the patchwork dress

hornel

One of my favourite paintings is by EA Hornel - Druids bringing in the Mistletoe (he actually painted it in partnership with George Henry).  I love the feeling of 'ancestors' that comes from the lineage in the painting, and it has a native american/celtic feel - perhaps not intentionally.  Some of his work is owned by Kelvingrove Museum, and I have also seen some of his large paintings inside Glasgow City Chambers.  

So, for a long time, I have wanted to visit his house in Kirkcudbright, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland.  Kircudbright describes itself as 'Artists' Town' - and two doors along from Hornel's house is the former home of Jessie M King - now a B&B.  Broughton House is beautiful inside - here is a sneak peek of Hornel's studio - but most amazing is the garden...

We caught it on a nice sunny day, but I can honestly say I think it is one of the nicest gardens I have ever been in.  For me it has just the right balance of shady areas, places to sit and reflect - it seems there is a surprise at every corner, from an old stone font to a singular open flower...  

Full of inspiration.

The texture and colours of this wisteria on the old garden wall reminds me of the texture and colours in many of his paintings.

lizzie farey

On Sunday we visited the country studios of willow sculptor Lizzie Farey - who shared this venue with potter Hannah MacAndrew and artist Bea Last.  On the driveway up to the studio, these beautiful willow sculptures sat in the landscape - really strong amongst the setting.

I fell in love with Lizzie's studio - the old painted dresser, her work on the walls, the log burner...

Hm... I wonder what else could have attracted me? 

I asked permission to take this, and haven't photographed all her work, but there were a pair of diving swallows that filled one wall, and an amazing 'plaque' with the pussy willow woven through.

Here is the willow stacked in one corner of an outhouse.  Beautiful colours. 

Like a hundred horses tails.

Crafts, by Heck!

Heck, I'm cream crackered.  After finishing my last work contract last Wednesday I threw myself into one of the best (well, seemingly tailored for me!) craft weekends Scotland has with the Loch Lomond Quilt Show, Potfest and Spring Fling all happening at once.

A serendipitous opportunity to impose myself on some friends that were staying in Dumfries and Galloway, (thank you Karen, Andy, Hannah & Sam!) meant I could spend a couple of days down there in the sunny verdant lanes of the Spring Fling open artist's studios.

First stop was the Wee Byre Studio owned and ran by Helen J Houston.  It was so idyllic, with an open barn filled with crafts especially for the Spring Fling, displayed on bleached timber furniture, working log burning stove, and a stack of homebaking, teas and coffees.  Helen has a studio shop as part of her house, and it is filled with old timbers that she collects to make things with, and accessories which are so stylish in a 'French garden chic' sort of way.

These are some of her cards, tied in little packages with string, and she also prints beautiful photographs.  The next day I was at the Tollbooth Art Centre in Kirkcudbright - and who should be about to put on the next exhibition from today... but Helen!

I also had the chance to meet Diane McBain, a bookbinder, who showed me how to stitch a page into the Spring Fling book she was making - each visitor had the opportunity to stitch and write in the book. Unfortunately neither of these artists have websites, but if you follow this link, you can phone Helen ahead and arrange to see her studio.

more over the next few days...

the unicorn tapestries

Yesterday mum & I met up and went to see the new unicorn tapestries at Stirling Castle.  These tapestries have been specially commissioned as copies of originals which are now based in New York. When they are completed, there will be a sequence of 7 scenes which tell the story of the hunt for the mythical unicorn.  The Unicorn is seen as a symbol for Christ, and also for love.  (I don't want to spoil things if you plan to visit this exhibition, so if so, you may not want to look at all the images I have below.)

Currently only 4 of the tapestries are completed and are on show within the beautifully spacious chapel. Eventually they will all be in here.  Meanwhile you can go and watch them weaving the next tapestry in a little studio barn at the rear of the castle.  I overheard the weaver saying she would be finished in 2011 - and I think she was just talking about the tapestry that she is currently on! (but maybe all of them?)

This one was my favourite - just for the dark background and all the wild flowers woven into it.  On the actual tapestry is a tiny frog (cut off in this picture) you have to hunt to find it!

I took this photo before noticing the 'no photos' sign in the weavers gallery - so you will just have to go and see for yourself!  What was remarkable was watching someone in 'slow' time - knowing that it will take months, possibly years to complete.  The imagery of her work was so beautiful in itself, shade cards, small woven samples of part of the image...  The whole tapestry is drawn as a massive 'cartoon' in black lines on a white roll which is suspended behind the working frame.  It looked so complex - but I suppose like quilting it is working on the part you are on, and eventually the whole piece comes together.

This ceiling is in the main hall - I like a good ceiling, me.  Now I can't remember if that is King-post or Queen-post - but at the other end are the 2 thrones for the King and Queen.  (I must confess I was in art mode for looking at the tapestries, and didn't really pay much attention to the history!)

an unexpected pleasure

A beautiful day... A few things to do over Stirling way, so popped into Dobbies garden centre and treated myself to an icecream and a coffee out on the terrace.

Something was calling me out to where those people were.

At the back of the garden is a gate and a bridge, which leads out onto a Maze.  You can see the little viewing bridge in the background.  

Beyond that is a labyrinthy type structure made of heathers with a strange topiary cow/bull, and beyond that is the river itself - overlooking the carse to the distant mountains.

An unexpected pleasure.

between two bridges

Today mum & I visited South Queensferry on the River Forth, situated between the famous road and rail bridges.  (As a child I was aghast at the thought of the train going up and down over the 3 humps like a rollercoaster!) Traditionally it is the narrowest crossing point between Edinburgh and the North. Despite having been brought up in Fife, I don't remember ever having visited there until recently, when an old friend introduced me to the Two Bridges café restaurant.  Thanks Jo!

I think it gets quite busy at the weekends and in summer, but I love the big tables, and 3 large arched windows that look out onto the river.  Oh... and the coffee and cakes.  Can you see the big drippy candles over the fireplace? Worth a visit offpeak/season. I resolved to return and investigate some of the shops and galleries that grace the cobbled riverside in more detail.

Architecturally, it sits very prettily on the edge of the Forth. Glimpses and views through to old buildings and the river.  I like the mix of styles, and the half-pavement that goes up over the shops in places. No horrible fascia signs here... all signwritten by hand!

 

An odd, (but worth a look) little museum features a life size burry man - repelling, yet fascinating - I feel as if I will dream about him tonight!

Country Living Loving

This month's Country Living promises spring days full of pink and greens - I love their spring styling, so optimistic and inspiring.  I felt a rush of spring excitement and creativity inspired by the colours and easter themes.

Speaking of Country Living and spring abundance - we stopped off last week on our way north to Aviemore at House of Bruar. (If you look carefully you can see a bald man hiding underneath the black canopy - that's N.)

The first time I ever stopped here, we were on our way back from somewhere and pulled in to what we thought was a whiskey distillery in order to use their loos.  Opening the door we were greeted by the most fantastic shop and deli - which coincidentally at that time was also themed for Easter. Now it has become a regular stopping point on any journey north!

There are a variety of sections to the site, and all run to a very high standard by Bruar (they don't accept coach parties here!).  There are tweedy hunting shooting fishing type apparel ranges - not so much my thing; a gallery of wildlife and landscape artists; a home/garden ware shop that sells my favourite string; a fantastic cafe with an abundance of cakes (wheat/gluten free too) -even some of the crockery is Anta, and the most prestigious loos you will find on the A9!  Newishly opened is a sale warehouse at the back with discounted cashmere and Johnston of Elgin rugs!

The building looks out over the river that runs through the Bruar Estate, and there is an attractive walk that takes about an hour, up the ravine, through pine woods and back across an estate built bridge down the other side.  We didn't do it this time, but makes the place a daytrip destination in itself - or a a stop off just 10 minutes or so north of Pitlochry, right on the A9.

Another image from April's Country Living - love everything about this scene - even the model's hair!

patchfest

(antique quilt - curated by Jane Rollason & Grosvenor Exhibitions)

This weekend saw the annual Spring Quilt Festival at Ingliston Highland Showground near Edinburgh.  I made this trip into an artist's date and went along, not really knowing what would be on show.  Luckily there were a couple of exhibits of particular personal interest - some 'jelly roll' strip quilts, and the other antique quilts.

As the patchwork dress has been a little empty the past couple of weeks, I'm going to post a quilt photo a day (from Tuesday) this week of my favourite snapshots.  Normally show organisers and exhibitors prefer you not to photograph the quilts, but there was no notice to say otherwise, and everyone seemed pretty snap happy.  I mainly took photos of the antique quilts - all without a flash, so some of the colours may seem a bit dull.

I also took the opportunity to visit some of my favourite stalls including Euro-Japan Links, Susan Briscoe and bought an amazing book about my new favourite quilt artist, Kuroha Shizuko.  See a bit of a theme emerging?

treasured places

Last Friday I was in Edinburgh.  After my meet up with mum, and on way to the talk, I took one of my favourite walks through the old town...

Up the old 'News Steps' from the Mound to the High Street.  Looking back over Edinburgh New Town. You can see the buses on the bridges, the roof of Waverley Station.  That's the North British Hotel to the left behind the tree - an amazing building - and Carlton Hill, gothic and romantic in the distance overlooking it all.

...past St Giles' Cathedral... the 'Heart of Midlothian' is a motif embedded into the cobbles, just about where that person is walking across the street.  Watch out! - it's a tradition to spit on it.  Ah, thems is quaint Scottish ways...

...down Victoria Street, with its beautiful double storey street thing going on.  There are some nice boutiquey shops and little cafés down here, although it does taste of being a bit mainstream now... 

The talk with Andrew MacDonald was good - inspiring and informative. Inspite of his success, he came across as very level headed, modest and genuine.  We watched several short clips of the films he has produced including Shallow Grave - Danny Boyle of 'Slumdog Millionaire' first feature. I was reminded of the fantastic opening to that film with the Leftfield soundtrack and the manic driving through the streets of Edinburgh New Town.  (Couldn't find it on Youtube, sorry - there's a hint of it in the trailer). At the time I thought it was an amazing, mindblowing and groundbreaking clip, although now, by today's standards, seems quite tamed down.  

We also managed to catch the penultimate day of this exhibition by the RCAHMS, and I'm really glad I did.  The Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments for Scotland look after and record everything of historical note, from neolithic chambers to restaurant interiors and old mills.  This was a fabulous and varied exhibition.  You can also view all of the images online here.

Most of all, this drawing on the postcard of Lady Victoria Colliery was done by a friend of mine, Heather Stoddart.  We studied Interior Design together at art college.  Her drawing was voted the winning image by the public!  I was so glad to have tracked it down, and then noticed beside her exhibit was a video of her drawing it on the computer.  There was also footage of a colleague hand-tracing designs for a Celtic cross.  I still draught by hand, but am fascinated by both worlds.  Hopefully it won't die out, as hand drawn plans and perspectives convey such character, detail and period.

A creative country life

A year ago I wrote on a piece of paper that I wanted to get my creativity out in ways that others could receive it, get serious about my writing and into some sort of form, and be supported financially as I did this.  This is the week where I realised how much of that had come to fruition - what with the writing course, pretty much non-stop freelance work - and now the opportunity to sell some of my cards at the Country Living fair on its first time in Scotland - thanks to Jane of Snapdragon.

There are my cards in their little Ikea boxes on the beautiful and inspiring Snapdragon stall - which really is a centre piece of the whole fair.  Earlier this year Jane asked me to a demo of Christmas wrapping at her stall during the show.  I wasn't quite sure what form this would be in, so decided to make it something I felt everyone may be able to accomplish in some way - using recycled, reclaimed, or charity shop materials in a new way that could look just as good (if not better) than spending lots of money on new (and often un-environmental) wrapping.  There are so many beautiful things lying around that could have second lives in a creative and one-off form.

The feedback from the demo that I've been doing has been fantastic, and I'm so pleased that others feel inspired to go and try alternatives to make their gifts more special and unique - and sustainable!

At the other end of things, I've been dashing back to make more recycled cards to put on the stall - although I have had time to go and look round too.

The fair is very high quality, with lots of individual craftspeople as well as more mainstream companies.  You can read more over  at Jane's blog, but I pretty much agree with her that the whole feel of the show is very positive and inspiring.

For those who may be interested to see more, my friends and mum included (who were told to keep away from the stall, lest they put me off!) I will show a present a day from the demo, starting on 1st december as the beginning of advent.  The paper above came from a roll of retro wallpaper picked up for 79p in Oxfam - but more later to come...

A big thank you to Jane and Sally for promoting my cards and involving me in their show - here they are working hard before it even opened, as they have done in the months leading up.  I feel very green to the whole experience of this size of fair - playing catch up on myself as I make cards in the evening to top up the next day!  I'm still not sure of myself as a 'business' but at the moment am content being a maker when there is supply and demand.  Thanks to Sally and other good friends who leave bundles of magazines on my doorstep etc, just as my supplies for the recycled cards are waning- it feels like a very organic and rewarding process, that I am really only making from what is available and not taking any more than that.

If you are coming along this weekend - I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself - there are lots of inspiring people, gifts and ideas.  One of my favourites so far has to be Nutscene - all those balls of coloured twine, and the most ingenious display yet - a garden broom with balls of twine all stacked up the handle.

...oh, and by the way - get those pens and paper out and write down those intentions (Thursday new moon/new beginnings - imagine you are planting seeds) - mine have been answered in ways I could not have imagined - but do be prepared for growth!

(as I write this I thought the heating was creaking away, but realise there are bluetits tapping at the window behind me!)