Oh my, this semi retirement lark sure is tiring......lots of fun but exhausting at the same time. I'm sure you've heard many retired people comment on how they now wonder how they managed to work full time. Well, I am definitely one of those people now. When I think back to how many hours a week I used to work, I really cannot get my head around how I managed to fit in things like supermarket shopping and cleaning the house, let alone spend any time with my family.
It has certainly been a busy month.....first of all there has been lots of work on new secret stuff......which of course is always extremely exciting. My lovely Mum celebrated her 80th birthday so my parents came to stay for the Bank Holiday weekend. We bought her a mini iPad so that she can Facetime all the grandchildren. Dealing with technology is not one of her talents but she loves it and so does my Dad........I have stressed that it was her gift, so Dad if you're reading this, we'll get you one for Christmas!!!
My Wednesdays are now fully booked too, I have the pleasure of my grandson Callum's company on Wednesdays so that his Mum can return to work with incurring huge child care costs. He is an absolute angel to look after but he is crawling now and can move at the speed of light so I really have to have my wits about me.
This week, I was a very lucky girl and had the great pleasure of taking a class with the super talented Lynda Monk who is a textile artist that I have admired for some time. It was a kind of dabble class, where Lynda showed us A LOT of her techniques using products that I have had in my stash and not fully explored before. I have to say, it was one of the best classes I have ever been to, not only is Lynda a lovely and funny lady, her classes are extremely well prepared and beyond organised.
Today I thought I would share a couple of my samples......we made loads of the day. The first one will eventually become the cover for a journal, it's using Lynda's "Scrunched Scrim" technique.
Another sample of the same technique but on this one, I decided to squash some of the raised up bits and see what I could turn it into.
The first thing I did was get some colour on it by painting it with a layer of Caribbean Sea Fresco Finish paint.
I then watered down some Snowflake Fresco and added a wash over everything to tone it all down. At this point I started thinking pebbles on a beach.
A touch of gold always brightens things up.
I added some beads which at first thought I would sew on, but then realised that that would be extremely tedious, so out came the glue!!!
I added some stamping, the main images are from HP1112 & HP1201.
Here's a close up of the anchor. I'm really pleased with how this postcard size piece turned out.
Finally, I thought I would share another of my finished pieces. Again, it's postcard size, which is a lovely size to work on, you don't get that daunting feeling when you have no idea what you are doing!!!!
Lin x
STUNNING work Lin, you are so lucky to live where there are lots of textile artists, i struggle finding workshops close to me where i can learn techniques like this.
ReplyDeleteYour use of the metal spacer beads is awesome as are the colours you have chosen to use.
So glad you are sharing, beautiful beautiful pieces :-) xxx
Sounds like a great workshop, and the results look amazing. Have a great weekend - hope the weather will be kind to you so you can tackle the gardening - and if not,happy crafting!
ReplyDeleteHello lin,
ReplyDeleteFabulous looking samples, I love your finished project;it is beautiful.
Smiles:)
Sue
Looks like a very interesting day Lin and your samples are fabulous ! Good luck with the gardening ! Sue C x
ReplyDeleteLovely piece of work, Lin.
ReplyDeletelove the blues and your textures
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful pieces, that anchor looks three dimensional. Have a great weekend & good luck with the gardening.
ReplyDeleteFabulous samples Lin and how I would have loved that workshop a few years back. Somehow went off sewing in any form but still love to examine and enjoy it done by others. The colours on your final piece are stunning and the sea themed one is beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about retirement. I often say I wish I could return to work for a rest, lol! BTW thank you for your very kind message earlier.
Hugs
Lesley Xx
Beautiful pieces Lin, the texture is just amazing. Love the colours of the last piece most of all, the beads look fab, and that background is stunning. However, I love how your other pieces turned out as well, the anchor looks amazing, and the beads added to your first piece are scrumptious. Glad you are enjoying life in retirement so much, Judith xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous, Lin! I love the wonderful texture of these pieces! You are such talent!
ReplyDeleteThis is totally scrumptious Linda! Will make a note of her name and look out for her work! Your samples are stunning! Thanks for showing us! Xx
ReplyDelete