A giveaway (And details about my next show)

This Saturday, 17th September I'm taking part in a show with Caversham Artists and friends. It's set in the beautiful riverside gardens of Caversham Court. Drop in if you're about as there will be plenty of art to enjoy. If the weather is nice stay and enjoy some tea and cake too. Visit us from 10am to 4.30pm, postcode is RG4 7AG. 


Artists and guest artists include: Nina Krauzewicz, Mary Phelan,Charles Burns,  Therese Wicks, Matthew Hitch , Louise Spiers, Julie Simmonds, Lauren Denney, Claire Elmes, Maureen Futter and members of Pangbourne Art Group, Salvo Toscano, Caversham Globe, Debbie Page and New Directions pottery.


It's also time for a giveaway. My cupcake tea light holders are still a very popular seller and i thought I'd give you the chance to win a set. 

All you have to do is either leave a comment here, or on my Facebook page with ideas of what you might like to see me making in the next few months. Closing date is 18th September.  Keep those ideas coming, thanks for the great comments so far. 

Things to see and do

Between August 6th to 2nd September I'm taking part in a show at The Blue Duck Gallery in Caversham, Reading. There are a few other local artists taking part such as Sue Mundy, JoJo Jewellery, Cathy Newell Price and more. I'll have some of my new wall pieces on show, if you do visit let me know what you think.

I've also been busy with other things as well as setting up a new mailing list. If you want to subscribe to news then please do so here. 

I've also fallen in love with some amazing furniture, unfortunately at the moment we don't have any space to for something from Out Of The Dark but it's not going to stop me dribbling at their latest creations. You've got to check out their facebook page and see what i'm talking about. I've been to visit their workshop which is a hive of creative activity with stacks of furniture transformed by the team as well as some gems in the queue to be worked on. If you love retro/vintage then take a look immediately. 

A latest Out OF The Dark creation

Off to the workshop to catch up on some orders for the ever popular button coasters. Have  a lovely Sunday everyone. 

Henley Arts Trail 27-30th May 2011-Venue 12

It's only five days until the opening night of the Henley Arts Trail. I'm taking part with over 20 artists at venue 12 in Wargrave. I can't wait to see it all come together. I'm also ready for a big spend up myself. If you're free then please pop down to the opening event between 6pm and 9pm this Friday 27th May. Venue 12 is at Woodclyffe Hall, High Street, Wargrave, RG10 8BY. If you can't make it this Friday we are also open from 11am to 6pm on 28th, 29th and 30th May.

Here are some of the amazing things you can purchase.

Handmade Jewellery by Beady Pool.

A wonderful range of handbags, purses, accessories and baby gifts made by CoCo Crafts. 

Cute softies, as well as many other creations by Monda Loves.

Mixed media paintings and textiles from Patchwork Butterfly.  

Handmade Silver Jewellery by Jo Jo Jewellery.

I'll also be there with my range of ceramics, including my new wall pieces. Hope you can make it.

Caversham Arts Trail - 13th to 15th May

The first weekend of the Caversham Arts trail was a great success. We are very much looking forward to opening again this coming Friday 13th May until Sunday 15th May between 11am and 5pm.

You can find me and my ceramics are at Venue 7 along with jewellery by Machi de Waard and knitted textiles by Jules Hogan. Come and visit us if you get the chance, we'd love to see you. 

You can download the leaflet which includes all artists details, opening times, demonstration information and a map showing all venues here.

My ceramics

New porcelain wall art I've just finished

Jules Hogan - knitted textiles at venue 7 

Machi de Waard also at venue 7

Julie Simmonds and David Pope at venue 2

Peter Quarmby, Louise Spiers, Mary Phelan and Sonia Olaniyan at venue 1

Nicola Duncan at venue 9

 You can see more images from last week here.

If you would like to know more regarding parking, restricted access and refreshments at each of the venues please click here.


This weekend you can also enjoy the following demonstrations: basketmaking,  silverwork, chinese brush painting, spinning and weaving,  jewellery making, slip casting ceramics as well as poetry reading. See the flyer for more information.


Five of the artists participating in the Caversham Arts Trail will also be showing their work at the Reading Contemporary Art Fair on 14th and 15th May. Look out for Louise Spiers, Julie Simmonds, Charles Burns, Sonia Olaniyan and Matthew Keeler at the Caversham Artists stand. 

Arts Trail and Open Studios

It's been a busy few months organising Caversham Arts Trail as well as frantically making enough stock for the trail and other shows.

Caversham Arts Trail starts on 7th May. This year there are 32 artists at 15 venues across Caversham so it's set to be an interesting trail. Download a map here. I'm venue 7 and I've got two guests joining me, Jules Hogan and Machi de Waard. Jules makes lovely contemporary knitted textiles, cushions, hot water bottle covers, lavender hearts and more.

Machi makes silver and gold jewellery. She's got a wide range of rings, earring, cuff links and more that make great gifts as well as presents.

I'm also taking part in the West Berkshire and North Hampshire Open Studios at the same time. This means that my studio will be open for visitors on 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th and 15th May, (the same dates as CAT). As part of the WBOS there is also a group show at New Greenham Arts Centre from 7th May to 5th June called Insight. I'm really looking forward to seeing a few pieces of work from everyone on the trail.

I'll be venue 24 on the WBOS map, if you're in the area you should also visit Julie Simmonds who is venue 70, Nina Krauzewicz at venue 46, Charles Burns, Gloria Pitt and Anne Websiter at venue 19.

And if that isn't enough i'll also be at venue 12 on the Henley Arts Trail from 28th to 30th May.

In June I'll mostly be resting!

Updates

 I've been busy working on some new designs. I wanted to create some wall art so I've been experimenting with leaves in frames. The ones on the left are cast from a real leaf I took a mould of and the ones on the right are stylised leaves. They are both porcelain but the cast ones are very thin, just a millimetre or so and the others rolled out porcelain clay so they are about 5 millimetres thick.

These are the new coasters I've been working on. Only have one set of green finished but there are a few drying out ready to be fired next week so I'll be selling other colours soon.

These are slip cast porcelain tea light holders that I am also busy making. The kiln is packed full of them as I type and they will be ready to be listed in my shops in the next week. I'm starting to love working with porcelain but still sticking with earthenware too for now. 

This is my next job, there are about 60 coasters here that I've got to tidy up before firing. It's a repetitive job but strangely satisfying once it's complete.

The Third Thursday Event with Caversham Artists

I'm very excited to be taking part in my first show of the year on Thursday 17th February. If you're in Reading town then come down and see us from 5.30pm to 9pm. 

As part of the Third Thursday events  for one evening only the shop windows will come alive.  You will see demonstrations from Caversham Artists, have the opportunity to talk to the artists and purchase the art work on show. This all takes place in the surroundings of Kings Walk and is sponsored by London and County.

We will also be open for two extra days on 19th and 26th February where you can also view and purchase the art work on show. 

There will be musical entertainment, and wine tasting from Award Winning local Organic Wine Merchant, Vintage Roots.  The Third Thursday team will be on hand to talk about the partnership project between Reading UK CIC, Jelly and the future arts events.

For more information on the Caversham Artists, see  www.cavershamartists.co.uk.

For more information on Third Thursdays click here.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun time and is back on track. 

I've just about recovered from Christmas and ready to face the world. I'm very excited to be taking part in the Caversham Arts Trail, the West Berkshire and North Hampshire Open Studios and The Henley Arts Trail this coming May. Opening times and dates are on my website. Check my back here or my website for details of other events that I be will taking part in that are still being finalised. 

I've had the standard post Christmas clear out and made some extra space in our kitchen cupboards. Although my other half thinks that the space is good and doesn't necessarily need to be filled up with something else I've got different ideas! I took my Nan to the fabulous Sue Ryder charity sale near us and purchased this little lot (except the coffee pot)  for £13, she made me do it!!  I was really only looking for two tureens but they wouldn't split the set and seeing as I already had the coffee pot, new cupboard space and a few dinner parties planned I thought it was a deal not to be missed. 

This has also inspired me to get on with planning my new body of work. I'm keen to start making some wall pieces as well as more patterned pieces and must use the black glazes that I've had stored away for about 3 years. But first I must complete my tax return, i will not leave it until the last minute. 

Last Friday I went to my first private view of the year which was Vintage and Vantage. Louise of Kitsch-en-sync is showing many of her decoupaged pieces and Joanne is showing her photography. They've also collaborated on a piece which includes Joanne's images of WOMAD printed on fabric being used on a lampshade that Louise has put together. Lucky for you the fabulous show is still on until 27th January at the Peacock Gallery. 

Reveal - A Christmas showcase of handmade craft: 25 - 28 November 2010 & 2-5 December 2010

Reveal starts from 5pm to 8pm this Thursday 25th November at The Old Fire Station Gallery, Henley on Thames, RG9 2AQ. This is the first of two shows and will continue to be open between 10am to 5pm from 25th to 28th November. 

Reveal showcases the work of 28 local artists, each producing quality handmade distinctive and bespoke Christmas gifts.

If you can't make the first show there will be a different range of equally high quality Christmas gifts for sale from 2nd to 5th December at the second show. Please join us for the private view of the second show between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 2nd December. There will be wine and nibbles as well as the opportunity to chat to the participating artists. 

All major credit and debit cards are accepted.  See www.revealshowcase.com for further information and a preview of the fabulous gifts that will be on sale. 

What a busy few months!

Life has been pretty hectic lately and there is no sign of it calming down any time soon. I suppose really I love this time of year and should make the most of being so busy. After Christmas we sure are going to need a holiday, unless the snow keeps us stuck at home again.

A month ago we went to visit some friends in Newquay and spend one night of luxury in at the Scarlet Hotel, in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall. It's a luxury eco hotel for adults only, and luxury it was. On arrival you walk into a open foyer with an amazing view over the beach, as soon as we stepped in we knew we would love our stay.

The highlight of our stay has to be the wood fired hot tubs that over look the ocean. We watched the sun set tucked up in a seaweed scarlet hot tub for two with a bottle of champagne beer. Our room was lush, we had a view over the ocean and we had the best nights sleep ever.





The indoor and out door pools over looking the beach, bliss!



I could go on and on about how great the Scarlet was, lovely food, fabulous surroundings, great art and a wonderfully relaxing place to be. Check out their website and facebook page, they have a spa, natural outdoor pool, indoor pool, hot tubs for two, locally sourced food, a library and more. If there is one thing you should do in the next year it should be to visit the Scarlet.

While I drift in and out of the relaxing memories from The Scarlet I'm making new work like crazy. I sold loads at the South Hill Park craft fair last weekend and it's only 6 days until the first show of Reveal so I'm working day and night to get new pieces made. My little acorns were very popular, I'll be shaking the oak tree all weekend to get some more down.

Folksy Friday - Ceramic Christmas gifts

As Christmas is getting near I've been searching on Folksy for some gifts and realised what a wonderful range of lovely handmade items there are. I can't feature everyone who i would like and have chosen a ceramic theme of items to share with you. Click the links below to go direct to each shop.

Top row from left to right: Oil Decanter by JML Pottery, Waterlily Dish by Prince Design UK, Robot Mug by Julia Davey Ceramics.
Middle row: Plant Markers by Little Brick House, Wellie Boots by Caroline Nash Crafts,  Cupcake Tea Light Holders by Me/ Lauren Ceramics.

Bottom row: Gold Plated Ring made from Grandma’s old plate by I can't remember my gramdma's name,  'Mistletoe and Wine' Christmas Sign by Cherry Pie Lane, Raku Bowl by Jude Allman 

Stones and pebbles

I've been busy trying out some new ideas and this is a sneak preview of one of them. The texture of this pot matches that of the most popular design of  coasters I make.  It reminds me of pebbles so I thought I'd share some of my favourite pieces that fit in with the pebble / stone theme.

 Sea View Cushion by Petal Textiles.

 Beach pebbles print by Emele Photography

Argyll bracelet by Fyne Silver

Felt Soaps by Heidi Cooper

Seaglass and pebble pendant on silver ring by Jillyflower Jewellery

and i know you're probably wondering how is this cushion related to stones or pebbles......think about it, paper, scissors, stone!

'Stone' Paper, scissors, Stone cushion by Sixes and Sevens

Luckily for you all of these lovely handmade items are available to buy on Folksy.com.

check out the Reveal blog meet the maker article.

Over the next few months in the run up to Reveal there will be interviews with some of  the exhibitors taking part.  The first meet the maker article is with Lousie Barter from Secret Garden Studio. Check out the Reveal blog here.

 Orchids by Secret Garden Studio

Ballerina by Secret Garden Studio



Highlights from the weekend

Last weekend was a busy one. I was taking part in a show with Caversham Artists over the weekend so spent some time there with so much lovely art work. Here is a snippet of the weekend, you can see more here.

I'm second from the left, you should be able to tell from the vase I'm holding!

I also managed to make a few new moulds, this one should be dry this week so I can start casting from it. I've also take photos of it at various stages so I'll post them soon as people are always asking how the moulds are made. This is a textured beaker, vase and matching coasters to follow.

I was very chuffed as I sold the first large jelly mould dish last weekend too. I've got a few more to glaze so once they are finished they will be listed in my shops.

Caversham Artists Autumn Show 18th & 19th September 2010

You are invited to the Caversham Artists Autumn Show taking place this coming weekend, 18th & 19th September 2010. The show is taking place in a beautiful 17th Century Barn tucked away in Emmer Green. The show is open from 11am -6pm Saturday and 12pm - 6pm Sunday. See the website for further details.

Wokingham Arts Trail

This weekend (11 & 12 September) the first ever Wokingham Arts Trail is taking place. You can visit 12 locations in and around Wokingham to see & buy art created by 27 local artists. Venues include homes, studios and temporary art spaces. See the website for more details and to download a leaflet with map.

I'm not taking part but will be visiting and possibly even spending some hard cash!

Work in progresss

I've been thinking about Christmas lately and have been making these baubles as well dishes that stack inside each other.

I've also finished some new coloured coasters too. It's so exciting trying out new colours and textures but frustrating having to wait for two days for my kiln to fire and cool down before i can open it. I'm always tempted to have a quick look before it's cooled down enough, I'm sure one day I'll singe my eye lashes opening it too soon.

Blue Button Coasters

A while ago I posted some photos of some new round button coasters that I'd just made. I've now glazed them and listed them in my shops. These are denim blue and the next batch due out of the kiln will be green. There are also a few other patterns and new colours too which will be launched for Christmas.

They will withstand the heat from your hot winter drinks, they have four rubber feet on the underside to stop them slipping or marking surfaces.

Time to start making Christmas decorations now or it'll be Christmas before i know it.

Caversham Artists Autumn Show

I've been working to finish a few things for my next show with the Caversham Artists. See flyer below for more information and come along if you are free. Our show is taking place in a wonderful artists studio barn in Emmer Green, there will be a range of art and craft to view and buy if you fancy it.

You can keep up to date with news from Caversham Artists on their website, facebook group or twitter.

Things are happening

I tried some felt making at our venue at Bucks Open Studios last weekend, it was fab. This is my creation, a felt bowl. I loved making it and I am super pleased with the result.

I've also been making some new coasters, buttons and brooches with a button pattern. They are quite cute, I like the round ones lots.

It's been a busy week, I also won an advert on I Love Handmade that showcases beautiful handmade products from around the world, check it out. I am proud to say I've been featured on it before too.