East Of The Sun

Moving my blog...

2012-01-15T20:03:00.000Z

This blog has been a wonderful home for the last few years, but now it's time to move...just down the road...to http://juliaguthrie.blogspot.com/
I hope you'll all come & join me for much more chatter, art, crafts, photography & much more!
On the new site I will be adding even more in depth details about beautiful scenic & historic walks around West Cornwall, & I have some guest bloggers lined up to chat about all the subjects close to my heart!

Brand new blog design... brand new year... brand new content... don't forget to follow me, or join my facebook page to keep up with new posts!
Thanks to all who have kept me company here, & anyone new who may happen upon this blog in future. I look forward to seeing you over the road >>>> :D

xxx

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T15:21:00.000Z

*Don't forget to come & join in the fun with me at http://www.facebook.com/juliaguthrieart

Winter Solstice

2011-12-20T10:40:00.001Z

And so it rolls around again.

A week until Christmas, & then the spring clean that inevitably happens when you feel like you need a fresh start to go with the new year ahead

I'm already planning a new combined website & blog...I hope to get it set up over the festive period.

I no longer want to label myself as purely 'ARTIST'... I am a creative soul with many strings to my bow & I've decided I would much rather combine all of my hobbies, career, & loves under one roof.

*Art*Photography*Driftwood creations*Storytelling*Poetry*Crafts*Spiritual/Metaphysical*

And probably much more! I hope to include tutorials & guest bloggers too, So please keep your eyes peeled for that...

I have just finished the final 'urgent' commission of the season,

So I have spent a day tidying up my 'cave' of a studio...which I've not had a chance to do in months, & aside from packing things up to post, my muse is free to get back to work on another commission & sort through all the lovely driftwood I gathered at the beach last weekend.

It was the best haul I've ever had, & I already have people on a waiting list for windchimes & driftwood hearts.

Can't wait to get my drill out again... I see every unique bit of smooth, holey driftwood as treasure from the sea

I'd have made a rubbish Pirate quite frankly... lol

I wish you all a wonderful & peaceful Christmas, & a New Year full of hope & inspiration. And I'll leave you with 2 of my recent commissions ...

~Julia~

xxxx

'Eventide'

'The Watchers'

Heartfelt gifts

2011-11-24T22:47:00.000Z

Last week I was the lucky recipient of something beautiful...

This pair of earrings arrived at a moment when I definitely needed something good to happen!

And what a synchronistic message they held :)

'Love' & 'Joy'

The perfect reminder .

Stephanie creates 'Naturally Heartfelt' products, from jewellery to journals all made from vintage & reclaimed materials.

'Naturally Heartfelt' can be found at...

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

ETSY

The weather is growing colder, after a very warm November...thankfully, I wasn't a fan of last years early snow! :)

My trips to the beach are sadly lessened due to the dark evenings, but last Sunday I made up for it by visiting 3 individual coves in one day. They are all within a few minutes of eachother & yet each one so different.

I found some fabulous sea kissed treasures for my 'driftwood collection'...here they are *below*, after a wash in the back garden to get the sand off, they now have to dry off before I use them!

I do have lots of little items on the go & hope to unveil them soon :)

Meanwhile... I shall share with you my latest bread success...

This is called 'Tiger Bread' ( or Dutch crunch bread...Tijgerbrood) & it's regular white bread with a fabulous crackle topping made of yeast, sesame oil & Rice flour!

I was very happy with how mine turned out... Yum yum! I plan to make some Tiger rolls this week too :)

Autumn Dragonflies

2011-11-06T16:31:00.000Z

We made the most of some Autumn sun today & went for a Sunday afternoon walk.

Caught some pretty Dragonflies enjoying the rare warmth too.

Driftwood

2011-11-04T13:55:00.001Z

I have 2 new driftwood mobiles/ windchimes made & in my Etsy shop :)

This one is a real beauty...a larger one than usual, with so much character.

You can purchase it here...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85324264/driftwood-windchime

This one is the baby of two :) She is available here...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85324584/driftwood-mobile

And I am always happy to create custom mobiles, or other driftwood creations for you. Just drop me an email & let me know if you'd like something.

On the subject of commissions, I have almost finished a few commitments, & so if anyone was considering a commissioned painting, please see the purchasing & commissions page *points up to top of the page* for details!

Photo art

2011-11-02T20:48:00.000Z

With the recent arrival of my Nikon camera has come a renewed interest in photography. I have also been quite keen to play around with some photos in photoshop & perfect the 'old' & 'antiqued' look, amongst others.

I had a play with one of my recent photos of Porthleven harbour, using photoshop & a beautiful wood texture photo from the lovely & very talented Carolyn Saxby.

I am quite liking the result :)

~Antique~

*Click to view larger*

To view the original photo visit my Flickr page... http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliaguthrie/

You can find Carolyn on Flickr & her beautiful blog :)

Winter Moon & other tales

2011-10-30T17:34:00.000Z

'Winter Moon'

Mixed media - watercolour, acrylic, pastel, tissue paper & gold leaf

*Based on the song 'The 12 days of Christmas*

'My True Love Gave To Me'

Mixed media - watercolour, acrylic, pastel, tissue paper & gold leaf
*Based on the song 'The 12 days of Christmas*

A 3rd painting is on the way... this is part of a trilogy that I am painting for myself & my Husband. I have 3 simple black frames awaiting them :)

Lots of texture in these with the scrunched tissue paper laid on as the snow (& her cloak), then painted over. And I enjoyed keeping the colour scheme to the same few colours. Made a nice change for me!

Peaceful evenings

2011-10-26T13:22:00.000+01:00

There is something quite peaceful & magical about working in the studio at night. Even with a radio on, everything feels so still & quiet.

Sometimes my Husband works late, so I get to make the most of my extra time working up there.

Of course, it's extra nice when there is Mulled wine to keep me company....

I am editing some photos of my 2 new paintings (mentioned in my previous post), so hope to have them up here very soon!

Meanwhile...

Last weekend we braved the wild winds & leaden skies to bask in the sea air.

Wave energy is good for the soul

xxx

Autumn thoughts

2011-10-24T00:34:00.000+01:00

The weather has definitely shifted now, the days are shorter, & colder. The leaves are scattering themselves liberally across the ground, & the winter coats have come out for our trips to the beach.

And as always at this time of year, it makes me feel like having a clear out...ready to settle down for the winter. The darker, quieter months, when you look forward to cosy evenings snuggled under a blanket to read a book, or hearty roast dinners, & then of course...things like mulled wine, & mince pies!

I too am feeling some personal changes coming upon me... thoughts are shifting about the direction my life is going in, including my art & career.

I feel like all my thoughts & dreams & wishes have been thrown up in the air, but not yet fallen back down to earth yet. So I cannot see what pattern they will form. But I think they will soon.

I have spent the last few weeks playing with my new DSLR camera, & reading lots of books & tutorials to help me get to grips with it. I have always loved photography, but never enough to take up as a proper hobby. This is the most in depth I've been with regards to the technical side, but I am enjoying it. And that's the important part!

Perhaps I'll do something with my photographs...prints maybe? Who knows.

I have set up a Flickr account to share my photographic journey with fellow photographers... it would be lovely to see you there!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliaguthrie/

I have also been working on a trilogy of Christmas inspired mixed media paintings. Have almost finished the first 2, but here is a sneaky peek to give you an idea of what to expect...

There is lots of gold leaf involved too! :)

So until next time, I wish you a happy Autumn...

West of the moon

2011-10-07T13:42:00.000+01:00

Have you ever wondered what exactly IS east of the sun & west of the moon?

Well I'll tell you... it's a pretty little stone cottage by the sea, where a girl plays music to the stars.

*Below - a sketchbook version to practise with the colours. But I like it almost as much as the main version*

*Gold leaf on the window panes, to represent the flicker of candle light*

Painting based on my photographs of Mullion Cove, Cornwall.

I like this one so much, I've decided to try it out as my new blog header for a while... what do you think?

Our Indian summer

2011-10-03T11:20:00.000+01:00

Just as we were preparing for cold October days, with the heating coming on, & big woolly jumpers to keep us warm, a magical, extra bit of summer descends on us!

Perfect timing for me to practice with my shiny new camera (a Nikon D40x SLR)...

I am rather in love with it :)

This pattern in the sand reminded me of a sun symbol

Dogs & people, playing in the hot sun.

I hope it's beautiful wherever you are too xxx

Christmas Cards now available!

2011-09-21T16:01:00.001+01:00

'Nadelik' (Cornish for 'Christmas')
4" x "6
With accompanying Christmas poem inside.

(Cards also available blank inside, all year round!)

Professionally printed on recycled 350g card

UK
£1.40 - per card + £1 P&P
£5 - pack of 5 + £1.50 P&P
(3-5 packs + 2.00 P&P)

USA
£1.40 - per card + £2 P&P
£5 - pack of 5 + £2.60 P&P
(2 packs + £4.30 P&P, 3 packs + £5.20 P&P)

To purchase please email me at:
info@juliaguthrie.co.uk

Autumn days

2011-09-20T14:32:00.000+01:00

I opened a brand new hardback, A4 sketchbook yesterday & this is what I drew...

Pheasant feathers!

They are so beautiful. I have a whole bunch of them in different sizes & I love the subtle russets & reds.

I aged the paper first with watercolours, then drew the feathers in white sketching pencil. I also used regular pencil & sepia pencil. I planned to paint one too...but that will have to be another drawing now :)

In other news I have recently completed a web banner commission for a client who is a professional singer & teacher. She wanted something more personal that reflected music, & 'magic', & also to include her cat companion 'Emerald' :)

Please visit her website here...

http://marthalopezsoprano.com/

I also have a selection of new prints available from my 'Temple of the twelve' project.

Please visit my facebook page to view them

http://www.facebook.com/juliaguthrieart

And for my entire range of prints currently available, you can now purchase via my website...

http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/shop.htm

If there is anything you want which isn't yet offered, do feel free to ask me!

Freyja

2011-09-01T21:52:00.000+01:00

The beautiful, shapeshifting Norse Goddess Freyja is one of my favourite paintings.

I have now released a Limited Edition Print on lovely textured watercolour paper. As an Artist I love printing on such nice quality paper as it does the images much more justice. However, I am still keeping Open Edition prints on regular matte paper, available for the time being to give my customers a choice.

To purchase any prints or paintings, you can contact me at info@juliaguthrie.co.uk , write on my Facebook wall at http://facebook.com/juliaguthrieart , or visit my Etsy shop for a small selection of what's available!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80932617/freyja-limited-edition-print

Endless Beach

2011-08-07T16:29:00.000+01:00

"Warm sand, rough on the soles of my feet as I glide barefoot across my endless beach.

Distant gull calls, breath of the sea.

The hazy sound of a magical meeting point between water & earth.

The mystical Dragon point.

Where one form of Chi meets another.

A portal to faerie worlds.

If you dare to step through.

A place of forgetting, and a place to remember

the magic of the sea witch is all around you."

~J.Guthrie 2011~

Driftwood creations

2011-07-31T16:54:00.000+01:00

'Pirate Horizons'

'Shipwreck'

'Shapeshifter'

'Shaman'

'Whispers of the sea'

(L-R)

You can see more photos HERE on my Facebook page

Click through each photo in the album to read a detailed description & price next to each one available.

If you wish to purchase one, please leave a message next to the photo or leave me a message on my wall & I can send you a paypal invoice.

The net of dreams

2011-07-20T17:26:00.000+01:00

'The Net Of Dreams'

Oil paints & gold leaf on canvas

"And the moon wept

shooting stars across a velvet sky.

A sky full of ocean waves

chanting the song of the sea"

~J.Guthrie 2011~

A net woven of gold & silver...

catches the stars & turns them into wishes.

What sea treasures get swept ashore in my magical net?

Spending your Summer hols in Cornwall ?

2011-07-06T14:46:00.000+01:00

I have noticed that a lot of my customers & friends come to visit Cornwall often. Some have holiday homes, others stay with friends or family, some in caravans or cottages.

And given the number of holiday makers we see both in town, & who come into our shop that are looking for accessories or games to play whilst down on holiday, I thought I would dedicate this blog post to my Husband & his business.

Wendron Street, Helston. Almost opposite the cinema, & just a few doors up from the Lloyds Bank building, you will find one of the most popular independant shop's in town!

'EXIT' is predominantly a 'games' shop.

Selling PS3 games, XBOX, DS...etc etc. The newest releases, & also pre-owned games, for which EXIT has a trade in system.

Bring your 'played' games in & you will be given a price for it (not cash) with which you can buy another game. Or indeed any item in the shop.

There is also a selection of Blue Rays & DVDs, should you face a rainy evening indoors :)

Graphic novels galore, a large range of fantasy fiction which includes Trudi Canavan, Robin Hobb, George RR Martin, to name but a few.

(You can also find a few greetings cards with my artwork on, by the book section! :) )

The other main area of the business is 'Games Workshop' role playing figures (including accessories plus codexes & the fiction books).

There is a gaming room downstairs where Warhammer tournaments are held & a regular gaming session is held every Saturday.

Currently the big thing in Helston is 'Magic The Gathering' card playing. Yes...these are sold in the shop but you have to get in quick before the regulars buy them all up!

A new 'Magic the gathering' gaming session is now taking place on Friday evenings, alongside regular sessions on Saturdays.

Of course, people are encouranged to come & play every day of the week, regardless! :)

Refreshments are also sold in EXIT.

Pick n mix, confectionary, pringles, ice creams & soft drinks.

And in addition, there is also fresh coffee (Cappuccino, esspresso, mocha etc), hot chocolate (plain or 'pimped') or tea available to takeaway!

In fact it is a little treasure trove of treats... with helpful, knowledgable, friendly staff too.

Next time you are in this part of Cornwall, do take the time to have a browse round the lovely historic market town of Helston, & of course pay a visit to 'EXIT' :)

Should anyone who follows my blog, or FB page buy something from here...do let me know. I may just show my appreciation with a suprise for you :)

Happy Hols ! xxx

View from the entrance

Coffee & books!

Waiting area by the window, also handy for playing 'Magic cards' :)

EXIT all dressed in 'Flora Day' greenery

JOIN EXIT @ http://www.facebook.com/ExitOnline

Changeling sea

2011-06-25T22:25:00.000+01:00

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."

~Jacques Yves Cousteau ~

'Changeling Sea'

Acrylic on canvas board with muscle shell, key charm & sparkly stuff...

A little Cornish cottage by the sea.

Inspired by a dream I had.

I shall hang this by my driftwood mobile where I can always be reminded of the beautiful blue seas close by :) And yes... 'The Changeling Sea by Patricia McKillip is one of my favourite books! xx

Breath of the ocean

2011-06-22T15:07:00.000+01:00

Over the years of wandering Cornish beaches I had gathered a small collection of driftwood. I kept it mostly in a large jar, in my studio.

Recently I was inspired to start creating things with it... mobiles & windchimes of sea kissed wood, shells & feathers & stars.

You can see my previous post about my first one here http://eastofthesunart.blogspot.com/2011/06/driftwood.html

I was asked by a customer, if she could commission one for herself, & so a trip to the beach was in order...to re-stock my driftwood supplies! :)

I spent a very happy, peaceful hour wandering a seaweed covered beach at high tide, poking about with a stick...searching out treasures from the waves.

I created the commission piece, then I made a 2nd one. Using the thinner pieces of wood, which looked equally lovely. All driftwood creations are individual & unique with a personality of their own :)

I was planning to offer the 2nd one up for sale in case someone liked it.. but I'm afraid my Husband got there first, & has claimed it for his home office. To remind him of his favourite beach :)

So we shall be out beachcombing again this weekend I suspect.. I have a hankering to make one for the garden next!

"All that was left of me was my tears,

and my tears fell into the hollow of the rock and became

a pool on the shore of the sea."

~Author, Karen Maitland~

The commissioned piece. Large & chunky wood.

A tag made from my painting 'Secret of the greenwitch', a feather & piece of dry seaweed.

Shells that clink together in the breeze & play a soft song of the sea

The 'spare' mobile... (now belonging to hubby!)

Beach talisman...

The same one hanging in the garden... it gives me ideas :)

Driftwood

2011-06-12T12:16:00.000+01:00

Living close to the sea, I have inevitably collected some rather lovely bits of driftwood. There is something special about the soft, smooth, sea washed wood. It feels like a gift from the sea itself.

I have a 'driftwood jar' in my studio, & last week I found a use for some of it...

A shell from the beach... a silver star & a tiny bell to catch the light.

It now hangs in the far corner of my kitchen & I am eager to get back to the beach to collect more :)

Sea Fever by John Masefield

"I must down to the seas again,

to the lonely sea and the sky

and all I ask is a tall ship,

and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song

and the white sails shaking,

And the grey mist in the sea’s face,

and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again,

for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call

that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day

with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume,

and the seagulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again,

to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale's way

where the wind’s like a whetted knife

And all I ask is a merry yarn

From a laughing fellow rover,

and quiet sleep and a sweet dream

when ere the long trip’s over"

Cornish Artists on Etsy

2011-06-08T21:46:00.000+01:00

Having recently met a whole bunch of fantastically talented people from Cornwall, on Etsy recently, I was inspired to do a blog post as a proud shout out to my fellow artists & artisans. :)

Now we all know that Cornwall has an amazing heritage in the Arts, some of the world's famous painters & sculpters are from this beautiful County, & it's easy to see where they get their inspiration.

Joanne Poore is an artist, photographer & jewellery designer who's work is full of vibrant & rich colour. Her shop banner states ' Art to lift your spirits & enhance your life'

(It does.. I already have some of her work on my walls :) )

Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/people/joannepoore

Website http://www.joannepoore.com/

Jo Tubb is a very successful jewellery designer based in St Austell. Her jewellery is always so much more than just 'something to wear', it's beautiful art aswell. I have blogged about Jo's work previously as I am lucky enough to own a few pairs of earrings by her :)

Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/gemheaven

Website http://www.gemheavenjewellery.com/

Blog http://gemheaven.blogspot.com/

Grin Grimace & Squeak are Karen & Rich, who are a wonderful design team creating the most stunning masquerade masks & tiaras. Plenty of opportunities in West Cornwall to dress up... & I love this Peacock mask!

Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/gringrimaceandsqueak

Blog http://gringrimaceandsqueak.blogspot.com/

Ben Ellis is a photographer who gives us a glimse into how he sees the world through beautiful photographic prints. Here's how he explains his work... "Through photography I like to convey the world and how I see it. To take people on a journey to the unusual, with something altogether different from the everyday. Capturing nature's sublime beauty, whether it's beneath the surface of the water high up on a cliff top or immersed in the undergrowth.'

Esty shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/BEphotographic

Blog http://www.benellisphotography.co.uk/

Steph is a Truro based crafter with a talent for creating gorgeous everyday items. Crocheted & knitted heaven! "Stylish intricate accessories, original crochet jewelry, easy knitting and crochet patterns, soft fingerless mittens and scarves, contemporary drinks coasters..." I have my eye on these fingerless gloves for my chilly winter painting sessions!

Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/SixSkeins

Blog http://http://www.sixskeinsunder.blogspot.com/

There are so many more I think there will be a part 2 to this blog post... :) Thanks to those who have been featured here ! x

What's in the bottle?

2011-06-02T10:43:00.001+01:00

This is a question asked by Artist, Author & fellow blogger Jackie Morris... read about it here, & take part in her blog competition... http://drawingalineintime.blogspot.com/2011/06/test-competition-question-or-what-is-in.html

As I looked at the beautiful bottle shaped necklace, the first thing that leaped into my mind was orange golden fire...creatures I always associate with Jackie are her beautiful ginger cats. (Of course, Bears & Hares are also high on the list!!)

But my answer must be the first thing that comes to my mind...

"Sparks of golden fire, belonging to the animal guides that surround you...once upon a time they were beautiful ginger cats, who proudly walked alongside you down pathways to the sea & back again. And now they are travelling the secret pathways...that only cats may travel."

***For a truly magical & beautiful story of Dreamcatcher cats & otherworld pathways, I recomend reading 'The Knot Garden' by Gabriel King.

Its always been one of my favourite books. :)***

New Limited Edition Prints available

2011-05-28T16:50:00.001+01:00

'Storybook Cornwall' is an idea born of childhood imagination and a deep love of books.

I grew up imersed in tales of adventurous children, running free and discovering magic and mystery at every turn.

From tales of ancient standing stones, and lost cottages,

to strange old rambling Country houses and forgotten Cornish coves.

From Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five', to Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising Sequence'.

They have all left their tell tale mark upon my imagination.

Many of these tales were based in the West Country, so it's of no suprise that I have come to find myself living here.

Cornwall also has a rich and magical history, and with this series I aim to capture a little piece of that magic.

Glimses of stories not yet told...

The real 'Storybook Cornwall' as seen through my eyes. ~

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Eastofthesunart

Take a walk with me...

2011-05-19T16:06:00.000+01:00

...on the beach at Dollar Cove.

The beach that always reminded me of the painting by Waterhouse - 'Miranda The Tempest'.

The beach that inspired (& modelled for) my own 'Riven Tide'. (below)

Filmed on my camera quite recently :)

I hope you enjoy....

How to photograph a mess & make it look amazing?

2011-05-16T14:35:00.001+01:00

It's no secret that I love to bake...or create delicious food in general. So when I had an opportunity recently to review some homemade food, I jumped at the chance!

So...how do you photograph a mess & make it look amazing then?

This is how...

First, you offer to do a blog review of some superb Cornish handmade produce by

Sargies Cornish Kitchen (see below for more details...).

Second, you recieve a fabulous box of goodies in the post...(which for a food lover like me just about makes my day) of freshly made creamy Lemon Curd, & a pack of melt in the mouth Meringues!

Third...you turn to Gizzi Erskine's fabulous recipe for

'Eton Mess with Passion Fruit, Lemon Curd & Rasberries'

(Except I could only get strawberries...what a hardship eh? :) )

After admiring the food... *ahem*...you grab a loaf of homemade bread (so glad I had some handy!!), toast it, & slather on a large amount of Lemon Curd.

Heaven!!

Well, I had to try it first didn't I?

Now I have made my own Lemon Curd a few times now, so I am pretty picky, but there would be no mistaking this stuff for the gloopy supermarket rubbish... it's so rich & buttery in texture, with a delicious 'real' lemon flavour.

For the Eton Mess you need double cream, icing sugar, vanilla essence, berries, meringues, lemon curd & passion fruit. (click link above for the recipe). Mix it all together & swirl in plenty of lemon curd to give a marbled effect. Top with the passion fruit & try not to scoff the lot in 10 seconds flat...oh my!

As Gizzi herself said... "It's summer on a plate!" :)

Indeed it is...& I have a feeling this may become an old favourite before this Summer is out!
The meringues were how meringues should be... crisp on the outside & deliciously chewy inside. You could always just dip them in chocolate & nibble to your hearts delight :)

All that was left... not for long though :)

And to finish my rather food indulgent blog post, I just wanted to share a pretty picture of some treasures I found on Sunday at our local car boot sale... the blue & white teapot, & the jug, which was the perfect home for some gorgeous purple chive flowers, straight from the garden!

(Click pics to enlarge)

And a big thank you to the lovely 'Sargies' people for the opportunity to taste their amazing food!

Next time... photos from the art studio & maybe a sneaky peek at the Graphic Novel I'm working on :)

http://www.sargiescornishkitchen.co.uk/

Sargies, a small family run business based in North Cornwall produce a small but high quality range of hot puddings, seasonal desserts, hand piped meringues, and luxury lemon curd all made using free range eggs, with no added preservatives or colourings.

Having sold their products successfully through farmers markets for a number of years, now Sargies products are also available from leading supermarkets.

Sargies also offers their unique and popular ‘Rent a Chef’ service. Take the stress out of dinner parties, special occasions, functions and celebrations and allow Dave Sargent to create a culinary experience that will truly impress your guests.

Look for Sargies at the following places...

Where to buy: http://www.sargies.co.uk/where-to-buy

Website: http://www.sargies.co.uk/

Twitter: @ChefSargie

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sargies-Cornish-Kitchen/143673992367251

May day weekend

2011-05-05T15:03:00.000+01:00

"Sweet May hath come to love us,

Flowers, trees, their blossoms don;

And through the blue heavens above us

The very clouds move on."

- Heinrich Heine, Book of Songs

May 2nd saw the annual Food & Craft Fayre at Godolphin House. A beautiful, unspoilt 15th century house & gardens which has recently been handed to The National Trust. In spite of the windy & mostly overcast weather, we spent a lovely couple of hours drinking coffee & browsing food stalls, & sitting in the peace & quiet of 'The Kings Garden' (Pics above).

We had planned to visit on the Sunday (1st) but it was a very wet & overcast day, so instead we took a picnic & went for a drive.

First we visited Mullion cove...

Had a brief wander along the small harbour before hiding from the rain in the little tearoom on the corner. A pot of tea for 2, & toasted tea cakes...perfect :)
We also paid a visit to another tiny little community called 'Church Cove' nr The Lizard Point. A few thatched cottages lead down a steep slope to an old lifeboat house.

The sea was spectacular... I love wave energy...it feels so alive!

I am busy working on about 5 things at once right now... all very different projects, but I am enjoying the challenge. And if you'd like to stay up to date with what's happening, I'd love to keep in touch with you on my Facebook page! Come along & say hello...

http://www.facebook.com/juliaguthrieart

An early Cornish summer

2011-04-26T13:21:00.000+01:00

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

~Jacques Cousteau~

And so it is true... Dollar Cove draws us back in all weathers. And it's always beautiful.

The views from the cliff path make me want to set up home there... I could sit & look at this all day.

Or I could just buy the farmhouse *grins*

But then what would all the dairy cows do without their home next to the sea? :)

Many photos were taken, & left my head swimming with inspiration for new 'Storybook Cornwall' paintings.

I'm looking forward to capturing some of that dreamy, windswept magic onto my watercolour paper very soon!

I have also been living my 'Storybook Cornwall' lifestyle, exploring the countryside, drinking Ginger Beer & baking lots of fresh bread.

My latest favourite are these fabulous 'Shortbread Stars'...as biscuits go they are pretty YUM! :)

For the Easter weekend I decided to have a go at the yeasted version of the Welsh teabread 'Bara Brith'!

I had made the cake version before & it was a delicious heavy, spicy fruit cake. But the bread version was amazing... a huge loaf of what tasted like a mix between hot cross buns & tea cakes!

Particularly tasty when toasted & slathered in butter :)

For anyone interested, here is a recipe by the lovely Delia Smith.

I hope you have been getting a taste of the summery weather, wherever you are. It's been a welcome visitor after the very cold winter. My vegetable seedlings are growing by the day & soon it will be time to plant out my French beans, Courgettes, Cucumbers, & Herbs.

The Spring onions & Salad leaves are already out & soon I shall be picking fresh Rocket &Spinach for my salads. The potatoes & Onions are already huge.

I cannot wait!! :)

Capturing magic for you

2011-03-27T21:32:00.000+01:00

Do you have a favourite or meaningful place that you love to visit? Countryside, coast, forest or city... If you'd like your own magical reminder hanging on the wall, feel free to email me with a photo to discuss your requirements :) info@juliaguthrie.co.uk

(Smaller budgets can also be worked with)

Take a browse of my 'Storybook Cornwall' images & see if you have a photo I could use to create something similar for you!

http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/gallery_two.htm

Blog award

2011-03-09T19:59:00.000Z

Just popping in to say a quick hello... I have been caught up in non-art life lately, & so have not had much chance for arty things!

But the lovely Amy Lesser of http://happypeasant.blogspot.com/ has given me this blog award, & so I'd like to say thank you, & direct you all to visit her charming & welcoming blog *shooos you all over there to say hi * :)

And meanwhile, don't forget that I currently have a clearance SALE on in my Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Eastofthesunart

Lots has already gone, but I have been adding a few more bits.

I have a couple of blank journals to add soon in fact.

Free postage in the UK (on all purchases)

Retail therapy & 'Lady Green'

2011-02-28T11:45:00.001Z

In an attempt to get on top of things early this year, I've started having a clear out of old stock. I put a number of greetings cards on ETSY at SALE prices, with free postage included for the UK (£2 for overseas). *Please note - all prices are listed in GBP (UK £) but you may need to set your currency viewing preference if you are a new user. It can be found at the bottom of the page, under 'currency'*

Some have already been snapped up quickly mind you, & these are 'clearance' stock.

No more will be made.

If you fancy a browse, my Etsy shop is here...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Eastofthesunart

*A small selection of cards on offer...*

Alternatively, I have re-opened my Bookmark & gift store 'The Folded Corner' on my own website now.

Again, it's FREE POSTAGE for the UK!

http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/shop.htm

And my final news for today... is to announce another character in the 'Temple of the twelve' oracle deck.

'Lady Green'

~Growth, abundance, fertility, loving life~

February news

2011-02-12T12:57:00.000Z

Where has this week gone? I've a feeling February will be slipping through my fingers before I know it :)
I did reveal the winner & runner up for my prize draw on my facebook page... congrats to Marianne Hall & Jessica Stride!
It's always fun to do a giveaway so keep your eyes peeled for more :)

In other news I have a new website design for my main site http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/
I enjoyed creating this one & hopefully it will stay for a while :)

It's that time of year when us gardeners start to long for the spring sun & a bit of warmth... I had a trip to the garden centre last weekend & stocked up on new seeds :) I just love having windowsills covered in teeny tiny green shoots & can't wait to get started.

Whilst there, I also found the ideal newspaper...what do you think? :)

Lady Black & Freyja giveaway

2011-01-24T20:03:00.000Z

Lady Black

(Temple of the twelve oracle deck)

"A Goddess of the dark moon...unconscious thoughts. She symbolises the dream state where all is revealed & no secrets can hide. There is great power in embracing our dark shadows however, through Black we must learn to embrace our true selves!"

http://templeofthetwelve.blogspot.com/

It's now time for a little competition giveaway :)

I have a print of my painting of 'Freyja' all ready & waiting...

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning, all you need do is leave me a comment here or on my facebook page, telling me what your favourite painting of mine is :)

I shall pick a winner randomly in 2 weeks time!

Lots of luck xxx

The Grey Rock In The Wood

2011-01-21T12:27:00.001Z

Cornish myths & legends have inspired & intruiged me ever since I moved to Cornwall around 15 years ago.
My artistic brain has been wanting me to capture them on paper for a long time, & now my 'Storybook Cornwall' projects seems to be the perfect evolution of that :)

St Michael's Mount in Marazion is surrounded in magical tales & legends. The castle at the top of the mount often looks like something from a fairytale, on days when mist shrouds the tiny island & the castle appears to be floating in the sky.

'The grey rock in the wood' is a title I heard a while back, which is a translation of the Cornish name for the mount, & it really captured my imagination. I think I may be returning to this subject again very soon :)

One legend is that of the lost city of Lyonesse. A wonderful Arthurian city that was once a part of Cornwall until it became submerged beneath the waves in a huge flood.

"To stand on the tip of Land's End and look out towards the Isles of Scilly is to view the remains of a once thriving kingdom.

Supposedly ruled over by Tristan's father & after his death, Tristan became heir to this rich land, but he was never to take up his inheritance, because Lyonesse sank beneath the sea while he was still at his Uncle Mark's court in Cornwall.
Numerous legends surround this wild promontory, including one which describes a local man, named Trevilian, who foresaw the disaster, and leaping on his white horse, outran the advancing sea and took refuge in a cave near Marazion. From there, he watched Lyonesse disappear. The family coat of arms still bears a horse emerging from water."

For more 'work in progress' pictures please visit my facebook page & look in the 'storybook cornwall' photo album :)

http://www.facebook.com/juliaguthrieart

*St Michael's Mount website http://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/

Riven Tide

2011-01-19T10:23:00.000Z

~RIVEN TIDE~

"And the storm raged out at sea.

Waves crashed against the ancient Cornish cliffs.

The wind entwined its fingers in her hair & clothing.

And the beacons burned...

while she watched...& waited..."

*Based on my own photographs of Dollar Cove, Cornwall. And inspired by both 'The tempest' by JW Waterhouse, & tales of The Spanish Armarda being sighted off the coast of Cornwall (close to where this painting is set), in July 1588.*

The White Tree

2011-01-12T11:15:00.000Z

'The White Tree'

~A meeting place between worlds... where Crow guides the way~

Nadelik - old Cornish for 'Christmas'

2010-12-20T12:06:00.000Z

'Nadelik'

Watercolour with bronze & silver detailing

14x10"

*Click image to enlarge*

"Upon a merry winters eve

I heard a magical sound upon the breeze.

Twas beneath the twilight woods they played.

A secret starlit tune they made.

The wreath it hung upon the tree.

Coloured with berries of red,

And gold and green.

Transformed the wood in this secret glade,

And as if bewitched by faeries

I found myself entranced.

Indeed...waylaid!

The lilting melodies softly spread.

Filling the air and my soul

Like windchimes on an earthy forest breath.

But all too soon the candles died.

These other worldly minstrels

The night must hide.

When through the trees, voices ring out

"A merry Christmas to all...!"

The minstrels shout."

~By J. Guthrie 2010~

Winter tales

2010-12-19T16:44:00.000Z

We are having another harsh winter here in Cornwall... snow & weeks of thick ice in November, & now snow flurries & freezing temps just before Christmas! The UK doesn't normally have a white Christmas...& some places will be getting one this year :)

This morning we planned to snuggle up in our big coats & take a hot flask of vegetable soup to our favourite beach. It was actually snowing when we left the house, but not settling.

The tide was coming in, & we perched on a rock to listen to the crashing waves

The church at 'Church Cove' :) It's mostly fifteenth Century, although the tower built into the cliff is thirteenth Century.

The dog enjoyed a good run...& a mad scrabble about in the sand! lol

The good thing about wintery weather, is that you feel like baking!

And thanks to a very special, talented, & magical friend, I am kept cosy & warm while working in the art studio...

This shawl is the stunning work of Carol Ochs. Please go & check out her website as she creates a wonderful range of products...which I highly recomend! (Her soaps are particularly magical :) )

http://carolochs.com/

I have a lovely christmas painting to show you soon... I'd best reveal it before christmas day or it will have to wait until next year! :)

I hope you're all keeping warm & cosy, & all set for the festive season! xx

Twilight Wood

2010-11-26T15:08:00.000Z

Winter has come early this year, even earlier than last year in fact for us. The UK is having another cold winter with snowy weather.

Living in the depths of Cornwall, we are usually the last to see snow, if at all. However we've already had a few flurries this week!

Still, I am quite enjoying it at the moment...it gets me in the mood for making chutneys, & Christmas biscuits, snuggling under the duvet on the sofa to play computer games, & painting magical mythical woods!

This is a quick photograph of my latest work, just finished :)

Twilight Wood

Approx 14 x 10 "

Watercolour

"Where mystical creatures roam, & strange things happen.

Along with the moonlit mists comes magic, & more... "

Do you see the magical moonlit hare? :)

So now my attentions turn to the next image... which one will clamber its way forward in my head to reach the paper first I wonder? :)

I never really know which one will be next until it appears on the paper before me.

Perhaps I'll take a break to make some gingerbread men, or more Christmassy things while I wait to see what the muse comes up with!

I shall leave you with a photo of one of the yummiest chutney's I've made yet... 'Plum & Red Onion Chutney'. So simple, & yet so delicious. You can find the recipe in the discussion section of my Facebook page if you care to have a go yourselves! :)

http://facebook.com/Juliaguthrieart

A scattering of lovely things..

2010-11-13T16:12:00.000Z

I have a few little things to share today... firstly, I have set up a whole new facebook fanpage for my art. I did previously have one called 'East Of The Sun Art', however I wanted to change it's name, & it wouldn't allow me to.
How very naughty!
Hence... my new page. So if you will, please click HERE to 'like' me :)
I would be ever so grateful! x
My website is also long overdue for a re-vamp & I've been scratching my head as to how to organise things. (Still am, but getting there slowly), but I hope to have that done & updated very soon.

I have also recently been visited by a very cute little fellow...

I was the lucky recipient of a Facebook giveaway by Snapdragon'. Being far too lovely to hide away on a bag, I have it amongst the rest of my pretty shiny things adorning my studio noticeboard.
Please do go & check out their website, lots of lovely handmade treats!
http://www.snapdragongarden.co.uk/

Next up, Catherine Hyde. The painter of many magical & dreamy artworks...
My Husband & I attended the Private Viewing of her latest exhibiton at the Lighthouse Gallery in Penzance on Friday evening.
To put it mildy, I was in awe...the paintings looked stunning in real life. Photos can never do them justice. So much rich colour & texture & lots of gold.
Catherine was also completely lovely. And it turns out that she is also practically a neighbour of mine, & her family has frequented my Husband's shop on many an occasion! It's a teeny tiny world indeed. :)
If you are in Penzance between now & 29th November, do go & have a peek, you won't be disapointed!

Finally... I shall be revealing my newest paintings very soon... 'Lady Yellow' (Temple of the twelve oracle deck), & 'Riven Tide'. The next installment of my Storybook Cornwall series!
For now, I must get back to normality of daily life & finish my grocery shopping list... *sigh* such a life I lead! :)

Autumn Tides

2010-10-31T22:06:00.000Z

"Autumn tides wash over me

clear, crisp, cool.

They hold a magical promise

of all that will be cleansed & renewed.

I hold stars in my hand, & the moon in my heart

It is time to remember the truth.

Raise my eyes to a secret sky

where my stars & moon come alive."

~J.Guthrie~

A 'work in progress' inspired by Waterhouse's 'Miranda the tempest'.

It's always been a favourite of mine, & has always reminded me of a local cove. And a few

weeks ago I got an opportunity to take some rather gorgeous reference photos. I'm looking forward to getting some colour on this one! :)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, & a happy Samhain / Halloween!

xxx

Secret Of The Greenwitch

2010-10-15T13:48:00.001+01:00

*An illustration inspired by the book 'Greenwitch', by Susan Cooper*

To read more about 'Greenwitch' click HERE

(click to enlarge photos)

~Greenwitch~

"Out here last year, she and Barney and Simon had reached the peak of their adventure, the achieving of the grail that had lain for hundreds of years in a cave, the entrance totally covered by water at all but the lowest tides. Out here, they had fled from the pursuing Dark, with the grail and the little lead case they had found inside it.

And out here, she thought as she reached the furthest point of the rocks, with the waves breaking white at her feet, just here, in the flurry of saving the grail, the little lead case had plummented into the waves & down to the bottom of the sea.

And the Greenwitch had found it there, and made it a precious secret.

Jane looked at the deep green water beyond the breaking waves. "Good bye Greenwitch," she said softly."

" 'You'm dreaming,' Mr Penhallow said indulgently.

'That I'm not. But that young Jane was, one night. That same night everyone was dreaming, the night the whole village was hilla-ridden...such talk there was next morning, of things best forgotten..."

" 'Twasn't her dreaming that stays with me,' Mrs Penhallow looked out at the quiet harbour, and the drifting gulls. 'Twas her room. Clean as a pin it was the night before, she'm a neat little maid. But everwhere in that room, that morning, there was a great mess of twigs and leaves, hawthorn leaves, and rowan.

And everywhere a great smell of the sea.' "

'Secret Of The Greenwitch'

6.5"x10"

Watercolour

A book from 'The Dark Is Rising Sequence' which as regular readers of this blog will know, has been a big love of mine since childhood. Especially now I live in deepest darkest Cornwall, surrounded by settings used in the books. :)

It is also the original inspiration for my 'Storybook Cornwall' series, and so this is probably one of the most meaningful paintings I've ever done.

'Greenwitch' holds a magic for me like no other story.

Shiny pretty things

2010-10-12T23:24:00.000+01:00

2 are already in my Etsy shop, & a couple more will be going in shortly :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Eastofthesunart

Birthday wishes

2010-10-07T20:34:00.000+01:00

My Basset Hound & my Stepdaughter have always adored eachother...

They played together, they grew up together.

They got into trouble together, they snuggled & snoozed together

Even now my Stepdaughter lives in Australia, Nimh is always overjoyed to see her when she visits.

This month was her 18th birthday... & I felt a personal card was needed...

*Inside was written:

"Oh by they way.. Happy Birthday!

And can I have some of your cake?"

*smiles*

'Mother Goddess' (new artwork)

2010-10-05T11:34:00.000+01:00

'Mother Goddess'

8x10"

Watercolour

*click image to enlarge*

~The Mother Goddess is a protector of Women, children & the sacredness of marriage.

She bestows her peaceful blessings & warm embrace on all who ask for it.~

This was painted as a gift for two wonderful friends & their beautiful baby daughter, encompassing a myriad of symbolic meaning personal to them.

This started out as a painting of the Goddess Juno, however she evolved into many other aspects of the Mother Goddess.

Juno is indeed a protector of women, marriage & fertitlity. She is also known as 'the queen of the gods'. Depicted with white lilies, she is often shown as having peacocks at her feet. Peacocks are a symbol of royalty, & sacredness.

Juno is also connected to 'shelled creatures', & is also a Goddess of the moon with her phase relating to 'renewal, purification & re-birth'.

Hence I have depicted her being carried by 'Moon Snails', while holding a bundle of sage to purify the sacred space around her, & in her other hand, buddhist prayer beads.

Through the mists of time

2010-09-29T13:51:00.001+01:00

"The most beautiful things in the world are not seen nor touched. They are felt with the heart."

~ Helen Keller~

A couple of weeks ago I spent a lovely Autumnal afternoon feeling like I'd stepped back to the days of Queen Elizabeth I

'Trerice' is a magical Elizabethan Manor house that had been rescued & restored by The National Trust, & is an absolute gem of place to visit. It's cosy & intimate, & feels so homely!

Mysterious doorways, & secret gardens...

History everywhere you look.

Even the vegetable gardens had a peaceful, friendly atmosphere to them. Indeed, we sat amongst the trees in the Orchard to enjoy the late afternoon sun for as long as we could.

I returned home with a camera full of inspiration for future 'Storybook Cornwall' paintings... I am sure we will return again soon! :)

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trerice

New art - 'Lady Red' (Temple Of The Twelve Oracle)

2010-09-05T16:56:00.001+01:00

'3: Lady Red'

~Temple Of The Twelve~

Watercolour

6.5 x 10.5"

*This is a quick photograph & not the finished image file as yet*

Lady Red represents the creative, artistic, passionate feminine fire amongst the Twelve.

Her wish is to energise the reader. Help them find their inner fire, self respect,

& true, authentic self.

Here, Red dances under a starry sky with her fox companion.

She plays deep magical music on her Gypsy violin that awakens the

inner fire within Mother Earth herself.

While the red earthy energy flows up from the Poppy covered ground, the firey energy of personal power flows

from her fingertips as she plays.

A red feather is her symbol.

*Below: Red, Purple, Pink*

For more details regarding 'Temple Of The Twelve' books, & Oracle deck (in progress) please click the link at the top of this blog to visit my 'Temple Of The Twelve' page!

Come & 'break bread' with me

2010-09-04T11:15:00.000+01:00

(Day 2 of my 4 day blog challenge...)

This year I hae been on a quest to make perfect bread! :) I used to have a breadmaker, but it broke...so I was determined to master the art myself!

The first 2 didn't even rise...I put that down to the yeast being past it's best.

The next one was heavy...sort of 'brick like'...lol

The one after that was vastly improved & actually edible, although quite crumbly & did not resemble the delicious loaves we buy from our local bakery.

So for my birthday I got the 'River Cottage Bread Handbook'....I read through it completely before attempting the techniques, then one day I knew...today was the day I would bake bread the River Cottage way!!

As if by magic...I created this...

The perfect white loaf! I used double the fat (margerine) in an attempt to copy my local bakery, who's bread stays soft almost all week thanks to extra fat content. And I am pleased to say that it worked. 3 days worth of good soft bread (mind you, it barely lasted that long! lol)

Then I tried the malted grain flour (Granary).... I prefer grain breads so was hoping I could make a good loaf. Success again!!!

I was a happy dancing girl that day! lol

In the bread book there are many more recipes than just loaves of bread... I also made the best pizza ever...

Stay tuned for more delectable bread products! :)

Cornish Tales

2010-09-03T11:53:00.001+01:00

“A Perilous voyage is Life; And often storm-tost,

we worse than shipwreck make on the rocky shore of the sea”

~Unknown~

I have always loved this painting 'Miranda, The Tempest' by JW Waterhouse. Somehow, in it's melancholy way, it evokes the power of winter storms at sea that I love so much. And this scene always makes me think of a beach not too far from here, near Church Cove.

'Dollar Cove' is named in memory of a Spanish ship, carrying a cargo of silver coins, which was wrecked at sea there around the 17th Century. I have stood on the pebbly beach there on Winter afternoons, with the wind buffeting my face, & thought of this painting.

One day I shall paint my own version of 'The tempest', & use 'Dollar cove' as my reference :)

A couple of weeks ago my Husband & I went out for a Sunday drive & between the village of St Keverne & the tiny hamlet of Porthoustock we came upon a small, peaceful patch of grass, with an old wooden bench, & a pile of large granite stones. We stopped there to eat our lunch & breathe the quiet air.

On closer inspection we saw a plaque with writing on in front of the stones which said

"The Giants Quoits'

A stack of large rocks which had originally stood for thousands of years at Manacles Point, & had been moved here due to quarrying in the 1960's (which continues to this day) as a monument to Ships wrecked at sea.

The Manacles Reef is a notorious rocky area just off the coast, where many Ships have been lost.

And despite the unhappy history the 'Giants Quoits' had brought with them, they had a particularly peaceful resonance. Like an ancient Graveyard perhaps. Still, contemplative, peaceful, & yet welcoming & friendly at the same time.

And so we did stay awhile... in a little quiet corner of Cornwall, amongst the ghosts of the past.

*I have been invited to take part in a blog challenge... 4 posts in 4 days, by a good friend & fellow blogger. So I shall attempt to take up that challenge! lol

Please go visit her blog & follow if you will :)*

http://spiritualnurse.blogspot.com/

The endless path to joy

2010-08-26T17:48:00.000+01:00

"Peace is every step.

The shining red sun is my heart.

Each flower smiles at me.

How green, how fresh all that grows.

How cool the wind blows.

Peace is every step.

It turns the endless path to joy."

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

This is a 108 bead Mala (Tibetan Prayer Beads) I made for myself recently (apologies to those who've seen this on Facebook already). It's already proved to be a wonderful meditation & Mantra tool, & in fact the very experience of making it I found to be meditative in itself!

I had found myself with some beads over, & decided to create a couple more to see if other people might be interested in them also. As I have a feeling that this could become addictive...lol

I am already planning another design for myself & if I find myself with extra beads again, I shall possibly make them available also.

Malas can be made very simply of course, however, for me the experience of meditation includes all of my surroundings. Physical things that I consider to be beautiful & meaningful enrich my life, & that includes meditation tools.

Below is a 54 bead Mala that I have currently for sale on ETSY

I did have 2, however the first has already been sold.

It is created from brown wooden beads, various metal spacer beads, 2 coloured wooden beads that act as 'counters', & a Poppy Jasper 'Guru' bead.

It is also finished with a red tassel & a 'Hamsa' hand charm.

The Hamsa (haaahm saaah) mantra is one that I personally use. It means 'I am that', & is a reminder that we are all connected. Part of the same energy source that creates the universe. And I find it a very peaceful method for stopping the 'monkey mind' chatter! :)

It also comes with a drawstring bag (Mala's should be treated as sacred objects, as they become imbued with your own energy, or that of the mantra you use) & a small booklet I created to give some guidance on how you might like to use it. And yes, the front cover is my 'White Tara' painting :)

Finally I leave you with music from a band I have recently discovered, & can't get enough of.

'Papercranes' are fronted by Rain Phoenix (Joaquin Phoenix's sister) & she has a beautifully haunting voice!

There isn't a lot on youtube sadly, but the songs on their myspace page are permanently playing on my laptop these days! :) http://www.myspace.com/papercranesmusic

Definately time for a cuppa...

2010-08-18T23:25:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd quickly show you what I have been painting lately... not paper... but metal figures!

'Games Workshop' Lord Of The Rings figures to be exact :)

My Husband sells them in our shops (he doesn't do it himself tho) & I expressed a liking for these figures...merely because they are LOTR...& so I got them as a present! lol I already have a very cool 'Treebeard' which was painted for me by one of our staff members (he's pretty well thought of in the GW painting world!), but these I wanted to have a go at myself. Wow...& I thought painting 'ACEO'S' was hard. These are tiny! :)

So far I have sort of finished Legolas & Gandalf... I'll get much better photos when I have completed the set, which comprises of the Hobbits, Aragorn, Gimley & Boromir.

I added some rather lovely gold detail to Legolas' Arrow holder :) To be honest I most enjoyed getting a bit messy sticking on the sand & grassy bits...heehee

More to come as I complete them! :)

Speaking of sandy & grassy bits...

We did have a rather lovely Sunday at the beach the other week.. found a perfect picnic spot!

Relaxing by the waters edge...

(She somehow managed to perch herself just centimetres out of reach...lol)

It was actually a hot enough day for me to paddle in icy cold British waters...lol

Our guard dog.. protecting the fod while we were in the sea. Ha ha... she was proud as punch up there. Even chased off a man who was merely walking by, with no interest whatsoever in our bag of goodies! lol

And as I complete this blog post, I confess I have been away during the writing of it... my Husband & I have spent the last couple of hours in a dark room, eyes glued to a screen, & for the last half hour have been barely able to breathe!!
Yes, we went to watch 'Inception' at our local cinema. :)

All I can say is WOW... what a ride!!! If you haven't already seen it, I do recomend you check it out.

Sweet dreams :) xxx

What have I been up to lately?

2010-07-29T15:00:00.000+01:00

Baking Cherry & Almond cupcakes....

Learning to bake my own bread.... (by hand)

Doing a spot of painting (not as much as I would like tho)...

I also had a birthday this week :)

I was in heaven choosing the books I wanted!

There is the 'River Cottage Bread Handbook', Pride & Predjudice (I've wanted that forever), 'The Magician's Apprentice' by Trudi Canavan, 'Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain' by Betty Edwards (I wanted some techniques to brush up on my rusty drawing skills.. it is a really interesting looking book!!), & finally, 'Contemporary Botanical Illustration'.

A lovely book full of gorgeous illustrations & loads of really useful exercises in learning about how to use colour, sketching, & composition.

My River Cottage Bread handbook is so good that I actually took it to bed with me to read last night!! LOL

It's very in depth, & makes you want to get baking right away. :)

I have managed to make decent, edible bread on my 'hand breadmaking' quest... but my dough has never done this....LOL... has yours? (The stretchy pic on the left)

Dan also gives instructions on the best way to knead....

I've done a lot of reading online about breadmaking & I had heard of things like the 'windowpane' test & methods of kneading, but there are rarely any actual photographs to accompany the descriptions. He also gives instructions on how to shape bread dough, which I hadn't found anywhere else. (Hence my recent loaf looked like more of a 'splat'!! haha)

So I am hoping that my bread will be even better now I have this... :)

I do also have a bit of a cold this week so I am sniffling & coughing all over the place...sadly that means no bread making for me till it's gone :(

I also recieved this rather beautiful wooden box from my Husband,

I had seen it on trip to our nearest big City last week & fallen in love with it, & my lovely Husband went all the way back there to get it for me as a suprise!!

It made my day :)

My Jewellery now has a proper home!

We also enjoyed a yummy chinese takeaway, wine & birthday cake... perfect!!

The garden is still doing well in spite of July being rather wet in Cornwall. I have a fridge full of courgettes & will soon be making chutney I think! lol

Its mushroom & courgette risotto for dinner tonight... perhaps courgette curry tomorrow :)

A blog recomendation :)

2010-07-25T23:37:00.000+01:00

Just popping in quickly (a proper full length blog post is due any day...I promise!) to say a big thank you to Debbs for featuring my Dragonfly Dreams bookmark on her blog here... http://topsnowqueen.blogspot.com/
Go check her out...she's fab! :)

Prussia Cove Coast walk

2010-06-06T19:39:00.000+01:00

What else to do with a Sunday when you're not quite sure what the weather is going to do?

Drive to the garden centre for more Herb plants & a bag of compost (Clary Sage, Lemon Thyme, & Moroccan Mint), then go for a wander along the Coast path at Prussia Cove. :)

*click photos for larger versions*

Prussia Cove is most famous for being the home of the 18th Century Smuggler John Carter, also known as 'The King Of Prussia'.

*Click here for more on the history *

The area is partly Privately owned & all the cliff top buildings are now holiday lets. It's a perfect place for a real old fashioned holiday, with little secluded rocky coves & some beautiful coastal footpaths.

http://www.prussiacove.co.uk/

We followed the footpath round the coast, past a row of cottages (holiday properties again, sadly!) with some rather pretty vegetable gardens to the right (a little neglected..but a beautiful dream for me :) )....

*below*

The view down over part of the cottage gardens & one of the rocky beaches, towards Porth en alls house.

What a perfect view for a garden...*sighs* I could happily tend my vegetables from there.

Flask of tea...bit of hoeing...more tea... lol

We followed the cliff path a little way round....Just look at that beautiful clear blue water!

Looking back towards Prussia Cove from the headland. We walked a fair old way! Good thing we remembered our picnic this time :)

Once I had taken enough photos to satisfy my muse...planning new 'Storybook Cornwall' paintings.... it was home to pot up my herbs & enjoy a nice glass of wine :)

Thought for the day

2010-06-03T14:09:00.000+01:00

A mug of 'Chocca Mocha', a pot of olives, feta cheese & cherry tomatoes, & a pink sparkly notebook.... what more does one need?

TO DO

*Design Christmas card

*Finish border on 'Beneath Cornish Skies'

*Look for (& sometime soon...buy...) a new computer monitor

*Get compost & re-pot Cucumber & Aubergines

*Do Pilates

*Do ironing

*Make shopping list

*Design business card

*Work on commissioned painting

Well...not much there then! lol

Take a walk through 'my' Storybook Cornwall...

2010-05-30T17:42:00.000+01:00

A peaceful, Sunday afternoon with a light misting of rain seemed like a perfect opportunity for a walk along the farm track.

The birds were singing & the air smelled so sweet... of wild garlic, Elderflowers & blossom.

(Click the photos to enlarge...)

Along the track past the 'Middle Earth Swamp' :)

I am always on the lookout for Elves or Rangers of course...

The turnoff to the farm...but we follow the path right, through a field & across a stream

Past Hobbit caves & magical Faerie trees....

To rest by the lake...amongst ancient tree roots

We can almost see the sea from here, but it was a long walk back...& we forgot to pack a picnic lunch :)

Summery inspiration

2010-05-18T11:36:00.000+01:00

The other evening, my Husband & I took the dog for a walk along a favourite Farm track through the woods. It was a beautiful evening...sunlight filtering through the trees & glinting off the river. There is a patch of bog that always makes me stand & stare...knarly old trees with their roots covered by water, sunlight breaking through here & there...I somehow always expect to see Gollum, or a Hobbit appearing from deep within the gloom. LOL . It's quite a magical place.

But as we walked back, we couldn't resist gathering some pretty flowers & ferns to brighten up the Dining room. Plus I get to draw them from real life! Bonus :)

I'm happy to say that in my garden I have some beatiful mixed colour radishes about ready to be eaten, & I have already had a meal from the salad leaves. The strawberry plant has lots of flowers on, & my Courgette plants are zooming away in size!

The herbs are in bloom...Chives & Rosemary, both beautiful shades of purple. And I have 3 Tomato plants which look like they will do well. Finally things are starting to move on after all the chilly weather we've had...my veggies just did not want to grow until it warmed up! lol

The arty post :)

2010-05-14T16:26:00.003+01:00

I have a lot of photos just uploaded & couldn't decide whether to do an 'art post' or a 'wildflower post'! lol

The art won out....

I am still fiddling with the decorative border design for this next 'Storybook Corwall' painting so just for fun, I thought I'd just show you a few close up's of the main picture :)

"To see the world in a grain of sand & heaven in a wildflower

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand & eternity in an hour"

~William Blake~

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep..."
~Rumi~
And a few pics from my sketchbook...

'Flora Day Festival'

2010-05-08T12:27:00.006+01:00

Today sees the day when half of Cornwall descends on our little Town to party.
I have experienced a couple, & watched a dance or two, & for a vast majority of people it's just an excuse to drink all day & fall asleep in a hedge / in the road / in Tescos car park, by 6pm. :)

I like the fact that we have an ancient traditional festival though, & it's an important one for the kids. My own Husband has memories of being in the 'Childrens dance' many moons ago...hehe... (I've seen the photos to prove it!)
And it's a pretty sight to see the entire town centre & connecting streets all decorated with the first 'greenery' of the year, & bluebells (which you are not allowed to pick, except for Flora Day decoration!).

The dances weave their way through the town & up through the streets. It's a long old distance to be honest & plenty of people end up in bare feet :) The dance even traditionally goes through peoples gardens & houses (some of the more grand houses anyway) but I'm not sure they do so much of that these days.
Spring is officially here...

Helston Flora Day - Home Of The Furry Dance!
May 8th 2010, with the first dance at 7 am The Flora Day celebrates the arrival of spring and takes place around the streets of Helston in Cornwall.
Highlights include the Early Morning Dance, Hal-an-Tow, the Children's Dance, the Ancient Furry Dance and Evening Dance.

The origins of the festival are lost in time, although it takes place on the anniversary of the Apparition of St Michael, Helston's patron saint. A further legend suggests that a "fiery dragon" dropped a huge rock on the village centuries ago, and the dances celebrate the people's survival.

*And that rock is said to have given the town it's name.
In some legends it is known as the Hell-stone, & it was the Devil who threw it there.
That stone is also said to have fallen in the courtyard, & later to be built into the very walls of one of Helstons most ancient buildings, The Angel Hotel.

*CLICK HERE* For 'The Angel's' colourful history from the 1500's right through the coming of the Armarda to present day.*

Now here is a curious thing...
There is a book that I grew up reading, by Susan Cooper, called 'The Dark Is Rising Sequence'.
It's a series of books all in one volume, in the first book, a family of children come down to Cornwall to spend a holiday with their Great Uncle Merry (or Merriman Lyon ... Merlin, as is later hinted!) . They stay in the fictional village of Trewissick, near to the very real Town of St Austell (I later discovered Trewissick is based on Mevagissey where Susan Cooper holidayed as a child).
I always loved the Cornish settings even though I had not been there, & had no longings to go either.

Then when I was 13, I went on holiday to South Cornwall with my best friend & her family. We stayed in Mullion, which is a little further down than St Austell, but at that point I didn't really give much thought to it.
Some years later, when I was about 21, an opportunity arose, I took it...& ended up living in Penzance. About half an hour from where I had stayed on holiday all those yrs previously!

Once settled I rediscovered my old books, & fondly remembering that some of 'The dark is rising sequence' was set in Cornwall, I re-visitied my old favourite story. I was stunned to realise the book mentioned places that I now knew...even lived in! And as my plans as a teen had all centred around London (where I spent a vast amount of my time), I don't really know what quirk of fate brought me to South Cornwall ! :)

Now, here I am, about 14 yrs later living in yet another of those places mentioned in the book. 5 yrs ago my Husband & I moved to Helston...& here is the passage from the book...

"What!" Mrs Palk opened her eyes. "Haven't 'ee seen the posters? Wy, 'tis Carnival day today. People come in from all around, even from St Austell. All sorts of things go on... there's a swimming gala in the harbour, then the band comes out & there's dancing all the way up the street from the sea. They play 'The Floral Dance'. You know the tune surely."
She began to sing lustily.
"I know it," Simon said, "But I thought they only danced it somewhere else"
"Helston," Said Jane. "The Helston Furry Dance."
"Es, so they do," Mrs Palk said, "I reckon they copied from us myself. Everyone knows Trewissick's Floral Dance, it was danced in my Grandmother's time....."

~Pg 101~
'Over Sea, Under Stone'

A may day post

2010-05-01T18:51:00.002+01:00

The Hare that has been wanting to make an appearance in one of my paintings has escaped... it's not giving much away here, but you get the general gist :)

I have spent an afternoon dry brushing grass & flowers but its worth it...

I now have to complete the gorse on the left of the picture & the border, plus 'finishing off' bits.

'Beneath Cornish Skies' is a captured moment in time...it's part of my 'Storybook Cornwall' series & is created, as they all are, to illustrate a magical tale... as yet untold :)

Here is my lovely studio helper modelling the painting for me... heehee...

The other evening we walked Nimh down to the little hamlet of Lowertown & walking through the woods here always reminds me of a 'Lisa Hunt' painting :) Lots of swirly tree branches & the promise of magic in the air!

Knarly old roots at the edge of the river...

The stepping stones to get into the wood...

Beautiful Primroses...

And a particularly nice house that we always admire on our way past :)

Well, it's May Bank holiday this weekend & I hope you are all doing something lovely. Tomorrow my Husband & I are doing something to do with work (my Hubbys shops) but Monday we are hoping to head off to The Godolphin House Food & craft Fair

It's a beautiful place just 5 minutes drive from here so it should be fun & with any luck, I shall get some inspirational photographs for some future artwork! :)

Working hard....

2010-04-16T20:07:00.002+01:00

Well....what else can ya do on a Friday afternoon?

Myself, Hubby & the dog took ourselves off for a few hours to soak up some sun on the beach. It was cold in the wind, so coats were definately needed, but it was lovely & peaceful all the same :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend my blog-land friends! xxxxxxx

Originals for sale

2010-04-14T10:18:00.003+01:00

I admit it, I'm far too sentimental about keeping hold of my originals...but some of them must go to new homes!
I need the drawer space!! :) And it's always such a shame to have so many un-framed & un-admired.
So I have been letting some go...

For some real bargins on older pieces I have done, please visit my website here to see what is available... http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/originals_commissions.htm
*Magic in the air
*Gypsy Magic
*Miowshka the witches cat
*Pandora's Box
*Orange nasturtium
*Persephone
*Wish upon a star
All these are at 'SALE' prices between £20 & £35

Next to go, is one of my older favourites.

'The Midsummer Tree'

£75

http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/themidsummertree.htm

(click to view details)

If you are interested in any of these, please let me know & I will sort out postage & send you a Paypal invoice. Postage will probably be about £3 UK & £5 Overseas.

If there is a favourite of yours that isn't mentioned here, feel free to ask about it... they are not 'all' for sale, but you may be lucky :)

All paintings will come un-matted & rolled up in a cardboard tube.

'Fairy Tale Tarot' card draw...

2010-03-26T15:04:00.003Z

Blog post part 2 (see previous...)
Here are the cards I drew for those that asked...

Hen - "What does Hen need to contemplate right now?"
Card: Five Of Pentacles ~ Goldilocks & the 3 bears ~
'Bears can symbolize fierce protection. The golden locks of the girl are purity & innocence, but the shadow on the patchwork quilt reflects her dark inner being. The pillow represents dreamland & the separation between earthly sensations & unconscious thought proccesses.
The painting (in the card image) depicts 3 bears walking through the forest, exemplifying the connection with the wild.
The girl is wearing blue. In this context the blue suggests that she is a fish out of water & does not belong in the 3 bears home. She has merely used the contents to assuage immediate physical needs without considering the potential consequences for her actions.

Loss & failure preside. You feel isolated within a quagmire of instability & financial woes. It may seem as though nothing is going right. Do not let fears of uncertainty consume you. Be prepared to ride the storm, & use this opportunity to make meaningful changes.'

Julia says....
As I shuffled the cards & thought of Hen, I kept wanting to call her 'Hen of the forest'.
Now I already know she is involved with forests on Exmoor & spends much of her time working & living out on her land, but I have never had the urge to call her that before.
As I look at the card drawn & see the framed painting above Goldilocks in the bed, I smile. It is an image of a forest.
This card seems very fitting for Hen, whatever it's inital meaning may seem.
As Hen had no particular question, I feel it may be more of a general message...more of a symbol of who she is as a person, & perhaps a small warning to always make sure she is being true to herself.
If she has any opportunities that take her away from the outdoors, think about them carefully, because sitting behind a desk is not your natural environment :)
And should you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel 'out of place', remember to ground yourself as often as possible. Don't let things get to the point where you feel like just running away (like Goldilocks)!

*****************************************************
Rose - "What do I need to know at this time about my Merlyn novel project?"
Card - Two of wands ~ City Mouse, Country Mouse~
'The country mouse is resourceful. She wears an orange apron, symbolic of hard work, & an orange shawl, a colour suggesting industry & fruitfulness. Her basket is associated with offerings & hospitality. Her appearance juxtaposes the gray-coat-wearing city - slicker mouse. He wears a top hat, associated with lofty pretensions. His black bag is suggestive of secrets & restraint. The yellow daisy is an offering of friendship. The oak tree is sturdy & strong, symbolic of a well grounded life. The faces within the tree are aspects of the collective unconscious. The three acorns represent fecundity. The dead leaves carpet the ground with insulation. The mushrooms suggest the fairy realm. The cyrstal topped wands provide clarity & truth.

What may seem like a good idea initially may turn out to be a bad experience. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Be careful how you direct your energies, & make thoughtful choices."

Julia says.....
Interesting that as I pulled this card & saw 'wands'...it instantly said to me 'pen'! Thereby being a perfect suit for a question regarding writing. Not only do we have 'wands' but we have 'crystal tipped wands' representing clarity & truth! Surely any kind of novel is going to be a magical one with these symbols :)
The images of indstry, hard work & fruitfulness suggest to me that this has not always been an easy project, nor a quick one, but it feels like a real sense of achievment for Rose. And in my mind, it has a very succesful energy around it.
This card may suggest that Rose think carefully about the steps she takes in order to bring this project fully into the world. If there have already been options put on the table, do they feel well grounded, & solid?
And if not, this can be seen as a reminder to perhaps not allow a big showy proposition to carry her away! :)
Nor do I think this project will need to be big & flashy in order to be a success, but there is certaintly no harm in investigation!!
Perhaps time & patience may be the key... Oaks are slow growing, but have a strong & lasting presence in the world.
The 'metaphysical world' is invoked here also (the fairy mushrooms), as is the suggestion of friendship. These feel like strong indicators of the correct path to me :)
********************************************************

Sadly we have run out of time today... but I shall continue another day :)
Hope you have enjoyed these mini card readings & thanks for those who allowed me to practise with these new cards! :) xxx
For more information & lots of beautiful pictures, please visit Lisa Hunt's website dedicated to the Fairy Tale Tarot http://www.thefairytaletarot.com/

'Meditation'

2010-03-26T14:12:00.003Z

'Meditation'

6.5 x 5" Watercolour

Having been inspired by a magazine article on Botanical art I decided to paint this. A Pink Lotus flower :)

Dedicated to a really good friend of mine who is currently on a 10 day Vipassana Retreat & experiencing some serious meditation time!! lol

I used underpainting to help achieve some transparency here, & I am pretty happy with the results. I have a feeling I might be doing some more!

*******************************

*Below* A creative mess!

Pink brush water from the Lotus painting, & a work in progress...the next in the 'Storybook Cornwall' series :)

I managed to capture a brief moment of absolute beauty yesterday evening... during some very stormy weather the sky on the horizion began to clear & suddenly the whole sky was glowing!!!

It was over as quickly as it had begun but I never get tired of seeing Mother nature work her magic :)

And last but not least.... the beautiful 'Fairy Tale Tarot' by Lisa Hunt.

My copy arrived yesterday & it is even more lovely than is looks on screen! As a small celebration of this, I have offered to pull some cards for my blogging friends & see what the wisdom of the fairy tales have to tell us....

But I shall move that to a whole new post of it's own I think! :)

Etsy shop re-vamp

2010-03-22T14:17:00.003Z

After letting my Etsy shop lapse a bit...because I generally prefer dealing in my own currency (the great British Pound :) ) via my MISI shop, I am thinking of re-vamping it for another go. And I was just wondering what people would like to see in there? Any particular pieces of art you'd like to buy? Which format would be your preferred option?

I will include a few bookmarks at Etsy, but the complete range will stay exclusively in my bookmark shop 'The Folded Corner'

http://thefoldedcorner.misi.co.uk

Storybook Cornwall

2010-03-21T21:20:00.005Z

*Detail of 'The lost cottage'

I have a few paintings to catch up with here on my blog, as I've not been too keen to spend much time on Photoshop trying to get print & jpeg worthy images to share (blame my muse!), but I'm trying my best :)
Starting with the most recent...I am painting a series of Illustrations based on my own photographs of Cornwall, in a slightly different style to usual. I hope you enjoy them...I have many more ideas for the series.

"I grew up reading stories of adventurous children, running free & discovering magic & mystery at every turn.

From tales of ancient standing stones, & lost cottages, to strange old rambling country houses & forgotten coves. Arthurian legends & faerytales mix easily alongside eachother.

Most of this seemed to happen in the West County, so it's of no suprise I have ended up living here!

This series aims to capture a little piece of that magic, in the 'real' Cornwall."

Spring is finally here & I look forward to getting back out with my camera to gather more pretty Cornish images to paint for this series. Already making notes on places to visit :)
I promise I will do better getting my work online...hehe
If you are on Facebook it would be great to see you there...I often get photos up there before anywhere else.
http://facebook.com/Eastofthesunart

Putting out a call to my blog readers!

2010-02-24T13:37:00.003Z

I am in need of some new reference photographs & figured, why not ask you guys!! :)
Do you have any high quality digital photographs of you that I might be able to use? (No large shadowy areas on the face please!)

I'm wanting some images (especially head & shoulders) from all angles, eyes open or closed, for an idea I have to paint people with an image of their totem or spirit animals (or possibly even their spirit guides). So if you fancy being a model, & you actually do have a totem animal, guide, or just a favourite animal...please email the photos to info@juliaguthrie.co.uk

I am not a portrait artist & will embelish the figure my own way, so if you're concerned about it looking too much like 'you', then don't worry...it will ony be based on your original photo rather than being an acurate copy!

Equally if you have any other kind of pose that you'd like to offer, I would be very grateful!
I can't guarantee that all photos will be suitable, but if I do use one of yours I would be happy to send you a free print of the painting as a thank you! :)

I am currently finishing up the second painting in the Temple Of The Twelve Oracle series, & have also completed another painting for my own Oracle deck, both of which I hope to photograph & post for you in the coming week!! :)
xxx

Creative Crafting magazine

2010-02-03T16:13:00.007Z

The lovely people at 'Creative Crafting ' magazine have included a gorgeous 2 page feature about me & my work in the latest issue!
If you fancy a browse, it's online at... http://www.creative-crafting.com/
And click through a few pages to find me :)
Meanwhile I shall get back to my painting.....

New release

2010-02-01T15:29:00.004Z

'1: Lady Pink'
~Temple Of The Twelve~

Watercolour & gold acrylic

6.5 x 10.5"
"The Priestess Pink represents the healer.
She asks the spiritual seeker to look within themselves to find love & forgiveness. To heal the wounds they have hidden inside. To learn how to live in compassion & joy.
Pink dances here on a pathway of flowers...roses are the flower of love. As she dances, she carries a tribute to her partner, Lord Purple, with a purple silk ribbon around her wrist.
A rose quartz hangs from her necklace & a tiny heart is tattooed on her shoulder.
A pink & gold feather is the gift you will recieve on completion of your work ."

An Oracle deck based upon the books by Esmerelda Little Flame.

~The Priests & Priestesses of the Temple symbolise the language of colour, in human form. They invite you to take a spiritual journey, on which their gifts & messages will be revealed... ~

'Temple of the Twelve Volume 1: Novice of Colours'

http://esmereldalittleflame.com/
*****************************************************************

NOW AVAILABLE: 'Lady Pink' Bookmark
http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/35998/Bookmark_%27Lady_Pink%27.html

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS will be released soon!

*Thanks to Model Ref: http://lisajen-stock.deviantart.com/ *

The Raven Tree

2010-01-26T18:45:00.004Z

*Click to view larger version*

This afternoon I sketched a tree from one of my many photographs of Penrose wood, & some strange creatures appeared in it...a magical tale unfolded...& I was the first to see it!

"The Raven tree waits...

Patiently silent & sleeping.

Still air, creaking wood, the scent of soft loamy ground.

A rush of wind comes...

The Guardian awakes.

Untangling it's limbs from the roots of life.

Calling...calling...

You have come home now."

Look to the very top of the tree...you will see the bird figure stretched up to the sky.

Look to the base of the tree & you will see it's Guardian...unfurling it's arms.I did not put them there... :)

On Sunday my Husband & I walked through woods to the sea...

A cup of tea sat on the cliffs, then back home through dusky trees....

The magic of faerie

2010-01-19T14:15:00.002Z

I had been hearing a lot about Charles De Lint for a while now but not gotten to read any. His books seem to be more difficult to come by in the UK.
But at Christmas I treated myself to a copy of one of his earlier works, 'The Wild Wood'...if I copy a piece from the back of the book you shall soon see why it appealed to me :)

"A young artist returns to her cabin in the deep woods of Canada to concentrate on her illustrations. But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help—and she may be its last chance for survival. "

It was indeed a magical tale...an artists dream. It makes you inspired to pick up your paintbrush or grab a sketchpad & go sit in the woods (well it might if it was warmer...lol).

I was lingering in my art studio late last night before bed, pondering the half finished & just started artwoks littering the room, & this little poem decided it wanted to be written...

The Art Studio

"Peeking from behind the door,

Or quietly trying to capture someones attention

from a half closed drawer.

A gleam of white, a strip of beige.

A pencil mark or two.

A forgotten, lonely sheet of textured paper just wants

to be noticed once more.

"Hello?" It says, questioningly. Timidly.

As if afraid of the shadows & it's own hollow voice.

"Are you coming back?"

Hopeful...but forlorn.

The desk is tidy...shiny now.

But a new Queen sits pride of place on the easel.

Smiling as she anticipates the colours soon to adorn her."

~J. Guthrie 2010~

I think I need to find more books by Mr De Lint! :)

Snowy West Cornwall & Wintery food

2010-01-09T22:42:00.004Z

This past week has been rather unusual for us...up until now, Cornwall has been watching the rest of the country gradually turn white. Last week it was our turn!

I don't mind the snow, but I could live without the ice. We are due some more snow tomorrow...

The best thing about winter weather is the food! :)
My new favourite recipe book is 'River Cottage Everyday' by Hugh Fearnly Whittingstall & I made this for dinner yesterday...

'Spinach, bacon & goats cheese frittata'

I was particularly impressed with how mine looked so much like the version in the book! :)

I served it up with a sprinkling of Spinach & a big spoonful of Baked Beans :) Perfect for a cold Winter evening! *Recipe Below*

Serves 4
1 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil
75g pancetta or bacon, cut into small cubes
4 shallots (I used one medium red onion coz I forgt to buy shallots)
100g spinach (or a few handfuls)
8 medium eggs (I used 6...but they were a 'large' medium! :) )
25g hard cheese (Parmesan / cheddar / etc)
A grating of nutmeg
100g soft goats cheese crumbled into biggish chunks
Sea salt & black pepper

Heat the oil in a 25cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Add pancetta or bacon & saute until golden, then remove; set aside.
Add the shallots to the pan, lower the heat & cook gently for about 10 mins until soft but not coloured. Add the spinach & turn until just wilted, take off the heat.
Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl, stir in the pancetta/bacon, spinach & shallots, grated cheese, nutmeg & seasoning. Put the frying pan back over a low heat, pour in the egg mixture & cook gently, without stirring, letting the eggs set slowly from the base up.

After about 5 mins give the pan a little shake, the bottom half should be set with a layer or wet egg still on top. Dot the goats cheese over the top, then place in a pre-heated oven (180c/Gas mark 4) for 5-10 mins until just set. Or place under a medium hot grill (broiler?) ideally not too close to the heat, for about 5 mins.
Let cool slightly (or completely!) before slicing & serving.YUM :)
*Note: I added a chopped large field mushroom to mine aswell.

New Years Day 2010

2010-01-01T17:46:00.005Z

Down a long muddy track, with iced over puddles, & brambles covered in frost... past a farm & down to a beach.

Loe Bar & the woods of the Penrose Estate.

Drinking a hot cup of tea sitting on the sand against the cliffs, we listened to waves washing on the shore, dogs barking, people laughing... & we felt gratitude for the sun...warming the first day of a new decade.

The Guide

2009-12-19T13:09:00.006Z

'The Guide'

Watercolour, coloured pencil & gold acrylic

Here is a new painting to end 2009 with. It is inspired by one of my own spirit guides, & may she guide you also into 2010...hopefully one of the best years for us yet! :)

In other news my art prints & bookmarks are now available to buy through 'Feel Good Corner' in Okehampton, Devon (in the arcade). So if you are ever in that area do stop buy & browse Anna's wares! :)

My online shops are now closed for the holidays & it's been absolute bliss to sit on the sofa for 2 days watching movies & just thinking about nothing!! *happy sigh* I daresay I shall be bored stiff by boxing day & desperate to get back upstairs to my studio, planning, creating & selling once more :)

I do have a pile of sketchbooks & arty projects I'm working on with me on the sofa however, just in case I have the urge! lol

And while Helston doesn't yet have snow (unlikely it will), plenty of places in the UK are having a white 'almost' Christmas! Such a shame it couldn't have waited a week, how much fun would that have been!! I rarely see snow as it is in this part of the country & I can't even remember the last white christmas...if ever! lol

So to everyone with or without the white stuff...stay warm & cosy, & have a wonderful Christmas & an even more wonderful new year!

Julia xxxxx

Song of the sea

2009-11-29T18:24:00.002Z

"The lapse of ages changes all things --time, language, the earth, the bounds of the sea, the stars of the sky, and every thing "about, around, and underneath"man, except man himself."

~George Byron~

The wind has been wailing & pounding our windows with rain & hail for weeks, & all the while the sea storms have been calling me....
The icy rain drops & the fresh salty sea air rushes past my face

The splash of the waves against old stone Harbour walls, with ancient secrets hidden in their hearts

Waves crash against cliff faces, booming...vibrating up through my feet

Snuffly black noses find grassy tufts, full of interesting seaweedy smells

The house on the cliff top silently waits for a moment of calm...before the pounding of the sea, & the howling of wind returns once more.

What do you dream?

2009-11-26T14:22:00.004Z

'The Dreaming Place'

Watercolour

10.5 x 14.5"

*More detail HERE*

"I am the stars, the ocean, the smell of the rain on wet ground,

tears of joy & sorrow, lavender flowers, old incense, & brightly coloured paint swirling in a jar of water.

I am the translucent glint of a Dragonfly wing, the soft music of windchimes,

& a compassionate embrace.

I am the golden glow of a winter sunset, the worn & aged pages of a favourite book, & the soft firey glow of a candle in the dark of the night.

I am the small piece of driftwood, carved by the ocean waves, rose petals, ribbons, feathers & sage.

A big pot of tea, on a stormy day, Cosy jumpers & socks keeping the cold at bay."

~Julia Guthrie~

This painting is a self portrait...of sorts..I didn't aim for 'photo-realism' of course *chuckles*
But it does contain a lot of personal feelings & energy. It began as something quite different, & as the time passed it took on a life of it's own & I just painted her as she dictated.
However, I would like to leave this one to the viewer to see how it touches you...& perhaps you will even be able to tell me exactly what its meaning is.
I almost changed the name of this one at the last minute, when I realised that Charles De Lint actually has a book named 'The dreaming place'. But I guess it just shows that great minds think alike! :)

Facebook Fan page & Stormy seas

2009-11-15T17:43:00.006Z

“I have seen the sea when it is stormy and wild; when it is quiet and serene; when it is dark and moody. And in all its moods, I see myself.”

~Martin Buxbaum~

Photographs I took at the beautiful & imposing, Mullion Cove a few weeks back. We drove down there for a Sunday afternoon walk & after what had been a week of grey, damp weather, a glimmer of sun showed itself just as the sun began to set. It is a magical place indeed :)

This past few days we have been hit by some seriously strong winds, torrential rain & thunder & lightening! It has been wild weather... sadly I didnt have a chance to get to the coast & photograph any impressive waves for you. However...it ain't over yet *grins* there may more....

In other news I now have a Facebook Fan page! http://facebook.com/Eastofthesunart

Please feel free to come visit! :)

I have also been given a blog award by the lovely 'Yarrow'. I think I might have to fullfill my obligations in another post tho....this one is pretty long already! LOL

A bit of Winter reading

2009-11-07T12:39:00.003Z

While the wind rattles the window panes & makes far off booming noises, that actually make me think we are living next to the sea (oh what a wonderful thing that would be:) ), I am cosy in my art studio with plenty of things to occupy me. Art ideas, & books galore!

And my lovely Husband also gave me a pressie yesterday...for years I have wanted a Pestle & Mortar but never really had the money to hand when I saw one I liked. So while shopping I spied one & he just popped it in the basket! I squeeed & did a little dance..LOL Now when I am grinding my dried herbs I won't have to use the end of the rolling pin!

And funnily enough on a visit to my In-Laws this week, my MIL gave me a book she thought I might like... it's called "Hints & Tips from times past"...& oh yes, she knows me well! :)

It's full of lovely natural remedies for all sorts of things.... from headaches & colds....
to dry skin, or dull hair.
There are also sections on jam & chutney making, natural ways to do your washing, polish your shoes, restore furniture, cleaning carpets, making bread & cakes....

And then there is the gardening section... home made compost, how to feed plants (naturally), growing a herb garden, growing & pickling veg.. the list is endless!

My MIL also gave us big jars of her homemade chutney & jam to take home.... :) She was very impressed I think when I told her I'd made chutney for the first time ever, from our tomatoes that didn't ripen this year :)
So... lots of fun for me have with this book...

Also this week I recieved a lovely package in the mail. My Mum, who is not very big on gardening & homemade things, saw an offer in their newspaper a few months back for free seeds. She sent of for them in my name, as she knows I will make good use of them in my veg patch next spring :)

Very happy with those!! :) And I get to try growing Aubergines, chicory & spring onions this time!
Also on the subject of books... my MIL gave me these 2 to read...

The titles sound a bit grim, but they are set The Dark Ages, & I've not read anything set in that era before. Plus I do love things like the old 'Robin Of Sherwood' tv series from the 80's with Michael Praed! lol (I have the entire box set on DVD :) )

'The Owl Killers'

Deep in the heart of the countryside lies an isolated village governed by a sinister regime of Owl Masters. Theirs is a pagan world of terror & blackmail....

I shall let you know how I get on! lol It may send me running back to my Robin Hobb library, screaming! :)

EDIT*** My dog Nimh has finally updated her blog too :) Go friend her & she might share some of that scrummy roast pork she's just blogged about :) lol http://secretsofnimh.blogspot.com/

Messages from Merlin

2009-11-02T22:36:00.003Z

Very happy to announce that my 'Merlin' painting is being put to good use :)
My friend Rose Vanden Eynden posted his picture along with her regular blog post 'Monday Message From Merlin'! http://vandeneynden.biz/blog/?p=642
I love Rose's blog & you should all definately check it out along with her main website.

Rose is a clairvoyant medium, Spiritualist minister, licensed massage therapist, author, teacher, and healer.
You can find her website here ... http://www.vandeneynden.biz/Welcome.html

In other news, I was suddenly inspired to do some designs for the 'backs' of my Oracle card deck today! lol
Yes, well, it has to be designed at some point...regardless of how much art there is still to be completed for the 'fronts'. :)

I am also working on some new sketches including a painting of the Irish princess 'Isolde'.
Morgan Le Fay is also lurking in the back of my mind too, but I think she will have to wait her turn! :)

Handstitched Journals

2009-10-29T16:12:00.003Z

I have made 2 handstitched journals (recycled paper plus a sheet of Lavender head paper) & I am stumped as to which of my artworks to use on the front covers!! LOL
So I am asking you guys... which of my artworks would you like to see on journals?

I am back to painting 'The Dreaming Place' now, after 'Merlin' took over :)
I shall hopefully be finishing that very shortly...so keep your eyes peeled!

Well, Winter is on it's way....I put the central heating on for the first time today!! agh...
But Winter is nice though.
Wooly socks & jumpers, pots of tea & buttery crumpets, walks on the beach all snuggled up in a big coat while the waves crash & the wind blows... Mmmmmm :)

New art...Merlin!

2009-10-27T14:33:00.006Z

Well I have been busily splashing paint about on a project that called to me last week, & interrupted all else! :) I was drawn to paint the wonderful figure of 'Merlin' as a kind of Shaman of the forest. A wise man of earth magic.
Merlin is many things to many people, but esentially, I believe this is what he is.

'Merlin Of The Forest'
Watercolour
11.5 x 15

Merlin stands before the most ancient of the trees at sunset. Standing stones that are as old as the forest itself look on. Waiting & watching.

He gives thanks to his night time helpers & guides in this world...the Owls, the Moths & all the

creatures who live quietly in the forest, while the mist flows in at his feet.

What magic is about to occur?

A4 (approx 11x 8) Prints are available un-matted = £11.11

Signed 10x8" Matted (mounted) prints will shortly be available = £14.99

I havent yet attempted to create a bookmark of Merlin, but I'm sure I shall :)

I really enjoyed painting Merlin, & I am wondering if it will spark more 'Arthurian' art? :) I have a few more I am working on...not least 'The Dreaming Place' which is very close to being finished. And a few more in sketch form so far... If I am good & get all my website/paperwork jobs completed this week I shall hope for another full week of painting!! :) Perfect!

Quick WIP (part 2)

2009-09-23T16:36:00.002+01:00

'The Dreaming Place' (In progress)

Just thought you might like to see the next stage :) I am grabbing a few hours here & there so keep your fingers crossed that I can get it finished in a reasonable amount of time! haha

This is an unusual one for me. Normally I like to have a definate idea around which to base a painting & it's symbols, but this one broke free of my original idea & has taken on a life of it's own...LOL

Even I don't really know how she will look when completed. And I don't know quite what her meaning is either... perhaps she is a message from my inner self to allow more freedom into my work? :)

It has always felt like a special painting...even when the only part I had sketched out was the figure (it's me btw...but I'm not too concerned about making it look 'exact'..lol). This is a painting that is meant to resonate with our emotions more than anything I think.

She would like people to look at her & find their own connections with her. All I know is that she will have feathers & flowers at her feet... an offering? a shrine perhaps?

It's a magical place...where she goes to meditate...& who could blame her! :)

Emotions of the Artist's World

2009-09-17T14:56:00.005+01:00

This week I have been enjoying the last days of Summer... It seems she has a few rays of sunshine left for us before that 'nip' in the air pushes her aside for crisper mornings, & jumpers & socks come out of the closet.

The sun is still beautiful to sit out in, but the heat is fading. And as my garden starts to thin out, & grow full of seed heads, & brown twigs, I find myself planning already how I will lay things out next Spring...where will I put my Courgette plants, & what kind of flowers will go in the hanging basket...:)

It's a really nice peaceful time of year actually. I am appreciating Septemer more than I ever did before strangely enough.

I was inspired last night, as I drifted off to sleep, with an image that I knew had to go into a painting I've had sitting around for a while...it's been semi-sketched out but was still missing something.

Isn't it typical that you always get great ideas just as you've gotten comfy! lol I hoped I would remember it. And I did... a gorgeous flock of Butterflies (what is the correct term here? lol), flying in a magical stream up into the sky!

So this afternoon I have made good progress with this 'put aside' piece of work...& I am actually really enjoying it now :) I'm in the flow.... I think it might be titled,

'The Dreaming Place'

"The Artist is a recepticle for emotions that come from all over the place.

From the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper,

from a passing shape, from a spiders web...."

*Pablo Picasso*

I also have to announce the winner of my giveaway! It is the lovely 'Yarrow' of http://yarrow-retreat.blogspot.com/ Congrats Kim, you shall be recieving these goodies *pictured below* very shortly...& also I get to practise my intuitive card reading skills on you...*grins*. I thank you for that! :) I hope you enjoy them x

I have been to the garden of Eden

2009-09-13T18:07:00.003+01:00

Well not quite..but I have been to 'The Eden Project' in Cornwall...which is similar!:) My parents came down for a week's holiday & we had a few nice days out (thankfully the weather has been blissfully warm & sunny). So last Wednesday we headed off to The Eden Project near St Austell. Its only about an hour North of here but the last time we went was when it had just opened...10 yrs ago!! Blimey....it's all grown a bit since then...

Pic above: Far left - stage dome (they hold concerts there). Middle - the Rainforest Biome. The small domes connected by the grassy hill is the restaraunt area (inside & outside). Far right - The Mediterranian Biome.
Waterfall in the Rainforest Biome

The Rainforest Biome

Veggies being grown around the cafe & eating area

So...apologies for not blogging..or getting around to doing that giveaway yet! lol I haven't forgotten you, I just havent had much time spare this week. Normal internet duties (& work) will resume next week.... :)

I'm feeling generous

2009-08-28T12:20:00.004+01:00

Well, Autumn is definately on it's way now. The air has that crispness to it again & the sun is gradually sinking back down on the horizon. I daresay we might have a few more warm days here & there, but I think that's pretty much it for Summer this year :)

So, we turn our thoughts to wooly jumpers & swapping the flipflops for socks... & what better time of year to have a good clutter clear?

If anyone has heard of the wonderful Denise Linn, you will know that she is big on clutter clearing for the soul. If some area of your life is stuck, do some clutter clearing in your house to get the energy moving freely again.

Denise has a saying... "If you don't love it, or use it, it's clutter!" So as I sit here with my cup of coffee, listening to the wind buffeting the house & rattling the windows, my mind is daydreaming about my 'future' art studio...a large room with easy access storage for everything... a floor devoid of boxes & stacks of books. A large cupboard into which I can stash all the piles of paper that seem to accumulate overnight! LOL

I do blast through here every few months & bin lots, but there is just too much I need to hang onto most of the time :)

Some things must go however...

*ORIGINAL ART SALE*

I have recently added a section to my website (shop) for commissions & the sale of Original artwork. I currently have a few older paintings (un-matted) listed, as I really need to clear our some space in my art drawer! (well, it's a start right?)

http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/originals_commissions.htm

I have already sold 'A New Dawn' to one of my newest, but most fabulous customer's, & I am happy it has gone to such a lovely new home.

I have also added a section for my Giclee Prints & bookmarks, although I haven't yet gotten the bookmark images uploaded (so please visit my Bookmark online shop for those at 'The Folded Corner'). http://www.juliaguthrie.co.uk/shop.htm

*AUTUMN GOODY BAG GIVEAWAY*

I would also like to have a little Autumn giveaway, as it's been too long since the last one!:) I am thinking of making a little goody bag of bits & bobs, & perhaps throwing in a card reading using the gorgeous 'Triple Goddess' card deck I have been practising with :)
So if you would like to be entered into this draw please leave me a comment, (feel free to mention your favourite artwork in case you win) & in a week or two, hopefully, I shall have had time to put something lovely together for a winner!

Seaside tales

2009-08-22T13:56:00.006+01:00

The other weekend we had an afternoon relaxing at the beach. It was perfect weather, beautiful & warm, but not too sunny. We lay on our blanket with a picnic, happily snoozing in the warm breeze, listening to the waves crashing.

We looked up to the cliff behind us to see 2 Hawks hovering on the air current..it was totally amazing! I could see how it was keeping itself balanced with it's wings, while keeping it's head perfectly still.

I did some sketching but I forgot to take my coloured pencils so it didn't go as well as I hoped...

I enjoyed wandering about finding things to take photos of. I particularly liked this little 'beach' setup...

At one point a helicopter appeared over the headland & flew over, it was clearly looking for someone as it flew very low along the coastline.

Helicopters aren't that unusual as Helston is home to RNAS Culdrose, one of Europe's largest Helicopter bases, & they also provide 'search & rescue' service for the Southwest, but they don't normally follow the beach so it's always fun to see them so close up.

There's nothing like a snooze on a beach...

A little break from painting

2009-08-07T17:03:00.002+01:00

I have plenty of sketches & ideas on the go, but recently in my spare moments I have been putting my attention to another important side of my life. I am very into the whole 'metaphysical & Spiritual' lifestyle, & have followed it since I was a teenager. My art does reflect that of course, so it won't be a suprise to you I'm sure!:)
Many years ago I started to learn how to read tarot & give intuitive readings. It took a backseat for some years, & now I am starting to become more interested in doing that again.
I have always used Oracle cards & my intuition in my own everyday life, but not considered giving readings for other people.

A couple of years ago when I first had the idea for my Oracle deck *in progress*, I had pondered that it might be nice to be able to offer 'readings' with the deck as well as purchasing it as a deck or art prints etc, but it was more of a passing whimsy at the time.
Now I think that may be more of an option, as I have been recieving readings from some friends lately which inspired me to 'practise' giving readings for others!

I recently purchased an amazing Tarot deck that I have wanted for a couple of years. It's 'The Triple Goddess Tarot' by Isha Lerner (stunning artwork by Mara Friedman) & it just sends shivers down my spine to use it! It's very earthy & shamanic & I do feel very connected to it.
I have used it for myself & a few of my friends this past week & I am recieving some amazing feedback(some close friends & others are people I don't know a great deal about). I just now got an email back regarding one I did today, & I am quite overwhelmed by her response. It never fails to amaze me just how many aspects are so meaningful to the person I am reading for!

So, forgive me for dragging my heels with new artwork, but I promise you it will all be worth it when I can also offer Intuitive readings alongside the artwork I produce (and there is a chakra series being sketched out already! :) ).

New website design

2009-07-23T18:23:00.003+01:00

Come on over & check it out! There is still some tweaking & adding of bits for me to do, & the Studio page is kind of temporary, but I set myself a deadline of my Birthday (which is on the 27th ) to get it completed by...so I just about made it !! lol

www.juliaguthrie.co.uk

I hope that it is now more user friendly than the old one, & is much easier to browse. If you find any glitches please do let me know of course!
I also plan to add another page to the 'shop' section with Buy Now buttons to make your purchases, but for the time being please use the links to my online MISI & ETSY stores, or just email me with your request!:)

Also I am launching a new look html Newsletter to accompany the new site. It will have info, art updates & a section called 'Studio Chatter...'
Plus a great Subscriber only giveaway or special offer each time!
Visit my website to sign up.

Maya - Goddess of Illusion

2009-07-17T14:38:00.004+01:00

'Maya'

Watercolour 11 x 14"

Maya is traditionally the Goddess of illusion. In the old texts, Maya is said to reign in the three worlds – the physical, the mental and the emotional. They are not separate, but aspects of the world of our own creation.

Maya is the light that gives creation form...for what is form, but light particles? Therefore Maya is also a symbol of creation.

The Dragonfly accompanies Maya here, as the Dragonfly is also the symbol of illusion...the power of light & beauty & transformation.

"Maya appears amidst a sunbeam in the temple..shapeshifting, transforming in every second. A moving, disolving, merging image of all things possible. She becomes water, covered in waterlillies...the universe...the planets...the moon & stars.

At her wrist hangs a Crow's feather & a key. Symbols of the gateways through which she can travel.

Like an ever changing hologram, Maya allows us to see whatever we want & it is up to us to claim that creation.

The Crow is a symbol of our connection to both worlds..spiritual & physical. While behind her, the clocks of time all read 11.11...the master number. A portal between worlds."

My beautiful friend...

2009-07-08T13:58:00.005+01:00

His correct title is actually 'Beautiful Demoiselle' & he is a Damselfy.

It's a shame the sun was in the wrong direction really as you can't see in the picture what stunning metallic colours he is.
Blue, green & gold...it's the longest I've ever been able to get so close to one & really examine it. He was hanging around my Tomato plants for most of the morning it seems!

I adore these magical looking creatures & a few yrs ago one summer, we saw hundreds of them along the stream in the woods. We spent some time sat by the waters edge & they kept landing on me. I took photos but my old camera wasn't great with close up's.
So this time I was even more excited...new camera..better macro lens!! lol
I was standing patiently, waiting for him to open his wings for a second when suddenly he flew up & onto my hand! I was able to switch the camera to my other one & take a picture:)

I have a little video footage I remembered to take aswell... only 3 minutes long, but he flies again onto my hand!:) I feel like I've had an encounter with a little nature spirit or faery!
(And in case you wondered what the difference was between a Dragonfly & a Damselfly....Damselflies are smaller & you can tell them because they will close thier wings when resting, unlike Dragonflies:))

My dog has a blog!

2009-07-02T11:04:00.003+01:00

Yes...Madam furry trousers has her own blog now. As if her ego needs any more stroking! lol

Please go visit her & follow her ramblings...or she will end up a 'madam grumpy trousers' instead!:)

http://secretsofnimh.blogspot.com/

In other news...I have been reaping the rewards of my gardening this year. Not bad for a beginner!! Lots of fresh salads...

Mixed lettuce, rocket, radishes, chives...& soon to include courgette & tomatoes! (The courgettes are looking fantastic!). I shall be expanding my veg patch considerably next year..I want to try some fruit aswell.

Well, the rain & thunder have ceased...but I shall try to make the most of the sun's hiatus by getting my new website design finished *hopefully*. It's been so hard to make myself work indoors lately...I love the weather we've been having this summer!:)

Special customer offer!

2009-06-26T15:25:00.003+01:00

As a thank you to all my previous customers, between now & 1st Sept, I am offering a 'Buy 1, get the 2nd item half price' deal.
PLUS, if you use the offer *quoting the voucher code* you will also be entered into a prize draw to win a special thank you package from me.

The voucher will be going out to all customers who make a purchase this month, with their own individual number to quote.

If you have already purchased something from me you can use the code on the voucher printed below...

I WILL be checking my records to make sure you are a previous customer, so please let me know if you are now using a different name or address.

So...what's this special thank you package then? Well I haven't quite nailed down the details just yet, but it will include a print, a bookmark, an ORIGINAL ACEO painting & perhaps a few other bits & bobs. Well worth winning! :)

So...if you are not yet a customer of mine, you can remedy that very easily, & it won't cost you the earth! Bookmarks, Prints & Greetings cards are all available from these online shops...

http://eastofthesunart.misi.co.uk (Prints, originals, gifts)

http://thefoldedcorner.misi.co.uk (Bookmarks & greetings cards)

http://eastofthesunart.etsy.com (Prints, orignals, gifts)

*When using the voucher, please purchase & pay as normal, & I will refund you the offer value.

*If you prefer, you may email me your order & I will send you an invoice to pay for the correct amount.

*If you wish to purchase something that you do not see in my shops, please feel free to email me with your request.