A Lovely Day for an Autumn Walk

Although it is the end of November, here in Berkshire the weather feels quite mild, especially when the sun is shining. I decided to take advantage of this, and enjoyed a pleasant walk in the sunshine.

 The Old Man's Beard I found was looking very luxurious. 

 There are still a lot of leaves left on the trees, with beautiful coppery and golden colours.

 These ivy leaves were nestling under a tree. I liked the contrast between the fallen leaves and the green of the ivy. 

Tag Tuesday-Black and White

 This week the theme for Tag Tuesday is Black and White

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The first thing that came into my head for Black and White was to do an Art Deco Tag, as this movement used a lot of black and white. I chose the Chrysler Building as it is an iconic symbol of Art Deco. I love the shape of this New York building, built in 1928-1931, and the fact that it was made to look like a car radiator in honour of the Chrysler company is just the sort of quirky fact that appeals to me. When I visited New York, I found myself  constantly looking out for the distinctive shape of this beautiful building.

For my tag I have made a collage from newspaper (a Greek one, brought back by my husband who travels a lot and obligingly brings me back useful things for my art work!). I have also used black paper, white card and fine liner pens. The edging is made from braid and ribbon.

Caversham Artists and Friends

Yesterday I went to a Christmas Fair, which was held by Caversham Artists. I have blogged about this group of local artists before, and if you follow the link you can find out more about them. It is always nice to meet local people who spend their time creating  beautiful pieces in their studios and homes. There was a variety of wares on sale, paintings, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, photography, prints, jewellery and hand made soaps. It was a good opportunity to see their current work and to buy a few bits and pieces, as well as to catch up with friends who live in the neighbourhood, over a cup of tea, and home made cake.

Etsy Shop Announcement

I am pleased to announce the opening of my Etsy shop! It is called TextureTrail and you can follow the link here.

I will be selling hand crafted and hand embroidered goods, all original pieces, which I have made.

Here are some close ups of my embroideries.

Go ahead and visit my shop! Tell your friends!

I would be very interested to have your feedback.

DESIRE Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair at Winchester

Yesterday I had a great day out at the DESIRE Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair at Winchester. There were a lot of talented exhibitors, lots to see and to buy. The venue in Winchester's Guild Hall was very appealing. It is the first time I have visited Winchester, and I thought it a very pretty place with so many cafes and restaurants I wanted to go into, a street market, and a lot of nice looking shops too. I didn't take my camera with me, as I wanted to really concentrate on looking at the jewellers' work. I am sure I will have to go back again!

River Thames at Reading Bridge

  

 Peaceful scene on the River Thames at Reading Bridge. 

 This was shattered a few seconds later by the arrival of some gulls just along the bank, snatching the bread thrown by some people for the ducks. The gulls were very noisy and entertaining, the water birds took no notice of them. I was pleased to get a shot of them swooping onto the water.

New Wooden Printing Blocks

These new wooden printing blocks have just come from Colouricious. Aren't they lovely! I am delighted with my latest purchases.

 My collection of  blocks is sitting on my work table. A clue for you about what I am working on at the moment. You may well spot some of these patterns in the things I am  making for my Etsy shop, which I hope to launch soon. 

Watch this space for news of my Etsy shop!