CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE Issue 4 - 2014
Inspired reading for creative hands
IN THIS ISSUE
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS IN THIS ISSUE... FELT ARTIST – KASEY SORSBY MIXED MEDIA ARTIST – SAMARIE HIGGINS SPECIAL FEATURE – Y GALERI WALES 1
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EXCLUSIVE
PAINTER, PRINTMAKER, COLLAGIST & FILM MAKER GLENN IBBITSON July 2014
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JOAN GORDON EDITOR IN CHIEF
H
ello, Welcome to our new issue of Creative Life Magazine! This issue is brimming with stunning art, photography, articles,features,blogs and projects that will provide you with hours of entertaining and aspirational reading. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy! Our front cover is utterly amazing, thanks to talented artist Glenn Ibbitson. Glenn is best known as a realistic figure painter, based in Newcastle Emlyn. Experience as a scenic artist, at the BBC and the film industry, provided opportunities for him to practice trompe-l’oeil techniques on an industrial scale. Such visual subterfuge has guided his subsequent painting activity in a wide range of media. Turn to page 8 to read more about this exceptional artist. From Canada, we welcome Kasey Sorsby, a fibre artist living in Kelowna BC. Kasey has been working on a major project for some time now and in this issue she shares her passion for felt and dragons. View her adorable creatures that are fanciful and full of mischief on page 22. Joining us once again from Australia is mixed media artist Samarie Higgins.We featured
Samarie’s work in My-Creative Diva magazine several issues ago. Since that article, Samarie has broadened her scope of work and has taken on an exciting new challenge with a focus on home decor. Catch up with her latest achievements on page 26. With this new issue of Creative Life Magazine we bid a fond farewell to our lovely Rebecca Feldman who did a ‘FAB’ job of designing our pages over the past two years. Bec has returned to Australia where she has created her own designing business. We will miss you Bec and wish you every success! As you know without a talented designer this magazine just wouldn’t happen; which leads me to offer a warm welcome to Caed Parker our new UK based designer. Caed works with me on ‘Felt Matters’ which is a journal for the International Felt Makers Association. Together we aim to bring you many more issues of your favourite online magazine. There are so many competitions to enter this month, you will be spoilt for choice. From tickets to jewellery and craft shows, copies of newly published books to an amazing collection of Dremel tools! Why not enter them all? It just takes a quick email to be in the draw and don’t forget to check if you were a winner from our competitions in issue 3, there may be a super prize winging its way to you….. Our ‘BLOG SPOT’ pages are packed with articles from fellow artists and designers and I think our contributors have excelled with their photography! It’s interesting to see how this section in the magazine is developing. Each month new contributors are offering to share their skills or travels with us. If you have a story to tell, email me at creativelifemagazine@gmail. com and if space is available I’ll publish it. Wishing you a creative season, Joan
All website and magazine content is reserved: ©www.my-creativelifemagazine.co.uk ©www.creativelifemagazine.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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Table of Contents
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INTERVIEWS 8 Glenn Ibbitson 18 Y Galeri 23 Kasey Sorsby 28 Samarie Higgins 32 Love Bag Making
PROJECTS 70 Noise Maker 72 DIY Plumbing 76 Floating Feathers 78 Zucchini Fritters 81 Victoria Sponge
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FEATURES 36 Blog Spot 65 Linda Jones 75 Dremel Competition
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS + EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES PAGE 8 GLENN IBBITSON ARTIST
GLENN IBBITSON
After a career as a scenic artist for the BBC and later as a freelance in the television and film industry, he moved to West Wales in 2004 to develop his own projects. He has exhibited in New York, London, Kyoto and Cardiff and is represented by work in private collections across six continents. CONTACT DETAILS B smokingbrush.wordpress.com/2014/04/ W www.smokingbrushfineart.com
PAGE 17 Y GALERI GALLERY NEWS Maggie Banks, Keith Foster, Claire Lovell, David Roy Kerton and Lee Wright are all artists who have a passion for landscape painting and the only way for them is to get out there whatever the weather and experience it directly.These artists joined forces for a recent exhibition a Y Galeri.The show was supported by a profile of work by artist Louise Collis who shares the same philosophy. CONTACT DETAILS W www.ygaleri.co.uk CLAIRE LOVELL
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SAMARIE HIGGINS
PAGE 26 SAMARIE HIGGINS MIXED MEDIA JEWELLERY ARTIST The original art business has given rise to ‘Sarmarie Designs’: A company that acknowledges the creative limitations of one off paintings and of paint itself.We explore all possibilities born of modern means and technologies to create a diverse range of products catering to a greater scope of needs and thereby reaching a wider, more diverse audience. Naturally, this also unleashes a whole new realm of artistic possibilities and creative expression!
PAGE 22 KASEY SORSBY FIBRE ARTIST I draw my own inspiration from the likes of Jim Henson and Brian Froud, although that’s far from the complete list of artists I follow. I’m constantly finding new artists online doing amazing and inspiring work. I think it’s an exciting time to be an artist, never before has it been possible to have your art on display for such an enormous and global audience. CONTACT DETAILS Tanglewood Thicket Creations W www.tanglewoodthicket.com 7
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KASEY SORSBY July 2014
FEATURE
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FEATURE
GLENN IBBITSON
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ewcastle Emlyn-based artist Glenn Ibbitson is a painter, printmaker, collagist and film-maker. After a career as a scenic artist for the BBC and later as a freelance in the television and film industry, he moved to West Wales in 2004 to develop his own projects. He has exhibited in New York, London, Kyoto and Cardiff and is represented by work in private collections across six continents. An example of his portraiture is currently in the spotlight, winning the visitor’s choice at the Crickhowell Open Exhibition with ‘Artist interrupted; a portrait of Rozanne Hawksley’
which captures his friend working in her studio. “I do portraits to commission. In this case I approached Roz. I hold her work in high regard. I have no doubt that in time, she will be seen as one of the very best artists we have produced in Britain in the last forty years.” “We worked together in her studio in Newport [Pembs]. Over eight sittings I developed a series of sketches and accumulated video footage of her while she completed an embroidered artwork. She is a marvellous raconteur and her studio is an inspiring space; full of interesting details which recur in her own work. I decided to frame her image with some of these elements; old nails, desiccated creatures, feathers, religious objects, bullets.
FEATURE CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 9
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Some of these are painted in an illusionistic style, others are actual objects; sewn onto the canvas surface with copper wire.” “A painting should do more than offer up a likeness. Photography can do that. A painting should reveal something of the sitter’s personality - as well as the artist’s. I think we both saw this piece in terms of a collaboration.” A second piece included in the same show is ‘Batch 11 UNIT 9’, a painting from his ongoing multimedia project entitled, ‘Consignment’ on a theme of human trafficking and extraordinary rendition. The model is tightly enclosed within the confines of the square canvas. This compositional device was chosen for its symbolic potentiality; its claustrophobic effect suggests simultaneously both penal cell or hiding place and refuge. It is deployed here as a visual metaphor for the individual as the object of: 1. political oppression; the suspension of human liberties and the enforced submission of the individual. 2. human trafficking: referencing the high risk strategies employed in acts of global transmigration, either voluntary or coerced, and those situations into which people are willing to place themselves and/or others, in the [often vain] hope of improving their economic circumstances. The paintings and prints are all square in format, with dimensions ranging from 8cm to 92cm, and have all been painted and designed to hang any way up. …The project has been constructed from multiple series of works, which share the same dimensions, medium and specific colour range. These groups are designated a batch number, comprising individual pieces or units which are numbered individually. They are file numbered, rather than given titles. This dispassionate system is employed to emphasize the objectification of the subject matter, where humanity is reduced to mere commodity.
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FEATURE
CONTACT DETAILS W www.smokingbrushfineart.com • B smokingbrush.wordpress.com WANT TO SEE MORE? - Tatsuko trailer: youtu.be/7NwVwNk0NuA 12
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FELT PASSION REVIEWED BY SUE PEARL
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BOOK REVIEW
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elt Passion is now the third book produced by Ellen Bakker. This time however she has collaborated with Ricarda Assmann to bring us another mouthwatering array of feltwork in all its diversity. Felt Passion spotlights artists living or born in German speaking countries.The book displays their most recent works of art and gives them the space to explain their passion and fascination for felt. The book in sumptuous in its colour and display and as with Ellen’s previous book, ‘Felting for me is’, the choice of images are inspirational. The selection ranging from the sublimely beautiful work by Inge Bauer to the rugged rustic style of Heidi Greb, fabulous contextual work such as Jeanette Sendler and crazy, colourful with everything in-between work by a myriad of talented feltmakers. Even our own Yulia Badian has a page to display her woodland wonderland. The book gives the reader a vision into the thoughts of these talented felt makers together with their website address so that the reader can explore what other wonders are there in their own personal galleries. This is a book to keep by the bedside or the coffee pot, to dip into and to inspire. With over 750 coloured photographs, the book offers a wonderful visual feast. It is definitely on my wish list now. I am stocking the book in the UK. Contact details are on my website. W: www.feltbetter.com RESOURCES Felt Passion is published by Textile-link.com Order a copy directly from Textile-link: www.textile-link.com or via the resellers listed on the website.
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FROM THE AUTHOR ELLEN BAKKER ‘CALL TO SUBMIT EXTRAORDINARY FELT WORKS OF ART’ New Book: Worldwide Colors of Felt In 2012 I started combining my work as a graphic designer with my felting hobby. This led to publishing my first book about felt. I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to publish more books about textiles and started the platform ‘Textile-link’, where artists can upload their work. I enjoy collaborating with artists very much. Artists from around the world who work with felt are called to create an archive and upload their most beautiful works of felt art, in order to have the chance of landing a spot in this extraordinary book. Just as with other projects, participation is free and participants may order copies at a discount. There will be space for 200-300 artists in this book. In 2015, Worldwide Colors of Felt will be published.
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For more information visit: www.textile-link.com PHOTO CREDIT ELLEN BAKKER 17
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GALLERY NEWS
LARGE BEAD PENDANT ON MY HANDMADE + HAND DYED SILK KUMIHIMO NECKLACE 18
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‘IN ALL WEATHERS’ AN EXHIBITION HELD RECENTLY IN WALES AT Y GALERI. IT FEATURED THE WORK BY 5 ARTISTS & A PROFILE SLOT.
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aggie Banks, Keith Foster, Claire Lovell, David Roy Kerton and Lee Wright are all artists who have a passion for landscape painting and the only way for them is to get out there whatever the weather and experience it directly. These artists joined forces for this exhibition. The show was supported by a profile of work by artist Louise Collis who shares the same philosophy. Both exhibitions were displayed at Y Galeri, Caerphilly from the 20th of May – 28th of June.
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GALLERY NEWS Since 2012 Maggie Banks has worked en Magie Since 2012 Maggie Banks has worked en plein air using a tent as a mobile studio. She cannot resist the lure of the wild and varied region of mountains and moorland from the many vantage points from the blue line of Offa’s Dyke stretching across the horizon at the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Her ‘mobile studio’ was displayed alongside her artworks in this exhibition. Keith Foster’s painting is a consequence of years of evolving work inspired by his intimate knowledge of the environment. His work is a personal response to the cultural heritage and ever changing moods of the Welsh landscape. It is the historical influences and cultural changes from the past, present and to the future and his faith in the landscape, that is nourishing and stimulating his imagination. Claire Lovell has made trips to France, Cornwall, Devon, Western Scotland and West Wales to absorb the subject matter that really drives her - nature at its best. She has come to realise that, very often, her work is driven more by a love of clean colour, tones and texture, rather than the actual ‘scene’ before her. It is the mixture of these things that excites her... the application of paint onto board, having mixed a luscious palette beforehand.
MAGGIE BANKS
CLAIRE LOVELL
Lee Wright is a printmaker and oil painter, based in Llangattock in the Brecon Beacons. He is best known for his reduction lino prints which capture the beauty and tranquillity of the Brecon Beacons. A reduction lino print is one which is built up in layers by successively cutting and printing from one piece of lino. This technique requires a lot of planning and patience. Lee trained as a printmaker at Putney School of Art. He is currently studying classical oil painting techniques at the Welsh LEE WRIGHT 20
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GALLERY NEWS
KEITH FOSTER
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE RECYCLED KEITH FOSTER GLASS EARRINGS 21
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GALLERY NEWS Academy of Art. David Roy Kerton has had a lifelong love of art, but has spent most of his working life as a welder fabricator in heavy industry throughout Wales. In the late seventies he attended Hereford College of Art to study three dimensional design. He now paints in acrylic, often working from sketches, photographs and memories of the Welsh valleys. His paintings are more about atmosphere than place alone. Profile - Louise Collis Supporting this exhibition was Pontypool artist Louise Collis. Her work formed the profile slot and featured up to 20 oil paintings.After graduating from Bath College of Arts, she took up work as a designer and her painting was put on a back burner. Then five years ago, while on a trip to Cornwall, she felt inspired and started painting again. Her aim now is to become a full time artist. Her work on paper and canvas is inspired by the South Wales Valleys as well as the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. She does all her paintings on location and she can be spotted in all weathers. In inclement weather she can be seen painting on the dashboard of her car.
To find out more about future events and exhibitions at Y Galeri visit: www.ygaleri.co.uk Or visit the gallery at the following address: 8 St Fagans Street Caerphilly CF83 1FZ Wales Tel: 029 2086 1433 22
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FEATURE
FELT ARTIST KASEY SORSBY My name is Kasey Sorsby, and I am a fibre artist living in Kelowna BC, Canada.
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discovered felting around the time my first child was born. I was a partner in a small interior design business in Victoria BC, but once Bailey (my daughter) came along, I found my priorities quickly shifted away from that world. After officially leaving the business, I still wanted to express myself creatively, and more importantly, find a livelihood that would be easier to balance alongside being a parent. I was no stranger to selling my art online, having done this for several years on eBay with many of my earlier polymer clay fantasy creatures. I was intrigued when I stumbled across some examples of needle felt art online. I had never considered working with fibres before, and was excited to try something totally new. It didn’t take long before I found myself needle felting almost anytime I had a free moment. I loved the textures and look that were achievable when felting a 3-dimensional object. I’ve always gravitated towards creating stylized fantasy characters, and needle felting really kept me engaged because it lent itself so well to this. Soon I was dying my own wool to achieve the unique looks I want, and experimenting with the wide variety of different fibres available.When I listed my first goblin online, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when it was snapped up, as were the majority of creatures that followed after. Some of the first characters I made six years ago are still among the most popular that people request today. I still have a long list of back orders for my “dragon pup”, which was the second creature I ever designed. 24
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Fast forward to today, and a lot of what occupies my time are special requests and commissions. It’s been a lot of fun applying my own style and vision to the customer’s request. I’ve made a lot of things I probably otherwise would not have attempted; a giant spider, a “jack-a-lope”, a “purple-people-eater”, and the list goes on. I’ve been slowly trying to shift away from this and get back to focusing on my own original creations however. I draw my own inspiration from the likes of Jim Henson and Brian Froud, although that’s far from the complete list of artists I follow. I’m constantly finding new artists online doing amazing and inspiring work. I think it’s an exciting time to be an artist, never before has it been possible to have your art on display for such an enormous and global audience. CONTACT DETAILS Tanglewood Thicket Creations www.tanglewoodthicket.com 26
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ARTIST SARMARIE HIGGINS
GREEN BRACELET 28
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Some people were born to paint, and Sarmarie is defiantly one of them. With a new style for every season you’re assured to be surprised with every visit.
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nfluenced by the ‘wild and uncontrollable’ temperament of the natural world Sarmarie’s artwork resonates with and gives expression to the forces of creation that shape our world.
Sarmarie grew up in the vast desert and coastal lands of the Pilbara region in Western Australia and currently resides on the rugged South West coast of Margaret River. Along the way she has travelled throughout India, Asia, New Zealand, and Eastern Australia. Her exploration of both the outer and inner world has led to an approach to art based on letting the paint speak for itself via its own natural flow and movement, just like nature itself. The original art business has given rise to ‘Sarmarie Designs’: A company that acknowledges the creative limitations of one off paintings and of paint itself. We explore all possibilities born of modern means and technologies to create a diverse range of products catering to a greater scope of needs and thereby reaching a wider, more diverse audience. Naturally, this also unleashes a whole new realm of artistic possibilities and creative expression! The primary guiding principle behind the business is ‘quality’. We take it very seriously, and are committed to the highest standards in workmanship and materials. Our primary product range is with wall prints, from classical mediums such as framed art papers to ultra modern metallic acrylics and dye sublimated aluminium. This combined with Sarmarie’s ever changing style and growing body of work available for print means that we can make art to suit almost any context, and at any size. 29
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This has led us to becoming the preferred artwork suppliers for the Mantra hotel chain for refurbishments aimed at modern styling and real ‘wow’ appeal to their guests. Other projects in motion include collaborations with high-end kitchen manufacturers to convert otherwise boring splashbacks into feature artworks at the centre-stage of designer home and commercial kitchens. Our mediums and product range is consistently growing, so be sure to stay in touch by liking us on Facebook, or by going to our website to check us out and subscribing to our newsletter whilst you’re there.
CONTACT www.sarmarie.com
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LOVE BAG MAKING JOAN GORDON
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his is what kept me busy over the past few months before I had to take time off from work due to health issues. I have to say I really enjoyed this project and working with such talented makers. If you enjoy bag making then you may like this bookazine. It opens the door to working with leather and most of the designs may be sewn on a domestic machine. It went on sale in the UK on the 23rd May. Price is ÂŁ6.99. Also available in selected Sainsburys, WHS High Street, Easons, Daily Profit and Rippleglen stores or your local newsagents. For overseas or online shoppers you may also purchase it online at: W: www.myhobbystore.com/lovebagmaking 32
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ABOUT ‘LOVE MAKING BAGS’ …BAG PROJECTS
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t is designer inspired and the projects include, Handbags, Clutches, Purses, Satchels and Totes.
In creating the projects featured in this bookazine, we have focused on design elements that make a bag fashionable, desirable and functional. As you may see from our gallery of designer bags, the inspiration behind our projects has been fashion led. High-end designers, during the initial couturier phase, work on four basic fashion trends which are; classic, dramatic, romantic or natural. These trends are the key elements used in most facets of designing for garments, accessories and home wares. Our patterns offer a variety of designs that may be adapted to suit your fashion personality. When it comes to making or purchasing a bag, a classic lady looks for tailored lines, simple elegant fastenings and durable fabrics. This fashion personality is attracted to vintage bags such as clutches, handbags with an Art Deco influence, classic country which feature leather trim and totes that are finished with an element of tailoring. The dramatic fashion personality is the extreme opposite.This person is looking for unusual, abstract, artistic designs that make a statement. People who follow romantic trends are drawn to bags with bows, butterfly and pretty motifs, floral or polka dot prints and chintz. The naturalist is keen on upcycling and desires natural materials such as pure linen, cotton, silk and leather. As this person is often a world traveller, they require bags that are both practical and decorative. Shells, braids, beads and ethnic patterns often feature in their choice of bag. If you look in your wardrobe you will soon
realise what trend you are most attracted to. Express your fashion personality by choosing a pattern from our exciting collection and make it unique by selecting fabrics, motifs and trims that reflect your fashion personality. Creating your own bespoke bag is an exciting experience and once you’ve mastered the basic skills, we know you’ll want to make them all. Enjoy!
All content in this document is reserved: ©www.creativelifemagazine.co.uk ©www.creativelifemagazine.com. Permission to reproduce or copy any of the contents for any other purposes must be obtained from Joan Gordon. Photo Credit – Thomas Cook 34
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TECHNIQUES When constructing a bag, purse or clutch there are several techniques that will give your work a truly professional and designer like finish. These techniques may take a little time to master but they are worth practicing to achieve a polished and bespoke look.
MODEL KIRA WITHERS-JONES PHOTO CREDIT THOMAS COOK 35
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HOW TO • Insert a zip into the top and sides of a purse or bag. • Attach straps and fabric handles. • Stuff cord into the channel of the purse frame. • Apply glue to the purse frame channel to ensure strength and durability. • Stitch and glue fabric and leather seams. • Apply interfacing to produce a structured finish. • Make pleats and tucks. • Attach magnetic fastenings. • Attach metal links, fastenings and other decorative top surface findings. • Make decorative bag charms to personalise your work. • Create simple and more complex linings. • Make motifs, apply appliqué and decorate with embroidery. July 2014
SPOTLIGHT ON YOU In the following section of our magazine you’ll find blogs from people who live their life in a creative way. If you have a story you’d like to have published that is relevant to living life creatively, email the editor and if space is available we’ll print it in a future issue.
IN THIS ISSUE DESIRE JEWELLERY SHOW Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair Returns to Winchester. 7- 9 November, where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK. Read more – 38p.
RICHARD WALSH PHOTOGRAPHER
The goal of street photography is to capture scenes to show a natural story and subject. Story and subject are possibly the most important aspects of a good street shot. View Richards stunning work - 41p.t
HELEN SILVERS I made my first doll about 10 years ago while visiting my mother. After some research, I noted that there were few full time doll makers and it was an idea that gave me the chance to start something that was quite unique. More about Helen’s dolls - 46p.
JOAN GORDON - WRITER -TUTOR - MAKER
The story featured on page 48, is one I hope to develop into a series and one day, I will publish it as a coffee table book of cautionary tales for adults. My thanks to Richard Walsh for the amazing photograph! It perfectly illustrated my words.
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT SHOW Craft In Focus is once again staging their popular contemporary craft event at Wellington College from 29-31 August. Read all about it – 52p.
LINDA JONES This month we welcome jewellery maker Linda Jones, who has generously contributed a jewellery project for our friends who love to work with wire. Linda is featured in Blog Spot on page 65 and her project can be found on 76p.
THOMAS COOK Now don`t expect a lesson in botany in this Blog Spot! In this issue I have shared with you a general look of two of my favourite Botanical gardens, the Welsh Botanical gardens and those found in Oxford. I hope you enjoy what you see on page 58.
ANNE & WILLIAM MCCORMACK Anne McCormack and her husband William (Mac), share the sequel to their epic journey exploring South America and beyond. Here, Mac shares their photographs and an extract from his travel journal commencing on page 62. 36
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READER GIVEAWAY
WE HAVE 20 FREE TICKETS TO THE CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING FAIR AT WINCHESTER TO GIVE AWAY! EMAIL THIS CODE: CJSF-20 TO CREATIVELIFEMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ISSUE 6 CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: THE WINNERS NAME AND ADDRESS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ORGANISERS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ALL PRIZES. CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRIZES. THE NAME OF THE WINNER WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ISSUE 6 OF CLM. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: ONLY 1 ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. NO FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED.
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CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING FAIR RETURNS TO WINCHESTER
BLOG SPOT
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nce again the elegant Guildhall in Winchester will be the venue for a stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event from 7-9 November, where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 70 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create. Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers. Exhibitors at Winchester include jewellers working in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, aluminium, copper, brass, glass and bronze and incorporating felt, gemstones, seaglass, buttons, pearls, glass, enamelwork and beads into their work. Anyone celebrating a special occasion – maybe a birthday or anniversary - may also like to speak to many of the makers about commissioning bespoke pieces of jewellery or silverware. Several visitors in the past have commissioned engagement or wedding rings at the event and, by working with the designer maker, have been able to have input into the design and come up with something that means so much more and is completely individual. Many of the makers will also be happy to speak about remodelling old jewellery to give it a more contemporary feel. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, purchase a unique gift for someone special or commission something for a special occasion, make a date to visit Desire at Winchester.
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BLOG SPOT
Opening times for this year’s event are 12.30 pm – 7.30 pm on Friday and 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday November. Admission is £4. For further information contact the organisers on 01622 747 325 or visit the web site at www.desirefair.com Venue: The Guildhall, Broadway, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH 40
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BLOG SPOT
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD WALSH
Richard shares with us his latest photography tips for taking photos – close up, but not necessarily with a macro setting. What is Street Photography? In essence, street photography is a type of candid photography done in a public place, be it a street, a restaurant or even public transport. It is similar in approach to photojournalism and mostly involves people (and/or animals) in a populated environment such as a city. However, street photographers often focus on everyday lives of strangers rather than some kind of important event photojournalists are more interested in. Usually, street photographers try as much as possible to stay unnoticed when photographing. The goal of street photography is to capture scenes to show a natural story and subject. Story and subject are possibly the most important aspects of a good street shot. Taking photographs of people who are not posing and in their natural course of daily lives is exciting and can produce
some really interesting results. You don’t have to be an expert and in fact taking pictures with a small ‘point and shoot’ camera is far easier than a big semi-professional kit… and much less daunting for the photographer and the subject. I have to admit to being a fan of this type of work and find it exciting. If your camera has a decent auto facility then this setting can be really useful to fire off a shot without being noticed, once noticed the subject will find it impossible to behave naturally. There are exceptions though and my photograph of young people at a fiesta is a case in point. They were so excited they played up to the camera.
Top Tips • Hang around an area (without getting arrested) • Capture a strong facial expression or gesture • Capture a photo with multiple subjects/objects • Photograph small details • Take a street photo without people, eg shops • Photograph off-the-wall subjects that are quirky • Take a boring photo, it often turns out more interesting than you thought • Avoid using flash, it tends to get you noticed
Feel free to contact me with any questions, I’m always happy to help. CONTACT DETAILS W www.rjw-photography.com PHOTO CREDITS RICHARD WALSH
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The more you visit and revisit an area the more you get to know how it works and thinks, and the more you will get to know the characters.You will allow yourself to get familiar with the themes and subjects of the area. In addition, you will have a set of cohesive images that will work well when shown together. Each image will play off the others.Take note of how the lighting through the day or across different days changes the way a scene can be transformed. One of the great aspects of people watching is the expressions and body language that we all do without thinking, capturing it on camera is a form of discovery and insight. It is great to get a shot with lots of people and/or objects, it adds loads of interest and can often tell a kind of story about what is going on. 42
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Artists, musicians and street entertainers are an easy target for street photography so make the most of them when you get the chance, they almost always will be very happy for you to take a snap, you may have to put a few coins in their hat though‌ it’s only fair. 43
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As mentioned previously, street photography doesn’t need to have people in it, look at shop fronts, look at the architecture and the shapes made by the building there is so much around that can make a great shot. Like a lot of people, I love window shopping and if you keep a lookout you can sometimes find interesting window displays or inside displays like this shelving I came across in a Hastings bric a brac store.Asked the storekeeper before I took the shot (always a good strategy). 44
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BLOG SPOT On the other hand if you come across a good people shot I think it is more interesting especially if it tells a story, this shot I call ‘runaway’ because that is how I felt it appeared to me, the woman in the shot did bend down and speak to him. As photographers we can easily get into the mindset of thinking a place or a specific shot is boring and couldn’t possibly be of interest to anyone. Wrong! Your boring shot really can turn out to be a gem, just try it from different angles or a different time of day and be prepared to eat your words. These boots were just sitting in a window and I was immediately tempted, OK they may not be everyones cup of tea but I was drawn to the tatty state and the colouring and wondered who they belonged to and why they were there, I just had to snap them. Don’t forget black and white either, you can create really atmospheric shots simply by converting or taking in monochrome. This shot of a street collector is given a great vintage look by taking it in mono. Finally a word about taking photographs of people, especially strangers. If you’re on a public right of way - such as a public pavement, footpath or public highway - you’re free to take photographs for personal and commercial use so long as you’re not causing an obstruction to other users or falling foul of anti-Terrorism laws or even the Official Secrets Act (frankly, this one is unlikely). Obviously photographic children can be sensitive so just handle that with care and ask permission from adults in charge if necessary. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty MP has commented on the current legal situation regarding privacy. ”There is no legal restriction on photography in public places, and there is no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place.”
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BLOG SPOT - HELEN SILVERS
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HELEN SILVERS
I
am a designer/maker living in the beautiful Rhondda valley in South Wales with my husband David. From an early age I could knit and sew thanks to the guidance of my mother who is an expert dress maker and I have always got some kind of textile making on the go. At 16 I chose to follow a career in nursing and
worked in a variety of jobs in the NHS until 1999 when I went part time, this enabled me to take a degree in Textile Design and City & Guilds level I & II in Craft Machine embroidery, as well as a PGCE in Design & Technology. My retirement coincided with moving to Wales and in 2013 I took the plunge and started my own business. I have a studio in the Model House in Old Llantrisant, it’s on the third floor with the most fantastic views over the local countryside, it is very inspiring. What I enjoy about having a studio is that it makes me work. I worked from home for a while but found my self-discipline very lacking, I was constantly thinking ‘I must just do this bit of ironing or washing before I start’ and then there was no day left to work. It allows me to meet the general STORY CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 47
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EMBORIDERED BOX July 2014
BLOG SPOT public who visit on a daily basis and artists in the other studios. I work from around 9.00 until 17.00 each weekday and having all the supplies around me gives me the freedom not to have to tidy up if I have not finished a project as I would at home. My studio is also large enough for me to have a couple of students and it gives me the kudos of having a business address. I made my first doll about 10 years ago while visiting my mother. She showed me a book of softbodied dolls and I was hooked but as I was still working and studying. I did not really pursue it until I started my business in 2013. After some research, I noted that there were few full time doll makers and it was an idea that gave me the chance to start something that was quite unique. Each doll is handmade using my trusty Bernina sewing machine and they are either sitting or standing. Once I have made the doll and given her facial features and hair she starts to become a real person. I dress her in a silk scarf while I decide what character she will have, they are all so different. When I can see her character, I will make the clothes. Some girls have actual garments; some have clothes sewn directly onto the body. Occasionally I know before I start what she will look like as I have an idea in my head. One quirky thing I do is that they must all have knickers on before I dress them. (This maintains her dignity). My inspiration comes from looking at what other makers have done in the doll world, but also, what is topical at the time. Steam punk is all the rage as is a gothic theme and mermaids also seems to be popular. I look at themes such as fantasy or fairy tales. As well as making dolls I also make small machine embroidered boxes to hide secret treasures in. These as all individual, as with the dolls, no two are alike. In the next two years, I hope to be here in Llantrisant but with a wide cliental for my dolls and an established network of teaching. I hope that I will have gained some recognition in the doll world. 48
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GOTHIC DOLL
WELSH DOLL July 2014
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EMBROIDERED BOX
Workshops I offer a range of workshops in machine embroidery and doll making. They can be booked at a date to suit you and can be individual or in groups. Classes are held in my studio in Llantrisant or I will visit groups at their venue. I am also available for public speaking events with a focus on my dolls and boxes. Gift vouchers are available for any of my workshops. Please see my website for further details. CONTACT DETAILS UNIT 15, THE MODEL HOUSE, BULL RING, LLANTRISANT, CF72 8EB HELEN@SILVERSTITCHES.CO.UK SILVERSTITCHES.CO.UK 07527013188 [CREDITS] PHOTO CREDIT – HELEN SILVERS 49
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SHORT STORY
ON THE
ROAD TO NOWHERE
It all started three years ago in what was once a lively country town situated in the middle of nowhere, three miles south of a highway heading somewhere. In the main street old weather beaten shops with rusting galvanized tin roofing, were mostly boarded up.The place looked tired, run down, exhausted. It seemed that if you were to shout out ‘hello’ the place would crumple like a fragile pack of stacked cards. White, hot rays from the midday sun melted the bitumen. The air smelt of asphalt, dust and an impending storm. The faded billboard at the turnoff from the highway three miles back, had offered fuel, refreshments and restrooms. As Stan Bradley pulled up outside the dilapidated petrol station he breathed a sigh of relief, it was open. He was down to less than a quarter of a tank and despite the overwhelming air of decay, it appeared if nothing else, he could refuel and get out of this dump. From his car radio, the lyrics ‘you don’t always get what you want’ blared out into the stale silence. Was this an omen? Stan was about to find out. Before opening the car door Stan reached down to the right hand side of his leather seat to flick open the gas tank cover. “What the hell” he muttered as a wave of dizziness swept over him. He sat
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If you like to journal or write short stories, email us at creativelifemagazine@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to contribute. If space allows we will publish your work. Please note; stories must be illustrated with either drawings or photographs that are copyright free still, breathing slowly until it passed. “I must be dehydrated” he thought, “I’ll grab some water whilst I’m here, maybe even a bite to eat, though I doubt they’ll have anything that’s not six months out of date or labelled, Unfit for Human Consumption “ He walked around to the other side of the car, unscrewed the fuel cap and then removed the nozzle attached to the diesel pump. Just as he squeezed the trigger to start filling the tank, he collapsed. Stan went down like a ton of bricks. Diesel fuel spurted down the side of his face and saturated his Armani sports jacket. On any other occasion if someone or something spilled onto his immaculate clothing, the air would reverberate with abusive expletives. If the accident was caused by ‘someone’; that unfortunate being would have experienced not only a stream of verbal abuse but more often than not a beating. However, not today, for at 3.21pm on the first day of June 1986 Stan Bradley was oblivious to all and everything around him. He lay face down in a pool of diesel infused dirt and grime, not quite like the regular facial spa treatment he enjoyed at his private club. And, for the second time in less than five or so minutes, his car radio recorded the moment with a song from Queen, ‘And another one bites the dust’......It’s interesting to observe how music often links with significant moments in our lives. - JOAN GORDON 51
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BLOG SPOT CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS AT CROWTHORNE TREGEAR H3
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his August view and purchase ‘The Best British Contemporary Crafts’ at Crowthorne.
Craft In Focus is once again staging their popular contemporary craft event at Wellington College from 29-31 August giving the public an opportunity to view and purchase work from around 100 of the finest contemporary designer makers and artists in the UK. As the sister company of Craft In Focus will not be staging their Henley event this year, this show gives the public an opportunity to visit a craft fair with the same standard of exhibitor and quality of work. Set in 400 acres, this historical college provides the perfect backdrop for an event of this calibre. Anyone that has never been to a Craft In Focus event will be surprised to discover the quality of products on offer, all made independently by professional craft makers. Unlike other craft events, no bought in or imported work is allowed and the organisers have a strict selection procedure to ensure only the best of UK craftsmanship is represented at their events. A visitor at a recent Craft In Focus event commented, “The best quality/variety craft show I’ve been to in over 20 years.” This event will feature around 100 talented designer makers showing jewellery,glass,fashion,ceramics, textiles, artwork, interior accessories and furniture and is the ideal place to purchase unique, hand crafted work of the highest standard. Although makers from throughout the UK are exhibiting at this event there are several from the local area including mixed media textile artist, Arleen Wild from Cane End, jeweller, Beverly Bartlett from Arborfield, wood turner, Eddie Morgan from Windsor and Words Art from Streatley with her clever life sayings in 3D pictures, prints and books. To enhance the experience there will be live performances at the weekend by Pink Champagne with the smooth and captivating sounds of their saxophone and acoustic guitar duo, Aquillo.
ELAINE NEWMAN
WOOD LIKE TO PLAY
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BLOG SPOT MARIA HELENA SPECTOR
MARTIN ANDREWS
FOUR HANDS
Rarely is such a wealth of top quality work seen together at a single event. For further information contact Craft in Focus on 01622 747 325 or visit their web site at www.craftinfocus.com Wellington College, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6DY
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Opening times are: 29th – 31st August, 12 noon – 6 pm on Friday, 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and 10 am – 4.30 pm on Sunday. Admission is £4.50. July 2014
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My new Book ‘A String of Beads’ will be available from the 10th April and it is a light-hearted history of glass beadmaking in the UK. There is very little written about the latest resurgence of glass beadmaking in the UK and ‘A String of Beads’, The publication of the book coincides with the 10th Anniversary of The Beads Day (10th May) at Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford, West Midlands. The exhibition will run from 10th May to September 2014. Photographs of all the exhibitor’s beads feature in the book. You can pre-order your limited edition copy by e mailing me or visiting my web site: www.jazzylily.com/book.htm
10th May – 14th September 2014 This exhibition celebrates the 10th anniversary of the annual Beads Day. Featuring 29 selected artists who represent the diversity of beadmaking in the UK today, from well-established names to relative newcomers to the art. The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue written by Pauline Holt and available from the Museum gift shop. 56
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BOOK LAUNCH
Taking inspiration from some of the prettiest forms in nature, this book is packed with gorgeous jewellery and accessories to make. This inspiring new title in the Magpie series shows how to make 20 stunning items, all with a flower motif, with clear step-by-step photography and instructions. Starting with an easy-to-follow techniques section, the book is packed with inspiration and is designed to cater for all skill levels, especially the novice crafter and those on a budget. Projects include: flower-bead cluster earrings, ribbon rose chain, briolette bling ring, flower-bead cufflinks, and shrink-plastic hairslide. • Features 20 gorgeous jewellery and accessory projects to make, all with a flower motif • Includes step-by-step photography with instructions • Caters to all skill levels, especially the novice crafter and those on a budget Author information: Sian Hamilton was at one time a prominent designer at W. Moorcroft PLC and her pieces are still firm favourites with many collectors. Sian now concentrates on her jewellery designs and is widely known for her unique and intricate silver work and PMC creations. Sian is the editor of Making Jewellery magazine, published by GMC Publications.
ISBN-13: 9781861089816 Price: £9.99
WIN A COPY! WE HAVE 3 FLOWERS BOOKS TO GIVE AWAY EMAIL : FLOWERS 3 TO creativelifemagazine@gmail.com Winners will be announced in issue 5 - Creative Life Magazine Conditions of entry:The winners name and address will be forwarded to the organisers for the distribution of all prizes. Creative Life Magazine does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes.The name of the winner will be published in issue 5 of CLM. Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No further correspondence will be entered.
THE OAK ROOM This company is based in The UK and ships to all countries globally. W www.oakroomshop.co.uk Product price: £15.99 57
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THROUGH THE LENS THOMAS COOK
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his month Thomas Cook lets his photos do the talking. As you can see Tom has been enjoying the great outdoors and all things beautiful during a British summer.
If you ever want a good day out, just go along to your local Botanical Garden. I went to the Botanical Garden of Wales and more recently to the University of Oxford Botanical Garden. The garden in Wales is much larger as it is in open countryside, while the Oxford one is in the middle of the city but is still substantial in size and interest. Many interesting and educational activities take place, which makes the garden an exciting venue for both adults and children and can make for a wonderful day out.
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BLOG SPOT Now don`t expect a lesson in botany in this Blog Spot, as I have tried to show you a general look of the gardens with an artistic and somewhat abstract interpretation of how I see some of the flowers. The Botanical Garden of Wales is situated near Llanarthne in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire. Set in 500 acres of farmland it consists of a multitude of plants, flowers, historic buildings, the largest glasshouse in the world and beautiful wooded walks. In my brief article in this issue of Creative Life Magazine, I have captured a view of the entrance where you can see some of the green areas and the magnificent glass dome, one or two flowers in which I have given them an abstract makeover and a view of the restaurant inside the dome where the field sparrows enjoy any leftovers. The Botanical Garden in Oxford is the oldest botanical garden in Great Britain. It is the most compact, yet diverse collection of plants in the World right in the heart of the city centre.To get to the garden in Oxford is only a short walk from the centre of the city.You can get there by bicycle or by boat, passing the occasional busker and eventually over a bridge as you can see in my pictures. I have captured the view from the rear of the entrance and included a few of the beautiful flowers inside. All the best, Tom PHOTO CREDIT THOMAS COOK
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ADVENTURES ABROAD ANNE & OLD MAC
THE BEACH
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nne and her husband ‘Old Mac’, share the sequel to their epic journey exploring South America and beyond. Here, Mac shares their photographs and an extract from his travel journal. JOURNAL EXTRACT We travelled by bus from Santiago to Valparaiso (2hours), spend 3 days here and then board our ship and take off on the High Seas. In Valparaiso the main attraction is the old area the Spanish inhabited, it is on the hill overlooking the harbour and is UNESCO heritage listed. Our ship is Celebrity Infinity. It is 90,000 tonnes, 2150 passengers, it is 300 metres long. First stop was Puerto Mont. We walked ashore and bought some souvenirs. All of these places are very similar, freezing cold in the winter and not very much warmer in the summer, and the weather changes so very quickly. Old weatherboard houses mixed with almost modern buildings. Every place has its constitutional square with the Cathedral on one side and a statue of the local hero, usually on a horse, and the square is laden with market stalls. We sail through the Chilean Fjords and the Straits of Magellan.The channel was very narrow in places with majestic hills looming out of the water, plenty were snow capped. We were due to dock in Punta Arenas, however, the weather was such that this visit was cancelled, due to the high (very cold) winds that were howling. Boy, that wind sure was lazy. Thankfully we had been through here en route to Patagonia. Next stop was Ushuaia, Argentina. Here we went on a catamaran trip up the Beagle Channel and got to see lots of Penguins, sea lions, and blue eyed Cormorants, which from a distance look like penguins.The town was fairly large and their claim to fame is that they are situated at
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BLOG SPOT “The Bottom of The World”. It is the main port for stores and tourists going on to Antarctica. After sailing that night there were a number of glaciers visible. Then came Cape Horn. We sailed around Cape Horn. Cape Horn is an island situated at the southern tip of the South American mainland. There is often confusion as there are a number of islands nearby. The Chilean Navy has a small base here. The day we went around the weather was crystal clear, no wind and we got very good pictures, the sea was fairly calm, with barely a chop on the water. However ,as we departed, the wind came up, the sea came up, it commenced to rain and visibility was poor. We were to go in to Puerto Madryn, Argentina. However, the good old wharfies were on strike there so we bypassed it! Next up we pulled into Punta del Este, Uruguay. It reminded us a bit of a mini Surfers Paradise in Australia. Nice beaches, high rise buildings and high prices. Old and new Ritzy shops, a lot of development occurring. Montevideo, Uruguay came next. It is the capital of Uruguay.We didn’t do a whole lot here as we come back here again. We walked a lot taking in some of the tourist places. Back on the ship, there was quite an occasion in the evening. With the dancing sessions that had been held daily on the ship since we sailed, and we had participated in every one. Unbeknown to us there was to be a “dance off” along the lines of “dancing with the stars”. And guess who got selected to be in this? Matron Anne was selected to do The Cha Cha with Daniel, a young Blade who was a member of the Ships Dance cast.Whilst old Mac was selected to do the Salsa with Meagan who was a real Dolly from the ships dance cast. It was a fabulous night and we did manage to get it on film. Both of us, along with our respective partners came equal third, (thanks Shirley) and 64
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we have a medal to prove it, plus a T shirt. First and second places went to professional dancers. And then we made it in to Buenos Aries, we were here for 2 days. It was Sat 1 Feb, and we set off ashore to find a wi-fi hotspot so that we can send this email off. And just in case you haven’t worked it out, we were having a fabulous time! Best regards to all … A&M July 2014
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JEWELLERY DESIGNER, TUTOR & AUTHOR LINDA JONES With her early childhood spent in East and West Africa, Linda Jones’s formative years fuelled her inner creativity with colourful cultures, their artefacts and handicrafts. Linda originally completed a foundation art course at Canterbury Art College following a year spent travelling around Indonesia, learning the art of batik making.
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Initially, unable to find her specialist leaning, she took various jobs, such as a cook, a receptionist in a product design company, followed by an administrator in a graphic design studio in London … to name a few …! She returned to college in her thirties to study Jewellery Making, specialising in metalwork and enamelling and has never looked back. When her marriage sadly broke down in 1997, she was left with her two sons, of six and four to bring up as a single parent. She then endeavoured to earn some revenue from her jewellery work. “At first I struggled, booking local shows and craft fairs, making one-off commissions when they came my way. I was living very much on adrenalin and sheer determination”! To subsidise her work, she set up jewellery making workshops for children’s birthday parties, followed by wire and bead classes at the local adult education centre, in fact, anything to combine her artistic expression and earn a few pennies. The wire and bead classes became very popular, especially as no one else was teaching anything like it in the area. Jewellery making without all the expensive investment was something instant and fun! “I’m sure most craftsmen will identify with the addictive aspect of wire art. Once I had started, I couldn’t stop! There always seems to be new permutations or variations to combining the wire with beads.” Linda’s work has continued to evolve and gain popularity, notably with her wedding jewellery July 2014
designs, creating very personal tiaras, necklaces, earrings and accessories for brides in her area. She also takes commissions for her metal pieces and contributes jewellery projects to magazines on a regular basis, most notably Make & Sell Jewellery. She has eight published project books and an instructional DVD with two more being launched at the end of the year by the Art & Craft Academy. Linda was also a guest demonstrator on Create & Craft TV, sponsored by Beads Direct – on 26th July 2014. “I feel so privileged to be able to create and design jewellery. I have always enjoyed painting and drawing but wire has become my pencil, or ‘doodling’ line, with beads for colour.” Linda currently lives and runs workshops for all abilities in Kent, with a supportive partner and her boys ‘all grown up’. “I feel that wire art found me, it is such a rewarding and challenging medium. That is why I love teaching and passing on my ideas to inspire others, as I want them to feel the same sense of fulfilment and pleasure that I receive from creating a beautiful piece from scratch.”
PHOTO CREDIT – LINDA JONES
Check out The WireWorkers Guild (Linda’s blog) for wire inspiration: www.wireworkersguild.blogspot.com 66
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COMPETITION
JEWELRY FOR ALL SEASONS Our competition to win one of three copies of this beautiful and inspiring book authored by Linzi Alford was so popular we wish we had hundreds to give away! It is a truly inspirational and practical book for making jewellery! THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE… A BICKNELL - DEVON S WINK – ELGIN R BELL - PRESTON
About the Author: Linzi Alford is a jewellery designer and creator and a trained silversmith who lives and works in the English Lake District. Formerly with a background in retail she is a relatively late-developer to jewellery-making and has been designing for over six years being predominantly self-taught. She runs the online designer jewellery business ‘MagPie In The Sky’ www.magpieinthesky.co.uk and has a penchant for making jewellery out of shiny pretty things. Photography is also a passion and she likes to use her photos as part of her jewellery creations. Linzi has written several online tutorials and is proud to be part of the B’sue Boutiques Design Team and has had many projects published in UK magazines on jewellery-making. Jewelry for all Seasons is her first book. About the book: Jewelry for all Seasons , published by GMC Publications Ltd on 7th March 2014 in UK , 28th March 2014 internationally ,available on Amazon sites and many other online retailers. CONTACT DETAILS W: www.magpieinthesky.co.uk 67
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CREATIVE MAKES DIY PROJECTS
Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy making something for your home or try a new recip
SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM
MAKE THIS STUNNING JEWELLERY
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pe and share good food with your family and friends.
EASY ZUCCHINI FRITTERS
VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE
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SEASONAL CORDIAL AND VINEGAR July 2014
PROJECT
FAMILY FUN
MAKE A NOISEMAKER
With this individually designed hand-clapper you can support your country or team in their colours whether you are standing on the sidelines of a school or local match or attending an international. Make your own personal fan kit. All you need is your enthusiasm and the right Dremel速 tools. Your materials at a glance From Dremel速: Dremel速 4200 Dremel multipurpose cutting kit 565 Dremel multipurpose spiral cutting bit 561 Dremel EZ SpeedClic sanding band & mandrel SC407 From home: Pencil,A3 paper From the DIY store: Multiplex sheet (40cm x 30cm x 7mm) Wrapping tape in the colours of your team Textile tape or duct tape in another colour Coloured spray paint Tracing paper Strong card 70
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PROJECT 1
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STEP ONE: Press the hand template onto an A3 sheet of paper and transfer the outlines twice with a pencil and tracing paper onto to a multiplex sheet. Fix the Multipurpose Cutting Kit (565) to a multitool like the Dremel® 4200 and carefully cut out the two hands. STEP TWO: Sand the edges of the hand and the handle smooth with the multitool and EZ SpeedClic sanding bands (SC407). Your hand-clapper will then fit neatly and comfortably into hands large and small and make lots of noise to cheer your team on. STEP THREE: Now is the time to show your colours. Spray first one side of the hand in your country or team’s colours and leave it to dry well.Then spray the other side so that your clapper will be both a noisemaker and an eye catcher.
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STEP 4: Draw two holes on the base of a hand as shown and fix the multipurpose spiral cutting bits (561) to your Dremel® 4200.Then lay the other hand underneath and drill two holes through them both. TO FINISH Wind tape round the handles, starting at the lower end and making sure that the edges always slightly overlap and there are no gaps. Secure the ends with duct tape.
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Push a pencil between the two hands as a placeholder and thread the cord through the holes you have drilled.Tie a firm knot and your noisy hand-clapper is ready to go! GO TEAM! Difficulty rating - 2 Stars
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PROJECT PLUMBING WITH DREMEL TOOLS STEP BY STEP
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PLUMBING WITH DREMEL TOOLS How confident are you in carrying out minor repairs and alterations to water pipes, waste pipes or bathroom ventilation? With the right tools and a certain level of technical skills, you can do it yourself – even if the work is detailed and repairs are in places that are hard to reach! So, with your knowledge of your home’s quirks, keep costs down and get right on with the job. Cutting pipes in hard to reach places. (1) When cutting pipes in places that are difficult to reach, it is important not to damage adjacent components. A multitool, like the Dremel 4200 with the right angle attachment and its extra thin metal cutting wheels, are just right for accessing places like these, effortlessly. Working at maximum speed with only light pressure, it’s easy to guide the rotary tool safely and cut the pipe cleanly. Dremel tools needed: Dremel 4200 multitool Right angle Dremel attachment 575 Dremel EZ SpeedClic metal cutting wheel SC456 1
Shorten pipes with a large diameter.(2) To shorten pipes with a large diameter, the tool you need is the Dremel DSM20 compact saw. Instead of using a toothed saw blade, it works with precise cutting discs, like an angle grinder, so it can be used to make very accurate cuts. Remove the rubber seals from the pipe sleeve and set up the pipe. Fix it to the workbench with tensioning straps so that it can still be turned easily. The edge of the sleeve serves as a parallel guide when cutting. When the sleeve is turned, the pipe stays in position, thereby ensuring a uniform distance. Smooth the sharp edge of the cut to ensure you can connect the pipe. A multitool like the Dremel 4200 is just right for this job. Along with the shaping platform attachment and an appropriate sanding band, run it around the end of the pipe evenly at a 45 degree angle and a low rev count. Here too, the edge of the pipe sleeve, set so that it can be turned, serves as a parallel guide. Required tools and accessories from Dremel: Dremel DSM20 compact saw Dremel 4200 multitool Dremel shaping platform attachment 576 Dremel EZ SpeedClic sanding mandrel and 60-grit and 120-grit sanding bands SC407
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Circular cuts for water or ventilation pipes.(3) Installing ventilation elements require very precise workmanship to prevent leaks and the transfer of vibrations. Circular cuts in construction materials up to 72
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July 2014
PROJECT 20 mm thick can be made with a precision tool like the Dremel 4200 and the line and circle cutter.
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With the right accessories, such a multipurpose spiral cutting bit with a working diameter of 3.2mm you can also cut clean edges in plasterboard of the kind that is used for partition walls. Thanks to the clean circular cut-out, the collar fits neatly into the hole and can be connected flush and tightly with the wall and the ventilation pipe behind it. The air outlet is inserted into the collar of the attached assembly rosette.
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Dremel tools and accessories needed: Dremel 4200 multitool Dremel line and circle cutter 678 Dremel multipurpose spiral cutting bit 561
Cut and deburr pipes for soldering.(4 & 5) Cutting copper water pipes precisely is easy for a powerful precision tool like the Dremel 4200 along with its extra thin metal cutting wheel. Very precise, clean cuts can be accomplished using a high rotation count and very light pressure. Abrasive points and grinding stones, used at a medium working speed, are ideal for straightening and deburring cut edges. High-performance abrasive brushes clean and rough up the copper pipe without wasting material. After this kind of good preparation, soldering is not a problem. Stationary burners like the Dremel VersaFlame are also good for shrinking and welding. Because it uses liquid butane as its fuel, it is ready for use quickly and can be refilled at any time.
Dremel is one of the leading providers of precision power tools DIY’ers and hobbyists. Its product portfolio includes compact tools, such as, mini saws and glue guns, benchtop tool systems, such as, scroll saws - and the market leading rotary tool systems (multitools). Each system is supported with numerous high quality accessories and attachments which expands the versatility of the tools further. For more information on the range go to www. dremel.co.uk and for purchase www.dremel-direct. com or www.tool-shop.co.uk
Dremel tools and accessories needed: Dremel 4200 multitool Dremel EZ SpeedClic metal cutting wheel SC456 Dremel abrasive point 516 Dremel aluminium oxide grinding stornes 9.5mm – 952 & 932 Dremel high performance abrasive brush 26mm – 538 Dremel VersaFlame 73
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July 2014
DIY DREMEL TIPS
MAKE YOUR HOME ECO FRIENDLY
Here are 8 TOP TIPS from Dremel, the DIY power tool experts: www.dremel.co.uk 1. A water butt is a great way to conserve water for your garden. Buy one from any DIY or garden store but to make it blend into your garden scheme, build a wooden casing around it and paint it. Or buy an old wine barrel, as an attractive alternative and customise it so that you can fill a watering can. It’s important that wooden water butts stand above ground level, allowing the wood to breathe from beneath. Fix hooks onto the butt and hang up your watering cans so you can find it quickly when you need it. 2. Use solar power to light the path to your front door. Solar lights fixed into the ground store energy at low cost in the daytime and light the way to your front door in the dark. Cut niches into your paving stones by using a compact saw, like the Dremel DSM20, or plant them either side of your path in the garden borders. 3. Say goodbye to that dripping tap.Dripping, lime-encrusted taps waste gallons of valuable drinking water each year. Dealing with the problem could hardly be more simple. Turn off your water at the mains, then unscrew the tap. Soak the flow regulator in vinegar until the limescale can be scrubbed off, then screw it back into position. Turn the water back on. To further reduce your water consumption, aerators are available at DIY stores that add oxygen to the water. 4. Install louvered window shutters for a constant temperature. Shutters can help to keep out the cold in Winter and ensure rooms are pleasantly cool in the Summer. If you are a keen DIY’er with a bit of knowhow and skill, you can design and make shutters yourself. Ask your DIY store for suitable timber, such as beechwood and cut it to size. Weatherproof your shutters to ensure they don’t warp. Then fix the fittings. If you want something more decorative, rout patterns into the wood for each shutter before fitting them. 5. Compost is rich in nutrients. Making compost yourself creates a natural fertiliser and nutrient to enrich your garden soil.To make a simple wooden compost bin simply cut wooden slats to size, using an oscillating tool, like the Dremel Multi-Max MM40, and screw them together at right angles. Sand down any sharp edges or splintered wood. Then prepare your compost by layering grass cuttings, leaves and natural waste from your kitchen e.g. paper, cardboard and vegetable peelings and turn regularly. Turning improves air circulation and provides ideal living conditions for worms and insects. Once the waste has rotted down, it should be an ideal supply to mix with your garden top soil. 6. Charge battery-powered equipment the smart way.There is money to be saved when charging the battery-powered equipment you use around your home and garden. Depending on your supplier and the area in which you live, the prices charged for electricity vary at different times of the day and night. Once you have the details you can start saving money by charging batteries at off-peak hours. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries retain their charge even if they haven’t been used for some time. 7. Roof insulation keeps the house warm. In Winter, a well-insulated roof retains heat and prevents damp ingress. To insulate your roof structure adequately, simply clad the rafters with insulating wood and make sure that everything is airtight by securing it with staples, specialised foil and adhesive tape.To fix the wooden substructure, cut the battens to size and fit at right angles to the roof beams. To clad the insulating material, saw plasterboard to the right size and fix it to the substructure. This will separate the temperature areas and further reduce your heating costs. 8. Revive old furniture.To give old furniture a new lease of life, take your Dremel 8200 cordless multitool with its handy accessories for cutting, sanding, routing, drilling and much more, and try these ideas: Convert an old vintage leather suitcase into an easy chair by upholstering it with foam rubber to the top of the base and back then add legs or take two old wooden chairs and convert them into a garden bench by using a wooden panel to connect them.Make a new coat rack out of a wooden board inset with old wooden coat hangers cut in two. Check your attic and garage when you are having a clear-out to source old items which you can up-cycle with some sanding and a new coat of paint. 74
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July 2014
PROJECT
WIN DREMEL TOOLS! MAKE YOUR HOME & GARDEN ECO-FRIENDLY Fancy making your home and garden a bit more eco-friendly this year? Start helping to save the environment and make your home more gorgeous at the same time! Small actions at home and in the garden can make all the difference!
WIN ALL THE TOOLS IN THESE TOP TIPS - FROM DREMEL! We have one set of tools to give away! HOW TO ENTER: EMAIL: creativelifemagazine@gmail.com Attach this code: DREMEL WIN – CLM 4 The lucky winners will be published in Issue 5 of CLM. CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES – 27th SEPT 2014 NB: If you aren’t lucky enough to win either Dremel bench top tool, you can buy them online at www.amazon.co.uk or www.dremel-direct.com or www.tool-shop.co.uk or from most DIY shops.
Conditions of entry:The winners name and address will be forwarded to Dremel for the distribution of all prizes. Creative Life Magazine does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes.The name of the winner will be published in issue 5 of CLM. Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No further correspondence will be entered.
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July 2014
PROJECT
FLOATING FEATHERS PENDANT PROJECT
This pretty pendant has been created by Linda Jones, jewellery designer, tutor and author using her Whammer! Follow her step by step instructions to make a similar design or take inspiration from her techniques and design your own. MATERIAL & TOOLS 1mm silver-plated wire 1 x 8mm bead, chain/or cord Whammer Steel block Round and flat nosed pliers, cutters METHOD OF WORK • Begin by cutting 5 lengths of 1mm silver-plated wire. I cut approximately: 2 x 6cm, 2 x 5cm and 1 x 4cm. Press the lengths over a circular mandrel (a sauce bottle will do!) to make the pieces curve. • Place each length on a steel block and using the Whammer, ‘stroke’ hammer the ends to spread and flatten. I threaded one of my 5cm wires with an 8mm green bead.You can texture the flattened ends with the texture head of the Whammer and if the ends get a little buckled, use the nylon mallet to re-flatten. • Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, curl the ends of each wire ‘feather’ to make a small suspension loop. Create a large ring link by wrapping some 1mm wire around a fat pen marker (1cm) and cutting off to make a circular link.Thread the link with your wire ‘feathers’ as shown: 2 should ‘float’ in one direction and 3 in another so that they fall across each other. Have fun experimenting with this technique to create matching earrings and other coloured pendants! Suppliers: www.beadsdirect.co.uk 76
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July 2014
THE WHAMMER NEW HAMMER ON THE BLOCK! Initially the Whammer was launched 2 years ago, but unfortunately the company that manufactured it had a fall out and disbanded! Now 2 years on, the good news is that Beadsmith have re-launched it with a new ‘dapping’ head for texturing! For all the years that I’ve been teaching wirework, it’s been one of the most frequently asked questions: ‘What hammer should I use for wire?” Well, any hammer will do in conjunction with a steel block, however, there was never a specialist one … and that is why I designed the Whammer! If you're wondering what the Whammer's attributes are, read on: * It has 3 heads! 2 of which are interchangeable, so you have 3 hammers in 1! * The slightly convex STEEL head is especially designed to get the best results for spreading, flattening and work hardening wire. *It’s especially weighted so that you don't have to strike too hard, just "stroke" the wire out, leaving minimal surface disruption. * The NYLON head is perfect for flattening or ironing out kinks on coloured and plated wires without changing or marking the wire. * The interchangeable DAPPING head with perfect for texturing wire and metal surfaces. * The short stem handle means you have great control over each strike and blow. * Ergonomic grip means it's comfortable to hold. * Small overall compact size means it's easy to stow away and carry around.
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July 2014
EASTER TREATS
FRITTERS
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’m in the mood for food, fresh from my garden! These fritters are a combination of grated zucchini, snow peas, fresh sage and chopped chives. This summer I have an abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit. Much of it I preserve and bottle to carry us over in the winter but when I picked this lot I was so hungry that my immediate focus was to make something really delicious and fast. To the basic mix I added 6 chopped prawns and Welsh smoked kelp, a beaten egg and a little self raising flour. I then fried them in a pan with a drop of sunflower oil. Here you see them served with Vietnam rice paper sauce and good old Helman’s mayonnaise. Delicious! Joan Gordon TO MAKE 6 FRITTERS INGREDIENTS 1 x Large zucchini grated 6 x Snow peas finely chopped Small handful fresh sage leaves chopped Small bunch of chives chopped 1 x Beaten free range egg 6 x King prawns – raw and roughly chopped Pinch of salt or Welsh smoked kelp 1 x tabs self raising flour Vietnamese rice paper sauce and mayonnaise to serve METHOD OF WORK • Into a large bowl, crack the egg and beat with a hand whisk until frothy. • Add all the other ingredients in the order as listed adding the flour last. • Mix well with a wooden spoon until the mixture is moist and binding together. • Place a frying pan on the cook top. Pour in a teaspoon of sunflower oil and spread to coat the pan. Heat the pan on a medium setting. • Drop two tablespoons of batter into the pan leaving space for expansion. • Reduce the temperature to low and allow the fritters to cook evenly. When the tops start to set, flip them over and cook for a further three minutes. • Once cooked, place them on a plate and keep warm in the oven. • Cook the remaining batter in the same method keeping the fritters warm until you have finished cooking. Serve on a warm plate with a side dish of dipping sauce and a dollop of mayonnaise and fresh chives. ENJOY!
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CAKE SLICE TINS - £5.00 each The Contemporary Home www.tch.net £5.00 This company is based in: United Kingdom and ships to: all countries globally We just love these great quirky cake tins. Available in various designs, they make a perfect, unusual gift for cooks. Sold separately. 80
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July 2014
BAKING
VICTORIA SPONGE
No matter what the occasion a slice of freshly baked Victoria Sponge cake feels like a complete indulgence. This simple recipe will have you wondering why you haven’t tried making one sooner. This is certainly a crowd pleaser. INGREDIENTS 4 free-range eggs 225g caster sugar, plus a little extra for dusting the finished cake 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp baking powder 225g soft butter at room temperature, plus a little extra to grease the tins To serve Good-quality or homemade strawberry or raspberry jam Whipped double cream METHOD OF WORK • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. • Grease and line 2 x 20cm sandwich tins: use a piece of baking or silicone paper to rub a little butter around the inside of the tins until the sides and base are lightly covered. Line the bottom of the tins with a circle of baking paper. • Break the eggs into a large mixing bowl, now add the sugar, flour, baking powder and butter. • Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Do this is with an electric hand mixer, but you can use a wooden spoon if one isn’t avialable. Be careful not to over-mix. As soon as everything is blended stop mixing. The finished mixture should be of a soft ‘dropping’ consistency, it should fall off a spoon easily. • Divide the mixture evenly between the tins so that it is fairly evenly spread. Use a spatula to remove all of the mixture from the bowl and gently smooth the surface of the cakes. • Place the tins on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Do not open the door while they’re cooking. After 20 minutes check them by looking through the door but do not open it. • The cakes are done when they’re golden-brown and coming away from the edge of the tins. Press them gently with your finger tips to check, they should be springy to the touch. Remove the cakes from the oven and set aside to cool in their tins for five minutes. Run a palette or rounded butter knife around the inside edge of the tin and carefully turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack. • To remove the cakes from the tins without leaving a wire rack mark on the top, put a clean tea towel over the tin, put your hand onto the tea towel and turn the tin upside-down. The cake should come out onto your hand and the tea towel.You can turn it from your hand onto the wire rack. Set the cakes aside to cool completely. • To assemble the cake, place one cake upside down onto a plate and spread it with plenty of jam. Spread a layer of whipped double cream over the jam. • Top with the second cake, top-side up. Sprinkle over the caster sugar and serve. 81
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July 2014
GARDEN
E
GROW YOUR OWN
ven if you live in an apartment with a postage stamp size garden, there are many methods that you can investigate if you are keen to grow your own flowers, herbs or veggie. These compact cold frames are neat and tidy and they provide sufficient space for propagating seeds and protecting potted plants from frost in the colder months. Or, follow a French tradition and if space is really restricted grow herbs on your windowsill. Check them out! Lacewing 2ft6 X 1ft10 Double Door - Wooden Cold Frame Growhouse Primrose www.primrose.co.uk £79.95 This company is based in: United Kingdom and ships to: United Kingdom FEATURES: Ideal for propagation and display, as well as overwintering delicate plants. FSC* certificated - responsibly sourced. Shatterproof glazing for increased safety. Polycabonate panels are virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays. Fixing nuts allow you to regulate ventilation. Finished with a water-based treatment, which protects the frame from rot, harmful UV rays, and the elements. Double doors allow easy access to plants. Keeps pests (and pets!) away from your plants. Perfect for gardens, patios, and balconies. Specifications: Width: 76cm (2’ 6”) Depth: 56cm (1’ 10”) Height: 110cm (3’ 7”) Weight: 6kg Glazing: polycarbonate Glazing thickness: 3mm
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WINDOWSILL PLANTING The Planter Blume Bellila is ideal to have on hand in your kitchen for your herbs. You can also use it to brighten your home with beautiful seasonal flowers. With its rounded forms and legs in solid oak, it is an elegant and delightful decoration! Greeen www.greeen-store.com ÂŁ129.43
5 TIPS FOR GROWING PLANTS IN THIS PLANTER: Think watering about every 2 weeks. Touch the ground with your finger to control moisture. Think about giving natural light to plants, not necessarily direct. Add a little ‘fertilizer 1-2 times per month. Air plants 10 min per day. Avoid polluted spaces such as carparks. Regularly prune branches to compensate for the size of the roots. Features of this ecological and garden design: It consists of feet in varnished solid oak, from French forests sustainably managed it has a ceramic bowl; made in France. 83
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July 2014
ADS
JM TV GUEST DESIGNER
M A G G I E
Tune into SKY Channel 655,VIRGIN Channel 756 and FREESAT 807 where Jewellery Maker broadcasts 24 hours. Guest Designer Maggie Jones is featured at Jewellery Maker TV. Maggie arranges and delivers demonstrations for jewellery, sewing and general crafts. She also runs workshops and courses, particularly in the Lancashire and north Manchester areas and writes projects, on how to make jewellery and sewing projects, for various magazines. CONTACT DETAILS - W:www.maggiejonesdesign.co.uk - F:www.facebook.com/craftdemon 84
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July 2014
NEXT MONTH
We hope you have enjoyed reading Creative Life Magazine! Now that the magazine has become bi-monthly we are including more interviews and feature articles so that you won’t be short of a good read when you’re taking time out to relax. In our next issue you’ll find interviews and blogs from our group of talented professional artists and designers plus articles contributed by fellow makers who would like to share their interests and skills. The true essence of this magazine is about recognising and promoting people who choose to live a creative lifestyle. We welcome our readers input. If you wish to share an event, a project or technique with like minded people, please email me at creativelifemagazine@ gmail.com. Please continue to support us by subscribing, as your subscriptions keep this magazine online and flourishing. Wishing you a healthy, happy and creative New Year! Joan 85
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July 2014
Hand woven textiles, hand spun yarn & all things gorgeous ...
Hattie Rae hand woven textiles. Exciting, elegant and sophisticated style fused with timeless fashion. A blend of rich yarns, contemporary design and traditional techniques. Beverley Hicklin graduated from Winchester School of Art with a degree in textile design, specialising in weave. As a freelance textile designer she has sold her designs to fashion houses, including Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and GAP.
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............................................................................................. Beverley launched Hattie Rae for those who appreciate stunning, fine quality textiles. Each piece is a unique expression of colour and texture. At Hattie Rae we only weave from the finest fibres including Merino wool and silk. We hand spin our textured yarns with our customary blend of colour to create the most scrumptious, unique, one-of-a-kind yarns you can knit, crochet, weave or simply wear as is. And what would be the point of loving yarn if we didn't love colour too? We carefully select our yarns ... silk, cashmere and lambswool, and then hand dye them to achieve a palette of rich colour.
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............................................................................................. Wrap it, twist it, tie it, layer it - meet the new Coco Ruffle from Hattie Rae. Available in a number of styles: long ruffle - enough to wrap, drape and twist - or short neck wraps, perfect for framing that special outfit - see our Yarn page for current styles. Each Coco Ruffle is hand spun using combinations of Merino wool, silk, cotton, angora and mohair in colours we hand blend in our usual Hattie Rae style. They are often finished with additional touches of hand dyed silk twists and hand made felt.
hattierae.com At Hattie Rae we love yarn. Using top quality fibre including silk, Merino wool and cashmere, we hand spin our textured yarns with our customary blend of colour to create scrumptious, unique, one-of-a-kind yarns you can knit, crochet, weave or simply wear as is. We also offer a batt and yarn making service for those who themselves spin or work with felt or textiles. What would be the point of loving yarn if we didn't love colour too? We carefully select our yarns using quality fibres including silk, cashmere and lambswool, and then hand dye them to achieve a palette of rich colour. The process of making our hand woven cloth is a lengthy one. From raw fibre through spinning and dyeing to the final woven product, many procedures are involved. Work starts with visual research and the selection of a colour palette.The warp is then designed when different combinations of weave structures and yarns are selected before we wind and then thread the warp. The prospect of commissioning hand woven cloth may seem prohibitively expensive.This is not necessarily the case - we can weave you a piece of cloth made especially to your specifications and we love to work with clients to help achieve their vision. We offer a bespoke service, colour matching to complement your existing furnishings and designing an original, unique piece. 86
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July 2014
SILVER STITCHES
www.silverstitches.co.uk
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DEBBIE DEW AD
I am often asked ‘where do I get my inspiration from’? This isn’t an easy question for me to answer. Some people claim to get their inspiration from nature and the countryside around them. Others say it comes from a visit to the seaside but for me it isn’t so straightforward. Sometimes ideas pop into my head in the middle of the night, other times I look at an array of glass rods and a colour combination strikes me or inspiration might ignite from a conversation about something completely different and this sparks an idea. Maybe the right answer is; I get my inspiration from anywhere and everywhere! VIEW DEBS BEADS AT: www.79.170.44.81/silverartz.co.uk/ www.makeglassbeads.co.uk/Reviews.html www.britishlampwork.co.uk/tag/debbie-dew/ www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Glassmania 88
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July 2014
PURCHASE UNIQUE IMAGES CONTACT RICHARD WALSH
CONTACT DETAILS
W www.rjw-photography.co.uk
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ADVERTISE WITH US
PHOTO CREDIT CARMEL BUSSENSCHUTT - DONGARA WESTERN AUSTRALIA
CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE WE PROMOTE MAKERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO HAVE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND CREATIVE FOCUS.
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ADVERTISE WITH US CONTENTS The magazine is predominantly a lifestyle magazine. It is visually beautiful whilst the contents are both inspirational and entertaining to read. In each issue we offer several interviews plus; Book Reviews, Shopping, Travel, Food and DIY projects. In our ‘Blog Spot’ section of the magazine, professional people contribute articles about their current research, their interests or advice on particular subjects that may be of interest to our readers. Some popular topics include photography, jewellery making and lampwork. Our interviews are designed for readers who find inspiration in reading about people who have used their creative talents to build a career that is both enjoyable and profitable. CLM has an international reach which is predominately the UK, America, Australia and Germany and, as it is totally online, so we don't have the overheads other publishers have to carry. The current issue is free to view online. Past Issues may be purchased for £2.50 for a downloadable PDF. Our Aim is to have an international reach with a strong subscriber and advertising base to ensure the magazine may remain FREE to read online. Our long term aim is to use the magazine to promote creative people in business. ADVERTISING We offer support to our readers who are creative people, working as either sole traders or owners of a creative small business. We make it possible for individuals, galleries and creative groups to promote their work, views and business through feature articles, interviews and reduced rate advertising. ADVERTISING RATES Small Business Owners, Galleries and Makers may advertise one or more; Products for only £12 per item on the shopping pages with a hotlink that will take our reader from the magazine website direct to your website. Classified ads may be purchased for £12 - these will be featured at the back of the magazine. This is the ideal space to advertise events, workshops and shows plus your website and contact details. Maximum 75 words with a small image. Each ad runs for two months. We offer excellent one page and advertorial rates to small business owners who support Makers and Creative Groups.
These advertising rates are on offer NOW! For Subscription or Advertising Information: CONTACT jgordon@my-creativediva.co.uk 91
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SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ENSURE YOUR COPY OF CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE BY SUBSCRIBING TODAY.
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SPECIAL OFFER! FIRST 6 MONTHS ONLY £9! SUBSCRIBERS WILL RECEIVE A DOWNLOADABLE PDF OF EACH CURRENT ISSUE. A FREE BANNER AD IN THE MAKERS ADS OVER THE NEXT THREE ISSUES. PROMOTE YOUR SKILLS AND BUSINESS, JOIN US NOW. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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ARTIST + PASTA DIVA MARY BURR
The influence in my art is drawn from daily life farming in Maine. With the financial and emotional support of my husband and best friend, Bob, I had the opportunity to attend University and achieved a Bachelors Degree in Visual & Fine Art with a major in Fine Art. I would consider my style to be ever evolving. VIEW DEBS BEADS AT: Mary Burr E bburr@tdstelme.net W www.blueribbonfarm.net PHOTO CREDIT MARY + BOB BURR 94
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ONCE WE WERE SOLDIERS AD
ONCE, WE WERE SOLDIERS Nicky Townsend is a jewellery maker and lampwork artist. Her work has been published in several magazines including Beads & Beyond, Making Jewellery and My-Creative Diva magazine. Since 2008 she has worked tirelessly with her partner,Andy Spiers (ArmyVeteran),to raise public awareness of the plight faced by service men who, after serving their country are left homeless or in need of medical, emotional and financial assistance. Welcome to Once, We Were Soldiers. We are a UK Small Charity founded in 2008 by Army veteran Andrew Spiers. Our purpose is to raise awareness and offer support to the homeless veterans of the British Armed Forces around the UK. Did you know that at least 10% of the UK homeless population is made up of ex-forces personnel? This number is only likely to rise as more and more serving members are forced to leave their Armed Forces career because of redundancy, government cut backs or for medical reasons. The number of military personnel now suffering with PTSD or other mental health conditions is rising rapidly. As our troops come out of Afghanistan these numbers are only likely to increase. Many, in fact too many, of these veterans find themselves homeless, with no hope, no support and through no fault of their own. They turn to alcohol or drugs or both to help them through each day, to block out the horrors they have
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persistent flashbacks of. It is estimated that in London alone there are in excess of 1000 homeless veterans! These men and women put their lives on the line for our country, they deserve better! WHO DO WE SUPPORT? Once, We Were Soldiers support veterans from ALL Forces Army, Navy and Air Force. If you have been proud enough to wear the British Armed Forces uniform then we are honoured to be able to offer you our support. Once, We Were Soldiers support veterans from ALL conflicts. If you served in WW2, Northern Ireland, The Gulf, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other conflict we are here to help! Nobody will be turned away! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE – PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Find Us on Facebook: Once,We Were Soldiers
July 2014
CREATIVE LIFE MAGAZINE Inspired reading for creative hands
CONTACT US Facebook Twitter Pinterest
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