found and sewn

sunday catch up ...

2012-03-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week at work, so I haven't spent a huge amount of time on my own textiles. Now with a few days off I plan to start on some new designs for a couple of shows that are coming up.

I have had a bit of time to make some cards for The Old Fire Station Gallery in Oxford and Rosie B's Home & Interiors in Chipping Norton.

Well, I had better get on, I'm off to see my mum,and take her a little pressie,as it's mother's day today and to visit our favourite bric a brac shop.

See you next week x

papilio paris

2012-03-11T04:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday's here! The more relaxed day of the week, no rushing out the door to try and catch my bus to work....instead a chance to tidy up, finish off some cards and take some photos to share with you.

The beautiful butterfly, 'Papilio Paris' was a present from my boyfriend and the books I bought from a charty shop last week.

I'm trying to teach myself the names of wild flowers, I love the faded and slightly old fashioned illustrations.

Have a lovely Sunday.

business cards

2012-03-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well here they are, my new business cards. As you can see I couldn't decide on just one image, so I went for a selection, to show a few examples of my work. I'm really pleased with how they turned out. They have a lovely vintage feel to them. What do you think?

a few things....

2012-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

A few things from the month of February...

.... making baked apples with cinnamon cream from a new book 'The Vintage Tea Party' I might try these scones next....

...an old suitcase which I plan to cover in Liberty fabric stacked up with books and magazines ...

...a month without chocolate would just never happen...these one are very special...

see what I made

2012-02-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to get some business cards printed for ages, so I have spent the afternoon sorting through pictures of my work, trying to decide which ones are the best to use. I've finally narrowed down the selection, actually it's really nice to look back at work that has now sold and remind myself of what I have made. It's easy to forget when you start working on the next piece.

I also found an amazing set of teacups, saucers and side plates in a charity shop earlier. Only £5 too!

I'll take some photos to show you.....tea anyone?

sketchbook

2012-02-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

Thinking about what to make next.....looking at all my favourite things; handmade lace, vintage buttons, faded tea stained colours, bronze and cream, pleats and folds.

escape to the city

2012-02-20T02:34:00.000-08:00

Last week my boyfriend and I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London.
I hadn't been there for years and there was something amazing about walking through room after room full of grand portraits, all these famous men and women throughout history looking down on you. Some of the paintings were enormous, the size of the room, with elaborate gilt frames. I came away with a few postcards, the lady in black 'Lady Colin Campbell' was one of my favourites, painted in 1897.

We thought we'd check out Mishkins for lunch, after reading about it on 'Miss Pickerings' lovely blog. It was exactly as she had described it. I recommend the Brick Lane salt beef with Colin's and pickles, with a Gin Rickey served in a jam jar.

I always make a quick stop at the Cloth House haberdashery on Berwick Street. I love their displays and they have a great selection of trims and buttons.

I also saw some beautiful furniture in Liberty's, but completely out of my price range, so now I'm on a mission to find something similar....

pinks and greens

2012-02-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

Pretty pink presents, beautiful tulips and chocolates for Valentines.

matchbox challenge - the antique one

2012-02-12T03:08:00.000-08:00

Have you been enjoying the snow this week?....I was hoping for a 'snow day' off work, but only a light covering around here, probably a good thing really.

I hope you have been joining in with The Lobster and Swan matchbox a day challenge set by Jeska. Today is the 'antique one' I have made mine decorated with gold paper, vintage lace, a piece of a hand written french letter and a beautiful stamp. Inside are hidden mother of pearl buttons and beads.

I'm not sure if I can make one for every day of February, but I love making them and seeing what other people have created.

Remember Jeskas' is selling her lovely matchboxes for charity in her etsy shop.

lobster & swan matchbox challenge

2012-02-10T00:41:00.000-08:00

When I heard about Jeska's February 'matchbox a day challenge' I couldn't resist joining in. Jeska of the blog 'lobster and swan' is creating a beautifully decorated matchbox a day for the month of February, there is a loose theme for each day, today being 'the pretty one'

Jeska's husband is running the London marathon and to help him raise money for his charity, Jeska will be selling her finished little boxes in her etsy shop.

We are all invited to take part in the challenge.... they are so much fun to make, even slightly addictive. Above is my matchbox for today, which I have decorated and filled with a selection of vintage flower and butterfly stamps . If you need more inspiration, below are some of Jeska's lovely matchboxes or check out the flickr group to see what other people have made....

change of plan

2012-02-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Well today has not gone to plan at all....quite a stressful morning spent clearing up a leak from a burst water pipe, but now calm has been restored and the new plan is to make the house cosy and warm and cheer myself up with these pretty primroses which were a lovely present. A hearty shepherds pie is in the oven, pure comfort food and then out to brave the snow.

chocolate box

2012-01-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've had a lovely time away in the beautiful Welsh countryside attending a friends wedding. They were so lucky with the weather, very cold with clear blue skies and sunshine. All the guests stayed in a beautiful manor house hotel, which was a real treat.

Now I'm back home, I thought I would share with you this vintage chocolate box, don't you love the big ribbon on top. It would be nice it it was full of delicious chocolates, cherry creams to be precise, instead I keep zips, cottons, buttons and pearls inside. It would make a great jewellery box too!

all the small things

2012-01-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

Off to a friends wedding tomorrow, just deciding on what accessories to wear with my dress, i've got some options so this could take a while.....have a great weekend!

flea market buttons

2012-01-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

What a rainy day! Hopefully these brightly coloured buttons should brighten it up.

My mum bought them from a flea market in Spain and they are still on their original display cards. I can just imagine ladies flicking through them, trying to decide on a shape or colour to complete a new dress.

It seems a shame to remove them from the cards, I'm not quite sure what I will do with them yet?

Enjoy the rest of your week, whatever the weather.

my space

2012-01-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a busy week, going to 'Top drawer' trade fair in London, buying lots of lovely new stock for the boutique where I work. Looking at the stands gave me lots of ideas for displaying my own bags and purses.

I've been spending time sorting out my work room, putting up a few oil paintings I found at a flea market and stacking up vintage teaspoon and cutlery boxes which I use for presenting and photographing my little purses and corsages in. I like to keep changing my workspace, so it always feels like an inspiring place to be.

Any tips on how to keep your space tidy, I'd love to know?

winter sunshine

2012-01-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

Winter can be a lovely month when the skies are clear blue, the sun is shining and there is a covering of frost on the ground. Time to get wrapped up with hats, scarves and gloves and head out with my camera and my boyfriend for a long walk across the park.

Bright sunshine sparkled on frosty leaves and bare branches stretched out, silhouetted against the sky.

A good walk usually leads to a good meal, so off to the local pub for lunch and a warm up by the fire.

stay inside

2012-01-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

When it's cold and grey outside, it's a good time to stay at home and get all those little jobs done that you have been meaning to do, like sorting out paper work, replying to emails, tidying your workspace. So why not make a cup of tea and start your 'to do' list.

a special gift

2012-01-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

I've been working on an envelope purse for a customer who wanted a special gift commissioned for his granddaughter. I chose to use a pale peachy pink, shot silk fabric mixed with a pretty cream vintage lace, finished off with mother of pearl buttons and beads. I'm really pleased with how its turned out, hopefully they will like it too...

I've also been thinking about new designs for spring, adding pictures and cut outs to my pin board for inspiration.

a new year

2012-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone! Thank you all so much for being a part of found and sewn, I've really enjoyed sharing it with you, I love reading your comments and visiting your blogs which are always so inspiring.

I'm looking forward to 2012, planning to be more creative, visit new places and to take loads more photos...

It has been a bit of a grey start to the year so far, so I thought I would post a few colourful pictures to brighten it up. The little glass bowl is a recent charity shop find and is perfect for these candy coloured macaroons.

unwrapped

2011-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post, to see if everyone is enjoying the Christmas break so far...I've been taking part in all the usual festive activities; eating and drinking too much, watching classic black and white films, winter walks, time with family and playing board games.

Here are some presents, now unwrapped from their pretty packaging.... soaps, pyjamas, vintage linen napkins and little silver jam spoons.

A winter walk to work off all those mince pies, The countryside looks beautiful this time of year, with it's patchwork of hedgerows dotted with white fluffy seed heads and red berries.

Have a wonderful New Year, see you in 2012!!

a festive weekend

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

I've had a lovely weekend so far, Chrismas drinks at my friend candy pop's beautifully kitsch penthouse, where I met some other friendly flickr folk.

We bought our Christmas tree, I decorated it with red and gold ribbon and strings of bells. I've had the little robin for ages and when not perched on top of a tree, lives on the bookshelf, as I can never bear to pack him away. I'm keeping the house festive with fairy lights and objects that catch the light to add sparkle and warmth to these frosty cold days.

a winters day

2011-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

A grey winters Sunday, cutting and sticking, making cards, reading the latest Vogue and drinking hot tea on the sofa, buying Christmas chutneys and sweet biscuits, hanging little gold birds and hearts on our tree, making lists, tidying up, feeling cosy and warm at home listening to the wind and rain outside.

my week ....

2011-12-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well, what have I been up to this week.....feeling festive at a Christmas market, eating mince pies and drinking warming mulled wine....a trip to the cinema to watch ' My week with Marilyn' and being inspired by fifties vintage fashion, putting up fairy lights and gold bunting around the house, printing out business cards on pink and pale green and buying anemones for the kitchen

cupcakes & milkshakes

2011-11-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

After a busy week with the exhibition I felt like I deserved a bit of a treat. So my boyfriend and I headed down to London for the day. We wandered through Notting Hill, stopping at the Hummingbird Bakery for one their delicious cupcakes. Looking through the antique shops at all the lovely old Christmas decorations, but somehow managing to resist, we walked over to 'Lucky Seven' a classic American diner that serves the best milkshakes and fries.

No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Liberty's department store. I fell in love with their Christmas windows displays, is it wrong to want a stuffed swan for Christmas? Perhaps I should ask the queen!

My final and best treats of the day were the Liberty book of sewing, which I have wanted for ages, a mouse pin cushion and Nars nail varnish in 'endless night' for those winter parties.

What a lucky girl I am!

sunday plans

2011-11-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

Woken up to a misty morning, from the window I can see the fields and trees fading into the fog. After a lazy breakfast of toast with a delicious black cherry jam, I'm about to head out to help with the Christmas craft exhibition in Woodstock.

These little purses are coming with me too, now they have had their photo shoot and will be ready for sale along with my clutch bags, corsages and handmade cards.

What are your Sunday plans?

on my desk....

2011-11-13T04:52:00.000-08:00

On my desk today.....cotton reels in grey, blue and silver, cut fabric flowers, tins of broken necklaces, seed beads and buttons, cup of earl grey tea and a pack of biscuits, bits of vintage lace, sketch books and pot of pens and pencils.....

sewing

2011-11-09T03:19:00.000-08:00

Last week the 'Old Fire Station' shop and gallery had their opening night, so I went along to see my work and other designer makers at the brand new venue.

I bought a necklace from 'wolf + moon' which I love and have been waring ever since.

I'm really busy making lots of lovely bags, purses, corsages and cards for a Christmas show starting in a couple of weeks.

I'm just finishing off these purses, I'll show you when their done....well I had better get back to the sewing machine....see you soon x

in the detail ....

2011-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

British summer time is officially over, so what better way to start the day with a bowl of hot porridge and honey.

Yesterday I potted up some purple and lilac Violas in little terracotta pots for the living room window sill - a touch of colour to last through the winter. I love the velvety feel of Pansies and Violas, cheerful faces to welcome you home.

I also finished this envelope purse, keeping it simple with a cluster of vintage buttons, beads and lace flowers. The perfect place to keep precious letter, cards and mementos.

Have a lovely sunday!

sunday market

2011-10-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in London last Sunday.

After a quick lunch at Leon's we walked up to Brick Lane's bric a brac market, where every building and space available held a market from food to vintage clothing, bands playing in the street and even a hair salon in the park.

We followed the trail of people carrying plants up to Columbia Road flower market, where the street was lined with lilies, pansies, orchids and herbs.

A shop I always love to visit is J & B The Shop, run by Jessie and Buddug. It's full of beautifully handmade pieces with an old fashioned feel to it.

This sweet shop was amazing. I love their window display of royal tins full of sweets.

finishing touches

2011-10-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

A blustery autumnal day outside and I'm inside with a cup of tea finishing off the last pieces for The Old Fire Station gallery.

I love these pearly silver greys I've used on this clutch bag, perfect for when the nights draw in and you need a bit of sparkle and shimmer to catch the fading light....

Looking forward to the weekend, I'm off to London to find inspiration and new boots.

new beginnings

2011-10-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'm back! We have finally moved into our new house, still getting used to my new surroundings and finding places for all my treasured objects, hanging up pictures and arranging furniture.

It is taking ages to set up the Internet, which is driving me mad, so I'm blogging from my parents house now. I've totally lost track with you all and I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone has been up to.

I haven't had much time to take any photos, but here are a few.....

I'm now busy making a collection of work for a new gallery shop in Oxford 'The Old Fire Station' which will be opening in November.

rediscovered

2011-09-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I 've been really busy, working and organising things ready for the move. Whilst packing, I rediscovered some precious old flea market finds. The little purses were hung up on the wall by my dressing table, the watch no longer works but I love it all the same, I can never resist old brooches and the compact mirror was a gift from my boyfriend. They now have all been carefully packed away.

Before the move I was working on some lace fabric brooches, which I hope to finish when I have my sewing room all sorted out, which may take some time.....

rousham gardens

2011-09-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of moving house, which is very exciting, but instead of showing you all the chaos of boxes and bubblewrap, I thought I'd share some photos from a special place I visited a few weeks ago.

Rousham Gardens, is a family run estate, It's a magical and tranquil place, where you can get lost walking through the flower gardens, apple orchards and woodland park. I like the fact it hasn't changed to accomadate visitors, it's just the same as it's always been, like going back in time.

colourful cottons

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

How's your week going so far? Feeling very autumnal here with grey skies and the wind blowing the leaves off the trees already. Just thought I would show you this sewing basket I bought from a charity shop a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure weather to buy it, but I'm glad I did as it's really useful to see what colour cottons you have or need to buy.

a tidy desk...

2011-09-04T02:42:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, your desk starts off very clean and tidy and then before you know it, it's covered in bits of fabric, papers, buttons, sketchbooks...and I can hardly find space to do anything, so I've just had another tidy up. I've added new images to my pin board, buttons back in jam jars, pictures stuck in sketch books and fabrics folded away.

A month or so ago I dried some lavender, and now I've got two full jars on my desk, ready to start making lavender bags again.

oxfordshire crafts guild

2011-08-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently been accepted into the Oxfordshire Crafts Guild , I'm really looking forward to taking part in fairs and exhibitions throughout the year along with other members who specialise in a range of crafts; from wood and ceramics, to jewellery and glass.

summer breeze

2011-08-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend and I have been house sitting for my parents for a few days, we were really lucky as the weather was hot and sunny. We had lazy lunches in the garden, followed by long walks across country tracks down to the river, we passed all kinds of wild flowers, which seem to be a theme in this post.

The shape and colour of flowers are always influencing my work, adding decoration on a clutch bag, shaping a corsage and they can be my colour palette when choosing fabrics.

Sunny Sunday

2011-08-21T03:06:00.000-07:00

Looks like it's going to be a beautiful sunny day here today, So I'm up early getting a few jobs done before I head out to enjoy some summer sunshine!

Sunday morning is when our local farmers market is held and where the lovely slice of cheese cake came from, so I may be cycling up there again this week for another slice.

The Vogues are from my large, growing collection, which I have been sorting through. I'm thinking I should get rid of a few, as they are slightly taking over, but I'm still not convinced ?

Have a great Sunday.

perfect backdrops

2011-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

I sometimes think I should try and use brighter colours in my work, but the muted colours I love so much are the perfect backdrops to layer up with delicate lace. It creates a nostalgic feel, which is what my work is all about.

I bought these lovely postcards for 10p each from a bric a brac shop called 'Bygones' What a great name for a shop.

I also found a few other little things, a small biscuit tin with budgie's on , I think it's 1950's and an old map of Europe, which I might cut up and use for collage. It's funny what you end up buying sometime...have you bought anything random recently?

vintage fashion

2011-08-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

I've been sorting through my books and found one called 'Vintage Fashion' which I must have forgotten about. I'm pleased that I've found it again, It's such a great source of inspiration, it looks at key designers, silhouettes, prints, fabrics and decoration in fashion from the 1900's to the 1980's. I love the original fashion photography of the time, espicially the 1930's and 40's.

Just reading about some of the decorative elements is so inspiring...'pleated lace collars, silk sashes, sparkling buttons and satin ribbons...'

I feel a trip to the V&A coming on ...

The bits of lace and buttons were given to me recently, some of the lace is handmade and still on their original cards.

fade interiors

2011-08-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

I sell my handmade cards in this lovely shop called 'fade' in Woodstock. (click on the link as they have some great images.)

It's a shop I love to visit, as there are so many beautiful things inside, an eclectic mix of furniture, vintage finds, and beautiful accessories.

I dropped off a new selection of my cards which look so nice displayed amongst all the pretty treasures.

I fell in love with the table and chair set outside the shop..if only I had a garden.

trip to paris

2011-08-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Paris.... I had a great time away, if only it could have been for a bit longer. My sister's new apartment is lovely with big windows with shutters, very bright and sunny. There were a lot of boxes to unpack, which was hard work, but it was fun arranging rooms from scratch.

We went on a few shopping trips to look for furniture and other bits to make it more homely. My mum bought the beautiful orchid, which looks perfect in the living room.

I was very hot and humid in Paris, so after a long day of unpacking and moving furniture, we all went for a cold glass of Leffe in a near by cafe.

I did buy a few little things for myself....

Paris Vogue, novelty key rings, interior magazine, tea and biscuits... just a few euros left.

precious purses

2011-08-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love making these little purses, I only need a small amount of fabric, so I can choose something really special. I like to add an antique button or a vintage piece of lace. There is also something lovely about their size, you can only keep your very precious things inside.

I'm off to Paris tomorrow to visit my sister, who is moving apartments, so I had better get packing. hopefully I will take some nice photos to share with you when I get back.....

friday

2011-07-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

It's Friday already, this week has just flown by. The weather has been great, so I've been picking, eating and giving away courgettes and beans from the allotment, making handmade cards using bits of vintage wallpaper, creating a mess in the process, making the most of the light evenings playing tennis after work, or at least trying to.

Tomorrow I'm at work, but I'm looking forward to a barbecue with friends in the evening, I'm planning to make a potato salad with dill and cucumber. It's so simple, but tastes delicious.

wedding weekend

2011-07-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

The weekend has been and gone. The wedding was lovely, the sun was shining and everybody was happy celebrating the couples big day. (sorry no photos, very busy day, but thank you for the nice comments about my dress.) Champagne flowed and we all danced into the night....

On Sunday morning after a hearty wedding breakfast at the hotel, we spent a lazy day in the sun at my parents house. It was a prefect day for a long walk across the fields and flowers meadows around the village. It really felt like summer, with butterflies, bees and swallows drifting and darting through the sky.

wedding

2011-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

I was up early this morning, finishing off some little purses before going to work. Don't you find it's easier to get out of bed on a sunny day.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, we are off to my boyfriends brother's wedding. I hope the bride will like this drawstring purse I have made for her, I just need to wrap in pink tissue paper.

I have a lovely dress to wear (any excuse to buy a new dress) I fell in love with the antique style bronze lace on it, I'm still deciding on which necklace and bag to go for.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend....

teacups & roses

2011-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

I treated myself to a bunch of roses from the farmer's market, they won't last long, but I couldn't resist their beautiful butter colour and they smell amazing, plus with this autumnal weather we are having lately, it reminds me that it is still summer!

What is it about vintage china that is so appealing, I love the rose patterned plates, but amazingly I managed to walk past without buying anything!

a year of blogging

2011-07-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been blogging for a year now! I've really enjoyed sharing my ideas, inspirations and finished work with you all. I love receiving your kind comments, which are always so encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to visit me here at found and sewn.

I've been looking back at some of my favourite posts....here are a few of them. (Click the titles to see the post.)

books and butterflies

vintage lace bag

2011-07-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

As you know I love to collect pieces of vintage lace and when I designed this clutch bag I wanted to make lace a real feature.

There are some really beautiful pieces which I have mixed with buttons and beads. I wish I knew more about the techniques and types of lace that I've used..... I think some of it's crochet and tape lace.
Finding these special pieces and incorporating them into my designs is a really important part of my work.

This lovely bag is now on sale in the Gallery at Waterperry Gardens along with some other pieces of my work.

the sewing box

2011-07-10T02:46:00.000-07:00

When I open up my sewing box, I'm never quite sure what I will find. Buttons and cottons I've forgotten about, sparkling beads and broken necklaces, zips faded pink, cream and grey, tins with all sorts of little treasures in, all waiting to be stitched on to a piece of fabric which will become a bag or purse.

lavender

2011-07-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to be here this week....I've been picking lots of lavender which I have bunched together with string and hung up in the kitchen to dry. Hopefully I will have enough to make some lavender bags with, if not it looks lovely strung up on display.

On my way over to the allotment, the cows and horses were cooling off in the river, and this little horse had found a cool spot under a tree.

I'm looking forward to spending some time outside in the sunshine tomorrow. Have a great Sunday

prettiest shades

2011-06-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

I love mixing vintage lace with soft gentle colours especially pinks, like the dusky pink satin I've used on the clutch purse above. Vintage underwear is a great source of inspiration for colour and design. I look through all my scrap books of things I like before I start any new work. It really helps to look back through these torn out pages and bits of fabrics to come up with new ideas and designs.

I'd love to know where you get your inspiration from....

holiday

2011-06-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from a lovely week away with my boyfriend in Fowey, Cornwall.

I feel there's lots to catch up with, and I'm looking foward to seeing what everyone has been up to while I've been away.

Fowey is such a pretty coastal town with so many great little cafes and shops. I love Daphne Du Maurier's 'Rebecca' so it was intriging to find out more about the author and her love of Cornwall.

A lot of cream teas were eaten, but hopefully burnt off with all the walks across the cliff tops to nearby villages.

This cafe, 'Pinky Murphys' had a surf shack, living room feel to it.

The Lifebouy cafe on Lostwithiel street was my favourite and made the best crab sandwiches. Inside it is decorated with all sorts of vintage treasures. I could of spent all day drinking cups of tea, looking through the old books and maps watching the world go by.

I have lots more photo's to show you, but I need to get sewing again too....

sew easy

2011-06-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

The other day I was given an old ice cream container with a note saying 'I hope these will come in useful' from a lovely lady who came to my open studio exhibition. To my delight when I opened the box, there was a selection of buttons and needles all on their original packaging.

Here are a few of my favourites. Thank-you x

I'm away for a week or so.... off to the coast.....catch up when I get back.

handmade purses

2011-06-12T02:27:00.000-07:00

A bit of a rainy grey morning here in Oxford, so I thought I would share these little purses I've just made with you and my pin board for inspiration. I love the collection of mirrors and plates in the pages below. I think I may be off bric a brac shopping later.

Before you go, check out my studio tour at Offbeat Homes...

rosie b home & interiors

2011-06-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I dropped off a selection of my handmade purses, corsages and cards to this lovely shop called Rosie B Home & Interiors in Chipping Norton.

The owner has a collection of vintage and new pieces for sale, from beautiful bed linens and cushions to handmade soaps and candles. I love the two old watering cans that are on display outside the shop.

On my travels I spotted a few other lovely things. ......

I wish this was mine

Driving home we passed fields and fields of Moon Daisies.

thursday market

2011-06-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I cycled to the market before work. It was a warm sunny morning, so I knew it was going to be a good day. I bought this china plate for 50p! I love faded floral patterns, which can be found dotted around our flat like this rose cushion cover.

I also bought these old stamps. It's always so hard to choose, there are so many. I went for the flower and butterfly designs and the kind stall holder even gave me a pack for free.

in with the old...

2011-06-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

I've finally found a lovely old desk at a local antiques center. It's the perfect size, with two little drawers. I've spent all morning trying to declutter my original desk of stuff I no longer need. It seemed to take forever.

The picnic hamper is great for storage and I keep some of my vintage fabrics and cottons in it.

As well as the desk I also bought this coronation mug, I must have been inspired by the resent royal wedding or I just love it's faded design?

I'd love to know what's new in your homes?

a rainy day

2011-05-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

It rained all day today, so to brighten up the grey afternoon I visited some of the Artweeks open studios in Oxford, near to where I live.

There was a range of art from beautiful handmade glass tiles and ceramic sculptures to amazing paintings and photography. It was very inspiring to see what other people have been creating and the spaces in which they work.

(sorry to grey and wet to take any photos. )

tea and lavender

2011-05-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more photos from my show....you can never have too much bunting

These little lavender bags made using vintage fabrics and Cotswold lavender smelt lovely as you walked into the summer house.

my mum's cat was keeping an eye on everything and thought all the comfy cushions and chairs were for her.

Enjoy your bank holiday weekend.

open studio exhibition

2011-05-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

My open studio exhibition finished on Sunday, thanks to everyone who came to see my work. I was really pleased with how the week went and it was nice to talk to everyone, I enjoyed hearing about all the weddings and other occasions that my bags and purses were bought for. I had some lovely comments and it was great that people appreciated the vintage fabrics, lace and buttons that I use.

One thing I love about a show is creating an atmosphere around my work by using my favourite vintage finds, like my stockman, Singer sewing machine and sewing box.

My Singer sewing machine which belonged to my great grandmother got a lot of attention.

The garden again proved to be a popular place to enjoy a cup of tea and some home made cake.

I've got so many more photos of the week to share with you now all the hard work is over.

colourful collections

2011-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show you these little button cards I have made to sell at my show tomorrow. As you know I have quite a collection of lovely buttons, so thought I could share a few of them. I love the little red ones with the painted white flowers.

Have a lovely weekend....I'll show you some photos of my Artweeks 'open studio' exhibition next week.

vintage lace

2011-05-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday I spent the day helping out with an art project at a local primary school where my mum works. It was so much fun, we were making giant bug sculptures, butterflies, ladybirds and spiders were just a few of my favourites. We decorated them with tissue paper, sequins and paint.... I wish I had my camera with me.

I have also been finishing off bits and pieces for my open studio exhibition near Oxford, which starts on Saturday 14th -22nd May. If you would like to know more details about my show, please leave me your contact details.

As usual vintage lace will feature...I seem to be overflowing with it at the moment. I love making these handmade cards, adding stamps, botanical prints, old french letters, and of course, lace!

I've just finished these blog cards off with stamps and lace too.

This little orchid was a present, and because I couldn't find a flower pot small enough, I thought this teacup would be perfect.

close up

2011-05-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Corsages are by definition decorative flowers, which can be pinned to clothes or tied around your wrist, so with this in mind I have been looking at seasonal flowers for inspiration. I took the petal shape of the yellow flowers below, and used this new peach coloured felt with soft lace to create a similar effect.

I love the way these pale purple Lilac flowers cluster together, and I aimed to design a similar feel on the clutch bag below, where i've used lace flowers mixed with seed beads, buttons and pearls.

may morning

2011-05-01T01:28:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone was up at the crack of dawn this morning to welcome May Day in!

I love this time of year and especially May with it's blossom trees, bluebells and cow parsley in flower, gardens and the countryside turning green again and more days spent outside in the warm sun.

Here is the finished purse I have been working on, I have also used the rest of the fabric to make a drawstring bag. It definitely has a spring like feel.

The little needle case was made by 'Hen's Teeth' which I bought from Viv in Ludlow. I love it's design and inside it's lined with liberty fabric.

My local flower shop 'Daisies' getting in the spirit of the royal wedding celebrations.

stitched & sewn

2011-04-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you all enjoyed Easter, I had a lovely break away with family near Bath.

So now I'm back, I need to get busy sewing again. It's always helpful to look back at some of my previous designs to get into the swing of things....

Here is a little selection of bags I've already stitched and sewn.

Which one is your favourite?

spring cleaning

2011-04-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spent some lovely sunny days at my parents house. Here are some photo's of their garden. I've been making the most of the weather, spring cleaning the summer house ready for my open studio exhibition which is coming up in May.

The little 'beach hut' as we call it, is the perfect place to have a cup of tea and read a book.

The garden seems to be in full bloom at the moment.

Have a great Easter....I'm away, but will catch up when I get back.

beads, buttons & berries

2011-04-17T03:32:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful sunny morning (and my boyfriends birthday) so I thought I would make a special birthday breakfast, berries with yoghurt and local honey and fresh croissants. yum!

A few sprigs of blossom and lilac on the table.

I've just started adding some buttons and beads to this lovely fabric, which will eventually become a clutch purse.
Have a great Sunday whatever you are up to.

old and new

2011-04-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

I now have a selection of my work at Waterperry Gardens gallery near Oxford. This is one of the bags that will be for sale along with a selection of my corsages and purses.

I normally use vintage lace, but these little daisy chains were so nice I bought them new. I have just stained them in some tea to add the faded, worn look I love.

The top little bird was £5 from the local Thursday market. It's now pinned on to a jacket. I can't believe I spotted it on a stall full to the brim with jewellery. The stall holder said it was a 1930's brooch.

this week ....

2011-04-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't just been drinking tea and eating cakes ( I love the packaging on these teacakes) I have also been making cards and I've just finished a new drawstring bag plus an envelope purse to match. The vintage silk fabric is beautiful. I've just enough left for a little purse.

We've also been busy down on the allotment planting potatoes, carrots and salad. So all in all a productive week, plus the sun has been shining!

A collection of fabric pieces, old stamps, vintage french letters, lace and botanical prints that I used for making cards.

Buttons from a flea market

A sneak peak at a new bag - This vintage silk has a lovely pattern. I have lined the inside with a dark grey.

my stockman

2011-04-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's my lovely stockman tailors dummy. I away use it in my open studio exhibitions, as it looks great with corsages pinned to it. I may have mentioned how much I treasure it before, but I love it's faded tea stained colour and worn edges. It makes the perfect prop.

Two new corsages finished with vintage broken necklaces, buttons and beads.

inspirations

2011-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I was really busy finishing off a selection of work for a local gallery.

So now I'm working on a new collection for my open studio exhibition.

I've pinned up my inspirations and now I'm ready to start sketching out some ideas ......

How can I not be inspired by the beautiful blossom trees in bloom at the moment. They are so pretty.

My friend Natasha gave me these little crochet doilies as well as some hand embroidered pieces.

These two are my favourites.

books & butterflies

2011-03-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

I love seeing what books other bloggers have in their collections, so I thought I would show you a few of mine. The most recent one is Angie Lewin's Plants and Places, which is full of her prints, collages and drawings from her sketchbooks.

I bought this piece of fabric last week, there were so many to choose from, but this one caught my eye. The pattern is so lovely, and this pretty tin was given to me by my grandparents on the same day. Lucky me.

How could I resist buying this little pot of Primroses as I passed my local flower shop on my way to work.

vintage blooms

2011-03-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

Worn, slightly faded silk is a material I use a lot, the colours of the bold print on this piece made a lovely purse.

I lined the inside with a pale pink satin fabric to give a luxurious feel.

I was given these beads and because it's Spring I'm thinking bright and fresh colours for my new work, so these will be perfect.

botanical gardens

2011-03-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the Botanical Gardens in Oxford. It was a beautiful spring day and the gardens are just starting to come alive again.

Have a lovely weekend

my favourite find

2011-03-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

When I last visited my sister in Paris, we went to the 'Porte de Vanves' flea market in the south of the city.

As you can imagine I wanted to buy almost everything. Stalls stretched out along a quiet avenue, lined with trees selling all sorts from 60's and 70's furniture to linens, paintings and ceramics.

I fell in love with some beautiful fabric swatches, stitched on to paper with penciled notes written on them.

I didn't buy any, but now I wish I had! Instead I bought this cigar box full of old sewing bits and pieces which someone had carefully collected. Since then I've added a few bits of my own.

buttons, buttons & buttons

2011-03-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

I have jars, tins and boxes of buttons. I never realise how many until I start looking for the perfect one to match the fabric I'm working with.

I like this part of making these little button purses. The final touch and then it's complete.

hidden treasures

2011-03-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Keep your treasures hidden safely away in a handmade little purse.

The postcard is 'The feather' by Alphonse Mucha, my favourite Art Nouveau artist. His use of soft faded colours and portrayal of women with their sweeping dresses are beautiful.

A few years ago I visited Prague and went to the Mucha Museum to see some of his lithographs and decorative panels.

It was a great trip, Prague is an amazing city.

ribbons & trims

2011-03-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to visit VV Rouleaux and last time I was in London I did!

It's a shop full of the most beautiful ribbons, trims, tassels, laces and braids as well as beaded flowers and butterflies. Whenever I buy ribbon I struggle to find the right colour, but here you are surrounded by the most amazing hues.

'Rouleaux' is the French for the inner roll of a ribbon and 'V V' stands for very very good.

Well, here are the ones I chose ...The cream one is meant to be used to trim furniture, but I think it would look lovely stitched onto a purse or corsage.

snapshot

2011-02-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from my week. I've been making cards with buttons and lace. A new top to wear, if only it gets a bit warmer.

I've finished off this purse. I bought the fabric from the Thursday market. I just love the colour combination of cream, bronze and peach.

My favourite stall at the market is the one selling old stamps and postcards. I could look through the piles and boxes for ages, hoping to find some treasure. These French ones are so pretty like little sweets.

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a lovely weekend.

faded glamour

2011-02-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

I love vintage black and white photographs, there's something mysterious and nostalgic about them - a faded glamour.

There not just black and white, but pearl cream to golden white, smoky sepia tones to charcoal greys.

Here are a few recent charity shop finds. The little star brooch is now pinned on to my new coat.

I collect little vintage purses and I really like the design of this one.

My handmade drawstring purse - a little bit of vintage glamour.

We walked across Port Meadow to our local pub, passing tufts of snowdrops on our way.... our reward, a well deserved cup of tea.

old favourites

2011-02-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Purples and pinks today- It's funny how you are drawn to certain colours. I love dusky purples and pinks.

They seem to be popping up everywhere...

like this handmade drawstring purse in dark purple satin with pale pink lace detail.

I picked up this little flower picture in a bric a brac shop and it's living on my desk until I find it a home.

I finally got around to framing this print of a rose, it's from an old botanical book and now it hangs up in my bedroom.

for valentine's day....

2011-02-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

weekend

2011-02-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a trip to Bath. It's such a lovely city (a bit of a grey day)

So many great places to eat, independent shops and beautiful buildings, what more do you need.

I discovered this haberdashery shop called The Makery on Walcot Street. Don't you love their window display - very inspiring. They had a selection of vintage sewing boxes and I've been looking for one for a while now. I couldn't resist, and now one is back home with me. I'm just sorting through my buttons and beads, so I will show it to you soon....

As we were walking through the town I spotted this unusual window display in an empty shop, titled the home effect - very intriguing?

winter warmer

2011-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Glorious sunny day today, not a cloud in the sky, a reminder that spring is around the corner.

I thought I would share some images, all with a spring like feel to them.
I love these old letters, this one is beautifully written, a mother's letter to her daughter dated 1932.

My Summer house studio back in May. I can't wait until I can open up the doors again and let the sunshine in.

pretty things

2011-02-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

This handmade vintage place setting was given to me by my friend Natasha. I love things like this, that have been so carefully made, and I imagine this being used for a special occasion. Natasha has a lovely inspiring blog, actually she's responsible for getting me in to this wonderful world of blogging.

I couldn't resist these vintage tea cups, you can never have too many? At least I have an excuse, as I also need them for my garden cafe which is open along side my open studio exhibition in May.

This little button purse was sold a while ago, but it's nice to look back at older work.

I wonder where it is now ....?

sunday

2011-01-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

Sundays are normally spent relaxing after busy Saturdays at work. But this Sunday I woke up feeling like a change of scene, so we hopped on a bus to London's East End.

First stop was the 'Sunday Up' Market, which was jammed packed full of stalls selling handmade items, vintage clothing, bric a brac and lots and delicious foods.

With the sound of funky soul music playing through the streets we headed

up through Brick Lane to Colombia Road Flower Market, where there were loads of amazing independent shops.

Wanting to buy everything, I came home with this lovely necklace, an original oil painting- only £8! and a red 1940's magazine rack. It's great to visit new places and I love my new finds.

delicate & faded

2011-01-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

All things delicate and faded........

... pages from my sketch book, looking at seed heads for inspiration

... on my dressing table I have a vintage teacup with a string of pearls and a diamante bracelet. Old jewellery has a softness that I love.

I made this bag using vintage lace, pearls and seed beads.

I have a fondness for these beautiful muted tones. I've used some really special pieces of Victorian handmade lace on this bag, which works well with the background satin fabric.

postcards & tulips

2011-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

Here's my lovely tidy workspace . I'm sure it won't stay like this for too long.

I've been looking for a new (old) desk for a while now, I know just the sort I would like, but haven't found it yet.

Every time I go to the local bric a brac market, I buy one of these vintage postcards. I just love the writing and the old addresses.

I have a bit of a thing for Tulips at the moment. They look so bright and cheerful, which is ideal especially when it's been raining all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will brighter .....

bright & breezy

2011-01-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

After days of dark winter skies the sun has finally come out and I'm thinking about new designs. I've got a cup of tea, the latest Vogue and a brand new sketchbook .....So lets see ....

I also need to tidy up my workspace, I always seem to find bits and pieces I have forgotten about, like these vintage buttons and postcards.

I thought you might like to see this finished bag. I love the colour and texture of the shot silk I've used.

new year

2011-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year so far.

I had a lovely Christmas at home with my family - lots of long winter walks to burn off all that indulgent food, then back inside to the warmth of an open fire, just what Christmas is all about.

Even though it's grey and cold outside, there is still inspiration to be found in nature. I love how the snow clings to these seed heads.

Pink Hyacinth for the living room .... sometimes a little colour is needed to brighten up those gloomy dark days.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. See you all in the New Year!

white delights

2010-12-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

We finally have snow here in Oxford, everything is looking beautifully white and bright today. On my walk to work yesterday, I passed people on skis and sledges in the street making the most of the snowy weather.

I hope everyone has been getting ready for Christmas. I've been finishing off a few handmade presents and decorating our living room with gold bunting and other treats.

Hmmm... who shall I give this little purse to...?

winter inspiration

2010-12-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who made it to the Christmas Show last weekend.

I had great fun setting up my stall with my vintage treasures, which helped to show off my bags, purses and corsages.

I'm taking a bit of time to find inspiration before I start on any new designs.

I love this part of my work as my ideas can come from a variety of objects and places.

like the worn colours of this china doll, which belonged to my great aunt Lilly...

... looking through textile articles and clippings I've saved ...

.....the swirling, twisting pattern of winter branches...

...or the design on a vintage tea set.....

cream & gold

2010-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

This time of year, white, cream, bronze and gold seem to match perfectly together. I've been inspired by winters cold snap and it's subtle colours.

My mum gave me this vintage bag and I found the little bronze butterfly brooch in a charity shop.

I love the colour of handmade vintage lace, neither white or cream just beautifully faded and worn. I've carefully stitched on mother of pearl buttons and beads.

soft tones

2010-11-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've just finished these felt corsages. The combination of the lace and felt works really well with the vintage buttons and beads. I will be selling them at the Christmas show- An Artful Mix.

These old cutlery boxes are perfect for displaying them in.I've managed to collect a few of them now. I love the blue silk inside this one.

buttons, buttons and more buttons...

an inspiring trip....

2010-11-21T00:45:00.000-08:00

A trip to London last week was the perfect way to be inspired.

First stop had to be Liberty's to check out their new haberdashery department.

I couldn't resist leaving without a little something...

so hard to choose between the prints.

Lunch at Leons and a peruse around Carnaby Street, then off to the Cloth House.

I just love the way they display their fabrics and buttons, along side vintage bits and pieces.

They always have a great window display.

I left with some blue and cream velvet, which I plan to make pin cushions with.

Well I feel inspired again........

embellished

2010-11-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

As the nights start to draw in and the weather turns wet and windy, it's far more tempting to stay in than to venture outside. Plus I have quite a lot of sewing and stitching to do, finishing off brooches and purses to sell for Christmas.

What have you been up to?

envelope purse

2010-11-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

When I saw this vintage paisley printed silk, I knew it was destined to be made into a purse. I love the faded tones of the purple and grey print.
As you've probably guessed I have a fondness for reclaimed fabrics, their subtle colours and worn edges add to the character of my designs, as well as being one off a kind.

An envelope purse is perfect for keeping safe precious letters, postcards and trinkets.

Here are a few of my keepsakes.

small treasures

2010-10-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

I bought this art deco mirror box from a junk shop in Brighton. I spied it in a dusty corner and paid just a few pounds for it. I've just given it a good polish and filled it with some of my favourite costume jewellery. The jewellery has the same worn and faded look as the box which I like.

My favourite piece is the bug brooch with the amber stone, which I've had since I was little.