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Aug 10
in Photography Teachings, Uncategorized 0 comments

Second “P”…. PASSION!

Ok….  I’ve shared about being PRESENT… now the second principle which I have found  really important in not only being able to ‘hear through my eyes’, but an important element in my life – is to have PASSION!.

To be able to really see, one must open not only one’s eyes, One must above all, open one’s heart.  Gaston Rebuffat. French Alpinist

 

fire-in-the-sky

 

The above image is a happy snap I took using my iPhone the other afternoon and posted recently on facebook….sharing how amazing the sky was this afternoon. While not a technically proficient photo,  it exemplifies for me – PASSION.

Whenever I see this image I recall how excited I felt when I saw and experienced the colours in the sky….how overwhelmed I felt with the beauty and wonder of nature… how much gratitude I felt for being alive… how full of life I truly felt…. how much I had this visceral
feeling of my heart and my insides just opening up!

I wanted to view the sky form different positions. I wanted to explore seeing the shapes and colours from different perspectives. I was curious about the changing colour from crimson, to orange, to pink, to grey. I was inquisitive how the light fringed the clouds and observed in awe how the colour change was so fluid and subtle yet powerful.

When I see this photo, I don’t want to feel the same things again… because I can’t. Each experience is unique and therefore has a unique feeling or emotion. I don’t want to remember to replicate or hang on to those feelings of excitement…. I see this image and use it as a reminder of the PASSION I felt; and the intensity of emotion…. the excitement and energy of my body whilst experiencing the clouds and colours of the sunset.

My PASSION is the excitement which drives my curiosity to explore. If I am not passionate about my life it is revealed through my photographs. If I am not passionate about my subject matter or the vision for my photographs, they will have little meaning; not only for myself – but for others as well.

I recall the PASSION and excitement I had when I saw for the first time my photographs of a vortex in water. I could not contain my excitement. I felt the fire in my belly. I felt alive. I was sooo excited about them. I knew something had stirred that flame in me which I had to explore further and express. I connected with a child-like wonder and the fascination where the sense of mystery and excitement was tangible in my body.

Sometimes it could be easy for me to let the PASSION for representing the world which I experience be taken over by the passion for my tools… which are beautiful cameras and lenses. For me, my works must have meaning…even happy snaps…. and these must be driven by my need to express something through my images… my curiosity to explore….my curiosity to experience….my curiosity for learning about myself.….rather than just the excitement I have for my tools.

Sometimes I’m not certain about what I actually want to say through my images…. but if I am guided by my PASSION, by opening my heart….by observing my visceral response to something; then I can listen and learn…. learn more about myself, and have a clearer understanding about what I want to say through my images, and what they have to say to me.

 

“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin

Next post…. 3rd “P”…be PLAYFUL !

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

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  • Dichotomy…
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  • Antarctica…. Patiently….
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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
  • Slow weaving. Simple stitches. 

Heirloom handwoven blanket from a meaningful memory. Have you been to a beach with these gorgeous coloured changing rooms? Where? 

My blankets are soulful gifts which say to someone that you care about them.

Pop to my website to see more of my journeys and unique artisan blankets. Link in BIO. 

#uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #artisanmade #heirloomquality #slowcrafted
  • My studio. A quiet space. Where the threads of memory come to life.

#handwoven #quietinteriors #heirloomquality #slowmade #studiopractice
  • Roadtrippin’ vintage car style. Our journeys aren’t your usual road trip, but tbh is the BEST way to experience the world. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. 

We would not have had the incredibly rich experiences with others throughout the world, had we been in a ‘normal’ vehicle or tour group. 

I would not have held the hands of women and hugged with acknowledgement of each other had we not been in our 100 year old ‘Penny’. 

Love to know the ways you’ve travelled where you’ve connected spontaneously with local people.

See our journeys and my artisan luxury handwoven blankets - Link in Bio

#roadtripping #vintagecar #luxuryhandmade #slowcrafted #over50andfabulous
  • Every journey becomes part of who I am. Remote travel is my passion! 

I love the snow and have learned so much from my experiences in those cold environments.

I spent some time lying in the snow beside the forest waiting to be found when I injured and tore all my ligaments in my knee. 

In the silence between the snowflakes I learned how to breathe with the pain. 

I miss the snow and cold of the Arctic. I miss the icebergs and frozen seas. 

I can still however weave my stories, and this one is from my memories of skiing and what I learned in the snow amongst the pines. 

More journeys, blankets and My Zine - link in Bio. 

#artisanhandmade #snowdayfun #over50andfabulous #livingbig #uniquegiftideas
  • Ulan Batar, Mongolia. How did we manage this? 

Well… it starts in our shed! This is where the magic starts. Well… actually, the magic usually starts in a cafe in Maleny, where Max and i hatch up plans for our next adventures!

At the moment, feeling very privileged and grateful to have travelled so much of the world, especially together with Max in our 1923 Vauxhall, Penny. 

These journeys have shaped who I am, and have taught me to be bold and resilient! 

Shortly I’ll be shifting my focus of our journeys as the inspiration for my artisan blankets more to my new account @juliesstudiojourneys; so love for you to pop there and follow me; and spread the love by sharing my account. 

See more in my Link in Bio. 
#over50andfabulous #badasswoman #uniquegiftideas #vintagecarrally #over50style
  • We like it like this. Not your usual way to travel. Not as glamorous as you may think though. 

Vintage car travelling is so much fun! Rich. Rewarding. Exhausting. 

Penny, our 1923 Vauxhall has carried us safely around the world.

These journeys provide me with the inspiration for my unique luxury handwoven blankets.

What do you think of this kind of roadtrip? 

 Love you to share my journeys with others and to see more.. Link in Bio.

#roadtripping #vintagecar #vintagecarsdaily #luxurygifts #adventuretravel
  • The warp in my weaving loom. Not a time warp.. although at times it seems like that in my studio! 

Pictured here is not a time warp. It is a loom warp; the long threads which form the structure of a woven piece. 

Do you want to see more of my studio and the process of my weaving. I have available Julie’s Studio Zine; no ordinary Zine. It’s a carefully curated doorway into my world; designed for the curious, the adventurous, the collectors; and those who appreciate creative and soulful living. 

Each issue includes some of my travels, a studio visit and my personal Gifting Guide, for if you are ever stuck finding a gift for someone you care about. Have a peek… Link in Bio.

#uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #luxurygiftideas #artisanmade #perfectgifts
  • I have a new account - just for my weaving. No knitting .. but journeys, stories woven into blankets; and my studio! @juliesstudiojourneys 

I’m an artisan weaver who weaves soulful blankets from my journeys around the world. I’m completing my series on my journey to Africa. ‘My memories of the ‘African Skies’ has inspired many truly beautiful blankets.

All of my handwoven blankets take time. I weave each one with intention and care. Every thread passes through my hands. Memories pass through my fingertips. 

Each of my blankets then becomes part of another’s story. I have a small number of these artisan blankets available to purchase for yourself; or the perfect gift for someone in your life who matters to you. 

I also write a Zine- no ordinary e-magazine! 

Julie’s Studio Zine One contains  Journals from my adventures; a peek into my studio; and my own Gifting Guide; to help you choose a soulful gift when you’re stuck to find the perfect gift for someone you care about. 

Follow my adventures, see how I weave my stories into artisan blankets; and have a look at my Zine. Have a peek - Link in Bio and come with me and follow @juliesstudiojourneys 

#luxurygifts #handwovenluxury #africantravel #perfectgiftidea #giftideasforhim
  • Why do I choose these colours for my handwoven blankets? 

As an artist, each and every work I create is an expression of my lived experience. I’ve woven this beautiful blanket from my experiences with my family in Africa.

My yarns and colours for each of my weavings are consciously chosen. I choose colours which I feel from my memories. As I weave, I let my instincts guide me in choosing from the colours I’ve gathered.

Colour is important. Every colour has a purpose. For me, it is the key to the soul of a piece.

No, I do not approach my weaving in a way that is “a good way to use up left-over or scrap yarn”. That is just not how I roll. 

If I were doing a painting, I would not use a paint colour just for the sake of ‘finishing it all up’, so why would I do that with my weaving? Would you? 

What do you think about the colour choices in my handwoven blankets? 

I’d also love to hear how you approach colour in your own creative work—comments, questions and DMs are always welcome.
 
Beautiful Yarns I’ve used in this blanket 
@louielolayarns  Merino Singles - Dusk Wings
@greatsouthernyarn,  Merino Elizabeth Macarthur - Yvette Coppersmith 
@viola.yarn - Merino - Crocus
@theurbanpurl High Twist Sock - Vintage Rose, Sock 4 ply - Hopeless Romantic
@litlg Moon - Pressed Flowers @skeinsisters 
@litlg Singles - French Lavender
@spincycle_yarns Metamorphic 
@walkcollection Cottage Merino, Powder
@hedgehogfibres Skinny Singles - Iris
@oystersandpurls BFL/Merino
@avfkw Flock - Hyacinth Marble
@treliz_colorispower , Psyche Deep End
@valley_maker , - Finn
@woollymammothfibres , Natural Sock
@garthenor Preseli - Orchid
@fibresmith Merino - Amethyst.

#uniquegiftideas #handwoven #artisan #africa
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@skeinydipping
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•
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Slow weaving. Simple stitches. Heirloom handwoven blanket from a meaningful memory. Have you been to a beach with these gorgeous coloured changing rooms? Where? My blankets are soulful gifts which say to someone that you care about them. Pop to my website to see more of my journeys and unique artisan blankets. Link in BIO. #uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #artisanmade #heirloomquality #slowcrafted
2 days ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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My studio. A quiet space. Where the threads of memory come to life. #handwoven #quietinteriors #heirloomquality #slowmade #studiopractice
3 days ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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Roadtrippin’ vintage car style. Our journeys aren’t your usual road trip, but tbh is the BEST way to experience the world. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. We would not have had the incredibly rich experiences with others throughout the world, had we been in a ‘normal’ vehicle or tour group. I would not have held the hands of women and hugged with acknowledgement of each other had we not been in our 100 year old ‘Penny’. Love to know the ways you’ve travelled where you’ve connected spontaneously with local people. See our journeys and my artisan luxury handwoven blankets - Link in Bio #roadtripping #vintagecar #luxuryhandmade #slowcrafted #over50andfabulous
5 days ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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Every journey becomes part of who I am. Remote travel is my passion! I love the snow and have learned so much from my experiences in those cold environments. I spent some time lying in the snow beside the forest waiting to be found when I injured and tore all my ligaments in my knee. In the silence between the snowflakes I learned how to breathe with the pain. I miss the snow and cold of the Arctic. I miss the icebergs and frozen seas. I can still however weave my stories, and this one is from my memories of skiing and what I learned in the snow amongst the pines. More journeys, blankets and My Zine - link in Bio. #artisanhandmade #snowdayfun #over50andfabulous #livingbig #uniquegiftideas
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
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@skeinydipping
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•
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Ulan Batar, Mongolia. How did we manage this? Well… it starts in our shed! This is where the magic starts. Well… actually, the magic usually starts in a cafe in Maleny, where Max and i hatch up plans for our next adventures! At the moment, feeling very privileged and grateful to have travelled so much of the world, especially together with Max in our 1923 Vauxhall, Penny. These journeys have shaped who I am, and have taught me to be bold and resilient! Shortly I’ll be shifting my focus of our journeys as the inspiration for my artisan blankets more to my new account @juliesstudiojourneys; so love for you to pop there and follow me; and spread the love by sharing my account. See more in my Link in Bio. #over50andfabulous #badasswoman #uniquegiftideas #vintagecarrally #over50style
1 week ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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We like it like this. Not your usual way to travel. Not as glamorous as you may think though. Vintage car travelling is so much fun! Rich. Rewarding. Exhausting. Penny, our 1923 Vauxhall has carried us safely around the world. These journeys provide me with the inspiration for my unique luxury handwoven blankets. What do you think of this kind of roadtrip? Love you to share my journeys with others and to see more.. Link in Bio. #roadtripping #vintagecar #vintagecarsdaily #luxurygifts #adventuretravel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
The warp in my weaving loom. Not a time warp.. although at times it seems like that in my studio! Pictured here is not a time warp. It is a loom warp; the long threads which form the structure of a woven piece. Do you want to see more of my studio and the process of my weaving. I have available Julie’s Studio Zine; no ordinary Zine. It’s a carefully curated doorway into my world; designed for the curious, the adventurous, the collectors; and those who appreciate creative and soulful living. Each issue includes some of my travels, a studio visit and my personal Gifting Guide, for if you are ever stuck finding a gift for someone you care about. Have a peek… Link in Bio. #uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #luxurygiftideas #artisanmade #perfectgifts
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
I have a new account - just for my weaving. No knitting .. but journeys, stories woven into blankets; and my studio! @juliesstudiojourneys I’m an artisan weaver who weaves soulful blankets from my journeys around the world. I’m completing my series on my journey to Africa. ‘My memories of the ‘African Skies’ has inspired many truly beautiful blankets. All of my handwoven blankets take time. I weave each one with intention and care. Every thread passes through my hands. Memories pass through my fingertips. Each of my blankets then becomes part of another’s story. I have a small number of these artisan blankets available to purchase for yourself; or the perfect gift for someone in your life who matters to you. I also write a Zine- no ordinary e-magazine! Julie’s Studio Zine One contains Journals from my adventures; a peek into my studio; and my own Gifting Guide; to help you choose a soulful gift when you’re stuck to find the perfect gift for someone you care about. Follow my adventures, see how I weave my stories into artisan blankets; and have a look at my Zine. Have a peek - Link in Bio and come with me and follow @juliesstudiojourneys #luxurygifts #handwovenluxury #africantravel #perfectgiftidea #giftideasforhim
3 weeks ago
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@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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Why do I choose these colours for my handwoven blankets? As an artist, each and every work I create is an expression of my lived experience. I’ve woven this beautiful blanket from my experiences with my family in Africa. My yarns and colours for each of my weavings are consciously chosen. I choose colours which I feel from my memories. As I weave, I let my instincts guide me in choosing from the colours I’ve gathered. Colour is important. Every colour has a purpose. For me, it is the key to the soul of a piece. No, I do not approach my weaving in a way that is “a good way to use up left-over or scrap yarn”. That is just not how I roll. If I were doing a painting, I would not use a paint colour just for the sake of ‘finishing it all up’, so why would I do that with my weaving? Would you? What do you think about the colour choices in my handwoven blankets? I’d also love to hear how you approach colour in your own creative work—comments, questions and DMs are always welcome. Beautiful Yarns I’ve used in this blanket @louielolayarns Merino Singles - Dusk Wings @greatsouthernyarn, Merino Elizabeth Macarthur - Yvette Coppersmith @viola.yarn - Merino - Crocus @theurbanpurl High Twist Sock - Vintage Rose, Sock 4 ply - Hopeless Romantic @litlg Moon - Pressed Flowers @skeinsisters @litlg Singles - French Lavender @spincycle_yarns Metamorphic @walkcollection Cottage Merino, Powder @hedgehogfibres Skinny Singles - Iris @oystersandpurls BFL/Merino @avfkw Flock - Hyacinth Marble @treliz_colorispower , Psyche Deep End @valley_maker , - Finn @woollymammothfibres , Natural Sock @garthenor Preseli - Orchid @fibresmith Merino - Amethyst. #uniquegiftideas #handwoven #artisan #africa
2 months 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
  • Slow weaving. Simple stitches. 

Heirloom handwoven blanket from a meaningful memory. Have you been to a beach with these gorgeous coloured changing rooms? Where? 

My blankets are soulful gifts which say to someone that you care about them.

Pop to my website to see more of my journeys and unique artisan blankets. Link in BIO. 

#uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #artisanmade #heirloomquality #slowcrafted
  • My studio. A quiet space. Where the threads of memory come to life.

#handwoven #quietinteriors #heirloomquality #slowmade #studiopractice
  • Roadtrippin’ vintage car style. Our journeys aren’t your usual road trip, but tbh is the BEST way to experience the world. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. 

We would not have had the incredibly rich experiences with others throughout the world, had we been in a ‘normal’ vehicle or tour group. 

I would not have held the hands of women and hugged with acknowledgement of each other had we not been in our 100 year old ‘Penny’. 

Love to know the ways you’ve travelled where you’ve connected spontaneously with local people.

See our journeys and my artisan luxury handwoven blankets - Link in Bio

#roadtripping #vintagecar #luxuryhandmade #slowcrafted #over50andfabulous
  • Every journey becomes part of who I am. Remote travel is my passion! 

I love the snow and have learned so much from my experiences in those cold environments.

I spent some time lying in the snow beside the forest waiting to be found when I injured and tore all my ligaments in my knee. 

In the silence between the snowflakes I learned how to breathe with the pain. 

I miss the snow and cold of the Arctic. I miss the icebergs and frozen seas. 

I can still however weave my stories, and this one is from my memories of skiing and what I learned in the snow amongst the pines. 

More journeys, blankets and My Zine - link in Bio. 

#artisanhandmade #snowdayfun #over50andfabulous #livingbig #uniquegiftideas
  • Ulan Batar, Mongolia. How did we manage this? 

Well… it starts in our shed! This is where the magic starts. Well… actually, the magic usually starts in a cafe in Maleny, where Max and i hatch up plans for our next adventures!

At the moment, feeling very privileged and grateful to have travelled so much of the world, especially together with Max in our 1923 Vauxhall, Penny. 

These journeys have shaped who I am, and have taught me to be bold and resilient! 

Shortly I’ll be shifting my focus of our journeys as the inspiration for my artisan blankets more to my new account @juliesstudiojourneys; so love for you to pop there and follow me; and spread the love by sharing my account. 

See more in my Link in Bio. 
#over50andfabulous #badasswoman #uniquegiftideas #vintagecarrally #over50style
  • We like it like this. Not your usual way to travel. Not as glamorous as you may think though. 

Vintage car travelling is so much fun! Rich. Rewarding. Exhausting. 

Penny, our 1923 Vauxhall has carried us safely around the world.

These journeys provide me with the inspiration for my unique luxury handwoven blankets.

What do you think of this kind of roadtrip? 

 Love you to share my journeys with others and to see more.. Link in Bio.

#roadtripping #vintagecar #vintagecarsdaily #luxurygifts #adventuretravel
  • The warp in my weaving loom. Not a time warp.. although at times it seems like that in my studio! 

Pictured here is not a time warp. It is a loom warp; the long threads which form the structure of a woven piece. 

Do you want to see more of my studio and the process of my weaving. I have available Julie’s Studio Zine; no ordinary Zine. It’s a carefully curated doorway into my world; designed for the curious, the adventurous, the collectors; and those who appreciate creative and soulful living. 

Each issue includes some of my travels, a studio visit and my personal Gifting Guide, for if you are ever stuck finding a gift for someone you care about. Have a peek… Link in Bio.

#uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #luxurygiftideas #artisanmade #perfectgifts
  • I have a new account - just for my weaving. No knitting .. but journeys, stories woven into blankets; and my studio! @juliesstudiojourneys 

I’m an artisan weaver who weaves soulful blankets from my journeys around the world. I’m completing my series on my journey to Africa. ‘My memories of the ‘African Skies’ has inspired many truly beautiful blankets.

All of my handwoven blankets take time. I weave each one with intention and care. Every thread passes through my hands. Memories pass through my fingertips. 

Each of my blankets then becomes part of another’s story. I have a small number of these artisan blankets available to purchase for yourself; or the perfect gift for someone in your life who matters to you. 

I also write a Zine- no ordinary e-magazine! 

Julie’s Studio Zine One contains  Journals from my adventures; a peek into my studio; and my own Gifting Guide; to help you choose a soulful gift when you’re stuck to find the perfect gift for someone you care about. 

Follow my adventures, see how I weave my stories into artisan blankets; and have a look at my Zine. Have a peek - Link in Bio and come with me and follow @juliesstudiojourneys 

#luxurygifts #handwovenluxury #africantravel #perfectgiftidea #giftideasforhim
  • Why do I choose these colours for my handwoven blankets? 

As an artist, each and every work I create is an expression of my lived experience. I’ve woven this beautiful blanket from my experiences with my family in Africa.

My yarns and colours for each of my weavings are consciously chosen. I choose colours which I feel from my memories. As I weave, I let my instincts guide me in choosing from the colours I’ve gathered.

Colour is important. Every colour has a purpose. For me, it is the key to the soul of a piece.

No, I do not approach my weaving in a way that is “a good way to use up left-over or scrap yarn”. That is just not how I roll. 

If I were doing a painting, I would not use a paint colour just for the sake of ‘finishing it all up’, so why would I do that with my weaving? Would you? 

What do you think about the colour choices in my handwoven blankets? 

I’d also love to hear how you approach colour in your own creative work—comments, questions and DMs are always welcome.
 
Beautiful Yarns I’ve used in this blanket 
@louielolayarns  Merino Singles - Dusk Wings
@greatsouthernyarn,  Merino Elizabeth Macarthur - Yvette Coppersmith 
@viola.yarn - Merino - Crocus
@theurbanpurl High Twist Sock - Vintage Rose, Sock 4 ply - Hopeless Romantic
@litlg Moon - Pressed Flowers @skeinsisters 
@litlg Singles - French Lavender
@spincycle_yarns Metamorphic 
@walkcollection Cottage Merino, Powder
@hedgehogfibres Skinny Singles - Iris
@oystersandpurls BFL/Merino
@avfkw Flock - Hyacinth Marble
@treliz_colorispower , Psyche Deep End
@valley_maker , - Finn
@woollymammothfibres , Natural Sock
@garthenor Preseli - Orchid
@fibresmith Merino - Amethyst.

#uniquegiftideas #handwoven #artisan #africa
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
Slow weaving. Simple stitches. Heirloom handwoven blanket from a meaningful memory. Have you been to a beach with these gorgeous coloured changing rooms? Where? My blankets are soulful gifts which say to someone that you care about them. Pop to my website to see more of my journeys and unique artisan blankets. Link in BIO. #uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #artisanmade #heirloomquality #slowcrafted
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
My studio. A quiet space. Where the threads of memory come to life. #handwoven #quietinteriors #heirloomquality #slowmade #studiopractice
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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Roadtrippin’ vintage car style. Our journeys aren’t your usual road trip, but tbh is the BEST way to experience the world. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. We would not have had the incredibly rich experiences with others throughout the world, had we been in a ‘normal’ vehicle or tour group. I would not have held the hands of women and hugged with acknowledgement of each other had we not been in our 100 year old ‘Penny’. Love to know the ways you’ve travelled where you’ve connected spontaneously with local people. See our journeys and my artisan luxury handwoven blankets - Link in Bio #roadtripping #vintagecar #luxuryhandmade #slowcrafted #over50andfabulous
5 days ago
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3/9
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Every journey becomes part of who I am. Remote travel is my passion! I love the snow and have learned so much from my experiences in those cold environments. I spent some time lying in the snow beside the forest waiting to be found when I injured and tore all my ligaments in my knee. In the silence between the snowflakes I learned how to breathe with the pain. I miss the snow and cold of the Arctic. I miss the icebergs and frozen seas. I can still however weave my stories, and this one is from my memories of skiing and what I learned in the snow amongst the pines. More journeys, blankets and My Zine - link in Bio. #artisanhandmade #snowdayfun #over50andfabulous #livingbig #uniquegiftideas
1 week ago
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4/9
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Ulan Batar, Mongolia. How did we manage this? Well… it starts in our shed! This is where the magic starts. Well… actually, the magic usually starts in a cafe in Maleny, where Max and i hatch up plans for our next adventures! At the moment, feeling very privileged and grateful to have travelled so much of the world, especially together with Max in our 1923 Vauxhall, Penny. These journeys have shaped who I am, and have taught me to be bold and resilient! Shortly I’ll be shifting my focus of our journeys as the inspiration for my artisan blankets more to my new account @juliesstudiojourneys; so love for you to pop there and follow me; and spread the love by sharing my account. See more in my Link in Bio. #over50andfabulous #badasswoman #uniquegiftideas #vintagecarrally #over50style
1 week ago
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5/9
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We like it like this. Not your usual way to travel. Not as glamorous as you may think though. Vintage car travelling is so much fun! Rich. Rewarding. Exhausting. Penny, our 1923 Vauxhall has carried us safely around the world. These journeys provide me with the inspiration for my unique luxury handwoven blankets. What do you think of this kind of roadtrip? Love you to share my journeys with others and to see more.. Link in Bio. #roadtripping #vintagecar #vintagecarsdaily #luxurygifts #adventuretravel
2 weeks ago
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6/9
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The warp in my weaving loom. Not a time warp.. although at times it seems like that in my studio! Pictured here is not a time warp. It is a loom warp; the long threads which form the structure of a woven piece. Do you want to see more of my studio and the process of my weaving. I have available Julie’s Studio Zine; no ordinary Zine. It’s a carefully curated doorway into my world; designed for the curious, the adventurous, the collectors; and those who appreciate creative and soulful living. Each issue includes some of my travels, a studio visit and my personal Gifting Guide, for if you are ever stuck finding a gift for someone you care about. Have a peek… Link in Bio. #uniquegiftideas #handwovenblanket #luxurygiftideas #artisanmade #perfectgifts
2 weeks ago
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7/9
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I have a new account - just for my weaving. No knitting .. but journeys, stories woven into blankets; and my studio! @juliesstudiojourneys I’m an artisan weaver who weaves soulful blankets from my journeys around the world. I’m completing my series on my journey to Africa. ‘My memories of the ‘African Skies’ has inspired many truly beautiful blankets. All of my handwoven blankets take time. I weave each one with intention and care. Every thread passes through my hands. Memories pass through my fingertips. Each of my blankets then becomes part of another’s story. I have a small number of these artisan blankets available to purchase for yourself; or the perfect gift for someone in your life who matters to you. I also write a Zine- no ordinary e-magazine! Julie’s Studio Zine One contains Journals from my adventures; a peek into my studio; and my own Gifting Guide; to help you choose a soulful gift when you’re stuck to find the perfect gift for someone you care about. Follow my adventures, see how I weave my stories into artisan blankets; and have a look at my Zine. Have a peek - Link in Bio and come with me and follow @juliesstudiojourneys #luxurygifts #handwovenluxury #africantravel #perfectgiftidea #giftideasforhim
3 weeks ago
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8/9
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Why do I choose these colours for my handwoven blankets? As an artist, each and every work I create is an expression of my lived experience. I’ve woven this beautiful blanket from my experiences with my family in Africa. My yarns and colours for each of my weavings are consciously chosen. I choose colours which I feel from my memories. As I weave, I let my instincts guide me in choosing from the colours I’ve gathered. Colour is important. Every colour has a purpose. For me, it is the key to the soul of a piece. No, I do not approach my weaving in a way that is “a good way to use up left-over or scrap yarn”. That is just not how I roll. If I were doing a painting, I would not use a paint colour just for the sake of ‘finishing it all up’, so why would I do that with my weaving? Would you? What do you think about the colour choices in my handwoven blankets? I’d also love to hear how you approach colour in your own creative work—comments, questions and DMs are always welcome. Beautiful Yarns I’ve used in this blanket @louielolayarns Merino Singles - Dusk Wings @greatsouthernyarn, Merino Elizabeth Macarthur - Yvette Coppersmith @viola.yarn - Merino - Crocus @theurbanpurl High Twist Sock - Vintage Rose, Sock 4 ply - Hopeless Romantic @litlg Moon - Pressed Flowers @skeinsisters @litlg Singles - French Lavender @spincycle_yarns Metamorphic @walkcollection Cottage Merino, Powder @hedgehogfibres Skinny Singles - Iris @oystersandpurls BFL/Merino @avfkw Flock - Hyacinth Marble @treliz_colorispower , Psyche Deep End @valley_maker , - Finn @woollymammothfibres , Natural Sock @garthenor Preseli - Orchid @fibresmith Merino - Amethyst. #uniquegiftideas #handwoven #artisan #africa
2 months ago
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9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.