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50's inspired paper cut experiments

OK I no this is no Rob Ryan but my first attempt at a paper cut was a good

learning experience. I know its a bit on the wonky and the fabric underneath may fray but as a first I was quite happy.I took the inspiration from that 50's maths book I borrowed from a friend ( see old post ) and I knew It would come in handy.

That day of mind numbing scanning action eventually paid off ( I think ! )

 I have also been trying a few more collage and stitched pictures, With varying success.

well that's it for the moment I have agreed to do a last minuet  stall this weekend with a friend, so I will be all guns blazing on Friday ( my last day before the stall without a Merryn to entertain.) Lets see were the blind panic leads me..................

Winter stock spew

 Just thought I would put up some pictures of the Christmas stock I have been making. I have literally been just designing and making this last week, my brain is doing its usual thing were it wont give me any down time as is goes on and on and on and on and on.............. my hands cant keep up. You have to go with the flow at these times as the inspiration and idea spew doesn't last so I just embrace the caos and fuel up with soup.

 I have been making lots of wall art/collage pieces in a sewn, drawn painted, glued kind of way
and have designed a Tamar swan cushion of which I have printed 3 to try them out. I embroider the swan in a mix of whites and creams and the plumage is stitched in French knots, chain stitch and running stitch I think it looks quite effective. Problem is knowing when to stop with these things. once I have a cuppa in hand I can get quite carried away with my needle and threads.

Beach Art and Stitched Post Cards

 We have just come back from our holiday in a friends caravan down at the lizard in Cornwall.
I have to say that luck was with us as it was probably the only full week this year that hasn't had rain. We even got in a few sunny beach days and i managed a possible tan line if you look close enough.
This fantastic bit of art was on the beach at Cadwith. A local artist had been there in the morning and I managed to get a few photos before the tide came in.
When I went back in the evening there was no trace of the work left so i feel very privileged to have been there to capture her work.
I also saw this mini exhibition at the seal sanctuary in Gweek.
The artist Jane Rose runs marine litter art workshops and makes a 10% donation to the marine conservation society with ever piece of art she sells. You can look at more of her work at www.janerose.beachlitter@gmail.com .

I also finished, and posted my textile art post card when down there.
Remember my post a few weeks back.
I mentioned that I had joined a link up were a group of us all made post cards ( see stitchin fingers link )
this was my final card called summer storms.
I believe I am receiving my stitched post card from Australia so that's quite exciting.

I'll finish with this snap shot of the kids on the beach lets hope we get a few more beach days in before the winter arrives.

Rabbit in boots

I put in my completed business plan today for the 'Saltash Creative Hub' which is the Arts Craft and Environment centre I am hopefully going to be running as mentioned in my last post.
What a nightmare that was getting finished. Lots of crazy stats like how many biscuits you sell in a year and how much cake may be eaten ( it turns out there is good money in biscuits you know ).
Now I can relax for a while anyway.
We are having some building work done to the house in the next two weeks so I am escaping to my parents in Somerset for the build.
Looking forward to the brake, just hope the kids behave I think they will be ok but we will miss there dad who is staying back to help the builders.

I have also finished my experiments with the fabric crayons I bought last week. I have been making stock for a Christmas stall and possible stock for the Hub.

I have made a selection of pin badges and a few toys along with a couple of house play cushions.

I like my rabbit in yellow boots, think I will do a few more of these.

Illustrated fabrics

I found this lovely 'mid winter' 60's casserole dish in the charity shop this week it cost me a whole £1.
yeah, I love finding things like this .They don't make em like they used to, what a groovy shape. just have to pluck up the courage now to use it.
I will be gutted if it brakes in the oven. I am a strong believer of using these old kitchen wares and not just letting them collect dust although this one may be the exception to my rule.

I have also been dyeing fabrics this week for a project in the craft book I am currently writing. This photo came out better than the fabric though, looked a bit tie dye, need a massive pot I think.
Did a bit of  illustrating on fabric too with these new fabric crayons.
I found them in a craft store the other day when looking for inks. bit of an experiment at the mo but I like the effect.

I have also started on stock for a Christmas stall on the 1st of December in Saltash .
Im helping to organise the Christmas light switch on night and have been allocated the art and craft stalls to organise so as well as drumming up crafty folk for the event I have been thinking about what to sell myself.
I have discovered allot of local art and craft folk I didn't know before so that has been really good but also a bit daunting when you see the talent out there. What an amazing pool of talent we have in Cornwall.
lots of rainy craft days I guess that coupled with the beautiful scenery round these parts and you have a potent mix.

phueeeeeeee............... did I really get up to all that in a week, bit crazy I think. but at least I'm being productive.
Now I need a cuppa and a bit of chocolate just with the thought of all that. off to raid the naughty jar and then i might actually get a chance to sit down and watch some telly.

illustrations and 50's art inspirations

 I have just finished a series of cards to sell in a local coffee/book store in town. I was given a load of old books last year to run a Christmas workshop with and have had the left over books in my garage ever since. I think the text makes a great back ground for a picture and it fits to use them in a book shop project. They will either like them over ban me from the shop for defacing and cutting up books.

 I also borrowed a great 50's maths book from a friend this week .The art work and colours are amazing. She has the best collection of old books I have seen in ages. Good to see a fellow crafter that also hoards randomness.
Still thinking on the Rain subject mentioned in my last post. I did a crazy watercolour last night with my kids paints, think it might lead to something else not sure yet.