Foxes in the Forest: new lino design, working progress

Here's my latest lino design, a sort of symmetrical image of two foxes with a leafy forest background. I've invested in some finer lino blades to do this one, and I'm pleased with how the background has turned out. The aim is to produce some prints with two colours so I've done some initial prints with only the background detail; once I've done a few more prints, I'll work on the detail of the foxes.

Also, although I havent posted much on here recently, there is more on my Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/natashascribbles if you want to take a look :)

Totterdown Front Room Art Trail

 

This weekend I've been getting my things ready for the Totterdown Arts Trail next weekend. Really looking forward to it; I've been preparing for it for a long time and I'm pleased with what I've managed to get together. Below are a few of the things I'll have on display/for sale. Pictures coming soon of everything hung and arranged nicely for the trail!

Christmas cards, linocut, handprinted individually

Winter Fox cuddle cushion, linocut on fabric

various framed pictures

paintings on wood

               

Winter Foxes

So its late October and the Totterdown Arts Trail is four weeks away, shortly followed by some Christmas markets...better get organised. Here are some winter coloured foxes I've been working on; printed, sewn and awaiting stuffing. Christmas cards are done too, just need to sort out some framing and packaging for prints and I guess I'll be pretty much sorted. A sense of accomplishment is a good feeling!

Here are a few pictures of me and my stall at the BS4 Market yesterday. Its only the second time the new local market has been on and it was brilliant. Local stallholders selling food, art, clothes and more, and lots of people came to have a look around. It was a mainly sunny day with a real community feel; I'm really looking forward to taking part again. It was lovely to hear so many nice comments from people about things they liked.

Most of the items for sale are prints, cards and fabric items that I've made since the New Year and seeing it all come together does make me feel a sense of achievement...It's not easy to fit creative activity into life with my wonderful children but it's definitely worth the effort. I feel incredibly proud of being a mother to Ezra and Laurel but this, creating 'things', is important too. It's about saying 'this is me, this is what I do', nourishing a sense of identity that never goes away but is nevertheless sometimes hard to find.

A flock of birds

Here are some pictures of one of my current little projects: Lino printed fabric bird decorations. I say 'little' but they are actually pretty fiddly and time consuming! There's printing, sewing, turning inside out, stuffing and then attaching ribbons for hanging (the last step, I have yet to do).Very satisfying to see them come together though...

I'm doing the Totterdown Arts Trail in November (frontroom.org.uk) and although it's a good four months away, I want to get as much done as I can, when I get the time. So hopefully lots of lino printing, sewing and painting between now and then!

Laurel's doll...finished!

I have finally finished Laurel's doll...who still needs a name. I'm really happy with her, she looks so close to what I had in mind, which was a hard thing to achieve. Its been great to learn a new skill and now I have lots of sewing ideas I want to try out. 

Her hair is made from twisted strips of patterned fabric and I made the dress, but not the cardi. The cardi was actually something made for Laurel who was never small enough for it so great that it's getting worn! The dress was pretty tricky and its not quite how I wanted it (only just covers her bum) but I guess a doll can never have too many dresses so will definitely be making some more! 

Watch this space for a cheeky little boy doll for Ezra...

Latest Lino

I think its fair to say I've been rather busy lately. I got the ink and rollers out and did a serious session of printing last Friday morning and have been spending a bit of time this evening working on the Etsy shop. I went to an Etsy workshop at The Station a few weekends ago and it really was inspirational, it gave me a bit of a boost to really give it a go and try to forget about all the worries of failing or not succeeding that can be so hard to push to the back of my mind. I just want to make, make, make things and prints and images that I love and if someone else loves them too, thats great. I'm just itching to paint and print and be creative and it's a wonderful feeling even if I often/normally have to 'hold that thought' until later when Ezra and Laurel are asleep or out with Daddy.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NatashaScribbles?ref=hdr_shop_menu