I had a lovely time designing, cutting out pattern pieces, cutting out felt, now starting to stitch together...
Showing posts with label designing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label designing. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Weekend Wonders - Inspirational and crafty
What a contrast in weather! Last weekend it was sweltering hot and this weekend has been much cooler with some showers of rain. I know that there are areas of Australia that are in flood, whereas where we are, it would be nice to have a heavy shower of rain to top up our water tanks.
I was able to spend some time today to sit down and do some craft. I made a Jellybean Buddy set (I will show photos tomorrow) and I have worked out the final details of cushion #1 of my train series. I can't wait to start to cut out the felt and make some progress on that project! That will be this week's project.
It is funny what inspires designs. Mr T had the 'V8 Supercar Clipsal 500' race on the TV over the weekend. I don't usually spend a lot of time watching TV these days, but it was on when we sat down briefly for a bite to eat. As I watched, another design for a cushion popped into my head...another one for the boys! I will draw a quick sketch, but I think it might need to be put away for a little while, at least until I have finished my train cushion series.
I was able to spend some time today to sit down and do some craft. I made a Jellybean Buddy set (I will show photos tomorrow) and I have worked out the final details of cushion #1 of my train series. I can't wait to start to cut out the felt and make some progress on that project! That will be this week's project.
It is funny what inspires designs. Mr T had the 'V8 Supercar Clipsal 500' race on the TV over the weekend. I don't usually spend a lot of time watching TV these days, but it was on when we sat down briefly for a bite to eat. As I watched, another design for a cushion popped into my head...another one for the boys! I will draw a quick sketch, but I think it might need to be put away for a little while, at least until I have finished my train cushion series.
Whatever you were up to this weekend, I hope that it was restful and enjoyable!
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
Friday thoughts - Colour - choice, balance and association
When you see a colour, does it remind you of anything in particular? Do you naturally decorate anything for a girl with pink and anything for a boy in blue? It is funny how this association with colour and gender has occurred.
Then there are cool and warm colours. Warm (yellow, orange, red) colours are generally more bold and dazzling, whereas cool colours (blue, green, purple) are more calm and settling. I must say, I do prefer the cooler colours. I seem to choose them over the warmer colours concerning clothes, furnishings and even in craft/fabric patterns. Whereas, there are other people that I know that warmer colours look awesome on.
You could even argue that there is even a pecking order with the brightness of hues. When decorating or making items for children, I tend to use bright and bold colours, rather than pastel colours. To me, bright and bold colours remind me of the energy and bounce that children have. In my latest project, I am using bold and bright colours for the main picture/decoration which is placed upon a pastel blue background. The aim of this item will be a decoration for a girl's (yes...I am using pink) bedroom/nursery.
What colours work well? I often look for great colour combinations in fabric patterns, but only choose three colours! If the fabric that inspires me has a lot of different colours or hues I only pick three, any more and it can look too 'busy'. I often choose one main colour, and the other two colours are used to add some contrast or highlight. This adds more balance.
An example of this is with 'Rosie'. I chose the flowery patterned fabric. I then used pink from the fabric as the main colour and used purple and green (in the same hues as the fabric) to add some highlights to the ears, face, tummy and paws.This principle can be used in a lot of ways - in making craft items, card making/scrapbooking and even in decorating rooms.
Then there are cool and warm colours. Warm (yellow, orange, red) colours are generally more bold and dazzling, whereas cool colours (blue, green, purple) are more calm and settling. I must say, I do prefer the cooler colours. I seem to choose them over the warmer colours concerning clothes, furnishings and even in craft/fabric patterns. Whereas, there are other people that I know that warmer colours look awesome on.
You could even argue that there is even a pecking order with the brightness of hues. When decorating or making items for children, I tend to use bright and bold colours, rather than pastel colours. To me, bright and bold colours remind me of the energy and bounce that children have. In my latest project, I am using bold and bright colours for the main picture/decoration which is placed upon a pastel blue background. The aim of this item will be a decoration for a girl's (yes...I am using pink) bedroom/nursery.
What colours work well? I often look for great colour combinations in fabric patterns, but only choose three colours! If the fabric that inspires me has a lot of different colours or hues I only pick three, any more and it can look too 'busy'. I often choose one main colour, and the other two colours are used to add some contrast or highlight. This adds more balance.
Have a colourful weekend! I hope to finish the 'project' soon to show you all.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Wonderful Wednesday - A new project
I hope this works out. I am very excited about the design. Can you figure it out?
Monday, 13 February 2012
Monday in the making
It is funny how one design seems to lend itself to others...
When I was creating the Jellybean Buddy family, I started to think of other possibilites the Jellybean buddy could be. When my friend had her baby I immediately knew what I was going to create for the new arrival.
Not your ordinary Jellybean Buddy, rather a rattle. This little jellybean has some crinkly material in his head and a bell tingling in his tummy.
Sometimes a new design doesn't need to be totally new, rather it is an adaptation or transformation of an existing design.
When I was creating the Jellybean Buddy family, I started to think of other possibilites the Jellybean buddy could be. When my friend had her baby I immediately knew what I was going to create for the new arrival.
Sometimes a new design doesn't need to be totally new, rather it is an adaptation or transformation of an existing design.
Happy creating!
Friday, 10 February 2012
Friday Thoughts - a busy week
This week has been a bit of a slower week, craft wise. It has been quite a busy week with work. I would have liked more time to put into my designs and products as there are plenty of designs and ideas in my head, but I just didn't have the time to put into the making.
I can't wait to make a rattle for a friend of mine and get into a new product to place in my store. Hopefully I will be able to sit down over this weekend and get into creating. I will show photos of the finished products. I better get cracking!
I can't wait to make a rattle for a friend of mine and get into a new product to place in my store. Hopefully I will be able to sit down over this weekend and get into creating. I will show photos of the finished products. I better get cracking!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Weekend Wonders - Ideas vs Products
Holidays are wonderful!
Not only are they the perfect opportunity to unwind physically but they are also a great opportunity to unwind mentally.
I have enjoyed my summer break and as mentioned before, I have now entered back into the 'real' world and started another year of work. I love creating anytime of the year, however, I find that I have my creative thoughts and ideas during holiday time. Maybe this is because my mind isn't flooded by other things that need to be completed, allowing creativity to rise to the surface.
The only problem with that, is that now I have lots of lovely, creative thoughts but what do I do with them? Sure, I could make them all (and that would be fine) but is there a need to extend an existing line and add variety to it? For example, I have created a bunny, cat and teddy design, but at the moment there is only one colour to choose from. Maybe there is a need to make more of the same design but in different colours. Also, I recently asked about what other bag buddies customers would like to see and was given some wonderful ideas on Tupsy Turvy Designs facebook page. I would love to get into making these designs, but do I add variety to the designs that I have developed at the moment. I would be interested to know your thoughts...do you make 'one of a kinds' or do you make multiples of the same design, but in various colours or with some variations?
Don't worry though... I have recorded down these ideas, ready to launch at a later time. I hope that you have had a lovely weekend!
Not only are they the perfect opportunity to unwind physically but they are also a great opportunity to unwind mentally.
I have enjoyed my summer break and as mentioned before, I have now entered back into the 'real' world and started another year of work. I love creating anytime of the year, however, I find that I have my creative thoughts and ideas during holiday time. Maybe this is because my mind isn't flooded by other things that need to be completed, allowing creativity to rise to the surface.
The only problem with that, is that now I have lots of lovely, creative thoughts but what do I do with them? Sure, I could make them all (and that would be fine) but is there a need to extend an existing line and add variety to it? For example, I have created a bunny, cat and teddy design, but at the moment there is only one colour to choose from. Maybe there is a need to make more of the same design but in different colours. Also, I recently asked about what other bag buddies customers would like to see and was given some wonderful ideas on Tupsy Turvy Designs facebook page. I would love to get into making these designs, but do I add variety to the designs that I have developed at the moment. I would be interested to know your thoughts...do you make 'one of a kinds' or do you make multiples of the same design, but in various colours or with some variations?
Don't worry though... I have recorded down these ideas, ready to launch at a later time. I hope that you have had a lovely weekend!
Monday, 5 December 2011
Monday - in the making
So...I am on a bit of a design roll at the moment. I gathered up supplies and have designed a Cutie bug headband for little girls/babies.
I know it all looks a little funny at the moment, I thought I would start to piece the main elements together to make the design more clear. The idea is to have an elastic lace base. I will make up tulle base on which I will stitch the crocheted flower. On top of the flower will be a Cutie bug, like the ones that are stitched to my clips. I am thinking I may need to add a 'leaf' or two.
I am yet to make up my mind whether to have a green winged Cutie bug or a pink winged one. I am unsure whether the pink winged Cutie bug adds too much pink. Feel free to add your thoughts on this, I would love to know.
Speaking of Cutie bugs, I will need to get going on some to replenish my stock. I also have a custom order of Cutie bugs which will need to filled.
I am yet to make up my mind whether to have a green winged Cutie bug or a pink winged one. I am unsure whether the pink winged Cutie bug adds too much pink. Feel free to add your thoughts on this, I would love to know.
Speaking of Cutie bugs, I will need to get going on some to replenish my stock. I also have a custom order of Cutie bugs which will need to filled.
Have fun in your crafting!
Monday, 14 November 2011
Monday - in the making
Ahh coffee...I love it! I love the smell and the taste. There is something glorious about the smell of a Coffee Shop. As I speak, Mr T is making me a cup of deliciousness.
Meeting a friend over coffee is also an enjoyable activity for me. I meet up with a good friend and her baby daughter Friday afternoons for a chat - discussing the happenings of the week, sharing ideas and giving each other encouragement.
As is the case with a few of our coffee meetings, I walk away afterwards with a new idea to craft. It was when I was watching the baby play at one of our meetings, that I thought I could make up a grasping toy, hence the birth of 'Wonky Worm'.
At our last meeting, my friend showed me one of her daughter's toys - one that can be placed around baby's wrist. Over the weekend I put pencil to paper and have developed a 'Birdie Baby Bracelet'.
'Birdie' is still very much a work in progress, but I hope to show you all very soon the finished product. In the meantime, I would like to get some more Cutie bug clips and Bag buddies made up.
Anyway, it's time to go and put the kettle on. You never know what ideas will develop!
Meeting a friend over coffee is also an enjoyable activity for me. I meet up with a good friend and her baby daughter Friday afternoons for a chat - discussing the happenings of the week, sharing ideas and giving each other encouragement.
As is the case with a few of our coffee meetings, I walk away afterwards with a new idea to craft. It was when I was watching the baby play at one of our meetings, that I thought I could make up a grasping toy, hence the birth of 'Wonky Worm'.
At our last meeting, my friend showed me one of her daughter's toys - one that can be placed around baby's wrist. Over the weekend I put pencil to paper and have developed a 'Birdie Baby Bracelet'.
Anyway, it's time to go and put the kettle on. You never know what ideas will develop!
Happy crafting!
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Weekend Wonders - Me??Design??
There is nothing like a market. So much talent and creativity in the one area. As a crafter, you can't help but be inspired by the work of others. Your eyes are opened to new colour combinations, uses of fabric and the difference of items.
In saying that, I visited a market today and I couldn't help but feel a little cheated. I spyed a stall that had copies (and I mean, identical design) of goods of a favourite designer of mine. To be fair to the stall owner, I don't know the full story. She may have sought permission to use the designs for her own profit, but it does promote the thought of design.
I never thought that I could be a 'designer'. I am a very structured person - I mean I have even created a structure for this blog! When it came to crafts, I had to find a pattern and follow it to a tee. What inspired me to create was looking at a toy pattern, finding out the cost of it and thinking 'I could design something similar' (mind you, not identical). I gave it a go and added my own creative spin and have been pleased with the results and the positive feedback of others. It does take some refining and the development of some prototypes, but the feeling of accomplishment and 'I thought of this myself' is well worth it.
So designing...who me?? You might just suprise yourself.
Happy crafting (and designing).
In saying that, I visited a market today and I couldn't help but feel a little cheated. I spyed a stall that had copies (and I mean, identical design) of goods of a favourite designer of mine. To be fair to the stall owner, I don't know the full story. She may have sought permission to use the designs for her own profit, but it does promote the thought of design.
I never thought that I could be a 'designer'. I am a very structured person - I mean I have even created a structure for this blog! When it came to crafts, I had to find a pattern and follow it to a tee. What inspired me to create was looking at a toy pattern, finding out the cost of it and thinking 'I could design something similar' (mind you, not identical). I gave it a go and added my own creative spin and have been pleased with the results and the positive feedback of others. It does take some refining and the development of some prototypes, but the feeling of accomplishment and 'I thought of this myself' is well worth it.
So designing...who me?? You might just suprise yourself.
Happy crafting (and designing).
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