Sketchbook ideas...

Working in my sketchbook each day has been really rewarding. I have missed drawing and collaging, as I have been concentrating on other projects. 

These are only loose ideas based on the life and times of Mrs. Beeton. The drawing above has inspired a zine that I'm currently developing called 'Bella's Loose Shoe'. It's about the heavy responsibilities she had as a young woman to look after her 20 siblings!

It's great having the studio at the Krowji to work from. 

Thanks for reading my blog. More images on Instagram. 

A New Year and new work...

Happy New Year...

Back in my studio space at the Krowji in Redruth, Cornwall, after a Christmas break. 

For the last four months, I have been exploring the story of Mrs. Beeton, the famous cookery and house management writer of the Victorian era.  I have made artist books, zines, stitched pieces and lead items. 

With my next series, I would like to make a new set of zines, produce a series of pin badges, use alternative materials for further artist books and possibly work with porcelain again. 

Exciting times...

Thanks for reading my blog. More images on Instagram under little arctic flower and the book smith. 

Christmas at Killerton House, Devon...

Christmas had filled every room and corner of Killerton House in Devon. Each one had the theme of a fairytale from the Brothers Grimm...

The Shoemaker and the Elves

A tree of sparkling shoes. 

The hallway was decorated with trees and reindeers...

There was a magical feeing throughout the house...

Tiny lace dresses decorating a Cinderella tree. 

A banquet table laid for Cinderella and Prince Charming. 

A kitchen table used by the witch in Hansel and Gretel. 

Thanks for reading my blog.  More images on Instagram under little arctic flower and the book smith. 

Beautiful Trelissick, Cornwall...

Sorry it's been some time since my last blog. No excuses just busy finishing my degree, applying for an MA course and getting a studio space and the Krowji. Will update my blog soon with more details. 

Visited the beautiful Trelissick house and gardens today. There was a festive feeling in the air, with the inside and outside decorated for Christmas. 

The amazing tower, which can be rented for holidays. 

Rows of trees lined the walk to the reception area. 

The wreath on the main door of the house was huge and so festive. 

Inside every room had a lovely simply decorated tree. 

In the conservatory was the largest tree, and the warm shone through the windows on this bright December day. 

Thanks for following my blog. Please stop by again. You can also follow me on Instagram as little_arctic_flower or the_book_smith. 

Soil Project, Cornwall...

Recently joined an art project as part of the National Trust about the importance of soil. Its at one of the old mining sites and there is a team of us creating sculptural compost bins. 

There is so much wildlife on this site with flowers and insects.  

Old mining equipment covered in plants and flowers. 

Making artistic compost bins full

Of plants. 

Wildflowers everywhere. Cowparsley and Wild Orchids. 

Working with compost and seedlings. 

Start of a willow compost bin. 

Thanks for reading my blog. 

The Potting Shed at Godolphin House...

When we visited Godolphin the other day, one of our favourite places on the estate is the old Potting Shed. There is always a display of the current garden flowers, lots of gardening books to read and a comfy place to sit. 

It was pouring of rain. However, it was so lovely in the shed reading books, while the family completed the various puzzles and word searches left to occupy the children. 

Terracotta pots, old glass jars and plants are scattered around to give it an authentic look. 

Plants are labelled with pieces of slate. 

A place outside the shed to rest under the trees. 

Information about plants and bees. 

Old enamel pots and earthenware jars are a homely touch. 

Information about the estate and shed. 

Seasonal flowers. 

Old gardening equipment. 

Thanks for reading my blog. More images to come. Please see my Instagram account for more of my photos. 

Beautiful Godolphin in the rain...

Had a lovely walk today with the family in the rain at Godolphin House. The garden was looking amazing with so many old cottage garden varieties and wild flowers. 

Wild fox gloves 

Flowers all along the path. 

Huge poppies. 

I love lupins. 

Love the architecture at Godolphin. 

The wild roses were so delicate. 

Canterbury Bells in the garden near the Potting Shed. 

Wonderful herb and wild flower garden.  

More images to follow. Thanks for reading. Other images on my Instagram account.