Creativity in Dumfries and Galloway

I've just returned from a trip up north to visit my family in Dumfries and Galloway, I always forget how beautiful the scenery is.  The weather was pretty droll for a few days but the sun did shine for some of my trip.  I lived in this area until I moved to Glasgow to study at the age of seventeen so it has lots of lovely childhood memories for me.

Allan Wright Photography - Lock Ken

Allan Wright Photography - Carrick Shore

Whilst I was visiting I attended one of my Moms workshops in Journal Making. 

I like to think that I am green and recycle as much as I can, but I feel guilty that I've been throwing away so much cardboard!  We learnt how to use discarded cereal boxes,bits of cardboard, old wrapping papers etc

After this workshop I really am inspired to keep as much cardboard waste as possible and make journals, sketchbooks and whatever else I can from it!  It really is such a waste to just throw it away.  Especially when you can create unique and beautiful items that would cost so much to buy new!  Right I'm off to make a sketchbook before Freya wakes!!  

Eden Inspiration

I've been accepted onto the Eden Project Big Lunch Extras to attend one of their inspirational camps at the Eden Project.  Big Lunch Extras is for individuals in the UK wishing to start a community initiative or take existing projects to the next level. 

Myself and a friend have had an idea for a while…. Fuelled by housing crisis information….

‘’For decades, successive governments have failed to build the homes we need. By 2008, the number of new homes being started had fallen to its lowest peacetime level since 1924 – and house building has barely recovered since then.  This means that every year more and more people are being priced out of home ownership. It means rising rents and more people competing for every single home.’’ 

Shelter

We want to help people to enjoy their homes, to make the most of them, to appreciate, but overall to love them …… We’d like to assist locals in our community that need advice and help to make the most of their homes.  I have training within the interior field and feel I have skills that I would like to share.   

We haven't any funding but have considered approaching the council, as we are sure that they are aware of the need for more usable living conditions (waiting list for homes as an indicator).  I am a member of so many Facebook's groups that advertise free furniture, storage solutions and garden items that I do feel there is a gap here that can be filled with local volunteers.  A community initiative to collect these unwanted items and deliver them to those that need them, to help decorate, to assist with small home repairs... I could list so many ideas.

I was hoping really to be further inspired and to pull together an action plan as to how I can go about setting up such an initiative and am rather excited to be part of the Edens Projects fantastic courses.  I'll keep you updated on the progress of this.

Further Textile Study

Although I am feeling very positive with the way the year has started (the successful Sketch a Day challenge), I have been feeling that I need to do something particularly linked to Textiles that will be beneficial to me once little Freya starts nursery (fingers crossed by May this year!!) so that I can develop my drawings into designs and progress further quicker.  I have stumbled across a website called mastered.com which specializes in online further study courses linked to textile related study...

  

Every course includes video lectures, demonstrations and projects from carefully selected, world-class industry leaders who share insider advice and professionals skills. Access these at any time, from anywhere, on any device.  

Examples of the industry leaders who offer the support for the courses:

STACEY DUGUID, FORMER FASHION DIRECTOR OF ELLE UK

HOW TO GET NOTICED BY JOURNALISTS

MILLINER LIZZIE MCQUADE

PERSONAL MENTOR: GROW YOUR MILLINERY LABEL

KIMBERLEY LING

COURSE COACH

DIANA SPRINGALL

EMBROIDERY, TEXTILE ART  

You can undertake a free two day trail for any of the courses offered.  I am going to seriously consider over the coming week which one would be most beneficial for me and carry out the trail as soon as possible.  Ooooo I’m rather excited about this opportunity!