Adams Festival, Acomb, York, UK 2013

Yet another crazy busy weekend, but some things must be done. Six weeks ago I answered an advert in a local community magazine. They were looking to create a community choir to sing at an up and coming event, designed to foster pride in the local area. My sister and  I went along to the rehearsals and had a fabulous time. We sang our little socks off and met some wonderful people, both in the choir and in the Adams event. Thank you to everyone who took part. It is truly amazing how much fun we can have and what we can all achieve when we work together. As for the choir, I hope to see you all again for the Christmas sing along on the Green.                                                                                                      

In the Hall

In the street. I am there, just hiding at the back!

Art wise not done a lot this week as I have been so busy with other things, like earning a living! And it's too hot for a cave dweller like me. Really need to get tidied up in the studios now. Also it is application time for the two Open Studios I hope to do next year. That means some photos. I am desperate to get into the studio and get my fingers messy. So I am going to take the opportunity to catch up with Life Book I cant wait. I hope to show you some paints next week.


Now if you are not "Dog" people. look away now. I promised the family from whom I bought these two bundles of joy that I would post pictures of them regularly on by blog so they can see how they are getting on, so here they are

Hector and Oscar when first here, eight weeks old.

Partial to plant pots!

A little ear nibbling

Ten weeks old.

A spot of jaw chomping

....,and relax!

This week I have mainly been recovering. I don't think people realize how exhausting doing open studios are.  Fabulous, but exhausting. Anyway this years are over now, apart from a little open day on the 7th of December, which is more like a Christmas party than anything else. Now I really have to tidy up the studios and put things away, but I must send some art to various magazine to be published... hopefully. I haven't done that in quite a while, and it is great fun seeing your work in print.This week I have mainly being playing with the puppies. So hot for them. I had to leave them for choir practice this week, which I didn't like doing but they were fine.
This Saturday will see the last of the CraftyDollyBird group meeting at St Johns. I can not tell you how wonderful it was to find them and be part of such a talented group. So pleased we will start a new group here at Artefact in September. We don't have a name yet, but we are working on it. So poor Andrew has got between now and September to get the toilet block in,... he is such a good boy, and he loves plumbing!

Classes at The Artefactory

Here at Artefact I offer a wide range of mixed media classes, too numerous to mention them all, but here is an idea, Paper crafts, sewing, rubber stamping, jewelry making, altered books, journaling, primitive dolls painting and much much more. All these involving many wonderful techniques, to learn and apply to your art. The emphasis at Artefact is on fun, play, discovery and healing. I truly believe that there are no mistakes in art, and that everyone has the ability to create wonderful items to inspire themselves and others.
Below is a list of classes being offered in the next three months. Classes are small so places limited, but I do repeat classes in order to accommodate as many interested people as possible. I like to keep the number of students to five or six, but we can go up to ten if people wish to keep a craft group together.

September 2013

Backgrounds for journals using Distress inks and stencils, Monday 9th, repeated Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 25th. 6.30-9.30 pm, £35.00.

Making your own College sheets, Tuesday 10th, repeated Wednesday 18th, and Monday 23rd. 6.30-9.30 pm. £35.00.

Image Transfer, paper to fabric, Wednesday 11th, repeated Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 24th. 6.30-9.30 pm. £30.00.

September Workshops

Altered baby board books, 14th, 10 am-4 pm, £50.00.

Fabric Mini Books, 21st, 10 am- 4 pm, £50.00.

October 2013
Stitched Journal, Monday 7th, repeated Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 23rd, 6.30 -9.30 pm. £30.00.

Colleged greetings cards, Tuesday 8th, repeated, Wednesday 16th and Monday 28th, 6.30-9.30. £30.00.

Artist Trading Cards, Wednesday 9th, repeated Monday 14th and Tuesday 22nd. 6.30 -9.30 pm. £25.00.

October Workshops

Witchy Shoes, prims. 12th, 10 am -4 pm. £50,00

Painted fabric journals 19th, 10 am 4 pm. £50.00

November 2013


Vintage Christmas cards, Monday 4th, repeated Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 20th. 6.30 -9.30. £30.00.

Snowman prims, Tuesday 5th, repeated Wednesday 13th and Monday the 18th. 6.30 -9.30 pm. £30.00.

Mini Christmas Journals Wednesday 6th, repeated, Monday 11th and Tuesday 19th. 6.30 -9.30 pm. £30.00.

November Workshops

Father Christmas prims, 9th 10 am -4 pm. £50.00.

Fabric Christmas Wallets, 16th, 10 am -4 pm. £50.00.

Please note that for ALL workshops you will need to bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee provide.
Artefactory is a No Smoking Area.

Please contacted me either by email  joannemwilson@hotmail.co.uk   or snail mail Artefact, Jo Wilson, 61 St Swithins Walk, Holgate, York, YO26 4UG.

Artefactory Open Studios 2013

Hello there you gorgeous people, how are you? I am well and very excited after a fabulous Open Studio event which took place at my home studios this last weekend
Thank you to all those who could come, I know there were quite a few of you who couldn't make it due to other commitments but fear not it will happen again, 7th December is the next. It was so nice seeing old friends and meeting new ones, arty people are so lovely.

come on in

build not finished yet, but looking good,

ares still need arting up!

show and tell

The desk

Into the potting shed

light refreshments?

to the rabbit hole

Andrews new toy, the cobbler

underneath the arch

Fuzzy photo of the lodge main room

Open Studios is rather exhausting  

and warm

but least they have each other

Open New Studio..., very very soon!

I am getting so excited, can't wait to see you all. Preparations are being hampered by two gorgeous little boys that just have to be pampered all the time. Well, that's when I'm not cleaning up after them and feeding them,  but they are so cute,

see what I mean?

Things are taking shape.

Stuff everywhere.

Where am I going to put it all?

Not quite as organized as one would like yet, but it's only Wednesday! What will I be displaying? Cloth books, board books, altered books, journals, jewelry, prims, ATC's, Match Box pictures, bags, pin cushions...collage, image transfer,  all sorts really. Why not come along and have a look.


P.S
Any dolly birds out there? You know who I mean. Can you please tell me the dates for meetings here at St Swithins Walk, as I can not find my note book. Thank you. Hope to see you at the weekend. x

I'm back!

What can I say?....., but sorry! My poor old camera died and I sent off for another one. Pay extra postage for a speedy delivery, right! Took longer than if I hadn't! Anyway camera is here and what a good job, because we have new family members...., yes we do. Meet Hector and Oscar.

At birth Mum and Dads

Hector after  hot journey home

Maisie meeting her new brothers

First night

Exhausted after Wimbledon

The Boys

Day two, feeling quite relaxed.

OK, I will be back on Wednesday with new of my Open Studios which is this weekend! EEEEEk!