Sequins and all that ....

Happy Christmas Everyone

2010-12-24T19:06:00.001Z

Thank you for following me and supporting my making.

How easily I seem to forget

2010-04-16T21:36:00.003Z

Tonight I decided to get out some of my old copies of Cloth, paper, scissors which I something I have a habit of doing a couple of times each year. I also like to do this with my art and textile books aswell. It feels very reassuring as I turn the pages and suddenly the memories of what is on the pages flood back and so do the ideas that I often had at the time, plus many new ones. However tonight something new struck me aswell. As I flipped over one of the pages there was an advert for a soldering iron being used to cut felt. As I saw it I suddenly had a memory that in fact I have one fo those and I could have used it really successfully in projects I have been doing lately. How was it I forget I could use it. I am beginning to wonder if I have taught myself too many things to hold in my head at once and maybe I need to think of a way to remind myself of all the techniques I know. Perhaps a sequingirlie version of a sampler or a special book that I could flip through. I am sure I will return to this topic but one thing is for sure, it doesn't make me feel bad when I remember these things, it feels new all over again and in addition it stops me needing to persue a new hobby that requires more equipment and money. I have enough trouble resisting this as it is, how long have I lusted after an embellisher, a screen printing set, to learn how to do fancy icing properly blah blah.
I must mention a book that I really love right now:
Illustration Play
I love the unusual ideas and different takes on working with fabrics.

Getting there

2010-04-16T08:34:00.004Z

I have been making way on my unfinished projects that I wrote about at the beginning of the year. I thought it was time to share how I am doing. I do wish I was a bit further along however I have been plagued with a series of winter related illnesses for a while.

I just have the buttons to do on the baby girls party dress - I am scared to do these on my sewing machine after the previous stress I had with this.

I have finished the bunting - whooh and it is hanging in her bedroom now

I have finished the commissioned inchies but annoyingly forgot to take a photograph

Almost there with the commissioned landscape - this photograph was near the begin of starting.

The christmas garland is almost there aswell even though I keep getting strange looks when I am stitching christmas trees made of felt in April.

I am pleased to say I have finished the named picture -

I must go now so that I can finish the landscape piece. Happy making.

2010-02-18T15:46:00.004Z

Things I am loving right now.

Wall paper tree design

This fantastic canvas collage using an old book

This beautiful tree picture

Snow and snow and snow

2010-01-08T17:57:00.004Z

For over 3 weeks now we have had snow on and off. It all began when I had to have the last day of term off before Christmas, as all the main routes were closed. That was the 18th of December. Now we are at the 8th January and this time it wasn't just me who couldn't get to work. The whole school was closed because of snow. The weather forecast seems to show no end to it at the moment. Rather than get frustrated which I can feel very below the surface I remind myself how beautiful it is. I have posted a few of my pictures I look at to remind myself. I must also keep reminding my self about the amazing eerie quiet sound that surrounds us when it snows. I am enjoying the extra days at home, but today is the first day when I have felt guilt free, because the whole school it shut. I have decided, like many of people in the blogs I read, that I must clear some of my outstanding projects. Today I began to lay them out on the table. I vow to complete at least 2 this weekend. They so far consist of:

Finish party dress for baby girl

Finish (shall stop using this word now) bunting for baby girl

Fin.... Commissioned inchies piece

F... Commissioned landscape piece

List all outstanding bags on etsy shop

Put items in sale on etsy
Complete (ah found new word) Christmas garland ready for next year

Make 2 commissioned handbags

Once I have these things clear I really want to begin coming up with ideas for new designs.

Hope your New Year is going well and that the snow is not getting you down, if you have it.

And again time has whizzed by..

2009-12-22T13:28:00.007Z

How long to go???

Where have the last few weeks gone??

Glad I did some shopping ready in November!!

But I have been upto things: Time to share some photographs.

Christmas Cards made with my Gocco printer.

Bunting made for a friend who has had a new baby. My first attempt and I am very pleased with it.

Stockings for the family. Again a first attempt and very pleased with myself. The furtherest left is for me, my partner asked me to make it and he decorated it.
And the picture at the beginning are some custom pouches for holding lavender.

Happy holidays and Christmas to you all. I will be back in the New Year or before if I can manage it with new and exciting things. Happy making.

Grains of sand

2009-09-30T18:10:00.003Z

Time seems to slip through my fingers like grains of sand. I try so very hard not to waste the day or precious hours but even so I feel like I am a hamster in a wheel at the moment. Even sat here now writing this, which I feel is important, my mind is filled with what I else I could, should and must do.
Work is very hard going at the moment, which is a shame because all the things that are happening are ones I enjoy and want to do my best at but I am finding it hard to do each of them properly.
And once I have finished that and trying to keep a work like balance, I am so tired I find it hard to get off the sofa. Luckily my BF helps to motivate me into the shower, into the kitchen to help sort out for the next day and general be nice.
I have things I must do, like handbag orders and custom work and so many otherthings I want to do, make bunting for my step-daughter's soon to be bedroom, plan and make xmas presents, start a scrap book for my step-daughter whilst she is still young enough that we remember each moment, finish making a dress for her, finish the birthday cards I am making, do some more fabric designs, make a cushion for my class for whoever is star of the week, make random act of kindness presents, post my PIF thing, make cakes, make baby food puree and freeze it, build lego. Oh the list goes on and on. I will find a way, and I shall tell you how I am doing. For now I am going to go and shuffle some paper and take care of BF who has man flu and maybe if I can muster the energy make some lego.
Hope you are all not so below you mountains of things. I know I am not alone. I think it is one of the curses of being creative, having a family, being an adult, all of which I enjoy, really.

Thank you and what an inspiration

2009-09-23T20:22:00.002Z

One of the fab people I met at my Folksy picnic was Pomona, since then I have regularly read her blog. One of her previous ones spoke deeply to me about something I believe in, the act of kindness and random kindness. Since then I have been thinking about it alot and how I could do more. Today I read her most recent blog entry and this was even more inspiring. I would urge you to read it. I also want to say thank you to her for the fab comments she has left on my little blog.
I am going to plan how I shall carry out my acts of kindness only the rest of my long journeys to work this week.
On another very random subject my lego death star is over half done now, I never stop being amazed at the quality and thought that goes into lego designs. As I am building this one I love how I keep building parts that I recognise from the films. Well done Lego. I have loved you since I was a kid and don't think I will ever stop.

Up above the clouds..

2009-09-13T20:49:00.002Z

Decided to use a Turin Brakes song title today. Very pleased this week, sold several things on etsy and my first sale on Folksy. Got 2 custom orders to do. Off to bed in a minute and it will be my second full week. Last week went well and I managed to get through without being totally zombiefied. Very pleased with the fabric I ordered from Spoonflower and also how the bags turned out that I made with my Gocco printed fabric. Going to treat myself to some more Spoonflower fabric with my new designs.

Oh yeah and why is simple DIY so frustrating, I read a page in a book on what to do and followed the instructions but still the wall plugs would not fit in, how do people know which size to use. I am a reasonably intelligent person why can't I do this.

Oh dear, it's over

2009-09-02T21:43:00.003Z

Well that's it, school starts offically again tomorrow. I would like to say a big thank you to NiftyKnits who I met at the Folksy picnic for her fab comments on my blog and her support with thinking about things in my shop.
Today I have been mostly thinking about finishing a commission I have been working on, here is a little picture of the fabric I created for part of it. I love making my own fabric, they usually start life as a plain piece of felt, which I embellish on my sewing machine, oh i love the different stitches it has, which threads, stamped images, netting and other things I just can't think of right now.

I have just realised how tired I am, thinking it comes from spending too long staring at excel tonight. Being a sensible grown up, again!!

Right definately off to bed, must read some more of Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight series, a good easy read, I can see why it is so popular with the Teenage market. A fun read, like going to a chick flick film.

Trying something new and taking a breath

2009-09-01T15:58:00.002Z

Today I was a good girl and I did planing and paperwork for school, even though my new gorgeous fabric from Moutain of the dragon arrived, there was Amy Butler, My Folklore and Kaffe Kassett. It sat and stared at me all morning, whilst I worked away on the laptop. I was very pleased several times, when I thought I had a whole piece of work to do, to find that I had already started it back in July, I think 'Get in' could be heard several times this morning. Just need some paper now to be able to print things out, don't want to risk hoping I can do that at work tomorrow as I get the feeling the server will be down. Having a tantrum for being ignored for 6 weeks. Then when I felt I had done enough and would treat myself to a bit of making I was asked to read an email, that we were a) expecting and b) knew wouldn't be great.
Trouble is it can still be easy to get irritated and wound up. But I am learning to become more Zen as time goes by. I have to accept that we can not rationalise with everyone and that some people form opinions from a situation that we can never change, whatever we do, or however we behave. It can be hard to not want to put this how they are and nit pick.
On the other hand I then decided to treat myself to a little play with the new fabric. I hate the table mats we have, they are old and stained, and it is not possible to get the stains out, I have tried. So a google searching I went, 'How to make a fabric placemat' only to realise I could probably work it out myself.
I am very pleased with how they have turned out except for one thing. As I was machining lines horizontally the fabric would seem to have spare at the end (with the batting) and create a bit of a lump. I have never done quilting, and I think I kind of made a mini quilt. What did I do wrong? would appreciate some tips. Here is the result:

2 in one day after so long!!!!

2009-08-30T20:31:00.004Z

I have made a promise to myself to get back to my blogging again. So I am overdoing it today!!. After a great 6 weeks of making, pottering, holidaying, tidying I now have to face facts that I must return to the work that pays the bills. I do love it really, but it always takes me a while to get back into the swing of it. So I thought I would begin today.
Did someone sneak in and wipe my brain at some point??
Things that were so cohesive and clear now seem like a maze to find. I am sure I would not have left them in silly places on my computer. I so love a bit of folder organisation, geeky I know, and proud of it. I found some of what I needed in the computer recycling bin!! Wonders will never cease. Thank heavens for the restore button.
I am trying to make a list so that I feel purposeful but the bags on the table that need to be stitched are calling me, the looking at twitter and other people's blogs is distracting me, anything in fact. I am slowing getting there and must make some progress tomorrow. In the mean time lets have a look back at things I have made and done this holiday:

A confession to make

2009-08-30T14:04:00.001Z

lego house_0002
Originally uploaded by sequin girlie

I must confess that I am a closest Lego fan. I have no children of my own and so I can not use them as an excuse. Back in Easter I bought the lego death star set and I am still building it, over 3000 pieces. Recently I treated myself to a medium set that was a house and I decided to make a movie of me making it. It is not great but it is fun, nonetheless.

A new passion

2009-08-05T11:49:00.003Z

I have been making all the while I have been away but I have also become a step mum to a gorgeous little girl. I could not resist putting my making skills to use in this area and after many hours trawling the wonderful internet for ideas and much salivating in material shops I made these little numbers for her. Can't wait to see how the fit this weekend. Had to do the measurements from memory and using clothes she wears. Looking forward to making many more.

I'm back with discounts

2009-04-10T09:24:00.002Z

I have finally returned to the world of blogging, I can't believe how long it has been. I have updated my etsy shop and reduced all my prices, many by 20 or 10 dollars. All photographys are half the price they were. Got more things to upload but need to wrestle the camera of bf to be able to do that. Laptop has also died so hard to get pictures up at the moment. Off to finish new handbag for myself. Blog again soon, honest.

Starting to build back up

2008-08-27T15:37:00.008Z

I have been busy tidying my study and getting back into working on my art. Thought I would share a few things i love from etsy, things I would buy when i sell my next item:

This wonderful picture can be found here. I just love the expression the bird has and the colours, well done mincingmockingbird.

This wonderful picture can be found here.

It is just so fab in the monochrome. Nice work Sophiac.

How much am I lovin this necklace by Surly found here. It is everything i like, birds, purple, silver and the rock chick look.

And lastly a fabulous pair of earrings. Found here.

Finally some making

2008-08-21T07:05:00.004Z

It has been a while since I have been able to face making anything. But at the end of last week I started again. These are bags that have been placed as custom orders.

mmmm

2008-07-24T07:15:00.001Z

i have had a good week of selling things non shop based but etsy is still not selling after the first initail flurrish.
I think i need to do something radical, with my making and other things. Think i need a change, voluntary work, teacher exchange something completely different. To try and get the joy back.
Need to go and investiagte.

Trying out new ideas

2008-07-16T19:31:00.003Z

Today i have been trying to make a drawing string bag that isnt lined. Couldnt find anything in the books i own, typical. So i have created my own.

I have also been listening to Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah and Wiley -Wearing my rolex. Been kinda dancing around whilst making. Must becareful with the scissors!

More photographs

2008-07-13T16:29:00.002Z

I have been busy clearing up the house, making up for the last few weeks where all i have done is make things. But I also found some time to take some photographs.
The neighbours cat who keeps visiting:One of my new bags with hand goccoed peacock design.
Flower in my garden - what a great colour.
Another new bag I have made using the peaccock design.
Ah yes, where all the magic happens, my study.

Interesting Times

2008-07-12T16:30:00.002Z

Still had no sales on etsy but my head is clearer. Been a strange week though. Had a great morning at a wood fair, all things to do with wood funnily enough. Beautiful birds of prey there. Had to take some photographs.

New bags and bits

2008-07-09T18:35:00.003Z

I must restock my shop. I have made many things but seem to be running out of steam with etsy. Think it is because I haven't had a sale for 2 months. Thing is I have got lots of orders and sales elsewhere so there is no reason for me to feel bothered by this, but I still do. My head is in many places at the moment. Winding down for the summer, getting ready for September. Thinking about life in general, do I be sensible or go crazy, splash out, save for things to come, go with my gut feeling, think ahead, weigh up everything????? Arrr tooooo many choices, someone to tell me the answers would be good. Only good thing is the doodles that have come from this pondering.

Here are a few of them. Maybe things will come clear if I don't overthink them. Doing the right thing from a choice of 2 right things is impossible. How can you choose.

Making side of things - My cards using my Gocco turned out fantastically and I sold quite a few at the fair.

I am back

2008-07-07T19:17:00.004Z

I had a wicked weekend at the Mighty Boosh festival. Here are some photos. Now I shall start to restock my shop.

Shop shut for the weekend

2008-07-03T19:26:00.003Z

I have shut my etsy shop for the weekend as I am going to a have a stall at a fair and then restock it with lots of new goodies. Also off to a one day festival - whooh the Mighty Boosh. I can't wait. There will be photos, new bags and special offers at the beginning of next week. Feeling pretty chipper.

Heres a few sneaky peak photos and new bags:

I am in love

2008-06-29T15:26:00.004Z

I am in love with my Gocco printer. Spent several very happy hours this afternoon printing on fabric and paper with my Gocco. I created 2 new images with the special pens to print with, plus I revived one that been wrapped up in the fridge for about a month. Tried one of the master screens to use with fabric like a screen print rather than the machine. Was a little sceptical to begin with but actually gives a great deal of flexibility. The peacock I drew is my new favourite image and I have printed it on a range of fabrics ready for many hours of sewing.

Really love using embossing powder on the greeting cards whilst the ink is still wet, gives such a fantastic effect.

Been making for almost the entire weekend and I can only seem to work well in a mess.

Rush job

2008-06-28T05:23:00.002Z

Wow, must be getting better at making bags, was able to do a rush order for someone. We had a memeber of staff retire on Friday and on Wednesday I was asked to make her a bag to remind her of Devon when she moved to Spain. Good luck in Spain Stephanie. I managed it, got nothing else done though for 2 evenings but I feel pleased with the results.

Wow, time goes past again so fast

2008-06-24T18:41:00.004Z

FInally finished the commissioned bag I was making for someone on the theme of Dartmoor.

I am very pleased with how it has turned out. I was hoping work was going to quiten down so i could spend more time making but this does not seem to be happening. ONly 4 weeks till the end of term now. Running a stall at a local summer fair in 2 weeks, need to pull my finger out and finish the things I have been making. Less talk and more action I thinks. Any way here is the finished product:

New Books

2008-06-08T07:30:00.005Z

Today I am going to blog about some new books I have recently got, I am rarely disappointed by books, I could live in a library, however these ones are particularly good.

The first one is: The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are.

I agree the title does make it sound a little corny however it has been very reassuring and encouraging. It contains little mini tasks to do, to get the juices flowing. I found this at just the right time, feeling fed up that nothing has sold in my shop for a month, even though I have had lots of private orders. It is helping to keep me focused on doing things because I love them not to sell. I shall share the results as soon as I have some. Bought a new sketch book yesterday especially.

Book 2: Painted Quilt: Paint and Print Techniques for Colour on Quilts

Wow, it is so imspiring. I have no other books quite like this one. Lots of ideas and quite hard core quilts, no chintz in sight. It really spoke to me. Simple things like applying colour after working on the fabric. Really recommend this to anyone who likes working on fabric and feels like moving their direction.

Book 3: Altered Photo Artistry

Another massive, wow. If you have photoshop or photoshop elements there is loads of really sound advice in here on things to do with it. Within 5 minutes of owning the book I was on the computer and doing a new thing with my pictures and I thought I knew quite a bit already. If you don't have these programmes, good news the book comes with a CD that contains a trial version. I would describe it as a step by step book, but I would say it takes you through the whole process of using your photos on fabric with stitching. Already planning a project using the ideas. Another book with ideas in I have not come across before.

I am a going to be busy playing with all the new ideas I have read over the week end. No more books for a while now so that I can really get into these. Off to finish a commissioned bag inspired by Dartmoor, pictures coming soon.

New bag

2008-06-04T18:24:00.004Z

I have finished one of the bags that I had been commissioned to make. It uses an altered image of honeysuckle, which can be seen here. I am very pleased with how it turned out as it is a different shape from what I have made before and the longest handle so far. Very pleased with the slider bars I bought from meowcraft, she is a great seller I would recommend her highly.

Almost run out of this material and as it was from a Laura Ashley curtain it has been difficult to get more, have tried. Managed to find something similar though. Hope to make another similar to this for my shop.

Trees with my gocco - step by step

2008-05-30T15:19:00.003Z

I have been playing with my new gocco and as I love trees so much I decided to create a screen from a photograph I had taken. Here is a photo of the results:

I thought I would share with you how I got to the final stage.

Step 1: Find a suitable photo which using a programme such as photoshop elements can be converted into black and white.

Step 2: I decided to reverse it and make it small emough to fit on my Gocco screen when I photocopied.

Step 3: Flash a screen with your gocco bulbs and then begin to print. I used a high mesh screen and fabric inks.

New ideas

2008-05-30T07:44:00.004Z

I have been thinking of ways to get work onto canvas. I thought I would show you how I achieved this piece:

Step 1 - Find a butterfly that will hold still!!

Step 2: Using a photo editing software add a frame (great groups on flickr for this)

Step 3: Using a piece of text from an old family postcard add a layer of text

Step 4: Make the picture the size of the canvas

Finally I stuck a piece of ribbon around the edge of the canvas.

Restful weekend

2008-05-29T06:20:00.004Z

We went to Bristol for the weekend to see De La Soul. They have been around 20 years and still great, they were one of the best groups I have seen in a while, got really involved with the crowd.

Saw this great gallery called Snap just the kind of thing I would love to be part of. Bought some fabric in Ikea,

Can't wait to make some bags from it. Bought 2 fab books: The sew it kit by amy butler and Last minute fabric gifts.

They are both gorgeous and I can't wait to make things from them. I would definately recoment the amy butler kit as a gift for someone.

Haven't had a sale on my shop for a while. Can only think I haven't been uploading enough new stuff, last 2 months were bang on with how much I wanted to sell and then this month, oh dear! I even had a special offer on, they are obviously not worth it. Well good news is I have some custom orders so at least I have time to get on with them. Hey ho.

I have returned.

2008-05-25T15:08:00.004Z

Well that was a weird week. The strangest inspection I have had. Felt very strange the day after, like they may just come back. Now i feel relaxed. I can get back to making and doing the things I had to put on stand-by.

Went to Tescos this morning and they had a clothes sale on, bought several plain t-shirts to try Gocco printing on.

Finally got the photos of my camera from the Pamper evening that I had a stall at. Sorry they are a bit hard to see by they were in a school hall and I used my old camera.

Must just show you all this photo of 2 damselflies that flew into my house the other day. They landed on the curtain net, managed to get them out through the window.

One last things - Special offer - Spend $10 or more (£5) and get a free

brooch of your choice on my etsy shop - Sequin Girlie. Come along and have a look.

It has finally arrived - the inspection.

2008-05-17T17:00:00.004Z

On wednesday the school I work at will be inspected. We are doing a good job I believe but it is still stressful. I feel nervous about what I might be asked. Fairly sure I know the answers but that doesn't stop me worrying. So roll on Wednesday evening. Slept really badly last night. Fell asleep fine but couldn't stay asleep for long. Spent the afternoon laying on the sofa watching films, What's eating gilbert grape and Hero. Love both of them. Doubt I will blog much this week.

I just want to sleep properly. Think I might have a play with my Gocco, how i love it.

Whooh

2008-05-13T19:18:00.004Z

Got an order for a fabric journal for somebodies daughter's 21st birthday. Luckily it is not till August so I have time to make it. It will be one similar to this one

Must finish the 2 bags I am working on for commission at the moment. The weather is fab and so I have been down the allotment instead.

Must share this photo that I was able to take whilst out in the garden at the weekend. I often have trouble with butterflies as they are just so flighty!!

2008-05-11T08:15:00.002Z

my new bags using my gocco printer.

Went down well

2008-05-11T07:47:00.004Z

These are my first set of cards created with my new gocco printer. Oh how much I love it.

The pamper evening I attended at a local school was a success. I sold my poppy picture, which was a bit of a wrench, 3 bags and 2 brooches. Couldn't have hopped for better.

On a completely random subject, went to see the new russell brand film, forgetting sarah marshall, it is very funny but rude, wasn't ready for a full male frontal!!

Soooo tired

2008-05-06T18:03:00.002Z

Why can't I sleep properly. I can get to sleep but come the early hours thats it, I am aawake. Trouble is I feel so tired but I don't want to sit still, I want to be making things, I have so many ideas buzzing round my head. I have so much I want to do in the day, I love my life I don't want to waste it sat still resting.

Managed to find the time - even though I would love a time slowing down machine.

2008-05-05T14:43:00.004Z

Wow, feel almost ready for the big inspection at work and also for the pamper evening that I am having a stall at.

Thank goodness for the Bank holiday, making it a three day weekend!!!

Managed to make and finish several bags and made a new batch of brooches. Completely different from before. They were inspired by a bag I made using some Liberty fabric.

The pressure

2008-05-01T20:30:00.002Z

Work is rather manic at the moment, waiting for the big inspection to land. Find this really annoying as I wanted to spend time making. Been invited to have a stall at a school's pamper evening. Wanted to make some cute stuff but now loads of paper work and marking instead. Good news sold another bag through my shop and taken another custom order. Although it does mean I have one less item to sell through the pamper evening.
Must go now and cut out a few bags.

Busy, busy

2008-04-29T19:44:00.001Z

Since I went back to work last week life has become a bit of a blurr. One of the bags I made over the holidays was chosen by my work colleague. Then other people started seeing it and now I have people wanting to chat about handbag commissions. It is great but so much for trying to get ahead of myself. Been invited to have a stall at a pamper evening next week. Arrggh need to make some new things for that.
Busy busy, no time to write. Will be back for an update soon.

Brooches and more brooches

2008-04-20T17:46:00.005Z

I am worried I might getting addicted to making these.

I have finished the ones that were in progress. Need to post one in my shop soon as both the ones that were in there have gone. I had a bit of trouble machine stitching round the ones that already had their pins sewn on so I hand stitched them instead whilst watching Back to the Future 3. I love 80s films. Found the handstitching very relaxing think I should do more of it. Mmm now I must decide which one to post on etsy.

Feeling better.

2008-04-18T09:56:00.004Z

I feel much better today, not sure if it is to do with the retail therapy I experienced yesterday. Thanks to my friend Jo for being a great shopping companion. Finished my new handbag in time to use it.

Oh and, I sold the flower brooch I had listed in my etsy shop. Very pleased that people/someone likes it. I love my new project in felt brooch making. Scrap that I have no sold both the brooches I had listed. May favourite one, the leaf has gone. Had to spend most of today doing boring paper work, planning lessons, as I am back at work soon. Did fit in a bit of time for some card making.

Just had to share this photo of my cat who was enjoying the sunshine:

Trying to make the most of things and a small rant.

2008-04-16T07:38:00.010Z

I am now half way through my second week off work. Tried to make the most of the time off to make things but I seem to have hit a wall. Felt very depressed yesterday and tired, doesn't help that I am not sleeping well. Want to look back over the 9 days 8 days I have had a feel I have lots to show for them. Not entirely sure why I feel fed up. Had a great day with my husband on Monday, went to see Jose Gonzalez fantastic singer and guitar player. One small rant though why is it when people go to a gig they insist on talking through the main performer. Don't mind so much through the support. At one point I could barely hear the singing because of the talking, go out to the pub if you want a yap. We had to move away from the worst people. And another thing..! People who constantly use their mobiles when out with someone at a gig. Is it not enough that you are out having a good time with a person you like. Stop thinking about what you think you are missing. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE and live for the moment.

I will watch over it for you!

Right on to lighter things:

Made the most of the sun again yesterday and sun dyed some fabric in pink. I used feather and cut out butterflies and flowers this time.

I have also been working on more brooches but in different colours this time. I think I am liking the leaves more than the flowers now.

I am now off to work on a bag for myself for a change.

Trying to design a screen for printing

2008-04-15T09:06:00.003Z

I have thought and thought about whether to buy a Gocco machine to print on fabric, and thought some more. Then I saw on wonderful lusummers blog about thermofax who print screens for you. So I think I will have a go at this first. Been spending a lot of the last 2 days working on creating the right image and trying to think how it would work. I would welcome people's opinions. The 2 are of a similar image but have come out quite differently. I am not so keen on the bottom one because part of the flower is cut off. What do you think?

Brooches like tutti fruities

2008-04-13T16:31:00.004Z

I previously made one of these brooches but now I have gone crazy and made a small batch. Then all began life as pieces of loosely hand made pieces of felt.

Then I free machine embroidered them and hand stitched beads on. I love the way the colours have turned out.

Hope to get some in my shop soon.

New items for blog

2008-04-13T13:35:00.003Z

I have decided it is time I put more effort into my blog. I am going to big up call textile artist I have met through etsy. However I want to do other things aswell. I was thinking maybe about a tutorial for something I make. If anyone has any suggestions feel free to put them in the comments. We have still been having weird weather. Today in our village only (we were driving back from Tescos in the city and saw the change from rain to our village which looked like a bean bag explosion.) we had hail that was like polystyrene balls. 4 hours later, the sun has been out and it stil hasn't melted. Here is our house and garden:

I have uploaded the first of my new shopping/tote bags to my shop now and it is a bright summer fabric. Makes me feel hopeful that the warmer weather will come.

Bags and brooches

2008-04-11T07:58:00.003Z

I have been beavering away all this week. Incase you haven't guessed I haven't been at my other job this week. I have made some cotton bags, almost finished 2 really detailed ones and 5 brooches.

I also went out fabric shopping and had a big splurge. Laura Ashley had a sale on which didn't help.
I must go now and make some more things with this fabric. I shall post a big picture update soon.

What strange weather

2008-04-09T20:51:00.003Z

Well it has been so cold at night, frosts most mornings and then gorgeous during the day. I can't remember the last time we had it this cold so late. I do remember being able to wear sandels at this time of year before. However I have made the most of the sunshine. I have been dying some material to match fabric I have got. I am working on another bag idea, keeping this one secret for now. I decided to make the most of the sun and do some sun reactive dying. Here are some pictures of what I been doing.

New bag ideas

2008-04-07T17:21:00.000Z

I am very excited following my mums advice I have created a bag that does not need lining instead i use a french seam. It has a print on the front from one of my husbands wood cuts. VEry pleased with my new shopper.

editing photos

2008-04-06T15:46:00.004Z

All is well, I have made a 2nd sale, one of my photographs. How wierd that on the day I write a big entry about sales, and post in the etsy forum and i end up with 2. WOnder if there is a link. THat will keep my spirits lifted for the rest of the month. Think about 2 or 3 sales a month steadily would fund my ability to keep making with out it becoming too over whelming. HAve spent most of today editing photos to have printed and then list on etsy. Need to start making the bag someone has asked me to do. Somewhere in amongst this fun stuff I have to do paper work for my job. Mmmm making or paper work. Let me guess which will win. Here is a peek at one of the photos i have been working on.

and another.

New idea

2008-04-06T08:22:00.002Z

After making my gorgeous corduroy bag,

I decided to have a go at making one like a brooch to match. Think it works.

WHOOH

2008-04-05T11:04:00.001Z

I have made a sale. It is the handbag with a poppy on it. I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at my emails and there it was. Just waiting for payment now. Packaging it up beautifully now.

Trying so hard.

2008-04-05T06:11:00.003Z

I am trying so hard to get my business up and running, but still feel like giving up. HAve had business cards printed now. My fav are the little moo ones (photos to come soon). I have made my self a brochure on photobox and started showing it to colleagues, friends etc. Not sure where to go next. Hoping in the summer holidays to visit some local shops and galleries to see what they think. In the mean time I must keep making and promoting. Wish I could just get one sale from etsy. Coz right now I keep thinking "am i being un realistic". Everyone i show my stuff to says "oh its so great, where do you get the time?" and it is so kind, but isn't making me feel better. Most of all i love custom making things for people and i had an alchemy, custom design thing fall through, which i was so excited about. I spent loads of time making designs and samples ready to send and then they never gave me their email and address. Next thing was they rejected my bid. Wish I knew why as they hadn't even seen my designs when they had asked for them. Oh my, this is the longest written post I have done in a long time. Ho hum. Must keep going, people like Guerilla Embroidery give me hope. She is doing really well at building up her business. You go girl. Off to do some more making I think.

Time to finish up.

2008-03-23T10:18:00.004Z

Been really focusing on trying to finish items that have been around for a while, sometimes a year or more.
Denim bag:

Microscope slide that had needed putting together:

Orange silk credit card/business card holder:

Another handbag:

Now need to work on getting these onto etsy.

First Ever Treasury on Etsy

2008-03-14T09:58:00.003Z

Created my first ever treasury on etsy. Bigging up artists from the UK and new comers:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33688

2008-03-14T08:09:00.009Z

Looking at all the custom items I can make:
Fabric books - With photos, sayings and special items: (See previous posts for other fabric book)

Fabric 3D constructions using photos and collected items from cards and on the holiday/wedding:

I also made a cushion for my sister that had photos of us as kids on it, but I forgot to photgraph it.

Special boxes for keeping treasured items in:

Etsy

2008-03-09T15:56:00.001Z

Have been working hard on my shop and have ended up buying things from others instead of selling my own so far. This gorgeous necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7722369
And this fab picture which I have been lusting over for ages.
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7732975

Wow I have an etsy shop

2008-03-02T14:10:00.002Z

2008-02-13T07:57:00.001Z

Just thought I would share this link to fab valentines images:
http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/

tree nearby 3

2008-02-11T16:48:00.001Z

tree nearby 3
Originally uploaded by sequin girl

I put an effort in a while ago to up load and then it has not happened again. I am so rubbish at being a creature of habit. Thing is I love making more than writing about it. Really enjoying playing with photoshop elements at the moment. Here are some of the things I have done. All started at as an everyday digital photo in colour of a woodland land path near where I live.

Back finally

2008-01-19T18:07:00.000Z

How long has it been!! I have been so busy creating and working to fund it that I forgot to Blog. Can't believe the last one was May. I am going to share lots of photos of what I have been upto so that I can begin again a fresh and not need to keep talking about what I have done. Really into taking photos at the moment and making my own books using Photobox.co.uk. After the photos will be a list of what they are. Number from 1 top right going horizontally left and then onto the next etc.

1 - Thank you cards

2 - Smoke tree in our garden

3 - swan feathers

4 - Felt piece

5 - Fabric Book for friends daughter

6 - Tassel on book

7 & 8 - Pages in book

9 - Stitched tree on hand dyed fabric

10 - Embellished felt

11 - Birdy sketch

12 & 13 - Felt trees

ATCs

2007-05-30T06:38:00.000Z

I have been busy making and swapping ATCs. On the left is a mosaic of the ones I have made.

I have also been busy and made a holder to display all the lovely ATCs I have received from the trades.

Have been experimenting with different ways to use all the photos that I take. Here are some pictures of an accoridan book that I made about my holiday to Barcelona.

birds of a feather another view

2007-05-29T15:13:00.001Z

birds of a feather another view
Originally uploaded by tamelyn

Ideas for house structure

2007-05-29T15:12:00.001Z

birds of a feather
Originally uploaded by tamelyn

Been busy lately and have decided i want to make a fabric house next. Perhaps to keep my wedding book in. This one is fab.

Lucky LARGE parcels no2

2007-05-18T08:49:00.001Z

Lucky LARGE parcels no2
Originally uploaded by Life in a flash.

This is the lucky parcel swap I am going to get, very excited.

Finally, a decent update.

2007-05-06T13:01:00.000Z

It has been a very long time since I properly updated my blog. Many reasons: Busy making things, computer trouble and hectic at work.

Where shall I begin?

I know. Recently most of my time has been taken up with creating a fabric book for my mum. You can see all the page in the photo. Learn't lots of new techniques to put the pictures in. Printing on fabric using freezer paper, iron on transfers, cellulose thinners, printing own messages on twill tape ........

Fabric Journal Trade

The fabric journal trade. I posted off all my pages and have received all but one of mine. Now working on front and back cover. We took at trip to London and I was able to treat myself to a piece of fabric from Liberty of London.

http://www.liberty.co.uk/what_s_in_store/home/dress_fabrics_haberdashery/559

Treated myself to an eyelet maker which helped make my decision to created a ring bound book for the fabric journal trade. Really enjoyed taking part in this, learnt many new skills so that I could create the pages. Including tricks with my soldering iron.

Inchies

Also recently joined in with a group trade in 'inchies'. Except ours are 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch. Glad they are this size as they are fiddly enough to work with. Really enjoying making these. Ended up signing up twice. To make 24 purple ones and 24 green ones. Still time to sign up again if i feel insane enough. Mostly finished the purple ones:

Going to get on with the green ones this afternoon.

ATCs

Been making a batch of fabric ATCs. Not quite finished yet. Two are already traded but looking for people to trade the others with. Shall post more pictures when they are finished.

Tassels

Have also taken part in a tassel trade (have to watch that when you search on google. Many other tassels come up!!!). Received two of mine, one more still to arrive. Here are a few pics.

(the first pic is one made for me, the others are made by me)

Lastly, I have a new favourite magazine. Cloth, paper, scissors, which is from the US, but managed to find a company over here where I can buy back issues. Also subscribed to it. Can't wait for the May/June copy as Ruth Rae (whose blog I read regularly) has work published in there.

Right back to creating, and I will endevour not to leave it so long next time.

so long since last blog

2007-04-04T08:20:00.000Z

I JUST don't know where the time goes. Finally on a break from work. Been very busy. All fabric journal swap pages have been finished and sent. On a new book now, but very top secret at the moment. Really excited about image transfering which I am very into at the moment. Been using cellulose thinners, which is so quick and fantastic. Want to start using resin to make my own charms. Must focus on one project at a time. Revamped the study last weekend too. Much more space and easy to get to everything now. Still not perfectly tidy but I don't think it will every be with the amount I use it. Shall post pictures soon.

Any day soon

2007-02-14T07:31:00.000Z

HAng in there everyone, any day soon there will be a blog about all the finished fabric journal pages, hoping to make it a long one.

Finally some work to show

2006-12-31T12:10:00.000Z

It has been a while as I have been soooooooo busy at work but I have made excellent progress on the journal pages. Here goes: (I have decided not to say which one is for who as it keeps some of the element of surprise.

1) All done and I have made a bead with local stone to go in another of the pockets.

2) I used my new soldering iron on this one to cut in the words. This backing material was dyed by me.

3) This one is inspired by Dartmoor and I used my soldering iron to cut out the leaves and my own dyed material and made felt.

4) I have finished the back of this one now, which i used chiffon to layer the threads with.

There are two others in mid progess. Photos to follow shortly. But for now here is a collection of close ups of some of the pages:

Long time no blog

2006-12-28T19:00:00.000Z

Very soon there will be lots of pictures posted of the fabric journal pages I have been working on.
Watch out.

Half Term

2006-10-24T16:40:00.000Z

At the start of the week, so i have a few days ahead of me to get some work done. Today i finished some necklaces that had been hanging around for a while. There is one with brown beads and the other 2 all white.

I have also made head way on the pages.

I have now started planning the eye of the soul page:
Hopefully there will be much to come this week.

making progress

2006-10-11T19:06:00.000Z

Have managed to find time this week to work on fabric journal pages, rather than just doing stuff for work. Ahhh parent's evening next week.
Have made good progress on the St Ives inspired page:

Have also made fab progress on the peace prayers page:

Also found a much better way of displaying finished work ta dahhh:

2006-10-07T16:25:00.000Z

Been very busy at work but have finally really put some work into the fabric journal pages for the swap, here is one that is laid out ready to sew

Long time no blog

2006-09-24T20:31:00.000Z

It has been a while as i have been busy at work. Finally i have got round to posting. Went to a stitch and craft show yesterday, wow. Spent lots of money but could have spent even more. Bought myself a soldering iron so that i do not have to keep borrowing the other halves DIY one. I have begun work on my fabric journal pieces.

I have also been working on my silk painting again and trying out the guttering over predyed areas, this works really well. Bought lots of wonderful things at the show and now i am trying out silk paint on velvet and devore paste.

First piece of found art

2006-08-20T10:24:00.000Z

IF you find my FOUND ART piece please go to my profile at the bottom of the page and email me. Left my first piece of found art in a bird hide around the edge of Roadford reservoir. Exciting as this is my first foray into this and have been planning it for a while. Hope someone finds it and lets me know.

Also created another piece for this but haven't decided where i shall leave it yet.

So busy and so little time left

2006-08-16T07:34:00.000Z

So busy yesterday that i didn't get time to post an entry. Only got 3 whole days left to do lots on this, then it is back to reality and trying to squeeze it into evenings and weekends. Made 4 business card holders yesterday, 2 still need stitching together.
Worked out how to make one that opens the other way.
Did lots of fabric painting but alas the sun didn't come out so i couldn't do my light reactive paint work.
Started on a small fabric hanging using angelina originally for found art but i like it so much i am now not sure. Have now mostly finished it, but not sure what to do with it.

Started to plan a bag with a piece of fabric that i haven't used because i have been liking it too much. Have now finished it and I am very pleased, a pure piece of indulgence for me.

Very excitied by the fabric journal i have signed up for on flickr, making a different journal page for each person, going to be a big challenge as i have never done anything like this before. Really going to get the juices flowing as i need to come up with interpretations of everyones theme.
Have also made a slightly larger purse which could be used for all sorts of things.

Also made another bag. I am like a possessed thing.

Learning even more

2006-08-14T12:42:00.000Z

Have been busy this morning, mostly finished the green and denim bag now. I have then spent sometime searching the net and found out how to make business card holders:
Another link with pattern
http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=PR1023
I have now finished my first one.

Where has summer gone?

2006-08-13T15:27:00.000Z

Indeed where has it gone, need a very thick fleece on this morning when i went for a walk.
Been a busy weekend, mostly chores. Have found time to fit in some creating even if it has been in the early hours of the morning. Mostly finished sisters bag now. Just need to add personalised tag.

Also nearly finished first fabric book. Stitched over some ribbon to help it work better with the book.

Bought some markal paintstiks yesterday, now trying to find a cool online video i watched before about how to use them. I shall let you know how i get on.
Working late into the evening and creating another bag.

Only half a day

2006-08-11T18:53:00.000Z

Got up a bit later today and only have half a day on fridays so had to work fast. Sticked all the pockets and flaps into the book i'm making. Finally remembered how to do button holes on my machine.
Then finished my second ATC. Foundly known in our house as the mini magic carpet.

Then made a small envelope style purse with the remains of the morning. Very pleased as this is my first one of these and i found a way to close it.
Good morning session all round and off to buy supplies this afternoon.

So many projects

2006-08-10T07:02:00.000Z

ATC card now has fringed edges and I worked late into the night. Found someone to swap with and it is flying off to the Netherlands today.
Picked out next piece I want to work on. I created this a while ago at a workshop and have been mulling over ever since what to do with it. I love the texture so much I think i am becoming too precious about using it. We shall see. Also going to do another ATC today.

Been working hard all day but I still don't know where the time has gone. Decided to turn the above fabric into a small book. Went outside in the very gusty wind to dye some fabric for the inside pages as i didn't have anything suitable. Even after a very messy rummage.

Then had to dye it some more as when it dried it was soooooo much lighter than i expected.

Then set about turning this fabric into pages and pockets.

Almost ready to stitch it all together but need to remember how to make button holes as one of the pockets inside is like an envelope. Also been working on another piece that i created the background for last year.

It was lots of cut and bondawebbed material. I have now created buttons out of friendly plastic to attach to it.
Wonder what else i can get done in the time left before i have to clear up. I have now spread across the whole of downstairs, and outside.

Exciting day

2006-08-09T15:29:00.000Z

Made really good progress on sisters bag. All textile work machined on. Ready to put lining in. Have stitched handles. Moved onto making a fabric ATC. It has gone really well. Used a piece of fabric i made that was left over from a box i created. Then foiled and embossed it. Then used a piece of modellin paste work that i created at a workshop. I used inks, metallic wax and lustre powder to decorate it. Now i have stitched the item together. Just need to find someone to swap it with.

Have been reading loads about the found art thing today. Really keen to do this. Want loads of people to do it too. Think i might leave some when i go to Reading festival. Also found a cool webiste, thanks to the cool people at flickr, which sends out letters about creativity.
http://www.painterskeys.com/default.asp
Gonna give this a go.
Also found this really interesting article about keeping an art journal:
http://www.busywomen.com.au/visual_journal.htm

Already thinking about what i want to make for the found art work. A painting???
Heres to another exciting day tomorrow.
When you give away a little piece of your heart, you're giving away the only thing you can give away, which, after you do, you got more left than you had before you gave some of it away.-- Don Hutson

Mmm Wednesday. What next.

2006-08-09T08:02:00.000Z

Found very interesting website through flickr: www.foundart.org Really worth a look. I shall keep a record on here of how mine goes.

Think I shall try and finish my sisters bag today and then make a book cover (first time).
Foiling went well yesterday so i have got a little carried away.

Almost finished sun felt work

2006-08-08T15:31:00.000Z

Almost finished sun felt work
Originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Well I think it may be nearly done. I shall have to leave it alone for a bit to decide. Took off the red wire along the edge and added some more machine embroidery. Back to real life stuff now. Ho hum.

Mmm what to do..

2006-08-08T09:40:00.000Z

I have taken out all my partially started pieces and my completed ones. I have finally sorted and photographed all the finished ones. I am now deciding which on to finish next.
I have decided to work on a felt piece i started last summer:

I am making a thread to go around the edge first.

Upclose of made thread
Originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Next i added more wire to the edges.
Now i have placed a pieces of painted bondaweb in the centre and machined a spiral

Bondaweb centre
Originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Have put on transfer foil as rays. Rather a stress remembering how to use it. Thank goodness for stitch magazine. Now adding final stitching.

Found this website and idea about found art. Take a look:
http://www.foundart.org

Struggling with blog

2006-08-08T07:36:00.000Z

Today i am trying to find another way to get pictures on here as my blog writer is not working properly. I finishes the bag yesterday. And started to finish another one that i had had on the go for a while. PIctures will come when i can get it to work properly.
Bag 1 - stamped design

DSCF0067, originally uploaded by sequin girl.

DSCF0070, originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Bag 2 - soldering iron cut out butterflies and paint.

DSCF0069, originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Mmm what to do today??

Silk butterfly with wadding

2006-08-08T06:50:00.000Z

Here are some photographs of past work that I have done

Silk butterfly with wadding, originally uploaded by sequin girl.

Created last year. Silk painted then machine embroidered with wadding behind.

ATC card for sister - first attempt

2006-08-07T10:12:00.000Z

Progress of the ATC
Using textile techniques such as creating own ribbon.
Created lettering using velum
Created texture background with dreamweaver embossing paste
Bit of glitter glue and some sequins
Learnt how to use a stamp with fusible film

Finished !!! Feeling quite happy with first attempt.

Mmm what next today??

2006-08-07T09:47:00.000Z

This is my first blog - I have decided to document my art workings and how they progress in the hope that it will clarify my mind, become a digital sketch book and connect with others. Here goes:
Right now I am into -
Learning about ATC
Stamping on fabric
Learning about altered books
Making fabric books

Start of an ATC for my sister

Beginnings of the inside of fabric book

Outside of fabric book so far.

I have also made loads of card lately for family birthdays etc.