Bogg's Blog

100 followers: Thank you!

2012-02-20T09:12:00.003Z

Today I have discovered that I have 100 fellow bloggers following this blog. Thank you so much for your support! It's great to know that there are people out there who are reading my rambles!
I've photographed some more embroidered illustrations. I'm still experimenting and not everything is a success, but I'm enjoying the process.

Illustration Friday: POPULARITY

2012-02-10T17:06:00.002Z

The bear mayor was re-elected due to overwhelming popularity. His policy on keeping honey tax low and increasing spending on the picnic basket budget was very popular with the voters.
This was a quick illustration I did specifically for illustration friday in photoshop.

Circus coming to Bedford

2012-02-09T08:53:00.004Z

The Bedfordian illustrators team who created the We Are Bedford: Monster Event for the Big Draw back in October, have decided to create another themed illustration event for Bedford in the summer. We are still finalising details, but I am so exciting about doing another doodle day in my home town I've started doing some homework. These are drawings I did in watercolour and ink, but the characters are from one of my favourite books: The Great Alphabet Race illustrated by Tom O' Sullivan. There's plenty of inspiration in there as the next theme will be based on the circus.

Machine Embroidery: Tween designs

2012-02-08T16:59:00.003Z

I was asked to do some mini machine embroidery design for Ashlea at Bunnycup. I made them a bit gothy, but as cute as I could! It's the sort of thing I liked when I was eleven years old. They are little, only 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches, but if you are a machine embroidery enthusiast, you can get larger applique versions of these designs to use for your craft projects too.

February Issue of The Bedford Clanger

2012-02-02T17:10:00.002Z

The Bedford Clanger is now published and can be picked up for free in independent cafes, shops, pubs and businesses in Bedford. I do all the design work for the paper. It's the monthly cultural bulletin for Bedford. In March we aim to increase the paper to 12 pages, so I'll be busy, but it's worth doing as small towns like Bedford actually have more creatives here than you think and they deserve to be celebrated. You can read it online here too!

Illustration Friday: FORWARD

2012-01-30T16:52:00.002Z

This is a sketch I eventually worked up into a birthday card a few weeks ago for work. It's a centre-forward soccer bear being whistled at by the mouse referee. Not sure why he's been yellow carded! Most of the work I do during the day are cute characters and I love my job so much! At the moment I'm working on cute Christmas designs.

More Crewel Embroidery

2012-01-20T08:54:00.003Z

Here is my latest hand stitched crewel work with my original sketch so you can see my starting point. I basted some soluble fabric onto the material, with my sketch traced on in washable fabric marker. It took flippin' ages to finish!

Illustration Friday: GROUNDED

2012-01-06T16:58:00.004Z

I have never been grounded, but if I had grades like this whilst I was at school I think my parents would have grounded me. This little digital sketch took me about 45 minutes to do and hopefully Illustration Friday will help me throughout the new year to keep me doodling and updating my blog.

crochet baby blanket

2011-12-19T12:55:00.003Z

This is a blanket I have made for my sister who is due to have her baby in May 2012. I chose neutral colours as she doesn't want to know the sex of her baby until the little thing comes out. It's a really snuggly blanket and it was perfect to make in December. As it got bigger and bigger it was covering more of my lap so it was keeping me very warm as I was crocheting it. I hope she likes her Christmas present.

The December issue of The Bedford Clanger

2011-12-13T12:02:00.004Z

The Bedford Clanger is now available online to read this month. Just click here! This month was a great one to do the layouts for as Erica had written an article about a new photography gallery that has just opened it's doors in Bedford. Rock City Art showcases the best rock photography from the 70s onwards so it was great going through their work, choosing my favourite snaps and placing these amazing images in the page layouts.
We Are Bedford's pop up emporium also gets a fair bit of coverage and rightly so! It's opened until the 17th December. It's a temporary shop stocked exclusively by Bedford made or designed goods.
Lastly, look out for my corny christmas cracker-esque jokes I penned for this issue. They are truly awful, but they link in with the articles featured on each page.

Craft Fair at St. Cuthbert's

2011-12-07T08:51:00.003Z

On Saturday I was at St. Cuthbert's Hall in Bedford sharing a stall with my two chums Tracey and Gemma. We were selling some of our handmade Christmas decorations.
I was selling some crochet discs that I had stiffened and threaded with ribbons, some little birds, embroidered trees and illustrated soldier characters as hanging decorations. Gemma was selling some origami stars (one made from over 30 pieces of individually cut pieces of paper). Tracey stole the show with her amazing felt decorations. Her gingerbread men flew off the stall and even appeared in the local newspaper. They were beautifully stitched and all had gorgeous little beaded details and ribbon. The day was a success, there were lots of stalls all selling lovely gifts for Chrimbo and all made by Bedfordians.

fisherman embroidery

2011-11-27T14:30:00.002Z

Here is the finished fisherman embroidery from the sketch I posted before. I love the way his eyes and beard have been stitched out. The thread is so shiny but my camera isn't great! I took the pictures in natural light, but the colour and depth of the textures have been lost in these images. If my aim is to avoid using computers to illustrate during my 'out-of hours' work time, it's no surprise that something created without the screen needs to be seen in 'real-life' without a screen. Next problem is to work out how to frame these pieces in the right way.

Sketch of new Embroidery Design

2011-11-21T20:04:00.003Z

This is my fisherman character that I have created and have started to embroider. I traced the image onto plainweave fabric using my window as a light box (luckily it was sunny). I bought a bunch of shiny embroidery threads from ebay, but they aren't the best quality, you really do get what you pay for in life. I'm having a lot of trouble with their ends fraying, but once this guy is finished I''ll post him so you can see how he shapes up.

Hand-Stitched Embroidery

2011-11-18T09:23:00.002Z

I had this week off work, so I decided to avoid technology and get hands-on with some sewing. I had a whole list of things to do, but I got some amazing art books for my birthday and they were so inspiring, I could not resist the lure of the hoop.
For my birthday I received Push Stitchery by Mr. X Stitch. A collection of contemporary fiber artists. I was so impatient to pick up my needle and thread after reading through the book.
After two days of stitching I finished this embroidery of a girl's face. A self portrait really, but she's miles prettier than the real me. This piece has been influenced by Jenny Hart, who is an amazing embroiderer and illustrator. I love the way she mixes up the way she stitches. Chains for hair strands, knots for textures in the background.
Also, Catalina Estrada for her use of symmetry and cuteness that echoes throughout all her painted and graphic work.

Pixies at Christmas

2011-11-12T12:38:00.003Z

Ashlea at Bunnycup Embroidery has been super busy stitching out various doodles I've sent her for her Christmas rush. I drew a set of 12 'Christmas Pixies' and here are just 4 all stitched out. If you have an embroidery machine these would might look cute on stockings or as a fun festive way to spruce up an item of clothing for your own little pixie in the family.

Movember issue of The Bedford Clanger

2011-11-08T17:07:00.004Z

The Bedford Clanger is a local arts and events newspaper for Bedford. I'm the designer, which means every month I slot in a few articles, tart up a few photos and rustle up a few ads. Actually it can be hard work sometimes, especially as time is always against me! I find I have the layout just the way I want it then suddenly a last minute article gets emailed through and I have to shrink photos and jiggle everything around again. It's a good project to be involved with though and it's worth the effort.

We print our papers via the newspaper club and they are available to pick up at independent shops, cafes and businesses in Bedford town centre. Folks not of the Bedford parish can read it online at scribd .

This month is a Movember issue so we are focusing on men's health charity events from art auctions to gala nights. The front cover (pictured) is by Bedford based artist, Anne-Marie Stijelja. She created this Movemeber inspired artwork for the charity auction.

Scary

2011-10-31T16:38:00.002Z

It's Halloween and the Illustration Friday theme is 'scary'.
This was drawn in ink, watercolour and gouache paint. I went a bit over the top with colour. No digital media was used and it was really hard. I longed for an undo button.

We Are Bedford: Monsters of Bedford

2011-10-25T20:29:00.004+01:00

Last weekend was the WE ARE BEDFORD Monster Draw, part of the The Big Draw a U.K National campaign to get people drawing.

Erica Roffe & Kayte Judge who run We Are Bedford organised this event at an empty shop unit in Bedford. Myself along with other professional illustrators from the town helped out. Katy Dynes, Alasdair Bright, Rachel Lovatt, Scarlett Tierney, Andrew Foster and David Litchfield were the drawing team. We had stitching, collage, drawing stations and some demos too.

There was a huge gallery wall drawn by David, Alasdair and Andrew depicting Bedford's river and the prehistoric monsters who once roamed there! Locals were invited to pop in, draw a picture of their own monster and stick it up on the wall for all to see. We had an amazing collection at the end. The best monster won a signed print by Pete Fowler so a lot of Super Furry Animals fans were taking it very seriously. The entries were so good we had plenty of runners up prizes too.

Monsters Are Coming to Bedford

2011-10-20T21:38:00.002+01:00

Anyone from Bedford should come and visit me and other Bedfordian illustrators this Saturday. We Are Bedford are hosting a Big Draw event at 22 Castle Lane from 11am - 3pm. You are invited to pop in and create your own monster drawing. There will be stitching, collage, chalk, demonstrations, a big game of 'Monster Dice' and 'Beautiful Monster' (aka consequences or 'Exquisite corpse').

Stick your drawing on a monster map or enter it in a competition to win a signed print by the king of monsters himself... The one and only Pete Fowler! Whoop!

Scatter

2011-10-19T21:10:00.005+01:00

Illustration Friday for this week is scatter. This weekend I was walking a lot in the Gloustershire countryside. It was beautiful and here in the UK the Autumn has hit us hard and it's been very windy and very cold. The leaves are scattered everywhere.

I'm enjoying working with thread, but scanning in the finished pieces is not doing the work justice, and my camera isn't doing the job properly either. If anyone happens to be reading this with some good ideas on how I can get the stitched image represented well as a digital image for the web, that will be appreciated.

I've also posted the original sketch and a close up of the character in the stitched illustration.

More illustration with sewing

2011-10-17T17:21:00.002+01:00

I'm still playing around with the sewing machine. It's rewarding to create illustrations that are tangible. I work digitally during the day, creating files through mouse, tablet and monitor screen... But ultimately creating an image that you can't hold. My designs go abroad to get printed into cards, so I seldom see let alone hold the finished product. Therefore it's quite therapeutic for me and arguably a natural reaction to my daily routine to make something perceptible by touch as well as by sight. Made directly with my own hands.

Experimenting for Christmas

2011-10-12T16:53:00.002+01:00

This Christmas I'll be doing a craft fair with some old school friends, just for fun. I have a lot of scrap linen in my house, so I've made some quick Christmas trees which look quite cute as festive decorations. The material is thin, so I'll have to be careful with the embroidery. The hanging hearts I made a few years ago, but I think I'll make some more for the fair. Now I can use my sewing machine, I can churn a lot of these out quite quickly and neatly.

Contraption

2011-10-10T16:52:00.004+01:00

For Illustration Friday the subject is 'contraption'.
I opened my 1959 copy of 'Good Housekeeping' for inspiration and the whole magazine is full of adverts for the modern housewife's kitchen. This one caught my eye:

I thought a quick 50s-esque illustration of a girl with her new washing contraption would be suitable for this week's theme (you can click on the image to make it bigger).

Coffee and shopping

2011-10-09T11:51:00.004+01:00

This is my second go at doodling with stitches. I draw the character in my sketch book and trace the main shapes with tracing paper. Then I cut out my chosen fabrics using these paper templates.

The background fabric is quite thin, so I can see my sketch if I lay it on top of my sketchbook. It would be great if I had a light box, but I used my window instead. I lightly trace the main shapes in pencil onto the linen so I can see where to place my shapes.

I layer up the fabric and lightly stick them down with fabric glue. I use pins too. Then I stitch them down with a zigzag or running stitch using my sewing machine. I'm very clumsy, but I like the hap-hazard look!

I add other collage details like paper and floral fabric and hand stitch the smaller shapes and fiddly parts of the illustration like the face and spirals.

Lion Wallet Experiment

2011-10-08T07:53:00.003+01:00

This is a coin purse I made. The image was created in photoshop and printed on heat iron transfer paper then ironed on to the linen. Overall it looks quite dull, but an image with more contrast with stronger colours would stand out against the beige background. I like the way you can see the texture of the material through the lion.

Making little coin purses was easy and fun. Having a new found confidence with a sewing machine means I will potentially be able to use illustrations in a new way. Sewing the zipper on with the zip foot was the most difficult part.

crochet scarf

2011-10-07T09:05:00.002+01:00

Here is a picture of my new homemade scarf. It's nice and long (just over 7 ft) and it's made from 11 crocheted squares. I went to a crochet class in Bedford last year and I love sitting in front of the telly crocheting away. My sister is expecting a baby so a blanket will be made for her at some point. I've also been crocheting circles for Christmas decorations, but I need to experiment with ways to stiffen them effectively.

Drawing with stitches

2011-10-05T10:27:00.004+01:00

As a full time digital illustrator, drawing at a computer for around 9 hours a day makes you sick of staring at a screen. In the evening and weekends, I try not to switch on the mac.
My day job as a cute greeting cards artist is fun, but I want to start creating artworks in my free time without the burden of using a computer. I decided to use a sewing machine to doodle. I've tried painting in the past, but time and space is sparse and I can't be doing with all that clearing and cleaning nonsense with messy brushes.

Bugs and Gymnasts

2010-02-16T16:43:00.001Z

It's been a long while since my last post, but here are a sample the latest embroidery projects available by me at Bunnycup.

Embroidery Boys In Dress Up

2009-12-13T17:54:00.002Z

Ooh! I just love this new Bunnycup set. Ashlea has stitched the designs out and they look adorable. I'm working on a set for the girls next.

Christmas Penguin Designs

2009-11-17T11:11:00.002Z

Here are three of twelve new cute penguin designs at Bunnycup. The range is called Penguin Power and will be perfect for Christmas embroidery projects.

Gingerbread men Christmas Embroidery

2009-10-28T21:45:00.001Z

If you need some ideas for machine embroidery projects this Christmas, then Ashlea at Bunnycup has stitched out some of my gingerbread men illustrations. I think they look cute and there's 12 in this set.

Owl Embroidery

2009-08-18T21:07:00.003+01:00

I have been so lazy this summer, my blog is so out of date! Over at Bunnycup embroidery, Ashlea has been busier than ever and she has a new set of cute owls on her site. She's made them look so trendy and bright with her choice of colours. I would love one on some pjs!

Bear Embroidery

2009-06-26T17:14:00.003+01:00

This is my second attempt at some hand-stitched embroidery. I've used some little blue beads to embellish parts of the bear. I used the colonial knot to make the eyes and I think they have come out too big, so will have to use a smaller knot in future.

Hand-Embroidered Ferret

2009-06-22T17:10:00.002+01:00

I have been looking at some illustrations by Jenny Hart recently and it inspired me to go out and do some hand embroidery. This ferret is from my sketchbook, a drawing that developed into the ferret toy that I made. I just traced the image in pencil straight onto some material. The stitches were thick enough to cover the pencil marks. It was addictive and I'm in the process of stitching out another character from my sketchbook.

Cat embroidery designs

2009-06-11T12:52:00.004+01:00

The latest set of Bunnycup embroidery designs have been drawn. 12 cute cats in this set in a variety of different kitty markings and situations, just need to wait and see how they stitch out!

Summer

2009-04-26T10:09:00.003+01:00

The latest set of mini summery embroidery sets at Bunnycup are also available as a larger a appliqué designs.

Oriental Embroidery

2009-03-30T12:53:00.003+01:00

Here are some examples of the newest embroidery designs that Ashlea has stitched up over at Bunnycup. I especially like the way the stitching on the sun behind the crane fans out like rays. In this set there is also a bonsai tree, cherry blossom designs, bamboo and a fan. In total there are 12 to choose from.

First Toy Using My Sewing Machine

2009-02-28T12:21:00.002Z

Just thought I'd post my first attempt at sewing a plushy with my new sewing machine. It took about 2 hours to make. I want to make some rabbits for my niece and nephew this Easter.

Kids Of the World Embroidery

2009-02-28T11:28:00.003Z

12 new designs in redwork for machine embroiderers. The set is for "Kids of the World" so I drew oversimplified ideas for each nationality. Sure, there's a little stereotyping, but the characters are very cute so I hope you forgive me for the clichés. The way Ashlea at Bunnycup has stitched these are wonderful. I especially like the patterns she's used to fill part of the character's costumes.

Ashlea's Owl

2009-02-12T17:04:00.002Z

Ashlea from Bunnycup is being really creative with her embroidery projects. She's in the middle of some experimenting and working out how to turn some of my illustrations into super cute soft toys! This is the first thing she did and her daughter liked it so much she sneaked it into her schoolbag! So Mr Owl has had his first day at school. I wonder what he learnt today?

Dinosaur Embroidery

2009-01-19T17:27:00.003Z

First post of 2009! Yippee! I have been so busy and now I even have my very own sewing machine, which is easy to use and I've been having fun using it. Can't wait to post some new critters, they'll be bigger than the hand-sewn creations I make. Also, quite proud of myself for keeping my new years resolution so far, which is the same one I make every year, but can't seem to keep. Fingers crossed for the rest of the year.

These dinosaurs were fun to do. We're trying some plushie designs next.

Mini Christmas Embroidery

2008-12-07T12:57:00.003Z

Just measuring a little over 1 inch x 1 inch these are a selection of the new embroidery designs for quick last minute festive projects.

Gingerbread Men Christmas Embroidery

2008-11-19T17:41:00.002Z

Theses little guys are all ready for Christmas!

Gingerbread Men

2008-11-13T22:25:00.004Z

It's been a long while since I last posted. Domestic stuff really. This month I've packed up all my belongings to move home. I've moved home. Then unpacked some belongingss. Internet got cut off briefly because the company who I subscribe with are total eejits, but I think these things are getting solved slowly but surely.
I've found time to make new gingerbread men embroidery designs for Christmas though! I'm hoping that now my telecommunications seem to be at a sort-of resumed service that I'll start posting regularly again.
Hopefully some pictures of the new house will follow, but my boyfriend is more casual than me when it comes to unpacking. Once he gets his arse in gear and sorts out those heaving cardboxes maybe I'll post some snaps on the blog.
Ta ta for now!
MBogg
x

Autumn Cuties

2008-10-06T17:42:00.003+01:00

Four cuties from a set of twelve especially for autumn for machine embroidery projects. They are from Bunnycup Embroidery.

Updated Website

2008-10-05T16:40:00.002+01:00

My website has been offline for a very long time. I've been unhappy with the mixed content. I tried showing some of my cute digital illustrations along side my cute handmade toys. Now it's concentrating on the craft side of my work and I think it works better for it! If I do any digital or painted illustrations I'll post them here or on flickr in the future :)

Parrot Stuffie

2008-08-29T18:10:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow I'm going to a pirate fancy dress party and I've made myself a parrot to safety-pin on to my shoulder. I'm so pleased with him and I've called him Cocopetal after the Tao's parrot (a character from the epic 1980's cartoon series, "The Mysterious Cities of Gold"). He took ages to make, about 7 or 8 hours, but you can see every handmade stitch and I love his little wings! I've kept the templates, so I might make some more and sell them on Etsy, but this little guy ain't for sale!

Baby Blue Lion Cub

2008-08-04T16:55:00.004+01:00

I made some more lions recently. One got sold at a recent show, but this little chap has just been listed on Etsy. He's only 3.5 inches tall, but I got a new camera last week and it's been taking some great close ups of my various crafty critters, even the small ones.

Potton Summer Fayre

2008-07-14T14:49:00.004+01:00

Saturday was amazing! I only took pictures of the craft table that i was sharing with Faye, but hopefully my friend, Tracey will be able to lend me her photos for this blog so you can see all the other brilliant things that were happening at the fayre. We had a great time and the people there were lovely. We sold more than we expected too!

Conceited Little Critters

2008-07-10T20:10:00.004+01:00

I think these two have a haughty look to their hand-embroidered faces. Jack thinks they're nonchalant but I don't think they're apathetic little things... I think they're looking down their noses.

Handmade Dinosaurs

2008-07-09T20:24:00.002+01:00

Oh no! The weather forecast for Saturday is thunder storms! Not very good for my craft stall at the summer fayre. I hope they've got their predictions all wrong.
I've photographed some of my newest critters, so I'll have lots of pictures to post over the next few weeks. I've decided to slow down with the sewing now, it's wearing me out and I think I have plenty of things for the weekend. It was a big worry for me... Not having enough items to sell. Now the problem is if people decide not to turn up because of rain! Grrr. At least if nobody shows or buys anything then I can list them on-line at my Etsy shop. I've been neglecting that for a bit, but normal service will resume by August.

Spellbound In Potton

2008-07-04T17:12:00.004+01:00

I'm so excited about this! I have a craft table at Spellbound In Potton. It's a traditional summer fayre with live music, local ales, craft workshops, story telling, a treasure hunt and a tug of war. Phew! I've been sewing my little stripy socks off for weeks so I have lots of critters for sale on the day. Lots of foxes and dragons and dinosaurs. Please come and meet me if you're local! I'm going to photograph as much as I can so I will post my new creations up very soon and add some photos of the day.

Embroidery

2008-05-29T17:00:00.006+01:00

Ashlea at Bunnycup is so clever! She took 12 of my flower fairy-esque illustrations and stitched them out into these amazing little designs. They're pretty cute! Each character is associated with a flower or plant. They're called Blossom Babes

Winning Elephant!

2008-05-13T17:22:00.002+01:00

Last week I found out that the elephant I entered in the softie awards won! How fab do I feel? it was decided by a public vote too! I can't wait for my prize! I should be receiving a rather smart softie book. it looks amazing!
I've been pretty slack with the old crafting and blogging... now that the sun has come out early for May I've been going to a lot of barbecues. Better watch that stomach of mine if I'm intending to go swimming this summer. Speaking of which I did find time to make a new mazestock eflyer. It's our own little private summer music festival that we have each year for our nearest and dearest.

Softie Awards

2008-04-29T17:04:00.004+01:00

I've a new job that's keeping me on my toes and Jack bought Mario Kart for the Wii, so instead of being busy with crafty antics and drawing in my evenings I've been driving a pixelated car around Marioland. Naughty, but fun!

A while back I entered the sofie awards, not really thinking that I'd get anywhere, but it turns out that from the 1000+ entrees for these awards, my hand-stitched elephant toy is in the final! Thank you judges! The final decision is down to public opinion, so have at look at the softie awards and get voting for your favourite, they're all really good!

My "competitors" have been busy with a campaign for their stuffies, so I decided to try the sympathy vote, ha ha! Silly huh?

Pink Marmalade Girl

2008-04-13T11:50:00.004+01:00

One of my little projects this week was to design a character and etsy banner for a lovely lady called Michele at Daydreams & Dandelions over on Etsy. She really liked my ACEO paintings and wanted something in a similar style. I guess she may be opening a new Etsy store called Pink Marmalade Girl as she wanted a pink illustration for it. My first thought was a sort of traditional milk maid character holding jars of pink marmalade, but Michele knew what she wanted and after a few tweaks she decided on a more contemporary-dressed girl in a funky top hat. More of a sort of honorable and modestly attired Lady Marmalade perhaps?

Checkered Elephant

2008-04-09T09:51:00.002+01:00

I had loads of checkered fabric left over from when I made the bunny, so I've used some to make another elephant. He's looking a lot like Elmer the patchwork elephant! I was too lazy to change the trunk, but he does have a nice green hat.

Innocent Charms

2008-04-08T13:26:00.003+01:00

Kara at Innocent Charms got in contact with me to redesign her Etsy logos and banners for her website, blog etc. Her handmade jewelry is unique and the title of her shop is very ethereal. She wanted an angel character in specific colours, greys and pinks. I'm so pleased because she likes the design and she was such a nice person to work for. I'm also pretty chuffed that she decided to contact me to do this for her!

Bunny In Vintage Fabric

2008-04-05T11:04:00.003+01:00

Another rabbit! This one is in the same fabric as the elephant in the previous post. I made another elephant too, but I haven't photographed him yet.

Elephant Toy

2008-04-04T13:10:00.004+01:00

This elephant toy is a new pattern I am playing around with. I like his hat. When I was little I always had to share a bedroom with my sister. We get on, but we are like chalk and cheese. When my family extended the house, I finally got a bedroom to myself and the material I've used to make the elephant used to be the curtains in my first very own bedroom when I was a teenager! When I moved out, my mum made some of it into cushions for me, so the fabric feels like a part of me. Sadly, some of these cushions are getting pretty battered beyond repair and are full of holes, but I can't just throw them away, so I am using some of it for crafting now!

This elephant is called Paulie. Jack is on tour, so I've the flat to myself for a while. I thought I'd like the peace and quiet, but I'm actually getting a bit bored now. Paulie is going to sit with me and watch the Sopranos this evening.

New Website

2008-03-29T14:14:00.003Z

For almost a year now I've had a url and website space and I've done nothing with it! Well now I've got my act together and made a proper website! It's very simple with no animation or flashy graphics on it, but I'm feeling very pleased that I managed to work out how to put it together all by myself. I did get quite vexed though at some points!
Anyway, my website is like a "best of blog". I hope it's working ok. If anyone spots any disasters with it like missing links or out of sync tables then let me know and I'll try to fix it.
One thing I should do is put a little description on each of the images. If you have anymore suggestions then let me know! Nothing too complicated though, I'm not some sort of web wizard, just a mere apprentice.

Russian Doll ACEO

2008-03-25T15:15:00.004Z

I'm painting these ACEOs based on the russian doll designs for Bunnycup. They are looking rather sweet and colourful. I like adding all the swirly details.

Three Russian dolls

2008-03-24T21:22:00.002Z

These three Russian doll images are part of a set of twelve for a digital embroidery design range for Ashlea over at Bunnycup. The whole set is shaping up and looking great and I hope she's going to love them! I spent the day doing this because it's been snowing and I have a bit of a cold. It's a public holiday today too, but I really just needed to stay in, but I had to be productive. I can't ever just sit and do nothing. Jack is at the pub now, but I didn't want to go with him and venture into the arctic conditions for a cold beer.

Oh! And my sister had a baby boy today! He doesn't have a name yet, and I haven't been to visit because of my sniffles, but I can't wait to meet him. I hope he grows up like a music and computer games geek like me, rather than a sporty type! Ha ha!

Girl & Fox Friend

2008-03-20T14:04:00.002Z

I've been waiting for the phone to ring all morning and I've been doodling all that time. I might have to eat some cake to calm my nerves now before I start something new.

Oh, and of course, Happy Easter to everyone too! I hope you all enjoy your nice long weekend.

Rabbit Likes Cookies

2008-03-19T19:57:00.002Z

I spent the day doodling again on the computer. The painting style is different to the one I did yesterday. The girl got through about twenty different hairstyles, I was pretty indecisive as to what her hair should be like. It's weird because the rabbit took no time at all.
Jack bought me some chocolate eggs to cheer me up. I was pretty zombified this morning and really grumpy. It's all this anxiety. The chocolate is definitely working it's magic at the moment though!

Red Hood

2008-03-18T17:37:00.003Z

Now that I've been out of work, I'm spending my days sorting out my CV and portfolio. Not sure what to do with my long term future, still, but on Thursday I'm expecting to hear some news about a job, so I've all my digits crossed.

I did this painting today in photoshop and corel painter as I need to take my mind off things. I'm quite pleased with how it's turned out, but my original file has more contrast. I think the "save for web" function has washed it out a tad.

Now I'm going to go to the shop to buy some nice bread as I fancy making some soup for supper and that will cheer me up. Especially if i have a glass of rioja with it ;)

Black Cat Toy

2008-03-13T11:30:00.004Z

A black cat for good luck. I need some! I'm waiting on news about the possibility of a job at the end of this week. I sure hope I get it. That'll be a perfect start to the weekend!

Spotty Lion

2008-03-10T21:34:00.003Z

This spotty lion is made from an upcycled sock (washed!). He's got a green mane.
I'm feeling really tired right now... Since the redundancy I've been making lists of things to do, my mind feels tired. I've been busy for twelve and half hours today I haven't got all the things I wanted done completed yet. I'll have to get up extra early tomorrow to do these nagging bits and pieces, but I don't enjoy being at my desk before Jack has left home for work.

Checkered Rabbit

2008-03-09T17:58:00.002Z

This is a rabbit made from the same pattern that I created from before, but I have changed it's ears. I think I prefer them this way.

On Friday I was told the greetings card company that I work full time for has ceased trading. This means I'm now officially redundant along with everyone else at the company with immediate effect. Not great news and I'm feeling really down, a bit lost and very worried about my finances and about the direction my career is suppose to be heading in. Not sure what to do with myself really.

Another Lion!

2008-02-27T17:50:00.002Z

Still scruffy. I ran out of fluffy purple trim before I got a chance to make a tail, so I'll have to plan that better next time. Also tried to improve the ears, better than sticking two pieces of triangular felt to the mane I think. Oh, and he has little freckles too.

Other Blogs

2008-02-26T17:06:00.005Z

Stitchify, a great new craft blog have just done a bloomin' excellent article about my crafty work. I am so chuffed that Julie and Amy took the time to write such a flattering feature on little old me!

Goiuri, a Spainish and English language craft-spotting blog have also featured some of the creatures I've created. They've made a really nice collage of my photos.

Lynsay from Cuteable has posted about the Scruffy Lion. Ah, how brilliant!

Recently I recieved "youmakemyday" award, and received it from the lovely Toby & Penny at Naturalattrill

I've got to choose 5 other nominations, but there are so many blogs I like reading! Eek!
Gorjuss, is Scottish artist, Suzanne Woolcott. She's a superstar on Etsy because her girly illustration and paintings are unbelievably cute, bold and individual.
Lady Desidia Her favorite subjects are kids in a black and white, cute and quirky style. I think she's from Spain.
Lost Causes is a blog written by one of my best friends, Elaine Hutton. She writes articles about food, faith and fun! Good recipes to be found there!
ladysnail has already been nominated by Penny & Toby, but I
love her work so much she deserves to be mentioned again!

And Finally....

Emma McCann is a children's illustrator and I love her characters, they're so bright and they make me smile. She sells crafty bits and pieces on Etsy too.

**To pass it on, here are the details:
1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.

2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.

3. Display the “You Make my Day Award” logo

4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.**

Scruffy Lion

2008-02-22T17:27:00.002Z

Oh I'm so naughty! I should be at the launderette now, but it's Friday night and I'm too excited about the weekend to go right now! Ha! And I want to show off my new scruffy lion. I made a polar bear a while back and I've lost the pattern, Argh! I wanted to use it to help me make the lion but I had to start again from scratch. Thankfully all my patterns are now organised and filed away properly. Phew!

Shadow

2008-02-12T21:39:00.001Z

Shadow is a black Staffie. His owner, Miss bunny (bunny.etsy.com), very kindly asked me to do a portrait of him in the sort of doodly line style I was playing with on a couple of ACEOs. I was really honored to do artwork for her, as she is an amazing artist in her own right! Extremely talented. Have you seen the shoes she makes? Goodness me! Go and have a look!

Ferret Toy

2008-02-06T17:18:00.000Z

When I started cutting the pattern out I was doing so under the warm glow of some nice orange ambient light. Probably not the best idea I ever had, as the brown linen I thought I was using turned out to be green! Oh what an idiot! So, my green ferret character here has just emerged from a river chockablock with algae. My great grandfather used to keep ferrets too, although I think they had teeth.

Pink Rabbit Plushie

2008-01-28T17:27:00.001Z

Yes I know I was going to make a ferret next! The pattern is all sketched out and I want to start on him soon, but I wanted to make another rabbit to try and sort out the nose problem that I had with the first one, and to try using a different material. Again, she's all hand-sewn and she's about 5 inches tall. My neighbour gave me some old buttons and ribbon that she no longer wants, so I've tied a bit around her neck too.

Hare Plushie

2008-01-22T20:50:00.000Z

Using the same material from the jumper that I made my newest dragon with I decided to have a go at making a rabbit. I used the same pattern as the fox but change it slightly. I really should have sketched more profiles of rabbits to use in the pattern before I rushed into making the toy though. His head turned out to be very fawn-like. His nose is too long, but the triangular felt shape I've sewn on the tip hopefully makes it recognisable enough for this critter to be the bunny I intended.

Handmade Hearts

2008-01-18T17:10:00.000Z

With so much scrappy bits and pieces of yarn and fabric, lonely buttons, lace and broken necklace beads cluttering up the crafty corner of our miniscule flat, I thought I'd try putting these things to good use. A heart shaped decoration seemed appropriate as Valentine's Day is on the horizon. I suppose these little stuffed hearts would make pretty nifty things to put on a wrapped gift.

New Dragon From an Old Jumper

2008-01-16T17:50:00.000Z

I had a lot of spare time on Sunday, so I thought I'd make another dragon with the intention of maybe trying to sell it, but I don't think I can. I like this fella too much!

Embroidery Projects

2008-01-13T10:40:00.000Z

I thought I'd share some new embroidery designs. These are new at Bunnycup, cute little princesses...

And these little guys are part of a pirate set, but they are still being stitched out.

Walking to Walk

2007-12-28T11:29:00.000Z

This ACEO was painted yesterday as I was at home all day on my own whilst jack was working. I wanted to make a painting which reflected the glooming going back to work feeling after Christmas in January. So it should be called "Walking to Work", but when I wrote the title on the back I lost my concentration and wrote "Walking to Walk". Oh well! Sometimes it's nice just to walk.

Felt Fox Toy

2007-12-27T12:57:00.000Z

Christmas has been really busy, but I found some time to experiment with a new pattern. The fox is based on the squirrel pattern, but his nose is much longer and the dragon toy pattern. He is about 5.5 inches tall and I ended up stitching him together really quickly. You can tell I rushed the sewing a bit, but I was impatient and wanted to see if the idea would work. I think his head is a bit flat at the back., with the next one I'll try and make it rounder.

More Squirrels

2007-12-11T17:17:00.000Z

Another batch of squirrels have been made. The grey one is slightly lighter in colour and the red one is now standing upright like the grey one as I originally intended. Not sure what to make next... I'm so tempted to make a badger. Badgers are the best. Brock and roll.

Black & White ACEO

2007-12-08T14:21:00.000Z

These ACEOs are original pen drawings of some characters I've been doodling in my sketchbook. I find it therapeutic making patterns, dots and dashes, but sometimes I get carried away.

It's Cold!

2007-12-02T15:25:00.001Z

Jack's scarf is finished and I'm dead pleased with it. It took a week to knit by hand and it's about 51 inches long. I really want to become a quicker knitter.
I had a go at sewing a little arctic pixie character with a fishing rod using the end of the furry trim that I bought to make the unicorn and pegasus toys. He was a bit unstable alone on his base so I added some feet.

Two Felt Squirrels

2007-11-30T16:52:00.001Z

These two squirrels are very small. The red one is 2.5 inches and the grey upright fella is about 3 inches tall. Our neighbour works for the RSPB and always put nuts and seeds out for the birds. This attracts LOADS of squirrels but I think they're really cool, I like watching their little circus. Their tails are so twitchy and furry. I have no idea why so many people dislike them.

I'm knitting a scarf for Jack too and it's almost finished, so I can post a piccie when that's done, then I intend to make some more birdies.

Experimental Owl Toys

2007-11-17T16:54:00.000Z

Owls are everywhere in the new DIY arts and craft scene, try looking up "owls" on Etsy! Probably because the individual parts of a pattern are so easy to figure-out and they're quick to sew. Once constructed though, they look pretty kooky. That's their charm. I found it fun to try different colour cominations and patterns. These owls are of my own pattern and are hand-sewn. They took about 4 or 5 hours to make each. I want to try making different birds wearing different styles of hats in the future.

Black Dragon Toy

2007-11-14T16:56:00.001Z

I think this is the last dragon I'll make for a while. Time to try some new things out now. I like the way there are sparkly glitter bits on the surface of the felt though.

Gingerbread Village

2007-11-13T09:41:00.001Z

Festive gingerbread village illustrations for embroidery. I'm the type that buries my head in the snow when Christmas is mentioned so early in the year. All the ads are appearing on the telly and the high street is decorated, shop windows have all the Christmas motifs up... I'll start worrying about all this shopping nonsense in December.

Another Dragon toy

2007-11-07T18:49:00.000Z

This one is of the same pattern as the first dragon toy I made, but he's made from a sock. The material has stretched out much more, making him chubbier. His head is bigger and so this makes him look a bit like a moomin.

Handmade Dragon Toy

2007-10-27T18:47:00.000+01:00

The eyes arrived for my dragon toy today! He's my favourite little toy creation so far, I think he's so cute! I need to think of a name for him soon. He's made of felt and an old cotton shirt that I used to wear a lot at university and he's all hand sewn. I'm really keen to make some more, but I have ideas for other toys and I can't seem to make them fast enough.

Indiepublic ACEO Swap

2007-10-20T13:12:00.000+01:00

Indiepublic is a website community for independent crafters, artists and designers. It operates like myspace where you have your own page which you can customise with photos and graphics and a networking system so you can befriend and link to other users on the site and join groups and discussions. These ACEOs are my contribution to a swap that the ACEO group have organised. In a few weeks time I should receive 2 mystery ACEOs! I wonder what they'll be like.

I also want to show off these FANTASTIC robotfish stickers that Ladysnail very kindly sent me this week. The stickers are hand painted, not prints like I was expecting. They are so strange and beautiful, I have some above my computer so they are looking down on me as i work.

Farmyard

2007-10-15T17:35:00.000+01:00

The wedding invitations I did for Tom and Karen in the summer caught Bunnycup's eye. Ashlea and I have taken parts of the illustration from the original invitation and reworked it into some applique designs. We've added more animals too including a pig, donkey, sheep and a farmyard cat amongst others.

New Aeris Presley Logo

2007-10-10T17:33:00.001+01:00

I've just finished the new logo for Liverpool punk rock band, Aeris Presley. It doesn't look like a typical punk band logo, but that's the twist (hopefully). Garreth Hirons, the lead singer and songwriter, was dead chuffed with the new design and says they'll be badges soon. Cool. Their myspace is here so if you like The Stooges then they might your kind of thing!

Mr Goose and Friend

2007-10-06T23:39:00.000+01:00

I've drawn a goose with top hat and monocle before over a year ago ( click here to have a peek if you want to!).
The dragon stuffie template is drawn and I really want to start making it, but I need to be brave about making the initial scissor cuts into my worn out flowery shirt. I've even ordered some eyes for toy-making and I should get them once the post strike has settled down. I'm excited!

Post #100!

2007-10-01T17:40:00.001+01:00

I can't believe it! My one hundredth post! I have met so many creative people through blogger, it's great! When I look back at my past posts, I've made and doodled all-sorts. My output has been forming and morphing a little sporadically. Who knows what I'll be doing once I get to post 200!

Well I know I said I'd sew a dragon plushie, and I intend too! But I got sidetracked and got my paints out instead and created a couple of ACEOs.

Unicorn toy

2007-09-29T18:23:00.001+01:00

Following with the mythological creature theme... I've made a unicorn stuffie. I've used the same pattern as the pegasus, but omitted the wings and added a unicorn. I'm itching to make a dragon next, but I am running out of felt! Time to replenish my supplies of alternatively try crafting with a different type of material. I have an old flowery cotton shirt that is pretty tatty and beyond repair but the pattern on the material is fab, so that might do the trick.

Paisley

2007-09-24T17:15:00.000+01:00

A little assortment of paisley designs. Frilly and teardrop shaped. Apparently some Americans call it a "Persian Pickle".

Pegasus Toy

2007-09-18T17:14:00.001+01:00

This guy was so much fun to sew! I really need to invest in some small black child safety eyes for toys though... It's not great gluing felt eyes on these critters. Not only is it fiddly, it's not safe for kids. His furry mane and tail is pretty but fly-away too. When I cut the trim there were feathers flying all over the flat.

Dinosaur Toy

2007-09-11T17:46:00.000+01:00

Another plush creature, this one a dinosaur of the diplodocus variety. I've sewn some blue beads on his back. He has a slender neck and tail. He is 6 inches tall and 5.5 inches long.

ORIGIN modern Latin, from diplo- [double] + Greek dokos ‘wooden beam.’

Polar Bear Cub Toy

2007-09-09T12:05:00.001+01:00

This is a little polar bear cub that I've just finished today. I got some pattern ideas for 3D soft toys from a craft book I found in a charity shop. "The Splendid Soft Toy Book" was printed in 1978 and gives loads of tips on how to take profile illustrations of animals and convert them into toys that can stand on their own 4 feet. So I decided on a polar bear cub as I am drawing lots of these in my day job at the moment. I can't wait to try making all sorts of animals using this method!