Walk on a windy beach

Today saw us walking to the beach by Pagham Harbour.  It was very windy but it did stay dry all the time we were out.

Yet again I found myself drawn to bits of marine rope that had been washed up on the high tide line.  I have quite a collection of these and know that one day I will incorporate them in a textile piece but not sure just what that will be.

 

 

In the photo are some piece of driftwood I also picked up together with some pebbles which have holes all the way through them.  I have a collection of both these - the driftwood has been collected for the same reason as the rope but the stones will join a large bowl of similar stones which are also known as "hag stones".



 

 

I also saw this lobster pot which has given me an idea for a Thread and Shutter challenge piece entitled "Trapped". I need to get started on this soon so I am going to use the lobster pot as the starting point.



A day by the sea

We spent a very pleasant morning at the Hayling Island Lifeboat Station open day.  Lots for the kids to do and the best selection of cakes I've every seen to go with morning coffee!  Both the Lifeboats were launched and a display of fast bypasses resulting in several wet spectators followed.

 

 

 

 

We then walked along the beach at Hayling Island where I managed to snap a few pictures for future inspiration.

 



A Quilt Gift to BEJS

As a parting gift to the school I have worked at for over 12 years, I created a quilted hanging depicting the five productions the whole school had performed in the past.

The productions had been Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Tall Story, Jungle Book and Peter Pan.   There are so many memories attached to each event that I felt it a fitting gift to such a wonderful bunch of staff and children.

Before I left, an appropriate place was found to hang it so I must revisit in the future to see it in situ.

A new phase begins ......

Wednesday saw the last day of work and I am now officially an OAP!

I now hope to have more time for creating little works of art and who knows, I might even have more time to find an outlet for my work.

The first day of retirement saw me visiting East Surrey Embroiderers' Guild exhibition at Denbie's Vineyard just outside Dorking and I have to say it was a wonderful exhibition in a stunning venue.  Inspiration came again and again and I may even find myself going along to one of their meetings as the ladies there were so friendly and welcoming.   Once again I am drawn back to my embroidery roots.  The lunch there with two creative friends was also a great way to start retirement.

We are now on our summer break so I have every intention of posting photos of whatever inspires me.  I've also got sewing machine etc with me so I hope to have some time to create as well.