This week, the theme for the Creative Challenge at Slamseys Journal has been “A different perspective” so I’ve spent the week trying to look at things differently.

When your daughter buys gin in 1000 litre IBCs, taking out the empties takes on a different perspective.

This field of beans looks quite different when viewed from the ground, instead of looking across the field. Not quite Jack and the Beanstalk.

Sketching on a small scale, looking at detail and trying zentangle.

I’ve tried a different way of printing. Instead of my random jelly printing, I’ve been lino printing. In my head I can execute a beautiful print, but my planning is poor and I fudge lines when I draw the design onto the lino, somehow thinking that I can work it out as I go. Believe me, it doesn’t work. At least, not at novice level. This time I was determined to do it properly. I sketched, transferred the print to the lino and even painted in the sections to be cut out. Sadly, my cutting didn’t quite tally with the lines and I discarded the lino. I made another attempt but realised that my design was just too fiddly. I quickly drew a simple design freehand onto a new lino block, cut it out and made some prints. It’s very simple, but it works.

And then I embellished some jelly prints, which I wouldn’t normally do. I don’t love the technique but it’s good to try something different. I found the easiest way is to photo the print with my ipad and then use a paint program to draw in the details. That way, when I make a hash of it I still have my original print.

Try the Slamseys Creative Challenge! I say challenge, but that’s a very loose description as it’s just some ideas for being a bit creative over the summer (or winter depending on where you live). Read about the challenge at Slamseys Journal.