First craft fair

Last Saturday, it was my first Craft Fair, and it was exciting. The weather was sunny and there were lots of people strolling along all the handmade products. I had done my best to make my place look really nice, and I think I succeeded...

Some friends and family came to visit, really nice, and a lot of people commented on the products. Which is for me a good learning process, I also find it interesting what people say about it, or what they comment on it. The children's paintings had a lot of interest, I often saw people smiling when they saw the small little animals. Some people were drawn by the abstract paintings and I think I almost sold one, but no....

I really enjoyed the fair, the contact with the visitors, the exchange of ideas and meanings, so until next year!

Picasso

It is a lovely morning today, there is no wind, easy sunshine and it is so quiet outside... I love it!
I have been reading some of the blogs I follow, it is so nice to read about the lives of creative people: what they're up to, what inspires them, what choices they make.
On the "buy handmade- website" I read a quote from Picasso:

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"

I love how art can open up one's soul, and go beyond that first look. It gives a new perspective on life, just as my faith in our Creator gives me a new and deeper perspective of life. I think people need to have their souls be washed clean, every now and then, so as to feel alive...

Enjoy your day, be inspired!

The beach and a nice Dutch village

This weekend I went to Bergen, a small village near the beach. I often read about it, and it is known for its artists and the architecture. Besides I wanted to go to the beach...!
It was lovely, a small typical Dutch village with small stores, beautiful houses and a really holiday-atmosphere... I brought my camera and I found this special-shaped window, I like it! And in a small street I found these fruits, neatly presented outside. I had to take these pictures.
And then we went to the beach, many Kite-surfers, strong wind and really nice!
We had a good time and the visit inspired me, I would like to go again...

I am now working on some children paintings and I have purchased some new fabric, just for some new ideas...

I am sorry, I can't get the photos uploaded, it takes forever and I am not so patient, I'm afraid...

a bit modest...

You know, I am enthusiastic about the things that I make, but I am also modest. Who am I, that people would like to buy my paintings...
I must remember that people buy my paintings because they really like them!
So I have decided for myself to pay attention to my own enthusiasm, and today I sold three of my children's animal paintings to friends of mine and they are happy with it. They emjoy making their nursery comfy for the twins they will be receiving. And that makes me happy! :-)

Printing

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I received a book about printing by Lotta Jansdotter. She describes how to make prints on textile, stationary and so on. Just seeing the pictures makes my head spinning full of ideas. Hope to make some time to start practicing...

summer and it feels busy

Temperatures are really warming up here, which is lovely... But there are too many ideas in my head to really enjoy it. Yesterday I spend a whole day making some lovely puppets with my mother. My studio/atelier is a mess because of all the projects and paintings I am working on at the same time... And I have to make pictures of all the new things created etcetera, all really nice things to do, but it feels busy! I'm gonna make a list, and try to make some structure... yes that's what I'll do!

Inspiration from Sweden

Just recently returned from a holiday in Sweden. There is so much space and so few inhabitants, what a difference with Holland!
I wanted to go to Sweden because I read a lot about Swedish design and I wanted to see for myself. But I must say, I was a bit disappointed... It was hard to find anything. Shops were closed, or only 1 shop in a city. There are of course a lot of "hemsloyd's"; artist centres where hand-made products are shown and sold. And they were nice, but often closed, or very small. Even in Stockholm, it was hard to find the fabrics, paper, books etc. I did however go to the largest IKEA in the world, and it was amazing: what a space and what a products.

I do like the Swedish fabrics, and the culture of hand-made products, it is inspiring!
I'll just keep looking on the internet, for instance www.jansdotter.com, Lotta makes such nice things.