tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41612828200568733422024-03-17T08:34:46.955+00:00 Adventures in Threadwith needle, paint and pen......Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-1034854865655032282014-09-01T12:24:00.000+01:002014-09-01T12:25:38.790+01:00Moving onIt's been an eventful summer. After much soul searching. I've made a decision that Adventures in Thread has run its course. This year, despite making changes, I've found it hard to stay on topic and I've found my creativity has been taking a different tack. I'm still passionate about textiles and embroidery, but my love of the natural world, and journal keeping is leading me in a new direction, which I'm very excited about.<br />
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I want to say a huge 'Thank You' to all the wonderful people I've met throughout the last 6 and a half years, both virtually and physically; I hope that some of you will want to join me as I continue my creative journey, inspired by the natural world, through my new blog <a href="http://needleandpen.blogspot.co.uk/">Needle and Pen.</a><br />
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Jules x <br />
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xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-76618899594159065652014-05-21T10:16:00.001+01:002014-05-21T10:46:27.924+01:00Singapore Surprise!Thanks to a very dodgy old laptop, I couldn't post to tell you we have been to - wonderful Singapore! Some of you will know this is not our first trip :) Singapore is a place that we both feel so comfortable and at home. We haven't had a holiday, or any break for a long time, so when the opportunity unexpectedly arose, we had to take it!<br />
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This trip was especially great as we met some of my on-line artist friends! I belong to a great <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_174284345961151">Facebook artists group</a>, and several friends there are also members of the Urban Sketchers, who some of you may be familiar with. These lovely people made space in their busy lives to take us out and generally spoil us! I was fortunate enough to be taken sketching, and also have a wonderful tour of the amazing art shops in the city. We were both made so welcome, and had a truly fantastic time.<br />
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This is me, receiving a copy of <a href="http://urbansketchers-singapore.blogspot.co.uk/">Urban Sketchers Singapore</a>'s book, <a href="http://www.epigrambooks.sg/our-neighbourhoods-we-love-toa-payoh/">We love Tao Payoh </a> as a gift from my friend and super talented artist Patrick Ng. With me is the lovely Chris Ng ( no relation!) and Tony Chua, (in the wonderful hat!). I also had another wonderful afternoon sketching, and learning a lot from the great artistry of <a href="http://urbansketchers-singapore.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/sketch-with-technical-pens.html">Francis Theo</a>. Thank you all again, you are such a fantastic bunch of people.<br />
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OK, here's a quick taster of our trip, I'll post more photos once I have sorted them out, but I took over 700!<br />
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The stunning <a href="http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/home.html">Gardens by the Bay</a>, with the Cloud and Flower Domes and some of the SuperTrees. Garden loving friends, it is indeed out of this world, and I know you will want to see more!<br />
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The amazing hotel at <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/index.html">Marina Bay Sands</a>. 56 floors up and the most incredible views from the Observation deck. ( I would not want to stay there though, even if I had the money; it is incredible, but way, way too high for me!) I had to see it though :).<br />
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Stunning flowers.....<br />
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everywhere.<br />
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Light and laser show in Marina Bay - all free!<br />
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Fascinating and beautiful.<br />
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And so much more. Hope you're all well and happy, I'm looking forward to catching up with all my blogging friends soon!xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-1218290717427837002014-05-01T11:25:00.000+01:002014-05-01T11:26:08.916+01:00Making watercolour journalsI'm going to be somewhere very different for the next 2 weeks! To prepare I've been making these little watercolour paper blank journals.<br />
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Front view<br />
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Back view<br />
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Inside, each of the pages folds out to make a bigger spread.There's a great tutorial which shows you how to do this <a href="http://sketchalina.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/how-to-make-watercolour-sketchbook.html">here</a><br />
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Another one from the inspirational Cathy Johnson<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CffQyRdTDUc"> here.</a><br />
These are so easy and fun to do, and would work with any paper.<br />
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I hope they will look a lot less blank in 2 weeks! Can you guess where I'm going? There is a big clue in the fabric!:) I'm really excited as I didn't think I would be making the trip again, and it's all rather a wonderful surprise. I'll try and post soon from my secret location! Meanwhile I hope you're all having a very happy spring.xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-41446836062124635222014-04-22T15:20:00.001+01:002014-04-22T15:55:07.066+01:00Making a Fabric Animal Character come to life:Part1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope all of you who celebrate have had a very Happy Easter, or Spring festival break. We had a few spells of glorious sunshine here, but mainly, it rained. It's still quite warm though, and the birds don't seem to mind, they're still singing gloriously. The fairy blue haze and scent of bluebells fills the wood and there's been much activity and digging at the badger sett. <br />
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This inspired me to start thinking about bringing a new character to life, and I thought you might like to see the progression of a new creation.<br />
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First, I delve into my design sketchbook. This is full of very scruffy/scrappy sketches, notes, thoughts and ideas. Many of these are put in last thing at night or scribbled at odd times when I'm inspired!<br />
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When I've decided which animal/character I want to work on, I begin to research my subject more thoroughly. Then, I make some preliminary sketches,
notes and doodles, to try and get a 'feel' for who I want to create.<br />
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Once a picture is forming in my mind of the final character, I start thinking about how I can simplify the form to create a 3D replica in fabric. This part of the process usually involves a lot of mind changing as things <strike>don't work</strike> evolve!<br />
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After I am clearer how I can make a three dimensional figure - and how it will work with costuming/accessories etc, I begin to work on ways to fit the shapes together. This is a very flexible process, I don't create a 'formal' pattern, (unless it's going to be used by other people) or use graph paper or computer software, as I find them too restrictive.<br />
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I start playing about with the pieces on scrap paper. Quite often I just cut into my pattern pieces and alter the shapes as I go!<br />
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Now I'm at the stage to start roughly piecing in fabric, and thinking about joints and stability. All my characters are designed to be tactile, and usually positionable, so they must be robust.<br />
I constantly think about fabrics, materials, and the personality of the final character. Often my ideas change as he/she 'grows', but that is part of the fun! You've probably guessed by now what sort of animal this is going to be - but his/her character is still a mystery!<br />
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Just for a further tease - I found a number of things on my walk through the wood, common cockle shells dropped by gulls, a lovely, brick red coloured, brown lipped snail shell, and a fragment of a blackbird's egg. I decided to paint them in my journal, and I think some of them will become part of my mysterious new friend!<br />
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I'd love to know how others work. Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? Or do you have other methods of recording and remembering your creative journey and putting projects together?x<br />
<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-8635293272206658202014-04-13T11:58:00.002+01:002014-04-13T12:00:12.186+01:00Welcome Hare This is my new hare, little Welcome! He has a very important job.<br />
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Every morning he's up before the sun with his cleaning tools.<br />
He carries a little crocheted cotton cloth in his pocket.<br />
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In his right paw is his special, gentle brush, made of the softest reeds.<br />
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In his left, he carries his rusty old pail, which is always full of sparkling dewdrops.<br />
Welcome dusts and polishes the flowers as they wake, and freshens them up with a dewdrop jewel.<br />
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He's been doing this for a very long time, so his clothes are rather
worn. but he's very proud of his stripy red dungarees and wouldn't
change them for anything. They smell of morning coffee and spices too, which he likes very much!<br />
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He's very proud of his job, but when he's finished he loves to take a long rest and a well deserved snooze! <br />
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He's a thoughtful and loving little hare - but he's also very friendly and sociable. When it comes to playtime he can be quite mischievous, and has a lot of adventures!<br />
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For now though he's happy to sit and have his photo taken and say 'Hello' to everyone!<br />
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Welcome is made entirely with natural products and is hand painted with watercolour paints. He will be in my on-line shop in June with his personal story scroll and carrying bag! </div>
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Wish me luck please, I am finally taking the plunge to put my characters, patterns and embroidery designs for sale!</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-40154962881236551222014-04-02T15:15:00.000+01:002014-04-02T19:55:06.132+01:00Playing around - simple DIY printingThe last couple of weeks have been frantically busy, both work and home/family-wise. I also succumbed to a sinus infection which put me out of action for a few days, after which, rushing to get everything done I felt I was meeting myself coming backwards. But - the mindfulness/gratitude strategy is slowly sinking in. Instead of panicking (my usual strategy) I realised I needed to take things a bit more steadily and further playtime was necessary! In place of stitching today I decided to have some fun with paint.<br />
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This is so good for me - I really don't do messy - and I find it hard to play and push back my neat and tidy comfort zone! (Himself says I <b> am</b> Monica from 'Friends!') Sadly he's not wrong, I do tend to work in a detailed and controlled way, so loosening up play times aren't natural to me, but I'm learning!<br />
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I was very impressed with my friend Alison's <a href="http://www.gelliarts.com/">Gelli Plate</a>
for mono printing. I didn't think I'd really use one enough to warrant buying
my own, but it did inspire me to try a few DIY printy things, without spending a lot of money. <br />
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First I picked some leaves from the garden, sloshed a mix of Artist's watercolour paints on the back and pressed them onto watercolour paper - using a kitchen towel.<br />
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This was really fun! I tried a few more watercolour prints in my journal on cartridge paper. (These are St Petersburg White Nights watercolour paints which I love.)<br />
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Then I got out my fabric scrap bag and tried using acrylic paint onto calico. First I tried some Jacquard Textile paint. I really like how these buddleia leaf prints turned out.<br />
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Flushed with success - I made up a rough plate using a piece of mat board with some acetate stuck on it - to see if it would work. I didn't have a brayer, so used a natural sponge to apply the paint (just cheap acrylic craft paint to which I added some fabric painting medium.(All very high tech!)<br />
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Pretty rough and ready, but it worked ok!<br />
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I don't have any stamps, so I drew into the paint using a rubber tipped art tool, then laid fabric scraps over the design and lightly rubbed. These are the results:<br />
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Not too bad for a first attempt, and these are much more free and expressive than how I normally work. I think I may try a thick silicon mat for a base, as it will have more spring and flex - and get a proper brayer! Anyone got any tips or suggestions for other DIY/recycled tools and equipment to share - or more fun ways to play with printing? <br />
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I'm going to take some of these prints and see how I can develop them a bit more too.x<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-39794442876924764402014-03-24T19:05:00.001+00:002014-03-24T20:13:47.001+00:00Thread-doodlingSometimes I know I need to loosen up and let go of things.<br />
Here's an idea to get your embroidery Muse dancing and clapping - and help use up all those bits of leftover thread. <br />
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Take a small, simple shape.<br />
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Here's a bunny, 'cos it's spring! Transfer it to your fabric. (If you're a new stitcher, check out the hints tab to find how to do this.)<br />
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Gather together a range of threads- whatever colours you like. Mine were are a mix of Anchor and DMC stranded cottons from my odds and ends box - I fancied very bright and cheery. </div>
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Thread up some needles, (I used 2 strands of thread and size 7 or 8 needle in a 5" hoop) - and doodle away! Just stitch as if you are scribbling on your phone pad, make squiggles if you like! It doesn't need to be at all precise and the stitch length can vary - just have fun!</div>
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I started with back stitch, making spiral 'roses' in pinks and greens, literally splodged around the shape, and a few yellow lazy daisies. Then I filled in wherever I felt like it, with chain stitch, Chinese and bullion knots, and kept adding different colours. </div>
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Use it as a 'pick up and put down' project.</div>
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You could do any stitches you know and enjoy; the idea is to just to free yourself up - no pressure. </div>
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I finally added a bit of text for fun. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imerSNn8YGA/UzByUa5EIQI/AAAAAAAAFgA/cXjShwnTHOI/s1600/P1060152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I found this exercise really theraputic - just like playing with art supplies. Hope some of you find it useful too. Now - I need to go and do the same thing for my painting:) xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-51425466836220882582014-03-21T11:08:00.001+00:002014-03-21T11:08:23.629+00:00Happy Friday!How has your week been? Mine was busy and hectic, and we've had worrying family news. In today's world, it's so easy to forget to be grateful for all the things we <b>do</b> have.<br />
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In my quest to be more mindful , I'm a member of <a href="http://www.actionforhappiness.org/">Action for Happiness</a>, So today I'm unofficially linking up with <a href="http://theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/hoppy-friday.html">Shell's regular Hoppy Friday</a> post because yesterday was the <a href="http://www.24hoursofhappiness.com/">UN's International Day of Happiness 2014</a>!
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Pharrell Williams joined up with the UN Foundation to ask people around the world to
submit footage of them being happy: singing, dancing, playing or doing
whatever makes them feel jolly.<br />
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One of the most popular and moving videos of the
campaign is from the Philippines. People are dancing amidst the rubble
that still exists after 2013's Typhoon Haiyan, the deadliest recorded
typhoon in that country. It's a wonderful reminder of how resilient human beings can be.<br />
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So if you're not having the greatest week, I hope this makes you smile. If you are, that's wonderful, please enjoy some more Happy right now!x<br />
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-67425296399966036072014-03-18T18:39:00.000+00:002014-03-18T18:39:38.043+00:00'Turned out Nice Again....'If you're British and of a certain age - you'll know what that means! I'm not that old, (honest!) but I was brought up in a house of film lovers. Anyway, I digress, again. It's been sunny, and windy, but <b>not wet!</b> Things are really drying up at last. My garden plants are so happy, especially my beautiful hellebores, which are my pride and joy!<br />
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So pretty, they really herald the spring for me.<br />
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The quince is also rather stunning this year - I love the colour and the bees like it too!<br />
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The Kerria flowers add a wonderful splash of gold - and more bee noms.<br />
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The weeping crab apple tree is almost ready to burst into blossom.<br />
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Forsythiablossom - just like a drop of golden sun.<br />
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Rosemary flowers - how stunning are these tiny things- like miniature orchids.<br />
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Things are looking fabulous up in Kings Weston Woods too - golden treasure everywhere!<br />
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Bird song is filling the woodland and this Great Tit very kindly obliged with a 'beak open' pose. (Well after several minutes of me running madly around the tree trying to get a shot of it!) Hope it's lovely wherever you are.xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-70383763418440191722014-03-14T10:55:00.001+00:002014-03-14T10:58:43.484+00:00Embroidery on dark fabric.So this week we've come from this beautiful warm spring weather:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks to David Martyn, KWAG Chair and photographer extraordinaire, for this image taken last weekend</i></span> </div>
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To this, taken from my window this morning. Dense fog and cold all week! If you look hard you can <i>just</i> see the cherry blossom peering through the gloom.<br />
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On the plus side my shelf finally got out put up. My little art mannequin is jumping for joy! I found some pretty scroll brackets perfect for hanging my treasures, so now <a href="http://adventuresinthread.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/spring-came-in-mail.html">Starr's wonderful gift</a> and my guardian angel are right on hand to inspire me as I work!<br />
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I've designed one series of 8 British wildflowers and one of 8 native birds for two of the ladies in my stitchery class. These will be made up into cushions, interspersed with fabric squares. I'm really pleased how the designs came out - especially the birds for Wendy. She wanted them to be realistic, but also achievable for her as a relatively new stitcher; so I suggested she did them in (blue) redwork. So for fun, I quickly stitched up the thrush yesterday on a black background, using Valdani variegated threads (6 and 3 stranded cottons). I like the effect and I think I'll try and take it a bit further<br />
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I 'm in a hurry so I gave up after three tries to remove <i>all</i> the filaments from the shot! The only problem with black cotton fabric....xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-73438812186858701692014-03-10T19:02:00.000+00:002014-03-14T10:55:40.380+00:00Four Season's Quilt - Stitchery BlocksHooray! The sunshine came, and it's dried up a bit! I've spent the weekend hoeing,weeding, cutting down shrubs,scrubbing cold frames and bird feeders; it's beginning to look like a garden again. It was so lovely to be outside listening to the birds singing, and watching them scoff huge amounts of sunflower seeds from their new clean feeders.<br />
Despite all this outside activity I've been stitching like mad too. I designed four stitcheries which will be going in a quilt I am creating jointly with Jayne at <a href="http://www.poppypatchwork.co.uk/">Poppy Patchwork. </a>She's going to create the pieced blocks using the <a href="http://www.makoweruk.com/section/itsy-bits-basics/">Itsy Bitsy range from Makower</a>, and put the quilt together. <br />
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They're in a folk art style, but with a few twists as I've added in a few stitches like bullion knots and Ghiordes knot for tufting to add a bit of texture. Or they can be stitched up really simply in back and straight stitch.<br />
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Spring has bluebells, nesting birds and a bunny with a fluffy tail, just about to hop down the hill.<br />
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Summer has foxgloves, butterflies and a furry tailed red squirrel assessing the future nut situation!<br />
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Autumn's tree is full of berries for the hungry birds - and of course I had to include toadstools!<br />
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Winter brings snow topped teasels and a shy doe hiding behind the tree looking for food. <br />
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I wrote this little poem for the centre block. I'm so looking forward to seeing what Jayne creates for the pieced blocks.<br />
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Now though, I can get back to a little creature who is giving me a Paddington Bear hard stare from the table where he is waiting impatiently to be dressed.....xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-86819129625363283712014-02-28T11:24:00.001+00:002014-02-28T11:25:20.608+00:00Beginnings - My First DollI've been doing some sorting out and I found this painting of the very first doll I ever made, about 20 years ago. Not an art doll, this was years before I heard of that concept; she was a Victorian rag doll. I even made all her tiny clothes which could be removed. After I lost my mum I had a strange feeling I needed to make a doll, and this little girl had popped up as a pattern in mum's<i> 'Woman's Weekly</i>' magazine in the mid 1990s. <br />
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I remember the designer also made tiny doll quilts, and did beautiful detailed illustrations. She worked in a beautiful blue painted summer house in her garden. Doesn't that sound wonderful! At that time I never dreamed about designing my own patterns. So I made Katie Beth (named after my two nieces) from hers. Katie Beth sat with my bears for a long time before I gave her to a charity shop. She was very sweet, so I hope she found a good home. Before she left, I did this painting of her sitting with her best friend 'Buttons'.<br />
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I'd love to know more about the lady who designed the doll pattern, her work was really exquisite. I can't remember her name, but I believe she lived in the south of England. If anyone knows anything about her - please get in touch. Unbeknown to me then, she put me on the path to finding out about art dolls.Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-69915917996066556132014-02-23T11:34:00.001+00:002014-02-23T11:35:28.912+00:00Brambly Hedge - The Secret StaircaseI found this in a local charity shop last week, in the original printing from the 80's. The book looks as if it's never even been opened, which is sad - but not for me! I've always loved Jill Barklem's wonderful illustrations.<br />
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Her attention to detail is amazing. I remember making tiny dressed mice in the 1980's inspired by these books - I wish I'd kept one of them now!<br />
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I'll have to watch out for the other books in the series, it would be lovely to have the set!<br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-33032071884197685942014-02-18T12:58:00.002+00:002014-02-18T12:58:54.429+00:00Share your signs of Spring!We had a brief, but much appreciated break from rain on Sunday! The sun came out and it was dry for several hours; it was a great opportunity to go for a walk without getting drenched or blown away. The rhines (dredging
channels for the marshland near us) are full to the brim. Luckily, they work really well draining off all the extra water, I'm very glad
to say! <br />
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I saw my first celandines of the year on this bank, peeking
through the new shoots of greenery. I love their cheery little golden faces, which always seem to glow in delight at the sunlight. See how clear the water is; the rain has cleared a lot of the surface weeds. Little birds constantly flew down to drink, and their song was all around us.<br />
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Lots of wildlife use the rhines. Last week I was thrilled to catch sight of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_deer">Roe deer</a> doe, slipping out of the undergrowth to take a drink. There are some deer here living on the marshland and in the woods on the hill, but they are really secretive. <br />
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<i> 'A little mouse with clogs on, Well I declare, going clip clipetty clop on the stair.... </i>'<br />
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Well, we have a windmill. Six, to be more precise. There's a wind farm at Avonmouth, and this path leads us almost underneath one of these giants. We're very fond of 'our' windmills, (we can see 4 from our windows) whirling around, providing green energy . They aren't noisy and wildlife doesn't mind them at all.<br />
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To prove that point, just round the bend we found the Mute swan family, munching a late
breakfast. Mum and dad still have one daughter with them from last year's
brood of cygnets. You can tell by her brownish markings and much paler beak. The boys get chased off first, but the girls are often allowed to stay with their parents, even up until the next breeding season. The stormy weather has blown some rubbish into the water, but they seemed not to mind, thoroughly enjoying their weedy snack!<br />
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Just dried reeds and grasses, but this could almost be tropical rain forest; the fantastic reflections caught my eye.<br />
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On our return journey, the swans had found somewhere much more attractive to finish their meal. It always amazes me how they appear so pristine and snowy white.<br />
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Then as we finally turned for home, one of our local herons (who I've been trying to photograph for ever), flew across our path and kindly landed close by, allowing me to get several good pictures, including this one. He's preparing for a fish (or frog) supper.<br />
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I love the way he's juxtaposed against the cold, sharp winter grassland, and I really want to use this image for something creative. I'm just not quite sure what...yet!<br />
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Now we're back to grey skies, wind and rain, so I'm very grateful for our little taste of spring. <br />
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What's going in in your part of the world? Have you posted about anything spring like which has cheered, and maybe, inspired you creatively? If you have - please share it! Just leave a link in the comments for this post. xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-51392071988103853092014-02-16T13:21:00.000+00:002014-02-16T13:37:40.875+00:00Spring came... in the mail!<br />
I don't usually participate in swaps because I just don't have time anymore.<br />
However, when you find a true kindred spirit who suggests that you each make something for each other, and when that person is Starr White from the magical <a href="http://wonderlandwoodsblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Wonderland Woods</a>, there was no hesitation from me! I knew Starr would send me something lovely - but I never expected something as perfect as this. Just look at this beautiful wall hanging she designed and created - incorporating so many things which are important to me.<br />
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Every aspect of Starr's design , and the fabric and items she has used have a special meaning, which she explained in a beautiful hand written letter. For example, the blue bird and magnolia buds represent the coming of spring, and a reminder that however harsh the winter - it will come! The nest and egg represent hope for the future and our work and plans coming to fruition. When it seems things may fall apart, the buttons and bow hold everything together .<br />
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Isn't the tiny nest on the branch wonderful!<br />
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The bluebird and magnolia buds are stitched so beautifully over the painting. I love the clever way Starr has incorporated natural elements from her magical woods into the piece, so now I have my own small corner of her wonderland here in the UK.</div>
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She also sent me some wonderful thrift shop and woodland finds for my own little stash of treasures.</div>
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It really is a perfect and heart felt gift. </div>
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If you haven't yet visited <a href="http://wonderlandwoodsblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Wonderland Woods</a>, you're missing a real treat. You'll find nature, creativity, art, poetry, beauty and joy. Please pay Starr a visit, and join in the wonder!</div>
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<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-71948232917323475832014-02-15T11:37:00.002+00:002014-02-15T11:39:02.407+00:00GYB - Mystery Gift and ...The Winner!Thanks again to everyone who visited and followed me through GYB. I am delighted to announce the winner of my mystery giveaway is........drumroll please..........................<br />
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LesleyAnn of <a href="http://plumhollowwv.blogspot.co.uk/">Plum Hollow</a>!<br />
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LesleyAnn is a fellow nature lover so I hope she'll like the little rustic stitched bookmark I've made. It incorporates nature, embroidery, painting, books and friends - all of which are really important to me. The quote is from a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and seemed to fit the GYB theme very nicely.<br />
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The tiny tree....<br />
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I made a wee paper clay charm to match. <br />
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Hope she likes it!</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-81662476839403489602014-02-12T18:29:00.000+00:002014-02-12T18:31:44.566+00:00My Secret Creative Cupboard Part 2: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll admit, I like to be organised. When I'm baking I wash up as I work. It's got to be neat, tidy, straight and ordered, otherwise I fret. In my ideal world I'm a minimalist, but I live with a hoarder. It's been good for me as I've had to learn to be a bit more relaxed!</div>
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Enough of that, let's see the pictures! So, just like going through the Wardrobe into Narnia (well, ok, not really!) let's visit the magic world of art supplies in my secret store cupboard.</div>
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Pencils - I love pencils. Can't get enough of them. Especially <a href="http://www.pencils.co.uk/">Derwent</a> pencils, because they are an old established British company, they make great products and their pencil museum and shop in Keswick, Cumbria is fab! Watercolour pencils are my favourite. I use them to paint all my faces and for loads of other things you are not really supposed to use them for! Here we have Derwent Aquatone, Inktense, tinted charcoal, and watercolour pencils. Also my lovely wooden box of Coloursoft pencils, which was a gift to myself when I left my old job. Drawing, sketching and watersoluble pencils are in the pots, plus my wonderful Noodlers fountain pens and inks from the US for drawing.<br />
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I am a Windsor and Newton girl when it comes to paints and I've had the wee white pan set for ever! I also love the old watercolour tin - from which I keep removing rust! It's filled with St Petersburg White Nights watercolours. There's W&N Galeria acrylics and W&N gouache below them. Jaquard fabric paints and dyes, acrylic craft paints and formulas. Silk paints, gesso, Markal oil paintsticks and Zest -it!<br />
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Not a pretty picture, but I love my tools and equipment. My latest joy is a modelling tool set himself bought for me several years ago, because he said I would find it useful one day. He was right! I finally needed a mini drill and now I am drilling holes in everything which does not move! The blue fishing tackle box holds spare art and drawing things. The green one is full of clays, sculpting tools and moulding silicone.</div>
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Yes, I love paper too! Watercolour papers, sketchbooks and journals, new and used ( There are more full ones stored away) Cartridge paper and Khadi paper.</div>
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This is my 'everyday' kit. Yet more Derwent watercolour pencils, ( no surprise there then) Pitt artists pens in sepia and sanguine, which I tend to use for everything including putting designs onto fabric.<br />
I fell in love with the pencil case which is an<a href="http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/"> Emma Bridgewater</a> design. (In my ideal home all my china is by Emma Bridgewater, and there is lots of it!)<br />
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There's also several folders of my designs and information, fabric papers for
digital printing, assorted notebooks, my camera, pro light-box, silk
painting frame, embroidery frame stand, A2 and A4 self healing mats,
quilting ruler, mini household tool kit, watercolour paper stretcher and my A3 drawing board - (stops to pant...) but you don't want to see all that! Phew! And it's all in my cupboard !<br />
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Over to you - what are your favourite arty things? We want to hear!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-54307021879136191432014-02-08T16:45:00.001+00:002014-02-08T16:48:31.635+00:00My Secret Creative Cupboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First of all, welcome and thank you, to all the lovely people I met through GYB and who have been kind enough to follow me here! I am so pleased to have met you all - and I've found some wonderful new blogs to follow too.<br />
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Secondly, on a very sad note, please spare a thought for all those
in the UK who are dealing with devastation of having their homes
flooded; between the heavy rain and the coastal storms, there seems to
be no let up. My heart goes out to them.<br />
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This week I've
hardly had time to turn around! I've been doing a lot of writing -
which I'll tell you about later ( 'Hmm, how mysterious, what is she up
to now?'.....)<br />
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Meanwhile, since I posted about my teeny
studio - I have seen a lot of other people doing something similar. Now,
while I now this is nothing what so ever to do with my post :) - many
of you did seem to enjoy it. So
I thought you may like to have a more in depth look inside my secret store
cupboard....<br />
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It's actually shared with someone else's old board games and boxes of old comics - above and behind my things. These are apparently <i>'far too important to be got rid of'. </i><br />
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Being vertically challenged (5 ft) the cupboard's too deep and too high for me without using steps! I have to manage my storage carefully, and try to make sure I can reach everything I need regularly. It has to be useful - or it can't stay.<br />
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OK then, oft we jolly well go, starting with that rather unattractive, but oh so useful, plastic drawer unit......<br />
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All my stranded cottons are held by colour, in clear zip lock bags. I tried sorting them into shades within colours, but it got way too complicated.<br />
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Cotton Perle, Cotton a broder, silks, rayons and specialty threads, plus all my odds and ends of thread take up another drawer. <br />
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Being limited on space means I'm always looking for useful and attractive containers I can leave around. My sister in law Rosemary
bought me this sweet vanity case, full of honey toiletries, for my birthday. The smellies were
very nice - but, star that she is, she really bought it because she thought it would be
lovely for me to keep threads in! <br />
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This means my treasured Valdani over-dyed threads get their own case. I love them so much after <a href="http://theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.co.uk/">Shell</a> introduced them to me last year with her <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4161282820056873342#editor/target=post;postID=1023572741840765173;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=40;src=postname">wonderful gift</a>. I have managed to find a UK stockist for Valdani, but sadly only for their stranded cottons.<br />
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Back to the plastic chest for buttons and beads, and in the centre - my family heirlooms! Victorian shoe buckles, keys, old brooches and vintage earrings - waiting to be recycled.<br />
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Another plastic box holds wool roving, felt and my dyed mohair fleece.<br />
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The big plastic crate contains all my fabrics for embroidery and doll making. A smaller crate holds Vilene, fusibles, wadding, and useful stuff that you don't really want to see a photo of. Ditto the large bag of fibrefill stuffing.<br />
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My fabric box holds more family items; old doilys and lace. These pieces range in age from Victorian to the 1950's. All the Victorian crocheted lace items were made by one of my ancestors, but unfortunately we're not sure exactly who. If you've been here before, you'll know that I always try to include something personal in the characters I make.<br />
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This little hobby box holds all my useful stitching items. I use it to take to class. There are more beads and threads tucked away inside.<br />
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Finally, my sewing box originally belonged to my mum, and I kept it to use in her memory. My brother and I clubbed together and bought it for her in the early 70's, so I suppose it's now vintage. Ooh, that's scary, where does the time go?<br />
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That's about it.<br />
So how about you - any stash revelations you'd like to share? Do tell!<br />
If you enjoyed this - let me know and I'll share the other half of the cupboard with you !x<br />
<br />Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-27767606180603380492014-02-02T08:00:00.000+00:002014-02-02T18:36:33.343+00:00Heartsease, the Hare of HarmonyThis is my latest character, Heartsease Hare. <br />
She was a commission for a very special surprise birthday gift and I've just delivered her to the gift giver. I'm pleased to report that they were delighted with her! I was sad to see her go, as we've become great friends over the last weeks, but I'm sure she's going to be very happy in her new home.<br />
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Heartsease is dressed in lavender and violet because the lady she's going to live with loves amethysts.<br />
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She's dressed in old lace and muslin, which has seen better days. In her hand she carries a purple rose- everywhere she goes.<br />
Her ears are lined with hand dyed silk and are very soft. They can go up....<br />
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or down!<br />
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Or any way she chooses.<br />
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Around her shoulders she wears a little crocheted shawl to keep her snug. It's held in place with an old amethyst brooch, which is very dear to her.<br />
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Heartsease has a secret! Attached to her waist is a pair of old scissors. She uses these to snip off your worries and cares.<br />
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They go into the pocket on her apron and.....</div>
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the tiny heart of love hidden away inside the pocket transforms them into happiness!<br />
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Her eyes show she is old and very wise.<br />
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She is fully button jointed so she can sit beside you.<br />
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Heartsease has her own special story.....<br />
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and she's transported in a rustic bag which matches her apron. Her story scroll tucks neatly into the pocket for safekeeping.<br />
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I hope she's going to be a very happy birthday surprise! <br />
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<i>Heartsease's clothes are all hand dyed. The lace really is old, and belonged to my aunt. Her face is painted in water colours, then sealed. I crocheted her shawl and hand embroidered her apron. Her scissors and heart are sculpted in paper clay and painted. The amethyst brooch is also quite old and was once part of a ring.</i>Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-48638542423150666762014-01-28T23:45:00.000+00:002014-01-28T23:45:26.208+00:00 My little creative spaceI'm always interested to see where people create. Some have beautiful, purpose made studios and others make miracles on the kitchen table. I was a 'make do' person for many years, but now I have my own studio - as I like to call it! <br />
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I thought I'd show you my small space, in a DIY version of 'Where Bloggers Create'. It's just the spare room in our 'compact and bijou' flat - and it's not <i>actually</i> spare, because we don't have a regular lounge. Himself was here long before I joined him and had commandeered the lounge/biggest/ nicest room as his study/computer mecca/happy place, with lots of IT stuff everywhere. We're not particularly conventional, though, and as there's just the 2 of us, and intermittently Oskie the time share cat, (who'll sleep anywhere) -<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Can't a cat get some rest around here?</i></span></td></tr>
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we manage!<br />
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When I moved in, himself insisted I have the spare room for my own, as it was just being used to store <strike>junk</strike> useful things. Once cleared and decorated it became the place I now spend most of my time. <br />
Our 1950's flat is not very big but does have a cupboard built into each room - very useful! This is where I store all my supplies. Threads, fabrics, paints and mediums, clays, art supplies, notions, yarn, roving, craft products, tools and equipment, beads, stuffing, papers and sketchbooks etc..... it all goes in this small space! I'm always looking for useful storage ideas and ways to keep things tidy and accessible. I have to re-organise regularly. Last time I couldn't find the hot glue gun after I moved it to a 'much better place.....'!<br />
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The door can't open any wider as there's a table next to it, and I need the step stool to reach the top, but it does the job!<br />
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I treated myself to a <a href="http://www.hornfurniture.co.uk/gemini/">Horn sewing cabinet</a> for my last big birthday. It's fantastic for small spaces, as it folds down to a neat little unit, but when open, gives me a great sewing space and storage. My Bernina is usually stored inside, but I'm using my beloved old Singer at the moment as I'm making a new character. There's an embroidery frame stand and a basket of yarn just out of shot too, I notice.....<br />
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On the opposite side of the room is an old 1950's kitchen table with flaps which is used for art, painting, clay work, felt making etc. Everything has to be moved in and out as needed. I have to set up to work in say, paper clay, for a morning, then clear everything up and get out my light box to transfer designs in the afternoon. I usually have 2 or 3 different techniques going at a time and hop between table, sewing station and PC. It's good exercise! The table cover is fabric I fell in love with and bought on our first visit to Singapore. I am thrilled with my new digital radio - a gift from himself. I'm a music addict and listen to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music">BBC 6 Music</a> every day! <br />
My brushes are all kept in favourite old pottery. The pink vase is pre-1940's and was my mum's. The basket holds all my 'everyday items' like masking tape and glues.<br />
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Finally, in the other corner is my PC and desk, with my collection of tiny treasured possessions. (The unattractive wire is due to me downloading some photos and then forgetting to remove it for this one. You see, this is <b>real</b> life!)<br />
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The little sign on my desk lamp ( IKEA cheapie painted to look like metal - about 20 years ago now) is much loved as it was made for me by our lovely niece Sally when she was young. My on-line name is Sparklyjools!<br />
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There's a bookcase full of text books and that's about it - if the ironing board is up in the room as well, then you pretty much need to send for a search and rescue team to get you out! It's all mine though and I'm so grateful to have it. There is talk of new shelves coming soon........ <br />
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So, where do you create? Do you have any useful tips or ideas for storage? I'd love to know. x<br />
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-82104351062690425292014-01-26T13:56:00.000+00:002014-01-26T13:56:08.821+00:00Words on Sunday<br />
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<b>A Moment.....</b></div>
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In the garden at midnight;</div>
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all's silvered by the moon's light. </div>
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A world of silence, calm and still.</div>
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Then, rustling in the white birch.</div>
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Blackbird sings from her lofty perch;</div>
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music to make my heart thrill.</div>
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<i>JW </i></div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-46293492998242401512014-01-24T22:45:00.000+00:002014-01-25T00:02:54.385+00:00Grow Your Blog Party 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello and welcome to Adventures in Thread! I am so pleased to be part of the <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/grow-your-blog-2014-this-is-official.html?commentPage=2">Grow your Blog Party</a> kindly hosted by Vicki at <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/">2 Bags Full.</a><br />
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My name is Jules and I'm a textile artist. I live near Bristol in south west England with my partner Andy, and a time share cat called Oskie. She really lives next door, but likes to visit us frequently when our neighbours are at work, for snoozing and fuss. She now has a 'daybed' here and strolls back home when she's ready!<br />
You will probably gather from this that we are rather big softies when it comes to our furry friends!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Oskie enjoys the creative process, especially sitting on my drawing board!</span></i></td></tr>
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So why Adventures in Thread?<br />
I started blogging six years ago. Feeling very isolated, I was thrilled
to find there were like minded, creative people all over the world who I
could talk to through blogging. I hope to make some new friends through
this party!<br />
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All my life I've loved to draw, stitch and make things. I get a real buzz from designing and creating unique items. I had some major life changes several years ago and started out on a big adventure - in a new location and new way of living. Embroidery has always been part of my world since I was very young, and I love stitching by hand. I also often use a 1939 hand Singer sewing machine which I'm lucky to have inherited as a family heirloom.<br />
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Textile thread is very important - but 'Thread' also stands for the constantly unraveling thread of my creative journey!<br />
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In 2008 I took a sabbatical from my former career and we had a wonderful trip to New Zealand and Singapore, where I came across art dolls for the first time. I set about finding everything I could about them. Since then I've made quite a few, and have recently begun creating one of a kind animal characters. You can see many of my creations <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneoakimages/sets/72157632365269462/">here </a>on my Flikr stream, or by using the link in the sidebar. I'm graduating to a much more folk art style, and hopefully, finding my niche at last! Being creative is so important to me and I firmly believe that it can do wonders for health and well being. This is a little taster of what you may find here....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nature inspired....</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">sometimes whimsical...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">very often away with the fairies.....</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> dreaming of times past......</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">and very importantly - lots of <b>Fun</b>!</span></i></td></tr>
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I really enjoy helping people to start stitching and creating, and I teach a weekly stitchery class locally. I also get to design the embroidery projects, which is great fun!<br />
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Nature, wildlife and animals are lifelong loves; the natural world inspires me every day.We have a small wildlife garden, and I spend as much time as I can out and about in our local countryside, often with my trusty camera and sketchbook.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Although we live near a big city there's plenty of nature close by</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Our garden visitors are <b>always</b> hungry!</span></i></td></tr>
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As history is another passion of mine we're really lucky to have some amazing historic houses and gardens literally, on our doorstep -<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>C18th Kings Weston House and Estate - just down the road!</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Victorian Gothic - Beautiful Tyntesfield House and Estate - a few miles away</span></i></td></tr>
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Well, I hope you've enjoyed your visit, please come again soon! To say thank you for coming - and as it is my 6 year blog anniversary this month, I am having a little mystery giveaway! No clues - but it will be something designed and made by me. If you would like to enter, then please just leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen by random generator and announced here on 15th February.<br />
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If you're not a Google + blogger and want to contact me directly, please do use my gmail address, which is in the sidebar under my profile.<br />
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Enjoy the Party!x</div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-87423879773047040922014-01-22T11:42:00.002+00:002014-01-22T11:42:28.787+00:00Little Bo PeepIt's rare I don't finish a project - but this poor girl has been hanging around since September and I decided to have a purge and complete her! She's another of my Nursery Crymes designs.<br />
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I finished the stitching and started to put her into a panel for a cushion.<br />
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She was designed as an outline project, but I got a bit bored and decided to partly complete her with some more interesting filling stitches and leave other parts clear. I quite like the effect. She should make a good companion to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4161282820056873342#editor/target=post;postID=5438064324054878004;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=80;src=postname">Red Riding Hood</a> and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4161282820056873342#editor/target=post;postID=7840844007835055389;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=92;src=postname">Miss Muffett</a>!Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-75854390139121949522014-01-19T16:43:00.001+00:002014-01-19T16:43:23.602+00:00Words on Sunday<h2 class="title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One of the very first poems I ever learnt when I was very small was this one, from A.A Milne's compendium, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">'When We Were Very Young'<b>.</b></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> My big brother is called John and it reminds me of him!</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> With the constant downpours we're getting in the UK, I thought it might be appropriate for this week. The illustrations, by E. H Shepard, are fabulous. </span></span></span></h2>
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<i>Alan Alexander Milne</i></div>
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Sparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161282820056873342.post-83969424879190379992014-01-15T18:10:00.000+00:002014-01-15T18:12:01.667+00:00Waiting for Spring....I was really delighted with the lovely comments I received about Hopestill. Thank you all so much. I'm getting on well with my hare commission and hope to introduce her soon. <br />
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It's been a strange week weather wise, but Monday morning was beautiful, not cold, gorgeous sunshine and birds singing everywhere. Two robins were doing a courtship display in the cherry tree round the corner. The male was very persistent, but I'm not sure the object of his intentions was quite as keen! I grabbed my camera, and promptly spent what felt like an hour leaping around under the trees to try and get a photo of a long tailed tit! Goodness knows what I looked like. If you have ever tried to take any photos of wildlife you'll understand. These cute little birds move<b> fast!</b> This is not the best photo ever but I'm proud of it.<br />
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I took a new path and found I could access a part of the rhine I haven't been to before. It was so wet underfoot that I couldn't get very far, but it will be fun to explore when it finally dries up.<br />
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There are catkins everywhere now, this little hazel tree especially caught my eye.<br />
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And these are alder catkins.<br />
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I was serenaded by this lovely thrush, who was singing its heart out! (It also very kindly sat still!)<br />
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Buds look ready to break everywhere.</div>
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And hidden in a thicket I found this little early flowering cherry, bravely cheering up the shadows! I can't remember ever seeing it in previous years.<br />
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It's so nice to see the sun. I do think Spring is on it's way, it's just taking the scenic route!xSparklyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933747988131010460noreply@blogger.com3