This is a small piece of weave that I have been experimenting with and rather like too. I think at a certain angle it's almost reminiscent of a landscape and is a technique I will most definately have to explore a little further.

My wonderful Meem mid-stitch
My most treasured inspiration

Sad Sunflowers. Chez Rousseau. Vanzac, France

My dad has recently acquired a property in France which has the beautiful chance of being surrounded by fields of sunflowers. I spent nine days there this summer but by the time I had arrived the sunflowers had begun to wilt and die. I didn't mind this too much though as I think there is still much beauty to be found in their lifeless state. It always intrigues me the way they appear so uniform, even in death. It's hard not to feel inspired by the French countryside; the colours, the smells and without trying to sound too cliche the day to day life resonates creativity. I will most definitely create a piece based inspired by my days there and I hope to feature in it a sunflower or two.

Summer Cabin. St Helens. 22nd-24th August 2011.

This experience was a learning curve for me as I have never designed pieces with the sole purpose and intent of selling them to the public. I created hand-drawn cards, gift tags and small stitched pieces to sell. I am not entirely convinced that I will ever make an excellent sales woman but I did enjoy creating the lovely environment for my work to sit in. I offered badge making and a creepy crawly magnets workshop for the children while I was there, and they seemed to go down quite well with the passing beings of St.Helens. All in all I took quite a lot away from my first creative and commercial venture and it has certainly given me food for thought with Christmas just a long way around the corner.