Sunday 27 February 2011

How DO you mend a broken heart??

What Al Green did not have at his disposal was a Hot melt Glue Gun. They are a vital piece of equipment for the die hard 'pimper'. I have been given the most beautiful Cath Kidston Romany caravan sewing box (will be used for paints) and I have been making it 'my own' with the HMGG and all kinds of random ephemera; wooden cat I got in cyprus 5 years ago; dolls house metal bird cage; a dove for the roof and it is crying out now for some and plastic gems and a pearl necklace (aren't we all). the wheels need some major attention. Didn't stop there...have done another cross in a rather bizarre combination of items centred around a garden gnome. Surely it will appeal to someone!!
Anyway, all of the above did the trick and whilst the heart is not mended I have done a messy patch-up; stuck on some random pearls and with care it will see me through the next week.
Good old glue gun.
Emma

Saturday 26 February 2011

The Wall Project.

Just contemplating my design for entry to The Wall Project, an exciting competition for artists (amateur or professional). The winner gets to paint their design on the entire interior wall of the events space in Rich Mix, London where it will remain for 3 months – giving artists the opportunity for exposure on a large scale in a venue with constant visitors. I adore painting HUGE areas so it would be a dream for me to paint a space this size. I feel an urban theme coming on, following on from my last work. This was a group of canvases entitiled High Hopes Rising and feature estates like 1960's Castle Vale, Birmingham and 1980's Red Road,  Glasgow. These two examples are both are about a meter wide so their quite dramatic, just in their size. For more info on the project watch this YouTube vid, Kat x


Thursday 24 February 2011

Caravan Crazy @ Katryoshka!

Just added a new page to the right hand side of the blog about the growing Katryoshka caravan obsession. There's some beautiful photos accompanying the text which I took today on what feels like the first day of Spring, even the children were doing spontaneous jigs to celebrate the warm weather! Kat x

Wednesday 23 February 2011

ToiletSeat follow up....

When in situ and properly 'finished' I will post New Bathroom Opening Party Blog! Em x

Please be seated

 There cannot be a more utilitarian & functional piece of'furniture than the Toilet Seat. However, i am in the process of a MAJOR bathroom makeover and could not resist 'The Toilet Seat Challenge'. I purchased a virgin wooden one for the job (as it where) and then became obsessed with seeing it through to the bitter end with no lid left unturned.
Initially inspired by a Mexican mirror; doves/flowers other themes evolved. I hope they are appreciated as it took forever (well, a lot of my precious evenings!!) and I am now very anxious to get it installed and in use. Will my 10 year old 'Lid lifting' son get THE MESSAGE? Probably not. He is deeply embarrassed by it all and would much prefer white plastic. Em x



Thursday 17 February 2011

The bar is open!

Just following up from a past blog, the bar is now finished!! It took blood and sweat plus Quin, dressed as a builder complete with a very real hammer, ouch! I used odds and ends from around the farm and only had to pay for the £20 green quilted fabric in the end. No one was hurt in the process and although we are yet to have the official White House opening, one keg of cider says that's not too far away. !! Kat x

Monday 14 February 2011

Bowled over!

Pardon the cheesy title but I actually thought that was funny (sad, I know)! Had to do a post about the beautiful bowl Emma finished painting in her kitchen last night. The Russian doll fixation lives on..............! Kat x
Loving the condiments on mass!! 

Sunday 13 February 2011

Banksy in Brighton

Just a thought.......when my sister and I visited Brighton last month we sought out the now famous 'two policeman kissing' by notorious graffiti artist Banksy. It was down a quiet side street by the railway station and had a protective sheet of super thick acrylic over it. Sort of ironic to me that they had to protect it from the roots of its own creation, that of potential vandalism, Kat x

Thursday 10 February 2011

Japanese spectacular!!

Just finished a website for my dear friend Yuki, being Japanese she has decided to use her heritage to start a catering business. She catered at a White House New Years Eve party we had and everyone present agreed it was a really different and enjoyable experience. We began feasting on a selection of freshly prepared sushi and then followed with a delicious Japanese curry now know as Mike Jagger, its Japanese name sounding similar to that of the Legendary Stones rocker. Finally we enjoyed a selection of tempura which really finished the meal off to perfection. Yuki will be catering at my sons 'big fat gypsy christening party' in April and I can't wait!! Now where are those darn chopsticks..............?! Kat x


Saturday 5 February 2011

February studio opening

Saturday studio opening, must send out flyer's next time but PR not ones strongest point. Never mind, made a dress while I was there which I am happy with. I feel like finally after years of doing everything and anything I have found sort of signature style. I am currently most heavily influenced by My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding,a documentary about Irish Gypsy's living in the UK. Whilst I can't understand all of their ways, I admire them tremendously and hold a secret fantasy to live as one. Took a few pics of Camille in the dress and, as is the trend around White House these days, she looked amazing! Next studio opening March 26ish!! Kat x





Thursday 3 February 2011

I am making you CROSS!!!

work work work!!! I have been having to apply myself 100% to  my day job which takes me away from what I would really like to be doing but DOES go some way to paying those pesky bills!!
more often than not I return home;launch into domestic mode cooking dinner, laundry, sweeping up after a dog that has an endless capacity for trashing the kitchen,helping Jasper with homework...is it then surprising that I 'retire' to bed and thankfully veg out in front of some appalling tripe on TV. This week, however, has been designated Alcohol Free and I have had to engage in what is known bby drug and alcohol workers as 'distraction technique' (Something to take your mind off the cravings)!!!!I have channelled my energy into making the crucifixes/crosses featured in the photos. It has been so absorbing finding all the random bits and pieces to glue on; laying them out first and then using the incrdible and lethal Hot Melt Glue Gun. My nails are trashed,my fingers are covered in burns but I LOVE the crosses!! Each is completley unique with little personal 'nods' to the people I have made them for.I am looking forward to making more and am also enjoying scouring the 'Pound' shops at lunchtimes to find appropriate 'tat' with which to adorn them. they have a Day of the Dead feel to them and are definately influenced and inspired by my visits to Mexico. Am going to make many more at the weekend.....emma