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Hello and Welcome to Maple Bear Babywear…

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to look around Maple Bear Babywear – the place where you will find soft and cosy crochet baby clothes and accessories for babies through to toddlers – and sometimes a few child sizes mixed in.  A mix of modern and traditional styles that really do make people smile.  

I do really love a variegated yarn – not to everyone’s taste when it comes to babies but it is definitely the most interesting of yarns to work with.  Plus, colourful garments are really eye catching and look amazing on babies and toddlers.  

I am always open to working on custom orders should you have a particular colour or size in mind.  Please do get in touch via Facebook, Instagram, @maplebearbabywear, or by email maplebearbabywear@gmail.com.

You will be glad to know I also work in the more traditional and neutral yarn colours for my babywear.   

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Arts and Crafty Medieval Style Greyhound Tapestry

I’m starting my blog, which has been rumbling around in my brain for a while. 🤪

Have a look at my current sewing obsession, The Greyhound and The Bee Tapestry Wall-hanging. 

Arts and Crafty medieval style Tapestry Kit
Beautiful Greyhound and Bee Tapestry Kit

The link for kit details are here 

Greyhound and Bee Tapestry Kit to Sew Yourself in Easy Counted Cross-stitch, Make a Needlepoint Cushion Or Picture

A lovely Arts and Crafty medieval style design, inspired by a wonderful relief stone carving in The Natural History Museum, London. 

Arts and crafts relief stone carving from the Natural History Museum. Inspiration for the Greyhound and The Bee Tapestry Wall-hanging Kit

It’s an image which has been on my to-create list for years, along with several thousand others.  

I’ve taken the idea of strawberries from the background, mixed in bees (always lovely) and used a blue on blue tiled idea for the background. Also a little nod to the Delft tiles which I love. 

Have a look at the photos to give an idea of my process.

Greyhound is sewn using Victorian Cross-stitch, a really rhythmic stitch which results in a fantastic, hardwearing tapestry textile when you have finished. 

Here you can see the part I’m sewing this afternoon. I added the eye on Friday evening, and with that, my Greyhound lives! 

I always roll the canvas and hold in my left hand, I started at the bottom right hand side of the border, with this stylised flower. 

Remember, Victorian Cross-stitch doesn’t require a frame, unless you prefer to use one!

All the way up to the top! 

 All this time, I’ve been itching to start sewing my greyhound. Ive resisted temptation as i know that its harder to stitch, holding stitched work!🤪 

So this is my Sunday afternoon, it’s warm enough to sit in the garden and sew for a while.  😊 

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New Venture

60th birthday celebration collage with hand embroidery

As a few of you will know I have changed direction from making fabric handbags and accessories to hand embroidered collages. Over the years making 100s of the same thing has got a bit tedious and standing out in all weathers has taken its toll, so time for a change.

So now I design and make mixed-media collages that blend vintage finds with miniature treasures, each piece carefully brought to life with intricate hand embroidery.

Heart shape collage with lots of 3D details

This little heart was for a commission for a wedding, I sent out a questionnaire asking lots of questions for example What’s your favourite animal? Where did you meet? What are your pass times? Then I spend quite a lot of time finding vintage bits and pieces to arrange into a collage.

The time, detail, and dedication that go into every creation are reflected in the pricing, making these keepsakes truly special-perfect for those who seem to have everything.

50th wedding anniversary celebration made up of 3D items hand stitched  into a 50 shape

I also take commissions, sending a personalised email with questions about the recipient, from their favourite chocolate bar to significant life moments. This ensures that each piece is as unique and meaningful as the person it’s made for.

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Threads of Time: The Rich History of Beadweaving

Bead weaving has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilisations…

India: Beaded jewellery, including intricate bead weaving techniques, originated in the Indus Valley Civilization over 5,000 years ago.  Early artisans used clay, shell, and semi-precious stones to create woven patterns.

Ancient Egypt: Around 3000 B.C., the Egyptians began creating intricate beadwork.  Bead weaving adorned the clothing of pharaohs and nobles, symbolising wealth and status. 

Native American Tribes: Bead weaving is deeply embedded in the cultures of many Native American tribes. Using glass seed beads traded from Europe, artisans crafted elaborate designs for clothing, jewellery, and ceremonial objects.

African Beadwork: In Africa, bead weaving is a vibrant expression of cultural identity. The Zulu of South Africa are renowned for their colourful beadwork, where specific colours and designs communicate messages about the wearer’s status, age, or marital status.

Today, bead weaving continues to thrive as both a cherished tradition and a contemporary art form, allowing artisans to create unique, handcrafted jewellery that carries the spirit of history into the modern world.

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The Perfect Coastal Touch: Using a Starfish Jewellery Tray in Your Home

Starfish Jewellery Tray Trinket

Starfish Jewellery Tray is more than just a functional piece—it’s a beautiful way to bring a bit of coastal charm into your everyday life. Crafted from eco-resin with intricate detailing, this unique tray serves as a stylish home for your favourite jewellery and trinkets, while adding a touch of nautical elegance to any room.

Practical and Stylish

Whether you’re organizing your rings, necklaces, or bracelets, the Starfish Jewellery Tray offers the perfect size and shape for keeping small accessories in one place. Its white with gold-edged design adds a modern, sophisticated twist to the coastal theme, making it a versatile piece for various décor styles.

Where to Place Your Starfish Jewellery Tray

1. Vanity or Dresser: Keep your daily jewellery essentials like earrings, rings, or watches within easy reach. The elegant starfish design adds a playful yet chic element to your morning routine.

2. Bathroom Counter: Add a touch of coastal luxury to your bathroom by placing the tray near your sink or on your vanity. It’s a great spot for storing hairpins, rings, or other small items you don’t want to misplace.

3. Nightstand or Bedside Table: Keep your precious pieces safe and organized at night with a Starfish Jewellery Tray on your bedside table. It’s the perfect spot for those who like to remove their jewellery before bed.

4. Entryway or Hallway Table: Make a welcoming statement as soon as you walk in the door by using the tray to hold keys, small trinkets, or jewellery. It’s a functional piece that doubles as coastal-inspired décor.

5. Gift or Display Piece: If you’re looking for a thoughtful, ocean-inspired gift, this tray makes an excellent choice. Place it on a coffee table or console as an eye-catching décor element that sparks conversation.

Conclusion

A Starfish Jewellery Tray is a charming, multifunctional accessory that can help organize your jewelry while adding a touch of beachy elegance to your home. Whether on your vanity, bathroom counter, or entryway table, this simple yet stylish tray is the perfect addition to any space. Embrace coastal vibes and keep your treasures safe in a piece that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

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Meet the creator 🌸🍃🩵

 

Welcome, I am Amanda the creator of Letty Feather based on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire.🍃

In my spare time I am passionate about creating meaningful pieces of jewellery from precious metal clay. I work in my little garden shed using mainly silver clay which when fired is .999 pure silver and is an eco friendly product.💚🤍 I can also work with other metal based clays such as copper and bronze. 🧡

 

Where possible, I only use recycled sterling silver and recyclable or reusable packaging. All my little silver creations are one of kind, and being handmade means no two pieces are exactly the same. 🩶

 

🪄 the process of creating with silver clay is really quite magical to me and the excitement when I open the kiln never leaves me.

 

I often add a splash of colour or sparkle to my work and introduce this by using mixed media paint/resin/glass cabochons/crystals/real flowers/sea glass. 🌸

 

My work is often influenced by the nature around me, in particular leaves, flowers and beach treasures  found on my walks. 

 

I am able to capture and preserve your dog’s or cat’s paw print 🐾, magically creating an impression of their unique signature onto a piece of fine silver jewellery, to treasure forever.🤍

 

I offer free standard delivery 🚚

 

Socials:

Please check out my Instagram @LettyFeather or

https://etsy.me/3r8ycdI

 

The majority of my sales have been through instagram and craft fairs although you will see some reviews on Etsy and instagram 🩶. 

 

If you got this far! Thank you for reading! 

 

DM for more info.  🩶

 

LF ☮️💕

 

 

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Jewellery Instructions

Jewellery Instructions

* Avoid getting your jewellery wet keep away from moisture

* When not in use neatly store your jewellery

* Avoid direct contact with Perfume

* Remove before sleeping, particularly necklaces & earrings which might become tangled or lost

* Remove before swimming, Chlorine is well known to damage Gold and tarnish Sterling Silver and other mixed metals

* Clean and polish your jewellery with a soft cloth

Look after your Jewellery which will then look good and last longer 

C x 

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Crafters Block!

The word 'Craft' with some string, a pencil, and paperclip

Crafting Block!!

Into the never-ending realm of gifting, there’s a constant need for fresh ideas that tickle the fancy and warm the heart. It’s a little bit like having writer’s block! I’m surrounded by craft supplies, with my mind ready to explode with gift making ideas, overflowing with inspiration, and a wild imagination that just won’t quit. My mission? To conquer the gifting world with creativity straight out of a spontaneous explosion at a craft supply store.

 So, grab your glue guns and let’s dive into this merry mayhem together! First on the agenda is the exploration of new craft ideas. This is where you unleash your inner Picasso, only with less paint and more glitter (because let’s face it, glitter is a permanent resident on your craft table). Why not try your hand at upcycled gifts? Transform last week’s wine bottles into delightful gifts c You can even convince yourself that you’re saving the planet while giving gifts that look like they belong in a hipster café.

 Why not get artistic with hand-painted mugs that capture your recipient’s most embarrassing moments? Imagine them opening a gift only to find a mug emblazoned with a cartoonish drawing of one of their faux pas! Absolutely.

But let’s not forget the bonding experience. Organise crafting sessions with friends, where chaos reigns supreme. Each person leaves with a gift they can proudly claim as theirs, even if it’s just a crookedly painted rock. These sessions can guarantee a robust laughter soundtrack as you discover that not everyone is born with the dexterity of a seasoned artist. Spoiler alert: some of us are based on pure enthusiasm and a bit of desperation.

Now onto the elephant in the room: the serious and most hated part of having a small business – It’s time to “market the hell out of it”, but with a wink and a giggle. You might not have a billion-dollar ad campaign, but you can have a quirky newsletter that updates your customers about the latest and greatest ideas—everything from how to wrap gifts in the leftover pizza boxes (because waste not, want not) to how to make greeting cards out of dried pasta. Marketing doesn’t have to be serious; it can be a fun opportunity to showcase your personality. Picture sending out emails titled “Oops, I Did It Again: Craft Edition”.

Then there’s the power of social media! (This is my least favourite of marketing tools!)

You can showcase your fun and fabulous creations on platforms that thrive on visuals. Create videos that display the “real” process of crafting—complete with bloopers and accidental messes. Because who doesn’t enjoy watching someone’s cat jump onto a table covered in glitter and ruin an otherwise perfect crafting session? Hashtags that make people chuckle can create a community of gifters rallying behind your charming brand.

Lastly, let’s not forget the value of collaboration. Team up with other local artisans. Think a craft fair where your outlandishly crafted gifts can be sold alongside homemade jams that look like they’ve been ladled straight from the set of a rustic cooking show. Not only will you gain traction through their audience but think of the hilarious conversations after a few mishaps with your glue guns, which lead to genuine bonding and a shared vision of promoting the small business movement.

So, here’s the takeaway: never underestimate the potency of creativity wrapped in laughter when it comes to gifting. The world is your playground, and every project is a chance to experiment and evolve. By tapping into new crafts and marketing your quirks, you can carve out your unique space in the gifting world. Happy crafting, and may your gifts be as laughter-inducing as they are heartwarming!

Much love

Esther

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Greetings from Plymouth

watercolour painting of plymouth hoe

Greetings from Plymouth
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope 2025 brings you everything you want. I’m on a bit of a mission this year. I’ve been rediscovering my adopted home city of Plymouth. I’ve really enjoyed sketching and painting some of the well known – and less well known parts of this fine city. I want to build on that this year and hope to celebrate Plymouth through my art even more. Plymouth is often overlooked as tourists bypass it en route to Cornwall. I’ve often looked to Cornwall for subject matter myself (and still do) – but there are beautiful and interesting things right under my own nose. I think that’s true for all of us. Let’s retune our senses to appreciate what’s on our own doorsteps this year. We might be pleasantly surprised. There are recent examples of some of my recent Plymouth artworks here at British Craft House.
https://staging.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/shop/chris-stone-artist/

Artemis Collective
I’m very pleased to be part of the Artemis Collective, a Plymouth based artists collective. We will be putting on exhibitions throughout the year. I am grateful to them for highlighting my work last year and looking forward to working with them in the year ahead.

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https://chris-stone-artist.kit.com/d812567e83