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Curious. Creative. Living Boldly.
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      • ON the Tram…. a bit fish-bowley but lots of waves and smiles…
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      • 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
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Mar 03
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Russian Arctic Weather Stations…

The Northern Sea Route is still frozen in my thoughts. An abandoned building with orderly numbered memories in metal cases. No chairs. Just an empty shed with rows of films in cases. Tikhaya Bay on Hooker Island is in Franz Joseph Land in the Arctic was a meteorological base from 1929 to 1963. Germans were marooned there during WW2. I felt a weird sense of sanitisation walking along the timber walkways amongst the rocks. The remnants of the buildings have been preserved for tourists. Cups and teapots stood awkwardly on the wooden sideboard. Functionality ceased. Redundant.  Tikhaya Bay on Hooker Island is in Franz Joseph Land in the Arctic was a meteorological base from 1929 to 1963. Germans were marooned there during WW2. I felt a weird sense of sanitisation walking along the timber walkways amongst the rocks. The remnants of the buildings have been preserved for tourists. Cups and teapots stood awkwardly on the wooden sideboard. Functionality ceased. Redundant.    There are many Polar Stations in the The Taymry Peninsular on Pronchishcheva Bay in the Laptev Sea; the New Siberians – Kigilyakh Meterological station on Great Lyakhovsky, the largest of the Lyakhovsky Islands; Bunge Land; Chetyrekhstolbovoy Island.   These decommissioned  bases in the […]
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Feb 01
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Walrus snorts, whiskers and tusks…

Snorts and grunts... whiskers and tusks surged towards us with inquisitive urgency.   We were sitting in a small inflatable dingy in the waters around Cape Ostantsovy, a peninsula on Hayes Island in Franz Josef Land, the world's northernmost archipelago situated in the Barents Sea north of mainland Russia and east of Svalbard; and as yet - we hadn't been given our presentation on the 'walrus'.   I was quite startled to see this small group of animals powering ahead towards us. Bow waves, whiskers, and nostrils and flashing tusks. Perhaps we were unwelcome intruders in their territory? ... or...Perhaps we were welcome and this was the 'meet and greet' party?   Not that the subsequent presentations
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Dec 22
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Migratory birds…. just extraordinary…

Migratory birds… astonishing really!   I’ve always had a keen interest in birds – with a small set of binoculars and Simpson and Day Bird book near the side door…but until this journey along the Northern Sea Route; I hadn’t really GOT it before.   This time, I wasn’t just looking at the feathers… or whether it had a dark line along it’s eye… I was actually just trying to get my head around firstly how so many birds can survive in these conditions; and then how they migrated from one hemisphere to another along flyways… often without even a rest!   How did they know how to do that? How do they know where to go?   Some of the species I’ve seen on the tidal flats locally at home near Bribie Island have flown from north of Siberia where we were!!! OMG… For me – I found that just astonishing!   Each species has a distinct path and schedule it follows. The parents have nesting areas; grow their chicks until they have enough feathers to fly; then the parents leave and head south to avoid the harsh winter… and then the chicks just somehow work out that they better fly south […]
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Dec 22
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Pollution in the Arctic…

Incredible pollution in the Arctic... The USSR collapsed in the early 1990's. Weather and polar stations and bases were closed. People just left. I don't know how they left. Probably a ship arrived ..and they were instructed to just get aboard. I suspect from what I saw on МАЛЫЙ ТАЙМЫР that all they boarded the 'rescue' ship with - was carried in a single bag.   What remains though...
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Dec 22
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

The Eurasean Widgeon duck that didn’t move…

“It’s a bird……” I crept carefully and quietly. “It must be asleep. ..Perhaps it is dead? ..Poor thing. ..Just sitting there on the cold sand. ..It might be playing dead??? ..It might think if it doesn’t move I won’t take any notice of it. ..It isn’t moving. ..Perhaps it is just frozen???” Shhhhhh  I clumsily gestured to Max as I walked tentatively across the Arctic beach toward this duck. I bent over to look more closely at this frozen duck and OMG….   Two weeks attendance at the ‘Bird Club meetings’ after dinner did not prepare me for this! Nowhere in our log-book was this duck mentioned. I could not believe my eyes.   I bent over and as gently as I could, nestled my thickly gloved hands around the sides of the duck and lifted it carefully up to show Max – who was by this time nearly beside me where we stood on Zemlya Bunge – or Bunge Land in the language of the Yakutian people is known as Ulakhan Kumalch – The Land of the Great Sand.; in the New Siberian Archipeligo between the Laptev and East Siberian Seas.   Bunge, who I named after the Island upon […]
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Dec 10
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Exploring an abandoned polar station – Малый Таймыр

I’ve found myself sliding down into the Rabbit hole of Russian history; trying to gain an insight into why a frozen red book with the English title “Saint George” would be left abandoned on a table inside a Polar Station on Maly Taymyr Island in the Laptev Sea.   Snowdrifts nestled comfortably on a lichen coloured fabric lounge. Metal ribbed heaters with severed rusted pipes, remained on guard under the windows, despite being decommissioned years ago.  Floral wallpaper cracked and peeled off the freezing walls buckling in these extreme conditions.   A spilled plate lay broken on the floor alongside books and a pair of gnarled leather boots.   …Who once sat here?..   Sky blue shards of paint hung suspended in the three inches of slippery frozen ice down the hallway encroached upon by a snow drift, where a long eared brown dog and yellow and red butterfly painted on small child’s metal toy truck, lay trapped.   A metal beaten wall plaque of a Greek-Roman god-like figure defiantly bared his strong muscles and skin to the frozen air. He stood beside a white and floral teapot without a lid.   Pipelines and instrument gauges were lifeless.   ….Why […]
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Nov 22
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

The Sea

The sea was a companion for me which was comforting. I found myself for hours just watching its changing moods and the way the light often danced with the texture of the wet surface.   At times the sea supported thousands of birds, walrus snorts and white tusks, and spouts from whales.... and at other times there were days where the barren expanse of the sea made its' powerful presence felt.   Wonderful childhood and teen memories of sailing blew through my thoughts as the ocean wind changed it's tone in my freezing ears.   I had a couple of spots - on the bow usually alone; that I loved to just stand and stare.... and feel the sea.... those moments brought such richness and happiness on this journey for me.
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northern sea route russia arctic julie stephenson barents sea ice
Nov 04
by Julie in Northern Sea Route 0 comments

Northern Sea Route – Russian Arctic Expedition : Some photographs

The Northern Sea route has only become passable as a result of global warming. Very few people have traversed the sea passage between Russia and the North Pole across the breadth of the whole of Russia.   Our journey commenced in Murmansk in the north west of Russia and we completed 4,950 nautical miles eastward to Anadyr on the far eastern coast of Russia 28 days later.   Click at the top of the Menu dropdown under 'Journeywoman' for the two pages of galleries.
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Oct 05
by Julie in Arctic, Northern Sea Route, Russia - Northeastern Sea Route 0 comments

Polar Bear feast on whale Wrangel Island

“They look like sheep.. what do you think Max”, said Dr John aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy looking toward the cliffs and soft slopes of tundra Wrangel Island. “They’re Polar Bears”, said Max incredulously and asked Rodney Russ the Expedition leader of Heritage Expeditions to have a look for himself.   Rodney at first thought they were lumps of ice and Alexander Gruzdev from Wrangle Island State Nature reserve said initially that it couldn’t be Polar Bears because there wouldn’t be that many… but there WERE that many!   Within 15 minutes we quietly embarked into zodiacs to cruise slowly and quietly past this natural phenomenon difficult to adequately articulate.   181 – one hundred and eighty-one Polar Bears on the hillside around the carcass of a dead whale… with approximately 60 others walking towards the round-stoned beach.   Rangers from the island confirmed the presence of 260 bears that day; one mum with quadruplets; and many with triplets. There seemed to be a second mum with quads, but upon careful inspection it can be seen that the mum is endeavouring to herd away the fourth from her own triplets.   This Polar Bear feasting on a whale was an incredulous […]
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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
5 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
5 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.