Rag Cushion

I made this sunflower image from a rag making kit, the design pre-drawn onto the netted background, that was fairly easy....but what now? How do I turn this bright furry image into a cushion?

"The best present isn't necessarily something very expensive -

often a simple gift

given with love and consideration

outshines all the others."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Lumpiang Sariwa

Over the weekend my husband and I made some Lumpiang Sariwa (vegetable spring rolls),

the little water bowl in the middle is for 'glueing' the pastry wrappers together and the big bowl on the left contains the filling: beansprouts, green beans, onions, sweet potato, oyster sauce and finally a secret ingredient. (Any ideas....?)

We made over 40 in the end, individually filled and wrapped and sold at a local charity event. Everyone enjoyed eating them!

Pig in Residential Street!

I left work early, and for a change, I walked the very long route back to my house. I crossed the busy dual carriage way and nipped down a small track between two hedges, walking past a lovely modern house with a very welcoming sheep dog. After saying 'hello' I walked on further westwards and came across a very grumpy, and rather large pig!
I was amazed to find a pig (leaning against an old metal farm gate) in an otherwise residential street. It was the only field visible, but the pig had definetly resided there for some time, for in the field was a sty and a mass of hay and a lot of mud.
I grunted at him/her for some time and him/her replied with much deeper grunts, as if to say "Can't you see, I'm sleeping here". So after this riveting communication, I left him/her to his/her slumber and continued homewards.

The Lonely Piper

To continue on the book theme, I created another piece with my sister in mind -words and literature inspire her.

When I visited the local art gallery to view an exhibition called Deviants (A Craft Council Touring Exhibition) I was really inspired by the playful nature of the pieces on show; common objects took on intriguing appearances such as Jill Crowley's Teapot on 7 legs.

To accompany the exhibition was a handout with words by

The Lonely Piper. He had allowed his imagination to expand on the pieces and provide a humourous insight into the meaning of their creation.

The exhibition handout is the book cover. Stained with tea, to add an aged look and surface texture. I hope you like it as much as I do......