PULSE - part 2 - Anna Wiscombe

Wall bird families. Photo credit: Anna Wiscombe

At any kind of creative event be it Trade Fair or Craft Market, (as anyone who has ever been will know!), your neighbours play a big part in the whole experience. I've yet to find myself in a situation where  my  neighbour hasn't been absolutely lovely, supportive and happy to share their take on things. Which I have to say is the biggest blessing of the creative community.

 And at Pulse  Anna Wiscombe was my neighbour. Lucky me! 

Sunshine necklace photo credit: Anna Wiscombe

I had seen her beautiful work before, I think in Mollie Makes, and had been lead to her website to peruse her gorgeous items. Naturally, when I realised she was my neighbour it was with delight that I approached her to introduce myself. I do believe I mentioned the words "stalk you" in my opening sentence.......she very graciously chose to shake my hand anyway and be the loveliest neighbour from that point! 

Having been working with Stuart to create coasters (he now has an etsy shop open. Yay!), I  can completely appreciate the time and care that has gone into the pieces Anna makes..... a whole lot of love that is for sure. 

She's got a great range of items .....Necklaces and brooches..

And birdies for your wall...in little families of course.

So so lovely! The colours, the wood, the simple elegance...there is just something so peaceful about all Anna's work.

She introduced these very pretty  flowers too...the first laser cut pieces (the rest she does by hand....did I mention time and care!)

You know me..I was swooning of course!

Unsurprisingly and deservedly so, her stand was bustling with activity....I look forward to seeing more of Anna's hand crafted work spread its magic....

If you want to see more go check out her website and shop... I highly recommend it x

Inspiring overspills and joint ventures!

If I'm right in thinking most of you who visit my blog are creative in some way... I know YOU KNOW what I'm talking about when I mention the scenario of creative pursuits overtaking your home...even if you have a studio, the overspill is unavoidable!

So let me introduce my gorgeous Mr Right : Stuart and his creative endeavours which take the term "overspill" to a new height! 

I'm sure I've mentioned that Stuart is a cabinet maker....he's been working with wood for over 18 years now and has made an amazing variety of bespoke items from wardrobes, tables, kitchens to campervan interior, staircases and even an Orangerie.

I've learnt a heap about working with wood since meeting Stuart and discovered types of wood I never even knew existed (see end of post!).... I've also had to learn to live with sharing a space with lots of  tools and large pieces of wood/finished furniture pieces which seem to stop off fairly regularly en route to a new home!

The latest has been this stunning burr elm table....which due to lack of space anywhere else (and kids that aren't particularly careful/gentle)  its been lying by MY side of the bed  for a few weeks (Stuart's side has a different table with matching side tables!hehe!)

It's off to be delivered today  and despite it proving tricky to climb in and out of bed I'll be sad to see this beauty go...I'm sure you can appreciate why!

Although I may occasionally grumble at  the temporary over-takings of our home, it's hard not to be inspired by the bits of timber that Stuart brings and the opportunity to run your hands along the grain. How can I not appreciate nature and it's beauty...(and Stuart's workmanship of course!)

Burr elm mirror

  So I suggested maybe we could work on something together...something a little smaller and less likely to overspill (who am I kidding?!) 

And loving the contrast of seeing paint and wood together I suggested coasters as a simple beginning......

Below is a mix of black walnut, maple and ash....still awaiting a coat of laquer which will deepen and enhance the wood colours and grain even more.
These are heading to a bricks and mortar shop, but Stuart is considering opening his own little shop in etsyland.
Yes I say! 

And check this for an amazing wood.....Spalted beech!

The markings are created through fungi colonising on a dead or fallen tree. Wow! who knew?! Stunning and way too beautiful to paint. 

Here's another wood : Zebrano....which I think the name speaks for itself..

 And this is Paduk which in the light has a beautiful red tone....Stu made this heart for me way back in the day when we first met awww :)

We have a wenge wood coffee table (which is too messy to share right now!)..a dark almost black wood..and another wood I had never encountered before. 

The variety and beauty of wood never fails to surprise and wow.

Stuart has set up a facebook page..which is probably even more neglected than my one!..but if you would like to go visit you can find it here....and watch this space for some more collaborations ;)x

Sharing...

I'm relishing the quiet that surrounds me right now, nothing but  birdsong...peaceful bliss!
I'm also finding it quite amusing that the first day we have had for weeks without sunshine meets the first day back to school! A gloomy day to match the kids' mood..how thoughtful of the weather :)

I thought I'd pop in and share the rest of the card designs I've created (some others can be seen here).

There have also been a couple of things that have popped into my inbox that I've thought "how great is that!"... and so wanted to share in case you may have missed them.

The first one is Andrea Schroeder's  "Lets give your dreams wings"  FREE e- course. Its a dip into the techniques and tips that she offers and is more than enough to get your dream up and on the road (and in a mere 10 minutes a day!). I've used Andrea's techniques for several years now and am a fully fledged member of her Creative Dream Circle. I love Andrea  and her work....some may find it a bit "out there", but if there is anything I have learned since starting this business journey of mine is.... growth requires doing the inner work, which for me was letting go of a crazy load of limiting beliefs and fears!

The next one on receiving, created the immediate response: "YES!.... How to write  the ultimate resume....
or ..... your "Really wild Bio"! I love the idea of a CV containing more than just the previous jobs worked/ qualifications gained... one that honours those moments and experiences in life that make you uniquely YOU, and highlight the unique and wonderful skills only YOU have! You can download a FREE copy that contains all the juicy ways to dig in and find out what your Wild Bio would contain here!
Seems so fitting at this time, when my eldest is at the stage of having to make subject choices at school , which to her feels like such a defining moment....I'm tempted to email the link to the school :)

So that's all I've got to share for now....all I have left to offer is a hug of the hairy variety...but I think that should suffice.... after all what better kind of hugs are there?! ;)x

Always learning..

I'm very much a geek. Which feels good to say as for a long time the inner geek got dialled down to make way for social approval! The things we do :)
Anyhoos I am always on the lookout for things (online/books/classes) that'll teach me something new. For better or worse I'm always working away on something in the background. Last year saw me try out repeat pattern design and hand drawn lettering (through Skillshare which is a REALLY great resource and cheap CHEAP too!). I tried out hypnotherapy (a friend was studying it and needed some case studies...I'll share more another time) and energy moving techniques to satisfy my "woowoo" side!
What else? Many books perused like this and this, interviews listened to over on "Smart Creative Women" with Monica Lee...the list goes on.
Point of mentioning this? Well my recent learning opportunity is taking the form of Lilla Rogers' Assignment Bootcamp.

If you are interested in design at all it's likely you have heard of this colourful and dynamic (and very inspiring!) lady. I figured if I want to make a great living from my art, it would be a wise move to get assignments and insights from one of the best. 

                                   The point of Lilla's Bootcamp is to become part of a creative community, and fulfill assignments which get you drawing, drawing, drawing.The end result is plenty stretching and growing, some gentle support and hopefully a few finished pieces worthy of going in a portfolio!

You may have guessed that this months assignment involved cuckoo clocks! Which I love and took as a good sign as I've been working on creating a cuckoo clock design since the summer...and kept getting stuck on! 

The end  assignment suggested using the cuckoo design as a phone cover, this is where I've got so far....yep I'm stuck again! These cuckoo clocks are driving me cuckoo ;)

I've started a repeat pattern too...still more to add but thought I'd share so far also

So what about you? I imagine I am not alone in this quest for learning and growing and geekery! I'd love to hear what you enjoy getting your teeth into x

A stumble into STILL-ness

A snowstorm of sorts

You know when things just happen at the "right time"? My introduction to Mary Jo Hoffman, her blog and these beautiful photos was one of those moments.

Recycled, re circled

Right slap bang in the  middle of a crapstick week I got transported to a place of serenity and peace.....where all thoughts temporarily switched off  leaving nothing but simple visual stimuli and the ensuing response.

Maple seed fractals

The compulsion of the Bowerbird

Utter bliss!

And rather handy as I have very little to share this week other than the grumpy ramblings of having no  heating or hot water for the last 2 weeks (and forseeable future)...

So back to the photos! 

On the edge of winter

Mary Jo began taking and sharing these photos in Jan 2012 hoping to "enjoy the discipline" of taking a photo a day", and perhaps share it with "a few kindred wanderers". She set up with basic tools; a "not very fancy camera",her kitchen counter and make shift tripod. Turns out thousands of wandering fellows (including Martha Stewart and Design Sponge) have joined her in her daily practice of Still-ness and photographed beauty.

An Avian collage

STILL in its sublimely understated but hugely powerful way, is the perfect antidote for this time of year , when we tend to overlook the tiny details and miracles that surround.
If you need a reminder I urge you to visit x

The "not so" secret of getting published!

I am really delighted and honoured to say my work has been published in the Winter Edition of Sew Somerset, and not just one article but two!
I tell you it's a FANTASTIC feeling! (picture Julie Andrews bounding around the Alps singing "the hills are alive" tra la la la)

It's also had me marvelling  at the fact that something I once viewed as 'A Great Mystery'  requiring some kind of insider mystical knowledge, is in fact VERY straightforward and requires no secret handshake/special knowledge/genius talents.
It simply required a bit of action on my part (getting off my backside and actually sending in some pieces for submission to Stampington publications) and a touch of good fortune (that what I sent fitted in with what they were looking for at that time.)

It all comes back to that old addage "got to be in it to win it" or even older " if you don't ask you don't get".......

Which is slightly annoying, as the excuses no longer wash......you know, all the ones we tell ourselves as to why such and such is not possible/likely/ever going to happen.



Don't get me wrong...it does require you to put yourself out on a limb, offer your creations (and your heart on a plate) to be rejected and rebuffed if said creations don't make it to publication. But I assure you the picking up of a heavy heart is way easier to soothe when you know you did atleast try...the constant niggle of having never tried is not quite so...

I am NO expert at this, far from it! But even with my limited experience it is quite clear to me that if YOU happen to be flicking through a publication, appreciating what you see and pleasantly day dreaming about seeing your work or words amidst the same  pages, or worse still... feeling slightly envious and wondering "what have they got that I haven't"?....then it's time to take action! I urge you to check the submission guidelines, email an editor, dust off  some items and find an address to send them to. 

There are so many publications out there (not even touching on the online side of things) all looking for something/someone to fill their pages, share a little of their uniqueness and creativity. Meant in the nicest possible way...you just really need to get off your backside too!

And with lady luck/divine providence/(fill in with own chosen deity) on your side you will get to experience a touch of Julie Andrews in your life too.
Tralalala :) x

Added note:
haha! It appears we are all to be gifted some Julie Andrews/sound of music magic today.....amazingly and very randomly have just stumbled upon this image ...AWESOME!

by Sarah Bellar

from Hama beads no less!  :)xx

Walk with me.....

Its day 3 in the vomiting child household...and caught between sleep deprivation and cabin fever I've already succumbed to a pre-crimbo chocolate indulgence (mint matchmakers..how could I ever resist you?!)

Don't be put off by my desire to share all though, as the baulk inducing topic is done..I'm moving onto feelings of glad-ness. 

For glad I am, that I listened to my inner urges last week, of walking amongst trees and being out in nature while the sky radiated an almighty blue, and the air was crisp and clear.
These early dark days really sneak up on you, and I am realising it's all too easy for me to spend day upon day of working at home without stepping out other than doing the school drop off and pick up.
That is not a great way to function. (and only has one outcome...the demise of a LOT more minty matchmakers )

In need of a little nature fix right now I thought I would indulge myself and re-live last weeks winter sunshine, and get you to come along too......

Walking past the sand stone houses..admiring the birds and their viewing place.

Sand stone walls (dry stane dykes) ,old relics  and golden leaves

Heading through the woods to MY tree!

Oh magnificent Scots Pine...did you know you were MY tree ;)

If I turn my head to the left from here, I can see the ancient standing stone....there are so many of these to be found around this area, some with intricate carvings, others like this....pre-historic monoliths which were created for a reason no one really knows. It's hard not to feel reverence when you come upon one....often they can be seen in the middle of a farmers field which has been carefully ploughed and planted around. These ancient stones remain, and will continue to stand for more seasons and lifetimes than I can ever imagine.

A wee rest against the stone. I can see the "lowlands" in front through the oak leaves.... 

 And the "highlands behind me. These are the hills that call me....and formed the backdrop of my youth in the days when fear didn't prey on parents minds and kids were free to roam.
Ah soul food for sure!

This is the view I fill up on before heading back home.....a horizon that feels limitless to me.The hills just keep on going and going....and a little bit of my heart too....till the next time I follow my inner urges.
xx

A colourful kitchen

I'm so loving these longer days that school has created, as it means I have a full(ish!) day to lavish on my creative business and my evenings have returned! Oh yeah!

 You see, for the last couple of years every evening, once the youngest was off to bed, I would nip off to my little studio (aka converted attic) and create. This added onto the couple of hours provided by nursery, and I'd manage to carve out just enough time to dedicate to my little business. 

In the meantime our home has been sorely neglected, which is a little sad since I used to spend ALL my spare time filling my home with colour and handmade goodness.

So the freeing up of evenings = neglection no more! And the long list of things seen over the years, that I have fancied making can finally be tackled! 

So  I thought I'd share what I've in mind for my first project...see if it could get you going too?!

 It's nice and easy and won't take long! It was inspired by an etsy find by Nicole Porter Design.

Aren't they gorgeous? I love the contrast of paint on wood ,and the lines against the circular shapes. And those colours too..yummo!

I'm all for making the kitchen a colourful and more enjoyable place to be, as alas my creativity does not stretch to the cooking department. Truth is, it just doesn't interest me...but pretty things do! ;)

I found a Pinterest tutorial inspired by Nicole's gorgeous work too..which demonstrates how simple it is to create your own: TUTORIAL 

I also love the one-off  hand painted cheese-boards Millie Fairhall creates. Gorgeous wood and detailed designs......perfect idea if you feel like getting a little "fancier" with the old paints.

Of course, the painting doesn't have to stop at bowls and plates..get the wooden spoons out too!! Love these rainbow utensils created by Crystal over on her blog.

And if thats not enough...go make those utensils into a chandelier! What a genius idea! Functional AND funky! ( Inspiration taken from MarieClaire Idees magazine, and posted on Kim's blog)

It's amazing all the finds of wooden painted items that come up when googled! These are just a few..but enough to get my juices going!.... 

Now off I go to pimp my spoons!x