Grasmere on Thursday

Thursday morning we had a trip to Ambleside, mainly to visit the rock shop. And Costa for a good coffee. 

I came home with this beauty for my son - he collects rocks and fossils. 

I spent the afternoon getting my addled brain into designing mode.  It's mid-September now, just over ten months ago we learnt my poor mother had cancer and all thats involved with illnesses, death, my father moving, coming to terms with a sudden change in my life.  

It's honestly been grueling at times.  

I found myself thinking for everyone else and not me, I would forget the most obvious things, even mundane things. I still do but am determined to get my art back together.   But my brain had not been cooperating.  I was even more dippy than I usually am.   Until Thursday.  With nothing else to think about, no men, no washing, shopping or cooking....

I felt the need for a new costume. Do you agree?  My scribble sketchbook is just for me, my writing is dreadful as I scribble ideas down as fast as I can before they float away into the ether....certainly not a sketchbook that would ever be published.  Except here.  I thought you might be interested to see whats coming next. Think green velvet.........red roses.......loads of FME......

Grasmere on Wednesday

This is where we are staying; eating, stitiching and laughing. 

A short walk takes you into Grasmere village, with hotels, cafes and walking shops. 

And a short walk takes you along the lakeside. 

With interesting gates leading to beautiful old houses. So envious!

Back into the village and into the Art Shop.  Of course.  

Grasmere on Tuesday.

 

Spent all day putting painted canvas panels and batik painted silks together ready for machine and then hand stitching.  Forgot the thimble.  So may need to leave these until I get home. 

Evening stitching

Well I'm here in Grasmere stitching away. 

These hares WILL be finished soon!

Preparing for a jolly week ahead

 Well thats the start of a new school year, how did my baby grow up so fast?  
He is now in Year 11, GCSE time and the baby has recently had his 15th birthday, takes a 15 inch collar and is 5’ 10” (maybe 11”)

I still seem to be busy but I am getting some time in the studio, though I do find it difficult to get back into the groove after weeks away.

Next week I am away on holiday with the girls!!
Big WHOOO HOOOO!

Because, yes, they stitch too.
The setting is fantastic (just outside Grasmere) and the food is wonderful.

I’ll be posting lots and lots of pictures next week.
I made some block rubbings this week on hand dyed fabrics and will take these along with me.

I sorted out my blocks with leaves and ancient animals.

Rubbing with green and then a touch of brown and gold.

 

 

Goats, we do old goats in Northumberland.
As in ancient flocks of goats, mainly on Yeavering Bell (Hill of the Goats).

 

 

TAFA List profile

TAFA - Textile and Fibre Art List have highlighted my profile on Facebook tonight.

 Here’s a direct link

 

 

 

Playing with paint.

An idea popped into my head just the other day…. it involved ink, watercolour washes and  textiles.

Its been a LONG time since I got the watercolour paints wet, so I thought I should have a play and create some paint trials, splurges, mixes… happy accidents.

I spent a few days creating pages and pages of coloured splodges.

 

Firstly mixing each and every colour together and then taking a selection and exploring the mixing variations.

Here are just two of many spreads in the sketchbook.

Buff Titanium +...

 

It makes a great change from mark making explorations.

 

I don’t usually recommend supplies but I can’t fault two products.
Firstly Daniel Smith Watercolors (or as we say in the UK Watercolours).  The intensity is like nothing else.
I like to work with transparent or at least semi-transparent watercolours but I also like strong colour.
These give me the perfect combination.

Secondly brushes.  I have hunted for YEARS to find a brush that works for me.
I’m not so good at painting with a brush - I usually prefer my fingers, but whilst this is practical for acrylics it doesn’t work for watercolour.
Just last week I discovered KUM Memory Point Brushes.

Perfect - and even better they are 3 for 2 at Cultpens - who offer the most fantastic service and free next day delivery. 

I have just two days left before the summer holidays are over for 2015.
Incredibly mixed feelings as I shall miss my boy SO much.
I love having him around. 

On the other hand I’m looking forward to getting back to work in the studio. 
I have pages of ideas in my sketchbook to work through.
And a “New Year” (for I still work in school years) resolution to be more committed to a proper working schedule each week.
(Dorothy I’ve written it down so it must be true!) 

 

 

 

Holiday break in Keswick

 Hello! 

We are back from a wonderful and relaxing break in Keswick.

In a beautiful cottage in the conservation area just a few minutes stroll from the town centre.

We enjoyed freshly squeezed orange juice

Took an age to decide at the olive counter

Laughed at the wine

Ate out every night - walking from our door to theirs.
Walked a few yards to the cinema (Mission Impossible).

Simply enjoyed the novelty of walking to a shop or watering hole. 

 

Whilst the boys went Mountain Biking I walked to see a Gruffalo.

Fond memories of bed time reading. 

Saw Magenta painted trees - which looked stunning in the sunlight

Took several walks along the shores of Derwentwater.

The boys skimming stone whilst I got the sketchbook out.
Finding natures beautiful offerings

 

My favourite being the evening after dinner at the Dog & Gun (Woof & Bang).

Taking silly photographs

On our last afternoon a red boat was sailing past

Admired the beautiful flora on the lake shore.  

Had many meals and drinks out and visited the new distillery. 

And came home via Castelrigg Stone Circle.
Which has become a family tradition. 

 

 

 

Experimenting

 

Playing with colour, layers. pictures and symbols.
Its not perfect, it needs refining, its only a sample and an experiment. 

But I absolutely adore it (and can see it in fabrics).

One photograph, several different post processing actions.
Which is your favourite?

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Printing blocks

 I didn’t get my trip to Festival of Quilts this year.
So retail therapy was concluded online - with this wonderful collection of printing / rubbing blocks.

Can’t wait to use them. 

 

 

Studio Art Quilt Associates - SAQA

I’m just been accepted as a professional Juried Artist Member of SAQA!  
Happy dancing and looking forward to future opportunities.

 

You can see my profile here

 

You can find out more about SAQA here.

Heleniums for Helen

School holidays….

Lazy days of sunshine and buzzing bees.

Gardening and slow stitching.

Wonderful.