Mandy B Designs
Unique artworks and cards, handmade in Criccieth, Wales
Open to Commissions for pictures, birthday cards and seasonal wreaths etc
My beach walks have inspired me to be creative. After moving here recently as a semi-retiree and carer for my lovely Mother, I needed something else to do!
About me
I have always sketched and completed an Embroidery Textile Design Degree many years ago, so I consider myself a creative person. I also have a stock of beautiful embroidery threads, fabrics, beads, sequins and lace etc that I have collected over years. The idea of finally using them is amazing as recycling is a big part of my life. I also use old woollen clothes, which I hot wash to make felted fabric in my pictures. Collecting these and other items given to me has extended my store.
My work
Since being here in North Wales I have walked on the beach most days and I pick up interesting small flat stones, shells and feathers etc. I also took photographs of the views and close ups of the actual beach to find patterns. I use these ideas to make my pictures as either an abstract design or a scenic view over the bay. The nature around me is the key along with wanting to ‘save the planet’ which has made me aware and I want to express myself artistically at last.
As well as these pictures, I also make greeting cards, lavender bags / keyrings, Christmas angels to hang, bookmarks, woollen felted Christmas baubles, Easter eggs, Halloween pumpkins and hearts. All decorated with embroidery threads, beads and sequins in seasonal colours.
I am also open to commissions whether they are of your own favourite view which I can copy or a picture which I will colour co-ordinate with your surroundings. The world is your oyster, but I very rarely find them on the beach though!
Cricieth Creadigol/Criccieth Creative, my little peace of mind…
It started with us being asked to make poppies during the first lockdown as a call went out via Facebook for people to sew or knit them for the VE Day 75 years commemorations.
I had a stock of red wool felt from hot washing an old red jumper and lots of threads, beads and sequins etc so I made loads to pass the time.
They were sewn onto some fishing net, reclaimed from the beach and also made into a beautiful dress which was displayed in the Senedd in Cardiff in November 2022.
Some of them were also kept to be sewn onto Christmas wreaths in 2020 and placed in the closed shop windows. Very touching.
We went on to sew two approximately 4 metre long tapestries together of Criccieth streets, one of the Edwardian Marine Parade shown here and the second one, just completed of Criccieth Castle and surrounding streets down to the Lifeboat stations.
They are a mix of felt, found fabric, crochet, knitting and rugging with a mix of fine embroidery stitches and added beads, mini wooden items and shells etc. We are very proud of them.
We have hopes to display them around Wales at some point but they are in the Neuadd Goffa Criccieth Memorial Hall at the moment.
Have a look at the Cricieth Creadigol/Criccieth Creative Facebook page.
We won an award in 2022 from Creative Lives for all our other endeavours in the village linking the schools, art college and several care homes.
The people in this group are my rock and they make me laugh daily.
News and events
Criccieth Craft Fair
I’m at Criccieth Craft Fair every month – come along and say hello! The dates for 2024 are: 6th April, 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September, 5th October, 2nd November, 7th December.
Workshops – coming soon!
I’m looking into offering workshops to teach how to make a variety of items including button greeting cards, wreaths using recycled fabric and ribbons, and wool felted pumpkins, Christmas baubles etc. Watch this space for an announcement soon!
Contact me
If you’d like to get in touch, please use the contact form below. I’ll aim to get back to you as quickly as possible.