You may have noticed that I missed a week when it came to updating the blog last week - the reason for this is because I was making the transition between Paris and Suffolk again. I travelled back home last Wednesday (25th), and it always takes a lot of organisation and time to move from one 'life' to another.
It's great to be back in Suffolk again (I really missed the light here and the nature, as well as the fresh air and huge skies), but it's only a quick stay because I'm heading back to Paris for another month on 14th February. So I'm trying to do as much work as I can before I return - several commission requests have come my way over the past week - and I'm even planning what I'm going to be working on when I'm back in Paris. Add to that the fact that I also had to do all the paperwork and accounts so that I could file my annual Tax Return by the end of January, and as you can imagine I've barely had time to come up for air!
But I have some really exciting news to tell you: the March issue of UK Homes and Gardens magazine is now available, and my painted stones are featured in one of their nature-inspired articles!
I only saw the magazine for the first time yesterday - as soon as I heard that it was out (via an excited text message from my mum), I went straight to the newsagents and bought several copies! I couldn't be happier with the way they've photographed and presented my work - and the fact that the stones have been given a whole page is beyond any expectations I had from the moment I found out they were going to feature my work back in the Autumn. I assumed they'd have maybe a quarter of a page at most. The whole article is so beautifully shot and designed - if you own some of my stones I'd urge you to buy a copy of H&G so you can have a proper look, and it makes a lovely keepsake.
The only thing that was slightly disappointing is that they didn't use the painted sycamore plate with a feather design (as they'd initially planned to, and which I also sent to the photo shoot). I'm guessing that it just didn't fit in quite as well with the theme of the article in the end, and I can kind of see why. But the plates have been so popular - they've now totally sold out! - that I will definitely be making some more this year, and I've been talking to the woodturner/supplier about the possibility of making some larger ones as well.
And finally, before I go, I'd like to show you just one of several new stone collections I've been making this week - I added this set to the shop this afternoon...
Nature Set 6
© Natasha Newton 2012
I have been patiently but anxiously waiting to see this : Finally : and it is so beautifully done - which is only because they had such talent to work with :) What an achievement well done Natasha x
Posted by: astrid schwarz | February 03, 2012 at 07:39 PM
This is an absolutely gorgeous page. Your work is so special, personal, evocative and impeccable! :)))) xx {O}
Posted by: Leon Milo | February 04, 2012 at 12:37 AM
That is absolutely brilliant! I must make sure to get a copy! Well done!! xxx
Posted by: Mary Duggan | February 04, 2012 at 12:59 PM
how absolutely wonderful!! i will have to get a copy... it looks a lovely feature - well done :)
Posted by: claire | February 04, 2012 at 03:52 PM
Congratulations on having your stones featured in a magazine! You must be so proud and I think you'll probably get a few more orders for them.
Posted by: Carolyn A Pappas | February 05, 2012 at 01:32 AM
How lovely - congratulations, Natasha!!
Posted by: Jennifer Brooks | February 07, 2012 at 10:57 PM
I have the magazine and your stones are just beautiful. The feature is amazing and the perfect setting for your work. Congratulations Natasha.
Andrea x
Posted by: Andrea Willis | February 08, 2012 at 05:25 PM