SparklyJem

Opening of the Exhibition at Bradford industrial museum

2011-12-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Everything was finished and installed just in time for the opening! phew! There are some pictures from the opening on the exhibitions facebook page. If you get the chance do go and have a browse, it's a fascinating museum and the special steampunk display will be in place till May 2012.

You also get the chance to view a specially made 3D film using special steampunk style viewing goggles and starring Me!

Theres also some great pictures from the promo photoshoot here

The back of the outfit for Bradford so far...

2011-12-03T16:34:00.001-08:00

This shows the length of the skirt at the back over the cage. The mini cage is 6 sprung steel lengths, individually sprayed gold with car lacquer, taped together into hoops and suspended from two layers of brown petersham ribbon, sewn together to make holes for the hoops to slide through (they slide through before taping..)

The top hoop does not complete a full circle and it's ends are held by the two front tapes. This is so you can get in and out easily, the top hoop is quite small!

Bradford costume-the jacket

2011-12-02T10:38:00.001-08:00

The wool is such a lovely firm fabric it made these puff sleeves a dream to create, they are made with 3 big pleats top and bottom, with the top center pleat being an inverted box pleat, and placed on a smaller straight sleeve stay to hold the shape.

Cute blouse for the exhibition!

2011-12-02T09:04:00.001-08:00

This is the beginning of the little blouse for the exhibition costume. As it is going to be a permanent piece I shall sew it into place on the stand to give it a perfect fit, the skirt and jacket will be free to be removed...

Original sketch for museum costume

2011-11-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

Clockwork costume for industrial museum

2011-11-28T10:07:00.001-08:00

I've been asked to create a centerpiece for the new steampunk exhibition at Bradford industrial museum!

It's very exciting, not least because I am using a luscious wool fabric that was woven on the actual old looms at the museum.

I am going for a short cute costume with a teeny cage crinoline under the skirt. The wool is quite heavy so I've had to cut and drape it rather carefully, but it's fun to drape on the stand in the actual fabrics. Time restraints have vetoed making a toile. As it's a one off show piece I'm quite happy to work in this way for the skirt, though I shall be using patterns drafted for my me-shaped stand for the jacket etc....

The Gin Bustle out and about!

2011-10-04T03:24:00.001-07:00

This lovely picture was taken by Martin "Soulstealer" as I arrived at the ball... He always manages to get a really lovely picture of me in my biggest frock!

This one shows the full dress, and Hubby Nik in his Union Jack waistcoat too! The hat really is rather huge isn't it, you can also really see herr Doktors wonderful key in these pictures too.

Ewa captured the lights inside the bustle wonderfully in this picture I think, there was an audible gasp as I pulled the tassel and showed off the gin! followed by requests for G and T's of course!

Front of gin gown

2011-09-05T09:20:00.003-07:00

And closed

2011-09-05T09:20:00.001-07:00

The bustle swag opened

2011-09-05T09:19:00.003-07:00

Finished Gin bustle outfit

2011-09-05T09:19:00.001-07:00

All done, and in time for Weekend at The Asylum in Lincoln. The key will be picked up there and I shall be wearing the ensemble at The Ball on Saturday Night.

If you are coming to Lincoln, do come over and say hello, I shall be in the main hall at The Lawns on Saturday and Sunday selling Steampunk Emporium and lots of pretty jewellery.

I shall do a proper set of photographs of me in the outfit when I get back, and hopefully there'll be plenty of pics taken at the weekend,

So what do you think? A success, any suggestions for additions/alterations?

The hat!

2011-09-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

This is the fabulous Eliza Doolittle style hat to accompany the outfit, it is from one of Lynne Mc Masters historical hat patterns (the titanic oval crown) with a few tweaks of my own.

My assistant Lizzie made it up, didnt she do a great job?! It is asymetric with a much bigger brim on the right, that side is so huge it needs a weight on the other smaller side to keep it balanced, I'm going to create a couple of pockets with curtain weights in so it balances properly...

Its extra small in size cos I have a teeny head, it fits me perfectly but I forgot I might be wearing a wig... I foresee lots of hat pins

Day four

2011-08-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

Today has been a day of sleeves, I am so happy with these mad thierry Mugler inspired strap sleeves, they have a sci-fi/punk thing going on which makes the dress properly steampunk, rather than just a pretty Victorian replica gown.

I have also been attaching the quirky sleeves for a brown velvet frock coat for fuscia at pixiepunk too!

The key!

2011-08-30T01:40:00.001-07:00

This is the lovely key Herr Doktor has made for the back of the bustle dress, the idea is as the key turns the swag of the bustle will raise like a theatre curtain, revealing the drinks cabinet!

Gin bustle day three!

2011-08-29T10:38:00.001-07:00

Today I finished the fit for the bodice, had an annoying moment when, while trying it on over my wasp waisted absinthe corset, I discovered the waist of the bodice was too big and the bust now too small, but it was easily fixed.... It looks a bit odd without sleeves and no trims, but you can see it's fitting properly now...

The hat has all been cut out now, and best of all Herr Doktor sent me pictures of the gorgeous key he's made, which will turn and light up as the drinks cabinet is revealed!

Gin Bustle Day2

2011-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ooh it's getting exciting! the bustle cage is nearly done, and we've had the first fitting of the jacket top, which needed a little taking in (always better than letting out!) Lizzie fitted it over my waistnip corset and bra, but it may also fit over the absinthe corset... we shall have to see, it's amazing how much difference having the right corresponding corset makes to the fit.

It was obvious even at this stage that it's going to need a stay tape to keep the back waist pulled snugly in, it's important the jacket goes in, before it comes out over the bustle, otherwise all that tight lacing is rather pointless!

A friend commented that the front looked almost Victorian Jungle Priestess like, so I am thinking this is possibly the costume "She" from H Rider Haggards novel wears if she ever came to Victorian London, in a Dracula kind of way...

Gin bustle day one

2011-08-17T08:59:00.001-07:00

This is just the rough fabric shapes pinned to the stand, getting an idea of shapes and colours, as it takes on the corset curves it'll get less arts and crafts tea gown like, but hopefully still maintain that noveau feel.

I'm loving the Edwardian style velvet underskirt Nicholette sewed up for me today especially, it really swings, though the velvet is a pig to sew, even with the walking foot....

Bustle cage continues on

2011-08-17T05:20:00.001-07:00

Lizzie demonstrates the central floor section of the cabinet part of the bustle, the bone tapes have been inserted and a fabric "floor" and "ceiling" placed each side of the hollow for the structured cabinet.
The construction and shape is following a fairly traditional path otherwise...

Gin bustle begins

2011-08-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

So, I have a pile of gorgeous fabrics from my stash box (rarely do I ever buy fabric for myself, it's usually leftovers or donations...) and A PLAN.

Sort of. The plan is to get assistants Nicolette and Lizzie so excited they make it all for me. Hmmmm not sure that's going to happen, except for the excited bit....

So today I have cut out the bustle cage shape, it's changed a little in concept from the original drawing, but will be easier to wear and more fun to look at I think.

I've also cut out the main underskirt, found some smashing blue embroidered silk velvet I forgot I had, might be a bit warm for September but it will have to do!

gin bustle inspiration

2011-07-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

so, I'm going to do this frock properly and start with some inspiring pictures, instead of just pitching in like I did with the absinthe fairy. Ok I don't believe a word of that either, but here are some lovely pics of the era I'm aiming for anyway...

The gin bustle gown designed...

2011-07-20T07:02:00.001-07:00

So, yes it's that time of year once more when I start to consider my wardrobe for Britains biggest steampunk convivial in Lincoln "The Asylum".

After the excitement of the Absinthe fairy gown, I was wondering where to continue my over the top frock adventures... So I present my initial doodle of the clockwork ladies gin dispensing bustle. Yes, I may have been on the "Hendricks" when this one was thought up....

So if you enjoyed watching the fairy gown taking shape, I hope you will follow along on this project too!

the final pieces... the wings!

2010-09-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Oh I had such a lovely weekend in lincoln, wonderful company and a beautiful setting... the video of us running round and round the pool in victorian bathing costumes really does have to be seen to be believed.... I'll pop it up on my Emilly Ladybird facebook page for you all to snicker at soon...

But I know the things you've all been longing to see are the wings! To be honest no picture can really do such pretty moving light up things justice but here are a few pics from the ball and beyond!

The box looks rather black in these pics, but it actually has a lovely drybrushed antique gold subtle distressing in real life wich shows all the rivets and things beautifully.

I have put the outfit up on my etsy site- for similar comissions and am already getting a lot of interest in the wings! Though obviously as a beautifully made custom item they are fairly pricey. Do contact me if you'd like to know more.

Thanks to Richard Elen and Lyssa Ryan for the pics taken at the ball, I'm sure there are loads more - but we were having far to much of a good time to remember to take any ourselves!

Absinthe fairie is finished at last!

2010-09-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

So here it is, the finished frock! It's going to stay on the mannequin for a few days, and I'll still probably add a few finishing touches of bling and flowers and what not oh and change the back lace to a green ribbon - the blacks a bit harsh..

My lovely friend Denise covered me in glitter and took some pictures of me in the whole outfit.. (though not the huge frilly knickers cos i'm still sewing ribbon on those... and obviously not the wings because I get those next week when I see Herr Doktor at the asylum!)

Hopefully there will be some cool photos of the completed outfit being worn at the ball, so you'll be able to see the wings then.

Overall I'm really pleased, I did have a moment when I thought Oh No it's all got a bit pantomime fairy tinkerbell, but then I got over it.

Fairies SHOULD be pantomime tinkerbell, and it's best I get it out of my system before I hit 40 I feel.

The wings will add the steampunk element to the outfit and all the pieces work together great as seperates, so I can wear just the undies or leave off the crinoline and fluffy under gown to get different styles.

I still want to create some little green boots or spats with cut out leather pieces and loads of buckles, very victorian - but that will have to wait a while... A good winter project to make with assistance from my medieval Knight friend leslie, she's got some super green leather for us to play with.

So what do you think? I hope you've enjoyed following along with it's progress, any suggestions or comments gratefully recieved... and if you have any specific construction questions do ask! mmmm absinthe!

The absinthe skirt continues

2010-08-26T09:44:00.001-07:00

Now it's beginning to look like a proper fairy outfit! The net pieces are similar to those on my sisters gorgeous D and G wedding gown, I loved the effect so much I knew I'd have to use it at some point....

I'm not particularly looking forward to hand sewing them all down however....

I've backed all the swag pieces with net now to give them more body, I thought I was going to have to, wish I'd done it at the start and saved myself some unpicking, ho hum...

Starting on the absinthe skirt...

2010-08-25T10:08:00.001-07:00

Well, I know it looks a bit of a dogs dinner at the moment, but I'm just draping the fabrics around at the moment to see what should go where,

I've made a basque section from the bottom of the corset pattern and am pinning the upper swag ideas to it, just to get an overall effect...

I also made a lace underskirt base, it's not very nice lace, some cheap stuff I had kicking about the studio, however not much of it will show... I want to show saucy glimpses of the crinoline frame through the lace.

I'm also going to add net pieces under the swags, both to give the skirt a better fairytale shape and to give a shimmering fairy leaf type feel. Lyssa suggested making the bodice and skirt completely separate so I can make a swag and saucy short bustle skirt in the future for less formal occasions... Seeing how huge this crinoline is getting I think that's a very good idea!

It's getting there isn't it?

Absinthe fairy bodice half way!

2010-08-23T10:02:00.001-07:00

So, although I've been busy making frocks for pixies (yes I'm looking at you Fuschia:)) I've still continued work on the fairy outfit....

As you can see the main structure of the bodice is complete, it has light plastic boning in taped channels on the cotton lining to give it form. As it's going over a steel boned corset I felt didn't need to over do it!

There is millinery wire stitched into the lining along the top edge of the bodice to keep the shape nicely, but I haven't set in the eyelets yet for the front lacing section.

The sleeves are now attached, although they will probably be further embellished, as will the Bodice front. I like to create my gowns like an artist, choosing trims and fabrics as I go along, I do like the freedom to add to a piece as I go along rather than sticking rigidly to a drawn plan.

Obviously that's something I can only do on my own show pieces, customers always need (and want) to see exactly what their finished garments going to look like!

So, what do you think? Any suggestions for making great steampunk trims to give it that industrial edge? Should I add cogs? Swarovski?

Absinthe bodice!

2010-08-12T05:02:00.001-07:00

So, now I've created a toile for the bodice, I decided to let the corset and chemise show a bit too... It gives an illusion of being much saucier than it actually is :) it looks fairly chunky cos all the seams are on the outside for easy fitting....

I've made the front panel in a different colour so I can really see the shape of the piece, like a big heart don't you think?

Sooooo, anyone got any good cocktail absinthe recipes? I love the green stuff!

Absinthe fairy costume day 5...

2010-08-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

I had to create other loveliness last week, rather than working on this outfit, including a corset for our favourite pixie, fuschia begonia...

But I did handset all the crinoline hoops in place over the weekend, which is why a good crinoline costs sooo much. Even If you can even convince someone to make it for you in the first place!

But I drew up the bodice pattern too and now have a toile ready to fit over the corset when the lovely Lyssa pops by on Thursday, it's simply impossible to fit a toile on yourself.

Herr doktor has added a uv LED to the wings so they are going to really glow round the edges with proper unearthly absinthe loveliness, I'm so excited!

Elliptical fairy crinoline

2010-08-03T10:22:00.001-07:00

Absinthe fairy crinoline cage

2010-08-03T10:21:00.001-07:00

Well, Herr Doktor is hard at work on the wings, he assures me they will "flap all day" ! And I've been creating the crinoline cage...
I used the "truly Victorian" 1865 elliptical cage crinoline. Usually I create my own patterns for everything but I wanted to test this out before recommending it to fellow costumers and I have to say it has come out very well with a minimum of puzzlement...

Perhaps not a beginner project but the instructions are fairly straightforward. It does take a lot of bones and tape though so it's quite an expensive thing to make. I've not done the hand sewing of all the tapes yet, saving it for the weekend...

Absinthe corset day 4

2010-07-30T04:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, it didn't really take 4 days to make this corset, I was doing a lot of other things as well...

You can now see the curvy shape properly. There's a 22" difference between waist and hip measurement and a 14" difference between bust and waist. I am very curvy to start with I hasten to add, my natural waist is still 16 inches smaller than my hips... So it's really only a 6" reduction...

The chest is not squeezed at all so there's no pressure on my ribs or breathing!

This pic was just taken quickly on my phone I'll upload some better ones soon... But you can see the flossing detail on the bone ends and the huge amount of lace - I hand dyed the green cotton net lace to match there's also some real Victorian lace and some Nottingham lace layered up in it too. I haven't quite finished hand sewing on the lace... One side still needs it's ribbon inserted layer...

Overall though I'm really excited about the shape and fit!
Next task- make the crinoline cage....

Absinthe corset day 3

2010-07-23T05:50:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to add a 1 inch band to the top of the bust, mainly because after trying it on I thought I might not want to wear a chemise with it so it ought to be a little higher.

I added two extra spiral steels going the full length of the corset to support the additional piece, that'll teach me not to make a toile!

The extra part will be hidden by lace anyway, which I shall be dyeing green tonight, I have some lovely vintage cotton lace which will look lovely with the green flossing!

Day 2

2010-07-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

I collected the laser cut uv wings today! Cut to my design by a great local company.

They look awesome, I'm sending them down to Herr doktor later so he can assemble them into the mechanism and do a cool paint job to blend them into the main body.

Absinthe faerie costume Day 1

2010-07-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

For the big UK steampunk convention, weekend at the asylum I'm going to make a proper fantasy steampunk outfit....

I'm taking the absinthe green fairy as my inspiration and thought you might like to follow it's progress!

The corset is the first part of the outfit, on which everything else will depend.

I'm using a pattern from a vintage corset altered to fit my shape and measurements. It's a Charles Bayer corset from around 1897/98 and I wrote a detailed how to tutorial on it's construction for Your Wardrobe Unlocked earlier this year.

I've already created a couple of corsets from this pattern so I felt happy with the fit and cut it out without creating a toile.

You can see how curvy it is already, shown on the wrong sized stand and without any boning! It's just a single layer of fabric, I've used corset weight black satin and a lovely vintage striped black and green silk that's very tightly woven.

Hendricks Carriage of Curiosities

2010-07-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

Some of my more eccentric friends found their perfect job this summer, aboard the Hendricks carriage of curiosities.

Hendricks Gin has a fun promotional railway carriage and drinks kiosk where you can see all sorts of unusual objects, be told outrageous (and probably untrue) facts by the curators whilst enjoying a complimetary gin and tonic.

They have been in Buxton for the fringe festival this week and are going to the Secret Garden Party and Bestival too (if you happen to be one of those cool hip and trendy folk who go to festivals)

Stunning Steampunk Style Wedding

2010-07-15T07:05:00.001-07:00

At last I can share the beautiful gown I created last year for Emily's wedding. Her initial brief was for something along the lines of a magical but dark fairytale crinoline, along the lines of film maker Tim Burton's designs. I love the work of his costume designer so I looked carefully at the original gowns she uses as inspiration and continued some of the motifs.

The triangle shapes on the front of the bodice are similar to some I admired on a black and white original Victorian gown in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. and I used jet black Swarovski crystal buttons to fasten them at the points.

The skirt and boned corset style bodice were made separately and worn over a small crinoline caged petticoat with a chemise. The chemise incorporated lots of original Victorian lace, which was fine as cobweb, so beautiful.

The edge of the tulle apron front was also edged in lace. I like to include real vintage trims and fabrics in my work whenever I can at Bridal-Originals, though I would never take garments apart just to get at the trim! There is fortunately still one wonderful company left in Nottingham's lace market who create fine lace, so if I need something a bit more sturdy I always go to them. They supplied the lace for Princess Diana's wedding gown too!

Emily initially considered a scarlet gown, but after seeing the sumptuous purple and turquoise shot silk I had in the studio we decided to go with that instead. I played with the colours in photo shop after the gown was finished just to see what it might have looked like in red.

As you can see there was quite a steampunk theme going on throughout the day! and top hats were much in evidence, I created the brides to match the chemise, with a velvet flocked rococo swirl in black on black. She also had a darling lace choker from vintage lace and velvet ribbon.

Gorgeous steampunk buttons

2010-07-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

Aren't these buttons fabulous? Arrived today as samples for me to use for projects in the new book. They are from button drawer.com and one cog can even spin! Amazing, can't wait to use them.

Harry potter

2010-05-04T01:41:00.001-07:00

GeoTagged, [N52.99613, E1.47648

Harry was not named after Harry Potter of course, but after the magician, and my hero Harry Houdini, however.....when his little White face streak can be easily ruffled to resemble lightning and you just happen to have a teeny pair of teddy spectacles lying round- who could resist!

Steampunk cogomascope

2010-03-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

I do like to get a bit of steampunk in my craft projects, so my article offering this month for Craft Stamper is a Cogomascope.

Whats that? I hear you cry, well it's a twirling whirling, actually working cog card - all easily made with foamboard and craft knife.

You can read how to do it in the April 2010 issue of the magazine. The cool Tim Holtz cogs and Vintaj brass embellishments all came from The Altered Element, which has got some new exciting steampunk style things coming to the shop soon ;) can't wait!

Steampunk Jewellery Workshop

2010-02-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hurah, it's here at last, a one off extravaganza of fabulous neo-victorian steampunk jewelry making.

It's going to be a great weekend, 22nd/23rd May 2010 - starting with some polymer clay techniques (including how to make your own millfiori cog cane!) and then continuing onto working with filligree and vintage items, distressing and aging, cleaning and shining! resin, shrinkplastic, stamping, riveting, and so much more!!!

Each participant will recieve a fabulous steampunk starter pack created specially for us by The Altered Element, and is encouraged to bring additional vintage and broken jewellery and watch/clock pieces to re-create into gorgeous things.

Places are very, very limited so do be sure and book soon.
To book your place you need to contact Joan Gordon (editor of Making Jewellery magazine) on 07549 5225753 or by email jg.makingjewellery@googlemail.com
hope to see you there...

You can tell I've been busy!!!

2010-02-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy since Christmas I've had no time to blog! How shocking. I shall now try to remedy that with one huge post, jam pack full of the exciting things I've been doing...

First up on the Jewellery front...I've now had 3 front covers for Making Jewellery Magazine ;) Two more since Christmas, including the current issue, March which showcases my Polymer Clay Tulip Tiles. These are really, really sweet, and bound to make you feel like spring is on the way...

I've also got a full on steampunk article in Aprils issue of Craft Stamper coming up, with details of how to make a working cogamascope, using the stunning new stamps from Ink and the Dog

Talking of spring I was hoping to get to Spring CHS international today and say Hi to Tim Holtz and other fab crafty people, but when I woke up there was snow everywhere - at least a foot deep! Hopefully it'll clear by tomorrow or tuesday and I can pop down then instead...

I'm also halfway through my new book "Steampunk Jewelry" (or Steampunk Jewellery for those
in England...) which I'm writing for North light books. It's going to be fantastic - I'm very excited...

I also went down to Oxford history of Science Museum to the Steampunk Exibition at last. We had a great day out in full costume with all the other "mannequins" who had volunteered to be Steampunk statues for the day.

It was lots of fun and the science museum is absolutely incredible...full of beautiful artefacts like orrories. The Steampunk exhibition was certainly perfectly suited to the museum, although it's overall portrayal of the Steampunk genre was a very narrow one, I felt.

I finished the gorgeous Tudor wedding gown I'd been working on over Christmas too... It looked absolutely stunning, and the bride was thrilled. It is entirely silk, with the most exquisite silk brocade front panel and petticoat opening. I hand embroidered the top edge with Elizabethan goldwork, including real pearls and garnets too.

It's very much "The Tudors" rather than historically acurate Tudor. The sleeves are completely separate, the strapless bodice is fully boned and comes over the hip, the skirt is held in correct sillhoutte by a farthingale and petticoat.

I've also been very busy on the teaching and workshop front - I've been creating replicas of my exquisite original late victorian corsets for "Foundations Revealed" including patterns and step by step instructions on how to re-create them yourself.

Although they are both from roughly the same date they are so different, the first (in gold) is just one fabric layer, with exquisite shaping and godets - it's a factory made Charles Bayer corset. The second is a gorgeous corded corset, very similar to Symingtons "pretty housemaid" I had lots of fun working out how they were originally made as you can see on the site...

I taught workshops all through January and February too, including one for some wonderful Swiss girls who came over to Nottingham to learn corsetry, I also had visitors from Ireland and Wales in the studio in January, and what a fun, well travelled group of students they were...

I will soon be announcing details of a super exclusive special Steampunk Jewellery Workshop - so watch this space ;0

Making Jewellery Issue9

2009-12-03T14:56:00.001-08:00

These polymer clay pendants were inspired by Donna Katos techniques in "surface Design" I combined a few of them, added my own twists and voila! They shine like stained glass - and could be just perfect for Christmas presents...

If you'd like to learn the details of how to make them, using normal polymer clay and liquid clay, they are featured in this months Making Jewellery Magazine

Mmmmmm, must put "more polymer clay" on my Christmas list...

Craft Stamper

2009-12-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Januarys issue of Craft Stamper is now in the shops with a lovely steampunk/altered art pocket watch project from Yours Truly. It's a little bit Mad Hatter, a little bit Rococo and all Steampunk!

Here's a little sneak preview of the main project - if you want to see more you'll just have to look in this most excellent magazine!

I have another awesome steampunk project in the magazine next year so watch out for that one too!

London

2009-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well, hubby and I had a smashing few days in london, we looked at the christmas lights and drooled over the gorgeous things in the V and A. Harrods Christmas windows got our prize with a Wizard of Oz theme in eyepopping lime green and scarlet.

We went to the national gallery, (and Libertys...) Hubby also got very excited at seeing part of Babbages Difference Engine in the Science museum. They have a whole hall of steam, a positive mecca for all Steampunk afficionados. It even has Stevensons Rocket! We also went to the Hyde Park Winter wonderland and saw a magic show in the zippo circus tent ;0 all good clean family fun!

Making Jewellery Issue 8

2009-11-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

My projects for this months Making Jewellery Magazine are a sweet origami star necklace made from christmas wrapping paper, and a special polymer clay Christmas bauble bracelet with a huge sparkly crystal and Vintaj wrapped clasp - you know how much I love my polymer clay!

The bauble project didn't photograph particularly well in the magazine - the original bracelet and my own photograph is much brighter in colour and sparkle!

I chose lovely bronze and gold steampunk colours with dark reds and purples and flashes of pale mint green - a colour combination I love!

Oh and if you missed my cover project last month with the art silver and polymer clay spacers, combined with purple and turquoise swarovski crystals, then Making Jewellery have thoughtfully provided it as this months on-line tutorial! check it out .

Whitby Goth Weekender

2009-11-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

It had been ten years since Lyssa and I were last at the Whitby Gothic Weekend. We used to go every year to sell our corsets and costumes . We never sold a lot as we liked making coloured corsets and the goths wanted black, black, and more black, (those were also the days before corsets became de rigeur for the gothic comunity) so we thought it might be fun to have a reunion tour and see all our old friends and visit the old haunts. We were not to be dissapointed ;0

We packed our best frocks and headed off to Thorpe Hall in Fylingthorpe - our residence for the weekend. All the b and b's in whitby had been booked long ago - and oh my but we were pleased they had been. Thorpe hall is an absolute gem of a guest house, run by Angelique and David Russell, it is a lovely tudor mansion, one of those oak pannelled, secret passageway houses you long to explore. It was more like staying with lovely friends in the country than in a posh hotel, the plumbing squeaks and the roof leaks on the stairs, (as it should in all real old manors) but the ambience and warm welcome (as well as filling breakfasts) are great.

We wandered into Whitby fashionably late, to hear the strains of a song that sounded very familiar, It took me a moment to recognise them (and the band has had a name change) but there, live on stage, were my old Goth friends from my days at Hastings art college "Children on Stun"!
A happy reunion, and some fish and chips later we wandered back to the Hall to sleep....

Next morning we had a good shop at the bazaar, and in the town, I treated myself to a t shirt with Daleks on ;) then hung out with the steampunk contingent at Bothams tea shop. Everyone looked splendid, wearing their best adventuring outfits and an aweful lot of tea and cake was consumed... we also bumped into our friend and costume diva Olivia aka "the wicked lady", it was so lovely to see her again, exquisitely dressed as always.

Then we grabbed a carpet picnic from a little deli and headed back.

For the evening we decided to dress in Highwaywoman garb, squeezing on the 18th century corsets and donning teeny tricornes, before going to the spa to dance the night away, once more meeting lots of friends.

On Sunday we had tea and cake in Sanders Yard with the amazing artist and sculptor Dr A and his lovely wife Briony, who I hadn't seen for years. His new steampunk range of characters The Mechtorians are absolutely gorgeous, and he presented me with DJ Gramo (a gorgeous little wind up gramaphone figurine.) We spent ages talking modelmaking and steampunk and faeries while Lyssa got comandeered by a cat and the baby blew bubbles...

We visited The Magpie for fish and chips , well, they are a Whitby institution and then Sunday night we stayed in, having the whole Hall to ourselves...

After running about pretending to be characters from Scooby Doo,tapping the pannelling looking for hidden doors, we took our duvets down to the lounge and watched The Talented Mr Ripley with a bottle of wine and chocolate biscuits (not a usual combination but we'd eaten all the cheese...)

Monday we headed into Whitby once more for cake - this time at Marie Antoinettes. There were still plenty of goths around, making the most of the sunshine. We also saw a few of the steampunk society, also heading for cake. There are so many special goth shops now, in some ways it's very different from 10 years ago, but the original happy spirit of the whitby goth weekend is still there, along with many smiling familiar faces.

Sadly Lyssa is still waiting for Dracula to descend from the Grande Turk....

Steampumpkin

2009-10-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist...

Although he has cogs for eyes, my steampunk pumpkin seems quite a cheery chappie...

He's got a top hat on too though you can't really see it!
And now I have lots of nice pumpkin flesh to make muffins!

MCM london Expo

2009-10-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Another mad and fun weekend steampunking, this time at the manga comic and movie Expo in london.

The Victorian Steampunk Society were invited to exhibit and lecture, so a small band turned out in full gorgeousness to talk about tea and tiffin (and spaceships and rayguns...)

Herr Doktor brought some of his marvelous rayguns, Kit Cox drew portraits and exhibited art. Lady elsie and Major tinker had some great costumes, while Peter Harrow set up his portable gentlemans study. I brought my steampunk jewellery bling and assorted flyers. We even kidnapped graphic novel legend Brian Talbot and forced him to sign his new steampunk book " Grandville" for us...

A very good time was had by all and we managed to entertain and inform the masses about the wonders of steam!

I narrowly escaped from Zombie Disney Princesses and hugged a Dalek (much to my husbands horror), and I even sold some steampunk jewelry to charming Warehouse 13 star Allison Scagliotti

Lady Elsie and I did a double act on steampunk costume in the little theatre too - which was great fun.

There were some awesome costumes, from pretty gothic lollitas to giant furries, lots of aliens, predators and stormtroopers too. Oh and a Doctor Who!

In fact I think there were more people dressed up than not at the Expo. It had a big manga following which was nice, lots of cosplay folk who really really loved the dressing up angle on steampunk!

How to put a busk in a corset

2009-10-29T08:37:00.001-07:00

This is something that confuses a lot of costume makers wanting to have a go at corsetry for the first time.

Whether you're a Goth, just getting into Steampunk or a hardcore historical re-enactor or just love live roleplay, a corset is a useful thing to own, and if you've made it yourself-even better! There are loads of good patterns out there, truly victorian, reconstructing history, past patterns, mantua maker and laughing moon all publish corsetry patterns from an assortment of eras... but don't forget to make a mock up version first - you can't ever expect a bought pattern to just fit perfectly!

Anyway, to accompany my articles for Your wardrobe Unlocked and Foundations Revealed on corset and bustle making, I thought it might be useful to go over the basics ;0 One of my articles is about re-creating the corset shown on the left, moddelled beautifully by Rhona. It's a factory made corset from 1898 (ish) created by a company called Charles Bayer Corsets ltd. It's a gorgeous pattern with a very pretty engraved busk.

step 1 lay out yourfront pattern pieces with the right sides upward, place the busk the right way round on top of these pieces, with the double hook at the bottom and the studs facing up. Separate the busk and put the side with studs and it's corresponding fabric panel to one side....Cut a facing the width of one side of your busk plus 2cm seam allowance, it should be as tall as your corset center front.

step2 place the busk on the pattern piece and mark in the seam allowance, either side of the loops.

step 3 pin the facing, right sides together along the center front edge and mark with pins the gaps for the busk loops. sew along this seam, stopping and starting at each gap, leaving an opening for the busk to poke through. Stitch backwards to secure the thread at the beginning and end of each little section...

step 4 iron the seam open

step5 iron seam closed, folding the seam allowance inside.
Insert the loop side of the busk through the holes, iron the raw facing edge in to neaten.

step 6 with a zipper foot sew very closely all the way round the busk to hold it in place.

step7 cut another facing for the stud side of the busk. place it right sides together with the front fabric piece and sew all the way down the seam.

step 8 iron the seam open and then closed as before.

step9 place the two piece together as they will be when completed and mark where the busk loops cross over.

step10 using a small awl make holes in the fabric by separating the fibres (don't cut holes or the fabric will tear) just gently tease apart - use a knitting needle
too if necessary.

step 11 insert the studs from behind one at a time. If you try to make all the holes in one go, the first will close up by the time you get to the last.

step 12 sew closely round the busk as before....

2009-10-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

My sister is the usual recipe sharerer in the family but I made some pumpkin pie muffins this weekend that were just soooooo delicious I felt I should share them with you.

They were so good I even had to eat one off my best china... The frosting was hubbys idea as I had a pot in the fridge left over from the cupcake styling on the burlesque photo shoot. I wouldn't dream of buying this type of icing normally - but oh boy!!!

I don't know what sparked my mad muffin desire - perhaps these gorgeous polymer clay cupcakes I've been seeing everywhere.. these polymer clay miniatures are from Christal Jensen and are absolutely gorgeous! She has a dvd you can buy too on how to create them ;)

But as I haven't got round to making polymer clay ones yet, and there just happened to be some pumpkin in the freezer I was defrosting.....

Anyway here's the recipie..

1 and a half pints pumpkin puree (mine was frozen in junks -I just defrosted in microwave, cooked for a minute in microwave, drained off the water and whizzed through the blender...)
1 tablespoon black treacle (mollasses) mmmmm
8 oz soft brown sugar
4 fluid oz melted butter
2 eggs
7 fluid oz milk

Mix that all together in the food processor or by hand till nice and blended - don't overdo it though.

10 oz plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
4 oz rougly chopped pecans
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinamon
1 tsp mixed spice

To finish - a bit of cinnamon sugar (optional)
Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting

Sift and mix all the dried things in a separate bowl thoroughly. then add the wet mixture and mix roughly - just blend the ingredients, don't go wild and over beat it.

Spoon into 12 large muffin cases, sprinkle a little cinamon sugar on the top and bake in a gas mark 6 (200 C) oven for 20 -25 mins

Either eat warm as they are or let cool and then swirl frosting on the top....

Making Things

2009-10-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

I pulled a weird muscle in my chest this week and couldn't move much, so I've been mainly writing magazine articles and experimenting with jewellery techniques. I've also had a bit of an
etsy frenzy and put a lot of new things in the shop.

Then I saw the state of the dining table and decided I really ought to have a tidy up. Whenever I'm on an artistic roll I just can't bear to put things away -one random thing will often spark up another idea, However I can never find the tool or stamp I need, as it's usually being sat on by the cat or bunny....

I tend to do most jewellery and polymer clay at home, keeping the Nottingham studio free for the big frocks and teaching, it means I can easily fit chores in around baking polyclay in the oven or waiting for glue to dry. I can also have a browse on t'internet for inspiration...

Speaking of which these are my attempts on some of Christy Friesons peppermint twist beads - I love her work so much but her swirls and things never look like octopuses, sigh... perhaps it was the blue colour...mine have come out just a little bit too like cthulu...

I had a go at some Halloween candy canes too with a steampunk edge - these are now available in my shop and I'll do a tutorial too, I used Donna Kato's candy stripe technique as a base then got a bit carried away with cogs and gears and rust. I know candy canes are christmassy too but I just felt like doing some purple and orange ones...Candy canes are such fun but I can't say I like the taste particularly, I'm more of a chocolate girl. Polymer clay ones are much better;)

I used a bit of iridescent powder and some liquid clay as glaze to make them really shine at the top swirl. The steampunky bits were dusted with metal powder and then grunged with acrylics. Then I popped them back in the oven to set.

Regency Ball Bath 2009

2009-09-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was that time of year again when we decended upon Bath in all our Regency glory! The Regency Ball is held every year as the final event of the week long Jane Austen Festival in Bath

This year we managed to bring even more of our friends, taking up at least 3 tables at dinner....

Notable for dinner was the delicious syllabub
desert...

Overall very good quality food (although our hungry gentlemen had to go up for "seconds" their first allocated portions being rather, dainty....)

I have to say though, the vegetarian choice was rather lame - a slice of quiche (which was also given to the meat eaters as well as their portions of fish and casserole, which seemed rather unfair.
Veggies get hungry too, and paid as much!)

There was also delicious roasted vegetables and mashed potato with butter and mustard... But no wine was included,and the bar was shockingly expensive...

However, we had all enjoyed our morning dancing lesson, trying out some new moves ready for the ball, so when the dancing was announced we raced to make up our sets!

Nothing can quite describe or photograph the magic of dancing in full costume with 400 others in the Bath Assem bly rooms to live period music. It is absolutely wonderful!

Our only regrets were that the hours raced by and before we felt we had truly started to get into our roles as regency bucks and elegant ladies, the evening was over! There were some lovely gowns and uniforms worn, but our party was very splendid indeed! all the hard work of bonnet and dress making definitely paid off! And there was much interest in my Regency costume and bonnet workshops...

The Fops and Dandys collapsed exhausted as the carriages rolled up to the door and we returned to our assorted hotels and hostelries...

Can't wait to do it all again next year ;)

Burlesque Photo Shoot

2009-09-21T14:59:00.001-07:00

My manic week continued with a brilliant photoshoot, organised and styled by me, pictures by the very talented Julian Andrew Holtom and make up by Sali MsMoo...

It went really well, Rhona and Helen, were keen to add more unusual pictures to their modeling portfolios, and got into all the mad parts I asked them to play - from Cupcake Fairies to Pirate Queens...

Whilst Vicky and Lyssa got some great publicity pictures for their new act. They are soon to be performing as "The Double Entendres" with a high kicking, corset wearing, dance act! I can't wait!

They all loved my mini top hats and I think they are modeled perfectly, with apropriate poise and jauntyness....

Julian is available as photographer (and me as stylist) for photoshoots - both commercial and personal - just email for more details.

There are loads more pictures on his flikr site too - It was such a fun shoot to do, everyone was wonderful and had a really great time!

My First Cover Project!

2009-09-21T14:29:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited as today sees my first magazine project to make a full cover! Making Jewellery Issue 7.

It's a very fabulous 5 strand victorian necklace with swarovski crystals and pearls. The article shows you how to make the gorgeous spacers from silver metal and polymer clays. Obviously there is a little steampunkiness in there - the pattern I emboss on the turquoise clay is teeny cogs and gears, subtle but steamy!

I've also got another article in that issue, a write up of the fabulous Helen Cox's Polymer Clay Play Days I wrote about earlier in the year. The dates for 2010 are already up on the website and places are selling fast!

As if that wasn't all enough! In a fabulous double whammy, the first article I've written for "Craft Stamper" is also out now.
You can just see the pendants on the top left hand corner of the front cover. Two front covers! As you can tell, I am inordinately excited about this...

There's more pretty steampunk in this project too, the polymer clay is stamped with cogs and overlaid with delicious rose millfiori (from the lovely Marcia) theres some on line content too for tags and cards made with corset stamps and stuff.... I'm going to do more articles for Craft St
amper too - the editor Katy is just so lovely!

These pendants are also going on sale soon in my Etsy shop soon, so do mark it as a favourite in your etsy list!

Historic costume tour of Great Britain

2009-09-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely day today at Greenwich Fan Museum. I gave a brief talk about my work to the American ladies on the Historic Costumes tour, organised by the lovely Jennie of Sense and Sensibility Regency Patterns. My friend Cathy Hay of "Your Wardrobe Unlocked" had also met up with them a few days previously, (do have a look at her Oak Leaf dress in the Natuional Trust "treasures" competition.....)

The ladies were all exquisitely dressed in their Regency finest to partake of tea and cake in The Orangery.
lots of scones and cake were enjoyed by all while oohing and ahing over the pictures of my "Big Frocks". I was also pleased to make the acquaintance of Suzi Clarke, an excellent costumer I have long admired.

The museum really is one of Londons best kept secrets. Although very small, it has a wonderful collection, it restores fans too and there is even a fan making workshop on some Saturdays! Well worth a visit if you are in the big city!

The ladies were all off to bath for the start of the Jane Austen festival - so I have no doubt we'll be meeting at the Regency Ball!

Weekend at the Asylum _First UK Steampunk convention

2009-09-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful weekend!

I attended the first British Steampunk Convention - held in an old Victorian asylum, now a lovely conference center - The Lawns - in Lincoln. On our arival in Lincoln we went straight to our fabulous accomodation which we were sharing with The Trolls, got dressed into "adventuring" clothes and hustled off to meet everyone else for the evenings entertainment.

It was great to meet up with lots of old friends - and I made loads of new ones too. We listened to a great band or two, laughed at the comedian who gave us a brilliant illustrated talk on the "History of British Industry" - (Brunel was cheered for a full minute...) and then ate pizza for tea ;)
On Saturday I was up very early to set up my stall - the absinthe lollipops were a great hit and I sold lots of lovely steampunk jewellery too.

During the day there were costume competitions, lectures readings and workshops on a variety of subjects - from "How to make a raygun from a fruitshoot bottle" to "The physics of time travel"!

Guest of honour was the wonderfully entertaining Mr Robert Rankin - who also awarded Mr Troll first prize in the costume competitionfor his "Mars Regiment Corporals Uniform" - which had a brass and leather pith helmet and gas mask (with bottles and pipes attached which glowed and bubbled - brilliant!)
My teddy won first prize for best steam bear and is very proud of his medal...

Then it was home again to dress for the Empire Ball. Everyone put on their finest outfits and danced the night away. Never have I seen so many beautiful and unusual outfits in one room - It was truly a spectacular evening. I was waltzed round the room by a charming young man (and I even got a dance with my lovely husband )

Exhausted but happy we retired for the evening - only to get up early again to run the sall on Sunday, this time in a lovely marquee in Charlotte house. We also had a picnic and the gentlemen showed off their steam croquet skills ...

Then Hubby and I went and bought delicious rose tea from Stokes Teashop and then it was back home again to cuddle the pets!

Steampunk Jewelry Article

2009-08-18T09:05:00.001-07:00

Yes it's that time again! This is my latest offering in Making Jewellery Magazine. A very pretty pin, though I say so myself, It also made it onto the cover!! (Top right hand side) however I must admit it is not clockwork (I did not create the title - before any irate emails come my way...) although it uses assorted steampunk-style cogs and gears.

It also namechecks the adorable Clockwork Girls of Caledon, foremost of whom is of course dear Cornelia Rothschild who inspired the clockwork hearts collection of my steampunk jewellery.
I've been making like mad for the first UK steampunk convention, at which I am to have a stall. A ghastly cold has stopped me going to the studio for a few days so I've just had to sit on the sofa with pets and a whole pile of beads and wire. Hubby has been most tolerant of the house becoming my studio for a bit and has even suggested we get in a curry tonight to cheer me up! Hurrah!

from Polymer Clay to Fabric!

2009-08-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

I've been experimenting with polymer clay for a while now in my Steampunk-style jewelry, creating beautiful textures and layers with stamps, millfiori etc.

One day I was showing my muse/friend Lyssa my latest piece, when she said "Oh that would make such a beautiful decal for my nails". Lyssa has lovely nails and regularly adorns them with spectacular patterns and motifs. It got me thinking though, as well as decals, why not fabric?

How beautiful would it be to have a corset or waistcoat from custom steampunk style fabric? So I set about finding somewhere to print it!
I just took a photo of my polymer clay slab, tweaked it and cropped it in photoshop and saved a 300dpi jpg. The polymer clay is on the left, the fabric on the right of the photo!

Spoonflower were by far the easiest (and cheapest) net based company - you can upload and play with designs online, automatically "tiling" your image in a number of ways. Then order cottons by the meter, all from their user friendly website. Despite coming from the US, my fabric arrived incredibly quickly, and looked stunning! It's so nice to be able to just get a meter or so rather than a whole roll of a custom fabric!

Then I made the polymer clay slab into pendants and pins to match the fabric ;0 watch this space for the custom corsets!

Mini Top Hats

2009-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

These mini top hats are just so gorgeous! I was asked to make a few of my extra special hats for a local "alternative" shopping gallery and this is the result.

All beautifully made, with buckram and handstitching of course.

I make 3 different sizes. Dolly (the smallest), Teeny, and Mini (the largest). I also do three different crown shapes. A mad hatter style, a straight sided classic and a crown that starts straight then flares out, just like the one Satine wears in Moulin Rouge.

I just love making hats and these look so cute, I wish I could wear one all the time!

They do need big hair in an updo to look really good though.
They work okay with short hair so long as it's fairly full, but long straight hair just worn loose just doesn't seem to look quite right.

The Dolly size looks awesome with a bob...

The Duchess Costume Exhibition

2009-06-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Lesley and I had a "day off" this Sunday to go and see the costumes from the film The Duchess currently on display at Kedleston hall. Kedleston was used a lot as a location in the film and there' s a rather good exhibition about how the film crew took over the property.

The costumes are absolutely lovely and it's always nice to see things very close to - they are on manequins at strategic places around the house so you can really study them ;) There are lots of detail pictures available on my favourite costumers site.

I was explaining to Lesley how different it is making a costume to a bridal gown even though they may end up looking very similar on the outside.

A costume will usually be mounted onto calico with no pretty lining and worn over period underwear which has already given the corect shape to the actress, in a way it's almost more like the original clothes would have been worn. Hand stitching is appreciated as an authentic feature on the surface although the costumes are usually machine sewn on all seams.

A wedding gown however has to look perfect inside as well with silky satin lining throughout and often the boning has to be put into the fancy outer bodice rather than the underwear for ease of dressing on the big day. This is a very modern attitude to dress construction. I have several 1950's designer gowns in my collection, not one of which is prettily lined! But no one wants to be uncomfortable on their wedding day, so the challenge is to get a historical look without the historical discomfort!

Victorian Vintage Necklace how to...

2009-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yes it's another lovely project by me, in Making Jewellery.

This one features a gorgeous vintage watch face, and while I always hate it when I can't get hold of the focal bits in a project-I thought this one was worth it.

Especially as I have taken a mould of the watch face and so can recreate it in artclay silver should anyone desire one.

I was also really touched to be included as one of Vintaj's inspirational designers on their blogsite, I love brass filligree and use it loads - though perhaps not quite in the way they expect ;0 But I certainly used it in this project, and I'm really pleased to see it becoming more available in the UK.

A Dragon A Dragon!

2009-06-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

I often freelance at Promotional Props and Costumes, making what might be seen as fairly ridiculous large character costumes for company mascots, use in TV commercials and on stage beasties....

This is one of the more sensible outfits, yes really. A Darling Welsh Dragon to terrorise the schoolchildren of Gwent with.

Here he is seen practising a suitably fear filling pose on the boss Liz.
The costumes are flat pattern cut from lightweightfoam, sometimes sculpted using heat then latex coated and painted. Sometimes fun fur is involved...

In the workshops its often a lot like bluepeter for grown ups and we use an aweful lot of glue...all with apropriate respirators and extraction obviously. Secretly we all long to work on sesame street.

Every costume is made individually to the clients designs and we have made some really really odd things... toilet rolls (for andrex), a goriila (for cadburys) cigarretes (for nicarette) assorted pieces of litter, a skelleton for Mika, innocent smoothie cartons and a giant kitkat (which made us all hungry..) to name but a few.

How many regency ladies does it take to make a bonnet?

2009-06-17T15:42:00.001-07:00

A splendid weekend in the workshop with Kitty, Jane, Yvonne and Jenny. We made Regency bonnets and boned petticoats for super "Jema-style" cleavage... Bonnets were created to match Spencers and there were many requests to run a gown creation workshop.

A very good time was had by all and lots of excitement re what the well dressed lady will be wearing to the Bath Regency Ball in September.

Our dear friend Lady Depper even visited us for lunch on the Saturday, despite a slight accident with a chainsaw, fortunately nothing that will stop her dancing come September!

2nd European Polymerclay Play Days Weekend

2009-06-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I have just had the best weekend ever! Huge cheers for Helen Cox who organized it absolutely beautifully. Considering there were over 15 nationalities represented I can't believe how well everyone comunicated and how extremely well planned everything was.

There was a wonderful selection of workshops and 6 inspiring internationally acclaimed tutors, I made loads of incredibly cool stuff, learnt new techniques and met loads of like minded lovely polyclay enthusiasts! What more could you possibly ask for?

These are the things I made in the workshops. I learned so much, not least of which was how to condition Kato clay , to which I am now a complete convert.

I made lots of new friends, particulary Lone from Norway, Valerie and Craig from Scotland and Sue from just down the road! Valerie teaches poly clay oop north and had loads of really great advice, as well as a tool for everything (and many spare ones to share!) Lone and I were both totally blown away by Iris Mishlys workshop and had to be forcibly stopped from making flower canes and pillow beads for the rest of the weekend!

It was also wonderful to meet my polyclay heroine, Donna Kato, whose books and work have inspired be for many years, I had a great class with her and also managed to get an interview which will hopefully get a print in Making Jewellery soon.

On the last evening we had a party and all swapped beads we'd made specially, this is my haul! aren't they totally gorgeous? Every single one a work of art from a poly clay student, usually scattered all around europe!

Poly clay play days!

2009-05-20T12:23:00.001-07:00

See, I said I'd be inspired....

yes these are my gorgeous tulips recreated in polymer clay. I'm off to a workshop with Donna Kato polymer clay queen and other awsome tutors in a couple of weeks, and I'm just sooo excited!

Polymer clay is deeply underated and misunterstood here in the Uk soI do my best to share the amazing things that can be done with it!

These little tiles are made from tiny slices of millfiori canes, (created by me) of my favourite tulips, oh and a bit of forget me not for contrast... all placed on a spring green background!

Gorgeous tulips

2009-04-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

It's that happy time of year when my garden looks like a gorgeous sweet shop. Yes, it's true, I am somewhat obsessed with tulips.

My lovely husband brought me some fabulous ones back from Amsterdam a few years ago, and I diligently dig them up every year for the summer and replant in November... If I see a variety I haven't got while browsing a garden center or seed catalogue I just have to buy a few - it's a compulsion...

I have hundreds of every shape, shade and type.
And yes, I will be buying more and more.

Their colours inspire me and therefore they are important for my work (honest).

Steampunk Article in Making Jewellery

2009-04-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

Hurah! It's out at last, the lovely 2nd issue of Making Jewellery - featuring a project, by me, of a steampunk watch and also a mini article (also by me, suprise suprise) on the rise of steampunk...

The articles came out really well, and the magazine is really modern and exciting - lots of good articles and hopefully lots more to come!

Steam punk costume

2009-03-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Simply had to show you the amazing outfit made for my steam-punk alter ego Emilly Ladybird.

It was designed and created in second life by To-a-T designs, owned by my RL and SL friend Terry Lightfoot. My avatar Miss Emilly Ladybird posed for the pictures! You can buy it for your avatar in SL at Terrys shops, in the victorian sim of Caledon.

I love it so much I'm going to make a real life version to wear at the first UK steam punk convention in September! Weekend at the asylum is taking place in Lincoln and looks like loads of fun, with a Ball, a bazaar, a croquet match and several steampunk bands.

Playing in the snow

2009-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Whilst this is not strictly sewing or craft related, I had to share this picture of my beloved sister enjoying her luxurious lifestyle in the Bahamas, sorry, Deepest Pembrokeshire..

She was coming to visit me this week and I had all sorts of plans to lock her in the workshop with a pile of fabric, and not let her out till, Rapunzel like, she had made it all into pretty things....

However snow has stopped play and it looks like she's having fun in that hot tub anyway!

I couldn't even get to Stafford to teach those lovely HND students corsetry this week either, so we'll have to wait till they get back from Paris, sigh...

Steam Punk tiara

2009-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

This is my entry for the Vintaj January competition,
the theme is Ice crystals.. gorgeous!

Do go and vote for your favourite piece, the vote is only on this week though... new theme next month!

My new year resolution is to enter every month!

I absolutely love the colour and quality of the vintaj filligree and findings, I think I shall use them in a project for the next Tiara book, maybe with deep red or pink crystals.....

2009-01-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Just popped to Nottingham Trent University to have a look at Jenny Tiramani's micro exhibition of Elizabethan costumes from her time at The Globe.

The event, from 1 December to 21 January 2009 in the 1851 Gallery, features 3 complete costumes along with original 17th Century clothing artefacts and glimpses into the elaborate process of dressing the actors.

A costume and stage designer for more than 30 years and a graduate of Nottingham Trent University’s Theatre Design course, Jenny Tiramani is a major name in the world of theatre. She won the coveted Laurence Olivier Award for Best Costume Design (Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s Globe) in 2003 and was a co-recipient for the Sam Wanamaker Award for Contribution to Shakespeare in Performance in 2007.

The exhibition is fascinating as all costumes can be seen up close and personal and every stitch has been put in by hand!! the video of an actor doing a "quick change" is interesting too!

2008-12-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today I went with Lyssa to Chatsworth House to see the Christmas decorations! Absolutely gorgeous, they are all based around the beautiful paper art of Jan Pienkowski, creating wonderful tableaus of shadow puppet style cut outs at various intervals through the house.

All the trees were in white and gold and many of the rooms had been adorned with fabulous swags of fir and twinkling lights. A truly magical experience. Chatsworth is always spectacular but at Christmas it is even more so.

Before going round the house we wandered through the grounds, admiring the fabulous shapes of branches and contrasts of leafs and statues, then we got lost in the maze... but so did everyone else! hurah!

We had booked online and had a wonderful afternoon tea in the carriage restaurant, led to our reserved table completely by passing the queue. The food was lovely, with tiny sandwiches and scones and cakes. They kept replenishing our pots of tea and refilling the cake stand too!!

Because it got dark early we were able to admire the illuminated trees at the front of the house and the dramatic floodlighting, what a lovely start to Christmas ;0

The effigy corset

2008-12-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Thought you might like to see my finished version of the Elizabethan "effigy" corset. It was created for Harman Hay for whom I'm also making a lovely Tudor open fronted robe, mmmmmm. They will be used for a living history display I believe.

I used the Reconstructing History pattern as a base, adding my own touches where I felt it needed it.

It has four fabric layers, the top one is silk, and over 90 boned channels...

2008-11-29T06:54:00.000-08:00

Just discovered this extraordinary photographer whose beautiful work focuses on lush lush costumes and exotic models. Vena-Art is the name of her company, based in Belgium. She also organises a fabulous Ball type event which would be well worth a visit.

Every picture looks like a film poster for a fabulous fantasy period drama that I'd be just desparate to see!!!

Hope to see a lot more of her work in the future...

2008-11-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this fantastic site with you all. The costumers guide to movies

It contains encyclopedic information on every costume of note from every "fab-frock" film, with loads of close up photos and details of film costume exhibitions around the world.

Readers of the site are encouraged to send in pictures they have taken from exhibitions, as well as contributing to a wonderful "same frock different film" article where the stars are the dresses who turn up in (often wildly) differing films.

Regency Ball

2008-09-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

We had an absolutely glorious time at the Regency ball in Bath.

It was held for the first time at the assembly rooms , Imust admit the sight of 100+ couples dancing away in fabulous costumes was truly magnificent.

We all attended the dancing lesson and cream tea in the afternoon which was great fun and gave us a head start on the dances of the evening!

I went down with "the ladies", looking ever so haughty here and dashing Captain Adam. It was lovely to see some familiar faces and we made some fabulous new friends who had an equal capacity for tea and cake!

Everyone made their own gowns with just a little pattern cutting assistance from yours truly, and Lesleys gloves, all her own work, were truly spectacular!

We stayed at Bath youth hostel which is a lovely regency townhouse, although looking a little shabbier than we remembered. and also visited the fabulous thermae spa for a twighlight relaxation and gossip session. All in all a delightful long weekend!

Ladies Afternoon tea

2008-06-13T00:56:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of life as art, My birthday party this year was a delightful tea party in the garden with ten lovely ladies. Poor Hubby was banished for the weekend but i did save him some cheese scones...

I baked many cakes and biscuits and got a bit carried away with the icing! These sweet Bollywood flower biscuits were inspired by Peggy Porschens fabulous book on cake decorating and the main cake was created to reflect the dining room curtains! Which are gorgeous gorgeous fabric from Hyena...

Altogether it was just too beautiful to eat, especially when presented on my grandmothers tea set, but we did anyway. Cheryl gave us taster reflexology massage which was absolutely wonderful, then of course it was cocktail time and we chatted over mai tais and white russians till the early hours!

What an elegant and refined Party!

Wedding Season

2008-05-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Just finished Katie Ffordes new book "Wedding Season" which was partly inspired by, wait for it, Me !

It is a wonderful romantic romp through the world of the wedding planners and designers/florists etc with lots of thwarted passions, mistaken romantic intentions and great descriptions of gorgeous wedding fripperies. Perfect summer garden or honeymoon holiday reading.

I am so proud to be named as an inspiriation in the credits, I was able to give Katie some insight into the design and making process of a couture wedding gown as well as running your own studio.

The details Katie absorbed whilst on the Kindred Spirits corset weekend shine through in the character of Elsa, the wedding gown designer!

Those who were also on the corset course will remember Katie was not as bad at sewing as she claims either, despite keeping us all entertained for the weekend with hysterical stories... hurah for 24 inch waists ;)

Her description of the regency party in the novel also reminded me that tickets for the regency ball in Bath in September are now sold out!!!

I shall be there of course, with my delightful friends for cake and champagne and perhaps a smidgeon of dancing....

Although not in this gorgeous silk gown which was created as last year for Kirsten, who got married in a castle!

2008-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just put up the new dates on the website for victorian corsets, tiaras and fascinators. I'm already swamped with excited emails and phonecalls! I do intend to run some more- flat fronted corsets and pattern cutting too have been requested, but I need to find a weekend to fit them in! I'm just sooo busy!!!

polymer clay cruise

2008-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

O.K. This is my idea of heaven. A whole cruise dedicated to playing with clay and living in the lap of luxury, who could ask for anything more? Polymer Paradise Clay Cruise.... leaves from New Orleans on April 19th 2008 and sails to the carribean. Without me. Hmmm, maybe I could stow away, sigh.

2008-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Just been to see "The other Boelyn girl". Wow what smashing costumes, all designed by Sandy Powell, a favourite of mine.

It was particularly nice to see the mens costumes being really padded and HUGE sleeves all round ;) with Eric Bana looking very regal too.

The Tudor corsets were flattering to all the actresses which surely must be a first for a costume drama. Who can forget poor Kiera knightlys expanse of bony chest bared in "Pride and Prejudice"? Come on designers, if the actresses don't have the cleavage cover it up with something pretty, please!

Easter weekend Polymer clay extravaganza!

2008-03-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just had a great time playing with clay and creating my entries for the bead and button magazine "bead dreams" competition. I'm really please with the objects d'art but it's the first time i've entered anything for competition so we'll see...

I used kato clay liquid medium on some pieces, which is awsome, by far the most transparent liquid clay on the market, really good viscosity too, no air bubbles and a wonderful smooth finish, as you can see by the piece on the right. I shall definitely be using it again! Donna Kato's new book The art of polymer clay surface techniques...is awsome as well, very inspirational for those serious about clay!

New Article in Beads & Beyond

2008-03-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to see my latest article looking very pretty in the April edition of Beads & Beyond. It was a commission to promote the "Egyptian Treasures" competition in the magazine, the prize is a trip to the Tutankhamen Exhibition at the O2 center in London.

The gorgeous artifacts are well worth a visit, although I've been told they don't actually have the original king Tut sarcophagus in the exhibition...I was fortunate enough to see it at the Cairo Museum whilst on honeymoon and it was deemed just too priceless to be allowed out of Egypt!

The article is called"Egyptian Treasures: Jewellery set inspired by the scarabs and gems of Egypt", and uses polymer clay as well as some gorgeous beads from my stash! I took molds from some of the smaller sculpty scarabs I made ages ago, and made them up to look like pure burnished gold, adding a bunny in faux-jade as a centre piece. The rabbit, in Egyptian hieroglyphics, means 'no'. Any excuse for bunnies :)

Black Meringue

2008-03-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a super magazine...

Just received a copy of Black Meringue through the post this morning. For those not in the know this is a new "alternative" wedding magazine. It oozes style from every page, beautifully photographed and laid up, while covering everything individual and unusual; from Bollywood style ceremonies to Burlesque, Gothic and Disney. The spring issue even has an article on unusual acts you can hire as entertainment...

Obviously they wanted to use photographs of some of the gorgeous gowns from Bridal Originals which look fabulous in the mix of unusual and extravagant outfits. This bustle gown and opera cape was made for one of my lovely brides last year and is one of the featured outfits in the magazine.

It's so nice to see truly unusual and original wedding ideas being given their own glossy at last!

Polymer Clay at Claires Beautiful Beadshop

2008-02-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

What a busy week! I've just finished leading a polymer clay workshop in the newly opened Belper store, Claires Beautiful Beads which was lots of fun. Everyone made wonderful things, it's always great to see how different things look when individuals bring their own taste in color and style to a project... we did millfiori, photocopy transfers and a few faux precious stone effects too. Not bad for an evenings 'play' :)

I'm off tomorrow to Stafford College to teach millinery to the HND students. we're doing "fascinators" loads of feathers and net, perhaps some Dior roses and ribbon manipulation, we need to pull out all the stops for their end of year fashion show! It's a great opportunity for the students to ask all those questions about working as a designer in "the real world".

It's a very tough and competitive world in the creative arts, no matter what area you want to go into. You have to be really focused and extremely hard-working to be successful. More so now than ever...

Embroiderers Guild bag Lecture and Workshop

2007-09-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had another lovely time up in Durham with the Embroiderers Guild.

The subject of my lecture this time was "The History of Handbags and the Rise of the Frivolous Flapper!". Much laughter ensued when I directed the willing model of my pocket hoops to reach inside and display what she found there.... several stuffed toys and bottles of wine appeared as well as a large box of chocolates, the perfect way of proving 'the usefulness' of these super articles of clothing :)

The workshop next day was "Frilled Rose Bags" and the group sewed for all they were worth, combining colors and textures, frilling and gathering like women possessed.

Tiara Making disk

2007-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hurah! at last the tiara disk is available... It seems ages since I first started work on this, but the finished product has made the wait worthwhile. I'm so pleased with the clarity of the instructions and easy to read page design, clear and simple.

It's available from rainbowdisks and has loads of gorgeous things on it, both tiaras and jewellery. I've tried to design something for everyone and the finished pieces are now available to buy on my website for those who don't fancy having a go at making them.

Lecture at N/E region day

2007-05-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

It was a great honor to be asked to give a lecture for the North East Regional Day of the Embroiderers Guild.
I was very nervous, looking out at the sea of faces in the lecture hall, but the audience soon put me at ease as I talked them through "The History of Dress and Undress" with accompanying slides, some of which were rather saucy!

I had some examples of outfits on stands, which I unveiled in turn and undressed layer by layer. I took a sack back wide panniered gown and a Victorian bustle ensemble and Lyssa was most kind in lending me her gorgeous regency gown with painstaking embroidery all over the train.

Overall it went down very well, and everyone laughed at my jokes which is always good, considering how bad they are ;)

My life in Corsets

2006-11-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Just returned from Durham where I was welcomed with open arms by the Embroiderers Guild.

I gave a lecture on the saturday entitled "my life in corsets" with lots of great corset trying-ons, then on sunday I lead a polymer clay and jewellery workshop. Fabulous hospitality from The Hardys with plenty of yummy thai food...

My lovely red "mata hari" shoes from red or dead were much admired too!