Feathered Friends

I've been very industrious this week making lots and lots of little birds both for a lovely large custom order and also in preparation for a craft fair I'll be at next weekend. The window sill in my living room would make Tippi Hedren run for the hills!
Our new kitten, Albert (Einstein of course!) was particularly interested in my little creations as these photos prove!!

"Birds? Really? I hadn't noticed...."








"Oh these? Mmmmm...nice aren't they?"









"Deserving of a closer look I think..."






"Boo!














This lucky little one got away and is now for sale in Clootielugs... and here are some other bird inspired items to be found in Folksy shops this week...






I love this little brooch which can be found in Folksy shop Silk Purse, Sow's Ear. There are quite a few bird themed pieces for sale in this gorgeous shop and lots of other treasures too!






I found this beautifully extravagent example of headware in Imogen's Imagination. I adore the colours on this fascinator and wouldn't it be the perfect statement peice for a summer wedding? Beatrice and Eugenie - please take note!








My next tweety find was this stunning textile nest made by Odette and found in Odette's Shop. It is fantastic and would look gorgeous sitting on a mantlepiece or shelf ...perhaps one of my little birds could keep those eggs warm?





Folksy seller, Little Black Heart has the most delightful range of bird themed cards nestling comfortably alongside scary zombies and monsters! This is just an example of one of the many designer cards you can find in her wonderful shop..there really is something for everyone!







I love the bold design of this silk scarf. Simple, striking and edgy, this scarf is a real stand out accessory! I love the weathered look of the tea-dyed silk and could see it being worn in so many different ways! Made by designer Lieutske Visser it can be found in Folksy shop Lieutske Visser Design

Gardens

After a week of much longed for sunshine my garden and the surrounding countryside has suddenly burst into life! Flowers, (brave little things that they are to have survived last winter!) - have once again brought wonderful colour and texture - and the trees are joining in with every shade of green visible now that they have shrugged off the crumpled leftover leaves of last year to reveal their stunning new foliage - so new and fresh! Nature's recent efforts have been my inspiration for this weeks Folksy Friday selection. Take time out for a walk with me around my favourite Folksy gardens....

I spotted my first chosen item on Folksy's forums this week and fell in love with it! I adore the simplicity of it's presentation which, coupled with the quality of the detailed embroidery, makes this hanging picture by Lynwoodcrafts the ideal starting point for my garden tour! ...






...past the delphiniums and round the corner and we enter the very formal surroundings of this beautiful manor garden by Mengsel. I've chosen to show the red version of this print which is also available in forest green. These strong colour choices really suit the geometric style and classical layout of the manor garden.






...making my way round the back of the manor house and through the wooden gate overgrown with honeysuckle and look! What a sweet little cottage amongst the trees! This delightful collage is by Dollydoo and features newspaper,felt,buttons and if I'm not very much mistaken a tiny coiled spring as a chimney! It must be one of the cutest pictures on Folksy!







Further on down the little path and the trees grow closer together, the sunlight dapples all around and all that can be heard is the gentle hum of the bees and the distant rumble of a tractor in a far off field. But oh my goodness! What a sight! At the edge of the woods beyond a crumbling stone wall the most luscious meadow I think I've ever seen! Little jewels of colour pepper the fresh green grass which sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight! This unique bowl is made by ChocolateFrog and is just one of the wonderful textile creations for sale in this Folksy shop.







I could stay in the meadow for hours but I must get home before it gets too late! Carefully picking my way through the grass, being careful not to crush the delicate flowers as I go, I eventually reach the far side of the meadow. Once over the rickety style I find myself on the edge of a small hamlet. Wandering past the tiny houses and neat garden walls I can't help but peer over to admire the tidy little cottage gardens there. Each one is stunning; ordered, but with just the right measure of spontaneity and joy! If only I could be so clever as to achieve such a fine balance....I think this embroidery kit by Lorna Bateman Embroidery does so very well indeed! What a wonderful introduction to the art of embroidery! This kit provides everything required to produce a picture perfect little bag for pot-pourri!






Finally I can see my own little house at the top of the hill. What a fascinating wander I've had through the enchanting gardens of Folksy! Of course I didn't have time to visit them all and will be sure to return to explore more another day....but for now I'm glad to be home. I can't go indoors however without taking a little stroll around my own garden...it too is now wide awake and while it may not be the largest...nor the tidiest garden in the land but it's certainly colourful and most importantly it's mine!