Friday 24 July 2009

Linen and lace bookmarks


A lovely and talented Flickr contact, ewa-christine, left a kind comment on a photo of a linen heart keyring I made and asked if I minded if she used the idea to make one of her own. So we did a deal. She had made some gorgeous bookmarks, using linen, applique, old lace and buttons. We share a passion for collecting old buttons and she has inherited a wonderful selection of old lace. I said I would be delighted if she made a heart - I don't have exclusive rights to heart-shapes! In return I suggested I could try and make a bookmark.
So yesterday, in between baking plum cakes, and having a chatty lunch with my sister and neice, I had a play. Isn't it great when you can just make something that takes your fancy without having to go out and buy yet more 'stuff'? Everything I needed was right there in shoeboxes on the shelf or tucked away in the secret hiding-place I keep my mother-of-pearl buttons. (You must hide them - you never know when the bad elves might come in the night and spirit them away. And while we're on the subject of bad elves - do they visit you? Are they the kind that drop your clothes on the bedroom floor after you've folded them neatly on a chair? What mischief do they get up to in your house?)
But I digress ... although I'm normally a bit possessive about some of the pretty bits and pieces I've acquired, the bookmarks seemed like a really special way to use and display them. And I only needed to part with some teeny bits of lace, which I'll hardly miss! So it was a delight, rather than a wrench, to pick out some bits to assemble my own versions. I'm very pleased with them, I have to say - and everyone will be getting a bookmark this Christmas!
Thank you to ewa-christine, who embraces the opportunity to share ideas and has been generous enough to encourage me. Please do visit her Flickr photostream and see some of the delightful and delicate work she does. I do hope she makes some hearts - they're sure to be very special and inspiring.

10 comments:

Mitsy / ArtMind said...

They are beautiful! I love the lace combined with the linen! Superb! :)
And indeed: making stuff with all the things that you gathered and not having to go out to get more supplies is the absolute best! :)

Chrissie said...

Thank you Mitsy - did you see ewa-christine's lovely originals?

Sandra Wyman said...

Bookmarks - what a wonderful idea: and these are beautiful. Off to look out all those unconsidered trifles I've picked up over the years.

Chrissie said...

Sandra they were great fun to do - you're sure to find just the right bits-and-bobs to use amongst your souvenirs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chrissie! Just back from a very sunny, windswept Northumberland - gorgeous - and catching up with your blog. My mouth is watering at the thought of your plum cake, might try a gluten-free version some time. As always, I love your work and am delighted every time you do something new and the bookmarks are no exception - they are truly lovely. Had a quick peek at ewa-christine's originals and yes, her work is very delicate and skillful. See you for a coffee this week?
Love Anne

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Chrissy, What stunning lovely linen and buttons bookmarks. Very creative indeed. Hugs Judy

Chrissie said...

Judy - thank you for your kind comment, I really enjoyed making them.
Anne - welcome home - we need to talk hens!

Bed Linen said...

What a wonderful idea.

Sue said...

Mmm plum cakes! They sound nice. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog - we had a great time! :-)

Saura Jain said...

Great readding your post