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All the latest news and creative projects from Cotton & Cogs

cotton_and_cogs

Artist - loves all things hand crafted.
Mixed media artwork. Ceramics. Embroidery, crochet & knitting.
Steampunk inspired jewellery and accessories.

It’s always a good day that starts with messages

It’s always a good day that starts with messages of cat pictures! Having lots of fun making this special salt and pepper shaker set.

Today (Thursday) is the last day for sculpting items for Christmas - they need time to dry, bisque fire, glaze and fire at least once more.

Drop me a message now if you’d like anything! I am currently making “spare” cats so you’ll be able to request portraits for another week or so and I will glaze to match their markings.

#ceramics #ceramicsartist #petportrait #handmade #handmadewithlove #commissionswelcome #supportindependentartists #buyhandmade #handmadeuk #cats #catsofinstagram #catportrait

I’ve had a little break from ceramics today - to

I’ve had a little break from ceramics today - to put the finishing touches on a special Cornish commission celebrating a family home, days on the river, rock-pooling and the bluebells of a rookery wood.

This has been a wonderful journey to create - working with my client who supplied the postcard and some beach combing treasures. I helped to source other elements including the vintage map, a photograph of a gorgeous sailing ship on the same stretch of river. All combined with threads, needle lace, salvaged beads, and additional colour with paints and crayons.

No glue has been used - everything is carefully stitched in place.

Drop me a message if you’d like a custom collage captaining a special memory or place.

#collageart #collageartwork #collageartist #multimediaart #cornwall #falmouth #custommade #handmadewithlove #handstitched #needlace #seaweed #shells #beachcombing #commissionsopen #supportindependentartists #buyhandmade #memories

One of my absolute favourite things about art even

One of my absolute favourite things about art events and fairs is getting to meet people whose work you love but only know through Instagram.

While at @leegreenopenstudios yesterday I got to meet the brilliant @watercolourkate - her work is just amazing. I first fell in love with her whimsical snail on a toadstool when I saw it shared here and promised myself I would find her stall and treat myself. Was overly excited when I discovered we were exhibiting in the same room!

So now I am the proud owner of a beautiful print - it looks rather fine with my current WIP of snail salt and pepper shakers! They however are destined for my shop, and Kate’s snail once framed is destined for our entrance hall.

#supportsmallbusiness #supportartists #snails #snailshell #handmadeuk #handillustrated #watercolourillustration #ceramics #ceramicartist #leegreenopenstudios2024 #buyartfromartists

OK, it’s official - I have the best customers ev

OK, it’s official - I have the best customers ever! This video just popped into my messages of one of my Tonttu (gnomes) clearly very happy in his new home! What a brilliant end to a fabulous day.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported the @claygrovepark stall at @leegreenopenstudios today. If you weren’t able to visit this weekend, we’re back next weekend 11am - 5pm in #ManorHouseLibrary

#leegreenopenstudios2024 #independentartists #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocalartists #tonttu #handmadechristmas #handmadewithlove

What a brilliant day! It was such a privilege to e

What a brilliant day! It was such a privilege to exhibit my work with fellow members of @claygrovepark and so much fun chatting to all the lovely visitors who came to our stall.

A few of my pieces found new homes which is always lovely - and I was delighted to talk about my pet portrait offering. One lady and her son commissioned one straight away and I’ve been working on that as soon as I got in this afternoon, and just now I had a message from another customer asking for some custom cats! I can’t tell you how big my smile is this evening!

My order book for Christmas orders closes this Wednesday as it takes several weeks to sculpt, dry, fire, glaze, and glaze fire a custom piece. I have a few more spots available just drop me a message to discuss.

Huge thank you to @leegreenopenstudios for organising such a brilliant fair, and @lilygermanstudio @claygrovepark for being just the most supportive and encouraging group ever

Here with the lovely @kmt1120 on the @claygrovepar

Here with the lovely @kmt1120 on the @claygrovepark stall at @leegreenopenstudios - come and say hello at Venue 5 - we’re upstairs in #ManorHouseLibrary

It’s finally here! @leegreenopenstudios starts t

It’s finally here! @leegreenopenstudios starts today! I’m so excited to be part of the @claygrovepark stall in Manor Park Library - huge thank you to @lilygermanstudio tor creating our wonderful ceramics community @groveparkcommunitygroup

Picture is one of my ceramics plaques which will be on the stall - it is mounted on a wooden disc with a brass hanging loop on the reverse.(£28)

My first shift invigilating our stall is tomorrow (Sunday) morning - it would be lovely to see some friendly faces!

#supportlocalartists #ceramacistsofinstagram #ceramicart #leegreenopenstudios2024 #ManorParkLibrary

Getting ready for @leegreenopenstudios tomorrow! C

Getting ready for @leegreenopenstudios tomorrow! Come and find these sleepy Tonttu on the @claygrovepark stall in Venue 5 - Manor Park Library

#leegreenopenstudios2024 #claygrovepark #ceramicistofinstagram #tonttu #gnome #christmasdecorations #supportindependentartists #shoplocal #buyhandmade

Doing a little happy dance as one of my brooches f

Doing a little happy dance as one of my brooches finds a new home before it even makes it to the stall this weekend!

Huge thank you to the first customer of the season!

There is a really lovely glow you get inside when you open a message from someone who likes your work and I always get a thrill wrapping up their parcels. 🥰

#supportsmallbusiness #supportindependentartists #shophandmadeuk #shoplocal #ceramics #handmadechristmasgifts #ceramicbrooches #happydance #firstsaleoftheseason

Another early start today - I can’t help but smi

Another early start today - I can’t help but smile when pinning my brooches to their display cards! I just love how they’ve turned out and am glad I took the extra time to finish the backs with felt.

Looking forward to sending them out into the world!

Ever thought about commissioning an artwork but no

Ever thought about commissioning an artwork but not sure how the process works - or worried about costs?

I've just posted a blog update setting out how I work - so you know exactly what to expect when you commission something from me.

You know where to find the address! ^^

The TLDR: Just drop the artist a message! We may all have a different process but someone telling us they like our work brings all the smiles and we're happy to chat about what is possible.

Ask the question, agree a plan and budget - have something truly unique that tells your story!

#independentartist #commissionart #commissionartwork #ukartist #buyhandmade #buyhandmadegifts

Quietly satisfying if somewhat repetitive tasks to

Quietly satisfying if somewhat repetitive tasks today.

After the brooch pin is securely glued it is finished off with a circle of felt. It might not make a noticeable difference to the final look when worn - but it is a much nicer feel when you handle the brooch - they will be less likely to snag delicate fabrics and it adds another layer of security for the pin.

Each felt circle is individually trimmed to the size of its brooch before being glued in place. They will be left to cure for a full 24 hours before I mount them to their cards ready for sale.

#handmadeuk #handcrafted #ceramicbrooch #ceramacistsofinstagram #buyhandmade @claygrovepark @leegreenopenstudios #creativeprocess

I’m beyond thrilled with what came out of the @c

I’m beyond thrilled with what came out of the @claygrovepark community kiln today! I’ll take some proper photographs tomorrow when I add the brooch pins and string the decorations but couldn’t resist giving you a sneak peek this evening!

I won’t lie - several pieces came out that I was less than happy with, but thankfully the wonderful Lily (@lilygermanstudio ) was on hand to talk through what I didn’t like - and with a bit of sanding for some, a touch up of glaze for others and a second firing they are all redeemable. Isn’t ceramics just amazing? It’s taught me more about resilience, learning from the process and finding ways to adapt than perhaps anything else.

For this evening though I’ll just keep smiling at the glorious colours.

If you’re looking for a truly unique Christmas gift why not come along to @leegreenopenstudios - so many amazing artists / crafts people will be that you’ll be sure to find something to suit everyone! And if you do come - be sure to look out for the @claygrovepark stall in the library - come and say hello!

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched!? Th

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched!?

These salt and pepper shaker sets will get their final gloss glaze tomorrow and then it is off to the kiln for them - the colours and characters should really pop once they come back.

These are destined for our @claygrovepark stall at the upcoming @leegreenopenstudios - you can reserve a first refusal if there is a set you particularly like or there is still time to commission your own special set for Christmas (just drop me a message) - sets start at £30

#ceramics #ceramicanimals #ceramicartist #ceramicistsofinstagram #fox #badger #penguin #owl #hedgehog #supportindependentartists #shophandmadeuk #handmade #handcrafted #handmadeuk #ukartist #saltandpepper

While I was out for a client meeting - Bookdragon

While I was out for a client meeting - Bookdragon was busy with creative endeavours of her own. I’ve just come home to a spectacular micro scale Lego stop motion wildlife documentary. Finally I know where all the hairbands go!

#stopmotionanimation #wildlifedocumentary #lego #legoanimation

A busy family glazing morning 🥰

A busy family glazing morning 🥰

Had a very exciting delivery today from @claygrove

Had a very exciting delivery today from @claygrovepark - my latest work back from their bisque and underglaze firing. Lots more glazing to do tomorrow!

I’m so pleased with how the colours are coming out and the glorious textures which are singing through.

Then once they’re back from their final gloss glaze firing I’ll be hard at work mounting / fixing brooch backs ready for @leegreenopenstudios next weekend!

Do you like the idea of a ceramic pet portrait but

Do you like the idea of a ceramic pet portrait but aren’t a figurine dusting person? Why not commission a brooch or pendant… dare I say they’ll make amazing Christmas presents!?

My order books with guaranteed pre Christmas delivery are still open!

Bookdragon says this gorgeous fella reminds her of the storyteller dog 🥰 he’s looking a bit muted at the moment as the underglazes dry, but once fired and with a clear glaze coat he will be vibrant and glossy. He’s destined to have a brooch fastening applied, but I also have a range of pendant mounts available if you’d prefer a necklace.

Drop me a message, or check out my bio for website and fill in the contact form, to chat about what you’d like.

#petportrait #ceramicart #ceramicistsofinstagram #handmadeuk #handmadewithlove #handmadejewellery #dogbrooch #dogsofinstagram #shophandmadeuk #supportindependentartists #handcraftedchristmas

Another early start glazing today- the Tonttu line

Another early start glazing today- the Tonttu lined up ready for their clothes (they got their red hats yesterday)

I work colour by colour building up the coats - nothing is particularly quick about this process, especially as I look at each little face to work out what colours they’d like!

They’ll just be getting their first layer this morning as I’m heading out shortly to see a client for a planning meeting for a very special commission!

It’s a busy day today but still feels enjoyable 😄

Happy Thursday!

#independentartist #hamdmadeuk #handmadewithlove #ceramics #tonttu #christmasgiftideas #ceramicistsofinstagram

It’s a glazing day today! I love working with u

It’s a glazing day today!

I love working with underglazes - playing with them as if they were watercolours. They look chalky as they dry but once fired with a clear glaze the colours should pop!

Then they’ll have their brooch fastenings added ready for the @claygrovepark stall at @leegreenopenstudios

#handmadeuk #handmadegifts #ceramicistsofinstagram #glazingpottery #clayattheringway #lewisham #grovepark #supportindependentartists #shoplocal #shophandmade #leegreenopenstudios2024

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