I am Pretty Sure

Hello there, I am Pretty Sure! About almost everything, and most of the times. Or so I like to think. Most things fascinate me, like sunsets, flowers and over hearing conversations on public transportation.

I also think, no, in fact I'm pretty sure, that letters from friends are one of the nicest things on this earth.

I always carry this very special letter with me. All the time, and every where I go, but I can't tell you who is it from, sorry!

I have arrived safely in my new home (pheeww because my maker was really bitting her cuticles off).

My box and letters came with me, and now I sit on top of some really nice books, that I can't wait to read.
It was really nice meeting you, and I wish you a very happy day,
Pretty Sure.

**It was really fun making this doll with someone in mind. When my friend Catalina saw mine in London, and ask me to make one for her, I immediately started thinking what it would look like, but I couldn't really picture her. She just appeared little by little to me, which was the nicest part about making her. Now I'm happy to now she arrived and my friend loved her.

In other news I started this amazing e-course (which I won a place at) and it is making me look at paper in a whole different way.  I've also started reading Walden by Thoreau, which has been on my wish list for the longest time. I also found this blog and this one incredibly inspiring.

How about you?? Any nice blogs, books or things you're doing that you want to share with me??

Wishing you all a very happy weekend!
Giova

What I did at Julie Arkell's Workshop

I hope you had a lovely weekend. Ours was rather nice. Everything seems perfect when the weather is warm isn't it?

I wanted to show you what I did at Julie Arkell's workshop because after showing you her work last week, it seemed only fair to show you what I learned there. The doll was my favorite thing. It is the first doll I have ever made, and I'm actually quite proud of it. She has her darning apron on, but she has no idea how to darn. In fact she loves to brag about that skill quite a bit.

This one is a "world war brooch" as she likes to call them. I decided not to make mine a brooch and added a little string so I can hang it on the wall. I do like to put everything up on my walls.

The flower is a very distinctive "Julie Arkell" brooch. It was quite tiring to make on the first day, and can I remind you that my sinus infection was at its peak?

This is the back part of the flower above which I ended up liking better. The other side is too much in my opinion.

The last thing I did on the last day of the workshop. Completely different from the ones she makes. Hers are so delicate and perfect. I had never made a suffolk puff or yo-yo before in my life either, but this was so fun to make, I've already made another one to give as a gift.

Now I am back to doing what I love doing the most, which is embroidering words, but in between the embroidering of words I am doing suffolk puffs or yo-yos.

How was your weekend? Any lovely crafty things?

Happy monday, if there is such a thing.
Giova

A Julie Arkell Workshop

I was thinking where to start with all the things I want to show you, and decided to first show you the reason for my trip. I'm not sure if you know that last week I left on an expedition? One that took me to London, then to Chichester and back?

An adventure to the wonderful work and world of Julie Arkell. This workshop came by chance after my workshop here got cancelled, so looking on the internet I found a spot here, and it all came together.

In spite of being terribly congested (some intense sinus infection), which for a few seconds I considered canceling my trip, but decided against it. After all is not every day that you get to see these beauties in person.

I've seen some of her work in person, or rather on a person, but to be able to fully look at all these brooches, is another treat entirely, and I was glad I got on that plane!

As always when you go to a workshop it is not only the teacher's work that is inspiring but also the other attendees, and there was so much to learn from these really nice ladies you see above.

It was truly inspiring, and the fact that I had to blow my nose every other minute didn't prevent me from enjoying everything.

I wish you all a very happy Monday,
Giova