Hand Stitched Excellence

Over the weekend I attended the opening of a new exhibition, Craft Art, at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. It showed a series of pieces by a variety of Western New York artists who work in fiber, clay, and metal. What stood out to me the most were a series of embroidered pieces; three half skirt aprons and a small table cloth with an interesting barbwire flourish. I just loved them and the idea of taking a traditional craft and experimenting with it in a modern and innovative way. So, today I thought I'd share a few more embroidery artists from the Etsy community. Hope you enjoy the collection...

clockwise from left center: vintage Mexican inspired embroidered tent top, lichen necklace, Princess and the Pea embroidery pattern, Smiths Please Please, DIY calendar panel, Urban Words Yo Card, emma I, embroidered Herb Pendant

{top image: custom initial via chez-sucre-chez}

Let's Be Frank

I think we all need a little more frankness in life. Don't you think? Well, you should because frank is a funky applied art store based in Whitstable and is full of creative whimsy. The products that they sell are a bit hodgepodge, from stationery and hand printed art works to egg cozies and baby booties, but each item has one thing in common; they're all handcrafted one at a time. No mass production there. And now, thanks to their new online shop, we can all enjoy the great finds of frank stateside. I took a quick turnabout the store last night and here's what I found. Just imagine what awaits you there.

clockwise from top left: Do-It-Yourself limited edition screenprint by John Dilnot, ceramic baby bird by Hannah Turner, hand painted ceramic table lamps by Ruth Taylor, doodle book by Taro Gomi, lavender bods and egg cozzies by The Black Rabbit, Rosie Flo and Johnny Joe colouring books, hand knitted baby hat and boots by Kate Erbe, stitched and appliqued Man and Cat in New York by Laura McCafferty