seventyseventyone design

Brand new blog

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:25:00 +0000

I've got a brand new blog. Come on over. It would be lovely to see you. http://seventyseventyonedesign.blogspot.co.uk/

Blog giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:11:00 +0000

To celebrate my move from Blogger to WordPress I am giving away a loopy corsage in the colour of your choice. You can enter on my new blog. Just click here.

New hairclips

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:55:00 +0000

A new product. Loopy hairclips. A loopy adornment on a hairgrip. A customer asked me for one of these and she was so pleased with it that I've put them into production. They look like trees all lined up like that. A little loopy forest.

I'll be listing them on my website and in various online stores soon.

What I'm listening to...

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:38:00 +0000

...at the moment. Here are a couple of brilliant albums that are getting a lot of play in my house this week.

First up is Little Barrie 'King of the Waves'. The press release for this album described it as "an album for anyone who likes the idea of Link Wray meeting The Creation in Detroit with the MC5 and Motown in residence". And that is a pretty good description. The first track Surf Hell is the theme tune for Sirens on Channel 4.

Spirit of the Golden Juice by F J McMahon is also getting a lot of play. Released in 1969 by a Vietnam veteran. It's a beautiful and haunting record. Great stuff and my kind of music.

Platform Gallery Open Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:56:00 +0000

My work is now on show at the Plaform Gallery in Clitheroe as part of their Craft Open exhibition. I applied to have my work in this exhibition and was accepted. I went to the opening yesterday. There is some great work on show and it's all for sale. I sold a necklace while I was there which was a great feeling. The exhibition runs until 1st October 2011 and it's well worth a visit. Below are a few pictures of my work and the gallery.

Boden bargain

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:11:00 +0000

I bought this shift dress in the Boden sale. Reduced from £79 to £31. It's got 60s feel with a bow detail on the front and a great graphic print. Since it arrived in the post it's been raining but hopefully the sun will shine soon as I can't wait to wear it. I love a bargain.

Brand new website

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:51:00 +0000

It's been a labour of love and there has been some swearing along the way but here it is, my brand new website. Please have a look around it and let me know what you think. I have a special launch offer of 20% off all products until 31/07/11.

Have a look at my pom poms!

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:40:00 +0000

I made these tissue paper pom poms for a 'How To' article I'm writing for a blog (more news on that later). They look great against the brick in my garden. If you want to know how to make them I can email you my instructions.

I've been on the radio today

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:45:00 +0000

In the studio with John Gillmore, Yasuyo Cooper, Grace Whowell and me

A few weeks ago I applied to exhibit in the Platform Gallery 2011 Craft Open exhibition. Last week I found out that my work had been accepted and that the gallery would like me to go to Radio Lancashire with another chosen artist, Yasuyo Cooper and the Platform Gallery Co-ordinator Grace Whowell. We went to the studio at Radio Lancashire today to talk to John Gillmore about the exhibition and our work. I was very nervous but excited. I've never been on a radio show before but really enjoyed it.
The Craft Open exhibtion begins on Saturday 23rd July and runs until 1st October. If you are in Clitheroe go and visit.
If you want to listen to my interview click here. My interview is about 45 minutes in on John Gillmores show on 30th June.

Bobby Womack in Blackburn

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I went to watch the soul legend Bobby Womack play at Blackburn's King Georges Hall last night. He took to the stage dressed in a white suit, white hat and crazy sunglasses to massive applause. The first song was Stylo, his collaboration with Gorillaz on their album Plastic Beach, which sounded great and was an inspired choice for his entrance. Then it was straight into Across 110th St. I thought this was a clever move as it wouldn't be shouted for all the way through his set. Bobby told the audience that he had had an operation two weeks ago for prostate cancer so was a bit wobbly and had to sit down at times. It's amazing that he made it to the gig at all under those circumstances. A brilliant set followed and it seemed that Bobby didn't want to leave the stage even though he played for a lot longer than he should. The show wasn't sold out which I found really disappointing as he is one of the last old soul men and a true legend. I still can't quite believe that Bobby Womack played in Blackburn. A fantastic night.

My lovely Loula Belle At Home washbag

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:43:00 +0000

I recently entered the Loula Belle At Home blog giveaway to win one of Leonie's fabulous pinnies. I was delighted to find out that I was the runner up and had won a £10 voucher to spend in Leonie's Etsy shop. After much deliberation I chose this washbag to take on my hols to Belfast. I love this print and it's really well made. I'm a happy lady.

My trip to Belfast

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Last week I went to Belfast to visit my oldest friend Charlotte. We have known each other since we were toddlers. She has been living in Belfast for the past eight years as her husband is from the city. I went over to Belfast for her wedding to Bruce in April and decided to go back and spend some time with her. On Monday she took me up to the Giant's Causeway which is stunning.

Then it was off to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The bridge is thirty metres above the sea and was strung by fishermen 350 years ago to access the best places to catch salmon. Luckily the bridge is a bit sturdier than the original version would have been. There are stunning views across the sea to Rathlin Island and the Scottish coast. As we were waiting to cross the bridge the warden reassured us that only one person had died crossing the bridge but it was in the 1950's and he was drunk! I have no fear of heights so he didn't put me off. I slept like a baby that night thanks to the sea air.

I had a great time in Northern Ireland. It was fantastic to spend some time with Charlotte and I can't wait to go back.

New exhibition - Shine @ Gallery 23

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:06:00 +0000

My work is now being shown at Gallery 23 at Arteria in Lancaster. The new exhibition is called Shine and showcases a selection of North West artists and makers. It runs from 14th June until 15th October and is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturdays 9.30am-5.30pm. Thanks to Jane and Sharon for selecting my work for this exhibition.

The £500 blade of grass

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:03:00 +0000

My cat, Kat, has been sneezing badly and messing with his nose for the last week so we took him to the vets. The vet thought it might be an infection and gave him some tablets. He was no better so on Friday Kat went back to the vets to have a camera put up his nose to see what the problem was. The vet found a blade of grass in his nasal passage. No wonder he had been sneezing. The blade of grass was extracted and the bill came to £500. That must be one of the most expensive blades of grass ever! The vet gave us the grass in a little pot. I'm very glad that Kat is insured.

The £500 blade of grass

End of an era

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Market Hall 1970

The new market opened today in Blackburn so I had a wander to the old market hall which closes soon and is due to be demolished and took some photos. I've been in there many times to buy fabric etc but not until recently did I have a good look at the building. The market hall was built in the 1960s and is typical of the era in it's almost brutalist architectural style. When built 47 years ago it was the Trafford Centre of it's day and was billed as ultra modern. It's an impressive space but a request to list it was rejected by English Heritage.

There are still shops in the now mostly empty space with their original signage. Grays, an outfitters looks like they haven't changed their displays since the market was built. Grays will close when the market closes.

The new market is part of a multi million pound development. I visited it today but it seems a little souless compared to the character that the old market had. Lots of market traders have not moved to the new space so the quirky little stalls that make a market worth visiting will cease to exist. I know it's been done in the name of progress but I find it all a bit sad.

R.I.P Gil Scott Heron.

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sat, 28 May 2011 06:42:00 +0000

I've woken up to the sad news that Gil Scott Heron has died. The poet and songwriter died yesterday aged 62. His mix of poetry, blues, jazz, soul and politics is credited with inspiring rap. His most well known song was 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' from the album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. I have always loved his music and was lucky enough to see him live last year at the Opera House in Manchester. You can see my blog post about it here. He was a musical innovator and in my opinion totally underrated. Last year he released the album I'm New Here, his first for 16 years. I'm listening to it now.

Win £2000 towards Andrew Geoghegan jewellery!

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:42:00 +0000

This is an amazing competition. You can win £2000 towards a piece of Andrew Geoghegan jewellery.

Andrew's jewellery is stunning. His designs are stylish, unique and timeless. All handmade in his UK studio. His work ranges in price from £500 to £20000. I will definitely be entering this competition. You would be mad not to. Have a look at Andrew's website and make a start on deciding what you would choose if you won. It won't be an easy choice.

For your chance to win a piece of Andrew Geoghegan jewellery simply send your details on a postcard to Living North, 5 Cattle Market, Hexham NE46 1NJ or email competitions@livingnorth.com. Please mark your entry Andrew Geoghegan Jewellery. All entries to be received by 30th June.

Etsy sale

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 22 May 2011 16:43:00 +0000

I've added lots of new work and colours to my Etsy shop recently and I'm offering 20% discount on all my products until 30th May 2011. Just enter the code SPRING11 at the checkout. Happy shopping!

Crochet madness

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:09:00 +0000

I first saw this artist in the Guardian. Agata Olek's crochet obsession has led her to crochet her entire apartment for an exhibit entitled 'Knitting is for Pussies' at the Christopher Henry Gallery in New York. The artist has crocheted many things including cars, people, household objects and Banksy style wall art.
She says “Every day I have to come up with a new idea. Every day I have to produce something. A loop after a loop. Hour after hour my madness becomes crochet.”
Amazing!

Maker spotlight - Loula Belle At Home

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Thu, 19 May 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Loula Belle At Home is a new homewares brand by designer Leonie Stephenson. She makes fantastic retro styled pinnies and bags which add a bit of glamour to household chores. You can look at her Etsy shop here. Housework will never be the same again!

The Who - I Can See For Miles

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:46:00 +0000

My partner just found this great clip on YouTube of The Who in 1968 on a French TV show. Great song and I love all the dancing from the very cool French audience. Look out for the Dudley Moore look alike towards the end. He really is throwing some shapes! And as always Keiths drumming is brilliant.

Etsy find - Mrs Eliot Books

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:23:00 +0000

My latest Etsy purchase are these stunning modernist cards from Mrs Eliots Books. I love mid century design so had to have these cards. Each one shows a different sideboard with a selection of mid century items. The envelopes are also lovely and each one is lined in a different pattern. Have a look at her shop. It's well worth a visit.

I have a G Plan sideboard just like the one on the bottom left which houses part of my 60s glass collection. Here are a couple of pics of my sideboard. :)

Vintage finds - Hornsea Pottery

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:03:00 +0000

I found these cups & saucers and jug in a charity shop today for £2.79. They are dated 1978 and were made by Hornsea Pottery. The pattern is called Heirloom and was the biggest selling Hornsea Pottery design. At one stage production of the Heirloom tableware could not keep up with the demand and department stores had to be limited on a quota basis.

It reminds me of my childhood as I remember going to the Hornsea factory in Lancaster on days out with my parents and brother. I liked going because there was a playground. My mum had this design and would buy them from the factory shop.

Mollie Makes magazine

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Mollie makes is a brand new magazine launched this month.

I bought a copy on Friday and I'm impressed. It's different to all other craft magazines that I've read recently.

As well as projects there are book and website reviews, sneaky peeks onto other crafters homes and workspaces, interviews with makers and lots more. I love the modern layout and found it far more contemporary and interesting then anything else that's out there at the moment. I'm tempted to subscribe.

A really good read and highly recommended.

New stockist - Frooly

noreply@blogger.com (seventyseventyone) — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:15:00 +0000

I have just joined Frooly. It's a new marketplace for independent businesses. As well as a shop you can build your own webpage to advertise your work. All the shops are then promoted in the Frooly marketplace. Frooly also use word of mouth, social media and reputation applied to e-commerce to promote their stores.It's easy to sign up to sell and only costs £1 for a basic shop.

Have a look at my page and if you like it please become a fan.