Monday, 28 May 2012
Tudor Felting
A beautiful day at Kentwell Hall yesterday .. it was wool weekend, and we got to watch the sheep being sheared on the rare breeds farm and handle the fresh fleeces. There were modern practitioners spinning and plying, but the highlight for me was meeting the tudor felt-maker. Here she is at work on a piece, using only soap and water and working the felt with her hands.
As well as being time-consuming, felting was a skilled process: it was necessary to learn by experience just how much pressure and roughness was needed to achieve a pleasing result without over-working the wool. Also, how to allow for the shrinkage which would occur in the finished item when using wool. Though felting would be something that women commonly did in the home, as part of the everyday domestic round, professionally it was also a guilded activity. The more advanced work such as hat-making could only be carried out by members of the male only guilds, so the only way a woman could make a living felting would be as the widow of a guild member, effectively taking over the family business.
We love it at Kentwell, and just had to come back having been at Easter to see the new lambs and banks of daffodils. I know I'm something of a historical anorak, but don't tell me you're not tempted to try on one of those hats!
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Midsummer Night
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Autumn Leaves
Hello and welcome back!
I have had a long pause in my crafting (and blogging) while I became a mum and moved house from London to the Essex coast .. the last two years have been a demanding but exciting time for me and my family. I've loved every minute, but as I am not someone who welcomes upheaval, generally, I can't say I'm sorry to at last feel settled. Now that the autumn leaves are falling, I find that ideas are bubbling up again and new craft is happening!
Having re-vamped the Hedgewitch website, I do hope you will drop by to visit and let me know what think? If you would like to be added to the mailing list (email or paper) then you can send me your contact details here. In addition, you will shortly also be able to find me at the Earth and Tree blog again. I am looking forward massively to reviving it and getting in touch with like-minded bloggers in the very near future.
Hope to see you soon!
I have had a long pause in my crafting (and blogging) while I became a mum and moved house from London to the Essex coast .. the last two years have been a demanding but exciting time for me and my family. I've loved every minute, but as I am not someone who welcomes upheaval, generally, I can't say I'm sorry to at last feel settled. Now that the autumn leaves are falling, I find that ideas are bubbling up again and new craft is happening!
Having re-vamped the Hedgewitch website, I do hope you will drop by to visit and let me know what think? If you would like to be added to the mailing list (email or paper) then you can send me your contact details here. In addition, you will shortly also be able to find me at the Earth and Tree blog again. I am looking forward massively to reviving it and getting in touch with like-minded bloggers in the very near future. Hope to see you soon!
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Summer
Well here I am, back in blog-land! The spring has been wonderful but busy as I gave birth to a little boy at the end of February and have been getting to know him and adjusting to our new life together.
But now the summer's here and today I've been photographing some new pieces with a red and orange fierce and fiery theme fitting for the hot June weather we are enjoying here in London at the moment.. all to appear in the Etsy shop over the next week or two.
But now the summer's here and today I've been photographing some new pieces with a red and orange fierce and fiery theme fitting for the hot June weather we are enjoying here in London at the moment.. all to appear in the Etsy shop over the next week or two.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Photocards
There are now a range of different shape and size photocards available from Hedgewitch, all featuring beautiful original nature photography. On sale in the online shop at the moment are tall thin Dandelion Clock cards...
... but the standard size cards in a range of colours are still available on request and there are now small gift tag sized photocards which are perfect to accompany a little present for a friend or loved one (see a full gallery of available photos here).
Just listed today are cards featuring the irridescent shell photograph you can see in the Hedgewitch winter banner ...
... and a beautiful Rose and Cinnamon pot pourri shot for Valentines Day ...
The fresh green herb cards with accompanying information sheets will be back in the online shop this spring, but meanwhile do contact me if you would like any particular size, colour or design.
Sets of cards for invitations or announcements can be made to order and handwritten lettering can be added beneath the photo or inside any card at no additional cost.
... but the standard size cards in a range of colours are still available on request and there are now small gift tag sized photocards which are perfect to accompany a little present for a friend or loved one (see a full gallery of available photos here).
Just listed today are cards featuring the irridescent shell photograph you can see in the Hedgewitch winter banner ...
... and a beautiful Rose and Cinnamon pot pourri shot for Valentines Day ...
The fresh green herb cards with accompanying information sheets will be back in the online shop this spring, but meanwhile do contact me if you would like any particular size, colour or design.
Sets of cards for invitations or announcements can be made to order and handwritten lettering can be added beneath the photo or inside any card at no additional cost.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Rowan
The Rowan tree was once widely planted for its supposedly beneficial effect in driving away witches! All parts are astringent and have been used in tanning and producing a black dye. The wood was traditionally used for poles and barrel hoops.
You can find more information about the medicinal uses of Rowan bark and berries in today's article on Earth and Tree.
These decorative pieces were made by taking impressions of rowan leaves in soft clay. They have flattened bases so that they can stand against a bookshelf, mantle-piece or personal altar. For more information about my work, visit the Hedgewitch website or you can purchase a Rowan leaf ornament from the online shop.
You can find more information about the medicinal uses of Rowan bark and berries in today's article on Earth and Tree.
These decorative pieces were made by taking impressions of rowan leaves in soft clay. They have flattened bases so that they can stand against a bookshelf, mantle-piece or personal altar. For more information about my work, visit the Hedgewitch website or you can purchase a Rowan leaf ornament from the online shop.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Snuggly Knits
Some new snuggly cosy knits arriving at Hedgewitch this week..
.. wrap yourself and your loved ones up warm this winter!
.. wrap yourself and your loved ones up warm this winter!
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Autumn Photo Gallery
I've added a couple of new photos to the Hedgewitch photo gallery for Autumn. Hope you like them!
They will be appearing soon in the online shop as photocards and bookmarks, but they can also be ordered as A5 and A4 prints mounted in plain untreated wood frames.
They will be appearing soon in the online shop as photocards and bookmarks, but they can also be ordered as A5 and A4 prints mounted in plain untreated wood frames.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Oak
This tree is the emblem of hospitality and strength.
The bark, leaves and acorns all have medicinal uses.
Couples married under oak trees before the advent of Christianity and the oak was associated with thunder gods such as Thor, as its low electrical reistance caused it to be struck by lightening.
When Christianity arrived, the gospel was often preached under the shade of an oak tree, giving rise to 'Gospel Oak' place names.
For more information about the Oak, visit today's article on Earth and Tree.
These pieces were made by taking impressions of autumn oak leaves in soft clay. For more information about my brooches and pendants, visit the Hedgewitch website or you can purchase an oak leaf brooch or pendant from the Hedgewitch shop.
The bark, leaves and acorns all have medicinal uses.
Couples married under oak trees before the advent of Christianity and the oak was associated with thunder gods such as Thor, as its low electrical reistance caused it to be struck by lightening.
When Christianity arrived, the gospel was often preached under the shade of an oak tree, giving rise to 'Gospel Oak' place names.
For more information about the Oak, visit today's article on Earth and Tree.
These pieces were made by taking impressions of autumn oak leaves in soft clay. For more information about my brooches and pendants, visit the Hedgewitch website or you can purchase an oak leaf brooch or pendant from the Hedgewitch shop.
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
'End-of-Summer' SALE
I hope everyone has had a great summer (and anyone in the other hemisphere is enjoying the first signs of spring!)..
.. this is just to let you know that Hedgewitch is having an 'end-of-summer' sale, so its a good time to visit and grab a bargain!
.. this is just to let you know that Hedgewitch is having an 'end-of-summer' sale, so its a good time to visit and grab a bargain!
Monday, 23 June 2008
DIY Tin Can Herb Garden
Here's a do-it-yourself-at-home idea which would make a wonderful gift for a friend, a great project to do with the kids and is both ecological and economical! Save money, recycle, be creative and do your bit to green the neighbourhood with an instant Tin Can Herb Garden. I hope you enjoy this short tutorial..
Tin Can Herb Garden
1. Save the empty cans from food such as tinned tomatoes, baked beans etc. Leave them to soak in a bowl of hot soapy washing up water to loosen their labels, then give them a good scrub.
2. Turn each tin can upside down and, gripping the can firmly with your left hand, make a hole in the centre of the base with a small chisel.
3. Fill each can two-thirds of the way up with organic peat-free compost.
4. Carefully place a herb seedling into position, add more compost around it, and firm down so that the plant is secure.
I used a combination of seedlings which I had sown from seed earlier this year and some which had helpfully self-seeded in my herb garden, which I carefully transplanted - this is a great way of sharing 'free' plants with your friends and getting them interested in herbs! However, you can also use herb plants bought from nurseries, garden centres, online or even the supermarket.. so you don't need to have any experience or your own garden to give this a go.
5. Water the new plants in well. If you are going to have your tin can collection inside on a windowsill, you might want to use drip trays - the clear plastic containers used for dips are exactly the right size and compliment the silvery cans perfectly.
Tin Can Herb Garden
1. Save the empty cans from food such as tinned tomatoes, baked beans etc. Leave them to soak in a bowl of hot soapy washing up water to loosen their labels, then give them a good scrub.
2. Turn each tin can upside down and, gripping the can firmly with your left hand, make a hole in the centre of the base with a small chisel.
3. Fill each can two-thirds of the way up with organic peat-free compost.
4. Carefully place a herb seedling into position, add more compost around it, and firm down so that the plant is secure.
I used a combination of seedlings which I had sown from seed earlier this year and some which had helpfully self-seeded in my herb garden, which I carefully transplanted - this is a great way of sharing 'free' plants with your friends and getting them interested in herbs! However, you can also use herb plants bought from nurseries, garden centres, online or even the supermarket.. so you don't need to have any experience or your own garden to give this a go.
5. Water the new plants in well. If you are going to have your tin can collection inside on a windowsill, you might want to use drip trays - the clear plastic containers used for dips are exactly the right size and compliment the silvery cans perfectly.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Treasury
If you're quick, you can catch the new Earth and Tree treasury I created on Etsy today! Full of summery leaves and coppery sunlit highlights.. expires in two days. Enjoy!
Friday, 13 June 2008
Summer at Hedgewitch
I've been busy this week transforming the Hedgewitch website and it is now shimmering in its new summer colours!
The newly updated photo gallery features recent sunflower shots and now has a complete gallery of all available photos from the Hedgewitch herb garden.
Sign up to recieve your copy of the seasonal newsletter.. the summer edition is just out and includes a 10% discount for purchases made in the Hedgewitch online shop which is full of sunny cards and gifts (whatever the weather!)
Don't forget the WeMake London craft event on Sunday June 22nd .. the website has full details and if you can't make this one, keep an eye for future fairs where Hedgewitch will be appearing.
The newly updated photo gallery features recent sunflower shots and now has a complete gallery of all available photos from the Hedgewitch herb garden.
Sign up to recieve your copy of the seasonal newsletter.. the summer edition is just out and includes a 10% discount for purchases made in the Hedgewitch online shop which is full of sunny cards and gifts (whatever the weather!)
Don't forget the WeMake London craft event on Sunday June 22nd .. the website has full details and if you can't make this one, keep an eye for future fairs where Hedgewitch will be appearing.
Friday, 6 June 2008
Photo Gallery
I will be updating the photo gallery on the Hedgewitch website very soon, but thought you might like a sneak preview of some new photos now available as photocards, bookmarks and prints ..
... all taken in the Hedgewitch herb garden this May: (top to bottom) Rue, Yarrow buds, Apple Mint, Sunflower Opening, Bee and Sunflower. Hope you like them!
... all taken in the Hedgewitch herb garden this May: (top to bottom) Rue, Yarrow buds, Apple Mint, Sunflower Opening, Bee and Sunflower. Hope you like them!
Monday, 2 June 2008
Sunflowers
Well, its summer! To celebrate the season, I've put together a Sunflower Treasury full of handmade desirables, a real blast of sunshine.. hope you enjoy it.
There are sunflowers blooming in the Hedgewitch herb garden and the online shop is full of happy sunflower cards in warm sunny shades.
Don't forget FATHERS' DAY...
Does your Dad like gardening? Why not choose a sunflower card this Fathers' Day? Your money will go towards supporting the important work of The Woodland Trust (Hedgewitch donates 10% of all card proceeds) plus if you mention Fathers' Day I'll include a sunflower mini-photocard FREE to use as a gift tag on a Father's Day gift.
There are sunflowers blooming in the Hedgewitch herb garden and the online shop is full of happy sunflower cards in warm sunny shades.
Don't forget FATHERS' DAY...
Does your Dad like gardening? Why not choose a sunflower card this Fathers' Day? Your money will go towards supporting the important work of The Woodland Trust (Hedgewitch donates 10% of all card proceeds) plus if you mention Fathers' Day I'll include a sunflower mini-photocard FREE to use as a gift tag on a Father's Day gift.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Herb Cards
I was delighted to discover that my Herb Photo-Cards were featured on Cuteable last week, in a themed post on Gardens.
The cards were created from original photographs taken in the Hedgewitch herb garden and are available singly as well as in packs of 4, as seen here. Larger quantities are available on request as a custom order, if you would like to use them as invitations or announcements .. I can add any wording or lettering you might like, too, if this would be appropriate. They are available to purchase from Hedgewitch online at Etsy.
The selection here includes Golden Feverfew, Yarrow, St John's Wort and Valerian. I have photos of many other herbs available, however, so do contact me if you have something specific in mind.
Current photos include Lemon Balm, Ladies Mantle, Chive, Sage, Lavender, Parsley, Rosemary, Borage, Comfrey, Hyssop, Calendula, Rue, Strawberry, Clary Sage, Fennel, Marjoram, Sorrel, Lovage and Apple Mint. I hope to be adding photos of Sunflower, Nasturtium, Motherwort, Elecampane, Evening Primrose, Bronze Fennel, Chicory, Dill, Chamomile, Southernwood and Tansy very soon.
The cards were created from original photographs taken in the Hedgewitch herb garden and are available singly as well as in packs of 4, as seen here. Larger quantities are available on request as a custom order, if you would like to use them as invitations or announcements .. I can add any wording or lettering you might like, too, if this would be appropriate. They are available to purchase from Hedgewitch online at Etsy.
The selection here includes Golden Feverfew, Yarrow, St John's Wort and Valerian. I have photos of many other herbs available, however, so do contact me if you have something specific in mind.
Current photos include Lemon Balm, Ladies Mantle, Chive, Sage, Lavender, Parsley, Rosemary, Borage, Comfrey, Hyssop, Calendula, Rue, Strawberry, Clary Sage, Fennel, Marjoram, Sorrel, Lovage and Apple Mint. I hope to be adding photos of Sunflower, Nasturtium, Motherwort, Elecampane, Evening Primrose, Bronze Fennel, Chicory, Dill, Chamomile, Southernwood and Tansy very soon.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Elder
I've recently had the enormous pleasure of welcoming a wonderful addition to the Hedgewitch herb garden .. a beautiful young elder tree, which had seeded it itself into one of my husband's tubs from the rough ground behind our house.
It is small enough that I think it has a good few years before it becomes too large for the roof garden, and it is covered with little flowerbuds. Many of the local elder trees are already in bloom, so I'm looking forward to seeing the first blossom on the Hedgewitch tree sometime soon.
This tree is steeped in folk-lore and is a fount of mystery and medicine. I have been collecting elderflowers for years, and am so delighted to be able to have my very own elder growing amongst the herbs in my garden. Further information on the Elder can be found on the Earth and Tree blog where I have posted an information sheet and directions for making elderflower tea.
Needless to say, I wasted no time in trying a leaf to take impressions and was pleased to see that it works very well - a more subtle impression than some of the herbs with more ribbed leaf construction, but decidedly beautiful, I thought.
It is small enough that I think it has a good few years before it becomes too large for the roof garden, and it is covered with little flowerbuds. Many of the local elder trees are already in bloom, so I'm looking forward to seeing the first blossom on the Hedgewitch tree sometime soon. This tree is steeped in folk-lore and is a fount of mystery and medicine. I have been collecting elderflowers for years, and am so delighted to be able to have my very own elder growing amongst the herbs in my garden. Further information on the Elder can be found on the Earth and Tree blog where I have posted an information sheet and directions for making elderflower tea.
Needless to say, I wasted no time in trying a leaf to take impressions and was pleased to see that it works very well - a more subtle impression than some of the herbs with more ribbed leaf construction, but decidedly beautiful, I thought.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Hedgewitch Profile
Just to let you know that Hedgewitch is the featured profile on the We Make blog at the moment... a little bit of background to my crafting, for anyone who would like to know more!
Saturday, 26 April 2008
We Make London
Just to let you all know that Hedgewitch will have a stall at the We Make London craft event this summer..
Date: Sunday 22nd June 2008
Time: 10.00am – 17.00pm
Where: Dragon Hall, 17 Stukeley Street, London, WC2B 5LT
Entrance: £1.00
Nearest tube: Holborn, Covent Garden
Please see the We Make blog for further details (including a handy map!)
I will have home-grown herb plants available for sale, in recycled tin can planters, as well as a range of ceramic leaf pendants, badges and magnets plus cards and bookmarks featuring photography from the Hedgewitch herb garden.
I do hope you will come and visit if you're in the area, and meet me in person!
Date: Sunday 22nd June 2008
Time: 10.00am – 17.00pm
Where: Dragon Hall, 17 Stukeley Street, London, WC2B 5LT
Entrance: £1.00
Nearest tube: Holborn, Covent Garden
Please see the We Make blog for further details (including a handy map!)
I will have home-grown herb plants available for sale, in recycled tin can planters, as well as a range of ceramic leaf pendants, badges and magnets plus cards and bookmarks featuring photography from the Hedgewitch herb garden.
I do hope you will come and visit if you're in the area, and meet me in person!
Friday, 25 April 2008
Yarrow
I've been working with Yarrow a lot recently, as its a favourite of mine and growing beautifully in the Hedgewitch herb garden at the moment.
I love its long feathery leaves and the way it lends itself to creating longer pendants to reflect this shape.
Attitudes towards this plant vary from considering it as a prolific weed to seeking out the more
exciting varieties with terracotta, bronze and summer berry coloured flowers as ornamentals. However, this plant has a long and highly respected tradition as a sacred and healing herb. You can read the Hedgewitch information sheet here.
I love its long feathery leaves and the way it lends itself to creating longer pendants to reflect this shape.Attitudes towards this plant vary from considering it as a prolific weed to seeking out the more
exciting varieties with terracotta, bronze and summer berry coloured flowers as ornamentals. However, this plant has a long and highly respected tradition as a sacred and healing herb. You can read the Hedgewitch information sheet here.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Treasury
I made a new treasury today, with a host of wonderful artists for you to check out. Surprise, surprise... an earthy theme with plenty of trees!
Earth and Tree
I'm thinking of doing a feature on Tree tshirts.. let me know if you make or have seen any good ones on Etsy recently?
Earth and Tree
I'm thinking of doing a feature on Tree tshirts.. let me know if you make or have seen any good ones on Etsy recently?
Friday, 18 April 2008
Earth Day at Hedgewitch
To celebrate Earth Day, on Tuesday 22nd April, Hedgewitch will be offering FREE shipping on all purchases and will be donating ALL proceeds from sales to Friends of the Earth, a fantastic environmental charity.
Please also support harvestorm, who will be donating all proceeds from sales on Earth Day to the Plant a Billion Trees campaign.
Other etsy shops are offering Earth Day sales and discounts:
Alchemille
ArtbySusmitha
Ideasign
AthenasDisciple
HowlingCaterpillar
Foret
LaPetiteFleur
TheBirchTree
CigarBoxBeads
KootSac
Pouch
LittleSun
Please also support harvestorm, who will be donating all proceeds from sales on Earth Day to the Plant a Billion Trees campaign.
Other etsy shops are offering Earth Day sales and discounts:
Alchemille
ArtbySusmitha
Ideasign
AthenasDisciple
HowlingCaterpillar
Foret
LaPetiteFleur
TheBirchTree
CigarBoxBeads
KootSac
Pouch
LittleSun
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Cosy Custom Tanks in Earthy Colours
Following a request for a custom order, I've been making new versions of the Hedgewitch handknitted tank top. The original was a cropped version (length 19") but it now comes in a longer length (24"), too, which reaches to the hip.
The yarn I use for the tanks is a really soft cosy wool mix which is ever so slightly fluffy and gives a really snuggly feel .. at the moment, the colours available are Cappucino (a creamy blend), Chestnut (flecked beige) and Moss (olive/rust combination). I'm currently trawling the net for more supplies of the popular Copper colour, now discontinued.
These tanks are perfect to keep you warm in that tricky transition from Brrrrr! to Spring when a sweater is too much but you need a little extra draught exclusion!
The ones you see in the shop are generally knitted up to fit a ladies size medium (UK 12-14) .. but I can make you one in whatever adult size you specify (including plus size). The joy of a custom order is that you can specify the measurements precisely .. the length, width, how deep you'd like the neckline, etc. Just lay out a garment that fits you well on the bed to take the measurements (much easier than when you're in it).
They make a lovely gift, too... if you're not sure of the recipient's size, I can send you a beautiful gift card with photos of the tank top for you to give them, then they can contact me with their measurements and have one made to measure.
Click here for more photos of the Chestnut cropped tank and Copper tank (both now sold) and the Moss tank top which is currently on sale in the Hedgewitch shop.
The yarn I use for the tanks is a really soft cosy wool mix which is ever so slightly fluffy and gives a really snuggly feel .. at the moment, the colours available are Cappucino (a creamy blend), Chestnut (flecked beige) and Moss (olive/rust combination). I'm currently trawling the net for more supplies of the popular Copper colour, now discontinued.
These tanks are perfect to keep you warm in that tricky transition from Brrrrr! to Spring when a sweater is too much but you need a little extra draught exclusion!
The ones you see in the shop are generally knitted up to fit a ladies size medium (UK 12-14) .. but I can make you one in whatever adult size you specify (including plus size). The joy of a custom order is that you can specify the measurements precisely .. the length, width, how deep you'd like the neckline, etc. Just lay out a garment that fits you well on the bed to take the measurements (much easier than when you're in it).
They make a lovely gift, too... if you're not sure of the recipient's size, I can send you a beautiful gift card with photos of the tank top for you to give them, then they can contact me with their measurements and have one made to measure.Click here for more photos of the Chestnut cropped tank and Copper tank (both now sold) and the Moss tank top which is currently on sale in the Hedgewitch shop.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)