UK Handmade Magazine Spring 2013

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ukhandmade

a showcase for the work of talented UK designer-makers

Spring: 2013

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Contents...

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contributors: Spring 2013

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finds: Editor’s Picks Throw off those winter woollies, fling open your windows and breathe in some FRESH air. It’s a New Year and a new beginning with this Spring’s issue. We’ve got plenty of fresh ideas to get 2013 off to an exciting start!

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meet: Providence

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meet: Camila Prada

Alongside our regular selection of gorgeous handmade goodies, tutorials, recipes and reviews, we bring you exclusive interviews with inspiring designers and makers who use their own unique creativity to provide us with a fresh take on everyday items. See you in the Summer!

Bebe. x Editor & Designer/Maker

www.passerine.co.uk

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meet: Lucy Turner

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make: Air Fresheners

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make: Lavender Linen Water

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make: Reed Diffusers

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lifestyle: Spring Clean

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review: Super Market Sarah’s Wonder Walls

scene: Saltaire Arts Trail

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scene: The Amazings

review: Junk Genius

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lifestyle: Spring Starts Here

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lifestyle: Refresh, Revive & Detox

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business: Taking Funding for Granted

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business: Mobile Payments

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lifestyle: Spring Lunch

COVER IMAGE by FRANCESCA IANNACCONE of www.mrseliotbooks.com

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SPRING 2013 Contributors...

Lisa Margreet Payne Craft Educator & Writer www.lisamargreet.com

Louise Green

Holistic and Clinical Aromatherapist www. vitalityaromatherapy.co.uk

Larissa Joice

Photographer www.giggleicious-photography.com

Sarah Wood

Happy & Enthusiastic Foodie www.whatsnottoloveaboutbaking.blogspot.co.uk

Teresa Verney Brookes

Education Officer for the RSPB and Forest School Teacher

Mandy Knapp

Printmaker www.mandyknapp.co.uk

UK Handmade Magazine, info@ukhandmade.co.uk, www.ukhandmade.co.uk • Copyright © UK Handmade LTD 2013. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in parts without written permission is strictly prohibited. The editor’s decision on all printed material is final. Unsolicited work is accepted but does not guarantee inclusion into the final edition. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of UK Handmade or the editor.

Creative Director: Karen Jinks info@ukhandmade.co.uk • Editor: Bebe Bradley editor@ukhandmade.co.uk • Design: Jo Askey design@ukhandmade.co.uk Deputy Editor: Dawn Bevins dawn@ukhandmade.co.uk • Advertising: advertising@ukhandmade.co.uk • PR: pr@ukhandmade.co.uk Events: events@ukhandmade.co.uk 4 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

Karen Jinks

Creative Director & Artist/Designer www.karenjinks.co.uk

Jo Askey

Dawn Bevins

Graphic Designer & Illustrator www.askeyillustration.co.uk

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Deputy Editor & Designer/Maker www.dawnbevins.co.uk

page

Turner

Mich Yasue

Finance Director & Maker www.myfuroshiki.com

Clare Freemantle

Designer/Maker www.clarebears.etsy.com

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Spring finds:

ABIGAIL BROWN: Fabric Butterfly Brooch, ÂŁ45 each from www.abigail-brown.co.uk 6 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

JULIEANN WORRALL HOOD: Coloured Wire Hen, £95.00 from www.woho.co.uk

CHEZ WILLIAMS: “Tête á Tête” digitally printed cushion, £41.50 from www.madebyhandonline.com/by/chez_williams

CLAIRE GENT: Abstract Woodland Cuff, £29.95 from www.folksy.com/shops/clairegentdesign Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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EMMA VERNER-WEBB: Great Tit and Baby Blue Tit , ÂŁ45 each from www.folksy.com/shops/TheCottonPotter

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JOSEPHINE GOMERSALL: Poppies and Daisies Giclee Print, ÂŁ49 from www.madebyhandonline.com/by/josephine_gomersall_designs Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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SCENE: The Saltaire Arts Trail The World Heritage village of Saltaire in West Yorkshire is a must-visit for lovers of handmade art and craft thanks to the annual Saltaire Arts Trail, which takes place this year over the May Bank Holiday weekend from 25-27 May 2013.

site in 2001 because it is “an outstanding and well preserved example of a mid 19th century industrial town”. For just one weekend each year, the residents of Saltaire’s historic workers’ cottages open their doors to the public for the Arts Trail. Inside each ‘Open House’, kitchens, living rooms, hallways and stairs

exhibitions and film screenings.

Younger visitors are well catered for, with lots of hands-on art and crafts for the whole family to get stuck into.

are transformed into unique exhibition spaces, displaying high quality, handmade art and craft in a domestic setting. The Grade 2* listed ‘Victoria Hall’ in the heart of the village provides a magnificent setting for over 60 designers and makers who will be selling their work, demonstrating and leading Founded by industrialist Sir workshops. Saltaire’s cobbled Titus Salt to house his mill streets, listed buildings and green workers, Saltaire was designated spaces will also be the venue for a UNESCO World Heritage a huge variety of workshops,

an independent selection panel that includes Karen Jinks of UK Handmade. The selected artists and makers’ work represents the quality and diversity of contemporary art and craft available in the UK, including woodwork, jewellery, textiles, glassware, illustration, sculpture and printmaking.

Since its creation six years ago, the Saltaire Arts Trail has attracted hundreds of contemporary artists and makers, providing opportunities to exhibit and sell their work in over 40 venues across the village. Last year’s event was the biggest yet, attracting over 9,000 visitors.

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This year’s Saltaire Arts Trail showcases the work of over 120 artists, designers and makers from across the UK, chosen by

For more information, visit www.saltaireartstrail.co.uk

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BUSINESS:

Taking Funding for Granted by Karen Jinks The recent recession and subsequent cuts in budgets and funding for both the public and private sectors, has meant that many of us have had to work that bit harder to keep our heads above water.

I too was personally affected by cuts last year when my partner was made redundant by the publishing company where he had worked for 18 years. We found ourselves facing the very real prospect of having to change the way we lived quite dramatically, which isn’t easy when you are a family of four on a very tight budget to begin with.

to re-evaluate how you live and work. The stress of not knowing how you will pay next month’s bills brings everything into sharp focus. Knowing too, that you are not alone in going through these changes can really help, and to see someone else find a way through their crises creates hope.

A positive attitude and a little

less than for a larger company and so it can be of benefit to the customer to support someone that they know, who is just as qualified to provide the goods and services they need and at more competitive prices than many of the larger and more established companies.

imagination can work wonders.

The same is true of organisations that face funding cuts. Finding ways to work with other groups in similar positions, sharing skill-sets and pooling resources, can strengthen their ability to survive. A reliance on funding can encourage an organisation to become wasteful and complacent.

If they find themselves having to become more self-sufficient through necessity, it can often reap unforeseen benefits for both

Understanding that you don’t have to do it all on your own can be incredibly liberating. Traditionally, a recession is a good time to start a small business, particularly if you have been made redundant.

Part of a small business’ success is often achieved through skill But rather than panic when the rug sharing and spreading the word is pulled from beneath your feet, via friends and family. A small it can actually be an opportunity business’ costs are also much 12 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

themselves and the communities well as features in the local press. they support.

Our network has given them the confidence to believe in what As an artist living and working they do and hopefully, make in Cambridge, I have seen many them the best artists they can be. arts groups and organisations And all achieved without funding. affected by funding cuts over the last few years. Consequently, fellow artist Mandy Knapp and I set up the Cambridge Creative Network with a view to support other local artists, help them get their work seen and, most importantly, share skills and contacts to the benefit of all.

Together we have curated successful selling shows and have assisted our members in getting work into shops and galleries, as

We are able to do this because, as well as being practicing artists in our own right, we have years of experience in retail, marketing and design, and can offer practical advice and support to those that need it. Links are forged with other art groups and galleries, and we have become a hub for the local arts community, opening up channels of communication between individuals, groups and businesses that would otherwise

be unaware of each other’s existence.

As a result, Mandy and I were presented with an opportunity to help the Cambridge Folk Museum revamp their shop as part of a sustainability programme. Cuts in funding meant that they had to look at other ways to remain financially viable. The shop itself was a little tired and confused but, with a lick of paint and reorganisation of stock, they now have an attractive space which draws in customers who visit the museum, increasing their sales through inviting displays and clearly defined areas.

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Before

CASE STUDY: The Cambridge Folk Museum

The museum shop has two rooms.

The second room was intended to be a small ‘pocket money’ shop for children to spend in, yet we found children’s stock in the main gift room too.

After

We made sure that all relevant stock was allocated to the children’s room and the ‘grownup’ gifts to the main room. Books were removed from rather dated book shelves and placed carefully amongst the gifts, giving them a focus and allowing customers to browse and pick them up instead of walking past them.

We also moved the furniture so that customers did not have to negotiate around tables in what was already a very small space.

The shop now flows in a more logical and natural manner.

Rather than spend money on new fixtures and fittings, we

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cleared out unrequired furniture both us and the museum, have the museum itself, rather than the and painted the rest, instantly increased the profile of the generic ‘bought in’ stock that you giving them a new lease of life.

We also worked closely with local businesses - such as Providence who provided the paint for the walls and shaker shelves for new displays - and local artists who provided new, locally sourced products much more in keeping with feel of the museum than the stock which was previously bought in. We have worked hard to build relationships with local press who, having featured

museum (and ours too, of course) and helped to get the word out and draw new faces in.

Benefits to the museum have included increased sales, the original aim of this project.

Through collaboration, this has subsequently increased the income of local artists and businesses, and provided customers with an opportunity to buy original products that reflect

will see in almost every museum you visit.

Many organisations understand the need to think in a more business-like manner and the hope is that many of them will not worry so much about what they don’t have but will find new and creative ways to utilise what they do have and help both themselves and their local economies along the way.

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Maureen Charles Glass at the Cambridge Folk Museum

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The Cambridge Folk Museum responds: In the current economic climate, where City Councils have to make choices between caring for the elderly and keeping a local library open, funding for small independent Museums is particularly difficult.

More than ever, Museums need to be resourceful and look for additional means of generating income to fund the important work they do. Revenue raised through room hire, tea rooms and gift shops is extremely important in keeping the door open to the public and funding work in education and conservation.

When they heard that they were due to receive a cut in funding of 30% over the next 3 years, the staff at the Cambridge and County Folk Museum immediately thought of how they could use their Museum shop to the best of its advantage. A sustainability grant from the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) set the ball rolling and the Museum then looked for local support to help redevelop its popular shop. Step in Karen Jinks and Mandy Knapp, the talented duo behind the Cambridge Creative Network. A chance meeting at a local craft event with a Museum trustee put the pair in touch with the Museum and it’s been full steam ahead ever since!

With their strong retail knowledge and love of design and colour, Mandy and Karen have given the Museum shop a complete facelift.

More crucially, they have demonstrated how to organise and theme the stock so that it tells a coherent story – all linked to the items and stories within the Museum. Their knowledge of local artists has also helped the Museum to develop a new range of locally made crafts and gifts – perfect for a place which celebrates the local heritage and craftsmanship of the area!

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MEET:

Providence by Mandy Knapp In 2011, Tim and Kathy Ritchie opened ‘Providence’ in Cambridge, a small beauty in the heart of the town’s historic city centre. Ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Cambridge, you will find Burwash Manor, also home to Tim and Kathy’s cabinetmaking business for over 15 years.

Where and when did it all begin?

About 25 years ago. We were living in an unfurnished house in Portland, Oregon. Kathy was a scenic artist and that helped because we had access to a theatre workshop and the wood offcuts. We made our first piece of furniture, a little side table, for that house.

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What is the inspiration behind your style of furniture?

Our inspiration is New England, where Kathy grew up and Tim worked for a couple of years in the late 1980s.

What traditional methods do you employ in your practice?

Hand joining, gluing and clamping of wooden table tops, and we use lots of oak. It might sound boring but this method of joinery hasn’t changed in hundreds of years, though the type of glue (no longer rabbit skin) and the clamps are modern.

We use real timber, no laminates and drawers are dovetailed.

There’s rebating and mortising, all traditional joints, though the tools we use are modern.

Modern tools make our task at hand, traditional craftsmanship, more efficient.

How do you give the cabinetry a modern twist?

The simplicity of the Shaker style that we base most of our designs on, sits very well with in a contemporary context. It’s unfussy and that seems to make it timeless, so we have a great starting point.

A modern twist sometimes comes from the colours that pieces are painted in. Currently cool blue/ greys are popular though you probably wouldn’t find them in an eighteenth century Shaker Meeting room.

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What is the most popular piece in your range of furniture?

Kitchen dressers and linen presses, probably because they both go a long way in solving storage problems within customer’s homes.

How important is using sustainable and ecofriendly products in your business?

Essential. When we started our business in the UK 20 years ago, it wasn’t the norm to use water based products, but we did. Petro-chemical based paint with high levels of VOC’s, were never on our agenda. Our timber comes from sustainable sources and we recycle and reuse wherever and whenever we can. When we launched our Providence Paint 5 years ago, we used recycled paper stock for the paint charts and the paint can labels.

I love that your Providence colour range has a heritage feel but translates so well in modern interiors. How did you develop your fantastic paint range?

Kathy has had lots of training mixing colour as a scenic artist, and her experience of decorating paint systems grew as Providence became stockists of different brands of paint.

We understood how to mix colour and we understood what we wanted the paint to do.

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After 2 years of searching, we Your stock assortment has found a manufacturer who would broadened recently. What

These products are as far away from disposable plastics as you

“toll” manufacture our bases exciting new items can we find and a supplier of colourant that in your shops? doesn’t contain glycol.

We have added a delicious range of homewares good enough to Our remit when developing the eat! We’ve got locally produced colours was to inspire within each food boards for bread, cheese of our colour families. Some of the and meat in oak, plus items from colour families lend themselves the Bojje Flower utensil range to heritage colours; for example, including daisy mashers, sorrel ‘Rhode Island – New England/ petal spoons and bluebell scoops.

Colonial’, and some of them lend themselves to a fresher approach like ‘High Tide – decoration via nautical inspiration’. Because

can get and are timeless and practical.

we aren’t locked into just reproducing ‘period’ colours, the feel of the colour range as it has developed, is modern.

...modern heritage piece rather than a disposable house adornment.

What’s next for Providence Paints?

This year, Providence Paints celebrates 20 years of cabinet making in Cambridge. In March, we will be launching an update to our ‘Here & Now’ colour card.

The colours for the new card are inspired by the Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and

Duncan Grant, and their work from Charleston House. On March 5th, 2013 we have planned a demonstration called “Charleston Also, we tried to find very practical, Farm House Style: How the (though not so exciting) utility What type of customers are Bloomsbury Group Decorated.” housewares. So, in addition to attracted to your product paint brushes, we’ve got brushes range? of the washing-up, scrub, bottle Our customers are looking for All images courtesy of and garden variety along with cabinets, paint and homewares Providence hand brooms and galvanised that will last, or a modern heritage dustpans. piece rather than a disposable house adornment.

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For more information on Providence furniture and paint, visit www.providencepaint.co.uk Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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SCENE: The Amazings Try something old and learn something new!

Join ‘The Amazings’ in their mission to rebuild connections between the generations, by providing an online platform for the older generation to share their skills and experience with the young.

Anyone over 50 who wants to share their passions can become an Amazing and post a suggestion on www.theamazings.com for an activity. This gives people the chance to see if there is a demand for their skills or if they should tweak their activity to attract more interest.

If enough people register an interest, the class is created.

The Amazings handle the administration and marketing, and each tutor is paid 70 per 24 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

by Mich Yasue

cent of the ticket price after the activity is complete.

There are a wide variety of classes currently available with more than 40 Amazings offering skills accrued over a lifetime, ranging from art history to yoga. The Amazings website provides an introduction to each, together with short films and audio clips to give a taster of what’s in store.

Laura is an Amazing costume

... an online platform for the older generation to share their skills and experience with the young.

maker and a corset maker. “I've been making costumes for 20 years. I started at the National Theatre, and have since worked at The Unicorn, countless stage schools, the Opera House, the Coliseum, and I have many happy memories of a world tour with ‘Riverdance’. “ Paul is an Amazing book binder and kilt maker. “Being interested in drawing and graphic arts, I spent years building up a portfolio of drawings and photographs, Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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which form the reference source for a range of greeting cards and prints. From this, an interest in bookbinding was reawakened and I now devote much time to bookbinding.

traditional style, each containing about 8 yards of woollen fabric with knife pleats, and also contemporary kilts containing between 5 to 6 yards usually of denim or cotton.�

Alongside the bookbinding, Classes start from as little as ÂŁ15 I make kilts to order - in the and courses from ÂŁ120, and take 26 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

place everywhere from coffee shops to pub backrooms, and from workshops to cosy living rooms. At present, all classes and workshops are based in London with plans to branch out around the UK in 2013.

Forthcoming courses on offer include: February 7 - Entrepreneur and inventor skills.

February 9 – Glass waving using Tiffany technique.

February 11 – Philosophy ethics short course.

February 11 – Pattern-making: construct a skirt.

February 11 – Learn to love jazz guitar with Panama February 18 – ‘Pink’ London through the ages.

February 20 – Make a tile.

February 23 – Heart of Hackney walk.

February 23 – Ancient craft of felt making course.

March 2 – Watercolour painting for beginners.

March 4 – Pitch perfect singing for beginners.

March 5 – Learn the basics of perfume blending.

March 6 – Make a ceramic mirror.

March 7 – Kilt making course.

March 9 – Indian head massage.

March 11 – Drumming master course.

March 13 – Manage your money.

March 19 – Guitar lessons from a punk-rock hero.

March 23 – Confucius in Chinese culture, a talk.

March 30 – Stoke Newington walk.

April 6 – Introduction to mosaic course.

April 6 – The image of the Buddha.

To find out more, sign up for an activity or to register as an Amazing, please visit www.theamazings.com Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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BUSINESS: Mobile Payments by Mich Yasue

It’s a familiar scene at art and craft markets. After many minutes of deliberation, the customer has made their choice but then comes the crunch. ‘Oh! No card payments?

Do you know where there’s an ATM? I haven’t enough cash on me now but will be back later.’

And sometimes they manage Fair were paid for by credit or that connect using the seller’s to come back but more often, debit card. If you are planning they don’t... to do a number of larger or more prestigious events, I would With over 73% of retail sales definitely recommend being able in November paid for by card, to take card payments.’ it appears that the majority of people are comfortable with Developments in technology paying by plastic and increasingly make it increasingly easier expect to do so. and more affordable for small businesses to offer such mobile As Kirsten Miller of Quernus payment facilities to customers.

Crafts notes, ‘Nearly half the sales The two main alternatives are I made at the Country Living Chip & PIN terminals and devices 28 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

smart phone or tablet.

Similar to those used in shops and restaurants, the perceived advantage of mobile Chip & PIN terminals is that people are familiar with them and trust them, whereas they may not be so comfortable inputting their payment card into a reader attached to someone else’s mobile phone.

Use of a Chip & PIN terminal In Kirsten’s experience, ‘The main increases their confidence about requires a merchant account (to benefit of having a card payment process card transactions). terminal is that you are offering customers another way of paying Whilst these can be obtained in addition to cash and also, one separately, companies such that they are very used to and as CardSave (a member of the confident with.

WorldPay Group, the UK’s largest card processor) handle the There are also the benefits of full card transaction process, upselling. People seem to spend providing card processing more with you, if they are paying options, a merchant account and by card rather than cash. I also an account manager. think it demonstrates that you are a bona fide business which

buying from you.’

Liz Foster of Liz Foster Design concurs, noting also that the terminals are very easy to use.

However, she flags the need to be clear about the cost structure - typically this will involve a monthly fee, a transaction charge and a minimum monthly transaction limit - and to be prepared to negotiate.

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As she observes, ‘It’s likely with card readers that can be attached made by entering the card details the new phone systems that to smartphones and tablets. The pricing will become much more seller enters a description and an competitive.’ amount into the iZettle phone application, the customer inserts This is borne out by the offers their card into the reader and available from a growing number ‘signs’ on the phone screen, and of suppliers offering means of the seller can then email a receipt making payments via mobile to the customer. According phones and tablets. to iZettle, there are no set up fees, no monthly fees and no iZettle, who launched in the minimum spend, just a 2.75% fee UK in November, enable card on each payment. Even without payments by means of mini chip- a card reader, payment can be 30 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

manually.

The process for Visa users is apparently more complicated though, requiring them to handover their own phone numbers and then enter security details on their own phones to enable the transaction.

Other providers offering similar, mobile phone based, solutions include mPowa, which is in the

process of migrating to a Chip & PIN solution, whereby the customer enters their PIN rather than signing for the transaction.

Their transaction fee is 2.95%. eMerit utilises a separate PIN pad, rather than a card reader attached to the seller’s phone.

Again, the seller enters the transaction details into the smart phone application, the customer confirms the transaction details on the PIN pad, inserts their card and enters their PIN. The eMerit application confirms the transaction and a receipt is then sent to the customer by email or SMS. eMerit offers a number of payment plans, some of which involve a monthly subscription and minimum commitment.

backer and additional services provided are also relevant. Above all, the key factor for both sellers and customers concerns security and protection; what protection does the system offer both to the customer’s card details and to the Clearly price is not the only factor seller in the event the transaction determining the choice of mobile is fraudulent or a chargeback is payment system. Aspects such requested? as ease of use, availability of connection, reputation/company With over 92% of adults in the

UK now holding a plastic card and over £40 billion of card transactions a month; with MasterCard and American Express backing iZettle and Visa investing in the popular American ‘Square’ approach, mobile payments are a growth area with, no doubt, further innovation to come.

All images courtesy of www.izettle.com Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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MEET:

Camila Prada by Bebe Bradley Camila Prada specialises in ceramic design, producing distinctive home and tablewares. A New Designers award winner, her work has been lauded both at home and internationally and sells worldwide. UK Handmade spoke to Camila to discover more about the designer behind these cute and functional works of art.

Who is Camila Prada?

It all started when my parents met at a vegetarian disco-tech in rural Canada in 1976 ... just kidding, that would take forever. The short version is: I’m a Canadian born designer living in the UK. I design and make really fun tableware.

Tell us about the ethos behind your work.

Not sure if I have an ethos - that sounds quite permanent. But this is what comes to mind: the tableware designs on my website stem from an idea I had at University. There was so much talk about the ceramic industry being in trouble, I decided that I wasn’t going to design tableware.

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I was going to create adorable characters that just so happen to be tableware. This way, I have

subdued. There are so many ‘samey’ products out there. A few years ago, I was very inspired by graffiti

an opportunity to tell stories and design products that can go beyond tableware. When I’m designing something, I think about the character first, it’s personality, what it stands for ... function comes second.

artists and illustrators who create ‘art toys’. These are often subversive and mix disturbing themes with a cute aesthetic. This approach has gone kinda mainstream now and even Disney hires young street artists to alter and sometimes destroy the Mickey Mouse character for luxury limited editions of tees and jewellery. My work doesn’t have a hard, subversive theme, but this is the kind of stuff I was looking at when I came up with my tableware idea.

What kind of formal education or experience do you have that applies to what you do?

I did the MA in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University and moved to the UK just to do the course.

I was looking specifically for something that would prepare me to work for design firms. I had been working as a craftsperson doing the whole craft fair circuit thing and I became very disillusioned with it.

My work looks the way it does because I turn my models on a lathe or sculpt them by hand. I used to be a sculptor of sorts. I’m big into soft feminine shapes and a lot of my work has that feel to it.

It’s ironic that I ended up working for myself again, rather than for a company, but I’m much more prepared now. I think going into business for yourself and being successful, is a matter of paying your dues, maturity, and timing. I still have far to go but I’m starting to get some of these under my belt now.

The decals (faces and the surface patterns) on the tableware look simple and ‘kawaii’ because I initially cut them out of paper using a very sharp knife, I couldn’t do anything too complicated. I found that simple and symmetrical looked better so kept it that way. I know how to use Illustrator now and create all my decals on there.

Your ceramics have a distinctive and highly recognizable style, alongside an evident sense of humour. What - or who - inspires you?

I have an aversion to boring. The tableware market - and the homeware market in general - is very

What do you regard as the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Two things: self-expression and the reactions I get from people. I think anyone who has the opportunity to use their imagination in their job is Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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pretty lucky. I also think that even a designer, much like a painter or songwriter, can express what they

my work stands out because of this. I’m not merely applying my illustrations on to a straight sided mug,

are going through in their lives via their work, to some degree at least. This is really good for the soul.

which is much, much easier.

When it comes to people, I was at a craft fair once and a young woman was gifted one of my pieces by an older woman - I think it was her aunt – and I saw the whole interaction. The younger girl was so thrilled; she gave the other woman a huge hug.

I was like “Wow, they’re hugging because of my teacup”. It was heartwarming to see how much the teacup meant to the girl.

What do you regard as the most frustrating aspect of your work?

Juggling … wearing so many hats. I know now that talent and ideas are not as important to the business equation as I thought. Without consistency and organization, you have nothing to show for all your passion. And passion eventually dies if you don’t know how to make it bear fruit. This is the saddest thing and it happens to many creatives.

Oh, and this is pretty annoying too - I’m designing and producing my own shapes instead of buying them off the shelf and there is a huge tooling cost with that. I’m doing this because I am a sculptor at heart and I want to create characters. Consequently,

It’s hard to go into a ‘High End’ boutique and see ‘Made in England’ at the bottom of a mug when it should really say ‘Decorated in England’. Many times, the actual ceramic is not even made in the UK. This makes it harder for folks like me.

Describe your work setting for us.

I have no set workplace except for my home office.

I rent ceramic studios to make all my prototypes and master models, and collaborate with different small manufacturers to get the collection made. So, I work from a bunch of different places depending on what I’m doing. I’m surprisingly mobile for someone who makes physical products.

What keeps you motivated?

I think it might be the drive to do something good.

I know that I’m good at a few things, that I enjoy certain things. If I didn’t express this in anyway in my life, I would feel pretty empty.

What makes your business unique?

I definitely have a knack for creating objects with emotional appeal. It’s cool to be able to induce a smile with something that started as a lump Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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of clay. But, with so many designer/makers and craftspeople out there making desirable things, in

like such a shame I can’t put any music to it.

that context I’m not unique.

Who are your favourite artists, designers and makers?

You know, I don’t really have any current artists or designers I look up to right now. I used to love Tapio Wirkkala for the natural forms in his work. I remember standing for a really long time in front of a small sculpture by Tobias Wong, who was a conceptual artist-designer type. Sadly, he died very young.

For a while now, I’ve thought that when it comes to art, craft and design, it’s all been done, which is totally fine. I think it’s more about the personality of the individual designer. If I had invented the light bulb or Facebook or something like that, I could comfortably state I am doing something completely new, but ceramics? If we take a closer look at my work, there are certain aspects that stand out, like my sense of humour and the character’s shapes, but that doesn’t mean I’m the only one using humour and cool character design.

I go through phases but the effects of design maestros aren’t lasting for me these days. I don’t buy design magazines or art books anymore. I used to love leafing but now the people who stay in

What advice would you give to someone starting their own creative business?

Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions even if they sound silly (to you). Be bold. Work hard. Learn how to stay organized. Never stop believing in yourself. Confidence is the driver behind everything.

my brain and inspire me are ‘wellness’ writers like Eckhart Tolle, and modern day renaissance men like Tim Ferriss. Of course, I still enjoy the work of artists and designers, and I find many people can create something beautiful yet few people know how to truly live well. That’s an art in itself.

If you could learn a new creative skill, what would it be?

There are so many craft skills I would like to learn, like gilding on bone china. But then there is also music. I would love to learn to play an instrument and write my own songs. I write poetry and it feels

What does ‘handmade’ mean to you?

I still love ‘handmade’. For me, it means soul. An object made by the artist’s own hands has soul. I went to Origin in London a few years back and, of course, the makers there are the crème de la crème, the quality of the work is to a very high standard.

38 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

I saw that right away. But the pieces that really spoke to me were these necklaces made from bits of ceramic shards found by the side of the Thames. The artist had wrapped the shards in silver bezels and arranged them together.

You could see the hand making process in her work. I can’t remember the artist’s name right now but her work haunted me for days. I closed my eyes that night and saw her necklace made from mismatched blue and white ceramic.

What’s next for Camila Prada?

I have a few surprises up my sleeve that I can’t talk too much about right now. Expect to see some really cool collaborations with artists this year.

Where can we purchase and find out more about your products?

To see my ceramics, visit www.camilaprada.com All images courtesy of Camila Prada Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

39

REV IEW:

Wonder Walls by Dawn Bevins www.supermarketsarah.com is where Sarah Bagner sells her own vintage and customised products, alongside those of other artists and designers, displayed upon real walls. I’ve been a fan of Sarah for a while because I love the idea of a virtual selling and buying environment that’s as close to a real life market as possible, as opposed to generically displayed products in neat little grids.

However, Wonder Walls has nothing to do with selling online. This book is purely about the art of display, presentation in your home and making a space come alive with your personality. I feel the cover may be slightly misleading as the bright, fun feel and ‘guide to displaying your stuff’ tag line makes it all sound slightly cheap and cheerful.

40 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

It fails to do the content justice because inside, you find a lovely home and interiors ‘lookbook’ that can compete with any coffee table hardback.

The book begins with Sarah sharing walls that she has displayed items upon for both her own site and for Selfridges, as well as personal walls in her own home. We are shown some of her possessions and it’s the little stories behind these items and how they have come to be displayed, that continues as a theme throughout the book.

Sarah introduces us to homes and studios owned by artists and designers from London, Tokyo and Sweden, and we are able to take a glimpse into their private world, the things that they surround themselves with, and what makes them tick. The book is loosely divided into five chapters that group the homes into similar styles, such as ‘Hoarder’s Delight’, Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

41

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Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

43

where eclectic collections are created from a shipwrecked boat, book is a gem. It’s delightful, displayed in chaotic harmony, and milliner Nanae Matsundou’s intriguing and fulfils any wish and ‘Inside Out’, which features collections heavy in natural materials such as dried flowers and seed heads. There are images of whole walls as well as closeups of specific objects. Items are pointed out and commented on, and we discover why they have special meaning to the owner.

I’m usually a little cynical when it comes to books on homes and interiors, but this one is different.

Rather than feeling pretentious

collection of snails that she fell in love with after visiting France, representing the slower way of life she experienced there compared to her lifestyle in Tokyo.

to be nosey. It implores you to look at your possessions and ask yourself what they say about you. Then, if those items mean something to you - whether they be framed doll limbs or concrete I believe that we are all fairly shoes - you should show them off curious creatures at heart and and display them for the world to naturally inquisitive about the see, put your stories on show and homes of others. I particularly let your personality shine. enjoyed being able to see the workspaces within some of If you feel that you have a house them. There is a great balance rather than a home that reflects between homes of different sizes you, then this book encourages

and leaving me with a sense of but my favourites were the small wishful thinking, these homes ones that combine both home feel very real and honest. and studio space. I felt inspired seeing how people work, store They aren’t necessarily picture their materials and display their perfect or to everyone’s taste; items in a way that makes their some are large, some small workspace both practical and and cluttered, but all of them personal. are personal and inspiring in some way, and you find yourself I found the use of American learning about the person behind spelling a little odd considering them. I enjoyed designer Wayne that Supermarket Sarah is based Hemingway’s beautiful sofas in London but otherwise, this 44 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

you to have the confidence to step away from mass produced, mediocre decor (unless, of course, you really like it) and put your own individual stamp on it instead.

All photographs for ‘Wonder Walls by Sarah Bagner’ are copyrighted to photographers James Gardiner and Alexandra Bootherstone (front cover), and CICO Books.

Wonder Walls is published by CICO Books at ÂŁ19.99 (paperback) and available from all good bookshops.

To purchase a copy at the special price of ÂŁ17.99 including free P&P, call 01256-302699 quoting GLR7TH. For more information, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

45

Meet:

Lucy Turner by Mich Yasue Cornwall-based

Turner

a flea market with my Mum when I

laser cutting Formica and applying it

customising

was about 10 and seeing a beautiful,

to renovated Mid Century furniture.

furniture and interiors with the

long, thin German wood burner in

The process soon developed into

clever use of laser cut Formica®

burgundy enamel. It was £12!

other ways of using the laser with

specialises

laminate.

Lucy

in

Utilising

the

latest

Formica and the modern marquetry

technologies and materials in

I said to Mum “Please can I have that

concept

the creation of her bespoke

for my birthday?” “Why do you want

experimentation.

contemporary furniture, Lucy has

that?’ she asked. “Well look, Mum, it’s

received national critical acclaim.

beautiful”, I said, “and one day I will

How do you go about sourcing and

She often uses playful shapes such

need this.”

customising a piece of furniture?

as pineapples, flowers or flamingos

was

an

outcome

of

I have clients who bring me pieces

on the furniture for a fun, retro feel.

I was right. One day I will need

they want to update. I also source

Each piece is painstakingly inlayed

that German wood burner, when

pieces for clients and work with

giving the laminate a distinctive

I pursue my dream of doing an

them to create a bespoke piece for

look, and her unique process is

interior for a wide beam canal boat.

their interior; or I am let loose, when

transferable across the spectrum of

Unfortunately, I didn’t buy it but I

I get a chance, to create my own

interior design.

guess I have always had an eye for

pieces to sell in outlets or from my

quality, well made things.

website.

Tell us about yourself and how you became interested in furniture

Please

design.

marquetry concept and how you

Anything and everything - it is hard

I have always had an interest in

developed it.

to pin point where the inspiration

interiors. I can remember going to

In 2005, I developed the process of

comes from. It generally happens

46 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

explain

your

modern

What inspires your designs?

I have always had an eye for “ ...I guessquality, well made things. �

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

47

when I wake up and I am eager to

people will like them. They will be

get to the workshop to create the

launched this spring, so keep an

piece in my head.

eye out!

One day all this work will pay off!

What advice would you give someone

starting

a

creative

What do you love most about what

What other fields have you or

business?

you do and what do you find the

would you like to extend your

Dedication,

most frustrating?

work to?

belief.

Every job has its ups and downs.

Well, the big plan is to renovate

Running your own business is tough

a barge, but in about 18 months’

Where can we find out more about

but I wouldn’t change it for the

time. I have also applied my work

your work and where is it sold?

world. I have always wanted to work

in kitchens and to signage and

You will find the latest furniture for

for myself. I love driving down the

rugs; the possibilities are endless.

sale and a list of stockists at

country lane to my workshop on a

and

www.lucyturner.co

Victorian farm in Cornwall. Every

Where do you see yourself in

season the colours in the hedgerow

five years’ time?

change; I love my surroundings and

Still creating and not losing

my freedom.

the magic and enthusiasm by becoming a people manager.

Do you have any special projects you’ve been working on lately?

Running your own business is

Can you tell us a bit about them?

hard work. How do you balance

I have just completed a limited

your work and home life, and

edition run of 200 nests of tables for

what do you do to wind down?

John Lewis. They are entirely made

Cycling is the only way I can really

in England and are all signed: like

relax. I do find it tough. Every year

a functional piece of art for your

I think “I hope this year will be

home. I have not had a day off for

easier”. I have a loyal boyfriend

two months. It has been a massive

who puts up with a lot! I also think

learning curve and fingers crossed,

that you make your own luck.

48 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

determination

All images courtesy of Lucy Turner.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

49

SPRING starts here!

by Teresa Verney Brookes I don’t know about you, but I seem to get a whole new lease of life at this time of year. With the excesses of the festive season well behind us, there is a tangible sense of renewal in the air and the feeling of a fresh start as wildlife begins to stir and reappear after its long winter sleep.

As the days - thankfully - start to lengthen, there is a noticeable increase in birdsong as male birds begin to mark out their territories ready for the mating and nesting season. Blackbirds, Robins and Blue Tits fly back and forth with twigs and other plant debris, busily building their new nests.

You can help them out by tying up bunches of tiny twigs, dried moss, and other stringy vegetable 50 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

matter near your feeders. Also, if like me, you are the mother of children with long hair, the hair from your hairbrushes can be pegged out on the washing line.

This can be supplemented with old bits of cotton, wool and other natural fibres which birds will also find useful as nesting material.

Unfortunately, many species of Bumblebees are declining with some on the brink of extinction due to a lack of suitable nectar and pollen rich flowers. However, we can all do our bit to help our bees by planting a range of “bee friendly” plants such as foxgloves, clover, lavender, geraniums, herbs and wild roses. Remember that

Do carry on feeding your garden birds as mating and nest-building uses up an awful lot of energy and shortages of natural foods can occur at any time of year.

As the weather warms, Queen Bumblebees will emerge from hibernation. Often appearing to be still half asleep, they clumsily forage around for food from early flowering plants in order to get the much needed energy to build a new, fresh nest.

the ‘showier’ ornamental flowers, which look great to us humans, often contain little or no nectar or pollen for hungry bees.

As well as keeping an ear open for the first cuckoo of the year, keep your eyes open too for the bright yellow (male) Brimstone butterflies flitting around the garden on warm sunny days.

These butterflies definitely hail the start of spring.

Image by Jane Bernstein of www.memake.co.uk Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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Image by Emma Allnutt of www.sugarcane.etsy.com

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Other butterflies that can be seen before the nesting season begins in early spring include the Red in earnest around March. There really is no excuse not to don those trendy wellies and flowery The longer days tempt the gardening gloves that Santa gave keen - and even the not so keen you and get on out there!

- gardeners to get outside to revamp and freshen up their For more tips and ideas on how to gardens, window boxes, etc. make a fresh start in your garden March is a particularly good or local open space, the RSPB’s planting month as the soil is “Homes for Wildlife” project will starting to warm up so plants are provide you with all the advice still largely dormant and don’t you’ll need to attract birds and mind being moved. At this point, other wildlife to your garden.

Admiral and Peacock.

you could think about planting a shrub or group of shrubs to attract birds through the year.

The nectar-rich flowers on shrubs such as buddleia are great for attracting a range of insects including butterflies.

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk For information on how to help our Bumblebees, visit www. bumblebeeconservation.org For help with butterfly identification and gardening tips on how to encourage these insects into your garden, visit www.butterfly-conservation. org

With many creatures emerging from hibernation, it is also an ideal time to cut back shrubs and other ‘wild’ areas which may have served as winter homes. If hedges need trimming, do so after the Image by Emma Allnutt of birds have eaten the berries but www.sugarcane.etsy.com

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

53

Refresh, Revive & Detox

by Louise Green

Early Spring is the time of year perfectly suited to detox. After a few months inside, hiding away from the British Winter, we often feel the need to freshen up the body and mind.

Aromatherapy can help. Zingy citrus essential oils such as lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, orange and lime are quintessentially refreshing. The oils are made by expressing or squeezing the peel of the fruit and their delicious zesty aromas are light, uplifting and reviving.

The citrus oils cleanse and decongest the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems, tone the digestive system and relax the nervous system. They are often used in blends to awaken the mind, improve mood and productivity, and to tone and detoxify the body. Grapefruit is often cited as an oil to inhale if you wish to control your appetite.

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Sea Salt Scrubs

Using a natural salt scrub to exfoliate the body in the bath or shower is a great way to tone, condition and soften your skin. It is simple to make your own scrubs at home and they also make wonderful gifts (not long till Mother’s Day)!

Recipe & ingredients suitable for a 500ml Kilner Jar: 300g Epsom Salt 200g Dead Sea Salt 50ml light oil such as Coconut (fractionated) or Apricot Kernel.

50 drops maximum essential oil blends of your choice.

Suggested Blends: 1. Lemon (15 drops), Lime (15 drops) and Grapefruit (20 drops) 2. Orange (25 drops), Juniper (15 drops) and Ginger (10 drops) Method: 1. Weigh out your salts into a glass mixing bowl and stir to combine.

2. Pour the oil on the salts and mix in until combined.

3. Add the essential oils one at a time.

4. Mix really well to allow the essential oils to be absorbed into the salts and oil.

5. Spoon the salt scrub into your storage jar and seal until use.

Use a handful of the salt scrub on damp skin, paying particular attention to areas of dry or rough skin, or areas prone to cellulite such as the thighs. Massage into the skin using firm, upward strokes. If using in the bath or shower, the oil in the scrub can make the area slippery so take care. Rinse off and pat the skin dry with a towel.

Use on a weekly basis.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

55

Spritzers

Making aromatherapy spritzers for yourself and your home is a great, inexpensive way to freshen up for spring. Commercial perfumes, body sprays and air fresheners are loaded with synthetic chemicals that often have a negative effect on health and wellbeing, particularly if you suffer from allergies, sensitive skin or asthma.

Method: 1. Find a pretty bottle with a dispersing pump that you can re-use and fill with floral water, ionised water or spring water. I like to use Lemon Balm or Orange Blossom Hydrolat.

2. You can then add up to 3% dilution of essential oils to the water.

Suggested Spritzer blends for 100ml water: Perfect Harmony: Bergamot (25 drops), Grapefruit (25 drops) and Mandarin (25 drops) Positive Space: Grapefruit (40 drops), Juniper Berry (20 drops), Black Spruce (15 drops) Citrus Burst: Lime (25 drops), Orange (35 drops) and Ginger (15 drops) Add the essential oils to the water. Once you are satisfied with the aroma, close the bottle with the spritzer cap and shake well. Simply shake and spritz as required.

Use within 6 months 56 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

Condition & Tone Body Oil

Ingredients: 50ml Sweet Almond Oil 50ml Apricot Kernel Oil Essential Oils of Grapefruit (18 drops), Lemon (15 drops), Juniper (10 drops) and Cypress (7 drops) Method: 1. Measure out and pour the base vegetable oils into a dark 100ml PET plastic or glass bottle of your choice.

2. Carefully add the essential oils drop by drop.

3. Close the bottle with a suitable cap and shake well.

Massage a small amount of the oil into the body on a daily basis to aid a detoxification programme, to improve motivation and alleviate cellulite. Use light strokes over bony areas such as the shins and kneading motions over fleshy and muscular areas such as the calves and thighs. Use the oil within 6 months.

Some caution is necessary when using citrus oils as they can cause irritation when used in hot water such as a bath, and are photosensitizers in varying degrees - they increase the rate that the skin absorbs potentially harmful UV rays. Citrus oils should never be used before direct exposure to sun or a sunbed and are best avoided in daytime preparations for the skin that is exposed to UV light on a regular basis such as the face.

Images by Sarah Timms of www.photosbysarah.co.uk Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

57

Spring Lunch

by Sarah Wood Polish off the last of those chocolates from Christmas (yes, we know you still have a secret stash) because it’s time to emerge from that winter stodge-induced coma. Tickle those taste buds and celebrate the return of spring with a light and refreshing lunch.

Method:

1. Place the peas and mint into boiling water and simmer for 3 minutes.

2. Whilst the peas are cooking, Ingredients: heat a dry frying pan till hot. Place 250g fresh or frozen peas the pancetta rashers in the pan 1 tablespoon of double cream and cook for 1 minute on each A pinch of salt side. Remove from the pan and A small bunch of mint, roughly set aside to cool and crisp on a chopped piece of kitchen towel.

12 thin slices of pancetta 3. Drain the peas and mint, and 12 scallops place in a food processor with the Butter salt, a knob of butter and cream.

Scallops with Minted Pea Puree and Pancetta (Serves 4)

58 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

Puree and keep warm.

4. In the same frying pan in which you cooked the pancetta, melt a large knob of butter. When the butter is foaming, fry the scallops for 2 minutes on each side.

5. Place 3 large teaspoons of the pea and mint puree on each plate and top with 3 scallops. Decorate with the crispy pancetta and sprigs of mint.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

59

Citrus and Herb Crusted Welsh Lamb with Spring Greens and Butternut Gratin Ingredients:

4 Welsh lamb steaks 2 slices of white bread, crusts removed 1 handful of fresh mixed herbs (lemon thyme, flat leaf parsley and mint) Zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime A pinch of salt A good glug of olive oil Spring greens

or gas mark 4.

4. Remove the squash rounds 2. Peel the squash and cut the from the pan and set aside. Drain

long part from the rounded end.

Slice the long part into 5mm For the butternut thick circles and cut the rounded gratin: end in half and spoon out the 1 large butternut squash seeds. Chop this part into smaller 150ml double cream chunks.

1 garlic clove 3. Place the chunks into a pan Salt and pepper with 200ml water and place the 25g grated parmesan circles on top. Cover with a lid, 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg bring to the boil then simmer butter for 5 minutes or until the smaller pieces are easily pierced with a Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180c, 350f knife.

60 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

the water and mash the remaining squash with 100ml of the cream, the garlic, salt and pepper, half of the parmesan and half of the nutmeg. Place the mashed squash into the bottom of an ovenproof dish and then cover with the squash rounds. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan, nutmeg and cream.

5. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Once the butternut gratin is in the oven, make a start on the lamb.

1. Place the bread, herbs, zest and salt into a food processor and blitz to fine breadcrumbs. Add the olive oil and pulse until the crumbs clump together slightly.

2. Season the steaks and brown in a large frying pan with a tablespoon of olive oil, cooking for 2 minutes on each side. Place the browned steak in an oven proof dish or baking tray. Divide the breadcrumb mixture into 4 and press onto the lamb steaks.

3. Bake in the oven on the top shelf next to the gratin for the last 20 minutes of cooking.

4. Just before taking the lamb and gratin out of the oven, melt a large knob of butter in the frying pan and add the spring greens. Saute in the pan for 2 - 3 minutes.

5. To serve, place the greens on a plate and top with the lamb and any juices from the pan. Serve with the butternut gratin.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

61

Asparagus with Lemon, Halloumi & New Potatoes For the non meat-eater, this quick and simple but delicious dish can be cooked alongside the squash gratin. Roasting is a great way to cook asparagus and combined with new potatoes, salty halloumi cheese and a generous squeeze of lemon, it also makes a fabulous spring lunch served on it’s own.

Ingredients:

500g new potatoes (scrubbed) 4 unpeeled garlic cloves

Place them in a large roasting crowded – everything should be tray with the whole garlic cloves. in a single layer to roast evenly.

3 tbsp olive oil large bunch of asparagus 250g halloumi A good squeeze of lemon juice Sea salt and black pepper 1–2 tbsp roughly chopped flatleaf parsley to finish (optional)

Drizzle with the olive oil, season Return the tray to the oven for with salt and pepper, and mix another 15 minutes until the well. Roast for 20 minutes. asparagus is tender and the cheese is starting to caramelise.

Snap or cut the woody ends from the asparagus. Cut the spears into Add a good squeeze of lemon 3–4cm lengths and the halloumi juice, gently mix and transfer into 2cm cubes. to a serving dish. Scatter with Take the potatoes from the oven, chopped parsley (optional) and a add the asparagus and halloumi grinding of fresh black pepper. and combine well.

Make sure that the tray isn’t too

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/gas 5/400f. Cut the potatoes into small chunks (if necessary).

62 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

Asparagus with Lemon, Halloumi & New Potatoes For the non meat-eater, this simple and delicious dish can be cooked alongside the squash gratin. Roasting is a great way to cook asparagus and combined with new potatoes, salty halloumi cheese and a generous squeeze of lemon, it also makes a fabulous spring lunch served on it’s own.

Ingredients:

500g new potatoes (scrubbed)

2. Place them in a large roasting in a single layer to roast evenly.

4 unpeeled garlic cloves 3 tbsp olive oil A large bunch of asparagus 250g halloumi A good squeeze of lemon juice Sea salt and black pepper 1–2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley or coriander to finish (optional)

tray with the whole garlic cloves.

Drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Roast for 20 minutes.

3. Snap or cut the woody ends from the asparagus. Cut the spears into 3–4cm lengths and the halloumi into 2cm cubes.

Take the potatoes from the oven, add the asparagus and halloumi and combine well.

4. Make sure that the tray isn’t too crowded – everything should be

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/gas 5/400f. Cut the potatoes into small chunks (if necessary).

Return the tray to the oven for another 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is starting to caramelise.

5. Add a good squeeze of lemon juice, gently mix and transfer to a serving dish. Scatter with chopped parsley or coriander (optional), and finish with a grinding of fresh black pepper.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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Tart au Citron Ingredients:

For the sweet pastry 225g plain flour 110g butter cubed 80g caster sugar 1 large egg Method:

1. Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour till the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the sugar and egg, and bind to form a soft dough.

2. Wrap the pastry in cling film

2. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and carefully lift into a deep, 23cm (loose bottom) flan ring lined with grease proof paper.

Gently press the pastry into the edges and up the sides of the ring. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper. Fill with a quantity of baking beans, dry pasta or rice (to help prevent the pastry rising) and bake blind for 15 minutes.

3. Whilst the pastry bakes, combine all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl.

4. Remove the pastry case from the oven and turn the oven down to 110c, 230f or gas mark 2.

For the filling: Remove the baking paper and Finely grated zest and juice of 2 beans, pasta or rice. Pour the lemons filling into the case and carefully 1 x 142ml carton of double cream return to the oven. Bake in the 160g caster sugar oven for a further 25 minutes or 4 large eggs until the edges of the custard are set but there is still a slight Method: wobble in the centre.

1. Preheat your oven to 190c, 375f 5. Cool the tart and serve with or gas mark 5. berries and cream. and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Images courtesy of Sarah Wood Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

65

SPRING CLEAN: top ten fresh & frugal tips

by Bebe Bradley

The sun is shining, birds are singing and blossom is wafting through the air. Of course, the last thing on your mind will be donning rubber gloves and a gas mask to give the house a spring clean with a multitude of chemicals.

No, it’s not the most enjoyable of tasks but there’s no reason why we can’t make it easier on ourselves (and our skin, lungs and pockets) by using natural, non-toxic products normally found in your fridge or kitchen cupboard. Here are ten tips to help get you started!

1.

Start by opening those those solitary socks as dusters windows! When it’s cold and too? Just wear those spare socks

will help remove). Rub the glass with a dry cloth - or recycled

miserable outside, we tend to like a glove. keep our windows firmly closed 3. Can’t see through your so get some fresh air moving windows? Nothing gets a glass through the house. window or mirror sparkling and 2. Recycle those old, worn-out streak-free like newspaper. Just and washed-out soft cotton spray the glass with a 50/50 t-shirts. Cut and rip them up to mixture of water and white make cleaning rugs and dusters. vinegar along with a tiny dash When they are dirty, just throw of washing-up liquid (some them in the wash and re-use. If standard window cleaning the resident sock-eating monster products leave a waxy residue is on the rampage, why not use which the washing-up liquid

t-shirt - and then finish off with a crumpled piece of newspaper.

66 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

4.

Does that camembert you bought at Christmas trigger a coughing fit every time you open the fridge? Reduce those emanating odours with a lemon.

Simply cut it in half and tuck it into your egg box, or thickly slice onto a small dish then sprinkle with salt and bicarbonate of soda, and pop onto your fridge shelf.

Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

67

Freshen up indoor air too by then leave for ten minutes while bicarbonate of soda and rub it simmering water with some the lemony water steam-cleans on the surface. Rinse with water lemon peel, a sprig of fresh the microwave’s interior. Use a rosemary and a dash of vanilla soft clean cloth to wipe away any essence, in a little pot on the top detritus. of the stove. Top up with water as 7. Add a tablespoon of lemon required. juice to 2 tablespoons of olive oil 5. Sunday’s stew has managed to to make a fragrant and gentle, weld itself to the bottom of your non-toxic furniture polish. Mix in oven. Bicarbonate of soda is as a bowl and apply small amounts eco-friendly as it gets. Generously with a soft cloth, using another sprinkle over the floor of your cloth to buff the wood to a shine. oven and spray lightly with water. This polish is ideal for untreated Leave for a few hours and then hardwoods but do make sure that wipe away the mess. You can also the wood you intend to polish use a dash of vinegar to remove hasn’t been varnished first and any bicarbonate of soda smears left behind.

6.

10.

Have your drains paid for the seasonal excesses? First, pour some hot, boiling water down the drain and then add a half cup of bicarbonate of soda. Leave for 5 minutes and then add 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with one cup of hot, boiling water. Leave

don’t overdo it, otherwise you’ll end up with exceptionally slippy furniture!

the drain for 30 minutes whilst your mixture works its magic and then rinse it out with a kettle of boiling water. Repeat as 8. Need to freshen and deodorise full necessary. those carpets and rugs? Sprinkle liberally with bicarbonate of soda and leave for a few hours before See our MAKES on vacuuming it all up.

Oops! Did you forget to cover the baked beans in the microwave? If the inside of your microwave has been pebble dashed with the crusty remnants of pulses and other comestibles, lemons can help! Cut a lemon 9. If your stainless steel surfaces into 4 wedges and place in a have more grime than shine, slice small bowl of shallow water. a lemon in half, dip it in salt or ‘Cook’ for 3 minutes on high and 68 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

and buff with a soft clean cloth.

If you’re out of lemons, a spritz of white vinegar from a spray bottle and a wipe with a cloth should also leave your stainless steel gleaming.

p70 - 77, for fragrant ways to freshen your home!

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MAKE: Air Fresheners

by Larissa Joice

This is an easy, fun and fragrant make that the whole family can enjoy. Made with air drying clay, these air fresheners are a great short project for a rainy afternoon and make perfect little gifts.

Experiment! Try making beads and stringing them together to make a pendant, or use wire and make a scented mobile if you’re feeling adventurous. Because of the fibres in the clay, the shapes do stay strong so you could try even thinner dainty shapes or press messages into the clay with word stamps and use as gift tags. You could also make animal shapes for children old enough not to try and eat them!

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1.

2.

3.

4.

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You will need: A quantity of air drying clay A selection of cookie cutters Aromatherapy essential oils, perfume or your favourite air freshener spray A rolling pin Stamps (the rubber kind) Miscellaneous household items with interesting patterns Natural objects such as leaves, twigs and shells Cocktail sticks and/or chop sticks String, twine, ribbon or wool

Method: 1. Roll out a small amount of air drying clay to between 3-4mm thick. Make sure to wrap up the rest or it will dry out fast!

2. Cut out a shape using a cookie cutter.

3. Gently smooth the fibres around the shape so that it is no longer fluffy.

4. Make a hole (for hanging) in the shape using the cocktail stick or chop stick. The size of the hole depends on the size of the shape, but needs to be large enough for your string or yarn to fit through when dry.

5. Make impressions in the clay using a variety of objects or, using the rolling pin, press thinner items such as leaves into the clay and gently pull them out leaving an impression behind. Try different pressures and depths.

6. Try pressing or rolling an item into the clay first and using cheap scissors or a knife to cut a shape around the print.

7. Leave your shapes to dry which will take a day or two.

8. When completely dry, drop your favourite essential oil onto the shape till soaked in or spray with your favourite perfume or air freshener.

9. Tie your string, ribbon or yarn through the hole in a loop and knot it.

10. Enjoy!

All images courtesy of Larissa Joice Spring 2013 | ukhandmade |

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MAKE:

Lavender Linen Water by Bebe Bradley Sometimes there’s nothing quite as luxurious as slipping into a bed made with freshly washed and ironed sheets.

Admittedly, I tend to run a mile from ironing quicker than Roger Bannister but it’s a small task for a result that feels like a huge indulgence.

If you are already the proud owner of a pile of freshly laundered and ironed clothing or bedding, a quick spritz of linen water will impart extra freshness. Linen water can also be used as an ecofriendly air freshener.

INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp. lavender essential oil

‘Linen water’ is scented water that you spray or mist onto clothing and bedding whilst they are being ironed adding fragrance to the fabric. Traditionally, linen water is fragranced with lavender but almost any fragrance can be used. If you decide to use a different essential oil to fragrance your linen water, do make sure that you choose a light coloured oil as the darker varieties may well stain fabric.

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60ml vodka 900ml of spring or filtered water

METHOD: Clean and rinse an old spray bottle with soap and hot water (or buy a new empty one). In a jug, mix the vodka and lavender oil together well - the vodka works as an emulsifier and enables the oil and water to mix evenly. Carefully pour the vodka and lavender mixture into the spray bottle and

top up with the water. Shake well before each use.

NB: Vodka is an antibacterial agent and will also help the solution to dry quickly. If an alcohol-free mixture is preferable, leave the vodka out but make sure to shake the mixture well before spraying otherwise the oil and water will naturally separate.

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MAKE: Reed Diffusers

by Bebe Bradley

Reed diffusers have become a very popular alternative to fragranced candles as a way of gently scenting your home. They can be expensive to buy but it’s very simple to make your own in the fragrance of your choice and with natural ingredients.

Replacement reeds are inexpensive and easy to find online.

For this project, I used an antique glass condiment bottle but if you choose to use a ceramic container, make sure it is glazed on the inside to prevent leaking. Also, remember that the smaller the neck on the container, the longer it will take for your scent to evaporate.

INGREDIENTS: Essential Oils in a fragrance of your choice Vodka Water Carrier Oil e.g. Sweet Almond or Safflower Oil A narrow necked glass or ceramic container 4 – 6 diffuser reeds.

There are two ways in which you can make scented oil for your diffuser using these ingredients.

METHOD 1: Add approximately 12 drops of your favourite essential oils to 60ml of 76 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

carrier oil to achieve your desired fragrance. Adding a splash of vodka helps the reeds absorb the oils and disperse the fragrance.

(You can also mix the carrier oil with your favourite perfume instead of essential oils and because of the perfume’s alcohol content, there is no need to add vodka.)

METHOD 2: Add approximately 12 drops of essential oils to 60ml of water and then add a tiny splash of vodka. The vodka will also help the essential oils bind with the water but be aware that with this method, the scented oil mixture will evaporate faster. Carefully pour the scented oil mixture into your chosen container. Place one end of the reeds into the mixture and leave, allowing time to saturate the reeds. Take the reeds out and place the opposite ends into the bottle. Rotate the ends regularly to maintain the fragrance.

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REV IEW:

Junk Genius by Lisa Margreet Payne This is a very good looking book, in hardback with beautiful photography and clearly laid out instructions for all of the projects.

I’ve been disappointed by the quality of projects in upcycling books before so it was with mixed feelings - of anticipation with a soupçon of caution - that I opened this book to review.

Junk Genius is divided into seven chapters with each chapter covering different

items

to

re-master:

jewellery and decoration, fabric and trims, paper and card, china and wood, glass and mirror, metal and wire, and finally, furniture and furnishings.

I must admit that at first I was suspicious that I wasn't going to like the book. As many of you know, I’m 78 | ukhandmade | Spring 2013

passionate about sustainability and not producing meaningless "stuff".

I worried that many of the projects weren't going to have useful "second lives". However, Junk Genius totally won me over.

There are over 80 projects in this book! I review a lot of craft books and recently, I have noticed a trend for 35 being the magic number when it comes to the quantity of projects in a book so this one really raises the bar. However, not every single project in this book is a winner, though of course, that's just my personal opinion. I would say a good 90% of them are useful and achievable projects.

For the majority of the projects, you do not need any craft skills at all and for most of them, nothing much more is needed than the ability to sew a few basic stitches. There's also a good amount of DIY projects and I'm rather fond of craft books that include projects where a drill is required.

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I found some interesting upcycling ideas which I hadn't come across before. The projects that particularly appealed to me were the Monopoly counter charm bracelet, the doily lampshade,

patchwork

cushions

where the patches on the cushions were made from old needlepoint pictures, and a laptop case made from old pieces of tweed.

I also really loved the look of jewellery hooks made from vintage wooden cotton spools. I have inherited a number of these from

for hanging crafting notions from -

gift wrapping ideas that will provide

my grandmother’s old sewing kit

it’s both stylish and functional, my

the finishing touch for all of those

and the ‘Sylko’ ones that I’ve been

favourite combination!

lovely items that you’ll be making from the book!

meaning to do something with, are currently being chased around my

Junk Genius contains many projects

flat by my two cats! Maybe I’ll leave

for the home which can be made

them one as a toy but I love the Junk

easily and are both attractive and

Genius idea of turning them into

useful. It would make a wonderful

hooks.

addition to your craft book library, and I think it would be a resource

Wonder Walls is published by CICO Books at £19.99 (hardback) and available from all good bookshops.

For more information, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

In the book, they use them for

that you would return to many times

hanging jewellery but I like the

when making things for yourself or

idea of hanging my crafting notions

quirky presents for your friends. And

ISBN-10: 1908170832

from them in my studio. An old

speaking of presents - don’t forget to

ISBN-13: 978-1908170835

crafting notion turned into a hook

check out the ingenious section on

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if you wish to advertise in the next issue email advertising@ukhandmade.co.uk

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Wish you were here...

summer 2013

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