Notan Butterflies

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Birthday Card

I made a birthday card for a friend, bringing my 16 for 16 target of 15 up to 12, only three more to go – I should manage that quite easily.

I used the retro Dymo gadget to type the words, and pinking shears to cut the Duck Tape hinge for an added retro component.

The card was made from two off cuts left over from my Post Card making

and popped into this sweet pocket I bought in Japan, which is meant for wrapping snacks or cakes.

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Cards, Kits and Abstract Designs

I am still loving playing around with colouring the paper using Frances Pickering’s method, which can be found in her book ‘Under the Cover’.

and thought these might make a cheeky entry into the Daily Post ‘Abstract’ challenge.

I do love the way the colours blend and am wondering about framing some of them.

They are perfect for making birthday cards and this one went to Big Sister (6) to go with her letter ‘A’

She really liked it and asked me lots of questions about how I had made it. She wanted to make a card like it, but as I did not have all the necessary ingredients with me I said I would send her some of the paper and cut-outs to make some cards of her own – here is the little kit I put together for her.

3 folded cards and some bits and pieces to stick on them.

I’m looking forward to seeing what she makes.

~

 

Japan. Day Two 5: Crazy Cats and a Hare in High Heels

……I am so enjoying sharing with you my trip to Japan, here’s the next instalment ……

If you have only just joined in you can read previous posts by clicking on these links:

First evening in Japan ringing the bell

Day Two: 1    Bonsai ,     Day Two: 2     3/5/7 ceremony,  Day Two: 3   shopping,   Day Two: 4   Craft Centre

After the Craft Centre we were back in the coach seeing the imposing modern architecture go by

till we got to the  Amuse Museum

There were many wonderful displays in this Museum, but the exhibition that captured my attention was one of whacky, glitzy, fun paintings by Kaneda Hanaki. I just LOVE them.

I didn’t quite know what to think of them at first, I don’t usually go for paintings with animals

but those grumpy cats got me and wouldn’t let me go!

I’m so glad I took so many photos because the more I look at them the more I like them – they are fun

and ridiculous

and funny

and crazy

and I felt a little uncomfortable at the time taking all those photos without buying something, but back then I had not really got to the point of loving them enough to take that step. Going through the photos again now, I realise how they have stayed with me and might well inspire some textile work in the future.

This is the one I particularly likeThere is something about a hare in high heels! And it is so obviously Japanese as they are both wearing kimonos, and then there is the glitter! Oh I do SO love it.

Writing this post inspired me to email the Museum and ask if this one is still for sale. They got back to me and it is!!!!!

They have spoken to the artist and she will send it to me – I’m very excited! And I am so pleased to be supporting this fabulously talented artist. I’m hoping they will send me some information about her and her work. I’d really like to know the stories behind the paintings.

Stourpaine Walk

Sunny Sunday!

A walk around Stourpaine, a friend and I were walking the paths of our ancestors.

The larks were singing the sun was bright …

First we stopped off at Compton Abbas

a peaceful spot

this rhododendron was showing off magnificently

we saw yellow butterflies – could they have been Yellow Brimstones? in the churchyard at Compton Abbas

a font by the door

the Bible has been there all that time

sunny haze and ploughed fields, the crop cycle beginning again

lunch at a pub

the ambience delightful, the food – not so much!

Stourpaine

storm damage, my have the winds been fierce this winter

Victorian lych gate

doodle inspiration

an extraordinary name caught our eye – no relation

this font is so plain it has been sent to a curtained corner!

I am not religious but I love the history that churches hold

the village

cute house with lovely, not too formal, topiary

a grumpy looking little ‘Thelwell’ pony

and then for a walk on Hod Hill  …….

Celebrating

We have a lot of anniversaries in our family in July (and then another batch come along in October).

On Friday it was E’s birthday – I have been a Granny for 6 years!

Instead of a card I decorated an ‘E’ for her

Our local Art shop sells these hollow cardboard numbers and letters for just under £2 each.

I gessoed it first and then painted it with acrylic paint mixed to Elfie’s favourite colour – a turquoise blue

Then with a touch of stencilling and doodling she has her initial that she can hang on her bedroom wall.