Thursday, July 03, 2008

Janet Bolton

For the past 4 years I have been lucky enough to go to Janet Bolton's course at the Cowslip Workshops. She makes the most exquisite naive applique pictures and is just the most delightful lady. I always enjoy hearing her speak about how she came to do what she does and tales of her life as a young girl growing up in Lancashire. Her work is just beautiful, unmistakeably hers. I usually do 2 days but this year I got to do all 3 blissful days. I meet up with Pennie and Janet who come from East Sussex and Oxford so it is only at these events that we get to see each other even though we email each other all year. We sit at the same table and immerse ourselves in the loveliness that is Cowslip. 3 wonderful days. I have booked up for next year already!





I haven't finished my piece yet so I am not going to show you it until it is done but I am very pleased with it. I will show you one that Janet made that is now mine. I treated myself to JB original! I had to have it as it contains some fabric that I gave to Janet. It's still at the exhibition and I can't wait to bring it home.

Here's a bad photo of it (my camera battery ran out)



And here's Janet showing my 4 pieces from each of the workshops.






Last year's piece was hard for me to do. My partner and I had just decided to separate and I was with his mother who I introduced to Cowslip. It was such a hard weekend for me, I felt blocked and unhappy. Consequently the piece never got finished and I just didn't like it. One year on, things are very different. Paul and I are staying together. The enforced confinement as we tried to sell the house has made us reconcile the major differences that were driving us apart. My work this year had a different feel to it I had a different feel to me.

This past year has been a very hard one, not one I would want to go through again but it has had some good things come out of it. It has made me reevaluate life, love, family relationships, friendships and priorities. I have the people around me that I feel happiest with and I am happier with my life now than I was.
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16 comments:

Samantha said...

Caan't wait to see your finished piece.

Such lovely news about you and your partner deciding to stay together. Wishing you all the best
x

Trac said...

I have had such a crap day (week/month/year)and I can't tell you how happy that post has made me.
Thanks.
It was the first thing that has made me smile all day.

So so glad you are happy. :O)

Now I am going to take some advice from you and reevaluate my life, love, family relationships, friendships and priorities.

Thanks Donna.
x

Janice said...

So glad to hear you have come to a decision that is right for you and your family. The bonus is that you get to keep your lovely house.

andsewtosleep said...

Hey Donna this is just such lovely news. I am so glad that your life has taken such a great turn. Sometimes the saying 'every cloud has a silver lining' is true.I'm very happy for you and your family. Thank you for your comment on my last post. Sue Dove talked about you. She came to your sale which I sadly missed :( and said what a lovely home you had. I also nearly booked the Janet Bolton workshop at Cowslip. I have wanted to go every year but something always gets in the way. Maybe next year we might meet up there??
Take Care
Mary xx

Greedy Nan said...

Oh Donna! You don't know how pleased I am for both you, Paul and the children. Glad too that you chopped off the tummies from the Cowslip ladies - I know one of them a little too well!

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Donna,
Its lovely to read all your happy news - I'm glad to hear that you will be staying in your beautiful house - I know how much you love it (And you'll get to keep your business logo too!)
So happy for you and your partner - I send you my very best wishes and hope you will always be happy.

I would love to go on the cowslip workshop one day - it can be difficult to allow yourself 'time off' can't it? Look forward to seeing your new applique panel.

Have a great weekend,
Niki x

Vintage to Victorian said...

Hi Donna

So pleased to read confirmation of your good news. May you all live happily ever after now that your differences are resolved and your house has become your home once again.

Love Sue xx

martin said...

Cool Donna, nice to know you are happy and content in lovely Devon.

grumpy old woman said...

Awwww, darling, it was sooo lovely to read this blog entry.......

~(:o})=

Clare and Mike said...

Hi Donna

That's wonderful news about you and Paul, I am sure you will be stronger than ever from now on...

Enjoy that beautiful home of yours and your lovely children!

Clare x

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna!
Lovely news...I hope that you will be very happy!
Lots of love
Amanda (Shabby Chick) xxx

ramblingwoman said...

Hi Dons,

So rarely do I look at blogs now (too busy gardening and walking the dog!) but I always check your blog - such lovely things on it. Today was no exception! Those appliqued 'things' were exquisite - I'd love one of those those - does she sell them?

I'm glad you two are staying together - does that mean the house is off the market? Your house is wonderful - I couldn't envisage your 'room' going anywhere else!

Lots of love

Luce (Rambler) xxxxxxx

Gena said...

Aw Donna! lovely news! its a cliche,but I believe everything happens for a reason and everything is sent to teach us something,I am glad your journey has a happy ending,I wish you and Paul much happiness! your work is stunning! you are a clever girl!xxx

Sarah said...

Just got broadband connected in my new house, first hassel free blogging for 6 months and I decide to have a peek to see how you are, I am so happy to hear that you are staying together, so happy, I think after times like you have had the relation ship usually works out much stronger, you have made my day! great news

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Hi Donna
Though we have never met I was sad to hear of all your troubled heart last year and the news of your separation. It is wonderful to hear some good news and I applaud you for overcoming your relationship problems... I wish you much happiness and a stronger future for the both of you!

Michele

Antipodeesse said...

Dear Donna,

I am so happy to have caught up with you again and especially to read this good news.

I may have to become a fabricoholic myself, to honour you!