Playing with darker tones  I am supposed to be getting my studio ready to open at the weekend - hanging work, sorting out browsers . . What am I doing? Playing with scraps of decorated newspaper and painted Bondaweb from previous projects. I keep even the tiniest bits!! It is so satisfying to look at a pile of opportunity (scraps) and start to see colours that will go together. Then to start start composing layers. I find composition fascinating. Whether it is, in this case, 6" x 6", or 6' x 6'. The same rules of composition apply.  And ultimately, it's all a matter of opinion.   Piles of opportunity I don't think I am alone in putting things off, I think most of us do it. And I must admit I am rather enjoying the luxury of it. My week isn't too hectic, so I know i have a bit of time. But not toooo much time. So I must get on and get these small (6" x 6") pieces mounted onto canvases and then sealed. Pl  It is great to get the gilding flake out a...

Mirror Embroidery I haven't traveled to India since before Covid. I am so looking forward to going back. And what a special trip to return with. The Embroidery Tour of India with Aahilya Holidays. January 27th - February 10th 2026. Now I am slowing down from my teaching career, I can concentrate on learning new skills. Learning more about hand embroidery stitches has been high on my list for the past few years, but I haven't had time, or head space, to give it the time it deserves. Now I have a bit more time . . . If you are in a similar situation, maybe you would like to join me? Have a look at the full itinerary here -  .embroidery-tour-of-india-with-artist-kim-thittichai-2026   Whether you are an expert embroiderer or a beginner, this trip will inspire you to discover more about hand stitch and probably how to use colour and texture too. As we travel through cities towns, villages, and a few roads less traveled - from Delhi to Patna, Muzaffarpur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhuj an...

The Ismail Samani Mausoleum   Yes!! I know you are expecting the wonderful blue tiled buildings. They are stunning. Here is one to keep you going til I post about them, and there will be several posts. One of the facades of Registan Square  One of the main reasons we design in black in white is that colour can be distracting. When you remove colour you are able to better able to see any texture. This building is the prefect example. If there were coloured tiles all over it - you wouldn't see all the amazing brick patterns. One of my favourite buildings in Uzbekistan is in Bukhara. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum.  This beautiful mausoleum is constructed in baked bricks that are laid in 18 pattern forms. The pattern of three horizontal bricks and three vertical bricks is apparently showing the importance of learning - stacks and stacks of books (I can’t help but see basketweave) It was built in the 10th century CE as the resting place of the powerful and influential Islamic Sa...

Jan painting her design There were so many highlights on the 2 tours I recently took part in. Isha from Aahilya Holidays really knows how to put a very enjoyable holiday together. Sight seeing, learning about the history of textiles and fabulous workshops for the holiday guests to take part in.  On the first day of our tour, after a busy morning enjoying the sights of madrassahs and a market, we had a wonderful, relaxing few hours painting pre prepared plates at the working studio of Akbar Rahimov.  Alisher, the son of Akbar Rakhimov giving us a welcome talk and outlining the history of this fascinating working studio. Alisher took us through the various rooms of the studio, telling us about the generations of the same family working in this beautiful, airy studio.   A large table was laid up ready for our group with several thin paint brushes each, a pre prepared plate and many small bowls of different glazes. Both groups thoroughly enjoyed this quiet and very relaxing t...