Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Crafty Collab

It's an exciting day here in Paravent land... do you remember I posted about 
screenprinting some panels for a crafty collaboration with Pippa from 
Ouchflower? Well, we have a first born! and we are both squealing a bit with 
wonder and delight at how it's turned out.... isn't she a beauty? :)

 


We've taken something we love (for me, screenprinting and for Pippa macramé) 
and put them together. Pippa has hand dyed her twine in a chartreuse ombre for this 
panel. I am just in awe at how Pippa's macramé has transformed my panels. Just 
look at the skill, detail and artistry in these knotty wonders...


There will be about eight in total... all different designs... and they'll be divided 
between our shops in time for Christmas.


Stay tuned for more, and if you haven't visited Pippa's blog yet, pop over and say hi :)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Creative Space: Ticking boxes

Things are going well with my Month of Finishing. The tote was the first 
box ticked, and since then I've finished off the neon yellow cushions...



and the two pin cushions...



I'm listing everything in my Etsy shop as I complete them. The pin cushions,
though, have sold already to a friend. 


I'm starting to wonder if Etsy is the right medium for me as I seem to be
always selling things outside these parameters... ie. people message me
and we work out other ways for the sale. My sales stats on Etsy are so 
appalling, but are not a reflection of what I'm selling. Anyway, it's something 
for me to ponder... what do you use? Do people like using it or do you have
the same experiences as I do? I'd really appreciate knowing.

You can see more creative spaces here.

Friday, October 19, 2012

MoF: Finished Tote

As predicted, the deadline of my friend's birthday has seen me finish the new 
tote first in my MoF (Month of Finishing). 


I've made the straps longer this time so that it can be worn across 
the body as well as on the shoulder. It's also a bit longer than my 
last effort to suit the line of the longer straps.


Another first (for me) is attaching the magnetic clasp. I followed Nikki's most 
excellent tutorial on You Sew Girl, but I think I need a bit more practice at 
getting it to sit flat and firm against the fabric... Can you see how it's pulling 
away slightly in the top photo? I should have used a hammer ;)


And once again I've gone for the boxed corners... because I like them :)


So, that's one item ticked in my Month of Finishing. Thanks for all your lovely 
supportive comments on my last post. It's good to know I'm not the only one :)

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Creative Space: MoF 3

Oops, that break was longer than I thought... It's been a tad busy around these 
parts. So much to do - it feels like end-of-year crazy has started already.
Part of the problem too is the clarity you have after returning from being away...
Suddenly, you notice all the things that need to be fixed that you were somehow
oblivious to before... has that happened to you? Well, it's spurred a new MoF 
for me - that's a 'Month of Finishing'. I think it was Alisa who first coined the phrase
and I had a couple of sessions last year on my old blog here and here.

So, MoF 3... (and there's quite a lot to clear from my work table)
(1) I have to make this crocheted isometric panel into a cushion...



(2) I have to join the pieces for this isometric panel together and 
make it into a cushion...



(3) I have to finish joining and stuffing a couple of pin cushions...



(4) There's a tote bag birthday present to be finished (this will probably 
be done first... love having a deadline!)



(5) And these panels are still sitting there waiting for me to make 
them into cushions too...



How is your work table looking? Do you have a pile of unfinished projects
that get pushed aside when a new idea comes along? I'd forgotten 
about so many of these... maybe a craft book is a good idea from now on. 
I've seen on some sites a fabulous gadget that documents progress
on multiple projects... How do you keep on top of all your 'makings'?

More creative spaces here.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Home again... hello!

Back again after two lovely weeks away with the fam. What's been happening in 
your world? I'll be getting back into the swing of things soon (including catching up
on my blog roll). In the meantime, here's some homemade postcards of our trip...




Part of the trip was work and I have quite a bit to do re the family business now that 
we're back so I may not post again for a few days. This was just to say " Hi! Hope all
is going well for you :) " I'll be visiting soon.