Meet the Maker Maria Barber Introducing Maria and her stained glass artistry. I had the pleasure of meeting Maria and her daughter Annie at a craft market in Godalming, Surrey in 2015. We had stalls opposite each other and I was captivated by her unique stained glass designs and use of decorative glass. I’ve been…
Mothers Day Gift Ideas Mothering Sunday will soon come around once again. To celebrate all things mummy, here’s our range of spring time inspired artisan gift ideas. With a loving nod to woodland at this time of year, when life begins to grow all around us. It’s magical! Apple Blossom Love Heart Suncatcher – The…
Gifts for Valentines This coming Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one to a hand crafted love heart hanging decoration to be treasured for a long time. Make your own love heart out of copper wire, semi-precious gem stones and glass beads with one of our craft kits, available both with tools and without tools. Or…
Gifts for Christmas Crafters Make a Little Hanging Heart For hobby crafters who love to make, there is our little love heart craft kit or tutorial. Author and designer Nicola has combined her twelve years teaching experience with her craft and jewellery know-how. Every step is photographed and described in detail. Suited to the complete…
A More Traditional Christmas Here is a copy of a magazine article I wrote in 2008 about opting for a more traditional and less wasteful Christmas. “Back to the Future – Treat yourself to a stylish traditional Christmas this year, writes designer Nicola. Most of us look forward to Christmas and spending time with family…
Festive Decorations for Christmas It’s nearly that festive time of year once again. Here at Earth Balance Craft we like to celebrate in a more natural and less commercial way. Say goodbye to mass produced Christmas ornaments, plastic tinsel and fake flora and fauna. Our traditional nod to the height of winter comes in the form…
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star The Star Poem by Jane Taylor “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then…
Autumnal Colours Earthy – Vibrant – Nourishing We love the autumn season, for the deep natural colours of the changing leaves from burnt oranges, to lush reds and warm browns. It’s a magnificent time of year, when harvest has come, and we start to prepare for winter. There’s nothing better than swishing fallen tree leaves…
Butterflies and Dragonflies Artisan Made Wildlife Designs Here at Earth Balance Craft, we love making the glorious curves from the insect world, namely the winged beauties of flutterbyes and river darters. Our wire metal butterflies and dragonflies come in all shapes and colours, with a nod to a number of British species. Designer Nicola is…
Love Hearts for the Home Learn to Make! Wire Hanging Heart WIPs For hands that like to make! Are you new to wire work, a beginner wanting an easy project to start with. Start here with my wire love heart suncatcher tutorial. Learn easy to master foundation wire working techniques to begin your wire journey….
The Copper Story Using Copper in Artisan Crafts Here at Earth Balance Craft we have a passion for using copper metal in her jewellery, decorations, mobiles, suncatchers and art. Read here about the process I use when working with raw copper wire and sheet metal in my designs. Nude Copper Copper in its’ natural state…
Summer Sun Catchers Finally, summer has made an appearance. To celebrate all things warm, here is designer Nicola’s collection of home and garden sun catchers and hanging ornaments. Made for the warmer weather, they come to life with the sun is shining. Using copper wire wrapping techniques with semi-precious gem stones and glass, our bespoke…