Quality Street

Sweetie wrappers + glue + glitter + Toddler Girl = a really lovely collage

Cardboard kitchen - update

I've used gummed paper to tidy up all the edges. I do like the look of corrugated cardboard but because I had to glue board together to get strength and thickness the edges looked untidy. The gummed paper works really well. I also used it to tidy up the joins. It has given it even more strength.

I added a panel for the hob knobs and I still need to work out how to strengthen and fix the oven door. I want to cut a window in it too. I need a handle as well...

I also need a 'sink' and I think I will paint the two large wooden knobs silver for the taps.

The cupboard under the 'sink' needs a curtain.

and of course the whole thing needs painted...

Since these photos were taken, I have covered the whole thing with gummed tape. I hope this will give an even surface on which to paint.


It is slightly higgledy piggledy but I think it adds to the charm.

I want to get it all finished for Toddler Girl's Christmas...

How many days until Christmas?

another new book

Location, Location by Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn. Book 21 from Double Trouble Enterprises.


I've looked through some of the books in this series and although they looked lovely and inspiring, they didn't 'speak' to me...

This one does. Hopefully get some ideas down on paper...

Soon...

a new book

lovely ideas and all for £3.75 from www.greenmetropolis.com

the master list

I think I need a master list of ideas to try, to do...

Sharon B

Sharon B's blog has a new name and a new look at Pin Tangle

Baby Annabell Project - a hat!

I used a modified version of this pattern. I knitted it flat and fudged the decreases but it looks ok. Especially with the addition of a pom pom.

Baby Annabell Project

Baby Annabell has been with us for nearly a year now. For her 1st birthday (and Toddler Girl's Christmas) I'm knitting some clothes...

1. a hat
2. a cardigan
3. a skirt

Some improvisation may be necessary, as I'm not keen on the lacy frilly knitting patterns which seem to be available for dolls. This may take a while...

Cardboard kitchen - update

I need to get this project going again.

To do:-

1. cut lower cardboard piece
2. strengthen middle section
3. strengthen shelf
4. make oven door - include a window
5. acquire 'sink' and cut hole
6. make curtain
7. decide on hob plates and taps
8. paint the whole thing! Think I'll do it in white.
   
9. install 'sink', taps and hob plates
10. hang curtain
11. blackboard on side?
12. hanging hooks for utensils?

Surprise

I have finally found an inexpensive practical and reasonably faltering new parka type coat for winter and so I was able to pack away the totally inadequate and rather ugly jacket that I've had for the past 4 years.

Whilst folding it up, I heard some loose change. When I searched the pocket I found £36.50.

I'm not sure why I had £36.50 in cash or indeed how I managed to leave it in the pocket of a jacket I haven't worn in at least 2 months, but it was a very very pleasant surprise.

Folksy

probably late as usual with this! Think this beta version went live in July. Looks interesting, some lovely stuff.

www.folksy.com

Snowdrop Exhibition at Cambo House

There is an annual art exhibition on a snowdrop theme at Cambo House, near Kingsbarns, 31st January - 8th March 2009.

I think I might submit a piece...


photos taken February 2006

Knitting - Toddler Girl's shrug

IT. IS. TOO. SMALL.

aaaarrrgggghhhghhghghghghgh

Knitting - my scarf, another one

9 rows of fishnet lace and 6 of garter. Wisp from Knitty

Bead Loom

Look what I found in a Cancer Research shop in St Andrews...


for £2! Bargain

Followers

I have just added the followers button to my right hand side bar.

a really long list - update

1. Work through my colour wheel exercises (using my watercolour pencils and stranded cottons).
2 Finish my Christmas shopping.
3. Make some cards using materials I have to hand and do 2 things - talk to a local shop re selling them and photograph them and list them on Etsy.
4. Rework 3 pieces from my recent exhibition, i.e. take them out the frame.
5. Knit or sew some clothes for Toddler Girls babies.
6. Plant 165 free spring bulbs.
7. Finish the cardboard kitchen for Toddler Girl.
8. Finish my wisp scarf that I knitting with my Noro Kureyon sock wool.
9. Help Hubby set up his business!
10. Complete a marketing course through Aberdeen College.
11. Finish knitting Toddler Girls shrug... just some ribbing to go...
12. Use my Procion Dye.
13. Start my random piece...
14. Start reading books again
15. Download some new music...
16. Finish painting the kitchen door
17. Get my hair cut.

Half a Mile to Pittenweem

Fife Art Exhibition is on at the Kirkcaldy Musuem and Art Gallery until 28th November.

My picture is up and it is in a brightly coloured room! I'm very pleased with it as it holds your eye in a crowded room.

Next year I'm aiming for the BIG picture room. I'll need to create something at least 75cm x 50cm, preferably over a box canvas...

I'm thinking of something random (is that possible for me?!?!?!!?) and highly textured and not as pictorial as my previous submissions... my box of beads is calling.

Artist Statement

I have updated my profile...

I mostly make pictures using threads and I stitch on fabric or paper. I am inspired by my home village of St Monans, in the East Neuk of Fife. It sits between richly coloured agriculture land and the water of the Firth of Forth, both ever changing. I am attracted by textures and shapes around me and I represent these patterns and there repetition in my work. All my work is hand stitched and is usually of a small size, no bigger than 15cmx15cm. I sometimes use paint to colour the fabric, and I sometimes hand dye my threads. But I’ll use whatever I feel works within a piece. Including paper, beads and found objects. My fabric can be handmade paper, calico, old clothing or handmade felt. My most recent work has been framed behind glass and hung on a wall which has, in some cases, left me dissatisfied. I am attracted by the tactile qualities of the fabric and thread and the inherent warmth of the fabric. I want the audience to have some sense of that too. This has led me to explore non framed options like fabric books. To engage the viewer and allow them to interact with the piece.