Mister Finch

Brooches.....

2012-03-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

I keep getting asked to make the moths smaller so that people can wear them.
I must get asked a few times a week so Ive reduced the pattern and have been playing around with them again.
They are the same as the others just far smaller.
It also gives me the opportunity to use up those small scraps that are really not large enough to be used in my current projects.
These are not in my shop yet as still stitching the backs and all the fiddly bits.
Just thought I would show you.......as a sneaky preview.
Shhhhh.......
Also as they are tiny they can be put on your lampshade or in a glass jar when not being worn and they look great.
Bit obsessed with moths again at the moment.
The things that I like go in cycles and often I return to an idea and change it or use it in another direction.

Fly my babies flyyyyyy.....!!!!!

Mothdoll.........

2012-03-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

Have been playing around with the moth pattern a little and this little fellow is the result.
I'm really quite pleased with him and when hung from a thread from his back he really does look quite enchanting.
Once have got some orders out of the way will hopefully be making some more.

His little arms and legs are jointed with vintage pearly buttons and the move freely.
Ah poor little thing I think he needs some friends.
Would be fab to do a little photo shoot with a few dancing around a candle.

Vinyl tablecloth..........

2012-02-25T04:52:00.000-08:00

Vinyl tablecloth,sounds awful doesn't it. Generally they are bad. But I do have a certain fascination with the ones that imitate lace.
Do you know which ones I mean? Some of them are truly horrific and they also come in table mats and doilies.
Anyway I had a few metres of it stashed away and it caught my eye the other day so I played around with it.
I think the thing that draws me to it it is that it reminds me of the tablecloths from church growing up and the doilies remind me of collars and halos on religious souvenirs.
It is a little tricky to sew but backed with a strong cotton it holds it shape well.

I made this little fellow from it....

I feel minature victorian collars coming on........
Where are those cats.....

Glass bottomed spiders........

2012-02-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Had these glasses with a decorative bases for ages and have been meaning to turn them into spiders for ages.
With the base attached to the spiders body and the glass inserted the other way it becomes a transparent abdomen that you can fill with a little treasure or something precious.
Where they join inside is lined with a little fake fur which has a really lovely luxury edge to them.
They look really pretty in the sunlight.........in my etsy shop now.

Interviewed......

2012-02-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

Have been interviewed recently by the fab futureFrock........thought you might like to see and read.

http://www.futurefrock.com/latest-posts/mister-finch-interview/

Image transfering.....

2012-02-17T05:28:00.000-08:00

Have been playing around with those image transfer sheets.
I did buy some rubbish cheap ones so was a bit disheartened with the results.
But then gave it another go with some better quality ones and I really like the result.
The possibilities are endless really.
I like the spooky photographic edge to them...

Bird in a bad mood.....

2012-02-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

This bird turned out in a bad mood....oh dear...

Is it Spring yet.......?

2012-02-15T03:57:00.000-08:00

Is it Spring yet the other day I saw daffodils....So that means it is ...yes?
Anyway its that time of year then to dig out my little or maybe not so little bulb fellows!!
OK well I have one left the others have gone to pastures new.
This one I kept for myself and hes mine.
I hope the weather is changing for the better where you are...?
Its a bright clear day here which is wonderful and yesterday I sorted out my studio-again...
So I have a clean desk and a well lit room.
Heaven.
Its been a weird start to the new year but I think everyone goes through it in there own way.
Endless colds and that feeling of being washed out.
May my over sized textile bulb remind you that there are always new things waiting to bursts through.
Sometimes you just have to wait for a little snow to melt.

Moths......everywhere.....

2012-02-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

New batch of moths dry today and a burst of sunshine which is very welcome.
Just put them in my esty shop.

Burrowing owl................

2012-02-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

Finished this little burrowing owl this morning..........
I love the long legs and the quizzical expressions of these owls.
Hes made from canvas and brown suiting fabric.
It would be very easy to give him a name but I think is is bad as when I do I form an attachment to them.

Veined wings...........

2012-01-29T03:25:00.000-08:00

Today its black veined wing making day.
It should be 'sort out the cat litter' day or 'take all the clothes of the radiator and fold them and put them away' day.

Grey Spider...............

2012-01-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

Today took a break from owl making to finish off this spider.
I was going to keep him but I have to be sensible and let things go.
His engraving reads....'Illusions are by their nature sweet....'
Its a line from one of most favourite films Dangerous Liasons'
This fur is very short and has a grain that goes in different directions.
I only had a small amount of it from a sample book.
Just enough for a spider.
If anyone recognises it or if it has a certain name I would be grateful.
Its not the most amazing fabric ever but it does lend itself perfectly to little spiders.

Barn Owls...........

2012-01-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

Ive been wrestling with making owls for ages and have at last made a pattern that I'm happy with.
I know owls are very common on the craft scene but as most of my work is based on English Folklore owls should be apparent in it.
I especially wanted to do a version of Barn owls as the their natural colouring is the colours that I love to use in my work. Beautiful whites ,creams and browns.
Struggling with getting images taken in the gloomy days at the moment so I know they could be a bit brighter.

Tapestry spiders.........

2012-01-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Back to making spiders this week.
Have been trying new techniques and using up tapestry scraps that Ive been hoarding.
I do often have a hard time letting go of the spiders as they all seem to have there own personality.
Here's some images of my new little babies.

Fatter moth bodies.......

2012-01-16T03:39:00.000-08:00

Want nice fat moths instead of the thinner ones as they look more moth like and less butterfly like. Which is what I really want.

Valentines................

2012-01-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

Working on pieces for Valentines.......
Not really a sugary pink kinda person but I think it works well with the birds.
Making them is suiting me perfectly well at the moment.

Happy New year!

2012-01-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or is hard to get back into the swing of things!
My studio is a mess and Ive only just undecorated my little studio tree. Oh Dear.
Ive put on 5 stone which is purely mince pies and red wine so will have to address the weight issue some how. Had a thought of adapting my sewing machine so its half bike and half sewing machine so that I can burn off calories whilst sewing.Still having Terry's chocolate orange segments for breakfast which Ive convinced myself is fine as long as you eat it quickly and before 10.30. I'm open to helping anybody out with any nutritional questions so feel free to ask as I'm obviously an expert in this area!

Anyway enough of my fatty Christmas rambling.
Some images of dead birds Ive been making.
The white one is a dead parrot which is lifesize so it a big one. Poor thing.
Can I also take this oppotunity to say these birds arent dead they are made by myself from fabric and bits of vintage finds.
I know this is going to be a bit obvious but I do get messages telling me that Im sick and whats wrong with me?
I love getting messages but please if you are going to get in touch maybe write something more imaginative than 'Why are you making dead birds?'
Sorry if that sounds a bit grumpy! lol

Hope everyone had a fab festive time and that you are all settling into the new year better than I am!

Happy Christmas............

2011-12-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say Thank you and Merry Christmas to all the people who follow and leave comments on my blog.
I cant always reply but do try but they do get all read and they are very much appreciated.
I'm still sewing and probably will right up to the day before Christmas eve but its all good.
I haven't even put the Christmas tree up yet will really try and get it up today!
I have all the boxes down from the attic but that's about as far as progress has gone!
The cats aren't complaining as they have new boxes to climb into.
What is it with cats and boxes?
Anyway here's a shot of a trio of red caped foxes. I would put the red cape on Vivienne and get her/him to model it for you but she has a new hiding place which we cant seem to place.....
Just thought now maybe its in the Christmas tree box.....
Oh Vivienne.

These foxes are half busts and hang on the wall.

Wishing you all a fab festive time.

xx

Mabel.........

2011-12-13T03:21:00.000-08:00

Couldnt resist posting this. This is Mabel the daughter of Polly George from Luna And Curious peeking behind the forest creatures.
Brilliant.
x

Hurting fingers...........

2011-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Poor finch has hurting fingers,hes been busy! Nearly finished all my orders and then I can enjoy the festive period!! Then in the new year I can bury myself away and hibernate for a few weeks.
Cant wait.

Here's some little creatures from my work room. some are masked some are cloaked.
The ones below are half busts that hang on the wall,they are my favourite thing at the moment and have a really lovely story telling atmosphere to them.

Others are from space.......

Hope everyone is feeling festive.!!
I wasn't until I unpacked some of the decorations and found some Christmas room spray from last year and have been running round the house with it.
Suddenly things are festive!!
In fairness I should have been feeling festive alot sooner than now as I have been making lots of wintery things for a while. Also have been munching on mince pies since they first hit the shops at the beginning of Oct.

Simon Costin.

2011-11-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

Have been very lucky enough to have my things in and exhibition gift shop at the amazing Simon Costin.
His latest project is a pop up shop of his marvelous 'Museum of British folklore'.
Simon Costin is an internationally respected art director and set designer renowned for the conceptually ambitious nature his editorial and catwalk designs. He has collaborated extensively with Alexander McQueen both on McQueen's own line and Givenchy ready-to-wear and haute couture shows. Costin's client list includes Hermès, Lanvin, Kim Jones, Maison Martin Margiela, Alice Temperley, Stella McCartney and Luella Bartley. Costin currently works with Gareth Pugh as his set designer and has designed Pugh's last eight shows both in London and Paris. He has been a long-term collaborator with Tim Walker on his fashion shoots. Costin's work has been displayed in many exhibitions, at venues as diverse as a forest in Argyll, the ICA in London and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.So you can imagine that I nearly fainted when he asked if i would make some things for his gift shop.

Masks.......

2011-11-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

A few new things finished today.

Yellow bird.................

2011-11-09T04:51:00.000-08:00

Today a yellow bird........

Night night birdy birdy..........

2011-11-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Have been making lots of the same thing lately which is fine but you do have to break things up a bit otherwise it can make you a little crazy.
Or in my case alot crazy.
I really wanted to do a new collection of dead birds for Halloween but just couldn't get them done.
Have been trying to perfect each little pattern which is tricky. I know that you should follow the bias of fabrics etc but because use I embroidery and old details in the fabric its not always easy, so am at the mercy of what I can cut out of certain pieces. Some days because of this nothing works out other days I can fly through work.
Anyway a new bird from a new pattern with new little feet using new methods.
Have used florists tape on the feet and legs.
Abby Glassenberg does this with her birds feet effortlessley so I owe her the credit for using tape for my birds,her owls are to die for.

Autumn...............

2011-10-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here and I love it. Its my favourite time of year for so many reasons but the main one is that my hay fever goes away. Hurrah! Actually Ive not done too bad with it this year but it does make me dread the Summer which sounds awful but it is true.
Have been working on a new hare shape one thats a more rounded sitting kind of hare with smaller arms. Very pleased with him actually and have lots of nice ideas for this shape.

Plus some trophy heads off to pastures new.

Hares,hares,hares,hares

2011-10-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hares are probably one of the most popular thing that I make.
So I do make alot of them generally. Lately I have been making ALOT of them. If you are reading this and are not from the UK then you may not realise that we are having a heatwave. It is soooo warm right now and the skies are clear and blue and it is just beautiful. Perfect weather to get lots of things dried outside. As most of the things I make are stained,aged,painted and inked its sometimes tricky to get things dry.
Not this week though.......
Thought I would share with you some snaps of my latest batch. Also the sunlight is perfect for outdoor pics.
These little hares are going to the newest shop that I stock In Hebden Bridge in the UK called 'Home-oh'.
A fabulous powder pink shop complete with grand piano where everything is arranged beautifully and with great care. I am very lucky with all the shops that I stock.Please check them out and like them.
Okay okay I must learn to hyperlink!!
Here is a link to their facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HOME-OH/208148749217250

Hallowe'en spider.............

2011-09-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Thought I would make a little Hallowe'en spider for my etsy shop.
I say little he is actually around 26cm in height and length so hes a fair size.

His engraved spoon bowl reads 'The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.'
A bit dark but hey its for Hallowe'en!

Moths......

2011-09-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Managed to get a few moths done today for my etsy shop,I hate it when I don't have much in there but sometimes I just cant help it.
Hope your all having a lovely Sunday wherever you are.

.......sneaky pics............2

2011-09-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some better shots of this little collection....
Thanks for your kind comments and guesses where they are going.....
Its not for Libertys or Anthroplogie but you never know!!!

.......sneaky pics............

2011-09-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well.................
Heres some little sneaky pics of a collection im doing for something Im not mentioning yet.
Shhhhhhhhhhhh...................

More info soon.......ssshhhhh

Textures..............

2011-09-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

So I'm back from my holiday in Ibiza which was glorious and very much appreciated.Especially now that I have come home and its cold and grey.The light in other countries is always so different, I especially love the walled city in Ibiza as its incredible for textures and decay mixed with ultra modern and lots of cats!
So whilst I try very hard to get back into the swing of things and find out exactly what has gone 'off' in the fridge some pics of textures.( I know I did something similar last year but the images were of door handles!)

Some more images of new Rory Dobner shop Im stocking.............

2011-09-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Can you see one of my beetles?

My little wolf...........

Pugs head pincushion....

Pugs sitting down.....

Crying wolf.............................

2011-09-08T03:56:00.000-07:00

Not been well lately so been a bit behind with things........oh dear.
I'm alright now and just trying to get my 'creative' hat back on!
Have been working on some new patterns lately so more info on these soon............
In the meantime here's a little crying wolf that hangs on the wall and weeps glass tears into a lace hankie.

Fabric you save for yourself for ever and never use.................

2011-09-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

I'm terrible for doing this. Saving a piece of fabric for myself to make something out of for myself.
And do I use it....er no.
I just stash it away with everything else and rob myself of valuable space.
I do have some little pieces that I have kept but being realistic I'm just hoarding again.
I'm terrible at hoarding.I try and try not to but its just in me. Since I had a big sort out in my studio and had everything clean and tidy and organised I feel a ton better and its lovely to work here now. I feel I can breathe easier. I can probably breathe easier due to the fact that's its not dusty anymore!
I had this piece of fabric that I really liked a large sample from Sanderson.
Sanderson fabric is definitely one of my favourites. Its heavy sews beautifully and when you stuff it shapes so well.
Ive made 3 bugs from it. For myself.
Then realised that I really don't have anywhere to put them.
Oh Finch!
Ive put them in my etsy shop.
lol

These are all made form the same piece. It had so many different things going on in the fabric.
A story,flowers,branches leaves and swirls.
x

New stockist.............

2011-08-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately working on pieces for a new stockist. Rory Dobner.
I'm so thrilled to be stocking him and his shop which is located inside The Shop at Bluebird in Chelsea in London.
Here are some images of the team transforming the space........
I was asked to install a 10ft spiders web which I made from fishing line.
It took me over 8 hours but looked great and I was so happy with the result.
In different light it sparkled and looked very realistic.

With a training in fine art at Chelsea and Central St.Martin’s – artist Rory Dobner has worked and exhibited in the UK, USA, Australia, Haiti, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. An impressive client list includes Agent Provocateur, MTV, Soho House Group, Christian Dior, IBM, Robin Ellis Design & Build and London Fashion Week and more.

Steel paintings, intricate Ink Alphabet Tiles, vintage furniture, plates, deed boxes, vintage cabinets and glass domes are all complimented by the works of Matrushka, Mr Finch, Kate Halfpenny and Whitehorne.

Just thought I would give you some sneak pics,its getting professionally photographed in a few days so will share some of those with you then.

I couldn't be happier.
x

Two headed bird...........................

2011-08-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

A two headed bird and a wolf are finished today.
They are going to Chelsea with some other creatures that I have made.
Ive worked with a more minimal colour palette of dirty whites and blacks and I quite like it.
It was hard at first but now I'm warming to these new colours.

The engraved sheild reads....I am ruined by rain and weathered by wind and still I ask will you want me.
Small china roses decorate the sides,Ive had them for a while and they seem perfect for this little bird.

Also to go down with the bird is a little wolf complete with black mask and ruff.

He stands on a vintage baking tin and this is engraved with......You should always save pain for daylight...
I love this line somebody says it in the film The talented Mr Ripley.
Some things just strike a cord and though its a little dark I do think its lovely.

Seahorses....................

2011-08-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ah seahorses.........Ive been working on a pattern for them for a little while now.I consciously didn't want to make something that was cartoon-y with bright garish colours with daft googly eyes.
I wanted to create something more sedate and calmer

Magic moonbeam brothers..........................

2011-08-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

These little guys are dry today so whilst there was a little light left thought I would show you them.
These are going to London for part of a big order.
I have a lot to make lately and awful lot actually.
I do try to mix it up so I'm not making the same thing over and over as this can quickly kill the joy!
I am lucky, very lucky to be doing exactly what I love doing though so I'm not complaining!
All thoughts are turning towards making stock for Christmas now always seems too early!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who comments so regularly on my posts. You know who you are.
I may not always get chance to thank you but I just wanted to let you now that its really appreciated and flattering that you have interest in my things.
Hope your thoughts haven't turned to Christmas yet and are still enjoying the season where you are in the world.

Best wishes,
Finch

Handmirror spider...............

2011-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

I made this little spider today.
The embroidery comes from the back of a hand mirror I believe from the 50's by the style of it.
The mirror was cracked and destined for the rubbish but I managed to save it and turn it into a little beast.
Very satisfying making something into a little bug!

I also got a brush with it which is the perfect size for a moths body!
Perfect.
A good days foraging I think!

2011-08-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Have been working on some new moth shapes.I wanted them to look more 'mothy' (I know that's not even a word,or is it?)
So I have made the bodies a bit shorter and a lot fatter. Some new wing shapes too. I like them more than the other ones.
Also some moths made from velvet which I haven't done before.
I have a love /hate thing with velvet. It is beautiful and you can age it fabulously with sandpaper and graters etc. However I love to really pack my things as tightly as I can.
I like really firm bases and shapes and often the velvet will just tear of spilt at the seams.
I sew alot with polyester so the seams themselves don't go it next to the seams generally.
I know the solution is to now pack them as tight.
But I get carried away with just a little more stuffing!

Velvet discuss.................

Moths moths moths.........................

2011-08-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Fireplace............

2011-08-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Have had my work room repainted and had some lino put down. Was having a nightmare with threads on the carpet. I use quite thick polyester thread so it wasn't the best thing to be going up the hoover!
Also with the new scheme I had a fire surround put back in as I thought the room was lacking it.
It also gives me a new surface to put my miniature metal chair collection on!
I can hang stocking now at Xmas for the cats from it!

I don't really tell my friends that I collect little chairs as it can easily become one of those things where all you get are little chairs for presents.
Only certain chairs make the grade! I know I have few of the same one but they look nice arranged for tea!
I had a friend who had a poodle,all she got was poodle themed presents.
She hated it and in the end I think she said to everyone to stop it.
I think I did buy her a poodle oven glove so I am guilty.
Let me know if you collect anything?

Poor Vivienne has had to be re homed in my workroom as she did used to sleep in a cupboard but its gone now.
Shes got a new suitcase home on my desk.
How cute.

Hares with ruffles and kettles.............

2011-08-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some images of new hares Ive been making.
They are for one of the main shops that I supply Luna and Curious in London.

Little clogs and a kettle,I think this one is a girl.

A darker hare with mask and ruffle.
I'm quite attached to him.
Hes up to no good,sometimes you can just tell!

I think this one may be ready for bed.............

Three hedgehog brothers with little embroidered cloaks.

It wasnt my idea it was Viviennes.
Honest!

Busy busy and caterpillar fabric...............

2011-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry not blogged in a little while but have been busy.
Have lots to do and lots to make,lots and lots to make.
So I thought that i would write everything down onto a large wipe on wipe off board all the things that I have to make and then tick them off as I make them.
Nice.
Err no now I can see ALL THE THINGS I HAVE TO MAKE!!!
Sent myself into a bit of a spin,so to calm myself down I'm going for a run. When I go for a run things are bad!!
Here's a few bugs that are going into my Esty shop today. Even though I make lots for everyone else's shop I do love having things in my Etsy shop.

Also in my sea of craziness that is my crafty life at the moment I did get some post today.
I got some fabric that I ordered off eBay. Have you seen this new collection?
Its illustrations from 'The Hungry Caterpillar' the children's book.
Well they have released quite a number of different ones there are lots to choose from and not all of them are below.

I bought the dots one above its so nice,I love it.
I did actually get really excited about it,like really excited about it. On reflection it might have been too many cups of tea plus the anxiety attack brought on by writing my life onto a large blank wipe off board.
Either way it was a bit of that joy when you were a child opening up a book and feeling so excited.
For the breifest moment I got this,and it made everything okay.
Especially as its not a cheap fabric to buy.
I dont like getting Fat Quarters of fabric as its never enough.
I did get two FQ of this though as a treat.
So if life is getting a bit on top of you.
Dont write it all down on a large board and get your self on ebay and buy some of this fabric and hopefully the world will fall back into place.
If not I alway find drinking Red wine helps.

Butterfly Beetles.................

2011-07-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of beetles from this weeks table.
These are made with little butterfly samplers that I had. Admittedly I have had them a while and wasn't really sure what to do with them as they were small and round and a little delicate.
I think they make a nice feature,beetles and butterflies together.Perfect.

The next insect/bug I'm thinking of doing is a Vinegaroon.
Beautiful,I love them,they do look slightly terrifying but if you look at them on the Internet there are tons of pictures of people holding them.
They feed on cockroaches and crickets so are valuble as pest control.

Black leather and iron wire me thinks.

My little zoo..........................

2011-06-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Et ici mes amis nous avons mon petit insecte zoo!

Okay okay that's two posts in a day,Ive had a glass of wine and a camera and a sunny table top!
Thanks for all your posts about the hand sewing machines.
Very interesting!

xx

Sewing machines...................

2011-06-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

I now have 3 sewing machines,I know that may sound excessive but I use them all daily and all for different things.One main one with unbreakable thread for all general seam work,one for sewing through the thin plastic and for cotton thread and fine neat lines and a new one non electric hand machine.
As I sew lots of different things all of the time it makes sense to have these machines so I'm not constantly changing threads and tensions and it all seems to work out well.
My point for this post is does anybody else use a hand driven machine?

My main machine that I use for everything is this old Jones one that suits me terrifically.

Its very strong and powers through stuff. The other day literally I saw the same machine slightly later model I think but hand driven it was £15,checked it over looked like everything seemed to be working.I was so very curious about it and it was the same model I already had just hand driven.

So I bought it,got it home which is another story in its self,lets just say very heavy machine,bags of shopping,runny nose(hayfever),a glass vase,a wasp,and a split bag.
Make your own version of events from that.
Anyway.
After a bit of oiling and threading the machine up the right way which someone hadn't done I got it going.
At the risk of sounding archaic its great.!
There is a huge amount of control which for doing things like veins on wings is soooooo helpful!
I just wondered if anybody else has or uses a hand driven machine for there work?
If someone had asked me if I had or wanted a hand driven machine before I think I would definitely have said no thanks.
For tiny tiny details which it is so capable of its beautiful to use.

I am turning into a old grandmother?

Discuss!

New things..................

2011-06-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

Some new things made recently.
Haven't got time to write more than this-today I'm dashing!!!

Bye!!

Number bugs................................

2011-06-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

New bugs with numbers,these numbers come from old English police uniforms.
They are obsolete now,I do love them.
They would originally go on the epaulet's.

They are now embroidered on I think.

Here fishy fishy.......................

2011-06-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

New fish I think they are a sort of koi carp.
The sequins which are hand punched do take a while to sew on but I really love the result.
Maybe more sea life will follow.......................

Arnold................

2011-06-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Whils Im in the mood for being revealing this is Arnold.
Hes a monster made from test pieces that didnt work out,but put together made a little monster.

He lives next to my computer.
When im not around I imagine his head to light up as strolls around.
*big smile.

workroom......................

2011-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

As quite a secretive person I battle with hiding away and also knowing the importance of revealing myself and getting my work seen.
Lately Ive been asked to show images of my little workroom.
So here are some snaps,usually its quite tidy...............usually its a mess.

I think that's about as revealing I could go!
The only things missing are cats falling about everywhere grooming and maybe a glass of red in the evenings on my desk.
I hid away for years didn't give interviews or tell anything about myself.
Where did it get me ..........not very far.
Get yourself out there tell people you exist,own your work,be proud.
If you want to make a living making things which I was so desperate to do you can't do it with the curtains closed
Get a blog,facebook ,etsy shop approach shops.
You never know whats around the corner and you know what...........you might actually enjoy it.
x

Tapestry bugs...................

2011-06-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Still working with the tapestry's Ive been collecting for the moths,thought I would make some beetles form them and see how they turned out.
Im pleased with the results and they look really fab in the flesh and the colours lend themselves really well.
Off to make some more these are in my etsy shop.

Enagraved Beetles...................and a dead bird................

2011-06-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Have been making some new beetles this week and they are dry to day so I added the engraved wing case that are made from vintage spoon bowls.
Each one has a little quote or saying....

The stars tidied away the moon...

.

Firefly and stitch your memories close so I may tangle myself within you...

What was said to the rose to make it open was said here in my chest.

Also I finished a little dead bird made from scraps of fabric,paper,wire and plastic.

all in my etsy shop..................now!

Swallows..............

2011-06-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

As I make things I try to encapsulate whatever season is going on around me.
Not always,but I try.
Summer is here and whats more summery than swooping and diving swallows.
So I made some and popped them in my etsy shop.

As always made from vintage and rescued fabrics.

Coloured sleeping foxes.................

2011-06-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

Just finishing an order off,here are some images of the sleeping foxes done with the medium sized pattern and from different fabrics.

This one made from 1950's curtain fabric...

Battered old green velour

blue velvet aged with coffee and the oven

old cotton and parts are made from one of those 'mock'tapestry cushion covers.

I think,well actually I know that the blue velvet one is my favourite.
I'm pleased with the way that he has been aged and he does look really quite old in the flesh.
I have lots of this blue velvet and I mean lots.
I bought them as curtains,what a find!
They are the most beautiful of blues a royal blue-beautiful.
Not a lucky as finding a magpies nest though!

Little vintage beetles......

2011-05-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ive missed making creepy crawly beetles so finished off this little batch today and I feel a lot better!All made from tiny segments of vintage tablecloths.
The sun was pouring in today and it was a great day for making things and getting work photographed. You really cant beat natural light can you?

Of course I would feel right if i didn't include a 'cat-outtake' image.

At least it gives you a sense of scale!

All in my esty shop now!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisterFinch?ref=pr_shop

Bulbs.............................

2011-05-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

Bulbs that's right bulbs.
I love them and they are easy to grow and they also quench my need to see things growing in water with roots shooting out everywhere.
I love how tight and hard they are and the different papery textures.Inside is a flower sleeping curled up waiting.
Fantastic.
As much as I love the flower I do think its the shiny budding head that I like the most how it bursts through and often really fast overnight you can see definite changes in size.
But all to often it flowers fast has a big growth spurt becomes unstable and withers and dies and then its gone.
So in honour of the sprouting bulb and all its promises of spring I wanted to make my own version.
Using textiles to illustrate the rough and the smooth.

So here is some that Ive made. Not sure what the response will be to them but I really like how they have a quiet little presence.

Displayed simply on jam jars-easy.
Obviously without any water.

String for roots and glossy green artificial leaves curled round for the sprout..
The sides have been hand embroidered and stained with a light tea wash.
As with most things I did get a bit obsessed with them.
Hhhmmmmn how obsessed can you get with making bulbs?
Are you ready?

Tah-dah!!!!!

Look at the big one its a beast!!

I was just thinking then I wonder how many people thought I was going to be wearing a huge sprouting bulb costume and walking around the house in it...........making moths and magpies.
What a fantastic idea..............................!

Clearwing moths

2011-05-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's some shots of new moths that are now in my etsy shop.
These are a sort of hybrid of a moth and the glass/clear wing butterfly. A clear butterfly isn't that just exquisite.
If you've never seen one here's a pic.

Love how frail its seems and those veins just seem incredible to me.
So from the whole process of making the flying fish wings Ive adapted them to make similar wings.

A clear butterfly,whatever next ...............A fish with a see through head!?
Well that exists too!

Glass bellied frog anyone?

Fish?

Shrimp?

Okay ok ill stop!

Beetle.?

Magpies nest cont.......................

2011-05-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

Thought that you might want to see what happened with the Magpies nest next.
Its now sealed in a garden cloche with a cake stand base and a miniature cloche on top with a handle from one of those tiered cake stands.
Dah-dah!
I wanted to protect it as soon as I could as I have 3 very nosey cats.

Heres Vivienne trying not to look interested but I know that shes seen it.
She knows that I know she knows that she's seen it.

she doesn't fool me...................

What are the chances.............................

2011-05-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I'm working at my desk making magpies,la la la la la.
Drinking tea and in my own world. My desk is opposite the window which is brilliant as not only is it lovely and bright but I also get to see the comes and goings of everything on the street.
I'm going to say its great for watching birds etc but I would love to know what that woman on the end does in that shed for so long after 6pm.But that is a different story.

Seriously though it amazing for watching birds as just across the road is a plum tree and about 10ft from this is a cherry tree so not only is the blossom amazing and I get to see it snow down on everything it does attract a lot of birds.I would hang bird feeders outside my window to encourage them but I have tried that.
Half an hour later you have 3 cats throwing themselves at the window and knocking everything over.
Ive watched a pair of magpies come and go form the top of a tree for weeks which was great but they have gone now.This isn't so sad as where I live is near the city and there are magpies everywhere.
Everywhere.
So Yesterday making magpies,drinking tea.....Very windy outside-ridiculously windy outside.
Imagine the scene from the Wizard of Oz before the house flies off (you get the picture).
I go down stairs to make another tea...............look out of the window.............

Whats that on the ground?..............................

Can you guess?

A magpies nest!!!!
A MAGPIES NEST!!!!
So I threw myself across the road picked it up and ran into the house like a crazy person panting.

It survived in amazing condition,there were no eggs or feathers or anything like that in it.
It looked like it hadnt been used in a while and I would never take something like this from the wild.
Its was really heavy and packed tightly with mud. Ive checked it agianst other Magpie nests on the internet and it does look exactly like the others.
What are the chances of a man making Magpies finding a pracitcally complete Mapie nest on his doorstep.!!?

Glass stopper spider..........................

2011-05-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

I collected quite a few of those big glass stoppers you know the ones that you see quite often at junk shops and flea markets. I love them but haven't used them for anything.
Then I thought about using the body for spiders!
My absolute favourite creature! Hurrah! Any excuse to make a spider!

Oh and yes you may have noticed that the blog is now white.
Fancied a change.

Magpies..........

2011-05-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Things been very hectic lately which is marvelous.
Ive done so much sewing lately that literally my fingers are sore typing this blog.
But I'm pleased with progress and wouldn't have it any other way.
Have gone back and reworked a few patterns,making things easier as the more you sew the more of the 'little shortcuts' that you pick up.Next time Ill do it like this or that.
Ive also got a new machine which is an old semi industrial one i think its from the 50's.
I love her and wish I had got something similar a long time ago,but again its all a learning curve. With the new machine I can sew far heavier layers and use heavier stiffeners etc,and for this reason i revisited my magpie pattern.With new ways of stiffening fabrics and linking pieces together which really started being used with the moths I wanted to apply a few things Id learnt.
So the new magpies have more alert bodies and taller and again more alert tails,its this that I found hard to capture but now feel like i have hit a formula.
I tried doing all sorts with them,adding little jewels,sequins,bow ties,lace and all of the little frilly things. Nothing really worked for other than having them as plain as possible and having Strong blacks and velvets and block bright whites.

Today like most lately wasn't the best day for photography and its hard to get the lighting right otherwise they look like black blobs.
Hopefully you can see them clearly enough.
Ive used white stitching on the black bodies as I love the effect. It gives them more of a home/handmade feel.
I never seem to match up stitching,Little flashes of contrasting colours can look really great.
Fluorescent green stitching on old traditional tweed looks brilliant i know that sounds awful but once finished and everything is pulled tight and you have a neat line the fluorescent just looks like a bright green.
Never be afraid of using odd threads.
The magpies are life size so they are quite large and in all I'm going to make 9 for a display.
I'm very fond of them but the good thing is I can always make a few for myself.
I think its nice if you make things all the time for other to make yourself something
The pugs head pincushion I made for myself recently has become a real favourite and I use him daily.
So today make your self a little something,Something to go on your desk,wall or a little keyring.
We've all got lots of scraps! Or print of some fab pictures for inspiration.
I came across this unique and incredibley simple way of using up jars and random images/photos.

Brilliant isn't it!
I honestly cant remember where I got this image from but if you know let me know and ill put a link up to it.
Ive got some images of magpies in a few on my desk and they look great.
Wishing you all a relaxing Sunday,I am supposed to be sewing today but its not happening so far,so ill give myself the day off and maybe wash some more glass jars.

Tapestry moths...........

2011-05-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ive been working with old and rescued tapestry's lately.
Since Ive got a new sewing machine that sews far heavier fabrics than I'm used to I though i would give these a go.
They worked out brilliantly. Just the right texture for a moth all those tiny handmade stitches.

All of these are now in my etsy shop.

Pugs and pins

2011-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just finished making a pair of pugs head pincushions.
I used a vintage pair of candlesticks as the base as they were just the right kind of weight that I was looking for.
I like how they have turned and out and am making some more right away.

And also finished today a black dodo.

Oh and I nearly forgot this little creature.
A little deers head with a large green ribbon.

Today even though it was bright wasn't the best day for taking images not sure why.
Some days it all just works easily.
Today was not one of those days!
So Im sorry that they are a bit flat!

New moths......

2011-04-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Just finished adding some new moths to my shop.
Ive missed making them alot so hopefully I can keep them back in my etsy shop more regularly.

and 3 springtime pugs ready for new adventures.

All packed......

2011-04-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just getting things packed for another trip to London.
Have lots of things to do tomorrow hopefully will get them all done.

New Dodo's...

2011-04-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Nearly finished the Dodo's just need to find them both a smart necktie and then they should be all done.

Funny how using the same pattern things can come out really different.
Im pleased with how they turned out.
These two boys are going to London,I hope they are happy wherever they end up.

Big Fox...........

2011-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is the largest fox that Ive made to date and it does have its pros and cons with enlarging patterns.
You do have less small awkward areas to fill but then on the flip side you have to use a LOT of filling.
This fox I would say is slightly larger than life size.
The end of his tail and white bits under his chin and chest have been needle felted through the fabric which was a bit of an experiment but it seemed to have worked quite well. It did take a while to do though!
Was trying to capture it today but couldn't get things quite right but will try again tomorrow but just wanted to share with you what Ive been up to.
His ears are lined with a strange black sequined fabric that I found for that little bit of texture and edge of luxury.
I'm very pleased with him and I do prefer to have the foxes curled up against their tails as I see my cats do it all the time and I think its really lovely.

And then there always the outtakes that are always happening with Vivienne.....

Organised.....

2011-04-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

I got this amazing sewing box recently I think its from the 50's judging by its design. Its in the best condition and opens out really wide and I don't know how Ive lived without it!
I feel like a proper granny know!
Its in amazing shabby chic condition and is on wheels which is so handy.
I love it!!

Here's a peak at some unfinished Dodo's they need legs and staining as they are a bit bright at the moment.

Ive been working on a pattern that is pretty much life size for the Dodo's so when I get chance Ill be making a big daddy one! Cant wait!

Ive been sorting through scraps and having a bit of a clear out and I found the first pug that I made from the first pattern. The body wasnt finished and turned out wrong and I was about to throw away the head when I thought I could do something with it. So a couple of new eyes some hot glue an old canldestick base and a hat made from scraps and I have a new pincushion.
I think its nice to make yourself something every now and then as everything I make is for others.

His name is Mister Fig and I'm already very fond of him.
Think I will make some more of these.

Camera problems......

2011-04-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Had a nightmare with camera problems so will not bore you with them but I'm back and should be back to blogging more and hopefully faster.
The annoying thing is that Ive made things and now they are sold and gone and I have no images of them.
Annoying!!
But I have been busy honest.
Here is a bit of the aftermath.........

Thankfully ive had Vivienne to help me out with all of this,she really is very helpful and kindly waves her paw when she thinks im going wrong.
Generally all cats are very good at the whole IT thing and Vivienne is no exception.
She can type 25 words a minute.
As helpfull as she is it can be a bit hard getting work done as she lies in my lap meowing orders which is fine but when she smokes it goes right in my face.

Those paws mean buisness.

Snooty foxes......

2011-03-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

Just finishing off an order to go to London so sorry for lack of posts.
Have been playing around with my patterns and mixing the sizes together.
A large fox body with small fox arms and doll legs looks like these guys....

I think they look quite snooty!
But I like them and may make some more. Actually I will definitely make some more.
I'm really pleased with the markings from teas and watercolours.

Also I made some more pugs these have bigger collars this time.
I do need to starch them and get them a bit more ruffly though!

These guys are also going to London. I'm going down on Thursday and it feels like Ive not been down for ages. The weather today here in Leeds is beautiful and bright.
I hope its the same on the Thursday.
Hope the sun is shining where you are.

Umbrella moth and friend

2011-03-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

But you, you foolish girl, you have gone home
To a leaky castle across the sea, -
To lie awake in linen smelling of lavender,
And hear the nightingale, and long for me.
I love this quote by Edna St Vincent Millay.

So I thought I would illustrate it onto a moth....

The next moth is made from an old umbrella.
It had been closed tightly for years and when opened up had beautiful bleached ray marks all over it.
Ive tried to include these in the design.

Birds heads..........

2011-03-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today in the world of Finch its birds.
Bird trophy heads to be more exact.
Ill let the pictures do the talking as im rushing around today.!!

Minature dress.......

2011-03-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

I has a dream the other night about a tiny dark dress on a tiny hanger.
The idea stayed with me all the night and in the morning I felt compelled to make it.

Now clothing isn't something I'm into making,gave it a try once-not for me.
Sometimes you have to make things or they beg to be made.
This is one of those circumstances. I made it,its out of my system and now I'm onto the next thing.
I did like making it though I guess its an extension of me working smaller,who knows!?

I hope the owner of the dress find it.
I put it in my etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/people/MisterFinch

Busy Busy............

2011-03-06T03:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry not blogged in a little while but I have been hectic.
However hectic is good and I like being it-it suits my nature.Everything has been about moths lately they've been a big hit in my esty shop so that's really all Ive been making.
I do love them.
Heres a fresh batch on my table nearly done,they should be going into my etsy shop today.

I'm going to make some darker ones next!!
I have this really old battered umbrella that originally was black but its been stored tightly closed and the outside is bleached by the sun. so when you open it out there are these amazing rays of bleached cream areas and then the black.Beautiful!
I have this thing about using umbrella fabric I think its such a fabulous part to a pieces story.
This is from an umbrella! I just love it.

I did give my self a couple of hours off to make whatever I wanted.
So I made a bird from all the moth scraps.

He can also play dead really well which is always a bonus!
He almost looks better dead.

I also bought some tiny cows for my moss terrarium from a charity shop.
They look right at home and very relaxed.

I hope your weekend is the same.
Happy Sunday.

Trophy heads...........

2011-03-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Heres a peak at some new things im doing....Trophy heads.
A hare and a weeping fox.

In my etsy shop now.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisterFinch

Size.............

2011-02-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

The size of things.....important-yes.
For many different reasons.
With how I naturally work I like to make things big and when I say this I mean I like things where possible to life size or in a size where its on the boundaries of being believable.
I like a bird to be the size if a bird is what I'm saying.
Working small has always been a challenge for me and I mean that. I read of artists who struggle with the opposite and find it hard to make work bigger.
I suppose its all about adjustment,again in many ways.
As of late Ive really tried to reduce the size of my work and for one main reason really-they get heavy and cost more to ship. I know this shouldn't be a compromise but it is.
When sending larger stuff out the postage can really kick you in the teeth.
Selling on etsy showed me this.
Obviously there are other perks to smaller work,less materials being used make things quicker etc.
Well you see this is what I thought,ill be able to make things quicker -not necessarily that true.
When making things smaller you still have to sew,turnout,stuff,sew,finish off etc and stuff something smaller is often more fiddly to do.
Here's an image to illustrate the difference in size from old to new work.

That's a big difference and its almost more obvious to me now that I see it in an image.
There wasn't a huge time difference in making these two wolves.

I know this as I time myself when making things and see if I become faster at making things.
As a business which it is I have to be savvy with time.
So as a test,and I love to test myself I reduced some of my patterns down to see how small I could go without having one of those granny tapestry anglepoise light things.(sorry if you have one!)
And here is the result........

A miniature sleeping fox,Do you know it was like having one of those light bulb moments.
Its like I got 'it' hard to describe but something understood the working small thing.
So smaller things are realistically more of a gift,love token and a thank you. I don't know how long this phase will last if will last at all! I'm going to go with it and see where i end up.
So for all you crafters play around with scale even in a small way see what happens.
I remember a scene from one of my favourite films 'The witches of Eastwick'.
Cher is a sculptor who makes small booby dolls for a local shop,the devil in disguise Jack Nicholson says he loves them but tells her the scale is all wrong.
She looks dismayed.
"The scale is all wrong,you need to work bigger,let yourself go" hes say
Wisewords.
I know that im working smaller but its the same principal.

Sarah @ pings and needles I may have some sleeping foxes in my etsy shop soon.........!

new moons.....

2011-02-25T04:53:00.000-08:00

Made some new moons for my etsy shop.
These have long legs which I like better than the first ones with the short legs.
Long legs are better for running and dancing. I like the way they look moody.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisterFinch

Book............

2011-02-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

I love a good read and I love a good read that has beautiful pictures.
Really beautiful fragile pictures.
I got 'The boy in the oak'as a gift.
I dont want to tell you much about the contents as I feel its like telling the best bits of a film.
However.....

In the garden behind the cottage grows an ancient oak that hides a secret. The young boy who lives in the cottage couldn’t care less about the tree and certainly doesn’t know it is enchanted. But the faeries soon change this . . . They cast a spell that causes the ancient oak to swallow the boy whole..................

The boy in the oak
Jessica Albarn

Intrigued....................Go buy it.

Go on!!!!!

More moths..........

2011-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show you a snap of the batch of moths all together before they get separated and go to separate shops.

Moss.........

2011-02-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the bad quality of these images they are just to illustrate a point.
I know that having a terrarium is a bit of a trend and that its all been done before but I wanted to do one.
I wanted a a moss one so a few weeks ago I made one.
Granted its hardly groundbreaking or incredibly beautiful but I love it.
I gathered tiny mosses and tiny plants from different walks and put them together in a large goldfish bowl and job done.
I spray mist it every now and then-easy.I know that there are lots of dos and don'ts,charcoal and all that which I haven't done.
I love that its a tiny world and tiny tiny tiny plants suddenly become a miniature forest and a pebble a huge boulder.I peek in this miniature world to see tiny changes.If you've never made one just try it,get a jar and get searching for tiny plants. Mine doesn't have a lid,it does but I don't have it on as it gets a bit sweaty and I quite like it off.Anyway just wanted to urge you to try and make one and have a tiny world to peek at.

Ants.........

2011-02-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

I made and lent some ants to a designer friend of mine and they have now arrived back home.........
I didn't realise how much I missed them until I unwrapped them....!

They are made from Hot Pink silk taffeta and are each roughly the size of your hand.
These little babies and the large mother are going to London next.
They lead an exciting life!
If I'm honest they were a nightmare to do and I wont be making things this small again out of taffeta in a hurry!

Moths.........

2011-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some Moths from my new collection for spring/summer.
Hope you like.......
All made from old and rescued fabrics,knapkins,hankerchiefs,tablecloths and the odd pillowcase.
Maybe butterflies would be more summer but I love moths and the fact that they come out at night.

Spring.......

2011-02-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today felt like Spring,hope its arrived where you are!

Flying fish....

2011-02-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ive always loved flying fish,whats not to love?
A fish that flies.....well glides. They have been recorded at leaving the sea for up to 45 secs traveling up to 400m,and gliding at heights of 20ft at 43mph!
Amazing.

When time allows I like to set myself a new pattern to make something a bit tricky.As with everything at the moment with me its made from old cottons and stained with teas. The veins on the wings are all sewn in by machine and he peers through pearly button eyes.

I know he would probably look better in blues and greens but I like the colours of the teas and the dark threads, it makes things look like 3D illustrations.
Almost like a scientific prop.
His wings are stiffened by recycled plastic cartons and his bead and wire joints make his fins movable.
I don't know why somethings are boys and some are girls............hes a boy.

A new moon......

2011-02-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

A new pattern that Ive been working on a new moon figure.
This is the first one and I'm pleased with how he has turned out. Almost asleep and almost thinking.
Almost a little glum!

New things for etsy.....

2011-02-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry Ive not blogged in a while but I have been busy....sewing.
Ive not had anything in my etsy shop for a while so I wanted to concentrate on getting some things in there and this is what Ive been doing.

Wolves

Bears made from embroidered hanker chiefs and cottons.

Birds

Hares

Embroidered hare

Each one is made from old cottons and pieces of clothing and hanker chiefs that Ive been saving.
Jointed with wire and beads with ink and illustrations,stained with tea and rescued from mischievous cats!

Getting things done.....

2011-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry Ive not blogged lately but have been tied up with getting projects finished.
Sometimes I'm making things for commissions,sometimes for shops and sometimes I'm making a bouquet for my mother who's getting married again.She wanted pearls and green leaves.I really liked the idea,Ive been working a little on it each day.

And these are for the bridesmaids.....

I love pearls and love how they are cold,and come from a sea creature.
The formation of a natural pearl begins when a foreign substance slips into the oyster between the mantle and the shell, which irritates the mantle. It's kind of like the oyster getting a splinter. The oyster's natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. The mantle covers the irritant with layers of the same nacre substance that is used to create the shell. This eventually forms a pearl.

I remember reading a book years ago and in the story it said that pearls were mermaids tears.
I always remember that ..............funny what stays with you.

Inspiration.....cont

2011-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm still gonna go on about inspiration.....
I did many years ago it seems paint and its one of those things that when you get into it it stands alone as something utterly magical. Ive always made things in some way and have dipped in and out of many mediums along the way which at the time proved in some ways confusing as I couldn't settle on one. But now I see it as so incredibly helpful being able to make things and dip in and out of different approaches on one piece.Painting a canvas and putting all of yourself into it is so odd and delicious that its almost hard to describe,and possibly the only way of understanding it would be to arrive at this place yourself. You may well very well already arrive at this destination through your craft but painting always and still is stand alone for me.
I don't paint at the moment and in some ways I don't miss it but know that at some point I will again and bizarrely I'm fine with that!
There is one painter I wanted to show you and you may well have heard of him as he is actually really well known and at the same time not if that makes sense.
His name is Jame Jean.
His work is unbelievable to me and if I'm honest was only introduced to his work when he did commercial work for Prada. Do you remember the black and white illustration work he did for them?

I do like them but they aren't really thing.

Anyway look at his other stuff....

Fab aren't they.
Anyway this still isn't my point.......bare with me!
On his website he has a section called 'sketch' have a look through these.
Its so illuminating being able to go through someones sketchbooks as I think that they are so personal and really give you an inside look at everything.
He also photographs the exterior of the book before you have a look in which again I find utterly delightful.
If ever you feel yourself with a block creatively or want incredible colour combinations look through these.
There are quite a few and some of them are long but I promise that you will see things that are amazing.
Luckily I don't often suffer with any creative blockage but if I feel a bit flat I look through these and within minutes I'm back with lots of inspiration.
I hope that you will see something that you love.

http://www.jamesjean.com/

Let me know.

P.s 2001 leather is my favourite !

Inspiration.....

2011-01-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

As an artist I often get asked 'where do I get my inspiration from?' I find this question strange as someone who makes things and lives a life as an artist I am inspired by everything.I raise this point just because Ive been asked the question twice recently by people who are self confessed non artists,or believe that they have no creative ability.
Whether you draw,paint,sew,write creatively,sculpt or play and instrument or dance whatever its all a creative outlet.So to ask the question where does inspiration come from,do they think I am only inspired by one thing or one area?I do get inspired by one thing or one area but not for any great length of time,I know some artists spend their entire lives obsessed with for example the human form and the curve of a brow. But I don't.I do get obsessed by things and creating and this trait I have come to utilise and recognise. Right now the work I'm doing is very fox and wolf orientated,sleeping animals,hibernation,stillness and waiting.I know this period wont last long as these phases with me don't. What I do try and do is whilst I'm in this frame of mind is get as many ideas down on paper and models made up whilst its all constantly on my mind and fresh and full of obsessive energy.Inspiration comes in every possible direction and I mean that whole heartedly. The things I make to give it a rough heading would be edgy,dark,fairytale,sometimes slightly Victorian and odd.When looking for inspiration I don't just look at things of this nature.
I give an example, I walk into the city from where I live,it takes about 20mins. On the way I go under a concrete tunnel that's under a main road. This tunnel is covered in graffiti of the kind that you can imagine the usual tags and mindless scribble. But there is a drawing of a girls face that I'm always drawn to. A peaceful face,eyes closed with flowing hair. Its not the most amazing drawing in the world but next to the rest of the graffiti it works and makes sense,tells a story and my mind thinks about who she is and the world she inhabits.
Who drew her? Whats her name? If she had a doll what would it look like? Before you know it you have ideas,lots of them,fast and fantastic.Inspiration from graffiti,that ends up nothing to do with graffiti!?
The point I want to make is to be inspired to do something can come from anything. Anything at all.
Everybody is inspired.Everybody has the ability to be creative,if they think they aren't then I think they just need to 'wake it up' or find the right medium with which to express themselves.I do realise that all of this is incredibly personal and are my beliefs but I really believe it.
There are people who don't create,who don't see the world as others do,who aren't moved by music and don't see the beauty in a fallen leaf. I know only of the world I see and of how it moves me and as an artist am compelled to communicate my ideas,for love,for joy and often for sanity.
I wish you all an inspired New Year full of fallen leaves and girls faces sleeping in a graffiti world.

2011.......

2011-01-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New year again to everyone.!
I hope that you all had a great time.
Today took the Christmas tree down and now have to refocus on the new year ahead and all the things that I want to gain from it. Last year I wrote a list and had it up on my board and I'm going to do the same again this year as I think I need a constant reminder of goals and such.
Over the past few days which are always a bit non descript Ive been working again on the sleeping fox pattern and have made it bigger! This new size I'd say would have to be life size for a fox and Ive included the baby one with him so you can see the size difference clearly.I didint consiously want to make baby and adult animals but when you make diffrent sizes in such extremes I guess it just naturally happens.Ive been wanting to make bigger things for ages and now seems like the right time especially with the New year arriving.
So here they are....

Ive heavily stained them with tea as this is something I'm really into at the moment so Im just going with it and see where I arrive.There is always the urge to overwork things slightly so leaving things quite blank even though they do have tea markings on them is a bit hard!
I may do some smaller ones and embroider words on them I've not decided yet.
I did come across a quote that I love by Ruth Brown....

'A fox is a wolf that sends flowers'

Isnt that great!

It conjours all up allsorts of images doesnt it.!?

Happy New Year to everyone who follows my blog....

2010-12-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone who reads my blog and those who are kind enough to comment the best New Year ever!