Hallowe'en at Witchy Woo Crafts

It's Hallowe'en time across the world and Witchy Woo is feeling mighty generous with her treats!

Check out my Folksy and Etsy shops to find great seasonal items in the SALE! Yes! Hallowe'en treats abound for all!

Not only that but Witchy Woo has been busy crafting (in between studying for an MA and working two jobs!) all sorts of new creations in time for the season of All Hallows. These pictures give you a sneak peak of my Candy Corn and Witch's Hat Brooches!

A New Season of Spells and Witch Craft

The days are darkening, the leaves are strew across the pavement and the winds off the Fylde coast are really picking up, it can only mean one thing: September!

Forget about all those who mourn the death of yet another year, here at Witchy Woo Crafts it always means fresh new starts and adventures in casting and crafting, with Hallowee'n the most beloved and sensually awakened of all seasons! 

To prove it, Witchy Woo has been busy updating her Folksy and Etsy shops in time for the grand old season of Hallowe'en! Included on there are some real treats:

•  the Me&FYC hair grips, with their burnt orange and black tones as a perfect accompaniment to any autumnal outfit, 
• as well as new experiments in hair bow-age, such as my ghoulishly gothic burgundy and black lace grips perfect for that vampy witch look!
• And a whole array of spootacular gifts for yourself, your home or another witchy familiar...

So why not take a sneaky peak? Go on, I dare you! Details are included on each of my pages via the tabs above, or more simply follow these links to my

Folksy page or Etsy page

Spooks be with you x

Blackpool Glorious Blackpool

If you, like myself, are a fan of our beautiful and bedazzled town then you might be interested in the BBC programme All Lit Up, which aired this morning.

The programme was presented by Laurence Llewelyn Bowen (the creative curator of the Blackpool Illuminations) and uses last night's centenary switch on of the Blackpool Lights as his starting point for exploring the resort's hidden heritage and glamour. I am a proud sandgrown Blackpudlian and though while it was a slightly biased, passionately positive representation of an often overlooked town, I feel it's this kind of 'good press' which we need in order to continue turning a corner in how the rest of the country sees us.

What I liked was that the programme made use of a lot of the often unknown but awe-inspiring facts which most visitors and locals do not know, such as: the town was the first to have electricity; that the man (Sir Hiram Maxim) who created the Flying Machines - the Pleasure Beach's oldest ride) also invented the machine gun; and that a lot of the unseen resplendent architecture which is hidden behind the doors of the Winter Gardens, Grand Theatre and Tower were designed by some of the most talented and revered architects of their day. This show has it all, so if you want to learn more follow the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m9c6x

End of a Journey

It is upon us so soon: the final day of the Me&FYC boutique!

As one of the designers I can say it has been an enjoyable journey and though I haven't been able to go in as often as I'd have liked as I've been up in the Lakes this past week, it's been a pleasure to craft for. In addition to the excellent orchestration by Me&Yu in simply creating this stall, there have also been an array of events taking place, such as pamper evenings and discount nights, as well as specific talks arranged with those expert in making and marketing their crafts. I haven't been able to take advantage of many of these wonderful events, though the Making to Sell workshop with Me&Yu and Collette Halstead, was one I did get to and I felt it was really informative and well organised.

On a whole it has been a great opportunity for the town (and I hope its artists) and I do believe it is a small stepping stone from which we will propser.

So this is to say: Thank you to Me&Yu, thank you to the other designers, and thank you to those who have been in and looked around and even supported the local crafters. I hope we will see more of this in the future!

Witchy Woo Crafts on sale in Me&FYC!

Me&FYC is Open!

It's official - the pop-up boutique Me&FYC opened on Friday 17th with a launch night that evening. The event was attended by the designers and local people hungry for new and exciting crafts in Blackpool, with live music and a chance to buy some of the items which will be on sale until 1st September.

The boutique is housed in the gallery space of FYCreatives on Church Street and is kitted up by Manchester designers Me&Yu into a seaside themed outlet. I urge everyone in the area to make a trip as a lot of effort has gone into the products on sale, and on the concept itself, creating something alternative for shoppers in Blackpool, taking in the wealth of talent in the town that otherwise goes unrecognised.

In the image to the right you can find a list of all the designers taking part and if you pay a visit to the shop you will also see a slideshow of the creative process, showing you exactly how your treasured item has come together! Now you don't get that on the high street!

Opening times Friday 17th August - Saturday 1st September 2012, 9am  5pm Monday to Saturday

FYCreatives, 154-158 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 3PS. Tel: 01253 477147

Bunny Love

My race to the finish to get all the hair grips completed for Me&FYC might have come to an end, but I'm still trying to keep motivated by working on other projects I've had shelved in the interim. Things such as my bunny canvas.

I've had this in the pipeline since making the bunny garland for my friend earlier in the year, when I ccidentally cut out two bunny shapes I didn't need. Not to put anything to waste I decided to make a cute wall hanging. 'Bunny Love' is all but finished, I just need to search for a compatible trim to finish off the edges and screw its hooks into the back. However, you can see it's a fairly simple design, with my nana's vintage fabric bunny shapes fixed onto burgndy felt and stitched with metallic thread onto the A5 canvas. I've used sequins and bows or details and matching roses to fill out the top and bottom opposing corners. In order not to leave a lot of blank space I've stitched (again with metallic silver thread) the phrase 'bunny love' onto the canvas, and painted over it in pearlescent rose and silver fabric paint.

Once I get my paws on some peach lace to trim it'll be finding its way to Folksy, Etsy and my 'Haunted Houses' page on this 'ere blog of course - so watch this space!

4 Days To Go...

Only four days until Me & FYC opens its doors to craft hunters and those with an eye for unique design. Created to celebrate the rich pool of talent in the Fylde coast area, as well as the town itself, Me & FYC will run for two weeks in the gallery space of FYCreatives on Church St, Blackpool, from Friday 17 August (11am) to Saturday 1 September. The boutique will be open daily 9 am - 5 pm and there you shall find accessories and arts items by designers across the area as well as Witchy Woo Crafts. Check out the Me&FYC page right here on my blog for more info!

 

Me & FYC Countdown!

It's only 10 days and counting until the deadline for the finished products for Blackpool's exciting Me&FYC boutique! That means hurried and stressful times for the crafters! However, I thought I'd take some time to stop and tell you all about the dates which have been confirmed for the shop, and create a brand new page on this 'ere blog, to record all my step by step agonising and late nights, trying to get myself sorted in time! You can find said page, next to the Home tab at the top of the page!
In the mean time, here are some dates to note:
The Me&FYC pop-up boutique establishes itself on Friday 17th August at 11am. The shop will then run for 2 weeks until Saturday 1st September when it will close at 5pm. Opening times will be Monday-Saturday 9am to 5pm. There is no excuse not to pop down and check it out!
You will be able to find the boutique at FYCreatives on Church St, Blackpool. But in case you're about to rack up your excuses I've helpfully posted a link to a map here. Enjoy!

Me & FYC & My First Commission!

I can't believe how long it's been since making a post. The reason for this is I have been very very busy crafting away and (sigh) working... Yet I have two pieces of good news!

The first being, I was commissioned by my good friend Esther to make a present for her friends' wedding coming up at the end of the month. My first commission! And for that I am eternally grateful Esthula! So I thought what would be better than to make a lovely, homely garland to display in their joint abode.
I followed my usual pattern of hearts and gingerbread folk, this time stitching their names into their hearts strung along on cream canvas ribbon and a lady gingerbread and man gingerbread at either end...complete with pearl necklaces and bow ties. Of course!
Homely and personalised, I thought this made an ideal wedding present. I shall attach photos soon and hope in the meantime that if anyone else has any requests you will e-mail me and I'll see what I can do! Or alternatively, check out my page on Folksy where you can see an example of a personalised garland which you can commission for yourself!

My rough design for Esther's wedding gift

And now onto my second piece of good news...

You may remember before my long absence I brought you news of the Me & FYC Blackpool Fashion Boutique making its way to the town. Well, I submitted several designs (which you can see below) and a sample item, and have been chosen to create some hair grips for the event! Essentially my second commission!


My beloved Seaside Pride themed Union Jack Purse



I chose two predominant themes to represent Blackpool, Seaside Pride and Blackpool Lights. The first was centered around Blackpool being a staple of British holidaying; the lovable rogue in the makeup of our national identity. Bright and breezy are definite connotations of the resort, so I opted for a colourful take on the Union Jack, using tango orange grosgrain ribbon to signify the sand and sun of the town, as well as the football team (the Tangerines, of course!) along with white double satin ribbon and thin rainbow grosgrain ribbon which reminds me of the Gay Pride and general vibrancy of the town. I made a purse, brooch and hair grips using this theme, which you can see below. The purse was by far my favourite design and I made myself a version anyway! Unfortunately it didn't make it through the selection process; however, I will be making something very similar again and putting it up for sale on Folksy so if you're interested e-mail me and let me know! I'd be very glad to hear from you.



The inside of my Seaside Pride Purse



The other theme I used, Blackpool Lights, was inspired by some ribbon I came across in my local haberdashers, Blacks, which is entitled 'Party Time' and instinctively reminded me of the famous Blackpool Illuminations. So I used this black satin ribbon featuring multi-coloured polka dots on top of the tango grosgrain ribbon to create a powerful contrast. In this theme I only submitted a brooch and hair grips, but the hair grips (in both themes) made it through!

Party Time Ribbon which will feature in the Blackpool Lights theme of my hair grips



Although I'd have been delighted to see my union jack purse for sale in the boutique I can't deny that it would have been a lot of time and effort as the stitching on each piece is very intricate and would have made it difficult to create more than just a few items.



Soon however I will be displaying images of the first completed hair grips. My ribbon is ordered and on its way and I'm looking forward to getting cracking on a new project! In the meantime peruse my designs below and if you have any questions do get in touch...

 



My Seaside Pride Union Jack Brooch



My selected hair grips designs

Spring Bunnies

Owing to my profound lack of cash at the moment, you will already be aware that making presents for people has become both a well beloved past time and a financial necessity. And so it was no different when my best friend turned the dreaded year older...
As a bunny fanatic the only logical answer was something down that path. Having unearthed all of my nana's vintage fabrics not long ago I realised that the bright and fun patterns were perfect for a spring-time birthday and spring-time theme.

You can see that I have gone with my old favourite garland design. I just like the idea that a bland doorway or wall can instantly be improved with a simply string of happy little bunnies! Not to mention that it can be hung anywhere and folds up very small. I spruced up the bun-buns with neck bows and sequins for eyes, padded them with Vilene, and in addition created a beautiful little glamour bun of a brooch (featuring an array of marabou feathers for a bright and bushy tail!). A simple design, once again, but the use of busy patterns works well to give it that truly unique feel. Certainly something you won't find on the high street.

Although I said this making presents lark has come out of necessity, the truth is, however, that I now no longer fear occasions the way I used to. That probably sounds silly to the very shopping-friendly of you, who love lavishing gifts and money on people! And that's not to say I don't; I in turn love to give things and surprise friends with a display of generosity. But what I love more than that simple act, is knowing I'm giving something that's truly them. The thought of having to buy a present for someone always filled me with fear because I resent having to spend time (and money) looking around chain stores in order to find something which I can just about excuse as being an item they might give a second glance to. Nothing I could find would ever live up to an even better idea I had in my head. And now I don't have that worry! True freedom!

If you can get over the fact that there's a small possibility in your head that said friend could have reason to accuse you with stinginess, merely shrug it off with the validation that, unlike so many others can afford in the modern day, you have been generous with your time...

Crafty Fumblings

Well, I don't know how I haven't gotten round to updating this blog in a while, but anyway, here we go..

I haven't done a great deal, although I have finally established myself on Etsay! Wayhay! However, at the moment I only have one item up for ale, but if you're an Etsy users and fancy having a look (or not, maybe you're just nosey?) then here is a fitting time to display a link!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/witchywoocrafts

I've had (once again...) a few birthdays lingering so I've mostly been crafting for those, photos of which will emerge soon!

However, you may remember a few weeks ago now I told you all I'd been experimenting with vintage fabrics and gingerbread men? Well, I've finally created a whole batch ind elightful shades and patterns! There are two kinds, gingerbread men and gingerbread women! There's ten in total and are now featuring on my 'Bewitching Trinkets' page, where you will also find another approrpriate link to the very Folksy page where you can indeed purchase this item! One thing I also like, which I can't take the credit for as my boyfriend suggested it, is that you can buy one of each (or two of each, or maybe three.....depending on your preference..) and match them up to make 'couples'! Included are some images, but like I say you can also find them on 'Bewitching Trinkets'...enjoy!

I'll be back soon I swear...

CALLING ALL DESIGNERS!

Top alternative fashion company Me&Yu, based in Manchester, are joining forces with FYCreatives to establish a Blackpool Fashion Boutique this August. The initiative calls for designs to be submitted by those from Blackpool and the Fylde Coast (though any association with Blackpool will be considered) to produce accessories and/or clothing which could form some of the stock for the display. The theme is Blackpool and the idea is to create new, alternative mementos and souvenirs, based on anything you might find for sale in your average boutique. The deadline is May 13th and to obtain more information and an application pack visit http://www.facebook.com/meandfyc

This is an excellent opportunity for budding designers, artists, crafters, you name it, to get creating and inspire a new shopping and fashion culture in Blackpool!

That's Blown It...

It doesn't feel like 2 minutes since I was extolling the virtues of the early Spring weather. But, as is its wont, this week we find ourseves beseiged with icy temperatures and battering winds. On the Fylde coast gale force winds are no stranger to us, but they don't half make for unproductiveness!

That doesn't really make any sense, right? I mean, it's cold and unpleasant outside, so we ought to be bolting the doors shut, sticking a film on and getting down to some serious stitching. But unfortunately the penetrating wind just won't give me a moment to concentrate! Rattling the windows so that I have to turn the volume up astronomically high really isn't much help. Added to that the sudden drop in temperature which means my hands are starting to freeze and numb up, making needlework virtually impossible! Alas! So instead I thought I'd come downstairs to the warmth of the kitchen and pen this little note on how little I've done!

Yesterday was a slightly more creative day than today, but that's largely because I spent it under the covers (my immune system has also been besieged by a cold...) and the wind didn't get up until last night. So I managed to finish making a 'welcome' sign which I started on Saturday evening, designed for a door or hall entrance way. I love working with gingerbread men, as you might have guessed, because they make homes so much more inviting (usually its that promise of sweet treats...). You will see I've opted for a slightly subdued design: the gingie's don't have faces, instead I've let the simpleness of the floral vintage materials come through, and be enhanced with the buttons and bows. Hand stitching the letters with gold metallic thread also gives the chain a homewarming feel, and shows that time and effort has been put in. Most people don't like hand-stitching, they prefer to do these things on a sewing machine. But in that sense I guess I'm a bit of a luddite. Sewing machines have always scared me a little, I prefer the peacefulness of a single needle and thread which you can take anywhere. For instance, the lettering I did on Saturday night while watching Blackpool thrash Southampton 3-0 in the football! All in the comfort of my kitchen... What I like best about the chain, however, is the colour scheme. I find rustic, natural colours very waming, especially for a home decoration. Maroon and Ivory echo peacefulness and refined tastes and goes well with the simple brown floral print of the gingerbread men. To finish I strung the lot on a length of sturdy cream ribbon which I had lying around from a variety pack of materials. Now as soon as the wind dies down I'll nip outside to take a good photo of it, hanging on my door...

...On second thoughts, don't bother waiting for the wind to die down in Blackpool!

Inside The Artist's Studio: Rose Collage, vol. 2

Hurrah! It is finished! In case you're new to this, my recent project has been to make a unique 30th birthday present for my sister. I decided on a small, A5 sized, textile collage of a rose. Although it was a step into the uknown because, although I've done a couple of collages before, working with the intricate detail of a rose design is always going to be fraught with difficulties!
However, I think it's fared well for a first attempt. There are things I might do slightly differently next time, such as make a few more parts for it to appear slightly more intricate, and measure out my leaves better, as well as not sitch the inner leaf material so closely to the edge, as you can see it was prone to fraying. The problem with the leaves really came as I stitched her name onto the lower left leaf, and this created a difficulty when getting the rose to appear aligned properly, as I did not want to cover the name.

The complete project actually took me far less time than I had originally envisaged. All in all I'd say it took about 10 hours from start to finish, including the design/templating process. Once again, to bring it a little more to life you can see I've gone down my favourite path of sequins! Not only does this fill out the blank canvas, while retaining its simplicity, it also highlights the softer petals. And to finish, I've bound the edges of the canvas with pink polka dot ribbon from my local crafts shop, which makes it look beautiful and homely! A real Spring treat for a kitchen or entranceway; the simple pink and white colour scheme, along with the floral prints, cleanse any room of negativity!

To conclude: a success!

Fun In The Sun!

It's officially Summer! Well, maybe not quite..we've just had the Vernal Equinox and tonight for us Brits the clocks go forward, but with this unseasonably warm weather we've been having you could mistake it for late May. It's that time when we realise we're actually quite a way into the not-so-new year: resolutions have been forgotten, diet's gone AWOL, and we all feel the pull to be more active, get on with those to-do lists and make the most of life.
So, what am I doing procrastinating?! Well it's that damned hazy sunshine! And I know, I know, I'm supposed to be working on my sister's present, not making more designs for me! However, sometimes I feel it's nice to take a break away from one project before you get tired of working on it and end up hating the thing! Though I must admit I have never been this addicted to crafting before! And I think addiction is the right word here... I think this blog has been useful in that it is getting me to persevere with my crafting but my hobby has turned into an obsession!
Anyway, as I was sorting out some materials for use in the aforementioned present I went rummaging around through bags and bags of material I inherited when my nana passed away. I've had these fabrics lying around for years and always meant to put them to a good use...well now I am doing.
Vintage is a big hit at the moment and these fabrics have that definite vintage edge. However, what is so versatile about them, and makes them great for brooches and decorations etc, is that their designs and prints are still so appealing to the eye. I don't know if it's the simple floral prints or the retro colours, but so long as you team them up with a fun design they're always going to look trendy and modern.
So, I just felt like making myself a little brooch to wear and couldn't wait to get stuck into these fabulous fabrics. I love gingerbread men (as you might be able to tell) and have been wanting to design a gingerbread man brooch for a while. It was pure experimentation but I think it's worked!

My first step was using this light blue, polka dot, ribbed material because it instantly makes me feel summery! Added with some lemon yellow stitching and bow tie, as well as bright pink star sequins for buttons and eyes, this is the perfect spring/summer accessory. Since having made it I can't stop looking at it; the colours make me want to go walking along the beach now that we're having some exceptionally glorious weather! And on that note, you know what, I think I might... In the meantime while I'm enjoying the beautiful north-west coast, you can take a sneak peak at my latest creations below...

More Card Ideas...

Here is a card I have designed for my sister's 30th. As you can see I've kept the acutal card part quite simple, because I wanted it to play host only to the part of the card in the middle, that is the cupcake 'dangly'. I know not everyone likes to keep hold of these things, so I haven't wasted any fancy fabrics and materials on the card itself, but have made a dangly which is affixed inside with a piece of sticky pad and hangs over the front. This way she can dispose of the card after her birthday but keep the cupcake and use it as a car dangly, a handbag charm or any other home decoration! Nifty!

Inside The Artist's Studio: Rose Collage, vol.1

I thought I'd write a snippet about my currect project. My sister turns 30 next week and as part of her present I thought I'd make a little textile collage of a rose, which, as well as being simply gorgeous, is also personal because it relates to her name.
I started it this morning, first drawing out a template of a rose and then replicating that, cutting out the major 'parts' and tracing them onto an assortment of pink and red fabrics. This is potentially a very tricky project to attempt, as roses are obviously very complex flowers with all their subtleness of folds. It's very possible that layering materials to create texture and definition could just look like a mess of fabrics! (This is typical of the way I create new items, I start off with an idea and just delve right in; making mistakes is a large part of the creative process for me!)
You will see that I've created the middle part of the rose using pink satin, which I had some scraps left over of. I cut out a rough square, folded over the two top most corners and sewed them in place with invisible thread, to create a 'soft' arrow point. then I twisted the material around to the left, tucking in any loose edges and stitched the bud in place with more invisible thread. Now that I have all the pieces ready in a number of different materials (hessian, printed cotton, satin and my beloved felt) I am ready to assemble them all onto the canvas. I'm planning to use metallic embroidery thread to give definition as well as sequins to add a special sparkle and depth to the image. I've also yet to make some leaves, down which I will stitch her name in sparkly thread as the 'stem'..

It's proving to be an exciting project for me as I've never created such a complex design giving only the 'insinuation' of definition using layered fabrics. I've also never stitched directly onto an unbacked canvas, whihc is what I will be doing here... However, this is where I am with it at the present moment. Please check back to see the second installment over the coming days, and see whether I have managed to make a success of it or whether it's consigned to the scrap materials bag!

Ghosts Are For Life, Not Just For Hallowe'en

When she saw that I was working on a ghostie chain my mum replied "I see you're getting ready for Hallowe'en early...". There are several reasons for this. Firstly, since doing this blog I've realised that I have rather neglected the 'witchier kitschier' side of my creations. Secondly, it is my firm belief that ghosts are not just for Hallowe'en!
Every autumn when those crisp October evenings are drawing in, and I'm pulling out the skeletons from the Hallowe'en drawer, I think to myself that I should not neglect such a fun holiday all the other eleven months of the year.
There is something about Hallowe'en which lends itself to the ghoulish, yes, but those characters are mischievous and as we all know, the mysterious and the mischievous are what make life fun! That is why you will often see my spooky designs with chirpy faces, or in bright and bold colours, because this is a time of year when our homes and clothes should reflect the childish joy that exists in all of us (even if we haven't seen it for a while)!
I've taken to making 'chains' lately because they are simple to do and can spruce up a bland wall or make a room look inviting. This ghostie chain probably only took me about 10 hours in total and as you can see I've used many of my favourite materials! That is: felt, star sequins and metallic thread. I don't often use white or pale colours so it's refreshing to have this hanging up in my room at present as it brings its own character and enables the other colours which I have used to come into their own. You can see if you look closely that I have used different coloured stars for each ghost and matched it up with the same colour thread, which lends itself to the simply stitched smiles and each ghost's outline. I have also created two stars on the end, using yellow and purple felt, which is in part due to an oversight during the finishing off period, but that in hindsight gives the chain that extra bit of uniqueness. Into the stars I've fixed some pink, gold and purple metallic cord from which the ghosts hang and which I feel helps to emphasise the colours of the faces amidst the pale, white bulk of the item.
Adding some sparkle and colour gives this decoration a childish loveliness which is what the holiday is all about. However, I think it's this touch of mystery which makes us so much more able to appreciate the finer things in life and deal with the negative when it crosses our path. Therefore, I hope to make more of these over the coming months and hope they will find a place in your home or heart and enable you to celebrate ghosts all year round!

Flight of Fancy!

This afternoon I had some spare time so I thought, instead of making gifts for everyone else (as I have been doing of late) I'd make something for me to enjoy.. Presenting: The Pigeon Brooch!
You might have noticed that pigeons feature a lot in my designs, I think it's because they are such a big part of living in Blackpool! (and well indeed any town or city..) I like to watch them move around, I think they're fun characters. Contrary to popular opinion, I think pigeons are cute and I love their iridescent colouing. It makes for an interesting design: matt grey with a variety of bold colours. You might have guessed that this is a feature of my crafting! As is felt (and stuffing), which is what this little fellow is made out of.
If you look at my slideshow you will also see that I've made a pigeon dangly before for a friend who is also a fan of these feathery town centre familiars. But now I wanted one for myself! They make for interesting, simple designs because you can keep the original piece quite basic but introduce bright colours on, say, a piece of ribbon or cord, to bring him to life. He didn't take me long to make, about an hour and a half, but now that I've experimented with him I might make a few more to list on Folksy. So if you too are a pigeon fancier then keep your eyes peeled for more pigeon-related gifts!

Mothers' Day on a Budget!

Owing to the fact that I am completely broke these days I've learnt to do occasions on a budget, so to speak. Mothers' Day is this coming Sunday and I decided to make a sweet card using odd bits of craft supplies I had hanging around.

I think my simple daffodil design is quite effective. Layering felt in bold colours is an excellent way to make complicated designs effortlessly achievable. And although I could have gone all out and stitched on some thread for the flower outline, sometimes it's just quicker and easier to use something like glittery fabric paint, like I have here, to attain the definition (especially when you have several other irons in the fire).
Anyway, I hope this has given you some ideas if you are contemplating making your own Mothers' Day or other greetings card. They're incredibly simple, cheap and can be quick to do. This only took me about an hour to make. Not to mention the satisfaction achieved when you have made something which looks so much better than anything you could buy at over-inflated prices! Always a bonus!
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A Sparkling G&ft!

This January I spent a long weekend enjoying the delights of the capital with a university friend. I, being my idling self, was particularly low on funds and this expedition was my modest last hurrah of the new year! And so (yes I know a lot of time has passed since then..) I decided to repay the hospitality of my friend by creating a unique and personal gift, which would mean so much more to her than anything I could buy. 

I have been tinkering around with ideas for textile collages for a while and thought I'd have a go, making her a small wall hanging. And what do we both have in common? A slightlyworrying fixation with that nectar of the gods, gin!

I used a cream tablecloth kind of material for the background and stitched onto it some pink satin, creating the glass out of blue felt, chenile tartan and overlaid with a silver guaze. For extra effect I stitched a rim with silver embroidery thread, created some depth with felt ice cubes and added a pipe cleaner straw and felt/material lemon slice for thatspecial touch! The lettering was created using silver embroidery thread and star sequins.

Although I'm not great at embroidery I love using the thread because it makes crafts look that bit more delicate and magically sparkling. Obviously the effect I'm always striving for! It's not big in size, affixed onto an A5 canvas, and has a pink glittery ribbon around the edging to make it appear smooth and to frame it beautifully. I particularly enjoy the colour scheme which I think will lighten any room it is placed in.

Though it's not quite as neat as I would have hoped, I can see where I will improve a similar collage in future. But I'm happy giving it as a gift knowing that I wouldn't have been able to find anything quite as fitting in a shop!

View My Items

Just a quick note to say I've been working developing the other pages on my blog now so you should be able to find items much more easily. There are gifts for friends, family, and anyone who enjoys the finer, sparkly, exciting things in life. There are brooches and danglys, as well as decorations to make your home as welcoming as you always wanted it to be.. So take a look around!

Magical Memories

I will admit that I have rather neglected my Folksy creations recently, but only because I have been working on several other creative pieces. My best friend, who has actually already moved to London, is set to lose her family home here in Blackpool when her parents move down south too.. So, to remind her of the wonderful and insane place that will always be her true home I decided to create a mounted 'scrapbook' of sorts.

I used a variety of materials: a free map I skanked from Tourist Information; photographs; buttons; felt; material; ribbon; sew on patches - and I mounted it all onto a cheap canvas I bought from The Works. I also made a few images myself from various bits of textiles and craft essentials I had lying around, to make the collage more unique. For example, if you look closely you can see a shuttlecock I made out of felt, hessian and ribbon (we used to 'play' a lot of awful badminton)!

For me this seemed like the ideal leaving gift as it was fun, colourful and extremely personalised. This is what crafting is all about for me: creating magical gifts which make everyone feel much better off to have around...

Although this is a gift I have made for a friend, I hope it gives you inspiration to make something similar, or even radically different...but if it gives you ideas then it was a job well done!

Welcome All Crafty Witches!

Welcome to Witchy Woo Crafts!

Here I will attempt to display some of the marvels I have been creating, for sale and for gifts, or just for myself! I hope to update this blog with some of the latest items off the 'production' line of handmade joy as well as some of the things which inspire me to create innovative pieces.
This is a relatively new experiment for me so please be patient. I'm not the most dilligent of crafty witches and as most creative people can testify, procrastination is one of our biggest burdens...