Innovative Coiling - Handmade Basket and Coaster/ Decorative Storage for Rings

I recently discovered a technique called coiling that allows one to create coiled shapes that can be shaped into baskets. I decided to use my imagination to produce a basket and then realised the potential to create a decorative coaster. In fact, once I had made the coaster I discovered that it could also be used to store rings because the shaped petals of the flower could be manipulated into any position.

The technique is relatively simple; it involves using a darning needle threaded with a yarn such as wool to cover a core of rope or similarly sized yarn. In order to add decorative features to my designs I threaded beads on to the wool as I coiled the shape or embellished  my creations after coiling. I also changed the colour of the wool to create a visual impact in each creation.

Decorative Coiled Basket:

This photograph in comparison to those below demonstrates
 how the decorative rim of the basket can be
manipulated into different positions

As is seen here in comparison to the photograph below, the position of the
beads on the rim of the basket can also be changed to suit
personal preference

Charming Coaster/ Storage for Rings:

This beautifully handmade flower could also function as a table decoration when not being used as a coaster or storage for rings.

The shape of this design was inspired by flowers; the red detail
represents the petals surrounding the yellow spiral centre

Through manipulation of the petals it was very simple to change
 the shape and purpose of this coiled flower as seen above

This photograph depicts the coaster being used to store rings as a
dual-purpose of the item

This photograph shows how it is possible to shape
 the petals so that they seem to encase the mug on the coaster
in a charming way

The petals of the flower could also be flattened if desired to
create a relatively flat coaster or table decoration

Hand Sewn Satin Evening Bag

As a Christmas project I decided to sew an evening bag. The design was inspired by an Art Deco lampshade that would have otherwise been thrown away. In fact, I upcycled a beaded panel from the shade by turning it into an embellishment on the back of the product. 

The shoulder bag is made from hand-quilted and beaded scarlet satin lined with a gorgeous patterned cream and red cotton poplin. The style of the bag as well as the embellishments were influenced by Art-Deco, in particular the design of the beaded lamp shape.

Detail on front of bag with flap down

Back of bag showing upcycled embellishment and quilting

Detail of hand-beaded and quilted gusset

Detail of the lining of the flap and magnetic clasp 

Detail of gusset and shoulder strap made
 from a professionally manufactured
 chain which I shortened to suit my height

Base of bag showing detail of Art Deco- inspired quilting

Photograph showing the lining of the evening bag inside a
 zipped pocket for security

Hand Painted Plate

I hand painted this plate with a hint of a Christmas theme using ceramic paint. I have depicted a winter holly leaf at the top and a summer flower on the bottom rim to act as a juxtaposition. This paint is dishwasher safe once it has been set so I will be able to use the plate again and again without it fading!

Textile Art - Sea Scene

I created this piece of textile art using free-hand machine embroidery, beading and hand embroidery. The sea scene that I have sewn depicts light rays shining into the depths of the ocean and the ripples at the water's surface.

Complete scene of the ocean

Detail of beading, hand embroidery and free-hand machine embroidery

Upcycled Lampshade

Here I have presented the final stunning hand printed and beaded upcycled lampshade which I made from a dark green metal frame with a plain black lampshade.

Suede covered lampshade with metal frame
spray painted white 

Detail of the printed and beaded wild flowers

Detail of alternative angle of the shade

Detail of alternative angle of the shade

View of an alternative angle of the shade

Detail of hand printed flower heads and stems

Detail of beading over printing

Double-sided Vintage Pinny

Side of pinny with pale floral design

Detail of pinny pale side

Detail showing lined pocket

Duck egg blue side of pinny

Detail of duck egg blue side of pinny

Detail of frills lining pinny edge

Embellished necklace

Felt necklace with hand felted texture, beaded felt flowers and
machine stitched felt leaves

Detail showing hand stitched home made felt layered to
create a textural background

Detail of beaded felt flower

Detail of large beaded flower
and leaves