Edible Christmas Treats

Inspired by Day 10 of #12DaysofFolksy challenge over on Instagram which was 'FEAST', I decided to try a couple of recipes that I haven't tried before. One was intentional and one was by chance, but both resulted in delicious edible treats that not only can be enjoyed at Christmas table but can be offered as homemade Christmas prezzies as well.

Christmas Crafts

What stars, Noel and gingerbread have in common? Three easy activities that I have done in the last days to get ready for the festive season. The Christmas tree is up and decorated; the table centerpiece from a dear friend is on display and the presents are bought and half wrapped. We still have the mantel to finish decorating and that's it (I think...).

Black Friday Dilemma and Its Alternatives

The maker’s point of view

I never really took part in any Black Friday sale except if I am selling through a platform that does that and I am just part of a general sale offer of 10% or 12% or 15% which is fairly acceptable. In this case, I just go with the flow as the hassle of login in each of them and put my shops on holiday mode and then undo it after the promotion finishes, is too much. What I do, or rather don’t do, I simply don’t promote my paintings during this time so if people buy from me by chance, so be it.

Botanical Painting Course at Eden Project

Eden Project is one of my favourite places to visit, not only for the educational aspect (I am all for recycling and sustainability) but also for the never-ending source of inspiration. When I learned about the botanical painting course they were going to run, I had to book my place.

Greetings from My Studio

I know that artists have a reputation for being messy and untidy and while I am both, I also like to have an organized studio (as paradoxically as it may sound). Partly, because I like to get into a tidy studio when I start a project (it is like starting a painting with a blank canvas), partly because my working room is still a guest room as well. 

Decorative Branches for All Seasons

Take some branches from a nearby forest and an all-purpose spray paint and you will create a decorative bouquet that can be dressed up differently each season. As my window sill that faces the street was in need of a decorative occupant, the vase of branches seemed a perfect candidate. Inspired by this project where the use of spray paint seemed so effortless, I dug up a leftover all-purpose paint, perfect for my branches. One might prefer the use of a brush, but I must admit that using the spray paint was easier, quicker and I was more in control of how much paint to apply on the twigs.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall; How Did You Turn into a Board?

For those of you who followed my blog posts lately, you probably know that I have been obsessed with blackboard paint. So obsessed that not only I have been using it on 'normal' surfaces to give a boost to my usual handpainted furniture, but onto some unconventional surfaces as well, such as this kitchen lighting makeover. 

Today, I am going to show you another usage of this versatile paint: turning a mirror into a notice board. Yes, a mirror! 

Decorate with Art

This is just a showcase of my art collection that includes art prints, original art, pottery, fused glass and hand painted ceramic, as well as some of my own pieces. 

Framed card by late Mary Sumner and original mini painting by Bijuterii Art.

Turning Green into Blue

I loved this chest of drawers in sea green but after moving into a new studio, I thought that a blue one would suit better the new decor, plus I wanted a change from that green that I had before (which I loved BTW!). When I posted a photo of it on Instagram and asked if blue would look better, a few people said yes. This was an easy project again, not just because the paint was perfect, but because the furniture was painted before so I didn't need to sand it and/or prime it. I could have even gotten away with just a coat, but I decided to apply the second one, especially as the chest of drawers wasn't painted everywhere. For this project, I have only used paint, brushes and clear wax and I got the perfect piece that stands out beautifully against the brick wall. Next project: grouting the brick - I really hope I can do it; any tips, anyone?