Turkey

Just back from Turkey. A great week looking at the highlights of the Aegean Coast- we visited Pergamon, Troy, Didyma, Milet and Priene. With Ephesus being the main feature- fantastic sights & plenty of photo opportunites.

Unfortunately Turkey was experiencing their coldest & wettest Winter ever, with temperatures not over 5 deg C most days- freezing & windy, so no suntan!!!

I was asked whether I was a rock expert, as I spent most of the time taking close ups of the patterns, colours & texture of stones. I think being told that I was a textile artist came as a bit of a shock to the poor man!!!

Anyway, atleast I have plenty of inspiration for the future.

giant cotton reels!

plants will grow anywhere

fantastic carvings

Stone carving from an Islamic Mosque-Isabey Mosque at Selcuk

                                Beautiful patterns on marble slabs at Temple of Artemis-Ephesus

I managed to escape the jewellery & leather outlets, but surcomed to the carpet factory- a very interesting weaving corporation- so John bought me a lovely wool on cotton  rug for the living room.

wool on wool carpet being finished

Examples of some of the carpets displayed on the walls.

winding the raw silk

The most expensive carpets are silk on silk, with wool on cotton & wool on wool as being cheaper.
Some of the silk carpets take 18 months to weave, hence the heavy price!

Hopefully my rug will last years & my Daughter will benefit from it when its passed on- not yet though!!!

'Stitched Collage' Workshop with Anne Brooke

We had a great workshop at Parbold Embroiderers Guild on Saturday. 14 students who all thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Anne is a very good tutor who structures the day well, with no pressure or fuss. The result is a brilliant eclectic mix of work, using her basic techniques, but with individual twists.

I tried to utilise work by Robert Rauschenberg an artist who concentrates on collage. He incorporates 3 dimensional objects which are often dripping in paint. This piece will hopefully be used in our exhibition Art & Soul at Samlesbury Hall in July.

I think I need to do quite a bit more work on the piece before I am satisfied. However its a good start!!

Here are some photos from the day.

my work-not sure of title yet???? I have now added more stitch
 & some buttons

Sandra Kedzlie's work

The Rabbit ones is Caroline's

Sue Abbotts work

Nicky Robertson's work against her sketches

Experimenting with New Techniques

I am running a new workshop on Wednesday 4th March10.00am to 4.00pm at Avant Garden Centre 'Experimenting with New Techniques'

We will be using Kunin felt, Lutrador, Bondaweb, Transfer Dyeing onto fabric, Brusho painting etc etc. The aim is to use mixed media to produce textile surfaces, which can be used to make bags, book covers, jewellery & so on.

The joy of mixed media is the unexpected, by making happy (or not) mistakes you can produce exciting and unique fabrics.

Booking is essential & you will need to contact Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland, Lancashire PR25 5XW Tel 01772 433777 for a requirement list.

The cost will be £35.00, which includes a light lunch, refreshments & the use of some basic materials. However there may be a small additional charge for any additional items used on the day.

Book now for a day of fun & play.

Pelmet Vilene with mixed media(encrusted look)

Vessel in heavy weight Lutrador (distressed & rusted look)

close up of vessel

close up of encrusted surface

Brusho surface on fabric which has been hand stitched to distort-later made into a bag which has been sold.