Marbling Course

17th May 2014

Here I am again!!

I had my laptop back yesterday with a new hard drive and hopefully photos from my course! One slight problem I can't find my I-photo program and am unable to download photos from my camera!
At least I have managed to post a blog, which I couldn't do yesterday. Wish I was more 'techy'!!!

This course was a Christmas Gift from my daughter and we have both been looking forward to it.
It was run by Jemma Lewis in her garden studio.

https://www.facebook.com/missmarbling       www.jemmamarbling.com

We left London at 7.45 and at 9.15 we were 12 miles from Jemma.... we didn't arrive at the studio until 11 as there had been a traffic accident, not a good start as I hate being late!! We phoned to say we were delayed and Jemma was fine, waiting with a coffee and cake.

After putting on our old clothes Jemma showed us the 'ingredients' needed for marbling as well as her beautiful papers.

The paper was gift wrap  size and called Wibalin, this was coated with a solution of alum- an important part of the process as the paint adhered to this. There was a large metal tray containing Carrageen powder solution, this was 'gloopy'. Paint used was Windsor and Newton designer Guache mixed with a little water and a drop of diluted washing up liquid. Also needed were fan shaped brushes for sprinkling the paint onto the surface.

Jemma demonstrated then we each had a go. We found ourselves holding our breath at each stage and we were so excited when we lifted the paper off the solution to see what we had created!

Our last 3 papers were our own choice of colours and technique, I was really tired at this point but so enjoyed making shapes with a stylus and then a pin, such beautiful swirls and delicate patterns.

 I am hoping my papers will arrive today and that I will be able to download the photos!!!

Watch this space, I'm hoping my son will be able to help me upload photos later today.

Just a taster as these were on my desktop.....

...peeling the paper off very carefully....

...Catherine looking pleased!!

Me concentrating...

....after splattering 4 colours and using 3 techniques with stylus and 'combs' I am also looking very pleased!!!

Laptop!!

12th May 2014

This is to say I am having problems with my laptop, it keeps crashing so I might not be able to blog for a few days!!

A Brilliant Weekend -Part 1

11th May 2014

Drove down to London on Thursday and on Friday caught the train to Waterloo and walked along the South Bank........

...London Eye....

....ice cream van....

.....the skate board park with yarn bombed railing...

.....another refreshment trailer....

.....love this sky line, old and modern....

...and arrived at Tate Modern ....

...beautiful Silver Birch swaying in the wind...

....arrived at my destination.

I bought my ticket but had to wait 2 hours to see the exhibition as it was so busy!!

Photos were not allowed so I have photographed my postcards....

...my favourite..

...this gives you a flavour of the colour but not the size!!!

He was ill when he cut out these wonderful creations, he used an enormous pair of scissors and often needed someone to hold the large sheet of painted paper. His bedroom/studio walls were covered with his wonderful creations.

I came out of the exhibition desperate for coloured paper and scissors!

WELL WORTH A VISIT

Wood Carving Tool Roll

7th May 2014

My son's birthday was in February and he requested a tool roll for his wood carving tools.

I actually made it yesterday!

I bought the fabric from The Cloth House in London-fabulous fabric shop!

I couldn't buy oil cloth, apparently few places stock it as it has to be stored in an even temperature, so decided on a waxed cotton, dark green on the wax side and beige on the reverse......

.....made a very simple sketch and decided how many pockets etc.

I measured everything twice then cut out two rectangles. As this was to store sharp tools I stitched wadding between the two layers with the beige side for the interior......

.....straight line stitching for added strength and because I enjoy the process!

I folded the bottom over and stitched 7 pockets then had fun designing and stitching initials....

...this is on the inside.

Just need to buy some strong tape to wrap around and it will be finished.

Only 2 more items  left on my 'To Do' list!!

Machine Embroidered Initial Letter Cards

5th May 2014

Had a lovely day, volunteer work this morning and stitching this afternoon.

My friend requested 'letter cards' for her grand daughters'....

...stitched in their favourite colour

...I used variegated threads to add interest....

....do hope my friend likes them!!!!

Just have 3 items left on my 'to do list':-

1. Finish bunting for Fun Day on June 1st

2. Make cards to raise funds for the park

3. Make my son a tool roll for his wood carving tools.

A Very Creative Weekend!

4th May 2014

On Friday I joined a Facebook creative group at the suggestion of a friend.

This happens to be Creative Weekend and members are given a variety of prompts to encourage creativity and it has been so much fun!

1st prompt was to fold an A4 sheet into 16 equal sections and a number of prompts followed all involving circles. Lots of doodling, a little like zentangle but with specific details......

...the prompt was draw round both hands, paint nails and make fingerless gloves....

...I cut out some space dyed scrim from my stash to make the gloves....

....choosing something from the kitchen drawer and drawing with non dominant hand....

...surprised myself!!

Prompt was:- look at a chair and draw without taking your eyes off the chair in one continuous line, draw again with non dominant hand still not looking at the paper, lastly draw looking at the paper and chair.....

...NO COMMENT!!!

Another prompt was make up a word and draw an item to illustrate...

.....brainstorm SINGULAR...

....I have never done anything quite like this before but I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!

Still have to embellish a piece of fabric but not finished yet!

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I have also been hand stitching on this cork printed tree bark....

.....used embroidery perla thread and gold thread and a variety of stitches....

...not quite sure whether this is finished !!

Must now cook our Sunday dinner......

Bluebells in Brock!

2nd May 2014

I had a fantastic walk in Brock (near Garstang) with two friends and two dogs....

.....banks and banks of bluebells, so beautiful....

                                            

...two happy dogs....

.....trees, bluebells.....

.....rocky pools.....

...not sure what these were but such a pretty, delicate flower...

...moss covered tree trunks...

...loved the shape of these unfurling ferns...

...yet more bluebells....

.....Jack had a wonderful time in the mud.

Such a beautiful walk,  a great time was had by all!

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Finished my cushions....

....and made 3 little note books.....

...sizoflor ironed onto silk paper with hand made felt 'bits' stitched in silver thread.... 

....brown paper, sizoflir, scrim, hessian and frayed hand dyed muslin....

.....might make a little gift....