white light

spring is still quite a while away. 

want to feel just a little bit inside.

xm

Made with Love exhibition

I am delighted to inform you that my 'hanetsubo' range is taking part of the front house exhibition ‘Made with Love’ at prestigious Craft Centre and Design Gallery in Leeds. The exhibition showcases jewellery, ceramics and work in mixed media by many wonderful artists. It starts this Saturday19th January and opens until 16th March. For more information, please click here. Hope you can make it. xm

slow motion

The most of the UK had snow today. The studio (shed) temperature won’t go up much even though the gas stove is set on full power. Putting a plenty of layered cloths on, I try to finish off a turning job but clay is too wet to do so. Instead I am literally just watching clay to dry. Used to like a snowy day when I was a kid. It is rather problematic when I face a deadline. xm

magic rug

we have bought this rug (i call it magic rug) ages ago for the specific room, but it is still wrapped in a roll ever since. this is because that specific room was supposed to be renovated, but the things happened one to another as you know and we have been postponing this plan. doing up your house is such a long term process. nevertheless we are finally doing this room this year. yes, this year! (not sure when) i am already excited about getting this magic rug out there once day soon (maybe soon?) xm 

happy 2013

it cannot be missed on a new year's day. 

(can you tell what it is?)

i hope 2013 is a good year for you. 

xm 

ho ho ho

thank you so much for all your support this year. 

wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fab 2013!

see you in a new year, everyone! 

xm

anticipation

working in the studio at this time of year is hard. thermometer said minus. turn the gas bottle on the first thing in the morning to warm up the frosty shed. wedging cold clay freezes up my hand. the radio helps me to build up the mood gradually and i start working on the wheel. ticking things to do this year. almost there. ready to fly in January.  

apart from the studio work, it is officially my last working week of this year. bringing up fun and relaxed mood by making decorations, printing tags, wrapping presents. winding down near the fire with fabulous Ed Sheeran on in the background. nearly there… xm

smile maker of the week #7

A beautiful pair of ‘molecule’ earrings by Northern Ireland based glass artist Catherine Keenan 

For quite sometime I was looking for dangling earrings in this particular colour to go with my favourite range of clothes (I like combining purple accessories with my greenish dress) and wondering if it can be done with her gorgeous handmade glass... I was delighted when Catherine kindly accepted my request! And it has arrived just before Christmas! Thank you so much Catherine. 

Visit her site to see the wide range of her glass work here. You may find your fav, too! xm

London Delight

We went to London last weekend. We had a wonderful time meeting artists, seeing their work and just spending our free time together. Today, I would like to share three fabulous artists and work, who we met during our stay. 

The main aim of the visit was to go to Makoto Kagoshima’s solo exhibition. Makoto’s ceramics are ever so popular worldwide today and I too absolutely adore his work. On this occasion we actually met him in person whilst he was visiting London for a week. It was interesting to peek his insight, listen to his philosophy and his view of making ‘utsuwa’ (vessels for food) not art pieces. (though, I think they stand well as art!) The image is beautiful blue & white pieces that we brought home. Can’t wait to use them with family at Christmas! The exhibition is still open at Gallery Eclectic until 23rd December, but the stock is getting small so you’d better hurry. 

Next, visiting open studio of Japanese ceramicist Mizuyo Yamashita. I’ve sort of become a blog friend of her and also met her before at Origin (blogged here), but visiting her actual studio was the very first time. The view from her studio on the 7th floor was just amazing, gazing twinkles of London architectures and sky. (I am so envious!) We liked Mizuyo’s recent thrown pieces with curving design, including these tiny goblets. It would be nice drinking mulled wine in them or can be used for snacks and vegetable sticks? I love pondering the possibility over the food, table and ceramics. What would you use them for? 

Finally, and this was an exciting surprise, Buddug was at the same studio! You may have seen her gorgeous enamel work from the lovely shop collaborated with Jessie Chorley in Colombia Road. We did not know that she was a part of this open studio and I’ve always loved her style of work, so you can guess how much I was delighted! A very very charming lady she was. Her spoon is a kind of iconic piece (tradition of her home country Wales) and this was actually a second, but isn’t it just beautiful? Thank you so much and lovely to meet you, Buddug! xm 

Giveaway Result!

Thank you for entering my giveaway. 

The three lucky winners are…. (drum roll please),

Giveaway 1: a set of four ‘mazekoze’ postcards is going to 

Imen

Giveaway 2: ‘POTCANFLY’ porcelain brooch is going to 

Rozalinde

Giveaway 3: porcelain Christmas hanging is going to 

Simone

Congratulations! 

Please email me to makikohastings@gmail.com your full name and address, so that I can post you as soon as possible. Don’t forget post code and country name! Thank you. xm

the simple things

A new lifestyle magazine THE SIMPLE THINGS current issue 4 is featuring my favourite shop PASH as "shop of the month". In this article, there is a nice image of the fabulous shop including my ‘mazekoze’ display. Issue 4 is all about Christmas, so if you fancy a bit of ideas, do pop over to a local book store or you can purchase online. 


my GIVEAWAY is currently open till next Tuesday. Don't miss this chance! xm 

GIVEAWAY!

A huge thank you to all the readers of this blog, shin shin is in the third year and it’s been so much fun. My business of making ceramics has also started a new journey since my graduation this summer and it’s been fortunately good and busy. Now it is a time to return my gratitude to people who gave me support all the way. shin shin giveaway time! 

This year, I have selected three items, so more chance to win! 

giveaway 1: a set of four ‘mazekoze’ postcards 
(all been styled and photographed by me) 

giveaway 2: a ‘POTCANFLY’ porcelain brooch. 

giveaway 3: a porcelain Christmas hanging. 

To enter this giveaway, please leave your name and comment below. It is easy as that. Each item comes with my special Christmas card. (I’m afraid you cannot pick which one, sorry!) 

And what’s more? Here are ways to maximise your chance to win. 

1. If you already have ordered (or order now) currently running fundraising project HELP JAPAN SPECIAL items, you are automatically entered to this giveaway draw twice. How to order? Click here. 
2. If you ‘like’ my facebook (page), you get another draw. 
3. If you ‘follow’ my twitter, you get another draw. 
4. if you join my pinterest, you get another draw. 

At the maximum, you will get 5 times to draw! Please leave a comment which one you have joined if you have a different name. Linking to my social networking sites means that you get more updated information and images of my ongoing work. So hopefully all good for you too? 

Giveaway entry will open till Tuesday 4th December 11PM (British time). Three winners will be announced on Wednesday 5th. So do come back! 

Looking forward to hearing from you. xm 

Christmas Craft Fair

I will be holding a stall at Christmas Craft Fair at Hensaw’s Arts & Crafts Centre, Knaresborough on Saturday 24th November. 

This is my last event of this year and I will be selling my ceramics, prints and of course my handmade Christmas decorations. There also be a stock sale if you fancy rummaging for a big bargen? Henshaw’s Arts & Crafts Centre is where I work during week. Come and peek our centre and lots of goodies we make with talented people with special needs. 

Here is a reminder of HELP JAPAN SPECIAL to get a discount AND to enter my Christmas Giveaway for a great cause! Spread the word to your friends and family. for more information, click here. 

Don’t miss this chance! Looking forward to seeing you! xm 

p.s.
Christmas Giveaway will be up on next post, so please stay tuned! 

HELP JAPAN SPECIAL!

More than a year and half has gone since the Japan’s devastating earthquake. People often ask me if the things have gone back to normal. The answer is “NO”. The truth is “miles away from it”. 

I have been doing this fundraising project since March 2011 and sent donations to the affected areas. Having visited and witnessed one of the most devastated towns, I find it important to continue whatever I can do to raise awareness of the true view of today, especially as we no longer see or hear on the news. Their recovery is a long long journey, maybe for the generation. They are still struggling to make life 'normal' and require ongoing support. There is a way you can help, too. 

I would like to announce HELP JAPAN SPECIAL is now open! 

So what is special about??
1. For this time only, you will get a discount! 
2. When you order, you will automatically enter for my Christmas Giveaway, which will be posted here soon! I will keep this offer till the end of December, whilst the current stock are available. This will be the last chance! 

So far over 1500 HELP JAPAN Birds have flown to new homes! Now only less than 100 birds left. If you have already contributed in the past, thank you so so so much. If you are wanting to help more, maybe you could spread the words? If you haven’t, why not get HELP JAPAN items for a great cause? All items are individually handmade. A little bird can be a reminder of our happiness and well-being, keeping as a lucky charm for your children, or maybe this year’s stocking filler for your family and friend? Candle holder is an ideal present for the time of year, too! 

PRICE

“HELP JAPAN BIRDS” are £5 a pair. (only available in pairs)

“THE LIGHT OF HOPE” porcelain candle holder is £25. Limited edition of 60. (only 10 left) Each one is numbered. 

Packaging & Post fees will apply to your order. (Please note that P&P includes a basic PayPal surcharges in order to maximise the donation.) If you order birds and candle holder(s), you will get 10% discount on the total of P&P. Here is the detail. (click the image to enlarge)

DONATION

100% of proceeds will go to the donation. I am aiming to send this hopefully in a new year. Japanese people celebrate a new year, blessing them for being safe and healthy year before and wishing a good year to come. I feel the best time to send the donation with a new hope.

PAYMENT

Payment method is PayPal. Once order has been made, I will email you a PayPal payment request. If you haven’t got a PayPal account, you can easily set up for free, or you can pay by credit or debit card. 

DELIVERY

Delivery will be by Royal Mail after the confirmation of payment. Please allow 10-15 days for an oversea delivery. If you are ordering for Christmas, please make sure you order before December.  Royal Mail is very reliable and I have had no problem with them in the past. However, if you would prefer special delivery, please let me know when you place an order. 

HOW TO ORDER

Please email me  with the following:
1. Item(s) and amount you like to order
e.g. a pair of birds, 1 x light of hope

2. Your Name
3. Your full postal address
4. (option) extra donation. please indicate in £ GBP. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

(if this does not work, please Email me to makikohastings@gmail.com)

Remember your support can make a difference. Every Little Helps! Thank you so much. xm 

Art Market: coming soon!

I will be holding a stall at Christmas Art Market on Sat 17th & Sun 18th at Rural Arts Gallery in Thirsk. All range of my ceramic work, and many original printing work (limited editions) will be available. Don’t miss out this chance for your Christmas shopping! xm