Seeds of a Madness Flower

Or should that be W.I.S.E??? I thought it would be fun to go through Folksy and look for great pieces from all over this creative island of ours. We still have traditions running throughout the whole of the UK from The Orkney's to Cornwall and Newcastle through to Llandudno and Belfast - it's great to see that they are thriving in all their various ways.I also enjoy seeing traditional materials also being used in a more contemporary way which, hopefully, will encourage these crafts to continue. BreukDavid BlythLittle wren cardsCornish Slate CraftsLynsey HunterGipsy's BoutiqueMark Seaton StudioDriftwood Designs IrelandNadine Arbuthnot AdornmentThe Crafty Little CottageearthdevaWe have some really talented people in the UK and there's even more on Folksy itself so it's well worth a visit!

Labels: Art, England, Ireland, Jay Anderson, Makers, Redroaddesign, Scotland, Wales

argh!!! ........ Christmas!!!! I don't like to see the shops with goodies till about Christmas Eve. Only kidding! But now's the time to get that special, handmade, unique, one of a kind present for all the family. I think it makes it more thoughtful and precious to receive one that's been thought through and not bought at the last moment when M & S are about to shut their doors.That's why it really does need a little forward planning (as we all know) and a bit more time to get that special gift sent to you. So now's about the right time and I hope these sweet items will tickle your fancy.... or your mum .. or your Auntie Jean ... or cousin Carol!HutchPotchThe Whistling CowgirlGlassprimitifShellybobbinsBrushes and BodkinsMollimooiloveheartsStitchesfromWalesHandmaidRed Brick GlassQuernus CraftsFunky ShoesAleximo CroissantMax and Molly DesignsFortune Favours the BraveRachel HendersonSo don't delay and get your orders in on time - you won't be disappointed!

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Green, Jay Anderson, Ooak, Party, Presents, Red, Redroaddesign, Xmas Theme

I'd been chatting with Kirsten about my first blog on FoF and I suddenly thought about the old story of how do creatives get inspiration - how do they refresh, renew, revive and go forward? As a practicing designer of many many years and a lecturer in art and design it's been an ongoing adventure leading me in lots of different directions.Websites like Folksy and the web itself are full of visually interesting stimuli. I tend to avoid my specialism for inspiration as I think, for me, it's really important to go outwith my disciplines. It gives me an opportunity to look differently at what I see. My training doesn't kick in so I don't start to analyze what I'm looking at - I get the chance to absorb the simplicity and colour of polished wood, beautiful textures, pattern and shapes, atmosphere in a well taken photograph or sharp black and white.Perhaps some of these inspirational items below will take you in a different direction or just give you the idea to go off and investigate absolutely nothing to do with your specialist area. So come on knitters go off and look at some wonderful graphic design and all you painters out there, why not take a look at mixed media or fashion! You'll be surprised at what might happen!Stephanie Cole DESIGN : Guinea Fowl CushionKidel : Men's Cowl Knitcoolmummy : decoupage bike themeLingford Illustrations : Lobster T-ShirtSue Woollatt Engravings : Late ShoppingDig For Victory : Prom DressBlue Forrest Jewellery : Pearl EarringsBonnie and Jackson : Rajasthani WingchairLola's Room : Chevrolet Truckmini monaxle : fabric shoesSarah Julia Clark : Ladies First Book

Labels: Babywear, Creating Ideas, Inspiration, Jay Anderson, Jewellery, Knit, Makers, Printmaking, Redroaddesign, Scotland, Textiles