The Women of City & Guilds of London Art School

City & Guilds of London Art School was founded in 1854. This specialized art college, in the middle of England’s capital city, offers a wide range of courses. Currently, it’s the only school in Britain that offers undergrad and postgrad degrees in historic carving. Today, we’ll introduce you to a few of their talented ornamental woodcarvers and architectural stone carvers.

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
City & Guilds is located in London’s Kennington district along the river Thames. A row of Georgian buildings and a large warehouse have been converted into classrooms and learning facilities.

“The school is a small independent Art school in South London. It is the only place in the UK which teaches carving to a degree level. The school is very unique – we are taught in a very traditional way – something that is very rare in the contemporary art world. The course emphasizes that to become a skilled carver there are many supporting disciplines to be mastered: Drawing, Clay Modeling, and Art Histories classes are a must. We also learn the Art of Lettering – drawing out letter forms ready to carve is a whole world in itself. The classes at the school are very small, making the whole school a really tight knit community.” -Student and Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
Woodcarver Silje Loa

Over the past 3 years, Silje Loa has been studying woodcarving at City & Guilds. When she graduates, Silje will have a degree in ornamental woodcarving and gilding.

Her journey toward woodcarving has been a pilgrimage of her own making. To outsiders, some of her steps may seem random, but each change in course laid a foundation to her current career. Her understanding has deepened and her eye has matured.

  • It all started after high school, when Silje set sail on a tall ship. Everyday was a lesson in the maintenance of wood along with other practical and invaluable skills.
  • She then went on to study Prehistoric Archaeology. Her classes revolved around crafts, skills, and history.
  • Those studies led her pursue a degree in the conservation of pictorial art at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
  • Once she earned her degree, she realized that she wanted to learn a craft and create great works of her own, leading her to City & Guilds of London.

“All of my experience outside of carving seem relevant and inspiring to me in my work… I love working in wood. There is such a huge variation of softness, grain, use and look in different types of wood and thereby a lot to be learned and explored. I learn better practically than academically, and the physicality of carving appealed to me. I love getting consumed by a project and feeling like I’m in a state of flow.” -Woodcarver Silje Loa

Although Silje is still in school at City & Guilds, that isn’t slowing her down. She’s won several sought after commissions. She was chosen to design and carve a grotesque (similar to a gargoyle) that will soon be fixed to St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The piece Silje is working on in these photographs also has a great backstory:

“I won a commission to design and carve the coat of arms for last year’s Prime Warden for the Fishmongers Company in London. The commission was particularly exciting because the prime warden was Princess Anne, the first female Prime Warden the company has ever had. The coat of arms is now at display at the Fishmongers Hall.” -Woodcarver Silje Loa

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in CarharttSilje’s advice to anyone considering trying their hand at the wooden arts:

“If you want to become a carver, get carving. Looking at carvings at museums and in historical buildings is amazing inspiration and can even give you an understanding of how they were made, but really just find a piece of wood, a chisel and begin.” -Woodcarver Silje Loa

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
Silje’s process: the clay model, a process shot of the wood carving, the finished carving before the painting and gilding, and the finished coat of arms
The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

Miriam Johnson began her career as a stonemason five years ago. Through the apprenticeship program with the Prince’s Foundation, she was able to travel across the UK working on historic buildings. To continue her training, Miriam enrolled at Bath College. There she learned masonry skills in the classroom and in the real world in a stone masonry company. That experience made her realize she wanted to specialize within the industry on the more artistic and creative side, carving. Bringing her to City & Guilds. In June, Miriam will graduate with a Historic Carving Diploma in Architectural Stone Carving.

In these photographs, Miriam is working on a beautiful piece inspired by her grandfather’s work depicting a centaur fighting a dragon.

“My Grandfather was not a stone carver, as far as I know this was the only thing he ever carved. He would tell us how he’d carved it for my grandmother (75 years ago) with nothing but a sharpened screwdriver.

As a child, I had heard this story so many times that it was a normal thing to me, nothing special. I didn’t think twice about it. Looking back now, the fact that my grandfather was not a sculptor – this carving is really impressive. On top of this, it is very likely that he carved this piece during the Second World War, whilst he was fighting against the Nazi’s in the French resistance.

Looking at it made me realize to myself how this piece and my grandfather must have subconsciously greatly influenced my career choice.” -Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

After Miriam’s grandfather returned home from war, he furthered his architectural work by training as a historian. He specialized in the medieval construction of cathedrals, and even wrote several books on the subject.

“Stone masonry in this day and age is a rare trade. It cannot be a coincidence that a grandchild of this man became one. Sadly, by the time I was in the trade, my
 grandfather had dementia and I do not think he ever really realized my occupation.” -Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

To honor her grandfather, Miriam decided to carve her own version of a centaur fighting a dragon. She made a few changes to his original design to make it her own. Miriam’s version is twice as big, chiseled out of black stone (to contrast the white), circular in shape (to symbolize a familial continuity), with a female centaur.

Miriam had always interpreted her grandfather’s version as a representation of himself, fighting the good fight. It was only fitting that her adaptation should represent herself, a woman, also fighting the good fight.

“I believe that children, both boys and girls, should have strong female role models, which is what I hope I am creating in my work.” -Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

“Creating something so permanent in the world is such a satisfying thing to do, and to have the chance, as I often do, to work on historic buildings is such an honour. Things that I have made with my hands will live on long past me. To be part of a trade that is so old, using methods that have not changed that much in hundreds of years is something that is wonderful. I also feel really lucky to have a job that could take me anywhere in the world, there is so much to explore!

It isn’t all rosy though. I can often work in pretty harsh environments, using an angle grinder all day, having to wear masks, goggles, gloves etc. Often I work outside, I’ve worked in snow, and sleet, and rain. Working in awkward places high up on scaffolding, lifting heavy loads, and working long hours.” -Stone Carver Miriam JohnsonThe Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
Woodcarver Zeinab Harding

Growing up in London, Zeinab was exposed to woodcarving before she ever knew it was a skill she could learn. Beautiful ornate buildings with intricate decoration are common in such a historic city.

Zeinab is currently studying Historical Woodcarving and Gilding. Her interest in wood followed her study of textile design.

Through her studies, she felt the need for greater sustainability. In an effort to combat consumerism, Zeinab researched mediums that had longer lifespans than textiles. She learned that woodcarvings can last twice as long as you or me. Eventually that led her to City and Guilds, happily in her own hometown.

That doesn’t mean she’s stayed put. Zeinab has traveled all over, using crafts as her universal form of communication. She’s taught weaving and block printing to small villages in Samoa and Indonesia. She’s facilitated art workshops in the Amazon. And she spent a summer in Rome, studying floral symbolism in Augustan art.

That time in Italy inspired the piece she’s working on in these photos. Zeinab carved this beautiful panel of lime wood in the style of the Ara Pacis, a Roman altar from 13 BC.

Zeinab hopes to raise awareness of woodcarving to support the continuation of the craft. She plans to show her carvings in contemporary spaces in an effort to revive the traditional skill as an art form and an important tool in conservation.

“Learning a traditional skill is a continual learning process. The more mistakes you make the more you will learn!” -Woodcarver Zeinab Harding

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
a detailed look at Zeinab’s finished carving

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in CarharttThe Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt

Stone Carver Sue Aperghis

For 30 years Sue worked as a graphic designer, creating packaging and branding.

“In my career when I first started, I tried to hide the fact I was dyslexic but I came to realize (and I would suggest it to others) that you should embrace the things that you find most challenging, and work hard and smart to get round your difficulties. Maybe try a different angle on how to learn. The most successful things I’ve done in art is when I confront my Demons the most.” -Stone Carver Sue Aperghis

Despite her struggle with dyslexia, typography has always been one of Sue’s main interests. That led her to Letter Cutting in stone, a skill she’s learned over the last 3 years at City and Guilds. She’ll graduate this June.

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in CarharttThe Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt

In these photos, Sue is working on a sculpture of a soldier, inspired by the works of Charles Sergeant Jagger on the Royal Artillery Memorial in Hyde Park Corner. For two months, she molded a clay model to use for measurements once she started cutting into stone. The carving took about 6 months, and it was well worth the time and effort.

“I’m fascinated in the human form and obstruction of the figure and drapery to tell a story.” -Stone Carver Sue Aperghis

What a beautiful story of triumph! Confronting her dyslexia and pursuing her passion for typography led Sue to a whole new career. Now she’s picking up the mantel, continuing the traditional craft of stone carvers, with her own insights and vision.

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt
a detailed look at Sue’s finished soldier sculpture and a piece inspired by her battle with dyslexia

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in CarharttThe Women of City and Guilds of London Art School / Crafted in Carhartt

Click here to find out more about City & Guilds of London Art School.

DIY Pegboard Storage

As an artist and a crafter, I love having my most used tools and accessories within arm’s reach. That’s why I love these pegboard organizers I created in just 8 easy steps. Follow along to make one for yourself.

You’ll need:

  • 1/2 in. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. Wooden Project Panel
  • Pencil
  • T-Square
  • Sand Paper
  • 3/4 in. x 48 in. Wooden Dowel
  • Drill
  • 3/4 in. Spade Bit
  • Miter Saw
  • 1/2 in. x 4 in. x 4ft. Wooden Plank
  • Hanging Fixtures

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Step 1: With a pencil and T-Square, create a grid with vertical and horizontal lines across your project panel every four inches.

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Step 2: Using the 3/4 in. Spade Bit, drill a hole into the project panel at each intersection of lines on the grid.

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

Step 3: Carefully sand the wood around each hole so it’s smooth and erase your pencil markings.

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

Step 4: With the miter saw, cut several 5 inch and 3 inch segments from the wooden dowels. They will serve as pegs and shelf holders.

Step 5: Cut the plank in half with the miter saw. These pieces of plank will serve as shelves.

Step 6: Attach the hanging fixtures onto the top back corners of the wooden panel.

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

Step 7: Insert the pegs into the project panel and place the shelves on top of the shelf holders.

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

Step 8: Hang the pegboard and it’s ready for use!

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

DIY Peg Board Storage / Crafted in Carhartt

DIY Cookie Notes for Santa

Leaving cookies and a little note for Santa is a sweet tradition that my family baked up every year. It got me thinking, why not combine the two? After all, I think I’d appreciate a cookie note. Wouldn’t you?

You’ll need:

  • black and white cookies
  • food coloring markers
  • and a few warm sentiments to share

If you’re looking for a few pointers:

  • Practice writing with the food coloring markers before you start writing on your cookies. It can take a while to get the hang of it.
  • Short sayings are easier to work with.
  • Feel free to use whatever colors you’d like. Go ahead and draw a picture or two while you’re at it.
  • Have fun!

DIY Cookie Notes to SantaDIY Cookie Notes to SantaDIY Cookie Notes to Santa

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DIY Pumpkin Pie Garland

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This pumpkin pie garland is a great addition to your holiday festivities and it looks good enough to eat! You’ll need: air dry clay, paint, twine, a knife, and 10 or so metal hoops (you can find these in the jewelry section of your local craft store).

Step 1: Roll out a ball of clay. This will eventually be the base of your pie. Roll out two skinny pieces of clay. The larger one will be the pie crust and the smaller one will be the dollop of whipped cream.

Step 2: Flatten the ball of clay with the palm of your hand, the slice off two sides of the circle of clay to create a triangle with one rounded edge.

Step 3: With the tip of your finger or the blunt edge of a knife, waffle the top edge of the larger skinny piece of clay. Remember, this will be the pie crust. Attach it to the rounded end of the pumpkin pie base. It helps if you use a little water to adhere one surface to the other.

Step 4: Swirl the skinniest piece of clay into a circle to look like a dollop of whipped cream. Attach it to the top of the pumpkin pie base.

Step 5: Slide one of the metal hoops into the back side of the pumpkin pie. You’ll attach the garland string to it later on.

Step 6: After the clay has dried a little, paint the crust brown, paint the pumpkin part orange, and the dollop of whipped cream white.

Step 7: After the paint and clay have entirely dried, tie the garland string onto the hoop of each pumpkin pie you’ve created. Now you’re ready to give thanks in style!

Pumpkin Pie Garland / Crafted in Carhartt

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DIY Sugar Skulls

Sugar Skulls, or calaveras in Spanish, are typically made of sugar paste or clay to celebrate Día de Muertos. The traditional Mexican holiday is one of remembrance for friends and loved ones who’ve passed. Made as offerings, these little artistic beauties have captured the hearts of many. Just in time to celebrate, I came up with a spooky craft in honor of the colorful sugar skulls.

You’ll need a skull cookie cutter, plenty of polymer clay, and access to an oven.

  • First, cut out the silhouette of the skull with the cookie cutter.
  • Then add in facial features in all black.
  • With tiny balls of various colors, create patterns around the facial features.
  • Once your design is complete, preheat the oven to 275 degrees and cook your creations for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Use your imagination to take your skulls to the next level. Turn them into a garland, use them to decorate a wreath, or string them onto a necklace.

DIY Sugar Skulls / Crafted in CarharttDIY Sugar Skulls / Crafted in Carhartt

DIY Sugar Skulls / Crafted in Carhartt

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Denim Jacket Makeover

The Carhartt Brewster Denim Jacket is one of my favorite spring pieces. It’s easy to layer and goes with everything. I love it so much I decided to personalize it. For the past few months, I’ve been gathering buttons and patches. Now it’s time to get the iron and stitching gear out!

Denim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in CarharttDenim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in Carhartt

What do you think? What kind of flair would you add to your denim? Thanks to the girl-powered group of female entrepreneurs at ban.do, I snagged some really great swag. Gotta love the girl gang!

Denim Jacket Makeover / Crafted in Carhartt

 

DIY Starting Seeds in Eggshells

We’ve still got snow on the ground, but it’s a good time to thinking about your garden and get some seeds started indoors.  It’s simple and fun and it’ll save you some cash. If you don’t have a garden patch in your yard, there’s a lot you can grow a lot with containers on a porch or balcony. There are tons of ways to start seeds,  but using eggshells is a great way to recycle. Plus they’re nice to look at, and they’re fantastic fertilizer.

Supplies: eggshells, needle, spoon, seeds, potting soil, plant hardiness zone map/calendar (available on seed packets and online)

1. Check out what growing region you live in and decide what you want to plant and when.
2. Treat your friends to giant omelets (they can repay you later by helping plant your garden).  Save and rinse the eggshells.
3. Using a big needle, poke a hole in the shell to allow for drainage. I found it easiest to do this while the eggs are in the container.
4. Fill them most of the way with your soil.
5. Plant your seeds and put a little more dirt on top.
6. Use a waterproof pen to label the eggs.
7. Give your little seeds a spritz of water.
8. Place the seeds where they will get the appropriate amount of light. Cross your fingers.

Tips:
– If you’re not a planner or you just missed your window to start your plants, don’t worry. It can be fun to just wing it and see what happens.
– Extra large or jumbo work best.
– It’s very easy to over water seedlings, which leads to moldy pots of dirt and/or death of your seedlings. That’s why I’m trying a spray bottle this year.
– I mostly started veggies but did a few flowers as well. Little sprouts in eggshells should make a good Easter or Mother’s Day gift.

DIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in CarharttDIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in CarharttDIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in CarharttDIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in CarharttDIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in CarharttDIY Eggshell Seedlings / Crafted in Carharttxoxo,
Laura
Laura Aronson / Crafted in Carhartt

DIY Chevron Wall Hanging

This wall hanging was inspired by last week’s DIY Chevron Necklace. Instead of using corner braces, we’ll use shelf brackets to create the chevron pattern.

You’ll need 3 shelf brackets, leather string, and silver tube beads.

  1. First, cut a piece of leather string about 2 feet long.
  2. Tie two knots about 8 inches from the end on either side.
  3. String one of the shelf brackets through the ends and tie knots.
  4. Add on a silver tube to either end and tie two knots.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you’ve used all of the brackets.
  6. Tie two final knots at the end with two shorter pieces of leather string to create a tassel effect.
  7. Hang it and you’re done!

my crafting outfit: Carhartt Women’s Milam Shirt Printed & Series 1889 Slim Double Front Pants

DIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in CarharttDIY Chevron Wall Hanging / Crafted in Carhartt

DIY Hardware Chevron Necklace

I love to make patterns out of everyday objects. When I spotted the corner braces at the hardware store stacked one on top of the other, I got excited! What a great way to recreate a chevron pattern! Then take that a step further and make it into a necklace. Hardware to fashion yet again!

You’ll need: leather string, 3 corner braces, some nuts and washers, and a pair of scissors.

  1. First, cut a string that’s about 6 inches longer than the length you’d like your necklace to be.
  2. Tie two knots about 6 inches from the end of either side of the string.
  3. String one of the corner braces onto the ends and tie two knots.
  4. Add several nuts and washers onto either side and tie two knots.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you’ve used all of the corner braces, tie two final knots, and you’re done!

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Carhartt Women’s Milam Shirt pictured above

DIY Infinity Choker

Jewelry made from hardware is a Crafted in Carhartt favorite. This Infinity Necklace is a quick craft for all you hardware lovin’ folks out there.

You’ll need: leather string, an “s” hook, clamp closures, a set of spring clasps, scissors, and needles nose pliers.

  • First, cut two pieces of string that are the same size as the circumference of your neck.
  • Fold one of the strings in half, loop it through the “s” hook, and tuck the two ends through the folded part of the string.
  • Then repeat with the second string on the opposite side of the “s” hook.
  • Put a clamp closure on each of the four free ends of string.
  • Then hook the clamp closures together on either side with the rings of the spring clasps.
  • Last, connect the spring clasp to one side and you’re done!

DIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in CarharttDIY Infinity Necklace / Crafted in Carhartt