Lino Printing short course

I've just finished a 4 week course on lino printing. I have never done it before, and really enjoyed the classes! I did the class the WEA/Community College, and the teacher was Kate Blackburn. This was my very first lino & print:

Then yesterday I got some inspiration... Lilly had her cousin come visit for a few days, and she is absolutely in love with him! So when I suggested a photo with Lockyer she had no problems in complying. A little help through the computer, some tracing, lots of cutting....and about 7 hrs later... and hey presto!

I did a couple of other prints too - but they were mainly to learn print registration. I still have some work to do on them.

While cutting out the portrait lino, my husband asked me if I have a list of 'crafts' I want to learn, and if I am just going through them one by one ticking them off. I think he thinks I have too many hobbies! But once you try one thing, it leads to another, and then you have to test something else... doesn't anyone else find that?

Madeleine's Banner - Personalised bunting flags

Inspiration came to me yesterday for Madeleine's first birthday present. This is how it turned out.

The flags are from a fairly heavy type of canvas with all raw/unfinished edges. I have used 6 strands of embroidery floss for the letters (deep red colour), and pieces of lace, buttons, doilies and ribbon for decorations (all in neutral tones). For the ties I cut bias strips 1" wide from a neutral (with print) fabric. I just folded this in half, so there is another raw edge along the bottom edge of the tie along the whole length.

This was quite easy to make, and I only used materials I already had in my cupboard - it's amazing what you can make in a pinch (Madeleine's birthday party is today)! I loved the way this turned out - hope Madeleine and her mum do too!