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Curious. Creative. Living Boldly.
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    • Bangkok to London
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    • Antarctica 2016
    • Peking to Paris in Penny 2016
    • India and Bhutan in Penny 2015
      • Kolkata
      • ON the Tram…. a bit fish-bowley but lots of waves and smiles…
      • Siliguri to Darjeeling
      • A mountain Drive….. Paro to Thimpu
      • Mongar to Trashingang
      • Trashingang to Sandrup Jongkhar
      • Kale to Monymar… then to so many temples at Bagan
      • Temples in Myanmar
      • Magical Ballooning over Temples in Bagan
      • Bagan to Inlay Lake
      • Inlay Lake
      • Inlay Lake to Taungoo
      • Taungoo to Kyaiktiyo
      • Last day in Myanmar and missing clouds in the sky
    • Greenland 2015
      • Iceberg Gallery
      • Magical Greenland….
      • Julie the landscape
      • Walking the tundra
      • Ymer Island…
      • Zodiacs and Icebergs!!!
      • Ittorqqortoormiit
    • Iceland 2015
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    • About Julie Stephenson
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May 06
by Julie in Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Uncategorized 2 comments

Sincere thank-you.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone from all around the world
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May 06
by Julie in Karijini 2012 2 comments

Lou Reed, Pink Floyd, Dolly Parton and an unknown 70’s band….

I had just come back from clambering over a very big hill.... walkingover
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May 05
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Words 0 comments

Struggles in the shadows

Sometimes the greatest struggles are found in the shadows,
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May 04
by Julie in Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Words 2 comments

Living honestly.

I have learned to live showing all my rough bits... ALL of me - including
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May 04
by Julie in Inspirations, Karijini 2012 2 comments

Writing – How it can help transform a muddled mint into clarity

Walking through the gorges of Karijini, I was chatting with someone and they said to me that they were always muddled
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May 03
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Words 0 comments

Companions

Companions with weathered skin from storms
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May 01
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Karijini 2012 2 comments

Photography as a teacher.

This image taught me a great deal
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Apr 28
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012, Words 0 comments

Flamboyant Water

Water dances through the cavern flamboyantly caressing stone
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Apr 26
by Julie in Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Photography Teachings 0 comments

Meditation for Photographers

Being able to connect with the Silence is an important skill which
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Apr 26
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012, Uncategorized 0 comments

Karijini flow

Karijini National Park is a very special place. It has a feel
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Apr 21
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012, Uncategorized, Words 2 comments

Hamersley Gorge reflections

Amongst the folding layers of time the rock slides into the edges of the cool water and morphs and
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Apr 21
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Fiery sky in Karijini

I sat in the late afternoon with the flies and swirling dust and seering heat
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Apr 19
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Hamersley Gorge

Max and I stumbled upon this most profoundly beautiful gorge in the Karijini National Park this afternoon – Hamersley Gorge.
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Apr 19
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 2 comments

350kms from Mt Augustus to Paraburdoo

This drive from Mt Augustus to Paraburdoo was only 350kms - took 2 full days and challenging driving some times, but
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Apr 15
by Julie in Karijini 2012 0 comments

Meditation

Meditation is simply practicing connecting with the Silence so
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Apr 15
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Holland Track to Meekatharra

Well...today I clocked over driving 5000 kms ...and lots of backing
Read More
Apr 15
by Julie in Karijini 2012 0 comments

I can RUN!

I have just realised I can RUN!.
Read More
Apr 14
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Norseman and Holland Track

Into Norseman late one afternoon and had our first shower for a week in Service Station ammenities ! Ohhhh for a lovely warm shower.
Read More
Apr 12
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 3 comments

Along coast near WA border across the Nullarbor to Norseman

Nullarbor is Latin for "no trees"... which is contrary to what is actually the case across this plain. Only
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Apr 12
by Julie in Around Australia 4WDing, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Yunta to Elleston to near the Western Australian border.

The drive from Yunta was quite varied on the way to a spectacular camp on the coast near Elleston
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Apr 10
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 0 comments

The next stop south is Antarctica!

We have the most wonderful spot for tonight near Elliston in South Australia on the edge
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Apr 09
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Karijini 2012, Words 0 comments

Memories

Nothing ever stays the same. Time... like the flow of a flooding river leaves traces of experience in our minds;
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Apr 08
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Inspirations, Words 0 comments

The Moon

Glowing gentle curve bathes the night in silence.
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Apr 08
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Karijini 2012 0 comments

Wamuran to Yunta – South Australia

Our first days were hot and clear and the skies with high cloud with a cool front approaching were spectacular. We are at Yunta today doing
Read More
Apr 05
by Julie in About Me, Uncategorized 2 comments

How I start my day.

How I start my day
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Apr 02
by Julie in Karijini 2012 0 comments

Karijini – Off we go

Hopefully we are off on Thursday 5th April on a wonderful adventure...right across Austraila, approximately 6000km
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Mar 26
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Fine Art Photography 1 comments

the Grand Canyon

The colours on this cold, cloudy, moody morning were intriguing...subtle yet
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Mar 24
by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

my last day?

I was wondering today if I went to sleep tonight for the last time this lifetime - would I feel content and fulfilled.
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Mar 16
by Julie in Fine Art Photography, Inspirations 0 comments

artistic influences – Bill Viola

Bill Viola is wonderful contmporary video artist. Bill Viola's art primarily deals
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Mar 16
by Julie in Fine Art Photography, Inspirations 0 comments

artistic influences – Bill Henson

I Love Bill Henson’s landscape images. The dark areas have the most beautiful gradation of tonality. Thank you Mr Henson. I admire and am greatly moved by your landscape images.
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Mar 14
by Julie in Inspirations 2 comments

artistic influences – Fred Williams

Fred Williams is one of Australia's most important artists. I love his work !!!
Read More
Mar 07
by Julie in Fine Art Photography, Inspirations 0 comments

artistic influences

"Art was always to me a means of getting in contact with another world..... you could never see that other world and were never told about it, but art seemed to always be kind of touching it."
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Mar 05
by Julie in Earth and Sea 0 comments

more beautiful rain

Just behind our home the water rushes down the gullies
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Mar 04
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Fine Art Photography, Inspirations, Photography Teachings 0 comments

artistic influences

John Paul Caponigro provided us with a list of homework questions to prepare for our week together in Miami. One of these was
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Mar 02
by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

a word or phrase – describing me! :-)

In the last hour of the creative Vision workshop with John Paul Caponigro - (see post below)
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Mar 02
by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

gratitude

I recently attended a Next Step workshop with John Paul Caponigro in Miami Florida examining our Creative Vision as
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Mar 01
by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

of ceremony and ritual

Throughout the ages, ceremonies and rituals have been used
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Feb 21
by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

and this one

This couple were amazing to watch. She was filing
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Feb 21
by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

pompano beach

Here are some photos I took recently at Pompano Beach in Florida - using
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Feb 13
by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

hip hip hooray – it’s my 50th birthday today- 13th Feb!!!!

I have such a priveliged life - filled with beautiful family
Read More
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Journal Categories
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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
  • 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
  • Want one secret tip for visual storytelling? There is an art to visual storytelling. 

As an artist, there are some very important things which contribute to making a work meaningful and an expression of it’s intention. 

Here I'm using the memory of my journey to Kolkata Mullik Ghat markets as the source material for my handwoven blankets. 

One secret (not so secret hehehe) is to
	1. Remember the colours of an experience or scene which is the subject matter of your project; and use ONLY those colours. 

Perhaps save this for your future reference, and give it a go for your next project. 

For more, come Follow along.
  • Curious, Creative, Living Boldly - That was my tagline I put on the footer of my emails 30 years ago; well before Instagram came into being. 

It was not known to me then how important ‘curiosity’ was to be for me. 

Being curious, and creative; has helped me navigate my life’s challenges; to heal; and provided the pathway for me to experience the richness of living - despite these challenges. 

Curiosity is the intrinsic desire to learn, explore and understand.

I am an artist. My work has included conceptual photography & video; multimedia installations; and textiles. Working with my hands is important to me. I am a weaver. I weave my stories into blankets. 

I wanted to express my experiences of Kolkata, but didn’t know how to share with others the magic I felt in this city of extremes. Poverty and wealth. Colour and darkness. I didn’t know where to start. 

I was curious about how to express my stories of Kolkata. What I did was to just start. Experiment and play. I let my inner voice and memories  guide my colour choices. I had no idea whether my handwoven blankets would ‘turn out’... but I was curious and felt the most incredible gratitude and joy weaving these blankets which hold my memories and stories. 

Why don’t you try becoming friends with your curiosity? What a lifelong friendship that will be; and hopefully that friend will remind you every single day, despite everything; to keep holding on to, and never let go of being curious. 

For more on my journey, follow along. 

For those interested, I’m using a 48”/120cm @ashford_wheels_looms Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom. 

#curiousity #createeveryday #creativelife #weaving #selfdiscovery
View on Instagram
@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
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@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
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@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
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@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
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@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
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@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
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@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
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Want one secret tip for visual storytelling? There is an art to visual storytelling.  As an artist, there are some very important things which contribute to making a work meaningful and an expression of it’s intention.  Here I'm using the memory of my journey to Kolkata Mullik Ghat markets as the source material for my handwoven blankets. One secret (not so secret hehehe) is to 1. Remember the colours of an experience or scene which is the subject matter of your project; and use ONLY those colours.  Perhaps save this for your future reference, and give it a go for your next project.  For more, come Follow along.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Curious, Creative, Living Boldly - That was my tagline I put on the footer of my emails 30 years ago; well before Instagram came into being.  It was not known to me then how important ‘curiosity’ was to be for me. Being curious, and creative; has helped me navigate my life’s challenges; to heal; and provided the pathway for me to experience the richness of living - despite these challenges.  Curiosity is the intrinsic desire to learn, explore and understand. I am an artist. My work has included conceptual photography & video; multimedia installations; and textiles. Working with my hands is important to me. I am a weaver. I weave my stories into blankets.  I wanted to express my experiences of Kolkata, but didn’t know how to share with others the magic I felt in this city of extremes. Poverty and wealth. Colour and darkness. I didn’t know where to start.  I was curious about how to express my stories of Kolkata. What I did was to just start. Experiment and play. I let my inner voice and memories  guide my colour choices. I had no idea whether my handwoven blankets would ‘turn out’... but I was curious and felt the most incredible gratitude and joy weaving these blankets which hold my memories and stories.  Why don’t you try becoming friends with your curiosity? What a lifelong friendship that will be; and hopefully that friend will remind you every single day, despite everything; to keep holding on to, and never let go of being curious. For more on my journey, follow along. For those interested, I’m using a 48”/120cm @ashford_wheels_looms Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom. #curiousity #createeveryday #creativelife #weaving #selfdiscovery
3 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
  • 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
  • Want one secret tip for visual storytelling? There is an art to visual storytelling. 

As an artist, there are some very important things which contribute to making a work meaningful and an expression of it’s intention. 

Here I'm using the memory of my journey to Kolkata Mullik Ghat markets as the source material for my handwoven blankets. 

One secret (not so secret hehehe) is to
	1. Remember the colours of an experience or scene which is the subject matter of your project; and use ONLY those colours. 

Perhaps save this for your future reference, and give it a go for your next project. 

For more, come Follow along.
  • Curious, Creative, Living Boldly - That was my tagline I put on the footer of my emails 30 years ago; well before Instagram came into being. 

It was not known to me then how important ‘curiosity’ was to be for me. 

Being curious, and creative; has helped me navigate my life’s challenges; to heal; and provided the pathway for me to experience the richness of living - despite these challenges. 

Curiosity is the intrinsic desire to learn, explore and understand.

I am an artist. My work has included conceptual photography & video; multimedia installations; and textiles. Working with my hands is important to me. I am a weaver. I weave my stories into blankets. 

I wanted to express my experiences of Kolkata, but didn’t know how to share with others the magic I felt in this city of extremes. Poverty and wealth. Colour and darkness. I didn’t know where to start. 

I was curious about how to express my stories of Kolkata. What I did was to just start. Experiment and play. I let my inner voice and memories  guide my colour choices. I had no idea whether my handwoven blankets would ‘turn out’... but I was curious and felt the most incredible gratitude and joy weaving these blankets which hold my memories and stories. 

Why don’t you try becoming friends with your curiosity? What a lifelong friendship that will be; and hopefully that friend will remind you every single day, despite everything; to keep holding on to, and never let go of being curious. 

For more on my journey, follow along. 

For those interested, I’m using a 48”/120cm @ashford_wheels_looms Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom. 

#curiousity #createeveryday #creativelife #weaving #selfdiscovery
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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
2 days ago
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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
4 days 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
5 days 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
6 days 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
2 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
2 weeks ago
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@skeinydipping
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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
3 weeks ago
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@skeinydipping
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Want one secret tip for visual storytelling? There is an art to visual storytelling.  As an artist, there are some very important things which contribute to making a work meaningful and an expression of it’s intention.  Here I'm using the memory of my journey to Kolkata Mullik Ghat markets as the source material for my handwoven blankets. One secret (not so secret hehehe) is to 1. Remember the colours of an experience or scene which is the subject matter of your project; and use ONLY those colours.  Perhaps save this for your future reference, and give it a go for your next project.  For more, come Follow along.
3 weeks ago
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@skeinydipping
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Curious, Creative, Living Boldly - That was my tagline I put on the footer of my emails 30 years ago; well before Instagram came into being.  It was not known to me then how important ‘curiosity’ was to be for me. Being curious, and creative; has helped me navigate my life’s challenges; to heal; and provided the pathway for me to experience the richness of living - despite these challenges.  Curiosity is the intrinsic desire to learn, explore and understand. I am an artist. My work has included conceptual photography & video; multimedia installations; and textiles. Working with my hands is important to me. I am a weaver. I weave my stories into blankets.  I wanted to express my experiences of Kolkata, but didn’t know how to share with others the magic I felt in this city of extremes. Poverty and wealth. Colour and darkness. I didn’t know where to start.  I was curious about how to express my stories of Kolkata. What I did was to just start. Experiment and play. I let my inner voice and memories  guide my colour choices. I had no idea whether my handwoven blankets would ‘turn out’... but I was curious and felt the most incredible gratitude and joy weaving these blankets which hold my memories and stories.  Why don’t you try becoming friends with your curiosity? What a lifelong friendship that will be; and hopefully that friend will remind you every single day, despite everything; to keep holding on to, and never let go of being curious. For more on my journey, follow along. For those interested, I’m using a 48”/120cm @ashford_wheels_looms Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom. #curiousity #createeveryday #creativelife #weaving #selfdiscovery
3 weeks ago
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9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.