Back on Folksy.com

I'm back on folksy.com with some of my glassy goodies. It is always a good idea to give yourself as much exposure as possible. I've included a link to the 5 newest items in the sidebar, or you can click here to go to the folksy shop. I've only been back on there for a few days and am happy to see I've already made my first sale:

From the 'Beached' and 'Harlequin' designs. They're already re-listed if you want your own made-to-order :)

New bespoke commission cufflinks

I've been working on some commissions - cufflinks - one of my most popular products. I really enjoy creating them and they look so smart once finished, ready to go.

This 1st pair isn't for a commission. I just fancied making them! The 'St George' handmade fun, funky, fused glass cufflinks are now for sale in my shop, here.

This next pair is a commission for a groom to give to his best man. I adore the high-shine gloss black on these 'Raspberry Heart Noir' cufflinks from my 'Heart' range.

I was commissioned for another wedding, by a couple from Australia. They were inspired by my 'Teal & Chocolate Blocks' coasters and wanted some cufflinks in that style. Cutting glass to a small scale isn't so easy but I think the results are close and look pretty cool. They are definitely one-of-a-kind. The only way to get really unique and special is to commission something.

'Teal & Chocolate Blocks' handmade cufflinks.

My blog featured: "100 Incredibly Creative Arts & Crafts Blogs"

I'm currently quiet as I'm not making much glass at the mo. Just taking orders and sending glassy goodies out, so apologies for the currently empty blog.

However, I did get an email today worth blogging about. It seems my past posts are still inspirational to read, and this is great to hear. I have been featured in a top 100 of "Incredibly Creative Arts & Crafts Blogs" :)

"May 3rd, 2010

Whether you're naturally creative or need a little help, the Internet is a great way to find inspiration and instructions for arts and craft projects. Through blogs, you can find projects, learn techniques, and see how crafts are being put to use. Follow these blogs to get inspired in arts and crafts."

You can check out the site and the other blogs here.

Craft Matters

The Crafts Council has begun a new initiative to 'make craft matter':
 
We know that 17% of the population takes part in a craft activity each year. Craft Matters is an initiative to show this support in a visually exciting way, to demonstrate the enthusiasm and passion contained in that 17% and to convey what craft means to millions of people. At the Crafts Council, we believe that craft plays a dynamic and vigorous role in the UK's social, economic, educational and cultural life, and that everyone should have the opportunity to make, see, collect and learn about why craft matters.

Here's what I wrote when asked 'why does craft matter to you?':

"Crafting and creating is part of who I am. It makes me, me. There is such thrill & achievement from making real a thought in your head, then finding that object gives pleasure to others. Each crafted item is unique and so much more special and valuable than mass-produced work. There's a real sense of belonging being part of the crafting & handmade community and perpetuating traditions."

If you want to join in, click here. 

More new cufflinks & webshop updated

I've put all the new cufflinks onto the webshop now, so they are now available to buy. You can see the designs below and in the previous post. The cufflinks in this post were made some time ago, just never photographed. Poor things!

'Cappuccino' - cream, with two coffee dots which 'float' over the base.

'Flame Bubbles' - scarlet red trapped in clear,
covered with mini bubbles.

'Cream Heart Coffee' - a rich brown glass with

a 'floating' cream heart, trapped in a clear casing.

'Bleeding Heart' - jet black bases with scarlet red centres.

New cufflinks

I've just finished some new of my handmade fused glass cufflinks. I tried to upload them to my webshop but it wasn't playing ball. I hope to get them uploaded tomorrow morning.

There are 2 similar pairs with slightly differing blues,
'Britannia Blue' (above) & 'Britannia Cornflower' (below).

A delicate lilac pair, with a floating gem
of cream, called 'Cream Heart Lilac'.

'Aquatic Lozenge' in shades of turquoise and blue.

'Little Boy Blue' in, well, lots of blues!

'White Halo' which is a sophisticated, stylish design in
a single colour, where the glass appears to float in layers.

You might've noticed I am using slate to photograph my glass against. This is 'multi-level useful' as it shows off the glass really well and the colours are more accurate in the photos. I do not need to spend time photoshopping each picture. It also means the pale work is clear to see - taking a picture of the 'White Halo' cufflinks on white comes out like the picture below, which is not a good representation!

Talarico Cravatte, Italy - finished

Here's the order all finished and ready to boxed up. It is exciting to be working for someone new.

Each pair of my handmade fused glass cufflinks comes with its own special box.

I've branded the slip cases of each box with my funky stickers. It gives a nice professional finish and, should they want to ditch my branding, the slip case can be taken off the box.

Talarico Cravatte, Italy - order WIP #2

Here's another photo of what I've been up to, the fired cufflink glass for my Italian order.

I've now glued this batch and they are curing, ready to be sent out early next week.

I also put a latticeware bowl in the kiln which looks very pretty, and something I can't post about yet! ;) Lattice pics to follow soon. I'm down the allotment this weekend but if I get chance I'll snap the bowl and post about it here.

I've been quiet as I was away skiing again for a week late feb/early march. Lovely it was too.

My new purchases have all arrived so I will take pics of them and blog a bit about them. I am getting more into a glass-making mood now :)

Have a nice weekend!

Talarico Cravatte, Italy - order WIP

Final post today. Cut the samples for Talarico Cravatte - the bespoke tie company blogged about earlier. All I could manage to do today! I heard work was snowed in anyway, so maybe a good idea not to go in. The extra sleep has done me some good I think. Hopefully I will back in, drawing bears in boats tomorrow ;)

Look what I made! My 1st knitted hat :)

Through a cold & lots of sneezing, the winter olympics (did you see the ski-cross?!) and ending to Arnie in Predator, I made this double-rib knitted hat yesterday. I wanted to make one for my ski trip next week and wondered how long it would take. A few hours on a Sunday it seems. It was meant to be all double-rib (with some other stitching at the top), but I added an initial inch in single-rib for a nice edge. I am mighty pleased.

Maybe a teeny tiny bit too long as a beanie, but good to keep warm. I can always turn up the edge, thus!

Pattern was from here, if you wanted to try it too.