When I am stuck for inspiration I try to take some time out and look at other forms of craft or art. It is exciting when you cross from one art-form to another. I've noticed that some people start by looking at a pile of Calligraphy magazines. Something in me says 'NO' to that! It's hard work to look at something awesome and change it enough so that it still lookes awesome, but your own creation; not theirs, or a weak version of theirs or a blatant copy! Anyway I found myself perchance in my … [Read more...]
December giveaway
And now for the December Winner. Each month we are doing a draw from all the comments for a give-away. I put the names into my hat, Dave closes his eyes and does the draw! Please comment as often as you can - the name of each commenter that month goes into the hat as many times as you comment, which improves your chances of winning. My most avid commenter, Bev, has her name in each hat 3-4 times - its just a matter of time before you win Bev! And when she does, please all cheer! (This is not … [Read more...]
Healing
There are still so many mysteries inherent in the healing process, but we know with certainty that the attitude of the person is a key element to success. My friend has embraced her healing process and searched to find something she could visualise as her body undergoes chemo treatments. As someone to whom war is anathema, visualising chemical warfare in her body is not an option. She grew up in Florida and had been an active Girl Scout, and she has chosen to envisage a troop of Girl Scouts … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 2
My first thought for illustration of the Artists' book is to use Collograph. My experience has been to try it once on a one-day course which I went to because my computer workshop was cancelled!So here is "Head"What is collograph?Okay, in a nutshell! (more in due course):It is like etching in that a plate is inked up and off-set prints are made from it.Etched plates are metal and are engraved using acid, but collograph plates are made of cardboard such as mountboard.The cardboard plate has thin … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 1 – Artist’s Book
I have been fascinated by Artist's Books ever since I first heard of them, and I am already a maker of books. But now my vision is to make a limited edition of books "properly bound".Of course I have all sorts of other commitments but the gift of working at the Oxford Printmakers (OPC) once a week means I can run a new project alongside everything else.Below are some of the books I've made, as journals.I think I'd like the Artist's book to have a covered spine.Anyway, I've decided to record the … [Read more...]