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At the beginning of January, I made my usual 6 week trek up to Manchester to visit my elderly mother.  This visit had a few more added extras a) it was my birthday b) I had a day's work in a school in Preston.

I had a fabulous day, working with year 10 and 11 who were working on their GCSE Art and Design Textile.  The girls were great, very keen and produced some lovely work.  I feel honoured that a few asked me for my autograph, which I have to say is a first.

 

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Following my appearance on Kirstie's Handmade Britain last Wednesday, I've been approached by many people wanting to know more about papercrafting or how to get started or more about what I do as a designer/maker.  Each email I have answered as fully as possibly, in the hope that they will go on to enjoy their experience of crafting with paper.  

Recently I've had a small spurt of enquiries from blogs and magazines, one of which was Val Williams aka @SlickSilverJ from twitter.  She sugge...

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Last week I came across a You Tube video which showed you how to make paper yarn.  I have to say this is not the first time I have visited this technique but I think it was the drop spindle that put me off.  My attempts without the spindle have been so, so, I twist the strip of paper between my figures and it becomes a loose yarn with absolutely no integrity.  Interesting none the less.

I would say the last time I researched and experimented with paper yarn was about 2 years ago.  I fou...

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I'm just back from a week at the seaside, fully rested and refreshed. Before I went away I was having a play with some different techniques that I could use with paper.

I wanted to try making a basket using some magazines I had left. This is something that has been sitting on the back burner (in my head) for a while. I see the idea being developed into a neat workshop where participants can create their own custom container using, what else, but old books. Incorporated with some ...
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Yesterday, I decided to have a shot at papermaking. It's ages since I have done it but I had a nice stack of scraps left over from making my jewellery. I absolutely hate waste, so much so that I can get slightly cluttered with bits and pieces that in the words of my mother, 'Will come in, one day'.

STAGE ONE When papermaking you need to plan a little in advance. First, I got the mulch ready. This involved a bucket of warm water, the paper torn up into little pieces and then left to ...
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I have been exploring paper beads recently and having great success and actually loving the result. ( see earlier post - Making Beads from Paper)

Until that is I try to go bigger. My aim is to make some sturdy hollow beads but every time I push them into shape they seem to collapse. I can form the paper into a domed shape but as soon as I put it down the centre pops out, as you can see in the photo.

I'm not really sure how I'm going to resolve this problem. It maybe that coiling around...
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One: The most obvious, to visit an all paper exhibition. If you are a fan of paper and what can be created with it, then this is definitely for you.

Two: Location, location, location. Unit Twelve is found on a working farm set in the beautiful Stafford Countryside.

Three: The curator of the exhibition is Jennifer Collier, so to met her in person and to see her studio will give you a very real connection to why artists work with paper.

Four: The way the exhibition is set out allows you t...
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I received an email informing me that my submission had been accepted for the upcoming 'Paper exhibition at Craft House Concept in Edinburgh.

This is my second 'all paper' exhibition this year. I feel as though I am finally moving forward. I will be sending one of my book sculptures with a selection of my 'Organic Repose' range. The downside of exhibiting is the distance, I always want to be present at the private views but logistically this is not always possible.

This Saturday, ...

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This is an exhibition I am currently taking part in which is taking place at Forge2 Gallery in Culworth, Northamptonshire. The theme is one of spring and rebirth, and will incorporate associated topics such as recycling and sustainability. It will run from 8th April until 30th June.

Apart from my work other artists associated with this exhibition are:-

Kylie Coles is a Contemporary Woodturner. She layers paper onto wood then turns it created stunning aesthetically pleasing pieces.


Craig En...
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Making beads from paper 

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So one exhibition finishes and the next one begins. Flair is being held at the Ferrers Gallery at Staunton, Ashby de la Zouch. Leics. A selection of Design Factory members are being shown. These include designer/makers who work in paper, ceramics and metals.

I found an excellent link which gives you a good overall of the designers.

FLAIR



I hope some of you get the opportunity to visit, it's a lovely gallery set in a rural setting and part of the Ferrers Centre so there is plenty to see.

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