Trades, Needlecraft & Stamps

As part of a trade (organised by fellow blogger, Claire of claribell.wordpress.com), today I received by post a massive package wrapped in brown paper (I love it when things are wrapped in brown paper... I can't explain why).  It is a 480 page book of glorious needlecrafts. This is a fantastic reference guide for me because I do want to enhance the things I sew by adding little extra decorating details.

As an added bonus, I do collect stamps. So I got to add these New Zealand stamps into my collection.

In return for this fabulous book which Claire sent me, she will be receiving one of my signature Hoo Owls.

Thank you Claire!

My Creative Space...

I have been super busy the past two weeks. So busy that I even missed last week's 'creative space'.

So what have I been up to?

I spent the better half of last week setting up my website, which can be viewed here... www.emjieart.com . I can tell you that was a hard slog. But when it was finally up and running it was worth the sleep deprivation.

I have an ever growing list of things that need to be done, so I have started using my computer's internal calendar to help me keep track of what I need to do. This has been an absolute life saver.

I am doing a trade with Claire over at claribell.wordpress.com . In return for a crafting book that I shall receive, I have made for Claire a Hoo Owl.

Oh! Oh! Lots to do, so little time in the day.

And I really should mention... check out that latest issue of Mixtape zine. This issue features a doll pattern of mine... Ragamuffin Mousie. I am so chuffed about this.

To see other great creative spaces shoot on over to Kootoyoo.

Winners of my first Giveaway!!

The big moment has finally arrived.

The two winners of my first giveaway are as follows [drum roll please]...

Nicola! and Thea!!

Congratulations ladies you have each won yourselves a very special Hoo Owl. Please email me your mailing address so I can send you your prize. My email address is ml_gaggiano@yahoo.com.au

Have a great weekend everyone! And thank you to everyone who joined in.

Emjie's First Ever Giveaway

I am pleased to announce that I am hosting my first ever giveaway. I felt that after being the lucky winner of so many other wonderful giveaways, it is now time for me to give something back.

Earlier this year I designed a plush toy aptly named Hoo Owl. Hoo Owl is made of felt, and lovely contrasting printed fabrics. I can easily say the Hoo Owl design is one of my proudest achievements for 2009.

So the giveaway is this... I have two Hoo Owl toys that are looking for a new home to nest in. To go into the draw you can do one or all of the following (if you do all of the below steps you triple your chances of winning the draw):

1. Leave a comment, describing Hoo Owl's dream nest.
2. Become a Follower of my blog (anyone already following my blog will automatically go into the draw as well).
3. Do a write up about this giveaway in your own blog, linking back to this entry (and let me know that you have done so).

Anyone can enter this giveaway, even if you are living outside of Australia. I will announce the two winners of this giveaway this coming Saturday (25th July 2009).

So to quote Gwen Stefani, "What you waiting for?"

My Creative Space...

This whole week has been about illustrating. I am taking a break from sewing to focus more on my hand drawn projects.

So far I have created four fashion illustrations titled "Strike a Pose". Plus my Lil Cupcake illustration is available for sale over at Red Bubble.

I am currently developing a few illustrations inspired by the actress Anne Francis.

Also I am making notes for my upcoming Emjie zine. Each time I prepare a zine I like to create something completely different, so the book is an evolving process. My first zine was a retrospective. The previous two issues were completely in soft copy format. This time around I am thinking of returning to the hard copy format and using a variety of paper textures. Well see how we go though what with time and cost (How I dislike that word). 

Oh! While I remember, if you are into plush owls or know someone who is, check out my Hoo Owl over at my Etsy shop. She is the cutest little thing. Simply follow this link.

I hope everyone has a lovely day!

And to see more creative spaces, check out Kootoyoo's blog.

Achievements

The Anzac weekend passed all to quickly, and a new week is upon us. The goals I had set for myself over the last couple of days have been achieved and now it is time to make plans for the next few days.

Last night I finalised my shop on Etsy by placing details of my first product. There are two Hoo Owls available for sale, which can brighten any space and is a fantastic gift for children and adults alike. 

So check out my Hoo Owl plush dolls over at this link.

My Creative Space...

Keeping it brief my plan for today is as follows:

• Exercise in the gym (already done)
• Cut out fabric pattern pieces to create another two Hoo Owl plush dolls, which I plan to sell upon completion.
• Hopefully begin sewing at least one Hoo Owl before the day is out.
• Go for a walk with baby and if perchance I should pass a news agent, might buy the latest issue of Frankie (Pip! You got me hooked.)
• Finish the day by reading Jane Austen's Mansfield Park (She is perhaps my most favourite author).
  
• Play with baby many times and read to her. Very likely she will be listening to Mansfield Park.
  

Hoo Owl's Night

Hoo Owl Takes Flight

This is a proud moment, for herein are photos of my first completed plush Hoo Owl doll. I am now considering making a few more.

My Creative Space...

My creative space for today, displays the new plush doll I am to create. It is a design of my own named "Hoo Owl". In the photo you can see the fabric I intend to use, the pattern pieces and an illustration of how I imagined the "Hoo Owl". If it goes well I should be able to make a handful of these little owls. I am so looking forward to getting started on this project.