MAGGIES WORLD

FABRIC BROOCHES

2011-03-14T18:59:00.008Z

Here are 6 fabric brooches that i made... really enjoyed making these

lace and beads creation

2011-02-26T09:53:00.005Z

Just finished making a eyeglass case, inspiration taken from a vintage photo which i then printed on to white cloth.

had lots of fun making this.

Front of Case

Back of case showing embroidered taffeta that was used

Marie Antoinette Doll

2011-01-31T13:21:00.003Z

Yesterday i finished making my marie antoinette doll which is for sale in etsy

It has taken me many many hours of sewing each individual glass bead of which there are hundreds. it is completely handsewn throughout.

I started this doll before Ernie died, and i bet he would be pleased with the result as much as i am.

Hope you like her xxxx

ps dont forget you can click on her to enlarge the photo

Another Matroyshka/Russian Doll

2011-01-27T18:40:00.005Z

Some call them Matroyshka, others call them Babushka and some just call them Russian Dolls.

Well here is my latest addition to my etsy shop

Im certainly getting into the swing of things again.Hope you like her...

Hopefully sometime over the weekend i will be able to show you my first marie antoinette cloth doll

Two Dolls for my Etsy shop

2011-01-25T12:44:00.006Z

Well back into the swing of things, and two matroyshka/russian dolls to go into my Etsy shop... two long years since i did anything like this.

Hope you like them as much as i enjoyed making them

SOLD

YAY IM BACK

2011-01-24T11:09:00.001Z

Im back into the swing of things, but nothing to show you yet... lots of half finished things, which will be going into my etsy shop hopefully next week.

Missed you all, but i needed the space.

xxxxxx

IN LOVING MEMORY

2009-07-19T17:10:00.004+01:00

On the 24th June my darling beloved husband Ernie passed away in my arms.

I have never felt such pain in my life, and at the moment cannot focus on anything except just getting by each day. I have lost my zest for life and art, and just hope that this ache in my heart will go away, so that i can at least face the future without him.

Here is the last photo of Ernie taken at his 65th Birthday party, on the 22nd May 2009, which he celebrated along with our Grandson Bobby, who was 13 years old that same day.

GOD BLESS YOU ERNIE, and I hope that we will meet again one day my precious.

ALTERED KEYS

2009-05-30T20:31:00.007+01:00

The challenge this month over on GAS MAMMA is to make an altered key. I've seen some beautiful examples out there in cyber land, and my group of gals have not let me down.

Here are my two offerings.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

This one is not just an altered key, but an altered vintage brooch too, so will be wearable.

May have to make more of these. lol.

GREAT GIVEAWAY HERE ON NEEDLEWINGS BLOG

Altered Drinks Can Doll- Squashed Can art Doll

2009-05-13T09:51:00.005+01:00

For this month's theme on MAD MAMMA (monthly art doll swaps), i chose the theme, squashed drinks can doll.

Oh boy, there was a mixed reaction, as most people assume art dolls are supposed to be pretty, but i wanted the group to be challenged, but was worried about their reaction. I should have known better, there was a mixed reaction at first, but now the ball is rolling. they have not let me down. pop over to MAD MAMMA to have a look at the great pieces so far. http://www.flickr.com/groups/964970@N23/

Here is mine. Now i really WAS worried about putting this in the swap, especially as my hubby said i had gone a bit tooooo wild with this one. So i put it in the photo-stream, but was more than prepared to remove it, if it wasn't well received.

Believe it or not, I've come to looove this doll, ugly as it is.

So i suppose you want to have a peep at her........

here she is in all her glory.....lol.

Zetti Fairy.

To make the doll, i flattened an empty lager can...lol. well in fact I practically annihilated it with a big hammer. Oh boy that was fun, and a great way to get rid of frustrations. roflol.

Then i painted it all over with white acrylic glue, after finding it much to difficult to erase the wording on the can.

Then i painted the face with flesh coloured acrylic paint, and coloured the body with alcohol inks.

The Wings, arms legs and hat are all collaged onto card, and the hands and feet are brads, that i managed to find just last week.

SEASIDE ALTOID TIN

2009-05-03T13:54:00.008+01:00

For this months altered swap over on Flickr's GAS MAMMA the chosen theme is seaside and to alter a tin.

So far i have altered an altoid tin, and the bottom half of a cigar tin.

FRONT OF TIN

This is of Blackpool, UK, and the sand and shells that i used were collected from Blackpool beach

BACK OF TIN

The vintage advert to the left, shows how the circus ring fills up with water for the Grand Finale. I was absolutely mesmerised as a child.

Showing all the ephemera that goes along with the tin

on the far right is a copy of a seaside cut out that was used by families whereas each family member put their heads through the cutout, and had their photo taken.
Also included are some small versions of saucy british postcards, as well as a current Brand New one of today showing thefamous Blackpool lights.

I also altered the bottom half of a cigar tin

Last night, in honour of MAMMA Flickr groups 100th member, i gave an online party, to celebrate.
Everyone brought their own drinks, a firework display was given, and i set numerous tasks for them to winprizes of a paintings etc of mine.
The main prize was a Zetti doll. For this i set a challenge of making an ATC celebrating MAMMA's 100th member and they had 60 minutes to do it in. Ernie, (hubby) drew a name out of a hat, and it was Sherry.

here's the main prize won by her.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME- Marie Antoinette

2009-04-25T09:21:00.005+01:00

Things just got toooo hectic for me to post. My husband has been seriously ill, and what with the 3 MAMMA groups i run on Flickr, it got too much.

So what's been happening.

First i was published in the Stampington & Co 'Marie Antoinette' magazine.

This is a scan of the page i was on, i never received a copy of the magazine itself.

Next, work over in Mamma - Handpainted ATC's

A paper doll in the Mad MAMMA swap

a button fairy for the MAD MAMMA swap

I've also taken part in a 6 way JAM swap of a bird journal. template from Stampington & Co.

HANDPAINTED FOR VIV

Made for Sherry

Made for Wendy

Made for Sheila

Made for Maureen

Last but not least is a fabric bird i made as a gift to Constanza. I altered the Stampington template to give it a better shape.

I'll try and keep in touch more, if life allows it.

Take care...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

CAT HUMOUR

2009-02-14T14:22:00.000Z

This cracks me up

Another Award

2009-01-30T19:54:00.008Z

Today i found out that I have received another award, this time from a lady fromCyprus, who i didn't even know had ever visited my blog.

I get very emotional about this kinda thing, just thinking that someone from another part of the world not only reads my blog, but thinks enough about it to give me an award.

The lady is boatbird
and she has given me the Marie Antoinette Award, Real Person,a Real Award

Many many thanks boatbird, i reeeeeeally appreciate it. thankyou xx

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Put the picture of Marie Antoinette on your blog.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.
4. Link to those blogs from your blog.
5. Leave a comment on their blogs to let them know you've shared the award with them.

I am just going to give the award to one person, and that person is
Viv over at Viv's Visuals
This is not only for her brilliant creativeness, but for being a great friend to me, especially over the past couple of months, when things were a bit of a struggle for me. She made me laugh so much i cried tears of laughter. She is such a funny, mad, GREAT friend, that I'd be lost without her now.

Bottoms up Viv, I've a glass of vino in my hand and raise it to you.
(makes a change i know, me drinking ROFLOL.)

Over on MAMMA, the group i run on Flickr, i chose the theme triptych. and boy my friends never let me down, their work is stupendous, each and every one of them
Here's my 3 contributions for this week.

Elizabeth I triptych

Birdhouse triptych

Seaside triptych.

Sir Winston Churchill

2009-01-23T12:49:00.017Z

This is something very close to my heart, but for some strange reason i've never thought of doing it before.
The reason why it's so personal?. The name Winston Churchill, was my father's first and middle name lol. AND his party trick was emulating Winston Churchill and his many speeches. I can remember going on holiday and at the Miner's Holiday Camp in Skegness, when it was the Talent Show, Dad would get up and do his oration, usually 'We'll shall fight them on the beaches.......".
I used to be soooooooo embarassed, as everyone else was doing a singing act lol.
Looking back now, I was very proud of him, and of course, the real Sir Winston Churchill too.

Mixed Media, made on 6" x 9" mountboard, acrylic and gesso background. With numerous symbols representing that era.
Rik rak in V shape - Victory symbol
car tyre - petrol rationing
blue bird - song 'Bluebird over the White cliffs of Dover" a war song by Vera Lynn
German scrap at bottom of photo, with acrylic paint drips - representing iron railings that were torn down during the war, to make aeroplanes
the white crosses represent the windows taped up for protection against bombs, and to stop the glass flying out.
Black material across the top represents blackout material which was put up to cut out all light from outside
Toggle on top right, represents the duffle coat Winston used to wear.
Buttons and shoe lace represents the 'make do and mend' philosphy of that era.
Embroidery around photo, represents his bow tie
Tag - Never , from another of his speeches
Roses - Symbol of England
Text is a copy of his actual transcript for his speech "Their finest hour"

I'm working on Queen Elizabeth 1 at the moment, and intend to do a series of English Historical figures

A week ago today, I celebrated my birthday. I had a reeeeeally super duper day, with some beauuutiful presents from family and online friends, culminating in a delicious dinner at an excellent restaurant nearby.
Sorry I'm late putting these pictures up, but ill health has been dogging me this week, and I'm struggling once again with the vertigo and depression. When this happens i become very insular, so pleeeeease forgive me for not visiting your blogs. I look, but don't talk. I've had to reserve my 'talking' for my Flickr groups, as i would not want to lose them as they have been a lifeline for me.

Sooooooooooooo dear friends, a VERY big thankyou once again, for the numerous cards and RAK's and pressies, and most of all, thankyou for putting up with me LOL.

From Ernie (hubby)

2 Marie antoinette figurines from Ernie, as well as year's subscription to Somerset Studio.
I bet you're thinking, oh what a thoughtful hubby lol, but i picked them out myself roflol.
The 2 drawer jewellery box on the right is from my beloved daughter along with smellies etc.

From Viv and From Sherry

Beautiful Lace from Maureen

Domino necklace from Jinny, Heart from Cindy and some more beautiful lace from Maureen, this time some hand crotcheted lace made by her Grandmother. I can honestly say that this really touched me.

Last but not least, a cushion from my dear friend Jan. NOW I can take Michael Buble to bed with me EVERY night. yummy yummy.

VALENTINE AND MICHAEL BUBLE.

2009-01-10T20:21:00.008Z

Valentines and Michael Buble. WHAT a combination LOL. well they do go together don't they. mmmmmmmmmmm.

For this weeks MAMMA's
challenge/swap, i chose the theme Man/Men, mainly because of my friend John, who is the only male in our group, and boy does he take a lot of stick from all us gals. LOL

Sooooooo i just had to do Michael Buble. love him, love him to bits. yummy lol.
The ladies nickname for me on my Flickr group is MAMMA, hence the title.

COME TO MAMMA.

As there were an odd number of entries this week, i get to keep him. SHUCKS, that is suuuuuch an ordeal. roflol.

I have also set up a temporary Flickr group called LOL MAMMA, lol standing for lots of love in this case, as its a valentine swap in the shape of a heart.

This swap ends on the 5th February, to give plenty of time for the entrants to receive their Valentine before the actual day.

here's my two entries.

paper crazy patchwork

The stitches are drawn with pens, but the scan isn't picking up the colours correctly. The large silk flower on the top left hand corner is pastel pink, and the tear drop jewel at the bottom is Barbie pink. I reeeeealy do not like my new scanner, as it doesn't pick the colouring up like how i like it.

C'est la Vie.

Fifties Valentine

Background was gesso'd, then 2 coats vinyl silk, and when nearly dry, stuck a piece of paper on top then pulled off, peeling some of the paint away.
Crepe paper frill, and tinsel edging.
This hasn't turned out perfect enough so will probably withdraw this from the swap. I don't mind, cos it reminds me of my early childhood.

Pop on over and see the beautiful creations, there's some beauts there, and there's also plenty of time to join in.

Talking of beautiful creations you should see some of the Paper doll entries, on MAD MAMMA they are beauuuuuuutiful. I'm really really pleased the way this is going

New Year - New Marie Antoinette

2009-01-03T20:44:00.010Z

After last year i was hoping and praying for an uneventful 2009. But my dear husband fell ill on New Years Eve, and so the celebrations were postponed.

I have been very busy looking after him, and so art is not quite so forthcoming.

BUT i have to carry on, because my new and exciting Flickr Group MAD MAMMA has finally opened its doors. This is a monthly Art Doll Swap that i'm running, and boy, oh boy, there are 47 members already and more arriving daily. WOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Makes me feel very humble that people are actually interested in anything i do.

So here is my entry for this months challenge/swap. I set the challenge using a jointed paper doll template from Mirkwood Designs.

And guess what kinda doll i've made . go on, have a guess. you'll never believe it.

Oh alright here she is.

Marie Antoinette.
How did you guess LOL

As well as printing out the template on card, i also printed out a template on paper, so that i could use it for cutting out the fabric.

I used a beautiful grey green cotton fabric which is already embroidered, and ironed onto Bondaweb to make it more stable.

The hair was done by gluing white silk embroidery cotton in lines, trying to keep it close together. The face was part of the Mirkwood Design template, and i just coloured it in using prisma pencils.

As you can see i added a skirt as an extra, which moves, and i simply couldn't resist putting her in a pair of bloomers. lol.

I did want to give her authentic looking shoes, but i'm afraid my energy just ran out.

I've done a little bit more work to my Fabric Marie Antoinette book. I've sewn pages 1 and 2 together (or rather 2 and 3). I've cut out and ironed on the photo transfers to 6 more pages, but havn't embellished them further.
I'll try and get another page worked a bit more in the next day or two.

Til then
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE. XXXXXMARGARETXXXXX

MARIE ANTOINETTE PAPER DOLL

2008-12-28T20:47:00.004Z

This is something i have been working on for over 2 weeks now, excluding christmas day lol.

My love of Marie Antoinette, just grows, and I really wanted to make a Paper Doll of her, and decided on making a trio of folded dolls.

Sixe 6" (15cm) high excluding feathers
Each doll 3.5" (9cm) wide
When opened out, 10.5" (27cm) wide.

I Struggled to get a decent photograph of the dolls, so decided to 'place' them in a photo of Versailles, using Photoshop 7.

I will add more photos, WHEN i can get a decent one.

I had real fun making this, and for once i was not in a rush to finish, as i wanted it to be right. I found it a bit of a struggle, due to lack of craft materials, would have loved to use Silks and antique lace, but funds will not allow that.

I received a Marie Antoinette Paper Doll book for christmas, so will be making more but with my own adaptations.

Hope you all had a GREAT Christmas, we did, and here's one photo to prove it.
Myself with dear hubby and my precious darling Grandson. (Oh he'll love me calling him that hahahahahahaha)

Fabric Needlecase - Fabric Printing

2008-12-16T21:06:00.004Z

Here is the Needlecase that I have made for my daughter. I added beads and flowers to it, to make it more interesting.

The picture was made using the Freezer Paper Fabric Printing tutorial to the right

It looks much better in real life. Scanning it has really dulled the colours. Need to invest in a light box, but where to keep one? I'd sooner use up the space for more beads or fabric LOL.

MARIE ANTOINETTE - FABRIC BOOK PAGE 2

2008-12-15T21:08:00.005Z

Here is Page 2 of the Marie Antoinette Fabric Book that i am making.

Will add more to it when i sew it to page one. Was a little disappointed in the crystal beads from ebay, they are a lot smaller than i was hoping for. But that's what you get when you buy online, and unfortunately there aren't any craft shops of any kind near to me.

C'est La Vie.

I also used crystal seed beads too dotted about. I'm unsure whether to add another colour to it, or just keep it crystal and blue.

I've also made a needlecase inspired by the one that Jan gave to me. This is for my daughter who admire the one made by Jan.

I have made it in green, her favourite colour, and used a vintage image using a lady with a cat.

She is really into Art Nouvea and absolutely adores cats, she has 3 of her own.
It's just a little stocking filler, but i hope she likes it.

I was going to post the picture of it, but seeing it on screen, i realised that something was missing from it. So will post the photo tomorrow instead.

It hasn't scanned very well, and i may also add more embellishments to it. I can see some

MARIE ANTOINETTE - FABRIC BOOK

2008-12-13T14:22:00.005Z

I'm becoming a little obsessed and so I decided to make myself a Marie Antoinette Fabric Book.
It will be completely hand sewn, as I feel in that way i will become part of the book itself.

Here is the first page

Approx Size
8" x 5.5"
(20cm x 13 cm)

It has to be attached to page 2 and padding inserted and an edging sewn on.

I have started on page 2 but am awaiting some lovely crystal beads to arrive, before i can do anymore work to it.

The two beautiful blue flowers were kindly given to me by Constanza. (See link to the right)

Both images were printed onto fabric using the Freezer Paper Fabric Printing tutorial that is in my Tutorials to the right.

My aim is to make each page different to the rest, using different techniques and fabrics. But all will have the plain white cotton background.

JUST HOPE THE BEADS TURN UP QUICK. I'm a very impatient person, as soon as i win something on ebay I WANT IT NOW. LOL.

Christmas Gifts

2008-12-09T12:44:00.013Z

What a very lucky girl, or should i say old woman, i am.

Today i received 3 packages, the first being from my new found friend Orit, from Israel. This was part of the Christmas ATC swap, over in Mamma. Isn't it beautiful, i just love the textural feel and simplicity of this ATC.

Then in the second package, i was delighted to find a bauble from Renee (Nayski) I'm afraid she doesn't have a blog to show you.

She also sent me a christmas pressie which i have not opened, but will show you the package cos i love the ribbon sooo much

The third package was from another newly found friend, Constanza. Oh boy, did this package make me cry, not only because of the beautiful gifts, but because of the words inside the xmas card.

amongst all the beautiful little gifts from Constanza was the absolutely delightful English Cottage. I JUST LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. love houses, and this is sooooo sweet.
Here is Constanza's etsy shop

Here you can see it on my windowledge in my living room amongst all xmas decorations made by friends, in both the jigsaw jam swaps, and the bauble swaps that i have participated in.

And here are a few more from friends, here on my teeny weenty 3foot high tree. lol.

First from Sherry, which is very sparkly and glamorous in real life.

And two of the parchment gifts from Viv, which are absolutely divine.

Viv, sent me two of these parchment gift boxes, one for myself and also one for my dear hubby. NOW ISN'T THAT THE SWEETEST THING ANYONE COULD DO.
i think so. Even though she takes the micky out of my GINORMOUS xmas tree. hahahaha

You can see better photos of them over on her blog, as well as the intricate workings of them.

GOOD NEWS AND ALTERED JIGSAWS

2008-12-04T19:49:00.006Z

I'm very suprised and also pleased to say that i will be published in a forthcoming magazine next April.

I sent off 3 Marie Antoinette items to be considered, and 2 were actually chosen. I'm not sure if i'm supposed to say anything or not, but I am to be the Featured Spotlight in the one off publication "Marie" by Stampington & Co. I really won't believe it until i see it in print.

In the meantime, here are two more altered jigsaw pieces ready for the christmas tree.

For Carol
as part of the NI jigsaw jam swap

made for myself.

There are no more challenge/swaps over on my Flickr group MAMMA until early January, when i will also be starting up a new group MAD MAMMA, but i havn't yet revealed what this group is about. As soon as i tell my MAMMA group, i will let you all know lol.

in the meantime

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AND A PROSPEROUS AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

XXXXXX MARGARET XXXXX

I'M SO LUCKY

2008-11-23T10:10:00.003Z

I'm so lucky to have such dear friends surrounding me on line. But i feel even luckier when one of those dear friends nominates me for an award.

My dear friend Nancy has nominated me for the "Marie Antoinette…A Real Person…A Real Award” award.which i am truly honoured to receive. AND ITS A MARIE ANTOINETTE AWARD TOOOOOOOOO, whom i love.

Thankyou Nancy, i really do appreciate it. xxxx

I would like to nominate 2 dear friends who have helped me through this illness.

First
Jan The most sweetest, kindest and most thoughtful lady i have ever met. Plus an awesome artist too.

Viv This lady has had me crying so much, but with tears of laughter. A Mad, crazy, lovely person. EVERY day is a blessing to know her and I'm so glad i've 'met' her.

Another Christmas Bauble Decoration

2008-11-20T19:44:00.007Z

Here's another Christmas Bauble i have made.

FRONT

BACK

To make this bauble, i cut two pieces of the bauble shape out of acetate. Because i don't have any blending solution for alcohol inks, i improvised with white spirit, the only thing i have to hand.

So, i wiped the acetate over with the white spirit, and dripped 3 different coloured alcohol inks on to it, and just let it spread.
I left it to dry, and then spray mounted the two pieces together with a piece of white paper sandwiched between. This shows the colours up much better.

I then added stickers, and overthetop braiding. along with a plastic and a cardboard flower.

I really like this one, and may decide to keep it, if i don't have any time or energy to make more.

June here at bootifulstampz is being very generous and giving one stamp away a day for the rest of November.
June is also doing an altered jigsaw contest too, so be sure to visit.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-19T21:06:00.008Z

Here in the UK we do not celebrate Thanksgiving, but for me it has definitely been a week for me to give thanks.
My thanks go to my friends, who have been so supportive of me throughout this illness, and especially to my friend Jan, who came to visit me. This was the first time of meeting her, even though we've known each other for nearly two years.
And Yes, she is just as lovely and special as I knew she'd be. Wow, what a lady. We exchanged gifts and even though it was just a short meeting, we still managed to talk crafts lol. We hope to meet up next year sometime. fingers crossed.

One good thing, is that i'm able to keep up my artwork,otherwise i think i would be seriously depressed.

I've set up an offshoot group to MAMMA over on Flickr, this time as a group devoted to Christmas Bauble Decoration swaps.

Here are my contributions so far, but you should go on over to see the beautiful entries that my dear friends have made.

Marie Antoinette
Christmas Bauble Decoration
Front
size approx 4.25"

Marie Antoinette
Christmas Bauble Decoration
Back
approx 4.25"

Shabby Christmas Bauble Decoration
Approx 4.25"

The theme i chose for this week over on MAMMA is Thanksgiving, and here is my contribution

Click to enlarge

AFRICAN - ATC

2008-11-14T13:17:00.002Z

I have been unable to do much in the way of art, in fact its been very difficult for me all round.
Last week i had a fall, and the doctor has diagnosed Vertigo. Well i always thought vertigo was a fear of heights (which i suffer from), but in fact Vertigo is when the actual room seems to either spin completely around you, or pulsates in and out. I'm having to get about with a walking stick and hanging on for dear life on to the walls.

I feel like i am absolutely paraletic drunk, whilst walking on a ship on a rough crossing. Everything that i look at spins round and round, and i'm struggling with everyday life. I can't wait for the tablets to start working, as its very frustrating having to have everything done for you.

Managed one day to pull an ATC out of the hat, which was for MAMMA'S swap, the theme being Africa.

I seem to do my best work when in times of stress, and this is definitely one i'm proud of.

ATC
Hand painted with Acrylics

ALTERED JIGSAW

2008-11-07T16:46:00.009Z

I'm taking part in a 6 way Christmas Jigsaw Jam swap. (I know the dreaded C word, but it really isn't long now lol)

When each person receives all their swaps back, they then adhere them to canvas, to make one piece of art.

Me, i have to be different lol. I'm sending them slightly larger jigsaw pieces, and wish to have them made into individual christmas tree decorations. Havn't quite made my mind up on the colours, but have chosen the theme 'Wings".

The first one i made was for Sherry, who asked for the theme Musical Christmas with the colours red and gold.

For Sherry
size 3" x 2" (7cm x 5cm approx)

The second one is for Viv, who asked for vintage christmas in the colours cream and gold

For Viv
size 3" x 3" (8sq cm)

The third one is for Wendy who asked for Angels, in the colours purple, blue and silver. To make this one, i digitally altered a photograph, then did an inkjet copy, which i then painted with brusho inks, and used stickles glitter, glamour dust, stickers, and acetate wings

For Wendy
size2.5" x 3.5" (6cm x 9cm)

I'm still awaiting the arrival of the other 2 involved in the swap, and will post them up as and when i finish them.

Also this week, i managed to make 2 ATC's for the MAMMA group i run over on Flickr. The theme i chose this week is Remembrance and here's my entries for the swap.

'Twixt Love andDuty'
Watercolour background

"Flanders Fields"
Cross with the words of the Poem
Flanders Field by John McCrae
Poppies decoupaged with paper napkins

WOW - AN AWARD

2008-10-29T20:02:00.004Z

I feel truly honoured that Belinda,of Metalic Dreams in Tasmania, would even consider me for an award, but i am very grateful to her.

Here are the rules -

1. 5 people are allowed to receive this award.

2. four dedicated followers of your blog.

3. one is to be new to your blog and live in another part of the world.

4. please link back to the person who gave you this award.

Now for the hard bit, choosing 5 people out of the hundreds of brilliant artists that i know.
so here goes

Nancy First is my new found friend, who means a lot to me. (another part of the world)
Jan a truly great friend, who i hope one day to meet.

Genie who never fails to comment on my work, thankyou.
Tanyamac the cheekyurchin, who certainly lives up to her name lol.
for the 5th i choose
Cindy and Cindy, and Maureen and John(who puts up with a lot of stick from us women lol) Sherry and last but not least Ange

Cheeky I know, but i couldn't leave them out lol.

FRIENDSHIP

2008-10-27T21:04:00.012Z

Last month i told you about my 35th wedding anniversary, and how on the Flickr group MAMMA that i run, i chose the theme matrimony.

Unbeknown to me, my dear dear friends on Mamma, hatched a plan behind my back. They decided each and everyone of them, to send me the ATC's that they had made for that weeks swap.

I cannot tell you in words how much this means to me. People who i have never met , in fact i have only met my dear friend Ange out of all of them. Yet they went to all this trouble just for me, and boy did the tears flow. I must admit i am a bit of a weeper, in fact little tears are forming now just thinking about it all, especially as in the past few weeks, my dear husband has been very ill.

SO DEAR DEAR FRIENDS, I wish to show the world how pleased how I am to have such sweet people in my life.
Thankyou to each and everyone of you.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

LTLBLONDE, H@NES, BOWLINGBELLE
BARTY(JAN), RIA UK, BARTY(JAN)
BOWLINGBELLE, BARTY(JAN)

JOHN DYHOUSE, JOHN DYHOUSE
CINDY HAMLIN, SHELL-SHELL (SHERRY)
RENEE STIEN, CINDY HAMLIN

JOHN DYHOUSE, DONNABELLE, DONNABELLE,
CINDY HAMLIN, DONNABELLE, RENEE STIEN
NANCY TORSEN, CHATTY530, TALUULA2TWO

pchickki, Hattieheart

ANGES THE RED (ANGE), CASHPLANT (CINDY)
WHEN CLOSED

AGNESTHERED (ANGE)
CASHPLANT (CINDY)
WHEN OPENED

my own

You may be wondering how come i didn't send my own ATC off in the draw. That's because whenever there is an odd number of entries, i withdraw mine, so that nobody else misses out. They must have plotted between them to make sure it was an odd number of entries that week roflol.

Here is the photo album that i keep them all in, opened up to show the front and back of the album.

Such a precious momento to keep, not only of our 35 years of marriage, but to show how strong friendship can be.

I AM SUCH A LUCKY LADY TO BE ABLE TO COUNT THESE PEOPLE AS MY FRIENDS.
Right i'm off, cos i'm crying again. xxxxxx

MARIE ANTOINETTE - 2

2008-10-22T22:05:00.004+01:00

I was going to make a third piece to send off for submission for publication, in the shape of a fan, like the ones i put in the tutorials on here.

BUT, my printer died a death, and it made it impossible for me to achieve this.

Sooo, i made one from fabric, and i'm fairly pleased with it.

The picture is paper, but the rest is fabric and lace. The browny peach lace, with the eyelets running through, near the bottom, is actual antique lace from France.

I had an accident with one of the other pieces, but managed to restore it, but with slight differentions.

See previous post to see the original piece before the accident.

Marie Antoinette meets Frida Kahlo

2008-10-19T13:46:00.007+01:00

Here are two of the items i may send off as submissions for publication

The first one is one that i had already made, but i added further embellishments to.

A lot of the detail is hard to see, such as the handsewn tiny pearls on the silk ribbon roses. I'm not sure if this is an improvement or not, its just that Marie Antoinette was known for extravagant tastes, and i've tried to depict this.

The second one, an ATC, is similar to one that i have already made, but different lol.

Again, you cannot see the tiny seed pearls that i have hand sewn all along the bottom lace, and also the stuck on diamond gems along the frame of the picture.

I'm humming and haaaa'ing about whether to continue to make the third item, a fan, or not.
In fact i've given myself until Thursday to make my mind up about sending them off.

I also finished today another felt pin, this time a circular shape, with a picture of Frida Kahlo done with the acrylic gel transfer onto fabric method.

Funky Felt Pins Stage 2

2008-10-16T21:02:00.010+01:00

Here are the first 4 felt pins (brooches) that i've managed to finish so far. Not sure how they will go down as xmas pressies though lol.

I've really enjoyed doing these. I just loooove beading with the tiny seed beads. NEVER have i had patience whilst doing my work, til i started sewing these little beauties. I love the look of them, i just love sewing with them, i love the sound they make when you lay the finished piece on the table. I think i must be cracking up lol.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG thankyou to everyone who voted for me in the Mind Wide Open challenge. I was sooo lucky to be a runner up. Can you believe it, cos i can't. With all those beauuuuuutiful pieces of work, i really shouldn't have stood a chance, except for you precious guys out there voted for me. I BOW DOWN IN GRATITUDE. . thankyou.

i've already received my prize, as i elected to go for the Digital download collage sheet. That way i can use it over and over again. I Got to choose from the FABULOUS Shabby Cottage Studio
Thankyou to Gail who sets this monthly challenge. I'm not sure if i have the nerve to enter again, as much as i did enjoy the challenge. Maybe just now and again lol.

Couple of pieces to show you sometime over the weekend, that i MIGHT send off to Stampington & Co, to be considered for the New Marie Antoinette magazine they are publishing next year. I'm so unsure of myself, and feel that i may be bragging, by entering these kinda things. It's just now and again I have a little confidence and think 'yeeeah why not', and sooo regret having entered afterwards.

Still onwards and upwards as the Bishop said to the actress.

A FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY HERE IN BEAUTIFUL SUNNY MEXICO.
Please head on over and leave a Pattie a comment, she'll sure make you welcome.

TAGGED 3 TIMES

2008-10-11T21:08:00.004+01:00

This week i've been tagged 3 times. No, not electronically tagged or given an ABSO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order) roflol
Once by john (Artyfax), then MAM, then Tanyamac

All in all they wish to know 7 things about me so here goes.

1. Waited 32 years to do a Fine Art Degree, only to be disappointed. I had such high expectations of University, but found that i learnt much more from College, (Chesterfield Art College).

2.My favourite artists are JMW Turner, Paul Klee, Rauchenberg, Rachel Whiteread, Sarah Lucas (my kinda humour lol).the list goes on and on lol.

3. Artists i don't like are, Damien Hirst (watched a programme, where he doesn't do ANY of the work, just tells his assistants, oh blob a bit of paint here, a bit of yellow there darling, aaaarrrgggh), and Tracy Emin, who tells porkies about her past life, to try and enhance her artwork.

4. I would walk on fire for my daughter and Grandson who are the light of my life. I couldn't live without them, literally.

5. Which do i prefer Fine Art or Crafts? Crafts everytime, people are sooooo much nicer, friendlier, are there to lend a shoulder to cry on, more talented, i could go on and on, whereas Fine Art are............... (what can i say without being too rude....... )

6. I can only work in a mess. Tidyness restricts my creativity. But i do have to tidy up several times a week, cos i am soooooo messy. but i love it. Plus, i can only do a painting standing up. REALLY cannot paint sitting down, so the older i get the less i can paint, cos the legs eleven can't take it.

6. Went to John Howard Grammar School for Girls, but i'm afraid the bit about learning to be a lady didn't quite work out. roflol. We were taught how to sit properly, talk nicely, eat your peas in a correct ladlylike way, walk with a book on our head? where did it all go wrong hahahaha

7. I like white wine, but then again most of my friends know that. Ahhh but do they know i only like DRY white wine hahahahahahhahahaha. May partake of a bit of rose now and then, 0h and of course i love a lager. oh dear sounding a bit like a lager lout here.

The main things in my life are my immediate family, my art, and my online friends. oh and spending money at the craft shops, and ebay, and etsy, and...........

Funky Felt Pins

2008-10-10T20:14:00.007+01:00

This past week, i've been busy making felt brooches on the online course at Joggles with Susan Sorrell.

I've made 17 so far, but still need to do stage 2, which the embroidery and beading stage. This i received today, so will be busy next week, trying to get them done. I probably won't succeed doing all 17 this week, but intend to finish them, as they are going to be xmas pressies for art friends. Just hope they like em.

So here they are, in an unfinished state

I can't wait to get some detail onto them, and next week, i'll show you the end results.

Also this week, i've decided to give myself a challenge. Stampington & Co. are releasing new magazines next year, and one of them is Marie Antoinette. As she has become a favourite of mine lately, i've decided to make some art to put forward to the magazine. Fingers crossed they like my work.
Again i will show you them, before i send them off to USA.

I would also like to say a big thankyou for those who voted for me. it really means a lot to me.
I'm happy knowing that some people care, and I'm really not bothered about winning, in fact i know i don't deserve to win. Like I've said there are some truly amazing pieces of work being displayed, my favourite is the work of Lilla le Vine. This is a truly beautiful piece of art, and i really really really love it. She also makes amazing gypsy purses, which i first found out about on art-e-zine. In fact she has inspired me to have a go at making my own handbags (purses). Just getting together some fabrics and trimmings so that i can make a start.

Right must dash, i still havn't made my ATC for this weeks MAMMA's swap, the theme being 'Home Sweet Home".

Feeling really unwell, I seem to be in more pain now, after having the 2 teeth removed, than i was before. We should have been going out for a meal tonight, but i have had to postpone it, because i'm really struggling to eat, and feeling lightheaded, tired and in pain.

Hey ho, next week will be better. lol
xxx

MIND WIDE OPEN

2008-10-06T16:40:00.006+01:00

No it's not the Presidential election roflol, but WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER the voting begins on Mind Wide Open.

Here is my humble effort, not sure how it will go down amongst the 'experts' that enter this monthly competition.

But i would be eternally grateful, grovel, grovel, if just one person voted for me, it would give me a bit of confidence, which i so lack.

So here it is ............

Altered Matchbox
"All Dressed Up"

with contents

I have had sooo much trouble trying to take a photo of this. it is a dreary windy day, and at one stage it ended up scattered on the lawn, (some of the beads and sequins fell off), so ended up having to cut the matchbox up so that i could scan it.

I am going to have to invest in a lightbox methinks, as the British weather is NOT very accomodating to photography

So to vote, and to see some amazing work by other artists, go here
FROM WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER THE VOTING BEGINS

VOTING IS NOW OPEN. TO LEAVE A VOTE, JUST LEAVE A COMMENT ON WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR. THERE ARE SOME REALLY GREAT PIECES OF WORK TO BE SEEN.

My House

2008-10-04T12:30:00.007+01:00

A number of my online friends have been entering the weekly challenge set on
dansmamaison

So this week i decided to go for the challenge and this week the theme is Femme (woman).

Here is my attempt.

click to enlarge

I have a thing for Marie Antoinette at the moment, and pink, and shabby chic, so decided to go the whole hog.

I'm also attempting another challenge, which has to be in by Tuesday, over on Mind Wide Open.
There are some truly illustrious ladies on there, Viola and Sanja amongst them (see their links on the right). So i know i don't stand a chance, but have welcomed the challenge.

I'll post it before Tuesday, and after that i hope people will vote for me PLEEEEEEEASE. Says she down on her hands and knees roflol.
Those with the most votes win a shopping voucher, oooooooooooh yummy.

Back in a couple of days to show you what i've done.

Matrimony

2008-09-30T22:04:00.004+01:00

This is the theme that I have chosen this week over at Mamma's Flickr group challenge/swap.

The reason i chose this theme, is that my husband and I (lol I sound like the Queen), celebrated 35 years of marriage.

And how did we celebrate?

First, we both had dentist appointments, nice.

Then a buyer unexpectedly turned up, wanting to buy not only DH entire tropical fish collection but also his aquarium too. (DH is wanting a new tank), so last night, i spent about 4 hours catching approx 60 fish, emptying gallons and gallons of water, cleaning all the rocks and gravel, then the tank.

And they say romance is dead roflol.

DH did retrieve himself though, cooking us both a really delicious steak meal, followed by fresh cream apple turnovers. No champagne though, it has had to be kept on ice until i finish another course of antiobiotics, which the dentist prescribed me. The abcess has reared its ugly head, and i am now having to have 2 tooth extractions next week. HEEEEEEEELLLLLPPPP.

The last time i had a tooth removed, i felt every single thing, and ended up screaming the place down.
On another occasion, i was left sitting in the chair for 25 minutes, while the dentist went off licking the boots of the owner of the practice.(long story) and what did i do?
Walked straight out.
DH was waiting for me in the waiting room, and tried in vain to drag me back in, and i was in such a temper, NOTHING could have stopped me from leaving.

The receptionist asked DH to bring me back in, and he said, "There's no way on earth she'll come back in here, she'll be halfway home by now".and I was. LOL.

Needless to say, i do not go to that dentist anymore.

DH now warns any prospective dentists to lock the doors, just in case i do a runner.

Anyway enough of that.
Here is the ATC i made today for MAMMA, in way of celebration.

Cyber Fyber

2008-09-28T11:02:00.006+01:00

Well I'm back, hubby well again, and myself too. I've got soooo much catching up to do, as i have neglected quite a few things, but managed to pull off a few things this weekend.

First, my Fiber ATC for the Cyber Fyber exhibition, which is being held online at the end of the year, then will be exhibited in a gallery in Colombia, South Carolina. I'm soooo excited. It is all being run by the very talented Susan Lenz. I get to receive one of her beautiful ATC's in return. Oh what fun

Very similar to the skinny fiber card i made, as again i used the brusho ink to dye the patchwork cloth.
I added seed beads, along with some gorgeous teeny flower sequins, which i purchased from Etsy.

Just hope it's good enough, as there are some prestigious fiber artists invited to participate along with us 'amateurs'.

Amongst them, a favourite of mine, Susan Sorrell. I absolutely love her work, and from the 7th October i will be taking an online class of hers making felt pins. It's only a 2 week course, but hopefully next year i'll be able to afford some more of her lengthier classes.
REALLY can't wait.

Here's a link to some of her classes available now.

I've also managed to bead 6 matryoshka dolls, which now need a back sewing on, and stuffed.
HOPEFULLY, i will manage to do some today.

I hope you are all well, and boy, it feels good to be back amongst you all.
xxx margaret xxxx

Bad patch

2008-09-20T21:59:00.004+01:00

sorry, need to escape for a short break.
I'm going through a really tough time at the mo, with hubby being ill, and myself included.
I have no inclination, no feeling for art at this time.
Just bear with me, and
I'LL BE BACK.
I'll leave you with one of my humourous ATC's from way back.

French Derriere
(from an old french postcard)

Freezer Paper fabric printing

2008-09-16T11:34:00.010+01:00

Here are the results of my latest experiment with Freezerpaper fabric printing.

printed on plain thin cotton

even works with quotes.

So how did i do it.

First i glued the freezer paper to a fairly thick sheet of photo paper, shiny side up.
I used Scotch photomount adhesive to stick it. left to dry a bit.

Then ironed the thin cotton fabric to the shiny side of the freezer paper, which is now attached to the photo paper.

When the printer started up, i gave it a little help, tomake sure it went through.

I have a really old canon i350 printer, and am not really worried if it does damage to it. I'm about ready for a new one.
So if you are worried about it effecting your printer, my advice is "don't print with fabric".

MAKE SURE that there are no fabric threads hanging, which may affect the printer.

One good thing about keeping the freezer paper permanently attached to photo paper, is that you can still use it over and over again. BRILL.

So what else have i been up to this week.
Back is still giving me chronic pain, and Sunday evening, a bloomin wasp crawled up the sleeve of my jumper and stung me, just below my armpit. It is still red and stinging, and have been advised to put vinegar on it. A medical professional advised it.

For MAMMA flickr group, the theme i have chosen this week is KLIMT.

So here is the one i've put in the swap

3 ages of woman

It is a copy of klimt's painting, mounted on mount board, which has been distressed using 3 different distress ink pads, then embossed with gold swirls..
The picture was then given a 3-d clear gloss finish. and silver and gold stickers adorn the edge.

Two wire swirls were then added to form a hanger.

Hope

This is a fabric ATC, and has not been put in the MAMMA swap, as i don't feel it is good enough.

The background fabric is Kaffe Fassett, with a Golden gel medium photo transfer fabric picture sewn on to plain white fabric with golden thread.
A gold pen was used to make the dots around the picture.

3 gold swirl sequins were attached to the top

I used quilt batting to fill the ATC after sewing a backing piece of white cotton.

Last but not least is my entry for New Inspirations Monthly Lottery, the theme being 'Make me Laugh".

Beauty

Well you know how much i love humour, and I WAS THE WINNER OF THE DRAW.
So this beauty stayed with me. I'm sure she'll find a home one day lol.

So, what will i be doing this week? Looks like i need to make more matryoshka dolls, as i've sold out of em,in my etsy shop, bar 2. suprised really.
So won't be doing much art i'm afraid, and the fabric book will be on hold.

FANTASTIC BLOG GIVEAWAY
HERE http://krishubick.blogspot.com/

FABRIC ART JOURNAL

2008-09-12T10:44:00.005+01:00

I've finally finished my first ever page for my first ever fabric art journal.

I'm doing a journal about Frida Kahlo's works, and quite pleased with the result. I intend to do each page in a different style. It will be 6" square.

click to enlarge

I haven't quite made my mind up on how i will do the edges, we'll see as we go along.

The fabric image was the only one that managed to work with the Freezer paper transfer method.

I'm still working on that one. Another one of those tutorials on the web, that seem so easy, but in reality isn't.
The technique states that you iron the shiny side of the freezer paper to cotton fabric, and voila, just pop it into your inkjet printer and it will print like normal paper.

NOT

first attempt, wouldn't go right through the printer, got stuck inside. so decided to attach freezerpaper/fabric to some thicker photo paper. Tried attaching it with masking tape, but that made it too thick to go through at first , but managed to get one picture from it. (The one on the journal page above)
So then attached it to the photo paper with double sided tape.

no way jose. still wouldn't go through.

So for my next attempt, i'm going to glue freezer paper to photo paper,with the shiny side of freezer paper on top, so i can still iron to fabric.

Fingers crossed this works.

Not sure how much more work i can do this week, as i'm really suffering with acute back pain. Finding it very difficult to walk and sit down. still ne mind aye, as they say in Yorkshire. lol

Edited on Sunday 14/9
The experiment with the freezer paper worked beautifully.
Will show the results and how it was done at a later date.

Hello Kitty

2008-09-10T11:54:00.015+01:00

As on the previous post i mentioned that i had chosen the theme KAWAII for Mamma's flickr group swap/challenge.

Here are the 2 cards that i have made especially for the challenge

Hello Kitty ATC
made in felt

Funny BunnyATC
my own design
made from felt

Since making the Hello Kitty ATC, i started looking around, and found all kinds of weird and wonderful items out there.

First of all a Notebook PC

toaster
even makes the toast hello kitty patterned

exhaust pipe
cute eh?

Wedding dress from Etsy seller? $4,000
so elegant

There are even hello kitty wedding rings
Once you're married you can even buy your dear husband hello kitty boxer shorts

And even a power sander for him to take to work

But I thought i'd leave the best to last.

a cute alsation puppy
with his own hello kitty toys

a real life kitty wearing a hello kitty outfit.

ARN'T THEY ALL JUST SIMPLY AMAZING.
There are tons more stuff with the hello kitty emblem on them. Sewing machines, toilet seats, bodyfat monitors, fridges, the list goes on and on.

So i've fallen in love with an imaginary kitten.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.FOOLED YA
As if,

so here's the REAL Hello Kitty, zettified.

I have had a BLAST doing this week's challenge/swap, i don't think i have laughed this much in yonks.

Researching the photos for todays blog, i had so many tears of laughter streaming down my face, that i choked on em ROFLOL.

Can you IMAGINE getting married in that dress. for pity's sake. lol

And as for the poor hubby, not only having to wear those dam boxers, but having to cart a hello kitty power sander to work, with all his butch carpenter workmates taking the p**s. HAHAHAHAHA

The dog and cat ones are my favourites. The look on that dog's face, can you believe it. I think he has a mental problem, as well as the owner.
And as for the cat owner, can she have any fingers left, after getting that thing on the cats head.

I HOPE I'VE MADE YOU LAUGH AS MUCH AS I HAVE TODAY. GO ON, SMILE, CHUCKLE, OR HAVE A GUT BUSTING LAUGH.

BLOOMIN ECK - MARC BOLAN

2008-09-09T12:30:00.004+01:00

Another 2 part story.
First the 'Bloomin Eck"

After my last report, i thought things couldn't get worse. but they did lol

Bought a new vacuum cleaner, and in just under 5 minutes, managed to break it. shoot

The plumber arrived, supposedly mended the leak, and lo and behold, made it even worse. Had a different plumber arrive the next day, and fingers crossed it's fixed. Turns out, that the fitters had put the pipe in upside down, when fitting the new sink, can you belieeeeeeve it.

What else?. Well several other purchases turned out to have bad workmanship, and the weather is atrocious, and i've a headache, and i've run out of wine. lol. Keep taking the tablets girl. roflol

So what about the second part of the story "Marc Bolan".

Well this week is the birthday of a dear friend of mine. Can't say who, as it will give the game away. THINK she is a fan of Marc Bolan, well if not she'll have to be roflol.

I'm sure most of you know of Marc Bolan from the group "T Rex" and if not WHY NOT.

So i have done her a small drawing/painting, with brusho inks and permanent marker pen, on mountboard 8" x 8" (20cm square)

On Mamma's Flickr group, i caused a bit of a furore with the choice of this weeks theme.
KAWAII. what's wrong with that i ask you.
Still it's supposed to be a challenge as well as a swap group roflol. I wanted everyone to get away from the vintage, wings etc. type of thing that we all end up doing. I LOVE A CHALLENGE.

I'll show you my efforts when i've finished them, hopefully today.

THE RETURN OF ZETTIOLOGY

2008-09-05T21:19:00.006+01:00

I expect we are all the same, artists that is, flitting from one thing to another.

Me, i go from shabby chic, to zettiology, to fabric art, and finding sooooooooooo much enjoyment in everything that i do.

So today, i just had to return to zettiology, to put a bit of fun back into my life. (still waiting for the bloomin freezer paper to arrive so i can start my fabric journal).

It was soooooo much fun, especially the researching for quotes. I just LOVE research, in fact in some ways i like it more than the actually making of art. But that's another story.

So here's the latest and I'm loving the quote.

PS no way am i mocking people with schizophrenia.

Rubber stamped Teesha Moore images which are then collaged onto Brusho background, and then coloured using Brush Marker pens, Zig Memory Pens and edding Colour pens.

Sharpie pens and souffle white pen were also used, along with photocopies of Andy warhol camouflage, and vintage Bingo card.

All on Mountboard 8.5" x 5.5"

I hope it makes you smile.

Lost for Words

2008-09-03T10:48:00.005+01:00

'ANGEL'
ATC
Made for MAMMA's swap

What a day.

It's only 10.47 am, but boy it feels like a whole week's experience has happened in just a few hours.

First off, scrubbed the kitchen floor, and becuase it is mainly white, it takes some cleaning. After the floor had dried, went to put the cleaning materials away under the sink, when noticed that EVERYTHING in the cupboard was soaking wet with water.

Had to completely empty the cupboard (don't know what your sink cupboard is like, but mine is jam packed with cleaning stuff, when only one item is usually used, old tins of paint ((now rusted up))).which made the bloomin floor dirty again.

The trap from the plughole is leaking, and i can't tighten it up. Plumbers coming tomorrow morning.

Then postie arrived with quite a collection of envies.

First one i noticed was an envie practically opened up, with a pair of pinking shears i recently bought on ebay. THE BLOOMIN THINGS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED UP , and won't cut a bloomin thing. (can you tell i was getting angry at this point).

Got onto the seller, and sent him a rather polite letter, and he has given me a partial refund.

So then decided to open the rest of my mail. One was a rather interesting package, and I opened it with anticipation.

WELL YOU WON'T BELIEEEEEEEEEEEVE IT.
Inside was a book, a really really lovely book, a book that i've been slavering and slobbering over since i borrowed it from the library.

A book for me to keeeeeep, and languish over and treasure for always. A brand spanking new book, smelling of freshly printed paper, ALL FOR ME TO KEEP.

So where did this book come from.

MY DEAREST FRIEND JAN. I'm finding it so hard to believe that someone could do something so precious for little old me. THANKYOU, JAN, BIG HEARTFELT THANKS GO TO YOU. MAY LIFE'S JOURNEY BE SWEET AND SECURE WITH EVERY STEP YOU TAKE. XXXX MARGARET XXXXX

Oh, and what book was it, here it is lol

I've now stopped crying and shaking, and have the BIGGEST smile on my face.

Hopefully i will meet up with Jan, and the rest of the 'gang' one day. FINGERS CROSSED

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

2008-09-01T13:10:00.006+01:00

Had another go at the Golden Gel Medium Transfers today.

Yesterday, i had printed out 2 sheets of Acetate with the Frieda Kahlo pictures, and like a Booboo, put them away to dry, with the printed parts facing together. And guess what lol, they were stuck together.

So i printed them out again on paper, and left them to dry overnight.

This morning, i gave them a couple of light sprays of hairspray, to stop the ink bleeding, left it to dry a while, and then work began.

THIS time, i slowed myself down, which is very very difficult for me to do.

But the results are a lot better this time round. Judge for yourself.

Still imperfect, but this time they really do have a vintage look to them, instead of looking a complete mess like yesterdays attempt.

So what did i do different this time round.

First of all i cut each photo copy out with a border left all round. This makes it easier for pulling the paper away.

Then i painted on the gel, but then put a small blob on my finger and rubbed it on also. You can get a better feel for it this way i think.

I also went over the edges, to make sure i could get a better edge to the transfer.

I cut a piece of white cotton fabric, larger than the photocopy, and stretched it out on a flat surface, holding it down with masking tape.

I then laid the photocopy, face down on the fabric, and rubbed with my finger. I rubbed and rubbed, making sure that EVERY part of the transfer had been rubbed down. I didn't rub too hard, but kept on rubbing til the paper itself started to rub away. This way i knew that the transfer had taken.

Then i gently peeled away the paper, smeared a tiny piece of gel medium to the back of the fabric. and left it to dry a little bit.

I then got a piece of cloth, which was hardly damp, gently wiped it over the transfer, and gently rubbed away the remains of the paper.

So will i be using these for the Fabric Art Journal I have just started making. I'll let you know.

Last night i was so frustrated at my miserable attempts at this, that i ordered some Freezer Paper online, so that i could print out my own fabric.

Freezer paper isn't so readily available in the UK, and can only be bought at specialist places, not like in the USA, where it can be bought in the supermarket.

So when the freezer paper arrives, i will show you the results, and then make up my mind which i prefer.

In the meantime, this is the 7th Transfer that i did today, and this one i have falled head over heels in love with.

I know it's imperfect, but i looooooooove the look of it. Something i don't hardly find in my work. Just wish I had painted it.

But that's another story for the future, til then, you'll have to wait.

PS , there were 8 pictures to start with, but one was a complete bodge.

Fabric Art and Skinny ATC's Tutorial

2008-08-20T10:28:00.008+01:00

Well yesterday, after reading Jan's blog, i decided to take the bull by the horn, well not literally lol, but had a big clean up of my crafting table. (Mind you looking at it now you wouldn't think i had bothered).

But what i have been meaning to do for weeks is having a go at Fabric Painting, plus collage with fabric.

I sorted out all of my fabric into bags, and managed to fill a large plastic box with them, ooh didn't realise i'd bought quite so many Fat Quarters from Ebay and Etsy. Luscious though lol.

So decided to start small with the experiment, and cut out a piece of fabric from a pillowcase, larger than an ATC, leaving room for seams etc.

Cut and ripped up very small pieces of cloth, and voila, here is Stage 1

I have very roughly sewn the pieces on, with ordinary sewing thread, but also used embroidery silk in places. I've left the pieces in their rough state, as this will add to the feel. Oh and try not to notice the spot of blood on it, you know how we artists have to struggle with our art.

Can you tell what it is yet lol.

I decided to use brusho inks, as i really love the brightness you can achieve with them. They cannot be 'fixed' to the fabric, but as i don't intend washing this, it doesn't really matter.
I painted and sprayed the brusho on, letting the colours bleed into one another.

Next i added a small amount of glass seed beads, size 8, and a small amount of embroidery. To get the beads to look natural, i dropped them onto the fabric, and marked where they fell.
This is the technique used for sewing seeds in the garden for a natural effect. Just copying nature really.

When I had finished this, i realised that it could be made into a Skinny ATC. It's only this week that the Skinny's have come to my attention. Nayski on MAMMA Flickr, makes them, and found out that they are ATC's made to th size 3" x 5". I'm not sure how to display them or keep them, maybe they'll have to go in the Postcard collection folder.
I then attached it to a felt backing, with card in the middle to make it more substantial, did blanket stitch round the edge, and then painted purple brusho to the edges.

'PURPLE HAZE'

I definitely want to take this further, and larger too, as it will be much easier to explore this technique.

DON'T FORGET TO CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Shabby Chic Trio ATC

2008-08-18T16:55:00.005+01:00

The theme for this week's challenge on MAMMA, is Playing Cards. I needed to make the challenge/swap fairly easy this week, as i had a bad week last week.

Soooo, what did i do, make 3 ATC's in one. LOL. talk about make even more work for myself.

Anyways here it is (or should I say they)

THE FRONT

ALL THREE

I used plain white lace on the cards, and grunged it up with 3 different coloured ink stamps. The background card was plain cream, and this was inked up also, including the photocopy Playing Card.

The pink lace was inked with 2 colours, and all of it was held together with a rusty brad. This is one of the large brads, used in offices.

I accidentally rusted up a whole box of brads, as i had left the box on my craft table whilst painting, and accidentally spilt water onto them, without knowing.

They say accidents make the best art, well i'm loving these rusty brads now. lol.

I'm still doing the shabby chic/grunge look, and still the pink stays with me. I have quite a few ideas for the challenges in the forthcoming weeks, and i know a lot of the themes will help me break away from the chic/grunge.

Take care everyone

ON LINE COURSES AND MATRYOSHKA

2008-08-15T13:09:00.005+01:00

I NEED YOUR HELP.

I'm looking for some good On-line courses. I'm mainly interested in fabric art, fabric embellishment, altered art, assemblage, in fact anything that YOU are interested in and know it should be a good course to take.

I'm waiting on a course by Susan Sorell, but just want to know what else is out there.

Today i actually managed to get some fairly decent photos of my latest matryoshka dolls.

I'm putting these in my etsy shop later today, i just hope someone loves them lol.

I've joined the Etsy UK forum, and also at Flickr. Really pleased i've done it, as it can be a very lonely place on Etsy. sooooooo many people promoting their stuff like wildfire. On the UK forum, it's a much more relaxed and friendly place, and mental too of course.

Tonight it's chat night at 8pm, so i'll be there with my wine roflol.

I think i deserve it after the week I've had, but i won't bore you with details.

So in the meantime, HAVE A GREEEEEAAAAAATTTTTT WEEKEND EVERYONE.

LOVING IT

2008-08-12T09:29:00.005+01:00

For this week's challenge/swap, i chose 5 objects for the theme.

The 5 objects that are to be included in the ATC are:-
Bubblewrap,
staple
flower
wood
star.

Well it's caused quite a stir, hahaha, people are packing their suitcases and leaving the country.

I'm loving it, giving people such a challenge. I know i won't be able to do it every week, for one thing, it's thinking the challenges up, but I don't think their nerves would stand it. HAHAHA

So here's my effort, hope you like. Definitely got a 'thang' for pink and shabby. lol

The background was stained first with a teabag, and left to dry. I then inked up some bubble wrap with distressing ink, and stamped the card.

A torn piece of bubble wrap was staped to the left with bronze staples, and a silk flower was attached with a star brad.

The focal photo was adhered to a small square piece of wood, therefore using all 5 objects.

The large piece of lace was from my dear friend Belinda in Tasmania, which she hand dyed.

The small pieces of lace, i stained with pink ink, and distressing ink.

VOILA

HERE IS A LINK TO A GREAT DRAW, WHICH A LADY IN FRANCE IS DOING.
WELL WORTH A LOOK, AS SHE HAS SOME AMAZING WORK. Only trouble is i struggle to download her blog because of the slideshows etc.
Go HERE to go to her blog

END OF AN ERA

2008-08-08T20:10:00.007+01:00

End of an era I'm afraid, but what must be must be.

First to end is my adorable Michael Buble. I havn't " gone orf " him lol, but have decided that, no matter how much i love you, the music has to end.

I know a lot of people really do not like listening to music on blogs, and I do not like to think that i am pushing my musical taste on to others, so sorry Michael but you have to go.

Now isn't this man the s*xiest things on legs.

Or even the best thing since sliced bread.

I took this photo when i was about to make breakfast for us
(A girl can dream can't she lol)

So Michael, you may not be playing your songs to both myself and the world on my blog, but you will be forever playing within my heart.

(PS DON'T tell my hubby roflol)

Sadly this isn't the only thing that has come to an end.

Dear Dot, of Dotee Doll fame, has decided to put an end to her blog. She has said that she may return in the future, which i dearly hope for.

But in the meantime Dot, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, because you surely deserve this and more for the joy you have brought to people all over the world.

So take care of yourself and your well loved kitties.
xxxxxxxxx

CHINESE TAKEAWAY

2008-08-07T11:18:00.007+01:00

My favourite food, but this time it was the title of my latest ATC for MAMMA"S swap.

This week i have chosen the theme "Oriental with a twist", and i am amaaaaazed at the diversity of all MAMMA members response to this theme. You must pop over to MAMMA's Flickr group and see them all.

Me, I chose to go with humour, in fact I find it very hard to stray away from it. lol.

I listed this with the words
FREE DELIVERY
ORDERS OVER £10 RECEIVE A FREE ORIGAMI PIG. LOL

I made a fabric cookie from felt, and placed a handwritten chinese proverb inside it. Veeeeeeeery simple to make, and doesn't require sewing if you don't want to.

Quickie tutorial then.

Cut a circle from felt, I chose a light biscuit colour.

CLICK ON TO ENLARGE

To insert a fortune, either type or handwrite a message on paper
and insert before first fold.

ENJOY

Pub Lunch and etchings

2008-08-05T09:30:00.005+01:00

Well the pub lunch was great, fish chips and peas, and 2 pints of lager. Went down well lol, with great conversation with my dear friend Frances.

I was amazed when she said she was 26, as i still think of her as 21, when we were at uni together.

She has her own studio, that she rents, in Sheffield, and is into collage at the moment. This is a break to her normal practice, as she usually does Egg Tempera paintings, and silk screen printing.

she used to do the printmaking at our old uni, in return for giving some tutorials to newbies. But the Fine Art Building has now moved, right to the centre of the City, opposite the train station. The old building was situated outside the city, and for years and years there were rumours of a move.

So finally it has moved, but apparently not all the amenties have moved with it. It's a much smaller building, and so the printing room will be smaller, and i presume the woodwork/pottery/foundry section will no longer be around. Shame really, because they were my favourite departments.

Here are just 2 of my pieces of work from the printmaking department

This i call a self-portrait. It is a dry point etching. It was influenced by Jenny Saville, and I used the dome of St. Pauls Cathedral for the breasts, to signify my time in London.

For this technique you take a sheet of metal, score into it with a fine steel point, scree ink into it, whilst the metal plate is warm, rub off most of the ink with a textured cloth, then print on to damp paper. I used to love the magic of the printmaking press. Turning the huge wheel, watching the plate coming through the other end, lifting off the blankets, then gently peeling the paper away from the metal plate. oooh, the joy of seeing your artwork revealed.

This second one, Trafalgar Sqaure, is from a series of 5 of different parts of London.

This was done using the Cyanotype Printmaking method.

This is very much like photography, using a light box etc, but a mixture of two chemicals is brushed onto the paper before exposing the print. This has to be done in a dark room. Great fun though.

And finally here is an ATC i made using one of the Samples i did using my new embroidery machine. It's not perfect, but have put it in the New Inspirations yahoo group Lottery.

I'M IN LOVE

2008-08-03T12:26:00.006+01:00

No, I've not gone over dear hubby lol,or swapped him for a younger model. (Might consider it if it was for Michael Buble hahahqaha), but at long last i decided to play around with my brand new computerised embroidery sewing machine. My that's a mouthful.

And what on earth was wrong with me. I kept putting it off and putting it off, and finally today i decided that i just HAD to get it out of its box.

AND LIKE I SAID, I AM IN LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE.

I can't believe how clever the thing is, even though in someways it feels like cheating, but oh how i love the intricate stitches.

Here are 2 samples that i have just done, on black felt.

They do not include all the possible stitches, as there are 69 altogether.

The second example i have cut into ATC size, and will be adding and embellishing it later.

Had some good news last week from the Gallery/shop owner, who says he managed to sell two of my pieces of work, which was a big suprise. I am going into Chesterfield tomorrow to pick up the other pieces of work, and to meet my dear friend Frances, who I met at University. I'm really looking forward to meeting her, and discussing the Artworld, something i havn't done in months.

We will probably be popping into a pub for lunch, and may partake of a lager lol. I promise to stay sober.

TEARS OF JOY and LAUGHTER

2008-07-29T10:14:00.010+01:00

Today, i cried tears of joy, knowing that i have such dear friends out there in the cyberspacial world.

Why you ask,

Well for one my dear friend Belinda in Tasmania, sent me a magnificent parcel of beauuuutiful things.

I was a very lucky winner on her recent draw for an Art Doll, and this arrived just this veryminute,

ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL

and with it, some absolutely fantastic blingingly beautiful Buttons. oh sooooo fancy and delumptious. All in a little compartmentalized box. soooo sweet.

Also amongst the beautiful things were some pieces of lace, hand-dyed by Belinda herself. The scan does not do justice to the beautiful colouring that she has achieved with them.
How do you dye them Belinda, i'd love to know.

Many many thanks Belinda, it means soooo much to me. I find it amazing that I've found a friend in Tasmania. I've always looked on that country with amazement. Australia to us in the UK is the other side of the world, but Tasmania seems even further away and more exotic, making our friendship even more special.

So where did the tears of laughter come from.

Well, from my very very dear friend Jan, whom i've known for over a year now, but have still never met.

I was lucky enough to be chosen to swap with her in this weeks MAMMA's weekly challenge.

I really like the effect of this. Jan printed the raindrops on acetate, which i think is a really innovative idea. Beautiful poetry with this as well. Arn't i lucky.
Jan also sent me one of her altered game pieces made into a magnet, and boy did this make me laugh.

Why you ask, did it make me laugh so much.

One of the reasons was, that another great friend, Maureen, (my other partner in this weeks MAMMA's swap, lucky lucky lucky me, cos it's one of Maureen's fabric ATC"s, can't wait to get it), well Maureen sent me an ATC for the New Inspirations yahoo group Chain Swap.
Here it is lol

Do you think these two are trying to tell me something hahahahahahaha,
Yes i do like a drink, and yes this lady depicts me very well, but am getting a bit worried now, not, lol, haha. about what people think of me. ONLY JOKING LADIES. But I'm sure these two are in cahoots together lol.

So once again, thankyou to you all, for brightening up my day so very very much.

PS, I'm still struggling for time, and missing out on everyone's blogs. I will try and catch up later today, after the hospital appointments.

Watercolour ATC's

2008-07-27T13:36:00.006+01:00

For this week's challenge/swap on MAMMA (see link to the right), i chose the theme Water.

Sooooo to go along with this theme, i did a couple of watercolours.

For the first one, i applied artists masking fluid to denote waves, then did a wash of gouache on top. When dry, i removed the masking fluid.

The paint the mermaid, i used chalk pastels. To do this, you apply the chalk pastels, then paint over with water.

I like the effect it gives, plus makes the pastels more stable.

This technique i stumbled upon when inCollage. I was fed up with the chalks making a mess in my sketch book, so tried applying water to it, and, VOILA, it worked.

I still like to apply a hairspray on top though, just in case.

The tail of the mermaid has been painted with a gold lustre paint, then stickles glitter applied on top.
Glitter was also applied to the bikini, and her hair. This is going to my friend Maureen (see artists links)

This second one, is purely watercolour. I havn't used this in yeeeears, as i find it very difficult to use.

I usually use acrylics and gouache, watered down, to get the same effect.

Glitter was added to the bottom, and because the ribbon of beads was bulky, decided to make it into a hanger.

This is going to another good friend Jan (again see right)

The yahoo group New Inspirations that i am a member of, has started its first Lottery. Everyone who is interested adds an ATC made to that month's theme, and you can do as few or as many as you like.

On a certain date, all names are put in the random generator, and the winner wins ALL the ATC's that were put forward in the Lottery.

This month's theme, is Friends, and here is my contribution so far.

Fairly simple i know, but we are in the middle of a heatwave here in the UK, and it is affecting my breathing.
Hope to get time to make another one, one that will challenge me further.

In the meantime, have a glorious Sunday, wherever you are.

Christmas in July

2008-07-24T10:03:00.004+01:00

Sorry i havn't been blogging or looking at other people's blogs, been extrememly busy.

NOOOOOO NOT celebrating Christmas in July lol, but with hospital visits with hubby, plus i've been feeling really under the weather myself.

Sooo, even when ill i find it really difficult to sit still, so did some handsewing whilst sat watching tv.

I've been making fabric trees, mainly for the Christmas Season, (hence the title lol), but decided to go against using christmas fabrics,and decided to use some Kaffe Fassett fabrics instead.

I was extremely excited when i did a swap with Mieke
earlier in the year, and she sent me 2 pieces of Kaffe Fassett fabric.
I never thanked her properly for the gifts, as i was in the middle of my move. So hopefully this will make up for it.

Sooooo here's a taster of 2 of the trees i'm making, they are stuffed, ready for the base to be put on. I'm in the middle of beading another one as well, and hope to make a whole 'forest' of them to put in my etsy shop.

The one on the right was made from the fabric from Mieke

I'm making things that i like myself, so if they do not sell, i can adorn my own home with them.

I also bought some beautiful fabric fromChesterfield last week, a very pale grey/green embroidered fabric, and will definitely be using this for fabric trees as well.

Oh nearly forgot about my exciting news. Yesterday i bought a computerised sewing machine. This was bought with money that i finally received from a dispute with Tiny Computers.

On my 50th birthday, my daughter and hubby saved up to give me the money to buy a computer. I paid cash for it (never again), and the day after, the company went bust, and i lost my money.

Now 6 years later i managed to get half my money back, and decided to use it to buy the sewing machine. (ooh i gave my age away)

Mind you it's still in the box. Can't believe it myself. Normally i'm like a child at christmas with anything new, but finding it hard to get excited at anything at the mo.

Will definitely be getting it out of the box later today, and will start playing with it hopefully over the coming weekend.

So keep your eye out for embroidered fabric from me, (that's if i can understand the bloomin thing. another technical thingamajig to get my head aroundHAHAHA)

Take care everyone, and i hope to get time to look at all your fabulous blogs

ATC Triptych Template

2008-07-21T08:24:00.003+01:00

Thought I'd put a Template for an ATC Triptych here for everyone, as the ones I found on the web were completely the wrong size.
Just click on the picture and it will go to the correct size for you.
(Fingers crossed lol)

MAMMA

2008-07-19T23:31:00.006+01:00

Today was the draw for MAMMA's weekly challenge/swap.

This week's theme was 'THREE', so i chose a triptych, and goldilocks and the 3 bears.

It looks pretty simple, but believe it or not, this ATC took me 2 days to complete!

EVERYTHING went wrong with it. First my printer went kapoop, i'm definitely in need of a new one, but delaying because of the cost of a new one. Also the inks for the latest models are ASTRONOMICAL.
I used a free template for an ATC, which turned out to be completely the wrong size. Realized after i had finished it. So made my own in the end.

Trying to make the photos fit the 3 sides wasn't as easy as it seems, and then the glaze i used ended up with bubbles. So had to completely redo the whole lot.

I really wanted to add more embellishments to it, but time was not on my side. I seem to be spending my entire life at various hospitals just lately, ( my husband is disabled), and this week, it all seemed to get out of hand. I'm still feeling anxious over trying to fit things in. But i would NOT have it any other way.
so here is the latest ATC for MAMMA

The front

INSIDE

This is going to Bowling Belle, a new member of the New Inspirations yahoo group. Can't wait to swap with her.

I'm also swapping with a new found friend Nayski (Renne) of the USA, which is exciting.

Last weeks effort from me was with the theme "Parisienne"

This went to another good friend at New Inspirations, Wendy.

If anyone is interested in joining in with the MAMMA swap, just post a picture of the weeks's theme ATC in MAMMA's yahoo group.

Or maybe you would be interested in joining in the New Inspirations yahoo group. We are a small group, but have several things going on at the moment. We have a chain swap, where you post an ATC to the person above you in the chain, and then post another to the person below you in the chain. I've been at the bottom of the list for a couple of weeks, and waiting for someone to add to the chain.

We also have an ATC LOTTERY going on as well, which is again ATC with "Friends" as the theme. With the Lottery, you can post as many ATC's to the theme, which means you have more chance with the Lottery, and your name is put in the random generator to pick a winner.
The winner wins all that months ATC's from everyone who has entered.

We will also be doing monthly swaps with themes in the very near future.

So anyone wanting to join this group, just get in touch with me, and i , or John our Leader, will send you an invite (It is a private group).

BACK FROM HOLS

2008-07-13T12:12:00.014+01:00

Back from holidays, and feeling absolutely worn out lol.

here's a few photos (don't wish to bore you) but it was a truly beautiful place,the Cotswolds, here in the UK

The hotel where we stayed. It was truly luxurious.

This is from a postcard of LaCock, which must have been taken when filming, as there are no cars in the street here.
Many films have been made here, including BBC 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Emma', 'Larkrise to Candleford', 'Cramford', 'Harry Potter', and 'The Other Boleyn Girl'

Again LaCock.
This house was used in the Harry Potter Film.
It was where Harry Potter lived with his Aunt and Uncle.

King John's Hunting Lodge LaCock
where we partook of tea and toasted teacakes,
served on willow patterned china.

Bridge in Monmouth
circa 12th Century
The oldest bridge in the UK

Both of Bourton-on-the-Water

AWARD

2008-07-05T18:24:00.004+01:00

Well i have been truly blessed today, by receiving an award from my lovely friend Sian
of sians bits and pieces. She is another member of our yahoo group New Inspirations, and her work is absolutely fantastic.

The rules for receiving this award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated.

So i have nominated first of all Viola
She is a truly inspirational artist who never ceases to amaze me with her work. beautiful.

2. Ange
An absolutely AMAZING artist, she stuns me with her beautiful work.

I will nominate the others when i return from my hols. so keep a look out. lol

Gouache and Ink resist - Self critique

2008-07-03T11:32:00.012+01:00

As promised yeserday, i'm showing you my attempts at the Gouache and ink resist technique.

This week, we had a discussion in our yahoo group New Inspirations, about how in our group we are able to show each other our mistakes, whereas on a blog we feel pressurised to show only our best pieces of work.

So with this self critique, i've decided to show you 'warts and all'.

When i came to do this technique, i found that i had every colour under the sun in gouache, except white. typical, as this is the best colour to use.

So instead i experimented with Poster Paint. The type that children use, because it's washable.

So here is my very first attempt. All are ATC size

I started first with a simple image. I chose the moon gazing hare, as it's something i've been meaning to have a play with for some time.

Some of the ink appeared very washed out in places, so went over with some more ink when it had all dried.

With the first attempt, you can see exactly where you should have put the gouache (poster paint), so is worthwhile doing a mock up one first.

The black marks on the right hand side of the hare, have been caused by the paint cracking when using the heat gun to dry it. This i feel gives it a more 'printmaking' kinda feel to it.

In Ange's tutorial, she advises watercolour paint, but i prefer using acrylics, and use them in a watercolour kinda way.

Not bad, but not what i was looking for. I want to see just how much detail i can get into one of these pictures.

Next i did an Egyptian Lady, to see if i could put a bit more detail in.

As you can see, once again the ink is a bit wishy washy, but decided to do an experiment with it.

I gave it coating of red artists drawing ink, over the entire black ink, and it picked up the highlights quite well.

This is after i used acrylic paint and brusho ink to colour in the lady. Notice the boxers broken nose. This shows how careful you have to be when applying the gouache (poster paint).
But i like the effect it has given. To me it reminds me of the sphinx, made out of sandstone, and eroded away over time.

So next i decided to try something with even more detail. This time i tried my hand at painting a horse. The very first time, methinks that i have attempted to do a horse, but as Ange was the technique adviser and has a love of horses, this persuaded me to have a go.

Not bad for a first attempt, but feel this is definitely not a subject to choose for this kind of technique. It is slightly impossible to get the feel of the muscular power of the horse. Well it was for me.

So for the last experiment, i decided to back to the Moon gazing hare, as this is what i wanted to attempt in the first place, but this time, much more detail.

Through the other experiments, i found that applying the gouache paint with small brushstrokes, and not attempting to make it smooth, this also made more printerly marks.

So using this idea, and the heatgun to crack it, it should make more detail appear. I feel that i have achieved what i wanted with this picture. I have also left it in black and white, as felt that colour was not needed.

Gifts, Giveaways and dirty hands

2008-07-02T13:36:00.008+01:00

I received a beautiful package from my dear friend Cindy

Cindy had a giveaway recently, and lovingly gave away 5 of her beautiful handmade brooches. I received Betty Boop, as she says i remind her of her LOL. oh how i wish i had her looks, body and vitality. lol

She also very very kindly sent me some ric rac, which i will definitely be using after the hols.

Sweet sweet Cindy.

Now another dear friend of mine in Tasmania isBelinda .
She is giving away an absolute humdinger of a giveaway. Not one, not two but...... FIVE ART DOLLS. can you believe it. Woweeee.

Oooh i hope i win one. Here is one of the beautiful art dolls

Today i am learning a new technique known as gouache and ink resist. Hence the dirty hands.

This is from a tutorial from my dearest friend Ange (Agnes the Red). She is an absolute brilliant artist, and jewellery maker and cake maker and........ the list goes on, and she is fantastic at each and every one of her arts.

We both belong to a yahoo group known as New Inspirations, and bi-monthly she gives us GREAT tutorials for new techniques for us to learn.

Here's a link to the resist technique

They are clear and concise with photos of each stage, plus tips as well.

Tomorrow, i will show you the results from my attempts lol.

I had such fun, it reminded me of the days in the print room, at both college and uni. Oh boy did i enjoy printmaking. It really gives you a buzz, mono-printing, collograph, dry etching.

This technique was similar in some ways to acid etching, ie with the building up and washing away. Similar but different. lol

So get on over and have a try at one of her tutorials.

News

2008-06-30T21:07:00.004+01:00

Retro Cafe Art
is giving away a beautiful piece of artwork. So get on over and just leave a comment and also a link on your own blog.

She also sells some great stuff in her shop as well, all kinds of alterable items, which i will be partaking of after my hols lol.

Maggies Monday Musings challenge is underway, so get on over, and join in the fun

It is also up for swaps as well, if you are interested, but you are under no obligation to swap if you do not wish to. Just state in your link that you do not wish to swap.

MATROYSHKA DOLL

2008-06-29T10:49:00.009+01:00

Double good news for me today.

First off i sold one of my flower brooches today to my dear friend Cindy, in the USA>what a sweetheart she is.

English country garden

Secondly i was featured on Etsy Treasury, so doubly pleased.

So what am i up to today, on this wet and miserableSunday.

Making a matroyshka door hanger, that's what lol.

I bought the material from etsy a few months ago, and have only just got round to using it. I'm sewing on tiny seed beads, and having reeeeeeal trouble thread the needle. Broke two needle threaders so am having to resort to my DH being my needle threader LOL, hahaha.

The trouble is, you have to have a reeeeeeally fine needle to pass through the beads, and i can hardly see the eye, even with my new specs. Oh well. maybe get it finished today, we'll see, cos i'm not sure if i am going to cover it entirely with seed beads. I'll see as i go along.

I bought some beautiful lavender flower heads to put inside, so it could be used as a pomander, or as a scented wardrobe hanger.

If these don't sell, i think they would make great xmas pressies lol.

Yay, finished it, even though it's taken me all day. And boy does it smell beauuutiful. Put the English lavender instead along with the stuffing, and oooooh, brings back memories, of old aunties, english countryside etc.

NEED YOUR HELP

2008-06-27T10:59:00.005+01:00

MAGGIES MONDAY MUSINGS IS NOW UP AND RUNNING.

THE LINK IS AT THE TOP ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE.

I'm very excited, as i have decided to set up a new blog, purposely for the intention of a weekly challenge.

I am truly thankful for everyone who visits my blog, and i really love looking at everyone elses pieces of art.

So what better way than for us all to join together, with a weekly challenge, where we can all view each others art work.

It will be called Maggies Monday Musings, and each week a different theme will be set, and everyone will make an ATC to that theme, and post the link to their work in the comments, enabling us all to view each others work

EVERYone will be given the chance to chose a theme.

I've chosen ATC's as the weekly challenge, as i feel that this makes it open to everyone. Maybe people will choose to swap with one another, if they want to.

Right, i'll announce further news of this when i have the new blog up and running. I'll announce the first theme, next week, and it will all start on the 14th July (I'm off on my hols before then so will be impossible for me to set the ball rolling before then.

I REALLY HOPE EVERYONE WILL JOIN IN WITH THIS. If not i'll just scrap the idea, but i would really love us all to come together on this project. Should be fun.

In the meantime here are a couple of photos of our dear faithful old timer, Toby.
We're not sure of his real age, as he was a rescue dog, but we think he's 13/14 years old. As you can see he's spoilt rotten. LOL

Chocolate Cupcakes

2008-06-25T08:36:00.005+01:00

Here are two more brooches, both made from the faux leather.
It reminds me of a chocolate glaze, which inspired me to use them with the cupcakes. Hence the title Chocolate Cupcakes LOL.

The one on the left is an orange liquer base with lavendar scented icingtop, whereas the one on the right is a blueberry base with rose petal scented icing on top.

HAHA not really but if they WERE real cupcakes that is what they would be made of.

Getting a bit excited as my annual holiday is coming up, and i can't wait. We'll be staying in a luxury hotel (i hope lol), and be waited on hand and foot. After the massive upheaval of moving home, and with the various health issues with both myself and my dear husband, this holiday will be a very welcome break.

I've found a tutorial for making a dahlia brooch, which is made from ric rac, and hope to make several of these next week (when i've got the ric rac from ebay lol).

One good thing about putting the pictures of the brooches here on blog first, is that i can see exactly what needs adjusting.

The faux leather one with the vintage buttons definitely needs some additions and also the white lace one. So these will be done before placing them on etsy Friday evening.

Have a good day my friends

Fabric Brooches

2008-06-23T20:41:00.003+01:00

Here are my latest fabric brooches

Faux Leather brooch
with vintage buttons and gold bugle beads

White Lace and pearls brooch
with tiny pearl seeds and gold bugle beads,
and white butterfly bead.

These will be going in my etsy shop on Friday evening, and will encased in a pure white organza bag.

FABRIC JEWELLERY

2008-06-22T20:42:00.007+01:00

Here are my first attempts at f abric jewellery.

Flower brooch/corsage
Liberty fabric
approx 2.5"/6cm across

Flower brooch/corsage
Kaffe Fassett fabric
approx 2.5"/6cm across

These are the first two brooches i have made, and have completely hand sewn them. Not a big lover of machine sewing (even though Ern has promised me a lovely embroidery sewing machine yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaah), and did try sewing the circle on my old machine, but oh boy no no no no no.

Quite addictive these things are, and have made even smaller flowers (3/4" /2cm) in co-ordinating fabric to make bracelets. They will be interspersed with beads. If nobody likes em i can keep em myself HAHAHAHA.

These will be added to my etsy shop later this week, as i need to make a few more in different colours.

I'm making a white lace one with pearls and pearl buttons. I thought these would be lovely as Wedding corsages instead of the run of the mill carnation buttonholes. These would then be a lasting momento of the occasion.

Will show you that one tomorrow.

I have ideas to make some really arty farty ones, so will see what happens, both with the making and the sales if any.

Last minute makes

2008-06-18T10:55:00.004+01:00

Managed to sneak in a couple of more things to take to the exhibition this afternoon.

First off a captured fairy in a jar. I've been longing to have a go at one of these, and will definitely make another, but next time not so rushed.

Veeery difficult to photograph

Next up is an old acrylic painting of mine, on paper. The poor thing has been stuck in a folder for quite some time, so dragged it out of the mothballs lol, and mounted it on canvas. Added a few lace flowers and buttons, and voila, Cat Fairy has been re-born.

Now everything is done, i will spend this evening giving my room a good clean up. I must be the world's messiest painter/crafter. So everything will be put in order, and then i am going to have a go at making some fabric bracelets for my etsy shop, plus other things as well.

This next lot will be my last go at making my etsy shop work. I'll give it another 4 months, and then i will definitely pack it in, if i don't make any sales. Bit disappointing really, but they say your shop has be jam packed with stuff, but i can't really afford to do that.

Oh well we'll see how it goes. Like i said, i'm going to be adding a bigger array of goods, and eventually some Fine Art as well.

Zetti & Shabby Chic

2008-06-16T15:16:00.005+01:00

Well what a mixture, LOL.

Here are the final two pieces of work that hopefully will be exhibited this coming weekend.

I have already said how worried I am about the gallery owner not liking my work, so have emailed the photos of them all, and stated that i won't be offended if he doesn't like them.

So here is the altered photo frame, which took me over 2 weeks to make. Longer than a bloomin painting i might add LOL

The second piece of work, is my acrylic painting on canvas, of a Derby Ram.

The Derby Ram (known as the Derby Tup in Derbyshire), is the emblem of Derbyshire. The buildings are of the Market Hall, Crooked Spire, and one of a pub LOL. Had to get that one in.

DERBY RAM GONE ZETTI

Acrylic on Canvas
24" x 20"

I'll let you know the gallery/shop owner's reaction.

So the exhibition hopefully will consist of the 3 altered angels, altered jigsaw and bottle, Mona goes Zetti painting and Chesterfield goes Zetti paintings and the 3 Zetti Fairys

ANOTHER ALTERED ANGEL

2008-06-15T10:16:00.004+01:00

Well here is the final altered Angel.
The Queen

Not the best of pictures, as it is a scan. Don't forget to click on the picture to enlarge.

This was made using a buckle sent to me by my friend Sheila. As soon as i received the buckle i could see the Altered Angel in my mind.

The 'wings' are cut out from cereal packets, the halo is from a pastry cutter, there is a hair slide placed at the bottom, and buttons, a washer and some beads.

The canvas has be coloured using distressed ink pads.

The text inside the buckle is from a vintage book about Royal palaces in England, hence her name.

These are the final altered angels for the exhibition.

Struggling with the painting, but nearly finished one. Not sure whether to go with another painting or more altered art. I havn't much time, as i will have to deliver the goods on Wednesday, so think i will be cutting it fine by doing anything else.

I have to make sure that the canvases have clean edges, and varnished, make sure the altered art is TRULY glued down, and then wrap and pack, and off to my beloved Chesterfield.

BTW, the altered photo frame and the final painting will be posted as soon as it's bright enough and the wind has stopped so that i can take photos.

Altered Bottle

2008-06-14T21:02:00.006+01:00

Here is an altered Sarsons Vinegar Bottle, heavily embossed with verdigre embossing powder, which gives it a look of enamelling.

I used a resin butterfly (christmas ornament), silk flowers, and a silver photo frame.

FRONT OF BOTTLE

BACK OF BOTTLE

The bird bead ,sitting on top of the bottle in amongst its nest,
was kindly given to me by my friend Dot
from Australia

GOOD NEWS

2008-06-13T20:40:00.002+01:00

Well received some good news today.

Another gallery in London has approached me about exhibiting my paintings in their Gallery.

Several months ago, another gallery in London accepted me to exhibit in their Gallery on the Banks of the River Thames, but THEY WANTED £500/$1000 per week from me to pay for it. Needless to say i had to refrain.

I have a nasty feeling that this is going to happen again.

Which brings me to the point of 'struggling artists'.

We all have the notion of struggling/starving artists, both in the present as well as the Masters of the Past.

But if you think about it, NONE of them were actually struggling as such. The majority came from very wealthy backgrounds who were helped by their families or had patrons.

So just like then, today you have to be wealthy to be able to actually achieve fame. Well that's my theory anyway.

I come from a fairly poor background, and as my husband is disabled, money is still a problem for me.

So i have now given up on the notion of every having my work displayed in the Tate Modern (again on the banks of the River Thames LOL).
C'est la vie my friends.

ALTERED ANGEL - Whisk

2008-06-12T09:04:00.003+01:00

Here is altered Angel, number 2.

This was very difficult to photograph, because of the glare on the forks, but gives you a reasonable idea of the colouring.

Once again she is mounted on canvas, 7..5" x 5".

She consists of 2 cake forks, which i've stained with red and green alcohol inks, then embossed with verdigre powder. and hung silver feathers from, stampedover with turquoise ink.

The main body is a miniature whisk, which is a magnet really. On top of the whisk i have added a buckle and adorned with brass caps with gold beads on top.

The legs are silver screws which i've rubbed on gold leaf, and stamped once again with the turquoise ink.
The miniature domino, is inked with green stazon, and embossed with verdigre again.

The face is handmade from air dry clay, and the crown is heavy metal, and was donated to me by my dear friend Tanya, over in the USA>=.

I have another angel finished as well as an altered bottle, but the batteries died in my camera yesterday, and what with the move i can't find the bloomin battery charger, but hopefully will be able to take some photos today. LOL

Everything is falling into place, but i am sooooo unsure about my stuff. The gallery owner insisted on me doing Altered Art, even though he hasn't got a clue what it is about. Got a feeling it will not be his cup of tea.
My next two projects are a fairy in a jar, and a lovely shaped coffee jar is going to be a doll.
Next week will have to be entirely devoted to painting, so i'm not sure if i will have time to blog.

ALTERED JIGSAW

2008-06-10T20:20:00.005+01:00

Another finished piece for the exhibition. Still panicking as it's only 11 days away.
STILL HAVN'T DONE ANY MORE PAINTING. Will have to pull my socks up next week.

This piece is an altered jigsaw, which has turned out very pretty, which is something i can't seem to get away from at the moment. Zetti has definitely been put on the back burner for the moment.

Click on the picture to enlarge

This jigsaw piece was one of 3 kindly donated to me by my friend Maureen
It is a large piece and is displayed on a canvas 7" x 9.5", so this shows how large the actual jigsaw piece is.

Coming tomorrow, hopefully, another altered angel. Not sure if it needs anything else added to it first, so will leave it alone for another 24 hours, to make up my mind whether to add on, or just leave as it is.

I am also altering a vinegar bottle. With this, i have embossed the entire bottle with verdigre embossing powder, ( my absolutely favourite piece of equipment)and then inked over with turquoise ink (my second favouriteLOL). Looking good even though i say so myself. It has a look of enamelling, but i know this will not show up in any photo that i will take of it.
This i hope to finish quite soon.

Still waiting on my supplies from HongKong. That is the trouble ordering from so far overseas. It takes AAAAAGES to arrive. REALLY shouldbe here this week. If not, i will have to change my plans on some of my pieces of work.

ALTERED ANGEL

2008-06-08T14:16:00.003+01:00

Hooooooray, i've finished my first Altered Angel for the exhibition.

Enjoyed doing this and fairly pleased with the results.

Everything that you see has been altered including the canvas. This i bought for a mere 25p, because it had quite a disgusting print on it, but i'm never one to pass up a bargain, and knew instantly that it would be perfect for displaying an altered angel.

I hope to have another one completed tomorrow. This time i'm using small cake forks, and a miniature whisk. LOL

ALTERED ART

2008-06-07T11:16:00.006+01:00

Phew, well i really didn't mean to be this long away from my blog, but the pressure of the upcoming exhibition finally got to me.

I have at least 7 projects on the go, and not one of them entirely finished. Waiting for embellishments to arrive etc, has put me all behind, but when they all eventually turn up, it won't take me long to finish them (fingers crossed).

Here is a sneak preview of one of the projects.

It's an altered photo frame, with 8 compartments in all. I have removed the glass, and am making a stand for it using 4 childrens building blocks.

So far this is my favourite compartment. The china dolly i bought on ebay over a year ago, and have been dying to use her, i just hope she likes her new home.

my bottles of alcohol inks arrived this morning, so am off to have a play with them. I'm making Angels out of kitchen utensils, and wanted the inks desperately to alter them with.

So hopefully it won't be toooooo long before i'm posting again.

PS i STILL havn't done any more paintings, naughty naughty girl. LOL

Cataracts and no Art

2008-05-28T10:11:00.006+01:00

Oh well, with all the good intentions of Monday, i havn't done a thing since.

Yesterday had a bit of bad news from the opticians. No, not the price of the glasses (£180/$360) lol, but the fact that he has discovered cataracts forming in both my eyes.

This has always been a big fear of mine for many years. Most of my Father's family suffered badly with cataracts, and i have a morbid fear of anyone touching my eyes. So the thought of an operation on them, whilst still awake, makes me feel sick to the stomach.

After googling the subject, found out that diet can be a big help, especially anti-oxidants which are found in vitamins A,C and E, and also zinc, and zinc oxide. So will definitely be buying some of those in tablet form.

Just hope that i will be able to carry on with my art, as life will be unbearable without it.

Still like they say, it will all come out in the wash. lol

GOTHIC ARCH - FRIEDA KAHLO

2008-05-26T22:33:00.004+01:00

Well, it must be well over a month since i did any real artwork, and boy have i made up for it today.

I've started altering 2 jigsaw pieces, one large (kindly sent to me from Maureen) and one medium size.

Gone back to altering my bus shaped board book, which has wheels on. The front cover should be finished tomorrow.

Made an assemblage angel, but it needs one thing to finish off, which i'm waiting on from Hongkong, So will be probably 3 weeks before i can show you.

BUT i did manage to complete one project entirely today, and that was my first ever Gothic Arch.
I succumbed to the Frieda Kahlo look, which a lot of people have done in the past, but i felt it was something i needed to do for myself. Plus it was great to use such bright vivid colours, that represent Mexico. There seems to be a lot of 'brown' stuff going on everywhere, so thought i would brighten up everyones day with some 'serious' colour. lol.

Would love to have a go at making a gothic arch book, but that will have to wait until after the end of June, when i will be exhibiting my work at Chesterfield. This was postponed from April, because of my moving home. So have to get some serious work done for that.

BOY ITS GREAT TO BE BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS.

FLOWER BROOCH

2008-05-18T15:03:00.003+01:00

RAGGEDY FLOWER BROOCH

Managed to find something to do craftwise, a raggedy flower brooch, even though everything is still boxed up.

I'm afraid the scan flattened it a bit, and i wish i'd have had some navy tweed instead of the gingham for the outer ring.

Very easy to make, but a bit time consuming. Whether i will ever wear it is another thing. lol

STICK DOLL

2008-05-12T20:11:00.004+01:00

At long last I am back online.

Everything went well with the move, even though it was exceptionally tiring. It feels as though I have been away for months, and will take some time to get back into the swing of it.

This month i am hosting the Doll swap with the theme "Stick Doll' on the yahoo group i belong to. So with my getting my broadband back today, i decided to make my doll for the swap.

PURPLE RAIN

To make the doll, i started off first with a twig from a tree, but worrying whether the twig would rot, i changed it for a couple of skewers taped together.
Next i padded it out with polyester wadding, and secured it to the sticks by wrapping cotton thread round it.

I cut up a chiffon scarp into thin strips, wrapped it round, and added lace to the bottom half.

I used the same wool for the base and for the head, then wrapped very thin wire round it all to secure, adding a silver padlock and a flower bead to the wire.

Lastly 2 silk flowers were glued on.

The face was made from a mould, with air dry clay, and backed with acetate wings .

I just hope my partner will like it.

AND THE WINNER IS

2008-04-24T18:39:00.001+01:00

AND THE WINNER IS....................................................................

KRISTIN HUBICK OF RETRO CAFE OF ILLINOIS.

Congratulations, I'm emailing you for your addy.

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY

2008-04-21T17:18:00.008+01:00

The last of my craft stuff is being taken to its new home tonight, but managed to squeeze out an ATC.

It's a giveaway, and all you have to do is post a comment.

I will draw it on Wednesday, as my broadband is going to go offline for a while, and so it
is a farewell gift lol, til i come back.

ZETTI ONE HOUSE

GIFTS FROM FRIENDS

2008-04-21T09:57:00.009+01:00

Last week i received some beautiful gifts from friends. I still find it amazing that friends who I havnt even met, send me lovingly handmade gifts. I am very honoured to have such great friends.

First of all i received my House swap from Cindy
I was absolutely blown away with her work. The attention to detail is amazing, with pull-outs, moving parts and doodles and drawings........ FANTASTIC. Even the back was a work of art.

First Floor
Ivory Tower

2nd Floor
An Englishman's Home is his Castle

Bottom Floor
Doorway Home - a refuge from the world
or a gateway to explore it.

ISNT IT FANTASTIC

Cindy also included 2 ATC's, one with a domino on, a domino necklace and a New Home card. (I havn't a scan of this as it is already in my new home.

Also this week i received another 3-part House ATC, this time from my friend Sherry. This was such a suprise, as Sherry backed out of the House swap, and instead sent one to me. I still have to get a scan of this, as this is already hanging in pride of place in my new craft room.
I'll try and remember to bring it home later today and scan it.

THANKYOU SHERRY AND CINDY.
XX

Embroidered tablecloth

2008-04-19T09:12:00.009+01:00

Still extremely busy, so more old work to show you.

This was the second part of my degree show. It centred around an embroidered tablecloth, that was left to me by mother. She died when I was 10 years old, of a brain tumour. Whilst lying in her hospital bed, she started to embroider a tablecloth, this was her first attempt at embroidery.
Needless to say it was never finished.

I was then fostered out to an Aunt, but when i was 18 years old, i ran away, to go and live with my now husband and his Father. The embroidered tablecloth was left behind.

Years later, looking in Charity shops, i would see other discarded tablecloths being sold for 50p. This really upset me, as these tablecloths would have been lovingly embroidered by someone's Mother, especially to adorn her beloved family home, only to be given away and sold for pennies.

Here is a scan of a back of a tablecloth, which shows the great care women took to make the back of the cloth look just as good as the front.

So for my show, i bought a cloth, and systematically removed all the embroidered stitches, leaving the holes where the needle had passed through.
This was placed on a large light box, so the holes could be seen, and with tiny little traces of the silk cotton showing here and there.

Here is a scan of a scan of part of a cloth with its embroidery removed. not a brilliant picture i'm afraid

As well as the light box, i also used a tablecloth to make and cover recipe books. As a child, i can remember my Mother baking egg custards for anyone who was taken ill, and myself having to deliver the custard to the sick person. This is even though she was seriously ill herself.

Here are just 3 sections of one book that i made, and had covered with a cloth.
The stains are to represent the impossible dream of perfection.

I made or altered about 10 books in total, most of them with recipes that were personal to my mother.

Here is a poem that i wrote at the time.

A MOTHERS LOVE
by Margaret Field
-

Caress the skin that sheds itself upon the once nimble fingers of desire.

Embellish the cloth as a token of your love,
reflecting the dreams amongst the linen.

Piercing, where the tender silks once
toiled themselves through the holes of adoration,
tearing us apart.

Leaving behind a trace of a Mother’s love.

MOP HEAD - THE HISTORY BEHIND IT

2008-04-13T09:18:00.012+01:00

As i'm still unable to do any new work, i thought i'd explain to you the history behind the picture of myself with the rollers.

This was from a series of 3 photographs that were used for my finishing degree show.

YOU CAN TAKE THE WIFE OUT OF THE HOUSE BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE HOUSEWIFE OUT OF THE WOMAN

This work is about the struggling identity of today's modern woman. It addresses issues of motherhood and the domestic scene. Women fought for equality, only for them to labour even harder, juggling full time work and domesticity. This work shows this strife for unachievable perfection.
My feelings as a wife, mother and grandmother conflict with the feelings of entrapment and being tied to the family life, even though I wouldn't want it any other way.

The first picture i came up with was this

This was using a mop head, with large rollers on a wig stand. This photo wasn't used in the end.
The rollers were used to signity the 196o's when women would walk around all daylong on a Saturday, with their rollers in, ready to look beautiful on their one night out. You would see women like this doing their shopping etc, and nobody would bat an eye lid. Can you imagine this happening now.

From this photo it evolved into me wearing the mop head and rollers, and here are the other two photos that went on display alongside

The first one obviously just wearing a mophead, and the second one, with a flower in to depict a bride

Also part of the exhibition were other photos again depicting the woman's struggle for perfection.
This time pearls and rollers were used on ordinary household objects.

DUSTPAN AND BRUSH WITH HAIR ROLLERS

ROLLING PIN WITH PEARL EMBEDDED
RENDERING IT USELESS

FULL SIZE SALT AND PEPPER POT
MADE INTO EAR RINGS WITH PEARLS ATTACHED

SUGAR TONGS AND SUGAR CUBE WITH PEARL EMBEDDED

Little did i know when using the pearls with my work, the REAL connotation behind the pearl necklace. It took the young students to explain it to me.
Oh well, the reason I USED THEM was because of the perfect housewife wearing her pearls and twinset. lol

Last but not least was a pair of oven gloves, sewn together in the middle, again rendering them useless.

HERE IS A POEM THAT I WROTE AT THE TIME, BUT IT WASN'T USED IN THE DEGREE SHOW.

DINNER'S ON THE TABLE by Margaret Field

Your dinner's on the table love. The pots and pans scrubbed clean.
The hoovering's done, the dusting too. Even the coalman's been.
Your dinner's on the table love. Washing and ironing done.
I've changed the beds, and scrubbed the floor, the battle of dirt's been won.
Your dinner's on the table love. The larder is now full.
I've painted the walls,and ceilings too, and picked the kids up from school.
Your dinner's on the table love. The windows and mirrors they shine.
The kids are bathed, scrubbed up like new, and the garden's looking just fine.
Your dinner's on the table love, I've spent all day on this grub.
My day is done for all of you.
And now I'm off to the pub.

NEXT I WILL SHOW YOU THE SECOND PART OF MY DEGREE SHOW INVOLVING AN EMBROIDERED TABLECLOTH.

BUTTON FAIRY TUTORIAL

2008-04-11T11:28:00.013+01:00

I know I've shown this tutorial to some people already, but here it is again for those who havn't seen it.
It's a basic tutorial on how to make a button fairy.

First I took an approx 10" (25cm) piece of flexible wire.
Threaded buttons on, leaving wire at top and bottom free.

I then added beads to the bottom half and curled it round to finish it off

I collaged a face and wings onto card
Notice under the face i left card to enable me to glue the first button on to the face.

Button wire attached to the face
excess wire at the top was formed into a hanging loop

I added gemstones and feathers and glitter

HERE ARE 2 MORE THAT I MADE

MADE WITH RESIN BUTTERFLY
(CHRISTMAS DECORATION)

MERMAID BUTTERFLY

This technique can also be used for other things.

BUTTON FAIRY ATC

BUTTON FLOWERS
I flattened these just so that i could scan them
These would look beautiful in a silver topped sugar shaker.

HAVE FUN

PS. I seem to be getting a lot of viewers from Israel, on this tutorial, and i would dearly love you to leave a comment or two on my blog.

Many thanks

PRECIOUS FRIENDS

2008-04-09T12:51:00.004+01:00

Just got back from the Doctors, and it seems i have quite a few illnesses, but i won't bore you with that.

Laying on the doormat was a large envie from my friend Jinny, and inside was this fantastic pastel drawing she has done of me (slim version lol) with my rollers in my hair. Isn't it fantastic. This will definitely be hanging in my new craft room (when i've finished painting it lol).

Jinny, you sure do brighten up my life. I have never known anyone so kind and generous as you.Thankyou for being my friend.

Arte y pico Award

2008-04-07T10:11:00.006+01:00

Today, i was honoured to be given the Arte y pico Award, by my very dear friend Jan
To say i was overwhelmed is an understatement, and am truly grateful to you Jan. We have never 'met' but hope to one day soon. I am truly honoured to have you as a friend Jan.

Now I have to nominate 5 blogs who I think deserve this award too.
BUT ... my winners then are requested to do the following :

1) You have to pick 5 blogs who deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material and also contibutes to the blogging community no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to the blog to be visit by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that has given her or him award itself.

4) Award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "arte y pico" blog (linked in my title) so everyone will know the origin of this award. (Cut and paste the info into your blog to make things easier)

So who do i choose, well this must be the hardest thing ever for me to do. I have made such great and talented artistic friends in the past year, and would dearly love to give each and every one of you an award. But alas this is not possible.

My first award goes to my dear friend
Jinny (A truly great friend, an amazing artist, and a great drinking buddy.) you know how much you mean to me
Jafabrit. An ex-Brummy, living over the pond, and I have only known her a short while. Her work is amazing, I love her outlook on life, and she makes me smile a lot. lol What more could you ask for.
Dot. The dotee Queen herself, she inspires me so much, and i feel honoured to call her a friend.
Viola. This lady's work is truly amazing. I find her very inspirational in every way.
Mieke. A new found friend from the Netherlands, I'm loving her art dolls.

As i first said, there are so many people i would have loved to have given an award, but I'm not allowed.
So Jan, Maureen, Wendy, Cindy, Angie, Ange, Jacky in Australia, Sian, Nicks, John, Sanja, and the list goes on, ALL ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC ARTISTS, THANKYOU FOR EVERYTHING.

Well completely dumbstruck, now, my dear friend Angie has also nominated me for the same award. BIIIIIIIIIIIIG THANKYOU ANGIE.
So everyone above is now been given the award. I'm soo pleased to beable to do this.

I AM NOT WORTHY

ATC's with a sense of humour

2008-04-06T14:40:00.012+01:00

As i am still up to my neck in decorating and packing up for the Big Move, i have to resort to showing you my old work.

Today it's the turn of ATC's with a sense of humour.

There are some that i won't show, as there has been controversy over some of them already, lol.

ROYAL FLUSH

DARLING OF COURSE I'M NOT MARRIED

DIRTY BOY

DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS

TOO LATE NOW

ROYAL THRONE

TIME GOES BY
SO SLOWLY

TOLD YOU NOT TO EAT THE SPROUTS

WHO ATE ALL THE PIES
(the burger swings like a pendulum)

WHY DO GIRLS ALWAYS
GO TO THE TOILET TOGETHER.

FEATURED

2008-04-05T21:20:00.001+01:00

Wow, this week My etsy shop is featured on the naturemanipulated blog. It sure could do with a boost lol.

HOUSE SWAP - ZETTI STYLE OF COURSE

2008-04-03T17:50:00.007+01:00

This is my final swap that i will be entering in until early May. This is one i organised on the yahoo group i belong to, a 3 part ATC, called House swap.

Naturally i had to do mine in the zetti style, but wanted to incorporate a little extra. so went along with Garden Zetti.

Hope you like it. (click on to enlarge)

This folds up into ATC size, the 3 parts are attched together by ribbon.

GROUND FLOOR

MIDDLE FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR.

ZETTIOLOGY

2008-04-02T09:35:00.014+01:00

At the moment, I am extremely busy, as i am moving home. The new home needs decorating from top to bottom, and as my husband is disabled, i have to do absolutely everything. My dear darling daughter is helping me decorate when she can, but as they run their own business (don't laugh, Gravediggers, and grass cutting for various local councils), so she is very busy. my friend Jinny, calls them
'GRAVEBUSTERS'. LOL ROFLOL

Anyways, because i will hardly be making any work, i thought i'd show you some old work. I know some of you already know about them, but please bear with me.

One of my loves at the moment is Zettiology, so i thought i'd start with those first. They are mainly ATC's.

These first two, were more of a doodle type of zetti, both of them ATC's

These next three are House Shapes, another of my favourites. lol The first is anATC that folds up

These next two, are not ATC's. The first is approx 6" x 4". The second is a Mini Zetti House.

This is Lucky Zetti. An altered doll made from a child's building block, playing cards, dice and dominos. She looks like she's out of Toy Story lol.

NEWSFLASH

JUST as i posted thisblog, the postie arrived with a beautiful handmade Zetti House Card.

It's a card to welcome us into our new home, done in theZetti style, and it's from my dear friend Jinny. Isn't she a sweetie. A really great friend, just wished she lived nearer so we could chat and craft.

Isn't it great, i just love it, lol. Oh boy, you brighten my day you do girl.

BIIIIIIG THANKYOU JINNY, SWEETHEART.

TUTORIAL

2008-03-29T21:57:00.002Z

Well nobody managed to guess what the tutorial is for. I just hope that nobody is disappointed.

it is for a FAN, of which i was inspired by altered antiquity

WAS IT WORTH THE WAIT LOL

This finished fan, is done in the shabby chic style, but you can let your imagination run riot with this. Can you imagine a Zetti Fan, oh boy, i can. lol

So the first stage is to cut out this template 6 times. I used a cereal box, as they are quite sturdy. They are approximaely 6" in height, but you can easily adapt this to your chosen size.

Next i covered each piece of card, both back and front, using a variety of materials.
For the front i used vintage music sheets, and text, which i ripped and collaged on to the card. I then stamped various swirls, in a haphazard way, with pink acrylic paint. Again you can do exactly what you wish. I then gave a light coating of walnut ink crystals, but this is not really necessary.

For the back I used different papers, and used pink tissue paper torn and collaged along with text paper.

Again i gave it a light coating with walnut ink crystals. I then added a dusky pink paper heart in the centre (which you cannot see here)

for the next stage i added lace to the top edge, which I had dyed with tea, along with a spotty edging done with a sakura gel pen

With the next stage i added more embellishments, and distressed the edges. Plus using a brown pencil, I outlined the pink acrylic stampings. This gives more depth i feel.

In the above photo, you can just about see where i've marked the position to make a hole for the brad. I did in fact use a paper fastener, as this is better coping with the thickness of the fan.

I tea dyed a piece of a crochet doily to form a flower, and added luscious fibres and a ribbon, all tied on to the fastener.I then glued a flower and a gem on top of the fastener.

You could leave the fan as it is, but it won't be very stable.

There are two ways to overcome this.
The first way, is to fan the pieces out to the desired shape, and glue together where they touch,

Or in my case, i have made it so that it can open and fold up.

To do this. Open the fan trying not to leave any gaps in between each piece.

Take a length of ribbon, and glue only to the centre of each piece, ,preferably with a hot gun, for fast results.

The tea stained doiley is far too dark for my taste, so i will eventually tone this down with dusky pink acrylic paint.

VOILA - ONE SHABBY CHIC FOLDING FAN.

If you make one yourself, tell us here, so that we can link to your photo.

ANOTHER ZETTI FAIRY DOLL

2008-03-28T17:22:00.005Z

Managed to finish another Zetti Fairy Doll and two key chains, and I'm still not very well. I havn't the time to be ill, what with supposedly painting pictures, making dolls, and all on top of this some other great news.

WE'RE MOVING. AGAIN. I KNOW, I KNOW, I MUST HAVE GYPSY IN MY BLOOD. Our third move in less than 18 months. oh boy.

This is THE final move, as it is within 5 minutes walking distance from my beloved daughter Emma and Grandson Bobby. We were offered it today, and on Monday we get the keys. It needs decorating from top to bottom, carpets and cooker, so will be an expensive time for us as well. But I don't care, i will be near Emma.

So gonna be really busy, and will be offline in the future, when the broadband has to changeover with the move. But i will notify when that will happen.
So here is Zetti Fairy No 2, hope you like her.

Here are the first two key rings that i've made. Both made from felt, and called "Key to your Heart".

Not sure how these will go down, but it was all part of the 'playing' process lol.

Another Booby doll being cut out tomorrow. Got some lush Kaffe Fassett fabric, which will probably use. oooooh yummy lol.

THE MATERIALS TO FINISH THE FAN HAVE STILL NOT ARRIVED AAARRGGH.
SO WILL GO AHEAD ON MONDAY WHETHER THEY TURN UP OR NOT.

ART DOLL

2008-03-25T20:24:00.004Z

Despite waking up feeling absolutely terrible this morning, with sore throat, swollen glands and laryngitus, I managed to make another doll for my etsy shop. This is another Booby doll, made with Liberty fabric, and lots of beads. I'm afraid it's only a scan, because it's now nightfall. Tomorrow i will take a photo, so that i can put it in my shop. After such a great start, well selling one ACEO, it has come to a standstill. I really hope i can make a go of this, as it's something i really want to do. We'll see.

The tutorial has come to a completely standstill, because the materials needed to finish it, STILL havn't arrived from ebay. Looks like he won't be getting a good feedback.
The tutorial is all typed up, just waiting for its final stage and then you will be able to see it. It'll teach me to never promise something until you can be 100% sure that it is possible to do.

ZETTI FAIRY ART DOLL

2008-03-23T15:46:00.005Z

After the 'success' lol, at Etsy yesterday, it spurred me on to finish an art doll that i started to make about 2 months ago.

I found it very difficult t0 take a photograph of these in the freezing weather that we are having. So with the first photo above, i did a scan.

She is now in my etsy shop looking for a new Momma.

Unfortunately the supplies i needed for the tutorial didn't materialise in the post, so fingers crossed they'll be here very soon.

at last My Etsy shop is open

2008-03-21T21:46:00.007Z

Having trouble with my blog today, but at last my etsy shop is opened.
I've put a couple of Zetti ATC's up to begin with, the rest will follow probably next month, after the Chesterfield exhibition is up and running.

SOLD

I've triple checked that i am allowed to use Teesha Moore's Zetti stamps on art for sale, and it is ok. phew, don't want an attorney on my back lol.

Funds are low at the moment, so need to instil a bit of cash into my craft funds. Boy this is an expensive way of life. With Fine art,all you need are paints, brushes and paper/canvases.
The craft world, is afloat with goodies and gadgets which you REALLY need to have to survive lol. So fingers crossed, that someone somewhere will like my art enough to buy some.
I have never used etsy before, only ebay, and everything that i put up for sale on there was sold. Not that i put a great deal up for sale, because the heavy ebay and paypal fees made it unworthwhile. Still needs must, so i'm giving etsy a try.

HOPEFULLY will be able to do the mystery tutorial (nobody's come up with the correct idea of what it is yet lol), but i'm awaiting arrival of goods from ebay which will enable me to finish the ? off.lol. (thought i'd tell ya didn't ya)
Fingers crossed my lovely postlady will be bringing my parcel of goodies to my door tomorrow. If not, there will be no more post until Tuesday, so if that is the case, the planned tutorial will be delayed, sorry folks. but i PROMISE you that it will be done as soon as possible.

Hope you are enjoying the Easter holidays, we here in the UK, have an extended holiday with Bank Holiday Monday. So nothing gets back to normal til then.
Happy Holidays

Tutorial coming up

2008-03-20T12:04:00.006Z

This weekend I will be posting a tutorial for everyone to use. What is it?. Well here is a sneak preview

Can you tell what it is yet? lol.

This is a very simple tutorial, but with a fantastic outcome. I DO hope you'll join in and make one yourself.
Supplies needed:-
Card
Scrap paper,
Ink pads
lace
brad
embellishments
vintage images.
glue

And that's it.

So come on in, and join the fun