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!

The Finished Article(s)

I thought I would upload the full set (so far) of "Washerwomen" that will be travelling up to Derby later in the month. Just got a bit of framing to do and then I'm all set for The Beetroot Tree! Hurrah!

Up-Front Exhibition, Derby

I have been busy working on new work for Up-Front's next exhibition. This will be at The Beetroot Tree in Derby from 25th July running until 6th September. The bras will be on show but this Exhibition will also include new work that the girls have been working hard on. We had our last meeting before the Summer on Wednesday and everyone's work looks stunning. I thought I would give you a sneak preview of my new work.

It is called "White Collar Work" and was inspired by finding men's detachable collars at a Flea Market earlier this year. I researched the history of the collars and this led me to look at laundry practices in our Grandmother's era. Whilst researching I came across a very old rhyme which goes:-

They that wash on Monday, have all the week to dry;

They that wash on Tuesday, are not so much awry;

They that wash on Wednesday, are not so much to blame;

They that wash on Thursday, wash for shame;

They that wash on Friday, wash in need

And they that wash on Saturday, Oh they are sluts indeed!

So this was the base for my White Collar Work.

It also led to my work with the Pegs - see the banner at the top of the page and I have

developed these into little characters. These are a work in progress but will also be on show at The Beetroot Tree.

So if you are in the Derby area please do pop in and see the Exhibition!

Hereford Craft Fair!

It was great to see so many of you at the Hereford Craft Fair on 13th June. The sun shone and it was a fantastic day! Thank you to those of you who came along and said hello and for all your positive comments. It's really good to get feedback and it makes such a difference to know that my efforts are appreciated!

I thought I would upload photos of the stall for those of you who were unable to get there. I will be doing other Markets throughout the summer and am back in Hereford on Saturday 12th December.

Over the next few days I will also be listing a few new items in my etsy store at http://www.corinnephillips.etsy.com/ for those of you who can't wait until then!

Barcelona!

We have just returned from our special wedding anniversary trip to Barcelona - without kids!!

What a lovely place it is - and so inspiring. I have come back with loads of ideas buzzing around in my head. Unfortunately I also have loads of washing to do which will have to come first - but not before I've posted to my blog!

We visited the Sagrada Familia which was stunning. I was particularly partial to all the text that was included and also found the funicular model especially inspiring. All those little bags of lead pellets - amazing. Then we went to Casa Battlo and Casa Mila.

The buildings are so decorative and the tiny shops with a whole host of goodies on display. It was lovely not to be met with the same old main brand shops - although as soon as we got home Ruby asked if there was a Top Shop or a New Look there! Whose child is she??!

Anyway it's good to be able to touch base with you - back to the real world now - ho hum!

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.

Greetings Cards

Well inspired by yesterday's visit to the Vintage and Handmade Fair, I have been making cards for my Craft Market in Hereford on 13th June. I've used bits of lace, ribbon, buttons and fabric I bought at the Fair and I'm really quite pleased with them.

Note to self though - photograph cards BEFORE putting them into sellophane envelopes. (You can't get the staff these days!)