Inspiration challenge 2............

........the challenge this month is a bento box quilt (see this link) but not being a quilter I had no idea where to start....... so trying to keep to the "boxy" theme and inspired by the colours of the original inspiration quilt I've done my applique version of a mini quilt in a Janet Bolton style and ended up with this........














.........funky pink and yellow chickens! I used scraps from some of my daughters old baby clothes ....so I really was thriftin and craftin!

Struggling hard......

......to get to grips with Dreamweaver so I can set up a website to coincide with the exhibition in San Jose. Not though making much headway. Its one of those "sand through the fingers" tasks. One minute I think I know what I'm doing, got it sussed and gonna have that website up and working ...... the next I'm convinced I don't know anything and nothing makes sense at all.....a bit like life really!! So to calm my screaming nerves, a picture of where I'd much rather be right now........

this is in Amsterdam and so a little far to go for coffee and cake!

Oh........and because I am the world's expert at displacement activity especially when things are not going well I have been working on some card designs instead.

I like the colours but am not sure that the designs work for cards.

................what do you think?

Just had to post....

.......this shot of my Diana Fayt plate....Pear on plum! I'm torn between displaying it or using it and risking breaking it! Its beautifully crafted....... but screaming out to be used.....so fingers crossed. You can see more of Diana's wonderful work here.

In the pink today......

because my daughter is feeling much better and I had a wonderful day out at the British Craft Trade Fair at Harrogate Showground. I was absolutely taken aback by the wealth of talented crafts people and designer makers out there and everything was so beautifully displayed and presented. Amazing!

Feeling blue today because.....

..............my daughter is off school poorly and we're confined to the house!

Yesterday was another .....

....very useful and enjoyable day at Bankfield on Hilary Bower's textile course. It was lovely to meet up with all the talented ladies in the group and come away refocused, reinvigorated and enthused to continue work for our exhibition later this year. Working as part of a group, particularly this group, has been a very rewarding experience. It is all too easy after college to become dispirited and give up or put off making when you are no longer part of a like minded, supportive group and there is no impending degree show to spur you on......so a very big thank you to everyone on the group for being there!!!

Our exhibition now has a name......................."REVEAL"

...but I cannot reveal anymore at this point.......it'll have to wait to the opening evening. I'll post the date for that later.

In the meantime.....more good news on the sales front as one of my framed hearts was sold by the Platform Gallery at Clitheroe. Even better, was that someone bought it as a wedding gift, which I think is very apt. I don't have a picture of the same piece as each one is different but (because I don't like posting without at least one photo image) this will give a general idea!

The Platform Gallery is a wonderful exhibition centre in Clitheroe and has a good sized shop with a wide variety of artist's work on display...well worth a visit if you're in the area!

Some good news....

....Heart Gallery told me today that someone has bought one of my textile framed pieces....a favourite of mine. This isn't a very bright picture but it does show up the shadows cast within the frame.

I hope it gives whoever bought it a lot of enjoyment.

The Heart Gallery is a fabulous new Gallery in Hebden Bridge owned by Alison Bartram who is very supportive particularly of new designer makers. It features a large range of work in all disciplines.... and the Gallery blog ....keeps everyone up to date. Congrats Alison on Heart Gallery being selected as a regional finalist in "The Greats Best Newcomer" category. You should win hands down!