Memories

I made a little memory box yesterday......for two reasons. Alysn at The Beetroot Tree asked me to make one for a forthcoming exhibition at her gallery on the theme of Memory.

"Memory | Sat 30 July 2011 - Sun 11 September 2011
In support of the Alzheimer's Society we will be inviting you to purchase a memory box pack online to create you own work for display alongside the exhibition."
I decided to make it for my Dad, who died last year after suffering from dementia for approx 3 years. Inside the box are a selection of small photos plus a copy of my 'letter to Dad' which I read out at his funeral. 

As its Fathers Day on Sunday it felt especially appropriate that I should make this in memory of him :-) 
If you'd like to join in, you can read more about the challenge here and also on Alysn's blog here. There's a £3 charge to help raise funds for the Alzheimers Society.


I made quite a few things yesterday.....

 ...bread (in my brilliant Panasonic bread-maker)

 ......fairy cakes

 ....and my special Lavender and Peppermint cream. I need to work on some more attractive labels I think :-)

Peachy kept his eye on me for most of the morning.....

....until he fell asleep :-)

My Colours....

I've been happily working with my favourite colours over the past two weeks. Maggi and I spent a great day together at her house just over a week ago. She showed me how to do nuno felting in her fab garage/workshop.......

Maggi at work

First attempt below; front and back. I worked on a piece of dyed silk and laid wool and silk fibres on top before wetting, soaping  and rolling. The final step involved whacking and bashing - great fun :-) Hopefully if you click on it you can see that the silk puckers and creates a lovely effect.

Second piece; front and back.......my fav one. Looking forward especially to sewing on this. Not sure which side to use though!

Maggi kindly gave me a piece of blue cotton velvet to use for my Spirit Cloth cushion.

I extended the stitching out onto the velvet.....

......et voila!

I now want to find something to stitch around the edge........maybe :-/



Peachy has been helping me choose fibres and fabrics for my latest sewing project.....

...he doesn't damage them. Honestly. He just goes a little crazy sometimes.....
I can empathise with that.... ;-)

The elegant Nectaroscordum has almost finished. It's now making me think of fairy castles.........

........so sweet.

And finally.....DH and I decided to make the most of the glorious weather and went to Monsal Head in Derbyshire last weekend. We haven't been there for years and had forgotten how stunning it is.
(Click on the photos)

 The viaduct used to be for trains...but now its cyclists and walkers only.

If ever you get a chance....go there :-)