January 2011 Blog Posts (40)

Not a blog as such, but an idle thought.

Many of us seem to have to squeeze our 'workshops' into a corner of the house where we are least likely to be disturbed. But by the same token, we don't want to lock ourselves away from the family or partners; my husband and children raise their voices in dissent if ever I suggest I might find myself a different quiet corner. They like me being in the kitchen - probably not only because they can see what I'm working on, but because I'm…

All power to UK Handmade for being one of the few glossy online magazines launched from the UK.  Fantastic!

Most have been launched from the States, though there's nothing remotely similar to UK Handmade, so no worries there! 

But in my area, interior design, Lonny and Rue are professional and contemporary, and provide useful inspiration for those of us making home accessories.  I featured them in a recent blog, which you can check out at…

I have been woodturning for quite a long time now  . . . .  after a few years in the construction industry and three years at art college, I began production of bespoke carved and turned oak and other fine furniture, some of which was exhibited in England and Wales, and some was made for listed and historic buildings.   It was during this time that I also started to explore creative woodturning.

After relocation, I spent several years in craft education, including part-time lecturing…

One week ago today, I launched my new 'Heavenly' collection. It started with the Angel Wings above, and since then has developed into numerous sumptuous angelic wings in a variety of colours and features.

I've been using resin for some time in pendants mostly - and although I was really pleased with the results, there was something missing...the moment…

Most creative business people start out as technicians who strive to maintain a creative well-being but necessity means they also need to learn the art of creating financial wealth. They are Artisans first and business people second and very few have been professionally trained in how to run a business. Erika Price, jewellery maker, commented on the blog that “5% of her time is creativity and 95% marketing” and many crafts people find this daunting. As a result the artisan…

A whole industry's grown up around predicting new trends for the creative sectors.  I thought I’d tap into what’s available to help develop my own Summer 2011 ranges. 

So what did I find?  A website with summaries of all the main trends forecasts for the fashion and interiors industries.  Plus a fantastic blog with more colour inspirations than I've had Double Deckers(and I've had quite a few)... 

You can find my full blog on interiors trends at…

I've just reviewed a few free arty iPad Apps on Artful Adventures, that are suitable for children. They're great for keeping the kids (and yourself) entertained while out and about! If you have an iPad (and kids) come take a look, or if you have any suggestions or recommendations of your own (for free or non-free apps) please do come and add them to the comments section.

Valentines Jewellery Gifts…

Well isn't January just flying by?



At long last I've managed to grab a little "me" time to get a couple of new jewellery ideas down on paper. I've been rather too fascinated with pendants as neck wear for the past twelve months, and so these two little gems are going to be…

I am enjoying a small moment in the lime light this month as I have 4 pages of feature in the gorgeous Making Magazine (Guild of Mastercraftsmen Publications). The February edition is dedicated to light so I have writen them a brief history of the development of stained glass, a walk through of how to make a stained glass panel and a copper foil project for readers to make…

At last! Inspiration has struck and I have begun creating. It started with a bracelet which I made for my daughter last night; a bracelet with a purpose. It’s a simple thing, an elasticated piece of lovliness, fashioned from rutilated quartz and moonstone. There is a reason behind the choice of stones - I won’t go into that now, but suffice to say I am an old hippy, I do believe in the healing qualities of gem stones, and I did visit Assisi when I was expecting my daughter, shortly…

The title is self-explanatory.  To complete my series of 'icy' posts, I thought I would share the ice lantern that we made over Christmas.  If you're new to ice lanterns, and would like to find out more, then you can read about it…