Friday 6 August 2010

Vent and a Giveaway


The Northern part of the UK is sick to death of grey skies, rain rain rain , full tog emergency in the duvet department and general dull.
( Fortunately my next door neighbours are having a new roof and if I look through the side windows through the branches of our tree, I can kid myself that the bright blue plastic sheet over it is a lovely summer sky.)
But the softie southerners are now complaining that its not rained enough. Oh...poor you....
(Only kidding ..I love you really)


So last week we thought we'd try to get a break from dull and look for a holiday in the South..in the sun..but guess what? Its full. Yes, Cornwall is full. Devon is full....so where do you think we are going?

The Outer Hebrides.
Yes. We deserve all the weather we get don't we?
I have no hope of sunshine but a change is as good as a rest. I am going to find the Motherlode, the source, the weavers of the tweed. So exciting

My car is fixed which is just as well as its a 300mile first lap to Fort William, the another hundred and odd to Ullapool and the Ferry to Lewis..which is next to Harris..yes, Harris.

We can't go in my husbands car  because there was a dog related accident of the over excited kind last week when our son came over and brought his little canine friend. We've done our best to erase the pong but with it being so wet and cold we can't give it a good clean out yet. She further disgraced herself by rolling in fox poo, and finally by attacking Mummycat.

We are staying in my friends lovely house at a discount which she has said she will offer at a similar discount to any blog friend of mine. Just let me know and I'll put you in touch. Here's the website.

Its an ideal time to go away while my son is living here so we don't have to worry about house/cats/etc.

I've been in a distracted frame of mind lately, the kind of state where even my sewing doesn't seem as if  its worth carrying on.
But I've found a bit of focus in these colours .















More sweet pea coloured shapes. I enjoyed doing these. (I've still got one white sweet pea and its been joined by one purple one)
Its strange how little differences and subtleties affect the feeling of pieces. You may not notice that there is a new element here, the little 'dot on a stick' is surrounded by an edge I haven't used before.

Can you see it? Its a sort of teardrop shape. It gives them a butterfly like feel don't you think?


Like you might get in a child's drawing.
 I had fun . Then I went onto flowers again. For brooches.

Finally a collection of small 'Paisleys'.

These could be brooches as well and I am also getting some prongy (not pongy) hairclips to decorate.
I have to think about getting ready for Galleries ad sales later in the year.
But I wish I could just do something a bit more meaningful and artistic instead of 'knick knacks.' Do you know what I mean?

Anyway....

While I'm away I think I'll leave a little Giveaway on here.
I'll be taking my little laptop with me so I'll be able to keep an eye on things.
 You can choose any one of the above. 
Just leave a comment. You know I love them.
I'll draw it when I get back.
Bye for now.


Update:  Thanks for all your lovely comments so far. I welcome them all but I hope you will forgive me for not always replying..I'm ironing and packing and shopping for the resident house sitter!
I meant to add that the giveaway could be another different brooch/tiny art piece  if nothing here tickles your fancy. I know somepeople prefer brighter colours.

71 comments:

Karen said...

make sure you have a wonderful time, miss you already!

ju-north said...

When you are in Ullapool find time to call in at "unlimited colour company" in Argyll Street (near ferry terminal) - wonderful yarns etc. Put me in the draw for anything - I like them all!

Lyn said...

As you say a change is as good as a rest. Have a good break Jackie.
love
Lyn
xxx

Carol Q said...

however many of these you make Jackie, I never get fed up of looking at them. those sweet pea colours are just gorgeous. have a lovely restful break

Maggi said...

Seems like we Midlanders are getting a mixture of everyone else's weather - sunshine and shower. Having seen the programmes on Harris tweed I am very envious of your trip. I love the work you have been doing in the sweet pea colours so can I be included for one of those please?

Carol said...

I feel you pain hunny, it is bwrw glaw full pelt her in wet welsh wales for the full 2 weeks since I broke up from school. While you'll be in the promised land I'll be in Turkey sunning myself :) have a great time and try to watch the bank balance :)

Christine said...

Another fan of the sweet pea colours! I've been trying for ages to think what historical resonance those very pleasing shapes conjure for me - I think it's Roman armour. Daft, or what? Hope the weather on the islands is better than promised but it will be more peaceful than the West Country at least!

Cda00uk said...

If it's any consolation, here in the deep south it's turned grey, drizzly and cold - we even had hail the other day, and tonight we put the gas fire on.

Rachel in Odd Sock House said...

Have a great time away! Love the story about the dog - mine loves to roll in pig poo, mmmmmmmm, loving your work as always, love Rachel xxx
P.S. managed to put 3 loves in that!

Penny said...

Well here in Oz I will be glad to see some sun, this has been a very cold dreary winter, but not as much rain as such, more like mizzle where I live. Love your new shapes, and the paisley. watched Coast last night and they were on the outer Hebrides. Sounds fascinating.Have fun.

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Lovely colours in your latest brooches Jackie and guess what? Here, in Cornwall, we've got grey skies too and like you, we're sick of them. Is there any room in your car for a small one? I've never been that far North! Have a wonderful break, Lesley

artymess said...

I know exactly what you mean by making 'knick knacks' I am feeling exactly the same about my work ....i make ATC's like there's no tomorrow and I love making them but i do feel that I need to do something a bit more substantial..........and i do know so well the fox poo trick that dogs have .....Now I have a great tip that I'm sure will get me entered into the giveaway for your amazing knick knack.....you need to cover the fox poo spot on your dog with TOMATO KETCHUP and rub it in before showering .....it works takes all the smell away .....don't ask me how that first person found out about it !!! have a great holiday ...x

Lynette (NZ) said...

Have a lovely break - your sweet pea colours are divine.

Jill said...

Here in the East Anglia area we are having plenty of rain and grey skies, had to wear socks and long sleeves (and a vest.. shh) Have great break - just look on it as a great adventure. Owning any of your pieces would be a great treat, so please count me in.

lilylovekin said...

The house looks divine, cloudy skies or not you should have a good time. I love the sweet pea colors, they are just up my ally.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Must be something in the air because I vented on my blog today too! I hope you have a nice holiday at what looks to be a lovely place. Wish I lived closer and I'd definitely take your friend up on her offer!
Have a great time!

Margaret Garrood said...

Have a great holiday- I hope the weather improves. I love the sweet pea colours and would love to win one in your draw!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jackie I am very jealous as I come from Scotland originally, and here we are in our Australian winter which is very much the same as Scottish summer!
Have a wonderful break & would love to smell your one & only sweet pea- it looks gorgeous sd do your sweet pea shapes! Norma

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

Hi Jackie! I hope you have a nice time on your trip.

jeanette, mistress of longears said...

You know it Is always something: Here in the middle of the USA, we are complaining about the endless sun and heat and humidity. The feels-like temps have been in the 100's F and finally today the temp was only in the low 90's and the humidity much reduced. Whew! It's going back up tomorow. Enjoy your hols and I can't wait to see what you find!!

Heather Woollove said...

Jackie--Have a wonderful trip. I hope it's just the thing to 'reboot' your creativity and energy after your little slump.
Your new paisleys are terrific!!

Numinosity said...

I totally can relate to the never-ending rain syndrome. Here in Alaska we finally got a promise of some record breaking heat and then I had to go and take a fishing trip back into clouds and rain and I missed it.
I'm loving your work as always. I think your variations are wonderful.
xoxo Kim

jennyflowerblue said...

My you are a glutton for soggy punishment! Looks idyllic though, have fun. xxxx

Gina said...

Have a wonderful time... and I really hope the sun shines! I know exactly what you mean about making little knick knacks and nothing meaningful... I constantly feel the same!

menopausalmusing said...

Soft Southerner wishing Northerner the most wonderful of holidays!

Julie said...

Have a happy holiday Jackie. I have my fingers crossed for some sunshine for you :) I would love any of the pieces on offer but I do love the new sweet pea shades. You will come back from Lewis inspired. Enjoy and drive safely. xxx

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Harris, how wonderful, all that fabric to drool over, hopefully not literally. Have a good trip! (Know what you mean about a duvet tog emergency, I had to sit under mine last night it got so nippy watching the tv) :)

WendyCarole said...

have agreat time

Love the sweet pea colours and would love to win one

Anonymous said...

i would gladly swap with you - my garden is like CONCRETE!!!

lovely new pieces and gorgeous colours, as always :))

Allabitrandom said...

A grand statement would be a wonderful thing, but your "knick knacks" are just fine! ( just to clarify - an understatement)
I am sure that you spread the pleasure round lots of people with your small pieces.
I can confirm after being on the M over the past week that Cornwall is probably sinking under the weight of caravans. I am lucky enough to live fairly close to Devon and Cornwall, but I recommend going in Autumn or Winter when you are not fighting for car parking space! The weather is sometimes really nice then.

chris, milatos said...

Have a good holiday, the house looks lovely. Its a pleasure to look at all your work, you are a clever lady. Hope the weather is good to you.

Andi's English Attic said...

Oh, have a lovely time. I'm in the south but the right side of my garden has been flooded by my neighbour's watering system. I think I'm about to lose some plants from root rot. xx

Dan said...

Have a great time! I bet the scenery is stunning, be sure to share some photographs with us!
Know what you mean about the rain. My work colleague is sunburned down in Cornwall at the moment! We have had hardly any sun in North Wales,and it has rained nearly every day.
Dan
-x-

Locket Pocket said...

Have a wonderful holiday - and I really hope you get more than blue plastic sheeting for blue skies! (that really made me laugh when I read it - being a fellow gloomy-northern-weather-sufferer!)

Lucy xx

Rosie said...

Maybe the beauty of the Hebrides (if you can see through the rain) will wash away your sense of distraction? We all have times like that - I know I do - but it always seems to come right in the end. I'd be thrilled to own any of these, but would go for a smallish one if I had a choice. Enjoy yourself!

KerryFelter said...

It's funny how you only have to *say* the word giveaway and the comments pour in!! I love the leaf patterned one with the purple center. Your velvet is always so vivid. Do you dye the velvet yourself? Do you dye the felt yourself? Enjoy your break!!

Unknown said...

Have a great break - I love the sweet pea colour pieces- just my favourite colour!

Mermaid's Purse said...

Your trip will be so exciting for you - hope you have a great time! Love the Sweet Pea colours still from a bright and breezy afternoon following heavy rain (yeeeeees!) in the south! x

Heather said...

Hope you have a good journey, good weather and a great time - enjoy your tweedy getaway. I do know what you mean about your work, but the brooches, etc., are definitely artistic. I love the soft blues and purples you are using here and if I had to pick a favourite it would be the leaf shaped one in the last photo, top right. Please put me in the draw and have a wonderful holiday.

Unknown said...

If nothing tickles my fancy. Are you kidding? It all does. Have a great trip. Glad to see a post before you left.

vintagerockchick said...

Many congratulations on the abundance of sweet pea blooms in your garden. They match the number of tomatoes that I have so far harvested from my eight tomato plants!
Have a great holiday x

Anonymous said...

Knick knacks? Just because they are smallish? What is the meaning of a sweet pea knick knack? The pleasure of seeing/wearing one (or making one, I assume).
Margaret F.

Twiglet said...

Its that time of year for sweet pea colours - all my photos on my blog today are in those shades - flowers in the gardens of Powis Castle. I love the latest pieces you have made - AND good things come in small packages so don't fret about making tiny items!!!
Happy Holiday!!

Morna Crites-Moore said...

Hey, Jackie! A chance to win one of your lovely pieces is far too special to let pass by. I hope you have a lovely vaca - the location looks perfect. :-)

Maria Dent said...

Have a wonderful time Jackie. Bring back some lovely stories!

Celia Hart said...

You'll have such a wonderful time!

I'd love to go back to the Hebrides again - it's such an adventure to such a beautiful part of the world.

Celia
x

Gigibird said...

You could have come to Sussex....we would have found some space for you:)
No rain is just as bad as too much trust me.

Christine Harding said...

I grew six sweet pea plants, but there are very few flowers, and mainly white - must be the weather!One of your pieces in those glorious see pea colours would make up for the lack of colour on the plants!

Jude said...

Give away??? What did we do to deserve this??
You know me I'm up for any of your gorgeous pieces!!!
Have a wonderful time...I shan't mention the heat here!!
Looking forward to seeing photos of your holiday...

Emma said...

What do you mean, it's bright sunshine up here on the Isle of Skye right now! You just have to live here to get those few precious moments once a .......week. ;)

You have one more sweet pea than I do, my first year without. I just found the packets I bought earlier this year in my raincoat pocket ;)

I LIKE that rich meat color & all your bits & pieces!

If you have time come by the studio on the way up, or down!

Molly said...

I have just discovered your blogsite through Twiglet, Jackie. Your craft work is amazing. I love the blend of colours. Gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

That looks like a beautiful space for a getaway...and the soft purple/lavender is a nice reminder of the cool days of spring, especially in the middle of summer!

Chriss said...

As you will know, I love your work, it is all truly beautiful, so if I was lucky enough to be a winner, I would have you choose the piece for me and I would be so proud to wear it. Thank you

Wendy said...

Oh! I LOVE *all* of your pieces! I love them so much!
I would love ANY piece you care to give! (I'm more in favor of the "abstract" pieces, however.)
I can't imagine actually HOLDING a piece! That would be great. And owning one?! WONDERFUL!
=-)

Wendy said...

Oh. Not sure if you're including foreign "contestants".
I am willing to pay my own shipping, if you want.
=-)

Thimble Fingers said...

I just love the sweetpea colours. I just HAVE TO HAVE ONE!! Are they on your Etsy shop yet? I don't need it to be mounted on a brooch clasp or anything, I'll just have one as it is ... can you email me the price and how I can purchase from o/seas. I have just fallen in love with them. They are beautiful.

Caroline said...

Beginning to wonder if I will survive the British weather when I return from Malaysia!! Have a good trip - looks like a lovely house. Would love to go in the draw - love the pieces with the darker centres, but all are super!

Robin Mac said...

Oh Jackie, lucky you to be going to the Outer Hebrides. We had a wonderful few days on the Isle of Harris in 1990 - you are making me feel very nostalgic. I bought some beautiful tweed there too. I would love to win any of your brooches, they are all lovely. Enjoy your break and I hope you return to fine sunny weather. Cheers, Robin

A time to dance said...

Have a wonderful time Jackie, bring back lots of tweed and make me more bags!!! I got some vintage silk flowers in bruges - a huge bag full so I am experimenting with them and clips (but not the right ones) while I am here in Germany, I found some amazing glue, may get another tube...callled very strong glue!! it made me laugh have you read my post yet ...there is a secret message for you.....

JP said...

you will be having a wonderful time - at Ullapool you feel like you are dropping off the end of the world - and you will love Lewis with its Black houses - enjoy

Sheeprustler said...

I have always wanted to go to the Outer Hebrides, never got there in my trip to Scotland in 1991. I hope it's a lovely holiday. It's a shame about your 'summer' weather, in Australia we are having, for us, a cold wet winter and today is definitely cold and wet, central heating on, jumpers on, etc. But we just had a perfect sunny weekend - weather can be so perverse! I love your sweet pea colours, by the way!

Jo Hopwood said...

You do such amazing and beautiful work and owning one of your pieces of art work would certainly make me very happy!

I do hope you have a lovely holiday and hopefully you'll get the tree days of summer allocated to the Islands!!!

x Jo

Jane said...

Sounds like you need a break! I know how you feel, I spent most of yesterday out and about getting soaked to the skin. Don't feel sad about missing a trip to Devon and Cornwall, just listen to the traffic reports and feel smug instead. Enjoy your trip.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Have a great trip to the land of tweed. I hope you find lots of lovely patterns and relax as well. :-) cheers

Gill said...

I hope you're having a great holiday!
I'm a soft southerner who has just come back from a holday in beautiful Ireland (it rained!)
but I'd love to go back to Scotland one day ( we last visited about 20 years ago!)
Gill

ArtPropelled said...

Have a great holiday Jackie. The house looks lovely. Wishing you warm sunny days.

Aussie Jo said...

Have fun. If you really want sun and heat try Australia in February/March!
I love all your brooches but the leaf with the purple centre is a gorgeous collour

Alaina said...

Jackie- I just love the little knick knacks I can see how they would become a much larger art piece with scale and background. Please add my name! I love you photos. what inspiration.

Carol said...

Hi Jackie, Sounds like you planned a great trip! I love your new colors and the teardrop design... and I like the prongy Paisley's too. Did I spell that right?

I think a lot of artists are feeling sort of 'blue' about the state of finances and having to do what we have to in order to make a few dollars to keep doing what we love. But doing these other things keeps us from our more creative work!

Looking forward to you postings when you get back!

jill said...

I like the paisleys, but then I like all the others too... Have great time 7 bring back some lovely fabrics.

jill said...

I like the paisleys, but then I like all the others too... Have great time 7 bring back some lovely fabrics.



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