Woodblocks

I did enjoy using the Christmas tree woodblock , so asked for some more as a Christmas present from my sister-in-law, thanks Rosemary! Watch this space, as I think I might have great fun with them in my textile experiments!

Woodblock Christmas Tree

I have been making Christmas cards with this woodblock from The Indian Block Company at Colouricious.

Christmas tree

Here is a seasonal posting of our Christmas Tree. We had our annual trip to Christmas Common to buy it at the Tree Barn, where there were plenty of trees to choose from. It is supposed to be non-drop, but that will remain to be seen.

Later-at the end of the Christmas holiday, I have to report that it was not really a non-drop tree, but better than some we have had!It has lasted very well, though. The needles seem to be dropping from the bottom branches,leaving the top intact!

Caversham Artists Christmas Show

Yesterday I went to the Caversham Artists Christmas Show at the Old Fire Station Gallery in Henley. It will be on till Tuesday 6th December, and is well worth a visit. There are a variety of artworks on sale by a local artists group, including ceramics, jewellery, knitted textiles, photography and decoupaged furniture. Lots of Christmas presents to buy, as well as beautiful art to look at.

For Advent

As it is the first day of Advent, I am posting a picture of some Scandinavian tree decorations I have just finished. The book I used is Scandinavian Needlecraft by Clare Youngs, which has many enticing projects in it. I first posted about it in May 2010, when I used it for design ideas for a Scandinavian box I made for C & G.

Seed heads at the Herb Farm

When I was at the Herb Farm I took some pictures of seed heads. It is so late in the year, that there are some rather decayed specimens, but I found them fascinating.

The Herb Farm

I took my camera to The Herb Farm at Sonning Common in Berkshire. It is a specialist garden centre for herbs and has a nice cafe and gift shop.There is a always a feast for the artistic eye in the garden. I like the unusual herbs, such as pineapple sage and lemon curd thyme. Everywhere you look there is an abundance of textures.