September Sunshine and Showers

Sunshine and showers really sums up our whole summer not just the start of September but wow, what showers! Our farm track runs like a river after just ten minutes of such downpours. We do get lovely rainbows though and this one over the golden fields ripe for harvesting was a pleasant sight to see.

The golden fields have been really inspiring me these last few weeks and I have worked some Autumn colours into a few new felt pictures.

I'm calling this one below 'Bracken Brae' as the russets and reds remind me of the bracken at this time of year as it starts to turn.

'Bracken Brae'

15 x 15 cm in a 33 x 33 cm frame

£95

'First Hints of Autum' also features the golden fields accented by the pink of rosebay willowherb. I added a few little daisies into the foreground and the tree just starting to show it's autumn colours.

'First Hints of Autumn'

15 x 15 cm in a 33 x 33 cm frame

SOLD

I had the idea of this picture below while we were driving home one afternoon last week. I had to rush in the door and sketch it quickly before the idea faded. It's similar to pieces I have made before but I really wanted a big puffy cloud in the sky and lots of flowers waving over a wall. I thought the washing on the line added to the effect of it being windy.

'Blowy Day' 34 x 34 cm in a 50 x 50 cm frame

£285

My favourite make this month has to be this next piece though. I love working in this vertical format.

'Wildflower Bothy'

18 x 34 cm in a 36 x 50 cm frame

£195

Despite the showers we've had some lovely sunsets here in Fife. This is Falkland Hill looking west and you can just make out a hot air balloon in the brightest part of the sky. We watched it float closer and closer and then land in a stubble field.

Some mornings have been gloriously sunny, the air scented with honeysuckle and the last of the roses.

I also made a few boxes last week. I still have more to add to my Etsy shop but there are a few available here

I love this sunshiny Harris Tweed lining.

I'm hoping my new printed gifts will arrive this week.

I'll keep you posted.

Hello September!

We are enjoying some gloriously warm days here as the season starts to turn. Long shadows and a golden glow from the harvested fields along with berries bursting from the trees and bushes makes everything feel distinctly Autumnal.

Some snapshots from around the cottage.

New makes this week include this felt landscape picture made using vibrant hand dyed fibres from Orkney.

'Late Summer Cottage'

£125

Framed

Available Here

The frame is professionally made using hand finished, lime washed beech. A hanging string is attached to the back.

The leaves are staring to show Autumnal twinges around the edges here as well. I love Autumn and all the warm colours it brings but I don't often use these hues in my work. During my felt making marathon last week though, I dug out some hand dyed merino and silk fibres and made some leaf brooches in vivid rusts and reds.

This Sheep Pendant boasts a vibrant Autumn tree as well using hand dyed fibre from Orkney.

Back into my comfort zone with these vibrant pinks, purples and turquoises.

For these brooches I have combined my handmade felt with sumptuous pink Harris Tweed. There are so many colours within this one plaid that combining the background with different colours of small leaves brings out different shades in the weave.

Also this week I am working on new pendant and earring sets. I'm delighted to have finally sourced some beautiful square earring bases.

The squares measure 1/2 an inch and the textile pieces are set behind glass. I'll be making square pendants to match over the next few days.

Earrings £15

Here is a deep blue set. It's difficult to convey the true nature of these pieces in a photograph. They really catch the light making them change constantly. 

Here are a couple of testimonials left on my Facebook page from happy customers:

The quality on Aileen's pieces of art jewelry is second to none. The colors show very true to what I have received. I think her pricing is very reasonable & posting to the US is generally very quick. 

I have a pair of  Aileen's earrings which I bought at Birnam Craft Fair last year and I'm forever getting compliments on them. The colours are beautiful and look a bit different depending on the light and what I'm wearing. I love them!

Thank you very much to Karilee and Suzanne for their lovely comments.

So I still have lots to make before my next fair at Birnam Hotel on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September. 

Remember you can see what I have available in my Etsy shop here. If you are new to my blog, feel free to get in touch with any enquiries at aileenclarkecrafts@yahoo.com