What a difference a day makess

Well, sometimes days just don't eventuate the way you had imagined. I was happily setting up for my Sunday workshop, when part of the group call to change their date.

That's alright, Nat's friend has so been looking forward to this day and Nat is always one of the most enthusiastic and giving students, we will still go ahead.
I woke up at 1.30 on Sunday morning, wide awake...was it the Summer equinox? ...was it something I ate?...or is it this tickley cough which arises at the most inopportune times?
I checked my phone.
Poor Nat is sick and can't make it.
I doze back to sleep, knowing we must reschedule this class and pondering on the thought that I now have a free day....ummm, what to do?

Well, cover chairs of course, a 'project' that has been a concept for too long is now a reality......

....And I like it very much!

one more space..

Just a quick post to express my excitement at the thought of workshops starting up again and my gratitude that the weather will be kind to us.

One space left for this weekend, Sunday 22nd but many more to follow during the Summer months.

Contact judecraig@gmail.com for more details

Hibernation Over

Yes.. it's time to creep out from under the covers, fling open the windows and place some well loved dye pots on a heat source again.
Not that work ground to a halt during the darker Winter months at all, not with my latest commission well under way. Winter dyeing as a process is more protracted, drying out without the sun's rays feels a little counter intuitive but the results are no less spectacular.
As my latest client will vouch for, when she had the almost impossible task of selecting one central piece for her commission.
Can you choose from all these bewildering results...isn't nature always jaw-droppingly..........

.....incredible?

Workshops for 2013

Naturally Dyed Workshops

   

Explore the art of natural dyeing using locally sourced plant materials in this eco-friendly experimental workshop. In this workshop, we will share knowledge and investigate

·       Which fabrics dye well and why

·       How to get dye from natural sources

·       How to mordant (fix) the dye to the fabric.

Most importantly you will gain the knowledge to continue experimenting at home.

When                      Sunday 22^nd September                        Saturday 26^th October

                                    Saturday 5^th October                            Sunday 3^rd November

                                    Sunday 6^th October                              Sunday 17^th November

                                    Sunday 13^th October                             Sunday 24^th November

How much       $90

Where              My Studio contact          judecraig@gmail.com

www.naturallydyed.blogspot.com

What to bring

·       Light coloured 100% silk or wool fabric - preferably second hand, like some of the old wool blankets you can get in op shops! 100% linen and cotton will dye but to a lesser degree. Fabrics can be in small pieces or long lengths

·       Interesting bits of old metal (eg, copper, iron) up to 30cm long - rust is great, as is texture

·       Cord, thick wool or metal wire to bind pieces Thread, assorted needles, bulldog clips

·       An apron, gloves, notepad and pen

Dyes, mordants and some suitable fabric will be provided. This list is not exhaustive.

If you feel inspired to bring anything else, please do... sharing and swapping of items encouraged!

This is a one day workshop running from 10.00 to 4.30.

Please email me with your preferred date. Classes are limited to 5 students

Arrangements for payment will be offered once classes are consolidated

A day in the life...

Many exciting events this week.
First cab off the rank is Jen Angel's blog which was launched last night and features me.
A beautifully written and considered interview which will unfold over the next few weeks.
There is nothing quite like someone else looking at your work in depth to make you realise how blessed you are and how much you LOVE doing what you do.

So have a little peek at 'A Day in the Life of Everyday People'...here

Certainly makes me want to give my blog a bit of facelift!

Embracing Technology

It's been a while and I have been missing my blog. Just had a while without reliable technology and then another while with new uber reliable technology that I didn't know how to work!
But I am sitting penning a few words now,  one picture and fingers crossed that I'm not on another learning curve with pixels and compressing and more apps!
A trial run....

.....with lots more to follow!

Xtinction Xhibition

I have entered a competition, the brainchild of  by Ali Griffin from Three Stories and Artist's Lounge. It is 'a contemporary Art Prize inviting artists to explore the concept of extinction...to people, places,things,flora and fauna' and runs from 23 February to 24 March. There are two prizes courtesy of Healesville Sanctuary, a cash prize of 500 smakaroonies and a residency at the Sanctuary which includes one months accommodation at the Coranderrk Bush Hut. Uber exciting!
Ali provided us with a very practical checklist too with little boxes to tick.

• 'Call for Entry' form and entry fee by 8 February                           TICK
• Delivery of artwork on 16 February                                              TICK
• Labelled on back with title, medium, name and contact details        TICK
• Ready for hanging                                                                         TICK

Sitting to blog, I see the glaring omission on the checklist, the most obvious dot point to any creative soul, so obvious, in fact that it doesn't even warrant being on the checklist....

• Catalogue work, record image....take a picture!                           DOH!

Have to wait until Friday at the opening to tick that box then...