Wednesday, May 30, 2012

alchemy - Wednesday Wishes

al·che·my/ˈalkəmē/

Noun:

The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter.....

Dancing Daisies Bracelet by Simple Daisy

SAY IT with FLOWERS.

Organic distressed finish earrings by NOjewelry

Apatite Oxidized Silver Ring by ElementalAlchemist

Flower Hoops by SBJewelry

Black Abstract Flower Necklace. Sterling Silver

Organic shaped pendant by Laurel OBrien

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Days 15 - 21 Elle Moss Photography Challenge

Happy Sunday lovely readers. Today is the final day in the Elle Moss Photography 21 Day photo challenge. I have really enjoyed this creative outlet and will be sure to keep an eye out for future photo challenges. Thank you for taking this journey with me, I will see you all again on Wednesday for a new Wednesday Wishes post xo ps don't forget to visit the Elle Moss Photography link above to see all of the lovely photos for this challenge submitted by the participants x

day 15 - travel

day 16 - warmth

day 17 - music

day 18 - pretty patterns

day 19 - what's in your bag

day 20 - symmetry

day 21 - breakfast

Saturday, May 26, 2012

DUST Team Awards 2012 - Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the DUST Team Awards 2012. I promised I would share with you a photographic journey, showing the creation of an Abstract Seascape Collage custom made for the lovely Erin at Inner Earth Soaps. The process for me was a big challenge, having not made an abstract piece before. I took into consideration Erins' favourite colours and the fact that she lives by the seaside, and using a canvas, some sand, acrylic paints, glue, tissue, beautiful silk papers from Sesenarts (handpicked on a recent journey through the South West where I got to visit the gorgeous Julie of Sesenarts) and a binding agent, this is what I created. The process took longer than I expected but I was super pleased with the result.

I was also extremely spoilt by the sweet Samone from Red Letter Studio who created the prize for the Social Bunny Award category ! This is a collage picture of the wonderful goodies she sent to me including some sublime custom note cards - thank you again Samone - your products are always perfect !

The DUST Team awards, while hard work for the DUST Team Admins to co-ordinate, were a resounding success and remind us all of the amazing folk that make up the DUST Team. See you all tomorrow for the final edition in the Elle Moss Photography 21 Day photo challenge xo

Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Friends, DUSTy Divas - Candykins Crafts

Hello readers - I simply cannot believe it is Friday again ! What a crazy week - is anyone else out there finding it tricky to get out of bed in the mornings now that the temperatures are dropping ? Such a busy week in the Maddabling household, with last minute arrangements for house guests next week and trying to find the time to walk the pooch in the evenings before it gets too cold and dark. Winter is very nearly here ! This week it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the gorgeous Candy from Candykins Crafts, a very creative DUSTy Diva !

As I have said many times over, one of my favourite things about writing a Friday Friends series, is that I get to do a lot of exploring ! Here are some favourite picks that I have found while browsing through the sweet range of goodies Candy has for sale ! I really love the sentiment of the Embroidered Bunting Name Hoop Art - a gift for a new baby, that is longer lasting than a card and easy to personalise !

With so many mass produced mp3/phone/glasses cases on the market, it is lovely to see a really original handmade design, that is bright, cheery and completely practical. I really love the Hot Air Balloon Rainbow Pocket Cosy !

And for an original gift for the hard to please girl in your life, why not try the Dress Up Doll Felt Brooch with 4 Interchangeable 50s Style Felt Dresses - which is specially made to order.

Dear readers, it is time to pop the kettle on, perhaps indulge in a sugary sweet cupcake and to read the Stitch on Candykins Crafts, see you all on Sunday for the final installment in the Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge Days 15-21 and again on Monday for Part 2 in the DUST Team Awards 2012 Blog Post. Have a fantastic weekend everyone xo

The Stitch on Candykins Crafts

Who is Candykins Crafts?

Myself, Candice (nicknamed Candykins as a child, by my mother), creating things at home in my down time.

How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin?

I have always loved making things, and come from a creative family. My mum taught me to embroider when I was a kid, using old doilies and tablecloths. However, it was not until I was at home full-time after the birth of my first child that I really discovered how satisfying and necessary creating handmade products was for me. This is now my main way of unwinding and relaxing, while my kids are sleeping. Being able to sell what I love making is a bonus!

What inspires you?
Vintage fashion, especially mid-century; the bright, bold colours of nature (especially fruit), the uninhibited creativity of children.

What mediums do you work with - do you have a favourite?

I work with felt and fabrics – I love natural fibres. I love the texture of wool felt, linen, calico. I am presently experimenting with eco fi felt, made from recycled plastic bottles, but I can't say that I love it as much as the 100% wool felt. I primarily use hand stitching and hand embroidery, although I do sew with my machine as well.

What kind of things do you make/create?
Cute and quirky handicrafts to brighten your life! I make quirky hand embroidered felt brooches, hand embroidered wall art, as well as a variety of aprons and some button wall art pieces. My most popular item is made to order embroidery wall art of children's artwork – people send me their children's drawings, and I hand embroider them onto calico or linen so that they can be framed for posterity.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have made/created?
My personal favourite is the “dress up doll” and “washing day” set – a doll brooch with matching necklace – the outfits on the necklace can be changed with the one the doll is wearing. They can be worn separately or together.

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations?
I would love to see my little hobby business grow as my children do – naturally and in the right time. Maybe one day I will be selling my items through some bricks and mortar stores as well as online. If it seems right at the time.

Readers - would you like to see more Candykins Crafts goodness ? Here is how you can connect :

Buy lovely things from the Etsy shop here: http://www.candykinscrafts.etsy.com

read the Candykins Crafts blog here:http://www.candykins-crafts.blogspot.com

become a Facebook follower here: http://www.facebook.com/candykinscrafts

catch sweet tweets on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/#candykinscrafts

and see inspiring Pins on Pinterest here: http://www.pinterest.com/candykins

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

warmth - Wednesday Wishes

warmth
noun [mass noun]
1. the quality, state or sensation of being warm; moderate heat: the warmth of the sun on her skin
2. enthusiasm, affection, or kindness: she smiled with real warmth

The 'Mountain Dwellers' babydoll 60's style winter dress by Frances Baker Shop

Custom "Vervain" bamboo jersey leggings byRailway street clothing

Distressed Recycled Silk Scarf Red Rainbow Boa Extra Long by plumfish

Handmade Leather Boots FIRE TRUCK RED by vanderwater bags

Asymmetrical Winter Black Wool Coat Custom Made by Zephyr Graham Paris

Monday, May 21, 2012

DUST Team Awards 2012 - Part 1

Dust Team Awards 2012. This is a blog post I have been meaning to write for quite some time. I wanted to share with you all some of the wonderful achievements and the equally wonderful folk who make up part of the amazing DUST Team Community. The DUST Team Awards were held earlier this year. Here is a showcase of the 11 Categories, The Overall Winners and a selection of the wonderful creations they make. We really are an incredibly talented and diverse bunch of artisans ! In DUST Team Awards Part 2 (which at this stage I intend to publish next Monday) I will share with you a photographic journey of the creative process that went into making a custom collage for Erin at Inner Earth Soaps and also I will share a picture of the amazing goodies that Samone from Red Letter Studio sent me as my prize for the Social Bunny Award x

The Julie-Ann Memorial Award AKA : The How on Earth Does She Do It Award !
Overall Winner : melanie