MCD Issue 7

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.7

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

IN THIS ISSUE CREATIVE MAKES HOME DÉCOR, FASHION INSPIRATIONAL READING SHOPPING, NEW COMPETITIONS

MAKE THIS! PAGE 73

SPRING ISSUE NTH HEMISPHERE AUTUMN ISSUE STH HEMISPHERE MEET MOSAIC ARTIST

SANDRA ROBERTSON 1

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Share some pink lemonade with your family and friends as you welcome ‘Spring’ into your garden The recipe can be found on page 78.

DOBBIES VILLARS WOODEN STORAGE BOX SET OF TWO PRICE £15.00 2

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DUST STORM OFF THE COAST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Image by tugboat worker Brett Martin, Australia.

JOAN GORDON EDITOR IN CHIEF

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n my walks in the Welsh country side I’ve been delighted to see clusters of snowdrops, wild primrose and daffodils popping up their cheery heads. Whilst those readers living in the northern hemisphere celebrate the end of winter and welcome the spring, in the southern hemisphere autumn approaches hence our dual leaf imagery on the front cover. Today before you open this issue, may I suggest that we all stop and consider those living in the UK and abroad who have suffered severe flooding, cyclones, bush fires or snow storms in the past few months. The media drop these stories of hardship and devastation once the initial drama has passed but the ongoing problems are a day to day challenge to be faced by those directly involved in these catastrophes. If you know of a family or community needing help, gather a few Makers together, organize a fund raising event and donate either direct to those in need or to their local council or rotary club. Ensure that the funds you raise go where it will do the most good.

Safataj© | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

Embrace the season, Joan

Alexseleznyov© | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 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 MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EVERY MONTH

DIVA INTERVIEWS

06 This Month’s Divas 08 Editor’s Special Guest 24 Diva Reading

12 Christina Kim 18 Emma Baird 20 Ali Kerr

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DIVA PROJECTS 62 Faux Enamel Bracelet 64 Scarf Necklace 66 Jewellery Kit Review 70 Mood Enhancing Gems 75 Create a Garden Studio 78 Make a Pillow Cushion 82 Pink Lemonade 73 Easter Treats

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FEATURES 31 Divine Information – Sharing 52 Divine Fashion – Spring Florals 57 Divine Beauty – Masks

FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDIT SUBBOTINA | DREAMSTIME.COM©

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THIS MONTH’S DIVAS SANDY ROBERTSON MOSAIC DIVA

Sandy lives in her rambling Queenslander home, which also houses OzMosaics – a professional mosaic studio, which spills out poolside and into their quirky mosaic garden. Sandy has been creating contemporary mosaics for over 14 years. Sandy’s passion for mosaics keeps her exploring and pushing the mosaic boundaries, using a diverse mix of materials and substrates. Students flock to her workshops starting with beginner level and then advancing to “over the top” 3-D mosaics. Husband Dave, is busy running the business, studio and online shop, customer enquiries, bookings, installations and project management.

E sandy@ozmosaics.com.au/mosaic W http://www.ozmosaics.com.au F (+617) 38474873 P (+617) 38474873

CHRISTINA KIM FASHION DIVA

Recognising the dissatisfaction of many women with readyto-wear fashion, Christina saw a gap in the market that could only be filled by the bespoke process. Having spent six years in the UK and Europe, she fell in love with the cloth houses of Soho, explored the fabric markets in Paris and saw in action what is generally considered to be a dying art; having your clothes made to measure. Bringing these experiences back to her hometown of Brisbane, Christina has grown her business based on a true enjoyment of collaboration and a desire to help her clients feel unique and amazing.

E info@christinakim.com.au W www.christinakim.com.au P +61 447 009 437

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THIS MONTH’S DIVAS EMMA BAIRD

JEWELLERY DIVA

Emma & her mother Gil launched Scotland’s first Metal Clay Training Centre, back in 2007. Art Clay Scotland has introduced literally hundreds of students to the pleasures of metal clay. Emma has written over 30 tutorials for magazines, had her published in many books and has won multiple awards. Last year Emma and Gil realised a dream as they opened their gallery, The ACS Jewellery Studio in Edinburgh. Whilst continuing to introduce happy students to metal clay for Art Clay Scotland, and hand pick designers to showcase their work in the gallery. Emma has embarked on a new venture - the launch of her jewellery brand “Badger & Baird”.

E baird.emma@gmail.com W www.acsjewellerystudio.com W www.artclayscotland.com F www.facebook.com/badgerandbaird F www.facebook.com/artclayscotland F www.facebook.com/acsjewellerystudio

ALI KERR

COMMUNICATION DIVA

Working in the creative industries for almost 20 years, Ali is fuelled by Design Thinking and Education and the space where she believes the two meet, the place you can find her more often than not, Billy Blue College of Design.

Bringing with her a history in research, marketing, theatre and design this is her second year in the job as Program Manager for the boutique Brisbane Design School that has been so successful in Sydney, and from the sounds of it she can’t wait to see what 2013 brings.

E ali@alikerr.com.au

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MOSAIC DIVA SANDY ROBERTSON

OZ MOSAICS CELEBRATIONS 8

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OZ MOSAICS AUSTRALIA ZOO

MOSAIC DIVA SANDY ROBERTSON I first discovered the technique of mosaic, after viewing a Sunday TV art segment featuring a mosaic artist decorating a lamp shade base with broken china. She was passionate about recycled materials and her words captivated me. After many years in the fashion industry and previously owning an art/crafts store, I already had a garage overflowing with textiles, laces and a diverse collection of odds and ends to fuel my mosaic fire. The following weekend, we returned home from a football game, to find a treasured, heirloom plate had smashed on the floor (others blamed the cat, but I feel destiny had a hand in it). Excitedly, I collected the china pieces and rummaged in our garage for an old pot of tile adhesive and a hammer. I ran to our garden where we had an old bathtub that was still waiting to be renovated. It had been raining, but I didn’t care as I worked away, up to my ankles in mud. My fingers flew and the mosaic grew before my eyes. I added other items including mirror and only stopped when darkness fell. The mosaic bug had bitten badly! I knew then that mosaics would take over my life. The mosaic bathtub still sits in our garden, a special reminder of where it all started.

Apart from client commissions, workshops and several large community anniversary murals in 2013, my current focus is working on the release of MOSI (Mosaic Online School Int.). Students may enrol in MOSI, to keep updated with mosaic tips/tricks, online tutorials, exciting mosaic projects and more! I have introduced new smalti workshops this year and students will select from over 264 colours of Dynasty smalti!

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OZ MOSAICS CHINA TORSO

INTERVIEW CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE March 2013

SANDY ROBERTSON INTERVIEW CONTINUED

We will return to Christmas Island (which is off the coast of Australia) working with members of CIAA for Stage 2 of the massive seat project and I am excited to start work on the Great Wall of mOZ – a huge mosaics wall surrounding OzMosaics.

Where are you living in Australia?

OzMosaics Studio is located at Coorparoo, Brisbane, Queensland, close to the city.

How did you become interested in mosaics?

After gluing down the first tile, I could see the endless mosaic possibilities - I want to cover the world in mosaics from garden pots to skyscrapers!

Did you study the art of mosaic or are you self taught?

I am self-taught. I knew what I wanted, I didn’t’ want to get side-tracked, so I set out experimenting with tools, materials and cements, pushing the limits, always learning, discovering much along the way, finding solutions and sharing mosaic tips and tricks.

What makes your work so unique?

I am passionate about 3-D mosaics with many layers.When china, mirror, glass bottles and found objects combine with traditional materials such as smalti, gold, marble, glass and ceramic my mosaic palette overflows. Concrete fascinates me - it is more art than adhesive.

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

I hand cut my mosaic tesserae (mosaic materials). I could not live without my Leponitt mosaic cutter tool. I invented the “Handy Sandy” which allows one to cut in bed, the bath, the car with no mess! Other favourite tools are a glass/metal tile file, a mosaic scorer/breaker tool, safety glasses, a hammer and a standard tile nipper.

What led you to decide to set up a professional business?

Demand for my workshops, mosaic commissions and our mosaic supplies soon had me out of the garage.We added a purpose built studio/shop/teaching space. Working from a home base studio is perfect as I can work and enjoy my family simultaneously.

What has been the most exciting commission that you have worked on to date?

The Steve Irwin International Mosaic Tribute - truly art from the heart! An emotional time working with my mosaic addicts group for many months at OzMosaics studio to piece together hundreds of mosaics, contributions from around the world! Laticrete Australia generously donated adhesives and grout. The mural panels were installed at Australia Zoo in 2008.

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When planning your workshop schedule, what is the most crucial factor that you have to consider?

My workshops start with a warning “making mosaics is addictive”. I have to check that students are not hiding under the workbench - a common comment is “we want to move in forever”. It is also very important that students understand the basics of mosaics – how to prepare the substrates, select appropriate adhesives and materials for outdoor installations – it’s no good making beautiful art if it falls apart in the weather.

When you need some time out, how do you wind down?

I flop on my diva couch, grab some chocolate and watch movies for a day! Sometimes we zoom out in our boat on Moreton Bay and walk the sandy shores, collecting shells for my mosaics. A trip to the markets and op shops is always fabulous; stopping for a bunch of huge sunflowers.

A glass of bubbles doesn’t go astray either...

OZ MOSAICS WALL MURAL

If you would like to attend a workshop with Sandy, purchase materials, commission a piece or view more of her work, you will find her details below.

W http://www.ozmosaics.com.au E sandy@ozmosaics.com.au/mosaic F (+617) 38474873 P (+617) 38474873 PHOTO CREDIT SANDY ROBERSTON March 2013

SANDY ROBERTSON INTERVIEW CONTINUED

OZ MOSAICS NORFOLK ISLAND MURAL

OZ MOSAICS HONG KONG

OZ MOSAICS POOL WALL 11

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OZ MOSAICS POOL FEATURE March 2013

FASHION DIVA

CHRISTINA KIM

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FASHION DIVA CHRISTINA KIM Christina is an Australian, Brisbane-based Designer Dressmaker who established her Bespoke Womenswear business with the aim of reigniting women’s passion for custom made clothing.

CHRISTINA KIM

From initial concept to the finished garment, her role is to enable women to bring their vision to life. Christina saw a gap in the market for women who either knew what they wanted but couldn’t find it or whose figures meant that shopping off the rack wasn’t a satisfying experience. She realised that so much of what appeals to her about the creative process is what defines bespoke tailoring. Christina can create a piece specifically for one woman’s body and style. Here she talks with our international correspondent Elizabeth Zernike, about her passion for bespoke clothing.

You work with your clients in a special way. Could you please explain the process that you use to design a garment for a client?

I’m passionate about the creative process, and sharing it with my clients. From the first meeting to the final fitting, it’s a collaboration in the truest sense. The client always sows the first seed - from something decisive like a colour or the occasion; to something a little less tangible, like the feeling they want the piece to inspire. We create the vision together while I help them navigate through fabric, cut, fit and function to tailor a piece that accentuates their best attributes, taking into account every curve and contour of their body.

How do you market your business?

Since starting the business in 2010, it has grown solely on the basis of word of mouth and client referrals for which I am so grateful.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

I worked as a Chartered Accountant in Australia as well as the UK and Europe for over a decade. This gave me financial freedom and the opportunity to travel extensively. Giving up this freedom to start a business has been the biggest challenge.

I’ve never once regretted taking that leap but it has taught me a lot about myself and what I need to live.

Where do you source the fabrics that you use?

Sourcing the highest quality fabrics was one of my greatest concerns when I established the business. Thankfully I found a Brisbane-based supplier who regularly travels to Europe and brings back the most amazing cottons, silks and laces.

INTERVIEW CONTINUES

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CHRISTINA KIM INTERVIEW

LUCINDA BARTKAITIS

Do you have any advice for brides when they are choosing their wedding gown?

Know yourself. Put aside any preconceived notions of your “dream dress” and take it back to basics. When I first talk to brides I ask them what shapes and silhouettes they generally wear and feel most comfortable in. At the end of the day the dress should reflect you and your style.

Is there a common theme or style that runs throughout your work?

The commonality throughout my work is the feeling that I want it to evoke when worn. Firstly, there is a feeling of effortlessness. I read once that the definition of elegance was being able to forget about what you’re wearing once you’ve put it on. Secondly, there is a feeling of joy. One of my highlights of the past year was seeing a client in her 60s who, upon being zipped into her dress, looked in the mirror and spontaneously broke into the Charleston. “Do you know how hard it is at my age to wear something that makes you feel like that?”

Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?

The collaboration with my clients is what inspires me; taking their ideas and turning them into a beautiful, wearable reality.

How do you relax after a long day of work?

I love nothing better at the end of the day than cooking dinner with a lovely glass of wine in my hand. Exercise has also become more important than ever. Hours of meticulous sewing can wreak havoc on your back!

Do you have a mentor for your business?

I don’t have a mentor but am surrounded by incredible friends and family. They have been right behind me since the outset and each in their own way has provided me with the guidance, love and advice that have enabled me to keep a level head when things have been going crazy.

To view more of Christina’s work her contact details are listed below.

CONTACT DETAILS W www.christinakim.com.au E info@christinakim.com.au P +61 447 009 437 14

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ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE BERNIE KEATING

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GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS!

Show how much you care with a gift of handmade bespoke jewellery made by Nicky Townsend.You won’t believe how little it costs to purchase a one of a kind piece that will last for years to come.

SHOP WITH Enchanted Handmade Jewellery P 08432 891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com 16

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JEWELLERY DIVA EMMA BAIRD 17

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JEWELLERY DIVA

EMMA BAIRD I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience through teaching as well as making jewellery that is feminine, desirable and affordable.

After years of teaching others how to make jewellery Emma is turning her talents to launching her own brand, Badger & Baird. With strong influences from nature Badger & Baird offers a range of unashamedly feminine, yet wearable and affordable silver jewellery.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Yorkshire but we moved to Cornwall and I spent most of my childhood there.

Where do you live now?

I moved to the gorgeous city of Edinburgh when I was around 10 years of age and am still here now.

What is your background and what led you to launch your jewellery brand,“Badger & Baird”?

I started out as a very keen lampworker making my own beads for my jewellery. Whilst researching some such lampwork technique or another I came across a material called metal clay. I gave it a go and was hooked and I went off to do my training. In 2007, my Mum and I were regularly driving around Edinburgh in search of premises, when we finally we found one, we opened Scotland’s first metal clay training centre - Art Clay Scotland. In February of last year we opened our Jewellery Gallery - The ACS Jewellery Studio, where my jewellery is displayed alongside work from several other handpicked designers. My workshop is on the same premises, so I have had ample opportunity for contact with, and feedback about my jewellery, from customers. Because this had been such a positive experience, I felt confident that it is the right time to launch my brand.

Where do you sell your work?

My work is currently for sale at the ACS Jewellery Studio in Edinburgh. I also market it on Facebook, and am currently building my new website.

Where does the “Badger” in “Badger & Baird” come from?

My Grandmothers maiden name was Badger. As a family we all loved it and her. She sadly died a few years ago – it’s a nod to my Grandma.

Please tell us about your sponsored trip to America and how fellow artists gave you the opportunity to fulfil your dream?

Last year I was a finalist in the metal clay category of the Saul Bell Awards with my Rubens Pin.The Awards Ceremony is held in Las

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Vegas every year so flying over for the glamorous event was only a dream. I simply treasured my invite and put it to the back of my mind. Then my friend Kate Churcher suggested she try to raise the money with the help of friends via social media and Facebook. I never in a million years thought she would raise what she did - but to my amazement the Metal Clay community came out in force and showed tremendous support and generosity. I was actually able to fly to Las Vegas to collect my award for being a finalist at the Gala Dinner! It was an incredible experience which I will never forget and has been a real highlight of my career so far.

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

I work with both sterling silver and metal clay. I like the hardness and relative physicality of working with sterling compared to the total softness and malleability of the metal clay. I also like to experiment and try to push the limits of metal clay to see how far I can go. I’ve had some great fun experimenting with metal clay mokume gane (combining silver and copper metal clay, firing them together), with some great results!

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What era of jewellery design do you like the most?

That’s a hard question. I like all era’s of jewellery design. If I really had to pick I’d say Art Nouveau.

With all of this going on what do you like to do to relax?

Looking after all of these aspects to our business can be a real juggling act, so to relax, I turn off my Mac, pop on a DVD and curl up with my little boy. Bliss!

If you’d like to view some of Emma’s work visit her website or pop into her Facebook page.You’ll find all her details below.

CONTACT DETAILS E baird.emma@gmail.comWwww.acsjewellerystudio.com W www.artclayscotland.com F www.facebook.com/badgerandbaird F www.facebook.com/artclayscotland F www.facebook.com/acsjewellerystudio PHOTO CREDITS EMMA BAIRD

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COMMUNICATION DESIGN DIVA

ALI KERR

21 MY CREATIVE DIVAAT BILLY www.my-creativediva.co.uk RUSSELL FENN’S MURAL BLUE BRISBANE

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COMMUNICATION DESIGN DIVA ALI KERR

ALI KERR

As Program Manager of the Communication Design degree at Billy Blue College of Design in Brisbane Ali Kerr is an enthusiastic creative who’s not afraid to get on a soapbox about her passion. Her twitter profile reads, ‘Mad about communicating the message: through design, theatre, voice, word and any other mischievous ways I can...and I love monsters! Brisbane, Australia’.

Ali is a passionate creative living in Brisbane, Australia; her business cards declare “Ali Kerr, Design, Creativity & Mischief”. Inspired daily by pretty much everything; design, theatre, music, art, film, frocks and festivals – no surprises really according to Ali, as she boasts of Brisbane’s amazing creative community where there is always something going on to get the juices flowing.

Would you please tell us about your professional journey and what led you to work at The Billy Blue College of Design?

My background is creativity, my undergrad is in Theatre, my PostGrad is in PR and my Masters is in Digital Design. I’m like a jigsaw, with many different things making up the me that I am today. My professional journey has taken me from Theatre to Customer Service to Marketing to Research and Design to Education, and every one of these experiences influence the way I work today.

What is involved in your role as a Program Manager?

It’s really the ‘back of house’ role, supporting the teachers and students, timetabling, recruiting staff, interviewing potential students, pastoral care and liaising with industry. Picture that image of the duck swimming all calm and cool on the surface with the legs going like crazy underneath the water. As a PM I try to take care of the legs, so the students and teachers can be the ducks floating calmly on the surface.

You are passionate about the convergence of communication and graphic design. Please tell us why these two areas work so well together?

Communication Design is really just the “now” term. It’s called various things from Commercial Art to Graphic Design to Visual Communication and at the moment Communication Design. I think the term describes the practice well, as at Billy Blue we teach the students how to communicate using design.

Where do you find inspiration?

Pretty much everywhere; books, conferences, films, walking down the street, the squillion websites and blogs I scroll through regularly, my colleagues, my family and almost every day the students here at the college.

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ALI KERR INTERVIEW

You work with a wide range of students. Why do you find this rewarding?

I’m always intrigued looking at the world through someone else’s eyes. Maybe it’s the actor in me, but each and every student tackles a problem in a different way and being there to help them along that journey is a learning experience for all of us.

How do you see people working in the creative industries, using technology in the future?

Technology is here to stay and for the creative industries it opens up so many possibilities for method, mediums and magic. The students are constantly showing me fantastic digital applications of their knowledge and creating amazing digital submissions that surprise and excite me.My favourite collaboration at the moment is hard-core digital with seriously old fashioned craftsmanship.

Could you recommend some reading material that stimulates creativity?

I think if you’re in the mood to be inspired you can find it anywhere. Google creativity and there are about 297,000,000 results – a failsafe plan would be to grab a cup of tea, a comfy chair and settle into some videos on Ted.com.

If you had guests for dinner, what would you prepare?

Depends on the guest really… I love to cook so if it was close friends or family I’d experiment and try something new and exciting with seasonal produce, that way if it failed abysmally we could have beans on toast. For new friends it would be something tasty that never fails like crispy skin salmon, or if it was someone I really wanted to impress I would meet them at a restaurant so I could entrust that food part to someone who does it professionally, so I could concentrate on being fascinating.

MY WORK

MY DESK

DOODLE CONTACT DETAILS E ali@alikerr.com.au PHOTO CREDITS ALI KERR 23

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DIVA

Five fabulous books to entertain and inspire you.

By Jennifer Schembri.

WE HAVE A COPY OF A FRONT ROW SEAT UP FOR GRABS FOR ONE LUCKY READER! SIMPLY EMAIL COMPETIONS@MY-CREATIVEDIVA.CO.UK WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS BY THE 30TH OF MARCH 2013 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THIS PRIZE!

A Front Row Seat

by Kirstin Sinclair £29.95 Published by ACC Editions ISBN 978-1-85149-668-6

Photographer Kirstin Sinclair spent seven years documenting countless collections at the fashion weeks in London, New York, Paris and Milan.

The resultant book, A Front Row Seat, features images of shows, exhibitions and after parties, plus the British Fashion Awards and London College of Fashion’s MA shows.

Her own commentary and quotes from other industry insiders put the pictures into context and the chapters are neatly divided into sections: the front row, the editors, the catwalk, the designers, the buyers, backstage, street style and model style.

This is an enchanting and absorbing book that captures many facets of the fashion industry. It paints a bigger picture, taking a look at not just the shows themselves but those who attend and the designers responsible for putting them together.

The stunning photos are testament not just to Kristin’s technical ability but also the rapport that she clearly builds with all of her subjects. My favourite pictures include Gwen Stefani on the catwalk at the Autumn Winter 2010 L.A.M.B. womenswear presentation, and Freja BehaErichsen in the Autumn/Winter 2010 womenswear show with that giant iceburg!

Pure glamour.

Photography: The Whole Story

by Juliet Hacking, £19.95 Published by Thames & Hudson ISBN 978-0-500-29045-3

Telling the whole story of photography in one book is a pretty tall order, but this hefty volume by Juliet Hacking does a pretty good job!

We all take photos regularly, snapping away on our phones and sharing them with the world online, but now that photography is so accessible to everyone, there is a revived interest in the history of the medium and a desire to study the great and the good.

Photography: The Whole Story takes you from its conception and early pioneers (Fox Talbot, Daguerre) and follows its journey through the century as both the technology advanced and the subject matter changed. From early landscapes and portraits to the glamour of film stars and fashion models, it is fascinating to see how photography has evolved from a major scientific breakthrough to an integral part of our society – both as a commercial necessity and an art form.

Key images are picked out and explored both in terms of their construction and their place within society. This book is a comprehensive study, teaching you more about the names you know and offering up plenty of names that you don’t. For anyone with an interest in photography at any level, it is a real gem.

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Multiface(t)s: Style Yourself With Jewelry

by Nathalie Colin, £35 Published by Abrams 978-1-4197-0769-8

If you are a jewellery magpie then no doubt you will be a Swarovski enthusiast too – the name is no longer solely synonymous with crystal animals but with high fashion, and nobody knows this better than Nathalie Colin.

Nathalie is the Creative Director of the Swarovski House, and this book is her way of sharing ‘the effervescence of style ideas that flood the design studio daily.’ Packed with lavish photography and quotes from industry insiders, Nathalie guides you through the art of accessorizing for every occasion, from work wear and weekends to cocktails and clubbing, and everything in between.

The jewellery included covers a whole spectrum of styles; dainty pendants, chunky cuffs, statement bibs, chandelier earrings and my personal favourite – the cocktail ring. Swarovski’s stunning Nirvana Cocktail Ring is now firmly on my wish list in every colour!

If you want to know more about adding a little glitz to your glamour, if are a Swarovski devotee, or if you simply want some style inspiration, then this is the book for you. As stylist Sascha Lilic says, “Jewellery is not just a frivolous embellishment on a woman, but a statement of refined taste. Imagine Chanel without her pearls… it would be like a nice dinner without any salt or spices.”

Secret of Eclairs

by Marianne Magnier-Moreno, £8.99 Published by Murdoch Books ISBN 978-1743361924

I distinctly remember making eclairs in a cookery class at school and being amazed that they turned out well, as they can be particularly hard to master. This was probably beginner’s luck and I can’t say that I’ve made any since, but Secrets of Eclairs has convinced me to give it another go.

Each ingredient is explained in detail, and all the necessary equipment is outlined. This is followed by clear and concise illustrated steps to make the notoriously tricky choux pastry, along with an array of toppings and fillings such as Chantilly cream, chocolate ganache, and crème patissiere.

Sounding tasty? Well now is the time to put aside all thoughts of the classic cream filled and chocolate covered éclair, because the recipes section is packed with tasty looking varieties: Earl Grey, caramelised apple, coconut, passion fruit, mocha and even lime! They come in all different shapes and sizes, and once you have mastered the basics you can let your imagination run wild and try your own fillings, toppings and decorations.

A handy FAQs section will help you avoid all the common pitfalls such as avoiding lumps in pastry and why it doesn’t puff up sometimes.

Art of the 20th Century £27.99 Published Taschen ISBN 978-3-8365-4114-5

Art of the 20th Century does exactly what the title suggests; it takes a comprehensive look at some of the seminal artists and most influential pieces of work of the last century. It is divided into two parts, the first focussing on painting and the second encompassing sculpture, new media and photography.

The book opens with some of the most iconic examples of impressionism from the likes of Monet, Renoir and Degas, before leading you on a journey through the 20th century, as the traditional styles transform into the more experimental works of recent decades.

Accompanying the many images is in depth text discussing various artists and movements, and the significance of their contribution to the art world. The list of names featured is long and covers are vast array of styles and mediums – Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Walker Evans, Helmut Newton, Man Ray to name but a few – and there is a comprehensive listing of artists at the end of the book.

This is an incredibly interesting and useful book for any art lover and I know I will keep referring back to it for many years to come.

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THE WORLD’S FIRST FAIRTRADE & FAIRMINED SILVER JEWELLERY

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FAIR TRADE JEWELLERY

An opportunity to own a piece of the World’s first Fairtrade and Fairmined silver, available exclusively from CRED. CRED Jewellery, the fair trade jewellery pioneers, have brought the world's first Fairtrade and Fairmined silver to the UK, and to celebrate are launching an exclusive pendant to mark a turning point in the future of ethical jewellery.

This landmark launch for silver marks the anniversary of 2 years since Livia Firth walked down the red carpet at the Oscars, wearing the first gold jewellery to be hallmarked with the Fairtrade and Fairmined dual stamp, and following 10 years of pioneering work of CRED Jewellery bringing fairly traded gold directly from the miners to the consumer.

The Silver Ingot Pendant is a Limited Edition design by CRED Jewellery made from the world’s first batch of certified Fairtrade and Fairmined silver. The exclusive pendant is shaped as an ingot and engraved with impressions of the hallmark stamps for Silver and the CRED mark. The ingot has the Fairtrade and Fairmined hallmark, along with the assay, silver and CRED hallmarks.

CRED Jewellery imported the world’s first Fairtrade and Fairmined silver from Sotrami, an artisanal mine located in the Andes, 2,450m above sea level, and 60 miles from the nearest town. As it is the mines that are certified Fairtrade Fairmined, the silver found in smaller quantities alongside the deposits of gold receives the same mark. CRED’s launch of this silver in the UK, a more popular and affordable jewellery choice, means that the opportunity to wear Fairtrade and Fairmined jewellery will be available for a wider number of people.

"It is so exciting to have silver now join gold in this certification, made possible through the increasing demand from consumers for ethical metals."

Alan Frampton, Director of CRED The Limited Edition Fairtrade and Fairmined silver ingots will be available to buy from CRED Jewellery on Monday 25th February. Womens (on 18” chain): £90 Mens (on 22” chain): £100 CRED Jewellery are the pioneers in fairtrade jewellery, leading the way in creating a transparent ethical supply chain whilst offering beautifully designed jewellery collections, wedding and engagement rings.Passionate about creating beautiful ethical jewellery, CRED believe that true beauty goes beyond aesthetics to encompass a responsibility to both people and the planet. CRED Jewellery are the original fair trade jeweller, founded by the human rights and Fair Trade campaigner Greg Valerio in 1996. CRED started by producing jewellery made from recycled silver.

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Starting in 2003, with partners Oro Verde, CRED developed transparent supply chains for gold, which formed the basis of the Fairtrade and Fairmined standard for gold in 2011.

CRED Jewellery: http://www.credjewellery.com/ 020 3176 7836 Fairtrade and Fairmined is an independent ethical certification guarantee of a product which has been responsibly mined and that miners are working in good conditions. The 10% premium paid for the gold ensures a good price to the workers with additional funds to invest in their community. Moreinformation can be found at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/gold/ Receiving the Fairtrade and Fairming standard means that the miners: • Have developed democratic and accountable organisations and formalised all their operations • Are using safe working practices including the management of toxic chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide, used in the gold recovery process • Are respectful with their environment • Recognize the rights of women miners

March 2013

DIVINE BUSINESS

THE PRINTORIUM HARRY POTTER COLLECTION After meeting on the Harry Potter™ film set in 2001, MinaLima developed the distinct visual style seen across all eight films, creating hundreds of unique graphic prop designs, including the Marauder’s Map and The Daily Prophet newspaper. Each print is numbered and embossed; delivered gift wrapped in bespoke packaging with a numbered certificate of authenticity. £49.00

TURN A HOBBY INTO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS – INSURING YOUR BUSINESS

BY NICKY TOWNSEND Following on from the previous issue with more of the formalities of running a small craft business, we will look at business insurance and a small insight into Trading Standards.I can’t stress how important it is to understand all legal requirements before starting up your business, this way you really can avoid any pitfalls in the future!

We live in a society that is more than happy to sue for damages at the drop of a hat.You must cover yourself and your business from all angles. In a nutshell it’s better to be safe than sorry!

INSURANCE Insurance is important to cover yourself, your business and your employees.

One insurance that is required by law is Employers Liability insurance, however this is only required if you employ staff. If your business employs at least one member of staff in addition to yourself, you’re required by law to take out Employer’s Liability insurance.You won’t need this if your business consists only of you or close family members.

It is essential to invest in Public Liability insurance if you intend to run craft workshops or attend 28

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DIVINE BUSINESS craft fairs or markets with members of the public. It offers cover for any accidents or injuries caused by you or your equipment. It is usually a requirement with most event organisers that stallholders must have Public Liability cover of £2 - £5 million.

Product Liability insurance is also advisable. Similar to Public Liability insurance, it provides cover for risks, accidents and injuries that occur as a result of any goods that are produced by you.

Your business equipment and stock will generally not be covered by your house insurance policy.

Your stock and equipment are essential to your business, what happens if you’re burgled or there’s a fire and everything is lost? Arrange separate business insurance to cover this.

If you are offering tuition or write projects or advice that will be published you may need to invest in Professional Indemnity insurance, this offers cover against any claims made for negligent advice.

If your business involves using any vehicles on the road, then you need to ensure insurance is extended to cover business use.

There are insurance brokers out there that deal specifically in insurance for craft businesses.You can find more details on the following websites.

Ian Wallace http://www.craftinsurance.co.uk/ GM Imber http://www.gmimberltd.com/ National Market Traders Federation http://www.nmtf.co.uk/index.php?id_cpg=6 TRADING STANDARDS Trading standards are there to protect the health and safety of the public. As a craft business you are manufacturing a product for the consumer and therefore must adhere to TS rules and regulations.

There are so many regulations for the production of food stuff, cosmetics and jewellery. Many more for toys and clothing intended for children. And then there is correct labelling, weighing and hallmarking to think about.

This is a minefield of information and would probably take up the whole magazine to explain it all in detail. I would recommend visiting the Trading Standards Institute website http://www. tradingstandards.gov.uk/index.cfm where all of the information is freely available. You can also call your local TS office for advice and guidance. They will even arrange to come and see you and go through any safety testing requirements and have a chat about your product with you if you’d like them to.

In next months issue we will move on to writing a successful business plan.

If you missed Nicky’s business advice in issue 6 check out our magazine archive in the ‘My-Creative Diva’ website.

You can find lots of useful advice on business topics on the following websites: Business Link – www.businesslink.gov.uk and 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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BAYSWATER OTTOMAN BED £495.00 The most versatile piece of furniture you’ll ever buy, the Bayswater Ottoman Bed is both a fabulous fold-out guest bed and a contemporary coffee table. Featuring dove grey upholstery and a removable wooden tray table, this versatile ottoman coffee table opens out into a comfortable guest bed, large enough for an adult or two small children. It is a brilliant spacesaver. Measures 90cm x 95cm when closed, folding out to a 90cm x 190cm bed.

COMPANY Alison at Home W www.alisonathome.com P +44 (0) 20 7087 2900

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March 2013

DIVINE INFORMATION

SHARING In the following pages we introduce a new segment of practical and interesting articles from professional artists, designers and business owners who have generously offered to share their knowledge and skill with our readers.This month we welcome: LITERARY DIVA JENNY ROLFE In issue 6 Jenny offered a fascinating insight in the powers and properties of crystals and semi-precious stones. This month she writes about how they can be used to enhance your work space and provide inspirational energy. Read about these magical treasures on pages 32 and 33.

PHOTOGRAPHY DON RICHARD WALSH In Issue 6 Richard shared with us his practical advice with regard to ‘Buying your first camera or updating your old one’ which was published on page 38. This month he looks at investment cameras for the serious hobbyist. You’ll find his suggestions on page 38 and 39.

GLASS & JEWELLERY DIVA DEBORAH DEW Over the next few months Debbie will share with our readers her expertise in lampwork. For all our UK and European readers and those international friends visiting England in April, you may visit Deborah at the ‘Flame Off’ in Northamptonshire on the 5thand 6th of April where she will be selling her stunning beads. Visit page 40 to view her work.

DESIGNER DIVA DEBBIE KERSHAW Debbie joined the team here at MCD with her interview in Issue 4. Debbie is a jewellery maker and TV craft presenter on Ideal Worlds Create and Craft channel and ‘Jewellery Maker’ channel. She is also the resident jewellery designer for Docrafts. On page 44 you’ll the find her next blog that she is contributing to our magazine.

DIVINE ARTISTS NOLITEX On page 34 you will find information about the exhibition titled ‘OUT THERE’.The work was inspired by, and designed for Easton Walled Gardens and they were very pleased that Lady Cholmeley, who owns the garden, welcomed their proposal. The nine members of Nolitex worked for more than 18 months on pieces for this exhibition, the span of which includes screen printing, stitch, felting, mixed media, found objects, wood and recycled textiles including used gloves and vegetable nets, all on a scale befitting the outside setting.

BUSINESS DIVA ALEXANDRA SHEACH Alexandra worked for global household names in Project Management but her career was stagnating, growth options were limited and she felt unfulfilled and unbalanced. She decided to start her own business using skills she’d learned with her employers but found she encountered few women entrepreneurs. In her own words she writes; I thought “Aha! I can change that!” – so she launched ‘The Business of Women’ designed to help other women make the most of their businesses through coaching and networking opportunities. Turn to page 46 to read more.

WINE DON JOE WARREN Joe is a qualified chef by trade and he is currently finishing his Bachelor of Technology (wine) degree. In this and future issues of MCD he will be sharing with us his extensive knowledge about wine and many things related to wine; such as food. He has a passion for Australian wine and enjoys talking and relating to everyone from the uneducated consumer to the qualified winemaker. His article commences on page 48.

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DIVINE SHARING

CRYSTALS FOR WORK Work of any sort forms a considerable part of our lives which makes it important that our working environment is supportive whether it’s a studio, spare bedroom or garage.

By Jenny Rolfe If you are not sure how your work space lies, a cheap compass will solve the problem. Let’s take the cardinal compass points and the four associated elements for a start: EAST Air - for communication, ideas, determination SOUTH Fire - creativity in all its forms WEST Water - empathy, emotions, love, healing NORTH Earth - groundedness, manifestation

ROCK CRYSTALS

BOOSTING IDEAS (AIR) Clear rock crystal is associated with mental agility. Place a tumble stone or other form of this crystal in the Air (East) part of your workspace.

BOOSTING CREATIVITY AND FOR A COMPETITIVE EDGE (FIRE) Bright red stones such as ruby or fire agate placed in the South will fire you up and strengthen your resolve.

CALMING THOSE WAYWARD EMOTIONS! (WATER) Whether it’s frustration with a project that’s not coming to fruition or you’re trying to complete work to a deadline and everything seems to be against you now is the time to put a piece of black obsidian in the west to ground those emotions and help you over any testing times.

LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN! (EARTH) When a brick wall appears and nothing is moving forward place a green stone such as chrysoprase or aventurine in the north to help bring your project to birth (making it manifest).

Remember to clean your crystals from time to time. All those mentioned above can be left in a bowl of salted water on a windowsill for 24 hours, thoroughly dried and then replaced where they can start working for you again.

Join me next month for more detailed information about crystals and how they can work for you.

All the best, Jenny.

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AVENTURINE

OBSIDIAN 33

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DIVINE INTERVIEW

The Members of Nolitex and Lady Cholmeley at Easton Walled Gardens.

Exhibiting Nolitex Members: Judith Burnett, Jean Copsey, Carly Gilliat, Kate Pike, Sally Malloy, Joan Richardson, Janet Wain, Liz Welch (blog: rarelizzie.wordpress.com), Mary Whittaker.

DIVINE ARTISTS NOLITEX “Working with Lady Ursula Cholmeley and her team at Easton Walled Gardens, we have delved into its past, and embraced its present to bring you something a little different, and we hope that visitors enjoy the exhibition, and experience the magic that is art in an out-door space.”

EXHIBITION - OUT THERE! August 2012 was not a good time to have an exhibition in an outside space - the rain fell and the wind blew.This would present challenges to any artist, but you would think it would prove particularly difficult for a group of textile and mixed media artists. However the members of ‘Nolitex’ accepted the challenge and staged their latest exhibition “Out There” in amongst the plants, trees and vegetation of Easton Walled Gardens in Lincolnshire.

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DIVINE INTERVIEW The work was inspired by, and designed for Easton Walled Gardens and they were very pleased that Lady Cholmeley, who owns the garden, welcomed their proposal. The nine members of Nolitex worked for more than 18 months on pieces for this exhibition, the span of which includes screen printing, stitch, felting, mixed media, found objects, wood and recycled textiles including used gloves and vegetable nets, all on a scale befitting the outside setting.

The history of the garden, the people who have influenced, used and shaped the garden and of course the physical garden itself inspired their thinking, which in its turn evolved into works of beauty, humour and pathos.

To see all the work, visitors had to walk the entirety of the garden, from the White Garden to the Apple Store and back to the Pickery. Despite the atrocious weather, everything survived, and indeed some work even took on extra interest due to the weathering. A selection of pieces will be at Fashion Embroidery and Stitch in March.

Art can be transformed by its setting, and bringing these pieces into an inside venue will change how the viewer sees them. They were designed for the outside spaces.

It will be interesting to see if they take on a new life indoors.

The members of Nolitex found the concept of Out There and the outside space challenging in every way.

The main obstacles that they had to overcome were influenced by the choice of materials, logistics, health and safety implications (couldn’t have visitors injured by the art!) and the mechanics of sitting all the work.

In creating the exhibition many visits to the site were required and considerable help from supporters to help display the work using ladders and mallets was essential.

Perhaps the thing that most stretched some of the members, who were used to working on a smaller scale, was the sheer size of the work required so that it was not lost in landscape. What seems large inside can be totally insignificant in an outside space that has no walls and no ceiling. However, that very openness added its own dimension to the exhibition. The shifting sunlight, moving and flickering shadows, the drama of movement set off by the wind, and the space to actually see each individual piece without distractions of other art (other than Nature’s art) close by.

As an encore, Nolitex will open their new exhibition “InsideOut” at the Sam Scorer Gallery in Lincoln in May. This is a body of work developed from the ideas explored in Out There, new work with echoes of the garden and outside spaces.

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Fruit and vegetable nets were transformed by Kate Pike into her version of Chinese Lanterns.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION InsideOut will be at the Sam Scorer Gallery W: www.samscorergallery.co.uk A: 5 Drury Lane, Lincoln LN1 3BN DATES 14th until 26th May 2013 Open every day from 10am – 5pm.

You can meet the artists themselves on Saturday 18th May from 2pm.

RESOURCES W: www.rarebird.ltd.uk W: rarelizzie.wordpress.com E: enquiries@rarebird.ltd.uk P: 0115 9336182 PHOTO CREDITS Nolitex blog - nolitex2009.wordpress.com March 2013

DIVINE INTERVIEW Liz Welch took the human aspect of the garden and turned used gloves into flowers in Digitalis Fanciflora.

There is pure and simple joy in Sally Malloy's Daisy Chains - felted and stitched and glowing with internal sunshine even in the rain.

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Mary Whittakers Up Over resonates with Aboriginal story poles but their colours and patterns are entirely English country garden.

March 2013

DIVINE INTERVIEW Joan Richardson knitted her interpretation of poetry in I Know A Bank.

Janet Wain created Walk The Garden, and indeed, the little people move and sway in the wind as they are on wires.

Giant seed packets in the vegetable garden made by Judith Burnett, transported visitors back to childhood memories of helping in the garden.

Jean Copsey used screen printing with grasses for her double sided “Grasses�.

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DIVINE SHARING

Hello and welcome to my second article focused on my passion for photography. If you are new to My-Creative Diva magazine and have an interest in photography you may wish to read issue 6 where I wrote about Megapixels. This month we look at cameras that are a good investment for the serious hobbyist and especially for those who plan to enlarge images to beyond A4.

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BRIDGE (1) Very long zoom in a slightly bulky body costing between £150 and £400.These products generally do not have any removable lens options and are aimed at moving compact users into a more serious user environment.

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HYBRID (2) Camera’s that have a removable lens system that’s a more compact version of a DSLR costing between £400 and £1000. Compact or bridge camera users are the typical buyers of this type of camera as an upgrade. Generally not as complex as a DSLR but with a higher specification suitable for printing larger images.

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DSLR (3) Removable lenses, an optical viewfinder (one that you can look through), and full manual controls costing between £400 and £3,000. but can cost many times more. A DSLR is more complex and are generally bought by serious amateurs.

Points to consider are the size and complexity of these cameras which can be hard to reconcile in reality and off-putting for the casual user.With prices starting at much lower amounts than ever before it is tempting to go straight from compact to DSLR, my advice would be to think seriously about this and in particular the complexity of use.

That said, most have sophisticated auto facility but consider the size for everyday use and for carrying extra lenses and accessories.

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Feel free to contact me with any questions, I’m always happy to help.

Cheers, Richard.

CONTACT DETAILS W www.rjw-photography.co.uk PHOTO CREDITS RICHARD WALSH 39

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DIVINE SHARING SIMPLE FLORAL DECORATATION The simplest way of adding floral decorations to your beads is to lay 3 dots in a triangular pattern on the surface of your bead. Melt them flat and poke the centre of the pattern with a fine mandrel or pointed tool, this draws your dots in towards the centre and creates a basic floral design. (1) COLOURS Be sure to take care when choosing your glass rod colours. Some colours react with each other and you may not necessarily get what you were planning on.

You could end up with a bead where the flower is indistinguishable from the rest of the design.

LAMPWORK ARTIST + JEWELLERY DIVA DEBORAH DEW We welcome the talented Deborah Dew to this issue of MCD. If you missed her article in issue 6 where she shared with us her views on Satake glass you will find it in our archives on page 41& 42. Debbie also wrote a fascinating article about Lampwork techniques in Issue 5. For all our UK and European readers and those international friends visiting England in April, you may visit Deborah at the Flame Off in Northamptonshire on the 5thand 6th of April where she will be selling her stunning beads.

For this issue, I’d like to talk with you about making beads with floral decorations. You may be thinking, ‘but they’re just dots’ and yes they are, but they’re also so much more.

Before you commence to make floral designs on your beads it’s important to sit back and think seriously about what you wish to achieve. Whichever way you choose to make floral designed beads, there are things you need to consider before you start: • Are your floral designs going to be melted flat or left raised on the surface of your bead?

• Will your floral designs be encased in transparent glass and are you planning on adding trailing vines to your bead?

• How simple or complex do you want your design to be?

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RASORING Another method for making floral designs is to create raised dots on the bead. Here you’ll see white dots that are raised. These dots have a transparent layer added over the top of them and then a razor tool was used to score a line down the centre.This technique results in a more realistic looking flower on the surface of the bead.You can also see that I’ve built my base bead up over several layers. I’ve built a small base bead, rolled it in pixie dust and then encased it. Next I added a trailing vine and encased that too before I began on my final surface decoration. (2) As your skills progress you may want to sculpt your flowers or even build your flowers from implosions before adding them to your beads. The flowers illustrated here have been made by pulling petals and keeping them to one side. Next a base bead was made on a mandrel. Once the bead reached the desired shape and size, I very gently heated the edge of each petal and then attached it to the base bead. (3) This is an implosion made in a floral style and added to a base bead. When working with this method, it’s important to keep your implosion warm in the kiln while you prepare your base bead. I have a viewing hole in my kiln which I slide my implosion into but using the bead door and mandrel rest will work just as effectively. Remember, it’s only with practice and patience that these techniques will be achieved so don’t be disheartened if you can’t get it right the first time. Keep your initial beads so that you can visually record your progress. (4)

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If you’re tempted to try lampwork or to view more of Deborah’s work, check out her website or email her at the link below. Deborah will be at the ‘Flame Off’ in Northamptonshire on the 5th and 6th of April where she will be selling her stunning beads.

CONTACT DETAILS E debbie@silverartz.co.uk W www.silverartz.co.uk W www.etsy.com/shop/Glassmania Flame Off at Silverstone Racing Circuit,Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN CONTACT DEBORAH FOR FLAME OFF DETAILS PHOTO CREDITS DEBORAH DEW 41

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ENTERTAINING IN STYLE

We are all familiar with the popular cult series on Channel 4 and with more of us choosing to stay in and entertain at home, Swan has developed the ‘Come Dine With Me’ range of small electrical appliances. Bring the party to the table and get your guests involved with the ultimate in table top cooking. The Swan Party Wok can create six individual dishes in unique non-stick woks. Simply slice up a selection of meats and vegetables and let your guests get creative, cooking their meal just the way they like it. Or for a different twist, remove the woks, whip up some pancake batter and get flipping for a fun way to end the evening, served with a selection of sweet or savoury pancake toppings. The ‘Come Dine With Me’ range by Swan is available from John Lewis, Debenhams, Next, Littlewoods, JD Williams, Very. co.uk and Amazon £79.99. COMPANY Swan W www.swanproducts.co.uk 42

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DIVINE SHARING

ENTERTAINING IN STYLE A diner party couldn’t be easier especially when your guests are cooking their own meal. By Joan Gordon This cooking set makes entertaining for a group of friends a pleasurable experience. Prepare the veggies and protein or tofu in advance and set them out in attractive bowls. Below is a recipe that you may like to use or browse through some Asian recipe books for some fast stir fry meals. Add a few dishes filled with chopped macadamia and cashew nuts for added texture.

INGREDIENTS 10 asparagus stalks, chopped into small pieces 2 cups of snow peas 2 cups of chopped broccoli 1 zucchini, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, crushed 8 shitake mushrooms, sliced with stalks removed 1/8 cup of soy sauce 1 tbs of Thai fish sauce 1 tbs of cornstrach dissolved in 1/2 cup of cold water 1/2 tsp of dried chili flakes 1/4 cup of unsalted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped 3 cm piece of ginger, slivered 2 tbs of sunflower oil 2 cups of basmati rice 3 cups of water PREPARATION Wash and chop all the vegetables. Set aside.

To prepare the rice, steam it in a rice cooker. If preparing rice on the stove, add the 2 cups of rice to a small saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to the boil and then lower heat and partially cover with a lid. The rice should take about 10 minutes to cook. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat the oil in a wok over a medium heat. Fry the garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and fry for about 2 minutes. Add the rest of the vegetables and ginger and fry for 3 minutes.

Now add the soy sauce and fish sauce. Stir well to coat the vegetables. Add the 1/2 cup of water with dissolved cornstarch. Stir well to mix together the liquids.

Give the vegetables one more stir for 30 seconds. The liquid will start to thicken. Add the nuts and then serve stir-fry on a bed of rice. Serve with a crisp white wine.

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March 2013

DIVINE SHARING goes on and on! I don’t think there is anything better than getting together with like - minded friends, having fun, swapping ideas and inspiring each other! We shared tools and materials, tried on and admired each other’s jewellery makes.We drank coffee, ate dinner and had a thoroughly lovely time! There was chatting a plenty!

If you are interested in meeting other crafty people there are lots of ways to do it. Many craft suppliers and publications have Facebook pages and forums that are easy to join. Or you can look for a craft group that meets in your area. Find a local craft course that interests you and go along to learn a new skill and meet other creative divas! Or join in a workshop or demonstration at your local craft store.

I have included some pictures of work that has been created by some of my talented friends, and if you look at the group photo you may even see a few faces you recognise from this very magazine!

CREATIVE DIVA DEBBIE KERSHAW

Enjoy March creatively!

Debbie is a jewellery maker and TV craft presenter on ‘Ideal Worlds Create and Craft’ channel’ and ‘Jewellery Maker’ channel. Follow Debbie each month as she shares her thoughts, life and work experiences with My-Creative Diva magazine.

Debbie.

DEBBIE’S BLOG… This past week I have been inspired by so many things!

With it being half term for my children, we have been out and about and visited some beautiful places.We took a day trip to Fountains Abbey in Ripon in Yorkshire and walked around the beautiful ruins and grounds. Nature never ceases to amaze me and I took lots of pictures of the swathes of gorgeous snowdrops that have just popped their heads above ground, lots of inspiration for future jewellery designs. We walked around the ruins of the abbey and I took lots of photographs, which is often how I get my creative inspiration.

I finished my week off perfectly by meeting up with some very talented friends for a ‘girls weekend away’!

Now these ladies, as well as being great friends are a constant inspiration to me. Amongst us were jewellery designers, textile artists, paper crafters, wire artists, and lampwork bead makers. The list of their talents 44

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If you’d like to view some of Debbie’s work visit her website or send her an email. Tune into Create and Craft to see her live .You’ll find all her details below.

CONTACT DETAILS E debbiejkershaw@googlemail.com W www.angelsanddaisies.com P 07739 533752 PHOTO CREDITS DEBBIE KERSHAW March 2013

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DIVINE SHARING

PERSONALISED MAP LOCATION PAPERWEIGHT Made from recycled maps with a 70mm face. Due to the nature of this product all maps are authentically intage and therefore will differ slightly from the photograph in colour, scale and ages. ÂŁ29.50 COMPANY Ellie Ellie W www.ellieellie.co.uk 46

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DIVINE SHARING ENTREPRENEURSHIP elements, manages the day-to-day responsibilities and functions – and, when push comes to shove – you accept any risk associated with it – from any potential financial loss through to the risk of being brilliantly successful! In order to allow your venture to follow the path to success you need to run a tight ship. Nobody cares about your business as much as you do and nobody cares about the bottom line as much as you do!

BUSINESS DIVA ALEXANDRA SHEACH The Business of Women is designed to help other women make the most of their businesses through coaching and networking opportunities.

The word entrepreneur is an empowering one – but it’s one I find women are often reluctant to use when describing themselves – but they ought! We conjure up images of men in Savile Row suits running glamorous hedge funds or perhaps a more modern vision would be hip young Generation X-er’s like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. But the truth is, everyone who owns their own business is an entrepreneur – from the 9 year old running an illicit tuck-shop during his school break to the woman about to launch her “Big Data” application in front of million-pound tech investors in the City.

In its fundamental state entrepreneurship is the taking responsibility of the entire operation.

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Your business does not need to remain static, in fact it absolutely must evolve – but your core elements should remain: customers, value, strategy, revenue – and all of these 4 are inter-linked. Your customer will not become your client until they see the value of what you are offering, so what sets you aside from your competitors? What are your strategy and long-term goals? The aim of the game is not just to survive this financial year, but to add revenue streams to your current structure for growth. By piecing together sound business fundamentals you ensure your company is balanced; key to building a financially viable, long-term and healthy business.

CONTACT DETAILS W www.thebusinessofwomen.com E alexandra@thebusinessofwomen.com P 0031 611 597057 TWITTER @OwnBizWomen Next month Alexandra shares with us practical information on the importance of Social Media.

March 2013

DIVINE SHARING

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DIVINE SHARING

WINE DON JOE WARREN

A passion for wine...

My wife and I live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. I have lived in Brisbane all my life. As a child I was fortunate to live on a larger block of land still within 20mins drive to Brisbane city.

My family lived a country lifestyle on five acres of land with several animals, a vegetable patch plus room to move and the freedom to be creative as children. Since moving out of home, I married and now have two beautiful sons. My wife and our family live in a smaller house then the one I grew up in, as land has become increasingly expensive here in Brisbane. With having experienced such an enjoyable childhood, I would love for my children to experience growing up in a rural setting. A move to the wine regions of Victoria (a southern state in Australia) is on the cards for the future.

For the last twelve years I have been working as a qualified chef. During my apprenticeship, my skills grew as I evolved from working in gastro 49

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pubs to some of Brisbane’s finest dining venues. After completing my apprenticeship, the longing to travel beckoned; so I packed my bags and with $5,000 Australian dollars to live off, I went to see the world. After my travels I returned home and continued my culinary work in many larger establishments including catering for football games at stadiums, personal catering and cooking classes, I even developed my own catering business. During this time I was fortunate enough to cook at venues that held wine dinners for some of Australia’s great wineries.

Despite the variety of opportunities that my career offered me, I didn’t feel the job satisfaction that I was searching for, that is until I discovered ‘WINE’. This discovery wakened my senses and opened a whole new world for me to explore. From that day on I haven’t looked back.

For the past three years I have been studying part time whilst working full time managing a café that gives employment to people with intellectual disabilities. My studies are towards a Bachelor of Technology (Wine) degree. This degree has provided me with all the necessary scientific and practical experience to be able to make wine and understand all the processes from the chemical reactions to the picking and growing of grapes. I have a growing passion to educate and bring people into the world of wine. My aim is to enlighten those that may not have experienced a great wine and to encourage those who may be too anxious to try that which is new. I also believe that the younger generation are who we need to target and educate to show that wine is for everyone, not just ‘those in the know’ or ‘the educated’.

INTERVIEW CONTINUES March 2013

DIVINE SHARING The younger generation will keep our industry alive and allow it to grow for the future generations.This is where I am hoping to impart what I have learnt through my degree and experience.

Creativity comes in many forms and is shown in many ways from person to person.A young child shows creativity in developing their skills as they grow where as an adult may show creativity in other ways. Each person has their own level of creativity and I believe that not being afraid to try that which is new is an important aspect of a creative person. In the wine industry; a winemaker that blends different wines, grows alternative grapes, alters the method of which a wine is created shows their creative side. Having the confidence to try something different is a positive attribute of a creative person.

As I became more involved in the wine industry and tasted numerous wines, friends and family started asking for advice and recommendations on wine for special occasions, gifts or to accompany their meals.This prompted me to use social media to post photos of wine purchased with an accompanying description (tasting notes) as well as price and place of purchase.

Facebook was the best option and allowed me to build a following of people including friends, family and other people throughout the country and eventually global. With this page I have made numerous tasting notes, posted links to wineries, shared funny pictures and related wine content and answered any questions that are asked with the best of my ability. My page is called ‘Your Wine Drop’. If you click on the link below it will take you straight to my Facebook.

show. This was a very privileged opportunity that not many people would get to experience.

Wine judging may seem like fun, which it is, however you are critiquing the work of many people. The wines must be assessed on many levels including sight, smell and taste. This work can be extremely exhausting, causing palate fatigue, as large flights of wines may be assessed at one time and each wine analysed separately.

I have been asked by Joan, the editor of this magazine the following question. ‘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 answer is this….

I would like to share a meal with James Halliday (winemaker, author and judge).The menu would consist of a degustation with matching wines for each course. If price was not an issue I would sample the top wines from the best vineyards around the world. With Mr Halliday being one of the most respected persons in the wine industry, I think the conversation would be one sided and I would just listen to any advice that he was willing to give about a career in the wine industry.business.

If you would like to link with Joe and read his blog or ask for advice with regard to specific wines please find his contact details below. In future issues of MCD Joe will be contributing articles about; food and wine matching, plus current trends. He will also share with us information with regard to how long to cellar and when to drink, expanding your wine knowledge and how to avoid choosing a poor bottle of wine.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Wine- CONTACT DETAILS FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/ Drop/111912505535493 One of the best opportunities I have had in my pages/Your-Wine-Drop/111912505535493 current field of study was being invited to be the assistant judge at the RASQ Queensland wine PHOTO CREDITS JOE WARREN 50

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DIVINE SHARING

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March 2013

DIVINE FASHION

FORECAST SPRING FLORALS

By Kira Withers-Jones I love this time of year. The first signs of spring are happening – crocuses and daffodils are peeking through the ground, leaf buds are appearing on the trees, and the days are becoming longer and lighter. And our clothes start to change when we see the progress of nature. We bring different colours to the front of our wardrobe and patterns become fresher. This season let’s get the florals into our outfits and show spring that we’re ready. There are all kinds of prints to choose from this season. The vivid digital prints are continuing but are also joined by monochrome whimsical prints, vintage-style washed out prints and heritage, tapestry styles. (LEFT) Vera Mont 100 “Tropical Garden” Dress £200

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1. Pilot Studded Bandeau Flower Print Dress £15, 2. Tesco F&F Sequin Purse £10, 3. Bertie Payton Boots £119, 4. Internacionale Hairband £4.99, 5. Marisota Floral Print Trousers £TBC, 6. The Vestry Blossom Print Cut Out Back Dress £48.00, 7. Dirty Pretty Things Blossom Unpadded Bra £TBC and Dirty Pretty Things Blossom Thong £40, 8. M&Co Denim Floral shirt £29, 9. Accessorize Etched Flower Woven Stole £20, 10. La Redoute Floral Print Dress £75.00, 11. East Floral Jacket £99, 12. Accessorize Bloom Applique Flower Pouch £32.

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March 2013

See yourself in print?

By Maddy McIndoe

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rint trends this season have an ethnic edge. Tribal, animal and Aztec influences are awash over everything from suit jackets to bangles.

Organic browns, deep reds and earth tones are the most popular colours, although brights have their place too.

Washed-out palettes tone down all-over prints on jeans and tailored trousers. Placement prints in bold colours command slouchy t-shirts in neutral base colours.

Textured fabrics such as chiffon and crepe manipulate the reflection of light in different forms on surface pattern, and prints come in a range of scales to suit all body shapes.

River Island’s bold, directional SS12 collection includes these printed Rihanna Suit Trousers. The colour contrast creates a vertical, striped effect, perfect for lengthening legs. Those brave enough could opt for the matching blazer available too. Printed-silk harem trousers look fresh off the plane from a far-flung paradise, and abstract animal prints are framed with contrast black edging on blouses.

Leopard print has been given a classy makeover by Hobbs in the form of this shirt. The painterly style gives a fresh edge to an old favourite. However, this season, it appears to be snakeskin that has grabbed everyone’s attention. No longer the sole domain of Kat Slater, snakeskin was seen on the London Fashion Week catwalks from Versace to House of Holland.

These spray-on skinny jeans are for either the very brave or the very thin. A snakeskin-effect clutch bag is a safer option if, like me, you are not blessed with the legs of Gisele.

1 All photography courtesy of PRshots

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March 2013

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1 Mint Velvet.

Thea print shell top, £59, Thea print skirt, £59.

2 River island.

Rhianna jacket, £55.

3 River island. Rhianna suit trousers, £30.

4 Hobbs Unlimited.

Unlimited animal print shirt, £99.

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5 Hobbs Unlimited. Python maxi dress, £299, surf sandals, £175

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6 Republic. Crafted skinny python print jeans, £35.

7 Pilot. Tribal heart print colour baggy top, £19.99.

8 bonprix. Tribal sandals.

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9 Primark. Snake oval X body light green, £6.

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March 2013

DIVINE BEAUTY

SPRING CLEAN Feel like hiding behind a mask? Give your confidence a boost and reveal fresh new skin by taking charge of it now. A few weeks of TLC will have you looking radiant.

MCD SUPPORTS SISTERS GUILD Welcome to Sisters Guild - a place of discovery, ideas and inspiration.

Inspired by our own children Sisters Guild is an online boutique where the emphasis is on beauty and creativity. It is more than a boutique, it’s a place to find something new or maybe even something old and familiar; a new creative idea, a product from a favourite designer, a print, a recipe, a place or a vintage piece with echoes from your own childhood.

The heart of Sisters Guild is a place designed to spark the imagination; a place where you are invited to join the journey in discovering new ideas and design in the realm of children and home.

SISTERS GUILD This company is based in The UK and ships to: all countries globally.www.sistersguild.com. ÂŁ7.50 Giraffe Mask Material: Printed on recycled cardboard with an elastic band..

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March 2013

DIVINE BEAUTY

SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE Cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day, spring cleaning couldn’t be easier!

Pure Nature Organic Blueberry & Lavender extract.

Calming Toner with 100% organic blueberry & lavender extract to naturally calm and protect your skin. Leaves skin soft and prepares it for face cream. Suitable for all skin types. 150ml.

Pure Nature Organic Blueberry & Lavender extract Calming Face Cream moisturising day and night cream with 100% organic blueberry & lavender extract to naturally calm and soothe skin, leaving it soft and luminous. Suitable or all skin types. 75ml.

Pure Nature Organic Blueberry & Lavender extract Calming Face Wash Soft gel cleanser with 100% organic blueberry & lavender extract to naturally calm and protect your skin. Gently cleanses, and leaves skin feeling moisturised. Suitable for all skin types.

150ml. ÂŁ5.45 EACH COMPANY Oriflame W www.oriflame.co.uk P 01908 556 152

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March 2013

DIVINE BEAUTY

MASKS Slough off dry skin and face spring with a fresh new look. These face masks will brighten the complexion and whisk away the winter blues.

PURE NATURE ORGANIC EXTRACTS FACE MASK RANGE Purifying clay mask with 100% organic burdock extract. Naturally draws out impurities and excess oils. Leave it to dry for 10 min. For normal to oily skin.

Pure Nature Organic White Tea Extract Moisturising Gel Mask with carefully harvested 100% organic white tea extract. Rich in anti-oxidants it may be used to revitalise your skin.

Leave on for 10 min. For all skin types.

Pure Nature Organic Jasmine Extract Exfoliating Peel-off Mask Exfoliating peel-off mask with relaxing 100% organic jasmine extract. Removes dead skin cells and brightens skin’s complexion. Leave to dry for 20 min. For normal to combination skin. £4.95 each COMPANY Oriflame W www.oriflame.co.uk

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March 2013

SUBSCRIBERS GIVE AWAY

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY! WIN A SKIN COCOON BODY DUO HOW TO ENTER EMAIL: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk Attach this code: evolve - 03 The lucky winners will be published in Issue 8 of MCD. WE HAVE 3 DUO BUNDLES TO GIVE AWAY VALUED AT £22.99 EACH! The evolve’s range of skincare products are made using natural and organic ingredients and contain no nasty chemicals like parabens, synthetic fragrances or colours, meaning they’re effective and kind to skin. evolve Skin Cocoon Body Duo (£22.99) contains a Body Wash and Body Cream to leave skin feeling hydrated and smooth, and is great for use on dry or sensitive skin.

Skin Cocoon Body Wash gently cleanses and locks water into the skin, with almond peptides for lasting hydration.

Skin Cocoon Body Cream nourishes with organic, fairly traded, Peruvian Inchi oil which is the richest known source of Omega 3, boosting elasticity and restoring the skin barrier. evolve’s range of natural and organic skincare can be found online at: www.evolvebeauty.co.uk Beauty Mart, Harvey Nichols and at all good independent health stores nationwide.

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 evolve for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva is not responsible for the distribution of the prizes. Competition closes 30th March 2013. The names of the winners will be published in issue 8 of MCD. 59

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March 2013

COOK, CREATE OR MAKE

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MAKE A FAUX ENAMEL BRACELET

BEAD A SCARF

MOOD ENHANCING GEMSTONES

READ THIS JEWELLERY REVIEW

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March 2013

MADE BY HAND! JEWELLERY, BAKING, STUDIO INSPIRATION, CUSHIONS + LEMONADE

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COOK THESE EASTER TREATS

CREATE A STUDIO

SEW OR BUY SPRING CUSHIONS

TRY THIS REFRESHING RECIPE

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March 2013

DIVINE MAKE

By Nicky Townsend 62

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March 2013

FAUX ENAMEL BRACELET Watching paint dry has really never been so interesting! Use the fabulous range of solvent based paints by Pebeo to make this stunning bracelet. Just add clusters of beads to create another dimension. By Nicky Townsend Preparation - Each pot of paint must be stirred thoroughly before use and the bracelet blank should be laid on a flat surface.

STEP 1 Choose a paint to use as your main base colour and fill a dropper; squeeze the colour into the recess of the links making sure to fill the corners and edges.You can use the end of the dropper or a paintbrush to move the paint gently to cover the area. Fill each link of the bracelet with the base colour.You might decide to create more detail by adding small droplets of contrasting colours.

STEP 2 To add more detail use a clean dropper for each colour and squeeze small drops or splashes onto the surface of the base colour.You can swirl the colours around into the base colour or leave them to settle by themselves. Watch the paint create amazing effects as it settles and dries.The paint should be touch dry after 2 hours and completely dry after 10 hours. It shrinks back as it dries leaving a flat surface which can then be varnished, topped with resin or left as it is.

STEP 3 We are going to make some beaded charms to attach to the space between each painted link. I’ve used lampwork glass beads in complimentary colours for my design. You can choose whatever beads you prefer for your bracelet.

You will need 12 beads, thread a bead onto a headpin along with bead caps to cover each end of the bead then secure with a wrapped loop.

STEP 4 Gather three bead charms onto a jump ring and attach to the central jump ring that connects the painted links together. Close up the jump ring and then repeat for the rest of the beads, until each space between links has a cluster of charms. Finish by adding a charm of your choice to one end of the bracelet.

MATERIALS Pebeo Fantasy paint Pebeo bracelet blank Glass beads Bead caps Headpins Stirrer (lollipop stick or similar) Droppers 63

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RESOURCES All paints, bracelet blank and paint droppers www.pebeo.com All findings from Ang’s Attic - www.angs-attic.com Lampwork beads - www.etsy.com/shop/TheFyreFaerie CONTACT DETAILS Nicky Townsend P 0843 2891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com PHOTO CREDIT NICKY TOWNSEND March 2013

DIVINE SHARING

SCARF NECKLACE

ANNE MACLEOD CRISP

This month Anne MacLeod Crisp shares with us one of her original designs that is both practical and stylish. The accessory featured here is the ideal answer to cold weather when going out any time of the day or night. Here you have your scarf to keep you warm with the necklace embellishment to give you a stylish accent.

MATERIALS & TOOLS A long scarf of about 140 cm in length Some beading aluminium wire 1.5mm Roll of craft wire 0.50mm And approx 50 pearls or beads Cutters and soft nose pliers

4 or 5 times round the wire. As you twist each bead, place it close to the previous bead in a freeform style.

STEP 3 When you have used all the beads you may now rearrange them to show more or less wire. Leave another 12 cm and cut the wire.

STEP 4 Place the necklace against the scarf where you have wound the wire and attach it to the scarf at each end with the 12 cm of wire you have left at either end of your necklace. Now take about 50cm of the 0.50 wire and secure the middle and ends of the necklace.

STEP 5 Place the necklace part to your neck and adjust it and then throw each end of the scarf round the back of your neck and down the other side.

STEP 6 If you wish to add some different colour to the necklace, you may string another length of twisted or untwisted beads.

METHOD OF WORK STEP 1 Take the 1.5mm aluminium wire and wrap it around 24 cm of the middle of the scarf. Do not wrap it too tightly. Cut the wire and tuck in the ends. Don’t worry if it isn’t exactly in the middle of the scarf STEP 2 Now take your reel of craft wire 0,50mm and feed on your beads. I have used 50 beads. You will have to unravel quite a lot of wire and push the beads down. Make a loop at the beginning of your wire and leave approximately 12 cm.

Feed up one bead at a time and twist the bead 64

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CONTACT DETAILS E lanzajewel@hotmail.com W www.lanzajewel.com F anne.macleodcrisp@facebook.com March 2013

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March 2013

DIVINE MAKE

‘Leaves’ Jewellery Kit Review

are simple and as there is a great variety of charms, you can create your own design easily. I used a design board to work out my pattern.

MAGGIE JONES Sometimes one ring is used, at other times

you need two – the instructions explain each technique. The instructions say to suspend from each alternative link on the This Beads Unlimited kit uses chain. I agree – I started this necklace by just one technique to make the adding a charm to each link, but this made finished item. If you can open and the final item too heavy. (4) close jumprings, you can create this As you can see from image 5, you don’t necklace! All components – plus actually see any detail as there is too much extra - to make this charm necklace to take in. (5) are included in the kit. Maggie Jones It works far better using alternate talks you through the process. links as advised. (6) MATERIALS & TOOLS OVERALL RATING •Bead Unlimited ‘Leaf Necklace’ kit.

I would give this product 10/10, as I felt it •2 pairs of pliers - needle nosed/ a three in was fantastic value for money; there were one tool/ flat nosed, OR one set of pliers over 140 charms and with a full metre of and a jump ring opener. chain you can adapt the necklace – perhaps add an extra strand. Alternatively you PRESENTATION Packaging is basic - simply a touch and close could add a clasp and make a co-ordinating bag with components and instructions inside. bracelet and add hooks to make earrings.

INSTRUCTIONS & CONTENTS RESOURCES The instructions are printed on an A4 sheet. This product is exclusively available from Contents are in individual plastic sealed bags. Beads Unlimited on their website.Visit: www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Leaf-Necklace/ COMPONENTS (2) 1 x metre silver plated heavy chain, 1 x 100g bo7551 leaf charm mix, 1 x 100 silver plated 8mm jump rings, 1 x silver plated trigger clasp, 1 TURN TO PAGE 68 x instruction sheet.

MAKING (3) This is an easy to make kit for those who can open and close jump rings. Instructions 66

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FORYOUR CHANCE TO WIN A ‘LEAVES’ JEWELLERY KIT March 2013

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March 2013

READER GIVE AWAY

READER GIVE AWAY! YOU COULD WIN A ‘LEAVES’ JEWELLERY KIT

WE HAVE ONE KIT TO GIVE AWAY VALUED AT £8.30

HOW TO ENTER EMAIL: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk Attach this code: BULTD-01 The lucky winners will be published in Issue 8 of MCD.

BEADS UNLIMITED T 01273 740777 F 01273 740771 A PO Box 1, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3SG Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to Beads Unlimited for the distribution of this prize. My-Creative Diva will not be responsible for the distribution of the prizes. Competition closes March 30th 2013. The names of the winners will be published in issue 8 of MCD. 68

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March 2013

NEW DIVINE FEATURE

WINNER OF MCD FACEBOOK CUPCAKES! CONGRATULATIONS to Rhian Evens, who had the most likes on Facebook for her gorgeous little cupcakes. As promised we have published her cakes and given her a FREE AD to promote her business! Join us on our Facebook Page for weekly challenges. You could have images of your hobby and business featured here, free of charge. Join us online and share in the fun!

FACEBOOK My-Creative Diva About Rhian Evens and her cake decorating hobby...

In my spare time when I am not running my fashion boutique ‘The House in Town’ I like to sew, bake cakes, spend time gardening and Interior decorating. These monster cupcakes I made for my nephew, Joel, as a Christmas present.

Kids get so many presents these days it is difficult to find something that they haven't got, so I try to make most of their presents and give them something fun and different. I am no expert at baking and prefer to make sweet desserts than slave away in the kitchen. My fiancé and I have been inspired by the great British bake off and have recently tried macaroons, but are still struggling to master the skills and luck required for perfect macaroons.

Visit my website at: Rhian Evans www.thehouseintown.co.uk The House in Town Fashion Boutique Pontyclun www.thehouseintown.com www.thehouseintown.co.uk Online Shop

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March 2013

DIVINE MAKE

Calming bracelet: A unique handmade bracelet, created using bright, perfectly round semi-precious stones (onyx, howlite and turquoise) and see through crystal beads, finished off with a chunky and easy to use silver-plated clasp. ÂŁ24.00 COMPANY Georgiana May W www.georgianamay.co.uk P 01529 240092 70

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March 2013

DIVINE MAKE

GEMSTONES

JOAN GORDON

If you’re looking for a gift that conveys a special meaning then this bracelet could well solve your dilemma. Gemstones have been worn for centuries as good luck talismans and for protection. This bracelet created by Georgiana May is what is often described as ‘empowering jewellery’. The stones that have been strung together offer the wearer a mood enhancing experience.

If you are a jewellery maker, ‘mood enhancing or empowering’ jewellery is very on-trend this year. If you work with semi-precious stones it may be worth a few minutes of your time to do some research into the properties of each stone before stringing them together.

A small card attached to the finished piece explaining how the wearer may benefit from wearing these stones is also a very good marketing tool.

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THE PROPERTIES OF GEORGIANA’S GEMSTONES Onyx is considered to be a protective stone that can be worn to face adversarial situations or people. Onyx jewellery is worn to defend against negativity that is directed at you.

Howlite is a gemstone that is used to help release stress. It is believed to place the wearer into a calm yet alert state. It is also used to reduce anger and stress and to help the wearer to gain a restful sleep.

Turquoise is the stone for energy it is said to bring peace and tranquillity to the wearer. Turquoise is also the symbol of friendship an ideal stone to share with someone you care for.

CONTACT DETAILS Joan Gordon W www.my-creativediva.com E jgordon@my-creativediva.co.uk A Studio 14, The Model House, Llantrisant, Wales CF728DF

March 2013

ENTRY FORM

Women's Arts Association office@womensarts.co.uk Invites you to apply to this

WOMEN'S ARTS OPEN EXHIBITION 2nd March-6th April To celebrate

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2013 At

ART CENTRAL GALLERY Kings Square, Barry CF64 4RW 01446 709805 01446 422428

The Women’s Arts Association is a vibrant and responsive organisation, working in partnership with practitioners, communities and funding bodies to develop accessible, high quality, creative opportunities for women, celebrating diversity and equality across all art forms.

Women’s Arts Association, reg charity no. 1060383 ENQUIRIES E eve.hart@ymail.com E pricefamily@swales26.freeserve.co.uk

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March 2013

DIVINE BAKING

SERVING SUGGESTION

EASTER TREATS As Easter is such a chocolate fuelled celebration why not surprise your family and friends with something a little bit different. Afternoon tea served with divine cupcakes becomes something truly indulgent when they’re filled with cherry and white chocolate fudge sauce. By Juniper Cakery INGREDIENTS & TOOLS To fill 12 cupcakes 200g Fresh cherries 397g Condensed milk 300g White chocolate 50g Sugar 3tb Water 12 freshly baked cupcakes Piping tip(s) Large piping bag filled with buttercream Teaspoon to fill cupcakes with Jar or other airtight container to store STEP 1 Chop the cherries in half ensuring the stones are removed during this process. Add the chopped cherries to the pan with the sugar and water and stir until the water is reduced by half. Drain the remaining water.

STEP 2 In a separate pan heat the condensed milk until it bubbles.

Break the white chocolate into small pieces. Add the white chocolate pieces to the hot condensed milk. Stir occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts into the condensed milk without burning STEP 3 Once the white chocolate has melted into the condensed milk add the drained cherries and stir until the fudge turns 73

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a shade of pink. Once ready pour the fudge sauce into a suitable container and leave with the lid left off to cool.

STEP 4 Once your fudge sauce has cooled you can begin to fill your cupcakes. Core your already baked cupcakes using a cupcake corer / plunger.

STEP 5 Fill the centre of your cupcakes generously with the cherry and white chocolate fudge sauce. Teaspoons or long sundae spoons are very good sizes to help fill cupcakes with.

STEP 6 Finally, pipe a generous swirl of buttercream atop your cupcake and enjoy!

DESIGNER TIPS • To avoid breaking your cupcakes when coring them gently twist the corer down into the cake. Also, aim to use freshly baked cupcakes as the moisture works with the corer rather than against it.

• Store the cherry and white chocolate fudge in an air tight jar or container for maximum freshness.

• To decorate why not melt some white chocolate to dip a fresh cherry in, leave to set and place the chocolate covered cherry atop.

• You could also melt some white chocolate to drizzle onto parchment paper in shapes, leave to set and cool, then carefully peel the chocolate shapes off and perch on top of your buttercream.

RESOURCES For more information, cake decorating and baking supplies, cake orders and tutorials visit our website or contact us direct through email or by phone our details are listed below.

W http://www.junipercakery.co.uk E info@junipercakery.co.uk P 07501456443 FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/junipercakery PHOTO CREDITS JUNIPER CAKERY

March 2013

DIVINE BAKING

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March 2013

DIVINE HOME

CREATE A GARDEN STUDIO Frustrated with working from home and not having a suitable room or space? Set up a studio in your garden. Sheds are available in many different shapes and sizes. Ensure it’s erected on a level surface with a waterproof membrane underneath. Flag stones placed on top of a layer of gravel work well as a base for the wooden floor. Fit the inside walls with boards lined with insulation if you wish to use it in winter and employ a registered electrician to connect power.

The initial outlay will save on expensive studio rents over a one year period and will become a long term investment.

You’ll have your own space to work without being disturbed and you can simply close the door without having to tidy up unfinished projects to accommodate other family members. Fit a desk, some storage racks and shelves to house your tools and materials then add a few personalised items to make it a cosy retreat. Tesco Direct.Mercia Helios 8x8 summerhouse. £798 COMPANY Tesco SS13 Outdoor Living & Homes W www.tesco.com 75

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MAKE IT YOURS Stamp your personal signature on your studio and give it a new lease of life with a good spring clean. Spend a few days getting all the boring things like bills and invoices sorted! Pin inspirational images onto a notice board, clean the windows and tidy the shelves. It’s surprising how a good clean up can re-ignite your creative mojo. Folding desks, tables and chairs are ideal for small spaces and perfect for using when conducting intimate one to one workshops. Add some colour and new patterns to the space with pretty crockery, soft furnishings or posters. Colour therapy will brighten your mood and give you a boost of positive energy!

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DIVINE HOME

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1. ST ANDREWS MAHOGANY WRITING DESK £375.00, COMPANY Alexander & Pearl, This company is based in The UK and ships to: all countries globally, W www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk, P 0208 508 0411. 2. THE PROPPY CHAIR, Beech £225 or Oak £235, COMPANY Great British Designs, This company is based in The UK and ships to all countries globally, W www.great-british-designs. co.uk, P 0800 148 8307. 3. TEA FOR ONE MINA TEA SET £40.00, COMPANY Berry Red, W www.berryred.co.uk, P 01432 274805.

4. PATCHWORK HANGING BIRD DECORATIONS £17.95, COMPANY Dotcomgiftshop, W www.dotcomgiftshop.com, P 0780 1976146. 5. NATURAL WOODEN LETTERS RACK £17.99, COMPANY The Contemporary Home, W www.tch.net, P 02392 469400.

6. MOJO TWO TONE ANTIQUE BRASS DESK SPOTLAMP £179.00, COMPANY Artisanti, W www.artisanti.com, P 0845 259 1410.

7. RED METAL DESK TIDY (NO PRICE OFFERED), COMPANY EllaJames, W ellajamesliving.co.uk, P 1858411079. 8. HAND OVER THE CHOCOLATE SIGN £6.99, COMPANY The Contemporary Home, W www.tch.net, P 02392 469400. 9. DUCK EGG BLUE FLORAL LOVE BAG £61.00, COMPANY Jan Constantine, W www.janconstantine.com, P 01270821194.

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March 2013

DIVINE MAKE

PRIMAVERA COUNTRY CUSHION COVERS Beautiful mix and match cushions from the new Primavera collection of fabrics. Dekoria. co.uk offers a wide range of cushion cover styles, including plain covers and covers with pompons or ruffle detail. With a variety of styles, patterns and colours, Primavera cushions are the perfect addition to cosy country interiors or modern homes with cleverly mixed & matched accessories for a funky look. These gorgeous cushion covers are available online and prices start from ÂŁ7.99.

Company Dekoria.co.uk W: www.dekoria.co.uk P: 07707588359 78

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DIVINE MAKE

CUSHIONS

Add a burst of colour, texture, pattern or a humorous note to your home with colourful cushions.

HOW TO MAKE A PILLOW CUSHION MATERIALS & TOOLS Machine washable fabric Button and small length of ribbon Matching thread, dress makers chalk Pins and needles, iron and board Button, tape measure, scissors Cushion pad, sewing machine (optional) PREPARE FABRIC Machine wash the fabric to ensue it has shrunk, iron it flat once dry. Measure out the fabric. It should be three times the length of the cushion pad, by the width of the cushion. Add an extra 5cm on all sides for hemming. Then cut the fabric to your desired shape.

CREATE HEMS With the right side of the fabric facing the table, turn up 2.5cm at each width end of the fabric to create a hem at either end. Iron the hems flat and then machine or hand stitch these with a straight running stitch.

CUSHION PAD With the wrong side of the material facing the table, place the cushion pad at one of the width ends of the material (which you have hemmed). Fold the fabric over the cushion and then fold again.This creates your ‘envelope’. Check out the inside of a pillow case for how the fold is created.

MARK MATERIAL Mark the material with dress makers chalk, where the fabric meets. Then remove the cushion and fold the fabric back to this chalk mark.

SEWING Pin along the sides, leaving a seam allowance of 2.5cm on each side. Tack, and machine or hand stitch down each side.

FINISHING Neaten the edges by trimming them down to 1.5cm. Machine or hand stitch the edges with a zig-zag, or overlock stitch (to prevent fraying). Turn the fabric right side out and iron. Stuff the cover with your cushion pad and then attach a button to the centre back of the cover. Hand stitch a ribbon loop to the centre of the fold to link with the button. This will assist in keeping the fold closed.

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DIVINE MAKE

DOBBIE ROCKING CHAIR + CUSHIONS Rocking Chair £199, Butterfly Cushion £12, Grey Stripe Cushion £14, Cream Cushion £18.

Company Dobbies W www.dobbies.com 80

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DIVINE MAKE

CUSHION INSPIRATION We love these designs!

Learn a new craft or revisit old skills. Appliqué, patchwork, screen or wood block printing are great ways of decorating fabric.

No time to sew? Brighten a room with these fun designs created by ‘Divine’ designers!

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1. HANDMADE VINTAGE CUSHION Stunning one-off handmade cushion with vintage slubbed silk on the outer border and vintage cotton on the centre panel. The flowers have been hand embroidered with French knots in a beautiful contrast pink. The reverse is a yellow and cream spot mixed cotton fabric, with 3 pink buttons for easy removal of the cover. Due to the vintage fabrics used, this is a one-off piece- perfect for the lady who likes to be truly unique! Comes beautifully gift wrapped in tissue and ribbon.

Handmade by MiaFleur. Free gift wrap. Duck feather filling. 16 x 16". Dry clean only £60.00 COMPANY MiaFleur. This company is based in the UK and ships to: all countries globally. W www.miafleur.com P 07972102327

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2. PATCHWORK BIRDHOUSE CUSHION Our patchwork cushions are simply gorgeous, with lovely appliqué details. Four designs: Birdhouse, Butterflies, Owls and Hearts. Dry clean only. Material: cotton/polyester Dimensions: 25 cm x 25cm. NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 2013. £12.99 COMPANY: The Contemporary Home W www.tch.net P 02392 469400 3. IS IT WINE O'CLOCK YET? The perfect cushion for the creative person who enjoys a sundowner! £24 COMPANY:Artylicious @ Wowthankyou W www.wowthankyou.co.uk 81

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March 2013

DIVINE DRINK

DOBBIES VILLARS WOODEN STORAGE BOX SET OF TWO PRICE £15.00 82

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March 2013

PINK LEMONADE Pink lemonade is the perfect toast to Spring and all the delights associated with this refreshing season. Here we offer you a simple to make recipe that will last in the fridge for up to one week.

Old Fashioned Pink Lemonade INGREDIENTS Serves 12 • 2 ½ cups of white sugar • 8 cups water (divided) • 2 cups of cranberry or raspberry juice • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice METHOD OF WORK STEP 1 Make a “simple syrup” by heating the sugar with two cups of the water in a small saucepan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat.

STEP 2 Stir together the remaining water, cranberry/ raspberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Taste the lemonade and add more juice if required. Poor the liquid into sterilized bottles and place them in the fridge. Chill for at least an hour before severing. Pour the lemonade into re-cycled jars or decorative glasses add ice cubes, a fancy straw and a slice of lemon.

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

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                             

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

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March 2013

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.6

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Inspired reading for creative hands

IN THIS ISSUE

96

PACKED PAGES Creative Makes Home Décor, Fashion Inspirational Reading Shopping, New Competions

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS PAGE 78

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! MEET AUSTRALIAN ARTIST

LYNN KRISANSKI VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY-CREATIVE DIVA AND GET YOUR MAGAZINE AS A DOWNLOADABLE PDF EVERY MONTH! 86

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CREATIVE DIVA

CREATIVE DIVA

ISSUE No.2

ISSUE No.1

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MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

Inspired reading for creative hands

IN THIS ISSUE

96

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

in tHiS iSSue

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WIN A DIVA MAKEOVER

PacKed PaGeS of highly creative inspiring articles plus 7 starter HOW-tO PrOJectS

diva maKeOver

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

CAKE DECORATING EASY STEP BY STEPS! See for yourself how the experts can make a woman feel special and look beautiful!

editOr’S SPeciaL GueSt

SHOWcaSe yOur WOrK WitH uS

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST

interview with atelier owner

Interview with owner of ...................

Sian Ryan 1

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be PubLiSHed in Our divine GaLLery

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September 2012

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.3

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Inspired reading for creative hands

in this issue

Beverley Hicklin

RACHEL ELLIS SHOWS YOU HOW 1

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CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.4

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Inspired reading for creative hands

IN THIS ISSUE

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96

PACKeD PAGes of Christmas shopping, inspiring interviews, news, reader offers and competitions plus 11 easy hOW tO MAKes

PACKED PAGES of Inspiring Reading, Events, Fashion, Beauty Business, Travel, Reader Offers, Food, Jewellery, Floristry, Sewing PLUS DIVINE EASY MAKES

MAKe this! eAsY steP BY stePs

DIVINE PAVLOVA

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

ISSUE 4 IS FREE TO VIEW! EASY RECIPE TO FOLLOW

OPEN YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT NOW

November 2012

JOIN US TODAY FOR EXCLUSIVE READER OFFERS, COMPETITIONS PLUS 96 PAGES OF INSPIRATIONAL READING! 87

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ISSUES 1- 6 OF MY-CREATIVE DIVA ARE NOW ARCHIVED. THESE ISSUES ARE AVAILABLE TO SUBSCRIBERS FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL ENQUIRIES@MY-CREATIVEDIVA.CO.UK FOR YOUR FREE PDF COPIES.

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.5

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Inspired reading for creative hands

IN THIS ISSUE

96

PACKED PAGES of Inspiring Reading Events, Fashion, Beauty Business, Travel, Reader Offers Food, Jewellery, Floristry, Sewing

DIVINE CAKE DECORATORS Jill Collins + Natalie Saville

HAPPY NEW YEAR! MEET DIVINE MILLINERY DIVA GET INSPIRED!

CATHERINE POVEY

Past issues are also available to our readers and may be purchased for only £2.50 each.

Visit our website to buy yours now and we will send you a PDF to download onto your computer or reading device.

Take advantage of our special suscription deals and enjoy inspirational reading where ever you are.

BUY A SUBSCRIPTION AND SAVE! Go to the MCD website! Click on the SUBSCRIPTION BUTTON to buy a 6 OR 12 month subscription and save now on your favourite lifestyle magazine! Join us today for exclusive reader offers and competitions plus 96 pages of divine creative reading!

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY! WIN A SKIN COCOON BODY DUO HOW TO ENTER EMAIL: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk Attach this code: evolve - 03 The lucky winners will be published in Issue 8 of MCD. WE HAVE 3 DUO BUNDLES TO GIVE AWAY VALUED AT £22.99 EACH 88

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READER GIVE AWAY

WHO HAS WON A BACH FLOWERS EMOTIONAL EATING KIT? WE HAD 10 PACKS TO GIVE AWAY VALUED AT £11.49 EACH! BACH EMOTIONAL EATING KIT Description: Bach Emotional Eating Kit is a set of three 10ml flower essences to give a helping hand with diet and healthy living regimes. Price: £11.49 COMPANY Nelsons W www.bachremedies.co.uk

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LUCKY WINNERS! B WARREN - AUSTRALIA S STEWART - WALES A SPIERS - ENGLAND B BURR - AMERICA R GILBERT - AUSTRALIA B COX - AMERICA S CLAXTON - ENGLAND C DARLEY - ENGLAND C ASHWORTH - ENGLAND R BELL - ENGLAND 89

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MAKERS ADS

ADVERTISING SPACE FOR MAKERS + SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ONLY! Only £10 per entry (per issue) to advertise your products, tools, materials, workshops, events and classes. Reach your target market.

For more information email: enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk.

Support a Maker or Small Business Owner for tools, materials, products, special commissions or workshops. Together we can make a difference!

MARY BURR ARTIST & FOOD DIVA Without discipline a diva won’t achieve success. A diva needs to be passionate about what she does.

CONTACT DETAILS Burr and Blue Ribbon Farm. E bburr@tdstelme.net W www.blueribbonfarm.net

SAMARIE DESIGNS ARTIST & YOGA DIVA Use your hands, enjoy the process, live life, eat well, be strong and use loads of colour.

CONTACT DETAILS E sarmarie@sarmarie.com W www. sarmarie.com

MANDY NASH JEWELLERY DIVA I enjoy making jewellery and accessories that people actually buy! Join me for workshops in aluminium jewellery and felting.

CONTACT DETAILS W www.mandynash.co.uk

DEBBIE DEW LAMPWORK DIVA I make glorious glass beads in amazing colours and designs. Check out my website for what’s currently on offer!

CONTACT DETAILS E debbie@silverartz.co.uk W www.silverartz.co.uk W www.etsy.com/shop/Glassmania

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MAKERS ADS ANNE MACLEOD CRISP JEWELLERY DIVA My favourite quote is ‘live to love and love to live.’ None of my pieces are ever repeated so the buyer is guaranteed a unique piece from ‘Lanzajewel’.

CONTACT DETAILS E lanzajewel@hotmail.com W www.lanzajewel.com F anne.macleodcrisp@facebook.com MOSAIC DIVA SUNNY VICARS My inspiration stems from nature and a love of colour, texture and reflective light. I live in a mini rainforest that is as colourful as my work.

CONTACT DETAILS E enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk SEWING DIVA WENDY GARDINER I have a passion for sewing and I love to share, inspire and get others as hooked on sewing as I am!

CONTACT DETAILS E learnmore@isew.co.uk W www.isew.co.uk T -23 92 261338

NATURES DIVA JOLENE MCLELLAN I decided I wanted to help protect nature’s treasures that provide me with so much peace and pleasure.

CONTACT DETAILS E jolene.mclellan@nprsr.qld.gov.au W www.rymich.com/girraween/ W www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/ girraween/camping SHOP Girraween National Park,Via Ballandean Q 4382. P +61 (0) 74684 5157

LEIGH ARMSTRONG CREATIVE DIVA Metal Clay is an amazing medium, fabulous on its own or stunning when utilising other mediums. I make to sell and teach metal clay and mixed media workshops from my home studio.

CONTACT DETAILS E info@magickminx.com W www.magickminxproductions.com MICHELLE GRIFFITHS ARTIST DIVA The Resist Gallery/Studio facebook page is a good link for people to view as it’s got the most up to date information as to “What’s On”! Beginners are very welcome.

CONTACT DETAILS F www.facebook.com/pages/Resist-GalleryStudio/310300432358252 W www.shibori.co.uk CAROLYN SCHULZ JEWELLERY DIVA I am a freelance craft designer, teacher and businesswoman. I love creating jewellery for so many reasons.

CONTACT DETAILS E carolyn@schulz.co.uk W www.carolynschulz.com VICTORIA CONSTABLE JEWELLERY DIVA I take a lot of my inspiration from nature and my surroundings. I am registered with the London Assay Office and so all my pieces are hallmarked where appropriate and stamped with my makers mark.

CONTACT DETAILS E milajewellery@live.co.uk W www.milajewellery.com P 07788 131466 91

MY CREATIVE DIVA

www.my-creativediva.co.uk

March 2013

MAKERS ADS LESLEY MESSAM CREATIVE DIVA Lesley has been making Jewellery for over 15 years. She also has her own studio in Chichester where she teaches a variety of jewellery classes.

CONTACT DETAILS E lesleymessam@btconnect.com W Silverwithlesley.com P 01243787829

DEBBIE KERSHAW DESIGNER DIVA Debbie is a jewellery designer. She absolutely loves her work and is passionate about jewellery!

CONTACT DETAILS E Debbiejkershaw@googlemail.com W www.angelsanddaisies.com P 07739 533752

ROBIN FOLLETT DIVINE JOURNALIST I’ve been writing since I was ten years old. I love the peace and tranquillity of the woods as this is where I draw my inspiration.

CONTACT DETAILS W http://robinfollette.com E robin@robinfollette.com P +207-214-8512

CATHERINE POVEY CREATIVE DIVA Catherine Povey is a Welsh milliner whose work is sold and displayed around the world.

Her creative talent has been recognised by both the National Museum of Wales and the Cardiff Story museum, where she has pieces displayed in their current collections.

CONTACT DETAILS Catherine Povey Millinery W www.catherinepovey.co.uk E cpmillinery@hotmail.co.uk P +44 (0) 777 281 7714

MAGGIE JONES FASHION DIVA

MaggieJones, (Craft Demon), arranges and delivers creative workshops and demonstrations in crafting activities in Lancashire /Greater Manchester’. Dates coming up in March and April include the following, with more being added. Up-to-date information and times is on Craft Demon’s Facebook Page. · Saturday March 16th, Abakhan Preston, Shamballa workshop. · Sunday March 17th, Armitage’s Garden Centre, Huddersfield. Jewellery-making demonstrations. · Saturday 23rd March, Sophie’s Crafts, Oldham Jewellery-making demonstrations. · Thursday 4th April, (evening), Abakhan Bolton, Make&Take – ‘ Jewelled and Beaded Brooches’. · Saturday 20 April, Sophie’s Crafts, Oldham. Jewellery-making demonstrations. · Sunday 21st April. Abakhan, Manchester. Sewing techniques demonstration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION F www.facebook.com/CraftDemon 92

MY CREATIVE DIVA

www.my-creativediva.co.uk

March 2013

READER GIVE AWAY

WHO WON A BEADER’S COMPANION KIT? Ten lucky readers won a knotted cord and round pendant kit.

Each kit has an RRP of £16.99!

This Knotted Cord and Memory Wire Jewellery Kit contains high quality glass beads in a variety of shapes and sizes, plus nickel free findings.

It includes enough materials to make a bracelet, necklace and earrings set.You will learn how to position knots, create your own clasp, a memory wire bracelet and matching earrings. We also provide tips on how to create loops and show you how to add your heart pendant charm. This kit is a perfect starting point for a beginner with step by step instructions plus design ideas to follow. For jewellery makers who love to work with beautiful handmade glass beads it’s a great value kit!

To Purchase these kits or other jewellery making products contact: BEADER’S COMPANION E info@beaderscompanion.co.uk P 0845 313 0918

AND THE WINNERS ARE!

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C DARLEY – UK

E STANFORD – AUSTRALIA

D SCOVELL – AUSTRALIA

C WOLFE – UK

S CLAXTON - UK

S JONES – UK

L ALFORD – UK

R PROUT - UK

A MACLEOD CRISP – SPAIN

B COX - AMERICA

MY CREATIVE DIVA

www.my-creativediva.co.uk

March 2013

NEXT MONTH

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.8

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

MAKE DELICIOUS BISCUITS

Original Doll Artist, Chris Boston, has been sculpting her one-of-a-kind creations for more than twenty-five years and is now recognised as one of Australia’s most highly regarded artists in her chosen field, winning numerous awards along the way.

SHOPPING JEWELLERY + ACCESSORIES

SUBSCRIBER GIVE AWAY EVOLVE WINNERS COCOON BODY DUO

ONLINE 10TH APRIL BEAUTY TIPS TRAVEL KITS + FAKE A TAN 94

MY CREATIVE DIVA

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March 2013

WIN THIS! SUBSCRIBERS ONLY DREMEL VERSAFLAME

VALUED AT £37.89INCLUDING VAT Win a Dremel VersaFlame.This is a versatile butane gas burner for soft and hard soldering needs in one tool. Designed for hobbyists and DIY-ers alike, it is the only stationary burner that safely combines open flame use with a catalyst and soldering head. It will even glaze your crème brulee!

Sold as a kit comprising the VersaFlame tool plus four accessories a catalyst, soldering tip, flame extension piece and deflector - it comes packaged in a metal tin which also contains solder, a sponge box and 7mm spanner. It is powered by liquid butane gas, available from any newsagent, for quick heat-up and fast re-charge. And, of course, it’s tested by Dremel engineers to the highest quality standards.

Excellent value for money at around £37.89 including VAT from all good DIY shops or online at: www.dremel-direct.com or www.tool-shop.co.uk or www.amazon.co.uk

SUBSCRIBER ONLY - HOW TO ENTER EMAIL: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk Attach this code: DREMEL VersaFlame WIN – MCD 8 The lucky winners will be published in Issue 8 of MCD. CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES – 30th March 2013 MORE INFORMATION RE DREMEL TOOLS The Dremel Engraver, featured in the Glass Candle Holder project in issue 6 is available from www.amazon.co.uk www.dremel-direct.com, www.tool-shop.co.uk and other DIY stores from around £16.33 including VAT. The Dremel Versatip, featured in the Easter Egg Cups project, in issue 6 is available from the same retailers and costs around £37.89 including VAT and comes with a range of accessories – see the link: http://www.dremel-direct.com/acatalog/Dremel_Multitip_.html Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. 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 8 of MCD. 95

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March 2013

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US YET? jump on the social network bandwagon @mycreativediva

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MY CREATIVE DIVA

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March 2013