nursery wall decor

Finding the humour

Honouring my beautiful, funny, adorable Juno is something I am instinctively drawn to do. I miss her with every fibre of my being and I am finding that creating these little squares of pattern, shape and colour very therapeutic.

I also want to portray her sweet and funny side. She didn’t need to speak to convey how she felt about something. Sometimes a simple look was worth more than a thousand words could ever have been. And don’t get me started on the shouting and foot stamping! I kid you not. If my presence was required next to her in another room and I dared to sit at my desk, she would stand in the hallway, stare at me, then start stamping her foot. If I still refused to follow her, she would start snapping and shouting. WHEN I eventually followed her (not if!), she would pootle off to her bed, lay down and all would be right with the world.

I’d give anything to be snapped at right now.

Playing with patterns

Turning my drawings and illustrations into patterns is something that I find is a natural process. It’s how my mind works.

Juno’s nose, for example, lends itself perfectly to a repeating design. The simplicity of the shape is very striking, it is both a very abstract image and yet at the same time completely recognisable. I think it would look amazing on a range of products, including silk scarves and t-shirts.

The kaleidoscope type images were fun to do. A different concept, and using the image in a completely different way. The silhouette of Juno is almost unrecognisable and becomes an area of colour rather than an object in itself. Playing with reversing the colours changes the design totally and alters the space visually.

Illustrating Juno

I started this 100 day challenge as a way to immortalise Juno and to work on perfecting my style of illustration. It has been an invaluable lesson in perseverance too. To keep going, even when my mind was blank and my creative inspiration seemed to have left the building.

100 Day Project #100dayproject Days 51-75

I hope you’ve enjoyed this penultimate instalment of my #100dayproject. You can follow along as we head towards the finish line by following me over on Instagram. You could even sign up to my newsletter and receive the next post direct to your inbox.

Until next time…

Creating a string of pretty bunting is easier than you think.

For years and years the only time you saw bunting was at country fairs or in town centres. I’m not sure who brought it into the realm of everyday useage but I for one am happy they did!

Adding a splash of colour

Bunting is such a simple way to add a splash of colour to any occasion; a garden barbeque; a baby’s nursery; a milestone birthday; a modern kitchen; a festive message. The possibilities are endless, as are the ways to make it.

I thought I’d show you a how to create a string of mini bunting that would look perfect in baby’s room hung across a bookshelf or a window frame…or indeed anywhere you choose!

This mini bunting is another great stash buster as the amounts of each fabric are really small.

What You’ll Need:

patterned/feature fabric
plain cotton for the reverse of your feature fabric
4 different plain cottons
bias tape approximately 165cm/65″ long
thread

Each flag measures approximately 11cm x 11cm (4.5″ x 4.5″) including a seam allowance of 0.5cm or 1/4″. I used my 1/4″ foot.

For the feature flags (those with the pattern) you will need 3 flags for the front and 3 plain for the reverse.

For the plain flags you will only need 2 of each colour.

Method

Cutting Out:

The first step is to create a template. A thin piece of card is easier to work with but if you are careful paper would be fine. Place the template on your fabric and draw around it.

You’ll need two of each of the plain colours and 3 for the patterned fabric and 3 for the back of those. To make the most of your fabric, place the template as shown in the image below. Please remember, if your printed fabric is directional (like mine) you need to ensure you cut out the flags with the print going in the same direction.

Sewing Together:

Taking each flag in turn, place right sides together and stitch down the long sides, starting at the top, pivot at the point and stitch back to the top.
Top Tip: Start sewing a little way in from the top of the flag. This prevents the fabric getting stuck in the feed dogs.

The next step is to trim the excess fabric at the points and a little off the seam. This helps to create a sharp point when the flag is turned right side out.

Carefully turn each flag, right side out and press.

Trim the ears at the top of each flag and you are now ready to attach the bias binding.

Adding the Binding:

Mark the centre of the bias binding with a gentle crease and attach the first flag (a patterned one). I find Wonderclips are a great alternative to pins for making bunting.