tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33999852236470075622024-02-21T09:50:15.049+00:00Rare Notionscreatively analysing the world by utilising the materials found around mePhionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-25693957940701618322019-10-03T08:00:00.000+01:002019-10-13T15:01:45.183+01:00A batch production of modules for the KusudamasWe're on week three and the group now understand how the structure works. <br />
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Finding a paper that is 12 x 12 inches and not too thick was quite a feat. I had been recommended by one of the group last week to visit The Works, however when I got there the paper was 240 gsm which was way too heavy, in fact more like a thin card.<br />
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I decided my next port of call would be The Range. It seems that if you buy a 6 x 6 inch paper it is 90gsm weight but as soon as they enlarge the design to 12 x 12 the paper goes heavier. Eventually, after rifling through there fantastic collection I found two packs of suitable paper.<br />
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It's lovely paper but I was a bit disappointed that I would have to make the decision on what colour ways we would use without consulting the group but that was how it had to be. Fortunately, the group loved it and we had some beautiful medallions folded.<br />
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Next week we will be looking at a slightly different structure from the medallion, which will include how to fold a windmill plus have a little taster at book folding.Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-73782180380561731482019-09-26T09:00:00.000+01:002019-09-28T12:51:25.206+01:00Completed Medallion KusudamasSo last week I had 15 people turn up to the session on two levels. At the end of the session 5 people shared that they wouldn't be able to make it this week. However, 5 more people turned up which brought my numbers back up to 15.<div>
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This was fine by me but the library were struggling with chairs to accommodate the group.</div>
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This week I brought along pictorial instructions for the group to work through which I split up into sections as people were at different stages of making. This I hoped would make like easier and serve as a memory jog for people. Whilst people from last week were finishing off their final modules I worked with the new people of the group and got them started. I was fortunate to have a couple of helpers which took the pressure off me a little.</div>
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Everyone worked quite happily with the aide of the instructions I had provided and they were all happy when their first structure was complete (especially when they knew they could take it home).</div>
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To round the session off I did a "Show and Tell" of the various alternatives we could come up with using what they had learnt so far.</div>
Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-39096467374980700382019-09-19T13:59:00.000+01:002019-09-23T14:00:16.153+01:00Older People's Project - Paper Sculptures Week OneOver the next 8 weeks I will be in Corby Library sharing my folding knowledge with a 65+ group for the Older People's project hosted by Made in Corby and funded by Scottish Power.<br />
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I'm generally a positive type of person but I did worry that as this session had been advertised as a drop-in I may end up with a small group. How wrong I was.<br />
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Initially, I had about 5 people at 11am and that was the time advertised to start, then a couple more came and another 4 until I was asking the Library Assistant for more chairs until I suddenly had 15 people in 2 sections.<br />
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After repeating my introductions a few times we got started. I assured the group, initially, that we would fold and complete one kusudama each. Unfortunately, when the group grew to 15 and situated in two locations this became a hopeless task, you would think. Actually, everyone got to almost the same stage where each module was finished and we can attach them together to form our first kusudama next week.<br />
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Well done group, I'm so proud of you.Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-73456885316372990882019-09-16T09:00:00.000+01:002019-09-23T13:45:24.771+01:00Artists Retreat<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Design Factory seem to be no more or to be precise, have joined up with, merged and become Design Nation. Thankfully they still offer the satellite groups a £200 bursary to spend on CPD (Creative Professional Development).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Northampton group decided to put their pot towards an artists retreat and 12 artists responded. Our group was going to be the benchmark for the possibility of future retreats being offered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">With Ruth Lynne at the helm we were in good hands. She sourced a lovely venue, Sedgeford Hall a few miles from Hunstanton. Being close the the beach was definitely a plus, set in the countryside was another and the final plus was having a private heated indoor swimming pool to use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Leading up to the retreat there didn't seem the opportunity to meet up to plan our days. This meeting sort of happened virtually with an onward going conversation on WhatsApp. Although the retreat was for 4 days, each person had booked for a different amount of days. I wanted to go for the full experience and that worked really well for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last year I had put in for some funding with the arts council to allow myself a year to step back from my practice to re-evaluate where I was and look at my next steps. I had factored in a retreat in my proposal and so far I have managed to do most of what I said I would do in my step away year on a shoestring budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Loads of ideas were put forward as possible activities and only a very few actually happened. These included:-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Batik</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Mono printmaking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bookmaking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Felting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Pot throwing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How to use a Cricut machine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the build up I started to get a bit overwhelmed with all the suggestions. My plan was to take a few reading books, a couple of art journals and the rest would happen organically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And indeed it did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The venue was just perfect. Very quiet with 8 bedrooms, either twin or double rooms. A large kitchen with a long table so we could all eat together, a very light and airy lounge plus a smaller darker TV space with comfortable chairs. Suffice to say none of us switched the darn thing on although phones and laptops were still activated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I didn't sleep well the first night but after that I was fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We all utilised the swimming pool and there were many trips down to the beach. Everyone used the retreat in their own way, there was even two who spent the time putting an arts council proposal together and one person who just came for the day; she brought new work and received a group crit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Everyone was sensitive to each others needs and it became a mini community. During every evening meal there was plenty of conversations, mainly around our art practices but also where we felt the Design Nation was heading and how it was evolving from where we were with the Design Factory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Other activities that took place were Puy, where you swing items around, it's usually fire but we used weighted balls on strings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There was a pot throwing session, unfortunately the wheel was right on the floor so that counted me out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A drawing session using natural materials for inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One person brought along their Cricut machine. I'd heard about these for a while but wasn't sure how they quite worked. I was amazed at how you could use your phone remotely to set the machine off to cut things, in my case is was a flurry of butterflies. It's an ingenious bit of kit and something I will consider for the community projects I'm involved with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is the first retreat I have been on and I would definitely do it again, whether with a group or solo. This week has given me the opportunity to totally disconnect from everything. Having that time to be away from the norm has been refreshing. Living with other creatives has been educational and it still re-affirms how generous people can be with their time; to listen and to put forward ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lastly, most of the group brought along materials they no longer needed to swap or donate to charity,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-35254792605915820632018-08-02T15:12:00.001+01:002018-08-02T15:13:31.723+01:00Activate, a fun day for all the family<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Following up on an urgent shout out by Transported Art, I managed to secure a days work over at Carter's Park in Holbeach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It was a hot day and I managed to find a parking spot on the road nestled under some trees. Fingers crossed that I wouldn't come back to a blazing car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The stand was set up by the time I got to the park by two members of the Transported team. All I needed to do was unpack my trolley bag and then the day would begin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Almost from the start we were busy, with parents and children arriving at the table to create a butterfly, seemingly en masse. I Looked around the park the same could be said for the other stands. I was so thankful to have the support of the staff from Transported, it made for a smoother experience for the children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It always amazes me that the most simplest of activities can be the most engaging. The other thing of note is the level of skills children present when given a task. I was extremely impressed by a four year old girl who joined the table who positively radiated independence and sat there quietly cutting out her butterfly practically unaided. I have always found through personal experience it is always best to allowed people to blossom whatever age they are. Encouraging people to try before you do a task for them is always key, that way they gain confidence and increase their own self worth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We continues supplying butterfly templates to be coloured in and acetate for the top wings for the next two hours, then ran out. I had been booked for 4 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">However, I am a girl that thinks on her feet and I had brought along plenty more clear sticky book cover. This enabled us to stay open and continue to provide more creativity to even more children. The only other problem </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">was a little breeze which came and went which caused all sorts of fun with the tissue paper but that didn't deter the fun that the children had. At the end of 4 hours 85+ children had come to the stand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have to say I was fortunate to be under the cover of a gazebo otherwise I would have frazzled in the sun. The same could not be said for my car which was blazingly hot when I returned to it to drive home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-20474702557736959272018-06-12T08:30:00.000+01:002018-06-21T20:08:27.734+01:00Procession - thousands of women converge in London<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I am so proud to have been part of the Procession project from start to finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">On Sunday 10th June the group that Carole and I (as The Eloquent Fold) helped facilitate to produce a banner which acknowledged 100 years of women getting the vote; walked through the centre of London displaying the final piece</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In 1918, the Representation of the People Act gave the first British women the right to vote and stand for public office. And now 100 years on, women and girls from across the United Kingdom came together to make this historic moment into a huge artwork produced by Artichoke, commissioned by 14-18 Now (the United Kingdom's arts programme for the centenary of the First World War. The artwork was based on an original idea by the creative director, Darrell Vydelingum. It was displayed in the four major cities of each country; Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London where each woman or girl with wear the colours of the suffragette movement; green, violet or white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One hundred organisations were invited from all over the country to partner with artists to work with local women to help share their voices using textiles. Made in Corby were one of the organisations commissioned and they selected myself and Carole Miles working as The Eloquent Fold to produce the Corby banner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Our Procession group were made up of women and daughters, the elderly, choir members, retired, artists, an MP and representatives from Made in Corby. Some just came to London to help us celebrate whilst the majority worked on the banner to make it happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;">Eight sessions were held at Swan Gardens and through a process of exploring the history of suffragettes and the suffrage movement, consultation with the group about their thoughts and developing ideas into designs we eventually came up with something that everyone could contribute a small part. We agreed we would use</span><span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace; font-size: 16px;"> the violets of the suffragette movement as our main feature, and make each one personal. We encouraged the group to use embroidery and silk painting; each person made at least two. Our main slogan came from our youngest member of the group - Women together will change the world, along with ‘Deeds Not Words’, which is the motto of Corby, but also comes from the Suffragette movement. We were proud that we could show the diversity of our group and which became apparent when they made their individual rosettes featuring short strong, sometimes humorous comments in English, German and Polish, reflecting the diversity of the group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The Procession, was exciting and there was a real sense of camaraderie amongst the women who walked through the streets of London. Amongst our group we had members from a local choir. They had brought copies of original words from protest songs which were sung out at full burst through the underground and through the streets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The banners were many and colourful. Many groups had decided to make their own, also individuals had made sometimes very basic flags and pennants. It didn't really matter we were all there for one purpose, to celebrate Women's right to vote.</span></div>
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Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-84631341710718300292018-05-09T23:00:00.000+01:002018-05-11T15:38:03.573+01:00Processions Project - Week 8<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The group have worked really well together and as I have said previously, there has been an ebb and flow of people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Since the last session I have machined all the flowers on and started to attach the backing fabric which has to be black. I used a sheet as it was the cheaper option. It was hard work battling with such a large piece of fabric under a domestic sewing machine but I made it more manageable by only doing about an hour and a half in one sitting. I think it took me about 5 hours in total. Phew, but I was so relieved that we were a stage further on and that the group would have something to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There were a few things that needed finishing off. Firstly we had to allow time for one unfinished handstitched flower to be completed. Whilst we waited the group naturally and organically split into two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One group started to stitch buttons onto the Suffolk puffs to hold the two layers together and the second group finished off the last of the rosettes. In-between time, I had to nab the banner to finish off overlocking around the edge once the last flower had been stitched on. Then Lillian and I discussed the tab situation, once the size was decided upon I left her to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Moving around the round there was a nice level of chatter, discussing various topics, one of which was our plans for the march in London on the 10th June. Who was taking what, backpack, hats, rain macs etc. When you get a group of women in one room with single minded purpose that's what happens. They were thinking of the less able, where we would be meeting. My suggestion was about taking something with you to do on the journey there, in my case it was tatting. I think the journey back might be a gentle snooze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The actual march or procession will be two and half miles, which for some people will be quite a distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Once everything was stitched in place and only fifteen minutes to go. the lovely Lillian, who has kept Carole and I in check and been a fabulous support during the later sessions (along with Kate and Mary) started pinning on the lilac and silver border, placing the tabs at the top. This enabled us to have a well deserved photo together for prosperity (which I will have to add into this post when I receive it, but after the march has taken place as requested by Made in Corby). I had asked Kate from Corby Community Arts if she minded bring her tripod for her camera (put it on self timer) so she could be I'm the photo as well.</span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-43972892333601821382018-04-13T18:30:00.000+01:002018-04-18T16:27:50.475+01:00Workshop Treat: Learning how to screen print using stencilsWhen I was at University one of my tutors basically told be to stay away from print. I was very messy and didn't grasp the concept of what was involved in the process. At the time I found the whole process very long with minimal results. For example, it takes you so long to prepare a collograph, cutting it out, attaching the pieces to the card, sealing it etc. Then you have a so, so print or in my case many messy prints.<br />
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Today I had a go at screen printing, which I didn't do at uni. It seems on the surface a simple way to produce an image. But no, yet again there was lots of preparation to produce a single image. This was going to be a two colour print so I learnt about colour separation and also how my stencil would or wouldn't work (that bit I definitely found difficult, I wanted more detail in the ears and was unable to do this because you can't have floaters).<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my day and feel confident that I could do this at home with minimal equipment which is how I like it. Achievable, yes. Lots of practice needed, most definitely.<br />
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Sarah Holden, the tutor for the day was most encouraging and I did glean a nugget from her. "As you do each print you will learn what not to do next time" (this sounded like I was back at Uni). I remember at the time thinking, that if I knew what I was doing in the first place I would know what not to do. Despite this I battled on with my inner niggles.<br />
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Print for me, is a back to front technique, always working in the opposite direction from what you expect. I'm afraid my brain struggles a lot with that. It's the negative space thing again. I guess if you were doing it all the time it would become second nature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuscPJZ0NLfLuteT8MXMLITwzNRnuNtmKpPQw5RZw2CRhwwLfJ1dzpAG7LrIso7G66st1723xXWVZ80hQ4oD3Pg2ClP35Un6G-9PSQUrAJP7d30lQVeJD2NFpZUnAgbSin0OMEdjvzVmx/s1600/First+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuscPJZ0NLfLuteT8MXMLITwzNRnuNtmKpPQw5RZw2CRhwwLfJ1dzpAG7LrIso7G66st1723xXWVZ80hQ4oD3Pg2ClP35Un6G-9PSQUrAJP7d30lQVeJD2NFpZUnAgbSin0OMEdjvzVmx/s400/First+Print.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Printing the first colour was fairly straightforward apart from not flooding the screen enough or putting too much paint when I went across the screen a second time, and getting paint in places that wasn't supposed to have paint. That sounded very familiar.<br />
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When it came to the second colour, things got a little more technical. We had to print onto a plastic sheet which would serve as the registration guide to line the two colour prints up. Again, easier said than done. It was very fiddly trying to get the two images to line up. I was just off each time, but I think perhaps an acetate sheet would be better than using a plastic document over, it was way too flimsy and moved about too much when you were trying to line things up.<br />
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Anyway, here's my most successful print that just happened to be on calico fabric, which I use a lot in my work. It's supposed to be my poodle, Lola. A little thin in the face perhaps but I'm happy. I will definitely be investing in the basic equipment to make up a few screens for printing and explore this further.<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-78899714082590151352018-04-09T18:34:00.000+01:002018-04-12T12:38:29.394+01:00Seeing the Wood for the Trees - Spring Theme - week oneHow time flies, it was only about 6 weeks ago when the group were exploring the theme of Winter. And although Spring is here it doesn't seem that way. We seem to be on a slow starter this year. That being said I was determined to bring a splash of colour to this week's session.<br />
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It was my turn to provide a new technique for the group and I decided to let them explore creating backgrounds for their work. As is usual for me I brought along a few examples in different stages of being.<br />
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Whilst Carole went off and made the tea and coffee and lay out the nibbles I introduced the group the techniques and materials they would be exploring.<br />
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All paper ready cut, to get them started, I asked them to paint one side with Gesso and to attach text paper over the other side. Thus allowing a stable foundation for them to work with, paints, ink sprays, sponges, stencils and a variety of mark making tools.<br />
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Here are some of the results:-<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-64964323559480310602018-04-09T17:30:00.000+01:002018-04-12T13:05:17.284+01:00Lace Tatting Workshop at Leicestershire Craft Centre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love sharing my skills at workshops and it's lovely to see how people progress during a three hour workshop. And this time was no exception.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was lovely to have a mix of adults and teenagers. It shows both generations that a new skill can be challenging whatever your age is. However, the challenge for me was that I had 2 left handed people in the group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As the time moved on there was evidence of progress appearing on the table and delighted faces. I find that teaching with chinese silk cord makes it easier for people to understand how the flip works which is one of the key techniques for being able to produce tatting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At the end of the three hour session I received some lovely feedback and the group have decided that they would like to meet on a regular basis to improve their skills, which I hope I am able to do. One lady had brought with her her grandmother's tatting shuttles and some beautiful examples of what tatting can be. She shared that her grandmother had taught her how to tat when she was a teenager but she didn't really take much notice at the time, now she wished she had.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpsp_9Fxu6wdnXM5pf5gK-06qBPcExTic3aXPQiHlwZQzN8vV2MNnVgX6AtiMQSJqHaAGlKP94qVm0YLwIdZd8tnuUZPUKIf2irSXKqvYNGGyEoE4FVAZhMaxOrYbdsbbsLzQvM5aVnmP/s1600/Tatting+Workshop+April+18+LCC-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpsp_9Fxu6wdnXM5pf5gK-06qBPcExTic3aXPQiHlwZQzN8vV2MNnVgX6AtiMQSJqHaAGlKP94qVm0YLwIdZd8tnuUZPUKIf2irSXKqvYNGGyEoE4FVAZhMaxOrYbdsbbsLzQvM5aVnmP/s400/Tatting+Workshop+April+18+LCC-3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-17869076792989944292018-03-08T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-08T13:17:28.190+00:00Lace UnArchived<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">From having a tatting shuttle in my sewing box for over 30 years, I decided not long after I graduated I would try and learn how to do this heritage craft. The problem was finding someone to teach me. I even joined a group called, "The Ring of Tatters", but never quite managed to link with anyone to get me started. I eventually taught myself with the aid of lots of reading, a short DVD tutorial and plenty of You Tube watching until I got my skills up to an acceptable level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have to say I am still learning different techniques and ways a creating the lace I want to create but all in all I find tatting a delightful and relaxing craft.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMW-o0-q7IjogEQBDr9MNKXsRpAAN5zrW6eE2Oms1fCzSDExvatc_G2mwsvW_WT_-Y8L7zDzHqchLEEAIYFnZdOF2C9gYDPgWFwx8sz4wKc7__Kmj9fhFZ55ilgUMyVeIYtr0giIuLxhr/s1600/Lace+Unarchived+-+William+Pegg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMW-o0-q7IjogEQBDr9MNKXsRpAAN5zrW6eE2Oms1fCzSDExvatc_G2mwsvW_WT_-Y8L7zDzHqchLEEAIYFnZdOF2C9gYDPgWFwx8sz4wKc7__Kmj9fhFZ55ilgUMyVeIYtr0giIuLxhr/s400/Lace+Unarchived+-+William+Pegg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace illustrating Russia and the Red Square - William Pegg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Recently I spotted that there was to be a series of events to celebrate Nottingham Lace, one of which was the Lace Unarchived exhibition at Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University. It's an exhibition of traditional and contemporary work from past students, modern designers and archived samples. I think my favourite piece was created by a 1930's famous lace maker and designer called William Hallam Pegg in which he expressed his socialist beliefs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In light of this contemporary piece I was left with the question, "So what is lace?" What defines a piece of lace. The dictionary definition gives the following:-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...a fine open fabric of cotton or silk, made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread in patterns and used especially for trimming garments. Oxford Dictionaries</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...lace is a very delicate cloth which is made with a lot of holes in it. It is made by twisting together very fine threads of cotton to form patterns. Collins Dictionaries</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Anyway, I will leave you with this video I found about the exhibition, it may inspire you to pay a visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">As tatting has holes, uses loops, twisting, has lots of holes and creates patterns I will continue to create lace using this very old craft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">My next lace adventure will be a one day <a href="http://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/explore/lace-unravelled?mc_cid=ee4209f1a1&mc_eid=%5bUNIQID%5d" target="_blank">Lace Symposium</a> at Newstead Abbey, which is the former home of Lord Byron which I am thoroughly looking forward to.</span><br />
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Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-21630726961767145492018-02-19T18:00:00.000+00:002018-07-05T15:26:29.498+01:00Seeing the Wood for the Trees - Winter Theme - Session ThreeDuring this session the group used a portable printing press to produce a series of prints using the collograph plates they had prepared from the last couple of sessions.<br />
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Following a demonstration by Carole, we (yes, me included) inked up our plates then wiped them down removing as much ink as we could but leaving enough so that there would be an impression on the paper at printing time.<br />
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This isn't as easy as it looks, although there were some in the group that took to it like a ducks to water. "You just add some colour and wipe it off", came one comment. Mmm my colour sort of squigged together and there didn't seem to be any definition apart from purple.<br />
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Once the ink had been applied then rubbed back the time came to lay out the plates on the press. It was here that a little thought was need to the layout as these prints would serve to be pages in our Winter themed books.<br />
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Next came the rolling of the printing press. We were taught to do a number of runs through the press, the first being too heavy on the ink, the subsequent ones being lighter but more successful in showing the lines and marks that had been added in the first two weeks of preparation.<br />
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Here's just one of the prints that was created. If you would like to see more from the session please visit <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/phiona_richards/albums/72157691913169531" target="_blank">here</a>. And whilst all this printerly activity was going on, Phiona was in and out of the kitchen making cups of tea and coffee to keep us replenished. This was balanced with a range of snacks organised by Carole.<br />
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A job well done, by everyone I think. Next week they'll be taking their prints along with other ideas and making them into books.Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-91274658764733112562018-02-16T19:00:00.000+00:002018-03-02T16:36:05.394+00:00Chinese New Year celebrations at Leicester UniversityWhat a fab day this was and I was so pleased to be part of it even though it was hard work.<br />
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I was commissioned by Leicester University Student Centre to create a workshop for 50 students. Initially my idea had been to create lanterns using, "Lucky Red Envelopes". However, due to the cost involved for the volume of students I had to adapt the idea to use red card with a stencilled image, either a paw print or the word dog in Chinese writing.<br />
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As sometimes happens plans for the day changed from 2 x 1½ hour workshop to 1 x 1½ hour workshop. Somewhere along the way this had also gone from a sit down workshop inside to a Make and Take opportunity outside in the events square.<br />
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Thinking cap on, and I decided the only way I could run this smoothly without too many frustrated people was to make up kits with all the things required to make a lantern apart from scissors, sticky tape, stencil and ink pads.<br />
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The workshop day finally arrived with preparations all done. When I arrived on campus I was guided to the area I would be working in which consisted of 6 separate tables covered with gazebo's. I had visions of me running up and down the tables maintaining 30 people. This would never do. I had two tables moved together to form one long table and then 2 separate tables. That way there was an area to stencil and an area to assemble the lanterns<br />
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Sad to say I missed the dragon dance but please click on the video above to get a feel for the day. Don't blink though or you'll miss seeing the lantern<br />
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Although my time was 1½ hours, I stayed for 2 just to make sure everyone had completely finished. And it was full on for the entire time I was there I can tell you. All in all it was a lovely experience, with excited chattering, plenty of huge smiles and completed lanterns which says it all to me.<br />
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I worked out that every 2 minutes a new person turned up to the table to do some making. A job well done, don't you think.<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-79971803716746347372018-02-12T18:00:00.000+00:002018-02-19T11:37:26.042+00:00Seeing the Wood for the Trees - Winter Theme - Session Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In this session the group continued with their collograph plates.<br />
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To get us all started I made a cuppa for everyone and re-filled during the session. This was accompanied by protein balls, to keep our strength up and cheese and crackers.<br />
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We had been shown by Carole how to create our plates from our own drawings. Having a range of depths and textures would be the key to having interesting results when we use our plates for printing off at the next session.<br />
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Carole encouraged us all to make 3 to 4 plates, keeping in our theme of winter.<br />
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Once completed we had the option to add a little PVA glue in places for additional interest or go straight onto sealing our plate with a shellac solution.<br />
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Here's a couple of mine drying and ready for next week's printmaking session.<br />
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Until next week......<br />
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This project has been kindly funded by the KHL Big Local and overseen by the Northampton Community Fund.<br />
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Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-88961628583633978972018-02-10T12:25:00.000+00:002018-02-19T12:29:50.797+00:00Lace Tatting Demonstration at the National Centre for Craft and DesignAs a Fellow member of the Design Nation, incorporating Design Factory we all have the opportunity to provide a demonstration of our work to the public. There are many, many members and most are keen to share their work.<br />
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My slot had been booked about 6 months ago so there was plenty of time to decide what I would share in my demonstration, in this case tatting.<br />
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If you have never heard of tatting I describe it thus, an handmade lace created by making a series of tiny knots using a shuttle or long needle, not unlike Macrame but on a very small scale. Loops, chains and picots are repeated to form patterns that make up the lace. I tend to use it in my jewellery, but more recently I have been exploring different ways I can utilise the final product. Here is one way I currently use the lace by making "Petite Flowers" which are available at NCCD or on my online shop at <a href="https://madebyhandonline.com/collections/rare-notions-by-phiona-richards" target="_blank">madebyhandonline</a><br />
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There's one thing I enjoy about being around people is sharing my craft, my making skills and my joy at seeing people just having a go.<br />
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So, being no exception, I was able to show one lady who was currently working towards her Final Major piece on her foundation course how to tat. The challenge was that she was left handed but between us she got there. Another lady who I had been conversing with on twitter came along to find out how to join pieces together, again she went away happy and shared some ideas she had about working with shells. It sounds very interesting.<br />
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I laid my work out so that people could see how it looked blocked out and I had a selection of just finished pieces with all the raw threads showing that people could handle.<br />
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All in all it was a lovely day made all the better by a steady supplier of hot drinks. form the cafe. If you would like to see more of my work please visit my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RareNotionsbyPhionaRichards/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.<br />
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I will be running a Lace Tatting workshop on Wednesday 9th April at the <a href="http://www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Craft Centre</a>, Market Harborough. If you would like to join me please click or contact me via my Facebook page.<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-67416034399397467442018-02-05T20:00:00.000+00:002018-02-06T12:48:37.544+00:00Seeing the Wood for the Trees - Winter Theme - Session OneWell, what with all the dreadful weather over the past month, taking a walk through Kingwood woods was totally out of the question. So instead Carole and I decided to use the first session for creativity. On the menu was collographs, run by Carole and she certainly didn't disappoint. She brought a selection of examples so the group could understand a little bit about the process. It really is amazing what wonderful results can be achieved with this print technique. Here's an example of one of Carole's collograph printing plates. I chose this image as it seems rather apt as we are heading towards Valentine's Day.<br />
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Following a quick demonstration by Carole, we were all give a piece of mount board, a pencil and a cutting blade. The pencil to draw out our design, a blade to either score the surface or cut and lift layers from the board. Here's my design, a barren tree in the moonlight, (although I was only about halfway through my cutting out) I managed to cut away half the moon by mistake. Ah well we live and learn.<br />
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Wandering around the room, it was lovely to see everyone fully engaged. One of the group commented on how relaxing she found the process was.<br />
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As usual, the two hours of creativity flew by. Next week we will continue to prepare plates for printing. Until our next cuppa.......<br />
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<span id="goog_977091089"></span><span id="goog_977091090"></span><br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-41969979312063096942018-01-31T16:45:00.000+00:002018-02-13T16:47:12.282+00:00A Hectic FebruaryGosh, this month is going to be busy. That's the thing with working as a Freelance Artist, you can have a period of quiet where there is no work, then you come across lots of interesting opportunities and they stack like dominoes side by side. Planning is definitely the key sprinkled with an good portion of forward preparation otherwise it all goes pear shape and you're running around like a headless chicken. (Yuck, what a thought)<br />
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It's part three of a creative project I'm working on with artist Carole Miles (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheEloquentFold/" target="_blank">The Eloquent Fold</a>) called "Seeing the Wood for the Trees" funded by KHL Big Local. The theme for this round is winter. I posted the first week recently. If you'd like to read about it click here<br />
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<a href="http://rarenotions.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/seeing-wood-for-trees-winter-theme.html" target="_blank">Seeing the Wood for the Trees - Part Three, Week One</a><br />
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A great project connecting people with a local woods, allowing them to take a walk, click some photos then explore their findings creatively through bookmaking, art journalling and printmaking.<br />
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I'm also back at Fermyn Woods Contemporary Education Academy. I work with the students once a year to prepare them for their Arts Award. I show them how to make a re-fillable book wrap and pamphlet books. A very versatile structure that is used to document their progress through the award. These are youngsters who for one reason or another have been excluded from mainstream school. I usually sneak in a bit of origami or paper play of some description.<br />
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The art award is a great way to improve confidence and self worth.<br />
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I'll be demonstration my skills in Lace making at the National Centre for Craft and design, namely tatting which I will blog about soon.<br />
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Finally, I am working at Leicester University doing a Chinese Paper Lantern workshop in readiness for the Chinese New Year, which is the year of the dog. Again, I hope to blog about that.<br />
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So you can see, my work is very varied and when I'm busy, I'm super busy.<br />
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Thanks for reading<br />
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Phiona<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-58872231854076641662017-12-29T16:19:00.000+00:002018-01-02T16:21:47.727+00:00Creative Activity for the Wind in the Willows show at the The Core Theatre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I had a lovely two days working at the Core Theatre in Corby running a creative workshop for families going to see the Christmas show which was the Wind in the Willows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Using the characters of Toad, Mole, Badger and Rattie, I carved out some rubber stamps that could be inked up and used as the main feature in a bookmark or badge. There was also sequins for embellishing and a little bit of simple stitching. A great activity to get the family involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I love the final results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-1290679530540003402017-03-18T07:24:00.000+00:002017-03-22T16:26:03.654+00:00Book of Days Project - Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Carole was the lead artist and showed both groups some simple printmaking techniques using her portable printing press. There was plenty of materials to choose from, feathers, lace and various shapes. And I think both groups enjoyed the process.<br />
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This week we had some new faces and some people from the previous week couldn't make it at both libraries. It's a good job that Carole and I had factored this into the project and made up some spare books.<br />
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It is always interesting how at the beginning of the session you see puzzled faces but by the end more confident faces appear and the pages are carefully planned accordingly. I can't wait to see what the group will come up with next week as they start to fill their pages.<br />
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As usual the sessions rounded up with a lovely cup of tea or coffee all served in Carole's lovely vintage china. We both agreed that this was our favourite print from the day.Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-45220238796856402392017-03-11T10:30:00.000+00:002017-12-03T11:24:06.786+00:00Book of Days Project - Week One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week saw the start of the Book of Days project funded by the David Laing Family Fund via the Northamptonshire Community Fund.<br />
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Artist Carole Miles and I under the umbrella of The Eloquent Fold had enjoyed our experience of working for Transported in a few libraries around Boston and South Holland a couple of years ago and wanted to continue sharing our skills and working with local communities who quite often find themselves isolated through a variety of reasons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG0E5sMG1sMMkDdZ8IWj2wU1GyeVGTxBbQXuygmS8ZIWXwOrSSDzL9M5IvPO4eFGb_8p9RCc98C_P8hjZ-XMiU9wYmxwdJr0kqleEgGnmN8HGX5-dIYDNmKT9Z3b2r6ZBizGu5nardCkB/s1600/Book+of+Days1d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG0E5sMG1sMMkDdZ8IWj2wU1GyeVGTxBbQXuygmS8ZIWXwOrSSDzL9M5IvPO4eFGb_8p9RCc98C_P8hjZ-XMiU9wYmxwdJr0kqleEgGnmN8HGX5-dIYDNmKT9Z3b2r6ZBizGu5nardCkB/s320/Book+of+Days1d.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
Our project is based in two libraries in Northamptonshire, <br />
Roade and Deanshanger and will run for four consecutive weeks on Thursday and Friday.<br />
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Roade Library is the Thursday session, Deanshanger the Friday session. The first group we worked with were mainly seventy plus and were part of a writing group. Some had explored art and craft activities before, others were complete novices. Either way this is just fine, we love to bring people together in a safe and comfortable environment which allows for a shared creative experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhd-rrbSl6ptHW6GfRfbLyuirU4gOlvKaqQYf1Io9V6hkuXLr3OYtRzghY6Wyg78lJQuBlF_xUH0f_WKCE4w2cBsJn7L_-lBAZHnO0lqJl49QpTek_QrWjVjJUNqilCyJTqCFjCNqpm_9/s1600/Book+of+Days1f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhd-rrbSl6ptHW6GfRfbLyuirU4gOlvKaqQYf1Io9V6hkuXLr3OYtRzghY6Wyg78lJQuBlF_xUH0f_WKCE4w2cBsJn7L_-lBAZHnO0lqJl49QpTek_QrWjVjJUNqilCyJTqCFjCNqpm_9/s400/Book+of+Days1f.JPG" width="298" /></a>Deans hanger Library were a mixed age group and were eager to find out all about the project and what it involved.<br />
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Week one is where the group worked with me to learn how to make their book. I offered a good selection of wallpaper for the group to choose from then they learnt how to fold their paper evenly until they successfully created a Blizzard Book.<br />
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It was delightful to see people's faces when they saw what they were about to make. At the beginning the apprehension, when confronted by such a long strip of paper to the end when they have a completed book in their hands.<br />
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All this was rounded up with a lovely cuppa, which Carole rustled up in her beautiful collection of vintage cups and saucers, then a plate of biscuits was shared along with lively conversation.<br />
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Next week the group will be learning some basic printmaking with Carole. If you would like to view more photographs from the day please visit our Flickr page <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_eloquent_fold/albums/72157679413015461" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-43625599988139195202017-02-11T08:21:00.000+00:002017-02-13T09:49:37.674+00:00Carving Stamps with Kat LendeckaIf one print themed workshop wasn't enough this week, I booked myself on a 2 hour workshop with Kat Lendecka.<br />
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I found her on Instagram and really got into her work and process. Her posts quite often are mini videos showing a snapshot of her process often including a reveal of a print she was working on.<br />
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During the day it had been snowing and I hoped that it wouldn't settle or freeze on the ground. I'm a bit nervous of driving in either of those conditions. Fortunately, once it was time for me to leave it was fine.<br />
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When I arrived I was greeted by Kat and her lovely whippet. I was about 3 minutes late as I couldn't see the door numbers in the dark, I was so pleased when she came out to meet me I felt such a fool wandering about with a torch shining it on the other doors.<br />
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Once inside we made at start. I was introduced to the other 3 participants all who lived locally. Then Kat made us all a cup of tea and started to talk about what we could expect from the evening. She shared a little of her background and it was interesting to hear how she had progressed after leaving university. From a student studying graphics, who almost lived in the print studio to leaving university with the realisation that to continue would incur a huge expense for all the printing equipment. It was at this point that she decided that keeping her practice low key she could not only continue to be a Mum at home but also work on her practice using lino-cutting and stamp carving to create affordable prints. I have to say whilst the workshop was running a couple of "kerchings" rang out on her phone from her etsy shop (see below Cat and Owl print for link).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat and Owl £20 by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KatLendacka?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items" target="_blank">Kat Lendacka</a> (etsy shop)</td></tr>
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I was really pleased I had come prepared to the workshop. I'd spent a little while earlier on sketching some possible ideas for stamps. Working on the same theme that I am using at my jewellery class I decided to sketch down a garden door, a cage and a key. Kat gave us each a small piece of the blue easy cut lino to practice on. We were instructed to trace the design using tracing paper then transfer it onto the lino. Then using one of the finer tools cut around the image. Making sure to work outside the lines each area of negative space was removed. This is where, you have to make the decision on whether your stamp will be a positive or negative image. An this is where my head starts to turn itself inside out in a bid to get it right.<br />
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My practice stamp was the key. I worked carefully working slowly and zoned out from the room as I gently carved the rubber way. Once completed, Kate cut the excess away. I tested the stamp to check to see if I had a clean image. Not bad for my first attempt. Then I moved onto creating a the larger cage stamp. This was quite challenging and I was a little worried that I would cut into the important lines. <br />
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However, the result was just fine. Again I tested the stamp. I did this by stamping over the key so it would look trapped in a locked cage.<br />
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Before I knew it it was nearly time to go home. And so for the last 20 minutes we printed our stamps onto cards. I played around with the colours to achieve different effects.<br />
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What a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening. If you would like to attend one of Kat's workshop her website is www.katlendacka.com<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More images from the evening can be found <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/phiona_richards/albums/72157680262418115" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-65473950057696331972017-02-09T08:50:00.000+00:002017-02-14T11:07:01.091+00:00Taster Print session at Leicester Print Workshop<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://ruthsinger.com/" target="_blank">Ruth Singer</a> from the Leicester Design Factory group had organised a taster print session at <a href="http://www.leicesterprintworkshop.com/" target="_blank">Leicester Print Workshop</a> using funding from the <a href="https://www.designfactory.org.uk/" target="_blank">Design Factory</a> which was initially open to members in the area, then to was offered to surrounding groups. I jumped at the chance. It had been a long time since I had done print, almost 10 years in fact and my memories of the experience weren't that great. But I do remember being curious at the effects that could be achieved. And as an added bonus it was free for Design Factory members.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiy_qXP8VNJ4IN__VbZ_1Nxeom17jD3qm64cvcGC52RhfRB_CKhHZTLrJ9EpLkceAt-L18HeVBMDMczH9A5mr-3MYN151-jao0e405gGIA7W30V1ftceYCR3svPXT8vkP7FUQI21i_oL/s1600/Printworkshop4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiy_qXP8VNJ4IN__VbZ_1Nxeom17jD3qm64cvcGC52RhfRB_CKhHZTLrJ9EpLkceAt-L18HeVBMDMczH9A5mr-3MYN151-jao0e405gGIA7W30V1ftceYCR3svPXT8vkP7FUQI21i_oL/s320/Printworkshop4.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was an evening workshop, which didn't appeal to me but I understand that this is convenient for others who work during the day. I was a bit miffed when I ended up parking in a multi storey car park close by and then spotted as I drove up the ramp to the barrier that it was going to cost £12 for the 3 hours which I thought was extortionate but it was a bit late to change my mind by that stage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7WN9VdqV33Ie9KAs1AJL75SLt9uXTpE42zG6_14GG2y5tZzfL1p950LIpm6LC7IOc5kFTAlpQiaYhyT7-3rUVZZSHB-XCXqn1wMBPkpQZL6mcvgepSmdwKEt2KueLfmknrweWbcHPtH/s1600/Printworkshop5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7WN9VdqV33Ie9KAs1AJL75SLt9uXTpE42zG6_14GG2y5tZzfL1p950LIpm6LC7IOc5kFTAlpQiaYhyT7-3rUVZZSHB-XCXqn1wMBPkpQZL6mcvgepSmdwKEt2KueLfmknrweWbcHPtH/s320/Printworkshop5.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I arrived most people were already seated around the waiting area. A few more of the group arrived then we were introduced to our host <a href="https://sumikoeadon.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Sumiko Eadon</a> who is one of the artists in resident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Firstly we were taken a tour of the workshop. I found the space to be airy, with excellent light and a very calming atmosphere which I found refreshing. We were shown the various areas of the workshop and then taken to the collective area we would be working in. Sumiko then provided for us a short demonstration on the various ways to achieve a mono print.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsH9WPrq86Tg8jRr44t54Jl0m1xovl1aW4oVnQSWGkh_vIvoARDJOVJlNXgjoR810Fr8bNDovnl26dtlnlSwKumPa9pVXQi0oTBtGAKyVCKTQeOT45EsIxdS6tEt7hJ5qgVblDAGKx3yO/s1600/Printworkshop12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsH9WPrq86Tg8jRr44t54Jl0m1xovl1aW4oVnQSWGkh_vIvoARDJOVJlNXgjoR810Fr8bNDovnl26dtlnlSwKumPa9pVXQi0oTBtGAKyVCKTQeOT45EsIxdS6tEt7hJ5qgVblDAGKx3yO/s320/Printworkshop12.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">She made it look so easy and effortless, but I guess this is because of the years of experience she has. I have always found printing intriguing, but it's one of those processes that is messy and time consuming. I think you need to know what you want to achieve before you start, but you also need to know what is achievable, a bit like a chicken and egg conundrum. Having said that, once I got started and I began to understand the process a little, I started to relax and enjoy myself more. Working in mono print means you ink up a metal or plastic plate then you can either draw into the surface like <a href="http://ameliakirk.com/" target="_blank">Amelia Kirk</a> is doing here on the right. Alternatively you can lay things onto your plate top it with dampened paper then roll through the press.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Feathers and twig mono print by Phiona Richards</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's all about understanding the layering, which I find difficult. To me, it feels like you are working back to front. And the colours you use make a huge difference to the outcome. The black or any other single colour gives a really dramatic effect whilst adding extra colour adds another dimension to the prints. I experimented with the feathers, twigs, scrunched up paper. I drew into the surface. The results were very pleasing but I did feel like an infant with my first set of crayons.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Oak leaf and Acorn screen ready for printing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The next technique we were shown was screen printing. Prior to the workshop we were asked to send through a jpeg or pdf file of a simple drawing so that a screen could be prepared for us. Mine was oak leafs and acorns a theme I had been working on at the end of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did enjoy this technique and would perhaps like to learn more about it. I'm wondering whether there is an easier way to do it at home. I'm sure I've seen ideas on Pinterest. I must explore this further.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My screen was supposed to be a repeat pattern but after the initial drawing and preparing it for photoshop, it became very time consuming trying to make the background one colour. I just wasn't sure what would be picked up in the background and I wanted it to be a line drawing. Screen printing is a great technique to produce multi prints. I know you can use it on fabric as well.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Two tone mono print</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lastly, </span><a href="https://www.designfactory.org.uk/newsitem.php?filter=Case+Studies&id=4575" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">Kelly McCrobie</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> and Ruth Singer from our group, took over the last part and showed us how</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> to do flocking and foiling. It was quite a difficult one to demonstrate as the screens we had prepared weren't really open enough to squeeze the adhesive through but through grit and determination Kelly managed it. Once the adhesive was dry she placed the foiling plastic over the design and placed it in a heat press machine for 15 seconds. Once out of the machine she waited for the foil to cool before peeling the excess back. The effect was shiny and so attractive, we ladies love our glitz and glamour. Apparently this is something you can replicate at home using a glue stick and house iron.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I had a go at this technique by using a fine brush and drew Rare Notions onto a piece of calico. The result was basic but useable. I think I will work into it with stitch and other embellishments.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Os2CJHaxwwxPsFUqJ-9oDOvRzp53jxxvlPoMoQLHwMmnd318BWMdGkQdiy_maRDFtGWEhTmV-ZACaebtoN2o6sfaIV7p8_V1COzT6aYxG65rGm1TY-EbYxzXqRi4LgQs2Kbf3eYVYUg/s1600/Leicester+Print+Workshop14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Os2CJHaxwwxPsFUqJ-9oDOvRzp53jxxvlPoMoQLHwMmnd318BWMdGkQdiy_maRDFtGWEhTmV-ZACaebtoN2o6sfaIV7p8_V1COzT6aYxG65rGm1TY-EbYxzXqRi4LgQs2Kbf3eYVYUg/s400/Leicester+Print+Workshop14.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All in all it was a very informative evening. I would have like to have a go at lino cutting but as I have booked myself on a two hour evening course <a href="http://rarenotions.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/carving-stamps-with-kat-lendecka.html" target="_blank">carving rubber stamps</a> on Friday I wasn't too bothered</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More images from the evening can be found <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskS3xNed" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 359px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 72px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-83068842656426933792017-01-13T18:38:00.000+00:002017-01-14T14:40:02.208+00:00De-stress Activity at Leicester University<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Had a lovely session at Leicester University working with the undergraduates. An activity to take their mind off the looming exams, so making small notebooks was just the ticket. I know in this day and age we all rely on our phones, but on some occasions they let us down and we are left with a flat battery. This is where carrying a notebook around with you at all times comes in handy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think this mother and daughter duo, who both attend the university says it all, don't you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3JbS_vKWcoe7nTr8MSCI6TH_Mz1lkhXmkx7FFKT-m6zHHAKgjtScHRDgOUGQaS6KtrjCvCPsNSs-Oju6gM3T8XIePdMxJ32fmKh8b5dL_sDRBtWrS_QqPynoQl21Si7hrYnrNcKo1R8o/s1600/De-stress15lr-Leics+Uni-Jan17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3JbS_vKWcoe7nTr8MSCI6TH_Mz1lkhXmkx7FFKT-m6zHHAKgjtScHRDgOUGQaS6KtrjCvCPsNSs-Oju6gM3T8XIePdMxJ32fmKh8b5dL_sDRBtWrS_QqPynoQl21Si7hrYnrNcKo1R8o/s400/De-stress15lr-Leics+Uni-Jan17.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More images from the session can be viewed <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/phiona_richards/albums/72157679039566346" target="_blank">here</a></span>Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-46658892850736175752016-12-28T16:54:00.000+00:002017-02-28T17:02:29.234+00:00Blooming Great<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59mGpU8WYc0zSGO50D2RTEeTHqUw_tsW-XbCRsaGsEZ-_dJJF1b6bgUw_-Eqwm8eMqZFg4N1fwZbLkSMPSCWAHJ4nXAfdrH6oUy22UvDWN9U3EEcunkblTuI4J9MWUVmtrWU8Wo1NjDKE/s1600/2017-02-28+13.15.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59mGpU8WYc0zSGO50D2RTEeTHqUw_tsW-XbCRsaGsEZ-_dJJF1b6bgUw_-Eqwm8eMqZFg4N1fwZbLkSMPSCWAHJ4nXAfdrH6oUy22UvDWN9U3EEcunkblTuI4J9MWUVmtrWU8Wo1NjDKE/s400/2017-02-28+13.15.56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a fun and experimental page to produce. I've been working with artist Carole Miles in finding creative ways to use baby wipes to support Anglian Water with their "Keep it Clear" campaign. We work under the guise of The Eloquent Fold which comprises of me and Carole Miles a mixed media print community artist.</div>
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The difficulty with baby wipes is there reluctance to take on dye of any description. The colour looks good and positively vibrant when it is wet but by the time it dries it sort of fades and is most disappointing. I'm determined that there must be something out there that would work. Brusho is the closest I've come to finding a colouring agent that works. Still more experimenting I guess. I think we've also come to the conclusion that having the baby wipe material before </div>
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Anyway at Christmas, I worked with Carole at a couple of events spreading the Anglian Water campaign and I decided that I would keep all the used baby wipes that people had used to clean their stamps. I now have a big stack of them ready to be experimented on. I'd seen an video on YouTube where a woman had glued a pre-used dry baby wipe to a journaling page and worked over it. Interesting, I thought, let's give this a bash.</div>
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First I chose a couple of interesting baby wipes and glued them to the page. One of which I cut up and only used small sections. Next I used took one of my home-made stencils and some acrylic paint; lilac and baby blue to stipple over the stencil. The colours didn't show up greatly but by the time I had added some silver glitter glue and some contracting colours in the centre of the flowers it started to show some promise.</div>
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As petals, I used the dots from my hole punch which I had collected from a two workshops I ran around Christmas time. The finishing touches were, painted acrylic stems in green and a little hand lettered banner.</div>
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All is good.</div>
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<br />Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399985223647007562.post-67604135897200821362016-08-31T12:59:00.000+01:002017-02-26T23:04:59.275+00:00Looking to the futureQuite often when I work on a page it takes a while before it forms into a theme or an idea. This page started out by me using a book from the library that I had been gifted when I worked over in Boston Library. I'm not sure what the language is but I love the patterning it makes across the page. That was my starting point.<br />
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Then I painted a wash of pale blue and a mid green after I had a attached a small segment of branches. To that I added a stamped image of a heart which I haven't really used. In fact, journalling has given me the excuse to use my rubber stamps again.<br />
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The next stage was adding a landscape; adding grass using paint and gel pens and creating more of a tree. Then I embellished the stamped image using the Sakura Gelli Roll Glaze pens. They are lovely to work with and add a slight sheen, as though you used a fine tip varnish pen if ever there was such a thing.<br />
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Finally, I added a self portrait, which I have to say makes me look a little manic but hey, then added a the writing last. It's a bit of a shame the second half of the phrase couldn't be picked up by the camera. Next time I will be aware not to use a metallic pen.Phionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688385233586140810noreply@blogger.com0