Canadian Smocking

 My PA Caroline brought in a round cushion that she had made and everyone fell in love with it so she taught the technique to the class. Above I found this video that shows the technique beautifully.
 See Caroline's cushion and the class HERE

Japanese Lily Bag

These are the larger versions I have been making at class.

We use two squares 13"x13" right sides together.

Sew all round then fold in corners.

Sew ribbon channel and fold and sew down 

corner flaps.

Draw string ribbon and you have a small gift bag.

Lace Book

 I just love this lace book and the little elements Scrappyhappyox shares. A real treasure and a way of using all those lovely trimmings and shaved lace in such a beautiful way. I have seen many but this is one of the best. Enjoy! I have included Part One, Two and Three so we get the whole book.

Life of Pi

 As some of you know I love watching movies for relaxation and inspiration. "Life of Pi" is something different, a movie of real survival and resourcefulness made with a sense of nature, at it's best, worst and wonder. Storytelling with imagination.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

I saw this Dove advert and like many would have skipped it but due to it being art based I watched all the way through. The genuine comments and views of how women view their own beauty struck a cord. I meet many throughout my creative day who are so hard about themselves and negative in many ways. It was so good to see the contrast of how the women described themselves to the FBI forensic artist,Gil Zamora and how they were described by others. The Dove campaign highlights how we see ourselves and how others view us, often completely differently. A must for all to see. Congratulations to Dove for expressing these views in such a visual way. "You are more beautiful than you think"

Mousehole Cat

 This is a lovely story about the Mousehole Cat and his adventures. The video just gives you a taster of it and it is well worth getting the book to read and the illustrations are beautiful.
One of my students is basing her body of work on this and much much more about Cornish tradions.
See some of her work HERE

Cathedral Window

This is a very quick method of making Cathedral Window. 

See my blog on Quilters Cottage Norfolk HERE

Step Up Four Miami Heat

Watched "Step Up Four" this afternoon. WOW! What performance ART!!!
Love the Cars and Gallery performance. This Step Up is more about the dance than the lovey dovey between the actors. Loved it. Pumps you up. A film to get anyone moving!!!
Enjoy, then dance!!!

James Bond Skyfall

Saturday night for the grown ups!

Madagascar 3 then Skyfall and Bond,

James Bond 007.

"Everyone needs a hobby!".

If you would like to know where the house that stars in
Skyfall is filmed click HERE

Madagascar 3 Fun

Saturday night and we start with a bit of fun and some laughs!

Love the music too!

Enjoy! :)

Dancing Horse

I just love this video.

It makes me smile:)

Our Daughter Jennifer was born in Shetlands and this 

little pony displays the attitude of many there.

Enjoy! 

Fabric Folded and Twisted Hexagon Flowers

 I have been teaching Fabric Folded Flowers or Twisted Hexagon Flowers as they are also know this week and everyone who has tried them, now really appreciates the skill and time it takes to get them looking even. Once learnt they are real fun and if you join them together they make a great fabric interest for bags, wallhangings and quilts. The trick is to start with a good quality cotton fabric and make sure you iron the folds in the right places. It does take practice and as I say to my students who are making anything for the first time, "don't be so hard on yourself. How many of those have you made?" It takes practice before you get any skill. Enjoy making and to see some my students have made click HERE.http://quilterscottagenorfolk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/folded-and-twisted-hexagon-flowers.html

Sewing Notions Video

Black Books - Favorite Place from DaBrainkilla on Vimeo.

Just love this notions video. For those that like unpicking:)

Chenille Fabric Wall Bag

I made two bags a month last year and it inspired lots of my students. This is a bag I made from a kit using a Chenille fabric technique. See the post on my blog HERE 
I wrote an article review on how to make Chinelle fabric and the Olfa Chenille Cutter on So Crafty Magazine HERE

1. Instructions for Making Chenille Fabric
2. My Recommendation To Buy On Amazon
3. Olfa Chenille Cutter click to view video
4. Chenille Wall Bag using Olfa Chenille Cu...
5. Additional Reading 
6. Chenille Book To Buy

See how you make Chenille fabric by watching the video. I used the cutter and its great fun and easy to use.

Snow Magic

Due to the snow, I have had to cancel my classes this week and so I had the opportunity to do lots of reading and research. The snow has been amazing and when I did venture out, the sun made the snow sparkle like magic. I did some research on myth and legend surrounding snow and found some interesting sites! I liked the fairy and nature myths. 'Faerie', meaning, 'conscious intelligent, animant energy'. I found this beautiful video that also contains excepts from the film "Fairy Tale- a True Story". My first choice video above contains the Frost Faerie and beautiful music.
Watch a montage of the film 'Fairy Tale- A True Story'.

 This also led me to investigate more and I came across a film" The Gateways to Faerie" by John Crawford a famous puppeteer who makes fairie houses and gives workshops.



Enjoy the videos and consider your own magic!
Visit John Crawford's website HERE

 Happy New Year everyone.Hope it is a good one. I have been Spring Cleaning my Studio as I have been working in it the last few days preparing to go back to teaching my Mixed Media, C&G and Patchwork and Quilting Classes. There are changes to the venues as some of you may know, due to decisions out of our hands and the closure of The Gallery. See the New Year Post on my website by clicking www.art2inspire.co.uk If you want to see the dates and days please visit my Blog Quilters Cottage Norfolk.This video so inspired me to get sorting and stitching. Hope you enjoy it.