Some New Work

Over the last couple of weeks I've been working on pieces to take to a craft fair in September. With the rest of July and most of August being really busy I'm having to really think ahead.

This wren design came about when I had to make a card for a friend who I knew really likes birds. I think it works well as a picture. The background is made up of layers of sheer and shimmering fabrics along with printed ribbon and vintage lace.

As well as being busy making new pieces, we also had a big party at our cottage last weekend.
I always put out a display of my work as my friends are really good at giving feedback.

I now have orders for swirly felt bracelets in deep turquoise with cream and black with white.

I call this felted landscape 'Wild Mountain Thyme'. It just reminded me of the song...

Oh the summer time is comin'
And the trees are sweetly bloomin'
And the wild mountain thyme,
Grows around the bloomin heather.....

Aileen Clarke Crafts at Starfish Studio

Artist Kate MacKenzie has opened this lovely studio/shop in Johnshaven on the east coast of Scotland just south of Stonehaven and Aberdeen.

Starfish Studio is one of the most beautiful little shops I have ever been in. Kate has chosen a wonderful selection of art, craft and gifts to stock in her shop and result is a tasteful and unusual mix including textile art, glass, ceramics, jewellery, art cards, gifts, cushions, mirrors and much more.

I love Kate's way of displaying things on painted tables and chests.

Pieces that really stood out for me were these wonderful textile Art Cushions by Clarabella

and these stunning pieces of jewellery by Tracy Pittendriech at Quirkycat. Not only are these pendants amazingly lustrous and beautiful but they are reversible! Giving two fantastic and different colour ways. I have David well hinted at for our next anniversary.

You can see some of my framed pieces on display at the top right. Kate also has some of my work in her window and a big framed seascape on the back wall.

I'm a big fan of Suzanne's work at Apple Tree Cottage. She is local to Johnshaven and I enjoyed seeing her hearts and fish here after admiring them online in the Handmade in Scotland Flickr Group.

I always like visiting my stockists in person. It's great to meet shop owners and see all the wonderful things other people are making. We always make a family day out of it and today went to St Cyrus beach for a lovely afternoon in the sunshine.