Friday 31 October 2014

TOAST and Cushion

Afternoon all....

Some exciting news just in, my items are going to be gracing a shop! And not just any shop, oh no, this is a company in Leek, Staffordshire called TOAST, you may have heard of them before, TOAST stands for Totally Original Artisans Staffordshire. I was introduced to them by a friend, I have been in contact and have just posted a box of my items off to them this morning...it's all very exciting.



Click TOAST and it will take you to their website, this is their Twitter and this is their Facebook.

And for my latest item:


Another of my Freehand Machine Embroidery projects, this cushion is made using cream Calico, it has an envelope back, it has three flowers with stems and a leaf and there are two tiny birds flying in the distance too. It is 16" x 16" and has a polyester pillow form inside.

This is a cushion that would compliment many areas of your home and help to give it that homely feeling, it would also make a great gift...I love it. How about you? This one will be going to my next fair.

That's all for today, remember to leave a comment if you like of visit my Facebook page.

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Saturday 25 October 2014

New Items

Evening all,

Just a quick one to let you know off some of my latest projects...

First up, a Freehand Machine Embroidery Needle Case:


I really love using my machine for this tequnique and this little needle book was great fun to design and make. It is made using calico and cotton materials, it has two felt interiors for needles and pins and has a spotty ribbon to tie. So cute! It would grace any sewing kit.

Next up, this Patchwork Throw Cushion:


Although the lighting is not too brilliant in this (just wanted to show you!) you get the idea. It is made using fabulous upholstery materials, and it is embellished with crochet lace and buttons. It has an envelope back with two buttons to close and measures approximately 15" x 16". I really like the choice of materials as not only is it heard wearing, the colours are nuetral so it will go in many rooms. It can be used on a sofa, a chair or a bed, you choose!

Third in line, a cute and colourful Jewellery Roll:


This is an item I have been asked about many times and I have finally got around to designing one. This has a clear pocket on the left with a zip to keep bits and bobs you can see quickly, a middle section to hold your rings and on the left is a section to attach necklaces and little pockets to hold the pendants, so they stay untangled. It can then be rolled up and secured with the ribbon or folded in three - it's your choice.

And finally for today these Fancy Pegs:


Have you ever heard of Washi-Tape? Thats is what these pegs have been decorated with. It is such a versatile material that it can be used on almost anything. They are all different, they are wood pegs with metal springs and they are all adorned with a tiny bow. These pegs can of course be used for your laundry, but they are most suited for craft pojects and notice boards. You like?

So what do you think? Most of these items are in my Etsy Store and will be exhibited at my Craft Fairs. You can keep up to date with Fairs I will be attending on my Facebook Page, please check it out.

Leave me a comment if you wish, I would love to hear what you thing. Thanks for reading.
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Thursday 2 October 2014

And oh yeah...

I finished this today (I made 5 of them actually):


A Mini Christmas Bag! It is made using a printed PVC material, like a laminated cotton and stands approximately 9" tall by 8" wide with handles about 7" high, with the cutest robins and Christmas puddings!

I designed this with the thought in mind that it can be used as a gift bag to hold Christmas presents - a gift bag that can be re-used, or as a bag for children, or even as a shopping bag for someone of any age!

I just fell in love with the material and knew I had to do something with it... Do you like it? Please let me know your thoughts. :)

Have a great day,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Wednesday 1 October 2014

I have been busy!

Evening all...

I have been busy! Apart from exhibiting at a billion fairs recently, most of which I forgot to advertise on Facebook but there you go, I have been working really hard thinking up, designing and making the following items, I hope you like them:


Christmas Reindeer Cushion

Yes, I know, but it is only 81 (ish) days away! ARGH! Sorry. Anyway... I haven't made cushions before and so I thought I'd just experiment a little and I am really happy with the result! The material is cream cotton and the decoration is made of felt, beads and gold thread but the best bit is that it is made using freehand machine embroidery. I am really into that at the moment...more in a future blog.

Next up:

Hand Made Lavender Bags

As the title suggest, hand made lavender bags! These are made of a satin/silk material and filled with French lavender heads and closed with a beautiful lavender coloured ribbon. These are a true classic and always sell well at the fairs.


Pink Heart Divided Purse

Strawberries Divided Purse

Yet again the titles should say it all but to add to that, they have cute little aplique felt pictures on the front, they each have seperate pockets that fit cards and cash as well as mobile phones and so they are pretty, versatile and durable. Plus with an added keyring they are even more inviting.

And next we have...:

The Reversible Mini Shopping Bag

This is such a cute little bag that is made of strong canvas materials that has no pockets or closures that get in the way making it perfect for reversing. I only made a couple but one sold on the first fair they went out at.

You still with me? There's more:

Country Kitchen Print Tissue Box Cover (and tissues)

Olive and Black Tissue Box Cover (also with tissues!)

These are something I have been wanting to make for quite some time and get asked for the most, I had just never tackled them - until recently. They actually took me a long time (and multiple efforts) to make them to fit and each have ribbons underneath to tie around the base of the box.

And finally...

Upcycled and Vintage Beige Shpping Bag

This is one of my favorites that I have earmarked for me - I have said that if it has not sold by Christmas, I am keeping it myself! The material is a hesian/calico/muslin type (found at a market), the handle is an old leather belt, the doily is from a vintage shop in Bakewell that I have decorated with vintage beads and the metal findings came from an old leather rucksack that had seen better days. I made it with a cream lining and a hanging internal pocket that fits a mobile phone or cards/money, the belt adjusts to any length you like and it has a magnetic snap to close. I LOVE this, if I do say so myself...

You will find these items in the Etsy Store soon or if not, pop along to a fair I will be exhibiting at. I promise to try and keep my Facebook page up to date for these...

Thanks for reading, leave me a comment if you wish :)

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014