In the Studio

I have been busy making this week and as the kiln has been on pretty much non stop I've been lucky enough to be able to work outside and get away from the mad heat inside the studio and get out in the fresh air! I thought it would be cool to do a bit of a snap shot of how I make some of my pieces, to let you in on the process.......

This is the 'how I' for my tealight lanterns:-

I first roll out sheets of clay (I have to do this by hand which can be rather painful and laborious)

You can buy these magic roller tables that make it so much easier but are massive and expensive....maybe one day..... It is important the sheets are of an even thickness with no air pockets-this could lead to cracking and warping or even exploding in the kiln!

And then using templates I have made cut out the sides, backs and bases for the lanterns

These need a little time to 'set up' as they call it and harden slightly before I cookie cutter the hearts, stars and patterns, these patterns can be random or some are certain ones that I use regularly and look pretty :)

Next is the assembly which always reminds me of building a house. 

The edges of all sides are scored in a cross hatch and then the backs and sides are quite literally stuck together with clay slurry (really gloopy clay). 

There is a sequence of assembly that has to be followed so the weight distribution when drying and firing is as equal as possible ( I have found this out to my detriment will cracks and warps a plenty!)

After much mushing and squashing the resemblance of a lantern appears.... yeah!

After a while of drying to a on the dry side 'leather hard' stage

they are then tidied up completely so there is no jaggedy bits or gloopy clay and all is smooth and sections are all snuggly fitted together

I often tend to faddle abit more until I am completely satisfied (curse of a perfectionist!)

 And then all that is left to do is drying and then the glazing process.......

Wild and Wonderful from Folksy

This week it's - Thank you for the Music!!

"Keef" Keith Richards Rolling Stones A4 Quotation Print from Little Minch Art

Piano Keys picture frame from re-crafts

Stevie Wonder clock from When The Music's Over

Trumpet Resin Brooch from Birdcage Creative

Beaded Cluster Plectrum Earring-Orange from Louise Marie Crafts

Noise Hero - Lofi Electronic Noise Maker from Symetricolour

Music and Birds Tote from Glorious Carry On

Queens of Country from Konnie Kapow

Key Rack made from recycled Piano Keys from Art with Parts

Thank you to all those who made these beauties! :)

Man Ray

“An original is a creation motivated by desire. Any reproduction of an originals motivated be necessity. It is marvellous that we are the only species that creates gratuitous forms. To create is divine, to reproduce is human.”- Man Ray

His work is always such a inspiration for me I wanted to share it with you

Fabulous Folksy! The Wild and Wonderful!

In order to do something useful with my new Folksy obsession every couple of weeks or so I will show case a collection of the most amazing, wacky and brilliant hand crafted wonders I come across on Folksy.
Alot already do a similar thing (must be as obsesses as I :) but mine will be slightly different in the way that it will be unusual, quirky and truly genius things that people have created from the corners of their mind that appears no one else had ever thought of.

These are the Wild and Wonderful from Folksy!

In my opinion these marvels need be celebrated, congratulated and admired for the truly geniusness that they are!  I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think x

This week is the turn of Fabulous Fabric!



Cherry Topped Cupcakes from The Shabby Tiger

Sweet Grey Squirrel from Little Felted Friends

Knit Your Own Hungry Desk Worm from Butterfly Love

Crochet Trinket Pot from Elvira Jane

Pretty Little Ledge Lady from Sandra June Originals

Cat - Elvis from Mrs Moo Designs

Felt Cup and Saucer from Flowefelt Hand-made Felt

Big Pink Flower from Kirsty Griffin Textile Art

Orange Doily Earrings from Isamo Crochet

A Thorough Tidy Up!

I couldn't resist showing you all how good I have been as I've given my workshop a thorough sorting out and tidy. I don't think it has been this clean since I first got in there!

It really was long over due, the spiders were taking over and I couldn't see the walls for all the random bits of paper inspiration I'd pinned up.  Aaaah it feels so nice when it's shiny and clean.....how long will it last though? ;)

Summer is Here!

Summer must finally be here as the weather is well and truly lovely!

As always I couldn't help getting green fingered in the garden again this year and for the first time ever I have grown Sunflowers!

There are sooo beautiful and are often a huge inspiration for me. 

I can see why the Native Americans held them in such esteem as one of the 'four sisters'. A very spiritual and breathtakingly powerful plant. I love them!

I have also recently become sightly addicted to randomly searching on Folksy for loads of gorgeous things that I want to own.  Unfortunately I can't have them all but I did manage to afford these fabulous skull cat collars from Crimson Rich Desirewww.folksy.com/shops/CrimsonRichDesire

The skulls are cast in ivory plastic from real animal skulls and are just soo cool!  Have a look and check em out!  My cat seems to think they rock too (loving the proper goth face!)