Despite all the negative sides of the coronavirus pandemic, one positive outcome was the spare time I suddenly found in the evenings.  I have never been too fond of watching the television, so usually either draw, knit, or tend to my garden instead, but even those things did not pass away quite enough time, so I started to redesign my website, which is something I have never really had the time to do.

It has been incredibly enjoyable.  There is something very therapeutic about organising information, and seeing all my passions in one space.  Not only has my gallery been updated to show some of my recent work, but I now also have a shop, where you can buy some framed textiles and knitted gifts.

So many groups have been organising online drawing sessions, and I have frequented many.  It is truly wonderful to be able to draw in the company of others, and the aspect I found the most inspiring was that, unlike in real drawing sessions, everyone if looking at precisely the same angle, so it was particularly interesting to see the many different interpretations.  I am planning to set up two similar sessions: portraiture for beginners and still life for beginners.  Spaces are limited for both, as I hope to create a comfortable environment for participants to speak about their work.

For those of you who are keen to pick up a new hobby, such as knitting, I am planning a series of short video tutorials, which you can soon access for free here.

If you are already a crafting enthusiast, you might be interested in my monthly craft club, which will be held on Zoom on the first Saturday of each month. from this autumn.  Forgive me for mentioning the word in the middle of the summer, but who could think of a better way to make Christmas gifts?!

The final new feature I would like to highlight is the very blog you are reading.  Each month, I will share what I have been up to.  I have plenty to talk about at the moment, including my next post, which will guide you through the process of turning garden weeds into pretty little baskets.  It really was so incredibly satisfying, and my relationship with bindweed has changed forever!  Afteall, nothing can be purely awful, surely?!  

In the meantime, if you do happen to have a spare moment, I would love to hear your feedback on my website, which you can post through my contact page.

Until next time...