Monday 23 July 2012

Free Stuff!

That's Open Studios done for another year. Visitor numbers and sales were down on previous years but I still met lots of interesting people, some first time visitors and others regulars. It was also a chance to chat and catch up with friends so all in all it felt like a successful couple of weekends with lots of lovely visitor comments. There are always one or two slightly odd comments and the best this year came from a man (who actually made several odd remarks) who, after looking at all my work told me that his Mum did cross stitch too.


Now, I've nothing against cross stitch and have even been known to do some many years ago but there is nothing of my current work that even hints at cross stitch so where he made the connection I do not know. It amused me enough that I put it on my Facebook status... and then on Saturday a friend (you know, I am beginning to wonder) visited my studio with a gift for me... a cross stitch kit as pictured above... and the gauntlet was thrown!


So in between visitors yesterday I sat and stitched this little chap... although I had to add my own interpretation... and I am well aware that not all my stitches go in the same direction and I've probably mis-counted on several of the holes  (my eyesight is not up to pale yellow on cream linen... especially 26 hpi).... but there you go it's done!


Any way that little story is just a digression because today my blog is five years old... that's five years of me waffling on, so as a sign of appreciation for those who have stuck with me I'm giving away some stuff. First of all a machine and hand embroidered make up bag made from felted wool and a suitably colourful lining.


Next one of my machine stitched corsages made from recycled fabrics, lace and buttons.


And finally one of my miniature matchbox books... Japanese stab bound, covered with Japanese papers and the box decorated with an origami butterfly.


All you have to do is leave me a comment by Friday this week... but in an unashamed attempt to get more followers, fans and subscribers and generally get myself more publicity I'm offering extra ways to win.
If you are a subscriber to my blog, you get an extra chance to win, if you are a Facebook Fan, you get an extra chance to win and if you are a newsletter subscriber you get an extra chance to win. Potentially you could have your name go into the hat four times... be sure to let me know when you leave your comments. You can tell me what you'd prefer to win too, if you like... although I make no promises!

36 comments:

  1. What a dear little duck! You could start a new trend! Joking aside, I love the Matchbox and I was very impressed that you made your own pasta.

    Annya

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  2. You're TOOOO funny! That little duck is SO much cuter than the sample. Happy Blog Anniversary!!! (I'm a google reader subscriber!)

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  3. I think some people (men and women) see something to do with "sewing" and think it's all the same sort of thing. WE know that cross stitch and free machine embroidery are totally different things, but to the untrained eye, it's just stitching. Maybe we could say the same about something that we don't "get" - car engines or something, I don't know?!
    I don't comment on blogs too much as I don't have time, but I do enjoy your work and would love to be put into the draw please! I'm a Facebook fan and newsletter subscriber.

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  4. Happy Blogiversary!

    All of your 'stuff ' (as you put it) is wonderful, with the fabric corsage just pipping the others to the post.

    I am a follower of your blog, and I 'like' you (how Dick Emery) on Facebook.

    xx

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  5. I wanted to win the yellow duck! Oh ok the corsage does it for me, as I already have a book

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  6. Well now, I know just how soft that lovey little bag is as I stroked it on Sunday!
    Good to see your little chick finished.Cute :) M xx

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  7. So many people still assume that embroidery is cross stitch, and a lot of men don't know what to make of textiles at all!
    Love your little duckie and the giveaways. The Japanese matchbox book is just stunning.
    Glad you enjoyed your Open Studio weekends inspite of strange comments.
    And Happy Fifth Birthday!

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  8. Oohh I love your cross stitch duck, maybe he was just referring to the fact that his Mum did some needlework in the past so try and make conversation ? :-S I would love a chance to win one of your gorgeous creations so please pop me in your hat :-)

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  9. ps I follow you on facebook via my page Scented Sweetpeas x

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  10. Whata have you done to that duck, wicked woman?! And I always thought you were so kind and gentle.

    I nearly bought that little bag yesterday, but then the DVD fell into my hands instead. Not watched it yet, but I shall and then there will be no stopping me! This is a very generous giveaway as I have seen all three prizes for real and they are all lovely.

    I don't know how you count subscribers - you are in my bloglines - but besides that I am a Facebook fan and on your mailing list so ...

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  11. Of course I meant google reader as bloglines is all but defunct. Anyway. There it is.

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  12. Happy blog anniversary -here's to the next five years!
    I don't think your gentleman visitor had any idea of the difference between textile art and cross stitch! The little duck is great anyway!
    I'd love to be included in your giveaway. I'm a facebook friend and follow your blog. I'd love to be given a chance to win your lovely make-up bag.
    Margaret x

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  13. Congratulations on your 5 years!

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  14. Hi Gina
    Congrats on 5 years of blogging. I have enjoyed looking at all the things you make & do. And love your little ducky he is adorable. Hugs Elizabeth xx

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  15. Happy bloggybirthday! I remember my husband eagerly offering me a cross stitch book when we first knew each other "because you knit", now he fires off letters to the Guardian complaining that they've described something as "knitted when it is obviously crocheted!". Rosie (facebook fan and follower via blogger)

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  16. Five whole years of blogging - wow - Happy Blogaversary. Count me as a fan of your textile art, but not in any of the hats.

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  17. The last comment didn't seem to post - so apologies if it shows up twice!

    Wow - 5 years is an achievement to be proud of! Congrats. I am a follower of the blog, and facebook so fingers crossed x

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  18. Do you know I never could get into cross stitch, it always made me, well - cross!! ;) I do love your take on the duck though. :)
    Congrats on 5 years Gina!!!
    I follow your blog and your Facebook page and I think that little corsage is gorgeous!
    Vivienne x

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  19. Gina, I too hear that kind of comment - I have never done cross stitch so would be hard pressed to make up the little duck. Your interpretation is sweet and funny at the same time.

    Congratulations on 5 years of blogging.

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  20. What fun I am a follower on your bog and facebook.
    I am hopeless at cross stitch so your little duck looks pretty good to me!
    Love all your gifts

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  21. Happy blog birthday, is there no end to your talents, cross stitch too :-) He's a very happy little duck

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  22. A Happy 5th Anniversary Gina. I like the way you gave the cross stitch your own little twist. As I already have one of your special Jubilee Books and I am not one for wearing corsages, I would love the make up bag as mine is too shameful to appear in public. I'm not a regular Facebooker but I do subscribe to your newsletter and blog. Heres to the next 5 years.

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  23. The little duck is cute but what are you going to make it into? 5 years- congratulations. There has been a lot of changes over the years. If I win I would like the little make up bag.

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  24. Congratulations on five years of blogging - I am certain you will find a very interesting way to enhance the duck into some of your work. Perchance to win - wishful thinking - a little book would be gorgeous.

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  25. Okay, I'm following the blog...not that it took much persuasion. Congratulations on five years blogging...must look and see how long artmixter has been going...

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  26. Congratulations Gina!
    To be honest the duck is not my cup of tea but whatever...!
    I love your felted wool bag!
    I'm a follower of course and I subscribe to your newsletter!
    Three entries???

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  27. Aaaagh! Blogger ate my comment...

    Celia
    xx

    PS I folow your FB page and liked your post :-)

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  28. Congratulations on 5 years. I get your newsletter and your blog and all your makes are lovely. Vera.

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  29. Happy 5th Blogiversary!!! Its all your fault that I am a blogger! lol I have made lots of friends through blogging and FB, so really I need to say 'Thank You!'

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  30. Sorry Gina. I know I don't subscribe and I don't do facebook but I love keeping up with your creative escapades. I also don't do make up but think the bag is fab. May I ask for name to go into the hat please? Congrats on 5 years of blogging!!

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  31. Congratulations on 5 years of blogging!!
    I also follow you on facebook (although i don't go on there much)
    and subscribe to your newsletter.
    I think all your work is lovely but if i was chosen in the draw and had to make a decision (!) would ask for the make up bag
    Lesley

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  32. Congrats on five years blogging. Love your duck with its "Marge Simpson" eyes! Lovely giveaway prizes, but leave my name out as I have been very lucky recently and would like others to be in with more of a chance.x

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  33. A rather belated Happy Blogaday.
    Perhaps we should be giving you a present for all the pleasure your posts bring? Now, there's a thought! Debbie

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  34. I attend the odd craft fair and some of the comments I get used to upset me but know it makes me laugh. I really should write them down.
    Congratulations on 5 years of blogging.
    I am a follower.
    Any item would be lovely.
    Here is to another 5 years.
    x

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  35. The cross stitch comment made me smile - I've had this a few times too and none of my work looks anything like cross stitch either! I think it's often many people's only contact with embroidery and so they mention it as a way in. Anyway, I'd love to win any of the items, but the Japanese matchbox book really appeals. :o)

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  36. I want the duck. There's something a bit kinky about his bondage collar. ( although I might have been reading too much '50 Shades' in one sitting)

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