Mapage

Hello :)

So i spent the whole day yesterday sifting through a vintage world atlas that my mum found for me. There are some amazing things in it and I couldn't help but recycle the pages into something new and use-able!

The first two pictures feature the recycled map 'star book' - perfect to use as a travel journal/notebook/sketchbook. The inside paper has been folded using traditional origami methods :) Two online at the moment - Switzerland & South East Asia. The bottom picture shows small pocket notebooks with maps as the covers - bound with hemp string. Available in sets of 4! You can find them in my Etsy shop :)

My mind is going mental with new things to make so I'm off to go and craft it up!
What is everyone crafting today?

xx

Re-discovered

So i came across some pictures from a project I did at University. The project involved myself, a crochet hook, a LOAD of wool. i transformed a part of my town at the time (Totnes) that was usually rather bleak and sad into a space full of colour and happiness!


Take a look...

Finding these pictures has given me so much inspiration and new ideas for my work. It's strange what can set you imagination going...
I've just started reading The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin and what an amazing book! Just holding it feels inspirational. It really has got the creativity in me flowing. I'm moving forwards but looking back at what things I have done or have forgotten about...

Anyways. I hope you're all having a lovely crafty Monday :)

xo

Markets & Making!

Hey hello!

Well I've had a busy few weeks. Quit one job and then got another within the company I work for! I'm very excited to start! The new role means that I no longer will have to work weekends which means more markets for me!
I did my first market stall a couple of weeks ago. It went ok, I made my money back and a bit more. But the market was really quiet and it was charged on the door which I think put people off buying much - a few other stall holders felt the same. Buttt! An experience all the same. I am not disheartened - I am eager to try some different markets out!

 

 

NEW ITEM!

Vintage BEANO comic book - large sketchbook!

Off to have a crafty afternoon! :)

xo

Bookbinding and sunshine !!

Ahoy!

I've said it before, i'll say it again... I'll try and blog more. I've actually got some exciting news... I'm currently working my notice at one of the jobs I have.. Although I'll still be working two days a week as a receptionist - i'll have 5 whole days to make and think and plan! A small step in the direction of becoming a freelance artist! 

I've been busy busy making things for a market I've got a stall at on the 7th May. It's at The Southbank Centre in Bristol and is being hosted by Bristol's Magpie Markets. View the facebook event page here.

 

 These are just some of the things I've been working on - stationery set. Includes 1 coptic bound journal/sketchbook, 1 soft pocket notebook, 2 mini handmade envelopes and 1 Japanese star book!

I also have been building up my collection of vintage game pieces - the sketchbooks below are made from vintage  PO-KENO cards and vintage flash cards.

 

 I've mainly been making things for the market on Saturday so I haven't done much of designing anything new - just making and making using materials I've got. Before I got quite busy with the market I made a couple of dvd/cd folios. The style I've done them in and the materials I've used make them very much for a wedding or ceremony of some sort. I'm thinking that the whole wedding scene will be quite a good thing to get into. It would also mean a lot of custom making which I love. 

I'll post some pictures of the wedding line i'm creating soon... :)

Have a lovely Tuesday!

xx

  

Sun!

I feel like I have been a bad bad blogger! I've been doing extra shifts at work recently so haven't had the time. I have a bit more free time in the next few weeks so hopefully I'll be on here a bit more...

I've set myself a task. One book a day. At least. I know i could do a lot more, even in the small amount of time I have when I'm not working. The actual sewing doesn't take a particularly long amount of time. It's just the case of folding, cutting, punching holes. I think I have more than enough different books and stationary to do a market stall. Now its just preparing price tags, table cloths and working out what I am going to use to display it all! I think a gander around some markets and small shops will help me decide what the best way to display everything is.

I've been experimenting with different materials recently, working out what I can recycle and use for my books and I am currently designing a range of wedding stationary. Guest books, cd/dvd folios etc...


I have the entire weekend off and the weather in Bristol has been amazing the past week so hopefully me and my cat can sit in the garden in the sun and I can make books all day! Ahhhhh. Wouldn't that be just peachy?


I haven't had the time to take pictures of some of the new stuff I've been making. As soon as I get the chance I'll post them on here :)




Have a lovely weekend!


xo

!!!

Wellllll! I've spent most of today applying to be a trader at some of the summer festivals. Sidmouth Folk Week & Secret Garden Party. I have a feeling I left it a little late to be doing it this year as the deadlines are very close but oh well, it gives me good practice for next year when I'll applying to sell all over the place! It's all very exciting. And my business cards have arrived (i'll post some pictures of them when I get the chance as they are dead good!) and I have near enough everything I need to send stuff out in the post. It's just a case now of making making making before my first market stall. Eeeeek.

I am planning a trip away somewhere - anywhere - so that I can finally have an excuse to get my holga out. I'm interested in making prints from my pictures and using them to create a new line of books. I'm not sure how well it will work out but I'll give it a go! I work best when I have a theme to work from so I need to go somewhere, where my theme will fit in. I'm thinking something around - signage/old/left behind/decaying. I'll have a think about it...

I'm really up for collaborating with different artists and using prints (or originals) of their paintings/drawings/sketches. So if there's anyone out there who is up for it please do get in touch. 


Bit of a rant, apologies.

Taaa xo

INSPIRATIONS...

Brighton! Ahh, a vintage mecca! So many amazing vintage shops, thrift shops & flea markets I was spoilt for choice. There was so much that I wanted that I ended up picking up only one thing. - A collection of vintage BEANO comics. They are in amazing vintage condition & they have really inspired me.

They are small books, measuring 4" square! But with 60 pages of thick artist drawing paper they feel and look quite chunky. Hopefully be in my Etsy shop soon! :)

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I've also managed to find the time to take loads of pictures of some of the things I have been making. Now that I've got that out the way I can finally start listing my stuff. I've got business cards (mini cards off moo.com) that should arrive in the next day or so, so now I need to fill my market application form out and send it off. I've been looking into different craft markets/fairs around the South West and there are a lot coming up. My aim is to have much more free time (....!!!) by the summer and do as many craft markets as possible...