ETCHED LEAVES

Sorry I've been a bit quiet the past few days....I've had no phone & therefore Internet at the studio since Friday last week. The BT man arrived today & will fix it tomorrow morning! Hurrah!

Anyway I've got my lovely etching back to play with....I've not had a chance yet as I've been busy finishing other things off but hopefully next week I can start assembling some pieces. I've had both copper & brass versions done so should be able to get some great colour contrasts.

Batik today

Just returned from a fun day experimenting with batik!

We had a little trouble getting the wax hot enough initially so my first attempt (the owl) was applied with a brush. We were also going to use blues & greys but got excited by the prospect of magenta...I think inspired by the fab flowers in the garden!

On my second go we had more success with the wax...heating until very hot in the slow cooker!!

This is the result so far......

Tomorrow we are going to apply the last layer of wax & dye the fabric black which will really make the other colours stand out!

Not sure what I'll do with the finished pieces yet but I might apply further embellishment with sequins & buttons etc to make them even more over the top? Perhaps another cushion.....?

Cheltenham Art Market this Saturday

Cheltenham again this Saturday!!

Arts Market

The Promenade

Cheltenham

9am - 5pm

Lots of stalls...work handmade in the UK

(The Fold studio open as usual 10am - 5pm)

Studio Closed

Just to let you know the studio will be closed on

Wed 18th & Thurs 19th August

I'm off on another 'Creative Play' Day...well 2 actually!

Having a go at batik with a friend...

Results on Friday hopefully????

Cushion

Last night I tried my hand at a little bit of sewing again.....

Not having the use of a machine I had to do this by hand so fingers are a little sore today!

I've converted one of the fab t-towels I bought from The Tate in St Ives into a mini cushion. The new design is by Elaine Pamphilon & you can buy it here: http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/do/Homewares/St-Ives-Tea-Towel-Set-x2/product/46365 The seagull badge is also available!

I think it looks rather nice on my latest retro chair purchase from my local second-hand shop!

CORNISH INSPIRATION

New Leaf artwork nearly completed......

New designs......

Leaf etching artwork in progress!

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ALREADY!

I know it's very early but I've been working on new designs for metal Christmas decorations! I've been making these for some years now & have several 'collectors' who always look for the new additions to the range....Made in copper & brass which gives the lovely rich colours.

I think these Rudolf designs will be popular????

These 'baubles' are 1950s inspired....

There are of course also.......robins........donkeys..............cats..........owls..........trees.........available. I shall be putting them in the 'shop' area of the website as soon as I have some stock made up for all those organised early Christmas shoppers!!

Creative Play - Textiles

I'm enjoying the summer so far even if the weather seems to have forgotten how to be sunny!?

Yesterday was spent at the studio of Jo Dewar who is a textile & wire artist, alongside Sarah Walker both fellow members of the Worcestershire Guild of Craftsmen.

I'm rather sewing phobic so was rather apprehensive about using the machine but with Jo's expert tuition I soon gained a little more confidence! Sarah & I were guinea pigs for a course that Jo is soon to offer - to make an artists journal. This seemed rather adventurous for me as I do not even own a sewing machine ( Jo was kind enough to let me use one of hers) but the free embroidery technique is very forgiving!

After a lovely lunch we continued to create & Jo converted our stitched pieces into the finished journal above.

As we had some extra time I managed to make the bird piece below too! It was so nice to be able to have such a fabulous choice of colour to work with. I'd defiantly recommend the course with Jo even if you are a complete beginner like me or more experienced in textiles.

It's a really free way to work. Keep an eye on Jo's website for details of forthcoming courses!