'Just A Card'

Gosh, it's a long time since I have blogged! Seeing as this is the first post I've made since 2015 and I'm feeling a little rusty, I shall keep it short and sweet.

I recently discovered www.justacard.org

The campaign aims to encourage people to buy from independent shops, galleries and individual designer-makers by reinforcing the message that even a purchase as small as a card can help creative businesses stay afloat.

Please visit their website and show your support in any way you can.

Lucky to be in Lakeland

How lucky I am to live by England's largest lake. With nature and beauty all around, it surely is a feast for the eyes and tonic for the spirit. Artist's eyes often find beauty in the unconventional. For example the old Shepherds Aquarius building on the left is considered an eyesore by some, but I like it very much!

I admit it is in need of a coat of paint compared to this photo from a family album circa 1988.

Though the large slate sign remains, the chandlery shop, bar, disco, restaurant and coffee shop are long gone. With just the woollen shop in business, what wonderful studio spaces the vacant units would make! How I would love to sit bead looming on the top floor, looking out across the lake watching the steamers go by. Ah, maybe one day...

Back to reality, here we are looking north across Windermere from Bowness. From left to right we see Belle Isle, Claife Heights, Steel Fell, Loughrigg, Fairfield, Dove Crag, Wansfel, Red Screes, and Stony Cove Pike. This scene never fails to inspire and rejuvenate my soul. Click the image to enlarge, then dive right in.

Sunday walk (typical Lake District weather)

Today's plan was a ride on the ferry for a stroll on the western side of the Lake to take photos for the blog. It looked a fine day for it, so I packed a flask of Earl Grey tea and an oat bar in my basket and trundled off. However in true Lake District style, just as I was about to leave, the skies opened and it showed no sign of stopping! Despite being suitably togged up in Hunter wellies and a Joules waterproof mac, I decided to leave my National Trust land constitutional for another day. So until then, enjoy the photos of my little friend the Black Headed Gull perched on the viewfinder.

Let's Tweet!

Do you like to Tweet? Or maybe a bit of a To-Wit-To-Woo? If so, click on Swoopy the bead loomed owl and fly over to the Lakeland Loom Twitter profile. See you there!

#LakelandLoom #Lakeland #Loom

Welcome to the Story of my Loom...

Hello, and welcome to my blog.

I'm Katrina, a bead artist based in the English Lake District.

I learned to weave glass seed beads over twenty years ago when my sister brought home a wooden bead loom from the Riverside Craft Centre in Kendal.

We shared that one loom for a while, then my Mum bought me one of my own. I now own eight looms!

I look forward to sharing with you the magic and beauty of Lakeland.

I hope you will visit again soon.

Best wishes,

Katrina