Handmade Monday 44: let's hop to it.

Christmas is creeping closer, and my house looks messier. Seems to be the trend at the moment. I keep getting side tracked by the craft fairy that keeps knocking on my window. However, I can't be angry with her, she is after all a much more interesting fairy than the cleaning fairy. No offence little fairy people but it's true.

I have been going at it non-stop this week (crafting you filthy minded people ;) )

I have managed, after much talk and no action, to start up our Facebook Page. So I am still a little confused as to how it all works, but I figure what I don't know it I can learn. In all fairness it may take me some time - but why rush a good thing. Well, lets hope it's a good thing!

I've been printing off photos to put together a portfolio so I can start carrying that around with me. Not as much fun as starting up the Facebook page, but every little helps.

I have had a number of  custom requests come through this week for Christmas gifts, which has been a pleasant yet unexpected surprise. I have had to order some bits this weekend which means I am hanging around the door like a fly right now trying not to miss the post man.

I ordered myself I light tent... at last. I figured I need to treat myself from time to time. Anyway, my excuse it will help on those dull days when Helen and I need to take a few snaps. Sound reasoning, right?

And finally, some of the makes for the week.

Helen's son wanted something for his girlfriend to go with the watch I knocked up for him. So as well as having this charm bracelet I will do her some earrings too, and box it up like it was bought from a sweet store.

I made up a set of aqua blue and swarovski crystal earrings and pendant (that will have a chain with it once the post arrives), as well as revisiting some older designs that people have been interested in.

I knocked up a couple of bookmarks:

Helen has been back to her work desk and pulled out this autumnal feeling flower arrangement:

Then at the very last, I had another parcel from the Midlands containing some more cuteness. This time in the shape of a little frog. 

So that just about covers the last few days. But far from me to take a breather! Nope, I shall grab a cup of coffee, read up on the rest of the craft world, hope I get somewhere with this Facebook thingy, maul the postman when he comes with my packages and carry on crafting away.

Please find the time to do the same - grab a coffee (or tea) that is - and hop on over to 1st Unique Gifts to learn about what other talented and crafty people have been getting up to this week.

Roses are red, Lavender's...lavender!

First time I've had this week to sit down and do some crafty R and R. I have no coffee table. It is currently hiding under a heap of Christmas decorations that are waiting to go up, and bags of beads, ribbon, cotton, card... in fact, the ancient Egyptians would be so proud of my pyramid making skills. 

But I'm not hear to brag about the mess of my front room. I thought I would instead post some of Helen's new designs. It never ceases to amaze me how a bunch of silk flowers end up looking so bright and vibrant. In all fairness silk is the only way I should go since I have a habit of killing of anything living (plant wise I hasten to add). Unless they happen to be ferns. Then for some reason they love me. 

So here is the first one. A lovely arrangement of whites with lavender. A small amount of ribbon and plenty of green. All displayed in a short stemmed glass. Pretty impressive as far as I am concerned. I have been told that the use of ribbons should be kept to a minimum when doing a good arrangement - stick to the greenery instead. Apparently florists love ribbon to fill gaps because it's cheap, but lets look at facts, I've had a few arrangements that were more ribbon than flower, and they weren't all that. 

The second one is my personal favourite out the two (I know, I shouldn't be biased... but I'm only human(ish)). This was created using ivy, red silk and white roses. They are all carefully displayed in a wooden pot with handle, so ideal for a table dec or something to hang on the wall. Love versatility in all things. I just love the angles and the way the colours really gel to make something that could be quite plain, into something really eye catching.

Once again my partner in crime as she will be formally known to the world, has once again out done herself. I have been assured that there have been more made, and are awaiting my camera to take the snaps. 

Like either one, they will be going on sale via Folksy and Helen has been sure to drill into me that all you need to do is drop us a message (email, blog or shop) and she will happily discuss designs and themes with anyone interested.

However, considering my hands are like ice and I have a pile of crafty stuff to play with on my coffee table, I'm off to make something... well... something ;) And drink coffee... and dream of eating cake!

Flower arrangements

So let change the pace with this piece shall we?

I find myself trying my hand at a hundred different crafts and I can safely state that I am never happy with the things I make. Not because they aren't good...just because I always want to do better. There is however some stability in all things and when my colleague asked me to post the first of many posts on flower arrangements I could hardly say no.

Now, as with any partnership she has promised to beat into me the ways of the flower worker. This in itself is daunting since I have been assured that her teaching methods may leave me wanting to scream... or cry... or both.

These were made up as part of a Traveller funeral, which I am assured are very bright and colourful. Knowing only a little about their traditions I do know that they tend to remember the good times in a persons life and celebrate the things that made that person who that were, rather than sit at a bar crying about the loss of life. So whilst looking at these pics you will be excused (as I made this mistake myself until I was corrected) that these are in fact for the life of the person lost. In all fairness... one of them you can't fault...

Feel free to leave a bit of feedback, I know my partner in crime (whom is yet to get used to the world of Blog) will be thankful for all comments.