The year was 2011.....

Hi there!

For some reason I had the urge today to spend some quality time with my dear old blog, giving a fresh lick of virtual paint. What do you think? It's quite spring-themed in it's colour scheme, which is a little premature, but then the weather as I write is not exactly beautiful (and I don't really fancy a grey blog), so I think I'll stick with it! I have added a few extra bits to the blog - you can now enjoy a mini slide show of my flickr page (which incidentally I have also just updated with loads of new photos). I have also decorated the blog with a few images of my favourite pieces. Lovely stuff.

Christmas is drawing ever closer and things are about to go crazy in my house. For me, social events and festive preparations officially start tomorrow night and don't really let up at all until about the 2nd of January. I am spending my very first Christmas out of Masham this year, and will be travelling down to the Isle of Wight on the 23rd to enjoy the festive weekend there. As a result of the busy times ahead I may not have another opportunity to blog before Christmas, so I'm making this the official Christmas post.

 I want to extend a massive THANKS to everyone who has read this blog, attended any of my workshops, bought any of my pictures or jewellery, or has simply taken an interest in what I'm up to. I've really loved my first year of being a full-time artist, and when I look back to the crazy retail environment I was in this time last year, I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this. I have lots of plans and ideas for next year, including a whole new collection of work and new workshops at ArtisOn, so I hope you all continue to keep an eye on me!

I thought I'd make a little gallery of some of my best bits this year (indulge me - it makes me feel good to see all the work I've done!):

A more detailed archive of my work is now on my flickr page underthecoldtap.

Merry Christmas everyone, have a fantastic holiday!

Rosie x

Saltburn collage needs a home!

Hi there!

This week I'm going to be heading up to The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle to change round some work before Christmas. I'll be taking up a bunch of smaller pieces and bringing home one of my (much) bigger original works, this beautiful deconstructed map collage of the seaside town of Saltburn By The Sea (situated on the north east coast). The piece was made in spring this year, while I was working on a commission, and unfortunately lacked just one or two details that my customer wanted in her piece. It has been on display in Newcastle for a few months and sadly has had no takers. I love this piece, the colours really evoke the seaside-y spirit, and there are a number of details, such as the pier, which you will not find in any of my archive of previous works.

I would love to keep this piece, but that's not really in keeping with the whole 'making a living from selling paintings' thing, is it? So, I just wanted to make an appeal on it's behalf. The picture (which is approximately 45 inches tall and 35 inches wide) will be back with me by the end of this week, and will be residing in my flat/studio indefinitely. I would be more than happy to give seriously interested parties a viewing of the piece, and I may be persuaded to negotiate the price. Please get in touch by leaving me a comment either here on on my Twitter feed @underthecoldtap.

To see more available works please visit my Flickr site here.

Thanks!

Button wreath giveaway and handmade christmas cheer!

Hi there!

Just a quick one today, firstly to invite you to enter a fanstastic giveaway to win one of my handmade Christmas decorations.

The giveaway is not being hosted by me, but by the lovely Kathryn Sharman, the author of the excellent Katgotthecream blog. Kathryn is a blogger and freelance journalist, who tirelessly seeks out creative makers, vintage clothes and accessories, and beautiful home products, and gives them the spotlight on her addictive blog. Kat generously agreed to host a giveaway for me to celebrate the relaunching of my etsy shop Underthecoldtap, which features handmade jewellery and home decorations.

The item up for grabs is this:

A handmade vintage button wreath, made with collected vintage buttons and silver-plated wire. This decoration is perfect for Christmas, but frankly it can be displayed all year round! It's completely unique and there is only one to give away, so for your chance to win check out Kathryn's blog here. If you miss your chance, but would like a button wreath, there will be more listed on my shop very soon, but here's one already up for sale.

In other news, last night we decorated our flat for Christmas, and I felt I had to show you a few snaps. I've been making a lot of decorations this year in preparation for my last two workshops at ArtisOn, so there's a bit of a sheet music/map/tissue paper theme going on here, but being able to work next to a Christmas tree all day is just grand. The paper baubles are on sale in The Gallery, Masham, should you be interested in investing....

Thats it today, have a great run-up to Christmas, shop locally and support your neighbourhood businesses, and don't forget Etsy and Folksy for great handmade gifts.....

Rosie x