MAKING MEMORIES

I have had the experience of working with sufferers of different kinds of dementia within a care home environment and I have seen in person how this condition affects not only the patient, but also his/her close family members and friends, so I was more than happy to participate in the Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk event and raise some money by doing a craft stall to show my support and acknowledge how big a cause this is. 

Saturday's event at Blaise Castle was very successful, despite the rainy start. I was really pleased to see how many people turned up!

I was paired up with a lovely lady called Helen, who makes beautiful fragranced candles and cute home accessories. Our stall was right in front of the stage so we had full view of all the performances, which helped brighten up a rather dull day (or at least the first part of it as later on the sun came out). 

Helen was late to set up her table, as she volunteered to help out with the signs for the 10 mile walk, but I wasn't made aware of that so I spread my stock out by taking over the other table which was allocated for her (see the first picture below)...eventually I retreated! 

The walkers and enthusiastic sprinters were welcomed at the finishing line by a cheering crowd and there were plenty of refreshments and entertainment on offer, such as: 'Here Come The Night jars', The Gasworks Choir and Ilu Axé choreographed Samba drumming band. There were also freestyle dancers, hula hoopers, face painters, candy floss, homemade cakes, pizza, tombola and craft stalls (us!).

The Memory Walk Officers and Volunteers were absolutely brilliant, they looked after us very well and showed us so much appreciation for our contribution to the day.

I sold more than I thought, especially the new designs, which was great to see. 
In a couple of days I will be setting up my work (both my stitchings and my designs) in Cabot Circus, in a new pop up shop/gallery called Objets de Désire, which is already an online boutique. The shop will run until 24th December! Hopefully see you there!

Here are some of the new items that were on sale:

ps. These last typewritten 'Baby' quotes proved very popular on Saturday, in fact I was commissioned to make more, since I run out of the blue ones...apparently more baby boys than girls are born!

HAPPINESS IS...

I am more drawn to mechanical objects than digital technology so it's no wonder that when the opportunity to use a typewriter in my work came along I (literally) grabbed it with both hands! 
I realised that there is a considerable public interest - when it comes to handmade items - in works where words or quotes are included, therefore, I thought that adding a typewritten section in my pictures would be the best way to update and push forward my style, this also allowed me to move from greeting cards towards a more versatile and frameable object/gift. The most important thing for me is that, because of the unpredictability of a typewriter, a handmade feel is more emphasised, for each picture becomes a unique piece with all the (relatively minor) smudges and irregularities. 

The colourful printed textiles and paper, as well as the embellishment of hand drawn or cut out birds and butterflies, make these compositions such a lovely gift to someone dear or, perhaps, they could brighten up a dull corner in your home... there it is a bit of wisdom and warmth (handmade with love) within such an easy reach! 

I have used quotes that inspired or touched me in one way or another, thoughts on happiness, friendship, a baby's arrival and I have also included a few verses from the song "Over the Rainbow", which I find nostalgic but, nonetheless, very beautiful and reflective.  

I will be 'testing them out' at the Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk event in Bristol this month, where I will have a stall along with other makers. I am so glad that I was asked to partake in it so that I can give a hand and make a contribution to such a great cause. 
Hopefully see you there!