New work and latest news!

 Seaview

 Pub On The Pond

Ten days ago, my 5 year-old son found this

 

  An old plank of wood, with remnants of paint and covered in deep scratches....

I didn't think I would be able to use it for anything, but I took it as I didn't want to hurt his feelings!

But then I got to thinking that the scratches could be reeds, and the paint could be a reflection in water - a pond for example!

So I made some buildings to correspond to the paint colours, and thought that one of them could be a pub (The Red Lion, obviously!) complete with hanging sign.

I added a railing made from nails and rusty wire - and a life ring which is actually an old washer with a lick of paint.

I was pleased with the way it turned out!

Slipway Cottages

The gorgeous chunk of driftwood with turquoise paint on provided the inspiration for this piece. The wedge shaped bit of wood had a few blobs of terracotta paint on: I love these colours together, so I decided to make all the other elements of the sculpture co-ordinate!

So, anyway, what is the latest news I mentioned in the title of this post?!

I am thrilled to tell you that I am now selling my driftwood designs through MadeByHandOnline.com! It is an amazing site, with work from Britain and Ireland's most exciting contemporary designer-makers (their words, not mine!)

Go check out the site! You can find my page here, and at the moment both pieces I have described above are available to buy.

In other news, I am putting a few bits in to the Make 2012 Christmas exhibition at the Devon Guild, Bovey Tracey. The show runs from mid-November to the end of the year.

And finally, I will be selling my wares at two upcoming craft fairs. The first is at Cotehele National Trust on November 11, and then at Exeter castle on Dec 2. It would be great if you could come!

Better get back to making then! Byeee!

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.