MCD 3rd Issue

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.3

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

in this issue

96

PACKED PAGES of Christmas shopping, inspiring interviews, news, reader offers and competitions plus 11 easy HOW TO MAKES

make this!

EASY STEP BY STEPS

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST EXCLUSIVE feature article!

beth forbes-simpson shows you how 1

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Queensland Ballet Company photo & artistic direction alexia sinclair

November 2012

Highland Fir Tree & Accessories Tesco 6ft Highland Fir Tree, £15. Gold Tree Star Topper, 96p. 200 Clear Multifunction lights, £19.94.

Gold decorations from range starting 94p. Wrap and gift bags from 96p. Gold Merry Christmas ornament, £2.88. Gold crackle hurricane lamp, £9.97 Company Tesco Christmas 2012 W www.tesco.com P + 44 (0)800 505555

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November 2012

READER OFFERS

PAGE 88

win this! joan gordon editor in chief

H

ello, welcome to our third Issue of My-Creative Diva magazine.

Thanks for joining us this month, we appreciate your support!

As an independent group of artists and makers we aim to make this a magazine that hits the mark for what creative women look for in a lifestyle magazine.

IN THIS ISSUE… We have several interesting features and articles for you to enjoy, plus some fascinating interviews with people in both the UK and those I met in Australia when I was visiting my ‘home away from home’ last month. I was especially lucky to meet Jolene McLellan when camping with my husband in Stanthorpe. We met Jo on a hike through Girraween National Park. She is with a doubt, a high energy Diva with a fantastic view on life and the world in which she lives.

Plus…My greatest buzz this month was to link with the Queensland Ballet Company in Australia led by Artistic Director Li Cunxin. Li Cunxin (pronounced Lee Schwin Sing) is a remarkable man borne of a remarkable story. In his runaway best-selling autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, he tells of how as the sixth of seven sons, born to peasants, he grew up worshipping Mao Zedong before defecting to the United States. Li was featured on every current event television programme in OZ whilst I was there and here we have him and his amazingly talented group of ballet dancers featured in our magazine!

How lucky are we? Visit www.licunxin.com to learn more about the courage and tenacity of this amazing man.

AND… we welcome to this issue of MCD, Naomi Hall, Jenny Rolfe, Sunny Vickers, Wendy Gardiner, Leigh Armstrong, Michelle Griffiths and Carolyn Schulz – women who have enriched their lives and others through their creative talents.

PLUS… Check out our divine makes if you’re looking for some creative inspiration. There are 11 projects for you to get stuck into!

Wishing you a sparkling November, Cheers, Joan

PAGE 19

COMPETITION Win a Make-Over!

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Exclusive Spa Break!

COMPETITION Win 1 of 3 PRIZES

All website and magazine content is reserved: ©www.my-creativediva.co.uk ©www.my-creativediva.com. All articles and projects are for personal use only. Permission to reproduce or copy any of the contents for any other purposes must be obtained from the publisher. Articles are published in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the contributors and without our knowledge of any infringement of any third parties copyright.

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CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.3

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

table of contents

Every month

diva interviews

06 This Month’s Divas 08 Editor’s Special Guest 82 Pampered Chef

12 14 16 29 26 29 34

Naomi Hall Jenny Rolfe Sunny Vicars Wendy Gardiner Leigh Armstrong Jolene McLellan Michelle Griffiths

diva projects

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64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

Christmas Wreath Altered Art Bracelet Charm Bracelet White Chocolate Cake Snowy Village Diorama Handy Holdall Crochet Bag Test Christmas Gift Bag Savoury Snacks

November 2012

40

features 40 Queensland Ballet Company 56 Divine Fashion – Christmas Forecast 84 Divine Wine

Front Cover Photo Credit Subbotina | Dreamstime.com©

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November 2012

this month’s divas Naomi Hall ARTIST diva

I had always hankered after doing something creative and had the good fortune to meet the late David Jackson, then Director of Art at Caterham School. He taught me how to use watercolours, to bring them alive and let them flow. Since then, I have been to classes and workshops with Adie Parker, Ann Blockley, Lynda Clarke, Brian Smith and Bridget Woods, but everything I do is founded on what I learned from David.

E enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk

Jenny Rolfe

LITERARY diva

Born in Scotland, I moved around as my father was in the army and spent time in Libya and Germany. After school I studied languages and moved to London to work, then to Vienna to work for the Eastern European bureau of Time magazine and finally back to London. After I married, I happily stayed at home to bring up my two daughters. We moved to Wales for my husband’s job which is where I found Model House Craft & Design Centre in Llantrisant. After starting at the bottom of the food chain (as the part-time seasonal gallery assistant!), I ended up running the centre for 15 years! I’m now retired and busier than ever.

E divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk

Sunny Vicars MOSAIC diva

I have a background in art and design and I am domiciled in Somerset Dam Queensland Australia. After several years of painting and working with a variety of mixed media I ventured into mosaics.

My speciality is garden ornaments, including decorative stepping stones, sculptures and water features. Inspiration stems from nature and my love of colour, texture and reflective light. Our garden reflects my artistic talents and the birdlife attracted to this mini rainforest is as colourful as my work.

E enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk

Michelle Griffiths

artist diva

I am a professional artist/teacher, currently establishing a new specialist textile gallery and study centre in Llantrisant near Cardiff. I have exhibited widely on both a national and international level, with numerous publications referencing and featuring my artwork. My work is currently represented by the Lesley Craze Gallery in London, for which it featured as part of COLLECT 2012 at the Saatchi Gallery in conjunction with the Crafts Council. My work was shortlisted for the Association of Contemporary Jewellery prize at ORIGIN, London 2011, and received Highly Commended in the National Eisteddfod of Wales 2012.

W www.shibori.co.uk E ml.griffiths@virgin.net P +44 (0)7974 417403

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this month’s divas Wendy Gardiner SEWING diva

I strongly believe in sharing sewing skills and knowledge so that more people can make their own fashion and furnishings and realise that they can be fast, fun and simple to create. I have been influential in the sewing industry for many years and considered internationally as an accredited sewing guru. As the owner of www.isew.co.uk, a sewing resource site, I have authored a number of sewing books. I am a writer and presenter of several sewing DVDs and a regular guest presenter on shopping channels Ideal World and Create & Craft TV. I have a passion for sewing and love to share, inspire and get others as hooked on it as I am!

E learnmore@isew.co.uk W www.isew.co.uk T +44 (0)23 92 261338

Jolene McLellan

nature diva

Twenty years ago, while visiting the beautiful World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland, I made a decision to change my life. I was then working in hospitality, but it just didn’t satisfy my urge to do something useful with my life. As I looked at the beautiful environment around me, I decided I wanted to help protect nature’s treasures that provide me with so much peace and pleasure. Two decades later, I’m doing just that. I work in a beautiful national park, with a great bunch of likeminded people, doing something useful with my life – protecting all creatures great and small. And I get paid for it!

E jolene.mclellan@nprsr.qld.gov.au W www.rymich.com/girraween W www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/camping P +61 (0)7468 45157 SHOP Girraween National Park,Via Ballandean Q 4382

Leigh Armstrong creative diva

After watching a Metal Clay demonstration at a Craft Show in 2007, I became fascinated with this amazing product. I found the whole process to be quite unbelievable, actually I still do! My first attempts at using Metal Clay however were somewhat disappointing, I have since realised that being taught the basics properly by a professionally trained tutor is essential. I could have saved myself a small fortune in wasted silver! Metal Clay is an amazing medium, fabulous on its own or stunning when combined with other mediums.

E info@magickminx.com W www.magickminxproductions.com P 07921 611997

Carolyn Schulz JEWELLERY diva I am a freelance craft designer, teacher and businesswoman. I love creating jewellery for so many reasons. In the beginning it was the link with fashion that attracted me. A very plain outfit can turn into something really special when dressed up with the right accessories. The same outfit can be changed into something totally different, just by changing your jewellery!

As I spent more time on it and learned new techniques, I found creating jewellery became an activity that made me feel good, it became therapeutic!

E carolyn@schulz.co.uk W www.carolynschulz.com

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Queensland Ballet AUSTRALIA

Queensland Ballet presents Season 2013; Queensland Ballet Principals and Soloists. Photo Alexia Sinclair; Art Direction designfront 8

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November 2012

If you’re planning to visit Australia in 2013 make Brisbane your number one holiday destination. Enjoy a cultural experience by attending one these world class ballet performances at the QPAC Playhouse. Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin has lined up a stellar mix of some of the world’s best classical and contemporary ballets for his highly anticipated 2013 season.

MAGIC AND ROMANCE 5-20 April 2013 QPAC Playhouse (14 performances) BRISBANE Cinderella With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Mogrelia. Choreography – Ben Stevenson OBE. Set to Prokofiev’s expressive music, choreographer Ben Stevenson’s classic production of Cinderella is acclaimed as a charming, humorous and blissfully romantic interpretation of the famous fairy tale. It has been danced by some of the most famous ballerinas of our time, including Margot Fonteyn. Embrace the magic and believe that dreams really do come true.

ANCE

Li Cunxin (pronounced Lee Schwin Sing), is a remarkable man borne of a remarkable story. He has published a fascinating book about his extraordinary life. In his runaway best-selling autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, Li recounts his determination, perseverance, vision, courage and hard work, and in particular, the sacred family values and integrity that he learned in poverty-stricken China, which have driven him to become one of the best dancers in the world. He tells of how, as the sixth of seven sons born to peasants, he grew up worshipping Mao Zedong before defecting to the United States.

Li was born into bitter poverty in rural Qingdao, China. Certain years the peasants in his village even ate tree barks to survive. Despite the harsh reality of life, his childhood was full of love.The love of his parents gave him hope and courage.

Read more about this courageous and talented man!

Visit www.licunxin.com.

Queensland Ballet is a company that attracts leading artists and performers from around the world, drawn by its culture of creativity and collaboration and the spirit of adventure encouraged by the beautiful lifestyle of Brisbane and Queensland. As a result, they have become the centre for dance in Queensland.

Upon announcing Season 2013 Li Cunxin said, “I am very excited to share these beautiful ballets with Queensland in 2013. I have chosen works ces) that will not only inspire a love of ballet in everyone who experiences them, but will showcase our exceptionally talented ensemble of dancers.” debut season, will bring talented international 2013, Li Cunxin’s , dancing with a handsome Prince in a together candlelit ballroom… such fanciful dreams choreographers and designers to present world-class ballets to audiences ation. But one unforgettable evening, thanks to her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s life throughout Queensland. “2013 is definitely the year to come and see med. Making dazzling entrance your Statea ballet company, ” says MrtoLi.the royal ball, she captures the attention of all

“My vision for the Company is to be one of the most dynamic and vibrant ballet companies in the world, and to cement the Company as the jewel in the crown of Queensland’s thriving performing arts community” this beautiful dream must end at midnight, and in her haste to depart, she leaves one 9

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November 2012

Giselle Produced and staged by – Ai-Gul Gaisina (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot) 21 June – 6 July 2013 QPAC Playhouse (9 performances)

LI CUNXIN’S DEBUT 2013 SEASON Queensland Ballet’s main stage season includes three timeless and cherished classics – Ben Stevenson’s world acclaimed production AYAL, FORGIVENESS of Cinderella in April; the beautiful ballet Giselle produced and staged

by Ai-Gul Gaisina (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot) in June; and The Nutcracker in December, beginning an annual Company tradition of presenting this ballet every Christmas. erformances) Elegance In August, the Company will host Elegance, a dynamic program of Ershter Vals, Three Preludes,Verdi Variations, new work works from fourmasterpiece exciting, internationally-renowned , Giselle is a luminous of Romantic ballet. choreographers – Choreography – Ma Cong, Ben Stevenson OBE, Greg Horsman, Ershter Vals, choreographed Chinese-born dancer and choreographer Gareth Belling her reason shattered, thePreludes innocentchoreographed village girl Giselle succumbs to untimely Deep in the Ma Cong; Three

by Ben Stevenson; Verdi death.

2-4 August 2013 erges inVariations the twilight spirit world ofby theAustralian vengeful Wilis.

Giselle’s repentant lover Albrecht (4 performances) choreographed dancerWhen and choreographer QPAC Playhouse er undying and devotion can sustain him from through the Wilis’ irresistible, Greglove Horsman; and a world première Brisbane-based dancer deathly dance. and choreographer Gareth Belling, danced to the inspiring music “My vision for the Company is to be one of the most dynamic technical and dramatic skills, this heart-rending tale of love, remorse and forgiveness has held of Vivaldi. and vibrant ballet companies in the world, and to cement the

Elegance

since its première in 1841. Ai-Gul Gaisina’s traditional production of Giselle offers breathtaking, Company as the jewel in the crown of Queensland’s thriving timately it is the emotional depth of this exquisite work that will touch your heart.

performing arts community,” says Mr Li. Queensland Ballet’s move to a curatorial artistic director means that audiences will be spoilt with a diverse showcase of choreographic talents, many whose work has never been seen before in Queensland.

2 “There - 4 August 2013I wish to achieve for our artists and audiences is so much alike, both on and off stage,” says Mr Li The Company has bold QPAC Playhouse (4 and performances) ambitions for the future, I hope everyone comes with us on this journey as we build upon our rich 53-year history. Whether you’ve been to the ballet before or not,brings I want everyone to outstanding, experience the dive Artistic Director Li Cunxin together magic and beauty of ballet and to see our talented dancers.”

INSPIRING, GRACEFUL DANCE

on – Alexia Sinclair g Ningning

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

leading choreographers from around the world.

SEASON 2013 MEDIA KIT

Poignant and uplifting, Ershter Vals pays tribute to the resilie choreographer and Principal Dancer Ma Cong, it is perform skillfully weaves classical technique with graceful folk dance 10

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Rachmaninoff’s rich music sets the tone forNovember Ben Stevenson’ 2012

The Nutcracker With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Mogrelia Choreography – announced early 2013 6 - 21 December 2013 QPAC Playhouse (14 performances)

The Nutcracker

As part of Queensland Ballet’s ongoing commitment to sharing its love of dance across the State, in 2013 the Company will also tour Giselle to six regional Queensland venues – Toowoomba, Caloundra, A CHERISHED FAMILY BALLET Maryborough, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay.

Queensland Ballet’s tradition of supporting independent and 6 - 21 December 2013emerging choreographers will continue in 2013 with Dance Dialogues in February and August at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Audiences will QPAC Playhouse (14 performances) enjoy a diverse program of classical and contemporary ballet pieces and get closer to the Company’s dancers and Artistic Director in an When good children should be tucked up in bed, little Clara is still wide awake, and creeps down intimate studio setting. with her shiny, new Nutcracker doll. Snow falls softly, Christmas lights sparkle, the clock chimes m The Company has also announced some new additions to the wondrous fantasy world unfolds! Clara is swept into a land of beauty and magic, where glittering artistic team for 2013: Andrew Mogrelia as Music Director and and brave toy soldiers come to life.

Principal Conductor, Greg Horsman as Ballet Master, and Christian Tátchev as Director ofsumptuous Training. sets and costumes, and thrilling dance, Th With the magnificent music of Tchaikovsky,

I want everyone to experience the magic and beauty of ballet and to see our talented dancers

must-see Christmas treat. 2013 heralds the start of a new seasonal tradition in Brisbane – gather us to welcome each summer holiday season with this delightfully festive ballet.

ALSO ON SHOW Dance Dialogues – Summer 7 -– 16 February Photography and Art Direction Alexia Sinclair 2013 Dancers – (l - r) Rian Thompson, Teri Crilly, BlairCentre Wood (10 performances) Thomas Dixon Dance Dialogues – Spring 29 August – 7 September 2013 Thomas Dixon Centre (10 performances) erse dance works, celebrating the talent and creativity of

FOR BOOKINGS OR MORE INFORMATION PRINCIPAL PARTNER W BALLET2013.COM.AU

ence of the human spirit. Created by US-based QUEENSLAND BALLET SEASON 2013 MEDIA KIT med to music from the Jewish ghettos of 9World War II, and e influences.

’s award-winning Three Preludes. As two dancers fall in 11 my creative diva www.my-creativediva.co.uk

November 2012

Editor’s Special Guest

Naomi Hall is a talented watercolour artist based in the UK. Here Naomi shares with us a little about herself and a collection of her more recent work.

naomi hall

Where were you born?

My parents came from Goa, Portuguese India, and I was born and brought up in Bandra, ‘Little Portugal’ in Mumbai. After a very religious upbringing (I recently found that I had a Baptism Certificate but no Birth Certificate!), my suitcase and I left on a steamer to England. Aged 17, I found London.

How did you become an artist?

I started doing secretarial work and eventually was PA to an Advertising Agency Chairman. I loved the creativity of it all, the buzz, and the sheer variety. I eventually made the break from the secretarial side and a few years later, I was an Account Director at McCann Ericsson.Then I retired to have a family.

All too soon your kids grow up and they’re gone. I had always hankered after doing something creative and had the good fortune to meet the late David Jackson, then Director of Art at Caterham School. He taught me how to use watercolours, to bring them alive and let them flow. Since then, I have been to classes and workshops with Ann Blockley, Lynda Clarke, Brian Smith and Bridget Woods, but everything I do is founded on what I learned from David.

Have you worked in other mediums?

I tried oil painting but not for long; I soon gave all my materials away and went back to watercolours. I still do some drawing classes, that’s the foundation for my painting, and have tried my hand at silk painting but I find the equipment very cumbersome.

Where do you gain inspiration for your work?

Where I live in Limpsfield Chart, just 20 miles from London, we have this amazing view for miles and miles. It inspires landscapes, flower painting and external still life (in the summer!). My studio/conservatory overlooks all this, and I have to work with my back to it otherwise I’d stare out of the window all day.Although I do find that once the paint is flowing, I’m so engrossed that time flies by.

Do you still attend classes and where do you mostly paint?

I go to classes with Adie Parker during term time, as that’s a very useful discipline.

I have painted in Menorca, Andalusia and St Lucia, but I find that the paint dries too quickly. Maybe that’s why watercolours suit the British climate so well!

I found the colours in the Outer Hebridies very inspirational but too cold to paint outdoors, as was Lake Como.

Who has been a major influence on your work?

Major influences have been Elizabeth Blackadder and Alexander Cresswell.

The artist I most aspire to is Ann Blockley – I just love the way she handles watercolour – she is a total master of the medium.

What galleries and shows are you involved with?

In the past I have exhibited locally in Oxted, Crockham Hill, Bletchingly and Caterham, also at the Spirit of Christmas Fair in London and in Hamble. I have had an open day at my home, too which was very successful but hard work.The recession means that there are fewer red dots at exhibitions these days, but ;et’s hope that changes soon because I am running out of space!

If you would like to purchase any of Naomi’s work you may contact her at: enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT NAOMI HALL 12

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I loved the creativity of it all, the buzz, and the sheer variety

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llantwit 2012

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LITERARY DIVA JENNY ROLFE Interview

A passion for words....

Where do you live and why do you enjoy living there?

I live in Llantrisant in South Wales and have been here for 25 years. I love it because it’s rural – my house is at the end of a private road, beyond are woods, and yet I have all the local amenities a short walk away. I have amazing views across to North Somerset (weather permitting) and I’m only 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cardiff. Perfect!

How did you become interested in journaling?

I was given my first diary for Christmas when I was eight years old. My mother was an inveterate diary writer so I suppose it’s in the genes. I’ve never stopped keeping a journal of some sort or another.

What sort of things do you write about?

I’ve just finished a journal of a two week holiday in the Maldives which was quite out of this world and there’s an ongoing one of the walks that a friend and I take as we plan to do the whole of the Wales Coastal Path. Otherwise there’s a general one that includes anything and everything that has caught my interest – whether from newspapers, magazines,TV and so on.

What do you think is one of the most important values of a Creative Diva?

Keeping a curious mind and never being afraid to be interested in a subject even if it’s out of your comfort zone.

From Issue 4 of MCD you are contributing a monthly article.

What will be some of the topics that you will write about?

Writer’s block is the first one that springs to mind!

I believe you make wine, are a dab hand at preserves and extremely knowledgeable about herbs and natural therapies?

I’ve been using herbal and homoeopathic remedies for the last 40 years and making wine and preserves for nearly the same length of time. There’s nothing nicer than a stack of bottles in the wine rack and a row of jars of jams and chutneys in the store cupboard!

Do you have any special tips to share with our readers about the special properties of wild flowers and herbs?

If you have room for only one plant, make it Lavender. It’s 15

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wonderfully healing for burns (put the flowers in a bottle with some grapeseed oil or vegetable oil and leave for a month, then strain into a clean bottle).

Would you please share with us any information about organisations that you are involved with?

I’m not one of life’s ‘joiners’ so I don’t belong to any particular organisations, but I support the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind and Compassion in World Farming.

Tell us about one of the funniest moments in your life?

We had a power cut some years ago and I dug out the little old camping stove to boil some water for a cup of tea. The stove needed a new gas canister and luckily there was a spare in the cupboard which I installed and then lit. Disaster! I hadn’t put the clips in firmly and there were massive flames all round the stove. I’d put the stove on a tray on the worktop (good idea!) so I picked it up and carried it outside at arms length and threw it onto the terrace where it rolled away burning furiously. I then thought (bad idea!) that I better stamp it out. Which I did – with my furry slippers. Next thing I knew my slipper was alight and I was hopping round shouting, “No! No! No!”. At which point my younger daughter came out and said, “I’ll get you a drink, it’ll work. Don’t burn the house down”. By now I had a blackened slipper and the gas had burnt itself out so I threw both in the bin and went to work for some calm and order.

If you could share a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be? What would be on the menu and what would be the topic of conversation?

My dinner guest would be Terry Pratchett. I don’t know what he likes to eat but I’m having Beluga caviar with Melba toast, Steak Tartare with a large green salad and crème brulee for pudding. We would talk about the possibility of multi dimensional worlds!!

Turn to page 84 for Jenny’s divine wine making tutorial.

Tom admires the jam he’s helped make!

PHOTO CREDITS JENNY ROLFE

November 2012

MOSAIC DIVA Sunny Vicars Interview

Have you done courses in mosaics?

No, I am completely self-taught. I’ve studied technique and design concepts through books. One of the most practical books that I have found useful is Crazy Mosaics by Tracey Graiverier Bell.

Sunny has a background in art and design. She is domiciled in Somerset Dam Queensland Australia. Sunny was born in Bright at the foot of the Victorian Alps near some of the most dramatic ski fields in Australia. Some of her most memorable experiences include picnicking in the snow, having snow ball fights with her siblings and swimming in the icy waters of the rivers in summer. After finishing high school, Sunny moved to the gold mining town of Bendigo where she studied fashion and dress making. She went on to become costume and wardrobe assistant at Channel 7, a television company based in Melbourne.

Sunny specialised in making ballet costumes for the live television shows.

Before becoming a mother Sunny branched out into her own hair dressing salon and it was during this time that her interest in art developed.

In her interview with MCD Sunny shares with us her passion for mosaic art.

What medium were you painting with before moving into mosaics?

I was working with acrylic paints, beads, paper, fabric and lace. My work was abstract and highly textured.

How did you become interested in mosaics?

I was wishing to create an interesting and decorative path way in my garden. It was after being inspired by a mosaic design that was featured in a garden ornamental book that I decided to try my hand at creating my own mosaic pavers.

The theme of the pattern was based on movement and with a continual flow of energy welcoming anyone who would walk on my path into my home.

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How long did it take you to master the basic techniques?

Each piece was a learning curve but to be honest, I found it easy to pick up the basic techniques. The real skill is in the planning and designing of a piece.With each piece of work I found that I became more adventurous and confident. My early work was flat and one dimensional; I am now producing three-dimensional pieces that I find exciting and challenging.

Do you hand cut all your mosaic tiles and what other items do you use to create your patterns?

Yes and I also break up patterned plates, tiles and basically anything with interesting colours and designs including glass beads, mirrors, jewellery and ceramics. It’s important that whatever I use is durable and can withstand the elements, especially for my garden creations.

What commission are you currently working on?

The two main images featured here are from a recent showing at an exhibition in Esk. From this show I have been commissioned to create a feature to commemorate the 100 year anniversary for the Toogoolawah show-grounds.This piece is an exciting challenge as it is more traditional in design and it must be able to withstand the extreme Australian climate variances.

If you could do a course with anyone in the world on mosaic art who would you choose?

Cleo Mussi who trained in London and Europe. She is what I consider to be a true Diva!

How do you chill out when you need some ‘me time’?

I’d have to say that swimming in a lake that is 25k long, with amazing bird and wildlife around me is my idea of escapism. Aren’t I lucky that Somerset Lake is on my door-step?!

If you would like to do a workshop with Sunny or commission her to make a garden feature, you may contact her at enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk.

November 2012

With each piece of work I found I became more adventurous and confident

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November 2012

divine sewing competition

Enter our Sewing Competition to win 1 of 3 fantastic PRIZES! First prize Simplicity’s Simply the Best: Sewing Book This great book really is ‘the’ sewing bible to have.

Written by the experts behind Simplicity patterns, it is packed with hints and tips to allow you to learn to sew with confidence. It has easy to navigate chapters that include understanding patterns, sewing basics and sewing on special fabrics that are tricky to work with.There are plenty of top techniques throughout as well as some pattern-less projects so you can get sewing straight away. It is spiral bound within a hard protective cover so it’s easy to leave open next to your sewing machine as you follow the step-by-step techniques. Simply the Best: Sewing Book is published by Collins & Brown (RRP £20), ISBN: 978-1-84340-557-3.

Second prize Win a voucher for Simplicity patterns of your choice.

Third prize Win a voucher for 1 Simplicity pattern of your choice.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY SIMPLY….

Use a Simplicity, Burda or New Look pattern to make a garment. Embellish and decorate it to make it truly Divine. Send us a photo of your pattern plus one of the finished garment. Include 75 words describing how you added your own designer touch with your contact details.

Winners will be announced in Issue 6 of My-Creative Diva. Entries close on the 3rd of February.

ENTER TODAY! SEND YOUR DETAILS AND PHOTOS TO E: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk

THE FINE PRINT Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No staff members of MCD are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition.The winners name and address will be forwarded to Simplicity for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes.The names of the winners will be published in issue 6 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include this text in your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. 18

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November 2012

divine competition

BEFORE

AFTER

Our fashion Diva Kira Withers-Jones experienced a make-over session at the

London studio!

Read about Kira’s experience on page 44.

EXCLUSIVE READER COMPETITION! Enter our make-over competition • To be in with a chance of winning your own make-over, email us at competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win this fabulous prize • Please advise us as to which studio would be the closest for you to visit • Include a return email and postal address The lucky winner will be announced in the Issue 4 of My-Creative Diva magazine. Entries close on the 3rd of December.

Go on, be a Divine Diva and enter today! YOU could be on our front cover!

Conditions of entry: Entrant must be 18 years or older. Proof of age identification will be required. No staff members of MCD are eligible to enter.

No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to New<Id Studios for the distribution of all prizes.

My-Creative Diva accept no responsibility for the distribution of this prize. The names of the winners will be published in issue 4 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include the following text with your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. The winner is responsible for all travel expenses to and from the New<Id Studio.

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with 100 foot garden. We live in a lovely neighbourhood, with friendly people surrounding us.The house has many original features, with lots of additions that we’ve added. (This is the royal we, as my husband Lez does the work, I just design the colours and choose the furniture!). We have a light and airy studio, cosy conservatory and fabulously huge space in the loft. We’ve decorated with warm colours so the living room and kitchen are always welcoming.

Did you study textiles and design at college?

No actually I didn’t. I had done dressmaking at school and loved it then, but after that it was just a hobby for me. I went to live in Germany with my first husband and worked for the Army Education Unit producing a magazine and sewed in my spare time.

How did you become an editor of an international sewing magazine?

I came back from Germany and started working with Vogue and Butterick patterns as the UK editor of their titles. I got the job because of my experience in magazine production (in Germany) and passion for sewing.

Wendy Gardiner Interview

Sewing Diva Wendy Gardiner has been influential in the sewing industry for many years and is an internationally accredited sewing guru. She has edited many different sewing magazines, written books and presented DVDs – all on sewing!

Wendy has been sewing since she was a little girl and has been working in the sewing industry all her adult life. She loves to sew herself and to pass on the skills, tips and techniques she has learned over the years.

With today’s climate of Make do and Mend, she likes to share many tips on restyling and up-cycling all of which can be done inexpensively, allowing people to dip their toe into this addictive activity.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. I’ve lived all my life in the south of England, nice and close to the sea and whilst I have loved travelling to other parts of the country – we do have a very beautiful diverse country – I do love to have the sea at my back.

Where do you live now and what do you love most about your home?

I now live close to Portsmouth – so still within cooey of the sea! I love my home, which is a Victorian/Edwardian (1901) semi-detached house

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What is the most distinctive aspect of your work that you enjoy the most?

I love the diversity of my jobs – I say ‘jobs’ as I am freelance and work on many different things at any one time. At the moment I am workshop manager for Twisted Thread exhibitions, now part of Upper Street Events.

They are the organisers of the very prestigious Festival of Quilts and Knitting and Stitching shows.At the Festival we have over 250 workshops and at the K&S shows, about 150 so it is quite a juggling job! I love meeting so many talented tutors and keen visitors who just love to try new skills.

I also love teaching myself. Sharing skills and seeing how students take a basic idea and then add their own flare and style is inspirational.

For other women who dream of running their own business and to be able to work from home, what advice would you share with them?

Be very committed and focussed.When I am in my office, I am at work. I dress for work and avoid the rest of the house! I don’t try and fit in a bit of housework etc. Remember to cost out any project or job properly – you have to consider that in every week, there will be hours needed to promote, market, do admin etc. or prepare for teaching workshops – all of which has to be paid for somehow. Employed people will sometimes comment on freelancer fees, because they seem higher than a salary – but they do have to cover all the admin and so on, as well as holidays and sickness. In fact, you can’t be sick – if you don’t work, you don’t get paid!

What is involved with being the PR/Marketing consultant for Simplicity Creative Group?

I get to see all the new patterns in advance which is wonderful. I also provide sewing advice whenever needed. My main job is to promote Simplicity – sending out news to all the media, organising competitions and participation in fashion shows at exhibitions. I also write a fortnightly blog for them – www.simplicitynewlook.com.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?

The greatest challenge has been to work whilst raising my boys. It was very tough at first, as I was self employed, I had to continue working all the time, which I did, taking my son to meetings in his little chair! It is a constant battle of guilt – guilt for working when you really want to spend time with the children and guilt about not working when you are taking an afternoon off to go to the park! Now they are 13 and 18 years old, they need me less and less and I miss it.

What do you love about dressmaking? What excites you about it?

I love to create something that no-one else will have, that will fit my figure (and I do have to make adjustments for my bust). It’s great when I’m complimented on an outfit and asked where it came from. I love to work with the new fabrics and sew on fabulous computerised sewing machines.

I find it very therapeutic.

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Please tell us about your books and what you are currently writing.

I’ve written 14 books, most of which are on sewing. In fact, it was a commission to write four books that made me take the plunge and leave Vogue/Butterick to go freelance. My first was a very basic sewing book with simple projects. Since then I’ve written a number of Sewing Bibles – the most recently published is the Sewing Machine Accessory Bible. I am now working on another book for Search Press which is a beginner’s guide to sewing with a machine. I’ve also just done some presentation spreads for another title that might get commissioned at the Frankfurt Book fair.

Who is your favourite designer?

I like quirky and I like classic so this one is difficult. I actually like clothes from the Joe Baker collection as well as DKNY. If you could time travel and meet anyone in the world from any era, who would you like to meet? What would you talk about?

I’d like to meet Coco Chanel – I’d love to know how it felt to be a woman designing in a ‘man’s world’. She dropped the corset and made clothes that were wearable and elegant. She invented the little black dress and even today, simple cropped edge to edge jackets are still known as ‘Chanel style’ jackets.

What’s your favourite tipple, champagne, wine or ….water?

Most definitely red wine. I try to ration myself to a bottle a week but if I get together with my girlfriends, we can easily drink a bottle in a night!

If you’re tempted to learn to sew and wish to contact Wendy, her contact details are below.

CONTACT DETAILS: E learnmore@isew.co.uk W www.isew.co.uk T 23 92 261338 Photo Credits LEZ GARDINER 21

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SPECIAL PATTERN OFFER! Go to www.simplicitynewlook.com website. Enter the voucher codes below, against the pattern offer on their website to get 50% off the regular retail price. This offer wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last forever so act now to take advantage of this special deal!

The voucher code for Simplicity 3533 is 3533DIVA50 The voucher code for Simplicity 1942 is 1942DIVA50

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Sew with Simplicity From retro classics to high fashion, crafty projects, bags galore and glorious costumes, there is something for everyone in the Simplicity, New Look and Burda pattern ranges. Take a look at the recently re-launched website – www.simplicitynewlook.com to browse and buy.

Also on the new site are a whole host of useful howtos – from getting started, how to determine your pattern size and achieving perfect fit to a plethora of free projects and video clips.

If you want to sew your own unique style – make it Simplicity.

www.simplicitynewlook.com

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diva

Five fabulous books to entertain and inspire you.

By Jennifer Burgess.

Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation

by Kristin Knox, £19.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-3076-6

The late Alexander McQueen has long been one of my favourite fashion designers and consequently this was one book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. I remember attending London Fashion Week shortly after his sad death in 2010, and being moved by a wall of tributes covered in messages and memories. McQueen was a designer whose genius truly touched the lives of many.

Kristin Knox is a journalist and fashion blogger at theclotheswhisperer.co.uk.Through Alexander McQueen: A Genius of a Generation, she has successfully created a beautiful keepsake filled with images of McQueen’s most memorable designs and show stopping catwalk shows.

The comprehensive introduction charts the designer’s rise to fame, from his humble beginnings as the youngest of six siblings in Stepney East London, through his early career as a tailor at Anderson & Sheppard and later discovery by Isabella Blow, to the many (often controversial) collections that made him one of fashions brightest stars.

McQueen was appointed CBE, named International Fashion Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designers Awards and named British Designer of the year four times. His name brings to mind, for many, images of his iconic skull print scarves and knuckle-duster clutches, but there was so much more to this multifaceted talent. This book will serve as a lasting reminder of the fabulous couture that captured the minds and hearts of women the world over.

Living Modern: The Sourcebook of Contemporary Interiors

by Richard Powers, £24.95 Published by Thames & Hudson ISBN 978-0-500-51525-9

This is a real coffee table book, one that you will want to pick up and flick through whilst relaxing with a cup of tea.

Filled with beautiful photography of a wide variety of homes and interiors, it is a great source of inspiration, whether you are looking for ideas for your own home or simply daydreaming about the fantasy home you would create if you won the lottery! Yes, we all do it….

Unfortunately the cover of the book doesn’t hold any clues as to what lies inside, so you’ll just have to believe me when I tell you that if you like to look at stunning photography of beautiful homes then this is a book that you will thoroughly enjoy.

It is broken up into sections; materials, function, ambience, elements, furniture and outdoors, and each one provides some really useful insight into how you can make these things work for you.

As Richard Powers explains, “Looking at each of these concepts separately gives us a better understanding of how they work together to produce beautiful spaces that are well suited to modern living.”

Of course some of the interiors shown clearly have a higher budget than most of us, but as far as aspirational reading goes, if you love interiors then you will find something in here for you!

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Supercharged Food

by Lee Holmes £14.99 Published by Murdoch Books ISBN 978-1742663159

Most of us suffer from time to time, with the sort of lethargy and energy slumps associated with a below-par diet. In fact it is easy to forget that the food we choose to fuel our bodies with can have such a positive or negative effective on the way that we feel.

The author of Supercharged Food, Lee Holmes, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and prescribed a lifetime of steroids and anti-inflammatories by doctors. Convinced that there must be a better way, Lee put all her efforts into researching the dietary changes she could make to improve her condition and the results were beyond all expectations.

In this book, Lee shares the secrets to her success with lots of information on the medicinal properties of different foods (did you know that turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-killing and liver-detoxing capabilities?! Me neither), detox and cleansers and foods to avoid.

If this all sounds a little sensible to you and conjures up images of tofu and bean sprouts, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the recipes are as delicious as they are nutritious. There is a surprisingly extensive variety of recipes available to you which are free from gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar, including caramelised onion & rosemary frittata, crispy baked herb encrusted salmon, maharajah Indian stuffed capsicums and old favourites like shepherd’s pie and lamb burgers. A tasty diet that helps you look and feel great? I’m sold.

Sew Iconic

by Liz Gregory, £14.99 Published by A&C Black 978-1-4081-3443-6

This is the ultimate book for sewing divas! Sew Iconic shows you to make ten of Hollywood’s most famous frocks, from Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to that infamous white halter neck worn by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch.

This book is beautifully presented with clear concise instructions and illustrations to help you re-create each look. Best of all there is even a full size dress pattern included for each dress – a rare treat for such books!

The first chapter is dedicated to materials and techniques, and although I wouldn’t say that this book is for complete beginners, you don’t need a lot of experience. All the basics are thoroughly covered and include how to trace and use the pattern, lining and facing, stitching, darts, seams and more.

Before making each dress, information is provided about each film, designer and the dress itself, which is a really nice touch. One of my favourites, and one of the most wearable designs, is the brown and white polka dot dress that Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Women.

A fantastic selection of projects, a very usable and comprehensive guide, this is a real must have for every sewing diva.

Knitting Basics

by Melody Lord, £18.99 Published by Murdoch Books ISBN 978-1742666655

No matter how much I want to fight it there is no denying that, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, winter is very much on its way. I’m a real sunshine girl and I hate the cold, but there are a few things that I appreciate about the winter months and snuggly knitwear is one of them.

So make way for Knitting Basics – this might finally be the year I learn to knit! Aimed at beginners like myself, this book is packed with useful information and easy to follow patterns that will have you knitting in no time.

There are more than 30 projects and each one has straight forward step by step instructions and nice clear photos of all the basic stitches, that will have you confidently knitting up a storm in no time. From cute hot water bottle covers and beanie hats, to cosy ribbed legwarmers and lacy socks, these are projects that you will actually want to make.

I absolutely love the design of this book, it’s a far cry from the frumpy out-dated image that knitting is so often associated with, and has brought this traditional craft right up to date with a clean modern layout and very stylish photography. If this book doesn’t get me knitting then nothing will!

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gordon uyehara, my metal clay hero!

very handy but quite shocking! This year I decided rather than buy more product, I would start learning how to use what I have and to put it to good use.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Leicestershire, but over the years I have moved far and wide, it’s the Romany (a few generations back) blood!

Where do you live now?

I live in Kirkby Mallory, famous for our Racetrack!

What is your background and what lead you to create your own business?

My background was initially in Fashion Design and then Financial Services.

My first business, which I still run, was as a Forever Living Distributor selling amazing organic Aloe Vera based health products. As much as I loved doing that it wasn’t fulfilling my creative needs so after working with PMC, ‘Magick Minx’ was born!

What does your business offer your clients?

I teach Precious Metal Clay to Certification level in my Studio at Hinckley and offer a number of related services such as selling my own designs, working on commissions, Wedding Jewellery, Fingerprint Jewellery, Birthday/Hen parties etc.

LEIGH ARMSTRONG Interview

Creative Diva Leigh Armstrong is a certified Precious Metal Clay Artist based in Leicestershire.

What is the most distinctive aspect that you enjoy about your work?

The unlimited freedom, to create, to be who I am and to choose what I want to make. The fact that my hobby is my day job is the best thing I could wish for!

Now that you are working with glass do you combine your silver work with this new medium?

I have done in the past when I was working with Sally Carver’s (RedHotSal) lampwork. The glass is currently my hobby but I’m working on some designs where I will incorporate my glasswork into my Metal Clay. I’m trying to get away from the standard ‘add glass to a bead or mount a cabochon in PMC’. Some trials and errors are going on as we speak!

What classes do you offer and which are the most popular?

I offer a range of classes, right from a three hour ‘Taster’ Session up to three day Certification classes. By far the most popular classes are the

My Sea Faery, Rusalka

I wanted to be a pirate or highwayman (thanks to Adam Ant) and I became fascinated with the costume of mid to late 17th century which became readily apparent in my final collection at college.

I have been a crafter since the age of around three. My Mum taught me how to use the sewing machine when I was about five or six, so creating has always been part of my life. My favourite Christmas presents were things like new colouring pencils. For me 2012, has been a year of education. I have taken some time out to learn new skills, learn about different mediums and to be a student once again. Whilst I love teaching, you do find that you are constantly ‘giving’ so it is refreshing to be a student once again, learning from others, making new friends and igniting new interests. I have two studios and a store room full (literally bursting at the seams!), of crafty related equipment and materials – you name it, chances are I have it. Some of my craft tools and materials date back more than twenty five years! To give you an idea of what a bower bird I am, my sister recently got married and we created pretty much everything for the wedding from my studio. We didn’t have to buy anything which was

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Introduction to PMC, The Art of Silver Alchemy and the Basic Ring class.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?

Recently, the sudden death of my mother. Not only is that a personal challenge but it has also been a business one as my mum, Wendy, was a huge part of Magick Minx. Wendy was responsible for the care of my children when I was working, I have busy kids so it was a full-time job!

When the girls were at school Wendy often worked at the studio and was known by and friends with many of my regular students. She is very much sadly missed. I guess currently my challenge is trying to juggle, kids, after school clubs, horses and three businesses. My availability (or sanity) is my biggest challenge!

one of my f

aery houses!

What is your favourite technique? What excites you about it?

I love creating my own moulds and textures to utilise in my work, particularly when working on my sea themed pieces. When on vacation , most people see a pile of rocks, I see textures for a new ring! I have recently bought the most amazing piece of industrial kit to create photopolymer texture mats which I am currently playing around with. Also, my moulding compound goes everywhere with me!

Do you keep a journal of ideas and how do you keep yourself focused and organised?

This is something that is quite new to me actually. I previously had drawings on post-its and scraps of paper, even on my white tables at the studio. It was a bit chaotic but tended to work well for me. Since the death of Wendy, I’ve found that I have to work a wee bit harder in my search for inspiration – my creative mojo took a vacation! As it’s turned out it’s not a bad thing at all as it has made me think a bit harder, be more organised in my recording of ideas and has forced me to look at other mediums. So far this year I have learnt about lampworking, felting, millinery, free-style machine embroidery, sugarpaste flowers and mixed media work. I have also literally just started working through The Artists Way by Julia Cameron.

It’s a course book on discovering and recovering your creative self. It came highly recommended by a friend so I’m looking forward to seeing where that may take me.

Who is your favourite jewellery designer?

I love Gordon Uyehara’s work, He is the most amazing Metal Clay artist.

Right from the start he was my hero. I think he is utterly brilliant and I was beyond thrilled when he visited me in my Studio a couple of years ago.

If you could time travel where would you go, who would you meet and what would you eat and drink?

Well for many a year I wanted to be a pirate or highwayman (thanks to Adam Ant) and I became fascinated with the costume of mid to late 17th century which became readily apparent in my final collection at college.

So just on the off chance I get to see a Mr Depp lookalike I’ll go with 17th Century Caribbean, eating suckling pig and drinking rum!

If you’re tempted to learn about Precious Metal Clay or to view some of Leigh’s work visit her website or send her an email.You’ll find all her details below.

CONTACT DETAILS E info@magickminx.com W www.magickminxproductions.com P 07921611997 PHOTO CREDITS NICKY TOWNSEND + LEIGH ARMSTRONG 27

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leigh armstrong interview

Wine coaster texhibited at British Silver Week

A close-up of the reverse of the coaster where you can see the wood remaining from pasting silver on to wood.

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nature Diva JOLENE MCLELLAN Interview signage, displays, and deliver environmental-themed programs to a variety of audiences increasing awareness and appreciation of the environment. Through interpretation is understanding, through understanding is appreciation, through appreciation is protection...

From the Land of the Long White Cloud to the Land Down Under, from waitressing to studying wombats, from granite boulders to the Serengeti, this Australian park ranger has a lot to smile about.

For the last 16 years I have worked as a public contact ranger in a very beautiful part of Queensland, Australia called Girraween National Park.

Helping to manage this very popular national park, maintaining services and facilities for 100,000 annual visitors, conducting fire management programs across 11,800 hectares of protected area, delivering educational programs and developing wilderness and wildlife conservation programs, is all part of my job description.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in New Zealand and my family moved us to Australia when I was10 years old. For the last 32 years I’ve lived in various places in Queensland, Australia.

Where do you live now and what do you love most about your home?

For the last 16 years I’ve called Stanthorpe home, which is a beautiful part of the world on the southern border of Queensland in Australia. What I love most about Stanthorpe is it’s a refreshing, safe and pleasant community offering a choice of rural and urban lifestyles.With a beautiful backdrop of rolling plains, soaring granite domes and enticing waterways, the Stanthorpe region is also well known for its gourmet produce and award winning boutique wineries. It’s cultural, colourful, friendly and a great place to bring up children.

What is your work title and who do you work for?

I work for the Queensland Government with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, as a public contact ranger in Girraween National Park. It is a dream job, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that I’m doing something worthwhile with my life that I enjoy.

Where do you find creativity in your job?

As a public contact ranger,my role is to interpret the environment in an interesting way to hopefully encourage visitors to also appreciate and help protect the natural and cultural values of the park. Using nature as my inspiration, I design brochures, 29

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What is the most distinctive aspect that you enjoy about your work?

My job is never boring! Where do you get to burn bush land, check remote cameras for wombat activity, design a sign or brochure, talk to a group of students, implement a pest or weed removal program, all in a day’s work? And that’s only half of it...

What is the most fascinating feature of your National Park?

Girraween is home to a maze of life-like granite sculptures. Around each bend you’re stopped in your tracks by striking granite creations – massive balancing rocks, colourful stone arches and piles of boulders sitting in compromising positions. Nestled in this giants’ rockery is a patchwork of plant life that in spring bursts with flamboyant wildflowers.The aboriginal meaning of Girraween is in fact ‘place of flowers’ which is especially evident in the warmer months when spectacular wildflowers splash colour throughout the granite. And lastly, Girraween’s eucalypt forests, heath communities and grassy clearings shelter a surprising array of creatures. This is one of Australia’s great granite refuges, acting as an ecological crossroad between the subtropical north, the arid interior and more temperate south. Girraween National Park is fascinating!

What facilities are on offer for travellers to your park?

The park is renowned for its bushwalking and camping opportunities. Camping is in either of our two camping areas, or bushwalking on any of our 17km of walking tracks.The Pyramids, Granite Arch and Mt Norman are favourites, as is The Junction and Underground Creek.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?

My biggest challenge would have to be juggling life as a single mum while striving to achieve my own personal goals and happiness. It’s most certainly a challenge bringing up two teenage daughters while maintaining a successful career (and I know I’m not the first to tackle this!).

What excites you about working with nature?

Nature is unpredictable and continually amazes me. But more importantly, it soothes the soul. As soon as I arrive at Girraween National Park, I feel peace and harmony, and absolutely not a worry in the world.

the pyRamid November 2012

jolene mclellan interview Do you keep a diary? How do you keep yourself focused and organised?

If it’s not in the diary, it doesn’t happen! I can’t live without lists, reminders, post it notes and my precious diary. Between soccer, swimming, singing lessons and school runs (that’s just the girls), I have my work at the park, family and friends to keep in touch with and the list goes on. Being organised is essential!

Where do you go when you need some ‘me time’?

‘Me time’ involves being outdoors and usually enjoying nature by myself or with my partner. Whether it’s gardening, swimming, camping, bushwalking or any other outdoor activity I’m able to recharge my batteries (mentally and physically). I’m very lucky in that sometimes I get a bit of ‘me time’ while at work.

Where in the world would you like to travel to and why?

As long as I can remember, visiting Africa has been my lifelong dream, and this year my dream came true! I have been fortunate enough to be selected to represent the Queensland Rangers Association at a World Rangers Congress in Tanzania in November. The congress is where rangers from all over the world gather to help African rangers develop dynamic and positive strategies to help better conserve East Africa’s natural assets. And of course, I couldn’t go all that way and not ‘live my dream’. So for eight days my partner and I will be enjoying the sweet sounds and sights of Africa’s wilderness and wildlife, touring through the northeast section of Tanzania and parts of Kenya. I didn’t want this amazing opportunity to be all about me though, and over the last couple of months I have raised some much needed funds for the Tanzania rangers,The David and Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi and the School of St Judes in Arusha.

bald rock creek

If you would like to know more about Girraween National Park you can find Jolene’s contact details below.

CONTACT DETAILS E jolene.mclellan@nprsr.qld.gov.au W www.rymich.com/girraween/ W www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/camping P +61 (0)7468 45157 Shop Girraween National Park,Via Ballandean Q 4382.

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giraween

PHOTO CREDITS JOLENE MCLELLAN

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divine BUsiness

by nicky townsend

planning Part 3 In this issue of MCD, Nicky talks about following legislation and choosing the correct business structure for your situation. If you missed ‘Planning a Business’ parts 1 or 2, go to our website and click on the link to view more of our Business Diva’s advice in previous issues.

Once you’ve made the decision to go ahead and start your own business, make sure you set off on the right path. Any work that you put into your own business will be on a self-employed basis.This means you must register as such with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you live in the UK. Other countries rules may vary. It’s important that you check out the business regulations in your country, state or province because if you fail to do so you may make yourself liable to a fine.

There are two main types of limited company; Private Limited Company or PLC and Public Limited Company or LTD. If you’re thinking of setting up your business as either a PLC or LTD company then you are best to seek professional advice as they are complex to set up.

In the next issue we will look at registering with HM Revenue & Customs along with Tax and National Insurance Contributions.

Keep a hard and digital copy of all your records.

Backup all records in your computer on a hard drive.

Business Structure It’s essential that you choose the correct legal structure when registering your business with HMRC as it will influence the way in which certain things work. For example, the amount of tax and national insurance you pay, registration and reporting requirements, and personal financial liability. In the UK, the three main options are Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company.

Sole Trader If your business is run by you alone: You won’t have to pay any registration fees, keeping records and accounts is simple (you must keep records showing your business income and expenses for tax purposes) and you get to keep 100% of any profits made.

As a sole trader you are personally responsible for any debts run up by your business. This means your home or other assets may be at risk if your business runs into financial trouble.

Partnership If you’re planning on going into business with another individual: Each partner has a share in the business and each takes a share of the profits.

In order to form a partnership, each partner needs to register as being self-employed.

As with sole traders, the downside of a partnership is that there’s no protection if a business fails. Each partner is equally responsible for the business debts. Another downside to a partnership is if one partner resigns, dies or becomes bankrupt then the partnership must be dissolved, although the business can continue as normal.

Limited Company Setting up as a limited company is more complex. By law you need to have at least one director and a company secretary. You must have a company name and a valid UK business address in order to set up a limited company.You also need to register with Companies House.

A limited company can be more time-consuming to run, there’s lots more paperwork to complete and lots more bills to pay, plus an annual tax to pay to Companies House, called Corporation Tax. Your business affairs are less private, anyone can request the details of your business accounts from Companies House, and this may not appeal to everyone.

The main advantage of a limited company is that you’re less at risk if the business fails. The business is regarded as separate to your personal life as are the business finances.

photo credits Viorel Dudau© | Dreamstime.com

In future issues of My-Creative Diva, Nicky will offer information about: Marketing, Market Research, Branding, Legal Requirements, HMRC & Insurance, Pricing, Accounting, Writing a business plan, Branding E-Commerce, Finance & Funding, Social Networking and many more of the skills necessary to run a business.

You can find lots of useful advice on business topics on the following websites: Business Link – www.businesslink.gov.uk HMRC – www.hmrc.gov.uk

DISCLAIMER: The business advice offered in this magazine is only the opinion of the author. The contents of these articles are suggestions only. The author, editor and publisher of this magazine accept no responsibility for anyone acting upon this advice is.

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keep on track

If in doubt seek expert assistance “It’s important that you check out the business regulations in your country, state or province because if you fail to do so you may make yourself liable to a fine”. photo credit Remy Levine© | Dreamstime

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Artist Diva Michelle Griffiths Interview

Shibori is a Japanese term, coming from the verb root ‘shiboru’, meaning to wring squeeze or press and would originally be used to describe wringing out the washing. For example, tie-dye is the popular name for Shibori in the Western world, but doesn’t fully describe the great diversity of techniques which have been developed.

Shibori is the act of compressing a fabric to create a resist pattern by stitching and gathering, binding, clamping, capping, folding, crumpling, plaiting, knotting, pinching, and twisting. Cloth records the shape and pressure that has been applied to it as a pattern or texture.

BubbleWraps series.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Reading but grew up in rural Wiltshire, moving to Wales to study for a music degree in Cardiff University when I was 19.

Where do you live now and what do you love most about your home?

I now live on the outskirts of Bridgend in South Wales. Ours is a modern house, but we bought it because it has a 200 year old hedgerow with a huge variety of birds and mammals living in it.

What led you to your current creative business?

I originally trained as a musician, and taught music for six years in secondary education, but retired from this due to long term depression. I was eager to remain creative and so began to study dress making and embroidery and then finally specifically shibori techniques mainly using hand stitching techniques, but also working with natural dyes.

What is the most distinctive aspect of your work that you enjoy?

I love working with traditional tie dye techniques 34

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PHOTO CREDITS PINEGATE PHOTOGRAPHIC

November 2012

Highly respected shibori artisans from Arimatsu, Nagoya, 2002

to manipulate fabric and create sculptural textiles for fashion, interiors and as fine art pieces. I find the rhythm of hand stitching extremely therapeutic and this is an important aspect of my fine art textile work.

Have you attended many classes or workshops?

If so who was the most inspiring?

I won a scholarship from the Embroiderer’s Guild (20012002) and used the bursary to study with shibori (tie-dye) artisans in Arimatsu, Japan which is an area where shibori has been produced for over 400 years.

Who is your favourite artist?

The artist who inspires me the most has to be Itchiku Kubota. His series of 40 kimonos, Symphony of Light depicting the grandeur of the universe is truly magnificent.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your work?

The greatest challenge has been developing a personal vocabulary and style within my work. I also find it a constant challenge to create pieces that are distinctive and innovative.

Have you dabbled in other mediums?

I like knitting and crochet and also paper crafts but my fabric manipulation and embroidery work, alongside the commitments involved in establishing a new gallery as a centre focusing on textiles and textile techniques, keeps me incredibly busy.

Do you keep a journal of ideas and how do you keep yourself focused and organised?

I take numerous photographs as sources for designs for my work. There are currently over 35,000 digital images saved on my computer! I manipulate these to create my designs.

I am also fortunate in that I have been loaned electron microscope images from Kew Gardens and the Danforth Plant Science Centre in Missouri in the past which have inspired my Cross Pollination series.

Are you exhibiting in any galleries or shows now or in the future?

My work is permanently on view at my own gallery, Resist Gallery/Studio, Model House Craft & Design Centre (www.resistgallery.co.uk). I have work in the Lesley Craze Gallery in London (www.lesleycrazegallery.co.uk) and exhibit in touring exhibitions with Fibre Art Wales (www.fibreartwales.org.uk). I am also exhibiting at Made By Hand in Tredegar House, Newport from 30 November to 2 December (www.madebyhand-wales.co.uk).

Where do you go when you need serious ‘me time’? You will find me curled up on the settee with some hand sewing, listening to Rumor’s first album.

To view more of Michelle’s work or to attend a workshop you’ll find her contact details are listed below.

CONTACT DETAILS E ml.griffiths@virgin.net W www.shibori.co.uk P +44 (0)7974 417403 studio Resist-GalleryStudio, Model House Craft & Design Centre, The Bull Ring, Llantrisant, South Wales CF72 8EB

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divine Gallery

melanie forbes

SH WCASE YOUR WORK operations, wine making, hospitality and tourism at senior secondary, vocational training and tertiary education levels. Secondary students are introduced to the Industry through a range of “Headstart” programs such as Young Chefs, Young Winemakers, and Young Hosts as well as Certificate II and III Industry training programs. Vocational education and training for industry entrants and existing workers is offered at Certificate II and III levels. Students are also able to study the Bachelor of Technology (Wine) through our tertiary partner the University of Southern Queensland.

We are also proud providers of the international Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) wine knowledge and sommeliers awards.

We need overseas students to have student visas before we are able to accept overseas students, please contact us directly if you have further questions.

What is on offer for visitors to your facility?

We have tours and wine tastings available six days per week, Tuesday through to Sunday, 10 am - 3pm.

My name is Melanie Forbes and I am passionate about food, wine, education and training.

Where do you live and what do you love about the local community?

I live in Stanthorpe, on the Granite Belt of Queensland.

What is your background?

My background is quite varied. My initial training was in visual art, followed by working in a variety of capacities in the community sector. Since having my second child I studied online marketing from home, which has given me the opportunity to work in this position at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

What does your job entail?

My job as Marketing Officer entails liaising with our CEO John Neville to coordinate advertising programs for all aspects of the college. Also, overseeing the websites, we have three, because we are Varias Restaurant and Function Centre, Banca Ridge Winery and the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

How do you find creativity in your day to day work?

My role is about communicating to a variety of audiences a variety of messages. I find creativity in strategic planning, problem solving and developing advertising campaigns. I try to live my life as creatively as possible, as we always can choose a creative perspective about how we see and do things in life.

Please tell us about the college and what it offers Australian and Overseas students.

The College delivers education and training in viticulture, wine 36

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Varias Restaurant is open from 11 - 3pm Tuesday through to Sunday with an extensive a la carte menu.

If you have a group or an event we will work with you to ensure the success of your day.

What future events are on offer to the public for 2012-2013?

We have Cooking Demonstrations, Barista courses and wine appreciation programs available to the public, usually three times a year.

These are fun, informative evenings.

Our Tapas Afternoons have become a favourite with locals, we have live music and in the warmer months we enjoy the weather outside in our grassed courtyard – a great place for children to run around. We recently acquired two woodfired pizza ovens adding to our public event possibilities.

We run Winemaker for the Weekend; weekends open to the public combining hands on wine making activities with sensational food, wine and hospitality.

CONTACT DETAILS W ww.qcwt.com.au E qcwt@usq.com.au T + 61 7 4685 5050 RESTAURANT www.varias.com.au CELLAR DOOR www.bancaridge.com.au

November 2012

QUEENSLAND COLLEGE OF WINE AND TOURISM

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divine food

david reeves I am David Reeves, Head Chef atVarias Restaurant. I have lived in Stanthorpe my whole life. I enjoy living here because of the fresh produce, local farmers and the distinct 4 seasons.

From an early age I have been busy in the kitchen, realising I wanted to be a chef when I was at school. Straight after school I got stuck into a cooking hospitality course through TAFE and then started an apprenticeship at Happy Valley Restaurant, another local restaurant. After 4 years I was offered a position at QCWT where I worked my way up through the ranks of what is now Varias Restaurant.

My job never feels like work as I enjoy every moment in the kitchen because we have such a good team here and creatively I am able to try new dishes and techniques, and I get to devise a new menu quarterly. My style of cooking is my own but my influences come from everyone who has taught me in the past, including my Filipino Mother. My favourite chef is Heston Blumenthal. One day I would love to open my own restaurant but before that travel and see what other chefs are doing, and experience different cultures.

DAVID SHARES A DIVINE RECIPE! Cardamon and Orange Blossom Panna Cotta INGREDIENTS 1 Vanilla Bean halved, lengthways 500ml pouring cream 2/3 cup of castor sugar 1 sheet of gelatine 4 cardamon pods (crushed in mortar and pestle) 2 tablesp of orange blossom water (add 3 if you love orange blossom water) METHOD STEP 1 Combine cream, vanilla bean and crushed cardamom pods in a small saucepan over low to medium heat and bring to a simmer, simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain cream mixture through a sieve to remove bits of cardamom and vanilla bean.

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STEP 2 Soak gelatine leaf in cold water. Remove from cold water and squeeze excess water off and add to cream mix. Add sugar and mix until sugar is dissolved, then add your orange blossom water to taste.

STEP 3 Get 4 dariole moulds, give them spray with non-stick oil spray and pour mixture into the moulds and ž fill. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.

STEP 4 Turn panna cottas onto plate and serve with an almond nougat and toffee orange slices.

Toffee Orange Slices Ingredients 1 x orange 1 cup of sugar METHOD STEP 1 Peel and slice the orange into .5cm slices and place on a steel tray.

STEP 2 In a saucepan place your sugar and enough water to cover sugar. Place on a high flame and cook until sugar has turned a nice toffee colour.

STEP 3 Pour your toffee mix onto your oranges and refrigerate.

STEP 4 Serve with your panna cotta.

WINES TO MATCH The Banca Ridge Passito â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a beautiful golden dessert wine with a balanced sweet flavour

November 2012

Stanthorpe Heritage Museum 12 High Street | Stanthorpe Queensland Australia

On my vacation in Stanthorpe, my husband and I visited the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum and met up with Mary Rofe, one of the brilliant volunteers who keep this collection of buildings, machinery and artefacts open to the public. I asked Mary to share with us some details about this fascinating place.

Mary: ‘The Museum is first port of call for many visitors seeking their forebears’ humble beginnings.We have a dedicated Research Room holding family histories as well as information on local groups and organisations.Visitors frequently request details of family members and we are usually able to provide data and photographs. One of our special collections at the Stanthorpe Museum is called ‘Make Do’. We have collected a wide range of these hand-made, repaired, or recycled items, as they are a direct reflection of the hard times experienced particularly during the establishment of the fruit industry. Clearing land and planting fruit trees is not only hard work, but the rewards are not seen for some seven years.

The most important thing to ensure visitors enjoy their stay is that we talk to them. We are very proud that our display items are properly catalogued and marked. The cards show details of the donor and the history of the item (where known) plus how it was used. This is particularly important in the case of the ‘Make Do’ items. We also display information panels in each dedicated area.

Within the grounds of the museum there are 10 buildings for visitors to explore and 20,000 items to view. Make sure you drop by when next visiting Queensland! We’re only a few hours drive from the city of Brisbane.

FOR OPENING HOURS CONTACT

My husband andrew checks out the local gaol photo credits joan gordon 39

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Mary Rofe Stanthorpe Museum Research E stanthorpe museum@gmail.com P +61 (0)7468 10805 M +61 (0)427 617 679 November 2012

JEWELLERY diva Carolyn Schulz Interview

Carolyn Schulz is a freelance craft designer, teacher and businesswoman. Her experience ranges from scrapbooking to Christmas decorations and over the last 20 years, Carolyn has focused her attention on creating and teaching jewellery. Here Carolyn talks about her jewellery business and how she finds teaching and making jewellery therapeutic.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in California but my father’s job took us to Venezuela where I lived until we moved back to California when I was 13.

Where do you live now and what do you love most about your home?

I moved to Britain from California 40 years ago. I now live in Bedfordshire, England and love it because it is so well positioned. I am close to my grown children, my friends, London and Heathrow airport!

What is your background and what led you to create your own business?

When I first moved to the UK it was very hard to find the tools and materials to craft and make the things that I wanted to create. I would visit my family in the USA once a year and on my return to the UK my suitcases were full of craft supplies. Whenever family and friends came to visit, they would bring me products and tools that I couldn’t find here. I started out by sourcing products that I could resell at workshops and craft fairs.

Is your business totally online? What does it offer your clients?

My website, blog and online presence is currently just about sharing, teaching and giving inspiration. I do promote my workshops and classes online. I am just starting to make videos for posting on YouTube for those people who can’t make it to my classes.

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What is the most distinctive aspect that you enjoy about your work?

I really enjoy that I am able to share what I have learned with other people.

For other women who dream of running their own business and to be able to work from home, what advice would you share with them?

I found I needed to set aside my own ‘work’ space. Having a space that you can set up and spread out, a space you can leave and come back to and a space that the family doesn’t share, saved me time and didn’t interrupt my creative process!

What classes do you offer and which are the most popular?

I teach three different types of classes. I teach Creative Jewellery for Beginners, in three terms of 10 weeks each at West Herts College.

I also teach private classes in St Albans for beginners or those with some experience. Twice a month on a Sunday, I teach a Master-class in London.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?

Because I love what I do so much and I love to share, I find it hard to charge people for my services.

What is your favourite technique? What excites you about it?

My favourite technique changes all the time! Right now I love working with wire, particularly creating free form cuffs.

Do you keep a journal of ideas and how do you keep yourself focused and organised?

I do keep a photo portfolio of all the pieces I have made. Most of the time my journal is organised. Using the computer and having digital photography has certainly made it much easier.

Who is your favourite jewellery designer?

This also changes all the time, but my all time favourites are Linda Musante and Mimi Huzar.

Where in the world would you like to travel to and why?

I love to travel to almost anywhere but my absolute favourite place in the world is Hawaii. I love the mixture of cultures, the gorgeous beaches and vegetation – they have some really cool bead shops!

If you’re tempted to learn to make jewellery or want to view some of Carolyn’s work, visit her website or send her an email.

You’ll find all her details below.

CONTACT DETAILS E carolyn@schulz.co.uk W carolynschulz.com PHOTO CREDITS CAROLYN SCHULZ

November 2012

bracelets, charms, c

hokers!

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Exciting, elegant, sophisticated                                                                                                                            

Visit our website www.hattierae.com for more exciting hand woven textiles

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PHOTO credits Diego Bonfanti

LOOK LIKE A DIVA While in London on business, Kira Withers-Jones spent the day in New<IDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End studio to receive an amazing makeover! by kira withers-jones.

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PHOTO credits bec feldman

1 BEFORE

Kira is our Fashion Diva and she also runs her own design business creating colourful handdyed silk scarves and up-cycled clothing.

She had a number of family events around the time of her makeover so wanted to feel smart and upbeat.

The makeover started with a thorough cleansing of Kira’s hair including a much-welcomed scalp massage by her personal hairdresser, Anna and an intensive conditioner.

Once ready, Isha proceeded to cut Kira’s hair. With such a short style already it was more about making her style sharper and using innovative products to create lift and attitude rather than much re-styling so, with a few snips and tweaks and a blow of the hairdryer, Isha had Kira looking funky and ready for the next stage.

Yasmine, the make-up artist, began by discussing with Kira what sort of make-up she normally wore and what style she would like for the photo-shoot. Never one to fade into the background, Kira asked for a strong look on the eyes. She loves vintage-style make-up, especially the 1920s, and also enjoys the ‘rock-look’, but she struggles to know how to apply this type of make-up herself. After using a light primer Yasmine applied concealer around the eyes then brushed on a light foundation that had amazing coverage. After contouring the cheekbones with bronzer, blusher and highlighter it was time to work on the eyes. A deft application of eye-liner plus some smoky eye shadow gave Kira a rock-chick look. All that was finally needed was a slick of lipstick.

Having studied Fashion Design at university Kira had practice in photo shoots so was happy to follow the photographers’ instructions. She’d taken along 3 changes of outfit and for each set of clothes a number of backgrounds were used to give a range of photographs to choose from. And choosing was hard! This was Kira’s favourite shot but she did buy some extra images to use for her business literature as she was so pleased with the results.

Win your own make-over! Enter our fantastic competition on page 19!

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4 AFTER (No Airbrushing)

Visit the new<id Studios website, choose a location near you and book your session today!

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November 2012

DIVA TRAVEL

Ragdale Hall Welcome to award winning Ragdale Hall!

Multi award winning Ragdale Hall has won a steady stream of awards over the last ten years, many of which have been voted for by previous guests and readers of leading publications. We would like to offer readers of My-Creative Diva a very DIVINE pamper package!

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside. It combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country.

Whether you are looking for total relaxation me-time and pampering, or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and spa breaks has something for everyone, so if you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a day out with girlfriends or some time-out with your nearest and dearest, Ragdale Hall really is the spa to visit.

My-Creative Diva Readers Offer!

33% discount off our Nightly Tariff for two nights or more sharing a Superior Room valid until end of January 2013.

Normal price £510 per person – with the offer £341.70 per person for a two night stay, Sunday to Thursday only.

PACKAGE INCLUDES (PER PERSON) • Check in at 3pm to a Superior twin/double or triple room for two nights sharing.

• TWO 40 minute treatments each (choose from a body massage, prescription facial, manicure, or moisturising lavender body treatment).

• Full use of Spa facilities including Thermal Spa, all classes and gymnasium.

• All meals included for your entire stay – breakfast in bed, lunch and three course dinners.

CONTACT DETAILS To book call: 01664 433 000 and quote My-Creative Diva.

For more information on Ragdale Hall go to www.ragdalehall.co.uk 46

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November 2012

DIVA TRAVEL

creative adventures

For a holiday sure to fire your mojo visit www.ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council

A World-Wide Community of Ceramic Artists World-Wide Community AA World-Wide Communityof ofCeramic Ceramic Artists

Artists

CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III June 2-14, 2013 CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III Italy CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III June 2-14, 2013 June 2-14, Italy 2013 Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana

Italy Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Deadline to Save $555 (US Dollars) VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Ends February 22, 2013 Deadline $555 (US Dollars) Onlyto 26Save Spots Available!

Ends February 22, 2013 Deadline to Save $555 (US Dollars) Only 26 Spots Available!

Italian Inspiration and Italian TechniquesEnds February 22, 2013 Only 26 third Spotstime.

Available!

Potters Council is excited to be going to Italy for the Our past trips have proven that travel has always Italian Inspiration Italian Techniques provided a source ofand inspiration for visual artists. Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can Potters Council excited new to beideas. going The to Italy for the past trips have proven travel has make your mind is race itinerary forthird thistime. trip isOur designed to provide visual that stimulation as aalways Italian Inspiration and with Italian Techniques provided teaching a sourceand of inspiration for for visual artists.

Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can valuable learning tool interested ceramics.

Potters Council is excited to be going tothose Italy for the thirdintime.

Our past trips have proven that travel has always make your mind race with new ideas. The itinerary for this trip is designed to provide visual stimulation as a provided a source of inspiration for visual artists. Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can valuable teaching and learning tool for those interested in ceramics. make your mind race with new ideas. The itinerary for this trip is designed to provide visual stimulation as a Highlights Register Presenters valuable teaching and learning tool for those interested in ceramics.

Highlights Register Presenters Presenters

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Highlights

Register

Schedule of Events

Uffizi Museum

Host Facility

Presenter ScheduleInformation of Events

International Museum of Uffizi Museum Ceramics International Museum of Guarnacci Museum Uffizi Museum Ceramics

Register Now Host Facility

Register Now Presenter Information Schedule of Events Register Now my creative diva www.my-creativediva.co.uk

International GuarnacciMuseum Museum of

Additional Info Register Now

Host Facility Additional InfoNovember 2012 Register Now

Ceramics Register Now

Additional Info

Guarnacci Museum

Open to Artists from Around-the-World This visual inspiration will be drawn upon when we reach the ceramic studio at La Meridiana, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy three days in the studio learning from Pietro Maddalena, Paola Paronetto, and Marcia Selsor. You will also have the opportunities to see demonstrations outside of the studio from Monica Lazzerini and Saura Vignoli. x This experience is open to artists at all levels: from enthusiastic amateur, to the teacher, and for the professional. No matter what level you are, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open to learning and connecting with other ceramic artists then this is the trip for YOU!

Register Now! VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council

Featured Presenters: Pietro Maddalena and Paola Paronetto

Additional Demonstrations by Marcia Selsor and Saura Vignoli

Register Now! Don't delay, be sure to register today!

www.ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council

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November 2012

See, smell and experience the real

essence of Christmas.

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Make your celebrations extra special...

See page 62 for our festive projects and gift ideas November 2012

Shopping

Gifts From Handpicked Ktwo 5 Year Christmas Card Book Price: £8.95

Dobbies Birdcage & Candle Dining Scene

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3 Sweetpea & Willow Kenneth Turner White Forest Candle Price: £25

4 6 Laura Lee Designs Holly And Berry Christmas Teapot Price: £40.00

KEEP IT SIMPLE SHOP ONLINE Avoid the usual chaos of endless queues, impossible parking and frayed tempers.

Shop online to make your Christmas stress free. Here are a few companies who offer some rather divine gifts at reasonable prices.

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Mollie & Fred Lisbeth Dahl Mini Hot Water Bottle Price: £12.99

The Fine Cotton Company Hearts Hot Water Bottles Price: £35

1. Birdcage & Candle Dining Scene - Birdcages from £14.99 Selection of church candles from £1.50 Zinc Pots (sold separately) starting at £1.99 Elements Long tail glitter bird on clip £2.50 Glass heart with rose hanging decoration £3.99 Antique gold glass bauble £1.99 Antique Bird Cages available in-store £1.99 Company Dobbies, W www.dobbies.com T 0844 840 8404. 2. Ktwo 5 Year Christmas Card Book £8.95 Company Gifts From Handpicked, W www.giftsfromhandpicked.com T 0845 519 2408. 3. Kenneth Turner White Forest Candle £25 Company Sweetpea & Willow, W www.sweetpeaandwillow.com T 0845 257 2627. 4. Holly And Berry Christmas Teapot - Code PL for 10% off your first order. £40 Company Laura Lee Designs, W: www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk T: 07805 066417. 5. Lisbeth Dahl Mini Hot Water Bottle £12.99 Company MOLLIE & FRED, W www.mollieandfred.co.uk T 01305 236323. 6. Hearts Hot Water Bottles £35 Company The Fine Cotton Company, W www.thefinecottoncompany.com P 0845 6029050

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Gifts From Handpicked Christmas Decoration 3 Jolly Gingerbread Price: £8.95

Dobbies Dobbies Best of British Hamper Price: £80

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9 Gifts From Handpicked East Of India Nativity Set Price: £34.95

12 Laura Lee Designs Christmas Robin Mug Price: £12

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Aurina Ltd Aurina Christmas Stocking Price: £13.95

Dotcomgiftshop Red Scandinavian Jewelled Heart Price: £1.95

7. Gisela Graham Christmas Decoration - 3 Jolly Gingerbread £8.95 Company Gifts From Handpicked, W www.giftsfromhandpicked.com, T 0845 519 2408. 8. Dobbies Best of British Hamper £80 Company Dobbies, W www.dobbies.com, T 0844 840 8404. 9. East Of India Nativity Set £34.95 Company Gifts From Handpicked, W www.giftsfromhandpicked.com, T 0845 519 2408. 10. Aurina Christmas Stocking £13.95 Company Aurina Ltd, This company is based in The UK and ships to: all countries globally, W www.aurina.co.uk, P 01379 851122. 11. Christmas Robin Mug £12 Company Laura Lee Designs W www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk T 07805 066417. 12. Red Scandinavian Jewelled Heart - with gingham ribbon bow, hand painted wooden Christmas decoration.£1.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop, W www.dotcomgiftshop.com, T 0780 1976146.

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Shopping Retreat-Home Ltd Hand finished Christmas stockings Price: £24.99

Tesco 24inch Wreath with fruit Price: £22.97

Retreat-Home Ltd Stocking Hangers

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16 14 Dotcomgiftshop Red stripe stocking and presents Price: £2.95

Dotcomgiftshop Red Rocking Horse Christmas Decoration Price: £1.95

18 Beyond the Fridge Robin And Snowflake Doormat

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19 Tesco Value Stocking Price: 46p

Stylish Life Mulled Wine Glogg Glass Sets Price: £22.98

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13. Nickel Tree and Star Weighted Stocking Hangers - £15.99 each, Scandi trees in red or natural £14.99 each Company Retreat-Home Ltd, W www.retreat-home.com, T 01628471056. 14. Hand finished Christmas stockings, lined, wadded and with a decorative cuff £24.99 Company Retreat-Home Ltd, W www.retreat-home.com T 01628 471056.15. Tesco 24inch Wreath with Fruit £22.97 Company Tesco Christmas, W www.tesco.com T 0800 50 55 55. 16. Red stripe stocking and presents, hand painted metal hanging Christmas decoration £2.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop, W www.dotcomgiftshop.com T 07801 976146.17. Red Rocking Horse Christmas Decoration £1.95, Company Dotcomgiftshop, W www.dotcomgiftshop.com T 0780 1976146. 18. Robin And Snowflake Doormat – choose from three sizes: Small: (Marine Size) 40cm x 60cm £29.95 Medium: (Doormat Size) 50cm x 75cm £39.95 Large: (Large Doormat & General Areas) 60cm x 85cm £44.95 Company Beyond the Fridge W www.beyondthefridge.co.uk. 19. Tesco Value Stocking 46p Company Tesco Christmas, W www.tesco.com, T 0800 50 55 55. 20. Mulled Wine Glogg Glass Sets – Mug Sets by Sagaform of Sweden presented in a premium giftbox £22.98 Company Stylish Life, W www.stylishlife.co.uk T 01269 822288.

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November 2012

Sharon’s

shopping tips

Parcel up presents, tie round cutlery, wind round bunches of holly – it’s truly versatile, always decorative, and goes a long, long way. Made with 100% pure cotton.

Sharon says: I love this ribbon, it is both nostalgic yet modern. Add it to more old fashioned paper for a traditional look or as they have shown in the picture, use plain paper and just the ribbon for a contemporary gift. For those of us who like to up-cycle why not use up some of the excess brown paper used for packaging?

Shown here with its larger cousin is a really great value Christmas gift bag that will add that special touch to your gift.

Sharon says: For the modern Christmas up-cycler this is perfect! It is a beautiful gift and can be reused year after year. The design is modern and will appeal to young and old alike.

Tiny Christmas Felt Bag £1.99, Company Who’s It For? W www.whositfor.co.uk P 01546 602445

This enchanting fairy is designed to perch prettily on your Christmas table with a small gift box underneath her for you to fill with whatever you choose. She can also be used for an individual Christmas gift that can be kept afterwards as a decoration. Each fairy has a hand painted face, a wire body wrapped in yarn, silver netting and silk petals.

Sharon says: This would be a wonderful for a little (or big!) girl’s winter birthday party or for a beautiful little gift to go under the tree. I know I would love to receive a gift like this. Hint, hint…I wonder if my hubby is reading this article?

Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Cotton Ribbon £9.00, Company Wedding in a Teacup W www.weddinginateacup.co.uk P 01273 933134

Handmade Christmas Silver Gift Box Fairy £12.00, Company Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous W www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.com P 01208 850988

These vintage style ‘With Love this Christmas’ gift tags, are the perfect way to finish off your gifts this Christmas with a little sprinkle of vintage charm. Set of three.

A unique set of up-cycled Christmas decorations made from beautiful original illustrations!

These are Limited Edition with only 50 sets available. The perfect way to add a nostalgic touch to your tree, with these captured childhood memories.

Sharon says: Those of you who love the old fashioned traditional Christmas trimmings will love these tags! There is a lovely range of designs to choose from.

Sharon says:These are a must for decorating the tree! They are just so delightful and evoke the thoughts of snow, father Christmas and the magic of Christmas morning.

Vintage Style With Love - Christmas Gift Tags £1.95 set of 3, Company From the Wilde W www.fromthewilde.com P 07872 647117

Up-cycled Story Book Christmas Decorations £19.50 set of 4, Company Ellie Ellie, W www.ellieellie.co.uk

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Stick your neck out 1 Plümo. Akita Necklace, £149.

2 Primark. Plate necklace, £8.

3 River Island. Lace collar.

4 Marks & Spencer.

Black floral chain necklace.

5 Boticca. Gold chain necklace, £31.

6 Accessorize. Art Deco necklace, £16.

7 Boticca. Pink statement necklace, £355.

8 Accessorize. Luxe Peter Pan collar.

9 Internaçionale. Crosses necklace, £5.99.

10 Marks & Spencer.

Black and gold lace necklace.

11 Primark. Spear necklace, £4.

12 Internaçionale. Fringed necklace.

13 River Island. Embellished collar.

1 All photography courtesy of PRshots

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very so often, a new breed of accessory comes along that seems to give every outfit an edge, a je ne sais quoi element that you can’t quite put your finger on. At the minute, it’s statement necklaces and collars: whether it’s in the form of a dramatic necklace or a quirky detachable collar, if you invest in one accessory this season, make sure it’s for your neck.

Tiny delicate jewellery it ain’t: AW12 is all about adding embellishment to your look wherever possible, and a goanywhere piece of jazzy neckwear is an easy way to get in on the trend and add a new season edge to plain shirts and t-shirts (and jumpers when it gets chilly).

And don’t worry about fitting a specific mould with this look, as there’s a different version for almost every AW12 trend. So try out

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fringing, heavy metal plating, neon, beads, lace…pretty much anything goes as long as it’s bold, eye-catching and oversized.

Plümo’s stand-out beaded version reflects the true meaning of statement: styled with mimimal make-up, a fuss-free up-do and a plain white collared shirt, the tribal-style beads can take centre stage. River Island and Accesorize both have cute collar-style necklaces that will take an outfit from plain to Saturday nightready, and Marks & Spencer’s sophisticated take on the trend will add a ladylike feel to your ensemble. To work the trend on a budget, Primark and Internaçionale have some seriously fierce goth-inspired versions. No matter what your personal style, a statement piece of neckwear will be the link that pulls it all together this season.

November 2012

divine fashion

Bon Marché Colour Block Tunic £22

Yumi

£55

Accessorize

£25

Monsoon

£65

Yumi

£30

Christmas forecast Smart shifts and suits by Kira Withers-Jones.

The Christmas season is not just about sparkle and dressing up for parties.

There are plenty of daytime events when we want to dress more casually but still look smart and stylish.

While shift dresses remain on every high street, the good old trouser suit has also made a comeback. Last seen this prevalently in the 1990s, they were on all of the catwalks for this winter, but this time looking less ‘officey’ and much more trend-led. Brocade fabrics and luxury elements were seen everywhere giving the trouser suit a rather bohemian feel. Colour was also more in use than previously with plenty of rich purple, burgundy and deep, inky blue.

Of course, you will want to be warm while nipping round to friends’ houses or calling in on those not-often-seen relatives, so don’t forget your snuggly jumper or trendy jacket-come-sweatshirt.

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George

£12

November 2012

Monsoon

£69

Jonathan Kelsey

£45

Primark

£26

Bertie

£80

Tesco

East

£325

Dune

£85

Lovarni

£85

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November 2012

divine beauty

Take Away Spa Day Gift Box A wonderful gift idea for those busy family and friends! Wish you could take some time off and have a lovely spa day, but too busy to even contemplate it? Well let us bring the spa to you, with our fabulous Take Away Spa Day! The box contains everything you (or the lucky recipient) needs to enjoy a totally relaxing day and more at home alone. Contents: Dead Sea Spa Magik Bath Salts, Dead Sea Spa Magik Algimud Face Mask, Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing exfoliation, Exfoliating Mit, Luxury Flannel, Ebony London – Honey and Mango Body Wash, Ebony London – Honey and Mango Body Lotion Ebony London – Honey and Mango Nourishing Shampoo Ebony London Soap Bar Massage Brush Quality Nail File. Pure relaxation at an affordable price! Weight and Measurements: 2000.00 grams 280 x 220 x 120mm View product on company website: www.shoponyourdoorstep.com.

Price £38.50 Company Shop On Your Doorstep Phone 01843808061

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November 2012

READER GIVE AWAY! Lavera are giving away bundles of their beautiful, natural and truly divine products.

CONTACT US TO WIN YOUR FREE PRODUCT! VIEW THESE ITEMS ONLINE at www.pravera.co.uk/shop/lavera-cosmetics • Sensitive organic all round moisturising cream for all skin types worth £6.95 • Sensitive organic lip balm for the whole family worth £3.45 • Sensitive organic echinacea and propolis toothpaste for the whole family worth £3.45 • Sensitive organic calendula and organic witch hazel liquid-soap £3.95

HOW TO ENTER

• Email us at competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Enter the following code: Lavera Give Away -03 with your return email and address.

• Only one entry per household, no further correspondence will be considered.

• All winners will be notified by email and names of winners will be published in Issue 5 of My-Creative Diva magazine.

• Entries close on the 3rd of January.

My-Creative Diva magazine does not accept responsibility for distribution of these products. All products will be forwarded to the winners by Lavera. If any products are out of stock they will be replaced with an alternative product to a similar value.

Offer open to European and UK residents only.

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lavera celebrates years of organic and natural beauty My-Creative Diva magazine loves this range because...

Lavera products are not tested on animals and are free from: • Synthetic aromas and colours • Parabens • Silicone oils • Paraffin • Mineral oils • Petrochemicals Lavera holds the international label Na True for genuinely natural cosmetics!

Get ready for SS13 with lavera Trend make up range!

The word is out on colours and styles for SS13 and the Lavera natural and organic makeup range, ‘Trend’, has everything you need to create fabulous and affordable looks for the upcoming season, while maintaining an ethical stance. Among the predicted trends is the ‘military mode’ with khaki, brown and air force blue colours featuring strongly – and Lavera Trend makeup with its earthy hues is the perfect complement.

Celebrities recently spotted sporting these colours include Geri Halliwell, Emilia Fox and Pippa Middleton.

Eye makeup in particular was accentuated at London Fashion Week. Groomed eyebrows are predicted to attract attention.

Graeme Hume from Lavera says: “We are enormously proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.

Lavera stands for genuinely natural cosmetics and skincare; as one of the original organic and natural brands we continue our search for new and innovative products while maintaining our dedication to our core beliefs and values, which has kept us at the forefront of organic skincare and makeup. Our Trend makeup range is a perfect example of adhering to those beliefs while providing our customers with makeup which is at the forefront of fashion”.

New from Lavera is the Eyebrow Styling Gel, £10.50, which will be a key accessory in achieving beautifully defined brows, drawing attention to the eyes and framing the face. The innovative gel comes in a natural hazel brown shade that will colour and care for your brows. Eye shadows on offer include, Forest Green, Shiny Taupe, Mountain Blue and Chocolate Brown. These gorgeous mineral-based shadows are bang ontrend to enhance and define the eyes, while caring for the eye area with ingredients including fruit extracts and shea butter. Lip pencils, lipsticks and lip glosses nourish with ingredients including organic jojoba oil.

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Stockists and prices Available from www.lavera.co.uk, Holland & Barrett and independent health stores nationwide. Trend make-up example prices: Organic Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow £10.50, Eyebrow Styling Gel £10.50, Organic Soft eyeliner £9.50, Organic Glossy Lips Lip Gloss £10.50.

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Create, bake or make

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CREATE A FLORAL WREATH

MAKE A DESIGNER BRACELET

LINK CHRISTMAS CHARMS

DECORATE A CHOCOLATE CAKE

DIY SNOWY VILLAGE DIORAMA

STITCH A HOLDALL GIFT BAG

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November 2012

Make YOUR Christmas sparkle with these inspiring ideas and projects!

TEST A CROCHET KIT

PERSONALISE YOUR GIFT BAGS

SERVE UP THESE SAVOURY SNACKS

WHIP UP A LUSCIOUS PUDDING

BREW YOUR OWN TIPPLE 63

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November 2012

Christmas Wreath by beth forbes-simpson

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FLORISTRY project This month our Floristry Diva, Beth Forbes-Simpson, shows you how to make and personalise a gorgeous Christmas wreath to hang during the festive season.

Christmas is an expensive time of year where we all spend more than enough on presents and stocking the cupboards with festive goodies.

One area that this doesn’t have to be the case is with your decorations.

Using this easy guide, you can create a gorgeous Christmas wreath for a minimal cost whilst making it look as if you have paid a fortune at your local florist. The only material you will need to buy for this particular design is the floral foam wreath ring.The rest of the materials can be foraged from the garden or rescued from last year’s Christmas decoration box.You will be amazed at what you can rustle up!

materials and tools

12 inch floral foam wreath base Scissors A few different foliages fresh from the garden including some berries Feathers Christmas star decorations on wire Silver birch twigs A length of ribbon of your choice

DESIGNER TIPS • This guide is by no means definitive. Be experimental and use decorative pieces to suit your taste and style.

• Fresh pine will give your Christmas wreath a really expensive look and smell gorgeous.

• You can achieve this by snipping some pieces from the bottom of your tree and adding it in to your design.

• Don’t forget to mist the design every couple of days, as this will lengthen the life of your wreath.

• You can always use your wreath as your Christmas table centrepiece.

Simply lay the deign flat, and add a chunky church candle into the inner circle. Simple and impressive!

• Avoid using fresh flowers in your wreath if you intend to hang it outdoors as they are unlikely to stand up to winter weather conditions very well.Try substituting with pinecones, dried orange slices, or even Christmas baubles – the list is endless!

one Soak the wreath ring, making sure it is wet through. Bevel both the inner and outer edges as this will help give your design a nicer finished shape.

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Begin with your foliage. Here I have started with cupressus evergreen as it gives a good solid base for the design and has a lovely fresh smell.

Each piece used is approximately 2 inches long has been inserted at an angle so that when you stand back from the design, it almost appears as a Catherine Wheel. This helps give a lovely sense of movement. Ensure that you also fill the inner circle in the same way.

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Now work through the rest of your foliages, adding them in the same fashion so that you are building layer upon layer for that lovely luxurious feel. In addition to the cupressus I have used cryptomeria for softness, ivy and ivy berries for texture, and holly for that classic festive look.

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Add in the berries so that they are evenly spaced through the design and now you should start to see and feel Christmas coming through!

Here I have used hypericum and skimmia berries, again from the garden.

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Next add in any other decorative items you have managed to gather.

I have used some birch bark stars, silver birch twigs and some speckled feathers, all of which were rescued from a dusty old box of decorations.

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As a final touch, I have pinned a jute ribbon bow in a rich red, to the top of the wreath and left two long tails that trail behind the design for an extra impressive touch. It is now ready to hang!

CONTACT Beth Forbes-Simpson Forbesfield Flowers – Custom Design Floristry T +44 (0)1443 228957 E forbesfieldflowers@hotmail.co.uk PHOTO CREDITS BETH FORBES SIMPSON

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For more creative Christmas ideas, check out Beth's project in Issue 2 of MCD! November 2012

Jewellery Project

by Nicky townsend

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November 2012

Divine Jewellry Altered Art Bracelet By Nicky Townsend Use Altered Art techniques to create this stretch bracelet. You can use fancy papers, copyright free images or even family photographs to decorate.

Embellish with charms to finish or for a Steampunk style, add tiny watch components. You can finish each section with glass cabochons, or if you would like to set charms inside, there is a super product called Glossy Accents which sets clear and hard and holds the charm in place.

HOW TO MAKE IT STEP 1 Choose your base papers or photographs. Take one of the glass tiles and trace around the edge directly on the section of paper/photo which you would like to appear in the bracelet link. If you are using paper, try and pick out a section that has a good focal point. Move the tile around on the paper to find your favourite image.

STEP 2 When you have traced around enough sections to complete the whole bracelet, you will need to seal the paper to lock in the colours. Use Glue ‘n’ Seal for this. Paint a thin coat over each of your templates.You must seal both sides, back and front. Leave to dry and then paint on another coat and leave that to dry completely.

STEP 3 Cut out your sealed paper templates.Take the Glossy Accents and squeeze a small dab into the base of one of the links of the bracelet. Use a paint brush to coat the base evenly and then press in one of your paper sections.

Use a dry paintbrush to press down and remove any air bubbles that may have got trapped underneath the paper. Don’t forget to pay attention to the edges.

MATERIALS Bracelet blank A selection of images/photos or fancy paper Glue ‘n’ Seal Glossy Accents A selection of charms (optional) TOOLS Scissors Paintbrushes Pencil

resources All materials supplied by International Craft P 01923 235 336 F 01923 235 337 E sales@internationalcraft.com W www.internationalcraft.com

DESIGNER CONTACT DETAILS Nicky Townsend P 0843 2891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com

PHOTO CREDIT Nicky Townsend

STEP 4 If you have decided to finish with glass cabochons then squeeze a thin and even coat of Glossy Accents over the back of the tile and press firmly into the bracelet section. Keep pressing firmly from the centre out to the edges to squeeze out any air bubbles. Repeat for each of the sections to complete the bracelet.

STEP 5 Why not set a charm on top of the paper to add a bit of interest. Place your chosen charm into the section of bracelet and squeeze Glossy Accents into that section. Start close to the charm and work your way out to the edge.

Fill the whole recess, completely covering the charm with Glossy Accents.

When using Glossy Accents it is imperative that you don’t shake the bottle at any time as it creates air bubbles which you don’t want to appear in your finished piece.

STEP 6 Once the recess is filled, take some time to prick out any air bubbles which may have appeared. Use a pin or gently tap the surface of the bubble with a dry paintbrush. Leave to set completely – this usually takes around 24 hours to set to a hard clear finish. You can only complete one section at a time when choosing to use the Glossy Accents, you will need to stand the bracelet on its edge and leave to set fully before you can move onto the next section.

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November 2012

CHARMING CHRISTMAS BRACELET by linzi alford

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PHOTO CREDITS Linzi Alford

November 2012

jewellery make This pretty charm bracelet uses gorgeous Christmas Past Tierracast charms and festive bead dangles. By Linzi Alford.

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TOOLS

• Chain or bracelet blank • Wire cutters • Toggle clasp • Round and needle nosed or • Tierracast Christmas Past charms bent-nosed pliers • 8mm green goldstone faceted beads • Ball end headpins • Jumprings • 5mm jump rings • 5mm jump rings

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Measure a length of chain around your wrist. If you are making it as a gift then, as a guide, the average wrist size is 18-20cm. Remember to allow length for the clasp and toggle. I have used a chain doubled up but you can use a single length or a pre-cut bracelet blank.

Add the charms and fasten these to jumprings using pliers. Leave spaces between the charms if you choose to add bead dangles.

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Once all the charms are added you could leave the bracelet as it is, as it looks nice with or without bead dangles.

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To make bead dangles add a bead to a ball end headpin, make an eye and then form a wrapped loop around the neck of the eye before neatly cutting off the excess wire using wire cutters. You can make as many dangles as you wish in different colours or sizes.

six Add the bead dangles in the spaces between the charms using jumprings.

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6 resources www.palmermetals.co.uk

photo credits linzi alford

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Using pliers attach the toggle and clasp to each end with a jumpring.

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November 2012

divine BAKING

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November 2012

White Chocolate, Coconut AND Cranberry Cake In each issue of My-Creative Diva I will be offering cake making, decorating tips and techniques. This month I’ve created a range of gift box cakes that are a great introduction to decorating celebration cakes.

They make great Christmas gifts too! By Rachel Ellis

Coconut Sponge Ingredients – to make 3 x 20cm sandwich layers 6 Large Eggs 175g Golden Caster Sugar 125g Plain Flour 50g Desiccated Coconut 100g White Chocolate (melted and cooled) Zest of 1 orange METHOD •Preheat oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / Gas mark 4.

•Grease three 20cm sandwich tins and line with greaseproof paper.

•Make the ganache by breaking up the white chocolate into a large bowl.

Heat the cream in a pan until it starts to boil and pour over the melted chocolate. Stir the mix continuously until all of the chocolate has melted and you have a smooth coating. Allow this to cool whilst baking the cakes, as this will thicken the mixture to a spreadable consistency.

•Add the cranberries, sugar and water into a small pan. Heat until all sugar has dissolved and the cranberries are soft. Allow to cool and then add the cranberries with one teaspoon of the liquid to a mixer and pulse until you have small pieces of cranberry in a paste for your cranberry filling.

•Whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mix is light, fluffy and at least four times the volume as shown. Mix together the plain flour and coconut and carefully add half to the sugar and egg mix at the side of the bowl. Fold in gently with a large metal spoon. Care is needed at this stage to keep as much air as possible in the mix to keep your cake texture as light as possible. When thoroughly mixed, add the second half and repeat. Finally add the cooled, melted white chocolate and fold in to mixture. When all ingredients are combined, split the mixture between the three cake tins and bake for 18 – 20 minutes.

•When baked, remove from oven, leave to stand for 5 minutes and then turn out onto cooling tray and allow to cool completely.

DECORATING TECHNIQUES PREPARE CHOCOLATE COLLAR To complete your cake with a professional finish, a chocolate collar can

White Chocolate Ganache 300g Double Cream 400g White Chocolate Cranberry Filling 100g Frozen Cranberries 50g Golden Caster Sugar 25g Water To Decorate (optional) Chocolate Transfer Sheet 200g Melted White Chocolate

By rachel ellis be made using chocolate transfer sheets. Measure the required size. For a 20cm, three layer cake you will need approximately 65cm x 8cm cut from your transfer sheet.This will need to be done in two pieces.

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water, ensuring the water does not come into contact with the bowl. When melted and smooth, transfer to a clean, cold, bowl to cool for 30 minutes. When the mix is cooled spread a layer onto the transfer sheets using a pallet knife. Allow to set while you prepare your cake.

LAYER CAKES Place the first layer of your cake onto your cake stand and cover with a thick layer of white chocolate ganache. Turn the second layer over and spread with the cranberry filling before sandwiching together. Repeat, and add the third sponge layer. Now coat the top of the cake and the sides with the remaining white chocolate ganache. Before the ganache sets, wrap your chocolate collar around the cake and cover the top with desiccated coconut. Chill the cake in the fridge for an hour before carefully peeling the acetate away from your chocolate collar.

Designer tips • As an alternative to working with chocolate transfer sheets, the cake could be completely covered in desiccated coconut for an effective finish.

• Store the cake in the fridge, allowing it to return to room temperature before serving.

PHOTO CREDITS rachel ellis

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divine project

Take your Dremel® Moto-Saw™ and simply follow our step-by-step guide below!

DIFFICULTY RATING



INTERMEDIATE

SNOWY VILLAGE DIORAMA

Make a beautiful snowy scene with backlights to illuminate your home this Christmas.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS Dremel®Moto-Saw™ with coarse wood cutting blades MS51 Fine wood cutting blades MS52 and the metal cutting blade MS53 Dremel®3000 with Flexshaft attachment 225 Dremel®107 Engraving Cutter or 7105 4.4mm Diamond Wheel Point, Dremel®Wood Drill Bit Set 636 (6mm drill bit), Dremel® Multi-purpose Spiral Cutting Bit 561, Dremel®Multi-Chuck 4486 Dremel®Glue Gun 940 and 11mm wood glue sticks 3cms x 28cms 3mm MDF 45cms x 36cms 9mm MDF 9cms x 4cms 18mm MDF 50cms x 10cms 18mm MDF 37.5cms x 19 cms piece of white frosted soft acrylic LED strip light: 34cm long MAKE IT UP TIP: only use one pencil at a time with this guide to get a perfect line each time • First you need to make a drawing tool to help you draw two parallel semi-circles.

So, take your piece of 3cms x 28 cms 3mm MDF and put a screw 15mm in from one end so that just the tip protrudes. Then mark up a point 16cms and 22.5cms from the screw. This will give you both positions to fit a pencil through each point.

Then take your Dremel 3000 and the 6mm wood drill bit and drill a hole at each point. Widen the holes, if necessary, to fit each one, tightly, with a pencil.

• Mark up the piece of MDF you are going to draw the parallel semi-circles onto. This will become the wooden frame for your snowy scene.

• Mark up points 4cms apart all along the longest edge of your 45cms x 36cms piece of 9mm MDF. Then find the centre point between those points and make an indent at this point with a screw. Take the drawing tool you have made in Step 1, put the screw point in the indent you have made and scribe/draw the two parallel semi circles.

• Draw five Christmas trees onto the top semi-circle at varying heights, ranging between 6.5cms, 7cms and 8cms, with the largest one in the centre.

• At the bottom edge, draw a rolling foreground allowing at least 2cms from the lowest point of your drawing to the bottom edge of the piece of MDF. Cut out the waste MDF between your rolling foreground and the bottom semi-circle line. To do this, use your Dremel 3000 and the Dremel Multi-purpose Spiral Cutting Bit 561 to make an access hole into the part you will be removing.

• Pass the Dremel Moto-Sawblade through it and cut following your lines. Remove the waste MDF.And finally, cut out the Christmas trees that you drew previously, using

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your Moto-Saw with coarse wood cutting blade MS51.

• Take your piece of 37.5cms x 19cms white frosted soft acrylic and place it in position behind the wooden cut out frame of your snowy scene that you have just made. Move your piece of acrylic up a centimeter to allow you to fit your LED light beneath it. Draw around the inside edge of your wooden frame onto the acrylic to give you a guide to the area on which to draw your snowy village scene.

• Draw your snowy village scene onto the piece of soft acrylic, freehand. Engrave your drawing into the acrylic using yourDremel® 3000 fitted with the Flexshaft and Multi-Chuck and the Dremel®107 Engraving Cutter –or use the 7105 4.4mm Diamond Wheel Point if you want a thicker engraved line.

• If you need to trim the edges of your piece of soft acrylic to fit behind your frame, make sure that you allow enough room on each side to be able to glue it to the frame. Use your Dremel Moto-Saw with the coarse wood cutting blade MS51. Glue it into place behind the frame using your Dremel Glue Gun and 11mm wood glue stick.

• Make the supports for your frame. Draw a diagonal line from edge to edge on your piece of 9cms x 4cms 18mm MDF and cut along this line on the Dremel Moto-Saw using the fine wood blade.

• Glue your supports to the back of your frame. To do this, mark an upright line the height of the supports at 90 degrees, 3.5cms in from each end of your frame. Put a bead of hot wood glue using your Dremel Glue Gun 940 onto the supports.

Carefully position the supports onto the frame, flush with the edge of the base and the guide line, and hold for 5/10 seconds, applying pressure.

• Make the base for your diorama/picture to sit on. Take your 50cms x 10cms piece of 18mm MDF and mark a line down the length of it, 3cms in from each end. Mark up the centre point. Mark up the centre point of the wooden frame. Run a bead of hot wood glue using your Dremel Glue Gun 940 along the edge of the bottom edge of the wooden frame which mates with the base. Carefully position your frame, acrylic picture and supports onto the centre mark and the line you’ve drawn and stick in place. Apply pressure until bonded.

• Now using your Dremel Glue Gun 940 and 11mm wood glue, stick the plastic coated LED lightcentrally tight up against the back of the painted wooden frame beneath the acrylic picture.

• To finish, carefully paint the wooden frame white and decorate with a sprinkling of silver glitter.

All materials in this project are available at www.tool-shop.co.uk www.dremel-direct.com

November 2012

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WIN THIS !

Drem

el Mo to ÂŁ99.9 -Saw 9

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Go to page 8 8 inform for more ation.

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November 2012

Handy Holdall

by Kira Withers-Jones

NO TIME TO SEW? We love thisâ&#x20AC;Ś East Embroidered Felt Bag ÂŁ45

photo credits kira withers-jones

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November 2012

DIVINE MAKE Make a simple bag as a practical eco-aware Christmas gift – perfect for shopping for all the essentials. Turn to page 93 to download the pattern. By Kira Withers-Jones

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It’s great to give handmade gifts and especially so when they are useful.

Make this roomy bag from patterned cotton and co-ordinating coloured binding – you could create a different look for each of your friends.

materials 50cm patterned fabric 3m co-ordinating bias binding Matching sewing thread Sewing machine Scissors and pins

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method of work step 1 This bag is sewn together using French seams for extra strength and to keep the edges really neat. First of all, lay the two main pieces of bag on top of each other with wrong sides together. Sew a narrow seam of approx. 4mm. step 2 Turn the bag inside out so that the right sides are together and sew a seam of approx. 6mm. (Image 1) STEP 3 Attach the main part of the bag to the base in the same way by putting the wrong sides of the base and the bag together and sewing a 4mm seam, then turning the other way out and sewing a 6mm seam.

Ensure that the notches of the base line up with the side seams of the bag while you’re doing this. (Image 2) STEP 4 Attach the handles by again sewing a 4mm seam with wrong sides together then a 6mm seam with the right sides together. Ensure that each end of the handle meets with the same side of the bag rather than crossing over to the other side.

STEP 5 Cut 140cm bias binding. Leaving 8cm un-stitched, sew the bias binding to the top of the bag by placing the right side of the binding on the wrong side of the bag with edges level and stitch in the first fold. Stop 8cm before the end of the bias binding. (Image 3) STEP 6 Hold the binding against the top of the bag and pin where the two pieces meet as if it were all one seam. Sew these pieces together then trim any excess binding and press the seam open. Stitch along the fold line to fill-in the gap. (Image 4) STEP 7 Fold the bias binding over the top of the bag and along the fold line so that it looks neat and stitch close to the edge all the way around.

STEP 8 Repeat steps 5 to 7 with 80cm bias binding inside the handles.

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DESIGNER TIPS • My local fabric shop often has big bins of fabric remnants that they sell off for £1.49 per metre. Most of these are curtain-weight fabrics and they’re perfect for making this bag. At that price I can make plenty for all sorts of purposes.

• Bags easily get dirty, especially when used every day, but this bag can just be popped in the washing machine with the rest of your washing. Simple!

• This method of attaching bias binding is a little unusual but gives a much neater result. I learnt it from a fledging pattern company called Collette who provide very thorough instructions with all their patterns.

Stockists East www.east.co.uk

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November 2012

PRODUCT TEST

By Maggie Jones.

Eco Friendly Crocheted Bag  I was really excited to receive this kit to make a crochet bag. This bag kit comes with components and instructions to make a chunky crochet hand bag. I love the texture of the yarn and it appealed even more when I realised its eco credentials. The fabric part of the bag is made by recycling high range fabrics left over by the textile industry. The hook is made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable woods available. The items you can make using this kit are as suitable for beginners as experts. By Maggie Jones.

MATERIALS • ‘Hoooked Zpagetti’ Milano Handbag kit (includes instructions) • Scissors • Measuring tape • Hand sewing needle • Matching sewing thread • Large eye needle • Beads with large holes TESTING THE KIT Simply follow the instructions which come with the pack. As the yarn is re-cycled, weights and thickness can vary, so make a test piece first to check tension and size. Alter if necessary to add/delete stitches.

I followed the pattern exactly, although as a total beginner, I was unsure if the pattern was correct. However, as you work up several rows, the pattern begins to appear. Remember after making the rectangle with horizontal ribs, you turn it through 90º giving vertical ribs.To decorate the bag, you can make your own bag-charm or crochet flower. I used a cluster of yarns and tied beads onto the end of each strand.

MAGGIE’S HINTS • The X symbol in the instructions doesn’t mean ‘this is the wrong way’; it’s a notation for how to do double crochet stitch.

• The very first row is a chain stitch – keep this fairly loose, so that when you crochet the sides together you can go into the loops easily.

• Ensure that you make a turning chain at the start of each row, otherwise your crocheted piece will start to resemble a triangle!

• Check on the websites – I found the Australian site www.zpagetti.com.au particularly helpful.

RESOURCES This kit was supplied by dmc creative who market ‘hoooked zpaghetti’ products.

STOCKIST INFO www.dmccreative.co.uk FOR DESIGNS www.zpagetti.com.au BEADS www.docrafts.co.uk 76

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PHOTO CREDITs MAGGIE JONES

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Paper craft

PIC CREDITS JOAN GORDON 78

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November 2012

CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS Gift bags can make an gift extra special, more so when it has been created by hand. By Sharon Williams.

When you see the Christmas bags you have made containing special gifts sitting under the tree just waiting to be opened, the feeling you get is somewhat magical. Each gift bag can be tailored to fit the size of your presents or to suit the tastes of the recipient. These instructions are easy to follow, use them to make traditional or contemporary designs.

materials & equipment

• • • • • • •

Medium paper bag - plain to decorate/colour yourself White cardstock slightly smaller than the front of the bag All purpose crafting glue Scissors Die cutting embossing machine Embossing folder Christmas tree die or pre cut

• • • • • • •

Poinsettia die or pre cut poinsettia motif Thin ribbon Distress ink Christmas greeting stamp/pre stamped sentiment Die cut shape for greeting sentiment Stickles/glitter glue Christmas tree

TRADITIONAL STYLE BAG

STEP 1 Emboss the card with the design of your choice.

STEP 2 Cut 4 thin strips of red glitter card to fit around the edges of your embossed card and glue in place.

STEP 3 Gently, working in from the edge use your distress ink to add colour to your embossed design / edge of the card.

STEP 4 Glue this card to the front of your paper bag.

STEP 5 Now glue on the Christmas tree die.

STEP 6 Cut three pieces of your chosen ribbon and cut to the same length, cutting each end at an angle.

STEP 7 Glue the top of each ribbon and position these under where you will place the poinsettia at the desired angle. Gently twist each ribbon. After the first twist approx. 1½ - 2cm, dab on a spot of glue and hold the ribbon in place until secure. Now twist the remaining ribbon as before, adding a dab of glue on the end to finish.

STEP 8 Put together your die cut poinsettia or stick down your readymade poinsettia, on top of the end of the ribbons.

STEP 9 Stamp out your greeting and attach it to the die cut shape. Use distress inks to create a decorative edge if you wish and attach it to the opposite side of the poinsettia.

STEP 10 On your Christmas tree you can add some crystal stickles in a swag design. Spread it across the whole tree, add gems or further decorations.

RESOURCES Ribbon and card – Dandie Crafts, Treforest - www.dandiecrafts.co.uk A4 Card – Papermill Direct Online - www.papermilldirect.co.uk Plain paper bags – Paperchase - www.paperchase.co.uk Grand Calibur die cutting machine & dies – Spellbinders - www.spellbinderspaperarts.com

To contact Sharon for advice or to purchase any of her work, email her at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

PHOTO CREDIT SHARON WILLIAMS 79

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November 2012

Savoury Snacks

These savoury petite appetisers are packed with flavour and are simple to prepare. For a festive presentation, double the ingredients and wow your guests with the holiday pinwheel wreath!

INGREDIENTS Packet of ready rolled puff pastry ½ cup of regular cream cheese ¼ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese 4 teaspoons of snipped fresh rosemary method

STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lay the dough out on a smooth side of the large grooved cutting board. Cut the dough with the pizza cutter into long strips.

STEP 2 Place the cream cheese in a small batter bowl. Grate the parmesan cheese over the batter bowl using the deluxe cheese grater. Snip the rosemary using kitchen shears and add this to the cheese mixture. Mix well using the small Mix’ N Scraper. Using a small spreader, spread the pastry with the cheese mix within ¼” of the edges.

STEP 3 Starting at the short side, roll up each rectangle. Pinch the edges to seal. Cut each roll crosswise into six slices using the pizza cutter for a total of 24 slices. Place the slices, cut side down on a medium round stone with handles. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven to a stackable cooling rack. Serve warm using the mini serving spatula. variation Holiday Pinwheel Wreath: Double ingredients for pinwheels. Slice each roll into four slices for a total of 32 slices. Arrange 11 slices in a slightly overlapping circular pattern, leaving a 5 inch diameter opening in the centre of baking stone. Arrange remaining slices outside of the first ring, slightly overlapping each other but not touching the first ring. Bake 18-20 mins or until golden brown.

Roasted Red Pepper & Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade INGREDIENTS 100g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, well-drained and patted dry 10g fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, peeled 50g pitted kalamata olives (drained weight), drained and patted dry 25g walnut halves, toasted and cooled 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 200g roasted red peppers from a jar (drained weight), well-drained and dry, diced method

STEP 1 Place sun-dried tomatoes in (250 ml) Prep Bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 20–30 seconds or until slightly softened. Allow to cool.

STEP 2 Combine parsley, garlic, olives and walnuts in Manual Food Processor. Cover and pump handle until coarsely chopped.

STEP 3 Add tomatoes, olive oil and vinegar; cover and process until coarsely chopped.

Add red peppers; cover and process to desired consistency, removing lid and scraping down sides of bowl as necessary using Mini Mix ‘N Scraper®.

Transfer tapenade to serving dish and serve.

RESOURCES JO BANKS - Independent Director Pampered Chef W www.pamperedchef.biz/jobanks B jospamperedchefparty.blogspot.co.uk P +44 (0)790 9774893 81

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divine wine

photo credits JENNY ROLFE

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sloe berries

rose hips November 2012

Making wine at home If you like wine and resent paying supermarket or wine store prices, why not make your own?

It’s easy, athough you will have to be patient as it usually takes a year before you can bottle and enjoy the results of your labours.

By Jenny Rolfe.

My maternal grandmother reckoned you could make wine out of just about anything (potato peelings being a particular speciality), however I would leave experimenting with bizarre ingredients until you have had some practice and gained confidence!

Wine making in the UK involves two seasons, spring and autumn. Foraging for ingredients is very satisfying, gives you good exercise and keeps the cost of your wine down.

In spring I pick dandelions when they have just come out.

The flowers make a light white wine which has a delicate flavour and is drinkable on its own or with light pasta dishes or fish. In autumn, if the weather has been kind, blackberries, elderberries, sloes and hawthorn berries all produce red wines of varying depth and flavour.

Elderberry is my personal favourite and at its best is the equivalent of a very good Burgundy.

Equipment 1 gallon (4.5 litre) or larger white bucket with lid. Don’t get coloured ones because the dye can leach into your wine.

Large plastic funnel Demijohn Demijohn corks (which have a hole for the fermentation lock) Fermentation lock Long handled brush (for cleaning out demijohns) 3 ft./1m minimum length of plastic tubing for siphoning wine Fruit of your choice Sugar Yeast (dried instant works for me but you can buy specialist wine yeasts) Wine bottles (6 per demijohn) Corks (either plastic or real cork – you can also use the screw-tops of existing wine bottles) Camden tablets (for sterilising buckets, demijohns etc.)

litres). Heat 2 pints (1.1 litres) water gently (do not boil, it only needs to be warm) and add sugar. For dry wine use 2.5 lbs sugar (1 kg 135 gms) or for medium use 3 lbs sugar (908 gms). Stir until all the sugar is dissolved, take off the heat and add to the fruit in the bucket.Top up with the balance of water and stir. It should be lukewarm. Add the yeast and put the lid on. Keep in a warm place (an airing cupboard or by a radiator is ideal) and leave for a week.

Step 2 Sterilise a demijohn (as you did for the bucket) and pour some of the sterilised water into the fermentation lock in the cork in readiness. Put the bucket of wine on a work top and the demijohn on the floor with the funnel in it. Take your tubing and put it into the bucket, then suck!! Before you get a mouthful of ‘nearly’ wine, put the end in the demijohn and transfer it, leaving behind as much sediment in the bucket as possible. This will become easier with practice! Put in the cork with its fermentation lock and leave in a warm place until you see a good sediment forming in the bottom.

Repeat the siphoning procedure into a clean demijohn.

Step 3 Wait until the wine has cleared completely and then you are ready to bottle it – and drink! None of this faffing around waiting until it’s matured. It’s ready now! Cheers!

METHOD Step 1 Sterilise your bucket with a Camden tablet crushed between 2 teaspoons (otherwise they don’t dissolve).

Pour out the sterilised water and put your fruit in the bucket, crushing by hand to release as much juice as possible. Each batch of wine takes 8 pints of water (9 85

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CREATIVE DIVA MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

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CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.3

MY-

CREATIVE DIVA

Inspired reading for creative hands

ISSUE No.2

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

in this issue

96

PACKED PAGES of Christmas shopping, inspiring interviews, news, reader offers and competitions plus 11 easy HOW TO MAKES

in this issue

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EASY STEP BY STEPS

PACKED PAGES of inspiring interviews, news, shopping, reader offers and competitions plus 10 easy HOW-TO MAKES

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST EXCLUSIVE feature article!

Win a Diva Makeover

beth forbes-simpson shows you how

Queensland Ballet Company photo & artistic direction alexia sinclair

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.1

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Inspired reading for creative hands

See for yourself how the experts can make a woman feel special and look beautiful!

CAKE DECORATING EASY STEP BY STEPS! in this issue

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See for yourself how the experts can make a woman feel special and look beautiful!

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WIN THIS! Dremel Moto-Saw £99.99 It is a compact and easy-to-use scroll saw for making detailed cuts in different materials. This user-friendly scroll saw is not only easy to store and set-up, but also easy to operate.

HOW TO ENTER • Email competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win this tool • Attach this code: DREMEL MOTO-SAW WIN – MCD 3 • Add your name, address and email • The lucky winners will be published in Issue 5 of MCD • CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES – 25TH NOVEMBER 2012 Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No staff or family members of MCD staff are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to Dremel for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes. The name of the winner will be published in issue 5 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include this text in your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. Competition is available to UK residents only.

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GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS!

This Christmas show how much you care with a gift of handmade bespoke jewellery made by Nicky Townsend.

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe how little it costs to purchase a one of a kind piece that will last for years to come.

Enchanted Handmade Jewellery P 08432 891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com

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market place

Scizza Make slicing pizza a doddle. Scizza is an alternative to the traditional pizza wheel combining hardened German stainless steel and a non-stick safe nylon base. With a unique spatula on the bottom blade, simply slide under the pizza and cut. £19.95 Company Prezzybox.com W www.prezzybox.com P 0844 2495 007

Alessi Anna Kitchen Timer This is the perfect combination of style and whimsy for your kitchen and handy for letting you know when your food is ready! £42 Company Red Candy W www.redcandy.co.uk P 0121 2247728

Wesco Classic Line Bread Bin Brilliantly polished stainless steel with gorgeous red powder coating. £54 Company Red Candy W www.redcandy.co.uk P 0121 2247728

Hot Pot BBQ This fully-functioning barbeque grill, contains a little secret. Once the party is over, and the coals have cooled, you can simply place the lid on and – bam – it’s a terracotta herb planter. £89 Company Prezzybox.com W www.prezzybox.com P 0844 2495 007

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November 2012

Solmate Recycled Virgin Cotton Socks From Vermont USA a wonderful range of multicoloured socks, as the saying goes life is too short for matching socks up. Made from recycled virgin cotton left over from other garment manufacture and saved from landfill. 80% cotton, 19 nylon and 1% lycra for durability. £12.95 Company Shoreline W www.shoreline.uk.com P 0844 6696 434

Cocoon Terra Bio ethanol Fire The fabulous Terra bio ethanol fire from Cocoon fires uses high quality liquid bio ethanol, which is exceptionally clean, safe & environmentally friendly and also provides plenty of cosy heat for up to six hours per 1.5 litre refill. £2580 Company Go Modern Furniture W www.gomodern.co.uk P 0207 7319 540

Paisley Rose Recycled Foil-lined Lunch Bag Recycled plastic paisley rose design insulated lunch bag/cool bag with zip closure and carrying handles. £4.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146

Ivory Indoor Compost Bin Ivory metal compost bin with rubber sealed lid to help keep in food smells and internal removeable plastic bucket for easy removal and cleaning. £19.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146

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November 2012

HOLDALL BAG PATTERN ENLARGE THIS PATTERN Use this pattern as your template to make the bag designed by Kira Withers-Jones on pages 74 and 75. It makes a perfect gift for eco-aware friends or a personal bag that you can use for your day to day shopping!

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next month

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.4

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

DIYMakes!

• • • • • • •

Paper craft Floristry update Wonderful wine Cake decorating Jewellery creations Simple sewing projects Glorious food to make and eat!

win a make-over • Expert Beauty tips!

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFERS

Lavera are giving away products!

‘It’s easy to keep warm while looking great’!

Fashion Update BY KIRA WITHERS-JONES Scaline London – Penny Leggings £99.00 and Kyra Black Jersey Blazer £219.00 PHOTO CREDIT - PRShots.com Reference Number- 105005

Win a make-over! Start the new year with a stylish new look!

Expert Beauty Tips, REVIEWS, Travel & More!

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ONLINE 7TH december – GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION FOR CHRISTMAS! 94

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November 2012

DIVINE DESIRE DON’T MISS THIS! The fabulous event that every jewellery Diva will want to visit this November…

The Guildhall, Winchester 16-18 November 2012 Our next Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair will take place in Winchester from 16-18 November. This year the event features 80 designer makers including a display by a talented group of British silversmiths under the banner of ‘Festival of Silver’. There is an enormous variety of jewellery available and the event features jewellers working in gold, silver, aluminium, brass, titanium, niobium, copper, bronze and platinum and incorporate glass, enamelwork, gemstones, pearls and beads into their work. All exhibitors have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.

Anyone celebrating a special occasion may also like to speak to the makers about commissioning bespoke pieces of jewellery or silverware.

Several visitors in the past have commissioned engagement or wedding rings at the event and by working with the designer maker, have been able to have input into the design and come up with something that means so much more and is completely individual. Many of the makers will also be happy to speak about remodelling jewellery to give it a more contemporary feel.

View our Facebook gallery to see what’s on show!

Visit the Desire Fair at Winchester this year and receive a £4 off voucher for admission to our Christmas Fair at RHS Garden Wisley.

W www.desirefair.com P 01622 747325 95

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November 2012

Are you following us yet? jump on the social network bandwagon @mycreativediva

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