Welcome!
I’m happy you decided to pop by!
If you haven’t read my about me page yet, here is a quick introduction.
My name is Tracye and I’d like to welcome you to my little corner of the digital world. By day, I work in a New Zealand primary school, where I enjoy supporting both the students and teachers, day to day. But creatively, in my spare time - I am a creative explorer and maker!
Currently my creative focus is on textiles, stitching and painting. I like to add a little bit of whatever else I come across as well, you know, just in case or just because I can. Right now, I consider myself to be a creative explorer, discovering what makes me happy. Oh, and I really love to share what I learn too! Why? Because I believe that everyone is at least a little bit creative at heart and I don’t like the idea of someone feeling lost or left behind, when really, they just want to join in. Here, I hope you will find some inspiration, encouragement and eventually a wealth of resources that will help you on your own creative journey.
I decided to start my website as a componant of my art course. I am almost two thirds of the way through a Level 5 Diploma of Creativity via distance delivery with The Learning Connexion based in Wellington, New Zealand. Part of my course is to look at marketing and exhibit my work but exhibiting and/or selling my “work” isn’t really my personal goal at this time. I want to explore and I want to share and teach. And part of that sharing is to put my work out there. I also want to ensure people have access to information and inspiration, regardless of where you are at this moment in time. So I want you all to know that no matter where you start from - just start. One step first and then the next. And then the next. Just like I’m doing right now. I have no idea what I’m doing but it should be a fun ride! If you stick around, pretty soon you will be exploring your own creativity, skills, techniques and ideas and starting your own websites and blogs too! Or not. It’s all up to you!
I am currently working on a textile piece that has been inspired by Kantha embroidery. This involves using a basic running stitch to render an image on a piece of cloth, usually clothing or Kantha quilts. I have recycled a cotton bedsheet I picked up from an Op shop (thrift store) and layered two pieces together with no batting in between. The image is a buddha head nestled among bamboo and hibiscus flowers. So far I have put about 30 hours of stitching into the project and it’s only about one third of the way through. I find it hilariously funny, and crazy, that simple stitching can take so long! I usually watch a tv programme while I stitch so after about 3 or 4 episodes, I look at the whole piece and it seems like I have only done a very small patch of stitching! Is it me? Am I that slow? Well, yes, in a manner of speaking. If I am concentrating on spacing my stitches evenly in size and form - it takes time and practice. But you know what? I don’t mind. Sitting down in the evening and just relaxing into the creative zone helps me relax and recuperate from the day. Not everything has to be finished as soon as possible. And so, I’ll keep working on it, bit by bit.
Well, that’s it for now. I hope that you will come back again some time and catch up with what’s been happening!
Tracye