In my studio
I gather natural treasures throughout the year and catch different moments in time at different stages of the plant’s growth. I’m constantly checking what’s going on in nature.
Where it begins…
I press and preserve young shoots, leaves and buds. Then later I can press flowers in full bloom including the leaves. The flowers that I leave to flourish in my garden go on to provide me with magnificent seed heads that I love to include in my work.
I press and dry out my materials for at least a month depending on their size. I keep all the seeds and plant them in my greenhouse. I save some to send out with each commission in a tiny homemade envelope.
Brampton Tales is inspired by my lifelong love of nature, magic and fairy stories.
My studio is a giant herbarium, a collection of moss, twigs, lichen, leaves, pinecones, poppy heads and much more.
Surrounded by my materials, I sit at my 1970s desk and create my magical stories.
My space has become inspirational over the years, with my favourite books, artists work and botanical materials surrounding me, my imagination runs free.
Stage 1…
I build up the scene with three layers. Firstly, I spend quite some time going through my pressed flowers, grasses and plant collection to find the suitable background for the particular cherished moment in time.
Stage 2…
The second layer is made up from my three-dimensional collection of sticks, wild carrot flowers, catkins and conkers and many more. My family portraits are very popular and if I’m making a family of four, I look at their photographs and read the stories my client has sent to me to get to know the people I am making. I choose pieces for their heads, arms, legs and bodies. At this point when I cut the pieces to size and start to lay them into place, they are already starting to come alive.
Stage 3…
I use a combination of glues appropriate to different surfaces and weights. The final layer is a double layer of non-reflective glass. I sandwich wildflowers, grasses and stems in between the glass to ensure they stay in place and no peeling back can occur. I specifically design each piece to last.
My dream is to create something unique that fills you with joy for a lifetime. A precious reminder of the moment in time within the piece. Reminiscent of an heirloom that will be cared for generations and kept forever.
Please contact me with any ideas or questions you may like to discuss.
“Jo created a beautiful frame with our family inside as a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. I truly love it and it's one of the best presents I've ever had. It has pride of place in my house and always gets lots of comments. I would highly recommend one of her masterpieces!”
- Francesca
