What's going on in the studio??

Firstly many apologies for not updating weeks ago. Now I have the studio, I am always in there when I have time...so less noodling about on the internet, which, is a very good thing.

I finally finished the big tapestry I started months ago, all my instagram followers are probably sick to death of seeing updates, but it was quite an achievement for me, mainly because it's the biggest thing I've woven since uni.

The tapestry is still on the loom, and that's why it looks a little bit skewd, it's actually pretty straight on the sides.

The studio is starting to look really lived in, which is great for me. I don't seem to get comfy unless there is a bit of muddle about.

I've been trying out a lot of different ways of doing things. It started back when I started putting the warp on differently. That's why the big octopus tapestry is still on the loom...got loads of warp left.

The studio is part of a converted wool factory...so coincidental.

That little red string is reminding me where the middle is.

When I was a bit stuck a couple of weeks ago I started with collages again. An old trick from uni...when in doubt, make a collage. Works a treat for creative block...or brain re-jig.

I just have to say so many thanks to the kind folk on Instagram for all the nice comments and all.

I know from time to time I have been very vocal about my concerns about tapestry as a medium, and especially at the moment, when it's so popular as an activity...rather than an expressive, narrative artform, (as I see it).

If anyone is interested in what those concerns may be, please feel free to email me and I'll tell you all about them!! : D

I guess because of these concerns, I had set myself the task of compiling my  "how to" notes from uni, and making them into a little book (75pages!?!). This plan was going great until I got that dumb bug (cough, temperature, headaches...Blah) a couple of months ago. The plan is still on, but later now, because of all the lead up till Christmas. So, for anyone who's hanging out for it, it's coming.

PS: (Because of the Troll who went berserk at me, I do not air these concerns anymore...I can tell you right now, Texan teacher, I'm glad you don't teach my children! At least I speak it how I think it, and not veil my ideas behind a wall of chic, retro, nicey nice speak...while secretly leaving negative, uninformed opinions on people's personal blogs.) 

It feels good to get that off my chest...I've been seathing about that for months.
That's it, no more bitching about that.

Hello!

It's been such a long time since I've said hello here!
Lots of things have been happening. The biggest joy has been moving into my own studio, a childhood dream. It is the best.

It's great being able to get the wool out...and somewhere to put the GoT guys.

I've started some big work, which has also been great. I haven't done anything big since I worked at the Australian Tapestry workshop, and that was someone elses work.
 So really, it's been years and years.

Also, I've been exhibiting for Craft Cubed at Boom Gallery this month, it finishes up at the end of this week.
You can view the show here, at my website , look in the "work" tab.

I think I was put off blogging for a while because of the TROLL who went kind of passive aggresive berserk at me. I know who it is, and really, the young lady should have known better...perhaps had a little look at the blog before telling me I can't express what I think.
Oh, and if you can't beat 'em.

also, stay tuned for this lovely......

all woven on a table loom.

New studio, lots of new things

I can finally let everyone know, I have a new studio space that I am working from. It's very exciting and I love being there every time. There really is not enough hours in the day.

So, let me tell you about it.

 Firstly, the great big idea came from my very good, and longest time friend, Jen, from A Piece of Cloth. It is a veritable emporium of beautifully curated vintage and antique textiles that she personally ventures into the wide and wild blue yonder to find and bring back to our fair shores. Fabulous.

Secondly, it is so spacious there was enough room for me. Great.

And, thirdly, and most fantastically, it is situated in historical Fyansford, in the old, and heritage listed paper mill. It is so interesting and crumbly and beautiful!!!

We have opening hours, so you can come and visit.

11 am-3 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday .

Jen or I, or both of us, will be there at these times.

So let me show you what I have ready for my next market at Apollo Bay. The Bay and Beyond Market , It's this weekend!

So I've made some new Fox toys, 4 in fact, I wish I had more time, but you know, I do what I can. 

Hand embroidered faces

Vintage patchwork and natural linen

I've got some new necklaces, more simple, and maybe a bit more comfortable to wear in the warmer months, they've been fun to make.

 Plus, I had a great time at a workshop I did a couple of months ago on Croation beading. It was so good, and really approachable, not at all the meticulous activity I thought it would be, and that's something coming from me...Ms Meticulous. So these are a new thing for me. Shaped heavily beaded  pieces to be worn as a neck piece. I just love shiny things, and this certainly scratches that itch I try to suppress often.

And here is one that I'm in the middle of doing, as I said, there are not enough hours in a day.

I love these deep window sills...mmm, bluestone.