I love that song by MADNESS - sorry to all those non-Uker's who don't have a clue... But tis a song about an 'average' family in a suburban street going about their 'everyday lives' - i like it.
And hhhmmmmm, What's this? New 'house' products KirstyFish? They look suspiciously like items handmade and reatailing by
SUMMERSVILLE how dare you??
I dare, because Lucie Summers said i could! I bought her AVENUE fabric in Sky, Red and Apple and i have made gorgeous new NeedleBooks with them. The little Houses lend themselves perfectly to the small round design of the NeedleBook. It is a joy and a privalige to use. Delicate however because the screenprint is onto linen so the fabric needs a gentle touch when it is being 'fiddled' with over and over and over again, as is the nature of making these books.
New Buttons in BigFish "1 inch pairs x10 colourful pairs" - i launced them the same time as the NeedleBooks because of the colour / round / dolly-ness of both items. I think they look yummy together....
OH! I nearly forgot to talk about the 'final' page in the SKY NeedleBooks - the pocket page has a 'secret house' stitched on - it was a last moment inspired addition to the page and i love it. I wish i had done it to all the Books, but i only just 'idea'd' it so, only 'Sky Blue' have this treat x
No matter where you cut Lu's fabric, the design looks awesome and 'works'. Each cut gives a whole new little scene - an 'avenue' / a terrace / a grand house with trees / a cul-de-sac...
AND because i love her work so much I have bought some mini-button badges and i am giving them away FREE with the first 6 Avenue NeedleBooks purchased. I feel like I am mad giving away so much gorgeousness but i have this intense desire to share with the world right now!!! and this is my simple message:
"There are so many talented people out there MAKING wonderful, quality, unique
items with their own hands and hearts - Mass production has no soul. Share your
handmade treasures x"
I didn't mean to write a sermon (whoops) just share some stuff...
Also available HERE but you can order in £££ if you prefer!... the GIANT red spotty button - expensive, i know, at £2.50 each but they are a huge 5cm / 2inch red spotty button!!
Hang on to Summer Needlebooks - pretty Matroyshka face and Flower Garden.
Big thankyous to THIS LADY
It is such a lovely page and oh so very pink!?!
And there's my wee friend LUPIN with her brooch at the beginning.
I played with some yummy new wooden beads. They are so cute and colourful.... what shall i make with them?... (answers on a postcard please)
And.... i listed a new set of 'Juicy Berry' Buttons in the BigFish shop. I have had these in my huge stash for ages, i don't know why they weren't for sale.....
Crafty Love Fish Fans x
And hhhmmmmm, What's this? New 'house' products KirstyFish? They look suspiciously like items handmade and reatailing by SUMMERSVILLE how dare you??
I dare, because Lucie Summers said i could! I bought her AVENUE fabric in Sky, Red and Apple and i have made gorgeous new NeedleBooks with them. The little Houses lend themselves perfectly to the small round design of the NeedleBook. It is a joy and a privalige to use. Delicate however because the screenprint is onto linen so the fabric needs a gentle touch when it is being 'fiddled' with over and over and over again, as is the nature of making these books.
New Buttons in BigFish "1 inch pairs x10 colourful pairs" - i launced them the same time as the NeedleBooks because of the colour / round / dolly-ness of both items. I think they look yummy together....
OH! I nearly forgot to talk about the 'final' page in the SKY NeedleBooks - the pocket page has a 'secret house' stitched on - it was a last moment inspired addition to the page and i love it. I wish i had done it to all the Books, but i only just 'idea'd' it so, only 'Sky Blue' have this treat x
Back in the studio - and i haven't even made a 2009 plan or a 'To Do List' as the jobs seem continual. There is always something to be done. The BEST thing i did in Dec 2008 was to clear the Art Room and tidy everything / organise / ruthlessly thow out old stuffs... and it was satisfying - liberating even! Y'all should try it to get you feeling creative again x
But mostly i have been making NeedleBooks as i had so many new fabrics to play with! Hence NEW Tortoise and Owl and different Dogs and a few new Matroyshka colourways on their way.
I have been playing with ideas on how to 'pimp' your NeedleBooks (must remind myself to take a photo of mine to show you...) I have all sorts of stuff hanging and added to mine and, like many crafters, I am a collector and a hoarder so you can go wild adding to these babies! Above is a Matroyshka cushion to add if you want a sort of 'Pin Cushion' to add on. It is a prototype as yet.
New colourways as i know people have different wants and tastes. Juicy Pup NeedleBook above is made in bright tropical colours for those of stuck in grey countries right now where the weather is a little on the frosty side.
More, more, more... matroyshka loving x
Works in progress.... Even as i sit uploading this at this actual work area pictured, I am adding eyelets to pages in order to get ahead of my stock (n.b. i never actually manage to 'get ahead!!)
A positive plethora of new PinPots to be arriving slowly into the New Year...
And another BUTTON option that has been ready for listing for so long. Forgive my tardy nature but they are HERE now x
