Winter Camping in the Land of Forest Fern

Last weekend I made quite a few more christmas ornaments mostly for the exchanges I am taking part in but a few for my own home/family. I have two themes ( russian and forest) and the ones I want to show you today are definitely from the forest. The inspiration for these started with this absolutely amazing fabric I got in the mail a few weeks ago. When I got my invitation to make fabric from spoonflower, I decided I had no idea how to do that so I asked my wonderful talented artist friend Geninne if she could design a pattern for me that would be called resurrection fern. The only necessary elements were ferns, snails and mushrooms, all of which she already had beautifully painted in her portfolio. The rich natural colors she used were perfect. I decided to make the first cuts into this precious fabric in making some ornaments. My idea for these came from the fact that I really want to go winter camping this year. I want to snowshoe into the woods and either sleep in a tent or yurt for a few nights with some of my family. This inspired me to make the forest fernian winter campers , adorable little guys in all shades of natural in forest fern fabric mummy shaped sleeping bags and handknit scarves. Oh and I shouldn't forget the little acorn fabric buttons. The next set of photographs will take you through the process of making them starting with embroidering the little faces on off white felt ovals. Sewing these onto all shades of natural heads. You see every one is accepted in the land of forest fern. Breakfast bread and then making acorn buttons. The sleeping bags were cut and sewn and then the little scarves were knit while watching a movie with the help of my daughter Tamara. After they were all assembled we took them out for a little winter camping experience in Forest Fern. I haven't decided who is going to receive these ornaments yet except on has already been sent south in a parcel to Mexico for a wonderful fabric designer I know. The rest will start their travels at the end of the week but I think I may have to keep a few at home to enjoy our very snowy winter.

Comments

[knittingiris]

OH, the fabric is incredible! I would have had such a hard time cutting into it. What a perfect collaboration between the two of you, and Spoonflower. Must go investigate their site a little close...
As for the winter camping, please share your experience when you do! You see, I just don't think I could do it. I'd FREEEEEEZE!

[linda p]

those ornament are adorable, and i love the fabric!

[Crafty Gardener]

I can visualize and hear a story book related to your amazing creations.

[mary]

The fabric is really beautiful! The ornaments are to be cherished by the receipients for sure!!! Love your blog...so inspiring.

[Kenners]

That fabric is incredible! I am very jealous :)

[Jennifer]

I absolutely adore the fabric and your ornaments. You really are such an inspiration. Winter camping sounds absolutely fabulous to me too. The sun is shining here today and we are most certainly planning a hike in the woodlands somewhere. Take care. JAK

[Monika Aebischer]

What a beautiful scene you set up... I could see you doing a children's story book with them as well, or at least some greeting cards. Your images are beautiful.

Kind Regards from the City (Toronto)

[hannah]

They are just the cutest little guys! stunning fabric too! you are a clever lady!

[Patricia]

I love the Resurrection Fern fabric; Geninne did a fantastic job, and Hooray for Spoonflower!! And, once again, you've made the cutest ornaments that so beautifully represent your aesthetic!

My son and I are making origami stars today--so much fun and quite addictive!

[Marian/Dutchy]

Those are SO cute!!

[Elizabeth]

The fabric is perfect, and I love the campfire photos. I think gathering of your imaginative photos would make a lovely children's story - the we all of course would like too. :>

[Jennifer]

Oh my, how adorable! I love how you take inspiration from your life and create a craft/art with it. So unexpected!

[Sam]

I agree that the fabric is just perfect. And I love your little campers - the way each simple element combines to make a unique and special ornament.
But my favourite photo is where all the little campers are gathered together in a case. Unbearably cute :-)

I'm inspired to have a go myself.

[rebekah]

adorable :) and the fabric turned out just perfectly! i can't wait to see what else you make with it.

[Joan]

Another amazing post! I L-O-V-E the fabric! You are such a creative inspiration for me!

[Bunny]

I am of the firm belief that Spoonflower is one of the best things since sliced bread. Your fabric design is fun and pretty!

[Shelley Gardner]

An inspired project! I had never heard of spoonflower but now I am so excited

[dawn]

I am soooooo lucky as one of these little cuties made its way to me via Amy's swap! I can't believe it and feel so lucky. I am in love with snails and mushrooms and such so the fabric is "me". I'm so excited. She is in my tree as we speak.

[camper trailers]

amazing creations and i really like it very much.