Friday 26 October 2012

And now for something a little different...

 Let me introduce you to Gilbert the grumpy garden gnome. 
Why a garden gnome?
I have absolutely no idea!
I saw a garden gnome on the telly (not physically) a week or so ago and something in my sludgy-fudgy brain went PING! And then again the same day another item on the telly with garden gnomes. 
Gnomes on the the telly, twice in one day, it has to be a sign doesn't it!
So out came the felting bits and bobs and a lot of soapsuds later I had a piece of felted wool. Next was a whole morning spent with a very sharp felting needle and some wispy woolly fibres. Followed a few days later at the sewing machine with some free motion embroidery, a length of suitably spotty red fabric and....
Bobs your uncle, Gilbert's a gnome! 
A bit of stitchy stuff and fiddling about and...
A grumpy garden gnome felt handbag!
I rather like him but then I like things that are a bit quirky and out of the ordinary. 
I don't suppose there are many ladies out there with handbag like this. There maybe good reason for that. We'll have to wait and see, lol. Gilbert is now waiting impatiently in my Etsy shop for a lady with a taste for something out of the ordinary.
So, if you like to raise an eyebrow on your way to work, you know where to look ;)

till next time
love Fi x

Edited to add -

Thank you for all of the Gilbert love. All of your lovely comments brought a lump into my throat this afternoon. Just what I needed after a nasty visit to the dentist. Anyhow lucky old Gilbert has been parceled up and  is now on his way to the USA to live with Susan. 
Thank you Susan.
love Fi x

35 comments:

Kandi said...

Oh my word, that is stunning, I'm sure it will be very quickly snapped up! x

Annie said...

Gilbert just has to be the best gnome out :-) I love him Fi.
Hugs, A x

Twiglet said...

You are full of surprises!! He is delightful and I am sure he will be heading to a new home soon. x Jo

KC'sCourt! said...

Oh Gilbert is wonderful!
Julie xxxxx

La Casa de los Muñecos - Dulce y Salado said...

que belleza de trabajo ,la felicito quedo hermosa un saludo muy grande soy Sara .

Lululiz said...

You have an amazing talent, your felted pieces are really beautiful. And Gilbert, well Gilbert is one heck of a handsome gnome.

Elderberry-Rob said...

Gilbert is delightful - you are very talented - I love him. Hope he grows a whole family!

VintageVicki said...

What a handsome fella :)

mags said...

Love the gnomey bag ... what a lovely face he has. Do you ever run felting workshops - I would love the learn!

Claire said...

Never knew anyone to look so cute when they're grumpy Fi? Gilbert is just gorgeous.
Love the colours you used and there is just something so appealing about a little garden gnome even when they are grumpy hehe......
Don't think he'll be around for long, so don't put the wool away yet.....

CLaire x

Sam I Am...... said...

Such talent! You're amazing and I love Gilbert! You are an artist for sure...I couldn't even trace something that good!

Anonymous said...

Don't have any of the other profiles so I'll use Anonymous. Thank you for making me such a beautiful bag (it was going to be for my daughter), but I think not! Anyway, I'm su3385 on ravelry and gilbert is mine!

Two Wednesdays said...

It's fabulous - I love your felting - I am sure he will be snapped up soon.

Carol said...

I'm not surprised Su has snapped him up. Great character, Fi, beautiful bag.
Carol xx

LauraJane:) said...

DARN he is SOLD already:(
I HEART Gilbert!

Jak said...

Oh Fi, what a lovely and unusual piece of work. It's strange sometimes, where inspiration appears from! Wow, he was certainly snapped up quickly!
Jak x

Sia said...

It's just a fairy tale) I like gnomes)

... Bimbi said...

Don't tell me he's already sold. Just went to look, but no Gilbert?? Might he have a brother?

Bimbi x

Monique van den Berg said...

Oh fantastic! This is definetly the most beautiful bag I have ever seen.

Yes, I am in love what a masterpiece.

Groetjes, Monique

Anonymous said...

Well no wonder I couldn't find Gilbert since he was already sold. He is lovely and I wonder if the response has spurred you into making more?

Wendy said...

Gilbert makes a great decoration for the bag, and clearly I'm not the only one to think so as you've sold him already!

melanie said...

Oh my goodness! This is the most gorgeous bag I have ever seen, I love it! You are an amazing crafter :)

Shropshire Girl said...

Well he is just adorable, and your talent is incredible!!

Sarah said...

Oh my he is just gorgeous!!!! My own attempt at wet felting was not very successful due to me having no patience and not agitating it enough!!

You are a very talented lady!!

S x

The Weaver of Grass said...

Absolutely brilliant Fiona. You have such an inventive mind.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE GILBERT!!! I am always in awe of the beauty you create Fi!

Kathy at Knitting Off The Grid said...

Oh my gosh, Gilbert is adorable! How can you part with him?!!

Just Original said...

Love it!

Really pleased its goig to a new home.

Vanessa x

Kim said...

It's absolutely gorgeous ans so quirky! I do hope that Gilbert enjoys his new home - I knew he'd be snapped up quickly!

Inthesky said...

Gilbert...Looks like my Father...it would have been hilarious for my Mother to carry the bag while she was out with her real life 'Grumpy Gnome'...actually my Dad is a cheerful fellow. :)

Little Blue Mouse said...

Ooh what a gorgeous bag, no wonder it sold so quickly!

ALoadofOldTat said...

What a super bag and what a lucky purchaser to have such a beautiful original.

Anonymous said...

Oh I just found you and adore Gilbert,what a lucky lady in the usa :)
I wonder will you be making any more?
XxXX

Rachel said...

He is sooooo cute. Love it. :-)

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