Photoshopping

I did these ages ago whilst fiddling around on photoshop.

Jewellery trend: Layering

Three tiered pearl necklace with a detachable cream bow: Primark

Three tiered chain, bead and pearl necklace: New Look

Corsage: A Sam Brunyee special

My corsage

I was inspired by the black corsage, but I wanted to make a prettier one using a range of colours and fabrics. I began by cutting a couple of strips of lace and cream coloured fabrics, which I then gathered together at the bottom with a gathering stitch. I bent them round to form the circular base of the flower.

I then collected all the fabrics I have in the chosen colour scheme, I cut out rough circular shapes with scalloped edges. I didn't want these pieces to be the exact same shape and size, so they layer nicely. I piled them up onto the base layer and stitched them in place.

At the very centre I added some small pearls and diamontes (from josyrose).

This is the finished piece.

Adding to the layer

I saw this lace corsage in New Look the other day, I thought it would make a nice addition to my outfits, clipped on to a necklace, scarf or hat etc... It has a clip and a pin fastening which is useful, I will use this idea if I make my own.

I clipped it on to my 'Starting the layer' necklace, it looks best clipped to the side near the neck.

Doodle

I find watching TV sooooo boring, unless I can learn from or be inspired by it. So I often find myself drifting off into my own world, taking no notice of the screen. This is what happens when a mind numbing programme comes on when I have a pen in my hand!

I was inspired by this funky little keyring I picked up in Camden. It made me smile so much I had to buy it.

The things you find

Here is another necklace done with the torn chiffon. My nan gave me a box of really old jewellery she found in charity shops. This piece was originally an earring (a very big one!) but I thought it would be better suited as a pendant.

Starting the layer

I've worked with Chiffon a lot for the past week or so, draping and finishing off edges neatly...But the raw, torn edges are so much more interesting to me. I have been experimenting with textile jewellery, and the layered jewellery trend is really big right now so I decided to combine these two things. I knotted the chiffon piece to strips of nude power net. The chain is from New Look, I got it with my discount :-) The images are taken on my phone and are a little fuzzy, I shall be returning home soon to collect my camera charger.

Animal themed chair covers

I did some sewing for www.sparkles-events.com ages and ages ago now. Here are a couple of shots I took along the way. They are animal themed chair covers for children's parties. They looked amazing! I can't find any images on the website but I think at some point, some promotional shots will be added.

Print samples

A couple more printing samples, done on black chiffon with diamontes, and clear pvc, which I've had for a while and have been trying to find a use for it.

Printing and draping

I had totally forgotten about this...

I had been testing out some printing ideas on a large piece of black chiffon. The different prints sat well together so I didn't want to just cut them up in to samples for my sketchbook, so instead I pulled out Candice (my mannequin) and began draping and pinning, taking photos along the way.

Busy busy times

I haven't updated my blog for a while due to my busy little life right now.

Since my last post I have moved to London (well, nearish), got my self a Christmas temp job in New Look (50% DISCOUNT Wahoo!), made a start on my next lingerie collection, and gotten a work placement with Carl Ellis (see Mother Africa Fashion). The placement involves making patterns from a sketch and then making up a calico toile to check the pattern works. It will be really good experience for me as I have mainly only worked on Lingerie, swimwear, corsetry etc.

My next collection will have to take a back seat for a while though, due to my lack of free time, but I am itching to get working on it.

Don't just wear one!

I've seen a lot of press on statement jewellery recently, and the new trend of layering it up. So I was playing around with Candice (my mannequin), pinning things on, running things up on my machine and this is what I came up with. Worn alone the necklaces' look nice but worn with another one or two they really make a statement.

Ribbon ties

I decided to make more of a feature of the fastenings

My latest project

These are one of my favourite things made recently. Each fabric disc is slightly different to the next, using all sorts of fabrics. So far the styles include Gothic/lolita, vintage and animal print.

Brooches

New Brooch idea's. My friends and family will from now on only receive hand made gifts for christmas! I hope they like them!

Zips

Another design for the twisted zip idea. I also made a bracelet version.

Twisted zip

Not one for waste, I wanted to find a use for the zip ends I had left over from the purses I'd made (I used some rediculously long zips I had lying around).
After a bit of playing around I came up with this little sculpture like creation, which I then made into a brooch. I love it!

New life!

I have been pondering over my little clutch bag thinking of other variations on the idea, which culminated in me chopping off a trouser leg! (I have a stash of unwanted clothing I want to re-cycle). It is the same shape and design as the first bag, which you can slip your hand in the back of the lace strap for carrying. It also features a twisted zip detail.

It fits!

I have finally made myself my very own made to measure corset/belt in the style of my final collection. Yey!!

Clutch

This is my first attempt at making a clutch bag. Black leatherette, fully lined with red satin, and you can slip your hand in the back of the red strap for easy carrying.

Zip up purse

I found a couple of zips so began working on a purse, which then led to 3... The larger ones would make a good make up bag. I now need to find a place to buy reasonable priced zips, I have so many ideas I want to try out.