Sunday 25 January 2015

Thistle's, Sheep and Forward Planning

January is usually a month to enjoy a bit of creative play time but I have had quite a few commission's to work on over the past couple of weeks and I'm constantly thinking ahead to what I need to make for shop orders and upcoming events so I haven't really had time to just play around with materials and let the creative process take over.

When I am working on commissions there is always a waiting time for felt to dry though, so I put that time to good use and made this picture last week.


The thistle's are a new addition. I hadn't tried them before. I began with using embroidery thread for the stems and leaves but it was too stark so I unpicked it all and needle felted the stems in two tone fibre instead. It has given a much more natural look.

I added some sheep and framed it and it sold as soon as it was finished. I have a request for another similar but will get one up for general sale as soon as I can.


I enjoyed needle felting the thistles onto the picture so much that I thought I would try an individual one on a brooch. I really like the three dimensional effect. I used little French knots to secure the felt and to add texture but I will try some tiny seed beads on the next one to see how that looks. The added 'bling' might be nice.




I was nearly out of Sheep Jewellery for a few weeks there but I have been working very hard to replenish stock in my Etsy shop.


Pendants £25


These pendants and brooches are now available. I'll be working on more earrings this week.


Brooches £18


Two dates for your diaries are March 14th and 15th for Edinburgh Yarn Festival at Edinburgh Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ
I will be there with all my woolly wares.


Although it sounds a long time away, Open Studios North Fife is on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May this year and all the participants are already working hard behind the scenes to bring you a wonderful weekend of inspiration and creativity. It is the 10th Anniversary year and some extra projects are in the pipeline.

I will be at my usual venue in Ladybank



6 comments:

  1. As I was reading about the thistles, I thought, 'that would make a lovely brooch!'. If I'd just waited and read the text instead of moving straight to the pics!

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  2. haha Sandie :) Your creative mind was ahead of you.

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  3. I love that thistle brooch! I'm so adding it to my faves on Etsy so I can buy it when I can next!

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    1. Thanks Pili! I'm a wee bit behind with things this week due to children off school with colds etc but I will have more Thistle Brooches in my Etsy shop soon.

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  4. Love the thistles on the picture!

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