Resolutions?

So, its a new year and inevitably that starts with all the things that I'm going to improve on this year; being more organised, creating more artwork, actually taking pictures of my work, posting them online etc. It never pans out quite as I plan, however, every year I do get a little bit better so who knows, maybe this year I will actually start making use of this space!

To start things off here are some drawings from September last year, an expansion on the crow theme.

Today I have been doing a workshop with some children supported by Carlisle Mencap as part of their Playscheme. We made cardboard automata using basic materials and lots of imagination. Here are some of the results!

Some recent drawings

I'm developing a slight obsession with crows, I see a lot of them on my travels to and from work and I think they are very interesting birds. They are really quite beautiful and yet there is something a bit sinister about them as we tend to associate them with death and darkness. I find this interesting as in my own work I like to create things that are beautiful yet have a sinister undercurrent.

Art Exhibition at the Cathedral

In Carlisle Cathedral at the moment there is an exhibition of art by adults with learning disabilities. One of the pieces is a large collage based on the work of Gustav Klimt that I did with a group of Service Users in one of the day services. It is all their own work and they showed great commitment and enthusiasm throughout the project.

A couple of quick pics!

I now have a camera but still not quite got round to the regular posts thing. Never mind, here are a couple of images of things I've been up to this weekend. Two tops customised with applique, buttons and lace trim and a shirt and tie made into a bag (or a bhirt.)

Felt Workshops at Penrith Crafts

Just a quick post to let you know that I will be running a short course in felt-making at Penrith Crafts (www.penrithcrafts.blogspot.com) in January. It will be over three consecutive Saturdays (16th, 23rd and 30th) from 11-3. The workshops are suitable for complete beginners and all materials will be provided. Please contact Penrith Crafts for more details, hope to see you there!

Pumpkin Party

I've been very busy the past couple of weeks with various crafting projects. My side kick Ella and I spent most of last week creating various Halloween decorations for Saturday's Halloween Pumpkin Party and costumes for last night's Guide Halloween party.

I think that this blog will get a lot more interesting once I get a camera and can document what I've been up to more easily. For now, here's a couple of shots of my prize winning pumpkin and our Halloween tree.