A Decade of Blogging: Creative Fidgeting

2010

In the previous year I’d pondered whether I was a bit over knitting. Still, I did plenty, including the ‘Bernardathon’ (three knitting patterns by Wendy Bernard). There was weaving, too. And some natural dyeing.

At the start of the year I set myself a challenge called ‘Projects of 2010’ in which I tackled a photo album, floor rug, mirror frames from pegs and chopsticks, tea towel pillows, painting a wall with bubble wrap and turning half of a shop mannequin into a plant stand.

I got into recycling in a big way. I wove cassette tape! I fused plastic bags together by ironing. Toward the end of the year, after a short stint hand sewing and mending clothes, I discovered refashioning in a big way. With Paul’s help I made a duct tape dress form.

Lots of bookbinding & book art was explored in the beginning. Later I dove into printing, first by cutting up foam mats into stamps, then trying printing with a pasta machine.

I did a lot of soul searching over art, making a scrapbook and continued Sketch Sunday. I made a ponchard box, and mini paint tins.

The range of creative ideas I pursued that year amazes me now. It was a big year for exploration and invention.

2011

I started the year with ‘Projects for 2011’, but I only got half of them done. Successes included reducing my silk painting supplies and making a certificate portfolio.

Sketch Sunday continued. I started life drawing classes. Later I participated in the Sketchbook Project (but was very disappointed the next year when they cancelled bringing it to Australia). I made an effort to sell some paintings.

We travelled to Europe for my work, and I bought only a little bit of yarn, keeping my suitcase as light as possible.

Lots of knitting, weaving and refashioning was done. Bookbinding seems to have dwindled, though. I tried more printing at the start of the year, but decided oil-based ink was too messy. I stuck with stamp carving and acrylic paints/inks, and made wrapping paper.

The year ended with the onset of RSI. My hands were so badly affected I couldn’t hold a tea cup. It turned my creative life upside down.

2 thoughts on “A Decade of Blogging: Creative Fidgeting

  1. I’m astonished at the breadth of your artistic endeavours – and you are so good at all of them! I’ve just downloaded your pattern for the rib mitts. Thank you! I’m attempting a slow destash by knitting small items for KOGO and these look ideal for using up the stray ball or two.

    • Not all of them! There have been some terrible duds over the years. Enjoy the mitts!

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