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I've had a restful weekend with lots of sleep and nourishment. I've been so tired lately and I've got a couple of really stressful weeks lying ahead in my day job. However, there is also a lot going on behind the scenes, which I hope to be able to share with you soon. I am making life changing decisions and that is both exciting and scary.
I hope that your weekend has been everything that you needed.
xx
I grew up in a family of talented crafters, sewers and artists, and wanted to show you some more of the handmade things that I photographed when I went to visit my parents in South Africa.
I have the best oldest sister and her makes the most beautiful scrapbooking and greeting cards. She has made me a wonderful scrapbook about my parents, which I will show you at some point. She also made this framed picture for my parents of their four children. Yes, I am the chubby blond and the youngest.
My Mum is very good at sewing, knitting and doing tapestries. I have fond memories of how we used to visit our local fabric shop on Saturdays and then sneak the bags and bags of fabric into the house like two naughty children. Not that my Dad mind our shopping, it was just so exciting to make our own clothes like summer dresses etc. Here is one of my Mum's tapestries that she did when I was little. I love the 70's vibe.
My aunt has done many crafts through the years but her most memorable work are her ribbon embroidered pictures.
What crafts do you remember from your family?
xx
I have completed another design for the betafashion union competition. I enjoy these competitions as they open so many different design opportunities and it allows you to think creatively and try new things.
With this design, I started with a photo of a rose and lace which I have then reworked in photoshop. Betafashion then offer the opportunity for people to vote or comment on the design and the winning designs will be used in future fashion collections.
xx
I have completed a card design for the latest Tigerprint competition for a 'Beautiful Traditional Card'. I wanted to design something soft and feminine that can be used for various occasions, i.e. birthdays, Mother's day, weddings etc.
xx
While I'm a little 'under the weather', I get to spend a bit more time in my studio with the winter wonderland view outside:
xx
I grew up in a family with very talented people where handmade items were treasured and admired. My Nan used to make me smocked dresses with fine embroidered flowers and roses. I loved wearing these dresses, they were great for twirling and I loved admiring the embroidery work up close. When I recently visited my parents in South Africa, I asked my mum to get some of these dresses out for me.
This turquoise dress with the red roses was my favourite:
My favourite flower, roses..
Then there was this one:
And this one:
When my Nan was too old to sew, embroider, knit or crochet, she one day handed me a paper bag full of all her embroidery patterns. That was so special to me and I continue to keep them safe, maybe one day I'll think of the perfect project to use them.
xx
