Saturday, 21 May 2016

Artist Spotlight: Maz's Boutique - a delightful mix of kawii, gothic and colourful clothing and accessories with a sprinkling of geek culture

Artist Spotlight: Mazs Boutique - a delightful mix of kawii, gothic and colourful clothing and accessories with a sprinkling of geek culture


Hello everyone
On my recent trip to Emcon in Nottingham I spotted the delightful stall by Maz's Boutique and fell in love with everything on the stall. Its a good job I had set myself a budget for the Convention or I would have brought quite a few items. I did treat myself to a stunning black choker necklace and a hair clip featuring the tiniest, cutest hat I have ever seen.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take some pictures of the display to show you all so I'll pop those below.
However if you'd like to check out more of this Artists work here are some links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mazslolitasales/
Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MazsBoutique

I definitely recommend checking out the Facebook page, it has certainly cheered up my Facebook wall to see such lovely colourful makes pop up. Also I've spotted a few fan pictures of customers wearing their purchases so you can get a good idea what the clothing looks like on real people too.

There was a selection of cute and geeky themed clothing at the stall. The items which stood out most to me was the Pokémon and Star Wars items.

Heres a little sample of all the jewelry items I spotted. There are so many which would fit into a sweet Lolita outfit theme particularly the lovely pastel colours and the sweet themed ones. There were a collection which had little macaroons and a few which I didn't catch in the pictures had cute little sushi charms. Gosh this whole stand is making me want some nice treats now. :) 

A lovely collection of chokers and necklaces. Just check out that glow in the dark Batman symbol - how cool is that! I bet that would look very striking at a party.
 

There was also a collection of lovely rings in the shape of various little cakes and cute characters. You don't need to be dressed totally in Lolita fashions to wear such items though, a little cute accessory is a really subtle way to brighten up an ordinary outfit.

At this point I should stop squeeing over all the cute and give a little note on the quality of the items I brought for myself. The choker is fastened by a little strip of Velcro which is sewn on very firmly. Even when my delightful small nephew took a liking to it and whipped the choker off of my neck it still held strong. This is amazing since a few of my necklaces have not been able to withstand a sharp tug from his little toddler fingers!

That's all for now, I'll be back soon with another spotlight from Em-con soon but now I'm off to Maz's Boutique Facebook page to look at some lovely items!

Much love and happy Stitching
Gemma

For some more links to artist/product spotlights:

A preview of Simbrix - Interconnecting bricks for creative sculptures
Fun things to make with Simbrix
Unboxing and review of Cutiepies' Hair bows

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here. 

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

Cosplays spotted at EMcon 2016

Cosplays spotted at EMcon 2016

Hello everyone,
On Saturday I took a little trip to Nottingham to take part in the fun at Emcon this Bank holiday weekend.
So I thought I would share some of the pictures of wonderful cosplayers I spotted at the event. I would like to thank everyone who took a moment to stop for a picture. I am always grateful when someone takes time out of their day to pose since theres always so much to do at a convention.

Without further ado here we go.

This is a costume of the Superhero Green Arrow - a bow wielding bringer of justice. I love the attention to detail in this costume as it comes complete with arrows strapped to the arms. This cosplayer has done a fantastic job on this one and has even perfected a pose ready to notch an arrow. Bad guys beware when Green Arrow is watching. :)

This is a brilliant Cosplay of Foxy from the hit horror game Five Nights at Freddies.
Foxy is a Pirate themed animatronic character which is why we see the details of the pirate hook and eyepatch. I adore the detail of the giant painted on mouth in this costume, it must have taken a load of work to get this accurate and looking so neat it is also a very clever way around having to wear a large clumbersome mask, making this version still very effective (and a touch scary just like the original character) but still easy to walk around a convention in.
Well done on this version of Foxy, I was almost a little scared to ask for a photo. :)

 
This is a cosplay of Queen Chrysalis - the Queen of the Changelings from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. As you guys may know I am a massive fan of My Little Pony so when I saw this costume I knew who it was right away. This cosplayer has effectively made a four legged character humanoid with careful use of details to make sure we know who it is meant to be. May I point out the beautiful crown and horn detail, I am actually very impressed by the detail even though the ends of each piece are quite thin. I also love the wings. I may have to have a go at making some myself.
Thank you for a wonderful cosplay, I am quite inspired to try my own My Little Pony outfit. :)

 
This is a Cosplay of Mabel from Gravity Falls.
May I point out that the stars on this costume actually lit up. It may not be quite so obvious in the photo but this is a set of Christmas lights woven into the jumper. Looks like these lights are battery powered rather than mains powered like in the original cartoon. (but then a mains powered jumper would be very impractical for a convention hall)
This cosplayer even came complete with a little Waddles plush toy which is just do adorable.

Missy from Doctor Who

This has to be one of my Favourite Cosplays I spotted on the day. This cosplayer even has a ready to take over the world pose spot on here. :D



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Friday, 6 May 2016

Zodiac cross stitch design Gemini - May 21 - June 20

Zodiac cross stitch design Gemini - May 21 - June 20


Colour DMC Number Anchor Number
Black 310 403
White 5200 1
Blue 3753 1031

Hello everyone
Last month has been rather strange with the weather, one minute there has been a nice touch of sunshine the next minute is hailing down. I'm not entirely sure what to wear right now :P
Anyway I thought I'd begin this month with a brand new Zodiac design for Gemini, luckily the birth sign dates for Gemini do not start until nearer the end of May so that will give lots of time to sew this for some very lucky people with Gemini birthdays this month.

Gemini is an air sign. People who are within the air element are known to be intelligent and great at communication. They can also be seen as happy - go - lucky with a zest for life, I bet people in air signs really love to celebrate their birthday in style.
I represented the tranquility of the air sign with the calming blue colour and the tendency to be creative amongst air signs with the light swirls.

Thats all for now. I'll be back next month with another zodiac cross stitch design or for other cross stitch designs join me here next week. I have something very nice on the drawing board right now.

For more Zodiac themed cross stitch designs here are some links:

Zodiac cross stitch design Aquarius January 20 - February 18
Zodiac cross stitch designs - Capricorn December 22 - January 19
Zodiac cross stitch -  Pisces February 19 - March 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Aries - March 21 - April 19
Zodiac cross stitch design - Taurus April 20 - May 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Gemini - May 21 - June 20
Zodiac Cancer June 21 - July 22 cross stitch design
Zodiac cross stitch design - Virgo August 23 - September 22
Zodiac cross stitch design Libra - September 23 - October 22
Zodiac Scorpio October 23 - November 21 cross stitch design

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here. 




Friday, 29 April 2016

Celtic Knot Bookmark cross stitch design

Celtic Knot Bookmark cross stitch design


Colour Anchor Thread numbers DMC thread numbers
Dark Brown 382 3371

Green 225 702


This design was originally designed in Anchor colours, for a closest match to the Picture use Anchor threads.  A conversion chart was used for DMC Thread numbers. 

Hello everyone
This week we have a nice Celtic knot book mark cross stitch. This would be perfect in a book of myths and legends wouldn't it? 
I was inspire by my friends holiday snaps, she visited all kinds of monuments and museums and brought back some wonderful pictures showing celtic carvings and writing from all over her travels in Ireland. This design is loosely based on one of her pictures, I say loosely because it took about 10 attempts to get this one right I swear the ends of the design just didn't line up neatly so many times. A few tweaks here and there and it decides not to line up in a different place, after multiple attempts and many calming cups of tea I finally get it all to match and line up. :) 
If this design proves to be popular I may give a celtic knot another go but for now its time to move on to a celtic alphabet I have been admiring from the pictures. 

Bye for now
Much love and happy stitching. 

For a few more cross stitch designs like this one here are a few links:
I love you to the moon and stars and back again - small symbol
Geometric black and purple cross stitch design
Rainbow coloured Geometric pattern
China blue flower motif
Tattoo style dragons


 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here. 

Friday, 15 April 2016

Letters from Equestria - My Little Pony themed designs for Pencil cases or purses

Letters from Equestria - My Little Pony themed designs for Pencil cases or Purses


Hello everyone
This week is something a little bit different, instead of my usual My Little Pony fan art I decided to draw something which come from the wide world of Equestria. I had been trying not to post too many My little Pony cross stitch designs but I have been inspired again by the new season which is currently airing. It never fails to recapture my attention with each new episode. :)

Princess Celestia's letter

This is a letter to Princess Celestia if she receives a letter without it being sent by dragon flame that is. You may spot on the back is a little red bow on the seal which is based on the red bow on the scrolls sent by Spike with his fire. This how we know that this letter could mean serious business.
The stamp is also based off of Celestias Cutie mark, I imagine that instead of having the Royals face on stamps like we do here in the UK stamps in Equestria would be decorated with Cutie marks or other cute things.

Princess celestias letter front


Princess celestias letter back



Colour Used in these areas: DMC Number Anchor Number
Black Outlines, writing on front, backstitch 310

403
Red Bow on back of letter
607
334
Dark red Inside of bow on back of letter
900
9046
Yellow On seal on back and cutie mark on the stamp 307

289
Dark yellow Symbol on seal back and cutie mark on the stamp
444
290
Orange On cutie mark in stamp 741

304
Grey Outline of stamp 414

235

This design was originally designed in Anchor colours, for a closest match to the Picture use Anchor threads.  A conversion chart was used for DMC Thread numbers.

Rainbow Dash's airmail letter

This is a letter for Rainbow Dash and of course it is an Airmail letter because how else is a letter going to get between Ponyville and Cloudsdale if not by Pegasus mail.
I havn't seen much by the way of post mares except for out beloved Ditsy Doo delivering in her uniform so I made her a little symbol to stamp the letters with on the back of the envelopes.

 

Rainbow Dash's airmail letter front


Rainbow Dash's airmail letter back



Colour Used in these areas: DMC Number Anchor Number
Black Outlines, writing on front of envelope 310

403
Red Air mail stripes, cherry on the stamp 606

334
Dark blue Air mail stripes 820

134
Blue Writing, symbol and backstitch on back of envelope, and background of stamp design.
797
147
Grey Outline on stamp 414

235
Brown Top of cupcake on stamp 977

363
Yellow Bottom of cupcake on stamp 307

289

This design was originally designed in Anchor colours, for a closest match to the Picture use Anchor threads.  A conversion chart was used for DMC Thread numbers.

Applejack's mud splattered envelope

This final letter is for Applejack in Sweet Apple Acres but what is this? It seems a clumsy mail mare must have dropped it in the mud and there's a muddy hoof print too! Well I'm naming no names but I have an idea who might have dropped this letter but I suppose Applejack isn't too worried about a little bit of dirt.

Applejacks mud splattered envelope front

Applejacks mud splattered envelope back


Colour Used in these areas: DMC Number Anchor Number
Black Outlines and writing on front of envelope 310

403
Dark brown Hoofprint on back of envelope 720

326
Light brown Mud splashes 977

363
Grey Outline on stamp 414

235
Yellow Background on stamp 307

289
Orange Carrots on stamp 741

304
Green Carrot leaves on stamp 987

245

This design was originally designed in Anchor colours, for a closest match to the Picture use Anchor threads.  A conversion chart was used for DMC Thread numbers.

That's all for now. If anyone really likes this idea and would like me to design some more designs for the fronts and backs of purses or pencil cases please let me know. If I get a few comments I'll  put some more of them on my list of planned designs.

Much love and happy crafting :D

For more My Little Pony themed cross stitch designs here are some links

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Cross stitch designs

Cutie Mark collection 1: Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie
Cutie Mark collection 2: Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash
Cutie Mark Collection 3 - Cheerilee, Big Mackingtosh and DJ Pon3

Twilight Sparkle as a Filly
Daring Doo
Derpy Hooves sitting
Applejack as a Filly
Derpy Hooves Flying
Rainbow dash at the Hearth's warming Eve pagean
Fluttershy as a filly
Rarity in a blue and yellow Canterlot dress
Nightmare Moon - storybook
Derpy Hooves Cushion and card (valentines themed)
Mare do well
Golden Harvest/Carrot Top
The Great and Powerful Trixie
Lyra Heartstrings running
Filly Applejack Standing
Zecora the Zebra
Flutterbat
Pinkie pie in a chicken suit
Princess Candence Happy
Photo Finish
Gummy the Crocodile in a formal suit
Baby Applejack
Fluttershy Winking
Fluttershy in a fancy dress
Braeburn
Pipsqueak in his Nightmare night pirate outfit
Pinkamena Diane Pie (Straight haired Pinkie Pie)
Doctor Whooves
Princess Celestia reading a letter
Queen of the Changelings Queen Chrysalis
Derpy Hooves Trotting
Fluttershy in a green dress
Snips smiling
Rainbow Dash about to take off
Filly Cherilee
Hipster Rarity - Sweet and Elite
Big Macintosh
Rarity in a Red dress
Dj Pon3 at her DJ desk

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Cross stitch designs

Spike the Dog
Fluttershy in Fall formal dress
Rarity in Fall Formal Dress
Twilight Sparkle in fall formal dress.
Rainbow Dash in Fall formal dress

MLP fan art 

Fluffle Puff

MLP Related

Rainbow Brony! sign


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links

Monday, 11 April 2016

Cute Kickstarter project 365 Reasons by Nikita Carson

Cute Kickstarter project 365 Reasons by Nikita Carson



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/555581428/365-reasons

Hello everyone
I just had to tell you all about this really cute Kickstarter Project which is currently live check it out at the above link.

It is called 365 Reasons by Nikita Carson and in a nutshell is a beautiful gift idea consisting of a jar decorated with currently one of three phrases:

365 reasons I love you
365 reasons I love Mum
365 reasons I love Dad

Also the option of having some pre-written reasons to add into the jar or a kit to write your own reasons on a selection of coloured papers.

I think this is a really lovely idea because this is something which could bring a smile to your loved ones face all year round. Personally I'm going for the kit that contains a taster of 100 reasons for £10 so I still have lots of space to write my own lovely reasons. I am quite excited about this. I made a jar of lovely things for my partner for Christmas this year and its been nice that hes had something to remind him that I care every day but this cute little jar just looks so much more professional than the jam jar I scraped up for it this year. Not only that but I bet it could be reused year after year if you take the time to write new messages.

The target for this Kickstarter project is £300 which seems wholly reasonable (especially when you see some projects with very lofty goals) So I do hope it makes it to the final goal particularly as the upcoming ideas look really fun. Is it just me or would a jar of 365 reasons to eat chocolate be perfect for most of my lady friends?

Not a long post today just wanted to shout out about this cute Kickstarter project
Heres the link again:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/555581428/365-reasons

Much love and happy crafting everyone :)

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here.

Saturday, 2 April 2016

Zodiac cross stitch design - Taurus April 20 - May 20

Zodiac cross stitch design -  Taurus April 20 - May 20



Colour DMC Number Anchor Number
Black 310 403
Green 702 239
White 5200 1
Brown 3371 382

This design was originally designed in Anchor colours, for a closest match to the Picture use Anchor, a conversion chart was used for DMC.


Taurus is an Earth sign so I represented this with a mountain motif and green/ brown colours. The mountains help to symbolize how people in Earth star signs are said to be dependable and stable. The colours convey the Earth signs tendency to be grounded. After reading up on the qualities typically shown in an Earth sign it seems that they will make good friends with the only commonly noted weakness being a tendency for greed so just keep the cookie jar away from those earth signs huh?

This cross stitch design is a nice size for a large card so best get stitching for any Taurus friends with a birthday this month. :)

For more Zodiac themed cross stitch designs here are some links:

Zodiac cross stitch design Aquarius January 20 - February 18
Zodiac cross stitch designs - Capricorn December 22 - January 19
Zodiac cross stitch -  Pisces February 19 - March 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Aries - March 21 - April 19
Zodiac cross stitch design - Taurus April 20 - May 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Gemini - May 21 - June 20
Zodiac Cancer June 21 - July 22 cross stitch design
Zodiac cross stitch design - Virgo August 23 - September 22
Zodiac cross stitch design Libra - September 23 - October 22
Zodiac Scorpio October 23 - November 21 cross stitch design

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here.