Almost Christmas

After a very busy day in Glasgow yesterday (Goodbye Borders Buchannan Street) I have been snowed in! So to keep myself busy I have taken lots of nice wintery photos (mostly of my parent's cat, Alfie) as well as changing my blog layout.

I've added a new item to my shop...but am also currently plotting for 2010! Will hopefully have some news soon that may interest Dundee artists and makers!

Also, stumbled upon an article about an exhibition I showed work at back in September: http://www.publicartscotland.com/reflections/36

So until then, Merry Christmas!

A Very Good Wednesday

Just thought I'd take the time to write a little bit about Handmade Heaven2 this Wednesday. Firstly I'd like to say "cheers" to Michelle Souter for organising the whole thing, and all of the lovely folks who came along for a peek...not forgeting those who bought some of my things- I hope NikkiMade makes your gift-giving great this Christmas!

One of my favourite stalls on Wednesday was that of Designer and Dressmaker, Paleface (aka Catherine Barthram). The Paleface range includes dresses, vests, skirts, jackets bags, corsages and capes (my personal fave!) and featured reclaimed and reworked fabrics. Not only was the choice and combinations of texture and colour beautiful- but each piece was made to a very high standard. As well as this- each piece (considering how much work and skill had obviously gone into them) was very reasonably priced. To see more Paleface, or to buy your own- have a look at her website: http://www.palefacemakes.co.uk/. I recommend you do!

The next Handmade Heaven fair will hopefully take place in early 2010...more details to come soon!

Handmade Heaven Part2

I am lucky enough to be participating the the second Handmade Heaven event at Abertay's Hannah Maclure Centre in Dundee. The first event was really good fun, and I've decided to come back with a bigger, better selection of handmade goodies for you all to fill your stockings with this Christmas!

It's this Wednesday the 16th of December, between 12noon and 6pm, so if you're in the area get yourself down for some great one-off pressies. I'll be selling badges (big and small!) earrings, christmas cards and wrapping paper sets.

You can RSVP at the Handmade Heaven Part 2 Facebook Event.

See you there!

Successful CrEATions

After a really busy fortnight, I've decided to post a thourough update! Last night the crEATe Cake expo was a sweet success! We had a really fab turn-out, as well as some amazing edible sculptures. Thank you to Laura at Exhibitions and the OverwhelmingFilm Night guys for all of your organisational help! (Work above by Mahala LeMay)

The lucky winners of crEATe 2009 are as follows:

Hilary Grant, a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design won First Prize, with her Weetabix Berlin Wall entitled, Looking For Freedom, a witty tribute to David Hasslehoff's involvement in its crumble (pardon the pun!)

Second Prize went to Duncan of Jordanstone Students- Rose Hendry, Ailidh MacGregor and Katie Mason, with their sugar-laden, "It's Not a Cake"

Janet McAughtrie stole Third Place with her Luscious Lemon Cake, complete with Lemon protesters and pastry placards.

Thank you also to our Panel of Judges: Gillian from Dundee's Parlour Cafe; DOJCAD Gallery-Textiles graduate Mahala Lemay, and DOJCAD student and member of the OverwhelmingFilm night, Neil Ogg.

For more photos and to keep up to date with future crEATe Cake Expo's visit the crEATe Blog.

Time For a Quick Update

Ok, just a few things to mention: The first is the coming of my Cake Expo, crEATe at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, this Thursday the 10th of December. For more info and ENTRY FORMS click here. Also have been organising my work Christmas Party as well as a few other things in the pipeline (all will be revealed next week) so it's going to be a very busy festive season.

Also, have a couple of new badges available to buy in my Folksy shop if anybody fancies a nosy.

Seasons greetings!

Chilli Chocolate Cupcakes

Monday's are trying at the best of times, but after a crazy-busy weekend, the only thing that could possible help was a batch of Chilli Chocolate Cupcakes. Seeing as it would be unfair to keep such a delight to myself- I've decided to share my recipe.

You need:
4oz Self Raising Flour
1oz Cocoa Powder
1tsp Baking Powder
3oz Caster Sugar
2 Eggs
3oz Stork (or marg)
A dash of Orange squash concentrate

Icing:
30z Icing Sugar
1oz Cocoa
1tsp Chilli Powder
2oz Stork

They're dead easy- Just combine all of the dry cake ingredients, then add the eggs, butter and orange. Spoon the mix into cake cases and bake in a preheated oven at 200 DegreesC for 18 minutes.

Once they're cooled mix up the icing and top. Et Voila! Just try not to eat them all at once. You can even use the recipe for your crEATe cake entry!