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Custom Collage – a Cornish Story

A little while ago I shared pictures of some of my mixed media collages – I love playing with textures, found objects, paints and ephemera, sometimes I feel like a small child who doesn’t put one toy away before playing with something new – a chaotic method perhaps but it is then that the most creative combinations can occur.

I was delighted when Ann reached out after seeing my posts to ask if I could make one for her – to capture precious family memories of Cornwall, of days spent by the river, exploring rock pools and celebrating the wood behind a family home.

She had a postcard of a well loved beach, I was able to help source other vintage ephemera including coins with the appropriate birth year, a linen backed map of the area and a photograph of a gorgeous sailing ship on the same stretch of river. Ann’s family who still live in the area went for a walk to collect sea glass, shells, pottery and pebbles while I rummaged through my collection of vintage collectors cards, threads and salvaged beads.

As always with these works I start with the story – so a lovely hour was spent drinking tea and talking about what memories were most important and which elements of my work Ann had been drawn to. We played with some initial layout ideas together and then I headed home to work.

The piece grew organically – it was soon clear that the hoop we had initially selected wouldn’t be large enough for everything that we wanted to include. A rook was an essential reference for the woods behind the family home – but when I looked through my donor bird books all the illustrations were somewhat lacklustre – for some reason the corvid family get rather dull small black and white images that don’t do justice to the depth and range of colours in their feathers – they would have been lost in a larger collage so the only option was of course to draw one.

That the foreground was to include shells and stones we knew from the start – but a second conversation about rock pooling memories led to the inclusion of seaweed, and a special request for sea anemones. These were a little bit of a puzzler, but my embroidery thread collection came to the rescue and after researching the seaweed species in the area I was able to use needle lace techniques to replicate them, and after playing with my crochet hooks for a while I was even able to create 3D sea anemones. I loved how the collage began to extend beyond the confines of the hoop.

Salvaged beads and threads helped to build the layers – I even took delivery of the finest beading needle I have ever owned – so thin it was almost impossible to thread it with a single strand of cotton. I managed however, and with it was able to stitch through the smallest of holes in the whorl of a shell. There is no glue used in my collages, everything is held in place with thread and beads – even the two vintage coins are secured using a bezel created from felt and beads.

As the collage was nearing completion a request came in to include a favourite song – we discussed various options – could the lyrics be stitched into the sand perhaps, and then while leafing through my supplies my eye caught the back of the map – a lovely mellow cream linen. A quick experiment with an extra fine pen and I had the answer – the musical score carefully copied out onto the linen and sitting on the foreshore.

Where the tone of the elements didn’t quite sit well together – the leaves from the collectors cards, the postcard etc – I used watercolours, colouring pencils, coloured threads and beads to blend them into a more pleasing combination.

Once everything was completed to both my and Ann’s satisfaction the back of the work was secured and finished with a large circle of felt handstitched in place. If future generations ever want to remove the collage from the hoop and frame it in a different manner I have made sure to leave enough extra fabric to facilitate this. But with the felt in place the reverse is protected and smooth ready to be hung.

If you’d like your own custom collage to celebrate a special place or occasion, please do get in touch. I genuinely love working on these!

How does commissioning a bespoke piece work?

The first time I commissioned an artwork myself it was a little daunting and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I messaged the artist, so I thought it might be helpful to set out how I work and what you can expect from me.

First of all a massive smile and thank you! I love creating, and being asked to make someone something special is a privilege I take huge pride and pleasure in.

When you initially contact me there is no commitment on either side, its the start of a conversation. Whether you reach out by using the contact form on my website, drop me a message on social media or send an email – it all reaches me, and only me! Yes, I (Victoria) am behind every aspect of Cotton & Cogs. From start to finish I take personal responsibility for my customer’s experience.

To start the ball rolling you just need to get in touch and let me know what you are interested in – now I understand that then the question of budget and cost raises its ugly head. And being thoroughly British I agree it can be the most stressful part of the process, but I promise it doesn’t have to be!

Yes, bespoke artwork costs more than something mass produced, but it is unique and takes time and skill to create – plus us self-employed types still have to keep all the other aspects of business an employer usually handles – including paying taxes, pay NI contributions and pension contributions! But I want my art to be accessible for as many people as possible – and I very much hope my prices aren’t prohibitive, it is also worth knowing that we can talk about what your budget is in relation to what you would like, I can normally find a way to make it work, whether that is adjusting the size or complexity of the piece or by agreeing a payment plan. I love making art, and I want to make art people love – there is nothing better than sending a piece off to where it is appreciated!

For some things the process is very straightforward – a pet portrait either embroidered or ceramic for example, once we agree a size I just need multiple photos and videos of the pet, together with confirmation of the preferred pose. That is sufficient for me to get to work.

For a custom illustrations, or mixed media collage I like to talk face to face – if you’re local to SE London we could meet in person, or if that’s not possible and you’re further afield I can schedule a video call for you. It is really important for me to understand exactly what it is – mood, textures, stories – that you’d like me to capture. If we meet in person you can bring any items you’d like me to include in the work and I will bring various samples / materials etc to show you. The first part of the designing stage is collaborative – I will take notes, and maybe even photographs of layouts – it is surprising what ideas come up over a cup of tea! This is when we work together to pin down the scope, and so budget for / cost of the piece.

After we’ve talked I would write up a quote with the agreed details and email it to you, together with a proposed payment plan.

Once you accept the quote and have made a commitment to pay as agreed, I will start work.

For book illustrations and illustrated maps the first step would be for me to do the necessary research and produce some pencil sketches with the layout and proposed elements – I’d email you a photograph of this to make sure everything you envisioned has been included and that the scale and layout is to your liking. Once you’re happy I will proceed to the clean sketch and inking of the linework, before finishing with the colour work.

How many updates you receive from me throughout the process is up to you – I am happy to use WhatsApp and email to send progress photos as often as you like. Or to leave it to a surprise once the work is completed.

I am currently working with a client on a mixed media collage for her mum – its a mixture of embroidery, ephemera, found objects and illustrations and it has been a really lovely collaboration. I send her photographs of possible layouts and my progress as things are fixed in place, and she replies with ideas and feedback – the work is evolving throughout our ongoing conversation. You might reach out to me because you like my art and style – but I want to use my skills to tell your story.

How long a piece will take depends on many factors – from the lead in time on my order books, to the complexity and scale of the project. There are some factors beyond my control – for example ceramic pieces take time to dry once sculpted, and then go through the kiln multiple times for each part of the glazing process. Staying up all night to get it done quicker simply isn’t an option! I will always try to give you a realistic time frame when you place an order and keep you updated as it progresses. It’s really important that clients are clear from the beginning over any deadlines – but even if the gifting date is prior to completion there are solutions – a gift certificate or card with the details of the commission for example.

Once the work is complete comes delivery – if you are within, or happy to travel to, SE London it is possible to arrange collection at no extra cost, for all other items I only send via recorded & insured courier – the method will be agreed with you and the cost added to the final amount due.

I guess the key takeaway from this is – I am not a factory, I’m not next day delivery – but I am also not an AI Chat Bot! I am happy to talk, and offer a truly bespoke service. I want to make the process of creating unique pieces, that will be treasured, fun and fulfilling for both myself and my customers.

You see the “Handmade with Love” tag a lot – and it can seem a bit trite, but when you work with an artist, it really is true.

Vintage Lace & Pearls

This beautiful lace was given to me by my mother, and was in box from her mother of odd doilies and lengths of lace carefully unpicked and saved by the women of our family (Edit: Having spoken again to mum, she thinks it most likely came via our Great Aunt Connie).

It’s such a pleasure to work with them to create genuinely one of a kind items with lots of love in their history. I play with arrangements of lace, vintage (simulation) pearls until something appeals.

The next step for this piece, was careful repairs to the damage areas – luckily I have a large collection of threads in any number of shades of white and cream so I was able to match the lace.

During the second day of careful repairs I realised that I’m not the first person to reinforce and repair this beautiful flower and can’t help but wonder who it was before me – my Great Aunt? My Grandmother?

One of my favourite things about beautifully crafted well made items is that they can be repaired. This isn’t throw away fashion.

Just as I hadn’t noticed these tiny stitches before I started my work – I hope you won’t see mine either.

The final necklace was reserved before it was completed by a lovely customer who saw it on my facebook page

Here it is, mocked up, awaiting a final fitting

More than just Brass & Brown

When I started making my steampunk jewellery I stuck to the approved “brass & brown” line (which I do love!)- but steampunk is a broad church and so much scope for fun to be had.

When you go to an event and look at the amazing outfits people create- there is colour and vibrancy everywhere!

I’ve been asked for various colours to match wedding schemes and even someone’s favourite corset. So today I started playing in earnest.

I LOVE these jewel bright colours and their silver tone mounts-  and can’t wait to see them over laid with my watch parts (I have to wait a week before I can do that)- why not add a splash of colour to your outfit, just drop me a message and you could reserve one of these beauties or order your own custom piece.

Cotton & Cogs Creations

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A small taste of the items I currently have in stock which can be shipped straight away. All made by me using real vintage watch parts. If you see something you like, or you feel inspired to commission your own custom creation just drop me a message.

Custom Orders & Buttons

Ready to post

 

Sorry it has been so quiet here recently – I’ve been very busy behind the scenes! My custom wedding order has been collected – only a couple of weeks until I can share the pictures! It was really amazing to work on something so special, the groom supplied the brief and had lots of ideas. It was possibly the most nerve wracking day I have had since starting this business when he brought the bride to my house to see / collect it! But they went away very happy and I am so thrilled to have made something unique for them.

Another custom order will be hitting the post today – waistcoat buttons this time! if you fancy some for your waistcoat / coat / shirt just drop me a message with the diameter & qty required and I will give you a quote / timeframe.

waistcoat buttons

 

I have also started using special paints behind the watch parts so you can have a coloured background. Remember everything I make uses genuine watch parts carefully arranged by me, no two items will ever be identical.

Happy Customers

cufflinks

It absolutely makes my day when I hear from customers, here’s what the lovely Natalie had to say about some cufflinks she bought for a friend:

“The cufflinks arrived on Wednesday – thank you so much!..They are even more beautiful in person and I can’t wait to give them to my friend 😊 Thanks again!”

and then later after his birthday she let me know her friend loved them too.

Natalie was kind enough to comment on my facebook page as well:

“I bought some cufflinks for a friend and was lucky enough to win myself a necklace too! Both such beautiful, well made items that were delivered quickly. I will definitely be buying again

I’m so glad they both liked them, I love making my steampunk creations and sending them out into the world can be nerve wracking. Hearing that they are enjoyed and appreciated is fantastic

If you’ve bought something from a independent craftsperson which you love, why not let them know? I promise you it will make their day.

If you’d like to get yourself a piece of steampunk gorgeousness drop me a message, I’m aiming to launch an online shop at the end of the month, but in the meantime you can email me or use the contact form  or find me on facebook, all my items can be posted. Alternatively find me at The Surrey Steampunk Convivial 19th & 20th November.

Competition Time

Velvet Steampunk Choker

For a chance to win one of my Velvet Steampunk Chokers just pop along to my facebook page

www.facebook.com/cottonandcogs

and comment on the competition post with the size of your neck, and the length of the chain of your existing favourite necklace.

If you’re not on facebook and you’d still like to enter you can email your entry to info@cottonandcogs.co.uk and I’ll add you to the draw.

The winner will be drawn at random from all entries received before 6pm on Sunday 30th October 2016.

Please share this competition as much as you can with friends & family.

Thank You and Good Luck!

SciFi Bromley

I’m just home after an amazing day at the SciFi Covention in Bromley. It was an utterly exhausting day, but so much fun.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to look and chat, and to everyone who bought my steampunk creations! I’m looking forward to getting to work making more, and have some great ideas based on some of our conversations.

I love what I make, and was quite nervous at the outset today about how it would all be received. You were beyond kind, even HG Wells himself and the Mayor of Bromley were wearing my steampunk creations by the end of the day! (Cufflinks and Lapel Pin respectively)

Thank you to the organisers – SciFi Bromley, all the other amazing stallholders and artists, the Cosplayers and public. It was a fantastic atmosphere and I am looking forward to coming back.

But for now I am going to sleep!

Time for a Vintage Brooch

Less than 24hours until my next stall, and some lovely new steampunk creations are just ready.
I am particularly happy with this brooch – a stunning vintage brooch which had lost its central stone/crystal, and an amazing genuine clock part which was almost exactly the right size. Some careful work with a hacksaw & file, very careful adjustment of the claw settings and some minor repairs to the brooch itself to make sure the diamanté crystals are secure and this one of a kind brooch is ready to make its debut.

Steampunk Brooch Back detail Steampunk Brooch scale