Accidental Vix

Well that time of the week has approached, and I wonder how Sunday eve is nearly upon us again. Time flies when you’re having fun, and as it was my birthday last week I took a few days off to spend some time with my hubby, see Counting Crows (amazing gig on my birthday, I couldn’t resist adding a pic!) and do a few creative things in preparation for a new shop I am hopefully going to be stocking in Harrogate very soon. So, from the vast array of things to show you this week I have chosen a selection of gocco and screenprinted cards on my new supply of kraft cards as that is what I have been concentrating on finishing for Just Makers but most of them are now in my Etsy shop, although there will be some exclusives to Harrogate. As always any comments and feedback are always welcome, and please leave a comment to share what creative things you have been up to.

Xx

After my very exciting Gocco workshop on Weds night (more to be revealed shortly) and whilst I still debate with myself whether to invest in a Gocco machine, I thought I would take my inspiration for today’s favourites from printed delights:

Deebeale – Blue grey hares (This is an artist I have admired ever since my early days on Folksy)

Kerry Beary – Penguin print (It might be humid here but this is too cool not to feature)

Two guitars  - Scooters and hearts card pack (This just completely reminds me of holidays)

Off in search of printing ink now, have a great weekend.

Xx

It’s been a tough week that’s for sure, but thanks to the support of not only my closest friends, but also new friends I have met through the web, I have managed to get through the week, even with the odd smile! Today I would like to say thanks to a particular group of fellow creatives from Yorkshire known as Craft Soup for allowing me to vent my frustrations and keeping me going. So, today is going to be the first of many Friday Faves to showcase the amazing talent from Yorkshire, which will always be where my heart is, and I’m going to start with the theme ‘simple and striking’:

Bec Gilray – Ampersand card (I love wood block printing but this is so simple but effective and gorgeous)

Sara Buk – Buttercup silver earrings (wish I’d known about Sara sooner as her jewellery would have been perfect as 30th pressies for some of my friends!)

Kimberley Werner – Crow greeting card (the simple outline works so well, then you notice the detail in the fact it’s handcut)

I’m off to work now, but hope I don’t get blown away getting there… have a great weekend whatever the weather.

Xx

Well it was tough week for me last week in my little bubble and on top of everything else I had been feeling a bit sorry for myself in between creativeness with my diabetes, all my hip problems, and now confirmation that I have osteoperosis at the age of 29, not being helped with a touch of cabin fever. I needed something to pull me out of the hole that I was beginning to slip into and I found it in an amazing site called post pals which reminded me that no matter how much I think my problems are mounting up it’s nothing compared to the amazing and inspirational children on this site. Please have a look, all it takes is a letter, card or even gift to add a little bit of happiness to these children’s difficult lives. I have chosen my first 5 children and their siblings (that was the hardest part!!) to write to and after reading their profiles am deciding on what to make to send them along with my cards. Please help me support this fantastic charity by spreading the word or even taking a few minutes to write a letter or card!

Xx

The world seems to be in disarray at the moment, but as soon as it disappears from the media it’s easily forgotten and we get lost in our own little worlds again. So, lets give a thought for all those suffering in Japan and elsewhere in the world, and take this opportunity to support some local creatives in raising money for a good cause:

Bubble Bay – Kids tote/shoulder bag (this is just too cute, and a great present for children and adults alike)

Petites Follies – Hearts for Japan (I have completely fallen in love with these)

Wildcat designs – Space invader scarf (I know a few people who would love this, but none more than my fiance!)

NOFkants Curios – Blue crocheted snood (useful to keep in your bag at this time of year when you don’t know what the weather will be like)

Kimberley Shaw – Japan white print (clever use of the Japanese flag)

It may not be much but I decided to give all proceeds from my ‘need a hug’ card to the Japanese relief effort

Xx

I love a good wedding… but one thing’s for sure it takes a lot of preparation to make a good wedding! I’m hoping that our wedding will be one of those fab events with lots of planning in little time, a bit of luck and a bucket full of creativity to help us on our way.  My fiance doesn’t know what’s hit him, I’ve gone into work mode and feel like a project manager 24/7 now. I have to admit the creative bits are my fave, although I seem to be managing to give everything an artistic twist at the moment because I’ve promised I won’t take on any major creative projects until I am a married lady. The first major bit of wedding creativity can now be revealed as everyone should have received their save the date cards and invites already

In addition here’s a sneaky peek of what’s to come… watch this space as more handmade wedding bits are revealed. I’d also like to say a big thank you to all who have helped me with my flower so far, we’re over half way now!!

Xx

I haven’t done a Folksy Showcase Sunday for a while, but I feel motivated to do one this week as a fantastic friend has joined Folksy recently… Jessie G Designs. Jess is obviously taking to it like a duck to water as there have been 4 sales in less than a week, which comes as no surprise – I have to say I have been lucky enough to receive some of these fab cards and they are definitely worth buying. So you’d better snap up some super screenprints before they all go.

Good luck Jess!

Xx

I’m going to feature a few more folkfesters today to make up for not being able to blog yesterday. Although I was very tired this morning after a late night I was very proud to see Dan Djing at the Redbull competition last night! Today’s item from me is a relisting of my snowbear illustration which is the one that I am probably most proud of. So, if you’ve not guessed it yet today’s topic is things to be proud of:

Funky Cinderella – Felt flower brooch (I’m proud to be a designer, but working with fashion clients I do constantly feel the need to wear things which aren’t traditional high street, this brooch would be the perfect accessory to go with many more already bought from fellow Folksters)

Floral gifts 4 u – Holly sock posy (I’m proud to have an amazing boyfriend who often surprises me with flowers, this would be even better as it would keep my cold feet warm)

Nofkants Curios – Poppy hat and mittens (I’m proud of my every growing hat collection, even if most of them are children’s sizes, but Natalie’s hats fit my small head)

Dab and dash – Jam jar notebook (I’m proud of my sketchbook which goes everywhere with me, and this would be fantastic as my next one)

Lou Lou’s Luxuries – Nest egg jewellery set (I’m proud to be a Yorkshire lass from the gorgeous Bronte Country, and miss the wildlife and country lifestyle)

Ann Chandler originals -  Evening bag (most girls are proud of their bag collections)

Indira albert – Scooters print (I’m proud to be part of the handmade community, and such talent as this fellow folkfester)

That’s it from me tonight after another disastrous day at work (hopefully the last bad day for a while) I need to go to bed. Sleep well

Xx

Nearly the end of the week We’re dedicating a weekend to being Londoners, or tourists. It’s been another tough week so it will be good just to forget work, and housework and spend some time together taking in the delights and sights of this fair town. I always think London is so colourful, in every sense of the word, so my folkfester picks today are chosen with bright colours in mind just like the mishmash of Santas I listed today:

Craftea makes – Teacup button brooch (could quite happily go to bed now with a peppermint tea and my sketchbook)

Strawberry anarchy – Licorice allsorts pendant (these bright sweets always remind me of my fab dad)

Nofkants curios – Colourful crocheted bag (this is stunning, and might just have to go on my wishlist)

Audrey’s cat – Vintage make-up bag (it got my attention at the word vintage, but then I saw the pic and it also made it’s way onto my wishlist)

Before I go to pack for the weekend I’d like to say a big thanks to Pirate Treasures for the great owl earrings I bought the other day, and plan to wear tomorrow.

Xx

I’m really tired tonight, had a long day at work after rushing to list today’s christmas card, and when on site I feel like the day goes quicker and I don’t have chance to stop, it may also have something to do with the fantastic lifehouse gig last night! This is one of my fave times of day when I can spend a bit of time, in-between cooking tea, looking at all the fab items from my fellow folkfesters. Although I am getting very frustrated at the moment when the ‘beast message’ keeps appearing and stops me being able to post onto the forums, so I thought maybe the beast just wants a bit of attention and will then disappear… yes if you haven’t guessed it by now, today’s theme for my fave folkfesters is beasts/monsters:

Steampunk storm – Spider necklace (I definitely consider spiders as mini beasts, but this necklace is gorgeous)

Cheerymishmash – Little monster baby vest (Ok, so he’s not scary but he’s a cute monster)

Fizzy Popov – Thunderclouds wall clock (Love this, and reminds me of a scene with a beast lurking in the background)

I’d also like to say thanks to Miss Bohemia for posting my item for me today to the forum.

Time for bed now.

Xx