New Brooches

Finally I have managed to find the time to turn my little applique designs that I use to create my cards into brooches.

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Bird Brooch

home sweet home...
Cottage Brooch

After playing around with the scale I think I’ve got them sorted. I can’t wait to try them out at my next show, but this isn’t until November!

I have started my Christmas decorations which seems a little crazy when it’s so hot outside. This strange weather has definitely thrown me off. I was all prepared for autumn a week ago very unusual!

I’m re stocking my folksy shop so please check my new work out

www.folksy.com/shops/alexmcquade

I’m also using facebook to launch new products as they are created so please check that out and if you like, like my page!

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=505824842#!/pages/Alex-McQuade/256550804355431

Please let me know what you think of my new brooches, any feedback is great

Time to get blogging!

I admit far too much time has gone by since my last blog! But finally I’ve got my website updated and looking fresh (please do check it out and let me know what you think). I’m hoping it’s easy to use and shows off my collection of textile work to its best.  It’s not been easy but it’s nice to build your own site as you can keep on tweaking things until you’re finally happy. For me that’s about four days of moving things around resizing and changing colours! I’ve taken a screen shot of the home page to give an idea of the new site.

My new website

http://www.alexmcquade.co.uk/

Any feedback is great, I’m on my own in my studio so it can be hard to get opinions and advice on what’s working and what’s not.

I’ve also sorted a new facebook page out that I intend on using as a showcase for new work as it’s created.

Face bookpage Alex McQuade

I’m also working on a commission piece in a style that’s about to be launched onto the website and facebook. I’m particularly enjoying it at the moment as I’m rummaging through my button and bead collection looking for exciting things to stitch into the work. I’ll post a picture of it on the blog once complete

I think that’s my latest news but I’m making a promise to myself to update my blog more often, it’s actually quite a therapeutic exercise! Helps to review what I’ve been up to

Sock 2011 - An arts and crafts commission and purchase fair

This was my first year exhibiting with Sock and it was fantastic! There were 30 artists/designers at the event and the standard of work was exceptional, I found the whole experience very inspiring. Below you can see a picture of my stand, everything squeezed on nicely!

Handmade by Alex McQuade - Sock 2011

I launched a few new products including some whimsical embroidered paper pieces and bird pictures.

Embroidery Art - tweet tweet

Two embroidered bird pieces

I have also introduced a new range of tractor wheel inspired brooches again using discarded fabrics, found objects and in many cases they are adorned with intricate beading.

Tractor wheel inspired brooches

To see the list of other artists exhibiting at this years Sock click the following link www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/sock