me plus molly

Through the lens...

2012-01-18T11:40:00.000Z

Sometimes we all need to just take the time to stand and stare...

Visual Journal (2)

2012-01-13T11:46:00.001Z

Here are my doodlings from my second page spread.

I am aiming to complete a page spread each week to challenge myself to keep creating and experimenting in my sketchbook regularly. Doodle out all those tiny details and 'things' from inside my head onto the pages and see what evolves.

Inspired by...

2012-01-11T18:10:00.001Z

As much as I think we could still do with a serious cold spell to get rid of all the nasty bugs and germs that still seem to be ailing people(!), I do love the new growth that starts to appear with spring and fresh greens on the horizon. Be inspired by new beginnings and fresh starts!

glittery stars hiding in the moss

blooms

buds

scented loveliness

brightening up my room

I know that the scent of hyacinths isn't to everyone's taste but these ones in particular are so lovely and fresh, quite a light scent even for hyacinths. They are brightening up the spare room where I create. Thanks to my Mum for these lovelies x

New visual journal for a new year...

2012-01-06T10:33:00.000Z

Remember a while back I said I had purchased a new handmade sketchbook to journal in? Well I decided to save it for this new year and have now started to play in my new book. Here's some of my doodlings from my first page spread.

My journal is to be a place to doodle, experiment and play. If something doesn't work then it doesn't matter and it's good to make mistakes to learn from them and they can often be better than what you first set out to do. What are you doing new for you?

A fresh start for 2012...

2012-01-04T19:52:00.000Z

Well I hope that your festive season was full of sparkle, light and fun!

glitter

snowflakes

sequins

decorative wall piece

beads, fairy lights

pompoms and stars


candlelight sets the scene

Wishing you all well for 2012! Here's to new projects, ideas and happenings! x

6 sleeps til...

2011-12-19T19:36:00.002Z

Keeping a clear head (lemonade and lime no less!) whilst filling the spare room with little decorative details for my parents coming to stay over Christmas :) x

7 sleeps til Christmas...

2011-12-18T18:50:00.001Z

I absolutely love Jacquie Lawsons animated ecards and am sending one to all of you out there! Enjoy and turn your sound on too x

Breather...

2011-12-13T20:24:00.001Z

Time for a tipple in between shopping?...

...of course! Loving Boho in Canterbury, a fave place to stop a while x

Inspired by...

2011-11-29T19:41:00.001Z

Well the count down is now truly on until the big festive day! So what are you making in advance or creating to celebrate this day and season?

I'm definitely inspired by a lot of handmade goodness that I've seen happening online, here's a few decorative bits

Image courtesy of All Things Paper

Image courtesy of Welke

Simple or extravagant, enjoy it in your own way. The run up and preparation is all part of the fun after all!

Giveaway at That Crafty Fish

2011-11-22T18:27:00.001Z

Be quick and drop over to Kirsty's blog for her fab giveaway of a very scummy creative book indeed!

image courtesy of That Crafty Fish

Enjoy and best of luck if you enter x

Recent Boutique event

2011-11-17T20:54:00.001Z

As you may or may not know (which all depends on how long you've been reading my blog - I've had a long vacant spell this year from here) as I have been working as one half of a business with another textile bod at Weft A Bit. For many reasons we are not continuing with this venture come the New Year. So I will be back to blogging here (which I am excited about, can't wait to totally finish freshening up the look of my blog) and I'll be posting more regularly here about stitching, doodling, making and more.

But before all that I thought I'd share with you some photos of the Boutique one day event we put on as Weft A Bit in the gallery at Creek Creative in Faversham the other weekend.

scarf walls, with crates

loving the 'crate' shelving

the 'frame' wall displaying a selection of handmade goods

willow hoops wrapped with recycled/vintage fabric, a little fun

panels of pins to wear, flowers, birds

The one day event went really well considering the weather that weekend wasn't particularly great. A greyness that didn't seem to lift all day. However there was a steady trickle of visitors in all day and we met many lovely people and packaged up lots of lovely items for those who were starting their gift shopping for Christmas. So Thank You to all those that came x

And with cake involved, how could it not be a good day?!!

We have a couple more fairs to attend and then that will be it. Moving forward onto ventures new! x

Robins...

2011-11-15T21:35:00.000Z

Just a peek at some of the scented bits I've been stitching up for the last few fairs I'll be attending this year as Weft A Bit. (I have new plans and ideas for 2012, so lots of creative time to look forward to).

The robins are filled with bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves for a fix of festive scent. Pleasing round little birds! (although in reality I know they are fiercely territorial in the wild). What have you been creating for the festive season?

The Lovely Katie...

2011-11-15T18:01:00.001Z

I wanted to introduce you (if you haven't already stumbled across her website) to the lovely Katie of What Katie did next. She is also a very good friend of the amazing Sue (Sewsister). I have met Katie before but hadn't seen her work so it was nice last month when visiting Farnham Maltings to see her work in all it's splendor!

Gorgeous lavender sachets. Image courtesy of What Katie did next.

Bespoke family trees. Image courtesy of What Katie did next.

Cute Christmas badges. Image courtesy of What Katie did next.

Her stand was bursting full of scrumptious textile goodies which as always is good to see for real. Her website is sooo pretty as well and full of lovely textile goodies for gifts and secret treats to yourself. Be sue to drop by and take a peek!

Inspired by...

2011-11-13T19:56:00.000Z

Autumn... not necessarily everyone's favourite season, as it can bring with it grey skies, rainy days, leaves falling to the ground and hastens the way for frosts, chills and ultimately winter. I love Autumn though and especially the warmth and richness of colour that comes with it. In fact I love that we have 'seasons', each one has its positive and negative aspects and each season has its own inspiration.

For me Autumn starts off the influx of decadent rich deep jewel-like colours. Burnt hues, russets, berries, the lighting of candles and gathering round warming fires, getting cosy. Eating steaming bowls of feel-good food.

As you can see from the above images, I was experimenting with some autumnal bits and pieces, looking and capturing them, burnished Autumn. Having looked around on-line I was lucky enough to stumble upon the blog The Swenglish Home, absolutely stunning and I insist you visit it! Totally inspiring.

Image courtesy of Helena

How can you not be inspired by dining like this I ask you? Hop on over to Helena's blog to see some more stunning images of her autumnal dining, inspirational indeed.

Through the lens...

2011-10-31T21:42:00.000Z

Sparkle and shine...

reflection of a kitchen light no less!

Image from kateydate

Image from weheartit

It's nearing time for magic dust...

The lovely Sue...or Sewsister!

2011-10-29T11:52:00.002+01:00

From looking at 'popular posts' and even my stats I can see that a lot of people have been dropping by my blog and reading about my lovely friend Sue or 'Sewsister' as she is known. I cannot blame you at all for eagerly reading and looking at the pictures of her work. She is fab! Such a talented lady, always a kind and encouraging word or more when it comes to creating. Recently I visited Farnham Maltings to see the Festival of Crafts which she was taking part in. Not only were there many wonderful stands there but more importantly to me I was excited to see what new things Sue had on display. What can I say?! I was not disappointed in the least.

Fab signage and how can you not like Sue's cute owl logo?!!

A glorious stand packed full of goodies

One of the beautiful fabric collages, they all have a story

Bundles of bright fun fabrics

Another fabulous fabric collage, cakes yum!

The amazing Giraffe which everyone was invited to help decorate over the weekend. Decopatch is addictive and fun!

One very cute and very large bunny, you need to cuddle these and will instantly feel better!

Apologies for my somewhat dark photos. It has to be said that the lighting there wasn't the best. That coupled with me still getting to grips with my camera doesn't make for perfect photos just yet! Anyway I hope you enjoy these photos of Sewsister, Sue is one talented and fantastic lady. Be sure to drop by her website for a peek, it is something she is constantly updating and building on. You can even book a 'Workshop Visit' to be all creative with her. I am hoping to make a date with her to visit her studio as I am sure it well be an absolute box of inspiring creative delights! x

Inspired by...

2011-10-19T17:21:00.001+01:00

Being a country girl I have always been surrounded by trees, woods and fields. When I was small you could always find me with my head amongst the hedgerows, crawling amongst grass tunnels or see my feet dangling from a tree I had scaled (much to my mum's delight! sorry mum x). I love nature, the habitat around us, peering, looking, learning, being inspired by its colours, shapes, textures, smells. I love the beauty that each season brings.

This spring I captured some gorgeous frothy blossom with my camera

I find these blooms so inspiring in many ways. Their pale delicate colours and layers of petals as well as their full frothiness. I am not the only person inspired by blossoms and blooms and wanted to share a link with you from Kinfolk of a 'Blossom Party', how perfect is that?! Make sure you visit and watch the video, it's captivating.
I think if I was having a 'Blossom Party' it would definitely have to involve some of these paper pompoms below


Image from Snowy Bliss just how fab are these?!! Paper blossom if I ever I saw any

Oh for a party with blossoming pompoms hey?!! I bet they would look fabulous for the coming festive season in rich deep reds, golds, silvers, forest greens and a bit of sparkle.....

Through the lens...

2011-10-16T21:52:00.000+01:00

I love a good image. I am a visual person. I love photos in all their guises, be it black and white, colour, with filters and effects, different angles, various lighting, themes, objects, places, views... the list goes on. I am also an absolute lover of macro, you cannot beat a good clear and crisp detailed close up.

seed and sun, hazy summer capture, love playing

So every so often I'm going to post something that is 'Through the lens...' as it were. It may be something I've taken, it may be something I've seen that someone else has taken (if so it will be linked back to so you can know it's source). Keep that camera handy, you never know when you'll spy something worth capturing through that lens!

Supplies at the ready...

2011-10-09T23:10:00.002+01:00

Well I am all ready for some creative me time. I know that I am making and creating as part of Weft A Bit alongside the 'day' job however it's also nice to make time to do some selfish creating too! I am now all prepared as it were as my lovely new sketchbook arrived this weekend.

Oooo so exciting! I know those of you out there will know what I mean at the joy of starting a new blank canvas to create and experiment upon. What is even more perfect about this particular book is that it is handmade and coptic bound, so that the pages lay flat for an even bigger space to play upon......

This book was purchased from a lovely British based etsy seller - thepapergardenuk - Stephanie's work is fab and I can't wait to use it. I have my paints, paper, fabric and even my sewing machine at the ready as well as my colourful Sharpie pens!

Time to get creating then...!!! x

Page for my sister...

2011-10-04T19:48:00.001+01:00

Thank you for looking and supporting me in my decision to blog here once again. I shall be doing some more tidying and freshening up of things around here, hope you like the cleaner look and my new blog header.

scanned image of my collage

My first post is short and sweet and is a collaged page for my sister to remind her of home while she is away. The base paper is a colour copy of the original piece I made for her a long time ago now with paint, paper and fabric on a wood block. I found the colour copy of it in my stash and added some other snippets of fabric, paper and stitch to it. I may keep it as it is or even use it as a journal/sketch page at some point, we shall see. I am gathering all my supplies around me to start doodling and experimenting once again...a creative refuel.

Thinking...

2011-09-18T14:57:00.000+01:00

Hello, v long time no see (well at least here!). I, as you are all aware have been posting over here (see below)

this year as part of the new business venture I am a partner in. I'm wondering though about starting my blog here up again and wondered what you all thought? I'd be posting about stitching, doodling, journaling... sound interesting? Would love to share what I'm creating and get input from all of you out there x

New Blog

2011-01-31T21:48:00.007Z

Toooooooo excited for words!

Come and see!
With my new business partner in tow 'I' is now 'We' and We have a new Blog!
So come on over and show us some blog love! pretty please?!!
Click on the image above to drop by...
So I have now moved from here to there and shall be posting there from now on,
be good to see you there, a few familiar faces to make us feel at home.
Hope to see you all soon x

New!

2011-01-13T18:50:00.003Z

So News News News Flash!
My BIG news this year is:

Me + Gillian (v talented lady with needles, yarn, felt and thread!)
=
Brand spanking new business together!

We are now one and are known hence forth as:

We are currently moving into our new studio space at Creek Creative in Faversham, Kent.
As we travel along this road of planning, moving, setting up and settling into our newness I will keep you updated. Because ultimately once everything is in full swing we'd love you to come visit us either in person or to drop by our website and blog!
X

Happy New year to you all!

2011-01-01T14:40:00.004Z

Wishing you one and all a most prosperous New Year!
A year filled with health, happiness and well being.

Any resolutions yet?
I'm not normally one for resolutions it has to be said, having seen so many others make and break them but this year I have decided to make the effort with some simple ones
so
1. smile (more)
2. laugh (louder and more often than I do)
3. be the BEST Best Lady I can for my beautiful sister's wedding this year
4. be inventive in my creativity
5. set time aside each day to work on a goal
6. raid the charity shops even more!
5. grow in all ways

(psssstttttttt............. I have news to tell you over the next few months of a v exciting creative business venture happening involving me and................. phew nearly said too much! haha! be telling all soonish, watch this space!)

x

The 52MMMC Week 13

2011-01-01T13:33:00.006Z

Well hello!

I've decided to be succinct in showing you my next 'make' but make it I did indeed.
So no masses of photos just the two.

I joined a class to make clothes! and what a fab class it was too, it was one of my aims to actually make an item of clothing to wear. Now I know I had already completed the shirt/blouse but this was the challenge - a jacket from beautiful fabric in a vibrant colour to be able to wear.

As you can see I chose a 'very easy' pattern to create my garment from, don't want to run before we can walk and all that!

And this is the result! like? or no? it does look better on a person than a hanger, a free flowing swing jacket/coat, warm, cosy and handmade by me!

so tick in the achieved box there!

If you are wanting to learn about making clothing from patterns yourself then I highly recommend the class I attended which is back this year (2011) for a new term of creating. I can't make it this term as I have another pressing venture unfolding (more soon.....!! all v exciting!) but if you would like to join up then here are the details:
Venue: Broadstairs Adult Education Centre (Hilderstones) Kent
Tutor: Barbara Roots (so lovely and enthusiastic about your projects!)
Course title: Sewing - clothesmaking
This terms course starts: 12/01/2011 for 10 weeks.
Times: 10am - 12pm. (Although I think there is also an evening class too)
Check out www.kentadulteducation.co.uk for further details, dates and courses.

Oh and before I forget way back now I was asked for the recipe for the fruit gingerbread I made so here it is:

Ingredients:
400g plain flour; 1tsp baking powder; 1tbsp ground ginger; 1tsp ground cinnamon; 225g unsalted butter (cut into sml pieces); 125g molasses or blk treacle; 175g soft light brown sugar; 3 eggs beaten; 75g dried cherries, halved; 115g stoned dried dates, chopped; 50g preserved stem ginger, drained and chopped; 90g sultanas.

Preheat oven to 150C/300F/gas mark 2. grease and base line a deep 20cm square cake tin.

Mix the flour, baking powder, ground ginger and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Put the butter in a saucepan with the molasses or black treacle and sugar, stir over a low heat until melted. Pour into the flour mixture and mix well. Beat in the eggs until smooth, then stir in the dried cherries, dates, stem ginger and sultanas, mixing well.

Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared tin. Bake in the over for 1-1 1/4 hours or until a skewer inserted in the centre come out clean. Cool for 10 mins, turn out onto wire track to cool completely.

Ta dah! yummy cakery!
Obviously if you're anything like me who never finds the exact ingredients to go in things then you kind of ad lib and bend the rules on what your cherries, dates, ginger make come like!
enjoy! x

The 52MMMC Week 12

2010-12-14T21:42:00.005Z

A fabric 'envelope' clutch style creation
for a very good friend
and all her paperwork
and bits and pieces that she lugs around

don't you just love creating?

The 52MMMC Week 11

2010-11-28T21:05:00.008Z

Well long time no see, I've been busy with the 'day' job, my own work, life in general and of course Christmas gift shopping - like a lot of people I'm sure.

Anyhow I've posted this 'make' although it is something I have made to sell, as it was the first time I had attempted them and so I felt I was able to include them in my 'makes'!

So what do you do with these
(which I'd made and had hanging around for a while not doing anything)

and these which I bought at a flea market in France

You make these of course - wreathes!!!!!
(reverse side of wreath as it was hanging on my stall this weekend)

one pictured hung with wee fairy lights on, all aglow

and finally my third one hanging again on my stall this weekend (reverse side through my garlands streamed across my stall, making sure it was all 'decked' out for festive selling!)

Well I hope that they add some cheer to your day.
I have to say that I have two more still to make
as I made these trial three to see if they would get any interest.
Well I had my stall Saturday with all three and went home with.......................none!!!!!!
So smiles all round from customers giving homes to my handmade circles of happiness.
And smiles from me for knowing they were going home with some lovely people who will appreciate them adorning their abodes and adding splashes of colour and handmade cheer to their walls or doors.

The 52MMMC Week 10

2010-11-11T08:24:00.005Z

Well hello to you all on this windy and rainy November day (well for me it is anyways).
Here's my first ever attempt at making an item of clothing!
I joined a class a while back now to do this just to see if I could(!) and to learn about and do something new.

So being a tad reticent and not knowing whether I would get on well at making clothing I opted for a vintage pattern and instead of wasting money on brand new fabric and ruining it! I opted to use up (and experiment with) a fair sized remnant I had in my stash.

So for your eyes here's what I made.....

My shirt/blouse pattern

pattern pieces in the make, not bamboozling me in the least!!
well I had a fab tutor to advise and direct!

And shots of my finished piece

Now mine looks a little different to the finished picture on the pattern as I didn't have enough material to make the sleeves the length they should be. But this in itself was a great learning experience to see how patterns are adapted and changed to suit the individual need.

Now I'm not sure if I would wear this! as it's not my type of fabric but it was just my test run at making and seeing as I did okay.......!
I am now onto something I will wear in a fabric and colour that I love.
So back soon with that to show you!

The 52MMMC Week 9

2010-10-26T20:51:00.006+01:00

Well hello! long time no see so to speak, I am back again with another make for your viewing.

Quite some time back now I took part in a P I F (pay it forward) Giveaway and part of the rules of taking part was that I would go on to host my own P I F Giveaway and send a wee something handmade on to three more people.
As I have now made and sent off these PIF gifts I thought that I would include them in my 'makes' challenge and let you see what flew off in the post recently......

After much doodling, stitching and creating with fabric and thread it was time to put all the pieces together, the easy part really and the part where everything comes together...

zip being put in

sides being stitched

turning

finishing off

and hey presto a wee zip purse!

well two wee zip purses..

make that three wee zip purses for three lovely ladies!

I hope they are loved and well used! ;0 x

The 52MMMC Week 8

2010-10-09T21:47:00.005+01:00

Well hello to you all! I'm back again with another 'makes' post.
I have been meaning to make a larger version of my oval pin for a while now and thought it would be one of my 'makes' for the challenge, a good place to 'test' out ideas I feel.
I have also been promising my mum one for a while too.....
So inspired by this photo in a magazine recently I was ready to try my 'make'

I gathered together materials and threads that reflected the gorgeous colours of the heather

My mum likes my wee birds and so a wee bird the pin would have

stitch upon stitch

teeny tiny snippets of fabrics in lovely deep pinks and greens

And voila! a birdy pin has been made

Yes HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!!
My mum has received this wee pin and I shall wait for her to visit
with it donning her jacket lapel, before I show a 'finished' photo of it.
And *phew wipes sweat from brow* she loved it! x

The 52MMMC Week 7

2010-10-07T18:46:00.007+01:00

Well I am finally back with another make(!) Yay!
I feel that I'm a bit behind but then I was told that there was no pressure to produce something each week so I shall just keep going until I reach my goal of 52!!

So here for you to view is something I was asked to make by a friend of mine for her mum's birthday.
She gave me an idea of:
colours she would like - creams, pinks and blues
subject matter - beach huts, seaside
and even some of her little girls outgrown old clothes
with a fab pattern on that she wanted included if possible.

So I set too and here is what I made

wee little fishes

can't go without a bird and bunting!

(check out the pier and beach huts to the top right,
I cut these out from the fabric of her little girls outgrown outfit!)

And voila! finished cushion

My friend was more than happy with the finished item (whew!),
so let's hope her mum likes it too ;0

Day tripping......

2010-09-28T18:36:00.009+01:00

A few weekends ago we went day tripping across the waves. Seems so strange still how quickly you can be in another country with so many things the same but so many differences too, not least the language that is spoken.
So I thought I would share with you, mostly in photos, some of what I saw whilst day tripping.

Our transport across the water

Our destination

some of the amazing buildings, so huge

moules anyone??

bustling streets

sausages anyone?

colourful pastries

all manner of goods to buy

loved the shutters on these windows

flea market treasure galore!

and a must have sweet waffle treat to end the day

homeward bound

I hope you've been out day tripping somewhere recently ;0 x

Mostly this weekend I will be......

2010-09-24T08:24:00.006+01:00

off to Market!

So if you are in or about the Canterbury area this Saturday come and say hello!!
I shall be there with my wares in the city centre, in the area between M&S and WHSmith, v central indeed. The market is open from 9-5pm with lots of wonderful stalls with handmade produce, gorgeous goodies and a delectable array of things to eat! Come and see! Enjoy your weekend :) x

September Giveaway Winner!

2010-09-21T20:18:00.005+01:00

Well apologies for the delayed post, slight technical hitch!

After a selection in the old fashioned manner of bits of paper with names on in a bowl and one being picked! - the winner of the giveaway is Emma!
Congratulations to you!
If you could drop me an email - hello(at)meplusmolly(dot)co.uk to let me know your email address then you will be sent your voucher!

Back later this week with some pics of what I've been up to! x

September Giveaway!

2010-09-12T10:08:00.009+01:00

Time for a giveaway!
This is a special giveaway with CSN Stores.
They have some great online stores to have a browse through where you can find everything from cookware to ceiling lights to furniture!

The giveaway is for a £50 gift voucher for you to use as you wish in any of their UK websites. How exciting hey?!! especially when it's the time of year with the change of the seasons happening or on the horizon, the kids back to school, it's time to think about a wee treat for yourself I feel!

I am loving these amazing chandeliers on there! well, I can dream no?!

Such a pretty branch (light) to having hanging form your ceiling.... *sigh*

But what I think I would be spending my voucher on would be some of their colourful and fun bake and cookware!

hearts

and stars!

Oooo a fun set of cutters! wee biscuits from these would look great for an afternoon tea or a party for big and small people alike!

wee planes!

and gingerbread people!!

Well I could go on but go see for yourselves, hop on over to CSN Stores and have a browse of their goodies and enter the giveaway for a chance to win the voucher to spend!

To enter please leave a comment on this post during the next 7 days.
The giveaway will end on Sunday 19th September 2010 at 10pm (GMT) and I will randomly select and announce a winner on Monday 20th September.

To increase your chances of winning this lovely prize you can gain one extra entry for doing each of the following:
- blogging about it
- tweeting about it
- following/subscribing to the 'me plus molly' blog
(for the first two please leave a comment here with the link to it).

Well it's been a while since I've posted and I'll be showing you soon what I've been making. I've been making items to see me through 3 fairs/markets in a week, yes I know not the best plan ever but that's the way they fell I'm afraid. So I have been basically attached to either a pair of scissors cutting fabric, an iron transferring images I've sketched or a sewing machine constructing the items to have on my stall!! Phew! pics soon.
Until then enter the giveaway!!!
Hope you've been enjoying your weekend ;0 x

The 52MMMC Week 6

2010-09-01T17:30:00.007+01:00

Wellllllll here I am and I'll be posting about my makes a couple of weeks later than planned. Excuses yes, a few, mainly the day job, orders to complete and the fact that my little sister has recently got engaged and is getting married in March 2011!!!!! So many plans have been made already. I've been home to visit my parents for a family get together where all the plans that have been made so far were disclosed, so there we go, lots going on......

Anyhow, as I was off home for a visit I didn't want to go empty handed and so got out the baking book to bake a little something to take home, a sweet treat to share.......

so after flicking through the pages I decided to have a go at:

ingredients ready

and so the measuring and mixing begins

melting down

whisking up

more mixing

the ginger mix ready for the final ingredients

adding all the fruit

poured and ready to bake

being cut into slices prior to being consumed!

the taste verdict from the family was a thumbs up (phew!) so all good there. A sweet treat success! :) x

Oops....

2010-08-23T21:05:00.008+01:00

Well *cough* first I want to apologise for not having posted my Week6 52MMMC, oops!

It's just that I'm now manically (after getting my sewing machine back after a week without it) making the last bits to complete an order that I'd hoped to have completed by now. I did not add in the factor that my machine would become temperamental and need it's service asap! stroppy thing....

Anyhow please take my apology as I will be posting by the end of the week a bumper post of makes for week 6 and 7 to make up for it, phew!

Thought I would share this beautiful dawn with you that I had the pleasure to see Sunday morning. I was up v early as a certain person (not me!) could not breath properly through ones nose and was keeping me awake with various breathing noises so I thought I might as well get up and get on with completing items for my order.

*sigh* sunrise and sunsets are all so lovely

and just to show you that I have really been working and not shirking! my threads in use

one bag complete

and another

and fabric bases and colours getting ready to be transformed into purses

yes the creative clutter and turmoil ensues whilst one creates don't you know!! :) x

Berry colours..

2010-08-16T08:33:00.003+01:00

I'm loving these berry colours at the moment. So rich and fruity!
I'm off to work on rather a windy grey day today, back later putting items as well as the above wee oval pin in my shop ;0 x

The 52MMMC Week 5

2010-08-15T17:56:00.007+01:00

Week 5 of the challenge.

I had such big plans really I did but I'm afraid I must apologise for this slightly less than complete 'make' as my sewing machine has gone in for a service
*sigh, it was due for one though* and so I have no machine with which to complete my item. Boo hoo......

So anyways I thought I would show you my 'make' so far.....

Out have come the pen and inks, something I haven't used in far too long but which I thought would be perfect for the 'theme' I was intending to draw.

I have been saving little bits here and there and aiming to compile a mood or inspiration board of sorts for the current, dare I say it, Autumn/Winter work happening.
I know we are all still hanging on to the thought that perhaps we will get a few more weeks, days?? of some summer sun but the change of the seasons will be upon us sometime soon. Now as much as I like to be warm I do like the rich colours that Autumn/Winter brings.

Anyhow trying not to diverse, here are a few of my snippets to show my theme.
This 'season' sees plenty of feathers and birds about and I wanted to go with gorgeous feathered owls, all seeing all knowing you know!

After a few sketchy lines in pencil to give a rough outline and idea, I set to with purple ink and pen, I don't want to be 'normal' and have a brown owl! not that there is anything wrong with that mind. Also khakis and purples are making an appearance in this seasons colours.

Perhaps my sketch is a little scary because of the 'knowing' but my owl is going to have attitude!

Now I wanted to transfer this sketch onto fabric. So after scanning the image on to the laptop, flipping the image so I can print it onto the fabric as I had originally drawn it, it was printed out onto transfer paper.

The fun bit of ironing it on to the fabric.

And voila! Sketch transferred to fabric, which is now pinned ready to wait the return of the sewing machine to finish it up into a slouchy bag, maybe even for a few decorative stitches to be added to it as well, we shall see.

I'll show you the 'finished' bag once it's complete. So please forgive me for the half post this week, I didn't like doing it but then I would have felt even more guilty if I had not posted about what I was doing! ;0 x

The 52MMMC Week 4

2010-08-08T19:26:00.004+01:00

Well folks it's that time of week again! so I am here all ready with another post about my next make for the challenge.
Over the course of this challenge my posts will include 'makes' that I'm testing out to see whether they might be items I will want to make more of and sell, as well as things that I want to make because I never have and things that I have a go at making just because I WANT too!

This 'make' is one which I may well make more of to sell in my shop and also on my stall (by the way the next Makers Market that I'm at will be the September one, see my side bar to the left for dates!).

Having gathered bits together, fabric was cut, interlining fused and snaps inserted ready to start the stitching
(the sweet little pattern for this clutch is by Ali Foster, she also allows you to make items from her patterns to sell)

using up my hand screen printed birdy fabric (hope you like it!) I screen printed my design onto a large remnant of bright pink fabric I was given, it certainly stands out!

stitching parts

and so the end result!

a peek inside

resting in the sun........

As well as designing patterns for items myself it's always nice to follow someone else's guidelines too, it gives you new ideas and tips you can apply when making other things as well.
Let me know your verdict on this make.
Hope you've all been enjoying your weekends! ;0 x

The 52MMMC Week 3

2010-08-01T21:41:00.005+01:00

Well hello lovely blog readers!
I'm a little bit late this week in posting about my make, but make I have!
I will achieve a new make each week have no fear I'm just not necessarily going to be posting about them on the same day each week!

Anyhow back to my make.
I've seen various tutorials on other people's blogs, some you bookmark to come back to others you just look at..... well this one I had bookmarked to have a go at when I had the chance and what better time to try new things out than through this challenge each week, after all that's what it's all about!

So, to something to adorn your hair.
If you would like to have a go yourself at making one of these then pop on over to
Flossie Teacakes blog
and you will find this tutorial and others there as well.

so my materials were ready to get to work, rubbish pic but it was during 'the make'!

action shot of my first time using shirring elastic, too much fun!

nearly all shirred up

to the next step of attaching the parts together

and voila! head adornment..... yes another rubbish shot but you try taking a photo of yourself just to show what you've made and not your face - yes total camera shyness me

hanging over my sewing machine complete, a triumph! so simple so sweet.

back next week with another make and this time it won't be so late! Hope you've all had a good weekend :) x

The 52MMMC Week 2

2010-07-22T20:12:00.007+01:00

Well tis week 2 of the 52 Marvellous Makes Madness Challenge or '52MMMC' for short!
I thought it was time to make this week - something with fabric of course being a textile bod. And as one of these creatures you will know and understand that with making items there are always a lot of left overs, lots of wee snippets of fabric kicking around that you just aren't able to part with but are perhaps not big enough to make an item with. What a to do!
Well for ages now I've had an idea of using up all my little scraps to make something to adorn and decorate so this week has prompted me to sit down, gather all my snippets and get stitching

these snippets have all been stitched together in long shabby boho colourful streamers of colour

to create garlands to decorate and adorn, I think they would look great indoors or out, especially if you are having a fabulous summer party and you have gorgeous trees to hang wee lanterns from and swing garlands through the boughs *sigh*

with this thought in mind I hope you like the 'effects' on these photos of my garlands

dreamy, whispery, faded, muted

and for me a vintage grandeur

well what fun I am having! it's going to be interesting to keep pushing myself to make something different each week, a good challenge for me as it is easy to get stuck in a rut at times. As I have many ideas running around in my head for items of handmade goodness be it food, drink, textiles, paint, etc this will be a great way of making the time to create them and 'test' them out on you!
enjoy ;0

Artisan Markets July 2010

2010-07-21T20:35:00.007+01:00

If you are around about the Kent - Canterbury - Whitstable area over this weekend be sure to drop by and see me at the
Artisan Market!

(my wee stall)

I'll be in Canterbury on Saturday 24th July, St Georges from 9-5pm and then on Sunday 25th July I'll be in Whitstable at St Mary's Hall (Umbrella Centre) from 10-4pm.
It would be lovely to meet you if you're about!
Enjoy your weekend whatever your plans ;0 x

The 52 Marvellous Makes Madness Challenge...... Number 1

2010-07-18T10:18:00.009+01:00

Well hello! Hope the weekend finds you all good.

After being invited by A Thrifty Mrs to be a part of her '52 Marvellous Makes Challenge' I thought I'd better post about 'our' efforts and show you the results.
For the challenge - the aim is to make one item a week for a year. Be it a cake, a hat, basically anything - as long as you enjoy it.

So after telling 'The Man' about the challenge he got carried away (don't expect it to last though!) and we made three lots of home baked goodies to consume.
Here are the pics to show you!

Our untidy kitchen and (far too cluttered for my liking!) kitchen surface, ready for creating!

we whipped up Wholemeal Raspberry Muffins

Sticky Ginger Cakes

And our best triumph and our first time ever making it - Baked Blueberry Cheesecake

perfect yumminess, nom, nom, nom

So there you go my first post for the first week of the challenge, only 51 to go!!
:) x

Thank you for including me.....

2010-07-12T09:03:00.006+01:00

Just a small but over due(!) text post to say thank you to ALL those that have included me in their blog posts and treasuries on etsy this year so far(!). My thanks is overdue and I apologise for this, time it seems has somewhat slipped through my fingers this year but as I have the week off this week to 'catch up' on all I want and need to with my textile work then this seems like a good place to start so Many BIG Enormous THANK YOUS' to the following:

Tara Gentile - scoutie girl
Rachel - roxy creations
Jane - glorious hats
Angela
Eileen - bluebirdluxe
Gemma - gemmipop
Karen - hodgepodgearts
Meg
Retroattack
Monika
Kristin
Ceylan - paper in style
Dancingintherains
Kim
Ginny
Kathi
Noa - mytenfingers
Priya
Stephanie - Mostaza Seed
Monique - blueberryfields

Phew! I think that is everyone, if I missed anyone apologies again! I know that sometimes people can include you in posts and treasuries that you are unaware of so thanks to those that may have done this as well!!!
Back soon ;0 x

Be inspired by our flora.....

2010-07-08T18:49:00.007+01:00

Just some images to tease your optical senses.
Be inspired in your work and creative processes by the flora around you.....
the beautiful natural colours, the sweeping lines and marks, the shapes but again mostly for me the amazing
COLOURS!

Now I did think about putting all the flowers 'proper' names having once upon a time passed my general certificate in horticulture (don't you know!) but I just want you to revel on the fabulous colours!
All these gorgeous flowers are adorning my lovely mum and dads garden, heaven in my camera lense caught just for you, I hope you enjoy them.

And one little odd ball veg starting to grow in the garden! quirky shape to make you smile.

enjoy ;) x

Escape to create - Whitstable 2010

2010-07-05T08:01:00.004+01:00

Just a small post to let you know about the Escape to Create workshops happening during the Oyster Festival in Whitstable in a few weeks time.
All the workshops are run by local arts and crafts people, taking place at or near the Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable.

My workshop this time is for people to come and 'stitch and decorate' a purse with fabric beach huts and embellish with hand stitching.

So you can go home at the end of the workshop with a seaside inspired purse!
Beach hut purse workshop running Wednesday 28th July 2-4.30pm.
For further details of all the workshops taking place go to the Escape to Create site and have a browse and perhaps book yourself a taster on something new.
Enjoy ;0

Wish You Were Here Exhibition

2010-06-27T16:27:00.006+01:00

Just a little post mainly pictures to show some of the prints in the
'Wish You Were Here'
exhibition at:

in Whitstable, Kent.
The exhibition runs until 3rd July 2010.
Prints are in limited runs and available to purchase.
A great chance to purchase something of a limited run and hand printed.
Below are some of the prints in the exhibition:

Andrew Hayes-Watkins

David Gratus

Karen Radford

Tracey Hart

(me - I am the only textile print - eek!)

Suki Hayes-Watkins

Lisa Jones

Trish Flynn

Cathy McTurk

I'm not sure how I feel about my piece(s) for the exhibition, I did a series of prints as opposed to a limited edition as each one of my prints is different (colours, fabric etc). I wrote the wee rhyme following the 'wish you were here' theme, screen printed it onto pieces of recycled fabric, then using snippets of fabric and my sewing machine stitched my 'post card' wording and sections as well as the little bits of bunting/garlands. I wanted my pieces to be a bit whimsical, fun and shabby. I'm not sure if I feel I have achieved this or not, but it is all about the creative experience, learning and challenging yourself to do different things.

I hope you've all been enjoying the weekend and the sun, make sure you are applying the SPF factors! enjoy ;0 x

PIF Giveaway

2010-06-22T08:04:00.004+01:00

Just a short text post today!

Well there weren't many bods wanting to take part in the PIF, which is a shame, I could always take it personally that maybe it's a reflection on me or my work (arrghhhh!) but I do know and understand that peeps have an awful lot going on just in their day to day lives let alone their own work.
Anyhow for me I just wanted to pass on a bit of goodness in the act of giving which is what this Pay It Forward Giveaway means to me so the 3 lovely bloggers who will receive a little purse from me in the next few months are:
Pink Milk
Bluebell
Ravenhill
So if you could email me your addresses that would be great - email to: hello(at)meplusmolly.co.uk

I shall look forward to creating and sending you these! Let me know of any more likes/dislikes in your email :) x

Bits, bobs and PIF Giveaway!

2010-06-14T20:48:00.005+01:00

First of all I wanted to say a BIG thank you to the lovely Karen at Blueberry Park as I won one of her items in her giveaway a few weeks back now and have been rubbish in showing you it and saying I love it! and who wouldn't?! yummy spotty peg bag.

Also to tell you about the upcoming exhibition I'm taking part in as part of:

The exhibition which members of The Print Block are taking part in is themed around the idea of:

Fab! I can't wait to see all the prints displayed. There will be limited edition runs of prints for view and for sale, be sure to pop down if you're in the area. Check out the Print Block website for details.

And soooo to my PIF Giveaway - so in other words a Pay It Forward Giveaway, to take part you must be prepared to be a part of it too - hence the pay it forward - as in one good turn deserves another and just to pass the giving onwards really!

This 'Pay it Forward' giveaway has been 'passed' on as it were as I was one of the winners of Little Cottage Comforts giveaway months back now and part of taking part and winning was that you went on yourself (within a year) to do the same - hold a PIF giveaway.

So basic rules:

I will send something handmade to three people, who will then go on to give something handmade to another three people.

So if you are up for this one BASIC rule then please put your name forward for the draw!!!

In the comment please make sure you are easy for me to contact.
Let me know your favourite colour, any particular theme, style, emblem you like etc anything interesting and what I am proposing to do is to make you up a zip purse with your own unique little design ala by my fair hand especially for you.

I shall draw names out of a handy hat or bowl in a weeks time, Monday 21st June 2010.
So what do you say are you up for a bit of sharing, giving, 'paying it forward'??? If so then please leave a comment to take part.

Things in my neighbourhood.........

2010-06-11T19:56:00.008+01:00

Well I don't know whereabouts you all are but here this week the weather has been rather gray, rainy and at times humid - not constant sunny summer climes as yet - so to remind you, me and all of us that the sun is out there and it will be back and we will see sunny days like those below..........

Out and about where I live, whilst doing my 'chores' - you know going to the bank, the post office etc I snapped a few pics to show what a sunny day by the sea is like here, the buildings behind the beach aren't perhaps the most picturesque but I think it much easier to look beyond such things when the sun is a shining.......

love the colours on these little outlets on the harbour arm

flowers will always brighten up my day

some gorgeous old buildings

you can't beat a palm tree

a lovely little gallery

roses, I love these rambling ones, all colours

one of my fave colours at the mo, love this

well I hope these pictures have shared some sunbeams with you, enjoy your weekend and I will be back next post with a PIF Giveaway, be sure to come back and take part! ;0 x

SALE!

2010-05-24T22:10:00.003+01:00

Just to let you that today sees the start of a sale in my ETSY shop.
So come and take a browse, you can pick up a treat for yourself or a gift for someone else!
I shall be adding other pieces each evening this week.
I'm having a seasonal clean out of work as I have some new pieces underway which I shall share with you in the next few weeks.

Also if you are in the Kent area this Bank Holiday weekend I shall be taking part in the Harbour Art Fair - Contemporary Art, Craft and Collectables. It's happening at the Harbour Arm Gallery, Margate, Kent. It's on all weekend 29th - 31st May, 11-7pm and 11-5.30pm (on the Monday). I shall be there with my wares on the Sunday, come and say hello if you do drop along!

Brighton Artists Open Houses 2010

2010-05-22T17:41:00.008+01:00

Well hello! I hope everyone is now beginning to get some regular sunny and warm days and are managing to get out and enjoy some of it too!

As promised here are some images for your viewing pleasure, of my trip to Brighton and around the Artists Open Houses with my sister.

The oh so essential handy guide to all the trails and houses

comfy shoes a must! (Thanks mum and dad, they are sooooo comfortable!)

sunny streets to walk along

gorgeous tasty markets to wander through

cool footwear to spy!

had to show you this, loving the legs! this cinema even offers you tea and cake whilst you watch your flick, how fab!

And to the houses - advertising your house is open!

sculptures inside places

sculptures outside places

great ironworks, they had a forge going too

one fab house I had to take a few pics in, yes I did ask if it was okay!
Clair Letton's absolutely stunning paintings, they are amazing, such colour

Fiona Edwards mirrors, these are just beautiful

more gorgeous paintings

yummy colourful cakes!

textiles, teacup candles and pants, I mean what more could you want??!!

My sister loved a house called the pink birdhouse and the bird in it's front garden below, we even have a sticker for visiting!

You must take a look at Dupenny, fab designs, vintage, retro and cheeky!

and finally a few postcards/pics I picked up

Love my wee bird print card by Liz Toole, think I may frame him. Her prints are v lovely.

And so I have returned home, been chained to my sewing machine for a few days completing cushions for an order that thankfully reached its destination last week, phew! Onto the next thing on my list of to do's along with all the tidying up, etc, etc I need to do. Anyhow, SALE starting in my shop(s) from MONDAY NEXT WEEK, I will be back then with a post for you to see.......... Enjoy the sun this weekend, make sure you remember that SPF factor though! ;0 x

Pictures from Belmont

2010-05-14T09:34:00.007+01:00

A few pics from some of the stalls at Belmont last weekend.
It was certainly an experience with the weather being horrendous! Saturday was a complete wash out and so cold from the rain, however Sunday was a vast improvement so all was not lost! It turned out a good weekend, making sales and meeting some lovely people to boot as well as a bit of networking about future events too, so all's well that ends well!

So to a few pics:

The lovely Clare Jackson was next to me

Gill from the fab Woolly Hearts was t'other side of me

Roz from Fentons of Kent, lovely smells!

Robyn of Digi Art Life

Lesley with her handcrafted fused glass

More gorgeous work in glass form Liz Townsend - liza(at)tvelements.com

I loved the chandelier!

And finally last but not least Jenni Rogers beautiful jewellery

Oh yes and a wee pic of my little stand, thought I'd better show it!

I did want to be able to show you pics of Belmont itself but as I said the weather wasn't exactly the best to be getting out around the grounds to take pics! Ah well, perhaps next time.......

Anyhow am off again today, down to my sister's for the weekend as guess what????? It's that time of year again for Brighton Artists Open Houses, so we will be wearing our shoe leather out once again nosing about the houses! Have packed my camera so will be back next week with pics for you, a SALE starting in my shops and a PIF (Pay It Forward) Giveaway happening, Phew!

Until then, hope you all have a fab weekend whatever you're up too :) x

Belmont Spring Fair

2010-05-06T09:33:00.006+01:00

I am off to take part in the Belmont Spring Fair this weekend.
I can't wait to see what the grounds are like as well as all the other stalls and events happening there.

It looks like a stunning national trust property.

Belmont Spring Fair.
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May 2010.
Open 11am -5pm each day.
Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HH.

Their info:

"Admission to the gardens is waived for this, our second annual Spring Fair. Come and taste locally produced food goods and wander around an exciting selection of arts and crafts stalls, selling ceramics, handmade soaps, paintings and jewellery among others.

Children's Corner – come and enjoy face painting, decorating fridge magnets and ceramic coasters and try candle rolling! Treat yourselves to candy floss and toffee apples"

So I am crossing fingers for this weekend's weather, at least only light showers please as I shall be in a marquee!
Note to self must remember boots and waterproof!
do drop in and see me at this event if you are in or around Kent this weekend ;0 X

P.S. So many thanks to those of you that stopped by my last post and gave your opinion on frame or no? it is much appreciated. I think I am going to develop lines for both and see what happens...... will be posting pics soon
THANK YOU so much as well as always to everyone who comes and visits my blog whether you leave comments or not, all your visits are v much appreciated ;0 XX

Frame or no?

2010-04-28T20:30:00.011+01:00

I was advised recently from a buyer at a fair I was at, that I would benefit from using purse frames instead of zips on my purses. That my stitched and printed pieces would work well with them and that they would be liable to move a lot quicker i.e. sell more!

So my question is this - what do you think? frame or zip?
All comments, thoughts and opinions welcome!

Thrifting and making............

2010-04-24T12:40:00.006+01:00

What have you been up to lately??

I have been thrifting...

Old tablecloths and crochet doilies sent to me from a lovely lady I met at a fair, to reinvent into other things

A bag full of old trims and binding given to me by a work colleague (from her mum's over flowing stash!)

'New scraps' in the way of wonderfully colourful pieces from India from Yarnahoy. I have been looking for some really gorgeous colourful snippets of fabric to use in my work as well as the more muted vintage toned pieces

And making.....

Experimental new additions - cushions

Oval pins

Cushion

Hearts for a friend for her wedding, part of her gifts for a few special ladies. I'm waiting on a sketchbook through the post to cover for her for another v special lady too, will perhaps show pics when complete

A couple of page spreads from my journal, now that I have stitched all the pages into it.
I created these from paper and fabric scraps, such fun! I have used so many scraps up, bits of paper carrier bags, bits of random paper, photocopies of work, old monoprints, old used wrapping paper, old magazine pages and postcards with snippets of fabric stitched into the mix as well.

And finally a photo of my journal full with its pages, all handmade by me, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed making this

Now to be brave and actually use it, I don't want it to be too precious and be left unused!
Hope you're enjoying the sun wherever you are ;0 x

Journal commission.....

2010-04-06T16:22:00.006+01:00

First of all, apologies! I was all packed and ready Friday for the Artisan Bazaar on Sunday, too organised I feel that I forgot to take my camera with me, I Never do this!!! and so I have no photos to share with you of the event and the other stalls there. So you'll just have to take my word that there were some v lovely items on the stalls there! I had a lovely day, sold items and made some new contacts with the other lovely sellers. Especially lovely items were to be found at Amma of me and Gill of Woolly Hearts stalls.

And so on to the next thing. I was asked a few weeks back about a commission of a journal cover by the lovely Leah in Australia. She had seen my journal cover on my flickr photo stream and asked if I could make one for her. Of Course I replied! How lovely to be asked to create something for someone else to use. She left the decision of colours etc up to me, so I was let loose with fabric snippets, thread and my sewing machine!

I had decided on blues, creams/whites after looking on Leah's blog and when I asked her for any likes she gave me the same choice of colours, so I was glad to know I was already on the right track to making a piece she would like and use! Mustard/yellow was added into the mix to add freshness and zest to the piece.

So here are snaps of the cover, showing you details and then the actual cover, but as always with such as this I don't think you can see all the details until you see the real thing!

swirly stitchery detail

fresh white flowers

teeny flower detail, this is one I made a while ago, dissolvable fabric with machine stitching

the spine with Leah's chosen words

fabric snippet flower

inside the cover

the final cover all wrapped up with it's tie

This will be making it's journey to t'other side of the globe v soon, I hope Leah enjoys using it. I can't wait to see what pages she fills it with x

Artisan Bazaar

2010-03-31T20:03:00.005+01:00

This Easter Sunday sees the Artisan Bazaar happening in Whitstable, Kent.
4th April 2010. 10 - 4pm.
St Mary's Parish Hall, Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent.
Charity parking available at Whitstable Junior School (next to the Library).
Come and browse this vibrant new market.

So if you're near or around the area this Easter weekend, drop in and say hello! Have a fab weekend whatever you are up to! ;0 x

In the shop March..............

2010-03-24T10:57:00.008Z

In my etsy shop this month..........

wee oval brooches/pins, with various transfer prints of my doodles, screen prints and stitching on them

Going in my etsy shop this week.............

Hope you're all having a good week so far, am off to create! ;0 x

Back and onto the next thing............

2010-03-15T20:21:00.007Z

Back from the Contemporary Textiles Fair 2010 and plenty of tidying up to do and sorting out methinks!
There was a lot of amazing work there as always, so much to see, far too many beautiful things to want and covet! I would have liked to run amock with my camera snapping away to my hearts delight but I think people may have had a few things to say. So you'll just have to take it from me about the stunning talent that was there or better still next year go and see it for yourself! So you'll have to make do with some pics of my stand this year.............

I apologise in advance that these are not the greatest pics but I always feel a little lost without my wee tripod and some decent natural light!
So onto the next thing....... this week I'm taking part in part of a blog giveaway. Rebecca of The Ardent Sparrow is having a huge giveaway week with all sorts of sellers participating every day. Each day you can enter and win different things. My 'giveaway item' will be posted about friday, so get yourselves on over there and take part this week, five days of opportunities, who knows you may just be lucky one of the days! enjoy ;0 x

What have you been doing lately?..........

2010-03-10T21:46:00.006Z

Mostly...................... I have been making and creating ready for the upcoming fair and a few other things. So minimal words this post and more just a pics post, to show you a few of the things I've been making.

printed lavender hearts

printed lavender scented skinny leg birds

print, collage and stitch

fabric, felt balls (ooer!), bayleaves and string

new bags (bag pattern by olivetreetextiles) interpreted in my own printy, stitchy and fabric way

(this one is using the fabric I printed by hand)

new, recycled and vintage fabrics used with hand screen printing, stitchery goodness and collage by me!

Well a short but sweet post just in case you may have thought I'd fallen off the edge of the planet! I have been busy stitching away. I'm off to the Contemporary Textiles Fair 2010 this weekend at Teddington, London. Fingers crossed for it. If you're in or near the area do drop in and say hello! Hope you're all having a good week ;0 x

Goodies, garlands and journal..........

2010-02-17T12:14:00.016Z

Well the snow we had here last week seems to have finally melted away and today has been blue skies and sunshine, wahoo!!! Nothing like a bit of sunshine to lift the spirits.

And talking of lifting the spirits................... look what dropped through my letterbox at the weekend.... fab goodies from the lovely Pomona of Little Cottage Comforts
I commented on a post of hers a few months back now. It was about 'Pay it Forward' which meant that she was to send something handmade to three people, who then go on to give something handmade to another three. These are my goodies from this. In turn I shall be writing my own post to pass the goodness of giving on. So watch out! I shall post end of March beginning of April so keep your eyes peeled.

Gorgeous goodies all wrapped up

beautiful handmade gloves, they are sooooo soft

scrummy goodness in the way of fabric, buttons and ribbons

a sweet needle book and pin cushion, just how pretty are they?!

As you can see who could fail to be cheered up by such gorgeous goodies. Thank you so much Pomona! X

And so to some making................
What have we here, a felt ball, needle and string, and a bay leaf, what could it mean....??

Add into the mix an enormous amount of fabric 'bits' to snip up and you have all the elements ready to get garland making

strings of colour in pink and green, blue and yellow and red and brown

its all in the details

These are bits I may have on my stand at the fair, we shall see. Also the felt balls and felt scraps I used within my garlands were from the lovely KirstyFish, check out her sidebar for links to her shops of gorgeous goodies and fab supplies.

And some more (well I did promise) pictures of my journal so far. This is being somewhat of a slower process as I have other things I have to get on making that need to take priority before this (what with the textiles fair to attend next month!)
Although I have to say there is nothing more that I would rather be doing than having an experiment and a play with fabric, needle, thread, sewing machine, paper and even paint with my journal at the moment, it will have to wait *sigh* for now. So for your viewing here's pics of my journal in the making................

front

back

spine

cover detail

you know its all about the detail!

journal tie

pages in the making

Well back to work I feel, I have a pile of printed birds and hearts that need cutting and stitching! and I don't see any magic elves around here to make them while I sleep, mores the pity!! Hope you're all having a good week ;) X

Shop Update..................

2010-02-10T16:30:00.008Z

Well my toes may be freezing here but I'm trying to think ahead of Spring and Summer, (although they do seem to be but a distant rumour at the moment!), thinking of brighter, warmer colours and light! I miss the glorious clear daylight and sunshine, enough of the grey, grey bone chilling days please.

So over the past few weeks I've been filling my shops up with more light hearted carefree and colourful items that for me pertain to Spring and Summer. Now I'm not great at this promotion of ones work but I have to say I do like to read about it on other peoples blogs. To find out when people have put new items in their shops, to hear and see new creations, experiments and ideas. I like many I'm sure, have a lot of shops 'bookmarked' or 'favourited' but I'm a bit slack in going to check if they've put anything new in them. So it's great to have it put there in front of me on their blogs. So here's to self promotion because if we didn't put ourselves out there and shout about our work how would anyone know???!!!

So here's my shop updates!

New items in my Folksy shop.
Simple tote bags perfect for Summer, lightweight and carefree just like your spirit in the glorious sunshine.................

Juicy Red

Spring

Blue for You

Red Russett

All of the totes are lined with a pouch pocket inside. They are all one-offs so will be totally unique to you.

New items in my Etsy shop.

Sweetheart Set 2. smelling gorgeously sweet of lavender

Spring Zest

Rustic

Abstract Stems

Nut Brown

Orchid Echo

Sweetheart Set 1

Blue Blooms

Textile Droplets Tote & Purse Set

Busy? Moi? perhaps. I've been printing like a woman possessed and now have the job of cutting and stitching to complete, so I'll be showing you soon what has been happening there. It's a test of sorts so we'll see how the 'new' bits turn out.

Lastly but by no means least I'd like to say a BIG thank you to Helen of Simply H and also to Penny of Fibrefrolics for awarding me the Sunshine Bloggers award. Yay! Thank you so much ladies, I'm so pleased you feel that my blog brings a little beam of sunshine into your 'blogland' as it were. Now I know that I'm supposed to go on and award this to 12 more bloggers but I'm bowing out of this as I have far too many people I could award this to! Also I have a pile of things to make over the next few weeks for the upcoming fair, (whilst trying to stay calm...........in the midst of fabric) and find it far too easy to procrastinate on the laptop!

my award - (love gerberas)

See you soon with pics of the 'new' printed bits and more of my journal! ;0 X

Birds, birds everywhere.............

2010-02-03T09:29:00.006Z

Well it's mid-week and time for a post. In fact I'm a bit overdue on the ol' posing front, as the past few weeks I've been working extra hours at the 'other' job and so haven't spent as much time doing my work as I'd wanted. Anyways all is back to normal now and so here I am a'posting!

I've been making rather a lot of skinny leg birds recently for a couple of orders, they were something I was debating about still making as well, isn't that always the way when you're looking at your work! re-evaluating, seeing what works and what doesn't, what gets looked at and what doesn't, old items to stop making and new ones to bring to the fore.

The order below has been sent off to Artshut in Hertsmonceux, so if you're around those parts take a peek!

skinny leg birds in a range of patterns and colours all ready for stuffing!

more skinny leg birds jostling in their box for room!

a close up because they wanted one!

bird images have become quite a popular thing over the last year or so and have appeared in many ways in peoples work too. I even used a teeny tiny bird and cage in one of my clutch purses.

And I know the Amazing Mimilove loves to don paint brush as well as needle and thread to bring us forth her budgies! Below is the one she sent me in a swap we did. I LOVE IT!

I then had a peer around my work room to see if I had any other bird items and low and behold I do! They sneak up on you everywhere! I have a lovely wee green bird.

I also have a beautiful white stone bird that my lovely sister bought me for my birthday last year, unfortunately the light hasn't been good enough to get a decent pic of this to show you :(.

I did take a look to see if there was a meaning to 'birds' as such and the information that I found was v interesting. Take a look at this link to Wikianswers as to the meanings of certain birds, what a fab idea for a project to base work upon!

So I think that perhaps the birds are here to stay for a while, at least in their skinny leg bird form within my work. I'll show you v soon some new look skinny's as I'm off to print some later, a change from being cut out of patterned and coloured fabric!

Finally I wanted to show you a peek at something completely different and new for me. I joined an online class - Remains of the Day - Mary Ann Moss - and am having far too much fun! being experimental and free, stitching with my fabric scraps making my journal cover and at the moment constructing my scrap paper pages for the inside. I'm not the best person at keeping a sketchbook, yet needed to get back to some sketchy type of basics to enjoy the creative process from the v beginning again and just to experiment, experiment and play. This for me is what has been missing for a while, I was so good at this at art college! but don't seem to have made time for it in quite some time, so this year this was top of my list of must/need to do!

here's a peek....................

Enjoy your week, see you soon..... ;0 x

Blog Giveaway Winner!!

2010-01-20T17:51:00.004Z

Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ddddddrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..................

And so all names were put in my wee bowl, rustled up

And I let the 'man' pick out a winner....

The Winner is Bluebell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoo!

So Kate, if you could drop me an email to hello(at)meplusmolly.co.uk with your address details and I can get everything packaged up and sent out to you.

Thank you all soooooooo much for entering. I think it may be something I do sporadically! so keep an eye out.
;0 X

Giveaway entires closed!!!!!!

2010-01-19T21:07:00.006Z

Just a note to say that all giveaway entries are now closed!!!!!
I shall be picking the winner from all the wee folded bits of paper in a while and posting the Winner tomorrow!!!!!
See you then ;0 X

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-01-10T21:34:00.005Z

Drum roll please.............drdrdrdrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......

Here it is, my Giveaway to celebrate making it to 100 followers, wahoo! (in fact I have just over that now!) I'm so pleased I cannot thank you enough for visiting my blog and to keep returning, reading and leaving the odd comment as well. Such interest and support in my work and my ramblings is v lovely of each and every one of you so Thank You!

Rules of my giveaway:

If you would like to be entered for the draw then please leave a comment here
Or
if you follow my blog but don't have your own blog then feel free to email me to be entered at hello(at)meplusmolly.co.uk (you know what sign to put in instead of 'at')

You have until the 19th January 2010 to enter.

Then I will put all the names of those who comment into a hat and pick out a winner.
So come on and comment and get involved!!

And so onto my giveaway goodies:

a wee spring like bloom brooch

a 'lollipop' petite purse in neutrals and monochromes

a bundle of 'bits and bobs' for you to craft away to your hearts content with

a copy of Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray

And possibly anything else that falls into the envelope as I package it all up to send!

So what are you waiting for, you're still here??? go and leave a comment now!!!!! ;0 Xxx

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-01T15:30:00.004Z

Did you catch up with those from near and afar? Have you eaten your own body weight in food and drink? Been decadent in your over indulgence? But overall had a blooming good festive season with those you love???!!!!!! I do hope so.
I just wanted to pop by and wish each and every one of you that visit my blog, whether you have ever left a comment or not, a
Blooming Fabulous New Year and 2010!

If you've been chilling your toes in such weather as below

then dip your toes in these warmer waters to defrost them!!!

Here's looking towards a prosperous year for each and every one of us, full of health and happiness, I'm raising my glass to you all!

P.S. Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all who are following me, I've just made it to 100 followers, wahoo! so this month I will be doing a giveaway to celebrate, keep a look out for it, coming soon!!!!!!! ;0 xXx

Christmas Alphabet..........

2009-12-20T21:51:00.008Z

Well what can I say folks? It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......la la la la laaaaaaa........

Now truth be known I'm not the most christmassy person and I think this is mainly due to the fact of having worked in retail for far too many years to tell and when Christmas goods start appearing in your deliveries to go out on the shelves from October, that and the same Christmas tunes for 3 months solid, and watching people consume consume consume, well by December you've practically lost the will to live. The enormous commercial consumerism can just strip away the magic that I feel Christmas should have.

Anyhow that thankfully is now a life away from where I'm at now *sighs*.
I wanted to share some Christmas magic with you. My parents have a myriad of vinyl yes records! they have a large variety of various types of Christmas music from instrumental to choral, from traditional to Motown. So I wanted to share one tune of these many with you, I think my parents have a slightly different version but this I think is the original, so hop on over to the link below, in fact open it in a new tab, put it on loud, come back here and scroll through the pics I've patched together for your visual delight to (try!) and accompany this wee song. (all pics have been gathered from home, further afield and some blooming lovely dressed shop windows).
Here's the link: Christmas Alphabet - Dickie Valentine

C if for the candy trimmed around the Christmas tree

H is for the happiness with all the family

What? look at the wee sweet gingerbread and robin families!

R is for the reindeer prancing by the window pane

I is for the icing on the cake as sweet as sugar cane

This is the window from Choccy Woccy DooDah, all sorts of chocolate goodness in there, it is truly amazing the things that they create

S if for the stocking hanging on the chimney wall

T is for the toys beneath the tree so tall

you just know there are lots of toy goodies wrapped up in those packages!

M is for the mistletoe where everyone is kissed

A is for the angels who make up the Christmas list

S is for the Santa who makes every kid his pet

Be good and he'll bring you everything in your Christmas alphabet!

And here's just a few more festive shots just because I can........

Ahhhhhh the turkey, a must for so many of us

And so you don't feel all brittle and about to break into a million crystal pieces.....

wrap up against this sort of weather or better still stay at home and just be.

Remember the magic is in the wishing, seeing friends and family, the eating of dishes and the taking of a tipple or two(!), the giving and sharing of gifts and most importantly the loving of being with those you are with.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and ala tiny Tim 'God bless us every one'. Have a fab festive season ;0 X

The Print Block

2009-12-04T18:13:00.006Z

Well I have mentioned about printing and the little course I had been on in a few previous posts, so now here is my full post about it.
I did printing many years ago now and have not been able to find a course (that ran!) or facilities that I might have been able to use to do some more. So when I found out about The Print Block in Whitstable I quickly booked myself on one of their short printing courses. I have been itching to use more print combined with stitch in my work for ages and this has given me the chance to do that. So thank you Suki and Emrys for bringing The Print Block to Whitstable!

shelves filled with glorious inks to print with

screens galore that students have produced

I have always fancied one of these, although far too big for the normal household space! a drying rack, great for storing your printed bits and pieces so that they can dry without being squashed

screens in use

And finally to a few pics of snippets of work I produced over the few weeks there

combining print with stitch and fabric fragments to create one off simple tote bags

prints in the progress of being combined with snippets of fabric and larger panels as well as machine and hand stitching for fabric scarves

I had so much fun on this course and was so pleased that it ran. I was so fed up of not being able to attend a course because they didn't run due to lack of numbers. The classes at The Print Block are perfect as they are only small groups which means you will get the guidance and advice you may need much easier as well. They have recently run courses to print your own run of Christmas cards as well as wrapping paper, could you get much more handmade, personalised and perfect for Christmas!!??? So please if you live in, near or around the area and fancy printing then be sure to check them out. I'm looking at joining up to be able to use the facilities again for some more experimentation with my work, so maybe I'll see you there!! ;0 x

After Sparkle..........

2009-11-24T19:38:00.007Z

Well hello bloggy bods! well the weekend has been and gone so quickly so I thought I would get back to you with some pics of the event.

Sales were made and goods have found new homes despite the terrible weather that we all seem to be having! It was grey, windy and intermittently rainy all weekend so not especially conducive to people wanting to come out and brave it. However a good weekend was had, such a lovely venue and I haven't found yet such friendly exhibitors! It's always good to somewhat immerse yourself in the company of like minded creative folk at times, don't you think? you can have a good ol chin wag about the ins and outs of your creativity and ideas. Much like we do here amongst our online blogging but I have to say it's always nice to put faces to 'online' names and to see work in the flesh, it's always even more stunning than the photos you see.

So to my pics, I was a bit better this time and actually managed to get a few snaps of the building, in between the raindrops!

The Landmark Arts Centre

A small part of the stunning ceiling

More beauty above my head!

And so to some of the stands there
The lovely Sue Allan was opposite me, which was fab, love her work and I have posted about her before back in March I think

The fabulous Ian, Potnotch, next to me whose ingenious pot hangers sold sooooooooo well

The absolutely exquisite, delicate and stunning work of Karen's, contemporary embroidery, her detail is amazing!

The lovely Jackie and her gorgeous tactile accessories, such vibrant and rich colours with stitched textural details

And one of the delicious food stalls , Planet Cake, that was opposite her, I'm not sure I could've coped sitting opposite it all weekend, I would have succumbed to the lure of the cake.........

And finally some pics of my wee stand, with me trying my hardest to make the best use of the space I had available to display my 'wares' on! With ladders, muslin covered pin boards, mannequins and shelving...........

scarf roll close up

festive skinny long stockings

purses for your pennies

And a small switch around to hang purses off the rungs instead of the fabric scarves

I am now packing up all stock to roll onto my next port of call this week, Brighton Open Houses where my work is being displayed for the next three weekends at Kate Lulham's abode - 'Delicious Delights', so if you live in or around the area be sure to check out some of the houses on the trails, you won't be disappointed!

See you all soon, avoid the raindrops if you can! ;0 x

Off to Sparkle..........

2009-11-19T23:43:00.005Z

Well a very small and quick post from me this eve. It's been a while and I feel I have been very bad of late at posting often enough, but I have been busy, honest! me, my sewing machine and needle and thread are now as one as I have been working away to have work ready for Sparkle and then Brighton Open Houses. So here is a glimpse of a few bits and pieces to give you an idea of the kind of things I've been making...........

Just a glimpse mind, to give you a flavour, a taste of what will be adorning my stand. I shall be snapping away and hope to get pics of my stand when there as well as others. I'm looking forward to meeting a number of bloggy peeps too, so I shall be back to tell you all next week. Have a great weekend whatever you're up to! ;0 x

Hearts 'n' Fishes Workshop.....

2009-11-08T11:07:00.006Z

Hello Lovely bloggy readers, well a bit later than anticipated I thought I would post a few pics of my workshop the other week.
My garland one didn't run as not enough bods but my hearts and fishes did! Although it was entitled 'Hearts & Fishes" everyone during the workshop decided to make a fish, which was lovely, as my sample was the first fish I had made as well and so it was good to see them inspired enough by my wee fish to make one themselves!

With these taster workshops all materials are supplied by the workshop leader (ie moi) and so you can just roll up and create away without the hassle of trying to remember to get things and then to bring them! All I ask is for people to just bring yourself and your creative spirit along.

So my 'creative mess' laid out to inspire with all its colour and texture.

Fishy shapes cut ready for the choosing and a'making

And so below to fish shapes stitched up and stuffed with the beginnings of decoration....

Rich red with lovey blanket stitching around the edges

The planning of shimmery gorgeous scales

And some nearly finished and finished fishes, just how lovely did they turn out!??

These are two different fish, not the two sides to one by the way! it's just that the same fabric had been chosen, their scales are lovely, much nicer in the flesh or should that be fabric?!

Again I would just like to say a BIG THANKS to the lovely ladies that came along to the workshop, what a lovely group they were. Thank you all for being so inspired and enjoying the workshop. I'm also glad to say that they took bits and pieces home with them to make more fishes and hearts too. I hope you ladies have continued with the creativity! If you have any photos of work finished since then, I'd love to see it, so send me an email!!

I would also like to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU to a list of lovely bloggers for including various items of mine in posts on their blogs. I cannot tell you all how pleased I am to be included in your posts! So lovely of you all, so Thank You! ;0 X

So my Thank You Roll Call to:

Helen from handmade by helen
Val from Blackrose
Alex from FoundonFolksy
Amanda from Etsymetal
Liana from Mixedplate

Phew! well I better get back to creating. I have a couple of orders to package up and am still making for the upcoming fair and Brighton Open House. Yep!!! that's right Brighton Open Houses, little ol' me is taking part for the first time in them, in the Christmas ones. Will let you know more v soon. I'll be down there taking pics so you can see.

Hope you've all had a good weekend, I'm typing wrapped up with layers of cardi's and a big chunky scarf if that makes you feel any better??!! just need some fingerless gloves now, always get cold hands when typing. Honestly I'm not tucked away up in a garret with half moon specs really, it just seems like it! ;0 X

Seasonal colours........

2009-11-01T10:49:00.006Z

Well I think it is fair to say that we are definitely well in to the autumn, but perhaps not just yet winter season. Winter for me should be much colder and crisper, with white frosts and brittle sharp days. Not all this rubbishy rain!

So taking inspiration from the colours in our autumnal surroundings I've been collecting bits and bobs, sketching 'things' and creating some more accessories recently for a couple of orders.
Crossing fingers each time items are posted, I hope that the stockists like them when they get there!

I really love the gorgeous rich red tones that are apparent at this time of year in the leaves and flowers........

My parents gorgeous acer palmatum or japanese maple tree below, love how the leaves have a two tone colour and crinkle up at the edges, it is glorious in its large fat pot

I just love seed heads of any and all kinds(!)

a pelargonium or as we all know them geraniums, these have always been a favourite of mine, such vibrant flowers that look great in simple terracotta pots or old tins, a splash of colour to put a smile on your face!

And so........ some new petite purses in rich autumn tones

details of fabric fragments, buttons, print and stitch

And a peek at print samples I've been trialling at my print class, more to come soon....

And yes festiveness!!!!! in the way of skinny long stocking decorations

and shaker style santa decorations which are in the making, waiting for a few finishing touches which are off to locations up north soon

Not much writing in this post, you know how I love a pic! will be posting soon about my workshop to show what was created! hope you're surviving what has been a very gray weekend here, but 'tis ok as I have may daylight lightbulb on(!) to work by and am cheering myself along with the radio and some creativity in various bright colourways!!

Calling all crafty and arty types in Kent!!!

2009-10-23T20:29:00.005+01:00

Well hello there lovely bloggy peeps, just a short an' sweet post this eve, more to follow shortly, just waiting to take some pics!

First off a 'Call Out' to all those crafty arty creative types in Kent, I've met another lovely creative lady recently on my print course (more about that another time!) who is organising a Craft Fair and looking for stall holders.
Here's the info:
The Craft and Gift Fair will be on Saturday 28th November at Beltinge Village Hall, Herne Bay, Kent.
It will be from 10am to 4pm.
A pitch will cost £10 per person.
No need to bring tables, as they are already in the hall with chairs.
Obviously bring what you will to cover your table and for displaying your work.
If you are interested in taking part and for any further information contact Tania via her email at tan_93(at)hotmail.com.

And also my final call for next weeks workshop too, there are still some places left to come and create hearts and fishes, so if you'd like to book make sure to visit the create in whitstable website to do so.
Don't let the fishy pass you by! ;0

Last but not least, crossing fingers that I get some good shots taken at the weekend, I shall be back with words and pics about new bits and pieces that I've been up to, and yes what's that? a jingle I hear?........is that...................surely not...................Ssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh not something of the festive variety??? I know it's already sprouting up everywhere, but it's far too early for me, blame it on way too many years spent working in retail!! I'm not grinchy for nothing you know!!! ;0 x

Escape to 'Create in Whitstable' Part 2..........

2009-10-04T16:27:00.014+01:00

Hello lovely peeps!

I'm posting to let you know about the workshops I'm involved in this month, a bit short notice perhaps, but there's nothing like living life on the edge, hey??!! So here follows my blatant plug for them and the whole creative week, because I can! ;0

escape to create in whitstable

Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2009

I will be running workshops on Saturday 24th and Wednesday 28th October as part of 'Escape to Create in Whitstable' a week long event in this lovely seaside town. The aim of the initiative is to encourage people to escape from their usual routine for a few hours or longer to taste a new creative pursuit. It will all be happening at (or near!) the Horsebridge Centre in Whitstable.

If you'd like to book on one of my workshops (I'd love to see you!) each workshop costs £22 per person.

To book on my workshop and to find out more about the other workshops taking place during the week, visit here - 'Create in Whitstable'.

'Shabby chic' Garlands Saturday 24th October

Hearts & Fishes Wednesday 28th October

Come an create, you know you want to!! Well that's my blatant plug over, be back soon with more creativeness! ;0 X