Sarah's Tentative Artsy Steps

New Art!

2012-01-29T01:04:00.000Z

Ooooo - new things!

I have started a new arts course through Magnetic Arts in York.

We started on 13th January. The course runs for 3 hours for 20 weeks.
Third week in and I have been completely and utterly thrown out of my comfort zone. Surprisingly, it hasn't felt as uncomfortable as I would have thought.

My precise, balanced and linear approach to art has been well and truly challenged. As has my belief that I am unable to, or can't "do" certain things.

I will post some photos shortly.

Also, Thing a Day is starting next week. I will post a link when a full one becomes available. Due to my hand injury, I was unable to participate last year so I am doubly excited to be able to join in again this February.

Happy Arting!

Autumn Strikes

2011-12-10T14:52:00.002Z

Thought I should get round to posting this before Winter hits full force!

This was my first attempt at a larger piece using freestyle fine lining since my last hand operation.

This is the pretentious description I wrote at the time!
"AUTUMN STRIKES
The break up of summer as all it bore falls to the ground. Leaves blowing in the wind.
The diagonal design can be interpreted as lightening or a bare branch - symbolising that indeed Autumn has struck."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Introducing Mabel

2011-10-27T17:59:00.000+01:00

Long time no blog!

I want to try and get back into the habit of blogging.
I used to love blogging ..... both updating my own blog and reading and being inspired by my favourite bloggers.

I'm sat here with my Mabel on my lap. Mabel was 7 months old yesterday.

So, I thought I'd quickly blog and share some photos of Mabel. She came into my life at the end of May when she was 9 weeks old. She is a cross between a chihuahua and a miniature dachsund (a mix sometimes referred to as 'Chiweenies') You'll see she has inherited chihuahua ears!!

She is a constant joy and a perfect companion. She doesn't yap, very rarely barks (generally only when my Dad teases her!), loves people and loves all other dogs. Considering her size, she is fearless. She weighs just 2kg (less than 4 1/2 lbs!) and is much smaller than my neighbours cats. To try and give an idea of her tiny stature, I've included a photo of my 3 yr old nephew taking her out for a run.

I confess to never liking small dogs (my experience of them being noisy, yappy, snappy and over-protective of their owners .... especially chihuahuas!) I used to refer to them as rats :-/

Obviously, my views are now changed (well, in the case of Mabel anyway!)

So, here are a few photos (proud mum!!)

My new toy

2010-11-30T20:17:00.001Z

Just a quick post as I've not blogged for quite a while.

I've bought a sewing machine. It's a Janome Memory Craft 4900. It's an extravagance but I have got it for a few reasons.

Firstly, I have had a hand injury. My right (dominant) hand is out of use. I have been extremely lucky that my hand has been saved. It is hoped that in time it will be of use and I am due some surgery soon. In the meantime, I am unable to draw or paint. This will enable me to still be creative.

I have become increasingly interested in mixed media using fabric and stitching so this is enabling me to embrace new possibilities and broaden my crafty skills.

Also, it is my 40th birthday on Monday so this is my gift to myself. I am so looking forward to trying out new things. Hopefully I'll be showing some of them here soon.

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Simply Beautiful

2010-09-29T19:00:00.002+01:00

Please watch and listen - beautiful.
Enjoy!
No Such Thing as a Dragon

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My Lovely New Home pt3a

2010-09-05T21:00:00.000+01:00

This is a 'floating shelf above my computer desk for computer discs and, more importantly arty things and arty books!

The table looks really small in this photo but it extends to comfortably seat 4 and create a large crafting area.

The little shelf sticking out from under the desk has castors and wheels out to give the desk an 'L' shape for additional workspace

With the exception of the sofas, the room is entirely furnished by Ikea. Their furniture is such good value for money, is sturdy and easy to construct.

There is plenty of white wall space for me to work towards filling with new arty creations

My Lovely New Home pt3

2010-08-30T13:55:00.001+01:00

OO - it looks like blogger has changed a little since my last visit.

Living room

My living room serves multiple purposes. Obviously it is my sitting area. I watch tv, use the floor space for yoga (and wii fit!), I sit by the door to my balcony and look at onto my lovely view. I like to sit with the door open when it is raining so I can appreciate the freshness, I have my computer space and my dining area. The little table extends and doubles for a crafty area.

This is how I very first saw the living room

The previous owner's pet bedding was still there. The lovely people in the photo stood on the little balcony are Isobel from Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and Karen who came with me to view the flat.

These are during. I wanted a clean white room to make it look bright and clean. It was a very grubby magnolia before. The floor just needed a very good scrub.

I'll post the after photos later!

My Lovely New Home pt2

2010-08-22T20:37:00.004+01:00

The Kitchen!

The kitchen was the easiest room as it had recently been refitted with new units and flooring.
It's lovely and compact which makes cooking very easy! At first I didn't think I could fit everything in (I'm a bit of a clutterbug) but even now I still have plenty of space in my cupboards (somewhere along the line I have become more organised in the kitchen department)

I won't bore you with before pictures. The walls were basically a buttermilk colour and the units new. Space for cooker and washing machine.

It's been painted duck egg blue. The fridge freezer fits nicely behind the door. The bunting and extra shelf were only added recently. The only thing that is left to do now is for me to make a Roman blind.

My lovely New Home pt1

2010-08-20T20:40:00.006+01:00

My next few posts are to get me back into the swing of blogging and to post before and after photos of my flat.
My favourite room transformation is my bedroom so I will start with that!

The photos are before, during and after.

I'm currently making some stuffed hearts and I've made some new tie -backs for my little window. (I'll add pics of those later) Boy do I wish I was more blog, html (or both!) literate :-)

(oh, by the way, the floor has changed too - grotty, dirty lino stuff replaced with a new carpet!)

What I've been up to

2010-06-22T18:07:00.000+01:00

Hi all,
I've still been busy cleaning and decorating my lovely flat (I *will* post some before & after photos once I'm organised!)

Also, I have been able to be a little artsy - this is my first drawing and card made in my new flat!
The photo below is one I took yesterday. (I'm in the bathroom and the patchy paint behind me will be covered with tiles!)
I'm continuing my 'Fit For Forty' campaign so I've also started a running regime. The photo is of me after my jog with a 'ladylike glow!' (ie sweaty betty!)

Setting up my computer soon (have been avoiding it due to all of the photos and documents related to my ex) I will get there though!

Also, I know I keep promising but I will, once I'm up and running, have a blogfest which is something for me to really look forward to - all of my favourite bookmarks to visit - woohoo! x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm so behind!

2010-06-15T21:46:00.000+01:00

I need to catch up with blogging -hopefully in a few weeks things will settle to do so. (I know, I said that last time!)

Today I moved into my new flat. It's taken a lit of hard work but my parents have been amazing and the support of family and friends has got me to where I am.
Everything's upside down and there are boxes and boxes to unpack (many that were not packed by me from nearly 9 months ago so that is very weird and a little upsetting)

Here's a quick phone photo of my lovely bedroom before I filled it with boxes!

Hope to catch up soon (and even be artsy)

Sarah x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

For Dr Shaw

2010-05-25T22:07:00.004+01:00

This is a Zentangle card that I drew for a very formidable Doctor who tells it as it is - straight up and no messing!
Some people may accuse her of lacking in bedside manner and compassion but I found her to be extremely helpful and understanding. I guess I respond well to a brusque manner!

The card is B6 in size and is drawn using UniPin fineliners.
Size of actual design = 9.8cm x 6cm

MAY 2010

2010-05-22T23:09:00.003+01:00

Hello folks,

Once again I am apologising .... I have been very absent from here and also, very regrettably, absent from visiting everyone's lovely blogs.

I have had an awful lot happening in my life and am having to make many changes.
A very big one is moving.
I am starting to really settle in York and have met so many lovely people.

I have been able to participate in some artsy pursuits (making cards) but my main preoccupation is sorting out my flat.

Firstly, there is lots of cleaning (scrubbing!) to be done and then I can finally start to decorate and sort out flooring.
Then the fun will begin! I have material to make a blind for my kitchen and bathroom. I have some little chairs for my little 'balconette' to make cushions for ....... and lots more to keep me busy.

I'll post the cards I have made in this lovely, topsy turvy month of May.

My modest little one bedroom flat is in the garden village of New Earswick, York. I am lucky to be overlooking the nature reserve from my back windows (living room and bedroom)

In time I will post photos on here of progress!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2005/10/06/nwe_earswick_places_feature.shtml

Pledge | Stamp Out Stigma

2010-05-18T10:55:00.001+01:00

Pledge | Stamp Out Stigma

Posted using ShareThis

More jewellery

2010-03-28T15:33:00.003+01:00

I have a love for all things beady at the moment.

This week I've fashioned myself a watch and a bracelet.

I have tiny wrists and so haven't been able to find a watch that fits. When I alter any straps/bands I am left with a watch face that covers my whole wrist.

I bought a watch face through The Bead Shop added some chain, a clasp and attached a few beads.

The bracelet is with my favourite Memory Wire.

Mosaic

2010-03-22T18:01:00.002Z

This is kind of a little cheat post.
I made this in October but never got around to posting it.
After a friend berated me today for not blogging for over a week, I have decided to succumb to the pressure ... so, Andrew - this one's for you! :-)

It's 20.5cm x 16cm and is 1.5cm in depth.
I made it for my parents kitchen to use as a pot stand but they use it as a decoration instead!

I have been busy making things for PIFs that I am so terribly behind with so I can't post them until they've been 'posted' and received!

Mother's Day Card

2010-03-14T14:16:00.003Z

Today, in the UK, is Mother's Day. Here is the card that I made for my Mum.
The top photo is more of a true representation of the colours.
It's contrasting card with a ribbon on the left.

The flower is drawn using my favourite Uni-Pin fineliners. It's coloured using Derwent Studio Pencils.

Another Doodle and a celebration

2010-03-11T18:28:00.003Z

I'm ever so behind visiting my favourite blogs.
I dropped by Beez in the Belfry today and saw that I've won a Tangle Book!
Sandy's site is great. She is an accomplished Zentangler and I have learnt many of the Zens from visiting her site.
I have recommended her to fellow Milliande folk but I, regretfully, think I've neglected to do so here.
Please visit her site. Her Zens are fantastic and she takes the art to a whole other level.

In the meantime, here's another doodle (Zen based) that I have done for DoodleDay.
All doodles for submission are to be A5.

Please see my earlier post if you would like to visit their site to see some celebrity doodles!

The Community Patch Project

2010-03-08T18:26:00.003Z

I briefly mentioned a 'patch' on my 23rd Feb post.

In York there is a Community Quilt Project. People from all over the city have been making and contributing patches to make one, large community quilt which will be displayed in the Quilt Museum

Here is a photograph (kindly taken by Andrew from the craft group I attend) of the patch that I made.
Andrew has also set up a flickr page (click here) showing all of the patches created by our group.

I can't wait to see the whole quilt. I'll post photos when it is in the museum :-)

Happy National Doodle Day

2010-03-05T16:59:00.000Z

Today is National Doodle Day. This is a fantastic charity event to raise money for people who suffer with epilepsy and neurofibromatosis.
Many celebs/famous sports stars, musicians, actors/actresses etc have donated doodles for auction.
Please see the site - bidding started today.

http://www.nationaldoodleday.org.uk/

For a donation you can submit a doodle on A5 - here's mine :-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Thing of Beauty

2010-03-03T16:58:00.000Z

Firstly, This is a trial. I've downloaded a new app to see if I can blog on the move (though when I will use it I'm not sure ... arting & cycling at the same time is something I don't think is achievable!

So, here is my thing of beauty as documented with my phone camera ... 72 Derwent Studio Pencils. Every colour I could ever desire!
:-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Kirk View,York,United Kingdom

TAD 2010 Finished!

2010-02-28T13:02:00.004Z

Yay!

I created and posted everyday to the TAD site.

Here are the posts from the last few days: All things feathery and Zen.

Floaty Feathery Leaves

2010-02-25T18:37:00.003Z

I've still managed to post daily to TAD - Yay!

http://bubblemunch.posterous.com/

Only 3 more posts to go and then back to some form of normality!
It has kick-started my arty self so I should be posting fairly regularly :-)

Four more Spring Flowers

2010-02-23T18:45:00.004Z

More bright flowers ... waiting for Spring! These four will be separated and used individually for cards. I will eventually Do a 'proper' group of four for framing ... and then, more than likely, an extra large single one. Uni Pin fineliners, Winsor & Newton watercolours, too-old - at the end of the bottle masking fluid(!) 9cm x 9cm I am SO blummin' fed up of not having my own technology. I miss my scanner ... until then ever so slightly blurred and crooked photos from my camera :-(
PS yesterday's TAD is posted on the TAD website. It's the start of a patch (more about that later when it's all finished) ♥ Sarah

TAD day 21 Gran is 81

2010-02-21T14:42:00.004Z

Today is my Gran's 81st Birthday!

She is a very difficult lady to buy for. She loves watching films but has a squillion dvds and subscribes to Sky Movies so there isn't anything she hasn't seen!

She does love cards though so I enjoyed making this (the photo is of the drawing but I forgot to photograph the completed card ... in a rush!)
Drawn with Uni Pit fineliners and painted with Winsor and Newton watercolours. Image is 9cm x 9cm.

My gift is the opportunity to dress up a little and go for 'High Tea' at Bettys Tea Rooms It won't be for another couple of weeks as she is going into hospital for an eye operation so hopefully by then she'll be feeling fit enough to enjoy herself :-)

TAD day 20 Triple 3

2010-02-20T18:35:00.004Z

Yay!
All 9 finished and complete!

They are in their new home - a little oak hinged frame that I bought second-hand from the British Heart Foundation shop. This is the purpose for which these 2.5 inches x 2 inches (6.35cm x 5.8cm) mini Zens were made.

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-20-nine-of-nine

TAD 18 & 19 Two more BubbleZens

2010-02-19T19:52:00.002Z

Busy week! Still doing TAD every day. Been to a craft group (more about that on another day!) and Yoga. Volunteering at BHF too. Also making a card for Gran's 81st Birthday (Ill post that on Sunday!) Here are two more BubbleZens ... only 1 more to go until the 9 are complete!

TAD days 16 & 17 (5 & 6 of 9)

2010-02-17T18:56:00.002Z

Can a title get much more boring?! Five and Six of my series of nine.

TAD 14 & 15 (three & four of 9)

2010-02-15T21:21:00.002Z

Here are the third and fourth of my 'BubbleZens'. I am keeping creating every day but, to be perfectly honest, am finding TAD very time consuming. The creating is great and the challenge to create daily keeps me motivated, but posting to the TAD site/blog and looking at everyone's work takes hours (as of this evening there are 300 pages so far!) ... so now I am just focusing on achieving my personal aim to create every day this month.

TAD day 13 two of nine

2010-02-13T16:51:00.004Z

Here's another! I'll be doing these everyday until I've reached all nine!

TAD 12 one of nine

2010-02-12T22:22:00.003Z

Started a little project.

These are my 'BubbleZens'

There will be 9.
They will all be 2.5 inches x 2 inches (6.35cm x 5.8cm

I'm drawing on watercolour paper in case I decide to add any colour.

Gaudi Earrings and Bracelet TAD days 10 & 11

2010-02-11T23:04:00.005Z

Yesterday I made some Earrings to complement my Gaudi Memory ring.

Today I made a Memory Wire Gaudi Bracelet with heart droplets on each end.

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-10-gaudi-earrings

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-11-gaudi-bracelet

Bracelet and Ickle Pouch TAD 8 & 9

2010-02-09T18:05:00.003Z

Trying to keep up with life and TAD and blogging is proving to be a challenge!
However, so far, I'm managing to create and post to TAD every day :-)

Yesterday I made a simple little bracelet with blue tiger wire, crimps and a selection of beads - it's to wear with my jeans!!

Today I attacked my felt again and made yet another pouch/case. This time it's for my personal earphones to stop them getting tangled up in my bag.

Soon everything will have a felt pouch - it's becoming an addiction, a compulsion! ;-)

This is my favourite so far :-)

(Sorry the photos aren't the greatest, it's either a slow shutter or a flash!)

I put in an eyelet so I could add a cord in case I want to attach the case to anything ..... perhaps I should attach all of my felt pouches together in a felt pouch train!

I plaited 3 different cords together in pink, yellow and orange and couldn't believe when I was rifling through my bits and bobs that I had the perfect bead to complement it!

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-8-bracelet
http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-9-ear-phone-pouch

TAD day 7 - card

2010-02-07T15:19:00.002Z

An easy card (well ... Sunday is a day of rest!)

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-7-greetings-card

TAD days 5 & 6 iPhone Case & cheesecake

2010-02-06T20:39:00.004Z

Hey everyone. I was too exhausted and, quite frankly, at the end of my tether by the time I'd posted my 'Thing-a-Day' last night so I didn't post here. I made a case for my iPhone. I did it with double felt layers for added protection. The photos are of the front and back.

Today's TAD was cooking a meal for Mum and Dad. The photo is of desert - Tiramisu cheesecake. (See the link to the TAD site for details and recipe) The photo isn't great as it was taken hurriedly with my mobile (as my camera battery was flat).

My Gran, who is going to be 81 in a fortnight, loves chick flicks and lent me some DVDs. (I think she knows I suffer with my Mum's TV tastes!!!)
Watched 'Failure to Launch' this evening ... I confess that it wouldn't normally be my cup of tea but I was so relaxed and zoned out watching it - cool! Good ol' Gran!

There are 357 contributers to this year's TAD - it's actually getting impossible to keep up with everyone's posts and to comment. 129 pages of posts as of today & it's only day 6!

http://thing-a-day.com/tad-day-6-tiramisu-cheesecake

http://bubblemunch.posterous.com/tad-day-5-iphone-case-0

Little Nano case TAD

2010-02-04T21:22:00.005Z

Another busy, stressful day but fruitful! After a busy morning, I walked into town and went to the craft shop (Craft Basics, York) and bought some felt for my next few little projects. I'm determined, no matter what, to keep up with meeting my target of making something everyday. As well as making this kitsch little case for my Nano, I've arranged to start a craft group and a yoga group at 'Our Celebration' in York. It's an amazing facility. I visited for the first time this morning. I'm thankful that such a place exists.

I really miss my old craft space so it is great to find a place with a room for creating with like-minded people ... happy crafters together!

I sometimes wish I could share more with you, but I feel you all with me every step I take.
All of this really keeps me going - I wish I could let you know how much it all means. Thank you for dropping by when you do and thanks for the inspiration and joy your creativity brings when I drop by your sites!
:-)

My TAD post

Going Gaudi

2010-02-03T21:02:00.003Z

Thing a day
Day 3

So I don't lose my keys (I am good at doing that ... or leaving them somewhere!)
And a matching memory wire ring.
Trying to achieve a cool, sixties, happenin' hippy chick look!! ;-) will wear with my frayed jeans and wedge sandals.

Thing a day link

♥

TAD day 2

2010-02-02T19:22:00.005Z

Blimeries ... I don't know if I'm coming or going!

TAD is fully underway and I'm exhausted just trying to keep up with everyone's contributions but it's great fun and it's certainly got my creative cogs whirring (which can only be good!)

Things are a bit hectic at the moment but I want to start as I mean to go on ... that means doing something every day and trying to keep up with this blog and all my favourite blogs.

Today's TAD post: http://post.ly/LpVb
Yesterday's TAD post: http://post.ly/Lf8V

PS Don't know if I'll manage to get my head around the TAD posting - post to TAD main site as well as own related blog space. Comments don't carry over from one to the other!

The start of Thing-a-day ... Housekeeping

2010-02-01T11:34:00.002Z

Thing a Day has started. I'm all registered and up and running.
If you're not familiar with Thing-a-day, click on the link in my previous post to visit their site.

This year we all have blogs registered through Posterous.

Here's mine. http://bubblemunch.posterous.com/

I'll be posting, hopefully, every day there and will try and organise myself to post here too!
Here's to the kickstart of my artsy year!

Thing- a- Day 2010

2010-01-27T14:04:00.004Z

I've registered with this year's Thing-a-Day
I managed to participate every day last February so my goal is to achieve the same.

I've spent the last few weeks collecting/ordering supplies to ensure that I have plenty to keep me busy!

I've ordered some new Uni Pin fineliners from Cult Pens They have a great range at great prices and P&P is free when you spend £10 or more.

I've got lots of other things and have been gathering ideas.

So exciting!! Fingers crossed it will kick-start my arty-self for 2010!

Good luck to everyone else who signs up ... can't wait to see everyone's gorgeous creations :-)

Recycling pt 1

2010-01-14T19:02:00.004Z

Here is the first of two posts about recycling for art's sake.

I have got a box of Mini Moo cards with my old address on and now I'm putting them to good use to make cards.

Here's one made from sea scenes.

The first is a Humpback whale diving under at Kaikoura, NZ taken April 2007
The second is of the cobble ridge at Northam Burrows, North Devon taken Dec 2008
The third is surfers at dusk in St Ives, Cornwall taken August 2009.

First post 2010!

2010-01-09T18:40:00.003Z

Dear all,

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

Thank you for being patient with me :-)

I'm trying to give myself an artsy kick up the bum! I'm hoping that the start of 'Thing-a-Day' will do the trick.
For those not in the know, Thing-a-Day is an annual challenge for February where you are challenged to create something different every day. I joined the 2009 challenge and loved it.

The card above is a New Year card that I would also like to share with all of my special arty friends.
(I hope the Japanese at the bottom reads correctly. It should say 'Chrysanthemum').

You lovely people

2009-11-17T19:56:00.003Z

Dear all,

A big, warm Thankyou for your kind thoughts and messages. I can't tell you how heart lifting they were.

I'll try to resume 'normal' posting soon. I was discharged 3 weeks ago and my parents whisked me back to stay with them in York. I'm going to see how my Mum's scanner works and then I'll be able to post something properly! I haven't had much opportunity to be arty but I did make some little envelopes and draw some zentangles. I have been quite shaky so they've been a challenge sometimes (and as for my nail polishing ... well doesn't bare thinking about!)

I'll be visiting all of your sites soon - YAY! :-)

Thank you once again.
With love and hugs all round!
Sarah

Away for a while

2009-09-19T23:13:00.002+01:00

I just wanted to quickly apologise to visitors and bloggy and arty friends about my absence.

I've been unwell for a little while and have been admitted to hospital so cannot blog.

Missing 'visiting' you all.

Sarah

If you love Encaustic Art ....

2009-09-06T23:13:00.007+01:00

Kelly Biggs is an artist from Hampshire.

This gives her lots of natural inspiration to draw upon when creating as she's close to the sea and to the mystical New Forest.

I've seen encaustic art but never quite like this. It took my breath away the first time I saw it. The colours are so jewel like. The forms created on the paper show depth, texture and movement.

It reminds me of being in the most beautiful, deep, undiscovered cave filled with crystalline forms.

Stop and Stare

Dazzle

Check out her site to see her amazing work.

http://encaustica.web.officelive.com

Kelly has kindly allowed me to post these photos here.

I'm so glad to be able to share them with you.

PS Kelly is also selling off some of her original works on ebay (there's a link on her site)

Rhonda. The Philosopher Artist

2009-09-04T21:12:00.004+01:00

I can post this now as I know it has arrived safely in the hands of Rhonda.

Rhonda generously had a giveaway on her blog in May for one of her photograhs. I was a lucky recipient and received my choice (and the choosing was difficult!) which I posted about on 22nd June.

I sent a reciprocal gift of a Zendala. I based it on a lot of the elements of the Zendala that I made that hangs in my living room as that is the room I have chosen to host Rhonda's photograph. The Zendala is enriched with copper acrylic.

Check out Rhonda's site here. If you click on her profile you will see that she has several sites and is a member of EDM and Milliande.

Jodi. The Creative Jar

2009-09-03T21:23:00.006+01:00

Back in May I blogged that I had received a PIF from Jodi (The Creative JAR)

It was pop art on plywood.

I gather that Jodi is fond of recyclables and reusables so I sent, in return, a zentangled 'repurposed' piece of packing board which I entitled 'Nailed and Mailed'. I also sent the first in my 'Klumsy' Series of ATCs.

Here's her posting. Please check out the rest of her site - it's cool.

Thank you EWian

2009-08-24T23:09:00.003+01:00

EWian is a generous hearted arty soul who recently asked for ideas for journaling prompts.

It was so much fun to read the ideas from everyone else and to contribute to, what is now, a fantastic inspirational resource. In return for offering an idea, EWian hosted a giveaway of arty goodies. I count myself doubly lucky - not only do I have access to a whole list of ideas (click here for the original post) but I won!

My luck was a surprise as we have had a lot of misfortune recently (I'll not bore everyone with details) so it felt as if a curse was beginning to lift a little. So thank you to EWian for being so lovely and for helping me to find a genuine smile :-)

More Stitched Mono Metallics

2009-08-06T23:35:00.004+01:00

A couple more ATCs from this series.

I've been doing a lot of zentangling again. Calming and relaxing. I find it so therapeutic.

PMC Level 1 MCSJ

2009-08-04T20:49:00.003+01:00

I've just spent too long trying to take photos of the silver (without much success!) so this is it, the one photo! They're all too bright or blurred!

I made everything in the photo (heart charm, shell charm, bead, rolled leaf bead, 2 pendants and 2 pairs of earrings). We even learnt how to draw sterling silver wire and make our own earring hooks.

Had a fantastic time. Precious metal clay is such a great invention. For those of you who do not know what it is ... it is PURE SILVER! If it were to be hallmarked it would be 999 parts per thousand (sterling silver is 925). It is micro particles of pure silver mixed with water and an organic (plant fibre) binder to create a clay. You work it like clay. You leave it to dry completely so all water is evaporated, then fire to burn away the binder and to sinter the metal. Then you're left with your silver piece ready to polish up.

The course was brilliant. The tutor, Lisa Cain, is so talented and knowledgeable. Given her level of expertise, her ability to give us all confidence and encouragement as beginners is a skill in itself! She has such enthusiasm. The Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery has a great studio with lots of space, light and tools. I intend to practice and then go back for the next level.

We stayed at The Old Quay House in Fowey and on our second night had a room overlooking the estuary.

Before I go!

2009-07-31T00:28:00.003+01:00

We're heading away for a few days. Not far, only to Cornwall (the next county!) but I'll miss catching up on blogging.

I will be doing things arty and crafty though ... I will be doing a PMC silver course at The mid Cornwall School of Jewellery. I'll be doing a level 1 diploma. I'm excited (and nervous). PMC is something that I've been interested in for a few years (I got my first kit about 5 years ago) but have never had instruction about how to use it properly.

I'll post more when I get back.

In the meantime - here's a couple of ATCs for a new series of cards I'm working on with the long title of 'Stitched Mono Metallics'

Butterflies and Bees at Docton Mill

2009-07-28T23:33:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we made the most of the sunshine and went to Docton Mill Tearooms.

Docton Mill has beautiful gardens and is near Hartland, North Devon.

The journey to it is via some rather typical Devon roads (ie winding with many blind corners and hair pin bends, single lane (with passing spaces few and far between), high hedgerows at the sides of the roads and grass and weeds growing in the middle!) At least these ones don't have the added complication of steep hills as well!

I took lots of photos of the winged creatures and flowers. Here are a few.

(Camera Canon EOS 450D with Tamron 18-200mm lens)

First Blogiversary!

2009-07-26T23:48:00.003+01:00

Oh my goodness me ... this flew past.

I should have celebrated on 16th July! I actually painted the above picture (for a card) on that day so somewhere in my heart I had some arty joy!

My life has taken so many twists and turns over the last year, ups and downs ... but blogging has been a constant. I've met so many lovely, lovely people and have had my eyes, mind and soul given the best arty food you could ask for. Thanks to all.

I'm on Margaret's site!

2009-07-25T22:56:00.004+01:00

I feel a little taste of fame!

I am honoured to have my ATCs on Margaret's website. I'm so pleased that she likes the cards I made for my very first ATC swap! These are two of the three ATCs that I made.

This is the link to Margaret's 'Thankful Thursday'

I am thankful to Margaret for offering me my first ATC swap (what I hope will be my first swap of many!)

http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/07/thankful-thursday6_22.html

Posty gifts from Margaret

2009-07-19T19:34:00.004+01:00

Margaret, an artist from Arizona, kindly offered to do an ATC swap. I nervously accepted (Margaret's good!!)

These stunning cards arrived for me from Arizona - complete with a decorated envelope, greetings card and sticker.

Her blog is a beautiful place to visit and her flickr pages are somewhere to get completely lost in ... so many exquisite, detailed and imaginative ATCs to gaze at (in awe!)

This scan doesn't do them justice. Visit her site for the real thing!

Posty gifts from Fadwa

2009-07-18T22:24:00.002+01:00

These are the goodies that arrived in the post for me from Fadwa.

United Arab Emirates stamps, my name in Arabic (now clipped above my computer underneath my piece from Jodi) and pages from an Egyptian Literary newspaper. Ooh, and a Mini Moo card featuring one of Fadwa's journal pages.

I'm looking forward to creating a collaged journal page (or two!) using these bits.

Thanks Fadwa!

Posty gifts from Debbie

2009-07-16T21:11:00.003+01:00

Last week it was as if I had a Birthday!

I had 3 lots of lovely International posty Surprises arrive! :-)

This first is from Debbie in New Zealand. A bundle of papers and bits and bobs, handmade cards and envelopes, a 'tragic fashion couple' and some leather with a Maori design (I am considering trying to stitch in some watercolour paper to make it into a little booklet)

Thanks Debbie!

There was also post from Fadwa and Margaret ... I will post later!

I've had a busy week painting cards, volunteering and cake making (gooey chocolate fudge cake and banoffee pie ... none for me!) I'm hoping to try and paint a fly design tomorrow.

EDM 125 Draw a Bird

2009-07-12T19:43:00.005+01:00

This is an EDM challenge I never thought that I would do.

The colours of Kingfishers are so beautiful and vivid I just had to attempt to draw one.

Painted in watercolours in my large (21x13cm) Watercolour Moleskine Notebook.

Friday Fly #1

2009-07-10T20:34:00.004+01:00

This is my new feature!

Let me explain ...

The lovely EWian is asking for ideas and inspiration for art journaling. This has fired up my imagination (although I have yet to put it into practice myself!) and I have made some suggestions already. Pop over to her blog and make a suggestion yourself - not only may you have the chance of winning her generous giveaway but you will get some great ideas from lots of different people for journal prompts.

This will be my next one ...

Go to the Charity shop/Thrift Store!

There are some amazing finds to be had in the book section. Some even sell old patterns that are great for collaging or buttons.

Not only will you find some great material for your art projects but you will be helping someone out there too.

I've recently started to volunteer at my local Sue Ryder charity shop. We get some really great stuff come through the door. Some of the books are so unusual and amazing value.

I have bought one that has been sitting around for a little while on Fly Fishing Patterns.

I have never fished (nor will I) but the fly designs are beautiful.

I will try and draw one each week and post it on a Friday.

Those times that I don't, I'll try and post a scanned one for inspiration for everyone else!

I'm scanning the first one from the book as it's too late to get one drawn and posted tonight (I'm not a quick painter, more of a slow, steady, leisurely one!)

The picture is of a Barracuda Streamer

Please use this as the basis of a journal page, painting, sketch or ATC.

I would love to see some!

Dad's Birthday

2009-07-09T22:34:00.004+01:00

Happy Birthday Dad!

DL card. Watercolours.

Weekend Wordle 4

2009-06-28T22:25:00.005+01:00

All about Windsurfing!

My weekend has been consumed by this! We had our first 'taster' session last weekend and promptly signed up for a course. So we were windsurfing yesterday and today and are going next Saturday and Sunday too. We're learning at Upper Tamar Lake, near Bude, North Cornwall.

We went to Braunton, North Devon yesterday and bought summer wetsuits. We met a surf 'legend' Andy Shollick (although I didn't find this out until afterwards!) at Second Skin. Such a genuinely helpful and enthusiastic man. Having tried on wetsuits at other surf shops, this was such a different experience - true customer service.

Hopefully, my art will be inspired by the water and wind and take another new direction ;-)

http://www.wordle.net/

My lovely dish!

2009-06-26T18:39:00.002+01:00

Well, here it is. The dish that I made last term at pottery!

I glazed it 2 weeks ago and collected it yesterday and am so happy with it!

It's a white glaze with a transparent green glaze on top.

I call it my shell dish as it will house my local beach finds.

Sunny Flowers 2

2009-06-25T22:19:00.004+01:00

Some more Sunny Flower ATCs.

All drawn with Uni Pin fineliners. All coloured with Faber-Castell Pitt Pens. The background of the top card is painted with Liquitex acrylic iridescent copper.

I think the white background is a little too stark on the other two cards so I might paint them.

I picked up my glazed pieces from pottery today. I'll post pics tomorrow. I'm really pleased with my shell dish.

Been trying to keep fitness up for windsurfing (so lots of walking and going on the treadmill and rowing machine).

Thank you Rhonda

2009-06-22T15:47:00.004+01:00

This might seem bizarre. I had an odd dream last night about someone I have never met called Rhonda. I have an image of what Rhonda looks like from her profile photo on her blog. In my dream I was staying at her house and she had a library of art books that I was overwhelmed with. In my dream, she was wearing a dark suit and looked very professional, someone I wanted to learn from, and at the same time was very warm and giving.

This dream is obviously related to two things:

1. I won a giveaway that Rhonda had

2. On Rhonda's site she has been talking about her most recent art book purchase - An Illustrated Life.

Slightly more bizarre is that the gift that I had won arrived this morning! A premonition perhaps?!

So, the above is a photograph of a photograph! Rhonda went to the trouble of going to the print shop and getting this done for me and it arrived mounted, ready to frame.

I am SO happy with it! This will go in my living room.

I was given the option to choose any of Rhonda's prints from

http://www.thephilosopherartist.com

Click on the photography section to see how difficult it was to choose!

Thank you Rhonda for such a great gift.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T11:12:00.003+01:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

Weekend Wordle 3

2009-06-20T20:51:00.003+01:00

Here's my Wordle for the week. I've been plenty busy and have done things that I've never done (windsurfing) or that I haven't done for a long time (swimming).

I've found time to art as well and visited some galleries. It's North Devon Art Trek this weekend and next weekend. I met Allison Nicholson at 14 The Gallery, Great Torrington. Allison is a textile artist and her canvases are great - so intricate, detailed and layered. She uses a lot of 'found' materials and it was a real pleasure to chat with her and see her work in progress. She will be hosting a workshop at Pilton College, Barnstaple in October so I'm planning to sign up for that!

I've kept my personal journal everyday (hence its huge presence in the wordle) so I'm pleased with that.

Sunflowers

2009-06-17T08:39:00.003+01:00

I was asked to make a Get Well card for my partner's work colleague.

Here's the watercolour I did for the card.

I finished it last night and added my 'trademark' metallic threads with beads after mounting it on some 'yolk' coloured card before gluing to the A4 size card.

Ooh - best crack on. Am going to work today in the local Sue Ryder shop ... nervous as!

Mum and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-13T23:25:00.003+01:00

Mum and Dad will have been married 40 years on Sunday 14th June 2009. As we don't live near to celebrate the occasion with them, we sent a standard rose for their gift.

I painted a card in watercolour to mark the day. They've been through many ups and downs in life but have remained strong together throughout. Despite the fact that, geographically, I have moved further and further away over the years; we have become closer with time.

Happy 40th Anniversary Mum and Dad!

(And as if to celebrate - a local half marathon (between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy) is being run tomorrow called the Ruby Run! Sponsored by my favourite supermarket Waitrose!!! :-)

Sunny Flowers 1

2009-06-12T21:25:00.005+01:00

Here are some of the series of ATCs that I am working on. I've really enjoyed doing these and think I will be making lots in lots of colours!

These are all drawn using Uni Pin Fineliners. They've taken over as my firm favourite black pens from Faber Castell because of the many different nib sizes. Here I've used 0.2 and 0.05. They're fade proof and water proof pigment pens. (I did use my FC Brown fineliner for the middle card).

Coloured with watercolour paints.

Today I also bought a Reeves A5 sketchbook with customisable cover. I'm going to use this for a journal purely for 'personal' use so its contents will hardly ever show up on my blog. I'm going to be using it to monitor my wellness/illness in an illustrative way.

This will hopefully:

a) Help me to do self monitoring and self managing more effectively &

b) Do something little everyday in an arty/imaginative way.

Hello again

2009-06-11T22:05:00.003+01:00

Sorry I've been 'absent' for a while.

Over the last few days I have been arting again.

I'm working on a series of ATCs. I also started back at pottery again last week.

I started to make a vase which I finished today. my items from last term have been biscuit fired so I've been able to glaze them today. Hopefully they'll be ready to bring home within the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime here's some pics of my little vase pre-glazing.

Weekend Wordle 2

2009-06-01T09:36:00.004+01:00

Weekend Wordle 1

2009-05-23T23:36:00.005+01:00

I might make these a feature!!

This one is of just a few words to represent my week.

Look out for themes over coming weeks!

Visit http://www.wordle.net/ to create your own!

In the words of Haircut One Hundred: Fantastic Day!

2009-05-23T23:17:00.003+01:00

Have been chillaxing. Went to the beach this afternoon at high tide. Walked to the other side of the estuary and sat by watching ships, yachts and speed boats make the most of it (usually the channel is so thin at low tide). Walked back round over the sand dunes and headland. Loved getting splashed on the rocks :-)

Debbie's Envelope

2009-05-22T22:19:00.003+01:00

Mistress Debrina had the most wonderful idea to promote 'snail mail' and asked people to art mail her.

This comprises of mailing something in a decorated envelope. Here's the link to Debbie's blog

http://mistressdebrina.blogspot.com/

Above are the images of the front and back of the envelope I decorated for her.

Zentangled Beach Stone

2009-05-22T11:39:00.003+01:00

Picked this stone up on Sunday at The Burrows.

Zentangled it in the week. Now sitting on the ledge next my paua shell.

Looks really cool from a distance!

NB Edited 22/5/09 20:48.

Woo ~ now I know that Debbie has received her ATC I'll post it! (see purple Zentangle above!)

For Fadwa

2009-05-20T20:10:00.006+01:00

I'm starting to work on the first of my PIFs ... yay!

I've sent off my first reciprocal gift to say Thank you to Fadwa for her lovely calligraphy of my name in arabic.

I'm hoping this is safe to blog now as it's a week since it went snail mail (and Royal Mail reckons delivery within 5 working days).

I'm quite pleased with the Zendala. I wanted to use warm colours. It's the first Zendala that I've incorporated one of my flowers into.

I also took the opportunity to make my first ATC .... look out for some more soon!

Tulips

2009-05-19T12:32:00.005+01:00

As you can see (right), I've discovered Twitter and am trying to stave off an addiction ;-)

I'm trying to be disciplined and paint and catch up with blogging in between.

My sleep is shot to pieces at the moment so I am also trying to stay awake!

Anyway, although we've had some downpours here today and the builders are getting on my nerves; the sun is peeping out for good periods of time, the clouds are changing and moving, and I've swallowed back some vitriol and taken some chocolate rice crispie cake thingies to said builders (thought it would make a nice change for them from my usual disapproving scowls ... plus we made too many last night so plenty to share around!)

Oh, and the main point here is to post the above watercolour.

Painted on Langton Rough 140lb. Size of image approx 17cm x 15cm.

(Just discovered that this week's EDM (224) is to draw a jug or pitcher - job just done!!)

MONEY OFF AT MOO!

2009-05-17T12:49:00.003+01:00

Psst...

Here's a little something I'd like to share with you ...

If you've never heard of MOO - you're in for a treat.

If you want to try their products (they do cool stickers, mini cards, business cards, postcards and more) they are offering 20% off your first MOO product.

http://uk.moo.com

It's a cool site and it has some great ideas on it too.

The code you need to quote is N8EY8G

Please, if asked, say it was me who gave you the code (bubblemunch@mac.com)

I love my mini Moos. It's so easy to upload your pics and choose 100 different images for 100 different cards if you want!!

I'm about to order some more goodies, but as I'm not a newbie I don't get to have the discount :-(

So make the most of the opportunity! (Careful though - they're addictive!)

Happy Shopperin'!!!

Botanical Illustration Taster. Buttercups.

2009-05-15T19:13:00.005+01:00

This Tuesday I attended a 'taster' session at our local Arts Centre for Botanical Illustration.

I absolutely love anything to do with nature so I was really looking forward to this (despite my fear of drawing)

Lin, who took the class, was great and very encouraging of all of us. We couldn't go outside to do any drawings as it was blowing a gale. We had some specimens inside to try and sketch and stuck them to paper. I tried some buttercups. The session was 3 hours and the time whizzed past. Lin's hoping to run classes alongside a drawing class in the autumn .... fingers crossed! I certainly need the practice and don't have the discipline on my own at home. I am very good at avoiding!!

Thank You Jodi

2009-05-12T20:58:00.004+01:00

Today I received a lovely gift through my letterbox. Mail never gets this good!!

This is a first of many firsts -

My first snail mail 'Pay it Forward'
My first mail from Nashville
My first piece of work from an artist who I admire that I've not had to pay cash for
My first pop art
My first art on wood

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Please visit Jodi's site: http://thecreativejar.blogspot.com/

She makes lovely paint chip flowers among other paintings, collages etc and this week she has a sale so you get a free print with every purchase.

The artwork I received is pictured above nestling between my lino cuts. It's a great inspiration for me to look up at. (The other is a pic of my newly tidied art space ... for once a purposeful use of my excess energy .... saying that the work surface is cluttered right now (as you can see) as I've started my own PIFs!!)

I had a 'taster' session of botanical illustration today. I'll post the results of that separately tomorrow (or maybe Thurs!)

Joseph's 18th Birthday.

2009-05-10T02:04:00.009+01:00

This is to celebrate as he embraces becoming a full adult (although I understand that he's been practising for the role for some time now!)

I am very lucky that when Joseph was young he wrote many cards and letters. I have had a great deal of joy going through the mail and my collection of photos of all ages this evening and choosing which to post (so as not to embarrass either of us too much). I've shed a tear or two with sentiment and laughter.

Joe's currently at York Sixth Form College. His A levels will be over soon ... so here are some memories of the simpler days!

Photo 1. Jamie (in the middle) looks to be around a year old. So this would make it around the beginning of 1998, making Joseph around 6 and a half. Jess would be 5.
Photo 2. Joseph and I at the beach at Fawley (nr Hythe, Hampshire) with the Isle of Wight across the water. This could have been the summer of 1999 (making Joseph 8 and me 29)
A drawing sent just after his 6th Birthday in 1997
A letter sent June 1999 (when Joe was 8)
Photo 3 is of Joe with Jess (from facebook) and was taken at Jess's 16th Birthday.
The last picture is the design for Joseph's card (didn't think he'd appreciate my usual watercolour flowers!)

Click for clearer views.

Distracted

2009-05-05T21:09:00.002+01:00

I have every intention, eventually (honestly) of trying out some more art journaling and trying to sketch/paint some of the scenes and flowers from my recent jaunts but I am becoming ever so slightly taken with Zentangling. My Faber Castell Artist Pitt pens are getting a good work out at the moment.

This one is 15cm diameter and does have watercolour in there so maybe that counts as me getting back to some painting!

My "Passion For Painting" Award

2009-05-04T21:59:00.008+01:00

Two weeks ago, the lovely Aveen passed on this award to me.

The rules of this award are to:
List 7 things you love
Put a link to the artist who tagged you for this honor

Pass the honor on to seven artists you feel should receive the recognition, and let them know they have received this award.

Please click on Aveen's name above to visit her site - it's well worth it as she has a quirky sense of humour and a broad spectrum of artistic talent.

Seven of the things I love are as follows:

PAINTING! Through receiving this award and posting it today... I've just realised that I first started to use watercolours exactly one year ago - May 2008. I was recovering from a long illness and looked for something to fill my time. I knew I enjoyed crafting but had never tried painting. Here I am one year later - still trying, still learning and
still enjoying! I'm slowly changing over my Cotman paints to artists quality.

The South Island of New Zealand. The people are so warm and friendly, the climate so temperate, the scenery is jaw droppingly beautiful and I could gush about it all night long. Wonderful flora and fauna. Particularly love the Canterbury region. Christchurch is a great city (fantastic Arts Centre and market!, great gallery). But the show stopper is the little town of Akaroa with it's French influence and Hector's dolphins.

Flowers. Even those most people consider as weeds. If it has colour and petals I'm loving it! Seeing the lawns burst into life with daisies brings a smile. The scent of roses, freesias, sweet peas. The different shapes and sizes. Blossom on trees. OOOoooh!

Shells and all things beachy. I love to beachcomb. We're very lucky now that we've moved to North Devon in that we have different beaches to choose from. Long stretches of sand, little bays, great surf (not that I can surf!), and rocky coves. I love the look and feel of shells.

The blog Community. Since discovering blogging last August I have 'met' some fantastic people. The blogging community is so sharing of work, the process of art and generosity of feedback. I belong to art communities which I dip in and out of but know that everyone is always welcome. I am humbled to receive compliments and encouragement from others and love to see everyone else's work.

My camera (Canon EOS 450D). Alan bought me this for my Birthday. It allows me the freedom to really experiment with photography and take photos of things to inspire my painting. I'm hoping to take a photography class (as it's all a foreign language to me!)

Oh no ... do I choose the Nintendo Wii fit, my scanner, my iMac, the Sky+ ................ ? I think it will have to be the arts and crafts courses available locally. (Although I here rumour that this may change next year as the Government wishes to focus on literacy and numeracy skills for adults). I have been able to practice beaded jewellery and try pottery and there are others to choose from. I'm hoping to do (alongside photography) a continuation of pottery and a day of Precious Metal Clay (silver) jewellery.

The 7 people I am passing on this award to are:

Milly
Kim
Claire
Jodi
Fadwa
Mitzi
Debbie

Please visit these sites. It was difficult to choose just seven people so, if you have browsing time, check out other sites I follow!

Thanks again to Aveen!

PS I've had great difficulty with Blogger this evening ... not doing what I want with fonts, bullets, size, spacing etc. It's not letting me edit it either so pls forgive typos/layout etc!

A bit lacking

2009-05-02T01:04:00.005+01:00

For various reasons I have been behind with blogging and being arty. I'm still taking time to look at the beautiful works of others which bring joy to my day.

Thursday evening, Alan persuaded me to frame some of my watercolours as nothing of mine hangs anywhere in our house ... so here are some pics. The originals are here and here

I will get back to painting/doodling soon I hope.

Can I ask a favour from any 'Pay it forward' winners (see here) - I'd be ever so grateful if you could forward me a link to your own pay it forward on your site with your address details so that when you've posted I can start working on something for you all... and then send it snail mail!!

I still haven't decided what I will do but it will be handmade and created from my heart. I love being in this community; so thanks to you all.

The random winner is Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff...

Be back soon.

Thanks for your visits.

Thank you to Fadwa

2009-04-21T20:05:00.003+01:00

A quick blog entry to say

THANK YOU

to Gypsy who has made a personal piece for me.

I would love to share it please click here to see it.

Check out Fadwa's other art works, journal pages and beautiful writing.

North Cyprus (1)

2009-04-20T22:54:00.004+01:00

I'm back!!

We got back early hours of this morning.

I don't anticipate being very organised this week in terms of blogging, art (or anything else probably!) Laundering of walking socks is a priority!

We saw some wonderful scenes scrambling up rocky mountains, ridge walking, forest marching. Approx 15-17km per day. We spent evenings by the harbour enjoying the Turkish Cypriot cuisine.

My favourite meals though were the ones homemade for our walking lunches by Mustafa.

Here are a couple of mountain views and the aforementioned Mustafa catching up with friends to play a quick game of Backgammon in Bellapais at the end of a forest trek. (Mustafa is on the right in his blue hat)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T20:12:00.006+01:00

Dear visitors,

I'm going to be 'properly' away for the first time since I started my blog!!!

We're going to North Cyprus for a Walking Holiday.

I am SO looking forward to this!!

Lots of different scenery and wildflowers!

This will be my last post until the week of 20th April (probably middle of that week!)

I'm hoping to get lots of beautiful photographs and some inspiration for different watercolour flowers.

We'll be walking around 15-18 km per day so not much time for sketching.

Definite winners for my free "Pay It Forward" Giveaway are:

Bonny
Mary
Cecilia
Margaret Ann
Shelly McC
Freebird
Gina
Bettina Makley
Debbie (The Governess)

There is still a 'lucky dip' place open until 20th April so please leave a comment here if you would like to participate!

I will contact everyone above for addresses for me to send a goodie!

(Pls note that this will only apply if you are willing to participate in your own 'forward it on' in the spirit of the giveaway. Let me know if this is not possible.)

Sarah

Zendala 2

2009-04-08T01:17:00.004+01:00

This is for Sally.

Faber Castell Pitt Pens.

Thanks to all who have been commenting on my 100th post giveaway here. There is still a chance to win a gift!

I'll confirm the definite winners at the end of the week. Any other entries will be for a random pick to win (so there is an extra chance if the slots are filled!!)

Zendala 1

2009-04-05T17:03:00.004+01:00

As I love my doodles, I've been continuing to admire many Zentangles on the web and have been astounded by a lot of them. The design elements, the instinctiveness, the relationship to nature and everything that is whole and yet in many pieces.

I think they are referred to as 'Zen'tangles as the process of getting involved in the drawing of them is almost hypnotic - it takes you into another time dimension where filling a small space can take hours. It's fun, relaxing and addictive!

Zendalas are based on a circular shape (like a Mandala).

Here's my first one.

Drawn in my Large Moly Sketchbook. Sepia Faber Castell Pitt Pen.

PS Don't forget my 100th blog celebration here - enter if you would like a free gift from me as part of "Pay it Forward".

100 BLOGS CELEBRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-29T12:20:00.005+01:00

My First Century!

I've managed to achieve what the England Cricket Team struggle to do (even on an ODI) (!) which is to reach a century!!

I've done this within a year of starting my blog - Yay!!!

I have been waiting for this day as I am celebrating it with a Pay it Forward giveaway:

I have been fortunate to win 3 Pay it forwards...

So, therefore mine will be triple the number of giveaways... YES, 9!

The rules are as follows:

Be one of the first 3 bloggers (or 9 in this case!) to leave a comment on this post. This then entitles you to a handmade gift from me.
If you are one of the first 9 you are a winner! You have to agree to post this challenge on your site, thus paying it forward and creating handmade gifts of your own to give away.
The gift that you make and send can be from any price range and you have 365 days to send your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog until the challenge is finished and you have shipped all of your 3 gifts. Remember, it's the spirit and the thought that counts!
When you receive your gift - blog about it! If you're not lucky enough to win, you can still go ahead and start your own Pay it Forward. Encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

I'm not sure what I'll be making. Any regular followers will see that I have been trying to dip my toes in quite a few different artistic pursuits over the last few months. I don't intend to take a whole year before sending anything though!!

Can I also suggest that you visit the above sites - they're great and hosted by lovely, lovely ladies!

Good luck - and don't be shy... comment away!

I've done a 100th post doodle (single page large Moly notebook).

I also wanted to mark the occasion by trying another different technique. I borrowed a book from my local library (libraries are the best!) about painting flowers and it has projects from different artists in different media. This watercolour project is from Sandy Kinnamon. I only had one of the colours she suggested so winged it with the rest. I'll definitely use these techniques again. It reminds me of a silk painting because of the background.

As of this time of writing (11.35 BST 30th March) ... the first 4 of the 9 comments so far are 'accounted for' so please don't see 9 comments and feel discouraged.... there are still 4 more winning places left!!

Everyone else, if you are still prepared to be with the the spirit of 'Pay it Forward', I will randomly choose a name from the remaining comments on 20th April (I am away for the Easter Hols)

SO, roll on up!!!!

Practising Zentangle Doodling

2009-03-28T00:29:00.004Z

Recently, I've been amazed by the Zentangles that I've seen on so many Blog sites. Having read about their therapeutic values (creating them leading to distraction, relaxation, stress relief etc) I've decided to explore that element further for my own benefit.

They are so time consuming and addictive - great for a distraction technique! I will definitely be doing more. I hope to refine my 'doodles' and use them productively in my symptom management. (Although their intricacy is difficult when I am very shaky/have fine motor tremors)

This is done in my large Moly notebook (page size approx 21cm x 13cm)

Sea of Tears

2009-03-25T22:18:00.004Z

This is a collage in my moly. I used gesso, watercolour pencils, acrylic paints and a little watercolour paint for the background. The large mussel shells are prints from a watercolour I painted at the beginning of February for an EDM challenge http://bubblemunch.blogspot.com/2009/02/third-time-lucky-edm-207.html

and the other shells are photos of 'found' shells from my beachcombing last Saturday at The Burrows.

Click on picture to enlarge the image.

EDM 216 Inner Critic

2009-03-23T22:31:00.003Z

This week's challenge is your inner critic.

If I were to paint mine it would be thick black. It would be like anti vandal paint - it would stain everything. It would not accept any hint of colour or light.

Therefore,

I am trying not to allow myself to go to that place. I decided earlier this month to be braver and to try and be more experimental and use my Moly more as a working journal and stop being so precious with it. It already has a bulk to it now as I am trying collage in it.

Today I have used acrylics instead of my favoured watercolours.

This is my hopeful answer to my inner critic.

I'm moving forward ... slowly, sometimes through sludge and treacle, but moving forward!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-03-22T11:05:00.005Z

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

This is the watercolour that I used for my Mum's card.

She also got the jewellery shown above: matching bracelet and earrings. Mum and Dad are coming down to stay next month so I'll be able to make the matching necklace for her to suit whatever length she prefers!

Daisies

2009-03-21T10:59:00.003Z

Practising my watercolours.

I class a daisy as a flower not a weed. Sadly, I don't have any growing in my lawn. I used to love making daisy chains and daisy caterpillars as a child.

Going Dotty!

2009-03-16T11:44:00.003Z

Blossom Breeze

I haven't had much chance to blog recently. I've been busy painting flowers for cards for Mother's Day. I haven't painted my own Mum's yet!

Journaling

2009-03-11T11:14:00.004Z

These are from some photos I took from our flower pots. They're viewing the blooms from above.

Beading Marvelous!

2009-03-04T20:58:00.005Z

I've had a bounty of beading today.

I can't show some of it (because it's earmarked for Mother's Day!) but I can show a necklace I made as well.

It's made by creating links using eye pins so lots of work with round nosed pliers.

There's one bead I will replace on here as it sticks out as being bigger than the rest but otherwise I'm happy.

In terms of other creativity I'm in a bit of a void at the moment. I miss Thing a Day - maybe that 'pushed' me through blocks as I so wanted to post everyday. Also, I think I'm blinded by a lot of the talent on some of the blogs I've been visiting recently. There is some properly brilliant stuff out there ... it's inspiring but intimidating too in a way. Here's to finding my way through again!

Bye Bye TAD!

2009-02-28T21:39:00.006Z

For my last day I've gone back to watercolours but have experimented (a little).

I've tried playing with Winsor and Newton Iridescent Medium for watercolours and their Granulation Medium.

(Have also been v. accident prone - spilt masking fluid down my trousers (how that will come out I don't know) and spilt watercolours as I knocked my mixing palette off my desk, and knocked over my water jar over my keyboard (but it's still working - hurrah! ... my last one didn't fare as well when I spilt India Ink over it!)

The granulation medium recommends that the best results are gained when using alone (as a dilutant in place of water) - I think I was a bit 'mean' with my use but I'll use more next time and try different effects and techniques.

It will be interesting to see how it works with my usual flower drawings and if there is much of a difference as then I'll have a more direct comparison.

Mixing the iridescent medium directly with the watercolours gives the finished painting a very subtle (very!) shimmer but there are visible tiny pearlescent bits. I've used it in the second picture and I've cropped and zoomed in on a section of it to try and show some of it's glimmer. It's like a light sprinkling of fairy dust - and who doesn't feel happy about that?

I've had a great time on TAD and I've already put a reminder on my calendar for next year. I sincerely hope to keep in touch with some of you, drop by blogs/websites etc.

Penultimate TAD Day! Day 27.

2009-02-27T19:51:00.004Z

Red Memory Bracelet Y

Not a very clear photo I know!

It's made of a combination of seed beads, round beads with caps, heart shaped beads, some faceted beads and coloured stone chips. On either end are the sweetest little dragonfly charms. It's best for me to make something again that I made in the group to help me remember any new techniques.

For the final TAD day tomorrow I would like to do a painting (hence me rushing to get this done, photographed and posted). I've invested in some different mediums to try with my watercolours so it will be an experiment! I wonder how it will all turn out?!