Wednesday 6 February 2013

Hearts and Flowers

Sometimes a simple thing can lead to lots of ideas for art and design projects......many of the things we found when clearing out granny's attic last year have been waiting in my studio to be used when the moment is right.........
 ...............a year or two ago i made some paper gift packets using children's book pages (from old and damaged books!).......and now i have used the idea here with some pages from an old gardening book we found, partly damaged and deteriorated but with some pages still usable for collage and crafting....
..........i needed some printed text pages for a recent magazine project, and then went on to make this gift packet....you place a small gift or some sweets on a piece of paper, place a matching piece on top and machine or hand sew round the two so the gift is enclosed.......then decorate the outside with rubber stamps, flowers cut from rosy fabric or paper, then tie up with raffia and add a heart button and tag.......
 ..........it can be torn open along one of the handily perforated stitched sides.......................
 ................i also made a decorated romantic wrapper for a white candle......(as with all candles do not leave this one unattended)......it is even nicer if you have a rosy matchbox to light it with.............
...............it has been tulip week here at helen's house......i bought a few inexpensive bunches at the local greengrocer's and have enjoyed them soo much.........here is one bright bunch with the new crafts beautiful magazine....the blue birdie on the cover is part of my project in this month's issue which is filled to the brim with spring crafting.......
                                                      ..........more of my cheery tulips...........
.........i mentioned some time ago that i was busy working on blossom and birdie designs for spring and now they are all appearing.........world of cross stitching commissioned four spring samplers from me for their special giveaway chart book and it is now available........for more information go here.....
.......and i created a new little home sampler for cross stitcher magazine....when i saw that the magazine photographer had styled it beautifully with paints and brushes i thought i'd plonk it onto my studio table among my own paints and brushes and current illustration projects for a quick picture.....
 .............one day last week i stepped out of the house and felt as if spring was in the air....a mildness and a brightness....and lots of strong looking green shoots and bulbs growing in the front garden.....
but then came the gale force winds and lots of gloom and rain for a few days........but it won't be long now till it really is spring :)........
.............thank you for all the bunny love in my last post....the giveaway for miss hyacinth is still open until february 11 so there is still plenty of time if you would like to add your name to the draw.......i have so enjoyed reading your lovely comments and finding new blogs to visit too.........wishing you all a wonderful week with sunny days and happy crafty times..........back soon xxxxxxooooooxxxx

66 comments:

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Beautiful, beautiful!! I love your pink heart with the gorgeous fabric and the candles wrapped with the text paper and flowers. Everything is so pretty Helen. I always get so excited when I see you have a new blog post!! Have a wonderful day1

Christine said...

Gorgeous!!!! I love the gift idea. I have to send some homemade gifts for a facebook "pay it forward" thing I joined and now I know how I will wrap them. I love all of your pictures. I think I will give some hints to my husband that I would like tulips for Valentine's Day.

Teje said...

Hi Helen! I love everything in your post! Great idea to make gift bags with book pages and so lovely decorated! And for the candles they are so pretty! I shall look more about the magazines. Your cross stitching samplers are so beautiful - I only wish I could have time for that, too! Last photo is so sweet!
Have a wonderful time! x Teje

homemade@myplace said...

I really love the gift wrapping!!!
you have been really busy my dear!!!!
xxxx Ale

Dagmar said...

Your blog and cheery colors are so happy and joyful!
what a creative soul you are!
sweet hugs,
Dagmar

by Deva said...

Everything you do is wonderful!!!

my4lilgirls said...

Gorgeous post, really love the candle, great idea & the pink heart is so sweet.
Saw your sampler in the magazine a few days ago, Ella was with me & was so amazed to see someone who blogs in a magazine, she asked me were you famous & I said "very", she was chuffed
Have a great week
Karen x

KC'sCourt! said...

Your blog is so colourful and inspiring.
Julie xxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

That is such a clever idea with the book pages Helen, I love the little parcel and the candle is beautiful! :)
I do love tulips such cheerful little flowers.
Your magazine commissions are as always brilliant!
Happy Wednesday,
Vivienne x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Lovely Helen, Love what's been going on in "Helen's house". The tulips are so beautiful and all the pitchers make it all come together! All your magazine work is so clever and always designed so beautifully. What a fun job for such a talented person. (but I know the deadlines must be hard at times) Thanks for sharing all your happy projects, xoRobin❤

Ali said...

Just gorgeous!! I got my cross stitch mag when I saw your work was the supplement - hmmm which to do first lol xx

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

It's a great gift to turn something old into something beautiful! :) x

Unknown said...

Beautiful ideas love the candle and your little blue bird is adorable no wonder the magazines are signing up all your work. I have been having tulips in my living room and kitchen for the past couple of weeks now i love there cheerful colours and delicate petals. Role on spring ;-) dee x

Ana Love Craft said...

Another amazing post! Too beautiful photos! Thanks so much for sharing.Love the gorgeous little bird.
Have a fabulous week!
Hugs from Portugal,

Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Cindy said...

Your posts are always so bright and springy looking, it makes me think that spring is really soon and makes me so happy! I love your gift ideas and seeing those tulips. Have a great day!

Deborah said...

As always....so inspirational. Pitchers, tulips and hearts are a few of my favorite things. And they are all here in your lovely post. Sigh.......

janecarter said...

Your brand new book has just arrived!! I can't wait to start on a project or two!!
Jane

Frances said...

Helen, thank you so much for sharing all the lovely ideas in this post. Making use of damaged old books with beautiful type faces is a splendid notion. I particularly like the gardening book mixing along with your floral cut-outs.

It's grand to see your designs are appearing in many new publications. How true it is that your cross stitching aligns with watercolor painting.

Right now, NYC weather is very far from spring like, so it's fun to see a little preview of that lovely season right here on your post.

xo

Unknown said...

Looking at your blog makes me so happy.Especially during these gloomy winter months.
Thank you and have a wonderful week!
Steph

vintage grey said...

Simply gorgeous Helen!! I love the appliqué rose on the vintage paper!! So sweet! Love the wrapping, too! So inspiring you are! Congrats on your home sampler! It is beautiful! Wishing you a lovely day, Helen! xo Heather

Siobhán said...

Always wonderful projects going on in your studio, Helen! I just love the little bird on the pillow--how fun! What a great idea to do the wrapping, unwrapping the present is a present in itself.

Betsy said...

Such a beautiful post. It made me smile the entire time. Tank ou.
Blessings,
Betsy

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Everything is soooo pretty and cheerful! What a lovely post for a cold February day! xoxo

Jane said...

How wonderful it must be to see your designs in print Helen and the photographer did a really good job too. Those stitched packages are really original and so easy to open, no tacky tape to get through. Thanks for sharing some tulip love..the day's are slowly getting lighter and like you I am really looking forward to the spring.
Jane x

gillyflower said...

That's a great idea for the surprise parcel, and I adore the print candle wrapper - such a pretty idea.
Gorgeous tulips, everything looks so springlike here, if only the weather matched!
Thanks for sharing all your lovely makes Helen, its such a pleasure to see them all.
Have a good week!
Gill xx

Pickworth said...

Dear Helen, just love the name 'Miss Hyacinth' ... reminds me so much of 'Keeping Up Appearances'!Love that show!
Another Spring blog today and I have really appreciated your blogs this winter.... I can always count on being transported in to Spring despite the horrible Winter weather.
Thank you so much for lifting our spirits,
Patricia

sew said...

I just love that little package idea :)
I've just popped out for some milk and returned with a bunch of tulips as well!!
Your new book has arrived too - full of super projects and brilliant ideas - I can't wait to get started!The photographs are lovely (including the one of you)and I already have some of the fabrics that you've used including the French Postcard one and the little deer which was left over from a Christmas sack I made for my granddaughter! I am definitely going to start by making a little house.♥

Vintage Tea Time said...

What great ideas you have! Such beautiful pictures - I imagine you living in a rose-tinted world! Have a good week x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Such pretty, pretty hearts. Love the idea of making wrapping from book pages. So lovely with the little heart added. I used to cut Christmas motifs from fabric and then use a fusing web to adhere to paper bags. I even sold them at a bazaar one year. That little birdie on the heart in the last photo is so sweet. Congrats on all the books and magazine spots. I love stitching samplers. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week. Tammy

Susan said...

More pretty eye candy! Your blog is SO beautiful!!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Helen,

I love all your beautiful bright creations, all the gorgeous colours and fabrics.
The tulips are so pretty and you must be having Spring there soon.
Love darling Miss Hyacinth too - our little blue Persian cat was named after the fabulous Mrs Bouquet.

Happy day
hugs
Carolyn

barb said...

Your book should be in my mailbox tomorrow. I can't wait!

Ladybird Diaries said...

I just love your gift packets and candles, so lovely. I will definately look out for all of the magazines you have mentioned, your designs look gorgeous.
M xxx

Jelly Jam said...

Loving the paper parcel. So simple but effective.
Ellie
x

primrosesattic said...

You are so clever. Love the idea with the paper. Will have to try this when I next send a gift to a friend. Thank you.
Rosezeeta

Annie Cholewa said...

Your tulips are beautiful Helen, and I love what you've done with the candle. And such a pretty matchbox ... you do find the loveliest things!

Sam I Am...... said...

Love the little heart and the flowers you get at your grocer are GORGEOUS! We have the ugliest "dyed" daisies and roses that smell like mildew. We can't get decent flowers nor any variety at all.
Isn't that amazing how the photographer set your stitchery up and then your photo was like the mirror image!
Yes, I think Spring will be early here this year. The robins are back and it's been warmer and sunnier. I love your little bluebird.
Oh, and the packages...those are truly unique and just darling. I have lots of old books that are falling apart and of no value that I could use. I hate to throw things out if I can find a use for them...especially a pretty one!

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Those hearts are so charming and the packages, so clever and I am so inspired after my visit
xx
julie

Unknown said...

You're blog is lovely again, as usual! I really love the heart and great ideas you give!

Victoria said...

I really liked the cross stitch sampler in CrossStitcher I hadn't realised it was one you had designed! It is firmly on the to do list!!

Simone said...

You burst forth with creativity Helen! I think you are one of the most talented and productive crafters in blogland! I would like to know your secret of how you have the energy for so many projects. It is always a joy to visit here. I leave feeling creative and uplifted. x

Simone said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crafted by Carly said...

I love the book-page-crafts! What a brilliant idea! They all look SO effective and unique!!! :-)
Carly
x

Laura said...

I love your packaging idea! Thank you for sharing! Congrats on making the cover! Yhe little bird looks sweet :)

serendipity said...

What gorgeous tulips. They look fab in those pretty jugs! xx

Paula said...

Hello sweet Helen! I always enjoy your gorgeous posts and photos! Such sweetness and creativity you have my friend! I love the heart, the gift packets and wrapper for the candles. You are so clever and the pink roses are the perfect touch! I am so happy to see your beautiful designs in these magazines. Yay!!! The tulips and your pitchers are all so pretty and cheerful! Your sampler with the paints is a lovely vignette! I love the little birdie on the sweet pink heart! I hope that you will see more signs of spring and that those winds will abate! Have a happy Friday and weekend! Thank you for the kind wishes. I wish you the same! Lots of love, Paula xo

YarnRoundHook said...

It's all so beautiful - as always! I especially love the candle. x

sky-blu-pink said...

Ooh I love all of these! You have been busy. I must check out the mags and see your projects.

Unknown said...

Your little hearts are just so perfect and I want to make some similar to cute up my house> what fab inspiration. Going to Amazon to check out your book and will need to find the magazine too! Thank you for sharing.

Lynnie

Teresa Kasner said...

What a neat idea for sewing a package shut!! You are so clever! I had an artist friend send me a Christmas card that was sewn around the edges... I thought it was so neat! Love all your pastels, they give me hope of Spring. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Gracie Saylor said...

Yesterday I noticed that the big camellia bush by my front window has some buds that are closest to the house which are beginning to open just a bit to reveal some rosy red promises of Spring even though I had to defrost the car this morning. Your post adds to that heartfelt cheery promise of Spring with bunnies and bluebirds, and beautiful creative ideas, Helen :-)
Thanks!
x<3x
Gracie

koralee said...

Happy dance...I am loving your little gift packets...I must try this...thank you so much for the idea. My daughters will love this. YOur tulips are so lovely and in such pretty jugs. Happy weekend my friend...xoxoxo

moonstruckcreations said...

Love your paper packages Helen, super idea!
I would love to put my name in the hat for Miss Hyacynth please!

I missed the awful weather as I was in Andalusia celebrating my silver wedding anniversary, lucky me!
Helenxx

My Little Home and Garden said...

I was away for a couple of weeks and am catching up on your beautiful posts. I do love the flowers in a pretty cup!

I hope the upcoming week is a wonderful one for you, Helen.

-Karen

Connie said...

You have inspired me to get off the internet and get into my studio :)
THANK YOU !!!
Connie :)

Maria Glazacheva said...

Oh c`est très jolie se que vous avait fait!!

Bonne semaine!!

xxx Maria xxx

Pomona said...

Wonderful ideas and I have just been looking at your book on Amazon - it has gone straight onto my wishlist - lovely!

Pomona x

julie said...

the printed page packaging is beautiful Helen and your blossom and birdie designs are beautiful - hopefully they'll help speed up the arrival of spring x

Amanda said...

Helen, your gift packet and candle are too beautiful! It's always such a joy (and so inspiring!) to pop in and visit you.

purple-roses-country-cottage said...

So gorgeous! What a nice gift idea!
I always enjoy your gorgeous posts and photos! You can be proud to see your beautiful designs in these magazines. Wow! Lots of love, Nicolexo

Sewmancer said...

A beautiful, colourful post - and such a wonderful array of your talents

Natalia Glazacheva said...

So sweet romantic theme, Helen! I do love your book's bags and candles as well. Your new spring magazine project looks truly lovely. And thank you for sharing with us your bouquets, they make me happy :0)
Have a nice week
Lot of love
Natasha

...Nina Nixon... said...

Hi Helen,

I love the idea of reusing old (damaged) books to make something once unloved into a useful item.

Nina xxx

harmony and rosie said...

Helen, that candle is magnificent, I love it. Devastated to have missed out on your giveaway!
Kate xox

Cornel said...

What a great idea!!!

Mary said...

fyi I guess no one has noticed....The words on this package has racist descriptions against a people group. Read 4th line from the top.