Discovering Enid Crystal Dorothy Marx

Posted by

0

On a recent trip to the Compton Verney country mansion and museum in Warwickshire, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a small exhibition of Enid Crystal Dorothy Marx’s work (1902-1998).

An artist, textile designer, illustrator and author, Marx was incredibly talented and successful throughout her career.

I am in the midst of a block printing project for Atelier Boyceau, and as such this discovery couldn’t have come at a better time. I have always loved geometric patterns and abstract images and am currently working on t-shirt designs to add to my collection. I have just purchased a linoleum printing set to try out and my mind is racing with possibilities. As always watch this space!

The pictures speak for themselves! Enjoy 🙂

Compton Verney

Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx print
Enid Marx, lino print 1950’s
Enid Marx block print
Enid Marx block print
From the hall at Compton Verney
Quilt from a military pachwork in the folk art section of the Compton Verney museum
Tiled flooring Compton Verney
Tiled flooring Compton Verney
Advertisement

Rediscovering Birmingham

Posted by

0

We escaped the small market town in Warwickshire that has become our home for the nearest big city in search of urban inspiration. Against all odds the Belge and I have become city slickers, being somewhere busy is oddly comforting.

We headed for the Custard factory and we were suitably impressed. This may well become our weekend hangout going forward! 🙂

Custard factory, Gibb St, Birmingham, West Midlands B9 4AA

Art deco at the train station
B’ham Moor Street Station
Cow vintage clothing Digbeth
Cow vintage clothing Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
Alfie Birds, Digbeth
“More by Design”
Moor Street

Objects of Desire

Posted by

0

CIMG3901 CIMG3908 CIMG3916

A few recent purchases that merit a photo.

These beautifully patterned bowls were picked up in Paris from “Chinaco” in the 13th arrondissement on Rue Tolbiac. Made in Japan and costing only 5 euros each I just couldn’t resist. I am mesmerised by the intricacy of the pattern and I love the blue and white colours. I have always had a penchant for patterned items and my collection is certainly growing! I would like to replicate a version of this pattern hand painted onto plain wooden beads, I will need a steady hand (and much practice)!

Second up are two vintage women’s watches purchased from Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/RetroWatch
I love retro watches and just can’t bring myself to buy a modern one. My favourite is the black and white as I love the two toned face, the square shape and the glitter of the number notches, it is something quite special! I may keep this one for best, dressed with my 50’s crew neck a-line black dress and my retro doctor’s handbag I think it will certainly turn heads. I was lucky to find a new cream leather strap at a local brocante today (4 euros!) and as you can see from the second photo it totally transforms the over all look of the gold watch.

I am currently working on a 60’s inspired lace knitted dress so the retro theme is certainly in full swing chez Atelier Boyceau.

Pictures to come once finished, here’s a sneak peak: CIMG3886

 

New skill of the day: peyote bead stitch

Posted by

1

Feeling inspired to add something special to my handbags I came across several images of beaded beads. After more research I discovered the peyote stitch and a few failed attempts later I think I can safely say I have harnessed a new skill.

How satisfying to see the plain wooden beads transformed into beautiful sparkly jewels that could easily adorn a bag strap or simply make a great necklace.

I’m off to continue my bead adventure armed with acrylic paint, fabric and newspaper. Good job I have the place to myself this week!

More to come……