Back to full flow

I have been back to creative flow this week - that is when I haven't been putting things away -  dishes and cutlery, pots and pans, the ironing, gardening tools, sewing stuff, groceries, bills, jars of spices and herbs, empty jam jars, pencils, pens and paint brushes, books, and so on and so on and so on. How come I get all this STUFF out in the first place? There are only two of us in this house and I wonder how we manage to fill every surface.  I never did cultivate good domestic habits despite my mother's best efforts, but I do try to put things away when I have finished with them, however they still seem to pile up on me.  Still, after a good tidying session I can feel vindicated in getting a lot more stuff out.

Firstly it was all the sewing threads and beads.  I have added to my splattered pieces from my last post with French knots, seed stitch and beads. These are for my C&G course.

I am pleased with this carnation piece and feel it could make a panel on a cushion cover, if I had the right colour fabric to go with it.

I thought you might like to see my work using the photograph I took of the planter also in my last post.

First I did a bit of colour analysis.

I printed up some black and white versions and worked on some pencil studies - the right hand piece is a slice of elm that used to be a rustic coffee table, but is now slowly rotting in the garden.

I took advantage of the one sunny afternoon we've had to do some pen drawings of foliage. By copying the drawings I have been experimenting with some compositions.

I drew the planter by first tracing the photograph and then using the tracing to print out a line drawing for adding colour to.

I'm thinking of how I can translate this into a textile piece.  Trying to do the whole thing is a bit too ambitious for my skill level so I'm thinking of selecting an area to concentrate on - watch this space.

Just going to put away the pencils, pens, paints, scissors, glue, camera and sketchbook before I get out the sewing machine for some fabric piecing practice.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend,

Jill

Monday, Monday

At last we are having some sunshine between the showers.  On Saturday I took the opportunity to visit Hitchin, a pleasant market town only about 8 miles away, I enjoyed myself mooching round the market and charity shops - so much more interesting than our local ones.

Apart from some supplies this was the only thing I bought.  As it says Washable and Dry Cleanable, I'm not sure if this will remove the marks of if they are permanent - a bit of an experiment needed.

I was attracted by this crowd hanging around the church gate.

But a peek through the gates soon explained their interest. I was really glad I'd popped my point and shoot into my shopper.

Only a swift glimpse of the bride and broom with their littlest bridesmaids I'm afraid, and all too fast to snap. 

Overheard "Mum! Dad! I've just SEEN the queen"

What a lovely day, it was bright and very breezy, really cheering after all the dullness.

Meanwhile I've been working on my C&G tasks.  This time spattering fabric paint.  What a mess I got myself into, which I was why I was pleased to buy a box of disposable gloves on Hitchin market.

I masked the fabric with freezer paper and used a toothbrush to splatter the paint.

Now I'm adding some stitches.

I was looking round the garden for some inspiration when I spotted the lichens on this cement planter.

I think I can feel some more paint splattering coming on.

Have a good week

Jill

Craving for sunshine

This little orchid has been blooming in my kitchen since Christmas. At certain times of the day it fills the air with a beautiful scent - I can only describe it as vanilla and roses - and sometimes it doesn't seem to smell at all.

I love the combination of yellow, orange and shocking pink and decided to use this as a starting point for a colour project.

I really feel the need to work with these bright colours during this dismal weather!

The next job is to play about with proportion. Design Matters TV has been very useful on this subject.  It is a different matter when using collage or fabric than painting which is my usual media as you have to  plan before you start working, rather than when painting you can work more spontaneously and instinctively. I'm not finding this as easy as I thought  I would so it is a good learning opportunity for me. I am usually most happiest working from life when painting, or when sewing, just playing with the materials at hand, when I have tried to create what is in my head I usually fall short of my expectations so I hoping working on these activities will help me be more conscious of colour and more in control. 

Meanwhile I have been working through my tasks for my C&G Creative Quilt Making with some work on texture.

These look rather dull after my other pages, I must get back to my sunshine.

Fingers crossed for a brighter week ahead,

Jill

Nice day for a wedding

I may have mentioned I had been asked to photograph my friend's wedding on Saturday.  They wanted me to capture the atmosphere of the day, rather than making a formal record. I was quite nervous about doing it  although I knew other people would be taking pictures too. However I am pleased with the results.  The sun even shone when we came out of the church.

Here is a small selection, I'll let the pictures tell the story

Congratulations John and Trish, and here's to your future happiness.

love, Jill

June, so soon

I'm sure I don't have to give any explanations for my theme for June, although I have no plans for joining in any of the local celebrations. We are off to a wedding on Saturday and then I shall have lots of photo editing to do.

May has been an eventful month for us, but I have managed to keep my diary going. 

Hopefully I shall have some arty/crafty things to share with you soon.

Have a jubilicious weekend - and don't forget to take your brolly!!

Jill

Reasons to be cheerful - Part Two

We celebrated our third big birthday this month, this time my husband, Tod's 60th. We had a great evening and the weather was very kind.  We had the celebrations at a near-by hostelry where we were entertained by The Cheats, an excellent cover band who happen to contain two of our close friends. I have to thank John and Trish who organised the food and decorations as well as John playing in the band,  how lucky we are to have such fab friends.  Quite a few of these were Tod's school mates from  Dr Challoner's in Amersham, and others were friends from Bedford College of Education in the early 70's as well as newer pals made at work and play.

Mr T enjoying a pint 

We were very grateful to be able to sit outside as it was so warm

So nice to see Alexandra, the next generation.

Old School pals.

Very old friends, Dave and Elaine....(forgive me - friends of many years)

... not quite as old, but 'still getting on a bit' friends....

Heather, Jim, Keith and Lynne who also very dear,

a good selections of real ales was really appreciated

The Cheats kept us entertained with a great selection of songs we knew and loved as well as some of their own numbers.

Guest bassist - Keith

John reminding everyone he's know Tod for 40 years plus...

and we all sang Happy Birthday, and he blew out the candles on his cake!

We kept on rockin' but not till the early hours ... we all like to enjoy Sunday morning these days.

Not a lot to show on the creative front I'm afraid, and another busy week coming up.  I'm not grumbling about fine weather, but I'm not much good in heat so taking things very easy.

Hope you have a good week,

Jill