Tart's Century

I'm not the most frequent of bloggers but today I reach Post No 100.

As I really don't have a huge following I have no plans to do what seems to be de rigeur in blogging circles and have some sort of giveaway and pull a number at random out of all the comments I might receive. Since I probably average about one and half comments per post it would be easier if I just sent y'all a prize for perseverance anyway! It's a celebratory post nonetheless as I have just clocked up another year. I had a very fine birthday featuring handmade goodies as well as those simple pleasures which are coffee, chocolate, books and bubble bath. I hope you can see the amazing black and silver and glittery necklace there which Frances made me - I need an occasion now to put on such finery! And Louise deserves special mention because she spoilt me with a subscription to that magazine which urban dwellers cherish, rural souls snigger at and people like me love the linger over and dissect, devouring every image and advert with equal enthusiasm! The fancy Marmite was from Hugh - I may have hinted about it a few times. As he loathes the stuff I will get every last drop to myself, though he also got me this wee gem which has given me lots of ideas on how to slither the yummy stuff into various dishes. His comments were unrepeatable when I read the suggestion for mashed banana and marmite sandwiches, though, so I'd best play safe.Have you been following Katie's equine creations? Wait till you see what Amanda made for me!My very own Tunnocks Teahorse!

Sticky Fingers

These collaged boxes went off to Paxton, along with another. The first is Bird Box, and here's a close-up of one side..

And this is Lovey Dovey, with a glass teardrop hanging from the shelf.
And then two of Wonderland, which is covered in fairy tales and toys and children's images of yesteryear.
They were fun to make and I am on a roll now, making different collaged papier mache objects so there will be more photographs soon. I am having a great time, getting covered in glue and paint and little bits of paper, not quite singing away to myself but not far off it (even I find my tortured singing difficult to cope with, and my whistling isn't any better).

Today we had a fine Woolgathering - between the ten of us there was spinning, knitting, embroidery, wet and dry felting, kantha work, needlepoint and patchwork all going on, as well as talking, drinking of copious cups of tea and coffee and a substantial amount of cake-eating. It was lovely to see what others are working on and who's seen what and who's got lovely new books to admire or work to display.

A passion....

....for yarn!
I showed you rolags and part spun bobbins of a greeny gold mix - it's Moorland now, second from the left in the pic above.
My stash of handspun is growing, ready to head out into the wide world as the end of the week. Crossing Borders artists are again exhibiting throughout the season at Paxton House. Over thirty artists' work will be on show and we'll each be there in person on a different day of the month. My trusty wheel will accompany me, and sometimes a cutting board and papers so I can make envelopes and cards. My first day there is Easter Monday - wonder if there will be any chocolate eggs left over by visiting children...

I've been making more papier mache display boxes and shelves which will be heading to Paxton House too. Must photograph them first.

I have more wee items on display/sale at a brand new space in Jedburgh.
Gallery in the Alley is run by talented illustrator Linda Lovatt and she'll be holding an open day to launch it (with her delicious cakes too!) very soon.

Chocolate Challenge

Hello!
Yesterday I wrote a post and uploaded it and sw it on the blog and now it has disappeared - completely and utterly vanished, no trace, nada. I am miffed, to put it mildly.

Anyway, what I was waffling on about was that my kind Woolgathering friends and I have rounded up enough pennies to buy a coffee farmer in Nicaragua a new start with cocoa beans. this is what Present Aid (Christian Aid) have to say -

The livelihoods of coffee farmers and their families in Nicaragua are on the brink of disaster.

The warm weather caused by climate change is ruining their crops. The solution is to switch to cocoa, which thrives in warmer environments.

A starter kit contains enough cocoa seedlings for one plot of land and three days training that will help the farmer learn how to cultivate this new crop.

With this new start, livelihoods can be protected and secure the future for farming families.

What I did was clear out some of my arty/crafty supplies, either stuff which had been my Mum's and I was never going to use (there was a lot!) or other treasures that I had gathered along the way. And over a couple of Woolgatherings they were gradually purchased and the pennies went into the Chocolate Fund. I topped it up from the egg money and hey presto!

I'm starting a new collection now, for some pigs for help Bolivian women build a steady income to support their families!

Meanwhile I have been spinning autumnal shades. First a lovely big heap of rolags... ....spun onto two bobbins, one with added bombyx silk fibre, then plied together. I have a few new hanks of hand spun drying at the moment and will take a snap when they are dry and labelled with suitably silly names.

Now to save this and see if it survives to show on Blogger today.

Work in Progress

Doesn't this just make you want to smile? A stunning papier mache confection from Dianne Fox who has a studio at Kirkharle in Northumberland that you can visit. She produces a fantastic range of bright coloured jewellery and wall art that is all highly covetable - go see her!

From the sublime to the rather tamer.... these images are from my latest project which is collaged display boxes and shelves. They really are just work in progress at the moment as there is so much else to be done this month.
Hugh is launching his new business right now and we are off to Kelso on Tuesday to the Borders Tourism Partnership's conference and leaflet exchange to spread the word about Far x 4. If you follow the link you'll find that it cunningly takes you straight to the relevant pages in our newly re-launched Workhouse website. The site now shouts about the cottage and our arty stuff as well. Let me know what you think!

In between website work and estate office work and a million other little chores, I am trying to get some spinning done. I'm hoping to have a few outlets to sell it at this summer but I need more stock...

Knitting (very, very simple knitting)

First, here are the crocheted wristwarmers I made using Twilley's yarn from my small but select stash... I used Attic24's own wee bobble trim pattern too and finished them off with tassels at the wrists, for no particular reason except I was enjoying myself. They are fine and thick but non-clingy.
and here are my just-finished ribbed ones made from stripes of five different leftover lengths of my handspun yarns. Much closer fit, obviously, and a little bit longer. The stripes even match. Genius, eh?
Now, just in case you are interested, I am selling my hardback copy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop. There are some 'new' copies on ebay for £29, if you like. Or you could have mine, with a name label stuck on the inside cover but otherwise in very good condition, for a mere £18, including postage.
Her book has lots of clever stuff in it - shapings, colour pattern knitting, shawls, rorshach sweater, surprise jacket, tomten jacket, i-cord...ach, there's masses in it. Shout if you'd like it.We're having a Valentine's Day Woolgathering - all pink hearts and chocolate - no, well, maybe not, but lots of yarn and pattern talk, idea swapping and a little selling maybe, good chatter and always lots of laughs. Everyone's welcome - the more there are, the warmer we'll be!

Winter chills

Not coughs and colds, just freezing night time temperatures and a house that's less than toasty at times. Still, I've made this...

Winter chills

Not coughs and colds, just freezing night time temperatures and a house that's a lot less than toasty at times. Still, I've made this...
Yeah, I know, it is a bit Little House on the Prairie, isn't it?! But it looks warm and it's made from fabrics from four sources - a curtain (the big bold checks), some linen left over from backing cushions, some more from a jumble sale and a swatch book of stripe and check curtaining fabrics. Backed with an old white cotton sheet, and with a polyester/cotton mix wadding (which I did have to pay for) It's not quilted as such, just tied through at each corner of each square with little felt squares top and bottom, and mother-of-pearl buttons on the centre sections.

I have also made a quick and simple pair of crocheted wristwarmer gloves based on Attic 24s idea. She's a talented one, and her colours make me want to sing (alarming thought for loved ones, sorry).

As a lively contrast I thought I'd show you this which I scanned from a little piece of paper that Ali used to giftwrap a present for me. The colours are much brighter than the original but it's about the right size. I particularly like the character slugging something from a bottle and the one with the trumpet (?) over her head!

Dragging my heels...

Well, by now I should be full of enthusiasm for a new year but whether the snow and cold has robbed me of ooomph or the size of the to do list has done for me, I am not sure. I am building up steam but it's a struggle...

So, to take my mind of it all, I bring you something glorious to behold! This lovely piece is by Amanda Mitchell, stained glass whizz and daft as a brush. You can see more of her work here and you can commission delicious stuff like this which is, by the way, ALL MINE! It's an abstract celebration of the Borders, all rolling hills and fields and rivers, and it hangs in the hall window where we can admire it every day.

I'll stop with the snow pix after this but here are a couple of images from our chilly Christmas Day walk at Kielder - the wonderful curved suspension bridge is at Lewisburn. The silly black dog and her silly owner, stylishly dressed in her brand new Christmas present wellies, were mucking about on the snow-covered picnic benches back at the carpark

Festive Bounty

Jennifer's hand painted Christmas card to us

Stunning jewellery made for ME! by Frances

Nutmeg walnut shortbread biscuits

A handmade birdie hook holding a pressed metal birdie heart

My Christmas window dressing, with plenty of
snow visible outside, and one of Amanda's
glass doves on the mirror

Quality will out...

In the absence of any great creative masterpieces emanating from this humble abode, I bring you a selection of my favourite blogging artist friends' work to admire and check out in more detail.

From the top, Gretel's truly unique needlefelted menagerie, seen here as view from her 2010 calendar.
A dinky little handknit jingle purse from Monkey and Sofia, which is the home of Maureen and Phil living a simple life in Spain.
The festive green sock yarn is one of Helen's richly hand dyed treats from Ripples Crafts
And who could resist a treasure chest like this red Secret Stash box from Katie's shop

Me, I've been primping the cottage in readiness for its official assessment today by VisitScotland. Nice man came and did a thorough job, and it should not be long till we get our 'stars'. We have visitors is the cottage over New Year which will be very fine. There's a wee decorated tree in the porch to welcome them.

We have 'rescue' trees this year. In the cottage is one of the titchy self-seeders which spring up along the forest roads. As soon as it is that forest's turn to be felled, the first thing to happen is that the roads are widened and surfaced ready for the huge machinery and logging trucks to gain access. And that means the wee 'wild' trees are squished to pulp. Not so this one, which has roots on and will get a new life in early January.

The tree in our house may just about last till Christmas Day! It was one of several which were sawn down and discarded at the plantation up the road and lay in the ditch for weeks.... Hugh rescued ours, trimmed the worst of the dying bits off and brought it home. The living room is so cold that the needles are only falling by the dozen, not the hundreds but it is touch and go whether it will be completely bald by this time next week...!

One Day Workshops

Let me tell you what I have planned
for February and March!
A series of one-day workshops in
the comfort of my cottage.

Read on and sign up!

PARTY PREP ON A SHOESTRING
Pick a theme and try your hand at creating bright paper banners
and bunting, goodie bags, invitations and more

DELIVERED IN STYLE
Learn how to design and make your own cards and envelopes from scratch, as well as bags and boxes and other ways of packaging. You'll never be stuck for presentation ideas again!

JOTTERS TO JOURNALS
Try several different methods of making simple books and albums, for gifts or for yourself. Clever folds, attractive covers, smart designs and lots of recycling ideas to inspire you.

REHASH YOUR STASH
Embellish with relish! Explore ways to tart up your clothes, cushions, accessories, make trimmings and twiddly bits and generally imbue your 'stuff' with your own unique style

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
Never knitted or crocheted? Dying to learn what all the fuss is about?
Learn the very basics and get started on your first handmade creation.

DATES

Friday 19th February Party Prep
Saturday 20th February Delivered in Style
Sunday 21st February Jotters to Journals
Friday 26th February Rehash your Stash
Saturday 27th February Party Prep
Sunday 28th February Absolute Beginners
Tuesday 9th February Rehash your Stash
Wednesday 10th March Delivered in Style
Thursday 11th March Jotters to Journals
Friday 12th March Absolute Beginners

Workshops are for over 16s
They cost £48 and run from 10 am to 4 pm
A light lunch and all refreshments
(that means home baking and lots of
tea and coffee and all the rest of the essentials
for creativity...) are included.
Only 4 participants at each workshop so that
you can have space to spread out and enjoy the day,
in the comfortable setting of the cottage.
If you would like to book a personalised or bespoke workshop
for 4 people for another date I will be happy
to accommodate you and your friends.

To book or ask any questions just call me on 01450 860275

Full of good intentions...

..... just failing to deliver
I had plans to post photos of my new goodies, to make a new blog banner, and so on but I've just not managed it. Hugh is off south for a few days and has the camera with him so that's one of my excuses. I have been making luscious edibles to sell at the Christmas Fayre at the village hall this Saturday, and spinning more yarns too. But it has all been a bit of a battle as I am fighting off a bug/virus/general decrepitude and feeling pretty feeble.
Off to wrap myself round another hot drink and thank my lucky stars it's not swine flu..

xx L

Coming soon, to a venue near you..

Well, OK, only near a few of you really...

First off, I'll be participating in another lovely St Abbs Wool Festival, on Saturday 7th November. Organised by Louise of Woolfish (groovy yarn shop in St Abbs), it will be better than ever with the Alpaca Buyer (as he is known on Ravelry) and Jeni of Fyberspates both bringing their wares as well as Natalie from The Yarnyard, Janis of Flight Weaving and Laura Brittain with her stylish felt and there will be lots of 'stash sellers'.

On Saturday 21st November it's time for the small but perfectly formed Christmas Fayre at Southdean Village Hall from 12 noon till 4pm. All sorts of Scottish sweeties and home bakes at Ma Broon's Larder, lovely items by a very local wood turner, quality craft books, felted accessories and cards by Fiona, and very stylish stitchery by Ali and Janet, mulled wine and me (in that order...)

Meanwhile, I thought I'd share these picture with you - proof of a grand visit by Fiona and Amanda and me to see Katie, whose blog we all rather enjoy. Poppy is taking centre stage and smooching up to me even though she is not strictly allowed on Katie's shed sofa.

And look at the tea table! - Katie had gone into overdrive catering for overnight guests and we scored really rather well from her culinary talents (so did Hugh - I brought a few sample home!)Finally, just a mention for anyone who may be interested that Janice is selling a drum carder and a lovely little Ashford Kiwi wheel - you can find her here.

A Wee Treasure

Life in Chesters is one merry round of events and social gatherings....even if most of them involve hard work by the village hall committee. On Friday night we gathered to watch 'A Streetcar Named Desire' in all its black and white glory. I had forgotten how scary Blanche DuBois was and at least some of the audience found this oldie not worth reviving. Most of us were glad when it was over.Attending the film meant I was on hand when a 'new' pile of books was dropped off at the hall. There's a couple of bookshelves there for folk to recycle their old tomes for the good of the hall's coffers. Rosie is moving house and had had a clear out. Thus I found 'The Getabout Bird' by Madeleine Collier, published in 1944 and with these delicious illustrations by Jennetta Vise. You can read more about her illustrating career on this fascinating blog
Meanwhile, there's much spinning, stitching, paper-cutting and chutney making in evidence as there are a few events coming up for the Border Tart... more soon..

A New Leaf

Well the Open Studios weekend was grand! The weather was bright and sunny which cheered everyone, artists and visitors alike. People came and viewed and chatted and bought and stayed for coffee and cake or home made soup and chatted some more, and dallied in the sunshine and said what a lovely spot Chesters is. Using the village hall to display our wares worked well because there was lots of room to move about or linger without feeling under any pressure.

I had a fine time with my mini workshops, encouraging friends and strangers to make little books with pockets, like the one above, and envelopes and bags and decorative bits and pieces from scrap and salvaged papers. Several discerning women bought my handspun yarns. And I may have acquired a new pair of earrings and commissioned a stylish 'paper clay' bowl (getting delivered on Sunday) and more from my fellow artists.I showed off some of my recent albums - this first one is a record of those lovely hand knitted socks I have been amassing (and wearing). It is a stab bound book with a page devoted to each delightful style.I also took delight in showing off this concertina album made to display the fantastic drawings done by Denholm Primary School children after I demonstrated spinning for them earlier in the year. The pages are bright colours and I've recorded each child's first name with their drawing and attached my favourite quotes from their 'stories' on the back.The very long booklet folds up into a neat cover and is secured with a handspun string

It'll be alright on the night...

ART TRAIL
Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September
Across the Borders and North Northumberland
and even in Southdean Village Hall

I am cool, I am in control, everything is planned
I am cool, I am in control, everything is planned
I am cool, I am in c...............................................
Yeah, well, that's the theory....

I am really looking forward to the three days of sharing a space with other artists, meeting new people and hopefully showing them how to have fun with the simplest of skills and tools.

It would be lovely to see you all if you can come along. And remember there are nearly seventy of us spread around the Border area, all happy to welcome you in for a blether and look around. Check out the new look CROSSING BORDERS website to find us and open an interactive copy of the Art Trail booklet

Clock's ticking...

OPEN STUDIOS ART TRAIL
Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September
across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland

Rather alarmingly, there are only nine days till the Art Trail. I am lucky that the artists who are sharing the space with me at the Village Hall are all proactive folks, happy to get on and do stuff like make posters, sort the layout of the hall, decorate it and so on. We intend having a ball for three days so get along if you possibly can and join in the fun!

I am really looking forward to running three mini workshops where you can drop in for half an hour, pay a tiny fee, and try whichever takes your fancy.... They are all strongly based on recycling - whether it's magazines and newspapers, rescued envelopes, used wrapping paper or out-of-date road atlases, they've got a future here!

I Can't Sing a Rainbow!

But I can spin one!

I've been pedalling away whenever I get the chance, in between less creative chores, and feel happier to have some stock made in time for the forthcoming Open Studios event and November's Woolfish Festival. I've been experimenting further with needlefelting too, though nothing that will ever come close to the excellence of Gretel's menagerie!
I feel I should be reporting on lots of other creativity but the reality has been huge piles of bedlinen to iron for the cottage, form filling for more online 'presence' for said cottage and for the new website being built for Crossing Borders, and picking a steady stream of courgettes!
Fast approaching is the annual Southdean Show SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST where we will be Hurling a Haggis (no animals will be hurt, only surgical tubing filled with cooked rice!), making puppets, eating pancakes and trying to win dodgy bottles on the tombola - and I'm on duty in the tea tent this year. Ah, the rustic life....

Progress Report

Progress indeed! As I write this our very first let of the cottage is underway - and the sun is shining on our holiday makers so all is right in this corner of the world.
Construction is happening too. This house has a slightly silly carport/covered entrance way which is not big enough to get a car under. It has a proper pitched slated roof, like the rest of the house, and one solid wall. Those have been its only attributes; most of the time it has taken misplaced pride in acting as a wind tunnel.
But not for long! Hugh is busy forming a front and side to it, which will be weatherboarded to match the porch on the cottage and before long we will have a wonderful store adjacent to the house. No more tripping over wellies and wet waterproofs in the rainy season (!), no more jam packing the hall cupboard with everything from a sack of dog food to a Kenwood and spare tins of tomatoes. Order WILL prevail.

Do you like the two images above? They are by the Morag Muir and I saw more of her gloriously coloured and detailed works at Pittenweem Arts Festival last Sunday. It was the best day out I have had in a long time. Good company, great picnic, sunny day, picturesque harbour village and masses and masses of open studios/houses/garages/church halls with fantastic work to view and buy. We were each tempted by different pieces and now that I know what to expect, I am determined to have pennies in my pocket next August...

From the sublime to the slightly ridiculous,
I just had to show you a couple of pages from a quirky 1950s embroidery book [Contemporary Embroidery Design by Joan Nicholson] given to me by Janis. It is very dated and curiously lacking in, well, sense really. I love the ideas and the dinky little drawings but the same images occur throughout the book and there does not seem to be any sequence. Ah, but so what? You can't help but smile at the illustrations, and the enthusiasm for oddly shaped animals...