Another Grand Day Out in Clitheroe - Creativity within the Beauty at the Platform

Had a wonderful spring day out in Clitheroe on Friday, 27th - there is a very good exhibition on at the Platform Gallery near the railway station.  The exhibition is Creativity within the Beauty, celebrating 50 years of Bowland Forest being An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

By Caroline Heap

There are an array of very interesting works on show from calligraphy to ceramics via textiles and painting. One artist who really caught my eye was Caroline Heap, she works in pen and ink producing amazing textures and contrasts in a series of landscape works celebrating the Forest of Bowland.  Her work is so delicate and yet has an intensity that draws your eye all over the image.  Well worth a look if you visit.

By Joan Newall

One artist however, really held my interest.  Her name is Joan Newall and she defines herself as a textile artist, making the most wonderful books.  Some are blank and others have tiny little collages in them, really very lovely.  She sells them far too cheaply for the work in them is very delicate and the finish is excellent.  None of us could resist them and we all bought one.  Such a little treasure.

There is so much to recommend this exhibition and if you are in the area have a peep. It is on until 11th April 2015 and there is a companion exhibition at the Artroom Gallery in Garstang until 12th May.  If you are in Clitheroe I still recommend Cheesy Tchaikovsky for a sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea.  The lady's homemade bread and cakes are to die for and a must if we are in Clitheroe.

We met up with my dear friend Isobel for the afternoon and had a really good shop in and around the centre of Clitheroe.  On the way back to the Platform Gallery Isobel wished to visit D Byrne and Company on King Street.  Not being a big drinker I rarely visit a wine merchant but this shop ia amazing, a real Aladdin's Cave. The shop has been trading for 130 years and has more wines and spirits than I have ever seen anywhere in one place.  If you visit the Platform Gallery or just visit Clitheroe take a peek in D Byren&Co, honestly it was a shock to find this place, so interesting, like something out of a Dickens novel.

I am hoping to dye some threads this week and some pieces of silk for use later in the year.  I like to use natural dyes and sometimes create quite a whiff but the colours are too nice not to do it.  I have more samplers planned and an order for more cards, a birthday doll is my next concern - I am looking forward to them all and will be working hard over Easter.  Becca's degree show is rapidly approaching and she is working so hard, so proud of her.  All good and busy, just as we like it.

Well, the clocks went forward here this weekend and we all lost an hours sleep but spring has arrived and summer cannot be to far away and I am enjoying the good weather.  Hope all is well with you all and my warmest wishes.

Friday Folksy Finds - Embroidery

Hope you are having a great week, the spring weather up in Lancashire is great and we are looking forward to the lighter nights, it will be time to move the clocks on Saturday.  Have had a very enjoyable week embroidering three little samplers, they have gone to the framers now but left hankering after more embroidery so I took a look on Folksy.  As always there are amazing pieces of craft work to find and I was impressed by the variety and talent on show.  These finds are just my favourites, there are plenty more on Folksy from fabulous wedding dresses to cute embroidery hoops there is even a collection of zombie embroideries by fiona t.

By Glass Oyster Bridal

All the work on show in this shop is amazing, not cheap but of such quality that any bride would feel so special in one of their creations.  The colours are muted and elegant, the work is tight and professional.  All the pieces are worth looking at so have a peep at the shop, if you love fine embroidery you will enjoy it.

By La Costurera

Again this is primarily bridal work but could be for other occasions, the embroidery is sumptuous and beautifully worked.  To get such delicacy on such a sheer fabric is amazing. This little shrug has a regency feel that is characteristic of the work, their shop is a delight and well worth visiting.

By Needlepoint Punk

I don't know how old this young lady is but she mentions her A'levels, if she is as young as I suspect the control is incredible.  The pieces of  layered fabric and stitch make a strong image with excellent textures and accurate line.  This little piece is a Brambling but there are two other little wonders, you need a broad sense of humour for some of her work but it is all good.  She trades as Needlepoint Punk and her name is Emily Brown from Hampshire.

By Helen Smith

This piece is called Strata 1, there is Strata 2 and I love them both.  I am always attracted to lines and layers, the combinations of fabric and stitch is very satisfying to my sense of space.  This lady works mostly in glass but I am drawn very strongly to her stitch work.

By Ritzy Swish Textiles Art and Gifts

A very pleasing combination of patching, applique and stitch, could live very happily with any of this designers work, her shop is Ritzy Swish and she is Emma Wood in Northamptonshire.  This attractive cushion comes in a variety of colourways and the shop is worth a visit.  I particularly like Ms Woods brooches and greeting cards but there are all kinds of gifts to be found including gift bags and covered notebooks.

All this week's embroidery has made me hanker after more so I will have to see where my interest takes me this coming week, I have a doll for the end of April and I am up to date so I think I have earned a few play days.  It is very satisfying to set off in a new direction, not really knowing where you are off to but navigating as you go.  New designs and patterns have emerged from such days so here's hoping for an enlightening few days. I will really miss that extra hour in bed but I do so enjoy the lighter nights - have a great weekend and my very best wishes.

A Little Poppy Sampler

A Little Poppy Sampler

Just thought I would share this little sampler with you, it's a style I am asked for a lot, a tiny scene with specific flowers.  I have made nothing but samplers all week, starting with a new baby piece.  Not often I have weeks like that but enjoyed very much some good old fashioned hand embroidery.  I feel that embroidery is what I trained to do and it is my first love.  I embroidered my first hanky with my gran when I was seven, it was a letter B for Barbara, surrounded by my mothers favourite daffodils in french knots and chain stitch, my mum still has it - sentimental old softy that she is!  Love making my dolls but sometimes a change is as good as a rest.

The photograph shown here is the piece unstretched prior to framing, I have access to a wonderful framer, Sally at Cedar Farm in Mawdesley near Ormskirk, Lancashire.  Sally is a graduate of Goldsmiths and a textile artist in her own right, she frames all my samplers so beautifully.  Stretching will tighten up the stitching and straighten edges, it make a good deal of difference.  I couldn't show this little piece stretched as it needed to get to the framers asap.

Cedar Farm is a really great afternoon if you are in the area, lovely food both to buy in the Deli and in the cafe.  Fabulous coffee in the arcade and a whole host of amazing craft and artwork.  The Gallery is a treasure trove of the interesting and unusual. It was a working farm and twenty five years ago the farmer had the bright idea to diversify into quality art and craft work, now there is a glassblower, kiln glass, a potter, two jewellers and a host of other wonderful ware.  There is even a child friendly collections of farm animals and a small play area.  They host regular weekend Farmer's Markets and the occasional Vintage Market.  Have a peep if you are in the area, it is well out into the countryside but there are good brown signs.

One of the Galleries at Cedar Farm

Friday Folksy Finds - Brilliant Buttons

Next week I am about to start a Button Sampler for a new baby and have spent a glorious couple of days searching for the right buttons.  I love buttons, they are completely addictive and compelling.  One of the best shops in the world is a button shop called Duttons for Buttons, it is in Ilkley and a must for buttonaholics.  There are some brilliant buttons on the internet and Folksy has a great choice of every kind, from hand made to vintage, wood to glass, have a peep and enjoy the joy of buttons.

By A Alicia

There are lots of ceramic buttons to choose from on Folksy, far too many to choose just one but I really do like these simple mint green lovelies.  They have an Art Deco feel and would look great as a feature button on a simple sweater or doll dress.  This lady makes all kinds of colours and shapes - well worth a look.

By Gloriana

These pretty little embroidered buttons take me all the way back to high tea at my Grandmas, always a hand embroidered table cloth or tray cloth bought ready printed for her to embroider from Copeland Linens in Ireland.  I am lucky enough to have several of her tablecloths, after many, many years Copeland Linens stopped trading last year as Mr Copeland was well into his eighties and wanted to retire - the end of an era. The buttons by Gloriana are beautifully done in such lovely colours, I like the mix of colours, they make a great combination.  Would look so pretty on a baby jacket or doll dress as a feature.

By Snoochy

This remarkable shank button is by Snoochy and is Czech glass, again as a feature on a doll I would love to use it, shank buttons are no good on samplers because of the framing.  Have a peep at this shop they have some truly amazing Czech glass buttons and are surprisingly reasonable.  Similar to Swarovski buttons in price but I think far more individual.

By Little Paper Circus

I use so many of these printed wooden buttons in cards, samplers and on doll dresses, I have so many designs.  It is always nice to find a design you haven't seen before and these little briar roses are so cute.  If you are looking for a good all round wooden button this shop has oodles to choose from.  Have a browse and enjoy.

By The Crafty Curio Shop

I cannot pretend otherwise but I have a serious addiction problem when it come to vintage buttons, I am always picking up the odd set here and there and then am very reluctant to use them - my daughter thinks I need counselling.  I cannot resist them, especially as a set on the original card.  This glorious shop has so many to choose from, you cannot fail to find the shape and colour you want, the trouble is stopping at just one!

No crafting at all this weekend got to get some serious gardening jobs done, including scarifying the lawn which will leave me sneezing for the whole weekend.  Its the one job in the garden that leaves everywhere looking rougher than when you started but it must be done - so much moss.  Well my best wishes for the Spring Equinox tomorrow and keep well.

A Grand Day Out - Black Sheep:The Darker Side of Felt, Gallery Oldham

By Stephanie Metz

Just had a lovely day out in Oldham. Saw the exhibition advertised in Craft magazine, never been to Gallery Oldham before but what a great place.  Its kind of like the Atkinson Art Gallery in Southport, with a large public library, a gallery space and a great little tea shop called the Naked Bean.  Delicious home made cake and a really good coffee.  But to the point, Black Sheep is an excellent international exhibition of the darker side of felt making.  The exhibits are both wet felted and needle felted and there are some stunning pieces on show.

The work by American Stephanie Metz is just wonderful, so sensual and organic.  Her teddy skulls, though iconic, in my opinion are not her best pieces in the show.  Her work is needle felted and the quality of the craft is superb.  Her work is rounded, indulgent and evocative of undefined fauna, there are sensuous folds and curves with cheeky bottoms and lush fur.  There are crazy pieces of felt and some very beautiful work, check out Horst Couture from the USA, with work to touch and information about felt making over the ages and in the present.  I was amazed at some of the fleece you can use to felt with, forget sheep wool, there was possum, banana fibre and even milk protein fibre - which was completely new to me.  The car parking is easy and very reasonable, my only qualm was Oldham is not so easy to navigate around, thank goodness David was driving and the SatNav took us straight there, although there is good signage.  If you fancy a good cup of coffee and an hour of wonderful felt work pop on down to Gallery Oldham for a very enjoyable afternoon.  It is a touring exhibition from The National Centre for Craft and Design and will be in Oldham until May 2015.

Mother's Day Cards

Just a quick post to share this years Mothers' Day Cards.  I went all pastel this year, made twenty and they have all gone which is very gratifying.

Am really enjoying this sampler style of card and want to explore this more fully.  Using my favourite ribbons, lace, buttons and beads to make intricate band style cards.  Makes me very happy and such fun to do.

I have made a Christmas shape already and am trying to think of more shapes. I really want a doll shape but have come up blank so far.  Will keep trying.  Any suggestions would be most welcome.

To all the Mums, Grandmas, Nanas and Aunties out there, who have made life that little more special I wish you a very Happy Mothers Day from the UK.

Friday Folksy Finds - Poppy

Totally the wrong time of year, but I have just started making my Mum's birthday present and she loves poppies.  She has an ancient cushion that is hand painted silk and after many years the silk has given, I offered to repair it or remake it but she wouldn't let me so I am making her a silk applique poppy cushion for her birthday.  Hence poppies in spring but my research led me to some lovely things on Folksy.

By cubbycrafts

Classic poppy water colour plant portrait, beautifully executed, so very delicate and such lovely composition.  This artist has some very attractive pieces and is worth a look, I don't think the price is too bad either for an original.

By IndiePendant

Always love this shop's work, seems to capture the fragility of their subject in a robust and attractive medium.  Lots of pretty flower pendants to look at, beautifully made and would be treasured as a gift.  Think the name is so cool.

By Raw Leather Workshop 

Poppy red and oh so striking, the leather work here is sublime.  A truly great finish and in such a fabulous colour.  I love red but I am not always confident enough to wear it - would feel very dapper sporting this smart handbag.

By Woolrush Handspun Yarns

I fully admit that I am a ribbon, button and yarn addict.  I cannot help but buy these precious items and am then loathed to use them.  This gorgeous hand spun, hand dyed yarn would be a great addition to anyone's stash and I am very tempted.  Lots of subtle colours to choose from and all hand spun.  Check out the amazing buttons too - ooh so tempted!

By Sophie Takes Photos

I think this is very smart, simple and so sophisticated.  It is such a simple composition but the striking colours against the greys are just stunning.  I comes in lots of variations including canvas and would look great against a white painted brick wall in a New York loft.  Have a peep at this shop there are some very interesting photos.  Her Sunlit Field would sit so well with this piece.

Well, got lots of work on at the moment, got my five story dolls off to France and starting a May wedding which will be exciting.  Will share Mum's cushion when it is finished and I hope you will like it.  Keep warm and keep well with spring nearly here.

Friday Folksy Finds - Tea Towels

We had a lovely weekend in the unlikely location of Reading, not a natural tourist destination but Becca attended a workshop with the wonderful Ostinelli and Priest, the well known animal ceramists.  She had the best time and came home so excited, the horse she made is just beautiful.  This left David and I loose in Berkshire!  Luckily there were several National Trust houses open and we both enjoy them so we indulged.  Basildon Place, home of Basildon Bond paper and The Vyne kept us happily entertained for two days.  This however, led me to indulge in a tiny compulsion, I cannot leave a National Trust Property or any house or castle without a tea towel.  Like buttons and ribbons, I have a bit of thing for tea towels - this has led me to this week's finds, inspired by my National Trust finds I searched for tea towels and found some beauties.

By Charlotte Macey

I had to have one of Charlotte Macey's linen lovelies, this is her lavender embroidery and every bit a lovely as her chickens.  I have a soft spot for lavender anything and these teas towels combine elegant simplicity with superb functionality.

Woah There Pickle

The name of this shop makes me think Yorkshire more than Lancashire but I have been called treacle many times by older relations when I was a child.  The Tate and Lyle inspired motif is a grand take on the treacle tin, I still have a small tin of treacle and one of golden syrup in my stores for baking.  Lovely tea towel, made me smile.

By Sarah Young

All this ladies tea towels are worth a peep, she has some amazing designs with the dual functions of tea towel or cushion cum doll.  You cut out the pattern and sew them up, its a simple as that and they make interesting cushions especially for a child's bedroom.

By Whinberry and Antler

These hand printed lovelies all feature British wildlife, lots to choose from and all beautifully made.  The hedgehog is my favourite but the hare and the badger are equally cute.  Have a peep at their delightful shop, they make all kinds of gifts using their hand printed designs.

By Rock Bakehouse

I have seen lots of font based designs on tea towels have the odd one or two, usually celebrating a visit somewhere.  This design and the other designs by Rock Bakehouse are particularly appealing because they tend have foodie, kitcheny words on them which are highly appropriate for their usage.  Love the pinks and purples of this cake orientated tea towel.  Check out their shop for some interesting designs.

It is a good job I limit myself to five Folksy Finds because there are around two hundred tea towels advertised and I like around one hundred and ninety seven of them which would be a long post.  I do at least use the tea towels I acquire, I like to remember where they come from and the good times we had.

Keep well and have a warm and restful weekend.