Catching up and moving forward

I’m sorry, beloveds.

I’ve been ill. Again.

Alas, this is a bit of a pattern, which I have not yet solved.

I work like a manic Jack Russell terrier so as to make a deadline, get something finished, get it out there, make an impact.

And I do – make the deadline, get it finished, get it out there, etc.

And then I get sick. 

Every. Damn. Time.

You’d think I’d have learned by now how to change this pattern, but sadly not. *adds item to To Do list*

So, in the grand tradition, after my insane rush to get ready for the Towcester Craft & Design Show, and then to put all my energy into it for two full days with my adoring public clamouring for more – what’s that you say? You can’t understand what I’m saying? That’ll be because my tongue is firmly in my cheek – I got sick.

Boo.

But at last I’m starting to feel a bit better again, so am taking time to catch up with you, and move forward with the Quest. Huzzah!

The show

First, some pictures from my first foray into the world of live events of the arty crafty kind. Unfortunately, my Brave-but-possibly-forgetful Companion on the Quest only remembered to take pictures before the doors were actually open to the public, so you don’t get to see me being mobbed by autograph seekers.

Here is my stand, ready for the arrival of the credit-card wielding hordes:

Brave Companion did a lovely job of building it from scratch, don’t you think? And my hand-dyed fabric coverings look rather nice too, if I do say so myself.

And here is a closer view of the table at the front, where I was demonstrating with paints and my Beloved Bernina (which was recognised with affection by fellow enthusiasts).

You can also see a couple of the new products I’d been working so hard on – Mixed Media Treasure Boxes with both green men and mermaid designs. Yes! They will be in the shop, and yes! there will be other designs to come!

And here they are again, in the corner where people could come right into the stand area to see everything up close, as I’m all about the detail.

And finally, a glimpse at the area above that, with some of the framed, stitched pieces were hanging. These included a variety of green men, and some mermaids as well, all combining my favourite techniques of dye/paint/layer/stitch (rinse/repeat if necessary).

And yes! framed originals will be in the shop too!

As you can see, I also took We Must Not Look at Goblin Men to attract a bit of attention, as it can be hard to get people to stop and look at small pieces. It certainly got plenty, and a lot of lovely comments, which made me happy as I really rather like it myself.

I have plenty of other things to tell you about my first experience of selling my own work at at craft show, but if I try to fit them all in this post, it will be ridiculously long, so I’ll save them for later.

Meanwhile, in other news…

It’s Art Every Day Month again! Which, just to be clear, means you get to make art every day. I know! Revolutionary!

As I’m still in recovery mode, I’ve been restricting my input to the Big Book of Doodles again, but that’s all to the good. I have new ones to show you and new ones in progress. And, hopefully, a way you can also have fun with colouring in. More news on that when I figure out the technical part.

So, that’s it for catching up today, I think.

As for moving on, I have so many new ideas to pursue, and I also have a huge studio clear out and organisation task to do this month as well. You do NOT want to know what this place looks like after Fi the Manic Jack Russell Terrier has been working to a deadline!

Have I forgotten anything that I said I’d do or tell you about, best beloveds?

Please tell me if I have, as I think the cold and migraines have turned part of my brain to mush in the last ten days. So now I’m off to have some tea and biscuits. Custard creams are brain food, you know.

 

 

Tagged as: Market Days