Sharing what I love and create!!
It´s been a painting week!
Once again this last week has flown by!
The temparature outside is warming up, so Poppie dog and I have been up early most days getting in our beach walk before I start work. At the beginning of the week I finished building and moulding more new ceramic pieces ready to dry before a bisque firing next week. I also started illustrating new ceramic pieces, which I love as it really brings my ceramics alive. Can´t wait for next week, so I can do some more painting. Have a great weekend al!!
Weekly news!!
Tucked away in my little studio this past week, I have been busy creating stock. I´m excited to be shaping, moulding and hollowing out new clay pieces. Tiny little sets which are inspired by my travels around the world. English terraced houses and new small semi detached English houses.
Poppie dog and I have been able to get a few walks in before the storm arrived on Wednesday. Now we are both staying cosy and dry at home!!
My news from this past week!!
Blimey that week flew by!!
This past week was mainly spent smoothing and sanding dry clay pieces, ready to be bisque fired in my kiln tomorrow. I must say, I am very excited, and I can´t wait to start illustrating all my new pieces next week.
When I am not working in my little studio, Poppie dog and I love to pop out in the car and head to the beach road for a nice stroll together. And the last few days have been lovely and sunny, which we´ve both enjoyed.
Looking forward to the weekend, no plans, but thats the best!!
See you next week x
I am back!!!
It has been a while but I am back!!
My site has recently been redone, and now I am excited to be back posting on here, sharing with you my daily dairy of Claire-a-Belle and proberly lots of pictures of my Poppie dog.
Working on new stock!!
I have been really busy designing and moulding clay. Creating new ceramic pieces, which I am really excited to be sharing with you all very soon.
Meet Wink
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Introducing Wink!! my happy little goldfish. I recently brought a fish bowl, while waiting for Poppie dog to get her hair cut in the pet shop. I got stones, plants and two pretty goldfish. Sadly they did´nt last...
Moulding clay jewellery
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´ve been thinking about making ceramic jewellery for a while, and finually I came up with happy designs. Taking some ideas and ispiration from my little ceramic miniature houses!! So today I cut out my clay...
Moulding clay dog shapes
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This morning I was busy moulding more clay dog shapes, whilst keeping cool in my little studio. I´ve now made stock of two different dog sizes, one for small and one for larger breeds. Now I need to let them dry...
Painting day!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] The time just flys by!! I haven´t been on here in a while, as I have been busy designing and making new ceramic stock. Now some of my clay has been moulded and bisque fired, the hand painting can begin. I love...
Making tiny miniature houses
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This morning I headed to my studio, coffee in hand. Armed with my sketch book, I started to mould tiny miniature houses. I´ve been working on new ideas for the last few weeks, and it was great to finually get...
Inspiration
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Today I woke up to sun and wind, a great morning to pop out for walk and gather some inspiration. So Poppie dog and I jumped into smart (Betty blue) and drove to our favourite walking spot, along the beach...
Working on Zaphy
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Years ago I lived in California for a while, and this is where I met my friend Helen. Recently she asked me to make her a miniature clay house of her cute bungalow called "Zaphy". I jumped at the chance, I...
New planter
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Recently warm from the kiln, here is a new small house planter. Great for planting small cactus and succulents in!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...
Warm from the kiln
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yesterday I opened my kiln after a glaze firing, and taaddaaaaa!! My new tealight candle holder, soon to be listed on my shop. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Happy Friday
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yipppeee!! It´s Friday again. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, sending love your way!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Ready to glaze fire
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] The final part of the process, glazing and loading the kiln to glaze fire! Yesterday morning I was busy dipping a selection of love hearts, a personalised commission English terraced house, a house planter and a...
Personalised commission
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I love being asked to make a personalised commission miniature house in clay. Bring your home or favourite building to life through clay in miniature. The whole process is exciting!! Starting from receiving the...
All painted now to glaze fire
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I love this part of the process!! After drawing, cutting a paper pattern, cutting out clay, building, shaping and bisque firing, I can start adding the final details by painting. Hand painting on this terraced...
Mini miniature rainbows and love hearts
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I just love these mini miniature rainbows and love hearts!! All painted, now to glaze and fire in my kiln. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Building in progress
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This clay miniature country house is coming along nicely!! This week I´ve added the chimneys, porches and windows, and now I just need to smooth the edges. Nearly finished!!...
Working on a new miniature house bespoke commission
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This week I have been asked to work on two new miniature house personalised commissions, which is great!! A cute California bungalow, and a lovely English house. Today I started sketching designs of the English...
Loading my kiln
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After a week and a bit of drying, all my clay pieces are ready to be loaded into the kiln. First I just needed to hand smooth all the edges and sides to have the perfect finish. Let the bisque firing begin!!...
And the building begins
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After cutting out all the clay, I can now start building this wonderful country home. I love this part of the process, I get to see my drawings on paper come alive through clay. Now I have the basic shape in...
And the building begins
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After cutting out all the clay, the building can now begin. I really love this part of the process!! I feel like my drawings on paper come alive through clay. Now I have the basic shape, I can work on chimneys,...
Cutting out
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I have been busy all week in my little studio, and I have´nt even had time to post on my blog. So bright and early on Monday morning I was cutting out clay to make another miniature house personalised commission....
Adding the roof
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This morning I popped out to drink tea with my friend Kate. After having a good old natter, I then headed home in Betty blue(my tiny smart car). Time get get back into my studio, to finish my house tea light...
Making stock
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yesterday just flew by, and I run out of time to post on my blog. So heres what I got up to yesterday!! I had a bit of a hair drama in the morning, and needed to get it cut....oh no!!! Well at least it will grow...
Making paper patterns
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After getting my hair coloured this morning (a few hours of pampering) I started work on a paper pattern of a miniature house. My second personalised bespoke commission of the year, a wonderful character seven...
Cutting out love hearts
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I simply love, love hearts!! This morning I was having fun cutting out clay love hearts in different sizes. I cannot wait to show you my new love heart garlands........coming soon!!...
Building a terraced house in clay
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This last week I´ve been busy working on this miniature terraced house for a customer. Saturday afternoon was spent adding some finishing touches, bay windows, roof and chimneys. Once built I spent some time...
Valentines day gift idea
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Valentines day is nearly here!! Tell someone that you love them, with one of my handmade ceramic love hearts. Spread the love!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
And the building begins!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] The last few weeks I have been working on a personalised bespoke commission. With the drawings finished and a paper pattern complete, I can finally start building in clay. I really love this part of the process,...
Art in LX factory
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I love a road trip!! Yesterday Nuno and I went to Lisboa, to have a wonder around LX Factory. After two hours in Benny we arrived at LX factory. Our first stop was at Matchamama resturant to eat delicious asian...
Artwork in Iceland
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] In December Nuno and I spent six days in beautiful Iceland. Traveling around in our white dacia duster we drove along the south coast of the island taking in the amazing scenery. I must say that the landscape,...
Drawings and paper patterns
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Last week was spent working on new personalised bespoke commisions! Turning photos of houses into drawings, then turning my drawings into paper patterns. These patterns will then be used to cut out the correct...
Maregrafo restaurant personalised commission
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I haven´t posted on my blog for a few days because my laptop has been poorly, and had to go to the computer doctor. Back home, well and very fast I can blog again!! Here is a personalised bespoke commission I...
All wrapped up!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yesterday I sold a miniature ceramic house through my Etsy shop, a really great start to the week. It´s all wrapped up, ready to be shipped to it´s new home in London England. Spread the love!! ...
Glue and string!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday mornings are always pretty busy for me! I normally go food shopping, then spend a few hours in the kitchen cooking soup etc.....for the week ahead. Finually I can then sit down and read through my diary,...
Sneaky peek at new stock coming soon
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] At the end of last year (well just a few weeks back really) I made some new stock to be listed on my website and Etsy shop. Just need to add some wire and string, and hey presto!! Coming soon!!...
Getting back into the swing of things!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This morning I went to my studio really early, with my sketch book in one hand and a large cup of tea in the other. Once settled and my red radio was switched on, I made a start on a personalised bespoke house...
New pottery painting wheel and radio
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This is my first blog post of 2022!! I´m really excited to get back into my studio, and create some wonderful ceramics this year. I treated myself, and brought a pottery painting wheel. Up until now I have been...
Sophia the textile sardine
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Sophia my handmade textile sardine is on her way to her new home in Australia. I woke up this morning and I was really pleased to see that Sophia had been sold through my Etsy shop. Safe travels Sophia!!...
Turning the lights on!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] When the night draws in and the lights come on, theres nothing prettier then a flickering candle to create a relaxing atmosphere. Inspired by my surroundings, I have created this pretty traditional Portuguese...
Introducing my new house planter
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´m really happy with how my little ceramic house planter turned out. Great for small succulents and cactus!! This little house looks super cute and unique, great as a gift for someone you love, or a present for...
Selling like hot cakes!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This last week I´ve been busy wrapping and shipping my ceramic love hearts. My simple black and white hand painted ceramic love hearts have been a great success, which is wonderful. More designs coming soon!!...
Waiting for my kiln to cool down!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] To get the perfect glaze firing the kiln is slowly heating up for hours, then it takes hours to slowly cool down. Roughly twenty four hours in total, and all I want to do is open the lid and have a peak inside....
Planter and tealight candle holder
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I was really happy with my last bisque firing, all my pieces turned out just right. So yesterday morning I was eager to get into my studio for a painting day. My style of drawing and painting has always been...
Bisque firing done!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Waiting for what seemed like days, I finally could open the kiln and peek inside. I always panic alittle when I open the kiln, hoping that all my pieces are still in one piece. PHEW!! All good. All my houses are...
Ready to be bisque fired!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I spent this morning smoothing and moulding the dry clay, to get softer looking edges. In the process I got completely covered in dust, hehehehe!! Now all my pieces are ready to be loaded into the kiln, and ready...
Warm from the kiln
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] All glazed fired!! A selection of love hearts and little houses. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...
Hand painting love hearts
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Love hearts are my favourite thing!! I have bisque fired different size love hearts to create different things. From jewellery to hanging decorations. I´ve hand painted designs inspired by Portuguese filigree...
Still warm from the kiln
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Waiting for these little houses to cool down!! Warm from a glaze firing, these houses will soon be ready to be photographed and listed online. Soon to be on sale!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Sparkly lights!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Building my clay tealight candle house holder!! I can´t wait to get this finished, to see the little windows and doors light up at night. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
The little green house!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Up early, paint brushes at the ready!! The little green house has to be my most favourite in all of Buarcos. I just had to draw it and bring it to life through my pottery, in miniature size. Buarcos is a pretty,...
What a lovely surprise!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yesterday postie delivered me a parcel, it was so lovely and it made me quite emotional. Among other arty bits and bobs, was this wonderful poppy flower watercolour painting. Sent to me by my lifelong school...
Building my little house incense cone burner
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] My house is full of incense burners, sticks, cones and coils. On my travels I always pick up a pack or two from outdoor markets to bring home. The smells always remind me of the wonderful places I´ve visted!! So...
Building my clay incense burner
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I was up early, ready to start building my first ever clay incense burner. I designed it a few weeks back, and I´m excited to bring my design to life. I made a hole in the top of the chimney, where you can stand...
Bisque firing complete
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] The kiln is filled with love hearts and little houses, ready to be bisque fired!! I´m always so impatient waiting to see what my clay turns out like......fingers crossed!! More or less twenty four hours later and...
Building week
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´ve had a lovely week building more little clay houses. As time has gone on I have learnt to work and mould the clay better, so my houses have become a little more detailed. I am really happy with this weeks...
Let there be light!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] It´s all go here!! Building on the balconys and now new lights fitted. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Working on a new member of the family
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Due to building work in my home, I couldn´t spend time in my studio working on my little clay houses. So this last week I dedicated my time to making the latest member of the family.........introducing Luis!!...
Building work has begun
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After a couple of years of having an idea, finally it´s started to come to life. This week I have been working in my home, watching the builders destroy my balconys and then make them simply beautiful. In the...
Hello!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Who´s this handsome fella then? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Testing, testing!! One more little house
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´m quite enjoying testing my glaze and kiln settings to get the perfect finish on my little houses. I´m normally the type of person that likes to get the job done easily. But I am also a bit of a perfectionist,...
Knitting on a rainy day
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] It´s a good day to stay home, drink tea and knit. I´m not knitting for myself, but a tiny scarf for my latest rag doll Rui. This bright green colour will look great with his cordroy trousers....
Bringing Rui rag dolly to life
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I never thought about making rag dollys before, but I am really enjoying creating them. After the success of Clara rag doll, I´m starting work on Rui rag doll. Watch him come alive!!...
Glaze firing test
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´m a bit crazy for perfection!! I like things to be perfect, and right now I´m working on my glaze. I believe it was to think, so I´ve added water to my mixture. I´m testing on one of my little houses, which...
Painting my tiny house
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] For the last few weeks I have been busy working on new house designs. I have improved the shapes and construction of my houses, and I am really happy with how they look. Now to perfect the glaze........ then...
All the better to hear you with!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] My little helper has been taking it easy today, but always listening to what´s going on.....hehehehe!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...
Working with clay
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I was up early excited to make a start on my tealight candle holder. Designs in hand, I popped my apron on, switched on the radio, and started moulding the clay. After singing along to the radio for a few hours,...
Designing tealight candle holders
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After designing, making and loving my ceramic tiny houses, I´ve started to design tealight candle holders too. Slightly bigger then my tiny houses, but using the same black line drawing to decorate the house...
Taking in the warm air
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After a morning of working on new clay designs, Poppie dog and I popped to the beach to take in the warm air. I must say my home town is absolutely gorgeous!! I am so happy I found this little town on the silver...
My lazy bones
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´ve been really busy already today, half an hour of excerise, cooking rosti, working online and now designing clay ´house´ tealight candle holders. As I´ve been flying around my side kick Poppie dog has been...
Phewwwwww!! I can stock up again
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] As soon as lockdown eased last week, I jumped into Betty blue(car), and sped down to my local sewing shop. Phewwwwwwww!! My stocks were running low. It wasn´t ideal buying from the doorway, but better then...
Having a good sing along!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´m so happy with my new radiooooooo!! I saw it and fell in love with the colour and style. I´m one of those people that need to have background noise when working, and as I can´t get internet in my little studio...
Bedroom decor commission
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I was asked to jazz up a bedroom, and out came the pom poms!! I made two flowery fabric square cushions lined in pink. The rectangle pom pom cushion is in a contrasting fabric, lined in black and white fabric. To...
Traditional Portuguese house tiles
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] While walking around my town with my camera yesterday, I noticed these beautiful house tiles. I love the patterns and colours, they make the house fronts look so pretty. I just had to share them with you!...
Working on some more tiny houses
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This week I´ve been busy hand painting one of my Portuguese churches and a very, very tall Portuguese building. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...
Painting my tiny houses
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Practice makes perfect!! I´ve been so excited to start painting my tiny houses, and I think my samples are looking great. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
My first bisque firing
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Yesterday I slowly opened the lid of my kiln with squinted eyes, hoping to see that all my tiny houses were still in one piece. Phew!! the settings I entered into my kiln worked, and all my tiny house´s were...
Poppie dogs new haircut
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] My little helper `Poppie dog` showing off her new hair do!! By the look on her face, she doesn´t seem to happy with it. But I think she looks beautiful, and she must feel cooler during this hot weather....
Bisque firing my tiny houses
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´m so excited to be bisque firing my tiny houses for the first time. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...
Practice makes perfect
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] This week has been great!! I´ve spent all my time in my little studio making tiny ceramic houses. Trying to get the shapes and roofs perfect, has been never ending but I am enjoying every minute. Each house I...
Playing with clay
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Finally I got to sit down in my little studio today, and work with my clay. I am so excited to bring my designs to life, and share them with you all. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Day out in Coimbra
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Me and my little car (Betty blue) took a trip to Coimbra for the day. Whilst wandering through the pretty narrow streets, I snapped away with my camera. Here are just a few pictures I took!!...
The world definitely needs nata!!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]t[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Nothing better then a nata for breakfast! One is never enough though hehehehehe!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
The world definitely needs nata!!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]t[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Nothing better then a nata for breakfast! One is never enough though hehehehehe!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Studio on the beach
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I woke up to a hot sunny day, gathered my pencils and sketch books and headed to the beach. The best way to get work done!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Out and about gathering inspiration
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Up early on this gorgeous sunny Monday, snapping away at more buildings which inspire me. Also an old tricycle that I would quite like for me!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row...
Inspiration for my tiny ceramic houses
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I´ve had so much fun out and about with my camera for the last few days!! Walking around snapping away at buildings which inspire me, so many more places to explore today!!...
My little art studio is clay ready!!
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] After working with bisque for the last few years, I am now excited to also begin working with clay. I have been busy getting my little studio clay ready, with all the right tools I need. I can´t wait to start...
Sleeping Poppie dog
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] It´s a dogs life!! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Meet Belle and Poppie dog
[vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Introducing Belle and Poppie dog!! Belle loves adventures, watch what they get up too from day to day xx [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="true"][vc_column][vc_column_text]...