Wednesday 16 April 2014

Brooches and Butterflies

Quite a long time ago... an embarassingly long time ago actually, I spent a lovely day with a very kind lady called Terry who taught me how to make mosiacs. Well... a mosiac actually, the one pictured below, because I'm not really sure I could repeat the experience and remember how to make another one! The idea was that we would have a skills swap.

 
We did have a date set for Terry to come to my studio to do some embroidery but with one thing and another I had to postpone. Finally my guilt got the better of me and last week, Terry and I met at Wimpole Hall. We bought some lunch and sat in the corner of the restaurant trying to avoid the hoards of children on their Easter holidays and I showed Terry how to make a brooch using needle weaving.
 
 
A couple of hours later Terry had made the most exquisite brooch which she finished in time to wear home. Unfortunately my photography was not so exquisite and you cannot see how pretty it looked!

 
While Terry worked on her brooch I worked on one of my own and this is what I ended up with. I had forgotten what fun these are to make.

 
Tiny squares of woven threads adorned with beads.

 
And so inspired was I by Terry's pretty blue/green combination I made another one that evening.

 
And it did occur to me that as well as a collection of expensive bags...

 
I could also make a collection of not quite so expensive brooches for Open Studios in July.

 
And then at knitting on Friday, Pam was giving away some gorgeous threads... and I thought these would be just the thing for a whole range of beautiful brooches.

 
I would say watch this space but no doubt I'll be excited by something else by this time next week... butterfly brain... that's me!

16 comments:

  1. Those brooches are so pretty and will be an ideal less expensive temptation for your Open Studio days. I do like the mosaic you made too. It's something I've always wanted to try but never got round to.

    ReplyDelete
  2. They gorgeous Gina, I think they will a lovely idea for your Open Studios!
    V xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey, there's nothing wrong with having a butterfly brain (she says... having been described thus only yesterday by a friend....)I love the results of these detours the mind takes as a result of things. I think the idea of the skill swap is wonderful too. Now, if only you lived a bit closer....

    ReplyDelete
  4. From one butterfly brain to another - keep on fluttering! Your ideas and the ways you interpret them are inspirational to many, I am sure. Your brooches look so clever and I can see that yarn making many more even nicer ones! Happy Easter - Jo

    ReplyDelete
  5. The brooches are all so beautiful, and I would think they'd sell really well! Happy Easter Gina! Wendy x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ooh they're lovely, I'm sure they'll be a hit. The advantage of a butterfly brain and and open studio is that you'll have lots of different items to attract sales.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the brooches too, they're so pretty, I have always intended to attempt some mosaic work but have never got round to it. You can't beat a butterfly brain!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like the way your butterfly brain moves! Those brooches are terrific, and your new yarns look perfect for needle weaving.

    I did try this technique once, spurred on by the excellent blogs of Karen Barbe, from Santiago. You may already know of her work? If not, you are in for a treat.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely brooches (funny word that)
    Glad the threads will be put to good use.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The brooches are lovely Gina.I'm sure they will sell well. Have you ever thought about an online tutorial on Etsy for those who can't make the open studios.I would definitely be interested.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love those brooches. Love that mosaic. Love your bags. Judging by recent efforts, don't think I have any skills to swap.....

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very pretty brooches and each one unique!

    ReplyDelete
  13. From one butterfly brain to another ... there's no harm in telling folk to watch this space because there'll be something to see soon, it just might not be what they're expecting ... that's what I tell myself anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  14. These are beautiful, esp. the last one. Don't think you're alone with your butterfly mind, either!

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.