ensparkle ceramics

Finders Keepers starts today!

2011-05-20T09:01:00.000+10:00

It's been a whole year since my last FK and I am just a wee bit excited! Great designers selling their wares + live music + a bar...is there any better combination??

Please come and say hi if you are there - we are at stall B8 :-)

The finished articles

2011-02-24T21:54:00.002+11:00

I don't know if I am happier with how the prototypes turned out or with the pretty pictures my new camera helped me take of them!

Thanks for your kind comments on the 'before' pictures - I am glad I shared!

They are instore now :-)

Prototypes...

2011-02-17T14:41:00.000+11:00

Some new goodies headed for the kiln this weekend...I feel a bit nervous about sharing 'unfinished' pieces but being an inquisitive type myself (read nosey) I always appreciate a peek into other people's work spaces :-)

half baked

2011-02-01T20:21:00.000+11:00

My new porcelain earrings are almost ready...these tiny handmade discs are blissfully light and ever so slightly translucent. No two earrings are the same....making them a couple more than a pair which I kind of like...matching is so 2010 ;-) They will be in the shop later this month.

Lots more new things to come in 2011.....my brain keeps having little creative epiphanies. To be the first in the know then follow ensparkle on facebook - even better why not sign up to the newsletter too!

Keep cool!

On the road again....

2010-11-24T22:14:00.000+11:00

ensparkle is headed for Canberra this weekend...we would LOVE to see you there :-) The Hyatt is devine and Mathilda's market will be choc full of Christmas loveliness!

Get Christmas sorted!

2010-11-02T11:22:00.003+11:00

I LOVE the idea of doing all of my Christmas shopping under one roof! Hopefully I will manage to sneak away from my stand to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

Three fabulous days of gorgeous designer wares....will you be there?

ensparkle will be at Magnolia Square with lots of lovely new Christmas goodies - if you make it then please come and say hi :-)

Dear blogging friends....

2010-10-19T17:36:00.000+11:00

are you a friend on facebook too? We would love for you to join us

Tonight sees the launch of the ensparkle newsletter...lots and lots of you have signed up to receive this at markets over the past few months - thank you!

If you haven't subscribed yet you can do so here. We have a super dooper Christmas offer just for you lovely people ;-)

she's apples

2010-10-07T13:33:00.001+11:00

before

after

I love baking...perhaps more than baking I love the certainty of baking. Your creation may not turn out exactly like the recipe (my apples for example did not sink as promised) but you are pretty much guaranteed an edible outcome :-)

The kiln gods (very UNcertain creatures) have been a bit fickle of late and so my Christmas goodies are taking longer than planned to go into my shop....they ARE coming and next week should be the week.

If you fancy trying the apple cake above you can get the recipe here

If you like my fancy pants rounded corners and want your own try here ;-)

the process

2010-09-20T08:11:00.001+10:00

See - 3 post in 2 days!

I thought I would share some photo's of my work in progress.

Clay is an unpredictable medium and all of my pieces have at least 2 firings - meaning the kiln gods get at least 2 shots at ruining my hard work! Last week I spent an evening playing around with some new Christmas decoration & wedding designs. Here they have just had their first (bisque) firing...I will post photo's when they are complete :-)

I almost forgot

2010-09-19T20:43:00.000+10:00

If you are not a facebook follower you would have missed ensparkle's tv debut! Check it out below....click on 'postcards' and then 'Episode 29 - Mathilda's Market'

http://www.visitvictoria.com/videos/

slack blogger repents

2010-09-19T20:32:00.001+10:00

Yes I know....I am pretty useless at this blogging lark but in fairness I didn't ever promise I would post regularly ;-)

Sometimes life (and work) take over and I find my self left with little time (or inclination) to share the goings on at ensparkle HQ!

Christmas is coming and my Christmas design will be listed in the shop later this month (yes, I know it is September).

Recently I have worked on some lovely orders from some lovely customers....sometimes I like them so much that I just take a wee snap before I parcel them up....maybe I have separation issues...

I promise it won't be so long next time :-)

are you a follower?

2010-07-23T16:38:00.000+10:00

If you are on facebook and you are not yet an ensparkle follower/liker (or whatever the term is now!) then head over to our page and join in the fun. We have a special offer this weekend just for you lovely facebook peoples....

What can a dollar get you?

2010-07-16T14:22:00.001+10:00

Not a lot these days? Well sometimes I am pleasantly surprised...

I heard about Mia Nolting via the wonderful Li'l Magoolie

Mia is an artist who as she says 'went to art school and learned how to draw letters'....and she will write/draw any message or name you like in chalk and email you a high res image to print all for.....$1!!

How cool is that? Now I know I could go and write on the ground myself with some chalk but it would never look this cute!

I ordered one for each of my boys and the finished product is above - lovely don't you think? I am going to get some white frames and hang them in their rooms...

new cows on the block

2010-07-06T14:32:00.000+10:00

A lovely Lady at Mathilda's Market in Melbourne ordered some custom cow cups to make a set with one of my cow jugs...they looked so adorable that I had to take a photo. As I was painting them a certain 3yr old took a shine to the design so I made one for him too...he was delighted when I gave it to him this morning...

Have a great week

warm and fuzzy (despite the cold!)

2010-06-27T20:48:00.001+10:00

A 3am start and -3 degrees outside....the drive to Canberra today was Chilly! One head on encounter with a deer, 2 wombats and a baby bunny later I arrived at the Hyatt where they had thoughtfully cranked the heating up! Typically I forgot my camera...sorry!

As always Mathilda's market was lovely but today I really appreciated what a fantastically supportive group of market friends I have made in the 6 months since ensparkle launched. These ladies are nearly all 'work from home Mums'...most juggling family life and designing/handcrafting their wares. It is rare to find so many women who are as open and generous with their knowledge and support. I feel really lucky to have made the acquaintance of these beautiful people....

Sarah, Monique, Sarah, Annabelle, Corrie, Michelle, katie, Amie

Now speaking of women in business, a few stallholders asked me today about a business course I have been doing over the past few months. I have become a little bit evangelical about it and tell everyone I meet how helpful it has been to me as a small business owner. Every stall holder who spoke to me about it today....listened to me waffle and then said "Yes but how much does it cost???"

Well here is the most wonderful thing about this course....it is FREE....yup that's right...absolutely gratis!!! Free childcare and lunch is also provided!!! It is only available to Mums and you need to be in business or have a business idea.....if you fit the bill then you would be bonkers not to apply!

http://www.biznessbabes.com.au/

Tomorrow it's back to the business of unpacking after moving house last weekend and to the orders that need painting.....

tomorrow is...

2010-06-05T20:26:00.000+10:00

your last chance to visit Magnolia Square in Sydney until it pops up again in November!

I have spent two lovely days in awe of the talented designers and gorgeous goodies on display...I have already made some purchases and will be making more tomorrow! Make sure you don't miss out :-)

I do...

2010-05-21T15:45:00.000+10:00

I LOVE a good wedding and recently I have been busy creating some custom wedding cake stands. How lovely that these cake stands make a gorgeous wedding gift....and can even display the wedding cake!

They are available to order now in my shop

Finders are definitely keepers!

2010-05-09T21:23:00.000+10:00

So I have been a bit absent in blogland but I have a good excuse! I had a stall at Finders keepers this Fri/Sat and it was amazing! Carriageworks is a beautiful building and I had a great spot with lots of natural light. The standard of the other stalls was beyond my imagination...I only wish I had managed to get photo's of them all but as it was I was by myself on Saturday and just managed to snap some pics of my own set up...

I met lots of other lovely stallholders many of whom I have followed in blogland and I will post about them this week. For now I am going back to putting my feet up for the last few hours of mothers day :-)

stocking up

2010-05-03T23:54:00.000+10:00

It's heads down round here making sure I have enough stock ready for finders keepers this weekend. Here is a new batch of brooches off to the kiln tomorrow for their last firing...lets hope the kiln gods are feeling kind ;-)

One big sleep...

2010-05-01T22:48:00.000+10:00

until Mathilda's at Lane Cove! I am pretty excited as it is my first visit as a stallholder....I went last year to shop and let me tell you it is Mummy retail heaven!

Hope to see you there :-)

Finders keepers

2010-04-19T19:46:00.001+10:00

I have to admit that I let out a little (ok big) squeal of excitement when I found out that I had been accepted to exhibit at finders keepers. The Finders Keepers are design and art markets dedicated in supporting young emerging designers and bringing new contemporary design to the forefront in Australia.

The lovely ladies who run the market are listed in The Sydney magazine's top 100 most influential people in Sydney for design and architecture. Finders keepers is also listed in Sydney’s top 100 creative catalysts as part of Creative Sydney. The standard of work on display is ridiculously high so I had cannily prepared myself for a 'no thank you'...imagine my delight when I got a 'yes please'!

The line up of designers is awesome and I cannot wait to be part of it! The market is held over 2 days... Friday 7th May 6-10pm (great kid free shopping slot for us Mums) and Saturday 8th May 10am - 6pm.

Now all I have to do is get back to making enough stock!

Old MacDonald...

2010-04-13T11:34:00.000+10:00

had a farm and needed a tractor egg plate to eat his breakfast from! This is a new design inspired jointly by my son (who is tractor mad) and by a lady I met at handmade who asked me to make a tractor egg plate for her husband who loves his tractor.

I also have a new car design that I can't show you just yet ;-) Having boys makes designing for boys so easy...I struggle with girl designs though..I have a new butterfly design on the way but would love to hear what you think your little girls would love to see on their ceramics?

sewing project #2

2010-04-11T14:13:00.000+10:00

I took Saturday night off from ceramics and decided to do some sewing (so rock and roll I know). This is project number 2 and I am quite tickled with the results...I am still scared of patterns so I just made it up as I went along.

I bought this fabric from retromummy at mathilda's market and have been dying to make something with it ever since.

When shown my masterpiece both my Husband and son asked 'What is it for?'...men! I guess it is a little bolster cushion type thingy...I don't care what it is for - it looks pretty therefor I like it!

shades of grey

2010-04-08T23:41:00.001+10:00

Today I delivered this box of goodies to a new stockist - Manon et Gwenaelle in Darlinghurst. The lovely owner Virgine ordered some custom egg plates in pale grey and beige - not an obvious colour choice for children but after visiting her store today I understand why. The shop is small but perfectly formed and adorned with carefully chosen children's clothing and homewares....all in the most exquisite neutral palette. Barley, stone, honey and slate...not a garish colour in sight - all very tempting but as I had my boys with me I will have to indulge in a spot of retail therapy another day.

In the mean time if you like a bit of neutral with your egg and soldier fingers then head on down to Darlinghurst and see for youself.

easter offerings

2010-04-03T21:36:00.000+11:00

Being a northern hemispherian I still think of Easter as being in Spring so I was compelled to do a spot of spring cleaning in my shop! Newly listed are the goodies above...remember if there is a design you like but you would prefer it in a different colour/on a different piece then all you have to do is ask!

I hope the easter bunny is good to you!

Big cook, little cook

2010-04-01T14:26:00.004+11:00

Today was the first day in ages that we didn't have a million things to do so I decided that we would bake brownies. Master H was delighted and once properly kitted out in his Chef regalia he proceeded to stir, lick, stir and lick some more!

I adore this brownie recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook...it is foolproof, simple and produces the best brownies!

Recipe:
200g dark chocolate
175g unsalted butter (I use weightwatchers canola spread and it works just fine plus I feel a teensy bit better about eating them!)
325g caster sugar
130g plain flour
3 eggs

Melt chocolate and butter together then add the sugar. Mix in the flour then add the eggs. I put mine in a square cake pan (around 20cm x 20cm) lined with greaseproof paperand pop them in the oven at 170 degrees for about 25mins - keep an eye on them though as you want them chewy not crunchy! A top tip is to let them cool completely if you can bear to wait - oh and using a plastic knife to cut them makes the job easier!

I am always so inspired by Cathie's scrumptious photos that I decided to take a pic of the brownies...only to find the camera batteries were dead and I couldn't find the charger (isn't that always the way!). So I played around with my trusty iphone and managed to get a pretty good photo if I say so myself!

Now time to put the kettle on and enjoy the fruits of my labour....

Dotty about Canberra!

2010-03-30T00:35:00.000+11:00

I absolutely adored Handmade market yesterday in Canberra! The turn out was amazing...so many talented designers and customers who really trully 'get' handmade! It was lovely to chat to those of you who stopped by my stall and a great big thank you to those that purchased ensparkle goodies!

My new brooches were very popular - especially the chicken ones (still can't say chook in an Aussie accent!)...must be a country thing as I now have a new tractor design to work on too! I didn't take my camera (doh!) so I don't have any photo's of the day but I have posted a photo of my new 'dotty heart' design that was finished just in time for Handmade :-)

Oh and before I go I have to mention my trip down with Mel...I think I may have found in her someone who talks more than me! We filled the whole 6hr round trip with chit chat although by the end of the trip back we were both so tired we were barely coherent! My most favourite quote from the journey was 'Are those ghosts or trees?' I am still laughing!

Handmade Hooray!

2010-03-27T20:24:00.001+11:00

It's Handmade market time - Yay! I have been neglecting my blog (sorry!) and working really hard getting new designs ready for tomorrow. I will have with me a new limited range of ceramic brooches...if you want one then you had better be fast!

I have also been playing around with my cow jug design and have come up with the 'patterned cow' - take a look..

The car is packed and tomorrow at some ungodly hour Melinda (of Paperklip) and I will set off on our road trip to Canberra...much coffee will be drunk and hopefully no native wildlife encountered! I have an indoor stall at Handmade so please stop by and say hello :-)

Have a great weekend!

Sewing for beginners part one

2010-03-19T14:38:00.000+11:00

I couldn't resist....even though I didn't finish painting until after 10.30 last night I just HAD to have a little play with my new sewing machine! My nearly three year old is less than impressed as he thought we were going to collect a SNOWING machine!

'I am not going to make anything tonight' I told my husband....'I just want to learn how to set it all up'. Well by the time I had the bobbin loaded and machine threaded I was itching to create! I got out my 'Sew' book by Cath Kidston and decided to make the bag on the front cover (see above)...well my own interpretation of it! I left the buttons off as I am too much of a novice to make buttonholes!

I totally 'get' now why so many crafters love sewing...the results are so immediate...it's instant gratification! I sat down with the material and instructions and by the early hours of the morning (I'm suffering today!) had my own little bag! Don't get me wrong...I love working with ceramics but everything takes time - pouring, cleaning, painting, firing, glazing and firing again. It's so time consuming and so many things can go wrong during the process that are outwith your control.

I have no time at the moment as I am flat out with orders and getting goodies ready for Handmade in just over a week (yay!) but once that has passed then I will move onto project number two...any suggestions?

Have a great weekend.

Heading south

2010-03-12T21:35:00.000+11:00

The ceramics are packed and straight after swimming lessons tomorrow I will be jumping on a plane to Melbourne...yay! To say I am excited would be an understatement...I get to stay in a hotel...by myself...sans children! Everyone tells me that Melburnians (spelling?) are great market devotees and that Mathilda's in Melbourne is just amazing.

So if you are in Melbourne this Sunday then come on down and join in the fun!

Have a great weekend

bits n bobs

2010-03-11T09:39:00.001+11:00

I have been playing with some brooch designs of late...what do you think?

Confessions of a Girl Guide

2010-03-08T21:28:00.002+11:00

In my dim and distant past I vaguely remember using a sewing machine in home economics class. Clearer is the memory of being awarded my sewing & embroidery badges as a Girl Guide. I can even remember the cushion cover that I embroidered to get the awards....you are most probably wondering where the confession comes into it?

Well I took those hard earned badges home and glued (yes that's right - the irony!) them onto my uniform. In my teens I also glued the braids onto my school blazer and towards the end of my time with the Girl Guides when badges were put on a sash rather than your uniform itself I clearly recall using a stapler!

As a tween/teen I had the skill and not the will and now it is the other way round. I can sew on buttons/mend pockets and do the basics but anything else is out of my league. Unfortunately I have developed a 'thing' for fabrics...this was made worse this weekend when I was right next to the lovely Corrie of retromummy at Mathilda's market and made some fabric purchases....I don't even have a sewing machine!

(I didn't buy ALL of these - I promise!)

Well actually thats not true...it is on raincheck and as soon as it is back in stock that baby is mine. Do I know how to use it? Ahem...no! But I am sure it comes with instructions and if all else fails I will email some of my needle handy friends :-)

I also received for my birthday last month these two fab books that I am itching to use so come on sewing machine!

Have a great week :-)

Melbourne makes a hat trick!

2010-03-03T23:23:00.000+11:00

Three Mathilda's markets in three weekends....'it's not possible' I hear you cry...'she has lost her mind'! Well I just might! The lovely Anne from Mathilda's offered me a spot at Hawthorn Town Hall in Melbourne next weekend and I just couldn't refuse. I have never been to Melbourne and from all accounts it is fab! I have my hotel booked and plan on squeezing in some shopping so I need the shopping spot lowdown from all of you lovely Melbournians!

If you are in Melbourne then please drop by Mathilda's and say hi and if you are in Sydney get your skates on this Saturday and head down to Paddington Town hall between 9am-1pm. My stall is opposite the cupcake stall (so you know where I will be if my stall is unmanned!)

Hope to see you there!

Mathilda's road trip

2010-03-01T20:53:00.006+11:00

What a day! I (possibly unwisely) decided to drive down to Canberra on Sunday morning for Mathilda's market rather than stay over the night before. My decision was mainly made for me as there was not a hotel room to be had in Canberra! I woke at 3am and left at 4am...spent three hours driving in the dark & fog, gripping the steering wheel and trying to remember the 'helpful' advice given to me by my Aussie friends...'If a kangaroo jumps out in front of you don't swerve - just hit it full on', 'Don't slow down or the roo will come through your windscreen and most likely kill you'. Fabulous! who needs friends? Thankfully I didn't encounter any native wildlife and arrived at the Park Hyatt at 7am ready to set up.

My stall looked a little like this...

I was really happy with my new tablecloth and shelves...more space to put more ceramics on! The new venue is gorgeous and there were so many beautifil stalls...as I was by myself I didn't manage to visit them all but got a few pics of some just before the doors opened.

Gorgeous Melinda and her equally gorgeous Paperklip wares.

Beautiful fabric and goodies on offer from Corrie at Retromummy....must learn to sew so I can buy some!

Tania McCartney brought her children's books and even had the plate I made for her most recent book launch with her!

Monique from M.Y creative design makes these fantastic display boards for your children's art work and personalised growth charts too!

Sarah from Gifts created brought her amazing life size felt tree and gorgeous woodland goodies down from Sydney!

And as always I wished I had a little girl to shop for when I saw the array of pretty dresses at Madi & me

It was a very good (if tiring) day and the new venue really seemed to be a hit with pram pushing Mums who had plenty of room to browse, shop, sit, eat and revive! I now have lots of orders to get working on and of course Mathilda's in Sydney this weekend!

So if you are in Syndey please stop in by and indulge in some handmade retail therapy!

kidstylefile mention!

2010-02-26T22:09:00.000+11:00

I just went on to kidstylefile for a quick browse (when really I should have been working!) and was completely surprised to see my little fire engine cup gracing their site! ensparkle is one of their top 6 picks for Mathilda's market this weekend...so THANK YOU kidstylefile...I already loved your site but now I love it just a little bit more :-)

Mathilda's makers

2010-02-26T14:42:00.001+11:00

So I may have mentioned that I am a wee bit excited about Mathilda's market this weekend...and with good reason! Have you seen the amazing talent that will be there? A small selection of gorgeous goodies is below..

From left to righ, top to bottom Posie Patchwork, Hot Bubba, Emperor's laundry,Gifts created, Madi & me, Goosey Gander & Flibbertigibbet, Little living, M.Y creative products, Retro Mummy, My name on things, Tania McCartney Press, Snugglebug

Even more impressive are the amazing women behind each and everyone of these brands so be sure to come along to the Hyatt this Sunday 9am -1pm and check out the offerings of some real life supermummies!

See you there!

hot in the city!

2010-02-23T05:24:00.001+11:00

It is currently too hot to sleep round here which is why you find me blogging at 5am! I thought I would share this custom plate I made earlier this month for Eden's first birthday. Eden, I was briefed, is a very 'girly girl' so a fittingly pretty design was chosen :-)

Happy Birthday Eden!

live and kicking!

2010-02-20T08:21:00.002+11:00

My little site is live! There are still a few bumps to be ironed out but I couldn't wait to share!

http://www.ensparkle.com

I've been styled gorgeous!

2010-02-19T22:48:00.002+11:00

Well actually 'I' haven't but my logo has. If Sarah could make me look as good as the new logo then she would be a very rich lady indeed!

'Who is this Sarah you speak of?' I hear you cry...Sarah is the creative genius behind 'Style me gorgeous' boutique graphic design studio. I can't tell you how amazing she has been to work with...for more examples of her work the check out her stunning website.

I actually asked Sarah to design me a homepage but when I saw her designs I asked her to rework my logo to fit the new clean & fresh ensparkle site she created!

Mr ensparkle is currently beavering away implimenting the homepage and it should be live in a few days...stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!

I'm a happy bunny

2010-02-13T20:44:00.001+11:00

Yesterday the lovely Peta at Mathildas' market very kindly featured ensparkle ceramics on their blog....

Friday, February 12, 2010

Getting To Know ... Helen from Ensparkle

Helen Bremner is the chief creator behind Ensparkle Ceramics

I am passionate about … my family, chocolate, languages, travel and of course my business (not necessarily in that order!)

I get frustrated when … I receive bad customer service

I started my business because … it occurred to me there was a chance that other people might like the stuff I was making!

If handed $100,000 in an envelope and instructed to spend it however I pleased, I would … buy a kiln! Then I would book a lovely holiday and fly my close family over to join us.

If I could be anywhere right now I’d be … wandering the streets of Rome, stopping for the occasional espresso.

I am most proud of … my gorgeous boys – I am so lucky to be their Mummy.

My favourite item from our product range is … the cobblestone cow milk jug, although I am a sucker for a pretty cake stand too.

My heart sings when … my two year old says ‘good moaning Mummy’ and gives me a cuddle.

The hardest part of running my business is … starting work after the boy’s bedtime. Young children and ceramic painting don’t mix!

I love sipping on … an iced latte or a Baileys on ice if it’s been a hard week

A person I admire greatly is … my Mum – she raised five children and is still there for us all when we need her.

The best part of my day is … bed time!

My favourite food is … tiramisu or bresaola (Italian cured beef)

I struggle with … there not being enough hours in the day

Friendship to me means … being there for each other through thick and thin

I just can’t live without … my husband. He is my best friend and also my live-in computer expert!

Find Ensparkle Ceramics at Mathilda's Market in Canberra on Sunday 28 February,

at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney on Saturday 6 March,

and at Lane Cove in Sydney on Sunday 2 May.

www.mathildasmarket.com.au

Pretty exciting....then today I heard from Jennie at Posie Patchwork that my very own cow milk jug had squirreled it's way onto the Handmade Market March postcard...oh happy days!

As luck would have it my jug is cosying up to some gorgeous clouds created by the very talented Sarah at Gifts created....this woman puts my 'can just about sew on a button' needlework to shame!

love is in the air

2010-02-12T09:05:00.001+11:00

oooh it's nearly Valentines day and I have to say I rather like it...not in a 'Halmark extravaganza' type way but as a 'little thoughtful gestures and spending time with loved ones' type affair....

I have these new bowls made just in time for Allie's attic tomorrow for anyone that might need a little last minute handmade love token ;-)

two hearts

2010-02-11T20:57:00.001+11:00

Recently I have been playing around with some new paints, designs & techniques. Here are a couple of my experiments fresh from the kiln...I think they make a rather nice pair ;-)

feeling the love

2010-02-05T23:19:00.004+11:00

Ah today was one of those days....a day when I had to trek into the city with my one and two year old sidekicks on the train during what should have been nap time to go to the dentist. Did I mention it was pouring rain and we didn't take rainwear?

We arrived home soaking wet and a bit under the weather to find not one but two lovely surprise deliveries...early birthday pressies as I turn 21 this Sunday (said with a straight face).

The first was the most amazing box of celebration cupcakes from sparkle cupcakery (just the word 'cupcakery' makes me feel warm and cosy!). Last year my Mum and I visited sparkle and sampled some gorgeous cupcakes and I cannot believe that she remembered how much I loved them and had some delivered...I actually let out a little squeal when I opened the box....my Mum rocks!

Next was a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my Aunt - I don't get flowers very often so it always seems like an extra special treat when I do. Thanks Em!

Suffice to say my bad mood lifted and a sugar induced happy haze ensued....roll on the weekend!

no more window shopping!

2010-02-02T23:31:00.001+11:00

My little online shop is now open - I do hope you like it :-)

All feedback gratefully received!

coming soon...

2010-02-01T09:39:00.001+11:00

a sneak preview of my new online store - coming soon!

having your cake and...

2010-01-31T20:53:00.001+11:00

spreading it around! Nothing makes my 2yr old happier than the sight of me with a wooden spoon in my hand. To say he loves cake is an understatement...unfortunately I think he has inherited this from me and unlike him I do not spend most of my day tearing around the garden after the dog.

For this reason and because of a few weeks of post holiday indulgence I will be passing on cake for a little while and moving my backside a little more in an attempt to shift some unwanted kilo's...why is it that the last few are always the hardest to lose?

Mathilda's - double the fun!

2010-01-26T20:29:00.001+11:00

ensparkle is absolutely delighted to be retailing at Mathilda's market in both Canberra and Paddington!

I am so excited as I have heard the new venue in Canberra (the Park Hyatt) is gorgeous and larger than the previous venue so there will be even more lovely stalls for me to drool over! Paddington will be my first Mathilda's Market in Sydney and I can't wait to meet lots of other talented Sydney based crafters and of course lovely customers! Ceramics are tactile and I love that at markets like Mathilda's people can touch/pick up my work and try it out for size...so to speak!

If any Mathilda's customers would like a specific item please email me (helen@ensparkle.com) and I will be sure to bring enough stock. Similarly personalised orders can be placed now (as soon as possible please!) for collection at Canberra/Paddington - save on postage!

Have a great week

i heart technology (sometimes)

2010-01-19T20:45:00.001+11:00

Most of the time technology is unfathomable to me but recently I discovered a lovely wee tool. I use Picasa to organize/crop/edit my photos and have found the 'create collage' tool. Simply select the pictures you would like to use and then choose the layout you like and 'hey presto' - job done!

I LOVE photos and this tool is so useful for work purposes but also for making cards/personalised gifts for family and friends. I'm so happy to have found something that does what it says on the tin - just had to share :-)

made to order

2010-01-13T14:43:00.002+11:00

It was a busy run up to Christmas and many a custom order was being painted late into the night! I photographed a few of them as I worked and wanted to share some of the designs with you...

Winter wonderland

2010-01-12T21:31:00.001+11:00

Is it too late to wish people Happy New Year? As my Christmas tree is yet to be packed away it is clear that I show scant regard for holiday etiquette so - Happy New Year!

Myself, Mr ensparkle and the ensparklings flew to Scotland for the festive period. Just as our bodies were becoming accustomed to a balmy Sydney summer we found ourselves in the middle of the coldest winter the UK has seen in 50yrs! A white Christmas was had and sledging/snowman making/snowball fights were abundant.

It was so lovely to take our little Aussie back to meet his extended family and to spend time with our nearest and dearest. Now I am back home with a mountain of washing, way too many new toys and lots of happy memories.

I hope 2010 brings you everything you wish for...

Mathilda's wrap

2009-12-09T21:53:00.001+11:00

How lovely to receive an email today from Anne @ Mathilda's market letting me know I have been blogged! As a relative newbie to blogging this is a whole new concept :-)

ensparkle was delighted to attend Mathilda's market in Canberra last month and the lovely Anne has posted some pictures of the amazing wares that were on sale and has featured my very own milk jugs - shucks! Read her post here

Thanks Anne! I am a huge fan and very much hope to be part of Mathilda's in 2010 :-)

tis the season to be jolly

2009-12-07T15:13:00.001+11:00

Christmas is well and trully here in our house - the tree is up, advent calendar has pride of place and Santa has god like status. This is the first year my 2yr old has really understood the whole concept and has already asked Santa for a digger! I LOVE Christmas (just ask my long suffering siblings!) and relish in dressing up my children/dog/anyone who will let me in cute Christmas costumes! Carols and Christmas music rule until January and my house is happily strewn with wrapping paper and ribbon.

This is my 2nd december in Australia and I still struggle with the whole 'Christmas in summer' concept so although I will miss the glorious weather it will be lovely to be back in the Northern hemisphere for a traditional white Christmas this year - I am soooo looking forward to teaching my boys how to build a snowman!

In the mean time I am a busy bee finishing up pre-Christmas orders and preparing for Allies attic at Paddington town hall this Saturday - if you are in Sydney then stop by and say hi :-)

2 days left for custom Christmas orders!

2009-11-26T22:32:00.002+11:00

Christmas orders for any personalised ceramics must be in by this weekend folks :-) I am heading back to Scotland in mid-December in search of a white Christmas so if you need anything in time for Santa then get your order in now!

Either order online - www.madeit.com.au/ensparkleceramics or email me - helen@ensparkle.com

Oh and if you want to save on postage why not collect in person from Allie's attic on 12th December?

the potty dance

2009-11-24T00:57:00.001+11:00

Ahhh...the slack blogger repents!

In my defence I have been very busy...mostly in the bathroom! My eldest is potty training meaning that most of my spare time has been spent in the toilet clapping my hands, jumping up and down, praise tumbling out of my mouth while staring into the potty which has been offered up for my inspection like a gift to the potty gods!

I can report that it is all going very well...the reward chart is filling up with stamps and I have (on several occasions) done a very ungraceful yet toddler pleasing potty dance!

In between toilet trips I have been setting up my madeit.com.au store..visit it here and over the course of this week I will be listing more of my work for sale there.

Perfect potty training attire...

Have a great week!

and the winner is...

2009-11-17T14:38:00.001+11:00

Congratulations to Bronwyn Cather who has won the plate of her choice all by signing up to our newsletter this weekend...happy picking!

market madness!

2009-11-16T23:08:00.002+11:00

My lovely Mum and me at Allies attic

What a weekend! I had a fabulous time launching ensparkle ceramics at Allie's attic on Saturday and Mathilda's market on Sunday. Thank you so much to everyone who came by our stall to say hi, purchase ceramics or place orders - we were genuinely thrilled by the lovely response we got.

It was lovely to see so many talented ladies (and a few gents:-) all in one place. Even nicer to be able to put faces to some names that I have only 'known' online and whose blogs I read. I cannot wait for Allies attic next month and more Mathilda's next year!

My fantastic Mum was on hand to help much to the disgust of my sons who were less than impressed that Granny was going away for the weekend and not there to play with 24/7! Thanks Mum :-)

I got home last night to find an email from Amanda Fuller, a Sydney based graphic designer and promoter of handmade products. Amanda visited Allie's attic and chose some of her favourite stalls to blog about...I am thrilled to be included! Read Amanda's blog here.

Now...off to start on those orders...

this little piggy...

2009-11-13T21:33:00.001+11:00

is off to market - all weekend! If you are visiting Allie's attic or Mathilda's market this Saturday or Sunday then please do come and say hi :-)

Hope to see you there!

Allie's attic prize draw

2009-11-11T21:23:00.000+11:00

Oooo, Allie's attic is just days away and here at ensparkle we have decided to celebrate with a lovely prize draw this Saturday. Simply visit our stall at Allie's attic and join our mailing list for the chance to win a handpainted plate of your choice!

more offerings...

2009-11-08T20:39:00.002+11:00

A sneak peek at a few more pieces that I am getting ready in time for Allies attic and Mathildas market this weekend. I can't help but wonder if I am a little crazy to be doing the inaugural Allies attic market on Saturday then zooming down to Canberra to do Mathilda's market on Sunday - I plan on drinking LOTS of coffee!

Have a great week

to market...to market

2009-11-03T22:56:00.000+11:00

My plans to offer online ordering are in the pipeline....in the meantime you can purchase ensparkle ceramics at Allies attic (Sydney) on Nov 14th and Mathildas market (Canberra) on Nov 15th. As all of my work is handmade I have a limited number of each design - if there is something you simply must have then drop me an email and you can pre-order for collection at market and avoid disappointment :-)

freshly baked...

2009-10-30T15:28:00.001+11:00

plates! Much better for the waistline than cakes ;-) This first batch of designs are fresh from their first firing and are awaiting glazing and refiring before being wrapped up and going off to market!

ensparkle HQ is a bit hectic as my Mum (let's call her Granny ensparkle) arrives from Scotland on Tuesday...just 4 big sleeps. So in addition to ceramics I now have to clean my poor neglected house...

Have a great weekend :-)

seeing stars

2009-10-25T22:50:00.001+11:00

After a really busy week of late night painting I am literally seeing stars! Above are previews of two new designs that have come to fruition this week - I am really happy with how the star bowl has turned out and I may just have to keep one for myself!

Today was a rainy Sunday so we (myself, Mr Ensparkle and the munchkins) headed to Bunnings in search of an air compressor (no luck) and a garden strimmer (success!). To brighten up a rather boring excursion we stopped at our local cafe for lunch on the way home and rounded it off with a divine caramel slice - I hate to think of just how calorific it was but I feel sure it has undone my weightwatchers efforts this week!

Have a great day!

something for the boys

2009-10-21T22:09:00.002+11:00

As a mum of two boys I frequently find frustration at the comparatively poor selection of clothes/accessories/giftware for boys. So I have designed some plates especially with the little rascals in mind. My chief tester declared 'choo chooooo' and 'roooaaaaar' when he spied the designs this morning...I have taken this as a sign of his approval :-)

These designs along with many more will be available at Mathilda's market in Canberra and for Sydneysiders at Allie's attic markets in November and December - hope to see you there!

ensparkle hearts Mabel!

2009-10-18T21:33:00.002+11:00

Ah what a busy weekend! I have shelves a plenty of lovely ceramics waiting to be cleaned, sanded, painted, fired, glazed and fired again before they are ready for Mathilda's market next month.

The past week has been spent thinking up new designs and I have given you a little preview of my 'chien' plate for which I have to thank Mabel, my little canine muse! You see I wanted to paint a dog design...alas my dog is of the large, shaggy, clumsy variety and I wanted a lovely clean silhouette. Immediately my friend's daschund Mabel sprang to mind...here is a dog who is refined, ladylike and whose little paws have graced many a stage. So thanks Mabel - you look almost as gorgeous in paint as you do in real life!

My lovely new apple green ipod has been working overtime keeping my ears happy as I work - this evening's tunes have been the Ultimate Dirty Dancing album (a lovely pressie from my lovely sister) every song from the film in the order they feature....nobody puts baby in the corner! Fabulous!

Welcome!

2009-10-11T20:48:00.005+11:00

Welcome to ensparkle ceramics - a little blog about my handpainted ceramics and me! This site is brand spanking new so forgive me if it is a little light on content. Bookmark me and come back soon or subscribe for updates and photos of lovely new ceramics as they are posted.