Monday 6 June 2011

If I thought I was tired last week

the week just gone was even more exhausting with my Eldest & my 'dil' staying for a week & my parents coming all the way up from Oxford for half a week (staying at the local hotel for a treat) impressive at nearly 82, the Middlest to & from work in the bar at the same local hotel & the Youngest home for study leave but exams finished. Oh & B&B & (some) visitors to the studio. Phew! At least it's a worthy tiredness & it was wonderful seeing them all together & having a celebratory meal in that local bar for the engagement. She went down "150%" with her prospective Grandparentsinlaw. So that was good!




Showed my parents the lovely blue iris in my little bog garden. The light Northerly sent them in to the warm after not too long.


We saw an eagle over the garden....honestly! We were so excited thwt we left the binoculars out in the rain overnight. Ooops.



The book above is what I've been practicing for, something for the Eldest & my 'dil' to keep all their wedding ideas in. Well, they'll need to over 2 years! My Dad said the lace made him think of knickers & my Mum couldn't understand what you'd need a wedding book for. Hmmmm I didn't bother to show them the Beryl Taylor book 'Mixed Media Explorations' which I've been pouring over! I've just thought, I'd like to call my exhibition in September "An Exploration in Mixed Media & Textiles" , the title came to me a while ago.That's not being too copycat of Beryl's book is it? I am exploring after all, we all are....

Anyway, I didn't finish the book in time to hand it over so I showed it to them & will post it. They loved it, specially the E & J fme & beaded on there & the velvet heart & the little paper flowers punched with a punch just like Beryls! Well, similar. I tried to use fabric paper but too stiff. The painted paper & chocolate paper mix looks sweet but too delicate. Similar colors to the other books but the 'dil's fave colors are turquoise blue & plum - she even got a new jacket walking boots & socks for the climb up a Munroe they all did (well, I had to keep house& studio didn't I!) & they all had plum on them - why didn't they have those beautiful colors when I was being kitted out for the mountains?!

Need to go to work soon, but as they all left, one by one this morning in a great flurry of activity I went into the garden & heard the Great Tits from the box on the shed & knew they'd fledged. I'd ome out to photograph the book so crept about, listening.



There were at least 5 & I caught 4 of them in this photo. The parents were about with bugs in their beeks & they were talking, chattering.



So fluffy! After the wonderful week I've had I couldn't help but have at least one tear in each eye!

Looking forward to visiting everybody again, & my new followers! Any comments from this post (if they can get thru - just email me if not!) I'll add to last weeks comments for the draw next weekend.

15 comments:

ju-north said...

Pleased you've had a good family time! The book looks lovely - sure it will be put to good use!

Ro Bruhn said...

So glad you had all of the family together, it gets harder as they get older. I love the book you are making for them, this will be something they can show their children and grand children.

Suztats said...

The Wedding Book looks wonderful! I love the colors, and how nice it was a hit!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I have had two weeks of nonstop bedlam here, and it doesn't sound like the lovely tired you have described!
And yes, I am behind in my work and trying to catch up and waiting for supplies to arrive...ACK!
It must be the time of year when time accelerates and we are left in the dust... ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Julie said...

The book is lovely, gorgeous colours and I love the look of your bog garden. Amazing to see an eagle, I would have been beside myself too! I have the Beryl Taylor book too but it's a long time since I looked at it. Probably time I fetched it out. I think your exhibition title sounds fine.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you need a vacation just to get a nap. Great shot of that eagle, lucky you. Beryl Taylor's book makes me drool too. Nice job on the book, love the lacy bits. xox Corrine

Jill said...

From eagles to great tits, and a lot in between, no wonder you're tired!

Parabolic Muse said...

That's such a pretty book. So organic and lovely, like a flower. Romantic, too!

Birdies? YES.

layers said...

Family visits can be hectic and lovely at the same time.. the birds are filled with 'renewal' and your hand made book is colorful and creative.

Iz said...

Beautiful book - I'm sure it will be treasured, knickers and all! When we've been to Scotland we've taken lots of golden eagle photos just like yours, so I believe you!

Maggi said...

I love the book but had to laugh at your parent's comments as it reminded me so much of my mother. Sounds like a good family get together though.

Laura said...

a good tired...what a gorgeous iris....your book project is so colorful and richly textured...beautiful Emma!

Jackie said...

I'm exhausted just reading this! How do you do it?
You'll be so laid back next week when yo are on your own again you'll want them all back.
As for blue tits, we didn't get any this year. They actually investigated the box, mated on the branch outside it and the next day my husband went out to do a repair job on the garage next to it so that was the last we saw of them.

Linda Vincent said...

'Busy but happy'....seems to sum you up! What a special time you've had Emma :-)
The book is delightful - knicker lace and all!
xx

Chesterbrook Academy Elementary said...

I am an art teacher and I often design mixed media projects. My students enjoy the art process because they get to use a variety of materials.
Your work is inspiring.
Thanks for sharing