Layers of colour and gorgeousness.  Things have been a bit more down that up recently - a few big changes have occurred and I am regrouping. So it was a joy to hear about Lou Brown and her prize winning sketch books. I get the odd email now and then saying how helpful my books are and that I am an inspiration. It is always gratifying. But when my friend Jill told me about the work that Cheadle School had been doing based on my design exercise The Journey that can be found in my second book Experimental Textiles and some plastic samples from exercises in my first book Hot Textiles I was really excited. Louise Brown on the right. Louise Brown won the Manchester School of Art / Cass Art Teacher Sketchbook Prize on Friday 8th June.  Lou is Head of Design & Technology at Cheadle Hulme High School.  She teaches A level Textiles and the two sketchbooks she entered show her lesson samples as part of the course in year 12.  The judges were particularly intere

One of Ness's printed papers flooded with a procion colour wash. I always enjoy teaching, particularly at home in Ireland, but last weekend was really special. I had 3 ex students from the UK travel to the May Look. Draw. Stitch. weekend. I had taught Ness and Kate in Worthing about 15 years ago and Sheila in Hove even longer ago. It was a complete coincidence that they booked the same weekend as they didn't know each other. it was a real treat. I have occasionally bumped into them over the years, but the chance to spend more time with them and catch up on all their news was fantastic. As well as working with them . . . This was the 3rd Look. Draw. Stitch. weekend. There are still spaces in June and August. If you would like to learn more - then have a look here. look_draw_stitch The weather was good so the girls could draw out side, when I say draw, I mean make lines and shapes with a pencil. You don't need to be able to draw, 'properly'!!!

 My first Colouricious holiday group in September 2016 It's amazing to think it is almost 2 years since I first traveled to Jaipur, India with Colouricious. That holiday booked so fast we had to put another one on in January 2017. They were 2 incredible trips. I love Jaipur city. It is full of vibrant colour, texture and pattern.  Now I am going back - to teach my design course - based on all the sights and wonders of the things we will see around Jaipur. My first time in India I was just totally blown away - by just about everything . .  The second time I went my ideas started to formulate, this is when I began to think about teaching my Journey exercise there.   My Jaipur Journey. What a perfect place to be inspired by all you see.  From the sights and colour and excitement in the streets, to the calm, exquisite beauty of the palaces - and there are many. In fact we will be staying in one - have a look at the link www.alsisarhaveli.com/Haveli/Home Such luxury - t