Saturday 20 October 2012

Dressing the house for halloween

Just waiting for the chimney sweep to arrive. Once he's been we'll be getting all our halloween and fall decorations out and dressing the house for the season.

I love this time of year when all the leaves are turning reds, oranges and purple and the shops are full of squashes and pumpkins and all the delights of the harvest season. I also love the fact that you can cosy up in front of a crackling fire in the evenings. It's still a bit too warm here for a log fire, but it won't be long before the cold nights begin to draw in.

Some Pumpkins and squashes from a recent trip to Pennsylvania



Wednesday 17 October 2012

BBC2 Handmade Revolution.....at last its aired

At last - I can talk and write about it as the show went on air on BBC2 at 3.45pm this afternoon.

Firstly, I must say a big thank you to Paul Martin and the judges at the show, especially Mary Jane for making me feel so at ease when being interviewed, you don't realise just how nerve racking it is being interviewed for TV, especially when the Amberley Museum train goes past and toots to say hello and you have to repeat bits to be recorded again.

The crew worked very hard and you can probably tell from my interview that we laughed a lot. Knowing what went into the filming and recording, they have done a wonderful job to make the programme look smooth and seamless.

I also must also say a big thank you to Jessamy and the team who kindly looked after us during the 2 days of filming and kept us fed and watered throughout the day.

Lastly, a big thank you to all the other talented crafters that Malcolm and I met at Amberley, many of whom we are still in contact with and, congratulations to Sue who won the show today. (I would also like to thank Sue for inviting me to join the Maidstone Visual Arts Network).

And now onto my primitive folk art elephant who was the real  TV star.

What can I say other than here is another photo of her. If you would like more information on my elephants or wish to see any of my other work, please don't hesitate to contact me at  ellen.johns@blueyonder.co.uk



Monday 15 October 2012

BBC2 Handmade Revolution

Oh no!

Only 2 more days to go until I appear on national TV with my little circus elephant.

Getting nervous now. Will I make a fool of myself? Did I babble on endlessly when asked a question? Will the judges dismiss my art form because its primitive?

I will just have to wait and see.


Sunday 14 October 2012

BBC2 Handmade Revolution - sneak preview

Well I promised you all a sneak preview of my primitive circus elephant this weekend and here she is.............


Not able to release any other information, other than she will be appearing on Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution at 3.45pm on BBC2 on Wednesday 17 October.

Handmade Revolution

Hi all

Are you following Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution on BBC2 (3.45pm each weekday).

I'm so proud of my husband Malcolm, who appeared with his handmade guitar on 11 October. Malcolm uses all sorts of materials for his guitars ranging from boxes to old Oxo tins and even car hub caps. It is truly amazing how a cast off bit of junk can be turned into a musical instrument.


Malcolm does not yet sell his guitars (but may do in the future) but he take great pleasure in teaching people this craft and is in the process of setting up a website.

If you want further information in the meantime contact me via email.

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Sneak preview of my primitive circus elephant coming soon

Hi Everyone

Hope you al all enjoying the BBC2 programme Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution.

My husband Malcolm will be appearing on the show at 3.45pm tomorrow with his handmade guitar (website to follow soon - so if you love his work - keep in touch and I'll let you have details).

At the weekend I will be posting a sneak preview on my blog of my primitive circus elephant which will be appearing in the show on Wednesday 17 October.

Please come back and take a peek.

P.s. Helen's paper flower bouquet was even more beautiful in 'real life'. See her work at francesandfrancis.com

Tuesday 9 October 2012

BBC 2 Handmade Revolution

Well its nearly time........

In the summer, along with one of my circus elephants I was filmed by the BBC for a new BBC2 production called Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution.

The series kicked off today at 3.45pm where you can see some wonderful crafts including a beautiful glass orchid, a copper sculpture of a horse, a rag rug, felt trolls and some intricate silver rings. My favourite was the copper sculpture as I feel that it really captured the movement of the horse. I would love to own it.  If you missed the show - get it on catch up TV.

There are more shows each day this week.

My elephant will be appearing on the show to be broadcast on 17 October. Not sure if I'm excited or scared to see just how much I babbled on when asked questions. I might hide behind a cushion when watching it!