New Purses

Good afternoon all,

Just a quick blog to show you my new purses:

Click the picture for a bigger size

These are made using fab cupcake materials! They are different colours per side, have a complimentary interior and zip and a little ribbon to help opening and closing. They are just to right size for all you 'pursey' needs and look great.

Click the picture for a bigger size

You may recognise these...only they are a little different. These are my new range of Freehand Machine Embroidery Denim Purses. I made ones similar to this, only they had cream on one side and denim on the other and the other ones are decorated with flowers. These are made using firm denim on both sides and I really like them! Regular readers will know I love making items using freehand machine embroidery and these are just great for that. Like the cupcake ones, they are the same size and also hold a multitude of sins.

I have a fair coming up at the weekend and I will be taking them there - if there are any left I will list them in my Etsy Store afterwards. They make great gifts...

What do you think?

Thanks for reading, leave me a comment if you like,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2015.

New Items

Good evening all,

I have been busy (as usual) and have a few of my creations to show you, I thank you for your time.

First up, my new Freehand Machine Embroidery Double Sided Purses:

I just love them. I decided to use the bird design (because I love that too) and I think it really works. I also decided to use an interior that packs a punch and so have co-ordinated the insides with the outer fabrics. Adding a pop of colour in the zip just brings it all together.

I came across the ribbon of 'Hand Made' tags recently and have started adding them to a few of my creations, and I think it adds even more of a professional touch. I will of course only add them when/where appropriate, but I think I like them on these purses. Plus, you could add a split ring and attach your key...

I also made these:

I think it must be because Spring has just arrived, but these seem to fit really well. Again, double sided, lined to make you smile and each having a happy zip. Is a happy zip a thing? Well, it is now.

Next up, my Freehand Machine Embroidery Denim iPad Air Case:

Even though I don't own an iPad myself, I know a gazillion people who do so I am sure these will sell quite well. As you can see, I used a rugged denim for the outer and a bright pink fan material for the interior. I made a template of an iPad Air for the measurements and this suits really well. The case has lovely little freehand machine embroidered birds, it is fully padded to protect your iPad and it has an elastic with button to close. And I know, as in the instance of my mobile 'phone cases, there are A LOT of cases in the market, but there are none like my own designed, hand made ones, made with much love, care and attention to detail. PLUS, if I make more than one of any of my items, they are still unique as all hand made items will be ever so slightly different.

Getting off my soap box now.

And finally for this evening, these Roll-up Shopping Bags:

These are so cute! I have had this vegetable material for quite some time and in the past have made children's bags and aprons but I saw it again today wrapped up and thought, hmm, what can I do with that? Sure enough, these bags popped into mind. I have made roll-up shopping bags before too, but not for about a year and so I got to work. These bags are of a substantial size being around 15" tall and 13.5" wide, enough to get plenty of shopping in and yet roll down really small, making it easy to grab and go, or pop into your usual bag, ready for the shops. They are lined in cream calico and have webbing straps to make it light, yet sturdy and as you'd expect, all stress areas are reinforced for durability. And the best thing is they are made of cotton, so they can be washed easily when needed.

This is how to roll them up:

Easy!

That's all for now, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment or take a look at my Facebook page.

News coming soon of upcoming fairs. Stay tuned...

Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2015

TOAST and Cushion

Afternoon all....

Some exciting news just in, my items are going to be gracing a shop! And not just any shop, oh no, this is a company in Leek, Staffordshire called TOAST, you may have heard of them before, TOAST stands for Totally Original Artisans Staffordshire. I was introduced to them by a friend, I have been in contact and have just posted a box of my items off to them this morning...it's all very exciting.

Click TOAST and it will take you to their website, this is their Twitter and this is their Facebook.

And for my latest item:

Another of my Freehand Machine Embroidery projects, this cushion is made using cream Calico, it has an envelope back, it has three flowers with stems and a leaf and there are two tiny birds flying in the distance too. It is 16" x 16" and has a polyester pillow form inside.

This is a cushion that would compliment many areas of your home and help to give it that homely feeling, it would also make a great gift...I love it. How about you? This one will be going to my next fair.

That's all for today, remember to leave a comment if you like of visit my Facebook page.

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

New Items

Evening all,

Just a quick one to let you know off some of my latest projects...

First up, a Freehand Machine Embroidery Needle Case:

I really love using my machine for this tequnique and this little needle book was great fun to design and make. It is made using calico and cotton materials, it has two felt interiors for needles and pins and has a spotty ribbon to tie. So cute! It would grace any sewing kit.

Next up, this Patchwork Throw Cushion:

Although the lighting is not too brilliant in this (just wanted to show you!) you get the idea. It is made using fabulous upholstery materials, and it is embellished with crochet lace and buttons. It has an envelope back with two buttons to close and measures approximately 15" x 16". I really like the choice of materials as not only is it heard wearing, the colours are nuetral so it will go in many rooms. It can be used on a sofa, a chair or a bed, you choose!

Third in line, a cute and colourful Jewellery Roll:

This is an item I have been asked about many times and I have finally got around to designing one. This has a clear pocket on the left with a zip to keep bits and bobs you can see quickly, a middle section to hold your rings and on the left is a section to attach necklaces and little pockets to hold the pendants, so they stay untangled. It can then be rolled up and secured with the ribbon or folded in three - it's your choice.

And finally for today these Fancy Pegs:

 

Have you ever heard of Washi-Tape? Thats is what these pegs have been decorated with. It is such a versatile material that it can be used on almost anything. They are all different, they are wood pegs with metal springs and they are all adorned with a tiny bow. These pegs can of course be used for your laundry, but they are most suited for craft pojects and notice boards. You like?

So what do you think? Most of these items are in my Etsy Store and will be exhibited at my Craft Fairs. You can keep up to date with Fairs I will be attending on my Facebook Page, please check it out.

Leave me a comment if you wish, I would love to hear what you thing. Thanks for reading.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Latest Items

Evening all,

Just a quick one to show you these two new items I finished today and have added to my Etsy Store; firstly these Cute Cupcake Coasters:

Yes, I know you have seen coasters not so long ago, but these have different base colours and these have solid colour backs, meaning they are predominantly made to be cupcake side up, but they can still be turned over to show pink, yellow and blue back grounds. Cute, yes?

And the next, remember the padded phone case I made before? This is the next style:

 

Teehee! This mummy blackbird is looking after her blackbird chicks, high up in the tree tops! Cute. Well I think so anyway... I simply love making these, I love the childlike naivity to them. They are quality made and take quite some time but they have a look that says 'put together in a flash'. This is just about to go in my Etsy Store along with this one:

This one just makes me want to take a strole up that lane and see where it take me...yep, that's the romantic in me ;)

Anyway, thanks for reading, please pop over to my shop or give me a Like on Facebook, or even leave me a comment! Could do with some. 

Have a great weekend.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Busy Times and New Items

Hello all,

Wow, what a busy, busy time it has been of late...and it is still, so this blog will be short. I just wanted to let you know that I have been busy exhibiting, mainly at the Old Methodist Church in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, but also at the Bakewell Town Hall in Derbyshire too. All have gone quite well with sales and orders made, so mustn't complain!

These are a few of the items I have been making recently in between fairs:

 

These are Purses or Mobile Phone/iPod Cases in the Bunting Theme range of items I make. The patterns on the exteriors have been made using a tequnique called 'Freehand Machine Embroidery' and you don't need a fancy machine for it, just an embroidery foot if you like, or an ordinary foot with some quick moves, or even no foot at all with a lot more skill (this does need a good machine though and some other equipment).

For these, I used a regular foot and manouvered in straight lines whilst concentrating on giving a childlike, naive kind of look - which I have absolutely fallen in love with recently. 

The purses are made using cream coloured calico material, they are lined in felt and have a complementary zip and key ring attached. I think they are great and they have been selling well... You can find them in my Etsy Shop now.

Next up:

Two new styles of Children's Bags. These are great little bags and I have been selling quite a few of the Owl Print ones recently, so I thought I would make a couple more designs. The pink one above sold the first time it was out as I only had enough material to make the one...

And next:

 

Cupcake Drinks Coasters! I saw this material and knew exactly what I was going to do with it. They have a yellow background on one side and a blue background on the other and are covered in fabulous cupcakes. They are flanned lined too, so they will soak up any dribbles easily and as they are cotton, they can be washed as many times as you like. I have only one set of these left at the moment too... (hotcakes!)

Anyway, that will do for now, please leave any comments below, share this or Like me on Facebook please. Thank you.

Coming up: Map, Music and Cupcake Bunting, Embroidered Cards and Tissue Box Covers... Watch this space!

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Finger Puppets for Children

Evening all,

I want to share with you a little project I have been working on; Finger Puppets:

I have wanted to make some for a while and finally managed to do it. But these are a little different in that they are kits for children to have a go at making. But first, let me tell you about them.

This is Paula Pig:

Paula is very cheeky and loves to roll about in mud to keep her skin soft

This is Eric Elephant:

Eric is very funny and he loves to splash around in water

This is Crystal Cat:

Crystal is a glamor-puss and loves cream

This is Derek Dog:

Derek is friendly with everyone and loves to run and run

Cute or what? The kits come complete with all the components needed to make the relevent finger puppet including felt body pieces, noses, googly eyes, ears, mouths, threads etc along with a simple instruction leaftlet that I compiled for each one. All that is needed is an embroidery needle, some PVA glue, some safety scissors and a grown-up's help (where needed). They really are fun and will keep your little ones occupied for quite a while.

This is the pack and instructions for Paula Pig

What do you think? They will be available in my Etsy Store soon. I am exhibiting at Baslow Village Hall this coming weekend so I will take them there, and see how they go!

Thank you for reading, please share this if you like, or Like me on Facebook. Have a great week.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014

Crayon Roll

Afternoon all,

So as promised from last time's teaser, this is my new Crayon Roll:

Something for the children. This Crayon Roll can be thrown into a school bag, a day bag or into a suitcase for a holiday...the possibilities of use are endless.

The materials are all cotton meaning it can be washed easily if need be and are really attractive prints. The tie is ribbon and matches really well and the ric-rac adds to the cuteness!

The roll comes complete with 12 mixed crayons, all around 3 and a bit inches long and ready to use. Please see it in my Etsy Store soon...

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2014