Handmade Nordic Christmas 'Baubles'

...as if we are now 4 days into December!!

This week, I have launched a couple of new cross stitch patterns that are perfect for anyone feeling the need for some crafty festive fun! Christmas is creeping round the corner fast now so it's a good job that - for the accomplished stitcher - these alternative embroidery hoop 'baubles' only take a couple of hours to make... You can buy the patterns here.

Nordic Star Mini Cross Stitch Pattern - £2

Both the Nordic Star and Nordic Stripe designs are inspired by this season's Scandinavian trend. I think that the Red & White Gingham Ribbon works great with this style and also adds a simple yet effective finishing touch. I've used mini 3" Embroidery Hoops which are available from Hobbycraft.

Nordic Stripe Mini Cross Stitch Pattern - £2

For those too busy to stitch, I am also selling the finished items: www.etsy.com/shop/GirlGotHeart

Please 'like' Girl Got Heart on Facebook or follow @GirlGotHeart on Twitter for regular updates and promotional offers.

I'm back...with a new adventure!

Well...it's been a while! I've been a very busy girl over the last few months and am very pleased to announce that I have finally set up my own little online shop, where I will be selling various handmade bits and bobs... It's still early days but please go check it out: www.etsy.com/shop/GirlGotHeart

So far, one of my bestselling items has been my Stag Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern - which is ideal for those who love the current heritage-inspired trend and old curiosity shop style decor, but maybe aren't so keen on having actual mounted taxidermy in their home! The finished product is also available to purchase for £38 here.

Stag Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern - £3

Another bestseller is my Crystal Heart Necklace, which I have so far only sold via the GG<3 Facebook page, at a special price of £5 to friends, family and 'like'-ers of GG<3 based in the UK. The shrink plastic heart charm is cut-out by hand (scalpel skills!) before heating, shrinking and attaching onto a necklace with the addition of 3 sparkly Swarovski crystals in lilac and plum tones.

Crystal Heart Necklace

I'm taking one small step at a time, but I'm so glad I finally took the plunge and started selling - such a rewarding feeling when you find out someone likes your design enough to buy it! Thanks to all of my customers so far, and welcome to any potential new ones in future... 

Please follow @GirlGotHeart on Twitter and like GG<3 on Facebook for all of my latest designs, and even the occasional offer :) Thank you!

DIY Jewellery Tree

This time last year, I was developing decorative slot together constructions at work. Since then, I've noticed how several high street chains have implemented various cardboard masterpieces in their store window displays, including Next, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer...not to mention Muji, who were ahead of the game in 2011 and can probably be held partially responsible for introducing this innovative style of product in the first place.

I always appreciated the smart concept - combine a simple material with a simple process, but carefully calculate the shape and size of each creative puzzle piece in order to achieve something that appears rather impressive. I decided to make a cardboard jewellery tree (painted with white acrylic) which utilizes the same idea. 

I kept the design fairly basic as I don't have access to laser cutting and was therefore reliant on a single sharp scalpel and patience in abundance! I'm happy with the result though and for once, it was nice to spend a bit of time creating something for my bedside table, as opposed to waving goodbye as it gets shipped away to a manufacturer or client.

Checked Halterneck Dress

The snow outside has been a great excuse to spend this afternoon indoors finishing off a few creative projects, including this dress I started making last year. Checks are set to be on trend this summer and I've already got my fix!

I stitched on some quirky flower buttons that I found amongst the assortment of trims and fastenings in my Mum's sewing box - they add a cute personality which reminds me of Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) in the TV show 'New Girl'. 

All I need now is a colourful cardigan, a pair of matching pumps and some nice sunny weather... Roll on spring!

BYVM Burton Design Contest

This week I’ve married together the two things I love the most by entering the Blank You Very Much contest to design two top sheets for Burton Snowboards. You can view my design properly by clicking HERE.

I wanted to create designs which are loosely connected to the board names given: ‘Speakeasy’ and ‘Moonshine’.

Speakeasy establishments thrived in the 1920's – a time at which the Art Deco movement began. I took influence from the fluid interwoven lines of this design era and implemented a colour scheme which targets a female audience. The Speakeasy ‘Deco’ was born.

My second design features minimal colour, similar to the famous Moonshine whiskey. It is simply inspired by the channel-cut patterns on traditional lead crystal glassware, hence the name ‘Leaded’ (fuel connotations are definitely a bonus).

In addition to the subtle themes above, I thought about the way the boards would look in contrast to their surroundings when shredding down a mountain, as well as when stationary. I also wanted the designs to be clean and uncomplicated, giving consideration to how the imagery would vary in appearance being in the distance, as well as close-up.

Slouchy Pom-Pom Beanie

A couple of Saturdays ago, I headed to Freeze Festival 2012 at Battersea Power Station to catch some exhilarating snowboarding action. The Big Air Competition was won by Brit snowboarder Billy Morgan which was a great way to see the day close. However, as I stood shivering in my jacket with my hood up, marvelling at all the talent before me and cheering along with the rest of the crowd, I actually felt a little left out. 

Why? Well, nearly everyone around me was wearing the most super-cool (and conveniently super-snug) woolly hats! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! I know winter’s here and it’s cold outside but I've seen people wearing them indoors and even in clubs. These head-cosies are surely one of the must-have fashion accessories this fall – even better if they come with a pom-pom the size of a grapefruit attached to the end.

Sporty skate-snow brands like O’neill, Billabong (above) and Roxy have some great beanies in their Autumn 2012 ranges, although these retail for around £25 and as I've just spent all my pennies booking a week in the French Alps this January, I decided to knock 100% off the price and make my own. I say 100% off because I didn't even need to buy any new materials – small items like hats, especially multi-coloured striped variations, are brilliant for using up all those messy dregs of wool leftover from previous projects. So, below is the result of my crocheted slouchy pom-pom beanie!

Beta Fashion Signature Project

If you can spare a minute or two, PLEASE VOTE for my design here. Thanks!

 

 

Yesterday I entered the Beta Fashion Scarf Contest: a regular online competition where upcoming textile designers can enter to win a place for their design to be sold within Topshop. This month, the ‘Signature Project’ offers an open brief, where inspiration sources, together with style of print, are left entirely for each contestant to determine for themselves. The only regulated factor is that proportions must be kept to approximately a metre square.

 

I decided to submit a simple yet sophisticated floral print, predominantly in black and white. The fuschia-coloured shadow is intended to be neon, in order to provide a contemporary edge whilst simultaneously adding depth, originality and a relevance to current fashion trends.

 

Once again, please vote for 'Floral Radiance' on BetaFashion.com. Many many thanks!