Papercutting - Trying a new skill

I am a huge fan of Rob Ryan and dream of one day owning his 'Can We? Shall We?' papercut.  I also love the work of Kyleigh's Papercuts and Mr Yen, Cutture and Storeyshop, but had as yet never tried my hand at papercutting.  That was until this weekend!

'Can we? Shall we?' by Rob Ryan

I know it's sensible to start a new craft or skill with the guidance of a book or to do a course, but I was feeling brave on Saturday and decided to try out an idea that had been swimming around in my head for a few days.  I decided that I wanted to try a papercut style idea on patterned paper.  Usually papercuts are on plain paper or card.  With thoughts of seaside images lodged firmly in my brain whilst designing new things for Zoe & Drew I thought I'd try a crab on spotty orange paper! And here he is -

I also had a try at some lettering and what else to cut out but 'BEACH'!

So now I have taken my paper obsession to a new level as I am busy sketching out ideas to papercut. Armed with my craft knife, which is pants by the way so recommendations are welcome for a replacement, I am looking forward to trying to turn my ideas into papercuts.  Most importantly it is fantastic to just be trying something different. So what are you dying to try? Why not just give it a go!

Take care
Zoe
xx

Fabric Friday - Amy Butler

It has been a short week here in the UK as we had a bank holiday on Monday and life is fairly manic as the children in most parts of England have returned to school this week. Of course it is Friday and that means it's time for some fabric eye candy for all of us fabric addicts! For todays Fabric Friday I have choosen to feature Amy Butler.  I know that I feaured her new wallpaper collection a couple of weeks ago but I realised I had not written a full profile about this fab designer for Fabric Friday.

Amy Butler has become a global household name, especially with people who desire bold patterns that don't shy away from a pale colour palette.  However this did not happen overnight and her success has taken time and alot of energy.  Amy Butler started creating small passport sized bags in the late 80's whilst living in Kansas City, which were well received by small boutiques across the country.  The boutiques were handpicked by Amy herself and her bags were only sold in boutiques that she had choosen and built up a rapport by making personal introductions to each store.

In 1992 Amy Butler returned to Ohio with her husband, David, renting a 150 year old cabin/house in 190 acres of rural farmland. From this home they started their Art of the Midwest studio with approximately $1200.  Amy created surface designs for her friend who became a design rep in New York City, often designing and creating into the night. 

After fixing up two houses and being a contributing editor for Country Living magazine, a fact I was unaware of, with thoughts of her little bags that she had made previously, Amy decided to design sewing patterns. And thank goodness she did, I have several Amy Butler patterns, incuding the Anna Tunic above and two books with plans of adding her new book, Style Stitches:12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags, to my collection very soon. I am also going to have to buy the raincoat pattern, as I love coats!

Amy Butler also designs for Rowan Fabrics, having produced several collections, the latest being Love

and a new collection, Soul Blossoms, is due for release in December, including Twilight Peony that is pictured below.

And also incudes the Passion Lily design below

It is visible in this new collection and in previous collections that Amy Butler is inspired by vintage fabrics and she happily admits that she loves flea markets and the hunt for treasure at these markets.  Amy Butler's inspiration comes from the rich texture of everyday life and avoids sticking to trends.

Yet Amy Butler does not take all the credit for making her brand so successful. Aswell as her husband she lists many people instrumental in her brands success.  And what a brand - fabric, wallpaper, sewing patterns, books, wool and knitting projects, papercraft products, towels, bedding and rugs, amongst others. There really is a bit of Amy Butler design magic for everyone, whether you are a crafter, designer or just want fabulous things for your home.

I Want a Silhouette

I know today I usually blog about a particular craft or art medium but today I just needed to share with you the machine I now want.  I have only discovered this today and really want it!  It is the Quickutz Silhouette SD.  The Silhouette SD is a digital cutting tool that connects to your computer like a printer but instead of printing it cuts the images.

With the Silhouette SD you can use fonts already on your computer or download thousands of images for your designs.  You can use it for creating vinyl wall art, like the top picture, or it can be used to make heat transfers to put onto fabric, like the cushion above.

It is also great for papercraft and card making.

Glass Etching

With the Silhouette SD you can also produce intricate rhinestone templates.

It seems the possibilites are endless and I really WANT one! Unfortunately the cost is a little off putting, retailing at $300 and I have not managed to find a UK stockist to see how much it would costs here.

I shall add this to the top of my wishlist and continue to try to find a UK stockist.  In the meantime I can indulge in its very own blog!