Letterpress Pyrography

Well, I don't think anyone can deny that my blog is varied!!

I have recently been experimenting with pyrography, on scrap wood, and on some wooden spoons. It is taking some getting used to, to control the burning iron, and make it do what I want, but it is enjoyable!

With my Dad's birthday recently, and him running The Silver Birch Press, I decided it was appropriate for him to have a personalised inking roller, and managed to burn the silver birch logo on to the handle! The handle has been pre-varnished, so the fumes were a bit toxic, but the effect is lovely. I'm really pleased with how this came out, and I think I prefer burning images where the lines don't need to be perfect! When my husband saw the finished piece he started looking for things he wanted decorating, so I think I might be busy!

Felt Patchwork Christmas Stocking

After making my husband his Star Wars R2D2 Christmas stocking last year, I decided to make my own personalised stocking this year :)

You may remember seeing sneak peeks of this earlier in the year, piecing together the patchwork and these detailed sparkly sections.

The back is made from white fleece, and the front is made from a patchwork of felt. The different elements on the front involve beading, sequins, felting, hand stitching and ribbons.

I love it so much, and can't wait to (hopefully!) find it on Christmas morning...!

Freestyle Embroidery - Dog Handkerchief

I haven't done a lot of completely freestyle embroidery before, but I've always wanted to stitch a design on to a handkerchief, and this made the perfect Christmas present for a relative!

I based the design on my in-law's dog, Millie. The stitching took a lot longer than I expected it to though haha, but then it's not surprising given that the white fur alone is created from 5 or 6 different shades of thread! I love the result, but I might need some time before I do any more, certainly with this level of detail!

R2D2 Christmas Stocking

I am *so* excited about this project! It is an R2-D2 inspired Christmas stocking for my Star Wars obsessed husband! I am even more excited since I won't show my husband until Christmas Day [i.e. shush if you know him!] and I need to share somewhere!

We love starting new family traditions, such as special Christmas dinners, having a real Christmas tree and when we open presents... And this is our latest: personalised stockings!

I created the main body by tracing round an existing stocking, and creating the front from white fleece, and the back from blue felt.

All the detailing is cut from felt (brilliant because it's quick and easy and doesn't fray) and machine stitched on. Whilst it is not a carbon copy of R2-D2, noone can say it is not inspired by him! I simply referenced images with the fabric in front of me, and eye balled sizes and positions. The only template I made was for those difficult shaped blue pieces in the middle!

I love the finished stocking. It's got a really nice quality feel to it, and I know it will last. It's big enough to fit decent sized items, but not so big it will never be filled! It feels quirky with the shapes and stitching not being perfectly straight, but I love the feel it gives. Love it!

Have you seen my other Star Wars projects?

Star Wars Crochet Characters

"May the force be with you" Canvas

"Basic" Birthday Card

Star Wars Snowflakes

Why not have a look at the other crafts in my Christmas category...

Printers Rags [and Birthday Card]

Hello :) So things have been a bit quiet with projects for a couple of weeks. Food poisoning really knocked me back, and I'm just getting back on my feet again!

Anyway, it's my wonderful Dad's Birthday this week, and since he spends most of his time in the workshop with his printing presses, I thought he might appreciate some rags for that purpose alone!

I picked up a set of tea towels and began by cutting them in half and rehemming them.

I then added designs to each rag to create a unique series.

"ink" and "print", stitched using my sewing machine, and a range of coloured threads.

"print" and "ink" stencilled using Tulip Gellies black and a sponge.

"type" one and two, again using my sewing machine and layering fabric.

Aaaaaand... The complete set!

This concept would work great to make towels for anyone or any occasion!

I also made my Dad's Birthday card using leftover fabric...