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      • Kolkata
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      • 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
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      • Ymer Island…
      • Zodiacs and Icebergs!!!
      • Ittorqqortoormiit
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Oct 30
by Julie in Books, Ecological Conservation, Tonga 0 comments

“Where Do They GO”…. Swimming with whales in Tonga – Book for Oceanographic Conservation

I'm so excited to announce an upcoming venture to support oceanographic conservation through the sale of the publication of my new book "Where Do They Go" in both e-book and hard cover print format. You can have a sneak peek of the online Flip book here Click to view my beautiful ONLINE Flipbook  
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Dec 20
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Video of Whale photos

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Nov 02
by Julie in Tonga 1 comments

Trying not to spill my guts…and an amazing privilege…

Under the meandering cover of the Milky Way, with phosphorescence spraying from the hull of the small dingy and an intermittent scanning pass from a headlamp to ensure we didn’t hit any other boats whose own intermittent use of their headlamp was less than ours… I held my stomach ensuring.....
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Oct 12
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

“..Say where do you go…” Only forwards… can’t go backwards.

“Say where do you go…” from Roady by Fat Freddy’s Drop is a lyric which grooved through dinner at Mandala Island Resort and accompanies my thoughts now as I reflect and revisit my photos. … So … where do they go?? – Into the mystery of the unknown…. and only forwards… Whales can’t go backwards.... so there's no looking back!!!...
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Oct 12
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Another world… Whale swimming in Tonga….

Another world.... in the whales world... we are in their home.... welcomed into their space...
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Oct 11
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

How does one swim with whales in Tonga???

"In the water"... "Go" "Go".... gulps of salt water... veils of bubbles enveloping my foggy mask... searching in the endless stripes of blue for a feint hint of white or black....hearing clicks and squeaks of groaning whalesong (absolutely NOTHING like on those relaxation CD's!!!)..then like stealth submarines with effortless propulsion THEY appeared!!! I forgot I had a camera in my hand. After a quick lift-up and dunk ....
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Oct 07
by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Silent Flight …. More…. & Swimming with Whales in Tonga

After each series of encounters swimming with various whales, there was a point where I knew and felt content that it was time for us to move on and leave the whales to get on with doing their 'own thing'....or to feel the cooler air and the softer light on my back to return to a little cafe at the pier where the delight of roasted coconut and salty, hand-cut, hot chips accompanied reflections and words which best described the day for each of us.... but secretly did I want more? Throughout the day often ...
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Oct 07
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Underwater Photography, Whales in Tonga; Canon G16 Recsea Housing; My Mistake; Lost Opportunities & Learning

Yes... after some absence and time of sporadic and inconsistent posting, I would like to fill you in..
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Oct 11
by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Dreams from uncertain depths…..

After a wonderful and profound experience in Tonga on a Whaleswim Adventure... above is a small selection from a series of images inspired by experiences I will cherish always.
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Feb 17
by Julie in Inspirations, Tonga, Wisdom and Inspiration 2 comments

“Try and be a piece of paper with nothing on it……

"Try and be a sheet of paper with nothing on it. Be a spot of ground where nothing is growing, where something might be planted, a seed, possibly, from the Absolute." ~ Rumi
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Oct 16
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

Markets in Vava’u

Dreamcatcher was still moored off the jetty as our little van meandered
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Oct 14
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Flying Whales….

This is so often what I saw. An imaginary world. Freedom.
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Oct 14
by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Pilot whales in Tonga… an exhilarating experience and so much fun!!

In the rough water on a very windy day we spotted the misty spray of the blowing of air from a surfacing Humpback
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Oct 13
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

Whale calf wants to play… whaleswim in Tonga continues

... I would like to share some photographs of a magical swim
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Oct 10
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

……More whales in Tonga

After my epiphany and recognition about being humble
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Oct 02
by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

A lesson in humility – the whales choose…..

After a couple of wonderful days interacting with the whales; with every time we went into the water I had amazing experiences
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Oct 01
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 1 comments

Swimming with the whales!!! At last!!!

Finally.... a whole life of wishing and dreaming... and FINALLY
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Oct 01
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Whaleswim adventure to begin!

James met me at the sandy beach and took me to Talau House which was to be my home with 6 other guests for the next 10 days or so. I was greeted by Theresa and was adorned with a frangapani and bouganvillia lei
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Sep 17
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Two days at Reef Resort – Kapa Island – Tonga

..... back to my adventure. I was collected by two beautiful locals to be trasferred a short distance
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Sep 14
by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Fiji airport; Nukuʻalofa then Vava’u

It does take a bit of getting to Tonga - especially the way I did
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Sep 12
by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Excitement on the runway

I have had an absolutely incredible time on my journey to Tonga to swim with the whales. It started like this.....
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Aug 27
by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

no more sleeps to go …. whaleswim in Tonga!

.... yep... no more sleeps to go before I am off on my 50th birthday present to myself.
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Journal Categories
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  • Antarctica Journal Posts
  • Greenland Journal Posts
  • Morocco Journal Posts
  • Tonga Journal Posts
  • Photography Teaching Journal Posts
  • Inspirations Journal Posts
  • Books
@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 Luxury Handwoven Blankets 🌏Stories from life & global adventures 🧩Woven into unique collector pieces Explore ⬇️
  • So many of you have shared that your pieces seem boring after you’ve spent hours with your heart and soul weaving them. 

I have some ideas. Tip ONE to stop you from repeating making projects you don’t really love.

Try this - 
Recall a place you’ve been that’s moved you. Remember the colours. Start there! 

Keep watching and spread the world to come to my space to learn how to look at your weaving in a whole new way!
  • Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? 

You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! 

Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
  • Theres a saying about looking for a needle… but this time in the loom box! {tip} I suspect it won’t be found there! Hehe 

A needle however is a very necessary accompaniment to a loom.

Who would have thought there was so much sewing in weaving? Hemstitching is a thing!! AND absolutely imperative! 
Now you know! Let others know as well!
  • Tips and techniques are the starting point to make sound handwoven pieces, but after that- it’s up to you to spend all those hours weaving something that just doesn’t fill in the time. You will never truly be happy with that. 

Come follow along to glean some insights into making pieces that are meaningful to you and bring a deeper sense of accomplishment alongside pieces that you actually love.
  • It’s warping day. On a previous reel I explained what a warp was. Today in my studio I need to tension warp threads to wind the warp onto the rear beam.  

I can’t be at both ends at the same time, so being a rather practical person, I came up with a plan! Perfect solution! Doesn’t save me going to the gym though! hehehe

Here I’m using my fabulous Ashford Rigid Heddle 48” / 120cm loom. 

You can save this for future reference; and to see how important it is for me to be resourceful so that I can satisfy my inner need to weave soulful blankets; come along and follow me. 

#handweaving #madebyhand #warping
  • If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? 

Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
  • Your weaving isn’t valued because it looks like it was made by a machine.
It is valued because it didn’t! 
Come along for tips, ideas and inspiration; as we create what is valued - together.
  • Just realised that perfection in your weaving isn’t the goal? Perfection isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Machines can do that. Soul-less. What you create with your own hands is unique and unreplicable. 
Come join me as we weave our own life stories through our own hands.
  • Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! 

Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? 
Come follow along!
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
So many of you have shared that your pieces seem boring after you’ve spent hours with your heart and soul weaving them. I have some ideas. Tip ONE to stop you from repeating making projects you don’t really love. Try this - Recall a place you’ve been that’s moved you. Remember the colours. Start there! Keep watching and spread the world to come to my space to learn how to look at your weaving in a whole new way!
21 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? 

You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! 

Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Theres a saying about looking for a needle… but this time in the loom box! {tip} I suspect it won’t be found there! Hehe A needle however is a very necessary accompaniment to a loom. Who would have thought there was so much sewing in weaving? Hemstitching is a thing!! AND absolutely imperative!  Now you know! Let others know as well!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Tips and techniques are the starting point to make sound handwoven pieces, but after that- it’s up to you to spend all those hours weaving something that just doesn’t fill in the time. You will never truly be happy with that. Come follow along to glean some insights into making pieces that are meaningful to you and bring a deeper sense of accomplishment alongside pieces that you actually love.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
It’s warping day. On a previous reel I explained what a warp was. Today in my studio I need to tension warp threads to wind the warp onto the rear beam.   I can’t be at both ends at the same time, so being a rather practical person, I came up with a plan! Perfect solution! Doesn’t save me going to the gym though! hehehe Here I’m using my fabulous Ashford Rigid Heddle 48” / 120cm loom. You can save this for future reference; and to see how important it is for me to be resourceful so that I can satisfy my inner need to weave soulful blankets; come along and follow me. #handweaving #madebyhand #warping
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? 

Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Your weaving isn’t valued because it looks like it was made by a machine. It is valued because it didn’t!  Come along for tips, ideas and inspiration; as we create what is valued - together.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Just realised that perfection in your weaving isn’t the goal? Perfection isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Machines can do that. Soul-less. What you create with your own hands is unique and unreplicable.  Come join me as we weave our own life stories through our own hands.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! 

Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? 
Come follow along!
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? Come follow along!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

 

 

 

@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 Luxury Handwoven Blankets 🌏Stories from life & global adventures 🧩Woven into unique collector pieces Explore ⬇️
  • So many of you have shared that your pieces seem boring after you’ve spent hours with your heart and soul weaving them. 

I have some ideas. Tip ONE to stop you from repeating making projects you don’t really love.

Try this - 
Recall a place you’ve been that’s moved you. Remember the colours. Start there! 

Keep watching and spread the world to come to my space to learn how to look at your weaving in a whole new way!
  • Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? 

You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! 

Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
  • Theres a saying about looking for a needle… but this time in the loom box! {tip} I suspect it won’t be found there! Hehe 

A needle however is a very necessary accompaniment to a loom.

Who would have thought there was so much sewing in weaving? Hemstitching is a thing!! AND absolutely imperative! 
Now you know! Let others know as well!
  • Tips and techniques are the starting point to make sound handwoven pieces, but after that- it’s up to you to spend all those hours weaving something that just doesn’t fill in the time. You will never truly be happy with that. 

Come follow along to glean some insights into making pieces that are meaningful to you and bring a deeper sense of accomplishment alongside pieces that you actually love.
  • It’s warping day. On a previous reel I explained what a warp was. Today in my studio I need to tension warp threads to wind the warp onto the rear beam.  

I can’t be at both ends at the same time, so being a rather practical person, I came up with a plan! Perfect solution! Doesn’t save me going to the gym though! hehehe

Here I’m using my fabulous Ashford Rigid Heddle 48” / 120cm loom. 

You can save this for future reference; and to see how important it is for me to be resourceful so that I can satisfy my inner need to weave soulful blankets; come along and follow me. 

#handweaving #madebyhand #warping
  • If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? 

Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
  • Your weaving isn’t valued because it looks like it was made by a machine.
It is valued because it didn’t! 
Come along for tips, ideas and inspiration; as we create what is valued - together.
  • Just realised that perfection in your weaving isn’t the goal? Perfection isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Machines can do that. Soul-less. What you create with your own hands is unique and unreplicable. 
Come join me as we weave our own life stories through our own hands.
  • Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! 

Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? 
Come follow along!
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
So many of you have shared that your pieces seem boring after you’ve spent hours with your heart and soul weaving them. I have some ideas. Tip ONE to stop you from repeating making projects you don’t really love. Try this - Recall a place you’ve been that’s moved you. Remember the colours. Start there! Keep watching and spread the world to come to my space to learn how to look at your weaving in a whole new way!
21 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? 

You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! 

Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Underwhelmed with your finished piece that has taken you sooooo long to weave? You’ve grasped basic weaving techniques, and you’re stuck making the same old things - without the ‘feels’! Come along and glean some insights into making your time weaving worthwhile; by weaving pieces that shift from being just ‘nice’ fabric; to something very special.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Theres a saying about looking for a needle… but this time in the loom box! {tip} I suspect it won’t be found there! Hehe A needle however is a very necessary accompaniment to a loom. Who would have thought there was so much sewing in weaving? Hemstitching is a thing!! AND absolutely imperative!  Now you know! Let others know as well!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Tips and techniques are the starting point to make sound handwoven pieces, but after that- it’s up to you to spend all those hours weaving something that just doesn’t fill in the time. You will never truly be happy with that. Come follow along to glean some insights into making pieces that are meaningful to you and bring a deeper sense of accomplishment alongside pieces that you actually love.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
It’s warping day. On a previous reel I explained what a warp was. Today in my studio I need to tension warp threads to wind the warp onto the rear beam.   I can’t be at both ends at the same time, so being a rather practical person, I came up with a plan! Perfect solution! Doesn’t save me going to the gym though! hehehe Here I’m using my fabulous Ashford Rigid Heddle 48” / 120cm loom. You can save this for future reference; and to see how important it is for me to be resourceful so that I can satisfy my inner need to weave soulful blankets; come along and follow me. #handweaving #madebyhand #warping
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? 

Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
If this doesn’t look like you running to your studio to weave, perhaps you need some creative inspiration? Come follow along and see if you can find yourself some tips and creative mojo to get you running to your loom like I do!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Your weaving isn’t valued because it looks like it was made by a machine. It is valued because it didn’t!  Come along for tips, ideas and inspiration; as we create what is valued - together.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Just realised that perfection in your weaving isn’t the goal? Perfection isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Machines can do that. Soul-less. What you create with your own hands is unique and unreplicable.  Come join me as we weave our own life stories through our own hands.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! 

Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? 
Come follow along!
View Reel on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Want perfection? Use a machine. Your hands are the whole point. Your hands leave traces that your pieces are made by a human. Your own lived experience. Soul-filled! Want your own handmade - creative inspiration, tips and ideas? Come follow along!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.