English/Polish Folk Art DIY

Good afternoon everyone!

I have a little DIY to show off today.  I made my very own version of Wycinanki (Polish paper cutting).  Whilst putting together a Folk Art Pinterest board last week I decided to have a go. 

I have always been fond of Polish Folk Art.  The colours are so vibrant and often Wycinanki is symmetrical; I do like a bit of symmetry.   

If you are not familiar with this wonderfully colourful and intricate form of paper cutting - pop over to my Pinterest board and have a nose if you like.  

I cut out quite a few different shaped flowers and leaves last week, playing around with styles and layering.  

I selected what I thought went well and finally got around to finishing my little work of art today.  Here it is, rather crudely  attached to a glassless frame!  

I am hoping to find a nice frame in a charity shop soon, then I can mount it properly. 

My work is a much simpler version of Wycinanki, I haven't the patience to cut out very intricate designs.  This said I am very happy with it and it looks lovely in my corner of the bedroom.  

Want to have a go?  

This is what you'll need:

- coloured card

- scissors/craft knife (depends on what you feel more comfortable using.  I used scissors.)

- glue

Thats it!  

Thanks for popping by.  See you all soon.

Claire x

Fighting January With Love

Hello!

I'm not sure what came over me the other day, but I had an idea for a valentines card...so I made a few.  I'm sure I was trying to shake off the January blues...I really do not like January.  


I decided to add them to my Etsy shop.... 

This one is not going in my little shop - this one is for Mr J!

Hope you are keeping cheery (cheerier than me) during this dark, dull and damn month.

Thanks for popping by xxx

Happy New Year Post!

Hello everyone.  

!!!!!!Happy New Year!!!!!!!

I do hope you all had an excellent Christmas time with your loved ones.  We certainly did... it was hectic but lovely.  Unfortunately the day before Mr J was due back at work, I got the lurgies, not quite the flu, but nastier than a cold.  5 days later and I still have it.  So I'm starting this year slowly, very slowly.  It's incredibly annoying as I haven't been able to do any crafty creating at all for the last two weeks... I have LOTS of ideas that are swimming around in my mind, mostly coming to the fore front  when I'm trying to get to sleep or I'm in the shower.  

Am I the only one who has big inspirational moments in the shower???!

 Spring bulbs are everywhere  - gives us hope that the sun hasn't gone forever.

No doubt many of them will stay as ideas, but hopefully some will become 'products'.  

I'm not into New Years resolutions...my rebellious nature won't allow for them.  If i tell myself I must not do something, I have to do it.  I have very little self control or discipline..... sad, but true!  But I also think it enhances my creative side.

I did manage to drag myself to the charity shops in the next town yesterday.  I came away with a few bits and bobs.  

I bought more yellow vintage fabric, and this daffodil side plate by Tupperware - I can't decide if it is completely revolting or just a little bit naff...

My embroidered patchwork quilt might actually happen in 2015...I think I have enough fabric to play with now.  

This side plate is my favourite find - so sweet, girlie, and just happy.  It does not fit in with my blue and white theme - but i couldn't leave it in the shop.  It wanted to live with me - truly! 

I also bought some lovely yellow roses and purple tulips on Monday....some rooms needed a little brightening up once the christmas decs were down.  I'm always so pleased to take them down as they start to annoy me once the festive period is over, but then the house looks sad.  I'm keeping the fairy lights around the arch that leads from the living room to dining room.  I am partial to a twinkly fairy light!

Once I've got rid of these lurgies and have an energy spurt that lasts longer than a sneeze I will be back, hopefully with a creation or two.

Claire x