Calne Music and Arts Festival

I am currently exhibiting two new pieces of work at the Calne Music and Arts Festival. The exhibition contains a great mix of work from local artists and designers. It is open until Sunday so get down there if you can! Here are a couple of photos I took of my new designs before they were finished!

'Twit Twoo' appliqued and embroidered canvas

'Peacock' appliqued and embroidered canvas

Mr and Mrs Bunting

I have recently made some Mr and Mrs bunting for my best friends wedding. Here is a sneaky peek. I will get some better photos taken at the wedding. 

My amazing new cutting table!

I recently made two large pairs of curtains for a client. Not having a cutting table meant that I had to do most of this knelt on the floor, which has left me with very painful knees! Because of this I decided I really needed to get a cutting table and started looking in to purchasing one. I soon realised they were very very expensive to buy. So, I went to my very clever Dad to ask him what he might be able to knock together for me and here is the result! An amazing cutting table! It has transformed my studio space and has made all tasks so much easier - and less painful! The table cost £120 in materials - £100 for the wood and £20 for an off cut of Vinyl to cover the top. I am so so pleased with the results - thanks Dad!!

The table acts as a great storage space too!

To fit the cutting table in to my studio we took down the double bed and replaced it with a single futon which has given me more space and somewhere nice to sit when I take a break!

The table is already being put to good use!

Grace Cushion

I was recently commissioned to make a cushion for a friends' baby. The design features a couple of birds sitting on a blossom branch. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I am going to develop the design further so that I can sell it via my Folksy shop. 

Make Your Own Christmas Decorations Course

I'm really excited about a workshop I will be teaching at New College, Swindon in November. The course is titled 'Creative Machine Embroidery Workshop - Make Your Own Christmas Decorations'. The course will teach freehand machine embroidery techniques to use when making decorations such as a table runner and tree decoration. I absolutely love Christmas - especially the decorations - so cant wait to get making! If you would like any more information on the course go to the New College website or contact me.

Commissions

As well as doing my own creative design work I have started to get commissions for things such as cushions and curtains. I recently re-covered the cushions of a gorgeous nursing chair and foot stool for a friend. I was quite nervous when I first got asked to do it as the cushions were all different shapes and sizes, but I faced up to the challenge and learnt a lot by doing it. In the end the cushions were a great success and I am really pleased with the results - as was my friend! 

Art work by GIORGIO GRIFFA

I recently discovered the work of Giorgio Griffa via Mint Design Blog. I love the simple designs and use of colour - very inspiring! You can see the complete portfolio here.