wall-hanging

This is turning out to be quite a commitment. The wall-hanging measures 36x27" and for now the pieces are only pinned on. Now I have to work out where to put the rubber stamping, the sheers, the nets, where to melt..........decisions, decisions, decisions.

not monoprinting

I made this collage intending to run off some monoprints from it using printers' inks. But I realized that the 'base' was more interesting than the prints. I hope you can see the long-necked imaginary birds (some people can't).

this 'n that

I have to get new specs, I still have a dreadful cough, but I feel great!! It must be Spring in the air, birds twittering, buds on the trees etc.

I added a wax collage on ebay of another Renaissance beauty -

And I'm starting a wall-hanging called 'Summer Dreams of India' which will have all the bells and whistles. I'll post photos along the way.

today's painting

This is 'The Floosie' for obvious reasons teehee. I would have liked more depth in the colours but I think it works just the same.

gifts

Today was a special day as I received a wonderful package from my *Fairy Godmother* Linda. A sweet ATC, a huge stack of fabrics in mouthwatering colours, lots of beads and sequins, and some foreign language vintage pages. You are so generous, thank you so so much.

wax collage

Now, for something different -- I've made a wax collage using a Renaissance beauty, Maria de Medici, as the image. It was fun to do and a guessing game too as I'm never sure how it's going to turn out. Waxes are a bit unpredictable but I enjoyed the challenge. I've put it on ebay so hope you'll have a look -- and maybe someone will even make a bid!! 

Paper and gold workshop

Yesterday, I went to a workshop which used gold and metal threads and hand-made papers to create a small design. It was a full day, but when you see the  photo you'll be thinking "is that all she did"!!! It was all hand sewn and for a sewing machine addict, that was a challenge I can tell you. And it's obviously not finished. The most interesting part was adding the paper - those little rounded pink shapes are made by rolling a strip of paper round a needle, slip it off and cut into tiny pieces -then sew them on and the other is ruched strips couched on. I've added another string to my bow but don't know how often I'll pluck it teehee.

in between

Today, taking a few moments to post more artwork in between dyeing, embroidery, housework, and wasting time looking for stuff that I can't find since my tidy-up! Have had a chest cold which stole my appetite but I'm not complaining 'cos I'll lose some of my christmas weight - and it just goes to show that there's a  positive side to everything!

These are watercolour and black ink done during a course on fashion and design in Florence. It certainly helped on the art side.

more Japanese ladies

These are the last two paintings of Japanese Geishas - a complete change of direction tomorrow!

Some paintings

I've started getting some of my paintings ready. These are when I was in *Japanese* mode.

For Sally

I don't know how to reply to a comment, so I'm just starting off a new post. Sally, thank you for the compliment - the reason why I haven't posted my paintings is that the frames have reflective glass in them and I can't get a good photo without using the flash. I suppose I could take them out of the frames though - OK, it's on my "to do" list at the very top LOL.

ATCs listed

I've been looking through artwork I did ages ago and decided that this one would be more successful if I cut it up - so the little watercolour/gouache paintings have been embellished with stitching and are now *ATCs*. You can see them here ebay. I won't tell you how long it's taken me to do this (that is the ebay part, not the painting!!).

fabric collage

I managed to delete the message so here goes again! I made a fabric collage to enter into a competition entitled 'A Breath of Spring'. It measures 6x6" and is made with free motion embroidery and embellished with beads. Some of the beads are so small, I had a job to find a needle thin enough - but determination won the day.

new journal arrived

Today I received *The true and the Questions* a journal by Sabrina Ward Harrison from Amazon. I've only given it a quick look but it was enough to convince me that this is a remarkable book. It could be any one of us - her feelings, and insight, very honest -- and the artwork is incredible, messy and rewarding at the same time. Of course, now I need her other journals as well. I am going to try to put in a link to this book, wish me luck!! amazon

so much going on

Just getting some stuff I sold on ebay ready for mailing and also ordering some acid dyes for an online dyeing class I'm doing. Don't know why they're called 'acid' 'cos there's none in these dyes. I seem to have fingers in so many pies at the moment, but I love it when there's lots to do. I'm also getting an Altered Book ready to sell on ebay. And, I had my hair cut today, that always feels great.

A big thanks to Linda

The proverbial penny has dropped and I think I've got it now. Huge hugs to Linda for guiding me through this. I've started a list of favourite websites and more to come.

trying so hard

I've been having a bit of bother with putting photos on - I'm going to try again.

Tidying up

Yesterday, I measured up the wall space in my 'playroom' for 2 new bookcases. Bought them, and a friend came to put them together - great. Except that my measurements didn't agree with the wall. So I've had to re-arrange my dining room to take one of them and it's very cosy now (if you get my drift). Now I just have to get all that stuff off the floor and onto the shelves. I think I'm *it* now haha.

New Challenge

Well, after thinking I wouldn't start a blog 'cos I don't have the time - here I am feeling like a first day pupil at infants' school - I hope I can write something interesting.