Author Archives: Mary Sleigh

I’ve been interested in our needlework heritage for many years and have been inspired to make pieces based on research on things like this wonderful little needlework mending kit. Ideas and inspiration come at the most unexpected times and this … Continue reading →

I’m busy making work for a joint exhibition called Making Time with my friend and fellow artist, Jan Miller. I was very inspired by my day with Native Hands which I’ve told you about and some ideas from that day … Continue reading →

If you missed this in Nottingham you’ll have to go to Southampton! This is a stunning exhibition using and transforming paper in all sorts of ways. It’s showing at the Djanogly Gallery, Nottingham until Sunday June 9th and then  Southampton … Continue reading →

A Hausa robe, an Adinkra cloth and a raffia dance skirt were the inspiration for the workshop with members of the Guild. The eyelets on the robe are a lovely starting point, all massed together to create a wonderful surface. Everyone … Continue reading →

Aren’t these Brambly Hedge mice just beautiful. They were made by a friend and colleague – exquisitely worked by hand with attention to every little detail. Here are the bride and groom – Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood. Wilfred Toadflax … Continue reading →

I heard about The Foundling Museum and Threads of Feeling during the afternoon at the ERTF conference  in November where I was giving a talk. Janette Bright, who contributed much as a museum volunteer inspired me and I decided that … Continue reading →

I took part in a conference which had a world-wide theme, organised by the ERTF.  My presentation was called Identity & Adornment and included images and items from my collection from many regions in Africa and India. Here are a … Continue reading →

What a treat to spend a few days with friends in Chicago. Not only is it such a vibrant place with beautiful buildings old and new, but there is public art all round the city. I was thrilled to find … Continue reading →

The third workshop was in Peterborough and was called Piecing & Patching African Style. I had brought some examples of traditional stitching from my own collection and we used these as a starting point to spark off ideas. But first … Continue reading →