Hopscotch Corner

Week 4 of TAST - Cretan stitch

2012-01-29T15:56:00.003+01:00

I don't know why, but I can't seem to take to this stitch, maybe because life is really hectic at the moment and major things are going on. Hard to concentrate as much as I would like.
I may finish another sample later on. It is such a pleasure seeing the wonderful variety of stitches and the way we all translate them.
I have started an album of stitches that inspire me over on flickr.
I thought this sample was finished, but it had other plans(I think this stitch is trying to endear itself to me), maybe I'll embroider further after the next stitch is tried out.
For now, here are my shots.

Hope you're all enjoying yourselves

Best wishes
Barbara.

Week 2 TAST Challenge

2012-01-23T19:39:00.002+01:00

Bit late posting this, so here's week 2 and 3 in one post.

Week 2 and Buttonhole stitch. I decided to go free-style and for me this means no sketches no pre-planning; just going with the flow. The bonus this week for me, was working on linen for the first time and I must say I loved it! The feel of the fabric as you work and handle it, is lovely,

I have included some close-ups as when I view other people's work I love to fathom out how they've done something and get a proper feel for the stitches.

So, ogle away! :)

The motif here is done using detached buttonhole which is worked on a foundation of straight stitches and worked across these without piercing the fabric. The stitching is only secured at the outer edges.

The Number and the semi circle with beading were worked over a piece of felt for a 3D look.

I am really enjoying this but love to embroider on different surfaces sometimes they inspire a design. Week 3's background was a little sample I had lying around for quite a while and although I need the experience of working on aida fabric I am still drawn to surfaces with of variation and irregularities.

The back ground is white velvet and I ironed on painted bond-a-web (an old favourite of mine. I don't know wether the metallic streak across the sample shows up but this is an experiment in laminatiing paper and metallic organza with pva glue!.

Feather stitch is one of my favourite stitches and can be delicate or bold - a really good traveller on the fabric. With this sample I wanted to concentrate on creating depth and texture. Layers were the answer, including an attached scrap of organza which was pleated and held in place by the stitches
The plant life in the foreground were made bolder by whipping part of the stitches (the same for the blossom on the tree).
Any way hope you like the photos and if you stop by to take a look, please leave a comment :)
Especially if you are taking part in TAST yourself! I'm off to see what week 4
has in store for me :)
Happy stitching
Barbara

Barbara

2012-01-08T18:01:00.000+01:00

TAST 2012

Finally finished the fly stitch sample yesterday and I'm completing a

free-style sample too; will post when finished.

I don't know about you, but working on aida fabric is a little annoying, all those mini 'black holes' staring blankly at you willing you to fill them.

I'm so used to stitching and working out the pattern or design as I go but those tidy little squares in their highly ordered world are so alien to me, LOL.

Anyway the idea of just concentrating on one stitch at a time and stretching your imagination is quite enticing, isn,t it? I mean, this stitch is so versatile, in future, I'll treat it with greater respect.

The number of people taking part in TAST 2012 ensures that I will have plenty of eye candy to ogle over and that makes me a very happy bunny! Trouble is there's a good chance of me watching instead of stitching.

For now here's my pics of Week 1's stuff.

Happy stitching, everyone and enjoy !

Tast Sampler and Guiding star

2011-12-15T15:31:00.000+01:00

I decided the original cover I made for the TAST challenge was a bit too fussy. Great fun to stitch though, so I will keep this and produce some saple beaded embroideries for it.

I think I will try to comcentrate on experimenting with stitches as a the main aim, although it it so easy to get sidetracked by embellishing with beading and other additions. Keeping up week by week may be a possible problem as I would need time to get used to new stitches before playing with them.

A good idea may be to stitch textbook samples and then play catch up with the experimental stuff. in an area of its own.

I would love to hear how my fellow TASTERS are going to approach this. So, please leave me a comment or two.
Hope to see lots of inspiring stuff in the New Year!
Wishes and Stitches
Barbara

P.S. I thought I would share photos of the Christmas decoration/Vessel I made last year, in memory of my dear Dad. It will take pride of place in my lounge each year. There are more photos to this piece so if it interests you the link is here. Guiding Star and a bit of the history

Wishing you all a Christmas full of warmth and love

November Cloth Doll Swap

2011-12-01T11:58:00.014+01:00

At last I know that my little cloth doll for the November swap is safely with her recipient, so I can post up a few pics of her. I called her 'Winter Waif' because she looks so lost (and a bit cold, too!) I was pleased she got there intact. Just thought you'd like to see :)

Wishes and Stitches

Barbara

TAST 2012

2011-11-29T18:16:00.020+01:00

I have just signed up for the T.A.S.T. 2012 Challenge. Read about it on sharonB's blog see title link. I have completed my cover which will be top of the fabric samples and each page will have a 2" column to the right for stitch name, week number, and a few rows of textbook stitches with the remaining space to experiment on. This is the plan so far, but, as you know, things are not set in stone and I will see how things go.

For all you stitchers out there my very best wishes for a creative and rewarding 2012!

Below is the finished cover, although a method of attaching the samples is still in the pipeline, I think I will use really large rings and insert eyelets into each page. It will be quick & easy to flick through them and choose the relevant page as a reference. One is rather dark, as I was still stitching at 9p.m. :)

Found my way home!!!

2011-11-21T19:19:00.001+01:00

At last after so long, I finally got my 'old faithful' blog back :) I just can't tell you how much I've missed posting here.

Hopefully I'll be using this a lot more now and sharing what I'm up to. See below for a sample :)

I've been posting lots of stuff on the stitchinfingers site I love it there and so to give you an idea what I've completed recently, please feel free to drop by and comment.

I am in the proces of finishing a mixed media sample cover and have just sent off a mini-comfort doll as a swap(will post this up when I know the recipient has got her!)

Anyway, really hope you can drop over now and again.

Free-style fusion Organza

Beaded free-style doodle

Modern twist on eyelet sttitch - an eyelet within an eyelet!

Scars Heal - Tears Dry

2009-07-18T17:31:00.000+02:00

This short blog, is to explain the piece in the accompanying photograph.

I have recently read a very eloquent blog, posted by a woman who was being violently abused by her husband. She had reached the point of taking action to ensure her, and her child's survival.

Initially, it did provoke a reaction of shock and anger from me, at the cruelty of it all; but as I read, I realised that this was a testament to her extra-ordinary bravery and ability to make life-changing/saving decisions, in the midst of a hellish situation!

So this is just one person's response of sisterly support and admiration, for all of you who have come through these harrowing nightmares, and emerged, the stronger for it!

If any of you are reading this, please visit her blog, and then take a step towards the life you deserve!

- There are people out there, just waiting to help you, but only if you make the first move!

To a safe place,

where scars can heal and tears can dry!

http://thelaststraw.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/my-last-15-minutes-leaving-domestic-violence-leaving-abusive-husband/

Back to blogland!/ Confidence blip

2009-06-02T09:09:00.000+02:00

Well, I must say, I feel a bit guilty having neglected my blog to have fun on flickr, but I needed to try a few different things to stimulate a change of direction in my work.

Sometimes, we all reach a point where we feel a little "stagnant"(my description) and find ourselves producing the same type of pieces, or choosing the same colours, methods, or materials in our work.

When I first started viewing all the wonderful and talented work on flickr and in the groups, I was in awe(and, if I must be truthful, a little jealous).

An absolute world of creativity and freedom of expression! I believe we all possess the power to express our thoughts and feelings creatively; but maybe don't use them to the full, because we lack the courage to take a chance - Outside our comfort Zone, perhaps?

So it was late afternoon and I was puzzling which direction to take(and feeling I'd lost my inspiration)

Glancing down, a tiny clay face, lay, staring up at me, from amongst my beads and trimmings. I immediately thought of those wonderful art dolls I had seen and felt a longing to create one.

At a time when I felt I'd lost my own usual self confidence, the opportunity to work through this medium , appeared!

I started by simply twisting a loop of stout wire and forming a rough pair of wings. The face was secured onto a felt backing, then I found a scrap of machine embroidery, which had been done on water soluble film; it was so wispy and such a nice, free, shape - it just had to be windswept hair!

I created a little skull cap from pearl grey beads and it blended well with her hair. More Beads were added in pearly and transluscent tones, as I felt she would like to be adorned, as well as adored!

Her wings were free-machine embroidery on water soluble film.

The torso,which was padded and wrapped with soft wool and embellished with a tiny metal daisy. A chunky, glass, bead I'd had for ages and a tiny, embossed, foil, heart with a pearly bead were placed on the top, to show nature is dear to my heart.

Finally, down at the base, a home-made bead and a tassell and bell - they say "Every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets it's wings", I like that!

So, now she is complete and will hang on the wall, in my little craft corner, where I can see her. Creating her was just the diversion I needed.

I have a strange feeling she is just the first of my "time out for me" pieces!

Bye for now

Wooden it be nice

2009-04-24T09:01:00.000+02:00

Well, after a wonderful week's walking in the Edale Valley, taking plenty of photographs, I arrived home with quite a collection - both of photographs and aching joints!
I didn't think I was so out of condition, but it was worth it!

Whilst I was there, I started recording a visual collection of patterns and textures from nature. I have always been drawn to trees; their complex surfaces are amazing and upon looking really closely, all sorts of wonderful shapes and images present themselves. What better place to start?

Fallen trees in various states of decay; are particularly interesting; they can be anything from lightly silvered grey, to ochre, rich rust, through to lovely deep chocolate brown in colour; an absolute array of shades and textures.

I also took some photographs of everyday objects to provide me with some inspiration for creating patterns and grids(something I will try to start, if only I can get the other projects finished).

I've shown only a few, dear readers, to stop you from dying of boredom or labelling me as a tree-hugger(yes, I have - but only the one).

I know this is too short and hum drum, but I have been busy, so if you'd like to see what I've been up to - click here

Hope you all had a great Bank Holiday!
Will post more soon, bye for now

Trying something different!

2009-04-11T13:20:00.001+02:00

It is easy to keep using materials that you are familiar with and not stretch yourself, so to speak!

So, as an experiment, I thought I would use some hand-made paper that I have had for a while; as a basis for a new piece. I was looking forward to using some materials that were completely new to me.

I started by colouring the paper with inks and paint, I used a good old fashioned mouth diffuser(which was lurking amongst my inks), and then flicked the paints; some of which were quite thick.

Next came the Gesso, and some new Translusent Sculpey, which was a new product to me and provided a lot of fun as well as giving a much needed extra dimension to things.

Once I had swirled this on, even more depth was given by upholstery fringing which was cut and sprinkled loosley over the sculpey,

Finally, I waxed and some of the beads and added bugle beads in a free form to accentuate the fringing.

I was pleased with the outcome and plan to continue

experimenting with this media.

I also have another in the pipeline, using plastics and acetates.
Will post when finished!

Bye for now

See you soon

2009-03-14T08:38:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, just responding to a personal situation and hope to be 'back and blogging', at the beginning of April.

So, I hope to 'chat' with you all then!

Thanks and bye for now.

Decisions, Choices - can't make 'em!!

2009-03-12T18:12:00.000+01:00

Hello fellow Artist and Crafters, I'm pleased you could spare the time to visit my little corner of Blogsville!

I have recently finished this piece, after having such fun! It practically created itself! I used a well tried background, initially painted Bond-a -Web on a soft thick cotton, then overlaid it with distressed paper and dyed tissue.

I was aiming for a worn, soft look to the surface, which I then embellished with some free-style embroidery and beading. The little fragments of glass were secured onto the cloth and micro

beads added around the pieces; to blend them into the background.

Next, I wanted to add some whispy strips to represent sea-weed, these were embroidered, organza strips in varying shades, loosely attached to the surface.

I find that some pieces practically create themselves and this was definitely the case here. I am, as you will discover in future blogs, quite fond of blues, lilacs, purples and mauves; but I try to experiment with as many colours as I can, along with an array of different materials; metallic foils, plastics, and acetates.

So, the piece was finished and there was only one, simple decision to make - which frame should I choose?

I tried a gold frame, a distressed pastel frame, a black gloss frame....but no, I did't stop there, I even tried patinating a silver one with alchohol inks, which I thought co-ordinated quite well - too well, though!

Now there doesn't seem to be enough contrast between work and frame!

What a ridiculous situation! I can see myself staring across at this piece each morning - waiting for a Eurika! Moment.

I only hope it comes soon. Until then, I will have to be very bad mannered and totally ignore it!
Have you ever been in this sort of situation?

Please tell me I'm not alone

Bye for now and thanks for listening, I feel better already!

A splodged tissue and the road to success

2009-03-05T18:35:00.000+01:00

O.K. This is how something ordinary, can turn into something interesting!

It started when I was rummaging around in my bit-bag(which happens to make Santa's sack look in want of a good feed!)

I should have known I'd be waylaid by something lurking at the bottom, anyway, there it was, a perfectly boring piece of tissue; but the colours on it were so attractive, I just knew that one day It would turn into something unusual - that's how all the bits end up there in the first place!

I turned it around, re-enforced it with interfacing to give it some body and began to free-stitch onto it.

Next, I used some shapes torn from metal shim(a thin soft sheet, available in different colours and metals). Hand beading followed close behind, I seem to be doing more beading in my pieces,these days.

I had learnt to make free-stitch grids a while ago, so one was added to create more depth, and pieces of decorated foils and more beads. All this was mounted onto some lovely soft velvet and I think it contrasts well with the gleam of the metals, don't you?

Now I'm thinking of combining water colour and stitch on paper, because the lovely colours can be enriched or you can actually change the direction of your colourway,as you stitch!

Now there's another interesting direction to take!

Hope you like them!

Bye for now!

Follow these threads, why don't you?

2009-03-03T15:53:00.000+01:00

Living in a Material World

I use lots of different elements in my work and I like nothing better than to ‘ferret out’ some new material or interesting beads, threads, or buttons to add a different slant on things.

All About Threads

I used to order my threads from a local supplier, but the range I liked was discontinued.
It is annoying because characteristics can vary a great deal, depending on the manufacturer and it is worth taking a little time to practice with them to get your settings right.

The kind of fabric you use as a base is important, too; as it can effect the apearance of your stitching. Consider also, what kind of handle you want to your piece? A stiff, robust fabric is great if you are making a textile sculptures or something that will get a lot of 'wear & tear', but no good if you are wanting to create a fluid garment with folds or pleats.

Metallic threads, These can vary in the upper tension settings they need , anything from 2 to just under normal(around 5/6), depending on the type of needle and the manufacturer. Usually, metallics need a looser upper tension than normal.

Tip I find the best type of needle to use with these threads is a Metallic needle ( my particular favourite is made by Schmetz).
If you can’t source these, you can use a size 14/90 Topstitch needle.

Always check the top of the reel if there is a little picture of a sewing machine it is suitable. It may have knitting needles, in which case - do not use it in your machine, as these threads are mostly combined with a tinsel-type strand which snags in the machine needle and causes breaks regularly.

Variegated rayon threads These are lovely to use, as they can add further dimension to your stitching. They are quite fine, so if you want a more pronounced effect, use something like Madeira Rayon; which has a lovely sheen to it.
You will find that embroidery rayon can have a life of its’ own! Sometimes it is hard to keep it on the bobbin. Again, practice if you are using them for the first time..
Tip If you want to build up depth of stitching, use a less expensive thread and save your more costly ones for the top layers.

Cotton threads These should be used in conjunction with natural cotton materials, If you are using poly- cotton; then a polyester thread is more suitable. When using Silks use silk thread - Always match your thread to your material for the best results!

Finally, don’t forget Your machine should be regularly brushed out to keep your bobbon case clear.
Last golden rule - Every new project or piece starts with a new needle!

Happy Sewing, Everyone
Bye for now.

Somewhere, over the rainbow

2009-02-28T10:04:00.000+01:00

I think we underestimate just how important colour is. Do we realise how much it affects our lives? Which colours do we feel most attuned to?

I was pondering on this, whilst enjoying my first cuppa of the day, here’s what I noticed;

Some people are definite followers of the ‘more the merrier’ brigade. Layer those colours together and let them bounce off one another - a Zingy way to go!
They seem to give the appearance of being optimistic, happy-go-lucky, open to change.

Others are more selective in their choice, using colours from the same colour family. Friends I have, who are of this persuasion, give the appearance of co-ordination and organization.
Maybe time is a factor and they do not want to spend it, mulling over whether different items will ‘work’ together, and they are often tidy and methodical(although, there are always exceptions to the rule)

Lastly, those who are drawn to a monochromatic choice. The use of black, white, and all the shades in between(with maybe a splash of primary colour, for boldness!
This is often considered to be a classic, timeless choice; as so called ‘fashion colours’ come and go, but black and white endures. The choice of silver or gold as an accent seems to be perceived to give a more up-market look.

But why do we favour certain colours? Could it be connected to family influences . I thought my use of blues and lilacs; where my own personal choice. I realized, during a chat with my sister, it was Mum’s favourite colour and also her mother’s. Clothes for special occasions, always seemed to be blue or lilac!

Strange, though, that we should be drawn to some colours and dislike others? My least favourites are Bright Green - and Bright Orange; I don’t even like orange flowers in the garden. That is a bit weird, isn’t it!
Perhaps we should try to overcome our dislike and second-chance these much maligned hues, you never know, they could really expand our palette of colours.
The results could be very interesting!

A while ago, I read an article on colour therapy and related topics. There was a photograph of a wall, which was completely covered with shelves; displaying bottles of every imaginable combination of colours and all of them contained two distinctly separate colours(no, I don’t know how, but I think it may have been done by water and oil).

Just to see such a vast spectrum of colour was so exciting! Apparently, the client chose the colours which attracted them most and a ’reading’ was made of that individual's personality; based on their choice. Afterwards, when questioned, the clients said the results were quite accurate.

What about the way colour is used in everyday conversation, such as:

Feeling blue

In the pink

Mellow yellow

Green with envy

Seeing red

These all seem to relate to emotional states,don't they? So do the clothes we wear or the colours we choose to work with, reflect how we are feeling at that time?

How do you use colours? Is your view limited by ‘likes and dislikes’ of certain colours?
I think mine is, so today, Mathew - I’m going to grit my teeth and think GREEN! I may be pleasantly surprised!

Thought for To-day

2009-02-25T10:38:00.000+01:00

I watched a programme on television last night about the biological clock and how modern society is ignoring it. We are forcing ourselves to follow an unnatural time-table.

In a certain sense - it is true, but people have to work, they have to fit their meal times and leisure times around the ever changing pattern of their everyday lives.

Timing, isn't always a choice, is it?

That is why, sometimes, we plan to do something when the time is available; we have a few allotted hours and "We're going to get it done A.S.A.P. "

What happens, though? Threads break, we hit snags, something we should have as a basic item, has been forgotten to be ordered, we end up stabbing ourselves with a needle or other 'tool of the trade'.

The truth is - sometimes we just don't want to stop! Why are we compelled to keep up this pace with such a sense of urgency?

Then upon completion we feel a sense of anti-climax; almost as if once we've completed a task, it no longer interests us and we are already thinking of what we can start next!

Do you think it is because Creativity is so essential to us, that it overrides

even the strongest inner clock? Or maybe we're just working to a different timetable, here!

I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please comment on this page.

Thanks Folks

A BLANK PAGE - What does it mean to you?

2009-02-22T14:04:00.000+01:00

It's early Sunday morning, and instead of using my Laptop, I have before me, a lovely snow white, crispy, clean piece of A4 paper.

Whilst still cleaning my teeth, I was going to blog about my travels to sunny places - prompted by my intense hatred of all things cold!!(except ice-cream, of course).

I put the paper down on the table, took a sip of my first cuppa of the day, picked up my pen and sat there for a few minutes.

I always have a tiny little thrill when starting from scratch, so to speak! The excitement comes from the all the possibilities that could come about, from simply making a start!

Most of you, may find it a strange reaction, but this page reminds me of the numerous houses we have 'cared for' over the years. All were in need of tons of T.L.C. which was immensely enjoyable, but hard work. I just liked the thought of turning rather neglected houses into warm, welcoming, places to live.

It was the point, when after all the hard work, I stood in front of those blank walls; all pink, smooth and newly-plastered!

They repersented such a freedom of choice; whatever colour I wanted, I could have. I could paper, stipple, rag-roll. Imagine, with every room I could have a fresh start!

One rule applied however, it had to be what I term an 'edible colour'; something to feast my eyes upon.

I think that's why I have such a love of shades and hues - each blank wall meant the birth of a new colour.

What does a blank page mean to you? Does it fill you with trepidation? Or does it excite you? Let me know, huh?

Just think, there's a lovely, blank, comments box just waiting for you!

P.S. Here's how my 2nd piece of A4 ended up, after the 2nd cuppa.

Friendship - For What it's Worth!!

2009-02-21T10:26:00.000+01:00

The only way to have a friend, is to be one.

This little saying was placed around a tiny, decorated box, that was made for my best friend.
We had known them( as a couple), all our lives - going out together; cooking meals for each other; listening to music and sharing the mad, and bad moments.
Genuine ‘Do anything for you’ kind of people. We knew that her husband had been quite ill , but, Thank God, he was given the all clear.

Anyway, we decided, one Tuesday morning; as it was getting colder and more miserable by the day, to set off for the winter, in our motor home.
We had a fantastic time, got stuck down tiny, crooked, village streets on market day! Bought wonderful ,fresh food from the markets in Brittany and made many new, interesting friends; all with tales to tell and wine to share. Great times!

We were having such a good time it we forgot now and then, to stay in touch with them. The last news at the end of the year, was that he had become ill, again.

We promised ourselves, that as soon as we got back home, we would ring up.

He had died and been buried in the January. They could not contact us; as we were staying in a tiny village in the Pyrenean Mountains.

Some of the joy of all those months of travelling just disappeared - Right there and then.

That day I made a promise to value my old friends more highly, I rang her, visited, wrote a letter from the heart to her and sent that little gift box; sewn with all the love and friendship I could cram into it!

So, message is, keep making excuses or keep your precious friends.

Bye for now.

Out Of The Woods - Into The Workshop!!

2009-02-20T19:14:00.000+01:00

So, my friends, after my day out in Betws, I thought I’d better knuckle down and get some work done!
It’s too easy when you’ve had a day off; to leave all the ‘in the pipeline’ stuff sitting there, waiting to ‘go on stage’, so to speak(see my post “I’ve started so..)

You see, I began a mixed-media piece a while ago, incorporating hand-made paper, mica flakes, inks, acrylics, fringing(supposed to have been destined to trim a chair!) and other bits and pieces that had been sitting around looking sorry for themselves.

It was the paper that inspired me, it was so tactile and with its’ little sparkly flakes of mica it took the paint and inks so well. As soon as the background was finished, I just knew it wanted to be ‘mean and moody’, sometimes it takes longer to get the right feeling. Having built up the layers suitably, I found the result was dramatic but flat! That’s when I decided to put a picture window, within my picture. I had tried various finishes - waxed metallic, raised wood-grain and painted finishes.

Finally I decided to leave the window frame stark white. It looked so surreal against the dusty dark colours, carrying on the surreal thread; I cut some plastic shapes free-hand (Salvador Dali, style) and had them oozing through the window bringing a few night stars in, too!

The planet started out as an idea for some buttons, I cut free-hand shapes into a disc, and backed them with metallic material for the ‘seas’.

Finally, I finished in the foreground; with a fantasy bird, symbolizing the freedom of imagination within dreams. It came together well in the end, I called it Night Sky. (obviously this is just a quick snap to let you see it, as I have just finished it)

So, I’ve given you an idea as to what goes on in my head when I’m creating something - How about you?? What inspires you, how do you work? from start to finish? all in one go? Or a series of orderly stages ? Please let me know and get in touch - if only to say " Hey! You’ve got a weird way of working"!

Why not visit my shop to see more of my work?

http://www.folksy.com/shops/Hopscotch

Bye for Now

Betws-y- Coed

2009-02-19T14:45:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks,

Here are the photos I promised. The next blog is about the kind of stuff I'm working on at the moment, why not call past so0n?

Bye for now

If you go down to the woods To-Day??

2009-02-18T20:48:00.000+01:00

You’re sure to enjoy it!
I thought, to-day I’d tell you a little bit about where we live. One of our favourite places to visit when we want to chill out, is called Betws-y-Coed, and, as you’ve gathered, we live in Wales(the pronunciation is like saying “Betoos - ee- Coiyed). Yes, that’s good! ….Keep practicing : )

Anyway, we started off going there a long time ago, with all the other tourists and ended up returning again, and again - we never seem to tire of it.
The place itself is a small village, (well, basically, one main street) with an old stone bridge over the river; which runs through the valley. It is completely surrounded by woodland on the higher ground.

The air is lovely and crisp this time of year and peaceful, because all the summer visitors have long gone. There is a fish and chip shop, a few pubs, the oldest being ‘The Royal Oak Hotel’ -this is also the most popular, as it serves big hearty meals and in the summer they have Live entertainment including real Male Voice Choirs. Their voices are amazing and quite emotive.

We do a lot of walking there, as quite a few routes start from Betws. The first one we followed had a really steep hill to climb at the very start - guaranteed to give your circulation a boost! It was worth it though, because when you have walked along the wooded trail; the view suddenly opens out before you and onto a beautiful lake called Llyn Elsi.

There are also bike trails and an excellent campsite that has just been completely up-graded. There is a miniature steam train for the children(big and small) and a rather cute real railway station, accessible by a stone arch, for those hikers who like to explore the Conwy Valley, too.

So, come on! Where are you? I’d love to hear your blog about your favourite places, so why don’t you let me know? Or leave me a note in the comments?

I'll try to upload some photos of the place soon - It's just lovely there!
Bye for now

If you’d like to visit my shop, you’re welcome to browse -
http://www.hopscotch.folksy.com/

ATCs never die, they just get altered

2009-02-10T19:15:00.000+01:00

I was just mulling over all the different crafts I’ve enjoyed over the years, and happened across some of my old, most loved, A.T.C.s from when I first fell in love with Altered Art, books and all that other stuff.

The poor things were languishing forlornly, in that drawer!

Tim Holtz was King then, and I had 2 massive under-bed storage containers, one full of stamps I'd collected over time and the other Stuffed with card, papers, embossing powders, distress and alcohol inks. You know, you've been there too, right?

My husband said I was a “women possessed”, he obviously meant that in an affectionate way :)

But, I've dragged them out - snapped away and decided to share some of them with you, hope you like them?

I am now producing textile pieces/art and also trying my hand at silk embroidered accessories, which I hope to have in my shop on folksy, soon. See one below, 'in the pipeline.

So, what about your ATCs? If you have any pics on your blog, I'd love to see them, please let me know where they're at and I'll take a look!

Bye for now.

Every silver lining has a cloud

2009-02-08T19:05:00.000+01:00

Just a last minute notelet to say I finally got my pieces on show in Liverpool Arts Open Exhibition starting Tuesday!! Hope I have some luck?

The minus is, I'm now coming down with some horrid bug, so I won't be going. RATS!!

All sing with me, The sun'll come out, To-morrow :)

Will post soon, promise

I've started, so I'll ........just start, again, and again...

2009-02-07T16:24:00.000+01:00

Why is it, that some days I get a clear idea to produce something from start to finish ? Wham! Just like that, and some days, after starting one thing; I spot a combination of colours that catch my eye or an unusual button; or a lovely piece of lace and I'm off again in a completely different direction!

Well, that's to-day for you, I started trying to finish some silk things off and then thought it would be nice to produce some padded jewellery, when finishing these, I realised my Arty stuff needed to have cords and eyelets put on. I would also love to try and do some more sculpture/3D pieces.

See what I mean, Now I have even more in the pipeline, than when I started out!

I've included some pics of various things in my pipeline and the way things are going it'll be longer than the M1, but lots of fun.

So, What little gems are lounging around in your workroom waiting to be born?? I'd love to know?

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside!

2009-02-07T15:41:00.000+01:00

Oh, I do like to be beside the sea!

Yes I do, because it’s not far away, just a 20 minute walk from my front door. When I get a bit stagnant(in the thoughts department), I like to “go and see the sea”. Sometimes, whilst working, you can try too hard! You know, so obsessed with finishing an item, next thing is, the day has gone and you’re tired and ratty! It’s better to switch off and do something completely different; it gives you a new perspective on things when you return.

The sea has always drawn me to it, from my childhood days in Liverpool - trips across the Mersey with dad, walks along Otterspool Promenade, even down to the sand in my sandwiches on New Brighton Beach!

Later on , when I decided to ‘up sticks’; I had been Visiting Wales and getting away from the cityscapes of concrete and glass, into the hills and mountains of Snowdonia. What a contrast! It is beautiful and you can only appreciate it by ’being there’. It isn’t what I call ‘Picture Postcard ‘pretty but rugged, peaceful, rocky, with vast, airy places - plenty of space to enjoy and explore.
I sound like a representative of the Welsh Tourist board, don’t I?(how embarrassing).

Anyway, I moved to Wales, bought a guest house, sold it, and travelled abroad in our motorhome, practically living in it for about 8 months the last time! That, I believe is a future blog in itself - when I dig out the photos, I’ll do it!

I’ve been here now 10 years and again, find myself back ‘Beside the Seaside’. Not, as I mentioned before, right on the coast, but in a little market town(small, but perfectly formed) Banging away on my keyboard, but this is where I’ll have to finish for to-day, because it’s Sunday and Yes, you’ve guessed it, Time to go and “See the Sea” Before the Sunday Roast.

I’d love to hear where you’re living and what’s special to you, why don’t you leave me a little note in comments.
Bye for now

It's the little things!

2009-02-06T16:28:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

Suppose it's a weird title, but it may give you an idea of how my mind works

- then, maybe not!

We had not long moved house and a bathroom suite was getting plumbed in(along with lots of other jobs).

I soon got fed up tripping over all these men, so retreated to my little den to experiment with dense stitching on watercolour paper, which eventually goes floppy and you end up with a nice textile finish. Anyway, I needed something for a highlight and just couldn't think of anything.

After 3 coffees I needed to spend a penny and, while contemplating my navel, I saw some nice organic blobs of solder under the bath. I used them as highlights in my 'Pod' design and it looked great!

What weird and wonderful stuff have you happened across that's ended up in your pieces? I'd love to know!