Rusting

Here are the pics of the rusting powder experiments.

This is the stamped calico after treatment with the rusting powder:

And this is the whirly stamp after I've stitched it using Valdani thread in the sewing machine:

I wish I'd worked more into the void than on the rusted lines, so I may do another.

Denise

Contact

My internet has been intermittent at best for the last week. Hubby has checked it out this evening, and thinks the Router is broken. We now have to log another fault and wait!

I went to the Embroiderer's Guild Eastern Regional Meeting on Saturday and had a great day! The speakers were Phillipa Turnbull, and Maggie Grey. Phillipa talked about the research she has done on Crewel Embroidery. She said that many stitches have been lost; she has found out about some of them, but there are others that no one seems to know how to construct. Maggie gave a very entertaining talk about constructing fabric, based on her new book Stitches, Straps and Layers. It gave me a lot of inspiration, and I wanted to get back to the studio straight away and play.

There were lots of traders there, including Art Van Go and Craftynotions, and I was pleased to find a trader who is willing to wholesale Goldwork supplies to me. Hopefully I'll be getting some in shortly.

David Lawrence let me have a sample of Craftynotions new Rusting Powder which I experimented with today. It was very easy to use; I stamped onto a piece of calico using the new Craftynotions rubber stamps and matt acrylic medium, then sprinkled the powder over it. I shook the excess off and spritzed over with white vinegar. The rust effect only took a short while to develop, and looked great. I've already played with stitching over it, although felt it did need to be sealed to keep definition, so I painted over it with more acrylic medium and it is currently drying in the studio. I'll post pictures tomorrow if the internet allows. I'll definitely be getting some in!

Denise

Out of Touch

My internet is down at the moment - I'm doing this at home. If you have been trying to get in touch with me, and I haven't replied to your emails, that could be the reason. I'm attempting to keep up to date using my phone, but it's not quite as easy. If you do need me in the next few days, it's probably best to phone; either 01268 523780 or 07769 711818.

Denise

Gary Clarke Workshop

Although there were only a few of us, we had a great time on Sunday 21st June with Gary Clarke. You can see Maria in the photo, engrossed in her stitching, and a close-up of what I achieved - I did have to attend to customers as well as stitching, so I didn't do as much as everyone else! We learnt a lot and are looking forward to Gary's next visit to the UK in 2011 when I hope to run another class.

I have a few of Gary's kits in stock, and will be getting more.

Denise

Jacobean Whitework Workshop

It's taken longer than I expected, but I've finally finalised the details of our Jacobean Whitework Workshop. It will be held this coming Sunday, 21st June, from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm with a break for lunch. The cost will be just £20.

This is a unique opportunity to work with Gary Clarke, the designer of the whitework kits, who is visiting the UK from Tasmania. I have spoken to a lady who took part in one of Gary's workshops today, and she tells me she got a great deal out of it.

I realise this is very short notice, but if anyone would like to attend, do get in touch as soon as possible. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and are strictly limited.

I hope to see you then,

Denise

City & Guilds Exhibition

This morning I was at Northlands House helping to put up our exhibition and being verified! On Friday and Saturday we are displaying work from classes at Northlands including our City & Guilds end of year exhibition. I will also be taking supplies from Craft Arena to sell. Everyone is welcome, so if you are in the area do pop in to say hello and see what we have been getting up to since September. We will also be demonstrating and there will be tea, coffee and cakes!

The exhibition is on from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June at:

Adult Community Learning
Northbrooks HOuse
Northbrooks,
Harlow
Essex
CM19 4DS

For more information, telephone 01279 436230 or 01279 427711

Hope to see you there.

Denise

PS The verification went well, with lots of positive and constructive comments on our work.

Here are the pics of the projects from Monday's day at Craftynotions.

1. Envelope pocket
2. Paper book with embellishments
3. Samples using Creative Colour Sprays
4. Twiddleybitz Frame