I had one of those "d'oh!" moments a couple of months back when a friend mentioned a process she was using for one of her bespoke creations.
you know those "if only I'd thought of that years ago" things that would have saved you trying various lengthy, time consuming, pricing-you-out-of-the-market type methods of using your designs?
I've had these inked and coloured designs on my pc for ages and have never found a quick enough and cost efficient method of using them for anything other than cards
anyhoo...the lightbulb came on, I slapped myself on the forehead (hard) and then got on with what I should have been trying years ago...transfer paper designs
I don't have the funds to get my designs printed, I don't have the expertise to do it myself and I no longer have the time or patience to try and recreate them in paint/fabric/felt etc
so transfer paper it is - with either hand or freestyle machine stitching to affix the top layer of felt to the bottom
and a little beading here and there where needed (or where I fancy)
so there you have it...or them...my new/old birthday badges, Christmas brooches & Christmas decorations.
What do you think?
I've already started doodling up some new ones too!
Have you had any kick yourself moments lately - go on, do share it'll help make me feel less of a muppet ;)
x
you can find some of the designs in my Etsy shop
and I will be adding them to my own website soon
well hello there lovely people and how the devil are you?
I'm finding that...
there are just not enough hours in a day...
not enough days in the week...
not enough pennies in the pot...
and more than enough pounds on my bum!..
at the moment.
I get the impression from chats with pals, that it's just 'that' time of year and everyone's feeling it in some way or another. The rain and soaked-to-the-skin-super-absorbent-drizzle isn't helping much either. But!!! the leaves are looking mighty fine and I do like to snuggle on the sofa or sit in a pub in front of an open fire - so it's not all bad.
Plus Halloween is approaching - I love it! - as is Christmas...oh yes. Giddy giddy giddy! I love the build up...the plotting and the planning and the anticipation. The day is usually and anit-climax, but how can it not be with all that it is built up to be? As for Halloween - fun times here in our village where most people join in and you see crowds of children and parents, all dressed up, patrolling the streets and houses for treats, shrieks and giggles.
I'm having my very first open evening this Friday - not a huge event or anything...I'm just opening the doors to my home and inviting a few folk I know to come and see my Ditsy Bird creations 'in the flesh', sup a glass of wine and catch up with friends. After the initial 'what am I doing?!?!?!?!?' I'm now very much looking forward to it. It's been too long since I've had people round and this is a darned good excuse to do so.
I'm also dropping off stock at a new vintage shop*, Birdcage Vintage, opening up in Skipton, on Friday morning - so it's all systems go at home at the mo. Today, however, I'm in the office and actually taking a lunch break (bliss) and taking the time to write this little post, as well as having a bit of doodle ...some number brooch designs for the birthday numbers that I always seem to miss (7, 8, 9 & 10 if you're interested). 7, 9 and 10 are sorted so I'll work on 8 another day.
I hope all is well with you and yours! Try not to let the damp dampen your spirits - we'll soon be having those glorious bright, crisp Autumn days that are so good for the spirits.
Tata for now
x
*I've asterixed this because 'Vintage Shop' simply doesn't do it justice...it is so much more. A champion of recycling, handmade, learning new crafty skills as well as doing all of it for a very worthy cause indeed...Rachelle at Ted and Agnes did a great post on it over here if you want a little more info. It is a lovely blog to so why not stay around there a while and have a good read?
