Lewes market delights!

I have been fully intending to put more and more step by steps on this little blog but like so many makers my precious time has been sponged up with chores and working! I do a bit of running here and there on the quiet too and am very proud to have finished my first half marathon, this has taken quite a lot of energy for my tired bones! Isn't it hard when non crafty stuff sucks all the time out of your day!

This week however is half term and I am planning to finish my 'how to make lined curtains', (all ready for the birth of baby fieldsend) and begin my year guide to sowing and growing! As well as visiting my dear friends Lee and Mark in Cornwall so I can be inspired by her fabulous drawings, prints, studio and business. I'm also hoping for many a chuckle over a glass of red wine.

Recently I went snooping in Lewes for a chest of drawers on the cheap to make beautiful and thought I'd share it's delights with those of you who don't already know about it. Definitely not the place for a bargain, (despit what Kirstie said in her first series!) but a lovely place to visit and occasionally you can pick up something beautiful for less than a hundred pounds!

There are several markets of various descriptions all around Lewes and it's a great place to spend the day hunting things out. There is an amazing shop that sells a million different types of quarters for patchwork, as well as lots of makers, designers, restorers selling their wares, great plant stalls too. Such an inspiring visit for a Saturday morning.

Craft fair buzz and sea shanty knit spectacular

This weekend I popped along to the hub of the craft fan's world, the stitch show at the Brighton Centre. I went with my lovely Mother and was lucky enough to be able to go for free thanks to my lovely friend, (who shall remain nameless just in case she gets in trouble!). It was a lovely sunny day on Saturday so I have to admit we didn't spend the hours that the show deserved, not wanting to be inside. There were hundreds of people spending up on a huge variety of crafty materials.

There was a stunning range of embroidery and patchwork techniques on show. Such amazing work! In amongst all the workshops and stalls was a huge knitted installation representing the sea. A team effort that was very impressive, if a little alarming! I love the birds swooping amongst the rocks.

 

Wedding Central

We have been visited by a nasty winter fuelled flu bug and have therefore had some serious quiet time. Keeping us going though this dreadful dreary winter though is the excitement that this summer will bring. Some of our best friends (Ryan and Clare) and Chris's lovely sister & future brother in law (Toni and Daf) are tying the knot! Chris's brother is also getting married and we can't wait for all of them!

Clare and Toni both let me help them by giving them little drawings for their wedding invitations, very exciting! Clare and Ryan like their drawing so cross fingers Toni and Daf do too!

New Scarf

I love birds and this crow really captured my imagination. I wanted to make it look like it was swooping around someones neck!

things I drew at school this week

This week my year 11's started their Exam and the theme is 'Similarities and Differences', we set up some beautiful still lives and they did some amazing drawings. I love the way the jewels sparkle in the moss and the chain intertwines the feathers. In these nests are my most beloved jewellery they have not been on my finger long!

Every week all art teachers prepare a pile of 'here's one I made earliers' for their students. I love looking at other art teacher's sketchbooks but they often don't like to show them. It seems so much easier to show large groups of teenagers than even one really nice grown up!

Often the drawings and paintings are done quickly and scruffily in between lessons. So I am being very brave! Here is my Blue Peter style example!