only time will tell.....

i think of making something meaningful and beautiful from scratch about...um, 10 times a day. a few days ago i realized that is only my self-doubting mind that stands in my way of trying. and so, in saying that I decided this past week-end to make myself a masterpiece of a hand knitted blanket.

my only worry is that this so-called masterpiece will only start to pay its way during winter 2012! you see, my knitting skills were almost non-existent until 3 days ago and so it is SLOW going! i remember learning to knit in primary school - making squares for our teacher to sew together to make into blankets for those less fortunate. this time i find myself being the sole creator which i must admit is daunting, but i have a inkling it will be super rewarding!

i found this beauty at www.freshlyfound.blogspot.com

one day when my blanket is big, i hope it looks like this daddy! see how this beauty was made from old jerseys at http://freshlyfound.blogspot.com/2009/08/jersey-patch-blanket.html

if you have any tips for making the knitting faster, or if you have any pre-knitted squares you are itching to send to me (cheeky i know!), send me a message to say hi!

until the next time!

xox sambo

well hello there isla.....

having spent the last 10 days slogging (well not really!) my guts out at the ECR House and Garden show, spending time with some of the most awesome people I have ever met and being 'pestered' (Tarryn!) into setting myself up a blog to showcase my products to existing Isla fans and introducing them to future Isla fans, it is finally done!

here is HELLO ISLA...i must admit that having a blog is quite a daunting prospect as i am the least creative writer known to man, so forgive me for any uninteresting text and move straight over to the inspiring pics of my products and posts on people and things that keep me inspired to go forth and create!!

i'm assuming the correct thing to do is introduce myself and show you a quick flash of what i create!
hi, my name is sam and i am a designer, artist (not a real one, but i keep on telling myself i will be one day) and general crafster.
my business - isla designs....www.isladesigns.co.za.....was established over a period of many months in my mind and came to fruition about a year ago. we had a slow start as i am overly cautious! but with the fantastic exposure my stand received at I ♥ Market and my invitation to exhibit at the 2011 ECR House and Garden show, I feel that isla designs is destined to bigger things!

i design and create all of my items - fun, bright, funky kids soft toys, art for all ages, jewellery and sometimes off the wall stationary!

and so my first blog will be a tribute to 3 awesome designers who not only create gorgeous, inspiring and coveted items, but who are also lovely and gorgeous people!
so here goes in no particular order...

sam shalcross is a the creator of Yummi - the loveliest baby goods I have ever seen. her toys(both sewn and knitted), baby linen, blankets, bibs, crocheted flowers and rattles, and decor are the perfect gift to any mum and baby. she even has a baby shower registry - this means no fuss baby showers what a dream! visit her site at www.yummi.co.za and hopefully soon at the I ♥ Market too!

i don't think wendy douglas of ilovebokkie realises just how phenomenal her designs and products are! from the moment I first laid eyes on them at I ♥ Market a few months ago, I have coveted everything she makes...being a big fan of everything iconic of SA myself, i think her bokkies were made for me! visit her blog for updates www.ilovebokkie.blogspot.com and visit her stand at I ♥ Market

tarryn fowler is Lun@tic...toys and dresses made from out of this world fabrics...every little girls dream wardrobe can be found at Lun@tic and she has just collaborated with some of durbans finest designers to open caboodle at earthmother in glenwood - you have to check out her blog www.luntic.blogspot.com and caboodle on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/The-Caboodle/219812038058545?ref=hnav 
lun@tic is also at I ♥ Market!

off now to do post show wrap up! promise to blog more soon!
xoxo sam