'Exploring Colour'

Inspired by the work of such artists as Lindly Haunani, I've been trying to learn a little more about colour theory. I bumbled along until life suddenly became simpler when I bought a copy of Johannes Itten's 'The Colour Star'. This simple aid is one of my favourite toys - for a simpleton such as me, it's indispensible.

I thought that I'd hit the wall with colour theory, but all that changed yesterday when I took delivery of the ravishing, 'Exploring Colour' by the late Julia Caprara ( please google her name to see examples of her stunning work). It's sumptuous - it's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. What's more, it's the most informative, encouraging & intelligent book that I've encountered about colour theory. It sends a thrilling charge right through one's imagination - I'm going to grab a fresh sketchbook later on today & start work on the first of the projects outlined in the books. Isn't it wonderful when you find something inspiring which is so deeply life-enhancing that you simply can't ignore its creative siren call? 'Enhancing Colour' has just become one of my 'Battle Books'!!

Incidentally, Lindly's new book is due to be published later this year. Roll on August; I can't wait!

What on earth have I been curious about during these many cycles of the moon?

Amongst other things, I've been playing with felt & all things Nuno, having fun with Tyvek & Lutrador & melting things with encaustic irons. And then there's the wondrous polymer clay which, inspired by Ellen Marshall's book, Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes I love to print, dye & decorate- oh most blessed substance!

Am I heading anywhere with this? Well yes; I'm embarking on a Bowl Hunt! I've always wanted to find something - some form of wearable art or vessel - which might incorporate all the various creative arts that inspire & elate me. Oh the joys of mixed media - I play with paints and I draw with pastels, Paintstiks, charcoal and the myriad pencils which furnish row upon row in art shops. Then there's polymer clay, PMC, jewellery & luscious embellishments, buttons, 'hot' textiles, Friendly Plastics, fab fibres, silks, & glorious handmade felt, plus foils, dyes, printing and all the many things which appeal to magpies!

I still draw & make marks in my art journal every single day. 'Talking to myself' keeps me sane & is a useful barometer. How long do you spend looking after yourself each day? It's important to keep up a dialogue with yourself - it can comfort & soothe when you're feeling down & be a celebration when positivity reigns. But more about journelling another day. For the moment...

Or in my case, a bowl hunt. I know there are lots of bowl makers out there, and as I'm curious to know how all these vessels are made, I'm sure I'm in for a fascinating time! ( This book by Michael Rosen is treasured by young & old alike - I defy you not to fall under its spell! And Helen Oxenbury is a highly gifted illustrator. The Brood & I find her work irresistable & have laden bookshelves to prove it. 'Farmer Duck' (a lovely Orwellian tale) is a firm favourite!

You Make My Day Award

My dear friend Laura Sparling has presented me with this award - bless you Laura & thank you very much for thinking of me.

It's now my honour to hand it on to five people who make my day - here are the guide lines as to how to pass the award on:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day. Check!
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver. Check!
3. Display the “You Make My Day Award” logo. Check!
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news. Just about to ;-)

I would like to give this award to:

Jean of 'Snap out of it Jean. There's Beading to be done!'
Corrine of Jafabrit's Art
Angela of Angela's Art Diary
Margot of The Impatient Blogger'
Dan of Dan's Blah Blah Blog

Truly unmissable blogs :-)

Trying a little longer...

I set myself the task of making up some earrings which are a little longer than my normal range so my Flickr Gallery now hosts photos of eight sets of earrings which measure from between 55 mm to 70mm.

Featured here are ( from the top) a set of gorgeous 'Glowing Stacklets' featuring beads by Emma Ralph, some 'Rosy Tubular Belles' which are a stunning showcase for the work of Laura Sparling & below, a pair of 'Paradise Stacklets'. These beads were created by Beverley Hicklin & their beauty is utterly hypnotic.

I am SO LUCKY to be able to play with beads such as these!!

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day - Part II

This stunning focal by Emma Ralph provides the 'Inner Glow' in this stupendous heart pendant. The word that springs automatically to mind is:

WOW!

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day - Part I

It's time to get ready for the day when someone who's dotty about you, can hand over their heart! Click on Flickr for more sweethearts plus this 'I ♥ Kitsch' pendant.

Emma & 'An Elemental Wave'

'
An Elemental Wave', I hear you ask? I chose this name because Emma Ralph has captured the essence of the Mediterranean Sea & trapped it in her nugget beads. If you click on the flickering Flickr show, there is a photo of one of these beads in close-up. It's a joy, but then everything that Emma makes is a joy!

Indeed, if you look below at the cover of Jean Yates' book 'Links', you will see more examples of Emma's work, this time in polymer clay. Are you hooked? Do you want to see some more? Have a rummage in Emma's shop!