11 September 2017

NEW BLOG

Blog is now at http://textilegoddess.blog

Dedicated website and perfect integration with images.

22 April 2017

Problems with blogging

…. so, now at least I know why I can’t post pictures to Blogger using my usual App

 

"Picasa has been folded into Google Photos, and in the course of the transition, Google has forbidden apps such as MarsEdit from creating albums on the service."


Thanks Google, we love you so much!

I could of course post directly in Blogger, though this is clunky.  It will still post to Wordpress…. so maybe this is the time I take the plunge and leave Blogger behind and head to the dark side that is Wordpress?  


Off to research to see if I can import blogger posts to Wordpress….

Back soon in some format...

1 April 2017

Bamburgh Castle

I keep a sketchbook of flowers and leaves and other design elements for reference, very handy when designing these pieces of work.
I have an urge to paint….. and to sew in neutrals… but, commercial head on, these colourful pieces will make better cards. 

First sketches and ideas.

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Adding in colour and thinking of fabrics, all very loose at this stage.

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Starting to applique silks and use free motion embroidery to shade the castle on the sand dunes, surrounded by the sea and sky.

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31 March 2017

Autumn Moongazer in Progress

Again a combination of felt, liberty print fabric, printed fabric (through my printer), silks and cottons.

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Blackberries in the making.

25 March 2017

It's been quiet....

As I’ve been really busy the last few weeks with my self set deadline to product six to ten pieces of work as soon as possible.
All using wool in some way and all suitable for photographing and card making.

Here is the first one in progress.

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen some of these already. 

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Small, medium or large?

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Setting down the main FME elements

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Thinking about hand threads.

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Unpicking.
Happens to us all.

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More FME

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Refining thread choices.

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Working on the hand sewing.
Finished picture coming soon.

Today is a beautiful day and I’m off into the garden for the first time this year.
Looking forward to it, but not sure where to start! 

9 March 2017

Art

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Just what it’s all about really isn’t it?

ART.

That desire to express what's inside you, to give it form, texture, shape, space and colour. 

Sometimes it’s easy and looks exactly as you imagined it to be, sometimes it's very hard work and you don’t succeed.

”The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”   
Oxford Dictionary.

Printing blocks - from a antique sale somewhere, forgotten in the depths of time….. and a piece of Indian jewellery, from a set which I love, but have never worn.  
All on the studio shelf behind my main desk.

 

 

3 March 2017

Evolution of a flower.....

Thought I would show you how this flower evolved - over hours of work and several days of pondering.

Trying to get the correct colour, adding more petals, softening the background.

Pink flower composite

 

Pink Flower

For sale in the Etsy Shop

2 March 2017

Cup & Ring Carved Rocks

Morning walk, up a hill past Chatton, looking back towards the Cheviot Hills.

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Fantastic view.

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 Spotting rock art  on lonely outcrops

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Final destination Ketley Crags.


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WOW.  One of the best examples I’ve seen and in a stunning setting.

More info on the England Rock Art Site

27 February 2017

In print

Newsletter for the Quilters Guild region 15E

 

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26 February 2017

Sari Curtains

When guests are arriving there is an incentive to get on with curtain making….

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Beautiful fabrics, though very delicate (no unpicking here) and very slippery!

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An excuse to use the elephant ribbon thats been on the shelf for a year and the beaded trim I’ve been hoarding since…… erm….. have forgotten.

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Finally complete and hanging.  Very pleased with the result,

25 February 2017

When friends arrive......

It’s a great excuse to eat cake…..

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Trawl antique shops….. (serving said cake)….

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Longngly admire Gothic carving and wonder where on earth you could put it in the house.

Sadly conclude the house is not big enough.

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Go for walks on Bamburgh Beach to blow away the cobwebs.

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Where the River Tweed meet the Sea.

And a walk around Berwick’s town walls to walk off the cheese….. and wine…. and takeaway….. and night out…...

 

SOLD!

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Sold via the Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HelenCowans

24 February 2017

Is it almost Spring?

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SOLD!

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Sold via the Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HelenCowans

23 February 2017

SOLD!

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Sold via the Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HelenCowans

18 February 2017

The Etsy Shop is now LIVE!

There are now almost 50 hare paintings for sale in the Etsy shop.

Each is hand painted on board, they are ready to hang or frame.

 

"Hares have long held a fascination for me, from their form to their mythology.  
Written into each panel, within the many layers of paint are positive words and stories of hares.

The symbols on my hares are inspired by the ancient Rock Art carvings found on the hills close to where I live and work."


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