Monday 21 March 2016

Weekend


It's been a weekend of contrasts. On Friday evening I went out for a nice civilised meal with a couple of my friends (Joe was staying overnight with his grandparents). The civilised meal somehow ended up in staying out dancing until 4am. And the hangover from hell on Saturday.


Cue the whole 'Never again' thing.


Yesterday I headed across country to the Yorkshire coast. Staithes (those of you with little ones may be familiar with it if you watch Old Jack's Boat with the wonderful Bernard Cribbins).


I was actually there to do a printmaking session with Stef Mitchell of Staithes Studios Gallery. Her blog, Field and Hedgerow, is one I came across via Pinterest and I knew I wanted to learn how she produces such beautiful work.


So, a very early start and a two-and-a-half hour journey. We arrived in good time and had a mid-morning snack and cup of tea before I went off, apron in hand, to find Stef. 


She was actually in her studio which is situated up a little walkway. You can see rooftops and hear seagulls. There are big work surfaces and an etching press, whitewashed walls and timber. A far cry from my humble dining table set-up. 


Without going too much into the process... Stef was a great teacher and I really enjoyed learning about monoprinting with plants. I also realised I have everything I need at home to do it - well, apart from that press - but hopefully one day I'll acquire one (plus the studio space to house it).


I came away with some prints to frame at home, lots of little hand-pressed ones and a notebook with plenty of scribbled-down ideas and tips. I'm now desperate to get out and find some things to work with. Maybe a few snowdrops before they finally give up for this year.


Staithes itself was a great place for a visit. Despite the gloomy skies we had a wander up and down the little streets and footpaths, admiring the higgeldy-piggeldy cottages and houses which all seem to be built on top of one another.


I took an inordinate amount of photographs and have actually been quite restrained about putting them on here. I'm thinking maybe a look back at March with some more pictures. Trust me, there are many. Many.


One thing that struck me about Staithes: it isn't all pretty-pretty. There's grit and decay too - shabby old buildings and neglected, wild bits here and there. Lots of tastefully-painted doors and neatly-planted gardens but plenty of faded, flaking old facades too.


There were so many little details hidden away up those winding, narrow streets. It could well be a good place to visit as part of a long weekend in the Dales.


Thank you for your lovely comments on my previous post. I'll go back and reply this evening but right now it's time to go and collect Joe from preschool. 

Have a great week.











15 comments:

  1. That looked like an amazing trip and those prints: fabulous! :-)

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  2. I've been reading your blog for a while, but I think this is my first comment. I enjoyed this post so much. I laughed aloud at the dancing until 4am and the hangover from hell! Your photos of Staithes are fabulous; it looks like just the kind of place I would love to explore. I'm glad you got to get together with Stef Mitchell and learn something new. Those plant prints are really beautiful.

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    1. Hello - it's nice to 'meet' you and I'm glad you commented. The dancing and drinking was spontaneous and probably not the best decision! I haven't drank to excess in years and now know why...
      Staithes was a lovely place, a bit like those little Cornish fishing villages but I suspect it's much colder. And I really want to get printing again now I know how!

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  3. It's really interesting there. I have never been, but I enjoy places such as you described, a mix of old and shabby with the newer and better-kept. Lucky you, getting out with your friends for the night and attending a workshop in the same weekend. You're an inspiration. :)

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    1. Thanks Jennifer - but I really suffered on Saturday morning! No more partying for me...

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  4. What a great day. Staithes looks to be a very interesting place.

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  5. What a brilliant weekend. I interviewed a printmaker a while back and it was fascinating. I'm on the dining table here as well, how lovely it would be to have a space of our own. I hope you manage a little more printing, it gives such striking results. CJ xx

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    1. Oh, me too! Life's such a whirlwind at the moment and I seem to be constantly chasing my tail. A spacious, light-filled studio would make it all so much easier to cope with... x

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  6. Sounds like a wonderful weekend! Glad you enjoyed it! xx

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  7. Sounds like a good weekend despite the hangover. Love your prints.

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  8. Lovely post, this is something I would loved to do, great set of photos in such a lovely place. (think I have been).
    Look forward to seeing what you do with all your new ideas... you must show us some :)
    Amanda xx

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    1. I will! Just need to get the next handmade market out of the way (it's in three weeks) and I can slow down a bit and create things... I hope ;)

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  9. How beautiful those leaves came out. I love lots of photos so I'm looking forward to your End of March post. Yorkshire is somewhere I would love to visit and go to Yarndale! You could go and visit with Lucy!!!

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    1. I've heard of Yarndale. Yorkshire's a really great place for creatives and I often cross the border to get some inspiration! There are lots of creative communities and some beautiful places to visit - I'd definitely recommend it.

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  10. that's exactly why I love Staithes, it's not chocolate box perfect but it's filled with character and quirkiness. I met Stef last summer and I'm longing to do one of her workshops, this summer I hope! x

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