tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76277818316117282762023-11-16T11:18:53.295+00:00Ballistic OwlHome accessories and gifts inspired by science, nature and the built environment.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-40654960486047722762015-09-14T15:34:00.004+00:002015-09-14T15:34:54.087+00:00Lino and doublers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's all official, my course has made it into the Art Centre's autumn brochure! To book call <a href="http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Newcastle Arts Centre</a> on 0191 2615618 and we'll look forward to seeing you in December.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11949371_10206947410340149_7974387685640289412_n.jpg?oh=0a3bb06b6e89ad9e4f02aa56b6a17408&oe=569E3390" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11949371_10206947410340149_7974387685640289412_n.jpg?oh=0a3bb06b6e89ad9e4f02aa56b6a17408&oe=569E3390" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm busy planning and plotting what we'll do and doing plenty of visual research so I'll have loads of images laid out to inspire the class. Here's a couple to get the creative juices flowing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/13/d4/4013d4cfb210e85d65a0bcf3417d520f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/13/d4/4013d4cfb210e85d65a0bcf3417d520f.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buttercups and Daisies linocut by Helen Roddie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/ae/d6/d1aed632e399abb90bcb7139b897aa71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/ae/d6/d1aed632e399abb90bcb7139b897aa71.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happiness on the underground linocut by Pedro Demetriou</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The workshop will be relaxed and fun, so don't worry if you've never done a linocut before there will be plenty of help and time. It can be a simple or as complicated as you like. Once we get printing you can print on almost any surface and I will bring in some interesting papers for you to try.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As well as printing I've also been enjoying making wet felted flowers that I have then made into brooches. I was really pleased that I managed to teach myself how to make double petals too! All brooches are hand stitched and beaded and will be on sale in the Craftshop very soon. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the brooches are inspired by the ever changing sky in Scotland that we watched every day from our holiday cottage in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardnamurchan" target="_blank">Ardnamurchan. </a>A couple are my take on hot house flowers in the exotic section at Kew gardens, with their layered petals and interestingly shaped petals. Others, well you'll just have to pop into the shop and read the back of the card to find what inspired them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11999007_978621308851130_7098528304404559767_n.jpg?oh=65de3f91a74b4069169ea6e91df8f564&oe=566B5353" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11999007_978621308851130_7098528304404559767_n.jpg?oh=65de3f91a74b4069169ea6e91df8f564&oe=566B5353" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Currently reading: Sonic Wonderland by Trevor Cox (all about sounds and science)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What I'm up to at the minute: still working on my art journal when I get time and designing linocuts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-11719856599810520702015-08-14T13:30:00.000+00:002015-08-14T13:30:59.241+00:00A chip off the block - Lino printing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Exciting news, I'm leading a one day workshop at Newcastle Arts Centre on the 12th December!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really excited (and a little nervous) about doing this workshop as I love lino printing and it will be great to spread the word about this lovely print technique. It will be a fun and relaxed workshop,where we will look at the design of your plate, as well as cutting and inking techniques. We will also explore how you will be able to use your new skill at home and other surfaces you can print on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The workshop is well timed for Christmas so you could come and make a gift or card, alternatively you could make a plate for any occasion so you can enjoy using it at home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For details on how to book your place please visit <a href="http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaZPtzv8wGT1Z2Yo5T_u3xjQciep-mwJHsc5SjTEChODrOA1JxsJVdiKaJACbEp4E-4dnSbk4WWRPR-NAvertUbLTPG6BDHSSmDdI55eFP87wseYTgIXlknGZDiRcizR199WO40Sv7Lip/s1600/IMG_5477+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaZPtzv8wGT1Z2Yo5T_u3xjQciep-mwJHsc5SjTEChODrOA1JxsJVdiKaJACbEp4E-4dnSbk4WWRPR-NAvertUbLTPG6BDHSSmDdI55eFP87wseYTgIXlknGZDiRcizR199WO40Sv7Lip/s320/IMG_5477+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A selection of my lino plates.</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-20390194776567657832015-07-08T14:27:00.003+00:002015-07-08T14:27:56.512+00:00Art journals and getting creative or a few of my favourite thingsHave you ever thought about making or creating an art journal? I have been doing a little bit of research about it both online via Pinterest and blogs, but also by flicking through a few book dedicated to art journalling techniques and hints. I love to experiment and try new stuff out, but have never thought about putting it all in a book. Some things that I've tried have worked and I've squirrelled them away for another day and stuff that hasn't worked, has found it's way into the bin.<br />
<br />
Lately I've found that I have wanted to make and design things but feel that I have a lack of recent artwork to use. That has led to a bit of a creative blockage and some frustration. I've felt the need to get back into drawing again, but finding a topic to inspire has sometimes proved uninviting or a case of "that old nutshell again". I have thousands of my own photos stored on my ever faithful but slow computer and always think that would be good for a project, just for them to sit there gathering digital dust!<br />
<br />
So I bit the bullet and after digging around for ideas on how to kick start myself again I decided to try journalling. I may not stick to 1 page a day, it may be more like a page or 2 a week as I juggle it around work and other commitments. But I'm going to give it a bash.<br />
<br />
My theme then......A few of my favourite things. Here is my list to prompt my lovely new creative journal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/l/t1.0-9/11693867_941064005940194_2135113432047465952_n.jpg?oh=852544ef0171d0c742c58459d7f20ee8&oe=562219B7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/l/t1.0-9/11693867_941064005940194_2135113432047465952_n.jpg?oh=852544ef0171d0c742c58459d7f20ee8&oe=562219B7" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The list is in no particular order, just what popped into my head at the time. It is by no means the limit of my favourite things either as I have many and the word FEW means just that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armed with my list it was time to get on and start.......I picked my first topic Marek and decided to use a picture of him that I really love and have lovely memories of a day out drinking coffee and chilling out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuZN-q5tOJG_UhhNGiDN4-ogWNK8Wi0w9dPUne3c7VwiHfs8h5ftzl2hXKlwB92_m2Pe9Ol18rBwC_gTHs-MVhwQF2NNto4t6i6MwW13pBexcWWAXdrFKvJddOIj2RCRqNxR5_v1VtAwI/s1600/20130209_131443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuZN-q5tOJG_UhhNGiDN4-ogWNK8Wi0w9dPUne3c7VwiHfs8h5ftzl2hXKlwB92_m2Pe9Ol18rBwC_gTHs-MVhwQF2NNto4t6i6MwW13pBexcWWAXdrFKvJddOIj2RCRqNxR5_v1VtAwI/s320/20130209_131443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marek, he calls it the "on the dodgems."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQkh4hGWPuKfwZzeCzpVXRsEfCS_UQNlI0dAzmqpld8TNhOTGUjqJBcAiweowXXwtNekDSaPseD41C5DKgmtwL38Kn54xZ2lLLgG-BS8irTIVxiQ3nSUZqn0V2RJ-s2NhXgqxYN9Xq7V1/s1600/20150703_164845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQkh4hGWPuKfwZzeCzpVXRsEfCS_UQNlI0dAzmqpld8TNhOTGUjqJBcAiweowXXwtNekDSaPseD41C5DKgmtwL38Kn54xZ2lLLgG-BS8irTIVxiQ3nSUZqn0V2RJ-s2NhXgqxYN9Xq7V1/s320/20150703_164845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First outlines. I coloured the page so I wouldn't be working straight onto white and as I sometimes struggle with proportions I traced a few lines from the photograph. I then drew in a couple of outlines and dark strokes in his hair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7D0ZpgEEV6qnGBAnOQMtgzwNEwjjWSX856dtFq_Gd_BpvIovKZz3PDtDgtFraJJBBHlrEYrbMXQQT3ngG266kpKf5Zz1GDt2ppMBcWy33X5BkMu1e11M688s3oKEIDG6Q6Fwfx5bg76Y/s1600/20150703_172547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7D0ZpgEEV6qnGBAnOQMtgzwNEwjjWSX856dtFq_Gd_BpvIovKZz3PDtDgtFraJJBBHlrEYrbMXQQT3ngG266kpKf5Zz1GDt2ppMBcWy33X5BkMu1e11M688s3oKEIDG6Q6Fwfx5bg76Y/s320/20150703_172547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adding skin tones can be a little bit tricky, but I tried to look for the colours in the photograph and keep note of highlights and shadows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBzp-S4RbvE6jPJHjPxZ0S4hZgnDcCWm95gfqXtp5Bcl_bRyZ1TXle3wEON6r7NYDeDWw7UMM1R3yPUw6GS0csurwoIjdeitbXIuvu-iU_4wB-lUKI7mY53DIyqH_54w2jNWXcCy40Fs7/s1600/20150703_180921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBzp-S4RbvE6jPJHjPxZ0S4hZgnDcCWm95gfqXtp5Bcl_bRyZ1TXle3wEON6r7NYDeDWw7UMM1R3yPUw6GS0csurwoIjdeitbXIuvu-iU_4wB-lUKI7mY53DIyqH_54w2jNWXcCy40Fs7/s320/20150703_180921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hair done, but his eyes need a little more work and softening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m02qoQTpDBj80n8oyYXXNvevi6ymAE0FJvSNyhE8sClkDdtohGLzNKSygaBUoyMh8SEMOTmV1Em0OxZq4o7d-Uf0jQVxT9A4QwfPVAyqBHoCb8sL5o0tXPhFoNUMcxFECMnmgbUHBg_r/s1600/20150703_185312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m02qoQTpDBj80n8oyYXXNvevi6ymAE0FJvSNyhE8sClkDdtohGLzNKSygaBUoyMh8SEMOTmV1Em0OxZq4o7d-Uf0jQVxT9A4QwfPVAyqBHoCb8sL5o0tXPhFoNUMcxFECMnmgbUHBg_r/s320/20150703_185312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to tackle the eyes later and moved onto his jacket and shirt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLtqzn9-415UL19r9DPuRPt7BBe8UjLtvvRuBn6ELOFqCZV3Ovyu609CbEofh8Rrwy2sBMm7DKDjOL8VYM6BmTbghiWkI_VVJDL0nu85gr9XLQ8KdFEmd0VDqCMcSEhWrPUNLKgYGKERp/s1600/20150706_074152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLtqzn9-415UL19r9DPuRPt7BBe8UjLtvvRuBn6ELOFqCZV3Ovyu609CbEofh8Rrwy2sBMm7DKDjOL8VYM6BmTbghiWkI_VVJDL0nu85gr9XLQ8KdFEmd0VDqCMcSEhWrPUNLKgYGKERp/s320/20150706_074152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After some thought and asking a work colleague about the eyes and background, I managed to soften the eyes and add a little more detail to them and then added the dodgem (sofa he was sitting on) too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I drew the picture with a mixture of media to help reflect the textures in the photo, Polychromos pencil crayons are great and add loads of colour and are easy to blend and shade. If you use a burnisher it smooths out some of those crayon marks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now I feel I have the creative juices flowing, well almost and will endeavour to complete my whole list of favourite things and enjoy experimenting along the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All images Copyright to Tracy Bidwell @Ballistic Owl</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-14965344169994357862015-06-05T12:53:00.000+00:002015-06-05T12:54:27.757+00:00Busy bee and coin purses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wow I've just realised how time has flown since my last blog! Hope I still have a few loyal followers out there :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been pretty busy at the art shop and also have a spot or two in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Craftshop/682394595177278?fref=ts" target="_blank">Craft Shop</a> selling my brooches, cards and my new little project below coin purses. The lovely ladies in the shop have been keeping me quite busy with requests for hand made bits and bobs, so on my days at home I've been creating all sorts of lovely stuff. To see some of the things I've been making and to keep up with my studio life check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">Facebook page.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Craft Shop is a great place for those unusual gifts for birthdays, weddings and Christmas or just because you want to treat yourself or a loved one. They stock handmade pottery, jewellery, cards, bags and have a lovely selection of cards and wrap too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My gorgeous little coin purses are on sale £13.99 for the small (approx 10cm x 10cm) one and £15 for the larger ones (approx 15cm x 12cm). They are printed on 100% cotton, lined and with a good quality zip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/11238277_905270649519530_5249932848831406201_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/11238277_905270649519530_5249932848831406201_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Layout idea and prep for screens.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11351291_908233045889957_6104795788389483373_n.jpg?oh=3eb62c3e2378ed00b1404fb7282edca5&oe=55FA2D64" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11351291_908233045889957_6104795788389483373_n.jpg?oh=3eb62c3e2378ed00b1404fb7282edca5&oe=55FA2D64" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coin purses in progress all hand screen printed and machine stitched.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/1617550_909112355802026_8046269052336248319_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/1617550_909112355802026_8046269052336248319_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little collection all complete and ready to deliver to the Craft Shop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for stopping by and hopefully it won't be as long for my next post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Reading: Girl gone by Gillian Flynn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next project: felt card toppers and more printing.</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-86529894517761414612014-09-22T17:12:00.000+00:002014-09-22T17:12:39.462+00:00Fuzzy felt and hot wax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Oh it's been all go in the Ballistic Owl studio since my last blog post! I approached the <a href="http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/CRAFTSHOP.htm" target="_blank">Craft shop</a> at Newcastle Arts Centre to see if they would consider taking some of my work and they said yes :-) big smiles all round. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So I've had all my felting things out and have been producing some gorgeous brooches, cuffs and necklaces for the shop. It's been great fun and I've loved sitting stitching, inventing new designs and finding my collection of beads and bits. Each brooch is unique and although I may use the same shape the finished product is different. They will make a great gift for a loved one or a fabulous treat for yourself, pop in store and take a look at the whole range.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10636922_778215975558332_8561591035793500655_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10636922_778215975558332_8561591035793500655_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10392384_778216012224995_7711359257796879529_n.jpg?oh=8c5c13b7a5896ee290f2d97de3631786&oe=548FD131" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10392384_778216012224995_7711359257796879529_n.jpg?oh=8c5c13b7a5896ee290f2d97de3631786&oe=548FD131" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This weekend I was really pleased to have the opportunity to go on a Batik course with the lovely <a href="http://www.heathergatt.co.uk/#" target="_blank">Heather Gatt</a>, who is a highly recognised artist and lives in the wonderful Whitby. Heather's course was great as she started us off with a demo of how we could use all the tools and how to set up our frames and also an alternative way to use the wax resist for a more painterly image. After a busy week in the art shop this was a fantastic was to unwind and get messy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YZLFVJIEpE3SKQl72ou9qIqOR-OICyz8Pzlw3MVPOPpamlX3lsosWHbxJuVjg2FgXTPngOaHPWscnRlJkFz0YIdXYh4ibDiEFhtDFv4zCwCagFoQxZn40O1_1m6IxKZag5bxaGn6mpYh/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YZLFVJIEpE3SKQl72ou9qIqOR-OICyz8Pzlw3MVPOPpamlX3lsosWHbxJuVjg2FgXTPngOaHPWscnRlJkFz0YIdXYh4ibDiEFhtDFv4zCwCagFoQxZn40O1_1m6IxKZag5bxaGn6mpYh/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This one and the one below were made using wire shapes and the canting pen. The top piece I decided to crackle to produce the fine veining.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10dDOUfPOJhsIm-2ismy-YkDSxrHhylRTagnFjrmlYGc_BQxE4BXD32GOabRs9MSKnPnCO0rlJ-906M5tmJPuuha4yXH8CgTxJjqy8lrKbWRvQjTFAqP0qq7uYmJLrmy0hUEVnQR2HzpK/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10dDOUfPOJhsIm-2ismy-YkDSxrHhylRTagnFjrmlYGc_BQxE4BXD32GOabRs9MSKnPnCO0rlJ-906M5tmJPuuha4yXH8CgTxJjqy8lrKbWRvQjTFAqP0qq7uYmJLrmy0hUEVnQR2HzpK/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This next one was done using the more painterly method of drawing onto the cotton and then building the colour layers up one at a time, blocking each colour off with wax as you went along. I really liked this technique and enjoyed making my echinacea, although now I've removed all the wax I would have preferred my background to have been a little darker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbltQ0VsNFnGPdclP0lf8cx0t_Px7QGkRXn3oi0y9SLX19CCQwEtUQFQH2DkqSfs8Zhh-aSKTwFGMNo2yoiZ82QoS_RIihqofZCk-DAJyGkxhQaOPxRbqEiTKCBz4KfTwDdSp00Sfocwa/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbltQ0VsNFnGPdclP0lf8cx0t_Px7QGkRXn3oi0y9SLX19CCQwEtUQFQH2DkqSfs8Zhh-aSKTwFGMNo2yoiZ82QoS_RIihqofZCk-DAJyGkxhQaOPxRbqEiTKCBz4KfTwDdSp00Sfocwa/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
Heather also had lots of stamps and I loved this delicate rose one. It was made of tiny metal wires and similar to a printing block. It took some practise to get it to leave the right amount of wax behind, but in a way I liked the imperfect ones too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM0BSUw_tdL834sXQ_1N6krijIF8LYXLC14g4gFLJarvvomMlEWl5NurpzS6LWpfJ7w_v-c0bvoElzhDcGEZ_endOQ_Ur-uLvd_S8lJoJMzKFHDjR85iJzbuIekr5yl4kqylF4jU7OlYf/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM0BSUw_tdL834sXQ_1N6krijIF8LYXLC14g4gFLJarvvomMlEWl5NurpzS6LWpfJ7w_v-c0bvoElzhDcGEZ_endOQ_Ur-uLvd_S8lJoJMzKFHDjR85iJzbuIekr5yl4kqylF4jU7OlYf/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
First attempt with the stamp above and several goes later below. I might now stitch into the not so good ones and see what I can make with them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGgNpN7v2BekSIK0aDf9iAVaEuFaPAQzpIBgJfGsytEOvJeacdJ1TTnoFfq2_94fmmdSgzROYrny1oxkJeG_YNiDGsdqGcDyXt4cifr58VmhggYGAgpkYXdu8o6rvLtgC4GHkRcLWhyh9/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGgNpN7v2BekSIK0aDf9iAVaEuFaPAQzpIBgJfGsytEOvJeacdJ1TTnoFfq2_94fmmdSgzROYrny1oxkJeG_YNiDGsdqGcDyXt4cifr58VmhggYGAgpkYXdu8o6rvLtgC4GHkRcLWhyh9/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So what fun I've had and guess what's going to be on my Christmas list this year :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Reading- Still making my way through "S" which is like 3 books in one. Also making a start on Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-39322935678342600512014-07-28T17:24:00.000+00:002014-07-28T17:24:35.561+00:00Brancepeth, leaded glass and cloud watching.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to a tip off from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StitchInTyne" target="_blank">Stitch in Tyne</a> we visited the fascinating Brancepeth Castle on Sunday to see the craft fair and an interesting building and surroundings. Stitch in Tyne's stall was gorgeous and her bookwarmers and prints seemed to catch many a persons eye. We are now the proud owners of one of her paper cut prints which has pride of place on our mantle piece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Besides looking round the craft fair, were explored the castle and the surrounding area. The castle has an interesting history due to it having several owners, two of which had the castle confiscated by the crown one for planning to depose Queen Elizabeth 1 and the second for a poisoning scandal. In the 19th century it was restored and some Victorian Gothic elements were introduced into the structure. It was also a hospital for recovering soldiers from the first world war. It also has a connection with the well known local ditty about Bobby Shafto as Bridget Belsayse who's family lived in the castle in 1701, whose heart was said to have been broken by Bobby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some photos taken from our little exploration of the grounds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tB-THX_QFAJ5bbUFnomaHxbhTD7Jclsqi-dDKfdbsm25O2KfxOnzIzP1cqOc11_RaJmOIDdr98QJV07d0SuelnA4dPMqkdwXM9BDKOlSiHEbFRZkG6AY-Mmn9i6BUc7r-ao_wBR9pfuJ/s1600/20140727_144413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tB-THX_QFAJ5bbUFnomaHxbhTD7Jclsqi-dDKfdbsm25O2KfxOnzIzP1cqOc11_RaJmOIDdr98QJV07d0SuelnA4dPMqkdwXM9BDKOlSiHEbFRZkG6AY-Mmn9i6BUc7r-ao_wBR9pfuJ/s1600/20140727_144413.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1iX8G3BGg2YKTzf8iYaZ_CEcxCw_b-nk_lvs70N_dAn707h5yOdar9a06xZQ1UnyK1qEq81_AY2KJQmdkWSJscndgPllHHRSRX6qkbMpBaqIH1vwwvx8_WsGzESjUSEUPQxmtzzqlmVZ/s1600/20140727_144441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1iX8G3BGg2YKTzf8iYaZ_CEcxCw_b-nk_lvs70N_dAn707h5yOdar9a06xZQ1UnyK1qEq81_AY2KJQmdkWSJscndgPllHHRSRX6qkbMpBaqIH1vwwvx8_WsGzESjUSEUPQxmtzzqlmVZ/s1600/20140727_144441.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lovely windows set in lovely Gothic inspired stone work. Even the windows for the basement are pretty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NC26n-aIWjINjDeG89Mzj0DvolNT4j4dP1gWdsLBK0Pwe3V9pgz0Y_B3R0JTeE8h1AMTRM0wewMinfhFAwWNX7tFO-cCBg7Ht1NXU4-Vpzc41fT8J1wpXJ8NegwVd7jlYQXBSm_mszep/s1600/20140727_144533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NC26n-aIWjINjDeG89Mzj0DvolNT4j4dP1gWdsLBK0Pwe3V9pgz0Y_B3R0JTeE8h1AMTRM0wewMinfhFAwWNX7tFO-cCBg7Ht1NXU4-Vpzc41fT8J1wpXJ8NegwVd7jlYQXBSm_mszep/s1600/20140727_144533.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just loved the font on this no parking sign, and the fact that there was a motorised wheel chair parked underneath it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Dk-ycQ9ut6B3IMmKwWaQ-jEcBVWXmjeLvF76ooYon7lh5cHV7xxtVneMovd7Xe-UR8NeCzlN99arc9As0W6rgif8UM_DJsZgjoIxUDCNb89mCsv0KBd2P51ayk8jiqD1EByLmtksMFJ/s1600/20140727_144546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Dk-ycQ9ut6B3IMmKwWaQ-jEcBVWXmjeLvF76ooYon7lh5cHV7xxtVneMovd7Xe-UR8NeCzlN99arc9As0W6rgif8UM_DJsZgjoIxUDCNb89mCsv0KBd2P51ayk8jiqD1EByLmtksMFJ/s1600/20140727_144546.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The delicate web adds an intriguing pattern to this old door bell surround.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFsF7wY0KW2UCbV-otsLtaxGAuthofgEaBXnZ5XzEVQ2n8T5g_bVaw_9KpZKITQFaYtHTrcHTqi1k-F2KYBOCu34PRnIf_zcWvQkwDdMNa_3N33nzByQiIpyo5oFtRZjcvoPIJ1kfii8/s1600/20140727_150633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFsF7wY0KW2UCbV-otsLtaxGAuthofgEaBXnZ5XzEVQ2n8T5g_bVaw_9KpZKITQFaYtHTrcHTqi1k-F2KYBOCu34PRnIf_zcWvQkwDdMNa_3N33nzByQiIpyo5oFtRZjcvoPIJ1kfii8/s1600/20140727_150633.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The church next to the castle had some amazing leaded windows all along one side no two were the same. For more pictures of these gorgeous windows pop over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">Ballistic Owl</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sWgkuxzNs8qOQGZ9kFNNrcehflNEDAIpOvPFDaueJxPj2Q4_W0wN46KHQu1wgP7HjGZn2DjbBs6Ex1FHlouxwCyVwpHV3bCQTca3NKJPzLooRIdtLpTl7SgN7vWs-zb4xEsaHMORkiVH/s1600/20140727_171109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sWgkuxzNs8qOQGZ9kFNNrcehflNEDAIpOvPFDaueJxPj2Q4_W0wN46KHQu1wgP7HjGZn2DjbBs6Ex1FHlouxwCyVwpHV3bCQTca3NKJPzLooRIdtLpTl7SgN7vWs-zb4xEsaHMORkiVH/s1600/20140727_171109.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home we decided to drive over the moors and go the long way rather than up the A1. The clouds were fantastic and we just had to stop and watch them for a while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZztTk6DVyLnCBi9i4tMPVtibV6E_x26P4A61jXf5bAFdYYh0kU2JH88NVF0AJV3J3yqHJldWUhOu8AOmuWI1DnAXXk4WJsePjcOTiwg0Ro5VoD6cCyM8D4PgTPGsOXPu4zLcS8NIYq8C/s1600/20140727_171116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZztTk6DVyLnCBi9i4tMPVtibV6E_x26P4A61jXf5bAFdYYh0kU2JH88NVF0AJV3J3yqHJldWUhOu8AOmuWI1DnAXXk4WJsePjcOTiwg0Ro5VoD6cCyM8D4PgTPGsOXPu4zLcS8NIYq8C/s1600/20140727_171116.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've quite got into cloud watching and have taken a few photos of ones that have caught my imagination, these hot summer days sometimes seem to produce the best cloud formations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading at the moment: <b>S </b>by J J Abrams and <b>Awakening</b> by Sharon Bolton</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you next time thanks for stopping by :-)</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-23868949998382133442014-07-07T16:34:00.000+00:002014-07-07T16:34:47.077+00:00The land of green beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been struck this last week at the beauty of and the many shades of green nature has to display. We've just spent a lovely week in the Southern Lake District, in a log cabin surrounded by big trees in full leaf and peace and quiet, no phone or data connections! So the mobile was switched off and the pad and time was spent enjoying a book, walking and taking lots of photos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4U3KDkHZhGj4QkHQpdrG7a7BzYuCO73rSywUCCoFNZ1Ud8_bHtNt5XFpuphKAhrIhpz0DYyIy_uaW_bYrkxpKhXq-zdFPNC7yx8HsQrKQiX1e752zrbhtKboRJY7J1OTYikURld_IPv3/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4U3KDkHZhGj4QkHQpdrG7a7BzYuCO73rSywUCCoFNZ1Ud8_bHtNt5XFpuphKAhrIhpz0DYyIy_uaW_bYrkxpKhXq-zdFPNC7yx8HsQrKQiX1e752zrbhtKboRJY7J1OTYikURld_IPv3/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bunnies were abundant around the site and it was lovely to take a photo of this little fella having his bedtime wash.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19N5jQ9ioEcW3moGIn8frI2PGjbtcpwDWQPEelXKvc7KxeM41Lg67v0cBgSqrBWzKYZC4ZbmDE0ftook3bRtvxn7_DCFgzhdTg2t3whh0tuCVkmSjgyssKzBgJf1kD8WdtQFt5aaJtPc8/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19N5jQ9ioEcW3moGIn8frI2PGjbtcpwDWQPEelXKvc7KxeM41Lg67v0cBgSqrBWzKYZC4ZbmDE0ftook3bRtvxn7_DCFgzhdTg2t3whh0tuCVkmSjgyssKzBgJf1kD8WdtQFt5aaJtPc8/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was struck by the gorgeousness of the greenery and the reflections in Loughrigg Tarn that was a short walk from where we were staying. Perfectly still bar a few ducks floating around and the light was just right to create this complete reflection below.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kskZnAgkJuJnQMmaccCmAiLS_5BLdxfDoPDBKWgjTCODRe3mVEHux2nOq2NYGDpyCFBhfuKDbiL2-HlJreafzR6KysigED75NwangAOpLkEKVbp6MWzW7W_DI1L0DMIKDzuD1Sg2yvdV/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kskZnAgkJuJnQMmaccCmAiLS_5BLdxfDoPDBKWgjTCODRe3mVEHux2nOq2NYGDpyCFBhfuKDbiL2-HlJreafzR6KysigED75NwangAOpLkEKVbp6MWzW7W_DI1L0DMIKDzuD1Sg2yvdV/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxuAQfAtaO8beBpZo_4x2jf-_DoDZjovv3Pm6yAGmqPF1-nwfzUAmJmFrzmUFqQL3n1RpEGDeB7bBzSVitP3tFr-9GWqdP4dxg2b0ljbtapRUP-zhnPf1k_5uNt6q7kSHB80qnk5DgmG3/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxuAQfAtaO8beBpZo_4x2jf-_DoDZjovv3Pm6yAGmqPF1-nwfzUAmJmFrzmUFqQL3n1RpEGDeB7bBzSVitP3tFr-9GWqdP4dxg2b0ljbtapRUP-zhnPf1k_5uNt6q7kSHB80qnk5DgmG3/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought the pattern potential in this insect house was great and took pictures of the different styles of bug house within this box.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLs_JmQPQuHa6s9dNwaofZ9TAHUvOpBSlageQnzLPxORBAdVtnuhDW7jgI8FBFFiXRAPQsqBXWLWHH3vb0FTBGee1JqXYsEmOuODd1-Aq20ogACCxqnsw3pHg8cCYBltpV7Id58dXjbVa/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLs_JmQPQuHa6s9dNwaofZ9TAHUvOpBSlageQnzLPxORBAdVtnuhDW7jgI8FBFFiXRAPQsqBXWLWHH3vb0FTBGee1JqXYsEmOuODd1-Aq20ogACCxqnsw3pHg8cCYBltpV7Id58dXjbVa/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fabulous owl sanctuary at Muncater Castle, I must say I could have stayed all day just in that one bit. This shy looking owl posing in this lovely setting will fight most things off and away from it's nest including humans, so don't get too close.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Below is a close up of the beautiful markings on the Fishing owl, he sat very patiently on his perch, casting a glance to passers by.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH63Rrna4jqeuUvp0r-Y9s7tLcAjIMJOxKvgMW-NZ09Xd5o9_EtxcKrrq4MqPx7vmK82rPT-Mrsw9Wn-AGMIzQeFAYiSAYVqGg8sh3TQLe33Q6BDaUAH0kNTCgDGG0CNi6yCh8rnaFo0A/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH63Rrna4jqeuUvp0r-Y9s7tLcAjIMJOxKvgMW-NZ09Xd5o9_EtxcKrrq4MqPx7vmK82rPT-Mrsw9Wn-AGMIzQeFAYiSAYVqGg8sh3TQLe33Q6BDaUAH0kNTCgDGG0CNi6yCh8rnaFo0A/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm still building up my collection of old and worn images and some day I will do something with them. I loved this old bench, reminded me of ones we used to see when we were small in parks everywhere. This one a little tired looking and covered in lush green moss was near the waterfall up the hill from Ambleside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvsSc5bqv5e9MYi_sG19zwaVm2cvH7g5ncub00wmxCsJj4KdoKp0BA4jc-SAtD0NLozmfFoRZ1uJNgncK0_HFIHvAjnS-cbbIY_6vn62d7nehHKQn6397BO_s6qQ878GVmnfwSXfit6t1/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvsSc5bqv5e9MYi_sG19zwaVm2cvH7g5ncub00wmxCsJj4KdoKp0BA4jc-SAtD0NLozmfFoRZ1uJNgncK0_HFIHvAjnS-cbbIY_6vn62d7nehHKQn6397BO_s6qQ878GVmnfwSXfit6t1/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This sign, which I'm determined to decipher caught my eye at Muncaster, another shade of green blue against the vibrant green of the beech leaves of the ancient tree.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6227b16vszS42Hq_3TzW1MPFwOIHE3pv0W9Nr6L0dZNucm1CPg9bHQFlCOu1bzVceb8IWhtqbJiriujOTBs40eBgTNB1788_MTWxDOKksKjO22881WxTKbr4dfy5jCJF4JHzbwmwKAyDu/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6227b16vszS42Hq_3TzW1MPFwOIHE3pv0W9Nr6L0dZNucm1CPg9bHQFlCOu1bzVceb8IWhtqbJiriujOTBs40eBgTNB1788_MTWxDOKksKjO22881WxTKbr4dfy5jCJF4JHzbwmwKAyDu/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everywhere we looked despite there being reports of the lack of rain in the Lake District was alive, blooming, lush and vibrantly green. The rolling hills and forests were such a refreshing change of scene and hoofing up to the top of some of those hills was definitely worth it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Currently reading as part of our book group: Instructions for a heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell, brilliant so far.</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-23032691329879524122014-06-16T15:28:00.000+00:002014-06-16T15:28:19.551+00:00Snaps from my city.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really loving my journey through Newcastle and down to the Arts Centre and each morning I will either take lots of pictures or if I'm laden down or time is tight I will plan images for the next trip. Doing a project like this makes you look at the city you live in, in a new light. You start to notice the small things or things that you step over every day and other people's routines. I'd also not realised that we had so many plaques commemorating so many great people who built or influenced our gorgeous city. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm now going to incorporate some of these finds into my drawing project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another thing I'm going to do is explore how many routes from my starting point there are down to the Art Centre and investigate interesting architecture and details along the way. I have two routes at the moment and there at least two more I can explore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/p417x417/10384610_10203439933615423_1922992871734790824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/p417x417/10384610_10203439933615423_1922992871734790824_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10307414_10203448615472464_721462976453792322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10307414_10203448615472464_721462976453792322_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10348386_10203515317539974_5161807287852554356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10348386_10203515317539974_5161807287852554356_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-90269109724130219262014-05-19T17:34:00.000+00:002014-05-19T17:51:14.058+00:00Decorating, experimenting and exploring.Hello all, sorry it's been a while since my last post. The art shop has been keeping me busy and I've also been decorating the house, well the hall, stairs and landing to be precise which was a fairly big job! Anyway that's all done for the time being and I can get back to Ballistic Owl and creating beautiful pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVI5yMlPkLijjpkbPo3nwfFqmJmZElVxqJ7vZvkLw2MSk4-hD5SfSXB5nQSK8vc0tXV5Twy4AE7lHnWBWzdkT1aWFNDUeSiIEDL_EhQ7zrH5syn-kFbUNe0NUDqwk3fvCEbNtXkoadf-x/s1600/IMG_0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVI5yMlPkLijjpkbPo3nwfFqmJmZElVxqJ7vZvkLw2MSk4-hD5SfSXB5nQSK8vc0tXV5Twy4AE7lHnWBWzdkT1aWFNDUeSiIEDL_EhQ7zrH5syn-kFbUNe0NUDqwk3fvCEbNtXkoadf-x/s1600/IMG_0689.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favourite bit of the landing after the redecoration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While I've been painting walls I've been thinking about what I can be doing for my next project and mapping out ideas and collecting images. I've also been out and about with the camera taking snaps of lovely things to inspire my new project as well as future ones.<br />
<br />
I've also been experimenting with various techniques and also working on some embroideries, here's a snippet for those who haven't found my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">facebook</a> page yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/1904103_684626451583952_1701634670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/1904103_684626451583952_1701634670_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1809_684626441583953_734127461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1809_684626441583953_734127461_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1901981_684626411583956_916467772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1901981_684626411583956_916467772_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The three images above were part of an experiment using cyanotype, which is a fun technique to try out on a warm sunny day. I have then selected certain sections and embellished them with stitch. The birds linking them altogether, but they don't have to be together as will stand alone quite nicely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10007464_696580363721894_679051594339433745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10007464_696580363721894_679051594339433745_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This rather fun and you never know what's going to happen technique is done using photo paper, dye and ink. I loved the depth it produced and the gorgeous mini images you find within the piece. I'm now working on how to incorporate this into a piece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My new project is looking at an old favourite, architecture, but looking at it from a different view point and trying out some of these new techniques I've been exploring. My one of my first drawings is this one exploring the angles of the Co-op building in Newcastle town centre.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10296804_714573991922531_3499762407060449285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10296804_714573991922531_3499762407060449285_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keeping it simple, but with a ping of colour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alongside a friend from work I'm also exploring my journey to work and taking pictures of things that catch my eye that day. It may be a road sign, a tree or a building, but all form part of my journey. Myself and my friend's destination is the same, but reached from different parts of town, so it's interesting to see the pictures as they're gathered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10383589_10203360585831778_2990259345582912388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10383589_10203360585831778_2990259345582912388_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first few pictures taken on Friday 16th May.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as you can see I've been pretty busy and I have not been neglecting the creativity, just nurturing it a little bit and giving it some tlc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keep in touch and keep popping by, see you next time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-632995883902726252014-03-07T15:56:00.000+00:002014-03-07T16:16:27.188+00:00Gambia, the smiling coast.The blog has been a little quite over recent weeks as we've been preparing for our holiday, the first one in a wee while, so a lot of preparation had to be done before hand. As we were going to The Gambia one of the jobs to be done was to organise injections and ordering malaria tablets. This was my first time to Africa and not really knowing what to expect was a little daunting. You see lots of images on the news and in books and on the net, but seeing first hand is an experience you won't forget.<br />
<br />
Gambia is a country surrounded by Senegal on three sides and the Atlantic on the forth and named after the river that it surrounds. We travelled to a small place called Kotu which is close to the coastline and one of the quieter destinations in the area. The second map shows the Kotu area and our hotel is where the "A" pin is. We were lucky enough to have a lodge room facing the golf course and would watch the pigs walk across it each day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/africa/gambia/map_of_gambia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/africa/gambia/map_of_gambia.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Gambia - www.lonelyplanet.com</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMsH5_pBWIeyeL74iMvwC5AwNGY4WoFOVd-GMVgZm793cyHu1dRHOQP1PPrtP17LH05pHIcVEZq-r9Q31we-4YMyAqj7SkZVH_S89JHSVuAKS0kJZlotkgNKHFykC22_tondJxm3JRgHy/s1600/gambia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMsH5_pBWIeyeL74iMvwC5AwNGY4WoFOVd-GMVgZm793cyHu1dRHOQP1PPrtP17LH05pHIcVEZq-r9Q31we-4YMyAqj7SkZVH_S89JHSVuAKS0kJZlotkgNKHFykC22_tondJxm3JRgHy/s1600/gambia+2.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kotu - Google maps</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After flying over the Sahara I was surprised at how green Gambia is, lots of woods and forests and along the main road to Kotu there was even a nursery selling plants and flowers. The end of February is heading towards the end of their summer and the rainy season is fast approaching. Even so the many trees and plants are still green and lush.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMUhrB3ZzNfWGJRlewoKCC60VzTxmAT9EitHWdUeEpntz3Cjew7qPZJhvs7i4lPMiA8IJFLBVae2FJWVvExjgMQ2YsoMisN1UcPFXPCmNHIrEhwUeAQz0_Ikst9PfW7yus5sZ5ElZcf_i/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMUhrB3ZzNfWGJRlewoKCC60VzTxmAT9EitHWdUeEpntz3Cjew7qPZJhvs7i4lPMiA8IJFLBVae2FJWVvExjgMQ2YsoMisN1UcPFXPCmNHIrEhwUeAQz0_Ikst9PfW7yus5sZ5ElZcf_i/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view across the fields not far from the hotel. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On our first trip out we followed a cycle path that led to bustling Sene Gambia a small town with shops, banks and places to eat. Here we spotted our first market with many brightly coloured fabrics and bags. We weren't brave enough to go and have a proper look, so carried on to the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSUxJtz4ZehwouJ84GMXJzdUxxtNOxY6oe2nHCWSWjKUX2kmsriRV3Gr_EKJHmecWJXspRivgVn9i08JjTr6-lo1QOgwhNeIunj4ZFDYDmpBjf-aZiRGK45TpNdj91Tm1Hzr9igm1ZeS6/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSUxJtz4ZehwouJ84GMXJzdUxxtNOxY6oe2nHCWSWjKUX2kmsriRV3Gr_EKJHmecWJXspRivgVn9i08JjTr6-lo1QOgwhNeIunj4ZFDYDmpBjf-aZiRGK45TpNdj91Tm1Hzr9igm1ZeS6/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Local market Sene Gambia. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Palm and coconut trees are all over Gambia as are mango and cashew nut trees. I loved the way the branches on this tree had only been partially cut away to reveal a lovely pattern, something I will explore once I get my drawing things out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWrVvOTVqAtoZj3yFQyMMUiFWX2CxeKhdjs-BDXtE6_qHisOsS-cmwf2ogz_bw4dILKumFcSTGdWLN2xjb5EgZNMeqyM6tHFdPX5ejXdAZ8lx90wxtkyuZPIvO-NQtVXiPYF9vTuFUIWG/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWrVvOTVqAtoZj3yFQyMMUiFWX2CxeKhdjs-BDXtE6_qHisOsS-cmwf2ogz_bw4dILKumFcSTGdWLN2xjb5EgZNMeqyM6tHFdPX5ejXdAZ8lx90wxtkyuZPIvO-NQtVXiPYF9vTuFUIWG/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Palm Tree. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This cute little fella was enjoying a free peanut in a reserve we visited. He is a Green Vervet monkey and is the same species as the ones that visited us in the hotel. At the hotel if you left a banana within reach they would steal it! They mummy had several "toddlers" and one tiny baby that clung to her as she made her way through the trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RCffuerJnu4kY-bmkYWYB26g6U32sk6tVu13J_ki_5hjnmEnYoAAtIMwzqot_Dc6Cnphli6Esz1yUw_gJcRUxoJiVBCtXgyAPVuGhn3PnVOn3QKlgMpfJjwioe_91toS9y1470BCHBw/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RCffuerJnu4kY-bmkYWYB26g6U32sk6tVu13J_ki_5hjnmEnYoAAtIMwzqot_Dc6Cnphli6Esz1yUw_gJcRUxoJiVBCtXgyAPVuGhn3PnVOn3QKlgMpfJjwioe_91toS9y1470BCHBw/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Green Vervet Monkey. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of our trips was to Makasutu a forest and mini resort a short drive away from us. The forest was found and preserved by two English guys who then set it up for visitors. As part of your visit you go on a boat trip around the mangroves, past the oyster farm and then to base camp an area that serves as a relaxation for the guests at the grand Medina lodge (a very posh hotel). From there a guide takes you on a walk through the woods and points out birds and gives interesting facts and stories about the trees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzxOyBqLRQCRV2QPZuB7lrjWIsyHEDosqcyRqXozFvblFR_uBYwgKqm-hOd1MwvbaPGnCRgVQe5wOMf2PYejWT0Hn4jl4OwXVG-STGZFbfcCQ9S9goubIOHwHNi3U-KY88doCB1B_CIn4/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzxOyBqLRQCRV2QPZuB7lrjWIsyHEDosqcyRqXozFvblFR_uBYwgKqm-hOd1MwvbaPGnCRgVQe5wOMf2PYejWT0Hn4jl4OwXVG-STGZFbfcCQ9S9goubIOHwHNi3U-KY88doCB1B_CIn4/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oyster Farm on the banks of the mangroves. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN-bYOinFPn65E1Des0WuAfomAm18ogtz-eJJ8QKK9HhtdcGU8GL7ne8aJLjJZtkGI0FwThpxQ3aR08viQcZAk7mbkVQ9dP6ZiCdsm9YqAW54PsBB4azm2uR3mGljJpNjDJSp6kFMqf27/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN-bYOinFPn65E1Des0WuAfomAm18ogtz-eJJ8QKK9HhtdcGU8GL7ne8aJLjJZtkGI0FwThpxQ3aR08viQcZAk7mbkVQ9dP6ZiCdsm9YqAW54PsBB4azm2uR3mGljJpNjDJSp6kFMqf27/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty flowers on a canopy. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As my other half enjoys bird watching we went on a few trips to see some of the many birds of Gambia. It was great being able to use my new camera and get some shots of the pretty birds. My favourite is this one the Abyssinian Roller, with it's beautiful aqua and lavender coloured feathers. Another amazing bird was the Hornbill with his big red beak.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1zB2kFA8hJdXRjhEMekVJEvo7sRdHBa2dTUuWiKGCM1PwV9HbfZjED-yZbzsaHoV13s50fz0P86lypXga88XrYiPmosuM9dsxYnvMDvWO-SB0Dt6aVFACwo-Bsv-ZTBPznsn2ewTs-MP/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1zB2kFA8hJdXRjhEMekVJEvo7sRdHBa2dTUuWiKGCM1PwV9HbfZjED-yZbzsaHoV13s50fz0P86lypXga88XrYiPmosuM9dsxYnvMDvWO-SB0Dt6aVFACwo-Bsv-ZTBPznsn2ewTs-MP/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abyssinian Roller. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcbwcUyvinGFsx6LhAUiL8mrK4aF9r1xF14L09J0irnFzfuVBvoO2heZz8rfOPGh26nNc_916yyHiNcgRV2ZqRHqja4HW4Qw9pxhm99tftqTOn4hKKCe5JqaBZ_dJ45oayXzh1BDos5dw/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcbwcUyvinGFsx6LhAUiL8mrK4aF9r1xF14L09J0irnFzfuVBvoO2heZz8rfOPGh26nNc_916yyHiNcgRV2ZqRHqja4HW4Qw9pxhm99tftqTOn4hKKCe5JqaBZ_dJ45oayXzh1BDos5dw/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hornbill. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh you know those pigs I mentioned, here's one crossing the road!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB9_1QMl4wNMIpcfXwql-0tabQxAFJWW_rkBkZQNkimCfUcCcOhhyqPcTh-zeSBGG_AaPgM8A3w7RrKER-7e4gOK15gBx-0Vj6KcIBeAZ6YCloqclHqLTcMKDcMt9sKsDvjhKCJoUy521/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB9_1QMl4wNMIpcfXwql-0tabQxAFJWW_rkBkZQNkimCfUcCcOhhyqPcTh-zeSBGG_AaPgM8A3w7RrKER-7e4gOK15gBx-0Vj6KcIBeAZ6YCloqclHqLTcMKDcMt9sKsDvjhKCJoUy521/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Piggy crossing. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On days off e.g: when not on a trip, we would walk along the beach and enjoy the sunshine, collect shells, watch the fishermen and avoid the bumsters! Bumsters are people who approach you and try and befriend you, asking your name, where you're from and how long you are staying in Gambia. Mostly harmless, just annoying and often want to sell you something or want you to go and visit their market stall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyday as we sat and ate lunch at the beach side cafe, we would watch the fishing boat come in and haul the net in. Then the freshly caught fish would be sold right on the beach, to locals and to the cafe and restaurant owners. Marek had fresh fish for his dinner most nights. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwP18hclPwza-eATJgq_Kjq1dNcgKyn5_XTgmOc12U61hAhYkDSWZUqs9ZjaEajvF3d9ieWkTFv0iQwjbJf1uqJfdflMJZ032ATz9ldcxoinz0cBXm2Hk0eo2wyd-44hqxwdVLs_Rs5ub/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwP18hclPwza-eATJgq_Kjq1dNcgKyn5_XTgmOc12U61hAhYkDSWZUqs9ZjaEajvF3d9ieWkTFv0iQwjbJf1uqJfdflMJZ032ATz9ldcxoinz0cBXm2Hk0eo2wyd-44hqxwdVLs_Rs5ub/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kotu beach. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sun rising over the hotel, while we're eating an early bird breakfast before a trip to Brufut woods. The garden of the hotel was very pretty and lovely to sit in after a trip out. The maids who cleaned the rooms would leave fresh flowers on the bed every day too.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs1w9LROTiz7hq-IEmEQjKdc5ecqy4-R8uSq6HgegCoG5MADlqXI65cdU64izqshv1UpDpzKpS4RAzs64OQH7TuoJIyPKglZHx-hXnuRVFCfytNFFiw-ygpNrncZkzuOI4-1Oa2ItI-2y/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs1w9LROTiz7hq-IEmEQjKdc5ecqy4-R8uSq6HgegCoG5MADlqXI65cdU64izqshv1UpDpzKpS4RAzs64OQH7TuoJIyPKglZHx-hXnuRVFCfytNFFiw-ygpNrncZkzuOI4-1Oa2ItI-2y/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bakotu hotel, Kotu. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tanji beach watching the fishing boats coming with the days catch and the women preparing the fish. This was a fascinating place to watch local life. The long boats were stuffed full of men and nets and would come in at this time everyday laden with fish. Boys and other men would help bring the boat in and then pass buckets and bowls along full of fish. The locals would wait on the beach ready to buy or to take the fish to the market area and prepare the fish. A place full of hustle, bustle and colour.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7ehcczeL6waZGZna0AqOkXijZHWGxMYOKvc3pyNj1PM4q23DtigBu6D8cpgwieNyieuaBzqdkTwWY6Qeg7xPiWRiI0qw0B5lGCd2zeeH-S8ysr2L-jVpQChK8fHprDlcSHluKyTxDWUp/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7ehcczeL6waZGZna0AqOkXijZHWGxMYOKvc3pyNj1PM4q23DtigBu6D8cpgwieNyieuaBzqdkTwWY6Qeg7xPiWRiI0qw0B5lGCd2zeeH-S8ysr2L-jVpQChK8fHprDlcSHluKyTxDWUp/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woman preparing fish. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I found the trees and plants fascinating and often asked the guide what they were called. This one he wasn't sure what it was called, but I loved the seed pods and the leaves so took a picture anyway. Once all my washing is done and out the way I will sit and draw it.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgGrgCC46ZBfU48_2O00U6fFDop1m3P7Gjlpx0v3FzO6q9SEJ4vxNpR1k3wx_TvZO1Y9p9tMjPn5aZLYYcDgZaLZnPMs_8mIZtWo5mZrd8YgiWBydYel2k8KdiTiOYHmedSlicA11jcY/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgGrgCC46ZBfU48_2O00U6fFDop1m3P7Gjlpx0v3FzO6q9SEJ4vxNpR1k3wx_TvZO1Y9p9tMjPn5aZLYYcDgZaLZnPMs_8mIZtWo5mZrd8YgiWBydYel2k8KdiTiOYHmedSlicA11jcY/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pods in Gambia. Photo Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you liked my mini tour of Gambia and perhaps one day you might want to visit. It was a lot greener than I thought it would be and we saw every type of housing from cobbled together shacks to brick built mansions. The locals are friendly and smiley and say the more you smile the darker your skin gets! At markets you have to barter for everything nothing has a price, so it's a bit daunting, but we had a go and have now got some lovely pieces to remind us of our time in The Gambia.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Books read while on holiday</u>: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Like this, for ever</b> <i>by Sharon Bolton</i>. A gritty murder mystery that has you on the edge of the seat. (strictly speaking I'd already started this one and just finished it on holiday)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Sister</b> <i>by Rosamund Lupton</i>. Written as a letter to a missing sister a murder mystery with a difference.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-54155017470407719712014-02-03T17:43:00.000+00:002014-02-03T17:45:40.430+00:00Murmuration of Starlings.......and other things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have had a great day drawing today, keeping warm in the studio with my cat, Snow for company. She decided that an old shoe box by the radiator was a good place for a kip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QqidLIqVa0NAa_NC4efoaqFhXXuf6ESR3GZYh9mMdt2EyEk6wgVnKYry1WlG7MabIufy2cwPd8pJtHY3VDLTwUIfwYJw64DonIjvH4X25bD9JzkEdngHj26CDny2irVkKc3xkWMwPN-i/s1600/snow+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QqidLIqVa0NAa_NC4efoaqFhXXuf6ESR3GZYh9mMdt2EyEk6wgVnKYry1WlG7MabIufy2cwPd8pJtHY3VDLTwUIfwYJw64DonIjvH4X25bD9JzkEdngHj26CDny2irVkKc3xkWMwPN-i/s1600/snow+box.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snow in a box!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been fascinated by birds for ages as regular followers will know. Today I've added a new one to my favourites list....the lovely spotty starling. Yes they can be noisy when there's a whole gaggle of them, but if you look closely they're beautiful birds. On walks around dusk you will see many of them doing their mesmerising patterns in the sky, called a murmuration. The other day we had a few visit our garden and watching them flit through the branches of the tree from my studio window was lovely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first picture started as an experiment using oil bars and oil paint sticks. I've had the the oil paint sticks for a while and have used them for a couple of things, but decided to give them another go. The oil bar was a sample from work, that I thought I'd try out and compare the two types. Oil bars take a while to dry so you have to be patient especially if you lay it on thick. The oil paint sticks are slightly more user friendly and dry in a couple of hours rather than days and can be used on fabric too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1535601_656413394405258_635314859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1535601_656413394405258_635314859_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Starling Dear- first step waiting to dry, Copyright Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once I was sure the oil was dry I then began to add to my image. I love geometric shapes and especially circles, so added some for a contemporary look rather than placing him in a garden setting. Mixing my two loves nature and science, well sort of!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQHVBt6tRmSwzLwmX9z41lGDL3K-DRKJIHtWSlBPD6kzdsEoZcZ8wT3p2W2AFbEJ75BXbKyAYJplkULLoYKJfgK9Cv0RjxkNzM5ATH6rl3IsQAfKBRsVG_6MPq5GYQaz_qqDX8BxZhxQz/s1600/starling+geo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQHVBt6tRmSwzLwmX9z41lGDL3K-DRKJIHtWSlBPD6kzdsEoZcZ8wT3p2W2AFbEJ75BXbKyAYJplkULLoYKJfgK9Cv0RjxkNzM5ATH6rl3IsQAfKBRsVG_6MPq5GYQaz_qqDX8BxZhxQz/s1600/starling+geo.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Starling Dear, Copyright Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For my next bird I've had a great time with my paint box and getting all those paints out that have felt a little unloved of late. Sitting with Snow for company a good tunes from my ipod I've had a great time painting this little guy, with all his spots and dots. I used a mixture of media from ink to gouache.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-_Xw9w_uBm0HQ7pbMo2gSxjFaNWEXaKF_YrD6XKlP72BFZMZ-GJhyQrhiLzbR7mqUgtH-e_0HKIcHKKy2Ywm8fG3yzPWWvh_OHxORbSUKfzTXHp0E8-CsBtOod4_6uDLKW9yla7TJ5Pq/s1600/starling+blk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-_Xw9w_uBm0HQ7pbMo2gSxjFaNWEXaKF_YrD6XKlP72BFZMZ-GJhyQrhiLzbR7mqUgtH-e_0HKIcHKKy2Ywm8fG3yzPWWvh_OHxORbSUKfzTXHp0E8-CsBtOod4_6uDLKW9yla7TJ5Pq/s1600/starling+blk.jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All the spots starling, Copyright Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm now thinking how I can further develop these guys and the little grey cells are working on the next phase.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The piece I started over the Christmas period is now finished! Using a combination of hand and machine embroidery and introducing different stitches, needle felt, beads and paper, this piece is full of textures and I'm really please with it :-) Now all I need to do is find some where to hang it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31/1119955_663575807022350_1176398184_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31/1119955_663575807022350_1176398184_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dusky meadow, copyright Tracy Bidwell 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-85559911610225565772014-01-13T17:13:00.000+00:002014-01-13T17:13:23.334+00:00Sewing a meadow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While off over the Christmas break I started mulling over an idea for a new project, something I could sit and stitch in the evenings after work or develop on my days off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sewing a meadow was roughly sketched out on note paper and then I dug out some fabric that should have been a plain table runner, as it was a natural cream colour it would make a great back ground for my meadow. It was too long as it was so I cut it into smaller sections, this also makes it a little more in proportion and easier to manage. I then hand painted the background and roughly sketched some trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1549292_648027918577139_2144986779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1549292_648027918577139_2144986779_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then onto tackling the large tree in the fore ground. I love the textures you find on some trees especially old knarled ones. I also love silver birch trees and how they sometimes have that lovely smooth silvery bark or another type has a rougher texture with silver bits peeking through. Here I used a mixture of textures to portray that including lace and felt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1521502_649972855049312_1912608097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1521502_649972855049312_1912608097_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After adding some branches to my tree and stitching the trees in the mid section, I started creating the plants and grasses in the fore ground. The varigated thread that had been sitting in my sewing box was brilliant for the dried colours of this hedge row grass. I'm also adding other textures to add a bit of variety to the piece and help with depth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBx-VkgPcsuu27PGG-t7eOyEHsF9-ReCEx2ywcf4j7JCmQ3ERydDQtsNcyDP6FNUTrHm0n8g0j4vBzQDsFbEud3d-tjEy9roXWZwMmdncaBTwo0Ok9uv2y0bBG0xvEKDc73BkwLVuDKkN/s1600/stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBx-VkgPcsuu27PGG-t7eOyEHsF9-ReCEx2ywcf4j7JCmQ3ERydDQtsNcyDP6FNUTrHm0n8g0j4vBzQDsFbEud3d-tjEy9roXWZwMmdncaBTwo0Ok9uv2y0bBG0xvEKDc73BkwLVuDKkN/s320/stitch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As it progresses I'll post images onto my Facebook page, although for some reason instagram has stopped posting straight to my page, not entirely sure why. But you can click on the small image and it will open up or alternatively see it on Twitter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another topic close to my heart is architecture and I have enjoyed the walk down to work in the peace of the morning and looking at the great buildings we have in Newcastle and snapping any that inspire me. This drawing was inspired by a reflection of an old building in a newer building and the sun was a blaze on the lovely sandstone of Emerson Chambers, gorgeous!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1544427_649035031809761_527186556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1544427_649035031809761_527186556_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-59937004868270159582014-01-03T18:00:00.000+00:002014-01-03T18:07:39.542+00:00First post of 2014!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Happy New Year everyone and I hope 2014 treats you all kindly :-)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a little while, I know and I'm sad I've neglected my little blog, but things at Ballistic Owl have been a bit busy on the run up to festive season. As previously mentioned in my <b>Ink, cards and robins</b> post, I've been working my four days in the fabulous <a href="http://www.details-express.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Details art shop</a>. It has been lovely to help people with their purchases of arty gifts for loved ones to open on Christmas day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you love creating things then why not drop by and see what we have! Details is a great place to get all the media for your projects and we have a frame shop on the premises so you can have your master pieces framed. Stock includes, papers for all media, oil, gouache, watercolour and acrylic paints, pastels, pencil crayons and canvas. We also have lino and printing ink, so those of you who print can get supplies too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Details is part of the Newcastle Arts Centre and is located on Westgate Road just around the corner from Newcastle train station. The lovely gift shop is at the front and sells work by local artists and designer makers, as you walk through the gift shop you'll see the gallery space and then Details itself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.details-express.co.uk/acatalog/shop%20photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://www.details-express.co.uk/acatalog/shop%20photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Details art shop, full to the brim of great art materials.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other activity that has kept me busy involved preparing my work for a gallery in Sunderland called <a href="http://www.creativecohesion.org.uk/" target="_blank">Creative Cohesion</a>, an art collective that converted an old garage near Sunniside and are now promoting many creative practise's in the Sunderland area. They organise workshops, markets and loads of other great stuff for all ages to drop in and do something creative, from glass blowing to sewing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few of the pieces I took down and enjoyed working on and are available to buy in the gallery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4zkwuQXNyLzD8Q6Ru93OBgqRJDydUwKJa2XUhUobk5VU2t4GKiBYW74o-rYLSR0FPFXsB-hEorQTQxtTnIoJJ3SfcFdowU7ibDFdL4un6v5el4lkWgC7RbClMesGCiCHrrn-fpHuJviG/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4zkwuQXNyLzD8Q6Ru93OBgqRJDydUwKJa2XUhUobk5VU2t4GKiBYW74o-rYLSR0FPFXsB-hEorQTQxtTnIoJJ3SfcFdowU7ibDFdL4un6v5el4lkWgC7RbClMesGCiCHrrn-fpHuJviG/s320/IMG_3893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bird in the flower bed. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIpxAsvbkI8muwWz1juarKGKenDQ9dm20AYiqunmxJPo6taiCdEVghTj7x0nQt_0DILIJk9UYiL2Q-XZvWZRMGfRuPHsyz05tze4yKYejlnkWdmhavSKjl0XNAUD8Ip6HrLEWMo75SBQd/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIpxAsvbkI8muwWz1juarKGKenDQ9dm20AYiqunmxJPo6taiCdEVghTj7x0nQt_0DILIJk9UYiL2Q-XZvWZRMGfRuPHsyz05tze4yKYejlnkWdmhavSKjl0XNAUD8Ip6HrLEWMo75SBQd/s320/IMG_3896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Green Humming bird. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6V3jTs954UdK-WZ1BFm4pvVgVIvJ9DaQ6Ypg8uKAAi6y3GlF1aQlFH_EfCUBh7AveGnIgp33roBje_Uox8U3xlYIupQtvPhnit9iRR0sWgNqz_uUgeqHoffKreqDWakyDzQOXkxcwMSF/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6V3jTs954UdK-WZ1BFm4pvVgVIvJ9DaQ6Ypg8uKAAi6y3GlF1aQlFH_EfCUBh7AveGnIgp33roBje_Uox8U3xlYIupQtvPhnit9iRR0sWgNqz_uUgeqHoffKreqDWakyDzQOXkxcwMSF/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Autumn Owl. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1496015_579518095436655_584661421_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1496015_579518095436655_584661421_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A collection of screen printed home accessories. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm now working on new projects and in the process of creating a new textile piece, as well as drawing and being inspired by some of the photos taken on my new camera. Here's a couple taken on Christmas day at one of our favourite nature reserves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBm8rUWEnk1tD6KJcLWv1B_ONxpHf_1RKHCCmOZ-n27sxZCyVXuKuZvsthMM-vQwrZ8kdY7_jyJD7iZyZG_L2s8OJWweQSlDSm4e5MT0m_Rj5RomhpNGz97VxtEDANo_1SM9h0AXdyL27/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBm8rUWEnk1tD6KJcLWv1B_ONxpHf_1RKHCCmOZ-n27sxZCyVXuKuZvsthMM-vQwrZ8kdY7_jyJD7iZyZG_L2s8OJWweQSlDSm4e5MT0m_Rj5RomhpNGz97VxtEDANo_1SM9h0AXdyL27/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nuthatch having a spot of breakfast. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc0nU1o5DtVHbNu-NsH1wSri-NQbxfJ-gs24mcHDYLI63YEjgDIP3LAZnw4BoSMSi82xHiahpawVEZoNqY-YvQwTm9g0lGeMUt_fS8auNqJKBSm7iCdvAthZAMxCzj0HOfIw_yX6ZtuOE/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc0nU1o5DtVHbNu-NsH1wSri-NQbxfJ-gs24mcHDYLI63YEjgDIP3LAZnw4BoSMSi82xHiahpawVEZoNqY-YvQwTm9g0lGeMUt_fS8auNqJKBSm7iCdvAthZAMxCzj0HOfIw_yX6ZtuOE/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sprucing up the feathers. Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for popping by and hopefully it won't be so long between posts next time!</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-3031130645116550242013-11-29T15:59:00.000+00:002013-11-29T16:00:27.986+00:00Ink, card and robins.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There have been some changes in routine here at Ballistic Owl, for those of you who follow me on Facebook you will already know why, but for those who don't, perhaps you could join in the owly fun over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl">www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl</a>. I post updates as and when they happen and little studio bits and bobs, as well as inspirational images from my travels about the region. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway for those of who don't know I now have a job four days a week in the fabulous <a href="http://www.details-express.co.uk/" target="_blank">Newcastle Arts Centre </a> in Details art store. It's a great place to work and I've met some lovely people and starting to recognise the regular customers. The shop stocks a vast array of media and materials from tracing paper to artist quality oil paints and anything inbetween.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been enjoying my time in the studio more as time here is more concentrated than before, but in a good way. It means I have to plan my activities such a this week, where I've been making my own Christmas cards, something I've not done for a while. I had a great day printing and getting the ink out and covering the room with prints on Monday and had already made a start on my robins, but did more of those on Monday afternoon while my prints dried. Today (Friday) I've finished off my robins and I'm now assembling my cards, with the wishful thinking I'll get them written on Sunday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/996980_627108417335756_1532616797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/996980_627108417335756_1532616797_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Screen printing session</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/524688_628994467147151_785089336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/524688_628994467147151_785089336_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First few robins being made</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1461063_630062757040322_1476290157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1461063_630062757040322_1476290157_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All felted and outlines stitched (sure there's a pattern in there somewhere!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1463318_627234530656478_2096290915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1463318_627234530656478_2096290915_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A finished card!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've also been enjoying drawing (with a little purchase from the shop!), I love drawing and I've got loads of media to play with, but these pencil crayons are beautiful. They're Faber-Castell polychromos and beautifully smooth to draw with and blend well too. There's 120 crayons in the series and I have 47, so I may be on the look out for the others too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1475770_626132877433310_1271277040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1475770_626132877433310_1271277040_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An evenings entertainment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So remember if you want to keep up with my studio snippets pop over and find my page on Facebook or follow on twitter. I will continue to write my blog with news too, so do keep popping by.</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-89235189371982643142013-10-30T12:09:00.000+00:002013-10-30T12:09:01.539+00:00Patterns going mobile!<div style="text-align: center;">
The last few weeks have been really exciting for Ballistic Owl! I've not only been working on a commission, but I've also had 10 of my designs licensed! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keka Case is an American based company who design and produce cases for mobile phones and devices such as Kindles and ipads. They have a core group of designers, which include Rachael Taylor and Debra Valencia, but have expanded their design collective to include some new kids like me! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHyGm63vu-DhTkhEMiumJZnCDQWnLmLqwdk1NxlIhDd3PGWjmKDmE6ZQyBC4uW3nJQiYqKTN9u39namSwbJWisufukOZy3GSBvvThAjMIh8YwbykOIZ1b8fHUvfD0JVfA-BhljkE8M_Ex/s1600/Keka+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHyGm63vu-DhTkhEMiumJZnCDQWnLmLqwdk1NxlIhDd3PGWjmKDmE6ZQyBC4uW3nJQiYqKTN9u39namSwbJWisufukOZy3GSBvvThAjMIh8YwbykOIZ1b8fHUvfD0JVfA-BhljkE8M_Ex/s400/Keka+page.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the moment 6 of my patterns are available, but soon that will go up to 10 with my remaining patterns still being mocked up at present. I chose a mix of patterns based on my themes of botanical gardens and microscopic plants cells. So some are more illustrative and others more funky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are available to order and are shipped to the UK as well as throughout America. So if you're wondering what to buy your friend this Christmas, why not get them a designer ipad case or phone cover.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
News on my commission will follow shortly and I also have now got a job at the Newcastle Art Centre working in the art shop with a possibility of leading some print workshops :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The link to my Keka page is <a href="http://www.kekacase.com/designer-cases/tracy-bidwell.html">http://www.kekacase.com/designer-cases/tracy-bidwell.html</a></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-15361602460254634892013-10-08T17:42:00.000+00:002013-10-08T17:42:28.994+00:00Mixing it up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I have had fun over the last week or so and have got back into screen printing after I had a light bulb moment on what I could try with the designs I currently have on my screens. I knew I hadn't finished with the design, but until now had sort of run out of things to try. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A while back I read a post by Clarissa Hulse whose work I really love and admire. It was about a trip the John Lewis team paid to her studio and what a great time they'd had experimenting with print. I have always loved the colour blends in Clarissa's work, but for some reason not dared to try it myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last week I had a go and had great fun mixing my inks and allowed myself to be looser in my work and not worry about straight lines or miss prints. If you check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">facebook page</a> you'll see some of the results.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The piece featured below is one of those prints that I decided to use as a further experiment. I've been given a book that explores mixing up techniques and textures and includes a lot of collage using layers of paper as well as fabric. Based on some of those ideas and inspirations I got sewing and playing around with bits of wood, paper and scraps of fabric.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY0yvI8zf1gl6PtDkjMsSAop7QYC3NfVfC05AfMR7KDTbFPSgaQEKF9vT1v-MC_I_4SJqe_vRZBgpuBH6wO-IjHR7e-EKF85N1Wn-Yw54M0VHz1kMAFW3nPfMwFMasqqp0TjlvzzG1Edg/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY0yvI8zf1gl6PtDkjMsSAop7QYC3NfVfC05AfMR7KDTbFPSgaQEKF9vT1v-MC_I_4SJqe_vRZBgpuBH6wO-IjHR7e-EKF85N1Wn-Yw54M0VHz1kMAFW3nPfMwFMasqqp0TjlvzzG1Edg/s320/IMG_3816.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Across the meadow - by Tracy Bidwell copyright 2013</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL36a9aSf8dyc18rbkja_FU2i4pLCFO11z3BhsvRwCyy-pRka7sH65_L9IESnd3ljm-WV8YdyBO3Pn6eRjsGUo0IEZkm-ZqVuBcXDCc6tzSLdlbcg2C3D2wsccJQymiKWGWdJCQAYEjAT/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL36a9aSf8dyc18rbkja_FU2i4pLCFO11z3BhsvRwCyy-pRka7sH65_L9IESnd3ljm-WV8YdyBO3Pn6eRjsGUo0IEZkm-ZqVuBcXDCc6tzSLdlbcg2C3D2wsccJQymiKWGWdJCQAYEjAT/s320/IMG_3819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Detail of Across the meadow - by Tracy Bidwell copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On the same day I printed the background for Across the meadow, I also printed these lovely table mats with my Gothic print. A friend gave me the mats to play around with and I'm pleased she did, may have to find some more now! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgT8nWdTkLyJRlK4lgtZMkjZiKzw24ONTDXMbpNT7zltpI8oj5YFHyZF2NeuqIaNlS0HkYTB7DLCvMvzVQjp7m16zYO1qjPQS_71C5ETVhztZWn9tjpZfJ07rJIsKnbgrL_AYp-Ybap_e/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgT8nWdTkLyJRlK4lgtZMkjZiKzw24ONTDXMbpNT7zltpI8oj5YFHyZF2NeuqIaNlS0HkYTB7DLCvMvzVQjp7m16zYO1qjPQS_71C5ETVhztZWn9tjpZfJ07rJIsKnbgrL_AYp-Ybap_e/s320/IMG_3822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gothic printed in dark chocolate and coffee - by Tracy Bidwell copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Off now to play with another print that I did in a similar style! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for all your support and encouragement and for reading all my ramblings :-)</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-23013772392117341292013-09-11T11:45:00.000+00:002013-09-11T11:45:02.475+00:00Made By Hands of Britain.I can now reveal that after a few weeks of preparation and some tweaking that Ballistic Owl is now featured on the fabulous Made By Hands of Britain website!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.madebyhandsofbritain.com/" target="_blank">Made By Hands of Britain</a> was started by Gillian, who after seeing a basket weaver on the BBC show Victorian Farm, and was the only person in the country now doing this particular craft, felt that something needed to be done. This spurred Gillian onto create a platform to showcase and promote craft and hand made products within the UK. The website has within it "mini shops" where individual artists and designers can show and sell their work.<br />
<br />
I feel so privileged to be part of this and in my own way keep some of the traditional skills alive, of course with a little Ballistic Owl magic! There are lots of fantastic artists on the site including the lovely work of <a href="http://www.madebyhandsofbritain.com/makers/louiseoharatextileandmixedmediaart/home" target="_blank">Louise O'Hara from Drawn to Stitch,</a> whose work is full of texture and atmosphere and I love seeing snippets of her work over on Facebook.<br />
<br />
My little shop has a mixture of my creations, from digitally printed pieces with hand embellishments to my screen printed cushions. So pop over and have a look and spread the word.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.madebyhandsofbritain.com/makers/tracybidwellprintsandhomeaccessories/home">http://www.madebyhandsofbritain.com/makers/tracybidwellprintsandhomeaccessories/home</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyThyphenhyphenqut5GJLVj_DJsFA07dwMMR5THnkiPqfxjeB4kVFM-UtxlfdJwdYw7b67nSoYfejMW0f0byTLLCriG3df6ybslEb7GF5T0tuR9ZtOHiUgbhby8GB2wWS35l0LQlR6zGSSDdfJE8xdx/s1600/MBHOB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyThyphenhyphenqut5GJLVj_DJsFA07dwMMR5THnkiPqfxjeB4kVFM-UtxlfdJwdYw7b67nSoYfejMW0f0byTLLCriG3df6ybslEb7GF5T0tuR9ZtOHiUgbhby8GB2wWS35l0LQlR6zGSSDdfJE8xdx/s320/MBHOB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-76889266080534411342013-08-13T15:03:00.001+00:002013-08-13T15:03:57.556+00:00Structures - if only they could talkLately I have been experimenting with a few ideas and have really loved the results so I thought I'd share them with you.<br />
<br />
I have enjoyed printing with my little birds and stitching into them, but thought that perhaps a change of theme would be good. I have always loved architecture and the details you might find if you look carefully, and love both old and some new alike. In the North East as with many historical towns and cities there is a vast array of buildings that if they could talk would tell many a good tale.<br />
<br />
So I decided to start a new series and so far it's called Structures, I wanted to keep it open so that I could perhaps add other interesting architecture not particular to the North East too. I'm also experimenting with digital print and loving exploring the effects and layers you can build up. It's not to say I'm leaving the beloved hand printing behind, that may come into it later so keep your eyes peeled!<br />
<br />
Here are some of my first pieces in the series.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw4Gk0w_2nVI3xj9vGKcgn-EXREMHEFj5BbtDkxAhX6Z2-ON8zvXBLp3nsUp3fShBTqwvW18eWyxB-om1hBXRJKwd6gDIiow9TgguVQ-rfYJuPOQLG6izTh1uQPmcL_XwAHp-OAiPJ3Fp/s1600/Flour+Mill+copright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw4Gk0w_2nVI3xj9vGKcgn-EXREMHEFj5BbtDkxAhX6Z2-ON8zvXBLp3nsUp3fShBTqwvW18eWyxB-om1hBXRJKwd6gDIiow9TgguVQ-rfYJuPOQLG6izTh1uQPmcL_XwAHp-OAiPJ3Fp/s320/Flour+Mill+copright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flour Mill - copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_1I6kGHFpQJPs6oRm8tsw5aJO7PbxVsZN2PicPKiHUxxhVnxgQ-bZYjsUCo0iZ7X1L-fvnDw-nq31x3ZWFjySWJf_vCVp1MM83oDdGBMBgEceXmeRDCymqgxxBwa7fl35qxu6qHZRCKg/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_1I6kGHFpQJPs6oRm8tsw5aJO7PbxVsZN2PicPKiHUxxhVnxgQ-bZYjsUCo0iZ7X1L-fvnDw-nq31x3ZWFjySWJf_vCVp1MM83oDdGBMBgEceXmeRDCymqgxxBwa7fl35qxu6qHZRCKg/s320/IMG_3718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The old school - copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6IHSK16LF40FAPTc6yCBeJNakWvYwZx3fwqlZ1XTOqiWDxW3i0oGZcXhzJzxAQ0dw1kerAzeoZEUF0immjE6CpMk-tDKRpglNFvqpDcuQ6xMX_3laUvq_VNOiIYz4yFq0eYdqOXaA-PF/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6IHSK16LF40FAPTc6yCBeJNakWvYwZx3fwqlZ1XTOqiWDxW3i0oGZcXhzJzxAQ0dw1kerAzeoZEUF0immjE6CpMk-tDKRpglNFvqpDcuQ6xMX_3laUvq_VNOiIYz4yFq0eYdqOXaA-PF/s320/IMG_3720.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tryptych - copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQZkDNiZIIty83xr0WxHacBtEw6WFA2d4O7a4tM02XV1_bEq9gteG888_VHSyop1NxtZZUX1LaiszbE3wNCpaiCvq55cCcqaYh9y8vd_81WrfiD4YHh5CL5tqIEgZjy2AiMS_5ymA4T-2/s1600/Millennium+Bridge+copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQZkDNiZIIty83xr0WxHacBtEw6WFA2d4O7a4tM02XV1_bEq9gteG888_VHSyop1NxtZZUX1LaiszbE3wNCpaiCvq55cCcqaYh9y8vd_81WrfiD4YHh5CL5tqIEgZjy2AiMS_5ymA4T-2/s320/Millennium+Bridge+copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Millennium Bridge - copyright Ballistic Owl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ECXJjbnYmvNAw10HjRdtQqw9zqnS2vfor5XCcmcmfwnucWM4aFqob2qc3FfQLj9kZyAnq50wDaCspeLK0bdHGs222dtBrFGaSTWIvqlEaAgWrY1sT8Y_bD4m8JoDTU4rvsCS_C_kYmbr/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ECXJjbnYmvNAw10HjRdtQqw9zqnS2vfor5XCcmcmfwnucWM4aFqob2qc3FfQLj9kZyAnq50wDaCspeLK0bdHGs222dtBrFGaSTWIvqlEaAgWrY1sT8Y_bD4m8JoDTU4rvsCS_C_kYmbr/s320/IMG_3710.JPG" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Detail from the Quayside - copyright Ballistic Owl 2012</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All the prints are created from images in my own vast archive, collected for college projects and trips around the UK. I've loved adding little embroidered details just to highlight key features, sometimes very tiny features! These are now available through my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and I will be adding more as I create them, more waiting to be printed as I write this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't forget to look out for my variations, will post about those once I've had a play around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you for dropping by and don't forget to tell your friends about Ballistic Owl and where you can find me on the web.</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-80010359565096279042013-08-07T10:45:00.000+00:002013-08-07T10:45:27.080+00:00Liebster Nomination <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you to <a href="http://laurenchericedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/liebster-nomination.html" target="_blank">Lauren Cherice Designs</a> for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Firstly here's what it's all about, it is to nominate and share new up and coming bloggers that have less than a 200 followers. You answer the questions that the nominator has sent and then ask 10 or 11 more to other bloggers with less than 200 followers.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's similar to a blog hop, but you get to know a little about the person behind the blog too. It's about sharing and support for fellow bloggers within your field.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
So here are the questions Lauren asked me:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="text-align: left;">1.</span><b style="text-align: left;">Who is your biggest inspiration?</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span>Design wise it has to be Lucienne Day and the way she took the 1951 Festival of Britain by storm. I love the optimism of the whole of 1950's era and the way they were not afraid to try new things.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="text-align: left;">2.</span><b style="text-align: left;">What is your favourite food? </b></span>Mmm<span style="text-align: left;"> tricky, I have a sweet tooth so puddings are probably it, especially Pavlova or </span>panacotta<span style="text-align: left;">!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="text-align: left;">3. </span><b style="text-align: left;">Reading or Blogging?</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"> I would say a bit of both, I love finding out what other people are up to and what projects they are working on. But I also like sharing what I'm up to or something that has inspired me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">4. </span></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">Countryside or Beach?</span> </b><span style="text-align: left;">The countryside! Always full of inspiration and I love taking pictures of flowers and interesting views or worn stone walls.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXGNiCk0UGhKkHwXMcbvkuFXjzxZ9fXOQW0W-a-HH0sO_QODxvBnT7hCjw_8y6BovzKmMySAnVGBf0ZDGRsBuNndXI9__oyGwAx17ts2h-NyFHTKKeM4-dlheaTLFoRNXMIeUXfqyD3e9/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXGNiCk0UGhKkHwXMcbvkuFXjzxZ9fXOQW0W-a-HH0sO_QODxvBnT7hCjw_8y6BovzKmMySAnVGBf0ZDGRsBuNndXI9__oyGwAx17ts2h-NyFHTKKeM4-dlheaTLFoRNXMIeUXfqyD3e9/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">5</span><span style="color: #ead1dc;">.</span> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">Have you got anything exciting planned for the rest of 2013?</span> </b><span style="text-align: left;">I'm trying to build up my little one woman business at the moment and hopefully once a few teething problems have been resolved, it will tick along nicely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="text-align: left;">6.</span><b style="text-align: left;">What is your biggest achievement? </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">It's got to be going back to college/uni to retrain and achieving a 1st class degree! I enjoyed every minute of my degree course and made some lovely friends and learnt tons. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">7. </span></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">Ice cream or chocolate?</span> </b><span style="text-align: left;">Tough one this as I really like both (just eaten a </span>curlywurly<span style="text-align: left;">!), my favourite flavour ice cream is rum and raisin.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;">8. <b>The one thing you can't live without? </b></span>Please can I have two things?!?! My cats Snowflake and Sparkle, gorgeous silver tabbies, who keep me company in the studio. My lovely Marek who bless him always gets my latest creations to look at! Oh so technically that's 3 oopps!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKBdFSSKIP6RD53a_k2uGAjAwRZjbia-v63BlHeVaTAXIcfbGZDiuT4ITMxkmTqIwxvAsHb_koEZGcQnaxRdx0VtK5Uo-di0iVC10nRTqWRs_9AwRo9yXuqWlk96xQ4LvnKL6LRQoKFu1/s1600/IMG_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKBdFSSKIP6RD53a_k2uGAjAwRZjbia-v63BlHeVaTAXIcfbGZDiuT4ITMxkmTqIwxvAsHb_koEZGcQnaxRdx0VtK5Uo-di0iVC10nRTqWRs_9AwRo9yXuqWlk96xQ4LvnKL6LRQoKFu1/s320/IMG_4708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;">9.<b> What is your design starting point? </b></span>I always start with visual research and then move onto drawing and draw until I feel I have enough to start designing with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta;">10.</span><b><span style="color: magenta;"> What is your favourite memory?</span> </b>Being proposed to on the very top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, magical :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So here are my nominations:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jayne at <a href="http://mygorgeousangelpie.blogspot.co.uk/">http://mygorgeousangelpie.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Mavis at <a href="http://mavisglover.blogspot.co.uk/">http://mavisglover.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jeanie at <a href="http://jeanieandjewell.blogspot.co.uk/">http://jeanieandjewell.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Laura at <a href="http://curiousdoodles.blogspot.co.uk/">http://curiousdoodles.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Pauline at <a href="http://embroidererspicnic.blogspot.co.uk/">http://embroidererspicnic.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Some great blogs that I follow and enjoy reading and seeing what they're up to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So to my questions.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1. If you were given a travel ticket where would it take you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2. Favourite designer and why?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
3. What flavour ice cream would you choose vanilla or rum n raisin?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
4. If you were put on a desert island what book would you take?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
5. When you work do you have music on or like to work in silence?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
6. Night owl or early bird?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
7. Where would you most like to see your work displayed/sold?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
8. What is your main source of inspiration?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
9. Banana or strawberry milkshake?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
10. What is your favourite colour combination in a design?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11. If you had the chance to work alongside a famous designer past or present who would it be?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Have fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
You can also find me on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl">https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl</a> and <a href="http://www.ballisticowl.co.uk/">www.ballisticowl.co.uk</a></div>
<ol>
</ol>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-35215797350745800802013-08-01T10:31:00.000+00:002013-08-01T10:49:16.236+00:00The not so desolate North East and how it inspires me!<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the most recent topics of conversation in the North East this week has been the comment made by Lord Howell of how fracking would be OK in the North East as it is a desolate place. It has been commented on numerous times in social media and has been taken on board by groups such as <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthEastHour" target="_blank">@NorthEastHour </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesolateNorthEast/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesolateNorthEast/</a>. Who are all for promoting how great the North East is and wanting to show that the region is a great place to live and work.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a textile designer and maker I love living in the Newcastle and find it a great source of inspiration. My latest prints inspired by the puffins on the Farne Islands is just one example of how where you live feeds into your work. The pictures below taken by Marek were then used by me to produce the delightful characters in my prints below. If you are a regular visitor to my blog you will have seen my previous post on these cheeky little chaps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWT33jDbMTXj-v1tk5-FrFziC9UujmzT2sa6qDMXPZKt2FPdplZCjIBa74keID0O8b8xGs28In9YS5LIH9FOoppM2LogQTN9XpSr6_6lQznQ-g8l_B9Tqd9XB6OSADXJYmdkWeBAq8mfv/s1600/IMG_1551+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWT33jDbMTXj-v1tk5-FrFziC9UujmzT2sa6qDMXPZKt2FPdplZCjIBa74keID0O8b8xGs28In9YS5LIH9FOoppM2LogQTN9XpSr6_6lQznQ-g8l_B9Tqd9XB6OSADXJYmdkWeBAq8mfv/s320/IMG_1551+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Staple Island Puffins- Picture credits Marek Bidwell</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcHcURTyGAF2xYU5BWyWMp19qvQqqVvYaCrBOPPg-POIMnt9a-SzzArNZSEG6ZwKrLtx6tXGFrLN5Bn54Rf_A-E0HMlZrMTT1CH6lKp0fUxhve_f7E7MLe_MwC5cD_FU47FmDvX5-IO7D/s1600/IMG_1605+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcHcURTyGAF2xYU5BWyWMp19qvQqqVvYaCrBOPPg-POIMnt9a-SzzArNZSEG6ZwKrLtx6tXGFrLN5Bn54Rf_A-E0HMlZrMTT1CH6lKp0fUxhve_f7E7MLe_MwC5cD_FU47FmDvX5-IO7D/s320/IMG_1605+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiimSZmWdEUClb7tr6GUZiRAsoVMSCPsazsoGfaq3HQ3M2RTfWSjo1Po3gwdNPUDMFZtxt84I9bExWSzskWoQ1tS7Q6vwtBR7Q0COkvX59caG09Y0EZsKS7mLDb98fBzArDhwLeQbwHasE/s1600/Fish+Supper-Puffin+print+copyright+Ballistic+Owl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiimSZmWdEUClb7tr6GUZiRAsoVMSCPsazsoGfaq3HQ3M2RTfWSjo1Po3gwdNPUDMFZtxt84I9bExWSzskWoQ1tS7Q6vwtBR7Q0COkvX59caG09Y0EZsKS7mLDb98fBzArDhwLeQbwHasE/s320/Fish+Supper-Puffin+print+copyright+Ballistic+Owl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fish Supper- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qY6mGEIXzWRrD-UUnFe30y45oQSGpXj26EytF7PcKVb0fxAUIAAqNXJPSBLNs5sWurDaQJW2UEszGN9HvqNixP2UVJ5OVrkW1x_0HLoj0t39sR9jx7-pUDn5EmQEsnCyOr-VfVNg7xQO/s1600/Offering+-Puffin+print+copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qY6mGEIXzWRrD-UUnFe30y45oQSGpXj26EytF7PcKVb0fxAUIAAqNXJPSBLNs5sWurDaQJW2UEszGN9HvqNixP2UVJ5OVrkW1x_0HLoj0t39sR9jx7-pUDn5EmQEsnCyOr-VfVNg7xQO/s320/Offering+-Puffin+print+copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Offering- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's not just the wildlife that inspires my work but also the built environment and the beautiful countryside. The Baltic and Central station have fantastic architectural details and the prints shown below are from those great landmarks from architectural history.Newcastle's Cathedral is also a beautiful building with many great details to inspire the creative mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQhxRJpJ42KhcseLcZVis4RsHjdIWiKwNh5wfRZ2AdtdPc7X1xLSCi_j0EwvczKfMdPiSLSiulZC7hKCyy8L6NAaWiZwmivTLloP6mNyzmu5WUcU9ZyHu1uATrTfqFRJ5WLYvoeoMNTG8/s1600/Tracy+Bidwell+Baltic+linocut+290x200mm+%C2%A375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQhxRJpJ42KhcseLcZVis4RsHjdIWiKwNh5wfRZ2AdtdPc7X1xLSCi_j0EwvczKfMdPiSLSiulZC7hKCyy8L6NAaWiZwmivTLloP6mNyzmu5WUcU9ZyHu1uATrTfqFRJ5WLYvoeoMNTG8/s320/Tracy+Bidwell+Baltic+linocut+290x200mm+%C2%A375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baltic Flour Mill- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuk2CdyaF2I63oEJ9dztsv2fjYdSq7nheF71cUyPGCSNFdzQl7FWdXDE07hFx4_ZxV798Q6X4aEE7c4FmIU_IXCGWrK-KaSXcQa6ve80RnOKeGvoMxoZYDBfHmRsmhPhJ_BrXj-qI_tuR/s1600/lino+print+central+station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuk2CdyaF2I63oEJ9dztsv2fjYdSq7nheF71cUyPGCSNFdzQl7FWdXDE07hFx4_ZxV798Q6X4aEE7c4FmIU_IXCGWrK-KaSXcQa6ve80RnOKeGvoMxoZYDBfHmRsmhPhJ_BrXj-qI_tuR/s320/lino+print+central+station.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Central Station- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1OcwjEyaJErvkBHBh37rsEY04xz_CCkG0Xzn01_GJT3cv1CKJONKbUiP2eDoFNBdV7rtG7BNKxc3nS-2o-vonI7jHYwdOhRXT-4EOCH1qk3NzaSj2aTIv1k1QR9gC1p_vOkc6ilYrlXh/s1600/IMG_6207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1OcwjEyaJErvkBHBh37rsEY04xz_CCkG0Xzn01_GJT3cv1CKJONKbUiP2eDoFNBdV7rtG7BNKxc3nS-2o-vonI7jHYwdOhRXT-4EOCH1qk3NzaSj2aTIv1k1QR9gC1p_vOkc6ilYrlXh/s320/IMG_6207.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Newcastle Cathedral - Picture credit Tracy Bidwell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbBIGTBPnV_C8q_UxGcCkz-FDmbtEN16GDnmqXkmeU4BZtUosjki7m5N7HY9JlcolI4ol7P0haa6dEezqaUIG-vyWiSBr-vGSuSxrUUFt2e0I2esZ7tRSnKY86hhXB1zQZpq94rkVgxE9/s1600/IMG_3463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbBIGTBPnV_C8q_UxGcCkz-FDmbtEN16GDnmqXkmeU4BZtUosjki7m5N7HY9JlcolI4ol7P0haa6dEezqaUIG-vyWiSBr-vGSuSxrUUFt2e0I2esZ7tRSnKY86hhXB1zQZpq94rkVgxE9/s320/IMG_3463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gothic Cushion inspired by the Cathedral door- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The architects of the past, such as John Dobson left us with a great wealth of inspiring buildings, whether they be industrial or residential. Even having lived here for many years I'm still discovering fantastic buildings within the region.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As for the countryside we couldn't really ask for anything better, open fields, woodlands, coastline and meadows. As well as a wealth of beautiful stately properties and gardens. Images I take as I walk around these places all form a vast library for me to work from either in print or stitch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPe_slARqrE4GQOGhvfZK1fIX5-CXtTQCQeeveLhSrUi4P0Ta548v-0STagTFlvp1hwcisnPu78lz0czyuxnNt_yIulMcV3fUs328XXjDRmgPXcMypjKaOkxqDK6UkI_6Z4gs_mQ2HN0i/s1600/IMG_2822+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPe_slARqrE4GQOGhvfZK1fIX5-CXtTQCQeeveLhSrUi4P0Ta548v-0STagTFlvp1hwcisnPu78lz0czyuxnNt_yIulMcV3fUs328XXjDRmgPXcMypjKaOkxqDK6UkI_6Z4gs_mQ2HN0i/s320/IMG_2822+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Secret Garden (detail)- Tracy Bidwell for Ballistic Owl copyright 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7SZxQful5uQN6t8yV8a3-VvFEkAbM3Hd4vi4MijqA7VtFfBH5-LS9cKPnVCUMDroXyvOUjvZa2gqYqCxOscyI4loyiRAKejWomuQ5hHT9IwmOChp62Q2YPfImvAze22ebRgNYl2pqZ-j/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7SZxQful5uQN6t8yV8a3-VvFEkAbM3Hd4vi4MijqA7VtFfBH5-LS9cKPnVCUMDroXyvOUjvZa2gqYqCxOscyI4loyiRAKejWomuQ5hHT9IwmOChp62Q2YPfImvAze22ebRgNYl2pqZ-j/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grasses from around Cragside's extensive grounds- Image credit Tracy Bidwell</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as you can see I love nothing more than going round where I live and taking pictures that then inform my designs. So lets hear it for the fabulous North East and all it's beauty and variety!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To see more of my work please go to <a href="http://www.ballisticowl.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.ballisticowl.co.uk </a>or visit my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl">https://www.facebook.com/BallisticOwl</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buy my work at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BallisticOwl">www.etsy.com/shop/BallisticOwl</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-20055351617196985372013-07-17T17:10:00.000+00:002013-07-17T17:10:15.063+00:00Puffins galore and Drift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been a little quiet of late and that is due to several things. The first is that I went on holiday and had a great time in the Lake District and in Northumberland. The second is that I've been working on a little project for an exciting opportunity that arose while on holiday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of our day trips was to Staple Island the home of the puffins within the Farnes and wow did we see lots of these funny little chaps. They were all full of personality and I loved watching them landing and taking off as they are not the most aerodynamic of birds. The little chap pictured below really charmed us with his little present. I came away inspired and knew there was a project theme to start work on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeptXW43uBhzWAVs0JB9MlKLYSmWRNqtPm8RQyBErNU-7CIp9gVvS9u5oGTNjO_NuhuQ2EGIM6m-I80G3z-EM_MMqsygTCC-FaJa3bb5ESPLKbJWLFQpkJLLojKFWs8AeREL_iURPdWADP/s1600/IMG_1551+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeptXW43uBhzWAVs0JB9MlKLYSmWRNqtPm8RQyBErNU-7CIp9gVvS9u5oGTNjO_NuhuQ2EGIM6m-I80G3z-EM_MMqsygTCC-FaJa3bb5ESPLKbJWLFQpkJLLojKFWs8AeREL_iURPdWADP/s320/IMG_1551+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The offering- photograph copyright Marek Bidwell 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a lovely lunch in Seahouses we popped into Drift a gorgeous art, craft and gift shop owned by Julie and Nick. They asked me if I would produce some prints for them and that is what I've been working on. It's been so exciting to have a live project and I enjoyed it so much and feel I've caught a little of each personality in my prints. Today I took them in and I'm delighted to say that they took the lot as well as some other pictures I'd taken. So I now have my first stockist whoop!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LtZhmk1QwQAG0HjsxYDhtQCNeogJMNJICmGrIR3jWulqPCxsbkrZfSnMkrU2n91lZScEqOZH31_sgp-ShQOoJb7qpEJpDSo4JinUyL4C2VzXW9y4DZlxcV9HC78dTre6sJFRlCFy7YZ7/s1600/Puffin+trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LtZhmk1QwQAG0HjsxYDhtQCNeogJMNJICmGrIR3jWulqPCxsbkrZfSnMkrU2n91lZScEqOZH31_sgp-ShQOoJb7qpEJpDSo4JinUyL4C2VzXW9y4DZlxcV9HC78dTre6sJFRlCFy7YZ7/s320/Puffin+trio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L-R Gossip, Fish Supper and The offering, copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you find yourself at Seahouses do pop into Drift and look for my puffins and perhaps take one home with you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJJxs8Mhl_EOIgrkpri-0RcPEKDoMOm5tm-j0yfFb8k8HPOByr99nnVgCauWsdhMpEYj06aQS2CuUsxGj3wfkxC7bN2WSwyxwx8eSylkehSYilVGoYyStS430EO9Gx53X5nyCkJnxkiT/s1600/20130717_141010+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJJxs8Mhl_EOIgrkpri-0RcPEKDoMOm5tm-j0yfFb8k8HPOByr99nnVgCauWsdhMpEYj06aQS2CuUsxGj3wfkxC7bN2WSwyxwx8eSylkehSYilVGoYyStS430EO9Gx53X5nyCkJnxkiT/s320/20130717_141010+-+Copy.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drift art, craft and gift shop Main street, Seahouses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for stopping by and I promise to not leave it so long next time :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-61344616846523613382013-06-21T14:46:00.002+00:002013-06-21T14:46:14.839+00:00Blooming Marvellous.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>This is my new collection! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><i>The Plant Hunter Collection</i></u>: Inspired by visits to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens around England, this refreshing collection presents the exotic and the more ordinary, from the eye catching pin-cushion protea to the majestic beech.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywqEsaBfddpUxAYe0KRGh01mvDYC7utDpqkqhKbG8ruE-rWVC7fPAYn75ALEPDgLBAAAsnxFh7UZmMTtiTC_SJ_L8O2PeOHQM_Vesr6V1FdxbyCBnujS04dDcN_hU0NRFjVNnY8IeA0-8/s1600/plant+hunter+collection+1+section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywqEsaBfddpUxAYe0KRGh01mvDYC7utDpqkqhKbG8ruE-rWVC7fPAYn75ALEPDgLBAAAsnxFh7UZmMTtiTC_SJ_L8O2PeOHQM_Vesr6V1FdxbyCBnujS04dDcN_hU0NRFjVNnY8IeA0-8/s400/plant+hunter+collection+1+section.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From top left & clockwise: Jade Vine, Stellata, Beech Nut and Passiflora</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over the last few weeks I've been busy drawing and creating these gorgeous patterns and I've loved every minute. For a while I've been thinking I should create a new collection to work with, visiting Kew Gardens at the end of April and coming home feeling so inspired gave me a great theme to work with and lots of visual research too!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZpuyyhzRcwXuSCw2TQZq94dJiRrKr60kPKgdnf3x2ii-m0cxO24H0tCnJUVuH7l2fDwYaBg2d8RuOO-UEBIGgj0ccJrm-DLZAKS968PXynnon0r7fyooGpXco1s6JQO7HYIEUtEr3A9o/s1600/plant+hunter+collection+2+section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZpuyyhzRcwXuSCw2TQZq94dJiRrKr60kPKgdnf3x2ii-m0cxO24H0tCnJUVuH7l2fDwYaBg2d8RuOO-UEBIGgj0ccJrm-DLZAKS968PXynnon0r7fyooGpXco1s6JQO7HYIEUtEr3A9o/s400/plant+hunter+collection+2+section.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From top left & clockwise: Pin-cushion, Carduus, Dandelion-Taraxacum, and Iridaceae</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The collection consists of 8 designs and I'm hoping to add others to it as I've still got lots of inspirational images to explore and work with. I've sent off for some sample prints and once I've checked the colours I will get some lengths printed and make gorgeous things. They will also be available to buy through my Spoonflower shop, which I've yet to stock so watch this space........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you like them and thank you for stopping by :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can see some images of work in progress for this collection and other Ballistic Owl projects on: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballistic-Owl/270066636373271" target="_blank">facebook page </a> or on <a href="https://twitter.com/ballisticowl" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and also on <a href="http://instagram.com/tracybidwell" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-80465681151759034102013-06-17T13:57:00.001+00:002013-06-17T13:57:17.593+00:00Woop Studios a creative collective.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was out and about the other day buying milk and bread when I happened to pass the magazine rack and the lovely bright cover of the Homemaker magazine caught my eye. I'm always on the look out for inspiration and things to make and ideas for trends. I'd not noticed this particular magazine before, but after a flick through I just had to buy it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has lots of lovely ideas for things to make from blinds to cakes as well as ways to perk up tired furniture and liven up your home. It has a mix of vintage inspired design as well as the more contemporary. Pieces on current trends in the stores for fabric and home wares and interviews with creative companies and people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGOFqWFK5OWamZvLVqxYMLFtibv_FoOjV3GEx0DlG7oBFF6TYTHJUD0dPt7mJbB3DXPEK2WjOy8WdXgNvijUDcoJI_GOi_IJavoDKlrJ88o6nbNTzv9mPfBkqZTYUHSBpfJeL7gcNT2cW/s1600/timthumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGOFqWFK5OWamZvLVqxYMLFtibv_FoOjV3GEx0DlG7oBFF6TYTHJUD0dPt7mJbB3DXPEK2WjOy8WdXgNvijUDcoJI_GOi_IJavoDKlrJ88o6nbNTzv9mPfBkqZTYUHSBpfJeL7gcNT2cW/s320/timthumb.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This issue (7) also has a fabulous supplement full of the gorgeous work of <a href="http://www.woopstudios.com/" target="_blank">Woop Studios</a>. The founder members Miraphora Mina, Eduardo Lima, Harriet Logan, and Mark Faulkner all share a love of words and graphic design. This combination is used to create beautiful and fun prints with collective nouns in a variety of interesting fonts. Below are 3 of my favourites, two of which are in the supplement and one I spotted and fell in love with on their website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPwtKUmAjcB-40mKY0TueJJONc2cGL6AUbViOUz0XOjdnict-AlmxgvZUNzVVw0-zda9FiW1kAeFP20K5LviI91j7XOwZ90aHO68H55Jp0tQ9YO-tzNzMXT4TPqGR7_IXiAVhTIyH8d6d/s1600/WHITENESS+S+woop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPwtKUmAjcB-40mKY0TueJJONc2cGL6AUbViOUz0XOjdnict-AlmxgvZUNzVVw0-zda9FiW1kAeFP20K5LviI91j7XOwZ90aHO68H55Jp0tQ9YO-tzNzMXT4TPqGR7_IXiAVhTIyH8d6d/s320/WHITENESS+S+woop.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.woopstudios.com/shop/templates/product_detail.aspx?id=3632&name=W-a-Whiteness-of-Swans&category=A-Z-collection-by-noun#.Ub8KswReiaU.blogger">W - a Whiteness of Swans</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This lovely and serene print of swans gliding across the pool is great with it's limited colour palette and very much reminds me of images from the Art Deco period.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcsXxH_zfFnf1DY4_UPwW7OgDQSE3TRTMxh_KEMCrA6c65ubXXW3LCHOMGqCemX50X2E8A99Mw39jM87VIjUtHPj-18xU0mLSVr164kYDU5vbs0VlKz0TIDgYrP7uhg6Yv7wZczHJrYdl/s1600/FINCHES+C+woop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcsXxH_zfFnf1DY4_UPwW7OgDQSE3TRTMxh_KEMCrA6c65ubXXW3LCHOMGqCemX50X2E8A99Mw39jM87VIjUtHPj-18xU0mLSVr164kYDU5vbs0VlKz0TIDgYrP7uhg6Yv7wZczHJrYdl/s320/FINCHES+C+woop.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.woopstudios.com/shop/templates/product_detail.aspx?id=5425&name=F-a-Charm-of-Finches&category=A-Z-collection-by-subject#.Ub8LhL65KbY.blogger">F - a Charm of Finches</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sitting in my garden over the last few weeks has been lovely, because if you sit quietly enough you not only hear the blue tits and the black birds, but you may even get to see one hopping around in the branches looking for the fat balls and seeds we put out. This poster just reminds me of my little birds flitting around and singing their little hearts out and certainly is charming.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWueFLm58-IiwhnZS02iFehchyphenhyphenHQSmDRZCVR7dWutTpLJoe9JQJ0ejm0cpua8rSvrGMxjVxfJ4GeN9swR52ykn3ppdLal_uVvUk8bT9z8AYaMPaCCISvr4ySrGL6tP7GqHJxjBw0yqgLP/s1600/OWLS+woop+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWueFLm58-IiwhnZS02iFehchyphenhyphenHQSmDRZCVR7dWutTpLJoe9JQJ0ejm0cpua8rSvrGMxjVxfJ4GeN9swR52ykn3ppdLal_uVvUk8bT9z8AYaMPaCCISvr4ySrGL6tP7GqHJxjBw0yqgLP/s320/OWLS+woop+design.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.woopstudios.com/shop/templates/product_detail.aspx?id=3602&name=O-a-Parliament-of-Owls&category=collective-term#.Ub8SankhgF4.blogger">O - a Parliament of Owls</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just had to include this one, being a ballistic owl. I've been calling my little collection of owls an Owlery, but perhaps the correct term should be parliament as in this poster. I love all the mysterious eyes shining through the darkness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woop produce these great prints as posters and also on greetings cards and home wares. I think I've just sorted my father in laws birthday present out for this year, as well as finding a great studio to be inspired by!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for stopping by and hope you find some inspiration too :-)</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-21575628327227404182013-06-04T20:54:00.000+00:002013-06-04T20:54:01.491+00:00Having fun with textiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have really enjoyed being able to print and embroider over the last few weeks and have loved planning my little pictures for the market stalls and <a href="http://folksy.com/shops/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">Folksy shop</a>. It's great to have lots of ideas buzzing around my head and then experimenting with them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday with the buzz of having sold two of my bird prints as well as a few other things on the stall on Sunday, I got to thinking of other techniques I could bring into my textile pictures. Below is an idea I tried out using reverse applique and my ballistic owl lino print. I think he looks rather smart and will soon be in a frame ready for my next market! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/971854_550405838339348_736224921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/971854_550405838339348_736224921_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ballistic Owl in a suit! Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Along side making new and exciting things with textiles, I'm also busy drawing so I can expand my pattern portfolio and also have some designs to print and later add to things like my lampshades and pictures. This drawing forms part of a sheet inspired by the fantastic flowers I saw at Kew Gardens in April. Once it's finished I will experiment with pattern repeats!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969889_549117621801503_43600755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969889_549117621801503_43600755_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sketch book drawing. Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm loving<a href="http://instagram.com/tracybidwell" target="_blank"> Instagram </a>at the moment and find it's a great way to show work in progress and quickly put them up on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballistic-Owl/270066636373271" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page or on <a href="https://twitter.com/ballisticowl" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I also use it when I'm out and about, and take a snap when I spot something that could inspire a design. I have also taken quite a few of my cats, so you will have to excuse me on that, but they are very cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/603808_545682395478359_1619323988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/603808_545682395478359_1619323988_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instagram picture of work in progress. Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As some of my lovely prints have flown the nest, I have added these two gorgeous ones to my <a href="http://folksy.com/shops/BallisticOwl" target="_blank">Folksy shop</a> and they will also be at my next market stall at Tynemouth which I'm planning on doing on the first Sunday in July. <a href="http://folksy.com/items/4389673-The-Ballistic-Owl" target="_blank">The Ballistic Owl</a> is a lino print with hand embellishment and framed in a smart white box frame and is £24 plus p&p. <a href="http://folksy.com/items/4389684-Humming-bird-with-tropical-flowers" target="_blank">Humming bird with tropical flowers</a> is also available in the shop and will be on the stall if he doesn't get snapped up from the shop first! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJi1fEO_LQE_AJLi_fqaukiXFZ7dT0eX0lcOxPLZHvtDulbmn7e3EAmpF2a4O8oPgw8I6TW47_G2ttwRPWjpH0c879ul12VGP41ypDw7AxM2pC4SfOpiZYdlA5PCsygbG8Qe87dBxFcy5/s1600/Ballistic+Owl+Copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJi1fEO_LQE_AJLi_fqaukiXFZ7dT0eX0lcOxPLZHvtDulbmn7e3EAmpF2a4O8oPgw8I6TW47_G2ttwRPWjpH0c879ul12VGP41ypDw7AxM2pC4SfOpiZYdlA5PCsygbG8Qe87dBxFcy5/s320/Ballistic+Owl+Copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Ballistic Owl. Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you love these, but would like something a little more personalised for yourself or as a gift then please get in touch either via my Folksy shop or my Facebook page, links above or they can be found down the side of the blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33EXkEUfkOhJRplxGrXFOmB5mmdnPfoepbt5nNpJ8r6NHVqaOn9lgv7ez1rV8M2F7UoQ0yga1jHY1opZ4dLX6T2LSQfS1j5krDXY5Y_7leXtjFelNVNGBQcS278bFVvS3FE6DstfLAS9g/s1600/Humming+birdie.+Copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33EXkEUfkOhJRplxGrXFOmB5mmdnPfoepbt5nNpJ8r6NHVqaOn9lgv7ez1rV8M2F7UoQ0yga1jHY1opZ4dLX6T2LSQfS1j5krDXY5Y_7leXtjFelNVNGBQcS278bFVvS3FE6DstfLAS9g/s320/Humming+birdie.+Copyright+Ballistic+Owl+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humming bird with tropical flowers. Copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for popping by and I'll look forward to seeing you again soon :-)</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627781831611728276.post-37725502610392664972013-05-31T21:45:00.000+00:002013-05-31T21:46:12.761+00:00Remodeling and new work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over the past few weeks I have been re-familiarising myself with some of the tools in Photoshop that I've not used for a while. I'm an old fashioned girl really and love hand drawing my designs and pattern repeats. But in the digital age you have to embrace some aspects. I've quite enjoyed tweaking old designs and experimenting with new ones. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moorish was my design for the Kleenex competition and I decided it would make a rather nice pattern for other things. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5xMI5mz9Lksm0RF3AerHzf5Eojlh2HqwmFwmZv63qU6qA-DwvvLQZZkwb0hfAlxBsaQ839cx8bG6njpzBWG5R15SEHCyy4l4_E47povW4yXDlgJ9WQxJeXm4Ps0modFXCt-8siJA2a1t/s1600/kleenex+pattern+orig+beige+and+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5xMI5mz9Lksm0RF3AerHzf5Eojlh2HqwmFwmZv63qU6qA-DwvvLQZZkwb0hfAlxBsaQ839cx8bG6njpzBWG5R15SEHCyy4l4_E47povW4yXDlgJ9WQxJeXm4Ps0modFXCt-8siJA2a1t/s320/kleenex+pattern+orig+beige+and+cream.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moorish copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here I've changed the colours to give it a more earthy tone and I liked it so much it has become one of my new rug designs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've also tweaked a few other designs, giving them a more neutral colour palette. I rather like Sycamore in it's grey scale colour-way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmUXnvUw_HaQvHSAq32nbF9Gdmi61QohCEDI6MKXNvRnJ4_ZLGUdBRh_0KywzFKZnHiS08JqUKmgLIGyHOXV_JZ7VCY8j9Lij6Requ2DQGHLbZWSqVEhzkMGcMvzR9vy8ignLWCrvQvte/s1600/sycamore+seeds+charcoal+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmUXnvUw_HaQvHSAq32nbF9Gdmi61QohCEDI6MKXNvRnJ4_ZLGUdBRh_0KywzFKZnHiS08JqUKmgLIGyHOXV_JZ7VCY8j9Lij6Requ2DQGHLbZWSqVEhzkMGcMvzR9vy8ignLWCrvQvte/s320/sycamore+seeds+charcoal+grey.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sycamore charcoal & grey copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look for these in the Originate collection at <a href="http://wwwballisticowl.co.uk/">wwwballisticowl.co.uk</a> I've also reformatted the pages and tidied a few things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This design was for a entry to a design brief that I really enjoyed doing and got to explore some of my floral drawings and a more pastel colour palette. It also got me practising my digital repeat skills! Fingers crossed it is chosen by the company who set the brief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTm1be0CVfUOK0UHV9YCQO8mha7pOwvT24v57AdVy3CA19fteTDdTZZYVsQF6HSQRIEnVlCpxp59zvhqIA3WKOwxtfIZwVY7OMsEascTL8H2m8xRPo6rQtJQd7ELZBufx0AyZjdPuvHbr/s1600/passion+flower+block+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTm1be0CVfUOK0UHV9YCQO8mha7pOwvT24v57AdVy3CA19fteTDdTZZYVsQF6HSQRIEnVlCpxp59zvhqIA3WKOwxtfIZwVY7OMsEascTL8H2m8xRPo6rQtJQd7ELZBufx0AyZjdPuvHbr/s320/passion+flower+block+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Passion Flower copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been loving making items for my market stalls and really love this tiny, itsy bitsy piece that has a combination of screen print and embroidery and yet only measures about an 1 1/2 inches! If you'd like to see it and more then they will be with me at <b>Tynemouth Market this Sunday (2nd June) on the East concourse</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/600755_546172228762709_723624489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/600755_546172228762709_723624489_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Itsy Bisty lavender copyright Ballistic Owl 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope to see you all soon, and thank you for the support and comments, it is very much appreciated :-)</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335379942957355048noreply@blogger.com1