Run of Dye 2014!

Last weekend I took part in the Run or Dye event at Castle Howard in Yorkshire. All geared up in my running gear all I needed was my white Run or Dye T-shirt. I was ready and began the 5K race very clean.....

We then slowly began to get more and more colourful. I did the event with my two close friends Lydia ad Jade. At each 1KM we got showered by people ready and waiting to throw coloured dye at you. It was so exciting to see everyone smiling and too exciting to find out which colour would be next.

I don't know how my phone survived the event, I was worried but it did, and we got some fantastic photographs of the event! Being a girl, pink was the favourite colour to get thrown :)

After the run everyone gathered around the stage with music and more dye being thrown in celebration. It was fantastic and such a fab experience. I have never ran any type of race before and it was such an enjoyable experience with two of my close friends, and what better way to make you happy than have loads of colour thrown at you! All ages ran from big to small.

Here is one of the dye stops. Now you may be worried what this is doing to the environment. The dye is an eco friendly plant based powder! So no need to worry. You may only need to worry about your clothes. :)

Many were in neon tutu's and other fancy dress. What caught everyones eyes was this couple dressed as the bride and groom. Her dress did begun the journey white but by the end was a lovely rainbow of colour. I think it is such a fab idea. More so for the bride than the groom.

The grounds were fantastic. I have been to Castle Howard before the visit the house and gardens. The poor people visiting on the day must of been slightly worried they would end up covered in colour themselves. Here is a little picture of me jumping with excitement. 

It was great to see so many people running for what ever reasons they have, whether it was personal, charity or just for fun. It didn't matter whether you was a keen runner, it was about enjoying the experience and enjoying the colour. I have such a laugh.

A week ago today...

I was catching up on some sleep having spent the previous week at the magical place that is Glastonbury. I have never been to a festival before but I think I certainly picked a good one for my first. Glastonbury was amazing, filled with all different types of performing arts. I didn't realise it had such variety, especially for all the family. It was lovely to settle in the first few days of exploring with some gorgeous sunshine!

This circus performer had come all the way from Australia. He may have only had a small stage but the crowds grew as his act took place. I couldn't believe his balancing. Amazing!

After the sun came the mud, it was alot of fun, but my phone nearly got lost! Good job its yellow!

Music, performers and lots of stalls! The choice was endless. These felt hats were very popular amongst the crowds, I wish I had bought one myself. They were so much fun.

Glastonbury has many different areas including its healing field and craft field which held different work shops throughout the day for you to take part in! I do think to get everything done I needed at least a few more days. The place was huge! A lot bigger than I thought.

I really hope I get to go next year :)

New Home Love...

I have nearly been in my new home for two months now, I honestly don't know where the time has gone. Unfortunately this means its about time I take down my new home cards off the mantle piece. Boo :( I received some gorgeous cards, I am lucky to have such great friends. So, I thought I would share a few with you.

First up it this gorgeous design by Vicky Trainor with this little floral arrangement. Its such a simple design and on a white back ground just makes you admire how utterly gorgeous it is!

I also got a selection of cards from designers I aren't sure of, here are some more of my favourites. 

Birds and keys play a common factor, the keys to the door springs to mind and I guess when you get your first home you could be classed as "love birds"...... Awwww!

I love the cute illustration on this one, particularly the smilie sheep. This would be my dream home in the countryside though I definitely can make do with the home I have :)

Lots of hearts and lots of love, again more cute illustrations. I think the simpler the better. This simple illustration with the sequin detail is ideal! At uni I never was any good at the gift modules, but I have always loved getting gorgeous greetings cards. They still inspire me :) 

Thank you to everyone who sent us gorgeous cards and gifts!

I also wanted to completely change the subject and sneak in a little picture of my vegetable patch! I never thought I had green fingers but judging by this photo I must be doing something right. 

Dylan does like to dance on them occasionally if I aren't looking. So far I have planted onions, potatoes, carrots, spring onions, strawberries, runner beans, and I also have the three trees which were already planted. Can't wait to see the results I will keep you updated!

March Travels Up North!

This month I took myself up north to have a lovely catch up with close friends, we explored many beautiful sights of the North of England so I have a few pictures from my trips out to show you.

Heading as far North as we could we got to see the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. Originally we only was travelling as far as Seahouses but once I caught a glimpse of the Castle I really wanted to get up close for a look. I couldn't believe how huge it is!

It is simply beautiful to see a landmark that has been around for hundreds of years!

We also went to Alnwick, another beautiful town in Northumberland. It has many tourist attractions to see, one being the Alnwick Tree House. We also came across some gorgeous shops in which I ended up nearly buying something in each one!

I will be posting some more about my trip soon....

A little trip to York!

This week I had a lovely little trip to York to catch up with these two from Uni! Its been ages. It was a fab day although the sales did manage to persuade me to spend. Especially in Cath Kidston! How gorgeous is this bedding! I love birds, and love Cath Kidston's current designs which feature some lovely birdies themselves. However I didn't only just treat myself. Dylan got some extra special polka dot food bowls :)

We did try to get into York Minister but when we got inside it appeared to be close. The gift shop however was open and had various souvenirs with peoples names on. As you do, you can't resist having a nosey to see if your names there, this is what I found to my delight.... 

I would like to think its true :)

I also bought this gorgeous butterfly poster in Urban Outfitters. I couldn't resist. The office is nearly finished and I can't wait to get drawing and organising all my art equipment and books! I shall post a picture when its done.

I am also delighted to have had some very generous sponsors for my North Sea Dip which is less than two weeks away! Please feel free to help where you can:

http://www.gofundme.com/647umc

#TALKT

Hello,

I thought I would share with you today #TALKT on twitter which stands for 'Take A Look Tuesday"

It is such a great idea for artists, designers and creatives to share their work on twitter and communicate.

Threw various networking sites I have met some lovely new people along the way. I thought I would introduce a few to you today!

Firstly, I introduce you to Little Pip Designs. Little Pip creates beautiful handmade textiles for home and accessories. One particular favourite of mine is her popular appliqué Robin, he is just too cute! I love following their work. 

Please check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/littlepipdesigns and their shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlepipdesigns

Next I would like to introduce you to Samantha Grig. I first came across Samantha's work via twitter and we have been chatting ever since. We most recently both met up at a craft fair which was lovely to meet Samantha and her work in person. Samantha produces beautiful knitted accessories all made out of 100% British wool! I certainly have my eyes on a couple of her hats! Especially as we are getting into winter! It's freezing! 

You can find Samantha Grigg on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/samanthasTextiles

Also her Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SamanthaGrig

Next up is Ballistic Owl by my friend Tracy Bidwell from Cleveland College of Art and Design. I love following Tracy's work since University. Like me Tracy has chosen to continue her love for screen printing and embroidery by developing her own business. We will both be reunited next Tuesday at CCAD for the freshers event as we both have a little stall :)

I would also like to introduce you to the work of Maggie Goodwin. I firstly found Maggie and her work via Twitter. As another Yorkshire artist we both regularly interact in #Northeasthour and #Yorkshirehour. Maggie draws a beautiful selection of wildlife, flowers and landscapes. She is also a fellow printer using methods such as lino cutting. 

You can find Maggie's Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/printsbymaggieg

Onto... Funky Wombat Textiles! I also came across Tamara and her company via twitter. When I first started chatting to Tamara (owner) I was fascinated how we nearly crossed paths in the past by both completing an internship in Glasgow with company Timorous Beasties. We just missed each other by weeks! I absolutely love Funky Wombats work. I can see how in both our styles how our internship has inspired and motivated us. We now follow each other on various networking sites and I love following their progress! You can find their website here: http://funkywombattextiles.com

Finally, we have the lovely Hannah Byatt. Hannah is a keen blogger and designer. Again we met threw twitter and both are now also in communication with Tamara of Funky Wombat Textiles. Hannah is fantastic at blogging, if you ever need some inspirational reading she has it! She is also great at finding inspirational quotes! You can find her blog here: http://hannahbyatt.blogspot.co.uk

Well there we have a few introductions. I could go on forever as I have met so many interesting and creative people. So please join in with #TALKT on twitter on a Tuesday :)

Knitting Clubs Creations!

Tonight we have had another knitting club session. I thought I would share with you some of the creations made by these talented ladies. We are a mixed ability group which is great as we all learn from each other. Some crochet too which is now becoming popular with the group. I was also delighted to see three new members turn up. It is great meeting new people. At present we have about 15 members. Its fantastic.

You may have seen me post on Instagram this picture of Maggie's selection of beautiful British made wool. She has now transformed them from balls into this stunning crochet fabric which is to be made into a cushion. 

Maggie has developed her crochet skills over the last few weeks with some help from the lovely Rowena. 

Above: Maggie's Crochet & Weave Bowl.

Above: Rowena's Crochet Flower

Some of the members of the group have been knitting doll's clothes which are to be sent to Nepal to have a new home with a doll called Tasha which has already been sent. I haven't tried to knit anything yet as I am still a beginner but this lovely outfit was produced by Karen.

A Lovely Newborn Hat made by Karen.

Fianlly, another piece by Rowena. A few weeks a go she created a poppy cushion in cream. This week she came along with the same design on a light brown/grey. I love the poppy's. This is going to be my next task! I am determined to be learnt how to make this gorgeous item! 

A New Commission... Two little dogs...

My lovely friend Jade asked me to draw her two dogs, Reg and Jeff. I was very excited/nervous as I know these dogs well and really wanted to do a good job. Especially when she said she wanted them to be a gift for her mums birthday. So as of Monday I had these finished. I do love drawing animals as you know but I do tend to stick to drawing birds. I was a bit uncertain how their hair would come along but I had a bit of practice earlier by drawing Dylan. So here we go....

I started with the face as I feel this is the most important part. I didn't want to leave this till last as I think the eyes are what makes it look like the animal/person. I was very happy once I had completed this stage as I definitely could see a likeness. 

Here is a little picture of me at work :) just so you can put a face behind all this chattering.

So here we are, the finished results. I used pen on tracing paper for these drawings backed on card and wrapped for presenting. I do love drawing and it was nice to get some time this summer to relax. I am now excited to start more development on my studio. My next stage is some designing and to build a larger light box to expose some bigger screens. Then its the water situation. I am still hoping to build my screen collection too.

Anyway thats enough rambling for one post. Please feel free to let me know what you think?

Thanks, Lauren :)

You can also follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenchericedesign and twitter @LaurenCherice