Cornish Treats

Counting down to holidays here in Scotland....kids break-up from school on the 1st July, I've an arts market in Edinburgh on the 2nd (Out of the Blue, Drill Hall if anyone is nearby!) and then we're off and away. 10 days camping in Cornwall - bit risky I know (weather-wise) and possibly a little uncomfotable (but we have purchased new double inflatable mattresses for everyone - so here's hoping!) and maybe a little lacking home comforts (but hey! I can live without telly if there's a pack of cards to hand!)and the best bit is.....the dog can come too!- (you have no idea the emotional rollercoaster I embark upon if I have to leave my Lucy behind!). So...today's Folksy Friday is a small selection of Cornish and Cornwall related goodies I have found in Folksy shops this week.

This gorgeous work by Cornish artist and maker Kirsty Elson has surely whet my appetite for the beautiful cornish coast. And Kirsty now has her wonderful collage work for sale as greeting cards too!







This super cute jug with bobbing boats, turquoise sea and silver slivers of sun are a perfect evocation of everything I am longing to find on holiday!Made by Julia Davey you can find it in her glorious ceramics shop at Folksy.








Cornwall is not all about the seaside however, as this exquisite woooden bowl by Trenithick Crafts proves. Made from a lovey chunk (I'm certain that's not the correct wood-turner term!) of ash it's the perfect size to be both practical and gorgeous!







Even in Cornwall little ones might need a woolly bonnet for chillier days. Cornwall is full of 'the little people' I believe, so it would seem fitting to choose this adorable crocheted pixie hat to keep little heads warm! I love the plain creamy white wool selected by maker Mooncat Dream Designs and I think Britain has just found it next top supermodel too!







I can't resist a little subverting of tradition and this ring by Cutie Pies is just wonderful! I think as far as 'statement' pieces go this is a little gem!








My final Cornish treat has to be food related again - the wonderful Cornish tea, scones, jam and mmmmmm....clotted cream. Captured perfectly by the fantastically named Poochie Freak Photography and Hidden Cottage Cards this image makes a greeting card destined to cheer anyone up...except perhaps those on a diet - a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips - but OMG!! It's SOOOO worth it!

"Pieces of eight,...pieces of eight..."

So said Captain Flint in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'.
I am planning a bird installation in some local woodland in a week or so and have been madly creating birds of all feathers. I have made this rather fine fellow(ess) for sale in my Folksy shop.




Named Polly, of course!




I think she looks rather resplendent with her trailing tail-feathers and, since birds of feather must flock together...here a few more parrot-themed Folksy finds....

First up this lovely bright fabric brooch from Teasemade. Made using gorgeous Liberty print cotton and 'made rather dapper' with the addition of a silver bow tie! I approve!








I love the colours on this parrot pendant from Folksy seller Raddington. The iridescence of the paintwork really gives this necklace a wonderful shimmer and finish. A lovely and unique piece for summer!







Listening for the tell-tale squawks I was led to NOfkantsCurios to this yarn and felt parrot picture. I love the feathers which Natalie has captured so well with her skilful embroidery!







Who's a pretty boy then?....ah ha! It must be you...Mr Tote!
This bag is bang on trend for the season. Made by Duddy and Day, from an upcycled tea-towel it's right up my street and is the perfect bag for the beach and beyond!








Well, since parrots are notoriously the friend of pirates I had to include some buried treasure in this post! Luckily for us this particular treasure is not really buried...with some careful searching and with X marking the spot I found it without too much trouble amongst the wonderful works for sale at Corvus Chainmaille. Made with sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and parrot feathers gathered as natural molt from pet birds, this necklace is a real find!








I hope you enjoyed seeing my finds this week - and maybe feel inspired to go on your own treasure hunt round Folksy!

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!

Royal Wedding Essentials!

Here comes the bride - well after all the build-up, let's hope so!
I've gathered together some lovely Folksy items you will need to see you through the big day..

First of all you'll need to decorate yourself appropriate to the day ahead - I love these little brooches by Landbaby - they're cute enough to make any day special!







If you prefer wristwear I doubt you'll find anything better for today, or more patriotic, than this fantastic cuff from Jezebel Charms







"But what about the kids?" I hear you cry? There are plenty of girly accessories out there so I thought I'd hunt around for something for the boys and found this AMAZING tank-top at O'Hara Design's shop! Isn't it adorable?






Now for some all important room decorations - far too pretty to be used for one day and put away - surely this bunting by redneedle sewing is the perfect excuse to make this summer one long garden party!








To make certain you don't miss a thing, you'll need this gorgeous cosy from Uniquely Yours to ensure your cuppa stays nice and warm for the maximum time! It comes with a matching coaster for the excellent price of £6.50!








Oh! and you'll need your tissues to hand and after all that decorating you don't want ugly sniffle catchers spoiling all your hardwork! This sweet little cover will make sure your tissues are discreet and stylish! Beautifully made by Moody Cow Designs- it's another Folksy bargain!







Unfortunately washing up will be an intrinsic part of the day so why not make it as fun an activity as possible? This tea-towel by Jillty Drawings will certainly guarantee that - or if you can't bear to sully such a perfect design why not have it framed, it would make a fab artwork for the kitchen, don't you think?






There! Now you're all ready, so put your feet up and enjoy the spectacle!

GREY DAYS

With spring playing hide and seek still I decided to show the value of grey on this weeks Folksy Friday. Often used as a by-word for dull and boring I went on a search through Folksy to discover the beauty of this overlooked hue. Never disappointed by the Folksy sellers, I have, once more, found a stunning array of makes that show the tonal diversity and gorgeousness of the often maligned GREY.

First up is this cosy round cushion from Little Knitted House. Using two contrasting shades of grey wool offset with a warm cream, this cushion is further enhanced by a central grey button attached with ribbon and on the reverse side some tiny pearl effect beads.







This lovely pendant by JAustenJewelleryDesign is a great example of the tonal qualities of grey. The natural stripes of the agate combine with the curves of the heart to make a piece of wonderfully organic contrasts. The agate adds further interest due to naturally occurring variations; as maker Jacqueline explains "the gem is opaque in areas and translucent in other areas, giving a lovely feel to the piece."







With my own love of recycling textiles I was thrilled to find this gorgeous tote bag. Based in the Northwest of England near the beautiful Lake District designers "Cinnamon Girl" have dyed and printed recycled cotton fabric to make the bag which is entirely sewn by hand! I love honesty and think this deceptively simple design works fantastically on the dark slate grey background! On a more practical note - the bag is a perfect size don't you think?







I love birds and as visitors to my shop will have noticed I do make quite a few myself! I think these original printed cards by Ella Johnston Art are stunning and the use of soft grey inks against the cream card really adds to the gentle beauty of our native feathered friends. There is only one set in this colourway so if you're tempted you need to get in there quick!







Okay so this has bright yellow lining but doesn't it look great against the charcoal grey? I love this colour combination and the yellow stitching is the perfect finishing touch! Made by Folksy seller 'Pins and Needles' this Ipod cover also features a carefully stitched lead hole so you can plug in and tune out with ease!






Folksy artists 'Boy in Park' invite us to look at the world with fresh eyes. Through the use of their stunning photographic artwork they highlight and shed light on our relationship and interaction with everyday objects as well as our surroundings. In this image entitled 'Discarded Toy' the beach on which the toy lies has been allowed to 'fade to grey' and therefore the image of a child's abandoned/lost toy truck is very effectively brought rapidly into focus by the use of vibrant colour.

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!