nell: organic and awesome

Potter's Museum of Curiosities

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine posted this video up yesterday and I loved it so much I had to share it! Watching this led me into a whole world of taxidermied fun. I spent rather too much time looking at squirrels in waistcoats...expect more curiosities soon.

ANIMAL MUSEUM

POTTER'S MUSEUM

A few little changes...

2012-01-22T10:13:00.001-08:00

I've been doing quite a lot of updating of all my online bits and pieces, trying to get some continuity going! So, on this blog I've finally updated the text so it's all the same and revamped my banner. I've rephotographed at lot of my products, including this Cuddly Koala hat, which was one of my best sellers over Christmas!

It's available over on my website here and I'm posting one along with a matching t-shirt to San Francisco tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T02:46:00.001-08:00

Hello 2012! I always get excited at New Year, I love the thought of making a fresh start, positive vibes and lots and lots of planning! I got my felt tips out and made a multi-coloured list of my goals for the year. They mostly involve work-based ambitions, but I'd like to do more traveling this year too - I dream of cycling around the streets of Copenhagen with my sweetheart. I've been finding pictures of places I want to go and adding them to my Pinterest as a visual reminder. I'm trying to be better at using it as I always find millions of images I like online then forget all about them, Pinterest is great for keeping them all together.
Some other things I'd like to do this year are: go wild swimming in Padley Gorge; visit the Pitt Rivers museum, Oxford; go back to life drawing classes; buy a new bike; improve my website and get up earlier! What are your goals/resolutions for the year? Whatever they are, have a magical 2012! xx

Papercutting workshop

2011-10-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I ran a papercutting workshop at The Whitworth Art Gallery as part of the Crafternoon Tea series. It was a slight departure for me as I'd been asked to do something 'non-messy', suitable for the gallery setting. It was great to do something new and I really enjoyed researching the history of papercuts and all the different styles from around the world. Here is my little fox design:

This was my favourite of the day! So intricate! It was adapted from a template I got from the Scherenschnitte blog, which has loads of lovely designs to try out.

Platt Hall Gallery of Costume

2011-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the first day of a week away from the studio (although I went in to print an order on Sunday as I don;t like my lovely customers to wait) so I had a bit o'culture with my good pal Gemma. We took ourselves off to Platt Hall, as I hadn't been there since the refurb, and Gemma hadn't been at all, despite being a lifelong Manchester resident! Tut tut.

I used to work for Manchester Art Gallery as a VSA when I was studying for my Masters and I had my interview at Platt Hall. Ah, the memories!

Ramsbottom Festival

2011-09-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I went on a tiny adventure to Ramsbottom music festival to help run some drop in kid's crafts workshops and to sell some wares! It was a great day, despite some adverse weather conditions and I made lots of sales, which was ace!

To get to Ramsbottom we took the vintage train from Bury! Hence the sepia effect.

My stall with lovely Andrew there to help me. I haven't done a market stall for ages, as I found them to be a bit hit and miss, but the day was so successful I'm thinking about possibly doing some more around Christmas...

Pandas and Penguins ...

2011-09-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a bit of updating, looks like my mojo is back! Sometimes I find it hard to keep on top of everything, little and often is the best way for me to work...
So, here are some new products!

Panda bib is available from etsy and folksy.

...as is the matching hat!

The newest wintery guy on the block is Ernie, the baby Emperor penguin.

Purchase him here on etsy or folksy.

Here he is in hat form!

I'm going to be at the Ramsbottom music festival on Sunday with a small range of my wares and running some fun workshops for kids. Come and say hello if you're going to be there! x

Wonderful Workshops

2011-09-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hello! Not much blog action of late, but I've been busy working and playing. I went on a lovely holiday to Nice (via Nimes, but we don't talk about that...) which was super beautiful and lovely and sunny!
Last Saturday I ran 2 workshops for the Ministry of Craft, screenprinting in the morning and lino printing in the afternoon. As usual, I was impressed with the variety of designs that people printed.

If you fancy giving it a go, I'm running more workshops on Saturday 19th November, details on how to book here.
I'm also doing a papercutting workshop on Wednesday, October the 19th of October at the Whitworth Art Gallery, as part of their Crafternoon Tea sessions, which I'm really excited about as it's a bit of something different for me to research!

Happy Birthday Fred Aldous!

2011-07-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello! This is my 100th blog post and I'd been feeling a little shy about what to put in it. Well, luckily I remembered that I'm doing some drop-in workshops on Sunday as part of our lovely local craft shop's 125th birthday celebrations! There will be market stalls and other crafts to try over the weekend, so come on down, it's free too!
Other than that I've been working on new designs for commissions and such, all good fun.

QR-3D

2011-06-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had an exciting time in the studio, making my entry for the QR-3D project, initiated by the wonderful Sally Fort. When I first read about it, I started racking (or is it 'wracking'??) my brain for ways to create a 3 dimensional screenprint. Then Sally herself suggested that something like my Fairisle Heart Cushion would be perfect for this project. Stupid Nelly! I had already done 3D prints!

So I excitedly created my QR code and got to stencil cutting. It took me nearly 2 hours to cut this as I was trying to be as precise as possible.

This is the finished print, post-puffing! It was a lot darker before I heat-fixed it. That's the thing about 3DP, it's hard to predict the colour outcome. All part of the fun! (Does anyone remember 'Fluff-its'? They were fabric paint pens that you dried with a hairdryer to create a puffy, 3D design. I loved them! Ah, nostalgia.) I was a bit worried that the code wouldn't work, as some of my stencil pieces moved about a little bit, but I tried it out with the scanner I downloaded for my phone and it does!! Joyous day.

Grown-up tees!

2011-06-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

I've finally managed to photograph these tees and get them online! Woohoo! Handprinted organic cotton loveliness available from the usual places. Buy from my site and enter HBNELLY to get 20% off.

Simply beautiful

2011-06-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Check out these amazing pics from wiseidea.net. Such a simple, beautiful idea, I love them! My good friend Luke Marsh, animator and film maker extraordinaire (read the Flotsam and Jetsom blog) sent me the link as he knew I'd be into it! Thanks Luke, I miss you! x

Father's Day

2011-06-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Hello! I spent a rainy day yesterday working up some designs into Father's Day cards with a bit of Poirot on in the background to keep me cosy. Father's Day is next Sunday (the 19th) so don't forget to get something special for your daddy!

The cards are available exclusively from my bricks and mortar shop at the Craft Centre, but if you're after a little pressie too, my posters are available online here. Use the discount code HBNELLY for 20% off too! Hurrah. I'm going to try to get some men's t-shirts up soon, just waiting for a little break in the gloom to get some good shots. Go away rain!! xx

The Secret Orchard

2011-06-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

Last week my boyfriend and I spotted a break in the insane weather and hotfooted it down to the secret orchard near Chorlton Waterpark (it's off Kenworthy Lane if you want to investigate!) I thought we might be in for a spot of cherry picking, but, alas! they weren't ripe enough for us, but a cheeky jay was gobbling them down. I shall have to return in a week or two to see how they're fairing.

We got back just in time to avoid a terrible soaking (the second of the day!). A fruitless day in more ways than one, as we failed to find any treats in the chazzers of Chorlton! It was nice to spend a rare day together anyway xx

Retro a-go-go!

2011-06-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hullo! In between getting over excited about my first ever giveaway (thanks everyone who entered, I was thrilled by the response!) I've been working on some new black and white posters, inspired by all things retro, specifically fifties. The Bowery Gallery in Headingley, Leeds, have asked me to submit some work for an exhibition that starts in July.

I'm really happy with how they turned out, especially the typewriter, as I was a bit scared of the tiny, fiddly stencil which took me ages to cut! They are available to buy online here and on etsy and folksy. Don't forget there's 20% off all orders through my site for the whole of June with the code HBNELLY.

And the winners are...

2011-06-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

The lucky winner of my Japanese fabric bundle is the lovely Nikki who said...'Hello! Both sound great... i have a bit of a passion for Japanese fabric and patterns, but then I am a fabric/surface pattern addict anyway!

Love your work. Haven't seen it before so the post via Manchester Craft on Facebook was a nice little discovery this afternoon! xx'

Next up is @little_barb who wins the bundle of my own designed fabric!

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments, it's been really fun to run a competition, I think I'll do another soon :)

Giveaway time!

2011-06-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hullo and a happy Monday to you all! I'm starting the week with a little giveaway, I've been trying to sort out my studio out a bit and am forcing myself to part with some of my fabric stash, it's out of hand! I find it so hard to part with craft supplies, even if I know I'll never use it. So I thought it would be nice for someone to make use of this fabric and make it easier for me to part with it!
So I have 2 bundles of fat quarters of fabric to give to one lucky person! One is a mixture of my own designs: screenprints and digital prints with hand printed overlays and digital embroidery - quite a lot of work has gone in to each piece and you'll find various animals hiding within - owls, deer, swans and foxes...
The other bundle is a selection of Japanese fabrics which are really beautiful - I got these on my travels but have never known what to do with them. I think I bought them in Kyoto, textile central in Japan. They are probably off-cuts from kimonos.
To enter, either leave a little comment letting me know which bundle you would like, or follow me on Twitter and retweet the giveaway (or both for an extra chance to win!). Don't forget to let me know which bundle you would like to win...
I'll announce the winner at the end of the week. Good luck! xx

Tiny Tiger

2011-06-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

Another new guy! Available here with 20% off when you use the code HBNELLY at checkout. He's also up on my etsy and folksy sites if that's the way you like to do things!

It's a hot Saturday in the studio, I was in early and have printed up a couple of Koala tees already. Adam and Joe are on the radio and I intend on taking things easy to conserve energy! Enjoy the sunshine! xx

New Stockists

2011-06-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to get my work stocked by different shops across the UK and I was thrilled when Moda in Folkstone said they wanted to make an order. They stock lots of lovely designers, so if you're in the area you can now find my things next to the likes of Orla Kiely and Cath Kidston! Whoop!

I'm on a mission to find more lovely stockists for my work, so if you know of anywhere that would fit the bill or would like a bit of Nell goodness in your shop, please get in touch! xx

G'day, mate!

2011-06-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Woo! 2 posts in as many days! Putting the effort in you see. I have lots and lots of new designs to share with you as I've been feeling inspired of late - maybe it was the trip to the zoo??

In any case, here is my koala t shirt, a lovely lady came into my studio and commissioned me to make her a koala cushion, as they're her favourite animals. I love how this design turned out, I think he's pretty cute, so can now be found on tees, bibs and hats. Don't forget if you go to my Big Cartel store you can get 20% off throughout June with the code HBNELLY. Tell your friends, oh yeah! xx

Nell is 3!

2011-06-01T03:17:00.001-07:00

Well, not actually today, but June marks my 3rd year of being an official business! Hurray! To celebrate I'm going to be giving away lots of treats and treasures including badges, purses and fat quarters of hand printed fabric. I'm feeling super generous, so there's 20% off orders made through my Big Cartel store with the code HBNELLY throughout June.

I've got lots of new designs printed up, so I'm going to try to update and blog as much as possible too, eep! Now I need to get cracking on photographing my new products...

Hop, skip and a jump!

2011-05-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Buy from etsy or from folksy

I've been working on quite a few new designs that I'm slowly getting round to photographing and putting online. First to the plate is happy Mr Frog, I'm really pleased with how he's come out, so you can buy him in t shirt or poster form!

Buy from etsy or from folksy

I've been trying to improve my photography and to make my shots as clear as possible. I've also moved into a second floor flat, so no longer have a garden to take photos of t shirts on the washing line...this will probably make my life easier as the weather's so unpredictable in Manchester at the moment! I'll be putting more things up after I get back from All Tomorrow's Parties...have a nice weekend! xx

Zookeeper for a day!

2011-05-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hullo there! A couple of weeks ago I trotted down to London town to be a zookeeper for the day at London Zoo! This amazing experience came courtesy of Papa Smith, who got me it as a surprise for my 30th birthday. Total winner.
Highlights included feeding the giraffes and tigers, tickling penguins, feeding meerkats (although the live mealworms and crickets were rather unpleasant) and having lemurs scampering all over me, plucking pieces of fruit from my very hands! Just incredible.

It was such an exciting, brilliant day, alas I didn't get to do any drawing, but did take over 100 photos, so plenty of inspiration there! You can see all the photos of the day on flickr
I've been working on quite a few new designs of late, have a couple of new stockists to do orders for and have applied for the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. Busy times!

Making Magazine

2011-04-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

This week started with some exciting post - issue 7 of Making magazine arrived on my desk with my how-to and q&a nestled within! It was lovely to be asked to do the project for them and I'm really happy with how they styled it. Hurray!

Crafternoon Tea

2011-03-21T03:45:00.001-07:00

Happy first day of Spring! Yippee!

I had a busy weekend, on Saturday I ran a lino printing workshop at The Whitworth Art Gallery as part of the 'Crafternoon Tea' adult learning programme. It was a really nice afternoon and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I was happy to learn a new trick from one of the crafters too!

Sketching out ideas.

Gouging!

Print success.

New trick! (for me anyway).

In the evening I whizzed along to the Bury Collective's exhibition at the Met, where my firend Josef was showing a couple of pieces. Alas, no photos! But here's a little linky.
Go see! Hope you're all enjoying the Spring time xx

Love, sweet love...

2011-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

As it creeps ever closer to Valentine's Day (and my 30th birthday, eep!) hearts have been going up all over the Craft Centre. I've designed two sweet new prints, both subtle enough to be displayed year-round.

The first print is based on traditional fair isle patterns which incorporates a geometric heart, the second is an intricate papercut of a key.
Both prints are available as wall art, cushions and cards.

Available on folksy (GBP) Available on etsy (USD)

Available on folksy (GBP) Available on etsy (USD)

Avaible on folksy (£) Available on etsy ($)

I've been trying to improve my photography and am super excited as I'm getting a digital SLR for my birthday! Hopefully it won't take me too long to get to grips with it...Other than that I'm flat hunting at the moment which is exciting but stressful...and I'm working on a project but all will be revealed when I can! Stay tooned! xx

Greetings for the new(ish) year!

2011-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

Buy me from etsy USD. Buy me from folksy GBP

Buy me from etsy USD. Buy me from folksy GBP

Hello peoples! Although I have been a little slow to start the new year, I feel it was richly deserved after a busy December. I had a lovely, relaxing holiday and a wonderful Christmas in London with family. But! I have been busy over the last week or so, working on new prints, which I'm really happy with. They are based on fun retro items, here are the first two, Polaroid and Super 8. Any feedback would be gratefully received! I'm in the studio tomorrow, raring to print, so expect more new things soon...xx

P.s It's my first screenprinting workshop of the year on Saturday, see here for details. x

Have Yourself a Crafty Little Christmas!

2010-11-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 11th of December I will be running the lino printing part of the Crafty Little Christmas Ministry of Craft workshop. We will be making Christmassy lino blocks to print up cards, tags and matching gift wrap. It's a full day course, so there are two other crafts to learn, making Christmas bath bombs and Christmas decorations! If you're stuck for a present for someone this would be a lovely early Christmas gift!
Click here to book!

Christmas is coming!

2010-11-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

So why not join us at Manchester Craft and Design Centre for a little festive shindig? On Saturday 27th November, from 2 til 4, we will be hosting the Launch of our new exhibition, Past Present Perfect and getting in the Christmas spirit with free mulled wine, music from Kathryn Edwards and a Christmas Choir. There will also be a free craft activity, making finger knitted Christmas decorations. How nice! Don't forget to come upstairs and say howdy, the double act of Miss Smith and Miss Blease will be putting in a rare appearance - this is surely not to be missed! xx

Inspired by Fair Isle

2010-11-12T05:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a little look at some new ideas I've been working on. I've been thinking about this sort of thing for a while: geometric shapes, symmetry, folk prints and grid structures have been lurking in sketchbooks for some time. I thought I'd put some photos of my design process up too.

Pattern drawn out on graph paper and traced off.

Transfered onto stencil paper and cut out with scalpel.

Red print on white felt. I've printed this design onto aprons and tea towels so far, I'm hoping to make some felt cushions too. Come on down to the studio and take a peek! We're having our Christmas launch at the Craft Centre on Saturday 27th November, why not pop in them for a free drink and a wander about? Any feedback would be much appreciated!

New Signage!

2010-11-11T04:14:00.000-08:00

Hurray hurray! Jane and I finally got round to agreeing on signage and putting it up! It was a bit tricky as our logos wouldn't have worked together and we both use different fonts, but Jane worked on a nice, simple design for us and I think it looks very smart! It took us about 3 hours to put it up, but it was well worth it in the end! I'm really glad we've got it up before Christmas, it's taken over a year to sort out. That's the way of self-employment, you gotsta prioritise!

Obviously the ampersand is my favourite bit xx

Ministry of Craft

2010-09-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hello! Next Saturday I'm running a screenprinting workshop for the Ministry of Craft at Fred Aldous. There are still a few spaces left, so if you fancy giving it a go head over to the Ministry website and book yourself a place! We will be using simple stencil-cutting techniques and screen printing onto fabric. Bring some inspirational images and something to print onto! In past workshops people have printed onto t-shirts, bags, pillow cases and cushion covers. You could even print onto some lovely fabric and frame it, or make a sweet, personalised bunting for a party...Many possibilities! Hope to see you there! x

Beetles and bugs in Blackburn

2010-07-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the Blackburn Museum's collection of beetles. The colour and variety are amazing, I love the handwritten labels too. I'm going to be focusing more on the Japanese print collection, but we're keeping these as a back up as they're so fascinating!

Celebrating ceramics

2010-07-19T03:20:00.001-07:00

As promised, here are some more photos of the ceramics collection at the V&A. I foolishly forgot to write down the names of the makers, if anyone can help, that'd be great! The V&A collections website is a brilliant resource, but I think the most recent items aren't on it.

Ceramic carrots

Glazes - gorgeous colours!

Tile Panel, William de Morgan

Look at the little feet on these guys!

More beautiful colours.

'Trophy' by Clare Twomey. This was originally an installation where visitors were invited to take away their favourite bird. How lovely!

Hello sausage!

2010-07-15T07:10:00.001-07:00

'Sausage' by Richard Slee

Yesterday I went for a training day at the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of the Design for Life project. I worked on it last year with Bolton Museum and 2 school groups. This year it's slightly different, with Bolton as the core museum, and Salford Museum and Art Gallery as one associate partner and Blackburn Museum as the other. I'm hoping to work with young carers from Salford and possibly a school group in Blackburn. Exciting stuff! I've never been to Blackburn Museum and am itching to have a good look at their Japanese print collection!

I'll put up a few more snaps I took at the V&A of the ceramics collection as soon as Blogger decides to play nice! I focused on this as we're thinking of taking the Pilkington ceramics collection as a starting point for the workshops in Salford.

Workshops and websites

2010-05-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hullo hullo, last month I did a little screenprinting workshop with some students from the Manchester School of Architecture. It went really well, they all seemed to enjoy it and produced some fantastic work. The blog for their project is here, I must admit I'm a little late with this post, tsk tsk. The last few weeks seem to have drifted by, and whilst things are going in the right direction, I feel like I'm coasting along, rather than being a driving force. I'll cut myself some slack though - the weather has been beautiful and I've been grabbing every opportunity to get out on the bike. I've even been going to maintenance classes, coming second in the puncture repair race on Tuesday!

She's looking nice, no?

I've finally sorted my Big Cartel site, so you can now buy direct from me, without having to set up an account. It links from my website and I feel it's a lot more professional.
Today I'm going to get on top of my admin and do some more site updating, I need a better system! Has anyone got any tips for getting a good routine in place when you're self-employed? I'm still in my pyjamas! xx

All Tomorrow's Parties

2010-05-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all, been a bit quiet on the internet front as I've been busy indulging another of my loves - live music. I just got back from the Matt Groening curated ATP at Butlins in Minehead. It was amazing, I had the best time! I've been to ATP a couple of times before, years ago, at Camber Sands, but this was the best one I've been to. We lucked out on our accommodation, which was really nice and near to all the action. I went with some great friends and we basically had a blast. I saw Iggy and the Stooges on the first night, with Mike Watt on bass (I love him so much!) and The xx twice, just awesome. I think the highlight for me was seeing Boredoms, a band that, on paper, I thought I would hate! (Japan's iconoclastic experimental music "unit" anyone?) but they blew my mind with a 9 drummer performance - I've never seen a drummer be carried in on a platform drumming through the crowd before, put it that way.

If you get the chance, go see them! They will change your life, I promise! Anyone got any musical recommendations?

I ♥ Bicycles

2010-04-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

Handprinted poster, available on etsy and folksy.

The past couple of nights have been very much bike-based for me. The annual I Bike MCR festival is on over the next month, with lots of activities, films, get togethers, bike maintenance classes and of course cycling! I was aware of it, but learnt more on Tuesday, when me and my housemate went on the Full Moon bike ride. The weather was absolutely awful and I was wearing inappropriately skinny jeans, which hindered me in getting on and off the trusty Pioneer somewhat. In fact, it turned on that my poor old Raleigh Classic, bought for £5.46 from ebay around 2 years ago, has seen better days, as I got a puncture 30 seconds after leaving the pub and whilst fixing it in the pouring rain realised that the rear derailer had come loose. Argh! Not cool in front of a group of cycling afficionados I didn't know! Luckily they are very nice and I feel we all have a bond after patching up the old girl in adverse conditions. We rode to Jackson's Boat by Chorlton Ees and had a thoroughly nice time, yay for new friends!
Last night I went to the Lass O'Gowrie pub for a screening of Beauty and the Bike, a film exploring why so few teenagers in Britain cycle. It was a lovely film, and I got a little sentimental as half of it was based in my home town of Darlington!
The upshot of all this 2 wheeled fun is that I have decided to buy a new bike, does anyone have any recommendations? I've been checking out Globe bikes, drool drool! I'm considering the Haul or Live models. Yum!

I need to get sorted asap, so I can enjoy the rest of the festival! Hopefully see some of you out and about, come rain or shine! xx

Small Town Heroes

2010-03-22T03:40:00.001-07:00

This weekend I took a trip back over to the North East to see family and friends. It's always nice to go home and to look back fondly at times gone past. But I'm also really, really happy to live in a city, where art, culture and energy are plentiful and appreciated!
Unfortunately I'm full of cold, so stayed in on Saturday night with a good book and some yummy ratatouille that my dad left in the fridge for me. On Sunday we drove over to Barnard Castle to visit Bowes Museum, which I hadn't been to in years. It has a new fashion and textile gallery which is almost complete and looks to be pretty impressive. They were letting visitors in for a sneak preview and they have an amazing collection. The silver swan which I remember from childhood visits is still in full effect!
There was a large collection of classic cars parked outside so I took some snaps - I have a new toy, the Hipstamatic app for iphone! I feel myself cringe as I type, but no matter, I like the colour and lighting effects so I'll post a couple of my little pics.

Work related news - the Bowery in Leeds have asked for some more baby tee shirts and I only delivered them the other week, so I'm really pleased! Better get on with some printing then eh?

Which do you prefer? Town or country? City or village? xx

p.s Spring! My gosh yes! xx

From Russia With Love

2010-03-01T06:20:00.001-08:00

I have to admit to being a little obsessed with Russia at the moment, I keep looking at pictures of St Petersburg and dreaming of that magical train ride. One day my friends! One day! In celebration of my new muse, here is my brand new Matryoshka doll print. It's printed as always with love in my little Manchester-based studio with solvent-free inks on gorgeous subtly speckled ivory 'Bier Lager' 250gsm A4 card, manufactured using a combination of leftovers from the brewing industry: 40% to 60% beer labels, 5% to 20% malt/yeast/hops fibres, and between 30% and 50% totally chlorine-free (TCF) virgin paper pulp. It's awesome and I love printing on it! It's for sale on my etsy and Folksy sites. Spasiba! xx

Ich bin ein Berliner!

2010-02-27T05:08:00.000-08:00

Arf arf. I went to Berlin for a few days with my gentleman friend the other week and my oh my did I love it. A lot of my arty friends in Manchester have been and raved about the place, so I was very excited to see it for myself. I did a lot of sightseeing and walking, with many a pit stop for wurst and beer, an ideal holiday really!
One of my favourite places was a tiny museum I'd read about online, called the Büchstaben Museum, which was hyped as a typography museum, but was actually more like a sign graveyard. Either way, I loved it!

I'm now pondering my next trip and have been looking at the Russian Red Arrow train from Moscow to St Petersburg, can't beat a good train journey in my view. This old beauty even has its own theme music! What's your dream holiday?

Two Ducks Disco

2010-02-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

Ahoy there, here is a wee post that I've been planning for an age - since last September actually, when I took my self off to Leeds town to see the brillax to the max Magnolia Electric Co.
I'm a big fan of gig posters and am usually first in line to snap 'em up. I was a little too slow this time though, and the groovy limited edition posters had sold out by the time a crazy man in shorts had stopped dancing. Aiee! However, all was not lost as I put my name on a mailing list...and ordered a poster from that nice Two Ducks Disco

For a mere £10 I received my poster smartly through the post along with a few other goodies, not least an awesome poster for the European Poster Expo 2007, that was held at our very own Urbis, Manchester. I cannot recommend highly enough! Go! Read blog! Buy posters! xx

Feel the love...

2010-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

In my last post I promised pictures of my Valentine's designs. They're quite simple and not too sickly, I've used the papercuts in screenprints and cards which are available in the studio now! (plug plug plug).

The last exhibition at the Craft Centre is being taken down as I type, the next one is 'Spun', Lighting by Jenny Bland and opens on February the 13th, so if you need to pick up a little Valentine's gift for your beloved, that would be a good day to do it!
I've got some work in NoiseLab, a pop up gallery/shop situated in what was Shelley's on Market Street. Go take a peek if you get a chance, there are doodles from influential artists Pete Fowler and Jon Burgerman featured in the shop, I'm pretty excited to have my work alongside theirs, whoop!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-14T03:42:00.001-08:00

Moroccan terrace
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Ok, this post is somewhat late, I was away over New Year with my family, soaking up a little North African sun in Marrakech. We stayed in a gorgeous riad and relaxed to the max! It was a welcome change from the frozen wastes of the UK and it's been difficult to get motivated with things being so quiet at the studio since my return.
But I feel my energy returning and I've been working on some slightly more sophisticated and complex designs, mainly with Valentine's Day in mind. I'll put some pictures up closer to the time, don't want to sicken you all too early in the year!
Aside from that I have a few exciting plans in the pipeline and resolutions a-plenty! I want adventures in 2010! How about you? Kiss kiss, boom boom xxx

No rest...

2009-12-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

Hello hello lovely people. Just a quick one to remind Manchester types that the Craft Centre is open extra hours throughout December. Tonight is our first late night Thursday, we're open 'til 8, and on Sunday we will be open 11-5. Come and do your Christmas shopping in a relaxed and cosy manner, away from the insane Arndale crowds and chilly winter weather!

Crafting and grafting

2009-11-19T00:35:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months have been all about workshops for me! It's been great, I've mentioned before that I always find them really inspirational and that my own practice moves on as a result. I'm on the last week of the Design for Life project, then I will be concentrating on Christmas and plotting the coming year...yikes!

Linocut inspired by the Egyptology collection at Bolton Museum

Linocut inspired by the bolt stamps collection at Bolton Museum

Mittens monoprint

Mittens linocut

Matryoshka doll monoprint with brusho colour

Matryoshka doll linocut, produced at my Ministry of Craft print workshop

Grumpy bird screenprint with bonded fabric elements, produced at my Ministry of Craft print workshop

Boltonia

2009-10-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hi hi! Friday was the first session of the Design for Life project that I've mentioned before. The kids came to Bolton Museum for a day of looking, touching and drawing. We went down to the aquarium and took a peek at the beasties there and chatted to Paul, the awesomely knowledgeable aquarium guy.

This is a knifefish - related to the electric eel. Isn't he an amazing shape? Lovely stuff.

Later Don, the entomology guy, brought some of his insect collection from home for the kids to look at and handle if they were brave enough! I held the beauty below, a clicking cockroach, which felt a bit like a piece of varnished wood. All was well and fine until I tried to pass it to one of the kids and it started running away - I'm ashamed to say I squealed, dear reader. And swore. Oops!

Here are some of my sketches. It was really lovely to do some drawing from life as its been a while. I tried to encourage the kids to draw quickly and not be too precious about each sketch, quite a difficult task it turns out!

On Monday Kirsty, the project co-ordinator and I went to the school in Bolton to do a workshop on mono printing, which I was really nervous about as I hadn't done any for ages and had never taught anyone this technique. Luckily it went really well and the work the kids produced really impressed me. I like doing workshops as it always influences my own practice, it's easy to get stuck in a bit of a rut when you do the same thing every day. Fingers crossed the rest of the project goes as well! I'm also doing a workshop on Saturday at the museum for The Big Draw and don't actually have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing! Eek! Better find out really...

Let there be light!

2009-09-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

The new studio is finished, and looking bloomin' lovely if I do say so! Jane and I worked our socks off, trawling second hand shops for furniture to tart up. I developed a brand new muscle from sanding, cleaning and painting, but it was all worth while as it looks exactly how we imagined, fresh and cosy. We both agree that more people are coming in and looking at our work - more than 6 people at a time would not have been possible in either of our old cupboards/studios! Here are a few shots of the work in progress:

Thank god for the orbital sander!

Amazing cocktail cabinet for 20 quid, including lemon squeezers, whoop! (totally impractical, of course)

Finished! Although we will no doubt be making some changes as time goes on, for the moment we're really pleased with how it looks. To celebrate, we will be having a little party on Saturday 7th of November, so be sure to pop along for a nosy, there's bound to be a drink in it for you! Of course, you may also be able to get all your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop, how good would that be?! ;)

Aside from all this excitement, Jane and I exhibited some work on the Craft Centre's stand at The Buy Art Fair, Urbis and we both sold some pieces, so are both happy girls. I start my workshops for Bolton Museum on Friday, looking forward to the Entomology guy bringing his insects in for the kids to draw, even if they aren't!!
Adios amigos xx

Back to School!

2009-09-01T07:29:00.001-07:00

What what what?! Did I really not blog for the whole of August? How remiss of me! Well fear ye not, I'm back and ready to knuckle down! I was out and about having fun a-plenty. I've been to The Big Chill in Hereford, the Lake District and North Devon for a spot of camping and surfing. Phew! Pretty pooped now, I can tell you. But! no rest for the wicked, I have exciting plans! The beautiful and talented Jane Blease and I are going into cahoots, and will be moving into a bigger studio in our beloved Craft and Design Centre asap! Stay tooned for more info, we're bound to have a shindig to celebrate the opening, and you're invited, baby!

We're in the middle of a HUGE thunderstorm here in Manchester, so a nice pic of some sunny times is needed! xx

Where's Summer, B?

2009-07-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wowzer, I can't believe it's halfway through July already...well, more than halfway, yikes! And I haven't written a post all this time! I've been busy as always, so busy working and playing that I seem to have developed quite the eye twitch! I blame too much time staring at the computer, so had planned a splendid day of gardening and household errands. Alas, the weather here in Manchester is absolutely appalling! So I'm waiting patiently for a break in the rain to whiz out on my bike for provisions.
Last weekend I went down to London town to attend a training day at the V&A for the Design For Life project, it was super-inspiring and brilliant to meet some more experienced designers and educators. I felt a little sheepish that people seem to manage to do so much more than me, juggling design projects with teaching and personal art endeavours. So I hereby decree that next year I will definitely apply for a residency somewhere so that I can put some of my less commercial ideas into practice.
Other than that my customised baby T Shirts and bibs are proving popular, you can purchase them here on my Folksy site for UK buyers, and here on Etsy for you worldwide lovelies!
I took these product pics when the sun was shining! Ah, remember those days?! Hope you kids are enjoying a splendid Summer x

Just so busy, busy busy, busy scissors oh-oh

2009-06-30T02:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thought it's about time for a real post, written with my real hands and mind.
First off, the workshop I did as part of Ministry of Craft went brilliantly, I was so impressed with the designs people came up with, you can read about it and see the results here. I'm going to be leading another day-long workshop in September, this time including monoprinting, lino cutting and screenprinting, so stay tuned for more info about booking.

I've been working hard on lots of new products, such as these alphabet print posters, which are for sale on my etsy and folksy sites.

I'm working on completing the alphabet set, so keep 'em peeled for more designs and colours coming soon. I'm really enjoying working with larger blocks of colour, working on paper gives me a bit more freedom to play with ideas, so I'm happy with that.

My most exciting news is that I've been selected to be workshop leader for the Design For Life project, working with Bolton Museum in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum! I'm bursting with happiness about this, yesterday was so inspiring (and geeky) and I got to poke about behind the scenes at Bolton Museum, and chat to lovely Paul, the aquarium guy about mudskippers and the like! So, so good. I have loads of ideas for the project, I'll reveal more later...The workshops won't start until October, so I have plenty of time to prepare. I'm off down to London in a week to do a training day at the V&A, yippee!

That's probably enough for now, suffice to say I'm feeling very, very positive right now! <3 <3 <3

Max Ehrmann 1927 Baltimore

2009-06-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing future of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

R.S.I!!

2009-05-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Eek, I didn't realise it had been so long since my last post! Oopsie! Today has been spent updating my etsy and Folksy sites at long last, because the sun has reappeared and I was able to take some product shots on Saturday. Yippee! I've got some new t shirt designs and a couple more bibs. The tee pictured is my fave and I'm wearing one now. It's a bit of a change in direction because I just wanted to play with colour more and use some shapes that I felt would carry strong tones well.
I've started to do custom kid's bibs and tees, with names printed on them, hopefully they'll do quite well. I always loved anything with my name or initial on it when I was small(er)! I must must must get some shots of those at the weekend.
Other than new ideas whizzing around my brain, I've been digging a spot of exercise of late - I did the Great Manchester Run a couple of weeks ago and managed to beat last year's time, 10k in 1 hour 5 seconds. Next year I will do it in under an hour! I raised nearly £200 for Mind, the Mental Health charity as well, so I'm really pleased. Muchos gracias to all those that sponsored me.
I've also been going to intermediate (killer) yoga classes on a Wednesday and hula hoop classes on Mondays! Fun fun fun. I've even bought a hoop, bring on the abs of steel. This is all old news for those following my ramblings on Twitter, soz!
Tomorrow I'm facilitating a workshop at Manchester Art Gallery, hurray! All is pretty sweet in the Nell Camp. Hope it is for everyone else too :) xx

MAPS Festival...

2009-05-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

MAPS festival is on this weekend in the good old Northern Quarter and we at the Craft and Design Centre are pleased to be a part of the fun. There will be paper cutting and embroidery activities from 2-4 to celebrate the end of the Craft Mafia exhibition, which is brill and worth a peek - it's your last chance!
We've also got bands on from 3-8, with all the studios and the cafe open for business. Come holla at me! It's free entry and therefore no excuses are acceptable for not coming on down to support local musicians, artists and all round good eggs. Start the Bank Holiday Weekend in good cheer! xx

Bloom

2009-04-27T06:12:00.001-07:00

Print by Charlie Harper, one of my most favourite illustrators.

Tiring of making excuses, I resolve yet again to move forward and make changes in my life. I read this poem on The Love Diaries blog today and it resonated with me.

Risk, by Anais Nin

And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.

I'm in a strange mood today, maybe it's because the sun has gone away again. Over and out. xx

This Week's Round Up...

2009-04-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

Illustration by Lock Sin.

Been a bit shy on the blog front of late, this week has been pretty productive due to a surge of energy thanks to the sweet, sweet sunshine and the pure glee of cycling to work.

Things that have been keeping me going through the lean times here at the Craft Centre are: creativity, past loves, losing track of Springtime crushes, barbeques, rocking out, bedroom dancing, pop hits, positive thoughts and bullshit avoidance tactics. Sweet deal.
I really wish I had some money for new tattoos, I would fully be getting this sexy little mama on my upper thigh...best do some work then, eh? Pow! xx

In love with my shoooes

2009-04-07T02:49:00.001-07:00

In love with my shoooes
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

I don't usually do 'what I wore' posts, but I have a tripod now and I'm not afraid to use it! So a little light posing was called for before I went out last night. I went to see Gideon Conn at the Deaf Institute, I have seen him many times, but my friend Nick is making a film about him for his Masters, so I thought I'd show my support. Thoroughly enjoyed myself!
I mostly wanted to post pictures of these brillo shoes I got in New York, a fabulous vintage find, I'm sure you'll agree! They were only $14 and look like they've hardly been worn! Huzzah!

Yesterday I received a call from Dena, a lovely lady that I have freelanced for at Manchester Art Gallery, facilitating family workshops. She has a new job in Barnsley and has asked me to help with a workshop there on Saturday, I'm excited, it sounds like it will be a lot of fun!

More tricks up my sleeve...

2009-04-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hurray hurray, another project is go! Over the past couple of months I have been in talks with Sam of the Ministry of Craft. She is an absolutely lovely lady (with an uber cute baby!) and I'm very pleased to announce that I will be heading up my first T Shirt printing workshop on the 6th of June, at The Friend's Meeting House in Manchester City Centre. Check out the Ministry of Craft website to book yourself (and a friend!) a slot. Wouldn't that make a brilliant pressie?! Go go go, do it now! It'll fill up fast ;)

It's a helluva town

2009-03-30T03:48:00.001-07:00

IMG_1406
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

What can I say? New York was amazing, amazing! I flew First Class, gobbled much food, drank my own body weight in fine wines, stayed at the swanky Soho Grand, shopped shopped shopped, went on a helicopter ride over Manhattan, had my mind blown by the collection at MoMA, walked through Central Park, goggled at the Guggenheim, drank cocktails at the Rainbow Rooms, chomped a cheeseburger at the Union Square coffee shop and generally lived it up. The only disappointment in the tale is that we saw no
celebs until we were dining before our flight home, when we witnessed the massive horse-like visage of Piers Morgan. Yeah, great. Still, a roaring success, felt like I was away for 2 weeks rather than 2 nights!

up and down and round and round

2009-03-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hello! Despite my good intentions to blog more often, I always leave it too long and end up forgetting all the splendid things I've see and done. Sorry about that.
On Sunday I got a call from lovely Kwong from Castlefield Gallery inviting me to be part of a focus group tomorrow night to assist in audience development planning. I am interested and excited, but also a little nervous - I have the fear that it may all be a bit highbrow for little old me. I just draw pretty things, gah! But I guess you always know more than you think you do, right?

The questions we're going to be discussing are:

1. What interests you about contemporary arts and culture in Greater Manchester and further afield?

2. Where do you experience/go for contemporary arts and culture in Greater Manchester?

3. How do you find out about contemporary arts and cultural?

Any thoughts?! xx

p.s, please can someone get me this outfit from Minimarket, I need it for dinner in New York on Saturday! But more on that at a later date, promise ;) xx

Scramblin' gals

2009-03-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday saw me and my good friend Liz (of Lily Greenwood fame) embarking on a little adventure to the hills of Edale. The day started out grey n'drizzly, in true Manchester style, but once we were further into the countryside, the sun came struggling through the clouds.
I haven't been walking in ages, it was so, so good to breathe in the fresh air and to take in the beautiful scenery...and laugh, drink rum and stumble around.
I'm teaching again tomorrow and feeling a little nervous. Positive thinking all the way!

Professor Peabody...

2009-03-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Aha! Here is me as a small child, with previously mentioned Munch Bunch book! As you can clearly see, I had rad styles even then, red shoes and dungas?! Oh yes, I would rock those sandals today. My amazo sister sent me a Munch Bunch annual through the post last week, I may well treat you with a little look once I've sorted my accursed scanner out. That is all for today, I am feeling a little ropey due to too much adventuring in the hills. More on that at a later date. Over and out!

Living my childhood dream...

2009-02-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

When I was small my favourite book was the Munch Bunch book about Professor Peabody. He loved books and learning and sharing knowledge. He was also a peapod with legs and shoes. Now, I'm no peapod, but I sure loves to learn. Anyone who has read previous posts will know how I've been rambling on about the good times around the corner - well, the good times are HERE BABY!! So many good things have happened of late, it's been incredible. Today was my first day of teaching at UCLAN in Preston. I did a presentation about my work to the final year Textiles students and went through the brief of a project I will be teaching on over the next 8 weeks. Exciting stuff and I will be writing more about it.
A couple of weeks ago I did a workshop and talk about my work to a group of teenage boys seeking asylum in the UK. I was pretty nervous about it, but I really enjoyed it, and it seemed they did too. I got the gig through Manchester Art Gallery, where Lilli Brodner and Jason Tayor are running a programme called Design Your Life. All good stuff.
I have been featured the Autonomous Artisans blog this week and have been included in an article on etsy. Wowzers. It's all go! You know I like to keep it brief, so that's enough trumpet-blowing for now. I guess I'll just have to blog more frequently...
Oh, yes, one more thing, it was my birthday on Saturday, I'm a Valentine's baby and boy was I feeling the love from my awesome friends. Thank you all for a fantastic day and night, love love love you all xxx

I've got a tiny little crush...

2009-02-02T03:11:00.000-08:00

...on the lovely Guy Garvey off of out of Elbow. The 'thinking woman's bearded crumpet' came into my studio on Saturday and made some purchases. I think I kept it pretty cool, but inside I was mad swooning! He bought a feather-print apron and matching tea towel for his friend's housewarming, what an absolute gent! He was chatting away nicely as I stared at him, agog. Yes, we shared a moment.

In other news, the snow has caused me some small pain, I absolutely stacked it walking to the bus stop this morning, causing me to swear like a trooper and crushing the life out of my coccyx. I will be bruised.

N to the E, double L, that's me!

2009-01-26T03:46:00.001-08:00

What's my name, yo?
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Planning, planning, planning. I can feel good things a-coming. Whether the changes I am going to make are radical or subtle, they are going to happen SOON! So watch this space...
I had a pretty good weekend, drunken fun with some excellent buddies, a chance meeting with a certain someone who has been occupying my mind and a day of rest with a spot of Mario Kart on the side!
Today is apparently a good day for envisioning what we want in the future, need to focus my returning energy on creative success! It's also Chinese New Year, so I donned some red lippy and nail varnish for luck and my super-cool name necklace from Paraphernalia. Thanks Ms. Vanda!

KISS!

2009-01-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

I've been listening to Kiss A LOT recently. I don't know what's wrong with me. I really, really want to see this film:

...even though it looks like a load of guff, I feel it could be rather amusing. So please will someone fix it for me? I especially like the sound of this, 'Peter Criss (the Catman) had super agility, could leap great distances and possessed the amazing ability to make cat-related puns.' Ha ha. Amazing.

2009-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Today was quick face sketch day. Here's a couple of my favourites:

When I got home there was a copy of TEXT from the Textile Society waiting for me, with the report I wrote for them all shiny and glorious. I am a real published artiste!

Hey, I'm on it!

2009-01-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

It was my first day back at the studio today, and boy was it cold. There was also no internet connection, which is always a blessing and a curse. I pretty much drew and chatted to my fellow crafters all day, which was pretty pleasant really. I feel a sense of anticipation, something exciting is just around the corner...watch this space!
In the meantime, I was pleased to be featured in an etsy treasury for the second time. Glad to see an appreciation for glorious grey and orange!
Also, I haven't even mentioned that I'm a featured seller on Folksy this month. Praise be to the splendid Sally Fort for bigging me up!

Hear hear!

2009-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Ah, what a splendid day I've had, pottering round charity shops and stomping through crunchy snow with a dear friend, discussing future plans and feeling general merriment. Tomorrow it's back to the studio, so thought I'd allow myself one more day of fun times, just to make sure mind body and soul are ready to rock!

A little piece of my mind

2009-01-05T13:49:00.001-08:00

Here's a little drawing I just did whilst listening to Metamorphosis read by Benedict Cumberbatch (possibly best name ever?!). I would like to say that I'll do a drawing a day and post it up, but I fear I'm not too hot at routine and will most likely tire of it soon. I've been a tad lazy of late, not really done much work over the festive season, although I was in urgent need of a rest, so I won't beat myself up too much! So starting to draw again, no matter how nonsensical, weird, rubbish or stupid the drawings may be, is really helpful for the creative process. Enjoy my stupidity!

Bye bye 2008!

2008-12-31T02:30:00.001-08:00

2008 has been a pretty amazing year for me, I feel like I have achieved so much, getting my Masters and setting up my business in the Craft Centre has been brilliant. Setting clear goals for myself has really helped, so I'm going to do the same for the up coming year.
Of course, it hasn't been without it's trials and heartaches, but I've learnt that negative feelings won't last forever.
So 2009 is all about positive thinking, hard work and hopefully some adventures!

Positivity abounds!

2008-12-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

Despite some rather reckless festive behaviour over the past few days, the week has started on a distinctly positive note. My work has been featured in an etsy treasury for the first time, so I'm pleased.
Also, I got a reply to the email I sent to small, the gorgeous online kid's magazine I mentioned a wee while back. They like my work and have bookmarked my site for a later date! Hurrah!
Sales have picked up over the past few weeks and this girl is feeling good!

Support your local independent designer-makers!

2008-12-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

By coming to this!

Christmas gifts ahoy at the Whitworth Gallery this Saturday and Sunday. I'll be there on Sunday selling my wares, so obviously that's the best day for you to come on down - or just come both days and get yourself some exquisite and unique presents for your loved ones.

The warming glow of 50s advertising!

2008-12-02T02:11:00.000-08:00

It's real real cold, apparently there's quite a lot of snow around, but I don't see any!
We have one of these in our house, but it's red, it's pretty good news :)

I love the colours in these old adverts, and the simplicity of the shapes, it's my design philosophy!

More here.

Inspiration

2008-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's so cold in Manchester today, been snowing and everything. I'm hunched in my studio trying to draw and be more proactive but I'm wearing about 8 layers! Not good.
Any way, the uber hot Omar at Bones Magazine has bigged me up on his blog. Thanks sweetheart!

Cord after One of a Kind

2008-11-29T03:12:00.001-08:00

Cord after One of a Kind
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

The Thursday late night shopping event at the Craft and Design Centre was a roaring success, so nice to see the place busy and buzzing. It's a great venue for bands to play, so I hope we organise more evening events in the future. We had food and booze in our studios, I made pear, goats cheese and cinnamon tartlets from a recipe I found on design*sponge (I'm such a blog fiend these days!) and was rather tipsy by about 8 o'clock!
Tomorrow sees our first Sunday opening of the season, so we're celebrating with a launch from 1-4 pm. Come on down, make your own Christmas decorations, listen to live music from Manchester Community Choir and the rather splendid Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band. You can also enjoy 10% off all purchases, so get some beautiful and unique presents for one and all! I will try to remain sober.
Christmas is a-coming!

Hittin' up the airwaves!

2008-11-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

I did a little interview for BBC Radio Manchester yesterday afternoon. They were doing a live broadcast from Cup, Mr Scruff's cafe in the Northern Quarter and chatting to folks from local businesses. They only spoke to me for about 2 minutes but I think it was ok! I may have said the word 'organic' about 5 times mind...They also asked me what my favourite cartoon is - Spongebob Squarepants if you're interested!
It's the Craft Centre's open evening event tonight so come on down if you're in the area from 6-8 for live music, free food and drink and 10% off all purchases.

Research!

2008-11-18T01:15:00.001-08:00

Finding all sorts of wonderful companies I like the look of at the moment. As my kid's stuff is selling so well I feel it would be wise to expand the ranges and contact some of the lovely websites to see if they would be so kind as to stock my goods.

Monkeytail and Wellington is my absolute favourite. Fun fun fun!

Yum!

2008-11-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

I love this online magazine! Such lovely stuff...

IDEAS

2008-11-15T03:47:00.001-08:00

IDEAS
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

It was the preview of the IDEAS exhibition at Bury Art Gallery last night, curated by Laura Minta Holland. I was delighted to find my work was in the centre of the gallery, thank you Laura for displaying it so beautifully!
The whole show looks great, get down there if you can. The cross over between art and craft is in full effect. There's some lovely work by Tamsin Howells, Sarah Terry of Guerilla Embroidery fame and my fellow Craft Centerites, Ellie and Lou.

Christmas Craftiness

2008-11-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

Everyone should really come to these!

Selected work for Great Northern

2008-10-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

Bird Circles
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

I also had some work selected for the stand, this canvas and a couple of my printed and embroidered scarves.

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

2008-10-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

Craft Centre stand at Great Northern
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Last week saw the first Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, held at Manchester Grammar school. The Craft Centre had a stand, so I took one for the team and got up early on Sunday morning (well, not that early as the clocks went back) to look after it and spread the word about the beauty of the Craft Centre.

Future Savings Tees

2008-10-29T02:15:00.001-07:00

Future Savings Tees
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Future Savings Stand

2008-10-29T02:12:00.001-07:00

Future Savings Stand
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

I spent a good part of last week stressing and sweating over a hot print table, trying to get 100 T Shirts printed up for the Future Savings event at Urbis on Saturday 25th. I was really pleased with how they turned out, definitely worth the effort!

MA Show piece

2008-10-28T14:38:00.001-07:00

MA Show piece
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Cripes, I've been ever so busy! First off was the culmination of my Masters - so proud to finish after everything that's gone on - I am a strong independent woman! Lovely to see lots of people at the preview, especially my degree tutors from Leeds College and Art and Design, hurray Paul and Julie!

New products

2008-10-06T07:20:00.001-07:00

treebabygrow
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

I've been working hard, creating new treats galore. Here's an uber cute, organic cotton baby grow, inspired by my Autumn-themed window display. I'll be up dating my etsy site real soon - hopefully tomorrow in fact, so you can buy online.

Showcase in Urbis

2008-09-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

As part of Manchester in Fashion, a range of my work has been selected to be showcased in Urbis, the uber cool museum of urban life in Manchester City Centre. I've also snuck on to the guest list to see Wayne Hemmingway talk on Thursday about being a fashion entrepreneur, hoorah!

Leaves apron

2008-09-16T03:18:00.001-07:00

Leaves apron 365/4
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

This is my entry for the Howies/Folksy competition, 'Life is complicated, sport is simple', with the slightly tenuous suggestion that baking should be a sport...well, it should!

just be simple

2008-09-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

just be simple
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

There's been a bit more activity in the Craft Centre today, apparently we were in the Guardian on Saturday, which might be why...
I've been doing some experiments in my sketchbook, loving ,my scalpel today!

Exhibition

2008-09-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the preview of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Textile Open this afternoon, where I'm exhibiting a piece of work. But I can't go as I have to look after my shop! So no free booze and canapes for me! Boo :( Let's hope it's a busy day with lots of sales to make up for the disappointment :)

shop window

2008-09-08T23:52:00.001-07:00

shop window 365/2
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

...all the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey...Well not all the leaves, but the sky is definitely grey! So my Autumn window still has a touch of s/s about it so I don't get too miserable. But I'm working on my A/W collection, so watch this space! I'm gathering lovely warm, luxurious, organic fabrics together to make some cosy treats.

Exhibiting opportunity

2008-08-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hoorah, got an email from a lovely lady from PAD gallery who came into my shop and liked what she saw! They want to show some of my work, which is so great, feel like things are coming together and my hard work is paying off. Sometimes it's really difficult to stay positive when you're having quiet days and customers are a rare sight, just goes to show that things are always bubbling away under the surface...

2008-08-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been reading this book today. It's great!

2008-08-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

Wish I had some money, yo! Then I'd get me all kinds of treats...

2008-08-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little more back on track, life is absurd sometimes isn't it? I wonder about reality...
Anyway, I'm doing some 'real' things this evening, to make up for a day of lazing and reading the Sunday papers. I received my Pfaff 2170 on my return from Italy, so I'm just installing the software. I can't wait to get embroidering! Got some ideas for accessories on the boil...All will be revealed. Here's a lovely picture of an olive tree in Tuscany to remind me of holiday time, a lifetime ago.

The Dead Frog Diaries

2008-08-23T05:45:00.001-07:00

IMG_0855
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Back from holiday, back to reality. I've got the blues...

I'm alive!

2008-08-12T04:06:00.001-07:00

Ooh, ooh, oo, my website is finally up and running! It may not be the most handsome beast, but it's a beast nevertheless! Check it out here

A house is not a home

2008-08-12T03:52:00.001-07:00

Fun snail
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

Found this little guy in the garden yesterday evening. So much better than a slug!

grounded

2008-08-10T09:07:00.001-07:00

grounded
Originally uploaded by little nell smith

I've been thinking about what to do for my autumn/winter connection and considering life cycles and transition as a key theme.