crazy chick

I like to send my God Daughters something for Easter that isn't chocolate and usually I use this as an opportunity for a DIY gift. This year I've been aware that Easter is creeping up but I was stuck for ideas and running out of time until I picked up the latest issue of Selvedge. Here I came across Tamar Morgendorff's Easter Chick 'How To'. I love, love, love her stuff; her bird boxes were the inspiration behind this Bird Cafe I made a while back. So I was thrilled to be given a few tips on how to create a chick her way.

It wasn't as quick and easy I as expected, there's talent in creating that rustic look effectively so my girly pink versions will be the craziest Easter Chicks my God Daughters have ever seen!

bird creation

The problem is I never get time to blow my own trumpet!

Inspired by an article on birds in an old Selvedege edition I was trying to create a bird box along the lines of Tamar Morgendorff (love the stuff). It was a present for my mum so I was trying to link it to her bedroom by using some scraps of her curtain material to make the little birds.

And whilst on the subject of birds I've been collecting various birdie things recently including this Petra Boase t-shirt (baby wouldn't stay still!)


and this lovely metal bird made in India, it even chirps when you squeeze it

made by jo

I think I mentioned that Jo and I have gone a bit bird mad lately! well I had to show you one of Jo's creations , (she never blows her own trumpet!) Anyway we were having our friday morning stitch and bitch and Jo was making these tiny birds for another project, while I was on the phone she made me this gorgeous tiny brooch.

As you can see the freecycle typewriter is still being put to good use with the labels. The bird stamps are by cavellini who produce some lovely sets they are available in the uk here at papernation (a lovely on line stationery store brought to my attention by tara from aquamarine - a very talented artist.)

inspired by... birdies

I have been working on the launch of my childrens range for a shamefully long time, all of the designs are done, I just can't seem to get around to photographing it! anyway a design motif I seem to keep coming back to is birds. Ever since I went to San Francisco 4 years ago I have had a mini obsession with quirky bird and birdcages! And they are popping up everywhere in my work from Christmas decs to kids wallpaper.

I LOVE the idea of this cake from martha stewart, I think you could adapt the idea of this into a really cool kids party cake or a stylish wedding cake, its such a simple idea - less is more!

I also really like these bird stamp cards, I have got lots of lovely bird stamps - i wish we could get the martha ones over here in the uk, (again I lament the lack of a store like papersource over here!)
Anyway as this bird obsession shows no sign of abating I was super excited when the new prema arts brochure dropped through my door, and lo and behold a lovely outing opportunity for Jo and I. The fabulous artist Abigail Brown is doing an exhibition at Prema in November.

For those of you who are London based she is also doing a craft fair in Clapham this weekend see her blog for details - its at an intriguing sounding venue called the papered parlour

Anyway for thise of you who aren't Glos or London based here is a taster of Abigails amazing talent.

I love these beauties in the vintage match boxes.

Abigail also makes delightful bird and butterfly brooches, now with a birthday rapidly approaching................ (I wonder if he's reading this!!!!!!)

birdies

i seem to be drawn to birdie images at the moment - i am seeing them everywhere, I know birds are an 'on trend image' (I hate that term it reminds me of my days in retail!!) Anyway I happened accross this on one of my favourite reads ohdeedoh - a supernice kids design blog - but uber slick.
anyway I rather thought that there was endless milage in the idea of these little fake budgies being attached to things - I would probably go more chandelier and less drum shade in shape, but a lovely fun idea for a kids room - or i am also thinking christmas too (i know its not even july yet!!!)by the way our friend in cirencester - lexi loves.... sells allsorts of birdies and butterflies. they are also widely available online.