Thursday, February 25, 2010

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?

Saturday, February 6, 2010

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!