Home to soon - my trip to the Lake District

Finally back from my holiday in the beautiful the Lake District. It was over way to soon. I love it up there! It's like so one turning on the creative tap!! There are so many little shops with hand made crafts. Some of the things I've decided to work on include mugs and signs.

 Not only is there over a million things to inspire you but the whole place is so dog friendly! It's wonderful. So me and my furry friend had a fabulous time. Now I'm back to the daily grind and as sad as I am I'm eager to crack on with some new projects. Pictures and updates will follow. 

- art shop girl

 

And now were in June!

My god this year is going ridiculously fast. Entered my pieces into the art show, it was a definite learning curve, the standard was extremely high, there where some amazing artists. Next year ill be trying triple as hard. 

Also started doing painted bags. The personalised bags with a caricature, but also things like teaparties matryoshka dolls ( of course) and owls. 

Ive got back into glass painting again, chris is now unhappy with the amount of jars in collecting but i think they look good.

And I personalised a lovely chair for a ladies grandson as a christening present.

 

Really enjoying it. I've also set up a page on Facebook. 

Hope all goes well. 

Matryoshka Matryoshka Matryoshka ya ya

At the moment I'm completely intrigued by Matryoshka Dolls, better known as Babushka Dolls or more commonly known Russian Dolls.
My collections is starting to grow, and much to Chris's dismay they are appearing around the house and not only in their original form.
I love the way they have a hidden side and there is always an excitement and wonderment about them, like a present that you want to open, or a hidden drawn, they have an alluring quality that you can't resist. It takes me back to being very young and seeing a matryoshka doll in someone's house. I remember wanting so desperately to open the doll but not wanting to ask.

I've started painting personalised canvas bags and I thought about a Matryoshka design, before I new it is painted the bag and was buying a metre long canvas and painting a set of dolls.
Today I took it to the next level by making my own matryoshka doll jewellery pendants from fimo, hand painting them and then finishing them off by varnishing. I'm going to try and make some stud earrings by making smaller ones. Should be good!

June Art Exhibition @ Holy Trinity Church Southport

Finally I've got up the courage to submit a few of my pieces into an Art exhibition in southport by The Holy Trinity Church at The Parish Centre, Hoghton Street, Southport
Link with further info
http://www.trinityartsfestival.org.uk/events.html

Very nervous about this but hopefully all goes well and I will gain more confidence by sharing my pieces with other artists and the public.

Fingers Crossed !!!

Sell sell sell

I love painting. It's just a little release for me. Makes me calm, I like the addictive feeling you get when you cant stop, you feel yourself being absorbed and you can't leave it.
My dad thinks I should start to sell based on a paint I've done hanging on my living room wall. I don't know if its a proud father reaction or whether I should take the leap and pit myself on the line. Lots to think about.

Recycle your tins don't just chuck them!!!!

I'm always looking for new types of storage ideas, and is perfect for storing your pens, paintbrushes, scissors etc.

All you need is :
A standard 400g tin
Glue (eg super glue like UHU glue)
Colourful fabulous paper
Scissors
Pen

Measure the outside of your tin (the circumference and height) and cut this size out twice, you should have a rectangle shape, I like to use different papers for contrast. Then measure the bottom of the tin by drawing around the tin.
Then glue the 2 rectangle shaped papers one inside and one outside, then glue the circle on the inside bottom of the tin.
You should then have a fantastic funky storage pot that's completely your taste!!!!! You could even use left over wallpaper to match your room!!!

first post

Hello I'm Steph. 

So this is my first post, I think i'll start with the reason for me starting this blog. I love creating stuff whether it be painting, drawing, crafting or in my nail business with nail art and i'm not really satisfied unless my fingers are moving. 

I've learnt so much stuff over the years from websites and blogs and I've been so grateful for the amount inspiration these sites have brought me. I thought i'd put everything I've learnt in one place mainly as a reference for myself but if people enjoy looking at arty and crafty things then hopefully you'll like my blog. 

happy reading

x