Happy 2016!

I seem to be finally emerging into 2016 after semi-hibernating over Christmas and avoiding all the work I'm supposed to be doing, which I can't tell you about yet as it's secret.  But I am back in full studio mode now, only procrastinating slightly by updating my website.

I do have one new design to show you.  This very simple but effective 'Love' card just published by Phoenix Trading. It's embossed on matt textured paper, perfect for wedding, anniversary or Valentine's Day next month.

Cambridge Magazine Article

On 27th October I had the pleasure of welcoming Alice Ryan, head of editorial for Cambridge Magazine, to my studio.  We had a lovely chat about my work and the inspiration behind my designs and the reasons why I use various styles.

With her was photographer Keith Jones who took photos of everything from my tea towels, coasters, decorations and even of Ollie our dog (sadly Ollie ended up on the cutting room floor although he does get a mention). I had to pretend I was painting and also turning the etching press for an 'action' shot!

If you would like to read the full article, click HERE and scroll to pages 50 - 52. Or pick up the December issue in Cambridge.

Photos from the Winter Open Studios & Mulled Cider Recipe

We really enjoyed doing a winter open studio for the first time last weekend.  Kindly hosted by jeweller Cheryl Bird in her wonderful workshop, we were really pleased with how it went in terms of visitor numbers, sales and the lovely festive atmosphere.  We hope to do it again next year.



We had lots of compliments about our mulled cider and spiced apple juice, so here is the recipe:

Mulled Cider / Spiced Apple Juice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 litres good cider or apple juice
• 6 cloves
• 3 or 4 star anise
• ¼nutmeg, finely grated into the pan
• 1 cinnamon stick
•  vanilla essence to taste (half tsp)
• juice of 1 orange
• juice of 2 clementines
• 4 or 5 tablespoons of caster sugar, to taste

Method

1. Pour all of the cider into a large pan on a low heat and warm it through for a few minutes. Add all of the spices and fruit juices and turn the heat up. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and leave to tick away for 5 to 8 minutes. As everything infuses you'll get the most delicious layers of flavour. Taste and add a few tablespoons of sugar to taste. You don't want it to be sweet;  you just want the sugar to join up all the different spices so you get a harmonious taste.
2. When you are happy with the flavours, ladle into glasses or mugs and serve while warm and delicious.

About 15 generous wine glasses per 2ltr bottle of cider or apple juice.

Winter Open Studios

For the first time I have teamed up with two other members of Open Studios to hold a winter open studio.  We will be based at jeweller, Cheryl Bird's studio in Milton and Linda Bartlett is also joining us.

 Come and see their range of beautifully made items including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuff links and crystal decorations - find out how they were made.

I will have my range of screen printed tea towels and coasters and a selection of my products designed for Phoenix Trading such as cards, wrapping paper, bunting, paper-chains and advent calendars.

Look out for the white flag on the road through the village, parking available in the driveway beside the house. There will be mince pies and mulled cider.

Address: The Garden Studio, 6 Cambridge Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6AW
Open between 10am and 4pm.

Cambridge Showcase

Cambridge Showcase (formally known as Cambridge Christmas) was held this Monday at the Unitarian Church Hall.  With 15 hand-picked local artists and makers, it's always a wonderful event and this year I think it looked better than ever.

This is my stall - the coasters proved to be the most popular item closely followed by the new Woodland tea towel.

As always I can never resist buying work from other makers, including this beautiful mug made by Katharina Klug and the crochet bauble made by Kate Green of Flourish and Fly.

It's a fantastic venue and lovely to work with such a talented group of people.  Thanks to the volunteers, Ali and Sheila who served the mulled cider and mince-pies with donations that this year went to the Cambridge Cyrenians.

Wicken Fen - National Trust Shop

 I have recently been informed that the National Trust Shop at Wicken Fen is now stocking my Bikes and Blue Goldfinch tea towels.

I think I may have to work on a new design featuring sedge warblers.

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

I'm just about recovered from the three days at the show and what a wonderful event it was. This is my second time to be lucky enough to have my work selected. I had a great position at the front of the nave, next to the wonderful Katie Lynn from Molten Wonky.

The setting for the fair is magnificent and with over 150 stalls to choose from the visitors were spoilt for choice.  My sales surpassed last year, so I was very pleased, especially as I sold several framed prints as well as hundreds of coasters and nearly 100 tea towels.  I also swapped items and bought things from several stalls including Katie Lynn, Amanda MacPhail, Anna Osborne from The Speculating Rook, Slate & Nature, Breckland Orchard and a lovely chocolate brownie stall.

Other stalls I really enjoyed seeing were beautiful jewellery from Heather Stowell & Birgitte Bruun, Sarah Went Ceramics, wood engravings by Andy English, prints and paintings by Claire Cockayne and Melanie Goemans, illustrations and gifts by Debbie Bellaby and Jo Clark and creatures by Sue Miller from itoosho-soo.

Now it's all systems go to get ready and restock in time for the next show, Cambridge Showcase, on Monday 23rd November at the Unitarian Church Hall.