tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13840451340965372052024-03-12T23:02:05.349+00:00Jools Yasities - Umbel Handmade ManiaUmbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-43778775686962627082012-09-24T09:15:00.001+01:002012-09-24T09:15:21.345+01:00Skull SeasonThe usual procrastination going on here. Yes, I'm still alive. Alive and made stronger, if a little bitter and twisted, by having done decorating.<br />
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Our kitchen, so I've discovered, is approximately the size of a small planet. At least it seems that way when you're putting coat after coat of paint on the walls. Anyway, it's now beautiful in shades of turquoise. I have also realised why people pay people to do this stuff for them. No wonder they charge so much; it's recompense for having their very souls sucked out on a daily basis. Decoraters are our modern day warriors, out fighting on the battlefields of despair.<br />
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I painted the hallway too, which is tiny, but has three doors and a window. It was worse than doing the kitchen. I need therapy now. I'll be months getting over it.<br />
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Some work is also happening. I finally got round to doing a skull lino cut. It was spurred on by the above decorating, as I wanted most desperately to have a Day of the Dead themed artwork for the wall. It was so enjoyable, doing the design purely to my own taste and requirements. I try to do most of my work this way, but when they're commissions and whatnot it's not possible, obviously. It took me a LONG time and I always spend it wondering if the print will work out well or not. I like the suspense, but I would definitely have thrown a right old wobbly if it had been rubbish. There are always things I'd change, but again, that's life (and art) for you.<br />
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I wanted to use a floral motif to symbolise the imagery we use in western culture for celebrations. The idea of celebrating our lost loved ones isn't embraced here the same way as in other countries, but I really like the sentiment. I know skulls aren't everyones' cup of tea either, but to me they signify the mind of a person, the thing that made them what they were when they were living. Does this make sense?<br />
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Here he is then, smashing little fella.<br />
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<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-3785224658789827022012-08-10T14:15:00.000+01:002012-08-10T14:15:39.100+01:00Friday's ChildI don't know how it came about, but I appear to spend every Friday cleaning things that are usually (in this house at least) left alone. This morning I cleaned the kitchen windows and before I knew it I was scrubbing all the walls. You know mammoth tasks? Well this makes those look like a quick scratch of the eyebrow. I've been at it for <i>hours</i>. So, now I have a cup of tea and a few minutes to say hello before I take myself off for a lovely relaxing bath.<br />
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I was awoken last night by an itchy toe. No, seriously. Some vile
bloodsucking creature must have got in and bitten me while I was asleep.
My daughter reckons it was the cleaning fairy, hence my new superpowers
in that field. I'm not so sure. It's still driving me insane. <br />
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I've been painting this week, concentrating on some larger pieces. I've got one finished and one part done. I'd intended to complete the latter today, but time ran away with me. I'll do some this afternoon, though I'll be fighting it all the way in this hot weather. The washes are drying before I'm done with them. Kh.<br />
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Here are a few views of my latest peacock. I'm going to list him in my Etsy shop, as I've sold a few of my bigger paintings on there recently. I feel very appreciated by my US customers :-)<br />
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I've enjoyed using a looser style along with realistic elements and I'm especially happy with the pose of the bird. Inspiration was taken from my springtime photos at Walton Gardens in Warrington. <br />
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<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-62047870947778701552012-08-02T15:15:00.001+01:002012-08-02T16:35:43.672+01:00I Think I Bent My Head TodayArgh argh argh! Here was me being superhuman superspecial housewife and
dancing attention on the minging kitchen floor and guess what? Yeah,
along came the rain, Incy Wincy Spider style and got all over my blimmin
washing on the line. As if that wasn't infuriating enough, it had been
out there all morning and was most definitely nice and dry before this
unfortunate event. Nothing gets up my trunk quite like my laundry
efforts being thwarted. Next person to walk through that door is going
to suffer my wrath, even if it wasn't their fault (unless they can prove
it without question).<br />
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I'm in full on weird, emotional loopiness today. What with all the
Olympic ups and downs (how silly of me, but they get me every time), a
really brilliant day out at the Tate yesterday with excellent company
and a very civilised lunch (yes, I'm at large again nowadays) and being
quite tired, I'm all over the place. I've been dancing round this
morning to an ill-advised playlist of very questionable 1980s music
(hyper and silly, singing along tunelessly) and this afternoon I've been
cleaning up. I stopped for a minute and somehow ended up reading things
I wrote ages ago about university and all that, which had me in floods
of tears while U2 played in the background (<i>Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses</i>
- very mind bending - see below). I decided to embrace my mega mood
swings and enjoyed a good old cry after the big high of daftness. I
reckon this is good for me, as long as nobody's around to get worried at
the sight. The weird thing is, I don't feel sad, just extremely <i>feeling</i> stuff. Not sure I've finished yet, but I've got 'til 5pm to let it all out.<br />
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In the midst of all this crackers carry on there's been a decision made
to cook salmon with cauliflower cheese for dinner. We had it last week
and my minions loved it. I am <i>not</i> washing the saucepans afterwards though. There. Stand made.<br />
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I have so much housework to do; it's baying at me like a wolf at the moon (what <i>do</i>
wolves want from the moon anyway?). Really, I need to be climbing on
worktops washing walls, pulling fridges and washing machines from their
comfy places to clean behind them, dragging bowls of chemical laden
water round the place to aid me in scrubbing paintwork, well you get the
idea. I don't think I'm quite ready for such things just yet, shame on
me. After all that comes decorating. Is it any wonder I'm scared?<br />
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There's also the usual multitude of art doing its best to burst out of
my head. I'm working on sketches so I don't lose any of the threads
going on. One such drawing is on a Superdrug receipt, but most have been
fortunate enough to land on paper this time. I've got keys, sugar
skulls, more peacocks and some random plant-like designs, mostly for
lino cuts. I need an old clock too, so I can draw the inner mechanism.
Not sure what for yet, but it popped into my head this morning.<br />
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The rain has stopped now and the birds are chirping. Probably sniggering at my damp bedding, snarky buggers.<br />
<br />And so without further ado, here for the very first time ever, please
see song lyrics copied and pasted in ridiculous teenage fashion. I can't
stop listening to it. If you want to sing along with me (and I really
do recommend it. In fact I hope you cry too and send me a comment to let
me know you're joining in the tearfest. Altogether now), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w79zQ0Z_Jxc&feature=fvst" target="_blank">click HERE for the link</a><i><br /></i><br />
<i>You're dangerous 'cause you're honest
<br />You're dangerous, you don't know what you want
<br />Well you left my heart empty as a vacant lot
<br />For any spirit to haunt </i><br />
<br />
<i>You're an accident waiting to happen
<br />You're a piece of glass left in a beach
<br />Well, you tell me things I know you're not supposed to
<br />Then you leave me just out of reach
<br /> </i><br />
<i>Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
<br />Who's gonna drown in your blue sea?
<br />Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
<br />Who's gonna fall at the foot of thee? </i><br />
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<i>Well you stole it 'cause I needed the cash
<br />And you killed it 'cause I wanted revenge
<br />Well you lied to me 'cause I asked you to
<br />Baby, can we still be friends? </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
<br />Who's gonna drown in your blue sea?
<br />Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
<br />Who's gonna fall at the foot of thee? </i><br />
<br />
<i>Oh, the deeper I spin
<br />Oh, the hunter will sin for your ivory skin
<br />Took a drive in the dirty rain
<br />To a place where the wind calls your name
<br />Under the trees the river laughing at you and me
<br />Hallelujah, heavens white rose
<br />The doors you open
<br />I just can't close </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Don't turn around, don't turn around again
<br />Don't turn around, your gypsy heart
<br />Don't turn around, don't turn around again
<br />Don't turn around, and don't look back
<br />Come on now love, don't you look back! </i><br />
<br />
<i>Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
<br />Who's gonna drown in your blue sea?
<br />Who's gonna taste your salt water kisses?
<br />Who's gonna take the place of me?
<br /><br />Who's gonna ride your wild horses?
</i>
<i><br />Who's gonna tame the heart of thee? </i>
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I've been extremely honest and adult about all this. I hope you lot appreciate that. <br />
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Oh I'll <i>so</i> be coming back tomorrow and deleting this nonesense.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-1374794095256537952012-07-26T13:22:00.000+01:002012-07-26T13:22:35.325+01:00Is This Art?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The latest in my peacock adventures. Just a miniature little study, but it's another step in the experiment with a good look at all the colours that flutter around the feathers. I've painted this from a real life feather here on my desk. I can't stop playing with it.<br />
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The rollercoaster has been continuing here. Mentally I'm feeling in a whole different place now. This week I've felt some seriously lovely stretches of wellbeing, moving from contentment to being what I can only describe as really happy. It's been quite emotional in a lot of ways, and rather than trying to keep it all inside I've allowed myself some tears, lots of laughing and oodles of time with my beloved, sharing the joy. He in turn is feeling much better and keeps telling me how good it is to have me back. Who knows how long it'll last? Having said that, I wouldn't have believed anyone if they'd told me six months ago that I'd be having a week like this. I'm grateful indeed.<br />
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On the down side, I caught a virus about three or four weeks ago. It's one with a nasty chesty cough and temperature and all that. I went to my GP after about ten days and got some medication, which is gradually helping me show an improvement. I'm still feeling a tad feeble and breathless, but mostly I'm fighting it off now. I reckon this time next week I'll be fighting fit again. I'd better had be - I just won't put up with this nonesense!<br />
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I don't know if anyone's ever caught the TV show called Show Me the Monet? Someone recommended it to me and I've been really getting into it (BBC2 iPlayer on catchup). My heart is in my mouth for the artists and I am transported back to my university application interview where I received a very similar grilling. Really scary stuff. My hub watched an episode with me last night and we had a good old meaty discussion about what is and isn't art, especially when applied to the work we both do. <br />
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Please step this way into my can of worms...... <br />
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I have no doubt that the panel would hate my stuff and throw me out for being merely a decorative artist. I don't think I have <i>ever</i> used art as an expression of my emotions, as seems to be the requirement for these guys. I've asked myself whether I would consider it as an approach, and right now I'd say no. I simply don't have any desire to intentionally "speak" via a painting. I don't even feel a need to create a dialogue with the viewer. Does this make me fall short? That one's open to much debate I suppose.<br />
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All I can say is that I've spent my whole life with ideas desperate to burst from my head onto a page, or a creation. In recent years I've had the opportunity (and confidence) to let rip with it. Interestingly, this has come many years after completing my art degree. I never really became comfortable with my work back then like I am now. I am always delighted when someone connects enough with a painting to want to own it, so that's my dialogue happening organically I guess, which is what I'm most comfortable with.<br />
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In conclusion, I think I'm a sneaky one, hovering round the edges of "art" (am I allowed to tag myself thusly?) and loving it when a person stumbles into me. Appreciation is a fine reward, but I don't force it. That's pretty similar to the sort of character I am too, so at least there's some continuity round here in a way.<br />
<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-59087528549206669052012-07-06T09:38:00.000+01:002012-07-06T09:39:06.877+01:00July's Here Already. Blimey.It's been a long month here.<br />
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I'd intended to write frequently, but I couldn't bring myself to spew forth pages of blah blah without having any artwork to sweeten the pill for you poor readers. After all, this is my arty blog, and while personality is part of it, it's not the whole.<br />
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This week I've painted. Aside from that last picture I posted (which sold a few days later, amazingly!), I was unable to pick up a pencil and do anything for quite a while.<br />
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The medication rendered me a shaking wreck, and despite reviews and alterations to what I was taking, I kept getting worse. Eventually one morning, after taking the nine pills I was having every day, I decided enough was enough.<br />
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I've had similar medication before in the past and it was difficult getting to grips with it, but this time I found myself eight weeks in, with nothing to show but extreme anxiety and a lack of anything positive in my life. So I went cold turkey. I quit taking everything all in one go, which is not recommended, but I strongly felt I needed the freedom from it.<br />
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It's been a tough few weeks, though I do feel a lot more human. There have been one or two <i>really</i> bad days that I thought I wouldn't get through, but I did. Better that I battle my own demons than those of drugs that change everything for the worse. I know this isn't the way for everyone and I wouldn't urge anyone to follow my lead, but it's definitely the best way for me right now.<br />
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So, on Tuesday, after a hideous day Monday, I woke up feeling more positive than I can remember being in a long time. By 7am I was at my previously abandoned desk, painting and painting. I barely stopped to come up for air, which is how I always used to work. I actually felt normal, real and whole for the first time in months. I'm not naive enough to think that this is the end of the troubles, but I take great solace and pleasure from having achieved something.<br />
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I had a review at the doctor's on Wednesday. I was concerned that I'd get a telling off when I admitted to what I'd done with the medication. As it turns out, I got quite the opposite. Heidi, the lady who has been looking after me since the beginning of all this, told me that she had never previously seen me smiling as I was that day. I hadn't realised that I'd never once given her a smile or a laugh, which is a big part of my personality. She must have thought I was just a miserable bugger! She approved of the change in me and also commented that I've lost weight. The latter will of course reverse itself soon enough, as it was the pills taking away my appetite. On the other hand, I do have a minor desire to start cycling and there's a bike in our shed that could be make servicable again, so you never know.<br />
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I can't make a summary here, or offer any great insights. All I can do it potter on day after day going with whatever my daft brain happens to throw at me. I can however show my paintings, which have already been aired on Facebook, Folksy and goodness knows where else. Plenty of you will have seen them already, but just for the record:<br />
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Large painting, one of my faves so far<br />
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And some ACEOs, all framed up nice<br />
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<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-78446981143710927612012-05-25T14:08:00.000+01:002012-05-25T14:08:52.226+01:00Dull But Oh So ThrillingAfter a huge drama here yesterday caused by teenage daughter, I was in a right old pickle. I honestly didn't think I could be any more anxious than at the crisis point of this 'ere illness, but she proved me wrong. What a pallava. I swear I almost blew my own socks off with stress, but it's all over now thank goodness.<br />
<br />
This may have been a turning point for me; you know, one of those little steps that isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but gives you a perspective.<br />
<br />
I got up today feeling alright. I'm noticing that early mornings, despite the tiredness, are just about the best place my head is in all day. I've worked other things out too, like I need to eat first thing, which has never been a habit of mine. A small bowl of cereal forced down (I <i>hate</i> the stuff) is light and stops the physical shakes setting in quite as badly.<br />
<br />
My decision today was to do as much as I could. I've been nursing myself and taking things easy for weeks now, despising my inability to cope with even the most minor of tasks. At the risk of being told off when hub gets home, I can announce with pride that I have:<br />
<br />
1. Done four loads of washing and hung them outside to dry in the blazing sunshine.<br />
2. Washed the dishes.<br />
3. Filled a bin bag with clothes I don't need and thrown them out.<br />
4. Tidied up.<br />
5. Hoovered and dusted.<br />
6. Mopped the floors.<br />
7. Eaten a sandwich for lunch.<br />
<br />
I do feel a bit knackered now, but the sense of accomplishment is worth it.<br />
<br />
Tonight is a hen party for a friend of mine. I wasn't going to go, but I now think I can manage it, even if just for an hour. If it freaks me out then I have the whole weekend with my beloved to recover. Worth the risk I say.<br />
<br />
Next on the list it to dye my (hideous looking) hair, have a bath and get ready. I'm doing this mega early so I can spend a bit of time chilling out.<br />
<br />
I am determined to have a normal day, just to see what it's like. At this rate I'll be painting and doing all the stuff I've been planning, and a lot sooner than I'd expected.<br />
<br />
My appointment for assessment came through yesterday, so I'll be off in a few weeks to see what treatment I'll be getting. The medication is definitely helping my anxiety now, apart from when ghastly things happen. I say this rather tentatively, but I almost feel like I'm getting back to my old self. It could all change in the blink of an eye of course, but right here, right now it's not so bad.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-30438293445019151162012-05-23T09:20:00.000+01:002012-05-23T09:20:17.319+01:00On We GoFirstly, I want to say thank you for all the messages of support during my loopy times just now. I was considering deleting that last post, but I decided not to (for now at least), because just maybe someone else is travelling the same road and it can be good to know you're not alone.<br />
<br />
I've reached the sleepy stage now. This means the medication is starting to grab me. They do say it takes at least a fortnight to start making a difference, and that's exactly where I'm at with it. Sleeping in the daytime vexes me because I simply don't do that, but I'm trying to get over myself (ha!) and allow it to happen.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I put in a full six hours of kip in the daytime, after a whole night's sleep, then had no trouble whatsoever snoozing all night. For someone who frequently suffers with insomnia this is a tremendous shock. I can't say it's unpleasant though, being able to relax so much that I nod off. Quite a welcome change in a lot of ways really.<br />
<br />
Before all this happened I was out taking photographs. It's not always practical to draw from the source (my preferred way), so I wanted to gather some images to inspire work over the next few months. As it happens, I'm really glad I did this.<br />
<br />
I have peacocks.<br />
<br />
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<br />
And dandelions.<br />
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<br />
This is a tiny selection of course. I have gazillions, all just waiting for me to work some magic, hopefully quite soon.<br />
<br />
Hub has also asked me to do a few projects for him and his gaming (long explanation avoided here, you should thank me for that). We agree that I need a list of small jobs to work my way through, no pressure on timing, but a way of focussing my mind when needed.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty good at keeping up my own work, to the point of obsession most of the time. I really ought to do stuff for my beloved as well though, while he's spending so much time and effort doing all the things around here.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, as well as doing my doormouse impersonation, I did manage something else. After dinner we decided to go for a little drive.<br />
<br />
I'm not seeing the outdoors too much at the moment, not that I care, but an exercise in blowing the cobwebs away seemed like a good idea.<br />
<br />
We went to the river and sat outside a pub for half an hour. Imagine our amazement when a troupe of the most peculiar looking morris dancers appeared and started doing their thing! I couldn't help but chuckle, and despite myself I actually rather enjoyed it. They were a bit rubbish and kept tripping over each other, which only added to the hilarity. As far as impomptu loveliness goes, we had a splendid evening. It felt normal and sweet and almost romantic to be sharing those giggles, giving us a surprise break from the seriousness that's enveloped us of late. I could see the relief and relaxation on my hub's face, a wonderful feeling after all he's going through.<br />
<br />
Twice now this week I've watched my beloved with the old look in his eyes and heard him say he's seen a glimpse of his wifey again. This spurs me on to keep fighting. Last time I was ill like this I didn't have anybody and it was so much darker for me. He doesn't read this blog, but one day he might have a nosey and I will want him to know just how great a part he's playing here. I do try to tell him, but he just says it's what he does and what he'll always do for me. Have I mentioned what a hero he is? I think so, but it's so very true.<br />
<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-72820949332263263352012-05-21T10:00:00.000+01:002012-05-21T10:01:01.536+01:00Painful Honesty<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've argued with myself for over a week about writing this.
It's always been a very lighthearted and "arty" type blog with a
touch of real life in it, but how far do you go with the latter?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've been involved in forum discussions with other artists
and designers enough to know that my problem touches many people, so I feel
it's appropriate to talk about it here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As regular readers know, I had to stop my full time artwork
lifestyle last year and go back to work. I managed to keep up my painting on my
days off and enjoyed the delving back into it once or twice a week. I'd been
somewhat reclusive as a painter, which was a lifestyle I loved very much. I
also enjoyed some aspects of being out at work, meeting and befriending a lot
of really wonderful people and forming many great relationships on the outside,
so to speak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost a year on, I found myself another job, this time in a
more creative role. I'm not sure if this was a catalyst, but the move coincided
with a pretty horrendous lapse into symptoms I last suffered over ten years ago
(though I have had the occasional minor blip here and there).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've described it to my doctor as a sense of feeling so
tightly wound for the past year and suddenly snapping under the strain. A lot
of you probably know the scenario - you have a family, financial and work
committments, a need to soldier on and make life right in as many ways as you
physically can. Your needs come way down in the list of priorities, so you get
on with it. This is me in a nutshell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband is a truly remarkable man. Of course, he's known
all along that I've been gritting my teeth and bearing up, etc. It's been
partly for him that I've tried to carry on as normal, because he really doesn't
deserve the upset that comes with me throwing a total wobbly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forcing oneself to be a certain way takes its toll. When
you're being stoic and focussing on what is required of you, well it wears off
the edges of your personality in a way. My husband has told me so many times
that he wants his "wifey" back and I've called him a silly head,
assuring him that I'm fine and he's imagining things. He wasn't though, he was
facing up to what's been happening and I wasn't/couldn't.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I guess it's obvious where I'm going with this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something silly happened; as simple as me laughing with
abandon one evening the other week (for the first time in ages) and the next
thing I knew I was having a full on crash into a thing I can't even describe. I
imagine that allowing myself that emotional high of laughter facilitated the
opposite immediately afterwards. That was me done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's so much I could write here to illustrate what
happened next, but I won't. You've probably heard it all before. Most
importantly, I have sought medical help, which I should have done a goodly time
ago. I've known I needed this, but I have an immense fear of medication. Not
for the reasons most fear it, but rather because I suffer quite serious side
effects for the first month or so, and they scare the bejesus out of me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine being aware that in order to help yourself, you're going to have to
endure the most dreadful attacks of anxiety, physical shakes and tremors,
memory loss, dizziness and general stupid, mind-numbing oafishness. Your life
will be on hold for that time. How will you go to work, cook a meal, answer the
door or go to the shops? Life doesn't fit round this crap at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm writing this early in the morning before the major
effects of today's pills are with me. I'll feel I've achieved something if I
can just get my thoughts out there. Each day I've tried to do something
worthwhile. Sometimes it's been making a cup of tea, other days I've managed to
write an email. Over the space of a few days last week I worked very slowly on
a painting that I'd started ages ago and already done the fiddly bits of.
Yesterday I went with my husband and did the food shop, which was my biggest
achievement so far. It pretty much knocked me out for the rest of the day, but
I did it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn't meant to sound melodramatic, though I fear it
may. I'm not yet in a place to look back on it and assess my behaviour; I'm
very much fighting the battle and doing what I can each day. I don't
<i>look</i> ill, just a bit dishevelled and not quite myself, and I
find it impossible to tell people what's going on. Writing it down is a lot
easier, even than having to explain to my doctor what's going on in my stupid
head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's the bit where I tell you the good and the amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband. He is a star. Even in my confuddled state I am
aware of the things he's doing on the quiet; probably not everything he's up
to, but some of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has worked on a spreadsheet (that's his thing) and done a
twelve month budget. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He's taken full control of all the finances, including the
food and other bills, which have always been my responsibility. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that there’s no
pressure for me to go back to work until at least March 2013, unless I should
feel I want to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any money I bring in from my painting is a bonus, so he
wants me to continue with that as much as possible, for therapy if nothing
else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s doing all the house stuff, refusing to let me cook a
meal or wash up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s spent countless hours writing letters, including the
whole headache of form filling in order to claim back PPI monies for the past
ten years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know there’s more, but he’s doing it all out of my sight
and without comment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In short, this wonderful man is working his socks off in
order to give me the time, space and emotional peace to get myself better. I
didn’t ask him to do this, nor did I for one moment expect it. Bear in mind
that he works a forty hour week on top of all this and you’ll have some idea of
what kind of gift he is giving me here. He jokes that he’s always wanted to be
a superhero, but he already is, isn’t he?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe in writing this I will strike a chord with others who are suffering similar. I don't know. Maybe I'm letting too much out, making me look a total idiot. Either way, it's been my project for today and I'll finish with a photo of the painting that I've completed in the midst of my crazy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-81705181835441999732012-05-17T17:58:00.001+01:002012-05-17T21:05:32.369+01:00Silversmith CourseI recently had the absolute joy of attending a one day silversmith course run by <a href="http://www.arkcontemporarydesigns.co.uk/">Angela Ruth Kennedy</a> at <a href="http://www.thepottersbarn.f2s.com/">The Potters' Barn</a> in Sandbach. My beloved bought me the day as a present, possibly the best gift I've ever had. I've wanted to learn some silver making skills for as long as I can remember, but never had the opportunity before.<br />
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The course was held in a workshop based in a pretty little summer house by the side of the main building. There were five of us in attendance, making it very relaxed and allowing all of us to have as much time as we needed with Angela. This was excellent for me, as I was a little nervous. Some of the others had been on courses before and had experience, so I had a lot of catching up to do. I was way out of my comfort zone and had no idea if I'd be any good at it at all. Scary stuff!<br />
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We made two silver rings each. The first one was done after a brilliant step by step demonstration by Angela, in which I have to say she made it look terribly easy. I found it tricky learning to work with metal and panicked a few times when it looked like it was going horribly wrong, but she was very reassuring and taught me that pretty much anything can be fixed. <br />
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We learned to bend, solder, shape, and size our rings correctly, then turned them into something that looked like a real piece of jewellery. Astonishing! I'm used to delicate painstaking work, so I enjoyed it thoroughly. The use of hammers and saws was completely new to me though, so I had to get over my delicacy and not be afraid of treating the silver like the metal it is, rather than tickling it like it was paper and paints.<br />
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We had a complimentary buffet lunch which was quite a lovely little touch. There was also a constant stream of hot drinks brought in to us, along with biscuits and chocolate. What more could one ask for?<br />
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In the afternoon, once we'd grasped the basics, we were let loose to make another ring of our own design. I hadn't gone along with any pre-made plans, as I had absolutely no idea what I'd be capable of or what would be involved. On the hop, I decided to just go with the first thing in my head, which was inspired by my paintings. Seemed the sensible thing to do. I drew a very quick little sketch, using the idea of a hole drilled in the centre, lines cut out from it and little blobs all around. In my head this was a dandelion shaped thing, but some people have called it a starburst pattern, which is also probably a good description.<br />
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The making of the little silver balls was possibly my favourite part. I never grew tired of watching them form under the torch and could have made them all day. As it was, I made exactly the right amount of them for the ring and didn't leave behind a gazillion spares, which could have been slightly embarrassing.<br />
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So, without further ado, here are some photos of me in action. <br />
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Check out the custom made work stations and all the tools supplied for me to use. I didn't expect anything quite so thoughtful or organised as this. It's not often that things exceed my expectations, but this most definitely did.<br />
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And here are those exciting little silver blobs. I was terrified that they would all fall off once I'd tried to solder them into place, but they stuck well. I actually couldn't watch as Angela tested each one - it was like watching a dentist wobbling teeth!<br />
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This is me learning to hammer a ring into the correct shape and size. It took a while to get round to giving it enough welly. I think you can see how tentative I was being at this point.<br />
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Here I am starting off a hole ready for drilling. <br />
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Soldering the two ends of my ring together. I should also add that it's stayed in one piece ever since, despite my reluctance to believe it would!<br />
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And here are the finished pieces. I am totally thrilled with them and have worn them every day since. Several people have asked me to make them one and I have to explain that I am actually pretty clueless so therefore unable to! If I win the lottery I will be hot footing it off to buy myself a workshop and every tool needed, but until then, I'll just admire these and smile every time.<br />
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I can't recommend this course highly enough to anyone who wants to learn how to work with silver. It was a truly remarkable day and one that I would repeat in a heartbeat. I have seen Angela since and discussed doing a one to one workshop at her house, where she has a fully equipped studio for teaching. This will be my next project, as I want to learn how to do cabachon setting. It means so much more to actually make a piece of jewellery than to go and buy it off the shelf. Admittedly, I am a huge lover of silver and an avid collector of unique rings, so I'm probably quite biased in my opinion. I have spent more on a piece from a shop than it cost me to do this course, and I didn't have the huge sense of satisfaction that I felt from actually creating it myself. I am a total convert to this skill and I hope to do lots more in the future.<br />
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Thank you Angela!<br />
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<br />Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-89148095581076997442012-04-14T08:35:00.000+01:002012-04-14T08:35:04.668+01:00Up Early With the BirdsOK, first of all I need to let all involved know that your prints are on the way, apart from Lemur Lady's, because she's off gallivanting for a few weeks. Sorry for the delay, but I've been stuck in work and marooned miles away from a post office. All is well now though.<br />
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I'm enjoying a little holiday from work now for a week. There are all kinds of plans afoot for painting and some more lino cuts. Also much relaxing and spending time with my sweetie.<br />
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Yesterday we went shopping and bought a new couch and chair. I then developed blsiters on my eyes searching online for rungs and whatnot. In my travels I came across some wallpaper that made my soul sing, two lots of it actually. One is peacock feathers, which I adore, but the other is also gorgeous and (kind of) matches the patterned bits of the couch. I have pictures here, but not of the chair. if you can imagine a little seat made entirely of the patterned fabric from the couch cushions, then that's it. I have the squee.<br />
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Couch<br />
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The two wonderful wallpapers<br />
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I've sent off for samples of these. I desperately want the peacock pattern, but the leaves will go better with the furniture. I'll decide 100% when I see them in the flesh, but the leaves are definitely the sensible option. Me. Sensible. Imagine it.<br />
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Oddly enough I do like to live in a monochromatic environment. I find this peculiar since I work with colour all the time and find nature with all its variety so inspiring. Maybe I need restful dullness in order to relax? I did spend some time looking at bright purples and teals, but when it came to actually doing the deed I hopped straight back to black and grey (exactly the "colours" I have now). I think my hub was pleased; I could see him looking a bit panicky when I talked about decorating in wild peacock colours. He'd live with whatever I picked, bless him, but I'd rather not see him wince every time he steps into the living room.<br />
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Speaking of my better half, I'm going to wake him up now. I've been up by myself since silly o'clock and it's about time someone entertained me. He wins the honour. Not sure he'll see it that way, mind you.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-32621914541407741922012-04-09T18:24:00.000+01:002012-04-09T18:24:27.547+01:00And the Winners Are....A massive thank you to all who joined in the giveaway. I really mean it when I say I'd like to give you all something, but alas I just can't afford to*** (see below for an addition to this)<br />
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I hope you will all be as happy as I am to congratulate:<br />
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Octopus Winner - Lemur Lady<br />
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Peacock Winner - Nanfan Jewellery<br />
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Turquoise Garden Winner - Janice Ashworth</b><br />
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And just to show you all that it was all done with scientific accuracy, here are the screen grabs<br />
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If the winners will be so kind as to message me on Folksy, Facebook or at joolsy (at) gmail (dot) com I'll have your art in the post later in the week. <br />
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*** And if anyone who entered and didn't win is really desperate to have one of the prints, please also message me and you can have one for £5 plus postage (just to cover my costs). This is limited to those whose names are on the spreadsheet here, as a thank you for your support and all the lovely kind words, which I really wasn't expecting.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-64669813971863809012012-04-01T06:45:00.000+01:002012-04-01T06:45:33.200+01:00Giveaway!Well I've finally reached the magic 300 likers on Facebook. This marks a huge milestone and since there are no bells and whistles over there I'm making some right here.<br />
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To celebrate, I am giving away three, yes <b>THREE</b> lino prints. All you need to do is comment here and let me know which one you'd choose for yourself. <br />
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At the end of this week I'll put all of your names into a random number generator and the winning three folks will receive their choice of print in the post.<br />
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Simples!<br />
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Here are the choices:<br />
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Octopus (in this colour)<br />
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Peacock (in black, lilac, turquoise or green)<br />
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Turquoise Garden<br />
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Also, if you bring your friends to my Facebook page and I manage another 50 likes this week I'll add another print to the offer.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-86067085877028175542012-02-29T21:19:00.000+00:002012-02-29T21:19:54.943+00:00And Flowers WednesdayThe promised photos of the experiments I did with the flowers from yesterday. Just a change of colour or a different background alters the whole look of the print. I'm not sure which one I like best. A bit of daylight for the photography would have helped too, but (working) beggars can't be choosers, eh?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTwcwpIMLOkWBWxiWDdVGXwVqmhVUhow7my2Z2EsSrF3Fh189wk4PA6BYEwDy9fkUiJcqpaxrxqoa_IIFQGjD-h_Zv0bvTfZU4QjIbtWhDYcJNLKFn-a4uLMHT3PlCTH3TtaSb4skZ4Bz/s1600/flower+lino+print+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTwcwpIMLOkWBWxiWDdVGXwVqmhVUhow7my2Z2EsSrF3Fh189wk4PA6BYEwDy9fkUiJcqpaxrxqoa_IIFQGjD-h_Zv0bvTfZU4QjIbtWhDYcJNLKFn-a4uLMHT3PlCTH3TtaSb4skZ4Bz/s400/flower+lino+print+5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyzFjt9P5rVPaukoSVuyEs10caMf50BunBjbLELyasIoDbiAfoi8FBysN9gGr9xpI5IGGZ4lkttRx0Sita1ynpmSAV0zPnIEcG4othkH_U64zIh0HS6RhleYHvhxeIpdL6hLeAjB77uXM/s1600/flower+lino+print+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyzFjt9P5rVPaukoSVuyEs10caMf50BunBjbLELyasIoDbiAfoi8FBysN9gGr9xpI5IGGZ4lkttRx0Sita1ynpmSAV0zPnIEcG4othkH_U64zIh0HS6RhleYHvhxeIpdL6hLeAjB77uXM/s400/flower+lino+print+7.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-77834287018183331612012-02-28T18:29:00.000+00:002012-02-28T18:29:37.567+00:00Flowers TuesdayI've been hard at it on my day off work, determined to get a print cut and finished. I based it on some of my paintings, which is probably quite apparent. I did a load of prints in black, which I may hand colour later. I also got a few onto interesting backgrounds, but I haven't photographed those yet. More pics soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0HZkiUIyYIqZgQIks3kVX6QiElAkQwBmn63NYLkd9sTXb2x8M-F99X4QfpBvevxCKXhUTx_xyfyBoNVd1v-A8qcD3f68ByswEJ_yYpBxWVgznFuu6NDecghyphenhyphenG2tQ2RvT8eXRrso1i9-S/s1600/Flowers+Linocut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0HZkiUIyYIqZgQIks3kVX6QiElAkQwBmn63NYLkd9sTXb2x8M-F99X4QfpBvevxCKXhUTx_xyfyBoNVd1v-A8qcD3f68ByswEJ_yYpBxWVgznFuu6NDecghyphenhyphenG2tQ2RvT8eXRrso1i9-S/s400/Flowers+Linocut.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-89936858353840480192012-02-21T17:28:00.000+00:002012-02-21T17:28:21.939+00:00Back to itOnce again I begin with apologies for my absence. This is becoming a bit dull of me lately. It's been a while since I've had the opportunity for a flurry of activity (I keep getting called into work on my days off), but at last I'm on a roll. Today at least. I've been making some ACEOs, as well as popping out for lunch and spending time photographing. I want a medal now, or one of those little trophies you put on the mantlepiece. Oh and I'll need a mantlepiece too, while you're at it.<br />
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So without further ado, here's the fruit of this latest Tuesday off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAWhDqsk9QVXJmaEHgE6vVHiZ-vxriMZo_2fu82I4CORilzEIa7GQa370lcE82zcOLBwSreC7r46DJMGu1ugOTZX-grWOJ-ccyMF3jQD-oAn8_M-xFEsKuWkIW6k5XT4zQvPmRWBQYzGU/s1600/ACEO+flame+flowers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAWhDqsk9QVXJmaEHgE6vVHiZ-vxriMZo_2fu82I4CORilzEIa7GQa370lcE82zcOLBwSreC7r46DJMGu1ugOTZX-grWOJ-ccyMF3jQD-oAn8_M-xFEsKuWkIW6k5XT4zQvPmRWBQYzGU/s400/ACEO+flame+flowers+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I've mounted and framed them this time. They're the little cheap frames from Ikea, with mounts that I cut myself, so it's a really inexpensive, yet pretty way to display them. Next time I go to Ikea I think I'll buy a whole bunch of these and start selling the ACEOs fully presented. I think they'd look lovely on a desk or bedside table, and I reckon I could do the whole lot with postage for about £10 or £11. I don't think that's bad for an original artwork.Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-53183583867190030532012-01-31T19:57:00.000+00:002012-01-31T19:57:10.750+00:00Flowery ThingI need to go and wash all my printing stuff up, so just a quick and dirty post to catalogue today's print.<br />
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This is inspired by some of my paintings from last summer. I tried printing it in blue too, but it looked like snowflakes. not necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn't what I was going for.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl1219dyhlM8DO4bfDTIT6NJoNE46m2mP-7WRah0mIwelfzqNT2KApXJolEdRJCA9RsaQJZeLyuyt-YYj44WqGhYrRIQdhQ3hG6hWkd-jhT9zPPBTu39G17Ium0NkxVe27Vf60-a_7jOZ/s1600/flower+lino+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl1219dyhlM8DO4bfDTIT6NJoNE46m2mP-7WRah0mIwelfzqNT2KApXJolEdRJCA9RsaQJZeLyuyt-YYj44WqGhYrRIQdhQ3hG6hWkd-jhT9zPPBTu39G17Ium0NkxVe27Vf60-a_7jOZ/s400/flower+lino+print.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNA6qIJzu-iaEe3DohaCb3G_-onzdbJ96F0JzIhkw1zJziaApP1QD9OdMuYQl9uqEVKAQGdFJCvZTZqHH4D4VP2Otv8EaV6vR23meJk5uQOgYZzThIlnEo4eWs4_lq9ZC1zm8tm6TDtUG/s1600/flower+lino+print+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNA6qIJzu-iaEe3DohaCb3G_-onzdbJ96F0JzIhkw1zJziaApP1QD9OdMuYQl9uqEVKAQGdFJCvZTZqHH4D4VP2Otv8EaV6vR23meJk5uQOgYZzThIlnEo4eWs4_lq9ZC1zm8tm6TDtUG/s400/flower+lino+print+2.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-23835222148170261222012-01-28T09:19:00.000+00:002012-01-28T09:19:27.836+00:00More Octopus GoodnessI grabbed some evening time during the working week to produce these. I've listed them for sale all over the place (OK, just on FB and Folksy) if you're tempted to bag one as a treat. Seafood anyone?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbooHuYYo6Ol8ciXevo4ecbH6T1JCuEdoNWLpkZcONR-3VzU_l6vXUTWja6MC5dhOSrDzrW3U3qZub34CZ-L6AlqpvjX1C8G1uWmVWBMAMxvQlslhbDWemZ5fEcd04dsTPSpZqVgjM_CJ/s1600/octopus+lino+print+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbooHuYYo6Ol8ciXevo4ecbH6T1JCuEdoNWLpkZcONR-3VzU_l6vXUTWja6MC5dhOSrDzrW3U3qZub34CZ-L6AlqpvjX1C8G1uWmVWBMAMxvQlslhbDWemZ5fEcd04dsTPSpZqVgjM_CJ/s400/octopus+lino+print+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And a little offering to the more steampunk orientated people out there. I do like a little bit of paper burning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuluRoEuJt8R9GDYPhjQWb9pDE0gmr1AM9oqfqX1r3-f5CW7MWnFISzp__XrmPzk3CQmT_q51wj_mHWlXoFtiudqaniyXZf41nZTLTXvD3lgSC17uDWQzR8IqRi3KPvGXV7NEbk4COEOJ/s1600/octopus+steampunk+lino+print+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuluRoEuJt8R9GDYPhjQWb9pDE0gmr1AM9oqfqX1r3-f5CW7MWnFISzp__XrmPzk3CQmT_q51wj_mHWlXoFtiudqaniyXZf41nZTLTXvD3lgSC17uDWQzR8IqRi3KPvGXV7NEbk4COEOJ/s400/octopus+steampunk+lino+print+2.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-79849884712639393102012-01-24T19:13:00.000+00:002012-01-24T19:13:21.201+00:00My Lino Print Making ProcessI've often meant to do a blog with a work progress theme, so today I made my idle self photograph stuff as I went along.<br />
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My day off has been put to very good use. I've been working since before 8am and just finished a little while ago. I set myself a very challenging project, which has been flitting round in my head since the weekend.<br />
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First I needed to do some drawings. I used a ruler and compass to get the basic shape of the compass, then drew the octopus freehand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEruc53jnNCLIZ8tP4pQwE22pgNcBGGeekdKYFtpqh8XxjfN8sHiYcOIp_0k6HlCR_VIBWGsBkAmKuVlvBF1T2beq3qPLQS0FhHRpY4gkh9fM14pYvELl7jeSvWOXd6rhjumaL091BgXh/s1600/octopus+lino+print+stage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="353" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEruc53jnNCLIZ8tP4pQwE22pgNcBGGeekdKYFtpqh8XxjfN8sHiYcOIp_0k6HlCR_VIBWGsBkAmKuVlvBF1T2beq3qPLQS0FhHRpY4gkh9fM14pYvELl7jeSvWOXd6rhjumaL091BgXh/s400/octopus+lino+print+stage+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next I arranged the image the way I wanted it and traced it with a very soft pencil onto tracing paper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuSk9A1PP9UqHYrMnsmtXIwAekQ737_GD1BmhyphenhyphenQzuIgGB-pCH-EP1cBbKzmntnNyaX2tjZ-cVVgI_y5U_WMl_Fntw3EKFKNk-Hdk6Agx72LreuAHySK_CMPHjUBHoWMaKuMAR2YfuWvKC/s1600/octopus+lino+print+stage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuSk9A1PP9UqHYrMnsmtXIwAekQ737_GD1BmhyphenhyphenQzuIgGB-pCH-EP1cBbKzmntnNyaX2tjZ-cVVgI_y5U_WMl_Fntw3EKFKNk-Hdk6Agx72LreuAHySK_CMPHjUBHoWMaKuMAR2YfuWvKC/s400/octopus+lino+print+stage+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The image was then transferred old school style onto the lino sheet by rubbing the back of the tracing paper. I have to use a really strong desk lamp for this, as the lino is quite a dark colour, not the best for seeing pencil lines.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtLzVEelYfy2qIjIxscL6pet0-ffcdcQLXTCt2HBr9WMPof-IXtAgl032RR0-meqNCxt3RNY8n1MCTKkPHVdoAq-A8GRnEv8msbsevMwL8nSxC0_1yrp1vuPsmBdF7oVLZcECvLVnjyYH/s1600/octopus+lino+print+stage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="315" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtLzVEelYfy2qIjIxscL6pet0-ffcdcQLXTCt2HBr9WMPof-IXtAgl032RR0-meqNCxt3RNY8n1MCTKkPHVdoAq-A8GRnEv8msbsevMwL8nSxC0_1yrp1vuPsmBdF7oVLZcECvLVnjyYH/s400/octopus+lino+print+stage+4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next comes the cutting. I use several different sizes of lino cutting tools to achieve different grades of lines. I do tend towards the very fine one though, since I enjoy creating lots of detail.<br />
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I made some mistakes and had to use a little bit of modelling putty to fill in one gap. It doesn't show up too badly in the finished print, but I know it's there even if nobody else does.<br />
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The final stage is to mix up coloured inks with a printing medium and create the finished image by rolling a thin layer of colour onto the lino. Paper is placed onto the ink and burnished down with a nifty little tool I found in an art shop recently.<br />
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Here's my finished nautical design. It's ever so slightly smaller than A4 size and has taken me a total of about 10 hours from start to finish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2eBL4gI3AQHoYDfMiJj86nXqPWsYAYDBQbBL02bD9yXp_10cINDNeCGPToX5l8Op3Okb3SwyQmjyKwA1dqxCq0DTyGYscO5ElgnWdOVyaBq4ED8c3lVAIIfF6Kvmk5uLl10sRme2FRrU/s1600/octopus+lino+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2eBL4gI3AQHoYDfMiJj86nXqPWsYAYDBQbBL02bD9yXp_10cINDNeCGPToX5l8Op3Okb3SwyQmjyKwA1dqxCq0DTyGYscO5ElgnWdOVyaBq4ED8c3lVAIIfF6Kvmk5uLl10sRme2FRrU/s400/octopus+lino+print.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-74503027681846594992012-01-21T18:19:00.000+00:002012-01-21T18:19:18.736+00:00Busy Day With BirdsIn a superhuman effort of Saturdayindustriousness I have done all manner of busy things today. Having used the evenings this week to get plenty of printing done, I cut mounts and took photos this afternoon. This came after the weekly food shop and a quick pop to work for a bottle of wine (not a sort I've ever seen in the shops, hence my special journey). I also did some Folksy listings and Facebook updates of my peacocks, before being ever so domestic and doing home made coleslaw with jacket potatoes for dinner.<br />
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I am bout to have a glorious bath before putting on pyjamas and settling down to watch a film. Goodness knows I must deserve it.<br />
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These prints have turned out well. I shan't be a bore and put all the colours here, but I've done a lot of experimentation with different hues and graduations. Oddly enough, the plain black has been the most commented on, and it's also my personal favourite (one has already gone to a new home). I have a great idea for my next one, but it's going to be extremely complicated and time consuming, Still, I think they're so satisfying to do and I won't mind a bit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadv6Hb6uy4BiXQWWTgaDeLo_qb5t86btA84uuZbFPgB3ZCOk2DnW2NWjQG6Mihhx2udedCLti5CItA2JrdD4DM0ih__yGDjDV1_k5GWa0cvWNjfRm_MHxSWc4ziHCZa5DoVHXcJ3-fTfq/s1600/lilac+peacock+lino+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadv6Hb6uy4BiXQWWTgaDeLo_qb5t86btA84uuZbFPgB3ZCOk2DnW2NWjQG6Mihhx2udedCLti5CItA2JrdD4DM0ih__yGDjDV1_k5GWa0cvWNjfRm_MHxSWc4ziHCZa5DoVHXcJ3-fTfq/s400/lilac+peacock+lino+print.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-63134912664178170242012-01-17T20:54:00.000+00:002012-01-17T20:54:36.282+00:00Peacock DayI had such a slow start today, I didn't think I was ever going to get settled into any work at all. Still, once I'd decided on my theme I got motoring. I painted an ACEO which has already sold (yay for first sale of 2012!) and did a lino cut, of which I have a very ropey photo. I'll take a better one when it's daylight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHr18FNfKQ7l1oFaYNKEKP1Chrp20miBbzokJZorFQaDNGMLE16u-czVP8kYvje1URyulbmGBmrD7Rke8GGq6LGmbyMTzkF-e5jNGcR2jcth0UYmghOU97jNa_DJSGRbI4Ai1avUkyOkL/s1600/peacock+lino+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHr18FNfKQ7l1oFaYNKEKP1Chrp20miBbzokJZorFQaDNGMLE16u-czVP8kYvje1URyulbmGBmrD7Rke8GGq6LGmbyMTzkF-e5jNGcR2jcth0UYmghOU97jNa_DJSGRbI4Ai1avUkyOkL/s400/peacock+lino+print.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-32570553275971163522012-01-03T16:24:00.000+00:002012-01-03T16:24:04.192+00:00Part TwoHere I am, back just like I said.<br />
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Two paintings finished and a little trial of printing under my belt. The latter is no great shakes, I was just needing to get a feel for it after a gap of about 30 years since my last venture. Gawd, how old? Still, it was fun and I think I'll be fine with it. I didn't take any photos, I'll save that for when I do something good. I do have pictures of the watercolours though. Tadaa!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITC8WUQWPA3V3pLDAz4N87cLaSDgNRNhrbTvs2kJq1bR6xieJ2xlstIDv0TJharen_HUnXtxpeK9Ebgwr6EfSD3sK_REzKXUcA3G7hqaa4Wdh6LVC-HYRPfU8T_1R__XqKY6qjcbA2w9P/s1600/calla+lilies+watercolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITC8WUQWPA3V3pLDAz4N87cLaSDgNRNhrbTvs2kJq1bR6xieJ2xlstIDv0TJharen_HUnXtxpeK9Ebgwr6EfSD3sK_REzKXUcA3G7hqaa4Wdh6LVC-HYRPfU8T_1R__XqKY6qjcbA2w9P/s400/calla+lilies+watercolour.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-63475071274247556362012-01-03T09:01:00.000+00:002012-01-03T09:01:44.834+00:00My Happy Start to 2012Today should be "back to normal" day, but it's not really. I've only had xmas day and new years day off work, so it was a weird one for me all told, and now we're back to the usual routine of Tuesdys to myself. I have heaps of plans for my creative work, which will begin very shortly, but I'm also chock full of squee and good mood, altogether distracting!<br />
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It being bank holiday yesterday they let us out of work at 3pm, so I had this bright idea of popping along to the local retail park for a little browse. Unfortunately the whole world appeared to have had the same thought and we spent a good half hour trapped in traffic hell waiting for a parking space. Luckily we did it in the end and had a leisurely wander, culminating in my amazing beloved buying me a Kindle. Oh the joy! I am so utterly delighted with it that I can't even describe. Naturally, me being me there is a peculiar turn to this, in that when I spoke to my lovely Sis last night she told me she'd been planning to buy me one as a surprise for when I visit her next week. Argh! this is the swirly shoes thing all over again - a few years ago I treated myself to a pair of Red or Dead shoes full of awesome and win, only to find that she'd purchased exactly the same ones for my birthday. This is what you get for being in tune with a spectacular sibling like her.<br />
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I love my Kindle SO MUCH. I've downloaded heaps of books for it already and also eagerly await my handmade cover from Lemur Lady which will match the handbag I bought from her not so long ago. It's win all round, I tell ya.<br />
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This will be my first day off with the freedom to paint things in quite a while. I have one picture in progress that I aim to complete today, as well as a whole pile of linocutting paraphenalia right here just begging to be used. I'm in such a tizzy of needing to create that I almost don't know where to begin. This all makes me so pleased that I managed to achieve so much of the journey I began exactly a year ago. I've come so far and kept my momentum going for all this time. It's a massive achievement for me, albeit a small one in the grand scheme of things. I would never have imagined that I'd be back in full time work but still finding time and inspiration to persue my arty stuff.<br />
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To add to my joyous day, I have just booked train tickets to Scotland for next week. I have some holidays to take before they run out, so I'm having a week now and another one next month. Hub and I are going together to visit my Sis. We really enjoy our northward voyages and we thought we'd have a change from driving up there this time. I do love travelling by train, especially through the Lake District where this route takes us. Even better, I use a really good website for discounted fares. I've paid as much as £80 plus to get there before (one way), but we've just bagged two return tickets for a total of £20. That's combined, not each. The petrol money we've saved will buy us a lovely lunch in Glasgow with enough left over for a little treat or two. More squee! I'll be loading my Kindle up with entertainment for the trip. Double squee!<br />
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Well, it's light outside now so I feel that I can begin working. I hope to be back soon with photos of my labours. My biggest wish right now is that I can feel this positive for the whole of 2012. Let's give it a go, eh?Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-25921707712116015412011-12-25T17:03:00.000+00:002011-12-25T17:03:30.416+00:00Merry ChristmasOdd to write an update on the biggest holiday of the year, i know, but we've had a simply wonderful time and we're all chilling out now. The kids descdended upon us for prezzies, food and festivities, wallowing in some lovely time together for the first time in ages. What a splendid day!<br />
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Hub and I, Nerf Gun style<br />
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My hub, son and two daughters, with Craig the boyfriend<br />
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My girlies and I. They've both gone blonde for xmas, totally freaking me out because they just turned up like this with no warning :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4HMHu-jnHGT82ieoulWtHQW7rfboU4CqRWOpq_weMyTX8BSYiBVxR86bRr6nMEihGSGHp4u2VPh6LJjcjTsk9vD8mqD4STr35sfX16VEWGLYkvnDqJzVT82kynukbgKqFfV4LwXTqKsS/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4HMHu-jnHGT82ieoulWtHQW7rfboU4CqRWOpq_weMyTX8BSYiBVxR86bRr6nMEihGSGHp4u2VPh6LJjcjTsk9vD8mqD4STr35sfX16VEWGLYkvnDqJzVT82kynukbgKqFfV4LwXTqKsS/s400/016.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-53954086264864721842011-12-20T16:42:00.000+00:002011-12-20T16:42:32.808+00:00Here I Am AgainIt's Tuesday again and I'm (joyously) at home. Similar to last week however, I have things I need to do. I'm stopping the devil making work for my idle hands just now by writing this as the floor is drying. Yes, I've been a hive of industry, which is necessary in order to get us ready for xmas. The house is ghastly, or rather it was until I set about it with a myriad of cleaning products today.<br />
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On a rather dour note, I have zero time off to spend with my lovely family. Just the 25th itself to be precise. I could whitter on about that ad infinitum but I shall refrain. One of the things I've been doing today is looking for a new job, and it's been fairly productive with several phonecalls received and one definite CV put forward by an agency to a local company. Cross your fingers, toes and moustaches for me please.<br />
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In my tidying frenzy I have come across several unfinished bits and pieces of paintings, some of which I will try to complete over the next few weeks, as they have a glimmer of hopefulness about them. I am also very excited with the knowledge that santa is bringing me a whole load of lino printing materials and tools, all ready for my next adventure in the new year.<br />
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Speaking of new year, I really must pat myself on the back. My intention last January was to get back into doing creative work, and looking back over the past year I can't help but be pleased with the huge progress I've made. I've got a whole portfolio full of paintings here that I'm really quite pleased with, not to mention the 50 plus pieces that have sold. I guess I can call myself a professional artist now, eh? <br />
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It was shaky at first, but it was going to be, wasn't it? With the support of other people in a similar position I have grown in confidence, producing (among other things) a few pieces that I don't think I'll ever be able to part with. I also got the courage together to promote myself, which was one of my biggest hurdles. Nowadays I'm quite blasé about showing my work off, having shed my shyness and worry that people will think it's rubbish. I imagine plenty of folks do think that, but it honestly doesn't bother me at all. I'm thoroughly enjoying doing what I do and it makes my life so much richer. All in all a wonderful place to be.<br />
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There's still stuff to be done around the place, namely my dreadfully messy bedroom, so I'm off to tackle that before my beloved returns home form the hill, so to speak. I hope to be back soon with new paintings and wonderful news of pastures anew. Come on santa, get your act together and bring me a lovely new job!Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1384045134096537205.post-16251138028723016642011-12-06T17:33:00.000+00:002011-12-06T17:33:12.050+00:00Latest WorkHave I really not spoken to the world since my birthday blog? Good gracious. I stand ashamed with head hanging, or at least metaphorically, since I can't type like that. Sheesh!<br />
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Tine for a brief update then. I'd stay longer and kick back with you guys, but dinner's in the oven and my poor husband who's lived on cupboard surprise for weeks deserves a nice meal for once.<br />
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Work has been diabolical, which is the main reason for my absence. I shan't be a bore and give the numbing details, suffice to say I've been something on the far side of busy and stressed for ages.<br />
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On my days off I've been concentrating on doing as much painting and whatnot as possible. I stand by my opinion that this is what keeps me relatively sane. Oh and hub's great support of course, which cannot go unmentioned. <br />
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Things I have produced are<br />
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Yes, I've ventured back into the ACEO world, which I must say has been very useful in arranging my thoughts and getting ideas down on paper. A few have even sold, though online sales have been very poor. On the other hand, I've had a fair bit of success selling in the real world with a steady trickle of commissions coming in this past month.<br />
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We had a little trip to Scotland a week or so ago, which rejuvenated me. It was my first time off since July and a well earned couple of days, despite being called into work on the third day of my hols to cover for people who hadn't turned in. I ogled the landscape all the way, loving the trees and dramatic skies through the Lake District and beyond. My work is firmly entrenched in the natural world just now, so it was like a huge research field trip.<br />
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Finally, I've been attacking the photos of the lilies from summer. I knew it was worthwhile hanging onto those, and I'm using them as a basis for my current project. Last week I painted a single bloom and today I've done a group of three, although I can't photograph it now because there's zero daylight to help me. I have a new camera too, joy of joys. I heart it very much.<br />
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Here's the lily, along with a few others. The Japanese blossom ones have proven very popular, four of them have sold this past week, two of which I got a crazy amount of money for. I feel all proper artist-like now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB9hxo8XbDeNGXZTw2K0Fi6MWNKmgirxRMBzxLqEPdCxV2bWmmRx714NvF_fpcH4KA71aXw6DsQRNBFSKMD0TMTt1g2Okrn9mKgg4nMus0RZJ2JCcT6Rcf_w9vHE0Oq0wM_h8deLA38AR/s1600/poppy+watercolour+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB9hxo8XbDeNGXZTw2K0Fi6MWNKmgirxRMBzxLqEPdCxV2bWmmRx714NvF_fpcH4KA71aXw6DsQRNBFSKMD0TMTt1g2Okrn9mKgg4nMus0RZJ2JCcT6Rcf_w9vHE0Oq0wM_h8deLA38AR/s400/poppy+watercolour+2.jpg" /></a></div>Umbel Handmade Maniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17645946732993473634noreply@blogger.com0