The Very First Hope & Elvis Exhibition...

Last weekend was the very brilliant Welbeck Winter Weekend (more about that later chucks,) and part of the festivities involved the studios on the Welbeck Estate being open to the public.
And so, for the very first time, Louise curated an exhibition that celebrated the wonderful work that is produced in the workshops that are held at Hope & Elvis.

It was so brilliant to see the vast array of beautiful work, because often they are whisked away at the end of a workshop, or they may need finishing at home afterwards.

It really was a celebration of the creativity and talent that is in abundance in this very magical studio.

The variety and skill on display was simply unbelievable...

It was so lovely to see some pieces from the very talented artists that came to my October collage workshops too...

And here's Poppy standing next to her beautiful piece that she made on my collage workshop in October...

(my heart is bursting with pride!!!!!!)

Strike a pose Louise!

The range of workshops is incredible for 2020...

I love this wall of photos, so many memories...

I think the photo of me with a plastic toy parachute on my head, whilst twirling around in one of Louise Presley's vintage net petticoats, is my favourite photo of all time!

Louise Presley's studio was so beautiful and there was a 'take a bit of material love' box...

Sigh...

Even my favourite ever gnome, who resides outside the studio, was in the festive spirit!

I also just have to show you the work of two of my favourite artists,

firstly, the very wonderful Helen Hallows.
I love her colour palette and her use of mixed media.

Dayle Green's ceramics make me swoon, 

I think it's because of the way she paints directly onto the surface of the clay

 and the textures are stunning.

Introducing...

This is my fifth year now that I have taught part-time on the Art & Design Foundation Course at John Leggott College.

I love working with the students who are embarking on such an exciting journey on their creative futures.

Last week, one of our Fine Art students, Lewis Robbins, opened his first exhibition at the 2021 Visual Arts Centre, and it was so exciting to see his work being displayed.

It fair made the Art and Design Department's heart swell with pride to see him standing next to his artist's statement up there on the gallery wall.

The 2021 have organised a series of these shows that introduce up and coming artists in the area, which is such an amazing opportunity, and really highlights the talent that North Lincolnshire has to offer.

'Over the past year my artwork has become a vessel for my thoughts and emotions and I hope this comes through to the viewers. When I paint I never think of  it as a hobby but something I just need to do as a creative person.'

L.Robbins

Thank you Dominic from the 2021 for curating the work so brilliantly, and cheers Sam (our technician, who is just a bit brill!) 

I'm really rather rubbish at doing proper practical things like this (but I was allowed to hold the nails!!!!!!)

This is a portrait of our Head Of Department, Nathan.

Success!

Congratulations Lewis!

And a huge thank you to the 2021 Visual Arts Centre for such an amazing opportunity.

Watch out world, our Art Foundation students are just a bit brilliant!!!!!!!!!

Introducing: Lewis Robbins
2021 Visual Arts Centre
19/11/19 - 7/12/19

Once Upon A Bagpuss...

It's always been my dream to have my own little shop, to fill it with the things I've made, to greet my customers, get to know them and  become friends.

It all started when I was a little girl watching 'Bagpuss', I had a toy till and would make and sell things all day long.

And in a way my dreams have come true, thanks to technology

 (I never thought that I would ever thank technology in all my born days, but there you go!)

A few weeks ago, quite a few folk suggested that I printed my animal characters in a smaller size onto fabric for patchwork and the such, and I'd like to thank you all for your brilliant suggestions and lovely comments.

I re-stocked the fabric patches, added a few patchwork fabric strips and popped in some Magical Hare And Star Garland kits and I was blown away!

So, thank you once again, for supporting my work, reading this blog, commenting on Face Book and Instagram and sending such supportive messages.

I just wanted to say that chucks 

X

A Love Letter To Cornwall...

Cornwall, here's what I love about you so much...

Your heart-breakingly beautiful cottage garden flowers, bought for pennies at the car-boot.

No fancy bouquets from you, just a generous handful of sheer perfection.

Your delicious fish and chips from Newlyn, queuing behind the fishermen at the chippie.

Followed by the most amazing ice cream from legendary Jelberts.

Any flavour you like...

as long as it's vanilla.

That's what I love the most about you Cornwall,

there's no facade or fakery.

You take it or you leave it.

And it's not just your beauty that inspires me to grab my paint brush, it's your gritty strength, your quirky sense of humour and devil-may-care attitude.

Just be sure to put the jam on before the cream though...

Last Saturday we visited the Ropewalk Vintage Fair, which was organised by Miss Pigeon Vintage.

The Ropewalk is such a stunning building and location, with beautiful gallery spaces, a shop, studios, entertainment venue and cafe (phew!)

The building itself is almost a quarter of a mile long and it was the perfect place to host such a brilliant fair.

There were so many stalls and there was a real buzz about the place, loads of folks were dressed up to the nines, there was tea and cake, dancing (and just a spot of shopping!)

Here is Miss Pigeon herself!

Well done chuck for organising such a grand day out!

Here are some of the vintage  delights in Hayley's stall...

And here is Miss Alfie Robot Retro, I do love her quirky stall...

Why o why didn't I buy that Nativity scene?!?

And here is Miss Vintage Beau At Studio 4, there were some seriously stylish pieces for sale, just look at those sunglasses.
(They reminded me of the ones the shoplifter tried to pinch at the record store in 'Pretty In Pink'...is anyone else a 'PIP' geek like me!)

My lass might have made a purchase...

...and maybe another!!!!!

(Like mother like daughter eh!)

It was a ruddy lovely day out and we all toddled off with purchases in tow (yes, even the hubby!)