Lorrie Whittington

Illustrator - Designer - Maker

Ceramics Course – Week 6 & 7

So, last week (week 6) we created pots using a ‘former’ and a process where we rolled up balls of clay, lined the former and then pressed them down to compact together so that the outside of the pot would be textured/patterned. I made a couple of pots. One very basic and small (which apparently did survive), and the other slightly bigger and more adventurous (which didn’t). However, it transpires I did not press the clay down enough, and so was not joined properly, and as you can see in the picture, the clay pulled apart in the drying process.

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Inspired: London, A guide to handmade in London

Readers of a new book, Inspired: London, A guide to handmade in London, will get an exclusive insight into over 150 handpicked designers, such as an embroidery designer who helped create Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, to a designer who created bespoke and exclusive cushions for Harrods and Selfridges.

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UK Handmade Autumn Issue 2012

Autumn Issue 2012

Today sees the release of the fabulous Autumn issue of UK Handmade 2012. Arguably one of the best so far, and packed to the seams (no pun intended) with amazing articles, features, interviews, tutorials, recipes, business advice and much more.  UK Handmade featuring the best of UK designers, artists and artisans has been going since 2008,  and has generated a huge following, putting itself at the front of the UK handmade movement. On August 10th to support and promote the Buy Handmade Campaign, UK Handmade is launching an awesome COMPETITION where two lucky winners can win themselves £150 worth of handmade bespoke designer jewellery. But, sadly this will be the last issue for former Editor and talented jewellery maker Anna Stassen, as she and her hubby are leaving the UK to live in Australia. Anna has been with UK Handmade since it’s inception four years ago.  Her contribution to UK Handmade has been invaluable as Editor and Director. Her drive, enthusiasm and vision has been instrumental in making UK Handmade the success it is today. Read the article about Anna and what she has done for UK Handmade here. The talented designer/maker and deputy Editor Bebe Bradley is taking over as Editor full time.  Bebe has also been with UK Handmade since it began, and has been responsible for many of the magazine’s fantastic lifestyle articles and lovely photography. Her contribution has also helped to shape the look and identity of UK Handmade. So, I wish Anna a fond farewell in her new adventures, and welcome Bebe as Editor. Do enjoy the magazine, and don’t forget to check out that COMPETITION.

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Featuring Artists and Creatives

For quite a while now as you all know, I have been doing my Artists Feature Friday blog post, and basically just posting nice images of other artists work from my Flickr list. That’s all very well, but leaves me rather dissatisfied. I have come to the conclusion that there is too little support for emerging artists, and those who do not have a ‘name’.  There are some great art & design mags out there, but very few that feature artists that are not already established and/or commercially successful. Now, I get it. They need to make a buck, and that’s fine, but is an unsatisfactory state of affairs. It also smacks somewhat of elitism and snobbery, of which the art world is rife as it is. So, I have decided to start featuring artists, designers, photographers etc, that will include an interview and selection of work.

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Stop Press: UK Handmade Autumn Issue 2011

Autumn Issue 2011

“This bumper Autumn issue, we celebrate traditional and heritage crafts. In exclusive interviews, we talk to the artisans doing their part in keeping these skills alive: Potters, Embroiderers, Weavers, Knitters, Quilt-makers, Wood Engravers, Trug makers, Feltmakers and Spinners. We take a look at some traditional crafts such as Harris Tweed, which are making a well deserved come back and look at others that are struggling to survive. There’s a raft of simple tutorials including weaving, quilting and embossing, as well as advice on how to get started in traditional crafts and much more. So why not join us in appreciating all things traditional and keep these much loved crafts and skills alive for future generations. Enjoy! Anna Stassen, Editor”Axx Anna Stassen Editor UK Handmade magazine  · blog · twitter · facebook

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Creative + Passionate + Inspired

Lorrie Whittington is an illustrator, designer-maker, free spirit, chocolate eating geek, living in the heart of the Sussex countryside on the south coast of Britain. She draws, paints, reads a lot, makes things with clay, likes scf-fi and hangs out with her daughter.