A big round-up!

 Gah, I had such good intentions of keeping this blog up to date, but I have failed miserably!!

This post will mainly be lots of images with brief descriptions, so congratulations to anyone who makes it all the way to the end!!

Firstly I need to say a MASSIVE Thank You to all of you who donated to my Comic Relief raffle (see last post). 

This was the total on Red Nose Day - and there are still donations trickling in. A fab result - thank you, and congratulations to Annette Knight who won the driftwood cottages.

A couple of commissions from recent months: the one above was a dream come true for me as the customer wanted a large piece (this one was approx 80cm wide) but incorporating all the items I love to make: cottages, a caravan, bike, lamp posts and bunting! I have had several requests for similar since - it’s fun to work on a larger scale!

This customer wanted a pub and washing line!

And this one an old-fashioned telephone box.

This one was for a florist who wanted something springlike for her wall! Click on the picture for a better look...

Another commission: Gone Fishing.

I have 2 exhibitions on the horizon (my excuse for neglecting my blog!)

The first is at Baxters Gallery in Dartmouth, which runs for 3 weeeks, starting on May 24th. The exhibition is called "Smile", so hopefully it will make you do exactly what it says on the tin!

This piece is based on the iconic "Boatfloat" in the town.

 This jolly sailing boat on the waves will be heading there too.

 I will also have a few pieces at the "Worn Away" exhibition at Unit Twelve (May 30 - Aug 31st), including this one, entitled "Pier At Night".

I love the barnacles on this piece!

I am also frantically making for the event of the year, The Contemporary Craft Fair, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year!

This piece, called "Esplanade" is probably the longest one yet - and was tricky to photograph, so click on the photo for a better view!

This one I made recently, using this gorgeous piece of oak, which must have been part of a boat. The original copper nails go all the way through to the base, and I had no chance of getting them out, so I decided to incorporate them into the design and create some trees!

Another peaceful fishing scene...

A lighthouse made from an old armchair leg and metal drawer handle for the roof...

 ..and this pretty little number - more akin to the Scottish Highlands than native Cornwall -  was inspired by the bottom piece of driftwood, complete with gorgeous heather coloured paint.

I have also made a few smaller, quirky one-offs...

This whale....

   

....tractor

...and plane made from an old fishing float and metal strips.

Nearly finished!!

I just have to tell you about an amazing workshop I took part in at Cowslip Workshops last weekend! It was run by Edwina Bridgeman who is one of my most favourite artists. She creates amazing art from found objects and junk, and I found her to be really inspirational. You can see her website here, but I recommend you look her up in Google images as there is a whole range of her fantastic work there.

This was my attempt - I was pretty pleased with the way it turned out!

Add caption

Well done! You made it to the end of my epic post!! 

I thought I would leave you with this sweet picture of my partner and youngest son, who are collecting plastic from our local beach. There is something very exciting in the pipeline re this, but that is another story!

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings, hopefully I will be back again before too long! xxx

The first signs of spring

 My latest piece wasn’t planned from the outset: it kind of developed from the lovely bit of wood which I used for the shed (above). Then, rummaging around in my fabric scrap drawer, I had the idea of making a simple deckchair!

 Nothing says Spring better than daffodils: these are made from tiny nails, bent at the tip with the ends painted yellow. The outer petals are little scraps of dried acrylic paint, threaded on to the nail. 

A washing line adds a bit of colour, and I made this very simple lawnmower to balance out the composition!

"First sign of spring" is available for sale in my Madebyhandonline shop here.

Have a good week folks!

I want to ride my bicycle!

Hello there! I am just checking in to say a quick hi - as usual things are pretty hectic this time of year for all of us crafters!

I thought I would share a few little things I have been working on lately. They are quite different in a way from what I usually make, but on the other hand maybe not so, as everything is made from found materials.

It all started when I had a special request for a bike card.....

I had so much fun making this first creation...

...that I had to make another - Chopper style!

By now I was getting quite addicted to making these simplified machines!

This was another order for a man who loves motorbikes.

 And my favourite of them all.

 After seeing the 2 dimensional original on my Facebook page, a customer asked for a more 3-D sculpture. I wasn't sure it was going to be possible....

...but with the aid of some railings, I managed to fix and hold the bike together.

I loved branching out a bit with these little items. Back to Christmas products now.

Back soon!! xx

Making waves

Oh dear, it has been such a long time since my last post I think the only thing I can do is to show you in pictures what I have been up to...with a brief explanation underneath. It will take me a week to write otherwise!!

"Making Waves"

I decided to piece all my odd bits of blue driftwood together to give an impression of waves, so this piece is quite deep. I particularly like the curvy piece at the very front.

This chunky boat is basically one piece of wood which was the end of a huge hunk of wood. Most of it was burnt, but I could see it could still be salvaged. A found weight has been used for a buoy...and I mananged to bend a bit of an old chisel around the mast to make a flag.

"Herman The Whale" - as soon as he is properly finished, he will be going into my shop.

Almshouses with postbox....now living in sunnier climes in Australia!

Customers are always telling me I need to include some knickers on my washing lines.....!!

A large free-standing piece ready to go off to an exhibition here

"Houses on the Lake"

These farm buildings have rusty tin roofs....the smaller one is actually an old hinge.

A custom-made key rack for a lovely customer!

Cottages in rich, autumnal colours

Tiny welsh cottages

Houses on a jetty

And finally!! That dreaded word again.......*whispers* Christmas

Q: When is a plasterboard screw not a plasterboard screw?

A: When it's a Christmas tree!!

And this postbox is actually a floorboard nail with a lick of red paint...and a dusting of "snow" on the top!

Both of the above designs are available as printed Christmas cards on my website.

Phew! If you have reached the end of this marathon post, then well done, and thank you for reading my ramblings!!

Best wishes to you all.