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

Laurels doll...stuffed, temporarily bald

Pleased with how quickly Laurel's doll (who needs a name,  I guess) is coming together... Ok, so she may be bald and her body shape reminds me a bit of E.T, but I reckon she'll look lovely with a head of hair and a pretty dress.

Laurel's doll (so far)

Having discovered that Laurel rather likes playing with baby dolls at playgroup I had the idea of attempting to make her one myself. A nice soft cuddly one is surely better than a creepy looking plastic one? Since starting the Wednesday art group I have been saying I want to tackle a sewing project and have finally thought of something I want to do. 

I don't think I've really looked at a sewing machine since I tried and failed to use one on my Art foundation course. It really is a lot easier and more fun than I remember; I was quite prepared for the doll not to go quite to plan but so far, it is actually looking pretty much how it did in my head. Pleasantly surprised... More posts to come.

sketches

looking rather like a gingerbread lady at this point...

rosy cheeks

face

arms and legs

Journal, lately

Ezra, my boy

Phoebe, the new Kingston Almeida

 Laurel with Mummy, left and with                           Grandma, right  

Ezra eats brioche on holiday, Longleat Centerparcs

So says Ez

                                                                    

holiday animal friend

Dreamtime

Some clay things I made at my Wednesday art group, 'Dreamtime' at Wellspring Centre, Barton Hill.

The mobile has the letters of Ezra's and Laurel's names on it, but its not really clear in the pictures, it goes nicely with the yellow walls in our kitchen :)