Eight weeks on from shutting the door of The Old Art Room

So as you may know we closed The Old Art Room Swaffham studio door, turned off the lights and loaded the car up with all the equipment and projects that I thought I might need to inspire myself and others not knowing how long we would be closed for. At that time we thought about three weeks.

Eight weeks on we have all gone on a rollercoaster of emotions and getting used to a 'Lockdown Life'.
Stewart and I feel very grateful that we have each other:))) So, a few weeks in we thought that would be fine, especially with the weather being warmer. We enjoy being together and setting goals around our, home, garden and business but like everyone this time has been bizarre.

Our first thoughts were to keep in touch with family, friends and clients at this unusual time. I chose traditional and also the route of email, social media, Facebook, live 10am weekdays. Thank you so much for those who join in and have viewed in their time:))) It has been a wonderful way of sharing , creativity, routines and local deliveries.

I had already put in place Art Studio Daily last year and over Christmas and New Year. Myself and Gemma worked on ArtStudioDaily Patreon and  Art Studio Daily You Tube for me to be able to produce online content. We also put a newsletter via email in place and we were getting months ahead of ourselves with themes and layouts. Little did we know that within two months of the studio being open after the Christmas break we would have to rethink the format of the newsletter, which I can tell you we had moved mountains to get it to the original layout. We have managed to get it out a couple of times spending many hours to do this. Thank you Gemma for the amazing patience and tech skills. It is hard due to the emotional connection to the studio and it having an uncertain future.

Click the links below to visit the Facebook, You Tube or Patreon Pages.

Facebook

Patreon

You Tube

Thank you to everyone who donated via the links on the newsletter and Facebook. After advice for the HMRC I set up a GoFundMe page. I was and still am apprehensive as I feel it is begging but soon realised it was the only way of keeping the bills paid as time is moving on. Stewart and I have always been self funding. Over the years many have donated time and items to the studio which keeps it running. We are lovers of recycling and making it work. The small business grant came in and paid all the outgoings of the studio until the end of June. A relief as it has been a worrying time.
If you would like to donate view our GoFundMe page it would really be appreciated. You can do it by name or anonymously.

GoFundMe Page

So, for the next weeks ahead* Facebook Live Monday to Thursday. Continuing to share with those who want to join in by commenting and sharing photos of what they have and are creating. Filming for Patreon and You Tube, learning how to go live on You Tube to share a creation time. 

I announced on Facebook Live there is to be a virtual Exhibition in The Old Art Room studio on the 20th of July 2020. A way of creating now for a purpose and sharing work that has been created at this time so a call for submissions:)) For those local to Swaffham, placement within the studio, those from afar a photograph to share and then an online tour. Email me for details and submission ideas.

I am producing an installation based on a tent. Stewart and I are normally at open air festivals or camping at this time of year and into the summer, so this installation is to honour this and the concept of home and isolation due to the virus. The idea has been brewing since a few weeks in to lock down and now I feel ready to start this creative journey and share it with you.

Thank you again for sharing, following and supporting, it really is appreciated.

Photo Transfer

Front of Photo Quilt

This quilt was inspired by a new Grand Daughter that is just a month old when I write this post.
A Grand Dad to be who just happens to be an Artist and Writer asked me if there was any way photos and drawings could be transferred onto fabric to make a gift for his daughter, Son In Law and new baby Grand Daughter?
A Grand Daughter who was to be born at the end of July in Australia. Visit planned to deliver said gift in the middle of September so time of the essence.
When he told me the story of 'Twizzle Bump', the affectionate name for said 'bump' and what he wanted to include I was up for the challenge.

Over several weeks of planning, painting pictures, collecting fabrics and transferring photos onto a photo fabric. Excitement Grew as Baby Coral was born and those photos could be added to the design.
I over the years have transferred many photos etc onto fabric in many different ways and this prepared fabric is the best for endurance so it can be washed and lasts.

It was then a matter of patch working all the pieces together and interpreting the significance of each photo and matching it up with appropriate fabrics and the location within the design.

Detail of Photo Quilt showing new Grand Daughter 'Coral

Back of Photo Quilt 

The Photos are:

Swans of Perth, Australia where Coral was born

Light Owl, her surname

Her first photo

Hospital Cot Label

The morning sky in space the time she was born

A Kangaroo and Joey in pouch

and of course

the flags of the parents Britain and Australia

The Photo Transfer Paper I can highly recommend.
The Benefits are,
It was easy to use.
Went through the printer easily.
Didn't Smudge.
Took well to ironing.
Good quality for piecing.
Held together well as a final quilt.
Washed well.
Didn't fade.(Although we know after many uses, light and washes this may fade over time like any photograph).

Buy on Amazon now and enjoy the process.

By clicking the link and purchasing the Inkjet Photo Paper vis this post, we are given a small donation at no cost to yourself. Which is really appreciated, Thank You.


If you need any help or extra advice I am always available, details in the contact page.

I am also now available for teaching via Facetime as I know many are unable to visit the studio but still want the experience. Contact me via email for information and what we can offer.

Enjoy creating Best Wishes Jane

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Sewing Roll Indian Sari Inspired

Indian Sari Inspired Sewing Roll made by Irene using The Old Art Room Pattern, which has seen so many different variations and styles made to suit the individual and the sewing accessories they wanted to put in them.
If you would like the pattern to download it costs £6.99 and is tried and tested and easy to follow.
Click HERE for Pattern http://jeclark1763.gr8.com

Maldives Holiday

We had a wonderful holiday at Meeru Resort and Spa,

in The Maldives.

All I can say is "WOW",

and "Breath Taking".

The blue of the ocean, the light and warmth.

I relaxing atmosphere:)

A great place to spend a Birthday or special occasion. 

I made a sketch and sticky book to document the 

holiday, which I do for every holiday or visit.

Inspiration is often different when you are away from 

your normal surroundings.

The photographs I took daily went on Instagram, 

and Facebook,these inspired many, 

which was so lovely. 

 and I put a sticky note in my book,

so I knew where they would go when I got home

and printed them out.

I picked up a lovely magazine in Gatwick Airport

called,'Breathe' and it contained all the 

articles on 'Mindfullness', Mandalas and thoughts

on how to re-think a purposeful life.

These I added to my book as a permanent reminder of the 

wonderful feelings and ideas that came to mind.

Thank you to all that have encouraged and helped

make this trip of a lifetime happen.

A re- visit I think:))

but it did take ten years to save for this one!!!!

See my tour round the Jacuzzi Water Villa 712

Art Class Monday Morning

Monday Morning Art Class in the studio starts with Mark Making.

Every week it is different and opens up discussion on

how the marks relate to Art and Artist.

Mark Making is a really good way of opening different areas of the brain.

Isaac who was participating in Work Experience last week

from Swaffham Hammonds Academy, tried one of the Circle Techniques

using a toy truck tyre and a paint brush without its brush.

(Work Experience is available all year round)

We then go into individual mediums such as water colour, acrylics, collage etc.

Drawing is vital and Jane teaches lots of ways to get good results.

The Piano hands were drawn by Lena with lots of tips and encouragement.

Sarah our Drawing Skills Tutor and Gold Award Winner is 

teaching 'Light on Dark' on the 18th of July.

Sessions are £10 and are from 10-12.15 ever Monday.

See more information 

Here

Radio Norfolk in the Studio with Treasure Quest

Norfolk Radio with Treasure Quest was in the studio on Sunday.

Anna and Ian raced around the studio to find the clue which I 

thought was a hard one to find.

"Look that way at the one with Dad:

Is the name after twos and threes?

At the Ol' Clue one room find those caged.

Although even if not these wouldn't fly free!

Anna was lovely and got distracted by all of the colour and 

art around the studio. 

We had hidden the clue envelope in the Chinese Bird Cage

with the Paper Cranes Ellen had made on her 

Work Experience.

Made a fun morning. 

Thank you Julia for nominating us:))))

Visit The Old Art Room, we are preparing for Norfolk Open Studios

which starts at the end of this month.

Seaside Holiday Window Display

Augusts Seaside and Holiday theme has been well received by 

customers, visitors and window viewers.

The backdrop was a quilt I did many years ago for Uni and has 

plastic which protected the conservatory window panels!

It was the right shade of blue!

Jo's Beach hut cushion hints to her wonderful Exhibition

inside the studio, there are cards and prints available too!

Jellyfish made with victorian glass bowls, celery vases, plastic and 

iridescent thread.

Cheryl made the freeform crochet and Jack made the

paper coral. 

Jill who is a resident artist and tutor in the studio

made the paper boat.

Mr Robin looks on peering inside the 

'Shades of Blue Nest'. 

While the mannequin guys are having fun.

September's window celebrates The Swaffham Food Festival 

and Autumn.

We Have Moved

The Old Art Room has moved onto the Market Place Swaffham.

Number 93, opposite the Buttercross next to 

Green Parrot and Mother Hubbard's Fish and Chip Shop.

A wonderfully newly renovated Georgian Shop 

with a contemporary Art Studio at the back.

Open six days a week for creativity and inspiration.

Follow The Old Art Room on Facebook.

Traditional Cathedral Window Sample

With making the Oriental Window version of 'The Cathedral Window'.

Several have had a try of the traditional version.

I just love the batiks and key fabrics.

See previous Post of Oriental Window 

HERE

Monday Art Class, Glass, Metal and Spring Flowers

I love starting the week with Art.

!0am until 12.30.

I bring in different items for studying each week so

we can practice techniques and 

then, you can go away and play.

This week Glass, metal and Spring Flowers.

We are still using Oil Pastels at the moment.

Everyone is welcome.

Sewing Equipment

This February one of the inspirations in the studio is

'For The Love Of Sewing"

Needlecases, Pincushions and Sewing Equipment.

See more by clicking the written labels below.

See more textile inspiration HERE

Oil Pastels

New Oli Pastels, oooooo!

First Daffs of 2015

Every Art Class I teach different techniques and continue others.

This week I taught Oil Pastels 101.

See more of what goes on and techniques 

HERE

Monday Art Class, Pastel Painting

This week we continued with Pastel Painting and some had 

Pastels that they had received for Christmas.

Don't you just love shiny new Art materials?:))))

Lots more techniques and tips from me and lots of 

encouragement.

See last weeks post and a fantastic video on 

'Pastel Painting',

HERE

Of Course one of the most famous Pastel Painters was

Degas and his Ballerina's.

Beautiful.