Wild Atlantic Inspiration  OK!!! The time has come to announce the dates for my teaching at home in Ireland in 2018. I am just winding up my teaching for this year, I will be at a couple of shows, then that is it in the UK for a while. The basic information is as follows - Land, Sea and Sky Retreats – Look . Draw . Stitch . Time for you – A relaxing retreat on the beautiful Loop Head Peninsula, County Clare, Ireland. Be inspired by the local dry stone walls, incredible geology, the lighthouse and friendly welcome. Depending on the weather we will go out to take photos/draw or stay inside and draw from the wonderful views and artifacts in and around my colourful and interesting home.. You will create several drawings, which can then be made into printing blocks. We will print onto paper and fabric to create beautiful layered surfaces on which to stitch - by hand. (the following images of the Art Van Go workshop will show you what we

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

 An amazing array of brushes and mark making tools.  I have had a bit of time in the UK to catch up with my family and friends over here and get a bit more planning done with Jayne for our Sonas Studio online workshops - more of that further down this post.  I popped over to Eastbourne today to see Christine Chester. www.christinechester.com   I have always admired Christine's work, so sensitive and thoughtful. We have always had the chance to have have a quick hello at shows but it was good to sit down and have a good chat and not rush.  As it is going to be a least a year until I can start work on my studio at home in Ireland, (it's a cow shed at the moment) I thought I might get some inspiration and ideas by having a look at Christine's studio. The studio is called Studio 11. My goodness it is fabulous. Studio 11 is right next to Eastbourne railway station, so it is very convenient. It is a bright airy space with plenty of room to move around. Classes are lim