the yard:ARTspace FESTOONED

Two weeks to go before the end of term and we don't want it to end!

My Solo printmakers are all doing large creations, this one from Jo is on an A1 piece of paper. I will show you more when they come hot off the press, but if you would like to join them go to http://www.theyardartspace.com/#!solo-working/c15ku for the details.

The 10 week course is beginning to produce 

resolved work,

too many lovely prints

to show here.

The viscosity inking technique has worked it's magic

bringing images to life.

Interesting colour combinations and

exotic results are being achieved.

I will leave you with this blended colour print from Tracey who assured me she had never done printmaking before, after 8 weeks has made and printed this...I think the result speaks for itself.

To join in the fun next term, go to http://www.theyardartspace.com/#!courses/c1hjv

MORE...CREATE FOR CHRISTMAS

The exuberant and creative Julia Jowett came to the yard:ARTspace last weekend. 

As part of Create for Christmas she ran 

her signature wire bird cage workshop.

And much to the delight of my Ladies she brought some of her delicious pieces to tempt us. I can resist everything except temptation!!

I filled the treats tin with creative fuel and off we went.

Everyone hung on every word, Julia's infectious enthusiasm got 

everyone creating ambitious wire projects.

She encouraged and enthused all day as well

as sharing a comprehensive stash of threads and buttons.

Embellishment, 

decoration and

lots of creative thought went into these cages.

The results

looked intricate,

colourful

and personalised. 

Julia and I have been working on some collaborative pieces in preparation for an exhibition at Unit Twelve Gallery in January, for which we have the work in the bag, but her cages set me thinking...

So using some etched copper,

 collaborative enamel responses to Julia's

beautiful cages are beginning to emerge...watch this space! 

CREATE FOR CHRISTMAS

I know we have only just got over Halloween and bonfire night, but it is alway our intention to be prepared for Christmas earlier than we actually do!!

With this in mind, Create for Christmas at the yard:ARTspace is now well under way.

There is even a small outbreak of Christmassy imagery coming out of the 10 week printmaking course.

We kicked off in late October with lovely Lorna Prudden and a glass decoration workshop.

This had to be early because Lorna had to take things away to fire in her furnace.

Gorgeousness was made, 

2 weeks later everyone was able to take their heirloom, handmade decorations home.

I think these will be treasured for years to come. Thank you Lorna for going the extra mile with this very successful workshop.

Yesterday Danielle facilitated the Lino cut Christmas cards and gift tags workshop.

Some very sophisticated creations came out of this class.

Lots of cutting (no injuries I am pleased to report)

and new skills were learnt.

Perfect preparation, how often have we said, I'm making my cards this year and then time gets away from us?

Everyone was able to take their lino away with the confidence of being able to continue at home. And the first mince pie was enjoyed, thank you Danielle you spoilt us.

We even had a curious neighbour pop in to see what exactly was going on.

The festive fun has not ended...

The yard has the talented Julia Jowett popping in next week to create decorative wire and stitch bird cages, this workshop has been full for sometime, but I have pursued Julia to run a workshop for the yard on 23 April (not on the website yet) so pop that date in your diary if you missed out on the Create for Christmas workshop.

Dinny Pocock is running a Bobbin Robin workshop on 21 November, again this booked up after her successful appearance in the yard over Cheltenham Open Studios this year. Again I have tempted her back next year to make Easter chickens on 12 March 2016, places have started to go...!!

Last but not least, 28 November Louise Hamilton-Smith is running a Christmas Wreath workshop, places are still available.

It has now been a year since I took the lease on the yard:ARTspace, I have regretted not a single moment, but that is due to the support of all the people I have mentioned above and many more friends and family who have been behind me in this new venture. The lovely Rob who fixes things and my digital web Mistress, Holly who has done a wonderful job with the website.

Here's to what is happening in the yard:ARTspace in 2016!!