ART

Of late I have had a wee break from sewing and concentrated instead on the joy of painting. I naturally veer towards a bold expressive style and tend to ladle on the paint! I've tried a more controlled and subtle approach with a modicum of success but must admit what I enjoy the most is free reign with the palette and paintbrush! So far I've listed some aceos and a larger A4 size painting in my Clootielugs Folksy shop. Acoes are small (2.5" x 3.5") artworks which are popular amongst collectors. I may dip my toe further into the paint pot later in the year as I am considering opening another Folksy shop concentrating on my paintings and drawings. Anyway - during the last few weeks I have come across innumerable wonderful works of art on Folksy and have been taken aback (in a great way!) by the breadth and diversity of talent there is within the Folksy community. Some are old hands, others are just discovering their potential, there are those who use the traditional mediums of paint and ink and others who create the most fantastic art with clay,yarn,wax,fabric,wool even wire! I have selected for this weeks Folksy Friday just six aceos to show some of the variety - but please go and explore all the art for sale - you'll be amazed!

AudreysArt has many fantastic examples, some prints, some originals all brilliant. Many feature animals; horses,dogs,cats but there are flowers and trees and fashion too! A very talented artist!




This aceo has been created using felting techniques - the colours are just gorgeous! The picture is made using 100% merino wool fibres! It can be found at the shop of That Fuzzy Feeling







This beautiful work is by MaxineVeronica and is made from polymer clay, metal leaf and gold plated wire! So clever!







Here is a lovely example of a ceramic aceo! Twice fired and using a variety of glazes it has been made by the very talented DotteryPottery - she paints too!








Isn't this stunning?! The colours are vibrant and the subject so pretty! This glass mosaic uses stained glass and features millifiori, it is made by Diana Jane Designs.
I love it!







Lastly, here's one of mine - using acrylic paints and a fearless approach to colour (!) I rather like the end result! This one's for sale in my shop! Clootielugs of course!

I've been making the most of the sunshine we've had recently and been out and about with Lucy the terrier investigating some of our favourite haunts not visited since last November when the heavy snow began to limit our excursions. I am aware when walking across the fields and through the woods at this time of year how alive with sound they are. The birds are full of song and busy about their business, there are rustlings and stirring in the undergrowth and there is often the gentle rhythmic hum of a tractor working nearby. I was struggling to come up with a theme for my Folksy Friday treasury this week but the wonderful music of nature has provided me with the inspiration I need. I have searched Folksy for items with a musical slant - and have chosen six to share today...


Shabby Cow makes these wallets from real sheet music cleverly sealed in a plastic coating. The wallets have six inner pockets and close with a concealed magnet. I think they're great!








This really grabbed my attention - A bracelet made from a recycled vinyl record!- What a wonderfully appropriate way of recycling! It can be found in Folksy shop; ShoeGazer Jewellery by Beccy Williams








This necklace caught my eye combining as it does the elements I am so aware of when out walking in spring...a musical bird expressing his love of the world! This is made by Penny Masquerade who also takes great care to package her items exquisitely!








Thematically similar but using very different materials, Spring Lark has created this gorgeous cushion. Depicting a delightfully whimisical bird celebrating the onset of spring with a song, this cushion comes with a duck feather inner so is guaranteed to be as comfortable as it is beautiful!






Everyone can join in with the chorus! This glorious sentiment is made big and bold in this print by Durnall Designs. Printed using antique letterpress blocks it makes a great statement!






Claydrop has captured the true joy of a singer caught up in the moment! This amusing but captivating ceramic figure stands 32cm tall!








So...all together now....'happiness, happiness the greatest gift that I possess'....what's the matter? No! Take your fingers out of your ears! What d'you mean what's that noise? - it's beautiful! - oh look! The cat's joined in....'happiness, happiness...'

Stragglers

You know if you've ever gone a group walk of any kind, but particularly with kids, there's always a bunch that don't/won't keep up? Yep, that's them the stragglers. Well, it seems there's a fair few of us with stragglers in our Folksy shops. Things we've made that hang around at the back, overlooked and going nowhere fast. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with them, infact in different situations like craft fairs or brick and mortar shops they may be front runners, best sellers even.... but online, and in our cyber shop, they seem to be treading water.
Well, this is mine...a sweet little embroidered blue tit mounted on beautiful patterned art paper and sold framed in a simple glassless pine frame.






Despite having been looked at lots this little blue bird remains unsold and has now languished so long she has been relegated to the back of the shop - awwww!
This week I asked other Folksy sellers what items they had that, despite expectations, remained unsold...
I got a great response and so I have selected thirteen to show you here...because as we all know, thirteen is unlucky for some! I hope their luck changes soon however and that these lovely makes will finally be appreciated for the stars they truly are!



This pair of earrings from Cosmiceden are the perfect example and continue to linger despite numerous views and being the highest placed 'favourite' in the shop! It's time this pup and her bone found a home of their own!








Auntyjoan created this gorgeous card to celebrate the birth of a baby boy! It's so cute yet it too remains shopbound.
So, if you know someone who's just welcomed a new boy into the world perhaps consider paying Auntyjoan a visit!









Bessieloves has named this swallow bracelet as her straggler! It's so pretty and very wearable so why has it yet to fly the nest I wonder?...








This card holder is proving to be sticky little devil! Made from faux leather and holding up to 16 cards it sells out at craft fairs but refuses to leave the comfort of Folksy shop; Wish....







Toadybobbins has one sheep motif cushion left, it's twin having left the flock some time ago and other two sibling motif bags have long since left too. This lonely sheep is looking for pastures new....







Wendy from 2Stitch has this reluctant little ACEO, beautifully embroidered using a free-motion machining technique it makes a stunning little artwork. Perhaps it's too snug in Wendy's gorgeous Folksy shop..







Look at this fantastic bag from Luvlii - ideal as a baby bag but roomy and adaptable enough to be suitable for many occassions. Like many stragglers it is oft admired but always pipped to the post - such a shame for such a delightful and useful bag!







How these remain overlooked I cannot tell! They have everything going for them....combining with ease that most elusive of combinations; practicality and sex-appeal! It's definately time these had their day in the sun! Find them amidst other wonderful apparel and accessories at Gaia Noir








Just like poor Cinders, this unique necklace by Kitsch Kitten is underrated and overlooked! Apparently very popular at face to face sales so perhaps it needs to be held to be appreciated...but feast your eyes upon its cuteness and you cannot fail but to be won over by it's quirky charm!







Aceo's are proving very popular on Folksy at the moment - and Artmagic creates some wonderful images on these little cards. Original and always full of colour and character she sells well...but like the rest of us has a couple of stubborn who refuse to move! Here's one that I think captures the spirit and originality of Artmagic's work..






Little Denim produces a wonderful array of mostly denim items. The denim used comes from dicarded clothing! Breathing new life into the fabric, Little Denim re-fashions the material into hairbands,bags, hats and bibs amongst other delightful creations.
The bib pictured below is so beautifully designed it manages to make dribbling stylish! Yet, like so many lovely things it is...yes, you've guessed it...another straggler!







Pauline from Paulines Crafts, creates amazing 'artichoke craft' fabric decorations. She makes them into a variety of unique home ornaments. Very sculptural and colourful they are always eye-catching and super tactile! Pauline's stragglers are equally vibrant and unique and so there is no apparent reason why they continue to be overshadowed by other decorations...here's one of Pauline's creations,the perfect colour comination for spring, and ideal for Mother's Day and Easter celebrations.







This little lost soul is still looking for his mam - where is she? This shot of a bronze statue was spotted in a play area in Zagreb, Croatia by Emma and Mark otherwise known as BoyInPark. Emma and Mark have the most innovative, interesting and contemporary photography on show in their Folksy shop. This image, of the little boy, has given their shop it's name but his work here is done, and now he needs to find a family of his own....perhaps he's just what you're looking for too?

Recycled Folksy!

Bit late today....finishing off an order for doorstops and tea-cosies! I found time yesterday to add another little bird to my Folksy flock.


Little bird with lilac wing - can she fly? Can she sing? Well, it's doubtful as she is made from a recycled jumper, a little remnant felt and scraps of a 1970's bedspread...but she'll do her best!



I thought I'd feature a few other reycled goodies to be found on Folksy this week. Time is short - so I've chosen just four rather than my usual six items - but they really are a fab foursome! Please check out sellers shops to see their full range of great creations!

I love this magical unicorn recycled bottletop keyring! It's made by Nova + Lorsten It's a little bit of magic in your hand! Check out their shop as there lots more to choose from!









What a novel use for an old spoon! Doesn't it look great? I love the threads maker Lisa Made It has wrapped round it - it looks really elegant don't you think?









With a little nod to Valentines Day I've chosen this great little heart keyring recycled from a broken skateboard deck! It's reversible too - have a look at O'Blue Thrasion for loads of other cool recycled skateboard jewellery and accessories







It couldn't be Clootielugs Folksy Friday without a little bit cute - I found this gorgeous bear at Molly Moo and Jessica too 's shop! She's half price too - surely one of the best bargain to be found! She's adorable!

Where's My Dinner? (A Mouse's Quest)

I've recently completed this gorgeous fabric storybook.
My original story and illustrations are printed on unbleached cotton. I have further embellished pictures with my hand-cut felt characters...it does have tiny beads used as additional decoration and Mouse's tail is a length of suede thong making it a book for adult and child to look at together, and not one for leaving alone with little children!
It would be a perfect and unique christening gift and would make a very special birthday present!










To celebrate completing my book, I've chosen to feature other books I've found on Folksy..I've found all kinds, all different and all wonderful!

Kate Bowles makes the most gorgeous handbound notebooks with her trademark exposed spines which reveal the beautiful craftsmanship of her work. Here is just one as an example...but there are plenty of others in her folksy shop...








NoSuchDisco aka Dave is the man behind 'Waldo The Worm' - an original tale, highlighting the issues of bullying and friendship. It is illustrated by NoSuchDisco with contributions from young people of the Stoke on Trent area. Have a look at the wonderful world of Waldo at his shop Waldo the Worm









Bookity is a seller on Folksy of all things literary! I recently bought one of her brooches but today I'm going to feature this ring which is so unusual and the perfect accessory for the bookworm in you life!








I found this poetic story of an enchanted world at The Magpies Emporium This enthralling little book contains wonderful prints of original collage illustrations by maker Janey. Do take a look,








I love the fascinating concertina books to be found on Folksy. I recently came upon the work of Pipsqueek's Pleasant Craft Emporium. I am particularly drawn to Pipsqueek's collection of concertina books focusing on the delights to be found at Whitstable, Kent. There is a collection of four such books, I think my favourite is 'Flotsam and Shells' as I find there is a great deal of joy to be had plowtering about in rock-pools!

Flowers Galore!

I've spotted some brave little snowdrops starting to break through the frozen ground whilst walking Lucy this week and so to celebrate and encourage their efforts I've decided to do a flower feature for my contribution to this weeks Folksy Friday.

I think these would make a cheerful addition to any home, I love the effect of the ribbon yarn petals and the bold shell button centre! They are made by hmsdesign and ffflowers









I love the bold simplicity of this next piece. The wave shape of the glass makes it appear that these poppies are swaying in a warm summer breeze. Beautiful! Made by the aptly named Poppyfields Design !






How about this for a bouquet? Isn't it stunning? Unique and gorgeous it is made by the Felt Florist, have a look in her shop for other wonderful felt florals!!







I had to include these! With their happy smiling faces and cute little flowers they are just adorable! These are made by Pink Stars and Fairy Cakes
If you're after delightful girly creations - then this is the shop you've been looking for!









I love the work of designer Hannah Madden. These are her 'Blue Primula Bundle' of cards, pop over to her shop at Folksy to see her other pretty designs around a nature theme!







Flowers often feature in my own work, usually alongside hills or birds, but in this little aceo I've put them centre-stage! I think they deserve it just for surviving this winter!

Burns Night

Well, next Tuesday actually but since this is the Friday before, I'm going to celebrate all things that Rabbie represents and that represent Rabbie....tartans, red roses, wee mice and maybe even a bonnie lassie or twa!


To start things off we'll need a bonnet and wha's better than at Imogen's Imagination, this one's in a classic colourway but these come in all sorts of wonderful colour combinations.







Next this impressive red rose bracelet from Shoogly Beads. It boasts czech beads, Swarovsk bicones and white freshwater pearls - just watch you dinnae tak yer laddies eye out wi' this one as he burls ye roon the dance-flair!








Something a wee bit different now - Burns was a man o' the people, a working man,who loved a tall tale and a wee bevvy, so I reckon he'd approve of this from Little Red Star.
This unique necklace is entitled 'Fairy Tales and Irn Bru'. Wonderful!









For those who prefer a more rural pendant there's none that fits the bill better than this delightful country scene from Aileen Clarke Crafts. Made using wet felting and needle felting techniques the colours are just beautiful.








I found these truly gallus cards when browsing through Folksy one day! Aren't they jist braw? And whit a bonny wee lassie! They can be found at Red Road Design where you'll find lots of other rare creations!









Now, some Scots dictionaries define the word 'blether' as 'idle chatter' but as those who of us who indulge in a daily blether ken, there's nothing idle aboot it! A blether is the best medicine and can heal the worst of woes. There's nae much wrang in the world that cannae be made better than richt guid blether! So wear your love of a blether with pride, this necklace is made by Too Much Fun, they have other word necklaces proclaiming 'och' and 'peely wally'! Inspired!






To finish this week's Burns inspired selection, I promised some wee mice... but nae wee, courin, timrous beasties here...these are cheeky fun-loving rodents and designed my me! Find them amongst my other eclectic designs at Clootielugs