January, February and March crafting

January

A fabric box (which currently houses Ivy's kitcheny toys. The pretty fabric softens the uggliness of all that plastic) from this tutorial thanks to Pinterest! When I read through the tutorial I was nievly optimistic on how quick it would be, thinking I could do it during one nap time. Didn't help that my interfacing isn't fusible so after trying to fuse it and nothing happening I had to use bondaweb too, which added a whole extra step. Anyway, I love it!

A skirt for Steph for Christmas (whoops. BUT, how nice to receive gifts in the middle of grey and drizzly January, it's almost like I planned it!). From this tutorial, also thanks to Pinterest. I don't have any photos though as I was just glad to have finished the damn thing having started it in early December (this is often how I feel about sewing projects by the end!). I had to make a lot of adaptations to the original pattern as I didn't have enough of one fabric and didn't want the elastic exposed like in the pattern.

Three birthday cards. A crossword style, things-you-like card for my Mum. A painted dinosaur card that says "Happy birthday Sophisaurs" for Sophie. And a painted lobster card for Jake (the only one I took a photo of).

An appliqué bird t-shirt for my cousin's daughter, Nina, for Christmas. I finished her twin sister, Aya's, before Christmas but there wasn't a rush as they were all in Brazil. The wing of the bird and ear of the elephant are flap-able :)

February

Elephant wall hanging for my Dad's birthday. I did this in one long afternoon and evening the day before his birthday, even though I'd been planning it for months! Another one of those projects I underestimate how long it will take.



Hot air balloon appliqué top for Ivy. I'm really happy with the design, but the stitching is a bit dodgy as the top is stretchy and I must have been stretching it when I was sewing so it's turned out a bit wobbly, especially around the basket of the balloon. The balloon is also a bit too big for the t-shirt so when it's on it's not clear what it actually is.



March

Emmelie's birthday skirt (also a circle skirt), two months late!



Robot appliqué top for Ivy. I gave her a choice of t-shirts, and a choice of fabrics and this is the combination she chose :) (ugh crappy photo)



Crocus fairy from Steiner playgroup.



I have also been working on: Crochet slippers for me, crochet bear hat for Ivy, purple dress for Ivy, family photo album.

Day 11: Three years ago today

Three years ago today my life was very different. Ivy was not even in the making. I was a student in my final year and living up North. I spent way too much time on Facebook and in bed, and not enough time in the studio or library. Although it looks like I was in the studio that day, as I took these pictures...

 

One sunny Sunday afternoon in the garden

Inspiration from an empty dish of roasted veggies.
I made paint from things in my kitchen.
I resisted the urge to tell her to be careful not to spill it.
She painted paper, table, self. Using brush, spoon, hands.
Ivy is so happy when she has water to pour.
And no need for clothes on a day like this.
Some curly chilli's are growing.
She found a "bee" then remembered it's called an "ome". An empty snail home.
A sunny Sunday afternoon in the garden.

UPFEST 2012

Yesterday was the first day of this years UPFEST, and it's even bigger than last year. We spent a good few hours wandering around looking at the art and enjoying the music, there was a great festival atmosphere and I'm so excited to see the pieces develop over the next couple of days. I am generally just in a constant state of excitement and awe. Kwojo was designated photographer, so I have to give him credit for these photos.

Something new this year. A replica subway train carriage. Such a great idea to honour the roots of street art as we know it. It looks amazing already, I love the colours.

This portrait is stunning, no?

And inside, collaborative drawing. 

Plenty of portrait inspiration to get me off to a good start with Creative June (which I still think needs a better, um, more creative, name), as well as general feelings of OMGILOVEART. So much work goes on behind the scenes, I have massive respect to the volunteers who organise it. I also love Bristol for being home to events like this.