Resolutions
* To commit more time to my creative activities, even if that means having dedicated creative time once a week.
* To reestablish a portfolio of work.
* To sell a piece of artwork/embroidery.
* To try and blog at least twice a week if not every day.
* To carry on losing weight!
* To work on realising the goals I made in this post:
1 Keeping the visual journal/sketchbook - Am undertaking this one already.
2 Having regular craft time - perhaps one or two afternoons a week?
3 Having my own work space.
4 Documenting my work.
5 Better utilizing, and hopefully reducing, my time online excluding the time I am working.
Things I am planning to take part in 2007
* Take A Stitch Tuesday
* Felt Making Class at The ArtSpace
* Sketchbook sessions at The ArtSpace
* (possibly) Art Jam at The ArtSpace
* InternationalCQ swap
* last part of the Birthday swap.
I think that will be more than enough things to do!
Main To Do List
*Art meme pieces, Baggies for Birthday swap, International swap and Halloween Contest - I haven't forgotton about these, I really just haven't had time!
* UFO's. These are probably going to remain UFO's for a while so shall be putting my part of the UFO challenge on hold while i recognise the need to do some of my B.U.R.P.'s - Blasted Un-Realised Projects, otherwise they will continue to nag at me!
We are off to marks sisters for new years celebrations in a few minutes, I still have the lurgy but enough mead should kill any germs!
My love and good wishes to all my friends, wherever you are in the world and enjoy the new year celebrations.x
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Dreaded Lurgy
I have something that resembles the beginnings of the flu. I shall return when I feel less yucky.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Crafty Xmas!
Hope you had a lovely festive time!
I GOT IT! This is the book I really really really wanted and that Mark scoured the internet to find. It’s being reprinted (in the UK at least) and so prices had rocketed. He managed to get one at the proper price although he’d already told me he hadn’t been able to get it! Its all about using a sketchbook for textile arts and is reminding me of all the skills I’ve forgotten since I was at college! I've got some new art materials and should be able to show you some stuff soon!
Seriously, if you want to expand your creative side along the textile art route then its really worth a look. (Mary B, I'll bring my copy along next time I see you, so you can look at it!)
I had a hair cut just before Xmas. My hair was getting horribly whispy at the ends and I had terrible split ends. Its had at least 6ins cut off it and it looks and feels so much better! Mark’s getting used it and I keep brushing it like its my old hair and end up brushing the air! Don’t it look nice though?
AFTER
I GOT IT! This is the book I really really really wanted and that Mark scoured the internet to find. It’s being reprinted (in the UK at least) and so prices had rocketed. He managed to get one at the proper price although he’d already told me he hadn’t been able to get it! Its all about using a sketchbook for textile arts and is reminding me of all the skills I’ve forgotten since I was at college! I've got some new art materials and should be able to show you some stuff soon!
Seriously, if you want to expand your creative side along the textile art route then its really worth a look. (Mary B, I'll bring my copy along next time I see you, so you can look at it!)
This is the bag Sarah made me! Isn’t it lovely? Its black velvet, lined with purple slub fabric which is some sort of taffeta I think. The strap is made of tablet weaving and is in black, purple and green wool. she hand dyed the purple and green wool! Its just big enough for my purse, phone, glasses cases and the assorted bits and bobs from the bottom of the big bag I carry like lip balm and my Mp3 player etc.
This is Mark on our sofa playing with the Technic lego I got him for Xmas on Boxing day! He’s one happy fellow at the moment.
I had a hair cut just before Xmas. My hair was getting horribly whispy at the ends and I had terrible split ends. Its had at least 6ins cut off it and it looks and feels so much better! Mark’s getting used it and I keep brushing it like its my old hair and end up brushing the air! Don’t it look nice though?
AFTER
Anyway, shall show you some art stuff soon! *goes back to drawing*
Saturday, December 23, 2006
First sketchbook page!
I broke my sketchbook in! Here is my first drawing from it! the corner part is from a magazine and I 'finished' the drawing from my own imagination!I've got a few more images am going to do this with!I opened the sketchbook in the middle and started there so I didn't have the 'first page' issue!
I probably won't be posting again till boxing day.
Happy Xmas too all!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Sketchbooks
Pat over at Altering Thought pointed me towards this great idea for storing my T.A.S.T. samples!
Yes, yes, I'm going to go on about sketchbooks again! As I've mentioned in my last couple of posts I've been in a creative rut recently. Well, I experienced a mini epiphany today!
I'd popped into The ArtSpace to pay for my felt making course and got talking to the guy who runs the place. I was poking around in the art/craft supplies they sell and found these:
They are some bits of paper with interesting designs on them. He asked if I was going to make cards with them and I said I was thinking of putting them in my sketchbook. He told me about the sketchbook sessions they hold on weekends. Basically you go down on a saturday or sunday for a couple of hours and they show you how to make a sketchbook. They also show you various techniques and things.
He made me a cuppa and I sat and looked through the sketchbooks that they had there. It was doing thing I had my mini epiphany: Sketchbooks don't have to be the way they were when I was at art college. Those had to be these incredibly tidy and well laid out things with lots of writing and notes about health and safety and things. The ones I saw today had pages ripped in half to show the things behind; things stuck in; textiles stuck in; textures all over the place.
That is the kind of sketchbook I need to be keeping! Not the tidy formal thing from my college days but a relaxed untidy thing!
I bought these two little sketchbooks to get me started:
Shall show photos as soon as I've done something! Right now I must get ready to go to the hairdressers! I'm having a haircut for the first time in years!
Heres a before photo:
You'll get to see the after one tomorrow!
Yes, yes, I'm going to go on about sketchbooks again! As I've mentioned in my last couple of posts I've been in a creative rut recently. Well, I experienced a mini epiphany today!
I'd popped into The ArtSpace to pay for my felt making course and got talking to the guy who runs the place. I was poking around in the art/craft supplies they sell and found these:
They are some bits of paper with interesting designs on them. He asked if I was going to make cards with them and I said I was thinking of putting them in my sketchbook. He told me about the sketchbook sessions they hold on weekends. Basically you go down on a saturday or sunday for a couple of hours and they show you how to make a sketchbook. They also show you various techniques and things.
He made me a cuppa and I sat and looked through the sketchbooks that they had there. It was doing thing I had my mini epiphany: Sketchbooks don't have to be the way they were when I was at art college. Those had to be these incredibly tidy and well laid out things with lots of writing and notes about health and safety and things. The ones I saw today had pages ripped in half to show the things behind; things stuck in; textiles stuck in; textures all over the place.
That is the kind of sketchbook I need to be keeping! Not the tidy formal thing from my college days but a relaxed untidy thing!
I bought these two little sketchbooks to get me started:
Shall show photos as soon as I've done something! Right now I must get ready to go to the hairdressers! I'm having a haircut for the first time in years!
Heres a before photo:
You'll get to see the after one tomorrow!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Stitching and Storage
Today is the eve of the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year up here) and traditionally it is time to forget the past and think about the future; as well as some personal stuff I'm trying to look postively at my crafting future.
Yesterday I posted the question to a couple of yahoogroups I'm on (CQForNewbies and hand-embroidery) about what format people are going to use for storing and displaying the stitching they will do for the Take A Stitch Tuesday challenge which starts on the 2nd of January 2007 (which could be a just a tad arkward as thats our first anniversary of being together! My first instalment may have to be on the wednesday!)
I still think it should be called Take A Stitch Tuesday Experience so it can be shortened to T.A.S.T.E!I may call it that myself!
Some people are using CQ blocks, some are using samplers and Allison Aller over at Contemporary Crazy Quilts and Bags got me thinking using Art industry standard sleeves in a folder.This way she has her samples in each folder and she can tuck notes and print outs of other peoples work behind it. This is a really good idea! and I may do similar but part of me feels I should be making something out of them.
I think part of my problem at the moment is that I am in a creative rut. I'm working on small projects but i really want to be doing a big project so am just ending up feeling frustrated!
I just don't know where to start!Its been so long since I've worked something through from conception to finish! Should i just do some drawings?Take an idea and run with it? I really don't know!Can anyone help?
Sharon B has mentioned a selection of needles she suggests people have:
Chenille Needle (size 22 – 26)
Tapestry Needle (size 20 - 26)
Embroidery/Crewel Needle (size 7-10)
Milliners/Straw Needle (size 3-9)
Beading needles
She also suggests having a range of perle cottons.I'll have to use what I've got! Most of mine is size 8 because thats whats been ROAK'd or I've managed to find the odd skein of!I wish I had a better supplier of these!
I'm going to start gathering things together in the next few days for this, that way I can get prepared.I just wish I felt more confident about my craft at the moment!
Anyway, I shall post again soon!
"May the light shine through the dark."Happy Solstice, my friends.
Yesterday I posted the question to a couple of yahoogroups I'm on (CQForNewbies and hand-embroidery) about what format people are going to use for storing and displaying the stitching they will do for the Take A Stitch Tuesday challenge which starts on the 2nd of January 2007 (which could be a just a tad arkward as thats our first anniversary of being together! My first instalment may have to be on the wednesday!)
I still think it should be called Take A Stitch Tuesday Experience so it can be shortened to T.A.S.T.E!I may call it that myself!
Some people are using CQ blocks, some are using samplers and Allison Aller over at Contemporary Crazy Quilts and Bags got me thinking using Art industry standard sleeves in a folder.This way she has her samples in each folder and she can tuck notes and print outs of other peoples work behind it. This is a really good idea! and I may do similar but part of me feels I should be making something out of them.
I think part of my problem at the moment is that I am in a creative rut. I'm working on small projects but i really want to be doing a big project so am just ending up feeling frustrated!
I just don't know where to start!Its been so long since I've worked something through from conception to finish! Should i just do some drawings?Take an idea and run with it? I really don't know!Can anyone help?
Sharon B has mentioned a selection of needles she suggests people have:
Chenille Needle (size 22 – 26)
Tapestry Needle (size 20 - 26)
Embroidery/Crewel Needle (size 7-10)
Milliners/Straw Needle (size 3-9)
Beading needles
She also suggests having a range of perle cottons.I'll have to use what I've got! Most of mine is size 8 because thats whats been ROAK'd or I've managed to find the odd skein of!I wish I had a better supplier of these!
I'm going to start gathering things together in the next few days for this, that way I can get prepared.I just wish I felt more confident about my craft at the moment!
Anyway, I shall post again soon!
"May the light shine through the dark."Happy Solstice, my friends.
Spice cookies with mead!
Not much crafting here today but I've just made my second batch of festive cookies!These are NOT low fat but they are very nice! I gave mark a box of them to take to work to share with his colleagues and he scoffed the lot himself so they are odviously a hit with him!
(The interesting looking thing they are on is a wooden trivet that mark's dad turned for him)
Recipe
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice*
1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 glug (about a shot and a half) Mead - I used Lyme Bay Winery Mead
In a large bowl mix flour and spice until blended. I suggest using a fork for this or you will end up with little clumps of spices.
In another large bowl beat butter the sugar and butter till light and fluffy.
Beat together the egg, vanilla extract and mead and mix into sugar/butter mixture.
Slowly add the flour and spice mix to the liquids mix and beat until well blended.
Divide dough in thirds; shape into balls, wrap in clingfilm and flatten to about an 1-inch-thick round. Chill for an hour or so.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C or G.M.5.
Have baking sheets ready.
On a lightly floured surface roll to approx 1/4 inch and cut the dough keeping unused chilled till needed.
Bake about 12 minutes or until cookies are golden on undersides and edges are just starting to brown.
Cool completely on sheet on wire rack. Ice or decorate if wished!
* If you can't get mixed spice, try the following :
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and salt
1/4 teaspoon each ground allspice and cloves
In a future batch am considering adding orange zest.
Heres the whole batch cooling in the kitchen as i type!
And the majority of them were cut out using the two larger of these festive holly leaf cutters I spotted last week and rushed out to get!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Creative Rethink....
And RELAX.....I did it! I made it through the holiday rush and I have a WHOLE WEEK OFF!!!!
*does the happy dance*
Now thats over I can get back to crafting and things!
I've been thinking a lot the last few days and am feeling that I want to take my sewing in a new direction. I love my CQ and am slowly working on my quilt between other things but am wanting to try the wider range of embroidery and textile arts.
I'll be taking part in Sharon B's Take a Stitch Tuesday after xmas as well so that will be something to keep me going and hopefully inspired!
I feel I should be trying to do some of my own pieces, from design to conception but am having real problems getting started. I've been having real confidence issues about my art recently. I haven't painted properly in a long time and lost all confidence in my being any good at it a while ago. I love to create and am really wanting to get to the point where I am selling my work but these crises of confidence are hitting me hard.
I am hoping to get back to sketchbooking and doing some designs in the next few days/weeks. I'll keep you updated with photos as soon as I've found my battery charger for my camera!
I've been brave and booked myself on a short felt making course at The ArtSpace in York. Its a monday evening class for three weeks in January. Am really looking forward to it.
OK, an early new years resolution: I swear to spend between 15 and 2o mins a day, at least, involved in some sort of creative activity; whether it be drawing, stitching, taking photographs etc.
The other thing that is bugging me is that we made these wonderful christmas cards at my embroidery guild meeting at the beginning of this month and we used something called fabric paper. Now, I've found a wonderful online tutorial for it but it has no pictures and I am useless without pictures! Can anyone help or point me towards someone who's done such a tutorial?
Right, I better go and make some breakfast seeing as its gone lunchtime and I haven't eaten anything yet!
*does the happy dance*
Now thats over I can get back to crafting and things!
I've been thinking a lot the last few days and am feeling that I want to take my sewing in a new direction. I love my CQ and am slowly working on my quilt between other things but am wanting to try the wider range of embroidery and textile arts.
I'll be taking part in Sharon B's Take a Stitch Tuesday after xmas as well so that will be something to keep me going and hopefully inspired!
I feel I should be trying to do some of my own pieces, from design to conception but am having real problems getting started. I've been having real confidence issues about my art recently. I haven't painted properly in a long time and lost all confidence in my being any good at it a while ago. I love to create and am really wanting to get to the point where I am selling my work but these crises of confidence are hitting me hard.
I am hoping to get back to sketchbooking and doing some designs in the next few days/weeks. I'll keep you updated with photos as soon as I've found my battery charger for my camera!
I've been brave and booked myself on a short felt making course at The ArtSpace in York. Its a monday evening class for three weeks in January. Am really looking forward to it.
OK, an early new years resolution: I swear to spend between 15 and 2o mins a day, at least, involved in some sort of creative activity; whether it be drawing, stitching, taking photographs etc.
The other thing that is bugging me is that we made these wonderful christmas cards at my embroidery guild meeting at the beginning of this month and we used something called fabric paper. Now, I've found a wonderful online tutorial for it but it has no pictures and I am useless without pictures! Can anyone help or point me towards someone who's done such a tutorial?
Right, I better go and make some breakfast seeing as its gone lunchtime and I haven't eaten anything yet!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Hiatus
Hello my lovelies...
I haven't forgotten about you all! Work and getting ready for Xmas has me under a lot of pressure at the moment. I will be back to doing very regular posts in the new year if not before!
I promise on my threads!
I haven't forgotten about you all! Work and getting ready for Xmas has me under a lot of pressure at the moment. I will be back to doing very regular posts in the new year if not before!
I promise on my threads!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
So many things, so little time!
Sorry about my complete lack of posting the last few days. Work is spiraling out of control in the run up to Christmas and is eating ALL of my time.
I've got about a handful of stitches done in the last week!
I've done half the seam treatments on that block I showed you last time. Will try and do a photo of it tomorrow.
To perhaps inspire some of you here are some pictures of the interior of my aunts narrow (canal) boat:
I've got about a handful of stitches done in the last week!
I've done half the seam treatments on that block I showed you last time. Will try and do a photo of it tomorrow.
To perhaps inspire some of you here are some pictures of the interior of my aunts narrow (canal) boat:
Monday, December 04, 2006
Embroidery guild meeting
Went to my embroidery Guild Meeting on Saturday. It was the Member's Day which was basically a Crafty Xmas bash. There was a bran tub, a raffle, a lunch and workshops!
The workshop groups we'd all signed up for last month and I was in the Christmas Angel group.
This is the Christmas Angel Card I made!
Its made using paper fabric! This is a sort of sandwich of glue, paper and fabric. Its quite stiff and hard work to sew though!I'm going to try and make some myself though!
The lady running the workshop (Am really sorry, I can't remember her name!) had made us up kits so all we had to do was sew and stick it all together and embellish it! I was going to send it to my mum but I've decided to keep it for myself!
I had a lovely day, only slightly spoilt by mark getting stuck in traffic on his way to collect me and finally getting there an hour after the meeting ended by which point I was very cold and fed up!
On sunday we went to Harrogate and Pateley Bridge. Harrogate was very nice and rather posh. We wanted to have lunch but the only places we found were too busy or too expensive so we drove to Pateley Bridge. We were going to eat at one of the pubs but they had both stopped serving food by then. Mark spotted a teashop next to the pub so we went in there.
Its called The Old Granary Tea Shop and is well worth a visit if you are in the area.Its run by Ann and John Shackleton. I had one of the nicest main courses I've had in a while (I didn't have to season it at all!) and I was introduced to a dessert called Apple Moggy. This was a variation of Yorkshire Moggy.Its sort of a gingerbread.
Sewing wise, I've started the seam treatments on my new block and done a sketch for a project I have in mind.
Today I have been working on getting packaged up and sent out some of the sudden rush of pre christmas purchases on ebay! I sent around 50 parcels out today!
Will hopefully get some stitching done tonight to show you tomorrow!
The workshop groups we'd all signed up for last month and I was in the Christmas Angel group.
This is the Christmas Angel Card I made!
Its made using paper fabric! This is a sort of sandwich of glue, paper and fabric. Its quite stiff and hard work to sew though!I'm going to try and make some myself though!The lady running the workshop (Am really sorry, I can't remember her name!) had made us up kits so all we had to do was sew and stick it all together and embellish it! I was going to send it to my mum but I've decided to keep it for myself!
I had a lovely day, only slightly spoilt by mark getting stuck in traffic on his way to collect me and finally getting there an hour after the meeting ended by which point I was very cold and fed up!
On sunday we went to Harrogate and Pateley Bridge. Harrogate was very nice and rather posh. We wanted to have lunch but the only places we found were too busy or too expensive so we drove to Pateley Bridge. We were going to eat at one of the pubs but they had both stopped serving food by then. Mark spotted a teashop next to the pub so we went in there.
Its called The Old Granary Tea Shop and is well worth a visit if you are in the area.Its run by Ann and John Shackleton. I had one of the nicest main courses I've had in a while (I didn't have to season it at all!) and I was introduced to a dessert called Apple Moggy. This was a variation of Yorkshire Moggy.Its sort of a gingerbread.
Sewing wise, I've started the seam treatments on my new block and done a sketch for a project I have in mind.
Today I have been working on getting packaged up and sent out some of the sudden rush of pre christmas purchases on ebay! I sent around 50 parcels out today!
Will hopefully get some stitching done tonight to show you tomorrow!
Friday, December 01, 2006
More musing on drawing...
Whilst looking at this webpage, I had a small epiphany ; that my drawing time doesn't necassarily take away from my stitching time - an issue I had in the past, and it in fact, supports and helps me develop it.
So, I am revising my 15 mins a day of stitching to 15 mins a day of drawing/journaling and 15 of stitching.
I've just about finished the first block of my quilt:
There may be some beading added around the button trail. I haven't decided yet. This is a close up of the button trail.
This is the block I'll be working on next!
This second photo shows the other colours better but they are either not well lit enough or washed out by the flash!
I have my embroiderer's guild meeting tomorrow! Shall tell you about it when I get back!
So, I am revising my 15 mins a day of stitching to 15 mins a day of drawing/journaling and 15 of stitching.
I've just about finished the first block of my quilt:
There may be some beading added around the button trail. I haven't decided yet. This is a close up of the button trail.
This is the block I'll be working on next!
This second photo shows the other colours better but they are either not well lit enough or washed out by the flash!
I have my embroiderer's guild meeting tomorrow! Shall tell you about it when I get back!
Wishing to Clarify a point
Yesterday I said that I am considering I'm considering pulling back from the majority of swaps over the next year and concentrating on my quilt as at the moment I've only really made things for swaps and therefore am feeling like I haven't really made anything for myself!
I want to clarify that I adore the things I have recieved in swaps and didn't mean to devalue them in anyway.
I am just very aware at the moment that I've made lots of stuff and while I have the beautiful stuff I recieved, I don't particulary have anything I've made,and I want to have something I can show off as something I made!
Sorry if yesterdays post offended anyone.
I want to clarify that I adore the things I have recieved in swaps and didn't mean to devalue them in anyway.
I am just very aware at the moment that I've made lots of stuff and while I have the beautiful stuff I recieved, I don't particulary have anything I've made,and I want to have something I can show off as something I made!
Sorry if yesterdays post offended anyone.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Creative Practices and Nurturing Creativity
Sharon B comments in her "Grab a Cuppa for 5 ways to Nurture Creativity" about considering how seriously you take what you do and that if you don't take it seriously then no one else will.
Mine as I have mentioned is sqeezed in between work and homelife, and my fledgling social life is fitted in there with it too.
We are working on me having my own space, after my moving into my partners flat. We hope the flat mate will move out at the end of his tenancy and I can have an office/workroom in his room.
I really do need that space. I'm working, creating and relaxing, all in the same room, so whenever I'm working on one I feel guilty about not working on the others.
Stimulation and engagement are hardest due to the fact that I spend most of my time in the flat.
I'm getting back into sketchbooking and working on my stuff on a regular basis.I just need to get some commitments (like xmas presents) out of the way, so I can get on with these!
Sharon asks people to come up with five key elements that aid our creative process. Mine are what elements I need to develop and allow for as I need to work these into my routines:
1 Keeping the visual journal/sketchbook.
2 Having regular craft time - perhaps one or two afternoons a week?
3 Having my own work space.
4 Documenting my work.
5 Better utilizing, and hopefully reducing, my time online excluding the time I am working.
Am off to muse on this and try and get my current block finished.
Mine as I have mentioned is sqeezed in between work and homelife, and my fledgling social life is fitted in there with it too.
We are working on me having my own space, after my moving into my partners flat. We hope the flat mate will move out at the end of his tenancy and I can have an office/workroom in his room.
I really do need that space. I'm working, creating and relaxing, all in the same room, so whenever I'm working on one I feel guilty about not working on the others.
Stimulation and engagement are hardest due to the fact that I spend most of my time in the flat.
I'm getting back into sketchbooking and working on my stuff on a regular basis.I just need to get some commitments (like xmas presents) out of the way, so I can get on with these!
Sharon asks people to come up with five key elements that aid our creative process. Mine are what elements I need to develop and allow for as I need to work these into my routines:
1 Keeping the visual journal/sketchbook.
2 Having regular craft time - perhaps one or two afternoons a week?
3 Having my own work space.
4 Documenting my work.
5 Better utilizing, and hopefully reducing, my time online excluding the time I am working.
Am off to muse on this and try and get my current block finished.
Visual Journals.
A while back I did a post on sketchbooks.Sketchbooks are great - While at school, they were a required part of assessment, and then at college they were a secondary but important working tool and these days can be a work of art in themselves.
For those who are really into their art, whatever medium their final work is in,a sketchbook is a really good idea. As a record for everyday obvervational drawings, sketches,design ideas and final design ideas they are a valuable creative tool.
I try and keep one (actually I have several on the go at the moment), but do have to say that they are something that does take time. Like most peoples, my muse is a tempramental creature and will go off in a huff if I don't pay it's urgings enough attention leaving me museless and frustrated. I've taken to carrying a small notebook/sketchpad with me in my bag for sketches - a thing which amuses my friends greatly when I start drawing at dinner or at video night.I sat there on sunday sketching these.
Something I do in addition to my journal is to keep sketchbooks full of pictures from magazines and pictures I found online. A visual source book, if you will. If I am stuck for ideas I can just flip through it and see where my brain takes me.I also have a folder on my desktop of my computer with pictures in it to inspire me.
These are some photos of pages from my full visual source book, started when I was at college and finished about a year ago:
This is the first spread from my new visual journal:
For those who are really into their art, whatever medium their final work is in,a sketchbook is a really good idea. As a record for everyday obvervational drawings, sketches,design ideas and final design ideas they are a valuable creative tool.
I try and keep one (actually I have several on the go at the moment), but do have to say that they are something that does take time. Like most peoples, my muse is a tempramental creature and will go off in a huff if I don't pay it's urgings enough attention leaving me museless and frustrated. I've taken to carrying a small notebook/sketchpad with me in my bag for sketches - a thing which amuses my friends greatly when I start drawing at dinner or at video night.I sat there on sunday sketching these.
Something I do in addition to my journal is to keep sketchbooks full of pictures from magazines and pictures I found online. A visual source book, if you will. If I am stuck for ideas I can just flip through it and see where my brain takes me.I also have a folder on my desktop of my computer with pictures in it to inspire me.
These are some photos of pages from my full visual source book, started when I was at college and finished about a year ago:
This is the first spread from my new visual journal:
Long term goals.
First of all...apologies. I've barely posted for a week. The main reason is this:
As a public service announcement I appeal that people don't do what I did earlier this week and leave a folder sitting on the back of the sofa...and then proceed to sit on said sofa and attempt to impale your spine onto the corner of the surprisingly well made and sturdy folder.
It had that big lump (it was about 2 inches long) for most of that night and it still hurts like hell. I haven't slept properly in days.I've had terrible problems with extending my reach and lifting things all week. It turns out I've got deep bruising on my spine....
In other news, I got my new glasses today. They look like this in gunmetal silver colour. everything is in focus which feels a little unusual!
Anyway, back to business.
Sharon B has done it again. Shes got the cogs of my mind whirring into a veritable frenzy.
She asked people to stop for a moment and think about their life in the long term and whether they Will have gained satisfaction from the journey you have taken in life?I have the weird situation of still finding my path for the journey.At the moment I take pleasure in my crafts and friendships as well as my relationship with my partner and my family, but I am aware I need to find a path that encompasses my creativity.
Easier done that said...
Financially its near impossible. Academically its also near impossible.
I have to work to support myself. This eats up a lot of time, especially as I work from home which means I never really leave work. I fit my crafting into the couple of hours I get off in the evening. I have various projects that am working on and I haven't even started the christmas gifts yet.
Academically I would love nothing more to undertake my C&G in stitched textiles...only problem is..I can only do it distance learning (mail order) and its too expensive. Each module costs more than i earn in a month...so I am destined to me a part time amatuer for life it seems.Perhaps I should take up playing the lottery again?
I dream of the days when I can do nothing but sew, stitch, paint and bead all day.
The only reason I get any time to craft at all is because I only do housework once a week...(and sometimes once a fortnight...) This isn't ideal but I'd be working myself into the ground otherwise!
Sharon askes if we will "take pleasure in all those dishes washed, clothes ironed, floors swept and toilets cleaned?" No, I won't...but even at the moment, all the things I've made have been for swaps and gifts...I've got nothing to show for my hard work. Don't get me wrong, I have the lovely items I have got in swaps and i do love them...but they aren't mine.
I'm considering pulling back from the majority of swaps over the next year and concentrating on my quilt...I'm still only on the first block after a couple of problems with it.
Sorry, not the best of photos! I've learnt another new stitch! I don't know whether I need to add something extra to the middle of the pink area. Am going to do a bead/button trail in the lilac area and could trail it down across into that area.
This is the latest new stitch I've learnt. It is cast on stitch in various perle cottons - I am addicted to these!
I'm just feeling a bit stuck. I want to get this one finished and onto the next block!
As a public service announcement I appeal that people don't do what I did earlier this week and leave a folder sitting on the back of the sofa...and then proceed to sit on said sofa and attempt to impale your spine onto the corner of the surprisingly well made and sturdy folder.
It had that big lump (it was about 2 inches long) for most of that night and it still hurts like hell. I haven't slept properly in days.I've had terrible problems with extending my reach and lifting things all week. It turns out I've got deep bruising on my spine....
In other news, I got my new glasses today. They look like this in gunmetal silver colour. everything is in focus which feels a little unusual!
Anyway, back to business.
Sharon B has done it again. Shes got the cogs of my mind whirring into a veritable frenzy.
She asked people to stop for a moment and think about their life in the long term and whether they Will have gained satisfaction from the journey you have taken in life?I have the weird situation of still finding my path for the journey.At the moment I take pleasure in my crafts and friendships as well as my relationship with my partner and my family, but I am aware I need to find a path that encompasses my creativity.
Easier done that said...
Financially its near impossible. Academically its also near impossible.
I have to work to support myself. This eats up a lot of time, especially as I work from home which means I never really leave work. I fit my crafting into the couple of hours I get off in the evening. I have various projects that am working on and I haven't even started the christmas gifts yet.
Academically I would love nothing more to undertake my C&G in stitched textiles...only problem is..I can only do it distance learning (mail order) and its too expensive. Each module costs more than i earn in a month...so I am destined to me a part time amatuer for life it seems.Perhaps I should take up playing the lottery again?
I dream of the days when I can do nothing but sew, stitch, paint and bead all day.
The only reason I get any time to craft at all is because I only do housework once a week...(and sometimes once a fortnight...) This isn't ideal but I'd be working myself into the ground otherwise!
Sharon askes if we will "take pleasure in all those dishes washed, clothes ironed, floors swept and toilets cleaned?" No, I won't...but even at the moment, all the things I've made have been for swaps and gifts...I've got nothing to show for my hard work. Don't get me wrong, I have the lovely items I have got in swaps and i do love them...but they aren't mine.
I'm considering pulling back from the majority of swaps over the next year and concentrating on my quilt...I'm still only on the first block after a couple of problems with it.
Sorry, not the best of photos! I've learnt another new stitch! I don't know whether I need to add something extra to the middle of the pink area. Am going to do a bead/button trail in the lilac area and could trail it down across into that area.
This is the latest new stitch I've learnt. It is cast on stitch in various perle cottons - I am addicted to these!
I'm just feeling a bit stuck. I want to get this one finished and onto the next block!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
My musings on arts and crafts
During the renaissance, there emerged a clear division of methods of producing art into fine arts and decorative arts; or arts and crafts.
The have remained firmly separated in the eyes of many ever since.
Worse than this, they had developed into a hierarchy of the high 'arts' and lower 'crafts’. Why arts higher than crafts? I can't say for sure but I think it is partly to do with the fact that art is supposed to be original and craft can make several very similar items (I don't believe anything is ever completely identical, including twins!)
"I shall not meddle much with the great art of Architecture, and still less with the great arts commonly called Sculpture and Painting, yet I cannot in my own mind quite sever them from those lesser, so called Decorative Arts, which I have to speak about: it is only in latter times and under the most intricate conditions of life, that they have fallen apart from one another; and I hold that, when they are so parted, it is ill for the Arts altogether: the lesser ones become trivial, mechanical, unintelligent, incapable of resisting the changes pressed upon them by fashion or dishonesty; while the greater, however they may be practiced for a while by men of great minds and wonder-working hands ... are sure to lose their dignity of popular arts, and become nothing but dull adjuncts to unmeaning pomp, or ingenious toys for a few rich or idle men. (William Morris, Selected Writings and Designs, ed. Asa Briggs, 1962, p. 84) Found In G Pollock and Rozika Parker OLD MISTRESSES P.50-51)"
I was speaking to my partner last night and he felt that it was his understanding that art is purely decorative and craft is functional. I too hold to this. This is why nothing I've made recently has been purely decorative. They all hold something or are used for a purpose. But then, in the academic art historian part of my brain, is a little voice questioning whether the functionality I desire in the objects I make detracts from the beauty of them? How can function diminish beauty?
Even the word craft is being relegated to a phrase for a hobby or pastime rather than something that a person’s life can revolve around producing.
It gets further and further defined and sub-divided into fields relating to the materials used etc. and I think this breaking down of it into its component parts is damaging to the idea of craft itself.
Everything we (we, on this occasion referring to those who make craft) make requires a mixture of skill, and imagination. I see no difference between this and 'art'.
That’s complete B.S. is what I have to say! How is wielding a needle any the less technically demanding than a paintbrush?
Gerry has provided me with this very interesting link.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Not stitching, unstitching!
I got this at a charity shop a while ago. Its a lovely soft weave cotton dress with full lining and some lovely simple zigzag stitch details on it. It also has a decorative line of beads on the bust line.
This was the only reserve I had about this dress.....I really don't do 3 inch wide rainbow braid!
It also has a lovely tiered skirt with zigzag stitch lines in a lovely hot pink, similar to that of the neckline.
I spent 2 hours sitting carefully unpicking and trimming off the braid and doesn't it look different?!
I'm thinking of possibly adding some more beads at the bust line and maybe on the hem?
I'm also tempted to make a petticoat to go under it. And a brooch to go with it I think!
I've needed a special occasions dress for a long while now! I just need to find some shoes to go with it now!
This was the only reserve I had about this dress.....I really don't do 3 inch wide rainbow braid!
It also has a lovely tiered skirt with zigzag stitch lines in a lovely hot pink, similar to that of the neckline.
I spent 2 hours sitting carefully unpicking and trimming off the braid and doesn't it look different?!
I'm thinking of possibly adding some more beads at the bust line and maybe on the hem?
I'm also tempted to make a petticoat to go under it. And a brooch to go with it I think!
I've needed a special occasions dress for a long while now! I just need to find some shoes to go with it now!
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