Leigh Shepherd Designs

Happy 2012

2012-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! A bit late I know, things really ran away from me over the last few weeks.

It was a very busy run up to Christmas, I began supplying several new galleries and took part in four Christmas exhibitions. But then the littlest Shepherd caught chicken pox. Its not usually a big deal, not fun either though. It became more complicated when he developed an infection in the gland in his cheek and was admitted to hospital where he was on IV antibiotics for 4 days. I stayed in with him, and Sheps came in and stayed with us each day.

This happened on the 12th December, luckily I had despatched all of my wholesale orders but my retail orders and Not On The High Street orders still needed completing and packing. I suspended both shops so that no more purchases could be made. As we were in a room of our own at the hospital - so that the other children wouldn't catch the pox - I set up a wee despatch area,
and managed to get everything out on time. We were sent home with another two weeks of antibiotics. His cheek was still swollen and very sore but he was much happier at home! Gradually over the next few days he began to feel better and the chicken pox had just about cleared up. It had been a very stressful couple of weeks so on the 23rd Sheps and I decided to take the kids to the cinema to see Arthur Christmas and kickstart the festivities. Towards the end of the film a little voice piped up "Mummy, I've got a really itchy bit on my shoulder..."
I think you know where this is going. A certain little girl got chicken pox for Christmas and was covered head to foot.

Despite all of this it was a lovely Christmas, the children really enjoyed it even though every time they turned around I was ready with a thermometer or an other spoon of medicine!

After all of that its good to get back into the swing of things, the children are back at school and I'm back in my workroom. I like January its a new year and a fresh start. I spent today working on new designs for my Seedhead brooches. Pics coming soon!

How is 2012 treating you so far?

Silver prices

2011-10-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

Last week I had to make a few changes to my website. Some were changes I really wanted to make, such as finally sorting out the home page - a wee task I had been putting off for a while and then came the change I really didn't want to make and I've been holding off with fingers crossed for the better part of a year. A price increase. About a year ago the price of the silver components I use when making my jewellery more than doubled. I held off the price increase hoping that the price of silver would come down but it hasn't happened yet and I'm told that even if it does it will take a while for this to be reflected in the wholesale cost of components. When the price starts to fall of course I'll reduce my prices too.

I'm offering free delivery on all orders placed via the website.

On a more positive note I have begun work on a new range of brooches. These feature
reproductions of my ink drawings of seedheads from my garden. I'd love to know what you think :)

Holidays!

2011-07-28T01:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we snuk away for a short, much needed break. It was a last minute thing, we found a late deal on a cottage in Seahouses, Northumberland. We've never visited this area before but will definitely be visiting again! After a bumpy start to the holiday (more on that in a minute!) we had a wonderfully relaxing time. The beaches are great, with lots of rockpools, stunning views and for unknown reasons, hardly any people! The pic below is Bamburgh Castle and beach.
We took a boat trip from Seahouses habour to the Farne Islands, an amazing sea bird sanctuary.

Where we were surrounded by thousands of sea birds. For me the most amazing part were the puffins. We were able to stand just a couple of feet from them! Whilst back at the cottage I'd been lamenting the lack of internet connection or even moblie phone signal on this tiny island in the sea I did get a call and took a wholesale order.

There were so many more things we wanted to do, and we could have done more - but for that bumpy start to the holiday....

We set off on the Saturday.

Due to a road closure we had to make a detour, it took over 2 hours to travel a distance that normally takes 40 minutes, which is when the car began to fart great plumes of smoke from the exhaust. We decided the only option was to turn around and go home, hire a car and set off again. We figured we would make it to the cottage late in the evening.

But no. When we finally made it home we started contacting car hire companies, they all closed at midday on Saturday and re-opened on Monday morning.

We arrived at the cottage on Monday afternoon. It was a 3.5 hour trip! But it was worth it.

The visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens was spectacular. The kids loved playing in the water features - this is encouraged by the owners!
We had lunch in the amazing Treehouse Restaurant and played on the rope bridges.

So even though our short break was even shorter than expected, this is a place we all want to visit again.

The tea tray system

2011-06-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Its been a very busy and exciting few months here in the studio. Since making the decision to focus on wholesale work and so exhibiting at the British Craft Trade Show (BCTF) I haven't stood still.
On the third day of the fair I had to tell customers that my lead time would be 10 weeks rather than the 3 - 4 weeks stated in my trade info. Since then I've been busy filling orders. My order book is still looking healthy as repeat orders are coming in.

One of the first things I needed to do to be able to complete orders was re-organise the studio. Again. All of the pieces I make are finished with resin which needs around three days to dry. Drying resin needs completely level, dust free surfaces. I needed more surface areas. I also needed somewhere to store part orders while the rest of the order was drying or waiting to be finished. That's when I came up with the 'tea tray system'. I bought a set of Ivar shelving from Ikea - these are great! They are a doddle to put up and can be rearranged on a whim. I set the shelves 4inches apart - just wide enough for me to be able to slide the trays on to maximise space. Then I bought a stack of plastic tea trays. I label the tray with the gallery name and home it on the shelves. This way I can work on several orders at once without losing track.
It's not very sophisticated, much like myself, but it works, much like myself. And I make no apologies for the pics, I'm loving the iphone photo apps these are from lo-mob if you can recommend any others please let me know x

6 Days to Go!

2011-05-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Only six days to go 'til my favourite event of the year. For the first time ever the Saltaire Arts Trail will be held in May. Yes, May - please don't forget! I've been dishing out fliers about this for a good few weeks and so many people have commented that I'm really early, or isn't that in September? Nope its in 6 days!!
I'd love to be able to tell you that I'm ready, stock made, stall set up planned, signs printed but I'm not quite there yet! Now if you were to pop over to visit Wychbury, there you will find all sorts going on. Paula, one half of the Wychbury partnership organises the Makers' Fair and has committed to writing a daily diary of a run up to the event, crazy lady, as if she hasn't got enough going on!

Here is a link to the official Arts Trail site please click here
here is a link to the Arts Trail blog with a feature about what I do,

hope to see you next weekend!

BCTF

2011-04-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is a very late post about my first time exhibiting at a trade show. It's a very late post generally as I realise the last time I wrote anything here was January oops! But I haven't been slacking it's been a very busy few months and thanks to BCTF it's a whole lot busier now!

For those of you that might not of heard of it before BCTF is the British Craft Trade Fair. It is held annually in April at the Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. I visited last year to help me to decide if I should apply and to see how the stands are set up and work displayed. I took along some samples and had a chat with the organisers, they were great, they offered me some advice, and accepted my application.

So on Saturday 2nd April Sheps and I set off to put my stand together. I'm so glad he came with me, with over 500 stands you can imagine how busy it was! I've always attended craft fairs by myself, but this is a different ball game. I was exhibiting in the Newcomers section so my shell scheme stand was 2 metres wide x 1 metre deep. Tiny. And scarily white and bare. We spent about 3 hours changing it around before we were reasonably satisfied.

Then we sneaked off to Fodder for lunch. it was very good. I can vouch for the Yorkshire wine. I know, wine from Leeds!!

Here are the pics of the stand. I meant to do before and after shots but I forgot!

The show worked out really well for me. I took lots of orders during the event and they have been coming in since I got back. I made lots of contacts too and I will be following these up over the next few weeks. But definetely the one of the best things was meeting lots of other exhibitors. I was 3 stands down from Rachel Lucie Jewellery Designs I knew Rachel before this from attending the same fairs so we spent time having a catch up. Opposite my stand was Gabriella Buckingham from Moobaacluck a lovely, lovely lady, I just wish we lived a bit closer because I want another good natter! I really enjoyed talking with her and hope we can meet up again at some point. I also met some of the people I have been talking to / following on Twitter. I'll write more about them all next time.
I have already booked a stand for next year and have been thinking about how I want to change my display.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

We have had a lovely relaxing few days. With the way Christmas and New Years Eve fell this year it seems to have made the whole holiday more relaxing. Do you feel the same?
Looking back to last year and considering my work goals over all its been a good year:
*sales have been much higher
*joining Not On The High Street has helped alot and I'm glad I made the leap - I was very worried about the investment needed but it seems to be paying off
*I've increased the wholesale side of my business. Working with the British Museum has been great and has spurred me on to build more wholesale links.

The main thing that I haven't done that I really wanted to do is sort out my website. It took me sooo long to build it that if I have to do it again I need to know it will be right. I want to be able to offer discount codes and postage offers. I spoke to a web designer / developer chap a couple of months ago but he wanted to host the site himself, which I will not do and wanted to charge a monthly maintenance fee plus fees for additions.... I will stick with doing it myself. So that remains a goal for this year. If you can recommend anything it would be much appreciated. I'm with Shopify at the moment, the upgrade to the package that offers all the bells and whistles is quite alot so I'm open to suggestions :)

But back to enjoying some quiet time.

Way back in July a lovely friend gave me the most beautiful knitting needles for my birthday. What?? You didn't know knitting needles could be beautiful? Take a look at these....
She knew I wanted to have a go at knitting and what better encouragment could a girl have? I haven't knitted since I was a little girl and I needed help from my mum to get going I'm loving it! I find it so relaxing. I'm pretty hopeless though. I've made two dish clothes this week. Huge and holey as they are I'm happy with them :) Not sure what to tackle next. Knitting patterns look a bit daunting so we may be swamped with dish clothes.

Heres wishing you a very happy, healthy new year xx

Feature in Make Jewellery Magazine

2010-12-29T23:57:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping quiet about this until I bought a copy and could see for myself, but now I can show you! Leigh Shepherd Designs is the blog of the month in the January 2011 issue of Make Jewellery Magazine

The features editor contacted me a little while ago so I wasn't sure which issue it would be in. They even used my photos, I'm really pleased about this as I've worked really hard at taking product pics. Photography is not my strong point - digital cameras are a real blessing! I take hundreds of pics to get a handful of images :/ So its good to know they are up to scratch!

Christmas Treats

2010-12-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

After a very busy run up to Christmas, at times blighted by illness and the weather we are enjoying a few days relaxing at home together. I'm not complaining about the weather, really I'm not, it has been beautiful and the low temperatures have prevented the snow turning to slush so the village has looked extra Christmassy and magical. The only down side has been the effect of the snow on getting orders out to customers. This year I've been at least three times busier than last year. Coping with the increase in sales and wholesale work has meant that I've had to change my workroom around, and generally get myself more organised. By Christmas Eve I'm happy to report that as far as I know all of my customer orders made it to their destinations. The only problem I have had is a missing re-order for the Sheffield Millenium Galleries Christmas Crackers Exhibition and of course it was a sizable order. Hopefully it will turn up in the next few days.
But back to the good stuff! I had a lovely surprise last week. See the gorgeous earrings in the pic below? They arrived in the post - a lovely gift from the very talented Jo from Glassprimitif

One of the companies I order supplies from sells glass and they often include samples in my orders. I pass these on to Jo when I see her and she turned one of these samples into these beautiful earrings. I love the way they reflect the light - just lovely! You can find out more about Jo and the many things she does to promote handmade by clicking here

Its been lovely writing this this morning curled up with a coffee while the children play with their new toys its probably best to glaze over the fact that they got up at 5.30 on Boxing Day...

I intended to take a photo of this before it was snaffled but I just wasn't quick enough. The camera didn't pick up the sprinkle of edible glitter dusting the top of the cake. I'm developing a bit of an obsession with this stuff, I've baked three cakes and they have all benefitted from a sprinkle I've managed to hold back from tarting up the sprouts on Christmas Day:)

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! xxx

Saturday Shopping!

2010-12-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

This will be my last craft event of 2010 and one I'm really looking forward to. As its been a very busy run up to Christmas it will also be a chance for me to do some shopping too! The venue is the lovely Victoria Hall in Saltaire - Saturday 18th December 10 til 4Please pop along and say hello!

Looking forward to this!

2010-11-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

I have had a stall at the last 2 Peace and Crafts Fairs and they have been great fun. Organised by Yorkshire CND this annual fair offers something for everyone. There are plenty of activities to entertain the kids and lots of interesting things for folk who want to avoid kids! The veggie cafe is excellent. The event is held in Victoria Hall which is a short walk up the hill from Salts Mill and the train station. The hall itself is a beautiful venue - and can be easily spotted by the huge stone lions standing gaurd outside. Hope to see you there!

Fun Stuff!

2010-11-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

So amongst all the chaos of preparing for Christmas fairs and orders the half term holidays were suddenly upon us. We decided to have a few days away to have some family time with the kids. We rented a cottage in Angelsey fully intending to do fun stuff during the day and do some work in the evening when the children were in bed. We packed the laptops - the brochure blurb assured us there was wifi, and I packed up stock so I could carry on filling orders.
The cottage was lovely! It was in a stunning location. I took the photo below from the kitchen / living room window.
About the wifi - we found we couldn't pick it up from our cottage. A note in the manual said that we were welcome to use the computer in the office across the courtyard. I ended up doing this twice a day to keep up to date with orders but other than that we spent more time relaxing than planned - which turned out to be very nice!
Heres where I worked from for the week,
Angelsey is really beautiful. We spent the days walking on the beaches and visiting some lovely little towns and villages. The pic below was the carpark fence near the beach, I was really taken with this! All the way along were engravings of birds, insects and flowers.
I think my favourite place was Beamaris. The castle was amazing, we spent way more time there than I thought we had. The rapscallions loved exploring the grounds and corridors of the castle, littlest Sheps was a bit put out that he didn't see a dragon though. Beamaris is full of lovely little shops and galleries too so we were all very happy.

We made it home for the Haworth Village Halloween Parade which was great fun as always! This year was the busiest I've ever seen it and the people who live on Main Street had really got into the spirit (see what I did there) of things and put up lots of spooky decorations. I was really inpressed with this pumpkin carving!
The parade was led by a witch on stilts, how she managed to get up the cobbled hill I will never know!
The local riding school even took part in the parade with the horses and riders all dressed up - I didn't get a pic though because it was just too crowded.

So thats what we have been up to recently - how about you?

British Museum

2010-10-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

So reading back my last post I wittered on about not writing on here for a while. Here we are again. Posting monthly is very poor form! Even so I'm going to keep this brief. We are having a few days away together. We have rented a pretty little cottage, the brochure promised free wifi, how wonderful we thought! However the free wifi can only be accessed by lugging the laptop over to the very cold and very creepy office across the court yard. Its spooky in here! The wind is howling, its dark there are spiders...
But back to the point, the title of this post - British Museum - isn't because we are visiting there, we are actually in Angelsey, it is because the British Museum now stocks my jewellery! So its been a very busy few weeks. I haven't worked with such a large organisation before, its been very different from working with my other stockists. I've really enjoyed learning about the new processes. Completing this order, and preparing stock for Christmas made for some last minute packing. If you spot a family wandering around Angelsey wearing some fairly random outfits that may well be us.

Summer break

2010-09-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

So this two month (2 whole months!!) Summer break from my blog wasn't what I really intended. But if you have kids you probably understand the way the world needs to let you off for a bit over the Summer holiday. I'm ok with that, We'd planned in a some down time and had lots of fun stuff planned too. But things really didn't go according to plan. Our wee boy was admitted to hospital twice in the first week of the school holidays for two completly unrelated illnesses. We had quite a few doctors appointments over the following weeks. He was very soon back to his usual cheerful self though!
I'm soo glad we had a little family break away together before term ended because it seemed to rain for about 5 weeks.
Along with this, and I'm really not complaining here - I've had my busiest two months yet, joining Not On The High Street has helped my sales and I have had several new wholesale orders. As we both work from home we've juggled childcare between us, worked when we could and got out and about a bit too.
This little den helped to while away many a happy hour, and gave me a bit of catch up time :)
A tiny but magical little thing happened too, last year the little Shepherds gave me this orchid for my birthday. It flowered from July 'til November. I don't know a thing about caring for these plants, when all the flowers dropped I was left with three leaves and a twig but I kept watering it every now and again, then this Summer it flowered again and by my birthday it had twelve blooms. I'm hooked now!
Between raindrops and Dr.s appointments we spent as much time in the garden as possible. The potatoes did well, and my sister in law gave me some lovely sacks for my birthday - she knows me so well!
So those are the reasons for my absence. Now that the kids are settled in Nursery and Year 1 (!!) things are just about back to normal. What have you been up too? Do tell....

100% Handmade - Ilkley

2010-07-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward to my second time selling at 100% Handmade in Ikley. The last event was great, lots of sales, meeting up with other makers and making a few gorgeous purchases too.
Afternoon tea is provided by the Marvellous Tea Dance Company.
The fair is located in Riddings Hall, Christchurch, Ilkley this on the Grove just opposite Betty's Tearoom.Hope to see you there x

Featured!

2010-06-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Just a little post to let you know I have been featured on a blog here by the wonderful Vonnie.

I love to read Vonnie's blog, please pop over and take a peek :)

Is this a sign?

2010-05-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Have I hit the big time?
Should I look upon this as a sign? Maybe not.
But for the second time in a week I woke this morning to find spam comments here on my blog.
A little more annoying was that it wasn't just one comment. It was 18 comments. All from the same account, in Japanese. Sprinkled around my posts from the last 18 months Again it was a list of links to cheapo mass produced tat, I know this because I used a translation site to check.. It took a while to find them all and delete them.
I'd prefer not to use the comment moderation thingamajig, it makes me feel a bit big brotherish. But I don't like people fly posting links all over here either. So what to do?
Has this happened on your blog? Please share your thoughts :)

And the winner is...

2010-05-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

I really ought to have done this last night but I had promised my daughter that she could pick the name out of the hat. I would have had a photo of her drawing the winning ticket, but I forgot to charge the camera battery, its been that kind of weekend!
But anyway onto the good bit! The winner, who chose this brooch:
is Vonnie . Please let me have your address and your parcel will be winging its way to you!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, tweeted and whotnot, it's very much appreciated :) I I have really enjoyed doing this so I think it should become a regular feature.
Thanks again, x

Give Away Time!

2010-05-05T03:02:00.000-07:00

To celebrate reaching 100 blog followers and 300 Twitter followers and to say thank you to you all, its time for a give away. For a chance to win a draughts or domino piece brooch simply leave a comment below with the name of the brooch you would like to win. You can check out the brooches here and here. The pic below is for illustration purposes only, there are many more designs in the shops including the 'Truly Removable Tattoos' and Japanese designs.

As before if you blog about, Tweet or mention on Face Book the give away, let me know and I'll put additional copies of your name in the hat.

The give away closes at midnight on Saturday 22nd May.

Thank you x

Edited to add I'm happy to post to anywhere in the world! My give away is open to everyone :)

More sorting...

2010-05-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sice sorting out my workspace a couple of weeks ago we have been doing bits and pieces to other parts of the house. Previously we have toyed with the idea of moving house but we feel alot more settled here now. So since we are going to stay put a while longer we have been looking at how we can make better use of the rooms.
We all like to spend time in the kitchen so we have started in here. After spending a silly amount of time looking for shelves that fit this little nook I built these myself. Built is overstating it a bit - I got the wood cut to size from the local wood yard and just stacked it between the bricks. Now I can find the jars when I need them instead of scrabbling around in the cupboard.
We have lived here for about three and a half years and all that time lamented not having a kitchen table because we didn't think we could fit one in. But it turns out we can :) We moved the butchers block thingy into my workspace (more work surface for me :) and mapped out the size of table we needed. Then we trawled around antique / junk shops til we found what we wanted and could afford.
This was a complete bargain!! I'm told its Victorian, I know its solid, and just what we wanted but didn't think we could afford.

All four of us can sit round it using two chairs and two stools but it can extend to seat six. The top lifts out, the side panels pull out, then the top slots back.

Why didn't we do this 3 years ago? I wonder how many other things we could do like this!

Have a lovely holiday weekend. We are spending ours in the kitchen.

New space!

2010-04-22T03:40:00.001-07:00

Things have stepped up a pace recently! So much so I hadn't realised how long its been since I last posted here. I have been busy working on wholesale orders and trying my best to keep my
website stocked up - there is still alot I want to do with this.
The extra work that I have been doing has meant that I have had to change my tiny space around alot! I used to work on the dining table, storing all of my materials in an old display cabinet, this is still very much in use. But we often couldn't use the table when we wanted eat together and the room was getting very cluttered. So, we freecyled our old sofa, which in the 3 years that we have lived here hadn't been sat on! And bought a small table and a huge set of shelves. I used to yearn for a little room that was completely my own but actually I'm really happy with this set up. Now we can all use the big table when we want, I have my own space do my stuff, I can use the dining table to use as a cutting table when I need to, and because this room opens onto the garden I can work and keep an eye on the kids when they play out.

I love seeing where other people work! Please leave a link to your space however big or small in the comments section.

New old display

2010-03-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to dream up a way to display my new brooches at craft events. I wanted height, accessibility for customers, and something that would be reasonably easy to carry - I do events by myself so I want to get in and out of venues with as few trips as possible :)

Everything I thought of involved alot of bulky new kit. But then My local Sue Ryder (charity shop) had a makeover and became Sue Ryder Vintage! How great is that!! I picked up this rather battered old case for a tenner. Happy days!

It needed a bit of a clean up. I lined the inside with black velvet, covered some foam board with more black velvet (all from my fabric stash), added a bit of red velvet around the edges and there it is. Done. Height ,check, accessibility - brooches can be lifted from their pins very easily, check, and its a suitcase - designed for carrying around, check.

I've made a wee sign now too, so I'll move the pins around a little to accomodate it. Hopefully this should be quick to set up too. I'll let you know when I try it out at 100% Handmade in Ilkley on Saturday, details below.

Looking forward to this...

2010-03-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't attended a fair since December so I'm really looking forward to this event,

I love designer maker fairs, there are always so many beautiful things to see and its nice to meet the makers and talk about the way they work and create their products :) This event is organised by the folks behind the fabulous Leeds Vintage Fairs.

It's been a very busy few weeks around here. I've been filling wholesale orders for my new brooches like crazy so it will be nice to be in Ilkley and catch up with friends. So if you can, please pop along and say hello, I'll be there selling and spending up!

The truly removable tattoo

2010-02-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

I like tattoos but I don't have a real one. I'm far too fickle. I've seen many designs I like but then I flit to something else, I believe in keeping my options open:) At the moment I like the rockabilly style designs so I came up with this,

a truly removable tattoo...

The rectangular ones are made on a vintage domino and the round ones are made on vintage draughts pieces. I have made them with various wording including names. As with my other brooches they are coated with a thick layer of resin to protect them and give them a glossy finish.

Please let me know what you think :)

Love is Colour Blind

2010-02-06T07:07:00.001-08:00

I bought this beautiful print a few weeks ago from the very talented Dig The Earth over on Folksy. It's such a quirky idea, I loved it as soon as I saw it!
I've been waiting to show it off here because I hadn't bought a frame. I still haven't bought a frame what with one thing and another - but anyway here it is:)

Sunshine Award

2010-01-26T01:31:00.001-08:00

Thanks go to Julia from Hand Knitted Things for this blog award. Julia makes the most beatiful knitted creations. My current favourite are one of her most recent makes, a pair of gloves inspired by the ones worn by Holly Hunter in the film 'The Piano'. I adore this film and I adore those gloves!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting the Sunshine award- Put the logo on your blog or within your post- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers- Link the nominees within your post- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I would like to nominate the following blogs for this award (in no particular order):

Swirly Thoughts

Artisanne

Quernus Crafts

Wychbury

Little Green Shoots

Blu-shed

Kre8ive Life

Ali Bali Jewellery

The Magpie Diaries

Kayla Coo

Buttons and Flowers

Jolicious

New Vintage Inspired Brooches

2010-01-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a little peep at my new vintage inspired brooches. They are made on upcycled draughts (checkers) pieces. Each one is painted with acrylic colours and collaged, resin has been used to give each piece a lovely glass like finish. Some have Swarovski crystals set in the resin.

I'll put a note on the blog when they are for sale in the shop. I'm not quite ready - these haven't even got their brooch pins attached! I've designed the packaging, I'm just waiting for that to come back from the printers.

I'd love to know what you think of them:)

There will be a little competition soon to win a brooch of your choice, xx

Service disrupted

2010-01-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

by snow, snow and more snow.
I must admit I love it! I understand it has become a complete pain in the bum for lots of people though. To be honest because we both work from home the only problems we have encountered is trying to get out to visit the supermarket - very icy roads - and delays with post being delivered. The pic below is of our local park. My daughter's school closed for a day this week so we took the opportunity to go play for a bit. It was absolutely beautiful!

Then yesterday when school reopened this chap was there to great the children.
Isn't he fab! He stands 6 feet tall, outside the caretaker's house near the school entrance. All the kids love him, and the snowman:)

New Start

2010-01-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, may the best of your 2009 be the worst of your 2010!

We have had a lovely family Christmas, a white Christmas too which made it extra magical:)

And now its time to get back to work. There was a time when I dreaded the end of the holiday but now I'm working for myself I look forward to it. I've been making lists for myself and planning goals in spare moments over the past few days. As soon as the children are back at pre-school and school I can hide away in my little room and get cracking!

Just before Christmas a customer asked if I could make one of my tile pendants into a brooch for her. We chatted about it and decided that they really looked too small. So I had a little think and suggested a domino piece or draughts piece as an alternative. I tried them out and I really like them, and so did she!

With only two more craft events left before Christmas I took some along with me and they sold really well. So here's a few to show to you, they are now available in the shop

Your comments are very much appreciated, so please let me know what you think:)

Christmas Yumminess

2009-12-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if 'yumminess' is a proper word but not to worry. It's just three sleeps until Christmas Day and we still have plenty of snow, its so exciting!
Since we will be having visitors for dinner on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day I have been dreaming up menus and treats for a couple of days now. I need the evening meal to be fairly quick and easy as we will be eating when the children are in bed. The Christmas Day dinner will be the full 3 course affair with all the trimmings:)

This cake is great for an easy dessert or just to have for tea time.

Cranberry Cake

I love cranberries, this year I intend to grow them with my blueberry bushes as the berries are only in the shops here for a couple of weeks.

You can make this cake without the pecan topping but the nuts work so well with the tartness of the cranberries it wouldn't be quite the same:)

Cranberry Cake Recipe
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups SR flour
pinch of cinnamon (optional)
2 1/2 cups cranberries

10 inch springform tin

Optional Pecan Topping

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup toasted pecans

Preheat the oven to 350F / 18oC / Gas mark 4 / moderate
lightly grease a 10" springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper

Beat the eggs and sugar together for 5 - 7 minutes, the eggs will increase in volume and stream into ribbons when you lift the beaters. The mixture should be pale yellow - (unless you use a golden sugar)
Add the butter and beat for 2 minutes.
Stir in the flour.
Fold in the cranberries.
Pour the mixture into the cake tin.
For the pecan topping, heat the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the sugar and stir.
Add the toasted pecans and cook for a few minutes, until the butter and sugar mixture is smooth and the nuts smell toasted.
Spread over the cake mixture.
Bake in the oven for just over an hour. You might need to tent some tin foil over the cake in the last 15 minutes to prevent browning.
Cool slightly in the tin, then turn the cake out onto a cooling rack.

Tastes just like Christmas!

Fingers crossed

2009-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit quiet on the blog front for a couple of weeks, it's been crazy busy but now I'm ready to prepare for a cosy family Christmas. Orders are still coming in from the shop, but the order date for commissions has past so now it's just a case of packaging up stock:)

So today we had a wander into the village, and with the over night snow fall we have our fingers crossed for a white Christmas! Our village association has gone all out this year and Haworth Main Street looks soooo pretty. The children are in love with the tree,

The trees and decorations adorn the whole of the cobbled street. The local shop owners and residents have been very busy.

But the snow has really completed the whole effect! A certain someone thought the whole thing utterly wonderful....
But for some of us it was all too much....
It is the Nativity weekend here in Haworth (19th & 20th), with lovely shopping, and great pubs and cafes :) Merry Christmas!

Check out the new girl!

2009-12-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

Diva

She looks like she knows a thing or two... 'Diva' is the forth in a series of vintage inspired Tiny Tiles. The tile measures just 3.5 x 2.5 inches - ACEO size. A thick glossy layer of resin covers the photo image which rests on a rich gold painted background. Diva is for sale in the shop for a mere ten British pounds.

Back to school

2009-12-02T14:38:00.001-08:00

A few months ago I was asked to lead a workshop in a local high school for a class of Btec students. The full day session involved each student making their own accordion book.
Last week the session took place. Usually my books are themed around vintage ephemera but the students were studying pop art, so we went with that. They had to demonstrate their awareness and understanding of pop art through the images they created in their book. The finished result would be part of their coursework.

Everyone worked very hard and they had some great ideas. I'll be visiting again in a week or so to see the finished pieces. I'll post pics when I have them. I really enjoyed my day in class. It's funny how out of touch I felt at times though! Here's one conversation that proves it:

Student: Miss?

Me: Please, call me Leigh

Student: Yeah Miss ok, I will Leigh. Miss have you seen *****'s book? Its well sick!

Me: Lets remember to treat each other with respect please.

Student: Eh Miss? No miss, 'sick' means good, her book is well sick, I like it!

And I feel 95. But all in all the whole day was - well - well sick :)

Here Come the Girls!

2009-11-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here are my first 3 vintage inspired Tiny Tiles. So far they have been selling very well at Craft events but I'd really like to know what you think! They are ACEO size and made on a piece of pine. The images are taken from original 1940's photos.

Star

Angel

Cloud Nine

They are available from my online shops here in British pounds or here in US dollars

Each piece is coated with resin to give a deep shiny finish.

Whitby Style

2009-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's been a while, time flies and all that...

We have had a short break near Whitby, this was a couple of weeks ago now. Since then I have embarked on my very busy craft fair shedule and I've been busy filling orders for custom requests and gallery stock.

But back to the fun stuff! Whitby was great. The weather was unusually mild and dry! So we were able to do lots of walking. We visited beaches every day and collected one or two fossils and lots of sea glass and pottery - I'll save these pics for another post.

The pic below is of a beautiful little place just north of Whitby called Runswick Bay. The cottages were very pretty and as you can see the view is wonderful.

We were in Whitby for the start of the Goth Weekend. We had a great time people watching and lots of people were more than happy to pose for photos. A huge amount of people gather in Whitby over the weekend. Besides the Goths and EMOs were folks from the Victorian Society and the Dracula Society. The clothes were amazing!

Including the shoes...

And these people travel in style! The old hearse below had a glass engine casing - the etching was fantastic.

So that's what we have been up to! Normal service shall resume shortly....

Featured!

2009-10-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

My work space has been featured on the Artists in Business Blog

I love taking a peek at where other people create. It has to be said that the vast majority of them put my little corner to shame! There are some fabulous garden room work spaces, converted box rooms, all sorts of things. I really do find them facinating.

If like me you wish to see more there are lots of Flickr groups like this one for instance :)
Apart from coveting other people's studios it's great for picking up storage and display ideas to help improve your own practice, or maybe thats what I tell myself when I'm lusting over beautiful attic/studio conversions when I'm meant to be working.
And speaking of working I have some vintage pin-up / show girl themed Tiny Tile Paintings which are almost ready for the shop I will post pics here soon.

From Where I Live

2009-10-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the first two paintings from a short series inspired by the countryside where we live.

The walls and bridge are created with small stone chippings set in the resin. I took these along to a 'Ladies Night' event on Friday, I sold a lot of Tile Paintings, 'Heathered Hills' was especially popular - I took several orders for more. Both of these are available in my shop

I'm working on another new series at the moment too, inspired by vintage movie star / pin up imagery. More about that soon...

Have a lovely week!

Halloween Fun!

2009-10-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

BOO! I confess I do love Halloween! Here in Haworth we have a well established Halloween Parade along Main Street which always attracts losts of visitors. Over the weekend lots of shop owners and local residents dress up and enter the costume competition.
This year we will be having extra good fun, we will be visiting Whitby for a few days and we will be there on the 30th October to see the start of the Whitby Gothic Weekend. In view of all of this I have got myselforganised early this year, with the children's costumes sorted out.
I'm not a fan of the scary horror film style costumes and some of the offerings from the supermarkets are way too gruesome for my rapscallions so here are a few of the things available from the talented makers on Folky
With just a couple of weeks left to Halloween its time to place those orders!

Star Light Star Bright Studs by Kitschen Sink

Gothic Annie by Northfield Primitives

Black Moustache Disguise from Lupin Handmade

Dracula Meerkat by Nifty Knits

Have fun!

Craft Fairs R Us!

2009-10-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last year I attended a few really good craft fairs, fairs where the organisers believed in the ethos of quality handmade products sold by the maker. I also did several 'events' (I use the term loosely)where the organiser was only interested in taking a stall fee, showing scant regard for the quality of the products on sale and by default contempt for the customer. This was reflected in the number of people who visited and in sales.
But not this year! This year I have chosen more carefully, planned ahead, I have made written applications and waited to be accepted. Because I have made applications in January and February for some fairs that are in November and December maybe I hadn't kept an accurate tally on the number of fairs I've been accepted and paid for. Which is why I now find that I will be peddling my wares at 10, yes 10 events between this Saturday and the 13th December eeeeek!
So this Saturday, the 10th of October I will be at Ilkley Arts Market

I'm really looking forward to this! The organisers are great believers in the craft movement, Ilkley is a lovely place to visit and I will get to catch up with other makers that I haven't seen for a while, and maybe even meet a few more:)

So Ilkley Arts Market, Riddings Hall, The Grove, Ilkley

It would be great if you could make it! Good times....

....and to check out my events diary please click here

Friday Folksy Finds

2009-10-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Despite a few gloriously warm days Autumn has arrived. We spent yesterday tidying up the garden, and while the afternoon was beautifully mild and sunny, come 4 o'clock there was a definate chill in the air. I do love to be able to settle into the evening with the fire on and curtains drawn. I love Autumn, the colours suit me down to the ground, take a peep at the lovely autumnal things I found on Folksy today:)

'Falling Leaves' Garland by See the Woods Designs

Hand warmers in Heather by Hand Knitted Things

I love this colour! These would be perfect at fairs to keep me warm but still let me work.

Double Breasted Coat Tutorial and Pattern by Kitschy Coo

I wish I could sew, and really I think this is my motivation to learn! Pop along to Kitschy Coo's shop and you'll see what I mean. She also writes a very entertaining blog which carries a handy little gadget that allows you to buy patterns there and then. See, I mentioned that more of a reminder for me than you:)

Spalted Squares Tea Light Holders by Treecycle

These would look just beautiful glowing on the hearth on these chilly evenings.

Arts Trail!

2009-09-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I had a stall at the Saltaire Arts Trail Festival. It was a truly excellent and very busy couple of days. The atmosphere was great, I chatted to friends old and new, met lots of new customers, started Christmas shopping* and generally had a fine old time. I sold lots of jewellery and Tiny Tile Paintings - I even picked up a little teaching gig - more about that nearer the time.
*Early I know but there were sooo many beautiful things and I've booked lots more events on the weekends approaching Christmas time is short.

The collection of snaps above shows my table and images of the very many public art events happening around Saltaire over the whole two week event.

After a weekend working we spent the next weekend visiting. There was a fabulous continental foods market, with just about every food imaginable! There's just a few examples below. It was difficult to take photos as there were so many other visitors too! There was live music and a vintage fair, a fun fair, lots of interactive arts activities...the list is endless.

Although the children were a little overwhelmed just before we left we even managed to visit a couple of the Open Houses. This is were residents of Saltaire village display works of art by a collection of Yorkshire based artists and literally open their houses to the public to come in and look around. This may sound a little strange, a twist on open studio events I suppose, but it is really successful. The woodturned vessels in the pic above are displayed on a kitchen table, there were canvas' above the cooker, sculptures standing on the hearth. Next year I'd like to see all of the houses that take part.

All in all it was a great festival, even better than last year. I feel very lucky to have this virtually on my doorstep! The organisers are an amazing group of people:)

Saltaire Makers' Fair

2009-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! The Saltaire Arts Trail begins this weekend. I have a stall at the Makers' Fair again this year 10.00 til 6.00 on Saturday 12th and 10.00 til 4.30 on Sunday 13th September. Sellers have to make an application for stalls at this event which ensures all items are made and sold by the maker. This also means I come away having spent up!

Below is my page on the Arts Trail Website.

In addition to the Makers' Fair there is the very popular Open Houses event where local residents exhibit the work of local artists in their homes.

On the final weekend there is an excellent continental market and events for children too.

Click here to see pics of last year's Makers' Fair.

I'm really looking forward to the fair this weekend and visting the rest of the events the weekend after:)

Change

2009-09-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am a firm believer that change is a good thing, but as I sit here writing this at 5.30am on a chill Monday morning I feel some trepidation. You did read that correctly, 5.30, some things don't change - J continues to be such an early bird.

This morning we quickly crept downstairs so we didn't wake everyone. Today is my little girl's firtst day in her reception class, as she sleeps I am feeling soo nervous. I'm sure a great many parents are feeling exactly the same at the moment.

She is such a shy little girl. Whilst she enjoyed her year at nursery it was only in the last couple of week that she began to talk to one or two of the children. She is very articulate but I don't know how well this comes across away from home. I'm so glad that the nursery is a part of the school she is attending, hopefully this will help her to settle into a full day in the 'big school'.

I am going to miss my little pal so much! I am dreading the moment of coming away from school without her and I know I will be clock watching all day 'til we can scamper up the hill to collect her.

Someone else is going to miss his little big sister all day too. And speaking of changes two mornings a week he is going to be off to pre-school. J has had one session there last week which he enjoyed very much, he had a little wobble in the last few minutes but over all the virdict was "I love pre-school!" pronounced "I wuv pee cool!".

Reading this back I think it may be me that will be needing the most time to get used to all this.

Whilst it will be strange to have a few child free hours in the week it will mean that for the first time in a very long time I will have be able to work during the day. Set work time that doesn't rely on the odd DVD, playing in the garden or carefully orchestrated distractions which often included daddy taking the children out for the day so that I could fill orders and arrange gallery meetings. I can get so much more done when I work during the day than when I work late evenings. So I have big plans for my two mornings.

So as autumn begins to creep up on us again we will all be getting used to a new routine. It is still dark as I sit here huddled around the screen and there is a definate chill in the early morning air. Someone on the radio mentioned we may even have a bit of frost by the end of the week.

If your little ones are starting school over the next few days, chin up!

Edited just to add that she had a really good day! I spent the whole day with one eye on the clock and the words "I wonder what she is doing now.." wandering through my head every few minutes. J went to his second pre-school session today and loved it. And I worked during daylight hours!

Oh and I have noticed that the date on this post claims it is Sunday. I wrote this in the wee small hours of Monday morning - I hadn't noticed that the blog seems to work on US time:)

Craft Fairs 2009

2009-08-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

A very brief post just to let you know I have updated my events diary for the year.

So to see a list of the events I will be selling at please click here:)

Seals, sharks and sun...

2009-08-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

ok I made the last one up -we saw precious little sun but we are back from a lovely, relaxing holiday in Scotland. We stayed near Oban in a little wooden lodge. The view was beautiful - I took this on the last, finest morning:/
We spent the week dodging rain showers, collecting treasure from the beaches, exploring tiny villages, hopping on boats to visit nearby islands and to see these chaps

As we were approaching the island a little voice piped up "Ooh look, I can see a shark!" As we sniggered at such an idea and we started explaining that sharks are very rarely seen so close to shore and blah, blah, blah we were stopped in our tracks - she was right!

Apparently it was a basking shark the second largest living shark after the whale shark. I would have felt happier in a bigger boat I know they only eat plankton and tend not to bother anyone but still! It was a strange moment.
We took the ferry over to Mull which was an absolutley beautiful island, I'd love to go back there for a holiday. Whilst there we drove down to Tobermory, also known to little folk as Balamory. This was probably my favourite place to visit, lovely walks, tiny beach great for shells, sea pottery and sea glass and hopeless for sunbathing (my favourite sort of beach) and lots of interesting shops selling locally made crafts rather than the usual tourist tat.

As we wandered around some of the most beautiful places our little island has to offer it was sad to hear so many of the natives whingeing about the weather saying it spoiled their holiday and that next year they would "go abroad as usual" and lots of mention of that ridiculous media invention the 'staycation' as though 'pre credit crunch' (more media speak) British people didn't holiday in Britain.

On the ferry back to Oban we stood on the deck with a brew and planned a future holiday visting more of the Scottish isles. As we watched Mull disappear in the distance this appeared
Perfect! And now that we are back and I have got back on top of the orders I had whilst away I hope to be writing alot more here. Lx

Bling My Coach

2009-08-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

This week I have been contacted by National Express (coach travel company) to let you know about a fantastic competition they are running at the moment.

Imagine your design on a coach which travels all over the country - this really is a chance for you to get your designs seen by millions! In addition to this you and your mates could have use of a coach for a full weekend! (For T&Cs visit here)

To enter pop along to Bling My Coach Here are a couple of pics swiped from their Flickr page

The design possibilities are endless and you are the people they are looking for!

I've travelled far and wide with National Express, visiting exhibitions all over the place and as the Divine Comedy said

We're going where the air is free

Tomorrow belongs to me

When you're sad and feeling blue

With nothing better to do

Don't just sit there feeling stressed

Take a trip on the national express

But this time take your trip on a coach designed by you!

First Treasury!

2009-08-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

I re-opened my Etsy shop last week after a very long break. So I was very excited to find that the lovely and very talented Penny Dog has included me in her treasury:) Thank you so much!

My new packaging

2009-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been looking at ways to 'build my brand' ( I really don't like that term though!). When I sell my jewellery I include an information card with the item which explains to my customers how to care for the piece. Many of the galleries I supply have expressed their appreciation for this.

I wanted to find a way to package my Tiny Tile Paintings that would look appealing when being sold in galleries and at fairs and would stand up to being posted. The tiles have a thick resin finish with embelishments that stand above the surface of the resin, these will need some protection.

So after lots of playing around I came up with these,

I would love to hear what you think about them. Just as I think I have solved one little problem up pops another one! Now I need to come up with something for the series of round Tiny Tile Paintings I have just begun making. I'm thinking about a much narrower band, similar to the ones above or I might try constructing some sort of pouch....so it's back to playing around for me:)

Lollipop Tree

And the winner is....

2009-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

The winner of my little blog competition as chosen by this little rapscallion is....

Artisanne

Who can choose any Tiny Tile painting from my shop! I really enjoyed running this giveaway so it may well become a regular feature around here :)

Fun In the...rain?

2009-07-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that the moment the school holidays began so did the rain! My children, aged 2 and 4, adore playing in the garden and at times have been all but bouncing of the walls to get outside again. Their wellies and waterproofs are by the door so that we can dash outside as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds.

So I have been dreaming up ways to keep them busy and happy! I have listed a few things we have done below.

Playdough has kept them occupied for a good while. Here's my favourite recipe, we often add glitter for fancy schmancy model making. Kneading warm play dough is one of life's pleasures!

2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoon oil
1/2 cup salt
food colouring
In a pan mix all ingredients together, adding the food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove the dough from the pan and knead until smooth. Add glitter at this point if you want to. To store place in a plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. The dough lasts for a long time.

We have decorated fairy cakes as you see in the pic.

Both rebels also love to make chocolate crispy cakes with mini marshmallows. Mmmmmm!

My daughter wants to go to the cinema, our tiny local picture house only does matinees at the weekend and as the kids are so young we have had a couple of practices at home.First they made their own popcorn cones. Then we filled them with microwave popcorn. We closed all the curtains in the living room and watched a DVD in the dark. We had a brief intermission to serve ice cream. And I realised that J probably is a little bit too young for a whole cinema showing.

playing in a huge tray of shaving foam is also a big hit - but not one for the faint hearted!

If you fancy adding an idea of your own in the comments section please feel free to do so and while your at it why not include a shamless plug for your blog, shop or favourite item:)

And if you would like a chance to win one of my Tiny Tile Paintings please click here
the giveaway closes soon!

Mucky Mouth Pie

2009-07-26T11:43:00.001-07:00

Early this morning as I sat with a mug of coffee, wandering in blogland while the rain poured down I was wondering what we could all do for the afternoon. Then I visited the H is for Home blog. They had collected bilberries and made a wonderful looking custard tart with them. Moments later on Facebook my friend Paula from the wonderful Wychbury also mentioned that she had collected fruit on Ilkley Moor (yes, we all know the song).

Now as a little girl this is something I loved to do! So we waited for a break in the rain and off we went. We live a stones throw from Penniston Hill which is part of the local moorland - prime bilberry picking land.

It's been a great season for these tiny little berries, the bushes were dripping with them! We only came away when we did because J was eating so many. So with purple stained fingers and soaking wet boots we made our way home.

And I set about making Mucky Mouth Pie. A certain little someone had a great time gathering the fruit and couldn't wait for it to be ready.

And why is it called Mucky Mouth Pie?

There's your answer! The bilberries produce a huge amount of juice when cooked. J was covered and was so pleased to discover that the fruit had turned his tongue blue:)

Mucky Mouth Pie is just the name we have for a bilberry pie. I don't have a recipe as such, my only tip is to sprinkle semolina on the pastry base before adding the fruit and sugar - this helps to stop the pastry getting soggy.

I'll leave the final words to J "Mmmm it's not yuck, it's yum!"

My 1st Blog Competition

2009-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

So here is my first blog competition / give away to celebrate my Tiny Tile Paintings making it into my shop.

I have been selling these at fairs for a while now. Sales have reached a point where it makes more sense to sell prints - this also makes them more affordable - who could argue with that?

Each print is treated in the same way as the original, mounted on a handcut wooden tile and coated with a thick layer of glossy resin. Set in the resin are twinkly crystals, faux pearls and pieces of vintage jewellery - depending on the title.

The competition prize is a Tiny Tile Painting of the winners choice.

For a chance to win simply:

pop along to my shop by clicking here
leave a comment on this blog with the title of your favourite Tile Painting and a note about why you like it . Please make sure that there is a way to contact you so that I can send your prize should you win.

If you Twitter, Facebook or blog about my competition please leave a link in the comment section here and I will enter your name for a further chance to win.

Hopefully I will be adding more paintings to the shop over the next couple of weeks. The winner can choose any Tile Painting when notified. The competition will close on the 5th August.

Good luck!

Want to see my etching?

2009-07-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Instead of more Friday Folksy Finds here are pics of a few of my wonderful birthday pressies.

First of all this is a really awful photo of the most beautiful etching that my husband gave to me. It is by Piers Browne and it is the first in an edition of two prints titled 'Wensleydale From Scarth Nick'. Following this edition a larger re-worked edition was created. I have loved Browne's work for many years and often visited Godfrey & Watt in Harrogate to see his beautiful creations.

I love the jewel like quality of the colours and the scale, this etching measures just 2 x4 inches. I really never thought I would own one so this was a wonderful surprise! It must be at least 15 years since I first saw his work. Some of my work is on sale in the gallery too. Though I daydreamed about it I didn't think that would happen 15 years ago!

Tickets to the Great Yorkshire Show have become a birthday tradition. When the children are old enough I hope to have a stand in the craft marqee:)
A very lovely friend made this little chap for me. I love him very much!

And this very sophisticated bloom was chosen by my little girl who thought "you have to have something pink on your birthday" how right she is! I'm so lucky!

Its been a lovely day:) More Folksy finds next week and a wee blog competition too x

Friday Folksy Finds...

2009-07-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Since its someone's birthday (ahem) next week I have put together a little wish list all spotted on Folksy of course!
I love these little seed packets. They are sold empty so that you can harvest your own seeds ready for next year. They are pretty enough to frame if seed saving isn't your thing

Seed Packets from Lapwing Printworks

I saw the pattern for this cushion on Hand Knitted Things blog a few days ago but I'm not much of a knitter.I'm so pleased to see the finished article for sale. It really is everything a cushion should be! It would be perfect on my rocking chair (I'm really not about to become as old as I'm making myself sound here!)

Hand Knitted Envelope Cushion from Handknitted Things

This little chap would look great perched on my mantle over seeing us all. I'm not one for ornaments usually but he is just irresistable!

Little Yellow Bird Needle Felted Sculpture by Fibrespace

This fella is great! But I know he wouldn't stay mine for long there are 2 little rapscallions who have already spied this pic - they would whisk him away in a second.

Rainbow Sock Monkey by Oddsox

More finds next week!

Upcoming Craft Fair

2009-07-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Harrogate is one of my very favourite places to visit for shopping. It has just the right mix of quality hight street shops and even better lots of independently owned boutiques, galleries and craft shops.

So to top this I will be selling at a craft fair slap bang in the town centre on Saturday 11th July! I'm so excited - the fair will be held in Wesley Chapel and is organised by Made-it who have a reputation for good quality events.

If you can make it please do say hello!

4 Friday Folksy Finds

2009-06-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

A little late in the day but here are four more wonderful finds from the creative folks on Folksy
It's been a another beautiful baking hot day so naturally my thoughts turn to lazy days in the garden and camping trips by the seaside....
This would be the perfect accessory for that campervan I dream about,

Campervan Illustration Cushion by Helena Carrington And after we have driven to the seaside in said imaginary vehicle we could catch these beauties
Wooden Fish Decoration from Half an Acre

My daughter would love this gorgeous dress for little parties in the garden

Flower Sun Dress by Sweetpea 4 Kids

No Summer garden party would be complete without this lovely
Crystal Flower Bunting by Hollie Lollie

Enjoy the sunshine but spare a moment to visit these lovely shops, you won't be disappointed!

Honey Oat Cakes...

2009-06-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

...may well be my favourite coffee break treat. I made a few this morning the children have snaffled a few already and I've heard Himself creeping across the kitchen tiles a couple of times too.

Here's the recipe if you fancy giving them a try
110g (4oz) butter
50g (2oz) soft light brown sugar
1 beaten egg
6 tbsp runny clear honey
110g (4oz) self raising flour
225g (8oz) rolled oats
pre-heat the oven to 160c
Cream together the butter, sugar and honey, the recipe says until light and fluffy but don't knock yourself out.
Beat in the egg with a little of the flour.
Stir in the remaining flour and the oats.
roll the mixture into balls and space them out on baking paper on 2 baking sheets.
Using your fingers lightly press down the balls.
Bake for about 20 mins or until golden.

With two such healthy ingredients it would be wrong not to try these!
On a completely different note we visited Towneley Hall the other day. It has a wonderful stately home that the children insist on calling a castle. They were running around the gardens at the back of the 'castle' when my daughter looked up at the window and said - right in front of a huge tour party -
"Ahh Mummy look, I can see the Princess' bum!" Much sniggering all round:)

Friday Folksy Finds

2009-06-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, I promise I have been busy! I have some new work in the pipeline, potentially a couple of events to get ready for (still in the planning stages)and I have been making work for a couple of new wholesale customers:)
But on to today.
I want to make this a regular feature. I really like Folksy, the layout looks good, it's fairly easy to use and most importantly there are lots of wonderful things to buy!
These caught my eye today :

A pretty little Bird Brooch by Polka

I just love those little button feet!

A Fabulous Twisted Bead Fascinator by Hatastic
Wonderful 1920s styling, just the thing to go with my new old dress!

Tea Set Stud earrings from Glue and Glitter

So cute and quirky these made me smile:)

Twisted Vine Bracelet by Jemima Lumley
a tantalising detail from a beautiful piece, go take a peek!

More soon!

New work...

2009-05-25T00:17:00.001-07:00

My Time Is Coming...a Trinkets and Treasure Box

I have just added this to my Folksy Shop
You can see more images and other things for sale by clicking here.
I love this photograph, her eyes are so expressive. I have used parts from a vintage pocket watch and a very old key in this piece - sometimes it's so hard to let these things go!

Enjoy the holiday! x

Time Travel in Haworth

2009-05-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend our little village stepped back in time to the 1940s. Billed as the best kept secret in Yorkshire Haworth was full of vintage vehicles of all descriptions and people dressed in '40s clothes from all walks of life.
Strolling up Main Street we saw glamourous ladies, GIs, police officers, spivs, land girls, sailors, you name it! Even Churchill put in an appearance.

It was a fantastic weekend and we saw a huge number of visitors to the village. There were dances organised for both evenings - tickets sold out weeks ago. During the day there were stalls selling hot food, street singers, rides in vintage buses and on the steam trains, a fly over by vintage aircraft and lots of parades.

A great opportunity to learn about our past and great entertainment too!

Complete Relaxation...

2009-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a few days away. We were in Sandsend just outside Whitby. This really is one of my very favourite places to stay. The views from the cottage are fantastic and change throughout the day. The weather forecast wasn't so good before we set off but we struck lucky. These are the views from the cottage...

I'm already looking forward to escaping there again. We do have a somewhat patchy interenet connection so I was able to continue to fill orders - but very little else.

We spent hours on the beaches collecting shells, finding crabs and chasing around, the children even managed the 3 mile walk to Whitby along the sand!

One of the most magical moments though ( apart from the views) was on a visit to the Sealife Centre, watching our daughter play with the seals. As she placed her hand on the glass a seal swam up to her and for a long time mirrored the movement of her hand, turning in circles and keeping time with her. Wonderful!

I have been busy sketching and collecting bits and pieces so now I'm ready to get back to work and I'm really looking forward to it!

Vintage Treasure Boxes

2009-05-07T13:01:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to finally be able to show you the first of my new 'Vintage Treasure Boxes' . this piece is 'Holiday memories'. The postcard is original as is the sheet music, the shells and starfish are real and the drawing is my own.

Each piece is presented in a box frame measuring 185mm x 185mm x 44mm deep or 7.3 inches x 7.3 inches x 1.7 inches deep. I have painted them with a durable protective paint in colour 'porcelain'.

I have to admit to finding these difficult to photograph. The glass in the frames creates lots of problems and the depth of the frame creates awkward shadows. But I will persevere and improve!

The fairly dreadful photo below is here just to give an impression of the dimensions.

The long cone shaped shell pictured below has to be the tiniest I have ever seen! I hadn't even realised I had picked it up - it was hidden inside another shell I was cleaning.

If you are interested in my work please email me leigh@leighshepherd.com and your comments are always welcome here!

As you may know I generally work in the evenings and where I can around our children. So today after nursery and playgroup we went for a quick walk around the Tarn. We were lucky enough to see the coots nesting

After a few minutes she had a little wriggle around in her nest and two of her babies took to the water. They looked very young and we felt very privileged to sneak a peep!

Otley Craft Fair This Sunday!

2009-04-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 26th April I will be at the craft fair at Otley Courthouse. The fair is organised to coincide with the rather fabulous Otley Farmer's Market pictured above. The farmer's market is probably one of the best in West Yorkshire. Both the fair and the market run from 9am 'til 1pm well worth getting up early for!

Vintage Fair!

2009-04-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've never been the most prolific blogger but trying to keep up over the Easter hols has been tough! We have had lots of visits from friends and family, Easter egg hunts, lots of gardening and generally enjoying the weather.
Last Saturday we visited a Vintage Fair at Saltaire (I know its become a regular haunt!) it was organised by Rose and Brown who have a wonderful little vintage boutique in the village. I went a little crazy buying buttons which I want to use in a new little project.

I absolutely love the burgundy ones with the tiny painted flowers.

I also picked up these lovely side plates for a snip. And I just couldn't resist the teeny tiny black buttons on the red card. They are unbelievably small, the lady I bought them from said they are doll buttons. I have plans for these too.

I found a few pieces of lace for my books but the best piece is this collar for a mere 50p! It is so big I had to photograph it on the hall floor.
I will certainly be visiting here again!
Finally I had to include this pic of my son painting a wooden egg decoration. Usually he doesn't have much patience with craft activities but he loved this! He sat for about half an hour choosing his colours and very carefully painting the top of the egg. That's my boy.

Haworth 1940s weekend

2009-04-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

Here in Haworth preparations are under way for the 1940s weekend. This year it will be held on the 16th and 17th of May. It really takes over the whole village! You can see lots of photos by clicking here There is so much to see, hundreds of people visit over the two days many wearing 1940s clothes. Vintage vehicles are all around the village, there will be a fly over, the home guard set up road blocks, and soldiers march the streets. There are dance events in the evenings which are selling out fast!
The shop owners wear 1940s dress and there will be lots of vintage clothing and memorabilia on sale.

This year I have been asked to make a series of 1940s Art-ccordion Picture Books.

Each book contains original 1940s imagery including advertisments, pictures, buttons, coins and music

Blue Birds

This pic shows a close up of the locket set in the cover of the book. The locket is half open and contains a photo of a young man.

40s Fashion

Set in the cover of this book are vintage buttons, pins and original hook and eye fastenings. The photo below, one of my favourites, shows a page from the book. It is from a film showing a man drawing a seam line on the woman's leg - stockings were hard to come by!

Glamour

All of the images in here are from 1940s magazine ads. You know how we complain about the nonsense that is touted to young women today? It seems it was no different then! Try 'SLIM on the famous BREAD AND BUTTER DIET with the National Slimming Campaign (?!) I had great fun putting this together!

Glamour (cover)

All of the books pictured here are for sale at Oh La La vintage boutique.

Spring Time...

2009-04-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. In the garden we have been concentrating on starting off our veggie patch. In my eagerness to learn about growing fruits and vegtables I bought a lovely looking gardening book from the 1950s. All of our window sills are crowded with pots of seedlings which are showered daily with TLC (so very different from DDT which the gardening book recommended). In the veggie patch the leaves of the potato plants are just poking through the soil as are the vibrant green shoots of the onions.

In all of this excitement it is so easy to forget to really look around. But when we did we found this beautiful Snakes Head Fritillary.

We planted a few bulbs a couple of years ago. I think they may be one of my very favourite flowers. The petals are impossibly beautiful they do look as though they have been painted. I would love to see great banks of them, I only wish they multiplied in the way of Snow Drops and Blue Bells so instead we will stock up on more bulbs. This way our garden can feed our eyes as well as our bellies.

Moulin Rouge Art-ccordion Picture Book

2009-04-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

Here's my new Art-ccordion Picture Book 'Moulin Rouge'. I love the cover of this one! It is covered with a beautiful Japanese paper and coated with a glossy resin finish. Set in the resin are coral pink vintage flowers.
We honeymooned in Paris so it is an extra special place for us. This book harks back to the hay days for the Moulin Rouge.

Inside the back cover hangs a tiny silver coloured key.

Have a lovely weekend!

Paper Cut Book Art

2009-03-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

While making my own little 'Art-ccordion Picture Books' I have become quite fascinated by other book creators. I first came across the work of Su Blackwell in Crafts Magaine back in July '08. Her pieces are truly spectacular.

I think you will agree that Su is in a league all of her own. Her pieces are cut and sculpted from single books. While I love the piece above it is Su's journeys into the world of fairy tales that I love the most...

The Wild Swans

The Lake and the Boat

I have my fingers crossed that there will be an exhibition I can visit in the not too distant future.

New Art-ccordion Picture Book

2009-03-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest little book,

Showgirl Art-ccordion Picture Book (£28)

Inside you will find vintage photos and magazine images, japanese papers, peacock feathers from dancer's headwear amongst other things, all evocotive of glamorous days gone by.

detail

I'm enjoying making these so much. Please let me know what you think:)

Handmade Heaven!

2009-03-11T00:12:00.001-07:00

I'm really looking forward to this, my first craft fair of 2009. The event will be opened by the Mayoress and refreshments will be on offer. This should be a great chance to see and purchase handmade goods from the regions best designers and makers.

Victoria Hall is a lovely venue set in a great location just up the hill from Salt's Mill which houses a huge collection of works by David Hockney, two great places to eat and some lovely shops. Saltaire village, a world heritage site is full of great cafes, wine bars, boutiques and galleries.

All in all this could be a great day out for Mother's Day!

My current favourite...

2009-03-08T00:36:00.000-08:00

I first read about this book on the hermitage blog which is in itself a wonderful read. It's not the type of book I would usually choose but Rima made it sound so appealing I decided to give it a try. At over a thousand pages even if I didn't like it it would make a good doorstop. Its been a lond time since I have enjoyed a book so much. Its completley absorbing and now that I have finished it I miss it. The author's imagination is extraordinary, a really magical magic book. I was a little put off when I read the blurb which mentioned the Napoleonic Wars but it really was enchanting. Thank you Rima.

My latest vintage find

2009-03-06T02:46:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to show this off! It's a 1930's / 40's flower press. I've been looking around for one for a while. I especially wanted one that was small enough to carry with me when we go walking. I will use the pressed flowers and leaves in my Art-ccordion Books This press unfastens quickly with no loose parts, very handy. I love the chinese style art work on the cover. And all for the princely sum of £4!

Spring is in the air

2009-03-03T02:33:00.000-08:00

though its not mild enough yet to get to work planting in the garden. So being somewhat impatient we spent an hour or so planting seeds in the propogators, setting the potatoes to chit and planting our windowsill herbs.

I do enjoy this but I don't really have green enough fingers. The basil plant in the green pot has already departed the earthly plane. But the other too are thriving. I have a 'spare' basil plant keeping warm in the propogator so hopefully that one will pull through.

I'm looking forward to spending a day later this week, weather permitting, constructing a raised bed for our veggies.

If you have any tips for raising basil successfully please let me know:)

Happy Days - Art-ccordion Book

2009-02-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

This is my second Art-ccordion book. It's about holiday memories with images of camping in misty fields, silvery photos of streams and pictures of the flora and fauna this evokes happy times from my past.
It's my hope that these little picture books will be displayed open on a shelf. I did wonder about putting them in box frames but perhaps they are more tactile, I imagine them being held.

Please let me know what you think:)

Just Sharing...

2009-02-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today has been a lovely mild day. We have been planning our veggie patch. Railway sleepers are here waiting to be made into a raised bed. It's a lovely time of year with such a feeling of promise.
A few minutes ago a little voice whispered "Look the sky is all pink, purply and lovely". And it was.

2009 Events Diary - A work in progress

2009-02-18T23:08:00.000-08:00

All of the events listed require applications from makers to ensure the products or produce on sale are good quality and are handmade by the vendors. This makes for a good shopping experience all round!

Dates will be added as I book them. Some dates and times may be subject to change. I will amend this as neccessary these will be typed in red.

Mother's Day Craft Fair Sunday 22nd March 2009 Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Shipley, West yorkshire 11.00 - 4.00

Arts and Crafts Fair Sunday 29th March 2009 Otley Courthouse, Otley, West Yorkshire
9.00 - 1.30 arranged to coincide with the (fabulous) Farmer's Market.

Arts and Crafts Fair Sunday 26th April 2009 Otley Courthouse, Otley, West Yorkshire
9.00 - 1.30 as above

Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday 6th June 2009 Skipton Town Hall, Skipton, West Yorkshire
10.00 - 4.00

Craft Fair 11th July 2009 Wesley Chapel, Lower Hall, Harrogate, North Yorkshire 10.00 - 4.30

Makers' Fair Saturday 12th 10.00 - 6.00 and Sunday 13th September 10.00 - 4.00 2009 Victoria Hall, Saltaire - huge arts event! see here for more info

Ilkley Arts Market Saturday 10th October, 10.00 - 4.00, Riddings Hall, The Grove, Ilkley

Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday 17th October 2009 Skipton Town Hall, Skipton, West Yorkshire 10.00 - 4.00

Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th Novenber 2009 Kelbrook and Sough Village Hall, Kelbrook, Lancashire 10.30 - 4.30

Glusburn Institute Arts and Crafts Fair, Sunday 15th November 2009, Glusburn, West Yorkshire 10.00 - 4.00

Peace & Crafts Fair, Saturday 21st November 2009, Victoria Hall, 10.00- 4.00 event organised by Yorkshire CND, crafts, campaign stalls, complementary therapies, music, cafe

Cristmas Crafts & Gifts Fair Sunday 22nd November 2009, The Old School Rooms, Haworth opposite the Bronte Parsonage 10.00 - 5.00

Christmas Crafts and Gifts Fair Saturday 28th November 2009, Waterfront Hotel, Brighouse 10.00 - 1.00

Grassington Dickensian Festival, Craft Fair, Saturday 5th December 2009 Grassington Town Hall, 10.00 - 4.00

Cristmas Crafts & Gifts Fair Sunday 6th December 2009, The Old School Rooms, Haworth opposite the Bronte Parsonage 10.00 - 5.00

Grassington Dickensian Festival, Craft Fair, Saturday 12th December 2009 Grassington Town Hall, 10.00 - 4.00

Cristmas Crafts & Gifts Fair Sunday 13th December 2009, The Old School Rooms, Haworth opposite the Bronte Parsonage 10.00 - 5.00

Change is in the air...

2009-02-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

There is a danger that this blog is going to be chok full of pictures of snow, as is the rest of blog land. So I'll restrain myself and not add another pic of the beautiful view from the window. It really is lovely though. I love the way snow completely changes the most familiar landscape creating a magical otherworldliness.

This is the third dose of snow we have had this Winter. A few years ago when I was teaching we would talk to the children about Winter and draw snowmen and make snow pictures and often the children would never have experienced snow at all. It's really exciting to share this time with my own children.

So to new work. I have been making my little paintings for a short while now. They have sold well at craft fairs but I wanted to change them a little.

Instead of painting on heavy board I have used wood. This has been cut and sanded as I mentioned in a previous post. Here's the result

Each painting measures approx 2.5 x 3.5 inches. They are painted with acrylics and may have crystal or vintage inclusions. They are given a glossy, glass like resin finish which gives a lovely depth to each image. Each painting is signed on the back.

Please let me know what you think!

Introducing my new 'Art-ccordion Books'

2009-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Finally I have one of my new books ready to show to you.

I have been dreaming, planning and collecting images for these for so long and now here we are.

I intend each book to have a theme and will be made up of all kinds of images linked to this.
I have lots of ideas for more of these and I really enjoy playing around with them.

It is intended that the books will be displayed open on a shelf or mantle. They are designed to be free standing. When closed they are fastened with ribbon.

So...

Starlet

the cover of this book has a glossy resin finish

which shines beautifully

Untie the ribbon and open the book to reveal,

(view of the inside of the whole book)

(view of the back of the book)

(a note explaining the 'ingredients')
I intend to produce a whole series of 'Art-ccordion' books. But I would really appreciate your feedback. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think:)

New ideas in my little cottage industry...

2009-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

This is definitely a day to be spent inside! The pic below was taken yesterday. Today its cold and very icy so we didn't want to venture out too far.
I have been itching to have a bit of time to work on my new painting blocks. So this afternoon I managed to get a few ready for painting tonight. I'm so pleased with them, I cut all of the wood on Sunday and today I rounded the corners,sanded them 'til they are pebble smooth and prepared the paint surface with linen paper.

How was this achieved with a nearly 2 and a 3 year old? Well, I set up a table with lots of covers and set them loose on a tray of cornflower gloop:)

Tis not for the faint hearted or anyone too precious about mess but it really kept them busy, and for much longer than I hoped for! After it did require a bubble bath and it did take a while to clean up (God bless Cbeebies - regardless of all those reports on the tellybox that the tellybox will turn babies brains to mush).
It was great listening to them chatting to each other as they splattered around.
A very productive day.

one of my favourites....

2009-01-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

I have just finished reading this book - again. I'm not sure how many times I've read it now but every time I pick up on different elements in there. It is a truly delicious read! Since becoming a mum I find I get precious little time to curl up with a book - something I crave as I love to read - but I stole time for this book. I read it while I rocked my son to sleep at all hours of the night, I even set off early to pick my daughter up from nursery so I could take my book and cram in a few minutes:)

It's written by the author of 'Chocolat', it's not so much a sequel as a return to the lives of the main characters. This is a much darker book than Chocolat, with more 'peril' and darker magic.

If you haven't tried these titles I highly recommend them. If you have only seen the film 'Chocolat'- it really goes against the grain to knock Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche - but it pales in comparison to the book.

(Apparently in the US it has been published as 'The Girl With No Shadow'. I do think 'The Lollipop Shoes' is much more tantalising:)

Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-05T22:07:00.001-08:00

One and all!!!

This is the view we woke up to yesterday. The windmill on the hill is known in our house as the fan. When we moved here my daughter who was 18 months thought it was wonderful and insisted on calling it a fan:)

I would have posted this yesterday but with my son getting a toilet seat stuck on his head (yes, really) and one thing and another the day got away from me a bit.

Anyway, heres wishing you and yours all the best for 2009!

I'm off to read up on the new skills I'm learning about, I'll tell you about that later.

Have a good day!

All trimmed up...

2008-12-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

yep, I know its late especially with 2 young children but we have finally trimmed the tree and what knot.

The kids were so excited! The really lovely thing about this year is that we have decorations on there that they have made:)

Here's the lass who presides over the whole affair. I like her alot, she looks like a girl who knows her own mind.

I have one more craft market on Sunday 21st December then Christmas is here big time!

Merry Christmas all!

Artsmix

2008-12-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 14th December and Sunday 21st December I have a stall at 'Artsmix in the Loft', Leeds.

I'm really looking forward to this as all sellers are carefully selected ensuring that all items on sale are handmade.

hope to see you there!

These are the days

2008-12-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

...when I really appreciate working from home. This was the view from the window early this morning

The school was closed so we shelved everything for a few hours for this,

The kids had a great time. It was their first real experience of snow. It took a lot of persuading to get them to come back inside. However there was some trauma...

The poor love wouldn't move away from the window saying "I'm watching my lovely snowman so he doesn't melt". Life can be tough when you are 3.

Our whole house smelt like Christmas today

2008-11-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

when I baked our Christmas cake.

This later than usual, I generally make it in mid October but with one thing and another...

Here's the recipe - its one I've used a few times, I've adapted it a bit, as long as you keep the wet to dry ratio the same you can play around with it :)

Rich Fruit Cake

Raisins, chopped 250g

Glace cherries, chopped 125g

Sultanas 750g

Dried currants 125g

Prunes, pitted & chopped 70g

Dates, pitted & chopped 70g

Marmalade 2tbs

Brandy 1 cup

Butter 250g

Grated orange rind 2tbs

Brown Sugar 1 cup

Eggs 4

Plain flour 2 cups

Mixed spice 1tsp more or less as you fancy

Day 1

In a large bowl mix together the fruit and half of the brandy.

Cover and set a side 'til tomorrow. If you remember stir occasionally as the brandy may settle.

Day 2

Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan-assisted.

Line base and sides of 22cm / 9 inch cake pan with 2 layers brown paper and 2 layers baking paper, bringing paper 5cm above the edge of the pan.

Uncover the fruit and brandy mixture and add the rest of the brandy and the marmalade, mix well.

In a separate bowl beat butter, rind and sugar with an electric mixer until just combined

Beat in eggs, one at a time, until just combined between additions.

Stir butter mixture into fruit mixture; mix in sifted flour and spice.

Push small spoonfuls of mixture into the edge of the prepared pan then spread the remaining mixture into the pan. Tap pan firmly on bench to settle mixture.

Level the top of the cake with a wet spatula.

Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

To test if cake is cooked, gently push the blade of a sharp-pointed vegetable knife straight through the centre of the cake to the base of the pan. Withdraw the knife slowly. If there is uncooked mixture on the blade, bake for a further 15 minutes before testing again.

Snip the paper lining level with the top of the cake. Turn cake upside down onto a sheet of foil; wrap cake and pan tightly in foil. Cooling cake upside down will make the cake sit flat for decorating.

Undecorated the cake can be left to mature for around 3 months as long as it is wrapped securely in foil in an air tight container.

Yum.

Pretty new purchase

2008-11-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

I love these little coffee mugs! I picked these up in a great shop in Hebden Bridge called 'Spirals'.
Everything sold is either handmade locally or fair trade goods. These mugs are the ideal size for me, I never seem to finish my morning coffee :)

New work

2008-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Despite being busy with craft fairs and filling gallery orders I have been playing around with a few new ideas. Here is one of my little paintings. They measure 2 x 3 inches and are created with acrylics, resin and vintage inclusions. The pic above isn't great, the resin was still tacky so I didn'y want to move it around too much :)

Next Saturday (15th November) I will be at the 'Crafts and Peace Fair' Victoria Hall, Shipley, near Bradford. This is always a great day out, lots of interesting handmade items for sale at around 80 stalls, activities for the kids, music, complementary therapies and great veggie food. The event is organised by Yorkshire CND
Hope to see you there!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

The kids have been bouncing off the walls today! We have made pumpkin soup, carved lanterns, painted spooky pictures, made masks and snaffled way too many chocolates:)
By the time it was dark and the trick or treaters started arriving they were tired out!
Wishing you a Happy Halloween!

Have a little peep at these...

2008-10-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I just had to buy one of these beautiful hair pins created by Wychbury . They are so pretty! Next time I'm at a craft fair I will have to have a corsage for my new winter coat:)

In a Cottage in the Woods...

2008-10-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

We spent last week relaxing and exploring in Sherwood Forest. After a fairly dreadful Summer weatherwise we hit lucky with a few sunny Autumnal days. This is where we stayed

The children walked miles and at age 21 months and 3 years thats not bad going. A little tip, give them a little bag to collect interesting finds and our best buy this holiday, a magnifying glass and away you go!

Amongst our days out we went to White Post Farm which was absolutley brilliant! We fed lots of animals, played in the indoor and outdoor centres, had a lovely lunch and generally chased around in an excellently well organised environment.

We made a visit to the beautiful Rufford Country Park

and after a chat with the people who run the craft shop they will be stocking my pendants within a few days! Yay!
This is a beautiful area of the country which we are really looking forward to visiting again one day :)

Missing, one season, last seen July 2006...

2008-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

...really, we don't appear to have had a real Summer for so long!

This year it seems to have rained since June. Last week was good, sunny, clear and dry but not exactly an Indian Summer. More about last week in another post.

This may sound like whingeing but I do love Autumn. Now that my little boy is on the move we have had some lovely walks together. My little girl adores collecting leaves, acorns and conkers. we have made hedgehogs (pic soon), leaf prints and lots of collages.

Heres hoping for a crisp, dry Autumn!

Craft Fair Diary

2008-09-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the fairs I will be attending over the coming months. Hope to see you there!

Sat 11th October 10 - 4.30
Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Sun 2nd November 9.30 - 4.30
Bankfield Hotel (Ramada) Bingley, West Yorkshire

Sat 15th November 10 - 4.00
Crafts and Peace, Victoria Hall,
Saltaire, Shipley, West Yorkshire

Sun 16th November 10 - 4.30
Arts and Crafts Fair Glusburn
Institute, Glusburn, West Yorkshire

Sun 23rd November 9.30 - 4.30
Bankfield Hotel (Ramada), Bingley, West Yorkshire

Sun 7th December 9.30 - 4.30
Bankfield Hotel (Ramada), Bingley, West Yorkshire

A Good Day!

2008-09-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

At the weekend I attended the Saltaire Arts Trail Makers' Fair. It was a great two days! Sales were good, the people very friendly and the atmosphere was just lovely.

The venue was Victoria Hall which is a really grand building:

There were musicians playing throughout the day which made the day even more festive!

Despite a very busy day I met some really creative, talented people. Hugh Leighman is a woodturner who makes the most beautiful pieces, you can visit his site here

See the pale coloured choppping boards in this picture? I could see them from my stall. I could also see them disappearing before my eyes! So I have one now sitting in my kitchen. It is a truly beautiful thing. It looks pebble smooth and it really is. When my little girl saw it she actually rubbed her cheek against it. Thats exactly what I wanted to do when I saw them for sale. Strange what you can get away with at 3 that just won't fly at 35.

Hugh also told me about a Crafts and Peace Fair organised by Yorkshire CND, this takes place on Saturday 15th November at Victoria Hall. Following a great weekend I didn't want to miss this so tis booked already!

Next time I will show you my other little purchase:)

Loveliness

2008-09-10T14:22:00.001-07:00

It always seems to work this way doesn't it? I really wasn't looking to buy new shoes. I very rarely wear shoes, especially not heels - I'm usually in boots or flip flops. But when I saw these I just loved them! I love the vintage style, rounded toes and cross bar straps, right down to the golden paisley insole. They even have butterflies on the soles:)

And all this for £20 now I couldn't have left without these could I?

On another note, if you are in the area it is the Saltaire Arts Trail Makers' Fair this Saturday and Sunday. Please say hello if you are passing:)

Bargain!!!

2008-09-07T09:50:00.001-07:00

I popped into Sainsburys supermarket today for a few bits of groceries. On my way out I noticed they were selling a Canon 400D (known as the Rebel XTi in the US).
I have been lusting after this camera for a lonnng time.
I've seen it for sale in various places and at different prices. Most recently I saw it in an electrical store for £420.
But today it was on sale for £299 yep, £299.
It is now mine!!!
They also reluctantly included a camera bag priced at £39.99 which was mistakenly included in the offer.
Hehehehe!
It is a very beautiful thing. It is also the most expensive trip to the supermarket I have ever made.
I may not be allowed to go there again. But I care not a jot I will be busy taking photos.
So if you are near a Sainsburys in the next few days it might be worth checking out:)

I can hardly believe...

2008-09-02T00:16:00.000-07:00

September is here already!

I'm not going to whinge about the weather, it has been pretty wet the last two months, so we have just had to be a bit more creative in keeping everyone entertained.

We have spent a few days in the garden, dodging showers, and dashing out to play when we can.

Just yesterday when I was picking peas my husband found this wee frog. It was way too wet for the kids to come outside so nature went to them!
I love the inquisitive look on his face (no, not the frog's face).

Craft and Design Magazine

2008-08-30T13:03:00.001-07:00

I was so pleased when my latest issue of 'Craft & Design' magazine arrived because my work is featured in the Makers Gallery! Fame at last!

(Craft & Design Magazine Sept/Oct 08)

Even better was that someone emailed me to tell me that they had seen a copy in the bookshop and recognised my designs.

Today is a good day:) Enjoy!

An artist in the making?

2008-08-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing my daughter (3 years 1 month) made on her Magna Doodle (magnetic drawing board). She loves drawing, in fact she loves any sort of craft activity.

We always have paper and crayons on hand plus an Aqua Draw set and this Magna Doodle. From being about a year old she has loved making huge scribble patterns on rolls of lining paper.

But this is the first time she has made a recognisable self portrait. Watching this process has been fantastic! Sometimes I draw with her but I never tell her how to draw her pictures.

She was drawing while I made dinner. When I asked her to come to the table she called "I'm coming, I'm just doing my toes!" It was a great surprise when I went to take a look! :)

Saltaire Arts Trail Makers' Fair

2008-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Victoria Hall, Saltaire

I have been invited to exhibit at this event on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of September. Exhibitors to this fair have to complete an application form which is considered by a panel of artists before acceptance, so I am very pleased to be attending!

The Makers' Fair is held in the imposing Victoria Hall, pictured here (apologies for the pics, I struggled to take these as the road was quite busy).

The Arts Trail is a well known and popular arts event which takes place in Saltaire, Shipley, West Yorkshire, annually. There are open house / studios, children's exhibitions, theatre events - something for everyone! Please take a look here to find out more.

Saltaire is also the home of Salt's Mill which houses a huge collection of the works of David Hockney. I love visiting here as well as the galleries there are two great places to eat, a brilliant bookshop and home store and a jewellery shop. For more information see here.

This is a fabulous place to visit at any time of year, it is steeped in history and the architecture is breathtaking!

Claire Laraine

2008-08-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

is a woman on a mission! As well as creating beautiful pouches and purses from 'scrap' fabric she has been very busy promoting the UK handmade movement via her blog, Claire Laraine Partners in Crime. Here's the mission statement

"To promote fellow indie designers and tell everyone about their wonderful work and just how amazing they are. So what!? Why are we different? We have noticed that despite a high demand, there is lack of free representation for Indie designers in the UK, there are plenty of US sites, but what about when you want to reach an audience closer to home? So we are making it our business to fill the gap and get you designers and crafters seen - for free!"

And today she has featured little ol' me! You can read all about it here

Claire Laraine Clasp Purse