Mister Finch - Leeds

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77709629/soft-sculpture-beetle-made-from-vintage

This is Mister Finch's Etsy shop and I hope he doesn't mind that I have copied an image - I love his work. He makes amazing jewellery but his embroidered insects are just beautiful (which can be worn as jewellery or framed).

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

Titled "BLOOM" this year. This is the first year I have taken part but I love the idea of exchanging something creative with a "swap partner" and mine is with Vanessa Belyea is from in the USA (people from 20 countries taking part) so I am really looking forward to the swap now which needs to be there for 14th August so let the postcard commence!

http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/swap/

Festival of Quilts, Birmingham

Will I finished my entry and posted it today (late so they may not accept it!).

Wasn't entirely pleased (are we ever?) but its gone and its my first Art quilt - so forgive me all those quilters out there as it is not a conventional quilt at all but 4 layers of silk organdy, hand painted and stitched.

Glorious Hostas

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