Toucan Brooch (b.25 April 2010) and other jewellery

Toucan Brooch

6 October 2010
I have so many draft posts waiting to be written (72 at the last count) about what I've been making over the past six months, that I've decided to have a different approach. I'm now going to dip in and out of these draft posts and pick ones at random, rather than go in strict chronological order.

So I'd like to introduce you to a Toucan Brooch I made up back in April this year. I was at the Keighley Sheep Fair (very cute lambs were in evidence that day) and about 10 minutes before the end of the market, a lady come up to me and asked with a note of desperation in her voice whether I had any toucans for sale. At that time, I didn't, and in fact, I still don't have any toucans, but I said I could make up a brooch for her and drop it off to her when I was next in Skipton.

Wee Belle (b.27 May 2010)

Wee Belle

I've been making up so many wee dog commissions of late, I thought it might be interesting if I showed you some of the steps I take to create one of them. Each wee dog is very different, but some of the techniques used here I use for other breeds. I made Wee Belle back in May, so my techniques have evolved a bit since then - for example, I now create more defined legs, rather than just the impression of legs. I'll do another tutorial about a more recent wee dog soon (must remember to take photos!)

The Big Green Festival, Beningborough Hall, York - 25 & 26 September 2010

Beningborough Hall and Gardens, York

After the success of the Makers Fair at the Saltaire Arts Festival a few weeks ago, I've been working flat out to make more stock before this weekend's two day festival!

Quernus and the Snails are taking part in the National Trust's Big Green Festival at Beningborough Hall and Gardens, near York this weekend. It sounds as though it will be a great weekend out if you're over in that neck of the woods - it's a celebration of all things green for greener living.

Here's a sneak preview of some of the new wee creatures that will be on sale this weekend.

Saltaire Arts Trail - Makers' Fair 11 & 12 September 2010

Quernus and the Snails will be at the Makers' Fair at Victoria Hall in Saltaire this weekend! I have to say I'm really looking forward to it - it's been over a month since I last did a craft fair, and I've been busy making up new stock, dreaming up new designs, as well as working on commissions.

Here's a sneak preview of some of the set pieces I will be unveiling at this event, along with the usual suspects of Moles, Wee Sheep, Wee Highland Cows, Rainbow Cats, and many more!

Sergeant Pepper Cats

Hilda, Esmerelda and Freda

Garden of Eden Cats

Braveheart Cat

Four Seasons Cats

Snail Lulu

Wee Pumpkin Cats and Snails

Ariadne and Phaidra 

Alphabet Cats

And just because we haven't seen them on here for absolutely ages, here are some Piglings for old times' sake :)

Piglings!

Look forward to seeing you at the Makers' Fair!

Wee Holly (b.13 May 2010)

Meet Wee Holly. She's one of my favourite wee dog commissions, and I have Steph Keegan to thank for this. Holly (aka Big Mama) has been a dear friend and companion to Steph for many years, and she wanted a little keepsake of her.