Jenny Ellory

Swimwear, underwear and nightwear...

2012-02-10T02:48:00.000-08:00

I just took a look at F+F Clothing online at Tesco and found quite a few of my designs starting to come into store. They don't put all the designs online, and it's only by chance that I might see them in store as our nearest Tesco is a long drive from here! Below are some girls 'rag doll' pyjamas and cheeky monkey 2pk boy short briefs I worked on.

I designed a mermaid character for girls swimwear and it features on a costume a sunsafe and will also feature on a keppi hat. For boys I did skulls and funky geckos on their 2pk trunks!...

No Place Like Home

2012-02-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Issue 97 of Papercraft Inspirations features some of my favourite paper designs all based on a new home theme! Cute little trees, windows, doors and houses make up this set, and the embellishments have a clever interchangeable sign on the door of a little house topper, which makes a super quick personalised greetings card. Enjoy, they are out this month and available to download for free online...

Whole Hearted!

2012-02-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Valentines Issue 96 of Papercraft Inspirations magazine is in the shops now so don't miss it or your free downloadable Valentine's themed papers I designed here. The papers include cute envelopes, a stamp-style pattern, paisley and leafy floral, along with ready made toppers- all you need to make that perfect quick and easy card. So what are you waiting for? Get crafty quick the 14th is very nearly upon us!! Lots of Love x

Floral Stamps January's Issue of C&P

2012-02-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

I designed a set of floral acrylic stamps as a cover gift on Issue 100 of Cardmaking and Papercraft. It's really nice to see how they can be turned into beautiful cards and gift boxes once coloured up, and sitting alongside the bonus matching papers I designed to sit with them. These 'Garden Gala' papers, and many more can be downloaded for free and printed again and again here.

Cats and Dogs

2012-01-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Some of my new designs are creeping into Peacocks girls clothing for Spring 2012...

How cute are these ditsy floral print hareem style trousers? I'm so pleased with the way they use my prints sometimes!

Playing Games

2012-01-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Papercraft Inspirations have launched the game-themed card making papers I designed in this month's Issue 95. They are available printed in the current mag or online to download completely free on their website .

Berry Merry

2011-12-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

This December issue 99 of Cardmaking and Papercraft comes free with a paper stack designed by me including 36 sheets of festive Christmas papers. Below are a few snippets...

Free Christmas Papers!

2011-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Papercraft Inspirations are now featuring three sets of new Christmas cardmaking papers designed by me on their website, and they are completely free to download and use!

The first set are classical musical themed, with a modern colour palette, and the second set are based around cute Christmas baking...

Feeling Christmassy!

2011-10-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

The new issue 98 of Cardmaking and Papercraft is out now, and features some 'jingle bow' cards I designed and made. These were loads of fun and got me in a very Christmassy mood! Not long now...

Print & Pattern 2

2011-10-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to be featured in the latest Print & Pattern book of the blog, published this October written by Marie Perkins. I received it in the post this morning and the double page spread shows a selection from a contemporary stationery and gifting range that I designed exclusively for UK publisher Waterstones while working for Portico Designs Ltd in Bath who design and supply various high street retailers. The book is currently for sale here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to mark the occasion Future Publishing’s Cross Stitcher magazine is raising money for Breast Cancer Care's Pink Friday Campaign.

An exclusive ribbon pattern designed by Emily Peacock is available to download on Cross Stitcher’s dedicated Just Giving site for a suggested £2 donation to Breast Cancer Care.

Emily’s design is a beautiful and versatile version of the iconic breast cancer ribbon. It can be cross stitched, sewn, knitted or crocheted and made into anything from a greeting card, picture or corsage to a pretty pin-broach. It’s a fun and rewarding craft project that anyone can try – and all for a very good cause!

Judy Beard, Director of Fundraising at Breast Cancer Care, said: “Each year around 50,000 people in the UK receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast Cancer Care provides support and information for people affected and the money raised through Pink Fridays is vital in allowing us to continue to provide support services. We’re delighted to have the team at Cross Stitcher on board for Pink Fridays -stitching the ribbon is a fun and imaginative way to raise funds.”

Let's see how much we can raise. Download the ribbon project here and don’t forget the £2 donation – it could help save a life.

Free Patterned papers!

2011-10-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

You receive some of my patterned card making papers, tags, topper and borders free in this month's Issue of Papercraft Inspirations Magazine on sale now. You can also download the designs free online from their website here.

Getting Cold...

2011-10-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Tesco have started to filter their Autumn Winter collection into stores and on their website, including some girls accessories I worked on below...

Christmas has come early!

2011-10-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Origin Publishing have just released their special vintage edition of 'Make Christmas Cards' which can be purchased here. I designed the papers, decoupage, greetings, tags, card toppers and a double sided embossing board to go within this bumper pack all-you-need kit. The magazine features loads of really clever card and gift wrapping ideas to get started early for Christmas. The themes for the papers include Christmas florals, 4 calling birds, and your typical festive and funky trees, stockings and baubles etc.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the papers and toppers...

Peacocks - Boho Traveller

2011-10-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

A while back, I designed pattern and graphics towards the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection at Peacocks, which has started to creep into stores recently. Shown below are a few snippets from the 'Boho Traveller' girlswear range...

These chiffon 3-D roses came out great in fabric...

I worked on several variations of a rose floral, which I am happy to see has been used in a few colourways and applied to a variety of fabrics such as jersey and wovens. It has even been applied to a matching waterproof jacket which is lovely.

Beautiful Books!

2011-09-09T10:45:00.001-07:00

Just spotted my good friend Georgina Luck's work today across the new beautifully illustrated M&S cookery Bibles. She has a stunning handwriting I'm sure you'll agree! Follow her latest creations at www.georginaluck.blogspot.com and view her portfolio online at www.georginaluck.com

Pyjamas and pants!

2011-07-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Spotted recently on their website and in store are some designs that I have worked on for Tesco F&F girls nightwear and briefs. Below are a few of my favourites...

Nanna Loves...

2011-07-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

My latest design for C&P is this set of 'Nanna Loves' retro style chipboard tags and matching papers with a Nanna's kitchen theme, which are downloadable here. There are examples of how to make some great cards within the August issue of the magazine. They feature fruit, polka dots, gingham, kitchen equipment and all things Nanna related! They also did a fab write up about me in their Q and A section, which I am really pleased with- thanks C&P!

Father's Day..

2011-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Well, Father's Day has been and gone on 16th June, and for a card making project in 'Cardmaking and Papercrafts' June Issue, I produced a set of vintage-looking male patterns which are versatile and can be used or chopped and collaged with for lots of occasions. They are available to download for free here on C&P's website.

Spotted more boys clothing designs...

2011-07-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

I keep spotting a few more bits and bobs that designed last year for Peacocks Spring Summer 2011 range. They keep feeding into stores and online. Here are a few for boys clothing...

This print has been used for shorts. Above is another colour way that I worked up.

These tie-die look shorts were a real challenge! Instead of using the craft technique of tie-dye where the fabric is tied with string and dipped into the dye, I was asked to recreate this look using computer graphics. What do you think? Good effort?!...

Placement print used for boys swim shorts...

Some of my favourite, photographic funky animal tees for boys have become best sellers! 'Top Dog' and 'The King' seem to be doing very well...

Below are a Trompe-l'oeil camera and headphones I did for 2pk t-shirts.

Sew Mag Summer Projects!

2011-07-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I last posted, and I have been all over the place moving house, busy with projects and enjoying the sunny outdoors while I could! Seems that summer is already over now with all the rain we have been having!

I thought I'd update you on a couple of projects I did for Sew mag back in May and June. The first was a great Spring recycling project, using up all my old scraps of fabric to make eclectic style magazine file covers, which look great in my new study! They are designed to hide those tatty old cardboard files, or just to give your desk area a new look with interesting fabrics. The instructions can be adapted to fit any size of file. You can subscribe to the mag here and if you missed out on this project, there are loads of free downloads online.

I also designed and made a picnic set for Sew Mag's June Issue. This sandwich case and bag is fully lined and made with a cute apple print oil cloth, so wipeable to keep clean. There are some other really fab projects to make in June's magazine, so well worth a look. I'm going to be busy making the cute kids chef set, apron and hat, as well as the buckled belts!

Spotted Spring Clothing!

2011-04-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Some designs I did for clothing last year have started to creep into stores this spring including boys and girls t-shirt illustrations, badges, details and all over prints for Peacocks. Here are some of my favourites from the ranges, more of which will start to appear online and in stores over the summer. It's really nice finally seeing how they turned out in fabric- much more interesting than on paper!

All images are copyright of The Peacock Group PLC.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just a little late, but I hope you all enjoyed the bank holiday (and will enjoy the one to come!) and all had a lovely Easter. Here are a selection of the Easter themed card making papers I designed for 'Cardmaking and Papercraft's' April Issue out now. They can also be downloaded here.

St Simeon & Paris!

2011-03-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some inspiring photos I took while on a recent family holiday in St Simeon near Paris. We visited some beautiful medieval towns and rustic villages where I came across some beautiful little doorways and stonework.

While walking around Paris, we visited the Notre Damn which has some very pretty iron work and windows- even the shadows are pretty!

...and some very interesting shop windows including some yummy chocolates and cakes- I love this pastel colour palette...

Spring Papercraft Collection...

2011-03-10T13:49:00.001-08:00

This month Crafts Beautiful are giving away a collection of spring themed designer card making papers with their mag, which I contributed towards. The mag can be subscribed to here. Below are a few snippets of my patterns. Each main design comes with a co-ordinate paper...

Wedding Invites Mag 2011 release

2011-02-10T02:22:00.000-08:00

Origin Publishing have just released their special issue 2 of Wedding Invites Magazine 2011, and is available to buy here online. It comes with a CD full of free wedding paper designs, all of which I designed. There are several colourways, patterns and shapes and sizes for everything you might need to create a co-ordinating table set and plan, invites, save the dates, favour boxes and bags, and the instructions on the CD are really easy to follow. The magazine itself is packed with ideas to make your own invites using the freebies. Below is a sneak peak of some of the patterns available to use...

Oriental Diecuts

2011-01-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

I had loads of fun designing these Oriental themed papers and diecuts for Quick Cards Made Easy last year, and they have just been released in the January Issue. I finally got to use some of the inspiration and photographs I collected in Japan! This set is really versatile and can be used for card making, scrapbooking or even decorating notebooks or desk bits and bobs!

Last bits of Christmas...

2011-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

Well another year over- hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Just thought I'd post some bits I didn't have time to post before the holidays...

These were all designed for Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine last year for their Christmas Issues which I'm afraid have been and gone already, but you can purchase back copies here or you can subscribe to the mag here.

First were a large set of Christmas characters and animals, some of which I have shown as original illustrations below. These were converted into cross stitch makes for a covergift with Issue 143. Leonie at Fireflies & Cats in the Garden was kind enough to blog about this set, and had a go at making up one of the cats- and I think she did a brill job!

Each set of characters came with a matching card making paper, tag, border and several greetings to stitch.

I also designed a 'Christmas pudding' pattern, card and stitch greeting for a card making kit which came free with the mag...

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year! Will see you again on Jan 4th.

I LOVE Christmas!

2010-12-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Bath Christmas Market has been on for 2 weeks here, and the atmosphere is always lovely (but a little too cold this year!). I love wondering around the huts with a mulled wine, trying cheeses and spirits, and often end up with something I don't need like a tree decoration or this year- some Russian Santas!! How cute are they though?...

We also picked out and decorated our tree this week, and I wanted to share some of the decorations I collected last year- a little group of owls and a hedgehog made from pine cones and wood. I absolutely love these and they look very at home on our tree!

I had a recent visit to London, and whilst I am on the Christmas theme, I thought I'd share this great photo I took of the Christmas window display at Selfridges. Their theme this year is bright and colourful toys, and this fun window was one of my faves!!

Spotted!!

2010-12-10T15:53:00.001-08:00

I have been patiently waiting for these designs I did for Peacocks boyswear to come out in the shops and they finally have, I spotted them today! (Fashion works generally a year in advance) I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out.

Twit Twoo!

2010-11-22T02:10:00.000-08:00

Issue 18 of S ew magazine is out to buy now, and features some of my 'last minute Christmas makes'. The first is a set of cute and contemporary, colourful owl Christmas tree decorations, a brooch and a tag to match. These would make great handmade gifts if you are on a tight budget this year, so the article is worth a look!

I also show how to make super quick 'tree' table decorations using scraps of fabric from your stash. The mag is available to subscribe to here. With all these Christmas projects I've been doing, you'd think I'd be fed up of the sight of Christmas tradition, but far from it, I'm still excitable about decorating our home, watching silly movies, singalong songs and Christmas dinner!!

New Look Cross stitcher

2010-11-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

The all new and improved Cross Stitcher Magazine has just launched this month, and they've got it spot on! With a huge trend in craft revival, they've got a great mixture of your traditional, typical cross stitch designs, alongside some really fab and funky ideas for quick and easy gifts, and it's not just cross stitch, they have other stitch and applique ideas in the mix.

I love the red and white Christmas decorations in this months issue, as it fits in perfectly with our Scandinavian theme at home, so I'll have loads of fun stitching some extra special modern/traditional mix pieces to add to our tree!

I have to say, they have some lovely photo shoots as well, and a nice glossy quality of paper, which is something us designers are always attracted to in a mag, so well worth checking out!

Cross Stitcher is available to subscribe to here

Eye Eye!

2010-11-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of horror movies and don't really watch them, so when it comes to Halloween, I never understand people's costumes based on the movies! My outfits are usually a little less scary and harmless, but I try to be creative

...so inspired this year by the Vision Express adverts we came up with the concept of going to a party as two eyeballs!!

With two inflatable pumpkins (as surprisingly beach balls are out of season in October!) we firstly covered them with brown stretching tape, then covered with a layer of plaster gauze, we let them dry out overnight before perfecting our eyeball painting! We cut away the pupil and covered with a layer of black mesh fabric so that we could see, and cut out a drinking hole (essential). The only problem we hadn't thought of was that even when shouting, people couldn't hear us!

watch the adverts at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCRPDGnIhSQ&NR=1

Pudding is Served!

2010-11-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Crafts Beautiful Magazine have featured Christmas Pudding themed table decorations designed by me this month, out to buy now, or subscribe here

Christmas Papercuts!

2010-10-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Crafts Beautiful November Issue is out now, packed with Christmas crafty ideas including my cut out tree and snowflakes decorations, cards and tags. You can subscribe to Crafts Beautiful here!

That time of year again already!

2010-09-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Crafts Beautiful Xmas Special had just been released this month, featuring exclusive papers designed by me on a folky theme, which can also be downloaded on their website free of charge, and a set of origami tree decorations with a Christmassy musical red and white theme. Also included in the Christmas Special pack, is a bonus book of festive cardmaking papers, some of which I designed. After its success last year, they decided to re-release this papercraft collection. My set of papers is on a vibrant bohemian theme. All this together is a bargain at only £4.99, it can be bought here.

Masquerade Ball!

2010-09-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of the masquerade ball masks I designed and made for Sew Magazine. All hand sewn and made from felt and feathers, I designed an adult mask, with an alternative pretty headband, and a matching fun kids mask! You can find out how to make these (they come with templates) within the October Issue of Sew magazine which is currently for sale here. I also want to say a big thank you to Debbie at www.thecraftzboutique.com who kindly provided the beautiful gold lace for the masks.

Colourful co-ordinating travel set...

2010-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sew Magazine featured a set of stitched items designed and made by me in Issue 13 recently which included a funky notebook cover with front pen pocket and inner 'bits' pocket, and along with this, a matching gadget holder and glasses case. I used some lovely fabrics from www.quilterscloth.co.uk They are coming in very handy, and I keep getting compliments when I open my handbag!

Weddings...

2010-09-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just completed another set of hand made and personally designed wedding invitations for the happy couple Hannah and Brian, congratulations and have a lovely day both of you, hope all goes well.

Here is a sneak peak. They included a save the date card, and matching floral invites with a blue, cream and gold theme to match their flowers and bridesmaids etc. They all arrive from the printers as flat cards, and I have to set up a production line each time, sticking the pockets with PVA and a pin and adding little ribbon bows to each pocket. I then have to piece them all together in the correct order for day and evening invites....

October Issue Craft Beautiful

2010-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

October issue of Crafts Beautiful features craft papers I have designed exclusively for them in their centre section. These can be downloaded on their website at www.crafts-beautiful.com where you can also subscribe to the magazine. I also did project on a butterflies theme, paper-cut cards, and again, my favourite material- felt! I made a simple cushion with loose-winged butterflies. This project made it to their front cover of Crafts Extra magazine...

Cardmaking and Papercraft last few months...

2010-08-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

I have just received the most recent copies, July, August and September, of Cardmaking and Papercraft, which feature some bonus paper designs, card projects and die cuts that I designed for them a while back. I love the cards they have created with the chipboard die cuts and papers. Cardmaking and Papercraft can be purchased and subscribed to here.

July Issue, tropical flower and bird bonus paper designs and Card designs using the papers:

August Issue, beach and garden themed bonus papers:

September Issue, designer chipboards freebie:

Smaller Than Life

2010-08-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

I just received by little sister's first published book in the post this morning, and it is absolutely brilliant, I am so proud of her!

Victoria has just graduated from Photography BA (Hons) at Staffordshire University, and released this publication to showcase her work so far. 'Smaller than Life' is a play on your perceptions, where she uses a tilt-shift technique to make things look like miniature models when they are actually human-sized! It's very clever and all the images, like the ones below, are incredibly colourful and inspiring. 'Smaller Than Life' can be previewed and purchased here, and Victoria is also happy to work on special commissions or produce limited edition prints on request. For Victoria's latest news and exhibition dates, visit her blog www.victoriaellory.blogspot.com or to view her portfolio online visit www.victoriaellory.co.uk

Amazing Crazy Pencils!

2010-07-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered a new love for pencil art and am amazed at how much detail can be carved into a crayon or a pencil tip! Check out these brilliant sculptures below. There is a fantastic gallery online displaying more work by Dalton Ghetti who did the alphabet, check it out here.

Sewing Machine - Got it covered!

2010-07-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

I just received the latest Issue of Sew Mag in the post this morning- in it, my favourite make so far, my sewing machine Cover and matching 'bits' pouch! I was really excited get this project back and keep my sewing machine clean and colourful on the table from now on, instead of the scruffy old, torn plastic thing that came with it! You can subscribe to Sew magazine here to see this project. I absolutely LOVE the gorgeous fabrics I used for this project, they are patterns by Heather Bailey and can be bought at www.nerybethcrafts.co.uk

Back To School Projects...

2010-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

September release of Crafts Beautiful features two of my projects, card making and stitched. I focussed on a back to school theme with book bags, a cute apple and worm bookmark and a back to school card, and made funky kids shoes cards including a practise lace-up card for kids learning to tie their shoes for school! Craft Beautiful can be bought here!

Wedding Tea Party

2010-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have recently been designing bespoke wedding invitations for one of my friends based on a 'tea party' theme, including her cats, tea pots, cups and saucers, and birds all entwined within vines in a border inspired by traditional blue and white china. It fits in a printed pocket with a subtle cat image on the reverse. Here is a sneak peak...

If you are interested in having personalised and unique wedding invitations designed by me, please feel free to contact me on jennyellory@hotmail.com for more details.

Party Time!!

2010-06-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's the summer party season, and to go with it I designed a colourful range of tags, fabric party sweet bags and invites for kids (or big kids!) which are shown in this month's issue of Crafts Beautiful magazine. You can buy this here.

Time for Tea!

2010-06-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Cross Stitch Crazy has been released along with a free cover mount I designed for them; 4 'tea time' theme gift sets containing cross stitch designs for cards, tags, greetings and borders for home ware and gift, plus 4 matching patterned papers. I'm really pleased with how these turned out- it's always hard to imagine your flat designs as a cross stitch until you see them made! It is available to purchase here.

Crafts Beautiful Holiday Set

2010-05-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

July Issue of Crafts Beautiful is out now and features a female, floral and gingham travel set I designed and made...

Beautiful Temples

2010-05-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from South Korea and Japan and thought I'd share some of the beautiful colours and surface pattern that I came across while I was there. The temples and shrines were all so stunningly vibrant and detailed...

Hen Party!

2010-05-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

I recently organised a hen party for one of my oldest friends from school, and made her this fun card from everyone. As the party was a Moulin Rouge theme, I made it in the shape of a corset with lacy trims and cute eyelets down the front with a ribbon thread through...

Fathers Day June 20th!

2010-04-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

My latest feature in Crafts Beautiful is this set of origami shirt cards, tags and gift bag to match all set for Father's Day. There are templates and origami instructions included with the magazine. June Issue is available to purchase here!

New Website Launched

2010-04-21T01:37:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that I've just launched my own online portfolio at www.jennyellory.co.uk

I will still be regularly updating my blog with crafty makes however, so keep checking for new posts!

Spring Releases...

2010-04-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

The May issue of Crafts Beautiful is out now and features my funky denim and spotty peg bag with instructions, along with a decorative wedding set I designed including wedding favours, confetti cones and a hand made invitation to match, all made from pretty pink papers, paper roses and ribbons. It is available to purchase here online.

Cross Stitch Crazy!

2010-03-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Out in the May issue of Cross Stitch Crazy is a luxury free gift I designed, complete with teapot shaped cards, and cross stitch design greetings. Available to buy here now.

Print Pattern

2010-03-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased- The lovely Marie from Print Pattern has done a write up about me, with some examples of my work see here!

Below, I thought I'd show you some examples of designs I have sold for commercial use through Lucy Woodhouse Design Agency, some of which have featured in the Print Pattern article...

Sock it to me!

2010-03-08T13:20:00.001-08:00

I recently entered a competition which was advertised on print pattern, asking for entries for sock designs for the American company Sock it to me. I found out today that my panda and bamboo design was a finalist, so I'm really pleased...

Prints for sale...

2010-02-28T04:34:00.001-08:00

For anyone who is missing my Etsy shop, I've just put some artwork up for sale here alongside other crafty bits and bobs. They are prints on quality white card from original button and floral collage screen-prints, and come 8" x 8" framed size:

New graphics for Gibson & Holt

2010-02-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

Below are some new designs I have been working on for spring, with cute, girly colour palettes. They are available to buy now along with many others for commercial use through Gibson & Holt Art and Design Agency...

New in Waterstones...

2010-02-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

A new range of stationery I designed with Portico Designs in 2009 has just appeared in Waterstones! Floral, with a co-ordinating stripe and spot design, it's a mixture of paper and fabric covered product, and the patterns have also been applied to matching items like umbrellas, playing cards, tins and glasses cases.

Pattern in print this month...

2010-02-17T02:32:00.001-08:00

Published this month and available to order now, is the new special edition 'Wedding Invites' magazine, from Origin Publishing for which I designed all the free patterned papers and wedding stationery. It is all provided on a disc for the readers to use, and comes in a handy zip pack to keep everything together:

Also printed this month is my Mother's Day Watercolour cards project for Crafts Beautiful, and bonus papers and card ideas for Cardmaking and Papercraft:

You are invited...

2010-02-15T00:58:00.000-08:00

I recently designed and made a set of bespoke wedding invitations for my

friend. Created to fit the colour theme they have chosen, this pink set below were attached at the top corner with a satin ribbon and bow, and embellished with pearl gems:

Crafts in Print...

2010-01-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hello, and Happy new year!

Let's start with a little update of my craft projects that have featured in published magazines recently...

First up, some contemporary theme Christmas bonus papers and card designs for the December Issue Cardmaking & Papercraft Magazine:

December saw the release of the Winter 2009 'The Essential Guide to Sewing' magazine, which featured 2 of my sewing projects, a tea cosy and decorated plant pot, and a floral Amy Butler set including a notebook, drawstring bag and embellished jewelry box:

In January Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine released the cover gift I designed, featuring 12 floral gift sets of cross stitch card designs. It was also lovely of them to include a feature about me in their magazine:

January issue of Crafts Beautiful featured my origami butterfly mobile with a matching card:

...and one of my favourite projects for Crafts Beautiful so far - this set for February release; Easter theme felt chicken egg cosies and a greetings card to match!

Craft Fair Photos

2010-01-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

I just found these photos of the Craft fair I did in Chippenham before Christmas. I thought I had lost the camera, but it turned up :)

Frilly Brooches And More Chickens!

2009-11-23T15:25:00.001-08:00

I made these little frilly brooches/corsages the other day to add to my stall at a Christmas craft fair in Chippenham Neeld Hall. Cute aren't they?

Everyone seems to be going mad for my chickens recently, I added some felt 'chicken' cards to the collection for the Christmas fair as well...

Crafts Beautiful!

2009-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

Just a little update on what I've been up to for Crafts Beautiful Magazine over the last 3 months... I've been getting crafty making fabricy stitched Christmas cards, inventing pop-out 3-D Christmas cards, and have worked up a paper holly wreath! Watch this space for more of my published projects in the new year. If you find these ideas interesting, all the magazines can be purchased online here!

Christmas Chickens...

2009-11-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

I've recently been commissioned to make some triangular shaped 'chicken' door weights for a friend from her Grandma's retro 70's and 80's fabrics. They have a zip at the base, and are filled with rice and/or lead weights to keep your door ajar! I had loads of fun making these on Sunday afternoon. I'm sure they will make great Christmas pressies :)

The Christmas Papercraft Collection

2009-11-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

I have been super busy lately, which is why it's been so long since I updated my blog! I recently designed a range of Bohemian style card making papers, tags and motifs for 'The Christmas Papercraft Collection' which is a one-off bookzine available to WHSmiths, published in association with 'Crafts Beautiful' Magazine. It was released for sale back in October. I was quite proud of that, as quite a few of my papers made it to the front cover! A selection of them are shown below...

Origami Love

2009-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have really got into origami lately and have taken to decorating the house with it! I found a tutorial online which shows you how to make these beautiful kusudama flowers with step by step instructions. If you collect and hoard interesting papers like me, you could put them to some good use- it's a really interesting way of recycling.
They would look lovely stuck to a present or gift bag, or lots of them in a bowl on a sideboard. I however, think they make a lovely addition to my vase!

I also tried out an origami 'shirt' card for my dad's birthday. These instructions show you how to make the shape, but I personalised mine with buttons and a pocket, and slipped a piece of card under the back collar which made it stand up. I wrote the greeting on the underside of that piece of card. I thought it worked well...

Been Busy!

2009-07-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping myself very busy making things for a craft fair I'll be doing with a friend- St Catherine's Artisan Market in Frome, Somerset on 2nd August.
I love retro fabrics and pretty vintage lace, and all these items are handmade out of scraps of fabric and felt that I have collected, so each one is unique. I hope you like them. Similar things are available to buy in my Etsy shop online.

Hanging Lavender Bags...

Lined Peg Bags...

Removable Book Covers...

Beautiful Bath

2009-07-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

I've had a few visitors lately so have been admiring my surroundings in Bath and visiting the tourist attractions. It's easy to take them for granted when you see them every day. I thought I'd share a few photos with you, which I've played around with. Prints are available to buy through my Etsy shop