tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38010653813263732252024-03-05T13:58:01.148+00:00Jules Woolford Stitches and sketches, inspired by the natural world.....Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-16235152485060025032018-01-01T11:43:00.004+00:002018-01-01T12:10:09.585+00:00 What if ? Learning to beat self doubt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Feelings of 'not being good enough', and self doubt run very deep. They've plagued me my whole life. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I constantly seek approval and validation from other people. Does this sound familiar? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I'm guessing from many conversations I've had that it rings a bell with a lot of you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Those of us who are artists and artisans are putting a little bit of ourselves out there every time we share our work, and that can be incredibly hard. Others long to be creative, but don't feel they can because, 'I can't (draw, paint, sew, sculpt, write, etc... ) that's for other people'. I've lost count of the times I've heard his from people who come to my classes. Honestly, I get such a buzz when they find out that they </span><b style="font-family: georgia;">can! </b><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Supporting and encouraging other people is pure joy. Supporting and encouraging myself, however, is not! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Over the years I've made so many half-hearted attempts to 'do something ' about my own nagging self doubt. I've read so many self help books, visited dozens of websites and listened to more podcasts than you can count! I get confident for a while but then something happens which knocks me back and makes me feel that 'I can't'. It could be something as simple as my post not getting what<b> I</b> have deemed 'enough' 'likes' on social media, in order to make me feel like a worthwhile human being! Crazy, but true!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It's our real fear of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b> </b>'<i>the bad things',</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b> </b> (duh , duh, duh) that </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">we might face rejection, disapproval</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">, not being liked, etc, that holds us back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Let's get this in perspective - I might face<i><b> </b></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><b>'</b>the bad things'</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>,</i> but I might not. If I did, what would be the worst that could happen? I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">f someone disapproves, or decides they don't like me or what I do, that's their right. However much I may wish it wasn't so, not everybody is going to like me, or my art. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Actually, though, I only want to share my creative world with people who 'get' me, like and appreciate what I do, so is it really any loss? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">If I'm rejected, I can see it as a learning opportunity and try a different direction or approach. Again, what I do won't not appeal to everyone, and that's okay. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I'm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">still going to freak out sometimes, because I'm human, but that's fine too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">If any of this this resonates with you, whether as an artist, a creative, (or just personally, in terms of life the universe, and everything) then I invite you join me on my journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I'm beginning the year spending some time looking back over the last one. If you think this might be helpful for you, then please take some time to think about what you achieved - and what you wanted to do, but didn't, because you were afraid to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I'm going to look at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">How and why I reacted to my new situation in the way I did.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">What I can learn from my achievements - what worked and why was it successful? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">What things didn't pan out as I hoped? Why did that happen and h</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">ow could I have done things differently? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It's time to try to make the most of future opportunities, instead of hiding under the table, and changing 'I can't' to -</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>'</b></span><b><i style="font-family: georgia;">What if</i><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">'? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I know I'm not alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">What do you want to achieve? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">It can be anything at all, but, if it's a lack of faith in yourself and your capabilities which is stopping you, let's talk about it. Or, if you've managed to conquer your fear, what's helped you deal with it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">We can work on self doubt and give </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">'<i>the bad things'</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> a good bashing. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Let 2018 be the year you say 'What if'? Then try! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I wish you all good things in this New Year!</span></div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-36345938795157787522017-12-01T19:04:00.000+00:002017-12-01T19:04:08.635+00:00Winter Nature Walk<div style="text-align: center;">
Bright winter brings a strange architectural beauty to the landscape.</div>
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Spiky, flamboyant teasel heads dominate the marsh.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Outlines are more defined - edges are crisp and sharp against the clear blue sky.</span></div>
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Oak galls resemble a structure of miniature domes.</div>
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Rose hip boughs form decorative arches, and geometric designs.</div>
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Even the ragged edges of the fallen leaves seem to create distinct abstract shapes against the earth.</div>
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Looking closely at the natural world opens the doors to so much new interpretation...</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-24734746713297617022017-11-24T15:37:00.000+00:002017-11-24T15:37:21.059+00:00Creative workshops: what do you think?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Socrates said “I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them </span><i>think</i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">”. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">Today I have a question for you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's always a catch. You have to read this post before you get to it!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">I ran a new hand embroidery workshop last Saturday, based around the technique I call 'Stitch Doodling'.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">It's a concept of using a simple shape, then building up the design within it, step by step</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is the sample I designed, a vintage themed version of my original bunny, (which you can see below.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">I try and give as much as I can to help people get the maximum out of their day. My favourite workshop joke is that I only have one rule, 'There are no rules'! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">It's true though - and it's up to me to help each person to think - and find <b>the way that works for them</b>. That's quite hard work. Brilliant fun, but not always easy. (Any tutors reading this, I know you're with me here!</span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With this new class, there was a <b>lot </b>of content for the participants to get to grips with. </span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">There's always a certain amount of trial and error delivering a new workshop, regardless of how much preparation has gone into the day. You can never tell how people will relate to the content; sometimes you need to make speedy changes on the hoof. I had one or two panicky moments, but I think I got away with it, and I think everyone went away happy!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay then; taking into account:</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">coming up with an achievable concept and a plan </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">creating samples</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drafting (and often <b style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">endless</b><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"> re-writing) numerous handouts </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">putting kits together </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and then making sure there is a</span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"> friendly, relaxed and supportive environment (and of course, cake)</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it worth it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personally, I feel there is nothing quite like interacting face to face. I get a huge buzz from s</span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;">haring knowledge, and helping people discover how creative they can be. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a powerful thing. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Watching people's delight when they achieve something they've never done before, and knowing you helped, well, it's pretty amazing.</span></span></span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Plus, it's a two way process; I learn so much from students - about life, the universe and everything! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So fellow creative tutors, and those of you who come to our classes; </span></span><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what do </span><b style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you</b><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> think makes a great workshop?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf5e7; font-size: 15.4px;"><i>Original thread doodle bunny</i></span></span>Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-45931996029120860962017-11-17T13:02:00.000+00:002017-11-17T17:56:58.847+00:00The Joy of Snail Mail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBQkxCpJsN1z9lESnj4-A_Y85LKw248yLfSSgwholhEmwUvpK0byoVFmPavGqpDmx4S08NnWoM_cf_EUnMk2TMAeskv0JwGeyHuDk1l8Z3SfOLhW6auGNpyZXFGM6TKSPyqx7YeiEIII/s1600/P1080990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBQkxCpJsN1z9lESnj4-A_Y85LKw248yLfSSgwholhEmwUvpK0byoVFmPavGqpDmx4S08NnWoM_cf_EUnMk2TMAeskv0JwGeyHuDk1l8Z3SfOLhW6auGNpyZXFGM6TKSPyqx7YeiEIII/s640/P1080990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saying 'Yes', and 'I'll fit it in', have been my mantras. In the past few months though, I've slowly begun to stop and <span style="text-align: center;">pay </span><span style="text-align: center;">attention </span><span style="text-align: center;">to </span><span style="text-align: center;">the moment.</span><br />
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The world is becoming faster paced, there's a constant stream of information to receive and process, endless lists of 'stuff to do'; social media and the dreaded busywork fill any gaps! We strive to cram in more and more.<br />
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'Wasn't it a <b>beautiful </b>day today?' ' Uh, I dunno, I was too busy to notice...'</div>
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Digital media gives us speedy and efficient communication (and it's the most brilliant source of information for any multi pod and trivia addict.) I've always relied on it heavily. Lately though I've realised I need to take a side road on the journey to revive and refresh myself.<br />
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Luckily, the solution was staring me in the face! <a href="https://www.naomiloves.com/your-beautiful-letter/">Your Beautiful Letter</a> is the brainchild of writer and illustrator Naomi Bulger. I've been following Naomi's blog for some time. I love her approach, which is basically, helping busy people rediscover their creativity and forge more
meaningful connections through the process of writing letters - by hand.<br />
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'What,' I hear you say,'Why? Everyone knows how to write a letter. Besides, who has time today, that's what e-mail, text and DM's are for!'<br />
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I agree, technology has its place, and it's incredibly useful, but, don't we all love getting a real, live, personal letter?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6yGgSvDeHNXPaD1tvwJGFh-jI3H2VfBnndNXC6bkIJaQj-AemTB0f_ITn5VCb1NAR0udc_zYgWtLftwHGr2HZdSeyByTR2g3FraoEdpOXOlvYCUyAKlL8U1t9aiLyVawbjas0BGQmbE/s1600/22519596_524473457907391_2249226415776702519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6yGgSvDeHNXPaD1tvwJGFh-jI3H2VfBnndNXC6bkIJaQj-AemTB0f_ITn5VCb1NAR0udc_zYgWtLftwHGr2HZdSeyByTR2g3FraoEdpOXOlvYCUyAKlL8U1t9aiLyVawbjas0BGQmbE/s640/22519596_524473457907391_2249226415776702519_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Haven't you felt that rush of excitement when you hear the 'click' of the letterbox and look down to experience the joy of seeing a handwritten envelope falling on the doormat?<br />
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You pick it up, excitedly. Without any further ado, the handwriting tells you this is something very personal.<br />
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First, you guess who it's from. Do you know the handwriting? What's the postmark ? Have they put a return address on the back? Hmmm, maybe you still can't work it out.<br />
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The excitement mounts. You open the envelope and realise it's from...... ! There are<b> two </b>sheets of paper and maybe a little something enclosed. You can hardly wait to know what the pages contain, but, you know you have to <b>read</b> them. No skimming over printed text here. This is something beautiful and unique. It's been thoughtfully created, and crafted by hand, just for you<b>. </b>You need to ponder over the handwriting, consider the words, and digest the content.<br />
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Maybe you need to wait, anticipating until you can sit in comfort with a coffee, so you can read and savour the knowledge that someone, somewhere, has made you feel special, and cared for.<br />
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Naomi's class has made me look at things differently. I don't want to give too much away, but she talks about writing and stories; about living in the moment and connection, as well as offering lots of practical advice and some things which are just fun! It was a delight and lifted me.<br />
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I can honestly say since I took this class I've written over 10 letters, sent snail mail all over the world, each with some mail art on the envelopes. I've focused on slowing down to think and write, and connect. It really didn't take me very long. Letters don't need to be 20 page novellas. A handwritten note or a postcard is a wonderful start.<br />
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It means something.<br />
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I heartily recommend visiting <a href="https://www.naomiloves.com/">Naomi</a>. She's encouraged me to become a writer who writes again. Ooh look, a blog post! </div>
Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-11091303132236576242017-09-07T14:01:00.000+01:002017-09-07T18:49:12.573+01:00 Fun at the West of England Quilt and Textiles Show 2017!I just had the most brilliant three days at the <a href="http://westcountryquiltshow.co.uk/"> West of England Quilt and Textiles Show</a> sharing a stand with my dear friend, the talented quilter, Sallieann Harrison of <a href="http://www.christmasgoosestitches.com/">Christmas Goose Stitches</a>.<br />
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Sallie was on the walls, and I was on the table :) with my embroidered and mixed media books!</div>
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We both had a fantastic time, and for me it was sheer joy to able to talk about books and nature and stitching and mixed media to lovely, like minded people! These are some of the books I took along:</div>
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The cover of 'Briarside Lane' a current WIP which is based around <a href="http://theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.co.uk/p/briarside-lane.html">The Raspberry Rabbits</a> project of the same name....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFuxgFdQayygFsMB_0_p4PvOwZRqCbRNb7SxFZhfuhVVT3EooiBZxNSU-rlusc-O2zy7LvbbXWAISDGDEaYBIZDJyfFZsOpT8GS8Jhn2pD7zxliNO1L3aRsoWxTSiTyQy4B4mb9SgUOg/s1600/Briarside+lanecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFuxgFdQayygFsMB_0_p4PvOwZRqCbRNb7SxFZhfuhVVT3EooiBZxNSU-rlusc-O2zy7LvbbXWAISDGDEaYBIZDJyfFZsOpT8GS8Jhn2pD7zxliNO1L3aRsoWxTSiTyQy4B4mb9SgUOg/s320/Briarside+lanecover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> 'A Little Book of Stamps' </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkaXa4jWoqo3wsjI1DMJTCUAGLot4dGqHr4lgWBnm4zfF05ALchIE1_KCe9dguuXe5sSH07s4fkYpWKDDzes8mZN5_J0oHoeZlXK_az0cg6coFXWn8HH848-xtF2o7aR8PSOLeG3pd2w/s1600/2017-09-07+13.13.57-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkaXa4jWoqo3wsjI1DMJTCUAGLot4dGqHr4lgWBnm4zfF05ALchIE1_KCe9dguuXe5sSH07s4fkYpWKDDzes8mZN5_J0oHoeZlXK_az0cg6coFXWn8HH848-xtF2o7aR8PSOLeG3pd2w/s320/2017-09-07+13.13.57-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pages are simply painted, and enhanced with a variety of handmade stamps and simple stitch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgBOJ3es2ybNYAT5-kOv_PDs5-ypF9Sr12noSgUXne5CNxtGc_t7JPxjM-OoO-Y5u1h53mjTH_5YdoP48S092CiYPmbaOBuWE-4ptUbEacVLL2vPnxgZmHzzgOevyaSKSfAJNk1M7oZg/s1600/2017-09-07+13.15.05-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgBOJ3es2ybNYAT5-kOv_PDs5-ypF9Sr12noSgUXne5CNxtGc_t7JPxjM-OoO-Y5u1h53mjTH_5YdoP48S092CiYPmbaOBuWE-4ptUbEacVLL2vPnxgZmHzzgOevyaSKSfAJNk1M7oZg/s320/2017-09-07+13.15.05-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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'Tiny Garden' - meander book, came about from a sample class I created, making simple garden flowers from only three stitches. |A little book seemed the perfect format to keep them in!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI42eHqv1kS0i1OvCKaUyCLW5HyjPkWl7bGCHimsZvSfHjd55L_Da92Wesr33WIZ9ZBbcYLKnJoG20G53gs4Gp8Dt_Vk3EWpGdE23MmfuW617XwZnLZbeoAR91f4YKsqRDjxOTMCoRNE/s1600/2017-09-07+13.11.32-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI42eHqv1kS0i1OvCKaUyCLW5HyjPkWl7bGCHimsZvSfHjd55L_Da92Wesr33WIZ9ZBbcYLKnJoG20G53gs4Gp8Dt_Vk3EWpGdE23MmfuW617XwZnLZbeoAR91f4YKsqRDjxOTMCoRNE/s320/2017-09-07+13.11.32-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Whatever the size, or the mediums used, the one thing my books have in common is hand stitch, and my favourite threads from <a href="https://www.valdani.com/products/">Valdani </a> of course!</span></div>
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I'm very excited to be offering <a href="https://juleswoolfordart.blogspot.co.uk/p/classes-and-workshops.html">Saturday workshops</a> this autumn, sharing some of the techniques I have developed! Details of these are on the Classes and Workshops tab, and I'll be talking about them more here soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21VDMpIPcXbZI5rVF_9UEQ6vtoqZPlaAeBxi_d09Gk8J_c86zGHFQGVsPoI74RLF1TGPGhD5on6c9gtWy6w2mz_pJ2xjnzsnCojBRq3wOh2H3slWrLxffnMjkEiMnAw76VYiRhdX89g/s1600/2017-09-03+08.57.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21VDMpIPcXbZI5rVF_9UEQ6vtoqZPlaAeBxi_d09Gk8J_c86zGHFQGVsPoI74RLF1TGPGhD5on6c9gtWy6w2mz_pJ2xjnzsnCojBRq3wOh2H3slWrLxffnMjkEiMnAw76VYiRhdX89g/s320/2017-09-03+08.57.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So finally here we are setting up on Day 1, with a backdrop of Sallie's amazing Tumbler Quilt, which attracted a lot of attention! You can see more of Sallie's lovely work and find out about classes she offers on her <a href="http://www.christmasgoosestitches.com/">website</a>. <br />
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We were also proud to be representing <a href="https://www.theraspberryrabbits.com/">The Raspberry Rabbits </a>in the UK, with Michelle's original stunning quilt T<a href="https://www.theraspberryrabbits.com/shop/ePatterns-/p/The-Adventures-of-Harrington-and-Hannah-ePattern-x20553277.htm">he Adventures of Harrington and Hannah</a>, all the way from North Carolina, on display! <br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-38714434330655209832017-05-05T17:30:00.000+01:002017-05-06T16:50:09.173+01:00Nature journaling - on a former landfill site!<span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true">Almost 10 years ago I had to move from a tranquil spot in the Gloucestershire countryside to live on the outer edge of a city. Culture shock was immediate, traffic, people everywhere - and so much noise! </span></span><span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true">Accustomed
to roaming through fields, bluebell filled woodland and past gentle streams, I felt bereft. Desperate to find green space, I had to explore!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true">We live on the floodplain of the River Severn. Behind our home appeared to be an area of waste ground, close to the industrial site of Avonmouth, and adjacent to a roaring stretch of the M5 motorway. </span></span><span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true"> I was told the area was a landfill site until 1988! Despite this not being the most appealing idea, my natural nosiness got the better of me. I followed the decommissioned tarmacked road, past fly tipped rubbish, and found, to my delight, a wealth of nature. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="2fh06-0-0"><span data-text="true">This site, (now renamed Saltmarsh Drive Open Space) is indeed, old salt marsh. It's crossed by drainage ditches called rhines (pronounced rheen). Some of these watercourses date back to the medieval period. The Merebank Rhine, is actually a Scheduled Ancient Monument!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4NbUbYsQIzuVg6919r7d-LIutxyzDpDO3gsa7Ni8qlDm62E46narBC3LX1jAJv7DioFMR_FyMT3LPQVnzHRgc05erRb9rj8UFvHdn34mAjIghRxeOBSxcWUFe9YRNKaUZWuBhcjnxs0/s1600/P1080951.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4NbUbYsQIzuVg6919r7d-LIutxyzDpDO3gsa7Ni8qlDm62E46narBC3LX1jAJv7DioFMR_FyMT3LPQVnzHRgc05erRb9rj8UFvHdn34mAjIghRxeOBSxcWUFe9YRNKaUZWuBhcjnxs0/s640/P1080951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few quick sketches managed this week!</td></tr>
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The watercourses, and the scrub land surrounding them are a magnet for wildlife, and the soil of the former landfill site has allowed a unique diversity of plant life to emerge, including stunning wild orchids.<br />
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This is one of the few places in Bristol which is home to the delightful water vole. 'Ratty' from The Wind in the Willows. A common sight in my childhood, spotting one is now rare - and a thrill. Otters have also been observed using the rhines.<br />
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Small groups of our shy native roe deer frequent the scrub, and kingfisher and heron are regular visitors to the waterways. There's a wealth of bird life, ruled over by the resident buzzards, who soar above like miniature golden eagles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> My journaling has changed a lot in the last 3 years!</td></tr>
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No one visits here much. There is litter from the motorway, and strange items which pop up from the landfill. Dog mess, ignored by careless owners, is a hazard; and tuning out the noise from the busy motorway, (and sometimes off road motor cyclists) is a necessity. <br />
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Nature, however, ignores these minor irritations; she goes about her work, making this unlikely spot a very special place indeed.<br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-8864775281035377532017-04-12T15:17:00.000+01:002017-04-13T23:38:56.033+01:00 Nature's memoriesWhat's your earliest memory? <br />
Most of my
vivid childhood memories have a strong connection to the natural world.<br />
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The first thing I clearly remember, aged almost 2, was toddling up to our front door and seeing a huge, dark shadow on the glass window. We were snowed in. I remember being lifted up to see the white world outside, and being not scared, but excited, at how the world had changed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3iyrlaxCYNXw5Sx3frxtxdHuQ6eh4PXuToGyNWPbxzo2VeT11kdrNBdAN0SsZh4XX99XlE2yMx1Q2n3ZbS6Bn9Yd1g_LytJGeH0rng-Nc-YgfdNovcMZytt0yjyBMoj1y5fQPUy-zDk/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3iyrlaxCYNXw5Sx3frxtxdHuQ6eh4PXuToGyNWPbxzo2VeT11kdrNBdAN0SsZh4XX99XlE2yMx1Q2n3ZbS6Bn9Yd1g_LytJGeH0rng-Nc-YgfdNovcMZytt0yjyBMoj1y5fQPUy-zDk/s640/DSC_0137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I remember from childhood:<br />
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Watching the blue tits pecking the milk bottle tops to feast on cream!<br />
Feeding the hedgehogs who visited our garden. <br />
Excitedly looking for the first golden cowslips which bloomed in the field next door each spring.<br />
Walking along (the beautifully named) 'Frog Furlong Lane' with mum and the 'helicopters' on the sycamore trees.<br />
Looking for 'Walter' wagtail , who loved to catch insects in our yard.<br />
Hearing the cuckoo calling. <br />
Writing on laurel leaves with a rose thorn.<br />
Hanging up a piece of seaweed outside after a trip to the coast, to tell what the weather would be!<br />
The taste of ripe blackberries.<br />
The wonderful scent of the sweet peas mum planted every year.<br />
Being absolutely terrified that tigers would leap out from the shadows and eat me, as dad drove us along narrow, shadowy, wooded lanes on our family outings (thanks, big brother John! I never, ever told mum and dad though .... )<br />
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These very ordinary things had a huge impact on my life, and how I view the world. I really hope that the newest generation will enjoy similar memories.<br />
<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-84789063644249597122017-03-10T18:42:00.000+00:002017-03-10T19:02:53.236+00:00The trouble with lichen....There isn't any. I just love the title of that book.<br />
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They're strange, beautiful, fascinating fungi. A couple of weeks ago my friend Liane and I braved the February squelching and met up with a party of other Lichen lovers on Bristol's famous Downs. You would never imagine there being so much laughter from a group of thoroughly wet, cold people. Lichen seems to attract rather jolly people!<br />
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I finally managed to document the fallen samples I found in my nature journal ( they'll now be returned to their natural habitat!) There was endless <strike>aggravation </strike> fun, trying to draw them whilst focusing through my new hand lens. I won't be trying that again, but it is amazing to get such a wonderful visual perspective. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgF6PfQL-sshyphenhyphenLhD4dVFwYUKM4Pyz3RA6AsHXFFHgLT3cfX3NXj-cQuT5RLLudyeEgrK_7PlzSelGa6ijujUGBUzoGS5ZuJocUfsh_LdiT2D0hnX-Pfb8MglMVpGqX2WBxihQ1Brl4qs/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgF6PfQL-sshyphenhyphenLhD4dVFwYUKM4Pyz3RA6AsHXFFHgLT3cfX3NXj-cQuT5RLLudyeEgrK_7PlzSelGa6ijujUGBUzoGS5ZuJocUfsh_LdiT2D0hnX-Pfb8MglMVpGqX2WBxihQ1Brl4qs/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgRPDOOr4uLLbqjO34zpHDQcOqtaOCYbsPzqI_XQ2tcTHjLmXkKPto1o_QdtKEXEQbRpRFzkH__P0G30NU5qiuEkP47pxDxWEBK1pE6coTAHktb-OAcIUVc65BI4kUyuONWZ7qcNUJlQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgRPDOOr4uLLbqjO34zpHDQcOqtaOCYbsPzqI_XQ2tcTHjLmXkKPto1o_QdtKEXEQbRpRFzkH__P0G30NU5qiuEkP47pxDxWEBK1pE6coTAHktb-OAcIUVc65BI4kUyuONWZ7qcNUJlQ/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
These are just my interpretations, (sans hand lens) of some stunning forms and textures; and here's a few photos of these little beauties.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP45cgCDyDXNVS9-ssEQdG5_-n-EXjrWM1XtMyS4XaVTMXlSccmSS-3gKo2YeSqOjNMESe1vpH308TvlprMlxPk5_iSyKk3m_zMhrkeEOFT5FE107domVx-WzSbjbOhDpeVgdBpYo3UA/s1600/P1080801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP45cgCDyDXNVS9-ssEQdG5_-n-EXjrWM1XtMyS4XaVTMXlSccmSS-3gKo2YeSqOjNMESe1vpH308TvlprMlxPk5_iSyKk3m_zMhrkeEOFT5FE107domVx-WzSbjbOhDpeVgdBpYo3UA/s320/P1080801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4z3XTHUxAJsDCMtr7tT6mSjnGQVKVeTcx2LZYRZy5vVMHVJ3SgR-VOneIyycBc47Aykah8G8qkBsU158Mc1uHqvr-Kf6lh1BeH7ojJN8R8QXNT-GP6KbzQURUoWY9lj9RORrJ1uFF9I/s1600/P1080799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4z3XTHUxAJsDCMtr7tT6mSjnGQVKVeTcx2LZYRZy5vVMHVJ3SgR-VOneIyycBc47Aykah8G8qkBsU158Mc1uHqvr-Kf6lh1BeH7ojJN8R8QXNT-GP6KbzQURUoWY9lj9RORrJ1uFF9I/s320/P1080799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMIgCuX5LJa-oA7443wGJ08ATPw0fLpxDEVO5znCFPdQQxlrnt-76MWN3UP5tG9OCl3tepu5DC4qgjMKciC-1U_hkXHK9c-YOoDa4a1mn8Y47E5V5JGiYQJ7XHk8Dc6_26L7UN95gv3Y/s1600/P1080802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMIgCuX5LJa-oA7443wGJ08ATPw0fLpxDEVO5znCFPdQQxlrnt-76MWN3UP5tG9OCl3tepu5DC4qgjMKciC-1U_hkXHK9c-YOoDa4a1mn8Y47E5V5JGiYQJ7XHk8Dc6_26L7UN95gv3Y/s320/P1080802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Thanks to <a href="http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/">Avon Wildlife Trust</a> members, who arranged this event, and local expert Sheila Quin, who led the walk. I learnt a lot and it was worth getting wet feet! We followed <a href="https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/32863/The+Downs+Lichen+Trail+leaflet/452b7e0c-a18d-4357-bc09-695fa328682d">The Downs Lichen Trail.</a><br />
<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-64119578101464987282017-02-07T15:14:00.002+00:002017-02-07T15:39:48.714+00:00But how do you keep a Nature Journal in Britain, in the winter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now, I'm a very seasonal person. Following and recording the natural cycle of the year, and its changes, is a joy. Britain, though, through winter, can be a challenge. Sometimes, as I stand battling the wind and drizzle, with my boots squelching merrily in the mud, I can understand why more people don't journal outdoors! The rewards, however are enormous. Winter is a fantastic time for observation.</div>
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It pays to be prepared with lots of layers. (Although sometimes you can't move your arms much!) Good boots and socks for dry feet are a must, too. My fab hat and scarf were designed and created for me by my friend, the artist <a href="https://vimeo.com/102151903" target="_blank">Palma Rea.</a><br />
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Sometimes though, our great British weather defeats me, but there's always something to pick up, bring home, and draw in the nice warm studio (with a hot cup of tea alongside!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmAVeBCA0ph9NUZLjthJy8NuSquJDebK83aApMVw1Co1pVwCjjANTt4gfQTRI5Zlo0XjUwb4mcUD4NTx4N3ZfbtsqLiJJcBihRd_yRS9GXxACvwWp_M22l8mkbAy-toxyClOfINUVlO0/s1600/P1080765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmAVeBCA0ph9NUZLjthJy8NuSquJDebK83aApMVw1Co1pVwCjjANTt4gfQTRI5Zlo0XjUwb4mcUD4NTx4N3ZfbtsqLiJJcBihRd_yRS9GXxACvwWp_M22l8mkbAy-toxyClOfINUVlO0/s640/P1080765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or I can have a comfortable, reference sketching session at <a href="https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/" target="_blank">Bristol Museum and Art Gallery</a><br />
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Many of my entries are just quick sketches and observation notes, watching the garden wildlife from of our second story window. This week Attila, (our resident marauding grey squirrel) has broken his third feeder in three weeks and cached almost 2 kilos of peanuts! Last seen rolling himself across the grass with a huge grin on his face....</div>
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If all else fails, there's always use personal photos for reference. Needing a little lift this week, snowdrops from the Kings Weston Estate were called for. </div>
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As much as I love winter, I won't be sad to see some more bright days over the next few weeks, and a little less mud!</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-58799478839296282562017-01-01T11:06:00.004+00:002017-02-08T12:41:28.798+00:00Exploring nature in 2017Good Morning 2017!<br />
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This is the word I've chosen to guide me through the year. I've lots of new avenues to find my way along, and opportunities which seem quite daunting, and not a little terrifying.<br />
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This year, I want to delve deeper and look closer into nature, and capture even more beautiful and wonderful things. Like the bark of these wonderful 300 year old yew trees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1too3VJzcYwd1JvnJZyGIJu_QLgc_ZzwlAmV7jHr4Axe04M55DIXxTvk74iYveATqhSUfOLBeJyLx4miPAf14sXRyg5ABJwoEE3Rn81rg0Y4alUTwTkF9MtgfyH3TLu5TDRIlTr1_Jw/s1600/P1080758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1too3VJzcYwd1JvnJZyGIJu_QLgc_ZzwlAmV7jHr4Axe04M55DIXxTvk74iYveATqhSUfOLBeJyLx4miPAf14sXRyg5ABJwoEE3Rn81rg0Y4alUTwTkF9MtgfyH3TLu5TDRIlTr1_Jw/s640/P1080758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Universe must be doing it's stuff; because I've had a beautiful and unexpected gift from my niecelet - which is a pretty perfect fit.<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-11069895909613184392016-12-06T13:41:00.003+00:002016-12-06T20:36:51.653+00:00'Beautiful British Bees' - Microscopy Art Workshop with Cath HodsmanWe all know bees are amazing pollinators, and part of the lifeblood of our planet, but, did you know for instance that worker honey bees are really so cute and fluffy close up? And that they have been trained to 'sniff' out drugs and explosives more quickly than dogs? They are simply, amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.cathhodsmanwildlifeartist.com/" target="_blank">Cath Hodsman </a>is a nationally acclaimed wildlife artist, who's specialty is bugs! (Entomology for my posh readers :) ) I had an amazing time last week, first, learning many new and fascinating facts about the honey bee, and then studying, and drawing them under the microscope, using Cath's expertise and knowledge to guide me.<br />
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For someone like me, who's passionate about nature, art and detail, this was a truly wonderful experience!<br />
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Here's my Worker honey bee, outside hind leg x 15 magnification.<br />
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It's incredible when the teeny tiny little thing on your slide suddenly becomes this huge, amazingly detailed furry limb!<br />
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Cath explained how to actually take a photo through the microscope itself. (This is not a great shot as it's really hard to do, you can hardly breathe; but, it gives an idea of what we were looking at, and some of the incredible detail.)<br />
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Cath suggested we also do a label, which was great fun to play around with after the intensity of using the microscope. I loved using it, but it is an entirely new way to draw, and can initially, cause eye strain. You must take breaks. We worked in graphite and colour pencil on hot press watercolour paper, building up layers after laying the initial foundation drawing.<br />
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Cath explaining something - opposite my workstation with microscope and slides!</div>
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For anyone worrying, all Cath's 'subjects' are natural bee deaths and very reverently preserved and looked after. She's a passionate conservationist and a lady after my own heart! There was a lot of fun and laughter during the day.</div>
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Fellow students at the <a href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden/" target="_blank">University of Bristol Botanic Garden</a>, enjoying our day.<br />
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Here are a couple of examples of Cath's work, please visit her website to see more of her beautiful art.<br />
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I thoroughly recommend her workshops. The knowledge I gained will help me in my nature art journaling, and, in helping to save our precious bees!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-35704039022714399032016-11-21T17:16:00.000+00:002016-12-05T11:17:14.955+00:00Stitches and Sketches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A new place to show my work, and to share what moves, inspires and excites me. </div>
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Somewhere to appreciate that there is a joy, beauty and satisfaction in
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A place to be inspired by
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Somewhere to share my love of stitching and sketching; and where I can help others to express and </div>
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enjoy their creative potential.</div>
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A place where things are not taken too seriously; because we all need fun and laughter! </div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-56185793019314548502016-06-20T12:12:00.000+01:002016-06-21T09:44:53.028+01:00Midsummer RainIt's June 20th, and raining, and raining, and raining. It hasn't deterred the birds though. Green finch and goldfinch chicks have fledged, and are busy emptying our bird feeders every day! Blue tit, great tit and woodpecker parents are still working hard collecting food for their babies.<br />
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When it's not actually raining, the birds now tolerate me sitting and drawing very quietly on what I call the 'patio', alongside my rusty, trusty wheelbarrow!<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-48419317447298201862015-11-14T18:36:00.000+00:002015-11-14T18:36:42.179+00:00Deer, Roe deer, Roe deer....Deer have been much in my mind of late, and then I saw<a href="http://beautyflows.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/drawing-challenge-deer.html"> Tammie's invitation</a> to this drawing challenge! A while ago I was thrilled to find a Roe deer antler on the marshland behind our home, and made a journal entry about it.<br />
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These deer are British natives. Unlike most deer species, they are solitary, but form small groups in the cold months. I though I'd try some wintry sketches of a buck...<br />
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and a doe.....<br />
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Then this evening, I got a tweet from the National Trust, who saw this photo I took of the Fallow deer herd at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park">Dyrham Park</a>. They loved it and asked if they could use it in their social media promotional material! So I'm feeling that deer are very dear today!<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-60087885649364722042015-11-01T13:20:00.002+00:002015-11-01T13:20:47.948+00:00Natural Dyeing againMore playing in the kitchen, mordant free!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgfrnl3ge4mdViN-OucG7d_TFtgx42QTt8BYvavC0z8VgRijln3STUF5SDbHvojGw6lLfKdiEyJHqFMUIar_ZAUQap3FmyJdbKwMnqhjibdghcQ_nEiVKHYdYXbU3GF4I0w83b0KtS3s/s1600/P1080408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgfrnl3ge4mdViN-OucG7d_TFtgx42QTt8BYvavC0z8VgRijln3STUF5SDbHvojGw6lLfKdiEyJHqFMUIar_ZAUQap3FmyJdbKwMnqhjibdghcQ_nEiVKHYdYXbU3GF4I0w83b0KtS3s/s320/P1080408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some lovely pale indigo/grey tones with black beans - I used a lot more this time!<br />
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Avocado pits next. I played about with re-wetting, drying and folding the freshly dyed fabrics, and got some nice textural marks.<br />
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I was really pleased with the colours this time, again, I used more stones, and waited overnight before using the dye bath. Apparently the avocado produces its own mordant?<br />
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This doily had been tea dyed lightly before, which wasn't doing anything for it, but overdyeing with the avocados produced a gorgeous tone. <br />
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Now to use the fabric! <br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-8558327304642563992015-10-05T12:10:00.000+01:002015-10-05T12:10:29.034+01:00I found a treasure! Victorian Crazy Quilt.I found a real treasure while stewarding on Open Doors weekend at Kings Weston two weeks ago. A wonderful Victorian crazy quilt, which was languishing in a dark passageway. It had been mounted in a frame at some time. I squeaked a lot, then rushed off to make sure Norman the owner wasn't going to throw it out! It turns out to have been given to him by a local couple who I'm now trying to contact.<br />
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The quilt is beautifully stitched and has lots of wonderful stitched clues to its origin. Here it is, with Adrian, the caretaker, very kindly giving some scale!<br />
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Further investigation revealed clues to its origin. Luckily, I had no problem dating it!</div>
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There is some damage, as it's obviously not been stored well, but the stitching is wonderful.<br />
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The colours are still quite vibrant in places.<br />
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Alongside all the flowers, birds and insects, there are more wonderful images.<br />
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A clue! This is the coat of arms of <a href="http://www.kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk/heritage/history/coat-of-arms/">Kendal, in Cumbria </a><br />
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There are several naval emblems, and anchors, and this seems to be a British naval Petty Officer's insignia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPi4fuXIXbnl2oF36yaNTsW7c10uypAMsUmYzdgD-AB-EfwCBGBiGuT_dFtYz4q5_MNUZUAIulu6YRpVOhyphenhyphenzp1FSv8TL3N1MBTCBRyHrj5LHD-Pnfqjyi_TiTu-gw5zreWEnE387wSNs/s1600/P1080270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPi4fuXIXbnl2oF36yaNTsW7c10uypAMsUmYzdgD-AB-EfwCBGBiGuT_dFtYz4q5_MNUZUAIulu6YRpVOhyphenhyphenzp1FSv8TL3N1MBTCBRyHrj5LHD-Pnfqjyi_TiTu-gw5zreWEnE387wSNs/s320/P1080270.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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Plus there are these school emblems,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6nSxxZpk3ERTu0yXmiVpH5qB7n7HOLdJMiEdsAtOGohmEl8NNv0CV4WbmPjhUEOrMySUpRE90stDqjbHLgUz8hkRW49puMSYICtYEhrz-Ju_L5cqODgtMb5SqfBt8VkHI24K6j6dXFw/s1600/P1080262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6nSxxZpk3ERTu0yXmiVpH5qB7n7HOLdJMiEdsAtOGohmEl8NNv0CV4WbmPjhUEOrMySUpRE90stDqjbHLgUz8hkRW49puMSYICtYEhrz-Ju_L5cqODgtMb5SqfBt8VkHI24K6j6dXFw/s320/P1080262.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and household objects like this kettle.<br />
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So I have a date, a place, and some information about the family of the creator of this quilt!<br />
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I hope to find out where the local people got it from, and I'm going to contact the Quilters Guild, the American Museum and possibly the V&A to find out how it might be assessed. I also wondered about contacting quilting groups in Keswick , just in case? <br />
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If anyone's got ideas or experience in historic textiles, or knows someone who has, I'd be so grateful to hear from you.<br />
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This was such a thrilling find, and a great piece of social history. x<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-73547017419251303462015-09-28T11:44:00.002+01:002015-09-28T11:45:54.651+01:00My 1920's Book- WIP<br />
Well, here it is, as far as I've got. As I said, this was a challenge. The 20's would not be my personal decade of choice for a subject, so I found it hard to get my head into the right place.<br />
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My cover was originally, going to be some sort of geometric flowery thing, then <a href="http://www.francespickering.com/">Frances</a> mentioned the silk I'd dyed for my cover looked like stockings! Light bulb moment and complete re-think! I did a sort of reverse applique with some tea dyed sheeting and ...... <br />
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.....What's this you say, lace, and beads, and girly type things? What has happened to Jules, and her traditional austerity!? Luckily, having decided to be completely 'not me', there are lots of wonderful laces and beads to be had at Frances' workshops!<br />
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As luck would have it I had some thread which was also the colour of stockings! I embellished the laces with Chinese Knots, added buttons - (which are old, probably 1920/30s) made a teeny 'pearl necklace' and used rose petals hoarded from some dried buds. I bonded the silk cover to pelmet vilene for support.<br />
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Frances gave me some vintage blue lace and 1920's little matte sequins, so I could make the garter.<br />
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Now the inside is another story! I'd already made my pages in paper, convinced I'd want lots of straight lines. You guessed it, as soon as I saw everyone else's books and ideas, I wanted to do fabric, but alas, it was too late, so I pressed on.<br />
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Here are the pages I've started so far, they aren't complete, I want to add more stitching and fabrics.<br />
The inside cover is lined with tea dyed sheeting, and the pages are painted wallpaper lining paper.<br />
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I did do a lot of reading up beforehand, and found out some interesting
things which I didn't know. My idea was to create a sort of
scrap/sketch book progressing through the decade, showing how
embellishment changed through cultural influences.<br />
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So, in the very
early 20's, organic design and Art Noveau was still very much in vogue,
and the Great War was still uppermost in minds. <br />
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Beading was everywhere, be it clothes, accessories or household items. It became really popular, with lots of magazines devoted to it.<br />
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I made the tiny bag previously, but it didn't 'fit' my book- so I've hidden it in the envelope!<br />
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When Howard Carter opened Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922, 'Egyptmania or Tutmania' took hold of the West and had a major influence on styles through most of the decade. The picture on the left is my interpretation of a Palmolive advert, headlined 'The Re-incarnation of Beauty'!<br />
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The infamous bob was also a result of the passion for all things Egyptian!<br />
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It wasn't until 1925 that the Paris Exhibition heralded the onset of Art Deco and the Age of Chic.<br />
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I had to include the Year of the Flapper - as those radical styles influenced the embellishment of the popular - especially the passion for pearls. The inventions of new plastics and fake pearls meant now that jewellery could be worn and afforded by many women, not just the rich.</div>
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This is an interpretation of a Vogue cover, it just says 20's to me so I put it in!<br />
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That's it so far. I suspect this one will get put away for a bit, but it has been an interesting challenge. I learnt quite a bit about myself and what I want to do through the process of creating it, plus of course having a wonderful time!x<br />
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<span id="goog_628167797"></span><span id="goog_628167798"></span><br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-40174710724561347062015-09-14T10:56:00.000+01:002015-09-14T10:57:59.723+01:00Late Summer at Hawkwood with Frances PickeringWarning - these were all taken on my phone so the standard's not as good as I'd have liked!<br />
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I had a fabulous time again at <a href="http://www.francespickering.com/workshops_hawkwood">Hawkwood College</a> last week, at <a href="http://www.francespickering.com/">Frances' late Summer Masterclass</a>. Beautiful and peaceful location, great company, yummy food and so much help and inspiration from Frances, and all the other participants. Here is a flavour of where we were.<br />
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These were the views across the valley. <br />
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This abandoned shopping cart had been very usefully repurposed on the farm!<br />
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This owl was carved on a post in the middle of nowhere. I found him by accident on one of my walks!</div>
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The dew webs on Saturday were stunning and this one was fabulous.<br />
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Meanwhile in class...<br />
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A few of us early birds getting started before the rush!</div>
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The theme for this year's class was The Roaring 20's.</div>
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Frances' wonderful books provided more inspiration for us. Here's a small selection of her fantastic books on this theme.<br />
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My piece is not my normal thing at all! I went with the preconception, (and preparation) to make this theme a real challenge, and do something very art deco/angular - but it turned out to be completely different to that idea too! I'll share it next time.</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-84000100455157046132015-08-30T13:16:00.000+01:002015-08-30T13:16:16.537+01:00Daisy Scrap JournalFabric books are much on my mind as next Friday I'm off to <a href="http://www.francespickering.com/workshops_hawkwood">'Late Summer at Hawkwood' with Frances Pickering.</a><br />
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So I thought I'd share the last sample I made for my December workshop, which is this Daisy Scrap Journal.<br />
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Daisies say 'neat and tidy' to me. To represent the feel of a smart, fresh little flower, I made the cover from bonded scraps of a crisp striped red cotton. The centre panel is painted abaca tissue, and hand dyed vintage lace. I wanted to keep a simple feel - the stitching is in hand dyed rayon threads and vintage pearl cotton. The little daisy tag is cut from pelmet vilene - a great tip I picked up from Frances.<br />
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Inside the covers I went for a scrap book effect. <br />
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I used brown paper for my pages, scrunched and re-ironed - which gives a nice textured effect to make marks on. A simple daisy stamp was used to mark all the odd pages for a bit of interest..<br />
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The back has a panel with a bit more detailed stitching. <br />
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I enjoyed putting this piece together very much, and I think it's because it has lots of small parts. However hard I try I am always drawn back to the little details. Sometimes it is the obvious things about yourself that you don't see for ages!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-35495579333500019002015-08-26T09:29:00.000+01:002015-08-26T09:29:22.660+01:00Thread doodling with bullion knots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another little doodle, just for fun. I'm really drawn to this colour combination lately.</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-66541056301949179442015-08-22T16:26:00.000+01:002015-08-22T16:26:07.425+01:00 Are you another Multipotentialite?I had a fab playday at the Festival of Quilts with my lovely
friend Alison. <br />
It's usually quieter on Sunday and so we spent lots of time chatting to textile artists <a href="http://www.francespickering.com/">Frances Pickering</a> (and husband Jim,) <a href="http://www.hilarybeattie.co.uk/">Hilary Beattie </a>and <a href="http://www.janetclare.co.uk/home.htm">Janet Clare</a>, which was lovely! As usual though, afterwards I was in awe of these marvelously focused and talented ladies, and felt cross with myself, wondering why it is I can't settle to one discipline.<br />
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Then Charlotte introduced me to the concept of 'scanners' and lent me this book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Refuse-Choose-Revolutionary-Program-Everything/dp/1594863032">'Refuse to Choose' </a>by Barbara Sher. (Cue King Kong size lightbulb going on over my head!)<br />
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<i> ''Multipotentialites ( scanners, Renaissance souls, polymaths) generally have diverse interests across numerous
domains and may be capable of success in many endeavors or professions,
they are confronted with unique decisions as a result of these
choices.”</i><br />
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– <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multipotentiality" target="_blank">Wiki Link</a><br />
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It seems like
common sense when someone else explains it, but for the last 40 years or
so I honestly though there was something wrong with me. I keep thinking I've found <b>'it'</b>, learn /extract all I can/need to and then, I get bored, loose focus and 'ooh, look, shiny...' I've found the next wonderful all encompassing thing I want to do/learn about. <br />
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Naturally, I've become obsessed with finding out
everything I can about this! :)<br />
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I've discovered Emilie Wapnick and <a href="http://puttylike.com/">Puttylike</a>. So fascinating and helpful too. I know this concept applies to some of you, or possibly to friends and family members, so do watch Emilie's TED talk below, because I think you might find it interesting. x<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-19232696208279357042015-08-17T17:56:00.000+01:002015-08-17T17:56:07.430+01:00Poppy Seedhead Writing folderThis is the second sample for my winter mixed media workshop, and it's very different from my usual approach. I had fun with this one!<br />
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I wanted a particular effect, which I could see in my head! I drew a poppy head stamp and used Koh-I -Nor paints to stamp on the fabric. When dry I sponged and splattered the background so it would partly merge and cover the images. Then I took back some of the coloured areas with bleach. I free machined around the poppies and finished the image using a little hand embroidery. It was fused onto some hand dyed silk and a piece of vintage lace added for some texture/overlay.<br />
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Inside I used some of my<a href="http://needleandpen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/more-natural-dyeingtinting.html"> naturally dyed cotton</a> to line the case. An unbound strip of silk with more vintage lace holds the hand made notelets in place. They are made from recycling wallpaper lining paper, which has been painted and stamped with another poppy head image.<br />
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Finally there's a simple tie with painted wooden beads to finish it off!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-7657438038005770122015-08-10T13:54:00.000+01:002015-08-10T13:58:30.268+01:00Mini Art Quilt - Winter MelodyLast week I finished my samples for my mixed media workshop and they are now waiting to go on display. This is the first one, a simply structured mini art quilt with a winter theme. Loving seedheads as I do this was a great chance to use some of my favourite images.<br />
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I made some simple stamps, then used a variety of of fabrics to show the effects of the paint on different weights/types. I made pearlised paints to give a sparkle of frost and ice.<br />
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After preparing the fabrics and stamping them I set out the images in a collage, and then fused them to wool felt. </div>
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They were then re sectioned, simply embellished, using a variety of threads/ stitches and some beading, and hand stitched together with a variegated pearl cotton.<br />
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Some are overprinted on already patterned fabrics -<br />
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some onto heavier weight linen, and fine, hand dyed silk.<br />
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As the workshop is about approaching mixed media without the need to use lots of products and expense, everything was found in my supply stash and around the house. I do feel that limiting yourself also extends your creativity. Having decided on my colour palette there were a few challenging moments - which stretched me - but these were the things I liked best when I'd finished. What do you think - does anyone have any projects where constraints meant success?<br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-34007571904029848612015-08-03T18:58:00.002+01:002015-08-26T09:30:32.018+01:00Where's the hare? Thread doodling a negative shape Still playing about with doodles on a bit of unbleached calico. This little fellow started to emerge as a negative shape.<br />
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He pricked up his ears -</div>
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and sat stock still </div>
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Deep in the forest, </div>
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beneath the dark hill.</div>
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I used some of my precious Valdani subtly variegated threads. What a joy to stitch with.<br />
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This is the actual size, shown against my favourite, bunny scissors!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801065381326373225.post-18121427188704256132015-07-31T15:25:00.001+01:002015-07-31T15:26:52.333+01:00More natural dyeing/tintingFlushed with success, I continue my kitchen dyeing experiments. All my original fabrics were pretty much white - so if you compare them with the page background it's a good indication of the tone. This time I didn't mordant the fabric. As I couldn't wait (typical) I followed Alex's tips and tried using avocado
skins and stones (I had to rescue some from the compost caddy!) She got some <a href="https://underatopazsky.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/avocado-crazy-long-cloth/">gorgeous shades here</a>. Note to self - get more avocados! I got a very pale copper-pink colour on the old tea tray
cloth and cotton . On the silk though it's much more gold brown - interesting......<br />
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Had a bit of an upset with the black beans. Janice got a really, really lovely shade with these<a href="http://janiceheppenstall.com/blog/2014/11/26/black-and-blue/"> here</a>. I dipped the fabrics, but following the car accident I left them damp and squished up over night.<br />
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You can see more clearly on the silk below I got these brown marbled bits where the fabric was squashed together - but dry they look much more subtle. I like it! The linen produced a grey rather than blue, not so keen on that. Next time I'll user more beans to achieve a darker blue -and might try the soy milk mordant.<br />
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Finally, I went rusty! I folded and tied some sheeting around an old rasp and left it out in the rain for a few days, which produced some interesting marks. I'll try this again.The crocheted lace - (a charity shop find) is just dyed with coffee.<br />
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Here's a little Floweri- pop doodle on some of the black bean dyed cotton, which was an old pillow case - gorgeous for stitching on! x<br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com10