3 days till Moxie!

 

I have to apologise for being slack on the updates. I've been frantically cutting/sewing/screenprinting to get things ready for Moxie Market on Friday- here's a couple of new designs i've got to show you...

It didn't seem right to make bunting cards without having made the real thing, so I have stitched some beautiful strings of bunting using upcycled pieces of fabric and lace. I wish I could hang them on my wall- I'm going to make some more after the market so they'l be available online too :)

I brought some cute wee heart punches the other day, which inspired me to make these upcycled stickers!

The kings and queens are my favourite, made from old playing cards. There are also sets made from envelopes, maps, music paper, more playing cards and wood imitation vinyl.

The last thing I'l show you for today is this gorgeous fabric I found the other day. My mum informs me that the article of clothing it came from is a called a jodhpur- some sort of vest thing (very ugly). It will now be transformed into a charming wee purse and bow perfect for someones valentine :)

Moxi Market- Valentines Special!

Moxie Market is back again next Friday with a Valentines Special!

I will be there with a stall full of goodies, including badges, bows, purses, cards and maybe even tote bags.

 I've had a great time in Nelson and have sourced lots of great fabrics and books that I will be transforming into beautiful bell.n.whistle's for my stall :)

The fabric pictured above is my new favourite- I can't wait to get sewing!

Nelson!

I am holidaying in Nelson for the next week, and have been delighted to explore new op shops in search of the perfect picture books, fabrics and maps to upcycle into bell.n.whistle's.

Yesterday I found the gorgeous map pictured above. Its of Moscow and Northern Europe, printed in a bold red and peppermint green that work really well together. I am also amazed at the web of roads that become a pattern as they are so evenly spaced.

I think this may become a poster for my wall however, I cant bring myself to cut it up...

My other find was a gorgeous old annual, some of my favourite pictures shown below:

It has small pictures bordering some of the pages as shown below which I would like to make into stickers, along with the other illustrations that wont quite work as badges.

I love how warm it is up here!

bell.n.whistle at Java Hair Studio in Dunedin!

Java Hair Studio is now stocking bell.n.whistle upcycled embellishments, including badges, bows and the new coin purses! head along for the perfect gift or treat for yourself from their beautiful selection

The fabric "plastic" bag

So I seem to have an obsession with making bags at the moment.

This design is inspired by the shape of plastic shopping bags, but made from a lightweight fabric instead. Like a plastic bag it scrunches up small until you need it, unlike most eco friendly shopping bags.

And who wouldn't love to use floral shopping bags!

clutches, totes and purses...

 

So I have a few things to update you on, the first being that I have completed the clutch purse made from my 2010 diary! Here it is, featured alonside my 2011 Frankie Magazine Diary, which I don't think i'll be able to upcycle into a clutch come 2012 but I still think its beautiful :)

The next bit of news is I've been developing a pattern for tote bags, this being the prototype made from upcycled upholstery fabric with beautiful florals. The only thing thats missing is some smaller pockets which I'll be sure to put in the next ones I make! I also think it could be possible to make them reversible, which i'll be investigating further :)

And finally I've got my coin purses and cards listed on felt alongside some of the matching bows- the perfect gift finished off with a bell.n.whistle bunting card.

bon voyage

A friend is leaving for the states today, so I have created for her this wee farewell card from upcycled envelope patterns. Hope she likes it, I wish I was going too!