Just so busy, busy busy, busy scissors oh-oh

Hello! Thought it's about time for a real post, written with my real hands and mind.
First off, the workshop I did as part of Ministry of Craft went brilliantly, I was so impressed with the designs people came up with, you can read about it and see the results here. I'm going to be leading another day-long workshop in September, this time including monoprinting, lino cutting and screenprinting, so stay tuned for more info about booking.

I've been working hard on lots of new products, such as these alphabet print posters, which are for sale on my etsy and folksy sites.





I'm working on completing the alphabet set, so keep 'em peeled for more designs and colours coming soon. I'm really enjoying working with larger blocks of colour, working on paper gives me a bit more freedom to play with ideas, so I'm happy with that.

My most exciting news is that I've been selected to be workshop leader for the Design For Life project, working with Bolton Museum in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum! I'm bursting with happiness about this, yesterday was so inspiring (and geeky) and I got to poke about behind the scenes at Bolton Museum, and chat to lovely Paul, the aquarium guy about mudskippers and the like! So, so good. I have loads of ideas for the project, I'll reveal more later...The workshops won't start until October, so I have plenty of time to prepare. I'm off down to London in a week to do a training day at the V&A, yippee!

That's probably enough for now, suffice to say I'm feeling very, very positive right now! <3 <3 <3

Max Ehrmann 1927 Baltimore

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing future of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.