Thursday, July 22, 2010

My Creative Space



I mentioned recently that I was thinking of opening an online shop. With this in mind, a few commissions and a market planned for later in the year, I am finding myself in a bunny making frenzy!



Well, ok, maybe not a frenzy, but more of a happy kind of purposeful & productive space. Yesterday I worked on Manda's bunny. She suggested a black cardi might be sweet so Mum came up with one in a beautiful black moss stitch. I then spent quite a while dithering about which fabric to use. In the end I chose a black & white gingham which I was a bit nervous about but I"m so happy with the way it turned out.



Then I thought she might look pretty with an apron! So this little doily/runner was cut in half, ribbon attached and an apron was made. I love to use my op shopped finds in my bunny making. The gingham was from a shirt, the buttons and doilies are all op shop treasures. This combined with the alpaca offcuts mean that excluding the filling, eyes & thread everything else is repurposed or recycled. I mentioned this to my kids last night as they are looking into recycling and waste as part of their studies at school. I'm thinking it might be fun to do a craft activity with them using recycled materials. Do you have any idea's I could use?



Now, time for the button jar. Green, white, clear or red?




This might seem like a small decision but I like the bunnies to be Just Right, and the detail is so important to me.



Ok, we're going with red. Now she's starting to come together. Time for some eyes...



...and a label and she is finished! I hope you like her Manda.



Daisy does.



Daisy has been working over time making sure that the bunnies are all up to scratch.
What a helpful dog she is.
What are you up to today? I'm popping over to see Kirsty and maybe have a
peek into your world.
See you soon, xo



49 comments:

Emily said...

What a cute apron! So creative of you. I'm struggling to come up with something I could make that people would like. Just to earn a little extra money and enjoy doing it too.

Your dog is cute too. What kind is he/she?

Renee said...

Gorgeous as always! I don't think I would have thought of using black and white gingham but she looks beautiful and the red button is just right! What market are doing?

yardage girl said...

Gorgeous - photo's and bunnies! Can't wait to see your store!

Tammy said...

Ahhh that last photo is priceless! I love all of your beautiful bunnies!

Kylie said...

They all have such personality you can just tell they are made with a heap of love!

Hannah said...

oooh i am super jelous of your red button jar!

dash robin said...

I have a toy now just for giving to my cat while I sew as he loves to try and get the threads or my scissors or just about anything really...I am envious of your gentle looking dog sitting calmly beside your bunny. Love the red button too, and the apron btw.

Anonymous said...

wow the bunnies are so beautiful Beck and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the black and white gingham it looks fabulous she is one gorgeous bunny

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Yep the red button was just perfect. What cute little bunnies. All of them. I just love their extra long ears and little clothes. You are so very clever!

Sarah. Splish Splash Designs said...

Oh, she's really cute! Great choices for her fabrics and colours.
Good luck for the market!

Teek said...

Gorgeous bunnies!!!! Very clever:-)
Thanks for the link to Attic 24 for some crochet patterns..
Tanya

Claire Gale said...

love their little clothes, so sweet and pretty

Jennie said...

Loving the black cardigan!
I know what you mean about choosing the right button - sometimes these decisions take longer than anything else!x

Sue said...

Manda's bunny looks gorgeous. I could just imagine Isabelle wanting a black one too! I think it is fantastic that you used the doily for an apron, fantastic idea. Your recycling is a fantastic idea for your bunnies and makes everyone of them original. Good luck with your endeavours of bunny selling!

michelle said...

i don't know how you part with those bunnies. the black/doily combo is divine

karlyn Jackson said...

I love the black and white!
Good luck with your store.

Ruby Star said...

they really do look adorable. and look at your dog, he/she could melt anyones heart. sweet creative space. thank you.

mel @ loved handmade said...

She looks lovely. I do like the black cardi & her sweet apron..gorgeous!

Christy said...

How super cute! I love the creative story - it's funny how things we create evolve!

Anonymous said...

adorable. i love your bunnies so.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your bunnies are absolutely adorable! I love your little details, too!

Manda said...

oh my god....she may be your most beautiful one yet and she's for me. yipppeeeeee! im off to check my email. thanks Beck. i LOVE her already. x

Danielle McDonald said...

Ooooh I love the black and white gingham. Infact this bunny is by far my favourite! Too cute.

belinda marshall said...

it's great that you are thinking of opening a shop. the red button goes perfectly with the rest of the outfit ~ beautiful work :)

Allison said...

Cute bunnies. Dainty girly bunnies!!

Hey, I was cleaning up my fabric stash today and have little off cuts of fabric. Different sizes, different materials, different colours, so on the theme of recycling... you popped into my head. Do you want any of these fabric "bits"? I'd gladly send them to you. Either that or they go to the art room at primary school for art activities.

Let me know.

Gina said...

Ooooh... I can spy a little bunny destined for chez clutterpunk... I'm so excited. Manda's bunny is adorable. The apron is perfect!

Miss Muggins said...

Beck your bunnies are so special and will sell like hot cakes (or buns!!!) in your new store xx

Angie said...

I love how they are all similar yet all perfectly individual (and individually perfect)

Ooty said...

such a busy fun space as always - I think you SHOULD open an online shop - and I am sure it is going to be great!!!!

Floss said...

She is adorable! I love reading about your decision making and all the little details that go into making them just right. The recycled components are wonderful. I sometimes just let our boys go into the 'recycling bag' which is collected each week and see what they can make from its contents. It contains clean cartons, cardboard boxes/tubes and tins. They have made some interesting things, from statues to medieval catapults...

Caroline said...

The whole ensemble looks so fantastic. The apron and the red button are brilliant touches - I like!

Steph said...

She is superb! Love the gingham and the little wee apron! Hope you're having a brilliant week :)

teddybearswednesday said...

Oh Beck aproan Bunny is just beautiful!! Love the apron love her, love choice of button. Your bunnies have such a special radiance like you xo

Unknown said...

I'd love a bunny shop. You know I looked for a shop link here in your space at Easter time with the intention of buying a little bunny for my little one. Hopefully by next Easter you'll be up and ready and I'll be in the market for TWO of them! xo m.

Swirlyarts said...

The red button sets off the cardigan beautifully! I have a tutorial for making padded envelopes from reclaimed materials - you can then send goodies out in them! http://swirlyarts.blogspot.com/2009/03/tutorial-to-make-your-own-padded.html

Fippa said...

Hi Beck...I haven't stalked you for ages. So much has been happening! Pianos, prayer tables, bunnies, business cards, and Charlotte's cool crochet. The black and white bunny is a stunner...although I was partial to the sparkly crystal button myself. Love to love you, baby!

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing your creative process! your bunnies are adorable. I'm sure your online shop will be a sweet success!

byebyebirdie said...

Oh I do love your bunnies. best of luck getting yourself ready for the market later in the year, they do come around very quickly. Bunny looks great with her apron and black cardi.

Anca Pandrea said...

I love your bunnies. The apron idea was great and your buttons look pretty and happy :)

Bird Bath said...

She looks so very sweet in her gingham and ricrac. The apron is adorable and so is the cardigan. I know what you mean about picking just the right colour combination - it's my favourite part of the creative process. I love this red, white and black colour scheme. Good luck with your crafty business.

Cuggles! Kids said...

She is just gorgeous, I would have chosen the red button too. I can relate, I spend ages with the button jars, it has to be right. : ) PS. Thanks for visiting my little blog, nice to find yours too. Kim

Kirsty said...

I think that your bunnies will be a huge hit.

I too love the gingham.

Big and Little said...

I love your button jar idea. I think mine might have to come out of the tin. Good luck with the store. I look forward to seeing it.

Rachael @Mogantosh said...

Yay, your own shop! Sure it will be fab. I love that step-by-step bunny making too.

jane said...

she is the cutest! i have a feeling you are going to be very successful:) p.s. thanks for your sweet comment! hugs-jane

Mary said...

I love seeing you bunnies come together. It always amazes me when someone finds just the right product to keep a business going. This beautiful little bunny will always be fresh and current. I wish I had that kind of creativity! Just beautiful!

moose and bird said...

What a sweet little bunny she is! The gingham is too sweet and the black cardigan with red button are the perfect finishing touches (along with the gorgeous apron). I hope your Saturday has been lovely. xo

Cherie said...

Oooo Beck she's gorgeous! I'll be ordering as soon as you start up, if not before!A Beck's Bunny for my Belle please. XO

Aimee said...

just found your blog via sundays child... love your adorable bunnies- so clever! all the best with markets and a store- no doubt you will do very very well.... off to discover more of your lovely blog!