pretty ribbons

My latest hoard from Beyond Fabrics at last weekends Columbia Road flower market.  So my collection of ribbons is growing and I've yet to decide what to do with them...

fluorescent thread... gonna start a new one soon with some choral and lavender blue threads I've purchased. whoop.

New yarn, new project, fun patterns.

folklore

The popularity of folk influences coming through in so many creative areas - graphic design, music, fashion - is really exciting. There's something inviting about native prints and patterns reinvented in contemporary craft design and illustration especially.

I recently found illustrator Sandra Dieckmann, who brings her love of animals through into her illustrative work. I love her use of pattern to bring form and her fresh uplifting colour palette.

"The best folktales have a dark edge. Conversely, the best folk art pops with colour - perhaps as a visual way of whistling in the dark, perhaps a celebration of the richness of northern Europe's storytelling tradition. "

- Digital Artist Magazine

Sandra Dieckmann has a fabulous etsy shop - check it out - www.etsy.com/shop/SandraDieckmann

Sera Waters

Australian artist, teacher and writer Sera Waters draws inspiration from the uglier, shocking side of life. After her studies, she received a grant which enabled her to attend the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, where she furthered her embroidery skills. 

 

 Butchering : Meat Series 2009 

thread, felt, sequins, beads, cotton on linen (260 x 220 mm each)

 Much of her current work uses traditional embroidery techniques.  Black-work with its meticulous repetitive patterns gives light and shade to her chosen subject in the Butchering series.