Glass Making Workshop.

Glass ware after being fired.

Glass design Work using powered colours and small pieces of metal.

Equipment used.

Colour palette and scale for my glass pieces are set around my accessories design hardware habadashery
design concepts. Using a limited colour palette and small scale repeat trinket concepts for design detailing. I choice dark charcoal grey and a deep red with metal bronze metal cut offs representing an eco conscious up cycling theme.
This was the first practical in glassware crafting that I had done, I found cutting the glass not too difficult. However cutting curves was something that would take practice. I chose an abstract simplistic approach to add detail to finished design product, probably a fashion accessory or jewelry collection.
I am awaiting the results of the finished pieces so I can continue with the idea of adding another dimension ie
something that will attach to hang from a chain or a fashion piece or furnishing design.

Metal was sandwiched between two layers of glass coloured crystal added on top set on to kiln.

Work prepped for kiln.

Evaluating fired glass ware.The larger pieces at the top turned out matt because of cleaning processes which I new about. I like the matt finish of this piece and the limited figurative appearance. The two layers of glass that was used to fit coloured powered coloured glass and bits of metal work did't work as well as the single glass effect with thicker crystals of glass used on top. In terms of commercial view points the single glass is lighter more effective and less manufacturing time which isn't necessary. The layering of glass on top of each other and the need to make each piece the same time is time consuming; I would like to encase these pieces of glass. One option is to create a pocket into a leather bag on the front of it(  to create a decorative unique handcrafted feel). The other is to create pendants to make into necklaces, earrings or key fob or tassel decoration for an accessory fashion or interiors. Below is an image I have researched in terms of ideas to replicate in a similar way. I would try this effect in the makers studio moving forward if I chose to develop this into a product idea.

Added to a bag to create embellishment.


Hello 
Pendants created by drilling holes and adding leather lace

Finishing technique  

The Screen Printing Lab

Pebble Print : Lino block print. This is the lino that I have used to run a series of prints using different blues to match the different blues found in the sea, evoking a feeling of warm and serenity.

Pebble print Lino

Pencil drawing of block print idea.

Reseach for RCA Sleep Project brief.

Research into Pebbles  and integral agate

Creating ideas for hand/foot warmer with agate.

Pebble print onto Japanese paper.

The print above was done using traditional techniques .The idea came from a wish to create a traditional repeat pattern including a reflective approach.I have been taking photographs in the landscape and have especially like images of reflections onto water via the sunslight reflecting onto water creating a mirrored image. I am also interested in 50's textiles print and the use of stylising natural images to create something pleasing to look at without it being too busy and over done.

Pebble ideas with wood and agate pattern ideas.

Printing Workshop

Printing Workshop

The Technical introduction to print room machinery and materials was a great morning session. I've looked at different types of printing  skills materials and machinery . The print room is a wash with inspiring techniques to develop for print Art for walls , fabrics, book covers, personal letter heading etc.

I love the patina and mix of different handles showing the history of its practical uses , the lettering cabinet.

Vintage cast iron press evoking inspirations of historic printing concepts and practice.

Printing inks and screen printing presses.

Print room showing stacks of lino for print making.

Various tpyes of printing processes discussed including wall paper design.

            History of Lino Printing

“Linoleum was invented and used as a floor covering in the late 1800s. As printmakers using wood blocks looked for easier and less expensive ways of block printing, they turned to the new product, according to the Printmaking Dictionary. The word "linoleum" dates to 1863 when Frederick Walton of England combined the Latin word for flax, "linum," with the Latin word for oil, "oleum," according to India Crafts. In the late 1800s, linoleum was considered a poor engraver's wood and often used by amateurs or as a teaching product in schools, according to the Printmaking Dictionary. But when artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso started using linoleum in the early 1900s, its popularity grew.(14.1.2018 17.00 pm. https://linoprinting.weebly.com/history-of-lino-printing.html)”

 I am interesting in this technique as it gives a simplistic look

Selfie for Journal .

similar to a lot of Indian woodcarving fabric prints which I am interested in researching. Lino is a cheaper and less difficult method of carving printing images for printing onto fabric or paper. I have created a sketch book of ideas of my sleep project which I have renamed the Pebble Solutions( I will add images latter on in the blog). I have chosen to reflect 50's and 60's fabric print and Art work to create a contemporary feel for my new printing techniques project.
I started with a small A5 lino section and draw in pencil, my design idea. It this stage I am not worrying about repeat systems,just experimenting.The drawing in pencil onto the lion was a bit difficult to see, so therefore I will possibly use tracing paper or ink tracing paper underneath the pencil drawing.I have cut out my lino in a sketchy format as I realise I am new to this skill, I am happy with the sketchy Arty Crafty handmade feel of my first lino, however I will refine my skills moving forward as my next task will be a two colour block print with a repeat. The artist that inspires me who I am researching is Angie Lewin . I have a Pinterest account which shows a lot of my visual research.The image below is a number of old fashioned printing lettering which you can use to create an old fashioned print look.They can also be used individually as little hand held stamps.

These are very interesting cast letters which can be used for hand stamping, great especially as I am not good at lettering.

Natures Armour Embellisments, Cellular Forms,Structures, Micro Patterns.

Major Project Brief

Designing my MA final Collection of Fabrics, Look Book and Journal including theory is something that needs quite a lot of planning. I have been doing theory practice since the beginning of the MA course late last year.
2018 is the beginning of the creative direction that I have been developing. I have started with photography and lino printing to express my concerns and desires for design development and creative direction, I have design methodology on a broad sense since I have been practicing for many years(however I have been teaching since my daughter was born).
My major project is a celebration of textiles and surface design techniques, researching closely with a broad spectrum of techniques including screen printing , digital print , lino printing mixing hand drawn , print and photography. I will also be looking at detailed haberdashery detailing including lazer cutting, wood, metal work components, 3 D technologies(emphasis on the details of accessories, materality and hardware finishing.).Creating haberdashery  accessories to encompass uniqueness of design values. This is key to portraying ultimate direction and a complete ownership of skills and designer critique for a professional portfolio of work.
To clarify in more simple terms my major project brief is based on printing techniques within textiles for fashion and interiors developing surface design concepts utilizing and collaborating other elements/materials as detail and embellishment hardware for finished design concepts. Finished design concepts will be illustrated using hand drawn skills and CAD developments for a final Portfolio Look book to use within my professional working practice to demonstrating how my fabrics and haberdashery can be used in finished products. Developing digital skills in Photoshop, illustrator and in in design will be part of my design development processes.

Collaboration of techniques

Collaborating detailing and embellishment using different printed textile techniques, digital art, embroidery block printing techniques whether real technique or digitized through photography or hand illustration. Creating a de coup-age laying and mixing technique to add charm vintage patina effects Inspired by historical and contemporary Arts and Crafts of the 19th and 20th Century within the broader design brief of Natures Armour elaboration, inner and outer casings , cellular structures  and naturals patterns and colours that nature creates through flora and all creatures great and small. Re visiting Darwin's law of evolution and the reasons why humans want to b e adorned taking a global glob trotting tribal and cultural voyage of visual and creative practice.Injecting an element of surprise due to the threats that evolve within our environment and our biodiversity makes us more aware and interested in connecting with nature designing new moderism through our traditions and historical heritage.Designing within methodologies connected to nature focuses and helps our world preserve our natural world by using natures alaborate decorative visual armour to sooth and comfort lifestyles and living.

The Southwell Trail: the old railway track.

Design Aspirations for Major Project MA

Designing is a place to explore all aspects of textile Art and fashion, in its broadest sense. I like to encompass new contemporary art and design strategies and gain new craft practices using critical analysis, contextual and theoretical. I also like to develop a broader and more technical understanding of modern technologies using photographic printing, screen printing embroidery and photography, using up to date CAD within my design handwriting as a professional designer.

Heritage and Artisan beliefs are a continuing aspect of my practice incorporating eco conscious ethical fashion philosophy. Artisan based design ranges are becoming increasingly popular with many people wishing to save the planet from unnecessary pollution. Materials are vintage or vintage retro where ever possible following my fashion philosophy (historical emphasis within new designs)

My aspirations are about developing vintage inspired print making with embroidered elements (whether printed or actual) patchwork, woven embellished fabrics, knits, crochet, lace cut outs for fashion and interiors for industry using illustrations mini fabric swatches and production packs as the product for working practice.

Entwining beadwork, photographic prints, rock crystals, metal work and antique materials to evoke an opulent style. My main ideology is to create a coherent identity as a working designer exploring other Art and Design disciplines and combining these into my work to create more interest and uniqueness. I like working within different Art and design disciplines to engage with the Arts World developing a broad design discipline across the fashion and interiors industry. Possible Gallery approach to my continuing practice. Pushing the boundaries of fine Art disciplines, by incorporating art installations akin to fashion and interior design.

My design themes for my Autumn/Winter 2018/19 include Migration- including modern art influences, decollage vintage /romantic fusion. Taking contextual themes within seasonal contemporary fashion directions, developing distressed finishes, faded flora’s , hazy blooms/Bucolic Tapestries, Folk Art, 50’s foliage. Developing designs with a montage of fashion eras and inspirations.

My masters is a time for me to indulge in personal creative urges previously encountered, celebrating past practice for a forever wishful awareness of art and design through new media practice.

I would like to follow on from my MA textile course to work as a freelance designer within broader design disciplines and would pursue a PHR in Illustration /fashion /Costume .While continuing part time teaching of Art and Design and general cover teaching work.

The Southwell Trail: Pebbles were once used to pave our streets. 

I will be taking you through a journey explaining my design developments and my directions within my Art and design research. Photography being one of my primary research tools and secondary research will be undertaken via a program of relevant events and visits.Reflecting what was important and what went well what didn't and what to do next?

1st Lino Print

Pale print due to error , however I like this look.

These printed lino prints have been created using a lino square and I have used different tools to create a loosely sketched image of pebbles for a project brief I have started for the RCA.The paper used was Japanese which is ideal for printing. I have used various pale blues to integrate a design project based on sleeping. The paler version was an accident , however I like it because its really faded adding a retro vintage warn out feel.
I will create some more lino printing  using a pattern repeat and also two colours for my next development.