THE CRAFTY WRITER REVIEWS…

Author Morton S Gray has a passion for crafting, and here she reviews three books guaranteed to inspire.

Wreath Making For All Occasions by Becci Coombes

This book is full of lovely ideas and makes wreath making accessible to people of all abilities.

I love the willow star wreath and it looks much easier to achieve for a beginner than the circular willow wreath. When I got to the page about the book lover’s Valentine I exclaimed aloud at the beauty of the wreath and want to make one of these very much. The lavender wrapped in ribbon project took me right back to childhood and making a similar thing with my nan.

Gorgeous photography throughout. Lots of ideas and inspiration – just a super book.

 

Natural Kitchen Dyes by Alicia Hall

I am forever trying to replace dubious chemical products in my life and use more natural alternatives where I can so that I am clear of the origin and source – this book fulfils this brief for dyeing fabric, raffia and wool. Fascinating insights and processes, and I guess a throwback to the world of our ancestors who knew how to dye cloth using just the things around them.

The illustrations are gorgeous throughout the book, making it clear what to use and making me lust after the beautifully subtle array of colours. I love the idea that I can cook a meal and use peelings, stones and leftovers to create lovely dyes later and especially the fact that as these are foodstuffs that both these raw materials and the dyes can be frozen for use at a future date.

The section about which fibres dye well is useful and I had lightbulbs going off in my head all over the place at the thought of dyeing my own wool for my crochet and weaving projects, material for my patchwork too. I also remembered that I have some unused, undyed silk scarves in my craft cupboard that I can experiment with. My eyes also lit up at the mention of dyeing antique lace.

I will heed the precautionary tales about splashes, as I suspect we are benefiting from the author’s possible previous disasters. Nice clear instructions and loved the tip for putting the remnants of the process on the compost heap.

The fact that the dye outcome is random also appeals as I often despair that all of our clothing these days is too often a carbon copy of everyone else’s. Dying to try dyeing my old t-shirts. My carrot tops and avocado stones and skins have suddenly taken on a new significance!

 

Crafting Authentic Paper Flowers by Sophie Longhurst

Adored the introduction tip in this book – ‘My number one tip when you start paper flower making is not to rush’. Slow enjoyment of the creative process sounds amazing. I also like the fact that this book is intended as more of an inspiration rather than as an exact ‘how to” as everyone will have an individual result. However, the templates at the end of the book make this craft feel more accessible to a beginner.

Beautiful illustrations throughout and a very clear list of materials. I can’t actually believe that some of these flowers are not real! My favourites are the poppies and floribunda roses. And who knew you could make replica Rowan berries from clay?

I have ordered my materials and look forward to some slow crafting in my future…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCING NORTH NORFOLK JEWELLERY DESIGNER, CLAIRE HOWARD

I make delicate, simple jewellery in a beautiful corner of North Norfolk. I make the kind of jewellery I like to wear, everyday pieces which are elegant and made from quality materials at affordable prices.

I come from a very crafty background, I dabbled in a variety of crafts until gifted a course at the London Jewellery School and then jewellery making became a hobby which gave me space to create and wind down from a busy teaching job.  I was frustrated that simple jewellery from the high street was made from low quality silver which made me itch and changed colour so I bought a lot of jewellery from a local maker, Richard, who I commissioned to make me some pieces until he said to me – why don’t we make this necklace together? CHJ started to gather steam and momentum, I moved away from beads and on to soldering, stone setting and texturing through sitting beside Richard, attending courses and practising again and again and again.   I have not looked back!

I’m passionate about wearing timeless but well-made jewellery – uncomplicated pieces which are practical enough to be worn during the day but special enough for night!  To me, it doesn’t matter if we are on a school run, working in a school of small children or out for pizza and prosecco for £12 (my local treat), jewellery should be pretty and well crafted – that’s what matters to me.

From my workbench in North Norfolk, I take inspiration from being outside.  We are so lucky in this county to have beautiful beaches, woodlands and a hill or two (Yes we do!) where I flourish being outside with the dog walking and enjoying some space and time.  Being outside lifts my spirits and enables me to focus on the simple things in life – I put these in my jewellery – accents of little delicate bees and daisies, hearts and droplets of gold.

​Texture is really important in my jewellery too.  I love to be able to clasp a piece of jewellery and run my fingers over the stamped lettering or image and feel the dimples in the hammering, or the beads of the beaded wire.  I love that jingle jangle you get when two pieces of silver clink together.

​As for romance – this quote pretty much sums it up for me… Draw a circle, not a heart around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever. (Danny Kaye)   Circles feature a lot in my jewellery, small, hand crafted, perfectly round and often interlinked.

My website is found at www.clairehowardjewellery.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights from the Knitting & Stitching Show 2017

The Knitting and Stitching Show 2017 is on this weekend (until Sunday 15th October) and it is so much fun. Having spent a day immersed in creativity and inspiration, it’s hard to pick the top ten highlights, but I’ve had a go at doing just that. And so, in no particular order, here they are…

pompom-rug-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017Gorgeous pompom rug by Multipom, who sell pompom kits that can make up to 20 pompoms in one go (presumably, you have to be in the room at the time).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A fantastically realistic embroidered beetroot (apologies for the glass glare) courtesy of the Royal School of Needlework

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ram-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017A wild 3D ram’s head, brought to you by Quillting Antics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

buttons-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017Buttons that look almost good enough to eat – they are the work of hours of wool felting by hand and foot on the part of Sophie’s Wild Woollens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.frostmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/campaign-for-creativity-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017.jpgMy personal favourite – a chance to add your name, in embroidery, to the Campaign for Creativity in Schools (craft doesn’t seem to be all that high on the agenda of the national curriculum, and this petition is working to make it so).

 

hen-needle-felting-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017A lifesize needlefelt hen (you know you want one) made by the geniuses at The Makerss, who are holding a workshop to make a large felted animal in the New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

felt-squares-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017Delicious felt squares in watermelon shades, by 21st Century Yarns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.frostmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/needle-felting-country-scene-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017.jpgMore needlefelting by one of the leading names in the field (pun intented), Fi Oberon – see her giving an introduction to the craft here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bead-flowers-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017The best faux flowers I’ve seen to date – big South African beaded ones made by street sellers in Johannesburg and sold in the UK by Best of African Design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.frostmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ladybird-book-knitting-and-stitching-show-2017.jpgAnd finally, a fantastically detailed and nostalgic ‘book cover’ by Sara Rickard, created for the Embroiderer’s Guild Exhibition.

 

 

Get down to The Knitting and Stitching Show at London’s Alexander Palace if you can – there are some great bargains to be had and it’s amazing to have experts right there to answer your questions. There must be more inspiration per square metre here than just about anywhere else I can think of. Till next year, when I hope to have completed my needle felt dachshund, my crochet cushion cover, my knitted socks and a jumper made with bargain wool from the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sorry I Can’t… I Have To Ride My Unicorn

Cute and innocent, it’s the stuff that dreams are made of… let’s face it, we all love unicorns.  Just listen to Google, they’ll tell you that the search for ‘unicorn’ has grown significantly since over the past few years.

But this is no ordinary (ordinary?) unicorn…

The Unicorn
74cm x 46cm x15cm
Over 20,000 Swarovski crystals in 5 different shades
One of a kind. No. 3 in the Stevenson Brothers / Fernandes Collection.

In case you’re out of the loop, crystals are very much trending it right now.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations have teamed up with Stevenson Brothers (Kent) to create a limited-edition, bespoke collection of equines, two of which are the crystal zebra and the newly-added unicorn.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations always work with unexpected items and combinations, transforming the everyday into desirable luxury.

Stevenson Brothers are known for their elegant and beautifully crafted products, an aesthetic which Fernandes Exquisite Creations harmonise into their hand-crafted Swarovski crystal designs.

Currently, only one of each piece exists in the entire world.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations are also known for jazzing up objects, in particular with their crystal rocking horse.  This hand-built horse, made from 82,000 crystals, was a world first, valued around 100,000 euros.

The second in the series is the stunning new CRYSTAL ZEBRA which sparkles and shines from every angle. Over 80,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals cover this limited edition rocking zebra, which was created in partnership with Fernandes Exquisite Creations, and is set to turn heads wherever it goes.

This is only the second horse created by Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses together with Fernandes Exquisite Creations. The first piece created between these two companies, was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary showcasing the world’s most luxurious toys. CRYSTAL, who featured on the show and was also embellished with over 80,000 Swarovski crystals, was then sold and the beautiful CRYSTAL ZEBRA was then released for sale.

About Fernandes Exquisite Creations…

Fernandes Exquisite Creations was founded on the principles of quality and exclusivity.

Every member of their team works to produce unique, hand finished items, working expertly on every detail with each individual client or company to ensure everyone receives the very best in luxury they have come to expect from them. However big or small, every aspect of their work designed by you, or Fernandes Exquisite Creations, is produced with precision and care using the highest quality materials available.

Everything they create is 100% unique, whether you want a Swarovski crystal rocking horse or absolutely anything embellished in beautiful crystals – all bespoke and an exquisite creation.

www.fernandesexquisitecreations.com

About Stevenson Brothers…

Today, Stevenson Brothers are being commissioned to make an increasing number of bespoke rocking horses that look like a client’s real horse. They offer a unique bespoke rocking horse service where a favourite horse is reproduced in wood to last for generations.

They are often able to use real tail hair and can mount horse shoes on the base, using mostly home grown timber for all of their horses, including the bespoke models, with Oak and Chestnut supplied by Windsor Great Park Estates.

Contact Stevenson Brothers on 01233 820 363 or email sue@stevensonbros.com to find out more about their bespoke service.

http://www.stevensonbros.com/

 

Style your home the South African way with White Pear Designs

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I know it’s grey and gloomy out there and already people are putting up their Christmas decorations – yes, truly they are. But not everyone wants to surround themselves with red, green and gold at this time of year. That’s why I was delighted to discover this vibrant collection from White Pear designs.

Refreshing and colourful, White Pear Designs offers a welcome of warmer days and sunnier climes. Its collection of homeware and furniture introduce the sparkling talent of South African designers. The quality and craftsmanship are first class and many of those pieces would make wonderful Christmas presents. The notebook by iSpy is the perfect place to write down those New Year’s resolutions.

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White Pear Designs was founded by Sophie Doodson who spent many family holidays in Knysna, South Africa where she discovered an array of beautiful crafts pieces, handmade by local designers. She has selected her favourites and brought them together as a showcase for the unique and diverse talents of South African craftspeople.

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The range includes the ‘Love Seat’ and ‘Swing Seat’, both of which are crafted from the staves of recovered old oak wine barrels, an abstract bookcase which can liven up any room and screen printed cushions, which epitomise the beauty of South Africa.

Sophie originally trained as a make-up artist and went on to work within the TV and Film industry for 12 years, spending much of her time overseas which ignited her passion for local craftsmanship.

There are more beautifully crafted products available www.whitepeardesigns.co.uk

An Exhibition to Marvel At: L’ODYSSÉE D’UN ROI

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Over the years Burlington Arcade have played host to many decadent and luxurious goods from all over the globe. For one final week, the Arcade will add to its list another legend, a piece so fine and exquisite that following the exhibition tour, it will be auctioned off at the prestigious Sotheby’s. We are of course talking about L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, a collaboration featuring some of the most luxurious craftsmen in the design world and also in the World of the finest Cognac, Louis XIII. If ever there were a chance to see an example of the most impressive French craftsmanship, then L’Odyssée d’Un Roi offers up Louis XIII Cognac, Hermés, Puiforcat and Saint-Louis as it’s travelling companions to complete this unique item.

Alongside L’Odyssée d’Un Roi itself, the exhibit features a chance to see the tools which are used to hand-make each of the items in L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, from the white gold pipettes to the mouth-blown, hand-engraved crystal magnum decanter and glasses. A truly worthy collaboration to such a historic and iconic Grande Champagne Cognac. Follow the journey Louis XIII has made on its passage throughout the ages and bid farewell to a legend which will make it’s way to someone lucky enough to purchase it at auction. With the last one recently selling at Sotheby’s New York for a cool $134,750, we think we’ll just stick to admiring its beauty from afar.

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All proceeds from the auction will go to The Film Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Martin Scorsese and several other filmmakers to restore and preserve classic films.

L’Odyssée d’Un Roi will feature at Burlington Arcade until 21st October

Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ.

Wild and inspiring images – from the Knitting & Stitching Show 2016

The Knitting & Stitching Show is one of the most colourful and beautiful events of the year – I dipped into its hues and textures at Alexander Palace today. With around three hundred exhibitors and some wonderful workshops, there is so much inspiration to be had here. You can catch The Knitting and Stitching Show tomorrow (Sunday 9 October) at Alexandra Palace, 24-27 November at Harrogate International Centre and 20-23 October at Simmonscourt, RDS, in Dubln. My purchases were fairly modest: I came away with a new skill to master in the form of a ‘Make Your Own Needle Felt Dog’ kit from www.feltcreative.co.uk, and and an early Christmas stocking filler buy: some alapaca ‘Posh Socks’ from ukalpaca.com. But I was lusting after many more exhibits. Here are just six of the most gorgeous things I saw today…

Autumn Seedheads by Jean Littlejohn, a beautiful embroidered picture that made me want to buy thread, lots of it. This was featured in the book Stitchscapes by Jean Littlejohn and Jan Beaney…

 

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A lush rail of felt coats by Te Su. Oh those colours…

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A stunning wall artwork entitled Mass Hysteria: free motion embroidered birds by Leisa Rich.

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Enormous crochet hooks, wonderfully big and beautiful buttons that made you want to create a garment to fit them and giant Macro knitting needles that came up to my shoulder height. Apparently, you lay them across your lap and jumpers knit up oh-so-fast…

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This chap from Game of Thrones was made using metal threadwork beading, applique and quilting. He was commissioned by the HBO Home Entertainment TV Network and made by The Embroiderers’ Guild, the Royal School of Needlework, Hand & Lock and Fine Cell Work and took 5000 hours to produce, with 140 people involved in the process. He appears on the Series 5 DVD and Blue Ray boxed set, and in real life he is big!

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My final shout out goes to Di Gilpin.Here she is with a cable collar and weaved cable back on just one of her fabulous jumper creations…

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Get along to the show and find your own favourites – you’ll probably find you have quite a few!

 

 

It’s Time for Tea

Tea is magic elixir we have sworn by since the beginning of time. Who knew that boiling various leaves could create such a groundbreaking staple of society. It is a drink which is enjoyed in many different forms globally and there is no denying tea has a very special place in the heart of British Culture. Brit’s on average drink enough tea to fill two bathtubs each year and as a nation of Tea-Lover’s, Frost were interested to see how tea is enjoyed today. We wanted to create a special feature which steered away from the traditional, and focused on the unique and innovative uses of tea, so we’ve handpicked a selection of treasures which pay homage to the humble cuppa.

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A Unique Tea and Kombucha Paired Tasting Menu at The Frog E1

Overseen by inventive young chef Adam Handling, his team have once again put their creative nature to the test and this time they have paired up with Newby Teas to create a tasting menu paired with tea and kombucha. Kombucha, is a slightly fermented tea which has been hailed as the latest ‘super-drink’ believed to aid digestion and general wellbeing. With that in mind, Adam and his development Chef decided to create a menu paired with a selection of teas and kombucha which left you feeling good. Expect dishes such as Adam’s intricate Crab and Apple served alongside a fragrant jasmine kombucha, a flowering tea served with Hake and Limestone and an Assam Tea consommé to accompany Roast Lamb and Black Garlic. Expect attention to detail, quality and a menu designed to make you feel good from the inside out.

The Kombucha and Tea Paired Tasting Menu will be available until July 30th at The Frog E1. Lunch and dinner inclusive and is priced at £45pp

http://www.thefrogrestaurant.com

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Bluebird Tea Co.

A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with the UK based expert Tea Mixologists. Indeed, blending tea is a complete art form and a science mastered by very few and the innovation and creativity can certainly be seen  at Bluebird Tea Co. They really love their tea and wanted to create something for tea lovers alike. Bluebird has the largest range of creative tea blends in the UK and create them from pretty much anything. They in turn allow you to enjoy their blends or in fact create your very own with their mixology expertise. They now have shops in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells and also pop-up in various festivals, events and run a thriving Notonthehighstreet.com franchise. Their website features a host of tea-related paraphernalia as well as tea itself and enables you to learn about their various workshops taking place around the country, at festivals and in their stores. They were kind enough to allow us to publish one of their tantalising drink recipes with a touch of tea for you to try at home.

Sangria

Sangria Punch Bowl

Makes: 1 Sangria Punch Bowl, Serves: 12

What you will need:

1 sample pouch (20g) Sangria Tea concentrate
1 1/3 bottles of red wine
10 cinnamon sticks
Honey – we use our locally sourced Brighton RAW Honey
1.5l of hot water
Fruit for decoration – 1 lemon & 1 orange
1 punch bowl
What to do:

1. Start by brewing 20g of Sangria Tea (our sample pouches are perfect sizes), in 1.5l with hot water or alternatively, you can cold brew the sangria for a few hours in your punch bowl.

2. Whilst the tea is still warm, add your cinnamon sticks and leave to cool. If you’re cold brewing add the cinnamon sticks at the beginning of the process.

3. Once your Sangria tea is cool, strain your tea and then add the red wine to the bowl and mix.

4. Taste the Sangria and if desired add honey to sweeten, we normally add 4 teaspoons and then stir until the honey has dissolved.

5. Once you have found your perfect tasting Sangria, it is now time to get decorative. Cut up your orange and lemons and add to the punch. Now it’s time to enjoy your Sangria punch!

http://bluebirdteaco.com/uk_en/

Earl Grey Gin + Glass

T.E.A Tea Enriched Alcohol

Because no tea feature would be complete without Tea Enriched Alcohol. Handcrafted in the UK, this multi-award winning brand distill Vodka and Gin using the best tea leaves to create T.E.A – Tea Enriched Alcohol. Made with the finest tea and botanicals sourced from around the globe, T.E.A produces premium, 100% natural, gluten free Earl Grey Gin, Jasmine Gin, Earl Grey Vodka and Jasmine Vodka. T.E.A recommend you try the The Earl Grey Gin with an orange twist, while lemon zest suits the Jasmine infused spirits. The spirits are distilled just once and remove the ‘heads and tails’ of the batch ensuring you are enjoying the smoothest part of the spirit. You can find T.E.A exclusively at Fortnum and Masons and served in Soho’s Urban Tea Rooms – which is owned by the founders of T.E.A. So we think you should take quintessentially British to the next level this summer by combining Gin and Tea. Chin Chin.

T.E.A is available directly from here and from selected stockists