Tactile Toys

A friend asked me to make some 'tactile' toys for her baby (and extras for gifts.) There are different types of ribbon...satin, velvet, shiny, smooth,ridged,  narrow and wide, worked onto a crochet base. You can put a bell inside the cushion to make it even more interesting. A felt nose and embroidered mouth and eyes all makes for rather a nice homemade toy.

New Necklace Design

A new necklace design...Pointed Oval Links Necklace...is the name of the pattern.I used white seed beads for the 'leaves' with charcoal beads for the border. I made this as a gift for a friend and put it in a bag made from old sheet music. I also used the sheet music for the card.It really was very simple to make and always nicer than a bought card.

Gifts

A gift for a friend. Handmade paper, string, and leaves for decoration and a card. I always collect leaves on my walks and never really know what to do with them. Now I have found a way to put them to good use.

Mysterious Whales of our World

I recently received this exquisite book, as a gift, from a very talented friend of mine.She is an artist and papermaker and both these skills come together in the form of this beautifully handcrafted book. 

 



The book is entitled "Mysterious Whales of our World" which is particularly pertinent to my home town of Hermanus.

 Hermanus is fondly known as the watching whale capital of the world! The whales are visible from the cliff paths that surround the town and in some places, come within 5m of the coastline.

I love the subtle effect of the embossing on the handmade paper.



One of the pages in the book in has fish 'embedded' in the paper (not sure how she does it...artists secret!)



A close of the incredible detail of the pen & ink drawing.

      

The intricate spine and handmade paper...reflecting the calming colours of the sand and the ocean.



Feathers and Beads

Inspiration for my latest necklace. Shades of turqouise,blue and lime with a bit of silver to make it shine!

This is a cellini spiral with a few pearls to add to the texture and shape of the necklace. I will be listing it my shop soooon. I don't know why, but I am really struggling to take good photos for my shop listings. My photographs seem to get worse instead of better. Suppose I will have to keep trying.

Valentines Day

                                               Happy Valentine's Day!

   

Book Art

I know there is nothing new about folding books....I have just never tried it before!

 It is so theraputic, the feel of the paper as you fold it, the different textures and thickness of paper. Some fold beautifully and some resist everyfold, almost as if they are fighting to keep their shape. I also noticed that I can speed read while I am folding! 

 Inspiration, and patterns, taken from Freshly Found and a whimsy willow.