Castle Ashby Walled Garden Craft Fair

I was with Pennine Crafts at Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire at the weekend. The most beautiful setting and a big thank you to the Ann's for a wonderfully organised Craft Fair. All the crafters that I met were lovely and it was a pleasure to be there. Even on the hottest day of the year so far. The marquee was rather hot and my fan didn't help much. There was a disappointment though. There was a mass disappearce of people from two o'clock on Sunday afternoon. I wonder what that was for!!

Here are a few pictures from the day......


My stall, with my newly constructed back drop!










I made these flowers whilst I was there. I also made a bowl, but I need to finish it.



And these are all the craft forum people that were there.

Just a quicky

Some of the things iv made this week........

New book etc!

Fully recommend this book! Just what I like....... hardly any writing and loads to look at and inspire. I only had it this morning and I cant put it down. Its amazing to see so many artists work like you and me in a book. Some of the people are who I talk to or I follow there blogs. There are also a great amount of felters in there..... ya for felting!!

I must add do some more of these.................


Poppy made for Sara of Sara Texture Crafts



............Brooch / Hair clips.

Iv Started!

Fairy Woodland Background



Felted using Merino and Shetland wool, silks and threads. Measuring at the start 160cm x 110cm.

Todays been busy.......

Here are a few photos of the things I made today...........



Sapphire blue and peacock colouring hand dyed merino wool, 5ft long scarf.



Merino lime wool with hand dyed Merino wool spots. 5 ft long. Photos making it look pale..... sorry, but its a lot brighter!



Spots - hand dyed merino wool
A bit of a mish / mash, experimental scarf. Cobweb edges, centre line fro rippling and spots....... sort of worked!!



Ok I'm loving this. Going to have to make another one for me!!! Back of lime, deep purple and light pink (pansy) scarf - very milk tray colouring!! Top layer cobweb, bottom layer two toned purple scarf, 5 ft long, lime, deep purple and light pink (pansy). Pansy merino variegated wool from saratexturecrafts.



A two layered cobweb scarf, 5 ft long, lime, deep purple and light pink (pansy). Pansy merino variegated wool from saratexturecrafts.



Also a poppy brooch / hair accessory for Sara....... hope you like babe x

Yes all that today!!

Im starting my big project tomorrow. So ill let you know how I get along.

Quick peek of progress.........

All samples......



Love this, definatley the texture and its the look I wanted to achieve.


Im not happy with just wet felting the toadstool. So im going to needle felt the individually....... more work but should be worth it!


Im not happy with the stem, but getting there!


Mini version.......To tan, but thats all I had. Textures are good though and I like the added in threads.

My next project!

Sketch



I had to do a life size picture for my tutor. Hopefully it will be around 80cm wide and 120cm long.... or around abouts.

My wool has just arrived, so im off to dive in the box!

My last finished sample

Well this is my last sample that I have done for the Felting Collection Unit.



Dandelion Seed Head



An embellished piece of felt. Hand dyed wet felted background, Needle felted seed head and hand sewn seed wings.

I'm not one to do hand sewing and I must admit my teacher has had to push me into doing it... as in shouting at me, kicking me up the backside!! But....... (don't tell her ;o) I actually enjoyed doing this and it will be put into my dinning room when the end of year exhibition finishes.

Now to organise how I'm going to present my collection of samples and also the boring bit....... finish off the portfolio!

I think it may look something like this



All my samples put on a large branch acting as leaves. As my theme for my work is Fantasy Woodland. Might have to see if I can find another branch which is a bit bigger.

Anyway to finish off seeming i have said about the end of year exhibition, it would be rood of me not to give you the details.

Its going to be a collection of Embroidered and Textile Art made by City and Guild Creative Textile students, Tutored by Cherrilyn Tyler.

This also includes all the collection of silk paper creations exhibited at the Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch Exhibition at the NEC, in March this year. Of cause Ditzy will be there for her final showing!

It's being held at Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester. LE4 4GH

The opening times are -
Tuesday 6th July 10am - 5pm

Wednesday 7th July 10am - 8pm

Thursday 8th July 10am - 5pm

Friday 9th July 10am - 2pm

£1 donation for taking photos, which goes to charity (Charity TBC)

Well I'm off to do more of my portfolio.

Felting Samples

Workshops

Yes...... two in one day! Lol!



To my amazement......... the Handbag and Flower Corsage has been very popular and is know full. Iv been asked to put on another one, which hopefully I will do in the new year.

I have decided to put on two more workshops before Christmas. (Well we are half way through the year know! Ekk!)

First the Cozy Scarf Workshop on Sunday 24th October, in Enderby, Leicester. We'll be making a scarf something like this.......


....... or we could add in spots, tassels, different shapes, the list is endless!!

The second one is The Christmas Stocking & Angel workshop, Sunday 14th November, in Enderby, Leicester. This is were we wet felt a stocking and needle felt a angel! Something to put some lovely pressies into and a decoration for the tree.



Sorry there's no picture of the stocking. I haven't got round to making one for a picture yet!

Since talking about the workshops iv been asked to do some talks and workshops for local Embroiders Guilds next year. It's quite exciting!!

Lamport Hall

What a weekend! It was my first three day event and I cant believe how much it has taken out of me. Rather tiring! It was a lovely event with a wide range of stalls and crafters. I didn't get much chance to have a look round but managed to nip out before things started on the Sunday.
These are a few photos of the event.


The courtyard, we were in the stable on the right.



The stables



Me trying to keep warm with loads of layers of clothing. I felt like the Michelin man!



One of my favorite plant.... foxgloves



The Northants Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. This group were a really happy bunch of people, working away all day on there spinners. I had a lovely conversion with them about the different wools and fibres that are available.
They are having a Open Day to the public on Sat 14th August at Denton Village Hall, Denton, Northampton. Opening 10:30am - 3.00pm.... I'm definitely going to try and go. There work is fantastic! There website is www.northantsswd.org.uk