I used to draw

I have been looking through my old sketchbooks and portfolios for examples to publicise a mixed media and drawing summer school I will be running in August. It made me realise how I have lost the habit of drawing. I intend to book some days off work and clear a run of days and re-immerse myself in mark making.

In the past I used to love drawing birds. As well as drawing from photographs I would buy hanging pheasants, ducks and pigeons from the Grainger Market in Newcastle and draw details till the dead bird got past its sell by date! Alas the days of being able to buy a fresh pigeon from the market have gone.

Precious Memories

I am excited to be running a number of textile workshops in conjunction with MAKE recycled craft workshop next to Allendale Bakery. The first workshop is called "Precious Memories" and will be held on May 22nd . See the web site for more details http://makerecycledcraftworkshop.bigcartel.com.

There are only a few places so book up soon!

You will be making something a bit like this or the work I put on my blog on 29th November 2010.

Patchwork

Back to Basics

Surface Decoration on Paper and Fabric

There are still places on this course which I am running 19th and 20th February at Horsley and it isn't too late to book. Contact Horsley Printmakers at info@horsleyprintmakers.co.uk and look at their web site for further information

Maidens Garlands

I am at the research and development stage of a new body of work which is inspired by the maidens garlands at Old St Stephens Church, Fylingdales in North Yorkshire. The church which was built in 1822 stands on a hillside overlooking Robin Hoods Bay.

Maidens garlands, which are very rare, were carried in the funeral procession of a maiden.

I will be showing my responses to the maidens garlands over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2011.

I will document the process through a new blog "Memento Mori" at http://mandypattullo.blogspot.com. I will also use this blog to archive other work I've done on these themes. Don't look just yet though as I haven't had time to put anything on it!

Here is the beautiful church . Read more about it at www.visitchurchesorg.uk

Here are the 4 maidens garlands which are housed in a locked atrium within the church

More detailed views showing the ribbons hanging down

More information on the garlands and the pieces I am working on coming soon

Surface Decoration on Paper and Fabric

I will be running another surface pattern course on the weekend of 19th/ 20th February in conjunction with Horsley Printmakers at The Hearth at Horsley.

Experiment in mixed media using simple printmaking techniques. Learn to paint with inks, using bleaching and resist techjniques to get suprising effects. Print in unconventional ways with embossed wallpaper, printing blocks and lino to create beautiful compositions. Collage using photocopies, tear sheets and printed ephemera.

There are a few places left but you must book by the end of this week. Look at the web site www.horsleyprintmakers.co.uk for more information and email info@horsleyprintmakers.co.uk to reserve your place.

The following work is all by students who attended my last surface decoration course.

Rag Rug Day

Had a cup of tea with mat maker Rachel Phillimore yesterday www.racheltextiles.co.uk. She was telling me of a fantastic textile event which is due to take place at the Shipley Art Gallery Gateshead on Saturday 5th February. An event dedicated to rag rug making in the North East, there will be rugs for sale, rugs to see, rugs to make and rugs to win.

Meet Rosemary Allan, retired Senior Keeper of Beamish Museum and author of ‘From Rags to Riches’, go on a free tour of the Shipley Art Gallery, and enjoy some music with Trevor Reed.

Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

For further information contact the Shipley on (0191) 477 1495 or Room For You on 0191 213 8614.

I once made a rag rug myself through one of Ali Rhind's workshops. She will be there and you can see more of her work on www.alirhindtextiles.co.uk/

Here is my own rug. It is a great traditional recycling craft.