My cards have been selling really well this summer, so I'm thinking of making some more.  These are the pics I think I'll use....which makes me think I really must do more painting.  I can now leave a sketchbook and paints out all the time in my shed......so I promise I'll get it organised today!  Mind you, my shed may be used as a dog kennel tonight.  One of our visiting canines LOVES sleeping in the art palace - and....in the house he keeps spraying the place with unmentionable.........!!!! What fun!

It's the local Art Trail again this weekend (and whatever my computer tells you, it's Saturday today!)  The pier is festooned with prints of art work.  The work shown here is part of the Worthing Churches Homeless Project.  Several months ago people were given a written description of a client, and with that information they were asked to draw/paint a representation.  Fascinating and very rewarding work.  Today I shall be Open House sitting as well as looking around some of the other Open Houses.  A great opportunity to meet other like-minded souls!  And...........the sun is shining.....yipee!!!  By the way I couldn't resist adding the pic of my feline model!!

Dyeing is always a surprise, and I really like the patterning on this piece of calico.....also, a record for me....I produced this small bag in 4 days - also doing loads of other things.  Usually a bag takes me weeks, but because this is small, and I was motivated...hey presto!!  I am trying to work with different colours - so hence the darker shades.  I can't help myself though as I'm drawn, like a moth to a light, to bright colours!

Yesterday's all day Passion play was  amazing .  I can't really explain it, but it was if you were actually a part of what was going on.  The 'audience' continually moved from one area to another, and mingled with the actors in costume.  The setting (on a private estate) was astonishingly beautiful and the weather was perfect.  All in all a very moving experience.

The dyepot came out yesterday as it was a brilliant day for drying.....I always find it exciting (sad me!!) to see what eventually emerges, because to be honest I have very little idea what's going to happen.  My dyeing is always a bit hit and miss - but I guess that contributes to the fun!! Today I'm off for an all day theatre in the fields...my picnic is packed - and the sun is shining - so I'm off for a good day!

Wandering around a local garden yesterday reminded me how glorious our countryside is.  I know we all moan about our weather (me included!) but our moist atmosphere really does result in lush growth and beauty.  I could bore you with hundreds of pictures (but won't) but next time it rains, I must think...the vegetation needs to drink!

Even though the weather was poor, we enjoyed going round some of the open houses in the Art Trail.  I particularly liked these large, amazing paintings by Paul Martin.  He has made several trips to the caves at Lascaux and was clearly excited by the pre-historic cave paintings there.  The influence of them is obvious.  His paintings are alive and dramatic and I can thoroughly recommend a visit to his house if you get a chance.  Once again today the sun is shining.....enjoy x

A tranquil image of summer.....the trellis fencing adds a good background to the softness of the flowers....I can feel another painting coming on!  I've been busy this week finishing loads of  things ready for the Worthing Art Trail that starts today.  So many local people are busy working away on their own, so it's a great opportunity to get out there and meet other artists....can't wait.........!!

My sewing machine was extremely busy yesterday.  After finishing off and lining three felted knit bags I started playing around with patchwork on painted tags.  I have to say I think they look better in real life than in the photos.  It's something a bit different and I shall see if I can sell any.  Today I have to start handing out flyers for the 10 week Creative Textile course that a friend and I are planning to start in September.  It will be great to get back to teaching.....I always end up learning more from the students than they do from me!!

The Victorian fireplace in the bedroom is one of the few truly original features of my gorgeous house.  I spotted the old shutters in a favourite local shop...wouldn't they look great??  Wishful thinking......in the meantime we are awaiting planning permission for our conservatory/extension.  That will make a huge difference to our living space - so let's hope all goes well!

I really love this beautiful rose that is growing in a friend's garden. To me roses are always a source of inspiration...I'm late blogging today - the time seems to be flying recently....never enough time to do all I want to do!!

I know I go on a lot about my four faithful friends, but I do love them and they give me so much pleasure.  They are all now happily settled in our new home and don't seem to have suffered deeply psychological scars after their homeless winter!!  They look stressed don't they???

Here are more images of my coat of many colours.  It has been a learning curve making it and my mind is racing around another possible creation.  I have promised to wear it some time - so look out and put your sunglasses on!

Life is never dull with all our resident and visiting livestock!  Last night my dear dog Jazmine was a bit put out that I didn't want her on my lap.  Somehow she got herself   entangled in the throw and sat for ages with head on lap hoping...........I think she looks a bit like the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood!!  Anyway in this place dogs and cats rule - with the occasional human floating around.  As a matter of interest we have a card in the kitchen which says "Keep calm and eat cake"..........so that's what we do!!!

I keep on knitting...wind and rain, sun or snow, my knitting needles continue to click....not sure what this latest piece is about but I'm having a go at slightly finer needles for a change.  The trouble with me is that I start out with a germ of an idea, and within hours my ideas change....serendipity reigns!!  Off to the Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers today - should be good!

I called in to see an old friend yesterday and was stunned by her glorious cottage garden.  She lives in the town, 100 yds. from the sea.....what could be better??  I'm walking around locally more now because I am trying to economise on using the car.  In fact I have reluctantly decided to sell my car - so I am getting used to a slightly different way of way of life.  Where I live the public transport is brilliant, and we do have one car in the household - so I'm sure I shall get used to it.  I must practise taking the dogs on the bus and train.....should be fun!

I'm always on the look out for interesting things on the beach and this old, rusted bolt caught my eye.  the turquoise/rust colour was fantastic and doesn't really show up on the photo.  The art journal page vaguely links up with it.  Today the sun isn't shining and yesterday it poured with rain.  I know it's good for the garden etc. etc. my my poor grandson and his classmates are away camping...and doing lots of water activities......no comment!!

Poppies are bold and beautiful.....I saw these on my morning dog walk this week.  The depth and vibrancy of the red is stunning - no wonder artists frequently use them for inspiration.  I didn't get much inspiration from my boy Wooster when I was trying to sort out some wool.  He simply can't resist.....as soon as the basket comes out - in he pops!!