along this line

February Drawing

2012-02-01T18:04:00.003Z

With the early morning sun in my eyes I went speeding across fields towards the city.
Thrilling after two days of grey.

breaking rules

2012-01-30T20:45:00.005Z

I let myself off swimming
I let myself off the washing up
I let myself off.

wooo hooooo

In crowded spaces

2012-01-17T23:56:00.005Z

Dissolve into a crowd, just disappear, go unnoticed. But then paralysed and blocked. Rage. Go alone, exposed. Move freely.

Golden Wheels

2012-01-10T17:54:00.002Z

Imagine being served tea from this beauty.

The Tea Trolley of joy.

Happy Birthday Ms N

2012-01-09T11:28:00.005Z

A beautiful day to you.

the wisdom of spoons

2012-01-04T21:44:00.002Z

Ask the spoons for an answer, they know everything.

I'm feeling silly.

last day of the holidays

2012-01-02T22:13:00.003Z

Bright, blissful, sunshine. A quietly beautiful day. Tomorrow is just around the corner, but now is now.

January kisses

2012-01-01T20:34:00.005Z

A plan. A year full of drawings. One for the first of each month. Wordless marks made of questions, answers and movement.

Backwards and Forwards

2011-12-31T17:21:00.004Z

Challenges overcome, deadlines met, new ventures, new friends and hard work this is what this year has been for me. I would only add more time for friends and family to improve it. Be strong, be creative, live, love and laugh but don't forget to rest. Welcome to 2012.

wrap

2011-12-17T23:00:00.000Z

All the chocolate brownies have been eaten, but I still have the ribbon that tied them up.

Good Signs

2011-11-28T19:18:00.003Z

Not only has my Beloved stopped complaining about the weird and wonderful things I bring home in the name of art, research, just because I like it, but he has joined in!

While I was away he thought of me.

waiting

2011-11-20T19:34:00.003Z

I have enjoyed not having to rush around, but this room is like a cocoon I am ready to breakout of. I want to fill my lungs with fresh air.

teeny weeny bit bored

2011-11-17T19:17:00.002Z

I'm working long long hours. Next week the scales will go back the other way.

under a spell

2011-11-01T23:24:00.004Z

I felt invisibile today, as if no one could see me and I could just wander around peacefully. I walked uninterrupted as though I was in a protective bubble. I work in a beautiful house and today was one of those days where I got to see the stunning beauty of it as if I had never been there before.

walled city

2011-10-25T22:08:00.002+01:00

I've been looking for wider horizons but this city is full of walls.

beautiful walls.

unexpected gifts

2011-10-13T23:46:00.002+01:00

Lovely people at my studio have been leaving presents on my desk. After what feels like months of tidying and cleaning good things are happening. It is now a creative space instead of a dumping ground.

make a bee line

2011-10-06T22:55:00.005+01:00

If you happen to be in Edinburgh this weekend.

Ishbel Moore Busy Bees

Go to The UNIONgallery on Broughton St. There is a wonderful show about Bees. The Plight of Bees is a collection of works from a range of artists including children looking at Bees and the important role they play in shaping the world.

Marcela Trsova

Marcela uses black bees wax to create these delicate spheres. I was inspired by the show and the space. It finishes this weekend.

dancing on paper

2011-10-06T10:57:00.006+01:00

Today I enjoyed the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. I am alive.

Legs or wings?

open door

2011-10-05T18:16:00.003+01:00

It's October and getting dark earlier but t's warm enough to have the door open and let the breeze waft through the house. The chimney is singing and my pyjamas are trying to take off from the washing line and fly away.

A dandelion is trying to make it over threshold.

2011-09-29T09:50:00.003+01:00

I've just had a few lovely days away. I live in a city full high walls you cannot see over. My views are of walls and fences and out of most windows you can rarely see further than accross the street. I went to stay in the sky where I could look out over the roof tops.

What's on at the Emely?

2011-09-14T22:19:00.004+01:00

A new show from Rosalie Schweiker and friends.

You can't buy this.

2011-09-07T22:29:00.002+01:00

Not for Sale

type

2011-08-25T23:55:00.003+01:00

The sound of keys used to be so much louder.

An irregular adventure

2011-08-17T20:45:00.003+01:00

Somehow with a bit of work and a lot of time I have become part of Irregular Circle. Last week was our first big project and although it was exhausting it has left me bursting with ideas and energy for what I want to explore next. Have a look here - www.irregularcircle.com
notes to self:
life is not a to do list
Over head projectors are magic
type writer type writer type writer
ideas and technical skill are completely different things

x marks the spot

2011-08-09T22:37:00.002+01:00

kiss it better and sleep well.

remind me

2011-07-29T00:15:00.003+01:00

If the answer is not yes or no.

It can only be one step at a time.

life is in the mix

2011-07-23T00:34:00.009+01:00

Reconstructed my studio into a place which makes me happy.
Thank you to the burglars for not making too much mess and leaving the biscuits.

Maureen reminded me to hang on to life with both hands. I want to fly it like a flag above my head.

Don't just fill days with plans, allow for possibility.

That's
the thrill.

I didn't see the sun today

2011-07-13T22:52:00.003+01:00

I had a whole day in the fresh air with Irregular Circle. I will sleep sleep sleep tonight. The sun will come out again.

Five Sheds

2011-06-14T11:11:00.002+01:00

Get out of the house.

Tactile City

2011-05-31T20:13:00.005+01:00

Steep hills

snatches of colour

Crumbling grandeur alongside new apartment blocks.

Graffiti in Lisbon part 2

2011-05-23T18:09:00.002+01:00

It was pointed out to me that the pictures in the previous post are painted buildings and not strictly graffiti. Well here are some more shots of Lisbon, some graffiti, some street art.

Graffiti in Lisbon part 1

2011-05-17T21:13:00.004+01:00

There is so much graffiti in Lisbon. It's everywhere but these painted buildings really stand out. I'd love to find more about them.

Not a real pet but that's ok.

2011-05-10T21:49:00.004+01:00

I have a new pet. Meet Boy.

I was given him by the lovely Rosalie creator of the Emely Cafe. I am very excited as he is a great companion for my other for legged friend.

I fell in love with the Emely Cafe at the recent Aid and Abet show Small Scale Survival in Cambridge.

I am very much looking forward to Rosalie's next project Fivesheds.

the long weekend

2011-04-23T23:36:00.004+01:00

Finally we are at home, just us and chocolate. not worrying.

feeling playful

2011-04-21T22:03:00.003+01:00

Happy Easter

It's Monday again.

2011-04-18T09:36:00.001+01:00

Make the most of it.

Go with the flow

2011-04-10T17:48:00.004+01:00

I am going in, head first.

energy lines

2011-03-25T19:58:00.002Z

I've been wiped out this week.
Drawing a few lines lifted me.

bright bright afternoon

2011-03-23T14:56:00.002Z

I just want to close my eyes for a little while.

Nous Vous at The Front Room, Cambridge

2011-02-27T12:00:00.004Z

Away from the tourists in a quiet corner by Mill Road Cemetary is The Front Room.

The Nous Vous show Dark Energy is a curious collection of brightly coloured structures constructed from amongst other things coloured thread, dowling rods and balloons. It felt like being given all the pieces of a game but no instructions. Pieces are hung from the ceiling, leant against the window, painted and piled on to the floor all with an air that they might spring into action at any moment.

It was great to see inside this space I have been admiring and to meet the artists. I wish I had taken better pictures of this playful show.

dusty window

2011-02-15T23:04:00.003Z

Something about the light made me feel as though I was looking at an old photograph.

It was just Monday.

hand painted poster

2011-02-09T21:40:00.005Z

caught my eye.

brighter days to come

2011-01-22T21:28:00.003Z

light dancing

The way to be

2011-01-14T18:21:00.003Z

He wants to me to finish what I start.

I want to be:

calm

committed

spontaneous

Lucky

spot on

2011-01-10T17:54:00.002Z

There is a happy red spot next to a piece of my work. Feel me smile.

Three Words

2011-01-07T11:40:00.002Z

Friday Friday Friday

Dinner for One

2011-01-01T14:16:00.006Z

Last night I was treated to the German tradition of fondue and the film Dinner for One as a new years eve celebration. It was one of the best new years eve parties I have been to, a truly lovely way to end one year and begin a new one.

It's amazing that this short, comic film is English - hugely popular throughout Europe, Australia and South Africa and yet mostly unknown in Britain. I'm adopting it as my New Year tradition from now on!

What new traditions are you making this year?

See, there is magic here.

Enjoy every minute.

Drawn in

2010-12-16T23:40:00.004Z

I hurried along the street to keep warm. I looked up and hesitated. I felt warmer just looking at this window.

I was tempted, but continued on my way.

Winter wonder

2010-12-11T07:52:00.004Z

The sky didn't fall in, it was just snowing last week. Travelling the length of the country by train was spectacular.

Five bright days and a beautiful wedding.

bug in a box

2010-11-22T12:30:00.003Z

I was tidying up. Making some space, but when I opened this box out and it looked like a bug I couldn't bring myself to put it in the recycling bin.

I just couldn't.

The wrong pen

2010-11-14T12:46:00.004Z

I am always drawn to print and text.

Personal messages or great wisdom, questions and answers. Is someone trying to tell me something?

This white board bears the scars of the wrong tools.

It is almost useless, but it's beautiful to me.

All Gone Ceramics

2010-11-09T20:29:00.004Z

I found myself in the market on a Monday.

It may have been the break from my usual routine,

or the winter sunshine,

or finding this stall by allgoneceramics that made my day.

The illustrated and slightly wonky ceramics and cards are beautiful.

As well as ceramics there are tea cosies and aprons made from recycled textiles.

creative coffee

2010-10-26T21:50:00.005+01:00

I stopped in town for a coffee.

Tucked in the corner behind the napkins and the cutlery I spotted a pot of coloured pencils.

old friends and angels

2010-10-22T23:43:00.002+01:00

I just keep drawing. I can't stop chasing the perfect line. Spending time with old friends has slowed me down and given me space to breathe.

unexpected

2010-10-11T22:48:00.002+01:00

Out of nowhere. I feel so fragile. I should be used to this.

I found the sepia setting on my phone. I think I like it.

book binding number one

2010-10-01T18:34:00.005+01:00

How do you learn to be precise? Is it just in you?

I always wanted to learn to book bind. All of a sudden I am learning to book bind.

Success will be straight lines and clean folds.

lucky sweep

2010-09-23T13:58:00.003+01:00

The chimney sweep said I should go and look at the brush sticking out of the chimney. It's lucky.

It's not over yet

2010-09-21T22:43:00.003+01:00

It can't be nearly winter. I'm not ready.

I want to stay here. A little longer please.

Off the page

2010-09-15T18:16:00.007+01:00

We went on a journey for a birthday surprise...

to a lovely pub.

I could have stayed and stayed. Here

Boys and Girls

2010-09-08T10:05:00.005+01:00

I went dancing again...

I drew until my pen ran out.

I didn't know I needed this until I saw it....

2010-09-01T10:52:00.003+01:00

Lost in thought, it brought me back to here and now.

Inside Outside

2010-08-16T10:16:00.003+01:00

I cut some Hydrangea to put in my new vase, but there was a spider living in it so I left it outside on the windowsill. I can see it from where I sit to work and love seeing it there when I go out.

scarves, yes please

2010-08-05T17:24:00.004+01:00

When I had no hair I hid behind scarves.

They helped make up for not having eyelashes and kept me warm.

Happily I don't need them in the same way I once did but I do love them.

Liberty are demonstrating scarf tying here this week. Yay

writing on the wall

2010-07-27T21:45:00.004+01:00

I have been exploring hand writing in my work. I've been looking at themes of intimacy and identity and ownership and workds as images.

This was on the wall of a changing room in a shop, it made me stop and look. I like the way this word looks, not just the meaning of it.

I did a bit of wandering around on the web and I found an interesting article by Cameron Adams who has compared the work of a variety of typographers with their own hand writing. You can see the article here.

my studio

2010-07-20T00:51:00.003+01:00

I want to show you where I go.

I have a studio space in a print workshop.

Here is where I can play and make a mess.

Sometimes I was afraid I wouldn't use it enough, but I am and it's good to know I am building a body of work and learning new stuff all the time.

My first collection of dry point studies.

a touch of pink

2010-07-16T20:23:00.002+01:00

On my way.

This floral lampshade made me smile.

light smiles

2010-07-08T22:20:00.003+01:00

I got used to expecting the worst. Learn to accept. It felt the safest option.
But I should remember that things rarely turn out the way I expect them to.

Dance with me, it's nearly Friday.

ha ha ha Hazel Bee

2010-07-06T19:09:00.003+01:00

These card designs by Hazel Bee have had me giggling today. You can see more of them here.

up close

2010-07-03T22:01:00.007+01:00

There is so much happening, I am afraid I might miss something.

Time runs so fast. I cannot stop it.

on the windowsill

I stand and stare and fill my lungs with summer.

Pink Flamingo days

2010-06-23T12:16:00.007+01:00

shortest shadows and longest light.
June is full of birthdays.
The air is perfumed with midsummer magic and the music will play. What a lovely way to catch up and spend time.

Have a pink flamingo. I didn't mean to delete them.

www.dicksonrendall-antiques.co.uk

Hi Heffalump

2010-06-01T23:18:00.004+01:00

I love the time I spend here in London. I focus on work, head down the days rush past me. And it may not exactly suit the calm, savour the moment new me, but it reminds me of a time not so long ago. before everything else happened. It's nice to live it again. Just a little.

In the snatched moments on buses and in taxi's I have looked out and seen these chaps.

London is enjoying elephant parade.

Big Hair

2010-05-24T22:05:00.005+01:00

I remember not liking my unruly, untidy enormous hair.

I remember how I felt with no hair. Not really me. I different person looked at me in the mirror.

My little nephew doesn't know that when he was born he had more hair than me at the time.

The little boy doesn't know that when he asked "Auntie Bill why do you have too much hair"? He made me realise how happy I am to have it all back. Untidy, unruly, enormous hair.

The rainbows dance for me

2010-05-23T22:10:00.004+01:00

Rainbows danced on the walls me as I packed my bags.

The sun shone and another rainbow guided me home again.

Plus D PhotoHanger

2010-05-09T17:57:00.005+01:00

On a visit the Design Museum shop I found these paper clips in the shape of coat hangers.

What a brilliant way to attach pictures to a pin board without having to put holes through them.

There are plenty of other cool things on the Plus D site.
I also really like the animal shaped rubber bands.

May Day

2010-05-04T22:31:00.004+01:00

It was a freezing May Day weekend.

Warmed up with hot chocolate from Melt.

Summer can take it's time.

I should know by now..

2010-04-30T23:52:00.003+01:00

If I need to rest, I should rest.

and yet like a child who won't go to bed I keep going and going until I am so so tired my heart could break.

No plans, no shoulds, for a whole day.

In the garden I soaked up the colours and the sunshine and my energy returned.

where next?

2010-04-28T22:20:00.006+01:00

This way?

That way?

wild flowers concrete walk

2010-04-25T17:40:00.002+01:00

I packed as much as I possibly could into last week. I didn't have much time for blogging.
I snatched minutes in the sun where I could and filled my evenings with swimming, films and drawing.

There are some new projects on my to do list and the cogs in my head are turning.

This weekend I've been doing things the slow way. I took the train to Liverpool St rather than dashing for the Kings X fast train and enjoyed riding through the Essex countryside. Lunch with the girls lasted all afternoon, we wandered back along the river to the tube.

Today has been about recharging my batteries with some reading, radio and chocolate and beetroot cake, (baked without turning the whole kitchen pink).

Pop inside

2010-04-19T20:41:00.005+01:00

This weekend I went to a meeting to discuss new projects and came away so excited. Not just because I have found new ways to stretch myself and two very talented ladies to work with.

I found this place.

Interiors, letterpress, art. Yum Yum Yum.

It took all my will power not to stay all day. My house is so small there really isn't room to add even the loveliest things. BUT, there is my studio....

Two Sundays in a row

2010-04-11T17:11:00.006+01:00

Looking down, in reflection

Looking up, in wonder.

Looking ahead, in hope.

I know it is Spring, but seeing is believing.

Rainbow Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

2010-04-09T19:47:00.003+01:00

The days have got ahead of me. There is still the weekend.

baking tools

Rainbow Tuesday

2010-04-06T23:54:00.002+01:00

Filing System

Rainbow Monday

2010-04-05T11:45:00.004+01:00

I need a little magic this week. I will find a rainbow everyday.

Bicycle spectrum

drawing the dancers

2010-03-31T15:14:00.003+01:00

I wanted to draw happy people moving.

So I went to a ceroc dance class and tried to draw the dancers.

And I didn't mind that I can't dance.

The music made me happy.

and the glittery shoes made me happy.

In my heart

2010-03-29T22:46:00.003+01:00

I carry my family. They are my hopes and dreams and miracles.
Each on a separate path but never far apart.

Put the Picquot on ...

2010-03-25T15:22:00.005Z

Picquot ware tea sets are a bit of a family tradition. Most of us have got one. It's not just that though I love the design. The wooden handles on the teapot are comfortable to hold and the lids are well fitted with a hinge so that they won't fall off when you want the last drop of tea from the pot. Best of all, they pour smoothly without dripping and make a great cup of tea.

I was given the kettle as a present (I must be getting old to ask for a kettle for my birthday) and it's just as good as the tea set. Visit www.picquot.co.uk to see the history of the design and buy these British beauties.

Pictures are the property of PICQUOT WARE UK with thanks

Look what I did

2010-03-22T17:15:00.008Z

Last week I treated myself to a day of letter press printing with Harrington and Squires. The sun shone and I switched my phone off and stepped into the most amazing space to play with paper and ink.

They couldn't have made me feel more welcome and I left with a box of business cards for this blog tucked under my arm and a big smile on my face. I will be going back.

computer drawing

2010-03-15T21:56:00.004Z

I daydream in lines and colours.

one two three...

2010-03-13T12:52:00.007Z

Brother, Sister and me

A new baby, an engagement and a wedding anniversary so we had lunch together to celebrate them all. The food, restaurant and service were perfect.

As we were leaving the manager insisted I wait for my macaroons. He rushed off and returned with this pretty little box. I don't know why he gave them to me as there were six of us there. Maybe he heard us talking about our wedding night in Paris with Champagne and macaroons at Le Meurice.

Whatever his reason it was lovely. My wedding and my cancer went hand in hand....two secrets, two whirlwinds mixed together, impossible to separate. They still make me dizzy. Those good memories of cakes and Champagne and spring sunshine are so precious. Now I realise I can look back with fondness and not fear. These little cakes are a reminder of how far we have come together.

On the radio

2010-03-09T18:21:00.005Z

I found this great photo over on ffffound, it made me smile. Thanks Kimme.

Fingers crossed BBC 6music will be saved. I love the radio.

I should throw these out...

2010-03-05T08:35:00.006Z

Paper bags

brown envelopes

The tail of a model areoplane.

but I like them

a pinch and a punch for the first of the month...

2010-03-01T10:42:00.004Z

Today is a clean sheet.

I have put mine out on the line for the first time this year.

Please don't tell the weather man.

Lipstick Queen

2010-02-22T10:33:00.007Z

It's only in the last few years I have bothered much with make up.

Suddenly in my thirties I have found lipstick, and it's a bit of revelation to find that I no longer think I look slutty with a bit of red lipstick, but I might actually manage grown up glamour.

This weekend I found Lipstick Queen. I am not only impressed by the rich sheer colours but the packaging is amazing.

The sleek boxes each have a different graphic design on the back.

These boxes are from the China Town range.

Dramatic and stylish I think.

winter warm

2010-02-18T19:07:00.003Z

Winter is still here so I am making the most of it.

Crumpets in the Aga

Dogs by an open fire

not a bad place to work.

Blog Love

2010-02-15T11:05:00.005Z

This is my one hundred and first post. How did that happen?

When I embarked on blogging I wanted a way to organise my thoughts and ideas about the world around me. I fell in love with other blogs and wanted to be part of that world. Sometimes it felt as though there was no one here. The best advice I had was to just keep posting, and now I feel the love that's out there coming to me.

I am not sure these pretty heart shaped sponges can make me love doing the dishes.

But they make me smile while I am doing them. The Rice webite is full of the promise of Spring.

sweet valentine

2010-02-12T16:53:00.004Z

I am listening out for smiles. I know there is love here.

Problem Solved

2010-02-10T13:00:00.003Z

When I listen to myself

I realise I have all the answers

When I stretch, I feel stronger

The sun crept in

2010-02-05T16:04:00.003Z

While I was working

the sun crept in and sat on the wall in front of me.
Go outside. It's nearly the weekend.

In order

2010-02-02T17:09:00.005Z

I've been following this blog - A collection a day. It's a simple idea, but not knowing what will come next, her beautiful arrangements of objects and drawings keep me coming back.

My love of paper does not stop at note books, sketchbooks or diaries. While buying some paper stock I brought these end of line labels. I could just keep them and never write on them.

empty window shopping

2010-01-28T15:16:00.002Z

It's not often that a shop window with nothing in it makes me stop and look.

It was effective enough to get me to go inside.

What a difference to the usual charity shop look. Emporium 61, Burleigh St.