Previous Newsletters

Newsletter - May 2008

Welcome to the May edition of the Newsletter. Needless to say Spring Fling is dominating my thoughts and thus the newsletter this month, as well as the new mailing system. However, I've also been experimenting with copper on felt, creating a strong contrast between textures. It's also made for a rather interesting print.

So, coming up in this newsletter:

New sign up system
One Year On
Spring Fling Open Studio Event
Spring Fling Video
Copper on Felt
High Resolution Image for you to Download
Further Events

One Year On

I forgot to mention last month that it is now one year since I began creating these monthly newsletters. It's quite amazing to see a dozen videos and downloadable prints sitting in the newsletter section of my website. Don't forget you can still revisit any of the past newsletters and download the prints for desktop or wall.

New Mailing System

The success of the newsletters means I have had a 10 fold increase in the number of people signing up across the past year, so I've had to introduce a new system of emailing everyone each month. My apologies for the double confirmation method, but it ensures I comply with all anti-spam laws. Hopefully by now you will have signed up via the GetResponse system.

If not, then please do so on the Newsletter Sign up Page as I will no longer be sending out newsletter updates one at a time. So unless you confirm you wish to remain, you will drop off the mailing list.

As this is still early days with the new system I expect a few teething problems, so if you have any difficulties or questions about it then please contact me directly.

Please be assured that your privacy is still guaranteed. I will never pass on your details to anyone else without your express permission, and of course you can unsubscribe at any time.

Spring Fling

Coming up on the last weekend of May (Saturday 24th to Monday 26th May) is SW Scotland's premiere art & craft open studio event, Spring Fling. Artists, including me, across the region will be opening their doors for the public to come and meet us and see how and where we work.

This year I'm on the Red Route in studio number 50

If you can make it along, please visit and introduce yourself, and don't forget to tell your friends :) It should be a fantastic weekend

Spring Fling Video

Copper on Felt

While writing this newsletter I am taking a break from a piece I am enjoying creating involving a strong contrast of texture.

Several years ago I made a neckpiece out of copper and soldered wire. I loved the look of it but it ended up sitting in a box for quite some time. However, since working with white felt I began looking for things to contrast against the softness of the merino wool and this leapt out at me.

Although I don't often work with reds, the warmth of this copper inspired the use of red threads and the idea of placing the distressed felt on to a red canvas.

While the final artwork is still to be completed, I thought a detail showing the different textures and colours at work would make an interesting print, so this is the image for this month for you to download for your own use.

Right-click on the image and select Save Target As. You can then save the image on your computer and print it off on photographic or watercolour paper at up to A4 size without losing any quality, or use it as a desktop background for your computer.

Be advised that the image is approximately 2MB big, so might take a little while to download

If you run into any difficulties then please let me know.

Further Events

From 26th April to 30th May I am exhibiting a few artworks as part of the Castle Douglas Exploring Embroidery group at The Mill on the Fleet, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire.

The Spring Fling Taster Exhibition at the Catstrand in New Galloway, runs from 1st May to 21st May.

From 27th July to 28th August I have a solo exhibition also at The Mill on the Fleet, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Do come along if you can.

Questions and Comments:

I would very much like to hear from you. Please email me with any questions about my artwork, or with ideas of things you'd like to see and read in future editions of this newsletter.

And finally, if you know of anyone who you think might be interested in receiving this newsletter, please point them to http://www.maggieayres.co.uk/newsletter.htm to sign up.

Wishing you all the best until next time,

Maggie

Please note we take our anti-spam policy very seriously. We will never pass your details on to anyone else. If you would like to unsubscribe and be removed from my mailing list, please send an email to news@maggieayres.co.uk with "REMOVE" in the subject bar