Monday, March 29, 2010

OOAK Loves Siân Lister

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Hello there! Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your craft.

My name is Siân Lister; I'm 20 years old and am a nature and portrait photographer from Dorset. Photography has always been a passion of mine, and I am entirely self taught. Over time, I have developed my own style and am always looking for ways to keep my work fresh and interesting. I pride myself on having all of my work produced locally, by small businesses, and love the personal touch that these businesses give to my photographs. I have won a variety of competitions, and also hosted my first solo exhibition in September 2009, which was a big success!

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Colours of Autumn


How did you get into crafting?

I have taken photographs throughout my life, although I first really started showing a proper interest when I was 16. I was given a digital camera for Christmas, and that was it!

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All My Love


Who or what inspires you?

Anything and everything! Shapes, colours, sounds, sights...absolutely anything will inspire me, and it usually happens at random. I don't go anywhere without a camera, just incase! When it comes to photographers though; I love the work of Izima Kaoru, Steve McCurry, and Horst P. Horst!

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Durdle Door


When you’re not creating, what do you do?

I do a lot of crochet in my spare time, and love working on amigurumi projects! I also spend a lot of time out and about with friends, going for walks and just chilling out watching films. And when I'm not crafting or relaxing, I work in a women's fashion retailer.

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Paradise


Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I would love for Siân Lister Photography to be somewhere in five years. It is a dream of mine to one day own my own studio, and make a living out of my passion.

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Rebirth


Find out more about Siân Lister and her passion for photography on her website!

Fancy being interviewed? Drop us a line!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Easter Bunnies

Easter is nearly upon us and for me Easter brings up images of spring which in turn makes me think of bunnies! Here are four bunnies from UK sellers to fall in love with:


Bouncy Bunnies




Bunny in a Teacup
from sparklehen: £7 - Floppy Cotton Bunny from FruteJuce: £25
Lavender Rabbit from Pouch: £10.50 - European Rabbit from Urbanimal:£25


-Katrina
TomatoTea

Saturday, March 20, 2010

And then there was OOAK!

OOAK is now officially open!

Kitty Pinkstars






I am in love with all of Kitty's wonderful sock creatures, but this one named Chloe has to be one of my favourites. I just adore the colours, she makes me think of summer.

As with all Kitty's sock creatures Chloe has her own little story to share with the world. Chloe along with her other friends are now available to buy on our site!

We hope you like OOAK, please let us know what you think of the site.

-Nicole: Hearts and Skulls x

Friday, March 19, 2010

Tomorrow...

...we open.


Samantha Gillingham


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This particular bracelet from Gilly is my favourite. Yes yes, the designs are all very similar, she has more on the way but its the blue and bronze that does it for me. Its a combination you don't really see every day.

Sam will be bringing us silver versions of these bracelets very soon, which I am very excited about, as silver seems to go with everything. If you can't wait any longer, why not commission Sam to make you one today?

-Katrina
TomatoTea

Thursday, March 18, 2010

2 Days!

Shadows and Tall Trees




I adore this painting by Charlie of Shadows and Tall Trees. She really brings the Mad Hatter to life in all his colouful glory.

This painting really shows what Charlie can do. The original copy of this painting will be available to buy from the OOAK website. If you would like Charlie to paint you a character from a particular film, get in touch and we will see what we can do.

OOAK would like to wish Charlie a very Happy Birthday for tomorrow!

-Nicole x

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

3 Days...

Samantha Harvey


I love this necklace.



18 hours of hard graft went into stitching this necklace together. It is simply stunning and will dress up any outfit. The best part is, is that it's black so you'll never fail to find an outfit that matches.

Sam has a knack for timeless designs and matching beads together for a piece. If you're looking for something a bit special, why not get in contact with Sam about a commission for a One Of A Kind piece of beaded jewellery.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

4 Days

4 days to go!

TomatoTea




One of my favourite TomatoTea products has to be the little birdie keyrings. With spring almost here these little cuties would be a gorgeous addition to any set of keys or bag.

Katrina of TomatoTea works wonders with wool to create beautiful textile based items for every season. Each product is unique, stylish and will make you stand out from the crowd.

-Nicole x

Monday, March 15, 2010

It's The Final Countdown...

5 days to go.

And for these 5 days, we will be blogging about our favourite products from our sellers.


Hearts and Skulls



My favourite product has to be this amazing Batman Comic Mirror. It's perfect for any comic book fan, guy or gal and would look great in any modern home to add a bit of character to a plain wall. It'll be quite the talking point too, as its unique and one of a kind, as with all items made by Nicole.

As with all of Hearts and Skulls products, Nicole strives to upcycle as much as she can by searching out lost forgotten mirrors and frames in charity shops to make into her amazing, zany designs. If you're after a particular comic book character to be made into a frame, mirror or set of coasters, drop Nicole a line!

-Katrina
TomatoTea

Thursday, March 11, 2010

About us

With just 9 days until the launch of the OOAK website I thought it was time we told you a bit more about us….

Katrina and I have always been avid crafters. Whenever we meet craft is on our minds, we always dream about being able to make a career from our crafts. OOAK, which was originally known as oOAK Tree is the first step towards making our dream a reality.

OOAK is not just about us though, we want to promote independent artists throughout the UK, working together to encourage people to buy handmade items rather than mass-produced goods.

So who are we?


TomatoTea

Katrina is the Co-creator of OOAK, and the lady behind TomatoTea. Katrina makes the most delightful textile treats; you will fall in love with her beautiful yarn creations. Katrina’s famous snuggly neck warmers are a must, and were recently featured in the handmade gift guide.




Hearts and Skulls

Nicole of Hearts and Skulls is also the co-creator of OOAK. Nicole’s work is bright and unique; her love of comic books and all things cute gives her work a distinctive edge. Nicole creates a range of cute and kooky accessories that you will love.



Kitty Pinkstars

Kitty’s work is vibrant and quirky; her amazing sock creatures really make her stand out from the crowd. It is easy to fall in love with all of Kitty’s creations, each one of them bursting with personality. Kitty is a very creative and talented lady who is an inspiration.




Samantha Harvey

Samantha makes beautiful beaded jewellery. Her intricate designs really are a treat for the eyes. Samantha’s careful beadwork gives a stunning effect., each piece is timeless and unique.(see our jewellery on OOAK post for pictures)



Samantha Gillingham

Samantha Gillingham has a real eye for jewellery making and she knows what looks good. Her designs are very complimentary, putting the right colours, findings and beads together to create a perfect piece of jewellery.(see our jewellery on OOAK post for pictures)

Shadows and Tall Trees Art

Charlie is a talented artist with a darkly distinctive style. Tim Burton inspires Charlie and this really shows in her creations. As well as her unique artwork Charlie creates a range of wonderful and strange little creatures that you will adore.


Watch this space for interviews with each of our sellers. You will be able to buy their work on our site, hope to see you there.

The countdown begins: 9 Days!

-Nicole x

Monday, March 8, 2010

Beautiful Buttons

Okay, I admit it.

I am a button addict.

But lets be honest here. I think all crafters have a soft spot for those cute, round embellishments, don't they? They can be used in so many ways, and artisans are finding new ways all the time too! So heres a selection from UK sellers:



-Katrina
TomatoTea

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Flowers in my hair

Spring has almost sprung, the sun has decided to show up a little this week, and I am really looking forward to seeing all the lovely things that Winter has made me forget.

Spring always fills me with the need to adorn my hair with flowers. I thought I would put together a little post, showing you some pretty things that I would like to wear in my hair this spring.. What do you think?

I love the colours in this, is enough to brighten anyone's day by tiedandfeathered





This hair accessory by AAliciaAccessories looks elegant and in pretty silver tones:




I am digging creamrose's etsy store, check out these kitsch spring time ponytail holders:




Lupin
works wonders with felt, I adore this gorgeous hairband:




and finally a few of spring hair accessorise by ME that we be available to buy on our new website... which is opening in the next few weeks :D



Have a great day

-Nicole Hearts and Skulls

Monday, March 1, 2010

Get Well Soon

Having had a pretty bad weekend of stomach trouble, which has now been topped off with a cold, I thought I would see what items were available to people wanting to wish others to 'get well soon':


-Katrina
TomatoTea