Paper Slice.....A cut and stick blog from Rosie Scott-Massie

Print Print Print

2012-03-02T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hello there,

I've just tested a new linocut and am pretty pleased with it, so thought I'd show you:

This print (of Fishers Hall in Hackfall) has not been printed on a press, but has instead been painstakingly burnished by me. As a result the colours are not as solid as they might be from a press, but I'm simply not strong enough!

Last week I made this print of Saltburn Pier:

Watch this space for more new prints in the coming weeks...

In other news, I am pleased to say that I will be taking part in the North Yorkshire Open Studios this year. The event runs over two weekends in June, and I will be displaying my work, along with fellow artists Charlotte Morrison (ceramics), Josie Beszant (mixed media) and Ian Scott Massie (painting/printmaking) at ArtisOn. For more information and to see the other artists taking part, visit the North Yorkshire Open Studios site.

Have a great weekend,
Rosie

Return to the Seaside...

2012-02-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope you're having a good February so far. I've been enjoying some leisure time at the seaside! After visiting Saltburn By The Sea last year for a commission, I went back last weekend and was inspired again by the beautiful beach and splendid buildings. Watch this space for some new coastal designs.

Even though it's not seaside inspired, I have made a new big piece this week. I found a beautiful map of Wensleydale in my drawer of maps and fancied making a new edition to my hot air balloon series.

Here are some mid-work snaps...

And the finished piece!

In other news, I am delighted to say that I have been accepted into the North Yorkshire Open Studios this year! I will be exhibiting my work over two weekends in June at ArtisOn along with Charlotte Morrison, Ian Scott Massie and Josie Beszant. I'm so pleased to have this oppurtunity and look forward to seeing you there! For more details visit the Open Studios site.

Thats all from me for now, bye!

Rosie x

HMS Floaty...press-less printmaking

2012-01-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hello there,

In the last blog I mentioned that I am trying out some linocutting, as a possible development of my work. Well, The materials came yesterday, and even though my plan had been to get the designs good and ready before printing, I couldn't resist having a little practice...

I don't own a printing press, so I wanted to try printing without one, using a baren to impress the images onto the paper. I've never tried this before, and got it wrong the first few times, but once I realised that the paper needed to be on top of the lino, I was really pleased at how effective it is.

I decided to conserve my supply of lino and start with a reduction linocut (another thing I've never tried before - I like a challenge), which requires only one piece of lino. It's a slightly messier process, as each layer of the picture must be printed before you cut the next one, and it's a bit tricky remembering when to cut what, but it was really exciting watching the image evolve.

Any how, this here is the finished masterpiece: HMS Floaty!

Ok...so it's not a masterpiece - it's not perfect by any means and the design was pretty simple, but as a first try I must say I'm pleased! It's certainly made me very excited about doing more.

I hope you like it too.

Rosie x

New(ish) Year, new plans....

2012-01-20T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

It's a bit belated, but happy new year to everyone. I've been focusing on some of the less exciting aspects of being self employed for the last few weeks (paperwork basically), but am now back to cutting and sticking - hurrah!

First on the list is a commission I have been working on, which will hopefully be finished by the beginning of next week (should've been the end of this week but I had a mount-board ordering mishap). I don't want to give away too much before the intended recipient sees it, so here are a few super close-ups.

This next few weeks are all about development for me. Firstly, I am currently designing some linocuts, and am hoping that this discipline may become a permanent part of my practice. I was inspired in part by the wonderful piece I was given for Christmas, which is by Pam Grimmond. I absolutely love it.

Other inspiration comes from the likes of Angie lewin, Lynne Roebuck and Helen Peyton, who uses a method called Reduction Lino Printing, which I am particularly keen on trying.

The lino is ordered and the drawings are mounting up, so watch this space for results.

I am also developing a website, using an incredibly easy and FREE service called Weebly. I have already got quite far with it but may add a few more pages in before I publish. I'll let you know.

So as you can see, it's all plans plans plans at the moment, so I better get cracking.

Bye!

Rosie x

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

A happy new year to everyone reading this blog. I had a fantastic (if slightly tiring) festive break, travelling to and from the following places in the following order:

York

Masham

Isle of Wight

Farnham

York

Masham

Birmingham

Evesham

York!

Lots of time in the car, but worth it for Christmas in a new place and lots of time with lovely friends and family.

Anyway, it's back to work time, and unfortunately number one on the jobs list this January is sorting out my first ever tax return. Brilliant! I will be working on some far more exciting and creative projects later on the month, so watch this space.

Have a good Jan...

Rosie x

The year was 2011.....

2011-12-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

For some reason I had the urge today to spend some quality time with my dear old blog, giving a fresh lick of virtual paint. What do you think? It's quite spring-themed in it's colour scheme, which is a little premature, but then the weather as I write is not exactly beautiful (and I don't really fancy a grey blog), so I think I'll stick with it! I have added a few extra bits to the blog - you can now enjoy a mini slide show of my flickr page (which incidentally I have also just updated with loads of new photos). I have also decorated the blog with a few images of my favourite pieces. Lovely stuff.

Christmas is drawing ever closer and things are about to go crazy in my house. For me, social events and festive preparations officially start tomorrow night and don't really let up at all until about the 2nd of January. I am spending my very first Christmas out of Masham this year, and will be travelling down to the Isle of Wight on the 23rd to enjoy the festive weekend there. As a result of the busy times ahead I may not have another opportunity to blog before Christmas, so I'm making this the official Christmas post.

I want to extend a massive THANKS to everyone who has read this blog, attended any of my workshops, bought any of my pictures or jewellery, or has simply taken an interest in what I'm up to. I've really loved my first year of being a full-time artist, and when I look back to the crazy retail environment I was in this time last year, I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this. I have lots of plans and ideas for next year, including a whole new collection of work and new workshops at ArtisOn, so I hope you all continue to keep an eye on me!

I thought I'd make a little gallery of some of my best bits this year (indulge me - it makes me feel good to see all the work I've done!):

A more detailed archive of my work is now on my flickr page underthecoldtap.

Merry Christmas everyone, have a fantastic holiday!

Rosie x

Saltburn collage needs a home!

2011-12-12T02:59:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

This week I'm going to be heading up to The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle to change round some work before Christmas. I'll be taking up a bunch of smaller pieces and bringing home one of my (much) bigger original works, this beautiful deconstructed map collage of the seaside town of Saltburn By The Sea (situated on the north east coast). The piece was made in spring this year, while I was working on a commission, and unfortunately lacked just one or two details that my customer wanted in her piece. It has been on display in Newcastle for a few months and sadly has had no takers. I love this piece, the colours really evoke the seaside-y spirit, and there are a number of details, such as the pier, which you will not find in any of my archive of previous works.

I would love to keep this piece, but that's not really in keeping with the whole 'making a living from selling paintings' thing, is it? So, I just wanted to make an appeal on it's behalf. The picture (which is approximately 45 inches tall and 35 inches wide) will be back with me by the end of this week, and will be residing in my flat/studio indefinitely. I would be more than happy to give seriously interested parties a viewing of the piece, and I may be persuaded to negotiate the price. Please get in touch by leaving me a comment either here on on my Twitter feed @underthecoldtap.

To see more available works please visit my Flickr site here.

Thanks!

Button wreath giveaway and handmade christmas cheer!

2011-12-09T04:59:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

Just a quick one today, firstly to invite you to enter a fanstastic giveaway to win one of my handmade Christmas decorations.

The giveaway is not being hosted by me, but by the lovely Kathryn Sharman, the author of the excellent Katgotthecream blog. Kathryn is a blogger and freelance journalist, who tirelessly seeks out creative makers, vintage clothes and accessories, and beautiful home products, and gives them the spotlight on her addictive blog. Kat generously agreed to host a giveaway for me to celebrate the relaunching of my etsy shop Underthecoldtap, which features handmade jewellery and home decorations.

The item up for grabs is this:

A handmade vintage button wreath, made with collected vintage buttons and silver-plated wire. This decoration is perfect for Christmas, but frankly it can be displayed all year round! It's completely unique and there is only one to give away, so for your chance to win check out Kathryn's blog here. If you miss your chance, but would like a button wreath, there will be more listed on my shop very soon, but here's one already up for sale.

In other news, last night we decorated our flat for Christmas, and I felt I had to show you a few snaps. I've been making a lot of decorations this year in preparation for my last two workshops at ArtisOn, so there's a bit of a sheet music/map/tissue paper theme going on here, but being able to work next to a Christmas tree all day is just grand. The paper baubles are on sale in The Gallery, Masham, should you be interested in investing....

Thats it today, have a great run-up to Christmas, shop locally and support your neighbourhood businesses, and don't forget Etsy and Folksy for great handmade gifts.....

Rosie x

Too many projects....

2011-11-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

It feels like a very long time since my last blog - I have been trying this month to get my various dreams/aspirations and current projects in order and so far it hasn't worked at all. One day I will have a set time for everything, but for now I spend my afternoon scrabbling around truing to get the materials for my workshop on Saturday into a suitcase, knocking over a huge tin of glass beads in the process. I have a laminate floor, and they really can roll.

I'm running a workshop at ArtisOn this weekend all about Creative Christmas Decorations. This is my second to last workshop this term - in two weeks I'm running Christmas Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts, then I'm done until March 2012. It seems like a long way away now, but I guarantee I'll be picking the floor-fluff of beads two days before that one as well. In case your interested, next years programme of workshops are now on the ArtisOn website to view, and open for booking on the 27th at their open day.

But what I really wanted to mention today is my next exciting event. A while ago you may recall that I promised a re-launch of my Etsy shop Underthecoldtap. Well, after weeks of bead making and button threading, I have a small, 'capsule' if you will, collection of handmade pieces ready for sale. Map-bead necklaces, button jewellery and christmas decorations, this is just the beginning of my online store. Underthecoldtap re-opens on Monday the 21st of November, giving you time to stock up on pressies for people with exceptionally good taste. And to celebrate, blogging sensation Kathryn Sharman, writer of Katgotthecream blog, will be giving away a piece of my lovely stock, so keep your eyes peeled on her blog for that.

Please visit my store on Etsy from Monday and let me know what you think.

Have a great weekend!

Rosie x

Handmade Christmas...

2011-11-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I'm going away this weekend (woohoo!) to Dublin for a few days of exploring a new city, eating nice food and attempting to enjoy Guinness. But before the holiday starts, I need to finalise my next workshop at ArtisOn. I can't quite believe it, but my next workshop is Creative Christmas Decorations. Where has the year gone?

Anyway, I've been making a few samples today for the projects I'll be teaching on November the 19th (limited spaces available, check out the ArtisOn website for more details), and I thought I'd show you.

Firstly there's my button wreaths...

Then a few paper projects, baubles:

... and bunting

I think I'll be doing some tealight holders too.

I also wanted to remind everyone that my Digital Scrapbooking Software giveaway is still on - you could win an amazing software package, tried and approved by me!

For details, see my last post.

Thats all from me, have a good bonfire weekend!

Rosie x

Collage without the gluey mess...

2011-10-19T01:10:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today, I'm introducing a Rosie Scott-Massie Blog first....a giveaway! And it's a pretty great one too - not only do I have a prize for one lucky winner, I also have a little something to give away to anyone who reads this blog or my twitter feed. Christmas has come early people...

I'm able to host this giveaway thanks to the lovely people at My Memories. Not familiar? My Memories create digital scrapbooking software which allows you to make beautiful collages and albums, incorporating your own photos, along with papers and decorations from their massive library. For anyone who wants to give scrapbooking or collaging a go, but doesn't like the sound of gluey hands and piles of paper all over the place, it's a great alternative, and anything you create will be safely stored on your computer. It's also perfect for children as it's easy to use and mess-free!

I have to giveaway one My Memories Suite software package - the essential kit to get your digital scrapbooking career started. I also have a treat for all the readers of this blog, a discount code worth $20 (just over £12 ) which you can put towards the initial software and some of the amazing additional packages for sale on the My Memories site. Read on for your chance to win...

I must admit, digital scrapbooking is not something I've ever thought of doing, but I had a little go myself and it's great fun. The initial software, My Memories Suite, contains huge amounts of cool stuff to use, and knowing that you can erase you mistakes at the click of a mouse makes it easier to get creative. For some reason, I decided to use the software to make a few scrapbook-style pages about the materials I love to use in my work...

Each page is really fun to construct, and you can make it a simple or complicated as you like. For my Buttons page, I used a few of my photos, but mainly I relied on the decorations and embellishments in the My Memories Suite software (FYI, each of the buttons in that pile were individually inserted and arranged by me!)

In this page I experimented more with my own images, cutting out segments of paper and layering them to make a digital pile...

It's not just scrapbooking software, this would be perfect for making a special personalized photo album, or wedding invitations, posters for an event...the possibilities are plentiful.

But now for the more serious topic - how to win this brilliant prize. Well, it's pretty easy really. Visit the My Memories site and take a look around - check out their range of digital scrapbooking kits, such as the Halloween and Christmas kits, and leave me a comment for me on this blog telling me which kit you liked the most. Thats it!

All comments must be left before 10am (GMT) on Thursday the 10th November.

The lucky winner will be announced on the blog later that day, and will receive the complete My Memories Suite software (worth $40, or £25 to me) for free!

Here's a little pressie for everyone, hopefully this will tempt you into entering my giveaway..

Discount Code: STMMMS27449

This code not only gives you $10 off the My Memories Suite software, but also treats you to $10 worth of additional scrapbooking kits of your choice! Enjoy....

Can't wait to see your comments, have a great week,

Rosie x

Balloons...

2011-10-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks time my home town of Masham will be taken over by artists, musicians, poets and visitors for the 2011 Masham Arts Festival. There are loads of different events daily over October half term, and running through the whole week is the Arts Festival open exhibition. I wanted to make a piece specially for the exhibition, something Masham - inspired, and I'm particularly into hot air balloons in my work at the moment, so I've come up with this:

It's not finished yet (obviously), but all the pieces are cut out, so I've included a few detail shots here. I'm really pleased with the details, and the warm, autumnal colours. Hopefully the visitors at the arts festival will like it too!

Rosie

Vintage jewellery inspiration

2011-09-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hi!

This week I'm devoting most of my time to helping my Dad (artist Ian Scott Massie)with preparation for his forthcoming exhibition at Fountains Hall, and doing my accounts (joy), but I just wanted to write a quick post to show off some of the amazing jewellery created by the attendees of my workshop at ArtisOn last weekend.

As you may know, myself and Josie Beszant ran a course on Saturday called Jewellery - Inspired by Vintage. We had a brilliant day and a really enthusiastic group, who created some beautiful domino brooches, paper beads, and safety pin brooches. Here's some of the pieces that were made...

My next workshop has a festive theme (I can't believe I'm saying that, where has the year gone??) and is all about christmas decorations, but I am currently planning more jewellery workshops for next year, so keep an eye on the ArtisOn website for more details.

As for this week, the first job of the day is listing 'Magical Landscapes - Paintings of Studley Royal and Hackfall and Fountains Abbey by Ian Scott Massie' on lots of events sites and spreading the word about this exciting forthcoming exhibition, which opens at Fountains Hall, Ripon on October the 1st. I know it's going to be fantastic, because I'm helping to hang it. So there. To tempt you along, here is 'The Banqueting House in Snow', my favourite piece from the exhibition (that I've seen so far)...

Have a great week!

Rosie

2011-09-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!

If you've been keeping up with The Gallery's Facebook page, or my Twitter, you will know that Trace, the exhibition I have organised/curated, opened at The Gallery in Masham a few weeks ago. The exhibition preview was really well attended (thanks for coming everyone) and we have even had a few sales, including my largest collage, 'Going Home', which was sold, and removed from the exhibition on the first day! This was great news, however it meant that the beautiful exhibition suddenly had a large blank space on the wall....

Luckily, I had another Masham-based idea in mind, which I have just finished and will be taking to the framers tomorrow. Hopefully this will be ready in time for the last week of the exhibition. The piece is called 'Down the fields'.

My next workshop at ArtisOn is next Saturday, the 17th of September, and is called 'Jewellery - inspired by vintage'. I'm running this workshop with Josie Beszant, and we'll be teaching a number of brilliant projects incorporating vintage and recycled materials into necklaces, brooches and hair pieces. I've been researching and making some of the projects we'll be covering on the day, and here's a few of the things we've come up with.

This is an amazing reversable necklace, made from vintage dominos!

And here's a safety-pin brooch, using vintage, recycled and handmade materials.

I have two more workshops this year after this one, for more information, visit the ArtisOn website.

Thats all from me,

Rosie!

From map to picture in just a few slices...

2011-08-22T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Just thought I'd put this on here, as I just finished it.

I had a slight panic the other day when I discovered that one of the frames I had ordered had been missed - I had a piece all ready to stick down and frame, in time for the Trace exhibition, and I wouldn't be able to exhibit it. It was too late to re-order the frame, but luckily dad (the great artist Ian Scott Massie) had a frame fairly close to the size of the one i'd ordered. But I wouldn't be able to use the picture I'd already made.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to use a nice big frame, I set to work making a new piece from an idea I drew out a little while ago. I've worked fast, but I'm pleased to say I've got it finished and I'm really pleased with it!

Here's how the piece looks before I get my trusty scalpel out...

and here's how it looks after a few swift slices...

All the work I'm exhibiting in Trace is new - pop down to the preview this friday at The Gallery in Masham (7.30pm- 9pm) and get an exclusive first look!

Rosie

One week to go...

2011-08-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hi!

It's one week today until the opening of 'Trace' - the exhibition I have been organising, and have work in, at The Gallery, Masham. I've just finished getting the majority of my pictures framed, and have a few more smaller pieces to finish off. This time next week I'll probably be buying wine and nibbles, for the preview which starts at 7.30pm on the 26th. Anyone who reads this blog is invited to come along to the preview, which gives you a chance to see the exhibition before the general public. It also allows you to take in the show while sipping wine and munching the finest of nibbles - how civilised!

I really wanted all my work for this show to be new, though I am now tempted to pop in a couple of older pieces which fit the theme. But the majority of my work in Trace has never been on display. Here's one of the bigger pieces you see there...

'Going Home', Deconstructed Map Collage

I want to say a big thank you to all the other artists involved in Trace - everyone has been so enthusiastic, and has worked hard promoting the exhibition on thier own websites/twitter feeds etc. I'm sure it's going to be amazing, and I can't wait to see all the work when it gets delivered to The Gallery next week!

The other artists featured in Trace are:

Josie Beszant
Charlotte Morrison
Amanda Mercer
Angela Davies
Phiona Richards

To see more of the work featured in Trace, click here.

Hopefully I'll see you on Friday evening, but if you can't make it, Trace is on Display at The Gallery,Masham, until September the 26th.

Rosie x

New work...

2011-08-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly a month since I've last blogged - I'm currently living in two houses, trying to get my internet connection sorted out. Moving is fun!

Quite a lot has been happening in the last month; I've finished two commissions which I'm really pleased with, I ran a workshop on collage at ArtisOn, and I'm currently putting together all my work for Trace, an exhibition I've organised at The Gallery, Masham, which opens on the 26th of August. Read on for more...

As you may recall, earlier this year I journeyed to Saltburn-On-The-Sea for the day, and subsequently began working on a picture for a friend who owns a beautiful Victorian house there. It's taken a while to get everything right, but I'm really pleased to say that last friday, the finished, framed work was collected by a thoroughly happy customer. Here's the finished piece.

I have also been working on a piece based on an area of Staffordshire, for another friend (don't worry, I did get paid for both of these), which I also finished last week. This one I'm particularly pleased with, as I used a selection of colours that I very rarely use, and wasn't entirely sure how things were going to turn out. But it's great, if I do say so myself.

For the next few weeks all the work I'm doing is on the Trace exhibition, which also features the work of Charlotte Morrison, Amanda Mercer, Angela Davies, Phiona Richards and Josie Beszant. The exhibition opens with a preview on the evening of the 26th of August - 7.30pm - 9pm. Please come along for a glass of wine! Here's some of the work for Trace, to tempt you along...

Thats all from me for now,
Rosie

The advantages of opening post...

2011-07-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Earlier this week I assisted in the opening of a large pile of post, belonging to my boyfriend Dave. Of course this is exciting in itself, but a major plus for me is that I ended up with a large pile of glorious security envelopes, the inside of which I have recently started using in my collages. However, while organising my new pile of materials, I thought I'd try something different with them. I have mentioned before that I sometimes make jewellery out of recycled things, and over the last few months have really got into making beads from paper, particularly maps. I thought I'd try and make the same beads with the envelopes, and I'm really pleased with the results!

I really love finding everyday things and using them for something completely different. Envelopes are often printed with a variety of interesting patterns, and are a perfect example of a readily available, inexpensive material.

This friday I'm heading over to Norway to spend the weekend in a cabin by the sea. I've never been before but the area looks beautiful and will hopefully be very inspiring. Tomorrow I'll be in The Gallery, helping Josie hang our next exhibition, Impression, which features 5 fantastic printmakers from around the north.

Find out about my travels to norway next week!

Rosie

The Biscuit Factory and New work

2011-07-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Last week I mentioned that I had taken a pile of work to my framers, and was waiting for it to be ready, so that I could take it up to The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle. I'm pleased to announce that I dropped off the work at the gallery on friday (with the help of my dad), and six pieces of my work should now be on display somewhere in the vast and lovely space. If you get a chance to visit The Biscuit Factory, it has a really great selection of works (even better now mine is there too), a cool shop and a cafe that serves an excellent raspberry cheesecake!

Here are a few of the pieces up at The Biscuit Factory...

As well as a trip up to Newcastle last week, I also enjoyed an afternoon out of the house on Thursday, when I attended a lecture by renowned artist Cornelia Parker. You may know her for here exploded shed installation, or a famous work involving Tilda Swinton asleep in a glass case, but at the moment one of her earlier works, '30 pieces of silver', is on display at St.Mary's church in the centre of York. The lecture was free, and it was great to get a chance to hear such an interesting artist discuss her work.

This week I have managed to get a few new pieces done, before heading down to Birmingham for a couple of days to help my boyfriend Dave pack some of his belongings up (he's moving to York - yay!). I'm focusing on work for the Trace exhibition - a show I am organising for The Gallery in Masham.

I'm also developing my latest obsession of using envelopes - I'm really pleased with these new clouds!

Thats all from me, have a good week!

Rosie

Something different...

2011-06-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Having finally got a big pile of work off to my framers, I'm feeling very relieved and relaxed today (I may be now, not sure how I'll feel when I get the bill), so I decided to try doing some slightly different work.

I've been focusing a lot on Coastal pictures lately, trying to appeal to some seaside galleries, so for the last couple of days I turned my attention to trees, and came up with two new pieces.

My collages used to incorporate quite a lot of paint, and I've returned to that style recently. I've also become a bit addicted to using envelopes to create skies and water - they really are fantastic materials for collage, as you can come across a wide variety of interesting patterns printed on the inside of them. Plus they're readily available, and I do like to recycle!

My next workshop at artisOn is all about collage. Myself and Josie Beszant will be doing projects inspired by some of the great collage artists of the 20th century, such as Peter Blake and Robert Rauschenberg. I'm really excited about this workshop, and extra pleased because it's already sold out!

Thats all from me, have a good weekend everyone- I'm going househunting!

Rosie

Inspired by The Island

2011-06-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I recently had my first visit to the Isle of Wight (to meet my boyfriends parents!), and really enjoyed my time there. I felt a bit silly when I realised how little I knew about 'The Island', particularly as I pride myself on having covered quite a lot of Britain. I stayed in Newport for the weekend, and visited Osbourne House, Carisbrooke Castle and the amazing Garlic Farm (it's a lovely place, with all the tasty pickles you can eat, but do take some mints with you), but strangely enough felt inspired to make a piece about the ferry journey over.

I'm hoping that some galleries on the island may be interested in this piece, and hopefully I'll make a few more once I've another visit...

Tiny Maps and Coastal Pictures

2011-06-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've been working in The Gallery, Masham, for the past week while some of my fellow artists were busy with the North Yorkshire Open Studios, so today I'm back at my desk after a little break. I've got two pictures finished which I'm hoping to put in The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle.

I was given some little maps from an old guide to the north east coast recently, and they've been really useful as I often struggle to make small map collages, and lately the big ones have been reaching quite ridiculous sizes! The other great thing about these little maps is that they're all of places I know fairly well. I really enjoy making coastal pictures, and hopefully The Biscuit Factory will be an appropriate place for them.

The most difficult aspect of making these pictures is trying to fit all the pieces back together. I'm gradually working out how to shape the pieces of map so that I don't need to leave too much space between them, as that creates a massive picture, and thus a massive framing bill.I really like the slightly jumbled, off-centre arrangement of the pictures, as it creates a bit more movement and depth.

I'm very excited as I've been given another collection of small maps, this time in the form of the White Cross Road Atlas of Great Britain. It's a pretty old copy, but has a fantastic selection of maps, and even a list of route planners, with your starting point, destination, list of towns in between and miles in between them covering 342 routes around the country. I would just disconnect my internet but I fear other towns may have been built since publishing...

I found a really inspiring blog yesterday which is definitely worth a look.www.tumblinghills.com is the blog of Hebden Bridge - based artist Angie Rogers, and it's full of really interesting and unusual art projects. I particularly love the tree house book back in March.http://www.tumblinghills.com/

Thats all from me today!

Rosie

Beads, Maps and Books

2011-06-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

On saturday I co-ran a workshop at ArtisOn titled Beads Beads Beads. My fellow tutor was local ceramicist Charlotte Morrison, and between us we made beads from Porcelain, Paper, Felt and Wire. I'm always nervous before a workshop, and this one was no different (especially because I'd had a small disaster with one of my proposed projects and had to change our lesson plan the day before!). We had a lovely group, a really enthusiastic bunch, and everyone came away inspired, including me.

Here are a few snaps from the day...

I thought I'd mention an exciting event coming up this weekend, just incase anyone reading is stuck for ideas of what to get up to. This Friday is the start of North Yorkshire Open Studios, an event which allows visitors to see into the workshops and studios of artists and craft makers all over the region. My co-tutor Charlotte is exhibiting her fantastic work up at ArtisOn, along with the work of mixed media artist Josie Beszant and painter/printmaker Ian Scott Massie.

A preview evening on Friday (from 7.30 - 9.30) is taking place onsite, a chance to meet the artists and also check out the new schedule of forthcoming workshops. Incidentally, I am running another workshop in July 31st, titled Collage, Inspired by Vintage. This workshop (co-run by Josie Beszant), is all about using recycled and vintage materials to create unique and unusual mixed media pieces. I will also be running a number of other workshops later in the year, so check out the new workshop schedule...

Have a great week!

Rosie

Tea and Sympathy

2011-05-31T03:22:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since I've posted, having had quite a busy month (and a few issues with signing into my account), I'm pleased to be blogging again!

I seem to have had a bottomless list of things to work on this month - I'm still putting together a selection of pictures to take up to The Biscuit Factory gallery in Newcastle, I have a few commissions to work on, and I have been preparing work for the new exhibition at Masham Gallery which opened last Friday. Having helped hang the exhibition last week, I'm really pleased about how it looks. My two new pieces are hanging alongside some great stuff, including some beautiful collages by Harriet Quilty, and amazing stitched sculputres by Priscilla Jones. I created a new deconstructed map picture for the show

and something slightly different - and collage on a OS map cover, titled 'A long way for a Cup of Tea'

Royal Academy Update

Last week, after nearly two months of waiting, I finally had a letter through the door! Unfortunately, both the pieces entered for the Royal Academy Summer Show were rejected. 11,000 pieces were entered, and although I didn't make it into the final show, one of my pieces was shortlisted. Maybe I'll have better luck next year!

Thats all from me this week!

Rosie

Workshops and Commissions...

2011-05-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I've been a bit slow with this blog, partly due to a tenuous internet connection, partly because I've been staying in the big city of Birmingham for the last 10 days, partly because I've been working my way through a massive pile of Easter chocolate.So apologies for the delay! My main focus over the last week has been my Saltburn commission,which i mentioned a few blogs ago.

It took quite a while for me to work out the layout of this piece, as I'm making it for someone in particular, and they wanted a number of specific things featured in the picture. But i think i've finally worked it out, and I'm just about ready to start the cutting phase (my favourite bit!).

Here are the initial sketches...

Once I'm happy with that, I transfer the design onto the back of the map...

Once it's all cut out I can work out the size of the piece, and start painting the individual sections of the map. I already have two other pieces all cut up and ready to be arranged on board and stuck down, so very soon I will have a good stack of big pieces, ready to go to a gallery (hopefully...).

A few weeks ago I ran my Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts workshop at Artison. We had a great day, everyone enjoyed themselves, and everyone produced some brilliant things to take home, including handprinted wrapping paper, tissue flowers and collaged cards. Here's some of the great work..

Thats all from me, enjoy the beautiful weather everyone!

Rosie

Crafty present ideas

2011-04-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm just finalising my plans for my Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts workshop today, so I thought I'd let you have a little look at some of the things I've come up with. For a start I've made some pretty tissue flowers, perfect for jazzing up a wrapped present

I've also put my homemade stamps to good use, creating some unique wrapping paper

and I've made some papercut and collaged cards

Hopefully the attendees of the course will enjoy making everything as much as I have!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Rosie x

Cards, stamps and....cakes?

2011-04-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Just a brief blog today I'm afraid, as I am dashing around trying to get lots of bits of work done, while preparing for my housemate's birthday tea.

As I mentioned last week, I am running a workshop at ArtisOn on the 20th called Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts, so this week I am busily finalising the lesson plan, and making lots of examples of the projects I will be doing with the class. The tissue pom-poms which featured in the last blog are definitely going to make an appearance, as are poper-cut cards. Here's one I made this morning...

I've also been experimenting with making my own rubber stamps, which are great for personalising wrapping paper or cards. Instead of using rubber, a cheap and easy alternative is fun foam, which you can get from most craft shops. The foam cuts easily, but can also be drawn into as it holds the indentations. I cut my foam and glued it to a stamp block, purchased from the best rubber stamp shop in town, Make Your Mark.

But I also made something else today, something I'm particularly proud of...a (hopefully) delicious chocolate truffle torte (basically just a mass of chocolate and cream - yum!), for tonight's tea party. Unfortunately there was rather a lot of chocolate left over so I was forced to eat it...

Bye for now!

Rosie

Travels South and North

2011-04-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks since my last blog - apologies for this. I have an annoying habit of regularly leaving my camera in the wrong town, and therefore can't provide pretty pictures to illustrate my stories. Luckily today I have my camera with me, as I have a few hundred photos of Saltburn to upload and sort through. Allow me to explain...

Saltburn and Carmarthen

Yesterday I popped over to Saltburn-By-The-Sea, a victorian seaside town on the North East coast. I have been commissioned to make a picture of the town, so it was the perfect excuse to have a day at the seaside. It's a really beautiful place, and I've taken plenty of photos to help me get to work on the picture. I have already got hold of an old map of the area, and my first job is to draw out a rough layout of the piece, making sure to include all the buildings and features that make Saltburn special. Including the pier, the old hotel The Zetland, and the amazing Huntcliff...

I have been working on another piece this week, the subject of which is close to my heart. I found an old map of Carmarthen and Tenby in Wales, and decided to make this area my next focus. Until very recently my grandpa lived just outside Carmarthen, and annual holiday for most of my childhood was to Wales.

I had a great time looking up all the places we used to visit, especially when I realised that some of the more remote rural areas are available to view not only from the sky, but from a street view as well (thanks Google!). Here is my progress so far:

RA Summer Show update:

One of the pieces I've entered at the RA Summer Show this year...

Last week I took a trip down to London to drop off my selected works (and those of four other artists) for the Royal Academy Summer show. Having decided that hiring a courier was too expensive, team RA (which includes myself, printmakers Janis Goodman and Hester Cox, mixed media artist Josie Beszant and painter/printmaker Ian Scott Massie) decided to pack all our work into a big suitcase and deliver it to London by hand.

As I discovered after 10 minutes of hoisting a glass-filled suitcase up the steps of York train station, this may have not been the best idea. However, you'll be pleased to know that each one of the 10 pictures arrived in perfect condition, and were speedily and efficiently removed from my person and filed away in the substantial storage areas of the Academy by their helpful assistants. Now I have up to two months to wait to find out if either (or both) of my pieces have been successful. watch this space....

British Craft Trade Fair

I just wanted to briefly mention the BCTF, which has been taking place in Harrogate over the last few days. I look forward to this event every year, as it's a great chance to see the high standard of British art and craft being made at the moment. This year was no exception, and I particularly loved the handpainted ceramics I saw by Katie Almond.

Thats all for now!

Rosie

To do list...

2011-03-22T03:35:00.000-07:00

As I have discovered since becoming a full-time artist, it's often rather difficult to focus on one project without getting distracted by another.

Every week I make a to do list, in the hope that at very least I complete the list, even if I go about it in a slightly bitty way. Here's what I'm doing this week...

Course preparation for my next workshop.

I have recently started tutoring craft workshops on a variety of subjects from handmade christmas decorations, recycled jewellery, to bead making. These workshops take place just outside Masham, North Yorkshire and are run by ArtisOn, who put on an amazing array of creative workshops in their beautiful studios. Next month I am running a workshop called Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts which will involve collage and paper cutting amongst other things (I'm VERY excited about this one as it's basically a day of doing what I love, but with cake and biscuits provided!).

This week I'm doing some preliminary prep by searching online for any inspiring papercraft ideas. Here's a couple from some of my favourite blogs..

Tissue Pom Poms by Smile and Wave

Amazing folded novels by Paper Faerie

A new Big Picture.

I am finally getting round to starting a new big map picture this week, which I am incredibly excited about as I love making them and haven't had the chance to do so for a while. Having riffled through my map collection i have decided to make my next piece about Wales. My Grandpa lived just outside Carmarthen until last year, and I grew up visiting him once or twice a year. The map I have found is of Carmarthen and Tenby, perfect as it covers the areas I know the best. I'll keep you informed on the progression of the big picture.

Button Jewellery.

If I get a chance, I may spend some time this week making some more jewellery. I recently opened an Etsy shop called underthecoldtap (of course) where I can sell these pieces. I love buttons and hit upon this idea a few years ago - so far I haven't seen any button jewellery quite like this, and it's been fairly popular!

RA summer show update.

One more thing I have to do before the week is through...next week I journey to London with a suitcase full of work destined for the Royal Academy Summer Show. I'm being loaded up with work by 5 artists including myself, thus saving us all a few pennies (plus I get a trip to london), and will be dropping it off ready for it's review from this years judging panel. But before I pack my work up I must adorn it with these lovely labels so it doesn't get lost.

Well, lots to do, better get on!

Rosie

The Royal Academy Summer Show...

2011-03-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

It's been about 5 weeks since I left my 'proper job', and since then life has been a flurry of business plans, lists of goals and lots of talk about what I'm 'going' to do. In order to sell my work, I need to make some. In order to make some, I need money. In order to get money, I need to sell some work.... It's time to stop thinking and start doing; in the immortal words of Mark from Peepshow, lets strap on the nosebag and eat some serious work.

The first big item on my exciting new agenda is the RA summer show - possibly the best exhibition an emerging artist such as myself can get involved in. Every year the Royal Academy (in London) invite artists and architects to submit their work for consideration, and the lucky chosen folk get their masterpieces displayed in a beautiful show which runs between June and August. I have always loved the concept of the RA summer show, and admired the shows themselves when I have had a chance to visit, but this is the first year I have decided to apply.

Trying to create the work was far more difficult than expected. I had to submit two pieces, and had about 4 weeks to come up with them. When first sitting down to draw out my ideas, I found myself looking at my creative talents through the eyes of the most critical and cynical judge imaginable. Every idea was scrapped, every skill I thought I had was picked apart by niggling doubts and worries of bored sighs.

Eventually, having changed my mind about sizes, styles and themes I eventually settled on entering a piece I made about a year ago. Although simple in it's construction, it was one of the first works I made using a scalpel (now my artistic tool of choice), and I have always loved it's optimism and springlike colours. 'Dear Florrie', which is named after the recipient of the postcard it is made from, is entry number one.

'Dear Florrie', deconstructed postcard collage, Rosie Scott- Massie 2010.

Submitting an 'old' piece of work had not been part of my original plan, and having made the choice to include 'Florrie', I now felt I definitely needed something new to go with it. I was recently introduced to the beautiful work of Kate Slater - a papercut/collage artist and children's book illustrator, who uses recycled papers to crate unusual textures in her work. Taking inspiration from her work, I spent days layering old envelopes and maps in different ways to achieve a dramatic, stormy sea and sky.

As with much of my work, I wasn't convinced about the success of this one right up until it'd completion, but I have to say that I'm pretty happy with it now.
'Swallowed by the Sea' is entry two...

'Swallowed by the Sea' (with details), maps, envelopes, postcards, paper, gouache. Rosie Scott-Massie 2011.

The application form has been sent, and the pieces are ready to be taken down to london at the end of March. Fingers crossed the RA judging panel will like them too. I'll let you know.

Rosie