As usual August has been a whirlwind of holidays and catching up with family and friends but this year I’ve also had chance to share lots of creative experiences at my weekly kids’ workshops. From clay bowl making to creating printed patterns and crazy cardboard sculptures, it’s been an absolute blast to see the creativity the children have brought, how they have picked up processes, skills and techniques and the range of outcomes they have produced. They have all been amazing and embraced each activity. I will be running another workshop for kids and their families this October half term and then another one in the run up to Christmas – details to follow. I’m already looking forward to them!

Unfortunately there wasn’t enough interest for my workshops at Cotton Star to run, which was a shame, but I hope to offer similar things next summer so stay in touch if you’d like to plan a weekend of camping and creativity at a beautiful site in 2025!

At the monthly class at Dungworth Village Hall, we focussed on painting botanicals and flowers. This is such a lovely, friendly and encouraging group. It was great to see some new faces join us but also I love seeing how those who have been attending for a few sessions are becoming more confident and developing their skill. Art Club at Dungworth Village Hall will continue in Autumn on the fourth Thursday of each month, 7-9pm.

As August comes to an end, I’m really looking forward to the new school year, the return to routine and the colour and ‘hygge’ of Autumn. It’s a time of new starts and beginnings in our house with my eldest starting Secondary school and a new teaching job for me. Exciting times!

Here’s a round up of what’s coming up this month!

Adult Art Club at Dungworth Village Hall

Thursday 26th September, 7-9pm

This month we’ll be focussing on drawing and painting portraits which I know many people find daunting but with a few simple tricks can be easier than you think. We will build our skill with proportion of the human face and using pencil to add tone and depth.There will be chance to do some quick sketches to loosen up and also try some longer drawings. We will then work on using layers of watercolour to paint simple portraits. Places are still available and we always welcome new people so why not join us for an evening of relaxation, creativity and gentle tuition? (Oh and cake!)

Get in touch

Other great things to do in September!

• Get out and enjoy an early morning stroll – In September the season really noticeably starts to turn and it is a real joy to see this. The mornings are often quite special and with the sun rising at a not too painful time, it’s possible to get out an enjoy the dawn. The light feels quite diffuse and warm and there is often a softness at this time of year. I like to get out for a quick stroll and watch the colours changing on the horizon.
• Visit the Lubna Chowdhary PLURIVERSE exhibition – I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about Lubna Chowdhary’s work but I’m very excited to visit this exhibition. I love colour and shape and variety and from what I’ve seen her work seems to tick all those boxes (see above!). Also the exhibition is on at the Graves which is Sheffield’s slightly quirky gallery hidden away on the top floor of the Central library. It has an excellent permanent collection and is well curated. I have many memories of visiting as a child when there was a very affordable cafe that my mum used to take us to after a visit to the library. It’s always well worth a visit. The PLURIVERSE exhibition is on until 21st December.
• Make something – As the days start to slightly shorten, it’s a nice time to start a creative project. I came across some patchwork squares that I cut out before my children were born. I think I had intended them to be a baby blanket but never got around to sewing them together – possibly because of the children being born! Anyway, there is no need for baby blankets now but I’ve decided they could make a lovely quilted jacket for cooler days. I’ve started sewing them together and now need to learn about quilting! Maybe I’ll have the finished project to show you in my next newsletter – though quite possibly not! I’d love to see your projects – why not send me a picture of what you’re up to?
• Paint this – It’s fruit season! These beautiful apples were given to us by our neighbour who has a very bountiful tree. Have a go at painting them. You could use watercolours and see how the red and green pigments mix on the page using a wet on wet technique. If you’d like to learn more about how to do this, we’ll be painting pumpkins at Art Club in October and I’ll be teaching this technique in detail.

Thank you so much for reading this and supporting me! I really hope to see you at a workshop soon. If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and want to stay in touch with upcoming workshops, ideas and tutorials, please add your email below to subscribe!