Bringing my creatures to life....

My super talented friend Craig Goode, was asked by IdN magazine to contribute a video to their 100th anniversary edition. I'm on tenterhooks waiting for it to appear in the shops but until then I have the animation to post here for you all to see.

It was a first for both Craig and myself and so much learnt for next time...but I think he's done an incredible job...it's got such a beautiful feel to it and works perfectly with the Magpahi soundtrack.

I'm keen to give it another go with Craig as chief animator so stay tuned!!

Big Chill 2010

Earlier in the year I'd been invited by Selvedge to join them in running a sewing workshop at the Big Chill Festival. Last weekend Team Selvedge headed out to Eastnor Castle to set up shop, teaching participants how to make a little fabric bird that would then be hung in a nearby tree for the duration of the festival.

The event was a huge success, with hundreds of birders keen to take part. It was lovely to see the dedication, care and love that went into making these little birds...and the smiles on so many peoples faces as they finished theirs up and hung them in the tree.

Thank you to any of you who might have come along and taken part, and to my friends who offered themselves up to help and of course to the lovely Selvedge ladies who asked me to be part of it.

Photograph credits to the lovely Abbi and Craig Goode and Benedict Sanderson.

Small Magazine

Delighted to find my flamingo and peacock gracing the pages of Small Magazine today!

I love how they piece the magazine together, really inspiring pages...there's always a heap of people to investigate.

This second page lead me to some other textile artists making some other truly beautiful works...

Astulabee

Jennifer Muskopf

Lemmikkiapina

Little Black Crow...

...gorgeous!

Swanning about...

I've just finished up the last stitches on this fine fellow... introducing... Mr Swan!

He looks a little on the plump side so he obviously likes a good feed! He's taken me a fair old while to create. His body involved a third section which created his large tummy, and added considerably to the stuffing time. Very sore little fingers now!

I'm feeling really pleased with him. It's quite an accomplishment as my pieces grow as I'm really only comfortable in the realm of small things! But it's really quite something to work larger, this little guy has such presence...hmmm...what next?!

Mr Swan will be heading off to Birmingham next week to be part of the 'Once Upon a Time' exhibition at the RBSA gallery.

He measures 28cm in height and is priced at £380.

YOU magazine

Two of my species of birds were featured in YOU magazine last week, following an article on Nathalie Lete's beautiful home. I am a huge fan of her work so I'm delighted to be shown alongside her.

New little birds for sale

I've just added 5 new species birds to my shop...they are part of my British Garden Birds collection.

There's a Song thrush, a House sparrow, a Blue tit, a Redstart and a Siskin...all waiting to hop off their branches and fly away home.

Please come and take a peek...these are limited edition pieces and likely won't be seen again.

Origin

I am delighted to announce my hugest news...I will be showing at Origin this year!!

This is a new year for Origin, moving from it's home at Somerset House to Spitalfields market, and now all as one week.

I'm delighted to have been accepted and more than a little nervous about it, but very excited!

Please come and say hi if you're planning a visit, friendly faces will be more than welcome!!