Poppy and Ivy

Bespoke Sewing..................exquisite hand-finished keepsake gifts and home-furnishings

Last week, I began showing 'Sneak Peeks' of the Embroidery I was working on, over on my Facebook Page.

Two beautiful Keepsake 'Dinky' Cushions.

Here's how I did it:

After a consultation with the customer, I began to sketch a couple of ideas I had, and when I had a few that I was happy with, it was over to Sue to choose and approve.

Once we were both happy, I began to collate together, the fabrics, threads and accessories I needed to create the unique items.

Sue's brief was, 2 small cushions, measuring approximately 15cm diameter, one with a Poppy Flower and one with an Ivy leaf.  These are the beautiful names of her Twin Grand Daughters.  She then asked for their names to be embroidered onto them, and also requested a small daisy on each too.  The daisy has a very special meaning, it represents Twin to Twin Transfusion, which the girls suffered when they were born.

Next for the Fun!!

I started by layering some red fabrics together, and used a Free Motion Embroidery technique on my Sewing machine, then I added some beads for the the seeds.

The Ivy was next, this time I layered green fabrics.

I then Hand Embroidered the Names and Daisies.

Et Voila!!  

I stitched them together, and stuffed them, then binded the edges by hand to give a beautiful finish.

I hope you like them, the perfect Keepsakes

See what else I make at michellecorbindesign.co.uk


Happy Stitching

Michelle xxx

A Keepsake Competition

Do you have a budding Picasso?  Are they aged between 2 and 8?

Yes?

Then would you like to WIN a Keepsake Canvas, created from your child's drawing?

Ask your child to draw a Simple Picture of Him/Herself and their siblings (if any), onto plain A5 paper.

* If your child has no siblings, parents or flowers may be used to substitute *

Scan the drawing and Email it to me at michelle@michellecorbindesign.co.uk

Please ensure your child's name and age is included in your email, along with your name and contact details

Permission to use the drawing on my Facebook Page will be required, however yours and your child's name will not appear during voting. 

The canvas will be 20 x 20 cm and will be Appliquéd and Hand Embroidered, copying the details that your child has captured.  

I will then post each photo onto my Facebook Page, where I will ask my followers to vote for their favourite drawing. 

The competition will run through until 3rd April 2015 (Good Friday) and I will announce the winner on Monday 6th April.

This competition, is only open to UK residence

Michelle Corbin Design maker of all things to treasure

Thank you for reading and Good Luck

Happy Drawing

Michelle xx

Click here to see the Competition Entries over on my Facebook page

Lets talk Curtains

So you have just decorated a room in your house, you have got the paint and wall paper all done - you are pleased.  Now it's time to dress the room.  You measure your window and take a colour swatch of paint and a piece of your wallpaper to a well known store and try to match up curtains  You have something in mind, but can't quite find the exact match or size, so in the end you make do with one choice, and take the pre-made, pre-packaged curtains home, and put them up.  You are happy-ish.  But the colour just isn't quite right now you have got them home in your lighting, and they hang in a slight 'triangular shape'.  May be they don't fit so well?  Oh well, they'll do for now!

Does this sound familiar?

Made to Measure Eyelette Curtains

So, lets talk it through.  Shop bought v Made to Measure 

Lets start with shop bought:  

• Made using standard measurements, which suit some windows, but not all.
• A design team, choose fabrics and send off to the manufacturers, mostly overseas
• Lots of machinists are given the fabric and sizes and they run these up on the machines.  Working fast to ensure they meet their target load
• Once they have been checked, they are packaged and sent to the stores for you to buy, at a reasonable price, but chances are they may not fit!!
• You buy what you see

Now to an independent designer/maker:

•  You phone or email the designer/maker and a short consultation is taken, and an appointment arranged, for a home consultation 
• Designer/maker arrives at the appointment with ladders, tape measure, consultation pad and colour swatches.  Also designs of previous work.
• Measurements are taken in detail and photo's of the window 
• He/she discusses in detail, what your requirements are, advises on the best style, fabrics, linings and heading to suit your window.
• Fabrics are held up against your decor to find the most suitable, for your lighting and living needs.
• Details of your order is then taken and on return to the workroom, designs and a quote is put together.  
• Proposed designs and quote are then shown to you and discussed.
• Once you approve, a deposit is made and the fabrics and components are ordered in.

• Designer/maker, then begins to cut fabric and, measure the hems and seams, pinning and pressing as he/she goes, with reference to the accurate measurements, ensuring the curtains, are made to measure.
• Hems are hand stitched to precision, with penny weights added.
• Linings are placed onto the main fabric and pinned.  Then the sides are hand stitched carefully.
• The carefully placed hand stitching and weights, ensure the fabrics hangs beautifully once in position
• Each step is pressed carefully and headings are added to suit the design 
• Once the curtains are made up, a follow up appointment is made to deliver the curtains.
• On delivery, the designer/maker, then hangs the curtains to ensure the correct fit.
• Curtains are then dressed with ties and left for a day or so, which ensures that the curtains hang with beautiful pleats, once the ties are taken away.
• Payment is then made.

Now of course, it's up to you which direction you go.  Which service you prefer, but as a 'throw away society', I say it's time to re-educate.

Shop bought curtains, can quite often just be thrown in the bin, or passed on to charity - where in some cases, they really cannot be sold again, as they have lost shape, and don't hang straight.

Having had some curtains specifically made for you, we are most probably more likely to hang onto them, and when it is time to redecorate, we use the curtains as a starting point.

Decent fabric alone is not always cheap and the workmanship and man hours spent on creating beautifully handmade curtains, really isn't recognised and appreciated enough.  

We often wonder, why handmade curtains hold such a big price tag, well I hope that I have helped you now to understand why.  Designer/makers, are highly trained and qualified in their profession,  and their skill and art form should to be appreciated more so.

On reflection, buying handmade, means buying something personal and unique for you, which should last you for years to come, therefore, resulting in better value for money - long term.

Please visit my Facebook page to see some of my handmade items

Michelle Corbin Design maker of all things to treasure

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

We'll always have Paris

Free Motion Machine Embroidery

After the success of 2014, and the developing of new designs, I decided to use my new found love of Free Motion Embroidery.  I decided that 2015, would be the year I try to develop, what was lingering in my head.

Sketching, with Thread

After a surprise trip to Paris 2 years ago with my husband for a special birthday, I was inspired, as most people are, by The Eiffel Tower.  I knew I wanted to create something with textiles, I just couldn't decide what or how.  But as my love of the Free Motion Machine Embroidery progressed, I hatched a plan!

We'll always have Paris

 Here's how I did it

I began, by looking at the pictures and postcards we brought back from our trip, and the photographs we took.  I drew inspiration from these, and chose a specific photo.  I traced the outline loosely, and played with it, so that I had an idea of the size I was wanting my final piece to be, and then began to add my own interpretation of the details within and around the Tower.

Once I was happy with my sketch, I used a Light Box to trace the outline onto the fabric, again just loosely, using a water soluble pen.

Sketching the outline

It was now time to start to 'sketch with thread', so I began by drawing the outline

Adding details

Once my basic shape was established, I placed my original pencil sketch beside my machine, and began to fill in the gaps as and how I felt it best with the needle and thread.

It was so enjoyable and quite therapeutic, I found that I just couldn't stop!

More details developing 

As the detailing developed, I found myself really moving freely and creating more details here, and less there, as and where I felt necessary.

The Eiffel Tower

Before long, the stitching was complete, and I had before me something that resembled The Eiffel Tower.  I rinsed off the pen, and left the fabric to dry.

Hand Embroidered Appliqué Hearts

I decided, that as the picture was to remember our trip to Paris, I would add 2 hearts (I used 2 different Tilda fabrics) to represent my husband and I, so I hand embroidered them, with a lovely metallic embroidery silk.

The Final Touches

I wanted some wording on the picture, but found it hard to decide what, so I turned to Google to find French phrases, poems and quotes.  There were some really lovely ones, but the one that stood out for me the most was 'We'll always have Paris' this phrase is taken from one of my favourite films - Casablanca, so I found it just perfect, and of course, as it is nearly Valentines Day, and Paris is the most Romantic City in the world, 'Je t'aime' had to be included!

Framed to perfection

Finally, a lace border was added, before the finished piece was set into the beautiful frame.

I am incredibly proud of my creation, and aim to do more and I hope that you like it as much as my husband (Mr C) and I do.

Please visit my Facebook page to see more of my makes

Michelle Corbin Design maker of all things to treasure

Thank you for reading
Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

Ps.  Don't forget to sign up to follow this blog

Happy Birthday Little Keepsake Bunny

Little Keepsake Bunny is 1 Today

After being asked by a customer if I would be able to make a Special Commission, I jumped at the challenge and set to designing.

After making a few prototypes, I began to make he real thing.  

I followed the brief and produced this to my customer, who was very pleased with the result.

Whilst I was creating the above bunny, I realised that I had been inspired and drawn in a different direction than I  had been before.

And so Little Miss Keepsake was launched on the 20th June 2013

The first ever bunny I made - for my daughter

The photo I posted that evening on Facebook, proved so popular, that this bunny has grown from strength to strength.

Since that day this bunny has become one of my best sellers, and for that I have JW, (my original commission)
to thank.

She has evolved from her original design, and has been created from New fabrics, Children's Clothes, or a Mix

And her unique Bunny Tail has proven to be the most popular feature she has

 And introducing
the boys
<<<<>>>>

Little Miss and Little Mr Bunnies are available to order via my contact button on my website, or via the message button on my Facebook page

Now lets celebrate, with balloons and streamers

Happy Birthday Keepsake Bunny

MichelleCorbinDesign maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsakes to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

A Coffee Break With Ann Ross Design

Ann Ross Design

Based in Teesside, Annie is a Freelance Artist with over 10 years commercial experience in retail and industry (publishing and giftware).   

She is mum to 2 gorgeous wee kittens and Aunt to 2 adorable boys.

And also one of my best friends!

www.annrossdesign.com

 Ann began selling high end wedding stationery to design conscious couples worldwide, then moving into mainstream design as a freelance artist.  She has secured several licenses with a leading publishing house.  Annie, offers an eclectic design and illustration service, catering for commercial markets as well as bespoke, individual commissions.

This lady has an amazing talent (she designed and made all of my wedding stationary), however she was struck down with illness after illness a few years ago, which lead to her struggling to continue to design.  But with shear determination, will power, and a hell of a lot of research, Annie has amazingly fought the battle - WON - and made a complete recovery!!  

I had coffee with her to find out more:

How did Ann Ross Design begin?

Ann Ross Design began in 2000 when I set out as a wedding stationery designer and manufacturer.  I then came up with other greetings card ideas and sent off some speculative letters with samples.  I was lucky enough to have several ideas turned into brands for the international card market, each going on to gain merchandise licenses.  Trained in graphic design and a self-confessed font geek, I also enjoyed working on numerous promotional briefs during this time.

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Ann Ross

Things are a bit different at the moment as I’m taking a sabbatical from my usual freelance illustration and design to work on a self-initiated project. To cut a very long story short, gluten has caused me no end of grief and I didn’t even realise it was the culprit!  Having overcome such annoying health gremlins, I’m now developing a support website for those suffering from similar debilitating gluten-related disorders, with my own arty spin on things of course! 

Currently my typical day consists of baking and cooking from scratch (as I can’t even tolerate shop-bought GF food!) between happily slogging away on my new website that I hope to launch later this year.

What keeps you inspired every day?

In truth some days I’m not the least bit inspired!  However, I think uninspired days are very important as they allow you to switch off and come back to an idea with renewed perspective, a sequence vital to developing good work. Even the most nondescript notion can eventually grow into something exciting. Such thoughts are born from anything at anytime, so I keep a journal at the side of my bed as my brain is usually at its best when I’m asleep! Go figure!! :D

Where do see your future and Ann Ross Design heading?

I’m in a very privileged position in that I’ve achieved what I set out to do business-wise. As long as I keep coming up with ideas that have commercial potential I’m more than happy to continue like this for as long as the art and design industry will allow.

Over the past couple of years I’ve been experimenting with paper engineering, and am fortunate enough to have had my first idea for a new concept in children’s book packaging picked up by Egmont UK. The product is due to be launched in October and I’ve since been asked if I’d be interested in future project work with the company.

I still have many ideas I’d like to approach publishing houses and retailers with, but it’s a matter of finding the time to develop each and every one to presentation standard.  An individual can only do so much; therefore it would be very helpful if someone out there would be so kind as to make a cloning machine.  Thanking you in advance.

Do you have an inspirational word of advice for small businesses starting out?

As long as you love what you do and create truly original work, you’re already a success.

What is your favourite colour?

Pantone 624

If you had to choose, which would you pick? Fabric/Buttons/Ribbons

I’m not the most proficient sewer so I don’t have many supplies, but must admit I’ve raided my mum’s button tins a fair few times for crafty projects, so I think I must be a button gal at heart!!

Finally, tell us a joke? 

Comic Sans

 (One for all you typeface nerds out there!)

Thanks so much for joining me for coffee, however I can no longer drink it - hot water and a slice of lemon for me now a days :), but I hope you enjoyed yours.

Annie x

An inspirational story there from Annie, thank you so much to her for agreeing to share her story.  I'm sure her new website will do well, and we wish her lots of luck for her future xx

annrossdesign.blogspot.co.uk/

Michelle Corbin Design  And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsakes to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

A Coffee Break with Armadio Amore

Armadio Amore

www.facebook.com/ArmadioAmore

Based in a small village in Lincolshire, Armadio Amore is run from the home of mum of 2, Jolene.

Jolene designs and creates the most stunning Bears and Bunnies you will ever see.  She is meticulous in her creations, down to the very last detail.  No Bear or Bunny leaves her workroom, until each one makes her smile ......................................

www.armadioamore.co.uk             

Each Keepsake Bear and Bunny, is beautifully hand tailored from your baby's outgrown clothing, which remind you of happy times.  This allows the memories to stay forever and be treasured in the form of an adorably unique jointed bear or bunny, instead of hiding them away in a box.

Let's have a coffee with Jo, and find out more:

Hi Jo, and thank you for taking time out from your busy schedule to chat with us.  So lets's kick off with, how did Armadio Amore begin?

Hi Michelle, well, I have always worked full time in an accounts office and I would still be there had my husband not been offered a position to live and work in Italy. The offer was for him and his family to relocate and so we did! Surrounded by the beautiful Italian countryside I was inspired to get back my love of painting and sewing and creating beautiful things! I loved being home for my family and vowed that once our stay in Italy was over and we moved back to the UK that I would never go back to work full time ever again. So I drafted business plan after business plan until I was finally happy with my business idea. I had everything set up and ready for when we got back home but I had no idea that my business would take off straight away! As soon as I posted a picture on Facebook of my Nieces keepsake bear I was inundated with messages and friend requests and so I published my page!

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Jo.
Oh goodness this may sound incredibly boring!! I get my boys up and ready for school and walk my youngest (age 5) to the local Primary School. When I get back I make myself a coffee and get to work on my orders, whether I am cutting out or sewing or stuffing and jointing. I have a break for lunch and walk my dogs. I carry on with my sewing until its time to collect the little one from school and then I take him to his Martial Arts class. After that I make tea, then we read and do any homework together and we have treats. When it is bedtime for my youngest I help him get ready for bed and I lie with him whilst I read a bedtime story. We’ve just finished Roald Dahl’s The Magic Finger which was very funny! Then I wash and tidy up and get back to my sewing until my eyes and fingers tell me its time for bed – see… very boring!

What keeps you inspired every day?
My Facebook followers and customers keep me smiling with their fantastic feedback and comments and I am inspired by everything I see; other people’s fantastic work, sewing magazines, books and facebook is so full of amazing small business pages – just like me – and I just love to see their latest makes.

Where do see your future and Armadio Amore heading?
I have no idea what the future holds, I’m just enjoying each and every day for as long as I can. I can only keep working so long as people keep enjoying what I do and I thank each and every one of them for allowing me to carry on doing what I love for another day J

Do you have an inspirational word of advice for small businesses starting out?
Be individual, be unusual, be yourself. Do not copy anyone else. Work hard – being a success is NOT easy, it’s long hours; a lot of practice, patience and dedication. Don’t waste time on anything you don’t enjoy doing. Handmade should mean quality so use quality supplies.

What is your favourite colour?
Ha! Pink, no - yellow, no - green, no - turquoise!! I love colour! Especially pink ;-)

If you had to choose, which would you pick? Fabric/Buttons/Ribbons
Why is this the toughest question???!!!! Hmmmm I do like buying ribbon…. and fabric….. aaaannd buttons :/

Finally, tell us a joke? 
My 5 year old made this one up;
Q: What does an Elephant have that no-one else has?
A: A baby elephant

Bless him!!

Thank you for coming to get to know me a little bit better

Love

Jo

xx

Thank you so much Jo, that was fun and inspirational, and I loved the joke ;)

To find out more about the beautiful work Jolene does, follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Michelle Corbin Design And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsake items, to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx