Ms Jo Bangles ( with apologies to Mr Bob Dylan)

Along with the necklaces I’ve been making , I’ve been making elasticated bangles as well ( mainly for girls ) Well, you can’t have naked wrists now can you?

So here they are :

Pure pretty pinkness with pink glass heart charms

The ‘Barbie’ one.

Word bracelets.

Butterfly pearl

Pink floral

Rainbow cubes

You’re a star

Doll

Dancing Dolls

 

All bangles are a bargain £3.50 each (plus p+p) but if you want to avoid the p+p and fancy a trip to lovely Brixton , come and see me at my stall Crochet Bright and Beautiful tomorrow ( Saturday 30th June ) in Station Road.

I’m not there very often, ( probably 4 times a year) so this is your chance to come and grab yourself something unique and locally made.

Come and see me !

I’ll be there from 9.30- 5pm and if you don’t know what to look for, this is a hint:

Crochet chain necklaces

I’ve been making simple and funky jewelry lately, mainly for children and the young at heart. Up until now I’ve been using elasticated thread to string the beads .

Now I’ve decided to do a range of necklaces that incorporate a crochet cotton chain with selected beads in the middle.

 

Here’s some I made earlier:

 

Okay, so this one doesn’t have a crochet chain. You got me there. It’s cute though?

These necklaces feature miracle beads. They’re hard to photograph as they respond to light in a very strange and beautiful way. They photograph grey, but expose them to light and they have this inner glow that is pure magic. They have to be seen to be believed: hence why they’re called miracle beads.

This pretty necklace features buzzy bees hiding underneath the satin roses.

This one showcases the miracle beads and the pretty pink floral beads and has four charms that say made with love . It certainly was!

All these necklaces were lovingly handmade by me , are all unique ( I only make one of a kind) and cost just £7.50 plus p+p.

Or you could avoid the p+p altogether and come and pick one up for yourself tomorrow (Saturday 30th June)  at Brixton Market ( Station Road) between 9.30am-5pm. I’ll be there at my Crochet Bright and Beautiful stall. It would be lovely to meet you!

 

 

 

 

 

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A Beady Eye for Necklaces

Not content with just crochet, I’ve taken up jewelry making as well. As if my fingers weren’t occupied enough!

( Well I am a bit of a magpie, anything that sparkles and all that…)

Here are the latest additions to my stock.

Forget 5 a day, why not have 9 portions of fruit instead with this delicious fruit necklace and matching bracelet.

This pretty necklace was made for a very special lady. I’m happy to make any design to order.

I call this one the ‘Fairy Special’ as it is very special. ( See what I did there? ) Three strands of sparkles and flowers, all held together with sparkly links and pink flowers pointing towards a fairy pendant and a pink miracle bead. ( The miracle beads need to be seen in real light to really appreciate their magic. They glow like they’re alive!)

Detail of the fairy pendant . The necklace is made from three strands of strong elasticated transparent nylon making it perfectly safe for young necks.

I believe these necklaces would make perfect gifts for young girls. They’re all unique. So if you are looking for a gift for a girl who has everything , here it is!

 

 

 

 

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Bright and Beautiful Cotton Crochet

I’ve not stopped crocheting. I can’t… I think I have a problem ; one that really doesn’t need fixing though!

I do have a serious yarn addiction though. I think it comes as part of the territory when you take up any form of needlework. There is always that particular shade of purple you just can’t quite find, or you stumble upon a very remarkable multicoloured/textured yarn that you really can’t not have.

My latest stash of yarn came from a fellow crochet person I have befriended on Facebook called Rachael. She runs her own business making gorgeous cushion covers and afghans from super soft and bright cotton.

http://www.clevercheshirecats.blogspot.com

She also sells cotton yarn and I’m addicted.

These are my latest creations using her lovely yarns . I’ve just run out and am waiting my next delivery.

 

I call this my rainbow Wee Willy Winky set. Would fit up to 6 months.

For those of you reading this who are wondering if I have the pattern… sorry. I just made it up as I went along. For me, this is the beauty of crochet. It would be pretty easy to work out based on any other simple infant jacket pattern, just change the colours to suit.

Baby cotton flower beanies

I shall be making more of these in different colours and sizes. The Pistachio green one is newborn to 3 months, the Primrose yellow one is 3-6 months.

Rainbow cotton beanie ( fits up to small adult)

Looks fabulous on and is so soft and comfortable too.

I decided to make a matching set for Baby and parent.

So here is L’l Pirate and Big Pirate.

L’l and Big Pirate hat set.

Made from pure cotton in white and navy stripes, this lovely set is bound to put a smile on everyone’s face. L’l and Big Pirate hand embroidered in red and offset with silver coloured skull and crossbones charm.

Big Pirate hat is big enough to fit even Papa Bear.

 

So those are the latest cotton creations. Which one is your favourite? What would you like to see me make next?

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Bird of Paradise

I’ve been neglecting my blog recently and I apologise. I’ve been so busy in my incarnation as Diane’s Puppets that I’ve hardly had time to breathe.

When I’ve managed to get a bit of time to sit down , I’ve been working on a very special piece. It is a coat I’ve called the Bird of Paradise. I think the name is self-explanatory.

She’s a beauty!

I’ve made her as a  present for my lovely granddaughter who turns two next week.

It’s made on a small crochet hook ( 2.5mm) so has taken quite some time to complete.

Detail of the fastening

Here is the back view:

I could remake on commission if anyone is interested but due to the week’s labour that is involved, it would cost £80, but for that you would be getting a unique, one of a kind piece designed especially for your child.

If interested please email me at thebabyfairyfifi@hotmail.com

or pop over to my facebook page 

and leave a message.

I’m hoping my little tiger is going to love her magical coat.

 

Necklaces for Kids or the Young at Heart.

I’ve been taking a break from crochet recently and have stepped sideways into making beaded jewelry. I shall possibly include some crochet in time, but for now here are my latest creations.

 

My granddaughter modelling the magic necklace.

Bracelets with messages.

The pirate necklace modelled.

This is brand new for me. Would love any feedback /comments. Which are your favourite?

Necklaces cost from £7 plus p+p.

All handmade, all one of a kind.

Order via my Facebook page

 

 

 

 

Crochet Bright and “Snood-iful”

Jewel bright Snoods now in stock

If you fancy a little bit of high fashion granny square crochet style but don’t want to commit to a full size behemoth of a scarf

So many beautiful colours

I’ve made this:

Bright and Beautiful and ever so cosy.

Snoods are so handy aren’t they? They provide a splash of colour in an instant, and keep your neck and head warm as well. Unlike a scarf , you won’t have to keep adjusting it, it won’t fall off or drag on the floor/dip in your soup but stays nicely wrapped around you.

If your ears get cold then you can always do this:

Ooh nice and cosy!

Made of 8 large granny squares in jewel-bright colours edged in black , bang on trend as witnessed on the Dolce and Gabanna Catwalks this season, this  handmade snood can be yours for just £20.

You could always design your own colour ways , just let me know.

Pop over to my Facebook page and send me a message. ( Everyone’s on Facebook these days surely?)

If not, I’ll soon be listing the snood in my Folksy shop.

A Behemoth of a Beauty : Scarf Commission

Inspired by Catwalk trends

Here is the completed scarf that I was working on. She’s a beauty.

She’s big and long and so pretty.

Close up of the jewel-bright colours

She will make a BIG statement.

So many beautiful colours

 

It turns out that I had the wrong contact telephone number for this client, so when I tried to send her a quote it didn’t get to her. So this bag was the result from the initial squares that I had made. Buy on Folksy here.

Large Granny square tote bag, she’s a beauty.

Luckily , my client called me and confirmed that she did indeed want the scarf so I started over. It took a few days but I got there in the end. As anyone who makes granny squares , it’s not the making of the squares that is the time consumer, but the weaving in of loose ends and the joining that really takes the time.

But I’m really proud of the Behemoth.

My client loves her too, judging by the squealing on the phone after I sent her these pictures.

I look forward to handing the Behemoth over on Saturday.

It’s good to make people happy.

 

 

 

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Little Fairy Bags

Every lady no matter how small, needs her handbag.

And here’s some I made earlier:

The start of a new range of pretty bags.

Little Fairy bags are a new range of children’s bags from Crochet Bright and Beautiful aka me. I take inspiration from the colour of the yarn I’m using and then hand bead and decorate them to finish. Each bag is unique, no two are ever the same , the one thing they all share is that they are all 6″(15cm) square and are fully lined with fresh, crisp cotton.

The Pink One

A symphony in pink

Detail of the daisy

I started with a pink bag, well, I just had to. Made in three shades of pink, from candyfloss to seriously Barbie, this bag has it all: Flowers , butterfly and ribbons and bows, sparkly sequins and pearls. Sigh. I’m overwhelmed by the pinkness…It’s seriously pretty.

The Festival One

This one is my personal favourite.

Jewel bright colours and daisy beads. Mmmm

I love the combination of colours and textures in this one.

Detail of the beading

I call this one the Festival one as I can imagine a little girl trailing behind her mummy at a Summer Festival with this bag  on her arm, daisy chains in her hair and barefoot. Indulge me. I think I may just have to make a big lady version for myself. This beautiful bag  is lined in fresh lime green crisp cotton and is hand beaded with pretty daisy beads all the way around. Gorgeous, even if I do say so myself.

The Rainbow One

Who doesn't love a rainbow?

Showing the green lining

I’m a sucker for rainbows. Yes I know how they’re made and all, but for me they will always be a little bit of real magic in an otherwise dull world. I’ll never forget the day I witnessed the end of the rainbow plunging into a Swedish lake just yards in front of my feet . I tried to see if there was a pot of gold but just couldn’t quite make it out. I think it was there, just out of sight.

Anyway, this bag features ‘rain’ beads that scatter down the rainbow  diagonally and has brilliant crystal beading ( albeit plastic – they’re really bright and sparkly though) on the edge of the bag. Again this bag is lined with brilliant green crisp cotton which offsets the purple edge beautifully.

The different layers of colour also have different textures for richness, and the yellow and blue stripe feature a bobble or two for fun.

The bags are available to purchase  on my facebook page ,  just leave a message under the relevant photo. Payment is via Paypal or I can email you an invoice  and pay by card online. I shall soon be uploading these to my folksy shop as well , along with other bags that are soon to be created.

These  unique darling little works of handbag art cost just £15 +p and p.

 

Update

Here’s another one hot off the hook;

The Blue Sky one

Isn't she lovely?

Lovely rainbow handle

Back of the bag featuring ladybird detail

I’m totally in love with this dinky bag. She’s sparkly, fresh and flowery with rainbows , ladybirds and butterflies . Sigh…

Lined with fresh white cotton , and edged with pale blue sparkly sequins.

I may just have to make myself a big one. My inner child is starting to blub a little.

 

Busy Making, Selling and Growing the Brand

Wow, how busy I’ve been .

In the last few weeks since I last posted ( yep, sorry for that, time just flies past) I’ve made lots, sold lots and made some more. I’ve sold at a market stall, a local event and a NCT Nearly New Sale and through my facebook page.

Here’s my stall at Brixton Makers Market,  through the heady smoke of Jerk Chicken that flavours that particular part of the world ( I’m a local lass, so I love it).

The stall grows in size every time

I met loads of great local people and seriously felt the love. I sold a few bits too!

Then there was the Croydon St Georges Day event . That was a splendid day, held in Croydon Old Town to bring back a more positive vibe to the area after the horrid riots . It was a wonderful affair, with the Pearly King and Queen and two rather smart gentlemen called Felix and Felix  who rode around on their penny farthings what what what.

Me and my darling granddaughter

My granddaughter did a sterling job of modelling my tiger hat. She was rewarded by keeping it . ( Well, I tried to take it back… )She loves being a ” Rarrr” as you can see.

Granny can growl with the best of them!

The day after the Croydon event  I held a stall at the local NCT Nearly New Sale.

Crochet Bright and Beautiful hits Vauxhall

It was an interesting affair, I’m not sure that putting hand made crafts in the middle of what is intrinsically a jumble sale ( albeit good quality jumble) is terribly good business sense. But it was worth a try, and to be fair, I did get lots of admirers, gave out loads of cards and sold a few bits. So it wasn’t a waste of time. ( My granddaughter did fairly well out of it too, I came back with more stuff than I went with… )

So my next plan of action is Spitalfields Market. I hope to trade there soonish.

In the meantime I’ve been making some more stuff:

Vintage style cherry brooch

Ladybird necklace

Granny square scarf

Crochet rings

My persian cat

Lulu collectible fairy

Coral pink mohair boots

Magic wishing necklace

Poppy Pug number 2. She's found a new owner already.

Super funky furry shaggy hot pink boots ( with bows)

Pitbull number 3, she's gone to her new owner.

So, I’m off to , you’ve guessed it, crochet!

 

 

 

 

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