Genius, and how we ruin it.

My sister , a songwriter, sent me the link to this video at the weekend. It's probably the best thing I've seen or heard in a long time. Anyone who is creative and is striving to create something that validates your creative path to both yourself and others will, I think, appreciate this video. It's very insightful. From now on whenever I have a crisis of confidence about my work I'm going to watch this. Enjoy x

The author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has thought long and hard about some large topics. Her next fascination: genius, and how we ruin it.

Leaving presents for our Ami

presents
Originally uploaded by Indescribble

My very good friend is moving to Korea on Wednesday. Sad times :( but also exciting times for her. I know she'll really enjoy it even though she'll miss everyone.
I couldn't let her go without making her a little present for her travels.
I found this great little tutorial for a passport cover and after an aborted first effort with some oilcloth (which ended up horribly wrong with me exasperated and swearing at my sewing machine. Neither did I have the right foot or needle apparently.) I think it came out quite nice with a bright blue Chinese silk lining :)
I'd been making butterflies, out of the scraps of felted wool left over from my plush, all week with no real purpose so decided to turn some into some hair slides for her.
Then I thought it still wasn't quite enough so I made a little coin/card purse too. It took me forever, I thought it was only going to take me half an hour but several hours later I was still making it. It's fully lined though :) I really need to practice my sewing skills I think.
Nevertheless, Ami liked them so it was all worth it :) I will miss her dearly but with the wonders of skype and the internet It won't be so bad.

GOOD LUCK AMI!

Super Tash and other's from the Stash

Super Tash
Originally uploaded by Indescribble

I'm slowly building up a selection of recycled wool felt guys. Including this fine fellow ( he likes to think he's Tom Selleck I think). They're completely unique, all hand sewn and extremely huggable. I'm Going to add them to either our Big Cartel or Etsy store very soon so watch this space :)

Chicks Challenge

Chicks Challenge
Originally uploaded by Indescribble

I was recently asked to do a design for a charity project that involves three ladies from Leeds who have decided to walk from Leeds to London in June 2009 in aid of our two chosen charities, Volunteer Africa and Village Aid. I always like to do a bit for charity, gives me the warm and fuzzies.
They seem to really like the design and today a lovely lil' parcel turned up with some great thank you gifts :D Bonus :)

Work work work

Tom the Terrible Tiger
Originally uploaded by Indescribble

Firstly, yet again, long time- No post. I'm really not at one with the blog yet but i will endeavour to do better.
So for almost a year now I've had a steady stream of work from a local product developer/ manufacturer. It's been a really good experience even through the various frustrations it's brought with developing things for other people rather than yourself.
I've worked on so many different projects form designing toys in plush, paper and plastic, web graphics, brand identity, packaging, children's books- allsorts.
It has made me think about the many times I've looked at things in magazines and shops and thought that a design isn't so hot. I would think how could someone let it get printed? and scrutinise every vector that looks out of place.
I now realise that time and money play a big part. There's been times that I've really wanted to create something perfect but have been so restricted on budget and therefore time that I just can't do it with all the best intentions.
Anyway.... After months and months of sitting in front of the computer drawing these products it's been really nice to see them come to life and see how the factory has interpreted my designs.
You can see more of the stuff I've worked on over at my flickr and @ meadowkids.com
Fingers crossed I get another year of interesting products to work on and the time to work on some more of my own things. x