Mini Masterpieces

This was an initiative of the Hampton Festival Committee.
Artists could collect up to two A5 canvasses. There was no charge, no entry charge either. They would be offered for sale for $30, $5 commission.
After asking around, we entered eleven pieces by 6 artists. Two were sold, including one of mine, which was amazing.

I had neither the time nor the motivation to create something totally new.
I found a glasses case I had made from a piece of textile art done at a workshop by Gabriella Verstraeten, many years ago. BTW: a wonderful tutor!
I covered the canvas with some fabric and simply glued the piece on and titled it 'Gabriella'.

For 'Pansies' I covered the canvas with a pink

velvet. Next I found some yoyos I had made years earlier and glued them on. Initially I was going to leave it at that, but then decided to use acrylic paint to give it some extra effect. Inspired by Somerset Art Society president, Jan Godfrey, who, in turn, learned it in Morocco. That was really fun...I should use that technique again,


'Pansies' was sold! The whole exhibition of about 100 of these Mini Masterpieces looked fantastic and we will file the idea away to use sometime in the future.

Back from Contextart

What can I say?
I enjoyed the class with Liz Maidment and I will try to complete the little project sooner rather than later. I learned some new embroidery techniques,  Liz was a charming and helpful tutor  and I enjoyed the company of my fellow students,

My thanks in particular to Barbara, who provided transport to get me from the house in Wentworth Falls to the school at Hazelbrook when she realised my situation, It was an easy walk from the house to Wentworth Falls station, but no way to get from Hazelbrook station to the Korowal School, except by car. It was left up to us to either find someone to give us a lift or use cabs. 

At other similar events I have attended, accommodation was either provided on campus or a bus provided transport for participants. This was the first time it was left to the individual students to manage how to get to and from the venue. Not good.

The knitting workshop just wasn't me. But Teresa Dair, our tutor, supported me when I decided to go freeform, giving me some lovely bundles of yarn to use. I started a piece that will go into Art Awards in July. 

I attended the Edwardian Night at Katoomba at the historic Carrington Hotel. The Embroiderer's Guild showed part of their collection of historical and vintage clothing complete with a running commentary that was both informative and entertaining. 

After two days of the four day workshop I couldn't go any further on my piece and I checked out of the school. 

Visited Wentworth Falls, Falls Gallery, Katoomba Cultural Centre and all the lovely shops along Katoomba Street. 

Ready for Contextart

Contextart is a textile event held in the Blue Mountains from 11-16 April.
I was originally booked into the two day workshop Stitched and Collaged Landscapes with Liz Maidment and four days with Fiona Hammond,: Beading Embellishement for the creative fibre artist.
I had met Fiona only recently at the Brisbane Stitches and Craft show and seeing her work in person, I couldn't wait to do the classes. Unfortunately, she had an accident and I had to choose another workshop. Not easy, with only 2 days left to source any material I might need.

I picked http://contextart.com.au/shop/jewellery-interior-design-and-more/ with Teresa Dair, because all I had to bring was knitting needles.
Knitting? Moi???? Had to borrow the needles, mine had been thrown out years ago.
But hey, it might open another door for me, I might love it, I might see possibilities in it, who knows.

I did consider Ken Smith's class, Bracken, Lichen and Fungi.
I probably could have gotten a sewing machine through the local Bernina shop, I probably had in my stash everything on his long materials list, but with only two days left in which I had to get ready, including getting the SASI (Somerset Art Society) newsletter out, have a hair cut and try to get some internet.

I am with Westnet and on Friday morning,  now five days ago, we, here in Esk,  were  not only without landline nor ADSL, but my  mobile phone service was also very limited. I received emails, but could not send and could not open attachments, let alone use the phone to tether to my laptop. Yesterday morning I bought pre-paid Telstra wifi.

Boo to Westnet, Telstra and Optus who did not work together to avoid this disaster for our area and/or provided better support.

Somerset Art Awards 2015

As well as an independent textile artist, I am also treasurer and newsletter editor of Somerset Art Society Inc. which is based in Esk, Queensland, Australia.  This is a dynamic organisation and  we're right in the middle of organising our second Biennial Art Awards.

Here's a photo of the 2013 event, held in our beautiful Somerset Civic Centre. 



Important dates: 
1 July: entries close
24 July: Gala Opening
25-26 July Exhibition: free admission
25 July Art and craft market in the foyer
Go to website for more details.

Where are my Spectrum Spiral Quilts?

Thanks to Kerrie Hay at Bernina Sewing Machines, seven of my Spectrum Spirals are now on their way to Jenny's Sewing Centre in Angaston, in time for the Barossa Valley Vintage Festival.
Three others are hanging at the office of Jim Madden MP, Brassall.
Thank you Jim, Kerrie and Jenny, I so enjoy having my quilts on display!
All Spectrum Spirals and their story is on my website
Here is one of my favourites.

Handing over the ACE Quilt

Here's the quilt finally being handed over to the Ipswich Hospital. I am  in the centre, Dr. Alison Cutler on the left, Carol, nurse manager of ward 7C on the right. (19 Dec 2014)
It was a lovely morning and my quilt and me were made very welcome and appreciated!

 A nice finish to a project I really enjoyed and was really happy with in the end.

Good progress

The project is now ready to be trimmed back to 32.5" (the half inch is for the seam allowance) and the border to be added.
It may, at first glance, look very much like the previous one.
But here are some close-ups.

There is wadding behind each shape and freemotion embroidery added.

The border has been designed, so the next picture will be of the wall quilt ready for quilting.