RoseOak Studio

Paper fabric bag - side 2

2011-01-12T11:00:00.001Z

A similar treatment for the second side. This time I used paper art doll shapes, organza hearts and more free machine stitching

Fabric paper clutch - part3

2011-01-12T10:35:00.004Z

A few buttons

Free machine stitched flowers and trailing vines

Some treatment of the bee with copper paint

Paper fabric clutch part 2

2011-01-09T11:03:00.004Z

I was going for a light and summery theme so I wanted a focal point that reflected the cobwebby stitching. I had a collection of wallpaper samples and amid them was a piece of farrow and ball bumblebee so I cut one bee out and added it to the background

I then stiched over it with light coloured thread and added pieces of offcut organza left over from burnt rose making to add splashes of colour

more work with paper fabric part 1

2011-01-09T10:45:00.004Z

I recently rediscovered the scrap paper paper that I did last year and have decided to turn it into paper fabric to make a clutch purse for special days out. It will be quite large, A4 or there abouts but still quite slim so I will have to invest in a wallet style purse to go with it.

I started off by free machining the paper in various threads, pale greys, yellow, pinks and light greens

The apple thieves

2011-01-07T10:17:00.005Z

These sneeky little creatures have been stealing the apples from the windfall basket; I took these pics at the window this morning

Etsy Treasury - Pleasure Seeker

2011-01-06T12:26:00.003Z

Its cold, wet and quite frankly horrible here at the moment so I've decided to cheer myself up with an Etsy treasury. This one is entitled 'Pleasure Seeker' after one of my favourite hat designs. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d25b4d6663e6d91747ff86f/pleasure-seeker

mussel art - a quick first post of the new year + tut

2011-01-05T11:09:00.004Z

The leftovers from a delightful light dinner provide the perfect setting for a little bit of mini art. It seemed such a waste to throw away perfectly good shells so in 10 min I had transformed it into a teeny piece of angelic floral mixed media with scraps from my studio basket.

materials
one mussel shell half
dried orange flower blossoms
angel picture from a scrapbook collection

scraps of handmade paper

one flat sided faux pearl
wax candle
pva glue

Step 1: coat the inside of your shell with pva glue and layer your handmade paper in rough pieces until it is fully coated.

Step 2: glue in you image and surround with dried flowers

Step 3: glue on the faux pearl

Step 4: drizzle melted candle wax onto the finished piece to add texture

Decorative Scrap Papermaking + tut

2010-11-06T19:21:00.000Z

After spending a delightful afternoon with handmade shop paper making decorative hearts it seemed a pity to waste the scraps that lay on the floor and the table. I'd been doing fabric mache the other day and decided to make use of the paper offcuts by reworking them into a totally new surface.

As well as plant, wrapping and leaf paper I'd been using an old book rescued from Swapshop, a bio of Madame Pompadour parts of which had beautiful itallic script in french that made a beautiful contrast with the subtle cream and browns of the plant paper from Arcadia.

Step 1: lots of paper scraps, glue, water , cartridge paper and an old paintbrush

Step 1: Start off with a water/glue mix of 70/30%. Paint a sheet of cartridge paper and start to lay the offcuts and torn pieces of paper onto the surface.
Step 2: Gradually build up 3 different surfaces of stripes and text,stripes, text and cutout hearts and a mix of coloured, decorated surfaces with text.*

Step 3: Finish off with final paint over of the glue mix and leave them to dry.

Step 4: Once dry they can be cut out into shapes to make more hearts, stitched over by the machine to make mixed media art, added to fabric to make an art quilt, back with fresh card and used as gift tags................... its really quite endless

* You can also use threads, stamps, any kind of paper ephemera to build up your surface. Different types of text can be exciting next to plain prints

Give Fleece A Chance

2010-10-11T15:55:00.000+01:00

Give Fleece A Chance
Today wool enthusiasts Amanda, a.k.a. AmandaSainsbury, and Ann from TheTeaCosyShop bring the challenges facing British and international farmers to our attention and encourage us to give fleece a chance.
The Campaign for Wool was launched earlier this year by HRH The Prince of Wales in order to highlight the advantages of using wool in fashion, interiors and construction. The campaign aims to present wool as a fashionable, eco-friendly and durable alternative to synthetic fibres. Today marks the start of the first ever National Wool Week.

The event hopes to highlight the plight of sheep farmers around the world and in Britain, where the cost to shear a sheep now outweighs any profits from selling the fleece. Certain fleeces can be worth as little as £1, resulting in a great number of farmers loosing money. Today's leading producers of wool are Australia and New Zealand where prices are at a 50-year low. This price collapse in wool production began in 1966 and has continued in a downward trend since, sadly forcing many of the world's sheep farmers out of business

Wool isn't just for Christmas sweaters!
Far from it, wool and woollen textiles are increasingly seen by designers and makers the world over as one of the most luxurious and stylish fabrics.
Most hand-knitted yarn comes from the Australian and New Zealand merinos and cross-breeds, whereas wool from commercial breeds in the UK has traditionally been used in weaving, upholstery and carpets. However, there are now large and small scale manufacturers who are transforming British wool into beautiful home-grown yarn.From piano hammers to nappies and duvets, wool has hundreds of applications that are diverse as the sheep themselves. Pure wool garments are highly absorbent and hard-wearing, becoming the ideal protective wear for fishermen, hill-walkers, fire and rescue crews, and workers in chemical production facilities. Wool does not burn like synthetics and is specified for use in aeroplane upholstery and carpets. Perhaps best of all, wool is warm and soft, and it doesn't do that weird static thing with your hair.

Ecotastic
As naturally grown fibre, the eco-credentials of wool are immense. It generally lasts longer than artificial materials and can be grown with minimal use of pesticides and fertilisers, unlike many other natural fibres. Wool can be produced on a small scale within small holdings and even in back yards. It can be reused and recycled easily and is a great insulator for the home and the body.
The disposal of synthetics can cause huge problems, whereas a natural wool fibre only takes a few years to fully decompose. Most synthetics are extremely slow in this process which has helped increase man-made textiles in UK landfill to more than one million tonnes in recent years. By comparison, wool decomposes so quickly and safely that you can even pop it in your compost bin.

Wool in the Designer/Maker Communities
Independent makers and designers have been at the forefront of new design for generations, and with a renewed incentive for keeping traditional crafts alive, crafters and artisans have a huge part to play in the revival of wool. The tailors of Savile Row are also making an immense effort to keep the trade of this luxurious textile from collapsing.

We can all do our bit! From the smallholders raising traditional native sheep breeds to the spinners and dyers providing amazing alternatives to mass-produced yarns, UK-based Etsians are finding new and gorgeous ways of using wool in just about every way imaginable.

Wool Week runs from October 11 - 17, and to kick off the event, Savile Row has been closed, greened over and made into a temporary home for Exmoor Horn and Bowmont breeds of sheep — be sure to drop by for this amazing sight!

The Covent Garden Piazza will also be holding The Sheep Parade hosted by Lyle and Scott tomorrow (October 12). Look out for more promotions and events from world famous brands who aim is to make wool something desirable to own and use. Let's pull together and shout about an incredibly valuable crafting industry this week. Viva wool!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/uk-edition-give-fleece-a-chance-10889/?ref=fp_blog_title

The Campaign for wool

From Etsy.com

Recycled Paper Circlets

2010-08-23T10:09:00.000+01:00

Isn't it wonderful what rainy weather can do for your creativity. I just bought a load of millinery flowers for a mass hat making session but instead of using them my brain turned towards some books that I had been planning get rid off. Now before anyone panics they were pretty common or garden childrens books, The City and Gold and Lead being a prime example. I've had it for many a year and have yet to find no's 1 and 3 in its trilogy so had decided to (late) spring clean my bookcases.

I've made paper garlands before, I have some over my bed and although my immediate thought was to make some to decorate the shop I had a secondary idea which was much more enjoyable.
Like any create person I have boxes and tins of *stuff*. Sweetie jars full of buttons, a box full of 4" pieces of lace and ribbon, a mix of seed beads and one off ribbon bows to name just a few. So I took out my scissors, cotton and a handfull from each of the above and set to work.

An hour or so later I had a delightful selection of recycled paper fancies, perfect for hair clips, brooches, ect..... The only trouble is I dont currently have a use for them, as I said to my sister who asked what they were for, "I only make them"

They would look sweet as table decorations come to think of it

Mixed Media Lavender Dolls

2010-06-14T15:47:00.000+01:00

These lovely little dolls were inspired by some enchantic paper little doll pendents in Belle Armoir.
Originally they were simply going to be art dolls small enough to go on a dressing table or to decorate a mantle but my original sketches turned out so sweetly I thought it was a shame for them to be simply decorative.
I know you can buy expensive, scented washing treatments but they tend to involve chemicals and frankly unless you want to waft around smelling of the unlikely combination of tropical plants and semi precious stones you're left with fresh air and chamomile which, nice as it is can become a little insipid. I'd been gifted with a load of dried lavender so I popped a couple of teaspoons into the lambswool stuffing so these enchanting little ladies can now be popped in your lingerie drawer to give you sweet scented linens and lace.

That is of course if you can bring yourself to shut them away out of sight.

Artweeks 2010- A Midsummer Nights Dream

2010-05-11T22:19:00.000+01:00

Photographs from my Artweeks 2010 exhibition

Lace Scarves

2010-05-02T18:57:00.000+01:00

A new selection of Art Scarves from RoseOak Studio

These beautiful pieces are made from machine lace fabric adorned with extra lace, hand cut lace flowers,vintage and retro buttons, organza and handmade flowers and gold printed insects.

Camera - Found!! and Selvedge Magazine

2010-02-18T12:50:00.001Z

Thanks to the sages I have found my camera. It turns out that there is a split in the lining of the sofa underneath the cushion and it had slipped under there. The camera is undamaged and the batteries are still working so I was able to take a photograh of my latest commission, a Pale Knight top in bamboo yarn
On another subject an email arrived from Selvedge magazine informing that the handmade craft fairs that I am involved in running is just what they want for their new feature. They want photographs, dates and general information so that has been sent off and hopefully it will be n an upcoming edition

Fabric Angel Collages

2010-01-05T15:43:00.000Z

I ran across this belightfull little blog. These beautiful little angel collages that the artists makes are really inspiring especially in the winter minths when we all need a little cheer
http://kcwillis.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-have-guardian-angel.html#comments

Disaster in the image department

2009-12-30T18:12:00.000Z

The title says it all. I have managed to loose my camera. Not only is a it a royal inconvenience but it means I cannot upload any more pictures of new products onto my website.
I last saw it the monday before last when I was preparing to go out. I saw it on the bookshelf and was considering taking it and decided against it. I needed it a couple of days later but it was no longer where I had left it. I have taken the house and studio inside out and emptied every box and bag I can find but it remains undiscovered.
I have some dress designs that I hope to start on in the new year and I cannot even post up sketchbook work unless I recreate it using my computers software.

back from the depths of the workshop

2009-12-15T19:26:00.000Z

Goodness me it seems a long time since I last posted on here. The craft fair in Horsath was a wonderful success, everyone who had a stand sold and we had a steady stream of customers throughout the day.
I sold Pheonix a wonderful ribbon yarn jumper knitted from cherry tree yarn and several other smaller pieces.

Our second fair in Milton was not as successful and our side trip to Ray Montblanc's next door resturant to advertise the fact that we had the fair next door ended up in us nearly being throw out by the receptionest for daring to suggest some of the customers might like t ocome and see what we had to offer.

Hre are some pics from the second Milton fair

custom order and craft fayre

2009-11-21T10:15:00.000Z

I'm currently working ona custom piece that I had ordered via a craft fair that I was attending. Its a long sleeved shrug with a fringe. The original colour my client wanted was khaki but I was unable to get the exact colour so we settled on a nice rich chocolate brown.

Don't forget the Craft Fayre tomorrow inHorspath Village Hall

10 - 4

Themed Restaurant Competition - “Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo by La Carmina

2009-11-08T19:29:00.000Z

La Carmina has opened a competition on her blog to coincide with her book about the themed restaurants in Tokyo. To enter you have to post your chosen theme on her blog . Its quite an amazing book, I'm impressed by the Alice in Wonderland theme at the local Mal Maison but the stuff she has is simply amazing.

Link to her book page
http://www.lacarmina.com/tokyorestaurants.php

I think my favourite theme would be

The Victorian Circus underneath Versailles.

You'd be led through a hall of mirrors to a spiral staircase and when you got down you'd be taken into gilded birdcages around a sand stage and sat side saddle (or astride dependant on your sex) on carousel horses decorated with striped cushions. You'd eat off hanging silver trays and be waited on by corsetted ladies in wigs, full skirts,tutus, boots, masks and feathers, gentlemen in wigs and lace and the head waiter would be dressed in a ringasters outfit. Whilst you eat your meal of delicate fancies and elaberate cocktails acrobats, dancers, jugglers and white horses would entertain you.

Steampunk silhouette

2009-11-07T19:11:00.000Z

It was a 45 min wait but well worth it. Turns out I know more about steampunk then the museum people.

Whohub Interview

2009-11-06T20:15:00.000Z

I've been invited by Whohub to do an interview about my work and inspiration. You can find the interview via this link.
http://www.whohub.com/roseoakstudio#

New Neck Pieces:Winter Ruffs and Rose Garlands

2009-11-04T19:05:00.000Z

For those who want something a bit more unusual I have a selecion of Winter Ruffs.
Crochet from cotton and wool mixes these come in a selection f colours and styles some single coloured, some multi, some plain and some decorated with buttons and ribbon corset ties.
As usual Commission pieces are available.
I have a small selection of these in recycled silk and specialist yarns

The Vampire Hunter
This is one of those pieces that named itself.
Crochet in red, grey and lilac this is sumptous and sexy with a corset lace front in lilac or black

Sweet Woodruff Victorian Corset Neck Ruff
A long title but certainly worth it.
This is crochet in a light green with ruffles on the top and even longer ruffles at the bottom with a duck egg greeny corset lace up at the front

The Time Travelers Mistress
Now this is utterly delectible, a Violet Creme crochet piece with top and bottom ruffles decorated with pearl effect studs, crochet lace dasies and a vintage necklace clasp in brass effect metal.
This piece has hints of Victorian and Steampunk in original RoseOak Style

Green Grow the Rushes at the side of the stream, gently bowing in the breeze as you wander along wearing this enchanting green ruffled neck piece with three layers in rich and light shades.

This is caught at the front with a vintage plastic button in soft warm browny green,

Pink Pagoda
Add a touch of sauciness to your evening with this enchanting pink neck ruff entwined with pearl effect beads and caught in the front with a vintage chocolate button

Rose Garland Neck Pieces
These are frivalous and utterly captivating pieces made from felted and non felted cords with pure cotton flowers and decorated with glass beads, pearls, felt thorns and handpainted buttons.

Harlequin
This is a darkly enchanting piece made from a felted cord with red and black pure cotton roses and red and black seed beads

Barbra Allen
This is a sweet lovers set comprising of a neck piece and bracelet made from a green wool cord and handmade roses in a deep english pink. These are decorated with glass beads,handpainted button, freshwater pearl and brown felt thorns.

New Neck Pieces:Cowls

2009-11-04T18:34:00.000Z

Brrrr

Winter has come suddenly to my studio. I've been working on some snuggly warm neck pieces to ward out the chill.

Sweet Plum Cowl
Now this is utterly fabulous. A mix of wool and bamboo in a self striping selection of purple, blue and reddish orange. This is slighty stretchy garter stitch piece with 3 oversized vintage buttons

Spray Cowl
The ultimate in Knitted Unisex. This is a lovely cowl in a selection of muted blue, pink,yellow and green that has been spray dyed with black to create an almost graffiti effect. This is fasted the front with a vintage wooden toggle

Withered Rose Cowl
This is a sweet sultry piece in a chunky selection on pinks,grey and muted lilacs. Entitled Withered rose this is reminisant of the rose garden one the bright blossomed flowers have fallen to sleep in the winter months.
This has three oversized buttons in different styles and sizes that can be buttoned up dependant on how you like to wear it

Snow White Cowl
In recognition of the soon to be showing Snow White on Ice by the Russion Ice Stars this is a deep, rich red and cream cowl knitted in garter with 3 oversized mother of pearl effect iridescant buttons running up the front

The Eco Warrior
This is pretty much It when Eco Friendly is concerned. This is made out of recycled cotton mix dress fabric that had been cut into strips and stitched down the middle in white and fawn/gold.
This was then knitted in garter to creat a totally unique scarf that will not just keep you snug but help save the planet.

CoalFire Cowl
Wrm and Snug without the wood and ash
Knitted in the same yarn as my popular Coalfire Top, this cowl is again garter stitched and has two vintage buttons and a wooden toggle

Steampunk Exhibition

2009-11-01T11:26:00.000Z

Heaven, total and complete Heaven, Thats what friday was. I only just got back down to reality this morning with a raging headache. a full head of "steamUp" indeed.
Lots of wonderful photographs to follow ans a ouple of my sister and I all dressed up and really amusing the museum staff with ooohs, aaaahs and Oh My God!! look at this.

Entrance sign

My sister dressed up

Me dressed up

Thank heaven for passing american tourists

second entry signPoster at the start of the exhib

Masks at the entrance

goggles with a thread in the story

my sister and I playing with the camera system

Time for Tea goggles

Glass skull

Clocks

Steampunk Viking Ship
I adore this. I want it in the bath

Another of me

I can't remember what this is, only thats its cool

theEyePod

been looking forward to seeing that. I had this 7 yr old boy explain how it worked to me *sweet*

another lamp. This was actually at the entrance before the poster and masks

These amazing rings made me wish I wasn't so hopeless at metalwork.

There is a guy on Etsy called billyblue I think who does something similiar with the eyes. I adore the thought of a pocket dragon watch

the steampunk womb. I had a close up of the baby but my camera fuzzed. I'll just *have* to go again *sigh*

The Wings!! I love these.
Imagine flying over the rooftops in these. Sort of Van Helsing ish

another lamp. this one hanging

Me and the wings
I think this is my favourite photograph

The best I can remember is that its some kind of steam machine

I adore this guy. the waistcoat, the armpiece and the hat. I must get a bowler and punk it up

They were selling got a mug. This was one of the pics on it. I'd have liked to see a couple of different designs instead of just the one. one with a steampunk lass perhaps

A couple of general pics of people going round the place

one more of the gentleman

and one of me waiting for the bus to go home

Steampunk Exhibition at the History of Science Museum

2009-10-29T15:31:00.000Z

I can hardly wait To go into town next week We are being graced with the brilliant "Worlds First Steampunk Art Exhibition" at the History of Science Museum.

http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/steampunk/

I can hardly believe that this hasn't happened before, Oxford is a prime place for inspiration for all things Steampunk and I was beginning to loose hope that anything like this come to my back door.

List of activities
http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/SteampunkProgramme.pdf

"Steampunk

13 October 2009 to 21 February 2010

We present the world’s first exhibition of Steampunk art!

Imagine the technology of today with the aesthetic of Victorian science. From redesigned practical items to fantastical contraptions, this exhibition, curated by Art Donovan, showcases the work of eighteen Steampunk artists from across the globe.

Expect ’steam-powered’ computer mice, clockwork hearts, brass goggles and the latest state-of-the-Steampunk-art eye-pod…"

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/4700519.Weird_and_truly_wonderful/

I must be there on the 7th for the portraits, the 9th for the films, the 27th for the Christmas themed evening, the 16th for the makers day, not to mention the 30th of Jan for the fashion show.

Not to mention popping in just to browse at every possible inclination.

I am however furious about the factthat if I had not gone to the bookbinding yesterday I would have had no knowledge of this at all as there was No advertising at all anywhere in the town nor in the leaflets I pick up about general arty stuff in Oxford

Bodleian Library- An Artful Craft - Bookbinding Exhibition

2009-10-28T23:09:00.001Z

I finally managed to go to see the exhibitionof Bookbinding at the Bodleian Library Exhibition Room. There were some beautiful examples of eastern and western leather and goldwork as well as some fabric, beaded and painted pieces. Photography was not permitted but I managed to get a guide leaflet that I will scan in and post at a later date

Patterns of Fashion 4: The Cut and Construction of Linen Shirts, Smocks, Neckwear, Headwear and Accessories for Men and Women C. 1540-1660

2009-10-15T10:43:00.000+01:00

I fell in love with this book in the shop at the V&A the other day. I adore ruffs so having a decent pattern that is accurate would be wonderful. My library only has two womans clothing additions and one for men and they are all in the stores which is maddening as its only on the third floor of the library but it costs eighty five p and takes a week for someone to go upstairs and get it. I've ordered the womans 18th 19th century one so that'll be available for my collection next week.

Hallow Queen mini beret fascinator

2009-10-12T15:05:00.000+01:00

My entry for the craft juice halloween comp
votes would be greatly appreciated
http://www.craftjuice.com/story.php?title=Hallow_Queen_mini_beret_fascinator

All hail the Hallow Queen of the night. Once a year she rises from the night to reign supreme over the hallow celebrations.
This has a black knitted base with an orange and black lace frill, orange seed beads and black leather suffolk puffs. This has a felt bottom and a metal squeezie to attach

Found Handmade Feature

2009-10-11T14:50:00.001+01:00

FoundHandmade was nice enough to feature my Victorian Pleasure Garden pendant in their section so here is a link

http://www.foundhandmade.com/news/itemize

Folk Art Felt Brooches

2009-10-11T14:16:00.000+01:00

I've been working on some pretty little felt brooches for a hotel fayre next week and the photographs are rather nice on a plain white background.

I've also finished my briar rose and chains of nature neck pieces and my painted flowers need fixing so tomorrow is photograph day.

Mona

Michelle

Mary

Lulu

Isabella

Clara

Cassandra

Chloe

I've been Blogged

2009-09-30T22:01:00.000+01:00

I've been blogged via etsy with my Pale Knight poets top by My Name is Michael so thank you to her.
Its a first via etsy and its a lovely feeling. That is such a popular piece for collection that I'm tempted to experiment with the style and theme.

link to pic of collection

Halloween09 comp and exhibition

2009-09-28T19:16:00.000+01:00

I've decided on a hat for the craftjuice listing. Its going to be black with orange fabric and a black lace pleated trim for starters and a choice of pumpkins or a little point on the top.

I woke up this morning with all my plans for the day in a neat order. As to be expected non of them worked out and I was sat working out a cable when I was suddenly struck with the rememberence of an exhibition I will be taking part in starting on Friday!. I have a couple of pieces already that I want to show and I'm working on a theme of literature and the muse/inspiration.
One piece is to be 'Pale Knight' my favourite display piece and will be in the lit part as poetry. Another is to be 'The Green Faerie' knitted in coast its a wonderful floaty cardigan wrap that will take the part of the Muse and Inspiration. Another part is the hat that I am working on at the moment and will be a red and white snood hat in the Lit catagory with the inspiration from Dr Seuss. No 3 is to be Briar Rose art neckpiece which will be an icord decorated in mixed media roses.

Like most people I know I can hardly wait for the new Alice in Wonderland a la Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. I am in shivers of aniticipation with the mix of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman,Christopher Lee and Stephen Fry all in one movie, not to mention Babs Windsor and Frances de la Tour making it a bit like heaven.
I'm thinking No:5 has to have an Alice theme. Cabled blue fingerless gloves maybe

CraftJuice Halloween09 competition

2009-09-23T17:02:00.000+01:00

I've just got an email about the CraftJuice Halloween09 competition so I'm really excited about what I'm going to do. Its going to be a toss up between
A: a hat with an orange base, lots of black lace, beaded bats and veiling,

B: A hat with a knitted witch and her cat perched upon a broomstick over a little wood again with veiling,

C: a set of my original design fingerless gauntlets in orange, and black with mega lace and spiders or

D: a corset, design which has not yet been thought about.

I'm trying to think which one would be the most original.

I've got a pattern somewhere for a knitted bat which would look fab on the shoulders or on a hat

First Machine Knit

2009-09-07T15:42:00.000+01:00

Modelled by my sister and its going to end up as hers is my first machine knitted top, Mine own design that could be inproved by few more ruffles.

Baby Steampunk

2009-09-07T11:05:00.001+01:00

frilly victorian baby clothes with a twist for the alternative parents.

you heard it here first as I googled it to no result lol

Celtic Steampunk

2009-09-07T09:45:00.000+01:00

We have a surplus of deer around here and I've found a whole load of bones whilst clearing the area. I cleaned one piece up and carved it with a ring pattern and have been waiting till something suggested itself to me. I was looking up brass rings on the net and I came across the phrase "Celtic Steampunk" on Brass Goggles and it immediatly struck a cord. Its similar to Gentleman Savage but much more original. I've got some lovely rabbit fur and leather as well as some large copper rings and handmade rosewood button so I might toy with the idea during the week

Elephant in the corner

2009-09-06T17:38:00.000+01:00

I've been lax in posting with a good excuse. I've ben tackling the knitters version of the elephant in the room better known as*The Knitting Machine*. Itsa rather pretty ooking Zippyplus that I got buck she of a rather nice man from freecycle who races Huskies and is off to scotland in a converted van. After a few false starts seeing as I havnt touched one of them since uni we seem to have got to an agreement. I don't use anything thicker then 3 ply and its doesn't chew it up and spit it out, cast off stitches in the middle of rows and jam in the middle of a row. I've got a top in a ghasty yellow yarn pretty much done as a test pieces of a pattern I thought up, just a basic top with a ruffled neck and arms.

Red Riding Hood sketches

2009-08-30T11:08:00.001+01:00

Getting rags to riches to flourish is going to be a bit tricky. Its quite a heavy yarn so the weight won't be a problem. It will be easy to calculate the increase on the cloack but I don't want the hood to die a horrible death and go flat. If I was using a lighter yarn I might crochet a wire through the front to finish it off but its impossible to crochet the yarn I will be using. I might just make it really big and let it fold

hood in black

hood in black and red

Hood in metallic pink sketch

Hood in red with stitch example

Hansel and Gretel Gingerbread board

2009-08-18T19:33:00.000+01:00

Swan Lake Inspiration board

2009-08-17T17:53:00.000+01:00

Swan Lake
One of the most beautiful ballets ever. I can just imagine Carlos Acosta as Siegfried, that man cleared the stage in three leaps whilst dancing Romeo.
Anyway back to Swan Lake

Rumpelstiltskin Inspiration collage

2009-08-15T13:00:00.001+01:00

Etsy Sale

2009-08-14T23:57:00.000+01:00

Harlequin Neckpiece sold on Etsy today :) I really hope the buyer likes it and has as much fun wearing it as I had making it.

Red Riding Hood collage of inspiration

2009-08-14T22:15:00.000+01:00

Mixed Inspiration for red riding hood

Adult Fairy Tale Inspired Knits

2009-08-14T19:47:00.000+01:00

Fairy Tale Inspired Knits.

I'm not talking about classic sweet pink designs for babies or even young adults (teenagers 12-15) I'm imagining red riding hoods cloak in Vintage Red Jaegar Rags to Riches, Rumplstiltskin in Rowen glimmer yellow, cream with gold patches not to mention Cinderella in Raw Silk and pure cotton. All these will be designs for adults with serious fabulousity in mind. I'll be working on sketches next week so hopefully I'll have some sketched designs up and running.

anywhohow here are some of my basic ideas to start with.

Red Riding Hoods cloak in Vintage Red Jaegar Rags to Riches
Rumpelstiltskin in Rowan glimmer yellow, cream with gold patches
Cinderella in Raw Silk and pure Cotton
Snow White in pure Cotton and black lace
Alice in Wonderland with Blue,Black and White cotton
Mother Goose in Grey Soy
Swan Lake in White Cotton and feathers
Hansel and Gretal in Black mixed media

Fearless Vampire Killers neck ruff/necklace

2009-08-13T14:54:00.000+01:00

The wonder of youtube means that I have been watching said film in a bid to banish insomnia. It didn't work and I ended up watching bbc4 documents on the cell and robert hooke.
I have however been inspired by this wonderful red dress to create a neckpiece in blood red yarn, maroon, gold and black lace, pearls, hand crochet cream lace and roses.

pics of the necklace coming as soon as I get the setting for the photograph right. Something with old stone I think.

Pompadour

2009-08-08T20:53:00.000+01:00

Pompadour

Sometimes an outfit says nearly everything you want but is missing that special finishing touch. You can find a lavish decorated ruff but that is just a touch too strong and the subtle message you had is lost.
That is where the Pompadour comes into its own. Made from pure blue cotton this fits snugly to your neck adding the finishing word to your outfit and making way for a sparkling evening.

Thousand Star Necklace

2009-08-08T20:47:00.000+01:00

The night has a thousand stars, try to count them in your beloved's eyes.

Never mind the glow in the sky turn and feast your eyes on the wonder that is the Thousand Star neck piece made from pure blue cotton and decorated with hundreds of sparkling seed beads

Blue Rococo

2009-08-08T20:36:00.000+01:00

Blue Rococo

My very latest piece is an feast of a neck piece comprising of a triple layered ruff made from pure blue crochet cotton, yellow crochet cotton and metallic effect gold thread. I am unable to find words to describe the very oplulance of the piece except in the title which says it all

Nectar

2009-08-08T20:30:00.000+01:00

Nectar

The sweetest of honeycomb for your neck. This delectious piece of crochet work is made from fine golden cotton seven times long with a rippled edging. Inspired by honeycomb this is available starch or unstarched

Mistress

2009-08-08T20:23:00.000+01:00

Mistress from Medieval to the Rococo.
This Elegant piece is soft white cotton tiered and embellished with purple and toffee seed beads and three gem effect pieces at the centre. Designed to be an over sized pendant this can be attached with a crochet or metal chain to catch at the back of the neck.

Frothy Buttermilk Ruff

2009-08-08T20:06:00.000+01:00

Frothy Buttermilk Ruff
Inspired by the sight of buttermilk frothing into a white china jug this lace laden triple layered ruff sits snugly to your neck giving instant elegance

Inspired by images of

Harlequin Neck Piece

2009-08-08T19:57:00.000+01:00

Harlequin

A fancy neck piece made from blue and cream cotton and decorated with vintage black beads and crochet flowers with petrol effect beading.

Perfect

Cascade Ruff

2009-08-08T19:52:00.000+01:00

Cascade
A delectable layer of delicate white cotton plain and unadorned

more ruffs and cuffs

2009-08-08T11:21:00.001+01:00

This is a selection of pieces from my new ruff collection

Harlequin Ruff

Pale blue and cream single layer crochet ruff neck pieces with black vintage beads, crochet flowers and metallic petrol beads.

Frothed Cream
white triple layer neck ruff in crochet cotton

Lady ?
creamy white crochet ncklace with lilac and toffee beading down the centre and large purple stitched gem effect stones at the top

Gold Nectar
Gold single layer ruff made from crochet cotton
due to be decorated

Pompadour
Blue cotton double layer ruff designed to sit close to the neck.
Pompadour 2
Triple layered ruff neck piece made from pure blue crochet cotton, yellow crochet cotton and metallic effect gold thread.

Stars from a Thousand Universes
Blue Crochet neck piece decorated with petrol effect beads

New Ruff Collection

2009-08-08T11:17:00.000+01:00

I havn't been lax over the past few I have been busy researching ruffs and cuffs and creating some lucious cream, blue and gold pieces that I am especially proud of. These will be on my website and my Etsy as soon as I photograph them properly

Lack of posting and another Treasury listing

2009-08-08T10:59:00.000+01:00

I have been most terribly lax in posting over the past couple which is shameful but I have good reasons. Computer died on me for one and still isn't right but atleast I can post now, lost camera lead so photographs were impossible and the disgusting rain meant that the ponies stable roof collapsed so it was flooded and with a dirt floor that is no joke.
On the plus side I have been gifted with another treasury listing upon the theme of soft summer rain. This time itwas my favourite Pale Knights Poets top in vintage Jaegar rags to riches yarn.

I've been Treasured on Etsy

2009-07-17T21:39:00.000+01:00

LilliesbyLisa has put my ballerina ghost pendant on her list on Etsy.
Its the first time its happened so its rather exciting.

Here is the link

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=61414

It will expire5/7/09 at 7.48 presisomo.

New Pendants and New Pics

2009-07-07T16:28:00.000+01:00

As promised a couple of new pics and my pieces and three new additions to the pendant collection. One of them is Rococo Pearl and the other two are Hellfire Club and Pleasure Garden.

I simply couldn't resisist being artistic with the skull in this photograph and it does go with the image presented with the title.

This piece is black felt backed with a fiery red print in the centre surrounded by black and red glass beads with a half surround of pleated black lace.

The centre piece is reminisant of fiery flames licking the beads which glow in the light and the black lace gives it an air of decadance and aristocratic finery.

Pleasure Garden.
This brings up images of stern victorian men in tall hats and suits and ladies in fabulous dresses strolling along paths admiring the scenery but let us not forget the somewhat darker side if this seemingy innocent scene.

Inspired by the pleasure gardens of the victorian period this piece has a black felt background covered with white wool and maroon lace. It is heavily stitched in black around the edges and in white over the lace.

It shows a view of a pleasure garden as well as the artistic layout of one of its parts with brightly coloured glass beads at one edge, pearly white beaded thread at another and a white cotton lace flower with a black bead nestled in the centre.

and Rococo Pearl I have already featured here

A most delighful oversized piece inspired in part by Rococo and Marie Antionette.

This is cream lace backed with white jacob and a recycled lace covering.

It features a powder blue and white cameo piece surrounded by white pearly buttons and cream hand made lace

I have the temptation to go with the titles Dirty Rococo and Steampunk Madame for the next couple of pieces

new pics on website

2009-07-07T08:58:00.000+01:00

Iwill be updating pictures on the website today so apologies for any hic ups

Fabric Art Pendants

2009-07-05T09:27:00.000+01:00

I have been working on a selection of fabric art pendants inspired by some of my favourite things.

Hearts delight was the first one I made and was followed by the ones you will see as you browse down the post.
I rescued the entire book The Lost Amazon and as the cover was falling off I recycled this delighful corner image to create the pendant.
The Walled Garden is from a brochure about Buscot Park in that among other things houses the Faringdon Collection which boasts a beautiful selection of Pre Raphaelite paintings including The Briar Rose by Burne-Jones.

Coming soon will be a piece inspired by the pleasure gardens of Victorian London and a piece inspired by the Hellfire club.

Hearts Delight
An ever so pretty piece backed in black felt with pink stitching comprising of three individual felt hearts with pure wool padding machine stitched in black and white with one covered in maroon lace and all deorated in brightly coloured glass seed beads.
This piece has no specific point of inspiration apart from those of texture and colour

Rococo Pearl
This a large very eye catching piece featuring a felt backing with white lace covering, creamy handmade lace edging, white pearlised buttons and a delightful white and powder blue reproduction cameo.

Walled Garden

This piece was made after a browse through the brochure of Buscot park in Oxfordshire in which there is a delightful photograph of the walled garden hich I have surrounded by a selection of seed beads representing the sky, the grounds, the trellis and the blossoms. It also has three delicate cotton flowers at the corners.

The Lost Amazon

This is a very interesting piece inspired by the works of Victorian Explorers especially that of Richard Evans Schultes and the photographic journey book *The Lost Amazon*.

This book was rescued from destruction and the delightfull cover was put to a far better use.

The main picture shows two native fisherman surrounded by sparkling glass seed beads in green,whites and blues.

Black cotton background with green merino wool machine overstitched with black cotton with machine stitched image from the book cover surrounded by hundreds of hand sewn seed beads.

Ballerinas Ghost

Inspired by vintage photographs,Degas prints and Rococo this beautiful pendant has a felt and jacob wool base overstitched in black and white with black glass beads. beaded thread with a black bow and a vintage photograph of a dancer.

New Hats

2009-06-28T21:43:00.001+01:00

I've just finished some new hats to go on the site.

Blue Rose
blue silk with velvet rose and black lace frill

May Blossom

blue base with white lace cover,white lace frill and vintage lace flower with mixed blue beads

Medieval Maiden
gold mesh and black sweetheart lace with pomegranate bead
Spring Fling
paper yarn leaves and flowers with buttterfly

Yarn Bargains for Orinoco and pretty bag of decorations

2009-06-27T22:14:00.000+01:00

I went to the local recycle centre the other day and got a lovely set of blue and white cameos and white baubles to stick onto a hat I'm currently doing.
I also got a load of pure cotton both Rowan (white) and some stuff from demark (blue) and some that is a brand I've never heard of (also blue). About 30 balls in total for £2.00.
I'm thinking of re spinning the blue ones with some Jacob I have left over from the last lot of fleeces and some merino I have in bright mixed colours that or re spinning it with the dress netting I still haven't knit with . I'm also thinking of trying to dye the white Rowan.

Spectres: When Fashion Turns Back

2009-06-23T09:44:00.000+01:00

Photographs from one of my favourite books

Spectres sets out to reveal the shadows and experiences that form a 'fashion memory' in contemporary dress. In showing the hidden, yet haunting, connections between recent fashion and its past, it uses pieces drawn from avant-garde designers, from the V&A fashion collection and from the archive at ModeMuseum in Antwerp.

Set up as a series of fairground attractions, Spectres invites the visitor into a labyrinth of associations: a shadow lantern throws silhouettes, enlarged maquettes look like games for grown-ups, rotating cogs make and break patterns.

In creating this experimental show, fashion curator Judith Clark invited fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo to provide the drawings, avant-garde jeweller Naomi Filmer to create mannequin prosthetics and fashion theorist Caroline Evans to lend quotations that evoke the complexity of dress today.

Elsa Shiaperelli The Skeleton Dress 1938

Dries Van Noten S/S 2000
Hamish Morrow SS 02

Gaultier HC/S/S 04

Jurgi Persoons Lace Dress A/W 99/00

Doir spring/summer1959

McQueen A/W 01/02

Elsa Shiaparelli Circus Jacket detail 1937

Ann Demeulemeester autumn/winter 04/05 - A.F Vandevorst leather corset with saddle, khaki felt frock coat and pants A/W98/99

Yohji Yamamoto autumn/winter1991/92

Chanel HC by Largerfeld S/S 02

Gown detail silk polonaise late 1770's Dress coat and waistcoat, silk 1745

Dress with floral detail 1955/60

Installation Ruben Toledo

Installation Naomi Filmer

Geisha fashion photographs and Dream Garden

2009-06-23T09:26:00.000+01:00

I found these lovely geisha photoshoots in the newspapers glossy last weekend. Impossible hairstyles but so fresh and summery. I also found these garden photographs that would go beautifully in ours

Mini Hat collection

2009-06-21T10:06:00.001+01:00

Pheasant Fascinator

Madame Fanny

Lime Cherry

Edwardian Rose

Deer in the back Garden

2009-06-21T10:01:00.000+01:00

We have quite few deer around the place and the little one that we put out hay for in the winter has started to come up o the back garden and munch on the grass outside the kitchen window.

I wish I'd done more to that before I sold it

2009-06-20T22:11:00.000+01:00

I really do, or at least taken a better selection of pics then I did of it.
I'm talking about my Black Widow fascinator hat with the horned head lace. I can make up one like it but it was the only spider decoration I have and I've never seen the lace anywhere else.
I suppose its special goth lace but I don't know where I got it it was just in my pile of lace bits and bobs.

black widow view1
black widow view 2

Spider Detail

Horn Head Lace

I'll post pics of the other ones I made tomorrow

Why Oxford is a impossible place to be creative and Yarn Graffiti

2009-06-16T18:34:00.000+01:00

1: No art, crafty or design ,material shops to speak of.
2: Our only fabric shop closed early this year and all we have is one art shop and one little yarn shop
3: Mass cheap imports everywhere you go
4: People look at you funny if you try and sell your stuff at a decent price because its all handmade in the UK
5: Everyone pushes London as the bee all and and all of the universe but I'm not a big city girl I like to be able to breath
6: having to travel for an hour on the bus to buy a sewing needle.

So time for some Knit Graffiti I think. I know its been going on for ages in America and is getting around in this country but I've not heard anything in this area.

So plan of action.
1: I have a load of what I term *nasty* yarn, acrylic fuzzy stuff that I usually use to try out a rough idea before forking out on decent stuff and I'm planning next week to go into town with a load of knitted/crochet stuff and start decorating.

2: get some labels printed out on my printer just in case no one realises what it is.

3: Yarn Graffiti or RoseOak Studio. the first one would be fun but he second one would be shameless self promotion and I could do with a bit of that right now although I'm not sure I want to be that connected with DK 100% plastic survive nuclear blast neon yarn but needs must.

4: crochet flowers are a must as its summer but only only the month not by the weather

Updating Website

2009-06-16T12:47:00.000+01:00

This week I will be totally revamping my website from scratch. You will still be able to do everything you could before whilst I am building the new site but hopefully before long RoseOak will have a brand spanking new look.

Flower Photographs

2009-06-15T21:31:00.000+01:00

Cuffs

2009-06-14T11:09:00.000+01:00

I've been working on some decorative cuffs lately and instead of going for the goth/rococo look I've been using the theme of summer and using lace,flowers,seed beads and bright embroidery. I have some delightfull vintage lace with a yellow flower and white branch designthat I have been using for both base and applique

Red Poppies

2009-06-13T22:07:00.001+01:00

The only one that survived the move came out today so I was out with the camera the second I saw it.
I have a weakness for anything that dares to spread its petals and proclaim

*here I am and I am Bright*

Artweeks Exhibition with Gilded Rose Designs

2009-06-11T16:45:00.000+01:00

The latest project was Artweeks and we exhibited in a local community centre near where we were based last year. The facilities here are a little low on the ground and my workshop/studio isn't properly set up yet but here are some pics.

Magic Fabric Mushrooms

2009-06-11T16:39:00.000+01:00

I just sprung out into the wonderful world of giant Mushrooms. I got a little bored of tiny but pretty and decided this gigantic 'shroom measuring in at around 18 inches to be just the thing to brighten up the day. Made from yellow felt, some 1960's funk print curtains and a red and green felt butterfly it isn't bad for a prototype.

welcome to the blog

2009-06-11T10:02:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the RoseOak Studio blog. Here you will find information on my latest projects, ideas, inspiration and things that I find interesting. My name is Naomi and I am the head designer and will be responsible for updates and general stuff.