My-Creative Diva Issue 2 by Creative Life Magazine

PHOTO CREDITS Dmitry Fisher© | Dreamstime.com

DIVINE TIME

It’s time to relax, read and review what’s in issue 2. Stay calm and cool this silly season with your free Christmas organizer on p93. Save time and shop online. CHECK OUT OUR BUMPER GIFT GALLERY!

PHOTO CREDIT REBEKKA IVACSON© | DREAMSTIME.COM

INSPIRING WOMEN, BUSINESS, BOOK REVIEWS…life, style and you…

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EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST

BEV HICKLIN

TURN PAGE FOR INTERVIEW

EDITOR’S SPECIAL GUEST Beverley Hicklin has always been creative and textiles have figured heavily throughout her life from needlework at school through to today when she designs and weaves her own textiles. She is a graduate of Winchester School of Art where she studied textile design as a mature student. On graduating in 2003 Beverley worked as a freelance designer selling her designs to fashion houses, including Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and GAP. Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion & Textile Museum was an early stockist of Beverley’s scarves.

BEVERLEY HICKLIN – TEXTILE DIVA

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What do you think is one of the most important values of a Creative Diva? Everyone’s unique of course but I think an inquiring mind will always keep you moving forward and interesting, not only as a designer but as a person too. Where do you gain inspiration from for your designs? Almost everywhere. Designer Paul Smith has a saying – “you can find inspiration in everything and if you can’t, look again.” I agree with him 100%. How is it that you became a weaver and how do you describe your style of work? I was actually working as a textile print designer when I decided to go to university and get my degree. Convinced printed textiles would be my speciality, I was astounded to find that the first day I worked on a loom I was smitten. My style is luxurious and colourful – sometimes subtle and simple, other times in your face and bright but I hope, never dull. For anyone who may be new to your craft, how can they learn some of the skills involved? Weaving can be very basic or very complex so you definitely don’t need to have a complicated loom to weave. Second hand table looms are fairly easy to find for around £300-£500 and classes are available to get you started. Would you please share with us any information about organizations, galleries or new lines of work that you are involved with? I will soon be launching a brand new collection for the home which I am very excited about. Do you work from home or do you have a designated crafting space? What is your favourite tool? I work from home in my studio. My favourite tool, of course, is my loom which is an electronic dobby. I can design on the computer which allows me to plan warps and how the finished cloth will look before I commit to the time consuming process of threading the loom. Do you keep a crafting journal or portfolio of inspiration and ideas? Sketchbooks are very important tools when designing. Weaving is quite a mathematical and structured process in that you have to work out in advance how you will thread your loom to get the look you want. Planning is vital.. I also keep inspiring photographs, samples, yarns and anything that catches my eye as well as dye and weave sampling folders of my experiments. What is the most distinctive aspect of your work that sets it apart from other styles of hand woven collectables? My use of colour I would say. I frequently use many colours in not only my weft yarns but also my warp to build a palette from the ground up. Hand dying my colours is another important aspect of my work. If you could share a meal with anyone in the world, what would you eat and who would you dine with? I’d be eating fresh fish overlooking the ocean with a chilled glass of Chablis and my husband. If he wasn’t available I’d invite Kevin Spacey (but don’t tell my husband!)

CONVINCED PRINTED TEXTILES WOULD BE MY SPECIALITY, I WAS ASTOUNDED TO FIND THAT THE FIRST DAY I WORKED ON A LOOM I WAS SMITTEN!

SPECIAL SUBSCRIBERS OFFER! 10% discount off on your first order. Visit Beverley’s website and insert code: MCD-0110 W www.hattierae.com 13

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THE FARM COMES FIRST, BUT THE ART FIRES MY IMAGINATION.

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SOME OF MY PROJECTS!

If you would like to ask Maggie for advice on your fashion projects, please drop her a line at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk

WELSH SEA 21

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PHOTO CREDITS MAGGIE JONES

Isabella Blow by Martina Rink £29.95 Published by Thames & Hudson ISBN 978-0-500-51535-8

This month’s inspirational diva comes in the shape of the late Isabella Blow. She is a character that has fascinated me for a long time; a true fashion icon, instantly recognisable with her bold Philip Treacy headwear and trademark red lips. Blow is widely recognised for discovering and nurturing up and coming talents such as Treacy, Alexander McQueen and models Sophie Dahl and Stella Tennant. But this 192-page book reveals so much more, in a selection of touching letters from friends, colleagues and former acquaintances. Contributions come from Mario Testino, Manolo Blahnik,Victoria Beckham and Boy George to name but a few. Isabella lived her life in her own uniquely glamorous way. My favourite recollection in the book is probably that of US Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour, who revealed that Blow cleaned her desk each night with a bottle of Perrier water and Chanel No. 5. This is a fantastic insight into a much loved and talented women with a mischievous sense of humour, whose achievements were not always recognised when she was alive. I can safely say that once I picked the book up I barely put it down until I had finished! This is an enjoyable read about a truly inspiring diva.

Photograph your own Art and Craft by Sussie Ahlburg, £16.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-3102-2

The chances are that, whatever your craft, at some point you will need to photograph your work. This could be for anything from fliers and promotional material to product shots for your website or for a magazine. This is often a problem, as even the most talented artists are not necessarily experienced photographers, and their images don’t do their work justice. Photographing Your Art and Craft offers practical advice on photographing your work starting from the very beginning with useful facts such as what resolution is required for magazine publications. Early chapters cover the technicalities of using your camera, before moving on to topics such as light, composition, backgrounds, working with models and lots more. Although it contains a lot of very useful information, it is not the most visually appealing book, partially due to what can only be described as an unnecessarily large font! But the information is sound and if you need any pointers when photographing your work this guide will prove very useful.

Haircare by Alexandra Friend and Sheridan Ward, £12.99 Published by A&C Black ISBN 978-1-4081-2994-4

I’ll bet that there are a fair few of you who, like me, can never quite recreate the styles that you walk out of the hairdressers with. Curls that won’t hold, up-dos that won’t stay up… sound familiar? Then this book is for you! Starting with a list of the materials you need and the essential techniques to learn, and taking you right the way through to creating a variety of styles and even colouring. This guide will give you the confidence to style your hair at home. Each technique or style is explained in simple steps, accompanied by clear photographs that make it really easy to follow. Co-author and successful hair dresser, Sheridan Ward, scatters ‘Pro Tips’ throughout the book, which will give you plenty of ideas to get the most out of your hair and achieve professional results. Achieving the perfect blow dry, straightening, curling, back-brushing, plaiting, up-dos – there’s something for everyone. So get stuck in and banish the bad hair days!

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WHAT’S ON AT THE V&A IN OCTOBER 2012

BALLGOWNS British Glamour Since 1950

A spectacular exhibition of more than 60 ballgowns from 1950 to the present day will go on display at the V&A next May. Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 will be the first exhibition in the newly renovated V&A Fashion Galleries and will feature beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening gowns and catwalk showstoppers. PHOTO CREDIT Title Atsuko Kudo, worn by Georgia Frost with dresses by Hardy Amies and Worth of London, Date: 2011, Credit line: Carlos Jimenez,V&A Images, Special terms: Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 PHOTO CREDIT Title: Erdem, Artist: Erdem, Date: A.W 2008, Credit line: David Hughes, Special terms: Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950

FOR YOUR DIARY! OCTOBER HALF TERM Throughout half term the Museum will offer a family programme inspired by the exhibition Hollywood Costume.Visit the website for more information.

DISPLAY – LAST CHANCE TO SEE! MASCOTS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES – 19 MAY-28 OCTOBER 2012 Since Waldi the Dachshund appeared at Munichin 1972, each Olympic Games has been represented by an official mascot. This display showcases over 50 mascots from the last 44 years of summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, including this year’s mascots Wenlock and Mandeville. These creatures illustrate the identity of the host city whilst incorporating the Olympic Games brand and the traditional spirit of the event. Some countries use national symbols, such as Sam the all-American eagle used for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984. Others have drawn on myth and legend, such as Athena and Phevos used in Athens in 2004. Free.

GENERAL INFORMATION • • • • •

Fee for admission to Ballgown Exhibition. The V&A is open daily 10.00 – 17.45 and until 22.00 on Fridays. The nearest underground station is South Kensington (Piccadilly, District and Circle lines). For general information call 020 7942 2000 or visit www.vam.ac.uk. For advance bookings for activities and events call 020 7942 2211 or visit www.vam.ac.uk.

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TIPS + TECHNIQUES

LAMPWORK TECHNIQUES I’ve selected a variety of different beads all with one thing in common – dots. Learning to accurately place dots, vary the size of dots and manipulate the dots with tools, creates a massive amount of bead designs. You will notice that the beads in the following images all look very different, but the techniques used are strikingly similar.

BEAD 1

Citrus flowers - is a focal bead made up of several layers of glass. I chose a vivid yellow, orange and lime green for this bead. Firstly, I made a tiny lime green bead which I rolled in pixie dust and heated gently. This was then encased in clear glass before adding a stem design. After further encasing, I placed dots in a triangular pattern, heated them and cut into them with a razor tool to create a raised flower design.

BEAD 2

Strawberry blossoms - is simple to make yet stunning to look at. These beads take a little patience to make well. The dot placement and size is very important for the finished look. Nobody wants uneven flowers!! I have evenly spaced equal sized raised dots around the rim of a small white bead before heating each dot individually and squishing it with a pair of smooth tweezers before adding the smaller yellow dots and leaving them rounded.

BEAD 3

A bunch of grapes - the difficult part making these beads was the trial and error to find the right colours of glass. I eventually chose a deep purple but sprinkled the finished beads with blue enamel and etched them once they were complete for a realistic look. I started with a cone of clear glass and overlaid it with my chosen purple. I then placed dots starting at the narrow end of the cone and working up, increasing the size of the dots as I went.

BEAD 4

Paper style – this bead was a challenge from my beading group. We were given an image which I downloaded and printed out so I could take it to the torch with me. Starting with a chocolate brown lentil bead, I added dots in decreasing circles towards the centre, melting each layer flat as I went. The middle layers I left raised and twisted the dots to form a floral centre. I really like the effect I got with this one.

BEAD 5

Tye dye pendant – not a bead this time but a cabochon. I chose this one to demonstrate how some colours react with others when lampworking.The lines are reactions in the glass caused by using the turquoise and purple colours I chose. I have layered dots on top of dots and melted them flat.The colours have spread and created the lines you see. Once finished, I glued my cabochon onto a clock face pendant for two different looks out of one piece.

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RESOURCES For glass I use www.tuffnellglass.com For supplies I use www.cooksongold.com and www.designedbygeorge.co.uk

CONTACT W www.silverartz.co.uk W www.etsy.com/shop/Glassmania E debbie@silverartz.co.uk

I MUCH PREFER LISTENING TO CRITICISM THAN PRAISE AS A WAY TO POTENTIALLY IMPROVE AND GET IDEAS.

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DIVINE COMPETITION

BEFORE

AFTER

Our fashion Diva Kira Withers-Jones experienced a make-over session at the

London studio!

Read about Kira’s experience in Issue 3 of My-Creative Diva magazine.

EXCLUSIVE READER COMPETITION! ENTER OUR MAKE-OVER COMPETITION • Email us at competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win this fabulous prize • Please advise us as to which studio would be the closest for you to visit • Include a return email and postal address The lucky winner will be announced in the November Issue 4 of My-Creative Diva magazine. We will publish your before and after photos once your make-over is complete. Go on, be a Right Diva and enter today! YOU could be on our front cover! Conditions of entry: Entrant must be 18 years or older. Proof of age identification will be required. No staff or family members of MCD staff are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to New<Id Studios for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva accept no responsibility for the distribution of this prize. The names of the winner will be published in issue 4 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include the following text with your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. The winner is responsible for all travel expenses to and from the New<Id Studios based in the UK.

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DIVA TRAVEL

RAGDALE HALL Welcome to AWARD WINNING Ragdale Hall

Multi award winning Ragdale Hall has won a steady stream of awards over the last ten years, many of which have been voted for by previous guests and readers of leading publications. We would like to offer readers of My-Creative Diva a very DIVINE pamper package! Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside. It combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. Whether you are looking for total relaxation me-time and pampering, or to kick-start to a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and spa breaks has something for everyone, so if you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a day out with girlfriends or some time-out with your nearest and dearest, Ragdale Hall really is the spa to visit.

MY-CREATIVE DIVA READER OFFER! 33% discount off our Nightly Tariff for two nights or more sharing a Superior Room valid until end of January 2013. Normal price £510 per person – with the offer £341.70 per person for a two night stay, Sunday to Thursday only. PACKAGE INCLUDES (PER PERSON) • Check in at 3pm to a Superior twin/double or triple room for two nights sharing. • TWO 40 minute treatments each (choose from a body massage, prescription facial, manicure, or moisturising lavender body treatment). • Full use of Spa facilities including Thermal Spa, all classes and gymnasium. • All meals included for your entire stay – breakfast in bed, lunch and three course dinners. CONTACT DETAILS To book call: 01664 433 000 and quote My-Creative Diva. For more information on Ragdale Hall go to www.ragdalehall.co.uk 46

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DIVA TRAVEL

ADVENTURE IN AUSTRALIA Explore the ancient wonders of Ngilgi Cave! Beneath the limestone ridge which forms Cape Naturaliste, lies Ngilgi Cave at Yallingup. Discovered in 1899, Ngilgi Cave (formerly known as Yallingup Cave) is one of Geographe Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most renowned tourist attractions. It is located in the Margaret River Wine Region, just off Caves Road, a short distance north of Yallingup. The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name. Explore the cave and experience stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations. Visit an interpretive area detailing Ngilgi Caveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting history. A cafe, playground, barbecue facilities and walk trails make Ngilgi Cave a fun place to visit for the entire family. For more information visit www.geographebay.com/tours/ngilgi-cave NEWS

Ngilgi Cave now has an artist in residence, come and visit Adam Stanley in the wellness room between 9.00am-4.00pm. Adam has been painting and surfing since the age of 6, following both passions, often traveling around the world and Australia in an endless search for the perfect wave to surf or to paint. AWARDS

2009 Western Australia Tourism Awards Bronze Medallist. PHOTO CREDITS SHARNA HOLBEN

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PHOTO CREDITS SARMARIE DESIGNS

s m

To view more of Sarmarie’s work, contact her at www.sarmarie.com.

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COMPETITION YOU COULD WIN A FABULOUS PACK OF ALMA WIN CLEANING PRODUCTS! HOW TO ENTER

• Email competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us what you love about natural cleaning products in 25 words or less • Attach this code ALMA WIN – MCD 2 • Add your name, address and email The lucky winners will be published in Issue 3 of MCD

Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No staff or family members of MCD staff are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwa contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include this text in your entry:

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beauty

tips + techniques

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DIVINE JEWELLERY Nicky Townsend reviews a stylish jewellery making kit by Bijoux Beads This is the first in a series of product reviews which will be featured in My-Creative Diva. Nicky Townsend will be testing some of the jewellery making kits currently available on the market and offering her expert opinion on them, including presentation, value for money and ease of use. In this issue Nicky reviews one of the many jewellery making kits available at Bijoux Beads. NICKY says…. My first impressions of this kit were excellent, the packaging is fantastic. It arrived in a printed cardboard gift box with the materials and instructions neatly packed inside. The knowledge required to complete this kit is basic so it is an excellent kit for beginners. The main skills required are creating turned loops to form charms and opening/closing jump rings. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I completed the bracelet in around 15 minutes and the only slight problem I faced was with fitting some of the thicker jump rings through the main connectors. The rings were too thick for the holes in the links. I worked around this by using a small round jeweller’s file to ream the hole slightly. I was really impressed with the packaging and would be more than happy to give it as a gift to a jewellery-making friend or family member. I would say the price is a little on the expensive side, however, the materials are good quality, the finished product is a beautiful bracelet and the excellent gift packaging adds to the value. If you’re looking for a DIY Christmas gift for a creative person then I would certainly recommend it! Summary  BEADS Details: ‘The Spice Trail’ designed by Dawn Small Where to Buy: www.bijouxbeads.co.uk Price: £14.80 plus postage Time to complete: Less than an hour Skill Level: Beginner First Impressions Presentation Usability Value for Money

   

RESOURCES All materials supplied by Bijoux Beads P 01225 482024 E Via contact form on website F 0560 310 1756 W www.bijouxbeads.co.uk

DESIGNER CONTACT DETAILS Nicky Townsend P 0843 2891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com

PHOTO CREDIT NICKY TOWNSEND 67

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excellent packaging!!

Entertaining Time for wine! A good wine deserves to be served in a nice glass and at the correct temperature. By Claire Wolfe When offering wine to your guests at a dinner party knowing a little about the wines you are serving always helps to break the ice when making conversation. To open a communication between people who may not have met before, offer them a taste of the wines that you intend to serve with the meal. Explain a little about each variety and ask them to discuss with each other, what they taste and smell as they swirl the glass to release the aromas. Not only will this engage the interest of your guests but it offers them the opportunity to decide which wine they would like to drink with their meal. When tasting wine, remember to always start with dry white wines before moving onto sweet wines. Red wine is tasted after the white varieties because the palate will not be as receptive to the delicate flavours and notes of white wines once red wine has been consumed. I am a massive fan of both Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Here are three wines that I have recently sampled. Below you may read what the wine makers say about them to tempt you into trying them, plus I’ve added a personal note on what I honestly thought of each.

Diamond Coast Reserve Shiraz Vintage: 2010 THEY SAY Namaqua Diamond Coast Reserve Shiraz is a soft, ripe, full red wine with juicy red berry flavours and a hint of spicy oak on the rich, warm palate. This wine is an ideal partner for grilled and roast meats, stews, barbecue and hard cheeses. CLAIR’S NOTE This wine is soft and mellow without being weak or insipid. Beautiful toffee like flavours are present and it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Roko Sauvignon Blanc Vintage: 2011 THEY SAY Roko Sauvignon Blanc is full of Citrus flavours such as lemon zest and grapefruit. They are mingled in with the tropical fruit flavours of mango and passion fruit. This is a delicious crisp and fresh Sauvignon Blanc. CLAIR’S NOTE A perfectly light but flavourful sauvignon, excellent nose and easy on the palate.

Moscatel Rosé Spanish Wine THEY SAY: Sparkling Moscatel Alcoholic Drink produced using the Charmat method. Moscatel grapes are fermented and stopped early to maintain the delicious sweetness, giving a delicate sparkle and light style. CLAIR’S NOTE: Light, sweet sparkling and fruity, not a usual choice for me, but quite pleasant all the same - perfect for a summers afternoon.

PHOTO CREDITS CLAIR WOLFE Peter Steger One For All White Wine Glass Set of 6 Company Wineware.co.uk W www.wineware.co.uk P 01903 786148 Zwilling J A Henckels Sommelier Set Company Touches of Class W www.touchesofclass.co.uk P 0191 520 4347 85

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SOLMATE RECYCLED VIRGIN COTTON SOCKS From Vermont USA a wonderful range of multicoloured socks , as the saying goes life is too short for matching socks up. Made from recycled virgin cotton left other from other garment manufacture and saved from landfill. 80% cotton , 19 nylon and 1% lyrca for durability. £12.95 Company Shoreline W www.shoreline.uk.com P 0844 6696 434

COCOON TERRA BIOETHANOL FIRE The fabulous Terra bio ethanol fire from Cocoon fires uses high quality liquid bio ethanol, which is exceptionally clean, safe & environmentally friendly and also provides plenty of cosy heat for up to six hours per 1.5 litre refill. £2580 Company Go Modern Furniture W www.gomodern.co.uk P 0207 7319 540

PAISLEY ROSE RECYCLED FOIL-LINED LUNCH BAG Recycled plastic paisley rose design insulated lunch bag/ cool bag with zip closure and carrying handles. £4.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146

IVORY INDOOR COMPOST BIN Ivory metal compost bin with rubber sealed lid to help keep in food smells and internal removeable plastic bucket for easy removal and cleaning. £19.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146

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