Cico Books

The secrets of Valentine's Day flowers

2012-02-01T11:47:00.004Z

Particular meanings–from romantic to religious–have for centuries been attributed to different flowers, yet it was the Victorians who developed these ideas into a sophisticated language of flower symbolism.

Here, we look at the secret meanings behind two traditional Valentine's Day flowers; the crocus and the rose.

The Crocus

Lasting devotion; cheerfulness; gladness; Valentine’s Day flower

The crocus is dedicated to St Valentine, the Christian martyr, after whom St Valentine’s Day was named. Valentinus was a Roman physician who dispensed natural remedies, and a Christian priest who prayed for his patients. Practicing Christianity was a crime in the reign of Claudius II, so Valentinus was arrested, imprisoned, and sentenced to death. The jailor’s blind daughter was one of his patients and, just before his execution, Valentinus handed the jailor a note for the blind girl in which he had wrapped a saffron crocus, the source of the healing herb, saffron. As the girl opened the note her sight returned and the first flower she saw was the yellow crocus shining like the sun. The physician had written the message: “From your Valentine” and the day was February 14, 270 CE.

The saffron crocus has the most meanings attached to it around the world. It has spiritual associations for a number of faiths. In Hinduism, for example, saffron is associated with the Supreme Being. Saffron is also known for its culinary uses and for its medicinal properties—in some folk remedies it was believed to be an aphrodisiac.

The Rose

Love; romance; beauty; passion; courage

The red rose is the ultimate flower symbol of love and the traditional romantic Valentine’s Day gift. For the Victorians, the number of red roses in a bouquet conveyed a particular meaning, and red roses might be combined with roses in other colors to offer further meanings.

Here is a guide to how many roses to send
a loved one to convey the right message:

A single red rose: “I still love you;” “You are the one;”
“Love at first sight”
Two roses, one red and one white: mutual love or desire; unity
—often symbolizing commitment, such as a forthcoming marriage
Three red roses: “I love you”
Four roses: considered unlucky

In any color combination:
Six roses: “I want to be yours”
Seven roses: “I am infatuated”
Ten roses: “You are perfect”
12 roses: “Be mine”
50 roses: “My love is unconditional”

Roses of other colors

White: “You’re heavenly;” charm; wisdom; secrecy; sympathy;
humility; youthfulness; and innocence
(a withered white rose means death or loss of innocence)
Pale pink: “Please believe me;” “You’re so lovely;”
grace; perfect happiness
Combining pink and white roses in a bouquet:
“I love you still and always will”
Deep pink: “Thank you;” gratitude
Orange: “I want you;” desire or enthusiasm
Pale coral: “Let’s get together;” sincerity; forming a pact; immortality
Yellow: “Welcome back;” “Remember me;” friendship and joy;
sent to a lover can also mean infidelity and jealousy
Lilac: “I am enchanted by you;” love at first sight

For more flower symbolism, including what the flowers you like say about you, buy The Secret Language of Flowers by Samantha Gray, with illustrations by Sarah Perkins from CICO Books for just £9.99

Quilled bird card clips from Christmas Crafting in No Time

2011-12-13T15:27:00.009Z

Pick out your favorite Christmas cards and make a special feature of them with a row of little bird card clips and string. Strung along a mantelshelf, they would make a charming display. Make a few extra to attach to gifts or clip them among the branches of the Christmas tree.

materials

Tracing paper

Pencil

Scissors

Sheet of white card

White quilling strips, 1⁄8 in. (3mm) wide

(or wider if preferred)

Craft knife

Cutting mat

Quilling tool

PVA glue

Hole punch

Wooden clothes pins (pegs)

String

1. Print out the template, copy onto card and cut out the required number of bird shapes.

2. Cut a length of a quilling strip in half. Place the end in the split at the top of the quilling tool. Start winding the strip around the tip of the tool, keeping it tight.

3. When you have finished winding, release the strip of paper, so that it springs loose, and remove it gently from the quilling tool. Place a dab of glue at one end of the quilling paper and stick it down to make a closed circle of spiralled paper approx. 5⁄8in. (1.5cm) in diameter. You do not have to be exact, as it looks charming with slightly different-sized pieces.

4. With your finger and thumb, gently squeeze one side of the circle spiral together to form a teardrop shape. Repeat steps 2–4 to make a total of three teardrop shapes. Arrange as shown and glue in position on the bird.

5. Punch a hole in the bird shape to make an eye. Use a dab of glue to attach the finished bird shape to the clothes pin (peg). Clip onto a length of string and attach your cards to complete the display.

A project from Christmas Crafting In No Time by Clare Youngs, photography by Claire Richardson, James Gardiner, and Kate Davis, CICO Books

How to make a bat brooch from Gothic Jewelry by Harriet Smith

2011-10-10T15:01:00.008+01:00

Get in touch with your dark side this Halloween with this gothic jewelry design. A fun piece with a real sense of movement! Using a heat gun will allow you to manipulate the flat plastic form to create curves easily. The edges of the acrylic can be polished up really well to give a high shine and the red crystal eyes will sparkle in the light.

you will need

Materials: 3mm black acrylic sheet, oxidized chain, jump rings, flat-backed red crystals, superglue, brooch finding
Tools: Piercing saw, drill/multi-tool, files, emery paper, heat gun, 2 pairs of flat-nose pliers
Extra: Protective gloves

1 Transfer the Bat template on page 123 onto the protective cover of the acrylic sheet. Use a piercing saw to cut out the shape. Drill a small hole near a point on the wing at either side.

2 File and sand the acrylic edges to smooth all the marks away (see page 24). Remove the protective coverings. Using a heat gun, apply even heat over the whole bat form until the acrylic becomes soft and flexible.

3 Wearing thick protective gloves, shape the acrylic to mirror the bat form as shown. Keep the back flat so that the brooch pin can be fitted. Hold in place to maintain the shape until the acrylic cools and sets.

4 Cut two different short lengths of oxidized chain and hang these from the drilled holes in the bat wings using jump rings. Glue the red crystal eyes to the front face and the brooch finding to the center back.

Do not overheat the acrylic, as it will bubble and spoil. Apply heat gradually; if you are unhappy with the form, allow the piece to cool and then heat up again to reshape. To cool and set the acrylic quickly, quench under running water.

Project from Gothic Jewelry by Harriet Smith, CICO Books, photography by Martin Norris

Meet Fifi O'Neill author of Romantic Prairie Style

2011-09-07T16:32:00.000+01:00

Interiors stylist Fifi O'Neill grew up in Paris France. A move to the United States took her to the great plains, where comfort, simplicity, and harmony with the earth became the foundation for her own style, Prairie Style. Here, Fifi explains where she found inspiration for her new book Romantic Prairie Style and what makes the prairie such a special place.

Can you describe romantic prairie style for us?
Romantic prairie style is, above all, unpretentious. It can include some newer items as long as they are on the simple side, but traditional farmhouse-type furnishings and accessories (no fancy antiques) are the best fit. Romantic prairie style encompasses much more than decorating. It highlights the values of an honest lifestyle. It is about family, traditions, respect for the earth and the past, animals – small and large – and the appreciation of handmade and homemade. Keep the palette subdued and accessorize with items with pleasing shapes and harmonious hues. Sometimes an abundance of similar things – like a massive bouquet of one type of flowers in one pitcher, or several vases of varied sizes holding identical flowers – will make a stunning statement. In these cases, repetition (and simplicity) create visual unity and harmony. That said, it doesn’t mean you have to opt for a bare look. Just don’t clutter. Let things stand on their own.

You say in the introduction to the book that you’ve always been a prairie girl at heart. How and when did you first discover a love of styling in this way?
I have always loved the simplicity inherent to country life. Especially nature and animals. I was born in the city (Paris, France) and enjoyed some of the glitz and glamour, but I am basically a loner and don’t like crowds. So, I can only take big cities in small doses. Show me wide open spaces, pristine ponds, towering mountains and meadows of wild flowers and I come alive. The lifestyle associated with country is also much more attractive to me because it’s real, unlike city life, which is much too often superficial and status-oriented. The romantic prairie style concept came to me while I was in the process of transforming my old garage into a guest house. A friend asked me what the style was and the question triggered memories of the little old houses I had become acquainted with when I lived on the Canadian prairie. That rustic look was the springboard for the style but it morphed into a softer, more romantic look.

What inspired you to write a book about romantic prairie style?
In spite of the numerous (beautiful) decorating books available, none featuring the prairie lifestyle had ever been produced and, for me, it was a logical one to create. I set out to find the homes I had in mind and also demonstrate that, though one cannot always up and move to the country, the style and lifestyle are adaptable wherever one lives.

How can we bring some prairie style into the home on a small budget?
Like many things in life, the way we live is a choice we make. It’s always a matter of values. Romantic prairie style lends itself to beauty on a budget because most of us already have access to second hand or family pieces that they can easily revamp and re-invent; repaint something, make a new slipcover, use an item in a way that it was not intended for. The possibilities are only limited by one’s imagination and creativity.

Can you give us some tips for bringing prairie style into a city home?
Because decorating is a very personal choice, any interior, regardless of location (and even exterior appearance), can reflect one’s preference. When it comes to infusing elements of prairie style into a city home, it can be as easy as mixing soft fabrics like faded florals with more rugged textiles such as raw linen, wood items with iron ones, pottery with glass, keeping things rustic but a little refined – nothing so beat-up that it feels like it’s ready for the trash.

You describe prairie style as a way of life as well as a way of decorating. How can we incorporate prairie style into other areas of our lives?
For better or for worse, I have never fit in a ‘mold’. I guess you could say I live my life my way, may it be in the way I dress or decorate. It’s always the result of a feeling, never a trend. I happen to love rugged and rustic mixed with soft and feminine, though not the kind of feminine that I’d call ‘chichi-pompon’, which you can translate as overly frilly and busy. However, I must confess that I am also a ‘girly-girl’. I do love to pair faded and relaxed fabrics, such as old jeans, with beautiful ones, such as intricate lace and ethereal organza). The concept is that even if your pocket book won’t allow extravagant purchases, you can find inspiration from many sources and create your own look, both for your home and your wardrobe. And that goes for food as well. Marrying textures and flavors makes for a tasty combination.

What’s next for Fifi O’Neill?
Well, another ‘prairie’ book, of course. I am also working on a prairie home accessory line as well as a clothing line.

Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O'Neill, CICO Books, photography by Mark Lohman

Win a signed copy of "The Green Wiccan Herbal" by Silja

2011-08-10T15:12:00.006+01:00

Wiccan High Priestess and author, Silja, is giving you a chance to win a signed copy of her book, The Green Wiccan Herbal, with a personal spell or dedication especially for you (or a friend).

This beautiful, insightful compendium is the ultimate guide to herbal magic. Covering magical tools, growing and gathering herbs in the wild, and spell-casting, Silja presents more than 50 enchanting herbs, fruits, and flowers, including their elements, deities, and magical and healing properties, along with spells, kitchen witchery, and more.

To win a copy with a personal dedication from Silja please send us a picture or photo of an everyday magical object and explain why it is magical to you in less than 100 words. Examples could be the tree you pass when you go to work or a kitchen knife which became your magical athame.

Please send your entries to web.team@rps.co.uk. There is a maximum of two entries per person. The winner will be selected at random.

Please send your entries to us by 11.00pm on Wednesday 17th August.

To find out more about Silja and to share thoughts and pictures you can visit Silja's Green Wiccan Facebook page.

Meet the author of "Cute and Easy Quilting and Stitching" textile designer Charlotte Liddle

2011-06-20T16:31:00.015+01:00

Charlotte Liddle creates beautiful highly embellished fabric and paper designs, handmade accessories, ballet shoes, peg dolls, and cards which are sold in a number of prestigious retail outlets including Liberty and Designers Guild in London. Here, Charlotte tells us more about how she got started in crafts and her new book Cute and Easy Quilting and Stitching.

When did you first become interested in sewing and stitching?
I’ve always been creative and loved making throughout my childhood. I loved art at school and then went on to study an A level in fashion and textiles, I enjoyed every minute of it and decided that it was definitely the career for me.

Jam pot covers

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my work as being quite girly, quirky, vintage and nostalgic. I love collecting and working with vintage fabrics and creating pieces that make people smile. I tend to use a lot of traditional techniques in my work but give them a bit of a modern twist and these often make people remember techniques they learnt when they were younger and recall happy stories of sewing or patchworking with their favorite grannies.

There are 35 projects in the book, what inspires you when you’re thinking of new designs?
This book was much bigger than my previous two which is why we decided to split the book down into a few chapters. This meant that I could design in smaller collections, concentrating on one at a time. I take inspiration for many different places; the fabric I’m working with can often determine a colour palette. I also visit exhibitions, see what’s happening in shops, have a good look around on the internet to see what’s happening on the craft scene. Blogs are a great place for inspiration. However this particular book was quite heavily influenced by the Quilts exhibition at the V & A.

Coffee pot cozy

What have been you favorite projects to so far?
I loved making the hanging Russian dolls and the Russian doll picture for the book. I’m a bit obsessed with Russian dolls at the moment.

You’ve recently become more involved in educational projects, can you tell us more about those?
Yes, I started doing a lot of workshops and then I applied for a position as an adult education tutor and from there I was also offered a part-time job as a lecturer in fashion and textiles in a college. So at the moment I teach about half the time so two and a half days a week. It’s great to be working around lots of other creative people and it really helps with inspiration when I can share ideas and concepts with like-minded people.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career in the craft industry?
I would say that it is essential to be flexible and to be able to manage lots of different projects at the same time. When I set up in business – I found quite quickly that I need to have some understanding of all the different jobs roles within the business. As well as looking after designing and making you also need to market yourself, do your own administration, look after your accounts, answer e-mails and phone calls. At first it can feel quite very overwhelming but you soon pick it up and I particularly love the fact that every day is different and I never get bored!

Baby shoes

What do you like to do when you're not crafting?
Because crafting is my job I often feel that I need to do something that is very different, I love walking my dog Alfie and I have to admit that I’m partial to a game of poker, which isn’t very girly at all! I play in a local pub league which is great fun – we have such a laugh and giggle.

What’s next for Charlotte Liddle?
My next adventure is working as a craft instructor on a cruise ship which I am so excited about. I have my first two-week cruise booked for September, it's on the Oceana ship and its sails around the Canary Islands – can’t wait!

You can find out more about Charlotte and her work on her website www.charlotteliddle.co.uk.
Cute and Easy Quilting and Stitching by Charlotte Liddle (£12.99) published by CICO Books, photography by Penny Wincer.

Meet the authors of "A Green Guide to Country Crafts"

2011-04-18T16:52:00.013+01:00

Nicola Gouldsmith and Jacqui Mann met in an old soap factory in July 2009 and quickly realized that they both shared a lifelong passion for making things, growing their own, and making the most of the beautiful rural surroundings in which they life. These shared passions led them to set up Halfpenny Home, an arts and crafts centre where artists and crafters can meet, create and inspire each other.

A Green Guide to Country Crafts is their first book and is full of traditional country craft projects, gorgeous photographs and practical demonstrations.

Can you tell us the story of how you met and started the arts and craft emporium Halfpenny Home?

We met through a mutual friend who thought we’d get on and work well together, and she was right! Lisa described us as a Victoria sponge and raspberries with Greek yogurt - delicious eaten separately but when put together they make a spectacular combination! She didn't say which one of us is the sponge and which is the fruit...

A Green Guide to Country Crafts features projects on soap and candle making, weaving, dying and recycling vintage finds. Why did you decide to write a book about traditional country crafts?

It felt right because we love recycling and making the best use of what we have. It feels great to give unwanted and unloved items a new lease of life. It’s lovely to see the traditional crafts given a new twist.

Dyeing with Woad

Where did you learn your skills?

We both come from ‘crafty’ and thrifty families, used to making things.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to crafting and isn’t sure where to start?

Don’t be afraid to just give it a go, part of the fun is learning! Joining a local craft group is also a great way of meeting like minded people who will provide support and inspiration.

There are 35 projects in A Green Guide to Country Crafts from deckchairs to fire lighters, how do you find your inspiration?

It’s all around us! Beautiful countryside, nature, food……you name it!

Woven egg basket

Which is the item you’ve made that’s most precious to you and why?

Jacqui: For me it has to be the Blue Peter Theatre I made as a child. So much love and care went into it, that it still makes me smile today!

Nicola: There are so many things that I've enjoyed making both for myself and for other people but I have always been particularly pleased with the fancy dress costumes I've produced. My best friend Danda who has been both a great Queen Amidala and Damsel in distress in recent years and the ones that I've made for my son Miles who has been a brilliant Dark Magician and Buzz Lightyear in the past - I still have very fond memories of the Marshall Amplifier dress that I made for myself!

pine cone firelighters

Where do you feel most inspired?

The Suffolk coast and countryside.

What’s next for Halfpenny Home?

We’ve got loads of ideas…..how long have you got?

A preview of A Green Guide to Country Crafts:

You can find out more about Nicola and Jacqui and Halfpenny Home on their website: http://www.halfpennyhome.co.uk and blog: www.halfpennyhome.blogspot.com

Health tips for January from Hazel Courteney

2011-01-14T14:50:00.011Z

Natural sunlight helps to suppress production of the hormone melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland at night. This is why we tend to feel more depressed and sleepy during the winter months. therefore, get out into the daylight as much as you possibly can, especially in the mornings, and if you work in an office without full spectrum lighting make sure you use full-spectrum light bulbs at home and where you can at work. Try using Real Sunlight lamps, available at several specialist clinics in the UK. The harmful frequencies of UVA and UVB have been filtered out, making this sunlight safe.
If you are suffering from a winter sore throat immediately take Homeopathic Aconite, along with Echinacea and Golden Seal capsules 3-4 times daily. Also take Garlic capsules and gargle with a little Tea Tree Oil in some luke warm water. Increase vitamin C to 3 grams daily with food and suck zinc lozengers. You need to eat really healthily for a couple of days avoiding all dairy and sugar and get some sleep – a great immune booster. You can also try crushing fresh sage into a tea, allow to cool, and gargle. Sage is antiseptic and eases the soreness. If your throat is really sore, soak a cloth in the sage mix and apply to the throat area.

If you have a cough eat pineapple to help loosen up mucous and make breathing easier. Fresh pear juice is also good for easing coughs. Tea made from fresh thyme can help ease the cough.
If you are craving white foods and comfort foods that tend to be high in fat and sugar – start making biscuits and cakes using Xylitol, a sugar substitute, which has a low glycaemic index. Spread Raw organic coconut butter on your bread- it's one of the only saturated fats that gives you energy but will not cause weight gain. It also helps control blood sugar, is good for your heart and lowers HDL the 'bad' cholesterol. Great in cakes and for cooking.
If you have given up smoking this January try eating organic porridge every morning. Oats are a nerve tonic which helps to reduce addictions. Soak in an Epsom-salt or sea-salt bath, which helps remove nicotine through the pores.

These tips are from "500 of the Most Important Health Tips You'll Ever Need" by Hazel Courteney

William Yeoward tells us how he plans to decorate his festive table this year

2010-12-08T15:35:00.008Z

William Yeoward's country dining room in Gloucestershire dressed
for a family Christmas

"Christmas in the country for us this year is all about amethysts. Our table will be furnished with an eclectic mix of antique, vintage and a suggestion of contemporary. I am using white china accented with an amethyst table cloth and big napkins tied with white string and finished with a winter rose in that pale lilac colour that's so pretty. The centre of my table will have two beautiful four foot high Georgian flutes filled to the brim with holly ivy and white amaryllis. Down the centre will be fruits piled on stands and amethyst rock crystal votives. I just can't wait to set this table!"

"I love to bring greenery from outside at this dark, yet opulent time of year:
A long garland of blue pine, scarlet roses and festive berries brought the
Christmas spirit to an already extravagant setting"
William Yeoward in On Entertaining

You can see more of William's faultless taste as he invites you to look inside his much-loved country house and chic London apartment in his third book At Home:

William Yeoward's Crystal Tableware range

Meet Sania Pell, author of The Homemade Home

2010-11-29T16:05:00.037Z

Portrait of Sania Pell by Julia Bostock

Sania Pell has a degree in textiles from Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating, she worked for one of London’s top textile studios for seven years where her designs were bought by companies such as Armani, Laura Ashley, The Gap and Marks & Spencer. To expand her experience, Sania then joined Elle Decoration magazine where she trained as a stylist. She now works regularly for publications such as The Sunday Telegraph and The Mail on Sunday. She is also a visiting lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art. Married with two young children, Sania lives in London.

You went to college for textile design. When did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always enjoyed creating. From a really young age I loved making little animals from objects found in the garden and on the beach on family days out. I can remember stitching needle books and felt comb-holders at the age of five and being really proud of them. That’s where it began, the sense of achievement and satisfaction gained through making. I realised I could have a career doing the things I love most; drawing, painting, stitching and making, when I was at school.

How did you get your start in the design world, and what experiences led you to become the accomplished designer and stylist you are today?
I worked hard throughout my four years at art college and then exhibited at the end of my degree course. I was discovered at a large show held in London each year called New Designers, where hundreds of UK art and design graduates exhibit. I was approached by a few design studios and ended up working for a London-based textile design studio. This gave me a real commercial design background, we designed all day, every day, and had really good feedback as to which designs had sold. I also went on sales trips to Paris, Como, Frankfurt and Tokyo. After working for them for several years full time I was ready for a change. I continued to design as a freelancer whilst starting to assist interiors stylists on photo shoots (for free at first). As I gained more experience I got the opportunity to do small shoots of my own that led to bigger ones that became full editorial stories and front covers for Elle Decoration.

The Homemade Home is your first book. How did it come about?
The Homemade Home is my first solo book. I had taken some time off after my second child was born, but was continually scribbling lots of ideas in a notebook that I carry about with me all the time. I realised that there were more than enough ideas to create a book, so started to outline it. I approached Cico with the ideas and some examples that I had made and by the end of that first meeting it was all systems go!

There are a myriad of beautiful projects in the book, using all kinds of craft techniques. What are some of your favorite projects or techniques?
Some of my favourite projects involve using small pieces of vintage fabric – turning something old from one use into something new and more substantial. I’m really happy with the throw that I created from flowers cut out from a piece of old fabric and heat-bonded them onto a dark fabric background to create a throw (page 49). The lovebird pillows is another favourite using the same technique (page 74).

What is the best homemade gift you have ever received?
My six year old son’s drawings are beautiful; he has an eye for detail and a quirky style that I love. I am always happy to be given a drawing by him. I used some of his drawings in the project on page 20.

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere – car boot sales, antique shops, the high street, art galleries, exhibitions, museums, magazines, nature. One little bit of inspiration can spark off a whole new idea. Living in London helps as there is so much creativity and there is always lots to see and do. I also find it inspiring to visit somewhere I’ve not been, whether it’s a new country or a new city, just to see new things and experience a different culture.

What's coming up next for Sania Pell?
My scribbly notebook has been filling up quickly with new ideas since I finished The Homemade Home; so who knows, another book may be on its way!

Become a fan of The Homemade Home on Facebook here!

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

A Zombie Ate My Cupcake! Book Launch

2010-11-11T15:52:00.003Z

Meet Richard Lawrence, Author of UFOs and the Extraterrestrial Message

2010-10-26T17:09:00.012+01:00

A world-renowned UFO expert and spiritual investigator, Richard Lawrence was the first to bring declassified CIA and Pentagon UFO files to Britain in 1980. He is also one of the most respected names in the mind, body, spirit movement, with regular appearances on radio and TV around the world, including the Coast to Coast AM radio show, which is broadcast to millions of listeners across America. A workshop leader and speaker at the UK’s Mind Body Spirit festival, Richard has also lectured in the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. His books include Prayer Energy (CICO), Contacts with Gods from Space, Realise Your Inner Potential, Unlock Your Psychic Powers, and the award-winning Guides, Gods and Guardian Angels.

How did you become interested in UFOs?
I was a drama and music student at Hull University in the North of England but my main interest was discovering the meaning of life, and studying many different philosophies. One of these was The Aetherius Society which had a group at the university studying contacts with extraterrestrial intelligences. Shortly after discovering the Society, I had a superb UFO sighting in Hull of a cigar-shaped object which was seen by hundreds of others in the area. This is how I became aware of the links between UFOs and spirituality.

What made you a believer?
You don’t have to see a UFO in order to believe in them. I believed in UFOs before this sighting and millions of others around the world do likewise. It was a study of the evidence from ancient records to the modern day that convinced me.

You are the Executive Secretary at The Aetherius Society, can you tell us about the organization?
The Aetherius Society is an international spiritual organisation based on the contacts between Dr George King, its late Founder/President, and beings from other worlds. It exists to propagate the teachings received by Dr King from the Cosmic Masters, and how to cooperate directly with extraterrestrial beings in spiritual activities and missions.

Why do you think the flying saucer phenomenon had such an enormous impact?
The implications of the existence of flying saucers or extraterrestrial spacecraft are vast. If more advanced and intelligent extraterrestrial beings can visit our Earth and contact us, which I believe they have, then potentially all the problems facing our world could be solved by direct cooperation with them. How could anything be more significant than this?

Have governments lied about UFOs and if so why?
Following the Second World War, governments lied for decades about UFOs and tried to cover up the truth. There is no doubt about this whatsoever, as my book demonstrates. There could be various reasons for this, but the main one, I believe, is that they have not wanted to admit their ignorance to the public at large, and thereby lose their authority with the people. Another reason often cited is to avoid mass panic. Yet another one is because the superpowers have each wanted to be the first to make contact for strategic, military reasons. It is likely that even leaders of nations have been kept in the dark by those mysterious figures who wield power behind the scenes. For example, based on a memo released under the Public Records Act, Sir Winston Churchill, the then Prime Minister of Great Britain, was misled about flying saucers by officials.

How old is the UFO phenomenon?

The UFO phenomenon is certainly as ancient as the oldest records on Earth and, I believe, pre-dates even these. The Sumerian records are said to go back hundreds of thousands of years and they refer to gods who descended from the sky. The Hindu scripts, which were passed down orally for, some say, many thousands of years, have an exact Sanskrit word for a celestial spacecraft, vimana. The Bible is comparatively recent but has several examples of UFOs within its pages.

Why is science embracing concepts which at one time would have been regarded as mystical?
Science is being forced to accept what would at one time have been regarded as metaphysical or mystical concepts. One factor is the discovery that there are huge quantities of invisible matter in the universe in order to create the gravity that exists there and holds the solar systems and galaxies together. Another is the enormous size of the electro-magnetic spectrum which includes undiscovered regions in which some cutting-edge scientists believe life exists, albeit, invisibly to the physical eye. It is estimated that if the electro-magnetic spectrum was 2,500 miles in length, we would be able to see some 2 inches of it. Another area is the investigation of out-of-body and near-death experiences, which some scientists believe have proven the existence of a super-physical or auric body. This is a very exciting area of research.

What made you write UFOs and the Extraterrestrial Message at this time?
This is the book I have always wanted to write, but have never found a commercial publisher who was open-minded enough to allow me to put down the full, undisclosed facts and their spiritual implications. I am very grateful to CICO Books for going with me on this, and I offer it as food for thought rather than an attempt to convert readers to a particular viewpoint. I could not possibly think of anything more important to write a book about than UFOs and the Extraterrestrial Message.

For more information on Richard check out his website: www.richardlawrence.co.uk

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

An interview with author and jewellery designer Linda Jones

2010-10-15T15:42:00.018+01:00

Author of Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery, Linda Jones, with some tips on making beautiful and original jewellery from everyday objects.

Your new book Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery has 30 completely new projects. Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

This book was born out of the financial global recession – in fact, I wanted to call it ‘Bling on a Budget’– because the conception behind it all, was to create a project book that would provide inspiration on how to create fashionable, stylish jewellery using everyday objects: such as buttons, bolts, washers, pebbles, feathers, etc… creating jewellery for next to nothing. However, if you don’t want to recycle household objects into your pieces you can supplement semi-precious stones, crystals or lamp-worked beads … so, it’s up to you and your budget!

A gorgeous necklace made from sparkly vintage buttons

and assorted pearls beads

Bead and wire jewellery making is one of the fastest growing crafts. What is it about wire that makes it such a great material for jewellery making?

Wire is such a flexible, malleable material and once you know a few basic techniques, you can attach and link it together, create structures and shapes, coil, twist, spiral, hammer and wrap it … there are endless permutations and variations … that’s why I shall never stop learning and developing with it – and after 6 published books with CICO, I still haven’t run out of ideas! I also think its popularity stems from the fact that it’s extremely affordable to purchase and you only need to invest in a few simple tools to get started. Basically, if you can tie your own shoelaces, you can be taught to make wire jewellery!

Yin-yang earring made from jade beads and silver wire

The idea of make do and mend is very popular at the moment and the projects in Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery use lots of creative and inexpensive materials. What advice can you give for creating beautiful jewellery on a budget.

There is a current trend for mixed media jewellery at the moment – so, my advice to anyone wishing to create their own unique pieces, is before they source expensive handmade beads, designer clasps, etc… and purchase from suppliers, they should first look at their own jewellery at home and find pieces that they no longer wear, or are sitting, broken at the back of a drawer gathering dust … or possibly, check out second pieces in Charity shops, garage sales and markets and use these as a starting point to designing a new piece. An old brooch can be recyled into a necklace pendant or wired onto the front of a ring shank. Broken chains can be re-connected to form charm bracelets … You can take the old and mix and match it with the new, to refashion something totally unique that blends with your style and personality.

You founded The WireWorkers Guild. Can you tell us more about it?

This came about due to a recent surge in popularity in jewellery craft magazines in the U.K. When I started teaching and writing books for CICO, my market was mainly based in the U.S. but now, there are half a dozen jewellery magazines in the U.K. and a wealth of bead suppliers. These magazines have created clear catagories: such as ‘beading’, ‘wirework’, ‘precious metal clay’ and ‘lampworking’ and I have been aware that ‘wirework’ has drifted into a craft that incorporates clipping and connecting ready-made components together, straight from the suppliers shelves. You can purchase kits with ready-made jump rings, ear wires, clasps, chains, etc… which means that the real craftsmanship of making wire jewellery is slowly being lost. Therefore, the idea of the Guild is a forum to share and pass on ideas. Anyone can join, it is a totally free forum for promoting, exchanging knowledge and ideas and ultimately, helping to inspire and encourage personal artistic development, elevating wirework as an art form. Please see: www.wireworkersguild.blogspot.com for more information.

Crossed wires bracelet

How did you get started in jewellery making and design? Is it something you were always interested in?

As a small child, I was always creating and making things, as well as drawing and painting and following school, I went to art college, but veered off into catering and then secretarial and clerical work as a means of paying the rent! However, at the age of 30, married but without kids, I decided to do an Enamelling Jewellery course to get some creativity back into my life … and I was hooked! Following this, I studied traditional jewellery and silversmithing for 2 years and when I found myself pregnant with my first child, I continued experimenting with metalwork from home, designing and creating pieces for my friends and family. However, my career into wirework and beading came totally by accident and purely as a means of financial survival. Sadly, my marriage fell apart and I had to think of how to get regular income as a single mum of two small children. I realised I couldn’t make enough profit from selling my metal jewellery – the competition from mass production was too great – so I set my mind to teaching, as this was the only way I could charge for my time, plus materials. So I set my sights on running portable workshops teaching Wirework and Beading – my metal being transposed to wire and the beads became my colour palette. I applied for a grant from my local Arts Council to set my first classes, which later led to running workshops at the local Adult Education Centre … and the rest has just evolved from there!

Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery (£12.99) by Linda Jones, photography by Geoff Dann, David Munns and Stuart West, published by CICO Books

Talking with Cupcake Queen, Lily Vanilli.

2010-10-05T20:26:00.031+01:00

Lily Vanilli, aka Lily Jones, is a baker and cake designer. Originally a graphic designer, she began baking as a hobby and then started selling her cakes at Swanfield market near Brick Lane. Her cakes are made by hand in her own kitchen in East London, and are available online at www.lilyvanilli.com.

She is known for her unusual recipes and designs spectacular cakes and other edible treats, such as the marzipan insects she made for an Alexander McQueen film project, or the blood and gore cupcakes created for Maaike Meeking’s show at London Fashion Week. A Zombie Ate My Cupcake! is her first book.
Your new book, A Zombie Ate My Cupcake! includes recipes with names like Undead Gingerbread, Zombie Hands and Ghastly Ghouls. How did you come up with the idea of making grotesque desserts?
I have always had a fascination with horror and love comic book illustration. This book was a combination of that love and a backlash against all the pretty pink style over substance cupcakes that look glittery, but tasteless. None of the desserts in the book are so gross that they would turn your stomach (I hope!) - its just my dark and twisted humour combined with some really good cake recipes.

Can you talk about the process of putting the book together and testing recipes?

The recipes are some of my tried and tested favourite recipes and a couple of new ones just for the book - then the cake designs were just the result of brainstorming, experimenting and choosing the ones that came out well. I read a lot of food history and science news so I got a few ideas from there (eg: the raspberry space cakes). But then a lot of the designs I actually made for the first time for the photo shoot for the book - I just used the ones I liked in practise - its funny because now when I get an order for them I use the book to remind me how to make them!

You take basic cupcakes and make them into amazing edible sculptures that are true works of art. How did you learn to bake?

I'm a self taught baker and I've only just learnt how to make things with gumpaste and marzipan, etc. in the last year and a half - as soon as I realised the potential there is in terms of creativity! There are so many amazing edible materials that I got excited by the possibility that you could make anything - and make it very realistic. I think baking can be very artistic - in terms of flavour and developing recipes as much as appearance - its a combination of science and art - and when you consider cake design it also becomes about architecture, painting and sculpture.

You recently worked on an art installation for which you baked 5,000 cupcakes, each cake making up a pixel in a giant image. How did you handle baking so many cupcakes?

I had help! I hired an army of four of my friends (two of whom are talented bakers - the other two helping with printing the pixels and logistics) we hired in extra ovens, equipment and hit the cash and carry hard! Our car was sagging with flour and eggs. The real challenge was time - we had 6 days to source & hire everything & then bake & print the pixels & deliver - I didn't sleep for 3 days and 3 nights straight.

What has been the most creative or fun commission you've been approached to do?

I can't choose! I like a challenge and I like doing something new each time. I'm working on a very special event at the moment for the launch of the book here (in Harrods). It's an installation of a feast of zombies - with cakes from the book as the food. Paul Parker, who illustrated the book, is designing a setting of a haunted house and we are going to have some really fun surprises.

Where will you be on Halloween?

There will be a very macabre extra special dark tea party at Viktor Wynds Little Shop of Horrors here in London. I will also be selling cakes from the book exclusively in Harrods for the Halloween season.

For more on Lily, check out http://lily-vanilli.blogspot.com/ Become a fan on Facebook here.

A Zombie Ate My Cupcake! and will be featured in the Harrods Stationery Department on October 29th from 1-2pm as LilyVanilli delivers a book signing with a difference supported by Punchdrunk Theatre Group and set designer Mark Connell. The scene will be set with a feast of zombies, played by members of Punchdrunk,seated at a table designed by set designer Mark Connell, featuring all the cakes from the book laid out in a feast style.

Open to the public - visitors will be served by a realistic a spooky zombie waiter in coat and tails and can have their picture taken seated at the dinner table having a tea party with zombies. A huge image of a haunted house interior will provide the backdrop – designed by Paul Parker who illustrated the book. The feast event will launch the book but will also celebrate the new Lily Vanilli counter in the Harrods Food Hall patisserie, where Lily Vanilli cakes and will now be exclusively

available all year round – cake from the book will also be available at the counter from Oct 24th – 31st.

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

I'm Addicted to Your Sweet Stuff

2010-08-11T16:18:00.011+01:00

Lily Vanilli's sweet creations feature in Ash's "Carnal Love" directed by Alex Turvey.

Ash - Carnal Love from Alex Turvey on Vimeo.

Lily is currently Curator of Cake at The Mad Artists Tea Party. You can find out more by visiting our facebook page and looking at events.

Meet Linda Peterson, author of Beading In No Time

2010-08-09T20:22:00.011+01:00

Today we are speaking with Linda Peterson: crafter, jewelry designer and author of Beading In No Time

How did you get involved in the crafting world? Has it always been a passion of yours?

I come from a very creative family and was always creating something from a very early age. A couple of my fondest memories are sitting with my Grandma at night making Barbie clothes by hand. She never used a pattern and they were always awesome. When I was a teen-ager my Mom began china painting and joined an artist guild. She painted beautiful flowers on trinket boxes and I would write the inscriptions inside. We sold these at the art guild shows and made enough money to take vacations to see our family in California. There wasn't really a time in my life when I wasn't creating something, it's who I am and I am passionate about making things.

I've done everything from decorative painting, wearable arts and sewing to sculpting and jewelry making. "Wearing my art" seems to be my focus these days.

I kind of stumbled into the professional side of things. I was a stay at home mom to an adorable two year old boy, when my daughter came along. Unfortunately, she became ill at a very early age and was hospitalized a lot during the first several years of her life. I used crafts as therapy and a way to make an extra income to offset health care expenses. It was a perfect job for a stay at home mother. We did that as a family for many years.

In 1996 I attended my first professional craft trade show known then as ACCI (Association for Crafts and Creative Industries) in Chicago. I signed up for the "designer forum" where I displayed my original designs for manufacturer's, editors and the professional world to see. It was a huge step for me, but a positive one. I placed several projects in craft magazines that year. This was a huge stepping stone to get to where I am today. The ACCI and HIA shows have now merged with CHA - Craft and Hobby Association where I've teach classes for upwards of 150 students at a time, demonstrate products, provide consulting services and product development for manufactures.

It's at these tradeshows that I am able to network to meet new clients, catch up with designer friends and make new ones. I am proud to say that I have been mentored by the best. Donna Kato was and still is my mentor. I credit her with much of my success in helping me hone my talents in a positive direction and for introducing me to many of her well known friends in the industry - such as Carol Duvall. Her generosity and passion to help others has really inspired me to do the same. I can only hope to be as successful of a mentor as she has to me!

In your latest book, Beading In No Time, you present a myriad of jewelry-making techniques. How did decide which techniques and projects to include in the book?

That's a great question! When Cindy [Publisher of CICO Books] and I narrowed down the concept of the book, I knew it would be a great challenge since there are a lot of other fabulous jewelry making books out on the market. How was I going to make my book different? My first thought was to inspire someone who never tried jewelry making to jump in and do it by offering jewelry ideas that were simple and quick to make. In this fast paced world, I felt that was really important, plus it gives you a huge confidence boost when someone says..." I love your necklace" and you can proudly say "THANK YOU! - I made that". I also wanted to projects to build on skill level. So as you progress through the book, you will see that a variety of techniques are offered. The book is written so that you can mix and match your favorites - for instance, maybe you like the look of a certain necklace on one page, but you like the colors of another necklace on a different page. Mix and Match them for a look that is completely you!

Great jewelry too, does not have to cost an arm and a leg. I kept that in mind when designing the jewelry. While I did use semi precious stones in many of the designs, they are affordable and the findings are easy to find in most major craft stores.

I also tried to keep the projects very classic...because a good classic never dies, but ages well. That's why I focused on building techniques and skill levels which helps the reader get their creative juices flowing and hopefully they will discover something in themselves that they never knew.

Something else I thought about was all of the shows on TV that relate to style and makeovers. They focus on helping people of all shapes and sizes find ways to dress, accessorize and show off their best features. That was the inspiration of including the section on designing jewelry that fits you. I discuss different facial shapes, hair styles and how to create jewelry that is best suited to each of those. That way when you go out....you have the "WOW" factor!

In Beading In No Time, you include tips on how to sell your jewelry. What are some of the best ways to get started and grow your business?

I began 20 years ago, when there was no internet. We did not have the ease of online stores, sites like etsy, email or social networking. I grew my business with a good old fashioned mailing list. I took my mailing list book to every craft show I attended and followed up with newsletters and postcards afterwards.

Technology has made is so much easier to connect to millions of people. My first suggestion to start your business is be realistic. I know we all want instant fame and fortune, and I do too, but that is not reality. Reality is hard work and endless hours of self sacrifice and self promotion.

If you are new to starting your own business, by all means get business cards and postcards and hand them out like they are candy. There are many online stores that will sell your jewelry for a small price, so check out Etsy or Artfire are a couple off the top of my head. It's very easy to open an account, snap a few pictures, upload and have an online presence.

Create a blog and write about what you know. Share photos of your work as this can become your online portfolio.

After you've done that, now the real work begins - the art of promotion. This is time consuming, but very well worth the effort. Social networking is a must! So join facebook, find your friends or find people with similar interests and begin networking. Let them know about what you do and what makes you unique. Be active online and blog alot!

There are widgets available that allow people to subscribe to your blogs whenever you write new content. Keep these lists and email them newsletters to let them know of special events you are holding.

Can you tell us about your involvement in CraftTech University and Cool2Craft?

Absolutely, I'm very proud of these latest ventures.

For many years we were blessed with craft tv. Networks such as HGTV, DIY and TNN saw the need to bring us wonderful craft shows such as The Carol Duvall show, Aleene's Creative Living, DIY Scrapbooking and so on to millions of eager audience viewers. For one reason or another, the networks have dropped these shows and left us all out there hanging. I'm not sure why.

So, enter CrafTECH University and Cool2Craft. Tiffany Windsor, daughter of Aleene and producer of Aleene's Creative Living show saw the need to bring craft tv to viewers and launched Cool2Craft in March. It's an online LIVE CraftTV show available twice a week. Every Monday at noon eastern and Wednesday night at 9pm eastern you can watch LIVE craft tv right from your computer as well known demonstrators in the industry share trendy projects and techniques. I started with Tiffany's first show and have been a regular guest ever since. This format allows the viewers to chat live with the guests in real time. The shows are also recorded for viewing on demand. Recently Tiffany took the show to CHA where she, Lisa Fulmer and I hosted a Cool2Craft Live special event from the CHA tradeshow floor. For more details on the show check out www.cool2craft.com

In cooperation with Cool2Craft, I launched CrafTECH University in May. I've had the concept brewing for a couple of years, but the costs associated with bringing this about were out of my price range and the price I would have to charge for classes would be out of everyone elses too. Recently though, the web service that I use has lowered it's fees allowing me to bring this concept to reality.

At CrafTECH University or CrafTECH U for short, we bring together crafters with the best designers and instructors in the industry. Our classroom holds 25 people at the moment with room to grow and features 6 live webcams, a white board for slides and online and live interactive learning. The students can choose several levels of participation. They can watch and listen or participate right along side the instructor. If a student encounters a challenge with a particular technique, the instructor is able to help them work through it via webcam just as if they were there in person. At the end of class, we generally have a show and tell. The benefit to the student is that they are able to take classes in the comfort of their own home, with their own tools and with instructors that they might not otherwise be able to meet for various reasons.

An added benefit to these classes is that they are recorded. Our students can go back and re-watch and pick up anything they missed. This has been a huge plus! We also offer the recorded classes for purchase as on-demand to those who were not able to attend. This format is great for those one the go, being able to view the class at a time convenient to them.

You can check out all of our on-demand and current class schedule at www.craftechuniversity.com We are constantly adding new classes and growing our instructor base so check back often.

As an expert crafter you are at the forefront of your field. Are there any materials, types of jewelry or trends that are especially popular at the moment? What is the next big thing?

In today's economy, there is a huge surge in Do-It-Yourself for the obvious reason - it's less expensive! Currently I am seeing a jewelry trend towards metal jewelry and steampunk upcycled and recycled pieces using found objects - especially industrial parts like gears and watch parts. Copper jewelry is growing in popularity since it is much more economical than silver, and easy metal to work with and the cost of tools is not out of range.

I also see a trend towards green crafts and recycling. Manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the effects of pollution on the environment. I've seen an increase in companies offering more eco-friendly products from paints, varnishes to glues etc. I've also seen a surge in recycled crafts. A great inspiration to me in this has been Heidi Borchers aka Eco-Heidi, Tiffany Windsor's sister. She makes some amazing art using recycled products and is a great inspiration for me to do the same. Check out her website at www.ecoheidi.com

What’s coming up next for you?

I'm currently working on another book project with CICO, this time featuring Metalwork Jewelry which is now in the designing stages but will be released in March of 2011.

I will be with Cool2Craft Live in September at the Creative Connection event (www.creativeconnectionevent.com) An event for creative women. I'll be there with Tiffany Windsor and we'll be broadcasting Live from the show. I will represent Amaco and will be showing the attendees how to create a great pendant on the go made from Friendly Plastic.

And in December, I fly to New Mexico to tape several segments for PBS on the Creative Living with Sheryl Borden show.

So pretty busy schedule...but it's all GREAT!

To learn more about Linda Peterson, visit her website at: http://www.lindapetersondesigns.com/

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

Lily Vanilli cake sculptor

2010-06-21T15:24:00.012+01:00

A former graphic designer, Lily Vanilli, started baking as a hobby in her Hackney kitchen. Now her creations are coveted by the fashion elite. She has baked Victoria Beckham's birthday cake and counts Heidi Klum as a fan.

http://leviscraftwork.com/craftworkers/lili-vanili/

You can find out more about Lily on her blog where she has posted photos from her book, A Zombie Ate My Cupcake, out this August:

http://lily-vanilli.blogspot.com/

The official launch of Rachel Ashwell's London store

2010-06-18T15:46:00.008+01:00

Rachel Ashwell launched her new and ever-so-lovely Notting Hill Shabby Chic Couture store last week. The party included fans, media types, PR gurus and assorted admirers of the original Shabby Chic style. The London drizzle was an excuse to show off these beautiful umbrellas. They can even make rain chic.

Cupcakes, champagne and strawberries, and a shop chock-full of beautiful things. Is there a faster route to instant joy? Methinks not.

Pink lemonade very pretty and delicious to drink too.

Rachel provided a lovely spread for her guests which featured fluffy white vanilla cupcakes. Yum. Thank you Rachel for a lovely party and congratulations on your new shop!

Our Editor, Liz Dean, is Featured in Take A Break's Fate & Fortune Magazine

2009-06-18T10:41:00.013+01:00

Liz tells the story of how she fulfilled her dreams by putting her trusting the tarot:

"It was time to consult the cards again. As I laid them out, I could barely believe my eyes – out came The Moon, the Nine of Cups and the Ace of Cups. I gasped. The Moon card advised me to follow my instincts, while the Nine of Cups symbolised dreams coming true, and the Ace of Cups promised all my wishes would come to pass...so placing my trust in the tarot, I finally took the plunge and handed in my notice at work...The following spring my tarot kit The Art of the Tarot hit the shops and sold over 300,000 copies worldwide."

You can read Liz's story in full in the June issue of Take a Break's Fate & Fortune.

Liz's most recent tarot kit is The Golden Tarot available from www.cicobooks.com. All books are available at a 15% discount.

Thrifty Chic – Style on a shoestring

2009-06-01T15:57:00.016+01:00

Thrifty Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell shows you how to reuse and restore, revive and revamp, and recycle and reclaim.

Here are some gorgeous images and great tips from inside the book:

Thrifty Tip: A collection of quirky glass vases on a marble mantelpiece. It's far cheaper to pick up odd candlesticks rather than pair: if you adhere to a theme–such as glass, wood, bronze, silver or china–they will look good together.

Thrifty tip: This fashionable interior was put together by combining items from store sales, pillows from leftover scraps of fabric and a mixture of modern art and children's paintings on the walls. Frame the children's work with as much care as you would the artist's pieces.

Thrifty Chic tip: The most economical way to decorate any room, to update thrift-store finds, or make chain-store purchase look more expensive is to use paint.

Thrifty tip: The surface of this painted table is battered and scratched after many years of constant use, but it is still beautiful. When you buy a piece of old furniture such as this live with it for a while before deciding whether it needs painting or renovating–the patina of age has its own special charm.

Read an interview with the authors of Thrifty Chic

You can get your copy of Thrifty Chic at www.cicobooks.com

All images and text © Cico Books