Wednesday 15 June 2011

All Change .... again!


Phew! This is about how I feel at the moment - I could just turn turtle and let everything go.
It's been an exhausting few weeks. Every time I think I've just got a hold on all the different threads, one of them slips, and I have to race to grab it, and try not to let them all get tangled again.
There has been the major issue of a car bill for £1600 - but Thank Goodness I AM mobile again. And vet's fees. And a pony with a sore back that needed a new saddle. The owl daughter rode bareback for a couple of weeks, but Marlene needed a good saddle that was comfy. Studio rent combined with Steve going into hospital for an op (not major, but means a couple of weeks off work). Etc.....




So this meant I needed a rethink, and the upshot of that was the decision to pull out of the nice rented studio, and move back to my shed in the garden. Actually, this doesn't feel like a step backwards - I was struggling to find time to get to the studio, and felt like my whole family was suffering by me being stretched too thinly.Even the dogs were miserable and Daisy was stressy at being left alone all day - she does like company. Instead I have spent the last few weeks madly trying to reline and waterproof the old shed, as well as building a small new extension on the front of it. It's great, and it means I can work in the evenings without abandoning the children.


I even did most of the building myself! I'm pretty handy with a drill and saw :)
Being done on a shoestring meant some head scratching over a few issues - for instance the insulation. But I had a sudden brainwave, and raced down to Proper Job recycling centre where I gathered an armful of old single duvets. These fit nicely, one to each shed panel, stapled into place! It does however make the shed look rather like a padded cell.




So I'm finally ready to work again, and, even better, BT came out and fixed my phone line at last, so the Internet works properly again. To celebrate, I have spent the last 2 days uploading originals and new prints to my Etsy shop. There are still a few more to go, but they should be finished by the weekend. BUT I'm afraid prices of prints are going to go up, as ink and paper prices seem to have increased disproportionately since I last bought them. I wont adjust them until next Monday, and, as a special 'Thank you' to all my blog readers who have faithfully stuck with me despite my appalling lack of updates recently, I am offering a discount code giving 10% off everything in the shop (including originals) BEFORE the price rise next Monday. It's only valid until Monday morning, so now is the chance to grab anything that you really want :)
You need to quote PAYTHECARBILL2011 at the checkout and your 10% discount will automatically be taken off.





Meanwhile, between working in the garden and mending the shed, we have spent lots of time with the ponies. Captain has been pretty much taken over by eldest daughter, and is universally adored. He is beginning to learn to jump, and is enthusiastic about logs and ditches, but quite bemused by coloured poles!





Marlene is working hard, and reaching that adolescent stage where she is beginning to test her boundaries. She is a bright little pony, and easily bored, so we have to keep doing new things with her.


I've even found time to start my baby Piper, who is very keen to start work and go out with her friends. I haven't been in too much of a hurry with her as she is still growing, and higher behind than at the wither.

The exciting news that has happened while I have been busy, is that a fabric printing and transfer company, Kats Magical Patches, has been using some of my images under licence to make a range of printed fabric patches and iron-on transfers. Do have a look at them - they are really coo, and you'll find several familiar artists there :)

22 comments:

Jenny said...

Congratulations on the new (old-new again) workspace. I split my creative time between a collective ceramics studio, and work space at home, and although I like the camaraderie (most days) I am happier at home. Coffee - my way. Dogs lounging about. Music if and when I want it. And saving money on the rent! So I hope you have a cathartic move and re-settling period!

Thanks for the coupon. I am headed there now!

Windsongs and Wordhoards said...

Sounds like you've been extremely busy!Its a shame to lose the studio but it looks like you're already making your new space into a good place to work... The ponies are looking great, isn't Captain a good looking boy with such a nice bright face!
Hope you have a good summer and that your husband gets well soon...
Carrie... :)

Valerianna said...

Good to get an update... your renovated studio space looks nice, and I, too like to be close to home to work... though I feel a bit challenged by my studio - especially in summer when its dark. Much abundance to you and blessings from the forest.

Charlotte said...

I have just found you recently but not commented yet: Captain is lovely; I have a thing about horses with feet like that. They remind me of my grandpa's memories of Molly, his horse (he had a vegetable cart in London, and a coal dray). A horse man to the day he died.

gtyyup said...

When it rains it pours sometimes...but it sure seems that everything is working itself out for the better!

The kids and their ponies are just lovely...love their bright eyes and smiles. Looks like a summer they'll remember.

Terra said...

My goodness, there is a lot going on in your home and studio and I think you are making some wise decisions, like returning to your home studio to save money, etc. Oh your ponies are handsome, and I hope you sell lots of art this week and weekend online.

Yarrow said...

I'm very impressed with your studio renovations and could do with getting my own one in line, it's almost falling apart, but with a little love could be revived :D The ponies all look so good and it's good to hear that Piper is keen, bless her :D My kitten is called Piper and is the sort to take on the World, maybe it's the name!!!

Best of luck with all the changes.x

Kath said...

Welcome back! I have missed you. how lovely to have all your interesting pony news and read about the progress you are making with the youngsters.
I am very impressed that you extended and customised your old work space :-)
It's always of value to find out what works for you and what doesn't.
Best wishes to Steve too.

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

A big congratulations on redoing the workspace! You never cease to amaze me with your solutions to problems and all with good common sense! I say I'd like a studio, but I really am happier at home to do my art.

Love your updates on your ponies!

Karen said...

Your new studio looks as if it's going to be just as cosy as the other place. Clever idea using the duvets. You could pin some of your lovely applique work up on them. :) Wishing you lots of inspiration and creative goings on in there. x

Joey said...

You've done so much work and have had so many great ideas!

I do hope things get better for you, and I'm going to take a look at the shop. I do love your work.

God bless you, and keep you.
Joey

Aisling Kiernan said...

Congratulations on your very wise decision to move back home. I imagine it must have been a wrench, sometimes things don't work out how we think they will. I often wonder if I would get more work done if I had a studio away from the house, but after reading your blog I realise that I fit my art in around my family, peeling spuds, making beds,meeting the school bus, letting dogs and cats in and out(20 times a day, they are not sooner out that they want to come back in!!!)in between colour washes and waiting for bits to dry. This is the life season I am in right now.
Your shed studio looks so warm and cosy. Like a cocoon. Hapy creating.

Virginia said...

How sensibly you have worked through your challenges! I'd been dropping by and hoping all was well (and fearing someone had had an accident again!) so I'm very glad you're back in blogland. I was part of a studio for a couple of years but found I didn't use thee space well - I hated being away from the family and find I actually get more done when I can snatch odd minutes there. The IDEA of a studio was attractive though!
Glad you're back - good luck with the car bill. I wish I could help.

Joey said...

Just checking in on you....

Bovey Belle said...

I expect the summer holidays have gotten in the way of your normal posts. I hope all is well with you and work/family/horses etc. Look forward to hearing about what you've been up to and seeing some more of your wonderful photos and art work.

art-Profiles said...

Nice blog.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Well, my comment here is rather late, as I'm reading this in August - but just wanted to say again how inspirational I find coming to your blog. Awesome that you have turned around your problem to a benefit, to be around home more. How lovely. All the best!
Brenda

Gwen Buchanan said...

I like your style... you are ingenious and you really know how to get things done!!!
Beautiful ponies!!!

Virginia said...

Hi Danielle, I do hope all's well with you and the family, and the long silence indicates nothing more than a busy and fun-filled, busy summer.

hypnosis benefits said...

I just love your little yet fully inspired workplace!

Ciara Brehony said...

I've just stumbled upon your blog, and what a delight! Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it!

I'll definitely be back!

Emerald Window said...

I Love the padded cell look. Sometimes we all feel the need for a padded cell!
Cenya

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