Christina Lowry

 

Friday Favourites is back!! I know you all missed it as much as I did. But never fear, Christina is here! Christina Lowry has taken time out from her workshop, where she designs and hand makes amazingly beautiful jewellery (like these dainty earrings below that I love!), to come and chat with us about five of her favourite things at the moment.

Now, with so many things to choose from, like cups of tea, rainy days, her veggie patch and cardigan weather, Christina asked if she could instead share her five favourite Instagrammers. Now this, I thought, was interesting! I have recently given in, thrown all caution to the wind and finally joined Instagram myself. I’m currently hunting for amazing people to follow and having fun sharing a little behind the scenes stuff with my followers. So do come join in, after of course, reading Christina Lowry’s friday favourites list.

 

I have such a long list of favourite things, from pottering about in my veggie patch, to making jewellery at my bench, from days spent wandering through art galleries, to mornings spent curled up with a book. But this past year I have fallen in love with pottery. Beautiful and practical, handmade pottery exhibits everything I love about art and craft in one medium. Tactile, drawn, painted, shiny, dull, modern, classic, hand built, slip cast. I keep adding to my collection.

One of my favourite things recently has been discovering some of the many talented Australian clay artists at markets, on the annual North Coast Mud Trail, and through the marvel that is Instagram. As a maker, I am attracted to the Instagram feeds of other makers. I love seeing a glimpse of their studio, finding out more about the evolution of their work, and seeing behind the scenes as their pieces are made. The following are five of my favorite potters, whose Instagram feeds are full of inspiration, beauty and delight.

@bridgetbodenham

Take a peek at Bridget Bodenhams’s photos of her finished pieces and fully stocked kiln, they always make me swoon. That hand painted gold, those geometric forms, those dear little birds, those unusual silhouettes. Yes indeed, an abundance of beauty likely to convince any lover of handmade to commence their very own a pottery collection.

 

@pinkyandmaurice

I’m quite sure there is nothing that Claire can’t do with clay or brush! Her slip cast collection of table wear is a true marriage of beauty and simplicity, her silk screened tea towels are masterfully marked with brilliant brushwork, and her beads take clay jewellery to a new level. Thanks to her inviting Instagram feed, Claire inspired me through her #makemarksdaily challenge to commit more time to my love of drawing. Whether you consider yourself creative or not, there is something very meditative and rewarding about putting pencil to paper. So step up to the challenge!

 

@kimwallace_ceramics

As soon as you start scrolling through Kim’s feed you will notice that she has an eye of the subtleties of colour, and as such has created a signature palette that is both soothing and engaging. Kim’s past as a graphic designer may explain her wonderful use of line, and her picture perfect compositions. The way Kim uses the square canvas of Instagram is art in itself.

 

@sharonmuir

I first fell in love with Sharon’s sweet fox and darling dachshund brooches. From there I discovered the owls, pots and vases which are also the work of this beautiful lady. Sharon’s pieces will have you rearranging the mantle to show them off. Her Instagram feed is a moreish mix of everyday beauty and a celebration of creativity.

 

@paperboatpress

You may well recognise the name Paper Boat Press, the studio responsible for the very popular and perfectly giftable quotation tags. Ceramic artist, poet, gallery and shop owner, Kylie’s is the driving force behind the business. Her wealth of creative and practical skills continues to inspire and encourage me to aim high. Her is output is breathtaking, from filling custom orders for 1,000 pieces, to organising exhibitions for International artists, from hand stamped bowls to releasing a book of collected quotes. I find that through her work Kylie manages to express thoughts and feelings that most of us can not. Kylie’s feed is a winsome collection of well considered images in praise of creativity.

 

Thank you Christina, I am really excited by these people and starting to get into the swing of things on Instagram. In case you all didn’t know, Christina also blogs about mothering, craft and her inspiration at A little bird told me, so pop on over and have a look around.

Share with us, what are your top five favourite things this week? And if you are on Instagram make sure you say hello!

My Brown Paper Packages Instagram

Christina Lowry Designs Instagram