Perfect Roses

...just having the claw settings perfected for the spring batch of roses. They will be ready in 10 days, just in time for Valentine's Day

London Art Fair 2013

I'm inspired right at the start of the year, having been at the Private View of the London Art Fair in Islington. Highlights were many, but I was drawn in by the landscape prints by Jason Hicklin, represented by the Beardsmore Gallery. Tempted to buy one.

I loved seeing the Glasgow Print Studio and enjoyed seeing the work of Fiona Watson - whimsical forests and creatures, some with oriental content and compositions.

 Gray Modern and Contemporary Art, from Somerset, was my favourite space with its sophisticated muted colours and some wonderfully naive art that captures the essence of a place, such as 'Coral Cottage'  by David Pearce.

Camberwell Snow Days

The three minute 'commute' to my studio is easy on a snowy winter's day

Flux Studios in Vanguard Court

The Orient in 2013

Liking the trends for 2013, especially at Prada 

with it's Oriental influence, simple flower designs and splash of white or red against a muted background of grey.

Claire Hart Design Pearl Rings

Claire Hart Design Branch Necklace

Old Bond Street Christmas lights

It's fun seeing the Christmas lights all the way from Leicester Square to Old Bond Street via Piccadilly, Regent's Street and Conduit Street. So many stunning lights and displays, but my favourite shop front this year has to be Asprey's elegant windows with blue-tinted black and white films on the 'doorways', surrounded by masses of traditional wreaths.

The Other Art Fair, Marylebone

Model 10

I called in to London's leading artist-led fair The Other Art Fair at Ambica P3 - an alternative venue of a converted warehouse, near Baker Street. Chatted to Ben Levy, love the ethereal images by Rosie Emerson

Fundraiser at Lords

Last night was CAP's glamorous fundraising dinner at Lords Cricket Ground (target reached!). Pimms reception with harpist, then dinner for 2 or 300, accompanied by a very cool jazz band and lots of lively chat at the tables.

The speeches from people whose lives have been completely turned around by this debt counselling charity - which helps people get out of debt and connected back into society - were powerful, moving and challenging.

Fab Fair at Winchester

 Had a busy time at Winchester Desire Fair, meeting customers and lots of other designers. Lots of chat in a fabulous venue - the Guild Hall.

Oolong tea leaves, teapot and cups from Kunming now feature in my display

ClaireHartDesign in Craft & Design Nov 2012

Here it is! My Blossom Bowl and Rose Rings are in the November issue of Craft & Design. 

Almost ready now for 'Desire' Winchester 16th-18th November - can't wait to be there!

Asian Art Week at Christie's

I walked around the viewing rooms at Christie's today to see the treasures which come up in auction this week. Difficult to choose highlights when I saw so many rooms full of exquisite Chinese and Japanese antiques. Warriors military gear, robes, carved jade, cinnabar and ivory, ceramics with exquisite enamelling, snuff bottles, brush rests, silks, paintings, screens and silverware.

Ciyo's World Music Project

Ciyo's music makes you glad you're alive. He is an incredible guitarist with top class musicians in his band which last night featured two drummers and three backing vocalists. Influences ranged from reggae to jazz to Latino. Loved Ciyo's version of the classic Wichita Lineman  - 'the first existential country song'(!) - and uplifting reggae/ soul music that can only be described as praise - it was awesome. Another great night at the Hideaway.

Skyfall in Istanbul

Sadly we didn't get to see Daniel Craig  in action.......




I'm looking forward to seeing Skyfall especially as we were in Istanbul when the opening scene was being filmed in April this year......of course we didn't see any of the actual filming as it was heavily guarded and blocked. Apparently it was challenging filming in this city but the result is fantastic. 

Night-time shot of the mosque where part of opening  scene  was filmed

Istanbul was probably Fleming's favourite city and I can see why. It has such a vibrant buzzing atmosphere and is rich with history and the most stunning architecture.

Majestic Blue Mosque