Recent experiments with avocado (made from kitchen waste), madder & marigold dyes

By combining different mordants with the dyes I have been able to create many colours from just three dye pots

The mordants I used I make myself. Iron mordant is made by leaving rusty metal (nails etc) in a vinegar and water solution for a week or so. Copper mordant (which is a beautiful pale blue colour) is made the same way but with small pieces of copper pipe. As a trainee plumber these are readily available - perks of the job!

I am so looking forward to making some planters and other homewares with these beautiful colours. I've added some of my pieces that are available on my Etsy Shop below

  I am delighted to say my knitted planters are currently available at Etica Boutique, Salisbury 

Alternatively, I am happy to 'knit to order' with your requests for specific colours and sizes. Email me to order biltonhr@aol.com or DM me on Instagram @harrietbilton

Sustainable Knitted Planters

 These knitted planters are available at

Salisbury Art Scene art fair

on

Thursday 3rd December

12 - 7pm

Alternatively email me to order biltonhr@aol.com

Follow me on Instagram @harriet_bilton

Bamboo yarn dyed with hand made natural dye made from onion skins

Bamboo yarn dyed with hand made natural dye made from onion skins and indigo

Bamboo yarn dip dyed with hand made natural dye made from indigo

Bamboo yarn dyed with hand made natural dye made from buddleia

Bamboo yarn dyed with hand made natural dye made from acorn 'hats'



These knitted planters are available at
Salisbury Art Scene art fair
on
Thursday 3rd December
12 - 7pm

Alternatively email me to order biltonhr@aol.com
Follow me on Instagram @harriet_bilton

New Knitted Planter

I have just finished this purple and dip-dyed blue knitted planter

Made from sustainable bamboo yarn & acrylic yarn - available from my Etsy Shop

New Etsy Shop OPEN

www.etsy.com/shop/harrietbilton

Have a look at my new shop 

Handmade knitted items are available

I dye bamboo yarn using natural dyes that I make myself from nettles, dandelions and other things I forage for. 

I absolutely love the random striped patterns that are created from dipping the yarn balls into my dye pots. 

Great gifts for houseplant lovers!

Check out my new shop

Workshops at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

Journaling & Zine Making

Wed 25th March 6:00pm - 8:00pm - £35

Sat 28th March 10.30am - 1.00pm - £45

 

Main Gallery, 1st Floor, Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton St, Salisbury SP2 7QY 

During these workshops you will learn the imaginative art of zine making by combining journaling techniques with mixed media processes within a relaxed workshop environment, with qualified teacher & artist Harriet Bilton. You will start by understanding the basics of how to layer and create interesting pages based on your choice of topic before, moving on constructing the book using simple stitching to bind your book. By the end of the session you will have crafted your own unique zine with lots of guidance and materials to choose from.

There will be no more than 8 people per workshop to ensure everyone has lots of one to one tuition.

All materials are provided, including a zine kit which you will use during the workshop and be able to take home to continue creating! It includes a date stamp with ink pad, glue, scissors, masking tape, selection of collage material, old postcards, pencil & pen. These packs will also be available to buy at a cost of £10 each (cash please) - they make perfect gifts for creative friends & family members you think would like to try out zine making.

Price of the workshop includes a starter kit of a date stamp with ink pad, glue, scissors, masking tape, selection of collage material, old postcards, pencil & pen.

To Book: please contact Harriet directly by emailing biltonhr@aol.com 

Zine Makes

After a long period of time without any inspiration, or drive to create new work, I have found it in the most unassuming of places …. my cat Olive.



I wanted to challenge myself into making series' of pieces to form a narrative, by combining the collage and print making techniques I have previously developed. 

Initially, this led me to create a couple of zines based on the adventures of 'The Standard Tabby'. These were made solely for my own amusement however as they proved popular with others too it prompted me to develop a new series, which I am currently working on is entitled 'Kib Kitchen'. The illustrated story follows the fictional romance between two 'starred-cross-lovers' of the feline world.

 

New Series of Work for Sale

New work inspired by my recent travels to Belgium and Barcelona

Untitled, Mixed media, 2017

Whenever I travel to a new place I am always drawn towards old bookshops and thrift stores, where I can spend hours digging through old forgotten treasures to take back home with me

It almost seems inhuman to slice up the old cigarette cards, bingo advertisements and maps. However, once 'upcycled' and placed carefully alongside other items and mixed media, the collage takes on a new lease of life

I am really pleased with this new series of pieces I created as part of the exhibition I had at Noble Art Supplies, Winchester Street, Salisbury (Nov 2017). Some pieces are still available (all those photographed as well as others) if you wish to make an order please email me: biltonhr@aol.com

Holy Watering Hole, Mixed media, 2017

Jolly Joker, Mixed media, 2017

Blue Baa, Mixed media, 2017

Fragments, Segments & Angles

I have spent quite a long time recently developing some new, fresh pieces that I hope to exhibit this Summer

The inspiration for these new pieces is something that has not directly captivated my attention for years .... nature. Visiting the beautiful Jurassic coastline a month ago rejuvenated  my practise and encouraged me to 'make something'

I have combined my love of reusing & upcycling old materials alongside harsh, geometric angles, and a subtle palette

Please let me know what you think

Follow me on Instragram @harrietbilton

New Work for Spring

A new collection of mixed media work: collage & monoprints inspired by the film Cobain

Salisbury Summer Spectacular - Sat 22 Aug

If you're about in Salisbury this Saturday you must pop along to Hudson's Field for this brilliant event

As well as fantastic entertainment (live music, fireworks, bike displays) there is a whole host of delicious foods to try and a craft village to explore

Find me at Tonton Co. in the Craft Village from 2pm - 8pm

Look forward to seeing you there!

[See the facebook link for maps & more information: www.facebook.com/SalisburySummerSpectacular/timeline]

Also check out my Etsy Shop to browse what will be on offer

Excellent Review from Etsy Shop Customer

What a lovely review from one of my customers.

There are still many unique handmade greetings cards (and other gifts) available from my Etsy Shop....please have a browse!

Etsy Site & Craft Fairs

Yesterday I spent the day at Salisbury Craft & Gift Fair, which was definately an eye opener to what some individuals see as 'hand made' goods. It was ashame to see so many commercial stalls there, but if that is what sells I don't blame them!

It was a fantastic day overall, speaking with the other independent craft makers was totally inspiring & worth while.

Since speaking to these wonderful stall holders I decided to stock up my Etsy Shop with a wider variety of products for you all the enjoy (....and buy!).

[www.etsy.com/shop/TontonCo]

Salisbury Craft & Gift Fair - Sat 1 Aug 2015

Gearing up for the Salisbury Craft & Gift Fair at the Guildhall from 10-4pm this weekend. 

Please see my Etsy Site for greetings cards available to buy online if you are unable to make it.

I have been very busy bunting-making for the event recently, which I will be selling alongside lots of other handmade crafts for the Home or as gifts.

Pink Bunting style - £3/m
Currently available in 2m lengths (double bunting), but can be made to order

Blue Bunting style - £3/m
Currently available in 2m lengths (double bunting), but can be made to order

Have even made my own craft stall apron for all the money I'm going to make...fingers crossed!

land:marks Exhibition @Studio53 May 2015

Some work is still available

If you are interested in any of the work please email: biltonhr@aol.com for further information

Many thanks!

New Etsy Shop

I have developed & created a series of greetings cards for sale which are available on my new Etsy website.


Please check out my new Etsy Shop to browse & buy!