Yellow Chiffon Dress : Pianoforte at Matches
1960s Vintage Dress : Candy Says
Dandelion Clocks Print Fabric : Sanderson
Blue Floral Fabric : Ditto Fabrics
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Fabrics and Fashion: Mustard, Red and Blue
Yellow Chiffon Dress : Pianoforte at Matches
1960s Vintage Dress : Candy Says
Dandelion Clocks Print Fabric : Sanderson
Blue Floral Fabric : Ditto Fabrics
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Knithacker
Knit Hacker is full of wonderful creations, made from reimagining knitting patterns, merging and melting, and creating from the colourful parts of your mind. Take a look and feast your eyes.
Here are a few of my favourites.
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| Knitted Art Sign : Photograph by ALEXAH |
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| Knitted Polymer Clay Brooch : Claire Wallis |
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| Knitted Caravan : Photograph by David Welch |
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| Knitted Legwarmer Suspenders |
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| Crocheted Picture Frames : Lola Nova Blog Tutorial |
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| Knitted Bike and Bike Rack : Photograph by Stu Rapley |
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Japan Tsunami Appeal : Ganbare Nippon Charity Shop
On Friday 11th March 2011 Japan suffered a gigantic Earthquake followed by a devastating Tsunami, and is now hit by radiation problems around their nuclear plants. In the face of such disasters, money is needed to provide immediate relief and assistance. The people behind Illustration Rally have set up a charity shop where you can buy work donated by artists, with all money going to charity. I've donated a couple of pieces and there are lots and lots of wonderful things to buy from many different artists. You can also donate on their Just Giving page.
There's more information on the appeal and how to submit work to the shop on the Illustration Rally Blog. Please do check it out.
Handmade by Emily Shop // Facebook // Twitter
There's more information on the appeal and how to submit work to the shop on the Illustration Rally Blog. Please do check it out.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Handmade by Emily : New Collections and New Starts
This week started off in quite a despondent way, but luckily this feeling didn't stick around for long. My boyfriend, Adam, and I are setting up our own business, as well as me focusing on my little handmade business, Handmade by Emily, and Adam on his work as a musician. Whilst it is exciting and feels like the right thing to do in order to create the future that we want, it is also quite difficult. At times it feels like you're eternally fumbling around in the dark unable to find the light switch that will lead you to the right path. But, we always keep our end goal in sight. It's the light at the end of the tunnel.
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| Stuck in traffic on the way to Earls Court. This photo pretty much sums up driving in London. |
On Monday we went to the Ideal Home Show. We were expecting to find lots of innovative new products and technologies that we could utilise in our new business project, however we found it was a lot more sales based aimed at people looking to do small-scale renovations in their homes. I suspect a lot of people working in the booths may have auditioned for The Apprentice. If they haven't, then they've certainly been taking tips from it. I feel so uncomfortable with overt sales pitches when browsing and am likely to walk away, even if I liked the product. Especially if they try to embrace you like an old friend. Take note, tactile wood-cabin salesman.
Spring has definitely sprung in the garden.
Borders full of blooming shrubs and a pond full of tadpole.
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| There's something about the outdoors that's so soothing. |
The rest of the week was spent working hard on new business projects and rediscovering the sense of optimism that can get mislaid when times get tough. I think the sunshine definitely helped to clear the clouds from our minds, and lunchtime walks through the countryside filled us with hope.
Afternoon coffee breaks with biscuits and almond macaroons helped too, of course.
I spent a lot of time getting my new collections ready to be launched in the Handmade by Emily Shop on Friday. I finished making all the pieces, made all the packaging by hand, photographed the products, edited them and wrote up all the descriptions. It was nice to spend a few days focusing on it all day and seeing the journey from start to finish. And all to the soundtrack of BBC 6 Music and The Godfather I and II.
And now I'm off to lose myself in the countryside and while away the afternoon.
How did you spend your week?
Friday, 25 March 2011
Buttons and Brooches: New collections in the Handmade by Emily Shop
Today has been quite an exciting day, and a good way to end a busy week, as I've launched two new handmade product lines in my shop. One is a range of hand-sewn and hand-embroidered brooches, and the other is a range of fabric buttons.
I've been wanting to create new products and push my business forward for a while now but haven't had the time to focus on it. After a few months of sketching and thinking and dreaming, I've come up with lots of new handmade products that I'll be launching throughout the year. I want my little business to expand slowly, so that I can make sure that I have time to create things that I really love and have developed until they're as perfect as can be. I hope you'll love them too!
Brooches
Each brooch is unique and hand sewn and embroidered with tiny stitches. It's lightly padded before being sewn together so that it has more depth and contours like cheekbones. The back of the brooch has been neatly finished with a piece of red felt and the gold plated fastening has been securely stitched on with gold thread. And, of course, it's available in lots of different colours! I've launched a small collection today but there will be more added each week.
I've always wanted to make some jewellery, but put my own twist on it, so hope you like this collection of brooches.
Buttons
I like altering clothes, upcycling them and adding embellishments to them so that they are unique and a bit different, especially in a world where fashions are increasingly uniform thanks to the high street. Buttons are a great way to jazz up an item of clothing and can make even the most basic piece look expensive. Pretty buttons are also great to use in crafts or to display. My mum had some light turquoise vintage buttons framed for me as a gift a few years ago, and it now takes pride of place in my studio.
I find it difficult to find unusual and attractive buttons in the shops. There seem to be a lot of boring and overpriced buttons. So I decided to launch my own range of buttons covered in striking fabrics, some of which are vintage or upcycled. I hope you like them and make sure you check back as I will be adding new sets of buttons each week.
You can find all of these things in the Handmade by Emily Shop.
I'm a bit nervous as I haven't made anything like these before so please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Friday, 18 March 2011
Comic Relief and Japanese Disaster Appeal
Over the past week I've been watching the series of disasters in Japan with horror. It's pretty much incomprehensible. Today is also Red Nose Day in the UK, which is an annual national fundraiser for those in need in the UK and Africa.
Japan
Here is some information from the Red Cross about the situation in Japan.
The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March have caused widespread destruction and suffering, relayed on television screens around the world.
More than 4,300 people have died in the disaster, thousands are injured or missing, and more than 440,000 people have had to leave their homes.
The costs of the relief effort, and of rebuilding the homes and lives of those affected, will be immense. Donations to the British Red Cross will be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster over the coming months and years.The alert level at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant has been raised to a level 5 alert, on a scale of 1 to 7.
You can donate money online at:
Many shops and charity shops are collecting if you wish to donate in person.
There are lots of fundraising events around the country so keep an eye out for posters and information in your area.
If you're in London head down to the Cakes for Japan pop-up shop at Maiden, which is open until 7pm. You'll find Japanese themed cakes and sweet-treats donated by bakers and cake makers with all the money raised going to the Red Cross. Find Maiden at 188 Shoreditch High Street, EC2.
Photo from Miss Cakehead
Photo from Miss Cakehead
Photo from Miss Cakehead Katie Antoniou has arranged a fundraising event called Bloggers for Japan which is next Saturday, 26th March, at The Horatia Pub, 98-102 Holloway Road, London, from 1-5pm. There will be lots of things for sale and a silent auction of lots of goodies, with all proceeds going to charity.
Poster by Nikki Pinder
Online
Check out the Ganbare Nippon Illustration Rally Charity Shop where you can buy artwork and pieces donated by lots of talented artists, designers and makers, with all proceeds going to support immediate relief work. You can also donate on the Illustration Rally Ganbare Nippon Justgiving page.
Red Nose DayI'm sure a lot of you remember Red Nose Day from when you where at school. Cakes sales, wearing a red outfit complete with a red nose, and watching Comic Relief on TV until your parents decided it had definitely gone past the watershed and sent you to bed. But here's a bit of information for those of you who don't know what Comic Relief is:Money raised from Red Nose Day goes to fantastic,
life-changing projects in some of the poorest countries
across Africa. It helps shelter, educate and protect countless
people through a wide range of initiatives.
Many people in the UK battle with issues like isolation,
abuse, exclusion, and poor health. That’s why wherever you
live in the UK you’re highly likely to be within 30 miles of a
project supported by Comic Relief.
Whether it’s to help struggling young carers or getting
people more involved in their neighbourhoods, the money
raised through Red Nose Day can help people and
communities right across the UK.There are probably lots of fundraising events going on in your town today, and you can also buy red noses and other products at Sainsbury's, Oxfam, TK Maxx and online from the Red Nose Day Shop. Find out what's on by checking the Red Nose Day website. If you wish to donate money you can do so on the Red Nose Day 2011 website, as well as in many shops.
Source
Source
However, charity is not something that should happen once a year, nor is it something that should be purely financial. Charity is 'something given to a person or persons in need; benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor; leniency in judging others.' It is about giving your time and making a difference. And that is something worth remembering in this world of instant gratification.
If you have any links to fundraising events leave them in the comments below and I'll add them here.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Handmade by Emily: Blue Polka Dot Owl
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| Blue Polka Dot Owl Cushion : Handmade by Emily |
This little Blue Polka Dot Owl is now available in the Handmade by Emily Shop.
He's made from felt and vintage fabric.
There's free postage and gift wrapping on all orders in the Handmade by Emily Shop at the moment too.
There's free postage and gift wrapping on all orders in the Handmade by Emily Shop at the moment too.
I've been experimenting with product photography and this picture is a favourite. I find it tricky to get it right, especially as I don't actually own a camera, but I suppose it's all about trial and error.
I think he looks very content on the vintage counting blocks!
I'm also thinking of launching a small range of stationery with some of my handmade Owl characters on.
What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Handmade Interviews: Lazy Giraffe Jewellery
I came across Lazy Giraffe Jewellery on Folksy recently and was drawn in by the interesting metal work and simple shapes. I don't think I've seen anything like this before and think it's a really strong collection. I was really intrigued to find out a bit more about the pieces so approached Deepa to answer a few questions.
All pieces are Handmade by Deepa in her Cambridge home studio.
When did you establish Lazy Giraffe and why?
I started making jewellery 5 years ago in 2006. I bought a handful of pretty beads, chain and some pliers, and experimented for a while making jewellery for myself and relatives. I sold to friends and a year later I decided to open a shop on Etsy. My jewellery was very different back then!
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| Gold Circle Necklace : Lazy Giraffe |
Do you have a background in jewellery making?
I am entirely self-taught, with the help of many tutorials on the internet and You Tube! It takes time to perfect things but knowing I have taught myself is really rewarding. I have learnt how to wire wrap and solder, which have been the most challenging, without taking a class.
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| Gold Hoop Earrings : Lazy Giraffe |
How do you approach designing your pieces? Is the process different for each piece or do you have a way of working that works every time?
I’m awful at sketching so I don’t often sketch designs. Sometimes if something comes to me I will scribble a note down for later. Most of the time I sit down at my work table and wait for an idea to come along! I like making different shapes from metal and mixing different textures and metals, so I am trying to incorporate some of that in my work at the moment.
I don’t really have a set process, so I don’t have a routine of how I make things. This means that sometimes things just don’t work out how I’d like, which is normally a cue for me to go and put the kettle on and have a break!
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| Silver Teardrop Earrings : Lazy Giraffe |
What's your favourite bit about running your own business and designing jewellery?
Because my business is part time (I have a job during the day) there is less pressure for me to provide an income, so I can play with new ideas freely and make new designs whenever I like. The other massive plus point is all the shopping – pretty beads, charms and cute packaging! I have also met lots of similar people through being a crafter and artist.
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| Copper Trois Necklace : Lazy Giraffe |
What's the one thing you've learnt that you wish you knew from the beginning?
I think you learn things along the way so you can’t possibly know everything from the beginning; the learning process is all part of it. My work, my photographs and my promotion has all improved over time. I guess I would tell myself not to rush, and be patient.
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| Gold Stacking Rings : Lazy Giraffe |
Are you available for commissions and collaborations?
Of course! I do lots of commissions, particularly for brides (and wedding season is fast approaching) but I’ve never done a collaboration before.
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| Silver Loveheart Necklace : Lazy Giraffe |
Do you have a certain goal in mind for Lazy Giraffe or are you just seeing where the river takes you?
At the moment I am really grateful to have a fun hobby that makes me some extra pocket money, and allows me to learn new things and meet people. I love meeting up with fellow crafters and going to craft fairs, so I hope to keep being as involved in the future. Maybe one day this will be my full time job!
Monday, 14 March 2011
Retro Glamour
Saturday, 12 March 2011
The Welsh Badger Cull
Illustrator Fritha Strickland has recently brought my attention to the looming badger cull in Wales. It seems that Elin Jones, the Welsh Assembly Minister for Rural Affairs, has pushed through a motion to order the cull of thousands of badgers across Wales after a court case previously ruled it unlawful. The government and farming unions say that culling is essential to prevent the spread of TB amongst livestock. However, former governmental scientific advisors and conservationists say that the cull could, in fact, make the threat worse.
The articles I have read on this issue seem to be very confused. They seem to favour both sides, yet neither at the same time.
So why has this been pushed through just after a referendum? Is the support of farming unions more valuable than that of the conservationists? When there is so much contradicting scientific opinion it makes one question what lies beneath such a controversial decision.
Fritha feels very passionately that the cull is wrong and has created these posters to publicise this. She's offering to post out copies of the posters, free of charge, to anyone who would like to display them.
If you would like a copy of the posters or to reproduce them please contact Fritha either on Twitter or through her blog.
If you do reproduce them online please make sure you link back to Fritha.
You can see Fritha's blog post on this issue here: Against the Cull
Friday, 11 March 2011
Featured Illustrator: Harry Seed
Harry Seed is a printmaker and illustrator based in Brighton. Her fantastic prints and drawings are created in the home studio she shares with her illustrator boyfriend, using a very hands-on approach. Her work is created mostly by hand using stencils, lino-cutting and screen-printing to create fantastic prints.
Harry's inspirations include folklore, junk shops, tattoos and eccentricity, and her interest in these definitely shines through in her work. With a background in printed textiles, and seeing herself as a printmaker before an illustrator, Harry’s work would look perfect on fabric. Her intelligent take on popular imagery mixed with a great colour palette gives a strong identity to her work, which would translate very well onto fabric for interiors, clothing and accessories.
Harry doesn’t have any pretensions about her work; she draws because she loves to draw, and always has. She is available for collaborations and commissions and, with her imaginative love of drawing and different mediums, I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
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