ArtShades

Custom OS Map Drum Shade

I usually choose to work with out-of-date OS maps rather than new ones because I prefer the look of the print colours and enjoy the recycling aspect.  If the map has been folded I'll often appliqué strips of plant-fibre paper over the creases to hide them whilst adding colour and contrast to the lampshade.

 

Sometimes customers ask for a plain shade and want the map centred on a specific location.  Here's one I made this week for a local B&B owner from a custom-printed map which allows a maximum 10" diameter drum.

 

Ordnance Survey offers a custom printing service called OS Select whereby you can specify the area you'd like the map to cover - this is particularly useful for those who live on the edge of an off-the-shelf OS map.  You can have it folded or rolled.

 

As you'd expect the printing isn't as fine as the originals, but they are still very good. 

  

Made-to-order mapping is also available at specialist map shops. I ordered mine from The Map Shop in Upton-upon-Severn - a great shop with helpful staff, which bulges at the seams with maps from all over the world.

Wherever you're headed have a lovely weekend.
  

A Muddle of Maps

I'm creating a body of work for the Greenstage Gallery in Bishops Frome and I am surrounded by old maps.

I have tried to source as many local ones as I can to make into lampshades for its Christmas Exhibition.

This is an old Bartholomew's map mounted on cloth.

 

The colours are soft and muted.

 
Some of the old OS maps have stronger but just as beautiful colours, with a lovely vintage feel.

I really like the cover designs of the Seventh Series maps of Great Britain from the fifties.

I may try and make swing tags using an image of the cover for each lampshade.

I'm still at the planning stage, so will show you some finished shades in due course.
 
 
 
 

WGDC has kept me busy

Over the past few months a large chunk of my time has been devoted to marketing projects for the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen, of which I am a member. 

 

The first was the 30-page Directory - a mammoth task involving co-ordinating information from 58 members, writing copy, taking photos, briefing the designer and then the dreaded proof-reading. 

It helped having worked on the previous issue, but this one was even bigger and better.  There was space for a 'behind the scenes' look at our shows which I think brings out a little more of the Guild's personality.

 

Once again the Directory is divided by medium - Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery & Silver, Metalwork, Textiles & Leather and Wood.

This time we used no library shots at all - each section is fronted by a photograph taken by Chris Smart in the artist's studio.

 

The design and artwork was by Box-3 and they did a great job.

If you would like a copy just drop me an email.
 
 
 

Inspired by Snapdragon's Garden

I have been reading Jane Lindsey's blog Snapdragon's Garden for over 18 months now and she is a constant source of inspiration.  I first came across Jane as a fellow blogger for WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) and loved to follow the news and photos from her cutting garden in Scotland.

Since then it has been such fun to watch her build her business from a seasonal one - selling home grown flowers, to a year round success having added a wonderful (and ever growing) product range of hand-crafted textiles. 

It's been a pleasure to share her excitement and apprehension as she tries out new products and new ways to market, takes on staff and makes plans for the future. 

So it was with a big smile that I opened a hand-written envelope today and found this inside.

Snapdragon's first mail order catalogue, complete with hand-written note.  It is lovely - small and perfectly formed and sums up all that inspires me about Jane's business.

I so admire her dedication to growing her business, her flowers and her family (not to mention her chickens!).  And I just love her attention to detail. I am sure she will go from strength to strength.

My own brochure is currently at the printers - I hope it turns out as beautiful as this one.

Paris: Made by Hand and Flea Markets of France

I've recently treated myself to two newly published books on France.  The first, Paris: Made by Hand is by stylist and blogger Pia Jane Bijkerk who reveals 50 of her favourite craft studios and boutiques all featuring works made by hand.

If you have come across Pia's work before you will know she is also an accomplished photographer and has taken all the shots herself, as well as researching the book and writing the text.  It is a beautiful handbag-sized book and I can't wait to visit Paris again and start exploring its hidden corners.

My latest copies of Selvedge magazine and BBC Homes & Antiques have both featured the book, so I sent a quick email and images to Pia to let her know.  I was very excited to see my photos on her lovely blog.

The second is The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price which features thirty of the best markets, along with inspiring photographs.  I have been to France on holiday many times over the years and can't think of a time I have returned without something vintage wedged into the boot of the car or squeezed into my hand baggage.

  

Isn't the front cover design great?  In case you were wondering it is also by Pia Jane Bijkerk.

They are both published by The Little Bookroom, New York which specialises in travel books that take readers off the beaten track.

I'm delighted with both!