Breton costumes - past and present.

Last Sunday I went to an exhibition of Breton

costumes.

In the past there were many variations of dresses,

embroidery, headdresses all

adding to the richness of the Breton culture.

I couldn't use flash so some of the photographs aren't as good as I would have liked.

The richness of the embroidery is extraordinary and so skillful.

Black and white is a very strong theme especially in the mens costumes.
I just love the buttons and the braiding.

Even the simple costume for a young girl has so much charm.

The beauty of the lace caps is just amazing and they are highly collectable and also
of great financial value.

Just love the shadow of the lace on the wall.

The apron below is really just for show and the cut work is so intricate.

The two photographs below show the influence of Breton costumes on today's fashion.
The dress below is designed and made by a young man, Romuald Herve who has his studio in Auray.

Introducing you to a new love in my life !!

So may I introduce you to......

" RUBY "

I have wanted a 2cv for a very long time.

So this beauty is a happy addition

to life at Kerjacob.

She is 26 years old and is in excellent condition.
I cannot fully describe what it's like to go for a ride in her except to say
we laugh all the time and both have smiles on her faces.
Mr P is not  at all jealous - he's always number one for me !

........ So here we are - just beautiful as always

I think you've all waited long enough !

So here is my beautiful bag from

Sea Angels.

I make a lot of my own things but ....

I just couldn't resist this and 

I am very happy.

Yes, the handle on one side is made of braces.

Just look at the tape measure and the old button.

Then the back is old ticking - a fabric I love.






Then the fun price tag - where is Alice and the Mad Hatter ?!






Don't you just love the little purse to go with the bag ?
I've propped it up on one our old doors outside our barn.

Below is the picture on the bag of the purse.

Couldn't resist this photograph against the rusty hinges.

 So there you are - I hope you think it was worth waiting for the surprise.
I LOVE the bag.

A beautiful parcel from Sea Angels.

Just over a week ago I received a parcel that I bought from Lynn at Sea Angels.
I cannot tell you how much I was looking forward to it arriving with my post.

I knew what was inside but only by looking at a photograph.

The packaging was just GORGEOUS !
So lovely that I just had to take some photographs of it .

Wrapped in a lovely old dress pattern, tied with a black ribbon and lovely little numbers
and an old card decorated with flowers with a lovely message.

Carefully I unwrapped it and have saved everything AND ..........

now you are going to have to wait a few days before you see what was inside !!!!

More from my exhibition.

My exhibition is going well and I have to say I'm delighted

with the response.

* The painting above has been bought by my dear friend Helene.


The general public has appreciated the new work which is really good.

There were four small square pieces like the one below which are based on the walls in Venice
that have suffered with age and water.

Three of these are sold now all to the same person.

The landscapes have given a lot of pleasure and their calmness is with me everyday when
I'm at the gallery.

The painting below reminded one visitor of his homeland of Australia.
It was actually inspired by the huge rolls of straw in the fields here at sunset.

The painting below has intrigued many - the actual source was a huge piece of metal that someone had tried to set fire to.
I just loved the colours that happened afterwards.

Then lastly the sea again.
Brittany, where I live has the most coastline in all of France so of course it is in my head and is always an inspiration.

My exhibition of new paintings.

I have been working very hard this year for a new exhibition.

Starting new work is normally a question of inspiration

and then of course to put that onto paper.

I had decided this year that I wanted to explore

new ways of working.

Now there is less than a week to go before the exhibition starts.

I am really pleased with the work I've produced and am hoping that

visitors will find the work interesting and stimulating.

I have always been drawn to the detail and wanted to look
closely at surfaces and the effects of time.
I love rust on metal, lichen on walls and the effects of water and even fire.

I have done a few pieces on seascapes and landscapes
 using techniques I've not used before.

There are four pieces which are directly inspired by the crumbling walls 

and frescoes in Venice.

Many of the pieces are built using layers and layers of washes

 and then rubbing back even using fine glass paper.

The paint is water colour and I've also collaged with old paper and tissue .

The exhibition starts on Saturday 24th August at Gouarec in Brittany.

Details can be found on the Galerie Tremel site.

Absolute delight with children on holiday at Kerjacob.

This week we have had the fun that only

children can bring at Kerjacob.

On the last morning they were here - a surprise came

to fruition.

Drawings were made with the help of the children's

Mummy and Daddy.

Then Mr P and I set to work on the surprise.

Et voila !!

Exclusive T shirts printed and given.

What do you think they wanted to put on

for the next part of the holiday ?

Exactly - their own designed shirts.


Everyone had a smile on their faces ( except the robot !! )

Having our nephew, wife and children here has been a joy !