Winter Issue of UK Handmade....

It's finally here......the Winter Issue of UK Handmade Magazine 2010 packed with great articles, reviews, recipes and craft projects, including my review of Scandinavian Needlecraft....enjoy!

November Newness......

This month I have added some new products to the shop, including best selling Juliette earrings, back by popular demand, almond coloured pearl bobby pins and a one of a kind bracelet.  Hope you love them! xoxo

Quilting....

Originally I wanted to create a quilt for my bed - a kind of family heirloom, with our names and wordplay incorporated into it.  I always had the idea it needed be dove grey, metallic, floral and white to go with my room - the problem being I couldn't find any suitable fabric.  


With ants in my pants as usual to get started on my first ever quilt, I purchased a mix of florals from Cath Kidston and John Lewis in pretty florals of pink, green and blue.  My sister in law gave me florals she had picked out for my birthday and my mother in law gave me some vintage Laura Ashley blue floral fabric she had stored away for a rainy day.


I loved the idea of mixing someone else's choice in with mine, and with this theme of adding old and new - I cut up a pair of Jonnys old grey denim jeans to add into the mix.  The back is made from a white linen table cloth from the church Mia was christened in.  Mia chose the polka border.

The thing I am finding with making a quilt, is
a) it's addictive 
b) it takes on a form of its own
c) it's comforting to be able to pick it up and lay it down when the mood takes
d) there are NO rules!!


I have since decided that I should stick to my original ideas for my quilt and be patient.  I will therefore wait, collect fabric as I go along and source greys and subtle colours that I love with a little bit of shiny mixed in.  


This quilt was always going to be very girly from the outset, adorned with flowers and birds, so it seemed only natural that I should change course and make it for my wonderful Mia.... 

One of a Kind.....Hues of Midnight

The exhibition One of a Kind put together by Artlink opened on 4th October and will run until the end of the year.  I am very proud and pleased to be involved again with this exhibition again this year (this is the third time I have exhibited with them). 


This year, I choose to go with Hues of Midnight....this collection of one offs includes satin boudoir bags, hairpins and jewellery, including this statement necklace handmade with pearls, rock crystal and an offset handrilled shell flower.

Softly....softly....

I love making bespoke orders for customers! 

This necklace is made with AA grade dove grey freshwater pearls, rock crystal at the nape of the neck, and a cluster of labradorite, pearls and crystal to finish.......

It's so classy and delicate looking - it'll be great with all this seasons colours and will go great with red, as well as all the neutrals.

Autumn Issue......UK Handmade

The Autumn issue of the wonderful UK Handmade Magazine is out now to read. 

Packed with great articles, interviews, makes and reviews for you to feast your crafty eyes over........so pop the kettle on, get comfy and get creative!

The Mill....

Yesterday I was down at The Mill doing my freelance work. 

I love it there as it is such a creative environment, peaceful and rather special.  I don't know of anywhere else that home grows so much stock, including Acers, grafted and unusual Conifers and much much more.  It really is worth a visit.   

I managed to catch a photograph of this stunning peacock butterfly......

and was kindly given these pretty tomatoes by Gordon which he grew in his own garden, which I plan to roast with garlic from my vegetable delivery and drizzle with balsamic, washed down with a large glass of red.

Mias Mars Bar Cake

This scrummy cake is ridiculously easy to make, and I can assure you - does not last long!!! I made 16 generous slices last week and they were gone in a matter of moments and I had nothing to do with it!

Adults and kids alike adore it...so here goes.....

5 Mars Bars
5 oz organic butter
5 oz rice crispies

Chop the Mars Bars.
Melt the Mars Bars and butter together over a pan of boiling water, until all dissolved.
Mix with the rice crispies.
Shove in a 8 inch cake tin, packed the buggars in! (I find the silicone ones work the best)
Chill for a couple of hours (the cake not you)
Slice and watch disappear!

Dundee Jamboree!!

Next Saturday you can find me attending this event in Dundee at the Botanics!

There will be a host a talent, music and handmade goodies to boot.....really looking forward to this one....

Find out more information here and purchase tickets here, hope to see you there!

September Newness.....

New in the Mimi Pearl Boutique is this very versatile little number.......

A perfect solution for all those people unsure whether someone will suit a piece, this pretty pendant compliments all colourings and is available in both 16 and 18 inch versions.

Handcrafted with a organically shaped rock crystal centrepiece, surrounded by a cluster of moonstone, pearl, rock crystal and finished with a sterling silver ring detail.....perfect!

Cream and Black

This pretty little bracelet has been custom made, going all the way to Australia.  The lady it is intended for is very petite, therefore the bracelet seems of almost childlike proportions to me!

I love the classic combination of cream and black together, it can be worn with almost anything.

A standard version of this bracelet will be available shortly at Mimi Pearl to purchase. 

Handcrafted with cream freshwater pearls, swarovski crystal and glossy onyx.

Elephant Cushion

Last night I made this cute cushion for a friend who adores elephants. 

The main part of the cushion is vintage green floral fabric, which has a lovely cosy feel to it, the elephant (which is a Cath Kidston template) is made with Liberty fabric and blue floral vintage fabric.  It has the cutest tail!

You can now follow me Twitter, where we can enjoy lots of happy tweeting!
xox

Bespoke Necklace

I love making bespoke one of a kind necklaces.  They tend to be statement pieces, but lend themselves to be worn with a t-shirt through the day or with an evening dress.

This piece has been made for a new customer who has a steel grey dress (high necked and low at the back) to wear to a wedding.

I hand drilled these stunning organic Paua shells and married them with chunky rock crystals, with baby swarovski crystals between.  As the dress is low backed, I put a cluster of pearls, moonstone and rock crystal to drape at the nape of the neck.  The shells are offset slightly to create added interest.

Peek Into My Week....

Monday saw me put some final touches to my new online shop to replace the one from Mr Site.  I couldn't decide on a header for the website, but with the help from my best friend Jo from Cocolove, who is a very talented stylist - we came up with a lace design. Received three orders today:-

A bridesmaid pendant,  a bespoke necklace and a freshwater disc pearl bracelet......not bad considering my website isn't up and running yet!  All of these orders are from repeat customers.

Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Bracelet

My FINDS article for UK Handmade on Lace was published today, lovely to see it in print.

Took most of the afternoon off to see a friend, ate lots of nuts and had a good old chin wag.  Alfie our Jack Russell was due to have his second jags, so we took him to the vets.  Desperate to walk him as he has so much energy to burn off!  Only another week to wait. 

Tuesday my website went live!  Now the hard work starts behind the scenes....
Made a small batch of jewellery pouches, as always running out.  Made up some of the orders.  Took some photographs of products to realise the lighting wasn't right.  A funny sort of day as amongst all this I was trying to keep Jonny amused and the dog out of mischief!
Made flapjack with dark chocolate buttons running through the middle, yummy!

Wednesday saw my interview with Pete from Bodrighy Wood published on the UK Handmade Blog. Spent the afternoon chasing payments and making up orders, including a stunning bespoke necklace made with onyx and pearls.

Thursday I spent the afternoon at Mill Garden Centre.  I work freelance for the Mill, photographing plants and flowers, updating their website and producing a monthly newsletter - amongst many things.  It's such a tranquil place to work and a hive of creativity - I love it.
  

Friday saw me delivering a selection of bobby pins, jewellery and bunting to a stockist in South Queensferry.  Couldn't help treating myself to a well deserved lunch with a friend at Orocco Pier, overlooking the Forth Road Rail Bridge.  Worked on some new stock and ideas, before heading out to the Howden Centre at Livingston to watch Mia perform her end of week play.  Came home a very proud mother.  Rounded the evening off by watching back episodes of Being Eyrka, in bed with Mia and Alfie, our Jack Russell Terrier.  Perfect.

My luncheon view...

Green Glass....

If you know me, you know I love a right good old rummage in a charity shop.  I've found some great things over the years, old lace that I have made into a shower curtain, vintage throws and 1960's stools I have renovated.   But my favourite finds are glassware, I love old glass decorated with gold, floral prints and self coloured glass. 

Yesterday I found this pretty green glass jug for just £2, that matches a pair of candlesticks I found a few years ago.  Perfect for filling with peach scnapps, champagne and fresh raspberries....  

Bobby Pins

Recently I have been experiencing SO many problems with my own online boutique.  Despite having lots of traffic, customers and having a good PR ranking - good old Mr Site kept letting me down.  The shop was frustrating slow to load - putting customers off, that's if they did manage to get the shop open, as recently it has been AWOL, last seen somewhere with my email!

So, last week I took the bull by the horns and gave Mr Site the heave ho.  There's only so much a girl can take. 

I will shortly be opening up my new Mimi Pearl Boutique with Big Cartel.  I am just waiting on a few techy things to be sorted before I launch.  In the meantime....here's a couple of my new bobby pins in vintage fabric to share with you (modelled by the lovely Robyn)....

Floral Bobby Pin in Blue Vintage

Floral Bobby Pin in Green Vintage

Soap.....

Just for fun, I thought I would have a go at making soap.

I love handmade soap and am completely into the idea of having my own specially made for the family.  My son, Jonny, has really sensitive skin and I thought this might be a way of getting something that wouldn't irritate his skin, but would smell divine and make him feel special.

Admittedly the first attempt didn't quite go to plan, I used a mixture of soya oil, vegetable fat and sunflower oil combined with essential lavender oil and French lavender.  This in itself was fine, smells divine and looks not too bad - but it took an absolute age to trace (I have later discovered that if using all vegetable based fats this is the norm).  After about a week - it was solid enough to remove from the mould and slice.  I have to say, it's very scrummy and useable! 

I have since bought a proper manual - looks a little addictive!!  I have been so busy the past few weeks that I haven't had chance to make more - but my supply is steadily running out, so watch this space......

Great Things.....Tiny Packages

Don't get me wrong - I love my house, but it is small, to the point my mother comments on it's lack of size each time she visits. Like everyone's house - mine is a work in progress, all of the time, you finish one job and there's another shouting you at to be started! 


These days there always seems to be an emphasis on where you work, and if you work from home - do you have an office, a studio, a workshop?  Let's cut to the chase here - I live in a three bedroomed end terrace, with two children, a husband (who does have a workshop - but far too cold and messy for me to work in, I tried), and no spare room and no room to swing a hamster, let alone a cat.  Dreams of a studio in the garden keep being put on hold for one reason or another.....

So, sick of working at my kitchen table, I decided to get create my own space on our landing (I can hear the laughter from here).  I do cheat from time to time and do all my sewing downstairs and any messy jewellery projects - like Silver Art Clay, but for the most part, I work at my little wooden school desk, surrounded by my tools, semi precious stones, admin, and books filled with cuttings and photos of things that inspire me, action lists and wish lists. I've even got space for my much loved hammock - my place for chilling out with a cuppa and a book.  And do you know what?  It works and I have that mantra - great things come in tiny packages.......

Being the optimist that I am, I am waiting patiently for work on my studio to start.  The space is cleared, swing set sold, David has drawn up some rough plans, permission has been asked from the adjoining neighbours, I have collected two sets of drawers for storage (awaiting me spraying them) and purchased a welcome sign.......all I need now is David to find some time!

UK Handmade Summer Issue

Some of you may know that I am now a features writer for the fabulous and creative UK Handmade Team.  At UK Handmade we focus on all things creative, from sewing, jewellery making, ceramics, you name it........and shout from the roof tops about the amazing talent we have here in the UK!

In addition to the daily updated blogs featuring meeting makers, peeking into their studios, tutorials - right down to business advice and sharing recipes the UK Handmade Team produce a magazine several times a year that packs a punch!

The Summer Issue is out now and can be read online here 

In this issue I have interviewed the talented force behind Milomade - Evie Milo, a designer and avid recycler based in Scotland, written a tutorial for making Summer bunting and got behind the scenes with designer Kirsty Elson, whose love of the coast influences her work.

Hope you enjoy reading!

Headless Edna

My Nanna was a dressmaker by trade, and as a little girl I earnt my first "wages" helping her with prepping garments for alterations and tidying her workroom.  Thinking back, I don't know how she managed to work in her room - it was small and it had poor natural light and was strewn with reams of fabric, garments piled in bags waiting to be collected (which sometimes never were collected!), a cutting table, sewing machine and ironing board. 

Amongst the mayhem was her old tailors dummy who we fondly named Headless Edna.  I think she dates back to the 1950's, she is generally in good condition with a few little minor holes.

When my Nanna recently moved, she took Edna with her, and looked after her until my parents collected her.  Edna spent a couple of months down on the sunny south coast of England, dressed up in clothes and a hat, before making her final trip up to her new home in Scotland.

I had forgotten how much some things evoke memories of childhood, playing in my Nans room with buttons, customers coming and going, endless days of watching my Nan at work.....

I had originally planned to sit her in my new studio once built, but I think she will be far happier standing proud in my living room, no accesories, just lovely faded fabric, holes and all. Thanks Nan xx

Lovebirds

With the vintage fabric I was given the other day, I have made a cushion for our bedroom.  I used some battered denim off a pair of Davids jeans and stitched our initials onto the love-birds wings, with gold thread. Reach for the sick bags, should you wish to do so.......

1977

I love it when someone gives you something old, something with a bit of a story, something battered, something in need of a little TLC......


My mother in law came to visit yesterday, with fabric in hand.  This fabric is 1977 Laura Ashley 100% cotton and has a green floral print.  An off cut from a pair of curtains she made years ago.    


Generally it is in good condition, although a little marked in some places through age.  I think it will lend itself  nicely to being made into something small, maybe scraps of it added to a quilt, maybe some will work its way into bunting.  I think it will look perfect teamed with battered denim and maybe a splash of gold stitching....

New addition....

The colour of this pendant is so pretty, the semi precious Rose quartz centrepiece stone has a translucent quality, surrounded by a cluster of shimmery moonstone and freshwater pearls.  I adore working with soft colours and this pendant with its romantic feel, fits right in with the Blush Collection.....

Making a Statement

I usually veer towards making jewellery in soft muted colours, such as blush, dove grey and creams, unless I am working to commission - then  I will work with every colour of the rainbow! 

I was given these stunning Paua shells by Davids Aunt Elaine on her return from a trip to New Zealand.  I decided to hand-drill them and marry them with shimmery button pearls, and a tad of vintage crystal - the Paua shells being offset to the edge of the necklace - not the centre. 

The colours in these shells are amazing, ranging from green, gold, blue to purple. The effect is stunning, a very striking statement piece indeed!

LOVE....Measure Me.....

Sewing is a HUGE passion of mine and has been since I was a little girl.  I grew up surrounded by reams of fabric and buttons as my Nanna was a dressmaker by trade, and I would love nothing better than spending quiet moments with her, unpicking garments for pocket money and watching her create outfits at the drop of a hat. 

That's not to say I didn't wear some steamers in my youth.....I can still envisage the lilac polyester jumpsuit she made me *ouch!!* I thought I totally rocked in it....

Imagine my delight then, when I spotted this fabulous bangle with a sewing theme....something fun, fresh and funky from fellow Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous seller PennyDog.

Available to buy at Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous priced £18.00.

Getting Personal With Lynn Wilkins of Wee Treasures

Based in Scotland, Wee Treasures produces handmade jewellery wraps, mini wraps, boudoir bags and scented sachets....

Tell me what inspires you.....
I love the simplest things in life, sunsets, beaches, our crazy weather systems and the view around my house in the Bathgate hills.  I also get ideas from magazine photos, the little details that get forgotten...beading on a neckline, a drop of rain on a plant, natural fabrics like linen and the texture of calico and silk.


How did you get started?
I was fast approaching 50 and thought - I need to do this now! That's when "wee treasures" was born!  I have always been passionate about fabric and stitching and been a hoarder of buttons and beads since I rummaged in my grannys button box as a child.

Whose work do you admire?
I love the painter Joan Miro and Matisse who was way ahead of his time.  Having watched the DVD "Coco Before Chanel" - Chanel has to be on my list.  I love Laura and Linda Kemshall's work - their quilts are comtemporary and beautiful.  Oh and Mimi Pearl of course!


Describe your typicial working day?
I go to my job as administrator until 1.30pm and then its home for a quick cuppa and check my emails and online orders.  I usually start sewing after 6.00pm and can work until midnight occasionally - try to wind up about 11.00pm if I've had a busy day!


What is on your wish list?
Good health for my family, friends and myself, then the wee luxuries in life....a spa visit, floatarium session, a whole days uninterupted sewing with friends (doesn't happen very often!), red wine, chocolate and a sunny day in the garden with a good book.

Do you have any favourite blogs?
Don't really read many blogs - too busy - enjoy Mimi Pearls!

When work is done, how do you relax?
My i-pod, I would love to say my piano (but it's gone to another home....there will be another one along soon!) my stitching and "wee treasures" which I count as relaxtion, admiring other designers work on the internet, a good film and thinking about my next project.

To see more of Lynns work go to Wee Treasures.
Wee Treasures will be attending the Eco Crafts Market at  Loretto Gallery, Musselburgh, Scotland from 23-25 April 2010.  For more details see Eco Crafts Market.

Todays a Good Day

Today has started off well, maybe that penny I picked up yesterday in the rain is bringing me some good luck......

A fellow tweeter informed me that she loves my Pixie Earrings featured on the front page of Not Mass Produced online shop.  This pleased me no end.  These earrings are a great little seller and I adore the pale aqua colour of these ones.

Then I realised today was the day that my interview with Scottish Textile designer and Illustrator Gillian Kyle was to be published on the UK Handmade Blog.

I have been a fan of Gillians work a while after seeing her products at a stall in Glasgow.

UK Handmade is a fabulous resource for UK based designers and crafters, not only does it produce an invaluable blog, but publishes an online magazine four times a year.  I have recently started contributing to UK Handmade, this is my first blog post for them. 

 UK Handmade was set up by Karen Jinks who is the Creative Director, to find out more about Karens work and UK Handmade please visit
UK Handmade  - to view magazine and information 
Chalk Hill Studio to view Karens work

Shortlisted.....

I recently entered a competition  for Best Product Photos with Makers Online .  Picking an image is always hard, but I chose to submit this Three Stranded Freshwater Pearl Bracelet.  I was really excited to learn that I had been shortlisted to 27!  The standard was extremely high, so it was real honor for me. 

Here is my entry and description of shot:-

I love using natural light and wanted to create a slight reflection in the image, whilst capturing a suggestion of the natural environment in the background. I usuallly take advantage of the midday light, using my tripod and my little Canon Powershot A420 camera, the bracelet is placed on a sheet of glossy acrylic (which is balanced on a small stool to create height) by the window. I make sure that a have a close up setting, no flash and a little extra exposure and click away......

Congratulations to winner Chloe Livingstone, see her winning entry and the other shortlisted designers images here

Spring 2010 - UK Handmade Magazine

Spring 2010
Originally uploaded by Karen / Chalk Hill Studio

The Spring issue of the fabulous UK Handmade Magazine is now available online to read at UK Handmade Magazine

This inspirational resource features interviews with designers, reviews, tutorials and much much more!

I am honoured to be involved with UK Handmade, and hope to do lots more writing for them. My first piece for the magazine is a book review and can be found on page 72. Happy reading!!

Home: Leggy Peggy

If you know me, you'll know I love a bit of vintage, charity shop chic and junk shop finds. Something that has a  story, a little kooky, upside down or back to front.  It's a running joke that I can't pass up a charity shop.


Don't get me wrong, over the years I have bought wonderful pieces like my Edwardian dresser, my oak kitchen table, period wardrobes and vintage blackboards, but I have also hoarded lots of cheap and cheerful finds.


I found the legs (Leggy Peggy as we call her) on a holiday to Cornwall, David lovingly carried her back to the car, took one of her legs off - stuffed this in his canoe on the roof and her other leg and arse came in the car with me and the kids.  Leggy Peggy shared the main bedroom in the caravan we were staying in with my friend who had popped in for a visit, much to her amusement as she's a Debenhams kind of girl.

Leggy Peggy loves her new home, and came to life when I sprayed her gold - she changes pants from time to time.  She's partial to polka dots, leopard print, the odd French knicker and NEVER sports a thong *shudders*.


Peggy is waiting on the arrival of her friend - Headless Edna - who currently resides in sunny Cleethorpes, and is being cared for by my Nan, due to arrive sometime this summer.

Bobby Pins

Bobby pins are great for adding that finishing touch to any look.  These sell really well for all ages (children love them and I have even sold a couple to a lady at a craft fair who was 70 and had a short Mary Quant style bob, she, looked amazing in them).   

This photo reminds me of ice cream - I think it's the shades together!  Good enough to eat I'd say!

Bobby Pins are available at Mimi Pearl and all independant stockists / galleries priced at £5.00 - £6.00, and come in a handmade pouch for storing.

Peek Into My Week.......

Monday - saw me finally get back into action after over two weeks of illness and frustration! Started work on my own personal project of a simple quilt from Cath Kidstons book.  Purchased some of her floral fabric at the weekend, along with other florals and set to work.  The quilt will be for my bed - so king size - and will feature birds, hearts (CK design) and wordplay from me to make personal.  Finshed the day off with yoga session with the fantastic Kirstie who runs  http://www.kaliyoga.co.uk/ .

Tuesday - on a roll today, started off with home session of yoga, making jewellery, hairpins and French Lavender scenters for stockists in the most scrummy fabric from Amy Butler.  Spent an hour or so photographing my new bag design, boudoir bags and scenters.  Made a few minor alterations to my online boutique http://www.mimipearl.co.uk/, and took in a delivery of stunning amethyst and rock crystal stones.

Scenters by Mimi Pearl filled with French Lavender

Wednesday - meeting first thing with a client for a commissioned necklace, spent some time sourcing semi precious stones, completed delivery for Maisies Boutique in South Queensferry - day has flown in!

Thursday - The Line Gallery in Linlithgow is opening a new exhibition on Saturday entitled Blue.  Blue isn't a colour I work in for jewellery designs (I veer more to muted soft colours) but made a very pretty blue boudoir bag in vintage fabric, scenters and hairpins to compliment my jewellery already on display there.  Had an evening meeting with potential wedding clients for jewellery, always honoured to create pieces for someone's special day.  

Boudoir Bag in Blue Floral Fabric

Friday - delivered stock to The Line Gallery first thing, had a quick chat with Gail the co-owner, pleased to hear my pieces have been selling well!  Laundered and ironed vintage fabrics, in preparation for making more boudoir bags.  My cold that I thought I had battered into retreat, has reared its ugly head again - feel rubbish, don't want it scunnering my plans for the weekend so retreat to a friends and enjoy vege stew and chilli dumplings, with ice cold beer, followed by an early night.

Saturday - new plans for newsletter are going slow, coming up with errors with Mailchimp, so threw in the towel and emailed them for support.  Spent a few hours doing admin then clocked off for the day.  Celebrated in style at night for a friends birthday by shaking my thang at Dancing Queen at the Festival Theatre.  Fell into bed at midnight, woozy on champagne.......

Amethyst Creating a Statement......

This stunning necklace has been created using semi precious stones in amethyst, rock crystal, ametrine and sterling silver.  I love creating one of a kind pieces and this one was particularly special as I was commissioned to make a necklace for a fellow designer, Lynn Wilkins of www.wee-treasures.co.uk , who makes fabulous jewellery wraps (I wonder whether she will make herself a special one for this?).

Lynn has THE most stunning blue eyes and great bone structure, so I wanted to do something that wouldn't detract away from her features too much, I wanted her to wear the necklace, not it wear her.  Lynn wanted amethysts to feature somewhere, purple can be a strong colour, but with chunky rock crystal at the centre of the piece, married with ametrine (beautifully translucent) and delicate stunning amethyst facetted beads - the effect is stunning.  

Bespoke jewellery does not have to cost the earth, to find out more contact teresa@mimipearl.co.uk

A Glittery Glimpse......

For ages now I have wanted a useful little bag that would transcend from day to night, fit all of the junk I tend to carry around with me (tissues, purse, mobile, notepad and pen for ideas, camera, lipgloss, keys, action lists....) and most of all be easy to carry about and not either dangle about like a spare part or be clutched to my side in case I drop......

Last week I put my pattern making skills to good use and came up with bag design. 

I have been amazed at how many people have admired my bag already (does 8 in one day count as good?).  Unfortunately I only had enough of this fabric to make one bag, so the search is on for the perfect fabric to make more.....

Mothers Day Ideas......

Mothers Day will soon be upon us, here's a few of my favourite picks.....

Brooch by rebeccamaryjane for http://www.notmassproduced.com/

Wooden Butterfly Pendant by gossimarwings on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/

Porcelian Wall Flower by PrinceDesignUK at http://www.etsy.com/

Me? I just hoping for a homemade card, tea and toast in bed!