teasemade

Teas-make : Marmaduke Lovely Duck

2012-01-30T01:44:00.003Z

Marmaduke Lovely Duck really is just that, a lovely duck. On mornings when a rainbow shines, he heads out early to collect fresh jellybeans from the opening buttercups and fluffy marshmallow reed puffs from the pond. If he’s really lucky he finds a blossoming balloon for Missy Lovely Duck, who upon his return has already baked a cheesecake (or two) because you never know who may pop over for tea (at least that’s what she says).

(click on the image for the full size jpeg or click on this flickr link and download jpeg any probs comment and I'll see what I can change.)

I've been meaning to come up with some patterns to share for a while I guess you can say this is a new years aim of sorts, and well working out how to share my patterns on my blog so they will print was a whole other thing entirely (so I hope this works!). Inspired by a special lady and her extra fondness of ducks, Marmaduke Lovely Duck agreed to stop by after his marshmallow picking just long enough for me to stitch a likeness. It's a small sweet pattern (6 x 5.6cm), if stitched on 14 count aida it's nice and easy for a beginner stitcher cross stitch with backstitch or holbein stitch detail for the balloon and tail.

This is a free pattern for personal use only please enjoy it, if you reblog/pin give credit and link back to this blog post. Many thanks.

For those new to stitching you might find this youtube video link helpful it's a Women's Weekly cross stitch tutorial project where they cover all the basics as she stitches and constructs the cross stitch card, quite helpful if you are a visual learner (sorry teacher speak, can't help it).

Hopefully there will be more teas-make action soon.

Golden Oriole Birdseeker: Beautiful World

2012-01-08T22:54:00.000Z

My last bird stitched for the 2011 Birdseeker project was commissioned to be given as a special birthday gift that so happened to be at the start of a new year, quite apt. So I can now share it with you. I'd so love to see a real Golden Oriole, a shy songbird, rare the UK, apparently when they do come visit their song can be heard more than they are seen, I'd be so very happy just to hear one. I'll just have to adventure to have more of a chance to see one.

'To hear an Oriole sing

May be a common thing-

Or only a divine.'

(From, To hear an oriole sing - Emily Dickinson)

Nature is rather ace, when the lyrics of Colin Hay - Beautiful World were requested it pleased me as it's a song that I like. If you don't know it I recommend it, any songster that sings about lapsang souchong, swimming in the sea and romancing a mystery Marie is a winner in my book.

I constructed a thick wool felt cover to fit a large Molskine sketchbook, blanket stitch all around the edge the inside cover flaps fabric match the green 'Patrick's' Liberty print that the Oriole and the branch applique are stitched on. Stitches used, holbein stitch (blackwork), satin stitch and whipped backstitch. I can't function without my Molie diary as my brain each year so I'm now going to have to make it a little bird friend it's black cover is looking quite sorry for itself indeed.

Ohhh! and lastly my celebratory end of year Birdseeker project Spotting and Jotting Club rosette!

I just had to treat myself to one of these wonderful Spotting and Jotting Club patches to make it into a fun rosette (as you do) so I can pin it to different things. The patch is designed by Matt Sewell, he has a mind full of wonderful birds and thankfully doesn't just keep them to himself. Go see his joyful illustrations, excitingly he has a book Our Garden Birds coming out soon... and you know how I love my bird books.
(cute cross stitch buttons on my sewing box by the lovely Sarah Fordham -Magasin )

2011 the year of the Birdseeker

2011-12-30T17:48:00.000Z

I don't believe in New Years resolutions but for some reason January 2011 seemed like a great idea to set myself a stitchy challenge for the year ahead. Not fully thinking it through to be honest I hoped having an embroidery challenge would keep me inspired and help strike more of a balance with business side of things. So the 12 month Birdseeker project was born with the idea to stitch a seasonal monthly bird.

Brambling Birdseeker

Woodpigeon Birdseeker

Rosefinch Birdseeker Bookmark

Blue Tit Birdseeker Sewing Box

Grey Wagtail Birdseeker

As far as inspiration goes the project has way exceeded what I thought even possible, how is it that when you have an interest in something the more you learn the more you want to learn? Must eat more books and Oh dear I am a bird and stitchaholic. However I frustrated myself, see this is where I am not good with challenges!! Ask me to do something (or ask myself to do something) and I will try every which way to do it, I hadn't quite thought my challenge through with regard to general work flow, commissions and importantly my ever mending self. Not long into the challenge I was sent to a lovely Migraine specialist to help ease my Gizmo head so I've been juggling the joys of medication adjusting most of this year which is hard work in itself. I came to the conclusion after a conversation with my silly self (in my head we still haven't got to out loud conversations yet), best to adapt the challenge into the birdy commissions when they came along to be able to work with my mending head than have to give up the personal challenge. Adapting things and being flexible is the key, I do know this but I still drive myself bonkers sometimes and I'm determined to do things 'just so'. I then try and fool myself by then setting a new goal, bless me, oh the energy ever wasted with this 'just so' quest/mentality... I know you do it too. Please someone tell me you do it too (I'm joking!)

Firecrest Birdseeker Bookmark

Mute Swan Bookmark

Goldfinch Birdseeker : Golden Hope

Owl Birdseeker Wedding Cushion

Thankfully the beginning of the year was rather top heavy in the bird stitching department with my excitement so I more than stitched my quota for the year before seasonal work commitments took hold, yes I had forgotten that too! The 2011 roll call year of Birdseekers are Brambling, Woodpigeon, Rosefinch, Bluetit (two of), Grey Wagtail, Mute Swan, Firecrest, Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Owl, Stork, Great Spotted Woodpecker (young).. and one for luck to be revealed. Wall embroideries, bookmarks, cushions, my radiotherapy mask, a sewing box and a couple of birdseekers even made their way onto some jewellery.

Blue Tit Birdseeker Wedding Cushion

Hawfinch Birdseeker Wedding Cushion

Stork Birdseeker Phat Quarter Swap

Spotted Woodpecker Birdseeker

Am I tempted to set myself another challenge? I think the answer is yes, they are brilliant for drive and inspiration but maybe I need to be a tad more flexible from the start (are you listening Samantha hmmm? No I didn't think so). Possibly taking the word challenge out of it might help me, seriously I'm that bad. Go on set yourself one they are fun honest :)

Last Christmas

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000Z

Personally it never feels like Christmas is looming unless I have heard 'Last Christmas', takes me back to many 80's swaying, singing and silly times with my sisters. One of my best Christmas memories involved one of us getting Wham! Fantastic album on tape oh the Tropicana joys.

Today is the last chance to use the 20% Off Weekend code 'XMAS20' in my Etsy shop orders will be posted out tomorrow. If you prefer to shop via Folksy I can refund your 20% via Paypal, as there is no coupon function. (offer ends Midnight). There are a few things such as rings that there are only one left and I won't be making more of.

Teasemade last post for all UK Christmas orders is Monday 19th December.

The birds and I wish you all a very Club Tropicana festive time with Jingle Bells xxx

Birdseeker: Spotted Woodpecker Embroidery

2011-12-03T16:14:00.001Z

Time to reveal young master Great Spotted Woodpecker complete with text as I explained before in my last post about him I had been happy stitching the woodpecker on his tree when my little tangent head thought oooh PUPPETS. To be honest it doesn't take much for me to think about puppets, Woodpecker.. tree.. wood.. puppets.. Pinocchio, I can see you were all making the same connections. However what I didn't know was that the original story by Carlo Collodi 'Adventures of Pinocchio' 1883, has woodpeckers in it (Sorry I won't get excited about this all over again). I just happened to fancy reading the original compared to Disney as I like fairytales and old stories. And what a gem I recommend it (again).

"How good you are" is a quote by Pinocchio in chapter 18 when he thanks the fairy after just having had his nose pecked small by thousands of woodpeckers. Pinocchio is relentlessly naughty for the most part while characters such as the fairy and Geppetto have true kind good natures. The quote and tale itself struck a chord with me, written in the 1880's it is darkly amusing but its moral of goodness is simple and holds value today. It inspired me to stitch the text to complete the piece as I believe those of good nature should be cherished, as they can often be a rare find.

Spotted Woodpecker Birdseeker Embroidery: coloured blackwork on liberty print Patrick's, appliqued onto hand quilted linen gingham. Text satin stitch and whipped back stitch.

A change of email and last posting dates

2011-11-30T19:53:00.001Z

There has been a slight blip in the matrix with communication at Teasemade HQ (no I've not started talking to myself just yet), my main domain email is down for the moment while I change providers (yawn). So until this rights itself if you need to contact me please do so via teasemade[at]googlemail[dot]com. If Google fails us all please send a messenger pigeon they know where to find me.

Teasemade Last Christmas Postal Dates 2011:

All International Airmail: 5th December

UK 1st class: 18th December

Royal Mail advise postal dates for 25th delivery but Christmas it is a busy postal time last years unexpected weather caused extra delays. I have therefore allowed a little extra time to some destinations I cannot control duration of shipping just that I will post promptly. I will continue to post orders after these dates for those requiring non date specific items.

Also I finally decided to make the 'Nice' into a Love Token Brooch it can be found in my shops... however have you seen the rather handsome new looking Folksy? So much easier to navigate around now and shop by specific items, browse by categories as a whole site. Well done Folksy.

Ms. Phoebe

2011-11-21T17:22:00.001Z

Meet Ms. Phoebe! I had the wonderful pleasure of stitching her portrait from a photo not in (kitty) person sadly, onto a brooch she is a blue calico. Liberty name all their fabrics and I was quite excited to find one called 'Phoebe' I hear Pheebs is too she is a cat full of personality, but then who wouldn't want a Liberty fabric namesake.

At first I was a little concerned about the logistics of stitching cats and birds but it turns out the whole 'bird cat thing' is an urban myth, they were sipping tea and eating cake gossiping having a lovely time together... maybe it's a stitching thing.

Brief Friendly Visitors

2011-11-17T14:47:00.001Z

You could say I was a little bit naughty but I'm not sure many could resist the urge to display these beautiful birds for a while if you had them right? It's not like I changed my name to Whiteley to insist I could keep them but I'll admit that it did cross my mind more than once. You'll notice I didn't make the mistake of hanging them in the window as there would be no way I'd part with them, and besides my Melvin egg man wouldn't share his lacy nets with mere visitors (they might snag them), easy Melvin!

Whiteley Love Birds - Flora Jamieson, Combine Harvester - Gerard Whiteley,

Swan Embroidery - by me.

If you are unaware of the wonderful beautiful world of Flora Jamieson's Through The Round Window then step inside, a rainbow of decorative glass coloured delights awaits. Over the last couple of years I have met some really lovely creative talented friends via the internet (mostly bird adorers) but I have to say Flora is a real gem and a pleasure to work with, I simply must toot a birdy trumpet over this commission. I needed an extra special 1st wedding anniversary gift for THE bird couple as I realised that I had forgotten to get a keepsake gift at the time. I LOVE this Flying Bird and wanted it in some of the wedding colours if possible and somehow with the family name on it. When Flo came back with this idea I nearly popped!!! As did my friends when I finally handed it over, total win and colour matched to perfection... ahhh at least I get to visit them *sniff sniff*.

Check out Through the round window blog for pretty inspiration and fun ramblings. *tooting the birdy trumpet*

Birdseeker : Stork

2011-11-05T18:09:00.000Z

This is my October Birdseeker posted a little late as it is had to be kept secret. It was part of the Phat Quarter October stitch swap, the theme was 'somebody told me'. I was a total nightmare and got so over excited by the theme that I changed my idea SO MANY times, I really could have stitched many different things and wanted to but time was running out. I won't bore you with the ideas I didn't do although you know I want to!

The history of storytelling fascinates me, the use of the oral tradition to encourage morals and daily domestic routines. Out of context now a lot of these stories are even more crazy as I for one can't imagine the everyday routines that these creative stories have been embellished around but at the time families would have loved them. I have a great book 'From The Beast To The Blonde - On Fairy Tales And Their Tellers' by the excellent Marina Warner, a chunky volume full to brim with contextual delights. In it I found this gem and my reasons for stitching a stork, the deliverer of words and not just bundles of joy. (you'll find it on p52)

[The common people call 'old wolf's tale', old wives' tale, Mother Goose tale', 'tale of the stork', 'tale in the stork style', 'donkeyskin tale', 'tale to fall asleep on your feet', 'yellow, blue, violet, one-eyed tale' all those ridiculous fables the likes of which old people tell to entertain and amuse children] 1664 Dictionnaire of the academie Francaise.

My choice of quilted gingham tile is the size of a domestic house tile a new way a working for my embroideries enlarging the scale of the technique I use for my jewellery.

Now the text 'in a most delightful way' a partial lyric... Mary Poppins once told me (you know like when the TV talks just to you as a kid) that if there is a difficult thing that needs doing find the fun and life is happier that way, at least that's what she told me... Why not have a listen? and siiiiingggggg

Scrabble Club

2011-11-04T21:24:00.000Z

Scrabble club what a gorgeously fun one this was! Flora set me a great challenge for her little group that meet up havefun and well play scrabble if you hadn’t guessed that already. Being the bestscore on the board (I had to have that explained to me) ‘Triple Word Score’ wastheme. Known to be partial to a bit of award/medal making I thought this wouldsuit perfect, and we liked the idea of the old skool ruffle ribbon rosette. Soteeny replica ‘Triple Word Score’ stitching appliqué was the order of the day,really rather sweet the champions of scrabble champions.

Beingone of those people confuddled by letters and words I have to admit I’ve never played scrabble,was always a pictionary kind of girl and I quite like the idea of theplasticine one never played that... not the Play Doh hairdresser grow a haircut one that was crazy what was that called? (showing my age!!)

Geometric Drop

2011-10-29T20:34:00.001+01:00

How naughty am I not blogging for ages! That's what happens when I work on secret squirrel things I get so caught up in them and can't reveal them yet, commissions and such like, sadly no squirrels. This however I managed to finish the other day a quilted brooch idea that has been on the back burner for ages now using my delicious collection of 1920's Czech painted glass buttons. A combination of a few of my favourite things, vintage buttons, printed Liberty fabric, layering, quilting, bold graphic stitch pattern... all in a compact drop/egg shape that just asks to be rotated. I have some grey painted 1920's buttons so I need to come up with a design for those, but yes part of me as always me wants to keep them all for myself!!!

Geometric Drop Brooch

Can't wait to share some of the other things I've been working on, I'm involved with this months Phat Quarter 'Somebody Told Me' stitch swap I've been really enjoying the theme, I'll admit I may have got a little carried away. I don't think that's a bad thing.

Work in progress: Birdseeker Woodpecker tree quilting

2011-10-04T22:26:00.000+01:00

No new birdseeker for last month did anyone notice? The first that I've missed, I've been busy working on designs for stockists and when I worked out how many birdseeker birds I've stitched already I'm way ahead so I stopped my stitched frenzy. I can get a little bird blind when it gets to self enforced challenges set! So anyway here is more work in progress on the young spotted woodpecker. He has been appliqued onto grey linen gingham with a wadding backing to create a subtle quilting when the pattern of the silver birch is stitched.

I could just leave it like this, I do quite like the calm but I have some text I'd like to add to it yet. While making this I've been reading the original 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi first published in English in 1892, I have a fondness of fairy tale and old quirky childhood stories. I do also love the animated 1940's Disney version but Collodi's is not the cute Pinocchio we have come to love. It is an amusing collection of dark oddness, biting off of paws, giant pigeon rides, a magnificently dressed poodle encounter and most captivating for me the pecking small of Pinocchio's large nose by a thousand woodpeckers. So what words will I pick? you'll have to wait and see.

(You can follow the link to read it online, but it is available on amazon if you're like me and still like to read actual paper books)

Disney Pinocchio Film Trailer :

Birdseeker Miniatures

2011-09-14T22:53:00.000+01:00

What have I been up to? Working with the idea of treasured small things. I like miniature painted portraits and the use of similar methods of small portraiture used as ornament and adornment in history, the joys of the V&A. Imagine a time when the only image you had of a treasured someone was a painted likeness, painted so small you could carry it with you... imagining such things is beyond my little brain, I take so many things for granted. The level of detail on small scale things fascinate me I can get quite geeky about it especially if it has been tiny hand crafted, painted, carved anything really and the V&A is my favourite place to find all manner of inspiration.

However this image of Abraham Lincoln looking quite charming I found here where they also explain the idea of cherishing the miniature in better words than I.

Working with these thoughts in mind I've been scaling down a couple of Birdseekers, Blue Tit & young Great Spotted Woodpecker into wearable portraits, leather backed with sterling silver findings. They weren't the best at sitting still for their bird-portraits they kept chatting!

Bird Spotted By Mollie Makes

2011-09-06T12:20:00.000+01:00

Mr Blue Tit who by nature is a rather shy bird has been fluttering about my head with excitement not sure what to do with with himself bless him. Mollie Makes is a lovely lifestyle crafts magazine brimming with really gorgeous finds and craft projects. So I'll have to agree with Mr Blue Tit it is a real treat to see my brooch in this months magazine, issue 5.

Birdseeker Work In Progress: Great Spotted Woodpecker

2011-08-31T19:22:00.002+01:00

Accidental garden bird spotting again! This time I was was lucky enough to get to see a young Great Spotted Woodpecker really close, thought it would be rude not to stitch it's amazing markings after it went to all that effort to come say hello. Such a pleasing bird in a bold graphic sense, I am always amazed that feathers can create such striking patterns and colours, and in awe when I see a 'real' extra special bird for the first time. The juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers have red caps and and lighter pinky red under bellies making them prettier than their Ma and Pa in my opinion.

So it's the last day of August and my Birdseeker is not entirely finished, the plan is to applique him onto a hand quilted tree trunk. I've not had time to do the quilting yet August has been a busy one, so poor little bird is missing his beak until he can be stitched onto his bark... a work in progress for now.

Duchess with a heart of gold

2011-08-29T00:16:00.000+01:00

This Grey Wagtail you may remember was stitched as the May Birdseeker since then I have added the text 'heart of gold' which is a partial lyric but also a well used saying. When not working on commissions I like to use a fragment of lyric that can be found in a few songs, songs can evoke different memories and emotions although I do tend to have one in mind as I stitch. I enjoy the idea that once made others interpret with their own experiences.

I really have hunted high and low for wooden vintage Duchess hoops to display some of my embroideries, I fell in love with their simplistic style an age ago and just had to have some... easier said than done. For me they look contemporary as a frame but remind me of old stitching techniques at the same time. So it hangs by a brass hook on the back or can be hung by a ribbon.

August's birdseeker is a young Great Spotted Woodpecker, no photos as yet as I am really behind it's been a super busy month... desperate for it not to be my first birdy fail so some late night stitching could be in order. Wish me luck.

Grey Wagtail & Brambling Birdseeker embroideries are now both in my Etsy shop.

Let's Be Nice

2011-08-16T13:17:00.001+01:00

For some weeks now I've been working on a really sweet project that turned into a set of rosettes, I can't show you the final design yet but here is a sneak peek at the back. I do like to make medals and such like and it got me thinking about about a tiny bit of rosette print on one of my Liberty fabrics. There has been such horrid things happening in the UK with the riots and in my local London area of late, but also people pulling together for support that it really has made me stop to think about niceness. It is my favourite of all things I value nice people. Genuine niceness is expressed unconditionally, people are forgetting (or not being shown) the very basics so late last night lost in my thoughts I stitched... well not quite sure what it is yet but a medal of sorts for all that is 'Nice'.

An Interview With Cross Stitcher Magazine

2011-08-12T15:17:00.076+01:00

The wonderful stitchy folk over at Cross Stitcher Magazine took the time to interview me and it's out now in the September Issue, 243. I'm actually at a loss for words. Apart from many thanks for all the compliments from everyone. This issue is a great one with a lovely crafty style cushion with a bird on it, tool roll and pin cushion by the clever Jacqui Pearce.

One amusing thing was the 'dream stitching device' it was pointed out to me by my family after the interview that most normal people would dream for a real object and not automata (puppet) birds to help them sort threads and such like... welcome to my fun little world, it honestly didn't occur to me!

Newness : Brooches, Buttons and Blackwork Stitches

2011-08-05T12:51:00.001+01:00

As promised here are some of the new brooch designs that I have been working on, while the others are still in the making. The coloured blackwork fascination continues I've been collecting some gorgeous vintage glass Czech buttons of late and I'm now ready to part with them (takes deep breath, promises self it is nice to share such things). I know I've declared my joy for buttons many times but how lovely that a simple functional object can be decorative and delightful. Those who like buttons will enjoy the next few treats I'm still busy stitching, see now I've mentioned them I'll have to share!

This one is the first finished Buttons Scissors & Sew Love Token, uses white 1920's Art Deco and yellow 1950's glass Czech buttons, combined with a bright coloured blackwork stitch border. The fabric is 'Baron' Liberty print in keeping with the crafty theme as it is their girl guide vintage style print with merit badges, the embellished scissors being one of them.

Next let me introduce Professor Finch a clever sort... I read that (Bengal) finches can recognise if their birdsong is played to them in a grammatically incorrect manner, they don't like it at all! Fussy finches, but don't worry Professor Finch is ever so polite about clever things. Liberty print 'Bridsong'.

Also a heads up for the whole of August free shipping in my Etsy and Folksy shops.

Birdsong Revisited

2011-08-02T18:49:00.002+01:00

I've been reworking some of my favourite fabric prints as well as working on brand new designs lately. I'm totally addicted to blackwork pattern making and how it sits over and blends the print, that I have revisited some of my earlier birdsong composition brooches and embellished them further. They are 5cm round and all taken form the Liberty Tana Lawn Print 'Birdsong', I love how adding different features changes their personalities... or maybe I spend far too much time with fabric birds!

Pretty Parrot Brooch

Birdsong Brooch (pink)

Birdsong Brooch (yellow)

Blue Tit Birdsong Brooch

Kingfisher Birdsong Brooch

I'll reveal the brand new designs shortly... I did say I had been busy.

Wedding Cushion: Breathless Without You

2011-07-20T01:05:00.003+01:00

Part two of the wedding anniversary bird delight from 3 to 11 birds, in my last post the work in progress I left you at the applique stage of the three main embroidered birds on Liberty print. Well here is the big reveal...the cushion itself is quilted with a panel of alternating squares on the right to highlight the simple pattern of Japanese gauze. The remaining birds are part of the quilt design these are hand quilted with the matching liberty print on the reverse. The text is a lyric taken from their first dance by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Breathless.

On the reverse the wedding date is in a banner and I have also used some vintage silk kimono fabric as I explained in the last blog post their honeymoon was spent traveling around Japan.

So there you have it the special wooden birds of the talented Mr Whiteley transformed into their unique Mr & Mrs colour palette of stitch, when a pair of love birds wouldn't quite do... just a small aviary of affection.

Work In progress: Many wedding birds one cushion

2011-07-17T22:02:00.006+01:00

I've been working on the most delightful collaboration translating the wonderful sculptural birds of Gerard Whiteley into textile and stitch to celebrate as a surprise gift for his wife to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary which is today! (Happy anniversary!). Last year I embroidered birds onto the wedding dress, so the design brief was to incorporate the 5 colours of the wedding, pink, pale blue, lilac, gold, and royal blue, also the 11 different birds that they used at the wedding and some text. Knowing the couple well and having worked with them before does make the design process easier as i like to make personal links wherever possible. For instance fabric choices, the blue liberty print used is 'Nina' which was the same used on the wedding dress, the fabric choices for the cushion I sourced from Japan, a Japanese double gauze also some silk vintage kimono as that was where they spent their honeymoon. My choice for grey comes from needing a neutral background colour but Sarah, 'Mrs Whiteley' enjoys photography and has just had an exhibition of 10 years of photography when she spoke of her Japan images she mentioned a greyness and darkness about them and she had brought me back some pretty printed floral grey fabric.

I've been totally captivated by the eyes of the owl, he was the bird on the main table, each table had a wooden sculpture center piece on it, and each name place were a hand cut outline of that bird. So as part of the design I have fully embroidered 3 of the 11 birds and these are the centre of the design the rest of the birds are hand quilted in their outline with text inside them, but more about that in my next blog post. For now I leave you with the wonderful sculptures, as they looked with the British wedding blooms, and a work in progress shot of the appliqued birds on the gauze.

(My home, armful of wedding flowers last year lucky me and a beautiful blue tit that keeps me company, also my favourite teapot 'faux bois' print.)

Stitches and Summer Sale

2011-07-03T14:15:00.000+01:00

I'm working on a really exciting collaboration at the moment but it's going to be a couple of weeks before it's finished, don't you just hate it when people tease you like that! arrrgh... Oh but it's good I promise!! I've been experimenting with stitches and textile techniques I've wanted to use for a while so I've been loving this project, and there may be a Birdseeker bird or few. The swatch above is blackwork stitch on Nina Liberty print.

There is also a summer sale on in my Etsy Shop 20% OFF at the checkout with the coupon code SUMMER20 and there is an extra sale section too. Sale is on for one more week only until 11th July.

Birdseeker: Mute Swan Bookmark

2011-06-23T22:30:00.001+01:00

With so much lovely birdseeker attention these past couple of weeks my little birds have been fluttering their stitched feathers with excitement, they've been quite troublesome to stitch. I have a secret special flock keeping me busy at the moment that will be ready next month, but for now let me introduce the rather charming Master Mute Swan gliding on a Liberty print I've had a long time now. There are a few prints that I have that have that extra special sentimental 'first bought Liberty print spree' and this is one of them, before I tried to remember their names, when I first moved to London. I vividly remember that visit and the stupidly long time it took to choose the fabrics, can't say I'm much quicker these days either it's an intoxicating pattern timewarp as soon as you walk up Liberty's stairs.

Stitched in white with the contrast of the coloured teal eye and burnt orange beak, the text on the reverse of the bookmark matches. This was a commission to join a rather special wordy friendship group, I really love the fact that now they each have words and birds to keep them company. The text is part of a HaiKu poem.

The book in the photo is an exhibition catalogue from 'Demons,Yarns and Tales' 2008 amazing show where tapestries were made from contemporary artwork. The details were stunning, I always like to get a catalogue if I have the pennies and if I really love a show so that I can hold on to the memories.

Golden Hope : A self-portrait three years in stitch

2011-06-19T21:40:00.005+01:00

Sharing a self-portrait isn't something I find easy to do, but I’ve thought about it and only recently realised what had been troubling me if I don’t reveal some of the story behind the making it would continue to be a mask. My self-portrait represents a period of time where my concept of self stood still and had to slowly rebuild itself anew with a needle and thread and several teams of Drs. The term ‘Make Do and Mend’ really should be a motto of the NHS because creativity and possibly an inappropriate sense of humour has guided me through the last few years of challenges. The emotions contained within the work vary as intricately as the number of stitches made.

The mask is a radiotherapy shell, I had Salivary Gland Cancer of the right Submandibular gland, not very common and unusual for my age/gender, but I can’t help but be unusual it seems. My story doesn’t begin there, thanks to my Hypermobility malfunction a year earlier my tumour was found quite by chance and I am very lucky. But it meant managing the two very different things at the same time with neck surgery and radiotherapy. Hypermobility Syndrome is a connective tissue condition that allows joints to move a greater range than they should, and muscles to over work, spasm, injure if not managed properly, it’s a condition that I was born with. Apart from being able to do party tricks I didn’t really know I had it until I’d burnt myself out so much I couldn’t walk, not my finest moment, at the time it was mismanaged but if I’m honest I knew what I had been doing wasn’t right. I needed monotonous physiotherapy to retrain my muscles and time to retrain years of stubborn thinking: like ‘if I just worked harder I could do it’ mentality, and understanding that pain is not a normal necessary part of life to function.

So my life slowed down, life outside continued to move and I found my needle and thread… and here grew my love for birds, through paper, through the window, at the park at the end of my road. I heard recently that John Buxton an ornithologist was bird watching from POW prison. Now I’m not equating time of illness to prison (although cabin fever can set in occasionally) but he describes the joy of birds as ‘inhabiting a different world to him…living in the moment’ for me they have that pleasure of freedom as well as beauty. So in the 3 years that I’ve become a ‘stitcher twitcher’ it seemed only right I include some on my self-portrait. The first is a Blue Throat and with his sweet song and beautiful coloured throat he is my celebratory bird. The Goldfinch was a late addition after I showed a Dr my head with only the Blue Throat on it. We would always joke that she would give me imaginary gold stars for my continued good work, which pleased me greatly every time, and she suggested I stitch a gold star on it. So for me the gold star of birds is the Goldfinch. It reminds me to always stay balanced even when it’s so very tempting to do otherwise.

Layered Liberty print the birds are embroidered 'Patrick's' boat print.

You might be thinking why stitch on my mask at all and how would I even think of such a thing? You’d probably be right. I fell in love with my mask, I thought it was a wonderful cast functional object from the moment it was made and I was hugely excited by it, even though my muscles will tell you a very different story. Lying there every session for the 6 weeks clamped to the table by my head, looking through the haze of the mesh at the odd faded trees and flowered light boxes on the ceilings gave me the idea for the fabric and stem stitching across the face - what else would I think of?? I thought they were the strangest and ugly things at the time, meant most likely for relaxation, but the image really stuck with me and I created the layering of quilting and stitching directly into the mask form. The area of yellow coloured stitch depicts the radiation field.

But this isn’t just about the malfunctions they are the starting point; it really is more about time and the process of mending, growing creatively. I’m proud of my unusual self now I don’t force it to things it's simply not made to do, I’m proud that it coped with cancer when it wasn’t quite recovered enough but had no choice in the matter. It really is amazing what you can do with a sprinkling of hope, the right kind of determination and a needle and thread for focus… and not forgetting amazing family, friends and the right medical mending people.

My muscles are much happier these days because I choose to treat them kindly, I will be 2 years cancer free in October, this year I set myself the task of a Birdseeker project because I can’t get enough of the feathered beauties… me my needle and thread are as you know inseparable and I hope I continue to be inspired.

(More process photos in my flickr set if you have missed previous work in progress posts and I have decided to show it at Stitch London's weekend at the Science Museum with my stitched Brain)

'Make with me' and 'Bake with me'

2011-06-17T22:49:00.000+01:00

Mencap have launched a new website www.makewithme.org.uk which will give year round tips on how to hand make everything from cards, decorations and baked treats. Also being a platform to meet likeminded people, swap recipes or even organise your own craft club. It’s all about being creative, and inclusive of all ages and abilities.

Learning Disability Week is 20 – 26 June and Mencap would like everyone to get creative by Make With Me & Bake With Me.

The Make A Me appeal challenges people to make a ‘Me’, a personalised home made or baked creation, to show their support for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. It’s easy to take part: get inspired, Make A Me, and upload it into the Me gallery at www.makewithme.org.uk to raise awareness, and much needed funds, for national Learning Disability Week 20 – 26 June. The website has helpful ideas and project cards.

As a crafting/blogging community we can do a little extra and show support by helping to spread news of this lovely project so more people can join in the fun... I won't be baking for fear of poisoning myself! (There is actually a good tip on the site that says you can just decorate ready made gingerbread biscuits, that could be a safer option for me.)

http://www.facebook.com/makewithme
http://www.facebook.com/bakewithme
http://twitter.com/makewithme
http://twitter.com/bakewithme

If you would like more information/images to write your own blog post to share please do email me and I can forward on Mencap's info sami(at)teasemade(dot)com

A Bit of Geekery - The Pons

2011-06-16T20:30:00.007+01:00

My Stitch London Science Museum Project offering is now complete ready for delivery tomorrow it is an embroidered Brain-stem dissection, The Pons. Coloured blackwork and satin stitch on liberty print fabric, 11cm x9cm frame. I had planned to send my stitched head, which is also finished (will blog about that next) but with so many things being sent I’m too nervous to let it go now it’s done in case it runs off with a space rocket.

Ever since I saw my own brain recently on an MRI I have been quite obsessed by stitching one, the weird thing being that I actually saw it as stitched patterns there and then (maybe I shouldn't have told the Dr that), this happens all the time these days seeing things I like in pattern. More correctly seeing them and imaging them in the same moment if that makes sense. Not having scans to work from, and not wanting to use just any old scan images I started researching old Gray’s Anatomy plates, now I really love those illustrations. Much time lost looking at lots of wonderful illustrations I didn’t need to!

So why the Pons? (The pons is the central blue area I’ve stitched made of squares) For me it is the last piece of a rather long jigsaw puzzle, an answer, what science represents. I’ve been weirdly dizzy for 18 months now and it has taken some investigation, it turns out the answer is a kind of migraine (Basilar) the home being The Pons. I’m always totally fascinated that an array of random symptoms can be attributed to one place or cause, not as blame more in awe that something so small almost trivial can cause chaos. So yet again thanks to science and medicine another puzzle solved and on its way to mending… I thank you in stitch never seems nearly enough.

(It was impossible for it not to look alien or phallic by any of images I found, this one was my favourite.)

Polka Love Earrings are back!

2011-06-15T19:42:00.000+01:00

Yay! Back in January there was a flurry of love for the Polka Loves after they were featured in an Etsy Finds email. I promptly sold out, UK snow men were holding my earring bases hostage and then things went a bit crazy with my earring base supplier... all the time I only had 10 tiny pairs of stitched hearts left as it is a past season Liberty print.

So here we have them AT LAST now in lovely 925 sterling silver bezels, can we have a drum roll please.... Polka Love Earrings in Mint and Red in super limited numbers already as I type this there are only 6 of the 10 pairs left. I've put them all in my Etsy shop for ease at the moment but if you'd rather shop via Folksy just send me a message and I'll set up a custom listing.

More Scandi makes and the giveaway winner.

2011-06-11T21:53:00.000+01:00

First things first congratulations to 'Chloe' who was the picked to win the Scandi Summersville print Earrings and Ring from the Sew Hip tutorial. Thanks for your comments everyone!

Secondly here's what I made for the lovely Lu Summers, she makes wonderful quilts with her mum using Lu's printed fabric and decorative patterned machine quilting by her mum. Last year they won at the festival of quilts with their Porthole quilt. So it was a lovely treat when Lu sent me some machine quilted off cuts to see if I could make 'something' with them. The result was layering the machine quilting with hand embroidered print detail taken from the original Scandi print, then adding a hand stitched Scandi button, the back of the print is also summersville print... a tiny little quilt brooch and a nice bit of teamwork.

Bird Double Love Token Pendant

2011-06-06T16:48:00.003+01:00

Oh My, how did I nearly forget to blog about this when I've been so excited about it so so long! I've been saving it special until the wedding date passed as I made it early this year by a chance happening of the bride-to-be who found a similar style pendant she liked the look of on my blog. I do love the wonder of the internet sometimes, that me in little London can make something bespoke for someone in America via emails and and colour swatches/photos to get the pendant to match the colours of the wedding (yep I know I sound 100). Let alone feel honored to make something for a wedding day.

The bride wanted the double love token style with the owl, and like me is quite fond of birds, the colours for the wedding were a zesty yellow and bright green so this was the palette I worked with in both fabric and thread colouring. On the reverse of the pendant I stitched the American date as a keepsake.

Ray of sunshine and button feathers

2011-06-01T18:19:00.000+01:00

A cheeky ray of sunshine today meant I could wear my favourite summer dress (even if I did have to put a pair of fluffy socks on in the afternoon to warm my feet up), listen to a little sunshine music and a find of an embroidery sample while doing my work that led to a breaktime treat. Ok so I'm easily pleased. I'd been making batches of button jewellery so had my buttony things everywhere and out fell my feather felt backed stitching sample from my sewing box. Too thick I would have thought for a button to close but the stitched area fitted perfect on a 29mm button, not normally known for my stubborn determination I peeled the felt away from the fabric and trimmed it carefully to the button teeth.

Hurrah! a rather nice way to get a padded button, I would never have naturally thought of that, it's funny what a combination of sunshine feathered elements can do. I fear me and felty quilting may be seeing more of each other.

July Flame - Laura Veirs always makes me feel sunshine even if its hiding above the clouds, the animation is delightful.

Giveaway of Lu Summers print buttony treats is on my last post so don't miss out on that.

Scandi Print Sew Hip Button Tutorial

2011-05-28T21:51:00.001+01:00

Want to know how to make basic fabric covered button earrings in 5 simple steps? Then pop on over to the Sew Hip Blog where I've posted a photo tutorial using the gorgeous screen printed fabric of Lu Summers : Summersville. A basic tutorial to get you started making your own buttons, or any kind of patterned fabric button jewellery, try using treasured off cuts from outfits you've made the options are endless.

If you've not got the time to make your own button jewellery and like yours stitched then you'll be pleased to hear I've some new designs to add to the shops shortly *charges camera batteries*. You can also find more of Lu Summers printed goodies over in her Etsy and Folksy shops, mugs too Lovely!

Another GIVEAWAY!!! To illustrate the tutorial I made a pair of plain fabric Scandi print earrings and a stitched Totem print ring both of which are up for grabs if you leave a comment BELOW. Don't forget to leave a contact name of sorts not anonymous please. (plus email or twitter if you don't have a linked blogger account so I can find you if you win). Winner will be picked at random on June 10th. Good Luck!

*** Giveaway now closed***

Birdseeker progress : The Goldfinch and the acrobatic Blue Tit

2011-05-26T15:25:00.001+01:00

Oh I'm exaggerating again aren't I? He's not actually doing an acrobatic pose I didn't think of that which is a shame but that's why I love Blue Tits, how and why do they hang in such weird fun acrobatic poses - because it's comfy?? I like to think they are a little like me, being hypermobile my limbs do things they shouldn't really so if I was a bird I'd be a Blue Tit. Which explains why I chose him to keep me company on my sewing box which is finished at last. Please note my treasured ceramic button by Laura Walker, I've had it a while now I found it at the Knitting and Stitching show not knowing what project to use it for now I get to see it every day, perfect!

And Goldie? You'll next see him appliqued onto my masked head.

Knit Club Love Token Brooches

2011-05-23T19:09:00.001+01:00

A little while ago I did a super lovely commission for a Knit Club, I was really excited by the idea of it what better use of my Knit Love Token Brooch than for a group of lovely knitters! The group meet in their local library so we thought it would be nice to tie that in somehow, so on back of each I've used 'Baron' Liberty print fabric and embroidered the outline of a tiny book on each in blue. Otherwise each of the brooches has been hand stitched using different coloured threads in both Pink and Blue 'Rowan' Liberty Tana Lawn. It really was a fun project.

A Winner! & more birdseeker action.

2011-05-22T13:15:00.001+01:00

So we have a winner for the pack of peacock crafty goodness thanks to the random number generator which picked number 3 Cajame, Congratulations! Thanks to you all for your lovely comments.

Before I go here is a little peek at a new birdseeker I'm already stitching, I need to get this stitched super fast as it is to go on my stitched mask that I am hoping to get finished for the Stitch London Science Museum exhibition. Yes yes, I know I've been meaning to finish my head since November so now is my chance 17th June deadline it is! Lets hope I don't change my mind and suddenly want to make something even more geektastic I'm so very tempted, check out the Stitch London link last years Stitched Self was great fun.

Wild Heart : Custom made love token pendant

2011-05-20T22:32:00.000+01:00

Freshly stitched for a Michael Miller fabric loving fan this Love Token leather backed pendant uses the 'Eiffel Tower' print which is a pretty stunning large repeat pattern of turquoise, white and black outlines. The pendant composition captures some of the sprawling floral pattern.

Birdseeker May: Mr Firecrest

2011-05-17T22:07:00.004+01:00

Hang on May, not even the last seconds of May and I've finished my Birdseeker for this month. Crikey! I would be boasting but he is only a small fella, gorgeously small in fact from what the books say he is stitched to scale 9ish cm small. So yes when I place him on my fingers it is like he has perched there, I'm not ashamed to admit I've tried that who wouldn't right?

The Firecrest isn't especially a May bird I've cheated there I'll admit that too I just really wanted to stitch him, but they can be seen all year round. They are one of our smallest songbirds their markings are more dynamic than that of the Goldcrest who vies for the title of smallest bird, I like to imagine this is purely dependent on their snacking abilities. I also like that they are called Kinglets due to their crown like mohawks. They are often described as a restless jewel of a bird, the more I find out about birds the more I enjoy the quirks of not only their natural beauty but their behaviours almost like bird personalities.

So this young Mr Firecrest really wanted to become a bookmark. Which brings me to this truly delightful book 'The Poetry of Birds', it was given to me by a dear poetry-loving friend who is lucky enough to be called Bird. He tries to educate my little brain and this book is filled with much loveliness and inspiration. In my poetry book I read a poem about birds going in search of moon food, which referenced to a time when people thought that birds wintered on the moon. I loved this thought and it reminded me of a Paul Weller song that always warms my heart 'Moon on your Pyjamas' and made me think of birds in moon hats and boots (I refrained from stitching those). The lyric on the back is from that song.

Lastly I'll leave you with a poem from the book by Siegfried Sassoon.

Everyone Sang

Everyone suddenly burst out singing;
And I was filled with such delight
As prisoned birds must find in freedom,
Winging wildly across the white
Orchards and dark green fields; on; on; and out of sight.

Everyone's voice was suddenly lifted;
And beauty came like the setting sun:
My heart was shaken with tears; and horror
Drifted away... O, but Everyone
Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.

Peacock Feather Tutorial - Sew Hip : Plus Kit Giveaway

2011-05-07T19:07:00.013+01:00

Just out in the June issue of Sew Hip is a Peacock Feather Earring craft tutorial that I designed. The hand embroidery pattern itself is abstract and simplistic to suit all levels of stitchers, based on Scandinavian style design patterns of which I have a passion for. Piecing all the parts together is more challenging it just takes a little time and some nifty pin and stitch action. Herringbone pond the fabric I chose to use for this project has a really lovely repeat plenty wide enough for the feather templates so no fiddley pattern placement, if you are familiar with my other work that's the trickiest part often drives me crazy. The great thing is the template is versatile and can be used on any cotton fabric, you can even tweak the thread colours to match a special outfit add some beads if you want to take things a little further.

The coloured felt was used to line the fabric I used a wool blend from LupinHandmade

Not got the patience to make two? One on its own makes a sweet little pendant hung on a ribbon or cord, or if you enlarge the template a little it can be more of a statement pendant.

I've since enlarged the peacock feather template and made a headband from it adapting the stitches slightly with the change in scale. I'd love to see anyone's feathered projects if you are inspired!

Tutorial Giveaway:
To win a kit of all the crafty bits you need to make a pair of Peacock Feather embroidered earrings or a pendant just leave a comment below, if you don't have a blogger linked account remember to leave a contact email or twitter. The winner will be picked at random on Sat 21st May.

The kit will include Herringbone Pond fabric, felt, bondaweb, embroidery threads, needle, earring wires, jumps rings and cord/ribbon for pendant option. (I can provide a small embroidery hoop if needed)

Good Luck!! ** Giveaway now Closed**

Happy and Different

2011-05-05T22:56:00.003+01:00

I do like how things appear when taking photos, I've been stitching this aida band for a while now and only today did I read the words 'happy' and 'different' out of context from the whole peice and it pleased me, as most who know me would probably describe me as 'happy' and 'different'... I like to think this is a good thing!

A work in progress still this is the top of my sewing box, here is the combination of the 2" aida band cross stitch and blackwork pattern border. The sewing box is quite a beast 38 x 26 x 20cm, so with all that buff coloured fabric it needed some stitched love. I've only just started to applique the Blue Tit on there, he really doesn't mind the pins I think I will give him green legs and maybe a branch to perch on if he is good.

Birdseeker: Miss Grey Wagtail

2011-05-02T13:08:00.002+01:00

The month of April brought a Grey Wagtail to my needle and thread, this time I chose the female bird as they do not differ in brightness of their feathers which usually happens (males are such show offs), instead the female bird has a more delicate pale neck where as the male is bold and dark. I've designed Miss Grey Wagtail using a combination of counted thread stitches, cross stitch and blackwork pattern hoblein stitches to blend texture with graphic pattern.

It is the first time that I've worked on 28 count evenweave rather than the more functional aida, I have wanted to try it for ages so this month no patterned fabric. It does take a little more counting concentration to begin with especially with the blackwork stitches where gaps are needed, I much prefer the finish of the fabric weave and now that I've tried it I'd even try using a higher threat count so the fabric weave is finer (and a magnifying glass most probably).

Miss Grey Wagtail By The Waterside, 28 count quaker 6" hoop.

Soulsmile Happy WIP

2011-04-26T17:10:00.000+01:00

As you can see in between other projects I've been relaxing with counted thread stitches designing fonts and borders. This work in progress photo is a lengthy 2"aida band with a snippet of a poem and lyric stitched onto it in a font using cross stitch and holbein stitch, the border is based on blackwork patterns so is worked in holbein (running) stitch. This band when finished will be stiched onto my sewing box with the Blue Tit birdseeker from last month.

This months birdseeker? It's getting late again isn't it? I think I've been a tad adventurous with this monthly project and juggling other stitching commitments, BUT Mr Grey Wagtail has been chosen April Birdseeker has been designed and hopefully he'll be bobbing along in his yellow breasted glory shortly.

Trees : Custom made love token pendant

2011-04-11T18:32:00.002+01:00

I've just finished working on this bird themed pendant, the initial request was if I could make the 'My Heart Or Yours' pendant with a sterling silver chain. It was the layout of the pair of doves from the design that the client really liked, so with a guided colour palette I provided several other fabric templates that would work well with this charm design. Together we worked on each feedback stage and the design evolved into something quite different from the original pendant that caught the clients eye at the Blossom exhibition at the AIM Gallery.

Gretel Liberty print, 16" sterling silver chain and sterling silver eyelets, silver plated dove charms.

Birdseeker Project : Blue Tit More Work In Progress

2011-03-31T19:40:00.001+01:00

The last day in March I did it! well nearly, well no I didn't did I? I've stitched the majority of young master Blue Tit but the poor fella is legless at this moment in time mainly due to a huge intervention of thought on my part. My initial plan was a canvas piece with text, the idea being that the subtle colours of the body and intricate stitch patterning would blend into the bold larger scale floral print only to be discovered on closer inspection. Where as the solid cross stitch head and (to be stitched) satin stitch leg would stand out in contrast.

So what's the distraction I hear you ask?? Me, I'm the distraction and my huge new sewing box I was given as my birthday pressie earlier this month. It needs something to keep its plain weave company, I do love it it took me ages to find a nice non garish fabric sewing box but it is so very lonely I'm thinking I'll treat it to Master Blue Tit. It is not like me to change my mind and be frivolous, well treat myself in such a manner, what do we think? Should I carry on with the canvas or make special my sewing box which has fast become a very good friend.

Sewing box mock up

Loose folded canvas for mock up, will have legs and text added

Birdseeker: Blue Tit Work In Progress

2011-03-28T15:26:00.002+01:00

Work in progress pictures for you, time is racing away for this months birdseeker and I have started very late. Me being me have had it in my head all month to do a more detailed pattern and stitch a larger scale than usual bird, so I've taken a small bird and made it slightly bigger. I've been at home feeling slightly under the weather this month and the new visit of Blue Tits, Coal Tits and other tit family birds each day to my garden has made me stupidly happy. I've never had a Blue Tit come to play in my garden before, so much so I think the word may be out on the birdie airwaves that there is a strange lady and if you fly into her garden she will stitch your birdie portrait. So here we have it a celebration of Blue Tits of happiness bringers of springtime. My delightful new friends.

Button Keepsakes

2011-03-23T14:40:00.000Z

For a while now I've been making cards and gifting buttons to share with special people, most probably because I think people should be addicted to buttons as much as I am but most surprisingly it turns out that people are secret buttonaholics.

The cards themselves are getting more elaborate too, so I thought I'd share my latest design a mix of decorative coloured machine stitching, blue graph paper, die cutting and hand cutting with a hand stitched button. The button is secured with ribbon and a sticker at the back. The inside is filled with blue graph paper to be written on and the button sits there happly when open. It can easily be removed to be used on any crafty project or to spruce up a garment, a card and a little gift in one - fun. So a new range of cards will be in the shop, Button Keepsake Cards.

Bloggers For Japan

2011-03-20T22:34:00.001Z

The lovely Katie Antoniou and fellow bloggers are going to the huge effort of arranging a sale/auction fundraiser for Japan she explains it all far better than I ever could on her marvelous blog here .

The basic details are Katie is accepting donations of generous wonderful goods that can be auctioned off on Saturday 26th March at The Horatia pub, all money raised will be sent to Japan. The facebook details for the event are here. There is already lots of fab stuff donated, including some my stitchery so if you are in London on Sat do pop along and show your support, part with some pennies get some great treats.

Blossom

2011-03-16T17:57:00.002Z

From March 17th - April 9th I'm taking part in an exhibition called Blossom at Aim Gallery, which celebrates and explores how illustration can be used in different ways by animators, illustrators, artists and crafters. The exhibition runs alongside a series of children's educational animation workshops run by the gallery and their work will also be on display which I really like the idea of.

I have contributed a selection of jewellery and two textile bird canvases, the jewellery pieces rework illustrated graphic textile prints where as the bird embroideries I see as drawing with thread.

Some of the other people in the show are....

Kate Slater (Collage, prints and accessories)

Goldfinch Bird Brooch - Kate Slater etsy shop

Gareth Davies (Digital illustrations and character designs)

David Hughes (Digital abstracts)

Laura Boswell (Wood block prints)

Andrea Malaskova (Digital illustrations)

Frann Preston-Gannon (Digital Illustrations)

Vida Vega (Illustrations and some prep work that stems from her animations)

Turine Viet-Tu Tran (Digital Illustrations)

Suzie Kent (Illustration and accessories)

Lisa Stubbs (Screen-prints and cards)

Lisa Stubbs - Cowboy Cat Folksy shop

So if you are in Milton Keynes do pop bye and take a peek at the illustrated goodness to be had.

I Promise (130 x 130 x 40mm)

A little quiet...

2011-03-10T18:11:00.000Z

on the blogging front but I've been super busy getting things ready for an exhibition where I'll be showing some of my jewellery and a couple of my Birdseeker canvases, but more details about that next time. For now here is a small peek at some earrings that will be at the gallery. Spring is in the air!

Surprise Surprise

2011-03-02T15:52:00.001Z

And the winner picked at random is..... Storey Shop! (your stalking paid off my dear). I really did enjoy this giveaway and there has been such lovely lovely comments that made my birthday snuggled up with a duvet and the last of the flu all the happier THANK YOU *happy face*. So, I put the ones that made me smile the most into a hat and have picked 2 runners up prizes that I will find something fun for *mini drum roll* and the winners are Miss Moopette and Lee May!!

Thank you to everyone for the fun! Here is a rather special vid Go Do by Jonsi ... enjoy!

There is still 34% OFF in my Etsy shop all week with the code CAKE34

Celebration Giveaway

2011-02-27T15:18:00.002Z

This week it is my birthday so I thought it would be nice to have a little celebratory giveaway seeing as it has been ages since my last one. This time I'm doing it differently why not have a bit of fun? apparently people like surprises?!? (I'm very rubbish with surprises) so I've made a package of fun up of different things not just teasemade treats ooooo what could they be?

If you'd like chance to win a secret packet of fun I ask only one thing of you.... has anyone been wondering what on earth the video is above? I will explain. My first rather shameful childhood crush was, yep Rick Astley (I was very young), I remember a VERY happy birthday where I given his album on cassette wearing a long pink knitted jumper made by my mum and black ski pants, the 80's where real dreams were made. So please share with me a happy birthday memory, you don't need to embarrass yourself as I have BUT I do like a giggle and after all it is my birthday ;)

Giveaway closes Midnight 1st March.

(Extra entries if you tweet about the giveaway and follow/like on Twitter/Facebook... please let me know if you already do)

Also all week there is 34% OFF in my Etsy shop with the coupon code CAKE34, because cake is the secret to youthfulness.

***Comments now closed Thank You***

Special Bookmark

2011-02-25T10:48:00.002Z

Scarlet Rosie Rosefinch Birdseeker was stitched especially for this custom bookmark. When given a story about someone I like to create a little bird personality for them made up of stitches. The words were given to me as part of the brief, 'thoughts turn over like pages'.

Birdseeker Project : Scarlet Rosefinch WIP

2011-02-21T14:59:00.001Z

A cheeky extra this month with a wonderfully beautiful name Scarlet Rosefinch. The male birds range from having a rather sweet little red hairdo and a scattering of red feathers, to a full scarlet breast and rump. I couldn't resist stitching him in his Sunday best. This birdseeker is a special commission so I will reveal what he becomes soon.

Birdseeker Project : Woodpigeon

2011-02-15T14:01:00.003Z

Apparently in the month of February there are more Woodpigeons to be seen as they come on their holidays from Scandinavian shores. I like to think that pigeons are romantic birds being most famous for their trustworthy deliverance of messages near and far so thats why we see them in larger numbers in February, every pigeon young and old fill the skies with messages of love. My Birdseeker embroidery this month is dedicated to the pretty pigeon who as a bird gets a lot of bad press, maybe if we sent more messages of love they wouldn't have to have their beaks in crisp packets.

Your Hand In Mine: 9cm framed, hand stitched on Liberty Print 'Nina'

I Promise

2011-02-07T16:51:00.002Z

I introduce to you Mr Brambling (Jan Birdseeker) in all his appliqued glory, entirely hand stitched on layers of Liberty Print fabric and finishing up on a piece of mellow golden upholstery fabric with the lyric detail 'I promise you this'. Other than that I think he is a little lost for words today.

I Promise. 5"x 5"

Hearts and Pendants

2011-02-04T17:46:00.001Z

Limited edition Love Token and Button pendants, the very last of this liberty fabric print for these compositions... I very nearly couldn't share it all but fabric needs to be made into things, used and loved but some fabric is more difficult to part with than others. Or maybe it is just me being silly and loving fabric more than I should!

Sweetheart Button Pendant

Rainbow Heart Button Pendant

Love Love Love Token Pendant

Winged Rose Love Token Pendant

My Heart Or Yours Love Token Pendant

For those of you still waiting for the last lot of Polka Love Earrings to make it back in the shops there has been big postal problems with my earring base supplier, the first order was eaten by snowmen and I await a re-order to be delivered soon. My poor postman thinks I am stalking him. For now the only place you can get them is The Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford, very very sorry to those of you that keep asking for them. I'll be in touch as soon as they appear.

Heart On Your Sleeve

2011-02-04T16:23:00.001Z

Well you could wear them there but you might get some questioning glances. It is indeed the season where I top up my stockists with love token delights, so I've been very busy stitching with little time to blog so here is a love feast for your eyes. Recently made limited edition Medals and Love Token Brooches using the last of these fabric compositions of one my most cherished liberty prints. And never fear if you don't 'do' Valentines day there is always love all year round at teasemade, just the way it should be. I've saved some of each for my online shops.

All Heart Medal : Limited edition hand stitched Liberty print medals.

Key To My Heart (red) : Love Token Brooch

Limited edition Hand stitched Liberty print brooch.

Queen Heart : Love Token Brooch

Limited edition Hand stitched Liberty print brooch.

Pair of Swallows : Love Token Brooch

Limited edition Hand stitched Liberty print brooch.

Love Flight Brooch - one only

Next update pendants!

Birdseeker Project : Brambling WIP/2

2011-01-24T19:36:00.001Z

So I thought I'd just show Brambles all stitched before he has his little trim and applique session, yes I'll be chopping off all that gorgeous print only to layer it onto another so he can have some pretty stitched legs... He is looking forward to it.

Birdseeker Project : Brambling WIP

2011-01-19T15:13:00.001Z

After all that talk of owls I finally settled on my January bird, a Brambling I just couldn't resist the opportunity to stitch his striking orange and black markings. He'll have his winter coat on so I've yet to work grey into the head pattern, in the summer male Bramblings are pure black, I like the fact the birds can change colour during the seasons. So here he is a work in progress the project has begun.

Etsy Silly Sale Time Again

2011-01-14T17:20:00.000Z

Etsy UK sellers are having another silly sale starting today Friday 14th - 21st Jan, as before plenty of reduced treats to be had. Be sure to check out the treasuries and 'Silly Sale UK' tags to uncover bargains and this time there are % coupon codes on offer. Here is a selection of Uk sellers that I found taking part...

UK Silly Sale Pattern & Illustrate Treasury

Teasemade will be offering 20% off all week with the Etsy coupon code 'NEWYEAR' with some extra reduced items in the sale section throughout the week. Sale ends 21st Jan.

Have Fun!

Late Bird Resolutions.

2011-01-11T18:52:00.002Z

I never make new years resolutions but this year I do want to make time for my embroideries and the thing is, if I’m not set a little task life and work always preoccupies me first. So today when in my favourite cheap bookshop perusing the bird books (I can’t help it) I found myself a month-by-month guide to British birds, full of sweet illustrations. Instantly the idea of stitching a monthly seasonal bird popped into my head, granted I think it may have been fueled by a deeper hidden desire to buy yet another illustrated bird book. I adore books always have since little I’d be found lost in them for hours on end, I think living in London not seeing many birds at all has turned me into a strange paper birdseeker. In turn having a silly amount of bird books I can never choose which to stitch first so seasonal seemed a fun way to narrow it down.

My second book of the day Garden Birds And Wildlife by Toms & Sterry (how naughty am I!) was a bit of a geeky find a combination of super lovely photos, illustrations and random birdie facts, I’m hoping I might learn something apart from just looking at pretty pictures. So my challenge is to try and stitch a bird a month in a seasonal fashion, and yes I’m glad I decided this so late in the month with lots of ‘work’ to finish… there's nothing like a challenge.

The choice for January is rather special Bean Goose, Siskin, Brambling, Coal Tit, Tawny Own, Barn Owl and Long- Eared Owl, but I think it is going to have to be an owl such pretty faces. Not just a pretty face too all the better to hear you with (geek fact No.1).

Cockerel Cushion

2010-12-30T21:15:00.002Z

When I joined All Things Original I came across the gorgeous illustrations of Lucie Sheridan, as soon as I saw her screen printed 'Cock Bag' I just had to have it for my ever growing love of making printed stitched friends. This is such a brilliant tote and I'm super pleased with how it has turned out as a cushion, using two types of cashmere and the selvedge of woven fabrics for the back. Hand appliqued with a small touch of hand embroidered detail on the tail, beak and eye mask to complement the already rather handsome and proudly strutting cockerel about town.

The sad bit for me is I didn't get to keep him being Christmas and all, but I know he's going to a fun home and I'll get to visit him when I go see my friends... or see my friends when I go visit him?

NEED one? find it here

(Oh and eye spy my truly fabulous Anthropologie cross stitch bird tea-towel I was given for Christmas lucky me, too delightful for dishes!)

Fly Little Wing

2010-12-28T15:34:00.000Z

Here are some of custom makes that kept me busy on the run up to Christmas, I love hearing the spark of ideas for a personal project and trying my best make them real. First up is a Love Token Brooch with the custom text 'fly little wing' and a small bird. Next we have a custom set of 6 embroidered buttons, initials, butterflies and a heart in the colours of red, orange and pink.

The Real King of Rock?

2010-12-19T12:00:00.000Z

I saw a tiny little robin in my garden the other day and couldn't resist stitching a cheeky little bird especially seeing as they love to sing, rock and bop. It has been a hectic few weeks and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to some festivities, so enjoy! See you the other side of a mountain of cheese and chocolate... Happy Christmas!!!

(and remember a robin is not just for Christmas, they just party best this time of year)

Baubles Bells & Whistles

2010-12-05T13:59:00.000Z

Next weekend is the 'Baubles Bells & Whistles' artists Christmas market on 11th - 12th Dec at The Old Police Station in New Cross which is an arts centre with studios and cafe. It's free to get in so if you are local do pop along to check out what the talented folk do in those studios all day. There will be an array of different makers showing their wares and my stitched treats have been invited along to keep them company.

Earrings and Things

2010-11-25T22:51:00.000Z

Some new earrings Polka Love in Mint and Red which are taken from the fabulous 'Wonderland' Liberty print, this little detail is the center of the talking flowers not that you'd know by looking but I always like to know the story of where things originate from. Perfectly sized for my teeny button obsession, now we all know I like to see how many stitches I can fit on an 11mm button. Next up Little Red Rose again from the Wonderland fabric print, roses in an art deco style.

In other news I've just become a new designer on the All Things Original site, which has many lovely designer pretties on there so it is really nice to be joining them. So you can bejewel your ears with hearts and roses over there or at my folksy/etsy shops. Oh and how could I forget the biggest news Esty now lets you shop in ££ (well, sellers own currency) loads of exciting things happening over at Esty right now if you are a shop owner, I won't bore you any longer you if you aren't but us shop geeks are very excited by the goings on!

Meet Melvin

2010-11-17T18:16:00.000Z

I have a new stitching buddy his name is Melvin he arrived yesterday in a box wrapped so sweetly with some stickers and delightful bird postcards made by the clever hands of Flora Jamieson at Through The Round Window. He is so beyond cute that he makes me smile stupidly and his colours fit in perfectly with my little work space, I love the button detail on his trousers we were destined to be the bestest of friends (I'm worried I may start talking to him). Flora kindly had a wonderful giveaway and I was one of the lucky winners, yay me!... we met via Folksy I think and bonded over our mutual love of beautiful birds oh and my often silly twitterings.

At the moment Flora is showing her work at the Rostra Gallery in Bath which is a lovely gallery, I studied at Bath far too long ago now and used to love popping in there. I'm quite a fan of Through The Round Window, the hand painted detail on the coloured glass gives an illustrative and contemporary edge to the craft while the designs are sweet and dreamy. Whats more Flora is very lovely too, so to check out more of her work see her blog here and Folksy shop here it really is a bright visual treat.

Bluethroat : work in progress

2010-11-02T10:56:00.002Z

So last night I appliqued the little fella onto my mask and have begun stitching his little legs, so excited by his preciousness that I just had to post a photo. They really do seem to come alive at this stage. He is perched on the temple of one side of the mask, it's all quite busy in a pattern sense but the layering of pattern is exactly what I want for this project. I'm stitching a different posed bird for the other side.

For more mask posts look here and here.

Stitching My Own Face : More work in progress

2010-11-01T18:44:00.002Z

Not quite as far along as I hoped to be but I thought it was about time for another quick photo update on the mask project. The quilted layer is now complete, stems all fully embroidered and quilted into the wadding and now I'm working on the birds that I will applique onto to mask. I fully embroider the bird bodies applique them into position then stitch their legs onto the background material. Here is one of the Bluethroats at the completed embroidered stage, ready to be trimmed and attached to the mask. I've used a decorative blackwork stitch for its body. I very much like blackwork stitch patterns and don't use them nearly enough, so I'm using this project as a chance to indulge.

More soon.

Lucky Me

2010-10-30T14:34:00.000+01:00

While I was out of action I received some extra special treats in the post from not one but two giveaways I was lucky enough to win, I'm not usually very lucky so I was ever so excited. The first was Loopy Lapin by The Black Rabbit which was part of Selvedge Magazine Blog Wool Week competitions. I had to answer a question on what breed of sheep provided the wool for the 'Newbury Coat' in 1918 - which was a coat made from wool to tailored coat in 24hr, the answer being the Southdown Sheep. I geekly knew this from my back catalogue Selvedge Mags, I'm not clever. He's made of the most lovely coloured lambs wool and has a nice tubby tummy. Although I already love him lots I actually wanted to win him for a bunny loving friend of mine (if i can be pried away from him) and besides check out my perfect notebook, I can't be greedy. Designed and made by Tea & Ceremony, a nice hammered textured paper cover and a perfect place for my stitching thoughts and must do lists. This giveaway was hosted by Craftsville which is a nice creative craft/design blog if you've not checked it out yet, do.

Lucky lucky me!
So BIG thanks go out to Sandra at Tea & Ceremony and Lindsay at The Black Rabbit, Thank you very much ladies.

Out of action - Roar

2010-10-25T16:00:00.001+01:00

And so I vanished overnight and shut up shops last week (sorry about that) and what a week it has been, glad the worst of the germy part is over. Hopefully things will be back to normal by the end of the week, sewing again would be loverly. I'm slowly getting back to people If you've emailed/messaged me regarding work.

Until then I leave you with this cheeky fella Little Roar that I made pre wipeout experimenting with ideas of lions and cats for a client request. roaaaar. (He thinks he scared the germs away... maybe he did).

Back soon.

Blog Interview and Giveaway

2010-10-11T21:06:00.000+01:00

The lovely Sarah who is the clever cross-stitching fingers behind Magasin has been doing a series of interviews on her creative buddies. Having met over a mutual love of button stitchery it has been a whirlwind friendship of button addiction and threads.

So do pop over to her blog for details of the giveaway and a chance to win, my best yet I think you'll agree! Winner will be chosen at random by Sarah on Friday 15th. Good Luck!

Esty UK Silly Sale

2010-10-08T20:43:00.000+01:00

From 7pm this evening 8th Oct there will be a 24hr 'Silly Sale' where UK Etsy Sellers will be offering there treats at reduces prices. To find the treats search the many lovely treasuries being made or use the search tags "UK" "Silly Sale". I even braved my first ever treasury making experience to join in the occasion.

Teasemade has a half price section and everything else has been reduced by 20% for 24hrs only so if you fancy a treat or dare i say it, early Christmas pressie purchase the Silly Sale is well worth a browse.

No place like home Esty treasury

A little bird told me there is a silly sale - Etsy treasury

Stitching My Own Face : Work in progress

2010-10-07T19:45:00.002+01:00

Still very much at an early stage and a work in progress, I've got to a point where I can reveal the mask piece I've been working on. It is a plastic mesh frame with hand stitched quilting, very subtly padded to show the stitched stalks of the fabric that sprawl all over the contours of the face. The rest of the photos show how I got to this stage.

Liberty print fabric folded, pinned and sewn place to fit the contours of the mask.

Two layers of wadding to soften the texture of the mesh beneath the fabric but also to create a quilted effect when stitching into the mask.

And this is the base, as soon as I saw it I knew I needed to stitch into it, how could I not??? It is a heat setting plastic that forms around the shape of the face I needed it for a course of treatment I had last year. Part of me really wanted to keep it as it was as it was quite a peaceful sculptural object but the needle and thread won. The plan is to stitch some birds on it in true teasemade fashion... so more photos to follow.

Woodland Creatures and Autumnal Leaves

2010-10-04T18:17:00.002+01:00

Inspired by the beautiful autumnal palette of nature I've been stitching leaves lately and although I'd much rather they would stay on the trees the intense change of colours are always a joy. And when there is leafy goodness there is always woodland creatures to be had.

Bright Eyes Owl Pendant

Wise Owl Leaf Pendant

Squirrel Leaf Brooch

Swallow Leaf Brooch (orange)

Swallow Leaf Brooch (red/teal)

Owl Leaf Brooch

The leaf items are really limited in edition due to only having a very small piece of this past season Liberty leaf fabric, Bright eyes uses the 'Poppy and Daisy' Liberty print, tiny 11mm button eyes.

Find them in both my Folksy and Etsy shops.

Birdcage My Direction

2010-09-30T17:04:00.001+01:00

This piece has had a little reworking, I can't help myself sometimes, even if it means unpicking and starting over for the sake of a few millimeters. This time thankfully I just unpicked the lower corner of the birdcage so that the ticking lines ran straight on the canvas and I've added a lyric detail as the piece seemed a little unfinished before.

Mr and Mrs Greenfinch

2010-09-29T14:54:00.002+01:00

I've been blogging about the progress of Mr greenfinch and here he is completed. He is a celebratory wedding bird for a gorgeous Mr & Mrs that share a mutual love of green. 'my little heart' is a snippet of a lyric from a moment I know they hold dear and recognition of their love for 80's classics.

The prints are all Liberty tana lawn (birdsong, poppy and daisy), box frame 15cm x 15cm x 4cm. bird 9cm all hand stitched.

Cushion : A twitterpated owl, leaves and acorns

2010-09-22T14:17:00.004+01:00

I've been trying to finish those projects that get left to one side when more urgent things come by, delving into my box of unfinished treasures and prized fabric stash always pulls on my heartstrings a little as I never know which way to turn, FOCUS.

I've been meaning to make a cushion for some time, I've had this cushion insert for far too long getting in the way so that was the project to focus on. My curtains are the linen ikea leaves print which I had to chop a bit off the bottom and I wanted the to use a bit of that print to tie in so I've been saving it. Another fabric I've had for a while is the black and buff fine dogtooth weave suit fabric, it has a great woven yellow selvedge 'Novelty Selection'. I love collecting and using woven selvedge graphics so much so I find them difficult to actually use. Then we have Mr Twitterpated Owl who I stitched a long time ago and has been patiently waiting bless him. He is a stitch sampler a play on blackwork stitch using colour and modern pixel clip art graphics and gingham print as a grid.

So we have leaves, owls, gingham, blackwork, woven suit fabric... something was missing... ah my lovely acorn cross-stitch acorn buttons by Magasin who makes lots of other gorgeous cross-stitch goodness. I'll admit to battling with the buttonholes as its a new fancy machine, but thankfully it doesn't show and it's for me so I'll let me off. One more project finished, hurrah!

A Sunday Spent Stitching Pigeons

2010-09-20T19:27:00.002+01:00

And what a fabulous Sunday it was, Laura (she draws) and I popped along to Selvedge Magazine 'Make a London pigeon workshop' at the V&A I'd heard about it via their Facebook/blog post and was obsessed about it from that point on, thankfully I only had a few days to wait. Why so excited? Well yes I like birds, and yes I like stitching birds but I've been talking about stitching a pigeon for AGES, meeting Laura hasn't helped as her nickname is pigeon and we talk about them far too often. So who better to make a pigeon with? Perfect. The collaboration between Selvedge and Thornback and Peel was such a genius idea. Making textile stuffed pigeons for an installation of Trafalgar Square is brilliant enough but Thornback and Peel printed pigeons are actually one of my favourite printed illustrated birds and I have been subscribing to Selvedge Magazine since issue 5 many moons ago. Each and every issue is full of inspiration and textile goodness... all these things should explain my over excitement.

Laura busy at work

So armed with a sewing box full of sewing treats to share I headed off to the V&A. There we camped out for hours as people arrived, sewed and stuffed and added their pigeons to the ever growing flock while we happily hand stitched ours with lots of coloured detail, enjoying the experience to the full. A perfectly mellow stitching Sunday.

Pinned and ready for stitching I chose to hand stitch mine even though there were lots of sewing machines as I prefer the finish on small objects and raw cotton, doesn't take me too much longer.

Laura's became a Postal Pigeon with an adorable post bag and I gave my pigeon a flying medal.

Mr Postie Pigeon

Major Love Pigeon

(For more photos of the workshop take a look at my flickr album)

Work in progress : More Mr Greenfinch

2010-09-16T14:21:00.003+01:00

A little more Mr Greenfinch (I'm not intentionally teasing you with this one) the earlier photo was the initial stage embroidery of the greenfinch on Liberty print 'Poppy and Daisy'. I've since appliqued this onto an ornate shaped birdcage, I lived in Thailand for a few months many years ago and all the birdcages were this shape and I really REALLY wanted one. The fabric print I've used is Liberty print 'Birdsong' bringing the outside inside, is it a cage or a window to the outside? Cages can also be like boxes where you protect things to keep them safe, so I like the idea of the silhouette of the cage without the bars making it look less prison like.

"my little heart" - I'll explain when the work is done as there is more contextual applique to be added. An embroidery hoop!! a very rare sight took me forever to find it I'm not your usual hand stitcher and dislike working with them, thimbles and anything else considered helpful usually. But tana lawn is so fine that even with a medium fused interfacing I needed the hoop to support the weight of the appliques that are raised for texture. So I am known to change my ways when needs must... more birdies soon.

Folksy Featured Seller and a Happy Sale

2010-09-15T11:56:00.001+01:00

It was such a nice surprise to be picked as one of the featured sellers on Folksy as I always find it a nice way to find creative people/shops that I may not have stumbled across yet. Folksy is a super friendly crafting community more than just a shop front, so I have to say I'm really pleased to be featured (and I'll admit to being quite over excited when my shop pops up in the corner unexpectedly once in a while).

To share the happy love I'm having a cheeky sale, there are lots of items picked at random at a 'Featured Seller Sale Price' so if you fancy a bargain do pop by and have a browse.

Yarn Goodness and the I Knit Weekender

2010-09-10T15:33:00.002+01:00

This weekend 10th & 11th Sept is the I Knit Weekender at Vincent Square SW London, loads of exciting things going on for for those who like to indulge in yarn type goodness. I've donated some yarn inspired jewellery to Mencap who will be fundraising at the event, so if you are there do pop along to Mencap and see what kind of treats you can get and help a great cause.

14mm Ball of Yarn earrings

19mm yarn rings

Kint Love Token Brooch

I've been making yarn button jewellery lately that have slowly been filling the shops in different colour ways, I'm quite addicted to the earrings which make such perfectly formed tiny balls of yarn. I'm not a huge knitter myself, I prefer to crochet but seeing as I embroider with fine balls of crochet/embroidery cotton I love this Liberty fabric print. Teeny tiny balls of yarn.

Sock Monkey : Siri Mouse

2010-09-10T01:42:00.001+01:00

A super fun hand stitched custom sock monkey for the lovely Siri who also has the cute nickname of Mouse. A hide and seek affair of multi coloured woodland folk 2cm patches there's squirrels, fawns, bunnies and birds, plenty to keep a cheeky sock monkey company. Liberty tana lawn fabric and gingham.

Work in progress : Mr Greenfinch

2010-09-09T13:40:00.001+01:00

I've been working on this little fella recently Mr Greenfinch he's about 9cm x 7cm hand stitched on liberty fabric. Still a work in progress his little legs are missing but I can't show the rest yet what he will become as that will ruin it... so for now hello Mr Green.

Sock Bunny : Cecily

2010-09-04T00:21:00.000+01:00

Hand stitched custom made Sock Bunny : Cecily Love Token gingham name patch.

Brooches On My Head

2010-08-24T19:01:00.002+01:00

I have a vast brooch collection and there's no sign of it slowing anytime soon. Having pinned them to virtually every surface/object possible I started wearing them on head scarves lately. Teamed with my recent awakened desire for head decoration and millinery I'm loving the new possibilities. My problem with just making pretty headwear is, but what if i want to wear it somewhere else? on my bag.. coat, cardi oh decisions, decisions.

The very issue came up when making bows for the lovely Laura, my she draws bow is stuck on my hat which i LOVE but simply cannot wear enough but would wear the bow on lots of things. Decision made, attach brooch backs to bows so they are versatile and make padded headbands to happily pin any kind of brooch to... works a dream.

(hand stitched fabric covered button center)

So here we have it some special bows made using the tea theme screen printed fabric by She Draws (and some Magic Alice bow fabric) with my padded headband which I've found is a rather excellent way to wear any kind of brooch on your head.

Excuse me where is my needle?

2010-08-23T14:08:00.002+01:00

Surely I can't be the only person but I'm always misplacing my needle between colour changes and sticking them in my clothes as i loose them in deep pin cushions, and not sure where else it drives me potty and wastes lots of time... so I made me this as a solution! A hand stitched quilted brooch hurrah! 8cm x 7cm its a bit of a beauty not to be easily missed and densely padded, pleated to show the printed bobbin and the bear the guardian of the HUGE golden scissors. The vintage style scissors charm are brilliant I was beyond excited when I found these, 6cm if only they moved they'd be a dream come true. The Liberty fabric is by Grayson Perry, fabulously quirky the colours zing.

I am so hoping I will spend less time looking for my needles now, and not too much time talking to Mr bear.

Birds and Birdsong

2010-08-23T00:36:00.000+01:00

Here's some bird brooches, some taken from the Liberty Tana Lawn print 'Birdsong' and the love token is a very limited edition composition taken from the print 'Wonderland'. Those that follow my blog know I have rather a soft spot for birds, the birdsong print in particular pleases me as each bird appears like a collage of layered fabric pattern yet with the delicate fine thread count of Tana Lawn that I am so addicted to working with.

Bird Song (pink) : Brooch (5cm)

Bird Song (green) : Brooch 5cm

Pretty Parrot : Brooch 5cm

Bird Song (yellow) : Brooch 5cm

Pair of Swallows : Love Token Brooch (limited edition) 5cm x 4cm

Hand stitched Liberty print brooches available at Folksy and Etsy

Woodland Camping

2010-08-22T20:50:00.001+01:00

Lately I've been making jewellery and neglecting putting all of it on the blog (naughty me) so to catch up I'll do a few photo posts in themes. This post includes some adorable candy coloured woodland creatures which use the Liberty Tana Lawn print 'Gretel' and another favourite composition of mine using the print 'Baron' a girl guide galore print, so nostalgic.

Butterfly Fawn (yellow) : Love Token Brooch

Butterfly Fawn (hot pink) : Love Token Brooch

Butterfly Fawn (pink) : Love Token Brooch

Deer Mr Bunny : Brooch

Butterfly Camping : Love Token (blue)

Hand stitched brooches using Liberty print fabrics and charms, Love Token 5cm x4cm, round brooch 5cm. On Etsy and Folksy

Peacock Feather Fascinator

2010-08-19T16:31:00.000+01:00

I made this for the bird themed wedding I went to last month, teamed with a beaded peacock jacket, cornflower blue jersey maxi dress and a teasemade Feather Dove pendant, which uses the same 'Caesar' Liberty fabric and echos the shape of the fascinator. The fascinator is a teardrop style felt base covered in pleated liberty tana lawn print then hand stitched. The peacock feathers were trimmed to size and placed in each pleat.... hmmm now i just need another excuse to wear my beaded peacock jacket.

Sock Bunny : Issy - Bella

2010-08-18T22:40:00.000+01:00

Custom made hand stitched sock bunny with gingham name patches.

Birdcage

2010-08-16T18:41:00.001+01:00

It has been a while since I've set aside the time to work on some bigger embroideries which is a shame as i enjoy them most of all. I particularly like working with box canvases wrapping them in fabric and letting the image spill over the frame making it part of the work, so it becomes an object rather than just a functional frame.

I've used the Longtail stitched on Liberty 'Nina' print Tana Lawn fabric, appliqued onto grey branches of 'birdsong' liberty print in the shape of an ornate bird cage with the tail only stitched at the base. The bird cage is hand appliqued onto ticking style fabric with the edge of the cage spilling over the side of the canvas. I wanted to create depth by using different layers and texture, with elements coming off and around the canvas even on something as small as 13cm x 13cm x4cm. Being a box frame it stands happily or can be hung, which is another thing I really like about small box frames, they become little objects in their own right.

Button Club

2010-08-09T18:05:00.000+01:00

So I love buttons, I find them wonderfully pleasing objects they can be both decorative and functional. I like vintage buttons especially and contemporary handcrafted buttons, I'm quite drawn to labored processes that make small things pretty. Over the years I've met many a good friend that share a fondness of buttons and little parcels get sent back and forth every once in a while, buttons are best shared (unless they are the chocolate variety, I'm not that nice).

I made these that have been taken off by Mr postie to a new button club member, hand stitched from a selection of quirky liberty prints 19mm.

Be expecting all sorts of buttony treats from me very soon, I've been busy!

Peggy My New Love

2010-08-02T19:14:00.001+01:00

This sunday I really needed a little break from jewellery making and I couldn't ignore this distracting little voice any longer. Illustration pleases me a great deal, it is a form of creativity and a skill I very much admire. I especially like the texture and layering of screen printed works and enjoy the making process myself although it's been far too long since I've indulged.

Lee May from Bonbi Forest is always conjuring up all kinds of printed beautiful creatures and they please me greatly. My most favourite of late has been Pegasus with his fantastically tiny wings which feature on a few of her products. As soon as I saw the pink and green Pegasus tote I had to have it, the colours looked gorgeous + it was screen printed + a horse with tiny wings = very happy me surely?

He arrived (a little out of breath) and it was instant love at first sight I felt a bit silly hugging and staring so adoringly at a bag... then i heard this little voice say that he never felt like all the other Bonbi Forest Pegasus totes and would i mind awfully helping his dream come true and making him into a flying rocking horse... to which I replied that sir I can do!

I magically already had some pink and apple green gingham that colour matched perfectly, it was meant to be! (a few more photos on flickr)

PS. SEE!!! The bag for the record really is gorgeous, you can get a 'Pegasus" tote by Lee May Foster-Wilson over @ Bonbi Forest >>> direct page link here

Wedding Birds Meet The Wedding Dress

2010-07-26T20:34:00.002+01:00

After months of planning and tweaking of colours the bride and I were finally pleased with our final choices, although placement of the birds still took some deliberation. We'd initially planned for a singular bird on the dress at the back, one on the lace jacket and one for an evening fascinator. When it came to pinning the birds to the dress we felt the hip was a more perfect place for the Blue Tit. The slant of the Blue Tit could sit on the seam of the waist and draw attention to the delicate trim of the lace that tiered down the dress structure. The dress itself was designed and made in Brighton by Kevin at Renaissance design and then I added on the extra details of the birds and hand stitched Liberty buttons.

The buttons were made from Liberty Tana Lawn fabric 'Nina' print the same fabric print that the birds were embroidered onto, every other button had tiny embroidery detail. The button loops were hand woven.

Mrs Whiteley

The dress also had coloured netting underneath in the colours of the wedding theme (which matched my threads) all based on the brides bespoke engagement ring made by the talented Sarah May Marshall, which looked fantastic for the first dance.

Even though I'd seen my friend in it so many times at various stages and spent so much time helping plan it, buttoning her up for the last time took my breath away. In her hat she'd made, shoes she had made, hair and make up perfect she looked truly wonderful... and yes I cried before we even got to the church.

Wedding Birds In The Making

2010-07-25T12:41:00.004+01:00

For the the last six months I've been industriously busy designing and making intricate stitched birds for a wedding. Working closely with the wedding dress maker, and the bride to be to come come up with the perfect dress. The wedding was to be based around the theme of British birds and the colour scheme was taken from the brides bespoke colourful engagement ring, it promised to be a handcrafted visual celebration as both the creative bride and groom have a quirky eye for detail. Being both very good friends of mine I was honored to be involved in their special day.

The bride and I searched through many a vintage bird illustration, simplified them with line and coloured them. Then came stitch samplers of various stages, I wanted to create different tone and texture through use of simple directional stitch. The wedding was very British and vintage tea party in theme so I was drawn to keeping the birds quite playful and craft like in their cross stitch, blackwork nature. The birds were finally stitched onto Liberty fabric so that the flower print detail would delicately show through some areas of the bird when appliqued onto the dress, the legs would then be stitched directly onto the dress lace so that it appeared that the birds were perched in the lace (a week before the wedding).

As well as the dress birds there were embroidered buttons to be made, guest book, and an evening fascinator.

Shop Talk : Folksy

2010-07-20T13:37:00.001+01:00

Folksy has started a new Shop Talk interview series on their blog each week where they take a closer look at individual shops. So far there has been a really nice mix of makers and its really interesting to get a little peek behind the shop front. I was really pleased to be asked to be involved and last week my teasemade Shop Talk appeared on the Folksy blog, do check out all the other seller interviews they are a great read.

Queen Of Hearts

2010-07-19T01:04:00.001+01:00

When working on ideas for the bridal hen Queen of Hearts costume I was largely inspired by vintage tea party styling with quirky modern prints rather than classic Alice in Wonderland costuming and illustrations, although I do very much love these. I wanted to design an outfit with different accessories that could be worn for the daytime tea party and then dressed up for a night out later.

Hetty and Dave Flamingo brooch, She Draws Tea party necklace

She Draws charm - 'God save the Queen', East of India Ribbon.

Hand stitched screen printed fabrics by Magic Alice (keys, crowns, hearts)

and She Draws (teapots, tea cups)

Playing card patch made using printable iron on transfers and felt and a fabulous illustration of the bride to be by Leighton Johns.

Veil option to be worn on its own, playing card brooch or flamingo brooches can be pinned to the rose fabric top, or it can be fixed inside the hat. The roses are from the Wonderland Liberty Print.

Hand stitched 1940's style percher hat, I made a crown out of birds from Henry Alexander Bird Seed fabric as the Bride and Groom are quite bird obsessed (not just me) and the theme runs throughout their wedding. The fabric wrapped around the hat is Liberty Wonderland print, this has been hand sewn with embroidery details.

I had such fun planning and making this costume and all the henette accessories i very nearly ran out of time to make something for myself. It was such an brilliantly fun day.

Henettes : Part 2

2010-07-14T21:47:00.001+01:00

As promised how to make a simple heart headband...

Step 1: Firstly meet my HUGE heart shaped hole punch, oh how I enjoy a good hole punch/die cutter of which I have many. To make one heart you will need 2 playing cards, one decorative back pattern and a playing card of your choice. For the Queen of Hearts hen party theme I chose to go with the hearts throughout placing the cards at an angle allowed me to make a focal point of the embellishment later.

Step 2: Stick the two cards together with some double sided tape, and your heart template is complete. Although these are strong linen cards I wanted them to withstand the test of disco dancing so I thought it best to laminate them for strength and I like the high shine.

Step 3: Laminate and trim, take care to leave a good boarder around the edge of the heart so the plastic can stick well as the cards are thick.

Step 4: Embellish using She Draws tea party buttons, and East of India ribbon. The buttons are simply sewn directly onto the heart with a strong needle and cotton.

Step 5: The back, this is where the fun begins, I chose to do these two ways manly because I can't help but make work for myself. The simple way is on the left, strip of felt with a generous amount of glue on each end, so that the alice band can slide through after, much easier to transport. If you are making for yourself you can glue straight onto band, the felt gives it extra support. The other option is the brooch/headband option, I glued a brooch pin on the back and attached a felt pad to the the alice band that way it could be worn as a brooch or headband. I'm not mad it was mainly for the bridesmaids who were wearing Alice in Wonderland theme costumes during the day and wanted to wear a brooch but wanted a disco headband for the evening - problem solved!

Step 6: Place on your head, have a cup of tea or do a little dance.

Henettes : Part 1

2010-07-14T18:04:00.001+01:00

Queen of Hearts illustration by Leighton Johns

Tea party decorations

The Henettes in their head bands and brooches

The wonderful Queen of Hearts Tea Party Chic

For the next installment of the Queen of Hearts hen weekend makings we have the Henette headwear and brooches. My challenge was to make about 30 headbands/brooches on a small budget, and not my usual intricate time consuming manner. Following the Wonderland Queen of Hearts and Tea Party theme as a point of inspiration I thought a simple combination of graphical pattern playing cards would make for super cute headwear. Being the henettes they all had to be heart cards and I went for an oversized heart shape which framed the cards perfectly and decorated them with a selection of she draws tea party themed buttons. They were really simple to make, within budget and most importantly lasted the test of disco dancing! Phew! Part 2, I'll blog how I made them.

Extra special Queenie brooch

Extra special brooches - 10 out of 10 for the Bridesmaids

Henette headband and brooch designs

A fun 'Ace' one I made for Adrianna (even though i wanted it myself)

I kept this one instead :)

Time For Tea

2010-07-13T16:07:00.003+01:00

I had the most fabulous weekend filled with treats and creative goodness and above all gorgeously lovely friends. I've been super busy lately on top secret wedding missions and at last the first part has come to fruition, the Hen do, what a fantastic success! it was soooo good to see all my friends creative plans come together so well it accidentally became quite a mammoth affair! The theme was Queen of Hearts, Wonderland and tea parties, we even had a magician. My part to play was to make a Queen of Hearts inspired costume and accessores for the bride to be, themed headwear for the 25ish henettes and my own wonderland costume (which eneded up being a pocket watch). As ever I got more than a little carried away and ended up making LOTS when the idea was to keep it simple, I'm not sure I know the meaning of that word.

So to start of heres my fascinator that I wore...

Time For Tea Facinator : Red felt teardrop fascinator base trimed in East of India heart check ribbon. Hand stitched over sized bow made from screen printed She Draws tea cup and teapot fabric. The centre of the bow is tied with screen printed fabric from Magic Alice, bows and clock detail, and finished with my favourite teapot button. Fixed onto a spotted red and white alice band.