Featuring: Feltlikestitchin!

I am taking this opportunity to introduce you all to someone who makes and sells the most adorable hand stitched felt DiDi Dolls. Claire sells monsters, animals, Mr Potato Head, celebrity dolls and much more! She also also make badges, keyrings, Christmas ornaments, applique patches - all sorts of felt novelties. Here is what she had to say in my mini interview!

"I live in Yorkshire, England. My day job involves looking after all the pensioners who live on my street, which is a really fun challenging job. I spend all the rest of my time stitching and running my Etsy store."

"I've always been a stitcher - I can't remember the first time I used a needle and thread, it just seems to have always been there! I sew everything by hand. If I try I can sew most things but I don't enjoy making clothes and cushions and such like - I only want to stitch fun stuff. I adore all embroidery and decorative stitching. I've done tons of cross stitch over the years and I've even won prizes for my cross stitch designs in two UK magazines. These days most of my time is spent creating my felt dolls."

"I think my favourite item at the moment is the one which took the most work. This set of Matryoshka Dolls (right) took a lot of hours to make but I'm proud of how they turned out. "

I also asked Claire to recommend another site to us, to which she replied,

"I'd love to recommend this beautiful Etsy store. http://feltingarts.etsy.com/ This German artist has the most amazing needlefelt creations - I'm in love with the Strawberry Baby. "

Claire's DiDi Dolls are available at:

http://feltlikestitchin.etsy.com/

http://feltlikestitchin.co.uk/

My Relaxing Afternoon

There is something about being outside when the sky is so clear and blue, and the sun is shining. It just feels as though nothing could go wrong, nothing could be more perfect than you just being in the fresh air, taking it all in. Everything just looks so much better, even the trees look greener and more vibrant and full of life.

People in general always seem so much happier and friendly in the sun. Maybe it is because I am feeling happier that I notice it more. Maybe it is because people don't feel the need to rush so much in the sun. Maybe it is because they have all been sitting in beer gardens drinking! Either way, I love walking out when the sun in shining, and smiling and saying hello to so many people.

I spent an afternoon sat outside in my back garden in the sun, relaxing and making jewellery. I made a few new items for the store, and I also made some beautiful (if I may say so myself!) charm-style bracelets, which I am very proud of. I think they look really pretty and stylish, and they make a great sound when you wear them!

That afternoon was so much more relaxing and contented than any other afternoon I have spent crafting. Maybe it was the pear cider. Or maybe, the sun does bring out the best in people.

Fearful Penguin!

"Fearful Penguin had stood on his head, hopped on one leg, turned somersaults and waggled his flippers....

...But it wasn't until he'd torn off a loud squeaky fart that he managed to get a laugh out of Emily."

I got this as a birthday card from my parents and I loved it so much I framed it to put on the wall, and I couldn't resist sharing with you all!

I am currently working on some new jewellery for the store, so keep checking back!

Have a great day!