March, let’s be having you

Well look at me back in the swing of things. I’ve been on a textile retreat in the Cotswolds

with my tribe from the No Rules Textile Society 

Link to No Rules Textile Society

The wandering welder was with me and we stayed in a pretty little cottage in Weston Subedge, not far from Broadway and Chipping Campden. It was so peaceful and had a lovely pub a three minute walk away.

Members travelled from all round the globe by plane, train and car to attend. We had visitors from Spain, Ireland,America and all points of the UK. Many of us had only seen each other on Zoom meetings but that didn’t matter one jot,it was like getting together with old friends. There were lots of hugs and happy tears.

The first part of day one was spent nattering amongst each other then we gathered round while our beloved leader Jayne Emerson talked a little about the format for the weekend, followed by each of us informally saying what we had in mind to do or showing what they’d brought with them. The openness of everyone was so heartwarming, it was just like being in a room with all your best mates. Such a unique atmosphere and gathering of likeminded folk.

For me I’d had in mind to do something to do with Collars and Cuffs, after being inspired by the work of Hungarian textile artist Andrea Kiss. Isn’t it funny what appeals to us. If I was to breakdown why I’m so drawn to her pieces I’d probably say it’s the photography, the techniques, the shabbiness, the mark making. I don’t think I can really put it into words, other than the images just mesmerise me

Instagram link to Andrea Kiss artist 

And so I was in my element creating a display wall. Photography tape is a great fabric adhesive that can be used without leaving any marks on the wall. I’ll be buying a roll of that when I get home. Look at all the boxes of fabric that Jayne brought with her for us all to use. This is just half of it.

I brought with me a variety of cotton collars/blouse fronts that I bought online with the idea of altering them.You can see with my first one that I’ve started by cutting up scraps of fabric and creating a patchwork front on this one. After Pritt sticking them all down I then machine stitched them in place.

By the end of day one I had half of it done.

Round two tomorrow. My head is bursting with ideas of what I’m

going to do next. I’ve not been this fired up for months, it’s like being

back in college. Yippee

Oh my goodness ……

Hello bloggers,  I am at my desk with some of my No Rules Textile Society chums on a zoom meeting.  There’s been lots of chat about AI, of which I know nothing about as I’m a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to the latest technology.

However, after discussing ChatGPT, I decided to have a go.   I’d no idea what I was doing so as usual I just pushed buttons until something happened.  

First up I loaded up two of my own original photographs of pieces 

of my work

I asked ChatGpt to create images of a floor mat

a floor mat and a triptych wall hanging.

It’s  frightening and amazing at the same time what it can do.

I can see what all the hoohah is all about amongst the creative industry

How it created this blouse and dress from the two photos was astonishing 

I may play around with ChatGPT more, just for my own interest into what it can do, 

but I can understand how dangerous it has become to people’s professions.

In all honesty it’s not for me.  I’m sure it has its uses but for me it takes away the

true creativity, the process, the beauty and heart of what we do.

If you want to have a go here’s a link CHATGPT

In the meantime have a good authentic creative week folk at your desks

Lynn 

xx

LNK TO WHATS ON YOUR WORKDESK WEDNESDAY 

Hello …… WOYWW Ladies

Happy new year to everyone at What’s on your Workdesk Wednesday.  I hope everyone is well and feeling creative.

It’s been awhile since I’ve joined in. 2025 wasn’t great, but I'm ready to move forward now.

The first prompt of the year at my No Rules Textile Society is “YOU” which is a great word and theme for us to work with.  I’ve done some brainstorming in my notebook.

Then writing a manifesto for myself for the year I’ve created a vision board to keep me on track.

Next up I’m going to strip down my display wall in the studio ready for new work.

I’ve also got a couple of books from my collection to revisit.  They are perfect reads for inspiration 

Nice to be back

Lynn 

xxx

LINK TO WHATS ON YOUR WORKDESK WEDNESDAY 

Manifesting creativity

Happy new year everyone.  2025 was a real mix of highs and lows, with the lows taking its toll on my creativity amongst other things.

But now it’s time to move forward and train my brain to see the good things around me.

Saturday 3rd January will see the start of a new year in my textile group - The No Rules Textile Society with Jayne Emerson our beloved leader.

NO RULES TEXTILE SOCIETY LINK

There will be a happy zoom meeting where we can all catch up, and a new prompt to get our creative juices flowing again.

So here is a quick look round my studio from where I left it in December.  I’m hoping that 2026 will manifest into the return of me Lynn Holland the curator who likes to inspire others in the world of textiles through moodboards, books and recommendations of the work of other artists 

Its good to be back