sixty one A

New collage: St Michael's Mount

2012-02-11T09:11:00.001-08:00

I finished a second piece for the upcoming exhibition at Delamore Arts!
I fancied a change from boats and harbours, but wanted to keep it local, so chose a famous Cornish landmark: St Michaels Mount. Its the second time I have used it as subject matter, the first was several years ago when I was commissioned to do a collage for a wedding present - you can see it in the right hand sidebar!

I am really pleased with this one, and feel that I have improved with practice!

I found some really pretty patterns in catalogues which I incorporated into the sand - and even included a little bit of lace!

I am also trying to use more relevant text when I can. In the above picture are the words "air" and "white beaches"!

In other news: I am so thrilled to have been accepted to take part in the Contemporary Craft Fair in June!!
This is such a big deal for me, I never thought I would be successful in my application! Their website has been updated this week to show which other makers are participating - some fantastic artists some of whom I think you will know! It has made me more than a little bit nervous, I can tell you!! I am keen to get in the shed and start making driftwood pieces, but, Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Too cold!

Take care peeps!

Love bird family

2012-02-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

I forgot to show you my Valentine's products for this year!
How utterly useless am I?!

I have made some more love birds in delicious new fabrics: this idea is nothing new, merely something I change eversoslightly now and then...

...but, whilst in the middle of making a batch of birds, I thought how lovely they all looked together - and how it would be great to have more than 2 birds on the perch...

...and then it hit me! A love bird family!

And here is the first one: two proud parents with their baby!

You could even add an older sibling or two!
Anyway, I thought it would be a lovely idea for a newborn gift - or even an alternative Valentine's idea.
I braved the cold and wet at the weekend (no snow here in Cornwall - boo!) as I had an order for some driftwood cottages.

You can see here the different blocks I used

And from this view, you may be able to tell what I used for the roofs? It is the corner pieces you find in fruit crates (we find a lot of those on the beach for some reason).
Perfect! Nothing goes to waste in this household!

I hope you are all managing to keep safe and warm - another chilly one tonight!
See you soon!

Latest work: Mevagissey

2012-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a productive week: fairly quiet on the orders front, so I've been able to crack on and finish the first of two pieces of work which will be on show at Delamore Arts in May.

I think I prefer the little snippets of the background as they are so simplified - almost like using a large brush - whereas the foreground is more complicated!

I love the colourful buildings and their reflections in the water!

Certainly makes me wish for spring, if not summer!

And here is the finished piece - it measures about 50cm x 30cm...

So... one down, one to go - and I have two commissions to crack on with after that!
It's enough to make your eyes go squiffy!

Have a great weekend!

Mini Tutorial!

2012-01-27T07:31:00.001-08:00

Hmmm, I am writing this post, but as yet unsure whether I will publish it or not!
A few people have asked me how to "do collage". This is like asking someone how they paint! I don't know how I do it - I just do it! But, I thought I would have a little try at a blog post, to explain - mostly through pictures. I am no teacher....but I will do my best!

So I decided I would do something simple: a lemon. Except that a lemon did not turn out to be simple at all - not least because yellow seems to be the least common colour in my whole stash of magazines!! Nevertheless.....here goes!

So, this lemon! If you look at it, you may see as well as yellow, there are shades of orange, lime green and ochre there.

I started by drawing the outline and began to fill in - start with your basic light and shade. I often end up with layer upon layer of paper or fabric, so you neednt worry if its wrong at this stage (this is why I am hopeless at watercolour - when you have to get it right first-time!)

I like to use pieces of paper with a bit of text on. I try and use the line of the text to follow the form of the object.

Personally I prefer to rip my paper, but you can create lovely collages using little squares cut with scissors.

White tissue paper is a staple for me: I often use it in landscape to make the background seem further away, or take the vibrancy down a notch.

Almost finished. I feel that I overworked this, normally I would use half as many pieces, but hey-ho! I never claimed to be perfect!!

And there you have it! Not my best piece of work, but hopefully you get the idea!
Maybe I have inspired you to have a try? If so, I would love to see (yours will probably be better than mine!) Leave a link on here if you make a collage of your own!

Happy creating folks!!

Latest collage work

2012-01-21T23:51:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've done any collages, and it has been great to work in this way again: using scraps of old magazines to build up scenes like this one of Polperro.

It's the second one I have done of this popular harbour village - you can see my first effort here.

This one was commissioned by a friend of mine who is moving away and wants a reminder of beautiful Cornwall.

My favourite bit is the reflections....

I have a couple more commissions in the pipeline (which I will share will you in due course, naturally!) and I also have to produce a couple more, because I am going to exhibit in a real-life exhibition!! This is a big deal for me, because I haven't exhibited in a real-life exhibition since my degree show......um, 18 years ago!

So, I'm going to be busy.....but of course, that's the way I like it!

Thanks for reading! Have a great week!

2012

2012-01-16T12:15:00.001-08:00

Well of course it has been for over a fortnight now, but it has taken me a little while to get back in the swing of things! I hope you all had a fun/relaxing time over the festive period (already feels an age ago!) Seems a little late to be wishing you all a Happy New Year - but I do hope it will be a great one for you guys!

Of course, as soon as Christmas is over, we are bombarded with gumpf about Valentines Day! I remember this time two years ago, I made this seahorse mobile (thought it was quite a nice, non-traditional theme for Valentines, as seahorses mate for life) but never took it any further. So this year I have tweaked it a little and popped them in my shops on Folksy and Etsy.

The colours/fabrics in this one were requested by a customer...

The mobile casts a gorgeous shadow on the wall....
Other Valentine offerings include the caged love-birds which seem to be popular all year round!
I have 3 orders for them at the moment, and while I should have been finishing the first one last week, I had the urge to make this little fellow...

...and then a little racing friend for him!

Not sure what inspired them exactly, I think it was the gorgeous fabric ('Echo' by designer Lotta Jansdotter). Anyway people seemed to like them and they sold after I posted a picture on Facebook.

If you are anything like me, then January is definitely time for home improvements! I think it's because the house looks so bare after the decorations have come down. Last week I painted the lounge (looks so fresh and clean now, doubt it will last long!) and Steve sank this fab piece of driftwood into the plaster above the fireplace, which had always seemed a bit stark before - the wood really warms it up, I think!

I picked up this mirror at our local junk shop for a fiver - gotta love a bargain!! The knitted corsage hides the nasty brass picture hook!

And finally, look at what lovely Steve made me as an extra Chrimbo pressie! Authentic lobster markers are available from Bringing The Outside In.... but I love my "pretend" ones just as much!

Happy Holidays....

2011-12-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Yippee, my favourite time of year is here again: all orders have been made up and posted off (much to my utter relief), the boys have broken up from school and "Elf" has been on the telly!
I just thought I would share some festive images from us down here in Cornwall...

...the great tradition that is choosing the tree...

a little shot of the fireplace with gorgeous pixy advent calendar and matching stockings by Danish designers Maileg. Usually we stand the Christmas tree on that antique sled, but it was a little too tall this year, so we made an impromtu seat for the kiddywinks...

Finally got around to buying some outdoor fairylights this year, so they are hanging on the archway. They look really magical!

Here is the tree: I took loads of photos of it, but none of them came out very well!

On Saturday I decided on a whim to make some really tiny cottages (made from driftwood blocks) to hang on the tree. I am thinking they may be part of my Christmas range in 2012!

I am going to be *40* tomorrow!! To celebrate/commiserate, Steve and I are staying in a hotel near our favourite beach, and the plan is to do lots of walking/beachcoming (fingers crossed that we dont have torrential rain!) so I am really looking forward to that! Got a few things in the pipeline for next year, which I will share with you nearer the time!) so I am really hoping to collect some good bits! With any luck there will be a fair bit to choose from, following the recent gales!
Anyway, I would like to wish you all a sincere Merry Christmas and most excellent New Year!
See you in 2012!! xxx

December Already!

2011-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

It just doesn't seem possible, does it? I am counting down the days now until the boys break up from school, because that will coincide with my last posting date....and then a well-earned break!
Thankfully, both the fairs I took part in have come and gone, and I feel as though the pressure has lifted somewhat - or maybe it's just that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Sales were disappointing at both events - but actually I am quite glad in retrospect, because orders are still coming in thick and fast, and at least I'm not having to make loads more stock (always look on the bright side, me!)
Anyway, Ill show you some photos of recent work....

Check out the gorgeous ochre-y tones on this piece of driftwood - it just reminded me of the rooftops in St Ives.

I find alot of wedge-shaped pieces of driftwood, and usually cast them aside. But I sliced the top edge off, hammered in some nail 'chimneys' - and look! A quirky free-standing town house!

I love this piece of wood (above). It's quite unusual to find driftwood with yellow paint on, so I thought I would keep it simple, added an iron rod for a mast with a single blue flag.

Some chunky driftwood cottages with slate roofs.

I find alot of tiny blocks on the beach - and have finally found a use for them! The biggest of these cottages is only 6cm x 5cm. Like a model village!

Had a little bit of press this week, in the festive issue of My Cornwall.

And finally, I thought I would share this special order with you. It was commissioned by a very good friend of mine, who wanted a butterfly for her mum's birthday present. It pushed me out of my comfort zone....but that's no bad thing, right?!

I was quite pleased with the way it turned out!

Well, that's enough for one post I think! If you got this far, then thanks for reading!!
Catch up soon xxx

Christmas Fairs

2011-11-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovelies, sorry for another long period of absence: I have been working flat out for these upcoming Christmas fairs and as usual there are not enough hours in the day! I honestly wonder how people manage to do them more than a couple of times a year: they nearly kill me!!

In case you live in, or happen to be visiting, this fantastic corner of the country in the next few weeks, here are some dates to put in your diary!
The first event is at Cowslip Workshops (near Launceston) on 18th, 19th and 20th Nov (details on their website). Kirstie Allsopp and her posse will be there filming on the Friday (18th) - how I do wish she would give me some SPACE - ha ha!! Most likely it will be very busy on that day in particular!

Then, the following Sunday (27th Nov), I will have a table at the wonderful Homespun Fair in Portscatho. I may well find it hard standing by this point, but if you are able to, then please drop in! It is always a lovely event.

I am trying to think of clean ways to display my Christmas decorations: I have a couple of simple designs that I am hoping Steve will be able to help with. In the meantime, I converted this old white box - simply by threading lengths of dowelling through drilled holes...

I have a strict agenda everyday in order to make sure I make enough stock: here are some spotty whales in various colours waiting to be transformed into mobiles...

A line of mice - as yet minus their candy canes (see above!)....

March Of The Penguins...

(my friend reckons they are doing the conga!)

And of course, a whole brood of lavender jellyfish! I could quite happily make these all day - they are such fun!

Well, thats all for now - if you manage to make either fair, please come and say Hello - it would be great to meet you!
Have a lush weekend folks! xx

Kirstie and Kirsty sitting in a tree

2011-10-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

Hi folks, thought I would stop by and write a quick post while the OH cooks tea and I have a few minutes! Things are typically manic here, trying (without success) to make some stock for upcoming fairs - and other things just keep getting in the way!
I have added a few new festive lines to my Folksy and Etsy shops, including Christmas Tree Garlands...

...eight co-ordinating trees strung onto a length of bakers twine,

some Scandinavian-inspired toadstool decorations...

...and some Mistletoe robins on cinnamon sticks which were so popular last year.

Also some driftwood Christmas cards...

...in 3 quirky designs...

I have also squeezed in some custom orders including this parrot for a little boy's new pirate-themed bedroom!

And the title of this post? I was most surprised, yet thoroughly delighted to find a little photo of me in this new publication!

Here I am on page 95! The photo was taken at the Royal Cornwall Show - but there was no mention of any book! In fact, if a friend hadn't tipped me off, I may never have known!
So that's enough excitement for one week! Enjoy the rest of your weekend lovely people! xx

Festive Decorations

2011-09-23T22:55:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, it's still ages away! But I've signed up for a couple of fairs and I'm determined to be organised for a change! This year's new design is this cute little mouse, which is designed to hang on the tree from his candy cane!

Like so!!

The cinnamon robins are back once more, this time made from linen...

and with an alternative breast colour!

Penguins have returned this year too, also in linen!

Did you notice, the penguins and the mice have the same basic shape? I used the same pattern and tweaked it a little. All decorations are available in my Etsy and Folksy shops.

Anyway I hope you like my new offerings for 2011!
A warm welcome to all new readers - have a great weekend!

Hello Autumn

2011-09-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

There has been a definite change in the air over the last week or so, and the start of the new school term means that summer is over once again. The next few months are usually the busiest for me, so I am trying to cram in a few new pieces before I get wrapped up making robins and penguins - plus a different Christmas design for 2011 that is in the pipeline!

I had a lovely commission for a customer a couple of weeks ago: she wanted 9, yes 9, hanging jellyfish for her little boys room. The only specification was no pink...so I could really go to town!

I had plenty of bright fabric to choose from...

And here is a shot of them finished!
While it was most enjoyable using a vast array of colours, when I chanced upon some gorgeous cotton lace fabric on eBay, I knew I would like to have a go at a neutral one...

And here it is: has a kind of vintage look to it, wouldnt you say? I used cotton lace trims and (get this) sequins as well as satin and organza ribbons. Very dreamy! If you fancy having a go at making your own jelly, you can find a tutorial here.

I have been thinking about doing some mixed media pieces, combining driftwood with painted canvasses: here is my first attempt....

What do you think? Hoping to do some more (I have a bit more time now that the boys are at school).Speaking of which, my baby started a few days ago! He was most excited (long may that last!) Here he is on his first day...

....with the obligatory too-short fringe!
Have a great weekend lovely people!

Holiday (Phase 2)

2011-08-22T03:35:00.000-07:00

Back to work this morning after a lovely fortnight off - and as promised, here are a few snaps from the second part of our camping trip - this time in beautiful Herefordshire.
Steve and I did some canoeing here about 12 years ago - and wanted to return to do it with the boys.
We arrived early at Symonds Yat, and were greeted with this fantastic view...

Even Herbie seemed impressed!

We went during the week- as it gets pretty busy at weekends.

We took a lovely stroll in the Forest of Dean...

And (a highlight for me) as we were so close to Ross on Wye, we had to pay a visit to Baileys Home and Garden! What an inspiration! Unfortunately photography was prohibited which is such a shame: the website is nice, but it doesn't compare to seeing everything together in one amazing place!

I found time to do a bit of work at the weekend. This driftwood and slate piece - as yet unfinished, as I think it will look better in a box frame.

Another beach hut picture...ever popular!

And a primitive driftwood boat - the two bits of wood were already nailed together when I found it, so I just needed to add a few decorative touches!!

And finally, we had a freelance photographer here for the day on Friday! He took lots of pictures of the house, some of my work, and some of us - including some shots down the beach collecting driftwood! Hoping that we might get a bit of press! We had a good tidy-up in preparation - and re-arranged the shelves in the lounge. The old sewing machine had been hidden away in the loft, but we decided it was handsome enough to display: what do you think? (This is one of my photos - his were much better. I promise to share them once we get copies!!)

Have a great week folks!

Hello Campers!

2011-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

We're back (albeit temporarily) from the first part of our little camping holiday.... and where better to stay than right here in Cornwall? I'm not going to bore you with zillions of holiday snaps, but I've put a few in collage form - just in case you'd like to have a little nosey!

This one is of the scenery - just check out the colour of the sea...just like being abroad!!

And this one is a few colourful snippets which for me sums up our stay...

We actually stayed at Sennen which is near Land's End. One morning we glimpsed a yacht race from our campsite - with the Scilly Isles in the distance - and it provided the inspiration for my dad's birthday card which I made this morning...inbetween about a dozen loads of washing!

Next we're off up to Herefordshire to do a bit of family canoeing on the River Wye...so if you don't mind, I'll share some more photos on our return!
Have a fine weekend folks!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

2011-07-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

The title just about sums up how things have been over the last couple of weeks - and that's how I like it (I'm easily bored!) I'll share some images of the things I've been working on, shall I?

2 'secret' collages. This one was commissioned by a friend - for his wife's birthday (it's their beautiful house in Cambridgeshire).

The second one was a gift for my mother-in-law's birthday. It's a small collage of Kastro on Skiathos where we all went on holiday last year.

I was delighted to be asked by Lucy of Attic 24 to make a driftwood sculpture for her (click on the image and you'll notice the number on the door.) Her blog is an absolute joy - if you are not familiar with it, firstly where have you been? and secondly get over there right away!! (unless you wish to finish reading this post first!)

I've also been making some brooches! It started off with this owl which I made for Herbie's pre-school teacher...

Then some foxes...

And a peacock on request!

We all went to a little girl's birthday party yesterday so I made her a matching card and brooch set!

I love making these stitched cards: last week I had fun creating this one...

and I was looking at it and had an idea - which led to this!

Quite pleased with this cheerful design - I'd like to see how it looks as a print, but I think it will work really well as a printed greeting card. What do you think?

Phew! Well I think that's quite enough for one post! The weather has been glorious here for the first week of the school holidays - long may it last! Guess where we're off to today?

Yup - to 61A of course!! Have a fab weekend folks!

Handmade cards

2011-07-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

click on image to enlarge

I was a naughty girl yesterday! Despite having outstanding orders, I fancied making a couple of new children's cards - and once I started, I couldn't stop! I showed them on my Facebook page, and an interesting discussion ensued: the old dilemma about how much to charge! Always a tricky one... and I'm not going to get into it again here! No-one will ever get rich making cards! BUT, let's just say I had a fabulous day, it was fun to create some new designs and use some scraps from my ever-growing fabric collection!
Most of these have been snapped up already, but I've put a framed a few and popped them in my Folksy shop. Which one is your favourite?

Recycled paper helmet

2011-07-14T03:00:00.001-07:00

Morning folks! As everybody knows, the school holidays are fast approaching (I don't like this time of year, it makes me realise how quickly time is flying by, now another school year has passed!) I thought I'd share a very easy project with you (especially those of you with boys). Disclaimer: whilst I'd love to say this is my own clever design, it was actually published in the (now sadly defunct) Comic section of the Saturday guardian.

To start, tape together two sheets of a newspaper (along the long side).

Fold the lower right corner to the vertical centre crease.

Repeat with the top right corner. Rotate so that the triangle is pointing downwards.

The fold the triangular section upwards.

Turn the paper over. Fold both bottom corners to the centre line.

Fold the top flap over.

Fold this piece in half again. Your paper should look like this! Still with me?! Now turn the paper over from top to bottom.

Fold the outer flaaps towards each other, opening the helmet. Tuck one flap into the other and secure with sticky tape.

We added some strips of newspaper to the crown for a bit of decoration....
...and ta-da! Your helmet is ready for action!

Model: Herbie

My poor neglected blog

2011-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dear dear readers, I hope you don't feel totally abandoned....it's been almost a whole month since my last confession, I mean post - and I feel rotten about it! Even the last few posts I wrote were rushed ones, mostly apologising for my absence in the blogisphere. I fully expected things to calm down after the big show in June - but to be honest I'm busier than ever! There have been a few times when I've felt completely overwhelmed with work, family, life in general....and I have considered even doing away with SixtyOneA as it would be one less ball to juggle. But then I look at you all on the right there, and I think about the good friends I've made through doing this - some of you have been followers since the beginning - and I just can't bear to let it go! The thing I feel bad about really is not having visited your pages, when you are so loyal to me! I don't want it to feel like a one-sided relationship after all! But (pause for breath!) I've come to the conclusion that it probably doesn't matter if sometimes my ramblings are very irregular (I mean, it's unlikely that I'll be this busy constantly) - I'll just have to make up for it when things are quieter! And I will, I promise!
Well, that's that said....and I hope you're still here?! I've had a little bit of press in the last couple of weeks! First off, a great feature in Making magazine....

Then my blog had a mention in Handmade Living, alongside Julia Crossland and Nina (Tabiboo). Whilst they had been informed, it was a complete surprise to me - until I saw my images on Julia's site!On the creative side, I've had what feels like millions of driftwood cards to make for shops and galleries which has taken up loads of my time, but I have managed to squeeze in a collage commission for my friend, who has bought this for her husband's birthday....

You may recognise it, it's Derwent Water in the Lake District.
Well, I gotta go and make some dinner now. I hope you are all welll and I'll see you again soon xx

Royal Cornwall Show 2011

2011-06-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it's all over and to be honest, I'm absolutely shattered! Such a big build up over the past few weeks, then setting up, followed by 3 long days (8.30am - 6.30) - I feel like I could sleep for a week!
I really wasn't sure what to expect sales-wise and actually I would have hoped to have done better: there were ALOT of people who walked straight past my stand and that can be very disheartening! But I gave out over 200 business cards, so I suppose there may be leads from them at a later date. Plus I met some fab people - fellow stallholders, craftspeople, and some very lovely customers. Apparently Kirstie Allsopp was there on the first day with her crew, but unfortunately she didn't come to our tent - much to our disgust! (Although her photographer did take a photo of me and my stand - I keep checking my e-mails to see if Kirstie has messaged me!!) And not wishing to name-drop, but my best sale was to this well-known chap! He bought one of my collages and some other pieces!
Though I would dearly love to take a few days off, I have about 250 driftwood cards to make for shops and galleries, so I've got a bit of catching up to do!

BTW, cards and prints of my collages are now available in my Folksy shop!

6 days to go....

2011-06-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

...and I'm still frantically making! To be honest I'll be glad when it's all over because I'm tired out and feel like I'm not spending enough time with my boys. Not to mention running out of room: my stock seems to be taking over the house!

There's quite a few unique driftwood pieces ...

...fifty of these!

And remember this? I finally got around to finishing it! Still undecided whether to take it to the show or not - even if I do, I wouldn't have a clue what price to put on it!

I'm very excited to have some giclee prints of my collages!

This is my banner - it's all coming together!!

And finally, I've had some greeting cards printed as well - plus plenty of new business cards to hand out - and with funky rounded corners too!
I will make sure I take a few photos when I'm all set up next week, and then I'm looking forward to a few days off and catching up with you all in dear old blogland!
(I just realised it was my 2nd blog anniversary last weekend, and I've been so busy I missed it!!)

Hope you all have a most excellent weekend! Enjoy the sunshine!

15 days to go!

2011-05-24T03:47:00.001-07:00

Trying not to panic! The gazebo should arrive any day now, and cards (greetings and business variety) are on order. Just got to make more stuff to sell! The driftwood cottage with washing line created a lot of positive interest on my Facebook page, so I want to make a couple more like it.
Bye for now!

A quick hello!

2011-05-21T06:56:00.001-07:00

Just touching base to say Hi and give you the lastest! I'm so sorry if I haven't got around in blogland much recently - I promise I will catch up properly after the Royal Cornwall Show.

Anyway I've been stitching some more pictures to sell....

I sewed some glass beads on for this handsome fellow's 'crown'...

I seem to have accumulated polka dot cotton in every single colour!

Any stitchings that didn't make the grade or were too small for the frames have been made into one-off cards.

I just collected some work from the framers: above is my latest collage...

...and finally - remember these? I got them framed at long last! And pretty pleased how they turned out too!
Have a fab weekend one and all!

Royal Cornwall Show

2011-05-16T04:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! The Royal Cornwall Show is only a few weeks away, and I'm desperately trying to make loads to sell on my stall there! This is the biggest fair I've ever been a part of: it's a 3-day event, and I have no idea how much stock I'll need! What if I sell out of everything on the first day? Or even worse, don't sell anything at all?!
I'll be offering a range of goodies: some driftwood boats and cottages, my collages (hopefully in card/print form as well as the framed originals) and some textile pieces too - might as well try and appeal to as many customers as possible!

So I've been busy making love birds...

in some new colours...
No two will be the same!

Which is your favourite pair?

I've also been experimenting with a bit of freestyle stitching...

Thought that subject matter like this may go down well!

They will be framed and displayed with similar stitched pieces.

This is my favourite so far.
Gotta go and make some more! Have a fab week y'all!

Fowey Collage

2011-05-13T23:24:00.001-07:00

A nice little commission I've completed this week. It may not be instantly recognisable as Fowey, though the letters on the boat give it away...

I love all the roof tops - though it was one of my more fiddly collages (it measures about 30cm x 23cm). Off to the framers now!
Hope you all have a most excellent weekend!

Happy Birthday Mum!

2011-05-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, just a flying visit today - to wish my mum a very Happy Birthday!

Here's her present....

....and matching card....

...and here is the masterpiece that Herbie created. Amazing what you can do with a few scraps of Easter Egg foil - and keeping up with the whole recycling thing!

My parents live about an hour away from us - we had a big family get-together there yesterday and had great fun looking through some old photographs. I sneaked this one in my bag (she'll probably kill me for sharing it on here!) showing my mum (right) with her sister.

Don't they look fantastic?!

I want to ride my bicycle!

2011-05-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

At some point, most designers/artists/crafters will get a special request for something that pushes them way out of their comfort zone. This happened to me this week when a friend of mine asked for a freestyle stitched piece for her husband - a cycling fanatic!

This was the photo she gave me to work from - I gotta tell you, I wasn't inspired!

But actually, once I'd got started, I quite enjoyed doing it! I drew a rough outline on the fabric first, and despite being very out of practice, it turned out ok!

I'd run out of black thread, so I started with grey -with a bit of silver thread for the chain...

It wasn't bold enough in grey though, so I went over the main parts with some new black thread

And added a few finishing touches, like these steel cog washers...

And of course, a bit of polka dot (I can never resist!!)
Hope he likes it!

Remember me?

2011-05-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely neglected readers! So sorry I've been away from the beach hut for such a long time! I always worry when I haven't written a post for a while, but I guess with the school holidays, Easter and 4 Bank Holidays recently, I'm not the only one who has put blogging on the back burner! I'll quickly give you a run-down of what's been happening round here...

I've been making a lot of cottages, and boats - mostly for the Homespun Fair, which as usual was a roaring success!
This one was a special order for Gertie...

Here's a photo of my stand. I didn't take many photos (always forget!) but you can see plenty on the Homespun blog...

I had to share this one with you though - it was a delight to meet Sarah of The Salvaged Tea Party! You can view her hand customised vintage ceramics here.

It's been ace spending a lot of time with the family - these photos were taken at Bone Hill on Dartmoor, which is looking so lush and green at the moment!

And finally, I'm dead chuffed to tell you that one of my textile sculptures is featured in this beautiful Australian online magazine!

(It's these little guys) It's a gorgeous read, full of stunning photographs and images - and this issue has an emphasis on boys, so those with sons get over here and have a look!
Well, there you go! Up to date for now, I will be back soon, I promise!
Have a good week guys xx

Chickens

2011-04-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Remember these freestyle stitched studies?

I finally got them back from the framer yesterday!

He's done a smashing job - the grey mount really compliments the piece, I think!

It's for sale in my Folksy shop - just in time for Easter!

House on the water

2011-04-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

I could handle living here, could you?

You can almost smell the sea air and hear the waves lapping...

A washing line made from rusty tacks gives another excuse for polka dots - and a splash of colour...

...and set in a open white-washed frame. Guaranteed to brighten any room!

I've managed to make a few things this week, despite it being half-term!

This wall-hung cottage has a driftwood door and windowsills to match!

I forgot to post about these last week: I've discovered this fab lightweight polka dot linen in red and navy - perfect for more lavender fish! I think they compliment the ticking ones nicely....don't you?
Available in my Folksy shop now!

Fisherman's cottage with lighthouse

2011-04-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

A piece I've made this afternoon. I found the striped bit of wood ages ago, and knew it would make the perfect lighthouse, it's just taken me a while to get other bits together!

I've used a washer to represent the lightbeam.

The cottage was a lovely bit of ply with flaky white paint on one side: I've scratched the paint off at the top to make the 'roof' - and added my trademark nail 'chimneys'! The piece of driftwood along the bottom had paint along one edge, so I've turned that into a sea wall - the paint then becomes the sea!
I'm planning on taking this one to Homespun Fair (Easter Monday - soon be here!), but if anyone is interested in buying it, you can always e-mail me!

There wasn't much wood to be found this weekend - seems alot of it has been used for beach barbeques/fires lately (one drawback to the beautiful weather we've had) but I did find this cute piece (above). Isn't the shape perfect? And in the prettiest shade of blue!

This one is for sale in my Folksy shop!
Hope you're enjoying the Easter holidays so far! xx

Four

2011-04-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday dear Herbie!
Thank you for making us laugh every single day!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-04-03T02:25:00.001-07:00

....to my mum (this is her card)

....to my mother-in-law (her card)

...and to mummies everywhere! (This is a very rare shot of me and my monsters!)
Hope you have a lush day!

It's been a productive week...

2011-03-28T03:14:00.001-07:00

...for us in the Sixty One A household!

I've been putting the decorative touches to some of the boats we started last weekend....

I've also been experimenting with placing some of my pieces in box frames...

The cottages are sold, but the boat is available in my Folksy shop...

My latest batch of Moo postcards arrived a couple of days ago...

...this one is my favourite!

and I picked up 2 of my collages from the framers...
The small one of St Ives is available in my shop: the Portscatho picture will be coming with me to Homespun Fair!
Steve's been busy too!

He made me a little desk caddy from a chunky piece of driftwood...

...and this cool composter (also from wood found on the beach!)

Speaking of which - I didn't show you a photo of what we came across on the beach a couple of weeks ago - the back end of a boat! We're going to transform it into a garden bench - I'll keep you posted on that one!

Another fab acquisiton which we've been storing for about 12 months - a huge cable reel!
I originally wanted the whole thing as a table in the boys room, but it was just too big, so Steve's just taken the top for now and put some legs on. Remember the upcycled pallet chairs he made a while back? Well, he's got 3 more to make now! Then hopefully this gorgeous weather will continue and we can start eating outside soon!

And finally, all this crafting seems to be rubbing off on the kids! How do you like this rather primitive dog that Buddy knocked together yesterday?!
Phew! That seemed like a long post! Have a good week, folks!

Rough Sea

2011-03-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

The boys have spent the weekend with my parents, so Steve and I have been hard at it in the shed - working! (for any of you with smutty minds!) Plenty of driftwood to work with at the moment, I felt a bit spoilt for choice! This is one piece I finished yesterday: I love the bit of wood with blue paint on it, it really suggested a rough sea to me - that's why I decided to hoist the red flag!

The 'sea' has real movement I think - partly to do with the uneven shape of the blue paint, and because of the layers and different colours, it suggests seaspray - to me, anyway!

I had a few nice small pieces of wood like this one below - I love the shape of it, with that little natural hole in the corner. Because of their size, I was able to use long nails instead of sticks as the masts. These tie in nicely with the rusty washers I think.

It's been a while since I did any of these sculptures with the bunting above, but I couldn't resist! It would brighten up any room and is available in my Folksy shop.

Finally, I must say a HUGE 'Thank You' to everyone who bought from my shop for Comic Relief, and also to those of you who helped to spread the word about it. To be honest, I was worried that I wouldn't make any sales at all, but we raised £348! How fantastic is that? Thank you SO much - you are brilliant! x

Red Nose Day

2011-03-17T02:59:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again folks! I will be donating ALL money from tomorrow's sales in all my shops (Folksy, Etsy, my website and Noths) to Comic Relief. Please spread the word!

I'll let you know how much we raise! xx

St Ives again!

2011-03-11T23:19:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I chose to do another collage of St Ives when there are so many beautiful places to choose from around here!

Perhaps it's because there's a gallery there that want some collages of mine, so it's back-up if I don't manage to sell it myself!

Or perhaps it's one of my favourite places in the whole world!

The piece is about 22cm wide by 15cm high - and it took me less than a day. I feel like I've been pretty prolific this week!

I've really enjoyed it. But now, orders have gotten in the way, and I have owls and love birds to make! Hoping to do one of the moors later in the week! I'll be sure to keep you posted!

In the meantime I'll leave you with this...

Isn't it cute? Some of you may recognise the image from Scandinavian Stitches by Kajsa Wikman. When I saw it was available as an art print in her Etsy shop, I bought one immediately and now it's framed in my studio. I love it!
Kajsa also writes a blog - go check it out! Have a fab weekend y'all!

Portscatho collage

2011-03-10T03:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those rare days when all orders (trade and private) had been taken care of, so with my youngest boy at pre-school all day, I sat at a clear desk and started on a new collage. This one is only half the size of the ones I've done before (A4 size), and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I finished it!

I find it so therapeutic making these, almost like doing a jigsaw puzzle.

Here's a couple of details: in this one I'm liking the floral piece in the sea - can you see it?

I like just giving an impression of something (eg these flowers here). No labour-intensive detailing for me, thank you very much!!

I'm hoping to do a few more of these.
It's not so daunting starting something on a smaller scale. I could do some really small ones - this would work quite well, I reckon.

I think I even prefer it to the bigger picture! What do you think?

Have a gander....

2011-03-08T03:17:00.001-08:00

At these geese...

...stitched freehand on the sewing machine and taken from these old sketches...

I've got a pitch booked at the Royal Cornwall Show in June, thought I'd frame some stitchings and see if I can sell any! I'm going to frame the top 3 together, ie in a triple frame.

On the subject of birds, look as this fantastic book I bought a couple of weeks ago.

Take a look at the author's website here. She also writes a great blog here. The book includes patterns and instructions on making all manner of birds. I can't wait to get enough time to have a go at this beautiful swan...

Before I go, I must tell you that another Homespun Fair is fast approaching!
It's taking place at Portscatho on Easter Monday (April 25th) and promises to be a wonderful event. You can find more details on the Homespun blog.

Really hope to see you there!

Last week

2011-02-28T07:36:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions for Moby over the last week! In the end I took up Claire's idea of adding a few fish - this way I was able to add a bit more colour. But I do love the idea of a baby whale with it's parent, so watch this space!

This one was sold from my Folksy shop at the weekend, but I am sure to make more!
I've been busy putting some of my smaller pieces in white box frames and am pleased with the way they're looking...

Here's a couple of sketches I did on the sewing machine. As soon as I saw the fabric in the picture above, it said to me 'Peacock Tail'!

This one is sold - yay!

And some of my driftwood pieces - these look great in groups I think - maybe 3 in a row?

And finally (I'm quite excited about this) I just picked up my Polperro collage from the framers! You can probably see it's still wrapped up! I've listed it in my shops here and here....but to be honest I kind of like it in my bedroom for the moment!!

Have a great week folks!

Moby

2011-02-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hello my lovelies! Here's a few snaps of what I've been working on lately.... something I've been wanting to do for a while, but, well - you know how it is! I really wanted to make a whale - but couldn't get my head around how to do a pattern. I even toyed with making a papier mache one!
Then like a vision it came to me... and the prototype of Moby was born!!

A very simple one made from calico - and needing a few tweaks... but not bad for a first attempt!
I knew what fabric I had in mind - and had a little spend in the fabulous Raystitch! Aren't these polka dot fabrics gorgeous? And the ribbons match perfectly! (The red linen on the right was an eBay find - but ties in great with the others).

So after a little nip and tuck here and there, a more sophisticated shape came about....

I wanted to do a girlie version too. This is Mabel...

But then what? I was pleased with my new creation: but how to develop it further? It looked a little insignificant on its own....
Maybe I could use it as a pin cushion - or stuff it with lavender?

Or maybe a mobile?

I wrapped the wire ring with the reverse side of the teal polka dot (that's the ocean), and used a bit of colour on the bottom to represent the seabed.

And hung it up using the co-ordinating ribbon...

A view from below (sorry the light's terrible today!)

What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Hoping you're having a whale of a time this half-term (groan - couldn't resist!)

Driftwood wader

2011-02-16T07:45:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I found this wonderful piece of wood on Seaton beach.

How perfect for a birds face and bill! Last night I sat with my box of driftwood sticks and had a go at creating the rest....

This is a shot of the other side...

The leg pieces aren't right - need to keep my eyes peeled when I'm on the beach again.
Then there's the tricky problem of getting him to stand up....!

Driftwood and slate (cont)

2011-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Well, wouldn't you know it, it's Monday again! Had a lovely fruitful trip to the beach on Saturday, then spent some of yesterday in the shed creating with my finds!
I've decided to do some more cottages with slate roofs (the one from the last post is sold). Hope you're not getting bored with these by now!

The blue piece of driftwood was found at the weekend, the lovely red bit has been waiting in my shed for 'the right moment!'

The Cornish cottage below is made from two pieces of wood: I painted the main part white, then layered the grey driftwood piece on top. These slate-hung buildings are common around here - our house is quite similar in fact! The chimneys are rusty nails, as before.

Both are for sale on my website and on Folksy.
Last week I finally got around to creating an Etsy shop! For now I've only listed my lighter-weight items, we'll see how it goes - I had my first sale last night!
All that remains for me to say is Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you all remembered!

Cottages with slate roofs

2011-02-07T05:06:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday guys! Thanks for all the comments on my last post, it seems it wasn't obvious that there's an online payment facility on my website! So I've added the Paypal logo - hope that will make it clearer!
I'm quite excited by my weekend creation!

Credit to Steve for suggesting using slate for the roofs! He had to cut them for me, and drill the holes for the nail chimneys.

Not only do they look quirky but they hold the roofs in place!

Available here and here! Postage is inclusive on my website, hence the price difference.
I felt very honoured to be chosen as this month's Featured Artisan on Julia Crossland's lovely blog! You can find out a bit more about me here.

My very own website!

2011-02-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

In my last post I mentioned having my own website. I never thought that only a few days later that it would have come to fruition! Or that I would have done it all on my ownsome! Thank you very much to Mrs Magic Beans for suggesting this build-your-own website. I must say it was pretty muppet-friendly and the technical support excellent!
I would love to hear your thoughts on my site, if you can spare a moment to have a little look!
www.kirstyelsondesigns.co.uk

Polperro Collage

2011-01-31T02:32:00.000-08:00

I vowed this year that I would get my own website up and running: I think it will look more professional when giving out details, rather than the address for my shop on Folksy or NotOnTheHighStreet.
One thing I envisage having on my site is a gallery, in the hope that I might gain some commission work. I have done this latest piece for that purpose: so that I can put it in the gallery section along with others such as these here and here.

You may recognise the place - it's Polperro harbour. Very popular with tourists and not far from where we live!

I love doing these every now and then...quite therapeutic actually!

Plus it's a good way of getting rid of at least some of my magazines!

There is a degree of artistic license involved - I don't want to get caught up in fussy, complicated parts!
I'm going to get it mounted and framed (and will show another photo then) and I expect it will find it's way into my Folksy shop or do the rounds with me at various shows until someone wants it!
Have a good week folks!

Rusty nail chimney pots and a red boat

2011-01-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody, I thought I'd keep you updated on my new makes from the last couple of days!

First off, these cottages I painted on a nice piece of Cornish driftwood. I thought I'd insert some old nails for chimneys too!

And then I got to thinking that it might look quite nice with a bit of bunting hanging above it!

I stamped the letters with blue ink onto grey card - then stitched the lot together on the machine - simple as you like!

Whaddya reckon? Someone must have liked it as it sold on Folksy within a few hours!
I made a driftwood boat this morning - the first in a while - using a great piece of ply with brilliant red paint on it. I love how the paint flakes in certain areas and the holes along the bottom - probably wouldn't float very well this one!

For a change I didn't use any washers on this one: the 'wheelhouse' already had a hole in it, and I wanted to make use of a fishing rod float that I'd found on the beach - at least that's what I think it is - the pink buoy above! Then I made a few more buoys from polystyrene balls. The rings are
further beach finds - I am getting over my plastic phobia!!

Available in my shop now
Finally, I thought I'd share this with you....

Steve decided to get the boys' old cot down from the loft: we've converted it into a little daybed and put it in our bedroom - sweet, huh? The gorgoeous crochet garland is by Emma Lamb....

...and this lovely romantic cushion cover is by Betsy Jarvis. I bought it for Steve for Christmas, but bottled out of giving it to him in front of everyone as I thought it a bit slushy - and that's not me at all!

Valentine Birds

2011-01-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, well would you believe it's Friday again?! I've had a lovely week again, there are a few orders trickling through, but I've had plenty of time to work on new ideas (the best thing about January I reckon!) I suppose I should have been thinking about Valentines Day about 6 months ago, but, true to form, I've left it almost to the last minute before listing anything!
This is what I've come up with....

Valentine love-birds made from bright felt and gorgeous vivid fabric from Seamstar.

The stitched envelope is draped around the birds neck so it can be removed - and the recipient can get to enjoy it all year round!

It's been a while since I did freestyle stitching like this!

In a choice of 2 colours - can you see that the wings are heart-shaped?

These two are hanging over my bed at the moment - I think a flock in lots of different colours would look nice! Available from Folksy now!

Happy Weekend Folks!

Cottages, Polperro

2011-01-20T02:41:00.001-08:00

Good morning, folks - and what a beautiful morning it is! Makes me feel like spring is on the way!
Thank you for all your lovely comments recently, they mean alot to me you know!
The picture here had such a positive response that, thanks to some prodding from my Facebook buddies, I have decided to do some smaller framed stitched pieces: and this is the first of them!

It's based on some cottages in the Cornish fishing village, Polperro. Perhaps you know it?

A little detail...

Available in my Folksy shop now!
Enjoy the sunshine!

Jellyfish

2011-01-15T07:16:00.001-08:00

Just before Christmas a colleague of mine gave birth to a baby boy, and I made her a brightly coloured hanging jellyfish. I didn't manage to get a decent photo of it, but it was similar to the one I designed for the sealife mobile below...

I suppose really a jellyfish is rather an odd baby gift, but I thought he might like to watch the ribbons floating above him! Herbie was most taken with it anyway, so I agreed to make another just for him, and with his help too - and then I thought I could do a little tutorial on here.

Difficulty rating is 1 - is really is easy peasy lemon squeezy!

First, choose 2 contrasting/matching fabrics. Ours HAD to be orange!

Next draw round a small bowl and with right sides of the fabric facing each other, machine or handstitch on the pencil line, leaving a few centimetres at the end. (Ours measured approx 15cm diameter.)

Turn inside out and press.

Fill with polyester stuffing and stitch up the gap.

Next, take a mixture of ribbons, measuring approx 60cm-70cm in length and criss-cross at the half-way point (see above)

Stitch to the underside of your jellyfish. Then stitch a further piece of ribbon to the middle of the top-side and hey presto!!
Your jellyfish is complete! It looks great hanging above a bed or in the window!

And here's a glimpse of my little assistant (he operated the foot-pedal!)

More cottages

2011-01-13T07:43:00.001-08:00

I am having an absolute ball this week! Feeling very motivated and enjoying developing new ideas around the cottage theme. I have put my sewing machine to one side and dusted off my paint brushes instead!

Last week I came across this small piece of driftwood which I painted and scratched to create a sweet little cottage. Originally I had intended it for a simple card, but found it was too bulky and heavy. So then I had the idea of doing a whole row of them and framing them, rather like my driftwood beach huts.

Here's the result...

I rubbed some yellow ochre on the roofs, to give it a bit of a St Ives feel!

Then, whilst rooting around in the shed this morning, I found a couple of offcuts from other projects - and it seems they were made for each other! The blue piece here is exactly the right size for the roof - with a little bit of overhang!

Very Cornish, wouldn't you say?!

I also found this lovely long rounded piece of wood, so I thought I'd do a terrace!

The lines are created by putting a layer of oil pastel under the coloured paint - then when you scratch it, the pastel colour (in this case white) shows through.

It's ready to hang on the wall, and will go in my Folksy shop tomorrow, the light's just terrible again today!
BTW, the stitched piece in my last post is sold! Yippee!

Something new...

2011-01-11T02:10:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, thought I'd share some photos of a new project I've been working on. So good to be designing again after making so many owls and robins in the lead up to Christmas!

It started off with me having a little play on my sewing machine...

I thought these Cornish cottages were quite cute, so decided to create a complete harbour scene, complete with some driftwood boats...

I think this house is my favourite!

I kind of like the way the front boat sits on the mount itself - it's different! (The 'buoys' are drawing pin heads)

Another detail...

And, for anyone who can't decide what county we're in, check out the name on this little boat! (I don't like to take myself too seriously!

I enjoyed myself immensely making this piece - and have gone full circle as it were: these new cards are in my Folksy shop.

The framed piece will go on sale soon - just need to work out a price, which is always the tricky part!

Thanks for looking! Hope you're having a good week xx

Lucky me!

2011-01-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would share some images of presents I was thrilled to receive for Christmas! Many available through Folksy and Etsy!

First off this gorgeous print by Inaluxe, now framed and hanging in my studio! I adore it!

Next, a fab calendar by Cornish photographer Jo Bradford of Green Island Art Studios. Here's one of my favourite pictures, though I love them all!

This gorgeous necklace by Yume Martin.

This dear little fellow sits on my windowsill. By Northfield Primitives.

Surprisingly, my father-in-law came up trumps with this rusty old tin...

...which is filled with rusty washers, nails etc! He'd collected them from his late father's workshop, and they'll be perfect for decorating my driftwood boats!

And finally, a little bit of publicity! New magazine Oh Comely ran a competition for Folksy sellers several months ago - and I was one of the winners! Oh Comely is only available in selected stockists, but if you get a chance to read it, you really should - it's a brilliant, original magazine!
Well, that's all for now folks, hope you're all settling back into the old routine!

Sorry - it's been a while....

2011-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid that due to a huge amount of orders in November and December, blogging (both writing posts and reading others) had to be put on the back burner for a while. I feel like I haven't been here for ages! I promise not to neglect you like that again! I hope you all had a joyous festive break.
I remember last year writing a post about all the Christmas presents I'd made for family members: not much time for that this year (I suppose that's a good sign really) but Steve and I did find time to make something special for our niece, Molly....

Actually, the majority of the work was done by Steve, who designed and built this lovely rocking dolls crib. I should have documented with photos from the beginning, but I forgot!
The plywood and dowelling frame was first painted in deep red eggshell....

..and (this is where I came in) the edges were rubbed with candlewax...

Then the whole thing painted in antique white eggshell and rubbed down for a distressed finish.

I then made a mattress with a foam offcut and flannel sheet...

and made a pillow and pillowcase (the Cabbages and Roses spotty fabric was a Fleabay bargain), complete with ric-rac trim...

and the duvet? A Greengate teatowel folded in half with a couple of layers of wadding inside and lace ribbon detail...

Neat huh?

I think she likes it!
Happy New Year everyone - hope it's a great one for you all!

And the winners are...

2010-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

...Louise Maidment, Rebecca, A, Julie and Knicky Knacks!
Congratulations to you all, if you could e-mail me your addresses, your robins will be with you sometime next week!

Another Giveaway!

2010-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well, it is Christmas! There are 5 small prizes this time - a cinnamon robin for 5 lucky winners - just leave a comment stating whether you like the spotty or floral one, and I'll draw the names on Friday night. Bit of a rush-job, but Christmas seems to be hurtling towards us!
And don't worry if you're not a blogger, just leave a contact e-mail address!
Good luck everyone, and spread the word (it's the season of Goodwill, after all!)

Christmas at the Cowshed

2010-11-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my absence of late, but I've been rather busy, not only with Folksy and NOTHS orders, but also building up stock to sell at this lovely event...

Country Living readers may well recognise the painting style - it's by local artist Nicky Harwood, better known as The Cow Lady. She is opening her studio to the public, and selling crafts and gifts made by other creative talents in the area.

So I've been making driftwood cards...

robins...

penguins...

lavender fish... and also collected everything else from my Folksy shop!

This whale cushion has been looking for a new home for some time - I hope he finds one this weekend!

I like seeing everything together in one place: it's strangely satisfying!

I don't remember showing you this large Christmas Owl in the Moon before - you can just make out the snowflakes falling if you look carefully! I just love that fabric, it came from Seamstar.

Anyway, I know many of you won't be able to make the long journey to attend the event, but I just wanted to stop by and say Hello and to wish you all a most excellent weekend!

Christmas at the Cowshed * November 20th and 21st * 10am to 5pm
Foyle Cottage, Dobwalls, Cornwall PL14 6JB

Just popping by...

2010-11-12T04:10:00.000-08:00

...can't stop long - got a hundred and one things to do today! I just thought I'd share some photos of these new lovebirds with you! I've got a couple of Christmas craft fairs approaching and I was torn between making some cards (these always sell well as does anything else under a fiver!), or something a little more elaborate - something that will draw people to my stand.

So I'm on a mission now to do both! I made these birds in quite festive colours as I thought they would tie in well with my robins and other goodies.

I think they would look nice in a little girl's bedroom, no? It would be nice if they sold at one of the fairs, but if not I will list them in my Folksy shop.

I think the details are my favourite part...

This last picture makes me think of sweets for some reason!
Hope you're all well - and a huge welcome to new readers!
Back soon - have a good weekend folks xx

And the winner is....

2010-11-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

.....(and I'm delighted about this)..... Amanda!
Now, regular and astute readers may remember that I won Amanda's Giveaway not long ago. So when my little boy picked her name out of the hat, my second thought (the first being 'Yay, I know how much she loves those robins') was 'Oh bum, this isn't going to look good!' But, people, you're going to have to take my word for it! The girl won it fair and square, so, Amanda, if you can message me with your address, I'll send the goodies on to you. Congratulations lovely lady, Christmas might have come a little bit early for you this year! And thank you to everyone who entered and left such lovely comments too!

I've been pretty busy making bits for Christmas Fayres etc - I took advantage of a special offer with Moo and received these super cute stickers last week. They only measure about 3cm wide.

I also bought myself a stamp set recently, and have been using them on my driftwood Christmas cards.
In the New Year, I might start making some personalised pictures or cards for children incorporating text using these stamps - but no time at the minute!
I had a bit of a lightbulb moment yesterday when I decided to combine two of my designs: the Owl In The Moon mobile and the cinnamon robins - and this is the result!

A Cinnamon Owl - perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree and available in my Folksy shop now!

And finally, I'm beginning to think that I should give joint ownership of this blog to Steve, who's been creating again: this time not with pallets or driftwood but cardboard and duct tape!

Here's Herbie who pestered his daddy to make him a shield (he got one, and a matching helmet to boot) but has now decided he wants him to make a dragon too! Some people are never satisfied!!

100th Post Giveaway!

2010-11-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's taken me a long time, but I've finally made it to 100 posts - yay! And such lovely inspiring people I've had the privilige to meet along the way! Thank you to everyone who has left a comment on here, you are a constant encouragement to me. So to show my gratitude I am doing a little giveaway. Some of you like my driftwood stuff, others I know prefer the fabric pieces, so I wasn't sure what the prize should be. I have therefore decided to giveaway not one, not two but three items: hopefully that way everyone will be happy!
So here they are...

First up, one of my boats, created from Cornish driftwood. That piece of wood was that shape when I found it, just crying out to be transformed into a boat hull, don't you think?

And it's got some pinky coloured paint on it, so I have used co-ordinating fabric for the flags - a bit of a girlie boat, this one! I've put a brass hanger on the back so it can hang on the wall or propped up on a shelf or windowsill.

And prize number two....

Any regular readers will probably recognise that this wooden fish is actually a paintbrush handle (found on the beach). So I've turned it into a very simple keyring - might make an unusual stocking filler for somebody!

And finally, I found these beautiful teatowels by Greengate: much too pretty to dry the dishes with, so I've cut them up and made some new cinnamon robins. So the third part of the giveaway is this pair....

Such a nice morning outside I photographed them amongst the ivy - shame there's no holly in our garden, but ivy is the next best thing!

So that's the prizes (all for one lucky winner). All you have to do is leave a comment and I will put your name in a hat. Followers get an extra go (not too late to join up and follow me) and I would be most grateful if anyone wants to spread the word on Facebook, Twitter etc!
I will announce a winner next Monday evening (that's November 8)
Good luck everyone!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2010-10-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

And with a slight hangover I didn't feel like exerting myself too much, so after a little mooch in the shed, I took this piece of lovely thick plywood which has bright white fibreglass on one side. I'd found an extra-long paintbrush handle on the coast near the Lizard a few weeks ago and been unsure what to do with it. The ply was slightly longer than the 'fish' and set the colour off perfectly so I chose to make a very simple hanging plaque....

Look at all those layers of different coloured paint!

It could be hung outside - maybe on a shed or summerhouse door...

Or maybe on the bathroom door...

But for now it looks at home hanging on a peg in my studio!

Available to buy in my Folksy shop!

Psssssst! I'm going to do a Giveaway next time to celebrate 100 posts. Don't miss it!

It's beginning to smell alot like Christmas....

2010-10-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

.....largely due to this huge pack of cinnamon sticks which was delivered yesterday. Mmmmm, smells wonderful!

I usually cut the sticks in half to use as perches for my individual robins, but I got distracted (again!) and decided to have a little play...

...and this was the result!

The mistletoe is basically a wire 'frame which I then wrapped in dotty fabric - finished off with a vintage button 'berry'. Available in my Folksy shop.
Best get on with what I'm supposed to be doing now! Hope you're all having a good week x

Facebook Giveaway and more of Steve's makes!

2010-10-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

The beach was an absolute mess on Saturday! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me, but let me tell you it was thick with seaweed! Not the most pleasant of conditions to be beachcombing in, although it was another warm sunny day - aren't we being spoiled this October?!
Anyway, there wasn't a huge amount of 'treasure' to be found, but I collected lots of little bits of bleached wood - which showed up brightly amongst the dull, dark seaweed.
And this is what I made when I got home...

The sun was still out so I sat in the garden with my drill and threaded them onto thick wire - most relaxing! (Herbie thought I was making a necklace at first!)The wreath is about 50cm in diameter.
I've decided to offer it as a giveaway prize on Facebook: if you're on FB already, just leave a comment and you'll be put into the draw (if you want to sign up to my page, simply click on FB symbol in righthand sidebar). If you're not on FB (lucky you, you probably have an extra few hours a week spare than those of us that are!), don't worry, I'm approaching 100 posts on here, so I will giveaway something on here too - promise!

The photo was taken about a month ago, where Steve discovered 2 lovely weathered scaffolding planks on the beach.... and carried them like this all the way back to the car (it was a long walk too!)
But he had an idea in his head, and this is what he knocked up the next weekend!!

The light's not good today, but you get the idea, I'm sure!

It's blimmin' heavy I can tell you!

And d'you remember this post where I dropped a subtle hint about wanting a couple of pallet chairs for the boys' room?

Haha, my wish is his command!! They look great, no?

And the storage part at the top is perfect for hold pens etc. He's not just a pretty face!!

More paintbrush fish!

2010-10-10T09:35:00.001-07:00

Hello my lovelies and a warm welcome to any new followers! I hope that many of you have been blessed, like us here in Cornwall, with warm sunny weather this weekend - such a bonus this time of year! It was definitely t-shirt weather here this afternoon - Herbie even asked if we could get the paddling pool out!
We had a very fruitful trip to the beach earlier - collected lots of little pieces of driftwood for cards and a huge amount of old paintbrush handles! Unfortunately they were plastic rather than wood, but they come in a nice assortment of colours, so I decided to put my plastic snobbery aside and get creating!
So this is the first piece showing a driftwood fishing boat and its 'haul'...

I've called it ' A Fine Catch'

I think the 'buoy' might be part of a fishing rod or float, but I'm not sure!
We also found this bit of plywood on the beach yesterday. It's got some old green paint on it, so I chose some co-ordinating fish from my large pile to make a unique and unusual wallhanging...

It's currently hanging in our hallway, but I think it would add a nice decorative touch to someone's shed... the rope would rot eventually, but the wood and 'fish' are obviously weather-resistant!
Both are available in my Folksy shop.

So what do you think? Can plastic be pretty? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Goodies in the post!

2010-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

You know how most days the postman just brings boring bank statements or annoying junkmail? Well, not today! I had not one but four exciting packages arrive this morning!
I have to tell you about this giveaway I won over at Amanda's blog - I'm sure some of you even entered yourselves...but I was the very lucky winner!

Look - a gorgeous book - The Bag Making Bible -which I am looking forward to studying tonight once the children are in bed!

This sweet little brooch made by Amanda

Some fab organic cotton fabric - not sure what to create with this yet, but it will be put to good use at some point!

And did you see the bunny in the top picture? It is so intricate, this is a close-up of my favourite bit - love that harlequin ribbon!
Thank you Amanda for your generous gifts! If you're not familiar with her blog, pop over and say Hi!

So what else can I show you? Ah yes, some lovely ticking from Emma Garry...

so that I can make some more of these...

In another envelope: I'm loving this reversible Danish ribbon from NotOnTheHighStreet.com...

Talking of which, the first NOTHS Christmas catalogue arrived today....

Recognise anything familiar on this page?!

Or what about this one? This is from the November issue of Good Housekeeping! A bit of press for Kirsty Elson Designs! How exciting!

Hope you're having a great week xx

New Christmas Decorations

2010-10-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Do you remember these from last year?

Well, I've adapted the original pattern again to create this year's Christmas creatures...penguins!

Designed to hang from your Christmas tree...

Although if you speak to them nicely, they might stand up for you!

Penguins and spotty robins available in my Folksy shop.
Happy weekend everyone!

Old stool, new bathroom!

2010-09-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

If something is offered to Steve for free, he'll be there so quick, he'll nearly have your hand off! He also likes rummaging in skips and is always on the look-out for other peoples' cast-offs. Sometimes, he'll come home with a real find, other times, he'll turn up with something and he can just tell by my face that it's not even getting through the front door!

The stool above fell into the latter category: I don't think I ever even asked where it came from. I just thought it was vile (apologies to anyone reading who possesses one the same!)
'I thought you could paint it and re-cover it', he said (he's not one to give in easily!)
And eventually I did: we needed a step stool for Herbie to reach the sink - so I rose to the challenge!
First I removed the hideous olive-coloured velvet and the piece of thick foam underneath...
then painted the frame using our bathroom floor paint...

then using a remnant of cheerful oilcloth...

...pulled it taut and fixed it underneath using a staplegun...

Ta-da! What do you think? Definite improvement, I reckon!
I never showed you our bathroom before - I wish I had some 'before' photos, then you could see how bad it was! The walls were yellow, floor and huge cupboards with louvre doors stained black!!! And tiles that had been painted white, so that the horrid pattern underneath showed through!
Now it's much brighter!! See the light pull above?

It's a little pebble with natural hole we found on a holiday in Wales!

No frilly toilet-roll holders in our house!

And the wall-mounted taps stop any arguments about who has the tap-end!

The shower-pull!
Bathroom cabinet, made by Steve himself and decorated with one of my lavender fish!

And here is the stool in situ! Note it is already functioning as a table for his lordship's chosen reading material!!
Hope you're all having a good week!

Grey Sea

2010-09-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

There was talk of an old rowing boat having washed up on a local beach: apparently all the kids were having a whale of a time smashing her up, and people were taking remnants home. By the time I got down there several days later, there was no sign of the vessel, save for a few small pieces...
But you know, I looked at that bit shaped a bit like a 'A' and I turned it around in my hands a little.... and then it came to me! It would make a perfect beach hut roof! And the other tiny bit, painted the same colours could be the door! So today I set to work - and this is what I came up with...

A little wooden hut, with it's own mooring!

I couldn't put any other number on it, could I?!

The strip of metal on the boat is actually an old emery board that I picked up someplace..

And the fish? A rusty tin heart that has been gathering dust in my craft box for years...snipped in half down the middle and attached using rusty tacks which make handy eyes!!

Available in my Folksy shop.
Have a great weekend folks!

Thou shalt have a fishy....

2010-09-19T09:01:00.001-07:00

Hello folks, hope you've all had a fine weekend! I must welcome any new followers, suddenly I have 200 - I'm touched, really!

We went down to the beach to do a bit of 'treasure-hunting' today - feels like we haven't been for ages! There wasn't alot there to be honest (the winter tides should bring some goodies in), but I did stumble upon these 2 little paintbrush handles, which make nice fish for my latest piece!

If anyone has any old brushes with wooden handles, please let me know: I can always find a use for them!
Available in my Folksy shop now!

*Well now, would you look at that, I've lost a follower since writing this post, now it looks as though I was lying!

Latest collage commission

2010-09-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hi folks! Any Facebook followers may have glimpsed a sneaky preview of this a couple of days ago: I am relieved that it is finally finished! I have to say I struggled with it a bit - it's not my usual subject matter, and it is the most complicated collage I have ever done!

So much detail!

So many shades of green!

And even whilst I was putting the finishing touches to it, I was still finding flowers that I'd missed somehow!

Here is a real close-up, so you can see how many hundreds of bits of magazine it takes to create the finished product!
Gotta go hoover now, my floor looks like it has been showered with confetti!
Hope you're having a good week my lovelies!

Something fishy going on...

2010-09-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take my hanging lavender fish idea one step further and make....

....curtain tie-backs!

...still stuffed with lavender...

...in a number of different colour tickings...

.... to give your home a nautical feel...

... plus they give off a lovely whiff!

I can't decide which colour I like best, but they look lovely all hanging together!
Available in my Folksy shop soon!

I'm no Nigella...

2010-09-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

....but you've got to make a bit of an effort on your man's birthday!
Happy Birthday Steve xx

Some very good news

2010-09-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I am writing today's post with a huge grin on my face!
A few of you will know that I have a part-time job in a bakery. I started there 6 years ago, because it was a way of earning a bit of extra money without paying childcare costs: I finish there before Steve leaves for work. It's not a bad job - dead easy, no-stress etc, but it means a 5.30am start, and that is a killer!! And it doesn't get any easier - you don't get used to it, believe me! (Especially when you've been up creating until 10.30 at night and then the children wake up and so on and so on. I am always tired!)
But (and this is the good news) I am now in a position where I have enough regular orders coming in to be able to give the bakery job up - and my last day is tomorrow!! And that feels so good!

And in other news....I've signed up to be in the Not On The High Street Christmas catalogue, so I'm going to be making a lot of these! So I've introduced some in other colourways to ease the monotony!

Here's a sneak preview of a special Christmas one - this is just a prototype, I haven't decided on the fabric yet...

I thought I'd get Herbie to do some free advertising for me...

And look what I bought for my new room!

A gorgeous crochet garland by the very talented Emma Lamb. She has a most inspiring blog too, if you've never visited , why ever not?! Go check it out!

Finally, a place to call my own!

2010-08-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

There have been a few changes around here lately, all of which I will share with you at some point or other. One major change, and one that I am so thrilled about, is that after so many years of working at the dining room table, I now have my own 'studio'! Come and have a look around! (Apologies for the dark photos, once again it's peeing down outside and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon...)

This room used to be the boys' toyroom (there are still reminders of that, but I kinda like them.)

I cannot tell you how wonderful it is not to have to pack everything away every time we have a meal! Or hoover all my bits up before you-know-who*comes back from work! Or have to get my sewing machine out of the cupboard all the time: now it is plugged in, on the table and ready to go!!

I know exactly where everything is!!

And I've got somewhere to display my ever-expanding fabric collection!

It's a little bare still - I'm sure it will evolve over time and look like more like a workspace.
This part of a wall is completely blank - the birdcage is waiting to be shipped off to a customer, but I have ordered something scrummy to hang there - I'll share a pic when it arrives!

Of course it doesn't always look like this! I tidied up before I took the photos, but whadya think? I'm still hankering after a summerhouse studio in the garden, but this will do me nicely for now!

*Partner with OCD tendencies (who is equally chuffed with the new 'arrangement'!)

BTW, my latest batch of Moo postcards arrived this morning - I'm dead chuffed with them, the St Ives collage reproduced beautifully!
Oh yes, almost forgot - I now have Facebook page! Sign up in my sidebar for latest news, giveaways etc!

Something a bit different

2010-08-10T04:36:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned recently to do a collage for a friend of a friend of a friend. Nice to put the sewing machine/drill to one side for a while! I worked in this style when I was at art school (a long time ago although it feels like only yesterday!) It's basically made up from layers of torn bits of paper.

Here are a few details... can you tell where it is?

This might give it away (especially to any local Cornish maids!)

Give up?
Here's the whole picture!

That's right, it's St Ives! I wish the weather was like this right now, me and the boys are starting to get cabin fever with all this rain!

Homespun Fair

2010-08-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

I've had a fab time today - Homespun was another great success! It was lovely to see old and new faces - and meeting fellow bloggers was one of the highlights! So nice to put faces to names!
Anyway, I managed to take a few snaps before it all started so I'll give you a little tour!

Many of you will be familiar with the gorgeous creations by Viv (Hen's Teeth). I love the brooches above and these charming purses...

Look at these great notebooks by Jane...

Wonderful goodies from Michelle (Cowboys and Custard)... check out that Codeg phone!

...and beautiful buttons...

This photo just doesn't do Treutmade's stand justice....sorry Gertie!

I was lucky enough to be sharing the stage space with Amanda (Shabby Chick) and her mum...

and Jenny, whose delightful creations (each with it's own personality) raised many a smile!

So here's my stand - remembered to take a photo this time!

Next time I'll make more lavender fish - I sold out in the first 2 hours! Any items that didn't go will be in my Folksy shop in the next few days.
So, all in all, a fantastic day was had - and look at this shirt I found for Steve!

A bargain at £3! And it fits him perfectly!
Shame... I could have made something really pretty from that!

A sneak preview!

2010-08-03T14:04:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd tease you with a few photos of what I'll be selling at the Homespun Fair on Sunday...

I'm quite pleased with this: won't be too disappointed if no-one buys it - I kinda like it around our house for now!

Lighthouse detail

Driftwood boats

New collages

Hope you can make it! There will be plenty of cake!!

Prickly Pear

2010-07-25T00:49:00.001-07:00

I think I've said before that I'm a bit of an untidy person. Which is a shame really because Steve is ultra tidy and he absolutely despairs of me! You can't open a cupboard without being attacked by bags of remnants and he regularly finds pins and needles in the carpet (tut-tut) Is anyone else out there like me or am I such a terrible slut?!
Anyway I though it was high-time I got myself a pincushion before a casualty occurs, and I found a fab pattern here.

Mmm, not bad for a first attempt! And managed to disguise the less than perfect bits!

What a lovely pear! (Couldn't resist -sorry!)

Just humour me (it will pass!)

2010-07-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, look, I know I should play it cool, but I can't help it! I've got a big grin on my face and I virtually skipped out of the newsagents just now! You see, I have mention in the above magazine!

I was only expecting a little thumbnail picture, so this was a pleasant surprise.
So now I am going to do something rare and very self-indulgent: I am going to sit down with my cup of tea and read it from cover to cover!
Have a great weekend everybody!

New boats

2010-07-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, sorry it's been a while! I feel as though I've been chained to my sewing machine lately, not creating anything new unfortunately, just making a huge number of owl mobiles! So it was lovely to get out to the shed yesterday and build some new driftwood boats!
Remember I smuggled a few bits out from Greece? Well, here are a few of the finished products!

I adore that bright blue paint - reminds me of the sea over there...

And I love the hole that had naturally occurred in this piece...

This fantastic piece of wood was found more locally in Cornwall

I thought it lent itself well to a red, white and blue theme and I made some buoys from polystyrene balls and hung them from bakers twine....

This piece will be wall-mounted, but I haven't put the fittings on yet, so I photographed it on my bed; you get the idea though!
Some of these items will be available in my Folksy shop soon, but I need to keep some for the Homespun Fair which is only a few weeks away (don't tell anyone but I haven't got anything to sell yet!) I think there's some late nights ahead for me!
Have a good week my lovelies and a warm welcome to any new followers!

Upcycled pallet chair

2010-06-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

I came home after visiting my parents at the weekend to find Steve looking pretty pleased with himself after making this rather cool garden chair!

Made from a pallet he 'acquired', he'd got the design from here, where you'll find other clever uses for the humble crate. I rather like this little chair - a couple of child-size ones would be nice!

By the way, these cushion covers (apart from needing a bit of an iron!) are really old - some of my first attempts at sewing: the blue and white one is made from an old linen tea-towel and the red and white one is made from part of a roller towel.
I do like a bit of recycling, don't you?

Toucan

2010-06-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

I had a fun little commission this week: remember my elephant cushion?

Well, a nice lady bought it from my Folksy shop and she also wanted a matching mobile: she liked the owl ones, but her son's nursery had a safari theme, so she needed a creature to tie in with that theme. We decided on a toucan!

The customer had a clear idea of colours/fabrics etc - all I had to do was adapt the pattern from here!

I'm quite pleased with the way he turned out - I hope the little tiny baby likes him too!

Father's Day

2010-06-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

Gawd, it's been an absolute age since I attempted any freestyle stitching, but I've taken a break from huge shop orders to make this card for the best dad in the world!

Happy Father's Day!

PS Sorry I haven't posted any new creations on here lately - there's just not enough hours in the day!

A date for your diary!

2010-06-14T02:35:00.000-07:00

Ok ladies, I'm giving you plenty of notice here! The next Homespun Fair will be held at the Portscatho Memorial Hall on Sunday 8th August. I really hope you can make it as it is a fab event and well worth a visit. I realise that for many of you Cornwall is just too far for a day trip, but for the rest of you, come on down (the price is right!)
And isn't the latest poster image (above) fantastic? Right up my street, and I will definitely be buying some of the matching postcards.
For more information, visit the Homespun blog.

UK Handmade Magazine

2010-06-08T01:18:00.001-07:00

The Summer edition of this fab online magazine is out now! You can view it here.

And guess what? There is an interview with little old me in it! (It's on page 48 if you're interested!)

Hey

2010-06-06T00:18:00.001-07:00

We're home, safe and sound, after a wonderful time on the beautiful island of Skiathos. Always nice to get back into your own bed though, wouldn't you agree?
I'm not going to bore you with loads of holiday snaps, but thought I'd share some images of this fantastic beach - Kastro - on the north of the island. To be honest it was a bit of a nightmare to get to, both in the car on the dusty lanes, and then on foot, down the steep cliffpath.
But my goodness, it was worth it!

The water was the clearest I've ever seen, and because it was not easily accessible we had the beach almost to ourselves!

I wouldn't mind a beach cafe like this!

Just my kind of rustic furniture... primitive tables made from old pallets...

And check out this cool bench! Might pinch this idea for our house!
But the main reason I loved Kastro so much? Look at all this driftwood!

There was literally a lifetime's supply here!
And you could swim around the shallow pools and find another great pile - I've never swam for driftwood before - it was just amazing!
It almost made me weep though, as naturally I had to leave it all behind!

Well, almost all! I managed to pack a few bits in my suitcase!

They will become boats very soon, I'll show you the finished products when they're done.

We also found loads of these floats (not sure what to use them for yet, but might make a decoration for our new bathroom - any suggestions welcome!)

It was pitch black when we returned on Friday night, we got a bit of a shock when we looked at the garden for the first time in 2 weeks - it's grown quite a bit since we left!
There's really no place like home!

Laters!

2010-05-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

Just a very quick post as we're off on holiday tomorrow and am still trying to get orders done and sent off. As yet we have no currency, no travel insurance - and my son's passport only arrived this morning! It has been a very stressful week for this reason, none of us could get excited - we'd discussed our plan B - that Steve and Herbie would go as planned and I'd stay with Bud until it came....which would have been pants for everyone! I swear I have aged 10 years in the last few days! If I didn't need a holiday before, I sure do now!!
But....the passport's here now, we'll start packing later - and might even have a little glass of something to put me in the holiday mood!

So I hope you all have a great 2 weeks, I'll be thinking of you in wet old Blighty whilst I'm lolling around on the beach in Skiathos!

Just hope this little man doesn't miss us too much...

TTFN!

And the winner is....

2010-05-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

You didn't think I'd forgotten did you?! I just thought I'd keep you in suspense that little bit longer....plus it took me blimmin' ages to write all your names - many in duplicate!

Thank you to everyone who entered and left such lovely comments, I am truly touched!
So here is the hat...

And the name drawn by the Herb is....(drum roll here!)

In real X-Factor style...

Huge congratulations to you!!
Please could you e-mail your address to me (kirstyelsondesigns@live.co.uk) I wouldn't post it on here - you might have a mad Laura coming to beat your door down!