Busy with the Sewing Machine

Cot Bumper and Toy Sacks

My Great-niece Hannah loved the cot bumper and accessories that I made for Lucas' nursery (now Martha's) and so when my Great-great niece arrived Hannah requested that I make a similar cot bumper for Allannah, but with a Gemima Puddleduck theme. It has been there on my jobs list but this week, at last, I got round to doing it. I scanned and printed the motif onto cotton fabric and appliqued it onto the striped fabric that coordinates with the bolder stripe that I used for the curtains. As a little extra surprise I also made some little sacks to store bits and bobs.

The Print Biennale

Rew Hanks' winning entries

Another Friday and another visit to a gallery hosting part of the International Print Biennalle 2011. This time it was to the Laing Gallery in Newcastle to see an exhibition of invited artists' work. This photograph shows the winning entries for the 2011 competition, which are lino cuts by Rew Hanks entitled:

• Hunter and Collector
• King Bungaree
• Macquarie's seat

My husband, who is a keen naturalist, commented on the uncanny resemblance of the man in the left hand print to Joseph Banks the explorer and collector. I was very impressed when I researched Hanks only to find that in fact it was  based on him!

Lauren Drescher's Animal Skin & Tattoo Skin
on Japanese  paper

As well as other contemporary print makers we also enjoyed the exhibition Lines of Flight
 celebrating 100th anniversary of  Mervyn Peake, who illustrated books such as Tales of the Brothers Grimm, Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

We couldn't resist seeking out the permanent display of Thomas Bewick's work as well.



The History of Quadrupeds

We also popped over the road to the Central Library to see their small display of some his woodbocks and

first editions.

The Whistling Bunting - Travelling Tea Party

 

Anyone thinking of hosting a vintage tea party or wedding reception and are looking for the perfect crockery and accompaniments take a look at Whistling Bunting - Travelling Tea Party. This is a little business venture that my lovely daughter in law Lynsey has set up where you can hire all you need for these occasions.