I've Got the Itch to Cross-Stitch

Greetings all!

Since I became infected with the crafting bug, I enjoy having several projects going at once. I need projects that give me a sense of instant gratification, such as needle felting and jewelry making, where you can see the designs come to life quickly.

I also enjoy crafts that are ongoing and take a long time to complete. This can be very therapeutic, especially as you make steady (if sometimes slow!) progress.  For this type of longer-term project I usually prefer to cross-stitch.

Cross-stitch is a series of hand-stitched "Xs" which delivers a rich texture to your fabric or art piece. It is a very simple process that is usually crafted on special cross-stitch fabric. Because of its simple process I can do it in the morning when I have just woken up - and then at night when I am winding down.

My current cross-stitch project is based on Charley Harper's Lovey Dovey.

Do you know about Charley Harper?  Well, if not, you must because he is an interesting character!

Charley Harper, an American wildlife artist who lived from 1922-2007, called his work "minimal realism."  Charley liked to focus on the shapes, color combinations, patterns and textures in his subjects, which were often birds and animals.

He gained acclaim as a commercial illustrator in the 1950s. His nature-inspired illustrations appeared in natural history and other magazines, as well as on posters for conservation groups.

I think Harper's work is colorful and unique! Do you agree? Pictured above is just one of his amazing designs.

Now, back to my current cross-stitching project (pictured below). This is my second time to do this particular pattern. I gave my first piece to a fellow Charley Harper fan, a childhood friend of mine. And I loved this print so much that I decided I just had to do one for myself!

As you can see, I still have a lot of work to do. And so, because I am anxious to hang this cool design on our bedroom wall, I'd better get back to work . . . starting right now!

Ciao for now,
Figgy

Here It Goes!

Well, lookie here, I have done it - I've joined the blogging community!  

I’m so passionate about my crafts that I needed this little blog to let the world know what it is that interests me and how I come up with my handmade creations.  I have my hands making several types of crafts, such as embroidery, cross-stitch, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, needle felting, and now quilting.  

I love practicing these varied crafts so much I have even tried to come up with ways to make this a bigger part of my daily life.  I’m co-owner of an accessory business called Urban Creatures and owner of a new venture called Figgy Pudding.  

Urban Creatures is a business that my friend Carla and I started about a year ago.  Our specialty is making necklaces out of used t-shirts. We work with different color combinations and add beading to most of our designs.  

Recently, we had a booth at the Hawthorne Street Fair in Portland, Oregon.  We had to make sure we had as much product as possible, which meant I was very busy in the weeks leading up to our first public sale.  It was great to meet so many people who are enthusiastic about our recycled necklaces.

When I was sorting through necklaces prior to the street fair, I came across some of the first necklaces we made.  It was both comforting and exciting to see how much the designs had evolved.   Carla and I have been expanding the range, adding new designs for children as well as bracelets for both children and adults.  Everything is handmade and we only use recycled fabrics.

Soon I will be launching Figgy Pudding.  More on that to come ;)

With this being my first blog post I don’t want you to get tired of me just yet, so I'll sign off.

Ciao for now,

Figgy