WestreaDesignStudio

Happy New Year & 2012

2012-01-01T03:15:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all my friends near and far.
That's all folks!
x

Owl Cushion for a 1st Birthday Girl

2011-08-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am feeling rather guilty about this blog as I haven't written for a while now. I do have a reason, I am writing a book and the research involved with it being based on facts is taking a while. I have taken a week off though to make a handful of things, one of them is this Owl cushion for a friend's daughter's 1st birthday. It's soft and squishy so can be cuddled and made from cotton, felt and faux suede making it very tactile.

I hope she likes it! I have a handful of shops that are possibly going to take these which is really exciting!

Joining Craft Blog UK

2011-06-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just a square from my banner. Nothing exciting so don't go hopping around.

I have to upload it here so it can be found when I join Craft Blog UK.
That's all!

Normandy Day of Days 6th June 1944

2011-06-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

I Remember...............

Happy Anniversay Present For My Parents

2011-05-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

A one-off Designer cushion produced exclusively by Westrea Design Studio for my parents Wedding Anniversary. Made from 3mm thick felt with a lovely central glass button made to order from The Tartan Trout.

Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad and keep the cats off!
x

Donation to Libbaton Golf Club Charity Day

2011-05-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Each year Libbaton Golf Club in North Devon holds a charity golf day. Members play golf in the day and then there is an auction in the evening after the presentation.

Donation to Libbaton GC Charity Day Auction

This year I have donated one of my small bags. It's made from brown soft faux suede with a cream calico lining and one of my flowers as an embellishment on the front making it really funky and contemporary, the interior has a clip for keys, a pocket and a magnetic fastener for security. I also add little extras to each one of my bags, which always come as a suprise to whomever makes a purchase over the internet as they often don't know what the little extras will be!

Hopefully, with all the other fabulous donations of items being given by some of my local crafty friends we will make lots of money to send local children to swim with the dolphins.

Exhibiting Artists Website for Artists to sell their work

2011-03-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

New website ideal for artists and crafters who are looking to sell their work in a different area than their own website, which may not always be found on the search engines, or from a gallery.

You can sign up for free, there are no charges for being a member or listing your work. The website does everything for you for a commission. Read the T&C on how it all works and sign up - you have nothing to lose!

Just click on the links below for the website, blog and twitter:-
exhibiting-artists.com
or if you like blogs
exhibiting artists blogspot
or
Twitter

Sneak Preview of My New Mohair Collectors Bear

2011-02-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

Due to my sewing machine having a nervous breakdown, I decided to make my mohair bears again. I have been making these for 20 years, I once had a little shop selling them in Leicestershire.

Anyway, here is a sneak preview of said bear. He is only "just" together, and only "just" stuffed, but people have been asking to see him, so here he is. Once I have him finished and he has decided what sort of face he wants I will add more picture. A bear's personality is very important to that bear and can take a while to get it right. It develops as his ears go on, eye placement etc.

Mohair Collectors Bear

Bet you didn't know there was so much that goes into creating a bear? I feel a bit like the Egyptian God Khnum who is seen on many Egyptian temples creating the bodies of children. Oh, the great power I have!!! I am so delusional!

More pics soon
xx

Zip up Pouch For Nappies, Makeup or......

2011-02-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Finally finished a new style of pouch. It's a flat one with the central zip and two tags on either end to either hang up or they help in opening and closing the zip.

This is red and white.

Fully lined in calico for support and can be used for a multitude of different things. I have shown it here holding a pack of baby wipes, it can also hold about 3 large nappies. Could be used as a makeup bag too as it will easily hold lots of bits.
Fabric is cotton based and therefore can be handwashed and dried flat, no dryers!
These current colours are obviously very girley, but more are coming soon which will lend themselves to other uses.

This is pink and white

and hanging up,
if you have any more ideas I would love to hear them.

New Blue Boxy Pouch

2011-02-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

I spent this afternoon making another handful of boxy pouches, this one is in navy blue with a white flower and the flower has a turquoise centre. They are lined in calico to give them more structure.

So I had just got this one finished, and was just re-zipping up to check it was running and guess what? Can you spot what is wrong?

The damn zip broke - if you look there is no zip pull - I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

Unfortunately, it means this one goes in the recycle bin for possible use later on for a smaller project, and I need to make another blue one. Sometimes this happens with nylon zips, but metal ones are only suitable for jeans and coats. Ah well.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Keyring Strap

2011-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Have had a busy few days this week sorting out the horses and getting them sorted out with new homes for the Spring. In between that and keeping my eye on Al Jazeera and Egypt I have managed to make a few things.

I made some keyrings, these are straps that will fit over and small hand so ideal for ladies and children and you just clip your own keys/keyring to the end d-ring. I have used brighter colours so they are easily located in your hand bag.

New Box Pouch

2011-02-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Today I had some fun creating a box pouch. I am going to make these for a multitude of reasons and uses, and also in smaller sizes. This one is about 8" in length so great as a larger makeup bag and it also matches my tissue pack holders. Some will be lined and I think I will make some unlined to use as a gift bag for smaller items for birthdays.

I think they are lovely and will make great gifts if teamed up with some of my other items coming soon!
Now I need to go hunting for more fabric to make them with............I love fabric hunting.

New Contrast Bags

2011-01-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is my newest design of bag, well I say new I think I first designed this style in the late 80s and it's one of those types that can be used over and over again as it's classical style lends itself brilliantly to contemporary fabrics.

Fabrics are faux suede and cotton. They are supported internally with both facings and interlinings for stability and have been lined in cotton calico which is far more robust and stronger than other fabrics. I also only use pale colours for linings as there is nothing worse trying to peer into a dark lined handbag and unable to find anything. At the top there are snap fasteners, one of my small security clips for your keys, purse or anything else you need to grab hold of quickly, and the base of each bag has solid feet to protect the fabric from being damaged if placed on the floor.

These bags are really cute and I am so pleased to have found some fabulous contrasting fabrics.

I am adding these to my folksy account. So please check back for more details.

A Foot in France - Holiday in Brittany

2011-01-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

"and now for something completely different"

Networking is a fabulous tool, especially now it's online and available through Twitter, Facebook and blogging, so I am taking complete advantage of it and going to advertise my Brother-in-Law's business in France and hope you may take the time to visit his website and see the wonderful vacations he has available in the North.

Culture, walking and wine, a brilliant combination as long as the wine is the latter!

There are two tours available, the first is a beautiful 15th Century Breton Manor House or small Chateau, Le Manoir is situated in delightful countryside and within easy access of the Granite Rose Coast in Northern Brittany. The manor is set in 5 acres of stunning countryside and quite beautiful as you can see below. For more details please click here

Breton Manor House / Chateau

The second tour accommodation is just as wonderful and allows you to experience a building steeped in history dating back to the 14th century and restored to an exceptional standard. Food and wine are in abundance here and you will be "living the dream".

What a fantastic place to spend a birthday, honeymoon or anniversary, to see what I mean take a look at the pictures here.

Here is a sneaky preview of the Monk's Room

I hope you get the chance to visit the website and also take a holiday there in the future.

Thanks for reading.

www.afootinfrance.com

Stunning Designer's Guild Large Fabric Limited Edition OOAK Bag

2011-01-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

This is another one of my creations that I nearly didn't add to Folksy and I am still in two minds if I should keep it for myself. The fabric is amazing and created using Designer's Guild fabric in a floral lattice design. The fabric is also vintage having been produced over 20 years ago and part of my "stash" from when I first started out.

The colours are very subtle tones of brown, black, beige and green. The weight is exceptional and although it has been stiffened it was only as support. In fact it almost feels like canvas it's such a wonderful quality.

It has been lined in beige polyester cotton and it has one internal pocket and I have attached two lobster clips, one on each side so that it can be pulled into the centre and clipped together for security purposes, but also to make the bag smaller if required. Also it is easy to attach one of my eco-friendly shopping bag to these clips. One of my signature flowers is attached at the front centre.

This fabric is absolutely beautiful which is reflected in the price which you can find on Folksy.

Dimensions are:

Height = 38cm / 15"

Width = 51cm / 20"

Depth = 13cm /5"

Strap Height = 34cm / 13"

These are approximate (nothing like artistic licence is there!!)

Thanks for looking, and don't forget to join me here and visit me regularly on Folksy.

Folksy

2011-01-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

I have finally got round to listing one item on my Folksy account! I love Folksy as they market their website and you in many different ways. Sadly other online platforms have people selling who, quite frankly, cheapen the hard work and effort taken my those with a passion to create by selling tackier versions for a £5. For example, starting bids at 99p, but a buy it now of £5 for an item just to sell it, despite it's value being perceived by me as three times that amount.

Don't get me wrong, I have used online sites like ebay and have been a gold power seller, but being amongst other talented artists and creative people is far more professional.

So, I have entered the world of selling on Folksy and hope you will take time to come and visit my shop and the many other talented people on there too.

Large Designer Tote Bag in Brown & Duck Egg Blue

2011-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

This bag is made from medium weight designer fabric with a lovely duck egg blue large floral pattern. It has been lined in duck egg blue polyester cotton with one internal pocket. On each side of the bag I have attached a lobster clip which pulls the bag into the centre to create the shape below, and also for security purposes as it keeps your items safe and tucked under your arm. When the bag is unclipped it it much larger as you can see above. I also embellish each bag with flowers, and this one has a large flower in the centre.

These are such useful bags, they come in a range of colours and commissions and can hold lots. My sister-in-law has one for the days she is playing aunty and has it stuffed with her nephew's toys, etc. Dry or spot clean only.

Dimensions are:
Height = 40cm / 16"
Width = 51cm / 20" (max.width)
Depth = 13cm /5"
Strap Height = 30cm / 12"

As you can see below this is the bag when it's pulled in on both sides with the two lobster clips for security purposes or making the bag smaller.

All my bags are available on Folksy and I post world wide.

Moving on....

2011-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I have had my head down the last two weeks creating some really gorgeous bags and purses until smoke was appearing out of the overlocker (serger), photos to follow soon. I am taking this week off as my Mum has come to stay.

We are also re-marketing out house again after been badly let down by an estate agent who sold our house for us in the Summer of 2010, and despite us ringing them every week to find out how the buyer was doing, they kept telling us he couldn't sell his house. The buyer happened to be playing golf last week and my husband saw him in the clubhouse and found out the truth. He had struggled for a month or two to sell his house, and finally did in October, but he decided he needed a garage, and although we have space for one our house doesn't have one built, so he pulled out and bought another house which is totally understandable they were pensioners and wanted easy access to their car. The estate agents knew this in October, but continued to lie to us until only this week. We turned away other people too! The liars will of course deny it, funnily enough they haven't got back to us yet, but all I can say is we will NEVER use an "online only" company again. I have also heard that their selling techniques are more aggressive than a debt collection agency!

We are now using a local company in Devon who has offices in London and the Midlands so hopefully we can sell soon and move on.

Pannier Markets & Craft Fairs 2011

2011-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Firstly,

HAPPY NEW YEAR - best get that out the way first!!

Now down to bloggin - I love a good Pannier Market. I never knew what one was until I met my husband, they are far nicer than just your standard indoor market. Pannier Markets were built in the 1800s to accommodate fish markets, butchers and corn exchanges. The name Pannier comes from the basket that traders would bring along to sell their goods from. Before the indoor markets were built theyw oudl stand along designated roads. In Devon the small street that runs adjacent to the Pannier Market called "butchers row" still exists. This housed many butchers a whole street of them would trade from these small units. The units still trade today, but are not all butchers shops. We still have Butchers Rows in many of Devon's towns.
Here are some examples and are worth a visit if you are every down here on holiday:
Barnstaple Pannier Market
Bideford Pannier Market
Tavistock Pannier Market

I want to start taking part in craft fairs and markets and am looking at Spring to November for my products, but this also includes Paul's pictures. Paul used to be a market trader, he used to sell pots all over Devon over 10 years ago, so to him this is second nature. He can't wait to get back out there trading again.

I have found some very good craft fairs too.
Off to make me list

Craft Fairs 2011

2010-12-30T03:03:00.000-08:00

We have booking our craft fairs for 2011. My husband is a digital photographer and works in HDR and creates some fabulous and stunning images. This is his website Digi-Scapes. We are going to pitch together and fight for space! That could be fun.

As soon as we have booked I will blog our dates and also add them to my websites, (the one under construction!).

Good times!

Secret Christmas

2010-12-29T14:51:00.001-08:00

The thing about designing, creating and christmas is that you can't add anything to your blog because someone is going to see it. It might not be the recipient, but the secret gets let out.

This year I designed and created bags for both my sister-in-law and Mum. My sister-in-law, Karen, looks after her sister's son twice a week so rather than create her a bag that was all mumsy, I created a large roomy bag that she could stash, drinks, nappies, wipes, toys and even her nephew in for a day out and was more fitting for "Auntie". For Mum I made a the same style bag that has enough room for "sale shopping" with my Dad's credit card, (such a shame that I am 200 miles away!).

Each bag has an additional pouch inside that folds out into another shopping bag, really useful when you are out shopping, and my philosophy on bags is that of Emelda Markos on shoes.

All bags, except the pouch ones, are fully lined with one interior pocket and each of the large bags has a big flower embellishment. The smaller pouch bags also have a pretty flower on the front. As we say down here in Devon they are "proper job" for anyone who needs a really functional bag in stunning colours. I am just adding new ones to my website for Spring.

Welcome To Westrea

2010-12-29T09:49:00.001-08:00

I was always taught when you have very little to say just talk about the weather. In that case I am so grateful we have thawed out here in North Devon, there were moments when I was convinced it wouldn't thaw until at least March. My poor horses were really getting fed up with me picking balls of snow from their fetlocks, I can't imagine for one minute it was comfortable for them.

Christmas came and went very quickly in our household. Despite my daughter being nearly three she wasn't quite "au fait" with the whole festive season and removed more baubles from the tree than my labrador used to. My step-son is a typical "I'm thirteen, next year and really don't care". That was really easy a bunch of presents and he disappeared back upstairs for a week! No-one likes Turkey and so for the third year running we ate bacon butties for lunch and, get this, arctic roll! I know, what a combination, but it went down VERY well.

So, onwards and upwards, it's nearly January and the first few snuffles of Spring are really only round the corner, despite the first day of Winter being December 21st that is if you are old school like me and follow what is probably called a Pagan path. In other words I don't follow dogma, creed or bleat like a lost sheep waiting for someone else to tell me what to do next. I soooo hate being dictated to by society on what is acceptable.

Back to designing then, I am currently working on my Spring Collection and will post pictures here and on my website.