mainly zaz

seventh hour posts

2012-01-30T12:41:00.001-08:00

my TASTchallenge comes in at the seventh hour this week - hopefully a little better organised next week :0)

and my tag for week 4 is Vintage and it is really falling apart - so had to be stitched back together.

Loving these challenges and not ready to give up even if I am so stressed for time sometimes :0)

Zaz;0)

funny

2012-01-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

it's funny how things start..............

I have so enjoyed working on the Tags for tag tuesday that they are evolving on their own and in a certain style.

Sometimes I agonise over art - where to go with what I do and why. Then something so simple just falls out and begins to evolve all without my being conscious of any development.

These faces are a little serious, sombre and thoughtful but just now I like that.

Zaz;0)

Back to basics

2012-01-22T01:14:00.000-08:00

Working towards an open studio 3 days at Easter - two exhibitions and various other bits and pieces, I have been back to basics and working on my flower pictures.

Quite soothing and peaceful - no stress.

Zaz ;0)

TAST week 3

2012-01-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Feather stitch - a sample and a winter landscape - this weeks TAST effort........

still working on wood

and the result in my printers type tray so far after week 3.

Zaz;0)

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

this weeks theme was ''white' - very tricky this one but I painted my tag with a face in the usual style and manner - then covered the whole with acrylic paint. After it had dried I scratched back to reveal her underneath - fascinating!

Loving these challenges

Zaz;0)

Tuesdays stitch

2012-01-12T00:04:00.000-08:00

and my other new year challenge.......TAST

buttonhole stitch.

Zaz;0)

new tag

2012-01-11T22:29:00.001-08:00

still with the challenge

Zaz;0)

new year new challenges

2012-01-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

About this time of year I am always looking for challenges to kick start my own ideas - keep me creating - and developing........

so I was delighted that Sharon resurrected the TAST challenge (Take A Stitch Tuesday) also Caroline Saxby started up a Tuesday Tag Challenge so I joined both.

First my tag was completed

and then my Fly Stitch sample for Sharon.

I have an old printers type tray that I thought could be filled with my stitch samples - not necessarily experimental samples but more of an acknowledgement of my training as an embroiderer and a skill that I so seldom utilise nowadays.

Of course I am still working on my own projects - pictures will be following .............

Zaz;0)

new work

2011-12-31T04:04:00.001-08:00

English village blown about by gale force winds

one can never be overdressed for walking the dog..........

ethnic clothing - a fantasy .............

and birds ............ just because they always appear in my sketchbooks.

and who knows when and where angels commute to work?

Zaz ;0)

must have

2011-11-14T09:05:00.001-08:00

some things in life are a must have and this is definitely one of them ..........

I have put in an order with the man ...........

cant wait for spring now

zaz ;0)

and yet another

2011-11-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

bought some paperclay today - just to see where these faces land up

zaz;0)

new faces

2011-11-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

appearing in my sketchbook .........

zaz;0)

unblocking

2011-11-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

just totally blocked at the moment ........dont know where this is taking me

zaz ;0)

erosion bundles

2011-10-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

I decided to give this project a trial run with Ingela so 5 bundles are now placed in the garden.........

number 1 is in the well.................

number 2 is hanging from the plum tree.....................

number 3 is in the water butt.....................

number 4 is in the compost bin............................

and number 5 is buried ..............

They are destined to remain there until February 2012 when I shall retrieve them and work my magic on what remains! Me and my embroidery against Mother Nature :0)

Zaz ;0)

bird in a cage, houses and a passing boy

2011-10-22T23:12:00.001-07:00

old rusty bird cage from Mia Märang, figure in cotton and clay.

houses painted to illustrate a hymn text
paynes grey

and a passing boy! Where did he come from?

No psychoanalysis please .............

zaz ;0)

developments

2011-10-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

hhhmmmm................. where is this journey taking me?

zaz ;0)

steep learning curves ......woof !

2011-09-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

some very steep learning curves about what to do first, what is possible to do first , and if you do the wrong thing first it stops the next process happening ....................

but I am fairly pleased with the result ''walking the dog'' its entitled - my aim was to just make a basic automaton. To discover how it moves and how to complete the process.

They are not completed as yet but its a good start.

Now I need more wood to construct more figures and, of course, more time.

Zaz;0)

journey

2011-09-24T23:22:00.001-07:00

I am going on a journey - a journey into unknown waters - a journey that can take me to all sorts of places ................................with all sorts of outcomes.

I am journeying into the world of automata.

me and my figures.

I cant decide whether to work my figures in wood or material or both ............

so experimenting must be done.

I have been studying mechanisms, gears, cams and cranked handles............... its a whole new world!

exciting!

Zaz ;0)

still on the sketchbook

2011-07-28T01:12:00.000-07:00

more birds - this time lino cuts and stencils........

zaz;0)

birds......

2011-07-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

I needed the inspiration from this fantastic lady so I have begun a blue sketchbook with a bird theme.

As its pouring with rain here- it so lovely just to have the time .........

zaz ;0)

summer angel course

2011-07-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

A one day workshop at Billströmska Folkhögskola, Tjörn.

Angels in free embroidery - wednesday July 13 2011 - 10.00 - 16.00.

it will be fun!

contact me if you are interested.......... I have limited places..............

zaz;0)

because

2011-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Because of this amazing teacher I have created these natural dyed fabrics

with rose petals (boiled for 15 minutes) - rose leaves (laid on the material) - and tea bags - all made into bundles and left (although I lost patience and couldn't wait any longer :0))

I am so pleased with the results , thanks India .........and all they need now is to be gently stitched!

zaz ;0)

open studio

2010-12-11T07:35:00.001-08:00

We have worked so hard this summer and autumn with the studio that I have decided to open it on a limited basis for Christmas.

Its just a trial run to see if it all works as it should, also how I feel working out there all day as I havent had the opportunity before.

But it feels fantastic , its an amazing space and oozes the right amount of atmosphere that feeds my soul .

but then of course I always have my girls to chirry me along !

So its a success - at least as far as I am concerned!

Zaz;0)

the Tjörn thingy finished

2010-11-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

and I have too...........finished I mean! and my inspiration for this?

The sea, the wooden boats, the fishing tradition, the island tradition, the Tjörn bridge, the tourist invasion and not least of all the arts and crafts of Tjörn........

Guess I got most of it covered

Zaz ;-)

Tjörn the island ........

2010-11-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me today why I blogged (hej hej Britt Marie) - and I dont know why really. But it has been a good record of all the house moves, animal antics and not least a record of my art stuff.

This is the start of a piece of work for Tjörn - the island where I currently live. It has to be representative of Tjörn - now how tricky is that for a figure maker?

So my boats and the sea are just the beginning - this evenings work - it has to be finished by Friday!

I expect it will - I have yet to add Tjörn bridge and a few stitch details - then I am done.

Zaz ;-)

home woven and precious

2010-11-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

I have just started 2 new hangings - involving vintage lino cuts ( unfortunately I do not know who or where they were cut) - paper and hand embroidery. But the best of all and by far the most precious is the background material. A hand woven bedsheet.

It is gloriously soft and sympathetic and bears a whole lifetime of history. I am having to be extra careful cutting into it and using it sparingly. It is delightful to work with.

Even the shadows of the material are fantastic.

A work made with love by an awe inspired embroiderer.

Recycling at its very very best.

Zaz;0)

The Last MsT

2010-11-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

I have sold the last of my Ms T's . Sad but I may remake her one day - one day.

She has come a long way over the years - truly a development of style, character and work. They were both sold to a journalist who has bought them for her daughters Christmas presents. Strong women - she said - both daughters. And MsT fits the bill perfectly!

MsT is a strong character too .........I hope they both have good homes!

Zaz ;0)

angels - new work

2010-09-26T00:12:00.001-07:00

its a start............. of some new work.

Zaz ;0)

rust dyeing

2010-04-20T00:03:00.001-07:00

I have read about this method and never tried it, but now the time seems to be appropriate.......dont know why

Inspired by this lady T and the fantastic Jude Hill of course, I did some over the weekend and love the results.

Its magic right before my eyes.......... I have some more in the making and am now off to collect plants for natural dyeing.

The barn conversion is in full swing but more later on that one ..............

Zaz ;-)

TAST2

2010-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Take a stitch Tuesday - round 2................ diamond stitch - guess it wasnt the easiest of beginnings - but it certainly was a challenge and fun!

Now on to next weeks challenge........

Zaz;-)

lilly

2010-01-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

this lill' lady was started just before I moved house - she is a wire framed figure with a clay head. I had begun to embroider her body - time to complete her now.

Zaz;-)

moving house

2010-01-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

not to be recommended so close to Christmas and the New Year holiday ..............

but at least the girls like the view from the window

and the inclement weather gives me time to organise the studio and find all my scissors again

Zaz ;0)

so you think you can dance ??????????

2009-11-24T09:27:00.001-08:00

I love this programme from the USA - boy how i wish I could dance like them. I should have been a dancer - I wanted to be a dancer - I wanted to work in theatre.

The best I can do is to base my figures on dance , the theatre and the 'SYTYCD' television programme - guess thats better than nothing.

zaz ;-)

face directory

2009-11-14T00:31:00.001-08:00

working with this idea of compiling ideas and trials .............. this is last evenings trials. The one thing that is good about this , is that when working one face I am on to the next in my head.

This one has potential but not quite there yet.

Zaz;-)

faces

2009-11-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

I like simple faces and, come to that, simple figures too. So I am starting to work with this idea of a face directory to assist me in producing some new faces and figures.

These I have played around with - simplicity - stick , twig figures and simple cartoon-like faces and features.

Now to work on more ideas and also the translation into papers and materials.

Zaz;-)

faces

2009-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Faces and figures - thats my passion. They have always figured in my work, alongside the teabag obsession. So I have decided to work on faces and create a kind of face directory. A dictionary of faces in all kinds of techniques and materials. I would like to think that I could create one a day but sometimes commitment like that is not ideal as it can be overlooked easily and that in itself creates failure................... and I don't want to fail with this.

So guess it would be easier to work some faces stitched, some sketched, some just found .......and then direct them into a ''what if' project. That is really how I work anyway so to document it should be relatively easy.

As I am in the process of moving house I need this creativity and direction to focus my attention on - so these faces that I am beginning the project with, are ones that are already created and in an exhibition currently running. Somebody said they looked like me but I dont think so - at least it wasnt done consciously if they do.

Does my hair really look like that? I dont think so ;-) But I do think they portray a thinking mode and that is something I do do .....................a lot.

Zaz;-)

just sometimes..............

2009-10-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

Christmas is not that far away - really only just around the corner! I promised the church sewing circle ladies that I would embroider a cloth for their sales table - (note to self - learn to say ''no'' :0))

Trouble is - my idea of embroidery and the stuff I do is a long long way from the ladies fantastic, traditional, oh-so-neat embroidery.

The gauntlet is down - and the challenge has to be met!

I am trained in embroidery - traditional and otherwise - but it sometimes has to be proved.

So here is my little angel cloth - at least the start of it................... finely worked in French Knots and stranded thread................... and it tooks hours to do this much.

I might just do another in teabags and old puree tubes :0) Just to prove my point that is :0)

Zaz ;0)

looking for work

2009-10-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

I am an unemployed cocker spaniel called William , 6 months old- currently looking for a position within the marketing industry for dog food/products etc

I am well behaved (sometimes), gorgeous (all the time) and unbelievably beautiful - (modest too)

any ideas?

Zaz;-)

two of the boys

2009-10-18T03:26:00.001-07:00

a little update on my ''boys''

Charles and William - 9 years old and 6 months old ..........now where did all that dog come from !

XXXXXXXXX

Zaz ;0)

and the next to arrive

2009-10-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am still working on my figures for the ''Kitchen'' exhibition - and here is the new one to be submitted

all recycled stuff - whether it be packing materials, or antique equipment discovered in the local rummage shop ........................ the tall wooden post thingy is an old potato masher - and the board the figure stands on is part of an old mangel system ................... the clothes are ...............well , now wouldnt that be telling :0)

but I will disclose that the amazing hair is an old horse hair brush ...................I love recycling - such wonderful stuff.

Zaz ;0)

so very ''cirque''

2009-09-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some new figures for an up and coming exhibition.......entitled ' kitchen' . Now i know that is not the most inspiring title in the world so I have created a figure in true Cirque style ............

''juggling the shopping''

hope you like her/him! I have so enjoyed myself making her/him

Zaz;0)

free time

2009-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

With having a precious few days off from work I have been able to return to one of my passions -the art of doll making. I have made a number of dolls over the years - usually with my own sculpted heads and I so want to return to this artform - whether it is puppet making or doll making.

I love working in the 3 dimensional and this outlet allows me the freedom to experiment with hard materials such as air drying clay - and paper clay - but also to work with textiles and embroidery.

The first stage are the heads and here is the first dilema - flat faced or sculpted?

All so different ...................and so bare without adornment, clothes, bodies or hair ........................

Back to the studio tomorrow

Zaz;-)

more angels to trap your interest

2009-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

please visit our exhibition - over 80 angels hang from the ceiling - and door embroideries hang around the walls ..........

so worth the trip

Zaz ;-)

Exhibition in English

2009-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

I hung my third exhibition in the art gallery of the library today - Skärhamn Library , Tjörn, Sweden.

The work comprisesof modern embroidery undertaken during three evening classes with me - two of them angels and the third based on doorways and door openings.

How fantastic these women are , to accept the odd things I throw at them - puree tubes, glue gun decorations and plastic melting - and just run with it. I am so proud to be associated with these embroiderers and artists, and to work alongside them.

Truly amazing - thats what they are and their work is just as truly amazing as they are. Inspirational - encouraging - welcoming and just, well , fantastic.

The opening day was a real success - over 40 people came and I sold two embroideries and various small pieces.

Thank you - Swedish ladies.

Zaz;-)

Exhibition

2009-09-05T00:16:00.001-07:00

Äntligen har jag ordnat en utställning igen i Skärhamn Bibliotek - änglar plus mer och mer :0) Vernissagen är idag 11.00 fram till 14.00 - välkommna !

Utställning pågår till Oktober 10 .................snälla kom och tittta - mina deltagare är sååååååå duktiga och jag är väldigt stolt över deras skapander.

Zaz ;-)

reasons for laziness

2009-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

oh so long since I posted and I have no excuses other than this one here.....................

William the little cocker arrived on tuesday as a friend and helper to Charlie the fox terrier.

so now nothing gets done ............

oh well :0)

One day I will get around to blogging about my evening classes , two exhibitions and sales .......how I have stopped the degree course - and of course. how I just love embroidery -

One day , I said ............ but for now it is busy wees in the garden (for William, not me :0))

Zaz;0)

Rustle in the undergrowth

2009-01-24T04:20:00.000-08:00

in between working, teaching and studying I have been busy - really I have !

And to prove my point ...........meet Rustle! She is one of a new series I have been working on to sell.

Rustle is not an angel, but a forest elf - impish and extremely roguish. She is constructed of papier mache and machine embroidery with hand stitched detail. She has taken rather a long time to develop - not least of the pattern and design of her - but I am rather pleased with the outcome.

She is still being developed but it wont be long now before she is out in the marketplace . I am hoping to sell through Etsy eventually a whole series of forest elves and fairies - figures that are a culimination of my current work and ideas.

I hope Rustle will find a new home somewhere in another forest ...........

Zaz ;-)

nearly completed

2009-01-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

well - the next stage is completed - as in her body is finished .........at least I think it is - perhaps a bit of fine tuning - possibly.

and I am just loving her wild hair!

I need to give a little more thought to her wings and arms - and also the halo

But I have 3 weeks to decide - so I'm a happy bunny.

Zaz ;-)

and the next one please.........

2009-01-02T05:59:00.000-08:00

Now as the New Year and Christmas dies down I am hard at work creating for the next courses that start very very soon. And of course the angel course will entail a whole new pattern!

This is the bit that I always find challenging because it must be my pattern and one that fits the bill for my students.........

So here she is - she??? who said she?? Anyway I digress - this angel is a standing angel, at least she can cope on her own without being suspended.

This is the beginning of my pattern - and the first one out under the heading of Applique.

She is constructed of a home woven antique cotton - which retains a lovely feel and colour. The applied pieces are old linens. I love the simplicity of this one.

My intention with the pattern is to offer the students more potential with the head and body language. I found when drawing her that wherever her head was placed created a different feel and emotion so I am keen to experiment a little more with the basic style.

hopefully if time permits I will photograph the nearly finished model before my class starts ..........I did say hopefully!

Zaz;-)

as the New Year rings in.............

2008-12-31T03:40:00.001-08:00

You may ask 'what have I been up to?' - you may well ask that! For the last 3 months I have been back in the teaching mode - evening classes in modern embroidery!

In December I hung an exhibition displaying all the students work and it was/and is wonderful! The exhibition runs until 10 jan - and is currently on display at Skärhamns Bibliotek, Tjörn.

In all I had 10 students, and with me trying to keep up (usually running a couple of steps behind them!) , we were 11 people in all. We each constructed an angel every two weeks - so if you can do your maths correctly - there are over 80 angels hanging in the art gallery space in the library! It is well worth the visit.

I am so proud of my ladies who stitched, and laughed, and took everything I threw at them on the chin, went home, created an angel and came back the next week with the most amazing, imaginative creations.

There is a great report here from Kristina

I couldn't have asked or expected more and I gained from the experience a whole deal!

But most of all what the experience gave me was the confidence to return to teaching with avengence.

I have never been shy about teaching - it is my job and I am very well trained to do it - but here in Sweden , in a foreign language, in a culture that I am still a little unsure about, the thought of teaching has been challenging.

But now? Through tutoring this class, plus continuing to study for my Bachelor of Arts degree - now into my second year- I have gained more confidence than I could have wished for.

My group of embroiderers - from last term are returning for another evening class.

And I have gained two more evening classes with a return course on the angels again.

Plus I am hoping to at last get my distance learning course of the ground on creating ATC's.

So my one evening class with 10 women is now 3 evening classes with 30 women and hopefully one distance course.

and I havent even mentioned the English classes yet :0)

2008 saw a return of my teaching practices - I hope 2009 will be a development of them and more!

I wish everyone a creative, imaginative and productive 2009.

Zaz ;-)

Another Module .............

2008-09-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

done and dusted!

Module 3 and the first year completed! I cant believe it has gone so quickly............... james hunting has been my tutor for the last two modules and we have spent many an hour discussing, chatting and laughing on the phone.........

next tutor is Dorothy Tucker and Module 4 - and that starts ..............yikes! it started on Monday :0)

The Opus degree course is fantastic - best moNEy ever spent - I have come on leaps and bounds in my own work - more confident, more experimental.

Also my teaching again has proved a real bonus for me ............my ladies here in Skärhamn are producing angels .................. at a rate of knots!

One every two weeks for 16 weeks - that makes 8 angels each - multiply that by 10 ladies and you will have 80 angels in an exhibition in december !!!

Am I proud or what?

Zaz ;-)

studio

2008-08-13T22:19:00.001-07:00

Now the pictures of my studio - it sits so pretty in the garden with a backdrop of fields and the mountain. This is the view behind the studio looking away from the house.

Looking out of the door of the studio I get a great view over the garden usually accommpanied by a game of ball with Charlie! as you see - always waiting for a game ........

and from my window at the studio table I can see the front drive, the archway leading into the garden, the kitchen garden and the Swedish flag!

Quite nice all in all

Zaz ;-)

tails of white

2008-08-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Someone who lives in NY asked me about the white tail that was seen wondering about my house - so Jordi - let me introduce to you ''Trigger'' the amazing box sculpturer.............................

Trigger works hard at creating works of art out of ordinary household boxes

this is not an easy task and is certainly not performed by any old garden moggie - you know!

it takes hours of practice and has taken Trigger years of educational training.

but trigger has almost purrfected his art

Now it just has to be sold to the general public and the art galleries ........... talk about Tracey Emins unmade bed ......??? move over Tracey - here comes Triggers rip and spit box top!

Zaz;-)

my computing place

2008-08-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

this post is really for Jordi who has been asking for pictures of my workplace........well here they are Jordi - the view from my computer of my ''ever-so- tiny' house.

Firstly the chair at which I sit and surf, write mails, chat with my friends and generally ''compute''

Then there is the picture of my tiny kitchen area which I can see, and almost touch, from the computer room

then there is the little dining area - cosy and beautiful - next to the kitchen.

and then from my computer room window is the view of my studio ..........
Now who doesnt believe I live in a very tiny house !

Keeps me tidy though - and needs next to no cleaning !

Just as well I am a little person :0)

I will post views from the studio when it is daylight again

Zaz;-)

stonework

2008-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Now I have almost completed the second major part of this module and I working with stones - at least textile stones !

I am fairly pleased with the results - stitched and painted stone structures that have been hand stitched with cave like paintings and drawings - I am hoping they resemble fossils and cairns..........at least that is what they are meant to do

zaz;-)

Im too sexy for my box

2008-08-10T09:53:00.001-07:00

Zaz;-)

driftwood angels

2008-08-10T00:10:00.001-07:00

another long pause in blogging ................sorry!

These driftwood angels have been on exhibition all summer - combining driftwood found locally with embellished angelic clothing.

I have been working with my Opus course - and struggling with it too. This last module has really caused me some grief but I have at last got to grips with it and am nearing the end of it with a month in hand!

I am working on stone structures so will post pictures as soon as I have finished my final pieces.

Then its heads down to the next module .....................

Zaz;-)

and ...........singing again

2008-06-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

its years since I played guitar and sung in public...........but today I sang and played guitar - not only in Swedish - but English as well.........and blimey, I was so nervous.

But I did it - as a staff entertainment thingy for the old folk.........I must be mad :0)

Zaz ;-)

Oh the easter snow

2008-04-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Oh the Easter snow

It has faded away

It was so rare and so beautiful

Now it's melted back into the clay

Irish folk song - Christy Moore

thank goodness for that !!!

Zaz;-)

renovations

2008-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

in between university degrees.........studying, reading, gardening, making art and working full time - I do house renovations

My breakfast room - although tiny - took its time, but is now finished. One less room to renovate .............. I love white , worn out look, and old fashioned - I love roses- embroidery and pretty things.

My tiny tiny breakfast room is part of our tiny tiny house - light airy, magical and oh, so old fashioned.

Just wonderful!

Zaz;-)

its in the post

2008-01-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

A long peaceful time without me huh? Well, I have been busy .............so there!

But I have now finished the first module of my Degree course and WHAT a lot of work it was! 7 assignments in all - each comprising of about 5 sections and each of those needing research an/or a lot of work ..................but hey! Do I regret it ??

Not for one single, cotton- picking minute ! I have loved it - even though it has taken me outside the proverbial ''comfort zone' - stretched me beyond my wildest dreams and given me numerous sleepless nights!

But on the whole I have learned so much ! A huge great learning curve - not only about my work - but about me, my ''so-called' style and my motivation!

But now , it is packed up , sitting in a box weighing about 12 kilograms (thats about 2 stone to English people) and waiting to be shipped off tomorrow for assessment.

Now the big , thousand krona question is ...............will I pass???? Hhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm dont know ! Wish I did! My tutor says I will so guess I will have to trust her :0)

Time now, to relax before the onslaught of the next module starting in february..........in the meanitme a little picture of my ''Metamorphosis'' project piece.

See .............. I haven't really changed - have I?

Zaz;-)

becoming more confident

2007-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

since starting the Opus course I have been sketching and drawing everyday!...........what a difference !

I have always drawn figures and faces ...........always!

When I started Opus this is how I drew my faces -

They were intentionally naive - childlike - cartoonish -

and like this ....................

Now they appear like this ..................more depth somehow ..............

and boy am I pleased with the difference

My faces and figures are changing all the time ..............I am so interested in what will happen next

Zaz;-)

mark making

2007-09-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

I feel I have gone back to basics with the degree course - but that is no bad thing. I needed to start again from scratch .................is this the soft way in ??

I'm loving it ..............experimenting with purpose again ......................I have so missed that in my life .

Zaz;-)

Doing it by degrees

2007-09-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

I begin the degree course today (BA (Hons.Embroidered Textiles) .........a journey into the unknown and I have no idea where it will take me ...........

exciting ...........a little daunting .........but very very interesting. Although I am not so sure about the dissertations I have to write, the studying I inevitably have to do and the reading involved ........the practical side will carry me through and maintain my passion for stitched and embroidered textiles.

My first tutorial tomorrow will enlighten me a little more as to the path I take over the next 7 years ...................

My summer sketchbook evolved into these two pieces

A little removed from my normal style but I'll go with the flow ...............

Zaz ;-)

summer sketchbook

2007-08-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

the summer sketchbook for Opus is coming along ........ I have been working on the ideas of layering - mainy these have been taken from ideas after reading the book Perfume ............peeling back layers and building up layers ............

but still my faces and figures creep in !

do I work with them or try to ignore them?? abandom them or simply submit?

angels or demons ...........................?

Zaz;-)

degree thoughts

2007-08-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have started the degree course at Opus ..........at least I have started the 'summer work' - a sketchbook of thoughts and ideas based around 'The Senses'. Using set words such as luscious. tardy, sumptuous, tarnished etc ........the idea is maintain a sketchbook of thoughts on the subject.

Firstly though, I have been giving a lot of thought as to exactly what I what to gain from this course . I have been aware for a long time that I have become increasingly dissastisfied and irritated with the zap, burn and distress technique that has become synymous with embroidery during the last 10-15 years .

I trained as an embroiderer, I learned all the techniques that so epitomise English embroidery and I have stood in front on wonderful, fantastic embroideries that have literally taken my breath away with their stunning intricate work. And yet my own work is so far from this heritage that I am unsure as to where it came from or why it settled in my hands.

When I consider what it is I want to do, it is clearly this:

intricate embroidery - gold work - whitework- English embroidery - canvas work - silk embroidery, box construction........... all the types of embroidery that are so embedded in my culture and my roots that it is time for me to stop ignoring it and revisit it with a rekindled passion.

I have been reading this book 'Perfume' by Patrick Suskind - in this book, which is about the intricacies of smells and fragrances, he describes the overwhelming perfume of wood and how he almost becomes drowned in its smell ......................

That describes how I feel about my stitching, my embroidery and my art perfectly ........... I want to become drowned , immersed and totally engaged with my embroidery, with the smallest finest details, with the intricacies and intimacy of its stitches and its construction.

Does that sound like my work? does that sound like me ?? Far from it, but inside my head is this passionate embroiderer who has a desire to reach to the depths and roots of her culture and endeavour to examine if that exists or not.

so far I have looking at metal threads and their construction ..........trying to interpret the words for my summer sketchbook

no-one said this journey was going to be easy

Zaz;-)

more work

2007-06-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

the sudio is filling up with ageing angels in various states of completion.................

I have two weeks to go before my exhibition ......................

Zaz;-)

ageing angels

2007-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

I once asked one of my English students to introduce herself to the class ..........my name is 'so and so ' she said and I am married to 'X' and have been for the last 30 years ...................

''I love him most days'' , she said..............

this is my ageing angel from that priceless quote....................... dont we all just love somebody .......most days ??

Zaz;-)

wonderful workshop

2007-06-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last 3 days teaching ................. a course on free embroidery to a group of women who took to it naturally like the proverbial ducks to water :0)

which is actually very lucky because our studio for the three days was here ..........

so right outside our large window offering perfect light ...........and with no safety net or fencing was this ................

how inspiring is that???????

well heres how

this is what was done by Gittan

these were stitched by GunBritt
this was embroidered by Eva (one of three Evas!)

the second Eva did this

and Eva number 3 stitched this

this piece was embroidered and stitched by Annika

and last but not least this piece was by Margareta

I am so proud of what was completed ...............I had a wonderful time - the weather was glorious - company good - and we all enjoyed ourselves!

Thanks to everyone for a great 3 days .............

I am always amazed at how talented people are on the quiet...........

;-) Zaz

Opus and a weekend course

2007-06-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

oooops ! I have missed a few days here :0) Sorry ! But apart from that I must must must report back on my weekend course!

A course organsied here in Sweden with the tutors Julia and Alex Caprara . Now if you arent aware of these two amazingly inspiring textile artists then look at the school of texiles they founded and run in London.

Opus has been running successfully for many years and they are currently the only educational establishment to offer the BA (Hons) Stitched Textiles degree course by distance learning. Now that is amazing!
The weekend was packed with drawings, mark making , model moulding, looking at cubism, painting - paper and fabrics, collage and stitch samples. each area carefully planned to move so smoothly into the next step and stage............................

Pictures?? some shown here of the final pieces and of Julia and Alex's final crit.

.............and if you are in or around London then dont miss their Graduate Exhibition .

and then theres me :0)

yes, I have signed up to do the degree course starting this September. I had my initial interview and was accepted .........so I am afraid the next 6 years are to be dedicated to stitched textiles ............now there's a hardship ;-)

If anyone wants to join me on this journey - I would interested to hear from you - its going to be exciting, frustrating, expensive, tiring but oh so incredibly worthwhile to develop as a textile artist.

Fantastic!

Zaz;-)

ageing angels

2007-04-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have now finished two of my ageing angels series - one more to go before next weeks hanging. This one above is called 'does the attitude come with age?' .................. or 'attitude ' for short! She is the culmination of a number of things - first the old flour bag, remember? Old things are not neccessarily scrap heap material.

Second the love of girly colours and fluff .........does that increase with age?

The hat and long rasta plaits - is that a long term wish that can only be achieved when one is in control of self image ............and that only comes later in life (doesnt it?).

The ballet shoes and feathers ...............dreams are made of that - as well as unachieved ambitions.

and then there's the attitude .................... the arms crossed, defiant, eyes shut, not listening face.

Is this figure a reflection of me ?? No - it isnt really but I know people like it!

and here is 'the authoress' - 'the writing lady' - I think we all know someone like this - a little bit OTT - talented but has unachieved ambitions. Face depicts - deep in thought and planning the next book.

The colours are a little of date but environmentally friendly - so good enough! Arms crossed in a do not disturb statement. Pen nibs hang from her dress in readiness for the next installment..........

Her hair is unkempt but tied up in an attempt to look 'tidy'

and all my ageing angels have hairy legs .................... but then everybody has hairy legs .......dont they?

Zaz;-)

sommar kurs

2007-04-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Äntligen har jag en sommar kurs bokad !!! Jag ska leda en kurs på frittbroderi här på Nordiska Akvarell museet .... en underbar ställe och vi (jag som en ledare) med 6 deltagare ska ta inspiration och ideer från havet , berg och våren utsikt!

Jag har bokat en av deras konst atelje - till vänster i bilden - för 3 dagar i juni - den 17 - 18 och 19 ................. och så ska vi njuta, brodera, rita , skissa och prova nya ideer, stygn, material osv

Vilken chans att slappna av, glömma vardagliga problem och vara kreativ bara!

Om ni är intresserad - kontaka mig så snart så möjligt - platser är begränsad

At last I have managed to book a summer school !! I am the tutor for a course in free and modern embroidery to be held here at the Nordic watercolour Museum an amazing place! We (me as tutor) and six students will take our inspiration and ideas from the sea, the mountain scenery and the view from the window.

I have booked one of their guest artists studios - to the left of the large red building in the picture - for 3 days in June - 17th 18th and 19th.................... and on these days we shall just enjoy the atmosphere, embroider, sketch, draw and try out new ideas, materials and stitches.

What an opportunity to relax, forget the everyday mundane problems and just be creative.

Interested? Contact me as soon as possible - places are limited.

Zaz;-)

ageing

2007-04-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am making a new series for my exhibition next week .......(eek!)

They are called 'ageing angels' and even though I have made the long legged figures before - these are slightly different.

I am using very old materials - old flour sacks - its an attempt to make the statement that even though things seem old and useless they do not deserve being put on the scrap heap. - Does that sound familiar?

Here is the start of them .........still under production . Sorry about the headless state - but they have to be more or less finished before the head goes on .........

but they will sort of look like this - when headed

Zaz;-)

charming to the USA

2007-04-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

life ! between work and play I somehow have lost a month - well almost! Now I must work towards a new exhibition in May - so regular updates with progressions will (hopefully) appear here..........

but in the meantime - I have been swapping! and I have made 5 charms all now posted off to the USA

5 miniature garden scenes all signed and 'starred' on the back...............

oh! and TBag Ted is winging his way as we speak ........

Zaz ;-)

staying true

2007-03-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

it is so easy to fly about here and there and get caught up in various techniques that just aren't me !
I love most types and styles of textile art but for me - it is always figures ...........and i cant explain why!
I love my embellisher - but I work with tea bags - plain and simple!
My paper clip charms have been revamped - and for me, they work much better - although not as yet, finished.............

my little tea bag angel .........is a start that is more my style ............ I wonder where she is going - when I have time to finish her ?

Zaz;-)

and the next one please

2007-03-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

having posted out my swap pins yesterday I am now working on the next swap! It is certainly keeping me working!

This one involves charms and a paper clip ...................and I have to make 6 of them ...........so the draft so far ...................

It is only the beginnings - I like the idea but possibly not the style - back to the drawing board .......

Zaz;-)

embellishing

2007-03-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

I have succombed to buying an embellisher - and I love it ! best thing I ever did!! so simple , so effective and so useful!

My pins have now been made for the yahoo swap and are just about ready to post off ...................

I am much more pleased with these than my previous efforts that are now adorning the bin :0)

Now on to the next challenge..............doors and windows - or daffodils ............. or even work for my next exhibition!

Zaz;-)

pin swap

2007-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some pins ..........for a pin swap - I have to make 4 - this is the beginning ...................

now to bead and embellish

Zaz;-)

T-bag ted

2007-02-22T01:52:00.000-08:00

T-bag ted has some news! ....

He is off to the USA

better hurry T-bag ted - no time to lose

tut tut - no time for games T-bag...............

you have a plane to catch ...............

time to get your hat on T-bag ted....

T-bag ted has got a modelling job .....

well ........not that sort of modelling job - T-bag ted!

quite!

Bye T-bag ted - have a great time .............and be good!!!

Zaz;-)

angel on my shoulder

2007-02-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

my rather idyllic life styel of stitching, swapping and talking to my texiley friends took a real knock this week. I was involved in a car accident- a nasty one - that wrote off my car - put me in hospital and suddenly pulled me up short on how fragile we are, and life really is !

I am taking a little break from blogging until I am totally recovered!

Zaz;-)

now we're talking the same language

2007-02-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

at last - the garden people let me know what they want and how they want to look ............ and they are coming on ..............now I have a hair problem to sort out - and shoes - and finishes !

to hat or not to hat??? that is the question................

Zaz;-)

not given up yet!

2007-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

The garden people lay on the floor this morning - in disgust after yesterdays waste of time ...... but there was something about it - after all

and whilst they keep talking - I keep working !

so I am continuing ............still not sure where this going though .........

Zaz;-)

garden people

2007-02-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

the garden people did not want to be created last evening! They would not do as they were told and ended up stilted and stiff!

Why is that? why is it sometimes we can produce a whole row of stuff and it just flows - other days (like a whole day yesterday) is spent being totally fruitless!

I gave up in the end ........I am rethinking this project - and will go back to original cloth doll patterns to search for something simpler - less complicated........perhaps that is what they want ??

I think I am going to try a simple, hinge jointed figure, flat face ..............almost gourd like - that is in my mind and wont go away until it is worked out!

anyway in the end I painted some faces in the hope I could use them for a pin swap with the yahoo group Surface Design - but I am not that thrilled with them either! Far too dolly for my liking !

oh well.................. back to the drawing board

Zaz;-)

new work

2007-02-04T04:37:00.000-08:00

I am working on a new set of figures for a fair in March/April........

I am using nature as a base and these are the first drawing of ideas .......and thoughts .......

although a long way from final decisions , my first thoughts are to have these figures on a tripod of twigs......... swaying .

I like this much simpler face - I am going too print it on fabric and see what effect it has

Zaz;-)

TAST

2007-02-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

I have had another go at the chevron stitch for TAST - Take a stitch Tuesday - and this time I wanted to explore the layering idea with this stitch.

Bearing in mind that it is basically a smocking stitch I tried to encapsulate that feeling by layering papers and sheers and then sticthing over and under.......

I prefered this more thought out approach than my first attempt and I also prefer the destruction of its uniformity by the layers

Ok - fairly acceptable

Zaz;-)

TAST

2007-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

The first of my trials of chevron stitch for TAST and its a hhhmmmm moment ! Definitely NOT my favourite stitch - I never liked this stitch when it was involved with smocking either!

But I will persevere to another sample ........after all - I am an experienced stitching person, and wont be beaten by a mere stitch - so there! ...........and my little book of stitches is coming on!

Zaz;-)

Indian Inspiration

2007-01-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

My sis sent me this little bag today

- sold under the Fair Trade Agreement - it is so sweet and well worked!

I love beaded purses and this one, with its very detailed front and back is just right to hold my mobile phone!

Just beautiful !

Zaz;-)

great post and a Welsh angel

2007-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

I love coming home and finding great post in my mailbox..............I used to get envelopes full of teabags from my sister but they have been sadly lacking of late :-(

But today ..................joy of joy ................I got a great post! An ATC from Mags my Welsh angel who lives somewhere near Chester! She sent me this

enclosed in this card! Isnt it great - a machined ATC - fantastic work!

What a super lady!

Oh - and this super lady , that so often makes me laugh and keeps me amused when we chat, also has a wonderful husband who sings!

Emyr never moans when he comes in from choir and I am sitting there in his living room (virtually of course) :0)

It has been known that Mags and I are busy chatting about embroidery early in the morning and Emyr is eating his breakfast - but he never moans! I have been taken on virtual tours of their flat , shown the view and also sat on their kitchen table (virtually). I have been in Mags studio and in their living room ...........and even introduced to their neighbours and family!

What wonderful people ! Mags - aka Digital Gran and her amazing husband.........my life is richer for knowing you both! ...........and visiting at strange hours (virtually of course ;-)

Thank you,

Zaz;-)

TAST - cretan stitch

2007-01-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

well I have at last caught up with TAST and the cretan stitch challenge. Love this stitch although I have to admit I had to look for a stitch book to be able to work it in the beginning.

But was away on a course for the last couple of days so all good plans and intentions went out of the window!

However .........it is now completed and ........

my little book of stitches is growing fast !!

Zaz ;-)

doing the poppies

2007-01-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

as Terri made some lovely comments about my work and asked for an explanation about the poppies - I decided to post it here.........

I have been doing these flower and landscape pictures for the best part of 2o years now - I still love the hand stitching and the composing of these little art pieces even if it is considered hackneyed and old hat.

So here is my method .................

I frame up 2 layers of cotton calico - I like a good base to work on and the 2 layers work well. Old cotton sheeting can also be used but I prefer unbleached calico.

Having decided on the size of the finished picture - usually about 4.5" X 4.5" I draw this square onto the fabric and paint it in plain old watercolour paints . I use very watery greens, blues, browns ........ and let them mix and blend on the fabric.

I then start to build up the background by using long stitches in single stranded embroidery thread or ordinary sewing cotton. I cover the whole of the background - blending and mixing colours as I work.

A detail can be seen here - it isnt vital to be too neat or precise -

Once the threads are beginning to cover I start to insert smalls pieces of torn fabrics - chiffons, organzas and sheer fabrics. Lay the colours where they are in your picture.

Once the ground work is done the details can be started as here in the poppies...............

Stitching small pieces of fabric for more intense colours and adding embroidery stitches for the final details .

Here are some of the other pictures I haver stitched using this method.....

I am happy to help and aswer any questions if you have any - it is so hard to describe exactly what i do ! But please email me if you want any more information !

Zaz;-)

Valentines charms

2007-01-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

some charms for Valentines day ........coming up so soon

........and for Ulf .......the beginnings of the poppies........

Zaz;-)

too much snow

2007-01-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

is just plain boring ........over 2 feet today! and that, my friends, is very boring

3 paths need shovelling - 1 to the shed for the tools - 1 to the wood pile and 1 to walk Charlie.........

it is the stuff of Christmas cards ...........but I want spring :-(

lets hope for spring tomorrow

Zaz ;-)

yet more charms

2007-01-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

inspired by this group of artists here I have started some more charms ..... - this is just the beginnings and am not really sure where they are going yet but I am pleased with their look!

It started life as plastic tube - square - and contained a tube light fitting! I was about to discard it when I realised that it measured 1" by 1" - so I cut it up into small squares.

This left rather sharp edges so I covered them with glue from a hot glue gun and then added Treasure gold...............

on to the next part .................

Zaz;-)

Charms

2007-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed working on these charms for a swap ............................. 1" X 1" is small but a challenge nevertheless! and MsT enjoyed it too ......she always rises to a challenge :0)

Zaz;-)

studio progression

2007-01-19T03:25:00.000-08:00

My studio is progressing rapidly ..........and just now we are insulating the inside so that it will be warm and snug even in the winter months!

And on a lovely sunny day like today it sits so pretty in between the garden workshed and our teeny tiny house.............

The view from the inside isnt bad either .........and it gets the morning and afternoon sun.........I really cant wait for it to be finished !

The view behind is to the mountain with only fields in between..........................

zaz;-)

tagged on weird things

2007-01-19T02:42:00.000-08:00

Oh - I have been tagged by Tanya to disclose 6 weird things about me .............well I suppose amongst the weirdest are the jobs I have had ........so here goes:

1 - I have worked in a graveyard both digging and filling in graves - it was usually me that went down into the grave to put up the shoring boards

2 - I worked as a gardener for the Bishop of Tewkesbury in the UK.

3 - I have busked in the centre of Cheltenham, UK- playing guitar and singing - I was barefoot. (it was for charity!)

4 - I have sung and played guitar in many pubs around the Cheltenham/Glos, UK area.

5 -In spite of living in Sweden I do not eat fish!

6 - I have two half sisters that I have never met, dont know where they live and dont even know their names, but I know they exist somewhere.

Off to do some more textile work!

Zaz;-)

TAST- detached chain

2007-01-18T01:13:00.000-08:00

I have started the next sample of stitches for Sharons challenge - Take a Stitch Tuesday - this week it is detached chain stitch! Yes the good old lazy daisy - a wonderful old fashioned stitch that has been around for eons.

I have decided to make a sampler book for all these stitches that I am revisiting and this sample here is stitched on hand made paper , backed with linen.

It was dyed with acrylic dyes and paints , then stitched. It was not the easiest thing in the world to stitch on but I like the look.

I inserted eyelets so I can bind or tie them together when is all done and dusted!

This is just the beginning of this sample - I havent quite finished it yet .

zaz ;-)

ATC's

2007-01-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

just completing some ATC's of MsT that will be hopefully winging their way to Oz .............for their 2007 ATC challenge.

I now want to have a go at the charms 1" X 1" that are sweeping the blogs at the moment ..........very very small though ......

zaz ;-)

TAST

2007-01-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

and buttonhole stitch .......................

I really enjoyed doing this sample for Take a stitch Tuesday!

no pressure - just fun - and how I love working with birds..........

it is a textured background fabric - and linen and silk threads overlaid - even some thin machine threads........

Thanks Sharon for presenting tis amazing opportunity of stitching with stitchers from around the world!

Zaz;-)

making paper

2007-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have an exhibition coming up in April that involves my book pictures .........shown here...........little books of music - sometimes haiku - sometimes poetry - sometimes secrets ......... always stitched.

So for this exhibition I have to make paper and thought it would good to share my method (very simple) with you !

Papermaking , my way, is simple it needs no specialist equipment and is quick

Firstly you will need some shredded computer paper - this is easily obtainable from local offices who are often glad to see the back of a bag of it ;-)

Computer paper makes good paper because of its long fibres and it also ends up white (ish) so is good for dyeng and painting.

Because it is good paper it need soaking before using - I usually soak mine overnight but a few hours will do. It needs to be soft and squidgy.

You dont need masses if you are just experimenting - a few good handfuls of shreddings in a bucket will make a good quantity to play with.

After it has soaked take small handfull and whizz it up in a food processor with some water. Here is mine - I bought it at a car boot sale, cheap, especially for papermaking.

After its been whizzed for a couple of minutes empty the contents , now paper pulp, into a container of water - a washing up bowl or plastic box are both great for this.

Pulp about half the bucket of shreddings - the wate and paper pulp should be about the consistency of sludgy water.

Cut out strips of fabric for backings - I use loose weave scrim, linen or sacking and I vary them according the size of book to be made ............mostly I work about 9cms X 17 cms. have these cut out ready.

Also have ready at the side of the sludge tank some newspapers (plenty to soak up the water) and lay one J cloth over the newspaper - the hand made paper peels off nicely from J-cloths.

Using one strip of backing material dip it into the sludge tank and lift it out with some paper pulp on the top. It doesnt have to be even - the more uneven the better!!!

It is wet (very wet) and sludgy! Lift it out and place it on top of the J-cloth - proceed until the J-cloth is full with pieces.

Leave them to dry a lttle while - at least until they have stopped dripping! Once they have done that you can lift them carefully off the J-Cloth and dry them over a heater for speed (I am very impatient! )

I dry mine over the radiators in the bathroom ,

sitting room................anywhere :0)

When dry you will have alovely pile of hand made paper sheets to do what you want to with ..............

you can stitch them , dye them,glue them , mould them (when slightly damp) ................anything.

Oh - and one important point - it is not reccommended to pour away the sludge paper pulp down the sink cos it blocks it!

Instead sieve the pulp through an old pair of tights and squeeze out the water - it can be reconstitutes as paper pulpagain by adding water............. or if you want you can leave it to dry completely and make paper stones!

Have fun! Zaz;-)