In my spare time, I like to cook. I don't get much of a chance these days, and I am trying to be good, but I do love a good cake or biscuit. Being gluten free makes this a little harder, and finding recipes that work can sometimes be a bit tricky. But here's a recipe I created recently that was so easy and tasted great!
Little Lemony biscuity treats...
200g Butter 100g Caster Sugar 1 Egg yolk 1 Tablespoon of Milk Grated rind of a lemon 200 g Rice flour 75 g Ground Almonds
Method: Throw all the ingredients into the food processor and whiz.
Then, using a teaspoon, measure out a good spoon full and roll into balls. Place on baking trays lined with parchment paper and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Pop into a preheated 180 C oven and bake for about 15 mins, or until golden. Remove and leave to cool on the paper.
Summer Collection 2010 has now landed at Roost Living. New too Roost Living: Beautiful intricately cut 100% wool felt rug, made using environmentally friendly dyes by Selina Rose.
Stunning porcelain hand thrown tableware with a hint of colour inside, by Linda Bloomfield, now available online.
In between getting everything ready for the new website and relaunch, and looking after a baby, I've still somehow managed to find the time to be a bit creative too.
My most recent crochet project was a small clutch for my friend and wonderful silversmith, Anna Varendorff. My mum bought a sewing machine for me for Christmas (not sure what she was trying to say) - I hadn't sewn since high school! But after a quick night course at The Make Lounge I'm getting back into the swing of it. I whipped up this change bag and mat for Milly in a jiffy the other evening.
Yesterday, I skipped a few hours of work, left Milly at home, and indulged in the Quilt exhibition at the V&A.
I have always found quilting intriguing - the pattern and the intricacy of the craft. I've been meaning to start my own project for a while (I have delicious Liberty print jelly rolls waiting to be made) and needed inspiration....that's my excuse anyway.
The exhibition was busy, and one couldn't really enjoy it whilst being elbowed out of the way by women desperate for a peak at very small information cards by each quilt. The shop, however was a joy. A couple of purchases later and we were off to see the new ceramics wing. And, after my fourth book purchase on how to, it's time to get quilting.
Of all the wonderful quilts on display, my favourite was itself unfinished. A very detailed quilt, tacking still in place, this way you could really see, know and understand the very makeup up of the quilt and it's structure.
Or perhaps it simply reminded me of my own many unfinished projects...
Well, it's been awhile...again. I find that with most of my time devoted to my baby, I just lack anything interesting to write about. My days are filled with changing nappies, going for walks and Rhyme Time...not a great substance for my Roost Living blog
This mum thing, although it has it's own rewards, don't get me wrong, can be a little monotonous. So, not meaning to bore you, here is a photo of my daughter, Milly May, now 7 months...
I had 2 New Years resolutions; to be more creative and to be more organised. So far I've failed on both accounts. But I'm going to try harder. My new mantra - must be more organised, must be more organised...
Roost Living designers are all so wonderfully passionate about their craft. It has been such a joy getting to know them.Being the nosey creature that I am, I love to delve in and really understand the inspiration behind their creations as well as getting to know a little about their day to day lives.
This week I spoke to ceramicist Fliff about her craft, her passions and how she started out.
When and why did you decide to be an artist?
I always enjoyed Art at school and my mother is a painter so it has been in my life one way or another as a way of living and being rather than a formalised decision.I did decide i suppose to try and make a living from ceramics after my first child was born 17 years ago.
What are you main creative influences?
I am inspired by textiles, found objects, cranes, towers, old cutlery. keys, anything tall and spindly, detail in the buildings of London, 17th century art......
What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?
I love the moment when I discover something completely new that excites me - a shape, a design, in the process of making something else. An unexpected moment usually born out of a mistake that may lead to a whole collection.
What is your workspace/studio like?
My studio is at home in a small room at the back of the house with plenty of light, a lock on the door and a CD player!
What is your greatest triumph so far?
I think that every time a piece comes out of the kiln and is close to my intention then that is a triumph. I have also completed some private commissions of which I am proud.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on new ideas for the end of this year and an installation based on my findings along the river Thames and Memory.
When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?
Don’t make work to please the tastes of others or follow to a current trend. Stay true to your own ideas.
What advice do you have for other artists/designers starting out?
As above! And try not to spend too much before you've sold anything!
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
By being well organised and willing to compromise.
What are you other passions?
My family, family history, old photos, archaeology, craft, vintage fabric, cushions, cycling, singing ,crisps
