Littlehampton Open Exhibition - Submissions Wanted

This week is the week to get any artwork in for the first Littlehampton Open art exhibition. The exhibition is open to all Sussex artists, irrespective of age or medium, amateurs or professionals and is free. Each artist can submit up to 3 pieces of work based on the theme 'Spirit of Spring'. The deadline for submissions is Saturday 31st March at 4.30pm. More details are on the Town Council's website, including full terms & conditions. I'm putting in a couple of new photos which I've just finished mounting and framing - wish me luck!

Other work - still making lots of stock for the craft fair at Lancing College this weekend (fingers crossed it will be a good one!) and to top up my shelves at Bosham Arts & Crafts Centre before the Easter weekend. Anything else available will be added to my Folksy shop. There's plenty to keep me busy, but I also have to make the most of this gorgeous sunny weather - it would be a crime not to - so it's a balancing act this week with a bit of work, a bit of play, and lots of sunshine!

Not on 'Notonthehighstreet' - oh well...

A disappointing response from NOTHS - my application was turned down (booooo!) - but nil desperandum.....I'm happy on Folksy and will continue to promote elsewhere too, including CraftJuice, Facebook and here on my blog. I'm also planning to set up my own website soon, so watch this space for news of that.
I've been busy making more phone cases and bags (with thoughts of selling at a good craft fair at the end of March), and have loads more design ideas to try out, but I have to also keep the exhibitions in mind and create some artwork too.
Recent listings on Folksy include:

'Arundel' large shoulder bag on Folksy

Pink floral mobile phone/gadget case on Folksy

Blue check mobile phone/gadget case on Folksy

Green print mobile phone/gadget case on Folksy

Stunning Kimono Silk Handbag

I haven't got very far with my artwork - with two exhibitions looming, I do need to produce something to submit - but I have completed another bag. This time it's a silk one, made from some stunning vintage kimono fabric, and I've called it 'Kyoto' after one of my favourite cities. It's a classic handbag design, perfect for a special occasion or evening out, it will be a favourite I'm sure. Listed on Folksy today....

'Kyoto' classic silk handbag on Folksy

Red Monday

It's supposed to be the worst day of the year - dark, cold, cash-strapped, the Christmas bills are landing on the doormat and most of our New Year resolutions have by now failed miserably!
But...here it's a cold, crisp, sunny morning. I've just looked in the garden and I have daffodils, roses and geraniums all flowering together, despite the heavy frost on Friday night...what an amazing January!

I've just photographed and listed my latest creation on Folksy, so here it is with a selection of other items that link nicely to the Red Monday theme and will hopefully cheer you all up.

'Janus' large shoulder bag on Folksy

Crimson classic silk handbag on Folksy

Hand-felted cuff bracelet on Folksy

Wool felt padded heart on Folksy

Liberty print draught excluder

Knitted furry scarf on Folksy

Vintage linen tablecloth on Etsy

'Poppies' print

Lovely Retro Bag

I finally finished the bag I've been making since Saturday! OK, I haven't actually been making it continually since then, but it did take a bit longer than usual. It's a lovely vintage fabric by Bernard Wardle, called Carolina, which is from the 50s/60s era. Makes a real impact! The design has been outline-quilted to make it stand out even more.

'Carolina' classic handbag on Folksy

Other than making, I've been working on the promotion side of things a bit - trying to get more people looking at Folksy, joining craft sites and forums, plugging the Facebook page - it takes a lot of time but I suppose it has to be done. I do need to keep adding vintage items to the Etsy shop too, as that has gone quiet lately...apart from an enquiry from someone who wanted to buy 5 of something...in different colours! I don't think they quite get the 'vintage' concept! Shame I didn't have 5 of them though...would've been a good sale.

Abusive Content?? Moi??

I tried to share my blog post yesterday on Facebook but it wouldn't let me. Apparently it contained 'abusive content', which made me laugh - felt-making isn't really my idea of abusive content but maybe there are some very sensitive souls out there who can't stand the idea of beating wool into submission!! So I'll try again today and see whether this post is also considered 'abusive'.
Today I collected my exhibition pieces from the local museum, where they've been on show for the past 6 weeks or so. I now have a hallway full of framed textile art pieces, which I'll have to find space for...somewhere. I also re-listed a few cushions, bags etc on Folksy, such as this cheerful, patchwork cushion, made from hand-dyed cotton in rainbow colours - just the thing to brighten up a grey January day.

'Rainbow' patchwork cotton cushion on Folksy