Phillipa England

Unfinished 'Day 29'

2012-03-03T21:26:00.001Z

An unfinished study of a friend's children

Day 28

2012-02-28T22:44:00.000Z

Day 26

2012-02-26T21:56:00.003Z

More experimenting with Gold Leaf. With the face looking down, I covered black card with gold leaf then scraped away to form the shadowing. Fun but not something that rcks my boat. My Grandfatheer was fond of scraper boards - reminds me of him.

Day 25

2012-02-25T22:30:00.002Z

A strange mood......strange scribblings!

Day 24

2012-02-24T23:17:00.001Z

'In a pool of light' - this was the title given to me 24 years ago for my 'A' level art. Thought it appropriate to revisit it on day 24!
Pencil on black card with gold leaf.
24 years ago I painted an Adam & Eve like couple in a waterfall.....I still have it somewhere - it'd be fun to dig it out!

Day 23

2012-02-23T20:27:00.002Z

Day 22: Blue

2012-02-23T20:25:00.002Z

Self portrait

Day 21

2012-02-21T21:22:00.002Z

Silence: I wanted to do a floaty, underwater drawing. I used grey/blue writing paper so I could experiment with highlighting with white.

Day 20

2012-02-20T19:50:00.000Z

The girls, singing & dancing.

Day 19

2012-02-19T20:04:00.001Z

Studies from my favourite painter - William Blake

Day 18

2012-02-18T18:59:00.002Z

Day 17

2012-02-17T19:01:00.004Z

Day 16

2012-02-17T19:01:00.001Z

Day 15

2012-02-15T21:46:00.001Z

Gran

Day 14

2012-02-15T18:33:00.001Z

The chickens I will have in my garden one day!

Day 13

2012-02-13T00:16:00.001Z

Today I have 2

Day 12

2012-02-12T21:25:00.002Z

Paper, cloth, thread and gold leaf.
When I took this photo, the camera said 'blink detected'!

Day 11

2012-02-11T21:30:00.001Z

watercolour - Thomas

Day 10

2012-02-11T21:29:00.001Z

pencil & gold leaf

Day 9

2012-02-09T23:14:00.001Z

Day 8: Woman in white

2012-02-08T17:46:00.002Z

stitch & collage

Day 7

2012-02-07T17:50:00.000Z

Dy 6: Suggestion

2012-02-06T22:30:00.002Z

Day 5

2012-02-05T17:30:00.002Z

pencil on paper.

Day 4

2012-02-05T17:28:00.002Z

stitch on book page with silk. 'Chapter lV: Cross Currents'

day 3

2012-02-03T21:44:00.003Z

Pencil on brown envelope. Inspired by the Pre Raphaelites. I'm reading 2 books at the moment. One is hard going - William Blake. The other has more plates, less text! - Gustav Klimt. These 3 would be with me on my desert island. Can't really pick just one of the Pre Raphaelites.....however, whilst Ophelia is one of my favourite painings ever, at a push, I would have to go for Rossetti overall I think.

28 drawings later: February Drawing challenge

2012-02-03T17:15:00.003Z

This is a fabulous idea. Set up on facebook - everyone can upload their daily drawigns throughout February. I wanted to draw more, thought about doing self portraits but I'm really struggling. This is much better, so I'm having a go at a drawing a day & uploading to this online community. It's great to see everyone else's creativity too.
You can join here.... 28 days later
Here are days one & two...
number three later.

A series of self-portraits. An introspective perspective.

2012-01-07T17:41:00.003Z

The new year has brought new resolve.
Time is precious.
Setting time aside to do something that brings pleasure too often falls beneath the necessities in life. Excuses are easy to make.
No more excuses.
I'm starting with the self. Not a comfortable subject matter for me, I'll admit.
I want to be at ease in my skin. So, I'm looking within, and without!

Over the coming weeks / months / year I shall be making a series of self portraits.....drawings, photography, poetry perhaps...expressions of me. An examination of the Self, stretching some unused muscles since it's been a while since I've drawn!
Here's # 1

Graphite on paper - 15 minutes

2011-11-08T22:26:00.003Z

'Tis a sad day.
The wonderful Knitted Bull who has become a friend of ours may have to make tracks to Chelsea flower show in the Summer. He is being summoned but I am trying to have him keep his fabulous technicolour coat of knitted-ness!
I will be inconsolable should he go, never to return, yet over the moon (& back) should he be allowed to display his dream coat at Chelsea....instead of being covered in wickerwork.

Which way do you vote?

I have offered our community services too.....knitted & felted flowers to adorn his wonderfulness especially for the festival!....

2011-09-06T18:19:00.004+01:00

Barber's adagio for strings - my absolute favourite piece of music. Highly emotive. Top of the list on things to do before I die.....hear it played live.

Putting up the urban knitting project......

2011-07-17T15:30:00.003+01:00

It's amazing what tree surgeons will do these days for a nice cup of tea! Here are Mark and Robert very kindly helping us out with those tricky branches.....Mark was hanging upside down at one point!

The girls deperately didn't want to have their photos taken....but I sneakily took video of them hard at work...they did an amazing job of covering the bench!

KINGSFEST

2011-07-17T15:16:00.003+01:00

Despite the initial rain, the day was a huge success. A busy run-up, and all worth it. The community seemed to really enjoy it. Here are a few snap shots from my phone.....

We had fun putting the knitted squares together and seeing peoples reactions when they saw it...although the knitted bench proved a more popular place to sit than the other benches!

We were overjoyed to have Hunt Emerson join us (comic artist of the Beano). He kindly signed and drew sketches on all purchases made on the day.

Angela having fun sewing up one of the trees!

More photos of the day to follow when I have them back from the photographer....

KINGSFEST

2011-07-02T15:16:00.001+01:00

Saturday 16th July 2011 Perry Common Community Hall B23 5JD

Laurence Broderick....

2011-06-23T21:51:00.005+01:00

....is the artist responsible for the Birmingham Bronze Bull in the Bullring called 'The Guardian'
This little beauty is on loan from Birmingham Parks Dept. It's the original wire framework from the prototype of the 'Bull' I believe.
Over 60 knitters have been involved with this fantastic project with an estimated 400 hours of knitting! The youngest knitter is Lili at 9, the oldest is Edna who is 90! And folk are still knitting! It's a 'knit-a-thon'!
The Bull is nearly complete and he will be on display at Perry Common Community Hall, B23 5JD between now & July the 16th, when he will proudly kick off the 'Kingsfest' Arts Festival.

The framework in itself is a wonderful art piece. Here are some photos of some of the guys who knitted for it and also Cecil who helped me sew it onto the framework. Angela, who helped too, had just nipped out to make us all a brew! When
the guys had finished knitting their squares, many of them embroidered their names on it. We've even got the local police knitting, and councillors.....everyone has been invited to join in and it's proving to be incredible fun and a wonderful talking point!

Urban Knitting

2011-06-15T18:43:00.004+01:00

I'm working hard to bring together our part in the 'Kingsfest' project at work. It's a celebration of the creative talents across Kingstanding.
The urban knitting project (which is part of our participation) is taking centre stage at the moment and is coming along nicely.
The community have knitted squares over the last couple of months and we are busy sewing them together to then put around objects.
Here is the small scale tree I made for the reception area at work where people can drop in their squares.

Today I was jumping around - the parks manager has very kindly let me borrow the prototype wire framework for the Bull in Birminghams Bullring. We have him at the Hall and I'll be covering him in the woollen squares over the next couple of weeks. Watch this space!!
The acting chair of Witton Lodge Community association has knitted this fantastic police cordon tape too!! and yes....we got permission from the local police to do it!

In the main hall we will be having art installations from local artists and a craft fair where local crafters will be selling their work. It's all very exciting.
Tomorrow I hope to get photos of the Bull framework and will keep a log of the work in progress to share with you.
I'm lucky to be in this job. I get to meet lots of really great people and get involved with fabulous projects like this!

Welcome

2011-05-28T17:54:00.006+01:00

The mosaic that the craft group have made is nearing completion .....

I just need to stain the frame & it'll be ready to go up.

This little guy is our youngest member - Kye.

He's wrapped up in some knitting for our KINGSFEST project in July. The community are busy knitting away for this arts festival to celebrate the talents of Kingstanding. We are very excited to have access to the framework of the original Bull from Birmingham Bullring. he will be adorned in patchwork knitting from all around Perry Common.....as the Parks Manager put it, he will be our 'Woolly Bully' - it's going to be great!! If we have enough knitted pieces we will be decorating a tree too. Running alongside this there will be bits & bobs (all arty, of course!) going on in the Hall, showcasing local people's talents & craftsmanship.

Wishing you a lovely bank holiday weekend....I'm off to York Dungeons....

2011-04-23T12:37:00.001+01:00

I do love the sun! It's smiley weather for sure.
Started the day with an egg & tea in the sunshine - perfect!
A very happy Easter :)

2011-04-03T14:33:00.006+01:00

It's pouring with rain & a bit on the nippy side, but all is well.
I had a lovely breakfast in bed...

I was surprised to see sausages on my plate as I've given up meat for Lent (& doing really quite well!) Then I was informed they were vegetarian sausages! & I must say they're not bad at all! It was lovely.
I've been contemplating cutting down drastically on my meat intake for some years now. I can't give up fish - it's my favourite - & I think on the odd occasion I might have a lovely fry-up, but I think even after Easter I might carry on this vegetarian thing (of sorts!!!)
It's been a fabulously lazy day. I've got a little ironing to do later but then I'm going to indulge in arty activities. I have a few promised things I need to finish off for folk & also a mosaic for work that the craft group have made - It'll be dark when I finish it so will try to take photos tomorrow.
Looking forward to birthday celebrations on Tuesday for my sister.
I hope your weekend is treating you well :)

poem cushion

2011-03-17T21:04:00.006Z

How lovely!......I found it on ETSY here made by My Bearded Pigeon

Famous, Rich & in the slums

2011-03-14T22:20:00.003Z

I have only just been able to watch the second part of this documentary & found it, inevitably heartbreaking.
I want to help, & I know you do too. I cried as I watched Lenny Henry break down. As I tuck my children into their warm, clean beds I thank God for how fortunate I am.
I want to offer something small.....for the next month - ALL the money made through sales in my shop will go to COMIC RELIEF.I will try my best to update it with NEW items over that month - to try & tempt you!

WE NEED TO HELP.....

Mmmmm.........

2011-03-08T22:32:00.003Z

Made by my very own fair hands! Choc chip, vanilla & fresh blueberry muffins!!

Friends....

2011-02-17T21:33:00.002Z

Friends offer us much, not least of which is protection from many of Life's troubles.....

What a lovely quote I came across on the internet when I was searching for inspiration for wording for a poetry reel for a friend :)

2011-02-04T22:22:00.002Z

today some things have made me very happy.....today some things have made me quite sad. I've laughed and cried. life is a funny old kettle of fish......

2011-01-20T19:06:00.003Z

Ladies only keep fit at work....one of the free sessions we're running. I love how they use ribbons....it's so colourful & graceful - a fun session.

At the craft session on Wednesday, we had fun painting pottery - the fruit of our efforts will be revealed in 2 weeks time :)

Magic lantern slides

2011-01-19T17:23:00.002Z

My sister & I went to an antiques market some time ago. I love to have a good rummage! One of the many fascinating things we found were these magic lantern slides.
Here are a few of my favourites.....not sure what to do with them just yet, but I'm sure it will come to me in a blinding flash!
I hope you like them too....

2011-01-17T22:27:00.001Z

A fabulous image from a lovely little old book I have on first aid & bandages. It has some amazing illustrations. I pinched this one for the front of a card I made for a friend who has broken his leg in 3 places...ouch. A post for you, Steve :)Get well soon.

2011-01-16T18:35:00.002Z

poetry..

2011-01-15T22:22:00.005Z

Today I needed to pop to the market to buy some ribbon. That job satisfied, I was drawn to the second-hand book stall. I'm fascinated by old books....moreoever, I'm fascinated by the beautiful use of the english language in bygone years. Some command it so well....it's inspirational.
I bought a couple of little books for others & bought this one for myself, drawn initially by the wonderful Arts & Crafts style cover pattern...

Published 104 years ago, it tells the reader how to scribe correctly. It also gives example letters for both ladies and gentlemen to use as reference.

How did we ever manage? No mobile phones, no instant messaging, no texts, no email. I sometimes wish I lived in that era.

This book yields a wealth of inspirational, sometimes quite touching, quotes which reveal a wonderful command of the english language. I shall enjoy reading it.

my Christmas Present........

2011-01-14T21:20:00.004Z

....has arrived.

...and I can't wait to get started...Along with it came some fabulously old knitting /crochet patterns. I don't knit, but some of them lend themselves to other projects! These ones in particular will make brilliant birthday cards oncce I've used the image manipulation software on them & changed a few faces!!

mosaic

2011-01-13T22:03:00.005Z

I want to design a mosaic for the craft group to work on. I figure it will include the company logo...

...each participant will have a small square (4" x 4")of the finished piece to complete, then I will put them all together.
I was looking at other mosaic pieces for inspiration - there is some lovely stuff out there....I love the colours on these...

I'm still working on sketches which I will share with you as they take shape.....TTFN

2011-01-11T21:33:00.004Z

A morning spent drawing out another advertising poster ~ determined to get those people in! In my element with a cuppa in one hand and marker pens in the other!

We are continuing with the free sessions at the Hall....there are some great ones...this is Tai Chi...

A chip off the ol' block...

2011-01-10T17:13:00.002Z

messing around.....my 13 yr old daughter was asking me about portrait drawing. I sketched her......

...she then sketched her Dad....

Veg, books & papier mache

2011-01-09T19:00:00.004Z

I don't cook! I make pigs in blankets....that's it really. It's my one thing & I shall be making a batch for my nephew for his 19th birthday on Tuesday (as pre-ordered!).....I most certainly am no good at cakes!! This is my attempt at veg eating.... think I went a bit over board with the ol' garlic!! practice makes perfect!

Last Wednesday we made hedgehogs from books at the craft group. Something I saw at a market in France. I added the spikes myself...a little twist on the original design. We added a large brad for a nose & smaller brads/split pins with small circles of card for the eyes.

I thought about trying to make something each day - but honestly, life is hectic, so i think I'll stick with blogging daily & see where it takes me. I'm not going to force anything - this is for me.....my time to sketch, explore & create as & when it takes me. Yesterday I played with papier mache.....Here's the result.

2011-01-08T16:56:00.001Z

a short post - my friend's husband died very suddenly this morning. How fragile life is......:(

2011-01-07T21:48:00.002Z

Chocolate, port & lemon, G & T, crabbies ginger beer......these have been my staple diet over the last two weeks. Today my work colleagues pointed out to me that I comfort eat - all true (sadly) - as I tucked into a lovely little 'breaskfast treat' this morning courtesy of the office birthday boy!
So, I'm feeding my body vegetables & fruit smoothies as somewhat of a detox thing going on. I feel sure my body will shout 'thank you'!

Goats.....

2011-01-06T20:32:00.002Z

The national geographic.....one of my favourite sources of inspiration - some really weird, wonderful images, photographed to perfection.

2011-01-05T22:21:00.000Z

4

2011-01-04T08:00:00.002Z

An early start.....up at 5 ... with things on my mind.

Second round of publicity for the free tasters sessions I'm coordinating at work. Leaflet design went well, but it's never good when you're in the middle of printing 1100 off & realise you've accidentally put your home phone number on it instead of work!!! Aaarrgghh!

day 3

2011-01-03T17:45:00.002Z

....and a day of cleaning, putting things in their place....and finally drinking hot chocolate!
This charming little glass 'carton' of hot choc is one of my fav Christmas presents. I love the etching on the bottle ..... It will look lovely with some wild flowers in it.

In times of stress.....

2011-01-02T19:17:00.004Z

'Making things' is very much my pleasure in life. It brings me to a peaceful place. When I found myself stressed this holiday I sat & sewed. I made a collection of birds..... 3 robins, 1 wren as gifts for special people, & this colourful little fellow for myself.
I have some favourite fabrics so will be making more of this chaps for sale.
I like figuring out the construction of things....having an idea & making it 3-D. I love painting too, but model-making is more gratifying.

Challenge for 2011 ~ one a day

2011-01-01T20:04:00.004Z

A personal challenge for the New Year ahead......to post once a day...about what's going on in my world.
I've been neglectful of late...hardly posting a peep. This is my chance to rectify that.
Sometimes it may be just a photograph of work I'm doing, or it may be a short poem, but I shall endeavor to post something...let's see how long I can keep it up.

ipod pic's

2010-12-05T13:21:00.002Z

My goodness, I've laughed! My daughter bought herself an ipod touch with her birthday money & she downloaded this fabulous application - I've laughed so much!
Here are a few of the pic's .....clearly she looks beautiful & I look....well....I'll let you decide for yourself!

FREE taster Sessions in Brum...

2010-10-31T20:08:00.005Z

A few sleepless nights later.....it's nearly here! how'd you like my poster??
The start of the Taster Sessions is nigh.....A variety of sessions FREE for 7 weeks, starting 9th Nov (with a crafty craft session popped in there this Weds!) organised by yours truly - hence the sleepless nights! Yay....it's going to be Fabulous!!

Twice monthly craft - oh yes....I'm organised....well nearly! Tai Chi, Keep Fit (ladies only & mixed), Street Dance & Break Dance lessons! Knit & Natter....and training sessions too!... Although - the poster says the street dance & break dance sessions start the 8th ....nope, mistake, they start the 15th! good job they haven't been printed yet!!

So if you're a Brummie and live in or around the B23 area.....give us a call & book your place.

I'll be posting here as the sessions unfold & get going.

Toodle ooo........

Macmillan Coffee Morning

2010-10-06T15:51:00.003+01:00

We had lots of people turn up to our coffee morning last Wednesday. We raised £222.63. Lots of laughing, lots of tea....a great morning :) I'm in the throes of setting up some free taster sessions at the Community Hall to run between Nov & March - so having fun making a timetable of events....meeting some great people along the way.

TTFN

a few snaps...

2010-09-15T19:34:00.004+01:00

....of the craft seesion we run monthly at the lovely new community hall where I work. We were making felt acorns, with genuine french acorn cups, don't you know! Then putting a drop of essential oil on to make them smell beautiful.

I love this group...I know! I've said that before, but such a great group of chaps. We're having a Macmillan coffee morning at the end of Sept & I'm hoping to rope in lots of these guys to help / bake cakes / make tea!.....but Ssshhhhhh....they don't know yet....I've got to ring them!

Yay...

2010-07-16T23:05:00.003+01:00

...I'm over the moon to have been offered a job today. Working with a great bunch of people. 18 hours a week - perfect - & still have time for small folk & my artwork (which has taken a back seat of late - but will be making a revival!)
Celebrations are in order....yippee x

wishing all of you chappies a great weekend ~ I'm looking forward to mine :)

It takes...

2010-07-07T22:36:00.002+01:00

...only a few precious minutes for a day to change. Buttons are pushed. Cortisol levels rise.....consequently my heart starts to miss a beat or two - literally...and not in a good way. I reach for the good ol' St John's Wort & evening primrose. It works - I'm so absolutely not bothered if it's simply psychological - it helps.
I make tea - tea helps everything - and contemplate finding a quiet spot to clear my mind - meditate if you will.
Life is full of stressors. I no longer beat myself up - telling myself I'm a bad person, that I could be nicer - I'm a good person. I need to stop worrying so much what people think of me - which unfortunately is a constant worry to me. I do my best. My best to be the best person I know how to be.
Tomorrow is another day. A wonderful day, I'm sure. It will have its taxing moments, I have no doubt, but it's a day to move forward and be grateful for all the good things :)

Wednesday Craft Group

2010-07-07T19:09:00.002+01:00

I'm part of a great craft group which runs on the first Wednesday of the month. Run by volunteers, we offer crafting sessions free of charge to the local folk. I generally run the group activities, & I love it. They are such a great bunch of people & it's always a good way to lift spirits. This week we made table decorations with flowers & candles....I'm no florist, but 3 cups of tea later, we were having a laugh about life & swapping stories. It's the first time we've had our session in the newly refurbished hall in Perry Common......it's lovely. It's amazing to think we've been running for just over 2 years now! How time flies! TTFN x

2010-06-24T11:19:00.003+01:00

Chatter with old friends, drinking wine in the sun with constant companions, feeling the warmth on one's skin, homegrown strawberries ripening, smiley flowers opening, watching the birds flutter, finishing a great book, putting washing-up liquid on the water slide to make you go faster!......some of the things that mould us to be the people we are.

I'm so excited

2010-05-26T20:24:00.002+01:00

My book is taking shape! I have mocked-up 4 double pages (about 1/2 way) now. I say they are mocks because I'm a bit of a perfectionist & will redo them until I am altogether happy.

The whole venture is making me smile. Isabelle has always held a special place with me, as she was born of my very own adventures in France.

I want to show you ALL the pages, but can't....I'm very excited! Not too much longer now I hope...........Toodle-oooo x

First mock-up

2010-05-20T22:26:00.002+01:00

...of the first couple of pages. Thanks to all who posted here & in the ETSY forum thread I posted for software suggestions. I'm giving paintshop pro a shot (although it's taking me a LOT of time to find my way around!) I have picassa - which is good, but not quite enough. I'll give this GIMP a go too as a couple of you have suggested that.

I have a man down with sickness....& it's nearly his birthday, so toodle-oo for now....I'm off to mop brows & feed grapes! he needs to get super fit for his birthday treat at PGL :)

Image manipulation

2010-05-20T09:53:00.002+01:00

Hmmmm......having issues! Before I spend my pennies, does anyone have any advice on decent image manipulation software? I have photographic images, plus scanned images & overlayed text that I want to put together.

I am looking at what's out there, but unsure! I am looking at Corel paintshop pro X3. Has anyone any advice on what's good at an affordable price? Please help!

Early stages....

2010-05-17T18:08:00.003+01:00

....in book production! If I can ever finalise the images that I'm after. Isabelle is starting her adventures.

2010-05-16T17:35:00.002+01:00

The kiddie-winkles have been out to the fair with my husband's aunt & uncle.....they have had a whale of a time. Jenny is one of my absolute favourite people. She has an infectious smile & a fabulous personality. I love her to bits!

The ride home was eventful! The small folk arrived on the doorstep in a hurry!! My eldest had fallen asleep in the car on return & had dropped her newly won fish!! They floundered on the car floor for a moment or two, were scooped up into the smallest bit of remaining water & are now recovering in their new home!
Charlton (named after the chap who ran the stall) & Lucky - so named because he spent the longest time checking out the car floor carpet!

Alice

2010-05-16T15:19:00.004+01:00

...added to my ETSY doll shop. Thanks for the ideas for names....I settled on Alice - thanks Gina!

almost complete....

2010-05-13T19:54:00.003+01:00

She breathes....nearly :) Not sure of this gal's name. Answers on a postcard please :) I like her; I think she likes to dance and have tea parties with her imaginary friend. She has big hair & a pretty daisy in it......Her dress is vintage velvet, soaked in the rusty colours of Autumn....her pullover oldfashioned - she likes to play in her Grandmother's button box & eat freshly baked rockcakes with tea in a delicate, tiny china cup.
She owns a puppy named Maurice - they are best friends.

Do you know her name......whisper it to me......

wordless wednesday

2010-05-12T13:26:00.002+01:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T14:11:00.002+01:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here

Summer

2010-04-23T11:43:00.004+01:00

Such beautiful weather. It surely brings a skip to your heart & a smile to your lips...my trusty little sewing machine lies lazily in the sunshine now it has worked on these creations..........

For some, the holiday frolicking has just been all too much..........
It promises to be a wonderful weekend, with lots of merriment & sunshine. Hope yours is a joyful one......

Brainy publications

2010-04-02T18:00:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Laura Baillie's helpful tips, which she is giving out each Tuesday, I am going to give drafting up a press release a go. I have a few publictions in mind for my poetry reels, but I really am stumped with regard to my small felt brains. Does anyone have any inspiration? I really would appreciate any input, thanks so much.

20 years ago....

2010-03-26T14:09:00.003Z

(almost!) I had a party. At that party I dressed up as a strawberry! I was 21! The other day, my lovely friend & Aunt by marriage, Jenny, brought round a beautiful reminder of that day. She had been sorting through some things at home & come across her son's 'busy book' from school (20 years old). In it he had remembered the weekend & drawn a lovely picture of himself as the incredible hulk, his family - a witch, a chef & an angel; and me, a strawberry. I just had to share....how lovely is that?

I wish you a wonderful weekend with LOTS of smiles :)

Cardinal

2010-03-24T13:07:00.003Z

Here she is, completed....& here in my new shop.

Cardinal....

2010-03-19T13:45:00.003Z

GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-03-17T09:09:00.004Z

Please pop over to the Etsy Midlanders blog site HERE.....we are hosting some GREAT giveaways over the next few weeks!! Lots of chances to win some fabulous things from us gals! Click on the above link to whisk you away ......

A couple of customised cards...

2010-03-16T19:37:00.003Z

...playing around with a collage with my daughter for an art project, focusing on colour, for school, & I decided to put together a couple of collages of my own as I needed to make a couple of cards....I think they have turned out to be real fun!

Pouring with rain....

2010-03-12T10:54:00.003Z

...and somewhat grey here! & yet my youngest daughter still leaves me a wonderfully cheery note stuck to the front door before she skips to school this morning! How can you resist??!...

Mothers' Day this weekend here in the UK.....so I've been making cards....alas mine isn't the artwork, only the felt accents etc....time is running away with me..

Great weekend wishes, whatever you may be up to... :)

Mother & Child

2010-03-09T12:19:00.003Z

Available with any letter on block or numbers 0-9 inclusive. Available in my ETSY store now....

34 complete...

2010-03-05T17:10:00.002Z

34

2010-03-05T12:52:00.002Z

She is complete & will be in my Etsy shop shortly.....She speaks of a personal journey.

New work in progress

2010-03-03T14:35:00.002Z

Working on some new ideas. This one is a 'crow' doll......more as she takes shape....

Heart Day

2010-02-26T13:33:00.004Z

New shoes; blatant, patent red shoes. My shoes.

It's National Wear Red Day!
Today, thousands are wearing red to raise vital funds to fight heart disease.

Doris & Champers!

2010-02-18T18:06:00.001Z

The story behind Aunt Doris..... She represents 'the customer' in a health care company. I was asked to make a tangible representation of her and so an Aunt Doris ensued.

Given as a gift to the company, I was rewarded today with this lovely champagne & a thank you card. I have some smoked salmon in the fridge so now I can have a millionaire's breakfast! What a lovely gesture of the the MD. Thank you, Mr Lord.

Feb 15

2010-02-15T10:35:00.003Z

Handmade felt with freehand embroidery stitching - birthday card. I'm working on a new doll design with which I will use this technique for the dress. More of that to come in due course.

aunt doris

2010-02-11T09:23:00.002Z

2010-02-01T21:37:00.001Z

I'll not be blogging for a time. I want to thank everyone for their lovely comments of late. I shall be back early March. TTFN x

this morning

2010-01-21T09:43:00.004Z

following an evening spent with Elgar, I'm enjoying the frosty start to the day, drinking far too much coffee, soaking up the quiet, working and thinking lots, in between listening about ice age swimming reindeer carved in a mammoth tusk! on radio 4....

lovely evening

2010-01-17T19:59:00.005Z

celebrating my nephew's 18th birthday. I remember when he was in reception at school....oooh, now I sound old!

A lovely evening, celebrating.

Today has been taken up with frogs legs .....

And now, it's winding down time :)

A good film & an early night I think :) Looking forward to a productive week ahead.

The snow...

2010-01-14T11:38:00.003Z

...just keeps on coming. it snowed all day yesterday & the small people were in their element as schools were once again closed. Snowballs galore!

Personally I prefer to snuggle in PJ's in front of the fire!

These next images show my latest completed custom order.....Harry, Christophe & Adam.

A trip through the snow now, up to the post office. I love the quiet of the snow......

A New Year

2010-01-05T12:05:00.001Z

This little chappy has been visiting me for a week or so now. He is accompanied by a lovely little wren & some young blue tits. I love to watch them hop around.

A dash of snow too so I'm a happy bunny - sledging later today hopefully, even though of those who know me will already be aware, I'm not a huge fan of being cold, it's fun to see the small folk speeding down the slopes!

So a very happy new year to you all. May it be full of lovely things :) TTFN

London Evening Standard....

2009-12-07T21:34:00.003Z

I'm very fortunte to have been featured / quoted in the London Evening Standard today! As you may know I use stamps in some of my artwork, and I'm over the moon to have been mentioned in the paper. I'm in print & online. I'm very excited.

Here is the link to the full article.........

Star collector Maria Sharapova leads new wave of stamp enthusiasts News: ..........."Artist Phillipa England, who uses stamps as part of her work, which she sells online, said: “It's a cheap hobby. People are looking for things that are interesting but affordable, especially during recession. They are going back to old crafts like knitting, crocheting, and stamp collecting's part of that.”"...........

Thank you to the London Evening Standard.