Collaborative Blog with Rare Notions!

Hello folks! Well I promised you a stonker of a collaborative blog this week as I feature the work of the lovely Phiona Richards of Rare Notions who some of you may have seen on Channel 4's Kirstie's Handmade Britain.  In that programme Phiona taught Kirstie how to make a rose ring from the page of an old book - recycling at it's very best!

With my very best interviewer techniques I asked Phiona some questions and here's what she told me about her fabulous work.

Smocked Book (closed)

1. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

The inspiration for my designs comes from literature, etiquette, traditional feminine crafts and historical costume. When reading works like Little Women or The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, you really seem to get an insight on perhaps how life was for women; the manners, the social standing, and the rebellious woman.

Curved and Crotcheted

2. Is there a craft medium you’ve always had a hankering to try your hand at?

I have to say, I’m a bit naughty that way. I’m so craft driven that if a new tool or medium appears on the market and sparks my imagination I just have to try it. I think my favourite at the moment is UTEE, I’ve found ways of using it as a substitute for resin, which to be honest frightens the life out of me.

Organic Repose Collection

3. If you could see one famous person owning one of your designs, who would it be?

As I’ve already seen one of my sculptures in situ on the mantelpiece at Meadow Sweet Cottage in Devon, I would have to say Kirstie Allsop.

Ruffle Bead

4. Where can fans buy your work?

There are galleries up and down the country that stock my work but this changes regularly depending on where I’m exhibiting. A good way of keeping informed is to sign up to my newsletter via my website www.rarenotions.co.uk. I also sell online with www.theculturelabel.com, www.handmadeonline.com and www.nationalartandcraft.com. There is list of current stockist on my website, but if you’re look to have something created from your favourite book, I welcome commissions.

Eva Collection - Ring with Tatted Tag

If you really love Phiona's work as much as I do, you can contact her at http://www.rarenotions.co.uk/ and follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/rarenotions and if you'd like to follow her blog (she blogged about me last week which was lovely!) that can be found at http://www.rarenotions.blogspot.com/ and I would just like to thank her for participating in the collaborative blog idea.

Well, what have I been up to this week? I've been busy with the day job, I've actually made myself a necklace for a change, but I'm looking forward to a weekend of making, especially as the weather's rubbish! This collection is called Animal Instincts - hope you like it!

Make sure you visit Phiona's website to start your xmas shopping and if you've got the time take a look at mine too http://www.slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

See you next week!!