Wish You Were Here Exhibition

Just a little post mainly pictures to show some of the prints in the
'Wish You Were Here'
exhibition at:



in Whitstable, Kent.
The exhibition runs until 3rd July 2010.
Prints are in limited runs and available to purchase.
A great chance to purchase something of a limited run and hand printed.
Below are some of the prints in the exhibition:

Andrew Hayes-Watkins


David Gratus


Karen Radford


Tracey Hart


(me - I am the only textile print - eek!)


Suki Hayes-Watkins


Lisa Jones


Trish Flynn


Cathy McTurk


I'm not sure how I feel about my piece(s) for the exhibition, I did a series of prints as opposed to a limited edition as each one of my prints is different (colours, fabric etc). I wrote the wee rhyme following the 'wish you were here' theme, screen printed it onto pieces of recycled fabric, then using snippets of fabric and my sewing machine stitched my 'post card' wording and sections as well as the little bits of bunting/garlands. I wanted my pieces to be a bit whimsical, fun and shabby. I'm not sure if I feel I have achieved this or not, but it is all about the creative experience, learning and challenging yourself to do different things.

I hope you've all been enjoying the weekend and the sun, make sure you are applying the SPF factors! enjoy ;0 x

Bits, bobs and PIF Giveaway!

First of all I wanted to say a BIG thank you to the lovely Karen at Blueberry Park as I won one of her items in her giveaway a few weeks back now and have been rubbish in showing you it and saying I love it! and who wouldn't?! yummy spotty peg bag.


Also to tell you about the upcoming exhibition I'm taking part in as part of:


The exhibition which members of The Print Block are taking part in is themed around the idea of:

Fab! I can't wait to see all the prints displayed. There will be limited edition runs of prints for view and for sale, be sure to pop down if you're in the area. Check out the Print Block website for details.

And soooo to my PIF Giveaway - so in other words a Pay It Forward Giveaway, to take part you must be prepared to be a part of it too - hence the pay it forward - as in one good turn deserves another and just to pass the giving onwards really!

This 'Pay it Forward' giveaway has been 'passed' on as it were as I was one of the winners of Little Cottage Comforts giveaway months back now and part of taking part and winning was that you went on yourself (within a year) to do the same - hold a PIF giveaway.

So basic rules:

I will send something handmade to three people, who will then go on to give something handmade to another three people.

So if you are up for this one BASIC rule then please put your name forward for the draw!!!

In the comment please make sure you are easy for me to contact.
Let me know your favourite colour, any particular theme, style, emblem you like etc anything interesting and what I am proposing to do is to make you up a zip purse with your own unique little design ala by my fair hand especially for you.

I shall draw names out of a handy hat or bowl in a weeks time, Monday 21st June 2010.
So what do you say are you up for a bit of sharing, giving, 'paying it forward'??? If so then please leave a comment to take part.

Afghanistan Inspiration Exhibition Work

I thought I'd show you all (now I've finally finished and sent it off!) my textile work for the exhibition Afghanistan Inspiration.
I was approached way back in March about creating a work to take part in the exhibition. And when the deadline seemed so far away (end Sept) I agreed and didn't think too much more about it for a few months. But as the deadline loomed on the horizon, I thought 'I'd better get on with some creating!'

A little bit about the project:
"Textile project - call to participate in Afghanistan - Inspiration.
Participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Spain, Switzerland, UK .
UK organiser: Meike Laurenson.

Context: Within the framework of a self-help project of the DAI (Deutsch-Afghanische Initiative, German Afghan Initiative) women in Laghmani, north of Kabul embroider 8 x 8 cm squares. By selling their embroidery they are able to substantially improve the financial situation of their families.

The embroidered squares are not to be seen as finished products but rather as a basic element which is sold in Europe in order to be integrated into a textile work. The embroidered squares are very well suited for combining with patchwork, quilt, embroidery, weave or felting techniques, where they can be set as eye catchers. The results are symbolically striking textile works that unite not only techniques but also two cultures. The aim of the exhibition is to promote curiosity and openness toward the culture of other women and to encourage the coming together and uniting in a common spirit.

Idea: The plan is an exhibition with textile works in which an embroidered square is integrated.

The theme of the squares is specific to a country, i.e. you can choose a square from a selection that has been allocated to your country. (UK - Water Vessels: mugs, cups, pots, jugs - everyday vessels familiar to women everywhere)"

So with all that in mind I chose a square embroidered by a young girl - Shebane - of two jugs in burnt orange, edged in black on a duck egg blue background, bordered in a teal.

I thought these would be good colours on which to base the piece, and so off I set a'creating!

Through the pictures below I've tried to include from start to finish the 'creation' of my work, with a number of close up images too, sometimes these look better than the piece as a whole I think!

And so to the beginning.......

I stitched a background 'canvas' to work on from lots of scrap pieces of cotton and calico. I incorporated my square into the piece first as I wanted the rest of the surface and its decoration to stem from this. You will also see my page of sketches of 'water' vessels and doodles.

Patchwork type snippets of fabric to 'match' the colours in the square



machine and hand stitching bringing further colour and texture to the work



A close up to show the combination of stitches, snippets of fabric and the lines of the sketches printed



A sprinkle of buttons and lace edging



I really like these colours together



Stitchery, print, snippets of fabric, frayed edges



The square standing out in the work and from which the piece has evolved



And finally the finished piece, perhaps not the best photo in the world, but it will have to suffice!
A sampler of sorts using the colours from the square; following the UK theme of 'water vessels'; using machine and hand stitch; incorporating snippets of fabric and prints of my doodle sketches.
A decorative and tactile work with texture.
I hope that something new is seen each time it is looked at - a line, a stitch, a texture, a fabric, an edge.........................



Thank you for looking! ;0 x

Busy, bizzy, buzzy..........

Well its that Friday feeling for most I am sure, where the weekend is barely the blink of an eye away!
I said I would be back this week with another post and piccies of what I've been a'creating and making, so here we go......

First of all I'd just like to say I'm v annoyed(!) with myself for forgetting to take photos of another batch of petite purses, that made their merry way up to The Bowery again the other week. I was so intent on getting the work finished and packaged up that I was down the road to the post office when I suddenly remembered that I hadn't taken any pics, rubbish!!! anyhow I'm v pleased The Bowery wanted more stock, am crossing fingers that peeps are liking the work and skipping away with their purchases!

So to other work, and a few pics. Being a visual person I love posts on blogs where there are pics to look at! Don't get me wrong I love a good read but I love a good arty crafty colourful pic too.

Below are a few of the simple totes for the 'Makey Do'. Keeping them fresh, clean and simple.



Wee purses in the making to compliment the simple totes.



More petite purses in the making, these with my workings of fabric fragments, my sketchy images, hand-stitching and buttons. I'll be posting pics of these when they're finished as well.



Getting in for a close up to show the detail of my hydrangea sketch, transfer printed on to the purse. All v wispy and dreamy!



My A1 piece for the A1 Exhibition in Whitstable. Just a few more bits of stitching to do now........then I need to put a title to the piece and a price (!)



Some scrummy lavender hearts, I'll be taking these to the 'Do' with me as well, give them a scrunchy squeeze, can you smell the lavender?? mmmmmm....... lovely



A wee handstitched heart, getting ready my samples for my wee workshop taster. Timing myself to see how to break down the time for the workshop, step by step, where to be with our creations by what time etc, so everyone attending can leave with a finished item! I really want people to enjoy the taster and would also love them to leave with something finished, as I've always liked to come away with a finished piece when attending workshops myself.



Well I must away my bloggy cohorts! and get a-stitching to get all these bits and pieces done. There's nothing like having several things on the go at the same time , hey?!??? Enjoy your weekends! ;0 x

Just a few words today......

Well just a few words today and then I'll be back soon with more pics and some creativity!

First I just want to say a BIG thank you to each and every one of you that visits my blog, has a read or/and leaves a comment. It means a lot, so Thank You!! x

I do try and visit every one's blog that leaves me a comment to leave one in reply, however if I haven't left you a message it's because I haven't worked out how I can!! some blogs have been set up with just a box to leave a message in, and then you are supposed to choose from a small drop down menu as to your ID, I do all this and then click the post button and it just doesn't work, nothing..... I've tried this on a few blogs and nothing happening, so if anyone can enlighten me as to what I'm doing wrong or not doing??? muchly appreciated!

I'd like to thank Theresia of Minori Design for awarding me a 'Lovely Blog Award' I'm v flattered and its my first ever award too! The only prob is I can't work out how to get the image to put it in my post ;( ah well there's my lack of technological know-how then! not doing great with the ol' technology this week, obviously!

And so to work, I have quite a number of things to get on with at the mo, which is good

First I need to get on creating and making for the 'Makey Do' next month in Sandwich, nip on over to Jenny Flowers 'Makey Do' blog for more info.

I've entered myself in the 'A1 Exhibition' happening next month at The Horsebridge Centre Whitstable.

I'm also running a 'Taster' workshop next month which is taking part during Whitstable Oyster Festival. The Create in Whistable site has more info on all the workshops taking place, so if you live down that way or are visiting there are a good choice of interesting tasters to take part in, get yourself signed up!

Mine is the 'Shabby chic Hearts & Birds'!!


I'm also taking part in a seaside swap on Rachel's blog.
And I also have a couple of other things I'm taking part in too! Phew! I'll post about them at a later date.

So instead of tip tap typing away I'd better get on!!!
Enjoy your week, I'm sure the Sun will be back soon!?? ;0

Ascophyllum nodosum...........

I'm hoping that you've taken a look! ;0
intrigued as to what I may be posting about......
well it's my piece for the Art Take-Out exhibition, a quirky, original type of exhibition too. For more info please take a look a their website and visit their blog.

The only stipulation for entry was that the 'piece' entered had to fit into a take-out container!

On the evening 'Customers' can choose the work they want from the Take-Out Menu.
Works are 'acquired' by fulfilling a 'pledge' which has been determined by the artist.
The 'pledge' is the currency for the evening.
And the Artist (and work) will be under the heading they choose of Starter, Main Dish or Dessert.

So this is my strange & quirky creation for the exhibition. It is my version of 'ascophyllum nodosum' or to you and me 'seaweed'! I didn't intend to make something related to where the exhibition is being held - a take-away! - it's just how its worked out, funnily enough.
I've collected quite a few shells, stones etc from the beach recently and had been peering at the seaweed. It reminded me of a picture in one of my books from my small days, of some big pod like seaweed so I have created my own version.

Pods printed & stitched, hanging on wool stitched over with thread and wrapped on a piece of driftwood. Simple, quirky, abstract and slightly obscure. A tiny mobile or talisman? it's open to interpretation, hopefully it should fit in ok at the exhibition and of course I'll be in the 'Starters' section, where-else for seaweed?! well apart from side dishes!



If you're local to the area pop along - Tsang's Kitchen. 147 Iffley Road. Oxford. On the 2nd June 2009 from 7-10pm.
enjoy ;0 x