Featured!

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.

Craft Fairs R Us!

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

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!

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:)

Change

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:)

Seals, sharks and sun...

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

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!

My new packaging

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

Fun In the...rain?

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

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!"

Want to see my etching?

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...

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

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

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...

...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:)

Complete Relaxation...

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

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!