Stained Glass Window Group Project

Our group piece of work this year was to produce our version of a stained glass window that was never completed for St Martins church, Brabyns, Marple Bridge. It will be joined by several others that will be displayed as part of the 150 year celebration of the church.

Members were given a section pattern and the only requirement was the colour otherwise they could use any technique they wanted. Examples are dyed, silk painted, embroidered, fabric paper and appliqué.

2017 ANNUAL EXHIBITION SILKEN TREASURES

Just started to advertise our 2017 annual exhibition.

Here is the poster that will be used in both A4 and A6 format.

There will be the usual eclectic mix of silk paintings and mixed media textile art work as well as the ever popular original hand painted and dyed silk scarves which the local ladies find invaluable for early Christmas shopping. So from reasonably priced cards to the more considered purchase of an original work of art there will be something for everyone.

Do pop along and have a chat there will always be a member on duty.

2014 GROUP CHALLENGE

 THIS WAS A 6INCH QUILTIE ROUND ROBIN.

25 MEMBERS TOOK PART, SOME OF US COMPLETED MORE THAN ONE.

EACH QUILTIE WENT TO 3 MEMBERS FOR COMPLETION.

EACH QUILTIE HAS SOME ELEMENT OF SILK IN IT AND THERE IS A FULL RANGE OF TECHNIQUES FROM FELTING, TYVEK, SILK PAINTING, DYEING, STENCILING, EMBROIDERY, APPLIQUE AND REVERSE APPLIQUE.

 

click on images to see more detail

IN THIS CD CHALLENGE MEMBERS WERE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE A TECHNIQUE TO PRODUCE THEIR CD. THANKS TO BELINDA FOR INSTIGATING THIS CHALLENGE AND GWEN FOR PUTTING IT TOGETHER.

 

BOTH THESE CHALLENGES BROUGHT MEMBERS TOGETHER AND GAVE US A SENSE OF IDENTITY.

MACCLESFIELD MAKERS DAY

This was our second time standing at the Macclesfield Makers Fair day. We had a room to ourselves and made the most of it. We had the Sales Table where we displayed a wide range of goodies made by members.

 We had a sale of silk activity bags and notions that always go down well. People like a rummage and a bargain.

The silk scarf rail is always a riot of colour and displayed a full range of techniques.

 

In addition Beryl and Annette organised painting sessions where members of the public could come and have a go.

BRADBURY HOUSE EXHIBITION

We are in the throws of getting ready for our next exhibition which starts on Friday the 29th June 2012 with a preview evening. ALL WELCOME.

"A TOUCH OF SILK"

29th June - 27th July 2012

exhibition of silk paintings, silk scarves, silk jewellery.
All items for sale

BRADBURY HOUSE

10 MARKET STREET

GLOSSOP

DERBYSHIRE

SK13 8AR

NB

Because the building is shared it is important to check for opening times.

Either phone 01457 860007 or

email reception@bradbury-house.co.uk

Bill Hague Gallery

Bill has the honoured position of being the only male member of Silk-n-Threads. He paints with Pebeo heat set silk paints and has a recogniseable style using black gutta to good effect.

 Bill also paints in many other mediums and particularly enjoys charcoal sketching.

Christmas Party 2011

On Friday the 25th November 2011 20 members of Silk-n-Threads arrived at St Martins school hall to enjoy an evening of festive merriment. We had a Secret Santa, our usual Christmas Tree decoration competition and a shared table supper. Thanks to Anne Worsnup who is in hospital at the moment for her organising of the event as regards catering and decoration. Get well soon Annne. Thanks also to Beryl Wood for stepping in at the last minute to cover for Anne as well as all the behind the scenes work that she does.

As usual we had a great time and it was a early start to the festive season for us all.
The tree decorations this year were based around silk cocoons that members painted and then decorated. What an array of creative ideas considering that everybody was very concerned that they couldn't DO anything with white cocoons. All in all a very inventive collection of decorations.

Third prize went to, on the left, Muriel Draper. Second prize to, on the right, Annette Anderson (this years Chair) and first place to Margaret Steeden centre.

For some reason blogger has uploaded this image sidewards, I've tried several times to no avail. The places were as follows, top was third, middle was second and bottom was first.

Can all at Silk-n-Threads wish all those who visit our blog a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

First meeting next year is the 9th January 2012.

SILK STRIPS WORKSHOP RESULTS

Beryl Wood's clutch bag is delightful. She constructed the 'new' fabric out of silk strips which she then dyed before making the bag.

This is the table showing the completed range of finished books and art wraps produced by members. All were made from strips of fabric, mainly silk and then the 'new' fabric was used to make mostly book covers. Some members made their own books from scratch others covered commercially bought books.

Bottom left is Gail's wrap for her art equipment. Her 'new' fabric was made from cotton strips before the wrap was made.

The fabric on which some of the books are displayed was spray dyed and stencilled, Muriel again showing a pleasing choice of colours.

HANGING EXHIBITION AT QUARRY BANK MILL, STYAL

Member of Silk-n-Threads after putting up the exhibition. left to right, Beryl, Rita, Margaret (me), Muriel, Annette, Maggie, Joy and Bill


The Three Shires Festival has started and we spent last Friday (10th July) putting up the exhibition at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire.

Bill and Joy hanging the last picture at the exhibition. It looks very impressive and members of the public completing the tour of the Mill can find it in the last room they visit. Well worth a day out to find out about the heritage of the local textile trades of Cheshire and surrounding areas as well as the social history connected to the Mill. The Three Shires Fetsival is in full swing and there are numerous things to do locally so for anybody interested in embroidery/textiles it is a must.

GETTING READY FOR STYAL MILL

Here at Silk-n-Threads we are getting ready for our contribution to the Three Shires Festival next month. We have a 3 week exhibition in this interesting historic mill at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire.
There are 9 members exhibiting 49 pictures in total. Mainly silk paintings as well as some mixed media pieces.
We have chosen the title "A Touch of Silk". As well as paintings there will be smaller 3D artefacts to buy such as silk scarves.

Hanging at Tatton Park

A busy morning on the 11th March 2008! Members were hanging paintings and Rita was arranging the two cabinets. Choosing Joy to clean the paintings was perhaps not the cleverest thing as she is the shortest member!


There is a wide range of items in the cabinets, this photo shows scarves, a mask, a tie, jewellery and silk box. The mask is a genuine Venetian blank bought at this years festival. All items are for sale and effectively show the skills of our members.

Works on show are both traditional and contemporary and utilise both silk paint and textiles.

Beryl's use of porcelain and glass on silk is such an unusual combination and is represntative of the talents of members.

Denise's interpretation of a Vegetable Patch is certainly the querky aspect of the exhibition.

At the end of the day we were very satisfied with the overall presentation and standard of work on display. If you are a memeber of the Natuional Trust do combine a visit to Tatton with an enjoyable viewing of our exhibiton in the Mansion House.

Exhibition is from the 15th March to the 1st June 2008, usual admission prices apply.

Visit Tatton Park's website for further details.

TATTON PARK EXHIBITION LATEST

TATTON PARK EXHIBITION 15th MARCH - 1st JUNE 2008

Members are busy putting the finishing touches to their paintings for the forthcoming exhibition in the Mansion House at Tatton Park between 15th March and 1st June 2008. The exhibition has been advertised in 'Stitch', 'Embroidery' & 'Workbox' and I have been receiving phone calls from interested individuals already which is very encouraging.

The Mansion House is open each day except Mondays from 1-5pm (last entry at 4pm) and for National Trust members there is no charge, for full details go to the Tatton website . The Park is managed by Cheshire County Council so there is a car parking charge of £4.50 for everyone.

We have a selection of silk paintings and mixed media textiles on display as well as 3D items that range from silk scarves, boxes, bags and jewellery. All the items can be purchased by special arrangement, details on site.

Taster pictures to follow.......................

EXHIBITON UPDATE

MARPLE LIBRARY

9 members of Silk-n-Threads are also members of the International Guild of Silk Painters and between the 3-17th November are holding an exhibition at Marple Library, Stockport. The above picture is of the preview evening, in the background is the array of silk scarves for sale and in the cabinet 3D artefacts. One of our members, Chris Sims is on the left of picture.

Three members of Silk-n-Threads enjoying the evening and wine are left to right, Muriel Draper, Joy Wheatley and Jean Davies.

EXHIBITION DATES

Confirmation of dates for our three forthcoming exhibitions. We are all very excited about these venues and painting madly. Further details from the venues or email me.

"SILK TO DYE FOR"

Marple library, Marple, Stockport
3-17th November 2007
Mon 10-8, Tues & Fri 9-8, Thurs 9-5, closed Wed & Sun. Free
Silk paintings, embroideries, 3D artefacts and cards all for sale.
This exhibition will be manned by members of the Cheshire Guild of Silk Painters a branch of the International Guild of Silk painters who will be demonstrating and available to talk about the works of art on show.


"A SPLASH OF SILK"

Bollington Arts Centre, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Sundays only between 18th November - 30th December 2007, 2-4pm. Free
Silk paintings, embroideries, 3D artefacts and cards all for sale.

"YEAR OF THE GARDEN"

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
15th March - 1st June 2008 inclusive.
Silk paintings, embroideries, 3D artefacts and cards all for sale.
Exhibition is in the main Mansion. Normal admission prices apply.

MEMBERS GALLERY 2 - PAULINE TOWNSEND

Hello there. I am a member of Silk-n-Threads and also of the International Guild of Silk Painters. As a long distance member of Cheshire Branch I do not get to many of the meetings but I always enjoy it when I do! To make up for this, I have organised exhibitions for Silk- n-Threads at Buxton, Derbyshire where I live.

I am also a member of Peak District Products, an organisation of professional artists & craftspeople based in the Peak District and I’m the Secretary of a co-operative of artists based in the High Peak area.

I have been a professional silk painter for 12 years. The traditional gutta resist technique is an essential part of my work. Gold, black and clear guttas are used to create different effects. With many years of practice, I have tried to perfect the art of the fine gutta line and have recently inscribed all the writing on the Cheshire Guild of Silk Painter’s banner. Best known for my vibrant paintings of flowers, I have now added landscapes and a new range of quirky seaside images involving ‘Big Bird’ (see below).

There is a continuing debate in silk painting circles about whether to use silk paints (heat fix) or dyes (steam fix). I feel that it’s down to the individual and I think it depends whether you are painting a picture to be framed or painting something to wear like a scarf. Steam fix dyes allow the silk to remain soft and so this is nicer to wear. But as my paintings are framed, this isn’t an issue for me. I have always used iron fix paints – Pebeo Setasilk is my favourite - as they suit my way of working. The range of ready made colours is excellent, but they also mix well and are non-toxic - so great to use with children. They take salt well and if you use a hairdryer in your work, they are usually fixed by the end of the painting with no need to iron. I also use heat fix in my workshops as steaming is not an option within the time frame available. I recommend trying both techniques for yourself and then seeing what best suits your way of working.

I take part in shows & exhibitions throughout the area and also sell limited edition prints & greeting cards through the online shop on my website. Details of my workshops and events can also be found on the website: www.silkpainter.co.uk email: pauline@silkpainter.co.uk



SOME OF MY RECENT WORK
Big Bird on a Beach Hut & Big Bird on a Deck Chair

These two paintings are the first in a series of a quirky new range based on the idea of ‘Big Bird’. Inspired by beach huts seen on holiday in Southwold, Suffolk, I made careful drawings and used black gutta to outline the design. Big Bird was in fact a mistake; I added him freehand to the Beach Hut for interest but made him too big! These are this year’s best selling designs.

Tulip Field

I ran a workshop based on a drawing of a field of tulips. Tulips are a nice easy shape for beginners and while the design is simple, it worked really well with these colours and the gold gutta. It’s my favourite silk painting and I wouldn’t part with it.

Anemones

My most recent flower painting. I received this bunch of Anemones for my Wedding Anniversary and thought the colours were absolutely stunning. Often I have to photograph flowers as they die or wilt before I get chance to paint them. But with these I had time and was able to draw the design directly from the flowers. I used black gutta and created the depth of colour with quite a few layers of silk paint. I completed the painting with a ‘sunburst effect’ background, produced by painting wet on wet.

Jungle
I love painting in this cartoon style. It’s really a design for a child’s room inspired by a painting session I had with some small children who were asked to paint their favourite animal. I used black gutta and added a stripy animal border for interest.

Cow Parsley

A very simple painting produced without a detailed drawing for once. With the branch of cow parsley in front of me and using clear gutta, I drew the main stem with three smaller stems and then just dabbed dots of gutta at random for the flower heads. When it was dry I painted over the whole design and scattered table salt across it. Then I washed out the clear gutta.

Foxglove

Each year I exhibit at a Cheshire Garden Festival. It’s a great source of inspiration for me and I go armed with my digital camera looking for my next silk painting subject. I was pleased to find these foxgloves and took loads of images from every angle to paint back in my studio. I really enjoyed painting this flower. I used gold gutta to outline and built up the inside patterns of the flowers with layers of paint and clear gutta.

CHESHIRE BANNER by GUILD MEMBERS

7 of our members are also members of the Guild of Silk Painters and this is the banner they completed in 2005 for the Guild's biannual festival in St Albans. All the local groups of the Guild completed a banner that represented their county. So our starting point was to brainstorm everything that Cheshire brought to mind. The name on our banner is in the style of the American HOLLYWOOD sign as the name did orginate from emigrants from an area of Stockport called Hollywood. The green base is to represent the flat Cheshire plains and finally the hats represent the main industry of Stockport in the 19th century - hat making. This gave each member the opportunity to design and make a hat for the banner.


The banner was made from silk satin and this photograph shows Pauline Townsend , Maggie Britten and Rita Stansfield (left to right) coping with the large frame.

The text on the banner was a range of saying about hats. The saying were firstly written with a fading pen and then Pauline used a dark grey gutta with a fine nib.

Denise Hopper at work with the hair dryer on a more detailed part of the banner. This photograph shows the preliminary layout of the hats before they were attached with bondaweb.

The Cheshire Cat sitting pretty on the CHESHIRE name.

This top hat was designed and painted by Pauline Townsend. The others were by Annette Anderson - the range of small black bowlers, Denise Hopper - purple wide brimmed hat, Rita Stansfield - pale blue bonnet, Belinda Rodway - the CHESHIRE name and the hemming of the banner.

Margaret Steeden - brown hat with veil,

Maggie Britten - the red hat with feather

After the festival the banner was long term display in the Hat Works Museum, Stockport.

BREAKING NEWS - TATTON EXHIBITION SECURED FOR 2008

We have just had confirmation that Silk-n-Threads have been invited to hold a two month exhibition at Tatton Park, Cheshire from the end of March to the end of May 2008 (Exact dates to follow). This prestigious venue will allow the group to display to a wider audience the beauty of silk painting. The theme for the exhibition is "The Year of the Garden".
Our blog will regularly update the progress of our preparation for this event.