Algenon?

Things have been quiet here on the crafting front but I just wanted to update this blog and let you all know that I'll be uploading some new dinosaurs to Etsy as soon as I've made them.  My crafting time has been taken up by family matters recently and that includes the first birthday of my only grandchild.  Doesn't time fly!?  It only seems like yesterday when I was coming home from the hospital on the bus after attending his birth, all tired and bursting with happiness.  Now he's a cheeky chappy that's full of smiles and giggles and doesn't sit still for a minute!

I also have some news about a craft fair that Whimsy Dell will be taking part in very soon.  You can find me and my whimsical toys at Holywell Art and Craft Mill on the 31st March from 10am - 3pm.  This community craft event is being hosted by the Holywell and District Women's Group and features local crafters and organisations.  There will be demonstrations, plenty of items to buy in the Gallery and delicious light meals, drinks and cakes to enjoy in The Mill on the Hill Tea Rooms.

Holywell Art and Craft Mill is situated right next door to St. Winefride's Well on the Well Hill in Holywell.  There's parking to the rear of the building and also a car park opposite.

I hope to see you there!

Shhhh....

 

I've been busy working on something secret recently, my apologies for the lull in new posts.  I hope to have finished by the end of the weekend and all will be revealed in the future.  Until then, I'd like to share this photograph with you.  It was taken after quite a scramble up a steep bank....but what a reward for my effort!

Introducing - Wonky Bunnies!

Wonky Bunnies are now available to buy from the Whimsy Dell Etsy Shop, you can find them by clicking on the Etsy Shop link over to the right.  Wonky Bunnies measure approximately 6.5" tall and each one seems to have a character all of its own.  They don't have any plastic eyes or noses which makes them safe for little ones so why not treat them this Easter, or maybe even yourself!

Happy Valentine's Day

This photograph was taken by me in Caernarfon, here in North Wales.  I love this tree....and I think the tree might love me back!

Redwork Bunny Cushion

I was surfing around the internet one day back in January and discovered a redwork pattern whilst on the hunt for embroidery designs.  I hadn't really seen this style before but I thought it ever so pretty.  Right there and then I decided to make my own redwork pattern and this is what I ended up with.  I'm fairly focused on the idea of Spring at the moment, mainly because it cannot come quick enough for me.  It's so chilly out there at the moment!

One thing that I learned about redwork is that it is incredibly relaxing.  There are no colour changes and nothing to think about.  It was so nice to pick it up and just let my mind wander for a while.  I was really pleased with the result and the finished cushion is available as a one-off on Etsy.  I've started work on the PDF pattern too and will update this site when it's ready.

Lucky* Clover Itty Bitty Kitty

I found some adorable green clover fabric a few days ago and thought it would make a super Itty Bitty Kitty.  Measuring only 4.5" tall and with adorable hand-embroidered faces, these super cute kitties are perfect for small hands, car journeys and handbags.  You can find one for sale in my shop right now, ready to spread a little luck* in your life or maybe even serve as a reminder of your Irish heritage.

As always, I am more than happy to make an Itty Bitty Kitty in a colour of your choice, just email me using the link to the left or send me a conversation via Etsy.

*Since cats are temperamental creatures, luck is not guaranteed!

Spring Stitchery - Customer Photograph

I had the most pleasant surprise this morning when I checked Whimsy Dell's inbox.  I had received a wonderful message from a customer of mine who goes by the name of Tillymint.  She purchased my Spring Stitchery PDF Pattern last month and sent me this photograph of her finished stitchery made up into a fantastic bag.

It's super to see how Tillymint has adapted the pattern into a very beautiful and useful finished project.  I love how the colours in the stitched rainbow are reflected in the fabrics that she has chosen for the bag, resulting in a cheerful, bright tote that makes me smile!  Enjoy using your bag, Tillymint, and thank you so much for getting in touch.

If you have made a project from one of my patterns, feel free to send photographs to me using the email link in the left column.  You can also send in photographs of toys that you have bought from me.  Do they have a favourite place to sit?  On your bed, in your car or in the arms of your little ones.  Feel free to share, it really makes my day!

Sneak Peek

As promised, here's a snippet from one of my latest designs. I fancied having a go at redwork and have found it very relaxing so far! I'm sitting at a friend's house right now, stitching away. All I had to pack in my bag was the project, thread, scissors and a needle. If only all of my crafting hobbies were so easy to transport!

Personalised Book Bags

I recently made five book bags for a local customer of mine and she just called me up to say how beautiful they are.  It's so nice to receive positive feedback and it has made my day!  So I'd like to take a quick moment to thank everyone for their wonderful comments on Facebook, Flickr, by email, in the street and on the many forums and websites that I have been joining over the past few days.  Thanks all for the very big sillygrin that's on my face right now.

 Here are two pictures of one of the book bags that I made for a little girl called Amelia.  She loves Disney's Cinderella and that is what she chose for her bag.  Quite a complicated design, but extremely enjoyable to make and it's pretty too.  Great choice, Amelia, I hope you like your new book bag!

Funny Hunny Bunnies

Having been very popular at craft fairs, I have decided to introduce a selection of Funny Hunny Bunnies to Etsy.  Measuring only 6.5" tall, each bunny is perfect for small hands, car journeys and you can even stick your pins in them.  They won't mind, honestly!

As always, I am more than happy to make a Funny Hunny Bunny in a colour of your choice.  Just pop over to my shop and click on the 'Request Custom Item' link in the left hand column.

Ahhhh, it's starting to feel a bit like Easter in the Whimsy Dell craft room.  I was, of course, beaten to it by the local supermarket which started stocking chocolate chicks in the first few days of January!!

Two Welsh Things

I have been very busy with my scanner over the past couple of days.  It has turned out to be a real godsend and I'm happy to announce that the last two in a set of three cross stitch patterns are now listed for sale on Etsy as PDF files.

All three designs were inspired by the myth, magic and legend of Wales and have made their appearance in good time for St David's Day on 1st March.

I'm going to spend the rest of the evening working on a new stitchery design.  I'll upload a sneak peek photograph of it some time over the new couple of days.  I also have some new toys in the pipeline...busy busy!

A Blast From The Past

Way back, in 1999, I fancied myself a bit of a cross stitch designer and had a fair bit of success manufacturing my own cross stitch kits.  After a few changes in my circumstances, my little business was put onto the backburner whilst I sorted out more important aspects of my life.  I never really got back into it, mainly because I have moved on, tried different crafts and learned new techniques and styles.

I was reminded of my cross stitch business today, though, when talking to my Mum and Sister about the return of Spring flowers to our gardens.  My sibling has snowdrops in hers, but I have daffodils poking their curious heads up in mine.  They have long been my favourite flower and I always look forward to seeing them again.  They are so cheerful and bright and they are also a symbol of Wales which makes them even better! ♥

As soon as I mentioned my daffodils, I was instantly reminded of this cross stitch pattern.  Even now, 12 years later, this very picture graces the windowsill in my kitchen.  I thought it was time to scan the pattern, tweak things a little and list it online so that others can share my joy in such a wonderful Spring flower.

It's now available to buy as a PDF from my Etsy shop over there on the right.

Does Anyone Want a Cuddle?

 I've just uploaded a new item to my Etsy shop.  Meet Cuddle the Hugmonster!  Some things are very hard to part with and she is definitely one of them.  I have learned my lesson though, because every time I keep one of my items or make another one for myself it _somehow_ ends up on my son's bed!

If you are interested in buying Cuddle, or any of my other items, please click on the Etsy shop window in the right-hand column.

Pup the Wonky Bear

 

Wonky arms, wonky ears, wonky legs and a wonky smile. Could you find a place in your heart for Pup the Wonky Bear?  ♥

Pup's main body is made from a brown and off-white striped cotton fabric. His pokeable tummy patch is made from a fun, puppy cotton print. His face is embroidered with black thread and his sweet little felt nose has been sewn on well making this a suitable toy for all ages.

He stands at 8" tall and is looking for a new friend to take care of him.

If you are interested in purchasing Pup, please visit my shop by clicking on the Etsy window in the right hand column.

Spring Stitchery Pattern - Available Now!

I've had such lovely feedback about my Spring Stitchery!  Thank you all for the lovely emails.  As requested, I have now made my stitchery pattern available to buy on Etsy as a PDF file.  There are ten pages in all and they include a materials list, thread list, detailed stitch guide, stitch diagrams and more!  Plus the pattern of course, both in standard and reversed form, for those of you who like to use transfer pens and printing papers.

If you are interested in purchasing this pattern, please click on my Etsy shop in the right hand column.  Once payment has been received, you will receive the PDF file within 24 hours via email, all ready for printing.

Thank you again for the wonderful feedback, I'm happy to announce that more will be coming in the near future.

A New Year - A New Project

Since seeing a tree in full blossom on the 31st December 2011 (yes, December!) I have been inspired to branch out and try something a little different.  Having admired stitcheries for quite some time now I thought it would be lovely to have a go, plus I have spent a lot of time recently making things for other people and nothing for myself!  So I started to look around for something that really made me smile.

There are some wonderful patterns out there, but I had great difficulty finding the ones I liked here in the UK.  Most places were out of stock with no plans to order patterns in again, and the shops in the States often charge a lot for delivery and even then you are taking a risk with import taxes.  I found myself going round in circles until a tiny little voice in my head pipped up.  It said -

"You could just....design your own?"

Well, that was it.  The seed was planted and the more I thought about it, the more the seed grew and grew until I finally had a blossom tree sketched onto paper.  I added some warm sunshine and the picture grew even more!  Some flowers here, some creatures there....then I realised that I had a stitchery all of my own.  I could not get it traced onto fabric quick enough!

Stitching it was the fun part; even though I have never done anything quite like this before I found it easy and relaxing.  As each little section was completed, my smile got bigger and I couldn't wait to move on to the next part.  Then, yesterday, I finished it.  Tadaaaaaaa!

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of my customers and friends a happy and prosperous new year.  I wonder what 2012 will have in store for Whimsy Dell.  Watch this space for a new type of product which should make an appearance later on this month!