The Mystical World of Gold Leaf and Lacquer: Tuesday Riddell's Journey in Contemporary Art
In the realm of contemporary art, few artists manage to blend nature’s organic beauty with intricate craftsmanship as seamlessly as Tuesday Riddell. A London-based artist renowned for her ethereal works, Riddell’s art transports viewers into a world that feels almost otherworldly, where delicate layers of gold leaf intertwine with deep, rich black lacquer. It’s a visual representation of nature’s beauty, an art form that brings the enchanted landscapes of the imagination to life in ways that traditional paint alone cannot achieve. Riddell’s work is a reflection of the interplay between the physical and the spiritual, the earthly and the ethereal, and at the heart of this aesthetic lies the ancient technique of gilding.
This feature takes a closer look at Riddell’s exploration of gilding and the mesmerizing art of japanning, a technique that has shaped her studio practice. Over the course of this four-part series, we’ll discover how these unique methods came to define her artistic path, blending tradition with contemporary creativity.
Discovering the Art of Gilding and Japanning
Riddell’s journey into the world of gilding was sparked during her time as the Painter Stainer’s Decorative Surface Fellow at the prestigious City and Guilds of London Art School in 2017. This year-long fellowship immersed Riddell in the world of historical decorative techniques and opened her eyes to the rich artistry of the past. The program, designed to refine an artist’s ability to work with time-honored craftsmanship, introduced Riddell to a variety of methods, including marbling, wood graining, and the delicate art of japanning. It was through this fellowship that she encountered gilding, a technique as old as the Renaissance, which would go on to play a defining role in her work.
Japanning, a traditional method of creating deeply textured surfaces through layers of lacquer, proved to be an especially captivating practice for Riddell. This technique, with its roots deeply embedded in the art of the East, was introduced to European artisans during the 17th century. For Riddell, it was not just the process of applying layers of lacquer that fascinated her but the potential it held to create depth, texture, and a sense of mystery in her pieces. The smooth, glossy surface created by japanning would serve as the perfect backdrop for the luminous quality of gold leaf, a material that would come to define much of her artistic identity.
The moment Riddell first applied gold leaf to a piece of work, she was entranced by its transformative power. The delicate application of the gold created an almost magical effect, shifting and shimmering in the light. The gold leaf’s inherent fragility contrasted beautifully with the dark, velvety lacquer beneath, creating a harmonious tension between the two materials. This juxtapositionthe fragility of gold against the depth and permanence of lacquerbecame a metaphor for the themes of impermanence and eternity that Riddell sought to express in her art.
A Breakthrough Moment: Gold Leaf as a Creative Expression
The allure of gilding, for Riddell, was more than just its visual impact. It was the tactile experience of working with gold leaf that deepened her connection to the technique. The process of applying gold leaf is delicate and time-consuming, requiring patience and precision. Each sheet of gold is thinner than paper, and its fragility mirrors the fleeting moments of beauty in the natural world. This is where Riddell found a powerful connection to her work: gold leaf, when applied correctly, can alter the perception of a piece, lending it a living, breathing quality. As light changes throughout the day, the appearance of the gold shifts, creating a dynamic interaction with the viewer.
For Riddell, this dynamic transformation became one of the most important aspects of her practice. She was captivated by how the gold leaf seemed to breathe life into her work, shifting and changing with every glance. The lacquer’s deep, inky blackness became the perfect foil for this shifting gold, allowing it to stand out in a subtle yet striking way. Together, the two elements created an otherworldly beautyone that felt as if it were perpetually in motion, just as nature itself is constantly changing.
The process of working with gold leaf also allowed Riddell to explore new dimensions in her artwork. In much of her previous work, she had experimented with creating atmospheric effects and layers of paint that gave her paintings a sense of depth. Yet, she had never been able to quite capture the fluidity and vibrancy that she desired. The use of gold leaf allowed her to transcend the limitations of paint and move into a realm where light, texture, and depth were no longer static but constantly evolving. The act of gilding became a means of bringing her dreamlike landscapes to life, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder.
The Unique Visual Language of Riddell’s Gilded Art
Tuesday Riddell’s use of gold leaf and lacquer goes far beyond their aesthetic appeal. These materials are at the very heart of the visual language that defines her work. The delicate application of gold leaf adds a layer of luminosity to her pieces, creating a dynamic that is ever-changing. As the light shifts throughout the day, the work seems to come to life, with the gold catching the light in different ways, drawing the viewer’s eye. The gold leaf doesn’t simply sit on the surface of her paintings; it becomes part of the experience of viewing the piece, with each moment offering a new perspective.
This sense of fluidity and transformation is something that Riddell cherishes deeply in her artistic practice. In an age where art can often feel static and unchanging, Riddell’s work offers something far more fluid and elusive. Her pieces seem to breathe and shift before your eyes, inviting the viewer into a world that is always in motion, constantly evolving. The gold leaf serves as a metaphor for this very ideasomething fragile and precious that changes with time, that reflects the passing of moments and the delicate beauty of the world around us.
Riddell’s approach to the integration of lacquer and gold leaf has also given rise to a new language within her work. These materials are not used simply as decorative elements but as essential components in the creation of an immersive, textured environment. The lacquer, with its deep, glossy finish, provides a backdrop of infinite depth, while the gold leaf offers a sense of light and airiness that contrasts with the lacquer’s weighty presence. Together, these elements create a visual tension that draws the viewer into the piece, encouraging them to explore the layers of meaning embedded within.
What Riddell has achieved through the combination of these ancient techniques is nothing short of magical. Her work invites the viewer to step into a space where reality and fantasy collide, where the material world is imbued with a sense of otherworldliness. The delicate balance between gold and lacquer is not just about visual appeal but about creating a sense of atmosphere, a feeling that there is something beyond the surface of the work. Riddell’s art is an invitation to explore the mystery of the world around us, to step into a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where beauty is found in the delicate interplay of light, texture, and color.
Through her mastery of gilding and japanning, Tuesday Riddell has not only honored the traditions of the past but has reimagined them, creating a distinctive body of work that speaks to the timeless beauty of the natural world. Her works are a celebration of craftsmanship, of the delicate balance between fragility and permanence, and of the transformative power of art itself.
Understanding the Art of Gold Leaf Gilding: A Detailed Exploration of Technique and Craftsmanship
Gold leaf is a luxurious and intricate medium used in various forms of art and craft, offering an almost ethereal finish. However, achieving the flawless and pristine look that gold leaf is known for requires a deep understanding of the process, technique, and a keen eye for detail. The technical side of gold leaf application is more than just artistic expressionexpressionit is a careful science that involves meticulous preparation, selection of materials, and a refined application process. In this article, we take a closer look at the steps involved in gilding with gold leaf, with expert insights from renowned artist Tuesday Riddell.
Riddell’s expertise in the gilding process brings to light how precision, patience, and a strong grasp of the fundamentals are crucial in obtaining the perfect gilded finish. As much as her work is celebrated for its mystical qualities, it is the technical aspects that form the backbone of her success in this delicate craft. In this article, we break down the essential factors that anyone looking to venture into the world of gold leaf gilding should consider. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-time gold leaf user, understanding these elements will significantly impact the outcome of your project.
The Importance of Surface Preparation in Gold Leaf Gilding
One of the most critical steps in the gilding process is preparing the surface onto which the gold leaf will be applied. Riddell emphasizes that a flawless gilding job begins with the preparation of the surface. Gold leaf, due to its ultra-thin nature, magnifies even the smallest imperfections, such as uneven texture, bumps, or marks, on the underlying surface. To ensure the gold leaf adheres perfectly and delivers the intended visual effect, the surface must be as smooth and even as possible.
Before applying the gold leaf, it is essential to meticulously sand and polish the surface. Riddell is known for her dedication to perfecting this stage, often refining her surfaces to a mirror-like finish. This is a crucial step because any texture or roughness on the surface will inevitably show through the delicate gold leaf. The smoother the surface, the more seamlessly the gold will sit and reflect light, creating a beautiful and consistent glow. Artists who are new to the process might not fully appreciate how significant this first step is, but a smooth and well-prepared surface lays the foundation for a high-quality gilding finish.
Surface preparation is not only about aesthetics but also about ensuring the longevity and durability of the gilding. A properly prepared surface can significantly enhance the adhesion of the gold leaf and protect it from peeling or lifting over time. Artists should take care to choose the right materials for the surface preparation, which can range from fine-grit sandpaper to special polishing tools. Taking the time to refine the surface at this stage is an investment in the final outcome.
Mastering the Application of Gold Size for a Seamless Finish
Once the surface is prepared, the next crucial element in the gilding process is the application of the gold size, the adhesive that will hold the delicate gold leaf in place. Riddell advocates using oil-based gold size for its superior flexibility and longer working time, which allows for more control over the application process. Unlike water-based sizes, oil-based sizes do not dry too quickly, making them ideal for intricate gilding work where precision is necessary.
However, applying the gold size is an art in itself. The key challenge lies in achieving the correct thickness of the adhesive layer. Too thick an application of the gold size can cause visible brush strokes, which detract from the smooth, glossy finish that artists strive for in gilding. On the other hand, if the size is too thin, the gold leaf may not adhere properly. The goal is to apply a thin, even layer of size that will provide a seamless bond between the gold leaf and the prepared surface, without disrupting the delicate texture of the gold.
Riddell’s approach to this stage is a testament to her precision as an artist. She carefully monitors the drying time of the gold size, ensuring that it has just the right amount of tackiness before she applies the gold leaf. This process requires patience and an understanding of how the size behaves during the drying process. An even, consistent layer of size is essential for the success of the gilding, ensuring that the gold leaf adheres uniformly without lifting or creating unsightly patches.
For artists just starting out, Riddell advises experimenting with different types of gold size to find the one that works best for their individual style and technique. While oil-based sizes are a popular choice for many, each brand of gold size can have subtle differences in texture and drying times. Experimentation is a valuable step in developing a personal technique for gilding.
Choosing the Right Tools for a Precise and Elegant Finish
In addition to the surface preparation and gold size application, selecting the appropriate tools for the gilding process is equally important. The brushes used to apply the gold leaf play a vital role in ensuring a delicate and even application. Riddell recommends using soft, synthetic brushes such as squirrel hair brushes or gilders’ tips, which allow for gentle handling of the fragile gold leaf without disturbing its structure. These brushes are designed to lift and place the gold leaf with precision, ensuring that it is applied evenly across the surface.
The bristles of these brushes are designed to be soft enough to prevent the gold leaf from tearing or becoming damaged during application. At the same time, they offer enough control for artists to maneuver the gold leaf carefully onto the prepared surface. A hard-bristled brush, in contrast, could scratch the gold or cause uneven application, which would ruin the flawless finish.
While soft brushes are essential for applying the gold leaf, Riddell also suggests keeping a firmer brush on hand for cleanup. This brush is useful for removing any stray bits of gold that may have adhered to unwanted areas during the application. After the gold leaf is placed, it is crucial to ensure that no excess gold remains on the surface, as this can detract from the overall polished effect. The balance between the delicate application and the necessary cleanup with a firmer brush is crucial to achieving a clean, professional finish.
Riddell’s approach to tool selection highlights the importance of quality materials and the right technique. As with the gold size and surface preparation, experimenting with different tools is part of the artist’s journey to mastering the art of gilding. Each artist will develop their own preferences over time, depending on their style and the specific results they want to achieve.
Exploring the Art of Experimentation with Gold Leaf
An often-overlooked aspect of the gilding process is the opportunity for experimentation. Riddell encourages artists to explore different gold leaf types, sizes, and even karat values to see how they affect the final look. There are numerous variations in the thickness and texture of gold leaf, ranging from thicker sheets that provide a more solid appearance to thinner layers that offer a more ethereal and transparent effect. By experimenting with different types of gold leaf, artists can discover the unique qualities that each brings to their work.
The karat value of the gold leaf is another consideration for artists. While 22-karat gold is the most common choice for gilding due to its rich, vibrant color, artists may choose to work with 23 or 24-karat gold for a more intense hue. The higher the karat, the richer the color and the greater the sheen, but these golds can also be more delicate and require extra care during application.
Additionally, different brands of gold size can produce slightly different finishes. Riddell’s advice to experiment with various products is a valuable way to refine one’s approach to gilding. Just as artists experiment with paint types or brush techniques, exploring various gilding materials and methods opens up new creative possibilities and allows for more personal expression within this traditional craft.
Ultimately, the journey to mastering gold leaf gilding is one of both technical precision and creative exploration. While the technical aspectssuch as surface preparation, gold size application, and tool selectionform the foundation of the process, the true magic lies in the artist’s ability to experiment and adapt these methods to suit their own vision. By embracing the balance of technique and creativity, artists can achieve a truly flawless gilded finish that elevates their work to new levels of beauty and sophistication.
The Enchantment of Nature in Tuesday Riddell's Art
At the heart of Tuesday Riddell’s creative practice lies a profound connection to the natural world, which permeates every aspect of her artwork. Her forest floor landscapes, brought to life through the use of gold leaf, transport viewers into a dreamlike realm where the boundaries between the real and the fantastical blur. These magical depictions are not just an aesthetic choice but reflect Riddell’s deeper exploration of the mystical and transformative powers that nature holds within it. Gold, a material that has captivated humanity across centuries, serves as the perfect medium to embody this sense of wonder and awe.
Gold is more than just a precious metal to Riddell; it is a symbol deeply rooted in cultural narratives of magic, transformation, and possibility. From childhood stories about hidden treasures to ancient myths of alchemy and divine intervention, gold has long been associated with the promise of change. Riddell’s use of gold leaf is a direct homage to these timeless tales, imbuing her works with an almost ethereal quality. The delicate glow of the gold leaf creates an enchanting interplay with the surrounding elements, inviting the viewer to not only observe but to step into the very heart of her fantastical landscapes. Through this transformation, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, allowing the viewer to experience the beauty of the forest floor in a whole new light.
As Riddell’s works unfold, they reflect her belief that nature is not simply a source of inspiration but a vital force that informs the structure of her pieces. Her landscapes are composed with great attention to detail, allowing every element to be meticulously shaped by the energy of the forest. Riddell’s gold leaf appears as if it is sprouting from the very soil, catching the light in unexpected ways. The luminosity it brings to the composition has a life of its own, shifting as the viewer’s perspective changes. This dynamic nature of the material mimics the evolving, ever-changing characteristics of nature itself, where even the smallest movements or shifts in light can transform a scene. Through this, Riddell’s work invites viewers to engage with her art on a deeper levelone that goes beyond mere observation and encourages a dialogue between the viewer and the natural world she portrays.
Gold Leaf as a Vessel for Magic and Transformation
The use of gold leaf in Tuesday Riddell’s work serves as much more than an ornamental technique. It is, in fact, a key player in the story she seeks to tell, one filled with magic, transformation, and wonder. The rich, lustrous quality of gold immediately captures attention, but its deeper significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of depth and dimension. This material creates a striking contrast with the dark, velvety lacquer that forms the foundation of Riddell’s landscapes, imbuing the artwork with a sense of movement and change. The lacquer, often built up in as many as thirty layers, acts as the perfect foil to the gold, creating a complex interplay between the dark and the light.
As light moves across the surface of the piece, the gold leaf seems to come alive, shifting and changing in the viewer's gaze. It creates an almost otherworldly aura, with the contrast between the dark background and the shimmering gold adding a layer of mystery and intrigue. This dynamic quality of the gold leaf is reminiscent of the shifting, ever-changing nature of the forest floor, where sunlight filters through the canopy and illuminates hidden details that would otherwise go unnoticed. In Riddell’s hands, gold becomes a living, breathing entity within the artwork, constantly evolving and revealing new facets as the viewer engages with it. The gold leaf, with its subtle yet profound impact, becomes a visual metaphor for the magical, transformative forces of nature that Riddell seeks to capture.
But it is not just the gold leaf itself that creates this magical effect. The artist’s meticulous process of layering the black lacquer provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the brilliance of the gold. Each layer of lacquer is carefully applied, building depth and texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the gold. This careful balance between light and dark, hard and soft, creates a rich tactile and visual experience that draws the viewer deeper into the landscape. The gold leaf, which might initially appear as a decorative element, transforms into the very heart of the composition, acting as a guiding force that leads the viewer’s eye through the intricacies of Riddell’s imagined world.
Through this masterful juxtaposition of gold and lacquer, Riddell succeeds in creating a sense of mystery and intrigue that mirrors the magical qualities of the natural world. Her forest floor landscapes are not simply static representations of nature; they are alive with the possibility of transformation. The gold leaf acts as a portal to a world where anything is possiblewhere light, shadow, and texture combine to create a space filled with wonder and possibility. Each element of the composition plays a role in this narrative, from the deep, rich layers of lacquer to the delicate shimmering of the gold. Together, they create a work of art that is both timeless and transformative, much like the forest floor itself.
The Dance of Light and Dark: A Symbolic Exploration of the Forest Floor
A recurring theme in Tuesday Riddell’s art is the symbolic interplay between light and dark, which serves as the backbone of her forest floor landscapes. This dynamic contrast is central to the emotional and visual impact of her work, with each layer of gold and lacquer revealing new dimensions of the natural world. The deep black background, often associated with darkness or emptiness, becomes a canvas of life, mystery, and magic in Riddell’s hands. It is through the careful application of gold leaf that the darkness is transformed into a vibrant space filled with possibility.
The black lacquer, which forms the base of Riddell’s landscapes, is a rich, almost velvety material that adds depth and texture to the work. As light hits the surface, the lacquer absorbs the light, creating a rich contrast with the glowing gold. This interplay between the reflective gold and the absorptive lacquer draws the viewer’s attention to the small, seemingly insignificant details that populate the forest floor. Whether in the form of swirling patterns, geometric shapes, or the delicate specks of gold that resemble stars in the night sky, every element of the composition invites exploration. It is in these moments that the viewer begins to see beyond the surface, discovering the hidden layers of meaning and beauty that Riddell has carefully crafted.
The juxtaposition of light and dark in Riddell’s work is a visual metaphor for the contrasts inherent in nature itself. In the forest, light and shadow are constantly shifting, creating a dynamic environment where the smallest changes in the environment can produce a profound impact. In the same way, Riddell’s artwork invites the viewer to experience the forest floor as a living, breathing entity, where every detail has significance and meaning. The use of gold leaf to illuminate certain areas of the composition emphasizes the importance of these details, guiding the viewer through the work and encouraging them to explore the hidden magic within.
Through her mastery of light and dark, Riddell’s work offers a rich, multifaceted view of nature. It is a world where every element, whether it is the shimmering gold or the deep black background, plays a crucial role in creating a sense of depth and complexity. The gold leaf, in particular, serves as the key to unlocking the mysteries of this world, drawing the viewer’s eye to the beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface. By bringing together the transformative powers of gold with the rich textures of lacquer, Riddell creates a visual language that speaks to the magic and mystery of the natural world where anything is possible, and where transformation is always just a moment away.
Through these layers of meaning and symbolism, Riddell’s work transcends the ordinary and invites the viewer into a realm of wonder and possibility. The magical transformation of the forest floor, enhanced by the use of gold leaf, becomes a testament to the artist’s deep connection to nature and her ability to capture the elusive, transformative powers that it holds. In every piece, Riddell reminds us of the inherent magic that exists in the natural world magic that is always waiting to be discovered, if only we take the time to look closely enough.
The Playful Spirit of Gold Gilding in Tuesday Riddell's Work
Gold gilding, a process known for its precision and delicate craftsmanship, has often been associated with formality and meticulous attention to detail. However, in the hands of Tuesday Riddell, this ancient technique takes on a much more playful and experimental quality. Riddell's approach to gilding is anything but predictable, as she invites elements of surprise, experimentation, and discovery into every piece she creates. Her process blends the technical mastery of a centuries-old art form with an open-minded, creative curiosity that embraces the unexpected. This fusion of methodical skill and playful exploration is what makes Riddell's work stand out in the world of gold gilding, as she transforms a traditionally rigid medium into something that reflects the joy and freedom of artistic experimentation.
Though gold leaf gilding requires an immense level of preparation and attention to detail, Riddell revels in the unknown. She believes that much of the magic in her work comes not from the perfectly executed steps, but from the moments where things veer off course. When the gold leaf doesn’t adhere as expected or when the lacquer develops unintended patterns, Riddell finds beauty in those moments of imperfection. These accidents often lead to unexpected textures, unusual effects, and fascinating new directions in her practice. For instance, a section where the gold becomes uneven or too thick can create intricate, layered patterns that would have been impossible to achieve through a perfectly planned approach. Such unintentional results become a vital part of the artwork, giving it an organic, evolving quality that feels alive and ever-changing.
Riddell sees these spontaneous occurrences as an essential part of her creative process. Rather than fixing "mistakes," she embraces them, allowing them to guide her toward new methods of working with the gold. She encourages fellow artists to approach gilding with a similar mindset to let go of perfectionism and see where the material takes them. Through this approach, Riddell has developed a unique method of working that combines the discipline of craftsmanship with the freedom of artistic exploration. By allowing her work to evolve in unexpected ways, Riddell captures the essence of the material and elevates the gilding process into a form of creative play that is both joyous and deeply personal.
Experimentation with Gold Leaf and Textures
One of the most exciting aspects of Riddell's work lies in her experimental use of gold leaf. While traditional gilding typically involves carefully applying thin sheets of gold leaf to a surface, Riddell pushes the boundaries of this technique by manipulating the gold in innovative ways. Instead of merely applying gold leaf as a visual element, she plays with its physical properties to create an array of textures and visual effects. Riddell often grinds the gold into a fine dust, which she then incorporates into her work to achieve soft, ethereal gradients. In other instances, she applies the gold in large, irregular sheets, allowing the material to naturally form uneven textures that add depth and richness to her pieces.
This experimentation with form and texture is not limited to the gold itself; Riddell also explores the interaction between the gold leaf and the lacquer she uses as a base. The lacquer’s surface can react differently to the gold, creating variations in gloss, color, and texture. This relationship between the lacquer and the gold leaf opens up endless possibilities for creating multi-dimensional pieces that capture the light in unique ways. The play between the hard, reflective surface of the gold and the soft, translucent layers of lacquer creates a sense of movement, as if the surface of the artwork is constantly shifting, revealing new patterns and details depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
Riddell encourages other artists to experiment with gold leaf in a similar way, pushing the material beyond its traditional boundaries and allowing it to surprise them with its potential. She has discovered that by embedding the gold leaf within different layers of lacquer, she can create intricate patterns and illusions. For example, she might use the gold to evoke the feeling of a starry sky or a shimmering twilight forest. Through such experimentation, Riddell has developed an artistic language that allows her to explore themes of nature, magic, and time in ways that would not have been possible using conventional methods. Each piece becomes a discovery in itself, with Riddell constantly evolving her techniques to explore the many facets of gold leaf and lacquer.
The Journey of Discovery and Continuous Growth in Gilding
For Riddell, the process of gilding is as much about discovery as it is about mastery. While the preparation and technical know-how are important, it is the journey of exploration that excites her the most. Each new project presents an opportunity for growth, as she uncovers new techniques, textures, and effects with every layer of lacquer and gold leaf she applies. It is this ongoing process of trial and error, learning and unlearning, that keeps her work fresh and constantly evolving.
As Riddell delves deeper into the world of gilding, she finds herself continually amazed by the endless possibilities that the medium offers. Each new sheet of gold leaf or layer of lacquer brings with it the potential for something completely unexpected, creating a sense of anticipation that drives her work forward. The process itself becomes an adventure, a journey into the unknown where the destination is always changing. Riddell’s work never feels stagnant or repetitive because she is always open to discovering something new, whether it’s a technique, a texture, or an effect that she had never considered before.
This commitment to continuous learning and growth is what sets Riddell apart as an artist. She doesn’t view her practice as a fixed set of rules or techniques, but as a living, breathing process that adapts and changes over time. For Riddell, the gilding process is not just about creating a beautiful finished piece’s about embracing the evolution of the work and allowing it to guide her towards new creative paths. Through this approach, she has developed a distinctive voice in the world of art, one that balances the discipline of technique with the joy of discovery.
In conclusion, Tuesday Riddell’s approach to gold gilding is a perfect example of how creativity and technical skill can come together to produce something truly magical. By embracing the unpredictable nature of the material, Riddell invites viewers into a world where beauty arises not just from precision but from the joy of experimentation. Her work celebrates the idea that the process of creation is as important as the final result, and that through play and discovery, artists can uncover new realms of possibility. Riddell’s exploration of gold gilding has redefined what it means to work with such a historically rich material, breathing new life into the art form while keeping its tradition alive in the most creative and unexpected ways. Her work stands as a testament to the power of blending technique with imagination, and to the magic that can unfold when we approach our crafts with an open heart and a playful spirit.
