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.
Saturday, 20 October 2012
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
Saturday, 8 September 2012
BBC Antiques Roadshow - I stumped the expert
I recently went to the filming of the BBC Antiques Roadshow and took along 3 antique dolls that I've picked up along the way over the past few years as you do. Now let me explain, I do not collect dolls and what I know about them you could write on the back of a postage stamp. I find many dolls too cute for their own good, some are way overdressed and fancy and some are just damn scary. My main attraction to these 3 dolls were that they were somewhat chipped and broken. (Actually quite a bit chipped and broken in places)
Anyway, I was curious to learn more about them so hence my trip to AR.
Now I've watched AR for many years and if I'm ever going to fall in love with anything on the show then its usually being reviewed by Hilary Kay, so imagine my delight when I managed to see Hilary with my dolls. (There were 5 - 6 experts dealing with the 'miscellaneous' category so it really was pot luck as to who you got to see).
The first doll I showed Hilary was the one in best condition and one that I thought was made by Deans. Hilary confirmed that she is a Dean's Rag doll from around 1930.
My next doll, which is the scary one, was a Trego doll made in USA. Now I only know that she is a Trego doll as the name is on her back and I have managed to find out that this company were based in New York but only made dolls for about 4 years. They do not feature in any doll book that I have seen and Hilary could not find any reference to this company in her books either. Hilary was able to give me details of another American Doll Book which is considered to be 'the doll bible', so hopefully I can track her down a bit more at a future date. Hilary thinks she was made around 1910 and gave me advice on how to have her eyes reset as they have sort of sunken into her head. But you know what, I sort of like them that way as she has a wonderful haunted look.
And finally, my third doll, this time a little boy. Hilary was impressed with this doll's smashed head, which had been carefully glued back together again and joined up at the rear with a hand painted plaster of paris type material. Hilary was unable to identify the maker of this doll but thought that he was European and made around 1940. I wouldn't normally subject any doll to being stripped and having their bare bits displayed for all to see but undressing this doll, does provide an interesting sight as he has been constructed using a mish mash of hard parts and a painted material body. All very odd. No wonder someone made him a nice knitted bodysuit, material dungarees and a cardigan.
Hilary felt that she had not been much help to me as she had not been able to tell me much about 2 of the dolls that I had taken to her, but I don't mind really. It all adds to their mystique. Like they have a secret history that only they will reveal when they choose to.
As to value, well I knew that in their condition they would not be worth anything much and I was right. I will not be retiring anytime soon.
Sadly, these little treasures were not picked for broadcasting on the show, so I thought I'd share them with you.
Anyway, I was curious to learn more about them so hence my trip to AR.
Now I've watched AR for many years and if I'm ever going to fall in love with anything on the show then its usually being reviewed by Hilary Kay, so imagine my delight when I managed to see Hilary with my dolls. (There were 5 - 6 experts dealing with the 'miscellaneous' category so it really was pot luck as to who you got to see).
The first doll I showed Hilary was the one in best condition and one that I thought was made by Deans. Hilary confirmed that she is a Dean's Rag doll from around 1930.
My next doll, which is the scary one, was a Trego doll made in USA. Now I only know that she is a Trego doll as the name is on her back and I have managed to find out that this company were based in New York but only made dolls for about 4 years. They do not feature in any doll book that I have seen and Hilary could not find any reference to this company in her books either. Hilary was able to give me details of another American Doll Book which is considered to be 'the doll bible', so hopefully I can track her down a bit more at a future date. Hilary thinks she was made around 1910 and gave me advice on how to have her eyes reset as they have sort of sunken into her head. But you know what, I sort of like them that way as she has a wonderful haunted look.
And finally, my third doll, this time a little boy. Hilary was impressed with this doll's smashed head, which had been carefully glued back together again and joined up at the rear with a hand painted plaster of paris type material. Hilary was unable to identify the maker of this doll but thought that he was European and made around 1940. I wouldn't normally subject any doll to being stripped and having their bare bits displayed for all to see but undressing this doll, does provide an interesting sight as he has been constructed using a mish mash of hard parts and a painted material body. All very odd. No wonder someone made him a nice knitted bodysuit, material dungarees and a cardigan.
Hilary felt that she had not been much help to me as she had not been able to tell me much about 2 of the dolls that I had taken to her, but I don't mind really. It all adds to their mystique. Like they have a secret history that only they will reveal when they choose to.
As to value, well I knew that in their condition they would not be worth anything much and I was right. I will not be retiring anytime soon.
Sadly, these little treasures were not picked for broadcasting on the show, so I thought I'd share them with you.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Once upon a time there were three bears..............
So there we were in Sussex after a weekend filming with the BBC for a new TV Show Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution (due to air sometime in October) and we decided to have a night away in nearby Arundel.
It was late afternoon and we decided to call into an Antique and Collector's Fair. The Fair was due to close in just over an hour, but our passion is rummaging through antiques and collectables and we thought we'd have a quick look.
Imagine my surprise when I found these 3 bears still sitting there waiting for new homes. As it was the end of the day, the guy selling them really just wanted to go home and therefore I managed to get these little fellas for a good price, especially as they all had very wet bottoms where they had sat on damp grass since early morning.
All three of them need some TLC as they have been well loved and have various ailments to their limbs and heads, without even mentioning partial blindness.
Anyway I love them and they have now found a good loving home where they can recuperate.
It was late afternoon and we decided to call into an Antique and Collector's Fair. The Fair was due to close in just over an hour, but our passion is rummaging through antiques and collectables and we thought we'd have a quick look.
Imagine my surprise when I found these 3 bears still sitting there waiting for new homes. As it was the end of the day, the guy selling them really just wanted to go home and therefore I managed to get these little fellas for a good price, especially as they all had very wet bottoms where they had sat on damp grass since early morning.
All three of them need some TLC as they have been well loved and have various ailments to their limbs and heads, without even mentioning partial blindness.
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