A book review and workshop news . . .

The cover of Lynda Monk's latest book.
I love looking at new books, stroking the pages - and yes - inhaling them . . . 
I think a lot of you will know what I mean. I do read a lot of books, but being totally honest, not all of them. I do mean to . . 

Lynda's new book is one you can't put down and doesn't take long to read. It is a real page turner. The book is full of gorgeous images and the information in the book is very clear. Lynda is a great tutor, always encouraging and so generous with all her information. The way Lynda develops and shares her techniques is always well set out, and quite frankly, very exciting. 

Lynda's book are published by D4Daisy books under the watchful eye of Maggie Grey. d4daisy.com
The book covers many layering techniques including two products that I am very fond of - Decovil and Bondaweb. 

Here a few images from the book. I don't want to show you too much or you won't enjoy the lovely surprises that are in store for you when you get your hands on a copy of the book.

Xpandaprint pushed through a Thermofax screen and then zapped with a heat gun to achieve this beautiful design. The background is one of Lynda's gorgeous layers of Bondaweb and Tyvek. If you don't have a Thermofax screen you could use a stencil.


The paint effects that Lynda shares are truly beautiful.


I was lucky enough to see these finished garment at the NEC in March - what a remarkably exhibit they made. There a several coats and hats featured in the book, as well as shoes, decorative boxes and bags. Lynda's finish on her work is exquisite. It is one thing to create the fascinating techniques and layers, it is another to cut and stitch them into such beautifully finished work. The result is stunning.


 To find out more about the book, and to buy it - have a look here -
http://d4daisy.com/
It really is a fabulous book.

***

A couple of places have become available in my workshop Art Van Go this month. It has been fully booked for some time but these things happen.
It is my last workshop on the UK mainland for the next 18 months or so.

Bring an image from your travels that you love and you think would make a great printing block.

Stitched and Printed Travels
17th & 18th August 

Art Van Go
The Studios
1 Stevenage Road
Knebworth
Herts
SG3 6AA
 Tel: 01438 814946

 Be inspired by your travels - from a simple rock formation, a stunning arch or an exotic elephant ride in India. Make a printing block and using layers of fabric with reverse applique and hand stitch to create a beautiful memory.
£95

We are all looked after so well at Art Van Go, it is a great space to work and of course there is the shop, an Aladdin's cave of colour and delights.

***

Sonas Studio news

The online workshops are running well. I am having such fun chatting to the students online. At the moment we have students from South Africa, Italy, Holland, America, New Zealand, France and Canada working alongside students in the UK. Because the workshops are available for 6 months, if life gets in the way for a few weeks - you can still carry on when you have time again.

A stitched 'pretty' by Kathy Gledsdale on A New Starting Point.

There are still places on A New Stating Point which be available until January 7th 2018 - sonas-studio.com

Transforming Transfer is now enrolling and will start on August 18th. It will be available until February 18th. sonas-studio.com

 One of the many things that have surprised me since we launched the online workshops is that a lot of of the students are enrolling on ALL the workshops as they roll out. It is very encouraging.

***

I am starting to think about packing to drive over to the UK for the Festival of Quilts next week. I will demonstrating on the Vlieseline stand on M8 - opposite the Masterclass Quilts stand that Vlieseline sponsor. Do come and say hello if you are at the show.

I have a great friend visiting for a few days, Rachael Singleton, who writes a fabulous blog - have you seen it? www.folioandfibre.wordpress.com
I am having a good time showing her the local area and of course visiting one or two pubs and our wonderful gallery. www.kilbahagallery.com

That's all for now - hopefully see some you next week. 

***

Hello Jill- see you soon tablespoon!
Hi Diana - I haven't forgotten you.
Hello Tod - sending you love - will ring this week.

 XXX

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