Juliette Orton

           Looking at the connections between layering (my current sketchbook theme) and nature made me think about a sketchbook I did at college which focused on fir cones. I did a 3D Design degree (Silversmithing) and for one of my projects I created a wall sconce which I developed from some fir cone sketches.  I studied fir cones that I had found in woods near my parents house in Sussex, some of which were partly eaten by squirrels. I drew the enlarged cone shapes in my A3 sketchbook using chalks, charcoal and my favourite (mentioned in my previous blog) the Karisma Graphite Aquarelle pencil.          I zoomed in on the fir cone scales and developed the shapes further.   I experimented with the introduction of folds to my forms which resulted in an exciting range of maquettes made from wire and card. ...

I've not had a chance to get on with my 'Layering' sketchbook in recent months so it has been lovely to finally have a flurry of activity and to complete a new section of it - from artichokes to feathers! In a previous blog that I wrote about starting this sketchbook (see here ) I explained how I started with a written mind map (which explored any links to 'layering' that I could think of) followed by 4 pages of those same ideas presented in a visual way. I have already explored the red onion layers so the focus of this blog is on the feather and lampshade images from the same page. I'm convinced that the lampshades were inspired by artichokes so that was my starting point. I used a black Staedtler fineliner pen to draw the artichoke using an image from the internet as a reference point. I machine stitched the card onto some green fabric to represent the colour of the artichoke and then photocopied the image, playing around with the scale and...

                            Some lovely friends took me away to the beach recently to blow the cobwebs away. We had fantastic weather (in November!) and it was just what I needed. I couldn't resist posting these pics of the beach which was literally at the end of the garden!   julietteodesigns.co.uk julietteorton.blogspot.co.uk facebook.com/julietteodesigns twitter.com/julietteorton 

A little while ago I had the pleasure of introducing my 'Stitch'n'Rip' technique to some members of Marlborough Embroiderers' Guild in a 1 day workshop. I remember receiving this booking nearly a year ago and I am always shocked by how quickly time passes! I started the workshop by showing some examples of my work which use the 'Sitch'n'Rip' technique and several of my sketchbooks were available to look at and use for inspiration.          I then explained the different stages of the 'Stitch'n;Rip' technique and gave my students materials so that they could have a go at making a flower in order to understand the process. They created some fantastic flowers!               Having gained an understanding of the technique, I gave the ladies some materials to create their own interpretation of one of my Plume pieces. On a linen background, they combined paper layers which included some pre-printed ...

I do love natural textures, in fact I think I might be slightly obsessed about them! I have just been looking back at some photos and found quite a few that I still find inspirational. Lichen on a stick Watermarks in the sand Pebbles on the beach Sand on slate Fabulous dried flowerhead Leaf watermarks left on the patio Frozen leaf layers 'Marian's Marvel' at RHS Wisley more sand ridges left by the tide It's amazing what you ca n capture on camera, I certainly wouldn't call myself a photographer but I do use photographs a lot in my initial rese arch . I t ry to hang on to any interesting photos as you never know when they will come in handy.   julietteodesigns.co.uk julietteorton.blogspot.co.uk facebook.com/julietteodesigns twitter.com/julietteorton