In between all the bug drawing, there have been a few trips to the beach. Not as many as I planned having been foiled by all the rain, being away and, on one occasion a thick sea mist! Today was windy but dry at least. It was a struggle with flapping paper, and a palette that kept filling with sand! But good to see sandwich terns back to breed and 20 whimbrel on their way north.
I have today completed one sketckbook for the boom Sketchbook Library 2026, so I had icecream to celebrate, even though that north wind was cold!
If you would like to take part in this years sketchbook library, there is still time. Just order your sketch book and fill it with whatever is pleasing to you by September! Link in bio!
@boom.studios@northdowncraftcollective@societyofwildlifeartists@craftnigallery
#wildlifeart #beach #drawing #sketchbookdrawing
My trip to Massingham wasnt all beetles, here are tiny picture wing flies with yellow eyes (fantastic, who knew!), some larvae of watery beasties rudely disturbed while going about their business in the pond, a cinnabar moth and red tailed bumble bee! Meanwhile, the papery experiments continue!
If you would like to hear more about the project, tune into open country on Radio 4 this afternoon. They paid a visit to record during the residency. Link in bio!
@societyofwildlifeartists@boom.studios@northdowncraftcollective@thewillowtit@craft.ni@gmbiodiversity
#radio4 #massinghamheathproject #societyofwildlifeartists #wildlifeart
I am just home from another marvelous trip to Massingham Heath in Norfolk with the Society of Wildlife Artists. Star attractions in my little corner were oil beetles and green tiger beetles, ferocious and furious it sems, even when mating!
Call in to Boom 2 tomorrow evening to hear about it and have a laugh at me trying to create something papery out of the experience!
@gmbiodiversity@societyofwildlifeartists@boom.studios@thewillowtit@northdowncraftcollective
#wildlifeart #insects #drawing #oilbeetle #greentigerbeetle
Our weekly spotlight is on Craft NI Makers Directory member Adele Pound!
Adele is a wildlife paper and watercolour artist. Inspired by the natural world, her paper art creations and drawings depict immediately recognisable species through the use of simple shapes and colours. Each design is a learning process that expands Adele’s self taught paper engineering skills, and reveals new ideas and possibilities for the next design.
Adele also sells cards, craft kits and leads workshops in paper bird-making. You can see Adele's latest work in Craft NI Gallery, or visit her Maker's page and website for more information on upcoming exhibitions and workshops!
#craft #craftni #craftnimakersdirectory @adelepound
This Friday step into an evening of creativity at North Down Museum as the historic building comes alive with colour, texture and imagination. I will be there with some colour your own paper birds!
Friday 20 March 2026, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Coffee Cure will be open on the evening for light refreshments and there will be some live music to add to the vibrant atmosphere.
@cultureardsandnorthdown@northdowncraftcollective@craftnigallery@boom.studios
#artnight #bangorni #creativity
Some more mucking about in the cause of art! This time at Mindful drawing with Jo Hatty.
This weeks mucking about was with mono print. This was a first for me and it shows, lol. Definitely food for thought though! I also tried a not very successful engraving into plastic, which didnt print properly, so i only have the plate to show for it! Such is the way when mucking about! A great morning was had by all.
@cultureardsandnorthdown@jo_hatty@northdowncraftcollective
One has been taking steps to try and nudge ones drawing into fresh horizons by trying some different things. To this end, last night I attended an online class with the Royal Drawing School "drawing Canines".
It was certainly a challenge, I can't remember the last time worked in charcoal, though I used to draw with it a lot when I went to zoos. As it was charcoal, I cracked the big paper out!
Thanks to the RDS digital studio for a great evening and to the very patient Pickle the greyhound who was definitely giving their owner the side eye by the end!
#rdsdigitalstudio @royaldrawingschool
To celebrate #internationawomensday the directors of North Down Craft Collective C.I.C. are shining a spotlight on the different women who have personally and creatively inspired them.
I have chosen the one and only, resident bird expert and force of nature, Dot Blakely.
Now, birdwatching can be a very boys sort of a hobby, rife with jargon and in group slang, gadgets, and competitiveness.
But for 30 years, Dot has been leading a different sort of birdwatching club, where everyone is welcome, where there are no silly questions, knowledge is shared freely and generously, and everyone has fun. Instead of trying to see the most or the rarest, Dot would rather show us shield bugs and ladybird nymphs, or stand in a forest and listen for who is there. Her enthusiasm is infectious (Ask her to tell you about leaf miner moths!).
By now many hundreds of people must have been gently and kindly changed into passionate nature lovers. People blossom and grow in confidence under her leadership. Sometimes I look at the group meandering along, all chatting and laughing and wonder how we see any birds at all with all the noise we make. And yet we always do!
We had the best day today @wwtcastleespie as we launched our Safe Hands project in conjunction with @womensaid_nda and the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls initiative and some fantastic art students from @art_basfc@bangoracademy !
NDCC members hosted a series of taster workshops for the students, teachers and Women’s Aid team in the wonderfully welcoming and inspiring location of WWT Castle Espie. Craft, conversation, positivity, listening, supporting and engaging were all on the agenda today and the vibe was simply amazing all day long!
Huge thanks to the team at Castle Espie for looking after us all so well and to our fabulous members whose workshops expanded skills, promoted conversation and thoroughly impressed our participants.
@adelepound@aliparks_design@alisonhanveyceramics@little_tangle@justinwoodni@weeyarndesigns
We’re excited to be back next Saturday for a follow up session with six new craft makers sharing their skills.
#womensaid #craftworkshop #ndccatcastleespie
Late Night Art Bangor is back! I'll be in my space in Boom 2 from 6 - 9 tonight! Why not Swing by and say hello. I have made you a little display of paper birds to look at, and Bob has brought his holiday photos!
@boom.studios@craftnigallery
