My Blog List

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Hello spring, hello blog


The other day my mum asked me if I had given up writing my blog. It made me think. The answer is no, I haven't, but there have been lots of extra demands on my time recently, so it's been difficult to find a space. I do post a lot on Instagram too, as it's easy to sit in a chair and pop a single photo online. But I do miss writing longer posts, and using my DSLR. So, this post is a bit of a catch up. 
I've been trying to make the most of the spring, walking when I can, and occasionally running. I've teamed up with a friend in the village and we motivate each other to exercise. We do Pilates, one or two Zumba classes a week, and also some circuit training. For me, it's much easier to stick to the routine when you know someone is relying on you for a lift, or vice versa. Much less tempting to kick off the shoes, curl up on the sofa and think, "oh, I'll go next week...." 



It's not just about losing weight, although that's very welcome. I just think exercising makes me feel better generally and appreciate where I live. On Saturday morning, my friend and I went running through some bluebell woods. Neither of us finds running very easy, but how could we not enjoy this sight! It was simply amazing.


I've turned my crafting away from sewing and towards painting. I loved Emma Bridgewater's dresser print fabric and when I read about her mother in law, the designer Pat Albeck, describing how it had been created, using collage, I decided to try the technique with my own dresser and china collection. I had great fun doing this: I was obsessed, sneaking in a quick painting session whenever I could. I like how it turned out, being able to layer things up and also move them around until I am happy with them. 
I'd love to try this in a lino print too, but I do find that lino is more time consuming, and I need to plan a whole day to work on that, which just isn't possible at the moment.


We're clearing my late father in law's house, ready for sale. So we've been decluttering at home, in preparation for some of his furniture coming to live with us. Bank Holiday Monday saw us at a car boot sale, with a boot full of items to shift. We got on well, and of course I came home with a few small finds including the Victorian bottles at the top of this post.  




Drawing and painting the china makes me appreciate it more. Here's a posy of garden flowers in a charity shop jug. 

Back soon!














11 comments:

  1. Lovely painting
    Julie xxxxxxx

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  2. Lovely painting
    Julie xxxxxxx

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  3. I'm so glad your mum prompted you to write a new blog post! Beautiful painting and gorgeous flowers xx

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  4. Nice to see you back as I do love hearing about the places you visit and your lovely vintage finds, not to mention seeing your beautiful paintings! Gorgeous vivid blue colour in that last photo.

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    1. Thank you. That's encouraging! I have a few trips lined up in May and I will post about them.

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  5. I like your collage, it looks like fun, I might try it. Lovely pictures today, I am all for decluttering, it feels great to gain some space. Betty

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    1. Thanks Betty, it's very therapeutic doing the collage, I would recommend it.

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  6. Lovely photo's and painting Fiona! It's good to have you back.

    Madelief x

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