Weekend workdesk and white wallpaper

I'm  having a workdesk day as the weather is so bad.

Yesterday we had a fab time in our favourite little market town, 

Todmorden in West Yorkshire.

Even though we are in Rossendale, Lancashire, Tod is only about a 20 minute drive and feels like a step back in time with its lovely outdoor and indoor market that has my favourite haberdashery stall, amongst all the other great stalls I am always banging on about. Its so friendly and relaxed even on a cold day.

We decided against going in the local sit-in chippy for lunch this time as we had a basket full of homemade quiches, vegetarian pasties, cakes, breads and hot cross buns plus honey roast ham screaming out to be put between doorstep  slices of the rosemary, garlic and sundried tomato bloomer we had picked up from the artisan, frozen to bits but cheerful, baker on the outside stalls. 

Back to today.....

I stamped these flowers onto a piece of the mahoosive roll of header tape I picked up in the charity shop last week for £1.50 but couldn't decide between doing a bit of slow stitching onto it or some free machine embroidery. 

In the end I did both.

You see the brick wall background, its a piece of wallpaper I found and I've been using it as a backdrop for photographs.  My usual butterfly, overactive brain has come up with the idea of creating a wall of embroidery onto it using pieces of the header tape. 

 Lets see if that idea comes off or if it will it be another plan that sits alongside the other brainwaves that I stick up on the Wall of Inspiration.

Watch this space .... put the kettle on though it could be awhile

Nearly forgot to show you my charity shop find.

A pair of curtains for a fiver that must have come from a smoke free, clean house as they are immaculate.

I will be on the phone to friend Val after Easter to get them made into a frock and top for summer.

Another watch this space. You won't need to wait long, Val actually gets on with it.  She has just finished making me an A line short sleeve dress, top and skirt for the princely sum of £24. Again from a pair of curtains I picked up cheap.  I'll do a blog post with pics this week.

  

Happy Easter 

(even though its a cold one)

Weekend workdesk and white wallpaper

I'm  having a workdesk day as the weather is so bad.

Yesterday we had a fab time in our favourite little market town, 

Todmorden in West Yorkshire.

Even though we are in Rossendale, Lancashire, Tod is only about a 20 minute drive and feels like a step back in time with its lovely outdoor and indoor market that has my favourite haberdashery stall, amongst all the other great stalls I am always banging on about. Its so friendly and relaxed even on a cold day.

We decided against going in the local sit-in chippy for lunch this time as we had a basket full of homemade quiches, vegetarian pasties, cakes, breads and hot cross buns plus honey roast ham screaming out to be put between doorstep  slices of the rosemary, garlic and sundried tomato bloomer we had picked up from the artisan, frozen to bits but cheerful, baker on the outside stalls. 

Back to today.....

I stamped these flowers onto a piece of the mahoosive roll of header tape I picked up in the charity shop last week for £1.50 but couldn't decide between doing a bit of slow stitching onto it or some free machine embroidery. 

In the end I did both.

You see the brick wall background, its a piece of wallpaper I found and I've been using it as a backdrop for photographs.  My usual butterfly, overactive brain has come up with the idea of creating a wall of embroidery onto it using pieces of the header tape. 

 Lets see if that idea comes off or if it will it be another plan that sits alongside the other brainwaves that I stick up on the Wall of Inspiration.

Watch this space .... put the kettle on though it could be awhile

Nearly forgot to show you my charity shop find.

A pair of curtains for a fiver that must have come from a smoke free, clean house as they are immaculate.

I will be on the phone to friend Val after Easter to get them made into a frock and top for summer.

Another watch this space. You won't need to wait long, Val actually gets on with it.  She has just finished making me an A line short sleeve dress, top and skirt for the princely sum of £24. Again from a pair of curtains I picked up cheap.  I'll do a blog post with pics this week.

  

Happy Easter 

(even though its a cold one)

EXCITING COURSE WORK....

 Some people have said that I am not blogging as much now.  Well I only write if there is something to write about.... and right now I've got plenty.

Here are some more pages from my design/work book, that I am building up for my online 12 week course administered by contemporary embroiderer KAREN RUANE   Link across to her blog to see what it is I am doing.  The course is called ALCHEMY 2013.

You can see more images on my Flickr site here www.flickr.com/lynnyholly

Over the coming weeks I will be developing my designs into stitchwork and paper art.  Hope you will enjoy following along.LINKED ALSO TO - ARTISTS PLAY ROOM

EXCITING COURSE WORK....

 Some people have said that I am not blogging as much now.  Well I only write if there is something to write about.... and right now I've got plenty.

Here are some more pages from my design/work book, that I am building up for my online 12 week course administered by contemporary embroiderer KAREN RUANE   Link across to her blog to see what it is I am doing.  The course is called ALCHEMY 2013.

You can see more images on my Flickr site here www.flickr.com/lynnyholly

Over the coming weeks I will be developing my designs into stitchwork and paper art.  Hope you will enjoy following along.LINKED ALSO TO - ARTISTS PLAY ROOM

What's on my workdesk today

New year, new challenge, thats probably what a lot of us are saying.

I have taken up a 12 week online course with contemporary embroiderer Karen Ruane

KAREN RUANE BLOG LINK 

I am a massive fan of the work of textile artist BARBARA JEPSON, a founder member of the Ten Plus Textile Group in the UK.  Using her floral work as my starting point my aim is to create a book of design ideas which will lead to an end piece.  I'm not clear what that will be yet, it could be in the form of a piece of art or something practical.  Its upto the individual what they use for materials, even choosing to use a combination such as fabric and paper.  I know I will enjoy the process starting with

gathering of requirements ie . sketchbook, notebook, research material. The challenge for me will be producing an end piece and the embroidery part.

I spent last night going through old magazines and cutting out gorgeous pictures and words.

Then yesterday I enjoyed looking through my library of books, some which I had not dipped into for some time.

As I go along I hope you will enjoy my journey.

Here's the link to see what other people have got on their desks this week.

WOYWW

What's on my workdesk today

New year, new challenge, thats probably what a lot of us are saying.

I have taken up a 12 week online course with contemporary embroiderer Karen Ruane

KAREN RUANE BLOG LINK 

I am a massive fan of the work of textile artist BARBARA JEPSON, a founder member of the Ten Plus Textile Group in the UK.  Using her floral work as my starting point my aim is to create a book of design ideas which will lead to an end piece.  I'm not clear what that will be yet, it could be in the form of a piece of art or something practical.  Its upto the individual what they use for materials, even choosing to use a combination such as fabric and paper.  I know I will enjoy the process starting with

gathering of requirements ie . sketchbook, notebook, research material. The challenge for me will be producing an end piece and the embroidery part.

I spent last night going through old magazines and cutting out gorgeous pictures and words.

Then yesterday I enjoyed looking through my library of books, some which I had not dipped into for some time.

As I go along I hope you will enjoy my journey.

Here's the link to see what other people have got on their desks this week.

WOYWW

What's a Zentangle I said.....

When my blog friend Mo Allan said she was doing a Zentangle for the Artists Playroom
I had'nt a clue what she meant. 

Apparently it is a structured contained doodle.

Here is a great link to help you understand and get started if you want a go

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-zentangle

   I found this link on Pinterest  for the stitchers amongst us
Zentangle for embroidery

and here is my first attempt at this art form.
It will be submitted to this weeks Artists Playroom.
Link across to see some really stunning pieces.
ARTISTS PLAY ROOM 

What's the verdict?

www.doodlybird.co.uk

What's a Zentangle I said.....

When my blog friend Mo Allan said she was doing a Zentangle for the Artists Playroom
I had'nt a clue what she meant. 

Apparently it is a structured contained doodle.

Here is a great link to help you understand and get started if you want a go

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-zentangle

   I found this link on Pinterest  for the stitchers amongst us
Zentangle for embroidery

and here is my first attempt at this art form.
It will be submitted to this weeks Artists Playroom.
Link across to see some really stunning pieces.
ARTISTS PLAY ROOM 

What's the verdict?

www.doodlybird.co.uk

TALENTED PEOPLE ......

My very talented friend Tracy Anker owner of Tracy's Workshops in Slaidburn, Lancashire

http://www.tracysworkshops.com/

 converted what was a plain blue wool coat that she bought for £20 into this stylish model

by replacing the lining with an Angie Lewin print fabric.

Covering the buttons in the same material.

Then embroidering and adding appliqued flowers.

The final touch was this felt flower also made by Tracy.

Clever lady

Check out the link above for her fantastic workshops.  You are guaranteed a great day out, fabulous food and something you have made youreself to take home. 

 You don't have to be a stitcher to join in (I know I'm not).

TALENTED PEOPLE ......

My very talented friend Tracy Anker owner of Tracy's Workshops in Slaidburn, Lancashire

http://www.tracysworkshops.com/

 converted what was a plain blue wool coat that she bought for £20 into this stylish model

by replacing the lining with an Angie Lewin print fabric.

Covering the buttons in the same material.

Then embroidering and adding appliqued flowers.

The final touch was this felt flower also made by Tracy.

Clever lady

Check out the link above for her fantastic workshops.  You are guaranteed a great day out, fabulous food and something you have made youreself to take home. 

 You don't have to be a stitcher to join in (I know I'm not).

WHAT THE POSTMAN BROUGHT.....and what I sent

First to drop through the door was this lovely embroidered card from Connie of KonnyKards. 

I love the colours and materials, it is so pretty.  Thank you Connie for the lovely gift, it is now on the inspiration wall in my studio. 
Link for more images of Connie's lovely work 

  
Next a box  of colourful beads and strings that we can use at Sunnybank Craft Club to make keyring holders or handbag tags.
The book is one of Geraldine Taylors illustrated childrens stories. Geraldine, a recognised author of childrens books, has bought three of my Doodly Bird sketchbooks which she is using to write stories in for her grandchildren.
Link to Geraldine Taylor books 
The little ATC Collection is a pad of ATC size decorated sheets 

HERE IS WHAT I SENT

A ruby wedding card to my lovely friend and sister-in-law Elena and her husband David.

A bag and book down to Eastbourne

An order for two more books for the teachers of St. Edwards School, Castleton.

Oh, and a card I bought from Haworth Art Gallery for Kim Tillyer of Witchmountain because it reminded me of her work.
Link to Witchmountain blog and work 

WHAT THE POSTMAN BROUGHT.....and what I sent

First to drop through the door was this lovely embroidered card from Connie of KonnyKards. 

I love the colours and materials, it is so pretty.  Thank you Connie for the lovely gift, it is now on the inspiration wall in my studio. 
Link for more images of Connie's lovely work 

  
Next a box  of colourful beads and strings that we can use at Sunnybank Craft Club to make keyring holders or handbag tags.
The book is one of Geraldine Taylors illustrated childrens stories. Geraldine, a recognised author of childrens books, has bought three of my Doodly Bird sketchbooks which she is using to write stories in for her grandchildren.
Link to Geraldine Taylor books 
The little ATC Collection is a pad of ATC size decorated sheets 

HERE IS WHAT I SENT

A ruby wedding card to my lovely friend and sister-in-law Elena and her husband David.

A bag and book down to Eastbourne

An order for two more books for the teachers of St. Edwards School, Castleton.

Oh, and a card I bought from Haworth Art Gallery for Kim Tillyer of Witchmountain because it reminded me of her work.
Link to Witchmountain blog and work 

MY MONTHLY ARTICLE FOR BUTTON FLOOZIES BLOG..... I thought you might like to see it.

Let me introduce you to the rather special embroidered buttons of
 freelance embroiderer
 KAREN RUANE 
of Blackburn, Lancashire in the UK.

I am not going to spoil the pleasure of looking at Karen's work 

by saying a lot about it because I think the work speaks for itself.

So have a look at the photographs she sent me, then link across to her website and learn more about her wonderful 

Freelance Embroidery, courses she runs, exhibitions 

and then pop into Karen's shop.

 

www.karenruane.blogspot.com 

  http://www.etsy.com/shop/contemporarystitches