I haven’t written a blog post for a while. I’ve not had an easy time recently. My partner of 15yrs walked out on our relationship a few weeks ago. I didn’t see it coming which broke my heart and put my life on hold. But I’m back and determined to live my life to the full. As the Boz Scaggs song, I’ll Be Long Gone, says ‘I’m gonna get up and make my life shine’.
Whilst in London visiting Origin I Had time to go to the Power of Making exhibition at the V&A. I’m so glad I had the time to go as it is a brilliant exhibition. Curated by the V&A and the Crafts Council the exhibition celebrates the role of making in our lives. Every exhibit was fascinating and thought provoking.
At the entrance to the exhibition was an amazing sculpture called Silver Streak by David Mach. A gorilla made entirely out of wire coat hangers. I took a photo of this piece but no photos were allowed once inside the exhibition.
Inside the exhibition the pieces were arranged in groups that shared certain attributes. Some by technique, appearance or the makers motivation.
I was pleased to see Dalton Ghetti’s pencil sculptures in the flesh as I have seen lots of pictures of them on blogs. He must have the patience of a saint.
Another great piece was Shauna Richardson’s crochetdermy bear.
There is so much to see and think about that I can’t mention it all. That would also spoil the exhibition for you if you visit. It is a must see and runs until 2nd January 2012. Admission is free.
Outside the V&A was the Timber Wave installation by Amanda Levete Architects. Made from American red oak and standing three storeys high it is stunning.
On Thursday I went to London to visit the Origin Craft Fair. I have visited Origin for the past few years and there was some great work at the show this year. Origin runs until the 28th September and is well worth a visit.
Here are a few of my favourite Origin makers.
I love Sarah’s work. Inspired by her books, film and her surroundings in Northumberland she creates work in paper and textiles. All her work is hand cut using a scalpel. I really wanted to take a photo of her stand but it was so busy I didn’t manage it.
Another maker whose work I love is Jennifer Collier. Her camera and typewriter are incredible.
Esther creates upcycled ceramics and interior products using hand drawn illustrations. I particularly like the vintage ceramics illustrated with modernist buildings.
Gilly’s work seems to get bolder and chunkier each year. She creates contemporary pieces of jewellery that combine silver, gold plate, knitting and hand dyed elastic.
I saw Lisa’s work at Origin last year but this year I liked her work even more. She encloses minature figures in glass fronted boxes to make each piece a mini universe.
Have you visited Origin yet? What did you think about this years makers?
I’ve just come back from spending my 40th birthday with my partner Matt in Berlin. It was the best birthday I’ve ever had. We stayed at the Nhow hotel which I highly recommend. It’s a fabulous hotel on the banks of the River Spree and in a great location.
e were lucky enough to be upgraded to a larger room in the top section of the hotel. On my birthday the hotel left chocolate, cake and drinks in my room.
Berlin is a fantastic city and is now my favourite city. It has a laid back, creative vibe with great street art all over the city. Outside our hotel were pieces of the Berlin wall which had been painted by different artists.
All over the city there are whole buildings covered in paintings. This painting was made up of hundreds of bodies.
A painted alley in Mitte.
On my birthday we went for a drink in the TV Tower. The views over Berlin were stunning.
I also had my first experience of Currywurst. A sausage with curry sauce which sounds wrong but is lovely. Washed down with a Becks Lemon which is sort of like shandy. Classy!
That night we went to watch Steve Craddock at the Comet Club in Kreutzberg. It was a great little venue and a really good gig. He was supported by Andy Crofts of The Moons. The barmaid insisted on giving me Jaegermeister for my birthday which livened up the night. After the gig we were introduced to the band and went backstage for a drink. What a good birthday.
On Friday I visited Harry Lehmann’s perfume shop. Founded in 1926 you can choose a perfume or mix of perfumes from the large bottles in the shop. I chose Tulpe which is lovely and only 29 euros for 50ml of Eau De Parfum.
The Ramones museum is also worth a visit.
This wall was full of photos of the bands who had visited the museum including Blondie and David Byrne amongst others. It also had a nice bar area.
Berlin is packed with independant boutiques and vintage shops especially in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg. I also really liked Kreutzberg for the bars and nightlife.
I loved Berlin. If you haven’t been you should go, it’s ace. Definitely a birthday to remember. 
…Reddskinbags. A corsage of your choice is on the way to you.
Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway and subsribed to my blog. The winner was picked from my 70s ice bucket by my partner Matt.
I love Strictly Come Dancing. It’s the highlight of my television year. I love the dancing, the sequins and the fact that it’s good old fashioned entertainment. I watched the launch show tonight and my money is on Jason Donovan purely because of his dance performance in the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds video for the song Fifteen Feet Of Pure White Snow. Watch it below. You won’t be disappointed!
I had a great day out today with my friends Helen and Chloe. We decided to go to Southport to rummage in the charity shops. First stop was the Westminster Tea Rooms on Lord St. It was like stepping back in time with waitresses in black & white uniforms and tea served in a teapot with a strainer. I opted for the full breakfast and it was the best one I’ve had in a long time.
Fed and waterered we set off to find charity shops and saw this couple walking along Lord St. 
We asked them if we could take their photo as they looked so stylish. They told us they were 78 and 75 years old and still enjoyed skiing in St Moritz. The lady was wearing an amazing pair of green 70s sunglasses. For more stylish older people check out one of my favourite blogs Advanced Style.
Back on our charity shop mission I found this lovely 70s jug and a set of four Staffordshire soup bowls. I love 70s ceramic designs.
Then as we were at the seaside we thought we would have a stroll along the front and were enticed into an arcade with the promise of a 30p brew. It was a world away from the earlier ambiance of the tea rooms and the brew was rubbish.
We did have a go on the 2p falls and won two fried egg keyrings, a small wolf and some sweets.
And after all that excitement who can resist the Hall Of Mirrors.
What an ace day out.
