On Saturday I returned to my happy place, Shed 76½, where Anne Brooke had arranged for Liz Cooksey to run a workshop. Liz was the first ever visiting tutor at the studio and when I read Anne's blog post about that day, I was so impressed with the work created. I was delighted to hear she was coming back… Continue reading Liz Cooksey Workshop
Author: bizzymitts
Happy New Year!
The last two months have been manic. I could tell you about every handmade decoration and gift that I churned out during the madness that is the festive period - but let's face it, it's January and the moment has passed. Santa was extremely generous though and I received some lovely new crafty goodies to… Continue reading Happy New Year!
Six Stags & A Spaniel
Remember my Weaving Magic post about making willow pea climbers? Well I’m pleased to report that the seeds I’d nurtured back then grew to be healthy plants. Happily they clambered and wove themselves upwards, rewarding us richly with fresh flowers and produce for weeks over summer. Pea, mint and courgette risotto is one of our favourite… Continue reading Six Stags & A Spaniel
Yarndale 2018
My 5th visit to the annual Yarndale festival yesterday was as fresh and exciting as ever. Such a lot of thought and effort goes in all year round to ensure the event is the success that it is. All the organisers and volunteers should be really proud of themselves. Extra details like the ukulele band, giant… Continue reading Yarndale 2018
Nets & Not Knots
Annette Emms Two talented visiting textile artists have been to the Hannemade Studio recently. Places were snapped up quickly for a chance to meet them and be inspired by their work. Both apply paint, fabric and stitch to create rich texture but in very different ways. Annette Emms tutored an embellished books workshop where we would begin creating… Continue reading Nets & Not Knots
It’s a Wrap
How fortunate we are to have access to an abundance of creative spaces, communities and learning opportunities here in West Yorkshire. Whether you’re interested in stained glass, weaving, spinning, printing, bookbinding or blacksmithing, it’s all here on your doorstep. I know because I’ve had a go at all of these and many more in recent… Continue reading It’s a Wrap
New Life for a Vintage Scarf
This summer holiday we visited my cousin in Kent for a week. We both love to talk craft and I'm sure it's in the genes! We have five girls between us and discussed making fairy lanterns with them as a rainy day activity with some leftover lampshade pvc she had. However, there was barely a… Continue reading New Life for a Vintage Scarf
Hen’s Teeth – A Secret Garden
In spring, I posted how much I enjoyed making this needlecase on a workshop with Viv Sliwka from Hens Teeth Art. I completed it back at home that weekend with a crocheted edge and tie fastening and now it's in constant use as part of my sewing kit. Being larger than usual and in a book style… Continue reading Hen’s Teeth – A Secret Garden
The Wish Post
There are several textile artists I admire and follow on social media but when I first came across Mister Finch, his work was so unique and intriguing that I knew he was someone really special. Five years on and I am delighted that his first major solo exhibition has come to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park… Continue reading The Wish Post
Capital Times
Having been extremely lucky in bagging tickets for Wimbledon this year, we decided to make the most of the opportunity and extend our stay in London last week. Thank you to the Grandparents for babysitting (and cat sitting and plant watering) for making this possible! Our hotel on the South Bank was a great base… Continue reading Capital Times
