NURTURED BY VIV - The Hens Teeth Workshop

In March, I braved a workshop!  I was understandably reticent to go to a workshop after recent events, however, the prospect of a Hens Teeth Workshop at Weston Hall, only an hour and a half from home was
too tempting to resist.  I'm not good at resisting temptation at the best of times!

The Haberdashery Brooch workshop was a rare chance to spend the day sewing with wonderful women all guided by the lovely Viv who's work I so admire ....................

It was Viv's first workshop - though you would never have known!  We set off making our own little treasures using fabric, paper, words - Viv brought her manual typewriter which was a roaring success and no doubt they are booming in price on EBAY as I write!

Here is our group work

It never ceases to amaze me how rich and varied the results are when creative women sit down and stitch together!  All so different, all so lovely.   Here are my brooches (which needless to say still require brooch backs) ..........

The first was a collage of bits of stuff with part of an italian bank note and a smidgen of gingham 

- sort of pansy-shaped .......

My next one incorporated a piece of wool with a little house embroidered on it - it came in a sewing box I bought ages ago.  Im touched by what people save in their workboxes I find them very poignant.  I imagine it was once part of a childs coat or something.  So I incorporated the word 'saved' and a little red cross suggested by Viv which together with some old lace french knotted to cloth (Get me, now I can do french knots everything has to have one!) and a button and Voila! ......................

Next, in my usual last half hour spurt - desperate to create another brooch, I pieced together bits of paper, clips, an old press stud with a bit of label still attached and a bit more gingham to make this truly haberdashery brooch .....................

It was my favourite and I was thrilled beyond measure when Viv said it 'made her heart sing' - isnt that a lovely complement! 

I'd urge anyone who can make it to Weston Hall to join one of Viv's workshops to do so - its a great day out, a lovely venue ............... and there's cake!

The whole day was delightful - a little oasis of calm and creativity amidst the chaos of life.  I enjoyed it so much I booked onto the next one and pursued on of the themes above - can you guess which one?

On another note, I have just posted my West Dean makes on tinkeringbythesea@blogspot.com please have a look and let me know what you think.  Hopefully, I will post the makes from Vivs second workshop on tinkering next week! 

Love to All - sorry for the long absence.

xxDi