Frighten Brighton!

Today I took part in Frighten Brighton, an event dedicated to horror and its fans. I had a stall where I sold my creepy treats and my little pretty wares. I had a lovely time talking to all the awesome people that were involved and those that came to the event. It's so nice meeting people with similar interests and tastes as you.

 I have combined two of my favourite things in my work recently, horror and craft in the form of cushions, cards and decorations, which seemed to go down pretty well. I have been reassured that I am moving in the right direction with my work, which is fantastic because I enjoy making my bits and bobs. 

If you missed it this time around don't fret, Frighten Brighton will be back in the new year bigger and better than before!

*Applause* 

New work!

I have been working really hard for my Frighten Brighton stall making cushions, corsages and printing Christmas cards. I have never been so busy and I am absolutely loving every minute of it. I am feeling it of course, but I am working through the headaches and the pain because I get so much out of it. I thought I would share some photos of what I have been working on.

SCREAM!

This week I made the Jason mask and I have been looking for other iconic horror villains to make into scary cushions. I watched Scream 4 on Saturday night and I was surprised that I forgot how iconic the mask has become! Monday morning I sketched the mask and made a stencil for my cushion. I had a few problems with the tension on my mashine, pleather is a real pain to sew at times. I finally got it semi right and I finished the cushion today. I am pretty happy with it and it looks a little spooky sitting on the bed. 

Corsages!

I ordered some buttons from a random seller in Asia and after waiting for what seemed an eternity they arrived this week. I was really happy with the quality and I was instantly inspired to make corsages! I make a lot of fabric corsages for fascinators, but I decided to make brooches with a corsage frame I sat on my bed with my sewing kit and put on Swiss Family Robinson! What a great way to spend an afternoon! Sewing, films, tea and relaxation. I love how they turned out and I am excited to sell them. 

Hair Slides!

My favourite! I love making hair slides! Little gems in a girls hair, effortlessly stylish and lots of fun. I have a few of the skull buttons in my sewing kit, but I have never never used them for hair slides. I decided to add two little beads as eyes for a bit of fun. I am going to make them in a variety of colours

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I have become hungry for more and I have decided that I am going to try and start my own business. I feel slightly surprised at myself for even considering it! I have been reading material online, what I need to research, business plans and the problems finding money. It's a lot of work! It will take time and a great deal of effort, but I think it will be worth it! 

Etsy Shop

My Etsy shop will have lots of new goodies up by the end of next week; cushions, bags, wall/door hangers and lots more! I currently have fascinators, hair slides and headbands for sale which are all hand sewn by me! Keep an eye out for a handmade Christmas gift for a loved one at the  Doll Doll Dolly shop. I try to get all items out as quickly as possible which are sent in bubble wrap sleeves or wrapped parcels. Doll Doll Dolly will also have a stall at an upcoming event in Brighton, all details can be find at http://frightenbrighton.wordpress.com/.  I hope you all succeed in your Handmade Christmas this year! 

Inspiration!

Creativity is not something that just comes out of thin air, it is born when you're inspired by something you see, hear, touch or even taste. Artists and designers have always struggled with inspiration and go to great lengths to find it. I think we could all do with remembering what inspires us in these difficult times, so I have written a list and I hope this helps in your own quest for inspiration.

Metal
I love Heavy Metal ! In fact I think I would die without it. I love that feeling when you hear one of your favorite songs. The hairs stand up on the back of your neck and then the world disappears around you. During my metal moments the world looking at me will see a total geek headbanging out of time! I am a big Thrash fan and this provides me with lots of inspiration. Think of the 80s, Long hair, Ripped jeans, leather jackets, weird artwork and band shirts! Yes! I go to festivals every year and take lots of photos for the vault. Metal inspires the passion inside me and keeps me drawing or sewing when the tank is low.

Pretty In Pink (1986)


I have a teeny obsession with Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) In Pretty In Pink, her attitude, issues and style in this film is just awesome. I love how she loves clothes and customises them so she can stand out from the crowd. They beat her down but she keeps her head up and carries on. I had a bad time at school because I was the crazy arty one that confused everyone. When I first saw Pretty In Pink I felt like I was watching myself and I was oddly comforted by it. I love this film and it will always inspire me to be myself and be creative!

Horror *screams*
I have been into horror movies since I was a kid and I find it hard to get scared these days. I will admit to having a nice little horror collection and on those days I can't draw, I stick on one of my old favorites and then ideas just come to me. I guess this could sound a little 'scary' but it isn't about what's happening in the story, it's about the art of how they made something come alive! The Return of the Living Dead is a great example of that or any film by Fulci. The masters of horror cared about the 'art' of gore! That is what inspires me.

I have only written about three inspirational things. My list is pretty long but the three above are the most important. The only thing I didn't write about is 'Love'. I think love inspires everyone on the planet and I know I have found it. I hope you feel a little inspired! I would love to know what inspires you, so feel free to leave your list in the comment box below.