This is called working under difficulties......the trouble with my two boys (cats) is that they LOVE being with humans.....that's fine, but I don't always need them to prove their affection!  Mind you, looking at Jeeves here kneading the fleece, I thought I might train him to make felt!!  He absolutely loves my art palace(shed).. a little sunny haven for him, with a good bird-viewing platform!   I'm off to London today to the Kaffe Fassett exhibition, and then on to Prism at the Mall Galleries (which I exhibited in several years ago).  I'll have a great day, hope you do too. x

I just couldn't resist showing you this picture of little Olivia and her Dad.....I think it's gorgeous!  I like the way my son has put his ear plugs in!!!!!

Ive ordered a set of postcards which will give me something else to sell at various art venues during the next few months.  It's so incredibly easy to design and order things on line.....I must be careful not to spend madly!!   I'm still spinning, knitting, felting etc. and am gathering up quite a sizeable stock.  I enjoy looking at the fruits of my labour.  Only trouble is, when I sell, I have to start again!!

Now I've unpacked my fleece I have got into spininng mode.......spinning is also a great thing to do whilst sitting, basking in the sun!!  As you can see my yarn palace is being given a new look!  I need to prime and then paint the floor - I shall then decide on the inside colour.  I realise that a lighter colour is probably better to work in - it also helps give the illusion space (which a 6ft x 6ft shed probably needs!). I absolutely love working in there though - it's so light and I feel as though I am outside, with birds twittering etc. etc.  Today - the sun has disappeared and it's raining...never mind, I'm off to Brighton for a curry .... have a good day x

It's difficult to convey how very beautiful it was on the Downs yesterday.  There were very few people about so the birdsong was amazing.  The sun shone and the sea glistened.  Dogs and humans all had a great time.....Jaz continually chased her ball, and had a surreptitious roll in something unmentionable.  Luckily we have a brilliant dog shampoo called Fox Poo.  It works!!!!

We went to a beach hut party yesterday...it was such a great idea...the sun shone and everyone was enjoying the beach.  I took my dog George with me - she couldn't believe her luck and attempted to swim the Channel.  Mind you, the smell of sizzling sausages encouraged her to return to land!!! I love the blue colour on the walls.....an idea for my shed???

It's been a good finishing off week.....the house is now painted, Emma has organised and painted our stable door through to the kitchen (all we need now is a horse!!)... the shed is up and running ...... so I thought I'd organise a nice cup of tea (with homemade muffins) in the garden!

flickr photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92875849@N07/       click on this if you would like to see a selection of my photos

Well ...... it's arrived!!  My amazing, huge art shed!!  The phrase "small is beautiful" comes to mind.  I'm so pleased with it and am now in the process of moving in - deciding on shelves etc.  and what colour to paint it.  There is some compromise here because my daughter is into cream and white and I agree it does make things look bigger and less cluttered, but I suspect a bit of colour will creep in eventually!!  The shed you can see behind my art shed was already here when we moved in and stores all the usual stuff - bikes, sunbeds (??). lawn mower etc. etc., so really useful to have.  Today, amongst other things I shall try to track down a high stool on which I can perch when painting.  Actually, the work surface and storage space is much better than you would think.  Can't wait to test it!

Making a new home has to be one of life's most satisfying experiences...I suppose it's the nesting instinct, but after a period of homelessness, it has made me appreciate home even more, and how much I empathise with the millions of displaced people throughout the world.  The house is now almost painted and today...........(hopefully!!!!!!!!!)...........my shed arrives!!  I suppose it's good that I can get so excited by a little potting shed, but it's going to be my space where I can paint, splash and dye and I can't wait!

More buttons to add to my stash....they take hours to make but I do enjoy the mindless process....and it's very satisfying to see a full jar!  For some weird reason I couldn't resist taking the photo of our bowl of eggs.  They looked so calm and serene as they sat in the bowl last night.  Wouldn't they look wonderful all painted in zany colours?? Who knows.....(by the way I was over-optimistic on yesterday's blog when talking about nosebleeds....no comment)  Have a good day x

I spent a few happy, relaxing hours making buttons.....I think I must have given a jar full away before the move because I can't find them anywhere.....so........I'm back in production.  My shed is due to arrive in two days time....can't wait......It really will feel like home when I get all my dyes/paints out.  Meanwhile.....I haven't had a nose bleed for three days - so I'm cautiously optimistic!

I thought that the colours on the buildings which I saw on a recent visit to Covent Garden picked up the colours of the crochet flower, which I promised to show you - that I made with the single ply spun wool.  The graffiti face is rather strange and haunting...I suspect South American in origin.  I find the visual stimulation of London is electrifying....I must make another visit soon.

I've just received this gorgeous picture of little Olivia who is now 11 weeks old....how time flies.  I wish I lived nearer and could see more of her - but I make the most of hearing her on the phone and looking at photos!!

I want to crochet some flowers today and couldn't find any suitable yarn......so I quickly spun this from a selection of my dyed fleece.  I am really pleased with it.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to show you the flowers.  Have a good day x

More pictures of my local walk.....I never tire of living by the sea - I love the feeling of space and light and the big. big sky.  I keep on thinking about my aborted trip to see my friend in Italy - but it wasn't meant to be and I need to get my head sorted out or I won't be going anywhere!!!  Have a good day x

Well.....I didn't manage to get to Italy, but I've had two very quiet days at home.  This afternoon I took one of the dogs down to the beach and had a very happy and relaxing hour sitting in the sun on the pier.  The sea was sparkling and the birds singing noisily.  Everyone was smiling and life felt good.  It was also very good to come back to my lovely little house....x