Ditsy Bird Designs

Perfect

2012-02-12T18:59:00.000Z

How's your weekend been? What have you been up to?

This weekend was George's weekend to go to his dads so Mr Bird and I made the most of grown up/no child time.

herbs in a planter in the garden...using iPhone apps

Yesterday involved a delicious ladies-what-lunch meal at the Copper Dragon Bistro...it's Mum's birthday on Monday (the big SIX FIVE & I'm sure she'll be delighted about me sharing that hahaha) as well as cousin Jo's birthday on the 20th. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, we Center Parcs* gals all got together for chats and food, pressie giving and celebrating. As usual, the food was totally perfect...there were so many oohs and ahhhs over the desserts, is was almost obscene!

some of the Center Parc lovelies

Back home, rugby watching, reading the papers on the sofa and then a bit of gentle persuasion (a swift kick) and the Mister and I set off out in the cold for a brisk walk to the train station. A short train ride & another brisk walk later and we were in The Narrow Boat in Skipton for some oh so tasty Mary Jane ale. Yum. A couple more in the Woolly Sheep in an ever so cosy corner, and we were ready for fodder. Cue a very tasty curry in Mastabs with great service & we were home & snooze bound. Perfect.

our cosy corner in The Woolly Sheep

Today has seen the longest lie in ever, a pampering bubble bath, playing about with iPhone photo apps, reading the Sunday mags, scoffing a Subway butty that Mr Bird brought home for me (thank you fella!) and some quality (and why? free) time up in my studio/work room.

A bit of painting and a super cheesy film were the perfect thing for this Sunday afternoon...Battle: Los Angeles (yes really) and a Puddle Jumping door plaque later and here I am, typing up my ramblings before I head downstairs for more food, a glass of wine and (hopefully) The Lincoln Lawyer & a sofa snuggle.

I hope your weekend has been exactly as you hoped it would be!
x

*every year, I go to Center Parcs with 7 other female rellies for a weekend of bubbly, bubbles (hot tub), catching up, chilling out and general stupidity...bloody brilliant!

Why?

2012-02-10T10:22:00.001Z

Some days I walk into my little workroom, plonk down my cuppa, pull up a chair, switch on the laptop and then stop. And think "why?".

Why...

am I sitting here alone?

do I spend my time making things & photographing & listing & promoting?
am I not reading my book, or a magazine or watching the telly?
am I using up all of this time in the vain hope that my products will sell?
am I not out walking in the countryside?
am I not cracking on with household jobs & chores?
am I not meeting up with a friend for coffee?
am I sat here wondering why?

Away from my room I make great plans - I schedule time for emails/making orders/designing/researching/editing photos/listing/promoting. I draw up timetables and print them out. I scribble down flashes of inspiration on scrap paper. I get all jazzed up with enthusiasm and write copious notes and plans and ideas in my notebook.

And then I walk in here and this happens. All impetus abandons me...all my "yes, this is what I should be doing" goes *poof*...and all of my plans just seem kind of silly.

SO the question is...why am I unable to maintain the motivation and the excitement, and how do I rectify it?

To be continued...

x

Silent Sunday

2012-01-29T16:20:00.001Z

Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:23:00.000Z

it's been a funny old day here in the nest...it started off with a head massage* followed by a long natter with Mum -who had an appointment straight after me - and another stonking headache (result of the massage).

*due to years of abuse of my neck and shoulders...bad posture people, bad posture...I'm in a painful, stiff and creaky way at the moment. A month long headache (and muchly interupted sleep) led me to book a neck & shoulder massage with my friend Sue, which I then spoke about to another friend, Anna, who happens to a truly excellent osteopath. Cue appointment with Anna, an assessment and some 'deep tissue' manipulation and I have much improved movement...I can probably turn out of a junction in my motor now, without moving bodily to see in both directions. Today's massage was to keep on top of the situation and not let my muscles stiffen up too much...I will get this sorted!

Basically, I'm (you too perhaps?) terrible at looking after myself in that way. I'll happily fork out for good, healthy food, with happy chickens and organic produce here and there...I'll make sure my walk to school and back is a good old stomp to get my heart going...I'll have regular hair appointments etc but when it comes to something as simple as bad posture...tut tut tut. I sit at a keyboard and screen two days a week when in Management Accountant mode, and at a desk hunched over a drawing/some sewing etc when in Ditsy Bird mode, a slob on the sofa at the end of the night, or lounge against pillows when reading in bed = I rarely sit up straight = sooooo not good for me. I mean, Anna had to massage my front neck muscles - I didn't even know that was possible! I thought I'd got sore glands but no, sore (oh so sore) neck muscles. I know. Or rather, I didn't know.

For years I've been joking about how I could do with a full body MOT but had never actually thought about how I could go about that. You see, I've always seen massages as a bit of a luxury...more of a treat than a treatment. I now know better of course and will be having regular, preventative, ones going forward.

Hmm this wasn't intended to be a 'look after yourselves people, sit up straight, stretch and give those muscles a rub once in a while' post. But hey diddly ho ;)

Anyhoo...headache under control and finances addressed, I realised that the funds I'd hoped I'd be able to buy myself a beautiful, shiny, brand new DSLR no longer existed. Hmph.

But last night, whilst twitting on Twitter, I remembered some amazing photos a pal had posted using a special lense for his iPhone, no less! A quick chat later, and a bit of web browsing this aft on Photojojo's store, and I have ordered these and this in the hope, that they + the camera on my iPhone 4s will suffice for some fairly decent product shots...

I was sorely tempted by this but will have to see how the lenses go and perhaps invest at a later date. There are so many very cool things on the site, but I had to resist my 'by them all!!!!' urge - I will report back on how I fair with my lenses and tripod attacher doobery wotsit. Hurry post people...hurry!

That's it then really, we're right up to date and now I have to go get my delicious wee chap from Dodge Ball club.

here's a piccie of a card I made for a friends birthday...the Indian Leaf is a magnet :)

TTFN
x

streamlining

2012-01-09T10:50:00.000Z

good Monday morning folks! what have you got planned today?
I'm trying to get a little more streamlined in my business, as well as everyday, life.
So today is all about getting address labels, thank you notes, return address labels and gift cards etc. ready to go...all in folders on my packaging shelf

leafy heart address label

As mundane a task as it is, I am taking my time about it...and putting my own slant on it - this way, posting out orders (hopefully) won't seem like the chore it currently is (where did I put the tissue paper?), aaand they will reflect me and my design style.

I've drawn some basic designs/shapes and have then scanned, resized and printed these onto various papers...plain white for thank you's, self adhesive for packaging labels and textured card for gift tags.

busy bee doodled address label/gift tag

I'm hoping to get a but more stream-lined in everyday life too - getting birthday cards & gifts bought well in advance...I've had one of those card holder dooberries for yonks. I think this year I may finally use it & stick the cards in the relevant month and away we go. I just have to remember to look in the card holder dooberry ;)

There are so many other streamlinery things I could do I suppose. I did make a start last year by creating:
• a gift wrap drawer
• a present drawer
• a card drawer (it was never very organised though...plenty for 'cousin' when in desperate need for 'Auntie')
• a letter writing, cheque writing don't-forget-school-dinner-money type drawer
I can honestly say that they did genuinely help!

I'm still in the midst of the coat/studio/man's room sort...so when that's done and we have organised book & filing shelves, there will be no stopping me! Honest guvnor.

twiggy circle tag/label

Anyone else trying to get a bit more streamlined for this shiny new year?
x

PS sorry for the yukky grey photos - it is so very damp and dingy up North today & I haven't managed to get my daylight lamps all plugged in since the change around

it's a brand new year

2012-01-05T22:32:00.000Z

well hello there and how is 2012 treating you thus far?

it's alright isn't it? a bit on the damp side but hey, we'll be glad of it when the sun shines on our green and pleasant land again, no? why, yes we will.

sooo what's been occurring in the Ditsy Bird nest...it's been a busy old Christmas, and one full of ~
family & friends; epic hide n seek fests (ace, just ace!); delicious meals; 3 curries in a week (never again tho); a trip to the iMax; lots of lovely gifts made, given & received; pyjama days; twinkly lights; fun and love. Lots of love.

but now I seem have developed itchy, move-furniture-around-and-rearrange-my-nest fingers! ha
tis ace!

I've nearly finished rearranging my studio/workroom/thespareroom & it now has a work table and a laptop/photographing table. two tables. oh yeah..chickity check me out and my fancy ways ;)
this then lead on to my rearranging the study downstairs prompted by a couple of comments by crimbo visitors, saying that it was Paul's room
so I thought...why not?

it has a bureau avec desktop, a huge bookcase so that's a good start
sadly the g't wonky coat rack will have to go, as will the sweaty pongy shoes (the boys', not mine...I'm a laaaady)

so that has knocked on to my shifting (just now in fact) the bookcase on the bottom stairs, up to the very top landing...in order to make room for some space saving, sort your ruddy coats out (my name is Paul and I am a coat addict - is a there a Coats Anonymous??? hmmm) coat hooks down there - thus ridding the Man's room of outdoor attire
I stole the extra table from the study*, clearing room for a comfy armchair for said Man to sit in and be manly and aloooown and read his ~~book~~ (who am I kidding) iPad

sooooo, all we need now are the afore-mentioned coat hooks and a shoe cupboardy rack thing
oh, and an armchair
but there were whisperings by his pa of their getting shot of their super snug and snazzy chair
hmmm

there's much hmmm-ing afoot tonight

as my lovely friend Karen put it...I think you may have dropped in on one of my meandering thoughts - I like that, it makes me happy to meander some more :)
x

*this may not go down too well
but...it did have my work laptop & mega screen (which I'm looking at now in my own dandy little room) so that's a good thing that that's gone isn't it?!?! oh yes I think so
hmmm

ooh this post is entirely devoid of pictures...

dada! a little example of handmade tags for pressies

lately

2011-11-22T06:55:00.001Z

So what have I been up to lately?

making Christmassy delights

using psychedelic vintage fabric for hair clips

painting up orders for two very cute boys

celebrating 9 years of being Mummy

enjoying the occasional glass of chilled white

loving my boy

buying delicious looking threads

painting wooden puds

dreaming up new ideas

reading new books

having fun at Otley Designer Fair

playing with pattern pieces

having fun with shrink plastic

feeling festive in London Town

working on party season designs

messing about with new iPhone apps

and supping hot toddies whilst blogging

what have you been up to lately?

London day trip

2011-11-21T11:55:00.001Z

Mum & I had to go to London on Friday for her regular consultation with her Oncologist so we decided to make the most of it this time, and have a wander around our capital city.

The day got off to a flying start thanks to the kindness of friends who gave us First Class rail tickets for our journey - you know who you are and thank you will never seem enough for giving Mum a reason to look forward to the trip - woohoo, get us! There's me ma sat in comfort reading trashy mags in the sunshine.

And there's me, opposite, with my usual look at the hair not my face! shot - ooh and one of my beady hair clips.
Free drinks, food and great service made for a most enjoyable journey down, I have to say!

And the surprises didn't end there - queuing for a day ticket at Kings Cross underground station, a (very handsome) chap handed over the day ticket he'd bought as he was 'done for the day'. Huzzah! That almost never happens to Mum or I! Cue big smiles :)
We trogged off to St Barts, met with the ever-cheery Dr Steele, got the best news available...stable, no growth...and headed off into town to celebrate by exploring.

First stop - Mum treated us both to the Degas exhibition at the Royal Academy, being that our travel costs had been minimal thus far...what a treat it was too.

photo from RA website

The focus of the exhibition is Degas' 'preoccupation with movement' and it has to be said, that he had it down to a fine and wondrous art. Dancers in poses that last mere seconds, girls 'disappearing off stage', not to mention the spectral nuns...I've always loved his work but had never fully appreciated what he was trying to achieve until now. It was an education. It was as if someone had pressed pause and, any minute now, the dance would continue - but no, it was merely his skill at showing precious moments in dance and life.

If you are considering going to see the exhibition, I urge you to do so...the sculptures alone are worth it.

stunning window display with a lit up house

Feeling thoroughly enlightened we headed off into the evening for (lots of) walking and window shopping, grabbing a quick snack, moseying around Oxford and Regents Streets, Anthropology *swoon*, Liberty (boy they know how to price!) & Burlington Arcade - this was like stepping back in time...so beautiful.

living wall inside Anthropology

After a last minute book purchase which left us in a hurry to catch the 8.05pm train to Leeds, we traveled back tired and achy (with blisters) but happy!

We were given some top tips on ticket purchasing so are hoping that when we go back in Jan, it will again be in style and this time we will have a plan of where and what to see.

To Open Evening or not to Open Evening..

2011-11-20T13:47:00.002Z

...that was my question!

When I first started out with Ditsy Bird Designs, a good friend suggested that I hold a DBD party at her house, and she invite her friends. Brilliant idea! I didn't do it.

A couple of years ago, I read about a Twitter pal holding an open evening for her products at her home. Cracking idea! I did nothing.

Over the past year I have investigated further, asking questions and I've had much encouragement from other Twitter peeps who have also held open eves - all declaring them to be fantastic fun and very successful. I organised one! Then cancelled it.

All my fault - horrendous timing on my part as it was the start of the Summer hols...I'd thought "yay, mum's looking after kids all day - they'd love a night out!". But I stupidly ignored the whole Summer + Holiday thing and was suitably enlightened when the replies came back thick and fast, with a resounding "sorry I'm away but would love to come on another day!"

As the numbers gradually dwindled, I felt that postponement was the only option...I couldn't have 5 people turning up...the emptiness! The awkwardness! The pressure on those poor five to like & purchase*! The overwhelming desire for me to crawl under the table! Not to mention the amount of time I envisaged would go into the setting up for such low numbers...no disrespect to the 5 but it is a business and so, all endeavours need to be worthwhile from a financial/PR/marketing point of view.
[*or at least that's how I'd feel if I were one of the 5]

SO..it was cancelled with promises of another day and then the hols got under way & it was 'goodbye August' and 'hello new school year!'. Closely followed by 'argh I have need of funds' and 'now then, how does one come about funds?'.

So, it was back to the open evening idea.

But then the doubts started to creep back in....remember the didn't do it, did nothing from years back? Yup. A huh. Doubts!

What if people had RSVP'd a no the first time round because, really, actually, they didn't WANT to come but used hols as an excuse????? Now you see, I find this to be The biggest (most enormous) hurdle as a designer/maker...belief in my style, my abilities, my products.

The thought of people saying "actually, no, I don't think so" makes me feel physically, trembling-ly, skin prickling-ly, nauseous.

I sent out a 'which date suits you best' question on my Facebook page and got a few replies. Then other personal matters cropped up & I didn't pay it nearly enough regard...until (!!) people started asking me for a definite date. O oh. Good news but it meant I'd have to go through with it.

Up went the event page on FB & out went the invites. And I sat and worried.

Then I worried less, and thought 'hey ho, tis done, get on with it'. Then the declines came in...and then the maybe's and then the yays :)

Back to personal matters occupying spare brain space & time so there was no time left to worry...this was a good thing.

It's now Monday of the week of the open evening. I calmly sat and made up new stock to show and started to consider the logistics of where and how to show my products. Monday afternoon involved getting out my stock of greeting cards...making sure they were packaged properly, had an envelope, and then setting them out on the stands I have. This took a ridiculous amount of time! By the end of Tuesday it was clear that there was no time left for making, and I had to seriously get on with setting up.

Tuesday, Tues eve, Weds & Thurs eves (after work), and all day Friday were spent...

making packaging
punching holes
writing product descriptions
fastening products to cards
putting tags on products
pricing up
and pulling out stock from every hidey hole I have in the house...they are numerous!

A quick tot up on Fri morn of expected numbers & off I popped to Tesco for nibbles & refreshments.

6pm was panic o'clock...cue call to Mum. Mum arrives early, makes a cuppa & tries valiantly to 'there there'. I dash upstairs to get changed.

7.30pm casually (oh yeah) chatting with Mum whilst finishing some pricing & guest numero uno arrives & before I know it...it's 10.30pm, most of my guests have left (with DBD goodies), and I'm having my first drink of the evening sat with the remaining four ladies.

It was a MASSIVE suucess...I sold lots, took orders, made new contacts, had the chance to show existing contacts the full extent of my range, and spent most of the evening holed up in the study dealing with sales, orders & queries.
I didn't however...
finish pricing
get chance to explain about the free personalisation service for paintings
tell people about my sample sales
get my notebooks down to sell
or even top some peoples glasses back up!

Thankfully, I have wonderful friends who happily helped themselves & each other.

So...to open eve or not to open eve?
My answer is a resounding YES!!!! but.....prepare!!
Put aside plenty of preparation time & rope in help for sorting drinks, taking coats etc.

My top tips (in no particular order):

UPDATE 21.11.11 - Public Liability Insurance
make sure you are fully covered, as holding an open evening at home automatically turns your home into your place of work...and you'd hate for any mishap to occur and a guest be injured and for you not to be covered!
there are many out there but this is the one I have used
work out your layout well in advance
get your cleaning & any furniture moving done as early in the week as possible
set up as early as is practical , or at least get stock into position in boxes ready to go - getting help here would be fab if you're having to leave the setting up til the last minute
if any products require additional info or explanation e.g. this can be personalised...make up little plaques or posters to that effect
make prices clear & obvious
spread out your wares so that your guests don't congregate in one area...or you'll end up with bottle necks and people not being able to see what's for sale
if items are available to order, it's back to the plaque/poster idea
offer a sale or sample bin...who doesn't love a bargain?!
enlist the help of a couple of friends to serve drinks, top drinks up, take coats etc so that you, the designer/maker, are free to talk to your guests about your products
>I failed completely here as I was stuck at one end of the kitchen filling glasses, as my guests were arriving at the other and didn't even welcome some...poor show Sarah, but the lesson has been learned
have bags ready! I worried that this would look presumptuous but it was actually a night-saver as the bags served as shopping baskets. Ace!
if you also make a lot of one off items...announce this at the start of the evening so that your guests don't miss out on an item they have been musing over all night.
I did a "if you like it, grab it" announcement after three ladies had asked me what to do if they liked something - & this is where the pre-prepared bags came into their own.
put a business card in the bottom of each back prior to the start - this way you don't need to remember to do so when dealing with any actual purchases
need marketing research? write down every item that gets sold!
This does take up a lot of time but is invaluable for the designer and guests didn't seem to mind at all - it gave us time to have a chat whilst going through the 'checkout' process.
I created a simple Excel spreadsheet form that I printed out and then filled in the customer name, items, quantities, price and total...dead easy and very useful. If I can suss it out, I'll share the form for you to use /adapt as needed
**update: clear here for the form - there are spare rows at the top for you to add contact details and a logo in case guests want to take the form home to complete or so that it is customised for your evening
create & print a discount voucher for guests to use on their next purchase with a code relevant to the open eve...date/season...I forgot to do this & really wish I had...it would have been a good way to show my sincere gratitude for their support.
get any food...nibbles, crisps, canapes, dips etc out before the allotted start time. My evening started promptly and in full flow & there was little let up until everyone had left. I failed to get the dips out, and the crisps ran out as I'd not had chance to top up the bowls - this goes back to the not-hired help point ;)
Ladies are happy with a glass of something chilled, a few nibbles, lovely products to peruse & purchase and the opportunity for a night out socialising with friends, old & new - in short...keep your refreshments simple. There's no need for gastronomic delights - allow the focus to rest on your work, not your food.
Eat! make sure you eat and have a drink before it starts - I skipped evening meal and by 10pm I was very thirsty and ravenous. Cue mahoosive headache the next morning.
enjoy it!
relax, go with the flow, laugh off the 'whoops!' moments and have fun.
if possible, rope someone in to help put all remaining stock away the following day, and return furniture back to it's original position.
finally - start planning your next one!

I had a blast! and the feedback I received was invaluable both as a maker and as a designer - it's good to know that people want what you make! As a result, I shall not be shutting up my Ditsy Bird shop, oh no. It's onwards and upwards for this here bird!

I hope you found this (super long) post useful - if you have any other useful tips...please add them in the comments!
Sx

new old designs

2011-10-18T11:15:00.000+01:00

I had one of those "d'oh!" moments a couple of months back when a friend mentioned a process she was using for one of her bespoke creations.

you know those "if only I'd thought of that years ago" things that would have saved you trying various lengthy, time consuming, pricing-you-out-of-the-market type methods of using your designs?

I've had these inked and coloured designs on my pc for ages and have never found a quick enough and cost efficient method of using them for anything other than cards

anyhoo...the lightbulb came on, I slapped myself on the forehead (hard) and then got on with what I should have been trying years ago...transfer paper designs

I don't have the funds to get my designs printed, I don't have the expertise to do it myself and I no longer have the time or patience to try and recreate them in paint/fabric/felt etc

so transfer paper it is - with either hand or freestyle machine stitching to affix the top layer of felt to the bottom
and a little beading here and there where needed (or where I fancy)

so there you have it...or them...my new/old birthday badges, Christmas brooches & Christmas decorations.

What do you think?
I've already started doodling up some new ones too!
Have you had any kick yourself moments lately - go on, do share it'll help make me feel less of a muppet ;)
x

you can find some of the designs in my Etsy shop
and I will be adding them to my own website soon

just that sort of time

2011-10-12T13:44:00.000+01:00

well hello there lovely people and how the devil are you?

I'm finding that...
there are just not enough hours in a day...
not enough days in the week...
not enough pennies in the pot...
and more than enough pounds on my bum!..
at the moment.

I get the impression from chats with pals, that it's just 'that' time of year and everyone's feeling it in some way or another. The rain and soaked-to-the-skin-super-absorbent-drizzle isn't helping much either. But!!! the leaves are looking mighty fine and I do like to snuggle on the sofa or sit in a pub in front of an open fire - so it's not all bad.
Plus Halloween is approaching - I love it! - as is Christmas...oh yes. Giddy giddy giddy! I love the build up...the plotting and the planning and the anticipation. The day is usually and anit-climax, but how can it not be with all that it is built up to be? As for Halloween - fun times here in our village where most people join in and you see crowds of children and parents, all dressed up, patrolling the streets and houses for treats, shrieks and giggles.

I'm having my very first open evening this Friday - not a huge event or anything...I'm just opening the doors to my home and inviting a few folk I know to come and see my Ditsy Bird creations 'in the flesh', sup a glass of wine and catch up with friends. After the initial 'what am I doing?!?!?!?!?' I'm now very much looking forward to it. It's been too long since I've had people round and this is a darned good excuse to do so.

I'm also dropping off stock at a new vintage shop*, Birdcage Vintage, opening up in Skipton, on Friday morning - so it's all systems go at home at the mo. Today, however, I'm in the office and actually taking a lunch break (bliss) and taking the time to write this little post, as well as having a bit of doodle ...some number brooch designs for the birthday numbers that I always seem to miss (7, 8, 9 & 10 if you're interested). 7, 9 and 10 are sorted so I'll work on 8 another day.

I hope all is well with you and yours! Try not to let the damp dampen your spirits - we'll soon be having those glorious bright, crisp Autumn days that are so good for the spirits.

Tata for now
x

*I've asterixed this because 'Vintage Shop' simply doesn't do it justice...it is so much more. A champion of recycling, handmade, learning new crafty skills as well as doing all of it for a very worthy cause indeed...Rachelle at Ted and Agnes did a great post on it over here if you want a little more info. It is a lovely blog to so why not stay around there a while and have a good read?

Pinned from Etsy

2011-08-27T10:34:00.000+01:00

I have been feeding my Pinterest habit today with delights found on Etsy. I thought I'd share a few of these with those of you who may have yet to discover the visual feast that is Pinterest [warning: it can prove addictive]

handmade brooch by Blue Terracotta

white love bird garden ornament by Merritt Hyde*

meg satchel in cerise Harris Tweed by Catherine Aitken

vintage tin from kaftasarafan

the hare that can stare gocco print by Jane Ormes

*I bought a couple of Merritt Hyde items for Christmas last year - a dragonfly for my mum and a fabulous Christmas decoration for George (I try to buy him a new decoration every year) - they were a big hit.

PS if anyone fancies joining pinterest, I am able to invite friends!

Sunday night

2011-08-21T21:33:00.000+01:00

George, my 8 year old son, decided that he would really rather like to make some money for himself by selling off his old books...in our front garden. so, George's Marvellous Book Sale was born...
The sale went really well and, not only has he managed to pay off the cost of his new scooter helmet, he also has enough to buy some new fab and groovy grip tape! Lost? Me too! All we really need to know is that he is one happy boy and I've successfully rid the house of 2 more piles of 'stuff'. You know, 'stuff', the infection that spreads through any ordinary household filling up cupboards, drawers and shelves. I am waging war on our 'stuff' and it's starting to work - I can spot actual gaps on shelves and can even see the floor of the spare room now. Result.

What with putting all the photos of the books of Facebook for friends to view and reserve, pricing them all up, painting banners, stringing up bunting & balloons and setting up the tables with the books...oh and 3 hours in the park whilst G tackled the ramps (I wouldn't look - didn't dare)...it's been a busy and full weekend.

But tonight, this lovely Sunday night, G is bed...the OH is fast alseep on the sofa due to an afternoon with pals watching footie...so I'm having a 'me' night. Heaven. I've plucked my eyebrows, filed my toenails, filed and painted my finger nails, eaten a Cornetto, caught up on Sky+'d programmes, changed the bedding (clean sheets rock my world) and now I'm messing about on my laptop. Like I said...Heaven.

Happy Sunday night folks
x

Stockist!

2011-08-12T18:32:00.000+01:00

Wahoo!
This little bird is one very proud, puffed-out-chest little bird - on account of having her first ever bricks and mortar stockist...oh yes.
You can now find Ditsy Bird stitchery goodness at The Stalls in Harrogate, thanks to the lovely Natasha (and she really is lovely).

photo from The Stalls, Facebook page

If this is the first you have heard of The Stalls, my friends, then you are missing a treat. I think Curator, rather than Shopkeeper would be a better way to describe what Natasha does...there is a wonderfully varied, carefully chosen array of handmade delights to be found...and in a fantastically airy space. I have visited twice and still found new products on my whirl around today, and am sure I will spot more next time.

photo from The Stalls, Facebook page

Not only are the designers varied but so are the products...jewellery, art, greetings cards, dolls, scarves, bags, pinnies...textiles, woodwork, printed work, shrink plastic, paper goods...I could go on but instead, I'm going to let you explore for yourself. Wander around listening to the music playing in the background, and admire the work that has gone into each and every item...it is truly a treasure trove! And better still, there's a little cafe* next door where you can sit outside and have a coffee whilst gazing at the products in the window and relishing in the purchase you have made :)
[As Natasha deals personally with each designer/maker, she is the perfect person to chat to if you are looking for something a little bit different, or maybe something bespoke for a special occasion.]

3 Bower Street,
Harrogate
HG1 5BQ

Opening times are:
Tues 11-5
Thurs&Fri 11-5
Sat 10:30-6

Sx
* I have yet to try this cafe but I'm hoping to give it a whirl next time...

Reflecting

2011-08-05T22:16:00.000+01:00

I sat in the garden this evening, reading blogs and reflecting on the lovely day we'd had.

Nothing ground breaking (and maybe that was the charm of it all), just the ticking off of chores and the relaxing with good friends, listening to children's giggles and supping loose leaf Darjeeling tea brewed for precisely 3 minutes, black, with one sugar*.

It's the simple things that can often make the biggest impact on your day.

[*as recommended to me by the lovely @mysecrettearoom on Twitter and brewed perfectly, for my first ever taste by Rachelle - the lovely, kind hearted Rachelle - of the Secret Teacup @secretteacup

follow the Flickr trail

2011-08-05T08:01:00.002+01:00

Someone added me as a contact this week so I thought I'd take a look at their photostream, and that's where the trail started...

this made me smile so I looked further

and I loved this

then I clicked on their fave photos by other Flickr members and found these beauties

and then this ♥

and to a happy stitchery town

where will the Flickr trail lead you to today?

**edit: links now added to the photos Sx

Hebden Bridge - a hidden gem

2011-08-04T20:45:00.000+01:00

how picturesque!

[well, hidden to me anyway - down in the valley, tucked away...what a wonderful place]

I had a lovely day out in Hebden Bridge with my equally lovely and smashing friend, Nina, of Little Blue Elephant fame...it was the last Friday before the school holidays kicked in, and the PERFECT way to refresh ourselves before the onslaught of picnics, parks, days out, 'clean your bedroom!' and so on and so forth.

It's also far easier (and quicker) to get to than I've ever realised....we never seem to travel in that direction. Funny that. When I think about it, we always 'head off for the day' on particular roads and in certain directions. Usually towards Clitheroe, Harrogate, Ilkley or up t'Dale. I think there may be lesson here in taking the road less traveled.

Down we dropped into a beautiful scene of stones houses, shops, cafes with a river running through, and very easy parking. And cheap! 40p an hour! You don't get much for 40p in Skipton these days, not for parking anyway.

knitted cupcake bunting

Then is was simply a matter of where to begin - it all looked so inviting and cheery and, well, welcoming. There's a really artistic vibe about the place what with buskers striking up as we were leaving...it's also fairly bustling but never seemed busy...just lots of people going about their business.

We started a general mooch that last until pick up time, involving shops, a gallery, a spot of lunch and ribbons!!!!

haha!

Honestly I could have spent a whole lot more than I did, but I was being very careful with my pennies. Stepping inside the Heart Gallery was the surest test of my willpower, though...wow! It is truly beautiful. A fabulous space for displaying some of the most wonderful handmade work around at the moment...many names you will have heard of, and many more you will want to know. There is a general sense of ooh & aah about the place, and the credit must lie with Alison the owner...sadly not there on the day we visited but you can tell that Alison loves her place and is passionate about what she does, just by the way everything was presented...and the feeling of calm that falls over you as you walk through the door. I could have spent a good deal longer in there just admiring the workmanship and design of the pieces on display.

I came out with my pennies intact and a firm 'note to self' of... this is where to come for Christmas pressies...for me ;)

cracking window display

Nina and I also stumbled across haberdashery heaven and a brilliantly chatty shop owner at Ribbon Circus...great fun and very knowledgeable to boot! We'd have been hard pressed to have found a cheerier shop keeper that day.

A leisurely lunch, sat outdoors in true cafe culture style, finished everything of perfectly...then we sauntered back to the car, promising ourselves that we'd be back again to do the other half of town another day.

x

please excuse the pics - I forgot my camera so had to make do with my trusting iPhone

♥♥♥Little Blue Elephant Cuteness♥♥♥

•••new in at the Ditsy Bird shop•••

a trip to Masham

2011-08-02T21:02:00.000+01:00

a lovely Masham house

so there I was on Saturday morning, frantically taking product photos whilst the sun shone (blazed actually but that's just being picky) and my other half says, fancy a night away?

I was fairly non-committal in that 'we haven't been getting on well this week and actually can't you see I'm really very busy?!' kind of way, and kept on with my snapping.

Fearby

About an hour later he was back suggesting a trip to Masham, by which time I'd warmed to the idea a little more (the picture taking was going great guns) and had actually warmed through myself - there's nothing like the warmth of sunshine on your skin to raise a girl's spirits.

beautiful gateway in Masham

Next thing I know, he's found a bargain B&B deal on late rooms and I now realise that it would, frankly, be churlish to say no and pass up a trip out on a day like that, to be, instead, sat indoors editing photos!
So that was it, night booked, stuff quickly chucked in an overnight bag, shades on, tunes blasting, roof down and away we went.

tree tunnel!

It was perfect! Just what we needed to shrug off the nowtiness of the previous week.
We stopped off on the way at a pub with one of the most fabulous beer gardens I have ever had the pleasure to sit in...a tiered affair down to a river view. Gorgeous!

what a glorious view

Next stop, Fearby...home of our, erm, home for the night and The Black Swan pub. Now if you happen to go there and then drive round the back to find a g't field full of caravans, fear not! They are very pleasant caravaners☼ creating a lovely, happy atmosphere in the beer garden and pub as you sup and scoff.
We got shown to Room 1 which was luverly and new and clean and biiiiig!

huge bed

We then oohed and aahed a bit before dumping our stuff and heading back out for a quick hour or so mosey around Masham.

What a delight!

Such a pretty, pretty village with beautiful homes and buildings, good pubs, a sweet shop, wine shop, butchers oh and, erm, a brewery or two.

The first visit was paid to The Gallery - with a fabulous exhibition currently showing called Impression: "An exhibition of work from 5 printmakers. Impression showcases extraordinary talent in different areas of printmaking as well as a range of striking images. Artists are: Hester Cox, Janis Goodman, Helen Peyton, Angie Rogers*, Catherine Sutcliffe Fuller"
*I was really very taken with Angie's work. Really.

The Gallery

The Gallery also have a regular stock of pieces, some of which by lovelies you may have heard of...Leigh Shepherd and Helen Russell (Mercury Arts) to name but two.

snicket

After perusing and drifting away into creative nirvana, I was quickly snapped back by the need for cash...the Co-op is the place to go!

full to bursting window box of joy

which quickly lead to us wandering down a snicket and ending up at Theakston's Brewery, with half a Lightfoot. Well, it would have been rude not to.

rusty old barrels

More wandering was the order of the afternoon along with another sunshiney beer garden and then it was back to The Black Swan for us.

There we sat in their beautifully scenic beer garden, reading (him the papers and me Mollie Makes), chatting and plotting & planning for our future before disappearing inside for a slap up meal before bed.

view from our spot in the Black Swan beer garden

A leisurely drive back the morning after, passing many vintage cars all out for the day, stopping off a Pateley Bridge & calling in to see rellies finished it off perfectly.

the market square, Masham, looking skyward

And then it was back to the photo editing, feeling happy and content and loved. I am a lucky bird.
x

PS ☼I have nothing against caravans or caravaners at all...it's just that, when you've booked a night in a remote pub and you tip up and find a (big) field full of caravans and motorhomes and not just the 12 en-suite rooms you'd heard of, well...it's a shock!

Pinterest Pretties

2011-07-31T18:00:00.000+01:00

I recently pinned this to my Quilting board but thought I'd share it with you non-pinners
It was sadly sold in December 2010 by Splendorfalls28 on Etsy...beautiful nonetheless, don't you think?

how about this for a paper cut!

i followed the trail back to discover that it is the work of Julene Harrison and you can see her work here

A day trip to Clitheroe Part I

2011-07-29T22:36:00.000+01:00

Hello!

I took Mum & George out for the day today - a day of being more tourists. So off we set in the sunshine along the A59 to Clitheroe over t'other side of the border (& the entirely wrong colour rose) into Lancashire.

First stop - The Emporium! (of course!)

This is a favourite haunt of mine (though I don't get there nearly as often as I'd like ...every weekend would be good, no?!?!)...a converted Methodist chapel which is lavishly filled with dark wood tables and chairs, big squishy sofas, over-sized mirrors and huge globe lights. Oh, and the fretwork frame around the mirror behind the bar even had George awestruck there for a while!

A pot of tea for her, a massive whipped cream hot chocolate for him, and for me? Why, it was the strong dark hit of an Americano to give me the oomph to hit the town!

And off we went on our merry way, moseying about, oohing over buttons and ribbon, delighting over charity shop finds (more about this another time - delighted I was! Yoda, I sound like) and spending longer than is indeed proper in a butcher's shop! No ordinary butcher's mind you, but Cowmans with their award winning sausages and my, oh my, so much choice!

We went with - Pork, Stilton & Port; Moroccan Lamb and Hot & Spicy aswell as...Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs, Cajun Chicken Thighs and Lamb Kebabs. A veritable meat feast!

Then it was a leisurely climb up to pay Clitheroe Castle a visit - stunning views

and some beautiful old buildings...

and time for a photo opportunity with my ma and my boy

[what is it with boys and either cheesy grins or crazy face pulling]

then it was back to the Emporium for a delicious lunch and a lazy, scenic drive home in the glorious sunshine.

Oh happy, happy day!

(oh and then the internet and my laptop were playing silly beggars and it's taken my around 2-3 hours to actually post this...hey ho, at least I posted tho aye?! x)

Wednesday Words

2011-07-27T22:29:00.001+01:00

found on Pinterest but originally from Tumblr

I've been having a shop makeover this evening, want a peek..?
x

Friday working

2011-07-01T10:22:00.001+01:00

Friday working
Originally uploaded by DitsyBird

Morning folks!
I'm say at my desk with the window open, birdsong floating in, stitching away and enjoying this beautiful Friday.
What's everyone else up to today?
I'm doing my first not-sharing-a-table craft fair for a long time, a week on Saturday. So, I am plodding through some current makes, trying to get them finished...plus thinking about packaging and display (and trying not to worry).
I hope you're day is relaxed with much ticking off of those dastardly To Do's
x

Lazy Sunday

2011-05-22T10:47:00.001+01:00

Good Sunday morning friends! Today is another 'get on' day but in a fairly relaxed manner... •I need to tackle making a strap for a handbag •Sort the mountain of clean clothes...iron/put away •And pack! as we're off for some sunshine on Wedsnesday Plus try and get as many things prep'd to sew between here & Weds! I love that my head is full of new ideas but it's teeth-grindingly frustrating at just how long it takes to get them onto fabric & made up. I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. Right, I am off to slurp my tea & then crack on with the 'To Do' ticking X

plotting & perfecting

2011-05-11T17:51:00.000+01:00

I’ve had a big ole change of direction recently – moving slowly, but firmly away from the painting the card making side of things. It wasn’t a premeditated change but rather, something that occurred naturally…organically.
For me, these are the best form of changes – they require no forcing, no inner battles and no trying the refresh my style based on what I think I should be doing. Forcing a change only results in (for me, at least) a design style that just doesn’t sit right. That doesn’t sing.

You may already have read my previous post, where I introduced you to my Doodle design – Well, I’ve become doodle obsessed! Mainly because I have hundreds of the devils…in sketchbooks, on scraps of paper and a whole army of them in my head, scratching to get out!

Without consciously choosing to, I have almost completely (bar a couple of commissions) moved over to the textile side of my designing and making.
Truthfully, that’s where I’d love to be…in the land of felt, fabric, thread and beads &, of course, my beautiful Bernina. I’d like to empty my house and life of canvases and cards, and concentrate solely on my Doodle Designs –
• expanding the range of designs
• growing the range of products in each design
• honing my machine sewing skills (I am very (Very) new to zips and seams, planning & pattern making)
• venturing into fabric printing with embroidered detailing
In essence, developing a whole family of designs that appear in various textile forms but, that all have the same spirit…and a style that is instantly recognisable as my own.

The big stumbling block is to achieve all that with designs that appeal to potential customers and, at a price they deem fair.
Big stumbling block!

You see, just because I happen to think my beaded teapot brooches are the bee’s knees, doesn’t necessarily mean that others will feel the same. Although I may be enamoured with Scruffy Dog, it doesn’t automatically follow that I’ve tapped into the ‘Bingo!’ spot of the children’s market. Same goes for the warm, fuzzy, nostalgic glow I get when I see my ‘99’ cornet brooch – who’s to say other folk have happy memories of the seaside, or of the ice-cream van, driving around suburban streets on warm Summer evenings, music tinkling from afar (there I go with the nostalgia again).

But then I suppose I could ponder and fret about this for so long that it would, in time, become wholly debilitating.
In the end, it has to be a leap of faith…faith in my gut design instinct and a belief in the things that make my heart sing. I will make things that I like, in the hope that others like them too! After all, where is the fun in making something you don’t truly love or believe in? Surely that lack of love will show in the finished product…in the soul of the design? If all else fails, I shall use the absolute joy I glean from creating my work as my selling tool! (Cunning plan, though not entirely fail-safe. Mmm.)

So here I am, developing designs & products, tackling zips & seams & patterns, creating prototypes, tweaking, redoing and planning. Planning big.
I want to see my name in print one day, with the words “A textile based designer from North Yorkshire” next to it.

:: oh how I wish there were more days in the week, so that I could just get things made, and in my web shops, and on my website and then…da da da…the terrifying job of finding a stockist or two [cold hand of fear grips stomach, face blanches and teeth clench in an unbecoming manner]. So watch this space, though not literally as this may take some time. As in weeks, rather than ‘same time tomorrow’ time haha! ::

Sarah
x

Thursday Thirteen

2011-04-28T12:58:00.000+01:00

Thirteen places I'd like to go or visit:

1/ The Norfolks Broads
this is where I spent many, many happy October half terms as a child - on a boat with my ma, pa & bruv and sporting a fabulous, knitted pom pom hat
I did love Potter Heigham and it's funny little bridge
and sailing along the broads looking at the incredible houses with gardens stretching down to the boathouses on the banks

2/ The Maldives
ha - who wouldn't really?
I would love to go whilst they're all still there and would love to take George so he can swim and swim and swim and paddle and dig in the sand....ahhhhh

3/ The Yorkshire Sculpture Park
to see the Jauma Plensa exhibition before it ends in September
(I've been working on the OH and the boy, bigging it up with photos that the lovely Paula took on her recent visit)

4/ New England
in the Fall
mmm clapboard houses, beaches and autumnal leaves

5/ London Town
it's been far too long - so long that I barely remember the visit at all
I'd like to do the galleries and museums, take G to see the dinosaurs, visit the markets and generally mosey about

6/Kinsale (again)
oh how I love it there!
when I first met the OH, he was working over there and I'd (& G sometimes) go over on the plane (just a long enough journey to share a Suchard's hot choc on board), walk along the cliffs, drinks Murphy's & eat Bacon Fries in The Spaniard and listen to the tiddlyitie music or sit in the window of The Bulman with the Sunday papers. Bliss.
on my first visit, I felt like I'd come home

7/ Harewood House
considering how close I live to it, it's pretty embarrassing to admit that I haven't been since I was a child
for any of you with little ones, they're holding a children's festival this coming bank holiday weekend...Mr Tumble anyone?

8/ Northumberland
for a holiday - to walk and play on it's beaches and explore it's castles

9/ Madrid
the OH and I used to be quite keen on our city breaks
then we bought a house and G started school, making paying for them and being free to do them more difficult
we did manage to get to Paris as my 40th birthday treat, which happened to be the weekend of His birthday - it was wonderful
Madrid is one of those pins in the map in my head - somewhere I'd love to go

10/ a Baltic cruise
my friend was lucky enough to do one last year and after looking at her photos I developed a deep yearning to visit the places myself

11/ Chester
I last went there on a friend's hen weekend and I do so love the place
perfect for a mosey, a delicious meal and a stroll along the river

12/ Cornwall
more specifically St. Ives
I've been once and I loved it - such a pretty and creative place - full of inspiration
but it's SUCH a long way to drive

13/ Portugal
I've heard a few people recently, talking of holidays here and it sounds like a jolly lovely place to stay and enjoy the sunshine and their hospitality

where would love to go, right now if you had the power of teleportation
me? Kinsale right now would be pretty glorious

Sx

Thursday Thirteen

2011-04-14T08:00:00.005+01:00

I thought I'd give this a go this week.
Nothing very clever, just a list of thirteen anythings that you fancy...

Thirteen Things on my Mind
1. zips
2. branding
3. Kitty
4. dinner
5. my driving licence
6. Mum
7. the state of my work room
8. day trips :)
9. collaborations
10. car tax :(
11. meta titles
12. sewing
13. no work for 12 days after today!!!!

What's on your mind this thrilling Thursday?

Sx

Award!

2011-04-13T22:41:00.008+01:00

Imagine my delight the other day when Lisa of the fabulous Mathilde ♥ Manech blog, tweeted me to let me know she'd given me a Kreativ Blogger award....chuffed to bits I was!

In Lisa's own words, "The Kreativ Blogger award simply encourages bloggers and showcases others".
Oh, I'm encouraged all right!

In fact, at a point where I was at the carry on/stop blogging stage, this couldn't have been more welcome. Especially as I LOVE Lisa's blog! It's just so cheery - it's like sitting down for a chat with a friend over a brew. Just as a blog should be. Easy, fun, entertaining and inspiring. *happy sigh*

Now the idea is, I tell you 10 facts that you probably don't know about me and then pay it forward to ten other bloggers. fab!

I give you, my chosen ten:
http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.com/
http://silkscreenandstitches.blogspot.com/
http://sewyou.wordpress.com/
http://asmallworldgirl68.blogspot.com/
http://bluebellandrosie.blogspot.com/
http://blueberry-park.blogspot.com/
http://www.sallyboyle.co.uk/blog/
http://teasemade.blogspot.com/
http://prettyfarwest.blogspot.com/
http://blu-shed.blogspot.com/
http://treefalldesign.typepad.com/

Members of the ten ['ahem' eleven (see fact 3 erm)...apparently I can't count and had 11 names on my list. But when copy pasting web addresses, once I'd got ten, I stopped. Missing off the lovely Manda from Tree Fall Design yet still tweeted Manda to tell her I'd included her...oh the shame of my tremendous cock up.] - if you're happy to receive the award & join in, then select ten blogs you love to read and then share ten facts about yourself.

and now, the ten facts:
1) I used to have a pet cockerel as a child (on a very suburban cul-de-sac) called Lucky. As in "he was found in a duck's nest so it's lucky he's not a duck or you wouldn't have him". Mmm. Even at that age the whole duck/chuck thing didn't quite add up.
When Rock Villa, the icecream-van-man used to visit our street, I'd buy a 99 and he'd give me a wafer for Lucky.
As Lucky liked to travel around on my shoulder or head, this invariably ended up with me being pooped on. Ah the perils of cockerel owning.
Once Lucky was nearing cock-a-doodle-do-peeing-off-the-neighbours age, he went back to the farm and ruled the roost happily for years.
2) I have a deep seated love of Fleetwood Mac & Gerry Rafferty - the soundtrack of my childhood home.
3) My office job is as a Management Accountant
4) My son George is the single best thing I have EVER done (not exactly startling news but it needed saying)
5) I need to be needed
6) I don't really 'do' Summer. Irish genes do not make for a good Summer healthy tan - nope. I'm more about the freckly, burned, pink skinned, 'I want to cover up' discomfort.
7) Autumn is my best friend - I was born to wear scarves & boots and let my hair be whipped about by the wind
8) Actually, my mum is my best friend & inspiration
9) I say "sorry!" FAR too often. I blame Mum's Catholic guilt
10) I can fold my tongue back on itself and make it stick (for a bit)

There you have it
Sx

Sunny day trip

2011-04-11T18:35:00.000+01:00

So on Saturday we decided to 'head up t'Dale' (to be read in a broad Yorkshire accent) - it was such a gorgeous day made all the more wonderful by the weather being so unexpected!

Typically, I forgot my camera so had to make do with my trusty phone but still managed to capture the essence of the day.

First stop, Yockenthwaite for paddling & splashing and general high jinx!

Followed by a hunt for a pub that was still serving food (we were late due to the aforementioned fun - a good reason to be late in my book) - this took us to the White Lion at Cray which, sadly, wasn't doing food but did do a fine pint of Golden Pippin :)
NB the menu on the chalk board looked delicious - gutted we missed the serving time!

So after a quick pint here and another paddle for George and some very picturesque stepping stones, it was back down the Dale to Kettlewell where food (& more Golden Pippin & the Grand National on the box) was sought, and found.
But not after stopping for traffic...haha!

and admiring a rather fabulous, hillside procession of sheep

All in all, a very pleasant way to spend a sunny, Sunday in April
Sx

Speedy Bird

2011-04-10T12:55:00.000+01:00

Hello and welcome to sunny Sunday's quick post!

I found a quicker way of doing my Teapot Brooches the other night whilst working on this giveaway prize for Nina...

I decided, that whist I was doing one red & white brooch, then why not do another...

and perhaps a little green & white pot...

So I did! Rather than doing one at a time (as is my usual way) I stuck some white felt in a hoop, drew the three teapots (in fadeaway pen) and set to. As a result, my 'making' time was markedly reduced and, as a result, I'm delighted to say that my Teapot Brooch prices have been reduced!!!

You can now find a multitude of different coloured, hand beaded and hand stitched little beauties over here for a mere £15 including P&P.

Oh happy little discovery :)
Sx

Oodles of doodles

2011-04-08T14:30:00.000+01:00

Well hello my lovelies and how is life treating you, now that Spring has well and truly Sprung?

All is well in the Ditsy Bird nest, I'm pleased to say - I'm looking out at the lambs in the field opposite, and at the daffs in the garden as I write this, as well as the clear blue, sunshine-filled sky. Bliss indeed!

So what's new here at feathery towers I hear you ask? Doodles, I reply! Oodles of delicious doodles.

I've had a bit of a revelation and a change of direction since I hit the big Four-Oh on 13th March.

Not sure where it came from really - out of left field if I'm honest - but it is most welcome and has been invited to stay.

What's the revelation??? Machine sewing! I can do it! Well, erm, I have to qualify that statement a little by saying that I can do my kind of sewing but I've not yet tackled the sensible, useful, sewing that most folk do i.e.seams & practical items and garments. Ahem. Though, tackle it I will, over the coming weeks.

I booked myself on an amazing (& more amazing as it was free!!!) workshop with an incredible artist called Naseem Darbey - you can see her work here...prepare to be dazzled. - to do freehand machine embroidery. Now confession time: I had been hankering after having a crack at this for many, many moons. But, you know when there's something that you just absolutely want to be good at? Yup, that. So I hadn't tried it. At all. [stupid I know and for anyone reading this...do as I say, not as I do and JUST DO IT. Go on! It'll feel amazing and if it turns out to be not quite your thing then, hey ho, at least you gave it a bash instead of sitting and a-wondering].

{Right, where was I? mmmmmmmmmm oh yeah}

So, in an effort not to look like a total loser on the day, I took out my trusty Minimatic* and had a bash. Dropping the feed dog is not nearly as scary or as exciting as it sounds! Which, it turns out, is a good thing or I probably wouldn't be writing this now :)

My first attempt was a blast! It felt like I'd come home! My mum gave me my *Bernina, which had previously been her Bernina for many a year before that, possibly 20 years ago (ARGH!) and I have to say that it has never been true love {to the extent that I collected a vintage Jones machine recently from a fellow Freegler in the hope that I would find sewing machine love there - oh the betrayal to poor Mini} but this is mainly down to my lack of love for the afore-mentioned seams and sensible sewing. But now I can confirm that I am truly, madly and oh so deeply in love with my darling Mini. And the reason? Because I can doodle with it! The joy. The free, hurtling-needle joy of just whooshing around the fabric, willy-nilly, to my heart's content, creating patterns and pictures as I go. I cannot express how happy this has made me.

I have tried many crafting techniques and mediums over the years and many have hummed to me & I've hummed along with them, but none have sung to me the way this does.

You see I am a born doodler. All my makes start off as a doodle - either in a designated sketch book or, more often than not, on a scrap piece of paper whilst my brain is supposed to be working on something else.

When I've translated these doodles into work before, into cards, onto canvases or via hand embroidering, they've always seemed to have lost a bit of their life and character. Does that make sense at all? But using the sewing machine, the doodles retain the same energy as they have on the scrap of paper they were inspired by. And that makes me a happy bird.

So there we have it, The Revelation. The Change of Direction follows thus - I am now using my doodles to make things and first up are my Doodle Brooches. My current designs have a hint of nostalgia about them...

childhood trips to Joyce's the sweet shop up the lane

family holidays at the coast

Rock Villa the ice-cream van man whose tinkly music marked the start of Summer on our cul-de-sac

countryside walks surrounded by flowers, insects and the beautiful North Yorkshire scenery

you get the picture...happy memories :)

This is the first time I think of my work as My Work and not having the urge to belittle it with 'oh just brooches and stuff'. I'm proud of it! and I'm happy enough with it to say that 'out loud' on here. I have big plans too - as in 'big' plans. The ideas are kind of floating around in my head and I'm just waiting for them to fully form and take shape.

Now for the sensible seam tackling - I'm hoping to take this a bit further by doodling on purses, pouches, bags and the like. But first I need to get myself some zips and attempt a straight line ;)

Thanks for popping by & happy Friday
Sx

and the winner is...

2011-03-15T22:19:00.000Z

...Nina LittleBlueElephant!!!! Yay!!!

Thanks to everyone who took part in my little giveaway & sorry for the
delay in the draw...oops!

Nina - if you could let me know your colour choice, I'll stitch you up
your very own Teapot Brooch when I'm back from my romantic weekend
away in gay Paris! :)

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1...

2011-03-06T10:11:00.001Z

...we have blast off, my fledgling has taken it's first flight - www.ditsybird.com is GO!!!

Yay! My new website is up and running!

This is me, taking a virtual magnum of champagne & cracking it on the site's mythical bow - oh happy maiden voyage day.

Now, I was going to wait until I re-photographed & listed everything that I've made & have boxed up in my studio - but that would have taken yonks & I'm too impatient. So...I've gone with my 'new for 2011' idea of just do it, and I have just done it!
Whilst you may not find all of my existing designs & creations in the shop at the mo, (they will be added as time allows) there are new items, such as...

love butterflies canvas

beaded bee brooches

teapot brooches

girly gecko canvas

To celebrate, I am offering a week long discount of 20% off everything on the site, with the use of WEAREGO! discount code at checkout.

In conjunction with the launch, I'm also doing a giveaway here on my lovely blog!

One of my teeny teapot brooches could be yours - and there are a number of ways of doing this...

• tweet (with my @ditsybirddesign twitter moniker in the tweet so I can keep a tally)
• or do a post/mention about my launch on your blog
• or Facebook post/mention about my launch
• follow my blog
• follow me on twitter
• like my Facebook page

When you've chosen and executed your method of entry, if you could post a comment below, saying which of these lovely things you've done (with a link to it where poss) that would be utterly marvellous!
~It's so much easier for my addled brain to keep a track & a tally if it's all in one nice neat corner of the web for me to monitor~

The discount and the giveaway will run until midnight on Saturday 12 March so that I can announce the winner of the giveaway on Sunday 13th March - my 40th birthday!!!!

So please, grab a cuppa & bob along to my new nest of handmade delights & peruse the virtual aisles.

If you spot any typos or errors/problems (I'm bound to have missed something!) do please let me know :)

Sarah
x

LIFE SAVING-LY IMPORTANT POST!

2011-03-04T09:50:00.000Z

This is Amelie - Amelie is the daughter of my friend Lois and they need our help!

Yorkshire's Children's Heart Surgery Unit, based at Leeds General Infirmary, is under threat of being closed because of a NHS review of such services, across the country. The unit covers a regional population of 5.5 million people with 10,000 children passing through it every year. Amelie is one of those children.

In Lois' own words...

"...it is hard enough living a 'normal' life with a child with a Congenital Heart Defect without the added worry of will she make it the distance to the hospital, nevermind survive the surgery... Leeds Paediatric Cardiac Surgery closing is unthinkable but apparently this review thinks it to be an option and most likely the final decision."

If the unit closes, the closest alternative options are Liverpool and Newscastle...many hours drive over & above the already nerve-racking drive to Leeds for seriously ill children. They need your signatures on the petition that could potentially save the unit, aswell as the lives of many, many children.

this is the link for the petition SAVE CHILDRENS CARDIAC SURGERY @ LEEDS GENERAL

if you are in any doubt about signing this petition, watch this video -

Back to Lois "I know that this issue may never or has never affected you but please sign this online petition to save Leeds Children's Heart Surgery. Amelie would have died... twice if it wasn't for Leeds and has had three lots of emergency open heart surgery and needs more and will need care for the rest of her life... please, please sign this petition!"

"unthinkable" is the word I take from this - let's help make it so that parent's with so much else to worry about, need not have the closure of their life-line to think about.

thank you!

Sarah

a long hard think

2011-03-01T21:50:00.000Z

Undervalued = underwhelmed

...that's the conclusion that my long hard think has brought me to!

Basically, I've been undervaluing some of my work (mostly my smaller canvases and my handmade cards) and selling them for less than I should...once I take into account my labour in the creation of these items, they seemed disctinctly underpriced.

As a result, the receipt of the 'whoop! you've sold something' email from Etsy/Folksy left me feeling a little underwhelmed & distinctly less than gleeful - this in not how it should be, oh no!

And it all boiled down to the fact that...the time I would put into creating the item or replacing the item for resale, made me feel like I was working for pennies. And there's no joy to be had in that. Nope, nope, nope. And I do like to be a happy creator :)

It's a fine line though, don't you find? -

Making it worth your while making it an appealing

as the designer/creator V purchase for the buyer

Anyhoo, 'tis done and hopefully I won't cheese off any existing clients* and won't put off any potential clients. In fact (!), hopefully my new prices will reflect my new found self-respect which perhaps will garner appreciation for my work, from others. You never know
*(I did do some canvasing (hehe) before making my decision)

Sarah
x

Did you know?

2011-02-25T11:48:00.000Z

Just back from the docs with another course of anti-biotics & a wee bit of light at the end of the tunnel. The doctor I saw (who was really lovely & didn't bat an eyelid as I sat there weeping...I love her!) explained what she thinks is happening. Apparently, it's all a big cycle: You have a bad Winter where you seem to catch everything going, & in doing so, you build up your antibodies. Then you spend the next few years relatively lurgy free. Then you have another bad Winter as your antibodies have depleted & you're less immune to the bugs & viruses doing the rounds. And so on & so on. So it seems as though we're all on antibody collection duties this Winter! Here's to the onset of Spring & 'next few years' lurgy free *cheers*

website sneaky peek...

2011-01-31T16:22:00.000Z

reviews and comments welcomed and needed!

this is my design of my new website (not yet up and running) so, I'd love to know what you think of it...

Is it clear, fussy, does the colour scheme work? What do you think of the page layouts?

Home page...

About us...

shop page...

children's canvases page...

thanks for looking!

PS Please be kind/constructive though...I am rubbish at taking criticism so this is a big step for me ;)

tweaking

2011-01-29T10:47:00.000Z

Morning and happy weekend one and all!

Sarah here - there won't be many progress/new project shots for a while (apart from orders that I need to do) as I am taking the plunge and trying to set up a Ditsy Bird Designs website.

Woo hoo! A proper 'nest' where ALL my Ditsy Bird things can be found in ONE place...oh, happy organised bliss that will be. The three shop set up on Folksy & Etsy is starting to rattle my brain a tad - making sure both have the same items at the same prices and they're all active. One nest will = one happy Ditsy Bird and will make it much easier for my non-Etsy/Folksy shopping friends to browse my wares.

I've been twittering on about it for so long that I was starting to annoy myself so, taking my 2011 resolutions on board [and a swift & much needed kick up the jacksie from the fabulous Rework book as recommended by Jane and others on Twitter] I went and JUST DID IT!

It feels good this 'just do it' attitude - I mean, what's the worse that could happen? I waste some hours spent on the pc as at the mo I'm on a free one month trial so no monetary cost. But the upside = at least I gave it a go.

Happy day!

So, what should you be 'giving a go' but instead are procrastinating like a pro about? Stop baking, cleaning the ovens, sorting your CD's by genre and go on...just do it!

Sarah
x

team gorgeous!!!

2011-01-25T20:08:00.000Z

I am absolutely DELIGHTED to tell you that, Ditsy Bird Designs has now joined team gorgeous at Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous!

Here's a wee screenshot of the products I've uploaded so far...

and my 'About' page...

The whole process of joining has been an absolute pleasure - Amanda, co-founder of GWAG is a really lovely lady, whose care for her partner companies, is apparent at every step.

Amanda & Alison met over tiaras and discovered that they had a shared belief...a belief in the need to help market and promote British Designers. This belief resulted in their founding Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous in order to "provide a beautiful marketplace for them to showcase their wares to an appreciative national and international audience" [About Us, GWAG]

If my experience to date is anything to go by, I think this may be the start of something fabulous!

So come on, pop over and shop with Team Gorgeous, or maybe even join us!

revamp

2011-01-23T21:28:00.000Z

I've been working on my stock photos in Photoshop, trying to get to grips with the whole white out look.
What do you think?

I got better at it as I went along so a couple may need relooking at (after a good night's kip) but, all in all, I'm well chuffed!

Progress

2011-01-23T10:41:00.000Z

I'm really enjoying working on this hoop...it's so bright & cheery.
I'm not sure where the fabric hails from but, I'm fairly sure it's
inherited from Mum's old stash.
X

{W-I-P}

2011-01-22T23:31:00.000Z

Sneaky peek...

{W-I-P}

2011-01-15T12:49:00.001Z

{W-I-P}
Originally uploaded by DitsyBird

Miniature bouquets

This one's for you Kristy...

2011-01-14T20:27:00.001Z

Hello sweet cheeks x

A creative start

2011-01-11T12:03:00.000Z

I don't often get onto the pc these days - [which is something I must rectify] - as I tend to catch up with all texts/emails/tweets etc. via my phone....lazy but handy

So whilst I'm sat here with a cup of tea, I thought I'd do a quick post...well, it'd be rude not to

We've been having a creative January here at home - whilst I've been adding embroidery detail to some fabric paintings, George has been busy working on his first Munny (courtesy of Santa & Fred Aldous)

I've been delighted to see how he has tackled it - taking time to work on a few designs, choosing options from each and then carefully building up the background layers on the Munny itself. I truly hope he doesn't lose interest and keeps at it - he'll be so proud of himself if he does and it'll be a real treasure to keep and use as a benchmark as his creativity grows.

I painted a few mini tote bags a few months back (using designs from my canvases) but then had a dilemma...the quality of the bags in no way matched the effort I'd put in with the painting = an unsaleable item. Argh!

Then I had an epiphany at the beginning of the week and started to love them up with some embroidery and I plan to do a few other stitchery wonders to them and create framed pictures.
I'm going to take my time though and try and get them just right.

Meanwhile, whilst Mr Munny was drying, Georgie Boy set off in a totally new direction and started creating some cracking little collages! I love, love, love this monkey and his pal!
I told him all about Lu's success with her collages in the past, so now he has a new found respect for all things collage...as well as for Lu and her wonderful creations!

I hope you're January has been fun and creative!

Taking a break

2010-12-16T13:41:00.000Z

Just a quick post to let you know that, whilst I'll still be about a bit in the Twittersphere & Facebookville, my shops are currently closed.

Due to a family illness, I have decided to shut up shop for a while until things are more settled and then come back in the new year with new ideas and new gusto!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

Sarah
x

Snowmen & Snowflakes

2010-11-23T12:25:00.000Z

I've been busy with the hand stitching again - and with the odd bead or two sneaking in too...but all in the name of Christmas this time!

Snowmen for girls...

and boys...

as well as little embroidered keepsakes for the ladies...

Christmas is coming!!!
x

Today...

2010-11-22T10:03:00.001Z

...I will be stuffing snowmen (!) and bestowing upon them, the gift of
sight. I am a benevolent creator ;)

and the beading goes on, and on...

2010-11-16T12:40:00.000Z

...and on!

a huge amount of beading went into this fruity beauty!

It seems that my current beading obsession shows no sign of waning so, on I bead...and photograph...and list and hope for sales!

the brooch

Strawberries were my 'thing' at the weekend with a heavily beaded one, followed by a pared down set of hair clip & brooch, letting the red of the felt really show through.

the hair clip

Then last night is was off to a Winter Wonderland with some snowflake hair clips in various colours

Some using buttons, and some using sequins...

...but all using my current addiction - seed beads.

My teeny (3cm x 3cm) ice skate also managed to get it's close up thanks to some Autumnal sunshine this morning!

What's your current creative obsession??

Sarah

Monday's work in progress...

2010-11-15T15:08:00.001Z

...snowflake hearts

Felt Folksy Friday

2010-11-12T12:18:00.000Z

Well I was heading for the sofa (or that was the plan) when I decided to upload some pics to the Folksy Flickr group and I happened upon some delightful felt creations.

So, I decided why not do a Felt Folksy Friday..? So I am!

First up, we have the fabulous Reindeer Wreath by Emily A.K.A. Dolly Doo

I love how jaunty this is - it's right up my street and would be perfect for a little one's first Christmas, don't you think? Emily has plenty of other felty delights for you to peruse...so bob on over to DollyDoo on Folksy.

Secondly, we have the utterly charming felt brooches of Liz at LizzyBeth's Felties. I am particularly enamoured with this chirpy little chap...

So simple but charming :) Liz has some equally fabulous whale brooches that are definitely worth a visit to her store.

Well that's it for my spur of the moment Folksy Friday - I've never done one before so I hope I've done it right & proper.

TTFN
x

Quick post - Orla's 'Pattern'

2010-11-12T11:43:00.001Z

For those of you out there who, like me, coveted Orla's book but not the price (£25)...The Book People have it in stock for a mere £9.99.
Hurrah! and coffee time reading joyousness :)

I'm off to put the kettle on and find a comfy seat.
x

Ooo quick update - just had an email from said Book People and they are offering free standard delivery til midday, Monday 15th Nov...enter code FREENOV at the checkout! Whoop!

Stationery!

2010-11-12T11:18:00.001Z

I love stationery, always have. My usual quick 'cheer me up' fix always used to be a new pen (I have hundreds!) or a new notebook. Mmmm notebooks. I know I'm not the only one out there with a crush on all things paper, pen and pencil - otherwise Paperchase, WH Smith's etc wouldn't be making quite so much money out of funky designed ring binders and the like ;)

Imagine my delight when I happened upon Moleskine's eminently paintable Cahier notebooks! Oh the joy!

So I set too, with some of my current designs (you will have seen a few of these in my canvas shops if you've ever perused my wares), acrylic paints, paintbrush and cheer in my heart!

I've only done a few so far, just to test the waters, as well as the notebooks themselves. But I am very happy with them. This is just the kind of thing that would lift my spirits in the manner that only deliciously designed stationery can - pretty & functional...heaven!

I have listed the pussy cats and the pretty princess in my Folksy Ditsy Bird shop, but I'm afraid that the Tea-party notebook is destined for someone very special ♥

Happy Friday folks!
x

Update...
Well, slap me silly - I totally forgot my darling little Kokeshi doll...shame on me :(

Here she is in all her notebook-y glory...

There now, all is right with the world, once more!
Right, cuppa, fire, sofa and beading I will go...
x

Recent commissions and gifts...

2010-11-05T13:58:00.000Z

I love getting commissions or having a special gift to make for someone!
Here are a couple of my recent customs.

Little Monkeys:
I had a lovely order from Etsy for two of my Monkey canvases - for a brother and sister and their newly decorated bathroom. It makes such a refreshing change when a customer changes the colours, however slightly, and adds little details - names and a bow in this case.

Beaded lovelies:
Next up was my hair-clip-loving friend's 'special' birthday and a chance for me to make something suitably glam and also something a bit kitsch - cue beaded cherries and art deco inspired designs.

(I love this picture!)

Happy birthday little man!:

Last but not least was the very first birthday of George's littlest brother, and off we go with a do over of an old design.

It's good to have a break from the norm!

Busy....

2010-10-22T12:35:00.001+01:00

...cutting out designs to go on Christmas and birthday cards today,
whilst listening to The Sorcerer's Secret on my iPhone. Whatever you
are doing this fine Friday, I hope you're having fun!

Christmas!!!

2010-10-02T14:21:00.000+01:00

I know we've only just rolled into October and that most people are just beginning to embrace all that is Autumn, including me! But, when doing seasonal designs and creations, time and timing are the biggest factors and, I was determined to get on top of Christmas this year having by-passed it totally last year (from a Ditsy Bird point of view, that is)

I had a few designs from 2009 that had been drawn and traced but I hadn't found the time to watercolour/scan/digitally colour them...so these were top of the To Do list.

The pear tree and snowman designs turned out perfectly and have made it to the Ditsy Bird Draws Etsy nest, a couple of others sadly didn't...but, you never know, fresh eyes and a little tweaking next year and they may make the flock!

Whilst at work one day (there is something about accounting that fires up the creative side of my brain with a fierce heat!) I came up with a couple of pages of new 'circle' designs, including Mr. Robin here - such a chirpy chap!

I hadn't planned on doing new design but hey, when the mood takes me, I've learned to embrace it and go with the flow. I really love these new designs and have a couple more, non seasonal ones still up my sleeve (or on my hard drive awaiting some colour!).

Part of the joy of putting these new cards together has been the discovery of Glaze 3D pens - I am incapable of printing designs and leaving them alone. I nearly always have to tinker with them and try and jazz them up in some way or other!

Another major factor in my delight at the way they all turned out, was the use of the most gorgeous recycled card from eco-craft ltd. It just feels so, well, good! Good quality, good colour and good (better) for the environment...win, win, win!

x

Double design bliss...

2010-09-27T11:07:00.000+01:00

Doing new Christmas designs whilst watching Grand Designs...home eye
candy + painting = bliss!
(and I'd forgotten how enjoyable it is to paint with watercolours).
Hope you're all having a good Monday
X

Sir!

2010-09-07T11:03:00.000+01:00

I was asked to do this wonderful commision by a Twitter friend - she wanted to give it to her teacher husband as a 'happy new job' gift at the start of the new school year.

Part way through I did wonder whether it was going to work and then, as I added the little details (it's always the little details that make a design) it suddenly happened.

I'm so pleased with it and delighted that Alison asked me to do it - it was such a lot of fun!

My plan now is to tweak the design (ever so slightly) and to change the black paint for actual chalkboard paint - this will require some experimenting first tho'. The plan is that it can be customised to resemble the teacher in mind, and a stick of chalk will be sent for the child to write his or her own message 'on the board'. It's a bit different from the usual 'thank you teacher' gifts...what do you think? I'd love to know.

Countdown

2010-09-03T11:13:00.000+01:00

No Ditsy Birding today...it's the last day of our school hols :(

George has been given the choice of what to do today and it is this:
•Watch TV in Mummy's bed whilst eating some sweets
•Lunch
•Go to Molly & Jacks for pressie giving, lovely walk to pick Moo up
from school then back & play for it bit
•McD's treat tea before going off to Daddy's for the weekend before
he goes away for a fortnight

The first week back shouldn't be too bad though as Paul has just
called to say he's finally booked us a holiday...to Thasos in Greece
for a week. So that's one week back then Thasos for a week to top up
his tan and then back to school. Ah what a life he has :)
X

Sunday slob

2010-08-29T12:35:00.000+01:00

I'm happily sat in my pj's, watching cheesy TV and catching up on my
hand sewing...very relaxing!
Here's my latest bunting offering...I dare not even try and work out
when I actually started it, it would be WAY too long!
Happy Bank Holiday Sunday folks!
x

New Shops!!!

2010-08-25T19:52:00.001+01:00

Hello there! and how goes the Summer for you? We're having lots of rain but also lots of fun and fresh air - which is so very welcome!

the view from the old railway line out of Carleton-in-Craven

It's pretty tricky to find time to get on with work during school holidays, mainly due to a lack of time - going for walks and picnics is way more fun (who's spent too much time with a 7 yr old?? like dude!) than sitting at a pc uploading photos for listings; and going to parks and the seaside gobbles up any painting or sewing time that may have been eeked out of a day.

Fountains Abbey

However, I have put my DBD (Ditsy Bird Designs) hat (beak? hahaha) on this week and got plenty done! George has been an absolute star on this matter too - happily entertaining himself with his new loves - Phineas & Ferb on the box whilst Fimo-ing. Happy creative days all round actually, and made more so by the torrential rain we had at the beginning of the week...it was very conducive to hunkering down indoors & 'getting on'.

bright cards from Ditsy Bird Draws

I am pleased to say that I have ticked off at least one of my Summer goals: Separate my Etsy Ditsy Bird shop into three...
1. for paintings
2. for cards and other stationery type thingies
3. for all things stitched

handpainted & stitched handbag - destined to adorn glossy tresses in the near future

So I now have three Etsy stores:
Ditsy Bird ( the original has been kept for my canvases coz, well, that's where it all started)
Ditsy Bird Draws (for my cards)
Ditsy Bird Sews (well, that one's a bit Ronseal really ;) )

heavily beaded Peacock Eye brooch AND hair clip...oh yeah!

It's been a welcome break from the endless butty making and packing up raincoats AND sunscreen...coz you just never know do you!?!?

there were so many of these on our railway walk

Each shop has been shown a little love too, including new canvas designs for Ditsy Bird

Little Brown Bear

Moth

a Wol in a Wooly

So there it is - a big fat TICK for the "sort out Etsy shop - too crammed!!!" to do :)

How's your Summer to do list fairing? Is it a little like mine where I'm having to add things not originally on it, just so I may tick them off? ;)

Hope you are having fun, whatever the weather and whatever you are up to

Paints

2010-08-22T11:02:00.001+01:00

I am really enjoying using this new (to me & relatively new in the
shops) range of Eco-friendly acrylic paints.
They are lovely to paint with, have practically zero odour &, best of
all, have great Green credentials!
Eco-friendly Acrylic Paint by Eco green crafts...www.ecogreencrafts.com.
Cheerio for now
X

My little freak...

2010-08-18T11:42:00.001+01:00

Hours of entertainment so far today, purely from 'wearing his pants
high'!
:)

This week's read is...

2010-08-15T22:36:00.001+01:00

...Stieg Larsson's, The Girl Who Played With Fire. I'm 20 pages in and
it's already got me intrigued!

Things to do this Summer…

2010-08-14T18:06:00.001+01:00

[apart from entertaining George and thoroughly enjoying his company]

* Sort the filing drawer (shred or file – those are the ONLY options – no ‘undecideds’ allowed)

* Delete the hard drive of the old pc and take it to the tip

* Tidy and clean studio

* Sort the shoe/coat situation in the study – it is beyond irritating now…can shoes breed????

* Scan old photos to send to be printed for my brother’s bday pressie (Sep 2 – which seems aways away but it’s a big ole box of photographs!)

* EXERCISE – specifically, Mission Bingo Wing Destruction!!!

...and that doesn't include my DBD to do's!

What are you up to - other than finding ways to keep children entertained whilst the British Summer behaves badly?

The bun fairy's been!!!!

2010-08-11T19:00:00.001+01:00

I came home from a truly pants day to find this delectable treat
awaiting me!
Sod Iceland!!!! My mum's been to Betty's!!!
(& I love love LOVE her for it)

bookworm

2010-08-09T22:12:00.001+01:00

I am currently reading Jojo Moyes' The Peacock Emporium and it is
jolly good company of an evening!
(as proven by the fact that I'm about to start chapter 11, p150, on
only my 3rd evening of reading it)
Ooo and I must confess to buying this book because of it's cover and
title & TOTALLY misjudging the subject matter but is was a happy
accident.
Ta ta for now
X

Kebabs

2010-08-09T11:20:00.003+01:00

George nearly fainted with delight when I suggested making kebabs with
his marshmallows, some strawberries & grapes.
When I then mentioned the possibility of dribbling melted chocolate
over them, he was in raptures!

update - pictures of George making the yummy kebabs...

so chuffed with himself!

a match made in heaven?

2010-08-03T17:05:00.000+01:00

Teeny designs handpainted onto cream fabric...then embroidered and
bedecked with beads, buttons & a bit of jammy glaze on the cake.
A mixture of brooches & hair clips (the princess & the handbag are
awaiting clips but I couldn't wait to take pics).
Painting + sewing = match made in heaven
Would love to know what you think...please comment :)

Cheap date

2010-07-31T16:42:00.000+01:00

Is it wrong to be having this much fun on a Saturday
afternoon...watching an old film whilst sewing my own little
handpainted designs?
You know what? I don't actually care ;)
Happy days
X

So...

2010-07-29T23:45:00.000+01:00

...tonight I managed to ink up (!) my new designs AND create & ink
three more. I is right chuffed!!!

In the mood...

2010-07-29T20:38:00.000+01:00

I did some actual drawing today..new designs...out of nowhere! Well
not strictly 'nowhere', they were ideas of ideas (?) that had been a
whizzing and a whirring in my brain like drunk blue bottles.
Granted they are for Christmas cards :0/ but you can't knock the mojo
when it's upon you!

That's a whole lotta lurve...

2010-07-20T22:35:00.001+01:00

Time warp...

2010-07-20T20:35:00.000+01:00

Fuelled by butter sultana cookies & the remains of a bottle of
Chablis, I am venturing into my papercraft stash!!!
Having had a quick step back in time & peek through my greeting card
wip, I suddenly got the urge to finish a few off and maybe even dabble
a bit further.
I do love paper!
X

Greeting cards...

2010-07-19T22:29:00.000+01:00

Evening all!

In a previous lifetime, before I decided to concentrate on painting, I used to make cards. Well, technically, I still do, but...it used to be my main focus...oh, and the odd set of wedding stationery and birthday invites... Actually, no, it cant be delegated to the realms of history as I very recently made the invites for my Nana's 90th birthday tea party (which was fabulous ta!).

I used the Reprodepot pattern book CD's for the matting paper as it suited the occasion perfectly - bright and cheery and fun!

Anyhoo, back on track - cards, ah yes!

Well, I have a stash of cards that I work on from time to time, and which has gradually grown with no physical outlet for them.

So, today and this evening, I made my first stab at listing some of them in my Folksy shop.

It's a pretty laborious task for such a small (physically and in monetary terms) item, but it's just sad to see them sat in the pine chest in my studio, awaiting the light of day. And some of them are quite pretty and cute and, you know, all right really.

So, slowly but surely, they will be popping up out of their little plastic wallets for a little airing, as I get them ready for their close ups.

say "cheese"

Here are a few more for you to have a peek at, whilst you finish your cuppa or glass of wine :0)

As you can see, I have no set design ethos...just whatever takes my fancy at the time ;)

PS have just remembered the enooooormous stash of Christmas cards I have, too, as well as the huge stock of card WIP I have in various tubs and boxes...this unleashing, may take some time!

Monday's work-in-progress...

2010-07-19T12:07:00.000+01:00

...butterfly wing

the kindness of virtual friends

2010-07-14T19:02:00.000+01:00

y son, George, has been suffering from nightmares since the onset of the warm weather. We're talking one or two a night and waking up hot at various other times.
Obviously, this is nothing new and is happening to other families around the globe but, it's all relative...and relatively speaking - we're all knackered!
The broken sleep situation has definitely taken it's toll, so I posted a silly Facebook status on Monday night...

The next morning (Tuesday) I awoke to find some helpful advice in one of the comments to this post...A very lovely lady suggested that I put a Wood Betony pillow in George's bed. I confess, at this point, I wasn't even aware that Wood Betony is a plant!
I thanked her and replied,

Ooo not heard of those...will Google & investigate. Thanks hon! Something needs to happen or he'll collapse in an overtired-tantrummy mess before the end of term! I'd have folded by now - he's showing real stamina bless him...it's one or two a night at the mo! X

Then something simply marvellous happened, on Twitter this same person told me that she had some growing in her garden and would I like her to send me some? Would I!!!!!!
Today, a beautifully scented envelope dropped through our door, with a gorgeous card and a ready sewn Wood Betony pillow...I nearly wept! George was chuffed to bits that someone he'd never met had made it for him.

"And the helpful stranger?", I hear you cry - none other than @kateepie!

Best of all, you can buy that beautiful card and many others here from Katie's Folksy shop...I'm rather in love with the Cow Parsley one too :) There is a rather stylish website too at www.flemyngdesign.co.uk

Katie also has the A stitch in Time blog...why not grab yourself a glass of something and mosey on over for a read?

It has honestly made my month - a random act of kindness by a virtual friend :)