Some images from our pottery workshop last night

Lots of fun and people making some really effective pieces with some great techniques. Looking forward to the next one! Like my facebook page to be kept in the loop about future workshops!

New pieces from my swallow project

New swallow wall art pieces with moorish and Moroccan designs. Part of my swallows project, these pieces look at the journey of the swallows as they migrate from the United Kingdom to South Africa every year, passing over France, Spain, Morocco and down through Africa to their destination.

Swallow project research - Andalucia and the Alhambra

I thought I would share some images that I took on my recent research trip, following the swallows to Andalucia in southern Spain.

Even the manhole covers had interesting textures and shapes! I loved this one in Cadiz!

There were very interesting shapes and textures in the Catholic architecture.

Colours

Flooring in Puerto Santa Maria

Detail from a church door Puerto Santa Maria

Spanish tiles and ironwork

Traditional Spanish costume and lace

And of course - the highlight of the trip and a longtime ambition to see - the Alhambra in Granada

It is just incredible

Intricate Moorish plaster reliefs and ceramic tiles

And, incredibly, swallows actually nesting in the palace of the lions, swooping over my head whilst I looked around :)

Words cannot do justice to this incredible place

I hope my work can do justice to the research!

Travel is such a rich source of inspiration for me. I took hundreds of photos, and there will be more work based on this research coming over the coming months.

The swallow project

I have been working on a new project for a while now - the swallow project. I know some of you have already seen some of my swallow wall art, but these new pieces focus on the migration of our native British swallows, and the ideas that raises. I find it incredible that these tiny birds make such an epic journey each year. They leave us at the end of our summer and make the journey to the south of Africa where they stay for the winter, before returning to breed here in Spring. Everyone loves the idea of migratory birds, but I find it interesting and quite sad that human migration is not always held in such high regard.
On their journey, our swallows firstly pass over France and Spain, before they reach North Africa. Most will then fly over Morocco before flying straight over the Sahara, whilst some will skirt around it by flying over east Africa, the Sinai and Egypt down the Nile Valley, whilst some travel down the West of Africa. Some will travel over Nigeria, Chad, central African jungle, Congo, Cameroon... the list is long. These are well travelled birds. They travel about 200 miles per day, and can complete their return journey in as little as four weeks. They can fly places you and I would not be able to pass through, for reasons of war or just un-hospitable terrain.
The cost to travel through all these places would be huge - visas for all these countries alone would run into the thousands of pounds. For these lucky little birds, there is no passport control, and they are welcomed wherever they go!
I became fascinated by this journey, and began researching the patterns and textures that are seen in these places. Indeed I will be travelling to some of these places in a couple of weeks for further research into the designs and patterns that are seen in Spain and Morocco.
For now, the first of my series is ready, and here is a little taster - swallows over Morocco.

The design is inspired by Moorish and Moroccan tiles, and similar designs are found in Spain and other countries, because of the migration of the Moors and their influence. Indeed, similar designs are now incorporated into what is thought of as traditional Spanish design. 

I carved the design by hand into the porcelain for this set only, so they are a particularly special set. Firstly, I drew the design on in pencil, and then gently, slowly carved it out. 

Keep calling in to my shop see more designs as they become available!

Free gift with every order this week!

We'll be surprising you this week with every order with a lil freebie when you order from my etsy shop.
Happy shopping everyone x x

Christmas gifts for guys...

Choosing Christmas gifts for men can be tough! My sets of flying ducks are about my most masculine piece, especially in the midnight lake finish above - these have been really popular to decorate the style conscious mancave! I think perhaps a few men might also like my new teepee clocks too, or even some of my plant markers for guys that like gardening.

I know I have a few gifts for men still to find! What are your failsafe gift ideas for guys?

Festive decor

I never know what to title these... With customers in a range of English speaking countries, differences in languages can lead to misunderstandings! Christmas decorations? Or Christmas ornaments? Holiday ornaments? Holiday Decorations? Christmas tree ornaments? What do you call them where you live?

Stoneware lace bird decorations

New acrylic dove Christmas decorations with candy stripe bakers' twine

Porcelain star holiday ornaments with lace texture