Jun 12
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: 3D, Illustration, Model Making, Paper

Georgie Monica – Interview

We chatted to 3D illustrator and model maker Georgie Monica to talk about and paper, Greek mythology, and how to survive a zombie apocalypse.     1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? My work is a mixture of modern and traditional themes and styles, often featuring women and/or animals. I would like to think they are pictures that offer a snapshot of a wider story and that the 3D nature of them lends itself to that. And they’re all made out of paper of course!   2. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? Paper is sort of the original medium and so it’s fun to try to use it in different ways. I have used clay in the past and still very occasionally to sculpt certain elements of a model if I think it will add something valuable to the piece, and you can pretty much do anything with it. Conversely, paper is exciting to build with because it has limitations and will ultimately do what it wants. I have to work with whatever shape the paper wants to be in and sometimes that […]
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May 15
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Cats, Illustration, Morwenna Farrell, Norwich, Print, Screen Printing

Morwenna Farrell – Interview

Illustrator, artist and maker Morwenna Farrell chats family, fishermen, film and finding her passion.     1. Do you think growing up in Cornwall has helped shape the kind of work you do? I come from a very creative family, so I think I’ve been influenced by everyone a little bit. My mum is a wonderful painter and used to make the most amazing clothes. She made me a yellow Beauty and the Beast dress and everyone at my birthday party was jealous. My big sister, auntie and cousins are talented painters and potters. My stepdad was an incredible musician who used to play his harmonica while doing a headstand, and my great granddad was a beautiful photographer. My Uncle is also a collector. We’re very proud to have a link in the family to Alfred Wallis, so it’s most definitely in my blood and shows in the way I produce lots of different things – from film and photography to printmaking. I love to dabble in a bit of everything! My family is also very eccentric which influences and shapes my work. I see the little things and want to cherish them and bring them out in my work. I enjoy a quirky character and a good story. There […]
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May 09
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 0 comments tags: Dolls, Embroidery, Handmade, Robyn Weening, Vintage

Robyn Maryke – Interview

Robyn Maryke has always adored dolls, but after ten years working on a wide variety of creative subjects decided to focus exclusively on making her own. She makes charming characters from vintage fabric and felt, and uses appliqué and stitch to add the details that bring them to life. She favours floral motifs and flowing lines, and her dolls often depict iconic women, animals and parenthood. Bibelot caught up with her to talk vintage fabric, inspiration, and the simple joys of life.       1. What is it about dolls that interests you? So many things! Mostly that they reflect who we are. Dolls have been around forever; archaeological evidence points to dolls as being the oldest known toy. In other words, we humans have always gotten a kick out of creating these mini versions of ourselves. Whether they are made as toys or high art, dolls say something about our culture and what is meaningful to us. Everything from the shape of a doll, to its clothes and face or lack thereof, tells us something about its maker. 2. How do you create your dolls? I like simple silhouettes that I embellish with my favourite things: embroidery, needle-felting, and […]
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Apr 10
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn 0 comments tags: Bluebells, Book, Craft Book, Mindfulness, Origami, Origami for Mindfulness, Spring

Origami For Mindfulness: Tsuriganeso Bluebell – Tutorial

Thousands of bluebell flowers can change a grass field into a blue carpet in spring, letting us know that winter is truly over. Curl the four petals of the origami bluebell outward in the last step to make it more like the real bluebell flower.     You will need: 1 sheet of 6in (15cm) origami paper (if you are using coloring paper, color it in before you start folding) Pencil or pen   Difficulty rating: ❋ ❋   1. With the coloured side down, fold the paper in half from side to side both ways, opening out each time, then turn it over and fold it in half from corner to corner both ways, again opening the paper out each time.     2. Lift up the paper and use the creases just made to form the sheet into a diamond shape.     3. With the open edges of the diamond away from you, place the paper back on the table and fold in the lower diagonal edges so that they meet along the central crease. Turn the paper over and then repeat.     4. Fold in the upper diagonal edges to make new creases, checking that […]
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Apr 03
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Flowers, Georgia Coote, pattern

Georgia Coote – Interview

Today we chat to textile and pattern designer Georgia Coote, who’s vintage colour palettes and fabulous floral designs whizz you back to the 50s and 60s. We wanted to find out more about Georgia’s creative life, how she manages the work-family balance, and where she’d travel to in a time machine.     1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making?  I remember a competition I entered when I was really young where I painted a clown – I clearly remember sponging the background in a minty green colour and doing all the hotchpotch of patterns on the clothes.   2. What do you love most about teaching people in your creative workshops? I love introducing people to simple ways to be creative that can bring joy. I mostly spend time designing at home, so I love the hands on element. There is something so special about making things by hand, the conversations that flow while printing or sewing are wonderful and it is so lovely to see how different people interpret your ideas.   3. When are you happiest?  When I’m spending time with my two lovely daughters and husband Ian.     4. Are there any textile artists/designers that […]
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Mar 03
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn 0 comments tags: Book, Craft Book, Crochet, Crochet Chic, Handmade

Crochet Camping Throw – Tutorial

This is the ultimate easy-to-make crochet project – a fabulous, brightly coloured, enormous granny square, finished with a great fun border. It is a perfect blanket and you will have it for years and years, be it as a picnic blanket, a baby blanket, a throw for the sofa, a bedspread or an essential camping companion, which is what I use this one as! I’ve used a hardwearing merino yarn that you don’t need to worry about being used and abused – it can take it!     Yarn Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% merino superwash) Aran (worsted-weight) yarn, 50g (1¾ oz), 100m (109yd) balls 4 balls in Sun Yellow 67 (A) 4 balls in Coral 78 (B) 4 balls in Melon 06 (C) 2 balls in Red 08 (D1) 2 balls in Brick Red 07 (D2) 4 balls in Candy 16 (E) 2 balls in Cream 61 (F1) 2 balls in Natural 60 (F2)   Hook and equipment 4.5mm (US G/6 or H/8) crochet hook Large tapestry needle   Size 123 x 123cm (48½ x 48½ in)   Tension 5 groups of 3tr and 4 ch2 spaces, and 8 rows over 10cm (4in) using 4.5mm (US G/6 or H/8) […]
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Nov 30
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Cats, Fairytales, Illustration, Japan, Miss Ella

Inside the Artist’s Studio with… Miss Ella

Find out what happened when we chatted to illustrator, craft market organiser and jack-of-all-crafts Miss Ella. It’s a great read if you like cats, the moon, reading on mountains and fairytales to name a few things.   1. Homeware, jewellery, cards… You make so many different things! How did you end up being a master of so many different craft skills? Sometimes I think I diversify too much! As a teenager I was forever making my own clothes and accessories, so when it came to further education, I did a Fashion Diploma. I then went on to study an HND in Theatrical Costume at London College of Fashion, and started work making dance costumes in London. Embroidery was a part of that and as the industry evolved I was soon digitizing for computer embroidery too. This led on to an interest in digital and motion graphics, so I finally did my degree in Animation followed by a Masters. So to cut a long story short, I’ve always been somewhat of a multi-tasker, eager to experiment with different techniques and media. My business has been the perfect platform to bring everything together under the name Miss Ella. At the moment I’m also […]
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Oct 05
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Floral, Flowers, Hanna Nyman, Paper, Paper Art

Hanna Nyman – Interview

We fell in love with Hanna Nyman’s striking paper illustrations in pretty, yet bold pastel palettes combined with snippets of printed text, that pop out at you, and come alive as each paper petal unfolds. We couldn’t wait to find out more about the Stockholm-based designer…   1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? Paper illustrations.   2. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? You know the feeling of when you have a small piece of paper in your pocket and you just roll it and bend it between your fingers, I like that feeling. I like how paper feels and how you can bend, fold or roll a piece of paper. Its a simple material and its easy to handle. You don´t need any machines or much equipment. But what appeals most to me with paper is that something that is just flat and plain can be built in to almost anything three dimensional.     3. Flowers feature a lot in your work. If you could be a flower what would you be?  A light pink peony, that’s my favourite flower   4. When […]
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Jul 28
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 4 comments tags: Book, Colouring Book, Colouring In, Competition, Zeena Shah

Zeena Shah – Interview + Competition!

We caught up with print and textile designer Zeena Shah who creates fun and colourful home accessories. The crafter-extraordinaire has recently published a new Scandi-inspired colouring book, full to the brim with intricate patterns and illustrations to add your own touch of creativity to. Would you like to win a copy? Find out how at the end of the interview.     1. What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist? I am always inspired by nature and the things I see around me in my everyday life. Leaves, foliage, florals and animals all feature heavily throughout my work. 2. What do you do to keep your ideas fresh? I try to always find new inspiration, whether that is through creating mood boards by visiting galleries or just simply by drawing from nature itself. 3. Describe your perfect day. I live in Hackney and it’s just a short walk through the park to my Dalston studio and a lovely way to start the day. I’ll pick up a coffee from one of our lovely independent local cafes en route and head to the studio for around 9.30am. I’ll probably have picked up some leaves/ foliage from the park on the way […]
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Jul 08
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft 0 comments tags: Competition, Crafts Council, Exhibition, Twelve Tall Tales

Twelve Tall Tales – Crafts Council Exhibition & Competition

Twelve artists, makers and designers tell tales through objects, motivated by their ability to contain, convey and inspire stories. Selected by designer Onkar Kular, this eclectic group of works presents varied and unexpected approaches to translating fictional, humorous, cultural, political and historical stories and references into crafted objects. This exhibition is the first in a three-year partnership between The Hospital Club and the Crafts Council. Featuring works by Åbäke Auger-Loizeau Carl Clerkin Cecilie Gravesen El Ultimo Grito Zhenhan Hao Hilda Hellström Hefin Jones Dash Macdonald Noam Toran Dawn Youll The exhibition is open from 22nd July – 29th August 2016 in the gallery from 11am-6pm daily.     To celebrate the launch of Crafts Council UK’s exhibition Twelve Tall Tales, they’re giving a lucky winner the chance to win a nights stay and dinner for two at Hospital Club! Fancy it? We thought so! All you need to do is let them know what object you would make to help send someone to space?   Post your answer tagging @CraftsCouncilUK and use #TwelveTallTales     www.craftscouncil.org.uk
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May 27
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn, Make 0 comments tags: Chloe Owens, Chloe Tells You How To Sew, Craft Book, Suitcase, Upcycle

Bertie Badger Smartens up a Suitcase

Bertie Badger is going off on his travels. He hums a tune as he packs his suitcase. Camera, bucket and spade, teabags… hold on a minute! He pauses and looks at his suitcase. It’s very old. “This just won’t do,” he says, and he takes everything out again. He’ll come back to this later… there are more pressing matters at hand.     Materials you will need A suitcase Lots of fabric Mod Podge glue (matt or gloss) Paintbrush Rotary cutter (optional)   1. He collects a big bundle of fabric and starts cutting out shapes—flowers, patterns, whatever catches his eye—until he has a nice big pile to work with. 2. After giving it a wipe with a damp cloth to clean it, he brushes some glue directly onto a small area of the suitcase and starts sticking his scraps of fabric on top. He then brushes more glue on top of his fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles and bubbles as he goes.     3. He repeats the process, layering it on gradually in small areas. He takes his time when he reaches the edges, handles, and catches, trimming the fabric carefully with scissors (you could also use a […]
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May 12
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Make, Uncategorized 0 comments

Wonderful Weavings

I have a growing collection of craft books from all eras. If you open any craft book produced in the 1970s there will always be a section on weaving, complete with brightly colored tassels and hippy models. Well, weaving is back! It’s cheap, easy to do, and is great fun. Use up all those little scraps of yarn you have been saving. Mix and match different colors and play around with textures by placing a chunky yarn next to the finest mohair. A group of these woven pieces hung on twigs makes a vibrant and eclectic display. Be warned: once you get started, it can become addictive! You will need Simple loom Yarn (chunky and fine) Scissors Large darning needle Twigs or sticks for hanging A word on looms You can buy a basic loom from a craft supplier. Look out for one that has a thin metal bar down each side that slots into the first and last notches. These bars are a great feature, as they help keep the weaving straight. Alternatively, make a simple loom yourself, using a wooden frame and some small nails. Mark across the top and bottom of the frame at 1⁄2 in. (1 […]
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May 09
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Eat 0 comments tags: Craft Book, Hester van Overbeek, Mason Jars, Picnic

Picnic in a Jar

Load up a basket full of jars filled with tasty treats and set off to the countryside for a delicious picnic. Packing individual servings of food into jars makes it easily portable, and also means that you don’t need to take plates and serving bowls. When packed into jars, delicate foods avoid being squashed in the bottom of a bag. For extra comfort pack a picnic blanket too – if placed on top of the jars, this will serve the dual purpose of preventing the jars from rattling around in the basket. You can keep everything cool by putting some plastic bottles of frozen water in your basket.     Here are some of the foods I like to pack for a picnic: * Fragile snacks like potato chips/crisps and pretzels are great to keep in jars as this prevents them being smashed into crumbs in t ransit. You also don’t need a serving bowl —just pass the jar around. * Layered salads look great in jars. Make a graphic looking salad by layering up brightly colored vegetables. Start with a layer of watercress, top with chopped tomatoes, then add a layer of sweetcorn, and finish with some sliced radishes. * […]
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May 02
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Floral, Flowers, Paper Flowers, The Cobra Lily

The Cobra Lily – Interview

Flowers in her hair… Flowers everywhere… I love the flower girl… Kate Alarcón, based just outside of Seattle, is no shrinking violet when it comes to all things floral.  The budding artist creates breathtaking blossoms, each one handmade with paper and artfully arranged into mesmerising, multi-coloured bouquets, so real looking, you can almost smell them…   1. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? Crepe paper in particular is kind of magical and lends itself well to organic shapes and textures.  Sometimes I’ll just kind of fiddle with a piece of crepe, trying new things, and even after all this time, I still don’t feel like I understand everything it can do.  But I don’t know that I would have been as interested in paper were it not for paper plants and flowers.  I’ve spent a lot of years quilting, knitting, embroidering, crocheting – mostly textiles stuff.  So although I’m in awe of some of the other forms of paper craft out there, at least for now, I’m only really enthusiastic about working with paper for this one specific application.     2. Where did your fascination for all things floral stem?  Both of my parents […]
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Apr 11
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Dolls, Mimi Kirchner, Textiles

Mimi Kirchner – Interview

Boston-based Mimi Kirchner invites us into an enchanting world, where fabric foxes go on hikes and smoke pipes, felt owls perch, and fibre dogs don scarves and ties.  Bibelot joined Mimi to talk about her ideas processes and where she’d go if she had a time machine.     1. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? I have no memories of a time that I wasn’t creating. I came from a big family where making things and playing with tools and materials was part of life. I remember making lots of doll clothes including some using old and unmatched socks. I haven’t come too far from that! I have a little tin with doll clothes that I made at that age.   2. Tell us how the ideas process for each new doll begins. What inspired you to make (our favourite) the tattooed man? It is very rare that a fully formed idea pops into my head that I can act on. There are typically many months of thinking, collecting, and incubating an idea. The idea starts as sort of a brain tickle and if it keeps recurring, it moves forward. With the tattooed man, I started noticing […]
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Apr 04
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Guests, Make 0 comments tags: Circle Skirt, Craft Book, DIY, Sew, Tutorial, Zeena Shah

Zeena Shah – Circle Skirt Tutorial

Having always enjoyed making my own clothing, I’ve fallen in love with dressmaking even more this past year. So I want to introduce it to you with this starter project, which is just right if you’re a beginner. A circle skirt is very much how it sounds – made from a circular piece of fabric, it can be made to any length, a mini, midi or maxi. Add a waistband and a hem to your desired length, and you’ve made yourself a skirt!     YOU WILL NEED  Printed fabric, as per your body measurements (see Step 1) Extra fabric for the waistband, your waist measurement plus
a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance at each end Zip, 15cm (6in) in length Sewing machine and matching thread Hand-sewing needle Trick marker Pencil Scissors Tape measure Pins Iron   INSTRUCTIONS 1. Start with a square of fabric measuring no less than 1x1m(40x40in) – the exact size will depend on your waist measurements and the desired length. I chose my fabric to measure 115 x 115cm (46 x 46in), as I want my skirt to be a mini length. 2. With the right sides facing, fold your fabric in half, then in quarters. 3. To […]
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Mar 25
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn, Make 0 comments tags: Candy Buns, Easter, Gretel Parker, Tutorial, Wool felting

CANDY BUN PATTERN

Use a felting sponge to work on, to protect yourself and to give yourself a base. I recommend reading through the pattern first, to get a good idea of how it works, then just follow the instructions. You don’t have to stab hard to get the wool sticking together, but do remember to turn your work as you needle it, or you will get a flat bunny.   Difficulty – medium – some experience of needle felting is useful. Otherwise, dive in if you’re feeling brave!     Materials and tools needed: Hummock – 80cm of green merino wool (a 25g pack of wool should be more than enough for this) Bunny – 80cm of pink (or colour of your choice) merino wool. A good pinch of white or cream merino wool for the tail   2x size 40 needles, triangular or spiral A needle holder (optional) A felting sponge or brush mat 2x small black beads for eyes (seed beads work well) A small quantity of white seed beads or colour of your choice, to sew onto the hummock Thread to match the seed beads when sewing on Strong black thread for sewing in the eyes A long needle […]
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Mar 21
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 0 comments tags: Cinder and Honey, Design, Embroidery, Embroidery hoops, Floral, Flowers, Vintage

Cinder and Honey – Interview

Vancouver based husband and wife team Caitlin and Michael Benson set up their floral hand embroidery decor business, Cinder and Honey, in 2013. They’ve been jumping through (embroidery) hoops ever since, and everything is coming up roses. Vintage and nature inspired, Caitlin captures the essence and beauty of each flower and offers them eternal life through her whimsical embroidery. We couldn’t wait to find out more…     1. What initially captured your imagination about embroidery? The diversity. Embroidery truly is an art form – there are so many ways it can be interpreted. Before I started embroidery I was an avid knitter/crocheter, I always followed patterns but lacked the skills to create a pattern of my own, so for me it lacked creativity. I started embroidering so I could create a design on my own from start to finish, and create a piece of art that is truly unique. No two pieces are ever the same.   2. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? Very floral/botanical! I’m inspired by nature first and foremost. Secondly, I’m inspired by anything vintage and I try to bring a hint of that into all my work.     3. Where did […]
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Mar 16
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Gretel Parker, Handmade, Needle Felting

Gretel Parker – Interview

Gretel Parker invites us into a miniature wonderland where pink cats perch, geese zoom around on wheels and elegant ladybirds don handbags and rouge. But how are these fantastical creatures made? Gretel uses the little-known art of needle felting – for the uninitiated, this involves taking a handful of wool and jabbing it repeatedly with a needle until it takes form – to bring her little animals to life. To see the technique in action, have a look at the video tutorial on her website. Bibelot joined Gretel to talk about the healing power of creativity and how to avoid stabbing yourself in the finger.   1. What first attracted you to needle felting? Frankly, I wasn’t at all interested in it at all to begin with. Previously, I was a freelance illustrator and artist. My speciality was painting old imaginary toys, which I often posted pictures of on my blog. I had a few comments suggesting that I should ‘needle felt’ them. This was back in 2008, when needle felt was only just beginning to trickle over to the UK and very few people knew about it – including me. I did some Googling and wasn’t impressed with what I saw. […]
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Mar 14
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Guests 0 comments tags: Artists, Ceramics, Festival, SIT Select, Textiles, Workshops

SIT Select

SIT select is an exciting busy arts organisation based in Stroud in the Cotswolds. It focuses on the applied arts and crafts and is passionate about promoting and profiling contemporary artists both local and national and emerging new talent as well as established big international names such as Ptolemy Mann, Matthew Harris, Mary Butcher, Carole Waller, Cleo Mussi to name a few of the hundreds of artists who have exhibited and been a part of the SIT select programme over the 10 years it has been running. The job of running a successful busy organisation such as SIT select, is varied, creative and can, at times, be challenging. There are deadlines to meet as well as the demanding and difficult job of fundraising. We are mainly funded by the wonderful Arts Council England but recent cuts to the arts mean that nothing is a given. Renishaw plc is a sponsor and their recognition for innovative design and creative skills is a welcome addition.     SIT select director Lizzi Walton: ‘’We run an annual festival that takes place every May with a month of exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, a conference and a recent addition of selected films. We partner with […]
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Mar 09
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Fashion, Guests 0 comments tags: B&Q, Boots, DIY, Zara

B&Q IT

I like boots. And I love my £19.99 (sale RRP £39.99) Zara patent sock boots.     What I don’t like is that I’ll be wearing the same boots as another 1,000 trillion other bargain hunters. So, I wanted to make my pair stand out from the crowd; I’m going to pimp up my stride, DIY style. The SS16 and AW16 catwalks were full of colour, prints, embellishments and general maximalism. Say good bye to blending in. First of all, I needed some inspiration, so I spent a few internet minutes (aka three days) drooling over boots online. Words can’t describe how much I love the Vetements blue heeled sock boots (£775), the Fendi red heeled ankle boots (£870) and the Maison Margiela gold heeled pair (£800).     However, I’m not technically trained, so my DIY skills had to be resurrected from a (very) long ago school technology class. After finding a few pairs that I liked, and because I wore my old Zara Perspex heeled boots to near death, I decided to concentrate solely on the heel of the boot. I took a surprisingly pleasant Saturday, mid afternoon trip to B&Q to check out their self adhesive plastic, […]
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Feb 19
by bibelotm_wp in Competition, Craft, Creative, Interview 5 comments tags: Earrings, Handmade, Jewellery, Lasercut, Lorelai, Necklace, Win

Lorelai Halls – Interview + Competition!

Colour, pattern and 60’s kitsch; a groovy new jewellery brand inspired by all things retro – we’re sold! Lorelai shares her future ambitions, guilty pleasures, and what she’s learned about running a creative business, with Bibelot.     1. What was the first piece of jewellery you ever made? In primary school, I used to make earrings and necklaces from small toys and other bits and bobs. Once I dismantled a necklace full of fruit charms to make in to earrings, which I then sold to my friends for £1 a pair. So I guess it’s only natural that I gravitated back towards jewellery making as an adult.   2. The 60s and 70s clearly influence your work. What is it about the past that captures your imagination? I have always loved vintage styles in clothing and homewares and I particularly love the Sixties and Seventies because of all the bright colours and psychedelic patterns. I shop in vintage and charity shops for all of my clothes and home decor, and I take a lot of my design inspiration from my own collection as well as from museums and other vintage collectors’ Instagram accounts!   3. What is your creative space like? […]
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Feb 17
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Make 0 comments tags: Cat, Donna Wilson, Knit, Knitting, Learn, Tutorial

Ginge Marmalade Cat Knit Tutorial – Donna Wilson

Ginge is a pure-bred marmalade cat. During the day he doesn’t do much apart from eat and sleep, but at night he gets up to all sorts of fun. He has held the record for his singing on a tightrope while holding a pint of milk with his tail!     Size Completed creature measures approx. 8 ½ in, 21cm tall.   Yarn suggestion Fine-weight yarn (such as Rowan Classic Cashcotton 4ply) 1 x 1 ¾ oz (50g) ball in A (bright orange – Carrot 919) and 1 ball in B (light brown – Biscuit 912)   Needles Pair of US 3 (3.25mm) knitting needles   Extras One stitch holder Tapestry needle Washable toy filling Oddments of green, black and cream tapestry wool for embroidery   Gauge Tension 20 stitches and 32 rows to 4 in (10cm) over st st using US 3 (3.25mm) needles   Pattern FRONT First leg *Using the thumb method and A, cast on 3 sts. Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2: P1, M1L, p1, M1R, p1. (5 sts) Join in B. Row 3: Using B, k1, M1L, k3, M1R, k1. (7 sts) Row 4: Using B, purl The last 4 rows form the st st […]
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Jan 29
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn, Make 1 comments tags: Cowl, Craft Book, Fiona Goble, Knit, Scarf, Tutorial, Winter

Chunky Ribbed Cowl by Fiona Goble

Pull it up a bit… pull it down a bit… fold it over… this has got to be one of the most adaptable pieces of neckwear ever. What’s more, it involves no fancy shaping and no fancy stitches. In fact, once you’ve got started, you could practically knit it in your sleep. And did I mention that it’s suitable for teens, men, and women. What’s not to like?     YARN Debbie Bliss Rialto Chunky (100% merino wool) bulky (chunky) yarn: 3 x 1.oz (50g) balls (66yd/60m) in shade 19 Aqua   NEEDLES AND EQUIPMENT US size 10½ (6.5mm) knitting needles Yarn sewing needle   GAUGE (TENSION) 15 sts and 21 rows in stockinette (stocking) stitch to a 4-in (10-cm) square on US size 10½ (6.5mm) needles.   MEASUREMENTS The cowl is 9in (23cm) wide (unstretched) and 12in (30cm) deep.   ABBREVIATIONS k = knit p = purl rep = repeat st(s) = stitch(es) [ ] = denotes a sequence of stitches to be repeated the number of times given after the brackets   For the cowl Cast on 102 sts. Row 1: [K3, p3] to end. Row 2: [P3, k3] to end. These 2 rows form the rib pattern. […]
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Jan 25
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative 2 comments tags: Ecommerce, Website design

9 Mistakes That Crafters Make With Their Online Shops

  As a person that makes a living out of your work, it’s important that your website supports you by acting as a sales channel, showing the world what you do and putting your products in their best light. At We Make Websites, I’ve had the joy of working with many different designer-maker businesses and of learning about the tremendous work that goes on at charities like Cockpit Arts and Craft Central. The designer-makers I’ve met over the past 6 years running a web agency have always been interesting, fun and dedicated to their passion. The question we have to answer is: how do we convey that online? Your website needs to do justice to the work you create. I’ve seen hundreds of designer-maker websites and here are the most common mistakes I see. Most are missing key elements that would otherwise generate instant business.   1. Not being clear about the proposition All businesses need strong clear selling point. As a crafter, yours will be related to the unique design and production of the items you sell, so this needs to be clearly explained in a short sentence on the homepage. Ideally this sentence should also touch on the […]
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Jan 22
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Ceramics, Clay, Illustration, Jen Collins

Jen Collins – Interview

Toronto-based illustrator Jen Collins’ work is expressive, narrative-rich and full of childlike charm. In fairytale fashion, Jen’s illustrations have more recently popped out from the flat pages of a sketchbook and into wonderful three-dimensional ceramic characters and objects. All made by hand and glazed using non-toxic materials. We caught up with Jen to talk about children’s books, guilty pleasures and the challenges she faced translating her illustrations into clay.     1. What’s the first piece of art you remember making? I can’t specifically recall the first piece of art I made, but I do distinctly remember that one of my favourite things about colouring books was the two empty pages found on the inside of the covers – this part was my chance to draw an image to colour in.   2. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence? For the first time in 20 years or so, I don’t have my own desk set up at home. Our current apartment is too small for my boyfriend and I to have a desk each. However, since I spend my weekdays at a ceramics studio, it’s nice to come home and not feel the […]
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Jan 18
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Guests 0 comments tags: DIY, Fabric, Handmade, Liberty Fabric, Make, Sew, Up-cycle

Liberty Print Elbow Patches – Live it Love it Make it

What a treat to be posting a tutorial on Bibelot, we hope you like what we have in store! We decided to keep it British and use some lovely Liberty print fabric we had lying around to jazz up a plain jumper. I do love an elbow patch, maybe it’s the geek in me! So I thought it would be great to update the look.     You will need: Jumper Scissors Pinking shears Fabric Bondaweb Patch pattern (in whatever shape you want – I went oval, but you could do heart, diamond etc) Embroidery thread Needle Tape measure Tailors chalk Iron     You will need to pop your jumper on so that you know where your patches need to go. Use some tailors chalk to mark where your elbows sit and a rough idea of top/bottom and edges so that when you take off the jumper you will have it nice and straight.     Use your tape measure to measure down from the shoulder seem so that they sit around the same area on each side.     Cut out a rough size piece of fabric and add the bondaweb to the back.     Using your […]
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Jan 15
by bibelotm_wp in Competition, Craft, Interview 26 comments tags: Chloe Owens, Craft Book, Giveaway, Sun Jellies

Sun Jellies – Interview + Competition!

We step back in time to talk jelly shoes, retro bags and all things kitsch with Kelly White, the Aussie-born mastermind behind Sun Jellies. Find out how every kid’s favourite footwear has made a massive comeback, and more importantly, where you can pick up an adult-sized pair of your own.   1. How did Sun Jellies come about? Moving to the pebbly south coast of England I looked for classic jelly shoes for me and my kids to wear on the beach. I discovered the French original jelly shoes and fell in love with the story of their creation by a Frenchman in the late 40’s during a worldwide leather shortage. I wanted to bring these shoes and their amazing story to UK shores and beyond. Introducing jelly bags seemed an obvious brand extension because of their nostalgic appeal and most importantly they are also made of plastic.   2. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people. I love zombies.     3. Describe your perfect day. Lie in, cup of tea in bed and cuddles with the kids, walk along the seafront in the warm sunshine, mooch in some charity or vintage shops and a roast dinner, […]
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Dec 18
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Guests 0 comments

Christmas Bauble Garland – Little Teawagon

  You will need: White card Pencil Scissors Stamps with letters and Christmas motifs Ink pad Washi Tape Hole punch Bakers string Small cup or something round to draw around // 5cm diameter.     1. Take the white card and draw around the cup to make the bauble shapes, add a small rectangle shape to the top of each bauble. You will need 12 for this garland. 2. Neatly cut around the shapes. 3. Add washi tape to the top of each bauble.     4. Add decoration by stamping the baubles with Christmas motifs or festive words, allow to dry.     5. Punch a hole at the top of each one.     6. Cut a 1.5m approx piece of the string and leaving a gap of 20cms thread through the hole of your first bauble and tie in a knot, leave a gap of 10cm and then tie on the next bauble. Continue until you have attached them all.     You can also use this DIY to make Christmas parcel tags the same way, just resize them to be 10cm diameter and add string to tie onto your packages.         Jane Hughes […]
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Dec 11
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Embroidery, Liz Payne

Liz Payne – Interview

It’s guaranteed to be a g’day when you lay eyes on the bright and very beautiful work of embroidery artist Liz Payne. We couldn’t wait to talk to the award-winning Sydney-based stitcher to find out more.       1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making?  Oh heaps of different things! I was lucky to be surrounded by a lot of various creative practises growing up – I remember making a huge mess painting (some things haven’t changed!) I also remember swimming around in piles of my Mum’s fabric and beads, and making jewellery and clothes for my dolls.   2. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? Very colourful hand embroidered textiles, hopefully unlike anything you’ve seen before!   3. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence? I work from home in my studio (which is really just our spare bedroom!) but I spread out all over the house, kitchen table, dining table – there are piles of wool and sequins everywhere, and my dog is always covered in bright coloured thread! I like to work with music in the background and […]
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Nov 23
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative 0 comments tags: Handmade, Instagram, Lucky Dip Club

Lucky Dip Club Meet Up

This month the first EVER Lucky Dip Club Meet Up happened at The Hoxton Hotel and it was set to be a night filled with the kind of fun that this particular Club specialises in; rainbows, popping candy, kittens – you know the drill. Featuring workshops with some of the hottest names on the scene, we knew this event would be irresistible and that we absolutely had to take a look. The lineup featured pompom making with Caboodle magazine, retro brooch painting with Hollie Harris, unicorn marshmallow decorating (and mostly eating) with B from with Nugget and Mallow, and superbly kitsch kitten decorating with In Twos and Threes.   With Kelly of Sun Jellies fame on party bag duty, our lives were complete.     At The Hoxton we discovered a room filled with people who knew one another by their creative work and the Instagram community, rather than in REAL life. It was everything we had hoped it would be; Lucky Dip Club came to life in a world of candy floss, pastel paints and huge happy mantras floating like flags. We overheard people being addressed by their Instagram handles and girls getting to know one another around wonderfully overcrowded tables, […]
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Nov 21
by bibelotm_wp in Craft 0 comments tags: Christmas, Craft Fair

BUST CHRISTMAS CRAFTACULAR

Buy handmade, drink Hot Booze and Do It Yourself!    Pop-culture magazine BUST brings its biannual alternative craft fair back to York Hall on November 22 with 80 stalls of handmade wares (picked from 200 applications). Household names such as Rob Ryan and Wool and the Gang will rub shoulders with a vibrant mix of UK creatives and their unique products – from ceramics and letterpress cards to glass terrariums and bike-chain jewellery. Examples include beauty products by Hairy Jayne, bold silk cushions by Su Owen, minimal silver jewellery by Wild Fawn, limited-edition prints by Scout Editions and ties by Beau Tie. See the full list of vendors here.   SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 – 11AM TO 5PM – AT YORK HALL, 5 OLD FORD ROAD, LONDON E2 9PJ – NEAR BETHNAL GREEN TUBE STATION     Shopped till you’ve dropped? Drink, Shop & Do will be serving sweet and savoury snacks, craft beers and coffee, while pop-up bar Hot Booze will add festive cheer – or, rather, spirits! – with a tasty range of handmade hot cocktails. Inspired to get creative? Join in with the DIY workshops and make your own Christmas presents; or rethink and remake your wardrobe in The Upcycling Academy. Arm-knit a snood with Wool and the Gang – 11.30-1.30 – £20*** Make a geometric Christmas decoration with bobbin & bow – 12-2pm – FREE Crochet a Jersey Be Good bracelet with Wool and the Gang – 2-4pm – FREE Weave a […]
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Nov 18
by melinosa in Craft, Creative, Interview 1 comments tags: Christmas, Kirstie Allsopp, The Handmade Fair

Paint the Town Red with Annie Sloan – Interview

Visiting The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court this summer, it was clear that all the onlookers- ourselves included- were irresistibly drawn to Annie Sloan’s stand, regardless of whether ‘paint formulation’ is something they had ever considered before. It was a rainbow of beautifully curated painted furniture alongside sold out workshops throughout the show, it has come as no surprise to learn that she is back for another installment at The Handmade Fair this Christmas. A paint and colour expert, with unique formulations and decorative style, Annie launched her Chalk Paint back in 1990 with huge success; although it is only more recently that she has exploded in to the mainstream consciousness and placed her brand firmly at the forefront of current influential trends. We caught up with Annie to ask her about The Handmade Fair, the Seventies and what she’s doing when she’s not setting trends…     1. Annie, you have amazing world roots stretching from Australia, to Cuba, to Africa and back again. To what extent do you feel this background has influenced your sense of colour and your decorative approach? It most certainly gives you perspective when it comes to styling and decorating a space. I see it […]
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Nov 16
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 0 comments

Attic 24 – Interview

Lucy first tried her hand at crochet 8 years ago by teaching herself from a book, and has been ‘hooked’, ever since. She now shares her own designs on her blog Attic 24, where you can find a plethora of colourful and inspiring crochet patterns. Lucy will be at The Handmade Christmas Fair holding a Q&A session with Kirstie on how to turn your passion into a business, in the Super Theatre at 10am on Saturday. We caught up with the queen of crochet to learn about her inspirations, favourite crochet books and plans for Christmas.   1. What was your first crochet project – How did it turn out? My very first project was a large granny square blanket, it took me five months to complete and it turned out pretty good for a first attempt! Eight years on, I still have it draped over the back of my sofa, it’s one of my favourite makes because of the memories attached.   2. We love the crocheted flowers you made for Yarndale in aid of Alzheimers. What’s your favourite thing to crochet? My favourite thing to crochet is blankets, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of designing and making them. I love the journey involved when you work on a project […]
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Nov 13
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Inside The Artists Studio 0 comments

Inside The Artists Studio – ChiliPhilly

Most people use social media for selfies and cat pictures. Not so Phil Ferguson. Inspired by Melbourne’s foodie culture, he rediscovered a dormant love of granny’s favourite crafting technique, and started crocheting colourful food headpieces that are as witty as they are wacky. His Instagram account, featuring the artist deadpanning as he’s transformed into a hamburger or piece of sushi, makes for joyous viewing. Bibelot sits down for a yarn with ChiliPhilly.   1. How and when did you discover the joys of crochet? A few years ago I taught myself from Youtube.  I studied Fine Art so I already had crochet as a skill set, but I didn’t do it as much as I have been within the last year or so.   2. Tell us about your creative routine – do you work in a studio or at the kitchen table, what’s your caffeinated beverage of choice, do you listen to music or work in silence? I drink a lot of coffee and just sit in my room with something playing!  I sometimes work in silence because it helps me work within a time period, sometimes listening to something distracts me and I take longer than I should! […]
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Oct 26
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Ethical, Interview, Treat Yourself 0 comments

Bahari Blossom – Interview

Sandhya Sharma is the creative mastermind behind ethical bath and beauty brand Bahari Blossom. All of her pieces are handcrafted with natural organic ingredients and full of moisturising oils, butters and exotic fragrances, offering a truly indulgent treat at every bath time. We caught up with her to discover how her adventures to the most beautiful places on earth, and a passion for nature, have served as inspiration.   1. How did Bahari Blossom come about? Having suffered from eczema and sensitive skin since childhood, I was disappointed with the limited products that were available. So I decided to learn how to create products that were not just plain and unscented but pretty and fun to use, and suitable for people with sensitive skin. The first thing I learnt how to make was soap and that was it – the journey began from there!   2. There are lots of things we fancy in your Etsy shop – what’s your best-selling piece? Thank you! My best selling item is the Custom Made Bath Time Treat Box in which you can choose from any 6 of my Bath Bombs, Bath Melts or Bath Truffles to make your own personalised gift of luxurious Bath time treats.   […]
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Oct 22
by bibelotm_wp in Craft 0 comments tags: Patterns, Sew, Sewing, Sewing pattern

Introducing: The Fold Line

  The Fold Line is an online creative community forum for makers in the craft world. A perfectly formed, unified home for quilters, embroiderers, fabric designers, dressmakers and toy makers. Join the community and you will be treated to fantastic bloggers, fabric designers, even a sewing patterns database at your disposal – and lots of other lovely things to add to your sewing arsenal. Putting together likeminded people, sharing projects and helpful tips, this is a social networking platform with a punch.   When we first heard about this ‘new sewing community site’ we might be forgiven for feeling slightly uninspired at the prospect. Immediately on arrival however, it is clear that this isn’t just any old sewing blog. This community has been designed by makers, for makers; and this is possibly why it ticks every box for its members. Plus the site is – well, cool. Beautifully designed and super easy to navigate – a far cry from its often sickly-sweet counterparts. The Fold Line manages to feel fresh, modern, relevant and above all, accessible for people of all levels of skill. Lead by a desire to unite the different kinds of sewers under one proverbial roof, The Fold Line has […]
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Oct 21
by bibelotm_wp in Craft 0 comments tags: Handmade, JaneFoster, Miffy

Miffy

  Dutch artist, Dick Bruna created the classic children’s character, Miffy, in 1955 whilst on a rainy seaside holiday in North Holland. A little bunny kept hopping around the garden of his holiday home – he sketched it by day and at night Dick Bruna made up stories about it to entertain his one year old son. That bunny later became Miffy. 60 years later, there are 33 storybooks about Miffy, which have sold over 85 million copies and are translated in more than 50 languages. Now published in the UK by Simon and Schuster, 16 Miffy storybooks have been refreshed for a modern British audience by award winning poet, Tony Mitton and are available from all good bookshops.   Give something unique this ‘Miffymas’!      Acclaimed Crafter Jane Foster is making a limited edition set of handmade Miffy cushions (RRP £34) using vintage and retro fabrics, just in time for Christmas. Set to be released on the 1st November at 9am, there will only be 20 of these cushions available. Handmade in Britain using vintage and retro fabric from the ‘60s and ’70s, these pieces are truly unique. The 20 products will be available from Jane’s online shop. […]
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Oct 16
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Reviews 2 comments

Colouring Books for Grown-Ups

How do you organise your bookshelves? Mine are categorised, split into books on illustration, those on graphic design, reference books, picture books and – my most recent addition – colouring books!   Colouring-in transports you back to a much simpler time when your biggest worry was whether you would manage to stay inside the lines, creating an oasis of creative calmness as you unwind and reminisce. These nostalgic and calming properties, along with the fact that it allows you to have a hand in creating something beautiful whether you have an artistic background or not, has lead to adult colouring-in to become a huge craze with millions of avid adult-colourers declaring once and for all that colouring is no longer just for kids! With any trend the marketplaces can become over-crowded and so for a new title to stick out it must endeavour to do fresh with the concept. Below is a list of 3 new and upcoming colouring books which do just that…   Beautiful Birds by Emmanuelle Walker     As I am sure anyone familiar with their work will agree, Flying Eye Books have pretty much mastered the art of producing beautiful and engaging picture books, and […]
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Sep 23
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview, Learn 0 comments

Jonna Saarinen – Interview + Tutorial

Designer and screen printer Jonna Saarinen is not bashful when it comes to colour and pattern. Her beautiful eco-printed and sustainably sourced textiles are inspired by happy memories of summers spent by the sea in southwest Finland. As well as her Hundreds and Thousands collection, Jonna will be showcasing a 4 metre one-off piece at this months London Design festival, Tent. She also shares with us an exclusive silk screen tutorial, which you’ll find at the end of this interview. Come with us for a peek behind the screens, and hear of her love for Mid Century architecture, memories by the seaside and dreams of discussing top hats with Moomin Papa and Ringo Starr…   1. Your Hundreds and Thousands collection is all about memories and the experiences you had growing up by the sea in Finland. How do you think this collection would compare to the new memories you’ve made since living in London? I think the London collection would be just as busy, colourful and happy! The memories here are also about growing up, but actually finding my feet as an adult as I was only eighteen years old when I moved over. As a grown up my adventures have been different to the ones I […]
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Sep 18
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Guests, Learn 0 comments

Bias Binding – Learn to Sew with Lauren

Bias binding is great to add little details and decorative touches. You can use ready made binding or make your own to hide raw edges of seams, highlight a hem or pocket opening, strengthen necklines or armholes, or as decorative piping.   Bias binding is so called because it is cut at a 45-degree angle to the straight grain of the fabric. This makes it more pliable and gives maximum elasticity for stretching it around corners and curves – plenty of those in dressmaking! I prefer to make my own bias binding because in this way I can give my sewing projects a uniquely personal touch. Also, quite often ready-made bias binding is a little stiff or rough, due to the coating put on it to help it keep its shape on the roll. When you make your own from a lovely soft cotton lawn, for example, it just feels so much nicer! There are two methods for making bias binding. The continuous method makes one very long length of binding. It is useful for when you have extra long edges to bind or if you know you’ll use that particular fabric a lot in future projects. The single length, piecing method will make shorter lengths, but it is quicker; so if you just have a small […]
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Sep 16
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 0 comments

Sew Over It – Interview

Lisa Comfort is on a mission to teach as many people to sew as she can, offering the widest range of sewing classes offered anywhere in the UK. She set up Sew Over It in 2011 and has since published two sewing books and appeared on Kirstie’s Vintage Home. She’ll also be joining Kirstie on stage at the Handmade Fair this September! Lisa shares her passions for teaching, her top sewing tips, and why she’d love to have Queen Elizabeth I round for dinner.     1. What initially captured your imagination about sewing? I was always quite crafty and loved making things when I was little. I loved the idea of sewing as it meant I could make my own clothes, and when I was 9 I wanted to be a fashion designer!   2. Tell us about your new book Sew Over It Vintage. SOI Vintage has 30 projects that all have a vintage twist, whether it’s a nod to a style or a vintage fabric that I used. There are projects in there for an evening or a weekend and at all levels so you can work your way up to the tricky bits. My favourite chapter […]
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Sep 11
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview, Learn 0 comments

Lauren Guthrie – Interview

Dressmaker and sewing Queen Lauren Guthrie followed her dreams to open her own fabric emporium and sewing school, Guthrie & Ghani. She became a finalist on BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, and her book Learn to Sew with Lauren is a treasure trove of tailor-made treats. We caught up with the savvy seamstress who seems to have things all sewn up in the craft world.     1. What’s your first sewing memory/experience of sewing? As I was growing up my mum was a dressmaker and worked from home so there was always a sewing area set up in the house. I used to play with the scraps of the things she made. I can remember coming home from lunch in my first year of school and working on a stitch sampler. I’ve still got it today!   2. You recently set up your own fabric emporium and sewing school; Guthrie & Ghani. Tell us more about how that came about. Sewing and being creative has always been my passion, but I was pushed more academically at school and ended up studying Physiotherapy at University. I worked in the NHS for over 5 years but in the end I knew […]
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Sep 09
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments

Poppy Chancellor – Interview

  London based papercut artist, Poppy Chancellor is running with scissors to create something unique in the craft world. She’ll be appearing alongside Kirstie Allsopp at this Summers Handmade Fair at Hampton Court, sharing some of her impressive skills in workshops over the weekend. We asked the cutting edge illustrator about her influences, inspirations and paper related injuries…   1. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? I love that it’s a cheap everyday object that people often disregard. Paper is such a familiar thing to us, something that we’d probably just chuck in the bin. I enjoy that I can elevate it and turn it into something really beautiful.   2. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people. My best friend growing up was my pet duck.     3. Who or what were your early influences and how has your life/upbringing influenced your work? My early influences were shadow theatres and silhouettes. When I was at uni I discovered Pollock’s Toy Museum just off Tottenham Court Road. I often visit to see their Polish papercut collection and admire the paper theatres. My upbringing was very ramshackle. No rules […]
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Sep 07
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Learn 0 comments

Washi Tape Chest Tutorial by Hester Van Overbeek

Painting furniture can seem daunting, as once you have painted a piece of wood, it feels like there is no way back. (There is, of course, but it involves a lot of sanding!) In addition, you might not know which colors you want to live with, so testing out a non-permanent color scheme can only be good. In these cases, cue the washi tape! This tape is easy to remove, so it’s the perfect partner for the craft beginner or the fickle of mind. Simply stick the tape to a chest of drawers to create great geometric patterns that almost look painted on.   Materials Chest of drawers Washi tape Scissors     1. Gather together your tapes – I use washi tape a lot, so I keep the reels close to hand in a big basket on my desk.     2. Have a look at which colors go well together. Here I’m decorating four drawers, so I want four colors that complement each other. By lining up the reels of tape next to each other, you can decide which combinations you like best.     3. Start sticking lengths of tape to your drawer, making different sized triangles, […]
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Sep 04
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Lists 1 comments

Illustrated Ceramics

Over the past few years, to counteract the rise in the use of digital technology in the industry, all areas of design have seen a resurgence of old fashioned skills and mediums as artists yearn for the artistic satisfaction that only hand-dirtying techniques can bring. A particularly exciting strand of this new old-fashioned craze has been the rise of illustrated ceramics. Artists all over the world, both emerging and established, have taken time out to mould, fire and glaze stunning creations which both bring character-filled focus points to a room or outfit and prove what a diverse and contemporary medium ceramic art is. Below is a list of five artists who’s transitions from illustrator to ceramic artist have been seamless and inspiring:   Sandra Dieckmann  For Sandra Dieckmann, who is known for her intricate artworks depicting nature in all its glory, her experimentation with this potentially spectacular medium has meant setting aside some of her infamous detail and adapting her approach for a 3 dimensional medium whilst attempting to keep the magical quality her creations are known for. Her adorable clay-creations have proved a huge hit with admirers online, with cute creatures such as Augustine the Hedgehog selling out in […]
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Sep 02
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 2 comments

The Handmade Fair – Kirstie Allsopp Interview

Ever wished all your most fave bloggers, makers and biscuit bakers were under one glorious roof for you to visit at once? Well, then this one’s for you. The Handmade Fair is back for another year, hosted by the Queen of Craft Kirstie Allsopp and is being held at the fantabulous Hampton Court on 18th – 20th September. The line up boasts some of THE hottest names in the craft industry; Will Taylor of Bright Bazar, Annie Sloane, Zeena Shah – and Kirstie of course, to name but a VERY few. There will be talks, workshops and loads of exciting happenings – all at this amazing venue!   We caught up with Kirstie to find out why she wanted to host this years Fair, and to find out what it is about craft that keeps her coming back for more…     1. The line up for the fair looks fantastic this year. What are your top picks for this years event? The gorgeous Eddie Glew in the Skills Workshops is one for the girls.  Emma Bridgewater for her incredible empire and Sarah Haywood for the ultimate guide to wedding planning.   2. We live in such a mass-produced, buy-it-now […]
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Aug 12
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Lists, Read, Reviews 0 comments

Paper Only – Review

Paper Only by The Papered Parlour includes 20 varied and beautifully written tutorials teaching you how to make everything from delicate paper roses and wreaths, to printed wrapping paper and origami bows. Since being founded in 2009, The Papered Parlour has hosted experimental workshops, critically acclaimed masterclasses and mini festivals, welcoming thousands of participants to their craft-centric events. Their passion for crafting, and adoration for paper and its versatility, shines through on each page of Paper Only. With this, their debut book, The Papered Parlour endeavoured to create more than just a craft book – they wanted to create a book about creativity, pushing the boundaries of paper-craft whilst simultaneously encouraging creativity. Below is a list of five reasons which make Paper Only much more than your average craft book:     1. Personality Unlike some books, the goal is not to create exactly what is on the page but rather to adopt The Papered Parlour’s messy, carefree way of working; take some artistic risks, experiment, let your artistic flare go wild and see what happens! This experimental approach injects excitement into each challenge and means that 20 tasks can in fact create an endless amount of unique, personality-filled crafted […]
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Aug 10
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Fashion, Interview 0 comments

I Love Crafty – Interview

Laura Hunter lives in a rainbow-hued world, complete with iridescent flowers, shiny cats and glittery treasures. We caught up with the Disney loving jewellery maker, entrepreneur and all round lovely lady to find out how her passion for fairy tales and all things crafty, have served as inspiration.     1. What was the first piece of jewellery you ever made? It was a necklace for a Christmas present to my sister. It had a bird that could move around the chain and a tree so it looked like it was flying away. She loved it so much she suggested I sell them! I guess I owe her a lot of necklaces since then!   2. Tell us about your typical working day. My typical day works around my daughter and how many naps she takes! I tend to start the working day with coffee, replying to emails then making and packing up orders. In the afternoon I might pop out for more coffee and sketch some designs but I work best at night really, it’s when I have my best ideas!     3. How do you balance family life with your business? It’s really tricky and something I think […]
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Aug 03
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 1 comments

Little Birdy – Interview + Competition!

We swooped by for a flying visit with a creative little finch who’s been ruffling feathers in the craft world, creating colourful and curious creatures out of porcelain, and hand painting each one individually – No two are exactly alike. The sky’s the limit for this determined Little Birdy, so we found out what’s inspiring her work, what it’s like to be a finch, and why she enjoys nothing more than squidging clay.   1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making?  The first thing I remember doing creatively was taking a pair of scissors and giving the Venetian blinds a fringe effect much to my mothers horror, aged four! My father was a painter so I was used to the sight and smell of oil paint and paintings, but I was more interested in making little television sets out of paper with slits in so I could pull a paper ‘film reel’ of images I’d drawn through, instead of painting. However, I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t being creative in some capacity or other.   2. What first attracted you to working with clay? The texture! As soon as I felt it I was hooked! I find it equally addictive and […]
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Jul 31
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments

Lucky Dip Club – Interview

Take some handmade crafts, add a selection of colourful curiosities and a sprinkling of handpicked personalised presents, package it all up with pretty papers and ribbons, and what do you get? A sell-out membership that goes by the name of Lucky Dip Club. Thrifter-extraordinaire Leona Baker, aka Leona Thrift-ola, is the mastermind behind the subscription service where you receive a wondrous box of surprises on your doormat each month. Makes a change from bills and junk mail eh? We caught up with Leona and discovered how a thirst for thrifting and a hunger for all things handmade have served as inspiration.     1. What sort of objects are you drawn to? I love thrifting objects that have a novelty, fun and colourful character. I’m drawn to them because they look like they have a story to tell and I fill my studio with all sorts of things to inspire me when I’m creating products for Lucky Dip Club.   2. Why do you think people are so drawn to kitsch? Are we all ‘big kids’ these days? Haha! I think we are! I’m drawn to nostalgia when it comes to patterns, colours and materials that existed in my childhood […]
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Jul 24
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments

Kitty McCall – Interview

We chatted to print designer Catherine Nice about Ireland, aspirations and the success of her interiors and accessories brand, Kitty McCall.     1. There are loads of things we fancy on your website – what’s your best-selling piece? It’s a tie between the Matisse and Rousseau Butterfly.   2. If you could only choose one colour to represent yourself, what would it be? Green – every shade of green!     3. Being an artist and textile designer sounds like a dream job – are there any downsides? Not for me. Getting to do what I Love everyday and see other people love it too is such an amazing feeling.   4. What’s your ultimate ambition as an artist/designer? To create something that other people get joy from.     5. You say on your website that you like old patterns. What’s you favourite past era for design? For artwork inspiration I’m a huge fan of the Bauhaus and De Stijl movements, butI also love mid-century modern furniture. The chairs from that era are fantastic for reupholstery.   6. What’s your most treasured possession? My children.   7. Where’s your favourite place in Ireland? Blackrock.     8. As […]
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Jul 10
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Make 0 comments

First Sewing Project: Vintage Fabric Cushion in Minutes!

Take one piece of fabric, a pair of scissors and some thread…..   One of the simplest, quickest and cheapest ways to freshen up or transform a room is cushions. Now, we know that cushions can sometimes feel like overkill on the craft scene, but stay with us! Try swapping the chintz florals for some cool, retro fabric, with a super swift envelope opening and we promise, you will be amazed at how much bang you get for your creative buck. The ideal first project for a beginner, and also a great way to use those coveted scraps which are too small for anything else. Add 1 hot iron, your trusty sewing machine and we can show you how to whip one up in minutes! If you are just settling in to your first project take a look at the article on how to get started with your new sewing machine first. This’ll be the perfect first project, once you’ve gotten acquainted with your machine with a little help from that post.   Ready? OK, lets get started.     Check List Sewing machine Iron Scissors Thread Pins Tailors chalk or pencil Piece of scrap paper or card 1 x cushion inner […]
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Jun 26
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Learn, Make, Pets 0 comments

How to Make an Appliqué Pet Portrait

Our pets are our family, and this fabric portrait is the purr-fect way to prove it. A fun alternative to photographs, and a creative way to use fabric and stitch to create a unique piece of art.     You will need: A photo of your pet A scanner and printer or photocopier Tracing paper Sticky tape (optional) Pencil Fading fabric marker (optional) Pins and needles Scissors Fabrics for background and appliqué design Interfacing (optional) Iron Fabric glue (optional) A sewing machine with embroidery foot Sewing threads in colours of your choice Ribbons (optional) A frame to fit your design   Method: 1. When you’ve chosen the photo of your pet, either scan and print it or photocopy it, enlarging it to fit your frame. If you’ve chosen a very large frame, you’ll need to print out tiled sections of the image and piece them together like a jigsaw and tape in place, to create your template. Then lay the tracing paper over the image and draw over the areas of the face and/or body you’d like to include in your final piece. Pick out specific features you’d like to include – it’s best to keep it as simple as […]
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Jun 17
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Learn, Make 0 comments

Fresh Flower Chandelier Tutorial by Clare Youngs

The little bottles that feature in this project are easy to find if you look at online stores for flower arranging and wedding favours. Hung from a wire base and filled with a pretty mix of fresh flowers they make a truly stunning decoration. Be sure to use thick wire—the bottles have water and can get heavy.   Materials Thick wire Tape measure Wire cutters Bullnose pliers Thin wire 5 small glass bottles Fresh flowers       1 Cut a length of thick wire measuring 33 in. (84 cm). Bend the wire to form a ring and use pliers to bend a small loop at one end and a small hook at the other end. Place the hook into the loop, and squeeze together to secure.     2 Cut two lengths of thick wire measuring 1 1⁄4 in. (3 cm) more than the diameter of the ring you made in Step 1. Use pliers to wrap one end of the first wire around the wire ring—I started at the join.   3 Stretch the wire across the ring and wrap the opposite end around the ring. Trim off any extra wire. 4 Rotate the wire ring by 90 […]
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Jun 01
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Learn, Make 0 comments

How to: Make a Felt Ball Garland

Hilda decides to spruce things up a bit…   Materials you will need A towel Wool tops for felting A bottle of warm soapy water A bowl of clean water Embroidery floss (thread)   1 Hilda lays down a towel to soak up any water that might spill and grabs a handful of wool. She separates the fibres out evenly so there are no heavy clumps, and lays it over the palm of her paw.     2 She takes her bottle of soapy water and pours a couple of glugs over the wool. 3 Hilda then squishes the soap into the fibres and scrunches the wool from the centre until it begins to gather into a ball.     4 Very gently Hilda rolls the wool in the palms of her paws until it starts to take shape. She keeps rolling, round and round…       5 After a few minutes of rolling, the felt ball starts to form into a firm shape. Then she dips it into the clean water to rinse it, and gently squeezes out the excess water. She carries on rolling and rinsing until the ball feels dense.     6 Once she has […]
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May 20
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Learn, Make 0 comments

Flower and Herb Wreath Tutorial by Catherine Woram

This lovely and fragrant wreath is made from rustic, dark brown twigs and decorated with a selection of colorful summer flowers that are interspersed with sprigs of rosemary and mint.   Materials Dark wood twigs (for making the wreath framework) Florist’s wire Large flowers such as peonies and hydrangeas Scissors Artificial ready-wired pink berry picks Pliers (optional) Stems of fresh rosemary and mint Small delicate flowers such as Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle) for the wreath surround 20in (50cm) ribbon, ¾ in (2cm) wide, for the hanging loop     1 Bend the twigs to form a circular wreath shape with a diameter of approximately 14in (35cm) or whatever size is required. You will find it easier to bend the twigs if you soak them in water for a few hours first, as this will make them softer and more pliable. Use lengths of florist’s wire to hold the twigs in place to form the wreath. 2 Cut down the large flower stems to a length of about 4in (10cm) using the scissors. Wrap a length of florist’s wire around the peony stem and then attach this to the twig wreath, wrapping the wire around several times to keep the flower […]
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May 13
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Guests 0 comments

Lessons from Audrey Hatch

Recently I gave up my real job.  I have two young monkeys at a new school with no after school/breakfast club facilities, and Mr.Collins and I haven’t actually spent any time off together since the big one started in a vain attempt to manage the school holidays.  I’ve just had my first book of crochet patterns published and the second is on its way, so I’ve given up the real job, can manage the monkeys, and in the wonderful world of dreams, all income can now come from crochet.       Two months in, a new collection was coming together, conversations have started with the publisher about another project, the purse strings are drawn verrrrrry tight, and I found myself becoming a little unstructured and erratic.  In fact I found myself pulling over in a layby and spending 15 minutes digging croissant crumbs from the back of the car in an attempt to lure the local crows from the trees to become my friends and bring me presents.  This is when I realised that I needed to pull myself together, get some direction and find some human contact. The next day I was browsing ads in a local yarn […]
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May 06
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Events 0 comments

BUST Summer Craftacular

SUNDAY MAY 17 – 12PM TO 6PM AT YORK HALL, 5-15 OLD FORD ROAD, LONDON E2 9PJ – NEAR BETHNAL GREEN TUBE STATION London’s original hip craft fair is back with a summertime fête of the hottest in handmade – featuring 80 stalls, DJs, DIY activities and a pop-up café and craft beer bar by King’s Cross hotspot Drink, Shop & Do. On Sunday May 17, New York-based women’s pop-culture magazine BUST brings its popular alternative craft fair back to York Hall with a curated line-up of designer-makers. Shoppers will have the chance to buy one-offs, seconds and “some super bargains” from Rob Ryan’s studio and meet some of the UK’s most talented jewellers, ceramicists and illustrators. Highlights range from limited-edition screen prints by Scout Editions and quirky animal-emblazoned tableware by Jimbobart to neon-bright screen-printed fashion by Bristol-based Dakota Rae Dust and east-London-made scented soy candles by Eastwick. See the full list of vendors here   The BUST Summer Craftacular offers a whole day of DIY culture, with a host of craft workshops and a Stitching Station by Mollie Makes magazine. Even the refreshment fits the theme: Drink, Shop & Do, an exciting independently run space (“Cafe by day. Bar by […]
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Apr 24
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Learn, Make 0 comments

How to: Up-Cycle a Lampshade

Materials you will need Lampshade frame Damp cloth Fabric strips 1½ in. (4cm) wide and 5 in. (13cm) longer than the length of each bar Glue gun Lots of beads/old necklaces Pliers Ribbons Beading wire Masking tape Embroidery floss (thread) Gathered lace trim Buttons Felt flower embellishments     1. Thrifty Thelma and Woolly the Lamb are stripping the ugly fabric from their lampshade. They want to give it a fresh new look. Once all the fabric has been taken off, they clean it with a damp cloth.     2. They tear strips of fabric to wrap around each bar. Then they add glue to the top of the bar with a glue gun, wrap the strip of fabric round tightly all the way down to the bottom, and secure it with another dab of glue. They do this to every vertical bar. And because they tore the fabric, the strips are frayed, which Thelma and Woolly like.     3. Next, Thelma measures around the inner circular section where the light bulb goes. She finds an old necklace that she never wears, cuts it to size using pliers, and then attaches it to the frame using a glue […]
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Apr 20
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Events, Guests 0 comments

Crafty Fox Spring Market

Crafty Fox returns to its original home at The Dogstar in Brixton on 25th and 26th April for a weekend of hand-picked stalls, creative workshops, live DJ’s and delicious food and drink.  Visitors to the market will have the chance to discover unique, design-led, handmade products sold directly by talented designer/makers.     The Tea’s Knees will be on hand with a selection of teas and homemade cakes in their first-floor tearoom.  The main bar will also be open for refreshments, and the market will be set to a background of eclectic tunes mixed by the Crafty Fox DJ’s. Look out for quirky ceramics by Kinska, beautiful nature-inspired jewellery by We Are Arrow,  and hand-printed textiles by Lulu and Luca. For those feeling inspired to tap into their own creativity, Mr. Wingate and Lucie Ellen will be offering workshops in screen printing and jewellery making.     The market will also feature new and undiscovered talent in the Crafty Fox Uncovered section, where stalls will be dedicated to showcasing emerging creative individuals working in the UK and currently being mentored by an established Crafty Fox designer/maker. You might just discover the next big thing! Entry is free and all are welcome.   Sinead […]
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Apr 17
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Guests, Learn 2 comments

Cane Handled Bag Tutorial – Kate Marsden

I spotted these cute cane handles in my local wool shop a couple of weeks ago and just had to get them. I decided to make a little handbag using one of my fabrics and some contrasting Liberty print. Here’s how…   You will need:      2 pieces of fabric for the outside of the bag – each measuring 37cm x 26cm (I used my Park Hill Bold fabric in teal) 2 pieces of contrasting fabric for the lining (same measurements – I used this Liberty print design) A pair of cane bag handles (mine are a medium size measuring 14cm across the bottom and 10.5cm high). Thread Sewing machine, hand needle, pins     1. Pin the two outer pieces together (right sides together) along the bottom edge – take care when using a directional print as I have. Pin two long edges of the lining fabric together as well.   2. Stitch both of these edges with 1.5cm seam allowances.   3. Press both seams open.   4. Pin the lining fabric to the outer fabric (right sides together), taking care to line up the seams. Leave a gap along one of the short edges (to enable you to pull through […]
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Apr 06
by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 1 comments

Ingela P Arrhenius – Interview

Stockholm-based illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius tells us what inspires her work, where she’d like to go in a time machine, and how an invasion of shampoo bottle and yoghurt pot people are slowly taking over her studio with no sign of a retreat…   1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making?  We had a big cupboard in my kitchen filled with fun artistic materials when I was kid. I remember making a lot of different characters in clay; rock artist, priest, cowboy etc. It is fun when I think of it because I still like that theme, I have done several “character products”, like my 3D Character puzzle, Mix and Match game. And of course my own projects like all the wood block figures and painted bottles.       2. Who would play you in the movie of your life?  I said this question out loud, sitting by the kitchen table and my 16 year old son is sitting here aswell doing his homework, and he immediately said Partricia Arquette. Good choice, I’ll take that.   3. Do you have time for personal projects, if so, what are you making right now? Yes I do. Even though I […]
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Apr 03
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Guests, Learn, Make 1 comments

How to make Easter Egg Pom Poms – Frilly Pops

If like us, you’re a pom pom making fanatic, then you’re going to love these rainbow coloured egg-shaped pom pom’s by Stephanie Dulieu of Frilly Pops! They’re perfect for keeping little ones entertained during the Easter break and for people who find pom pom’s particularly pleasing…   Materials Pen & Pencil Sharp scissors A piece of thick cardboard, corrugated or a cereal box. 2 large bulldog clips 1 small bulldog clip or paper clip An assortment of coloured yarns     To make the pom pom maker: Step 1 First you will need to make your DIY pom pom maker, you can do this easily by cutting out 4 horseshoe shapes out of thick cardboard. You can make these as big as you like, the bigger they are, the bigger your pom will be but for this tutorial I have gone for 1.5” across and 2’’ tall. Step 2 Take a pen and draw a guideline where the curved part looks like a half circle. If you are making pom poms with children, then this helps to show them where the yarn needs to be filled and where to stop. Step 3 Take two horseshoes and hold them back to back, so […]
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Mar 18
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview 0 comments

Lenique Louis – Interview

We caught up with jewellery maker, traveller, entrepreneur and all-round lovely lady Lenique Louis about her latest designs.   Is your jewellery ethical? How do you source your materials?  The semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls I purchase are sourced from a certified Fairtrade supplier based in England. They also have a mine in India, where their focus is mining for stones ethically, with conditions that are safe for the workers, ensuring the workers are fairly treated and paid a good wage. Making sure the money is benefiting the local community by employing locally is really important.   How did you learn the ancient hand carved wax technique? Or is it secret, like the Magic Circle? I received a book about it and wanted to explore more, so I began carving some sculptures in my gran’s garage. It was raw and organic and I loved the fact that I could put all my thoughts and emotions into the wax. However, I needed to refine my work so I was fortunate to get placements and internships with Stephen Webster and the Queen’s jewellers Garrad, where their master wax carvers would help to improve and refine my skills.     What was the first […]
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Mar 16
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Interview, Make 0 comments

Manmade – Mr Wingate

        We spoke to the man behind stylish print brand Mr Wingate about his exciting new venture, joining forces with Etsy and the Crafty Fox Market to celebrate “men who make”.     Manmade sounds exciting – give us the essential details of what, why, when, where, how and who… Yes!  Manmade is an event that is set to celebrate men who make.  I had the idea a while ago when considering a line up of speakers for Crafty Fox Talks, that didn’t go ahead and we kept the idea in the back of our minds. Later on, Sinead from the Crafty Fox mentioned the idea to Etsy and they loved it.  Only 10% of Etsy sellers are men, and they saw the opportunity to promote this small group of sellers, and ultimately try and encourage more men to make and sell. Manmade will host a wide selection of male makers and artists, including a bar and DJ’s, and a program of talks and workshops.     Who’s your favourite male crafter? Tricky question!  I really like Mark Hearld’s lino cuts.   What’s the best bit of advice you’d give to young male graduates looking to carve their way in the […]
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Mar 06
by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Fashion, Interview 1 comments

Jennifer Paganelli – Interview

Step inside the kaleidoscopic world of Sis Boom with us! This enchanting fabric collection was created by designer Jennifer Paganelli. Discover how her adventures to the most beautiful places on earth, and a passion for all things vintage, have served as inspiration.     Your fabrics are all about shared memories and the experiences you had growing up. What fabric line conjures up the happiest memories? I love Queen Street for its name as well as its colors and designs. Such amazing qualities of French, Dutch and Danish influence to give the overall quality of the West Indies.  The colors lend to the local color, steel bands, 3 Kings Day Parade, tropical winds, sea glass, the seas undeniable graduated blues and the overall confluence of senses.  These were the Golden years of St.Croix. The 70’s were an extraordinary time for the islands. Cruise ships, duty free, was all the talk!!! The Island streets having been owned by the Danes were mostly named in Danish, the translation brought in their heretige and linked them to their home country, for Kings and Queens recognized by the populous.     Vintage style has clearly influenced your design process. What is it about the […]
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Mar 02
by bibelotm_wp in Birds, Competition, Craft, Guests 1 comments

Birds – Jane Foster

I started my screen printing career 7-8 years ago now and have noticed that Birds seem to have popped up quite a few times over the years in my work!!       One of my early screen prints was called ‘Birds at play’ and this was originally published by The Art Group and sold in Habitat.         It then popped onto the back of a cat for a few designs and has recently been added to a few mugs in a collaboration with Make International.         I love adding birds to my pictures amongst Scandinavian style patterns.             I enjoyed designing a quirky seagull screen print after a summer holiday in Cornwall. It’s titled ‘Which way to St Ives?’         I’ve drawn several chickens for screen prints along with a Scandinavian Flowery Peacock, now also featuring on a mug and a glass.         My latest bird has been my colourful Toucan, which combines my love of colour and stripes! This also appears on a new mug, coming out soon, but I’ve also screen printed this as a toy…             Jane […]
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Bibelot is about more than craft projects; it represents an imaginative and sustainable way of life. Readers will feel stimulated, uplifted and motivated. Bibelot will begin its life as a blog, an online hub bringing artistic, original and innovative people together. It’s a space for sharing ideas, learning and sparking inspiration!
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