Friday 26 February 2010

Merry Go Round - February

This month, I am jumping on the Merry Go Round with a small group of ten like-minded craftswomen/artists, linking arms in friendship around the world. On the last Friday of each month we will post our individual responses to a chosen topic. Please check the links to the rest of the group's responses, under the clock in my Sidebar :)

This month the topic is "What do we hope to learn/achieve this year?"

Pheeeeew, I don't know where to start with this one - there's so much I hope to learn and achieve. Primarily this year I hope to gain complete artistic independence, (3 years ago I was awarded some local funding to set up my business which helped me purchase my Harris Tweed stocks, laptop, etc) and this October will be the end of my obligation to my 'grant provider' - Hooray! I'll be free to follow which ever path I choose then, but I'm guessing it will be a very similar 'tweedie' path - just no strings attached :)

Having said that, this year, it would be great to achieve some more commercial success - wouldn't we all! But mostly I want to continue experimenting with new designs, maybe looking into creating more 'softie/soft toy kits', having some fun with my 'art dolls' and continuing with some more embroidery ideas. I learn so much all the time, simply through experimenting and looking at craft books, blogs, etc. Soft-sculpture is a real passion for me.

Some of my earlier 'softie' dinosaur designs.

No major plans in terms of 'world domination through tweed' or anything like that, hehe! Just continuing to learn, experiment and have fun with my craft. Over and above that I hope to carry on with my 'home decor' range and continue with some new ideas/designs. My own 'craft-room' would be nice but that just ain't going to happen with two boys wanting their own space!

(Continuing with my Home Decor range would mean that I am supporting the local Harris Tweed industry to a greater extent than with the rest of my smaller items - it's something I hope to achieve but we'll have to wait and see how it pans out. There's only so much one person can do, especially on a part-time basis)

In conclusion, to carry on creating with Harris Tweed in ways which which will delight, stimulate and entertain - I just love to use it! As long as I have my tweed, fabrics, and some polyfil (toy stuffing), that's all I need :) In business terms - keep on keeping on, I love what I do, so . . .

Here's some pieces I loved doing this year, and which I hope to do more of:

More experimental embroidery (eg. Harris Tweed amulets) . . .

More Art-Dolls . . .

More 'home-decor'designs . . .

Just more of everything really!! (if only there was more time too!). Whether I end up focusing on one particular area is yet to be seen. You can check out all the responses to the same topic from the rest of the group - under the clock in my sidebar :)

P.S. Depending on world time zones the group members may be posting at different times throughout the day!

15 comments:

Swirlyarts said...

Definitely keep up with the art dolls - I love them!

Tweed Thoughts said...

Thanks Lynsey - I love making them :)

Biba said...

I wish you all the best with all your plans - just keep up your great work, you have brilliant ideas as to what can be made with Harris Tweed. I'm sure you'll come up with one or two more...

Lily Pang said...

I like the dinosaurs. They are so cute.

Just more of everything is a biggest goal really. I like the new experiments especially the embroidery. The pattern is interesting.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

your dolls are becoming my favorite!

Kim van Waardenburg said...

I also love your dino's!!

I found it hard to make a list too, but I think it is a good thing to know what you want to reach in this year! go for it!!

Mitsy / ArtMind said...

I'm so glad you want 'more' of everything 'cause your work is fab! :) Hope you will be able to achieve your dreams. Goodluck! :)

Sara Millis said...

I'm wishing you all the luck for this year... paint the world in Tweed! That would be ok with me!!
Sx

BHB Kidstyle said...

I hope you´ll achieve your goal! Good luck with Harris Tweed! I like your home decor!

june at noon said...

Very interesting to see our earlier dinosaurs and how they've changed over time. I think you have great things in store for this year!

Jenifir said...

Alison, I hope you achieve your tweedy goals! Have you looked into how to be featured in Country Living's Emporium section? -I don't think I have seen you there yet. Also, have you thought about using wool fleece or would that be too expensive? I wonder if the wool industry has leftovers that would work -just a thought as it might make you eligible for some sustainable/eco business grant-not that I know what sort of grants are available in the UK. All of your tweed softies, home deco,dolls, etc. are lovely so you definitely should make them all as long as the making of them provides pleasure and satisfaction!

Ruth said...

Sounds like an interesting year ahead with new thoughts and ideas and well as continuing with what you have. (I too love the dinosaurs by the way!). Glad you joined the merriers and it'll be great to follow along and see where all this takes you.

florcita said...

What? no world domination???? how come?? LOL Im on it!
I love the soft dinos... so cute! And the dolls, and the cushions..... and it ALL!
Im glad that you have joined the merry go round!

Easterya said...

Take the world by TWEED!! I LOVE the dinos, the world definitely need more of them, yes pleaaaase!!!
Grest year plan, and welcome to the Merries!!

meherio68 said...

I too am all in favour of 'world domination through tweed'!
On a humbler, more sober note, I am really glad of the opportunity to discover your work thanks to the Merry-go-round.
Sorry I am so late showing up...