April Fool!

Meet April! She is a miniature fairy - about 4" from head to toe and she will adorn the cover of my latest work in progress - a fabric book!

The pages are made from silk noil which I have tea dyed and I have free machine embroidered the words. I will add found objects and other embellishments on to the pages.  The only problem is assembling the thing afterwards.  Originally I had thought I would just put the pages right sides together and then turn inside out but I don't think I will be able to do that if I have the found objects attached. So I will have to have a bit of a think on that one.

I wanted this page to signify the night time and so I used dark navy silk dupion and I have to say I am really pleased with the result. Although I don't think my photograph does it justice!

Long time - no post!

Well I am just surfacing from my first week of the school holidays. Why is the weather so crap!

I thought I ought to touch base before we go on our Summer break to Cornwall. I am hoping to visit the Home Spun Fair - and let's hope the sun does manage to break through.

I think I've mentioned that Up-Front are currently doing an Altered Book challenge (which will hopefully be on show at The Small Gallery, Hereford in November/December). So I thought I'd share the latest book I've been working on. The theme was The Sea - and - with the holiday in mind - I chose to focus on bathing belles at the Beach. Probably wishful thinking!

I've also been experimenting with making a 3D fairy. She's coming along slowly and I'll publish photos shortly.

So, for everyone who's taking part in the Home Spun fair - good luck and hopefully see you there!

Altered Book Exhibition

Most of you will know that I am a member of the Textile and Mixed Media Group Up-Front. We are currently working on new work that will be exhibited at The Beetroot Tree, Derby from 25th July - 6th September. But another exhibition we will be doing is an exhibition of Altered Books for The Small Gallery, Hereford around Christmas time. I don't know if you are familiar with the Altered Book genre. Each member of the Group has chosen a second hand book and a theme. The books travel from one member to the next for each to contribute their own interpretation of the theme. At the end we will all have a book full of the Group's gorgeous artwork.

Anyway I have just finished this month's book (pictured above) which belongs to Gilly Mound, the theme of which is "Where the Heart is" and I thought I would share it with you.

Hope you like it.