Goodness, it's been nearly 6 months since my last post. And what a 6 months.
I started my PGCE, learnt lots about pedagogy and music education and stuff. Did a 10 week placement at an enormous, high-achieving school. Survived. Passed my literacy and numeracy skills tests. Celebrated Christmas. Relaxed. Went back to college. Did a couple of weeks or so and a mystery illness reared its ugly head for the third time in my adult life.
I had numb fingers, heavy limbs, a limp, tiredness, pronounced shaking. All very odd, and looked pretty sinister to the average medic. I ended up being observed in hospital overnight. Had blood tests, a CT, am probably still waiting for an MRI. But the general consensus is that it's anxiety. ANXIETY! Well that's a great diagnosis for a student teacher, isn't it. Here, have a stressful, crazy training year, followed by an even more stressful and crazier NQT year, and then things may slightly improve. But you're always going to be stressed and under pressure. Hmmm. Perhaps my body was trying to tell me something, like "DON'T DO IT!" So I have interrupted my studies, and you want to know the really odd thing? All my symptoms have gone. Vamoosed!
This has all happened before, of course, when I was training for ministry. That time I fought through it to prove I was strong and healthy enough. 3 and a bit years later I had a significant breakdown which took years to recover from. So this time I've decided to listen.
But dropping out of university is all very well if you're 19 and can go backpacking around the world on 6p and a packet of trail mix. In the grown-ups' world it's a bit more complex. There are inconveniences like bills and supermarket shopping to pay for. So I'm relaunching quiteCONTRARY Arts & Crafts and am going to work at building up a series of workshops for adults and children. I'm also taking on cello pupils, and am probably going to start running children's cooking classes with KiddyCook.
Oh, and I'll be getting a dog again :-)
I have a rubber stamp that I use a lot. It says "Live the life you've imagined". So why the hell not?
Wednesday 6 February 2013
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Boo!
I haven't blogged in far too long, and now I have far too much for one post so I shall have to pace myself!
Firstly, apologies for the long silence. I moved house and was WITHOUT INTERNET ACCESS FOR A WHOLE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!! (and no landline either) I nearly went properly mad. I'm now resident in a lovely Victorian redbrick terraced house. The only downside is the 3G signal is appalling, so my only contact with the outside world was patchy to say the least.
But I'm moved in, unpacked and feeling comfy. The move has meant there is enough space for the girls to live with me part time, so I've been having fun kitting their room out. They are sharing, and agreed on a nautical theme as they both are interested in boats and sailing. The room is long and narrow so fits the bill rather well, although it makes it very tricky to photograph.
First point of order was to repaint it from a peachy cream to a pure white. Then pine bunk-beds were added, along with a plain and simple white IKEA wardrobe and chest of drawers. Bedding was got from Primark, of all places and a rug again from IKEA.
Then the fun began :-) I got out a canvas board, a ruler, pencil, permanent black pen, acrylic paints and ...
Firstly, apologies for the long silence. I moved house and was WITHOUT INTERNET ACCESS FOR A WHOLE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!! (and no landline either) I nearly went properly mad. I'm now resident in a lovely Victorian redbrick terraced house. The only downside is the 3G signal is appalling, so my only contact with the outside world was patchy to say the least.
But I'm moved in, unpacked and feeling comfy. The move has meant there is enough space for the girls to live with me part time, so I've been having fun kitting their room out. They are sharing, and agreed on a nautical theme as they both are interested in boats and sailing. The room is long and narrow so fits the bill rather well, although it makes it very tricky to photograph.
First point of order was to repaint it from a peachy cream to a pure white. Then pine bunk-beds were added, along with a plain and simple white IKEA wardrobe and chest of drawers. Bedding was got from Primark, of all places and a rug again from IKEA.
The fishing float decoration came from a little shop in Southwold
Then the fun began :-) I got out a canvas board, a ruler, pencil, permanent black pen, acrylic paints and ...
Then I had all this rope left over so I thought, hmm ... nautical knots :-)
From top left we have: bowline, reef, full round turn and two half hitches, Sailors' Cross, figure of 8, clove hitch and a ship's mat in the centre. They're glued onto some blue board and I just need to nail some spacer wood around the back of the frame to make a proper box.
And lastly (for now) I had an IKEA mirror in my craft stash ...
I found some clipart, printed it out, traced it onto Freezer Paper using a light box, cut them out with a craft knife and sponged some pale blue acrylic through them. All sealed with matt varnish.
I'm going to add a rope handle like the beach hut picture, but the drill is currently elsewhere.
The next project will be curtains. I found some gorgeous fabric in Dunelm Mills in Rugby.
Friday 6 July 2012
Gluten, dairy, soya-free baking
So what's been happening?
Lots of rain, cancelled workshop, mask making and baking.
Sadly the textiles and art journalling courses I was supposed to be running over the next 4 weeks have been cancelled, due to one parent dropping out. That may sound like over-reaction but she was also transporting another family, so accounted for 5 kids in total, well over 50% of the group. But, onwards and upwards.
I am off to L Fest next weekend, where I shall be attending the Tipping the Velvet Masquerade Ball. What more excuse does a crafty person like me need to get cracking on a mask? You can see the progress on here.
And today has been baking day as we've run out of biscuits. Today's batch are polenta biscuits from here (you have to scroll down a bit, but there are lots of other gluten-free recipes too). I used fine cornmeal (40p for 500g in ASDA Caribbean section), Vitalite sunflower spread (which is dairy and soya free), added 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum, omitted the zest and used vanilla bean paste instead, topping them off with strawberry jam. Lovely crunchy biscuits.
Lots of rain, cancelled workshop, mask making and baking.
Sadly the textiles and art journalling courses I was supposed to be running over the next 4 weeks have been cancelled, due to one parent dropping out. That may sound like over-reaction but she was also transporting another family, so accounted for 5 kids in total, well over 50% of the group. But, onwards and upwards.
I am off to L Fest next weekend, where I shall be attending the Tipping the Velvet Masquerade Ball. What more excuse does a crafty person like me need to get cracking on a mask? You can see the progress on here.
And today has been baking day as we've run out of biscuits. Today's batch are polenta biscuits from here (you have to scroll down a bit, but there are lots of other gluten-free recipes too). I used fine cornmeal (40p for 500g in ASDA Caribbean section), Vitalite sunflower spread (which is dairy and soya free), added 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum, omitted the zest and used vanilla bean paste instead, topping them off with strawberry jam. Lovely crunchy biscuits.
Monday 2 July 2012
More workshops :-)
So it's a wet and grey Monday here in Rugby. When will this foul weather end? Hopefully in time for L Fest the weekend after next! And then, once I've moved to Coventry I'll be able to enjoy summer sunshine in my garden. Still no moving date, but there's no reason to worry. Everything appears to be going to plan (for a change)
Last week was a sewing week. I joined a steampunk facebook group (Baron Vincent Von Rictus Baines Compendium of Interesting Artefacts) and discovered, to my delight, not only a wonderful online community of fellow eccentrics, but a hat making competition. The challenge was to make a steampunk hat by 30th June. I joined with 5 days to go and set to it. I needed the impetus to get going on my costume for Asylum in September (Europe's largest steampunk convention, held in Lincoln) and it helped to crystallise my character. You have to understand, steampunk is a fantasy, loosely based on the Victorian era, but with the idea of technology having continued without the development of the silicon chip. Each steampunk has their own take on it, and there really is no right or wrong (although you always get one or two people who like to show off by telling you your cap badge is from the wrong era, so not authentic - authentic? steampunk? IT'S NOT REAL!!). So characters are wide ranging. I have opted for explorer/aviator. My imaginary character is a female explorer and adventurer who flies her own private dirigible/airship. Therefore my hat is a flying hat.
I made it from scratch out of some brown PVC I had left over from a project years ago. I thought it would be fairly easy. How wrong I was! Trying to fit slippery and fairly thick material over one's own head, unassisted is really quite hard, actually. There was some swearing, lots of sticky tape, a bit more swearing, a good deal of exasperation, and several trips back and forth between the mirror and my sewing machine. But in the end I have a hat.
I also made up the pattern and muslin for the trousers I want. I used e-sewing workshop tutorials on their 7-day free trial. Brilliantly detailed. I would love to subscribe and learn everything, but finances prevent it for now. However, the muslin fits perfectly so now all I need to do is get to the Rag Market in Birmingham and get some fabric for the final thing.
And this week sees the start of two new children's courses: textiles in the morning and art journalling in the afternoon. I will get parental consent to publish photos so you can see what we get up to.
Last week was a sewing week. I joined a steampunk facebook group (Baron Vincent Von Rictus Baines Compendium of Interesting Artefacts) and discovered, to my delight, not only a wonderful online community of fellow eccentrics, but a hat making competition. The challenge was to make a steampunk hat by 30th June. I joined with 5 days to go and set to it. I needed the impetus to get going on my costume for Asylum in September (Europe's largest steampunk convention, held in Lincoln) and it helped to crystallise my character. You have to understand, steampunk is a fantasy, loosely based on the Victorian era, but with the idea of technology having continued without the development of the silicon chip. Each steampunk has their own take on it, and there really is no right or wrong (although you always get one or two people who like to show off by telling you your cap badge is from the wrong era, so not authentic - authentic? steampunk? IT'S NOT REAL!!). So characters are wide ranging. I have opted for explorer/aviator. My imaginary character is a female explorer and adventurer who flies her own private dirigible/airship. Therefore my hat is a flying hat.
I made it from scratch out of some brown PVC I had left over from a project years ago. I thought it would be fairly easy. How wrong I was! Trying to fit slippery and fairly thick material over one's own head, unassisted is really quite hard, actually. There was some swearing, lots of sticky tape, a bit more swearing, a good deal of exasperation, and several trips back and forth between the mirror and my sewing machine. But in the end I have a hat.
 |
| Spot the mistake ... |
 |
| Sight made out of a plastic lid and some brass shim |
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| The strap is an old watch strap |
I also made up the pattern and muslin for the trousers I want. I used e-sewing workshop tutorials on their 7-day free trial. Brilliantly detailed. I would love to subscribe and learn everything, but finances prevent it for now. However, the muslin fits perfectly so now all I need to do is get to the Rag Market in Birmingham and get some fabric for the final thing.
And this week sees the start of two new children's courses: textiles in the morning and art journalling in the afternoon. I will get parental consent to publish photos so you can see what we get up to.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Art or Craft?
Well, the summer fair stall was a washout. Rain forced the event indoors and meant that stalls were down corridors rather than as a nice market in the walled garden. I was encouraged when I was told my spot was just inside the entrance; one of the very first stalls. But what this actually means is that people come in and head straight past you at speed in order to get to "the action", ie tea, cake, beer, Pimms, bouncy castle etc.. The next time they pass is on their way out when they've spent all their money. It also means the traffic is mostly limited to the first and last 30 minutes of the event. I made 2 WHOLE SALES and a loss :-(
By contrast, one of my friends had a very successful afternoon at a different craft fair. She almost sold out of one entire range of products. And it got me thinking. The main criticism I have received from other stallholders/fair organisers is that my stall is not focussed enough. I don't have a product, I have a range of things, and customers don't like this. They like to look at a stall and say "ah, plants", or " jewellery", or "cushions", whereas mine they look at and go "ooo stuff", or "gosh aren't you creative" and then they shuffle on by because it's all too bewildering. They aren't there to see an exhibition, they're there to shop and they like it to be easy and clear. But that's just not how I work. I have one or two things I make repeatedly, but on the whole each piece of work is a one off. And I think, for me, that's possibly the difference between art and craft. If I were happy to be a crafter, where the making and selling is the main focus, then I should be able to happily reproduce a technique or product over and over because it sells. But I just can't do it.
I can't do it partially because my boredom threshold is too low, partially because the materials I work with (sometimes) are vintage watch and clock pieces, so it's unlikely I could reproduce the same thing even if I wanted to. But I suspect these are excuses. The simple fact is I don't want to be a production line. For me the thrill is the design, the putting together of bits and pieces into a new whole, starting with a blank space and filling it with ideas. I love to try new techniques and mediums, to have a go at something different and see where it takes me. And I guess that makes me an artist, of sorts.
By contrast, one of my friends had a very successful afternoon at a different craft fair. She almost sold out of one entire range of products. And it got me thinking. The main criticism I have received from other stallholders/fair organisers is that my stall is not focussed enough. I don't have a product, I have a range of things, and customers don't like this. They like to look at a stall and say "ah, plants", or " jewellery", or "cushions", whereas mine they look at and go "ooo stuff", or "gosh aren't you creative" and then they shuffle on by because it's all too bewildering. They aren't there to see an exhibition, they're there to shop and they like it to be easy and clear. But that's just not how I work. I have one or two things I make repeatedly, but on the whole each piece of work is a one off. And I think, for me, that's possibly the difference between art and craft. If I were happy to be a crafter, where the making and selling is the main focus, then I should be able to happily reproduce a technique or product over and over because it sells. But I just can't do it.
I can't do it partially because my boredom threshold is too low, partially because the materials I work with (sometimes) are vintage watch and clock pieces, so it's unlikely I could reproduce the same thing even if I wanted to. But I suspect these are excuses. The simple fact is I don't want to be a production line. For me the thrill is the design, the putting together of bits and pieces into a new whole, starting with a blank space and filling it with ideas. I love to try new techniques and mediums, to have a go at something different and see where it takes me. And I guess that makes me an artist, of sorts.
Thursday 21 June 2012
moving, perhaps ...
So I've decided to try and move from Rugby to Coventry (a full 15 miles, for those of you not familiar with the area). Rugby is a small town that doesn't have a great deal going on and has really suffered in the financial down-turn. Coventry is a medium-sized city with lots of arts and music stuff as well as all the usual urban amenities. So why, you may well ask, did I move to Rugby last year in the first place? Children!
My youngest has been at school in Lutterworth, while my eldest is at Princethorpe College (between Rugby, Coventry and Royal Leamington Spa). Rugby was the obvious choice as Meg could get a school bus from Princethorpe to Rugby, and Rachel could get a public bus from Lutterworth to Coventry after school. This meant that, although they couldn't easily live with me, they can and do come and stay overnight at least once a week after school, as well as stay every other weekend. So what's changed? Rachel will be going to Princethorpe along with Meg in September so there is absolutely no need for me to be in Rugby any more. There is a school bus to Coventry from Princethorpe, so I can live there just as easily. I've even found a house, yes a HOUSE! It's the same rent as my flat, has 3 bedrooms, separate sitting room, dining room and kitchen, and a garden. All in all it's about twice as much space as I have now, if not slightly more. It's a mid-terrace Victorian bay-fronted house in a well-maintained residential road within walking distance of Coventry centre.
But it's not all plain sailing. Firstly, the previous tenants apparently left the place in a mess so it's being refurbished, and the landlord won't let anyone look round and has given no date of when it will be finished. Secondly, I don't have a salary and am dependent on my ex-husband to pay my rent, which he does utterly reliably, but letting agents are a bit nervous about people who can't prove they earn enough a month to pay for themselves. Thirdly, the rental market is moving extremely quickly and I'm terrified I'm going to get "pipped at the post".
So I've made a bold move. I have picked up the paperwork to start the lease process WITHOUT HAVING LOOKED AROUND THE HOUSE. I have seen lots of interior photos, and a mid-terrace Victorian house is a standard kind of affair with predictable room sizes etc., so the risk is mitigated. But still. The letting agency don't really like people doing this because you have to pay an administration fee as a way of securing the property and paying for the references to be done, and so forth. And they get people doing all this, going to see the place, deciding they don't like it after all and trying to demand their money back. Which is against all the rules. Obviously I am 99.9% confident that I won't want to back out of the lease. I've driven past the house, had a look around the area, at the outside, at the bus routes ... and all seems just right. The house and street are both well-maintained. There's no peeling paintwork, or dodgy window frames. It has modern double-glazing, a little gravelled front garden and railings, on-street parking, sound-looking roof.
Next I have to get Jon to fill in the guarantor form, and take it back to the agent to see if I'll pass the references. She's given me forms for "unemployed" which I often feel as though I am, but strictly speaking I'm not. Whether that makes any difference, I just don't know.
Oh, and I've got an interview for the PGCE (teacher training) course at Birmingham City University. So hopefully I'll be in training for a proper job soon ...
My youngest has been at school in Lutterworth, while my eldest is at Princethorpe College (between Rugby, Coventry and Royal Leamington Spa). Rugby was the obvious choice as Meg could get a school bus from Princethorpe to Rugby, and Rachel could get a public bus from Lutterworth to Coventry after school. This meant that, although they couldn't easily live with me, they can and do come and stay overnight at least once a week after school, as well as stay every other weekend. So what's changed? Rachel will be going to Princethorpe along with Meg in September so there is absolutely no need for me to be in Rugby any more. There is a school bus to Coventry from Princethorpe, so I can live there just as easily. I've even found a house, yes a HOUSE! It's the same rent as my flat, has 3 bedrooms, separate sitting room, dining room and kitchen, and a garden. All in all it's about twice as much space as I have now, if not slightly more. It's a mid-terrace Victorian bay-fronted house in a well-maintained residential road within walking distance of Coventry centre.
But it's not all plain sailing. Firstly, the previous tenants apparently left the place in a mess so it's being refurbished, and the landlord won't let anyone look round and has given no date of when it will be finished. Secondly, I don't have a salary and am dependent on my ex-husband to pay my rent, which he does utterly reliably, but letting agents are a bit nervous about people who can't prove they earn enough a month to pay for themselves. Thirdly, the rental market is moving extremely quickly and I'm terrified I'm going to get "pipped at the post".
So I've made a bold move. I have picked up the paperwork to start the lease process WITHOUT HAVING LOOKED AROUND THE HOUSE. I have seen lots of interior photos, and a mid-terrace Victorian house is a standard kind of affair with predictable room sizes etc., so the risk is mitigated. But still. The letting agency don't really like people doing this because you have to pay an administration fee as a way of securing the property and paying for the references to be done, and so forth. And they get people doing all this, going to see the place, deciding they don't like it after all and trying to demand their money back. Which is against all the rules. Obviously I am 99.9% confident that I won't want to back out of the lease. I've driven past the house, had a look around the area, at the outside, at the bus routes ... and all seems just right. The house and street are both well-maintained. There's no peeling paintwork, or dodgy window frames. It has modern double-glazing, a little gravelled front garden and railings, on-street parking, sound-looking roof.
Next I have to get Jon to fill in the guarantor form, and take it back to the agent to see if I'll pass the references. She's given me forms for "unemployed" which I often feel as though I am, but strictly speaking I'm not. Whether that makes any difference, I just don't know.
Oh, and I've got an interview for the PGCE (teacher training) course at Birmingham City University. So hopefully I'll be in training for a proper job soon ...
Tuesday 19 June 2012
The Princethorpe "Summer" Fair is only a few days away, so I'm busy making stock. And I'm unashamedly using my children as a market sample (so if I don't sell anything it's their fault ;-) )
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