It's on paper...

It's finally happened. It's down on paper. And I'm happy with it. Nay excited, and that's why I've rearranged everything this weekend so I can tuft it.

I've basically had an idea floating round in my head for a couple of months now but not really got it down on paper. But the other day, I had a flash of creativity and quickly sketched the design. It's really organic and simple. I love it. I might even tuft it and keep it for myself, we'll see.

Watch this space. I might be raving, or comiserating by Sunday.

Aaargh - foot and mouth outbreak in the house!

Well not quite but I must admit when I found out that he had blisters on the soles of his feet, the palms of his hands and one in his mouth. I feared the worst - squelchy, disinfectant filled mats at the back door. Big signs at the gate. You've seen the TV footage.

It seems hand foot and mouth disease is a viral infection and quite prevalent in little mites under 10 years old. So phew, he's normal - just a bit blistery.

But the blisters are now dissipating (woohoo) and we're not forking out for boil wash cycles any more so all is well with the world again.

Art v. Craft

I don't like to call my rug and painting work craft but for me to fit in, I have to. It goes against all my principles because to me, craft is beading and macrame. It's things that older people do when they have time on their hands and want to talk to people at craft fairs. I'm sorry but that's just the way I see it. Of course, they are talented and I salute these crafty people for making a bit of money out of a passion.

So why don't I see my work as craft? My rugs are more of an art form, even though they are functional. I don't just design shapes and slap them on a rug. I blend wool to make colours, I sometimes inlay felt to give depth, I use different types of wool to create more textures... but most importantly, I see the tufting gun as an extension of my paintbrush so it has a painterly quality that you just don't usually see in a rug. And that's what makes my work different.

In fact, @artroomgallery tweeted that my rugs were like walking on art. So there!

I'm sure many people out there disagree and to be honest, I wouldn't shout them down because the world of craft and design is vast. The lines between craft and art blur so much that I understand why people could pigeonhole my work as craft.

I just want that blur to be a bit clearer round the edges when it comes to my work. It's not craft, it's art!

What the heckythump do I write about?

Well, get me. I'm writing a blog. Not sure what to write though. Do I tell you about the day I've had? Perhaps that would bore you rigid. Maybe you'd like to hear about the fact that Leeds council didn't take our food bin today (the little blighters - another week with a bin full of rotting tatty peelings). Nope, it's official. My life is pretty boring. Not a great start to a blog eh?

Hand on heart, I'll think of something to write for next time!