Thru the tunnel & out the other side!

What a fabulous 2 weeks it's been in Plockton. I'm so glad I made all that effort over the last 9 months - my menopausal baby! Wonderful too were all the encouraging comments I've had from my blog buddies, thank you & welcome to my new followers ;) I got some lovely comments in my book at the show which I shall bring out often when I need a  little ego stroking ;) I really don't have time to write all the lovely words out here! (he he) I only sold one piece in the second week but with all the cards & textile jewellery & the combination of the 2 weeks I will definitely do this again. I'm thinking one week in June & one week in September & my DH might join me this time! - not sure if I can have the same as my  first September week next year, we'll see. Apart from the huge ego boost, it has given me the impetus to carry on making a body of work; that's what I do!

brought home this vase from the exhibition

The Loch Carron Quilters were next door to me in the main hall for 2 days - no pics, didn't think to take my camera ;(  Lovely neat work. I was asked by Jennifer Lewis of Skye Quilt Studio who was also there representing the Isle of Skye Quilters if I was interested in giving a workshop in the new year based on my textile 'strip' hangings. I was a little worried about talking/showing to a group who quilt so neatly but another member came by who said she'd be very interested. So that's good! Jennifer sells fat 1/4s but most importantly for me, the perfect gold machine thread so I never need to run out again!

the above came from this blurry shrub - no light this morning at all! Ostiospermum still out despite the hoolie blowing. We;ve had some rain this week!

No actual collage this week, just a thought that I'd use the polystyrene sandwich box as a printing plate to carve into an image of the beautiful old boat  that I could see from the window I looked out of when I was grabbing a bite to eat in the gallery/hall. Gave me a change of view from looking into the room at the stream of potential customers ;) As I'd forgotten my camera I asked a Plockton gardening buddy to take one for me.

My day off last Sunday was spent in lovely if breezy sunshine walking into Blaven on the way into Elgol. Or Bla Bheinn as it should be spelt.

the summit is the left hand lump, the furthest away one,  of the 2 middle ones which you can't see when you're closer

 We, my SIL & I only got to a thousand of the 3 thousand feet but it was just an amble, trying to keep up with the DH & his 85 yr old uncle!

looking back

I may go back up with a little training behind me, once Tam & I have lost the muffin top round our middles from zilch excersise & chocolate, for me, probably every day for the last 3 months when I've been keeping my head down & going for it. My version of  'mother's little helper' & it did help but while writing this I've eaten my last bit till the boxes come out 3rd week in December! No more, from now on my body is my temple!

got a little bit of vertigo taking this above!

path up to the left then you're in a gorge

swinging the camera round to the right

a close up view, sort of a relief after all those big spaces!

One week & counting!

Quick post today as I'm already 'late' with it & off to work in 45 mins, then at 10pm tonight I'm on holiday! So I'll have nearly 3 weeks to fit in all the hundreds of little jobs to do before a show & then sit quietly (!) for 12 days enjoying all my hard work & hoping others do to. I'm sure it'll be  fine. Thanks SO MUCH for all your kind & supportive words, much appreciated. The Sunday in between the 'gallery' is closed so I get to spend some time with my uncle & sister in law who are up for their anual visit.

Took the DH along to see the hanging space & he too thought there were many more pics than there were (& was relieved that i have enough) of artist Sian Armstrong, no link, I don't think. She paints sheep & trees, lovely & she's been so helpful to me. Had a walk about the lovely little place.

A sweet village made very popular by 'Hamish Macbeth' & Robert Carlyle.

must watch some reruns.

Didn't think i'd be able to make a collage, oh no, failure! But the DH needed the shared table cleared to do some D ringing & stringing of frames etc & as i cleared I liked the mixture of golds neutrals & blues so I stuck them together & stitched a bit & rubbed over it with a gold wax stick. I still had some of these bits so I did more sticking stitching & rubbing with the intention of cutting it in half for either side of the first piece. I quite like it, my first 'spare! About 12" x 4"

I will find time & head space to visit everybody, I miss you guys!

What will I do afterwards, I was asked, well, there's a question ;)