Saturday 25 January 2014

GROW YOUR BLOG! A Re-Introduction!

http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/grow-your-blog-2014-this-is-official.html

Hello and WELCOME to the 'GROW YOUR BLOG' post! I'm so happy to take part in this blog-boosting event hosted by Vicki at '2 Bags Full'.  It's really quite exciting.... It's pretty scary to put your art 'out there' on t'interweb, especially on a blog, as you're basically asking strangers to judge and comment on the work that's on display. I'm still relatively new to blogging and I still get all nervous when I check up on my comments page (like...30 times a day!) - when there's a lovely comment there from an incredibly kind fellow blogger it's like all my birthdays have come at once! I think all artists need approval and blossom when we receive support - so taking part in this blog hop event is both terrifying and exciting!

This post collects a selection of my work which regular visitors may already have seen, but I've added several new pictures for you to look at too. Those of you who are new visitors to 'Shroo's World' might want to know a bit about me, so here goes...

My name is Rachael, although I'm known as Shroo - at least as far as internet communications are concerned, and that's how I sign my work, so please feel free to call me 'Rachael' OR 'Shroo', whichever you prefer.  I'm an artist and  journal maker and I live in the UK with my almost-spherical black cat.

I'm an only child of a single parent, raised by my wonderful mum and my grandparents with help too from my globe-trotting uncle, and some lovely family friends. My mum is a dancer and a commercial artist, whose work and encouragement have been invaluable and inspiring to me. She filled my life as a child with music and art, drawing little cartoons on messages and cards at every opportunity. She still does -


Her work is FILLED with joy - my house is filled with it, which is fabulous! You can find more posts including her artwork by clicking the following picture link:

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/My%20Mum%27s%20Art
Yule dancer
My grandfather was a carpenter - a good one, and my grandmother knitted and cooked and loved painting and poetry. I made swords and shelves with my grandfather, and never ONCE beat my grandmother at scrabble or cards, but did make some lovely scones!

I've always loved art, and would have loved to make it a career, but circumstance sometimes forces a different path.... Many twists and turns later, and I'm at a point in my life where I'm fortunate to have my own space - no negative influences or nay-sayers, and my heart has returned to art. It's saved me - a grandiose statement, but true - and now I want to make use of any skills I have and try and earn a living. Bold move, made with tentative steps! The blog was my first leap....Etsy, my second....this is my third! *JUMP!*

My influences are manyfold. My mum and my grandma both loved literature and book illustrations, so I grew up surrounded by the incredible variety that books provide. I love animation  and comic book art, which are both highly underrated in the art world. I adore sculpture and classical art including the wonders created by ancient cultures as well as the bold modern movements.  You can read about some of the artists who've influenced me by clicking the link below:

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Influential%20artists
Influential artists

Other than existing artwork, my main influence is the natural world and it tends to feature heavily in most things I do. I love to express the beauty of the organic world around me in arts and crafts and hold it close to my heart.


 This is a copy of a piece I did for a very awesome friend of mine, without whom I'd not have had the confidence to pursue my dreams. Some people are more valuable than they will ever realise. You can find more examples of this black-and-white work in my gallery (click on the mouse picture below), which will take you to the relevant posts if you clicks the links!

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_18.html
Gallery
I love colour, and I love to experiment with different mediums and collage elements - play about with textures..



This was painted with Derwent watercolour pencils, Caran D'Ache Neocolor II soluble wax pastels, Winsor & Newton gold ink, fine liner pens and gel pens.

The following images might give you a better idea of the kinds of things I like to draw and paint and will link to their related blog posts/pages if ya clicks 'em:

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_1479.html







http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-pheasant-day-out-challenge-response.html



http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/show-tell-saturday-eventually_5.html

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/okee-first-postie-post-about-me-and-my.html



http://www.artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/a-walk-in-park.html

Oh -  and I love the sea, marine life and BLATANTLY obviously, mermaids and will find any excuse to paint one. 

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/free-fall-vs-ebb-flow-mermaid-journal.html

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/fiiiiiiiiiiiiinally-holy-cow-could-this.html

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/tattered-angels-glimmer-glaze-mermaid.html

They also find their way onto the journals I make..

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/gorgeous-mermaid-journal-in-my-etsy-shop.html

.....and colour is a key feature of my handmade books and journals. I only started making my own books a couple of years ago, mainly because I have 'pristine page terror' - that blank brain effect that comes with a nice pretty new pad of paper. I discovered that pages that were 'rustic cut' (ragged round the edges) presented less of a weird barrier to creativity, and I started cutting my own sheets. Learning to bind them into books was relatively easy thanks to the plethora of tutorials on Youtube! I took a chance and opened an Etsy shop to sell some of them and it seems other people like them too - which is AWESOME! Here are a couple of exampes - 

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/new-alice-in-wonderland-journal-on-etsy.html

http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/pretty-peacock-journals.html

I do tend to get over-excited with arts and crafts and I love learning new skills. I love to embroider my own designs and I find making jewellery REALLY theraputic. Mum loves this as she's even more of a magpie than I am and has a collection of jewellery that would make the Queen feel inferior!

 

Ok - that's a bit about me and my work - LOTS of piccies and links which I really hope you'll enjoy. I would LOVE it if you left a comment and if  you like what you've seen, perhaps you'd consider becoming a blog follower (you'll find the link in the right hand page border). I'm off now to begin a day of  utter indulgence enjoying the variety of blogs and blogged subjects out there thanks to the awesome work of Vicki at '2 Bags full'. I hope I'll see you again - and you can email me if you like at

 artyshroo@gmail.com. 

The email is on my public profile but BLOGGER can be glitchy! I'll leave you with three little watercolour illustrations of my fat black cat, Count Harvelstein Fluffpants III (Harv for short...or 'Colonel' if he's feeling bossy!) These were for mum for Halloween 2013. I bid you a very fond farewell - see you soon! Shroo :) xxx




*
http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/grow-your-blog-2014-this-is-official.html


110 comments:

  1. Lovely introduction Rachel. I guess I should take part on this challenge too:) These artworks of yours are so gorgeus. You're an inspiration for me. I started to make artjournals for the first time last summer. It's so nice to find lovely inspirations in the blog world. Your mermaid journals are so beautiful. It's so nice to read about your family and how they have affected your artistic development. Love and light -Niina

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    1. I'm really REALLY honoured that you'd say that, Niina - thank you so much! I feel just the same about your work, which is so honest and beautiful. Thank you for joining me her for this blog hop! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  2. Well Rachael, I couldn't resist visiting even though I'm already one of your biggest fans. You've done a lovely getting-to-know-you post and I'm sure you'll attract lots of followers! Have fun hopping around the other blogs. XXOO-Misplaced Mermaid

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    1. Thank you so much for the kick up the bum to do this - you're a complete star! I had some real fun with this hop - knackered now though, and my eyeballs feel like hard boiled eggs from staring at my pooter screen for so long! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  3. I think I am in love with your cat! I too have pristine paper terror your journals are just beautiful. I will enjoy reading your blog your art is bright and colourful the two things I love to fill my life with and a side helping of fat cat...purr-fect :) Laney x ps you are my first UK blogger this morning!

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    1. Thank you for joining me on mega blog hop day! I'm really glad you did too - I LOVE your blog and your lovely glassowork in particular! So clever - AND you have a wonderful sense of humour which shows in your work. Best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  4. Wonderful introduction - you are certainly one talented lady! Your amazing artwork is inspiring, to say the least! And you are so spot on about "white journal pages"...so hard to even start an entry when there is a blank page staring at you! Best of luck to you!!

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    1. Thank you so much! What a nice thing to say! - and yes, the fear of the blank page! ARGH! Honestly, the raggedy page edges really so help....and the final thing looks prettier too! Your jewellert is incredibly beautiful - I hope the studio packing goes smoothly and that your NEW studio sings with inspiration! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  5. Wow Rachael, your artwork is amazing!!!!! I'm so pleased to have found you in here! I adore animals, and just love the way you represent them. Wow!

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    1. AH - you know I'm already addicted to your lovely beads.... This is SO not healthy - I'm gonna want them!!! It's awesome to have found you and your jewellery blog and I look forward to drooling over the pretty beads from now on! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  6. I love all your work, your paintings make me really happy. I also LOVE that owl, I could look at it all day, so pretty.
    Take care, and have fun! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you! That owl was a special gift for my bestie - he so deserves the time these things take as without his encouragement I'd not have this blog at all! Now I have it and I meet the most amazing people *points at you*! Sending hugs - Shroo:)x

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  7. amazing Rachael! I adore every single piece!

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    1. And that's EXACTLY how I feel every time I visit your GORGEOUS blog! Thank you for your inspiration - Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  8. You are a very talented artist! Especially love the owl.

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    1. Thank you for visiting and helping me to find your lovely blog - I'm heading over there again RIGHT now for a read and to enjoy your gorgeous designs! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  9. Oh Shroo your art work is absolutely stunning! The little "zentangle" mousie is fantastic! You are very talented!

    Fatdormouse.blogspot.com
    Dormouse.wibsite.com

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    1. Thank you squillions! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit! I love your blog and your lovely work and my kitty cat sends a waving paw to you for your lovely zentangled kitty picture! Best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  10. Hey Rachael! I am one of Vicki's helpers with the "Grow your blog" party". Just helping out to visit all the blogs participating.. WOW! what wonderful art...you are one talented lady....just beautiful.. the colors are great! Have a great day and enjoy the party. Blessings!

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    1. Hi Patty! It's so awesome that you're helping Vicki with this blog party - all the effort and time she's put in is fabulous, so she deserves to have fabulous people like you helping out! I'm so glad you visited and left this lovely comment - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  11. Hi Rachael - I like your name like that. Your are a passionate drawer/painter I think. I am in awe of your wonderful pictures. I wish I had this talent - you saw on my blog that I am a fabric-thread-yarn-loving lady. Greetings to you over the Channel from south Germany.

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    1. Thank you for saying hi ! I loved finding your blog - your work is so beautiful and intricate. It was a joy to wander through your posts! You are so gifted - and you must have immense patience as well, creating such fine work. I look forward to finding inspiration on your site this year! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  12. Hello Rachael! Thank you so much for visiting me and for your lovely comments, which were much appreciated! I am so pleased to have found your blog, and your art, which is simply- fabulous! (The beautiful fox has particularly stolen my heart). It's brilliant to meet another UK blogger too. I am following you, and will be returning to look in more detail once the whirl of blog visiting is over - but I already know yours is a keeper'! (Already got side tracked by your influential artists post...:)) Jules x

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    1. Thank you for following (*does a happy dance*) ! I'm so glad you'll be back! I'm already hooked on your creations - you take wonderful photos too! Oh - AND you put an A.A.Milne poem on your blog so you're already elevated to AWESOME status! Look forward to enjoying your lovely creations - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  13. My mother and sister were exquisite artists and then there was me ... but what I grew up with was a deep appreciation for the talent and your art has mesmorized me. I not only love your artwork, but I too am a lover of nature and I have pets so your subject matter delights me. I will be, by all means a follower of your blog. I invite you with some humility to visit mine ... which is just for fun. Thank you for this lovely moment in my life ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Your blog is GORGEOUS! I'm completely captivated by the photographs you take. I've TRIED to capture piccies of my garden wildlife but always manage to just end up with a blurred leg, or a flappy wing! No good at all! YOURS, however, are really quite splendid! Um - I may be asking your permission to use a couple for art reference because I love them so much.... a collaboration on the horizon! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  14. P. S. And I know that cat with his treat bag ... he lives with me:)

    Andrea

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    1. I think someone, somewhere is cloning them.....!

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  15. Thank you for visiting my blog and for the lovely comments. I love mermaids too:) I love your work. It's amazing and you are truly talented. Your journals are really spectacular....love them!!!

    I always wanted to be an artist but the catch is that I can't draw anything to save my life:)

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    1. Do you have ANY idea how in LOVE I am with your dolls? No? Well- like, gargantuan amounts of in love with them! They're fan-bloomin'-tastic! I have an obsession (just the one? No....really? ha) with unique and unusual dolls so I've been glued to your site(s) for an unhealthy amount of time already! I so would love to have a talent like that - envious, but happy to find you! - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  16. My God woman ! You ARE an artist with a capital A. Beautiful , beautiful things you show here and i will definitely be back to browse around some more. I look forward to seeing more. As we are all blog hopping today i hope you'll pop over for a visit! Hugs! deb

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    1. DON'T YOU EVER STOP PAINTING AWESOME FISH!!! I love your layered fish picture - it's GORGEOUS! It helps that you've used, like ALL my favourite colours. Hooked. Totally hooked. I look forward to following your arty adventures - best wishes, Shroo:)x

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  17. I love your creativeness, you are very inspiring and it was really nice to meet you through the GYB Party.

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    1. I've always wanted to quilt - that and knitting - but I am DIRE (and I MEAN dire) at both! You, however, are SO talented! You made a cat and mouse quilt! That's awesome! Happpy to find you - best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  18. Hi! You are incredibly talented and should be very proud of all of your work. I especially love your black and white sketches, the penguins and the paintings of your cat are delightful and full of joy. I can't believe you have the time and energy to make jewelry and journals as well as your drawing and painting. You have a phenomenal portfolio! I have been hopping through the GYB party and am so glad I found you. I will definitely follow you and your blog. Please visit me at wirednan.blogspot.ca

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    1. Wow! Thank you so much for your LOVELY comments! I'm so glad that you like my blog - I love yours! You write so well :) I hope your neck's recovering - unpacking a studio canNOT have been at all easy with a injury like that. Really glad to find you and look forward to visiting your blog throughout the year - big hugs (but not TOO squeezy 'cos of the neck!) - Shroo:)x

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  19. Hi Shroo, your art is fabulous and you are amazingly talented. I adore mixed media and have been contemplating dabbling again of late. Of course you are not alone in your fascination of mermaids and as for the Tattered Angles products...brilliant. Thanks also for stopping by my blog and for your nice comments.Rae.

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    1. oooo - you'll have such fun with mixed media art play! It's a great way to develop a unique style - and you certainly have style! I am still entranced by your mermaid needlework....oh it's so lovely! I can't wait to follow your creative jouney this year - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  20. Oh my - what a delight! Your art is wonderful and I hope the GYB party brings you a ton of well-deserved followers. I'll certainly be one of them.

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    1. Thank you so much! You're such a lovely person :)I look forward to reading your blog this year - best wishes, Shroo:)x

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  21. Oh.My.Gosh. You are so talented! I adore your work!!! So glad to have found you through the GYB event - I am off to read more, drool over your talent and become a Follower so I can come back for more. Wowzers!

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting - I've been reading your blog today - you're so talented and i do like your youtube videos! I've not been brave enough to try my hand at that. I really do look forward to following your beautiful creative journey this year - best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  22. So pleased I popped in, I have really enjoyed looking at your pictures and absolutely love the owl. Looking forward to reading more in the future and thank you for your great comment on my blog.
    Gillx

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    1. I'm really glad you dropped by - I enjoyed your blog a lot and look forward to following it through the year - best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  23. I love your art! It makes me happy. And the black and white work really appeals to my mathematical yet whimsical way of looking at the world.

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    1. Oooo thank you! That's a really interesting comment - I'd not looked at the black & whites that way. Fascinating! Thank you so much! Very best wishes - Shroo:)x

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  24. Ohhh, love your art and sensibility! You are so talented--we will be back to check on what you are up to!

    Deb and Kathy

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    1. I vote for you two to rule the world...your blog is epic! I've forwarded your details to some buddies 'cos I think you'll make their day! Genius.....genus.... Hugs aplenty - Shroo:)x

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  25. Utterly stunning artwork! You have magical skills.
    The fox and the swallow are simply divine,
    am following along : )
    Lyn

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    1. Thank you for finding me! Your blog is fascinating - and I meant it when I said I think you have the best job ever! Completely fabulous - and I can't wait to see what amazing stuff you produce this year (no pressure!) - hughs from Shroo:)x

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  26. Hi Rachel--I found your post utterly delightful and it was fun to read about your Mum's influence on your work. Both of you have a great way of adding whimsy with your free-spirited line work, and I love it. I'm an illustrator, too...and guess what? Now my daughter is an illustration major in college! I'm going to sign up to become your newest follower, and come back to see what you are up to :-)

    Come by and visit my blog, too!
    -Maggie

    www.themagrag.com

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    1. I did! I did! Your blog's completely lovely!! I like challenges and I'm looking forward to learning more about the tag Tuesday...that looks awesome. I really love your art and I admire you for constantly challenging yourself to use different media. Look forward to following your journey this year - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  27. Shroo- Your creations take my breath away! You are amazingly talented! Such a delight to see what you make next. I'm your newest follower.:) Do stop by my blog as I have a fun giveaway going for the Grow Your Blog party.;) Lori

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    1. Your blog will get me in trouble.... seriously! Those book reviews are so well written that I think I'm going to end up adding to my already frighteningly huge library! Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, it's truly lovely. Best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  28. WOW!!!! Rachael what a talent you have!!
    Those wonderful creative genes you inherited have not been wasted.
    I'm totally captivated - I've been on this wonderful journey as I've read your blog - your world is so full of colour and imagination and stories - I LOVE it.
    I hope your write and illustrate a children's book - you must have hundreds of ideas swimming around in your head.
    I'm following you - and I would love you to come over and enter my Giveaway - a vintage fabric and lace collage.
    I'll be back to see you when the party finishes - have fun.
    Hugs
    Shane

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    1. Hello Shane! Thank you for commenting - you have such a way of turning words into inspiration! I've visited your blog and HAPPILY become a follower - I love the way you write and your beautiful world that you share with your readers. Very glad to have found you - hugs from Shroo:)x

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  29. Hello Rachel from snowy cold eastern Canada. Your art is AMAZING!! I have so enjoyed going back through a number of posts. I too have always loved literature and children's books, just as much for the illustrations as the story. You have such talent and I Iook forward to seeing more, I'm a new Follower. Hope you'll drop by my blog too.

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    1. A quilting blog with a difference - and then so, SO much more! You are inCREDibly talented. Also - I love the way you delve deeper into this art and add to it with your passion and knowledge. You have such a gift - and I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you so very much for visiting me and leaving a comment - best wishes from Shroo:)x

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  30. I agree with everyone here-Rachel your art is just amazing-awesome-and so beautiful to view. I really enjoyed reading your post here too. I agree with you about wanting to share what we do with other on our blog and waiting for approval or comments or even critiques-I love that allot and do the same.
    I finally decided I could call myself a fiber artist when I sold my first art quilt piece on etsy and I got a custom order for a hand painted sky on fabric-which I didn't know I could even do-lol
    I am a follower and am off to check out your etsy shop-please stop by for a visit when you get a chance Kathy

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    1. Your fabrics are so beautiful. That's such a wonderful skill - I've never tried...if I did, I fear that I'd achieve dyeing the house, the cat, myself AND the very air around me, whilst having NO useful effect on the fabric! It would be a disaster indeed so I am impressed with your success! Happy to have found you - best wishes, Shroo:)x

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  31. I'm so glad you discovered me thus allowing me to discover you!

    Your statement " I've always loved art, and would have loved to make it a career, but circumstance sometimes forces a different path.... Many twists and turns later, and I'm at a point in my life where I'm fortunate to have my own space - no negative influences or nay-sayers, and my heart has returned to art. It's saved me - a grandiose statement, but true - and now I want to make use of any skills I have and try and earn a living." I could've written that! I gave up any and all forms of art (and any self expression) at 19. Didn't find my way back till I was 30! And it has saved me over and over again countless times.

    Loved this post and have lost so much time (well spent time) following links from here tonight. off to check out your other links now.

    Oh, and I think of myself as my alter-ego too. Whoopidoo ;) x

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    1. Losing art (as an arty type) was like missing part of my soul I think...so welcoming it back into my life has been incredibly emotional - which is probably a bit pathetic, but true! It's given me expression and release through some pretty rough life-stuff and now I don't ever want to let it go!

      ...And now you've found the labyrinthine link system within my blog you'll be ensnared forever - MOOWAHAHAHA!!!! Gotcha! Big hugs from Shroo:)x (Shroopidoo? heehee)

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    2. Shroopidoo! Tea spray over keyboard! Ha!

      Not pathetic. Totally getcha! ;)

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  32. Hi Rachael, what wonderful artwork- I love it all and am going to enjoy spending time reading back and discovering the 'colonel'!

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    1. The Colonel approves of your interest. He waves a paw and instructs that you encourage me (his humble, shredded servant) to feed him more nippits (his biscuits) before he wastes away to nothing.

      I'd like to point out (at risk of severe clawing) that the chance of my spherical kitty overlord 'wasting away' is about as likely as a herd of singing unicorns bursting through my window, juggling badgers whilst reciting the poetry of the immortal bard, backwards, in Martian. Just saying! LOVE your blog - hugs from Shroo:)x (and his kitty self)

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  33. I have devoured your lovely words and beautiful art like a child with ice cream, Rachael :) It will be a pleasure to follow your blog and enjoy your talents again and again!

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    1. Heck, but you make some BEAUTIFUL jewellery.... I've drooled through your recent blog posts and enjoyed your entertaining posts and will be back for more! Hugs from Shroo:)x

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  34. Rachael, your blog is amazing, you're very talented. So nice to meet you via the GYB party.

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    1. Thank you so much! I've just joined your blog - it's completely enchanting and a joy to read. Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  35. Wow, your work is amazing, so glad I stopped by here as part of the GYB party

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    1. Thank you so much for commenting - I've just been marveling at the epic aount of talent you have displayed on your lovely blog! Kitties are SO cute!!! Love it! Fabulous stuff. Hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  36. Just found your blog after finding some of your art on the flickr gallery at Jackson's art supplies and being completely bowled over. Absolutely beautiful - I love them all. You're so talented and I for one and so glad that you've shared your work.

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    1. Wendy - thank you so much! It's really heartening to know that people like my arty efforts, and I'm chuffed to mintballs that you found me via Jacksons - how cool is that?!? Thank you squillions and big hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  37. Wow, I saw your first ink drawings. Then, kept scrolling down and saw your full-color art- stunning!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah and Dan! I visited your blog - how the heck do you find time for all that awesomeness? You must have extra energy-on-toast for breakfast every day! Incredible! I have to say that I do love the butterfly - that's totally adorable! Hugs to you and your family from Shroo:)xxx

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  38. Oh Shroo - so good to meet you! I'm not arty but I love to look at arty work, and yours are wonderful. I'm so glad you decided to GYB. Do consider turning your watercolors of Harv into fabric - they are adorable and would make a great novelty fabric. Check out spoonflower.com to get an idea of what others have done. The whale too would make great fabric!

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    1. Oooo- You need to be plugged into my brain somehow because your suggestions are invaluable and inspiring! Thank you VERY much for commenting - and how can you say you're not arty when you make such gorgeous quilts? You're epic, missus, and don't you forget it!! Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  39. Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Beautiful art! Love those cats.

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    1. Thank you so much! That cat (from the pictures) just got fatter due to stealing some chocolate covered dog-biscuits! DOG biscuits! If I had a cone of shame I'd make him wear it for a week! I enjoyed your lovely blog - congratulations on a successful trade show! hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  40. Greetings, Shroo! Love the name, love your story, love, love love your artwork! I am a new fan for sure! Blessings, Jan

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    1. Thank you so much Jan! That's such a lovely thing to say and made my day - sending you great bug hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  41. Oh my, you are super talented. I would love to have half the creativity and talent that you have. Every picture I looked at I said, that one is my favorite, and then I would scroll down and see more gorgeous work. It has been a pleasuring getting to know you.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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    1. Hi Caroline! What a WONDERFUL comment! When awesome people say nice things like this it really keeps me motivated and positive - you're a complete star! And I've visited your utterly CHARMING blog and you are pretty darned arty yourself! A very valued comment - sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  42. I know I am going to enjoy reading your blog. Your illustrations are beautiful. I so admire anyone who can paint or draw.

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    1. That's such a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much - big hugs to you from Shroo:)xxx

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  43. wow you're an amazing artist. Those pieces are amazing! I love mermaids too though it seems not quite as much as you :D

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    1. Awwww! Thank you so much!! I have to admit that the mermaid thing is bordering on obsession....honestly, you should see my mum roll her eyes and sigh when she sees another new mermaid painting! Not gonna stop painting them though!!! Sending you big hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  44. What a talent you have - FANTASTIC! I look forward to following you and seeing what else you create. I hope you have a chance to pop by my blog as well. Regards, Tammie Everly / TTE Designs tammie@ttedesigns.com

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    1. Oh I did....Oh I SO did pop by your blog. Yup. Not stopped with the drooling yet! GORGEOUS designs! You're UBER talented, so you are. I'm hooked and am HAPPILY following your wonderful blog! Sending big hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  45. All the art made me smile, thank you for that gift. Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoyed your post.

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    1. That's beautiful - thank you so much! I'm glad you liked my post - and I love your blog too! You have a lovely farm - and congratulations to your family for your new little star, Kinsley - she'll have you all wrapped round her precious little finger in no time at all! Fabulous ! Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  46. I love your artwork, I can barely draw a stick figure! Especially love your mermaids, they're beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more posts.

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    1. Thank you squillions - I'm glad you liked my post, and the mermaids! I suspect there'll be another one added soon! Can't possibly compete with your dragon collection though! Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  47. Hi Shroo, so lovely to meet you and take in the beauty of your artwork. The black and white owl ... "magnificent" I love it. It's been a real pleasure dropping in for a visit. I plan to follow by email.

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    1. Thank you for visiting - and for following too! I enjoyed visiting your blog too and seeing your artyness! Fabulous! Hope you're taking good care of yourself :) Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  48. Wow! what talent. I love your art - your books. It is a real pleasure to read your blog. Happy hopping!

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    1. Thank you so much - I feel much the same about your blog and your designs. I think your 'Mardi Gras' necklace is the definition of FABULOUS! Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  49. Oh my goodness Rachael you are so talented with your artworks. I love your painted bird so much and your mermaids are amazing!
    Lovely to meet you here! Hope you enjoy the party and you meet some lovely new friends.
    Suzy

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    1. Thank you! I'm so hooked on your designs - they're so incredibly beautiful. I'm so glad you stopped by and hope you visit again! Sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  50. Thanks for sharing your story & blog. I'm still, slowly, making my way through the list of blogs. I love your artwork! Beautiful. I am following & can't wait to see more.

    aprilsongstress (embroidery blog in the 1st set on the list)

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    1. I recommend to anyone reading this page that you travel through time with this incredible blog - http://1936diaryirenesmithdolton.blogspot.co.uk. So completely absorbing! I'm so glad you visited else I might not have found you - that blog list was so epic I know I've missed many wonderful sites! Happy to return the visit - sending hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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  51. Your art work and blog are amazing you are so very inspiring. P.S you are coming up as a no reply blog...just in case that you weren't aware.

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    1. Thank you squillions for your comment :) I'm not sure what a no-reply blog is. I've set everything up to allow emails and responses from everyone and according to blogger it should all be enabled....I dunno - I'll go try again. I'm SO not tech-minded!! *grins manically*.....I'll pour me a glass of wine... that will help....yes, that will help...! xxx

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  52. Your work is beautiful, my granddaughter would love those mermaids :-) I think you could do extremely well with illustrations for childrens books ,I love childrens books for that reason , it is always the illustrations that draw me in . Thanks for the great introduction , I would love to visit again so will become a follower . Keep up the fantastic work .

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  53. Hi Shroo, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work with us! You have such a talent and it is a joy to experience it. I am looking forward to following you here and seeing it grown and emerge. Best of luck with the baby steps into your creative career; I am with you there, on a slightly different path but no less precarious. It may be scary sometimes but know there are always people out there rooting for you; me included! x x

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  54. A big WOW ... your work is gorgeous.

    Enjoy the party!

    Lija
    http://stitchingincrossesandmore.blogspot.co.uk/

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  55. Hi Rachael,

    You can bet that I will follow your blog -- your artwork is awesome! I just signed up via email, so that I won't miss any of your postings.

    I really, really, really like your style (and I don't say that to everyone). I also like your humor (and your cat on Halloween). Needless to say that I both love Halloween and cats, so maybe it's the combination. Hah!

    Lots of greetings from Germany,
    Birgit

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  56. Hi Rachel, wow you are seriously talented and I'm struggling to decide which of your artworks I love best...ok, I'm going with.....ALL of them! Looking forward to following you and your sweet cat.
    Love and best
    RedSetter
    Craft blog http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/
    Cat blog http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/

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  57. Well you are clearly popular .. beautiful work and beautiful person .. I'm an artist also . .. i am thinking i must be one of the last bloggers on the GYB list haha .. it starts with a T. Anyway .. i'm going to follow you .. uber talented woman you are .. love for you to come over and visit with me at my blog. Have a wonderful art filled day!!! :)

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    1. Hi Tammy! Thank you for visiting! Honestly...it takes aaaaaages to get through all the awesome blogs listed in the blog party - I'm still visiting new blogs even now. Really appreciate you stopping by and doing followeyness cos now I can visit your blog of epicness and say hi there! Hurrah! Sending big hugs - Shroo:)xxx

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