2016 August

Each learner was provided with a pack which included fabrics of different textures, a plaster face, lace, papers and beads. We only used two colours the black and the bronze to see how each person can develop their own style, using one colour for the bottle and then the other for the glass. Each learner chose which to use on which. First item to make was a bottle, using fabrics but no papers. This helps with getting used to the product and how it covers different materials. Then a glass using papers to see how it is different to the fabrics. The last challenge was to cover a heart shaped plaque with up to 50 items. Our gentleman learner wanted to count his beads as individual pieces as it made it easier. Unfortunately for him he was outvoted by ladies on this one.

The next Powertex course is on the 10th September where we will be making a canvas using other materials such as the stone art.

Cas Holmes workshops book up fast.

Cas will be with us at Eau Brink Studio for a two day workshop on the 15th and 16th October which is already almost full. Cas is also teaching a one day workshop on the 17th October which is full but Cas will be returning in the new year. If you wanted to attend any of Cas’s workshops but are unable to this time contact me by email [email protected] and I will add you to the list for the next workshops which will either be in January or February. Date has not yet been confirmed.

Using sheer fabric, and Powertex the transformation for this little cheep vase is fantastic.

The more you play with Powertex, the more you find to do with it. Beads make an interesting embellishment to the bowl.

Mixed media, hand stitch with Brusho

Powertex can be used for any mixed medial project. The detail can be as busy or as sparce as you like.

Stitching into canvas using wool for texture.

John Bloodworth, the Gentleman Crafter is currently working his way around the country on a crafting challenge to raise money for the charity Mind.

This extract is from his blog-

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m John Bloodworth. I am also known to many as ‘Gentleman Crafter’ as a result of my blog www.gentlemancrafter.wordpress.com

I have been creative since I was a small boy. As well as being an enjoyable pasttime it has also helped me cope with many of life’s little hiccups.

I have also shared this passion for creativity with the United Kingdom during the past decade whilst creating over 10,000 hours of broadcast material for a TV channel dedicated to arts and crafts.

What am I doing?

I am organising a charity fund raising challenge in aid of Mind, a mental health charity based in the UK, which will see me leave the security and certainty of my home behind and spend just over a year visiting each and every one of the ninety-two (historic) counties in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland + various Islands) whilst living in, teaching workshops in, crafting in and blogging/vlogging from a motorhome.

The idea has already been pitched to Mind and they have accepted me as a volunteer fund raiser.

Why am I doing it?

It is fair to say that my own life has been turned upside down by mental health issues in recent years, with severe depression and general anxiety disorder making day-to-day life a genuine struggle, but Mind were there for me and have been an outstanding resource and support mechanism through it all.

Through my work and my blog I have also heard many similar stories from individuals around the world.

I am therefore doing this challenge in order to give something back and to help Mind help others who have been affected by similar issues.

As an added bonus I would also hope to be able to share the calming, focusing and ultimately beneficial properties of a creative hobby along the way.

John will be at Eau Brink Studio on 9th November 2016 from 10am. To book onto this workshop please go to https://gentlemancrafter.wordpress.com/2016/08/24/all-counties-craft-challenge-group-workshop-kings-lynn-norfolk/

A great deal of texture colour and printing for this one.

King’s Lynn Embroiderers Guild Summer Challenge commenced. Interesting results using Brusho instead of Scolabrush. Colours are vibrant and they react to the canvas in a very different way.