Take a seat...The Little Book of Chairs

It's been a long time since I posted a blog.  A long list of excuses covering everything from bereavement to redundancy and mid-life crisis could be legitimately used to explain my absence, but rather than bore you with the details, I'll simply ask you to accept my apologies, and sit back and relax to enjoy the latest posting, which looks at my latest project - on the theme of...chairs.

I'm no antiques expert, but I've always loved those old-fashioned, button-back chairs in leather or velvet.  To me, they are like works of art, extolling the virtues of craftsmanship and skill belonging to another age.

Partly inspired by a similar chair, which takes pride of place in our living room, and partly inspired by some wonderful black and white illustrations found on the 'Graphics Fairy' website, I decided to create a memento dedicated to the beauty of the button back chair in the form of an accordion picture book.

I wanted to convey the sumptuousness and elegance of this style of seating, and originally, had plans to house the book in a mock, padded chair-type structure.  I even created a padded piece covered in leather and upholstery tacks, but wasn't overly keen on the effect.

As so often happens during the creative process, the original ideas don't always materialise in the way that they appear in your mind.  I'd bought some beautiful covering paper from a bookbinders in Halifax a few years ago, which had a mottled, wood-effect design, and with this in mind, I made a small slipcase in which to house the concertina and covered it with the paper.  I kind of liked it as it was and decided against any more additional touches.

Thanks for reading.  Until next time, bye for now!
x

The creative muse

Apologies for lack of recent blogging activity.  Life really does get in the way sometimes.  I've been working hard on an indexing project which is a little out of my comfort zone, and has stretched me to the limit.  In addition, I've spent time caring for my mother who has terminal cancer - a challenge of even greater proportions.

Both commitments have left little time for creative endeavours, but I did manage to submit an entry into the exhibition 'Rain', held at the Funky Aardvark in Chester (my first ever exhibit!), as well as completing a number of mini notebooks for the Funky Aardvark shop.  In addition, I've had a few commissions to work on which have presented their own unique challenges.  Having never received any formal arts training, or even remotely considered myself an artist, I found it terrifying to be confronted with a blank canvas (in book form), and told to "express my personality" on the cover.  Feeling far from creative, possibly as a result of worrying about my mum, amongst other things, and knowing little about my client's taste, I lay awake over several nights, worrying about the result of the project, the deadline for which was growing ever nearer, and eventually produced a notebook which was adequate, but hardly inspired.  Thankfully the gentleman who had requested the commission was understanding of my situation, and was happy enough with the result, but I had a definite feeling of what I can only describe as 'incompleteness' (is that even a word?) with the results of my efforts.

Since then, I've managed to fire myself up a bit more, and have indulged my passion for fine bindings, artists' books and the like, and the ideas and inspiration have been a bit more forthcoming.  But the whole experience has brought into sharp focus just how elusive the creative muse can be at times, and how much simpler it would be if we could turn it on and off like a tap.

As an example, as I walked my mum's dogs this morning across the fields in the heart of rural Worcestershire (about as far removed from my urban Manchester home as you can get), although feeling tired and anxious from worry and lack of sleep, the sun was shining, and as my eight year-old daughter ran amongst the tall grasses ahead of me, the sight of her tomato red cardigan contrasting with the fresh green of the grass was truly beautiful and inspiring.  I then noticed the plants and living things around me, and immediately began to feel more alive.  Sometimes it really is just the simple things that make a difference....

Until next time...happy creating!

Abstract-style bindings

My latest collection of mini notebooks features bright colours, bold abstract shapes, and a touch of gold tooling.  Having long been inspired by the work of many designer bookbinders, I began experimenting with inlays and gold tooling, using not leather but skivertex - a book covering material which has the appearance of leather, but is much finer, and is available in some amazing colours and finishes.

The notebooks are smaller than usual, the bookblocks sewn using French stitching with brightly coloured endpapers and skivertex covers.  Each design features random shapes which have been cut out in greyboard, and imprinted onto the book's covers in order to create a recess.  Into these recesses have been glued coloured pieces of skivertex.  Other books have been created by overlaying a handmade stencil over the cover in order to let the background colours show through.

In addition I've added some gold tooling (well, copper tooling actually), just to give them a bit of bling.  I've enjoyed making these books - I love the bright colours, abstract shapes, and I've been happy with the way the whole effect has come together.

The Designer Bookbinders website has some fabulous examples of abstract-style bindings, and I have included a few of my favourites here.  I would love to be able to produce work to this standard one day...

Binding by Jeanette Koch

Binding by Lester Capon

 Binding by Derek Hood

There are also a few gems out there on Etsy which I discovered whilst researching this post:

This coptic bound notebook by TheGiftShed was inspired by a greetings card.  The bright colours and shapes were a key feature, and resulted in this beautiful book.

This notebook by TheMojaveRose features another wonderful abstract design using bold shapes and colours.  The design has been finished with an acrylic medium which gives it extra flexibility and protection.

Hope you've enjoyed this post.  Until next time, have fun!

The notepad clutch

Having long been inspired by vintage fashion and design, I wanted to create a product which would pay homage to the various vintage styles, and which would exude the effortless elegance of previous eras.  My latest creations took their inspiration from vintage clutch bags, particularly those of the 1950s and 60s, and I wanted to inject a little glamour into the office or the boardroom, with these notepad holders.

Basing my designs on the different styles associated with Hollywood stars, each product has been given its own name in an attempt to inject a little character into each design.

Firstly, the 'Audrey' notepad holder takes its inspiration from its namesake Audrey Hepburn.

 

Audrey style - classic, sophisticated

 
Covered in black, mock crocodile-effect fabric, the vibe is classic and sophisticated.  Features of the design include a notepad insert (to hold a 8 x 5 inch notepad), a business card holder, and two silver buckles to keep the notepad closed.  My favourite feature has to be the small vanity mirror, discretely hidden by a small flap - perfect for touching up your lippy before heading into the meeting.

 


Other products in this range follow a similar pattern, although the features of each item differ ever so slightly.

The 'Grace' notepad holder attempts to emulate the cool, classic elegance of Grace Kelly, and has a gold casing,with the front cover wrapped in black lace, and a black silk ribbon and diamante slider closure.

There are other designs in the pipeline, including a 1920s flapper-inspired design, complete with gold fringing - a nod to the growing trend of Gatsby-inspired products available right now.

My Etsy selections this week are taken from the vast range of vintage sellers.  There were so many wonderful items to choose from, but I've narrowed my favourites down, using the themes of 'mock croc' and lace.

I love these two imitation crocodile skin handbags from ItsVintageIndeed and EclecticShop.  They're such classic designs, timeless and elegant.

Going with the lace theme, here's two of my personal favourites:

I love this1950s black and beige handbag in black lace from EmbraceLace and, this item from TrulyVintageUK.  Although not strictly lace, I love the design and the intricate beaded pattern.

Until next time, have fun!

Stocking fillers

It's that time of year again.  Christmas is fast approaching, and I've been frantically trying to add stock to my Etsy shop.  My latest additions are these mini notebooks made from recycled wallpaper!

There are some amazing wallpaper designs to be found these days, and these are just a few examples of some designs that caught my eye.  The books are comprised of a single signature of around 10 folded pages which are then attached to the wallpaper samples which have been stiffened with gold or silver card.  The finishing touch is to round the corners, and then add a few beads to the spine in contrasting or toning colours.

I'm quite happy with the results.  I love the deep pink flowers against the black background on this one (above left), but I think my favourite is the 'lace-effect wallpaper' used on the notebook in the picture (above right).  I haven't seen this wallpaper before or since making this book, but I just love it.  Amazing things can be created from the most unlikely of objects.  Do you have any crafty recycling tips?  Do share them with me.

Until next time - happy making!

Wear your poppy with pride

Hello everyone on this beautiful Remembrance Sunday.  Only a short post this week - my theme is 'Wear your poppy with pride' - and I've selected some of my favourite wearable poppy-related items from Etsy, this time through an Etsy treasury (my very first attempt at curating one!).  Hope you like it.

My daughter took part in her first ever Remembrance Sunday parade with the Brownies today, and I'm heartbroken that I couldn't be there to see her, but I'm some 200 miles away, helping to care for my mum who has cancer.

Whatever you're doing this Remembrance Sunday, give a thought to the fallen, try to be grateful for what you have, and wear your poppy with pride... Enjoy!

Remember remember...

Hello everyone.  Well, Bonfire night is upon us again, but I have to admit that I'm feeling my age and am in real danger of turning into a grumpy old woman.  The fireworks just seem TOO LOUD!  Or is it just me?  My childhood memories of Bonfire Night consist mainly of watching Catherine wheels spinning round, before dangerously flying off  the garage wall, to which they were supposed to be firmly attached, of making patterns with sprinklers, held tightly in mitten-gloved hands, and of (rather tame) rocket fireworks being lit on our lawn, having spent the previous few weeks in the requisite tin box.

Nowadays, in the age of increased health and safety awareness, I suspect most firework demonstrations are of the professional, 'properly organised' variety.  (Images of my dad going back to check on an improperly lit firework, embedded in a pile of sand springs to my mind).  But with organised firework displays increasingly being the norm, the fireworks seem to be bigger and louder, and seem to go on well before AND after Bonfire Night (see - 'Grumpy old woman' status has definitely kicked in).

But, in spite of all this, Bonfire Night still makes me feel nostalgic, and makes me feel as though Winter (my favourite season) has truly begun.  It's the combination of the cold night air on your face, whilst being wrapped up in your warm winter clothes, and enjoying the spectacle of light against the night sky...if only it wasn't so noisy! 

So, embracing the spectacle and tradition which is Bonfire Night, here's my selection of fireworks and Guy Fawkes-themed goodies from Etsy.

Guy Fawkes Paper Sculpture Kit by MakeNLearn

I love this paper sculpture kit from MakeNLearn, depicting the man without whom none of us would be enjoying the 5th November.  Remarkably effective, quite eerie and educational too.  I think it's a great product.

Firework pendant by somethingtodobeads

                                                               

I love the colours and vibrant feel of this polymer clay        pendant by somethingtodobeads which really conveys the excitement of Bonfire Night.

Black firework arm warmers by SecrettSerendipity

Finally, I love these Black Firework Arm Warmers by SecrettSerendipity.

Beautiful fabric, and a truly novel way to get into the whole Bonfire Night vibe!

However you decide to enjoy Bonfire Night, stay safe and have fun!!
Until next time, have a great week!