The Seventh Magpie

HOPE | POVERTY ART EXHIBITION

2012-01-24T17:05:00.001Z

I have work on show in this exhibition and I hope to have photos of the opening night soon.

New project for 2012 - Book Art Object

2012-01-16T21:42:00.003Z

A Fork in the Road

I'm taking part in a book exchange, the blog describes it so:

Book Art Object
is an informal group of book artists scattered around the globe. Under the BAO banner we make small editions of handmade artists' books in response to texts, sharing them with each other and the world.

well it's actually much more than that as you may see if you follow this link:

http://bookartobject.blogspot.com/2011/12/bookartobject-edition-four-call-for.html

Those taking part were allowed to make a choice from 100 titles, using this as a springboard for their ideas for a handmade book.

My choice was 'A Fork In The Road'

I've made some sketches, much has ended up in the bin :)

But I've got some ideas to share with you over the next few days....weeks??

For now I will just share one.

The image above:

She has been summoned by a letter.

This piece is in my brown paper sketchbook.

It's a photocopy that I've worked into with gold ink and pen, adding an overlay of printed acetate.

more soon.

Hope & Poverty - Exhibition Bristol UK

2012-01-09T19:58:00.002Z

Mercy in Action have asked artists to donate artwork to their 'Hope & Poverty' exhibition at the Paintworks Bath Rd. Bristol UK to raise money as 'a vision of hope through art'.

I have donatedwork and shall be exhibiting work along with a friend Vikki Yeates: http://www.vikkiyeates.daportfolio.com/

All profits will go to aid efforts to alleviate poverty in the Philippines.

More than 30 artists have donated work for this worthy cause, all work is based on the artists own interpretation of hope and/or poverty.

Some Faves from 2011......

2011-12-30T20:37:00.004Z

1. The Bride - La Novia, 2. Porcelain Dangly Brooch, 3. Tears In The Forest, 4. 8, 5. Clandestine Love, 6. Badlands, 7. Hold Fast To Dreams, 8. Hold Fast To Dreams, 9. Untitled, 10. four works on a wall., 11. Untitled, 12. sewn collage mail art and envelope1, 13. Angel - Ewelme, 14. 1st Class, 15. Untitled, 16. waxen heart - textile art

Scrappy Guys!

2011-12-11T18:17:00.004Z

All made from scraps of fabric, hand dyed silk and cottons, velvet and beaded.

This is Harvey

This is Mascot

This is Crossley

All in my etsy shop: http://the7thmagpie.etsy.com

Hope & Poverty Charity Exhibition 2012

2011-12-04T12:08:00.003Z

'And His great wonders see'

This is one of my donations to the Hope & Poverty Exhibition due to take place in Bristol in Feb. 2012.

If you'd like to know more about it and and possibly take part (it's international) go here: http://hope-poverty.blogspot.com

I have this piece for sale in my shop http://janeleehorton.etsy.com and if it sells the money will go to the charity and I'll donate another piece, but otherwise this will be one for the exhibition,

(I plan to send in two )

I'm finding hard to create a sutable piece on the theme of 'Hope & Poverty' I don't know why.....

but that's why I'm still a little undecided about the suitability of this work.

The idea behind it is the Phoenix rising from the urban trash of broken and burnt out cars, the cars representing our ideals of wealth and plenty for all rusting and abandoned.

The 'bird' that rises from this is a strange but beautiful creature, a hybrid, crowned and raidiating joy and hope.

The butterfly, symbol of the soul, and the rain that cascades from the birds wings is to feed and replenish the earth.

Well I hope that all comes across.

Exhibition in Bath Nov. 22-28th

2011-11-18T10:05:00.005Z

This piece is a mixed media collage that I'm exhibiting as part of the Bath Area Network for Artists -BANA. At Walcot chapel gallery Bath.

This collage contains a vintage envelope dated 1902, found papers, stamps etc.

The focal point is the male angel, as you know angels are a re-occuring theme in my art and my textile work.

I also love street art, not the 'tag' style but the more arty stuff like Banksy and Sheppard Fairey, so I created this piece inspired by such art.

This piece was also to be in the exhibition but I sold it on Etsy before I could remove it from the shop, which was nice.

I will have to invigilate at the gallery for a few hours on Sat. 26th but that's fine, I am a little disappointed that I can't make the opening evening though, it's always nice to meet other artists and chat about their practice and what they are up to.

It's also a good way to meet other artists that I'd be interested in exhibiting with, as I'm always on the look out for artists to include in the exhibitions I curate.

It's a difficult time for all artists now, what with cuts to the arts but I'm finding more and more artists are 'doing it for themselves' and I'm net working like crazy! It's hard work, especially when you have a full time job to go to as well, as I do.

But I enjoy it.....I must do I keep doing it!

Abstracts in thread.......and 11.11.11

2011-11-11T11:25:00.005Z

These are a couple of new embroidery pieces that were great fun to make.

I used disolvable fabric on an embroidery frame and some small pieces of hand dyed silk.

One tip if you ever use disolvable fabric......

After you have 'disolved' the fabric, put your embroidery in water with a little bit of fabric softner in it.

The disolvable fabric can make some fabrics a bit hard, so the softener works a treat!

I beaded and embellished these pieces and they look fine in the frames.

Where the silk frayed the colour is a lovely toffee shade whilst the actual silk is a soft, blush pink.

I'm getting work ready for another exhibition in Nov. and I'll post more on that soon.

I'm going to try my hand at a video post!
~~~~~~~~~~

I just can't believe how many leaves are still on the trees and it's mid Nov.... life clinging on.

Observed the two min. silence at home today as I have they day off work......so sad, so many stories of loss.

New Mailart......

2011-11-04T12:36:00.002Z

Sent to a friend in the USA.

An original collage on thick card, just attached the stanps rtc. and posted it off.

It arrived safe and sound!

A brooch that thinks it's a wall hanging!

2011-10-04T11:05:00.002+01:00

This is a beautiful shade of what I would call 'pearl oyster' a lush velvet.
I hand and machine embroidered it.

I've been concentrating on some new watercolours of late so this was a return to fabric.

Vikki and I had an open house at her's on Sat which was lovely, seeing people and of course, selling some work.

I'd like to set up an art trail for next summer, so I've got my thinking cap on .

The sun has died down and it's much cooler here, and at this time of year I start to think of drawing in......a time to reflect and think about new projects for next year.

I'm in another exhibition this Nov. in Bath and I have another that I'm curating next summer but I need something to work towards.....

Recent favorites from flickr

2011-10-04T11:00:00.003+01:00

1. - - - +, 2. layout oct3cc, 3. Process-fashion, 4. A cat with a fish and a waiscoat - brooch, 5. detail of altered couture top, 6. 2owls, 7. A bell to become, a vase to become..., 8. Angel - Ewelme, 9. 1st Class, 10. Bag - front view, 11. into the deep magic 2, 12. Untitled, 13. Untitled, 14. By Ro, 15. Still life in gouache and pencil, 16. an altered book17. Not available18. Not available19. Not available20. Not available

Brooches revisited WIP

2011-09-20T21:07:00.003+01:00

A few work in progress photos.
It's good to keep a practice up, and this is what the piece below is, a practice piece.
Free machine embroidery is quite a difficult skill to get right, especially when you stitch faces!

Acid yellow brooch.

This is a WIP of some new machine embroidered brooches I've started for this season.

I used this lovely silky acid yellow fabric before, as can be seen in a much earlier post.

Now I need to bead and embellish!

Some sunshine!

2011-09-16T11:47:00.008+01:00

At long last a little sunshine and I can take some photos.
It has been a busy week, I'm getting ready to take part in an 'open house' with a friend Vikki.
It's a great way to meet people and as well as selling some art you get to sit and chat and eat cake!

More water and ink

2011-09-11T10:29:00.002+01:00

This is another 'portrait' from my imagination.

The sun has come out!! But still very windy but there is a smell of autumn in the air, my most favorite season.
I look forward to everyones 'golds and red' in blog posts and photos.

Ink & Watercolour on a grey morning

2011-09-09T09:54:00.007+01:00

I've noticed that when trying to scan artworks on watercolour paper the flatbed scanner is not the best tool.
The depth, or thickness of the paper actually makes it hard to get a decent scan, as the scanner picks up the indentations and texture of the papaer as shadows.

So the picture above is a photo, and it worked out rather nice......and now the sun is trying to break through the clouds, perfect!

Mysterious - For Illustration Friday

2011-09-05T22:24:00.002+01:00

This is a gentle water colour sketch, I'm hoping to do more and make them into a zine about poetic conversations with angels.

View Gallery Bristol UK

2011-09-03T22:59:00.003+01:00

Unsigned is the new exhibition at The View Gallery, in Bristol UK and I was asked if I'd like to contribute to the postcard exhibition and art auction to raise funds for charity.

The above is my mixed media piece that I submitted as a postcard, I also submitted a large collage but did so in such a hurry I didn't have time to photograph it!

Any way..........I hope the auction and exhibition went well, I couldn't attend, I just hope they let me know if my work sold.

New brooches in Folksy

2011-07-15T21:18:00.006+01:00

Lorna

Ellena

Thea

Indio

These girls are in my Folksy shop

www.folksy.com/shops/The7thMagpie

My friend vikki and I had an open day at her house and it was quite a success, we're doing it again in Oct. I hope to be showing some textile wall art this time.

Vikki does wonderful art illustrations, see her work on etsy: http://www.vikkiyeates.etsy.com/.

New on Folksy - winged beings

2011-07-09T20:45:00.008+01:00

These two are now in my revamped Folksy shop: www.folksy.com/shops/The7thMagpie
There you will also find new brooches and jewellery.
I'm currently on the lookout for an empty shop in Bath, my home city, to open a temporary 'pop up' exhibition.
It's proving a bit of a nightmare!
While it's quite easy to hire and, depending on the shop site not toooooo......expensive, the problem is that as it's a shop if the local council get interest in the premisis, then they can just cancel your contract with them.
Up until two weeks before you take it on!
So, you could have all your work ready, flyers and posters printed and then they can pull the plug on you :(
I was hoping to host an exhibition where I'd invite people who's work I liked to join me but how can I possibly do that under those conditions!
Oh well.......nice idea.

Urban angel....#2 close up

2011-06-13T20:18:00.002+01:00

Textile banner details

2011-05-14T20:39:00.010+01:00

As promised, some details of the banner that was in the exhibition.

I'm still busy catching up with emails and working on a commission, so I haven't been able to catch up with my blog reading and seeing what everyone has been up too!

A larger textile from the exhibition

2011-05-11T19:47:00.003+01:00

Three Urban Angels

On Saturday I'll take some close up photos to show you some detail in this piece.
It's about as wide as a medium sized bed headboard.
We had lots of people comment that they didn't see textiles exhibited very often and many were very interested in process.
I guess it's a little more interesting than painting!!
well.....seeing as it's not seen that often.
More soon.

A few exhibitions photos...

2011-05-09T17:33:00.004+01:00

A section from my little corner.

Most of the photos from the exhibition can be seen by clicking the 'Fusion' poster at the top right side of this blog.

The ones I'm posting here are just the odd few that I took of my own work.

We had a great time with lots of sales and a good turn out as the sun shone and people seemed happy to be out and about.

Some more tomorrow.

Fusion Exhibition 2nd -7th May 2011

2011-04-25T12:41:00.005+01:00

First I must say sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've been so busy with the exhibition and I also have a problem with the tendon in my right arm (I'm right handed) which makes using the computer a bit painful.

Well it's all ready for display and I'm getting excited now as the date draws near!

There is a blog set up so you can see things as they unfold, top right of the screen.

Myself, Stan, Mary and Vikki will be posting to the blog with personal insights and photos.....I hope!

Some pics will also be on this blog for you to view.

Our bank holiday weekend is almost over and next weekend see's us all celebrating a certain wedding..........

New collage & textile WIP for the exhibition

2011-03-28T20:24:00.003+01:00

I had forgotten how much work there is involved in putting together an exhibition. There are four of us now and May seems just a short step away and still so much left to do! Here are some bits & bobs I’ve been working on recently. Not all everything will end up being on show, it’s best to just work, let things flow and see where it takes me.

I have wanted to concentrate on 3D textiles and some jewellery, leaving the wall art to my fellow artists, Stanislav, Mary and Vikki.

But with another exhibition planned in Bristol in August have to be focused, so I work at every opportunity, at this rate I'll have to give up the day job!

I want to create new work for the Bristol gig and there are other exhibitions that I’ve been invited to submit to in between.

This piece above grew quite fast.....within one afternoon in fact!

I started out with a small piece of scrap linen, not really intending for anything to happen, just a bit of free style machine stitch practice........as you do :)

I liked the face so I added a bit more fabric to see where it would go, a darker linen this time.

The emerging figure took on a life of her own, and within a half hour an Angel was born!

No surprises there then.

But she's not quite what I expected.

I can hardly wait 'til the weekend when I can work on this piece some more and find out where her story will take me.

Exhibition for Charity - Genesis Trust

2011-03-02T20:23:00.001Z

I’ve been asked to donate a painting to the Genesis Trust exhibition to be held on June 17th at Bath Fine Art Gallery, Bath UK. http://www.bathfineart.com/

‘New beginnings’ is the theme for the exhibition and will raise money for homeless, addicts and generally vulnerable people. The Genesis Trust ‘offers support to people by coming alongside them and providing projects that help them move forward with their lives and by giving people the opportunity to talk, be listened to and build relationships with others’

My contribution was selected from one of my websites by Nikki Harding, and the painting is a miniature entitled ‘Blue Angel 1’

A very worthy cause.

New necklace love tokens.

2011-02-26T11:14:00.002Z

These two handmade necklaces are made from hand dyed cotton in a lush dusty pink.
The one above has 'Love is a Mystery' free style embroidered on the heart.
The one below has 'Love is woven into the fabric of your heart' embroidered on the necklace ribbon, also hand dyed cotton.

Brass chains, assorted beads and crystals complete the look.....I think romantic gothic??
Not sure what do you think?
Have a good weekend!

Matthew Harris - and commissions

2011-02-19T09:21:00.003Z

Matthew Harris textiles at the Victoria Art Gallery Bath.
I've been waiting for this exhibition since Sept-Oct last year and it certainly lived up to my expectations.
Harris's work is stunning and much in the 'slow cloth' spirit.
There are works on paper to view also and lovely, quirky works in mosaics by Cleo Mussi
view more here:

http://www.victoriagal.org.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibitions/harris_and_mussi_5050.aspx

New work and commissions

This necklace is one of several I've listed in my shop.

The piece below is 'The Bearded Magician' a private commission.

It's funny but almost as soon as I began work for the two exhibitions I'm in this May, the private commissions came flooding in!

Ah....it never rains but it pours!!

So I've completed a couple but the rest will have to wait until after May, then I'll have to hurry and get them done as I'm exhibiting again in Sept.
I'm sorry I'm not around much of late but this is the reason why, I do read all my fave blogs but just don't have the time to comment as much as I would like, not to list things in my shops, but seeing what you are all up to is wonderful inspiration!

All for Love!

2011-01-28T09:38:00.003Z

Valentines day is soon to be upon us and thoughts turn to love.....well at least my thoughts do.
Although a handmade heart is always a pleasure to make and receive any time of the year.
The poetry cuff or bracelet has the words ' Together we dream the world into being' my own words, not quite a verse, but a lovely sentiment.
The heart in the third picture has the words 'Love is a mystery' all these items have been free machine stitched.
They are either in my etsy shop or will be soon along with others.

I love Valentines day, my partner and I usually take the day off work and do something romantic together.
I'm very lucky as I usually get a beautiful bouquet of flowers and he likes chocolates so a handmade box of delights is waiting for him.
We've been together for 14 years and we have both kept all our valentines cards from eachother is that soppy or what!!

Thanks for looking x

New wip in oils

2011-01-07T15:13:00.002Z

The completed painting is at the top, 4x4in on canvas.
I'm intending to include some oils in our joint May exhibition, so it's been a while since I pained in oils, so I thought I'd better get in some practice.
I wish you all a very happy and creative 2011!

Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-24T16:15:00.007Z

My one winged Angel!

Not quite complete, she has yet to aquire her other, hand embroidered wing.
Quite large, ahe measures 25x20cm and this time the wings are 3D too, as each is stuffed.
I had hoped to have her ready for display on Christmas day but it's not to be, other Christmas preparations still to be getting on with.
Thank you to everyone who has popped by and left a comment on this blog, your words are more encouraging than you may realise!
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a bright and starry new year!
Peace to all.

Jane x

A choir of indigo angels.....

2010-11-22T17:30:00.003Z

Some new indigo angel aceo's in my etsy shop.

I love this ink and wash technique although I don't think it's very popular on etsy!

Or maybe it's just not that well known :)

What I love about it is the way the line 'bleeds' into the paint, you have to have a lot of practice to build confidence and control as it can very easily get messy and you can lose the line in smudges.

I'm busy with all kinds of creative work at the moment, not easy with a full time job as well, as I['m sure many of you will no doubt know!

I can't wait to get home after a days work and get busy with paint, thread and cut 'n' paste.

It's how I unwind and really get into my space.

Thank you for the lovely comments too x

Lots going on and prep work.

2010-11-14T12:48:00.006Z

A mixed bag here in this post.
Some pictures form my sketchbook.
The TV program ‘How to read Churches’ (I think that’s the title!) has been a wonderful series, and inspired my latest work, angles.

I’m preparing work for several exhibitions, one I’m really excited about won’t happen until May 2011 but the reason I’m excited is that I’m curating it myself, along with two fellow artists.
This means that I won’t be updating my shops, well not much over the coming months as we have a large gallery space to fill.

I’m also hoping to curate a textile exhibition in 2011, the idea being to invite friends and fellow textile artist to submit work.I just need to find a suitable venue, so I’m looking at August….ish time.
These heads were the beginnings of winged messengers, but I rather like the heads on their own, so I may explore this a little more.The large on at the back has stuffed wings too.

I hope I won't be so busy that I can't pop in and look at all your blogs too!

'Win Win' Exhibition Bath UK

2010-10-26T22:05:00.002+01:00

These are two works that I'm exhibiting at the 'Win Win Exhibition' in Bath UK curated by Laura Izaguirre.
This one is entitled 'Flower Girl' and is ink and wash and the one below is a collage entitled 'The Shaman'

'The Shaman' is made of plain copy paper with inks added and then I incorporated asian news print for contrast.

The inks reacted with the glue and created a wonderful 'crackle ' effect that is hard to see in these photos.

At first I was worried as to how this would effect the work over a period of time.

But this piece was made in 1992 and look as good as when I first made it so......

Anyway, the opening night is on Nov. 4th and the exhibition is open to the public on Nov.5th.

I'm exhibiting quite a lot in 2011 so my shops on Etsy will not have many updates as I concentrate on work for shows.

Oct. 7th - National Poetry Day here in the UK.

2010-10-05T21:33:00.003+01:00

To honour the day I have created this little poets bracelet:
‘Love is a mystery of sweet stolen moments’

All over the UK, in schools, colleges and libraries we will be celebrating poetry and poets, past present and future.

There have been some excellent poetry readings on radio this week and no doubt there will be more on the actual day Thursday 7th Oct.

In my Etsy shop now.

Abstract and organic.

2010-10-01T17:08:00.005+01:00

A mix of cotton, linen and hand dyed silk this time.
At the moment this piece is small and soft, mostly plain with texture but I'm thinking of adding just a little pattern.

This piece below is hand dyed natural cotton and with a little piece added from my earlier landscape work.I like carrying over just a little piece from one work to another, it gives things a rather organic feel, well It does in the making of it!

The pink work aboue is small and squarish, but this one is going to be another long cloth, perhaps another mantra cloth.

Mantra long cloth - Lap cloth.

2010-09-19T00:22:00.005+01:00

When I first learnt to meditate…..oh so long ago, must be about 28 years ago now, I was taught to use meditation mantras.
As my knowledge and understanding grew I soon gave up the mantra ‘style’ if it may be called that, and use the method I now practice.
But before this, I learned a lot about mantras and how they work on the subconscious and the body.

In Europe we have the very old practice, still used in rural parts, of the spoken charm, which is similar….ish.
Some mantras are meant to be sounded, some may be written down but the very basically they are used to create transformation within the individual.

Mantras, known in many religions often have various stages of development, they may be written, spoken, whispered, sung, or as I was first taught, thought, as during meditation.

They may even be carved, shaped in sand, stone, wood etc. and may be abstract in design, meant to be contemplated.

Even the plants used to dye the cloth, sand, paint have to be considered for their properties and vibrations

They are used and known by many different names in different faiths, but two things they often have in common is repetition and the concept of having a vibration.

This long cloth I have created, is a mantra cloth.

It was a personal healing mantra that I have used over the last few months before, during and since recovery from surgery.

It’s on hand dyed cotton, machine free style stitched, and then hand stitched, embroidered and backed with natural white cotton.

I have made several which I will be offering in my etsy and bigcartel shops soon.

Each cloth will come with instructions on how to used it and get the best from it and how it may be used to further your own ‘growth’ with the mantra.

I will also be offering custom made mantras.

Wip now complete - with wings

2010-08-29T22:02:00.010+01:00

This is much smaller than the usual I work on, but it's nice seeing as it only started as an experiment!

WIP I'm not into 'pretty' right now.

2010-08-27T09:55:00.008+01:00

I've been interested in primitive (but not really folk) dolls for quite some while now, and I think it's the idea that these 'dolls' possess some kind of magical property that intrigues me.
Many culture have these and the old one really do seem to have something 'other' about them, but they aren't pretty by any means!
Which is okay as I'm not into pretty at the moment.
I feel the urge to make intuitively, spontaneously and from a deep inner source, and I know from experience that this often results in work that has a guttural feel.
When I produce work like this I often hide it away form a long while, for fear of negative reactions.
Some times I think I even hide it from myself.
It is often the image that we reject that has the most to teach us.

My little doll has grown wings, almost finished now.

Lots of loose ends to tie up and project to complete, as it's a bank holiday here in the UK I probably won't get any of it done!

Happy weekend everyone!

Dolls - Modern & Primitive

2010-08-25T10:59:00.003+01:00

I've been working on many things, jewellery, textile landscapes, experiments, and also some new dolls.
The trio above show one of my earlier designs, with my distinctive stitched features, beaded shoulder joints and beaded edging and a new, more primitive doll with .....beading!! as always :)

This one is really an experiment, I like to keep my dolls quite small.
I've never been a fur soft toy fan, even as a child, but the really big soft toys you often see now really don't appeal to me at all, I wonder if they may even frighten younger children...they scare me!
So no, my work will remain smallish.
I like the way smaller things invite you to get closer.
I love the primitive dolls, tribal ones especially, they have a certain magic, a distinctive presence that I wish could capture, well.... with a slightly more contemporary twist.
I shall keep trying.

and so.....

2010-08-13T19:45:00.003+01:00

a landscape emerges....

these above, I think these are churches......

with hidden pathways and hidden text......

ploughed fields......

and sore fingers!

All most complete.

Fragments

2010-08-03T19:57:00.005+01:00

I imagine if anyone from work could see me this week, sitting contentedly sorting through my little bundles of scraps of hand dyed fabric, sorting pieceing, rearranging and humming to myself, they would find it very quaint and have to stifle a titter or two!
I find it mildly amusing myself, and I wonder.
When I 'play' with fabric I feel relax, content and absorbed, when I paint it's just the opposite, I feel tense, anxious and I do that dredded thing.....Procrastinate.
I think it may be down to the fact that painting can be unforgiving, when you lay down pigment it's hard to remove and so each decision has to count at that moment.
Added to that paint is expensive, I know some may say use less expensive paint :) but I only offer the best in my work and I believe you get what you pay for, so that's not an option.

Working with cloth is playful, it can lead to serious work but you can always unpick and play again.
So that's what I've been up to the last few days.
And out of joy comes joyful things!
I've been dying cottons and silks and experimenting with mixed media on cloth.
The two photos here are the results of those experiments, well just a taster really, there is more to come :)

I have started a new blog to document my experiments, but thinking about it I don't really have the time for another blog, It was just wishful thinking, so I'll be documenting things here.
Don't expect great things!
All the experimenting I'll be doing you have all done yourselves ages ago, but It'll be new to me.
The pink piece above is still just a small fragment, but the blue, beige and brown one has actually grown quite big.
I had to restructure the backing to allow for it! that was unexpected.
So far it's mostly hand stitching, no media mixing there but come back in a day or two.

When life and cloth become harmonious.

2010-07-28T08:06:00.004+01:00

This photo below is the new incarnation of an older piece.
It began life as the work in the third photo here.
(the middle photo is the new begining)

Sometimes I think we make elaborate plans that are never meant to bear fruit, we're just preparing for something entirely different....if only we knew it.
In the last photo here, I took the original I was intending to be one of my first 'slow cloth' works.
I pieced it out, sat with it, caressed it, rearranged it etc. But I never cast a stitch.

I believe it was my thoughts, my future I was subconsciously planning as I pieced it together, as I ran my fingers over the frayed edges and crisp pleats.

As I rearranged it, a little at a time so my future rearranged itself too.

I seemed to create a different pattern, making space and allowing changes to happen, life and cloth became harmonious.

And now?

I've dismantled it completely....and it has become a new work (top photo) so it has other plans too!

Shrine Dolls - Figures

2010-07-26T12:47:00.010+01:00

I didn't have a camera then, gosh that seems long, long ago!

I recall trying to take in all the details and how I felt that even to touch this doll seemed wrong, disrespectful somehow.

There were bits of cloth tied to the Hawthorn tree that grew just above the spring.Of course I understand the significance of that now, but back then it was mysterious and magical.

I've made so many over the years, given some away as gifts or offerings of my own.

I've sold a few here and there and I've read many accounts of the tradition of Shrine figures - dolls, one you can find here that makes interesting reading.

I think this is probably the basis of my 'Guradian' figures and dolls that I've made during that last few years.

I often put herbs inside them, herbs traditionaly perhaps superstitiously, known for their protective qualities.It adds interest and of course...smells nice!

Thankfully, I've never gotten over the mystery of these dolls, often parting with them is difficult and many hours of work and attention go into their making, as is fitting.

I imagine I will continue to make them, always.

New blog look and a found painting

2010-07-18T21:34:00.003+01:00

I was seduced into using the new blogger design layout.
It was one of those times when I wish I'd just clicked on by....
5 hours later, here we are!
I hope it's a change for the better.

Whilst having a summer clear out I came across a watercolour I did about 5 years ago.
I was experimenting with new paints, a bronze acrylic which looks rather orange in this photo.
It's another angel.
I like it more now than I did at the time I painted it :)

Cornucopia Horse

2010-06-25T22:37:00.009+01:00

This is another smaller drawing in the ink and wash technique.

I love the way the ink takes on a life of it's own and creates the lovely subtle tones and washes that are so distinctive of the technique.

There is a need to work quickly and to keep control, just.....as the ink dries fast in the warm weather we've been enjoying this week.

Textile bracelet - seed pod design

2010-06-12T14:51:00.012+01:00

This little one is made using hand dyed cotton....a lovely indigo as I mixed the dyes in the bath to get just the right shade.

It is inspired by seed pods but more seed pods that exist in my minds eye!
I love nature and often take long walks on my own, but I seem to absorb what I see and 'interpret' rather than copy nature.
Sometimes I like to walk alone, having a companion is lovely but chatting can be distracting.
I feel my lone walks as a little treat for myself, space to think and space not to think....if you know what I mean :)

New ACEO - Angels

2010-06-06T20:13:00.003+01:00

Blogger seems to having problems today...this is the third attempt I've had to upload these pictures....oh hum.

Strange flower?

2010-06-06T13:33:00.002+01:00

Last week my sweet other half had a bouquet of flowers sent to me.
These were included in the bunch....has anyone any idea what they are?
He said he asked the florists for a bouquet of exotic flowers, well they were certainly that!

Winged beings and intrigue

2010-05-30T23:23:00.004+01:00

This is a new hanging, the central figure I began a couple of weeks ago.

I wasn't sure how to complete it and the figure was pinned on my board for a while, as I got used to it and lived with it a little.

I often do this with a new piece, I work instinctively, sitting at my sewing machine and often I don't know what is going to come out through the stitching until it's done.

I know this would horrify my art tutors as they always seemed to insist that ideas be worked through first, before a complete work was made.

Sometimes I am able to do this, working with sketches, mapping out ideas but often times it just flows out and well......you have to go with it!

I find this happens more with my stitched work than any of my other work.

I am finding these winged figures are cropping up in my work again, as are single letters (in my collage work) I am always intrigued by this seemingly random patterning that comes and goes.......

Embroidery as healing.....

2010-05-29T11:55:00.003+01:00

I found this article on the BBC website today, very uplifting.

Work by prisoners goes on show at The Sage Gateshead

Inmates at five prisons have been taught embroidery skills as a means to give hope and to improve their self-esteem.

I also believe this can be healing, for troubled minds and stressed bodies.

A quote from the article reads:

"The project was a collaboration between the Gateshead venue and Fine Cell Work, an organisation that teaches prisoners needlework and sells their products.

"Fine Cell Work is now done in 26 English and Scottish prisons and 80% of the "stitchers" are men"

Please read.

Mixed media sketches

2010-05-23T21:43:00.003+01:00

These small works are on card and in the ink and wash technique.
I'm only showing you small sections of these works, they are larger than these pictures suggest.
I've also added gouache, as I love its chalky texture.
Ink and wash is probably my favorite way to make water media sketches, I like the way the ink runs and you have to work quickly to keep control, and the way you get 'happy accidents' as in the window like space in the first figures head....yes it made itself! I promise I didn't put it there.
In fact I didn't notice it until several hours after putting this piece aside, It was only when I came back to see it properly dry that I noticed it.
Jung would probably have much to say :)

It's been so hot here this weekend, I've been outside enjoying the sunshine, so I've not created as much as I had planned and it's back to work tomorrow, but we have to make the most of the sun while we can!

New work being exhibited in Victoria Art Gallery Bath.

2010-05-14T15:08:00.002+01:00

I submitted work to Bath Society of Artists way back in 2004 but I was unsuccessful.
This time I had work accepted!
Well chuffed :)
It's the private view this evening so we're going there tonight with my son Adam and his girlfriend Jess.
Busy, busy busy!!
Lots of artwork to complete :)

Dickybird...a 'thread drawing'.

2010-05-12T17:00:00.004+01:00

A small textile 'thread drawing' with cream seed beads backed with felt.
I have been sketching a lot this week and although my sketches haven't directly been translated into stitched work, the sketches have inspired it.
I'm not sure what 'Dickybird' will be... a patch to sew on somehing else? a picture to put in a frame?
One Idea I have is a mosaic of patches that form a story.... I don't yet know.
It was such a pleasure to get back on my sewing machine again after my recent collage and mixed media work, I just wanted to sit down and let the needle take me where it would, 'Dickybird' is the result.
I hope you like it :)

Embroidery again...

2010-05-07T19:03:00.009+01:00

I've been concentrating on painting and collage of late, a couple of commissions etc. but here are a few embroidery things that I have worked on in the intrim.

All are in my Etsy shop now.

It's funny how you can return to a medium and feel refreshed and ready to take it on anew...but first you have to find your bearings!

Collage on canvas - Winged Messages

2010-04-30T14:57:00.003+01:00

A new mixed media collage soon to be in my Etsy shop 'Winged Messages'
It's a acrylic painting/collage fusion! with lots of texture on a small canvas, ready to hang.

It takes years to collect images for collage and I have quite a stash now.
Most of my collages are made using these original images but now and then I scan and copy an image to used again, but I usually alter it in some way.

Make it black and white, 'ghost' it, make it smaller etc. so as to vary it a little.

I like my collages to tell a story, often giving them titles that hint at a possible meaning.
I sometime wish a buyer would let me know what they think the meaning of a collage is, what attracted them to it.
I have heard people say that collage is easy...well I say give it a try!
Good collage is hard work.
Getting all the elements to fit and look as though they are 'in' the collage is sometimes quite a challenge.
When I illustrate a poem with collage it's most challenging, it would be so much easier to paint or draw an image to illustrate the verse, I'm quite good at drawing :)
But I love the challenge and I love collage as a technique.

Collage Chapbook original poem 'Winters Song' 44pages!

2010-04-28T21:44:00.003+01:00

'Winter ..... a hypnotic Underworld Mystress.
When the nights lengthen
and a hush seems to blanket the land.
Winter calls to her creatures.
A call to that deep slumber
of rejuvenation
and the promise of life anew.

My original poem on upcycled paper and envelopes, 32 collages.

Another Chapbook....

2010-04-14T18:37:00.002+01:00

This is the front page, of another of my chapbooks.
A digital collage this time.
The envelope is dated 1930's and was one of a job lot I bought at an auction, very fragile.
I hope to upload the pages of this and my other chapbooks very soon.
Been so busy and not had time to check in on all the blogs I follow....

Queen of Hearts reincarnation

2010-03-30T19:34:00.008+01:00

New cover art of my chap book 'The Queen of Hearts'

I've posted about this little poem book before here on this blog, so this is not really news.

But I was recently asked to do a reprint to sell, so I though I'd show you the first incarnation of the poem.

Sadly I only have pictures of the cover and not the actual inside pages, which contained not only full colour prints of the original collages but also stamped and embellished pages too.

Anyway, there is an other copy of the chapbook.
You can read more about it and buy it here:
DownTheRabbitHole

Collage....the cut 'n' paste kind 'Paper Icon'

2010-03-12T08:22:00.005Z

This is an old piece that I have had for a while....made around 1994!

Its a 3 dimentional collage, made by putting litle pieces of foam under each paper piece to raise it up from the piece below, like in decoupage.
The background is an assortment of rice paper, and other textural handmade papers.

The butterfly wings are cut from a
glossy magazine and so add another
element to the piece.

The text reads :
'You will remember,
I am sure that
I've been on the earth
sharing a secret.
Slowly the missing things drift back
you feel inspired.

This picture is the whole
piece framed.

In the post.....

2010-03-10T18:51:00.011Z

I recieved this wonderful collection of goodies from Ger over at Gerdiary

Ger was running a giveaway on her blog and I won the lovely handmade heart 'Wisdom' I didn't expect such a lovely assortment of fabric too!
Such a fab selection and she is currently running another giveaway so pop over and join in.

Thank you Ger x

This is an etching I bought from the wonderful artist Treasure at
TreasureFrey
I will probably be back to collect some more.

Adrift - IF

2010-02-12T15:42:00.003Z

This is my Illo for Illustration Fridays theme – Adrift.
‘Adrift with only the stars and fishes for company, where the sea and the midnight sky meet’
It’s actually a small mixed media collage that I did for a handmade book.
I’ve never finished it, although I’ve used the illustration several times.

Slow Cloth...Blue Pony?

2010-01-27T14:29:00.013Z

I joined the Facebook group 'Slow Cloth' a few days ago.

I’m not a huge fan of facebook layout so I was delighted when Elaine, Jude, Glennis and Michelle (I hope I've got their names right!) decided to start up a Flickr group of the same.

I much prefer flickr and it's simple layout for sharing photos, I daresay I will get used to Facebook as I use it more often.

I love the philosophy that underpins Slow Cloth and I hope I can learn and grow from being a member of and sharing with this group.

These two pictures are the result of hand dying cotton and silk to begin one of my SC projects.

You can't see from these pictures but the champagne silk was dyed deep indigo and has lovely subtle shades and luster.

Actually the bottom picture has changed dramatically from this, as I've been hand stitching already.

It's rather a dark piece and I'm not sure I want to share it just yet.

One year ago today was a dark place for me, and I revisit it again, one turn of the spiral, but is it inward or outward?

The top piece I have already given a name...Blue Pony.
I can't explain why.
This smaller piece is the darker one and I may have to bead it to, bring out it's lights.

I realise how privileged I am, to be able to be an artist.
Even though I work fulltime and I sometimes I have to rise very early for work (4.15 the last week or so, I'm usually in bed by 8.30 in the evening!)
I do feel so lucky to beable to indulge in art, to have the time, the energy, the encouragement from friends and family and most of all the FREEDOM!! to be an artist, in any medium, in any fashion, style etc. I choose.
I choose.
So many people, women may not have this choice, perhaps through political, religious or economic supression.
So we should because we can!
And be thankful.

Ever had a thing about Birds?........

2010-01-22T15:51:00.005Z

They seem to be cropping up in everything I'm doing, from textiles to doodles whilst on the phone.

Most of the sketches are ending up in the bin, I just seem to need to work this out.

This little piece, backed onto banana paper, of all things, has been the only worth while piece from all this bird-ness!

I don't know where it will lead :)

I'm into hospital again this Mon. for another op, so I'll be off work for a little while, and perhaps I'll be able to start on my 'Slow Cloth' that I've been mulling around in my head for ages, while I recover.

I have the hand dyed fabric all ready, but too many ideas, so I've waited for my thoughts to settle down before I begin.

I want that lull of calmness that I feel is required before embarking on slow cloth.

Heck.....I'm even dreaming of these birds!

Revamp

2010-01-10T17:12:00.005Z

This is a piece I started 20 years ago!

It's gone through several incarnations, I just find it hard to complete in a way I'm happy with.

I like the colour, I love the shape.....I just can't put my finger on why finishing it eludes me.

I have almost completed it and then sat and looked at it, only to unpick and lay it aside for another year or two.

I did a painting course 15 or so years ago.

We were encouraged to paint from imagination, which I love as I've always valued art that comes from within.

Whilst I can admire and enjoy a work that is highly representational, and applaud the technique of the artist, it's the work that comes direct from within, from a charged imagination, peoples heads and hearts that makes my heart connect.

It can be quite primitive in execution and technique, but needs to have that 'grab' effect that makes me look and look again. I guess that's why I'm drawn to Outsider art.

Anyway, we were encouraged to stay with a painting until we felt that it was finished, and only then set it aside and begin another.

Well, several of us had pieces that we hated, and wanted to throw in the bin, but the tutor encouraged us to 'stay with it' and work through our feeling of rejection and dislike, learning to value even the bits we wanted to reject.

I believe the idea was that the strong emotion the work evoked in us was rich, fertile ground and worth exploring......how true!

I can say it was worth it and the 'rejects' often turned out to be the most exciting pieces, in the end.

Whilst I'm not suggesting the piece above is anything as worthy but I will give it another try :)

I hope all of you in the UK have coped with the snow and low temperatures we been having here.

I've just seen the news and Germany seems to be getting it now.

We've been checking on our elderly neighbours and putting out seed for the birds, it was quite nice at first but the novelty is wearing off now.......no more thank you.

Celine? jessy? bob? george?.....ah Volentina!!

2010-01-08T16:53:00.004Z

I uploaded a new picture of one of my dolls to my shop facebook site and my flickr site yesterday.
I wrongly named the picture 'Celine' it's actually Volentina.......oh well a sure sign of age!
I've been caught out several times recently by my partner, having walked into a room, fully of purpose, only to stop in my tracts with a slightly bemused look on my face, and slowly walk out of it again.
At least the constant 'forgetting what I came in this room for ' is helping to keep me fit :)

Little Bear & Shadows

2010-01-07T16:42:00.004Z

Playing around indoors as the world seems hushed with snow.

Little bear was made ages ago but I had a little bit of a clear out and found him again.

He's about 4.5cms tall and fragile, I can't remember what I made him for now!

Happy 2010! - Some new Door guardians

2010-01-01T20:05:00.011Z

It was a beautiful night, this new years eve.
A full moon with a hazy halo, tinged with orange and it lit up the street.
Fireworks were being let off quite early in the evening, but the moon stole the show!
I wish you all the very best for this new born year, may it grown in love and strength for you all X

Some new pieces from me, Door Guradians again.
Hang them over the door frame or on the door to ward off negative energy and attract good vibes!

Society Ladies & 'Thank you!!' to Deb of Kickcanandconkers

2009-12-30T11:26:00.005Z

First a huge
THANK YOU!
To Deb of

Kickcanandconkers

For the excellent item that she posted about me and my work on her fab blog, loaded with pics!
Please take a look at her blog.
She certainly has a eye for the unusual and interesting, it's a great way to find wonderful shops, blogs and creative people.
Thank you Deborah!

Here are just a few of the little pieces I've been putting together from scraps.
I'm not sure what they will be yet...perhaps greeting cards?
I'm full of new ideas for 2010 and I bet many of you are too :)

More Banners

2009-12-26T23:18:00.002Z

Experiments

2009-12-23T18:44:00.002Z

Silk and natural cotton dyed with indigo and black.
The silk still has it's natural luster and looks lovely combined with the matt of the cotton.
I'm experimenting with more banners and hangings.
This combo of fabrics is destined to be part of a piece on memory and fragments that I'm working on in word and thread.

With the snow and cold nights we have been give some fantastic starry delights.
I'm lucky that I live in an area with very little light pollution so we have been star gazing in the snow!

Front Page

2009-12-20T20:27:00.002Z

I could only get a section of it on screen but it's cool to be on the front page.
It didn't result in any sales....well not yet anyway :) but I thank SunshineFolk for putting me there!
I've been dyeing fabric and busy stitching new work, banners and pannels, a bit of an experiment for me. I should have some photos later tomorrow.

Winter Sun - House Guardian

2009-12-12T21:11:00.002Z

This House Guardian I made about 10 years ago and sits in my living room, the winter sun just catches it nicely and creates these soft shadows.

It's made from hand dyed cotton but the sun hasn't faded it at all, much to my surprise.

Outsider Art -Flags and Banners - Tell a story

2009-12-10T15:39:00.006Z

Almost complete.
For a long while I've been interested in
the religious and ceremonial banners used in different faiths, Christian, Santeria, Vodou for example, and healing cloths, such as wrapping cloths used to speed healing.

I've made a series of banners or flags that I believe tell a story.
As they were mostly constructed intuively, going with what felt right at the time, I feel these have yet to reveal their 'Story' to me.
I believe there will be 6 in all.......can't tell you why, just a feeling .....

I'm 'Pick of the Week' on Illustration Friday!!

2009-11-28T09:46:00.003Z

Sorry for the shameless self promotion, but this is just the sort of boost I needed.
I used to do IF some time ago, I don't know why I gave it up?
For those of you who don't know what IF is:
Illustration Friday is where a theme is chosen each week and artists and illustrators are asked to interpret the theme in any medium and post a link to the site.
It's good practice for illustrators and a great way to meet people and see some fab art.
It also gets you noticed, which is no bad thing.
See my collage and take part yourself here:
http://www.illustrationfriday.com

Have a great weekend!

A forgotten piece!

2009-11-27T10:33:00.004Z

This is a little portrait wall hanging I made a while ago and forgot about!

There is lots of lovely texture that I don't think I captured very well in these photos.

I backed it on to linen and the whole piece has a charm.....well I think so.

I think I was watching a Jane Austin thingy on tv at the time, can you tell?!

I seem to have neglected my sewing of late and have concentrated on developing my painting and sketching.

Nothing of note to show here I'm afraid but I am progressing, slowly :)

New purchase and a memory

2009-11-26T15:58:00.012Z

This lovely original print came today from:

http://studiobeerhorst.etsy.com

I had seen it a while ago and something about it struck me, but the reason it did so eluded me.

I went back several times and then decided to buy it.

I now know why it captured me.

It reminds me of my sister Lana who passed away in September.

She had real deep auburn hair that she always wore platted in bunches when she was little.

She was always bringing in injured animals and birds, that she found on the way home from school, keeping then in a box under her bed and over feeding them!

Lana is the tiny one in the front with the dark coat.
My brother John and my eldest sister Carole are in this photo too.

John passed away when he was just 35, Carole is still with us, thank goodness.

I always smile when I see this picture of John, he looks like one of the Bash Street kids from the old comic 'The Beano' in pictures taken when he was slightly older he looks like Billy Elliot!

I don't know who all the other kids are, I wasn't born when this was taken.

I believe they were all local kids from what we called 'the prefabs' the temporary houses that were built just after the war.

These houses actually stayed occupied until the late 70's!
These prints have such a charm about them, and I hope to buy more, a present for myself

New oil paintings

2009-11-13T15:28:00.004Z

Begining a gain in oils, this time on canvas paper, in a little while it will be on box canvas.

I just need to practice and puch some paint around.

It's been a strange year so I paint strange pictures.

I love the lyric from the UK band Aqualung in one of their songs he say 'your strange and your beautiful' ........exactly :)

Not much sewing getting done though.

Luna & Charlie

2009-11-04T13:56:00.007Z

This is little lady is Luna my daughters kitten.

I was cat sitting last week, my goodness Luna was full on from the moment we got up.

So much playing to do for such a little cat!

My children take heed of very word I say.

When Beck said she wanted a kitten I advised against it, as she's at work all day and it's not fair on a kitten, they need lots of attention and the kitten would be lonely at home alone all day.

"Don't get a kitten" I said so what did she do.....she got TWO!

Lunas brother Charlie had gone missing, for three weeks my daughter put up posters, knocked on doors, roamed the streets calling, but no luck.

He was given all the injections he needed for his age and he is chipped but we were all worried.

I lay awake at night fearful for that little soul all alone.

Then on Monday evening someone rang her and said they had him!! Yeah!!

He is a little thin and a bit timmid but Beck says he's slowly coming round to his more playful self.

And I got a decent nights kip!

Well Dressed Crow

2009-10-23T20:21:00.007+01:00

This little ACEO has proven to be my most popular image.
I sold it at an exhibition at the Love Across the Ocean US Exhibition - Avram Eisen Gallery. - Chicago US in 2006.

Stupidly I did'nt keep high res. pictures of it.
If only!
I could have sold this as prints 1000's of times over.
My daughter says she's sure I have a high res. image somewhere I just wish I knew where!
I guess I'll just have to paint something similar.

All the girls together.

2009-10-22T11:10:00.003+01:00

I've put all the girls in my Etsy shop now:
http://the7thmagpie.etsy.com/

I think they are reasonably priced for an original handmade item.
I'm back to blogging now, I just didn't feel I had anything to say or offer in over the last week or so.
I do tend to retreat into myself in times of hurt or stress, and only venture out now and then.
'Gone to ground' as my dad used to say :)

Mixed Media Dolls

2009-10-08T10:49:00.003+01:00

Not much in a bloging mood I'm afraid, I try to keep up with things but my hearts not in it.

Sewing has kept me going this last week, given me something to focus on.

You can see more of these dolls on my flicker page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/droogi2

Thanks for looking.

Jane

Thank you's & another poetry doll

2009-10-01T22:50:00.004+01:00

Many, many thanks X

Thank you to everyone for your kind and thoughtful words, your comments have meant a lot to me over the last few days.
I began this doll during the time my sister was taken ill and I've repeatedly tried to complete her, she has undergone several transformations.
I just can't seem to finish her although the repeated attempt to seems to help in a odd kind of way.

Sad News

2009-09-29T15:46:00.001+01:00

I haven't posted much of late as my sister has been very ill and passed away on Sunday 27th Sept.
Missing you Lana, more than words can say.

Beautiful buttons from HodgePodgeArts

2009-09-18T15:45:00.003+01:00

I bought the three larger buttons from Karen over at HodgePodgeArts
And she sent me ALL of the above and so beautifully packaged too.
The buttons are lovely and chunky just like I wanted.
My heads buzzing with ideas on how to use them!

Completed Warrior Angel

2009-09-16T15:31:00.004+01:00

Actually I completed this one ages ago but forgot

to blog it!

Little Deer

2009-09-15T22:19:00.001+01:00

Machine and hand embroidery in the round.

Dye plants at the American Museum

2009-09-14T08:39:00.002+01:00

Found in the beautiful grounds of the museum.

The plant is on the left and it's fixing agent on the right.

You need to click on the picture to read it clearly.

They would have used these plants for their own fabric dying.

Chant of the Enchanter.

2009-09-11T15:05:00.010+01:00

Continuing the esoteric theme, pleased to meet
The Enchanter.

I am the spear that bears the light
I am the wave that heals the wound
I am the breath that sings the song
I am the root connecting all.

His pointed hat announces his profession, magician or rather practitioner of magick.
His poetic song like the song of Amergin, speaks his function, and his intent.

My original poem or chant written in thread on his robe tells us he is the 4 elements.
Note:
Sorry about the wide spaces between text....blogger is a little tired today :)

Poetry Doll - Petticoat Dreamer

2009-09-07T08:24:00.008+01:00

Petticoat Dreamer #1

About 6.5in tall Petticoat Deamer is handmade from soft cotton and the poem is stitched on her hand dyed petticoat.
I'm in the prosess of making her a skirt to go over the petticoat so that the poem is hidded, I like the idea of a hidden poem.

I don't know if it translates well in practice though, I guess suck it and see no?
I'd love to know what you all think.
Anyway, there are more in the pipeline.

Her tiny arms and legs were a bit of a challenge, I think I made 4 or 5 before I got it right, I hate shoddy work so it had to be done propper!
Her little arms and legs move too.
The poem is one of my originals which reads:

'In the deep chambers of my heart

memories reside

living lives

of their own making

and sweet are the songs

that rise from within

dreaming, dreaming, dreaming'

Queens of the Four Elements

2009-09-03T15:59:00.010+01:00

I’ve studied the esoteric Western Mystery Tradition since I was a teenager……..a long time ago :)
And I’ve been a practising meditator since my early 20’s.
Something you tend to came a cross in either of the above is the concept of the 4 elements and the 4 directions.
East – Air
South – Fire
West – Water
North - -Earth

Each has its assigned symbols, attributes and characteristics.
Of course Tarot is one of the subjects that you are bound to come across too within the WMT and this is where my new embroidery piece comes in.

I’ve illustrated the 4 elemental queens in free style embroidery and I’ve added the symbols from an ordinary deck of playing cards, club, diamond, spade and heart instead of the usual wand, sword, pentacle and cup.

Cheating, I know but I had limited space!
I’ve tried to give each queen an expression that I hope suits their suit..mmm.
And underneath each I’ve written words that I thing is typical of the attributes of their element/suit.

So for Air I have - ideas, decisive, curious and knowing.
I could have chosen many more but they were first to spring to mind.
I'd be interested in any opinions on the queens appearances and
whether you think I've successfully illustrate their element!
Now in the shop here

Cat Girl Textile Pendant & Me

2009-08-21T14:30:00.006+01:00

Pendant Front & Back

Me wearing it :)

Okay.....not the sharpest photo on the planet but I do try!

New ACEO'S to swap

2009-08-05T12:55:00.007+01:00

My favorite Blue

I just love this indigo watercolour paint, it goes on forever, which is a good thing as it's quite expensive.

These two are 'Blue Moon Angel' and 'Tangled Bird'. Every now and then I like to put out a few ACEO's.I did some swaps recently, when I find what I did with them I'll put them up here.

Thank you MrXStitch & New Poetry Hanging

2009-07-20T19:12:00.013+01:00

This is a new hanging that I'm about to put in my shop.
It has the poem 'Wave the Wave' on it, the same poem that's on my poetry doll Puck.

'I wish I was
so far away
on some far distant shore.
I'd cast my troubles
in the deep, deep sea
and be troubled by troubles
no more.
Oh just to sit
and watch each wave
and wave
each wave.....
adieu.'

THANK YOU!

A huge one to Beefranck for including one of my poetry dolls in the Poetry Slam piece on the excellent website, lots to read and drool over!

MrXStitch

It's all about stitched poetry please take a look.

Winged head

2009-07-15T09:49:00.006+01:00

This winged head is the result of an experiment with a new calico cotton.
For some reason I'm finding it hard to get hold of the fabric that I usually use, my stocker can't seem to get it.
So, I ordered some trial pieces from the internet, mmmmmm why do sellers not put the weight of their fabric in their shops?
Calico does seem to vary alot.
Anyway, this seems quite good, holds it shape well and is not too stiff, some I've had have been like card!

This is a slightly larger head than I've made for my door guardians, and it's the first winged one too.
It looks rather cool on the wall like a wall sconce, even if I do say so myself :)
And I LOVE this blue thread, I don't know where I got it but it sews like a dream.

Amazing Etsy Find!

2009-07-12T14:28:00.003+01:00

These fab dolls are the work of the artist behind the Etsy shop

Artamia

This artist also does custom made dolls, you supply the photo and she makes the doll.
Wow! All hand made and all of the features (head, hands and shoes) will be hand drawn. All are one-of-a-kind original creations.

Check them out!

Poetry Doll and an Oil Painting

2009-07-11T14:23:00.003+01:00

I started oil painting again after some years.....my goodness oil paints are expensive!
I have a few that are still usable and are artists quality, but need to buy more, I'll have to save up!
The above painting, quite small is my first attempt, now I've restarted I'll have to keep it up.

This little chap is my new poetry doll - Puck, he's in my shop now.
The poem he's keeper of is called 'Wave the Wave' take a peek in the shop to see the full poem ;)

I've lots more to show you but not enought time to list them here.

My mojo has been really working!!

More later.

Warrior Angels? Winged Warrior Beings WIP

2009-07-07T12:42:00.006+01:00

These are my latest creations, along with some oil painting that I've gone back to after many years :)

The faces of these figures are quite different, as although I work with a figure template, not so for the faces, these are all free stitched.

I feel they are guardians or warriors, although I am aware of how cheesey that sounds!

I made them with sheilds, don't ask me why, and arms out stretched.

I learn from my creations, they teach me, I make, ponder and learn.

A change to 'Forest Spirit' and a new friend for him

2009-07-01T15:02:00.010+01:00

A little change to Forest Spirit and his friend, who at present is nameless.

Should be in my shop today.

This is a lovely shade of pale green that I dyed some calico ages ago, I don't remember how I got to this shade as I had kept a record of the organic materials I'd used in an exercise book, but ....it's gone !

I think I lost it when we moved.

I know the colour was the result of organic and synthetic dyes but how??

It's a beautiful shade and I'm down to my last bit :(

Forest Spirit

2009-06-29T15:17:00.005+01:00

This is a new design I only stumbled upon this weekend.

My intention was to make ........ANOTHER angel, but the spirits of the forests got to me.

Must be the Solstice energy still milling around.

You know when you make things and for some of them you feel, mmm yes that's nice, but others really capture your attention?

It's almost like they happen upon you rather than being made by you?

Well this little guy is like that for me, I don't know if he'll make it into the shop, he seems to like it on my workroom shelf, watching over me :)
I really am an inconstant woman, I get baking moods, sewing moods, drawing and painting moods yipes!

We end up with loads of scones, cakes, puddings (note - there is nothing of any real nutritional value here) but that's it, I'm board after that!

On to the next thing..........