Joanna bag

I've mentioned my friend Jo before, and this is a little beaded crochet bag I designed for her as a gift. It's lined with vintage silk kimono fabric bought on my recent trip to Japan.
I origninally planned to stay for a month in Oz with Jo and Rod but quickly pined for for Japan. Jo was unstinting in her support of me and insisted I change my plans and instead return to Japan, for which I will always thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks Jo x

Itty Bitty Bags

Here are some little felted handbag keyrings which, I will admit, I'm really pleased with. These are the first items of my own design and creation that I have ever sold!
It feels amazing when people like what you have made so much that they are willing to pay actual, real live money ! Admittedly these were sold to friends, so perhaps they were being kind but, either way, I'm really thrilled and hope to make more to sell.

Mine, all mine

My first adventure in lace knitting - behold the 'wave scarf'. I'm really pleased with this because, despite my angst about tackling lace knitting, it turned out to be really easy and created something I really love.
It's turquoise because I love the colour and it's become one of 'my colours', it's soft, beautiful alpaca yarn which is so warm and snuggly.
It's also special because it's rare that I make anything for me. Somehow I seem to make things for everyone else and can't even remember the last time I did something for myself. I guess it's because I truly love making gifts and really get a kick out of designing something with another person in mind - considering their likes and styles, what they might love and enjoy. Trouble is I forget to include myself.
So, 2008: the year of making for me! Watch this space and you'll see more stuff just for little old moi.

Birthday bag

After the success of Mum's last bucket bag made using this pattern, I decided that her birthday was the perfect time to make another, more lightweight one.
In lively pinks, muted golds and deep mulberry this has got a pink polka dot lining, and is edged with a cute little ribbon I bought in Japan.
Mum loves it and was delighted to swap all her stuff over from her other one which has been worn to death.

I may have to make a new one for each season...

Columbia, with love to Rupert and Michael

Columbia is a special bear with connections to two very dear and beautiful friends Rupert and Michael, both of whom I lost recently. It is still hard for me to believe that they are no longer here.
Columbia was Rupert's childhood bear and looked very tatty and bruised, I was asked to give her a whole new look with a Dorothy-style dress, complete with ruby slippers.

So, with love to Michael and Rupert, here she is looking fabulous.

Strawberry forever

Having made a cactus for Rod in Sydney, I felt it only fair to create a strawberry for Jo, my lovely friend and Rod's lovely wife. In case you can't tell, this is a celebration strawberry in honour of Jo passing her driving test and is designed to hang on her keyring.

I know what a big deal it was for Jo to pass and this is to say a big huge congratulations!

Cactus Boy

In Australia earlier this year, I stayed with dear friends Jo and her husband Rod. I don't quite know why, but I was inspired to create this little cactus for Rod (really, I don't know why). Anyway, I had fun doing it and Rod likes it a lot. When he first saw it, he thought that the little pink flower on top was a reference to his own red hair - sheesh - sometimes a cactus is just a cactus... I'm really not that deep after all.

It's been a long time baby

I know, I know, I know - it's been nearly a year since I last posted to this blog. It's bad but, in my defence, I have 2 very good reasons. Firstly I went on a big trip to Japan and Australia so I was away for a while and THEN, a few weeks after I got back, I injured my head quite badly so have been not in a good state for many, many months. Getting back on track now, so the time has come to show the fruits of my creative labours. Again, I suggest you settle down and have a browse (upwards) to see what I've been up to.

I promise that I'll be a better and more regular blogger.....honest.