Thursday 5 February 2009

Snowballs

I should really be at Urchfont college for a glorious couple of days of uninterrupted stitch. However, snow was forecast and duly arrived. Some brave souls got there but I don't like driving in this weather and I have things to do next week. It did occur to me that if I got snowed in, with a good supply of 'stuff', I could finish the book in a week.


I'm peevish as, apart from a good stitch'n'chat, I was planning to miss the plumber, who is coming today to fit thermostats to our radiators. Not that I dislike Martin Plumber, but he makes a mess. As we are going to have a woodburning stove installed (on the basis that we are not getting any interest on our savings so we may as well spend them) we need to be able to turn some rads off. Sorry about that boring domesticity but I'm quite excited about the stove. Wish we'd got it before all this weather happened.
Last night we had the most amazing snowfall with massive flakes. It was like God throwing snowballs!





I had to rush out and take photos. You can see the size, above and below.





I won't show too many snow scenes, although I took loads of photos. I did find the effect of melting snow on crazy paving interesting, as you can see.







I arranged the hose in the hope that it would snow again and it obliged, giving this result.





I thought it would make a good Displacement Map in PSP, as strong colour contrasts always work well. Here it is on a blank page which was filled with a stripy gradient. Looks quite like batik.







Thanks for all comments.Glad you all enjoyed Jackie's work as much as I did. She is definitely one to watch.

Wabbit - it was my final altered book - or rather the piece that went on top, that Smudge was eating. Nothing that has a pipe cleaner in its construction is safe from him.

It's raining now and washing the snow away. I wonder if it's too late to go to Urchfont and miss the plumber?

8 comments:

Garnered Stitches said...

I imagine Urchfont in the snow is enchanting, only wish I could be there too. I have to be content with visits in July.
best wishes

Heather said...

So sorry you missed Urchfont, but better to be safe. If it freezes tonight, tomorrow the roads will be so dangerous. Your snowfall was spectacular and I love the 'designs' on your patio. We had about twice as much snow last night as before but it is thawing fast now and looking less than lovely. I am always surprised by how quickly it can change from pristine enchantment to depressing tat. How great to have a woodburner.

Julie said...

Wow! The hosepipe design is stunning!

verobirdie said...

You amaze me, going out to arrange the pipe in the hope it will snow on it! But after all, you don't surprise me, it is really you :-)Art is anywhere...

Penny said...

I do wish for snow and a warm fire and cold outside. I really dont enjoy this heat and now it has got muggy, we have at least 6 or so weeks in which this can keep on happening and no rain at all. sometimes I wonder why I have a garden.

Fibrenell said...

Your photos make me feel homesick but I know I only remember the nice crisp snow scenes not the slush, wet feet and horrendous driving conditions.
Talking of hoses, after watering our plants (legally on Wed) I left our (obviously cheap) hose out in the sun and the outer coating melted on the stones in the heat here in Aus!
Great digital design.

Liz said...

I love these snow photos Maggie, and the fact that you have made use of them. I shall have to take another look at mine, particularly the one of our dog Poppy with the most amazing snow ball ears - it has to be seen to be beleived.
Where oh where do you find the time to blog so regularly?!

Liz said...

I love these snow photos Maggie, and the fact that you have made use of them. I shall have to take another look at mine, particularly the one of our dog Poppy with the most amazing snow ball ears - it has to be seen to be beleived.
Where oh where do you find the time to blog so regularly?!