Paper cut bird card

I posted a photo of this in my last post but thought I'd give a teeny how to, in case anyone else fancies a do.

I was massively inspired by a beautiful paper cut bird mobile in the Made In Paper* magazine, that I bought in Durham on our Easter weekend getaway. I never seem to end up following tutorials through but, instead, poddle off down my own creative track.

I traced the basic design of a bird I'd previously doodled, onto some thick white paper. I then cut out bits n bobs that I thought may look pretty, whilst trying very hard not to tear it, and correcting any tears/whoopsies with a smidge more cutting ;)

I liked the idea of a contrasting paper behind the birdy in order to show off the cuts...this lead to my gluing said chirper to a bit of black card, then cutting around the bird shape. Then the urge to doodle was too strong so I *had* to add the white dots in the gaps - I know, I need to control these urges but hey, I like the little dotty additions.

At this point I had intended to string him up but I changed my mind and stuck him on a card with some foam tape to lift him a little and give him the elevated position he deserves. A bit of text later and there we have it, a cheery, chirpy birthday card for my beloved god mum!

*This is my favourite crafty mag I've bought by far - ever! But I do love paper & have always loved paper...it's quite steep at £7:99 but, truly, it is more of a large paperback book - so many beautiful projects to try. Not much in the way of non-girly/flowery designs but...you could apply the knowledge learned, to your own ideas & schemes. I plan on trying out many more of the projects in my play time...pretty pom poms & bunting for a party perhaps? I luffs it & have been found stroking the cover before now.

Thanks for popping by!
Sarah
x

Easter roundup thus far

Hello!

We're into week two of the Easter fortnight here in North Yorkshire and it's fairly flying by in a flurry of overnight stays; work; chilly walks; trying out my new/old bike; crafty mags; wonderful old doors; Spring swap treats & family time.

Here is a photographic round up thus far...

snow day

morning!

a boat load of snow fell overnight so we are all at home today - thankfully I had the good sense to stop on the way back from work yesterday, for essentials such as hot cross buns and a bottle of fizz, so all is not lost ;)

currently the boy is downstairs on the PS3, texting his pals to see what they're doing today and the mister is still snugged up in bed - I foolishly left my alarm set, even though I knew we were going nowhere as George has been off school sick this week. I tried to doze back off but my brain had others ideas - it fired into action, shooting images of all the things I could make and draw like a slideshow of handmade colour bursts and that was me sold! Here I am in my little room (hovel) drawing, blogging, supping tea and planning. I love planning and plotting...two of my all time favourite things to do.

I've been playing with ink and watercolours recently

I have a wonderful commission to get on with, for an equally wonderful friend...some whimsical Easter decoration ideas and I quite fancy making a few more of these darling little chicks from the Myrtle & Eunice tutorial...they are so utterly dinky, and perfect for keeping your hands busy whilst your eyes oggle the tellybox - you should really give them a go!

tutorial is here

Sarah

x

draw, draw and draw some more

Good morning!

how are you today and what are you up to?
I am finally listing some new brooch designs I've been working on over the past couple of months! As mentioned in my previous post, I have been drawing (a lot) in order to perfect my style and technique. I'm getting there and am really chuffed with the results...and even more chuffed with the response they've been getting on my Facebook page and on my Instagram account.

click here to view it in my Etsy shop

I had already listed my new wooden pendants - I really love how these have turned out...the rustic feel to the slices of windfall branches as well as the beautifully smooth birch rounds. I have a black and white rustic version on at the moment and it is my current 'go to' accessory as it happily sits on most of my tops and dresses. It is also wonderfully light to wear...I have lots of pendants (magpie!) but find some of them aren't suited to everyday wear due to their weight and the pull on my neck. Thankfully, this is no longer a problem and I can accessorise at will ;)

click here to view it in my Etsy shop

Today is all about word brooches and heart garden brooches - little birch hearts, decorated with paint and then hand drawn on with ink using my dad's old dip pens. My dad was a talented artist and I'm delighted that I am able to use some of his tools in my endeavours...I love the feeling of continuity. I also love that George often wanders in to ask if he can play with my pens whilst I'm working.

So that's me!
I hope you like the new designs and rest assured, more will be on their way in to shop as I beaver away with my inks.

For now, I'll leave you with some images of my drawing practice and the brooches & pendants.
Have a great day!
x

I'm still here!

Hello there and a happy, glorious, sunshiney Monday to you!

I wanted to pop in to say hi, and to let you know that I am still here ;)

I've been busy beavering away on designs to build up a stock that, with a bit of pc practice and a following wind, I can use to create all sorts of printed delights. An arty arsenal, as I keep referring to it.

This is taking a whole lot of time and patience (not something I'm renowned for if I'm honest - I'm more of an instant gratification kind of gal) but I am determined to CULTIVATE my skills so am persevering.

In the meantime, here's a sneaky peek of a few hand-drawn creations, as well as some rather fabulous sky doodles!

Have a great day!
Sarah
x

Lesson learned and a positive

Morning!

Spent hours working on this last night only to finish it and realise it is *far* too busy. Hmph.

Two things to take from this though...
1. Lesson learned &
2. I've got a few more patterns in my arty arsenal.

I wonder what we will learn this wintry Monday?

Have a good one!
x

today's nails

Blood Orange Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint by BarryM ~ BAM! it packs an ultra shiny punch!

nb base coat of Nail Magic, one coat Blood Orange and Revlon Top Coat