Book Bound

I have a precious day off today and want to sort out my workspace so that I actually have some space. I've got a piece of perspex and want to try some drypoint, which means I need my little press set up. But my problem is I am physically unable to put down The Other Boleyn Girl. It's so compelling and everything I do other than read it is just getting in the way! If our history books at school were written this way then maybe I would have gone down a whole different career path. (If only Phillippa Gregory would write maths books too...)

Paper Capers at Artwave

Come and see me and my work along with three super-talented artists every weekend during Artwave! (There will be cake.)

And Another Thing

I've just finished this book, A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness. It's the really moving story of a boy whose mum is suffering with cancer, and who is being visited by a huge monster. The concept grew from an original idea by author Siobhan Dowd, who sadly died of cancer herself before the book could be written. The illustrations were done by Jim Kay, who I wasn't familiar with before. They're absolutely stunning.

The book has quite rightly won every award under the sun for both the the writing and illustrations. Hurrah for them...very well deserved.

PS As I was pasting in the link I noticed you can get it on Amazon for only £3.99 now. Blimey!

Goldfish

I must say I am missing my old studio with all its funny smells and below zero temperatures. Working at home has its advantages of course (like being able to feel your fingertips) - but one big disadvantage. I. Don't. Work. Or at least when I do, I have the attention span of a goldfish with ADHD.

Ten minutes at my desk, (which, by the way, is far too small) and I wander off and fret about my ironing pile. Ten minutes ironing and I think about the weeds that must have grown over the ground I recently dug in my garden, so I venture out try and dig, all the while thinking I should be at my desk. Ten minutes back at my desk and I notice it's time to start making the kitchen marginally less unhygenic in preparation for dinner. Even the dog looks at me with a pitying gaze.

I need a deadline and some self discipline. Ah well.

Here's a papier mache doll I made for our upcoming Open House.