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Curious. Creative. Living Boldly.
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    • Bangkok to London
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      • 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
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    • About Julie Stephenson
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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.
Read More
Journal Categories
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  • Northern Sea Route
  • Peking to Paris Journal Posts
  • India and Bhutan
  • Antarctica Journal Posts
  • Greenland Journal Posts
  • Morocco Journal Posts
  • Tonga Journal Posts
  • Photography Teaching Journal Posts
  • Inspirations Journal Posts
  • Books
@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
  • What’s the plan? Where do I start? How do I organise my colours for hand weaving my blankets? 

There’s a plot twist. LOL

I don’t ever have a plan!

 I like to use my intuition and just go with the flow! 

All my blankets are amazing, despite having no plan.

Love to know if you plan your creative projects?

Her’s an example that you could spread the word on….that you don’t necessarily need a plan for your creative pieces. 

#artisanmade #handweaving #weaving #protip #weaver
  • With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?!

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

‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’

That’s it! 

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

For more - Come follow along! 

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

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

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

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

Love to know how you go!

For more creative tips - come along and follow!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come follow along with me! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s a plot twist. LOL

I don’t ever have a plan!

 I like to use my intuition and just go with the flow! 

All my blankets are amazing, despite having no plan.

Love to know if you plan your creative projects?

Her’s an example that you could spread the word on….that you don’t necessarily need a plan for your creative pieces. 

#artisanmade #handweaving #weaving #protip #weaver
  • With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?!

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

‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’

That’s it! 

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

For more - Come follow along! 

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

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

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

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

Love to know how you go!

For more creative tips - come along and follow!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come follow along with me! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
What’s the plan? Where do I start? How do I organise my colours for hand weaving my blankets?  There’s a plot twist. LOL I don’t ever have a plan!  I like to use my intuition and just go with the flow!  All my blankets are amazing, despite having no plan. Love to know if you plan your creative projects? Her’s an example that you could spread the word on….that you don’t necessarily need a plan for your creative pieces. #artisanmade #handweaving #weaving #protip #weaver
18 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
With my little fingers I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and be a part of my creative expression, 55 years later.  Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories; here and there’s also more in my Link in Bio. #madebyhand #embroideryartist #textileartist #handwoven #embroiderylove
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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An item I made 55 years ago has unwittingly earned its place in my small treasure box — a place it now so obviously deserves. At nine years old, I had no idea I would now be embroidering stitches on blankets I’d hand woven from memories of my journeys around the world.  Something I enjoyed as a child, I must have sensed deep within me was important — something I would one day return to.  With my young fingers and hands, I was unknowingly laying the foundations for what would nourish me and become an expression of who I am. Stitching these motifs is the ritual completion of the blanket. For me it encompasses gratitude for all that has gone into its creation; from my experiences to the processes of weaving.  These motifs I keep secret until the blanket finds its new home — just a little surprise for its new owner. My current Kolkata, Mullik Ghat series will be released in a few weeks time. What’s something you’ve continued that you’re surprised you started in childhood? Come along and join me for more of my stitched and woven stories. #artisanmade #embroidered #embroideryart #weaving #fibreart
3 days ago
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3/9
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What would I use this basket for?  For 45 years, I’ve loved to feel natural fleece in my hands. There’s something very humbling about recognising where wool originates, and feeling the soft greasy fleece in my hands is very special; and to be able to weave into my blankets some of my own handspun yarn is very gratifying.   I like to rinse the fleece before preparing and spinning it.  I’ve tried several methods and this one suits me best, and the basket is perfect. Allows gentle rinsing without any felting. Why not save this tip to try, if you can get your hands onto some greasy fleece, and for more come follow along. #weaving #Handspinning #fleece #fibreart #weaver
1 week ago
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4/9
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This is my top number ONE Pro-tip. Do you want meaningful work - or empty trash?! I’m a visual artist and weaver, and this number one tip for meaningful work is for all creatives and your chosen medium!  ‘Tell your stories from your own experiences!’ That’s it!  My latest body of work is based on the Mullik Ghat markets in Kolkata India, where we drove our vintage car through India, Bhutan and Myanmar.   For more - Come follow along! #artisanmade #roadtripindia #weaving #creativetips #protip
2 weeks ago
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The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata; was incredible! I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply, and is the foundation for my current body of work. The key to creating work with meaning, whether you’re a weaver or using another medium; is to tell your own stories from your lived experience. Perhaps you could save this tip to try for your next project; and instead of thinking about things like colour or shape; why not think of a memory instead. Love to know how you go! For more creative tips - come along and follow! #creativetips #kolkata #weaving #travelart #madebyhand
2 weeks ago
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6/9
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Here’s a different kind of pro-tip; and it comes from a lifetime of unexpected surprises! It’s never just about technique, but it’s all about telling stories from our lived experience. I wasn’t expecting this place to leave its mark so deeply.  The cacophony of fragrance and colour on the backdrop of damp grey fog of the Mullik Ghat Markets Kolkata, India ; was incredible! As an artist, the most valuable insight I’ve gained is that meaningful work must come from lived experience.  Technique alone can create pieces, but only lived experience can fill them with meaning.  Whether you are a weaver or a creative working in another medium, the key to creating work with meaning is to tell your personal stories. Connect with your memory before you even think of colour or shape. Give it a try! Perhaps you could save, and try this pro-tip for your next project and see how your work evolves with this dedicated intention. For more - come Follow along. #artisanmade #roadtrip #interiordesign #protip #weaving
2 weeks ago
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7/9
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When I begin weaving, I have no idea what it will end up looking like I never have a plan because I weave intuitively from my memories Here I’m weaving my memories from the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  As I weave, I roll it, then becomes hidden. It’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets when I unroll it from my loom. You could try this in your form of art as well. . Try starting with a memory, and remember the colours of your experiences. You can save this idea for your next project; and for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio. Come follow along with me! #weaving #weavingloom #weavinglife #madebyhand #artisanmade
3 weeks ago
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8/9
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Weaving is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” When I begin weaving, I have no idea how it will turn out. I always start with memories; and I never have a plan.  In my latest Series, I’m weaving my memories from our vintage car roadtrip; and the Mullik Ghat flower markets in Kolkata, India.  Colour is my thing. I don’t have a colour plan because I weave intuitively, and I don’t remember what colours I’ve used. As I weave, I roll the fabric onto the back beam, and it then becomes hidden. When I’ve finished the weaving and I unroll my  piece from the back beam - it’s always such a surprise to see my stories revealed in my blankets.  Why don’t you try to weave without a plan? You could try this in any creative medium as well. Start with a memory, and remember the colours of that experience. Then just go for it, and play!  You can save this tip for later; for my journal notes on inspiration for this series - Kolkata; pop to my link in Bio; and for more creative ideas, come follow along. #handweaving #madebyhand #arttips #roadtripindia #weaver
3 weeks ago
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9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.