Crafty Goings on at By George

Wish Upon a Wishing Tree

2010-07-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes and with these gorgeous little bead and wire trees you get something beautiful to look at too. Trees have long been heralded in mythology and through the seasons are seen as powerful symbols of growth and life.

Handmade in the UK, using a variety of beads of every imaginable colour, these trees have their roots firmly attached to a sturdy base of polished stone, and wouldn't look out of place on any dressing table or mantle-piece.

The current ones are barely 7cm tall and come boxed, so perfect for a gift ~ but I also know with certainty that there are plans for both larger trees, and ones with a base of semi-precious stones and crystals to give even more targeted help on the wishing front.

The current Wishing Trees are on sale now priced at £6.00.

Pick a Card, Any Card - and for Any Occasion

2009-10-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

So what do you do when you're career as a talented graphic designer is interrupted by the patter of tiny feet? 9 years ago when faced with that conundrum Suzy Peck decided to go it alone and set up her own business designing greetings cards - and 'By George' is certainly glad she did as her fun and funky designs are a popular purchase within the shop.

Using a variety of mediums from felt to buttons and beads to die-cut shapes Suzy's cards cover all occasions from New Baby, to Congratulations (see left) to birthday for both the young and the young at heart.

And if you're in a hurry Suzy does a great range of cards with earrings attached - great for any girl who likes to sparkle.

Suzy can be found in person in 'By George' on a Monday morning, though her cards are there on a permanent basis.

She can also be contacted by email at: Suzypeck@hotmail.com

So if you're looking for something out of the ordinary in the card line or any other line why not pop into 'By George' and have a browse around. Within it's wall can be found everything from Fudge to Floor Puzzles, from Sparking Jewellery to Stained Glass. It's the home of the quirky, the original and the unique, with the majority of items handmade locally. So come on in, you never know what you may find...

Effortless Grace

2009-09-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

There's a window in 'By George', about halfway down the right hand side, which, when the light hits it, erupts into a rainbow of colours. (The photo does not do it justice). This is the 'By George' home of Graceful Glass - otherwise known as Jennifer Yardeni.

With over 20 years experience behind her, gained in both Israel, South Africa (where her Tiffany style lamps have graced many a home in Johannesburg), there isn't much Jennifer doesn't know about the Lead and Copper Foil methods of stained glass she works in.

Within 'By George' Jennifer's main speciality is animals, with peeping cats (look closely in the bottom corners of the window), and small dogs such as spaniels and terriers to name but a few. Additionally there are angels, both hanging and standing and beautiful art deco style lamps, and she is always happy to take on commissions.

If you ever find yourself passing 23 George St, St Albans, it's worth popping in just to have a look, but if you want to meet the artist then Jennifer can be found in 'By George' on Wednesday and Friday afternoons or through her website http://www.gracefulglass.co.uk/.

Cats, Cabbages and Cockerels

2009-09-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

Until a couple of weeks ago I thought teapots were for pouring tea from. I now consider myself enlightened, having seen the wonderful teapots Sally Meekins makes and displays in 'By George'. These are works of art in their own right, with designs ranging from the cats, cabbages and cockerels to dogs, cauliflowers and cakes, each one beautifully made and hand painted.

And Sally's talents do not end there, her intricate dolls house miniatures (which are definitely for grown-ups) are amazing in their detail, sitting on tiny dressers, looking every inch as if they are about to be used by a miniature family for afternoon tea.

Also, and I'm loathe to use the 'C' word, it not even being Halloween yet, but Sally has recently added some quaint and quirky tree decorations to her shop collection. There are snowflakes, angels and little toy soldiers in smart red tunics - all waiting for their chance to adorn a brightly lit tree.

If you want to talk teapots with Sally she can be found in 'By George' on a Monday from 10am - 2pm, or can be contacted through her website http://www.sallymeekinsceramics.co.uk/.