From Scratch

Hi Everyone

My FROM SCRATCH offer today involves a sort of 'pick and mix' idea. I'm developing some polymer beads in various colours and sizes which can be made into simple bracelets, necklaces and rings. The idea is to package little bags of beads with some stretch threading which can be made into the various pieces of jewellery. I will have a few samples to show how the beads will look after stringing (for inspiration) and I plan to make little themed collections eg mini cup cakes or house charms and unusual shaped beads. 

I'm planning to add some new beads each week and will use my Clay Day slot to start my stock. I'd also like to make little bags which reflect each bead set. I will have some fun thinking about new themes as I develop the idea.

My first range of beads will be based on the Green Bead range. I'm including more greens as well as some yellow/mustard, blues, raspberry and orange. I will use the same surface pattern and similar shapes. Each bead will be hand crafted so all will be different but the surface pattern will help all the beads and colours to compliment each other. 

                                   

I'm still working out, how many beads I'm going to need for each piece as well as how to offer this 'pick and mix' idea for sales. I will set myself a target plan and hope to keep it going as a regular part of my work. These polymer stretch pieces are particularly useful to wear for sporting activity as well as work. They are especially light and durable as well as standing up to being wet. I find I can easily clean them with a baby wipe when I've smeared paint all over them or accidentally spilled glue on them.

Hope you like the idea. More news on this one, next week.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

Great news to report - I've finally got the Green Beads threaded and am wearing some of the jewellery as we speak ! Last week, you may remember, I was testing out combinations of the beads with silver spacers. I sort of knew that they didn't work at the time. Sometimes a little voice inside just says -  'NO'. I need to listen to this voice ! However, all has turned out well and Im pleased with my results.

                                  

Here is a great image of the stretch bracelet (my photographer was available) - it's great to wear. 

I've a couple of necklaces to share (photos needed here) and enough beads to make another stretch bracelet.

My next clay project is to develop some buttons/ badges to embellish knitted garments. I'm no great knitter (but I'm getting there !) and I've seen some lovely examples of such things by woolandthegang.com (take a look at their site - it's fab) - I need to find some little shapes which will do the job later today. The idea is to embellish a knitted garment with a little item, a bit like a broach but more like a button. I'm thinking of something slightly sparkly made with sparkly clay and in a simple shape which could be pinned or sewn onto the garment. I see the item being placed at the bottom edge or side of the garment. I'm not entirely sure what garment I need to use but will choose the garment first and then look to create a shape. I like the idea of adding the shape (needs to be simple) into a knitting pattern. My knitting skills will need to improve but I know a group of people who could help. Perhaps, I could start with a bag of some sort ? Just an idea.

I also want to make a new ring. I've seen a new technique to develop a large statement ring and will share my results next time. I'm not sure about a colour ? Perhaps, another range of greens ? - the new 'blue' for me.

I'm hoping I can actually move these little projects on steadily ...... I don't want to rush BUT the last project took forever and I almost lost it ! I'm so pleased I kept with it. The Green Bead stuff is my favourite of the moment.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

Today's recipe is a simple Pasta Bake, however, the sauce gives this dish a lovely twist.

 I made this for a family of four so you can adjust the quantities accordingly. Start with some dried pasta, any pasta will do, I used Penne (375gm). Cook the pasta 'al dente' - this is quite important because there will be more pasta cooking when the dish goes into the oven. Grate 100gm of a strong cheese (I used Strong Cheddar) and cube 100gm of blue cheese (I used St Agur) - I think you can easily change these cheeses and get a new taste and I will definitely be trying out a few different options in the future. 

Prepare a sauce by combining 200ml white wine, 300 ml whipping cream, few drops of Tabasco sauce , half the cheese and few sprigs of thyme (I just rinsed the sprigs straight from the garden, no prep required. The sauce will be quite thin, I was worried at this point that the sauce should thicken, it doesn't so don't worry. Gently heat all these ingredients, stiring all the time, by which time your pasta should have cooked. Greese a casserole dish, add the pasta and pour over the sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the pasta and cover with foil. Bake in oven for 30mins @ Gas Mark 4/180C. Remove the foil and cover the top with sliced tomatoes and return to the oven (uncovered) for 10 mins. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

                                 

All the boys loved this dish and I did too. Easy, peasy to prepare and not much washing up. The sauce is delicious and served with crusty bread it's quite a substantial meal.

Our name is to be The Baked Pasta Dish, it got 18/20 - not sure where it lost the marks ? (no reasons given). Loved this meal and will be including this, often. Hope you give it a go.

Thanks for reading.

Making Framework

Hi Everyone

We have a 'Make It' workshop session today. Our Make will be a Polymer clay Cuff Bangle. I've put together a few samples but there are so many options available to the class and I'm hoping we get some real innovation going on. I'm planning on making a 'wrap' style bangle myself in the workshop and have made myself a template to use as a guide for size and shaping. I like the idea of using texture plates and coloured waxes so may explore these ideas.

I've  a few tips for everyone during my sample developments, the group should benefit from some of my failures re thickness of clay and construction techniques. There are pros and cons for each of my construction processes and we will discuss before making our bangles.

Here is a look at our invite showing my sample bangles :

                                

I did manage to break a few bangles because they were either too thin or not cured enough. I do think, the bangles need to have a particular thickness to retain strength. Sometimes the layers of surface decoration can help here. My vision of the 'wrap' style bangle will hopefully allow for a reinforced structure.

I think we will probably need a couple of sessions to finish the bangles completely and allow a couple of curing phases. My sample bangles also benefitted from some sanding and waxing, so I'm making these finishing processes part of the session.

I will take some images as we MAKE, so you can share our experience - next time.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I'm making reasonable progress with my printing project - the initial Gelli print from last time has been 'worked on' and I have my first element for the 'eyes' piece. Here is a quick look at the development, so far :

                                

I'm not sure what the final piece will look like or how big it will be ? Having worked on the facial features of my first Gelli print, I will develop a second in another colour and will play with some new ideas today. I'm thinking about a long, thin piece, perhaps using a wooden Gelli printed background ?

More exciting news - I'm so impressed with Gelli printing, I've purchased another larger plate. This one is 8x10 and will be great for larger prints. Im quite keen to try out my new plate today and want to incorporate one of the previous gold prints of Anna.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

From Scratch is in the process of developing a range of new Ear Hoops and interchangeable Hoop Beads. I've been playing around with different wire shapes as well as new coloured beads. The idea is to have a number of different beads which can easily be slipped on and off the hoops allowing for a different look for the earrings. I'm working on packaging too, so the little packaging boxes become pretty storage for the earring components. I've been trying out new Hoop beads for myself - almost everyday. I also like the idea of different size hoops to again give a different look while accommodating the same range of beads. I've made solid colour beads so far with this range but I'm now looking at some interesting coloured clay mixes. 

                                

The challenge is to develop wires which the beads can move on and off easily while being secure (while worn) at the same time.

                                

I'm not 100% happy with the experiments so far, my favourite is still the simple round hoop shape in various sizes. I like the thicker 1.00mm silver hoops but do offer 0.80mm size too. I will continue to experiment with this project and want to look at developing a square shaped version today. 

It will be a few weeks before the range is ready for the shop and I will feature the offer here when it's ready.

Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend.

Clay Day

Hi Everyone

My Clay Day is still working on the Green Bead project !!!! This must be a record for dragging out a very simple project. However, in my defence, I've been working on other projects including the development of polymer bangles for a workshop. Here is a quick look at one of the samples.

                                 

Getting back to the beads -  I've polished about half of the beads and have decided I want to thread them with some bead spacers on a simple elastic thread. Given this is a very simple idea, I am hoping to finish some of the jewellery today.

                                    

Stil not 100% sure about the silver spacer beads. I'm wondering if the beads are better on their own ? Will try it out and decide.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

I've got another exciting new Main Meal recipe today. This one proved rather challenging to 'my lot' ! The name I'm using is Cauliflower Burger with Green Sauce.

                                      

I liked the meal very much. The flavours were fresh, distinct and the burger held together well during preparation and while cooking. However, the preparation was a little heavy on the washing up and not a quick process, possibly because the recipe was knew to me ?

I'm publishing the actual recipe as I found it here, although, I did make some changes :

          (recipe from food blog Pinch of Yum)

                                

I used ready cooked quinoa in my burgers and strong cheddar cheese. The whole thing went together well and the burger part was generally well recieved. However, the Green Sauce caused lots of discussion ! 

                                 

I like the taste and the colour was amazing. I served the meal with wedges and a simple Rocket Salad. The flavours combined to give a filling and interesting meal (my thoughts). The boys rejected the meal and didn't care for the sauce at all - much too 'green' ! 

The burger was the best vegetable burger I've made for a long time and I may try out a few different sauces before dismissing the recipe.

So, the boys gave 6/15. I gave 4/5. As a result 10/20 = the recipe (as it stands) does not go into the book. 

Thanks for reading.

Making Framework

Hi Everyone

I'm reporting on the results of the Findings Workshop from last week (read back last Tuesday for details). The workshop was very successful and everyone made a great job of making metal findings for necklaces and/or bracelets. Here are a selection of the results:

                                

I'm hoping the session has developed an appreciation of using and shaping metal findings. We used very small pliers and metal snips which added another dimension to skills development. The smaller tools demand a solid technical approach to cutting and turning the metal. I  hope to move into sterling silver in a future session as everyone managed so well. Sterling silver is an expensive material and we needed to prove ourselves before attempting to use this material. In this workshop, we used basic brass head and loop pins and created very pretty bracelets and necklaces with coloured Pearls. We needed to cut and estimate sizes for the individual components. Each bead was given an individual looped pin and needed to be neatly prepared as well as being the same size. Everyone worked extremely well and designed lovely, balanced pieces. Well done to all concerned.

Next time we are moving back to using polymer for some cuff bangles.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I'm reporting on my Gelli print experiment from last week. I ended up moving away from my initial colour choices (orange,purple,green)and opted for blues and gold. I created a range of prints using the Lino block from last week and have started to develop one of them. I wanted an unusual surface to work with rather than a clean print. I like this result :

                                     

Some of the prints were a little too 'clean' for this piece but after a few different approaches, I learned how to get the extra paint to stay where I wanted it. The Gelli pad print using the Lino block needs a certain approach. I can improve on the control needed but I'm getting there !

                               

I'm not sure, exactly, how this one will turn out ? I like the idea of using the initial print to combine my 'eyes' project and have started some experiments to develop the facial features. I have six prints of various colours and impressions so will try out face features in each of them. The first print has been worked on with a pencil and I'm going to use acrylic paint to develop the eyes feature.

I'm happy with how the initial experiment has gone. I will aim to combine a number of prints for one larger  piece, eventually.

Today, I'm working on the sketch and will keep going until my session ends (I'm trying to give two hours).

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

This week, I have another little beading project. It's a bracelet called Phoebe. I mentioned last Friday, I would have a few more beaded Vita rings and pretty boxes to share, however, I'm  not completely satisfied with the extra colours or the boxes so will keep working on that one.

Instead, I'm featuring Phoebe, which is a beaded bracelet with a simple bead clasp and another very quick and easy make. 

Here she is :

                                

The sparkly beads I've used with Phoebe, gives a great luxury feel which can be worn casually or dressed up. I'm offering Phoebe in a kit form or the bracelet can be ordered and constructed by us. Again, a hand crafted box will be specifically made for the bracelet, making it a lovely gift. Coloured bicones are layered over a silver bicone (which gives the sparkle), we have a range of colour options (light purple in the photo) which will be detailed in the shops. This is a beginner kit which comes together very quickly. Phoebe will be £9.50 complete or £7.50 in kit form.

If you would like to purchase  please get in touch via Facebook or go to the Etsy shop (from 18/1/16).

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Thursday

Hi Everyone

I'm finally able to report progress on the Green Bead Project. At last, the beads have been given an acrylic paint layer and are ready for polishing. I've selected some of the beads for the acrylic treatment and have left some beads as they came out of the initial cure. I want to polish all the beads with wax polish, using my Dremel. The Dremel makes light work of a 'batch polish' and has a very nice effect on the clay.

I'm hoping I can get a stretch bracelet and a necklace from the beads. Here is a quick look at some of the beads waiting for their polish :

                                

The Renaissance polish gives an amazing Matt shine and well worth the effort and time. I like the way the paint has highlighted the surface patterns on the beads.

I also want to experiment with some bangles today. I'd like to develop a base bangle for decorating in different ways. The basic bangle shape I've designed is a long, round edge rectangle piece which will wrap around a form to cure. I want to try out some patterned clay 'veneers' (thin pieces of patterned clay) experiments for decoration. I'm not sure about my base bangle colours, so will go with a few dark colours to start.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

Just to recap on my new plans for recipes on Wednesdays (for a while) - I'm featuring a Main meal rather than a pudding. Exciting times ! My first new recipe is Roast Sweet Potato and Chickpeas.

                                 

The recipe is very much as the photo titles suggest. A Sweet Potato is baked until soft (40 mins in oven) or as I do - 17 mins in microwave and into the oven for 10mins. Mash the halfed potato with a fork (slightly) spoon chickpeas on top and a few slices of soft Goats Cheese and back into the oven for 10 mins (until cheese melts and colours slightly. Sprinkle with chopped Coriander and Black Pepper to serve. I also baked some white fish in a greeseproof parcel (15mins in oven) with a knob of butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

I gave the meal 5/5 - simple, quick and easy on the washing up. It tasted delicious. All three boys liked the dish and gave it a total of 13/15. We will keep the name as it is. The recipe goes into the book. Great result !

Thanks for reading.

Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today, we will run a Making Workshop experimenting with findings. Here is our invite which shows the idea behind the make :

                                 

The skills required to make findings will be very useful when making any kind of jewellery. After initial mini demonstrations from me, the group will go their own way with designing a necklace or bracelet. I'm certain there will be new and interesting 'takes' on my sample.

 I have a range of Pearls in various colours and sizes with some bronze coloured chain. We will also use some new mini pliers. Makers will need to master making a simple hook clasp and turn jump rings as well as add loops to the Pearls from scratch. I will report on our results next time and share the photos.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm trying out my Anna print with some 'alternative features'. Here she is (as per the original sketch)

                                

I've developed a simple Lino version for further development. Here is a sample of a print.

                                 

My experiment today, will be to introduce my Gelli plate into the mix. I want to get some more colours into the image as well as try out more patterns within the face space. Eventually, I will develop the image into a face (with features) but for  now I want to experiment with colour and pattern. I'm trying out different shades of green, organge and purple today. In addition to a paper print (on lovely Fabriano paper), my intention is to develop some printed fabric with the images I like - for development into table napkins ! Wish me luck ! I will report my findings next time.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Just a quick post today for a new ring design - this one is called Vita. I'm going to make a few more of these Vita rings in more colours. I'm m not sure exactly which colours I'm going for yet ? and how many colours I will include - I'm experimenting today. The ring is a casual design and quite a simple 'make'. I'm developing a kit so anyone (with a little practice) can make a version for themselves. 

                                 

As part of the skills development I'm including a few little practice exercisers in the kit. From my experiments in workshops, I find that beginner beaders often struggle with keeping tension with beading projects. Creating the necessary 'tension' is key to making a successful ring. Practice is probably the key but understanding how to hold the beads to keep the tension and maintain the structure will ensure success.

Not sure how much the kits or comleted rings will sell for yet ?  I'd like to develop some special ring boxes to go along with the rings. I will update the details next week.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Thursday

I'm aiming to get my clay work started again today. I've had a break from creating clay stuff for a while and am feeling the need to get it back into my work. I'm also finding myself looking for bracelets (in my collection) in certain colours which don't exist !! I've made a 'wish list' of new coloured beads I need and will make a start today. I'd like to make some simple small beaded bracelets in black, not all black but elements of. 

I also feel the need to complete the outstanding green bead project from before Christmas. I've been trying to get this completed for so long, I can't remember when I started. Here it is - waiting to be worked on :

                                    

Looking up this image - the date tells me it's 12/11/15 ! So ...... two months 'under development' ! I need to add some acrylic paint to develop the surface texture and some polishing to give the beads a 'completed' look.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

I'm starting a new series of recipes this month. I'm going to look for new and interesting MAIN meals. I've not exhausted the puddings from my previous Wednesday's but I thought I could work on different courses too.

Generally, I've got a daily menu plan going on, this is about planning for shopping and allowing me to forget about the ' thinking problem' of what to eat every day. I write down the daily menu on a very messy hand drawn table in my 'daily list' book (usually the week before I need it). All this planning sounds great, however, I've settled into having the same week day meal each day, every week - mainly because I can't think of something new when I need to and don't have time to research.

My solution is to be the Recipe Wednesday prompt ! Each week, I will set myself a task of finding a new recipe for our family to try. I'm going to be realistic and make my meal at the weekend. If the meal works well, I can decide if it's something I can make on a busy week day. I will follow my previous rules about getting the kids to review the meal and give it a name as well as decide if we do it again. I'm planning on being a bit adventurous. I can already hear the kids 'groaning'. They are always on guard for weekend meals !!!

I intend to make another recipe book so I can record our recipes and results. I've already decided on my cover :

                                

I'm going to try and make some fabric paper with this image (it's a great picture from TOAST - one of my favourite shops for style). I like the idea of using greens and yellow paper for the pages. I also like the idea of greeseproof paper in there.

My first meal recipe is called Roast Sweet Potato and Chickpeas. It sounds great to me but ....... who knows what everyone will make of it ? I'm planning on making the meal on Saturday. The results will be here on the blog next Wednesday.

Thanks for reading.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today it's a bit of a review and sharing a few plans for the next phase.

The Making Framework Test Group meet ever other Tuesday afternoon for a 3 hour workshop. We have made great strides in terms of tackling new and challenging 'making' skills over the last three months (Autumn Term). In September, we embarked on a beading skills development which was quite demanding. The skills required to make beaded jewellery such as bracelets and rings proved especially challenging for everyone, including me ! I have a new appreciation of how skilled many of the beading community are. However, we battled on and the experience has given confidence and a new appreciation of how to positively tackle a challenge. 

After the beading came a series of Air Dry Clay projects. We made bowls and buttons alongside Christmas trees and mini gift tags. The clay brought another set of skills which compliment our experiences of polymer clay from earlier in the year. Working with the different clays have given a new understanding of how different similar materials act and how we need to use them in different ways. We finished the term with some lovely dry felting work, making small Christmas trees and decorating them with beading ideas. Here is a collage of a small selection of the MAKES from the Autumn Term.

                                  

I think, we can all agree a great start to this years programme.

Now for our new plans. Over the next few months we plan to continue experimenting with new materials and techniques. Our first workshop session next week will development findings for jewellery projects. We will be using various metal wires and make a range of  custom shaped components. We will get into printing, cross stitch and quilling too. 

The Making Framework concept will aim to extend our reach into the local community. Last year we worked in a series of local Care Homes (with huge success) and this year we aim to extend the sectors in which we work - the target is to develop a workshop for two new groups. I'm not sure which groups we will target yet, these details will be worked out over the next few weeks. 

We will also aim to publish our first year of MAKING Projects - 12 projects, 1 per month. This publication has been developed alongside the test group sessions and will be a stand alone guide to developing Making skills. Each project in the series will have a KIT to be available online. We are also planning an exhibition of work around Easter time.

So, quite an ambitious year to come ! As usual, I will be sharing our Making journey each Tuesday. I hope you will call in each week to check progress.

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

I'm gently pushing myself into the New Year today (Happy New Year to you all).

I'm almost thinking myself into 2016 ! - still a bit of a struggle but I'm inspired to develop a piece of Art, so that a good start.  I've got lots of stuff ongoing and will incorporate my new idea with my last Eyes Project. My Art task this week is to review where the Eyes Project is and make a plan for the next month or so. 

Back to today ..... I received a lovely Christmas card this year with my inspiring image which made me want to make something similar. Here is it :

                     

                                 

I love the simple shapes and the Zentangle birds (another favourite idea ie Zentangle). I've an idea to make a background print with some more Zentangle birds for the folk art dolls from the Eyes Project. It's adding to the Project rather than starting something else. I also love the colours, so will keep them in my piece. This will keep me in the printing technique I started and will give me a direction for creating a simple background for my dolls. 

I will work on a few sketches today alongside my review and will share next time.

Thanks for reading.