Special Day!

Today is a special day, being 10-10-10 - for once no confusion between us Brits and Americans on what day it is!!! (I don't like the way blogger insists on archiving with the date the "wrong way" for me, even though the instruction says otherwise). I've been recording these special dates (and others like 1-2-3) with photos, usually around my home, and as I write a diary, there's usually something about what is happening in my life at the time.  The intention is to make art... a piece somehow capturing the photos and the snippets of life.  Anyway here today, its been bright sunshine, blue sky with the tiniest cloud, breezy but relatively warm.  The sun is going down now, so may be more photos to come.  I like these quirky dates, probably because my birthday is one of them, and by fluke my wedding day also.

This coming week, DH returns to work full time after his "episode" - 10 months almost of challenges on the domestic front.  Not least in the past few weeks he's been working at home which means two computers on the go at the same time, or papers all over tables.  So my access for my art has been restricted, almost to non existence, what will I do with an extra day?  Oh, well before the end of Oct I've some 7" x 5" pieces to make for PaperWEIGHT, need some small pieces for my Art Trail display, oh and I promised a brand new, made especially for piece, for my Embroiderers' Guild Branch Exhibition.  Mhmmmm is one extra day enough... ought to be a doddle, after all I've managed two solos, an art trail, and piece for touring event with domestic pressure.  One must always remember in times of difficulty, there's always cake... and chocolate!!! ggg

Busy, busy, busy

Gosh things have been full on for a while... working hard to meet deadlines, thought I was seeing some daylight, but received another "could you just..." request last week.

This is a teaser of my Tudor Rose made for my Embroiderers' Guild Branch Exhibition, which goes up at the beginning of Nov.

Paper and stitch... of course. And I've been busy out and about.  Firstly I went to see OTT's exhibition "Bloomin Marvellous".  A riot of colour focussing on the natural world, so apt being an exhibition at an RHS garden.  I think I've only missed one of this groups exhibitions since they started.
Also I've been along to see EAST's exhibition "Talking Textiles" - again a group I've seen almost all of the exhibition of.  Individually themed quite different from OTT, but that's what's so good, to see such variety in a short space of time.  I also managed to get along to the last day of the Map exhibition at the British Library, it was soooo crowded.  And then I went along to see Origin, my first ever visit.  Enjoyed that and bought myself some beautiful art pieces.

Also I managed to complete and deliver on time my piece for the ERTF Owen Jones touring exhibition.  Here's a taster of Pastiche, guess what, more paper and stitch!!  Met up with other contributors over a delicious late breakfast hosted by Lorraine.  Getting to know more members as I also attended a Tea & Textiles day a couple of weeks back!

I've seen the Rochford Art Trail brochure, quite a shock to find a photo of my work on the front cover.

And my new website, seems to be well received, and in fact I've sold two pieces of work from being seen on the site.  Great news and I'm thrilled, but now in a quandary over what to put in the Art Trail to replace them!
So... I just need to make a new piece of work by the end of October... no pressure then!!!

*** NEW WEBSITE ***

After a long time with my Picturetrail album, which has served me very well, taught me so much, including a bit of HTML coding.  I have now made myself a website, which has the benefit of clickable links and option to add on a shop.  A few cross words on the way, mainly because of different terminology for things I actually do know about, as lots of aspects are very similar to using Picturetrail.   So drum roll, trrrrrrrrrrrr

http://www.bevfolkard.co.uk/

Photos, Publicity and Lemon Cake!!!

A couple of days after putting up my Fabrication, I received a phone call, re the Press Release.  The local free newspaper wanted a photo of me with my work to run alongside the words.  Well if you know me, you will know that this was a very very big ask of me.  I am very photo phobic, and just the phone call had me close to tears.  But I realise this is the world I'm in, and perhaps the art can't speak for itself, as I always hope, and the face behind it has to emerge.  So I went along on Friday.  A model I will never ever be.  Keep this arm still but move your body, now look here, over there, lift this bit, turn that... needless to say I got a bit hot and bothered.  But it was speedy, over in 10 minutes.  I retired to the cafe - lemon cake and tea this time... much needed as I was physically shaking, and took a while to calm down.  Well the PR and a photo of moi are in this week's Yellow Advertiser.  I have looked through my fingers and squinted eyes, but that's it.  Another new experience to chalk up.
But good news... the sewing machine is back after its repair and service.  Oh how I missed it.  In the meantime I've had to try other things, like the above.  Playing with Golden Molding Paste, think I'm going to like usng this.
And more good news.... I'm in the throws of making a proper website.  I've loved my Picturetrail album because I've been able to do it all myself, and learned so much, but its time for something more professional and interactive.  So watch this space.