All done

 Just a quick update on the 100 bookmarks I mentioned in a recent post.

As I suspected, the weather turned cold and dull and all thoughts of cyanotypes went out of the window.  No sun meant no bookmarks and the plate I made for my other idea of the embossed bookmark  kept sticking to the damp paper and tearing it so everything that could go wrong did go wrong!
Having just bought a portable UV lightbox I could have done the cyanotypes on this but that would have taken a lifetime so I needed another idea quick or I'd have to face the embarrassment of failing to make the deadline and producing the goods. Not an outcome I wanted to consider. I never start anything I don't intend to finish.

With time running out I needed a solution. During a group session last week I made a sample drawing in ink and conte which everyone loved. I may well get it framed later but it has come to my rescue this weekend as I scanned it, heightened the colour in Photoshop and then printed it with five to a sheet on heavyweight inkjet paper. After lots of cutting and numbering etc I sent my 100 bookmarks off today and now I will wait to receive my set at a later date of everyone else's work.

I've no doubt there will be plenty for me to envy when they arrive but I am pleased with what I ultimately settled on. In truth, it is very 'me'. It is typical of my mark making. It is graphic and monochromatic and I am delighted to have produced a 100 of anything before the deadline in June.

Of course, I now have loads of sample cyanotype and embossed bookmarks that I started to make and there's a limit to how many books I have on the go at any one time..... so if anyone out there is desperate for a bookmark please let me know!

If only....

If ever there was a time I wished I could get on a train to London, it is now. Starting this Thursday is an exhibition at the Michael Hoppen Gallery of the photographs taken in 2004 of the clothes and belongings of Frida Kahlo.
After her death in 1954, her husband, Diego Rivera, locked all of her things away, stating that the room was not to be opened until 15 years after his death. When it was, all of these iconic belongings like her painted corsets, nail varnish bottles, sunglasses, shoes and even her prosthetic leg were photographed by Ishiuchi Miyako. Follow the link for an overview of some wonderful things.

Book up now.....

 I've mentioned many times that 2015 is the year I'm devoting to improving my drawing, but what I have not mentioned to date is the fact that I joined an art group at artist Bobby Britnell's Moor Hall Shropshire studio in January which meets monthly. Under Bobby's tutoring I have got back into the drawing groove and have enjoyed both the work and the ongoing evaluation from the others in the group. It's not always what you want to hear but it's good stuff and it has been invaluable for my confidence.

I know about Bobby's classes because I took a workshop there with Shelley Rhodes a couple of years ago and next week I am joining another, led by Matthew Harris. She attracts some wonderful artists to Moor Hall and seems to fit more into each 24 hour day than most of us! Alongside delivering her own classes here and abroad, writing books and making her own work, Bobby and her husband Martin have also devoted lots of time and resource to a charity they have set up called Hands Up For Uganda. Their passion and commitment to it  engenders lots of support from people and I thought there must be something practical I can do to help raise vital funds and support their endeavours.

So, on July 3rd I am delivering a book making workshop at Moor Hall from 10 - 4. Most materials are going to be provided and included in the cost because I'm intending that we'll make two book structures on the day and by providing pre-cut papers we will cut out a lot of time and be able to get on with things. We'll be making a hard cover and soft cover version of an A6 notebook using the french link twist binding, a good basic stitch that also forms the basis of other book formats.  People will be able to personalise their books with their own cover, tape and thread choices so, whilst we'll start out with the same basic white pages, the end results will still be very personal and unique.

I am happy to offer my time for free and I hope the event raises some serious funds for the charity. Money is needed to make and buy bricks for a school as well as many other things. If anyone reading this is in the area or not too far from those beautiful Welsh Marches, I'd love to think you might want to join us for the day. We advertised it at the start of last week and there are 7 people coming already. I don't know what the maximum might be but I'm happy to demonstrate from the car park if it means every seat is taken for such a good cause. Take a look at the links and check out Bobby's website for other courses. Mine might not float your boat but I bet there will be others that do. If you are interested in future things sign up for the newsletter, either about the workshops at Moor Hall or for Hands up for Uganda, and if you can make it on July 3rd get in touch with Bobby via e mail or phone and I look forward to seeing you there!