Christmas Holiday 3

Hi Everyone

Another few images of our Christmas house today. I've randomly selected a few Christmas things that come out each year. We generally add and take away a few Christmas things each year and this year the little glass tree (made by me) is a new addition for this year. 

Overall, I've gone quite minimal this year but there's still plenty little things dotted about the place.

                                 

Thanks for reading.

Christmas Holiday Post 2

Hi Everyone

My Christmas image post today involved recycling ! I'm making tags from packaging. I've had lots of packages arriving over the last couple of weeks and have just piled up the cardboard waiting for today. My theme is very simple : red, green, gold and silver brightening up the standard cardboard brown. I have some little stick on gems too. I love big chunky labels and that's what I'm going for.  I've got lots of card so I'm going to cut up as much as I can with my cutting dies. These tags will be great all year (if I don't need them for Christmas).

                                            

Thanks for reading.

Christmas Holiday Post

Hi Everyone

It's the official first day of Christmas Holidays today (for me). So .... I've decided, I'm going to add a little Christmas/post Christmas 'thing' everyday until the return to work day which I think, maybe something like the 6/1/16 ? Not sure ? but I will find out and work to it. I should be in full panic mode by now, however, as mentioned a few time this year - it's all going 'swimmingly' !! 

I do have stuff to wrap and a little bit of fresh food shopping to do but generally all is well and under control. It's the first year I've actually felt like I'm enjoying Christmas for myself rather than feeling I'm doing everything for everyone else and just getting stressed out by the whole experience. Hope your experience is good too.

My little thing for today is a collection of our Christmas trees. We seem to have a few trees going on this year. I'm going to change some of the trees around so that we have a little bit of Christmas in each room.

                                 

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

By now, I guess we are all into panic mode re Christmas preparations ? Not me, not this year ! Not sure how or why this has happened but I'm gloriously relaxed about the whole thing. I'm pretty much sorted in terms of my stuff , again - not sure how this has happened ? I'm just going with it and enjoying the gradual build up to the Day. I think, for me, it's all about not starting too early, having huge expectations of feeling 'in control' and on top of the organisation way before it's necessary. Anyway, it feels good to me, so I'm going with it. Don't get me wrong, I'm busy and still have a list (every day) but I'm enjoying the process for the first time in ages.

Now, back to today's offer - a beaded, stretch bracelet. When its all too late to start ordering stuff or you need an unexpected gift or yet another stocking filler - this is just what to do. I'm showing a pearl version here but any beads will do. You can add bling with sparkly beads or you could string semi precious stones/ precious metals for a bit more quality. The idea is simple, just measure some stretch thread around your wrist, add a little extra for the knot. Thread your beads onto the thread. Tie the knot securely, I always use a Surgeons Knot (Google if you are not familiar). I also dab a little glue on the knot for extra security and that's that. Once you have collected all the ingredients - it's a 10 mins. job.

                                 

These bracelets have come to my rescue many times. I often end up making myself such an item around Christmas. Stretchy bracelets can be made from all kinds of novelty beads, not usually my thing but at Christmas taste/sophistication can be redefined for a few days ! Quite young children can also make these bracelets (may need a bit of help with tying) so there's another opportunity for a stocking filler kit.

You can make such a gift look great - wrap in tissue and place in a lovely little gift pocket and add a label.

                                 

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

I'm hoping to indulge myself today with a little project I've been trying to complete for some weeks. It's a green /clear set of polymer beads that I made for a bracelet and necklace set (for myself).There's enough beads to create a few different pieces and I'm keen to just go with whatever seems right ? I want to highlight the surface pattern with some paint so will start with that. I will rebake the painted beads and polish. This will be a little gift for me.

Talking of surface design, I've been struggling with another project which is aiming to develop a particular surface pattern on clay (read back last week for more on this). However, I've made a breakthrough !  I'm not sure if it will work in the way I would like but I'm sticking with it for now. I hope to get the pattern on some white clay and add some colours to form actual flat, irregular shaped beads. The surface pattern has been developed from a stamp which I've had in my stash for years. I'd almost forgot I had it. I'm optimistic that this will work. The pattern doesn't look great on this piece of scrap clay - it will be better on white. I will take lots of images of the new stuff to share next time.

Here is a quick look at the project bits and pieces :

                                

I also need to finish a few Christmas things - time permitting. I have some cards to finish and a few tags need some little polymer charms that I've made . I also have some little stars to polish for earrings charms. All this sounds very 'busy' but I will enjoy the process. I'm almost feeling like I'm on holiday ! I can only think it's a delusional state to stop myself panicking about Christmas preparations that I haven't completed !

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

My recipe today is an old favourite. I'm calling it Ginger and Apple Layer Pudding but the boys may have different ideas ? I'm a bit behind on my recipe schedule, so we will eat the pudding this evening. As usual - I will post the results later.

                                 

                                 

The pudding is simply layers of different flavours and textures with a little 'bite' in the form of stem ginger, which gives the pudding a tiny bit of an after taste which I love. 

I used 2 cooking apples which have been cooked and sweetened with honey and about 8 ginger snaps (crushed in the processor) and a small tub of double cream (whipped). I diced 2 pieces of stem ginger, the sort that comes in a bottle in syrup. I then folded the diced ginger into the whipped cream. Now for the construction part, I simply layer the apple, cream mix and crushed biscuits. Any order will do. I divided all the different ingredients between the bowls in layers. In my case, for a serving of 3, I started with the apple then a thin layer of biscuit then the cream mixture and finally a topping of biscuit. For serving, I dusted icing sugar over the top - this gives the pudding a professional finish.

You could add nuts or chocolate or little bits of ginger on the top to change the appearance.

I'm a great fan of this kind of pudding, easy to make and not much washing up ! I'm already convinced it's worth going in the book. However, the boys need to give their views. I will post the results later. Don't forget to look in, this evening.

Thanks for reading.

RESULTS - name is Gunger and Apple Crunch. This pudding gets 13/15 and goes into the book.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

It's our last Christmas Workshop before the holiday break today. This week will finish off a range of Christmas inspired 'makes' from the last few sessions. We have the felted trees to decorate and we can develop a couple of tree hanging charms which could be worn as a necklace or earrings. We also have the option to make a little card.

All the skills and techniques we will be using today, incorporate the skills practiced in previous projects. We are also including most of the materials we have used in The Making Framework to date. Everyone has jumped up a league in terms of confidence and skills which allows us to offer a range of smaller projects within the individual workshop session. 

I plan to give a quick series of demonstrations at the begining of the workshop and show some little samples. Everyone can then choose which mini project they want to complete and where to start. Some people may wish to take a little kit away- if they don't have the time to complete all the projects. Here is a quick overview of the mini projects we will tackle.

                                 

I will share our 'makes' next time with a round up of what we have achieved this term. We will also enjoy a few mince pies with tea/coffee today.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I'm working on my Anna prints project today (read back each Monday for more information on this) and have made an initial outline print of Anna. I have used an ink pad for testing the outline and it's OK.

                                       

I've made my test print on a watercolour paper with a surface which gives a pleasing surface design. Although the  print was simply a test for the Lino carving but I quite like the result. While working on this project, I have changed my plans every hour ! It's very exciting to be testing out these skills which I first tried out while at school. I do find the techniques very satisfying. I'm going to keep the centre face area blank for a while, I will draw in some features to slightly change the Anna character but will gradually develop more carving and a fresh few prints each time. I like the idea of a mixed media approach and will experiment with some fabric printing too.

 I've acquired a new fine carving blade and will carve more with my new tool today. I also want to practice with some gelli printing on fabric today ( more on this next time). I'd like to make some fabric prints for clothing. I think Anna will be a full character with a body ? - although all things are under consideration. I quite like the idea of a line of Anna's- all slightly different.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

It's Friday again and that means another little stocking filler for Christmas. Today's item is a little Daisy Bracelet in Christmas colours with a Christmas 'feel'. I'm calling the bracelet a Christmas Daisy Bracelet. The bracelet style is the standard little seed bead style with the Daisy flower but using Christmas colours with a little understated bling. The bling comes from using metalic seed beads in silver and gold. Each bracelet has a hand crafted sterling silver clasp and all the fastenings are slightly different. I've used about 6-8 different seed bead for each bracelet combination and each bracelet will have a slightly different look.  All the bracelet are delicate and will be suitable for lots of different people. I'm gift wrapping in tissue and placing in a tiny gift pocket. Here is a quick look at the bracelets.

                                

These bracelet will sell for £7.50 which includes a gift pocket and tissue. I'm still taking orders so you probably have almost another week to order. The Christmas Daisies also come in a kit form which is £6 - each kit comes in a little organza bag with a needle - ready for making up. It's a very easy make which could be suitable for a young person. Please message me via Facebook if you would like to order. The kits will also be available in my shops.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading 

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

I'm not having too much success with my latest project. I need to spend more time finding or making a way of developing my surface pattern design.

Here is a quick reminder of what I'm trying to do. The top image is where Im trying to go with the surface design. My samples are not trying to look like the beads in the top image - I'm  just experimenting with the surface pattern. I especially like the contrast in both the size of the highs and lows of the surface as well as the colours.

                                 

These examples are scraps of clay which I've been playing with to try and get the right surface pattern. I need a different pattern - the bottom images in the yellow colour are made using burlap (similar to the fabric on the top image) and the darker brown has an image from a little mat that I use for soldering on my bench. The light colour has a standard piece of rough cotton. In my mind, I see the pattern in cotton carpet runners. I don't have such an item but will continue with my experiments until I get a better pattern. I'm going to try out some more experiments on white clay today and will try getting some coloured inks to highlight the patterns. I will mix up the pattern today and try for different directions of the 'weave' look.

I'm also developing some embellishments in clay for Christmas cards today,so may get a little distracted !

As usual, I will share my results next time.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

My recipe today is a great one from Jamie Oliver. It's a kind of fruit ice cream. I've made this pudding with lots of different fruits but I think the berry fruits work best. The recipe is a loose one and I usually keep adding each element until the consistency is right. Different fruits have a different effect on the consistency. I often fall back on this pudding when I have very little time and few ideas ! All that's involved is frozen fruit and yogurt (for the main element). Extras will determine how interesting the pudding turns out.

Jamie uses frozen berries (500gm),natural yogurt (500gm) and honey (4 tbsp) with a sprig of fresh mint. I like to use mixed berries bought frozen from the supermarket. You could make your own mixed pack. I've learned that some fruits cause too much liquid so combinations need to be tested eg too many fresh strawberries doesn't work so well because there too much water involved. If I want to use strawberries, very small frozen strawberries seem to work better. Generally, I think you need small bits of fruit in this recipe. Whatever, the mix of fruit needs to be frozen to start. 

To produce the pudding, add fruit of your choice ( I'm using blueberries) to a bowl - this will accompany the 'ice cream'. Wiz the frozen berries with the yogurt and honey and that's it as far as the 'ice cream' is concerned. You can present this in many ways with lots of fruit combinations and extras. I'm preparing the pudding for 3 people and will use a 200gm frozen mixed berry fruit tub. I'm adding about a 450gm tub of Greek yogurt with honey. Wiz the ingredients in a food processor and place in the freezer for 5 mins. Spoon out into the bowl, on top of the fresh  blueberries and serve with a chunky chocolate cookie (bought from Marks and Spencer). I will post an update later with the scores and a new name. Here is a quick look at Jamie Oliver's version :

                                 

Thanks for reading. Call in later for an update.

UPDATE - photos from our Berry Ice (name is OK and we will keep it) are not good so will make it again and take some more. The pudding has been given a 'thumbs up' from the boys, so it will definitely make it into the book. Overal the pudding has gained a 13/15 score. I will add some photos as soon as we have the pudding again - Im thinking of choosing another fruit to try out an alternative.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today's Making Framework is featuring our Christmas MAKES from the last few workshop sessions.We will take the items further next workshop but I think all the Makes have been a success. Here they are so far :

                                  

The first four samples on my first board - Air Dry Clay gift tags, Air Dry Clay layered Christmas Tree, Mini Beaded Tree and Angel Charms use a variety of materials and skills. The Air Dry Clay gave us some lovely tags and a cute little silver tree. I'm thinking of developing some little baubles for the tree.

Prior to the Christmas Series, we had just finished a jewellery beading series which proved quite challenging but everyone has emerged much more confident and these simple charms are easily achievable. The Mini Beaded Charms (3) look quite simple but does take time to develop the attractive balance of increasing circles and the beaded star for the top. The Angel Charms (4) can be worn as Christmas earrings or a necklace charm or as a charm for a small tree decoration. These are very simple and lots of design options are available depending on the beads chosen. A similar effect can be made into little Christmas trees or bells. The wire wrapping element of the Angels (making the hook at the top) will introduce the group to a new skill and some new tools and we will pick this up again in the New Year. The Annabelle Tree (5) uses another wire wrapping tool and develops wire wrapping to another level. I've also used more tools with this mini project. Again, this charm can be used as jewellery or hanging charms. We will use artistic wire for practicing and will have the option of making Sterling Silver samples in the New Year.

                                  

The felted trees (6 & 7) have been very popular. I prefer the plain, simple approach with a little star tag but the options are endless for decoration from minimal to elaborate. The final (8) image contains tiny little trees made from polymer clay. These embellishments will be coloured with metalic waxes and used to decorate simple contemporary Christmas cards and tags. I think the die cut machine will be out making words and perhaps we will develop some bows with paper/ribbon. I also love to introduce little bells somewhere. Next time, I will share new sample cards and tags incorporating the trees et al  for our last workshop of the year.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm pushing on with the print project that I described last week (read back last Mon. for details). I needed to resize my image to fit the size of my printing Lino (10x15cm) and decided I would try and make Anna's face a little 'softer'. So, I've made slight changes to the basic drawing on the Lino block. I also want to use a few different colours for my prints and will try and make some good decisions in terms of the carving process. I'm not sure exactly how this will turn out but will just go with it. Initially, I tried tracing my face shape onto the Lino therefor the actual shape is reversed. However, after the initial face shape, I've abandoned the tracing and just make a sketch directly on the Lino. As a result the face is not quite the same as the original Anna sketch.

The face does look a little different but I'm OK with it. Today, I will go for the first carve and make an initial print. That's the plan !! Here is a quick look at the developments on the Lino :

                                 

I will share my progress next time. Wish me luck.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Can't believe its Friday again ! It's also incredibly close to Chirstmas and I'm being very slow to organise my own Christmas. It's time to get it sorted as soon as possible. Must spend my day concentrating on this. 

However, moving on ...... more interesting news - my From Scratch offer today for another stocking filler is a new ring. I'm going to use this design for a couple of presents for my own friends (so, there is a sort of link to my opening comment !). I want to make some really special packaging/ boxes for the rings too. I'm not totally sure what to do at the moment , perhaps I will use some decoupage ideas ?

The ring is quite a simple peyote technique construction and can look quite stunning when worn. Here is an example of one I made earlier. I've named the ring 'Anna'.

                                 

I'm going to use different colours for a new approach and a different look. I'd also like to make one as a Christmas present to myself (in pink). I will share the results next time.

If you are interested in a kit - these rings will be around the £6 mark, for a completed version, £7.50. Anyone interested should contact me via Facebook (private message) or message my Etsy shop.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day

Hi Everybody

I'm still working on the development of my new 'inspiration beads' from last week (read back last Thursday for details). I've experimented and was not happy with the texture patterns I produced. I've since acquired some more fabric to use as a sort of print tool. I had tried a similar fabric for this purpose and ended up with little strands of the fabric embedded in the clay. To stop this happening, I've coated the latest fabric to seal in the fibres. It's the pattern I want not the fibres. I will make more textured clay today with the sealed fabric and hopefully I will get the textured beads from my inspiration piece. Here is another look at the inspiration.

                                 

I especially like the range of colours used in this lovely piece. My colours will probably be more defined ie limited to the reds and the blues. I hope to keep solid colours but not the range in between. I'm going to colour the clay after the texture is complete. I'm thinking of using alcohol inks at the moment. This could change ? I'm using white clay throughout and want a strong colour to complete my beads. This is my experiment day so anything could happen.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

Bit of a disaster today re my recipe. I should have served it up last night but we had a friend for dinner and there was not enough to go around. So, the pudding of the week will happen this evening.

This is a construction rather than a cooking thing. It's going to be called Apple Caramel Waffles. It's a layered Apple purée (I prepared/cooked) with vanilla cream and a caramel waffle biscuit, topped with flaked almonds. Here are the apples (puréed and in a bag) and the waffle biscuits. I need to whip up some vanilla cream, layer everything on the plates and sprinkle with flaked almonds

                                 

 I would say it's about a 15min job including cooking the apples. I like the idea and the flavours. It's almost got a 5 before its delivered from me. However, the boys are a bit more demanding in terms of their puddings. So .... we will see if it makes it into the book. Read back on Wednesdays for background on the book.

I will get a few photos as I'm serving and post later with the scores.

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to call in later for the results.

Results are in : the pudding goes into the book. 

13/15 marks and a new name : Almond Mountain.

 Here is the pudding as it was served :

                                  

Thanks for reading.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

The Making Framework has another workshop today and we will concentrate on all things Christmas. We started some Chritstmas Trees last time - using air dry clay and today we will aim to develop these trees with painting, waxing, felting and beading techniques. Here are a few of the samples and the e-poster for the workshop - showing the range of work involved.

                                

                               

I've also developed the spiral beaded charm which I mentioned last time :

                               

The Tree Charms are seen hanging on a curly willow display tree (above). More on that next time. I'm also hoping we may be able to develop a few  more beaded trees next time. We may also get into some card making (prep.) by making  felted embellishments today.

These little Christmas projects are bringing together lots of materials and techniques from previous sessions and everyone is showing real skill and imagination in applying their ideas.

I will share the results of the workshop next time.

Thanks for reading.