This months Bootcamp was to design a journal cover based around tea and particularly tasseomancy, the old art of reading tea leaves. I've been really into painting portraits lately so decided I wanted to focus my work around a fortune teller. Many moons ago I used to quite enjoy reading tarot cards and so my gypsy fortune teller, is based on the 2nd card in the Major Arcana, The High Priestess. She's intuitive, empathetic, independent and has a wonderfully balanced equilibrium. The quote I've used: 'What you seek is seeking you' was written over 800 years ago by the well known mystical Persian poet Rumi. In todays world of violence and uncertainty, it seems more important than ever to keep hope alive and remember the incredible importance of our spiritual journey, a healthy soul and our connection to everything and everyone! Quiet moments of contemplation seem so hard to come by in our fast paced lives. It's important to give ourselves some sacred space, whether that be a walk in nature or curling up with a cup of tea in a candle lit room. Quiet reflection recharges us and that in turn my friends, allows us to focus on kindness to others. Here's a link for you to check out the Mats Bootcamp February gallery.
Time for a Bit of Hygge!
Being with the ones we love, creating happy experiences, atmosphere and a homely environment, who doesn't love a bit of Hygge! Although Christmas has come and gone, I am still working on my Christmas portfolio along with a whole host of other lovely peeps led by Victoria Johnson. Yup, I signed up for a second round of Create Christmas and week 1 was all about Christmas Hygge. Perfect while the temperatures outside are on the minus scale, the wind is howling and the rain is unrelenting. So, here's my take on a folk design with a Swedish Dala Horse.
It's 2018 - Happy New Year!
So, another year is upon us, which means another chance to consider what's past and embrace what's to come.
I've certainly been doing my fair share of that this past week and have a lot of plans for the coming year. To help me along, I've been working through The Design Trust's planner for creatives: Dream Plan Do. It's a truly wonderful little planner that has really got me thinking and believe me, I need something to help me make sense of my journey and organise my time (not something that comes very naturally)!
First up for me this year is Mats Bootcamp starting on the 8th January. It runs for 5 months with just one assignment each month and is something I've started to participate in annually. I can hardly wait for it to begin, it's full of inspiration and I always come away feeling enriched and with new friends. But in the meantime, I'm looking at using new skills I've learnt in the past year to revisit old work, I guess we'll see what happens!
For now, my wish is for 2018 to be full of creativity, happiness and success to you all!
