we have pinterest -http://pinterest.com/donnawilsonltd/

Do any of you have  pinterest? I started it a few weeks ago, and just in case you don't know what I'm talking about, pinterest is an online pin board where you can share the things you have seen and find inspiring. The nice thing about them is that if you click on an image it takes you back to the original source website.
have a look at ours: http://pinterest.com/donnawilsonltd/ it's good fun.

The journey of a Beardy Bob- made in the UK

As you know all our wooly products are made in the UK, but about 3 years ago we started selling ceramics- A couple of weeks ago we had a lovely visit to the factory in Stoke on Trent, England and took a few photos of a few of the wonderful processes that the  wares go through before they get to us.

\

These are moulds for our beakers, the clay is mixed to the right consistency and then poured into these. They are left for a specific amount of time then the excess clay is poured back out- leaving behind a dry layer the thickness they want for the beaker.  The waste clay isn't wasted, it's poured back into the mix, which has to have the right percentage of chemicals, clay water etc. They are then left to dry.

when they are fully dry they are in biscuit stage, and feel quite rough, so they are put one by one into a weird old juggidy machine ( not it's technical name) with lots of round pebbles. As it jumps and vibrates it smooths the surface of the ware- amazing to watch as you think of these being so fragile!

After their first filing they have to be glazed - they use vegetable dye in with the glaze so that you can see if you've missed a bit! the vegetable dye burns off in the kiln... my guess is beetroot! 

 These are spacers and are used to hold plates apart, so that nothing is touching in the kiln.

 You might recognise these- These decals are screen printed and the yellow will also burn off in the kiln.

We checked some colours for our new designs while we were there.

This is a screen with 'Graces hair' about to be printed.

and the results!:

What amazes me is all the skills involved in making these pieces,  There about 20 processes that these pieces go through, each requiring different skills, it's so great that we are still able to do this in the UK, There are still a few remaining factories in Stoke. I think we are getting more and more aware of where things are made we should try to support our British manufacturers if we can!

dolls house inspiration for real house

 Recently we spotted these in a window, and as usual I fall in love with anything minature... but these are especially nice little room sets.

 Imagine these are actual size! I'd love a kitchen like this.

 and a tea pot like this

or a boyfriend like this!

and a bathroom like this!- the wallpaper reminds me of our Rainyday design! (http://www.donnawilson.com/product.php?id_product=57)

x

Old plates, Aladins caves and a new friend with sad eyes.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend? 

I had a nice day today, played with some old plates that I had- need to have a spring clean so I thought I'd take some photos before finding them a new home.

 mini cake cups

 look at this little swallow invite rsvp thing, so lovely!

 and some vintage hand painted buttons

Then went for a snoop round a reclamation yard... and looked up to the ceiling. look at all the old brass tea pots- like an Aladin's cave.

and some nice textured signs outside!
Then I met a new friend who had very sad eyes, I had to buy him to try to make him happy again, will show you all soon!

Use my tail... March Giveaway

Win this lovely tea towel.....  and Use my tail to dry your dishes!
would make a lovely mothers day gift too if your at a loss as to what to get her... http://www.donnawilson.com/product.php?id_product=291 we have plenty in stock. printed on cotton 48cm x 80cm washable at 50 degrees.
But if you want to win one, please comment on what you think this squirrels name would be...
thanks- winner will be judged in 2 or 3 weeks.
Donna

Sky Scraper scarf winners announced.

WOW how creative you all are, thank you so so much for your wonderful poems, it's been so nice reading them all. We have chosen the winner at random, so.... Mars and Kafin are the winners of a sky scraper scarf. If it's getting too warm now for scarves keep it in a safe place until winter! Please email Siew@donnawilson.com with your addresses and we'll get them sent out to you as soon as possible.
thanks All!! more give aways soon.

goodbye winter hello spring!

i love drawing faces

These were done some time ago,  but I think I forgot to share them with you. I had a really nice day sitting drawing with inks.  Would love to do a week of just drawing faces! Some of them went to Yorkshire Sculpture part as part of my show and were framed up in a block of 6.  Unfortunately they didn't sell during the show- but secretly I'm quite happy as I love them for myself!! 

patterns everywhere i look

A few randoms here, don't even know where I took them all but hopefully they will inspire somebody.