Happy Birthday to me!

I'm 23 today!

AND - my books arrived yesterday afternoon, I'm so happy with them. The quality is fantastic, take a peek!

Perfect ♥

A photo of a photo of a photo.

The first day of my '30 days of creativity' was a tricky one. After working in the morning I had to run to the train station with a little hold-all filled with all my essentials and hopped on a train to Wareham, Dorset for a mini-break with my family. This meant that I had to pack light and I deliberately chose not to pack anything specifically to 'do', but gave myself the task of improvising for day one, two and three of the project to keep me thinking on my feet.

Fine, I thought - without giving a second thought as to just how much 'stuff' we were going to be doing in Dorset (I'd even been down there the weekend before so should have already known I'd need a plan what with all the 'stuff' we were busy filling the days with then, too)! The only chance we all had time to sit down was when we got back to the house in the evening to have dinner, and then passed out on the sofa for a bit until we were all so tired we had to go to bed!

I tried to do some drawing to begin with. I was sketching a cheeky looking pony with it's tongue poking out, using reference from a photograph I'd taken earlier in the day via my camera's LCD screen. Not ideal, I know but it was the best I could do!

I feel pretty, oh so pretty . .

Just the teeniest post today. There's nothing quite like finding out you've been included in a beautiful treasury on etsy. So I was amazingly excited today to find out that not one, but both of my shops have been featured in this wonderful treasury featuring lovely and talented UK etsians, curated by the equally talented Pretty Stitched Up.

Now, who wants to buy me the entire collection?

Launch of Jackdaw Boutique Gift Shop!

That's correct, I'm super happy to announce that my Boutique Store is now officially open! Listed so far are just a few bits and pieces whilst I prepare and photograph more stock, and I will be updating my items throughout the next week! 

Would you like to know a little bit about how Dearest Jackdaw was born, whilst we're on the subject?.. Yes? OK!

When I decided I wanted a little shop of my own I spent weeks trying to think of the perfect name, everything I wrote down seemed either too cliché, too tacky, unmemorable, unrelated or sounded fine but didn't get me excited about the whole thing. I was getting really frustrated about it as I just wanted to get on with things but without a name, what can you do? 

Just as I felt I had fallen at the first hurdle, whilst clearing out some old boxes I came across an old business card and all of a sudden I was lucky enough to have one of those flashy light bulb eureka moments!

Many many moons ago (well, approximately 'my lifetime, and then some' which is becoming many more moons with each and every year that passes!) my beautiful Grandmother Pamela (who I mentioned in my Easter blog post) was the proud owner of a little antique shop in Haslemere called "The Jackdaw Antiques". It was her business card that I'd gotten my little paws on and all of a sudden everything fell into place!

I scribbled everything down on scraps of paper until I was satisfied with the name Jackdaw Boutique. Of course this has now evolved into Dearest Jackdaw, with Jackdaw Boutique and What the Jackdaw Saw being my little stores branching off of the blog containing a selection of gifts, treats, and fine art imagery.

♥The End♥

(for now..)

Antique Edwardian scrapbook giveaway winner announced!

It's that time again. Time has flown by and April has vanished into the past already! Time to announce the lucky winner of my treasured antique Edwardian scrapbook!

And the winner is.. *Drumroll*.. Rebecca of Cauliflower Cupcake Scrappin' Designs! Congratulations Rebecca! Please email over your address to DearestJackdaw@googlemail.com so I can get this in the post to you ASAP! 

Until next time ♥

And the Winner is..

First of all I want to say thank you all for your fab entries, all of the looks sound absolutely fabulous and I wish I had a jacket for all of you! Now then, after a slight hiccup over the last deadline date (and a big hole in my pocket for a new PC), we have a winner for the Vintage Jacket! 

Congratulations to Sevgi Ky. Look after it, won't you! Please email your postal address to DearestJackdaw@googlemail.com and I will get it in the post asap!

PS: Remember, you have until the end of April to enter my other giveaway!

♥

TUTORIAL - Vintage Style Decoupaged Mannequin

I picked up this female torso at a car boot sale a few years ago and she's been hanging around in my wardrobe ever since just waiting for the perfect project to come along. I don't know why, but last week I suddenly had an overwhelming desire to try out decoupage and what better project to try it out on than this?

Like it? Read on to find out how to make your own!

Vintage Clothing GIVEAWAY . .

I mentioned on twitter recently that I was de-cluttering my vintage wardrobe and couldn't think of a better way to do this than to launch another giveaway!

Up for grabs and PERFECT for spring is this beautiful deep rust orange vintage three-quarter length linen jacket by TARA for Z. Victory Paris. I've tried researching the label but have had very little luck. From what I gather, it was a collection by Tara Jarmon dated approximately 1980's *but I might be completely wrong*..(if anyone can enlighten me, please do so!)!

The jacket is 100% linen in a fab rusty orange colour and features an asymmetric military style wooden button fastened front, padded shoulders, mandarin collar and a split up the back. Cuffs feature matching buttons (although one is broken (see close-up image of cuff)). The lining has a couple of little tears, but these are easily serviceable and out-of-view!

The label states it is a size 38 but would suit a UK size 8-10.

Measurements whilst laid flat and completely fastened are as follows:

armpit to armpit: 18 inches

Waist: 15.5 inches

Shoulder to hem: 34 inches

In all this is a super-amazing beautiful jacket with a perfect fit, fantastic for Spring walks and summer evenings.

This giveaway is WORLDWIDE! If you like the look of this beautiful spring coat, all you need to do is follow me either here on the blog, twitter or facebook and tell me what you would team this jacket up with, it's really that simple!

The giveaway will run until midday on the 31st March *14th April (GMT), where I will narrow answers down to my favourite ensembles, and then I'll use a random number generator to pick a winner from the faves!

Good luck and don't forget if you're not a blogger user, please let me know where you're following and how I can contact you if you win!

*Please note, this giveaway has been extended until 14th April 2011 due to technical difficulties my end which are out of my control! This gives you all an additional TWO weeks to get your entries in! Sorry for any inconvenience. Good luck! x

Another Giveaway, Jackdaw?

It's nearly that time again.. once I hit 100 followers, I will be giving away my treasured Antique Edwardian Scrapbook! It's full of beautiful treasures - postcards, cigarette cards, newspaper cuttings, beautiful cards, textures and images.. ephemera of which some is over 100 years old!

Fantastic for any scrapbooker, paper-crafts fanatic, lover of curiosity, inspiration hoarder, collector of ephemera.. Ideal for altered journals, all paper-crafts and even mixed media artwork (non-digital and digital), there are some real gems in there ♥

UK only this time round I'm afraid, but don't let that put you off following, I will be having another giveaway soon which will be worldwide!

Spread the word, as soon as I hit 100 followers, the giveaway will begin and this beautiful scrapbook could be all yours!

Doe, a deer, a female deer (complete with pattern) . .

I picked up this adorable pattern from a user on craftster, she has given me permission to share it on my blog.

A link to download the pattern can be found at the end of this post.

I've never made a plushie before, so was a bit worried about how this little sweetie was going to turn out once I'd finished sewing! However, once I got started everything just seemed to work perfectly and I barely ran into any problems at all (this is extremely rare for me!). I am SO pleased with how she turned out I will certainly be making more to put around our flat! This one sits on our dresser in the living room amongst the fairy lights!

This is a great project to use up your scraps! I'm sure it's probably a lot easier to use felt as it's strong and doesn't fray, but I liked the thought of the edges fraying a bit and her looking a little scruffy, so I chose to use a vintage style pastel floral print poly-cotton that I had left over from making a kaftan to wear to Vintage at Goodwood earlier in the year (this reminds me, I must post about that too!). I cut duplicates of the pattern pieces out of interfacing to toughen up the pieces and prevent her from tearing at the seams once she was stuffed.

For the little markings on her back I used mother of pearl buttons and for her eyes I've used vintage gold-edged pink buttons. She has a little bow of vintage pink lace around her neck complete with a gold bell I borrowed from her pal, Mr. Lindt Reindeer (he's disappeared somewhere, no idea where... (mmmm)).

After her legs were stuffed I put some wire in them to make sure she stayed upright. the trickiest part of the whole process was sewing the head onto the neck, but once I'd done it, that was it, FINISHED! In all she took me two evenings in front on the telly to complete from cutting out the paper pattern pieces to tying her bow. I'd say that's pretty good going for a first-timer!

Doe Pattern
Fawn Pattern

(Netterz' doe (and other critters) can be viewed here and her fawn can be viewed here)
Please be aware that these patterns are for personal use only; do not sell anything made from them.

Please let me know if you use these patterns as both myself and the creator of the patterns would love to see!

♥

I was Interviewed!

A few weeks ago I was approached by the fabulous Lorrie at Chichester Creative Network, who interviewed me to find out what I'm upto and what I do! I loved answering all the questions and thought I'd share it here for anyone who is interested in finding out a bit more about me :) Not only was it featured on the wonderful Chichester Creative Network blog, but also on the UK Handmade blog!

Name: Louise Knight-Richardson
Business: Photographer, Artist, Maker
Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Website: Dearest Jackdaw
Shop: What the Jackdaw Saw

"Introducing Louise Knight-Richardson, a talented young photographer, artist and maker living and working in Chichester. I came across Louise on Twitter and Etsy, and was immediately struck by the translucent and whimsical quality of her lovely photography, her quirky and upbeat personality, and decided to find out more."

Tell us about your background?

I have been interested in art and design since I was a child, and have completed several courses in the subject. When I finished secondary school, I remember feeling like I was the only person in the world who didn’t have a ‘plan’. I was never very good at academic subjects (which I later discovered in my final year of college, after putting myself forward for an assessment – was due to dyslexia, poor comprehension and deficit in working memory!), but managed to get the grades I needed to go on to college, where I embarked on a two-year course in fashion design and construction (BTEC National Diploma in Fashion & Clothing). The course taught me everything I needed to know, from the history, design and illustration aspects, to the more technical side of pattern cutting and production. I adored everything the course had to offer. I loved dreaming up a beautiful dress, putting it to paper and then making it come to life. There was something magical about it.

I finished the course with a very satisfying grade, which offered me a gateway to university. But, what did I want to do with my new found skill? I always found that there was something not quite right during my fashion course. It was all very well seeing all these beautiful dresses sat there on mannequins looking pretty, but I found myself creating what I can only describe as ‘sets’ in my head, like a film set, and imagining what the dresses would look like placed amongst them. I’d draw and paint to no avail. No matter how much I tried, I just wasn’t satisfied. Nothing was real enough.

At the end of my course I took a drastic step and took up photography. I always had a simple point and shoot 35mm camera and loved snapping away throughout my childhood, but I’d never tried capturing art with it. The thought of having the ability to recreate those scenes in my head and transfer them to paper really excited me.

I started an Art Foundation course with the intention of taking photography as one of my majors. Unfortunately, once the course began, I was told that there wasn’t enough interest in the photography workshops and so it was dropped from the course. This set me back a little, but I was determined to succeed, and if it meant teaching myself, then that was how it was going to be! I took textiles and graphics as my majors so I could incorporate photography into my work. It turned out really well and I taught myself everything I possibly could about the dynamics of photography, how my camera worked etc.

After finishing the course I decided to combine my passions for fashion and photography, and have gradually built up my own style in both.

Tell us about what you do!

I draw, paint, design, sew and photograph. I love all things creative! I have a little ideas book I was given as a gift a few years ago. It sat unused in a drawer for a long time as it was so pretty I didn’t want to use it as a notebook that would eventually just be discarded. So I started sketching and writing down all my ideas in it. This book has proved invaluable and when I feel like I have no inspiration whatsoever, I just have a little flick through it and the imagination goes wild! If I want a prop for a photo shoot that I think I can make, I’ll usually make it – for example, right now I’m in the process of making some dainty little antlers!

What is your greatest achievement?

Having the patience and determination to teach myself something completely new without giving up when things got too complicated.

When I got my first camera I switched it straight into Manual mode, that way I was in complete control of the camera and was able to learn from my mistakes. It was incredibly frustrating, and at times I really did just want to give up if I couldn’t get the image I had in my head. But each time I felt I couldn’t improve, I just pushed myself and kept trying, and it always seemed to work!

Who or what inspires you?

I find inspiration in absolutely everything and anything! I’ll often be walking along and see a great location, be it a lake, woodland or just an interesting doorway and try to picture how I could use that spot in an image. Or, I’ll see an old pair of unloved curtains and think “Oh, those would make an amazing dress or bag!”

When I’m sewing, I’ll adapt my iTunes playlist to the style of work I’m doing at the time. I feel it can have a big impact on how your brain works whilst in the planning stages of a project. It’s the same with my art. Back in college I used to put heavy metal on during a painting session to help with the look I was trying to portray, it always seemed to work so I’ve always stuck by it!
Music videos, lyrics, fairytales and childhood memories all play a big part towards inspiring all of my work.

What do you hope to be doing in five years time?

I hope to have set-up a successful business for my handmade pieces!

When you aren’t fully occupied taking pictures, making and creating…what are you doing?

I float around town making jewellery look pretty in the shops! I also enjoy spending time roaming around the great outdoors looking for new and exciting places to explore. Generally, if I’m not doing any of the above, I will be out and about sourcing interesting new materials for projects, or props for my shoots!

What projects are you working on now?

At the moment I’m concentrating on making quirky clothing and jewellery out of reclaimed materials – I can’t stand to see things go to waste and so have started collecting interesting remnants and vintage linens, and combining them to come up with something unique. I find it really therapeutic, and discovering interesting combinations of materials that you wouldn’t otherwise place together. It’s amazing how I can start out with just a scrap of fabric, a string of lace, or even just a little button, and end up with an amazing garment to be proud of!

Once I’ve made enough stock up, I’ll be working on setting up my clothing and gift shop. I also have a little online print store called “What the Jackdaw Saw” where people can buy a small selection of my photographic prints.

I’m also in the middle of a self-portrait project that needs a bit of catching up, it’s been very challenging, but has allowed me to really let go with some of my ideas that are personal to me.

Last but not least, I write a blog called “Dearest Jackdaw” which is relatively new, but I’m hoping in time will become popular with crafts fans!

Finally, any words of wisdom for other creative people?

Never give up. Never let people tell you your limits. Understand that your work is precious and those who don’t value what you do don’t deserve to be a part of it. Most of all, NEVER make the mistake of helping people who won’t help themselves. I learnt the hard way with this one, fortunately for me it only made me stronger but it could have turned out much worse!

Giveaway Winner Announced!

My first ever giveaway has come to an end and so this evening I wrote out the names of each entrant and put them into a hat, gave it a good shuffle and asked my other half to pick a name.

I've really enjoyed reading everybody's ideas of clever uses for these little pouches, thank you ALL so so much for entering!

*Drum roll please*

CONGRATULATIONS to 'AliTim David' who entered via my Facebook page! An email has been sent to you for postage details so I can get your little pouch on its way to you <3


Keep an eye out for my next giveaway for the opportunity to win yourselves more goodies!

<3

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Ok guys, it's giveaway time (Dearest Jackdaw's first EVER giveaway, to be precise!) and I'm going to kick things off with this pretty little pouch by Jackdaw Boutique! See my post on these here for great ideas on how they can be used.

"But.. How do I enter?"
Easy - Leave a comment & follow either here, facebook or twitter mentioning how you would use the pouch if you won the giveaway, it's as simple as that!

"But how many entries am I allowed?"
Like + comment on facebook = 1 entry
Follow + tweet me on twitter = 1 entry
Follow + comment on the blog = 1 entry
Retweet = 1 entry
Feature the giveaway on your blog = 5 entries

Good luck!! ♥

*The giveaway is available worldwide.
*Giveaway will close at 23:59 GMT on Sunday 31st October 2010.
*If you feature the giveaway on your blog, please comment with a link by giveaway closing time, otherwise I won't find the feature and the 5 extra entries won't be granted :(
*The winner will be selected via the fantabulous traditional method of picking a name out of a hat on Monday 1st November 2010!

A Giveaway, Jackdaw?

I am awaiting my 50th follower so I can give something back to all of my lovely followers.

Giveaway goodies will include but are certainly not limited to:

* Antique Edwardian scrapbook
* Vintage sewing patterns
* Jackdaw Boutique pouch
* Destash items

I'm just 6 followers away! Come and say hello. Leave a comment on one of my posts..



<3

Crafts for Charity

Many of you will already know of Crafts for Charity, but if not, here's a low-down on what it's all about.

a non-profit online craft directory to help you find the perfect gift, inspiration, or if you love browsing, then it's a great place to start!

The way the site works is as follows. List your own website or etsy/misi/folksy shop or even your blog or craft classes and in return, donate as little or as much money to charity as you wish. Simple.

When I listed my print shop I couldn't find the perfect charity that I wanted my money to go to, but Crafts for Charity were more than willing to add the charity I wanted into their list for me.

At this point in time Crafts for Charity has 90 fabulous listings and I'm really hoping more and more people will list their websites on this wonderful directory because you can be certain that your money goes directly to the charity of your choice.

You can read more about Crafts for Charity here
You can also follow Crafts for Charity on Twitter
Or read the Blog!



<3

Isn't it Beautiful, Jackdaw? My Leaf Dress . .

Yes, the amazing girlie who I made the dress for in this post, made me this one in return.. isn't it just.. stunning? When I opened the package my jaw dropped to the floor...



it's the most intricately created masterpiece I think I've ever seen!
Have some detail piccies!







There's not a single area of the dress without something to look at! She made it in such a way that it will photograph beautifully from every angle, she sure didn't get that wrong!

It laces up at the back like a corset, and there's a lovely chunky zip at the side. the straps are pretty lace that you tie to fasten.

I can't stop looking at it.. it's just.. amaaaazing!







Those gold leaves are gold dipped! The dress is jam packed with vintage linens, laces, buttons.. ribbons, just.. everything! I can't wait to take more photos of it!

You can read all about the dress in this forum post over at Craftster.org

Cass if you read this, thank you SO much for creating such a breathtaking work of art for me!

Love x x

Beautifully Tattered, and Gratefully received!

Remember my post back in May about the super-secret dress I was making for someone super-special? Well I finally finished it, and she received the dress yesterday and is SO happy with it, which makes me amazingly happy - and THAT means that I can now post pictures for you all to see!

The entire dress consists of both new and vintage materials. There's some really old lace mixed up in there that is so, so delicate. Also some hand-crocheted lace that my great-grandmother made herself. There are vintage doilies, shreaded silk, vintage buttons, scarves, ribbons.. I tea-stained a lot of the materials so they all went really beautifully together.

First up, a little self portrait I shot when the dress was 'in-progress'. I couldn't bear to send it off without taking a few little photos to remember it by!

And of course, some standard shots of the finished garment:
(I left the straps pinned like that so she can choose whether to have a halter-top or 'normal' straps)

And some close-ups:

Soon I will show the simply AMAZING dress that I received in return. Honestly.. it's stunning, I've never had anything so beautiful in my wardrobe :)

Enjoy ♥

WIN signed prints from What the Jackdaw Saw!

Do you love creating beautiful jewellery or would you like to give it a go?

They're holding a challenge on the Jewelry and Trinkets board Over at craftster.org anyone can join in, just register and give it a go, you've got nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain!

The theme is SUMMERTIME

The winner will receive their choice of either one 8x8 inch print, or two 5x5 inch prints from my shop over at What the Jackdaw Saw - If you're lucky enough to win the challenge but you can't find what you're looking for, all you have to do is message me at Craftster so we can sort something out for you!

Meet Kitty . . .

This is my vintage Chil-Daw dressmakers dummy. As far as I can tell, she's 1940's, but if anyone can tell me otherwise, please do so. Sadly I don't know any of her history.

She has 8 fully adjustable panels, is deep mauve in colour, is incredibly sturdy and in near perfect condition.

The best part? She cost me just £12 from a local charity shop. I found her opened up as wide as possible, and just left there with her joints about to fail, it was a sad sight. When I took her to the counter, the lady told me that a customer had brought her back earlier that day because she was 'unadjustable'.. I call that devine intervention.

Tweet the Jackdaw, she wants to chat!

Are you on twitter too?

Click on the image to tweet me, I'd love to hear from you! X