Saturday 27 December 2008

phacing my spheres


spent far too much time today playing with spheres and gradients.

I know they say housework won't kill you,but why take the chance?

Friday 26 December 2008

vista9


vista9
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

what lies yonder?

Thursday 25 December 2008

Lily is published!


The Nativity Play at Lily's school this year was a great success and for us the best part was the cover of the programme and the accompanying CD featured Lily's artwork! Not bad to be in print at six years old eh?

Christmas day


Well, it's finally Christmas. All the hype and preparations over and a very successful day for the local branch of the family. As you can see from the pictures both Lily and Paige had a great day and you can imagine the expression on Paige's face when she saw a car on the drive- she can't wait until she is 17 in 4 days and can legally sit behind the wheel on a public road. Lily has her bike and a girl and boy doll who can do practically anything a real baby can do.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

bubbly


bubbly
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

just for fun

fibrous


fibrous
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

I could fancy this as a bedside rug

Friday 19 December 2008

primeval


primeval
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

this root will keep me occupied and tormented for months

cheerful


cheerful
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

needed a bit of colour on this chilly December day

reflecting


reflecting
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

chystal pebble on a background of hand painted fabric

Tuesday 16 December 2008

root3


root3
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

a root gathered from a beach in Wales,many years ago

a bit of an animal


a bit of an animal
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

first go with root photo

beating wings2


beating wings2
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

using the root photo from another angle

Sunday 14 December 2008















Here are the first attempts, I have kept it simple while learning not to stab myself

new toy



Well, I'm back from my holiday and have taken time off from the panic about not having prepared for Christmas before I went away to play with my new toy. I have had this splendid piece of equipment for some weeks but it was a visit to a shop in Utrecht which had gorgeous colours in wool fibres which concentrated my mind. The only thing I can't resist is temptation and there was room in my case wasn't there?

Monday 8 December 2008


Abi and Izzie




Nicholas








Izzies cousin Heike(spelling?) is a six months old little charmer who was loving the whole evening.




Not only did we have the excitement of Sintaklaas but while I was there, Number One grandson Nicholas and Florine got the keys to their new house so the extended family were able to join in the celebrations as we discussed just where everything is to go and enjoyed the view over the lake from the upper floors and the amazing fold -back windows in the living room.












The excitement of a 'puter' was eclipsed by the fantastic auto uncle Melle had made for her.





Florine,grandson Nicholas's partner and Izzie,waiting for Sintaklaas

after Sintaklaas

well I'm back, after a full and exciting visit to family in Holland.

Izzie has chicken pox but isnt letting that get in the way of enjoying the festivities. Her little cousin Heike(I think I have spelled that wrong) is a six month old charmer who smiled his way through the whole evening.

His daddy, Melle made the splendid auto which Izzie couldn't wait to take to the shops next day.

Tuesday 25 November 2008

candy universe


candy universe
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

remembering the colouful sweets we loved when we were young(er)

Monday 24 November 2008

a more colourful path


a more colourful path
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

spent more time than I intended playing with this one today. The 'spheres' are aglass pebble and I have tried to give them a more transparent look

Sunday 23 November 2008

making notes
















As a beginner with Photoshop, I seem to be learning the hard way. This photo of a pink peace rose made an ideal subject to try out the filters and artistic tabs. It was. Unfortunately, I didn't keep notes of how I got to the final picture.

Thursday 20 November 2008

spaceballs


spaceballs
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

I scanned the painted cotton I used for the wall hanging and played with it in Photoshop

arty stuff


I painted the background to this piece a while ago and couldn't decide what to make of it (well, I am Pisces) and I had some small squares of muslin that I had dyed for a wall hanging so I stitched them to the background but felt it was too bland. So, old favourite Bondaweb came to the rescue. I painted a 30cm.piece in rainbow stripes and when it was dry, ripped it into rough pieces and ironed them on top.

The background had already been backed with wadding but I decided to staple the finished piece to a canvas as I didn't fancy quilting over the Bondaweb.

It makes a bright splash on a dull day.

I have begun a bigger version

Tuesday 18 November 2008

heating up




Earlier this year I bought the book Hot Textiles by Kim Thittichai and have just finished this small wall hanging(20x29cms) and really enjoyed playing with the heat gun etc. Again, I already had a background piece of felt with odd bits of paint and embroidery on so I added some bits of yarn and fibre,backed a piece of voile with Bondaweb and layed it on top and 'zapped' it. Finally, I added some extra beads and thread. I met Kim at the Knitting and Stitching show at the NEC in September and had the opportunity to buy some more 'stuff' to experiment with. I would like to take a class with her if I get the chance. In the meantime I am trying to use some of the mountain of unfinished bits I already have.

The bling collar and brooches and pendants have been a way for me to get back into making stuff after a period of not being able to get going with anything. One of those blank times we all hit and goodness knows I have a roomful of 'stuff' just crying out to be used.

I have used bits of embroidery and crochet as background for the beading. The collar is crocheted from one of those balls of yarn I buy and never know what to do with.

I said I would!



I have been talking about starting this blog for months and now having messed about for days,changing the layout,my profile,and photo, finally I have reached a point where I have no possible reason to not actually say something.




It feels a little like having a new exercise book at the beginning of term,you know you will eventually smudge something or cross out and blot a page but for now it's all new and a bit scary.




So, since the main reason for doing this is to share with others what I am making and get feedback to improve my techniques as well as sharing family stuff I will start with some bits of 'bling'