Crafty Magazine (Issue 7): Curiouser and Curiouser

I am excited to report that I am featured in the latest edition of the fabulous Crafty Magazine! Crafty Magazine is still in its infancy and was launched earlier this year in March 2013. It is aimed at the modern maker and has a lovely blend of lifestyle articles plus crafty projects to get stuck into. It is a visually appealing magazine that certainly gives other magazines in this genre a run for their money. 

What a cute little felt owl!

My behind-the-scenes article on pages 84 – 86 is entitled ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ and focuses upon my studio space at Local Creation. Hugh Metcalf and Suzy Wimbourne visited me there at the end of August. Whilst Suzy snapped away, I chatted to Hugh about what I get up to in my studio space. If I’m honest it was a surreal experience and I wasn’t sure if I was worthy enough to be featured at all. However, both Suzy and Hugh were easy to talk to and I am really delighted with the way that the article has been put together.

How did Crafty Magazine know that red spotty washi tape is my favourite?!

If you would like to see this article for yourself, you can subscribe online or buy the magazine in WHSmiths or larger supermarkets (such as Tescos).

A great shot of Local Creation's entrance on Central Way, Altrincham

Thank you Hugh, Suzy and Crafty Magazine!

Great links to my blog too. Thank you Crafty Magazine!

Tutorial - Using heart tins as corner shelves!

Here's an easy peasy and quick tutorial. It all started when I spotted a bare corner in my studio at Local Creation, whilst also pondering what to do with three unused but lovely heart tins. Whilst playing around with them, I wondered what they would look like on the wall as they had holey, lacy edges (ready-made heart shaped nail holes!). I found that they looked better upside down as this disguised the fixings. 
1.) Basically, take a heart shaped tin with a holey/lacy edge. If your tin doesn't have ready made holes it would be simple enough to carefully 3x drill holes at each side where the tin touches the wall and one near the point where the corner of the wall will be.
2.)Using a pencil, hold your tin against the wall and mark where the holes are. Hammer in the nail part of the way to start off the hole. When you are happy that the tin shelf is straight and in the right place, hammer in the nail leaving 2cm protuding (this will help to secure the shelf). If you want your shelf to hold heavier objects then you will need to use screws/wall plugs and a screwdriver or drill to fix to the wall. I was happy for my shelf to be securely fixed using nails, as I knew that I would place only small light objects on top.
3.) Find appropriate trinkets, place on top and admire! I have used 3D paper houses, a jar of buttons & plastic flowers, a heart shaped doily, an origami flower (left over from my wedding), and one of my ice cream van brooches to decorate the shelves.

Curious Clare’s Studio

I have decided to write a post on my studio today as it has been featured by the lovely Katy Cowan on Creative Boom this week. If you’ve read some of my previous blog posts you will know that my studio can be found at Local Creation in Altrincham.

I fit in studio visits around being an Art teacher and Community Co-ordinator (and writing this blog!). The studio has to given me space to focus upon my own work. I have spent time decorating it as I wanted to create a haven that I would want to take myself off to.





Alice Melvin's Cut Out and Make Menagerie can be found here
 

 

I aim to use the studio two days a week. One evening a week, I meet up with friends for an informal art club where we chat and ‘art’ (although this involves much more chatting & chocolate eating than doing!).

 

As was mentioned on Creative Boom my own art work is quite varied as I love trying out new things and like to use materials to suit my ideas. I work with Ceramics, Textiles and digital media such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.

Since acquiring the studio I’ve designed flyer a for Vintage Afternoon Teas , designed a postcard for French Knots Craft Studio and I am about to create their new logo.  I am currently making laser cut Perspex trophies for The Joshua Tree’s Fun Run and I have been approached by a magazine to produce some illustrations for them (fingers crossed).

My Upcycled Jam Jar Tutorial can be found here

I am also working on a new personal project called ‘Paper Conversations’ that is a mix of illustrations and three-dimensional objects. Last but not least, I’m playing around with a series of quirky badges that I hope to start selling soon.

 

‘One’ - Local Creation

‘One’ took place at Local Creation on Thursday 28^th March 2013. The event celebrated Local Creation’s first birthday with an enjoyable array of activities ranging from drop-in clay workshops and a graffiti demonstration to live music and open studios. Oh and not forgetting John’s barbecue in defiance of the bitter and unseasonal weather!

Local Creation is an Arts facility situated on Central Way right at the heart of Altrincham (behind the Bricklayers Arms). Director, John Wonnacott set up the space in 2012 with the intention of developing a creative hub in the area. John firmly believes that creativity and culture have a role to play in the regeneration of the high street. 

Jo Cushing works alongside John as Director of Local Creation Altrincham, the charitable part of the company. Both John and Jo work hard to maintain, promote and develop the gallery and studio spaces whilst building up an ever expanding range of workshops for the local community. 

The past year has seen the building transformed from a run down unit to a busy arts space hosting a range of eclectic events such as Burlesque Life Drawing and Glazed Expressions, an exhibition of ceramic sculptures by local pupils as part of the Crafts Council’s Firing Up programme. Since taking on a studio there in December, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get stuck into my own creative practice and meet like-minded people. 

If you’re out and about in Altrincham, pop in and see what Local Creation can offer you!