My goodness me January has flown by!!

I can't believe January is nearly over! I've only been out a couple of times this month (St Nicks market in Bristol), as there isn't much point battling with the weather this time of year.

So instead I have been preparing for the next year. I have booked up some new and exciting events as well as returning to my old favourites, this is an ongoing list and will change a bit as the year progresses, but you can start to get some ideas of where you can find me, on our events page.

I have been playing with some new ideas, some with not a lot of success, so I may not continue (what I did make, I will list on my Folksy tho), it was fun having a go however. I was attempting to make and use air dry clay. This was a home made recipe using cornflour, pva glue, baby oil and lemon juice, which you mixed all together, heated up in the microwave and after getting in a really sticky mess, it eventually comes together into a dough. I then used cutters to make hearts and flowers, some I left plain and then painted, some I pushed in some glass pebbles and beads and some I laid lace across and then using a rolling pin made a pattern. After drying for a couple of days, I attached a ribbon. They can be used for gift tags. They are never going to make my million tho!

I have also taken a bit of inspiration from Mark, which I really enjoyed doing, so I might continue with these.

Mostly this month however I have been having a massive sort out, I have moved my work area out of the studio and into a new workshop at the back of the barn. And I have been going through all of our "stuff", I now have a big pile of "stuff" to take to a car boot sale with the children when the weather improves.

Mark's been his usual busy, creating a new range of greeting cards, just in time for Valentines day and Mothers day. All available on our online shop.  The original designs will be available too.

I have to share this bit of news!
Our son decided 5 months ago to stop dedicating his time playing football and learn a new skill, so he picked up Mark's acoustic guitar (that he bought about 12 years ago but never got around to learning) and started teaching himself. And he's actually quite good! On Saturday we went to a second hand music shop and he bought himself an electric guitar. He wants to get good enough to apply for a buskers license and start earning some money in Taunton, so watch this space! And the video below!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD1cldS9e7Y&feature=youtu.be

Where else can you find T&M

As well as having our website which has been running for 6 years now we also sell on Etsy and Folksy.

Mark's Next Paintings

Although Mark doesn't want to venture too far from painting the trees he is renowned for, he has been playing a bit with wildlife lately.

The twin parrots and the cockerel ("Morning Glory") have already been reproduced into cards and prints, available to purchase.

The single flying Parrot has not been reproduced yet.

The green shapes in the background are Marks interpretation of the jungle foliage.

The Leopard has still a few final touches to do before it is complete. Mark has been working on this one throughout December, what with Christmas events and festivities he hasn't quite had time to finish.

We have both made a New Years resolution this year to increase our online profiles, through blogs, videos, our website and our social media. Sometimes it will be work related and sometimes it might just be us being a little bit silly or just showing you how we relax as artists, what we are interested in and what irritates us!

So to follow Marks blogs go to: http://mark-betson-artist.blogspot.co.uk/

His facebook page : Mark Betson Artist

On these you will find links to his other sites.

And dont forget to like T&M on our facebook page: T&M Arts and Crafts