Japanese woodblocks

I recently went to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) in Exeter to see the "Hiroshige's Japan:Stations of the Tokaido Road" exhibition.  

No photography was allowed but I had my sketchbook with me and after some discussion they agreed I was allowed to make sketches!

The exhibitions consisted of a selection of 21 woodblock prints from the early 1800's on loan from the Ashmolean Museum. They were truly stunning and I was particularly taken with the way he recorded people and their movements.

This is an example of some of the work that was on display.  

If you are ever in the Exeter area I thoroughly recommend a trip to the RAAM.  

It is free to get in (some exhibitions have a charge, as this one did, but only £4) and there is such a wide variety of exhibitions to look at.  Also a great cafe and gardens and right in the centre of the city.

Happy crafting

Kyla

WOYWW

 Welcome to 'What's on your workdesk Wednesday' and yet again a tidy desk.  It is crazy busy at work still so very little time to craft (or blog).  However this is a rare event as I actually have some new stash to share (I cannot remember the last time I bought stash that wasn't replacing something that has run out like glue or tape)!

This little haul came as a kit from a charity shop.

I couldn't believe my luck especially since the stamps and die's appear to go together.

There was also this embossing folder and some sequins (I presume to add to the mermaids tail)....but all this just for £2!  You can see why I had to buy it?

My "Man Bites Dog" cards this week are 'Fake Priest Sues Tourist'.....ooh I wonder what that will bring (quite pleased its not political as there is quite enough of that at the moment!).

Happy crafting

Kyla

World Earth Day

Saturday was World Earth Day and also March for Science. 

Events were planned all across the globe as a response to the recent events over the pond for non evidence based political decisions being made regarding subjects such as global warming, medical advancements, technology etc

So we decided to join the one in Bristol. There were speakers including Chris Packham, 

Dr Simon Singh, Anna Starkey, Prof. Bruce Hood and Dr Suzi Gage.  Millenium square was PACKED, there must have been at least 1000 people there, all ages and all walks of life-all united for one reason.

There was a competition for the best placard (I quite like the couple below) and we all marched round the city shouting "what do we want....science....how do we want it...fact based!"

It was fantastic and hubby was pleased to be able to meet Chris Packam (on the right!) especially as his speech included references to two of my husbands favourite punk bands (The Clash and Penetration).  It was a fantastic day out and great to take part in something that joined people across the globe.

Kyla

Speedy Recovery card

I needed to make a special card for some recently who had a nasty fall and broke her leg.

 

These embossed cards are quite large and I bought them from the charity table a couple of crops ago at the WOYWW meet up.  I have been mainly using them for weddings etc but I thought they would make a good base for this card.

 

I die cut some TH butterflies from board and coated them in some indigo blu flitter glue (love this tacky glue) and covered them with gilding flakes.

I stamped a sentiment and matted and layered it on silver card.

 

A feminine get well soon card and one perfect for the recipient.

 

Happy crafting

Kyla

WOYWW

Work got in the way the past couple of weeks and the garden had to take precedence of any spare time but I did manage to get a quick hour in the craft room so I have something to show you for 'What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday'.

 

I am trying to use up old supplies so I have used up the last of my golden lightweight texture paste through some stencils on 3 canvas boards.  I keep these and don't use them-probably the worse thing for craft/art supplies since they are made to be used!

 

I have sprayed them with a mixture of dylusions and distress ink adding water and moving the boards to create pools of colour.

 

No idea what else to do with them (or what I am going to do with them-probably an art abandonment/free art Friday) but I am sure that given time inspiration will strike!

 

My "Man Bites Dog" cards this week-'Judge Revealed Fake Drugs'

 

Apologies if you visited my desk previously and I didn't get a chance to return visit, I do try to visit each one but sometimes the pay the bills job and life gets in the way.

 

Happy crafting

Kyla

 

 

 



Bristol Urban Sketchers Meet up

 

At the weekend I attended the monthly meet up of the Bristol Urban Sketchers.

 

It is a great group (and expanding month on month) and there are some fabulous artists with so many different styles that there is always inspiration and something new to learn.

 

This month we went to https://arnosvale.org.uk/ a 45 acre cemetery only 15 mins walk from the centre of the city.  I have lived in Bristol for about 14 years and have never visited. 

 Well, I will be back soon-this place was amazing.  It had a café, exhibition space, museum, natural 'green' cemetery, historical areas, sailors cemetery, woodland walks and much more. It is free to get in and for a  small donation you can have a guided tour.



 

 

I was running late for the meet up so I didn't have too long but I did manage to make a quick sketch in my travel journal.  After we sketch we all meet up for either a drink or some lunch and share sketches and stories.  It is always lovely to meet with like minded people and they are such a talented group-if you are interested and in the area then they have a FB group.

 

Happy crafting

Kyla



More upcycled cards

 Just a quick update on some cards I have made from upcycling other items.

I hope that people don't mind that I upcycle some of the cards I get!

I often mix them up using bits from other cards, calendar etc as well as my own stash and give them a new lease ready to be gifted to a new recipient.

Happy crafting

Kyla