Classy Brooches

I am going to run another workshop at Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XW on Tuesday 25th October 10.30 to 3.30.

Its really a run up to Christmas, and an opportunity to make some nice pressies.

Its £40.00 for tuition, lunch and refreshments, with an additional £3.00 to paid on the day for basic materials.

Booking essential T 01772 433777

Where have I been???

Sorry I have been very lax in blogging- life seems to have become extremely busy.

However I can tell you that I had a great Summer, with loads of family visitors(maybe thats why I haven't blogged in a while?)

I have recently visited Lincoln with my friend Chris photos below-

Donnington Hall

Kitchen garden

Woven horses

Love these metal sculpture shapes

Hares

I think he has not been eating.

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Castle

15c building in centre of Lincoln

I also visited Northumberland with my Husband- great break and beautiful scenery.

Bamburgh Castle

View from Bamburgh Castle

John in his rightful place!!!

Me in my rightful place!!!

two examples of eroded stone work at Banburgh Castle- great for texture in textile work.

Beach at Bamburgh

We also visited Chillingham Castle- complete opposite to Bamburgh which is beautifully kept. Chillingham has been left to its own devices- the owner Sir Humphrey Wakefield collects items from all over the world on his travels and they all end up in Chillingham Castle- its a bit like a cobweb strewn junk yard- with hidden gems.

tapestry

Model soldier and horse

Rather not eat on this table!

Contrast of beautifully kept gardens

Museum at Chillingham- not unlike every other room

Exterior & garden at Chillingham

Our last day was spent at Alnwick, looking round the museum, eating lunch in Grandma's Pantry, and visiting the gardens, which although not in full bloom, were still impressive.

Alnwick castle

Three photos from fabulous Alnwick gardens

Higher layers of Alnwick fountains

Hey ho! must wait until next year and maybe can persued my Husband to go back to Alnwick to stay for a few days.

Mixed media workshop

Hi Despite getting slightly lost going to North Lonsdale Embroiderers Guild workshop, Caroline and myself really enjoyed our day up the Lakes. It was exhausting but very worthwhile, with lovely people and great views over Morecambe Bay.

It is only a small branch, and I was quite anxious on how to run the workshop, as I know they have a number of very experienced ladies. However I should not have worried as even the most knowledgeable can  pick something up that can be used at a later stage. Sandra K was enthralled to be shown my alternative Tyvek method!!!

As usual I took everything but the kitchen sink!!! and thank goodness Caroline  was acting as my technician as there was a lot of mixing paints, washing brushes and containers, and general tidying up. Without her I would still be there packing up.

Mind you I haven't yet put everything away in my house, just moved items up stairs from the hall- there is always tomorrow?? oh no there isn't as I have to start sorting out stuff for a craft fair on Sunday, and an Embroiderers Guild meeting on Saturday.

Here are some photos of North Lonsdale members at work.

Anticipation- new workshop

I have decided to run a workshop at Avant on my new passion -alcohol Inks- I have had a few for a long time and have only rarely used them, as not really sure what I could do with them.

However after looking at Pintrest re alcohol inks, I bought a book- like you do!!! I also purchased quite a few additional colours, some yupo paper and alcohol rubbing ink.

I have managed to make a few samples, on yupo paper, encaustic paper, canvas and fabrics- silk works really well!

I am going to have a go on leather, tile, glass and metal.

You can achieve some very strange effects, by manipulation and sheer luck.

The workshop is Tuesday 24th May 10.00-4.00 at Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XW 01772 433777. £40.00 which includes full tuition, a light lunch and refreshments. Contact Avant to book and obtain the requirement list.

I will add photos of my masterpieces when I get home.

Encaustic Workshop

Hi I have just got back from the sunny climes of Haslingden!

I ran an encaustic wax workshop for a lovely set of ladies who are also carers or have been carers in the past.

The day went well, with most of the ladies making earrings or pendants. One lady started a lovely bangle for her little Great Grandaughter in delicate pinks and silver using foam board, whilst another lady decided jewellery was too fiddly and made 3 bookmarks.

Below are some photos taken on the day.

Hopefully many will wear their precious unique earrings and pendants with pride.

Capability Brown

The Embroiderers Guild are holding exhibitions all over the country which will run together with  Capability Brown's anniversary.

I have been working on a few pieces and below are  my latest

Applique piece worked at an EG workshop with Gillian Travers

Piece set onto painted canvas with stencilling

close up

layered  fabrics including sheers and velvets which have been free machined stitched.

Layered - workshop

Hi feeling pretty grim at the moment with a dreaded cold for which I do not have time!!!

However managed to run a very successful workshop on Tuesday 23rd Feb at Avant Garden Centre.

I had seven students, and although some where more experienced at machine embroidery, most only seemed to get their base fabric together. Time really flies when you are enjoying yourselves!!

They all seemed to get the principle of free machine embroidery, and we only had a few problems with the sewing machines, which makes a nice change.

The idea was that strips of sheer fabrics, lace, ribbon etc be stitched onto a plain ground, and then embellished with free machine stitching, and made into a bag, book cover or hanging at home.

Below are some photos of the students at work and some close ups of them & their work in progress.

busy at work

deep concentration

star pupil who managed to get to the embellishing stage

Linda having a few problems with her 'tension'

Mavis looking very pensive

Liz hard at work

Anne at work

Abigail going frilly

I think its working now!!!

Obviously I started my own project to demonstrate each stage of the process, which I intend to complete and make into a bag. I will add the photo when finished-Watch this space.

my layered clutch bag

close up of free machine embroidery embellishment