After a really grey and quite cold February I feel like we’re skipping into March with hopes of a warmer brighter season. There have been the first tentative little spring bulbs coming up and today I noticed how much more bird song I’ve heard on my walk. The birds in my garden have been much more active too. We have a privet hedge that they hide in and all you can see is there little heads poking out before they make a daring raid on the birdfeeder hung in the crab apple tree. Today I watched them queuing up quite patiently waiting their turn – there were house sparrows, siskins, blue tits and even some green finches all waiting their turn!
The greyer days have allowed me more time inside making without feeling I’m missing out on being outside. I’ve used this time to develop my skills in a new printing process called Chine Colle. This is a combination of (in this case) lino printing and collage. First I carve the rubber block in the normal way. They I decide on which parts will be coloured using tissue paper collage. I then cut these out from tissue paper and add paint glue to the back of them. Next I ink up the block using a roller and then very carefully (this bit is super fiddly!) I add the tissue paper on top of the inked lino block but with the glue facing up. Finally I pull the print by placing the paper on top and using a trusty wooden spoon to rub over the whole of the block. You can see how much concentration is required by how little tea I’ve drunk in each of these pictures!
I’m really pleased with the outcome which is why I’m taking the bold step of selling a very limited edition run of the prints on Etsy. It’s a varied edition in 3 colourways and each print is quite unique. It feels very scary offering work for sale – it’s not something I’ve ever felt confident enough to do before and it feels exciting that I now feel my work might be ‘good enough’!
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1859075940/linoprint-with-chine-colle-spring
February was also a very exciting month for me because I was lucky enough to be featured in ‘The Simple Things’ magazine. The article focussed on my 52 Weeks of Nature project and included lots of images from my nature journal. It has been so amazing to get so much lovely feedback and have so many people get in touch as a result of this. The highlight has been the number of people who say it has inspired them to have a go at getting out and recording nature around them. I honestly think this practice of noticing and drawing nature is good for everyone – not only does being out and really immersing yourself in nature create a huge sense of wellbeing – regular practice of drawing and painting really does improve your skill. You only need to look at my early journal pages to see this! I’m still posting weekly updates of my own journal and would love to see yours if you would like to share!
I’ve also run my usual clubs and workshops this month. Early in February I had the pleasure of teaching a family workshop on printing with some amazingly creative participants who learnt to create print blocks from foam as well as trying carving some rubber blocks and printing cards.
Here’s a round up of what’s coming up in March!
Family Watercolour Workshop at Dungworth Village Hall
Saturday 15th March, 11am – 1pm
At this workshop, you’ll learn a range of simple watercolour techniques and then use these to paint spring florals. The sessions are suitable for children over 7 or younger children who enjoy activities which need concentration. It’s a lovely way to learn alongside your child and the session includes tea, soft drinks and homemade cake!
This workshop is £10/ participant. I provide paper, brushes and refreshments. Bring along your own watercolour palette or I can provide on for you to keep for an additional cost.
Adult Art Club at Dungworth Village Hall
Thursday 27th March , monthly, 7-9pm
This month we’re going to look again at portraits and drawing and painting the human face. You’ll learn about proportion and how to create a sense light and shade and tone using both pencil and watercolour paints. You may want to bring along a photo of a favourite face!
This group is very friendly and open to everyone with or without prior experience. The sessions focus mainly on drawing and watercolour painting techniques but I like to throw in other processes such as printing occasionally! Each week is a stand alone session so don’t worry if you can’t commit to each one but if you do attend regularly, you’ll really start to notice your skills improve over time.
I provide stimulus and gentle instruction so you don’t have to worry about knowing what to draw. I also provide paper, drinks and usually homemade cake! I can provide a sketchbook, graded pencils and watercolour paints or you are welcome to bring your own. Sessions are £9 each.
If you’ve wondered about 2025 being a good time to try something a bit creative, why not come along and give it a go?
Mother’s Day Watercolour Workshop at The Bradfield Plough
Saturday 22nd March, 11am – 1pm
This workshop will focus on teaching you a range of watercolour techniques followed by calligraphy to create a beautiful and thoughtful card to take home and gift to someone special.
This event is suitable for ages 7+, it’s the perfect thing to do with your children to share some special moments together in celebration of Mother’s Day or why not bring along a friend or Mum you think deserves a special treat or break from the kids!
Includes soft drink on arrival plus chip butty to keep your creativity fuelled!
Other great things to do in March!
- Get out and enjoy the spring blooms – Yes it’s March! There will definitely be things starting to flower. Look out for Elder flowers, the sticky buds of the Horse Chestnut, delicate purple Bilberry flowers and of course Daffodils.
- Enjoy Sheffield’s Festival of the Outdoors – With its proximity to the Peaks and so much greenery, Sheffield is known as the Outdoor City. Each March it hosts the Festival of the Outdoors with a whole range of active outdoors things going on such as the bouldering championships, orienteering and the Sheffield Half Marathon. Why not take part in the Sheffield Street Art Walk and discover the wide range of art that is on offer on the walls of Sheffield buildings?
- Watch this – ShAFF – Sheffield Adventure Film Festival This is a week-long showing of adventure films from all over the world hosted by the Showroom independent cinema. If, (like me!), the active side of the Festival of the Outdoors is not your thing, then this is a great way to get a taste of the action in a more relaxed way! We love going to see the ‘Adventure Bites’ screening which is an hour-long showing of around 10 short films. Great to enjoy with the kids.
- Paint this – A lovely bunch of daffs is such a joyful thing. With St Pat’s Day on 16th March, why not treat yourself to a bunch, watch as they emerge from their green cases and burst into exuberant yellow – and then spend half an hour painting them?
Thank you so much for reading this and supporting me! 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 and why not share this with friends who you think might also fancy something creative in their lives?!
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