Did I ever mention I’m partial to a bit of weaving… 😉 Must be the weaving gene! Re-caning 3 chairs from my lovely pals dining room suite…

Come along and make a lovely wee willow wreath with me at my willow workshop, at the Flying Duck’s Big Vegan Fete on Saturday 19th December. I’ll be there from 12-5 with loads of other lovely people, who’ll be selling pies and pints and all manner of other deliciousness (including humblestuff’s gorgeous vegan cleaning products! I know!!) You’re gonna love this willow workshop!* It’s guaranteed to be very festive – the willow is freshly harvested and smells and looks amazing – just the thing to add the finishing touches to your Xmas tree or to hang jauntily on a door knob or to give away as a lovely wee, sustainable, organic, vegan gift :)) Who could ask for more?!

* If by some slim chance you don’t love this workshop; are just not sure you can make your own decorations or are feeling particularly haunless on the day, don’t worry – I’m a trained willower ;)) I will guide you, I’ll also have some ready made to sell on the day and will even do bespoke commissions. On the spot! But it’s so enjoyable to do that I’m sure you’ll want to make your own, especially after you’ve had a pie and a pint (or two) ;))

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/629104453897048/

 

The willow harvest is here! Yipee! I ordered and received some beautiful, freshly harvested willow through the post this week from the fabulous Barfad Willow in Argyll. Been weaving my wee fingers off ever since! Watch this space for news of when and where you can buy/make along with me!

Been catching up with orders over the last few days, a couple of pendants underway.

Silver Murmuration Pendant

and (the imaginatively-named) double house pendant ;))

This has to be my favourite commission yet! I’ve been asked to make a silver version of a knitters’ stitch holder. My client uses them to hold shawls and cardigans closed and thought it would be a lovely idea to have one made in silver… Me too!!

This is the everyday (common or garden!) aluminium version. I love the simplicity of the design and the clean lines and can’t wait to make a lovely silver version…

First things first, the ecosilver order arrives..

Making a point(!) 

Shaping the wire, filing and sanding away any rough edges, so that it can glide through wool without snagging.

Testing the prototype…

It’s an open and shut case, I’d say ;)) Well, almost, I still have to work-harden the wire to make it more durable for everyday use but, other than that, it’s almost there (shape-wise, at least – my client may choose a slightly more worn or hammered finish in the end – but it’s getting there!) Personally, I love it and think she’s onto a winner. A brilliantly simple, yet sophisticated, design solution. And just so charming (and elegant) in silver.

Spot the difference!

I want one too!! :))

I made a wee pair of silver earrings for a pal’s birthday about a month ago. I made two pairs actually – so she could choose between them – one wee dainty pair and one slightly larger pair. She chose the wee ones. I’ve worn the medium ones a couple of times since then and on both occasions someone has ordered a pair!! (Note to self: maybe I should wear them more often! ;))

The most recent incarnation – another wee dainty pair – ready for dispatch above and in the making below…

So glad you were pleased with your order Jane. Thanks for making my jewellery look so gorgeous on! Hope the wee brooch looks as good on your wall at home as it does here :))

My birds are finally flying :)) Alongside some stunning work from my ex classmates – including, silver/orange necklace by Amanda McGrattan, not sure who made the slate rings unfortunately but they are also gorgeous. Silver ‘coral’ rings and brooch by Aimie McDiarmid and honeycomb pieces by Aileen Melville Gray. There were some other amazing pieces but I unfortunately didn’t get pictures of everything I liked. It’s still on until the 17th July – definitely worth a visit.

The Handmade by Machines Exhibition has started at The Lighthouse in Glasgow. I missed the Opening Night and the symposium :(( Was unfortunately still too ill to attend but, by all accounts, it went really well. I have an installation in the show – almost didn’t (summer flu!). However, my very kind-hearted CAD tutor – who also, incidentally, is the curator of Handmade by Machines! – not only set up the whole show last week but also managed to instal my piece too (whilst I had to stay at home in bed). I am forever in her debt! Thanks Karen :)) I did as much as I could at home – packed all the separate pieces up together, drew a diagram, left the (really very fiddly and time-consuming) final hanging of the birds to Karen and hoped for the best ;)) I’ve only seen pictures so far but it looks great as far as I can see. Do pop in if you’re passing. Below are some of the ingredients of said installation… You’ll have to go to the show to see it all put together as one… Or, you could just wait until I’ve been and taken some pictures of the final result :))

Those ‘ingredients’…

One silver house ring and one wee silver bird…

Hundreds and hundreds of laser cut (originally hand drawn) birds… And many many metres of invisible thread (it’s invisible!) ;))…

A beautiful bundle of willow harvested earlier this year…

Soaked for two days…

Mellowed overnight…

And then bent and woven into a hanging frame…

Can’t wait to see the final results. Watch this space!