Monday, August 27, 2012

Mad Hatter or really a writer?


I think I must be a very fickle woman. I flit about between writing and making and while I might concentrate on one at a time, I can’t quite commit fully for ever: when I’m writing, I think I can live without making and vice verse, but eventually I realize I need the other one in my life too. And I dump the one I’m doing for the other. For a bit. ‘Til next time. Fickle, see?


I dumped writing back in February. I flirted a bit with jewellery but my talents didn’t lie with metal; too small (bananas for hands) and too tough (I was a bit scared of the material’s needs (fire!)

As a maker (I have never been very comfortable with the word sculptor. I think perhaps my interest in craft - as opposed to fine art – makes me more comfortable with the notion of being a maker. Though when I did my fine art degree, craft was considered by some, the poor cousin) Anyway, as a maker, I’ve always been materials led but it can’t be any old material. It needs to be right.

As well as being fickle, I’m a courses ‘whore.’ I do LOVE to learn. And after several summers taking Arvon courses (writing) this summer I chose millinery. Long term readers will know that I’ve dabbled in making headwear, though god knows after this summer, I’m a bit embarrassed about them. Still, there’s a learning curve to everything, eh?

Here then, modelled by Daughter, are the two pieces I made during an AWESOME three day workshop with the enormously talented Bridget Bailey, of Bailey Tomlin. See, I’m never writing again; it’s making (hats) all the way from now on…



12 comments:

Angie said...

Oh my, those are lovely, JJ! You have quite the talent for making. (And I don't think it's fickle at all, I think that creativity feeds writing, and vice versa.)

Jenny Beattie said...

Thank you Angie. I just loved it. It pulled my hat making standards right up!

CL Taylor said...

They're gorgeous Jen. You really have got a talent for design. I loved your jewellery too.

Faddict said...

Wow! Phillip Tracy eat your heart out! Love the first one, I'd totally wear if I ever went to Ascot!
Post the pics in 'Sewtastic'!!

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Sue Guiney said...

Wow! Fantastic! (And your daughter's pretty great, too!)

Chris Stovell said...

Those are SO clever... And why didn't I know about this when I was searching for a headpiece for DD's wedding? Very impressive.

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Oh, wow. I'm really impressed, these are lovely.

And your daughter's gorgeous.

x

Unknown said...

Amazing and such a beautiful model too!
lx

Carol said...

Those are simply stunning hon! Your a clever cookie!

C x

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