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Humble Cottage, literally is just that - me working from my small cottage in cornwall, designed, upcycling and making vintage inspired tiles, upcycled china plates, photographic prints and collaged prints and cards. After years of working as a Community & Youth worker in Bristol, I decided to make a move, both geographically and with work - and here I am.

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My work is inspired by my love of china, interesting finds from flea markets, old story books and my love of cornwall. 

Cornwall is part of my childhood and there is a sense of nostalgia informing my work, this is then given a quirky twist by mixing images found and designed with quotes that make me smile.


A lot of my work includes words and quote's that make you smile,think or reflect. I like to share these thoughts with other's and enjoy seeing people's response to the things I make.

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This is one of my first photograph's and though not one of my most accomplished, it still holds a strong resonance and intention. It's a photo of an older lady, heading out to the sea with a homemade wooden surf board. Its later in the day and quite cold, but the woman is striding forward with intention and a strength that I admire and hope to replicate maybe a small amount in my work and life.

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My work originally began with just my photographs, and has since evolved to be about found things and the stories they conjure up. My recent work has been quite colourful and led by words and quotes, but I am currently experimenting with mixed media techniques and more subtle colours that are more related to the colours I absorb within the
landscape / seascape of Cornwall.

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I love being self employed and am grateful to be able to do so. You learn a lot about yourself working alone but also seeing people's response to what you have been making. I have learnt to be more self disciplined, resiliant and to trust my instincts more - all good lessons in life!

 
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At present I work mainly in glass, but it's nice to have a total change of materials and doodle on my sewing machine with thread.


Glass is such a wonderful material, that can be used in so many different ways. 

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I do love a challenge and like to work 'big' when I can, using the glass with lead came and cement.   I use the Tiffany method (copper foiled and solder) for my smaller framed pieces.   I also fuse and form glass. 

I like to add decoration to the glass pieces with wire, etching and paint.   I hand paint or print images with enamels, oxides and silver stain, in the traditional way and hopefully bring in a contemporary slant with my designs.
 

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My influences are many, from the glass skills and designs of Harry Clarke, the principles of Gaudi, Huntertwasser and their use of beautiful organic shapes, to the every day walks I have with the dogs along the coastal path. 

It never fails to produce a seed, the trouble is I cannot propagate them quick enough!

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My work seems to evolve as I find new ways to make a mark or an impression on the glass or fabric, or when I have old and new materials to recycle.  The crock jewellery range came from finding pieces of china in the garden, while digging
and not being able to throw them away - every one a jewel!

 
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I make jewellery that is inspired by books, poetry and music, and also lampshades with old maps and music paper. I enjoy using vintage and reclaimed materials that would otherwise be discarded, finding value and beauty in rescued treasures.

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My favourite book of all time is 'The Secret Garden', and I often use text from that book in my pieces. "The Magic is in me ... it's in every one of us ..." is a wonderful inspiration.

Words, written as well as spoken, are sound energy and carry meaning beyond the immediate word. For me, using text, poetry and music in my work adds to the heart and soul of each piece.

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This is one of my favourite pieces, created with text from an Emily Bronte poem, a reclaimed buckle and a little gold heart. 

I'm also very proud of the bracelet that I designed to raise money for my sister's charity in Canada, 'Spectrum Society Supporting Mothers'.

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This 'Home Sweet Eco Home' lampshade is made with old sheet music paper. I collect falling apart music books and give the paper a new lease of life.

The first one I made was for my daughter for her Reiki practice. The music included lyrics and she says that as the light shines through, the energy of the words is carried out into the room.

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The best thing about what I do is when the person who buys my work has a personal response and an emotional connection to a particular piece.


It's wonderful to hear the story behind someone's decision to buy something, or to get a special commission to create something unique and meaningful.