Little gems (12th September) — our artists’ interpretations range from details (see also It's all in the detail on the 5th), subject matter (and not just lettuces), artwork size, gem stones, special things the artists hold dear, to precious moments or precious objects. And if small is not for you, watch out for Big and bold on the 13th.
Browse the galleries below, or perhaps view today's flipbook.
Or, follow these links to explore all 30 Art Trails or start from Open Studios central
Contemporary fused glass & lampwork bead artist, specialising in wall art, splashbacks, memorial jewellery & workshops. Based in Sandridge, St Albans
With a passion for glass, attention to detail and a reluctance to back down from a challenge, Sandridge based Heartwood Glass not only creates bespoke handmade fused glass art, splashbacks and memorial jewellery, but following ‘school’ in Murano pushes the boundaries of heat and gravity to control, blend and shape molten glass in a flame.
What started out as outlet for creativity, has progressed through continual development alongside glass masters from around the world, to crafting contemporary glass designs inspired by playing with light, nature and the desire to keep advancing within the glass medium.
Heartwood Glass brings ‘Glassy Love’ to all through individual pieces crafted with love and attention to detail, encouragement to get out and about in Herts and find “HeART Abandonments”, or for those that want to try the medium through face to face, make at home or virtual workshops created to suit all ages.
I am a jeweller that works in silver and glass.Colour is a strong element in my work. I tended to use blue with the use of turquoise and lapis lazuli, now other colours are getting a strong showing. Originally my work had repeated geometric shapes in my designs,which I enamel. Then with the addition of Precious Metal Clay I found the designs tend to have a freer, more organic structure, which contrasts with the geometric shapes. I still used enamel to add colour to the silver, for example, creating stars, dots and zig-zags on my rings. A later addition to my jewellery is making my own glass beads giving me freedom to use colours and shapes I want,and producing a totally handmade piece of jewellery . I love trying out different materials,and seeing the colour and fun in them:leather,fabric,felt , fused glass, coloured wire and resin.The result is combining different media to create an complete piece of jewellery, which each media fits in and brings out the other,such as felt and glass,or a plain blue bead come to life with other colours such as lime green glass and silver.
I also have been making fused glass objects such as bowls and coasters.A the moment experimenting with soap dishes.
To add to all this I have been teaching my various skills at workshops with both children and adults which has been rewarding and enjoyable.
‘I love to create unique art that makes people smile!’
Self confessed glass nerd with a endless imagination and excitement for my work.
Using a broad range of self-taught glass cutting and fusing techniques, i design and create intricate glass art. Inspired by a wide range of sources, including comic, pop art, tattoo, photography and art in its wider context.
I use techniques such as airbrushing, powder printing, freehand painting, and sgraffito prior to kiln firing,. Using my love of vintage photography alongside my glass to ensure my creations are truly unique.
Jackie creates small and unique sculptures of animals and birds using the slow, therapeutic technique of needlefelting. Commissions welcome!
The versatility of working with wool really appeals to Jackie. Wool is light, strong and easy to transport, so she has the freedom to work anywhere (as long as it's not too windy)! She has a special interest in the natural world and is keen to capture the character, movement, texture and pattern of her subjects, usually working from the many drawings and paintings in her sketchbooks. Her finished pieces are sometimes embellished with scraps of fabric and threads and are usually mounted on found wood and natural objects.
Jackie's work is on show regularly in local galleries, museums and craft fairs. Her needlefelting workshops, which cater for all abilities, give her the joyful experience of sharing her skills with others. She is a member of the International Feltmakers Association.
Handmade silver jewellery created in Harpenden.
I started making jewellery 12 years ago, and I enjoy incorporating gemstones in some of my pieces.
Inspired by a love of nature, Heather’s aim as an artist is to engage and intrigue the viewer and draw them into her work. She mindfully explores colour and light in each painting, conscious of how these elements lift the spirit and encourage connection with the subject.
The seasons, water and changing light all provide rich influences on her art. Her paintings are an emotional response to what she sees rather than a facsimile encouraging the viewer to find something different each time they look. She works chiefly in acrylics and acrylic inks which lend themselves to working quickly and expressively with a glorious array of colours.
As well as working as an artist Heather demonstrates her working process to art societies around the UK and has also taught at the JoeDaisy Studio in Reading. She regularly exhibits at Contemporary Art Fairs, The Mardleybury Gallery and various art shows.
Her paintings can be viewed on my website: www.heathermillerpaintings.com. Follow her on instagram at: heathermillerpaintings
Denise Bowser - All You Need Is Art. Decorative, modern land-sea-cityscapes & abstracts. Acrylics on canvas and prints.
I paint land/sea/cityscapes in acrylics and oils.
For me painting is like a leap into a magical and fascinating world of colours and shapes. Once I take the plunge and start painting, I may not know where my artistic voyage will take me. This is, however, what attracts and enchants me….. and keeps me longing for more.
I am based in Hertfordshire and my works are often inspired by UK landscapes as well as landscapes from South America and Asia.
I use acrylics and mixed media in my paintings. I regularly exhibit and sell my work at art galleries and art fairs. In 2018 I won the Best in Show 2D prize in an art competition at The New Maynard Gallery, Welwyn Garden City. The NHS has acquired 16 artworks from me that can be seen at various hospitals around Hertfordshire.
My pieces are not for profit. Prints: £25 Originals: between £50 and £200
I hope you enjoy looking at my work.