Hogwarts...Nope! It's Hereford College of Arts

Hogwarts? No its Hereford College of Arts.

Since my last blog post, wheels have been turning and I've been full steam ahead and feeling super productive and organised. It's amazing how things can really turn around on it's head once you click with something! 

I had the pleasure of visiting Hereford College of Arts and WOW, what a wonderful place. It felt like home just pulling up and parking my car and it's like stepping into a miniature version of Hogwarts. My first impressions were very good, inviting, warming and inspiring. I didn't want to leave BUT I have to consider the long journey (around an hours drive) and the impact it could potentially have on my family life..I struggle on a daily basis as it stands. Visiting Hereford really did reaffirm my growing love for textiles and how much I enjoy incorporating my photography work and skill into my designs and it's something I'm embracing and experimenting with in my latest brief...........

I'd touched on last week that we have a live brief in collaboration with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and I've spent the last week and a half designing my print from a photograph I had taken whilst visiting there. The greenhouses are filled with tonnes of tropical and semi-tropical plants and inspiration is a plenty but for me I was really looking for something outside the box and it just so happened what I was looking for was underneath my feet the whole time. 

 A small water feature was throwing out excess splashes of water out onto the floor and in turn was creating this beautiful reflection...There it was, I was taken by this immediately and knew exactly where I wanted to go with this. In . my fairytale portrait work, I use a lot of split-toning to change the colour of the highlights and shadows and this was my train of thought for this image using the colour palette from a flower in the greenhouse. 
Using the gradient map tool in Photoshop and the eye dropper tool, selected two colours from my colour palette source image (not pictured)  and added them to the gradient map. One colour for the highlights (green) and one colour for the shadows (pink). My first response was very exciting and I love this change alone, never mind developing on it!

I'm  pleased with my first response to this print and over the last week I've really developed it......Worked on it some more in photoshop with leaf stamps, reversed the gradient map, sublimation printed and then printed again over the top of it. It's coming to life and I'm really connecting with it, It feels good and I'm passionate about using my photography as part of it. 

Something else exciting happened...My husband came home with this for me...A gin advent calendar! It's nearly Friday and I can't wait to open the first box..*hic-hic

Overall I'm pleased with how this brief is going, I've planned my work load very well and I've connected well to it and I'm feeling positive. 

Year 2...Feeling blue!

Well Hello Year 2 and welcome back to my blog (or weekly whinge....)  

  

Crikey...I don't even know where to start as since breaking up from year 1 so much has happened but what I will tell you is this, I had built up a lot of anxiety about returning back to Year 2. This anxiety has had a huge impact on my first brief (which I've just handed in....Hence the happy poo face. PHEWWWW) and my outlook in general, something I'm hope will start to resolve over the next few weeks. It's really not been easy and I'll be honest, I struggle, I struggle on a daily basis but 6/7 weeks in and so far so good. I've only cried driving home about 50  times! :-D

It's not helped either that our family lost our dear 'brother' Brendan, unexpectedly at the start of October and without getting the chance to say goodbye, I've been faced with feelings and emotions very alien to me and have put me at times into quite a "dark" place. Luckily I was able to channel some of what I was feeling into my work, quite literally!  

Going to miss you so much Bren.

Looking back on my work that I have produced for my first brief back...Although I'm pretty pleased with my final outcome and what I had achieved in constructed textiles, I'm not happy with the paperwork side of things and I know for certain this is going to let me down and affect my grade.....Grrrrr! Got to be top form for the rest of the year if I want to hit distinction targets...Not putting myself under any pressure at all *winkwink. Here's a couple of pictures of what I've been upto....I've been working hard, Promise. 

Add caption

Last week I've been given my new brief which is going to take me up to Christmas and this one is pretty exciting. We are collaborating with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and being commissioned to design a capsule collection which conveys the attraction and to develop a tropical inspired print...EEEEEKKKKK....So exciting. A day out last Thursday to the botanical gardens with my trusty camera has filled me full of inspiration and I'm raring to go. I've got print ideas flowing and a range plan ready to put down on paper (which I'll show you next week). 

Thanks for reading you lovely folks. Until next time. XXXX 

Have we all stopped saying Happy New Year yet?

Well I'm going to say it...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. Welcome back to my super honest, shambolic blog of a 30-something, mum to one and student.

It's been a funny few dasy back to be honest-The course has seen some changes in staff and structure but as always I'm trying my best to embrace these changes and tackle them head on. I'll admit, Yes I've had a good moan and last Wednesday saw me in a full on breakdown, tears and snot (Huge Thank you to Mark my contextual studies tutor for being my rock!) but I guess fear, coupled with the anxiety about change had manifested over the week and I had bottled most of it all up. I won't be doing that again and will really start to make an effort to discuss my fears or worries sooner rather than let them bring me down. Anyway..With that said and done, Overall I've been having a bit of fun too.

I've been embracing my inner Pollock in the studio and creating galaxy-like, paint splatter pieces of art for our new brief titled-Opposition. I've made a little 7 second time-lapse video. Hit that play button! With my earphones in, listening to Euphoric dance music (I think the exact song was Synth and Strings) I was well away and In my element or should I say..In my own world. Music really helps me to focus and also gives me inspiration. I kind of let myself go to the music. These creations are all part of my design development and will go toward the inspiration for my final curated garment piece, which is going to be a sweatshirt of some description.

Splatter away! 

Releasing my inner Pollock

Close up of paint splatter-added salt
to give extra dimension

                                

There is one thing that really did put a smile on my face this week and that was attending my first ever life drawing class. I was so nervous because A) I can't draw B) I was going to see a naked penis in a room full of other students and C) What If I burst out laughing...Well I didn't laugh and I saw a penis and My drawing is getting better. I really enjoyed myself, despite being very nervous and I was more nervous of everyone seeing my shit drawing, I can't wait to go back again. I struggle with body proportions when doing my fashion illustrations so I'm hoping that the life drawing is going to help me with this and to understand the body and body shapes a bit more,whilst improving my skill overall.


I've also been able to include my own photography as whilst away for New Year I photographed The Milky Way, These images has proven to be great primary sources and Im hoping to further develop one of the images for a possible print. You can head on over to my page here and check out my astro images and If I've still got your attention..I hope so then please check out a new venture I've started with my buddies..We have set up the official #igersblackcountry instagram account. Here's a link to our page on facebook. Read all about it and perhaps see you on Instagram.

Abi xxxx

Calico heaven or maybe....Hell!!!!

Calico, Smhalico...If I have to see another piece of that muslin cloth I'm going throw a fit but I'm super excited to show you my final toile piece. There is a few images in this blog tonight so keep scrolling and i'll talk you through it :-)

Lay plan to begin

Reverse of bust dart

Inserting bust darts

I started out with my lay plan to see the most effective way to get the most out of my fabric and measure how much fabric to buy for my final piece. Some pattern pieces needed to be cut on the fold and some pieces like the fronts, I only needed one of each. It worked out that I needed roughly 3mtrs of fabric just for one dress!! WOAHHH!! Once I had cut all my pieces, I started with the two front pieces and putting in the bust darts.

Right sides together for french seam part 1

Finished french seam

Wrong sides together for FS part 2

Kerry had asked me if I had thought about how I'm going to finish off my seams and well, I looked at her rather blank. It's taken me all my effort to think about what I want for lunch so seams were the last thing on my mind lol. She suggested that I could try sampling a french seam as I gave a nicer, structured and supportive seam than the over-locker. I'm always game for a challenge so french seams it is!! It might not be 100% clear from my photos but the first part of the french seam is sewing the right (correct) sides together allowing a 0.5mm seam allowance, then part 2 is folding the two pieces of fabric back on themselves so you get the wrong sides together and sewing them together allowing a 0.75mm seam allowance. Them you fold back to bring the right sides together and TAA-DAAAHHHH, That's your french seam.

Starting to see my design

Too much excess on the shoulder

Flip the lapels back

After sewing my fronts to the back piece together, I popped it on the stand to see initially what it looked like. I was a little concerned as it didn't have an open chest front like in my design. I soon realised that I had added extra to my pattern to flip back the lapels. Phew....I nearly cut them off to expose the chest. I also found that I had too much excess on the shoulder so needed to snip off about 2cm of excess. How nice do those darts look? So proud of myself..

First, large collar

Second, smaller collar eased in

Garment design in the middle

Fast-forward about 45mins and I had constructed my two collars..CHECK OUT THOSE POINTS!! and eased them into the neck seam, which was no easy task but I did it. Having a quick look at again my garment design, I can really see it coming to life. It's so exciting and I'm really, really enjoying this part of the degree.

  

First sleeve in!!  

 

Only a couple of tucks...Impressed

This next and last step to my toile was adding in the sleeves and I was nervous, I'll admit. I'd never put in a sleeve until now and I was a shaking mess!! I tacked it in place, matching up the centre seams and took off for the sewing machine. Let out a deep breath and got stuck in. I was absolutely thrilled with my effort as I had only 2 tucks and it fit fantastically. Go me!! 

In other news. Last week, Igersbirmingham launched their first ever exhibition and I was thrilled to have been chosen as a featured photographer. If you fancy a giggle then check out my Facebook live video here and if you enjoy taking a photo or two and would lime to make some new photo buddies then check out the new website here. 

As always, Thank you for reading, looking and listening. I really do appreciate all your support. Abi xx

I've lost a week...Can anyone help me find it?

Sooooooooo...I thought I had blogged last week and had uploaded week 20 of my project 52, when infact it was actually the week before. I've lost a week..Need to reset my factory default settings *facepalm..My only conclusion to this is, I've become completely caught up in GARMENT MAKING HYSTERIA. WAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *runs-around-waving-hands-in-the-air

Drawing in the very middle!

From my initial designs here on the right, I have chosen to make the middle drawing (double collar, wrap dress) Obviously I have no previous experience in pattern construction, hence why I'm back studying and I've only ever sewn from a pre-made pattern but cocky old me was thinking...''Aah it won't be too difficult'' especially as my studio buddies are making elaborate pieces. Mine in comparison looks a doddle!! Gosh how wrong was I? Mega! I've secretly cried in the college toilets on a few occasions...Not a secret anymore. My fashion tutor Kerry is absolutely amazing and with her support, teachings and guidance, this drawing is becoming a reality.

 TAA-DAAAAAAAAAH!!! Above is my completed pattern, cut and ready for toile. If your not sure what toile means then check out this +Wikipedia link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toile but In a nutshell this toile is to pratice my garment pattern before making my final piece. As the pattern stands it looks like it should all work *Fingers crossed but it's anyone's guess.

Last Tuesday night I did indulge in a little crafty downtime for the last craft lounge meet up of 2016. The theme was Hygge. Pronounced “heurgha”. The best explanation of hygge I’ve encountered is: “the absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things”. Candlelight is hygge (Danes burn more candles per head than anywhere in Europe, according to the European Candle Association). Bakeries are hygge. Dinner with friends is hygge, reading a book in a cosy corner is hygge. 

Just the relaxation I needed. Claires blog is a great read and something to suit most especially if you have crafty hands like myself. Check out the Createsometime Blog. 

As always, Thanks if you've taken the time to have a look and keep up to date on my studying journey. Abi xx

Inside all of us is a winning, bestselling novel..Could this be true for artists too?

Hi lovelies..Is it just me or Is Christmas....(YES I SAID THE C WORD) only around the flipping corner. Jeez, it only feels like yesterday we were celebrating Christmas 2015 and this year I am just not on the ball, completely unorganised with unorganised being a very key word in my life at the moment. If anyone out there can give me a few homelife, parenting, student organisation tips that would be great *kiss kiss.

Hmmmmm..So what ave I been up to at college this week? Digital Art on +Adobe Illustrator This was my first ever time doing this! Last Tuesday I had a meltdown and could not get to grips with Illustrator at all AND then I had to draw, manipulate images and put my own creative stamp on them. Easier said than done. I think I had a defeatist attitude before I started and had told myself, You are going to be shit at this Abi my dear. It really was downhill from there. This weeks digital art session was a whole different kettle of fish and I smashed it, found my groove, different attitude and rewarded myself with chocolate for being a good girl. I'm pleased with what I produced and they've been pretty popular over on Instagram #Happydays

  

It's been a week of ''firsts'' this last week, so exciting! Screen printing and watercolour painting. Kerry really pushes us in fashion illustration and I do really need that. I feel so silly saying this but I'm so flipping scared of making a mistake. I'm fearful of doing it wrong but slowly learning and trusting that there is no right or wrong when it comes to creativity, when it comes to fashion and illustration. In the illustration we have been doing, it's about impressionism and our interpretation. I just need to harness a little bit more self confidence and let myself go with the paintbrush, felt pens and fine liners.  I read somewhere that inside all of us is a winning, bestselling novel..Could this be true for other forms of art too? Do we all hold deep inside of us an inner Picasso we are just to scared to let go and give in too? Just a little thought for you.

I think I touched on textiles in my last bog post but I'm loving textiles....It's just so hands on, touchy, feely. Sourcing, playing, testing and trying. I produced this screen print last week and had a go on the knitting machine, producing this beautiful sample of lurex and acrylic yarn combo. I'm kind of picturing it as the start of a sleeve of a jumper. What do you think? Again my first time and I was thrilled with what I had produced. Just great to have a play....Definitely not scared to let my inner Picasso out *wink

Well It finally happened, HE LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH!!! Bloody hurrah and about time. I thought he was going to burst with excitement and I think he did do a little excited wee in his pants. Bless him..All say Aahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I mentioned being unorganised at the top of this blog post but actually I am trying to gain some kind of organisation especially when it comes to birthdays as I've been rather crap of late. My lovely friend Sarah Allington from Sarah Ellen Designs Facebook and her webpage Sarah Ellen Designs Web makes the most amazing bespoke cards for all occasions so I commissioned a very very special birthday for one of my best friends whose birthday is at the end of this month. Sarah has nailed it and I'm so flipping excited to give it to my buddy. Not only does she do cards but also makes the most stunning silver jewelry and has recently won an award. If you're struggling with perhaps a special Christmas gift for somebody..Check her out.

Once again..If you have made this far, then I thank you for keeping up to date with my student journey and ramblings on. Abi xxx

PS..I think i'm getting the hang of this blogging business xx

So It turns out that I can kinda draw :-)

The love-bugs

Yo yo yo....Evening folks. Pinch, punch, first of the month! I missed a blog last week but it was half term and I was super poorly so this is going to be a 2-4-1. Yayyyyyyyyyyy.

What couldn't be better than spending a week with these 2 love-bugs on the left but I got a horrendous virus and kinda put me out of action for most of the break. Still on a  brighter note at least Ryan wasn't at school and we spent a lot of time, cuddling up, watching films. Bliss.

  

Fine Liner in one continuation

I was meant to do lots of collage work but that got left by the wayside. Nevermind..Lots of catching up for me.

Pencil designs on layout paper

Check out my drawings on the left and right....I did those *shock-horror. I couldn't draw 6 weeks ago and I'm not at all overly confident in this area and my skill set as of yet but I'm really flipping chuffed with these. I knew before I started that this was going to be an area of weakness for me. My dad is an amazing artist but sadly didn't pass on even half of the skill my way. Thanks for that Dad!
As much as I roll my eyes when Kerry tells us to get the pencils and sketchpads out...I'm enjoying it as I can see weekly improvement.

Something I have really learnt about myself especially when it comes to illustration is that I'm afraid to make mistakes or that I'm doing it wrong. I've been overthinking it so much that at times it has taken some of the joy out of the creative process. I've set a target with my tutor to work on my illustration skills but most importantly..I just need to work on my confidence and remember that there is no right or wrong when  you are a creative person. #peptalk

Can you guess what it is?

Gold star to the first person who can tell me what I was trying to imitate. This funny looking thing on the right happens to be my first time trying out wet felting and believe it or not but it was rather brutal and took the skin off one of my knuckles lol. 

The textiles part of my HND comes quite natural to me and I'm picking most things up with ease as its quite hands on and not a lot of ''academia'' involved...We are doing, making, feeling, touching and experimenting with all matters of materials, yarns and fibers. The best way I learn and I'm really enjoying textiles because of this. I guess, I enjoy it a bit more than the fashion element  as I'm a lot more confident. 

As always over on my photography page I'm doing a self portrait series..I've completed another 2 portraits since my last blog week 16 is here and week 17 is here..I'd love for you to take a look if you haven't already. 

A huge thank you if you have stopped by and had a read of my blog. Lots of love Abi xxx