claire a baker

a right good textiles talking to...

2012-01-20T18:30:00.000Z

I have been dawdling on with the collars project without a clear and in depth concept. faltering. therefore I gave myself a taste of my own medicine. a good talking to. I pretended I was one of my students and imagined what I would say to them if it was their work... I was harsh and almost made myself cry. points included:

lack of direction
lack of enquiry
lack of focus
lack of interesting visual studies
where's my concept board?
what IS my concept?
what/who is my inspiration?
what is my target market?

mmmm.

So I came up with a (limited) colour scheme (see above) and more interesting sketchbook pages in terms of composition but NO clear, well thought out concept.

lets have a brainstorm... I want to draw.

Valentines for cynics?...

2012-01-12T15:21:00.006Z

I have finished my 'valentine' collection; a small collection of 3D paper 'sculpture' cards which are very lovely (I think) based on the sacred heart, one of my favourite emblems/logos.

And then the others... ' a card between 2 lovers' collection (I have just made that up), part of the 'stick your own sentiment' options. These are the stickers included so you can choose your own sentiment, some ARE nice, most are not SO nice. Which would you choose? (Answers in comments box please).

I disagree with the gross commercialism of Valentines Day (because I never get a card).
I bought myself this card …because you didn’t.
you have to love me…I bought you this card.
love’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
I hope you feel guilty now.
where’re my roses?
I don’t agree with Valentine’s Day …because I love you all the time.
guess who this is from then?
I love you Valentine.
What’s your name again?
you mean more to me than my car.
you mean more to me than my life.
be mine.
you're mine.

My own favourites are No.s 2 and 5. And very proud of those I am too.

I don't really believe in cosmic ordering.

2012-01-11T20:21:00.001Z

my LinkWithin link (!) reminded me of this post from approximately 1 year ago... it is now time to publish my cosmic ordering-like results for 2011.

well not quite as many things came true/ to fruition as in 2010; only 3.5 things from my list of 10. and one of those was fulfilled but not how I imagined/thought it would be. this may sound a poor result but No. 3 was actually huge... it is enough to have made me write a new list, hidden away now until Jan 2013, however I couldn't think of 10 things this time, I don't know if that means I want less or whether I am being more realistic or only writing things that are easier to achieve in order to make my list of successes look bigger/ longer/better next year. deep.

who let the flags out?

2012-01-10T23:06:00.008Z

another 6 cards down, I have moved my self imposed deadline back to Thursday midnight ...

14 to go... they shall be my 'Valentines' collection, I am in the process of thinking up apt slogans to use and am quite pleased with them so far: ' I strongly disagree with the disgusting commercialism of Valentines day, that's because I don't get any cards' and 'I will buy myself this card because you won't' and ' where're my roses?'

not expecting to sell many.

birthday anyone?

2012-01-08T23:59:00.003Z

all in a weekend's work...

target= 30 cards (3 collections of 10)

obstacles in way= other things to do

deadline= midnight tonight

result= 10 cards (1 collection) + some unresolved idea's + stuff everywhere.

hopefully this limited edition of 10 cards made with gold scrap antlers (not real gold) from the heavenly RE will soon be stocked in FOLIO @ ccad. perhaps with another 20 (mmmm). so... if you have need of a slightly off the wall card for any occasion, look no further.

cheaper than most other imitations.

beginnings...

2011-12-31T11:46:00.001Z

my job for 2012... well some of it.

this is the stage where one knows not where it will go and how it shall end up; the project and the year...

of course it's never how you imagine (and that's about as deep as I get).

It's happening...

2011-12-04T15:00:00.002Z

finally...
because I got my new sketchbook - yey.

(thread by Chris)

At a loose end today?...

2011-11-27T12:03:00.003Z

HURRY! Go to OUseburn Open Studios...

Update...

2011-11-16T14:29:00.003Z

Folio, Church Square, Hartlepool opens to the public this Thursday (with some of my things in it).

Cobalt Studios, Newcastle are holding open studios at the end of this month 26th & 27th where you can buy quality products direct from the makers (with some of my things in it).

And...some more of my 'things' are now firmly ensconsed in the DLI glass cabinet, just in case you're visiting that little gem.

I love my packaging

2011-11-03T20:10:00.002Z

even if I do say so myself...

treasure

2011-10-30T15:59:00.000Z

architectural salvage yard gorgeousness...

new outlet 'FOLIO'

2011-10-30T11:08:00.006Z

a new shop that 'would not look out of place in Columbia Road', in...Hartlepool!

my own front window display (shared I admit).

styling by the FABULOUSLY talented Lyndon with paper hand-shredded snow and everything 'ooo'.

there is a slight fly in the ointment in that no-one knows exactly when the shop will be open, mmm, I guess that makes it all the more exclusive.

Design Event Weekend...

2011-10-15T10:53:00.003+01:00

just a quickie... am off to meet the fabulous Stephen for lunch...and perhaps a little shopping.

be happy

2011-10-13T12:01:00.008+01:00

and I shall see you at the preview tonight. read all about it here...
http://blog.artsthread.com

and get your free downloadable brochure here!

job well done...

2011-10-09T13:16:00.004+01:00

NK and me...Sunday morning busy.

my mother - the brooch...

2011-10-01T19:21:00.003+01:00

will soon be available to buy in the 'FOLIO' - the new shop/gallery at CCAD, Church Square...sometime in October...
providing the selection panel select it.

I'm back...

2011-09-28T23:45:00.001+01:00

Trying out this new thing- posting from my phone... I quite like it .
Unfortunately I have nothing to blog about today so I took a picture of a pile of letters.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Design Event 2011...be prepared

2011-09-01T12:35:00.001+01:00

I am now feverishly working on producing my pieces for the 'presents' section of this years Design Event Mart... from an initial product my 'range' has now developed into FOUR new products, a nice little selection, hopefully it will look more interesting when displayed too. The inspiration for these pieces comes from an ongoing fascination with militaria, and vintage ephemera particularly associated with wartime adornments; especially medals, insignia and emblems. Past work from these sources feels somehow unresolved in my mind and I have a passion in this area which compels me to continuously do more research, gaining further and still new, inspiration, allowing me to generate new ideas and ensuring I am constantly developing the related concept.
Materials used during the development, sampling and prototyping process included non valuable and workhorse materials not commonly considered to be aesthetically pleasing such as offcuts of plywood and clear acrylic sheet, together with papers - either used or ready to be discarded – some were taken from the bin in my studio… I found these papers the most interesting as they would ensure that every piece is very slightly different, giving an extra significance and added exclusivity.
I examined the use of traditional stitch as a binding process as an alternative to mass manufacturing processes or time consuming silversmithing techniques as a way to instill the personal and warm feeling that hand stitching evokes by using vintage army issue linen thread that was actually given to soldiers during WW2 to repair their uniforms and kit.
During the interpretation of Design Event’s theme of ‘Happiness’ my main thought was that purely by wearing an adornment or a beautiful piece of jewellery one would feel ‘happy’ although I did also play with the idea of using ‘joyous’ words, as I do consistently incorporate text within my work. Through natural progression and the design process, incorporating a level of ambiguity and allowing personal interpretation I finally considered (and used) the words ‘I AM...’ which would allow the owner to decide on their level of happiness (or otherwise) at the time of wearing, alternatively the simple statement ‘It’s a beautiful life’ – just a little reminder.

regarding nostalgia...

2011-08-30T20:43:00.003+01:00

this does beg the question 'what is an emerging artist?'... someone who has not yet had a 'retrospective' exhibition, someone who has not shown at the TATE (for example), someone who does not (yet, hopefully) make stacks of money from their art, someone who is freshly graduated? I am all of those things except one, so I think I do qualify...

hot off the press...ooo

2011-08-27T19:57:00.005+01:00

my copy has arrived... I am on page 298, don't know how I managed it looking at all the other gorgeousness in there! Buy/order here -Bargain !

I am here....

2011-08-18T11:46:00.004+01:00

delicious. Rhodes.

my photo of the week...

2011-08-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

on the way to the crypt in Middlesbrough Town Hall...particularly ironic are the nicotine stains I feel...

street...

2011-08-14T22:26:00.002+01:00

...gallery
Birmingham -August '11

nostalgia...

2011-08-14T13:25:00.005+01:00

exhibition at the biscuit factory cafe/kitchen:

22nd August to 13th November 2011

please go and if you like buy this. it's gorgeous.

This is NOT steam punk.

2011-07-31T19:38:00.002+01:00

- just a use for some antique watch and clock parts I came across in a forgotten box in a cupboard in my studio... I scanned a dilapidated watch face and etched/ cut it from offcuts of plywood, stained them with coffee and ink and added the bits and jewellery findings. I feel they will be the last things I make for a while.

you win some, you lose some more...

2011-07-30T11:44:00.005+01:00

this is about a brilliant idea, well I thought it was, unfortunately the panel didn't select it.
I recently pitched my idea for designing and making a limited edition commemorative product; which I enjoyed doing immensely I have to say. I would like to be VERY dramatic at this point but they were so nice it feels wrong... so I will just tell you all about my idea for a series of new pieces (medals!??!!)...which is still in the pipeline but will have to be for another project in some way, shape or form.

actually on second thoughts I don't know whether I can explain it in writing very well so I will just show you my sample/ design boards and dwell on the 'not being selected' business...

I think it's time to throw in a few old sayings for 'boosting' purposes...any more suggestions -please add...

onwards and upwards
I will get my reward in heaven
practice makes perfect...
it is all meant to be :-)
there's plenty more commissions in the sea (ah - scratch that)

don't expect clever styling...(from me)

2011-07-28T09:16:00.006+01:00

right here, right now (well on Saturday at Middlesbrough Town Hall it's DesignersMarketplace)! I am going through the usual last minute un-preparedness... but I shall do my best to appear to be organised and calm and pleasant (hard one that) with some good (!) stuff... it's always a good day for socialising and chatting and drinking lots of coffee (when I can persuade the lovely public to go to the coffee shop for me)...AND if every person who comes in spends a pound on my 'high quality goods' I can go on holiday...how cool is that, no pressure of course :-)

new !!!

2011-07-16T13:38:00.005+01:00

I can't actually show you my final medal piece for Design Event Presents... it's strictly under wraps but will be unveiled at The Baltic in October 2011... hold your breath and save your money...it's a limited edition :-)

a little extra...

2011-07-16T13:34:00.003+01:00

currently in testing for 'fitness for purpose' , this ring is currently standing up to a LOT of washing up (unfortunately I am having to do it).

thinking thoughts on paper...

2011-07-16T13:30:00.001+01:00

Initial ideas and samples for Design Event Presents October 2011...a sneak preview (don't tell anyone).

the medaller...

2011-06-26T16:57:00.005+01:00

a new medal is on it's way... am still working out idea's and in the early stages of trial and error. I am completely unsure as yet which will be taken through to production.
I may have to have a little poll...when I return.
I am off to London tomorrow for New Designers with 14 fabulous graduates for the week, can't believe it's come around again already...

collar and thread....

2011-06-26T16:44:00.008+01:00

lots more development needed but I think it has potential...

and...I intend to make good use of these BEAUTIFUL threads from Chris within this collection...

as the crows fly...

2011-06-12T15:52:00.003+01:00

I tidied my studio today as one simply cannot start a new project until this is done and I tied up some more birds. now I know this is not strictly 'tidying' but some embellishment is always good.

let the flutter begin.

leatheretch...

2011-06-06T20:00:00.005+01:00

the title is a play on the word 'leatherette' cleverly indicating the etching done on the laser cutter...not the word 'retch'.

I am going to do something with this...

2011-05-28T11:18:00.003+01:00

eventually...
I think I still need these...
http://bit.ly/kW9Tpz

I remember you...

2011-05-26T20:22:00.005+01:00

and smile sometimes.

Embroidery...

2011-05-22T22:38:00.005+01:00

and a little bit of screenprint...
I KNOW it's another medal... don't sigh!

a drainpipe...a fabulous drainpipe.

2011-05-19T20:40:00.003+01:00

Gorgeous...

2011-05-08T13:34:00.002+01:00

photo by Laura. Billingham House.

STILL in progress...

2011-05-02T12:55:00.003+01:00

Painting No. 3

2011-05-02T12:49:00.003+01:00

No more words needed I believe.

In stages...

2011-05-02T11:45:00.004+01:00

No.2 in the series, I have got it all off my chest now (almost)... there is a No. 4 which is causing a few problems but its nearly finished.

Research...

2011-04-15T15:52:00.000+01:00

with feeling...

2011-04-15T14:03:00.004+01:00

I was compelled to do this, I'm not sure quite why... and I think it's finished, I was going to carry on adding layers and layers and scraping away but the impetus kind of died and anyway Lucy said it's finished and she wants it so that is good enough for me. I think I will do a series (A3 rather than A1) when I feel the anxiety and gin in me. A post script: I do know the grammar is incorrect and the text slightly leans...there is a reason.

More Sunderland...

2011-04-14T15:47:00.001+01:00

and Whitby...

another day...

2011-04-03T10:42:00.005+01:00

!

i-phone quality...bloody marvellous.

another beach, another friend...Friday night/Saturday morning...this is why I am not getting any new work on here, it is in progress though...
Staithes.

Recuperation...

2011-03-28T16:29:00.004+01:00

I've been sick but sitting by the sea, coat off, sunglasses on, drinking coffee at pavement tables (albeit plastic) with my friend made me feel so much better. Then I went back to work.

showing off?...errr yes.

2011-03-01T23:01:00.005Z

I will let you all know when it does actually hit the shops (naturally) oh, and what it's called.
receiving this letter may also encourage me to open my mail more than once a week.

on my high horse.

2011-02-28T20:23:00.012Z

'try, try and try again' is the moral of this story...
good things come to those who strive, or more like 'work hard and you will eventually get what you dream of', do you want to reap your reward in heaven or get your just desserts right now?... God I should've been a journalist...two great things happened today, I didn't realise how great they were till I actually sat and thought about it, but it was actually fabulous, well, now I've started to write I can only remember one of them.

a student of mine is looking for sponsorship for her final degree show, she has been proactively seeking sponsorship for... let's say a while, please note: she has written A LOT of letters and she has had some success already.

anyway, the story goes she sent an e-mail (one of many remember) to an online bead supply company as she is doing heavily embellished surfaces therefore requires a lot of beads, sequins etc. and the reply was actually quite astounding...she has been offered AS MUCH as she wants from the factory, 'take some binbags and fill 'em!' but also an offer of creative work! this all comes from being PASSIONATE about something, in this case this companies products, which she is too... enthusiasm is catching and some people are VERY kind and appreciative. cliche no.100: 'what goes around comes around' - so be nice.

P.S. when I remember what the other amazing thing was, I will let you know.

feels like...

2011-02-28T14:13:00.003Z

colour

rafmilitarymedalsemblemwildthingtune

2011-02-17T23:09:00.012Z

Comme des Garçons;

I think you love me.

Inside the Russian box...

2011-02-15T17:30:00.012Z

1. open
2. zoom in
3. drool...

so many idea's for titles/concepts/themes,
but my next project shall now be named' .'

Paris (purchased)...part 2

2011-02-14T21:19:00.003Z

of course there's more...
just one more thing...
odd numbers: red. (evens on reverse)
lovely.

Paris (purchased)...

2011-02-14T16:58:00.011Z

ok so you knew I wouldn't be able to visit anywhere and not buy anything! but... each purchase was 10 euro's or much less so how could I resist, and a girls gotta do what she shouldn't!

a pair of pigeons: I looked at these, wasn't sure, asked the price, 10 euros, mmm = no, (I had 5 in mind). tried to barter, got as far as 7, gave up, walked away, a woman picked them up and was studying them for a long, long time; I watched her turn them over in her hands and at that point realised I really, really wanted them. so... as soon as she let go I RAN back and paid 7.

beautiful, tonal, pastel, warped, tinted, 60's Russian slideshow: for those balmy nights when all one wants to do is dream of Leningrad and statues of Kirov...and a tractor driver (he was free).

portable record player: this is sweeeet, still... I had no intention of buying this, was just curious when I asked the price. but the man with the black irish gypsy curly hair said 10 euro's; I shook my head slowly as there was no way I was going to carry this round Paris ALL day, but then he said cinq.

this is IT. the definitive piece of French vintage striped ribbon. I LOVE this! (just a tiny bit more than I love my children.)

so many carbs, so little time...

2011-02-13T12:15:00.003Z

am actually looking forward to a carb-free week!

Paris (working) ...

2011-02-13T11:55:00.003Z

showing the collection at Indigo (student's designs).

Paris (shopping) ...

2011-02-13T11:41:00.004Z

Showcase

2011-02-05T10:01:00.004Z

thanks to my sister for the photos... this is a selection of work for sale at the DLI, please feel free to make a purchase while you're there, this is the last of the limited edition bags, and also brace yourselves for the new collection which should be available by the end of the month.
am currently getting ready for my Paris trip tomorrow, or rather I should be...

ice bucket

2011-01-09T14:17:00.005Z

completely refreshed after a beautiful weekend in Bowes...

New Year Miracles...

2011-01-02T13:37:00.016Z

before I get onto the miraculous, I should say I don't feel well, my mother believes it is because I have done too much whereas I believe it is because I haven't done enough. The trick here is to look at what I have achieved rather than dwell on what I haven't (it is after all the dawning of a new year) but I am talking about only the last 2 weeks...so...

an almost full sketchbook of work I am proud of (no small feat)

a happy christmas

an immense amount of filing

I am still tempted to tell you what I haven't done but I won't.

onto the miracle... at the end of december 2009 I wrote a list, not that exciting you say. well this list was of 10 things that would be true by the end of december 2010. it was written in a small black bound narrow lined muji notebook, tied with a black grosgrain ribbon and hidden away at the back of a drawer in my studio, it included some big things, some small things, some life changing, some confidence boosting but all things I wanted to happen. I went to find it this morning, after dismantling my tree and not wanting to face the rest of the decorations (some that I will once again leave up, not from laziness you understand but because I like them - I do fear that in a few years I will not need to put up and take down any decorations as they will all be a permanant fixture!) anyway, the list, 6.5 things HAD happened, how amazing is that! I don't know how it works but it does, maybe having written them down in a special place etches it all on your subconcious and you unknowingly work towards your hopes and dreams. maybe it happens anyway (list or no list) and you only forget you wanted it. you may ask what about the other 3.5 things? well, thats being greedy and they mattered little, little enough not to even put them back on this years list. of course I wrote a new 10 things and carefully put back the book.
I read somewhere a similar idea, but this way you put your list somewhere you would see it everyday, I think this would depress me so i'm not.
Happy New Year.

more presents...cushions.

2010-12-23T20:03:00.003Z

Busy making secrets...

2010-12-23T14:58:00.008Z

don't tell the family; list of presents made and wrapped...
for Lucy: a full size hot water bottle cover (as requested), a personalised cushion - rectangular, a collaged canvas.
for Laura: a full size hot water bottle cover (as requested), a bird cushion - square, blues (as requested), a collaged canvas (as requested) please note; twins have to have the same amount!
for my mother: a triplet bird cushion - red, square, natural irish linen and a hot water bottle cover (as requested)
for my sister: a glass lens collage (requested)
don't ask don't get! shy bairns and all that...
cushions will be available online from linedry.co.uk in the New Year and mini hot water bottles with covers too, also from designedandmade.co.uk.
if you can't wait that long please e-mail me!

...be cosy...

Christmas Newsletter from Designed and Made

2010-12-23T13:50:00.003Z

http://bit.ly/epEeMk

2010-12-22T21:42:00.002Z

2010-12-20T14:16:00.013Z

Dear Line Dry Aficionado

I wish you all a very merry season with much goodwill and all that goes with it!

Thank you for your interest in my company and continued custom, I appreciate you all!

There is news afoot;

New Year = new idea’s, new rearrangements, new products and new resolve.

I shall be combining/condensing/spring cleaning all my sites in some way, shape or form in the new year,

I am continuing designing and hopefully shall be introducing a garment or two to line dry very soon; no. 1: the prototype is made albeit a little on the large size, fashion dictates it should be a size 6 (!) and now all there is to do is refine the surface design and get the embroidery done! No.2 is on the drawing board is awaiting my pattern cutter to get back from France, this piece shall be unadorned but will work quite nicely with garment No. 1. Also in the pipeline are some leather patches; medal-ly and military, motifs to be exact, don’t ask how they came about, it was a matter of unexpected development. I am not quite sure what I shall be doing with these at the moment, although one feels one should be working with Comme des Garçons in reality.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list of ‘line dry’ and the musings of one claireabaker, please e-mail info@linedry.co.uk

how do I draw?

2010-12-05T14:19:00.003Z

I observe
I rummage
I fiddle
I snip
I compose
I conduct
I stick
I create
I love...

browse like you were there...

2010-11-21T19:37:00.004Z

it may look like a load of stuff has been flung on a table, let me tell you it was carefully planned that way... thank you to all my customers this weekend at the National Glass Centre, and I am very very proud I did not have one of those cakes.

love me (again)

2010-11-15T20:24:00.006Z

thank you Bridget Jones for actually stitching my medal no.13 and then actually BLOGGING about it! makes it all worthwhile!
I also noticed Bridget has recieved one of the fabulous labels from Alec Finlay ...see what i did with mine...

keep up with the lovemelivewithme blog...I am just about to post a message about this label... then I will commence to wear the beautiful Cloud Commission scarf which I have in my possession (by default/accident) so I can post about that too. happy days.

thanks...

2010-11-14T18:45:00.006Z

to all who came to the invitation only line dry & venusmomma house events on Friday night and Saturday afternoon... it was highly successful, stressful, busy and great. I apologise for not being able to stand around idly chatting which is what I would have loved to be able to do but... 'you just can't get the staff'! ...
no, many, many thanks to my marvellous helpers!
best seller of the event was .... drumroll...the packs of stickers/magnets for £1.00...not because they were incredibly cheap but rather incredibly, gorgeously packaged (even though I do say so myself).

a close second was the mammoth laser cut necklaces...

don't worry, I will have more at the NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE Art & Craft Fair; Saturday & Sunday coming...(20th & 21st Nov.) and also at DESIGNERSMARKETPLACE, Middlesbrough Town Hall on the 28th November.
see you there!

new objets de deliciousness...

2010-10-31T10:22:00.004Z

really, really busy today! so what's new.

am making, making, making, oh and designing (!)... getting ready for National Glass Centre Craft Fair on 20th & 21st November in Sunderland then Designers Marketplace (jewellery collection only) on the 28th November, Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt.
not to mention an invitation only, preview evening of everything 'line dry' and presenting the ceramics of the talented 'venusmomma' where we will be testing our new lines on 12th November & 13th November - a little private partee (x2).
also new things on the designed and made website (coming soon).
not to mention uploading some new bits and pieces on my website. all exciting stuff :-)

A quick look at the Wondercart...

2010-10-24T23:10:00.004+01:00

Baltic Square, today.
Designed & Made.

2010-10-02T11:40:00.003+01:00

fabulous! click this
hey hey!
dances a little bit.

i knew i liked that alex guy :-) stitch tiffany stitch...

it's coming...

2010-10-02T10:17:00.011+01:00

21-31 October 2010
BALTIC Square
Newcastle Quayside

Love Me Live With Me:

designed and made present the best of north eastern design and invite you to engage with their work
www.lovemelivewithme.com

come and find our wonder cart.
look and rummage
take
think and talk.
drink tea.
tell us what you like to live with and why
all we ask is that you share your thoughts

intrigued?

love me live with me.

you need to prove you really want it...and PROMISE to blog about it...in blood.

For further information visit:
www.designedandmade.co.uk;
http://www.design-event.co.uk/FestivalEvents.php

a great write up here...

a birthday present...

2010-09-29T22:45:00.004+01:00

for stephen

i love this...

2010-09-28T20:38:00.002+01:00

anna kern

to sean...

2010-09-26T19:29:00.001+01:00

wherever you are...thank you x

open all hours

2010-09-25T23:45:00.004+01:00

the project has gone live and I am eagerly awaiting someone to actually blog about one of my medals!
lets hope they are not still languishing in the drawer!
see the results here. there is also a photo of the cart here at SteakHaus (Friday 24th September).
I shall be checking back frequently so if you do have one of medals I would love to hear about it, if the stitching is putting you off just give it to a stitcher or someone who knows someone... eventually it shall find one!

check me out

2010-09-20T22:34:00.005+01:00

mentions this week...here and here. loving it! thanks Katy.
finished work for The artfair, so it's all packed and if you want a unique, one off piece of art for only £48 you better get there.

( i like the misuse of capital letters but usually onlY by Me) strange that.

tonight's...

2010-09-14T23:26:00.007+01:00

product-ion line.
These are for the Newcastle/Gateshead Art Fair at The Sage 1st - 3rd October, to 'decorate' a beautiful sideboard, well to 'dress' the inside of it (possibly) - let's hope someone opens the door! Unfortunately I couldn't get the 'usual' size boxes (I have a lot of trouble with box supplies) so... I went for these, funny how the same item in a bigger box seems more value for money.
Anyway, I know it's not 'Art' as we know it at an 'Art Fair' but just frame one of these and Bob's your uncle.

nice cage.

2010-09-14T21:08:00.001+01:00

love me...

2010-09-05T10:41:00.007+01:00

live with me!...
Medals are made, ready to be shipped to Designed and Made's WONDERCART. I am getting my own special drawer made on the antique market barrow which will take up residence at London Design Festival (for starters) 18-26th September, it should be a really interesting exhibition and we will all be able to track the medals' progress through numerous people's hands (hopefully) through the medium of blogging. There will be some fabulous things by some fabulous makers on loan to some fabulous people!
Future venues include Design Event North East 2010. Watch this space!

Medal No. 13:

-is from a limited edition of 13; ' the Bakers Dozen'
-the pack includes: your medal, a velvet presentation cushion, a cushion slip to embroider, needles & threads, a handmade book about the object.
- the embroidery is an opportunity to 'make your mark', collaborate with the maker, help make it more beautiful before you pass it on to a most worthy recipient...to do the same.
-as the medal moves through hands it will become more embellished and return a new and improved version of itself.
-think carefully, who is worthy of your medal? who will be the next ephemeral owner? and why?
-the stories that will be revealed along the journey will form a major part of the medals' new history.
-love me, stitch me, wear me, live with me.

If you are not lucky enough to get one for yourself or maybe you are but then (reluctantly obviously!) pass it on, you can purchase your own permanent object of beauty here (medal only).
Learn more about Designed and Made here (new website coming soon).

mmmm....

2010-08-31T22:23:00.001+01:00

...these ribbons...

flying the flag(s)...

2010-08-31T16:39:00.001+01:00

as promised - pic of the 3 flags purchased at Re. (see earlier post).
i am in love.

souvenirs...

2010-08-31T13:42:00.006+01:00

from my recent German trip that included 2 flohmarkts...
other highlights included:-

an eighteenth birthday party (all night! what's that all about?!)
a family barbecue (not my real family but I adopted them anyway)
non stop coffee
spaghetti eis (3 teaspoonsful, how good am I?)
sun and 31 degrees
gatecrashing 1st class on the train...(read electronically reclining seats, businessmen, free drinks & nuts)
needless to say the embroidery i took with me was untouched...

Oma's sewing kit, bargain at 1 euro...note the REVOLVING reels of thread, I almost wet myself.

1.5" tape measure spool - still works! AND is in cms = bonus, gotta love those Europeans.

rusty old...

2010-08-09T09:12:00.003+01:00

...thing, purchased in Hexham. Just what i was looking for, although there were cries of derision and ridicule when I brought it home, after all it has seen better days but it will fit perfectly exactly because of this. The shop owner thought I would be repainting it at least, mmm...no.

in situ in shop £10.50

ditto

in situ in studio
an aside... squeezed it into my fiat 500 in 2 pieces, could only get it out through the roof. Meccano rules.

a RE.ally good shop...

2010-08-08T12:38:00.005+01:00

probably the best shop in the world...
Re,Corbridge, Northumberland.

images could be sharper but hey its an iphone.

pre shelves

2010-08-04T08:12:00.001+01:00

Pencil Post No.2

2010-08-03T22:13:00.002+01:00

pencils...

2010-08-02T20:00:00.001+01:00

YOU MUST LOOK AT THIS!
it's gorgeous!
swoon...

Barnard Castle; boxes and boxes...

2010-07-27T19:43:00.004+01:00

and STUFF!

if i had these my life would be complete...

2010-07-27T19:38:00.001+01:00

the box alone = £18
collar (each) = £5.50
had to pass...
but how gorgeous?

i like this

2010-07-25T09:33:00.001+01:00

i don't know why.

an excellent day...

2010-07-17T10:15:00.005+01:00

in London was had...
Texprint winners Andrew and Sarah were fabulous and are proving they are the shining lights of surface design, having integrity, talent, skill and passion.
How exciting!

zine theme...

2010-07-08T19:27:00.003+01:00

through a glass dirty

I am attempting to produce a couple of photo zines in time for Saturday's DesignersMarketplace, very limited edition, nicely photocopied, a little interesting, certainly collectors pieces.
I love zines and as it seems to be a kind of theme I am launching my own on behalf of linedry.co.uk; also available to swap (Alyson Agar). containing imagery from my albums 'through a glass dirty' and 'lowlife - London', if I have time there will be an edition of 'a (hotel) room with a view', but don't hold your breath, I might save that one for christmas...how exciting is that? only £3.00 an issue - wow!

lowlife - London

what i saw ...

2010-07-05T20:12:00.003+01:00

Laura...

2010-06-27T20:54:00.002+01:00

Lucy...

2010-06-27T20:48:00.001+01:00

waving it all goodbye...

2010-06-23T15:40:00.003+01:00

now i don't like to admit defeat, and rarely do so...however... this time i think i will, for my sanity.

there is no doubt in my mind that i will submit my entry (see previous posts) but i do not LIKE what i have produced, it looks like i have just thrown my samples onto a jacket, from a great distance at that (which i almost have)...
i could blame it on;

having no time
having little time
having too many other things to do

but of course there is no point!

i am almost ashamed to say that it is a long time since i have been disappointed in my own work, so perhaps it's time i was. so for now, contrary to what i have said earlier about finishing the collection regardless i will cut my losses and move on...
...finally thinking about the garments for linedry.co.uk...

me doing it

2010-06-20T14:41:00.001+01:00

deadline looming...

2010-06-19T15:32:00.004+01:00

frantically stitching... i will NEVER have enough for the Hand & Lock deadline (i have a week left), so much for starting early (which i did) and no doubt it will be the same old H & L story, however, i am not too distressed as i will continue and finish my collection, simply because i like it. i still love the brief and have tried to be more commercial in my approach, although i do feel that i am slightly cheating myself, and please note: when i say 'commercial' i am still actually talking 'haute couture' ! (if that makes sense).

i will post the images when i get back from New Designers as i shall be sending my girls off to an inspiring location to do a little photo shoot for me hopefully by Thursday.

well, better get on with it!