Saori Weaving Talk And Demonstration.

A process  to uncover hidden power of creativity.

Had a wonderful afternoon listening and watching Kim Morgan from The Saori Shed, Designers and Makers21 Diss. Kim shared, demonstrated and explained the principles of  'Saori Weaving'. Kim is a qualified Saori Weaver Tutor and studied in Japan in the studio of Misao Jo. Misao Jo started weaving when she retired and soon realised she wanted to weave what her heart desired and enjoy the process.

The 'Sa' of Sario comes from the zen vocabulary meaning "everything has it's own individual dignity"

"In Saori, we do not weave only cloth we weave our true self. The 'Ori means "weaving."

So many beautiful sentiments and ones we hold dear in The Old Art Room Studio too:))))

A way to self, to heart and healing.

No rules,no mistakes, only the joy of creating with fibre.

Saotri has four slogans,

1."Consider the difference between machines and people."

2."Be Bold and Adventurous."

3."Look through eyes that shine."

4"Inspire each other."

Everyone at Kim's talk said that they could listen to her talk for hours, it was so interesting and fascinating, seeing the woven pieces being explained and then worn:)) Kim thought it was funny when she got an applause when she showed us one of her beautiful reversible  jackets.
She shared many weaving tips and dismissed may weaving myths:)))

Here is a video of Kim sharing her weaving in her studio at Diss.









Thank you to Swaffham Visual Arts Festival Team for another great Festival, Talks, Show and Film.

See more of The Saori Shed HERE

Flower Stitcher Attachment

We have been playing this week on the sewing machine, free machining doodles and using 

The Flower Stitcher Attachment ready for ,'Sewing Machine Fun Sessions' in the studio.

These encourage everyone to play with their sewing machine, stitches, feet and attachments.
Gain confidence and enjoy more of their sewing.

I brought the Flower Stitcher from Amazon( link below)

• This Daisy Flower Stitch is used to create unique flower-inspired circular designs
• Use your sewing machine's decorative stitches to create flowers or the perfect circle!
• Premium Sewing Feet are high quality sewing feet that provide the user with ease of use for tasks they could be extremely tedious if done by hand
• Add embellishments to garments, button covers, craft projects and more!
• Come with a detailed using instruction, fit for all low-shank sewing machines, including Singer, Brother, Babylock, Viking (Husky Series), Euro-Pro, Janome, Kenmore, White, Juki, Bernina (Bernette Series), New Home, Necchi, Elna and More!

I played with the foot with Emma who is taking part in her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, an ideal skill to master  on the machine, out of the usual and we had fun trying it out and talking about what embellishments we would add in the form of beads, sequins and sparkle:)))

Buy on Amazon Here  and you donate a small amount to the studio at no cost to you:)))

I always find its good to watch a video.
The instructions that come with it are clear but I  find watching someone demonstrating what you want to learn is far more instructive and they show you how they have adapted it,
this one was my favourite:))

Crewel Embroidery Sessions With The Needlewoman's Studio

Brenda known on the internet as "The Needlewoman's Studio', has started a Crewel Embroidery sessions at The Old Art Room Studio. On the second Friday of each month, 10am until 2pm and it costs £18 for the day. (See the dates below).

You can purchase a starter kit at the session for around £6 and you can join on any Friday as a beginner or to share your love of embroidery. Brenda shows you how to create a beautiful Crewel Embroidery from start to finish, giving lots of hints and tips on how to get the best results especially if you find sewing difficult but really want to do it or continue. If you have a particular image or theme you have always wanted to do, Brenda helps you design, plan and stitch so you can achieve your stitched project.

Liz wanted to continue her theme of 'Game of Thrones' and so they designed this piece so it could be stitched onto a collar that is forming part of a costume which Liz is wearing to 'Comicon'. Those that follow the series can see it is 'The House of Stark' Lion.

I had to stitch some Crewel Embroidery Samples for my Embroidery City and Guilds so had a basic understanding on the stitches and techniques but Brenda made the stitching how to and the history come alive. A wonderful session and everyone enjoyed stitching to the extent we didn't want to go home:))

 I made mine very contemporary, inspired by Blackwork and Steampunk. (Will show step by step photos:)

I like using a sit on frame because it leaves my hands free to get on with the embroidery:) find them here on Amazon. I recommend a 8" diameter one (21cms) because I am able to use it for a variety of

This video is by Phillipa Turnbull, a renowned English Embroiderer, who works alongside The Royal School of Needlework.




When sewing, craft making or reading you need a good light and I have one of these in my home studio, easy to move around and great sewing light, especially when working on dark projects.

• This Daylight Simulating Desk Lamp / Bed Lamp closely mimics natural light to be kinder to your eyes.
• High flicker-rate helps reduce the risk of headaches and eye-strain.
• Concentrate for longer and enjoy clearer vision for hobbies like crafts and sewing.
• Economical light bulbs have an average life span of 8000 hours.
• Includes SPARE BULB. Shop with confidence as the Andrew James Desk Lamp is covered by a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

Brenda recommends Jane Rainbow's book for anyone interest in Crewel Embroidery, we had a look at copies in the session and there where so many great tips and beautiful pictures and projects.

Starting with just four of these stitches, Jane clearly demonstrates, with detailed step-by-step photographs, how to work up a complete project. Instructions follow on showing how to stretch and mount your first embroidery. Using further projects she helps you build up skills, introducing new stitches in each section. Line drawings accompany each design and are used as a guide for the stitches. The designs and colours used are traditional - reminiscent of the embroidery worked by embroiderers during the Tudor period, wonderful floral pictures worked in wool and soft colours. The book is a comprehensive introduction to this lovely technique and at the same time it offers embroiderers practical help with presentation and finishing.

This post contains Amazon links for the items we use and recommend in the studio. By clicking on the link and purchasing on Amazon you are helping the studio, as a small percentage of your purchase goes to the studio with no extra cost to yourself:)))

Selfie Stick

I was lucky enough to be given a selfie stick for a Birthday gift, a bluetooth one at that:)))
A Kitvsion Bluetooth Selfie Stick. An expandable one:))) I am usually behind the camera, photos, a voice or nails on screen, not me:))) I have been using it so far as a hand hold for my phone so, it steadies my photos and great for shooting videos. I have found it quite fun to use and funny at times due to you wanting to talk to the camera and also look where you are going, there's definitely an art to it and needs practice:)) I will be adding more of me using it shortly so, watch this blog:)))

Had to smile when I looked up the definition of a SELFIE STICK::

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History of the Selfie Stick

Homemade selfie sticks could date back as early as 1925. A photo from that year shows a man taking a photograph of himself and his wife, with the aid of a long pole which is pointed towards the camera and out of frame. Amateur box cameras of the period would not have been able to capture a self-portrait in focus when held at arm's length, requiring photographers to use remote shutter devices such as cables or sticks.

A device which has been likened to the selfie stick appears in the 1969 Czech sci-fi film 'I Killed Einstein, Gentleman'. It was a mirror on a stick then the camera took the picture that was in the mirror. Just shows you where inspiration is found:))))

My Selfie Stick is a KitVision Selfie Stick with Bluetooth

• Lightweight and extendable
• Extends to 110 cm
• Built-in Bluetooth camera remote for smartphones
• Rubber grip for comfort
• Compatible with Smartphone width: 63 mm - 85 mm

Take your smartphone photography to another dimension with this lightweight extension pole. Extending up to 110 cm, it allows you to take images from a higher perspective, making it ideal for gigs and shows or creating a '3rd person' video effect.

The built-in Bluetooth remote button on the handle, allows you to operate the camera shutter on your smartphone when it's out of reach, so now you can capture the perfect shot with ease. The pack contains a charger lead to charge the Bluetooth stick.

Use the included smartphone holder for attaching your phone, or add an action camera or digital camera using a ¼ inch camera screw. 

The poles come in various colours:))) I have a black one:)))

 
 
 
 
 

• Rubber grip for comfort
• Built-in Bluetooth camera remote for smartphones for wireless control
• Extends to 110 cm for a whole new perspective and more creative shots
• Lightweight, extendable and portable selfie stick
• Charges in just 1 hour with 100 hours standby time

The best prices for the 360 degree selfie stick, see more information by clicking the link below.

Magic Read

As some of you may know I like fantasy, role-play gaming (spent many hours painting the models, then playing into the small hours, watching films and cheerleading a gaming husband:))). Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them are constant inspiration and spent most of January researching and journalling these sources, see post HERE 

Fantasy allows my mind to wander, stretch and 'Believe' what could be possible.

So, getting stuck into another book of a fantasy and magical nature makes me smile, allows my brain to slide, travel and expand:)))

Being my Birthday Weekend I have got some time off and I was given this book, this week to read and share by Brian, an avid reader, textile artist and speaker . 'Mundane Magic' published this August 2017 is written by his Grand Daughter, Rebecca Milton and is her debut novel, it is a captivating magical read and I feel grateful to share:))

"Hidden within the world, disguised as mundane gifts and talents, it rests....."

Just this sentence seems very apt with The Old Art Room studio being hidden in Swaffham, Norfolk, UK and visitors exclaiming that it is a 'Magical and Wonderful Inspiring Place'. We enjoy making the studio inspirational and I think that is shows and what is 'felt', it's real, in studios.
Rebecca's book has been a well earned read and inspired ideas. Hope it has that exchange for you too:))

Look forward to more from Rebecca:))

Please be kind enough to show the author some praise when buying your copy by giving feedback:))
It has a five star rating and well deserved....

Click the Amazon link to buy it for yourself. There is also a Kindle Copy too for those that like to read on the go:))) I promise, you won't put it down.



Rebecca's website http://www.rebecca-milton.com
Rebecca's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamiltonauthor/
Read what 'Goodreads has to say https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35594650-mundane-magic

I will share my copy from The Old Art Room, which was kindly donated by Brian:))))

On Amazon I found this notebook which is fun and ideal for those who are of the Wizarding or inspired nature. Click through to see the notebook and it comes with your own magic wand.




This Blog contains affiliate links,which means The Old Art Room may receive a small percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links. The products and services are no extra cost to you and some have deals.
By clicking and shopping your support helps the studio put on events and sessions. The products I link are ones liked by Jane and The Old Art Room. Thank you:))

Nail Art

My hands are on show everyday with teaching and demonstrating techniques and I 

am lucky enough to go along to our local salon  'Innovations' every couple of weeks where they take great care of my hands, nails and pander to my mixture of art techniques which they translate onto my nails.

Kim is especially tolerant:))))

A year of just a little Glitter, then the whole set of 'Glitter 'nails.

A year of 'Foiling' and this year, six months of Chrome, Additives and now 'Nail Stamp Tattoos'.

*Great Tip* I learnt from Sam this visit to the salon, if you are finding it hard to open your nail polish bottles use a set of nut crackers, a few twists and it releases easy, tried this when I got home and it works:))))

I found a great gift for the girls in my life to have a bit of fun.

Ideal for Birthdays and Christmas.

New Session Dates for Autumn Season In The Studio and Christmas Postcard

I love Autumn, the food the last warmth of Summer and this is the time I start to prepare for Christmas. Mainly because clients and customers expect there to be lots of inspiration in the studio but also I love the tradition of making to give:)) The Old Art Room creativity really increases and there is also lots of sparkle around.

New Dates for The Autumn Sessions are available HERE so many inspirational sessions:))))))
As you can see by the postcard above we end August, yes I did say August by making the Christmas Postcard. I have kept my promise, I have kept the spirit of Christmas all year by having Christmas Inspiration on the last week of every month.
See so much more on the Christmas Blog HERE 

Studio Dye Workshop With Procion Dyes

I have been using fabric which I have dyed myself for many years now and love to show

others how to use the different dyes and easy ways of doing them.

I started with a "Starter Kit' and had great results following the instructions and 

everything you need, is in the kit.

I have included a link to Amazon below, to a 

kit that is often used in the workshops. 

Especially those who have brought or been gifted one and they 

need confidence to use them:))

They contain 10gms of basic colours and they are good to mix aswell.

We set the studio with the colour dye charts to show mixing possibilities 

and the equipment we use.

This regular session I teach Procion Dyes using the microwave.

This makes it quicker to be able to use your dyed fabric and gets really good results.

I give the recipes for small amounts of dye mix and I use

other fixatives that are suitable for the microwave.

I have used these over the years and the textiles I have made are still as bright 

today as they were 17 years ago:))

You can see we really get immersed in dye and I show how it can be done

cleanly so it can be achieved in a domestic kitchen.

The link to get your own starter kit is below.

Shop with us on Amazon, 

it helps the studio to be able to 

sponsor students within the studio.

There were two Artist in Residence and Mollie in the studio on this session who were able to add this

Dye knowledge to their skill base.

Dye Workshops are normally on a Friday and can be booked by individuals or groups.

Support the Old Art Room and post your comments:)))

The Old Art Room Has A New Sign

The Old Art Room finally has it's sign above the window:)))

Everyone has been so lovely and complimentary on how it suits the 

Georgian Shop and Swaffham as a town.

People have found and visited us in the studio who haven't

been in before especially those visiting or travelling through Swaffham. 

See more of the studio by scrolling down the posts:)))

Our Exhibiting stand went down well at The Embroidery Guild Open Day,

this month.We were asked to take the studio along to showcase what goes on here

at The Old Art Room.

It made us smile trying to get the studio into a 15ft space and

give a taster of the studio experience.

I think we did that.

Many visitors who went to the show have come in and said,

it was like being here:))) so we achieved our aim:)))

August the 4th we are having a Procion Dye Workshop in the studio from
10 until 2pm. Places available. Contact for information.

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

Studio Sewing Workshop Tour

It was fun setting the studio workshop tables with all the accessories in the different colours and styles. Hope you enjoy the tour. like and comment about what video you would like us to make about the studio or what you would like to see:))
If you would like to be part of a session you need to book in advance to secure your place.
See the daily classes HERE

Buy our Sewing Pattern HERE

Muggle Worthy

Working on a 'Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them', Journal. This is the first page with a small envelope. It is inspired by Newt's suitcase with the 'Muggle Worthy' dial:))
I will be holding a Journal and Book day on the 27th of January 2017. 10 am until 1pm. £10 the session. I will show some of the journals that I am working on.
How to manage a collection and put it in a journal or book form, so you can enjoy and continue to add to:))
I have the book of the film and it is amazing for all the information and pull outs, maps and added info:))) It is a fantastic Case Book:)))))) Highly recommend it.