Mixed Media Portrait

Karin gave me this link to a fabulous free mixed media class http://willowing.ning.com/

This is the first class and I so enjoyed doing it. Please be sure to check out the site ;-)

Happy Halloween

I created 2 Halloween canvas pieces for a Halloween challenge.....

Printing - Drypoint and Collograph

I attended a wonderful printing workshop in Armagh over the last 2 Saturdays with Mary, Carrie and Marian. The timing was perfect as I'm starting in NCAD on Wednesday studying Drawing, Mixed Media and Print - so I got an insight into some more printing techniques.

My final images are far from perfect, but it was a great opportunity to learn the technique and get a feel for the process. Here's a couple of the pieces I made.

The Drypoint image was created by scratching into a perspex plate using various tools. This is a simple sepia toned print of my Drypoint Lighthouse.

I also ran a 'blue' version of the dry point and tried to capture the 'night' feel with the moon reflected in the water.

The collograph was great fun to make - layer different textures of wallpaper, tissue and tinfoil and cutting away the mountboard base, which is then varnished over to protect.  Here is the finished collograph plate prior to printing.

This is probably the best of the prints from the collograph plate, although I would have liked to spend more time and get the definition of the lighthouse more clear - still it gives a good indication of the possibilities.

Finally, as I was in town to catch a train at 7am! I took a photo of the train station with a beautiful red morning sky ;-)

Joanne's Tag

My final tag for our Forum Tag swap. Joanne's theme was childhood.

I was drawn to the pretty bright colours as they reminded me of Joanne's style.

Catkin - RIP

This is a very special post in memory of our beloved Catkin who passed away last night.

He has been part of our family for 13 years and had a very special personality. He was very beautiful, and had a wonderful arrogance about him. Everyone who met him adored him. We will miss him very much.

My Hat with Loulou Bricole

A couple of weeks ago I spent a wonderful day with milliner Linda Gruet. Not only is she an amazing designer, she's a lovely person and great fun to be with - and she's a great cook too!

It was an intensive learning experience in a relaxed atmosphere, and I brought home a hat which I am in love with. It doesn't get any better!

I love Linda's elegant style with its vintage twist, and importantly her designs are wearable. Check out her website - Loulou Bricole Couture Millinery to see some of her stunning work.

Pennys Tag

This is the final tag for our Tag Book Challenge, and this one is made for Penny's theme - Sea.

I actually found it difficult to get this piece done. But I am pleased with the final result - I hope Pen likes it too!

Image Transfer Cards

I made some 'bonus' project card samples from the kit I used in the Image Transfer Notebook class in Norway. I just love the Prima Papers they were so easy to work with.

 

Image Transfer Notebooks

While in Norway I gave a class in which we created a notebook decorated with an image made using the image transfer technique. I made a couple of samples, one of which I used to as a mini wedding album, the other I've left as a plain notebook. I love making these little books as they are so versatile.

Birthday Wishes

A work colleague had a special birthday recently and I thought this would be a pretty card to acknowledge her special day. I started this card in Norway and I have to thank Anne Lise for some of the wonderful embellishments she gave me during my stay - some of which I used in the finished piece here.

Belated Birthday Card

My friend Kaz had a big birthday this year. I made this card months ago, and was so pleased with it I saved it especially for her special day.

Ringsaker

My friend Anne Lise lives in the most beautiful area, Ringsaker, Norway on the edge of the Mjøsa lake. The rolling hills and trees are so peaceful in this place. It was lovely to spend time just sitting in this beauty.

 

The old Hamar Cathedral

In Hamar where the craft event was held there is the most wondeful ruined Cathedral, which has now been enclosed in a modern glass house to protect it and also allow services to continue on the site. I took a walk there on Sunday morning, and was very lucky to arrive during a special confirmation service held by the Bishop of Oslo. There were bells ringing, and the most beautiful hymnal music and singing. It was a perfect moment.

Norway

I was honoured to be invited to Norway last weekend to stay with a very special friend of mine, Anne Lise. I got to attend a fabulous craft event, and even present a class on image transfer techniques. The weather was mixed, but I did get some days with lovely sunshine and I took some beautiful photos of the countryside. Here's just a few.....

 

Thank you again Anne Lise, for such a beautiful weekend away!

City Streets

I spent a bank holiday morning wandering around Temple Bar, Dublin. I came across some graffiti which I thought I'd share with you as it made me smile ....

Dream Box

Karin set a fab challenge to create a piece using Sir Timmys Shabby Chic technique, and include some blossoms. I had this box sitting round which I've been wanting to do something with, so I decided I had to use it for this challenge. And so the Dream Box came into being.

 

Its not just a pretty box, its a very special storage box, to protect something very precious. Inside the Dream Box are some very special scrolls where you can write down your hopes, wishes and dreams to keep them safe until they come true.