out with the old....

it's just been too long since i wrote anything last. What with the snow (and serveral mishaps involving it) going back to College to have a day in the sewing room in return for some advice for the current third years (yeah right!) and designing freelance, its all been a bit hectic.... (i wish i'd bought that Benina sewing machine that was for sale when was at college whan i had the chance!!) third years, if any of you are reading this-sieze your chance and get your hands on one!!!

And most of all i'd love to post some pictures of what i've been designing, but i can't! you'll have to wait until at least a/w 2011 to go to the shops and see them....College was always banging on about mood boards, trend boards, current high street research and i don't think i ever realised just how relivant it all was until now. when my skills have been put into practice, so i am eternally grateful, especailly to the lecturer's, in particular-Claire Baker, who, by the way was also at Designers Marketplace selling tonnes of fantastic laser cut stuff.

As this post was going to lack images, here's a snowy scene from my mum's house to make this blog a bit more colourful.... And now it's nearly the end of the year, again, (not the best one i've ever experienced in some ways, but a great one in so many other respects) i am determined to give 2011 all i've got....

i recon, if i take a risk and it turns out good, well, whats not to like about that?

(all imagery/text is copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

Designers Marketplace....M'boro Town hall THIS SUNDAY!!!

Well witchmountain and i will be featuring at Designers marketplace this sunday. Selling handmade Christmas goodies, including dresses from african fabrics (materials imported by moi!) and made by my good self, laser cut limited edition Christmas decorations, and unusual jewellries that really are one off, happy accidents, which cannot be repeated even if i wanted to!!

For visuals, see below!....

these images are a mere SAMPLE of what will be on offer at the weekend!!

Love and peace xxxx

All imagery copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010

hello! remember me?!

Sorry it's been about a million years since i last blogged! i'm still living in Africa, Tanzania to be exact and the tine is wizzing by me.... it'd turning up the heat here now, so hot a spend my days dashing from shady spot to shady spot....

it's my graduation in a couple of weeks so i'm uk bound for that. i feel really important when i get to say i'm a qualified designer! it all seems to unreal!!.... continuing on the topic of design, i received an email last week from a company who i did some design work for before jetting to Africa. i had all but given up on ever hearing anything but alas-an email of positives came my way.... i can't say more yet though-it's a secret!!

design was something i never thought Tanzania to be awash with opportunities for, but this time i've been completely amazed at just how many businesses there are here producing some of the most beautiful designs i've ever seen. I'm still finding it as inspirational as ever here, and accidentally today i stumbled upon this website, www.loveliveafrica.com and i've been sat here for ages just listening to the music and looking at the images. If you're going to look at that link, you must also read Witchmountains latest blog on life on the North Yorkshire Moors, England.

(image below, of Tanzania, not the English moors!!)

So i'm really not sure life can get much better?! you tell me! everywhere i look here i find my sight full of an image that is worthy of a photograph, whether it's women carrying unbelievable loads on their heads, or a misty, sleepy mountain in the early morning sunshine....

love and peace xx

arusha, africa, and Lake Natron....

How very inspirational Tanzania is becoming at the moment!! i've spent the last few days in Lake Natron visiting the beautiful waterfalls and the Lake itself, observing flamingos and other wildlife. at the edge of the rift valley the views were really spectacular and have given me plenty of ideas for new art work when i return to england in November....

Once back in the UK i have an embroidery workshop to run as well as featuring with Kim Tillyer of Witchmountain at the Designers Marketplace in middlesbrough on the 22nd November!....

the exhibition at TS1 Gallery is due to come down this week, but they took a lot of my jewellry collection to sell in the shop so you never know, thay might owe me money when i get back!!

these pictures are of Oldonyo Lengai in the rift Valley, (the beautiful mountain) and also the amazing waterfall, as well as a view on my way to the Lake!
are you jealous??!

Gallery TS1, Middlesbrough....

Hi there, it's been ages since my last update.... things have been really really busy but i have time just now to tell you about a current exhibition thats running in Middlesbrough on Corporation Road at Gallery TS1....

It's called the ''Migration and sacred place exhibition'' and is running until the 9th October, i am amongst the exhibitors displaying four photographs of my own dipicting a migration i took through Tanzania, Africa last August (2009). Please go along and see it! My photos are accompanied by the story behind them, now that is worth a read if i do say so myself!

It's a lovely little gallery and has workshops frequently so that you can try being creative for yourself! As well as a gift shop which is stocked by local artists work.... It's a huge supporter of the local community and students/local artists so it really is worth a trip down....They Gallery also said they would stock my jewellery collection so you never know, fame and fortune here i come??!!

Alternatively, i've been busy working on a sample brief for marks and spencer/NEXT in hope of future freelance work.... although i can't post any of the images on here to update you, it seems to be going pretty well.... Well, we will see won't we?....

Love and Peace xx

Westport opening night....work from Workhouse studios....

For those of you that don't know, i'm cuerrntly in southern Ireland in Waterford working in a textiles studio....it's called Workhouse studios and consists of a small team of designers who create beautiful work from jewelry to glass.

last week we took a road trip to Westport where the designers were exhibiting their collections. We arrived on opening night here's how it went down in pictures....

the exhibtion is running until 12th september 2010....

the gallery was packed after the officail opening, and these people even managed to sneak in beforehand...

below - Aisling Cook glass artist:

Below - ceramics by Paula Ilecka

For more information on workhouse studios or the designers, use my link to their website above or find them on facebook....

i'm sure you'll agree that all the work is worth a second look and is GORGEOUS!

(all text/imagery used is copyright 2010)

ireland continued....

Well, it's the beginning of the second week here in Waterfors, southern ireland.... and so far it seems to be going quite well. tomorrow i'm back at the Workhouse studio's to start some work with Ann, a scarf desinger. i've made an ETSY sale this week, so check my shop! and will be having a small exhibition on saturday 28th august as part of the Workhouse Studio's open day. included in my collection will be these laser cut hair slides and brooch....

(notice my new packaging idea, borrowed from a gallery called Kaleidoscope, in Westport, ireland. it's a brand new little shop and i haven't been able to find a link to their website yet.....)

love and peace,

(all images/text copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

top of the mornin' to ya!

Ok so pardon the pun regarding the Irish please! everyone here is lovely! I'm in Waterford, southern Ireland, and yes, that is where they make the crystal before you even ask....




For the next two weeks, i am working as part of the Workhouse Studio team in Kilmacthomas they are a team of 6 designers who produce jewlery and beautiful products, check my link....

here's the info poster that i've seen one to many of today!!

Today i spent the day putting up signs to advertise an open day the studio is having a week on saturday, 28th August 2010 this is when i'll get to exhibit my designs in laser cutting i did on my preivious work placement at Zap Creatives, Middlesbrough, N.E England....hooray finally!!

here's a very small selection below....

I'm heading up to West Port on thursday to spend the night there and attend an exclusive opening night of some of the Workhouse studio's designers work.... so that should be exciting! i'm trying my best to take photo's to fill me full of inspiration but am always too busy gawking around or talking to remember....ah well!!
love and peace guys x

(all ideas, imagery and text copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

sales, an extremely rare night out and Africa....

So, i feel as if we haven't spoken for a long while, even though it can't be that long, surely? well anyway, i just thougth i'd let you know that i've had a little success this week, i have passed my first exam for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and have made a private sale on ETSY! yay! this is the item below....It's hand dyed cotton and silk, (by me!) machine embroidered and hand beaded, it took some hours i can tell you! it depicts a carousel horse leaping into the air....

Last weekend went down nicely too, with a busy saturday night at work, followed by a trip to the local club with lovely friends and dancing until the early hours....

(''i think i'm going to go to bed, the sun has just come up!....'')

oh, it looks a bit packed here doesn't it? i abandoned this part of the club and escaped upstairs to a R&B night. excellent news.

Last weekend my artistic friend from witchmountain also made an ETSY sale, and has MANY more lovely things for you all to fall in love with.
Africa is also on the carsds again, see you soon, Tanzania!

and, no, that is not a baby bump you see, it is in fact my bag before another person tells me i look pregnant!

(all images and text copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

Romance? yes please!

I recieved a lovely message from Katy Howieson via facebook when i got home tonight, she creates beautiful accessories with a vintage feel and they are wonderful! make sure you check out her blog and ESTY shop too. She was kind enough to use one of my laser cut brooch images in her latest wedding moodboard, i think you'll agree, it is lovely lovely lovely!

I was also kindly taken out for dinner tonight by a very nice friend, so should be fully rested and energised for tomorrows brooch making session in preparation for Ireland in a couple of weeks. Infact the brooch making might just have to be squashed into the morning as i am hoping to go swimming to Hemsley outdoor pool with my friend Kim, from Witchmountain.... she's busy designing and making at the moment too, i saw a beautiful little girls t shirt she had made the other day, it was sooo adorable!

facebook is taking over the world!...

Etsy shop is now stocked to the max!! I've also started a new facebook page to promote my work and other bits and bobs....i'd love it if you checked it out! log into facebook and start typing 'nakupenda' into the search bar!! i'm hoping to make it a lot more personal soon, but just wanted to initially get some images and things up there....

now on sale!!

Laser cutting design are now available on my ESTY shop. so, please take a look!! all designs are 100% unique and designed by ME! i will be taking a full range od earrings and brooches to Ireland in August when i go on a work placement there for two weeks, at a textiles studio.... there's to be an open studio exhibition, so i hope to sell out!

Love and peace.

(all designs, text and imagery are copyright of Lindsey murray 2010)

crazy laser cutting days....

Well, it's been a hetic two weeks at my work placement, Zap! creations, in middlesbrough. i've learnt a tonne of new things and have been lucky enough to design and cut some designs of my own, which i will take with me to Ireland in August to hopefully sell at my work placement there....we will see....the laser cut range of earrings, brooches and hair accessories will be available on my ETSY shop from this weekend, so keep at eye out! here's a taster of SOME of the designs so far....(including the bottom item which are the tiny cute earrings!).... The designs are made from acrylic and some are eco friendly and are 100% recycled cardboard, i have to say, it'd those ones that are my favourties!

thanks for reading, more coming sooon....

Love & peace

(please note, all imagery, designs and text are strictly copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

golden oldies....

i have just come accross some old photos from college and the final parts of final major project, including the places where i was making all the designs at the time; so thought i'd just put them up....

(all images/text copyrighted by Lindsey Murray2010)

new beginnings....

After all the excitment that was New Designers i feel so back to 'normal' now, i'm wondering if it ever happened?!! i'm currently doing a 2week intership at Zap Creatives in Middlesbrough to gain more knowledge on laser cutting....it's very very interesting and i drew up some designs of my own today to be experimented with later, so watch my ETSY shop for the actual products! there's nothing specific that i'm basing the laser products on really, just love and my doodles!!

I did want to just use cardboard to cut out on, but after seeing how many coloured acrylics there are at Zap i just know i want to try them all!

Other things i've been doing are buying too many second hand books from amazon and reading into the small hours....i'm about halfway through 'the last maasai warrior' and it has been fantastic so far....

As always though, i am really wanting to return home to Tanzania.... September is when i'm able to go again. i cannot tell you how happy i'll be!

I'm still following up a couple of New Designers work, so fingers crossed i can get some freelance work before Tanzania to make some money!

(Please note, all text and images copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

new designers success!

After a week at New Designers, and getting home far too late last night, normality has started again and i don't like it! i was quite enjoying the crazyness of London tank you very much!!

here's a quick over view of my week....if you're interested??

Monday-arrived and dropped off ALL exhibition stuff to ND's. after sitting between carriages all the way to London on the train because two old ladies were in our seats.

Tuesday-put whole show up, very long day and everyone was so tired. But it went pretty well....

Wednesday-12 hours at the exhibition, press and awards day too. well done to everyone who won something! and then the after party at Pitcher and Piano with the worlds best DJ. undesputed!

Thursday-saw a basso & brooke exhibition at the design center before strolling around London town. Got called into ND even tough it was my day off to show my work to a potential employer. saw The Lion King in the evening at the Lyceum theatre, of course- i cried at the beginning!!

Friday-working on the stand at ND's all day, out for drinks in the evening with fellow graduates. and got to show my portfolio to another guy who is interesting in maybe employing me! very exciting!

Saturday-Camden Lock Market baby!! was visually amazing! then managed to swing some tickets for Jersey boys this evening, whilst walking to the theatre through Gay Pride celebration!

Sunday-working all day at ND's again, before pulling the whole show down and hot footing it to the train station at 9pm to come home....

What a Week!

(please note, all images/designs are copyright of Lindsey Murray 2010)

competitions and new designers....

my giveaway is now closed for entries, thanks to all those who entered, and the winner was a very lucky, 'Dangermouse!' i'm at new designers this week and so far it seems to be going quite well, a lot of organising and rushing around though.... there's a press and awards day tomorrow, so i'll let you know if anything exciting happens....

i'm getting really itchy feet to go back to tanzania now, i can't wait much longer! fingers crossed i can be released to go sooonnn!

new designers, college, and Hand and Lock....the saga continues....

The hand and lock embroidery competition deadline is looming and i've managed to pull myself away from new designers organisation to get some initail entry photos together....

i've spent so much time showing people my work recently, at college, interviews, general friends and family the lidt is never ending.... but one thing i did discover is that no one seems to realise that any colour of fabric, any printed surface or dye/printing paste has been selected, experimented to no end with to achieve the perfect hue. not just bought ready to use within designs! i think quite a few people have found this on the textiles and surface design course....

there's still time to enter the competition on the post below this one-if you're quick!!

Peace

Degree show continues....

It's now tuesday and after replenishing my postcards and business cards in my show bay this morning i spent another hour wandering around, at leisure this time taking in everone's wonderful work with my friend helen....
here's just a few more photos of my show, for all you people who can't make it there in person....


please remeber to leave me a comment or email me if there's anything you like, especially the laser cut brooches, i can work to negotiated commissions....

Now, how about a give away??! this opportunity is giving you the chance to win a $40 gift certificate to CSN stores! CSN has a great range of products that go from kids toys, to lights to cookware....i found so many things i liked! all you have to do is leave me a comment about my work and i'll choose a winner at random. the best of luck everyone....