taking dye out day

Tracey & I have spent a very enjoyable morning taking dye out & putting a coloured pattern back into some of the items we tray dyed on Tuesday. Like you do!!!!

The two embellished scarves will be going into Brabin's exhibition, as they look pretty good.

I really love the the two silk ties, and the 3 tee shirts have come out well. Although I think the tee shirts & ties will sell better at our next two craft fairs.

The table runner was not a success, but I will try to bling it up for the Christmas Fair at Samlesbury Hall in November.

I have to complete two silk cushion covers, which have also been tray dyed, & they will go into Brabin's as well.

silk scarves

silk ties

tee shirts & not so clever table runner

I have also cunningly revamped a silk paper umbrella made at college a few years ago. It was already broken & unused, so I took it to pieces & made a hexagonal trinket box (see below) This will go into Brabin's Exhibition.

'Glacial Flow'

Gabby's new photo collection

Gabbys photos in Fleetwood - random!!

deflated elephant in fleetwood market

Bizarre Daddy

sea holly???

speeding boat at fleetwood

"cool" daddy!!

We have made some clothes for Stripe & Puga, followed by a fashion show & photo shoot.
The girls look lovely, very trendy.

Stripe in 'Seaweed'

Puga in 'Attack on Titan Ville'

Stripe in 'Bird of Paradise'

Stripe in 'Lilac Time' SHOW STOPPER

Puga in 'Miss Puga' SHOW STOPPER

Stripe & Puga in the finale of the show.

Any reference to Popular Patchwork is not intentional as they did not sponsor  this fashion show!!!!

Festival of Quilts NEC

Having won two tickets for the Festival of Quilts, I went last Thursday with Tracey. She drove in her new car, so no hassle for me. We had a tiring but fruitful day, spent loads of money on items we needed but mostly just wanted! We did however buy stuff for the group which we can share at our next workshop with Isobel Hall in October.

We also bought some very exciting marbling goodies which gives us an excuse for a day of playing!!!

Just been experimenting with a set of Inktense blocks, very bright & colourful, not sure of what extent they can be used as sketch book paper not the best.

Gabby is now using them to paint a picture of Pikachu! at least this gets her away from the dreaded laptop!!!

Here are some photos of exceptionally beautiful quilts.

Amended dates for 'Spirit of Place' exhibition

Alston Hall have asked us to extended the dates of our exhibition 'Spirit of Place' due to such good comments and feedback from visiting members. The Exhibition will now end on Saturday 30th August.

We have sold quite a few pieces of work, especially Suzanne -well done to her, and the comments in our Visitors Book are very favourable.

Congratulations go to all members that contributed in making a lovely colourful thought provoking exhibition.

Eileen has now sold her large wall hanging and Sue T a bag- this is looking good!!

We have now had an article in Lancashire Evening Post in Fab Five & a full page spread with photos & a lengthy report on the Group- hopefully this will generate even more interest in the exhibition & promote the group.

Wonderfull!!!!

EG Summer School

I have just come back from another exciting but tiring Summer School- I decided to do the 3 day workshop with Alex Jacob Whitworth 'From Walk To Wall'

This was a very art based design workshop and took most of us out of our comfort zones. However as usual I took what I liked from it, and will use the design techniques in my work in future-or at least try to!!

I have yet to complete some of the projects,& when I am pleased with them I will add some pictures to this blog.

However here are a few to be going on with-

'Encaustically Rich' workshop

NB.This workshop has been cancelled & a new date arranged for Saturday 4th October. Same details as before.

My new workshop 'Encaustically Rich' will be held at Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland, PR25 5XW 10.00am to 4.00pm on Wednesday 10th September. Please contact Avant on T01772 433777 to book & obtain a requirement list. The price is £35.00 for the day which will include a light lunch, all refreshments during the day and the use of encaustic equipment.

The aim is to make pieces of jewellery, eg earrings, necklaces, bracelets & brooches, which you can wear yourself or give as presents for birthdays & Christmas.

African Inspired earrings

Earrings & necklace

Indian Inspired earrings & necklace set

Earrings & necklet set

 We will also be applying waxes to fabric in different ways, this fabric can then be stitched into & perhaps beaded. You will then have a selection of fabrics which you can then use to make bags, purses, mobile phone/spectacle cases or book covers, either at home or in a further workshop.

The technique is simple to learn, but great fun and the end products are both beautiful & unique.

Wax on fabric which has been hand embroidered & applied to a ground of felt to make into a book cover

waxed fabric bag

Spirit of Place-Preview

The preview on Thursday 3rd July went very well, a few visitors,group members & their families gave us some good feedback.

It was tricky as always to set up, but it looks stunning & very professional.

Here are a few photos of my work, I will add some general photos time permitting. We are now gearing up for the exhibition when it moves to Brabins Gallery, Chipping in September- maybe a few more items to be added!!!

'Light and Shade'

'Himba'

'Asian Heritage'(purse) 'Coral reef Seas'(scarf)

Metallica ( necklace & earrings set in background)

'Purchased'

'Colours of Calabria'