plastic bags what are they good for? textile art!

I've just finished the first of 2 original pieces for a new green collection upcycling plastic bags into art
They are now for sale at http://www.studio61gallery.co.uk/

Its lovely turning unwanted unloved materials into something beautiful, and the frames (not shown) were made by my husband from reclaimed floorboards, I now eye up plastic bags in a totally different way, not seeing them as rubbish, but eyeing up the colours and the thickness of them and thinking how they can be manipulated

John Lewis County

Just come back from a few lovely days in North Norfolk (affectionately known as John Lewis County where everthing is tasteful, lovely and made to last) .  We've had lots of lovely walks, eaten nice food and generally relaxed  its the first break we've had in a while, and it was strange coming back to a different home.  We're very much hoping that our new relaxed way of life will mean that we need less "get aways" as the stresses and strains of modern day life, will hopefully get less

Conkers

Yesterday's run saw me do a bit of speedwork, when, halfway across a field, a horse that had previously been ignoring me and eating grass, decided to take a run with me.  Todays walk was a bit more sedate, and I've found a local conker tree - I stuffed my pockets with the conkers and their outers - I'll use them in a still life first, and later I'll use the conkers to deter spiders from the house (trust me it really does work)

On the design front, I've been busy, I've gone back to dyeing and sculpting fabrics in the pressure cooker, I'm making a very tactile wreath out of felty balls (pics when its complete) - think its to labour intensive to develop comercially though, and I have my winter tote bags ready for sale. (www,treehuggery.co.uk)

I'm shattered!

Cold but happy

Well to say that I've got a stinking cold, I've had a lovely day today.  Col was doing the cross country race, so I decided to go over with him and take a walk while he was racing.  I got some cracking photos of autumnal trees, made friends with a huge irish wolf hound and chatted to a woman who was gathering rosehips to make rosehip wine - now thats an idea.

Pumpkin fest

Pumpkin and tarrogan cobbler, pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie are all bubbling away.  Also because I have such a reputation for being a "womble" and making use out of the things that people don't want I'm making some green tomato soup, but better than that I've found a really good use for plastic bags.  I'll post a photo later

Sad news about Darren Holloway

At the weekend a friend of ours who I ran with at our local club died while out competing in a relay event for his fell running club (pennine). Darren was a well known , respected and loved person who had the time of day for everyone. His cheery way of life his knowledge of running and cycling will sorely be missed by all those who new him personally or through his blog " laidbackfellrunner" He was a modest person who probably never new how much he was an inspiration to others.  At 42 years old he had managed to pack more experiences in to his life than some will do in twice that amount. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Just walking the dog

Went a nice autumnal walk with my friend and her 4 terriers today - the sun shone and the dogs splashed about in puddles and streams, would love a dog ourselves, but probably not a terrier, lovely as they are, I'd be terriefied about them chasing animals, and as it is we have visiting squirrels coming in to our garden.

Thinking about dog names though and think Bach or Orc would be a good name for a "Ward" dog  - hmmm have probably been listening too much to "Sorry I haven't a clue"  Mr and Mrs Ward, and their dog "Bach".......

Prizes, prizes

Ooooh exciting, I'm launching my first ever TreeHuggery competition, and a chance to enter a prize draw to win a signed, limited edition, giclee print of "The Well Walked Path".
I love draws and competitions, it really brings out the child in me - so to actually be running it, and put "The Judges decision is final" and think "oooooh that's me"  - well that's soooo exciting.

If you want to see more, here's the link

www.treehuggery.co.uk/Win-a-Limited-Edition-Print.html

I popped over to the lovely studio 61 gallery in Holloway, to take over a new exclusive range of Autumnal cushions and tea cosies, its a beautiful drive up the windy steep roads, and was made especially lovely by the bright blue skies and brilliant red leaves on the trees.  Sadly this time I didn't stay for a walk along the Cromford canal, but went back full of ideas for new projects

Feeling very flattered that my work has been chosen to be there too,