delivery

Yippee, when I came home at lunchtime today a parcel had arrived with my new glass powders in it among other things. I have not used glass powder before ( very fine frit- crushed glass) and am looking forward to learning this new technique. A friend of mine has been trying it out with some exciting results. I also ordered a dish mould and I can't wait to use this too. I have booked a workshop at Making Space doing more fused glass so the tutor will help me to experiment with the powders. Roll on tomorrow night! Bliss.

weekend workshops

A good friend of mine was unable to run a workshop on basic jewellery and so she asked me to step in at the last moment. It was a bit scary at first but everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was only for the morning. We looked at making single loops, wrapped loops and jump rings and then people could create earings etc using these techniques. Most were able to make at least 2 pairs of earings in the time given, along with some samples and they seemed to have a good time. I was worried about the feedback forms but I had no need to, everyone was very positive about their experience.

 I am wondering if blog visitors might want to see photos of how to do these techniques?
Next Sunday I am also running a felt making workshop. Again it is only for a morning, so I think I will teach the group how to make felt beads and bangles. Last time the workshop was all day and I could cover more, but the shop owner only wants morning sessions this time.
Would people like photo instructions of this too? Let me know what you think please. I want to keep improving my blog and this may be one way to do it.

More happiness blogs

I have added  several new blogs to my happiness blog list today. I really enjoy reading about what other artists and crafters out there, are up to. I have actually met the lady from poppyfields on a glass course last year. She was the person who inspired me to set up an etsy shop! She is so positive and enthusiastic about trying new things.
Design Sponge is a blog that I have returned to several times for ideas and tips so I have added them. Also I came across a blog by a daughter and mother in law, who give advice about working in the creative industry. Their style is relaxed and encouraging so worth a read.I have attached their button- blacksburg belle. Gosh I am proud of myself for doing this. Last night I tried for ages to add a button for craftaganza, nearly throwing my laptop out of the window in frustration, with no success.

I really wanted to go in here because I just loved the name and the idea but we had just eaten so must remember this place for next time. Brighton is such a stimulating place with every corner offering even more excitement. My sketchbook kept coming out but the weather was determined to halt my progress. Still I have a few ideas for new glass work. Can't wait til tomorrow to try out some of them.
 I came across a lovely vintage dress shop. Upstairs was really warm and The Archers was playing on the radio. They had a velvet chaise longue and I was sorely tempted to sit down and soak up the cosy atmosphere.
After so much rain we decided to visit the art gallery to get warm and I was amazed at how varied the exhibits are. I will definitely be returning again and again to this hive of inspirational visual treats.

Just returned from a short break in Brighton. More drizzle and mist but we still had an inspiring time. Gosh did I OD on chocolate in this unusual cafe! The hot chocolate was made from melted chocolate with milk steamed through it. Marshmellows and cream on top, just about beat me and I had to leave some! Unheard of. The decor was full blown , over the top, red!

I was fascinated by this young guy's outfit and supreme confidence in his own style. I cheekily took a photo but he looked even more amazing from the front. He had a curly moustache and he looked like a circus act or a magician. He even wore spats and he clearly has an eye for detail. The next day he appeared again in another amazing vintage outfit.

seedling favourites

What a wonderful bold seed design. I found this printed cushion by Zebedee on Folksy. She has lots more fab printed items too.

This lovely fabric envelope came from thebotheredowl and is another fine example on my theme.

more seedlings

I chose this wonderful leather bound sketchbook because I had a fab time at Westdean and made a simple book on one of the summer sampler workshops. This is from Baghy on Etsy.

Bikes

Just loved the red wheels!

chords

The shard-while on the train I realised that I had sat behind Hugh Dennis and his family. They kept talking about the shard. It is partly hidden in the mist too. I thought, that is near my girls- I am sure I have an invisible umbilicle chord still attached. Whenever I watch the telly and see views of London I become aware of it. I used to hear the children playing in the playground when I was at home with my youngest and I was certain that the chord was pulling me towards them!

Tate Community Gardens

 What a wonderful idea- this garden is available to residents who live in the Tate Gallery area to use. They have to have a code to get into the gardens. I know because my girls are able to us ethis facility. It lookks grey and dull today, but it is fabulous in the summer. It is almost invisible yet right next to the Tate!!

 St Paul's looks mysterious through the mist.

The New Globe Theatre just around the corner. It looks incongruous amongst the concrete of Bankside.

What a fantastic sight. I could lie under those trees and dream forever. Though perhaps not today in the drizzle!

glass seedlings

This is my attempt at seedlings using glass. It has not been decorated yet nor has it been fired. Watch this space.

seedlings

I have found my first find for creative journeys. I love the switchplate design from funkychickendesigns.

Springtime and thoughts of the garden

Been thinking about the garden and springtime! Each year I say shall we replace the old fence and then can't bring myself to spend the money on it, money that could be spent on so many luscious plants!

from the traditional to the fantastical

 I have cut the top of this photo. I really need to do a photography course! I made 2 slightly different lanterns. I also made the blackberry basket. The sculpture on the right is mine too. It was based on seed pods.My favourite theme!

Fame at last ?

I am soo excited  for two reasons! One, I was looking through the West Dean College brochure when I suddenly spotted myself in one of the photographs! It is not the most flattering of photos! I still think I  am about 20 though the reality is very different!!But hey! I had been on a summer school doing willow work and was busy making a lantern to go out on my deck in the evenings.
The second reason is because I have booked to go on the summer sampler weekend. I went last year and it was great fun. I met loads of lovely people and experienced crafts that I wouldn't normally attempt. You get 4 half day workshops and come away with an item from each. I have chosen printmaking, jewellery, making a fabric bag and small scale wire sculpture. I can't wait to do the last one especially, as I love the work of Cathy Miles.

Close up of work in progress

 I hope this will make a lovely dish when I have slumped it. The only trouble is I have used kiln fibre as a background so it will need two firings, which means waiting to see the final piece. No patience, me!

dots and spots

This new addition to my happiness list has some great valentines ideas on it. I really love myrtle the mouse because my middle daughter was small and her feet looked like mouse feet when she was born, so I have a soft spot for mice!

Found a fab artist!

Found an exciting website about an artist who makes a wide range of work. I absolutely love her wire sculptures and can't wait to get my willow ready to make more sculpture myself. She makes felt jewellery, paints, draws, allsorts. Just my kind of person! There is no blog or further information about the maker, which is a shame as I am sure it would be something really fab to follow. I am going to follow her on twitter though.
http://driftnetarts.co.uk/

using maps

Just been browsing again and read some interesting articles on Swirly Thoughts. What a fab name! I was only looking in a charity shop the other day with my husband and we saw some old maps.He was surprised that  people would buy out dated maps and I said they make great backgrounds for all sorts of art.(Not that I had made any use of them) Well , next I turned to Swirly Thoughts and lo and behold, she has created envelopes from maps. I love the idea of recycling in such a creative and unique way. There are many other lovely makes to be bought on her etsy shop. Well worth a look in myhappiness blogs.