it's Christmas....(nearly!)

It's been a busy run up to Christmas with shows, exhibitions and orders to prepare but I have finally managed to get all orders sent out and I can now look forward to the festivities....

My Christmas decorations are looking great on the tree!

I have completed 2 commission jugs with a garden theme and personal family photographs which worked well....

2012 is looking great so far in terms of shows and exhibitions....

RBSA Birmingham ‘History Makers’ 16^th January-13^th April. “Victoriana meets eclectic vintage finds in this exhibition featuring makers who are inspired by history and nostalgia. Demonstrating how antique and historical objects can be given a new lease of life, this exhibition shows the influence of lost and forgotten possessions on crafts people today.” www.rbsa.org.uk for more information.

Porthminster gallery, St.Ives, Cornwall ‘New beginnings’ 11^th February-24^th March.  Gallery exhibition showcasing ceramics, sculpture and paintings inspired by St.Ives. For more information; www.porthminstergallery.co.uk.

‘SOCK’ Loughborough town hall, 24^th and 25^th March 10-4pm. An Arts and Craft Purchase and Commission Fair. For more information;  www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/sock_home.

British craft trade fair (BCTF) Harrogate 15^th-17^th April. Stand no.203. For more information and the design edge catalogue www.bctf.co.uk.

‘Word play’ exhibition at Jennifer Collier’s Unit 12 craft space, Tixall Heath farm, Stafford, 3^rd May-28^th July “Word Play; Text and the written word provide the focus of this exhibition, with makers who use stories to inspire their work, or where text provides an important aspect to the aesthetic of it. Makers included in this exhibition are Oh Golly Gosh, Katie Almond, Lauren Van Helmond, Rachel Hazell, Rag Button, Alix Swan, Creatively Occupied, Sarah Jane Brown, Lucie Pritchard, Rare Notions and Louise Wilson.” For more information;  www.unittwelve.co.uk.

The contemporary craft fair, Bovey Tracey, Devon, 15^th-17^th June. Retail selling show. For more information www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk.

Watch this space for more and confirmed dates for my ceramic workshops. In the meantime have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2012!

MADE11 17th-20th November

I just thought I would share some images from my trip down to Brighton Made11 at the weekend. I had a good show with lots of visitors through the doors. The Corn Exchange was a great setting for the show and I loved staying in Brighton itself waking up to a sea view every morning was a nice change!

Here are some images of my favourite jugs and cups that I had on display that are now in their new homes.....

New cups.....

I also had my seaside range as I thought these would be apt for the coast....

Overall I had a great time and had lots of nice comments about my display and pots. I liked the atmosphere of the venue and I met some lovely fellow makers which is always nice. There is no rest for me now though as I have lots of Christmas orders to complete...so watch this space!

MADE 11

MADE11 - Brighton's Design and Craft Fair

17th - 20th November, 2011
"MADE11 returns to the beautiful Corn Exchange in the heart of Brighton offering the public the opportunity to buy original and exceptional design and craft from the best local and national makers. It also provides space for the designer / makers to sell direct to the public and to build a relationship with buyers, potential buyers, galleries and craft suppliers.
Now in it's Fifth year MADE11 has become firmly established as a friendly, accessible and high quality event, attracting over 5000 visitors each year who delight at the quality and extensive range of work.
MADE showcases over 100 contemporary and highly original makers and designers across all media. With jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles, clothing and the odd quirky pieces thrown in - the fair offers beautiful handcrafted objects to suit everyone's taste and budget."

MADE11 takes place in the Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UG in the heart of Brighton just around the corner from the Royal Pavilion.

Opening Times
Thursday 17th November 6.00pm - 8.30pm (Private View - ticket only)
Friday 18th November 11am - 7.30pm
Saturday 19th November 10am - 6.00pm
Sunday 20th November 10am - 5.00pm

www.brighton-made.co.uk

October news

Workshop Saturday 8th October...

As promised here are some lovely images created in my brooch and bead making workshop in Debbie Bryan's studio and shop set in the heart of Nottingham lace market....

A trio of porcelain glazed brooches.

 Mini collection of glazed beads and small buttons.

Watch this space for next years workshop dates!

GNCCF- Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Manchester, 20-23rd October.

I just wanted to share some images of my stand layout with you...

I had a very successful show and there was plenty of visitors. It was a good venue 'Quay House' Spinningfields as its very central with good parking and transport connections. I made some great contacts and I met some lovely makers and chatted about shows/experiences. Once again I took all my furniture and shelves/cup hooks to create a layout I was happy with...

I was pleased with my cup hooks and I took lots of vintage bits and bobs that I collect and placed them amongst my pots.....I particularly LOVE my old printing blocks spelling my name...

My espresso cups, earrings,brooches and buttons seemed to go down well...

 Nan's old lace doilies set off my espresso cups.

Now I am busily making for orders as this is a very busy time of year with Christmas fast approaching! You can catch me next in Brighton, at 'Made' on the 17th-20th November 2011, where I will be showcasing my collections and some newer ranges like this cup and saucer....

My Nan's 90th birthday tea party 25.09.2011

Just wanted to share a lovely day with you....my nan's 90th tea party in the garden. The cake stands were out to hold selections of lovely scones, cupcakes and tarts.....

We used lots of collections old tea cups and saucers, plates, lace tray cloths and doilies to do small flower arrangements which looked fab!

 and the cakes and bakes were yummy also...

My paper bunting was put to good use to decorate the gazebo's with old pictures of Nan through the years ...

A new cake stand with a teacup and saucer on the top tier...great for holding cheese straws!

 All in all we had a lovely day and the weather managed to stay fine which was a bonus! You can see these cake stands at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, GNCCF, Manchester next month from the 20th-23rd October 2011.

October

Where does the time go? I am busily preparing for various shows and gallery exhibitions in the next few months so I thought I would keep you posted.....

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) at Spinningfields, Manchester 20th - 23rd October.The event, which attracts over 6000 visitors, is back for its fourth year providing cutting edge contemporary craft to buy direct from over 140 selected designer-makers in ceramics, glass, jewellery, interior and fashion textiles, wood, silver and more. Visitors can spend the day in a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere, chat to the makers about their work and buy or commission pieces directly from them. www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk R2 std 38.

'Made 2011' Corn Exchange, Brighton, 17th - 20th November. MADE11 returns to the beautiful Corn Exchange in the heart of Brighton offering the public the opportunity to buy original and exceptional design and craft from the best local and national makers. MADE showcases over 100 contemporary and highly original makers and designers across all media. With jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles, clothing and the odd quirky pieces thrown in - the fair offers beautiful handcrafted objects to suit everyone's taste and budget.
www.brightonmade.co.uk

Gallery Showcases.....

The Ferrers Gallery, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, 30th September - 24th December 2012. www.ferrersgallery.co.uk

The Artroom Gallery, Preston Lancashire, 'Precious' exhibition from the 10th November - 31st January 2012. www.artroomgallery.co.uk

Baxter's, Dartmouth - a mixed show titled print and pattern featuring prints, ceramics and mixed media 3D work coinciding with Dartmouth Galleries week. www.baxtersgallery.co.uk

For a list of more stockists please visit www.katiealmond.co.uk

I am also returning to the lovely Debbie Bryan's shop, Nottingham Lace Market, to bring you some more ceramic workshops. Why not have a crafty day making your own Porcelain hand-made gifts ready for Christmas?

Saturday 8th October 11-1pm brooch making £20 "Be inspired by talented ceramist Katie Almond's design secrets & create your own stunning trio of hand painted brooches. All materials are provided including glazes & firing and homemade cake is on tap to keep your creative juices flowing."

Saturday 8th October 2-5pm Porcelain Bead making £25 "Join Katie's workshop to create your own range of individually hand crafted ceramic beads. All materials are provided including glazes & firing and homemade cake is on tap to keep your creative juices flowing."

For more information or to book a place visit www.debbiebryan.co.uk or call 0115 9507776.

The yellow wooden house

I had a very inspiring trip to a yellow wooden house in Cambridge with my two lovely friends. I had a lovely time exploring the house with its fantastic garden.

Inside is just as amazing as the outside with the yellow and blue theme running throughout with touches of red. I loved this dresser full of illustrated and transfered bone china; plates, bowls, cups, all inspired by nature and a passion for bold colours. All created by the owner of this fab house; an illustrator named Amanda Macphail who I visited during the Cambridge open studios, http://www.camcreative.net/2011/06/15/cambridge-open-studios

There is also lots of old tins, pots and pans and old treasures behind the kitchen cupboards!

I absolutely LOVE these old signs in the garden! If I had a house I would love to show off all my collections and old things in a similar way!
I also had great fun with my macro lense on the flowers..

check out the bird house...

These inspired a drawing session and I made the most of a sunny afternoon where I began drawing and collaging with my stash of old papers.

And these are the results which I am very pleased with :) Watch this space as these will be appearing as new cards very soon.

I even had time for some Christmas drawings believe it or not! These will appear at my autumn shows; the Great Northern GNCCF, Manchester in october and Made 2011 in Brighton.