A SEASCAPE

This isn't what I normally do, however a relative asked for a piece to go on a wall so I had a go and I'm pretty pleased with it. I know it isn't brilliant or award winning but I'm really happy with it. I had a go and I'm pleased with the result. I know the tones are too bright and it isn't detailed enough but I like it. I won't be doing another anytime soon!

A VERY BUSY WEEK

I have had a very busy last few days, seen as I am no longer at college, I have decided to fill my time with making crafty creations. I have never really done much actual sewing before (and I would eventually like to make a dress and skirt) so I decided to start small, the first was the owl doorstop and then I moved onto the cat doorstop. They can sit happily together! Next I think is some more of my artwork, as I have sold a few pieces and have a few commissions to complete and then I will probably make an elephant teddy, which I have the pattern for. However, I was considering doing the elephant in patchwork, so it is Ellie the Elephant. Should be fun! There is never a dull moment in my household!

THE GALLERY AT THE WHARF

My work is now on display at the Gallery at the Wharf in Burscough (just south of Preston) and here are the pictures. There has been lots of interest in my work, according one of the Guild members, which is brilliant! I have even sold some of my cards, which is great. If you are in the area, please call in and have a look, directions are on the website, linked here. It's great having my artwork in a real gallery space, the work looks so much better than it would in my bedroom! Enjoy!

LINDA HULL

As a treat for myself at Great Ecc show (see post below) I bought this beautiful broach from Linda Hull, who is a lovely lady and very talented. She makes all sorts, earring, necklaces etc all by hand and all without machinery or anything like that. I especially like her new work of people drawn out of wire, I don't think the images on her website do they justice. They are beautiful really beautiful, with very amusing quotes!

GREAT ECCLESTON SHOW

I entered a few of my pieces into Great Ecc show, just for fun really and to see how they did. I entered one of my works into the wrong category (hence no photos of it) but my other two pieces did place which was fab! I got third place for my card and fourth for the hand embroidered clock (both pictured below and box available to buy). I was thrilled as the standard this year was really high. Well done to everyone!

THE HIGHLANDS

Just some of the highlights of a recent trip to Glen Coe. It was absolutely beautiful, five days of fab weather (with a bit of rain). I have never seen it so clear for so long! Ben Nevis was clear for two days! Incredible.

ST AIDAN'S WORKSHOP

I went into the local secondary school on Wednesday (yesterday) to run an African themed art day. Some of you may remember my design (posted a few days ago) of what each individual could create, in the end they all completed one or two squares (depending on how fast they were) which I will then sew together into a quilt or wall hanging. The workshop went really well, in my opinion, all the students seemed to enjoy it and surprisingly it was the boys more so that the girls that really got stuck into the sewing and collaging. A good day by all accounts!


Students work:

TOMORROW EVENING

There is a small exhibition of Students work (including mine) in Poulton Library tomorrow night if anyone is interested! I think it starts at about 7.30. Please come along and have a look, the Btec students have done a fab job at repainting/redesigning the teenage area.

TRIP TO BENTS

Last week I took a little trip to Bents garden centre with my family and an aunt. If you are near Warrington, well work a visit (if only to have some of their fab cake from the cafe) and while I was there I treated myself to a little something- a lovely little needle case. I had to add a new button, as the original was missing so it was a bargain. I love the bird scissors that live at the back- it would have been worth buying it just to get the scissors! They are adorable and I hope to get lots of use out of them. The photograph quality isn't great but never mind- you get the jist.

AFRICAN ART

For a workshop in a secondary school next week, I have been creating a piece based around African Art and in particular animals in African art. I looked at African sculptures involving animals and cave paintings, using them for inspiration and working with the technique I have been developing (sewing around pictures and ripping elements away). The aim is that all the students will complete one or two squares each, which I will then sew into a quilt or wall hanging.