Dangling by a Thread

Frigiliana

2012-01-20T08:50:00.001Z

Here is the village that I frequent when going to spain its sooo charming as you will see
there is a burro that takes goods being anything from vegetables, rubbish, concrete when they are building
up in the cobble stoned village.
The other picture is of the plant store in the village with all the wonderful plants displayed out in front of the store.

Malaga sights

2012-01-20T08:31:00.000Z

Here are a couple of pics of Malaga church and fountain as well as my favourite plant Bird of Paradise.

New Years ATC

2011-12-31T18:19:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all my family and friends all the best in 2012.
I would like to thank all those who take the time to have a read of my blog and
keeping up with what I am working on or not working on ..
I am looking forward to 2012 to get alot more done with my works.
Felting and mixed media textiles ...
Starting tomorrow (note to self do not have to much champagne!)

I am going to a house party and giving each of the couples one of the ATCs I created for the New Year Party ... ok I know I am wierd .

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:09:00.000Z

Here is the tree all trimmed last night with gifts under it ... was spoiled indeed thanks hunny!

Winner of Brussel sprout competition

2011-12-18T20:39:00.000Z

What do you do with Brussel sprouts?

2011-12-18T20:36:00.000Z

WHY MAKE ART.

At work we had a competition of things that you can make with Brussel sprouts and these are some of the entries...
I have one in there as well.

Exhibition at work African sheilds and Bamana shirt

2011-12-12T21:02:00.000Z

Here is some of my work that I have had hanging for about 9 months now in our common room.
This was some work that I had done for an African exhibition in Belgium.

The shields are made of recycled fabrics , felt hand stitching and the brown round one is supposed to be rhino skin done by using a muslin with saran wrap to make those ridges glue and water to keep it ridged then a few layers of paint and finally a wax as a top coat.

What do you think ?

Felted wrap for sale and luggage tags

2011-12-06T22:49:00.000Z

This is a felted wrap that I have made to sell, its warm and funky with spikey bits coming off it in some wonderful warm colours ...
I also made some luggage tags / gift tags that I am selling as well. Please let me know if your interested .. more tags to show tomorrow they are mostly teal and greens ...
What do you think ?

Fabulous Surfaces Lynda Monk

2011-11-24T22:29:00.004Z

Look what arrived today in the post today ... squeal ..... I have been looking forward to this arriving. I am quite lucky as Lynda doesnt live very far from me ;) and Maggie Grey sent me a surprise along with the book from www.d4daisy.com where you can find alot of textile books .......
YIPPEEE I love surprises
water soluble paper, water soluble film trans foil and kozo fibres ...

You will have to watch this space for some work done from here

Couple more choices

2011-11-13T21:57:00.001Z

What a wonderful surprise to get an email and someone asking to buy one of my brooches.
She comes from Canada not far from where I am in Ontario ... fantastic.

You should take a look at her blog she has got some very nice work there indeed.

Brenda tell me which one you would like and I can post that off to you asap.

choices for Brenda

2011-11-13T21:51:00.000Z

few more

2011-11-13T21:48:00.000Z

Sure sign its autumn

2011-10-11T06:20:00.000Z

Look at this lovely red colour of these vines .. love them .. and the chinese lanterns
I do love the colours of autumn

Brooches for sale

2011-09-18T19:40:00.002Z

I have these wonderful brooches for sale £5.00 each plus postage.
They are all individually made and no two exactly alike.
They are flexible plastic with leather backing and a pin to wear as a brooch.
Please email me if your interested .
do tell me what you think

Brooches for sale

2011-09-18T19:37:00.000Z

Brooches for sale

2011-09-18T19:36:00.000Z

2011-09-18T19:35:00.001Z

2011-09-18T19:33:00.000Z

Tarifa and Ronda Spain

2011-09-13T20:28:00.000Z

Just a couple of pictures of Tarifa .. you can see the top most tip of Africa from here. As you can see nice weather we then went up to the mountains of Ronda to see a bull ring, Ronda is famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting where the matador stands his ground against the bull. It was a festival that day but we arrived in the morning we had rain and decided to get down the mountain 40 minutes or so before any huge downpour came. I was driving and it was around around around the bends.

White cobble stoned village Cool beer

2011-09-13T20:18:00.000Z

3 Guesses where I have been!

2011-09-13T20:13:00.000Z

My own stamp

2011-08-09T20:59:00.000Z

Here is a stamp I made this evening for the Three Cultures festival in spain .. wait till you see what I do with this.
Watch this space... I have a few other things in the works too keep watching.

Look what I have been up to

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000Z

I have been doing some hand dying.. check this out they are soo cool colours. The other picture is of a night sky in suffolk how great is that for colour?

Morris Men at the Red Lion

2011-07-16T08:44:00.000Z

Here is some pictures of the morris men its a fantastic site to see and have seen these men quite a few times now . The last picture is of George and his family at The Red Lion and this is four generations who have watched the Morris men at his pub for many years.

Another village near where I live

2011-07-13T20:33:00.000Z

This is another village near where I am ...
what do you think?
Ok this is all backwards but hey at least I am posting .. this is all with my newish camera

Church in the village

2011-07-13T20:29:00.000Z

check this out .. I have lived in the village for almost 5 years and first time inside the church.

More images of canterbury

2011-07-13T20:27:00.000Z

Where have I been ? Canterbury

2011-07-13T20:25:00.000Z

here are a few pictures from Canterbury .... I have not being doing to much textile wise .. busy with everything but ...as soon as I bet off here now I will be felting at least one piece. I have family around visiting from Canada so have been busy with them as well.. I Know I know NO excuse.. let me post you a few more pics of things that have been happening here. Enjoy

Girls night out

2011-04-14T05:50:00.004Z

Girls night out at Pizza express last week, we had one of our work mates leave after 10 years working with us.
We had such a good time we are going to do this every month .. excellent.
Thanks for the great time girlys

Beer bread Newcastle brown

2011-04-13T18:37:00.001Z

more beer bread .. it so easy and quick no kneading ... fantastic

Beer Bread easy and yummy

2011-03-27T19:45:00.001Z

Well this is the easiest bread I have ever made .. this weekend was a bread baking fest.
I tried this easy recipe that you mix the dough , let it proof for an hour punch it down and leave another 20 minutes ... easy and very nice indeed...

then the one above .. even easier .

Beer Bread
Here's the easiest loaf of bread you'll ever make. The beer gives it a deep yeast flavor. If you like, add your favorite herbs or seeds such as sesame, millet, etc., or even a bit of shredded cheese.

Beer Bread
3 cups self-rising flour*
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 (12-ounce) can of beer
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients, mixing well.
Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.
Makes 1 loaf.

*Or you may substitute with 3 cups all purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Canadian Winter Molasses Baked Beans

2011-02-26T14:04:00.003Z

Canadian Winter Molasses Baked Beans
Ingredients
1 lb dry white pea or navy beans (could not find them so used Cannellini beans 2 pkgs)
2 large onion, chopped
1 can (5.5 oz)tomato paste(optional you can just use more ketchup if no paste)
3/4 cup ketchup
175 mL or 3/4 cup molasses
175 mL or 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
2 or 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
60 mL or 2 tsp dry mustard if non use american mustard about 1/4 cup
10 mL or 1/2 tsp salt
2 mL or 1/2 tsp black pepper

* do not add extra molasses: it will make the beans hard instead of tender

Instructions
Rinse beans and soak overnight in water. Drain.

Place beans in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil.
I add 1 tablespoon of baking soda in this ... you will have to skim the foam off as its cooking and discard . Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse beans.

Transfer the beans to a large pot and add onion, tomato paste, ketchup, molasses, garlic, sugar, dry mustard, salt and pepper and add enough water to completely cover them (about 6 cups). Set the temperature to LOW (150)and cook covered for 10 to 12 hours (or until skins split and beans are tender). I do this overnight... woke up from the smell yummy at 6:00 and added more liquid.

please send me an email if you make them and tell me how it goes.
Easy and cheap meal I end up sharing them out and freezing some.

Home made Baked Beens

2011-02-20T17:12:00.000Z

Here are some home made baked beans I made last night into this morning.
You cook them all night on low ... look yummy eh?

Snowdrops

2011-02-20T17:06:00.000Z

Here are some close ups of the snowdrops some you can still see the dew on them and this was about noon time today.
A nice looking tree that they did shaped is in the churchyard.

Sunday walk

2011-02-20T17:04:00.000Z

We went for a walk today to see some of the flowers that are coming up here in england
There are snowdrops and some primula and daffodils ... funny how many snowdrops were in the churchyard.

More spain

2011-02-13T20:02:00.000Z

Here are some pics of the Med in all its glory ... there is also some painted rails that are rusted .. love the colours

Back from holiday

2011-02-13T19:38:00.000Z

I love it in spain .... we were really lucky .. only one day it was partly overcast otherwise
fantastic blue skies ... the whole holiday it was in 20s in the day and at night went down to about
12 degrees... so a bit chilly at night but we got to see the sun everyday . more pics to come
enjoy

more close ups

2011-01-26T22:16:00.000Z

When I see these birds I am always amazed at all the colours in the feathers.
Ranges of browns , tans, teal to grey and blacks ...

Pheasant feathers

2011-01-26T22:11:00.000Z

We are lucky enough to have friends that bring us some birds ..
check out the colours of the feathers .. they are fantastic ... what do you think?
how about the close up with the camera eh!

Arrival in the post

2011-01-19T22:17:00.000Z

Look what has arrived in the post .. its a lovely small piece that Lynda made ... Lynda's blog is trying to create art every day.. she is working on eco dyeing at the moment .. do take the time to have a look at her blog..

What I did was very cheeky.... I saw this piece its about the size of the palm of your hand .. and I had to have it .... I emailed her and asked her to trade this for a brooch that I made... that should be arriving to her tomorrow or the next day ... hope she likes it :)

The rose is a close up trying out the camera ... taking pics of everything these days !

In the background I am making the felted bags and such ... will post those over the weekend .. ta ta for now

Just because

2011-01-12T20:55:00.001Z

Dont you just love it when your are surprised with some flowers.. and look how nice they are ... fantastic pink ones ... from my man .. xx How lucky am I and its Just Because !!!! Fantastic

thanks hun

The last picture is the other morning sunrise .. PINK .. and when I was in high school in art I painted a picture with a pink sky .. they said there is no such thing as a pink sky HUH! see

Felted handbags

2011-01-03T22:46:00.000Z

Here are two of the pieces I have felted .. they are smaller handbags... I am not keen on huge bags and these let you carry your money , passport, phone and maybe lipstick ... maybe a bit more.. What do you think .. I love the brown and orangey one ... pics still dont do it justice.

More wintery photos

2011-01-01T13:50:00.000Z

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:23:00.000Z

Here are a few pictures I have taken over the holiday season with the New camera ... which is wonderful indeed. I am still learning with this as there are so many functions on it .. now I am thinking ohh I need a zoom lens shesh this is goign to be an expensive habit (yet another beside the textiles )

Winter wonderland

2010-12-19T11:38:00.000Z

Been up early today went for a walk and took some wonderful pics of the village .. I have about 200 more .
How many trees can you photograph ?

New camera WOW

2010-12-07T22:08:00.000Z

I have got this wonderful new toy to take pictures of my work and EVERYTHING ... it is fantastic ... tell me what you think .
This was on the drive to work today it looked so wonderful I could not help myself but to stop and take some photos -5 ahh who cares the site was fantastic.

New Brooches

2010-11-16T22:08:00.000Z

These are some lovely brooches that I have made ... dont have the good camera yet as you can see and the light is just not right taking these pictures but hey what do you think of them?

Felt hats in the works

2010-11-14T19:59:00.000Z

Well finally something to show you .. I have been making some felt hats ... still don't have it down pat yet but getting there .. I like some of these .. what do you think?

Tomorrow a friend is lending me his good camera so I will get someone to take pictures of them .. much better ones.

Why is it that when you take pictures of yourself you have a double chin... shesh !!!

Wow how about these

2010-10-31T18:21:00.000Z

Ok I have only been doing a bit of stuff lately ... My sister was over from canada and we spent time together
which was great did a little textiles not to much. I was able to sneak these bits in and will try out some jewelery and brooches from these ..
How do you like them ... I have done about 30 more but these are in metallics silver and gold ... I will take some pics and post them in the next day .

Fridge died on my about 2 weeks ago and finally have another one .. yippeee and its got a larger top portion that you can have alot more in the fridge part... not taking pictures of this as that is really sad.

Post more tomorrow

Felt , Felt ,Felt

2010-09-22T20:16:00.000Z

I know I have been way busy lately .. with holidays and stuff .. and work... in my spare time I have been doing alot of felted bits of clothing and such... a friend in Frigiliana is going to sell them at her shop ... so really got to get cracking and get alot more done then what I have here... but my sister will be over tomorrow for a month and I expect we are going to be busy with traveling, and doing alot of textile things... yippeee really looking forward to her visit and being able to do some stuff with her as well as visit. ... keep your eyes peeled for our adventures .

more of spain

2010-09-15T18:50:00.000Z

More holiday photos

2010-09-11T15:14:00.000Z

Here are more photos of the holiday ... this is the 3 Cultures festival in Frigiliana Spain and it was busier then ever. The one picture is of the gang in Spain that we always meet up with some of them live in the village and others have places out there. This was the Rutas de la tapas ... where you go from bar to bar (thanks Paulo Nutini) having a tapa and a beer for 1.50 euro each to specified stops and this year there were 11 of them .. we did this in one night and got a tshirt to show for it in the end ... free ...

The other picture of the guys in costume were a band an one of the guys was a belly dancer.. nice one.

HOLIDAYS

2010-09-11T15:01:00.000Z

Well not sure if anyone has missed me but I have been away on holiday in Spain ....
Here are some pics of scenes in spain where we usually go in Costa del Sol warm and sunny coast of spain.

Exquisite Evolon DRUM ROLL PLEASE

2010-08-09T19:32:00.000Z

Drum Roll ... here it is Exquisite Evolon a book written by Marion Barnett for those of you that like to use the ISSN 978-0-9563006-2-1 and Marion being Marion .. has not even bragged that much about this book yet..but shamelessly I will put some stuff here as I have two pages with my work in it yeah!! Marion will be at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham in a couple weeks and she will have the book with her for sale.
Evolon what is it\
Evolon is a unique microfilament fabric combining excellent textile and mechanical properties. Although it is a nonwoven, it looks and feels very much like a traditional woven material.

It is ideal for artists and designers, and just like Lutradur you can sew it, cut it, glue it, embroider it, distress it*, paint and dye it. All of which are in Marions book she has examples of almost all of those if not more.

Here is a sneak peek at it.

What do you think?

Hand dyes and shibori

2010-07-27T18:05:00.000Z

Well hopefully this pictures come out they are just showing right now in markup text but I have faith they will be fine once I publish them.
I first hand dyed some fabrics and then put them on a plastic tube then used Textile paints from my friend Laura... who sells the fabric paints... in a variety of colours its call Trapsuuitjies
Still need to iron the one with Rust.

Cards for sale

2010-07-13T20:46:00.000Z

I have made a few cards :) if anyone is interested in purchasing any please just either post a comment or send me an email.
There are two sizes I am going to sell some at work so if you like any please speak up .
Some of these are rusted cards with paint, angelina fibres and hand dyed paper.
Even if you don't want to buy any ... what do you think?
I have been a busy little beaver.. more stuff to come but I think this is enough for one night.

smaller size cards

2010-07-13T20:41:00.000Z

more and more

2010-07-13T20:40:00.000Z

more cards

2010-07-13T20:39:00.000Z

Cards for sale

2010-07-13T20:37:00.000Z

New toy a Cuttlebug

2010-07-08T20:14:00.000Z

Well for those of you that have not seen a cuttlebug or tried one out they are great...
You take card or ........ fill in the blank yourself and run it through the machine and tada
you piece of card is embossed.. you can do all kinds of things with it ... I KNOW I KNOW
like I needed one more thing to add to my collection but they are LOVELY.
Some of these embossing plates are from Tim HOltz collection they are called textured folders and he has some great designs... I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. Carol McFee of Textiles Tales and I decided to do a virtual playday together with the machines we both have... of course I much like hers better. As I have put my card through the machines but have not painted them all yet .. but keep a watch out here and you can see them in my work
I am even recycling old coloured envelopes that I have kept .. (secretly I am a magpie ;) )
I have also made some cards with the embossing folder made of angelina fibres.
Do feel free to leave comments and DEFINEATELY GO AND SEE CAROLS BLOG.

More die cuts

2010-07-08T19:57:00.000Z

Die cuts and the cuttlebug

2010-07-08T19:52:00.000Z

Here are some examples of the die cuts that I have.
I have not added them yet into my work but that is coming.
Imagine them with some paint on them.. cut from various mediums.
Paper , heavy card , vilene and laminated paper.

more embossing folder work

2010-07-08T19:47:00.000Z

Here is some different weights of metal that I put through the cuttlebug , metal from tomato paste tube, other metal shim that I had as well as put some felt and organza in one hit and it came out great there is the piece I cut it out from as well.
The second picture is hand made paper and card that I had hanging around as well as an old silver card back .. that goes through really nicely ... as well as some vellum turns out well.. I keep all kinds of cards from christmas and recycle them.
The next two are pelmet vilene one plain white and I cut out some of the die cuts ... I really like this die cut .

Painted slate and book

2010-06-29T19:50:00.002Z

Just some pieces I am working on ... what do you think .. I love the colours ... go on .. click on it for a closer look :)

Background pieces

2010-06-24T21:25:00.000Z

New Multimedia in the works

2010-06-24T21:22:00.000Z

Just trying out a few new pieces in the works .. with paper still some work to do on them.

Barbados sites

2010-06-16T20:24:00.000Z

Here is some coconuts that had been cut from the trees on the Almond beach resort. The guys who were climbing the trees were not allowing people to take pictures of them climbing up.. in their barefeet ouch... but got a good picture of the coconuts once they were chopped down.
These lovely orange flowers were everywhere on the island, and fantastic for ideas for a quilt .. the flower petals are sooo perfect and colour to dye for . At the resort there is also a little mongoose that lived under the floorboards of the open air restaurant ... and if you threw little bits of food he would come and steal it for himself and babies below I think . He wasnt really shy as I got a few pictures of him.

Bajan flowers and sites

2010-06-16T20:16:00.000Z

Wow can you guess what this is ???
This second picture is a banana flower or umm maybe its from the travelers palm.. must look this up (and seeing that I love this so plant so much ... I am surprised the name escapes me) .If anyone is the wiser please do enlighten me. The third picture is in the same family as Bird of paradise plant and the last picture is one taken from Oistins in Barbados.

Two more pieces

2010-06-09T20:38:00.000Z

Nice match to my nail polish eh?
what do you think kewl aren't they
I am trying out all kinds of techniques on these
all those workshops incorporated.

New cuffs in progress

2010-06-09T20:34:00.000Z

Here are some new pieces I am making .. they are a works in progress.

Barbados flower wild

2010-06-09T20:12:00.000Z

I may have to do this flower some day its soo fantastic looking , I have never seen anything like it .
I have been busy experimenting on some work .. and will post those shortly but had to show you this
wonderful flower.

Flying fish at the airport

2010-05-24T19:58:00.000Z

Barbados

2010-05-24T19:54:00.000Z

Wow ... its been a while since I have posted anything here on the blog but I have been busy as you will see. We were on holiday in Barbados for two glorious warm HOT weeks. We went over to go to a friends wedding and had such a fantastic time .. with the HOT weather.. fantastic turquiose caribean sea , great friends and the superb Bajan people.

Flying fish, sun ,fun, Banks beer. Superb sunsets ....... what more could you ask for .

We had a week before the wedding to relax. We stayed in Holetown in a self catering place called Halcyon Palms where we had such fun .. It was quiet, we had a pool there to cool ourselves off ... a wonderful lady who came into clean the place Pat ! Thanks Pat and Wendy who is one of the admin ladies at Halcyon and Travelers Palms... I would highly recommend this place. Price was very reasonable , the place was very clean and tidy as you will see from some other photos I will post. Just around the corner there was a place we went to each night called Just Grillin.... the wait staff there were soo soo nice and always had time for a chat and we were able to get to know them.

Essen exhibition

2010-04-20T21:19:00.000Z

Here are some of my pieces that were on display in the art gallery with myself and Dijanne Cevaal on the main floor.
Check out some of the first pictures of the event here .
I met some wonderful people and had some great comments and people seemed very interested in some of my work :) . This was my first really exhibition and would like to thank Laura for letting me be a part of this great event.
Thanks to everyone who participated and sent in art quilts for the event .. we made quite a bit of money for the creche in south africa. .....
I have also had some great gifts come in the mail and such but will leave that for another day.

Sneak peek Colours of Africa

2010-04-13T22:14:00.000Z

OK its almost finally here I am off to belgium thursday for the Colours of Africa exhibition and click on the link .... I am featured on there with alot of other textile artists.
Its been a long haul with working full time ..and trying to get this work done for the exhibition... more pics to come sooo stay tuned for more great stuff from Belgium.. I will be meeting up with Laura,Annette, Dijanne and Hella and a couple of other ladies I havent met yet... Magie and Bob from African fabrics will be attending as well.
For those of you that are not able to attend please check out the site we will be auctioning off pieces from various artists and all the monies go to the creche in south africa... and even better the town of Essen where the event will be held will match what we make to go towards the creche....
Stay tuned and thanks for being so patient .

Felting little ones hats and hand dyeing

2010-03-07T14:21:00.000Z

Well I have been really busy with getting ready for the show in belgium 'Colours of Africa' as I have to have pieces ready to take there and I am getting nervous now that I have my pieces ready and enough in time. Before then I am off to the US for a week with work so I will take some pieces with me to hand sew things ..
I dont want to show you to much and spoil the surprise for those who will be going.

Is anyone going to Colours of Africa in Essen that reads my blog ????
It is running the weekend of April 12- 18 2010 with workshops and textile vendors such as The AfricanFabric shop with Magie and Bob and Laura of Trapsuutjies fabric paint.

I love the pieces I have laid out that I have hand dyed but the bottom bit needs replacing with something ... must have a play.
Oh and yes Joe has asked me to make him a hat in felt too so I am working on one for him. Bob from The African Fabric shop has tried on my felt hats and he would like one of them .. they really suited him.
OK well I am still alive and felting.!!!! sewing!!! and stitching... more soon

Ok its all about me

2010-02-25T07:23:00.000Z

Alison from work needed to take some portrait pictures for a digital course she is doing and asked me if she could use me .... so I stood beside some of my work and Dijannes that I happen to have hanging in my office space and here they are.
kewl eh?

Dijanne Cevaal workshop

2010-02-05T13:23:00.004Z

Dijanne Cevaal a good friend of mine is coming over and I have talked her into doing a workshop on Lutradur and transfer painting on Saturday Feb 20. More of Dijannes work

Transfer Printing is a method of getting permanent colour onto synthetic materials such as lutradur (a polyester non-woven fibre), polyester and polyester organza. The process allows you to get three prints so that a series can be created. We also explore methods of melting back and free machine stitching to embellish your printed fabric. Using Polyester fabrics such as organza allows you to build layers and play with transparency and overlays and still create your own distinctive fabrics and pieces.

You will need your machine with darning foot

Price will be £40 including materials.

A supply list will be provided on sign up.

Can anyone who is interested please let me know with a comment and your email please so I can get back to you

Colours of Africa event in Belgium

2010-02-02T21:03:00.002Z

Here is the link to the page of the event where I will be having some of my work in an exhibition that I keep mentioning.

Colours of Africa

A Textile event in "De Oude Pastorij", Essen, Belgium on 17 & 18 April 2010.

Organised by Trapsuutjies Fabric Paint in cooperation with the Town Council of Essen and together with Connection and Yda Walt.

4 Textile artists have come together under the name Connection and will exhibit their work during this event.
Annette Jeukens, Hella Sluyters, Jacqueline de Jong-van Baalen and Laura Liebenberg have chosen the cylinder as shape for this exhibition.

Our guest artist is Yda Walt from South Africa. Yda designs fabric using iconic South African images. Screenprinting and lino-cutting are two of her specialities. You can view her work on her website: www.ydawalt.co.za

During the event you will be able to browse in a few shops which have a connection with South Africa. So far the following shops will be present:
- the African Fabric Shop from England, well known for their fantastic collection of fabrics, beads, buttons etc.
- Trapsuutjies Fabric Paint known for its good quality paints, stamps and stencils from South Africa.

Todays felting

2010-01-31T21:08:00.000Z

Here are two more pieces that I did today, the green one I started out as a headband .. I think it still may need a bit of stitching on it lets see how it goes.. it looks nice as a bracelet as well.
The other brownish piece is still wet so lets see how it looks tomorrow once its dry.

I am going to do a felted piece for my exhibition in Belgium for april .. stayed tuned!

The first piece I made

2010-01-31T10:18:00.000Z

Here is the first piece I made in the morning. ok ok I gotta go and make more ....
ADDICTED show you more later.
BYE

Lizzie Houghton workshop

2010-01-31T09:11:00.000Z

Here are my first results from the workshops. I am sooo excited and I loved the workshop. Lizzie was fantastic and a great time was had by all .
Look not bad here is my piece the first one and there are bits of lace, wool velvet and fabrics entrapped in the felt. What do you think of my first piece?

This next picture is of Cherry who was a lovely lady working beside me, Lizzie brought out some of her new pieces that she has made and Cherry fell in love with it. We made her try it on, I now think its hers ... I will wait to see if she bought it. More details on that as it comes in .

The photo below is work that was done by the ladies during the day.
What do you think of the piece? you may have to click on the photo for a closer look, but there is nothing like seeing the piece. Now your going to have to watch as I will be doing alot more felting .

Felting with Lizzie Houghton

2010-01-28T21:43:00.003Z

I am so excited this saturday I am going to do a workshop with Lizzie Houghton. I just love her work she is soo talented and I wanted to meet her and do a workshop with her. Perhaps even get a few tips from her on how she does such wonderful clothing and hats. So keep your eyes peeled for the results of the workshop and details.

goodies by the way are wizzing their way to you ... you know who you are.

Thanks to everyone who voted HA .. the widget was useless thanks blogger !

Most people are saying that they like to have the book there to hand to read and drool over .. you can take your book to bed or in the bath with you !

Books verses EBooks

2010-01-19T13:12:00.003Z

Well I am very curious to get some ideas of how people feel in relation to having books or Ebooks in the textile, multi media industry. I know there are a pros and cons (which I know how I feel but just wanted to leave it open to see what you thought) on this issue but overall I wondered what people thought. Leave me a comment if you feel strongly one way or the other or want to say more then which you would choose and why.

Eagerly awaiting your reply ... please encourage others to vote with a link from your site if you like.

Thanks in advance.

Give away

2010-01-18T19:14:00.003Z

Thank you to everyone who has commented and followed my blog previously and anyone who is new to my blog.
I have decided to send each and everyone that did give me a comment during this period and joined to follow my blog will get a special something . I am getting in contact with each of you to send me your snail mail and I can post it off to you.

Sue I could not get your email as well as I think Judy who also follows my blog. Can you email me with your name and snail mail addy.

Oh I forgot to say that I got a wonderful book for my birthday ... just wait to see what inspiration comes from this book.
this lustr'ed cloth by Alysn Midgelow-Marsden

Another free give away

2010-01-14T22:48:00.003Z

Here is another give away ... once again you need to put a comment on my blog and for an extra chance to win if you click on the follow my blog link you will get your name in the hat again.
There have not been many comments or linking to my blog shesh .. cannot even give things away these days .. come on .
this new give away is a package of gold and bronze foil that you iron on to your work tons of ways to do it. I have used it alot and so does Carol McFee at Fibre in Forum have a look I believe there is a free workshop on it. ...... more goodies tomorrow. Lets see those comments and follow my blog

Jan 5 2010 Give away

2010-01-05T22:51:00.000Z

Here is the a few little needle holders I have made .. cute eh? I am going to do a give away of these and a couple of goodie bags of things that I will post each day .. all you have to do is leave a comment on my blog and you will get an extra entry if you click follow this blog I will take all entries that till end of next week Jan 17 ... keep your eyes peeled for other things I am going to give away.

This was the sky this morning it was mesmerizing .... it was so red at one point....

OK so keep the comments coming and dont forget ... extra entries for following my blog

Birthday gifts

2010-01-02T17:55:00.000Z

First post of the new year and well its my birthday today ... I have been spoiled ;)
first of all a wonderful card .. that lights up with the fireworks ... and eiffel tower.. and hey look at this infuser ... its fantastic don't you think ? A silver necklace teardrop shape ... ok I bought myself a pressie as well ... some ankle high boots they were in a sale ... cannot resist the Dudley Mason sales ... and a bit of fabric .. and going out to dinner tonight .. ohh and hopefully I can get in but I am also getting two workshops with Lizzie Houghton if they are not full ..... felting classes ....... as you have seen I can felt but want to see if I can learn any tricks from a master.
woooo hoooo how lucky am I ?

Xmas gifts ... giving

2009-12-27T11:25:00.000Z

Here are some gifts that I made and gave to others for xmas.
The felted hat is for my sister who saw one and said ohhh I want a hat from you for xmas.. so I have done this and its off to her in canada next week.
The quilt is for my mans mother .. she doesnt get out much these days so this will hopefully be a comfort to her with it sitting on her lap.
This gave me experience with felting and making a hat and ... binding on the quilt .. which I must say I am getting better at.
I had a phone call with my family from canada over christmas and it was wonderful to hear from them .. over an hour we laughed and joked ... I miss them alot. During that call they said oh its your birthday coming up...
hmmm a huge birthday for me in about a week, 50 omg .. how did that happen ! I dont feel a day over 25 most days!
I hope everyone had a wonderful xmas and looking forward to this New Year.

Goodies from Belgium

2009-12-21T10:16:00.000Z

OK I know ....!!! where the heck have I been ! Working working and getting some shields done , traveling in to Belgium and now getting ready for xmas... sewing a quilt for Joes mom .. pics later .
Here are some goodies that I picked up whilst in belgium from a garden centre.. fantastic or what ...

Belgium here we come

2009-12-03T21:46:00.002Z

Well we are off to Belgium to visit with Laura and her family ... Lucky old us. As well as Annette will be over to visit ... and Dijanne ... will be like a mini reunion :) of textile friends...
So I hope to have some wonderful photos to show you on sunday ... we are going to talk about the Colours of Africa exhibition ... so stay tuned.
May just have to do a bit of shopping

Shields

2009-11-18T08:24:00.001Z

Hi ya ... I am still around been working on the Shields for the exhibition in April.

Here is a sneak peek at one of the african shields that I am working on for the show in April in Essen Belgium . Is anyone who reads my blog planning to attend this event?
Hows this shield looking ? Oh I just happen to have a passion for masks ... fits quite well dont you think?

Colours of Africa

2009-11-01T14:05:00.000Z

I have 2 A4 pieces for the Colours of Africa to send to Laura in Belgium where she and friends will be holding a textile event over a week in April 2010, well when I say a week there are workshops during the week Dijanne Cevaal and Yda Walt from South Africa as well as exhibitions will be held during the weekend of April 17,18 2010 and GUESS WHAT ... I will be having an exhibition there myself HOW EXCITING!!!!! Watch this space!

Anyways back to the pieces .. These are pieces that are going to be made into 3 dimensional objects .. *(unless they are pieces on their own and we can auction them off as a piece of art.) *these are my words... still to be discussed with Laura and team... NOW the deadline is December 1st to get the piece in so we can get them ready for the auction... The money raised at the Auction is going towards Chris Hani Creche in South Africa .. and ALSO the money raised will be matched !!! from the town council of ESSEN. HOW COOL is that !!! (maybe we can do this online as well for those of you that are not able to make the show)*again my words, KEEP posted for more info. These pieces can be sent to Magie Relph of the African Fabric Shop who is taking part in this event and will be there with her fabrics.. you can send your pieces to her if your here in the UK or to Laura if your in Europe
... Come on you still have a month to do one piece.

More on that in days to come ... I already have one of my pieces started for the exhibition ... please mark this on your calender and we would love to see you there in Essen Belgium.

Autumn and Halloween

2009-10-27T20:08:00.000Z

Here is a sign over a pub in Folkestone I think .. and I love the gremlin looking guy.
The oranges in the quiltlet front is of some vibrant orange, yellow and browns .... just like the colours of the leaves here in the UK at the moment.
Look how vivid the purple cauliflower is! This was in canada on the market stall.... Kewl eh?
Last but not least a pheasant that was in my front garden a few years ago... how fantastic are the colours of their feathers.

Knitting and Stitching show friday past

2009-10-14T20:30:00.002Z

Well I went to the knitting and stitching show on friday last week... to meet up with Laura and Annette as well as Magie and Bob from African Fabric Shop. We had an added bonus of meeting Dionne Swift who is a wonderful artist .. do check out her website. Dionne was very excited as she sold a piece to her previous tutor in art ... how cool is that and the seven of us went out for dinner at a turkish place .... food was fantastic...
The two weeks before this I had been sick with some sort of flu which by the way I still have a croaky voice... the flu brought on a toothache .. which I had to have two fillings and another tooth pulled .. man that has been two this year... whats going on with that????
While at the show I ran into quite a few blogger friends . Maggie Grey, Purple Missus Lynda Monk, Carol McFee who I have known on the internet for about 10 years now WOW ... while at the booth watching Lynda and Carol do some demos from their book .. which by the way if you have not got it ... I suggest running out to get it .
I finally met Margaret Digital Gran ... she was wonderful .. it was too quick a visit really. Also as I stood there ... I saw this lady with a bag on her shoulder .. with a piece of work on it .. that was felt and velvet ... and guess who it was Jackie ... Dog Daisy .. who I of course recognized her from this bag.. I did see Ferret as well shopping away ha it was a great day I THINK I JUST WENT TO MEET PEOPLE there ? Wow how is that for linking up ... in more ways then one.

Gobble Gobble

2009-10-11T12:46:00.000Z

A very happy thanksgiving to everyone in Canada today .... enjoy your day .
We are having turkey as well :)

more of spain

2009-09-27T13:45:00.000Z

This is the swimming pool across from where we stay and the school children can use this ... there is a bar right beside it from where the picture was taken .. that is the mountains beside frigiliana.
This is me witha lovely sunset in Maro where they had a little festival ..

Alhambra in Granada Spain

2009-09-13T09:49:00.001Z

More Alhambra designs

2009-09-13T09:47:00.000Z