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Jul 29
in Photography Teachings, Uncategorized 0 comments

EVERYONE has an opinion !

…..“Shoot what you love, in your own way and in your own style, and let the audience that loves what you do come to you. Those that don’t get what you do aren’t your audience, so what!”. Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai”……

Time-machine

One of my subscribers shared with me the quote above in a lovely email last week… and I thought I would share it as part of my own ‘opinion’ about everyone having an opinion! 🙂

For those of you who have been following my Blog for some time will probably have realised that there is often a thread of an idea or concept which develops over a few posts… and as some of my subscribers have shared with me – it has been very valuable for them to go back over and see this development, and many have noticed the “AAAAHA” moments…and ‘getting’ what I have been sharing and embracing and exploring some of what I have shared in ther own creative practice and life.

This post today develops further the ideas expressed in my previous post on “Expressing oneself.”

I started to write a story to illustrate how I responded to others opinions on my journey in creating my “Time Machine”… a sculptural work for my Exhibition “The Nature of Infinity” , but it seemed too long to be included here in my Blog post.. so for those who attend my workshops… please remind me and I will share with you then. I thought instead that I would share what I had learned from this experience and many others throughout my creative and personal life – about how EVERYONE has an opinion!!! …. and how I now respond to others opinions and what I have learned.

EVERYONE has an opinion!!!! So what???? It is how I; and we; respond to others opinions which not only reveals something about ourselves…but also shapes our future.

Learning to be true to myself and maintaining my committment to my own intuition; the ‘feeling’ I have about my creative idea; and personal vision, enables me to express myself through images and works which speak of ME – rather than them being a seive for another’s voice.

I found it an interesting exercise to
witness and observe how I responded when someone offerred an opinion about my work.

  • Did I feel disappointed??
  • Did I feel pleased??
  • Did I feel embarrassed or inadequate??
  • Did I feel ‘frustrated‘ that they didn’t ‘get it’??
  • Did I think about ‘changing‘ something in my work in alliance with what they were suggesting??
  • Did I instantly close off and not want to listen because I wanted to do it MY way??
  • Did I think they ‘knew better‘ than me??
  • Did I think they had more ‘authority‘ than me??
  • Did I actually try something someone suggested??
  • Did I adopt something someone suggested – willingly? – reluctantly? After  consideration or just because they said “they would do it that way …..“?

Everyone has an opinion. Everyone will say SOMETHING about my work. Isn’t that what I want?? Of course!!! As my students will attest – I ask them… What will happen to me if someone has an opinion about my work? Will I self combust? NO! What will happen to me? Will I be transported into somewhere else?? NO… The ONLY thing which can happen to me as a result of someone elses opinion is how I respond – and that is the fertile ground for my own learning.

I have learned to be open to listening to others. I have learned to thank others for their opinion. I have learned there is much benefit from listening to the ideas of others to help develop and deepen my work…. but the key for me is to always keep in connection with the inner ‘feeling’ which guides me and keeps me in alignment to expressing ME – rather than just ‘giving over’ to anothers ideas because I have thought they had more ‘authority’.

(Some of the ways in which I develop my ability to connect with my ‘inner feeling’ and intuitive creative voice I have written about in these posts – Meditation for Photographers; Meditation;Writing for Clarity)

…so…. ‘SO WHAT‘ if another person doesn’t ‘like’ or ‘get’ my work.?? I must be true to myself and express myself authentically through not only my creative work; but also the whole of my life.

The ultimate question I ask myself however is “How am I affected by another’s opinion? AND ….Why am I affected by another’s opinion?”

If I am truly open and honest with myself…that is where my greatest learning will come….. and through exploring the answers to these questions, I will develop my ability to express more clearly my own personal voice through my photography; artworks and in my life in general.

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About the Author: Julie
I am a Journeywoman. I live my life as an explorer. An adventurer. An Observer. An Artist. There is no differentiation between how I live my life and the art that is an expression of it. It is through my experience adventuring the unknown, that I learn more about myself. My aim through this connection is to live where my expression is fully in alignment with the essence of who I am. “In the field of Fine-Art Photography, Julie stands apart from others with the way she sees the world and expresses her connection within it. Julie Stephenson’s photographs are sublime. Her work is an expression of her deep connection; and a gift to the world.”

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@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
  • With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later. 

Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories; here and there’s also more in my Link in Bio.

#madebyhand #embroideryartist #textileartist #handwoven #embroiderylove
  • An item I made 55 years ago has unwittingly earned its place in my small treasure box — a place it now so obviously deserves.

At nine years old, I had no idea I would now be embroidering stitches on blankets I’d hand woven from memories of my journeys around the world. 

Something I enjoyed as a child, I must have sensed deep within me was important — something I would one day return to. 

With my young fingers and hands, I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and become an expression of who I am.

Stitching these motifs is the ritual completion of the blanket. For me it encompasses gratitude for all that has gone into its creation; from my experiences to the processes of weaving. 

These motifs I keep secret until the blanket finds its new home — just a little surprise for its new owner. My current Kolkata, Mullik Ghat series will be released in a few weeks time.

What’s something you’ve continued that you’re surprised you started in childhood?

Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories.

#artisanmade #embroidered #embroideryart #weaving #fibreart
  • What would I use this basket for? 

For 45 years, I’ve loved to feel natural fleece in my hands. There’s something very humbling about recognising where wool originates, and feeling the soft greasy fleece in my hands is very special; and to be able to weave into my blankets some of my own handspun yarn is very gratifying.  

I like to rinse the fleece before preparing and spinning it. 

I’ve tried several methods and this one suits me best, and the basket is perfect. Allows gentle rinsing without any felting. 

Why not save this tip to try, if you can get your hands onto some greasy fleece, and for more come follow along.

#weaving #Handspinning #fleece #fibreart #weaver
  • This is my top number ONE Pro-tip.

Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?!

I’m a visual artist and weaver, and this number one tip for meaningful work is for all creatives and your chosen medium! 

‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’

That’s it! 

My latest body of work is based on the Mullik Ghat markets in Kolkata India, where we drove our vintage car through India, Bhutan and Myanmar.  

For more - Come follow along! 

#artisanmade #roadtripindia #weaving #creativetips #protip
  • The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata; was incredible!

I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply, and is the foundation for my current body of work.

The key to creating work with meaning, whether you’re a weaver or using another medium; is to tell your own stories from your lived experience.

Perhaps you could save this tip to try for your next project; and instead of thinking about things like colour or shape; why not think of a memory instead. 

Love to know how you go!

For more creative tips - come along and follow!

#creativetips #kolkata #weaving #travelart #madebyhand
  • Here’s a different kind of pro-tip; and it comes from a lifetime of unexpected surprises! 

It’s never just about technique, but it’s all about telling stories from our lived experience.

I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply. 

The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata, India ; was incredible!

As an artist, the most valuable insight I’ve gained is that meaningful work must come from lived experience. 

Technique alone can create pieces, but only lived experience can fill them with meaning.  

Whether you are a weaver or a creative working in another medium, the key to creating work with meaning is to tell your personal stories. 

Connect with your memory before you even think of colour or shape. Give it a try! 

Perhaps you could save, and try this pro-tip for your next project and see how your work evolves with this dedicated intention.
For more - come Follow along. 

#artisanmade #roadtrip #interiordesign #protip #weaving
  • When I begin weaving, I have no idea what it will end up looking like 

I never have a plan because I weave intuitively from my memories 

Here I’m weaving my memories from the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India. 

As I weave, I roll it, then becomes hidden. It’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets when I unroll it from my loom. 

You could try this in your form of art as well. .

Try starting with a memory, and remember the colours of your experiences. 

You can save this idea for your next project; and for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio. 

Come follow along with me! 

#weaving #weavingloom #weavinglife #madebyhand #artisanmade
  • Weaving is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

When I begin weaving, I have no idea how it will turn out.

I always start with memories; and I never have a plan. 

In my latest Series, I’m weaving my memories from our vintage car roadtrip; and the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India. 

Colour is my thing. I don’t have a colour plan because I weave intuitively, and I don’t remember what colours I’ve used. 

As I weave, I roll the fabric onto the back beam, and it then becomes hidden. When I’ve finished the weaving and I unroll my  piece from the back beam - it’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets. 

Why don’t you try to weave without a plan? You could try this in any creative medium as well. 

Start with a memory, and remember the colours of that experience. Then just go for it, and play! 

You can save this tip for later; for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio; and for more creative ideas, come follow along. 

#handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
  • Are you floundering with making a project meaningful? 

As an artist for most of my life, who has meandered and searched for meaning within my own work; I have a couple of tips for you. 

If you don’t know where to start, think of an experience that is meaningful to you. Recall the colours. 

Just start there! 
Tip 1. Remember the colours.
Tip 2. Use ONLY those colours.

A meaningful experience for me was our journey to Kolkata and the Mullik Ghat Flower Markets, and is the  inspiration for my handwoven blankets. 

You can save these tips for future reference for your next project. Let me know how you go!

For more, come Follow along. 

#artisanmade #handweaving #madebyhand #artisttips #visualstorytelling
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later.  Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories; here and there’s also more in my Link in Bio. #madebyhand #embroideryartist #textileartist #handwoven #embroiderylove
2 days ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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An item I made 55 years ago has unwittingly earned its place in my small treasure box — a place it now so obviously deserves. At nine years old, I had no idea I would now be embroidering stitches on blankets I’d hand woven from memories of my journeys around the world.  Something I enjoyed as a child, I must have sensed deep within me was important — something I would one day return to.  With my young fingers and hands, I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and become an expression of who I am. Stitching these motifs is the ritual completion of the blanket. For me it encompasses gratitude for all that has gone into its creation; from my experiences to the processes of weaving.  These motifs I keep secret until the blanket finds its new home — just a little surprise for its new owner. My current Kolkata, Mullik Ghat series will be released in a few weeks time. What’s something you’ve continued that you’re surprised you started in childhood? Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories. #artisanmade #embroidered #embroideryart #weaving #fibreart
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
What would I use this basket for?  For 45 years, I’ve loved to feel natural fleece in my hands. There’s something very humbling about recognising where wool originates, and feeling the soft greasy fleece in my hands is very special; and to be able to weave into my blankets some of my own handspun yarn is very gratifying.   I like to rinse the fleece before preparing and spinning it.  I’ve tried several methods and this one suits me best, and the basket is perfect. Allows gentle rinsing without any felting. Why not save this tip to try, if you can get your hands onto some greasy fleece, and for more come follow along. #weaving #Handspinning #fleece #fibreart #weaver
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
This is my top number ONE Pro-tip. Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?! I’m a visual artist and weaver, and this number one tip for meaningful work is for all creatives and your chosen medium!  ‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’ That’s it!  My latest body of work is based on the Mullik Ghat markets in Kolkata India, where we drove our vintage car through India, Bhutan and Myanmar.   For more - Come follow along! #artisanmade #roadtripindia #weaving #creativetips #protip
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata; was incredible! I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply, and is the foundation for my current body of work. The key to creating work with meaning, whether you’re a weaver or using another medium; is to tell your own stories from your lived experience. Perhaps you could save this tip to try for your next project; and instead of thinking about things like colour or shape; why not think of a memory instead. Love to know how you go! For more creative tips - come along and follow! #creativetips #kolkata #weaving #travelart #madebyhand
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Here’s a different kind of pro-tip; and it comes from a lifetime of unexpected surprises! It’s never just about technique, but it’s all about telling stories from our lived experience. I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply.  The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata, India ; was incredible! As an artist, the most valuable insight I’ve gained is that meaningful work must come from lived experience.  Technique alone can create pieces, but only lived experience can fill them with meaning.  Whether you are a weaver or a creative working in another medium, the key to creating work with meaning is to tell your personal stories. Connect with your memory before you even think of colour or shape. Give it a try! Perhaps you could save, and try this pro-tip for your next project and see how your work evolves with this dedicated intention. For more - come Follow along. #artisanmade #roadtrip #interiordesign #protip #weaving
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
When I begin weaving, I have no idea what it will end up looking like I never have a plan because I weave intuitively from my memories Here I’m weaving my memories from the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  As I weave, I roll it, then becomes hidden. It’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets when I unroll it from my loom. You could try this in your form of art as well. . Try starting with a memory, and remember the colours of your experiences. You can save this idea for your next project; and for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio. Come follow along with me! #weaving #weavingloom #weavinglife #madebyhand #artisanmade
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Weaving is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” When I begin weaving, I have no idea how it will turn out. I always start with memories; and I never have a plan.  In my latest Series, I’m weaving my memories from our vintage car roadtrip; and the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  Colour is my thing. I don’t have a colour plan because I weave intuitively, and I don’t remember what colours I’ve used. As I weave, I roll the fabric onto the back beam, and it then becomes hidden. When I’ve finished the weaving and I unroll my  piece from the back beam - it’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets.  Why don’t you try to weave without a plan? You could try this in any creative medium as well. Start with a memory, and remember the colours of that experience. Then just go for it, and play!  You can save this tip for later; for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio; and for more creative ideas, come follow along. #handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Are you floundering with making a project meaningful?  As an artist for most of my life, who has meandered and searched for meaning within my own work; I have a couple of tips for you.  If you don’t know where to start, think of an experience that is meaningful to you. Recall the colours.  Just start there!  Tip 1. Remember the colours. Tip 2. Use ONLY those colours. A meaningful experience for me was our journey to Kolkata and the Mullik Ghat Flower Markets, and is the  inspiration for my handwoven blankets.  You can save these tips for future reference for your next project. Let me know how you go! For more, come Follow along.  #artisanmade #handweaving #madebyhand #artisttips #visualstorytelling
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

 

 

 

@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
  • With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later. 

Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories; here and there’s also more in my Link in Bio.

#madebyhand #embroideryartist #textileartist #handwoven #embroiderylove
  • An item I made 55 years ago has unwittingly earned its place in my small treasure box — a place it now so obviously deserves.

At nine years old, I had no idea I would now be embroidering stitches on blankets I’d hand woven from memories of my journeys around the world. 

Something I enjoyed as a child, I must have sensed deep within me was important — something I would one day return to. 

With my young fingers and hands, I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and become an expression of who I am.

Stitching these motifs is the ritual completion of the blanket. For me it encompasses gratitude for all that has gone into its creation; from my experiences to the processes of weaving. 

These motifs I keep secret until the blanket finds its new home — just a little surprise for its new owner. My current Kolkata, Mullik Ghat series will be released in a few weeks time.

What’s something you’ve continued that you’re surprised you started in childhood?

Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories.

#artisanmade #embroidered #embroideryart #weaving #fibreart
  • What would I use this basket for? 

For 45 years, I’ve loved to feel natural fleece in my hands. There’s something very humbling about recognising where wool originates, and feeling the soft greasy fleece in my hands is very special; and to be able to weave into my blankets some of my own handspun yarn is very gratifying.  

I like to rinse the fleece before preparing and spinning it. 

I’ve tried several methods and this one suits me best, and the basket is perfect. Allows gentle rinsing without any felting. 

Why not save this tip to try, if you can get your hands onto some greasy fleece, and for more come follow along.

#weaving #Handspinning #fleece #fibreart #weaver
  • This is my top number ONE Pro-tip.

Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?!

I’m a visual artist and weaver, and this number one tip for meaningful work is for all creatives and your chosen medium! 

‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’

That’s it! 

My latest body of work is based on the Mullik Ghat markets in Kolkata India, where we drove our vintage car through India, Bhutan and Myanmar.  

For more - Come follow along! 

#artisanmade #roadtripindia #weaving #creativetips #protip
  • The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata; was incredible!

I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply, and is the foundation for my current body of work.

The key to creating work with meaning, whether you’re a weaver or using another medium; is to tell your own stories from your lived experience.

Perhaps you could save this tip to try for your next project; and instead of thinking about things like colour or shape; why not think of a memory instead. 

Love to know how you go!

For more creative tips - come along and follow!

#creativetips #kolkata #weaving #travelart #madebyhand
  • Here’s a different kind of pro-tip; and it comes from a lifetime of unexpected surprises! 

It’s never just about technique, but it’s all about telling stories from our lived experience.

I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply. 

The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata, India ; was incredible!

As an artist, the most valuable insight I’ve gained is that meaningful work must come from lived experience. 

Technique alone can create pieces, but only lived experience can fill them with meaning.  

Whether you are a weaver or a creative working in another medium, the key to creating work with meaning is to tell your personal stories. 

Connect with your memory before you even think of colour or shape. Give it a try! 

Perhaps you could save, and try this pro-tip for your next project and see how your work evolves with this dedicated intention.
For more - come Follow along. 

#artisanmade #roadtrip #interiordesign #protip #weaving
  • When I begin weaving, I have no idea what it will end up looking like 

I never have a plan because I weave intuitively from my memories 

Here I’m weaving my memories from the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India. 

As I weave, I roll it, then becomes hidden. It’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets when I unroll it from my loom. 

You could try this in your form of art as well. .

Try starting with a memory, and remember the colours of your experiences. 

You can save this idea for your next project; and for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio. 

Come follow along with me! 

#weaving #weavingloom #weavinglife #madebyhand #artisanmade
  • Weaving is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

When I begin weaving, I have no idea how it will turn out.

I always start with memories; and I never have a plan. 

In my latest Series, I’m weaving my memories from our vintage car roadtrip; and the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India. 

Colour is my thing. I don’t have a colour plan because I weave intuitively, and I don’t remember what colours I’ve used. 

As I weave, I roll the fabric onto the back beam, and it then becomes hidden. When I’ve finished the weaving and I unroll my  piece from the back beam - it’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets. 

Why don’t you try to weave without a plan? You could try this in any creative medium as well. 

Start with a memory, and remember the colours of that experience. Then just go for it, and play! 

You can save this tip for later; for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio; and for more creative ideas, come follow along. 

#handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
  • Are you floundering with making a project meaningful? 

As an artist for most of my life, who has meandered and searched for meaning within my own work; I have a couple of tips for you. 

If you don’t know where to start, think of an experience that is meaningful to you. Recall the colours. 

Just start there! 
Tip 1. Remember the colours.
Tip 2. Use ONLY those colours.

A meaningful experience for me was our journey to Kolkata and the Mullik Ghat Flower Markets, and is the  inspiration for my handwoven blankets. 

You can save these tips for future reference for your next project. Let me know how you go!

For more, come Follow along. 

#artisanmade #handweaving #madebyhand #artisttips #visualstorytelling
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later.  Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories; here and there’s also more in my Link in Bio. #madebyhand #embroideryartist #textileartist #handwoven #embroiderylove
2 days ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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An item I made 55 years ago has unwittingly earned its place in my small treasure box — a place it now so obviously deserves. At nine years old, I had no idea I would now be embroidering stitches on blankets I’d hand woven from memories of my journeys around the world.  Something I enjoyed as a child, I must have sensed deep within me was important — something I would one day return to.  With my young fingers and hands, I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and become an expression of who I am. Stitching these motifs is the ritual completion of the blanket. For me it encompasses gratitude for all that has gone into its creation; from my experiences to the processes of weaving.  These motifs I keep secret until the blanket finds its new home — just a little surprise for its new owner. My current Kolkata, Mullik Ghat series will be released in a few weeks time. What’s something you’ve continued that you’re surprised you started in childhood? Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories. #artisanmade #embroidered #embroideryart #weaving #fibreart
2 days ago
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2/9
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What would I use this basket for?  For 45 years, I’ve loved to feel natural fleece in my hands. There’s something very humbling about recognising where wool originates, and feeling the soft greasy fleece in my hands is very special; and to be able to weave into my blankets some of my own handspun yarn is very gratifying.   I like to rinse the fleece before preparing and spinning it.  I’ve tried several methods and this one suits me best, and the basket is perfect. Allows gentle rinsing without any felting. Why not save this tip to try, if you can get your hands onto some greasy fleece, and for more come follow along. #weaving #Handspinning #fleece #fibreart #weaver
1 week ago
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3/9
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This is my top number ONE Pro-tip. Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?! I’m a visual artist and weaver, and this number one tip for meaningful work is for all creatives and your chosen medium!  ‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’ That’s it!  My latest body of work is based on the Mullik Ghat markets in Kolkata India, where we drove our vintage car through India, Bhutan and Myanmar.   For more - Come follow along! #artisanmade #roadtripindia #weaving #creativetips #protip
2 weeks ago
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The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata; was incredible! I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply, and is the foundation for my current body of work. The key to creating work with meaning, whether you’re a weaver or using another medium; is to tell your own stories from your lived experience. Perhaps you could save this tip to try for your next project; and instead of thinking about things like colour or shape; why not think of a memory instead. Love to know how you go! For more creative tips - come along and follow! #creativetips #kolkata #weaving #travelart #madebyhand
2 weeks ago
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Here’s a different kind of pro-tip; and it comes from a lifetime of unexpected surprises! It’s never just about technique, but it’s all about telling stories from our lived experience. I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply.  The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata, India ; was incredible! As an artist, the most valuable insight I’ve gained is that meaningful work must come from lived experience.  Technique alone can create pieces, but only lived experience can fill them with meaning.  Whether you are a weaver or a creative working in another medium, the key to creating work with meaning is to tell your personal stories. Connect with your memory before you even think of colour or shape. Give it a try! Perhaps you could save, and try this pro-tip for your next project and see how your work evolves with this dedicated intention. For more - come Follow along. #artisanmade #roadtrip #interiordesign #protip #weaving
2 weeks ago
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When I begin weaving, I have no idea what it will end up looking like I never have a plan because I weave intuitively from my memories Here I’m weaving my memories from the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  As I weave, I roll it, then becomes hidden. It’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets when I unroll it from my loom. You could try this in your form of art as well. . Try starting with a memory, and remember the colours of your experiences. You can save this idea for your next project; and for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio. Come follow along with me! #weaving #weavingloom #weavinglife #madebyhand #artisanmade
3 weeks ago
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Weaving is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” When I begin weaving, I have no idea how it will turn out. I always start with memories; and I never have a plan.  In my latest Series, I’m weaving my memories from our vintage car roadtrip; and the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  Colour is my thing. I don’t have a colour plan because I weave intuitively, and I don’t remember what colours I’ve used. As I weave, I roll the fabric onto the back beam, and it then becomes hidden. When I’ve finished the weaving and I unroll my  piece from the back beam - it’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets.  Why don’t you try to weave without a plan? You could try this in any creative medium as well. Start with a memory, and remember the colours of that experience. Then just go for it, and play!  You can save this tip for later; for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio; and for more creative ideas, come follow along. #handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
3 weeks ago
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Are you floundering with making a project meaningful?  As an artist for most of my life, who has meandered and searched for meaning within my own work; I have a couple of tips for you.  If you don’t know where to start, think of an experience that is meaningful to you. Recall the colours.  Just start there!  Tip 1. Remember the colours. Tip 2. Use ONLY those colours. A meaningful experience for me was our journey to Kolkata and the Mullik Ghat Flower Markets, and is the  inspiration for my handwoven blankets.  You can save these tips for future reference for your next project. Let me know how you go! For more, come Follow along.  #artisanmade #handweaving #madebyhand #artisttips #visualstorytelling
4 weeks ago
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9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.