A fab print on the inside of an envelope.  The second session of ExTex 5 saw the group making printing blocks from the designs they generated on the first session.  Transferring the designs onto foam board and self adhesive foam.  Once the design is transferred onto the self adhesive foam, it is cut out with a scalpel, carefully! From one design you will get two printing blocks, one positive, one negative. Starting to cut the block. Then the fun begins with the printing. . . . I can't wait to see what they do for homework. Next session will be looking at colour theory and the group will be painting a colour wheel. *** I am currently in Llanidloes, Wales teaching a 3 day workshop - Layered, Jewelled Surfaces at the Quilt Association, Minerva Arts Centre. What an a amazing place. Wonderful exhibitions and a very spacious workshop with plenty of power sockets. And the food . . . .  my goodness!!! W

Visitors to the show looking through the girls workbooks. I was hoping to post this before Easter - but my get up and go seemed to get up and wander off. I always forget how the big shows take it out of you. However, I am here now. Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch is my favourite show. It is just bonkers and has something for everyone. It is always good to meet up with visitors and friends from all over the country in some cases - all over the world.  I had two sets of students exhibiting this year. My ExTex 4 girls (Experimental Textiles 4) had their end of year show and the previous years group were exhibiting on the IDC stand. They have formed a group - Out of Line. More of that further down this post. The ExTex 4 end of year show. Having work in a show and stewarding the exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for the students. Being able to speak to the visitors about techniques and skills they have learned on the course makes a huge difference to their conf

A stitched piece from one of the still life sessions on  Experimental Textiles.  I'm in a funny old place! I'm fast approaching a big birthday and planning some big changes. One decision I have made is that the next course of Experimental Textiles which runs from June 2016 - March 2017, will be my last.  I love this course - after all, I wrote it! But it is a tie every month and stops me traveling for longer periods of time. We are recruiting now - there are only 10 places, so if you are interested - have a look here. experimentaltextiles.com Feeling a bit nostalgic I have had look back at some of the work produced over the last 5 years and picked out a few pieces.  A gorgeous little felt bowl embellished with glass beads and and hand stitch.  Transfer printed applique and transfer foiling. A knitted wire bangle. The last weekend was the last session of ExTeXtra 1. This is the group that finished Experimental Textiles in March 2015 but wanted to carry