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.