Thursday 24 September 2009

Greetings from the US of A!

Well it's been a busy few weeks and I've finally found the time to catch my breath.
Spent a week teaching traditional samplers which was great fun and very creative. Everyone came up with such original ideas and really unique designs. If anyone is reading this and would like to show off their work send me an image! Thankyou to Lori and all my students for a great week. You all worked so hard and it shows in your samplers. Below is a detail of Adam and Eve from my own sampler:



I spent the weekend with my friend Erin from Cyprus. We went camping for the night to Astoria on the Oregon coast which was brilliant fun. We managed to talk our way into a sapce on the fully booked campsite which was lovely and despite the rain we managed to stay dry! This is us on the beach with the Pacific ocean in the background:



If anyone is in the area, the trails in Fort Stevens State park have the most incredible moss covered trees. Just pay attention so you don't miss the turnoff (who would do a silly thing like that?)

I am trying to start drawing again. I was so good in Cyprus doing some nearly everyday, and my drawing improved no end. Since I left I have been very bad at keeping it up. I am now in San Fransisco staying with my friend Lucy and we popped into a shop called Flax Art and Design in Downtown San Fransisco. I bought a small sketchbook (there is nothing like having a new sketchbook to inspire you!) and have decided to do a drawing everyday. It's only a small book so there are no excuses. Today I even managed 4 drawings. I was really taken with this design of Quails from an old childrens embroidery book that Lucy found for a bargain price (doesn't she always!):



That's it for today. Perhaps I will post more drawings as an incentive to keep sketching.....

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Art for sale

I have added some of my botanical art to my Etsy shop. This is a watercolour painting of 'Morning Glory' vine, painted when I was in Cyprus.
There is also some new jewellery on there with more to come....so don't forget to check back regularly! follow the link to my Etsy shop at the side of this blog.
 
I've got 4 weeks of teaching coming up next week so it's going to be a busy month. I'm teaching goldwork, embroidery design and intensive CC for the RSN. I believe there are also still places left on the Jacobean course in Winchester in October. Visit http://www.embroiderynow.co.uk/ for more details.
  
I'm still interested in peg dolls and have bought some beautiful vintage ones off E-bay. I will take some photographs and post them here. You will be amazed what can be done with a simple wooden clothes peg!
Watch this space....