Dear readers,

This story post will be my first, hot off the press (scuse the pun) from our new place, our new life in our new city. We all put on our ‘brave’ hats and sorted, packed, packed & sorted, left jobs and schools, sold our house, sold the car the day before jumping on a train with 2 cats and the last of our stuff……..phew…..even to write it it is quite a statement!

I think we all slept for 24h solid in those early days of living out of boxes. It was time for a change and now it is time to adapt and modify everything that ran pretty much like clockwork on its day to day axis. Naturally, everything was up skittled as we navigated our way around general stuff. That was back in July and gratefully we survived our first experiences of ‘The Fringe’ festival in August. Not even realising that the Military Tattoo would be performing up at the castle every day except Sunday, marking the events with fireworks as a finishing flourish around 10.30pm……just to jolt you awake in case some sleepiness was seeping in.

We did manage to catch some great shows during the Fringe festival and the weather was warm and pretty kind.

At the end of August I had my screen print induction at Edinburgh Printmakers and officially became a studio member. Such a wonderful space to print, open plan and light filled…..when the sun peeks in it literally bounces from the walls and ceiling. The pic below gives a glimpse…..

This meant that I could start crafting some new work whilst getting to grips with the equipment and meeting fellow printmakers. Chatting to them about their practices really helped me to start feeling that bit more settled.

Bette my etching press has settled in gracefully and I christened her in our new space at home, I am glad to report that she is printing well and seems happy!

I also received an exciting parcel in the post from a fellow artist back in Forest Hill, London. Just before we moved we decided to do an art swap as we like each other’s work so much, it seemed a logical idea. Below, is a work of Liz’s that I spotted at the Dulwich Open House back in May, from her ‘Broken Things’ photography collection. I loved them all, though this one resonated somehow and the sense of light contrasting with the dark background, well I think it is just exquisite. Use the button below to take you to her website to see more of her photography, as well as her beautiful ceramics too. Thank you Liz :)

I am excited to reveal a venue I will be trading at to source handmade, personal gifts…..the 3D2D Art, Craft & Design Christmas Fair at The Assembly Rooms, George Street. Follow the button below for more information, I will be there for both days on 3rd & 4th December. More details to follow.

I will be selling a wide selection of handmade fine art prints, notebooks, cards & a new selection of paper chains…….I have a fancy some massive ones could be fun!!

So, whilst the picture above doesn’t necessarily work at this point in mid October, yesterday in particular was incredibly bright with massive blue skies and right in the heart of the city & for that expanse of sky above me, I am grateful.

OK, I had better sign off and get cracking with making all of the above I just mentioned :)

Until next time……..as ever I thank you for your time & for your continued support…….