Happy Saturday x

This may not be stitchery....

2009-09-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

...but it keeps me busy!

These are our decorative logs, installed in an alcove of a gorgeous, beautifully converted barn. I love the contrast of the wood against the chalky white walls, and the gentle colouring of the naturally occuring shaded rings at the ends of the logs (they are not stained or treated in any way) add just that little bit of rustic texture.

Today, a big batch of logs are making their way to their new home - a Zizzi's restaurant. Lucky things....

Shopping List Saturday

2009-09-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

It's been a while..!
Today, the return of the Shopping List to my blog - I've discovered some circular beauties with a nod to Autumn about each of them. I can feel the changing of the seasons in the evenings, as a chill in the air nudges me back inside, to warmth and candlelight. Ever the romantic.

Enjoy...

1)Blackberry Wood. Set of 5 paper baubles for decorating your home this Autumn/ TanyaMac

2)Ring Ring 2/ aubeebop

3)ingrid...crotcheted heat pad/ EmmaLamb

4)Recycled paper garland/ wrenhandmade

For more Shopping Lists this Saturday, do click on the links in the sidebar and discover new delights chosen by fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters. Have a great weekend x

Sunshine

2009-09-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of glorious sunshine.

Eldest daughter and I armed ourselves with dishes galore and went in search of ripe fruits...what a lot we found. Now, the kitchen surfaces are laden with freshly plucked, ripe fruit.

I was filled with many good intentions earlier this evening, determined to seek out a recipe or two that would do justice to this little cache. Perhaps it will have to wait until morning...for now, it is beautiful to look at - and smells good, too x

Hello again...

2009-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fancy meeting you here!
I thought maybe it was high time I returned to my blog, now that school has started again after its long summer holiday. But what to write about...?

So here I am...and yes, just a little bit older...and a proud owner of a rather fetching timepiece complete with forty - yes, forty (count them!) - bouncing buttons. Thank you, family of mine xx

Merry Go Round

2009-08-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/craftswomen as they link around the world and tell you a little bit about their lives in art and craft.

Our question this month is: Summer - What Does It Mean To You?

Would you believe... a whole month since my last post...! Where does all the time go?!

Well, summertime has been and now very nearly gone - in a week, the girls will be back at school in their new year and new classroom...and in a tiny moment, the looooong summer holiday will be just a memory.

So what does summer mean to me? Mine begins the week before my daughters finish their school year, in July. I get carried away with the buzz of what lies ahead: slower, more relaxing mornings; stressless days for us all; warm, sunny afternoons sightseeing and visiting new places; a spot or two of camping in Cornwall; meeting up with friends and their families; the children running in and out of the house, delighting in the great outdoors; having lunch or afternoon tea in their wendy house cafe...a perfect summer!

On reflection, does that sum up this summertime? Actually, pretty much! There has been the odd downside - the lack of sun for most of the holiday and the camping was sidelined for this year. Last year, as this, I have purposefully switched off from blogging and stitching to spend as much time as possible with my family. I haven't touched the sewing machine for...weeks...(eek)...and I have spent a LOT less time on the computer. It has been worth it. The woodcutter has been flexible with his working day which has meant we have had lots of days out together enjoying a bit of culture here and a lot of nature there; I've seen my youngest finally learn to ride her bike; eldest has cooked for us (with just a modicum of help!) beautifully; she has mastered her own sewing machine and has gone sock monkey mad (yes, one of them is peeking out of the above mosaic); we've all crafted and beaded our way through the holiday. In a word - smashing.

Does it really have to end...? The whirrr of that stitching machine is waiting...

Thank you for taking the time to read about my summer. Please take a moment or two to read about my fellow merry-go-rounders and their musings on the subject - although we all live in different time zones right around the world, it is amazing to find how similar we often all are. Likewise, it is wonderful to be able to celebrate our differences! Happy summer's end to you all x

Merry Go Round

2009-07-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'm having a bit of a blog break at the moment, to spend time with my girls whilst they are on their summer holidays - but I'm back to participate in this month's Merry Go Round...hope the sun is shining where you are - there's too much rain here at the moment!

Jump on and join a group of artists/craftswomen as they link around the world and tell you a little bit about their lives in art and craft.

Our question this month is: What inspires us? A peek into our journals, pinboards or folders...

Well, this is pretty much my inspiration board these days...

I've mentioned before that I am heavily influenced by what lies outside my front door. I live in the middle of a wondrous forest, and I love it. I love watching the changing of the seasons - I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds me. The colours that nature provides us with are limitless, and the juxtapostions that occur are inspiring beyond belief.

Back in my college days sketchbooks were an absolute must, and I diligently filled mine in...often with pen and ink drawings of flowers or vegetables, and the odd sketch of someone sitting in an armchair thrown in for good measure. Journals - or scrapbooks - were also kept, crammed full of images torn from magazines, postcards and packaging snippets pasted in until the covers would almost burst.

Nowadays, I rarely sketch. I should; I would like to draw again...but it has been a long time! I sketch now simply to work out a template for a piece that I am working on, to refine the pattern before I progress to snipping fabrics. Instead, my sketchbook and journal has been replaced by my camera. What would I do without it? In an instant, I have a record of intricate details, colour combinations and textures. I know I should sit and draw the sepals and stamens that fascinate me so much, but I thoroughly enjoy taking photographs - it feels like a huge reward to sit back and scroll through the images that I have snapped. This way, details are crystal clear and the colours pop...how could I not be inspired?!

Now that you have kindly read about my inspiration 'folder', do please pop in on my fellow merry-go-rounders (click on the links in the sidebar) - they are sharing theirs with us too, although at differing times...many of us are in different time zones!

goodbye for the holidays

2009-07-16T03:08:00.001-07:00

goodbye for the holidays, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

The time has nearly come - tomorrow is our last day of getting up and ready for school...'one more get-up', as a dear friend would say...until September.

Hooray!

Today will be my last post for a while. I love the summer holidays - lazy mornings, happy children running carefree and barefoot, a spot of castle-roaming, beach dwelling here and there, tree climbing (them, not me), seeing friends for loooong afternoons, camping....ah, the good life! I'm looking forward to spending some time with my little girls, but I'll be in and out I'm sure.

Until next time - a very happy, sunny summer to you! xx

Shopping List Saturday

2009-07-11T02:44:00.001-07:00

The end of the school year is looming...counting the days!
This week's Shopping List is for all little girls out there...and of course, grown up ones too! Enjoy...

1)A Winter's Tale/ artandghosts

2)Radish - sterling silver and fabric necklace/ 3squares

3)NEW Lilla Lotta GladBag/ lillalotta

4)Seduction - Print 16x11 inches/ HidenSeek *

It's a rainy Saturday here in the UK - perfect weather for Etsy shopping! Shop handmade this weekend - let my fellow Shoppers inspire you with their lists (check them out via the links in the sidebar)...and if you'd like to join us with your own Shopping List each weekend, let me know!

*This week, I purchased a stationery set, pin button and stickers from HidenSeek - I have to say that it was the most beautifully packaged parcel I've ever received through the post! Simply gorgeous - thank you, Eloise xx

Stitchery

2009-07-10T02:03:00.000-07:00

Fitted in between bouts of log handling and tipi pole delivering...some stitching!

So lovely to spend some time with snippets of beautiful fabrics again, sewing away with my machine. I tend to sew in quite a rhythmic fashion - snip the fabric, place the fabric, stitch the fabric; needle in; snip the fabric, place the fabric, stitch the fabric; needle in; snip the fabric .... and it seems to work for me.

I don't think it's efficient (I probably should cut out all fabric pieces first and have them to hand so that I simply reach out and select a piece, sew it on and repeat), but it certainly feels indulgent! I end up surrounded by and burrowed in to mounds of silky, sparkly textiles and I love it. There's no monotony, just sheer enjoyment.

those little red shoes again...

2009-07-07T03:33:00.001-07:00

dreaming of fairyland, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

You see, if I could be an elf or a fairy I would be...then I could live here, happily ever after. Love toadstools - especially big, bright red and white ones.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-07-04T12:44:00.001-07:00

Serene, calm and elegant...my thoughts for the Shopping List this weekend. Dainty and feminine, I'm in love with each of these items - I doubt I can resist them for much longer!

1)Lovely Glass Ring In A Lace Edge Setting/ UldeYrth

2)Linen Heart Keychain/ makeyourpresentsfelt

3)Handmade Petite Purse Seed Head Stems Lilac/ meplusmolly

4)Soiree Necklace/ mamaslittlebabies

I hope you too love my coveted items this week. If you would like to join us with your own weekly list of Etsy discoveries of handmade beauty, please just let me know!

I can hardly believe it's been a week since my last posting. I can feel already that I'm winding down in preparation for the long school summer holiday ahead, but there's plenty to be done over the next two weeks. Here's to a productive few days!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Gloriously girly fairytale fancies have formed my Shopping List this weekend - I adore them all. Hope you do too!

1)handmade RETRO STORY BOOK sundress from LOVER DOVERS green and white polka dots with cherry print and red ric rac trim great birthday party dress or special occasion custom boutique for baby infant toddler or girls/ loverdoversclothing - will you look at this!! How cute?? Just gorgeous...and take a peek in the store for the sweetest little doll dresses with matching accessories too.
2)Follow Me There/ artandghosts - a girl guide in the most beautiful leg attire stands with her curious companion, a print from the Fairytale Silhouette series. Fabulous, just like everything in the store.
3)Put On Your Dancing Shoes - Signed Fine Art Photograph/ starrybluesky - from a dream, aren't they? Yes, I dream of owning gorgeous shoes just like these. So why not have them on my wall?!
4)Alice In Wonderland - Big-version two(light)/ Champignons - stripey legs, ruffled underskirt to die for...terrific image.

For more Shopping Lists packed full of covetable handmade items, do click on the links in the sidebar. Would you like to join in? Let me know - the more the merrier!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm late again this weekend.

I'll be Shopping later today, but I just wanted to use this post to welcome a new blogger to our team of Shopping Listers. Welcome to Ivy, from EderaFairie and the gorgeous Etsy store EderaJewelry. Ivy has posted her first Shopping List this weekend, so do pop over and take a peek at her coveted items!

See you later...

Merry-Go-Round

2009-06-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/craftswomen as they link around the world and tell you a little bit about their lives in art and craft.

Our question this month is: What is your favourite publication(s)? Is there a book, magazine or website that has become the bible of your art/craft?

Inspiration for me comes from absolutely anywhere and everywhere - nature, magazines, my children and their inventive imaginations, historical properties, gardens, holidays, that ball of string that has tangled itself up into the most beautiful of patterns...everything! My eyes always seem to be open, everywhere I go. I love colour, detail and sumptuous texture.

It is no surprise to learn I'm sure, that I could while away many an hour grazing on the amazing talent and beauty that can be found on flickr and in numerous Etsy stores. That goes without saying! I devour every issue of Country Living magazine, too...oh, to live those 'perfect' lives! Stampington magazines are a fabulous way of looking in on other artists' lives and works - ever inspirational.

However, there are two tomes that never ever fail to inspire me - or at the very least leave me breathless with want and aspirations. Take a look at Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail (Lucy Johnston) and The Art of Embroidery - inspirational stitches, textures and surfaces (Francoise Tellier-Loumagne) and you'll see what I mean. When I open these publications, I feel the need to reach out and touch...to feel for myself the ruffles of fabric, the nubbles of thick thread, the delicacies of the stitches beneath my fingertips. Such beauty and intricacy to marvel at!

If I could climb into these books and never get out again, I would. Taking with me my monthly copy of Country Living, of course! That, my friends, is happiness indeed.

What publications inspire my fellow international merry-go-rounders? Do click on the links in the sidebar to find out!

Changes...

2009-06-25T04:37:00.001-07:00

new shoes, new shoes, red and white and..., originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

Don't you just love polka dots? And on the insides of your shoes...?!! Lucky daughter...

Things seem to be a-changing here...slowly, but changing nonetheless. Sounds exciting? I think it could be - but for now, whilst we tinker and play about a bit and find our way, things continue to mosey along the same as always, so I'm here - sanding and stitching and completing custom orders just as before.

Hope you're all having a good week. Where's the sunshine today? x

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-20T15:43:00.001-07:00

Just trying to squeeze this weeks' Shopping List in before the stroke of midnight...I seem to flit in and out these days!

These fabulous items have won me over this week...take a peek and see what you think.

1)Summer - Collaged Brooch/ zoeest-coming from the wonderful Zoe Woods, this layered plywood collage brooch is sold in her new etsy shop. Do take a look - everything's so pretty.
2)Poetry art doll - Bramble/ The7thMagpie - I'm a fan of this magpie's work...lovely embroidered textiles, decorated with beads and stitches. Her latest doll series is quite charming.
3)THE BUNNY n ITS TREASURE (Bracelet) Limited Edition/ OpusMuse - I just adore this, not merely because of the cute little vintage bunny charm; the deep cherry red lampwork glass is good enough to eat!
4)Orange/ TimothyAdamDesigns - I'm going to quote the item description now: ' are you looking for a little modern for your jewelry collection? Here is a great orange pendant hand cut, painted and drilled from recycled steel.' Yes, please!! I love it!

Hope these little beauties have made your day x

For more Shopping Lists handmade style, do check out the blogs listed in the sidebar...if you would like to join us with your own weekly list, just let me know!

So, I'm sanding log upon log upon log....

2009-06-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

images from my flora flickr set; mosaic created via picnik.

...and I have a slight tendency to get a little...bored.

I've found a solution. Have my camera to hand, take a few minutes' break with some fresh air that isn't filled with sawdust, wander about a bit, snap snap - ready to start sanding again. Works every time. Logs, anyone???

Not much stitching going on in these parts.....

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit late again this weekend with my Shopping List. Oh dear. Let's hope no-one noticed...

This week, a small list again, but it contains my most recent Etsy favourites. Little gems indeed. Here they are - see what you think (and you must check out their stores...packed full of loveliness, all of them):

1)To the skyline pendant/ flightpathdesigns

2)Bathtub - 5x7 Fine Art Print/ janeheller

3)Underwater revelry.../ barefootweaver

4)The Romance -- original illustration --/ fricdementol

I just love all of these...hope you do too.

For many more Shopping Lists from fellow Etsy sellers, do click on the links in the sidebar. If you would like to join us, just let me know! Hope you all have a happy week ahead xx

A Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-12T01:16:00.001-07:00

It seems to me that a lot can go on whilst you're away!

Two kind ladies have given me a Lovely Blog Award - the lovely lady from Bags and Buds, and Theresia from Minori Design . How sweet - thank you both.

Now, I need to pass this on to 5 blogs that I have recently discovered and enjoyed. (Girls, please feel free to accept this award and pass it on to 5 more blogs). Here goes...

blossom - a feast for the eyes, every visit

vadjutka - I love her fabric jewellery...!

fleurfatale - again, lovely jewellery!

Lobster and Swan - beautiful, beautiful blog.

Dropes de Mentol - art I love.

Do pop in on them ... with a cup of tea and a spare few minutes ... and enjoy xx

onmydeskwednesday

2009-06-10T13:02:00.001-07:00

onmydeskwednesday, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

Can you believe it? I'm posting about my desk, on the correct day for a change!!

On my desk today - a couple of w.i.p's, as I begin to make sense of the dollmaking process. They're lurking in my head (dolls), as they have been for quite some time now; I'm wondering if maybe now's the time to see them come to fruition...?

For more desk activity, pop over to kootoyoo - why not join in??

Little treasures...

2009-06-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

flickr image, 'mine' by fancypicnic; enhanced via picnik

Such treasures.
I love this time of year, when I can feel the summer holidays are just around the corner...the clue? Eldest joyously seeking out these little beauties from my mother's garden. Joy indeed.

My garden (unlike my mother's) is desperately in need of some TLC to prevent the weeds from choking everything in sight - guess what I'm up to for a few days?! At least there's a silver lining...the ideal opportunity to go mad with the macro function!

Have a lovely day, weeding or otherwise x

Shopping List Saturday

2009-06-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ready to shop? Off we go...

1)Eco Toes. Sunshine Linen. Size 7-8 / infusion - aren't these gorgeous? Treat your toes and look super-cute at the same time!
2)Soft Rocks Paper Chain Party Streamer Crocheted Scarf/ Toggle - such a lot of fun, don't you think? I'm thinking I'd like to festoon my house with some too. Gorgeous.
3)Outsider art textile sculpted dolls - freestanding figures - The Masked Pair / The7thMagpie - I love these, in fact all of the embroidered pieces available in the store - do check them out. Lovely use of colour and stitch.
4)Bow - textile doll / novembermoon - if you read my blog regularly, I think you'll already know how much I love Cathy Cullis' work...if, like me, you've fallen for this little beauty, snap her up now. Cathy sells out very quickly!

This week, I'm pleased to welcome not one, but several new players to our fold...Catania from etsy store chococatania; Claire from etsy store sewsewcrafty; Karen from etsy store blossomnbird; Gemma from etsy store gemmipop designs...and finally Stephanie from etsy store Stephanie Levy. I wonder, have I missed anyone??

Wonderful to have you join us, ladies. I know some of you have played along for a little while already. Thank you - I hope you're having fun!

Have a great weekend - it's raining here, so take it easy...put your feet up and shop handmade!

Feels good to be back...

2009-06-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

...and sewing again.

This is another yoke for a salwar kameez which is on its way to America right now. It's heavily decorated and reminds me of a walk through a wildflower meadow. Ever the romantic...

Thank you so, so much for all of your kind words - left for me here, some via flickr and many via email. Families are so important, aren't they? Things are slowly getting back to normal...and I have a lot of catching up to do!!

A quick catch up for you...

2009-05-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit quiet lately. Parental illness has taken up a lot of my time...hospitals, helping out...you know the sort of thing. Hence, blogging, stitching and being creative has been put on hold for a while. I've had a lot of time to sit and think, so my head is brimming with new ideas and projects that I can't wait to indulge myself in...in a little while.

I hope you're all enjoying this wonderful sunshine that we have at the moment!

I'll catch up again soon xx

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-05-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

Rhodos on my Sill, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

Wednesday already...

We've delivered tipi poles today, in the rain and mist, in Hay-on-Wye. Such a different day yesterday...the garden was bathed in glorious sunshine, and the rhododendrons took centre stage.

So lovely to come home to these blooms - a splash of colour on a grey and dismal day.

For more desk activity (I know...mine was a windowsill today), do pop over to kootoyoo's blog...maybe join in with the meme yourself?

Works in Progress

2009-05-12T13:35:00.001-07:00

Picnik collage: Working Week, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

From one texture to another...

Mmmn. I just love the bark peelings from our tipi poles. I want to pick them up and make something out of them... The peelings are normally kept clean and dry, and we use them to pack our gift-boxed candleholders. It looks great, and creates a wonderful woody scent when you open the box. Waste not, want not!!

Here's a w.i.p (bottom pic) that I'm completing at the moment. Another yoke, this one needs its sparkles...beads and buttons are at the ready!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-05-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I've been a bit quiet this week...tipi poles have taken over our lives. If you're buying a tipi, you know where to come for the poles!!

So - the good bit about Saturday...the shopping! Let's get on with it...

1)DewBerryLime CUFF FreeForm Crochet with Cabochons/ saraaires - I'm in love with crochet. I can't crochet...but when I see items like this, it makes me want to learn. I love the colourful undulations that flow through this. Not to mention the beads!! She also creates gorgeous bags - take a look in her store.
2)Seagulls in the sky - Coffee Clutch/ the wren - this item is full of lovely details; from the hand covered embroidered 'wren' button, the hand drawn and screen printed lining, the recycled fair trade coffee sacks that form the outer part to the simple leather tie. There are alternative variations on this bag available in Wendren's shop. Do take a look.
3)Sing little bird - pretty applique bag/ memake - a girl can never have too many bags, especially when they are as wonderful as this one! Lovely features include beautiful hand stitching, fab colour combination and recycled vintage fabric lining. Wish this was mine!
4)Lulicade Goddess Necklace (2222) - A Collaboration/ SandFibers - to quote the item description: This is the collaborative effort of three Etsy artists: LisaPetersArt made the ceramic button; SandFibers created the bezel and bale, and Scarfitup added the fiber and beads to the crocheted and braided cord necklace! I love the combination of textures; such a great coming-together of skills. Lovely.

This week, we're pleased to welcome the lovely Dana from LeiLiLaLoo to our ever-expanding team of Saturday Shoppers. Dana is soon to give birth...I'm thrilled she's keen to join us, and look forward to looking at her lists - whenever she has the time!! Welcome, Dana.

Welcome, too, to Jan, from the Little Shop of Horus who is joining us today with her first list. Terrific to have you play along with us!

If you would like to join in the fun and windowshop with us for covetable handmade items from Etsy, just let me know!

Quick Round Up

2009-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've been away for a lovely family break - but here I am, back again, trying to get back into the swing of things.

A quick catch up on the stitching front for you...the w.i.p (top pic above) has been completed (lower pic above), and already received...it's going to be attached to a tunic, as part of a salwar kameez. A lovely project to be involved in - lots of fun and colour!

Here's a little recap of our past week xx

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to you! The perfect day for shopping!

I'm unable to do my list this week or next...so please click here for the list I made midweek, packed full of gorgeous things to treat yourselves to. Do you need an excuse?

Do take this opportunity to click on the links in the sidebar to take a peek at the wonderful lists of fellow Etsy sellers who play along with the Shopping List Saturday meme. You won't be disappointed, and I guarantee you'll find so many new things to covet! If you would like to join us, and share your shopping lists each week, just let me know.

Enjoy shopping handmade xx Have a great week!

Merry Go Round

2009-04-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/crafts-women as they link around the world and tell you a little about their lives in art and craft.

Our question for this month is: What does Springtime Mean to You?

Springtime. Well, it's a busy time for the woodcutter and his wife!

We're now well into our second year of our tipi pole business, and we know from experience that Spring is the time we have to put all our energies into felling, stripping and drying new poles, ready for customers who will want them now, or for those who will leave it until the last minute for their summer holiday...we have to have plenty on offer.

We cater for very small child-size tipis right up to huge, 29ft ones. The woodcutter visits the forest daily to select and fell the trees, which he brings home for us to peel and then dry. We also fell 'to order' if people wish to de-bark their own poles. Many of these sets of poles we also deliver personally, nationwide, so we're busy busy busy!

The log chopping and sanding continues...!

Despite being nicely busy, I'm able to really enjoy the springtime here. It's glorious to be able to wake up in the morning and spot the new shoots in the forest...the beautiful fresh bright green leaves unfurling in the trees around us...wandering amongst the rhododendrons as they flower one after the other...embracing the flashes of colour from balloon-like tulips...watching the flutterings of delicate butterflies wafting through the air...trying to remember the juxtapositions of colour that nature throws together - it's SO inspiring...

Most importantly of all, it's the thankful return of sunlight that I really treasure. It's so lovely to be able to avoid harsh contrasts when taking photographs, and the days are so long I can sew into the night! I have always been a sombre, gothic lover of winter - but nowadays, this is most definitely my favourite time of year.

Please take a moment or two to pop in on my international blogging friends who're spinning on this merry-go-round with me (their links are in the sidebar). See what Springtime means to them!

Girls, I look forward to reading your posts in a week or so!

Blog Delights

2009-04-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you this lovely mixed media work that I won in a blog giveaway hosted by the quite delightful Sophie, from her library adventures. Isn't it sweet?

I arrived back from a weekend in Cornwall, to find this package waiting for me. Beautifully wrapped in brown paper and sealed with ribbon and music sheet paper strips...imagine how pleased I was to tear that off to reveal the feminine white tissue and lace ribbon beneath! Quite lovely. I just wish I had a writing bureau to sit at whilst I delicately (!) unveiled the contents - of course, I would also be sporting a rather fetching empire line dress at the same time, to complete this little tableau of delicateness!!
For those who know me, I am so far removed from 'delicate' it's untrue, but I think you can tell where I'm coming from...
Beneath the lovely wrapping, Sophie's work lay waiting to be revealed. A real treasure, she has created this little work of art on a hardback book cover, perfectly complementing my idea of Edwardian heaven - you know, romantically strolling through the grounds of one's impressively large abode, finding a shady nook to sit and contemplate the view, book in hand, resting in a rather ladylike fashion, reading said book.

Oh, the dream...

Suffice to say, Sophie's work lifted my spirits - a little package of beauty. Thank you, Sophie!

Do check out Sophie's Etsy store - take a look at her brooches and mixed media work - you won't be disappointed.

Shopping List Saturday ... oops, Wednesday!

2009-04-22T01:35:00.000-07:00

Oh dear. this is so late! Maybe it's a good thing that I'm posting this midweek - it can serve for next Saturday's list, too! A bit cheeky, maybe.....apologies, too, for not making my way around many lists this week xx

I really hope you enjoy the colourful vibrancy of these picks.

1)Colorful, Rainbow Fringe-O-Rama, As Shown With 45 Different Fun, Bright Yarns or U Choose Colors in Custom Order Scarf/ CricketsCreations - Celeste creates the most fabulous, colourful, fringe-y scarves. This is just one of the many beauties in her store. It's really hard to pick a favourite!
2)Picasso Sculptural Necklace, Paper, Wire, Sealed/ taylorseclectic - to quote the item description ... a vivid explosion of color, this necklace has been intricately hand sculpted out of paper and wire. Original, fun and quirky, I love this.
3)Art Textile Brooch/ KaylaCoo - I so enjoy watching Michala's textile pieces emerge from wonderful, vivid sketches to beautifully 'painted' stitched artworks. They are just gorgeous. Her sketches, and more images of her lovely work can be seen here.
4)Handmade Multi-Strand Wrist Cuff Bracelet with Stones/ be2be - I first discovered be2be in a treasury...I love the simple styling of these cuffs, with their lovely colour combinations (more in store). Love them.
5)Sleeping Tree/ zukzuk - you may remember that I have a bit of a 'thing' about Helen's prints. I just love them, and would love to own every single one, in every colourway. This is my latest favourite...but you MUST check out the bear prints in her store. So sweet!
6)Shawl - Phoenix/ vilte - how elegant is this? Gorgeous colours, beautiful fabrics (batik silk chiffon, finest merino wool, lustrous silk and flax)...feel the movement!

For more Shopping List wonders from fellow Etsy sellers, please click on the links in the sidebar. I'll be shopping again in just over a week. Can't wait!

Easter Round Up

2009-04-20T12:04:00.001-07:00

The holidays are over already!

As usual, I'm slow to get back to things the way they were before. Until tomorrow...

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-16T15:17:00.001-07:00

In anticipation of this weekend's Shopping List blog meme, we are very pleased to welcome Sharon from handmaiden (HandmaidenDesigns) and also Amanda from Amanda K Lockrow Jewelry (AmandaKLockrowJewels). Welcome, ladies!

Please take a few minutes to pop in to their blogs (and our regular players - their links are in the sidebar) on Saturday, to take a peek at their 'must-have' handmade item choices from various Etsy sellers.

You never know what you might find, there's SO much to choose from...!

On My Desk Wednesday WIP

2009-04-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

On My Desk Wednesday WIP, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

On my desk today (well, last night really) - a silk and taffeta bag awaiting fastening, and you can also see a little gift from my eldest....a pin cushion (I've needed one for ages!) and needle case. Her first time using a basic sewing machine - eek!! I'll admit I was a little nervous....!

Fingers? Needles? Machinery? Hospitals...? All fine. Phew.

For more desk activity, please pop over to kootoyoo and take a peek...why not join in?!

Traditions...

2009-04-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

As always, a hot cross bun breakfast is followed by an egg hunt...and this year we could hunt outside!

Happy Easter to you xx

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Easter is upon us! With a small nod to this, I've chosen some pastel beauties to share with you this weekend. Enjoy...

1)Nested no. 2/ wunderlust- I'm so smitten with this nest (more in the shop)...a gloriously simple yet hugely effective idea! What a terrific way of using up your scraps; I'm so keen to discover how it all holds together...tiny stitches? glue? woven?
2)doily clock/ andfurthermore - don't you just love doilies?? I love the notion of taking them to an extra level - as a constant decorative feature. Beautiful.
3)Rabbit by Klaus Haapaniemi/ Wilkintie - I'm going to quote from the item description: 'A charming print by the master of folk art inspired imagery from Finland. Klaus brings to this print a wonderful sense of the mystery and magic of nature, it's not hard to imagine the Sami gods bringing forth this exquisite creature from the frozen Tundra soil.' Love it. It tells its own story.
4)NEST/ MariaElena - Each NEST is unique, crocheted from upcycled fabric and embellished with an assortment of beads,vintage buttons, bangles, ribbon, yarn, feathers, birch bark and bits of lace. Nests aren't just for Easter, but they're perfect for Spring, and I love the pieces of ephemera that have been combined together here. Eclectic, and not dissimilar to that of a bird collecting paraphernalia for their own nests.

For more lists packed full of handmade beauty, do click on the links in the sidebar. If you'd like to go shopping in Etsy and share your wishlist with us, just let me know!
Have a terrific holidaytime...xx

Dress Up Your Fingers!

2009-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

image created via picnik

It's taken me a looooong time, but I've finally had a go at creating a ring. I've thoroughly enjoyed fiddling about with tiny scraps of silk and my machine...and adding those delicious ruby red glass beads. My favourite bit, I think, is the dazzle from the AB finish on some of the beads...mmmn!

I think next time, I might have to encrust the surface a wee bit more - but just a wee bit...

Apologies to begin with...

2009-04-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Elven Collar, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

Firstly, I'd like to apologise to all Shopping List Saturday bloggers. I usually try very hard to pop in on everyone's Shopping post (although sometimes I know, some do seem to slip through an invisible net)...but I have to say that this week it seems I'm failing. Sorry xx I'm sure your lists are wonderful - they always are! It never fails to amaze me the sheer variety and volume of handmade items that are available to us all via Etsy. Always something new to discover!

This week, we are booked up to the gills with log preparations, tipi pole deliveries and school holidays! You may see a little less of me over the next week or two...but for now, have a bit of colour...I couldn't resist any longer the lure of lime green, turquoise and cyclamen silks again, despite a recent foray into whites and silvers. I just love the textures of scrunched up dupion silk, and the thready edges of snipped taffeta. I think I love this riot of colour because I tend to spend my days in black from top to toe, through winter and summer. Maybe these textile pieces are a little bit of escapism for me?

Shopping List Saturday

2009-04-04T07:26:00.001-07:00

This weekend, my list is short and sweet, but crammed with fun and individuality! Enjoy...

1)Little Vintage Fabric Birdhouse - Girlie Bird/ RobinsEggBlue - how delightful are these?! This listing is specifically for the purple one, but you can find the rest and much more in the shop. I like the quirky patchwork nature of these little houses, and the inclusion of lots of little unique details.
2)Dove girl Postcard/ IrenaSophia - such a beauty...in fact, the whole range that this little girl is taken from is totally adorable. You'll want them all!
3)Hyacinth/ JunkerJane - I'm sure you know by now about my fascination for JunkerJane's plush, monster dolls. If I could, I'd buy all of them...sadly, I own just one at the present time but I have my eye on many more! They are beautifully made, each coming with their own unique personality and aura of vaudevillian eccentricity. Fabulous.
4) act 2/ mummysam - meet Marge, dressed up and ready for her dress rehearsal! I am totally smitten with mummysam's creations, and this little mixed media work caught my eye. Combining one of her trademark stuffed pure wool felt dolls with crochet, paper and oil paint, I wish this was hanging on my wall!

I hope you share my enthusiasm for these pieces. If you'd like to see more from fellow Etsy sellers, please go and click on the Shopping List links in the sidebar - there's so much more to find! Each week, I discover wonderful Etsy shops and products courtesy of these lists. Thanks, ladies!
UPDATE: This week, we have a new addition to our expanding group of Etsy Saturday Shoppers...welcome Carmenesque to the throng!

If you would like to join us in our Shopping Lists, just let me know! Happy handmade shopping!

Birthday Toadstools

2009-04-03T18:03:00.001-07:00

image created via picnik

A day away from the logs today.

Littlest child is growing up.....xxx

Following in the Footsteps of Samuel Pepys...

2009-03-31T10:10:00.001-07:00

Diary writing homework, after Samuel Pepys, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

Nothing from me to show you today - for several days now I've been happily sanding and peeling away in the workshop, getting more logs and tipi poles ready with the woodcutter.
I just thought I'd share with you a little bit of the colour that is in my life, in abundance! Don't you just love the way a five year old brandishes felt pens?

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Where did Saturday go?
We've had a very busy weekend, but I'm so pleased to finally show you this week's Shopping treasures.

1)Antoinette Black And Gray Feather Hair Clip Fascinator/ BaroqueAndRoll - beautiful. Curlicued feathers...gorgeously decadent.
2)CAMILLE Bolero/ toccata - made from a pineapple fibre (!), this is so feminine. I'm fascinated by the architectural quality of the pleating.
3)Do You Know Who I Am Print/ dottylotty - I love the bold colouring, the contrasting printed textures - and the sultry mask!!
4)Flora, 5x5 print/ Unravelling - conjuring up summer days spent enjoying the sunshine al fresco with friends. So pretty.
5)Being Antoinette/ ImagineStudio - I love the seductive drama of this print. It draws me in each time I look at it. Gorgeous.
6)MILANO WAVE necklace in grey/ giia - this is so stunning. Incredibly unusual, stylish, sculptural and with wonderful movement. Every item in her store is a fabulous statement piece!

For more Shopping Lists from fellow Etsy sellers, click on the Shopping List Saturday links in the sidebar. It's amazing what's out there!
If you would like to join in with your own lists, just let me know. Happy shopping handmade!

Merry Go Round

2009-03-27T01:19:00.000-07:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/crafts-women as they link around the world and tell you a little about their lives in art and craft.

Our question for this month is: Your favourite recipe is...?

Well, this is interesting...because I can't cook - if I have to cook for anyone, I simply go to pieces. Many friends will testify to that! Which makes writing this post a trifle (no pun intended!) difficult, so here's our favourite, incredibly simple treat...courtesy of that kitchen goddess, Nigella Lawson (but we swap her pistachios for crumbled digestive biscuits...now you have a clue for how simple this is!!)
Take one lazy Saturday morning, add to that two willing little girls, a mass of chocolate (no-one said it was good for you...after all, it is a treat!) and a woodcutter who adores anything sweet (usually cake, but this is an equal first in the favourite stakes), and we're ready.

Ingredients:
350g/12oz dark chocolate, at least 70 per cent cocoa solids, chopped
1 x 397g/14oz can condensed milk
30g/1oz butter
pinch salt
150g/5¼oz unsalted pistachios, shells removed (or biscuits!)

Firstly, pop all of the chopped chocolate, condensed milk, butter and salt into a heavy-based pan over a low heat and stir until fully melted and thoroughly mixed.
Whilst the chocolate mix is melting, stick the nuts (or biscuits) into a freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin, until broken up into some large and some small pieces (memories of Home Ec classes come flooding back every time). Remember to stir the mixture in the pan every now and again.
Tip the nuts (biscuits) into the melted chocolate mixture and stir well.
Dollop the mixture into a 23cm/9in square tray, smoothing the top with a wet palette knife.
After cooling, pop it into the fridge until set.
Cut into small pieces approximately 1.5cms square.

Once cut, the fudge can be kept in the freezer - there's no need to thaw, just eat straight away.
I told you it was simple! That bit in red? That's the best bit! It's fab straight from the freezer - in fact, you really must keep it in there - and this recipe makes such a mountain of fudge, you'll have a lovely store of it to enjoy for ages. I guess you could just make less in the first place, but to be honest, our families love it so much that after we've had some and bagged up some more for them, it's all gone!

Please pop in on my friends (this week we're pleased to welcome Nikki, Jenny and Wendren to the team) who are part of the Merry Go Round meme - everyone's links are in the sidebar - and see what they enjoy cooking up! We're all posting from different time zones, so do pop back if necessary. Thank you!

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-03-25T06:23:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping that this will pass muster as to what's on my desk today...it is sitting there, right next to me....
As promised yesterday, here's the collar to co-ordinate with the Rochester wrist cuff made last week. It isn't an exact match - I like to live dangerously! What is it called, when you have a matching set of jewellery? I'm sure there's a name for it...would it be 'wardrobe'?

This should be added to my shop later this evening (probably around midnight - don't ask why it's so late!). Update: in the store now.

For more desk activity, do pop in to kootoyoo and take a little peek - while you're there, why not put your name down and join in?!

Sunshine and Flowers

2009-03-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

A little splash of colour.

It's so lovely to see colour arriving in the garden again, and to have the sun shining for most of the day. It really spurs me on to get some work done - however, the woodcutter is beckoning. Logs need sanding and tipi poles desperately need peeling. Ah well, needs must...

So, tonight I'm adding this colourful little frondy brooch to my Etsy shop; tomorrow, in between sanding and stripping (the poles!!), I should have finished a collar to co-ordinate with the Rochester white cuff from last week. Watch this space...

GIVEAWAY! Look at these lovelies from Her Library Adventures..

2009-03-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?The fun never stops...another giveaway in blogland!

This time, Sophie (Sophie Isobel Designs) from the beautiful Her Library Adventures blog is hosting a celebratory giveaway in honour of her first Etsy anniversary. Congratulations, Sophie!

Sophie is offering TWO wonderful prizes...nip over here now to take a good long peek, and for your chance to be a lucky recipient. Make sure you read the post to increase your chances! Good luck...

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday, and I'm ready to shop - are you?

These are my picks of the week...

1)Whimsical yet MOD Swirls FISH FACE Abstract MULTICOLOR Giclee Watercolor Print BLOWFISH / OHpink - so colourful and uplifting!

2)Original Mixed Media Art---Brooch / brightcolorart - this shop is packed full of quirky and cute items. I love this little lady's eyes...and her friend in her hair!

3)BREAKTHROUGH bright bold and fun acrylic painting / mistflowerstudio - as you know, I'm a big fan of Valerie's work, and I love this painting. It reminds me of shafts of sunlight beaming through stained glass. Lovely.

4)Quince Flower Stack / wireddesign - so pretty and feminine, and I love the colours used here. Made to order in your size, these tiny flowers 'are the perfect bouquet for your finger'!

5)SUPER CHUNKY OVAL RING - 4 lovely choices / leandogpottery - Hmmn. I don't know which one I would choose...maybe the Purple-Yellow Monster? I love 'em all. And all of the jewellery in her store...

6) Blue Danube - Edwardian style Fancy gown by La belle fairy/ labellefairy - this little beauty has been reconstructed from a handmade vintage dress...isn't it gorgeous? Coming from a store that sells custom corsets and Victorian knickers, don't miss it!

For many more handmade treasures, do click on the links in the sidebar to see fellow Etsians lists...you'll be amazed at what's out there!

This week, we are pleased to welcome Heidi from Highland Fairy to our team of Saturday Shoppers. Lovely to have you join us - in fact, I believe Heidi played along last weekend too. Do pop in and take a look at her favourite items from Etsy this week.

Happy weekend everyone!

Gorgeous Ring GIVEAWAY from Chocolate and Steel..

2009-03-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Mmmn. This little beauty is totally irresistible, isn't it? Frankly, I think it has my name written in big letters all over it - but actually, that isn't really very caring and sharing of me, is it??

If you would like a chance to whip this fine silver ring with 3 yellow topaz stones away from me, nip over here and leave a comment for Christine...make sure you read the post carefully to increase your chances!

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-03-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Things are moving very slowly here this week, for various reasons. Mumble, mumble....

Despite that, my desk today bore some WIP (now completed and waiting to be popped into the shop) that just required a bit of handstitching and of course, a shower of beads. Where would I be without beads??!
This wrist cuff is mainly silk (courtesy of a friend of a friend - thank you! - who creates wedding gowns...mmmnn). The outer silk is embroidered with metallic silver threads, the underside is my favourite silver grey silk, which also forms part of the mini ruffle along the edge. Add to that some taffeta blooms and a bit of sparkle...I call that finished!

Pop on over to kootoyoo for more desk activity. You know you want to....

Wrists At The Ready...

2009-03-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

Opera Wrist Cuff side view with lining, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

This is a first...a matching set!

I so enjoyed creating the Opera Ruffled Collar I couldn't resist running up a co-ordinating wrist cuff. It doesn't match exactly - there are less ruffles for starters, more wandering stitches and a wider sprinkling of shimmery beads.

The taffeta is two-tone, and has proved to be slightly problematic to photograph - different light situations make it appear a slightly different colour each time. I think if it is sunny again tomorrow...*crossing fingers and wishing three times*...I'll retake both Opera pieces, at the same time!!

Something New...

2009-03-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just time for a super-fast post at the end of a lovely day....sunny, happy and shared with friends.

I managed to finish this ruffled collar and take some new photos of it...in daylight!! The days are changing at last, staying brighter for longer, and it makes it SO much easier to take photos of work. This is the same ruffle as here...only now the colours are much closer to the actual piece, thanks to the sun and the lack of artificial light. The addition of a bit of sparkle by way of a showering of beads has made me much happier.

This should be in my Etsy store tonight.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-14T02:50:00.000-07:00

Following my mood this week, shopping today has a rather historic twist to it......enjoy!

1)GLASS SLIPPER Wrist Cuffs or Spatts/ tamilyn - don't you just love the name?! Such pretty cuffs...I feel one should be writing letters at one's bureau when sporting them...
2)Felted scarf-collar Tourmaline/ Rudman - everything Rudman does, I love. Beautiful Victorian style neckwear, it's so hard to choose a favourite from her store.
3)19th Century Doll (OOAK) / Middleburg - again, another store I love popping in to. This doll, influenced by a recent lecture on 18th and 19th century clothing, is fabulous.
4)Leah corset - Elizabethan/Renaissance style CUSTOM to your size/ Espalore - now, I'm hooked on Elizabethan style. This corset is amazing. I just need to quote Angela's listing for you:
This corset is truly a work of art! It contains a modesty placket for front or back lacing (your choice), only steel boning (guaranteed never to rust) or historically-accurate reed boning, supportive shoulder straps, waist tabs to prevent discomfort, and triple-reinforced grommets. You also have the option of adding a wooden busk at the front. It features internal boning casings, silk bound edges, and comes with an extra long, sturdy lacing ribbon or string.
How fabulous is that? I want it....
5)corset with short sleeves - xs/ OblivionClothing - love the dark drama of this item. Beautiful ribbon details on the shoulder, and while you're at it, have the skirt to match?!
6)Yellow Dress Yellow Drip - 5x7 Print/ kirby - this print of a painting is inspired by 18th century clothing. Take a look at her store - the quirky, calm personalities of her ladies through time are quite mesmeric, each it seems, with a story to tell. My cottage should be filled with them!!

This week, we welcome two more players to the Shopping List Saturday meme! Hello to Shelby (from shelbyhealey), and also to gretchenmist (gretchenmist)...lovely to have you join us! Do pop in and enjoy their first lists - and don't forget our regular players, too: you can find their links in the sidebar. Take a few minutes to marvel at what Etsy has to offer this weekend!!

Happy shopping!

Ruffles

2009-03-13T15:31:00.001-07:00

Ruffle WIP, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

The time came today, finally, for a bit of ruffle 'action'. I'm addicted to costume and historical fashion books (this one being my current favourite), and I could resist the urge no longer.

I love the crinkled taffeta in this gorgeous blackberry colour, but I want to see something a bit more...worn; I need some frayed edges creeping around somewhere, but maybe not with this one.
This one needs a bit of sparkle...bring on the beads!!

Treehouse Surprise

2009-03-12T04:36:00.001-07:00

Birthday treehouse stairs, originally uploaded by fancypicnic.

These are the feet of an over-excited-birthday-girl-newly-nine daughter of mine, exploring her birthday treat.

As if the woodcutter didn't have enough to do, he took time out yesterday to build his baby a treehouse. For those that know him, he has an absolute 'thing' for treehouses. If he had his way, we'd live in one permanently. So, I guess the next best thing was to surprise his offspring with one of her very own. She had absolutely no clue he was building it all.

She is now the rather proud owner of a winding spiral staircase (made from our tipi pole offcuts), which leads to a 'viewing platform', which leads to a room within the 'nest' of the tree complete with a resting bench. At the weekend, there is a plan to extend, and add yet another platform, right at the top of the tree, from where inhabitants can stand and drink in the view of the valley...I didn't have anything like this when I was a little girl...!!

For a couple more images, click here and here.

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-03-11T02:33:00.000-07:00

image created via picnik

I know - not my own work on my desk this morning!

However, I had such a frustrating day yesterday when a bag lining just wouldn't play ball and fit nicely into a silk bag...so I've hidden it away until I can wrestle with it again. I clearly need to remake the lining, but that would be boring, wouldn't it?!

So, I quickly snapped these whilst they sat on my table before heading off to their classrooms. Tudor houses - the exterior, by our littlest, and the interior of a poor person's abode by our eldest (9 today xx), complete with rope strung bed, candle sconces, clay pots and utensils.

Would you like to see more desk activity? Pop on over to kootoyoo and discover something new...why not join in?

'Tis The Month of Giveaways....

2009-03-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

Would you like the opportunity to win this little beauty from Christine, Chocolate and Steel? I know, how could you resist!

Pop over here, and leave a comment. You know what they say - if you don't try....

And how about this little stash? Julia from materialised is seeking some help with some market research - pop over here and help her out...your comment could secure these little lovelies for you!

I'm feeling the need to join in with this March madness.....

Get Your Gaudy Knitted Jumpers On, Because...

2009-03-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

...it's time for Noel Edmonds' Multi-Coloured Swap Shop!!!

What am I on about, exactly? Well - trades, actually. Personally, I've never before taken part in one. Until now. And look what I got!!

The delightful 'Let It Snow' polar bear artwork packed full of gorgeousness is by mimilove forever. When I first saw her work last year, I was intrigued by the way that she paints beautiful images of animals in watercolour on canvas, and then goes one step further and embellishes each one with stitchery, sequins and beads. I was hooked. And now look....he's mine!! In reality, in my hands, on my wall, he is simply amazing. We are all in love with him. He is perfection.

Karen (mimilove) gave me a completely free reign to make her anything at all (well, ok, maybe a brooch, she decided). I panicked a bit. Mr Bear arrived very quickly (I wish I'd photographed him in his wrapping - it was such an expert job. A work of art in itself!). What if Karen didn't like what I made for her...? What if she was...disappointed...??

Especially as I was so thrilled with Mr Bear.

Eeek!! Anyhow, I threw myself into a mass of colours and got on with it. Took a deep breath and posted off my fabric jewels. And I think she likes them!! I still think that I got the best deal...thanks, Karen xx It made my week!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-03-07T01:45:00.000-08:00

Let's go shopping!!
I've gone mad for colour this week - the sun is shining, pretty little flowers are beginning to emerge in the garden, and these little beauties match my mood. I hope you love them as much as I do....

1)Kitchen/ shelbyhealey - I wish my kitchen looked like this! How happy would you be to make your coffee in it each morning?
2)Grape Lime Multi Beaded Twisted Diamond/ MegHannan - I am fascinated by Meg's work, the process involved, the mass of colour, the vibrancy of each piece. Take a look at her store - you won't be disappointed. Have this as a brooch or a pendant!
3)embroidered disc pendant - cantaloupe/ nectarjewelry - I adore this, totally. I love the stylish subtlety. Beautiful.
4)Felt and zipper brooch/ woollyfabulous - I first saw this over on flickr, and loved the colourful, fun element. It's great, isn't it? (Yes, it is a zip!)
5)Colorful coconut beads/ TuranLoch - I love the tumbling discs of colour here, like a waterfall around your neck.
6)family/ gypsyandtwink - I've admired gypsyandtwink's wooden sculpture characters for some time now. I would love to own one or two...or three! I like the combinations of surface decoration, and the simplicity of the shapes. Lovely!

So, these were some of my favourites from wonderful Etsy sellers this week. Would you like to see more? Please click on the links in the sidebar to see fellow Etsy sellers' choices!
Would you like to join us with this weekly meme? Just let me know!!

Something New for the Weekend

2009-03-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

I've added this little wrist cuff to my Etsy store today - crammed full of texture, paraphernalia, and luscious colours.

Again, layers of silk and organza have been collaged together, and adorned with a floral silk motif. Multi-coloured yarn weaves its way around the cuff, over and under bits of organza and velvet trim. A scattering of pretty little beads help to glitter the night away!

Thank Crunchie it's Friday!

mummysam Giveaway

2009-03-06T04:24:00.000-08:00

Just have to tell you about this little lovely, Rachel, the rather splendid prize for mummysam's blog giveaway at the moment.

This is what mummysam has to say:

As I approach 150 sales at Etsy, I wanted to extend my thank you to everyone who has been so kind and supportive as I embarked on this mummysam adventure. I can't tell you enough how encouraging you have all been, and as a big thank you I would like to give something to you.

All you need to do is nip over here now and leave a comment for your chance to win! What are you waiting for?

Congratulations, mummysam xx

Something New

2009-03-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

These two items (Flora Pendant and Thalia Brooch) have just been added to my Etsy store...a little bit of colour to welcome the changing of the seasons - more to follow.

I'm developing a bit of a 'thing' for stitching these floral motifs...I'm enjoying working with the silks, and the colours are lifting my mood a little. It's been great to see the sun shining today, and the little drifts of colour in the garden from crocus and snowdrops. Sweet. I can't believe I've just written that....me, someone completely addictd to the depths of winter! Suddenly, I've become aware that it is SO much nicer to be able to work in proper daylight. Clarity is returning with the onset of Spring.

Now, before a certain person mentions it...yes, it IS probably my age - the decline in my eyesight and whatnot. I know, I know...

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-03-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Something a little bit special on my desk today...isn't she fabuloso??

Meet Petrova. Here's her story:

There was once a small vaudeville show that traveled the back roads. Such magic as costumes, grease paint and rouge pots jumbled in their trunks as the wagons traveled from place to place.When Petrova performed her Swan vignette to the sepia-like towns, the patrons gazed enchanted, as if Petrova was a doll come to life.

I wish I was Petrova...but that aside...she's my Valentine's gift from the woodcutter. She arrived today and she's amazing, complete with little rouged cheeks and a pursed little mouth. Love her? Visit JunkerJane's Etsy shop for more wonderful monsters and personalities - and check out their stories, too!

So I have a happy desk today - visit kootoyoo's blog to find more. Why not join in?

How Hard Can It Be...?

2009-03-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was asked about how I take my jewellery pics...here's the answer.

During the winter, I find it SO hard to get a reasonable image because the light is so poor most days...usually the days I'm ready with work to photograph! This is my way around it; it works...sometimes.

I move as close to a bright (well, the brightest one in the house at any given time) window as I can, cover the sill and part of the way up the wall with white paper, and then quite often, I end up doing this...stacking a pile of magazines or books up high, then plonking the item down on top - to avoid windowframes casting any slightly dark shadows over the piece. Click to 'macro' on my camera (I only have a point-and-shoot, so nothing very technical) and Bob's your uncle.

Is it awful to admit how amateur one really is?

Littleloveblue Bunny Giveaway!

2009-03-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't she lovely?

Cary from littleloveblue (beautiful, beautiful things) is celebrating...and is giving her away! This is what she has to say:

i started this blog almost a year ago, after opening my first shop. a lot of things have changed over the past year. it's been a very big learning experience for me, and i'm so grateful for the new friends i have made along the way. i'm almost to 100 sales in my shop now... so to celebrate i'm giving something back.

How about that?! I've already jumped at the chance. Nip over there now and add your comment - good luck!

Congratulations, Cary xx!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-02-28T01:30:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the week again...Shopping Time!!
These are my favourites whilst browsing Etsy this week:

1)Olive Grey - Soft Knitted Drawstring Pouch/ memake - love the colour and the tactile quality of this pretty little purse. So sweet.
2)New - Bird in Heaven gold plated metal ring , made of canvas and flower in turquoise and pink colours - vadjutka/ vadjutka - I'm addicted to vadjutka's rings. Like little artworks for your fingers!
3)Candy Girl - Mixed Media - original illustration/ fricdementol - I spotted this on flickr this week. I love her, and you really must click on the link to this item to see the gorgeous stitchery that is a fabulous feature of this artwork.
4)Lolita...archival giclee print/ ImagineStudio - I just have to quote the item description to you now...'This artwork is meant to be symbolic of the emotions the you may feel at different times in your life. If you’re soul resonates when seeing this work...it is for you.' I love it.
5)Rustic Mohair Ruffles Scarflette Neckscarf HANDMADE/ ElizabethanPunk - I love the mossy ruffles that edge this re-purposed felted Australian mohair. Perfect for emerging from the forest in the mornings (as I do)!
6)welcome...8x10 fine art photograph/ JenniferMorrisPhoto - I have admired Jennifer's jewellery for a long time, and have loved looking at her beautiful photographs over on flickr. I'm so pleased to see that she has now opened a photo print store too! Her photographs tell such lovely stories, full of magic and beauty. Go take a peek today!

I hope you've enjoyed these little gems - for many more beautiful finds, click on the links in the sidebar where fellow Etsy sellers will be 'shopping' this weekend. Would you like to join in? If so, let me know!

Have a lovely weekend!

Merry Go Round

2009-02-27T02:22:00.000-08:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/crafts-women as they link around the world and tell you a little about their lives in art and craft.

Our question for this month is: Explain How You Do Your Craft?

Okay! Here goes - I surround my working area with as much fabric as possible. Currently, that's silk in all colours of the rainbow, taffetas and sari silks. Mmm. I pull out any colours that appeal. I love this bit! I could get totally lost in the experience....

Then, I take a deep breath. Start snipping. Start arranging, discarding, new colours, new textures, back to the beginning, moving shapes around, replacing...happy. I'm not too specific with my cutting. I like the randomly uneven edges. I lift bits and tuck in some organza for some shimmer. I then move to the machine and start stitching it into place in layers.

Once that's done, I start trimming bits away, and use a pin to fray sections out, or lift and tuck bits I'm unhappy with. Then the fun begins with the beads! This makes or breaks a piece - it adds texture, sparkle and definition.

Ta da! The last part is the finishing. Popping in pendant bails or brooch bars and tidying up the back. I don't enjoy this bit - it often (feels like it) takes almost as long as the item itself, and it's such a dull job!! Now, if I could just train my daughters up, I could pass this bit over to them!!! Now, there's a thought....

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Please pop in on the other merrygorounders over the next day or two, to discover other ways of working - their links are in the sidebar. We're all in different time zones, and busy, so we cannot always co-ordinate posting at exactly the same time...so please pop back later if their post hasn't appeared yet. Thank you!

That W.I.P...?

2009-02-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

Remember that W.I.P 'on my desk' last week? This is it, a custom order now finished, and making itself at home with its new owner.
It is constructed mainly in silks, in orange and silver grey, with some glittery ribboned taffeta to add a bit of sparkle in the background, and shiny glass beads in purple and lime, to add interest to the space between each disc. A few bright beads define the centre of the upper floral motif.

I really enjoyed working on this slightly more figurative piece...I feel more may well be on the horizon, in all sorts of different colours and sizes..............

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-02-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

image altered using picnik

If you squint, you can just see on the left two neckwarmers, which are awaiting finishing touches. The vibrant pink silk in the centre is itching to be cut, gathered and tightened onto covered button shanks. And my little friend? Ah, he's very precious - my youngest has cuddled and cosseted him since she was a tiny baby. She thought he'd like to say 'hello'....

For more desk activity, visit kootoyoo - and why not add your name to the list there and join in?

Thank you to those of you who have checked out my interview with mistflowerstudio, featured on her blog this week. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to do so xx

A Blog Feature!!

2009-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

The very talented and inspiring Valerie from mistflowerstudio (see her beautiful work in her shop, here) has featured an interview with me on her blog today!

Valerie, thank you xx

Shopping List Saturday

2009-02-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite finds this week... interesting for me to see a recurring colour palette each week....

1)Magical colored disc earrings/ Yoola - I've admired Yoola's beautiful work for quite some time now...and I just love this image, and the intricacies of her work.
2)Large plum colored mushroom - wool and cotton/ littleloveblue - everything littleloveblue lovingly hand makes, I just adore. The colour tones of this mushroom are delightful, and the wool/cotton textures are lovely.
3)Colorful Spring Gemstones and Brown Linen Necklace/ WaterstoneJewelry - who wouldn't want this? A gorgeous, sparkling treasure.
4)wisteria - wool and fabric soft house/ winsomehollow - it's a family thing, I think. winsomehollow's wonderful work wins me over just like her sister littleloveblue's does...I love this little bit of whimsy.
5)Kitschy Folksy Retro Kitchen Themed Tumbler Kitchen Glasses/ southernladysvintage - I want these! The little folksy images of coffee pots, kettles and utensils around each one are wonderful!
6)BLUE TREES LETTERPRESS MINI PRINTS WITH ENVELOPES/ YeeHaw - Love these...just love 'em. Simple, stylish, beautiful.

Today we welcome vadjutka and fleurfatale to the Shopping List Saturday world of Etsy wonders...do take a moment to check out the 'covetable' items on all of the Shopping Lists this week - just click on the players' links in the sidebar.
Would you like to join in? If you would, just let me know!

*late news: welcome too, to blossom - a new addition this evening, I've just found out...lovely to have you playing along with us!

Happy shopping....

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-02-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

Picture enhanced with picnik

On My Desk Today....
A work in progress - you can see in the background, a sheet of my photographs that I'm working from. This work is based on that Cosmos pendant, but will become larger, with the addition of an extra circular 'droplet' (smaller than the one pictured), suspended from the lower edge.
More fabric layers need to be applied here, and then a touch of beading to accentuate the centre of the flower. Then, I'll begin on the lower circle..

Fancy 'eye-spying' on some more desk activity? Pop in to kootoyoo's blog and take a peek! Why not put your name down and join in?!

Just a Quickie...

2009-02-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd nip in and post quickly...a busy week awaits, what with half-term and a ton of other things besides.

Firstly, thank you, fleurfatale, for featuring my Summer's End necklace in a lovely post about textile jewellery on her blog last week. You can read it here. I love her work - I often find myself admiring her creations over at flickr (oh, the beautiful things you can discover there!), and her Etsy shop is ever-changing. Do pop in for a browse!

Secondly, here's a piece I've just finished stitching. I just love pink and purple with a smidge of greeny-teal thrown into the mix. It is now residing in its new home....xxx

What Were You Doing in the Autumn of 1989??

2009-02-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

A flickr friend (and jewellery designer featured in yesterday's Shopping List) vadjutka, is celebrating her Etsyversary!! To commemorate this exciting milestone, she is running a blog giveaway, the prize of which is a $20 gift certificate to treat yourself to something gorgeous from her store!

What do you need to do?

Vadjutka explains:

"This year will be the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain through Eastern-Europe, which includes Hungary. In the autumn of 1989, Hungary officially became a Republic, leaving its People's Republic form behind, and entered into the difficult life of democracies.

This is "big" history; but I am curious of the "small" one, the personal histories. So this is what you have to do to win this gift certificate: tell me what you did in the autumn of 1989 (and in which country)!"

Get your thinking caps on!! Can you remember?? Yes? Then quick, pop over to Vadjutka's blog now, and enter by leaving a comment here - before the competition closes on the 19th February...get your skates on!

Shopping List Saturday

2009-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Shopping time!!
These are my choices for this week - no hearts as such, but I love all of them. Hope you are all enjoying a 'loved up' day.

1)Suki Rose Vintage Barrettes/ kitchentablestudios - sweetness and light for little girls everywhere
2)Winter Circus Collar/ desirapesta - gorgeously seductive ruffle and flounce. Love it.
3)Repurposed Brooch Hair Pin Vintage Floral/ shabbyvintagemom - shabby chic...Miss Havisham...you know what I mean.
4)NEW - Lilac Spring - gold plated metal ring made of canvas and lilly flower, in lilac and olive colors / vadjutka - this looks good enough to eat; I love the colour combination!
5)Pebbles and olives necklace/ fleurfatale - delicate and beautiful, with delicious handmade beads - love the mix with the olive wood, too.
6)Whimsical Woodland Moss Teacup Ring with birdnest/ starsb117 - I can't pass up a bit of whimsy. This is delightful - in my favourite colour, too.

This week, we welcome verylittlebird to our list of Shopping Listers (check out the list in the sidebar)- lovely to have you join us! The list is growing steadily, which is terrific! Spread the word, and do let me know if you'd like to join in! We all love shopping, after all...

It's a Secret...

2009-02-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Popping in quickly...busy day...busy, busy, busy....

This is the fruit of my labours for today - but just a hint; the person this has been made for hasn't seen it yet!! I'd hate to spoil the surprise....

Its Friday! The weekend is almost here!

Wednesday...

2009-02-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

Another 'On My Desk Wednesday' bites the dust...but I felt like posting one last reminder of the past week. It may be some time before this occurs again - the trees and the ground clad in a thick cloak of sparkling white. I love the snow!!

But I don't like it as it is at the moment...disappearing rapidly and rock hard underfoot and deceptively slippery and full of holes made by the rain and hideously mucky brown along the roadsides.
Better to remember the silent, sparkly, mysterious beauty....

Fancy finding out what Wednesdays are all about? Pop in to kootoyoo's blog and check out what's on the desks this week - why not join in?

Frazzled

2009-02-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

I know I've shown you this image before, but you see that poor old soul in the kitchen, slumped amongst the mess, with her head practically in the oven...? I think that's me....

I'm so grateful for all of the feedback left for me regarding the 'facelifted' fancypicnic.com, both here and via the web site's contact form. I really appreciate the fact that you've taken the time to have a peek, and then critique it for me. I took all recommendations on board, and modified the banner to accommodate larger photographs - and I agree that it looks much better, and maybe a bit more inviting! Thank you for that!

There are still tweaks to be made regarding little details and possible background colour alterations , but generally, I'm happy. I thought I'd trial-run this blog page in black, to be a bit more cohesive with the dotcom page...but I keep trying different combinations out.

(I won't tell you how long I've sat and fiddled/tweaked for. It's far too embarrassing!! Don't be surprised if next time you pop in it's different again...!!)

**later** And now, it's all over. No more fiddling. Ever.

Shopping List Saturday

2009-02-07T09:49:00.001-08:00

A compact, but very pretty Shopping List this week. Inspired by the beauty and romance of Feltathome's Valentine Poem Reel (you really must click on the link to this item and read the product description. Don't tell anyone, but it brought tears to my eyes) , this week's picks are all incredibly beautiful and feminine - with half an eye on Valentine's Day that is just around the corner....

1)Valentine Poem Reel - Hold Me Sweetheart/Feltathome- just gorgeous. An inspired idea, to unravel the hidden and heartfelt message, for your loved one's eyes only. **sigh**
2)Branch Brooch/ CarolineCowen - I love this. Love the colouring, the sweetness - love it!
3)Sculptural crochet ring/ ElinThomas - I just love the quirky, sculptural quality of this ring. A statement piece, that is so pretty too. The colour combination is a winner for me.
4)Hand Embroidered Silk Purse/ contemporarystitches - I've admired contemporarystitches' work for some time now. I love the detail in everything - always so delicate and intricate. Delightful.

This week, we welcome Kendall from color to the Shopping List Saturday fold! It's great to have you join us, Kendall. *Late news - we also welcome Phillipa from Feltathome this weekend, too! Her list was created in super-quick time - I'm impressed! Fab to have you playing along with us.You can click on the links to their blogs and all other participants by using the linklist in the sidebar - Shopping List Saturday:Check Out Their Lists!
Would you like to join in with the fun? Just let me know - everyone is welcome! Happy shopping...

Down at the Igloo Cafe

2009-02-06T02:43:00.000-08:00

created using flickr toys
Couldn't resist showing you these - they're so proud of their efforts! Fun in the snow...it's still coming down thick and fast here.

Thank you so much for your feedback regarding fancypicnic.com, left for me on the previous post. I really appreciate it. If you're snowed in at the moment, perhaps with a little time on your hands, I'm still receptive to your comments if you fancy taking a little peek. Thank you!

Right...a trudge out in the snow for supplies is imminent...

Dot Com Dot Done!

2009-02-05T10:24:00.001-08:00

Phew.

It's done. It isn't perfect - there are so many things I'd like to tweak (the link colours won't match each other for starters)...but for now, it's done. I need to walk away and revisit it later I think. It's here.

Now then. My new dotcom banner. There is talk in this house of it resembling a sandwich shop. Apparently, it doesn't really know what it's saying - mainly because of the tiny glimpses of product...you can't tell at a glance what they are, exactly. Point taken, but I think I quite like it. I'm going to let it sit for a while and wash over me.

I've told the woodcutter that I can take criticism rather well (ahem), so I'm open to your thoughts....

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-02-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Not much to actually show for today....except this little package, sitting on my table waiting patiently to be posted to the other side of the world.
The rest of the day was spent desperately trying to refrain from pulling out each individual hair from my head, as I wrestled with trying to alter/update/modify my website. GRRR!! The shop side of it really wasn't working, so I'm trying to make it a bit more of a 'gallery' - somewhere I can simply be 'found'. Hmmm. There will be an update in a day or so - if I'm lucky.

Yes. You're right. That old biscuit tin is my basic sewing box. We've all got one, haven't we??

Pop over to kootoyoo's blog for more desk activities!! Why not join in?

Snowfall

2009-02-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

Guess what we did today....??

It looks so pretty, the children enjoy it, we don't get to see it very often, it's never very deep (although, how come I remember that when it snowed when I was a little girl, the snow came up to my knees?!), it's not great to drive through - but we love it! In small doses...

It's not much fun if you're stuck in your car in it, your pipes burst with the cold or you slip on the frozen bit underneath, I know. Fingers crossed...

Shopping List Saturday

2009-01-31T13:48:00.001-08:00

It's the weekend, girls! That's right...we've got licence to shop, shop, shop!

These wonderful handmade items I've chosen this week provide a little insight into what it must be like to live in an imaginary world, or a dreamlike state - trust me, I've listened from behind the bedroom door to my youngest at play enough times to have great knowledge of the world of fairytales!

1)verona ring/cookoorikoo - perfect for every Juliet from her Romeo, or any grown up princess!

2)Japanese Fairy with Peacock Feathers drawstring bag in Thai silk and satin print. Copper version/ babastudioPrague - so delicious...just like every item in the store!

3)a room of ones own - cream archival print/ swallowfield - we just LOVE treehouses in our house. We dream of building one; a room of my own? Yes, please!

4)Miss Fawn Cuttington's Rustic A-Frame / JessRae888 - every little girl would love this...a little magic deep in the forest. Just like my house, don't you know!

5)green fresh felt necklace / Shir4el - this looks to me like the fairies made it. I love it!

6)Secret Lovers, Red and the Wolf 8x12 inch print /meluseena - the inspiration for this weeks choices...how wonderful is this? I love the quirk here, the twist in the tale; so beautifully illustrated, I can't stop looking at it! Mesmerising.

(Apologies for how difficult this is to read - I'll try making the type different colours, see if that helps - there seems to be a glitch that is stopping the line spacing from working properly.)

Hello to dreambird designs! Heather actually joined us a few weeks ago...oops. I'm sorry to say that I omitted to add her blog to the linklist, so there are a few Shopping Lists for us to catch up on. I'd like to wholeheartedly, and shamefacedly welcome Heather to the Shopping List Saturday team of players.

Please take the time to pop in on the other players in this Shopping List meme - the links are on the right, in my sidebar. Would you like to join in, and promote the wonders of Etsy's handmade items? Please just let me know! Enjoy the rest of your weekend....

Merry Go Round

2009-01-30T00:22:00.000-08:00

Jump on and join a group of artists/crafts-women as they link around the world and tell you a little about their lives in art and craft.

Our question for this month is:
If you had the time/money, what new craft or art would you like to try this year?

This is actually a good question for me to be answering this month...it might just give me that little push I need to get working properly again - if only I had more time!
On the approach to Christmas, I felt a strong urge to pick up a sketchbook and draw. The woodcutter will keel over backwards when he reads this - I haven't used a sketchbook for years! I know, deep down, how terrible that is...my college years taught me how valuable sketching is for your skills and inspirations.
I feel a slight shift is occuring in my creative hours of the day. My fingers itch to dabble again with monoprinting - I love the intensity of the process; the purposeful markmaking and the imperfections of the result. I can see, too, how the images could be transferred to fabric (thanks, Sara!), and in turn become something new - a pendant, maybe, or detailings of a collar - and reworked with stitchery.

I've been slowly nurturing a need to start making dolls, too. Mysterious, quirky dolls...dolls with few details, save for decorative ones. I'm thinking worn out ruffles; shabby threads; torn silk; dark, Miss Havisham-esque Dickens undertones. I want to experiment again with papier-mache, so I guess that collage elements will make a welcome return. It's funny, but writing this down makes me want to jump up and get on with it!!

One last thing...I really fancy making coronet drapes (you know the sort of thing - the wonderful fabric 'curtains' that fall from decorative mouldings above beautiful beds in historic manor houses), and cushions with details you feel compelled to reach out and touch...

History, theatre and dusty attic rooms - total inspiration for me. How far can I take it, I wonder?

Eight other women are sharing their ideas with us today. Please click on their links in the sidebar and have yourself a jolly good read - we're all in different time zones, so do pop back later if you don't find what you're looking for straight away. Inspiration awaits you!

On My Desk Wednesday

2009-01-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Okay - I hold my hands up! I'm rumbled!!
Yes, this is an old photograph (taken last July; see the original here), so your eyes are not deceiving you (but you can see that I've altered it a bit today, thanks to picnik). A day or two ago I said 'goodbye' to the collar that was the work in progress in the original pic - it is winging its way to Australia as we speak.

I hope she likes it!!!

I could while away many, many happy hours fiddling with my photographs - a tweak here, a blur there. (For more OnMyDeskWednesday larks, or to join in with this meme, pop over to kootoyoo's blog).
If you would like to see some truly GORGEOUS photographs, by a very (loved) old friend of mine, click here. Sit back and enjoy...