November Meeting

Fifteen of us had a good day working hard.  Ann kindly brought her laptop with some photographs she took of the exhibition at Salts Mill a few weeks ago and it  was good to see the work again.

We had a discussion about the request we have had to submit work for various exhibitions around the local libraries next year culminating in a large display at the Royal Armouries in 2015.  Topic is of course the First World War and some groups are already under way with their work.  We have a few members interested in doing something so we are going to look further into it for next month.  Apparently there isn't much work done so far on women in the war, so we may go down that route.

A few people brought in their 'Elements' work so far and we had another discussion about how we would arrange our own exhibition next May.  There is some really good work been done and I think it is going to look fantastic.

Everyone was geared up for the Knitting and Stitching Show next day and it didn't disappoint.  We all came home with various bags and boxes and everyone declared it a good day.  I think there were more people there than ever before.  I certainly didn't get as long as I would have liked round the exhibition stands and I didn't have time to double back and revisit traders for a second look.  Jenny and I looked in on the Art in Action stand and picked up some interesting tips from one stand but unfortunately I didn't get the ladies name.   One is photographed below, not very good but I did a quick sample on Saturday so I wouldn't forget the method.

First, stitch tissue paper onto a piece of fabric using either hand or machine sewing.  Next, cover the tissue and stitch with gesso.  While the gesso is still wet, place another piece of fabric over the top and leave until it is completely dry.  When dry, rip the two pieces of fabric apart.  You will get some of the tissue clinging to the stitching and the rest will have attached itself to the other piece of fabric.  Two samples in one go!!

I will do this again with some more interesting fabric and tissue but the idea is good.

Another Isobel hall workshop

We decided to take advantage of Isobel being in this country and booked a second workshop with her, this time doing Vessels.  We were all a bit unsure of what we were doing to start with but we soon had a production line going with everyone getting at least 2 vessels made if not completed.  Most of us have to finish off at home, adding the extra decoration and stitch.  It was a lovely day but we were all exhausted by the end.  Our thanks to Isobel and her husband for two informative and enjoyable day.

So, some photographs.  First, there were a few finished books from the last workshop and then some of us hard at work on our vessels.

 

Christina's on the left and Barbara D. on the right

Roma's on the left and Anita's on the right

This is Maureen's book cover

 

 

 

Shirley's bowl under construction and a finished one in the background

 

 

Val has a lovely coloured vessel using sinamay

 

 

This is Maureen's, another really delicate looking vessel.

Another of Jan's

These two are Roma's

 

Isobel Hall Book Workshop

It is nearly a fortnight since we did the workshop with Isobel, doesn't time fly.  Sorry I have been so long posting the blog but it was half term and my daughter and I have been dashing around and I have bought a new car!  We went to Salt's Mill and saw the exhibition there which was wonderful, as everyone else who had been had already told me.  As we were in Bradford we also visited Bombay Stores and my daughter bought some lovely fabrics which we have made into cushion covers.

So, back to the workshop.  It was a very hectic day to fit everything in but we really enjoyed it.  It is good to see how different products work and react with each other.  Most people were saying things like 'I like this, I think I will buy some' or alternatively 'I don't think I would use this again'.  Isobel also gave us a talk about paper and its different qualities which was very useful.  I have got my brother-in-law roped in to making me a frame for book binding.

Below are some of the work that was done with Isobel.  We are now looking forward to the vessels workshop in November.

Here are two that were finished by the end of the week.  The one on the left is done with pastel crayons covered in mod podge gloss and highlighted with encaustic wax in gold.  The dark strip is the same paper as the background but painted with Tim Holz alcohol ink in Aubergine (I think).