FEELING CRAFTY | Helen Roberts | Contemporary Craft & Textiles

Andy Singleton

2010-08-10T13:44:00.004+01:00

After seeing a post on Design*Sponge about Andy Singleton I had to check out his website to see his other work and share it with you. Andy graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2006 and defines himself as an Artist/Illustrator.

His paper- cuttings and hand drawn illustrations are an exploration of the natural and man-made world......I love the contrasting black and white tones and how it draws you into the lines and shapes created. To follow what Andy is up to you can visit his blog here at www.andysingleton.blogspot.com

New Designers 2010

2010-06-28T11:22:00.002+01:00

London's Calling.......I'm off to exhibit at New Designers this week....if your around from thursday come and take a look.....make sure you stop at stand CA34 to check out the MMU Cheshire craft work!.....click the link for all info on the show.

Felt Acorns | Reya Veltman

2010-06-21T09:03:00.003+01:00

Found these lovely Felt Acorns by Reya Veltman when having a gander at the Design Sponge blog......

there's SO much stuff on there it's well worth a look!

Oliver Holden | Fine Art Degree Exhibition 2010

2010-06-11T14:02:00.003+01:00

When my friend Oli sent me these photos of his work in Plymouth Uni's Fine Art Exhibition, I had to share them with you! I know........... technically it's not craft, but I'm a big fan of Oli's work and you should be too so If you want to see more, go to the 'follow my friends' section of the blog and click his name to take you to his website.

Contemporary Crafts Degree Exhibition 2010

2010-06-06T18:06:00.003+01:00

Here's a little preview of my installation 'The Collection' at the Contemporary Crafts Degree Exhibition 2010 which took place this weekend........more photos of my pieces are to follow shortly!

Unit Twelve | Exhibition & Workshop Space Opening

2010-05-26T08:48:00.009+01:00

Heres the photos from the opening of Unit Twelve run by textile artist Jennifer Collier. I had a lovely afternoon with friends making cards, envelopes and planting sunflower seeds in the workshops, then we popped inside to check out "Yours Sincerely" Exhibition which featured some amazing work.........

Viv Sliwka | Hens Teeth

Ruth Allen

Shellie Holden

Clare Hillerby

Iain Perry

Jennifer Collier

Lace Impressed Porcelain Tiles

2010-05-07T10:05:00.005+01:00

Heres some more Ceramics I've been doing...this time using Lace Doilies! Using the oxides really brings out the pattern of the lace......I'm becoming very fond of these tiles...click the photos link to see more on Flickr x

Lace Cookies

2010-05-05T15:49:00.006+01:00

Found these little treats on Flickr, made by sweetsugarbelle, click her name to see more of her work.....

Vintage Glove with Porcelain Impressed Tiles

2010-05-04T16:04:00.003+01:00

This is what I've been working on in ceramics over the last few months....after testing and making samples heres a little taste of what will be in my Installation for the uni exhibition and New Designers Exhibition in London. Click on the Photos link to see more....

Markus Linnenbrink & his Epoxy Resin

2010-04-21T18:13:00.002+01:00

Drip paintings made of epoxy resin on wood panels by Markus Linnenbrink.

A Tree Wrapped in Lace

2010-04-21T16:38:00.002+01:00

A random photo found on Flickr, a tree wrapped in lace. Bringing materials and textiles into the natural world.

Kit Lane; The Queen of Wool Animals

2010-04-21T10:55:00.004+01:00

Found this on Flicker today, done by an artist Kit Lane entirely made from wool!

Check out Kits Flickr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitgraphics/

Alessandra Baldereschi

2010-04-20T12:15:00.003+01:00

Small plants greens in glass vase lattimo, they are entirely realized by hand. Adelia, Valesia, Cactusia, Maranta, Clelia, names of fantasy of as much species vegetables, identify plant some that resolve in a fresh and extemporaneous sign the obvious fitomorfe analogies. A small precious idea in order to render the green perennial.

Check it out at: http://www.alessandrabaldereschi.com

Milan Design Week 2010: Nendo's Chair Garden

2010-04-20T11:55:00.005+01:00

Nendo's Chair Garden was one of our favorite shows from this year. In addition to showing several new products—previewed here a couple of weeks ago—the studio built tiny constructions from terracotta pots and miniature chairs and planted them in the garden of an interior courtyard. Inside, strong concepts were resolved through a nuanced treatment of materials. Take for example, the period, comma, quote set of paperweights, which take the shape of the aluminum's natural drop. Or the Corona globe, where all countries assume the same color—black—and borders disappear. We also got the chance to see the Cord Chair in person. It has a leg 15mm in diameter, clad with a thin layer of wood.

Hong Kong Here I Come!

2010-04-13T08:38:00.004+01:00

I'm away on adventure to Hong Kong today and I can't wait!

The trip is a continuation of my brothers wedding that took place in the UK a few weeks ago, his new wife is british born chinese with most of her family living in Hong Kong. So together with my mum, dad and daughter, we are off for a taste of the orient! There will be plenty of photos so be sure check the Flickr stream next week.....xx

Unit Twelve | Exhibition & Workshop Space

2010-04-07T08:41:00.016+01:00

This is a new contemporary craft space opening on the 15th May, set in a beautiful location just outside of Stafford.... and I'm lucky enough to have an invite!.

The space will host a regularly changing programme of exhibitions, as well as visiting artists once a month running art workshops to complement the exhibitions. There will also be a rolling programme of workshops, run by Jennifer Collier. Go to www.unittwelve.co.uk for more details.

Peter Crawley | Stitched Illustrations

2010-04-04T12:37:00.003+01:00

Pay Attention all fans of Stitched Illustrations, you must go to Peter Crawley's website and check out his work.....

Its amazing!

I must give credit to Mr X Stitch & Jenny Hart from Embroidery as art for this post....which was featured on the blog a few weeks ago.

Major Project Ceramics Testers.

2010-03-25T18:09:00.002Z

Here's a taste of the work made during the last few weeks spent in ceramics, I have yet to glaze me final pieces so these testers explore the use of underglaze colours topped off with half GS Dolomite and half Mother of Pearl glazes. I love the contrast between the matt and glassy looking glazes, I've popped more photos on flickr so click the link to the right to see more!

Guilherme Marconi Pattern Design

2010-03-24T14:22:00.004Z

Guilherme Marconi is an Illustrator, artist in free hours and crazy for cartoons. He uses this space to show his works, production process, colour palettes and any other thing that he has in mind. He does it while waiting anxiously for the next chapter of OnePiece.

Droog in Amsterdam.

2010-03-20T15:20:00.008Z

Carbon Fibre Bookcase.

Lucky Cat Pinball Machine.

Accidental Carpet.

Do Hit Chair.

Chest of Drawers.

Lego Chair.

On a trip to Amsterdam last weekend we popped into the Droog shop/showroom for a look around, I had to show you the photos....this is just the first installment as there was so much stuff, so keep checking the blog for the next lot of photos x

Jessica Rankin

2010-03-10T15:07:00.003Z

Someone tipped me off on Flickr about Jessica Rankins Embroidery so I went and did some internet scouring and had to share what I found...... check out the White Cube website for more images.

New Embroidered Postcards

2010-03-05T12:55:00.002Z

Here's a little look at what I've been working on at home this week, click on the photos link to see more!

Map Paper Cut Out, "The Streets I Walk".

2010-02-24T12:43:00.006Z

An old map of Stafford, my home town. This is one of two in the Paper Cut Out series, the other is a map of Warwick and Leamington Spa where my brother went to University.....hopefully I'll get this one finished by tonight...fingers crossed!

Jill Walker

2010-02-12T09:31:00.006Z

I thought it was about time I showed you some of the other students work from my course at uni. This is a selection of work made by Jill Walker, I adore everything she makes.

The Charity shops of Stafford.

2010-02-10T09:08:00.011Z

In order to develop my Minor Project further, I'm looking into how found objects are displayed in charity shops and flea markets. I took a trip into town with my camera to capture some of the treats stafford holds!

This was my first stop, The Katherine House Hospice shop on the corner of the high street and mill street....this place is amazing!

If I had the £48 pounds this gorgeous Singer Sewing Machine costs I'd have snapped it up there and then......keep dreaming helen!

mmmmm.....fabrics!

Glassware.

A fantastic range of books!

Just a small taste of the ceramics.....then I went to the Indoor Market to a great stall...

This guys stall can be a bit hit and miss...before christmas he had a set of ordinance survey maps that were so old and so lovely....again I couldn't afford them as they were £12 each! and now some other person has the joy of them!

I Love the way he's displayed the books and records....after taking a few more photos I headed over to Oxfam at the opposite end of the high street to the Katherine house shop.

Star Wars characters....

More Books...

Records close up...

My favourite boxes......Maps!... and so my tour ends...until my next visit to a nearby flea market in newcastle x

Minor Project work.

2010-02-08T12:49:00.004Z

Here's a taste of the work I've made for my Minor Project at Uni....Click on the Photo link to see more on Flickr.

Screen Printed Postcards and Tins

2010-01-27T13:51:00.007Z

Just a little taste of what I've been up to over the last 2 weeks.....click the photos link to see more!

Limited Edition Cowchap's By Gemma Latimer

2010-01-19T16:18:00.003Z

Gemma has just produced a limited edition series of 100 beautiful screen prints on archival fine art paper. The prints are 60cm x 80cm (A1) and start from £35 unframed and £100 framed. All prints are numbered and signed and come in a protective tube..........to go www.gemmalatimer.com for contact info.

A Single Sheet of Paper by Peter Callesen

2009-12-31T18:20:00.005Z

Just a small selection of amazing Paper-Cut Outs by Peter Callesen, go to http://asinglesheetofpaper.weebly.com to see more!

Samples

2009-12-16T16:14:00.007Z

Samples I've made to test before adding to my large embroidered map, hope you like ......

Escape by Penny Leaver Green

2009-11-22T13:17:00.006Z

Click on the link to Penny Leaver Green's website and click pictures in the menu....... too many amazing things to mention on here......

Map Cut-outs by Karen O’Leary

2009-11-03T16:56:00.004Z

This make me so envious......I wish I had the time! To see more go to Paper Taste Buds.

Sample Book Work

2009-10-21T16:42:00.005+01:00

Hi.....sorry again for the lack in posts, its seems Uni has taken over most of my life! Here's a preview of a sample book I'm working on at the moment, this one's a small piece of map with embroidered roads. I'm using my found objects as either part of the work or to inspire a piece, which in the end will lead to an installation of found/regenerated objects. My collection has grown considerably over the summer and now I have too much inspiration! I'll be uploading more photos of new experiments on flickr over the next few days so keep an eye out!

New Work In Progress

2009-10-07T09:17:00.003+01:00

Hi guys......sorry for delay in posts, I've been getting back into the swing of things at uni which has taken me a few weeks. I'm currently at the start of my Minor Project in which I'm looking in to the value of an object, creating my own museum of found objects from Flea markets and charity shops. This pic shows a still life I've created to sketch from which will then be developed using various methods within textiles and ceramics. Hope you like......

Getting Back To It

2009-09-23T10:02:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone...I'm back from my travels around France, I had an amazing time although at times it was very cold! As you can see from the picture above I couldn't quite leave my flea market addiction alone whilst away and managed to get a couple of beautiful postcards, a book and an envelope complete with letter inside as well as two small pocket calenders from this market we stumbled across in Clamecy. I had slight disappointment at the time as I was completely ripped off for the lot, spending 18 Euros (I'm a sucker for all things old) but things got worse after we returned to our campsite later in the day. When I came to take out my treasures from the camera case they had been in since buying them.......the two small calenders were gone, I think I've only just managed to get over it! at least I have the memory of them.....

I've also moved back into my newly decorated studio.....which is so much better than being cramped up on my dining table! I start back at uni next Monday so I'm busy doing last minute work to bulk up the summer work I've already done......and preparing for writing my dissertation.....eek! I 'll pop up some crafty posts in a few days to get us back on track...take it easy!

Digital Misfit Embroidery

2009-09-11T10:36:00.002+01:00

I'm astounded by this piece of Embroidery by Digital Misfit! Apparently it's her 3rd attempt at Embroidery, stitched mostly in split-stitch with 2 ply black thread, the hair is randomly stitched with 1 ply of a fuzzy eyelash yarn. Check out her Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalmisfit to see more of her work.

On another note............Sorry for the lack of posts over the coming few weeks, I'm currently decorating my studio so there isn't much work being made at the moment although I'll still be rummaging through all things craft-like on the web when I can. I'm off on holiday for the next week, my trusty canon camera will be coming with us so I'm bound to get snap happy! The photos will be posted on my Flickr Photostream upon my return so until then, take care and stay crafty.........

Manbroidery by Bren Ahearn

2009-09-09T12:12:00.005+01:00

Check out this Manbroidery by Bren Ahearn......Using a cross stitch on a plain weave pattern, he's stitched the sole of a flip flop! I strongly recommend you look at his Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/brenahearn this guys work is amazing and don't forget to let me know what you think........

Angharad Jefferson

2009-09-04T12:20:00.005+01:00

As I was trawling through Flickr groups the other day I came across some great pieces by Angharad Jefferson, an Illustrator/ Embroiderer who uses both media to produce Textile Canvas' as well as other products. I fell in love with this cheeky chap called 'Hamish' who features with many other characters in the categories section of her website, to take a peek at more of her work go to www.angharadjefferson.com

Embroidered Vintage Envelope

2009-08-28T09:02:00.003+01:00

This is my latest addition to my uni summer work, an embroidered vintage envelope. On Tuesday I went to a weekly flea market in Newcastle - under - Lyme and spent a good few hours rummaging through boxes of postcards, letters, envelopes, photographs and who knows what else!
As my daughter says 'those places are full of treasures' and I love discovering them. I had to keep my budget low as the summers aren't kind to us skint students, but I managed to get 14 postcards and 7 envelopes as well as some lovely vintage fabrics that I couldn't resist. Let me know what you think of the piece......Its always nice to know what people think!

Craft Mafia Website Design

2009-08-21T15:09:00.005+01:00

Wow! 3 posts in one day, you guys are lucky! Latest news from Gemma Latimer is that her new design for the banner of the Nottingham Craft Mafia is now up for us all to see!
Visit the website at http://www.nottinghamcraftmafia.com to see what its all about.....but don't forget to see what else Gems been up too at http://gemmalatimer.blogspot.com

Hodge Podge Arts

2009-08-21T14:48:00.003+01:00

As I searched through my Flickr groups (a daily occurrence at the moment) I came across these little beauties by Karen of Hodge Podge Arts. I did a little digging and found her website : www.hodgepodgearts.co.uk investigate both the Ceramics and Sculpture galleries to see some real treats.....

Mr X Stitch's Birthday Give Away!

2009-08-21T09:00:00.004+01:00

On the 27th August Mr X Stitch is 1yr old! To celebrate their having an amazing giveaway of loads of stitchy stuff including a piece done by the Birthday Boy himself as well as adding new things to the blog.......take a peek at http://www.mrxstitch.com to see whats going on!

Introducing Oliver Holden

2009-08-20T15:52:00.007+01:00

I thought it was about time I showed you some of the awesome work created by my good friend Oliver Holden, who's currently studying at Plymouth University.
His work is "Concerned with process and material properties. Exploration and furthering of ideas to the point of exhaustion. Challenging 'what counts as' in the expanded fields of Painting, Sculpture, Sound and Drawing".
This is just a small teaser of what Oli creates, his paintings are absolutely magical so I suggest you take a good look at his website http://www.oliverholdenartist.co.uk to see more of his work.

Embroidered Vintage Postcards

2009-08-17T12:09:00.004+01:00

Over time I've collected loads of Vintage Postcards especially ones with text on which I then hand stitch over, this one is french dated from the 1940's. I've just finished this piece this morning and was dying to share it with you.....let me know what you think.

Beccy Ridsdel

2009-08-14T11:56:00.003+01:00

I stumbled across some amazing Ceramics by Beccy Ridsdel. This piece is from a installation set as a lab experiment in progress, based on the art/craft debate. I love her use of transfers and the inclusion of laboratory equipment in the work. To see more of Beccys work to go: www.beccyridsdel.co.uk

New Embroidery

2009-08-12T15:26:00.003+01:00

This is my latest creation I call him my Mohawk boy, as its my favorite thing about him. I got the Image from a 1950's National Geographic Magazine bought from Oxfam for 79p! Check my Flickr link to see more images and don't hesitate to let me know what you think......

Embroiderd Beetles

2009-08-11T11:26:00.005+01:00

Ive just uploaded a lovely selection of photos to my Flickr page showing my 'Beetles' Collection, which were produced for my final project in my 2nd year at Uni.
I was able to study, sketch and photograph the collections of Beetles held by The Natural History Museum in London, and used my drawings directly for the printed images used in the pieces. Papyrus Papers and Vintage Egyptian Maps represent the history and mythology linked to Beetles and Scarabs.
Hope you like them.........Let me know what you think!

Concept Furniture; Alessandro Bêda's Untitled Chair

2009-08-06T21:01:00.005+01:00

I love this new idea for a chair. It looks incredibly comfortable!
Check out Alessandro Bêda's Untitled Chair, and his portfolio; on the Behance Network
http://www.behance.net/falabeda

My Little Paper People

2009-08-05T13:19:00.005+01:00

Say hello to "Gra and Lai" my little paper people, they feature in a family project I'm currently working on. I was asked by my brother and his fiancee to design invitations for their wedding in March 2010, so I created these characters of them.
Gra took very little time to make, I love his wonky Top Hat! Lai, in the way of many women, went through many dresses before finally settling on this one. My favourite features are Gra's wonky Top Hat and Lai's Bouquet which is made from dried flowers, tell me what you think.....

Practice Makes Perfect!

2009-08-04T12:47:00.008+01:00

I've been practicing my embroidery stitches, using patterns created from my own sketches. This one is from a 1960's fold up map of Warwick I brought from a charity shop for 60p!
I've kept the stitch to a simple straight stitch, attempting to kept the stitch length consistent, which is a bit of an issue I tend to have when doing hand embroidery.
I'm working on a new piece at the moment which is quite detailed so it's taking longer than I thought!

Hens Teeth

2009-08-02T16:03:00.007+01:00

Here is a lovely piece by Hens Teeth. I've known of her work for a few years and i'm always amazed by the detail and mix of found papers, print and embroidery. I think Viv makes the most gorgeous pieces!

How to Stitch Your Own Photograph

2009-08-01T21:13:00.007+01:00

I found this cool pattern creator, you can upload your own photgraphs and this nifty site will turn your pictures into precise stitch charts! I'm yet to give it a try so let me know if you find it useful!

Good Luck Gem!

2009-08-01T20:25:00.004+01:00

Here's a sneak preview of some cards produced by illustrator Gemma Latimer for the card company new msg, Gem will be pitching these designs to Urban Outfitters in the next few weeks so good luck to her!

Globe Trotters

2009-08-01T19:43:00.004+01:00

Paper shoes by Jennifer Collier. Check out more of her work at http://jennifercollier.co.uk.