Shibori Silk photos

Unfortunately I had to miss the second workshop for Shibori Silk but here is the link to the first one I did. Can't complain I have just had a holiday in majorca for the past week relaxing!

Frantically finishing off my art quilt for the Festival of Quilts now as it needs posting to get there by Friday - oh well........

http://artistsinbusiness.blogspot.com/2011/07/shibori-silk-workshop.html

Shibori Workshop

Had a lovely afternoon using silk and steam fix dyes (done in a microwave). Obviously only learnt the basics but it was nice to do something new and I am really pleased with the bright results - two scarves and sample piece hanging on my line.

I did this through http://artistsinbusiness.blogspot.com/ who have run several workshops recently and the last one - stage two of the Shibori is on 23rd July. There are 3 places left for any locals (Ilkley area) wanting to have fun and learn a new skill. Details for contacting Jo Whitehead who ran it today are on this link.

Went with my good friend Sue - obviously had to go have a nice coffee afterwards!

Glorious Hostas

Finally got out my Colouration kit (bought from Dionne Swift http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/shop/textile-art-supplies/colouration-kit/) and started work on my entry for the Festival of Quilts "Art Quilt". Titled as above.

I love it when the Hosta plants in my garden (and anyone elses for that matter) are being eaten by the snails, they produce such beautiful textures within the leaves that they turn into lace. So I don't moan but rejoice in the amazing transformation that takes place.

Bradford School of Arts & Media - end of year show

Last night I went to the preview of the End of Year show at Bradford. It was really strange because this time last year it was me showing my final collection. I have to say I felt quite sad going back and seeing all the amazing work friends/colleagues had done. For me Textiles stole the show - which isn't to say the Fashion, Graphics and Fine Art weren't good - its a personal choice.

Other shows are Leeds College of Art and Huddersfield - just not sure I will be able to get to them this time.

It also made me realise the lack of personal work I have done over the past year, all due to getting settled into full time employment, juggling family/house/garden - life gets very hectic. I am not making lame excuses its perhaps allowing myself something instead of thinking of others all the time - So I have all my fabric and designs ready for my entry into the Festival of Quilts this year, an art quilt and need to get myself into the practice of being creative, giving myself a little bit of time each week.

I hope that soon I will actually have something to show on my blog instead of just talking.

Thanks Bradford for a great quality show

http://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/culture-and-arts/summer-shows-2011

1000 birds Project Complete

Just thought I would publish an update on the Help Japan project by Makiko Hastings.
She made 1000 birds and more importantly £4933.20 for Japan. There is a video on the link below showing her making them.

Well done Makiko - our little birds are sitting proudly at home.

http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/

HELP JAPAN 1000 Birds Project

http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2011/03/help-japan-1000-birds-project-now-open.html

Ending tomorrow for mail order:- please look at this lovely blog and Maki's little birds in aid of Japan. I have ordered a few for my daugther's printing trays they have on their walls. Perfect little pieces of art.

Unfortunately I cant get to the Knaresborough Easter Fayre this weekend where Maki will be. I hope she doesnt mind that I have copied this image from her blog but I just wanted to promote it. Please pass this on to anyone & everyone!

I

Quilting - Log Cabin

I had a lovely day on Saturday with my friend Fiona Wilson - I challenged her to teach me more about quilting! We spent time planning our "log cabin" design and ended up with a small sample by mid afternoon. It was very therapeutic and we were very pleased with the results.

We talked about how the Americans obviously are the queens of quilting and about how lovely it would be to grow up quilting in groups with family and friends. The sharing of stitching - taking time, creativity and friendship (and quilts sewn with love). How lucky you would be in that environment.

Fiona will post a photograph of both our samples shortly: http://fiona-wilson.blogspot.com

So now its time to start planning my miniature quilt entry for the Festival of Quilts this year and again say a big thank you to my dear friend Fiona.