Artisan Markets July 2010

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

Escape to create - Whitstable 2010

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

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

Bits, bobs and PIF Giveaway!

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.

Artisan Bazaar

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

The Print Block

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

Hearts 'n' Fishes Workshop.....

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

Calling all crafty and arty types in Kent!!!

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..........

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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

Ready or not!??............

Just a wee post today as I should really be finishing making sure that all items are tagged; that I have everything here ready for the 'Makey Do' this weekend, and don't need to rush out to get anything!

So here's a few pics of my wee purses all finished, ready for the 'do'

Simple wee purses to compliment or is it complement? hmmmmmm..... the simple tote bags



my individual petite purses for those who are after something unique, original and one-off



blue hues and some more petite purses in pink hues, all the tones of the rainbow....



And although you've seen this before, this is my A1 mixed media artwork entitled 'Caught On The Breeze' that I've just dropped off over at the Horsebridge Centre today. The exhibition is running from 17th July - 2nd August, I can't wait to see the diverse range of work being entered, wonder if they'll let me take any pics to blog about it, will perhaps have to ask..........
Anyways this pics for you Dad as I know Mum hasn't shown it you!! hope you like it ;0 x



Well lovely bloggy readers I shall keep it short and sweet and be back next week with pics from the 'Do', can't wait to meet all the 'creative bloggers' that are going, it will be so nice to actually meet you all 'in the flesh!' Anyways get ready for your close ups, I'll be there snap happy with my camera, well as long as I'm on this side of it and not having any pics taken myself that is!!!!!!

Then back to stocking my wee online shops - I've been v v bad at this recently! - and also a few more 'art' pieces are happening to post about too plus some more sample making ready for my workshop!......till then ta-ra! have a grand weekend ;0 X

Busy, bizzy, buzzy..........

Well its that Friday feeling for most I am sure, where the weekend is barely the blink of an eye away!
I said I would be back this week with another post and piccies of what I've been a'creating and making, so here we go......

First of all I'd just like to say I'm v annoyed(!) with myself for forgetting to take photos of another batch of petite purses, that made their merry way up to The Bowery again the other week. I was so intent on getting the work finished and packaged up that I was down the road to the post office when I suddenly remembered that I hadn't taken any pics, rubbish!!! anyhow I'm v pleased The Bowery wanted more stock, am crossing fingers that peeps are liking the work and skipping away with their purchases!

So to other work, and a few pics. Being a visual person I love posts on blogs where there are pics to look at! Don't get me wrong I love a good read but I love a good arty crafty colourful pic too.

Below are a few of the simple totes for the 'Makey Do'. Keeping them fresh, clean and simple.



Wee purses in the making to compliment the simple totes.



More petite purses in the making, these with my workings of fabric fragments, my sketchy images, hand-stitching and buttons. I'll be posting pics of these when they're finished as well.



Getting in for a close up to show the detail of my hydrangea sketch, transfer printed on to the purse. All v wispy and dreamy!



My A1 piece for the A1 Exhibition in Whitstable. Just a few more bits of stitching to do now........then I need to put a title to the piece and a price (!)



Some scrummy lavender hearts, I'll be taking these to the 'Do' with me as well, give them a scrunchy squeeze, can you smell the lavender?? mmmmmm....... lovely



A wee handstitched heart, getting ready my samples for my wee workshop taster. Timing myself to see how to break down the time for the workshop, step by step, where to be with our creations by what time etc, so everyone attending can leave with a finished item! I really want people to enjoy the taster and would also love them to leave with something finished, as I've always liked to come away with a finished piece when attending workshops myself.



Well I must away my bloggy cohorts! and get a-stitching to get all these bits and pieces done. There's nothing like having several things on the go at the same time , hey?!??? Enjoy your weekends! ;0 x