Last year seemed to fly by so quickly, it was our first full year of living in Scarborough and another year of Covid-19 restrictions and all the stress that brought along too. I’m back in the studio, getting ready for my upcoming workshops and exhibitions and looking forward to creating work to share with you.

Dates for your diary…

In April, Prism Textiles are exhibiting at The Art Pavilion, Mile End. The theme for this years exhibition is untold, I’m currently creating some pieces inspired by my lived experience of depression and OCD. The annual exhibition showcases the work of our amazing members who are all working with or inspired by textiles.

In June, I’m taking part in North Yorkshire Open Studios where people can visit my studio and find out more about the processes I use in my work. My doors will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 4, Sunday 5, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12. I’ll be showcasing some new work, my inspiration and there will be some hands on activities to try.

Over the last 12 months, hand stitching has been my technique of choice and DMC Cotton Perle is my favourite thread. I got this beautiful limited edition box for Christmas and I wanted to use it as part of a new weekly exercise to help me start a day in the studio.

I’ve hooped up a piece of linen in my favourite 10 inch hoop and I’m adding something new every time I’m in the studio making work. This activity is helping me focus and start thinking creatively before I sit down to start on my pieces for that day. There are a few rules but nothing stressful…

1. Don’t overthink it
2. Don’t unpick anything
3. Don’t spend too long on the task

The New Year can be a stressful time so make sure that you take time to do something that inspires and motivates you without having to do lots of things at once. Ruth Singer has written a lovely blog post about gentle goal setting which you can read here.