Monday 10 August 2009

A Crafty Weekend



This weekend I went to a craft centre. I found this wonderful antique Singer.



At the craft centre there was a falconry centre with these young barn owls.
Next week they will be able to fly.
I didn't take photo's of the adults or stay for the falconry show.
I feel very uncomfortable seeing birds in cages and well, birds of prey are so magnificent, I know it is wrong to keep them this way.

A Robin Redbreast in a Cage Puts all Heaven in a Rage”
William Blake



The ducks seemed happier, although they did have stiff competition for offerings of bread. Look in the water!



Some wonderful flowers.



I love the colours nature offers.
I liked the blown glass ball decorating the cane in the centre picture.
The flowers in the 3rd picture impressed me a lot.
They were easily 10ft tall!



Here is one of the studio-shops at the craft centre.
If you look through the window you will see the Bunsen style flame of the glass blower.

There were many studio's. Potters, hat makers, stained glass windows, photographers, jewelry makers, a chocolate delicatessen!

My favourite was the felt makers. Such treasures and delights.
I bought a felt needle.

I didn't get the opportunity to visit all of the studio's or take photo's of the occupants skills.
3 year olds tire easily and are much more amused by animals and flowers.

The following day I started on this rug. I used up all of my natural rare breed wool.
The beautiful soft greys and browns.
I spent the entire day felting, such hard work!
My daughter helped a lot.
She danced,jumped and stepped all over the rug.
We developed our own technique.
I bounced on my gym ball and Naomi bounced across the rug on her space hopper.

There is still much to do, alas I feel it must wait until the sun comes back out to play!

The design and colours of the rug were inspired by a recent post of one of the most generous bloggers I know. I will tell more when I have a completed project to show you :)

13 comments:

ArtSparker said...

Impressive quiff on that tufted duck. The rug will be wonderful.

t said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day out. And that singer is fantastic, does it work. I dont like animals in cages either.

The rug looks amazing, your colours are so earthy, and it sounds like you had so much fun with your 3 year old making it. How nice to have such good help. It will be so warm in winter. Looking forward to seeing it finished.
xt

Jasmine said...

Artsparker - I thought the duck a good hair-do to... Too cool for that little pond :)

T - I'm not sure if the singer works or not. It seemed to be threaded with wire.

The rug is going to take a good while longer. I spent all evening reinforcing the edgs and only got about 1 3rd of the way round. Aching wrists now but the colours are blending beautifully. I'm looking forward to the outcome :)

velvetwoods said...

Oh wow such beautiful rug ! I can't wait to see it when you are done with it.I love the grey,greens and red.
Oh the owl is so cute.

Anne said...

you and your little one have been buzy bees.
i am impressed, the colors of the rug are great:))

Yvette said...

Jasmine I read read and read......lots to catch up....my computer is down and I have little time on this computer as I borrowed it. But it was such a good time reading your posts!
I love you!

Tammie Lee said...

Now that looks like a wonderful day! So many pretty flowers. I love the quote about the robin and heaven! I so agree. And wow those are awesome little owl creatures! Then your rug, I love how you and your daughter got creative in the felting process, fun and wonderful memories for the future. Lovely too~

Wildflowerhouse said...

Oh what a fun time you had. I love the Singer, agree with you about the birds,love the glass works (were those glass flowers out front?) and please, show photos as you make your rug too. It is always fun to see the progress. Love the colors. I so enjoy your blog and think it is wonderful that your three year old gets to go along. Sharon

SquirrelQueen said...

I love the antique Singer, I hope someone restores that beautiful piece.

The owls are adorable. I have watched falcons in action and it is thrilling but like you I do not like to see these birds in cages. The ducks are a little outnumbered by the fish but I'll bet they can get their share of the bread.

The rug is so beautiful, I love the colors.

Ruthie Redden said...

Jasmine, i have such a lovely image in my head now of the two of you bouncing all over your rug lol, love the colours & the design, stunning. I too cannot stand to see birds (or animals ) caged or restricted, its so sad, they should be wild & free. the craft centre looked delicious, just my kind of place, lots of inspiration!

Caio Fern said...

what a delictfull weekend!! here in my home there is a tiny colection of antique singers too .
i liked the owl ........there is so much wonderful colours on this post !!!

Anders Enochsson said...

I loved the owl. He looks vulnerable yet powerful. There is a word for this in Swedish “Sprödstark”. I don’t know an appropriate English word however. I agree with you about caged birds, caging beings whose very nature is freedom is abdominal.

I love your art. : )

Jasmine said...

Sprodstark is a wonderful name. It sounds strong.