Sunday 11 January 2009

Fight the fatigue

I don't know if it is just me, but I have been so tired this weekend. Is it because I was so rested when I went back to work and then hit the ground running? Everyone at work was complaining of feeling really tired and there have been a few folks turning up with real frog eyes, all swollen and puffy, me included. I have been fighting a real feeling of fatigue and even had an hour's kip Saturday afternoon. Maybe it's the time of year too, January is'nt my fav month of the year.
Anyway, I have managed to make a couple of items, aswell as have a good clean up of my studio. My goodness what a pit that was, but now all is tidy and calm and I am all serene in my lovely work space.
As mentioned, here are two pieces, made and all ready for Etsy. Boy these purses take some time to make. There are so many stages to them. But when the whole thing comes together and the frame goes on, it's very satisfying. It's great making something with a function! SOLD
A letter is the base dating March 5th 1882 to London from Coblenz.

Back is made from very old white embroidered pillow case.


New Liberty Lawn lining.


Little bit of this and that.


Onto another needlecase.

An old table cloth forms the lining.



~0~
I wanted to show you my 2008 visual diary. I'm not very good at keeping a diary, so I tend to make it a little more visual than just written entries.
This was a printed journal made by www.seesographics.net with a mixed media journally theme running through it. Such a lovely size too, the shape and size of these things makes such a difference, as to whether you can work in it or not.


I've added snippets of stuff I came across during that day.

These are some carved erasers I made to do little prints.


I tried to keep a tally of egg production around here.



Inside paper from my wage slip.


I have found a new journal for this year. It's this lovely
jillbliss journal. So I am looking forward to detailing a wonderful new year ahead.
I also keep a little scrap book of imagery that floats my boat or has a special meaning that I come across from day to day.
The pic below has John Noakes of Blue Peter fame (children's TV programme which has been on air for ever). This image is special because I grew up watching Blue Peter, rarely missing a show and I did appear on it once, along with 20 other folks but that's another story.


The other pages I have in this scrap book seem to consist entirely of Julie Arkell's work! Huh, can't think why!

Thanks for stopping by.x

16 comments:

gunnelsvensson said...

Viv, this purse is so very lovely !!!

A time to dance said...

Hi Viv...were your ears burning last night?? I was showing your blog and beautiful goodies to my best frind who now has you on her etsy list...I adore your journal...what a wonderful idea...you even make a wage slip look glam....talking of tirednes..I have had a headache since forever (before christmas) and I spent all afternoon snoozing...now ironing and A level marking awaits...so after I have caught up with the blogs the ironing board is out..while we watch Mary Poppins on the TV...hope you have a perkier week...H

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Dark mornings are so tiring and it's hard to get back to a routine.
Loving your purses.x

BusyLizzie said...

Beautiful purse! Love it!
Also adore that Beatles track.. reminds me to add some Beatles to my play list on the blog.. have already wasted HOURS on Playlist.com

lizzie x

Jackie said...

Oh my goodness. I was going to comment on your lovely work and then I saw you had a lovely new blog background. How clever! (Both)
When I read your post I wondered why I bother. It's so beautiful.

Unknown said...

What a stunning purse, just so delightful. Thank you so much for showing your beautiful journal, I just adore seeing how other people keep their inspiration. What an amazing book, full of hidden treasures.
Sophie x

RosesRadishesandRubbish said...

Congrats on your article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors! Your work pulls at my heartstrings. Lovely blog!:) Amy

Gina said...

I like the idea of a scrapbook diary. I used to keep a regular diary until I started blogging but don't seem to have time for both! The little purse is so beautiful! Hope you feel better soon - I'm sure it has a lot to do with lack of sunlight.

Unknown said...

I so adore getting to see other's journals...I am putting creating myself a journal...just for me...on my self-care list for the year...I can't wait to see what I uncover there!

I hate to hear that this dreaded January yuck has gotten to you, too. Good that you took a nap...very healing, those naps! They seem indulgent, but I am learning to just listen to my body and to give it what it needs...a little birdy named Viv helped me see the light on that one!

Hope your day today is much more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!!

hugs to you!
~Amy

Margaret said...

Beautiful work Viv! know just what you mean about January, I've also lost my momentum a bit, things will pick up soon I'm sure. I like the sound of the Julie Arkell journal, can just imagine the goodies you've got stashed in there!

Heloise said...

The purse is beautiful as is all your work.
I have been so looking forward to getting my copy of CPS to see your article. It has got lost somewhere mid atlantic.

Greedy Nan said...

I'd love to see the julie Arkell stuff in your scrapbook if you want to share!

Jacky said...

I have really enjoyed reading this post and seeing your wonderful art. The purse and needlecase are beautiful.
Great article in CPS also, I only received mine (in Australia) recently and loved your work in there.
Your journals are fantastic, lots of inspiration and love those fun stamps you carved...embarking on a bit of stamp carving myself this weekend. Love the naive look.

Lindsey said...

Hi Viv.

Oscars? Pah! Golden Globes? Huh? Tree of Happiness? Now that's an award worth having. There's one waiting for you at ethel and edna's tearoom. x

Jenn said...

I am loving your journal too! All that eye candy!

ArtPropelled said...

I love everything you make but oh the purse is pure delight!
Talking of feeling tired...it's 7.45p.m. and I'm nodding over the computer.