Walking to Work

One of the best things about my new job is that I can walk to work - and I have not wimped out once so far in 7 weeks despite rain, snow, gales, and tiredness. 5 miles a day is perfect and what lovely scenery. I love living in a city (just don't tell, Mike. Oh wait, he already knows this and despairs).

Birthday Girl

SHE IS SEVEN

Lettering Project

I really like the look of Georgia's lettering - she calls it balloon writing - so we have been thinking of more little slogans to draw. Cully and I have always liked this line from Kate Bush's song "Cloudbusting". So optimistic - and a tonic against the horridness of world recession and war. "Just saying it could even make it happen."

We have three more quotes up our sleeves and will produce them as sets of postcards. Hands up if you want a set - leave a comment - any lurkers? They'll make a sweet little gift pack to give to teachers at the end of the year - don't I sound organised?

I know if I tried to achieve the feel of this kind of lettering it would look contrived. Studying graphic design 20 odd years ago and "comping type" knocked a little spontaneity out of my work. Not to dis my graphic design training or anything, but oh how I wish I had studied painting. I am going to try this year to get a bit of freedom and freshness back into my work - I'm going to start by drawing more and drawing faster.

Today is Friday - the last day of my holiday. I have spent part of four days waiting for appliance fixers - a new shower is now installed which is great, but it took three days to fix our water heater. We've spent this entire freakishly cold winter with no central heating, a crap shower and boiler that might heat enough water for a bath or dish washing - or not. Now we're fixed and I am grateful.

If only I had the power/money to fix major stuff in this world, but hey, maybe something good is going to happen.

News

So the news is that I have resigned from my job (which was going in a direction away from marketing - not a direction I want to go.) So in three weeks I will begin a marketing post at Newcastle University. I am so looking forward to being in a university atmosphere. I'll be in a team, I'll have university library rights, I can walk to work (tho it is a ways from home - 2.5 miles)! I can't wait.

The "Work Hard" lettering is by Georgia. Isn't the rhythmn of hand lettering wonderful? Very sophisticated for a girl of six and eleven twelfths.

Getting back Into the Swing of Things

It's been a long time since I've posted anything here - been busy and lazy.

But lets see if we can't begin again. For a start, here are some pictures taken before our fantastic trip to the USA in October.

Above is a shot of Georgia and me outside of the incredible Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. I scored free admission for holding a work event there. Harry Potter fans may recognise it as it features in the films.

Below are sculptures in our local park - can't find the names of the makers just now, but will add them when I do.

More to come over the next few days - along with some news...



I love you in many languages.

Tiny Happy Bag

I found this great shoulder bag tutorial at tinyhappy here.

I used some purple upholstery fabric that I bought years ago - can't remember why I bought it. The lining is a 70's printed cotton in lime and turquise flowers that Cully's mum gave me. Not difficult, great result- try the tutorial!

Now I am going to use the same instructions, but draw an adjusted pattern to make something similar the bag on the bed in the 6th picture here.

Daft Wool Brooch

Thrifted boiled wool - made for my sister-in-law who is supposed to making me one too.