My-Creative Diva Issue 1

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.1

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

in this issue

96

PACKED PAGES of highly creative inspiring articles plus 7 starter HOW-TO PROJECTS

Diva Makeover

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

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST

Showcase your work with us

Interview with Atelier owner

Sian Ryan 1

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be published in our divine gallery August 2012

2012/13 Collection by Dom Goor sheepskin chic British Sheepskin and leather brand, Dom & Ruby have introduced their latest range of stunning sheepskin and leather. The new capsule collection also includes some key wool and cashmere pieces to complete your winter wardrobe. Available from Harvey Nichols, online and at stockists throughout the UK. Using the finest Toscana sheepskin, their jackets and gilets are finished with shawl collars complete with hood or rough edge collars to give an up to date look.

In sumptuous classic collars such as Snow Wolf (White tipped black), Cappucino, Classic Black and Chocolate. Each piece is cut to perfectly fit and finished to the highest standards. It’s an investment piece which will stay firmly in your wardrobe for many years to come.

Prices start from £495 for gilets and go up to £1699 for long coats.

Available from Harvey Nichols, online and at stockists throughout the UK.

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August 2012

welcome to...

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.1

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

joan gordon editor in chief

T

his is an exciting day for our team at MCD who have worked around the clock during the launch of our online craft and lifestyle magazine. My-Creative Diva has been designed to offer you inspirational reading with the added advantage that it’s half the price of most news stand crafting titles.

By way of a ‘thank you’ for having discovered us, we are offering you and all our readers free access to Issues 1 and 2. Please pass this link onto your creative friends as this offer can’t last forever! One of the special features of this magazine is that you can read it anywhere and at any time, online in your comfort zone. It contains all the features of a paper magazine without the weight and expense of a hard copy version. And, if you should miss an issue there’s no need to purchase a back copy, as a subscriber, you can easily pick it up in the archive files of our website.

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In each issue of MCD we bring you interviews focused on successful, professional women who all work in different fields of craft, fashion and/or art. These women offer an insight into their world and talk about how they achieved their aims and goals. Many of our Creative Diva’s will also offer a downloadable project or a techniques article for our magazine subscribers. Some of the crafts that will be offered in downloadable format are floristry, quilting, dressmaking, home décor, jewellery, felting, ceramics, cake decorating, food recipes, natural beauty, paper craft, painting and printing.

The lifestyle content of the magazine includes beauty, food, fashion, travel plus articles that focus on health and home décor. This is a comprehensive magazine that offers enjoyable reading, informative articles and practical advice on crafting skills.

Join our community of creative Divas, get involved in our forum, submit photos of your work for the reader’s gallery pages or enter a competition. Share your story and photos of your work with like minded people. We look forward to publishing your letters and suggestions that will help grow our magazine and further enhance your reading experience.

Enjoy this issue!

August 2012

CREATIVE DIVA MY-

table of contents

Every month

diva interviews

06 11 28 74

14 Beth Forbes-Simpson 16 Linzi Alford 20 Abby Hook 23 Jen Burgess 26 Kira Withers-Jones 30 Nicky Townsend 34 Clair Wolfe 44 Christine Gittins 50 Sharon Williams 52 Rachel Ellis

This Month’s Divas Editor’s Special Guest What’s On Pampered Chef

turkey & cranberry ring 6 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

225 g skinless, boneless cooked turkey 1 stick celery 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

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Unroll croissant dough; separate into 12 triangles. Arrange dough triangles in a circle on Medium Round Stone with Handles with wide ends of triangles overlapping in centre and pointed ends towards the outside (there should be about 13-cm diameter opening in centre of baking stone). Using Baker’s Roller®, gently press edges of triangles where they meet together to seal.

3 4

diva projects

85 g sweetened dried cranberries 85 g Gruyère cheese

2 packets (240 g each) chilled fresh ready-to-bake dough for six croissants

66 Decore Art Clay Pendant 68 Sparkle Like a Diva 70 Cup Cakes 72 Floral Apron 78 Create Your chef’s Journalcorner 80 Floristry 84 Upcycled Seat

1 egg white

20 g walnuts, chopped

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Spoon turkey mixture evenly onto widest end of dough triangles. Bring points of triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at centre of ring (filling should not be completely covered).

Preheat oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/Gas 5.

Using Adjustable Measuring Spoons, measure mayonnaise, mustard and black pepper into Classic Batter Bowl. Chop turkey on Cutting Board using Food Chopper. Thinly slice celery using Utility Knife and finely chop parsley. Add turkey, celery, parsley and cranberries to batter bowl. Grate cheese into bowl using Rotary Grater; mix well using Small Mix ’N Scraper®.

Lightly beat egg white in 250-ml Prep Bowl using Stainless Whisk. Brush egg white over dough; sprinkle chopped walnuts over top. Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until cooked and deep golden brown.

Slice with Pizza Cutter; serve using MiniServing Spatula.

Serves 16 as an appetizer

This recipe serves 8 as a main course.

If desired, cooked chicken can be substituted for the turkey.

Chopped, ready-to-eat dried apricots or pears can be substituted for the cranberries, if desired.

Front Cover Photo Credit © Subbotina | Dreamstime.com

August 2012

43

features 40 Make Over 76 Keeping On Track 82 Divine Drinks

diva preview Linzi alford

crafting diva

I am a Mum to three, one "littley" and the other two grown-up. I have been a jewellery designer and maker for six years since leaving the world of retail to be a full-time mum to my youngest daughter.

I studied silversmithing at evening classes but most of my skills are self-taught from books, the internet and trial and error.

I own ‘MagPie In The Sky Designer Jewellery’ and love thinking up new designs to make. I also write projects for several magazines and look forward to contributing projects for My-Creative Diva subscribers.

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this month’s divas

kira withers-jones fashion diva

With a degree in Fashion Design and 6 years experience running her own jewellery design business Kira Withers-Jones is perfectly placed to give advice on fashion, style and accessorising. She particularly loves classic design and enjoys watching period dramas while making her own clothes. Working from her home studio in the South Wales valleys, Kira also has an interest in creative textiles and the effect of arts and crafts on mental health. Kira regularly blogs about her sewing and jewellery, follow her at: W www.kirajones.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/kirajones

Beth forbes-simpson

floristry diva

Beth has always been a creative person, especially when using her hands to build something. Ten years ago Beth found herself working in investment management. It was a job she cared little about, with no creative outlet. Something just had to change. Fast forward two years later she was a trained florist and has never looked back. Her innate style is electic. Working flowers into a design context makes her smile everyday!

Forbesfield Flowers P 01443 228957 E forbesfieldflowers@hotmail.co.uk

nicky townsend

jewellerY + business diva Nicky Townsend of Enchanted Handmade Jewellery specialises in designing and creating eye catching costume jewellery. Most of Nicky’s work is bespoke and made especially to order, she also has an off the peg range which is available via online shopping outlets. Nicky’s business knowledge is vast, having learned all that is required to develop and market a successful business.

She has developed her own e-commerce website and regularly uses online retail outlets.

W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/enchanted1974

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this month’s divas

clair wolfe

jewellerY + research diva Clair is a self taught jewellery designer and maker who writes for Making Jewellery magazine. She works from her home based studio, fitting her work around a busy family life. Clair has always had a love of jewellery especially silver, and has many treasures and trinkets from her travels around the world. Passionate about researching websites and YouTube tutorials, she joins MCD as our research journalist.

W www.clairwolfedesigns.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/clairwolfe

Sharon williams

papercraft diva

Sharon loves everything about paper, including, card making, journaling and scrap booking. In keeping up to date with all the new and exciting paper craft kits and tools that are available on the internet and in the marketplace. Sharon joins us in MCD as a project designer and kit tester. With more than ten years of experience in her craft she offers our subscribers innovative methods of using paper to make gifts, cards and personal items that are simple, elegant and truely desireable.

rachel ellis

cake designing diva Rachel has a passion for baking and cake decorating and loves experimenting with her work. Her business, Oh Sugar Cake Company, offers specialised individually designed, custom made celebration cakes. She has a wide selection of cakes on offer.

Rachel particularly enjoys working on sugar flowers and novelty designs. Her favourite part of working with cakes is seeing a design come to life once all of the final details have been added.

E enquiries@ohsugarcakecompany.com

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August 2012

divine time

t from u o s e t u in m w Take a fe it back s , le u d e h c s y s your bu joy a n e d n a a p p u c with a relaxing read. es it, v r e s e d e n o y n Go on, if a you do!

BEAUTY, HEALTH, FOOD, HOME, CRAFT, TRAVEL…life, style and you…

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

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Photo Credits Emma Rowett

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST

SIAN RYAN 11

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TURN PAGE FOR INTREVIEW

August 2012

Editor’s Special Guest I am a designer with my own design and manufacturing business called ATELIER. My earliest memories are of me drawing and making. I love creating anything and everything, sometimes I can’t sleep because I have ideas of how something should look and I need to create it. My career is in fashion, I specialised in women’s wear but really I love anything that is visual not just fashion. As a child I loved pattern, texture and making but as I approached my teens I became obsessed with fashion and styling.

sian ryan

I studied Textiles and Fashion at Winchester School of Art (TFWSA). From there I went on to work for a company called STUDIO M. Here I had the most amazing training, I was inspired and in awe and found my feet as a designer. I worked on trend forecasting for many highstreet brands, design projects for all different market levels and products such as: bag designing for Elle, kidswear for Woolworths, womenswear for Next, swimwear for Reebok and inspirational design pieces for Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, Gap and Banana Republic. I had huge exposure to all sorts of areas in the design world which helped me find where I wanted to specialise – womenswear. I was lucky enough to get a job at River Island as a dress designer.This was the most amazing experience as they are such a creative company to work for. I started as a dress designer, I then also took over tops and once promoted to senior designer I began designing specialist collections across all product areas. River encourage true creativity – I would hand make shoe prototypes to send to factories to develop ready for mass production.

In 2010 a colleague and I decided to leave River and start our own business.

Together we have almost 20 years experience, myself in design and my business partner in buying. We began Atelier a design and manufacturing company. We design collections and show them to several high street companies. These companies choose the pieces they are interested in and we mass produce them from India. We have been going for almost two years, its long hours, 7 days a week and stressful but creatively empowering. I design for 5 different brands. I love seeing my designs in different stores, I love seeing different types of people from different walks of life wearing garments that I have sketched and prints that I have created – it makes all the stress and long hours worth it.

In our interview with Sian, Joan asked her the following questions: Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Stockport but we moved around a lot with my father’s job whilst I was small. I did most of my growing up in a small village outside of Gloucestershire.

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

I live in East London just behind Brick Lane, a great location for inspiration. I love my bathroom the most – I love a long hot bath with scented candles.Time to zone out and relax.

Did you enjoy school? Was there any particular teacher who inspired you to focus on your career in fashion?

Yes I adored school and had very supportive, creative teachers and tutors who encouraged me to follow my dreams.

How is it that you became a designer? Did you go to college and if so where was it that you studied?

I always wanted to be a designer from as far back as I can remember. I was always drawing or making things, I had a great love of textiles at a young age, pattern and texture interested me when I was small and as I grew into a teen fashion became an obsession.

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August 2012

I believe that Swarovski sponsored you in your final collection at college.

How did you organize this?

Yes I was very lucky and honoured, Swarovski did sponsor me. I have always been a magpie, I love jewels and they featured strongly in my work throughout my studies.As I began researching for my final collection I decided to approach Swarovski for sponsorship. I had to attend a meeting at the head office in London to present my initial designs and collection concept. The head office was incredible, a white Aladdin cave with walls and alcoves smothered in diamonds. Every possible product you could imagine created with jewels – I was in my element!

What is the most distinctive aspect of your work that sets it apart from other fashion designers?

Errrmmm…. I like to think I have a strong attention to detail and form. I enjoy creating unexpected features that create uniqueness to the garment. I like my pieces to feel special and original but not in an obvious way.

For young aspiring fashion divas who dream of becoming a designer how can they learn some of the skills involved?

I believe designing is like a sixth sense. I am not sure it is something you can learn as such but something that evolves with you as a person through life experiences. My advice to young people would be to trust your instincts, believe in your abilities and nurture your natural talents. Try to get as much experience and be exposed to as much as possible the more you see and experience the more you feed your creative genes.

Where do you source your fabrics and how can you be sure that the supplier will deliver your order in time for your cutters and makers to produce your garments to meet your deadlines?

At present I mainly work out of India. I first experienced working with India 8 years ago but I am still learning. Every new trend or fabric or technique required creates a new challenge. I work closely with the factories to find production friendly ways of producing whatever the new detail required for the season is. It’s a close call at times as the life of a garment before it gets on the shop floor is so complex, but so far we have managed to deliver on time.

What do you really enjoy most in your work and what is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome.

Yes I do, I love what I do – you have to love it to be in this industry. The greatest challenge so far would probably be starting my business. Everyday there is a new unexpected challenge that we have to overcome or figure out – collectively they create my biggest challenge so I am still working on how to overcome them!

Do you work from home or do you have a designated studio or work space?

I have a design studio in Soho, I love it and it’s great to be in central London.

What is your favourite tool? Why does it work for you?

My favourite tool would have to be the internet. I love checking out blogs and find it a great source of immediate inspiration and knowledge.

If you could share a meal with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why?

Probably Albert Elbaz-Lanvin as this is my favourite label.

What’s your favourite place to visit when you need ‘me’ time?

My favourite thing to do when on my own is potter around east London.

Popping in to vintage shops hunting for fashion or furniture, looking for anything of interest really.

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favourite label

shoe prototypes

August 2012

Beth Forbes-Simpson Interview

The Language of Flowers

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Most people are familiar with the term ‘The language of flowers’. Fluorography, which is the using and sending of flowers to convey a message to another person, it allows individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken.

It is believed that this interest in associating flowers with special meanings originated In the 17th century within the court of Constantinople. The language of flowers was introduced to Europe by two talented women, Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762, English), who introduced it to England in 1717, and Aubry de La Mottraye (1674–1743), who introduced it to the Swedish court in 1727. However, it was Charlotte de Latour who in 1819 wrote the book ‘Le Langage des Fleurs’ who actually created the unfolding bud and world wide fascination for what is one of nature’s most exquisite wonders.

A woman, who not only understands but lives her life according to the language of flowers, is our creative diva and florist Beth Forbes-Simpson. In each issue of My-Creative Diva, Beth will be offering our readers practical advice plus tips and techniques on caring for your flowers and how to create beautiful arrangements for your home or special occasion. The following interview will give you an insight into her fascinating world.

When did you decide to make floristry your career?

As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to be a florist. One of my earliest memories is standing in my great aunt’s garden and being surrounded by the incredible colours, shapes, textures and scents it had to offer. In this memory, the plants towered over me offering a secret sanctuary. Whether this part is real, I cannot now truly say. Maybe it’s just a detail my mind has added later with the knowledge of the feeling of comfort that working in this environment brings me.

August 2012

Have you always been a Creative Diva or have you progressively become one?

I have always been a creative person, especially using my hands to build something. About ten years ago I found myself working in investment management. It was a job I cared little about, with no creative outlet. Something just had to change.

Fast forward two years later and I was a trained florist. I can honestly say that I have never looked back.

What gives you the most pleasure about your work?

To be able to work with this amazing material and put it into a design context makes me smile every day.

How would you describe your distinctive style?

My innate style is eclectic and I take inspiration from as many places and eras as I can. I use fashion, interiors and history to make my work different from the next person florist, in the best possible way.

What is your shop like? Did you follow a particular style or theme?

An artist friend has described my shop, ‘Forbesfield Flowers’, as being a hybrid of Victorian curiosity meets Alice in Wonderland meets A Midsummer Nights Dream. I can’t argue with that, it’s right on each point!

Do you specialise in any particular type of work?

My specialist work is wedding work, which I adore doing.

To be involved in a day that is so precious to people, a landmark in their lives and a day brimming with happiness is a total honour. I love to work closely with my brides, and sometimes grooms, to get every detail they imagine worked into the bigger picture.

Do you believe in luck and did luck lead you into your current career?

The word luck really means, Learning, Under, Controlled, Knowledge. I am very lucky to do the job I do and even luckier to love it so much!

CONTACT Beth Forbes-Simpson Forbesfield Flowers T 01443 228957 E forbesfieldflowers@hotmail.co.uk Photo Credits Beth Forbes-Simpson

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August 2012

Crafting Diva Linzi Alford Interview

A passion for sparkly and shiny objects together with magpie-like tendencies has led Linzi on an exciting journey into jewellery designing and making.

As a child I used to collect pretty stones and fossils. Now as an adult and a closet geologist I still love semi-precious and unusual stones and that has transpired into a love of beads too! I am inspired by nature, love taking photographs and incorporating those both into my designs.

I also love finding objects and vintage pieces as I am fascinated by their history – what stories they could tell.

My ‘treasure’ is quirky and unusual components, repurposing old and broken jewellery into new designs is a favourite of mine. Of course being able to make my own one of kind pieces of jewellery to wear is a bonus!

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

I am fortunate to live in South Lakeland in England, a very beautiful part of the country. I live in a small rural village, where I am a five minute walk away from the woods and river where I take so many of my photos. It is ‘MY’ place of reflection and is, literally full of reflections of the trees in the water.

Is there an artist or designer who is a major inspiration for your work?

The person who has influenced me most is an amazing lady – Brenda Sue Lansdowne, who owns the jewellery supplies company B’sueBoutiques.com in the USA. She has taken me under her wing, encouraged me at every step and shared in my triumphs. She has been a designer for many years and has a vast knowledge of vintage and antique jewellery.

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

I think being generous with your ideas, allowing those to inspire others is important. Also imagination and tenacity as sometimes things don’t go to plan but hang on in there.

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What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love the variation. Freedom to explore new ideas and the joys of those that work and the challenge to rescue those that don’t! I also enjoy being able to take an idea from a concept in your head through to an actual wearable design.

For anyone who may be new to your craft how can they learn some of the skills involved?

Raid your local library for jewellery-making books then practise, practise and practise some more. Tutorials online and on DVDs also will help. Become involved with other people sharing the same passions for example; Facebook groups, internet forums and join a local group or club. Social interaction will preserve your sanity and provide a vast source of knowledge.

Would you please share with us any information about organisations, galleries or shows that you are involved with?

I am a member of my local Artisan Roaming Gallery – the Lakes Collective. This is a group of artisans and makers are all from my area. Every month they hold a local fair.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

Don’t give up – keep learning new things. If boredom sets in you perhaps just haven’t found your ‘niche’ yet. Experiment, some great designs have come from happy accidents. Network, find like-minded people to share your ideas with. Devour all books in fact in my opinion almost everything can be inspirational.

Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space and what is the best storage system in your workplace? Why does it work for you?

I work from home, mostly on my kitchen table a.k.a spoil heap which sometimes spills into all directions. My supplies are all boxed neatly and organised. I like the freedom to work around family commitments. I can just sit at my table and make a few bits whilst making tea… (though not recommended as I’ve managed many a burned tea!)

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspirations and ideas?

I have a scruffy notebook that I jot down ideas into in my illegible writing. I tend to keep ideas just in my head until they are made.

It gets busy in there sometimes! Also I have had some photo books made up of finished pieces with the original photos that inspired them – these are useful at craft shows to showcase previous works.

What are your future goals and plans?

I would like to produce a book one day of inspirational projects and my photos. I hope to continue writing for magazines – it is a privelige to see your work in print.

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I am looking forward to sharing jewellery projects with your subscribers and showing them how they too can make glamorous accessories to further enhance their wardrobe.

August 2012

I think being generous with your ideas, allowing those to inspire others is important.

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Subscribers inspiration

Photo Credits RHYS BOWEN

Where do you get it? Inspiration What presses your buttons and gets you buzzing? Is it a place, person, sight, sound or smell that inspires you to want to design, make and create?

In each issue of MCD we invite our subscribers to share on these pages two photos from their portfolio to advertise their talent free of charge! One photo depicts something they have designed and made, the second is of the ‘inspiration’ that kick started the whole designing process. Email us with your photos and 75 words of descriptive text plus your website and contact details that you wish to have published, at enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk. Get noticed and get traffic to your website, email us today!

Check out ‘SUBSCRIBERS INSPRIATION’ in Issue 2 as it could be you who is published on these pages. Meanwhile, meet two talented people whose combined creative talent has brought ‘My-Creative Diva’ to life.

Introducing

bec feldman

diva magazine designer W www.onlyonedesiderio.wordpress.com

mark hicklin

don website designer W www.squigglywiggly.com

Space is limited! Please note we will publish as many subscribers work as possible when and where space permits. Don’t delay, contact us now!

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Subscribers inspiration Here they share with you what drives and motivates them, why they chose to pursue a career in their respective fields of work and where they gain inspiration to feed their creative souls.

BEC At 15 years old I had dreams of being a fashion designer or an architect, not a graphic designer.With a push from my lovely Mum, I spent the last 2 years of my schooling life undergoing a traineeship in graphic design on my ‘study day’ whilst all my friends went to the beach, much to my dismay.

By graduation I had fallen in love with design and was signed on for a 4 year apprenticeship. I completed the apprenticeship in under 2 years, in that time I moved out of home at 18 and left for the city to work for a bigger company. I was working a full time job, freelancing for my old boss/mentor, freelancing for my own business and also pushing to get my apprenticeship finished in under two years so that I could squash an immense feeling of wanderlust. As soon as I completed my apprenticeship, I quit my job, moved home with my family for a few months, celebrated my 20th birthday, then packed up my life and moved to London. I’m now an au pair, living and working with a wonderful family as well as designing MCD and starting up my blog. In this short amount of time I feel as though I’ve acheived many things and I’ve inspired myself. When I’m feeling less inspired I look to my mentors, I scroll through Pinterest or even just get out and go for a walk. Nothing beats a good quote though, my favourite one at the moment is by Paul Arden. ‘Knowledge makes us play safe. The secret is to stay childish.’

Mark With a double first at Oxford in Russian and European Politics I was recruited by MI6 as a field operative and spent the first 8 years in Moscow. It had its good days but espionage becomes tiresome after a while.With a complete change of job direction I got out and the following year achieved a boyhood dream winning a seat as a Formula One driver and taking victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. But doing loop after high speed loop day in and day out isn’t all it’s cracked up to be so when I was approached to try out for a film I thought ‘why not?’.

It could have been a box-office hit but it wasn’t really for me so I passed up the opportunity of a future in ‘movies’ in favour of working at NASA - but when you’ve launched one shuttle, launching another and then another becomes a tad repetitive. So frustrated by my inability to settle down with a proper job I took a lease on a modest office in London’s square mile from which I built my stock-broking empire (which in fairness did pretty well). But after a while I realised making money can be dreadfully dull. I’ve always struggled to find something exciting that promised real job satisfaction – until now; so I design websites!

ABC 1234 defghijklmo 56789 Above is the inspiration/mood board that Bec created to inspire her designs and layouts for MCD. PHOTO CREDITS (CLOCKWISE): The Weaver House, Pinterest, front cover of Printed Pattern by Rebecca and Yvonne Drury, Pinterest and Pinterest.

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Driven by my love of nature which inspires most of my designs, I love the freedom my work gives me to be the person I want to be!

I have been making jewellery as a hobby since I was a child. As an adult, this has developed into a passion. I remember as a young girl entering a bead shop in London for the first time and being completely overwhelmed by all the beautiful, sparkling beads on display! As my style developed I found that I was drawn to working with wire more and more, I discovered that I was able to create anything my imagination could dream up with this medium and it gave me a creative freedom that I hadn’t found with anything else. Born and raised in North London, I grew up surrounded by artistic people. Living in a very close community with a diverse mix of characters, I was able to try my hand at a whole array of crafts, from sewing to polymer clay modelling. I have over 15 years of experience of making jewellery, and each piece of jewellery is inspired by the beads themselves, with great emphasis put on showing their natural beauty.

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

I now live in Derbyshire, at the foot of the peak district, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and countryside. Whenever I get a creative block, there are plenty of places to go for a walk to re-inspire myself.

Abby Hook Interview

Crafting Diva

Is there an artist or designer who is a major inspiration for your work?

I have always loved working with semi precious stones and wire, for many years I have experimented with different ways of combining the two. My jewellery has been influenced by the designer Eni Oken who has helped me to harness the natural beauty of the stones and compliment them with wire work.

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

For me it is finding a unique style and avoiding mimicry of other peoples work.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love the freedom wirework gives me, with a bit of imagination anything is possible! As you are able to use such a large combination of techniques together it is possible to interpret anything that inspires you.

For anyone who may be new to your craft how can they learn some of the skills involved?

I teach some of the designs and techniques I use through on-line tutorials, these walk you through the lesson, step by step, as if I am sitting there with you. They are categorised by level, starting with beginner right through to very advanced and are available on my website: www.abbyhook.co.uk Would you please share with us any information about organizations, galleries or shows that you are involved with?

I am a freelance writer for GMC publications, who have published my first book ‘Wire Jewellery Masterclass’. I am also a member of Belper Artists and makers group and will be participating in their ‘Open House’ event this year.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

Wirework takes a lot of practice to master, don’t expect new techniques and designs to be perfect first time. Perfect each new technique you learn before moving onto the next. Learn from your mistakes and apply those lessons next time, with a bit of determination you will soon be creating beautiful works of art!

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Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space? What is the best storage system in your workspace? Why does it work for you?

I have a studio at home, a whole room dedicated to wire, beads and stones! I use clear plastic storage tubs to store my supplies. Beads and stones are sorted by size and colour and wire is sorted by type.

Every container is labelled with its contents. This makes designing much easier for me, as I do not have to spend hours looking for something that I know I have put in a safe place somewhere!

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I scribble and jot ideas down as they come to me, so have notes and rough sketches on scraps of paper, one of my goals for this year is to become more organised with the recording of my ideas and to keep them together in one place.

What are your future goals and plans?

I hope to continue to develop my jewellery business, write another book and eventually start a jewellery school.

In future issues of My-Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I will be doing a regular feature of wirework tips, so if you have a question about wirework, please let us know and I will do my best to help you.

If you wish to ask Abby for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop her a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

Turn the page to view this month’s tips and techniques from Abby Hook.

Photo Credits Abby Hook 21

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Babette Wasserman, leading designer jewellery label has introduced a brand new range of stunning necklaces – with a twist!

These beautiful heart necklaces, encrusted with Swarovski Crystals, feature a clever twisting motion. So, use your necklace to show your love – turn the heart upside down for those days when you are just not feeling the love, and twist it the right way for your loved up days!

Available in rose gold, yellow gold and silver, they are made from the highest quality materials, including Crystal Swarovski Crystal, and hung on a long, fine chain. Adorable, mini Twisting Hearts are available as earrings. The perfect subtle touch of glamour. Necklaces retail at £129-£135. www.babette-wasserman.com 22

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JOURNALIST DIVA

Jennifer Burgess Interview Jennifer Burgess is a freelance writer and editor based on the South coast of England. She has worked for a variety of publications and most recently spent three years as the Deputy Editor of Making Jewellery magazine a GMC publication. Each month Jennifer will be reviewing a selection of books to inspire the creative diva!

www. rockandrunway.blogspot.com, as an outlet to write about the things I love most.

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

This is my second stint at working as a freelance journalist and my biggest piece of advice is to be brave and not afraid to take risks.

Obviously this is easier for me than many, as I have a supportive partner and no children, but there is often no risk without reward.

I believe that as soon as your work isn’t challenging you it is time to move on which is why I took the leap!

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?

I suffer from the same problem as many freelancers, the issue of feast versus famine. Sometimes you have lots of work on your plate and other weeks very little. I’m only just beginning to learn that it is ok to relax a bit on the quiet weeks and just enjoy the free time in case the next week you’re dashing up to London every day!

What is your favourite book or film? What excites you about it?

True Romance. Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, is my ultimate heroine for being such a bad-ass and the world’s most stylish call girl – it’s where my love of leopard print originated! The whole idea of love at first sight is just so much more believable against a backdrop of violence and crime. And Gary Oldman as a Rastafarian pimp?!

Genius.

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

I am the queen of list making! I make a list every evening so that I know what I need to get done the next day, that keeps me pretty organised. Creatively I also keep sketchbooks although they don’t get used as much as I’d like, and I’m constantly tearing pages out of magazines with images and articles that inspire me. I keep a pad on me every day in case inspiration strikes and to jot down names of people or websites that I want to look at.

Where in the world would you like to travel to?

There are quite a few places on my bucket-list that I haven’t made it to yet – Japan and Australia are both pretty high up!

As a regular contributor to My-Creative Diva we interviewed Jen so that you may get to know a little about her as a talented journalist and artist.

Where were you born and raised?

I grew up in Westfield, a little village in East Sussex.

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

I’m currently back living on the outskirts of Hastings, not too far from where I grew up.The things I love most are the quirky bars and shops in the Old Town and having the sea so close by. I went for a run along the seafront this morning, it was a beautiful sunny day and it reminded me how much I love living on the coast.

Did you enjoy school?

I enjoyed the social aspect of it! I was frequently in trouble for talking too much but overall my grades were good and I had a lot of fun. My favourite subjects were English and Art and my least favourite was PE, my hand-eye coordination was terrible.

How do you describe your style of work?

As a writer I have to be very flexible with my style. It’s important to be able to adapt your style of writing to suit the type of article you are writing on and the readership it is aimed at. I have been told I have quite an approachable style, I think that if you are writing well it should seem effortless.

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

I love the versatility of my work. I’ve written about all sorts of things and been to lots of events, from taking a tour of the London Assay office to reporting from London Fashion Week, editing interviews with photographers and even reviewing knitting needles! My specialist areas are fashion and music so I recently set up a blog, 23

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You can see more of Jen’s work by visiting her blog.

E runandrunway@hotmail.com W rockandrunway.blogspot.com PHOTO CREDITS Jennifer Burgess and James Shcembri

August 2012

diva

Five fabulous books to entertain and inspire you.

By Jennifer Burgess.

Minxy Vintage: How to Customise and Wear Vintage Clothing

by Kelly Doust, £18.99 Published by Murdoch Books ISBN 978-1742660967

Kelly Doust has a genuine passion for vintage fashion and in this book she imparts her knowledge on the subject. Her aim is simple; to find treasures from past eras, give them a new lease of life, and mix them up with newer items for an individual look that won’t break the bank.

She guides you through the process of sourcing vintage clothing, including the best places to bag a bargain and the fabrics to keep your eye out for, then explains how to give your new purchases a makeover. Common problems with vintage clothing are addressed, such removing stains, tailoring to fit your shape and mending or disguising general wear and tear.

Doust shows you how she selects items from flea markets, vintage stores and auctions that she feels have potential, then offers practical advice for simple alterations that will breathe a new lease of life into each item. Prepare to have your mind set changed! These clothes are not so much pre-worn as pre-loved – each item has a history and with a bit of TLC you can give it a future.

What I love about Doust is that she does not limit herself to one style; she is as excited about a beaded vest that screams roaring twenties, as she is a more bohemian look from the 1970s. My personal favourite is a fabulous 1980s leopard print pencil skirt complete with fishtail, that needed little more than a lining removed. Superb!

With a parting thought on the appropriate underwear to accompany your newly refurbished vintage wardrobe, Doust offers this advice, “save the granny pants for old age, and scale the heights of feminine allure while you still can.” A woman after my own heart!

Extraordinary Sketchbooks

by Jane Stobart, £16.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-3442-9

No matter what your creative passion, I would hazard a guess that you keep a sketchbook - several most likely! It is often an incredibly important part of any creative process and there is great inspiration to be found from browsing through the sketchbooks of others.

Extraordinary Sketchbooks offers a sneak-peek into the minds and sketchbooks of 31 talented artists, from students as young as 16 through to well-known artists such as the late Henry Moore. It is fascinating to see the variety of styles and mediums favoured by the individuals featured, as well as their varying approaches to the use of sketchbooks in the development of their work.

I particularly like William Kentridge’s use of old books and ledgers as they add a unique dimension to his sketches. If you already keep a sketchbook I guarantee you will enjoy nosing through the work of others to find new ideas and approaches, and if you don’t keep one, this book might just encourage you to begin. Having not touched my sketchbook in years I will certainly be digging it out of the drawer!

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Printed Pattern

by Rebecca and Yvonne Drury, £16.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-0625-9

Printed Pattern is the brainchild of mother and daughter team Yvonne and Rebecca Drury, also known as ‘MissPrint’. The talented design duo, handprint all their own fabrics from their East London studio and their enthusiasm for printing is infectious.

This beautifully presented book is filled with inspiring photographs and will guide you through all stages of the printing process, from developing your ideas and producing mood boards through to the completion of your finished pieces.

Whether you are an inexperienced printer or a total novice you will find something that is accessible to you, including lino printing, screen printing, stencil printing and more. Plus the fabulous news that potato printing isn’t just for children! Who knew you could make stylish table mats with just a humble potato?

There are plenty of ways that you can make the most of your new found skills, from personalising gifts with hand-printed ribbons, creating unique laundry bags and customising clothing, to stencil printing bespoke designs for your wallpaper, cushions and lampshades.

Each technique is explained in simple steps, with a handy list of tools and materials required, and the ‘useful tips’ scattered throughout will help you get the most out of what is very likely to become your new favourite hobby. There are even some stencils in the back to get you started!

The Fashion Design Directory

by Marnie Fogg, £18.95 Published by Thames & Hudson ISBN 978-0-500-28948-8

For anybody with an interest in fashion, this little guide is nothing short of essential, featuring 125 internationally known designers. It begins with a brief history of fashion throughout the ages, which charts the history of couture from its beginnings in Paris through each decade and highlights the designers and models that have defined each era.

The main body of the book is devoted to profiling the 125 featured designers; including information about their individual styles and beautiful photographs that capture their seminal looks.

Browse through this sartorial A to Z, from Acne to Yves Saint Laurent, and you will be inspired by the proliferation of talent on display and the iconic looks that have punctuated modern day fashion’s colourful history.

Standout moments for me include Vivienne Westwood’s 1981 ‘Pirate’ collection, Christian Dior’s ubiquitous New Look collection in 1947 and the late, great Alexander McQueen’s futuristic 2010 collection, with those shoes that will never be forgotten!

There is even a swatch directory at the back of the book, which showcases the memorable patterns and textures of fashion designers such as Basso And Brooke and Diane Von Furstenburg. I if you’re looking for inspiration for your next project, whatever your medium, this is a fabulous reference.

Elizabeth Taylor: Her Life in Style

by Susan Kelly, £19.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-5541-7

Leaving any negative connotations to one side, the term diva is often applied to a successful, glamorous woman who leads a lavish lifestyle. In this case, who better to turn to for a little style inspiration than the iconic film star Elizabeth Taylor! This fabulous book charts Taylor’s glamorous style, both on and off screen, from her beginnings as a 1940s starlet right through to the compassionate activism of her later years.

Known for such films as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor embodied Hollywood glamour and the powerful images in this book reveal the fascinating juxtaposition between her tough outer shell and the hidden vulnerability that lay beneath.

From film premieres and quiet moments on set, to her famous romance with Richard Burton, Taylor’s style is captured as it evolved over the decades.Always perfectly made-up and immaculately dressed, Elizabeth Taylor was every inch the diva, and this wonderful collection of photographs will prove a joy for modern day divas, both young and old.

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Crafting Diva Kira Withers-Jones Interview SCRAPBOOKS

I don’t really know where my love of creating came from but from a young child I would design clothes, write stories or make ornate plans of imaginary schools.

Over the years my interest in creativity developed into a love of arts and crafts. After studying art in school, I signed up for a degree in Fashion Design which I enjoyed and the designing skills I learnt at university have served me well throughout my career. Somehow I found my way into jewellery-making which I’ve done for at least six years now but I feel the call of textiles wanting me to return. I love turning basic materials into something that captures part of my personality and imagination.

I’m Welsh by choice, rather than birth, but I’ve lived here for nearly half my life along with my husband and our two cats.

I love learning and I’ve done loads of courses in arts, crafts, psychology and even bookkeeping! In my spare time…I help my husband with his digital technology business. If I could find a few more hours in my day then I have lists of extra things I’d like to do and techniques I’d love to try.

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

I live on the edge of the South Wales Valleys which is a place of beautiful contrasts – rolling hills, rugged mountains, picturesque beaches and the culture (and shopping!) of the capital city.

Is there an artist or designer who is a major inspiration for your work?

I take inspiration from all sorts of places but I particularly enjoy buying American craft magazines as their style is slightly different and I get to see the work of a different group of people. I love elegance and vintage styles so I also watch a lot of period dramas although I often forget about the story line and just find myself studying the clothing and jewellery!

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

Perseverance! You will always get knocked back but the important thing is to pick yourself up and keep going. I’ve had 26

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to do this when I’ve been turned down for an exhibition, when the country went into recession and stopped spending and when I had a period of bad depression after a family member died, but, thankfully, I’ve had the support of friends and family to help me to pick myself up and start again.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I love being involved in the creation of something that wasn’t previously in existence. I also enjoy being busy and I can’t imagine what I would do with my hands if I didn’t make things! Being into a variety of crafts means that there’s always something I can pick up and start fiddling with.

For anyone who may be new to your craft how can they learn some of the skills involved?

There are so many magazines with starter projects that are great to begin with. Once you’ve really got the bug for a craft then I think taking classes is a good idea as you’ll learn more and can ask loads of questions to really get the most out of the teacher. It’s also fun to meet with other students of your craft to swap experiences and learn about new resources.

Would you please share with us any information about organizations, galleries or shows that you are involved with?

I mainly show in the South Wales area (purely due to practicality) and have a constant selection of jewellery and scarves at both Llantrisant Gallery at Model House and Giles Gallery in Pontyclun.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

Almost everything can be recovered if part of it goes wrong. I’ve felt like throwing things away in the past when I thought I’d spoilt it but after leaving it aside for a while I’ve been able to come back with a cooler head and rectify my mistakes.

Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space?

What is the best storage system in your workspace? Why does it work for you?

I work from home but I have a room dedicated to my craft work.

I like to keep things organised so I have lots of labelled boxes and divided drawers but I always find that things spill out when I’m being creative and I end up sitting in the middle of piles of threads and paper. Then I dedicate some time to tidying up before I allow the creativity to start again.

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I keep many journals and scrapbooks of ideas. As you can tell from my last answer I like to be organised so I have different books for different themes – house décor, fashion, random inspiration.

What are your future goals and plans?

My long-term aim is to further my dressmaking skills with the goal of developing a range of art clothing and up-cycled accessories. I’m also interested in using arts and crafts in a therapeutic way so I am investigating the possibility of doing a postgraduate degree!

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I will regularly be contributing to the fashion pages and am hoping to contribute tutorials on a variety of jewellery and textile techniques.

If you wish to ask our Diva for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop Kira line at: divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

For an easy sewing make turn the page and join Kira in her studio where she demonstrates how to sew a simple floral apron.

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what’s on

Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Victoria + Albert Museum The world’s greatest museum of art and design.

Opening times 10.00 to 17.45 Daily 10.00 to 22.00 Fridays

PHOTO CREDITS FOR OPPOSITE PAGE: The Wizard of OZ - MGM/The Kobal Collection,The Birds - Universal Pictures/Photofest/The Kobal Collection, Elizabeth:The Golden Age - Universal/Working Title/The Kobal Collection/Greg Williams, Taxi Driver - Columbia/The Kobal Collection, Titanic - 20th Century Fox/Paramount/The Kobal Collection, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - Walt Disney Pictures/The Kobal Collection, Spiderman - Columbia/Marvel/The Kobal Collection, Raiders of the Lost Ark - Lucasfilm/Paramount/The Kobal Collection.

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Hollywood Costume Date 20 October 2012 - 27 January 2013

Sponsor Harry Winston

Hollywood Costume, the V&A's major autumn exhibition, will gather together over one hundred of the most iconic costumes designed for unforgettable cinema characters over a century of film-making.

Halfway to Paradise: The Birth of British Rock Date 13 October 2012 - 3 March 2013

Photographs by Harry Hammond

Halfway to Paradise will explore the exceptional work of Harry Hammond, the music photographer who documented the emergence of Rock ‘n’ Roll music in post-war Britain.

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BUSINESS DIVA

How long have you been contributing articles to magazines?

Was it difficult to get your work published? What advice would you give other designers on how to approach an editor with the view of contributing to a magazine?

I had my first contribution published in February 2010. I was approached and asked if I’d like to contribute. My advice would be to email the editor with a CV or portfolio containing some information about yourself and good quality images of your work.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

Don’t give up, work at it and stay positive! We are currently experiencing one of the toughest times for small businesses.

It will be hard work so be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort.

Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space?

I’m currently working from the dining area of our kitchen. I have an office/studio set up which works well but it’s ever expanding and it won’t be long before I’ve outgrown it. I now have a summer house out in the back garden which is slowly being renovated into a workshop.

Nicky Townsend Interview Nicky Townsend is a jewellery designer and business owner based in Leicestershire, UK. I’ve always been a crafty person but I became inspired to make jewellery when I discovered beads. I was browsing the internet and came across some stunning artisan lampwork glass beads and was amazed by the work that went into them. I quickly found myself searching furiously for online tutorials on how to make jewellery. I taught myself using the internet and a couple of good books. I became hooked and my home was soon to be taken over by beads and jewellery findings! I find making jewellery therapeutic and relaxing as I can lose myself for hours while designing and creating a new piece.

I ‘m without a doubt a Beadaholic…

Nicky has a grown up family and three Cocker Spaniel dogs. She runs her own jewellery design business as well as writing projects for magazines.

Nicky is a fun loving girl with a wicked sense of humour and her personality shines through in her bright, bold and colourful designs.

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I don’t have a portfolio but I use the Pinterest website as a pinboard. If I find anything inspiring, be it a piece of artwork with amazing colours, or a photograph of a landscape or maybe an outfit, I pin it to my boards and can flick back through for inspiration.

What are your future goals and plans?

I would love to produce a book for beginners to jewellery making in the future. My ultimate aim is for my business to be successful enough to own a business premises with a shop and teaching studio attached.

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I’ll be writing jewellery making projects to inspire our readers along with product reviews of some of the fantastic products and jewellery making kits that are available on the market at the moment. I’ll also be offering business advice and articles on how to plan and run a successful professional craft business.

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

I live in a small village in Leicestershire. I’m spoilt with all the wonderful countryside around me and I get a lot of inspiration for my work.

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

Supportiveness with a good dash of humour.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?

Flexibility. I can work hours to suit me and my family! I can even work in my PJ’s if I choose to!

For anyone who may be new to setting up an online business how can they learn some of the skills involved?

Business Link is an amazing website which provides all the information required to set up a business. I will be writing articles for Creative Diva on some of the necessary skills and legalities to trade online and how to open online shops and help with websites.

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If you wish to ask our business Diva for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop Nicky a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

August 2012

my studio!

Don’t give up, work at it and stay positive!

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divine BUsiness

planning Part 1 This is the first in a series of features intended as a helpful guide when developing a hobby into a successful business. In this issue Nicky Townsend talks about making the decision to build your hobby into a career and the essential planning and preparation required to provide a good foundation for your new business.

Turning your hobby into a successful business is perfectly achievable so long as you go about it the correct way. Planning and preparation are vital to make your business work. You may be tempted to jump in at the deep end and hope for the best, that’s a huge risk to take and not advisable. Here are some of the key things you should be asking yourself while planning and your answers should influence your final decision.

You should be totally honest with yourself when answering these questions.

It will be easy to ignore the negatives and tell yourself it will all be great, this is because you’re feeling excited at the prospect of making your craft pay.

Answering honestly will help you to acknowledge any potential problems and once you recognise that these exist it will be much easier to solve them.

• Will you be forming the business on your own or with other people?

• Do you plan to work from home or will you need to buy/rent business premises? Be aware that you may well need to seek permission to run a business from home if you rent your property • Do you have the space to run your business from home without disrupting the whole family? Be aware that you will have to pay business rates if you have a single room in your home which is solely for business purposes • Can you create a balance between your personal life and work?

• Are you dedicated enough to commit long hours?

• If you have a family will they support you and be happy for you to work long hours?

• Can you afford to give up the day job immediately? Rarely will a professional crafting business make enough profit to pay a wage in the first year at least.

• Are you willing to have to work harder and potentially for less money? (At least to start with).

• How do you feel about having a fluctuating income, rather than a set salary and standard wage at the end of the month?

• Where will your initial funding come from?

• Where do you plan to sell your product?

• If you’d like to sell your products on the internet, do you have the necessary computer skills to run a website? Or would you need to pay a company to do this for you?

• Do you have business experience, organisational and communication skills?

• Do you work well on your own or do you work better with a team of others?

• Are you good with money, finance and management skills?

• Are you prepared to adapt to the needs of your business?

• Are there any factors that may prevent you from realising your business dream?

• Are you prepared to adapt your craft and try new ideas?

• Do you have 100% confidence in your craft business idea?

• Where do you see your business in five years time?

You can find lots of useful advice on business topics on the following websites:

In the next issue of My-Creative Diva we will continue with part 2 of The Planning Stages where we will begin to put your plan into action.

Remember to be honest with your answers!

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Homesense Living Room HomeSense sells quality, unique homeware always up to 60% less.

Company: HomeSense W www.homesense.com P 01923 473000 August 2012

Crafting Diva Clair Wolfe Interview

Clair is a jewellery designer, based in South Wales. She enjoys turning her hand to many crafts including home décor projects.

One of Clair’s creative passions is searching for interesting objects to fill her home, and if they are damaged, or not the right colour or finish, she will happily strip, paint or wax them until they are just so. Amongst her found treasures is a small wooden box that she discovered in a charity shop, it was worn, a little battered and on the verge of breaking.

Once it had been given a new lease of life through the loving hands of this creative diva, Clair’s interest in salvaging, poor little wooden boxes began. For the past three years Clair has been writing for several magazines and it was during this time she discovered that she had a real talent for designing a project, breaking it down and demonstrating to others how to achieve similar results. Attending school and college wasn’t for Clair a happy and exciting experience. Since leaving formal education she has tried her hand at quite a few jobs.

Clair’s self confidence began to develop when she created her own business, first creating tiaras and then moving onto jewellery and silver-smithing. Today she is proud to say that she has educated herself across a wide range of subjects and has found a passion for learning.

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

I live in Newport, South Wales, and apart from a few months living here and there, I have always found myself coming home. I love living here, my family and friends are close by me and my children attend the same school that I did, there are even a few teachers still at the school, who taught me.

Is there an artist or designer who is a major inspiration for your work?

I know that this sounds corny, but Mother Nature is the thing that inspires me most. I love to work organically and allow the material I am working with to do what it does naturally.

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

Increasing my skill levels and furthering my knowledge. Sharing my knowledge with others, is a really important part of being creative and it has led to many a solid friendship that I really value.

What do you enjoy most about working from home?

When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I agreed that I would be a stay at home mummy. Within six months of giving up my job I had started my own small business. I love being home for my children, whilst still being able to fulfil my need to work and be creative.

I consider myself to have the best of both worlds.

Have you recently instigated any major renovations on your home and where did you gain the inspiration for the new design?

We moved to our new home a little over two years ago, needless to say it’s still an ongoing project. I do take inspiration from window displays or in magazines, but mostly it is just my own vision of what I would like to achieve. I am obsessed with detail. For example when redecorating my living room, despite the fact it was almost finished, it took sixteen months before I found the perfect light fitting.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

The best tip I can offer, is that if you aspire to make or create anything at all, but have little to no experience, then take a look at YouTube and surf the net.There is so much information available from people willing to share their knowledge. I believe it’s possible to teach yourself almost anything at all.

How did you first start your business and what were the major obstacles that you had to surmount?

I started my business about a year after the birth of my first child.

What started as a hobby, soon became so much more. My business has completely changed over the years, which means it has always been adaptable to the time I have, working around family life. Time and family commitments have always been my only stumbling blocks, so as my children grow, and I have more time, I really hope to grow my business into something wonderful.

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I should keep a journal, but instead I have a number of note books, with scribbles and scrawls in. It’s all very chaotic, and I am not sure I would want to share the strange way that my mind seems to work.

What are your future goals and plans?

As my children grow and become less dependent upon me, I plan to return to my work full time and to take up opportunities that I have had to turn down whilst my children are so young. I look forward to being able to travel to meet other creative people, maybe even taking some courses in arts and crafts around the country.

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I love that My Creative Diva is not limited to one subject or topic, and I for one am really looking forward to writing about a variety of topics, including chickens, and how to care for them, projects for around the home, and maybe even a little jewellery.

If you wish to ask our Diva for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop Clair a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

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divine Gallery

becky stares

SH WCASE YOUR WORK If you are an amateur photographer with aspirations of making an income from your work then send us an email with a sample pic or a link to your website.

A selection of photographs from our readers will be posted in our divine gallery each month. Who knows, next issue we may be publishing yours?

The work published here is by semi-professional photographer Becky Stares.

About the artist My name is Becky Stares, and I live in Swanage, Dorset. Living on such a beautiful stretch of coastline means that it’s hard not to become interested in the landscape around me, and I find photography to be the best way of capturing and sharing that beauty with others. I also spend a lot of time on the South Wales coast, in particular around the Gower Peninsula, which is more rugged and dramatic than the Dorset coast but just as beautiful.Â

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I am very drawn to coastal locations and I’ll admit I have a love for the clichéd tranquil sunrise / sunset scenes. I like to use neutral density filters, which enable me to slow down the shutter speed and create seascapes with a calm, almost ethereal quality. There is something almost magical about being alone on a beach at sunrise too; the feeling of serenity I have when composing shots lasts long after I have returned home.

As well as coastal scenes, I have a fascination with dereliction, and relics of the past.This seems to be a common trait amongst landscape photographers. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find locations that combine both seascapes and abandonment – such as the remains of an old pier, or the wreck of a boat on the shore. Another common subject for me is my four-year-old daughter, who is comfortable both in front of and behind the camera. Although she is very young, my daughter loves to have a camera in her hand. We enjoy going out together to take photographs.

Unusually, I enjoy the post-processing element of photography almost as much as I do the actual location shoots. I use Adobe Photoshop in conjunction with a piece of software known as Photomatix, to create ‘dynamic range increase’ images, which bring out the colours and shadows in a scene. This can sometimes lead to a somewhat ‘surreal’ feel to the images, which appeals to my artistic sensibilities.

I don’t currently have a website of my own. However, you can find me on Flickr, under the username ‘ryme-intrinseca’. I sell prints directly (please contact me through Flickr), and I also sell images through a number of agencies, including www.shutterstock.com, under the name ‘Becky Stares’.

Please note space in this gallery in future issues is for amateurs only. If you are a professional we will happily feature your work if you advertise within our website or magazine.

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divine Gallery

richard walsh

SH WCASE YOUR WORK The work published here is by professional photographer Richard Walsh.

About the artist My name is Richard Walsh and I have been a photographer for most of my life. I live in Seaford, East Sussex and have lived locally for the best part of my life and love the area – it’s beautiful, diverse and it’s by the sea.

My background is advertising and promotional projects across commercial and charity sectors, I can often see angles that others can’t and have nurtured a ‘sixth sense’ over time for producing an image that can be unusual, sometimes quirky and will stand out from the crowd, it’s not always conventional but I hope always attractive.

Over the years my style has changed, partly due to my experience, partly technology and partly the way our tastes and ideas have changed during the recent decades. I love traditional imagery but I have also grown to enjoy the technology that exists now and the way we can all create work that may not exist in reality but is still beautiful and desirable.

I focus more these days on how colours and shapes work together and

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not so much about what makes sense in a traditional way. When I have my camera with me (most of the time and when I haven’t I have my phone which works as an artist’s sketch pad) I look for images that have potential and not necessarily images that are already finished products.

I work in monochrome and in colour and love both styles, each of which have unique potency in my eyes, my love of monochrome I believe stems from my photographic past when I worked almost exclusively in Black and White shutting myself in a hot, sticky darkroom waiting for an image to appear under the strangely comforting red light of a studio. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy colour because I do and I think the way it can illuminate a space is fantastic and I use it often now in a partly impressionistic way that focuses on how I feel and not necessarily about the exact detail of the image.

My website www.rjw-photography.co.uk will show you more of my varied style and imagery in colour and in monochrome. My photography is founded on many years of experience in the UK and across other countries in Europe and the developing world. It tries to highlight the different ways in which we can view the world, I like to focus partly on the surreal and impressionistic without being drawn into the conventional purely for the sake of appeal across the wider audience.

I personally sign all my work and aim to make every photograph as unique as possible, I photograph and professionally print everything individually on fine art stock using 100 year inks to preserve their quality so every print I make is unique and created with care and attention to detail that is my trademark.

Contact me direct for a subscribers special offer of

20% off your first order!

Please note space in this gallery in future issues is for amateurs only. If you are a professional we will happily feature your work if you advertise within our website or magazine.

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PHOTO credit Joan gordon & cameron sweeny

LOOK LIKE A DIVA What woman given the opportunity wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a professional makeover? Thanks to new<id Studios, Christine Gittins was pampered like a princess and given the right, royal, Diva treatment in their Cardiff studio.

By joan gordon.

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BEFORE

1

Christine is a friend and college of mine. Without a doubt she is one of the most focused women I know in her business as a professional potter. Like many women who have developed a successful career around their artistic skills she has very little time left in her everyday life to actually spoil herself. Knowing that she had a very special event that she was preparing for, I contacted the brilliant team of experts at new<id Studios and organized a makeover and professional photo shoot as a ‘surprise gift’.

See for yourself how these experts can make a woman feel special and look beautiful.

After some discussion make-up artist Vicci Valentine suggested to Christine that they aim for a Classic casual look using warm tones to highlight Christine’s olive complexion (1). Christine’s skin was cleansed toned and primed before Vicci skillfully applied the new<id cosmetics.

At every stage of applying Christine’s makeup,Vicci consulted her as to what she was using. A makeup chart was created as Vicci worked, to demonstrate how Christine could achieve a similar look at home (2).

One of the things that Christine was most impressed with throughout her experience was that at no time did the staff try to pressure her into buying product. They were warm, friendly and generous in sharing their expert skills.

With the makeup complete the next stage was to restyle her hair.

Hair stylist, Steven Roberts consulted with Christine discussing products that he would recommend for her to control and condition her naturally curly hair. Steven used a straightening iron to form her curls into controlled waves. With a little back combing at the crown and Steven’s magic touch, in around 20 minutes, Christine was looking absolutely stunning! Steven finished the makeover with a dab of Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream and a setting spray from the same product range (3).

I took the step by step photos throughout the makeover to record the experience but also to demonstrate how an amateur’s photographs compare with those of professional photographer Cameron Sweeny.

As you can see from the before and after shots, Christine left the studio ready to meet the public at her opening night exhibition looking like the confident, talented and glamorous artist that she is.

Here is the professional shot taken by Cameron Sweeny that Christine chose to add to her professional portfolio. As you can see, when you want a quality photo a professional photographer is worth their weight in gold (4).

And this stunning photo (see left) is the one Christine will keep as a treasured memento of her fabulous day. Kevin Farrow airbrushed Cameron’s original photo to demonstrate his skill in making an excellent photograph, perfect.

If you would like a makeover check out our reader’s special offer on page 48, visit the new<id Studios website, choose a location near you and book your session today!

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2

3

4 AFTER (No Airbrushing)

August 2012

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Ever since my childhood I was happiest when I was making things with my hands. In spite of a degree in Graphic Art it was the nature of clay that spoke to me most. I have always been interested in three dimensions rather than two. The fact that clay could be used to create both functional and artistic objects was an added attraction. Once I discovered the possibilities of the thrown vessel I was totally committed to make a living as a potter. It was a difficult career choice and not one to take on lightly – I had to combine it with other work to be able to survive. I had an art gallery alongside my pottery for a time, and also work as a museum curator. However, I always returned to the potter’s wheel. That is still where I can express myself at best and find peace and fulfilment. I was born and raised in South Africa. One from five children I am still very close to my family there. I have a married daughter and two adorable little granddaughters also living in South Africa. This means that I often return to visit and draw on the country’s rich culture and stunning nature for inspiration. I now live and work in Wales in the United Kingdom. After almost twenty years here I have adopted Wales as my second home. I feel privileged to be able to live and work in the UK and to have gained recognition for my work both here and in my country of birth.

Christine Gittins Interview

Pottery Diva

How did you come to live in the UK? My husband at the time was born and raised in Wales, and wanted to return to his roots. For me it was an opportunity to get to know a different culture and work in a country that I always admired.

Britain is also known as a country which played a major part in establishing ceramics as a contemporary art form. It was both a challenge and an opportunity to live and work in the UK. What do you think is one of the most important values of a Creative Diva?

Like all fields that people excel in, it takes total dedication, the will to succeed and the often quoted “ I% talent and 99% hard work”. Through hard work, skill, talent and dedication one can get recognition for your work and have it accepted and shown in prestigious galleries and selected events.

How is it that you became a potter and how do you describe your style of work?

After getting my degree in Graphic art I started attending evening classes in pottery with a friend. It was love at first sight. I am first and foremost a lover of the potter’s wheel as a means of making my work. My pieces are not functional but based on traditional vessel shapes. Inspiration is drawn from the works of the classical potters of Korea, China and Japan, contemporary ceramicists like Lucie Rie and Hans Coper and also the traditional pots from primitive cultures.

For anyone who may be new to your craft how can they learn some of the skills involved?

Skills in throwing are acquired through practise. Basic techniques can be learned by attending evening classes, joining organisations that provide workshops and lectures and also by using the internet as a source of knowledge.

Would you please share with us any information about organizations, galleries or shows that you are involved with?

I am a member of the Makers Guild in Wales and South Wales Potters. I was also selected as a professional member of the British Craft Potters Association. By joining local associations it gives you the opportunity to get involved with like-minded people and to benefit from opportunities to acquire skills and market work. I have galleries that show my work on a regular basis, I do about three or four selected Craft or Ceramic events every year and get involved with activities of the associations that I belong to.

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Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

With throwing there are no shortcuts, but there are ways to save time and make things easier for yourself. I work with a wheel that has pins and throwing batts that fit the wheelhead. In that way I can take work off the wheel and set it aside so that when I put it back on the wheel it is perfectly centred. I often do my first turning with the piece still in the upright position, refining and thinning the form.

It also means there is no distortion when cutting the piece off the wheel.

Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space? What is your favourite tool? Why does it work for you?

I work from my studio in the Model House in Llantrisant, an ancient hilltop town in South Wales. The Model House consists of about seventeen studios, and for me to work in the creative environment with other artists and makers is a source of inspiration.

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I do not keep a designated sketchbook but often make a few quick drawings of what I intend to throw just before starting a throwing cycle. Mostly my work evolves from repeating my favourite shapes and natural developments and gradual changes take place over time.

What is the most distinctive aspect of your work that sets it apart from other styles of hand thrown pottery collectables?

I like to think of my work as contemporary but classic. My forms are narrow based and full bodied. I work with elements of nature through the use of found objects that I incorporate into my work.

At the moment a lot of my work features porcupine quills acquired on a trip to South Africa. Collected driftwood is waiting in my studio to be used in a forthcoming series of work. The firing method I use has developed over a period of almost twenty years and the colours and textures produced by this method has become very much a feature of my work.determination you will soon be creating beautiful works of art!

c! i s s a l c t u b y r a r o contemp

If you wish to ask our Diva for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop Christine a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

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DIVA TRAVEL

Stay Alert Travel lessons learnt through first-hand experience and safety tips for when you’re abroad.

By Jan Dann.

International travel usually has its highs and lows and for most of us, the highs would normally outweigh the lows. Savvy travellers plan for the highs. My husband and I, retired Australian baby boomers, are frequent world travellers and would see ourselves as savvy travellers; at least up until our recent European trip. A significant event, one of those really low points, caused us to revise some of the ‘habits’ we have relaxed into over many years of globetrotting. We were enjoying our first trip to Spain and experienced serious robbery.Yes, we were victims of the hire car motorway tyre puncture ‘trick’. In our haste to replace the wheel and get back on the road, we were relieved of half our luggage, by the occupants of the car who stopped to help! This incident occurred as we approached Barcelona and have since been made aware that it is a common, almost normal event in this area. We also are now savvy enough to know that it could have happened in any number of countries across the world. So what habits have we adopted, to reduce the probability of being in this frightening and immobilizing situation again? Being without passports, cash, ID, phones, computer, IPOD, camera, makeup, hairbrush and the other numerous, essential items a girl carries in her handbag is no fun.

We will...

• Always read seriously our embassy’s website information for countries of destination • Never get out of a vehicle in the event of a flat tyre. Keep a record of the relevant country emergency numbers before taking to the road Stay in the car with the doors locked and call the police • Keep passports and credit cards on our person where there is even a moderate risk of robbery, i.e. even when driving in a car.

The passport pouch hung inside your clothing is a safe option • Save travel documents, emergency numbers and trip photos to a cloud server such as Drop Box or email them to our own generic email address which we can access from any computer • Endeavour to look as ‘local’ as possible in tourist areas in high risk countries like Spain.That means trying to avoid a backpack which is a dead giveaway • Use hand luggage which can be carried on the chest in backpack style • Carry more than one credit card and separate back-ups around luggage pieces • Leave our smart phones at home and take a cheap unlocked prepaid phone which will take an international SIM card • Keep receipts for all electronic equipment and take photographs of these items before we leave Despite the unfortunate circumstances we experienced during our stay, do visit Barcelona as it is a fascinating city!

Wishing you safe travels, Jan.

ABOUT BARCELONA

www.bcn.cat/en/ihome.htm

How to get there

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

Where to stay

barcelona.tripadvisor.co.uk

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PIC CREDITS Jan Dann + Gordon Kerr 47

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DIVA TRAVEL

Nancy and the birth of Art Nouveau Nov 2, 16 23, 30, Dec 6 2012 Feb 1, 8 2013 from £699pp

The stately town of Nancy enjoyed a second golden age at the turn of the 20th century, when glassmaker Emile Gallé founded the Ecole de Nancy, which transformed the town into a centre of art and architecture to rival Paris.This tour explores the history and rich legacy of this productive period in the company of expert Dr Anne Anderson or Dr Scott Anderson, with a series of lectures and visits from your base in the heart of the city.

Price includes • Return standard class Eurostar/TGV from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Nancy via Paris • 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the 3-star Mercure Stanislas Hotel • Two lectures and two dinners with wine at the Art Nouveau Excelsior restaurant • Station transfers, coaching and entrance fees • Dr Anne Anderson or Dr Scott Anderson and tour manager throughout

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Monet and the Impressionists in Normandy Apr 12, 19, 26 2013 from £649pp

Normandy is synonymous with the Impressionist Movement, thanks largely to Monet’s involvement in and love of the area.This wonderful short lecture tour, based in Rouen, visits his house and garden in Giverny as well as a host of other places associated with Impressionism in the area, including Rouen’s superb Musee des Beaux Arts and the Boudin Museum at Honfleur, all in the incomparable company of Dr Anne Anderson whose knowledge will enlighten and entertain.

Price includes: • Return coach and Eurotunnel from London Victoria or Maidstone Services to Rouen • 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the 3-star Mercure Hotel Rouen Champs de Mars • Two lectures, welcome drink on first evening and two dinners with wine at the hotel • Coach throughout the tour and entrance fees • Dr Anne Anderson and tour manager throughout

William Morris – a great Victorian Oct 3 2012, Apr 24, Jun 5, Jul 3, Sep 11 2013 from £319pp

Textile designer, artist, writer and socialist William Morris was the founding father of the influential Morris and Co. His followers, particularly active in the Cotswolds during the early part of the 20th century, left an abundance of fine craftsmanship behind for us to enjoy today. On this tour you will enjoy private visits and talks by an Arts and Crafts expert and the chance to explore Morris’ country home Kelmscott Manor, Buscot Park, Rodmarton Manor and All Saints, Selsley.

Price includes: • Two nights’ accommodation with full breakfast at the 4-star Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon • Welcome reception on Wednesday evening and private dinner with wine • Thursday night dinner in the restaurant • Light lunch on Thursday and Friday • All admissions, guided tours, coach transfers • Expert host and tour manager throughout

Travel Editions Travel Editions offers a range of cultural short breaks and extended tours which would appeal to ‘travellers’ not ‘tourists’.

Take the opportunity to travel with us and quote ‘Creative Diva’ when you call 020 www.traveleditions.co.uk tours@traveleditions.co.uk 49

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7251 0045.

Travel Editions August 2012

Crafting Diva Sharon Williams Interview

A passion for paper craft has led Sharon on an exciting journey into workshops, websites, online craft sites and forums.

Here our paper crafting diva Sharon, shares with us an insight into her world. Perhaps her story will be the catalyst that will trigger your interest in a new craft or encourage you to further explore the creative avenues of paper.

I belong to a creative family who encouraged me, as I was growing up, to try anything and everything. I was allowed to get as messy as I wanted and so, being an inquisitive child, I did just that. Throughout my adult life I have explored several crafts however it wasn’t until ten years ago at Christmas that my interest in paper crafts was ignited. That year my mother gave me a pack of plain cards, some peel off stickers and other bits and pieces. At the time I wasn’t all that interested in paper craft but shortly after our family celebrations, one night when I had little to do, I took out these items and started messing around and arranging different designs.

Inspiration kicked in that evening and before long I had made fifteen cards. My fascination with paper craft has become my passion and I love it so much I now have a designated work station in my conservatory which houses all my tools and crafting materials.

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

I live in Llantwit Fardre, South Wales. It’s a quiet and relaxing place where we have woods and a stream right behind the house. This beautiful location provides us with wonderful walks for our dogs, Bronwen and Sox. Is there an artist or designer who is a major inspiration for your work?

Debbie Moore, her designs are amazing and very diverse.

She offers the crafter the whole package including the tools and support that is vital in helping one to produce high quality work.

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

A willingness to learn and then to be willing to share those learnt skills with others.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I enjoy the sense of achievement when a simple concept develops into an attractive finished article and most of all, seeing the reaction of the people who receive my cards and gifts.To make something that adds joy to other people’s lives is what it is all about.

For anyone who may be new to paper crafting how can they learn some of the skills involved for making cards and paper gifts?

Read books and magazines that relate to your topic of interest. Enrol in workshops and courses to gain firsthand experience. The internet is especially good for research, especially Google and YouTube. Just type in what you want to learn and you will nearly always find an answer plus demonstrations for further practical guidance.

Do you believe that social graces such as hand written thank you notes are becoming more fashionable?

Yes, despite all of today’s technology I believe that people are enjoying the pleasure of sending and receiving personalised thank you notes and letters.

Do you have any up-cycling tips for fellow paper crafters?

Just about everything can be used in your crafting, for instance wrapping paper can be used for backgrounds, covering boxes or just cutting out individual designs for toppers. Cards received can make toppers or tags even sweet and chocolate wrappers can be used to create backgrounds or toppers….just make sure they are clean before using them!

Do you work from home and do you have a designated crafting space?

My crafting space is in our large conservatory, which my son and partner set up for me for mother’s day about seven years ago.

Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

Yes I have several. A small one that I always carry with me, journals that I put pictures, designs, ideas or anything else into and one that I stamped with all of my stamps, to keep a record of what stamps I have in storage. I also have one that I use for experimental work using mixed mediums.

What are your future goals and plans?

I am in the middle of setting up a blog and a website which I hope to have up and running very soon. I am also on a journey experimenting with mixed mediums and seeing where that takes me.

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects may our readers look forward to?

There will be advice on equipment, supplies and designs. Articles on courses I attend, designers and latest trends.

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If you wish to ask Sharon for advice with regard to your crafting projects please drop her a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk Why not try your hand at creating your own journal. Sharon’s step by step instructions will show you how!

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Sharon loves...

1. £4,Vintage Florals Thank You, Company Who’s It For?, W www.whositfor.co.uk, P 01546602445. 2. £5.50 Kitchen Labels, Company HoneyTreeBespoke.com, W www.honeytreebespoke.com, P 0844 335 0620. 3. £9.95 NEW Great Gatsby Notebook, Company The Literary Gift Company, W www.theliterarygiftcompany.com, P 0118 958 8586. 4. £17.99, Liberty Print Leather Covered Notebook, Company The Gifted Penguin, W www.giftedpenguin.co.uk, P 01642 763000. 5. Make A Wish card created by Sharon, P 01270821194. 6. Love Bird rubber stamps, Company Wedding in a Teacup, W www.weddinginateacup.co.uk, P 01273 933134.

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RACHEL ELLIS crafting diva

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Rachel Ellis Interview A passion for baking and cake decorating has led Rachel on an exciting journey learning all that she can about her craft. This has also turned into a business venture and Rachel now runs Oh Sugar Cake Company in Cwmbran.

I made my first cake in 2009 for a special friend celebrating her 60th birthday. I had no idea where to start so visited my local cake decorating shop and I think I was hooked as soon as I walked in the door. After a long chat with a new friend I left with a bag of goodies to create my first cake. I had so much fun with this first project, I quickly started work on the next one!

I love that each cake I make is so personal to the person who receives it and I can adapt them to almost any theme. Seeing people catch the first glimpse of their cake is just priceless.

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

I am originally from Cardiff but now live in Cwmbran, it’s a great little town with a huge sense of community.

Is there a chef or renowned baker who is a major inspiration for your work?

Since starting I have been in awe of the cakes that Planet Cake, in Australia, produce. I’d love to visit and do a course or two with them one day.

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

To be willing to share and learn alongside my fellow diva’s and also with our readers. If there is anything you would like to ask please get in touch.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Seeing an idea come to life, whether that’s a new recipe, adding the final details to a design or seeing a picture of someone blowing out their candles on one of my cakes!

For anyone who may be new to your craft how can they learn some of the skills involved?

I joined a local cake decorating course which was great as I got to learn lots, meet other bakers and talk about cake a lot. It’s a great way to get advice and build up skills quickly.

Would you please share with us how you market your skills?

I use social media a lot with both Facebook and twitter and find this is a great way to share new work and keep in touch with people.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers?

I hope to share lots of tips with my future projects but would say start with baking cakes and decorating simply. A basic toolkit will help you build from there.

Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space? What is your favourite tool? Why does it work for you?

I work from my home kitchen that has been fully inspected by my local council. My favourite tool has to be my Kitchen aid mixer. It was a gift from my husband when I decided to start my business and it makes all of the hard work much easier. It looks great in my kitchen too!

Do you keep a cooking journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas?

I have a lot of note pads! I’m always writing notes, making sketches and thinking up recipe ideas. I’m not sure they would ever make sense to anybody else though.

What are your future goals and plans?

To turn Oh Sugar Cake Company into my full time career. I’d like to continue to create celebration cakes but would also love to expand into teaching and maybe even one day write a book.

In future issues of My Creative Diva what articles, advice and projects are you contributing that our readers may look forward to?

I hope to create a range of projects that will be suitable for different skill levels and will allow readers to build on their knowledge.

I’d also love to hear from readers if there is something they would love to learn.

If you wish to ask our Diva for advice with regard to your cooking projects please drop her a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk.

Turn the page to view our special baking recipe and get cooking! All Subscribers may download projects free of charge!

Coloured Cupcake Cases Pretty bright cupcake cases to set your kitchen alight £2.99 W www.homesense.com P 01923 473000

Cupcake Apron Group Available in 4 sizes so a whole family can have their aprons no matter what their age! Designed by Jo Jenner. Add a name or message to make this apron extra special. Priced according to size.

W www.3blondebears.co.uk P 07757180533

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Iced Fancies Clock Count down to tea time with this pretty retro style clock £15 W www.creative-tops.com P 01536 207 710

Cupcake kit - Tweet Tweet Treats Pretty floral birdcage presentation box, 24 floral and striped patterned cupcake cases and 24 assorted colourful bird cake toppers on wooden sticks £9.50 W www.homehomehome.co.uk P 01252 758 703

August 2012

Shopping 2 3

TRACEY NEULS Classic Tracey Neuls handmade shoe.

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4 Print Cardigan With Fur - Aw12 Made in Italy.

Price: £184

Avoca Stone Roses Parka Mac This fabulous Avoca parka mac will be a versatile and practical addition to your wardrobe.

Price: £110

Fabulous Reader Offers for fashion savy Avoca Electric Picnic Umbrella Price: £36.95

TRAVELLING DIVAS

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6 Globetrotter Solar Multi-charger Freeloader Portable Solar Energy System, complete with eleven connectors and connection cables.

Price: £59.99

Baby First Aid Travel Kit Price: £29.50

WiKi Car Mp3 Player Supports USB flash drives, SD/MMC memory cards and line in from MP3 players. Powered by 12-24 cigar socket connect your MP3 player via a line in lead from the headphone socket, or insert SD/MMC memory card or USB. Price: £12.99

1. Company James Lakeland, W www.jameslakeland.net, P 02076367130. 2. View product on company website. W www.tn29.com. 3. Company Barley Sugar, W www.barley-sugar.co.uk, P 01323 720045. 4. Company Barley Sugar, W www.barley-sugar.co.uk, P 01323 720045. 5. Company BB Tradesales, W www.bbtradesales. com, P + 44 (0) 1494 765626. 6. Company Shop On Your Doorstep, W www.shoponyourdoorstep.com, P 01843808061.

7. Company Green Stamp, W www.greenstamp.co.uk, P 01637 854717.

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Joss Stone Double Bed Set

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Josephine, Undecided - Digital Collage Canvas Print - Product Id 6443 Original digital collage artwork by Robin Anderson.

Price: £97

Fabulous Reader Offers for fashion savy

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home loving DIVAS

Station Meeting Clock Old train station style clock, complete with wall bracket.

Price: £102

4 Book Aluminium Bookends Lovely solid bookends with polished finish.

Price: £50

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West Egg - Hand-finished Cushions Each cushion is hand-finished by expert artisan Lucinda Nicol.

Large Oval Crackle Finish Mirror Beautiful mirror with bevelled glass and antique crackle finish.

Price: £254

Velvet Scarf Luxurious 100% velvet.

Price: £75

1. Company Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous, W www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.com, P 01208 850 988. 2. Company Whatever it Takes, W www.shop.whateverittakes.org, P 020 8524 1084. 3. Company Sweetpea & Willow, W www.sweetpeaandwillow.com, P 0845 257 2627. 4. Company Susie Watson Designs, W www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk, P 0844 980 8185. 5. Company Sweetpea & Willow, W www.sweetpeaandwillow.com, P 0845 257 2627. 6. Company West Egg, W www.westegg.co.uk, P 0207 060 2975. 7. Company Sweetpea & Willow, W www.sweetpeaandwillow.com, P 0845 257 2627.

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Persia

Chelsea

£195

£215

Siberian Huskie

£260

The MoovBoot® story is based on the Moov commitment to four essential areas: style, fit, warmth and durability. Moovboots® are made by hand, combining traditional craft techniques and modern technology.

www.moovculture.com

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2012/13 Collection by Dom Goor - sheepskin chic British Sheepskin and leather brand, Dom & Ruby have introduced their latest range of stunning sheepskin and leather. The new capsule collection also includes some key wool and cashmere pieces to complete your winter wardrobe. Available from Harvey Nichols, online and at stockists throughout the UK.

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J by Jasper Conran

divine fashion

£110

H! by Henry Holland

£38

M&Co

£69 Accessorize 293865

£12 Dom & Ruby

Autumnal forecast With Autumn just around the corner it’s time to think about layering up to beat the chill. This year keeping warm is done in style with a continued nod to the elegance of times gone by. Mix and match your textures as much as you like as long as the silhouette is classic and refined.

Luxurious fabrics like woollen tweed and mohair contrast with leather and overlapping sequins while ladylike skirts are worn with country-style boots which are feminine yet practical. Keep the palette warm with camel and brown, or think classic burgundy and muted teal. Don’t forget a hat for a cosy yet polished look!

M&Co

£49

ill!

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Marisota

£00

Brantano Caravelle

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Betty Jackson

£120

Sebastian

£65

Accessorize 287111

M&S Woman

£20

£35

IC

CLASS M&Co

£15 People Tree

£55

Dune Abridge

£85 Phase Eight

£00

Stockist Info: M&Co www.mandco.com, Debenhams www.debenhams.com, Marks and Spencer www.marksandspencer.com, Fiorelli www.fiorelli.com, Phase Eight www.phase-eight.co.uk, People Tree www.peopletree.co.uk, Brantanto www.brantano.co.uk, Marisota www.marisota.co.uk, Accessorize www.accessorize.co.uk, Dune www.dune.co.uk.

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Photo Credit © QEP - European Federation of Professional Photographers - Dmitry Myakishev;

Addiction Beauty Salon come and get addicted to being pampered

Luxury manicure, luxury pedicure and luxury facial (90 min total) only £28

Aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage with luxury manicure only £16

New flabelos machine ready to use £4 per session!

Addiction beauty salon 9 Clarendon road, penylan, cardiff P 029 20464272 E enquiries@addictionbeautysalon.co.uk W www.addictionbeautysalon.co.uk 60

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beauty tips & techniques

Valuable Tools For many creative women, hands are one of the most valuable ‘tools’ that they use during the production of their work. A little time spent on maintaining these valuable assets will keep them looking attractive and in good shape.

within the Creativity is creator! hands of the

• Fill a basin with warm water add two drops of tea-tree oil.

The oil helps to kill germs and fight infections. Rub body scrub into your hands, concentrating on rough patches and stains. Place your hands into the water and let them soak for a couple of minutes.

• Rinse your hands under a tap with warm water and dry them.

Dab a small amount of cuticle remover onto the cuticles leaving it on for a minute or two before pushing the cuticles back with an orange stick. Be careful not to push too hard as they will become painful if they split.

• Rinse off the cuticle remover and dry your hands once more.

Lather your hands with a rich hand cream, then place them in the plastic bags. Slide your hands into the mitts or wrap them in a hand towel. The plastic bag, when covered with the mitt or towel, will heat the skin which allows the moisture in the cream to penetrate more effectively. Sit and relax for five minutes, longer if time permits.

• Remove the coverings and massage the remaining cream into your skin. Massage each knuckle, the back and palm of the hands for a good five minutes. Add more cream if the skin dries out before the massage is completed to prevent the skin from being stretched • If you have weak or damaged nails wipe the nails with an acetone free nail polish remover to remove any moisture or cream.

Apply two coats of a nail fortifying treatment.

Optional finish Constant use of tools, chemicals and manual work can leave your hands, tired, sore, cracked, stained and not visually attractive.

For many of us ‘time poor divas’, a trip to the beauty therapist for a luxury manicure isn’t a practical option, but none the less maintaining the health of our hands is vital. By giving yourself a mini manicure and massage on a regular basis you will soon see and feel the benefits.

It may also help with easing the effects of arthritis and other associated skin problems that may result from overuse or neglect.

• Apply one thin layer of base coat followed by a coat of enamel.

For short nails use a light colour that will enhance them. Darker shades may look dramatic but chips are far more noticeable.

• Finish with a second coat of colour and a top coat. The top coat will seal the enamel and give a lovely gloss to the manicure.

• Every second day apply a thin layer of top coat to help prevent chipping.

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DIY MANICURE You will need: Emery board, basin, water, cream body scrub, tea-tree oil, cuticle remover, orange stick, hand cream, cuticle oil, cotton wool, two small plastic bags plus hand-mitts or two small hand towels.

Optional: polish remover, base coat, enamel, top coat.

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Put on some relaxing music or your favourite TV show.

Gently file your nails into shape. File from side to centre on both sides of the nail and then sweep the file over and under the tip.

Avoid filing from side to side in a sawing action as this will weaken the nail and cause it to flake and split.

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3 1. (13942) Hand And Nail Kit Complete with all natural Cuticle oil, Intensive Hand Balm and a 4 sided nail buff Company Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous

W www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.com P 01208 850 988 Price: £14.99

2. Trind cuticle remover Company The Garden Pharmacy W www.garden.co.uk P 020 7632 0232 Price: £11.95

3. All About Nails - Cashmere, Honey Pink, Oyster Company Tesco Beauty W www.tesco.com P 0800 50 55 55 Price: £0.99

August 2012

Divine beauty

Time Out A little bit of pampering can make a world of difference to your inner Goddess. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy products to look and feel fabulous. By getting into MTM, (me time mode), even if it’s only 15 minutes a day you’ll be amazed at how well you will cope with everyday problems and frustrations.

Revive with a relaxing soak • Take the time to soak in a candle lit bath at the end of a busy day. Lather your skin with coconut enriched soap for a deep yet moisturising cleanse • Add a few drops of essential oil or a luxury lavender and tangerine bath melt to ease tired muscles and an over busy mind • Pour a teaspoon of almond oil into a warm bath to moisturise your skin.

Pop on a camomile infused face mask whilst you sip a herbal tea and soon you'll be feeling in seventh heaven • Did you know that it takes 1,000 rose petals to make 1 drop of pure essential oil? A few drops of absolute rose splashed into the bath will soon sooth your senses • No time for a luxury soak? Then freshen up with a quick shower and lace your body wash with two drops of lemongrass essential oil.You'll feel wonderfully refreshed and glowing with energy. Go on if any one deserves it, you do!

Self hypnosis If you’re stressed to the max try a quick spritz of Rescue Remedy under the tongue. Put on a quiet calming CD, sit comfortably, close your eyes and allow your mind to settle whilst focusing on a beautiful image. The image may be a lake surrounded by trees, a long stretch of golden sand on an empty beach or the fern covered banks of a bubbling stream. Make this image your safe place that you can visit in your mind whenever you feel your stress levels rising. Slowly breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you breathe in, see your special place in your mind’s eye and think the words ‘RELAX’. As you breathe out, focus on relaxing your muscles. Repeat the breathing and ‘RELAX’ mantra for 5-10 minutes or until you feel calm and relaxed.

AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL

Make your own nourishing body oil to keep your skin in tip top condition. Our MCD editor has been using this recipe for years and makes it as a special treat for her family and friends. It’s become a must have beauty product in her daily grooming kit.

Geranium & Absolute Rose Body Oil To make 150ml bottle: • 70ml grape seed oil • 70ml almond oil • 10ml wheat germ oil • 20 drops pure geranium oil • 15 drops absolute rose in jojoba oil

! s k r o w s i th

Method: Pour all the ingredients into a brown or dark blue bottle.

Shake well and store in a cool place. Massage into the skin after bathing each morning or night.

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calm me d

own!

Beauty Beddy Byes Luxury Bath Melt These little bath treats are packed with sleep inducing oils of Lavender, sweet orange and tangerine. These gorgeous cocoa and shea butter melts contain a dispersing ingredient derived from coconut to help the oils and butters distribute throughout the water. They also contain water softening tapioca starch for a milky, silky water feel. Drop into a running bath, climb in and allow the calming and relaxing essential oils to get you drifting off into the land of nod. Handmade in the UK by Oakwood Soaperie.

Price: £2 Company WowThankYou W www.wowthankyou.co.uk P 01462732777

Rescue Remedy Spray

Rescue Remedy Spray provides relief from everyday stressful situations Price: £7.75 Company Nelsons W www.nelsonshomeopathy.co.uk P 020 7495 2404

Vanilla & Poppy Seed Letter Soap Aromatherapy handmade soaps produced in Somerset UK, using the finest natural ingredients. These soaps are free from parabens and suitable for vegetarians.Vanilla and Poppy Seed Soap is enriched with coconut oil and real honey.

Price: £5.99 Company Jonny's Sister W www.jonnyssister.co.uk P 01935 873186

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Divine makes

Try your hand at something new with these inspiring ideas and projects.

Give it a try â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enjoy some DIY! 64

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Create, bake or make

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Decorate like an expert

Stitch a floral apron

Record your thoughts

Floristry tips and tricks

Restore furniture

create unique jewellery pieces

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August 2012

Jewellry project

Decore Art Clay Pendant Nicky has been trying out a relatively new product called DeCore Art Clay; the only limit is your imagination. By Nicky Townsend.

DeCore Art Clay is a resin based clay product made up of 30% resin and 70% ceramic. It is air drying so no need to bake, just leave to dry for 24 hours and it’s ready! You can mould it, shape it, paint it and embellish it, the possibilities are endless. In my project I’ve used the clay with picture frame style jewellery findings and Preciosa crystal chatons to create a sparkling pendant and ring.

STEP 1 Preparation is vitally important when using DeCore Clay. Firstly prepare yourself a clean and tidy workspace give it a quick wipe over with a damp cloth to ensure there are no specks of dust or fluff that could contaminate your clay. Lay out your materials and have a play with the embellishments you are going to use. Having an idea of the pattern before the clay is mixed helps.

STEP 2 DeCore Clay is a two part epoxy resin product; you have to mix two materials together which then creates a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction is started as soon as the two parts are together and it causes the hardening process. To avoid staining to the hands and contaminating the clay put on a pair of latex gloves for then next step. Remove equal parts of A and B from the packet of clay, roll each part into a ball to soften the clay a little.

STEP 3 Now simply blend the two balls together with your fingers and thumbs until there are no white streaks. I was using white clay and it was difficult to see the level of mixing, if using coloured clay this will be much easier. Once the two parts are mixed it is vital to work quickly.You only have 90 minutes before the clay hardens.

STEP 4 Pop the mixed clay into the centre of your chosen setting and press down easing it gently with your thumb from the centre to the outer edges.You can flatten it completely into the setting or you can leave it domed. Smooth off the surface with your finger to remove any dimples which may have appeared and your setting is now ready for embellishing. Anything with a pointed back can be used to embellish, flat backs aren’t suitable as they have nothing to root/anchor into the clay.

MATERIALS • One pack DeCore Art Clay • Preciosa Chatons or a selection of embellishments • Picture frame setting

TOOLS • Latex gloves • Tweezers or gem setting tool

resources All materials supplied by E-Beads P 0207 367 62 17 E info@e-beads.co.uk F 0560 310 1756 W www.e-beads.co.uk

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

PHOTO CREDIT Nicky Townsend

PREPARE YOUR WORKSPACE

STEP 5 The Preciosa crystal chatons that I used were quite fiddly and I found it much easier with a set of stone setting tweezers.You could also use a stone setting tool which has a tacky tip to pick up small fiddly gems.

To start adding your sparkle simply push the crystals into the clay so that the flat edge sits level with the clay surface.

STEP 6 Once all of the crystals have been set go over gently with your thumb to smooth out the shape as the clay can move as you’re pushing in the crystals. Take time to ensure each crystal is embedded properly and there are none that stick up above the rest. Now put it out of reach somewhere on a flat surface and leave to set.Your piece will be completely cured in 24 hours.

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cured in

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24 ho

urs!

August 2012

Sparkle Like a Diva by linzi alford

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jewellery make These pretty earrings are inexpensive and easy to make whilst packed with the WOW factor. Make a pair for yourself and several more for gifts.What friend won’t be impressed when you say “I made them just for you”!

materials and tools

• Ball end headpins 50mm x 6 • 8mm crystal rondelles x 6 (or any choice of bead) • 3mm silver beads x 6 • Pair of ear wires • 4mm jump rings x 2 • Jewellery glue • Marker pen • Round and flat or bent-nosed pliers • Wire cutters

ONE

Take 6 ball end headpins and mark them into 3 different lengths using a permanent marker. Mark two of each size so the earrings are of equal length. Approximate lengths on 50mm headpins are 1cm, 2cm and 3cm leaving enough wire to make a wrapped loop.You will need to adjust these lengths on shorter or longer headpins just so long as they are 3 different sizes in a ratio to one another will ensure that the beads will hang nicely.

two

Apply a small dab of glue at the base of the headpin next to the ball end and slightly up along the pin to fix the beads in place although you could leave them loose if you wanted movement on your earrings.

three

Thread the 8mm crystal rondelle and then the 3mm silver beads onto the headpin and allow the glue to dry making sure the beads are snug up against the ball end of the headpin. If you do not have any ball end headpins you could put a 3mm silver bead on either side of the larger bead using ordinary headpins instead.

four

Once the glue is dry, using round pliers, make wrapped loops on all the headpins using the marker pen dots you made as a guide as to where to make the initial ‘bend’ of the loop. Firstly make a 90 degree bend then using round pliers roll the pin back. Now pull the wire up and around the plier end until you have a loop with a tail. Coil the tail several times around the headpin. Trim off any excess wire with wire cutters and tuck the cut end in neatly.

five

You should now have wrapped loops on each headpin in three varying sizes; large, medium and small ready to attach to your ear wires.

six

Attach the looped head pins to the ear wires using flat or bent-nosed pliers using a 4mm jump ring. Always open both jump rings and ear wire loops in two directions both toward and away from yourself. Be careful not to pull them open outwards as that will distort the shape and make it difficult to close them neatly. Put the smallest loop in the middle of the other two for a staggered effect.

PHOTO CREDITS Linzi Alford

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divine BAKING

Cup cakes In each issue of My-Creative Diva I will be offering cake making and decorating tips and techniques.

The simple decorative designs on these little cakes are the perfect starting point for anyone interested in learning how to make speciality cakes.

By Rachel Ellis.

VANILLA CUPCAKES Ingredients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to make 12 200g unsalted softened butter 200g golden caster sugar 180g plain flour 1 x teaspoon vanilla paste 3 x free range eggs 1 x teaspoon baking powder 3 x tablespoons milk VANILLA SYRUP 30ml water 30ml golden caster sugar ½ x teaspoon vanilla paste VANILLA BUTTERCREAM 200g unsalted softened butter 500g icing sugar 2 x tablespoons milk

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PHOTO CREDITS 21Grams

TOPPERS To create icing toppers roll out sugarpaste to an even thickness and cut it to fit the top of the cake using pastry cutters.These sugarpaste toppers can be left plain or embossed.To emboss them use a textured mat or a simple cutter lightly pressed into the icing. Allow the discs to dry slightly to help maintain their shape. To attach a topper to a cupcake, add a swirl of buttercream onto the cake and then place the disc on top of the buttercream. Centre the disc before gently forming the topper into the shape of the cupcake whilst pushing the icing topper gently towards the case.

DECORATIONS Decorations can be shop bought or home made. To create your own, roll out flowerpaste on a non stick board until it is thin. Cut shapes from the flowerpaste. When creating flowers as illustrated on our sample cupcake, it is possible to add shape by leaving it to set in a paint pallet to form it into a curve. For smaller (sprinkle size) flowers use a balling tool to create the curve and they will hold their own shape as they set.Add to icing toppers using sugar glue or place them straight onto buttercream before it sets.

• Decorating Tool List • Pastry cutter • Sugarpaste • Decoration cutters • Flowerpaste • Balling tool • Rolling pin / Cell stick • Non stick board Designer tips DECORATING TECHNIQUES • Use a good quality vanilla paste to give your cakes a great flavour SWIRLING To create a simple swirl, use a piping bag with an open star tip. Add • To get even cupcakes weigh your mix! 60g per case buttercream to the bag and twist the top to close and remove any • Don’t open your oven to look at your cakes until after 20 excess air. Start on the outside of the cake, near the case. Squeeze minutes of baking the top of the bag and guide it with your other hand. Follow the • Get great colours for buttercream and icing by using gel paste shape of the case around and bring the swirl in and up by following food colouring the first swirl. Continue until you reach the middle. Lift the icing from • To get the flower swirl shown (purple) use a closed star tip and the middle of the cake to create a peak.Add sprinkles for decoration. start your swirl in the centre of the cake

METHOD STEP 1 Preheat oven to 160C fan / 180C / Gas mark 4.

Line tin with cupcake cases. Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla paste with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer to lowest speed setting and add eggs one at a time, beating each one thoroughly before adding the next. Sift flour and baking powder into bowl and fold in to mix carefully. Add milk and mix until you have a smooth cake mixture. Fill each case two thirds full.

STEP 2 Bake cakes for 20 – 25 minutes until light golden brown and springy to touch. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling tray. While cakes cool make the vanilla syrup. Add water, sugar and vanilla paste to a small pan and heat until sugar is dissolved. Leave to cool slightly and then using a pastry brush coat each cake in syrup, this will help to keep cakes fresh and moist.

STEP 3 To make buttercream, add softened butter and sifted icing sugar to mixer. Mix on a slow speed until well incorporated, add a tablespoon of milk and then the vanilla paste. This will thicken the buttercream and bring it all together. Don’t be afraid to add a little more milk if needed. At this stage turn mixer up to a medium speed and beat for 3 – 4 minutes. If you would like to, now add colouring and continue to mix until colour is even.

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FLORAL APRON divine make

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August 2012

divine MAKE

Floral Apron Why look boring while you’re baking? Protect your clothes with something pretty. By Kira Withers-Jones.

Sew a simple apron to keep your clothes clean while you’re baking delicious cakes like Rachel Ellis’ on page 68.

MATERIALS • Pretty cotton fabric • Matching sewing thread • 3m x contrasting bias-binding • Sewing machine • 3m x cotton tape • Scissors and pins

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DESIGNER TIPS • Enlarge the pattern to 400%. Check that the marked line is the stated length to ensure that your printer hasn’t modified the size of the pattern.

• Easy-to-make tie straps allow this apron to fit all sizes • Stitch the pocket down the middle to create 2 smaller pockets • If your fabric is lightweight then use a spray starch or interfacing to give extra body • Use bias-binding for a neat and simple edging if you don’t wish to stitch a hem

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METHOD OF WORK 1 Pin the pattern onto the fabric ensuring that you are working on

the straight grain 2 Cut out around the pattern using sharp dressmaking scissors 3 Thread up the machine using a coloured thread that matches

the bias tape 4 Cut the bias binding to the length of each side of the apron 5 Unfold the bias binding and pin the right side up against the

wrong side of your apron 6 Stitch along the fold line 7 Re-fold the bias binding and bring it over the edge of your fabric 8 Neatly stitch the bias binding down from the right side. Repeat

for every edge of the apron 9 Cut a length of cotton tape for the neck strap, allowing enough

for you to easily take the apron on and off 10 Stitch to either side of the neck edge using a square with a cross

through it for extra strength 11 Cut the remainder of the cotton tape in half and stitch to either

side of the apron to create ties

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1. £20 Issy Oilcloth Apron, available in the very popular Issy red and white spot vintage inspired print. Perfect for stylish cooking and baking! Centre front pocket and back ties.Wipe clean.

One size fits all! Overall length 65cm. Company Love Lammie W www.lovelammie.co.uk P 01548 844840 2. £6 Sainsbury’s Country Kitchen Apron W www.sainsburys.co.uk

see page 94 for downloadable apron pattern 73

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August 2012

turkey & cranb turkey & cran

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berry ring nberry ring 6 tablespoons mayonnaise 6 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon freshly ground ½ teaspoon black pepperfreshly ground black pepper 225 g skinless, boneless cooked 225 g skinless, boneless cooked turkey turkey 1 stick celery 1 stick celery 3 tablespoons finely chopped 3 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped fresh parsley 85 g sweetened dried 85 g sweetened dried cranberries cranberries 85 g Gruyère cheese 85 g Gruyère cheese 2 packets (240 g each) chilled 2 packets (240 g each) chilled fresh ready-to-bake dough ready-to-bake dough forfresh six croissants for six croissants 1 egg white 1 egg white 20 g walnuts, chopped 20 g walnuts, chopped

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Preheat oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/Gas 5.

Preheat oven toMeasuring 190°C/fanSpoons, 170°C/Gas 5.

Using Adjustable Using mayonnaise, Adjustable Measuring Spoons, measure mustard and black measure and black pepper into mayonnaise, Classic Battermustard Bowl. Chop pepper into Classic Batter turkey on Cutting Board usingBowl.

Food Chop turkey on Cutting Chopper.

Thinly slice Board celery using Food Utility Chopper.

Thinly slice celeryAdd using Utility Knife and finely chop parsley. turkey, Knife and finely chop parsley.

Add turkey, celery, parsley and cranberries to batter bowl.

Grate cheese into bowl using celery, parsley and cranberries to batter Rotary mix wellinto using Small bowl.Grater; Grate cheese bowl using ® MixRotary ’N Scraper . mix well using Small Grater; Mix ’N Scraper®.

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22 33 44

Unroll croissant dough; separate into Unroll croissant 12 triangles.

Arrangedough; dough separate triangles into in 12 triangles.

Arrange dough triangles a circle on Medium Round Stone with in a circle on wide Medium Stone with Handles with endsRound of triangles Handles in with wideand ends of triangles overlapping centre pointed ends overlapping in centre and pointed towards the outside (there should be ends towards outsideopening (there should be about 13-cmthe diameter in centre about stone).

13-cm Using diameter opening in ®centre of baking Baker’s Roller , ® of baking stone).

Baker’s gently press edges of Using triangles whereRoller they , gently presstoedges meet together seal. of triangles where they meet together to seal.

Spoon turkey mixture evenly onto widest turkey mixture evenly onto endSpoon of dough triangles.

Bring points of widest end ofupdough triangles. points of triangles over filling and Bring tuck under triangles over at filling andoftuck wide ends ofup dough centre ringunder wide endsnot of dough at centrecovered). of ring (filling should be completely (filling should not be completely covered).

Lightly beat egg white in 250-ml Prep Lightly egg white in 250-ml Prep Bowl usingbeat Stainless Whisk.

Brush egg Bowl using Stainless Whisk.

Brush egg white over dough; sprinkle chopped whiteover overtop. dough; walnuts Bakesprinkle 25 – 30 chopped minutes walnuts overand top.deep Bakegolden 25 – 30brown. minutes or until cooked untilPizza cooked and deep brown.

Sliceorwith Cutter; serve golden using MiniSlice Spatula. with Pizza Cutter; serve using MiniServing Serving Spatula.

Serves 16 as an appetizer Serves 16 as an appetizer

chef’s corner chef’s corner

This recipe serves 8 as a main course.

This recipe serves 8 as acan main course.

If desired, cooked chicken be substituted for the turkey. cooked chicken can be substituted If desired, for the ready-to-eat turkey.

Chopped, dried apricots or pears can be substituted for dried the cranberries, Chopped, ready-to-eat apricots or if desired. pears can be substituted for the cranberries, if desired.

August 2012

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Keeping on track Never underestimate the power of regularly updating your design journal, diary, to do list or portfolio.

Planning and preparation are the key to success.

If you think you are too busy to make a list then it could be that you probably need one. Many women use the diary and calendar apps on their phones, iPads and laptops to keep them on track, do you?

By Joan Gordon Keeping on track is about being as organized as possible without being too scarily practical. By keeping and recording a regular diary or journal you can remind yourself of how far youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come in achieving your goals and plans. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not easy, but by making just a few changes it can really make a lot of difference and help you to consolidate your plans.

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Write a list Writing down what you hope to achieve in a realistic and manageable way helps you to think about and deal with your commitments. It stops the constant swirling of frantic unconnected thoughts that you end up never acting on. Find a quiet moment to sit down at your laptop or organizer and write a short list of the most important things that have to be dealt with immediately or as soon as possible. Allocate in your diary a time when you intend to action the task.

Write a second list of tasks that require your attention but aren’t so urgent. Plan these activities into your week. If you allocate a date and time for each action you will be more likely to do it. Don’t forget to include family commitments and time out for yourself. Set aside a regular time every morning to open your diary and tick off each action as you complete it. Anything that hasn’t been sorted from the day before is now on the top of your today list.

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Keep an inspiration journal A notepad and camera kept in your handbag are vital for recording, patterns, images and thoughts that may be of future use in your work.

If drawing isn’t your thing then taking a picture, printing it off and pasting it into your journal will give you the opportunity to revisit your observation and to clarify how this image could be translated into a design element. The journal doesn’t have to be fancy but sufficiently sized to allow you to add images, write and perhaps to attach plastic envelopes that will store, fabric samples, beads or special finds that may ignite a creative spark in the future. Our crafting Diva Sharon Williams has created one such journal in the divine living section of this magazine. Again, it’s a simple journal creatively decorated yet practical.

Follow Sharon’s step by step process to make a journal that is stamped with your own personal signature.

Track your progress If you find that at the end of a week you have more to do’s on your list rather than completed tasks it may be time to revisit what is really important for you to be doing and what could be delegated to another person or family members to sort out. Trying to be wonder woman isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for a start the costume is so outdated! A good manager knows who to delegate tasks to ensure that the working day runs smoothly and productively.

• Paying bills can be time wasting, consider setting up standing orders for all domestic and business bills so that all you have to do at the end of a month is to check your bank statement online • Set aside one day in the week for posting off parcels and letters • Make lunch the night before and take it to work. You’ll not only save time waiting in café queues but possibly eat more healthily and save money as well • Limit reading emails and text messages to twice a day and only respond immediately to those that are really important • Turn off your mobile! It’s a terrible distraction if you have to concentrate.

Check it at regular intervals but only when you really do have the time

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1. A Le Pele Mail memory board with a selection of cards, wrapping paper and notebooks available at Living in Store, Marlow, Company Living in Store, W www.livinginstore.com, P 01628 478767.

2. Set Of Four Writeboards - £24.99, Company The Contemporary Home, W www.tch.net, P 02392 469400.

3.Will & Glory - The Clock Factory Deco 295 Interchangeable Clock - Toy Cars: £39, Company Will & Glory Limited, W www.willandglory.co.uk, P 0844 800 5398.

4. Assorted Colour Bright Spotty Pens - £1.95ea *autumn-winter*, Product Code: 24248, Company Dotcomgiftshop, W www.dotcomgiftshop.com, P 0780 1976146.

5. Monopoly A6 Notebook, Electric Company - £5.99, Company The Gifted Penguin, W www.giftedpenguin.co.uk, P 01642 763000.

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Paper craft Create Your Journal

A journal needn’t be complicated, fancy or expensive. A simple spiral bound notepad is ideal for jotting down random thoughts, pasting inspirational pictures and images or for keeping a record of ideas for future projects. If money is no object invest in a leather bound notebook that will last for years to come or a folder that contains several layers of sleeves and pages that may be expanded. One of the special qualities of being a diva is ‘generosity’. Share some quality time with a young aspiring diva whose creative journey is yet to begin. Encourage her to make and record her inspirational thoughts and designs in a journal of her own.

By Sharon Williams.

materials

1 x notepad with a hard plastic cover and elastic strap closure An inspirational card for inside front cover Inspirational words Card for making tabs Individual capital lettering Floral brads Paper glue Photocopier Scissors

STEP 1

Photocopy a favourite card or image and add inspirational text. Cut out the copied image and paste it inside the front cover of the note book

STEP 2

Write, print, stamp or use rub off letters to give the note book a title to personalise it

STEP 3

Break the notebook into sections and highlight each section with tags.To attach the tags you paste them onto pages in the notebook with a strong adhesive glue

STEP 4

Using floral brads attach letters to each tag. A simple way of doing this is to open the back of each brad, create a small hole in the tags with a darning needle and push the brad through. Here we have spelt the word DIVA which signifies: Design, Inspiration,Verses and Quotes,Anything and Everything Else. Personalise the tags to suit the owner of the journal

STEP 5

Attach plastic sleeves onto several of the pages using double sided tape to keep them in place. These sleeves are ideal for storing, photos, fabric samples and found objects

Try to write in your journal at least once a week. Record random thoughts, inspirational ideas and paste in designs or quotes that appeal to you. Soon you will have a journal that will provide you with considerable pleasure when you re-read it in years to come.

Art on front cover of journal by Susie Brooks.

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hts & g u o h t m o d n a r record as! ni spirational ide

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Khadda paper - Fair Trade journal £17.50

Red Fair Trade Sari Journal £12.50

Recycled cotton left over from the massive garment industry in India. Expertly bound by hand, fastens with a clasp.

Company Fairwind W www.fairwindonline.com P 0845 196 0256

Handmade with Khadda paper using recycled cotton left over from the massive garment industry in India, with a button and elastic closure.

Company Fairwind W www.fairwindonline.com P 0845 196 0256

Up- Cycled Vintage Monopoly Board Sketch Book £19.50

Personalised Up-Cycled Vinyl Record Sketch Book £19.5

Rescued from a dusty box after a full life as a board game this treasured iconic MONOPOLY® board has been bound with approximately 50 pages of heavy weight 100% re-cycled English paper.

Company Ellie Ellie W www.ellieellie.co.uk

Records have been cropped and bound with approximately 60 pages of heavy weight 100% re-cycled English.

All pieces are authentically vintage and therefore may show signs of wear and tear.

Company Ellie Ellie W www.ellieellie.co.uk

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August 2012

Floristy Project by beth forbes simpson

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FLORISTRY project General Picture

Simple and natural are the key words here. An aromatic arrangement of white peonies with their densely layered petals, blue-grey eucalyptus and rich green rosemary. Arranged together in a zinc pot, this is as perfectly suited to an alfresco lunch with friends as it is to a casual, country wedding.

It will smell delicious and look gorgeous.

ONE

For this arrangement you will need the following 1 x zinc pot with approximately 13cm diameter at the top 1 x piece of ‘wet’ floral foam that has been soaked in water 1 x square sheet of cellophane ( not necessary in all cases) 1 x sharp knife 1 x short piece of floristry ‘pot tape’ 4 x stems of open white peonies A bunch of rosemary A few stems of eucalyptus

Run the tape from edge to edge and ensure it is firmly stuck down.

Don’t worry about the overlap at this point as it will eventually be covered by the foliage and flowers so no mechanics will be seen.

FOUR

Now take your eucalyptus and rosemary stems and ensure the bottom end is free of any leaves so it is clean to go into the foam and the stem should also be cut on an angle to ensure maximum water uptake. For this arrangement we are looking for a half and half proportion of pot to flower material. This does not need to be exact to the millimetre! Trust your eye and go on instinct.You will know as you are making it whether there is too much height or it is too dumpy!

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TWO

Firstly, ensure that the pot is leakproof. If you are not 100% convinced about this then you can line the pot with clear cellophane ensuring no cellophane comes above the rim of the container. Now, cut your ‘wet’ floral foam to fit in the pot. Ideally it should sit snuggly inside with approximately half an inch peeping above the rim.

Now bevel the foam edges with a sharp knife as this helps to give the dome shape of the finished design.

THREE

Next to secure the foam in the pot, use the piece of florists tape and apply it just off centre. This ensures you do not run the tape over the point where you will insert your focal flower into the foam.

Take your rosemary and starting from the top centre point of the foam insert one at a time working in lines down to the rim of the pot. This ensures that you get the dome shape you are looking for. Do not pack the rosemary too tightly as the design is meant to look natural and loose and you also need to have space in the foam for the other stems. Now add in your pieces of eucalyptus spreading them evenly through the design using the length of the rosemary as your guide.

SIX

Choose your fullest, most gorgeous peony as your focal flower for greatest impact. The others should be approximately the same size and degree of openness for a good sense of balance in the design. The focal peony will be inserted at the top central point facing the sky, nestling amongst the foliages but sitting slightly higher. The other peonies should be evenly spaced, facing outwards and slightly upwards. Again, do not get caught up in being accurate to the milllimetre, trust your eye to tell you.

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Divine Drinks

by JOAN GORDON

Cocktails Printed Canvas Add a stunning decorative print to your bar or entertainment room.

Renew and replenish with glorious green; once seen as a fringe colour, it is now very much a mainstay within our homes. Green can create a fresh uplifting effect or can compliment classic colour schemes. ÂŁ8.99 Company ARTHOUSE W www.arthouse.com P 01706 230077

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sundowners At wind down time as the sun drops over the horizon wiz up a little concoction to ease you and your guests into a sublime evening. Cocktails are so stylish and easy to make. A divine party hostess always considers her guests by offering cocktails as well as mocktails for her alcohol free friends and the ‘designated drivers’. With these recipes everyone will enjoy a delicious drink, with or without a tipple…

CHERRY MARTINI Ingredients 3oz Vodka 1 oz Cherry Brandy

DRY MARTINI Ingredients 1 2/3 oz Gin 1/3 oz Dry Vermouth Mix it up Stir ingredients together then strain into a chilled cocktail glass

You can’t serve up a martini without an olive, which is why the Olive Martini Glasses feature a unique hand painted olive in their stem. £26.99 (pack 4) Company Drinkstuff W www.drinkstuff.com P 0845 313 33 52

Mix it up Shake or stir the ingredients together with ice and then stain it into an elegant martini glass. Drape cherries on the side of the glass for a dramatic touch. Add a twist of orange to give it a tangy twist.

A distinctive cocktail needs a distinctive glass.The look of this glass in the hand lends a debonair aura of erudition. Perfect for a party, or for warm-up drinks before the big event. £14.99 (6 pack) Company Drinkstuff W www.drinkstuff.com P 0845 313 33 52

VIRGIN SUNRISE Ingredients Ice Orange juice Grenadine Mix it up Fill a shaker with ice and orange juice and give it a good jiggle. Strain the contents into a martini glass and add one tbsp grenadine.

MARGARITA Ingredients 2 measures of Tequila 1 measure of Cointreau 0.5 Measure of Lime Juice

Kyoto is the former grand capital of ancient Japan, the seat of Japan’s imperial court, and, apparently, a cocktail glass! £15.96 Company Drinkstuff W www.drinkstuff.com P 0845 313 33 52

VIRGIN MARY

Mix it up Rub the cut edge of a lime around the rim of a glass then place it on a saucer of salt to achieve the salted rim effect. Place the Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice into a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake it vigorously then strain into a cocktail glass.

Ingredients 1 glass tomato juice dash worchestershire dash tabasco dash black pepper juice 1/2 lemon Mix it up Shake the contents together. Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a celery stalk and a slice of lemon.

The Margarita is the most popular tequila-based cocktail and there are many stories about who invented it (and why), but our favourite is that it was created in the early 1940s in Tijuana, Mexico by Enrique Bastate Gutierrez, as an homage to a dancer at the club where he tended bar called Margarita Cansino (later better known by her stage name, Rita Hayworth). £32.50 Company Whisk Hampers W www.whiskhampers.co.uk P 0845 900 1292

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The Lolita Shopaholic Cocktail Shaker lets you mix your two favourite past times; shopping and cocktails with the girls! £25.99 Company Drinkstuff W www.drinkstuff.com P 0845 313 33 5

August 2012

home decor

after

before MATERIALS & TOOLS • Scissors • Craft glue • Upholstery tacks • Foam • Leather hide • Sugar soap • Paint 84

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• Paint brushes • Liming wax kit • Hammer • Sand paper • Safety glasses • Gloves • Dust mask www.my-creativediva.co.uk

August 2012

PHOTO CREDITS Clair Wolfe

This battered old stool was made by Clair’s Grandfather many years ago and was destined for the local tip. Clair spotted it, saved it and knew she could give it a new lease of life.

Clair’s Grandfather passed away just a couple of years ago, and he is greatly missed as he was such a lovely soul.When her Grandmothers attic had to be cleared, ready to be insulated, the stool was put on a pile destined for the local tip. Clair was visiting her Gran that very day and on seeing the stool she knew it had to come home with her. Clair has really enjoyed stripping it back and seeing the love and care her Grandfather put into not only making the stool, but seeing that he must have reupholstered it himself several times. In restoring the stool Clair has made something beautiful for her home that will continue to be cherished.You can make a similar stool by following her techniques.

STEP 1 The first step is to remove the old upholstery tacks, fabric and wadding. Use a pair of top cutting pliers as the jaws are slim enough to get behind the head of the tacks, and pull each tack out. The wadding also used nails to secure it to the seat, these needed to be snipped and then sanded flush. Keep the fabric cover as a rough template for the new cover.

STEP 2 Use the seat of the stool as a template and mark out the size on the pads to be cut from the foam. For this stool 2 x 1” foam pads were cut and then both pieces glued together using a suitable craft glue.

Place the old covering onto the new and use as a shape template, allowing 2” extra around the whole pattern to allow for the depth of the new padding.

STEP 3 The next step should be performed out of doors. Cover the work 85

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area with plenty of paper, wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a dust mask. Use a coarse wet and dry sand paper to remove the majority of the old paint. Use the paper with water to limit the amount of dust produced, working over the whole of the painted area. Use a cloth to wipe back every now and again.

STEP 4 Once the majority of the paint has been removed and the surface has a good key to accept new paint, use sugar soap to clean the surface of any grease and dust, follow the manufacturers instructions carefully as it is caustic. Once rinsed and dry, apply two to three coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.

Allow to dry completely.

STEP 5 Complete the finish with a wax coat to protect and seal the paint.

Liming wax is a great way to add interest to a painted surface, but can be missed if a less “worn” look is desired. Apply the liming wax with a brush and work it into all the cracks and crevices, then work in with wire wool and remove excess with rags.Apply a clear wax to seal the liming wax. Buff until a sheen is achieved.

STEP 6 Use a suitable glue to adhere the foam to the seat, allow todry. Place the hide on to a flat surface face down and position the stool seat down on top. Bring one of the short ends up and hammer in the first few tacks. Now turn the stool right way up and work around the whole stool, pulling the hide taught.The corners will need to be pleated neatly before the final tacks are added.

CONTACT DETAILS Clair Wolfe E clairWolfeJewellery@gmail.com W www.etsy.com/shop/ClairWolfe August 2012

CREATIVE DIVA MY-

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The International Feltmakers Association was formed to foster worldwide interest in felt, to promote members' work and keep members in contact with one another for exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The Association aims to increase the general involvement in feltmaking through a network of regional groups, our quarterly journal Felt Matters, exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

Members also travel far and wide to learn traditional and new methods and to present feltmaking in schools and colleges. There is communication and interaction between feltmakers from all over the world.

To find out more about feltmaking near you, please look on our website, www.feltmakers.com.

Membership is available online.

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August 2012

inspired shopping

Mr Ispy Digital Camera Binoculars Description: Light, durable and easy to use. The Mr iSpy Binoculars with Digital Camera comes complete with some awesome functions! The Mr iSpy are the world’s Digital Camera Binoculars capable of recording what you see! The iSpy comes boxed with USB cable, software and hand strap.

At an affordable price, the iSpy is a source of fun and creativity for all the family, from the budding young secret agent to the fully fledged wildlife watcher.View product on company website: £29.99 Company Bunkerbound W www.bunkerbound.com P +44 (0) 1494 765 626

Helmet Camera This multi-use camera records audio and video at 640x480 (VGA) resolution at 30 frames a second onto your SD Memory card to catch all of the action. The simple operation and auto focus allows you to avoid fiddling around and adjusting it while you’re on the move and the microphone can pick up sound up to twelve feet away. The camera can be strapped to your helmet or your arm and with straightforward operation, it’s ideal for capturing cycling, skateboarding or skiing adventures, which you can then play back at your leisure. Once the sun has set, it also doubles as a handy torch with its in-built white LED. View product on company website: £39.99 Company Bunkerbound W www.bunkerbound.com P +44 (0) 1494 765 626

Ted Baker Camera Case Look sharp and be the focus of attention with this very cool vintage camera, canvas case. Fits most compact cameras. Size: H12 x W8 x D3.5cm Matching Ted Baker Utility Case also available. View product on company website: £15 Company urbancuckoo.co.uk W www.urbancuckoo.co.uk P 0131 476 9404

Camera Lens Mug A quirky mug for any photographer! Styled to look and feel just like a camera lens, this quirky mug even comes with a detachable lens cover lid - ideal for keeping their beverages fresh and hot and can be used as a coaster or for holding your biscuits! Use it at work, at home or add it to your photography kit and show it off as you fill it up! £14.99 Company GettingPersonal.co.uk W www.GettingPersonal.co.uk P 0845 217 6382

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August 2012

market place

Contemporary Silver Metal Book Ends ÂŁ16.99 Company The Gifted Penguin W www.giftedpenguin.co.uk P 01642 763000

Alessi Pummaroriella Piatti Pizza Plates ÂŁ24 Pick up a pizza in style with these pretty plates!

Company Red Candy W www.redcandy.co.uk P 0121 2247728 89

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Eco House Name Plaque Eco friendly items made from recycled vending machine coffee cups. Made in the UK. Each sign will save one bin liner full of cups from landfill. £57.95 Company Bubbledrum W www.bubbledrum.co.uk P 0203 092 8974

Eco Napkin Rings And Box Napkin ring / Place setting. Use chalk (included) to add guests name. £12.95 Company Bubbledrum W www.bubbledrum.co.uk P 0203 092 8974

Almawin Liquid Detergent Concentrate 750ml Naturally effective giving outstanding results and great stain removal at all temperatures. Effectively dissolves and removes grease spots, and fragrances your laundry with organic lavender oils. £6.60 Company AlmaWin W www.almawin.co.uk P 01557 870561

Recycle Bags These colour coded durable recycling bags are the perfect solution for sorting, storing and then bringing your recyclables to the depot, with handles for easy carrying. £9.99 Company Drinkstuff W www.drinkstuff.com P 0845 313 33 52

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next month

CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.2

MY-

Inspired reading for creative hands

DIYMakes!

DRESS LIKE A DIVA FASHION BY KIRA WITHERS-JONES

• • • • • •

Gift tags Cool cakes Table runners Snappy crackers Be-jewelled gifts Floral decorations

EXPERT BEAUTY TIPS – Sexy hair + Luscious lips

Beat the Xmas rush GIFT shop online!

VERA MONT DRESS

PLUS

7

Inspirational Diva Interviews Beat the Xmas rush GIFT shop online!

ONLINE 30TH SEPTEMBER – GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! 93

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divine MAKE

Floral Apron Pattern Click on the apron for a printable version of the pattern.

2.5 cm

2.5 cm

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ADVERTISE WITH US

REACH AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE If you’re a bower bird who loves jewellery then check out these treasures from Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous.

W www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.com P +44(0) 1208 850 988 1. Sterling Silver Lime Jasper Wire Wrap Ring - Product Id 8815 This stunning sterling silver lime jasper wire wrap ring features a luscious leaf green sea sediment jasper stone. Each piece is totally unique. Simply include your finger circumference in mm or your ring size in the comments box when ordering. £22.00 2. Cream Faux Pearl Brass Wire Wrap Ring - Product Id 8700 This eye-catching cream faux pearl brass wire wrap ring is perfect for any occasion, and makes a great accompaniment to a wedding outfit. Custom made to your size. £16.75 3. Pink Cherry Quartz Gemstone Wire Wrap Ring Description: This pastel pink cherry quartz gemstone wire wrap ring is a stunning piece of women's handmade jewellery that looks fabulous dressed up or down. A unique gemstone nugget. £22.00 COMPETITION The Guild of Jewellery Designers. The guild was created in 2010. It is a collaboration of British jewellery designers and artisans.

For British jewellery makers the guild are currently offering their members the opportunity to showcase their skills in a handmade ring competition sponsored by Durston Rolling Mills.

To post your entry on the GoJD forum: • login to the GoJD website • follow the link to the forum and choose the thread entitled ‘August Rings Competition’ • in the reply section, choose the overhead icon for ‘insert image’ and follow the instructions to post your entry The winner will be decided by the public and guild members; the photo that receives the greatest number of ‘likes’ on a combination of the GoJD Community pages, the GoJD Facebook page, Pinterest and the GoJD Forum* by 15 September will win the Durston disc cutter.

To find out more visit www.designerjewellery-uk.co.uk A ‘like’ on the SM platforms is defined as...

• ‘Like’ on The GoJD Facebook fan page 'August Rings Competition' album • Thumb up symbol on the GoJD community pages • ‘Like’ on Pinterest • A poll vote on the GoJD forum. The poll will be opened at 12 noon on 14 September

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

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