Its 2019 (with closure on 2018)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Firstly time for a catch up.
I've not posted in such a long time - mainly because not really feel well, not ill, just not well, I chose to have a defined course of action elsewhere, for me.
It is always so difficult to share things here, because a lot of what I make is for Exhibition, and its only right that first look goes to those events.  So it can very much look like I'm not doing anything, when there is something going on.

Following the Art Trail and Art Fair events, I didn't have anything else planned for me personally.  However, I did help the husband with his entries into the Essex Open, one of which sold on opening night.

At a friend's suggestion I have become a Member of S.E.W. 

I was somewhat hesitant, not sure if it was for me, but my friend persuaded me to give it a go, can only try and see.  I also expressed that I was really wanting to find a group I could join which involved BookArts.
So I sent off my application, following an open call out, and to my utter surprise it came back with... Yes we'd like you to join with your Books!!!  So that involved happy dancing.
Its a new venture, so will await developments, it could be that I/we/me are not a good fit, but we shall see.  Its nice to have the opportunity to investigate though.

I've got an event coming up - well if you call 2020 coming up.  New to me again, but decided to stop being a wimp and give it a go, so said Yes.

And a piece which was in my local Art Trail, sold independently in November.  So this has a new home.

detail of Strata

In the pipeline for 2019 is:

~plenty of work for The Material Girls exhibitions planned and pending

~joining in the Sketchbook Project  doing a Mini Sketchbook this time

~local Embroiderers' Guild Branch Competition - not done in many years

~signed up to Lifebook 2019 - new to me starts today

~possibly an Art Trail - may be the Art Sale Event

~possibly get around to the list I made out in January 2018!

Don't know when I will be back here - but hopefully will, with something I can share.

Have a happy creative, and funfiled 2019

Diary Dates - Embroiderers' Guild

Saturday 5th August 2017

Once again my Branch will be participating in the National Celebration of Stitch day.
I will be along from lunchtime to steward.  Please come along, we will have Make & Takes, a chance to share stitching and to chat with Members to find out what the Guild is about.

Saturday 12th August 2017

Branch Meeting

1.45 - 4.30pm

Balmoral Centre

Westcliff on Sea

This is our usual Branch Meeting, which will be a practical afternoon.  Bring your sewing kit. The theme of the afternoon will be Metallics.  There will be a variety of hands on practical sessions for you to join in.  I will be running one myself on Decorative Cords.

For more information on our Branch click, HERE 

I hope to see you at one of these events.

2017 - Here I Come

NEW YEAR

Salutation and Felicitations

2017

What a weird year 2016 was... all sorts of things left me feeling discombobulated. Anyway what do they say, New Year, New Start.

So much to do.... The Material Girls have lots of plans for the year.  My local Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild have an Exhibition, so I wish to participate in that.  I wish to attend the Book Fair again.  So it looks like May will henceforth be known as Manic May.

As I write I still have three pieces of work on display in the Essex Open Exhibition - this is on until 11th February.  Do try to visit, its in what was previously the Library, two buildings down from the Southend/Liverpool St rail station.  There's a small car park next door, and parking opposite.  Details of items in this post.

I also have work still in Inverness - as part of the CD Exhibition - this isn't due to return to me until March.  Would be nice if I sold one piece - but with so many to choose from.... you can see my pieces from this post. 

As if all of this wasn't enough, I've got so many things I want to create and try, but they don't come to fruition, as other work takes priority.  Plus, working for events, they have the 'look see' first, so I can't really share until the moment, and it looks like I do nothing!

So, wanting change, wanting exploration, wanting fun - as part of that I've signed up for two classes - yes I know mad, but its self regulated, so its down to me what I do and when.

The first is this one.

Its already started, and consists of daily short video of technique/project, from the world of Mixed Media.  It is what it say, Jumpstart, so is only for January.

The second is

This one has yet to start properly - later in week, and lasts the year.  I've joined this one because I follow several of the tutors via Facebook or blogs, so like their style.  Again no pressure to do.
Actually its been a surprise to see more and more people are adding stitch to their paper projects - so as you can imagine, I'm very happy.

As my ideas for Fun didn't work out last year, I thought if I actually schedule Fun into the diary, and having paid for it, I will do it.  I believe this is the premise also in the book, 

which I've partially read - the premise being to make a habit of doing.  Whilst yes I do create and make, its not such a regular scheduled thing.  Partly I don't want this, but also partly I think I need it!!  So we will see.
I've also changed the format of my 'art calendar' this year so will see how that goes.  I have this propped up near where I work, in part also so him indoors can see what I need to do, and when I need the car!

Next on the Agenda is the EG January meeting, at which they have to put up with me! Nothing too taxing, we are just looking at ways to frame and mount work for exhibition, and means of packaging etc.  We have several new Members so no doubt latter especially useful.

So here we go again with whatever 2017 brings forth - all I know is that it needs to change in all sorts of ways for me.  I don't know if anyone ever comes and reads this blog - in some ways it doesn't matter, because I use it as a means to record what is happening in my art world.  So if you do read, please say hello, and please keep me company for the forthcoming year.

Essex Open - is Now Open!!!

We've been along to see our work displayed at the Essex Open.  In case you don't know where the Beecroft Art Gallery is - its almost next door to the Southend Victoria train station, in what was previously the Library premises.

Alas, this year there is no printed catalogue, so you will need to read the notifications under the pieces and look for the labels with the various awards.  There are three areas of display, and my work can be found to the left as you enter.

As always at these events, there are very few textile related pieces, but I have 3, and there are also pieces by Karen Apps and Jane Barry, both of whom I know.
The large white worded piece displayed with mine, is also a textile, and is by a lady I don't know, Abbie Cairns.

Here's a photo of my work on display.  You will be able to find and see more detail from a recent posting.

Here is a photo of Keith's piece on display, just around from mine.

Plenty of time to visit, but do go along, lots of exciting work in various formats.