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.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I've been slightly distracted lately and thought I'd get back on track with the Eyes Project. However, another little project has taken over. The new project is to develop a stamp for printing. I've been thinking about doing this for some time but eventually I think I may have the image to do the job. I've sketched one of my dolls and called her Anna. I will transfer the image to my Lino and carve out the shapes. I will aim to produce a print with a few colours and then have a fully developed stamp for future use. If this goes well, I will be in a better position to complete the Eyes Print idea from last week ie. the eyes print (read back for details). I will record my progress and share the results next week. In the meantime, here is a view of Anna :

                                 

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Friday is here again ..... I'm thinking about Christmas lists today ie actual buying lists. I will make my Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake on Sunday, I do like to get in for 'Stir Up Sunday'. This is my official Christmas starting day (for my family Christmas rather than business). 

However, today, I'm featuring another little stocking filler idea to make or buy. My offer today is a pair of earrings in the shape of a Christmas Tree. These may even come out for me on Christmas Day ? Not sure about my plans for an outfit yet ? 

                                 

There are lots of possibilities re little gems on the trees but I quite like the simple shape of the tree. I may go for a single gem on the bottom ? 

                                

Annabelle's Trees will be available as a 'ready to wear set' or as a group of components ie the tree charms, the hooks and the gems to make. This little stocking filler (kit or complete) comes wrapped in tissue in a small organza bag. To make the kit all you need is a pair of pliers or you could probably get away with easing the metal into shape with your hands. I would love to receive such a gift and will be giving it out to a few friends - you know who you are ! I'm not usually into this kind of novelty earring but at Christmas it's sort of acceptable (even to me !).

Annabelle's Trees will come in at about £5 for plated metals and £7 for sterling silver. If you need to order please email me via Facebook. Happy Christmas preparations !

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

My plans for today, as usual, remain 'fluid' ! Clay Days are just for me - so I feel the freedom to do what I want. It's such a pleasure.

 I've had a little idea brewing since last weekend and I'm keen to experiment. The initial idea came out of a lovely workshop I did last Saturday. One of my students picked an example necklace she liked (from one of my Pinterest Boards) and I was reminded of how much I like it too. The necklace was a great starting point for our workshop discussion and we used the colours to inspire most of the 'makes'. I came way thinking I would like to make something more like the actual 'inspiration' necklace - in terms of the beads. I especially like the texture pattern and the mix of colours. It's almost a patchwork of fabric.

                                  

As you can see, I've changed the shape of the beads to my own liking and it will be a pendant rather than a whole necklace full of beads. I think, it will end up on a chain ? I've made a quick sketch and developed a little 'cut out' to help me with the size. I often make a mock bead in paper to decide on sizes and shapes. The pendant bead will start out bigger and possible more like the sample inspiration but the 'cut out' will provide a guide for me.

 I initially thought about a 'rubber like' thong but I've also added a pair of earrings to my plan and will develop some silver hooks for the earrings. I'm not especially into matching jewellery but in this case, I think (maybe ?)I will go for a similar matching style. Plans may change ! 

I've still not finished the green beads project from last time and the time before etc ! Not sure why ? I'm not forcing it. The beads are still in their lovely little tray and I've placed them in my working space to look at ! I like looking at them and they will stay until I make them into something. I've got into the habit of picking them up and examining them before I start work each day. It's a kind of 'warm up' !

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everybody

Bad news, the cake from last week didn't happen ! I started to prepare my ingredients etc. and couldn't find any jam ! This completely spoiled the recipe and I couldn't find an alternative to jam. So, I changed the cake. Another mug cake idea - Chocolate Brownie. The recipe in my book called for paper cups as a cooking vessel and I eventually located some paper cups from the back of the cupboard, left over from birthdays parties (way back). I tried my first cake bake in a mug too, just to see the difference in the cooking result.

The recipe, 2 tbsp butter (melted), 2 of caster sugar and 1 of soft brown sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa powder all mixed together. Add yolk of an egg with 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 4 tbsp self raising flour. Stir in handful of chocolate chips, I used white ones.

Having mixed all the ingredients, I made one cake in a mug. The other cakes were made in paper cups, the mixture was transferred to the paper cups after mixing and baked in the microwave.

Last time, my mug cakes seemed undercooked, so I gave then all a bit longer. I think they all looked 'good' post cooking. The tasting would decide if the cakes were a success. Here is how they looked after adding a dollop of cream and another handful of chocolate chips :

                                

The cakes looked great and I was optimistic ! The paper cups add a certain something which we all liked. These paper cups have 'had their day' and I will be looking around for some more attractive, sophisticated designs. What a surprise to find we could hardly break through the surface of the cakes with a spoon. However, what a great taste when we did. The texture was more like a biscuit than a cake and we needed to pick up the cake and eat like a biscuit. Everyone enthusiastically ate all the 'cake'. The boys gave 13/15 and I gave 4/5. So ..... a whopping 17/20 and a place in the book. The taste was great.The name of the cake in the book is Chocolate Brownie but my lot have renamed the cakes 'Chocolate Brickettes'.  

Obviously, I still haven't cracked the baking in a microwave technique yet ! But ......... I have now acquired some jam, so last weeks recipe will be tried today. Let's see if I can get it right this time.

Wish me luck with the next cakes - Strawberries and Cream Victoria Sponge.

Thanks for reading.

  

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Last week on The Making Framework, we experimented in one of our workshops with a second Air Dry Clay session and worked through a series of ideas to develop a small Christmas Tree. We now have three options which will end the Air Dry Clay series next week. The names Wet Felt is the style of our approach rather than the actual example. The other two trees are actual workshop samples.

                                  
                                  

 I'll share all the workshop results next time combining the clay with felting ideas. I think we may try for a few little Christmas cards too - using clay or felt embellishments.

For today, I'm experimenting with another little Christmas tree idea which will form a Making Kit Project. I'm also developing a video to accompany the kit. This is a very ambitious plan ! We are in early stages but I have practiced a little and I'll do some more development today. 

The actual project will produce a beaded charm in the shape of a tree with a star on the top. The star will be beaded and the tree itself will be formed by a thin silver or gold spiral wire, covered in beads. The charm will hang by a small jump ring (to be formed from the same wire as the tree) and be attached to whatever as an embellishment with a ribbon or thread. I'm including this project today to show how these projects are devised and the process which is in place before the final activity is released for use in the Making Framework. Here is a quick look at the first stages of the process. 

                                  

I've collected my materials and have a vague idea in my head what the final item will look like. So far I've partially developed three different ideas on how to build the item and rejected two because they required highly developed range of beading skills which takes many years to refine and not suitable for The Making Framework. We are not concentrating on developing highly skilled crafters in one area (in this case beading), although this may well be a product of getting involved. The Making Framework is to do with challenging yourself to begin working with a specific material and experimenting with a project. Initially projects are structure and have instructions but quickly the Maker is encouraging to begin taking personal decisions to develop new ideas which may result from 'playing' with the project. It is about developing finishing skills and understanding design within a skill range. The final item needs to 'look good' to the Maker and hopefully, many others. All these things are subjective and each Maker is on their own path but bringing my points back to the beaded Christmas Tree project, I think we can offer this project to result in a highly finished item which is simple in design but pleasurable to achieve and gives a sense of personal satisfaction to make from scratch. 

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

If you called in last Monday, you will know that I've been distracted from my long and much talked about (only by me !) Eyes Project. If you are new to this Project read back a few Monday's to get the back story. Last Monday's distraction was this :

                

These simple, little painted sketches were all about developing a surface pattern for a couple of clay items. The fish was to be the inside of a little platter dish and the spoons were in fact just 'spoons' to accompany the platter. All items are made from Air Dried clay.The items are now made and the patterns are sketched out - so I just need to paint them.

However, I'm getting back on track today and want to review where I am with the Eyes Project. I had left myself making a Lino print of a sample eye.

This is my starting point :

                         

 This is where I hope to stay for a while. My plan today is to develop some simple Lino outline cuts and I will hopefully be ready to try out a few prints. This is a very exciting development and hopefully my Eyes Project will take a turn for the better. I'm using the idea of 'printing' to really define what I see as the essential lines of the eye without the help of shading. I'm prepared for lots of attempts. It's going to be a challenge! Ultimately, I think, the slight differences in the shapes will give me a variety of eyes (for my four Angel Dolls - read back for detail). I have drawn each set of eyes with pencil but I worked with watercolour and the results were not so good. I feel if I can get the structure lines set in my head, I can improve the watercolour and any other paint technique.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm featuring another stocking filler in the FROM SCTRATCH offer. This time it's a pair of hoop earrings which I'm calling 'Hoops +'. This gift idea is made up of a pair of hoops and a range of beads which can be added for changing the look of the earrings. The hoop size is approximately X mm in diameter and the beads can slip on and off. The hoops can be worn without beads too as well as a range of combinations.  I'm currently offering the hoops in Sterling Silver and Gold Plated Artistic metals.

                                  

Each hoop comes with a selection of beads - see some basic beads in the photo. I'm working on a 'pick and mix' style choice today so will have the full range available next time.

The hoops will be tissue wrapped and placed in a little organza bag - ready as a gift.

The 'Hoops +' will sell for around £5 - £7 depending on the metal used + the bead 'pick and mix'. The option bead packs will add between £2-£5 to the basic hoops and will also be available separately. I'm hoping to keep the Hoops + range going all year round but will alter the bead options. All the beads and the hoops are hand crafted so each pair of earrings as well as each bead will have a unique characteristic. 

I like the idea of changing the shapes of the hoops (as per the photos) so will keep developing this idea. I'm also working on developing different types of beads and charms to add to the hoops.

These little pieces would be great for a stocking filler as well as a treat for yourself. 

Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

This week, I'm still making my new green bead collection of jewellery (read back previous Thursday's for more on this). I don't really have anything to share from last time, my previous plans did not happen ! So, will keep going with a stretch bracelet (using my green stuff). As with previous weeks, I've been distracted from planned work with other pressing matters but I should be OK for an hour or so today. Although the green stuff has suffered, I did make a pair of earrings (for a class sample) which I'm rather pleased with. The simple silver hoops have a series of small coloured beads which are threaded onto the hoop. They are very simple but I'm planning on making more of these little beads to give alternative looks to the earrings. 

I was also inspired to make a stretch necklace with leftover beads after tidying a storage box yesterday. The box had collected a variety of small leftover beads (over several years) as well as a piece of stretch thread. I wanted to use the storage box for other things and was just organising the contents. I like this spur of the moment thing ie inspired to make something and am looking forward to completing the necklace. Having sorted the beads and decided about making the necklace, I found myself short of a few centimetres of bead so had to quickly make some more, this is how the small coloured beads came along for the silver hoops. This is also why lots of planned work does not happen !!!  Here are a few images of the developments so far :

                                

I will re string the necklace and disperse the new beads across the necklace, they will all get a shine and polish and then I will look forward to wearing my new item. I like the stretch necklace idea, it's very easy to wear and there's no need for clasps and fiddly fastenings. I'm also quite taken with the hoop earrings and can see all kinds of little bead ideas for adapting and changing the look of the hoops.

The green stuff needs some time today too. I love the look of the beads and must get a bracelet finished today. Here are the beads in their little tray - looking a bit like sweets :

                                

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

I'm featuring another recipe from the mug cake book today. The recipe I've chosen is Strawberries and Cream Victoria Sponge. Sounds very inviting !

The extra information about cooking times and the fact that the cake should not sink will hopefully help to make the cake correctly. I'm yet to make the cake so fingers crossed - will give an update when I've made it. 

The usual ingredients of a Victoria sponge are used but using spoon measures rather than weighing ingredients. Start with 2 tbsp butter and melt in microwave. Mix a medium size egg, 2 tbsp milk and 1 tsp of vanilla essence - add to melted butter. Add 3 tbsp sugar and 4 tbsp self raising flour with pinch of salt and beat well. I will mix this mixture in a bowl and then transfer to my mug for cooking. I need to cook for 1 min 25 secs for my 700 microwave but if you remember, from last time, my cake didn't cook properly. So, I'm going to watch if the cake sinks, if it does, I will cook for longer. All sounds very easy !!!

The baked, cooled cake needs a good spoonful of jam on top and a dollop of whipped double cream, topped with a strawberry. I'm looking forward to this cake being wonderful !  Let's see what the boys make of it ? In the meantime here is a peak  of how it should look. Wish me luck.

                                  

Thanks for reading.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

We have another Air Dry Clay workshop today in the Making Framework. This will be the second of 3 workshops focussing on using Air Dry Clay. Last time we made little bowls and Christmas tags. 

I also introduced the idea of  a little Christmas Tree - to be finished with felting (from scratch). This is how it will look eventually :

                           

The idea is there but we need some modifications. I think we also have another idea for the felted element - hopefully we can develop lots of ideas through our discussions today.

This week we will continue with more bowls/plates and tags but also introduce decoration experiments on the dried bowls using a variety of acrylic mediums and wax seals.

I've been trying out additional Christmas Tree ideas and did consider a coil tree- I wasn't over enthusiastic about the look. The air dry clay is quite a rough/distressed finish and the trees didn't finish well (in my view). However, I will open it up to the group and they can decide for themselves. As an alternative, I've developed a series of star shapes to stack and paint to form a tree. Again, not sure how they will turn out but that's what we are about - experimenting and making art.

I've also made another little dish which I'm calling a fish plate as well as a idea to produce some spoons. The idea here is to inspire the group to use a design to inform a shape. I like to use quite bright colours but in a minimal way ! I also want to try and get a glossy finish too with these pieces and am going to develop a glaze idea using glue, nail varnish and water ? No idea if it will work ? - but we can give it a go.

I will share the results of our work next time but here is a quick look at the experiments which will hopefully inspire ideas for today.

                                  

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I'm distracted again re my Monday Art activities ! Last week, I started some printing but it's on hold for this week and I'm involved with a sketch for some Dry Clay work. The Dry Clay medium has been part of a Making Framework workshop (featured last Tuesday) and tomorrow, I'm hoping to use my art work to help decorate a fish plate and some spoons (to be made tomorrow). The inspiration comes from these images found on Pinterest -

                                 

I especially like the colours used in the fish plates and the combination of colours and shapes of the plate and spoons together. The items can only be ornamental because of the nature of the clay I'm using but I do like the look and will hope to display my makes.

So, my art work today will be some scaled patterns for decorating the plates and the spoons. I will share my results tomorrow in preparation for the workshop.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Today's From Scratch item is a third ring (and fourth item) for my Stocking Filler Series. This ring is called Bella. The ring is made up from a pretty range of Autumn coloured beads with a lovely gem stone in the middle. The ring has an unusual triangle shape but is comfortable to wear and sits beautifully on the finger. Although, the ring could be considered quite large it sits 'flat' on the finger so can be worn for everyday activities without getting in the way.

                                

Bella is in kit form and will be presented in a decorated little box. I'm working on some boxes which include a beaded lid. I'm not completely happy with the design on the lid but the idea is to sew onto a fabric shape and then added to a card or wooden box. I'm hoping to work on the design later today. I will also offer to make up the ring if a kit is not for you.

Here is a quick round up of the stocking filler ideas to date :

                                 

                                 

All these items will be on sale for around £7. I've had requests asking about orders, please contact me via Facebook if you don't see the item in the shops.

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

I always consider Thursday's as my 'self indulgent day' - where I get to make something just for me. That's the idea anyway, however, this doesn't always turn out as planned (I can dream !) Today, I am definitely going to get my own agenda going. If you called in last week you will know I made some lovely green beads which are to be transformed into a few jewellery items for me - either a bracelet and or necklace and possibly earrings.

I want to distress some of the surface designs of the beads with some acrylic paint, just a minimal hint of Titan buff acrylic. I will shine up the surface of some of the beads and randomly string. I like the idea of stringing onto a ribbon so may give this a go. I want to wear some of the resulting jewellery as an everyday thing, so will also have a minimal look.

I'm also going to start the faux glass technique I mentioned last week. This involves  using ink on translucent polymer. I will try for a range of greens again. Hopefully, I can produce some faux glass beads. I will share my results next time. In the meantime, here are the beads ready for using. 

                                  

I've transferred them into a lovely little wooden tray. I love these trays and have them positioned all over the house ! Everything I'm currently making needs to be small enough to fit into the trays !  If any beads are left over, I will keep them in the trays and use them when I need them, in the meantime they will make me smile everytime I see them.

Thanks for reading

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

This weeks recipe is a new one for me - it's a Mug Cake. I saw the idea in a recent blog and felt the need to give it go. I was quite sceptical about using my microwave for 'baking' but the method of cooking does fit extremely well with the midweek, easy make pudding theme of my Wednesday blog.  I have used a microwave for baking before (a very long time ago) and was never that impressed with the results but the idea of the mug thing really had me hooked.

I did some research and finally decided on a book called Mug Cakes by Mima Sinclair. I searched on Amazon and used the 'look inside' facility, the recipe which appeared was a Mocha Mug Cake. So, that's the one I made.

The first issue I had was finding a mug big enough - 350ml is quoted as the size. Eventually, I did find such a mug in my cupboard, but it's quite a large mug. The recipe includes all the usual ingredients in a cake but using a tablespoon to measure straight into the mug, 1tblsp.butter, 2 of sugar, 2 of flour, 1 of milk, 1 egg, pinch salt as well as chopped up chocolate (20gms) and coffee granules 2 teaspoons disolved in 2 tbsp. hot water. The butter is melted with the chocolate first and then the rest of the ingredients are added and mixed into the mug. The mug is then placed into the centre of the microwave. My microwave is a 700 and there was a guideline of about 2mins for baking. Amazingly, the cake rises very quickly up the mug and above the rim. After the 2 min timing, the cake fell down to fill about half of the mug (I'm not sure this should happen ?) I turned out the cake onto a plate to cool and then decorated with cream and raspberries (my regular decoration if nothing else available !).

Generally, the cakes were a success. I made 2 cakes and sliced them for serving a family of 4.  The boys gave the pudding 12/15, I gave a 4 (which includes ease of making and washing up as well as taste). The pudding got a 16/20 which means it goes into the book.

                               

This image shows the cake coming out of the microwave after baking, doesn't look too tasty at this point.

                               

The second image shows how the pudding arrived at the table. The texture was quite heavy but it tasted lovely. Having made the pudding I've bought the book and on further reading, I think, I can improve on the cooking part. I don't think it was cooked long enough ? The book gives lots of additional advice re cooking but I'm convinced enough to keep going for a while. The book has lots of interesting flavour options and I'm going to try another one this evening. Will share my findings next time.

Thanks for reading.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today on The Making Framework I'm reporting on some of the results from last weeks workshop where we created air dried clay stuff. The class really embraced making little bowls and Christmas decorations. We generally spent time experimenting after a very basic introduction to the air dry clay material. Everyone made fantastic bowls and used ink stamps to start the decoration. 

There was a great atmosphere of 'playing' with the clay - which proved to be enormously creative. Over the last few workshops, I have noticed an air of confidence in quite a few members of our group. This is exactly what I had hoped from developing the sessions and providing increasingly difficult challenges. I had a lovely time too, often I find myself opting out of the creative moment (in the workshop session) however, I too felt energised and creative. Here is a look at some of the stuff we created :

                                 

All the bowls and ideas were generated from the moment -  this is very exciting development !

                                

I'm not sure if all the print colours will fade slightly ? - the bowl on the top of the bottom image did set out as colourful as the first images, over the drying time of about a week it's definitely changed to a more subtle version.

We will continue with some more decoration next time and seal the surface patterns. Hopefully we can finish the Christmas Tree (not shown here) and add little ties to the tags. I will experiment further with some faux glaze ideas using liquid polymer. I've not done this before so I'm not sure what will happen ? We don't have a kiln so any other form of glaze will not be possible. If the polymer does not work, I guess we are into varnish. Will report on my findings next time.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

Another week has flown by and I'm way off my Monday plans - again ! I did my eye drawing exercise last week and have been inspired to develop a Lino print. I've been watching the Sky Arts TV show Landscape Artist and have noticed the inclusion of a print artist a few time. I was introduced to Lino printing at school and have a soft spot for the techniques involved. I know this is going off on another tangent re my art plans however, this is fine by me and I'm going with it. I produce much better work if I allow myself the freedom to follow my whims !

My ultimate idea is to develop an eye linked to the Eye Project (read back Monday's for details) but I also like the idea of making some backgrounds for other work. I see printing working in almost all areas of my work from painting to fabric and clay work. The surface pattern designs possible via printing are very exciting and I'm keen to experiment. So, my first printing experiments will happen today and I will try out a basic eye. Not sure what to expect but I think it maybe something like the images I made from last weeks eyes sketches. Here is a quick look at the simple lines of the 'print to be' :

                                

You may remember this image :

                                

This is an etching produced by Escher - this is fabulous and I've seen the original plates on a recent trip to an Edinburgh gallery. Obviously, I'm not up to this sort of thing and a Lino print is another thing altogether but I do love the image and it sticks in my mind. I think I will try and get a similar layout ie the whole eye print taking up the page, of course, anything could happen.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

It's another stocking filler today FROM SCRATCH and second ring kit. This is a very simple ring construction and versatile in terms of colour and surface pattern possibilities. The ring uses a bead with two holes for the main part of the ring called a Super Duo. The ring band is finished with smaller seed beads at each side, framing the ring.

                                 

I've made up this sample with my favourite blue colours and a little silver centre. All the items for making the ring are included in the kit ie. a needle,thread and beads. I've noticed that lots of bead kits don't include a needle and threading and often don't mention this point. When you open up the kit to get going it's so disappointing if all the bits are not there - so no such issues here ! The kit will come in a little bag with tissue wrapped beads and the tools, ready for making.

I'm calling this kit TILDA, not sure why ? I just like the name. I want a few TILDA  rings for my own collection so will work on my favourite colours combinations today. 

I do like vary large rings and this one is quite wide, if you don't like large rings this design can be reduced by developing fewer rows. I will develop some samples to illustrate the options and will share for next time.

The TILDA  ring kits will be around the £7 mark and there will be an option to have one made up on request via the Etsy Shop. I will add a link when the stock is available.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day part 2

Hi Everyone

As promised earlier, I've been busy making beads. I didn't make the faux glass stuff because I needed to allow drying time for part of the process and as I was running late, I decided to go with some colour mixed clay. I will try out the other technique before next week. This involves pouring alcohol ink onto a thin layer of transclucent clay, allowing the ink to dry and then needing it.

However, back to today. I've made a batch of green/transclucent beads ai various sizes/shapes with carved lines. I need to highlight the texture on the beads with some acrylic paint and polish. I'll then decide how to combine the beads into something nice. Here are the partly completed beads so far :

                                  

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day - part 1

Hi Everyone

The world has past me by today ! ....... I feel I've missed the whole day (it's only lunchtime so there time to make my mark). Not much work going on either and it's my Clay Day. My plan was (and still is) to make some new beads with transclucent polymer and alcohol inks to give a form of glass like finish. I'm thinking about a simple bracelet and a necklace on stretch thread. The beads will need a bit of texture and I want them to be chunky. That's as far as the rules go .... I'm just going with it and we will see what happens.

I will post the cured beads a bit later so there will be a part 2 to this post.

Thanks for reading.

Bye for now

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everybody 

Today's recipe is another tried and tested pudding from my past. I can't remember how long it is since I made this pudding but it turned out great and just as easy to make as I had remembered. There is a longish cooking time (40 mins) but I found I could prepare the pudding in the morning, cover with cling and place in the fridge until I came home from working. We normally eat dinner (weekdays) at about 5.30pm so I had plenty time for the 40 mins bake. So what's this recipe, it's a Bread and Butter Pudding.

I used a couple of tea cakes rather than bread for this recipe. I sliced the tea cakes quite thinly and buttered each slice. I layered the slices along the base of a shallow dish and grated the rind of an orange over the tea cakes. I mixed 4 eggs with 600ml of milk and 50gm of sugar and poured the milky mix over the sliced tea cakes. Just before baking on gas mark 3, I sprinkled ground cinnamon over the whole surface of the pudding.

The pudding raises beautifully, turning a rich golden colour and smells wonderful while cooking. My recipe is adapted from Marguerite Patterns 1,000 Favourite Recipes, this is an old book my husband owned before I met him and looks a bit dull but it's full of amazing recipes. I will be looking to this book for more ideas.

Now down to business - will the recipe make it into the book ? Yes, it was a winner, the boys loved it and it got 5/5. They renamed the pudding Citrus Delight - I like the name but I think it will probably still get 'Bread and Butter Pudding' ? 

I gave it 5/5 too, very easy to prepare and although it takes a while to bake, it's simply a matter of placing it in the oven while doing other things. I guess you need to think ahead on this one but I can live with that. Here is a quick look at the pudding :

                                

Thanks for reading.