On the Beach Mid-Winter



The beach in mid-winter



I have had an amazing day's beach-combing today.  I did intend to take my family along but the forecast was none too pretty so it was just me and the dog (Simla).  We pitched up at low tide and the pickings were good.  Great gnarly pieces of wood, some odd bits of sea-washed pine cones, the odd bit of distressed painted wood (from a hut or boat maybe), and a mass of pretty shells.  It wasn't busy on the beach but I met a keen photographer walking his rather rotund Labrador - he was there taking advantage of the inclement weather "...the best time of day and weather for the most dramatic pictures!".  I just had my camera-phone with me but I think I got some goodies.  Take a look and see for yourself!





Had to put this little fella back!



Beautiful Seaweed







The Shortest Day



Haw frost berries



So, here it is, the shortest day.  Dull, wet and dreary.  From tomorrow the days will be getting longer and Spring will soon be upon us.  We still await the worst of the weather though, and Christmas and the New Year celebrations are looming ever closer.  In the meantime, I have a number of workshops lined up to brighten up even the dullest day and bring a few Summer memories out for a good airing.  I plan to take the family down to the beach over the Christmas break for a big driftwood and shell gathering-session, so that I have plenty of material for the workshops.   Since I have to wash and scrub and dry the lot before it can be used, the next few weeks are going to be very busy.  I also need to build up some stock as I'm planning to attend a few fayres and fetes in 2012 where I hope to sell some of my products and perhaps do a bit of networking along the way.  It all seems a long way off but the reality is that the New Year is just days away - yikes!  I'd better get my skates on!!!



Website is now LIVE!

I am very excited to be able to announce that Driftwood and Debris have a brand spanking new website.  It's pretty basic but a great vehicle for me in my new venture and I hope to showcase (maybe even sell) some of my work on there, as well as using it as a communication tool for my workshops.  I already have a testimonial from Wylye Coyotes - our local after school/ holiday club - for which I am most grateful!  I hope to add a few more in the coming months...

Driftwood and Debris Website

I Know What I Like and I Like What I Know



Other-worldly Oyster shells



2012 is already shaping up to be a good year for Driftwood and Debris.  As well as running the workshops and taking on commissions I plan to attend a few craft and village fairs once the season gets underway.  I have to say I've been spurred on by Kirsty's TV series about all things crafty and handmade.  I'd love to have a go at them all, except perhaps the sewing - not my strong point, but I will stick with what I know I can do for now - making lovely things out of driftwood and shells.  It's something I am comfortable with and comfortable teaching others to do too.



My Village has Talent!



This one is sold!



Soooo, I have had a pretty good weekend.  I went to the local school Christmas Fayre yesterday and was amazed at the talent we have in our little Wiltshire village!  I don't know what it is (the water, the stunning countryside, the fresh air) but the creativity is astounding.  There is a lady who makes all sorts of lovely bits and pieces from tiny little stockings (for the tree) to great swathes of bunting and stuffed toys - all beautiful and each one unique.  Then there was a lady making jewellery - earrings, necklaces, bracelets, another had made fabulous jams and chutneys, cakes, plants - all sorts!  I was blown away and a little peeved that I wasn't 'in on the act' - since I only started just over a month ago I have nowhere near enough stock.  Next year will be different!

Deck the Halls - and bathrooms?

I know we are in the midst of Christmas preparations and celebrations (I am lucky enough to be attending 2 Nativity plays this year - and a pantomime!) but my mind is already focusing on 2012!  Naturally, mirrors are my mainstay and the stars are great for this time of year but, I am thinking of expanding my repertoire as we head into the New Year.  Perhaps hearts for Valentines (or anniversaries?), and maybe wreaths, clocks, or even abstract art (such as I have on my bathroom wall - see below).  The list is endless I guess.  Bathrooms are an obvious choice for driftwood art but why should it end there!

This bundle of driftwood decorates a wall of the bathroom

The wood is beautifully gnarly and twisted by nature