Make Art Monday

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm pushing on with the print project that I described last week (read back last Mon. for details). I needed to resize my image to fit the size of my printing Lino (10x15cm) and decided I would try and make Anna's face a little 'softer'. So, I've made slight changes to the basic drawing on the Lino block. I also want to use a few different colours for my prints and will try and make some good decisions in terms of the carving process. I'm not sure exactly how this will turn out but will just go with it. Initially, I tried tracing my face shape onto the Lino therefor the actual shape is reversed. However, after the initial face shape, I've abandoned the tracing and just make a sketch directly on the Lino. As a result the face is not quite the same as the original Anna sketch.

The face does look a little different but I'm OK with it. Today, I will go for the first carve and make an initial print. That's the plan !! Here is a quick look at the developments on the Lino :

                                 

I will share my progress next time. Wish me luck.

Thanks for reading.

From Scratch

Hi Everyone

Can't believe its Friday again ! It's also incredibly close to Chirstmas and I'm being very slow to organise my own Christmas. It's time to get it sorted as soon as possible. Must spend my day concentrating on this. 

However, moving on ...... more interesting news - my From Scratch offer today for another stocking filler is a new ring. I'm going to use this design for a couple of presents for my own friends (so, there is a sort of link to my opening comment !). I want to make some really special packaging/ boxes for the rings too. I'm not totally sure what to do at the moment , perhaps I will use some decoupage ideas ?

The ring is quite a simple peyote technique construction and can look quite stunning when worn. Here is an example of one I made earlier. I've named the ring 'Anna'.

                                 

I'm going to use different colours for a new approach and a different look. I'd also like to make one as a Christmas present to myself (in pink). I will share the results next time.

If you are interested in a kit - these rings will be around the £6 mark, for a completed version, £7.50. Anyone interested should contact me via Facebook (private message) or message my Etsy shop.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Clay Day

Hi Everybody

I'm still working on the development of my new 'inspiration beads' from last week (read back last Thursday for details). I've experimented and was not happy with the texture patterns I produced. I've since acquired some more fabric to use as a sort of print tool. I had tried a similar fabric for this purpose and ended up with little strands of the fabric embedded in the clay. To stop this happening, I've coated the latest fabric to seal in the fibres. It's the pattern I want not the fibres. I will make more textured clay today with the sealed fabric and hopefully I will get the textured beads from my inspiration piece. Here is another look at the inspiration.

                                 

I especially like the range of colours used in this lovely piece. My colours will probably be more defined ie limited to the reds and the blues. I hope to keep solid colours but not the range in between. I'm going to colour the clay after the texture is complete. I'm thinking of using alcohol inks at the moment. This could change ? I'm using white clay throughout and want a strong colour to complete my beads. This is my experiment day so anything could happen.

Thanks for reading.

Recipe Wednesday

Hi Everyone

Bit of a disaster today re my recipe. I should have served it up last night but we had a friend for dinner and there was not enough to go around. So, the pudding of the week will happen this evening.

This is a construction rather than a cooking thing. It's going to be called Apple Caramel Waffles. It's a layered Apple purée (I prepared/cooked) with vanilla cream and a caramel waffle biscuit, topped with flaked almonds. Here are the apples (puréed and in a bag) and the waffle biscuits. I need to whip up some vanilla cream, layer everything on the plates and sprinkle with flaked almonds

                                 

 I would say it's about a 15min job including cooking the apples. I like the idea and the flavours. It's almost got a 5 before its delivered from me. However, the boys are a bit more demanding in terms of their puddings. So .... we will see if it makes it into the book. Read back on Wednesdays for background on the book.

I will get a few photos as I'm serving and post later with the scores.

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to call in later for the results.

Results are in : the pudding goes into the book. 

13/15 marks and a new name : Almond Mountain.

 Here is the pudding as it was served :

                                  

Thanks for reading.

The Making Framework

Hi Everyone

The Making Framework has another workshop today and we will concentrate on all things Christmas. We started some Chritstmas Trees last time - using air dry clay and today we will aim to develop these trees with painting, waxing, felting and beading techniques. Here are a few of the samples and the e-poster for the workshop - showing the range of work involved.

                                

                               

I've also developed the spiral beaded charm which I mentioned last time :

                               

The Tree Charms are seen hanging on a curly willow display tree (above). More on that next time. I'm also hoping we may be able to develop a few  more beaded trees next time. We may also get into some card making (prep.) by making  felted embellishments today.

These little Christmas projects are bringing together lots of materials and techniques from previous sessions and everyone is showing real skill and imagination in applying their ideas.

I will share the results of the workshop next time.

Thanks for reading.