LittleGreenShoot

Little's FlickR Finds ♥ leather Tooling

2011-03-25T10:05:00.009Z

Tooled Leather Horse & Acorn Wallet by Small Earth Vintage

Tooled Leather Photo Album by Miss Amy's Albums

Butterfly Belt by Sunny Rising Leather

Autumn Maple Leaf Necklace by Julishland

Tasha Tooled Cuff by Moxie&Oliver

by Small Earth Vintage

How to make a simple leather corsage flower by Little's Leather Workshop!

2011-03-23T14:03:00.020Z

Use your compass & make 2 circular templates out of card.
the larger circle will be for your flower petals,
the smaller circle will be your flower base =)

Pin your templates to your leather.
Cut out 4 of the larger circles & just 1 of the small...

Take your first circle & fold in half.
Start suede side down if you want suede outer petals.
Start leather side down if you want leather outer petals =)

Fold the semi-circle in half again (into a quarter) & pin in place =)

Stitch up the open side about 1/3 of the way up to keep the petal in shape =)

Repeat previous steps on the other 3 large circles =)

take your base, add some glue & begin to place your petals like so!

nearly done (^_^)

You can always add a brooch pin like i did with this one =)

or you can pop them onto headbands.. or use smaller versions for rings (^_^)

Hope you liked the workshop this week!

See you next wednesday!

Any requests? leave a comment below =)

Chloe x

Biomimetics: Design by Nature - a New Weekly Feature! =D

2011-03-22T17:15:00.010Z

(b) eeeeeeeeeee!!! I'm so excited to be announcing this new feature (^_^)

But what the bumbles is Biomimetics??

Well!

Biomimetics is the study and developement of synthetic or man made systems that Mimic the formation,fuction or structure of biological systems in nature!

This is a subject as close to my heart as you can get.. and i hope you'll grow to love it too =)

I'm sure at one time or another, something you've made reflected one of the many wonders of nature.. be it in colour, texture, pattern or form..

and these are the things we'll be exploring in the weeks to come!

Handmade Art Inspired by Nature's Designs =)

I hope you'll check back next Tuesday for the first official post =D

In the meantime i'll be etsy trekking in search of some groovy things to feature!

What have you made that nature inspired?

Leave me a link - i'd love to see!

See you tomorrow for Little's leather Workshop =)

night night! xx

Monday Makes ♥ A Custom Wedding Journal for My Friend Bonnie's Special Day!

2011-03-21T18:55:00.006Z

A couple of weeks ago, my lovely friend Anna asked me to make a special wedding journal for our mutual friends Bonnie & Barney (they're an even cuter couple than they sound! (^_^)

She wanted something simple & spacious that could be filled with all the notes,letters,photos & little pieces of Bonnie's past that she had collected from all her closest friends & family =)

Her only request was that the journal feature lilies in some way, which is Bonnie's favourite flower,especially the orange kind =) Alas! there was no orange to be found in my recycled offcuts, so i opted for a close relative ~ rust =D

I'd moulded lilly-like flowers in leather before, so that little bit was easy squeezy =D

The difficulty came with how to arrange them on the journal... they danced around the cover for hours untill i settled on the 'descending style' ~ i really love the way it turned out & i can't wait to hear what they think too (^_^)

I'll be doing a Tutorial on how to mould leather lilies in Little's Leather Workshop in the next few weeks, if you'd like to try making them yourself =)

It's easy peasy Promise! (^_^)
& there's lots you can do with them once you've finished!

So keep a watch out for that in a few Wednesdays time =D

I hope you've all had a groovy day! Send us some sun if you have some going spare!! xxx

How to make a simple spiral leather rose flower by Little's Leather Workshop!

2011-03-16T16:41:00.019Z

Use your compass to make a circular template out of card.
The bigger your circle,the bigger your flower =)

Cut a curved indent in your circle..

you want it to look something like this =)

Pin your template to your leather & cut it out

Start at the indent & cut your circle into a spiral.
vary the thickness of your spiral to create more dimension in your flower petals =)

If you'd like suede outer petals,start leather side up.
For leather petals, start suede side up =)

Begin to roll your spiral from the outside toward the center

keep the inner line tight & the outer line loose.

Keep rolling your spiral all the way into the middle - this is how the base will look =)

Glue the end section of the spiral to the base.
That last little curvy bit hides the bottom perfectly!

Leave the glue to set for a few minutes then turn the flower petal side up!
It should look something like this =)

Grab a baby metal brad & apply a slight sprinkling of glue to the..legs? =P
And pop it into the center of your rose!

& you're done (^_^) a sweet & simple spiral leather rose.

You can use them to make:

Rings
Brooches
Necklaces or
Headbands
&
You can even glue them to a canvas,add some hand stitched stalks & you've got yourself some groovy wall art (^_^) I made a canvas series for my friend Jess & they turned out really nice!

Hope you enjoyed the first installment of Little's Leather Workshop =)

I'll be back next Wednesday with another leather How To!

Let me know if you try this! I'd love to see (^_^)

Thankyou so much for stopping by xxx

3 Beautiful Rustic Blue Treasuries I have the honor of being included in =)

2011-03-11T09:23:00.005Z

For The Blue Dream of Sky by Grafryn

Rustic Spring by ElkAndIron

Blue Moon & Flowers by SilverWorkshop

It's always a real treat when you're featured in a Treasury =) especially when they look as beautiful & delicious as these three! Each one is put together so nicely.. each piece compliments its neighbour in style, colour & texture, eventhough each collection is so eclectic!

To fuse so many different items together like this is a real challenge for the eye - but i think these guys passed with flying colours, wouldn't you say? (^_^)

Now you can find us on Folksy (^_^)

2011-03-09T09:11:00.009Z

Well! It's been a long time coming but i've finally opened a Folksy Shop (^_^)

Folksy's like an english version of Etsy..only smaller (for now)

In planitary terms, if Folksy was Pluto then Etsy would be Jupiter =D

but they've gotta start somewhere right? =)

I spent a morning setting up shop.. writing an announcement, a profile (which took aaages cause i'm completely redundant at writing about myself) and making a shop banner in the style of the one i already have on Etsy.

& I spent a little of the afternoon getting to know the site, its features, its sellers & its many awesome handmades! I found some old friends & some new ones too (^_^) and lots of UK sellers i know from Etsy!

Site wise, like Etsy, Folksy has a featured seller on the home page
However,unlike Etsy, there's no interview along with the feature, just a collection of their handmades with a short n sweet intro - which is a shame, cause i reeally enjoy reading about the People behind the Product

ahh welly, maybe that's something still to come - i hope so (^_^)

also unlike Etsy, Folksy has a 'Makes' section which is full of groovy tutorials submitted by the sellers themselves! There's everything from high skill level leather work to How To's on fitting a magnetic closure <--which really comes in handy =)

I can't wait to start submitting some myself!

Aaaanyway, enough yabbering - here's some of the new things in my Foksy shop =D

shabby chic rustic rose necklace in pastel aqua blue & white

fabric rose flower hair pins in cherry grass green & pink

rustic rose flower hair pins in lemon moss yellow

shabby chic rose flower hair pins in sky,biscuit & white

bridal lace & pearl hair pins set in white

If you're on Folksy, let me know! I'd love to visit you if I havn't already (^_^)

love n fluff xx

My very first video tutorial Ever! =D

2011-03-01T16:30:00.006Z

eeee... im sooo excited & completely shocked that i managed to do this =P I've wanted to experiment with different media for ages... but the idea of actually creating a video was way too scary... so i put it off... and off....and...offffff...UNTILL! i caught my sisters cold, & very quickly got bored of being ill,tired and bored (^_^)

I opened up Windows Movie Maker yesterday & after a LOT of
'errrrrr'
'do What?'
'wait.what are you doing now?'
'ohh! that's what that does!'

i finally finished my first video Tutorial =D

I used the shots from my Daisy Caterpillar Tutorial because they were already prepared & made a good tester =)

Im really pleased with the result =) i think it may play a little fast but hey, that's what Pause buttons were made for (^_^)

I really hope you like it! Please let me know what you think =)

Oh! here's the link to it on my new Youtube channel =D this one has the song 'Delilah' by the Plain White Tee's

loves xx

A Day at Botany Bay =D

2011-02-22T10:56:00.011Z

me n little b on a water bed =D
Tis like sailin t'seven seas while yee sleep!

Companion Clo =D

it's bigger on the inside!?!

"..the Doctors head whirred like a tv set..." <-- yep.it really said that

cuute hat on myy head!! =D

Donna? You're looking good =)

quick craft break (^_^)

cute country cottage shelf of wonders =D

tins & tea pot cosies!!

yummy cup cake pin cushions =D

..and a tape measure hiding inside a tiny textile house!! eeee!!! =D

The weather was typically horrific but the warehouse was warm & cosy& stuffed to the rafters with everything possible (^_^)

I bought a tiny little fibery change purse & Mum found a new teacup & saucer for her collection!

I hope you all had a groovy weekend & a happy monday =)

love & fluff xx

i ♥ my Moo Mini Cards =D

2011-02-20T14:22:00.000Z

Moo are officially amazing =D

I love their mini cards, there's so much you can do with them!

make:
business cards
mini works of art
bookmarks
magnets
tags

(^_^)

your own unique game of snap! (just be sure to print 2 of each design) hehe =D

a super special game of paperchase =)

joke cards
flashcards

name tags for seating places at weddings & other special occasions =)
save the date cards!

You can even bundle them up with your orders as Thankyou & Discount cards

the possibilities are endless =D

Have you tried Moo?

xxx

Treasure - the Shiney kind (^_^)

2011-02-17T12:00:00.000Z

Gnomeo & Juliet! in honor of the new animation film that i canny wait to see!! (^_^)

In honor of The Time Machine & one of the most beautiful film scores ever =D
This is my favourite song from the soundtrack - Godspeed by Klaus Badelt
If paradise existed, this is what it would sound like (^_^)

Stripes Vs Spots ~ Zebras Vs Dalmation =)

like Stripes?

or do Spots rock?

Thankyou LongStockingShop for including me in her awesome Eco Friendly Treasury =D

My little birdy's in groovy company there! sat right next to one of uncorked's amazing necklaces!! (^_^)

Hope you like!

Lots o' Love!

xxx

Juicy new Jewellery =D

2011-02-15T12:00:00.000Z

pink cherry & aqua berry fabric flower broze hair pins =D

mmm they look like lollies (^_^)

yummy yum! =)

cherry blossom & moss necklace with a chunky bronze chain =)

too good to be blue necklace with a more delicate bronze chain (^_^)

these vintage style papers make really sweet backgrounds =)

Do you prefer the small chain or the chunky one?
or should i make both? =)

Are simpler backgrounds best?

crustacean closure (^_^)

hope you like them! they'll be in my shop as soon as i get the packaging sorted =)

i'm thinking of making a special collection for little ladies too, what do you think?

love n fluff xxx

Thankyou's & Welcomes! (^_^)

2011-02-14T15:17:00.000Z

Flutter By Flutter High.. my little tortoise in the sky =D

2011-02-11T12:00:00.000Z

ahh i love these little guys =D i took this photo last year.. but it was recently published in a local newspaper (which was groovy) i had no clue untill a friend said:
'Heyy! nice pic in the paper!'
To which i replied:
'urghhhwha?'

i now have about 317 copies thanks to proud friends & family =P

Here are some of my best butterfly buys on Etsy!

Ladies Chocolate & Swirls Tee by ByRandom

Wooden Tortoiseshell Butterfly Brooch by Tuwhittuwhoo (love that name!!)

Vintage Purple Butterfly Belt by NorthBrooklynDryGood

Hope you like! =D

x

Blue Cherry & Aqua Berry ♥ Etsy Treasury

2011-02-09T14:45:00.003Z

This is the Treasury i spent an hour making only to hit BACK before hitting SAVE

O_O

me and my annoyance went to bed

The next morning i was determined to remember all the gorgeous things i'd put in it the night before =)

I managed to recall a surprising 12 of them (BOOYAH)

But y'know... i wasn't expecting it to be soo hard to find the items i'd found only yesterday..
I knew what i was looking for & used keywords that should have brought up those items

It's made me think about the keywords we use in our shops & wether we're making it easier or harder for people to find us...

hmm...

Happy Engagement =D

2011-02-08T15:00:00.000Z

eeeeee 2 of my good friends decided they rock each others world so much that they're getting married - in July! I know... engaged 2 minutes and they already have..
1 husband & wife to be
1 usher
6 olive bridesmaids
1 tweed suit
1 white dress
1 skinny leather belt
and a date!

That's what i call organised (^_^)

It's always nice when 2 people decide they want to share their lives with eachother.. but when it's 2 special friends, it makes the whole thing doubly awesome =D

I thought it was a great excuse to try my hand at card making!

Four handmade cream cotton flowers sit atop 4 machine stitched caramel stalks, backed with white card & bound with gold embroidery thread =)

I didnt expect machine stitching onto card would be so.... satisfying... but it really is =P

I've not seen the lovely couple since i handed them the brown paper envelope with my card safely tucked inside - I wonder what they thought of it? =)

For me.. a handmade card beats a store bought one every time, what about you?

x

Wallet Pattern =D

2011-02-07T21:15:00.003Z

I need a new wallet =D
Loose change is taking over my pockets and escaping into the lining of my bag (somehow)

And I'm the kinda person who wont buy anything untill atleast trying to make it first, so!

I designed myself a wallet with oodles of pockets and slots =)

Lots of little hiding places for my bank/business cards, an extra long compartment for notes (bills) and a little change purse for the escape artists (^_^)

I skipped through my brain for closure ideas, and settled on a snap button =D
Zips are fiddly
and velcro makes way too much of that noise stuff O_O

(it's the type of sound that makes your toes crinkle... that, and sand paper...urghhhh)

Leather seems the obvious fabric choice.. but i've not settled on a colour or cover design yet =)

I do like my little suede birds though! We'll see (^_^)

What would your perfect wallet have?

aside from the ability to make the tea
wash up
and feed the cat
(- im installing the flat pack flip up tin opener when i sew in the pockets)

=P

Dipped in Lemon, Sprinkled with Sky ♥ Etsy Treasury

2011-02-06T18:21:00.003Z

Handmade in Spring =)

This Treasury was supposed to be lilac untill i found the amazing abstract 'Aqua Burn' print by MADART (sat in the toppish-middle there) I picked both vintage & handmade treasures to compliment the turquoise sun, burning golden sky and the last trace of green on the land =)

Hope you like it! (^_^)

Love Letters ♥ Etsy Treasury

2011-01-25T15:51:00.003Z

Have you ever gotten a love letter? =)

I remember when i was younger.. one boy wrote me the most amazing poetry (^_^) he'd hand me lovely chunky envelopes with layers of soft folded paper tucked inside! The writing was tall and spidery.. and sometimes he'd draw faint pencil sketches behind the rhyming words =)

I Adore the little 'from Italy with Love' purses & the 2 vintage mailboxes.. yum!! =P

Click the photo for a closer look see!

The Sun Searcher Journal

2011-01-10T20:36:00.007Z

To Draw in, Doodle, Sketch or Stick
Write or Ramble - Take you pick =)
Remind, Remember, Count, Collect
Letters. Lists you can't forget

Journal, Diary, Sketchbook, Log
Scrapbook, Notebook, Private Blog
White and Waiting, Fill It In
I've got the outside - You Take Within (^_^)

Guaranteed Imperfection.. =)

2011-01-04T17:20:00.005Z

I made my first Journal of the new year today! It's great, except it looks like i was sewing on the seven seas with my eyes shut (^_^)

Felt a bit wobbly this week, so hopefully it's a one off..

But it got me to thinking..

What degree of Imperfection is reasonable in a handmade product?

I don't expect perfection from others - but oddly enough i expect it from myself

So.. is it to the Shop or a flop for my little book.. hmm..

Resurrection of the Little blog =)

2010-12-18T20:19:00.010Z

Helloo! Me again =)

last posted july 4th O_O *hangs head in horror and shame*

I had a bad case of Toobusytoblogitus..im sure you all know what that's like =)

But! I'm back now.. and ready to show you a bit of what i've been busy with!

The Little Green Shoot Studio!!! =D

I have designated design space (^_^) - I can't tell you how awesome it is to finally be able to say that! I still bounce around like a complete lemon whenever I'm in here =P it's still a bit echoey, so the squeels of glee at 7 in the morning don't go down too well.. but they're beginning to subside a little =)

I was planning on showing you round the whole room.. but the weather man only gave me one un-gloomy day to take photos (it's been snowing something silly here for weeks) so! We'll just have to make do with a one-wall tour for today =)

This is my corner shelf unit, salvaged from my Uncle J. He made it himself.. although it was real dark wood at first, so, like everything else, it got whitened to within an inch of its woody life (^_^) now it looks clean and pretty and houses a floral vintage tin that you can hardly see O_O, 2 of my handmade journals filled with fantastical things not yet made.. anda hand carved wooden heart, given to me by a dear friend and easily the most beautiful thing i own (^_^)

This is my desk! Handmade by my Uncle Dec (kindest,most patient & cheekiest lookin fella i ever did see - he has a mustache and silvery hair.. i call him Mr. MUSTACHIO - he's my hero =)
He also made the twin green thread racks - i was trawling the interwebs for a wooden one.. by the next morning, he'd fashioned these two beauties as a surprise!! Thankyou came in the form of kisses, hugs and Bertie Bassets Licorice Allsorts =)

ooo! you can just about see the top of my little Ikea Helmer filing cabinet (bottom left) they're awesome for your jewellery supplies,paper etc.. plus! They have casters.. and anything that comes on wheels has gotta be fun =D

My Moo's! Heidi and err.. Whatsherface...Garr name brain burp.. man that's embarrassing U_U

More Desk!! It's a Gobi Desert desk =P

Comes in two sizes.. Vast and Empty.

I have my little Brother sewing machine over near my small window. Next to him is my little Habitat lamp - his name is Ewan (an Ebay find!)

The rails and white containers are from Ikea too! They're really handy for keeping your desk tidy, but are within easy reach of crafty fingers =) My BlushBelle doll Bella sits in one =D

..if you look reeeal close, you can see my first pair of glasses hung up on the rail. Big. Technicolour. Round Rimmed. Remind me I'm a geek (^_^)

aww my lone cup in the corner... that's my business cup. When i make a brew in there - it's time to get down =P

You can just about see my clipboards up there too! Got the idea from Martha Stewart's site =) Clipboards covered in pretty paper are a groovy alternative to the average bulletin board.

Well! That's it for today.. i hope you enjoyed the one-wall tour.. more walls coming soon =P

It's been nice to write again (^_^) Although i look forward to catching up on my reading - I'll be making the blog rounds soon!

Morning
Afternoon
Evening

wherever you are in the world.. have a good'n

xxx

Packages, Parcels and Presents.. oh My!

2010-07-04T12:00:00.000+01:00

eeee don't you just LOVE post?!

Pretty packages.. parcels.. presents in brown paper.. Notes, stamps & string!

Ahh... (^_^) my family laugh at how bouncy i get over the chunky packages & letters.. nevermind the insides, give me the wrappings!!

When I was little.. mum bought me a cute little flinstones~style car..
I spent the entire week in the box it came in =D

I've been the same way ever since.. except I've drawn the line at climbing into bubble mailers (^_^) doesn't stop Tim trying though.. he loves a good ole bubble mailer or paper bag!

The pretty purple one is a vintage leather bag i bought from a new Etsy shop called Dandelion Daydreamer in France .. She has some beautiful vintage pieces for sale.. I'm sure I'll be going back =)

The be-stamped letter is a supplies package that I'm soo excited to get started on - once my new studio is in a workable state that is!

Photos of the contents coming soon.. My new bag needs a day out (^_^)

xxx

A Photo Shoot Freesian Style

2010-07-01T12:00:00.002+01:00

So what do you think of our day in the grass? (^_^)

I can't believe it's July already!

I feel like a boulder tumbling down a mountainside.. The longer i'm left tumbling.. the faster I go & Time waves at me as i pass by =D

Happy July everyone..long may it drag (^_^)

Summer in the Little Green Garden ♥ Part 2

2010-06-29T11:18:00.011+01:00

It's poppy seed picking time!! How pretty are their pods?
They remind me of cathedral spires..

Little Lilac flowers with no name...

Delicious petals of the Peony

Lilly Pad-like Nasturtium =)

Sweet Peas!

The Lyda Rose - a Blush Rambler.. i love her heart shaped petals ♥

Peonies

i love those dancing orbs of light..white & pale blue (^_^).. like day stars

Our beautiful rambling roses wrapping themselves around the old wooden garage..

Last night, the rain came.. I love the scent of the rain when it touches the sun baked earth & our concrete pathways... it smells so strange & metallic, it's fantastic!

It was nice to be cool enough to sleep again (^_^)

Enjoy your Day!
Be it sunshine..
or grey x

Summer in the Little Green Garden ♥

2010-06-28T09:59:00.011+01:00

The Rose. I think she's the Himalayan Musk.. sweet strong scent..loose formation.. She stretches her branches high & wide.. a rambler for certain =)

The Peony. Full & delicious!

Aquilegia Alpina ~ Deep Lilac Columbine Flower

Blush Pink Columbine

Summer Time with The Columbine

The Spider & The Rose

Pink Geraniums

Sunny & Sweet Strawberries ~ they're the only fruit that carry their seeds on the outside!

Sunflower babies (^_^)

I hope you enjoyed the garden! There were soo many photos.. I'm coming back tomorrow to show you the rest =)

Enjoy the last of our June days! xx

..and then everything comes at once! =D

2010-06-25T16:17:00.003+01:00

All was quiet....................................... for a long time.................... and then BAM! A custom order & 2 sales in the space of a week! Which is really nice, considering I can't put much time into my Shop or Blog at the moment =(

So who flew the nest? (^_^) Oscar & Winona Whale! They were adopted by the lovely Carolyn a few short days ago - I couldn't have chosen a more perfect place for them =)

I guess I've learned not to mind the dry spells... because just around the corner there are showers! (^_^)

Happy summer Everyone!

A day at Melody Maison!

2010-06-16T19:53:00.010+01:00

Melody Maison is this beautiful shabby chic - french style shop in Doncaster =) We went to pick up a few things we'd bought from their ebay outlet & spent a while wondering around their gorgeous show room. I highly reccomend a visit if you're close by.. everyones very friendly & super helpful!

They're on Twitter & Facebook if you'd like to keep up with their new additions =)

The ride there & back was amaazing.. (^_^) it was soo hot today.. it was nice to roll the windows down, set my phone to shuffle & watch the world whiz by through the open window! I'm soo thankful to be surrounded by so much green.. I'm glad the sun was shining.. the cities are always too grey for me

I love this tall chest.. she's so elegant

I love how all the bigger treasures hold the trinkets!!

I spy...lanterns & a cute magazine rack (^_^)

..every girl needs a full length mirror..

..and a wardrobe straight out of Beauty & The Beast..
i really have to watch that film again =)

Chunky Chest!

I adore those little dressers, don't you? and the screen =)

I'll be back soon to show you what we brought home with us, including the first piece especially for the studio! {which is going very well.. it's waiting for it's 2nd coat of paint, but already the space looks huge!}

I hope you're all well & enjoying your June days (^_^) xx

Rings on her fingers..

2010-06-12T19:58:00.009+01:00

We had some unexpected sunshine today, so I had my first try at taking some model shots of my rings! Ring on one hand, camera in the other.. what do you think? =)

Is it always best to have model shots?

Thankyou for stopping by, i hope there's summer sun where you are (^_^)

My Studio Story: The Space ♥

2010-06-07T09:29:00.007+01:00

mmhmm (^_^) oh yeaah.. that's right! Little Green is getting a studio!!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! =D

It's a little lilac, but we'll fix that =)

There's lots to do! Cleaning, painting & furniture hunting! Plus plenty of detail & decoration!

Lets get started =D

The stairs into the attic room

small & tall window.. lots of light!

The Space:

This is a rough birds eye view of the space. It's an oddish but spacious size & shape - with a handy alcove, overlooked by a small window, out of which, the view is green fields & rolling hills stretching far and wide!

Eventhough this wasn't necessary, I decided to calculate the square footage. This was after seeing a studio the size of a closet, whose square footage was just 17 square feet! It's an impressive use of space to be sure! If i find it again, i'll post it =)

I'm not so familiar with measurements & things, so I hope I did this right! I sectioned off shapes in the room that would make the measuring easier & more accurate. One, an almost square at 7 x 7.5 and the other a rectangle by the door at 6 x 5ft.

Apparently, all that's needed is to times the Length by Width of your shapes & add them together!

So my square = 7 x 7 = 49 sqft
Rectangle = 6 x 5 = 30 sqft
49 + 30 = roughly 79 sqft

I doubt i'll run out of floor space any time soon, but if i do, I'll just have to spill out onto the walls!

I hope you'll come back later this week, when the walls are less lilac =D I'll be searching the interwebs for inspiration, & bringing some of the studios I find back here for you to see.

Feel free to share your studio stories & photos, I'd really love to see them (^_^)

see you soon!

Tutorial: How To Make a Daisy Caterpillar

2010-06-04T11:06:00.016+01:00

Pick a nice big bunch of pretty daisies!

Choose just one to be your Caterpillar body, it should have a long & strong stem =)

Take another of your daisies & turn it around..

..and with your thumb nail, carefully cut the stem off as close to the head as you can.

You will see something like this!

Take your chosen 'daisy body' & gently push the stem into the center of the daisy head

You should now have a double ended daisy!

Ever more gently, continue to push the daisy head & thread it along the stem..

..like this =)

A double headed daisy!

Keep on threading more daisies till the stem runs out..

Almost done!

Yay! You're done (^_^) If your Caterpillar turns into a daisy butterfly,let me know =)

Home ♥

2010-06-01T11:12:00.006+01:00

I live in a village so small,you can drive right through it in less than one minute =)

The neighbouring village *waves*

A 5 minute walk from my home lands me here, it's incredible..

A big beautiful archway over the steps leading down to the reservoir.. I'll have to find out the name of these flowers.. Big fluffy lilac & pink heads - the bees love them =)

This is Bottoms Reservoir's tumbling bay & overflow spillway.. My friends & I would climb up those steps when we were younger =) only in the dry summers though.. in winter, this place transforms (^_^)

The black beach.. The Bottom of Bottoms Reservoir =) This is the very last in a long chain of them.. It's an amazing bike ride if you're ever down this way (^_^)

Derbyshire = beneath the ~~rain~~ sun & beside the wood.

Garden Friends! Ishnura Elegans ♥ Female Blue-tailed Damselfly

2010-05-21T15:02:00.013+01:00

Look who i found in the little green garden today! A beautiful blue tailed Damselfly resting in the summer sun (^_^) Apparently.. the Blue Tail species are notoriously difficult to identify compared to the rest of the Damselfly family! The males are easiest, their distinct blue body segment gives them away =) but the females, depending on their age, can be shades of pink, violet and green! So after much googling, I've decided she's a She, a very pretty She with a pale green body (the older she gets, the darker her green becomes!)

How to tell a Damselfly from a Dragonfly!

Aside from being smaller & flying less vigorously.. there's just One other way to tell a Damselfly from her Dragonfly relatives!

Their wings! While resting, a Damselflies wings will be in line with her body.. unlike a Dragonfly, who's wings will remain stretched out by her sides =)

she's so sweet & fuzzy!!

Just look at the intricacy of her wings! Such complex detail in her design =)

Just a few Blue Tail Inspired handmades for you (^_^)

Olivine Dragonfly Necklace by KneeHighsnPigtails

Damselfly In Distress by Alex Kirwan

I hope you enjoyed meeting our little garden visitor, i definitely did!

Have a gorgeous day! We're experiencing a freak heat wave over here =D

oh Peeee Essssss!! I have some amaaazing news which I'm bursting to blog - so watch out for that in the next couple of days!

xxx

The Finished Bag ♥

2010-05-06T13:51:00.006+01:00

Have you ever had one of those moments.. where you really look at something you've made and think.. 'I did that'.. and then dance around squeeling for the next 15 minutes? :o)

This bag was one of those rare moments for me!! I promised to show you the finished design last Friday, but I didn't get up from the sewing machine till 11pm & my blogging head had cotton bits in it, so! How did Sunday go? Her first outing was great! The soft leather straps were very comfy (especially nice since i was hauling half a book shelf & a lunch!) They did stretch a little, but I think that's it for their growth spurt :o) Thinking about it, white canvas probably wasn't the way to go, but thankfully, she remains unscarred..for now =/ She got lots of compliments, especially on her uniqueness, which is something every maker wants to hear (^_^) I was much more shy about it than I expected to be though.. whenever someone said "ohh,i love your bag - I've never seen one like that before & I have over 50!".. I just smiled and said thankyou! It was my friend who kept adding.."she made it you know!"
hehe! I'm not sure I'll be getting used to that =P I feel like im bragging or something, how do you guys do it?

She's made from crispy white canvas & butter soft caramel honey leather :o)

The leather flowers were individually hand sculpted (just like the ones in my jewellery) & then scattered across stitched chocolate brown vines - I reeally love this effect!

She has the promised pleats too! Front and back :o)

Here are the finished pleats on my 'third attempt' - this style became my favourite right away & was used as a rough design for my final bag (^_^)

Soo what do you think? Blehh or bagtacular? :o)

I'd love to make more once I've ironed out the kinks in the construction!

It's only been a week & I've missed you all! I'll be coming to see you soon xx

My flat bottomed tote & a peek at the pleats!

2010-04-29T18:48:00.009+01:00

My second attempt at bag making :o) Today, a flat bottomed tote (which is a reeeal easy technique!) She's 13 inches long by about 10 inches wide & 4 deep. A nice comfy size but still roomy inside.. I'm already daydreaming about this style in leather (with some chunky bronze hardware!!) I get to go supply shopping again.. yayy!! (^_^)

a pocket too..

I promised pleats and here they are!! Im so proud (^_^)

They wern't so scary to do after all, I'll be back tomorrow with the finished bag & Hopefully the final design for Sundays outing :o)

Thankyou for all your lovely comments yesterday! I reeally appreciate your time & thoughts, they really mean a lot to me! xx

My very first Practice Purse ♥

2010-04-28T11:26:00.004+01:00

I officially have the bag making bug! From pattern to purse - i made this!

I've always been intimidated by bags, as strange as it sounds, the thought of making one scared me silly! I think I was mostly scared of getting it really wrong.. so I was shocked to my skull when this one turned out quite nice! (Despite the ancient upholstery fabric & not so 'go' green button!) I have a Huge roll of this fabric.. It's perfect for practice projects :o)

Overall I love it! The straps are wide and comfy giving around an 8 inch drop. It has a cute & curvy bubble bum which is surprisingly roomy :o) It's 18 inches wide, 11 inches tall (excluding straps) fully lined, small inside pocket & a fold over flap closure complete with a rather odd looking button!

I'm going to experiment with loads of different shapes,sizes & techniques! Todays is a flat bottomed tote with pleats..maybe.. if I'm brave enough :o)

I have somewhere special to go this Sunday & im desperately in need of a bag to match my outfit! A white & blue ditsy flower print dress, ruffles,high neck (Jane Austen meets farm girl) & caramel brown mary janes =) I didn't think quick enough to buy one in time, so I'll be making one! The bag shall go to the ball (^_^)

What do you think of my first attempt? Any tips from more experienced bag making ladies would be greatly appreciated!

I hope you're all well & looking forward to the weekend as much as I am!

Chloe x

First Fruits of The Garden ♥

2010-04-25T14:42:00.003+01:00

mmm.. raspberries!

..and Rhubarb!

..and more raspberries!! (^_^)

I've always wanted to eat my garden :o)

The raspberry stalks needed a good snip.. they'd completely taken over the little corner they share with the roses,holly,daffy's and now Rhubarb! It's sprung up again now there's a little more breathing space over there :o)

We have chives,strawberries, herbies,onions & peppers too! mmm..

Now i need some recipes!!

i hope you're all well & enjoying the last of the April days.. (^_^) is it just us..or do the months seem to be whizzing by?

xx

UK Handmade Writing Competition! :o)

2010-04-20T22:06:00.003+01:00

Secret Garden Journal by Kreativlink

Are you a keen writer living in the UK? Are you passionate about handmade? Then why not get your creative juices flowing and enter the UK Handmade writing competition!

This is a chance to have your say on a topic that really matters to you - write up to 500 words on any topic which relates to the creative world, include some nice pictures and email it to editor@ukhandmade.co.uk at any time up to Friday 28th May 2010.

The winning article will be published in the Autumn issue of UK Handmade Magazine (due out 1 September 2010), and there will also be an in depth interview with the winner published on the UK Handmade blog. The winner will also receive a free advertising spot in the magazine.

The competition is open to everyone within the UK, so feel free to tell your friends about it - this is a great opportunity to get an article published in one of the fastest growing and widely read online magazines in the handmade community!

Competition Rules:

Entries can be on any subject as long as they are related in some way to the creative industries.
Articles should be no longer than 500 words with 2-3 accompanying photos.
The deadline for submissions is midnight (GMT) on Friday 28th May 2010
Email submissions only to editor@ukhandmade.co.uk.
One entry per person.
Entrants must be resident in the UK.
The winner will be announced on the blog on Thursday 1st July 2010.

I'll be entering :o) will you?

Lady of The Leaf

2010-04-19T17:27:00.008+01:00

I know.. I know.. lots of ladybugs lately.. but i really reeaally love them :o)

My Only Sunshine... A Treasury ♥

2010-04-15T14:37:00.003+01:00

Nope! I didn't get a spot! England was asleep & me with it :o) but I thought i'd share it with you anyway! I hope there's been sushine in your day..

lots of love (^_^)

The Lark Bird Brooch Collection ♥

2010-04-14T11:01:00.000+01:00

2 more to come in Milk Chocolate & Cranberry! :o)

♥ My first Mushroom Brooch

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000+01:00

My very first Mushroom Brooch! :o)

She's a single little mushroom made from a sweet rusted honey suede! She has a hand stitched applique patch in Laura Ashley florals & 3 metal freckles.. 2 in copper & one gold :o)
The patch fabric is sooo beautiful, there are so many different colours! Pink & plum, biscuit, sap & forest greens.. YUM

I'll definitely be making some more.. but I'm going to vary the pattern a little.. make it more dome like y'know? I'm just wondering.. which photos are better, the ones on the pages or the ones on the weathered wood? :o)

enjoy your day guys.. i sure hope there's sun where you are! x

♥ Buried Treasure!

2010-04-11T20:08:00.007+01:00

I've been in my garden quite a bit over the past few days... making the very most of the english sun (whom we don't see enough of round here!) We're planting trees! 4 of them infact :o) one plumb, one wild cherry, one pear and one weeping willow! And each one needs a home of its own.

Soo... Im digging away, every now and then finding odd little muddied bits of things.. flicking them out onto the grass.. I cleaned them up and look! Arn't they pretty? Little pieces of the past all lost and found again :o)

Brick? Pot? China? All three perhaps! They'd make a nice little mosaic :o)

A little further on in my earthy excavation, I uncover the most gorgeous,chunky red bricks! (Photos to come, they need a soak :o) My house was built in 1850 and apparently, if there were any leftover materials from the original build, they were put into the land! But here's the mystery.. What are red bricks doing in the garden of a sandstone cottage? :o)

The real cherry on top was finding a big 1967 One Penny coin! My mum says they used to fill her whole palm when she was little (^_^) more than enough for a bag of sweets!

The reverse side depicts a personified Britannia (the ancient name for great britain)

The face side depicts Queen Elizabeth II and the words..
'DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D (FIDEI DEFENSOR) meaning 'By the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith'

If you look closely, you can see a beautiful rainbow patina over the bronze.. lots of lovely greens,reds & pinks!

Oh! and speaking of coins..i have a tale to tell about how my uncle fell on a fortune :o)

What's Your buried treasure?(^_^)

I like hunting in attics for buttons and books!

Have fun today! x

Garden Foes... Myrmica Rubra - Fire Ants!

2010-04-08T23:16:00.009+01:00

Look who's come back to the garden! I was digging away in the soil & all of a sudden a round mud mass came to life! Hundreds of Red Fire Ants spilled out into the flower bed. They looked like liquid lava and running drips of honey.. and when the sun shone, they were an array of dazzling amber stones and dancing fire embers (^_^)
Ofcourse my immediate reaction was "eeeEEE cameraa!!!" .. so i ran back into the house, delayed slightly by the taking off of muddy shoes...grr.. I didn't want them to run away! =P

80 seconds later I was back in the garden,up to the knees in flower bed, trying to get right in there without being attacked :o) My gloves were too chunky to opperate my iddy biddy cam, so I was all exposed =/
Fire Ants are well known for their wasp like sting & seriously aggressive nature. All fight and no flee, that's them for sure. That's pretty weird considering their colonies only grow to about 300 or so. A colony consisting of plenty of workers and queens! I think I managed to snap one emerging from the nest, can you see her? She's much darker in colour & twice as big!

You know, they may be considered garden foes, but that doesn't stop them from being incredibly facinating & beautiful to behold (^_^) I'm really looking forward to getting out there again today.. I wonder who else I'll bump into!

More Garden Friends: Little Ladybug!

Linda Earrings in Amber by Lotus Stone

Honey Drop Bullet Necklace by Black Star

Sweet Golden Amber Glass Hoops by FaeriedTreasures

A sweet Kiss of Honey by Nesting Nomad

Tweet Shop Update ♥ Lark Bird Brooches

2010-04-06T16:58:00.005+01:00

I've just finished this little flock of 6 Lark Bird Brooches & I couldn't be more in love with them!!

They're so addictive & satisfying to make :o) They're suede (ofcourse!) with little applique wings in every shade & pattern.. I used my scraps of Laura Ashley fabric for those! It was fun & ever so slightly time consuming rumaging through it all to find the perfect pieces - it was well worth it though, i think!

I can't believe it was way back in January when i first thought of making brooches.. Time is really flying here! Anyhow, I remember wondering, just How do you make the back of brooches look.. nice?
Well! I resolved that little problem a few days ago.. & now I'm happy for them to fly the nest (knowing they're all neat & tidy for their new mamas!) ♥

I made two very small slits into the suede & fed the brooch bar through the inside, securing it with a bit of stitching in a matching thread.. It works a treat! It's tidy,plus, that brooch is Never falling off.. Ever :o)

I'd really love to know what You think about them! They'll be landing in my Etsy shop as of tonight I hope!

.............................................................................

Happy News!!

My photo won the Makers-Online Photo Competition!! (^_^)

I hope you're all well & enjoying your spring! We'll be spending lots of time in the garden now, preparing it for summer! (^_^)

Giveaways, Milestones & Sweet Surprises! ♥

2010-04-01T13:42:00.009+01:00

Eeee I'm soo excited!! The lovely Rachael from Talk2TheTrees has teamed up with PaolaLovesToShop in hosting this Amazing Giveaway!!

How would you like to step into Summer with these lovlies? (^_^)

.. and that's not all! Rachael is rewarding the winner with their pick of her shop!!

She has the most beautiful collection of Original Art, Jewellery, Knitted Hats & Headbands..

If you're in love, click HERE to enter :o) The Giveaway closes on April 16th, so there's still plenty of time!

Milestones...

I'd just like to say a HUGE Thankyou to all of my readers!! This week LittleGreenShoot hit 100 followers - i never imagined there would ever be so many of you! I really appreciate every little comment & all the encouragement you've given me over the past year, big hugs to you all (^_^)

Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I seek can I go.
Only as deep as I look can I see,
Only as much as I dream can I be!

by Karen Ravn

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..Such Sweet Surprises!

Just this last week i entered the Makers-Online Product Photo Competition, along with some other UK Etsy friends.. It seemed like fun, so I threw in a favourite of mine.. :o)

Last night, I received a groovy email telling me my photo has been shortlisted to the final 27!

This is the Product Photo I submitted:

Hand Sculpted Suede Flower Necklace In Toffee Triangles

All 27 finalists will officially be announced Tomorrow :o)

If you'd like to see all the entries, please click Here, there are some truly amazing photos!

Oh! and the prize is a handy £200.. so just over $300 I think (^_^)

I hope you're having a great day! A shop update is coming your way sooon, just pray for sunny weather so I can get some photos!! :o)

Chloe x

10 Tips To Help You Market Your Handmade Business Offline!

2010-03-30T11:21:00.004+01:00

Photo by Jennifer Ladd Handmade

I was thinking.. What would i do if, one day, I woke up to find the Interwebs all in a tangle? Twitter in a tizzy. FlickR and Facebook flatlined.. and Google gone with the wind..

How would I market my little business if such a horrifying thing happened?

I scribbled down some ideas & came up with these 10 :o)

Wear your Art Everywhere you go (an oldie, but a goodie!)
Word of Mouth (family & friends are invaluable tools!)
Write a press release to your local Newspapers & Magazines
Host a Home Show/Exhibition
Be Prepared! Carry business cards/samples/portfolio
Craft Fairs & Shows - get on the attractions/programs list
Get a car decal printed for your back window!
Print your business name & logo on some eco friendly shoppers
Do the same to your personal stationary: pads/sticky notes/pens etc.
Work with a local business & transform their waste into Art!

This last one especially, is something I've been working on :o) As you probably know, every piece of leather i use is rescued from one place or another, often sourced from the local furniture craftsmen! They're always more than happy for me to have their offcuttings to turn into whatever i fancy (^_^)
It's good & green, for them and me.. And the newspapers love a good fluffy story =P

I'd be really interested to know if You use any of these methods to market your handmade business? Are there any that work particularly well for you?

P.S. The photo at the top leads to a groovy little Tutorial by Jennifer Ladd - How to make your own business card holder! I definitely reccomend a trip to her etsy shop too, she makes the most Beautiful purses!

Enjoy your day (^_^) We have snow forecast for later! It's March?! =P

The Rings of Roses Collection ♥

2010-03-27T13:36:00.000Z

It's nice to see you again ♥

2010-03-26T16:05:00.006Z

It's always nice to meet up with old friends, don't you think? :o) That's what Spring feels like. I've missed the sun & the hum of the garden.. and yet all of a sudden, spring has Sprung!
The birds are trying out the new songs they've been working on all winter. The Bees are making new flower friends & the Ladybirds' are ambling along the budding branches!

Little Ladybug was kind enough to let me take one photo before she was on her way (^_^)

To celebrate her return to the garden, I thought I'd share some of my favourite Ladybird Etsy finds with you! So.. pretty lady, this is to you - for being so inspiring :o)

Penny the LadyBug KeyRing by Leather Prince

LadyBug Tutu Costume by ChickyPoo

Ladybird Knitting Project Bag by Knitter Bag

Tips for Top Blog Topics!

2010-03-24T17:14:00.007Z

♥ Your Particular Art or Craft -
How did You get started?Who else is doing it?What does it involve?
What is the history of your craft? How has it changed/Is it still changing?
Can you demonstrate the technique to your readers?

♥ Your Creative Life -
Your design journal pages, Creative process, Your works in progress, Your crafty stash, Your Studio, Your inspiration, Your successes, Your artsy friends & family..

♥ Your Business Life -
Your Schedule, Your Goals - Ongoing and Achieved, Obstacles you've overcome, Your business stationary/packaging, Your successes, What you've learned..

♥ Your Inspiration -
Who inspires you? Where inspires you? What inspires you? Do you keep a journal?
What influences your style? Films,Books,History,Nature,Music,People?

♥ Questions -
What new craft would You like to learn?
What handmade item do you most cherish?
What are your goals for the coming year?
What do you collect?

♥ Vary your media content & Post Structure!
Photos - of you, your art, your progress, inspiration, craft shows etc.
Video - Tutorials, Interviews with you/other artists? Studio Tours, Slideshow, Mini Documentary?

The Written Word - Vary the structure of your posts by including Lists/ numbered Lists, Bullet points, Paragraphs etc.

♥ Tutorials - How To's & Techniques

♥ Lists - 100 Things.. 10 Myths about.. 10 Quick Tips To Help You.. Resource Lists etc.

♥ Weekly Features - Thrift It Friday, Monday Makers etc.

♥ Challenges - March Makes - a new make every day! A photo a day in May etc.

♥ Interractive - Polls, Surveys, Contests, Giveaways, Games..

May your Blogging cup runneth over (^_^)

Kreativ Blogger Award ♥ Thankyou Andrea!!

2010-03-24T09:15:00.002Z

The lovely Andrea from AndreaCreates just passed this sweet award on to me, Thankyou soo much! (^_^) She makes the most gorgeous, detailed appliqued pouches I've ever seen!

As part of my accepting this award, I must first name 7 things you may not know about me & then nominate another 7 Kreativ Bloggers.. So here we go :o)

1. I am 19 years old :o) 'Guess the Age of the Shop above You' in the Etsy forums is always fun, often resulting in me aging 2 decades in a matter of minutes! My cyber self is in her early 40's =P

2. I agree with this statement, ' In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'

3. Over the years I've had a variety of words and phrases that have somehow made it into my everyday vocabulary.. These include: Fluff, Spanner, Plonkified Chicken,Mula Grabbing Snatch Basket, Candyfloss, Melon,Pansy, Shin dig, Grrrr..., Shanghi, Yummy, Doodie, Norman.. just to name a few!

Current words are Groovy & Moomin (^_^)

4. I sing ALL THE TIME. Sometimes real songs, sometimes songs that i make up while im singing them :o) Sometimes i try and sing like a 1940's man... and sometimes i sing when i should really speak..

5. I am pretty good at voices. Something I inherited from Mum. It's a dream to make some puppets and put on a show :o)

6. I am in Love with Joe Browns & Ruche

7. I find writing about myself extraordinarily difficult =P

There we have it!

Now for my nominations:

Dirksen Dabbles
Fairysteps
Haptree and Me
Lova Revolutionary
Talk2TheTrees
TheTinyFig
Faerie Moon Creations

Have fun today! Chloe x

Etsy's Eleven Most Awesome Leather Artsians & Crafters!

2010-03-23T11:27:00.001Z

Mini Romance Rose Diary by GILDBookbinders

Keychain Wallet - Lavender & Sunshine Yellow Applique Owl by The Fig Leaf

Scarlet Blossom Wristlet by Eight Seasons

Midsummer Journal by Immortal Longings

Tooled Poppy Flask by Moxie and Oliver

Twigs Suede Journal by Kreativlink

Mad Hatter Top Hat by LunaRana

Hugo the Hippo Key Ring by The Leather Prince

Sakura Tree on Olive - Iphone Case by StudioCatB

Clover Cuff Bracelet by Julishland

Autumnal Faerie Masquerade Mask by Wing and Talon

These are my favourites, but there are soo many more out there! There's a rainbow of technique and style :o) Fantastical Faerie Masks and Hats right out of wonderland itself! There are tanners and toolers, applique & prints - each Artist applying a twist on the traditional.

From Jewellery to Journals, Bags to Bridles and Fashion to Furniture. A friend to riders of horses and bikes alike :o) A veteran of versatility, just one of the reasons why i love this material so much!

Why I Love Leather

Why I Love Leather ♥

2010-03-22T15:41:00.005Z

♥ It just gets better with age..

♥ It's practical and durable,

♥ And yet It's soo luxurious!

♥ It doesn't frey or unravel

♥ It insulates

♥ It's amazingly versatile

♥ It's natural

♥ And it smells just gorgeous :o)

Etsy's Eleven Most Awesome Leather Artsians & Crafters

And the Worlds Worst Blogger award goes to..... =P

2010-03-20T16:42:00.003Z

In all fairness, I've had a mad ole month :o)

March madness subsided, I'm ready to jump back on the hippo and try again to do what so many of you accomplish with breezy ease.. (^_^) .. Just How DO you do it?

Baby steps!

Baby step numero uno: List Jelly - Check!

Baby step number 2: Blog Post - Let everyone know i didn't fall off the end of the planet, despite how convincing the evidence was.. - Check!

Ahh... my work here is done (for today atleast)

I'm catching up on my reading, so I'll be over to see you all very soon!

:o)

A peek at my new 'Rings of Roses' collection!

2010-02-16T16:37:00.007Z

What do you think? :o)

These will be popping up in my Etsy shop from Monday 22nd - i can't wait!! (^_^)

Winnie Winona is finally in my Etsy Shop! Woop (^_^)

2010-02-16T00:15:00.005Z

Thankyou again to Lynsey from SwirlyArts & Courtney from Lady LaDuke for naming her!

Show and Tell: Little Shop Update!

2010-02-14T18:55:00.006Z

Sunset Copper

Walnut Whip

Chocolate Triangles

Cherry Copper

I've been a busy maker bee this week, so it's been a little quiet here, so I'm back with a mini shop update! There's 3 new handsculpted leather rings & one new necklace :o)

That's mini indeed, but there's much more to come!

I've just finished a new jewellery collection, 'Ring of Roses' - they're a new design & I'm so excited to show you!

There's a new Gadget Case collection! 8 cute applique pouches for the little gadget in your life!

I have a Soft Sculpture Collection ready to go too.. including all my newly named whales & Jelly.

I hope you're all well & I'll see you tomorrow!

Chloe x

Giveaway Goodies!! (^_^)

2010-02-10T19:00:00.011Z

3 beautiful handmade postcards! Arn't they pretty? :o)

4 groovy tile button magnets (^_^)

A gorgeous russian doll keyring & 2 cute little lavender bags (they smell delicious!)

A bar of lovely fabric wrapped lavender soap & a teeny notebook!

And a beautiful note from Tara of Aquamarine! :o)

This little box of goodies arrived yesterday morning - just before i left for the dentists!

It gave me a lovely little boost & plenty of smiles, which was fantastic! I suffer with anxiety & panic attacks ..so i wasn't looking forward to the horrific chair of drills and death =P

Soo thankyou thankyou THANKYOU Tara for all those pretty things, i love them!

Chloe x

WIPP: Woven Fabric Brooches in Cerise and Duck Egg Blue!

2010-02-08T13:00:00.001Z

I made these using a technique my Aunty Ann taught me while we were in Cornwall last november :o) They're so relaxing to make and satisfyingly quickish too!

The possibilities are endless with this technique. I spent a little while yesterday brainstorming all kinds of items, especially home wares :o)

What do you think of the result? Im so in love with the textures & the colours are so yummy!

Cute enough for the shop? (^_^)

Show and Tell: Little Orca needs a name too!

2010-02-07T14:00:00.001Z

Isn't he handsome? :o)

Winnie and Willard are soo happy with their names - this little man would like one too!

So what do you say? Can you help him out? (^_^)

Hugs from me & a fin wiggle from the Whales! x

Inspiration (^_^)

2010-02-06T20:51:00.008Z

Sakura Tree - Leather Gadget Case/Wristlet by StudioCatB

Yellow & Black Tooled Leather Clutch by BarkingMaddison

Red & Yellow Leather Poppy Wristlet by tmStudioDesigns

Canary Keychain Leather Wallet in Blue by TheFigLeaf

Arn't they beautiful? (^_^) Small leather pouches and wristlets are on my never-ending list of 'things to do'.. If mine turn out even half as good as these lovlies, i'll be a happy girly indeed :o)

I love the varying techniques! Screen printing, stamping, tooling, sculpting and applique!

The colours are mouth watering & the designs are soo individual and unique :o) plus! I know atleast 2 of these ladies use upcycled leather.. YeeHarr for Greeeen!

I'd buy each and every one of these if i could :o)

Which is your favourite? Would you like to see something similar by me? :o)

She needs a name! Can you help? :o)

2010-02-03T14:47:00.000Z

This is one of my baby whales. She's a miniature. A teeny little thing, no bigger than an apple!

She's a beautiful sun kissed honey colour with the biggest green eyes & the longest, curliest lashes you ever did see on a water baby (^_^)

I'll be listing her in my Etsy shop soon, but first, we need your help! She's in desperate need of a name & I'd love to hear your suggestions!

This is only the second whale I've made with this pattern! The first was a mossy green whale named Milly. She was the prize for my first ever blog Giveaway :o)

You can see her here!

I can't wait to see what names you come up with! Be as kooky and adventurous as you like! :o)

xx

WIPP: The fabric for my Dolls' dresses!

2010-02-02T13:00:00.000Z

Deep Heather & Cream

Teal Paisley

Vines

This is the fabric in all it's new lovliness (before i chop it up!).. I know I'm going to be devestated, but Im really looking forward to seeing my girls in their new dresses!

I'm not 100% on the Paisley just yet, I may use the Teal along with some pretty silk I've had for a little while :o) What do you think of it?

And do you remember those gorgeous Laura Ashley samples? I'll be using them too!

I also have some velvet, courdroy & denim :o) so, lots to play with!

Cant wait to hear what you think (^_^) xx

Blog Carnival - Touching Art

2010-02-01T09:07:00.004Z

"A blog carnival is formed by putting together thoughts on one issue from several different bloggers in one blog post. Each blogger has individually made an entire post on the subject in their personal blogs. I have gathered together the best of each for some fantastic views and opinions. Please visit the participants blogs to read their full thoughts (photos have links to etsy shops as well). This is my first blog carnival, but am planning on making it a regular event. Please let me know if you would ever be interested in joining the party in the future!" - Our Host, Bethany Dirksen. Please Visit her HERE to read the other participants articles on 'Touching Art'.

Eyes wide. Jaw clenched. Absolutely can’t blink. Arms a quiver as you transfer that precious little piece of yourself into the eager hands of another…

This was me, until I realised, it’s a compliment when someone wants to touch something that you’ve made! Although, I still have those ‘bite lip – eye twitch’ kind of moments every now and then.

As one of our 5 senses, I consider touch to be very important; especially to those of us who are more tactile by nature! Did you know there are around 100 touch receptors in each of your fingertips? :o)
I work with leather. A beautiful and luxurious material, whose qualities can only really be appreciated up close. It is an incredibly versatile material, with the ability to be sturdy and supple, rough and smooth, polished and peeling. I make soft sculptures, and I love seeing people’s curiosity turn into surprise when they hold them! I also make journals, bags & jewellery. These items are functional pieces of art and personal to each individual. In order for a potential buyer to make a connection with such a product, they need to touch it!

Allowing people to touch your art isn’t only cool, but rather clever too! Seller psychology 101: Once your art is in the hands of a browser, they automatically feel as though they own it & are 90% more likely to buy as a result! I think it depends on what you make, but for me, It definitely sways a sale.

The only problem I have, Is one I share with the majority of other soft sculpture artists. Appearances can be deceptive, and because of the style of my work, they’re often mistaken for soft toys. Not so much of a problem when adults are around, but kids can sometimes be the cause of an almighty cringe! Even given the durability of leather, I’m still quite protective over my work.

I think touch answers the questions that your eyes alone can’t. So when you’re selling online, communicating the feel of your work is imperative. I try and achieve this with a photo style that compliments the physical aspects of my art. I photograph my jewellery against the bark of a tree. Like the leather, the wood is natural, earthy and strong. The uneven texture of the bark contrasts perfectly with the smooth surface of the leather, but the suede underside brings a softness to them both!

However, the crispest most detailed photo in the world doesn't compare to having something right there in your hands. Just remember not to panic when those hands arn't yours! :o)

Chloe Livingstone
LittleGreenShoot

More Touching Art Articles in the Blog Carnival:

Vilt a la Kim
The Audzipan Anthology
Blackbirds and Bumble Bees

Thankyou so much to you for reading & Thankyou Bethany for inviting me to join you :o) It's been awesome! xx

Show and Tell: Big Blue!

2010-01-31T12:50:00.006Z

Do you remember the whale pattern i showed you?

This is one finished! Isn't he cute? :o)

Would you like to see him and his friends in my shop?

I hope everyones had a great weekend!

There'll be a special post tomorrow, so pop in for that (^_^)

see you! x

Look what the Postman brought me!! :o)

2010-01-28T17:46:00.005Z

Yep! Lots of new/old lovely leather samples!!

New for me - old for them :o)

I wonder what they'll be...

Did you get anything nice in the post today? :o)

Sunshine Blog Award - Thankyou! !

2010-01-27T18:39:00.002Z

Thankyou soo much to Sarah of Wrapped Up With String & Leigh of Leigh Shepherd Designs for giving me this lovely award - twice! (^_^)

It's so nice to know your blog is appreciated!
Thankyou for putting a big cheesy Grin on my face :o)

LittleGreen loves ya x

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting this award:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

There are so many blogs that feed my imagination & many of these have already received this award - thankfully, my reading list is beyond massive!

So in no particular order, here are my Sunshine Bloggers (^_^)

ArtMind Mitsy's blog is a wealth of inspiration & instruction! Her tutorials are amazing :o)

Enchanted Inspirations Michelle's illustrations never fail to take me to a world beyond this one. Her blog sparkles with colour & possibility!

Jenny Loves Benny A beary happy place to be (^_^) and it's true!

PoppyTalk Overflowing with ideas & creativity from every aspect of art!

Sadie's Wardrobe She reminds me that each person is a piece of art in themselves :o)

Skunk Boy Creatures Katie's blog is just beautiful! She makes your eyes smile (^_^)

Talk To The Trees Rachael's blog is both enchanting & endearing. It's real :o)

The Tiny Fig Winking toast (^_^) need i say more??

Tizzalicious Bottled Sunshines for all. A lovely nest of creativity to sit and wonder in!

Lisa Lectura Creations Leap the wall of reality and get lost for a while :o)

Felt Me Up Designs My cute cup runeth over!!

Just Something I Made Cathe just gives and gives and gives (^_^) this, she deserves!

Thankyou to those that follow, those that comment and those that stop by - i appreciate you all!

Chloe x

WIPP: BlushBelle Friends for Bella!

2010-01-26T16:30:00.001Z

Off all the projects im excited to finish, it's these i want to complete the most!

They're both awaiting new dresses & they each need to be given a name :o)

So once they're ready, i'd love to hear some suggestions!

I've been playing around with my photo style a little too, what do you think of the rounded corners? Do you prefer the softer edge to the photos?

Love from us (^_^)

If my arm were a swiss army knife - it would have these attatchments:

2010-01-25T18:00:00.001Z

My Top 10 Tools that are always within grabbing distance :o)

10. Pencil

9. Steel Ruler

8. Glue

7. Baby Hammer

6. Craft Knife

5. Awl

4. Ergonomic Pliers from MailleEtc.etsy.com

3. Scissors

2. Sewing Needle

1. Hands!

I like keeping things simple :o) and surprisingly enough, you dont need a tonne of tools to work with leather!

How about you? Does your craft require lots of tools?
Which is your favourite? (^_^)

Show and Tell: HoneyComb Patchwork ♥

2010-01-24T19:00:00.000Z

I made up this small piece of patchwork - i love it sooo much! (^_^)

So much, that I've already designed the patterns for a handful of bags!

What do you think?

Am I in love on my own? =P

Are you working on anything extra groovy? :o)

WIPP: We're Making Whales!!

2010-01-23T20:00:00.001Z

I've really missed making my soft sculptures lately! I have 3 whale patterns ready to go - in mossy green, honey brown & black (^_^)

There's also a Hippo named Chip & an Elephant named Boe (both are waiting patiently on my desk for their heads) I Promise to give you them soon!!

For those of you who remember little Jelly, Chip is her new hunky hippo! He's chocolate, she's honey. They look sooo sweet together!

Boe is a lovely little nelly in cream & dusky pink - photos coming!

Hugs from us :o)

A little looksee at the latest!

2010-01-22T19:48:00.009Z

I finally worked up the nerve to cut into all those gorgeous Laura Ashley samples!!

There's Beautiful duck egg blues on cream & cute coffee lace on a delicious honey suede (^_^)

This is my first ever applique attempt! What do you think so far?

Do you remember the snowflake?

2010-01-20T18:15:00.005Z

The necklace is now available in my shop (^_^)

If you didn't see my Snowflake post - read it here!

Have a beautiful day! x

Smile (^_^)

2010-01-18T18:18:00.003Z

me, having fun, with shadow pictures in the sun!

Show and Tell: Shabby Chic - French Style Vintage Furniture!!

2010-01-17T18:16:00.005Z

I found these beautiful pieces in a cute little shop on my last trip down to Mevagissey, Cornwall.

My love of oldy worldy furniture is a new one, but i can already tell it's going to be BIG (^_^)

I love the pale, duck egg blue paint and the way it's rubbed and peeled away to reveal the warm natural surface of the wood beneath it. I love the delicate metal handles, and the sanded tops.

I love the curves of the dresser itself, and its presence.. it's so lovely and chunky!

Do you see that little tag on the top left handle? I promise, that's the only thing that's little about it.. hehe.. it's £500.. so around $800 dollars i think :o)

There was a tall cabinet of the same style just next to it ( i didn't want to push my luck with the photos, though the nice shop lady didn't seem to mind)

Since then, I've found 2 little shabby tables that are just begging to be painted, sanded & crackled, Plus! 2 adorable wing back chairs with queen anne legs!! These need a big hug from some pretty fabric (^_^) .. to be continued!!

One last thing before i go.. the Monday Makers & Teach Her features are being retired after only a few short weeks =( from now on the features will be spontainious instead of scheduled.

I've discovered im in for a pretty big year, and my time is needed elseware, however! I think it'll make for a much happier blogger..and a much happier blog :o)

Show and Tell will be sticking around!

Have a good one :o)

WIPP: Making brooches! :o)

2010-01-14T15:48:00.004Z

These came from MyBeadJoy on Etsy!

I wasn't sure which kind to get, so I'm trying both!

Do you have a preference? :o)

WIPP - Works In Progress Post!

2010-01-13T16:45:00.005Z

Can you guess what these will become? :o)

Teach - Her Tuesday: Creative Packaging - Bubble Mailers & Packets!

2010-01-12T17:01:00.007Z

How to make bubble mailers by 27 things

My bubble packets using book pages (ofcourse!) =P

I doodled on mine too!

Hey Guys (^_^)

I know i was supposed to be providing another Tutorial today, but i came down with a nasty cold this week & have had the concentration & will of a slipper, so! :o)

After a little googling, i found the Tutorial i was going to show you, but even better!

The only difference is, she sticks them, i sew them - and both work reeally well!

This How To was originally inspired by Judy of Crafty Moments who makes the most beautiful cards! I wanted to come up with some pretty and protective packaging for your paper crafts :o)

It's a really groovy tutorial - i hope you enjoy it!

Hand Sculpted Leather Flower Necklace In Nutmeg

2010-01-11T19:18:00.003Z

Monday Makers: Artist Tamera Tabor!

2010-01-11T11:47:00.011Z

Celestial - Original Abstract Painting by Tamera Tabor

Hawk Eye

Snow Bank

The Exceptional Artist Herself , Tamera Tabor! :o)

Tamera Tabor is an internationally collected Fine Art Artist living and being inspired on Florida's atlantic coast. Surprisingly, Tamera holds a degree in business & computer science, a field which she worked in for over 20 years!

She explains, ".. so I am a geek artist, which makes for pretty eclectic tastes and styles when it comes to painting!"

Although Tamera has some formal training, she admits she is self taught for the most part, however, she adds " though that phrase makes me laugh some, no one learns in a vacuum.."

I completely agree! :o)

Tamera reveals that generations of her family share her creative gift! Her Father and Uncle both paint and draw, her Grandfather too! Her cousin has also long been a t-shirt designer ( and that's just to name a few!)

She describes the stories behind her paintings.. "I am inspired by nature. I love the range of colors i can see on a 15 minute walk, from mossy greens and browns hanging from the trees, to the blazing reds of wildflowers blooming. I love the textures of trees, and the various types of bark.."

She giggles, " and Yes, I study them quite closely sometimes, I'm sure people in my neighborhood think I'm weird "

Tamera, i know the feeling! The amount of times my neighbour has caught me bent over backwards trying to take a photo of my favourite tree is beyond me :o)

Do you have any funny tales of being caught in the crafty act? Please share it with us! (^_^)

Todays feature was found in a heart! Tamera had hearted my shop just recently, and as with all new hearts, i go to the givers shop :o) Tamera's art swept me off my feet instantly! The evocative use of colour drew me in & the textures held me. The brush strokes & the melting of one scene into another; truly captivating. Her paintings are beautiful and powerful, full of possibility and thought. I really hope she's captured the heart of your imagination, as she did mine :o)

I'll close with a wonderful quote i found on her website..

" Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one " Stella Adler

Visit Tamera:

@ Twitter
@ Tabor Arts.com
@ Etsy

Thankyou So much Tamera! :o)

Sunday's Show & Tell: Laura Ashley Fabric Collections in Teal, Cerise and Biscuit!

2010-01-10T13:36:00.012Z

I've had a bunch of old Laura Ashley fabric samples for aaages now. I've barely touched them!
They're beautiful huh? Rich in colour, texture and quality - I needed a project or two that was worthy of their use, and I think I've found them :o)

I'll have some more WIPP's (Works In Progress Posts) showing the fabric incorporated into my new things V. soon!!

I really wanted to show them to you before I appliqued the pineapples outa them :o)

I was thinking, If i have any doubles or some left over - I'll do a little Giveaway, sound good? (^_^)

I hope they've brightened your day, they did mine! x

WIPP - Works In Progress Post!

2010-01-09T16:45:00.005Z

I have 10 chunky signature blocks waiting to be made pretty and bound :o)

While i was taking pics, i had an idea for a contest. Before i go ahead, i wanted to run it by you, y'know, see if it's something you'd like to take part in. So this is what i'm thinking..

I make a blank journal - much like the one you see above - & You design the cover art for it!

Submit your design to me (email) and i'll post the photos/submissions on my blog along with a poll for people to vote for their favourite!

The winning design gets made and sent to the artist!

What do you think? :o)

Hand Sculpted Leather Flower Ring In Coffee & Whiskey

2010-01-07T20:52:00.003Z

Russet Rings and Toffee Triangles :o)

2010-01-06T22:22:00.005Z

New Jewellery for the day :o)

What do you think about the necklace photo? I love the angle, the colour of the sky really sets of the toffee tone leather, dont you think? (^_^)

Have a lovely day, where ever you may be!

Teach - Her Tuesday: Recycled Box Bags!

2010-01-05T16:35:00.012Z

This is one i made from a soap box, ribbon scraps & catalogue pages!

What i love about this Tutorial is how versatile it is!
Try picking a different shape box?
You could braid the handles with fabric!
How about recycling your old letters and making your own paper?

If you'd like to see more photos of the finished boxes, click Here :o)

What do you think of my first Tutorial?

If you try this, drop me a comment - i'd love to see what you come up with!

Have fun! (^_^)

Hand Sculpted Leather Flower Ring In Honey Rust

2010-01-05T12:35:00.003Z

This Ring features a single hand sculpted recycled leather flower in dark honey and sunlit rust,finished with cool metal hardware.Earthy,Abstract & Original.

What do you think of my first Ring?

What kind of Jewellery do You like to wear? :o)

Monday Makers: My Best Friend, Little B ♥

2010-01-04T18:28:00.011Z

Hello! I thought i'd kick off the first Monday Makers with my extremely talented friend, Little Burgundy! A.K.A Holly :o) The above photo is one of the two of us together - im on the left!

She's one of the most beautiful and colourful people i know. She actually glows.. like personified sunshine =P This definitely shows through her work! The following photos are from an exhibition last year, where she explored natural forms,patterns and aboriginal art.

She is studying Fine Art and Textiles in College, and currently working under the theme of 'Alice In Wonderland - The Mad Hatters tea Party' (we can't wait for the film!)

I hope you enjoy her work! ♥

Holly very happy with her feature piece!

Pretty Trees! I love the one with the pink blossom!

She hand printed that cloth! (^_^)

I love the earthy tones :o)

Giraffe in pencil!

A little lion cub! How cute is that face? (^_^)

Im looking for more Makers for future features :o) I'f you'd like to be on my Blog, let me know, i'd love to have you!

Please contact me via Etsy or email me: chloe@littlegreenshoot.com

Thankyou for reading!

Sunday's Show & Tell: Can you spot what's special about this photo? :o)

2010-01-03T09:24:00.008Z

A couple of days ago, i was out in my garden taking photos of my new jewellery :o) I go to my favourite place, a spot right under the branches of my Huge Blue Cedar, where a weathered wooden table sits. I lay down my old book pages and get to work, rotating around the circular table - testing out every angle :o)
I'm pretty surprised then when i see white fluffs swirling in the air. Surprised because i thought we'd had our snow sampling for the year - we dont tend to get snow in England so much as we do grey wet slush! =P

Anyways, apart from feeling a slight urgency (and a tingly stabbing sensation in my fingers) I was good! Then just when i was about to do another orbit around the table, one tiny, perfect snowflake floated down onto my sculpted flower!! I was like O_O ..shortly followed by (^_^). I couldn't believe my eyes! I then, remembered my camera and that 3cm macro - so i quickly took as many shots as my numb fingers could handle! Now i know this is cropping to the extreme, but i had to try it... and look! Even blurry it's beautiful!! :o) It's a perfect work of art. The symmetry, the construction.. the way it glistens.. how fragile..

I was, and remain.. completely awestruck (^_^)

The Hand Sculpted Rusty Russet Necklace is now available in my Etsy Shop!

What did you think of this weeks Show and Tell? ♥

Hand Sculpted Leather Flower Necklace In Honey Russet

2010-01-02T16:20:00.003Z

My Etsy Shop is Back!!

2010-01-01T21:49:00.003Z

Suprise! I honestly had no idea i was going to re open today.. i just woke up & thought.. 'hey,why not?' :o) so here i am & here's my first piece of Jewellery EVER!
I'd really love to know what you think!
How're the photos?
Does the price make your head want to spin off? =P

I know the Shop looks a little... bare O_O but be not afraid, for i shall sort that out tomorrow :o)

For now, im going to eat malteasers & be ever so thankful that this first bit is over!

Pay It Forward - A gift from Maggie of Magpie Night!

2009-12-31T23:24:00.003Z

The lovely Maggie of Magpie Night is giving away this cute 'Buy Handmade' cross stitch pattern!

It's free to anyone who wants it! All she asks is that you spread the love ♥

Why not put a little Pay It Forward gift in your shop? :o)

I've just received my free pattern! To get yours, simply convo Maggie on Etsy with your email address & she'll send it on to you!

Please share this truly generous gift with your friends!

Thankyou!! (^_^)

MagpieNight Blog
MagpieNight Etsy Shop

Winter Rose

2009-12-23T17:04:00.003Z

Hello! Im sorry for the lack of new posts this week. As you can imagine, it's been a busy one! I hope you'll enjoy this quick photo of one of my hand sculpted flowers :o)

These have been a real hit with my friends, so i've begun experimenting with different colours.

So far, this beautiful crimson is my favourite! The icy snow makes a perfect background, i love the way it makes the colour Pop (^_^) Im having trouble deciding what kind of flower it reminds me of though, an abstract pansy maybe?

What do you think? ponderings appreciated!

Have a b e a yoootiful day :o)

2009-12-20T21:42:00.003Z

I took a hundred photos today.

She's my favourite.

Snow Glow ♥ Rosy Cheeks & Robins' Feet

2009-12-18T19:08:00.008Z

Smile it's snowing!! Doodled with one frozen finger :o)

Paw Print in the snow - by Tim =P

Miss Red Robins' kind contribution!

Sugary snow! Isn't it sparkley? :o)

A now light, bright wind whipped sky!

Brown boxes and book pages - my new packaging!

2009-12-17T15:46:00.014Z

Wrapped up nice n' pretty!

Tea stained old book pages. Shredded, then coiled into lovely twisty spirals with scissors!

Recycled little brown boxes wrapped up in pages from the book 'The Secret Garden' .

I got a thing for string :o)

Nestled!

A little page packet tied up with gorgeous tea stained lace!

Isn't the light pretty? :o)

How would you feel if you received a package like this?

How do you package your Handmades? I'd Love to see!

I've had so much fun experimenting with different techniques & materials that im thinking of making a Creative Packaging Series :o)

There's so much you can do with just a few book pages, a bit of double sided tape & a little imagination. Cant wait! (^_^)

Look what arrived in the mail today!

2009-12-14T18:01:00.005Z

Just recently I entered a groovy giveaway with the cutest prize ever! Even more recent, I was told I was one of two ( very very happy) winners =) & this is what we won! A gorgeous Hammer Baby Rattle handmade by Fede! It arrived sweetly packaged & safely today, all the way from Australia. It's soo soft and beautifully made - isn't the fabric cute?!

Thankyou so much to Fiona for hosting an amazing Giveaway, I cant wait to give this to my nephew!! I know he'll love it (his mumma too!)

Take a minute to visit Fede @ etsy.com & discover all her unique soft tool toys - perfect for your iddy baby builders :o)

Daphne the Dolphin ♥ she's one of a kind

2009-12-11T22:14:00.005Z

Journals ♥

2009-12-09T15:44:00.004Z

Coming soon! Soft cover suede Journals with hand sculpted leather flowers!

This is my personal journal, so i'll be using this as a basis for the other designs =)

What do you think?

Bella!

2009-12-08T18:25:00.009Z

This is Bella! She's the very first in my new line of BlushBelle Artist Dolls. I wanted to introduce her to you before my shop opens again in a few weeks :o)

She'll be there, along with a few more sweet suprises.. Stay tuned!

A tiny peek at what's to come!

2009-12-07T17:47:00.006Z

Im soooo excited to finally be sharing these with you! The contents of my shop opon re-opening is a super huge secret - but i promise, you wont be dissapointed! Recycled leather Jewellery is just One of the projects ive been working on, the rest, well, you'll have to wait n' see!..

I'd love to know what you think! How're the style of photos? :o)