papernstitch - red seed studio

 
I'm on Papernstitch! So exciting to be having an exhibition over there. Check it out. I've got lots of new things in the shop - some lovelies for you, some for friends. Lots of things at the moment are one-offs or limited editions. Lots of pieces on sale as well - so go have a look-see.

I'll be having a few markets over the next two months, so you online shoppers have first choice. Jump in quick!

Ok. I'm off to set up some screen printing right now. Some new tea towels and.......
I'm trying to decide what colour to print with - what colours are you loving right now?

creative space :: pears, citrus and an apple

Yesterday I did a little bit of screen printing, for a customer order.

Even though we are in the process of packing everything up, to move to a new little studio space next week, I pushed aside the mess and squeedgied out a few panels  of hemp (for sewing into cushion covers) and tea towels of Pear Shaped in that brightest of reds that I do love so much. 

Now, today - sewing the cushions up, so they can get posted off tomorrow. And photographing the tea towels so I can get them into my little online shop at Blue Caravan.

Sometimes, for some reason, I have a real difficulty photographing my tea towels. I want to style them in a sweet way {you know, cups of tea and things}, but also it has to be practical so the images are actually easy to see as well. How do you think I've gone. 

Don't think much else will be happening this week. The boy is still off school sick; I'm looking after another little friend all day tomorrow; my nephew will be here tonight. Sounds like I'll have a hard time keeping the kitchen clean (you know all those constant dishes kids use throughout the day) and the loungeroom tidy (all those endless games and drawings and books and papers they need to set up in every room of our house). 

I've also been enjoying having a little lie in each morning (not having to jump up for the school run). Having my morning coffee in bed, while reading an interesting book I picked up at the library - I'll admit right now I'm still not sure that the book's actually about anything, but it's got some really good parts and thought-provoking quotes, and is also filled with drawings and photos and old maps and stamps and things from Morocco. I chose the book based on it's cover!

More creatives over at Kootoyoo; where she's got some warm and fuzzy wool on her needles. 

PS - if you scroll down to this post, I've a giveaway of my tea towels.

new home ~ BlueCaravan

I'm so pleased to say I have a new home in a beautifully designed BlueCaravan!

{Of course I can't resist using this sweet photo, again - but this isn't at all what I mean}.

I'd like to Welcome you to BlueCaravan [ethical] design. A new online shopping haven of contemporary, handmade and ethical products. 

All the designers have been handpicked by Jen, the Caravan Camp Hostess, not only because of their ethical production but mainly because of the quality of the design. Jen realises that being a sustainable, thoughtful, environmental, 'eco' product doesn't necessarily mean a product is high quality or design. So, while everything on the site passes her production criteria {locally made, organic, Fair Trade, recycled, handmade}, all designers are picked because of their designer quality. 

As Jen sums up on her blog ::

We expect few people to visit us for a token ‘ethical’ guilt purchase. That’s not what we are about.  Bluecaravan promotes all things  interesting & lovely, edgy & urban, quirky & cute – all wrapped up in a warm glow!
We aim to create a venue for people to buy the things they love, and to feel good about what they buy.

At the moment there are a few hiccups and last minute things being repaired, but that beauty is happily motoring down the road to the next Gypsy Campsite! {Shopping Cart is still to be added, so in the mean time keep visiting my other sites - Etsy and Big Cartel, where I promise there will be some new work added later during the week}.

etsy beginnings

You may have noticed that new Etsy shop located on the right of my blog. Well, that's mine! It's all going slowly, uploading and photographing and writing the little bits of info, and mainly the making of the things. That's always slow. But I slip into my sewing chair any moment I can spare (time and energy), and sew a stitch here or there, cut a few pieces, pin some more together, plan the next project.

I love the little moments when I can get to indulge in my sewing. Sometimes it's for myself only, or for the kids - I really like making things for them, and happily for me, they like it too. Only this past week I made a new bag, that was planned for me, and Ari declared it his, before I even could finish it. He wears it proudly - with makes me happy. (And slightly eases the guilt at still not having completed his turtle).

And sometimes, just sometimes, I manage to sew a little bit for markets (yes, I've had two now, and am thinking about more), and then extra bits of sewing for this little store I have been planning to open up.

So, please go and have a look at the little things I have been creating. I am eager for any feedback or ideas or criticism (constructive?) you have about my designs, sewing, fabrics, ideas. And you experienced Etsy-iers, please - if you have any help to offer on how to make it easier, or better, or promote it more. I'm open to anything.

PS - with this slow internet speed I'm dealing with. (Photos loading slowly on your blogs, etc, etc). I have been visiting you, but haven't been able to leave comments when I've wanted. Be back with that next month, I hope!

Also, I want to thank all of you for the lovely comments and support about my crashing waves post. It means so much to me that I have this supportive network of (women) friends out there who are experiencing similar things, and sharing love and stories and offering help and that amazing blog support.

You may have also noticed the new links on the left. My friends who create and craft and do. Please check them out. These are some local crafters starting their businesses (or newly in business), or doing little sidelines while still working full/part-time. If you see your name there, maybe you want to add me to your links?