Julie Arkell Oh So Sweet!

Not so very long ago, when I came across this picture on Pinterest, I just knew that I had found someone delightful.

 After a little research, as it turns out, that first impression was quite surely true. Julie Arkell is described as a much loved folk artist. When I saw her work I understood why, immediately. She creates what many people describe as "delightful whimsical creatures" that bring a smile to your face. It seems that Julie is also a collector of words & phrases & clearly possesses a very fine wit that is keenly evident through out her imaginative work.

Sadly, I will most probably never have the opportunity to meet Julie in person or attend one of her popular workshops, but I feel sure that some of you, dear readers, would be delighted to know about her & her creations too. 

"Julie Arkell, is one of the UK's best recognized contemporary folk artists working in papier-maché and mixed media. She combines stitch, knit, ephemera, vintage fabric and papier maché in her own distinctly personal and sophisticated way. Everything is produced by hand using knitted adornments, curious accessories, ribbons and found objects. The results are magically appealing and unique."

Isn't she just so sweet!

via lovely textiles blog spot

Do follow the link to read for about Julie over at Lovely Textiles. Elvis describes her encounter with Julie like this:

"Meeting Julie Arkell was marvellous. Her energy, gracious nature, her interest in everything, her quietly powerful work was really inspiring."

Thanks so much to Becky at Vintage Fairy Tales for the use of her pictures. You will find several posts about Julie over at Vintage Fairy Tales as Becky & Julie are good friends.

If by any chance you were to find yourself in the South of France this coming July you could have attended a 5 day workshop with Julie at Les Soeurs Anglaises situated in the heart of the Dordogne countryside, only sadly, it's already full.

 Julie says on the workshop website : 

"I love to make things with materials that have 'seen life'; embroidering words and stories onto old cloth, stitching into books and paper, repairing, darning, making dolls, toys, jewellery and objects of eccentricity. We will spend a couple of mornings during the workshop scouring the local brocantes and marché, and inspired by our finds we will combine the wonderful old fabrics, trinkets, braid, lace and threads with the items from your personal collections to make inspirational mementos."

Julie has written a book called, quite simply, "Home" you can see it here

If you fancy seeing more of Julie's work just google Julie Arkell images.

Not until you've got to the end of this post though of course!

Embroidery magazine Nov/Dec 2008

via TreeFall Design

On the Contemporary Applied Arts website I found these creations of Julie's..
Rabbit Saint

 Not Quite the Ticket

& another of Julie's own descriptions of her art.

"Words and phrases I hear, read and put together inspire my creatures. I use paper and glue to mould the figures. Sometimes they have wool features, doll heads, or painted faces. Their arms and legs can be papier mache or plastic, taken off old dolls and re-assembled. The clothes they wear are knitted, sewn and crocheted, with parts of their story embroidered on to them. Houses, boats, trees, chairs and prams are constructed to make up their environment."

photo courtesy of Becky

What better way to finish off...yes! do keep safe dear ones! You are close to my heart.
Much

 ♥♥♥♥♥