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About Penny Since retirement from Academia, I have been exploring my creativity through mixed media and stitched textiles. I studied traditional hand embroidery with Tracy A Franklin (Royal School of Needlework at Durham) and, creative contemporary stitched textiles with on-line courses and workshops with Sian Martin at Distant Stitch. In my themes, I look for the fine detail to explore new ideas. My works in mixed media and stitch draw on skills of traditional hand embroidery alongside contemporary techniques. I dye my own materials using procion dyes, natural botanicials as well as rusty objects, these create colour and patterns on fabrics, threads and paper. The sometimes unexpected textural and colourful results inspire abstract interpretations in my work. I enjoy manipulating digital images of my original works to highlight and emphasise the unusual. Recently I have become fascinated by the world of Luna Lapin (designs by Sarah Peel at Cool Crafting). Making these delightful characters and sumptuous outfits keep me out of mischief and provide the subjects for telling stories to the grandchildren. I have a very long list of projects that I have started or would like to start, and dare I say finish... Occasionally I put down my needle and thread to take up scrap papers and glue to create small art works of mixed media collage. I recently developed a series of postcards based on the theme Travellers in Time. I chose four fictional characters in costume from their time period. Mary & Mathild (ladies from 1890), and Geofrey & Gregory (from 1830), make their appearance on a series of travel related collage art cards. The cards can be seen on my contemporary work page. I am an intermittent gardener with variable results. Originally there was an idea for a grand scheme for a purple and white garden with striking evergreen foliage but that idea fell on deaf ideas... However, I enjoy a bit of pottering about in our tiny patch when I have the energy to do so. Visiting grand gardens for inspiration makes for a lovely and relaxing day out. Particular favourites of mine that have done reasonably well in the garden are: Hostas, Irises, Agapanthus, Gladioli and Hellebores. I love Delphiniums and Lupins, but the slugs enjoy their early growth more so they don't seem to survive from one year to the next. Some successes to share are shown below (click on the first image to view a larger version with caption).
I am a member of: Take a Stitch 2 Durham an Independent Stitch Group, from Durham and the surrounding area. Green Stitch - a small group of stitchers enjoying social stitching
For further information on my works or for purchasing/commissioning pieces of unique textile art please contact Penny by email. Go to 'Take a Stitch 2 Durham' from here. Follow me on Instagram: 
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