Sharne's Bits 'n' Bobs

F.E.T.

2012-01-28T22:54:00.000Z

We had our first meeting of the New Year today. Lots of news to catch up on and then onto making items for our sales table that we are having at T.I.F. next month.

I finished making these embellishments last night for our stall.

Tag Tuesday-vintage

2012-01-24T16:28:00.000Z

For this weeks tag, I used mulberry paper for the tag covered in a piece of vintage dress making pattern, this I then over stamped with a Paper Artsy rubber stamp. The rosette is made from a piece of scrap book paper with old sewing adverts from my stash .
The photo is of my grandmother who was a tailoress, so I have used some of her bits that I have had for nearly 40 years. The ivory button is monogrammed with the initial of her maiden name. The black bead is made of Jet, the silver thimble had been so well used by her that there were a few holes in the top allowing me to be able to sew it onto my tag. The vintage darning wool, was given to me by a very old friend, remaining odds and ends came from my stash.

And yet another book

2012-01-20T00:07:00.002Z

This is the final book for the time being. I am demoing at T.I.F next month, but this book wont be going with me, as it is a present for a little girl.

Craft vilene painted with acrylic paint, images adhered with mat medium,then hand stitching and embellishing.

The pages inside have been painted ala Frances Pickering.

Bound into a book on my Bind-It-All. Shrink plastic butterfly for further embellishment. Just needs to be flattened with a few books before I can give it away.

Afternoon tea.

2012-01-18T17:19:00.000Z

I had a lovely afternoon at Craft Arena with Denise and Diane, chatting, drinking coffee and eating Christmas cake-yum!! Last year I bought a flower stitcher for a project I was working on, but in the end never got to even take it out of the box. Diane is now thinking of buying one, so Denise gave us a demo on how it works. I will have to try my one now!
After, I went to collect Kezzy's trousers from where they were being repaired. As the shop was empty, the owner had time to talk to me and show me some of her beautiful trimmings, beautiful fabrics and the piece 'de resistance' 40 year old hand beaded lace!!! It was stunning!!! A lovely end to my afternoon. :0)

Tag Tuesday-White

2012-01-17T10:54:00.000Z

This is my third tag for Carolyns challenge. Having great fun making them.

Books

2012-01-17T10:48:00.000Z

Margaret and I were asked to show members how we made our books. So, the last week I have been making a few. I have used paper napkins for the covers apart from the long thin one which is the decoupage paper stocked at Hobbycraft. I also used different methods for binding the books together.

I wanted to make the inside interesting as well, so on this frosty book, I stamped a snowflake stamp painted with bleach onto the Brusho coloured pages.

On the daisy book, I coloured the pages with cold tea. I then embosed the edges of the book on my Big Shot and coloured the raised motif with Treasure Gold.

Members night.

2012-01-17T09:56:00.000Z

A different time of evening was organised last night for our members. Different activities wee set up in the hall, one of which was Lynda Monk doing demonstrations of various techniques. A lady who is very willing to share her techniques and methods.

Denise from Craft Arena was doing metal embossing.

Margaret and I were talking about the books we make using paper napkins.

Libby from EAST was helping members make a stunning beaded star.

And a members night isn't complete without a slice of home made cake........

and a nice cup of tea and chat.

Yet more knitting!

2012-01-12T09:27:00.000Z

I can now reveal the third and final shrug (as the shop cant get anymore of this wool and although I have tried other wool, it doesn't look as nice as when I have used the correct wool). This one is for my friend Nickie for her birthday.

Tag Tuesday.

2012-01-12T00:12:00.001Z

This is my tag for week 2.

I painted my tag with paint and when dry embossed it with my Big Shot. Applied silver ink to the raised surface. Stamped and heat embossed snowman, coloured in details with gel pens. I used 2 brads for the eyes.

Catch up!!

2012-01-11T10:11:00.000Z

I have joined the Tag Tuesday Challenge set up by Carolyn. which started last week. I now need to think about this weeks theme.

366 challenge

2012-01-09T20:06:00.000Z

I just popped over to look a few more journals on Kates blog and there is now 92 journals to view!! I cant believe how many people are taking part in this challenge this year. It's going to take some time to visit them all.

366 Challenge.

2012-01-05T20:41:00.002Z

I cant believe how many of us are taking part in Kate Cranes challenge this year. 72!!!!! It's going to take me some time to visit all those journals!!!

Another scarf.

2012-01-03T16:40:00.000Z

Over the Christmas holidays, I have been busy knitting. I really enjoyed knitting this scarf of many colours. I have never made bobbles this way before. I got the pattern from the Revelry web site, the wool I bought at the N.E.C., Festival of Quilts in August, I knew it would come in handy one day!
I have made another shrug but cant post a photo of it yet as it is a present. And yet another scarf on the needles now, at least I will be nice and warm when doing playground duty.

A bit late this month.

2012-01-03T16:15:00.000Z

I have had my mother staying with me the last few days of December, so I was late finishing off my December page. When I started this challenge last year, I wasn't sure that I would be able to keep it up for the whole year. I have, and its been fun seeing everyone's work too!

I have tried journalling on different shapes but as I like to do little drawings at time, I have found the shapes inhibit this, so this month its back to plain old squares. Inspiration came for this page while sitting at mums yesterday and her comment on it being a north wind blowing. This bought to mind the rhyme 'The North wind doth blow, and we will have snow'. I shall be adding this to the page when I am using the house computer/printer next time.

Pages coloured with brusho for a change. Letters we painted with white acrylic before having puffpaint applied and heated to create 'snow'. Quite a plain page this month after all the Christmas bling!
The 366 challenge has been set up by Kate Crane. Click here to see more journals from everyone participating.

Update.

2011-12-26T19:24:00.000Z

I have been busy getting ready for Christmas like everyone else. Now it is Boxing Day, I have got time to update my blog and let you know what I have been up to. I have done lots of cooking:-

Mince pies with frangipagne topping ala Gina.

Cupcakes in various flavours to put into boxes to give as presents. These were vanilla flavour with fondant topping.

Chocolate cupcakes with Dooleys and whiskey.

Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla butter icing. (below)

A birthday cake for my friend who loves marzipan, so I used a Simnell cake recipe.

A knitted shrug for a friends Christmas present.

A Christmas ring for my lounge.

Then I made one for my daughter.

I offered to help my daughter make the hamper for the local playgroups Christmas fair. I did not want to decorate the cardboardbox with wrapping paper, so sprayed it before embellishing it. Great fun, the house was smothered in glitter.

I had intended making Christmas cards for some of my friends but just ran out of time. I did make this one inspired by a tree decoration I saw on a blog, sorry, I don't know where I saw it.

I had to make a card for each of my grandsons. Kezzy think they look like alien snowmen.

And last but not least, I finished the quilt for my friend to keep her warm, in time to give it to her before Christmas, just!!!I am knitting again, another shrug but I can't say who it's for just yet!

2011-12-24T19:30:00.000Z

Happy Christmas everybody!!!!!

It's been very quiet here

2011-12-16T23:04:00.000Z

......................the reason being is that I have been busy working on this quilt for my friend. I have only one and a half squares left to bead and then I will be able to deliver it to it's new home. It has taken longer than I had hoped as I had a problem getting the right bugle beads and the few square's that I had beaded when I made this quilt years ago had tarnished badly, so had to re-bead them. Well worth it , couldn't stand the look of the distressed beads against the very shiny new beads. Photo of the finished quilt very soon.

Final one of the year!

2011-12-02T10:36:00.000Z

By the time I got home from work and shopping yesterday, it was too dark to take photo of my journal pages. I would have had to use artificial light, which creates too much glare on the glitter.

December, started off being coloured with distress inks and then a colour spray on top. I wasn't happy with it, so I just covered over with an acrylic gold paint, letting the green show through. Painted the letters in red then glued and added crushed velvet flock. Stockings cut out on my Big Shot. Christmas tree, stamped and coloured before adding loadsa bling!!
Go to Kate's blog, to see more journals.

2011-11-27T20:44:00.000Z

I went to help at my Grandsons 4th birthday party this afternoon. It was a paint a plate party at
Paint & Play. What I didn't know, was that they also sold beads. I just couldn't resist these ones! the large one in the bottom right corner was only £1.20, Kezzy has her eye on that one, especially as it has a 'k' on it! I shall be going back for another shopping trip soon, as they are so reasonably priced.

Jae Maries.

2011-11-21T23:27:00.001Z

We have 75 members now at our Branch and I think they must have all turned up tonight to hear Jae Maries, the room was buzzing!!

Jae showed us samples of her work and then a slide show of work by many varied artists showing how stitch had been used in their work. Jae will be back in Chelmsford on Saturday, as she is doing a workshop for our Branch. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a place and was on the reserve list. Tonight a place became available but I have now made other arrangements to go out for the day :0( I shall have to see what everyone has created at our next meeting.

First of all, there was sock monkey, now, glove dog. My' Blue Peter one I made earlier' for the January meeting of YE. It cost 50p for the pair of gloves, thank you Primark, and everything else, I already had in my playroom.

Chelmsford Embroiderers Guild

2011-11-20T18:38:00.001Z

Just to let anyone know who is within travelling distance of Chelmsford, our speaker tomorrow night is Jae Maries. We meet at Christchurch, New London Road. 7.30 for 8

Magazines.

2011-11-20T18:36:00.000Z

I went to Craft Arena today to collect Sew Somerset and Art Quilting Studio that Denise had put aside for me and saw the new Pages magazine. It's all about journalling and bookmaking, just flicking through it, had to say it looked very inspiring, hence leaving the shop, clutching it in my hands.

In half term I went to Sugar and Spice with Diane and got talking to Marion about the new magazine that was coming out in November Scrap 365. I asked her to reserve 2 copies ( Diane and of course, mine) Lucky I did, they sold out of this magazine in half an hour!!!
Just need to find time to sit and read!!

2011-11-20T18:10:00.000Z

A very foggy drive up to Cambridge yesterday for my FET meeting. Lovely to see all the girls and catch up on news, as I have missed the last couple of meetings. Morning started off with everyone showing what they are planning/working on. This was followed by Pauline showing us how to create an interesting background and embellishment.

Then as it was the last meeting this side of Christmas, we had our party. Everyone bought a plate of food to share, mmmmmmm!!!!!
A sunny drive home listening to my music.

Re-housed!!

2011-11-12T13:39:00.002Z

This UFO has been sitting over the door to my play room for a few years, well actually, when I started to think about it, it was pre C&G days which I think makes it approximately 8 years. I was using this quilt to teach myself foundation piecing and practice maching quilting. Well, to cut a story short, I have found someone who would like it.

I need to finish stitching the binding down and loose ends in. The snowflakes are part embellished, but as there is a young child that visits the house, I amwaiting to hear whether I am to finish the beading the remaining snowflakes. Bugle beads can wear through thread with time, I don't want the beads being eaten by a hungry toddler.I must admit I do like the beads on it, just finishes it off I think.

ALQS6 has arrived

2011-11-09T16:15:00.000Z

A lovely surprise was waiting on my doorstep yesterday when I got home from work, a package from Singapore, my quilt from ALQS6. The vibrant colours certainly cheered up a grey damp November day, thank you Vreni

Her is a small detail of all the hand stitching, I have not yet decided where I shall hang it, most probably on my stairwell.

Vreni also included 2 fat quarters for me to play with. I haven't heard that my quilt has arrived yet but it did have a very long way to go.
This is the third swap I have taken part in that Kate has organized and have really enjoyed the making and swapping, thank you Kate!

******************************************** BLogger

2011-11-03T21:07:00.000Z

I am still having problems leaving comments on some blogs. It is the ones where you have to select a profile. It is sooo frustrating!!!

Spring clean in November.

2011-11-02T23:24:00.000Z

Been a busy bee!! Having lost my favourite pair of scissors in my playroom for a week, called for drastic action. I have tidied up!! I can see all my work surfaces (well for the moment anyway) and I found the missing scissors, fallen into a bag of goodies I had bought from Craft Arena last week!.

10 down, 2 to go!!!!

2011-10-31T21:15:00.001Z

My October pages completed, so many birthday's in this month, that in the end I stopped writing them in, it would almost have been a page of cakes!!lol!

The Halloween embellishments were made with paper clay and hand painted.

Well, this month had to have fireworks as my theme. 2 attempts to get the background right. I started off with Brusho, but I didn't get the depth of colour that I wanted, so back to acrylic paint, with colour sprays on top when dry.

The exploding firework shapes I cut out on my cricut, embellished with glitter glue and then sprinkled lots more glitter in various colours.
Hop along to Kates blog to see the work of others taking part in this year long challenge.
P.S OOOOOOOPPPPPPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I posted this a day too early

Having fun.

2011-10-30T14:59:00.001Z

I have been continuing with trying to draw items from my collection of natural items that I have been collecting. This is flower, Rudbeckia I bought home from Mums garden. Love those rich colours!

With the conker, I had it to the right of the paper and when I moved it to take the photo, the reflections changed.

Another Rudbeckia, well all that's left of it. All coloured with Inktense pencils. I hen stopped drawing, because when I got my cauldron ( my witches handbag) down from the loft ready for the Halloween party I was going to on Saturday, it looked tired and in need of a face lift.

Unfortunately, I didn't do a before photo. But here it is finished all apart from a sprinkling of ants that were added at the last moment. I had great fun creating it from mount board, Tyvek, paints, bubble wrap, beads, pot scourer and of course various toy bugs and creatures. I lined the inside as well,l with wadding and felt to protect my mobile phone and camera.

As I had a 'new' handbag, I decided to go mad and decorate a pair of shoes that were about to be thrown away. Permanent ink pen to draw the webs freehand, with a few spiders attached with a hot glue gun.

And another!

2011-10-24T23:24:00.000+01:00

Last weekend walking round the field at the bottom of the road, I decide that a there seemed to be an abundance of sloes this year, that I would go back with a bag and pick some to make sloe gin. Too late!!!! This afternoon when I went back the farmer had beaten me to it and cut all the hedges back. I managed to find some but not enough to make the gin. Can't drink them-draw them instead!

2011-10-24T17:58:00.000+01:00

I have been trying to improve my drawing skills, trying to do something nearly everyday.

With all the signs of Autumn, it is not hard to be stuck for items to draw.

Horse chestnut shells were coloured with Inktense pencils.

I liked how the Inktenese colours blended when water was applied

so used it also for the acorn and the Spanish Oak leaf.

W.I.P.

Finished leaf.

With the snowberries, I decided to use Graphitint for a change. Not happy with the colouring as they do not have a yellow in the range to get the right shade of green that I needed. I will use these pencils for drawing landscapes, as the colours will be more suited I think. Back to using my Inktense pencils.

ALQS6

2011-10-20T23:25:00.000+01:00

I should hear very soon where I have got to send my little quilt I have made for the ALQS6, hosted by Kate. What a job she has trying to send everyone a quilt that they like, reckon it would be a headache, a bit like trying to write a school timetable.

My quilt was inspired by Hundertwasser ' Yellow Ships-Sea of Tunis and Taormina' Looked at his picture and did my own version of the painting. Hand dyed background and foreground fabric. Fabric paper mountain. Highlights were applied over the piece with Markal paintstiks.

Amy Winehouse

2011-10-19T07:00:00.002+01:00

Completed a project at last, the first one since July. It's surprising how things on your mind stop you being creative. I've called it 'Yesterday's news' and it is for a young friend who is a big fan of Amy.
Machine stitched figure, applied with hand stitching to a canvas thas has an article on Amy's life. This has been distressed with tea and ink. Her arm has been lightly stuffed to create depth.

4 sleeps.....

2011-10-05T10:30:00.001+01:00

To Ally Pally. Saturday I should be at FET, but I have to go in to work. I could really do with being there as I am not having any creative textile ideas at the moment.

AAAAAGGGHHHH!!!

2011-10-04T23:49:00.000+01:00

Trying to leave comments on some blog and it wont let me, sorry to all those taking part in Kate Cranes journal challenge that I have not been able to leave a comment on.

September and October.

2011-09-30T23:52:00.000+01:00

This month seems to have flown by! Here is the photo of my finished pages, I dont think I would use black again for my journalling, as it was hard finding a medium to colour in any drawings Iwould otherwisw have drawn. The white writing on the black certainly made it look like the blackboards of my schooldays!.

For October, I used Halloween as my theme. Fisrt gesso ans when dry, black acrylic paint. Then I decided to draw spiders webs all over- a very daunting thing for me to do, no planning, just went for it.

As I couldn't find any embellishments, I decided to make my own from paper-clay.

Had graet fun painting them once they were dry. All the paints and tools I used are in the above picture.

Voila!the finished embellishments.

And here is my completed pages. Colours not a true reflection in the photo, as I took it this morning in very bright daylight. Colurs are pumpkin orange, Frankenstein green and purple.

A few details.

Click here to go to Kate's blog to see other blogger's taking part in this challenge.

2011-09-21T23:22:00.001+01:00

Still working on Amy Winehouse.

Stitching.

2011-09-21T09:11:00.000+01:00

Say in the voice of Rolf Harris, 'Can you tell who she is yet?'

Exhibition.

2011-09-21T09:06:00.004+01:00

Went to view the Material Girls exhibition at Craft Arena yesterday afternoon. I so enjoyed looking at their lovely work.

Embroiderers' Guild meeting.

2011-09-21T09:02:00.000+01:00

Monday night at our Embroiderers' Guild meeting, we had Chris Spencer ( one of the founder members of ERTF) come to give us a talk, slide show and bring a huge amount of her work for us all to look at and hendle.

I love the felted pieces that she does. You can see some of her felt panels, in the Material Girls exhibition which started yesterday at Craft Arena.

Hyde Hall.

2011-09-13T20:44:00.000+01:00

After Art Van Go, it was onto Hyde Hall to view the 93 Groups' exhibition. At the moment there is wonderful exhibition of sculptures as well.

We were able to talk and watch this craftsman at work.

Again, just a few images of some of the work in the exhibition.

There is also the added bonus of the wonderful grounds, and I have found another unusual plant to add to my 'wants' list.

Fibrefusion exhibition.

2011-09-13T20:28:00.000+01:00

Nickie and I had a lovely time at the Fibrefusion exhibition and book launch at Art Van Go on Saturday.

Just a few photo's to wet you appetite.

And of course, goes without saying, if it's a book launch, you just have to buy the book, hot off the press!

Calorie free!

2011-09-13T20:07:00.000+01:00

My knitted cupcake for Gina, is now ready for posting.

2011-09-07T21:46:00.000+01:00

My day stitching yesterday means that I am now well on the way to finish my piece for the ALQS6. Need to make some boats now.

Saturday.

2011-09-06T17:41:00.000+01:00

Nickie and I are going to be busy Saturday. First stop, Art Van Go for the Fibrefusion book launch and exhibition. THEN, onto Hyde Hall, Rettendon, for the exhibition by the 93 group.

My lucky day!

2011-09-03T23:26:00.000+01:00

I have been lucky enough to win these knitting needles from Denise at Craft Arena. No excuse now, not to knit a cup cake for Gina's Cyber pink party.

August done and dusted!

2011-09-01T16:16:00.000+01:00

I'm still keeping up with the journal challenge because of the school holiday and because I else creative on the go. (must learn to draw cars though!lol)

For September pages I used going back to school as my inspiration. I started of with a base coat of gesso, then sponged with acrylic paints using the paints in the picture above. I had intended using the colours of the school uniform of where I work but as it has been so grey and cold I wanted something bright.( colours are brighter in real life than in the photo) Stamped with all over with numbers and letters. Hand drawn and coloured paintbrush and paint blobs for further embellishment.

If you click here you will be taken to the Kathyrn Wheel blog and get a look at all the other journals that are being created for this year long challenge. We have to journal every day in the form of 12 monthly calender pages, it's been great fun. Never too late to join in!

2011-08-31T22:40:00.000+01:00

At long last I have started some stitching. I am taking part in ALQS6 and I am using the picture below (Hundertwasser again) as my inspiration.

I started of by drawing my own version of this picture and used some of my dyed fabrics to make the background. I hope to get some more done on it tomorrow.

In the playroom at last.

2011-08-18T13:44:00.000+01:00

Time to TRY and do something creative with the fabric that I tray dyed on Monday. I dyed this fabric with the intention of using it for my piece for the ALQS6.

Giveaway

2011-08-17T19:54:00.001+01:00

Moira is having a giveaway on her blog for some of her hand made pendents. Click on the button in my side bar or here to add your name to the draw.

2011-08-16T19:56:00.000+01:00

I thought it was about time I tried to do something creative. So having finished all my chores, it was time to play. First I wanted to try some sun printing, and although I put this in front of the window with a daylight bulb shining on it, it did not leave a mark! :( I will have to try this again on a very sunny day.

I have signed up to do ALQS 6, so I have tray- dyed some fabric in 3 shades of blue, just waiting for it to 'cook'

And as I had the dyes out, I have dyed one of my skirts. I had only worn it for about an hour, when I went into my playroom and some black ink jumped onto it, all by itself! As it didn't wash out, I bleached it and success, the ink had gone. Show you the results tomorrow.

FOQ

2011-08-15T11:42:00.001+01:00

A wonderful time at the FOQ, saw some very lovely quilts. Here are just a few pictures for those of you who couldn't get there. 1 day is not long enough!

Hot Africa
by Janneke de Vries-Bodzinga

Sharhyar
by Pia Welsch.

Pia was very happy to talk to Nickie and I about her work.

A fleeting visit to the 'Virtual Studio', here Claire Benn was writing freehand on some fabric she was creating, didn't get a chance to go back and see how it developed unfortunately. , Nickie and I don't know why this doll didn't get a prize.

Cirque Poupee'
by Marie Roper.

My Way
bySolvi L Krokeide.

And of course quilts from my blogging friends ;- the one below is the much talked about one by Annabel Rainbow.

Life ( Measure of Time)

Julie has got inspiration for her quilt from Cornwall.

Turning, Disappearing.

Margaret Ramsey's door.

Tunisian Door.

Carolyn who is lucky enough to live in St. Ives has used that as her inspiration.

Seaside Cottages, St. Ives.

Sandra Wyman

Digging for Bait.

Having spent so much time looking at the quilts, meant not that much time for shopping. I think this must be the first time I have been to the NEC and come home with money in my purse! LOL

Tempted!

2011-08-11T18:40:00.000+01:00

I had to pop to Craft Arena wearing my Secretary's hat and found the latest QA in, handy to read on the coach trip to the FOQ on Saturday. Alo these threads were shouting 'buy me! buy me!' who could resist, not me!

Warm as toast.

2011-08-10T21:59:00.000+01:00

I bought some wool and a pattern for this scarf/shrug last week when I was in Bourton on the Water, and I have finished it! Really enjoyed making it too. So much so, that when I find some nice wool I shall make one for my Mum to keep her warm this winter.

I forgot.

2011-08-10T21:51:00.000+01:00

Tidying up my playroom after my week at Mums, thought I would show my Percy (Bysshe Shelley) now that I have finished all the hand stitching. He's not pressed, as at the moment I am unsure if/when I shall use him.

A bit more shopping.

2011-08-09T17:01:00.000+01:00

For Christmas, I was given some John Lewis vouchers from my children at school. As we were in Milton Keynes last week, I took the opportunity to exchange some of the vouchers for some threads. Last time I went to John Lewis I bought red and yellow, so this time blue and green. Need to find a project to use them on now!

Bargain!!!!

2011-08-09T16:55:00.000+01:00

When we were in Christchurch, Dorset the other week, I stumbled across a needlework shop called Pinks. Now it would be very unfriendly not to pop in and have a browse, because there was NOTHING that I NEEDED! BUT, there was a special offer on Madeira stranded cotton threads, well, to cut a long story short, I bought a few, (30). The offer is 10 packs for £2.50, the very friendly and helpful lady is happy to past out orders if anyone else needs some of these. You have to support independent traders, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!! The reels of thread she gave me for our EG sales table.

5 sleeps

2011-08-09T00:05:00.000+01:00

Have had a lovely time in Dorset and at my mothers. I have not been doing any stitching, as I am trying to think about my next project. Instead I have been doing a lot of research-reading and on the Internet and taken up knitting again. I cant just sit still and not do nothing. In fact I have almost finished it!! A photo of it very soon.
On Thursday, I have a YE meeting with Libby and all the other helpers to plan next year. We are meeting at the Blue Egg, very near a patchwork fabric shop not to self- I DO NOT NEED any more fabric!
On Saturday I am off to the NEC, FOQ. Let me know if you have a quilt on display, so that I can look out for it please.

I'm keeping up!!!

2011-07-31T23:35:00.000+01:00

July has flown by!! I got my August pages ready last week on a cold, grey day, when we were having new windows fitted and I had to keep out of the work men's way. Although I used blue last month, I wanted my August pages to be bright and sunny, something I haven't seen much of.

I covered the pages with gesso first and when dry applied Brusho. As it wasn't vibrant enough, I re coated the pages with acrylic paints cyan and white. Painted some card letters with golden yellow acrylic and when dry dotted them with Pebo pearl touch dimensional paint.

The sunflowers were cut out from paper napkins and more Pebo paint applied to the centres, when dry I applied metallic rub-on (brown) to the spots. I have gone back to journalling on squares for this month, and used up some scrap booking paper I already had.
Follow the link here to see more journals.

Stop me......

2011-07-21T00:04:00.000+01:00

From buying any more fabric to dye!!!
I started sorting through the packing case where I keep my fabrics, to prepare some hand stitching to take to my mothers, when I go in a few weeks time. I wish I hadn't started, I couldn't see the floor! As Nickie and I are not going to Art in Action now, I know what I shall be doing instead. Mind you I do NEED some heavy weight calico like we used on Saturday s workshop. LOL!

2011-07-19T15:52:00.000+01:00

At our EG meeting last night, I bought these threads and fabric. Although I normally dye my own material, I bought this bundle of fabric as it contains vegetarian silk- something I have never heard of.

Kezzy has been in my playroom. She has been making some wall art for her room.

She found the words in Hobbycraft- two coats of black arcylic paint and gemstones to co-ordinate with her new bedroom colours.

My daughter Sam, came round for lunch with my grandson Zach. He loves to make and stick like his bigbrother Josh. He enjoyed rummaging in my bead and button boxes looking for interesting bits to use in his next project.

Myfanwy Hart

2011-07-19T00:19:00.001+01:00

Myfanwy Hart of Winifred Cottage, came to our Guild tonight to give a talk on 'The Embellisher'. She bought along several different makes and models for our members to try .

Jock was in charge of the 'shop'.

Here's two of our members experimenting.

At our Regional Day, one of our YE got the visitors choice award. She came along tonight to collect her prize and cup.

At the Linda Miller workshop on Saturday, Dot happened to mention that she had been on a course with Linda before and had made some panels. We asked if she would bring it to our meeting tonight for everyone to see and- VOILA!! That panel and the two ends are all machine stitched!!!!!

All that stitchin'!

Everyone who was on the workshop bought their work along for our members to see what they had been up to.

Linda Miller workshop.

2011-07-16T19:07:00.001+01:00

A great workshop, we all learnt so much.
The day started off with Linda taking us slowly through the different stages she uses to make her pictures.

And then we had to go and start work!

Sheila with her piece of work, well under way.

At the end of the day, we had a show and tell.

This was Sue's first go at machine embroidery! Didn't she do well!

Here's everyone's work. Linda worked us very hard, LOL.

My work was a bit different to everyone else's, I wanted to stitch a picture of Percy Bysshe Shelley. So, just 2 different threads used so far.

Some more machining, and then some hand stitching-might save that bit to do at my Mother's when we go there for a break in a few weeks time.

Just a quicky!

2011-07-15T20:10:00.001+01:00

Spent a lovely hour yesterday in Billericay, viewing the exhibition 'Bags of Texture' by Octopus. It finishes tomorrow, if you have a chance to view it.

Lucky me!!! I am doing the Linda Miller workshop tomorrow. Must go and pack my bags.

Joining in again!

2011-07-12T21:48:00.000+01:00

I have taken part in two of these swaps organised by Kate. Really enjoyed taking part and receiving some lovely work in exchange. Click on the link in my sidebar to find out more details if you want to join in too!

Tropical Wings

2011-07-08T08:50:00.000+01:00

Blue Morpho 90-120mm wingspan.

Owl butterfly 90-150mm wingspan

I had a lovely time at Tropical Wings, managed to find a few butterflies who posed long enough for me to take a picture. I will have to go back without children next time!

Contemplating!

2011-07-06T23:28:00.000+01:00

Tonight I have been catching up with some of my blog reading, some more to read tomorrow. I am trying to come up with an idea for my next project for FET, but nothing grabbing me at the moment.

I'm late, I'm late.........

2011-07-05T09:46:00.048+01:00

This is the first time I have not completed my calendar journal on time, life has been a bit busy here. I have n embellished my journal as much as I would have liked, but hopefully now that Regional Day is over, next month's pages should be more interesting. I have yet to make my July pages, with a bit of luck if the appointment hubby and I have tonight doesn't go on to long (I don't hold out much hope of that!) I might get started. This challenge was set up by Kate of the blog Kathyrnwheel, follow the link to see all the journals that are taking part in this challenge.

Kezzy had an appointment at the dentist this morning to plan the next step of her orthodontic treatment, as it didn't take long, I was able to start on my pages for July before going to work.

As it was Kezzy's Prom on Sunday, I used the colour of her dress and the balloons she came home with as my inspiration.

I prepared the pages with a coat of gesso first.

When dry, I used these paints, in various shades of blue and applied them with a sponge in a random manner. Tonight, because the meeting had been postponed until tomorrow evening, I was able to carry on with July. I sprayed over the pages with Angel Glimmer Mist in Jazz Blue.

I have wanted to break away from square boxes for my journalling, so this month was an ideal opportunity to do so. I cut out stars in white card and outlined them roughly with a fine pen. Once applied to the page, I dabbed more Glimmer mist with a sponge over them to take the starkness off of them. Sequin stars were applied randomly over the page. It was only after I had finished that I realised that the stars are very appropriate for this month - July 4th, Idependence Day in U.S.A.

Just need now, to start journalling on them.

2011-07-05T08:27:00.000+01:00

Lee Creswell, one of the members of F.E.T. is an Internationally known silk painter. Some time ago she asked could she use some images of my work for an article she was writing for their publication. Her article was accepted and two pieces of my work are in her article. ;0)

Our Regional Day

2011-07-04T22:07:00.001+01:00

The doors opened at 9.30, ( and we were ready just!) our visitors had a cup of coffee and biscuits to start the day.

Nickie (Chelmsford Chair) kicked off proceedings with her welcome speech.(rather her than me!)

Gill Riordan (Regional Chair) and Nickie gave out Long Membership badges next.

Denis Nothduft of the Fashion and Textile museum gave the morning lecture on Zandra Rhodes. Some wonderful photos accompanied his talk. I hadn't been aware of this museum until I got in touch with Denis to invite him, and now it is on my list of places to visit.

Pauline Hannon,(Chair) gave us a talk on the Embroiderers' Guilds plans for the future.

Then lunch, some people ate outside as the weather was so good. Others enjoyed the food provided by the Writtle College retaurant.

There was plenty of time to view the exhibitions. Our Branch has members that belong to various textile groups and each group exhibited 3 pieces.

No Regional Day is complete without Retail therapy!!!!

There was also four demonstrators to watch and talk to.

The competition was 'Paradise Gardens' and we had lots of entries, both from adults and Y.E. Pauline Hannon, Gill Riordan and Lesley Morgan were the judges.

2pm saw the start of the afternoon lecture, sponsored by Madeira, given by Lesley Morgan.

After her lecture, it was presentation of prizes to the competition winners and raffle. It was then over the the Writz for a cup of tea and a slice or two of home made cake.

DUUHHHH!!

2011-07-04T10:59:00.003+01:00

Now that Regional Day and Kezzy's Prom night are over, I have started doing some tidying up. I hadn't realised how much reading I need to catch up on! When I was at Barleylands, I thought I had missed out on buying Art Quilt Studio published by Somerset Studio. Guess what? I hadn't! LOL

Regional Day Competition.

2011-07-04T01:06:00.001+01:00

Over the last few weeks, in between writing my school reports and tying up the loose ends for our Regional Day, I have been making an entry for our Regional Day competition ' Paradise Gardens.' I hadn't posted any of this work, so here is a brief 'recipe'
My inspiration is my own garden, where I am fighting a constant battle with the slugs and snails who want a free meal!

My 'flower pot was constructed with a technique I learnt when on a workshop with Lynda Monk. Flowers were layers of sheers, machine stitched then cut by hand. Stem were made with wires wrapped in flt.

My plant label was a photocopy of a real plant label coated in Omni Gel several times to make a decal. Applied to craft vilene which was then coated with Mod Podge Gloss. Snail trail was UHU glue and a very fine glitter.

Embellished fabric into sponge to create earth, and bugle beads cut to size for my 'slug pellets'.

The snails were made with Heart paper clay and silicone rubber. Leaves from felt and sheers which I then attacked with my soldering iron.

I had great fun experimenting to create my piece. I am not sure what to do next, it should really be something for FET, but waiting for inspiration to strike-in the meantime I am thinking 'hanging basket'. Watch this space
Photos of the Regional Day I hope to post tomorrow evening as it now past 1 a.m

Regional Day update.

2011-06-29T20:04:00.000+01:00

We have now sold all the tickets for the lectures, sorry! If you live within travelling distance of Writtle and at a loose end, you can still come along and view the exhibitions by eleven textile groups and have some retail therapy with our traders:-

Art Van Go
Benton & Johnson
Craft Arena
Knitting4fun
African Fabric Shop
The Silk Route
Winifred Cottage
Pandorion Beads
21st Century Yarns
And of course, there will be lots of bargains on the Branch Stall.

It should be a brilliant day!!!

It's getting closer.

2011-06-25T22:31:00.000+01:00

Thanks to lots of help from my youngest daughter Kezzy, all 250 goody bags are packed for Regional Day next Saturday.

Today, it was up the M11 this cold damp morning and back this afternoon, with the roof down and sunnies on enjoying the sun. Had a great day with F.E.T. making a sketchbook, mine is nearly finished, just got to make the covers, but I don't think it will be happening this week.LOL
Tomorrow, a barbq all being well.
After the meeting, I enjoyed the Cottenham Village Festival, lovely atmosphere and live music to listen too!

9 sleeps!!

2011-06-23T08:30:00.000+01:00

Until Regional Day. Yesterday, this big box arrived containing the goody bags for everyone attending
Madeira Lecture.

Not only is Regional Day happening, my daughter has her Prom the next day, so today, it is off for a dress fitting.
Yesterda,y Kezzy was 16, so a very busy evening. At the moment I need another 12 hours in my day!!!

Linda Miller

2011-06-21T09:32:00.000+01:00

What a busy night we had!!!

Linda Miller gave us an amusing and informative talk last night, she also bought along slides of her work, it is stunning!

She is coming back in July to do a workshop and as life has been a bit full on, I WASN'T going to do it. BUT after seeing her work and listening to her, as there was some spaces, I couldn't resist. Still some spaces if anyone is interested.
After the talk, it was handing out Regional Day tickets and tying up all the loose ends-cant believe that is going to happen a week on Saturday!
A late night and a very early morning today, means that I have now finished writing my school reports, now to do some more paper work for Regional Day. I have been trying to make a piece of work for our Regional Day competition, but I am not sure if I will get it finished in time.

Tonight.

2011-06-20T11:18:00.000+01:00

It is Embroiderers' Guild tonight and we have Linda Miller. Tickets for Regional Day will also be available to non-members who want to visit us tonight. 7.30 pm at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford.

Giveaway

2011-06-18T21:17:00.004+01:00

I am taking part in the journal challenge and Katheryn who is hosting it is having a giveaway.Click on the link for more details.

Service will be resumed soon.

2011-06-17T09:26:00.000+01:00

I'll be back posting again soon, school reports and Regional Day (which is fast approaching) and life has made little time for much else. I am even behind on my blog reading!!

Twitching!

2011-06-12T19:14:00.001+01:00

At work on Friday I used my sons Nikon camera to try and get photos of the mother woodpecker feeding her baby. Unfortunately, I have never used this camera before, so I had not altered one of the knobs on the lenses. Soooooo, back into work yesterday morning early, with the camera lens now on the right setting, and the baby had left the nest or been had be the squirrels. Gutted!!

Blogger

2011-06-09T23:06:00.000+01:00

Why is it taking so long for Blogger to sort out the problem of leaving comments on some blogs?? Soo frustrating, you write a comment, blogger sends you back to sign in again, you do, back to the comment box and word verification and guess what?? back to signing in again!!!

Regional Day.

2011-06-07T20:11:00.000+01:00

Tickets are now available to the public. It should be a good day, if you are not busy and live not too far away we would love to see you.

2011-06-07T20:01:00.000+01:00

I had to go for a blood test today. I was not allowed to eat or drink for 12 hours. I don't mind the not eating but as I don't drink water unless it has been flavoured with squash, I was glad when it was time for me to go there. I was then told it was now done by appointment only, up to 11 0'clock and I could come back in 2 hours time and if they were not too busy I might get it done then. I couldn't wait another 2 hours without drink, plus I would ten worry about getting to work on time if they were busy, sooooo, I am now having it done next Thursday!!!

More books.

2011-06-05T00:02:00.001+01:00

Our young friends came round for the day today, it was social as well as for Karen and I to make some more items for their Wedding.

First book we made is for her hen weekend in Prague, split rings have been used so more pages or mementos can be added if wanted. We have made some deliberate mistake with some of the spellings.

This is is the photo album for the Blessing that they are having here, in England after they get married in South Africa.

Karen's hobby is taking photo's of flowers, so having seen this paper and just had to have it, decided to make an album for some of her many photos, again split rings so that more pages can be added when necessary.

Finished!

2011-06-02T23:01:00.001+01:00

At last!! I have finished embellishing the book I started on the Lynda Monk workshop I went to the other week. Following the theme of the sewing pattern that was used to make the cover (technique for this, is on this months WOW) I used an old tape measure, coloured with alcohol inks for the tie closures, a Tim Holtz die was used to cut the mannequin which was covered with an advert from an old Needlewoman & Needlework magazine from 1961, it was then heat embossed to protect it. I coloured the press studs with alcohol inks too, as I didn't have any black ones. I can't wait to see how everyone else finished their books at our next Embroiderers' Guild meeting

A quiet month.

2011-06-01T22:06:00.003+01:00

Looking at May's Calendar pages, just shows how unproductive I have been!!
Family life has been quite full on, Kezzy working for her GCSE's and Mitch having lost his job has been usettled. Saturday, he got the news that his Step Nanny Marge(his sisters true Nan) had died and then his Grandad was rushed to hospital with a severe stroke, so late Saturday night I was driving up the A12 to take him to Colchester hospital. His Grandad died this morning and he is staying with his Nan to help her for a little while, at least until the two funerals are over.

This months pages are pink, very pink. My youngest is 16 this month and although she is not girly, I wanted to challenge myself to work in this colour.
I made the pages by:-
Coating the paper with a base of gesso. When dry, I used Blonde Moments Sugar Dumpling Lustre paint in Sugar Lilac and Sugar Hot. When dry, I stencilled with white paint through 2 different Crafters Workshop Stencils that I have. I outlined the butterflies with a fine drawing pen. Fabric ironed onto Craft Vilene for the words. Sentiment stamped on with Brilliance Lightning black and 'lace'border cut using a Martha Sewart punch.
To see other calender pages follow the link:- thekathrynwheel

Stitch/Madeira competition.

2011-06-01T21:37:00.000+01:00

At the beginning of my Easter holiday, I had a letter stating that I had won a Highly Commended prize in the Stitch/Madeira competition, that was judged at the NEC. Today, I had to go to the post Office to collect a parcel, and not expecting any parcels, it was a lovely surprise to find that I have won this box of threads. I don't have a project in mind to use them on yet, but I am supposed to be working on an idea for our next FET exhibition. Not getting anywhere yet.

2011-06-01T21:28:00.000+01:00

I haven't blogged much this last couple of weeks, I just haven't had anything to show or say.
Sunday I popped up to Norwich to see my Great Aunt (she'll be104 in September), she looks so good for her age, and a not a wrinkle in sight!
Monday, I had to go to Fambridge to collect the work that Nickie and myself had on exhibition at AVG. When I got to Margaret's and saw how much was there I didn't think I would fit it all in my car. Luckily it was a sunny day, so with the roof down, it was not a problem.
As I am on half term holiday, it means I have time to bake. Yesterday I made sausage rolls and a carrot and coconut tray-bake. I cant remember the last time I made sausage rolls, so nice to have time!!

Reading matter.

2011-05-26T11:03:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had to pop to Barleylands, and saw these silk worms. The only way I could get a photo of them was to shield them from the wind with some paper I had in my bag. There are not as many silk worms as in previous years on the tree, but I do enjoy watching them.

The reason for my visit to Barleylands was to get some fabric from Craft Arena, so that I can start on my friends bunting fr her wedding and to get my magazines, not that I have had a chance yet to even open the covers of them yet as last night it was EG committee meeting.

Lynda Monk workshop II

2011-05-22T16:30:00.001+01:00

Had a wonderful time yesterday playing with glue, paper and various mediums on an Embroiderers' Guild run workshop with Lynda Monk. The day flew by all too quickly. If you ever get a chance to go on one of her workshops, grab it. She is very generous with sharing her materials and knowledge.

Here Lesley is being guided on how to use a Themofax screen.

Nickie showing the start of her work on a book cover.

And here are some of our samples above and below.

Lynda bought lots and lots of her own samples for us to look at too.

My samples, above and below and there will be a photo of the book I started yesterday too, but you will have to wait until it is finished

Friday night.

2011-05-22T16:08:00.000+01:00

The thought of going out after work on Friday, was not what I felt like doing, I wanted to chill out on the sofa if I am honest. But really glad that I made the effort. We had a great time, and I laughed so much I hadn't make up left on by the end of the evening. We shall be going there again in November!.

A first.

2011-05-22T15:58:00.000+01:00

This Winter, I have lost a lot of plants in my garden, in fact one border is almost bare. One plant that has survived the frost and snow is my Kiwi, and this is the first year that I have had flowers on it too!

Completed project at last.

2011-05-20T09:36:00.000+01:00

Che Guevara just needs a press and he will be off to the framers. I think Rhodri is happy with it, a man of few words! A comment on how long I have spent making it though!
Tonight I am out with the girls from work, we are celebrating a 30th birthday.
Tomorrow I am on an Embroiderers' Guild workshop, with Lynda Monks. This is the second workshop she has done for us and I am really looking forward to it. It has meant that I cant go to the FET meeting in Cottenham though.
Need now to start thinking what to stitch next.

2011-05-15T23:25:00.000+01:00

My GS came to visit today, and as it was nice enough to be in the garden, I got the fishing game out to play with, lots of fun and laughter!
I have had an extra house guest this weekend too. Mitch's brother has just left his care home as he is now 16, I hadn't met him before, so wasn't too sure how we would all get on. The weekend went well, although I seem to have done an awful lot of cooking and washing up!
Another night and not picked up my needle, I wont tomorrow either as it is EG. Our speaker is Joanna O' Neill and her talk is called 'Felt Underneath'. I will tell you about it tomorrow night.
Time to try and catch up on some blogs before bed.

V&A

2011-05-15T23:11:00.000+01:00

One of my friends at work invited me to go with her to the talk on 'A history of Embroidery' at the V&A yesterday . We had a lovely day, although getting there was a bit of a problem as there was engineering works on some the Underground lines to South Kensington. We had a fortyfying cup of cofee in the restaraunt listening to music being played on a grand piano, wonderful!!

The talk was by Alistair MacLeod of the Hand and Lock Company, who came to our Guild earlier in the year, wearing a different outfit too!

A late lunch outside in the Courtyard, in the sunshine. We managed to see the Yohji Yamamoto and The Cult of Beauty exhibitions. Loved the Rossetti and Whistler paintings, I could have spent longer here than we did.
I had switched my phone off while in the lecture theatre and when I switched it back on, I had a message from Kezzy to say that she was up the hospital as she had hurt her foot.

Luckily it wasn't serious, just a torn ligament.

2011-05-15T22:17:00.000+01:00

I have now completed and passed my on line Food Hygiene and Safety Course, which means that I can now get back to some stitching this coming week.
Our Regional Day is now six weeks way, we had another meeting Wednesday and everything seems to be falling into place.
I don't know why, but Thursday and Friday night I was just too tired to do any sewing. ;0(

2011-05-15T21:55:00.000+01:00

Been a busy week and not a lot to show for it.
I had a lovely shopping day last Saturday with my daughter. We went out to buy shoes for her prom but ended up buying her lots of new summer clothes as well.
Sunday, I had to pick up Mums new car and drive it to her in Buckingham. I have never driven a brand new car before!

Fingers crossed.

2011-05-06T11:19:00.000+01:00

I have managed to get Mitch a days tryout for a job tomorrow. Lets hope they offer him a job. He has to be at work at 7am, I don't know the last time he saw that time of day!LOL

2011-05-05T23:50:00.000+01:00

I had a phone call from my Grandson tonight to say that he had won a prize with his crown at school today. He got some art products as a prize.
Slow progress with the hand stitching, I am doing an on-line course at the moment, ( for work not a creative one).
Normal service will be resumed soon!

Some hand stitching at last!

2011-05-04T10:54:00.001+01:00

I have at last managed to finish machine stitching the background. All that it left to stitch now is the phrase. The translation is:-
' Wherever death surprises us, it will be well received as long as our battle cry is heard'.
It will not have a binding attatched, as my son Rhodri, intends having it framed.
The update on my run in with Orange is after spending nearly one hour on the phone to my bank, my money which they were unathorised to take, has been given back to me!! I dont know what it has cost me in regards to the phone calls and visits to the bank.
My problem with Ebay has also been sorted, just need Mitch's Social Worker to help me sort out the problem I have with his gas bill from when he had his own flatl. They want to charge him for the previous tennant and for 3 months after he moved out. I seem to be spending valuble creating time, on the phone at the moment and not in my playroom!