My busy weekend

It's been an extra long weekend as I was demonstrating at C J Crafts in Edgeley on Friday as well as being at Dawn's Design Studio on Saturday and Sunday. I had a busy old time on all three days, which is just how I like it! On Friday I met lots of new ladies as well as seeing some familiar faces, namely Paul from the Artsiders, Sheila from Rubber Addict and Edna, who I have known for years and we bump into each other every so often. Hello to everyone and I will reply to all the emails that I received as soon as possible - promise! I'll be back at C J Crafts in July, so hope to see you there next time.

On Saturday I was teaching a workshop at Dawn's Studio and we had a lovely afternoon...so much so that the class over ran by nearly forty minutes!!! Below you can see Sheila and next to her is Rena, Dawn's sister, who had decided to treat herself to an afternoon of crafting. Think she enjoyed herself! Just look at all the mess we made....well, it wouldn't be me if the table wasn't a tip!Here are a couple of photos of some of the samples that I made for the workshop...the card used Martha Stewart punches and glitter strands - scrumptuous! We dyed Colour Me flowers, from Petaloo, and ribbons using alcohol inks - I really enjoy creating co-ordinated looks using this technique. In front of the card you can see the fairy jars I made. These are such fun to make and perfect for kids at heart like myself, or to make for young relatives.

We used vintage photos (copies) which we lightly tinted before adding stamped and painted butterfly wings. The fairies were put into the jars with various flowers, twinkly fibres and glitter confetti. Alcohol inked jar lids, ribbons and faux vintage tags complete the fantasy.
On Saturday night I stayed with Rena and her lovely husband Stephen (who had cooked his delicious parsnip soup for me by special request!). Also staying over was little Alicia, their grandaughter, who kept us all entertained with her dancing, singing and never ending energy...including playing statues, mister crocodile and learning how to do forward rolls or "cockle overs" which sounds much more fun! I had a most wonderful evening full of laughter.
On Sunday I was demonstrating in the Studio....mostly Beeswaxing, but with other things thrown in by request! It was a lovely day...especially as almost everyone from the previous day's workshop turned up to see what I was up to!
When we got back last evening David made a delicious salad with his renowned handmade chicken burgers (he mixes a bit of stuffing in with the mixture!) without buns, so quite healthy too. Then we settled down and watched Avatar which Stephen had loaned us. We weren't sure if we would enjoy the film, and I didn't know much about the plot beforehand, but we were very impressed on many levels. Purely on the cinematography (if that's the right word for a mostly CGI film) it is stunning and the colours are breathtaking. The CGI work is also astonishing of course, but what really impressed us were the messages within the storyline....analogies of invading empires trying to eliminate the native people, the responsibilities that we have to look after our world and issues of racism are all included. I think we'll be watching it again before I return it!
Well, I've had a semi relaxing day today (Monday is my Sunday) but also managed to get some sketches done in preparation for inking them up tomorrow. So, will sign off for now and post again before the weekend. Lindsay