Talking About Texture

In the rare moments when both of the children are asleep, it's a race to get my craft things out and crack on with my coursework, because either one of them could wake at any moment, and bring progress to a grinding halt. 

So here are some of my texture designs so far - the brief was to fill basic outlines of your source material with the hand made textured papers.

Landscape picture

Black on white - Lighthouse at Corbiere

White on black - Lighthouse at Corbiere

The last one, white on black of the lighthouse is my favourite, as I think it's quite dramatic and evocative of a huge thunderstorm.

I have a few more designs to come up with using this technique and then I have to try different collage techniques such as folding, pleating and tearing the papers.  Lots of ideas in my head, and I can't wait to get started.  Perhaps Pete can take the children for a long drive around the island...

In other crafty news, I received both Popular Patchwork magazine and Modern Quilting magazine this week.  I like Popular Patchwork magazine, it has some interesting articles and information, but I have to admit I do feel like I must be one of their youngest readers!  I find some of the fabrics and designs a bit dated, and there are quite a few pictures of older ladies!!  Modern Quilting magazine is definitely aimed at a younger audience and the fabrics they use make me want to drool, they are so gorgeous.  There really is a much more contemporary feel to the projects and style of the magazine, I just love it and I am so pleased I came across it in time to get the first issue. 

Hopefully I will get a moment this weekend to come up with some more texture designs, I shall post more progress soon!

A Super Surprise

In my last blog post talked all about how I have decided to subscribe to Popular Patchwork magazine.  Things have moved on considerably since then...

First of all I received the lovely Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts book in the post, along with a large box of metallic Maderia threads which was very exciting.  The book is so inspiring with such wonderful designs and fabrics, I do highly recommend it.     

I also went to the shop and purchased the latest edition of Popular Patchwork as my subscription does not start until next month.  I was enjoying a cup of coffee and a very rare quiet moment with both children asleep, when I came across an article all about The School of Stitched Textiles, who are my distance learning provider.  Articles in this magazine usually span a couple of pages, and I was reading with great interest, the story of how SST had been set up, and then I turned the page, and to my amazement I saw the following...

In case you can't see it clearly, it's a photograph of my work, with my name under it! 

It was just pure chance that I bought a copy this month, and I knew absoloutely nothing about it so you can imagine my surprise.  I am completely chuffed to bits that they chose my work and it has really boosted my confidence.  When you study from home it is very easy to think that your work isn't good enough, that other people's work is better etc. etc.  So this has really spurred me on and made me believe that I can complete this course and that my work is as good as everybody elses after all.

In other news, there has been a flurry of Valentine creativity in the house, and it is only now, 2 days after Valentines day that I have had a chance to blog about it.  Here is my creation, an idea that I found on Pinterest a few weeks back and couldn't resist making; 

The top hearts are actually sewn on by machine, which was easier said than done, because unlike fabric, one false move with the needle and it would leave a gaping big hole in the paper!  Overall I am pleased with how it turned out and Pete seemed to appreciate the effort so it was worth it.

Of course Freya had to make a card for her daddy too, and I have to say I was highly impressed with her commitment to the heart collage, and I think the results are are delightful...

Note my attempt at slightly arty photographs here - having been looking at a host of other blogs, some are literally works of art in themselves - mine is far too functional - must try harder!

And finally, here is a picture that is completely unrelated to anything crafty but it is so adorable I couldn't resist posting it...

Bathtime!

 

Popular Patchwork

I realise that having a new baby and a toddler is not conducive of high output of C and G coursework.  In fact it has come almost to a grinding halt, apart from about an hour's work yesterday when Freya was at the childminder and William was sleeping.  

My days are filled with toddler entertainment and my nights with feeding and nappy changing.  Not a lot of 'me' time.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining; my children are my pride and joy, but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss a few quiet hours with a needle and thread or working on some designs. 

Anyway, I had been thinking for some time that I would like to subscribe to a quilting or craft magazine so that I can at least keep abreast of the crafting world, and start a collection of magazines to refer to in the future.  (I used to have about 6 years worth of The World of Cross Stitch but I gave them all away.)  And when I was in my local Spar shop, I spotted Popular Patchwork...

After a quick flick through thought I would make the purchase.  I am only half way through reading it (2 children now remember!) but I am really enjoying it and decided to subscribe.  The added incentive being that if you subscribe now, you get a free book...and who could resist!

So I am awaiting my new book with much anticipation, so that I can drool over more gorgeous quilts and maybe get some inspiration for when I one day in the distant future get a chance to do some sewing again.