British Birds in swatches

Sourcing my colour inspiration for my new collection I have been keeping the concept very BRITISH... well why go else where. Surprises are just around the corner and it wasn't until I was developing some palettes over on Colour Lovers that I discovered the range of hues to be found. A magpie isn't just black and white and black birds are a cacophony of browns rather than all black??? Visit my Colour Lovers page to see more.

Inspired: Maurizio Bongiovanni

Maurizio Bongiovanni is an inspirational painter to say the least, as a fellow colour lover I just can't stop looking at them. Check out his photo stream on flickr.

Inspiration and Creative Release

I’m sure everyone has their own way of being inspired (or stimulating those little sparks of inspiration). For me, it’s looking at colours, textures and details in the things around us. I find certain colours and patterns can start my mind going, doing a few doodles based on the texture of something can get my creative mind engaged.

Pencil and ink textures

Character studies 

The idea of starting a new collection is something both exciting and daunting. How do you go about creating something new and exciting that’s still as interesting as the work you’ve done before? How do you do it without copying wholesale from your own work?

Quick egg texture studies - mixed media

 mushroom and fungi

Spores and bacteria fungus

I often think of the sculptors who carefully carve away at blocks of stone to release a beautiful image trapped within. My mind is carving away these images, defining their essence and their subtleties. Eventually, through my work, I can release them into the world... my world!

Merge Christmas Contemporary Craft Fair 2011

NEW EVENT ADDED:
Christmas Contemporary Craft Fair 2012
Queen Victoria Hall - Oundle, Northamptonshire

Merge Contemporary Craft Fairs are selected events, based in Oundle Town Centre Northamptonshire, showcasing the best of British Crafts. All work is completely hand made by British makers both locally and nationally. Buyers are able to meet the makers, and buy unique gifts, or commission an artist for their very own one off piece of work. For further information visit the Merege website.

Public viewing - 10th & 11th December 2011

Contemporary Textiles Fair 2012

NEW EVENT ADDED:
Contemporary Textiles Fair 2012
Landmark Art Centre - Teddington, London.

The fair showcases more than 70 designer makers exhibiting and selling an extraordinary range of wearable and hangable art including embroidery, devore, weaving, printing, quilting and much more. Felting demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. For further information visit the Landmark Art Centre website.

Private view - 9th March
Public viewing - 10th & 11th March

Preparing to sell...

Tredegar House - Newport, Wales

This lovely venue is where 'Made by Hand' is being held from the 2nd to the 4th of December, and on Thursday I went to have the guided tour as part of the preparing to sell day. My little note book was full by the end of the afternoon and as a new business I came away with lots of helpful information! The show takes place both inside the grand rooms of the house and outside in a heated pavilion, well it will be December.

Head on over the the 'Made by Hand' website to checkout the show, other exhibitors and lots of other useful bits and pieces.

Supporting Meningitis UK

Earlier this year I made a donation of a square silk 'Oh Poppy' scarf to Marion Smith's Charity Coffee morning in aid of Meningitis UK. This year they raised £1505.00, exceeding last years total by nearly £400!

Well done Marion!!!

Creative wearing

How To Tie A Turband 3 Ways from LEAFtv on Vimeo.

A lovely video of inspirational ways to wear your scarf.

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