Pebbles

I have been working on some new ideas, based on my afternoon sketching whilst sitting on a pebble beach in Suffolk. At the weekend I did some samples using handmade felt and machine embroidery.

I was really please with the initial ideas, so made a cushion cover. This is now available in my Folksy shop. I am in the process of making another pebble cushion cover which is slightly different, I will let you have a peak when I have finished.

I have lots more ideas based on this theme so need to do some more samples. Its nice to do something a bit different, I love doing my bright flower pieces, but for a while have been wanted to do something more muted and adult. I can't wait to get back on my machine and do some more.

Productive

I am feeling so much better after a surprisingly productive weekend. Things started well when I was released from work two hours early on Friday as things were really quiet. This meant I had a couple of hours of unexpected sewing time. Fantastic! I made good use of the time and made two peg bags (see images), followed by an evening of doodling in my sketch book and drinking wine.

Saturday I decided to make some samples based on the sketch book doodling I did the night before. It was great just to have a play about and do some experimenting. Really pleased with some of the ideas I worked on, so then made a cushion cover based on the samples and sketch book work. I am really pleased with it and will be listing it in my shop soon.

After this I decided to take my creative flow into a slightly different direction and made goats cheese ravioli from scratch using a recipe from our new cook book - Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi (its a lovely book) and it was gorgeous. It took a while as its quite fiddly, but totally worth it. Sadly I didn't take any pictures, although it did resemble the picture in the book - result!

Sunday wasn't quite so productive as I had lots of house work to do, but I did manage to re-photograph some of my work, so this week I need to change some of the images in my Folksy shop as well as add some new items. I have so much photography to do that I think I will have to do it in small batches, but I certainly made a start.

I then started another cushion cover. Roll on next weekend....

Photo's

Due to one thing and another its been a while since I have made anything and I'm having difficulties getting back into it. I think I am just feeling a little lazy at the moment.

I think part of the problem is that I have a big long list of admin type things which really need doing and I don't feel there is much point in making new things until I have done something with the stock I do have. I know that re-photographing my products, listing new items and generally re-vamping my Folksy Shop should be my main priority. It really does need a sort out and until I do this there is no point in promoting Petal Textiles or my Folksy Shop. But to do all of this I need some decent photo's and that is easier said that done. I am hoping for some sunny days over the weekend so I can make a start and then spend the next week or so having a sort out.

After that the next job is to book some stalls at craft fairs leading up to Christmas. This will at least give me something to aim for, I seem to be much better when I am working towards a deadline.

Owls

I have always been a fan of owls and recently they seem to be everywhere, here are some of my favourites from Folksy this week.

Snowdon - Owl Bag - http://www.folksy.com/items/585125

Ali Bali Jewellery - Silver Leaf Owl earrings -http://www.folksy.com/items/564325-Silver-Leafy-Owl-Earrings?shop=yes

Sew Realicoul - Owl Badges -http://www.folksy.com/items/657469

Dotty Daises - Mari Owl - http://www.folksy.com/items/507353

Nikki Made - Tunnock Teacake Owl Print- http://www.folksy.com/items/488537-Tunnock-s-Teacake-Owl-Original-Digital-Print?shop=yes

Started...

I am back at work this week, after having two lovely weeks off. Before my holiday I was feeling pretty burnt out, so I have actually spent lots of time relaxing and doing things like reading, making jam and being lazy. I feel much better for it, but part of me is thinking I probably should have made some things and made better use of the time.

So right now I am feeling very creative (when I'm at work) and in the mood to make, but can't because I am now back at work. Boo. But then I can't be bothered when I get home. I am sure it will be fine when I start, I just need to get started......

So due to the lack of new things to show, the photo's are of the beautiful poppies in my garden.

Frames and names.

Just wanted to show you the latest name picture I have made for my gorgeous new niece. I wanted to frame it in a deep frame, as often my pictures seem really pushed up against the glass, but unfortunately Ikea didn't seem to have any. So I had to change the plan slightly, but it actually looks fine.

40

This last month lots of people around me seem to be turning 40. Here are a couple of the cards I have made for them.

Olivia

Just wanted to show you this fantastic picture our 5 year old neice Olivia drew for us. Its fab isn't it!

Holiday

Last week, we went to Suffolk for a much needed holiday. We had a fantastic time, with lots of cream tea, long walks, fun and relaxing. We were even really lucky with the weather.

I did take with me a little bit of holiday sewing, something I could take with me to the beach (although it was a bit too windy and things kept flying away) and something I could pick up for a few minutes here and there.

They will either be used to make more cards, or be used in some new work I am planning.

And the winner is.....

Thanks to everyone who entered. I really enjoyed reading all the comments.

I was on holiday in Albeburgh (Suffolk) last week, and had a fantastic time with lot of perfect afternoons. Mine would probably be a long walk along the coast with my fella, followed by a cream tea!

Anyway the winner is........ The sewing Directory. Lots of goodies

will be coming your way soon.

Its giveaway time

To celebrate summer, sunshine and life, its time for another giveaway. To win the goodies pictured please leave a comment describing your perfect sunny afternoon.

You have until midday on the 11th July to enter, a random name will be picked out of the hat. As always followers will be entered twice, so if your a follower you have more chance of winning.

The selection of goodies includes: A stitch and burn heart brooch, stitch and burn hair clips, a hand felted techno cosy (fits my blackberry perfectly), Hand felted flower card and hand printed flower card.

Many of these are new items that haven't even made it to my shop yet. I am planning a bit of a re-jig in my folksy shop over the next few weeks, so please watch this space as lots of new items will be listed soon.

Naughtyness

I've been a bit naughty this week and treated myself. It was half price, I have wanted it for ages, I deserved a treat and I had quite a bit of overtime this month (not that I feel I need to justify it). My new Orla Kiely handbag. Its so extravagant! (even though it was half price).

Isn't it gorgeous! I am completly in love!

The Garden

I am rubbish at gardening and can't say I enjoy it too much either, but I do love a pretty garden and I love spending time sitting outside. We moved into our house about 4 years ago and inherited an established, but very green, dark and shady garden. So its taken a lot of work to make it brighter and more colourful. We still have some way to go, but we are getting there.

I was making a cup of tea this morning and looked out and though, wow its actually looking really nice, so I thought I would share it with you.

All or nothing.

I've gone from being so manically busy at work to having very little to do, which is always quite difficult to get your head round. I do wish my work load was a bit more constant, or in quiet times my hours were more flexible, so I could catch up on things I have neglected.

So I am sitting at my desk thinking and planning all the things I need to do and the list is getting longer and longer.

As well as making and designing lots of new things, I also need to:

• Update my logo and look of my blog and shops.
• Take new photo of many of the items in my shop, as some are rubbish.
• Improve the descriptions of items in my shop.
• List new items in my shops.
• Get some new business card printed.
• Do my accounts.
• Find some new places to sell my work.
• Promote my work.

Hmm, I think all of this may take some time....