Green Great Britain

Tuesday 18th May, my son's school are celebrating Green Great Britain by letting the children wear green. The school is an eco school and a Good Food school. Now he's eleven year's he's that age when he wants to be a little be more crucial about what he wears.

Designing this T-shirt for him was a breeze as his favourite colour is actually green. When I collected him from school, I put it in a carrier bag along with some green hairspray. As you can imagine he was made up. So following on from being a T-shirt designer, I now have to be his
personal hairdresser in the morning.
Mum's we're so multi-skilled.

The trouble with paper beads

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 a piece of wire doesn't give you enough torque in the rolling process. In a few days time I will receive a proper paper bead rolling tool so I hope this will be the solution.

Watch this space!!

Water Origami

The video is truly amazing, it was retweeted on twitter by @bookloverRAH from a post by @uponafold.

Flottille (detail) from Etienne Cliquet on Vimeo.

Don’t let the rather simple geometric images above fool you, watch the video. Using small pieces of paper (just 2-3cm wide) artist Stephen Ratcliffe has created delicately folded origami pieces that once placed in water begin to bloom, the result of capillary action as the paper absorbs water. Beautiful.

Flottille (detail) from Etienne Cliquet on Vimeo.

(via reddit)

Do you need a reason to visit First Anniversary: Paper Exhibition?

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 to appreciate the various styles of the artists without being overwhelmed.

Five: Unit Five houses 4 other designer/makers, Helen Roberts, Lauren Crawford, Jo Hill, and Abbey Costello

Six: Get the chance to talk to the designer/makers first hand, perhaps see them working.

Seven: The chance to sign up to some very exciting workshops.

Eight: Whilst you are there you have the opportunity to buy yourself a little something from the five designer makers.

Nine: Pick up a leaflet so that you can make your return visit for the next exhibition.

Ten: Disover 25 spectacular designer/makers working in paper: Phiona Richards, Helen Roberts, Jennifer Collier, Jo Pond, Clare Hillerby, Betty Pepper, Susan Cutts, Helen Musselwhite, Hannah Lobley, Iain Perry, Claire Brewster, Rebecca J Coles, Jane Ponsford, Katherine Richmond, Ruth Singer, Saloukee, Priscilla Jones, Ruth Allen, Rachel Eardley, Magie Hollingsworth, Becky Adams, Anya Keeley, Shellie Holden and Julie Arkell

If you do get the opportunity to visit this exhibition perhaps you would like to let me know your thoughts by making a comment.

'Paper' Exhibition in Edinburgh

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, I have encouraged myself to go to the 'First Anniversary: Paper Private View at Unit Twelve, Tixall, Stafford. It will be a three and a half drive there and back but I have been assured by fellow artists Ruth Singer and Emma Dolan that it's worth the effort and I have to say I can think of 25 reasons why I must go.

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes

Last night was spent catching up on my box-making. I needed to make a few to house some pieces that are going to the 'Ladies Night' event at Byard Art, Cambridge I remember, when I started creating my jewellery pieces I was conscious that they needed to be housed safely giving them that precious feel. I sourced various companies that supplied boxes but they never really seemed to have what I was looking for. In the end I created my own.

This means that each piece has a box made to fit it and I can use the pages of the same book which completes the story. Then just to finish each box off I stamp them with the Rare Notions initials.

Box-making has not been an easy option, I am not particularly accurate and tend to work by eye which doesn't tend to work so well. Over time though, my skills have improved and my boxes have taken on a comfortable, well liven in feel.

'Regenerate' Exhibition

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 Ennew is a UK based illustrator and graphic designer. He creates original and experimental compositions using a variety of media.

Adam Bridgland has been described as 'your favourite leisure time artist', Adam explores everyday objects such as colouring book image, travel guidebooks, and scout camping paraphernalia. From this inspiration he produces work that could be described as kitsch and humorous, but is poignant.

Julia Davey is a cermacist who produces evocative work. She will be showing framed mounted butterflies which a made of wafer thin earthenware a They are held aloft by small square pieces of white foam board and angled using the golden pins.

Marion Brandis creates bespoke mosaics and ceramics which are both colourful and upliftiing.

Aardvark on Sea & Zeroh produce linocuts which are lovingly carved and printed in thieir ramshackle studio using only FSC certified/recycled papers and environmentally friendly inks.