janeGH

Bump #2

2012-01-03T22:30:00.001Z

Week 29
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

Bump #2

It's been so long since I last posted anything on my blog that I was starting to think I should just quit it. But it's just not that easy! SO, I decided to do a very quick update instead. So here's a pic of bump number 2! Due at the end of the month.Oh and a very Happy New Year!!!

Clare's silver ring

2011-07-21T21:32:00.000+01:00

I'm loving this commission and plan to make one for myself! Perhaps with an oval shape so there's a slight difference.

Sterling silver 'bowl' ring

Tom's wedding ring

2011-07-21T21:28:00.001+01:00

A special commission for my younger brother.

18ct white gold band with grooves

Oli's best quotes

2011-04-14T13:42:00.002+01:00

Oliver is due to turn three in July and has been talking really well for months and months. At a wedding we went to last September I met a speech therapist who asked how old he was and was very impressed with his skills. I have to say that I'm going to take full credit for this. There aren't many opportunities for me to be smug about being an incessant chatterbox. Some even find it annoying!

It does have it's downsides aswell though, like when he just doesn't. stop. talking. ever. at. all. And especially since he entered the 'Why?' phase. Anyway, here are some of his gems.

Pretending to eat a wooden orange:
"That's the sound of me eating orange"

Looking in to his potty:
"It's not a big poo, it's just an advert"

Coming through the front door:
Oli: "Do you know what colour our door is?"
Ben: "Is it purple?"
Oli: "No. The colour of our door is made of wood. And that is how the story began."

The random flavour of that last one though could be down to excessive exposure to Dr.Seuss

Jewellery packing

2011-03-30T13:25:00.000+01:00

Lovely wooden jewellery packaging

Seen here >

Nice to See You

2011-03-08T13:15:00.001Z

This looks great and is very funny. T'would go lovely on my bathroom wall!

"This ‘Nice to see you’ Poster is a one-color screen print inspired by well-known quotes from comedians of the last 30 years. Guaranteed to bring a smile to any Brit’s face.

It’s a limited edition of 500, screen printed by Ink Posters. A collaboration between Joff Casciani, Ollie Wood and Haydn Evans."

As seen on swissmiss >

Linzie Hunter

2011-02-23T13:01:00.001Z

I know this style of typography and illustration is very of the moment, but some do it much better than others and I'm loving Linzie Hunter's work. Especially the Spam project below.

Linzie Hunter's Spam Poject >

Buy online here >

My latest commission

2010-12-15T22:54:00.000Z

Silver & resin Retro Circle pendant

Prints Charming

2010-12-12T22:50:00.000Z

I've just come across a wonderful site called Prints Charming, an Australian set up run by Cath Derksema and Kirsten Junor.

This Christmas decoration kit really caught my eye. They're so beautiful yet look simple to create.

"Hand printed on 100% linen these decorations will add a touch of the hand made to any tree. The kit comes beautifully boxed and includes your printed panel, backing fabric, floss threads and a stitch guide. Personalise by embroidering a name a date on the back and give as a wonderful hand stich gift. The photo shows the panels once they have been embroidered, motif printing is teal on natural linen."

Buy it here >

Camilla Engman - free gift tags

2010-12-12T17:15:00.000Z

Swedish artist Camilla Engman is giving away these sweet (PDF) Christmas gift tags.

Visit Camilla Engman's site for links to the 2006 and 2007 offerings too.

Past commission

2010-11-24T22:34:00.000Z

A commission from last Christmas.

Sterling silver and red resin heart necklace with stamped inital

Latest commission

2010-11-24T22:15:00.000Z

Patti Smith

2010-11-18T13:02:00.000Z

"Veteran rock singer Patti Smith has won a prestigious US book award for her memoir, Just Kids"

I'm reading this at the moment and it does indeed rock.
Definately recommended reading.
(Just Kids available on Amazon.)

Literary Jewels by Jeremy May

2010-09-17T19:53:00.000+01:00

These are just gorgeous. A fantastic concept AND beautiful objects. That's like 10/10.

"Jeremy May has captured the beauty of paper via a unique laminating process. Littlefly jewellery is made by laminating hundreds sheets of paper together, then carefully finishing to a high gloss. The paper is selected and carefully removed from a book, and the jewellery re-inserted in the excavated space."

I would LOVE one of these. The question is which book to use? Two strong contenders are Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami and The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.

Visit the LittleFly site >

Story dice

2010-09-14T22:28:00.007+01:00

I love this idea, gonna have to make some for Oli.

In fact it's worth having a browse through much Holly Ramer's blog stitchcraftcreations.com as there's some really lovely projects she's done like this cool Richard Scarry stuff.

Paper Wonderland!

2010-09-13T19:40:00.000+01:00

Oh yes, the title does indeed look like it does this credit. I would have died for this when I was 10. I still squeal at it now at 34. When I was at Uni I made a paper sculpture of a friend's head - needless to say it wasn't terribly flattering!

Buy it here > Paper Wonderland: 32 Terribly Cute Toys Ready to Cut, Fold & Build

Rifle Paper Co

2010-09-13T19:12:00.000+01:00

These are really sweet illustrations...

And there's more where that came from at Rifle Paper Co >

The Secret Garden Project

2010-09-06T13:29:00.000+01:00

It looks like the 'Spontaneous City in the Tree of Heaven' is only a sculptural installation but I'd love it if birds were happy to live like this - I'd love to see these around the place.

More information at the London Fieldworks site >

Cool, cheap packaging

2010-08-10T20:54:00.001+01:00

Whilst on a hunt for some nice new jewellery packaging (what an incredibly hard task!) I came across this website that do a variety of cool little flat pack boxes and gives you various options of personalisation.

Check them out > http://www.selfpackaging.net/

Etsy: now in Great British Pounds!

2010-08-03T10:12:00.000+01:00

WOOHOO!
Etsy is now viewable in multiple currencies.

"How does it work?

You'll notice that there's now a link to set your currency preferences at the bottom of each page on Etsy. You can also click the USD link next to the price on each listing page to set your preferences. If you're signed in, you can also set a preference at Your Etsy > Account > Preferences."

Go read the article >

Jessica Hische

2010-07-21T12:24:00.002+01:00

This lady is ace. Her works combines "...equal parts design, typography, illustration, brown sugar, and heavy cream.” And it's delicious...

Check out Jessica Hische's site >

Gwen Keraval

2010-07-19T14:40:00.002+01:00

I am loving the illustrations of Gwen Keraval, but the website is all in French. Having said that, I would LOVE some of the books, even if they are in French.

I just love the website illustration work she's done for Djeco too - I've got it as my desktop background at work. You should check out their site anyway for more illustration inspiration and really ace childrens toys - some of which are designed by her.

I think.

I'm also assuming Gwen is a female.

Why didn't I study my French harder?!

Visit Gwen Keraval's blog >

Polly Morgan

2010-06-30T23:01:00.004+01:00

I caught a great programme on BBC 1 the other night, in which Alan Yentob was exploring how childhood play and experiences influences artists and their work.

One of the artists he spoke to was Polly Morgan who really shone out with her incredible work and incredible clarity in how she spoke about her childhood and her work.

A crude way of describing her work is to say she's a taxidermist, but you just have to look at it before you come to any assumptions. It is funny, beautiful, touching and intelligent.

Visit Polly Morgan's website >

My latest commission

2010-05-21T14:13:00.004+01:00

Latest web project

2010-05-12T16:01:00.001+01:00

You know what its like, you're so busy doing the work, you never take care of the housing keeping! Builders' homes are always in a state of remodelling, and web folk are always working on the next company site. Well, we've been working on our new corporate site here at element78 for, pretty much years. I even mentioned it in a post here before I left on my maternity leave two years ago! Which I guess makes us very busy folk.
Well, since coming back from maternity leave a year ago, I've been working on an all new concept which looks very much like it will actually launch at the end of the month.

I'm also hoping to find the time to revisit my own site (janegallagher.co.uk) which has been sat stagnent for a few years now.

I'm thinking Wordpress.

Work in progress

2010-05-05T20:51:00.005+01:00

My latest commission is for a 3 colour resin bangle using cobalt and light blue with white. I've had to source some new resin dyes for the right shades so I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

Birds & cushions

2010-05-02T22:55:00.000+01:00

I don't know what the trend of sweet little birds is all about these days, but they are everywhere, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I own something adorned with them.

Hopefully something like these! I've just been going through my Etsy favourites and stopped for a browse at the Olive Etsy shop and came across these beauties.

I get very drawn to cushions and do actually have the need for them but find it hard to justify the purchase of them. They seem like a luxury item. Hair cut or cushions? You decide. Mind you I find it hard to justify a lot of my purchases so maybe I just need some retail therapy.

Check out more lovelies in the Olive Etsy shop >

Only a colour swatch but I'd wear it

2010-04-28T09:36:00.002+01:00

Only a colour swatch
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

I made this resin colour swatch for the shop I have some of my pieces in. It's given me even more ideas for my coloured resin.

My first glasses

2010-04-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

My first glasses
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

I now own reading glasses! That'll teach me to push pixels and solder tiny pieces of metal

Revised 2010 price list

2010-03-15T22:04:00.007Z

In a kind of 'suck it and see' manouvre, I've decided to lower my hourly rate and adjust my prices accordingly.

How much to charge ones time out at, is an ongoing debate in the handmade world. It's a constant balancing act between making a living, giving your work some worth, and yet staying competative in a busy marketplace.
I'm lucky in that I have a day job and don't rely on selling jewellery to pay the bills, however this also means I don't spend enough time marketing myself and approaching the niche corners where I see my work sitting and where it arguably could fetch those prices.

So to this end I've decided to try this approach and see what happens.
Let shake it up!

See the new price list in action on Etsy >

UPDATE: Interesting related post on Design*Sponge

Finished article

2010-03-01T21:15:00.002Z

Well it went down a storm!

Work in progress update

2010-02-24T22:35:00.000Z

Further to my earlier post about my work in progress, I think, hope, pray, that I can safely say I've finished the job. It's sitting in the barrel polisher as I type and I hope to God it's still in one piece in there!

It was extremely tricky trying to find a way to hold the two elements together for soldering. I just had to make it up as I went along using plenty of binding wire.

Etsy in Europe

2010-02-19T11:45:00.001Z

Etsy are making moves over here in Europe which is really great news.

Location and currency make a big difference to buyers. It's great if the currency rate is in your favour, but if not then it's a sale lost.
When it comes to location, this is something that I myself consider when buying. How big is the shipping cost? How large is the item and is there a worry it could become damaged travelling that distance. Not to mention the possibility of customs charges.
Getting more European buyers on to Etsy would make such a huge difference to all the European sellers already on there, but it would also mean gaining new sellers. Thus giving European buyers a wider choice of 'local' handmade goods than we currently have at present.

It's still a fantastic community to be part of mind you, not only because of the amazing stats they generate ($20.1 million dollars of goods sold in January!) but it's just a fantastic hub of creativity and inspiration.

There are loads of other sites that sell handmade and even some European based ones (such as DaWanda) but it takes a lot to maintain just one site (plus fees) so you don't want to have to spend all your time updating websites. Plus I just don't think any of the others have as strong a brand or kudos as Etsy.

Etsy's Postcard From Europe #1 >
Etsy statistics: January 2010 Weather Report >

Work in progress

2010-02-14T21:40:00.004Z

Years ago (maybe as many as 8 or 9), my mom did a quick drawing in one of my sketch books of a ring she used to own when she was younger. I can't remember the story of what happened to it but I always thought to myself that I would recreate it for her as a 60th birthday gift. Well, the time has come! Let's hope I can do it justice and that she still remembers it :)

Tutorial: Make your own gift bow

2010-01-21T19:10:00.001Z

I've just come across this great tutorial on the blog How About Orange

I'm not sure why I'm quite as excited by this as I am but I intend to try it out asa(physically)p.

How cute does that look!

I ought to take a picture of my finished product and compare the quaility to this one.

Go to How About Orange >

UP TO 75% OFF JANUARY SALE

2010-01-11T14:52:00.003Z

Like it says on the tin - you can now get up to 75% OFF some of my resin items in my Etsy shop...

GO> GO> GO>

My latest make

2010-01-11T14:50:00.002Z

Present for my mate Miss Dix
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

Hand-pierced sterling silver pendant

Pixiebell - Etsy shop

2009-12-01T22:13:00.007Z

I have to keep going back to my favourites to look at this gorgeous beast of a hat. It's an Etsy beauty by Pixiebell Elfinwear.
I LOVE IT!

Visit Pixiebell's Etsy shop >

UPDATE: I bought it! Got stung by customs for the first time but still worth it :)

Charley Harper

2009-11-29T15:08:00.009Z

I'm not sure if I've written about Charley Harper before on here but I love his grahical illustrations and have been using a calendar full of them this year and have bought another for next year. I hope to frame the best ones from both eventually.

But anyway, there are Charley Harper childrens books and games and all sorts too but best of all, I've just come across a colouring book!
I don't think Oli's going to get much of a look in on this one.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk >

Storeyshop - Etsy shop

2009-11-25T13:42:00.006Z

These are funny cards...

Visit the Storeyshop on Etsy >

New tools

2009-11-23T10:13:00.002Z

A friend has asked me to make his girlfriend something for Christmas which requires new tools - letter punches! I love getting new tools.

Paper sculpture

2009-11-21T10:50:00.000Z

Wonderful paper sculptures by Helen Musselwhite

Via hongkiat.com which you should go and check for loads more amazing paper sculptures.

!SALE NOW ON!

2009-11-11T14:19:00.008Z

The SALE is now on in my Etsy shop and features items below at 50% OFF their originals prices so go grab yourself a treat for all those Christmas parties!

Visit my Etsy shop >

Christmas sale

2009-11-05T12:15:00.001Z

Well, as semi predicted, I haven't had much time at my work bench since becoming a mother and going back to work. So in the absence of any action from me or customers in my Etsy shop, I've decided to have a Christmas sale and sell off my few remaining pieces.

Whilst I definately believe that as a maker you have to be able to cover your costs and sell your goods at a sensible rate, whatever that is (a forever ongoing and interesting debate) I also understand that people will only spend what they can afford and what the market dictates. Therefore I'm going to slash the prices of my remaining resin pieces in the hope that they will find good homes and that by emptying the shop and clearing the decks I will be setting myself a fresh goal for the New Year and getting some NEW things made!

Watch this space...

Great maternity t-shirt

2009-10-21T14:22:00.007+01:00

Wish this was available when I was pregnant...

ThinkGeek website >

[via BoingBoing]

Latest web project

2009-10-15T15:28:00.001+01:00

Well, since my maternity leave ended in April I've been back in my web designers seat 3 days a week - which I reckon gives me the best of both worlds. Time for parenting Oli, our funny little toddler as well as having time for me. It allows Ben and I to keep the mortgage payments up AND (somewhat more importantly?) keeps me sane, which is probably in Oli's best interests too.

These design concepts are for the latest project I've been working on.

Book By Its Cover.com

2009-09-28T15:19:00.004+01:00

Having been searching for some lovely new books for Oli, I Googled a Paul Rand book (I Know a Lot of Things) and accidently stumbled upon a fantastic resource by none other than Julia Rothman. I wrote about her and a loverly print of hers here.

Book By Its Cover.com is a blog filled with beautiful books that Julia has noticed and collected over the years.

Visit Book By Its Cover >

Vivienne Strauss paints Franklin

2009-09-19T10:44:00.009+01:00

I'm so excited.
One half of my favourite artist couple, Vivienne Strauss (who I've writen about before here), has painted our cheeky mogster Franklin.
And not once, but twice!

Check out Vivienne's painting on Etsy >

Check out Vivienne's collages on Etsy >

Amy Blackwell - Etsy shop

2009-09-18T10:10:00.006+01:00

I've just come across some lovely illustrations on Etsy by Amy Blackwell - another English seller, yey!

Visit the blackoutwell Etsy shop >

Alice in Wonderland remake

2009-08-17T09:29:00.000+01:00

The new Alice in Wonderland remake by Tim Burton is looking very stylish and exciting.

[Via Moresay]

ColorSuckr

2009-08-13T16:02:00.006+01:00

Very cool tool that sucks out the colour from your photos and gives you a colour scheme! Including Hex refs and RGB.

[via Boing Boing]

Barbara Macleod - Etsy shop

2009-08-13T10:34:00.002+01:00

I just came across this beautiful and inspirational jewellery from Barbara Macleod - a contemporary jewellery designer and maker based in the remote Scottish Highlands.

Visit the Barbara Macleod Etsy shop >

Visit the Barbara Macleod website >

Studio Violet on Twig

2009-07-20T19:47:00.001+01:00

Some of my favourite illustrations are by Swedish artist Camilla Engman who I've written about here. She teamed up with Elisabeth Dunker to create Studio Violet. This is a lovely exclusive print by them for Twig.

"Up in the Air"

Incredible paper sculpture

2009-07-01T12:50:00.004+01:00

How INCREDIBLE is this? Er very...

Made by art student, Wataru Itou, over four years.
Via Tokyobling’s Blog

Mobile boutiques

2009-06-29T10:40:00.007+01:00

I came across this article on the Wiley Valentine blog. They have a self confessed obsession with the concept of adorable mobile shops, which is quite understable.

Forget your average dirty burger van, or those dodgy white vans that turn up at your office, open up the boot and present you with a selection of their finest soggy limp offerings. How about a NICE bit of food from a NICE van?
There is bacon sandwich van in Bristol that is on it's way to being something special - the side opens up to reveal a more shop-esque display of goods aswell as a hot plate to cook you fresh bacon - but it's just not quite all it could be.

These on the other hand are going a step beyond the office lunch van.
Read the article on the Wiley Valentine blog >

Dooce on becoming a mother of 2

2009-06-26T10:24:00.000+01:00

"I think the best way to describe what it's been like to bring a second child into the family is to imagine having a jazz band blasting an improvisational set in your left ear while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Christmas carols in your right ear, and there you are, a drummer in a rock band, and you're on stage in front of 30,000 people trying to keep the beat to an acoustic version of "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols."

Breadou

2009-06-22T09:53:00.001+01:00

Check these out...

Breadou [n.] uniquely designed Computer Wrist Rest and Stress Reliever made from NASA Memory Foam

Visit the Breadou website >

Rinzen designed animals

2009-06-18T20:00:00.001+01:00

Check out these gorgeous animals.

Winkreative commissioned art collective RINZEN to create this lovely graphical set of animals for a set of credit cards they designed for Cornèr Bank.

I'm always slightly shocked, or pleasantly suprised when I hear of how many creatives it can take to make up one project.
Knowing when to outsource. That's what it's about.

Banksy exhibition

2009-06-12T10:49:00.007+01:00

Banksy's doing a massive exhibition right here, back in Bristol at the City Museum and Art Gallery. We'll be poppng down there with the babber me thinks.

Link to story on BBC site >

I ought to post some pictures here of his work from around town when I get a chance.

Etsy Treasury

2009-06-08T11:07:00.008+01:00

Another Bristol based jeweller and Etsian, Jemima Lumley, created a Treasury around other Bristol based artists and was kind enough to include me!

Or my Red resin window spot pendant more to the point.

Muslin

2009-06-07T19:58:00.006+01:00

Oliver was born with blocked tear ducts, which he will be having a small operation to fix a week after his first birthday in July. Because his eyes are unable to clear themselves of tears and dirt, it means they weep and tend to get gooped up and make him look like he has conjunctivitis.
To stop his eyes from getting sore (and looking bad) it means I'm constantly wiping away any fluid, and as a matter of course, have to clean them thoroughly twice a day (sometimes more if it's particulary bad) with cooled boiled water.
It means that even though he's now ten and a half months old, I'm still carrying around muslin everywhere I go so I have something on hand to use. And because they've constantly been around him, Oli is now using them as a comforter.

Because I think of muslin tending to be a younger baby accessory, and because it's acting a lot like a blanket aswell, I thought it would be nice to get a more attractive blue striped piece of muslin and make it look a bit more grown up.
I spent ages on the internet and at first thought it was an impossibe task, but once I included the magic word 'BABY' in my search terms I actually came across a few nice ones including these particularly stylish designer muslins.
They're Swaddling Blanket /Muslin Squares from a company called Aden & Anais - buy them in the UK from here.

If only I'd known about these sooner!
To be honest, they are actually hideously expesive so I don't think I will be purchasing any, plus the only nice striped one comes in a pack and I don't like the other ones in the pack. But these camo ones are pretty cool though.

When I was pregnant I found a multi pack of plain white muslins that I bought from The Nappy Lady as a very sensible, and very cheap option considering it was a pack of 10 - £11.99! They were also huge and have been extremely useful. I've since cut one of them up into four smaller ones and hand sewn some coloured stiching around the edges to stop them fraying.

I can't believe I never came across anything other than plain white ones before.
These are lovely too, and a lot more affordable. I might have to make a trip to Ikea tomorrow.

Google's logo

2009-06-06T10:53:00.001+01:00

Google's logo today - Celebrating 25 Years of The Tetris Effect.

25 years?! I will refrain from adding any further questions marks and exclamation marks.

But really?!

kaboo and MOo

2009-06-02T10:24:00.003+01:00

kaboo and MOo
Originally uploaded by robax

I love cats.
One of my favourite sites is icanhascheezburger.com, I'm unable to stop taking photos of our own cat Franklin and I love looking at pictures of other peoples. I came across this pair, kaboo and MOo, on Flickr a few months ago. It's so funny I keep having to go back for another chuckle at it.

Hel Fucking Vetica

2009-06-01T10:30:00.002+01:00

Ben got himself this shirt a few months ago now, but it's never failed to amuse me since...

Buy it from Wire&Twine

Kirstie's Homemade Home

2009-05-29T09:00:00.000+01:00

I love love loved the last couple of episodes I saw of this series and got so excited and inspired by it. It's so funny to watch Kirstie Allsopp's genuine thrill at textiles and all the inspiring artisans she worked with.

I really need to go back and watch the other espisodes in the series.

Here's the link to the Channel 4 site >

Andy Goldsworthy

2009-05-27T15:03:00.002+01:00

Watching The Chelsea Flower Show programme on TV the other night I was reminded about the outdoor artist Andy Goldsworthy.

I love his work.
I must go look through his books again...

The next phase

2009-05-17T22:12:00.001+01:00

Life has now officially moved on to the next phase.
I started this blog a year ago knowing that the imminant arrival of our baby meant life as I knew it was coming to a close. I made the decision to make a real effort towards my silversmithing, knowing that if it was more established, I was more likely to pick it back up when I had the time in the future.
I created my Etsy shop, started this blog and emersed myself in the highly inspirational world of online designers, crafters & makers. I definately saw the benefits of the extra time I put in too and sold a number of items purely becuase of it. I even got some stock into a lovely shop which was something I'd been just talking about for years.

Once Oliver arrived the whirlwind hasn't stopped and I'm pretty sure that's just what life is going to be like now. The whirl wind has MOST DEFINATELY been turned down from the initial category 6 storm to a more moderate 1 (or 2 on occasions), but I guess that's just what life is going to be like with another person to think about and care for. Does your mind ever stop?

Consequently, I've found it hard to find even the thinking time for my silversmithing, let alone the practical side. In the last 10 months I think I've only made this one item for a friend.
I really really am hoping to have the head space again soon to be able to pick my tools back up and get creating.

In the mean time though, I'm enjoying watching my gorgeous boy grow and am enjoying being back at work 3 days a week.
I've tried to keep this from being a mommy blog so haven't really waxed lyrical about Oli too much, but here's just one picture of our amazing chap...

Childhood vaccinations

2009-04-08T14:50:00.004+01:00

There's an interesting and articulate post on Dooce.com about childhood vaccinations.
This might be US based blog but we have the same issue over here in the UK too...

A word or two about vaccinations

World's Smallest Postal Service

2009-03-26T14:26:00.003Z

Is this not the cutest way to send a message?
It's the World's Smallest Postal Service and it appeals to so much of the childhood excitment I had in toys. A perfectly practicle, useful and funcional idea but executed in a totally cute and more interesting way. I did actually own a teeny tiny (think it was Hello Kitty) letter writing kit with tiny stick-on stamps. Check out their site for pictures of the amazing tiny postal desk too.

I know the perfect person to receive one of these letters too. The same person who gave me a message in another gorgeous fashion several years ago. A tiny carved carrier pigeon carrying a birthday wish for me. When I was doing my silversmithing course I did a lost wax casting of it...

'geek mums'

2009-03-21T14:01:00.001Z

There's an interesting article on the BBC site about some of the discussions at this years SXSW...

A growing number of mothers are forming social communities online. What is behind their drive to the internet?
At the recent SXSW Festival in the American city of Austin, Texas, one of the discussions centred on the surge in growth in "geek moms" - mothers who spend a large amount of time online.

The one thing that sticks out about this to me is the word 'geek'! I'm finding it a bit misplaced. I can imagine that a few years ago it might have been considered geeky to be using computers - having completed a computer arts degree 10 years ago I can tell you there were very few of us ladies doing it then - but surely these days it's just common place?

I used to build websites which I guess could be considered very slightly geeky, but coding and programming? now THAT would be geeky. These days I just design for the web. And blog. And have a flickr account. And an Etsy account. And have a static website. Surely that's not geeky is it?

Whilst I'm on the matter, my maternity leave actually comes to a close in 4 weeks and I'll be back at my web design job. I can't believe life is actually moving on! I'm so enjoying hanging out with our little guy who is now 8 months old. I'm lucky to be able to say that I'm also looking forward to going back to work though. A 3 day working week should hopefully make us all happy and if I ever get a free slither of time I WILL DO SOME SILVERSMITHING and post the pictures here.

Google's logo

2009-03-20T13:44:00.009Z

Check out Google's logo today...

Very clever. And very topical for us these days too, what with revisiting The Very Hungry Caterpillar with Oli. It's also the books 40th anniversary this year. Last week I bought Oli this great little library collection...

Jewellery stands

2009-03-16T10:47:00.001Z

Back in August I wrote how I've always got my eye out for decent jewellery stands. Here are a couple more that I found on Plumo.

I love that fact that the base of this design in also a useful little dish

Gorgeous bags

2009-03-08T14:50:00.003Z

There's loads of gorgeous stuff on this website but here are just a couple of the lovely bags from there...

Design: Tineke Beunders / Ontwerpduo, The Neatherlands.

Visit manos >

Vivienne Strauss - Etsy shop

2009-03-03T10:31:00.002Z

Vivienne Strauss's painting have a really charming appeal. The fantastic titles that accompany them are like a final breath of life that make them and their great characters come alive. These paintings have charisma.

Lily Was Almost Positive that Her Cats, Edward and Franklin Talked About Her When She Wasn't in the Room

Everybody's Talking About Mabel, She's the Talk of the Town

It Wasn't that Stanley was all that Dreadful, It was Just that this was Exactly What Helen and the Girls Came to Biarritz to Escape

Visit Vivienne's Etsy shop >

7 random things about me

2009-03-02T10:49:00.001Z

I've been tagged by the lovely Jaimee of Modern Classics so here are some random bit and bobs about me...

1. I bite my nails, but occasionally get it under control.
2. I'm organised and tidy (some close to me may say bordering on obsessive).
3. I loved school until it got serious at A-level time. Once I realised I wasn't an academic it got fun again.
4. Four is my lucky number.
5. I can play the piano and saxophone.
6. I love laughing.
7. I played a girl called Mandy in a TV programme for school kids when I was about 13.

lolcat

2009-02-20T19:40:00.002Z

Personally, I'm thinking about loads of stuff. I just don't have the time to write it all down!

more animals

Me and old Holden Caulfield

2009-01-15T10:01:00.004Z

I first read The Catcher in the Rye when I was in my teens, and thought it pretty cool to find one of the characters sharing my name: Jane Gallagher. Quite an important character too.

Since I set up a Google alert though, I am CONSTANTLY being reminded of it. You wouldn't believe how many people on the Internet have written about Holden and herself!

I still think it's pretty cool. And it's certainly helped by the fact that it's a great (and important) book.

Are you in a book?

What I was trying to avoid

2009-01-12T13:50:00.003Z

I was trying to avoid turning this into a mommy blog but this nursing bra is definately worth mentioning.

To cut a long story short (my breasts resemble a 'before & after') my bra's have not been the most comfortable things to wear. And they are quite an important item at the moment whilst I'm breast feeding.
Not only am I already sporting one breast larger than the other, but they fluctuate in size throughout the day as they fill and empty of milk.
How on earth are you meant to design a piece of clothing around measurements like that?

Like this!
I'll refrain from posting a picture, but I think I've found the most comfortable nursing bra in the world. It's called the Drop-Cup Nursing Bra by Carriwell and you can order it from Bump to 3.

Now go buy 10 of them.

On the Ning Nang Nong

2009-01-07T21:03:00.004Z

For some reason this poem popped in to my head yesterday and I havent been able to get it out since.
I haven't got it memorised so I've been reciting it over and over to Oliver with complete nonsensical words in place of the ones I can't remember, just to make it rhyme. I know it doesnt make any sense with the right words anyway but that's why it's so great. You gotta love Spike Milligan. Oli seems to enjoy it too :)

I'd love to find the time to type it out nicely with some cool graphics and put it on his wall.

On the Ning Nang Nong
Where the Cows go Bong!
and the monkeys all say BOO!
There's a Nong Nang Ning
Where the trees go Ping!
And the tea pots jibber jabber joo.
On the Nong Ning Nang
All the mice go Clang
And you just can't catch 'em when they do!
So its Ning Nang Nong
Cows go Bong!
Nong Nang Ning
Trees go ping
Nong Ning Nang
The mice go Clang
What a noisy place to belong
is the Ning Nang Ning Nang Nong!!

By Spike Milligan

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T14:28:00.002Z

Well, our first Christmas with Oli has been ace. He's been an absolute dream, socialising, meeting everyone, being passed around for cuddles and loving it!

I thought I'd share with you one of my favourite things that we got Oli as a present. These wicked soft play cubes from our very lovely local toy shop Revilo (which is actually 'Oliver' spelt backwards!).

Things have been pretty busy here. I was only able to find time to bake one batch of mince pies in the end! I also crazily said yes to some freelance work over the 2 week christmas period, so was busy trying to fit that in around spending the festivities with our first born and seeing friends and family.

SO! The new year has started already... may it be fun, healthy and full of stuff you wanna do.

Sanna Annukka

2008-12-21T17:14:00.001Z

Another great illustrator...

Visit Sanna Annukka's website >

Yulia Brodskaya

2008-12-20T16:06:00.006Z

I could stare at this all day...

By Yulia Brodskaya

Artwork for The Guardian: G2
Seen via Skinny laMinx

rikrak - Etsy shop

2008-12-19T21:32:00.007Z

Well, seeing that this year is our first family Christmas, I decided to splash my cash and get the three of us a Christmas stocking each and rikrak was the lucky Etsy shop to get my cash. And I'm glad they were - how lovely are these...

The orange one is for ME, the grey one I figured was kinda manly so picked that one for Ben and Oli's favourite colour, so far, appears to be yellow so HELLO BRIGHT YELLOW STOCKING, you'll be Olivers.

Visit rikrak's Etsy shop >

lolcat

2008-12-17T22:24:00.005Z

more animals

Matte Stephens

2008-12-10T09:23:00.004Z

I love Matte Stephens' work. I've mentioned him a few times before (here and here) and the number of prints of his I'd love to own just keeps getting longer and longer.

I still haven't got the hang of blogging images via Flickr. It never does what I want it to. I can't get the image to centre align and I just spent ages typing out a descrption for this entry and I have no idea what it did with it, so I've just had to manually write it in here only for the image info from flickr to now disappear! ggrrrrr.

Dragon House of Yuen - Etsy shop

2008-12-09T21:23:00.006Z

I find hares mysterious and haunting and to be honest, they freak me out a little bit. I think it's probably got something to do with Watership Down which I've never been able to watch all way through for the same reasons.

This beautiful 'baby hare' by Dragon House of Yuen possess these same qualities for me. I love it but feel slightly sad and uneasy by it. I think the word is melancholy actually. Bagpus also made me feel this way as a child.

This one on the other hand is just lovely... no strings attached

Visit Dragon House of Yuen's Etsy shop >

Christmas stockings

2008-12-08T10:16:00.003Z

I've never really had a Christmas stocking so I thought I'd have a look for some handmade gems on Etsy and came across this bunch...

Clockwise from top left:

"eco stocking" by rikrak
"Days of Our Lives Merry Modernica Alexander Henry Ta Dot" by Corkyscookies
"Two Christmas Stockings II" by fashiontasticone
"Wool Felt Holiday Stocking by b. handmade designs" by rschreiner
"peace dove stocking in green" by 3rdlife
"Delightful Swinging Monkeys (suede) Christmas Stocking" by buckland
"Chic Black Stocking" by bebesniklefritz
"Personalized Pink and Green Floral Chenille Christmas Stocking" by withlovefromalabama

Dribble bib

2008-11-23T17:30:00.001Z

Dribble bib
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

I made this dribble bib in the hope of catching some of the waterfall that constantly
flows from his mouth.
I've never used press studs before and now I want to add them to anything that moves!
You might recognise the material from here: www.flickr.com/photos/janehostler/2287997381/in/set-72157...

Camilla Engman

2008-11-18T18:01:00.004Z

I know I've mentioned Camilla Engman a few times in this blog (like here and here) but I don't think I've ever dedicated a post entirely to her work.

I was just perusing her Flickr updates (like the social networking stalker that I am) and was reminded of some of my favourite things I've seen of hers - I have one of these as my screensaver.

Paloma's Nest - Etsy shop

2008-11-13T13:28:00.009Z

This is one of those Etsy sellers that just keeps popping up. I love the simple, rustic style and natural colours. Perfect gift material really. I've started thinking about Christmas presents already and reckon some of these would be perfect. I love the idea of the Christmas decorations.

Visit Paloma's Nest Etsy shop >

boo

2008-11-08T19:35:00.003Z

i know i know, i haven't written much lately so here's a summary;

Oli's first cold
Visit to grandparents
Freelance work
New cameraphone
My birthday
iPod nano!

Love Project

2008-10-30T10:15:00.001Z

Love Project
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

For LOVE project

If you want them next send me your address and I'll post them on

Gladioli

2008-10-25T22:44:00.001+01:00

Gladioli
Originally uploaded by JaneHostler

To me, these Gladioli ended up looking more beautiful when they were dead

holly - Etsy shop

2008-10-23T17:32:00.001+01:00

I bought these vinyl wall art decals a few weeks ago from Holly's shop on Etsy. I couldn't wait to get them up on Oli's walls. I think they look fantastic and I'm itching to get some more. They've got an addictive quality - it might be something to do with having never been allowed to put stickers on anything as a child. This is legal and looks wicked!

There's the set of 3 Small Bird Wall Decals, the Large Wood Owl Wall Decal and the Large Rocket Ship Wall Decal.

Back at it

2008-10-14T17:57:00.000+01:00

This is the first thing I've made in ages. Since Oliver was born in fact.
Somewhat inspired by Laura Baxter, it's for a good friend and incorporates her two small daughter's initials.
I thought once they were old enough she could give them each their initial to wear, and she would be left to wear the 'twig' that represents the two of them.

It's given me some ideas for new designs too.

the big itch

2008-10-12T10:18:00.003+01:00

I'm getting a real itch now to get back to creating.
Oli is now 12 weeks old and is in a great routine that means I could potentially have some time to put in to being crafty again.

I got a real urge to start drawing too which is bizarre as I can't draw and it's never really been my medium. I also keep finding myself arriving at blogs written by such creative and insirational people that it's making me drool with the endless possibilites of how I could be spending my time.

Christmas is here

2008-10-08T09:39:00.002+01:00

I had my first mince pie of the season yesterday

isak posters

2008-10-06T17:57:00.010+01:00

There is still some empty wall space in Oliver's room so I've got my eye out for some stylish child friendly art to go up there.

These posters from isak.co.uk fit the bill perfectly...

All new shiney Bristol

2008-10-03T10:25:00.001+01:00

The centre of Bristol is now an entirely new thing to behold. And if you like to shop in chain stores then it will no doubt make you quiver with excitement - there are over 120 new shops.

In short, Bristol was heavily bombed during the war and 60 years later Cabot Circus was built...

We even have a Harvey Nicks which seems to be revered as a shopping temple unique from all other shopping temples and I'm not entirely sure why yet. The ironic thing though is that it's sat right where there used to be a pound shop.

We also have an Apple store now which is a worrying prospect for our future financial situation

What to do

2008-10-02T18:09:00.002+01:00

This morning I went to look at a possible nursery for Oli to join when I go back to work.

I can't actually believe how quickly that's come around.
When I was pregnant and looking towards my maternity leave, it felt like I was going to be away from work for ever. But now the months are starting to speed by and I need to make some decisions.

I'd initially planned to be away from work until Oli was at least 6 months old and then it would be down to how poor we were as to when I would return. Now the little chap is here though, I understand why people find it so hard to leave such a small person in the care of strangers (essentially).
I'll only really be happy leaving Oli when he's more of his own person and not so dependent. I hate picturing him just lying there with no stimulation or being ignored. I know that that's a worse case scenario and not likely to happen but still.

There are so many things to consider right now. Like whether to even return to my job or to take the opportunity to build up my personal creative empire. To be honest though, a potential £600 monthly childcare bill kind of dictates that I go back to a paying job!

I do still enjoy my job. And love that the first thing I do in the morning is open Photoshop. And I get paid for being creative.
And as much as I love to romatically picture myself in a studio space (oh to live like Camilla Engman), and spending my days with similar beings, I just don't think it's feasible. I'm not convinced it's the best time to become a starving artist. Then again you only live once! Oh I don't know.

hmmm.

janeGH

Bump #2

Clare's silver ring

Tom's wedding ring

Oli's best quotes

Jewellery packing

Nice to See You

Linzie Hunter

My latest commission

Prints Charming

Camilla Engman - free gift tags

Past commission

Latest commission

Patti Smith

Literary Jewels by Jeremy May

Story dice

Paper Wonderland!

Rifle Paper Co

The Secret Garden Project

Cool, cheap packaging

Etsy: now in Great British Pounds!

Jessica Hische

Gwen Keraval

Polly Morgan

My latest commission

Latest web project

Work in progress

Birds & cushions

Only a colour swatch but I'd wear it

My first glasses

Revised 2010 price list

Finished article

Work in progress update

Etsy in Europe

Work in progress

Tutorial: Make your own gift bow

UP TO 75% OFF JANUARY SALE

My latest make

Pixiebell - Etsy shop

Charley Harper

Storeyshop - Etsy shop

New tools

Paper sculpture

*!SALE NOW ON!*

Christmas sale

Great maternity t-shirt

Latest web project

Book By Its Cover.com

Vivienne Strauss paints Franklin

Amy Blackwell - Etsy shop

Alice in Wonderland remake

ColorSuckr

Barbara Macleod - Etsy shop

Studio Violet on Twig

Incredible paper sculpture

Mobile boutiques

Dooce on becoming a mother of 2

Breadou

Rinzen designed animals

Banksy exhibition

Etsy Treasury

Muslin

Google's logo

kaboo and MOo

Hel Fucking Vetica

Kirstie's Homemade Home

Andy Goldsworthy

The next phase

Childhood vaccinations

World's Smallest Postal Service

'geek mums'

Google's logo

Jewellery stands

Gorgeous bags

Vivienne Strauss - Etsy shop

7 random things about me

lolcat

Me and old Holden Caulfield

What I was trying to avoid

On the Ning Nang Nong

!SALE NOW ON!