Happy Holidays

What is this?  Well I don't quite know how to describe the finished version.  But these are pages for a book, small 6" x 4".  2011 will be the sixth year I've kept this little book.  Its important to me the size, and the pages, always made from multi coloured paper, this time K & Co scrapbook paper.  Its one week over two pages, and its a record/diary/accounts book I suppose.  First started because whenever people asked me, "what are you making" I'd usually say, oh nothing.  Thinking that actually I didn't spend much time doing, I decided to actually record what I did do.  So in this book, bullet point type notes, eg "worked on pink panel" - no details, just that.  I also list when I done tasks for my EG, things I order or buy, the price and where from, and when magazines arrive.  This week I've had Fiberarts, Embroidery and CPS digital came last night.  All of this is really useful, especially if you need to check up on when did I make that order, should my magazine have arrived this month - I want more of that product where did I get it.  A few years back I came across the phrase "that which is recorded gets done" - so I guess as I work in isolation, this little book helps me focus, and importantly is evidence that I am actually doing!
The pages need shuffling so not all the same colours are together, and its need assembling and the date labels, which are prepped, but the printer died yesterday.  So to my reluctance I think over the holidays we will have to go shopping, a new printer will be governed by certain things, price, what will fit in the space and whatever the shops have!!!
Jingle Bells, well that is the last thing which are added to my book.  Spiral bound I attach tiny bells (off the cat's toy actually, he doesn't like) - so useful to find the book amongst everything, just have to knock the table to hear a ringing to find it.
Wishing you all the very best for the holidays, thank you so much for dropping by to read, and we will continue with the art journey in 2011.

Commissions, Planning Ahead

I have made and delivered my Postcard commissions. P bought the one on the left wanting local places where she has lived, where she lives now, and a blue/green.  She also liked the Heart postcard which was on display at the Rochford Art Trail, its Jane Austin's Emma background.   C wanted one for her daughter, who lives away, and so that has towns from her home and the brown colourway.  I have ideas to make more, and am open to further requests for these.
So that is almost the planned art for 2010 completed.  I am currently working on my Lines & Grids Sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project - well two actually.  I decided not to pay for it to be copied, and not to photo as I go, instead, to make a duplicate, so that way I have the information.
I have the application form for the Burnham Art Trail - not due in until February, but I intend to enter.
The Eastern Region of the Embroiderers' Guild have an Exhibition planned for the Summer.  Having submitted previously, I intend to give that a go, but the details won't be issued for that until January, so I've put dates in the diary for guessed deadlines.
And of course the big one for me, the juried exhibition for the ERTF "Concepts & Meanings" - I've already completed an Intent Form, and more information will follow, again in the New Year.  However, the ERTF/Owen Jones project starts touring from January, work was made and delivered for that one early October.  Dates for everything I'm involved with will appear on the right.
I don't have any solos planned, but am hoping, as this year, that opportunities arise, certainly one contact finds another, one opportunity gives another.  I may arrange solo for 2012, gosh what a long way off - but venues work far ahead, and one at least I've got to wait until the New Year before their diary opens up again.
Oh yes, my PictureTrail Web Album is now no more... please visit my website.

Losing Days...

I don't make things for Xmas.... so for me to participate is a big deal.  These are the cards I made for the Burnham Xmas Art Sale which is on this week.  Not cost effective at all, as I spend so much time fiddling and thinking, making, scrapping.
It turns out to be a good thing that I am not contributing more for this event.  I've spent the past 5-6 days with a nasty stomach bug, which refused to go away - missed out on going to an ERTF Essex meeting in the process, which I was really miffed about.  And now here we are blanketed in deep snow.  So I would have let people down.
Time to be thinking ahead for 2011 art events.  Nothing of my own planned for the year, so it will be entering and trying out for whatever comes my way.  Ideas/techniques to explore, and perhaps finding niche small sellable items to make.
At the moment I've my small commission postcards to make, but I'm not doing so until I feel 100% better - have a fear of handing over complete with nasty bugs trapped in the stitching!!!
I guess most places in the UK now have snow.... stay warm and safe... take lots of arty photos... and keep the kettle on the go!