Things that are inspiring me today.....

Decaying. old boats

Layers of rust

 

 

A long forgotten, half finished piece of work

Brightly coloured wool

Thick oil paints

My selection of painting tools

A painting that I love, although my art tutor said it was rubbish

A jumble of ribbons and trimmings

And my beloved watercolours

New Challenges.....

http://creativeeveryday.com/creative-every-day-challenge

A New Year....

Yet again...it's been a while.


So what have I been up to...not painting that's for sure!!!
The lure of the paintbrush has been lacking of late, the lure of the sewing box and wool basket has been stronger.


I've been doing this:



A Wee Knitted House bought from here whilst on holiday
http://www.no47tobermory.co.uk/



Restoration of a inherited blanket that is the size of the moon!!! Much undoing of ancient sewing.

My nights are spent reading and digesting these and filling sketchbooks with new ideas. (oh and on the subject of sketchbooks, don't let me sign up for another Sketchbook Project, yet another empty, expensive sketchbook resides at my house)

Boxes full of wool tops waiting to be turned into something special.

Needle felting

My first attempts at needle felting

And cross-stitch presents for friends!!!



Basically, I've been having a crafty time!!

:o)





Because I think its probably safe to post this now....

Following on from this post:

http://missmerrydown.blogspot.com/2010/03/dear-college.html

I think it's probably safe to post the reply that I got....who knew College could communicate with it's students????

Dear Student,

I can't believe it has come to this. Remember all the good times - the times when you enjoyed coming to me, and how you would be proud to call me 'your college'. I realise it hasn't been easy for us lately. If only you'd followed the example of other students and become disabled, or severely depressed. Things would have been different then.


Yes, I would have been there for you if you hadn't been so normal.

 I know we've had a roller-coaster relationship, and at the moment we're off the rails, but surely it's worth another try? I'd do anything to try and keep you with me - I'd even change my name if you wanted me to. Oh, yes, I've tried that.
Look, it's never easy for someone with a happy childhood - try to remember - you must have had just a little bit of abuse /neglect that we could fall back on ? Wouldn't you like a nice new laptop?
It could never be like the good old days Student, I realise that now. In those days I was a young and foolish college that tried to educate my students and had books and resources and things. What mad, impetuous days they were! Do you sometimes think of the days when you came in to my art courses and DID things?! Surely you can't be hankering after those supportive, sociable classes, when you had materials and places to work ? You have to earn respect student, and you still owe me £18,
(Plus £20 studio fees). Come to think of it, have you EVER paid them?
All I'm asking is that you give me one more try - just come in on Monday. I'm sure one more pointless,frustrating, confidence sapping day will convince you to come back.
Or is there another College?
I still love you


College

My new assignment

I'm REALLY going to do this one....unlike the Sketchbook Project, but at least I got a lovely sketchbook out of it!!

http://arthousecoop.com/projects/amlp

I've chosen the theme "From here to there"

The camera has been shipped, so I'd better start thinking about this.......

March Theme: Garden

Thanks to http://www.juliacrossland.blogspot.com/
I lurve you for doing this
:o)

Well, who would have thought it????

Today, for the first time in aaaaaaaaaaaaages, I picked up a paintbrush.....not to paint the bathroom walls, but to put paint on a canvas.

It surprised me how nervous it made me feel, it would appear that I have lost my confidence when it comes to paint.

Reading my friend Julia's blog http://juliacrossland.blogspot.com/  made me realise how the littlest comment can make you lose belief in yourself and your abilities.

So, today I did this:

It may not seem like a lot, but it was a HUGE step for me.....we'll see how it goes.