Gathered Feature - Mollie Makes digital digest.

Recently I was interviewed for Mollie Makes new digital ipad publication - Gathered. Each addition is a weekly digest of all things crafty- packed with projects, tips, interviews, tutorials and lots of yummy photos. The issue I'm in, entitled Handmade Christmas, you get to read about fabulous vintage teacups, be introduced to yours truly and the talented textile designer Trinity Babichuk as well as tackle crafty projects which include an Advent calendar, a jersey belt and a crocheted drink. All you need is an ipad, some time to put your feet up and of course a large mug of tea... enjoy!

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Blog and Buy Sale Christmas Wish List

The elves from Blogandbuysale have been hard at work again- they've sourced a great selection of handmade and design-led gifts from makers across the UK -leaving you with the simple task of picking the perfect gift for your mum, dad, bro, sis, aunt, wifey, hubby, friend, pet, even enemy (see coal below)!

Coal Ring by Jolly Good Studio

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Business Boom Feature

Just a short post to let you know the guys over at Business Boom have featured my work and practice on their website. Read the whole post here.

Here's some blurb on what they do too:
Business Boom Collective is the ideal place to see features of up-and-coming and freelance creatives from the UK and beyond. In collaboration with a collection of modern and slick websites including Business Boom Bolton, The Mancunianist as well as our latest store feature, I Think I Need I Want, it is the perfect place to read up on the brightest individuals and most current businesses linked to the worlds of fashion, photography, art, design and more.

Would definitely be worth a look for all you creative types looking to promote and network.

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Last Christmas order dates

If you're intending on buying online from the shop please make a note of my last Christmas order dates which are slightly earlier than last posting dates to ensure you get your goodies in time for Christmas. Cheers!

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Make your own Christmas paper chain!

Here's mini photo montage tutorial to accompany a downloadable printable Christmas paper chain worksheet you'll get when purchasing any products from the online shop Two Red Trees from the middle of November. It features some of my christmassy pattern repeats and is very easy to create - all you need are scissors and double sided sticky-tape. Simples!

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Make your own Christmas Decoration!

So here's a mini photo tutorial to accompany a new product I've just created for Christmas. It's basically a make your own kit for a Christmas decoration. The kit provides you with ribbon, instructions and my screen-printed fabric and you'll just need to find scissors, needle, thread, pins and your choice of stuffing.
Here's the 'how to' bit - although I'm sure you find it's easy enough to figure out! To buy your own Make Your Own Christmas decoration kit please visit my shop on Two Red Trees- I'm only making it available to buy online through them. Priced under a fiver, including shipping it'll also make the perfect stocking filler for the budding crafter. Enjoy!

Gather the tools needed and unwrap the fabric

Cut out the designs following the dashed lines

Fold over the ribbon and pin upside down on the tree side

Place the bauble side on top of the tree side so that the designs are hidden and pin in place

Sew by hand or using a sewing machine sew all the way round leaving aprox. a 1 inch gap near the bottom

Turn your decoration right side out- you may like to give it a quick warm iron.

Choose your stuffing- hollow fibre, lavender, christmas pot pourri are all good options!

Thread a needle and stitch it up...

And voila- it's complete! 

Hang your decoration where people will notice and enjoy the many compliments you will receive for your handywork!



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Behind closed doors

The title may sound a bit ominous but in fact I just wanted to share some images of what my studio space(s) looks like. I was interviewed by the new digital mag Gathered last week- brought to you by the makers of Mollie Makes and they wanted images of my studio (garage/shed), so as I've taken some photos anyway I thought you might like to see them. You'll see I have a space for my messy work i.e. screenprinting/painting and then a corner of our second bedroom where I design and do digital work. I would love to hear about your creative spaces...if you feel inclined share in the comments below.

Outside space with a view of the garden

Bernina sewing machine shelf makes a good tea mug holder whilst cutting

Gingerbread man ready to sew!

Birds of Peace being made up

Recycled honey jars and sauce pots filled with inks ready mixed

Teatowels hanging

Screen printing station set up for textile printing

Handy garden seat holds my screens, portfolio cases, foam, table and more!

Trestle table legs nest my smaller screens

Basket of plush decorations growing steadily

Second bedroom space where I do all the digital/printing stuff!

Piles of Cushions

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Make your own Handwriting font!

Something which I love to use in my work is handdrawn typography. I also especially like using my handwriting to make labels and product names - as you can see on the Tea & Biscuit badge pack below.

Normally I would write the word that I would like to have on a scrap of paper, scan it in, trace it and then convert it in illustrator.  However just recently I've discovered that I can now create an entire font with my handwriting really easily and cheaply and it works so well! Here is an example of the font I've created- just click on the image to be taken to the yourfonts site- amazingly it took me less than 15 minutes to create mine.

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