After a lovely (though wet :P ) Yuletide holiday, the storms have finally abated...Though it has given me some time indoors to play with a new sketchbook. All those blank pages, just waiting to be filled...Very Exciting! :D

Just a bit of pen and ink fun on 160g paper. It was inspired by a picture I took while on a walk by the water. For some reason, when I look at those old mooring posts, all I can think of is colonies of water-loving dragons, catching their dinner... The Year of the Dragon may be coming to a close, but I'm sure he'll have many more to keep him company in my sketchbook in the months to come. ;) 

Here's a lovely piece I did for a friend. Walking sticks, canes and staffs are a particularely fun challenge as each one is completely unique to the individual receiving it...

Every detail is hand carved and pyrographed from the top of the staff to the natural, relaxed hand-hold-height  of the recipient. The 'grip' can be wrapped with leather, and inlaid details (such as semi-precious stones/metal etc.) are sometimes added. Laquered for durability, each one is a fully functional work of art, that I hope can be enjoyed for many years...

I've spent the week so far experimenting with silversmithing. The results were pretty good, if I do say so myself...

My first attempt was the one in the middle. A hammered, woven band in 925 silver. (a bit ambitious for a first go, but very fun) The second attempt resulted in the other two, simple, hammered bands, also in silver. (I was playing with textures.) I can definitely see a series of stacking rings, with stones, and other details coming... ;)

My third attempt was an experiment in hammered silver bangle-making. I'm planning on doing a series of these with birthstones...

The last couple of days have been pretty hectic (a good hectic, involving shiny bits and stones...) So, here's what I've been up to...

It's been a long while since I've gotten to play with silver, and I know there's a lot more to come! These hammered, 925 silver pieces were really fun to make, (though time-intensive) and I got some great ideas for larger pieces and pendants, so 'stay tuned'...

Some wonderful, 'warm' looking pieces...On the left: fresh water pearl and Baltic amber, with 925 silver. On the right: Baltic amber with rutilated quartz and 925 silver...

I fell in love with these natural, fresh water pearls when I saw them in my favourite shop, and just KNEW I had to make something with them. I can't wait to do more...

I love the 'classic' look of pearls, and the imperfections in these white, fresh water pearls  catch the light beautifully and really make them something special...

Today's installment...Some pyrographed bookmarks I'm making for gift ideas this Holiday Season. Two sets done so far, and each one unique. The designs were inspired by Celtic folklore, designs in the Book of Kells, and things I found online in free info sections...

The first set...Both are made of reclaimed wood, burned with a heat pencil, then laquered and strung with rough leather and metal beads. A very fun project that I'll be doing a lot more of.  Interesting note: As an added bonus, while working on them, you get that lovely, cozy, fireplace-smell, without all the chopping of wood and soot. ;)

The second set, soon to be followed by a third, and maybe a fourth...I'll post them here as I finish them, along with the boxes and other goodies I'm working on...

To get the ball rolling, here's what's currently on my drawingboard at the studio... http://www.hantverksbageriet.net/ A piece tentatively called 'Autumn', with plans to do one for each of the other three seasons as time allows...

I was inspired by the vibrant colours of the leaves on the trees and shrubs near my home, and couldn't resist trying to capture their variety. The number of animals, birds and insects seems to be growing, and they each seem to have their own story...

So far the media I've used are: mechanical pencil, Derwent Studio, coloured pencils and permanent ink. Below are closer views of the work in progress...

So...This is the beginning...

On this blog I'll be keeping everyone updated (as frequently as life allows ;) ) on my current creative projects, any upcoming events, and adding my own thoughts and ramblings.  I hope it'll be an enjoyable journey of discovery and creativity for all!

Warm greetings and welcome...

<3 Martha