the small studio

sketchbook

2009-05-14T10:49:00.002+01:00

sketchbook, originally uploaded by flymissy.

I've been drawing. A lot. But only really small things! It's about the only thing I have time for these days. So, when I have 30 mins in the evening before I crash and burn, I take out the propelling pencil (or whatever I can find quietly) and see who wants to meet me. I've been finding some lovely little characters that I can't wait to work with soon.

I'm think of turning them 3D, papier mache style. Will have to wait sometime for that though and it's beginning to make me ache!

after felting

2009-05-01T21:26:00.004+01:00

after felting, originally uploaded by flymissy.

This yarn is beautiful! Chartreuse green with mustard yellow, the colour really zings! Added to which is 100% alpaca which makes it so easy one the hands. Not in a million would I treat myself to such a lovely yarn but thankfully there are lovely people out there who are willing to share their goodness - thank you Anna for the wonderful gifts : )

This isn't stiff enough, with these proportions, to use alone but I'm loath to back it with anything. It's large enough to wear as a bangle which is a great accessory when you have a baby - they can safely get their teeth into it! That wasn't really the idea though when I started crocheting. Will see where the mood takes me with this one, as usual. So, still a WIP!

I love u

2009-04-18T09:59:00.003+01:00

, originally uploaded by flymissy.

There's a baby on my lap as I type...

Apologies for not blogging in so long but there's been no time for either the internet or crafting. Well, not much anyhow! Only able to get online now as the daughter has gone off to the cinema with Mr Flymissy.

I have managed to make a little something for easter and will blog it next, when I have a moment to photograph it : ) Hope you like the image, please click on it to get to flickr for the story.

See you soon hopefully!

turquoise

2009-02-23T10:55:00.002Z

turquoise, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Sorry about the lack of blogging but it turns out that having a 2 year old potty training and a baby that's trying to sleep over all the noise and failing is a little time consuming! Who'd have thought it?!

There has been exactly NO time to craft/make/draw and I'm beginning to feel like I'm turning inside out from the lack of creativity. I don't manage to get online much either at the moment and the time I do get I'm uploading family pics to flickr in the hope that I don't get too far behind and forget where we were when they were taken. That said, we are all well, can pay the bills (just) and the car still works. All's good here : ) How are you?

gardening

2009-01-30T12:32:00.001Z

gardening, originally uploaded by flymissy.

It's COLD outside!

So then, we decided to do a spot of gardening inside, naturally! Of course I had to persuade the daughter to get outside (not difficult) to choose some appropriate leaves and such quickly (more difficult) before we froze our butts off.

For those with kids or just the will to have a go all you need is a little plastic tray such as those you get mushrooms in a little soil and a trip out into the wilderness. Or how about just a walk to the corner shop? I think we'll make one of these for each season or maybe when we do a special trip out. Of course they don't last longer than a day or so but that's the joy of flickr! If I was really organised I'd start a little set just for the mini gardens in my life : )

made - 2008

2009-01-23T09:55:00.003Z

made - 2008, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Firstly, thank you to everyone here and on flickr who's been kind enough to send me such lovely comments and emails about the birth of Max. And yep, I've missed being online too!

As for this mosaic - what a thoroughly odd bunch of stuff! The year started out with me trying to get etsy off the ground whilst caring for my 1yr old daughter and working full time selling on ebay. It ended with a new addition to the family and a relocation back to our hometown in north Wales! I guess I've been a little bit all over the place in terms of crafting and I guarantee you won't see such a collection in 12 months time. Assuming I get time to make anything now that I have 2 kids, LOL! I was rather frustrated most of the time with the lack of space I have to work. Now we've moved nothing's changed just yet but once we've finished the decorating it should start to improve. With a bit more cash I could get the workshop/studio at the bottom of the garden finished and there'd be no stopping me then! Which reminds me, must buy a lottery ticket...

why I'm not online...

2009-01-19T14:05:00.001Z

smiling, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Here he is in all his windy glory!!! I've used this image for the 'thank you' cards, most of which I've yet to write. He, and his big sister, are keeping me more than busy enough thanks very much so my online time is er, virtually nil at the moment. I'll be back soon though I promise but future posts may be a little short at first whilst I try to find the time to update the blog in line with all the photos I've been taking - I still haven't uploaded some fab Christmas shots - yoi!

oh dear

2008-12-10T19:36:00.002Z

oh dear, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Yep, that'll be my molar filling there and no, that's not food on it, LOL! It's just bits of stuff from my handbag, I promise you. Probably kids rice cakes : )

Bloody Christmas toffees though! That's the second time that's happened to me whilst pregnant although the first time at least I was only a few weeks gone. This time I'm just days away (if not minutes!) and the ruddy thing just fell out with the toffee. Annoyingly, it was immediately after I left the reflexology treatment room feeling all relaxed for the first time in ages too. Bah, humbug!

2 trips to the emergency dental unit, 1 temporary filling and 1 'bit of tooth' extraction later and it's fixed. For about another week when the temp should fully disintegrate then I have to go back for another. Potentially with a newborn - argh!!! 'Quality Street', it's the stuff of nightmares....

Manchester Craft Mafia xmas markets

2008-12-09T09:55:00.001Z

Manchester Craft Mafia xmas markets, originally uploaded by ladyfort.

It's that time of year again, isn't it? For us makers, it's craft market mayhem and for the buyers it's handmade goody buying. The only difficult thing is making sure you part with the wonders you pick up for presents! This is the 2nd year of the Manchester Craft Mafia's Christmas Market this time with a new venue. Much as I'd love to attend I don't think I should stray quite so far from the maternity ward on my due date ; )

Last year was superb though and rather successful for me. Of course, I don't live in Manchester now but that hopefully won't stop me next year. If you're in the vicinity over the weekend make sure you stop by and have a good gander. There's bound to be some unique gift buying going on and certainly an air of the fabulous about it all. I'm quite envious : )

two's company

2008-12-08T20:58:00.003Z

two's company, originally uploaded by flymissy.

I'm not entirely comfortable making up a mosaic that doesn't have a colour theme but here it is! I so love trawling through my old fave's and contact lists looking for these pictures even though it's not a very constructive use of my time, LOL!

There's quite a varied bunch here from crafts to photography via drawings. Mix it up, that's how it should be right? Hmm, maybe I'll just do all pencil drawings next though? Or softies? Or backlit photography? Or how about just sticking to colour (where I'm safe)?

Whichever... hope you like them : )

ball o' wool

2008-12-08T08:58:00.004Z

ball o' wool, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Back to the brooches... I had intended to post a few out in time for Christmas but think I may have missed the international postal dates - oops, sorry! It's partly (entirely!) because I couldn't find any plain buttons to use as 'innards' for these little loves once they were embroidered. Not that I don't have enough buttons they're just packed away too well for now : )

The 'ball o' wool' one has a juice carton top inside that's been padded out with a bit of stuffing. So it's partly recycled too! The linen is, naturally, a recycled bit of fabric from somewhere I can't remember already ; ) And the backing felt was from a thrifted little kiddies felt set - already cut into neat circles for me so I couldn't resist the easy route. That said, I really like the overlappy bits!

The other 2 (sorry but you'll have to visit my flickr for the other pics!) simply have a little cardboard in to stiffen although it scares me silly that it'll get wet. Don't know if I've got the nerve to make them that way again. The board was cut from the base of an apple carton, hmm can't really explain the shape I mean but they're kinda dish shaped so I didn't have to pad them out. I had originally cut them from the packaging to make a mobile. Another WIP never quite realised! One day, I'll get them all into a big box and finish them one by one. Possibly...

Have a super week, hopefully be back soon but who knows with a bump this big!

You'd think I was a big girl with all this pink, right?

2008-12-06T19:21:00.002Z

'tis up, originally uploaded by flymissy.

As I got it out of the box I was a little bit nervous that it was too big - I'd forgotten just how enormous it was! About 7ft high and 4ft across (we've bent the bottom bits in a bit though). And er, it's so pink too!

I snapped it up as an ex-display model for a bargain but then had to carry it back to the car some distance, including over a footbridge. What I didn't know at the time was that I was pregnant with Frankie and I couldn't understand why I was so exhausted by the process - I was usually pretty strong! All became clear of course but the tree never found it's way out of the loft until we moved.

I'm glad I bothered of course even though it clashes with the sofa - you just can't match pinks ; )

pink circles

2008-12-04T19:49:00.002Z

pink circles, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Ooops, forgot to blog this lovely mosaic! It's only a tiddler but so very pretty : ) I actually did a search for 'pink baubles' and found an old photo of mine so decided to include that too - the only bauble that fitted but I guess that's because it came from the same brain space, LOL! Am I making any sense or is it time to go?

Hope this cheers you up anyhow, should you need it : )

Manon

2008-12-02T10:43:00.003Z

Manon, originally uploaded by flymissy.

For those of you (ie, probably everyone reading this) not familiar with the Welsh language 'Manon' is a girls name : ) No, not the baby I'm waiting for - he's definitely still inside! She, however, was a little tinker and kept her ma waiting sometime before popping out really nicely in the birthing pool. I had a text to say she was on her way and tried to make this little creature for her while she was being born but actually, she was faster than I was!

Made with left over yarns and bits of felt (all unused those, naturally) and new stuffing. She also has the ubiquitous name tag only I couldn't fit it on her hip like the others so hers is on her bottom : ) I just made up the shape as I went and I'm not sure if it works. It might be better suited as a weapon perhaps, LOL!

And yes, this little thing has some rather fluffy bits, maybe too much so for such a little bairn but I was so inspired by the bright, fluffy creations of eanie meanie on flickr although mine's much more simple and not nearly as fabulous of course!

peepo!

2008-11-28T13:32:00.004Z

peepo!, originally uploaded by flymissy.

If you don't hear from me for a little while, you can blame this little fella! Due 14 December but he's already been measured at the size he should be 2 weeks after that date (ie, he's a month too big!) Naturally, crafting has slowed as has everything else. I'm knackered and very uncomfortable. Sitting at the pc isn't great for getting the little blighter into the right position either ; )

We've had such a late scan to ensure he was pointing in the right direction again and to check his size. Any tips on how to endure the next 4 weeks are greatly appreciated : ) Bare in mind I have a 2 year old daughter so no, I can't lounge on the sofa eating chocolates watching my favourite films all day long, LOL!!!

Oh, my etsy sale is still on though so if you're super quick you might snap up a super bargain Christmas pressie or two. I think I'll close up the shop in the next few days though as I don't fancy making a special trip to the post office whilst I'm in labour ; )

Hopefully see you soon with some good news ♥

portraits on black (sort of)

2008-11-25T21:52:00.002Z

portraits on black (sort of), originally uploaded by flymissy.

Getting all mean and moody? Ner, just fancied something dark and mysterious : )

There's so many fabulous artists on flickr, and by that I'm including all the crafters/photographers/etc of course, that I just can't help but to keep 'favouriting' so many of them! The mosaic groups give the rest of us a chance to advertise their talents a bit wider than they would have been otherwise. Not that most of them need my little twopenneth but I like to show my appreciation.

If you don't fancy the specifics of a mosaic (or at least the way I create them) then just check out my, and others, favourites - free to view on flickr for everyone. It's such an interesting peek into the psyche of the favouriteer too, LOL! Yeah, I know... made up word. I did warn you in the early days I'd do that occasionally ; )

little people

2008-11-22T19:26:00.002Z

little people, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Frankie had a try with felt tips for the first time this week and loved it. I couldn't help myself of course, and did a few doodles too. Note the slightly pregnant lady and the fact they all have short hair (like me now). I suspect a little ego found it's way in...

upsidedown

2008-11-21T08:55:00.002Z

upsidedown, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Ah, breech babies... they're a lot of fun, right? Erm, no not really.

I'm nearly 37 weeks and he's just turned so as to be breech although they're a bit uncertain of his position. Why? Cos I'm a fattie - officially. The new consultant I saw 2 days ago thought I might be diabetic as the bump seemed too big. However after a bit of palpation (ie, he poked me in the guts) he realised I was just a chubster. Better than diabetic at least ; )

I'm booked in for another scan next week (37 weeks + 2 days) so fingers crossed I don't go into labour before then. Legs crossed too in fact. I've done my googling and found lots of options for turning the little fella so I'm off to do a spot of inversion after this. Then maybe handstands in the pool. Oh, and find a chiropractor... and a moxibustion specialist... wish us luck!

egg head

2008-11-19T22:02:00.002Z

egg head, originally uploaded by flymissy.

I think she's singing. It is female, right?

What is it about finding faces do you think? This little bugger is actually flipped 180 degrees but still I see it looking at me on my bedroom wall. Yes, I should just fill it in and paint. And yes, we've only just taken down the atrocious wall lights. And yes, I'm about to have a baby so lay off, LOL!

Sorry about the blurry shot but I can't stand on the bed and take a good shot in the uk (non) light and still keep it still at this stage of pregnancy. I tried. Lots of times!

RED HEADS

2008-11-19T19:43:00.002Z

RED HEADS, originally uploaded by flymissy.

This had meant to have been uploaded on Monday (for the Mosaic Monday pool on flickr) however, my Tiscali connection was once again lost in the wind... Never mind, only 2 days late ; )

You can, of course, find links to the individual artists/photographer by going to the original flickr page. I like to stick to one colour as I seem to be able to make that work (it's harder than it looks to get neat!) but thought I'd add another parameter - HEADS. There's a proliferation of excellent artists on flickr so capturing a few portraits seemed like a good option. Maybe I should just go through the rainbow? Oh, actually I might just do that...

I did take the odd liberty, as you can see with the 'smiley' dish, one down on the left : )

Sling re-make!

2008-11-18T22:50:00.004Z

Sling re-make!, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Ah, the ring sling fiasco. Ok, not so much a fiasco as a slight accident but I was stupidly upset at the time. Funny how I became so attached to this (big) scrap of fabric...

I was taking Frank out for a walk in the park - she was still pretty small so was in the buggy and the sling was in the base under her seat. Off we went, round about and then home again. Her pa came home at the same time so I took the dog straight out in the same direction... Only to discover the sling (that I didn't know I'd lost) lying in the main driveway to Wythenshawe Park - busted. One of the rings was totally shot the other, oddly left unscathed ; )

It's been stuffed into my sewing pile every since waiting for me to decide just what to do with it. For about a year and a half. Of course, I didn't know there'd be a baby # 2 then! Now though, I knew turquoise would be a fine choice and snapped up a pair of rings pronto! I purposefully didn't sew in exactly the same line as it had been originally as I though it might be a bit weaker. And yes, I matched the thread to the rings and I think it's even the same yarn I used for the sling I made from scratch too!

Can't wait to get the little fella in here (and out of me)!

Lets Start Designing

2008-11-13T14:54:00.004Z

Lets Start Designing, originally uploaded by flymissy.

I sure will! In that spare 5 minutes I think I could find in between nappies and nighttime ; )

Pretty cool though, huh? Of course, if you've got an art qualification from school you've probably done some similar work at some point. Not us at our school though, she wasn't so er, pro-active with her teaching (which is why I didn't end up going to art college until I was in my 20's I suspect) ; ) But did your work look quite so dynamic? With turquoise and pink? I'm betting not but if it did, for goodness sake, let's see it!!!

EDIT: oops - didn't make it clear that this isn't my own artwork! Just wrote 'vintage book illustration' among the labels! 'Tis indeed the cover of a rather fab retro book for older school kids I think ; )

2008-11-12T20:54:00.003Z

Neat little site to make up neat little signs! Hmm, think my etsy shop name might be a bit too long but let's see...

ooh, like the colourway with this one! There's also a scrabble tile option but I'll let you discover that in your own time ; )

pink jolly

2008-11-11T19:52:00.003Z

pink jolly, originally uploaded by flymissy.

My effort for Mosaic Monday on flickr this week : )

Just thought a little (a lot?) of pink would go down well today, guess I must have needed a hug. Oh who am I kidding? I always need a hug!

I am going to have to admit that I may have to quieten down online for a while. Not go completely just slow up a little. Being 8 months pregnant is really beginning to take it's toll, LOL! A bit of good news is that I've been included in a treasury recently even though I've been making no effort on Etsy whatsoever (see previous sentence). Here it is, after much screen shot hassle ; ) but you can follow the link for a day or two.

katie scarlett howard 08

2008-11-08T21:02:00.005Z

katie scarlett howard 08, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Big, naked ladies. Yep, that's what I remember about Katie Scarlett Howards work! I first saw a small exhibition of hers a few years ago soon after she left art college I think. There was less colour and the finish was a little more raw. And they were naked. Also, I could afford my choice of those but not of these ; ) There were quite a few red dots here though so I'm very pleased for her. I think this one would have been my first choice, maybe the glossy, red lipstick won me over?

I was going to scan in the exhibition invite but, although beautifully taken, it isn't the most exciting pieces of her work and the colours are a little well, unexciting. The image is of Ursula's Vessel

The inspiration for this exhibition came from her Nan and yes, all her work is of women. They stand up to about 18" maybe? And yep, there's not a skinny-la-minx amongst them, they're all strapping lasses ; ) I wrote a little comment in the book of course and left a note about photos on flickr, I just hope she doesn't mind the extra publicity, LOL! Apologies for the poor quality on the 2nd two shots which seems to be a blogger issue. Please see my flickr stream for slightly more in focus versions (and other shots too)!

http://www.craftmaker.co.uk/katiescarletthoward/