Where has all the time gone.....???

Well it was just over a year ago that we started this blog. Kirsten and I was just talking about how much we have enjoyed the website and blog, looking back over what we have done, but we have only had two comments! This made us laugh thinking whether anyone was actually looking at it so we checked out our statics and were amazed that in one month we had over two thousand hits, well thank you for looking at us but please leave a comment as we would love to here from you.

It has gone from strength to strength and looking back its surprising how busy and productive we’ve been even after my long and blissful holiday.

I spent the summer in France again this year; we drove down to the west of France and spent five glorious weeks by the sea. This year we bought bikes and cycled around discovering new places, having fresh sea food in little sea side restaurants, watching the sun go down over the sea it seems like a lifetime ago......

Just as well, as its back to work with a vengeance.

I have some good classes this year with lovely students. Our mixed media class is full with a waiting list, I am sorry if you didn’t get on it! I have been asked to put on another class but I cant mange it this time I’m afraid so I will post when the next classes come around. The City and Guilds weekends have been popular too and we just had the first one which was fun but hard work.

I am still working on the William Morris theme in my own work and have decided to keep working on and developing it for a year. I still get inspired by the whole movement and am still excited about the work.

There is a new exhibition on at the house. I haven’t been to it as I missed the private view on Friday but am hoping to pop along soon so I will tell you more later. I have been cutting stencils and using car spray paint with them.

Experiments In Colour: Thomas Wardle, William Morris and the Textiles of India’

10 October - 24 January

This exhibition explores the remarkable collaboration between William Morris and the Victorian textile entrepreneur, Thomas Wardle (1831-1909). Together they experimented with natural dyes and printing techniques and their interest in colour led them to a joint fascination with the textiles of India. This exhibition explores the fruits of this partnership, a unique moment in British textile history. ‘Experiments in Colour’ is curated by Dr Brenda King and forms part of a series of exhibitions celebrating Wardle’s centenary.

Design Show Inspiration.....

It was a while ago now but I popped along to 100% Design and i've only just got round to downloading my images. I was quite amazed at the quality of design this year. It seems to be in abundance all around which is great to get the creativity flowing. I really loved the 100% inspired section which had these great paper & card board lighting and furniture pieces.



I also popped along to Tent - a design show in the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. It was a great little space showcasing new and upcoming designers. There were lots of great design especially retro and 50's inspired prints.






I really loved the textile stand - the work was beautiful.....

Queens Theatre Art Shop

Hello,

We recently noticed that the Queens theatre now have their shop up and running. It started with the donations from the Silent Auction. So any work sold goes towards supporting the theatre. They are always looking for new donations so if you are feeling generous go ahead and donate some of your work.

Here's what's there so far, with some of our pieces....
Queens Theatre art shop

There's some great work (I guess I would say that!) and great bargains to be had.

City & Guilds Hand Embroidery Course

Hello,

This is my latest course, City & Guilds Hand Embroidery, that I will be teaching which starts on the 10th October.
For any questions or queries please get in touch and i'll be happy to fill you in.

Sharon

E17 Designers in Selvedge

E17 Designers as featured in the Selvedge newsletter:

CLaSS at the E17 Art Trail photos.....

Hello, I just wanted to share the photos with you all from the E17 Art Trail. It was a really successful day, the sun shone, the crowds were rolling and a good time was had by all. A big thanks to everyone who took part. This is now the second year that I've been involved and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. I'm really looking forward to see what talents next year brings.

I was only meant to teach 2 sessions but as the crowds turned up showing lots of interest and enthusiasm it turned out to be a non-stop creative workshop. Sharing the space with the weavers made for a great creative atmosphere. Although I was exhausted by the end of the day, teaching outside in the sun in the grounds of the college reminded me of my summer workshops in France. Even the photos look like they could be from France.

I'm sorry for missing out lots of the work on show, I was so hectic with the workshops! But i'm hoping to get copies from the photographer on the day, as soon as I do i'll post them up.








Here are 2 students from the silver jewelery class who were selling their work and still managed to take part in my class. In the picture they're just sewing the finishing touches to their pieces that they made in my workshop.

It was great to see such varied work from all of my students. They are just beginning to set up their own businesses selling their creative textile pieces, better pictures of their work is coming soon. If you are interested in any of the work please contact me and i'll pass on details.


It was a nice surprise to see a past student selling her work. She had attended one of my past printing classes, that Kirsten and I taught together, and had created this great collection of work. Again these are all for sale.

CLaSS at the E17 Art Trail 2009

As part of the E17 Art Trail this year CLaSS (Community Learning and Skills Service) will be celebrating the creative achievements of learners and staff with an exciting Art and Craft exhibition at Chestnuts House, 398 Hoe Street, E17 9AA on Saturday the 12th of September between 10am and 4pm.

As well as drawings, paintings, pottery, textiles, sculptures, jewellery and photography work being available for purchase there will be a chance to take part in a variety of inspiring free art workshops.

Come and meet me at chestnuts house. I will be there all day with work to sell and shall be offering free classes using transfer paint and hand sewing. This is a great little taster for anyone interested in creative textiles. If it’s a good day we will venture out into the sunshine and will be sewing out in the grounds all day.