Final Picture for Teaching Staff

Max has had a great year this year. This picture is the last of three that I made and I think it came out really well. I am toying with making more of these - I just want to get the borders a bit more professional before I start selling them.

Cross-Stitcher Project

I bought the latest issue of Cross Stitcher today and in it was a project on ribbon roses. I didn't have any ribbon 4mm or less in width and I noticed that they also suggested using cross-stitch floss. So, I gave it a go, which made me then think of ways to expand on it and make a picture. I am so pleased with the end result that it is going to be a picture for the TA in Max's class who has spent a huge amount of time with him this year.

The embroidery was so quick to do and would look as beautiful with just the roses, put onto a card. I am definitely going to investigate this avenue more...

This bracelet has been adapted from a necklace pattern by Jill Devon at The Bead Merchant. I decided to make it into a bracelet as the necklace was too 'blingy' for my taste. The sparkle comes from 6 Swarovski 12mm rivolis and catches the eye beautifully. It is a statement piece that can be worn during the day or night.

This cross-stitch was adapted from a 'Clip-art' picture that came with our pc. I made it for Max but took ages to get around to putting it in a frame. I decided to get it sorted for him, but the only frame that I had in the house had broken glass. So, the picture does not have any glass protection, but Max is chuffed to bits with it!

A New Idea

This is an A6 picture that I have made and I intend to frame it. I am hoping to produce a line of them, all unique, for sale on Folksy or some such site. I know it isn't art per se, but it does look cute and I was thinking of selling them, frameless, for £3.99. Comments would be appreciated!

Framed Picture

Here is the multi-media picture that I blogged about a few weeks ago. I have mounted it on some thick watercolour card and put it in a lovely frame that I bought in The Range. I think it looks lovely now it is all finished and really hope that my friend likes it as much as I do when I give it to her.

Ooh, Super Macro Setting!

Super-whizzy! Some plants from my garden and a reeeaally close close-up of some beading I am currently working on.

Sascalia

I tend to browse the 'buy' section of Folksy as I love to buy handmade presents for people I love. When looking, I see so many things that I would love to have. One of my favourite makers is Brigantia Designs, who make fab handbags - I had one on my Christmas Wish List, but should perhaps have been more vocal as Santa didn't bring it. This picture is another one that grabbed my attention. It is by Sascalia and I just love it. This is the information on the piece for sale:

`Letting go' was created as a mixed media collage painting using collage papers, ink, acrylic paint and watercoulor pencils. This listing is for a print of my mixed media painting. The image size is 10.5" by 13" on a paper sized 11.5" by 16"(A3). The image is printed onto a heavyweight satin archival grade paper with archival grade fade resistant inks. Print will come to you signed and dated on the back.

Take a look at Folksy - there is a wealth of talent on there...

'Art' Picture

I had to do some craft work for my C&G course the other week and one of the pieces made me want to go further with it. So today I decided to have a go at making a picture using the same methods. This is how I did it:

• Paint background in various shades of acrylic paints
• Stick torn strips of printer paper on to the background and colour wash them too
• Stick on patches of fibrous, handmade (not by me!) paper and ensure that the edges are washed over with glue, to make sure that they stick down
• While glue is still wet, sprinkle embossing powder over and heat
• Bead a multi-coloured heart using 11 ° beads and stick to picture
• Drizzle diamond glaze in interesting squiggle shapes and sprinkle a light dusting of glitter on them
• Use a glitter glue to make blobs and drag these into points with an embossing tool
• Stamp a swirly pattern around the edge of the picture

I love the finished effect and am now deciding what to do with it. I think I will get a professional mount cut and then frame it.

Altered Present for Friend

I wasn't happy with the cross-stitch I had done for my friend because the threads were visible behind the Aida fabric. So, I pulled it apart and cut all the threads off - which meant that it needed re-mounting. I am much happier with this look as it is more subtle. The peacock pattern was lovely to stitch - really quick and easy, which always makes me happy!

Birthday Present for Friend

I never know what to get my friends. They all seem to appreciate the personal touch, so I made a cross-stitch picture for her. The photo is not the best as it is dark - and if you look very carefully, you can see my reflection! The flowers are by Prima.