New Collections

After a slight work-based diversion to mosaics (more on this later) I couldn't wait to get back into the studio to use that fab paper I got last month in New York.

One paper - many options

Rather stupidly this involved working on Good Friday, which turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and so should have been spent lounging on the beach drinking coffee and getting sunburnt. But never mind - the muse must be appeased.

As is so often the case, some patterns work better than others, and some of the ones that did were a surprise!  This gold on cloudy blue looks unexpectedly stunning and the complexity of the design means that there are lots of options.  I shall definitely be making more of these.

I have also decided to change the way I design and sell online too.

Pieces, particularly the brooches, will form part of twice-yearly collections - Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter - and the online stock will change accordingly in March and September (though it will be the end of April for S/S this year).  I'll certainly be using some of these new papers for the new S/S16 range!

As a result, I'm clearing some old stock, and have created a special 'Last Chance To Buy' section in the shop.  Click HERE to take a look - they're available until 30th April 2016.  Prices are reduced as well.

Paper! Paper! I Need Some Paper!

I can't deny it - I'm still feeling incredibly stimulated by a recent trip to New York!

Look how happy!

It's such a visually exciting place - and the visitor's default setting must almost certainly be head up and mouth hanging open.  Art, architecture, atmosphere - it has it all in spades.

One of my favourite paintings - Madame X by John Singer Sargent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Worth the entrance fee all by itself.

I found myself doing less shopping this time (second time) around but couldn't resist the lure of tracking down some exotic new paper for work.  I had researched and planned a visit to an art shop but found instead the wonderful Paper Source on Fifth Avenue and succumbed massively to the amazing choices on offer.

I can't wait to start making!

CRAZY SALE - WEDNESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2016

I'm having a huge clearance sale on my Facebook page on Wednesday 3rd February at 8.00pm GMT.

Product photos are being uploaded from now until the 3rd February, so you can choose your favourite pieces, all ready to start shopping at 8.00pm GMT.

The sale is a lot of fun as it's first come, first served, so get those fingers ready!  Full details and photos can be found by clicking HERE.

Happy shopping.

Tidy Studio!

It's never going to appear in those lovely crafty lifestyle mags, but never mind.

Otters Holding Hearts

The lovely limited edition Otters Holding Hearts have just gone on sale in the Shark Alley shop!

Available in taupe or chocolate brown with a red or pink heart, they are custom sewn to your specifications and are available only until 14th February 2016, making them totally perfect for a Valentine's Day gift.



Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR, by the way.

Christmas Fairs November - December 2015

Here's some info on Shark Alley's forthcoming fairs if you fancy them.  I'll be doing some exclusive special prices and discounts at all events.

DULWICH COLLEGE - SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER
Once again I'll be having a stall at the very popular Dulwich College Christmas Fair in South London.  Find me at LH13 in the Lower Hall from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

CHELSEA CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR - SATURDAY & SUNDAY 5th & 6th DECEMBER
Held at the fabulous Chelsea Old Town Hall, the fair takes place from 11am to 7.00pm on Saturday - giving you a full day's opportunity to shop - and then from 12.00 to 5.00pm on Sunday.

THE HAVEN FESTIVE CRAFT FAIR - SUNDAY 13th DECEMBER
Held in aid of The Haven Breast Cancer Charity, this event takes place at The Bedford, Balham from 11.00am - 5.00pm.  All of the organiser's proceeds go to support the charity.

Fairs & New Treasures

Bit of a last minute rush this one as I'm practically out the door for my first Christmas fair, so forgive bad photos and brevity.

Sparkle Contemporary Craft and Gourmet Food Fair is my absolute favourite event ever - comfortable, beautiful, warm and well-organised with hordes of lovely punters, so I'm looking forward to it, although I get stressed and nervous before every event set-up.

It opens tonight (Friday 20th November) 6.00 - 8.30pm and then is open 10.00-5.00 for the rest of the weekend.

I have a few lovely new treasures that will be on sale this weekend - with many making their debut, including these Matrioshka-inspired Russian Folk Bear brooches.

I have also been making some smaller hare necklaces, as I know not everyone likes big statement jewellery like I do.  Here's my favourite piece - the moon gazing hare pendant, complete with a freshwater pearl 'moon'.

Also there are some new bird brooches - ducks and penguins (how seasonal!).

And finally, some Christmas cards - foxes and hares.

I also have Dulwich College Christmas Fair next weekend (Sunday) then two more after that and I'll be posting details about these very soon.

Now I'm off for some deep breathing.