Going to the Dogs

I'm tempted to go to this exhibition of Victorian dog photography at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in Mayfair. See more here.

I think the dog in the last photo is my favourite.

Pont Adolphe

These are the prints I made the other week when everything went a bit wrong. I'm pleased with the result, but the process wasn't as enjoyable as it usually is. I'm sure it will be better next time.

The prints feature Pont Adolphe in Luxembourg. The bridge is a sort of national symbol of Luxembourg, it represents the country's independence. It was built between 1900 and 1903 and is named after Grand Duke Adolphe.

Lucy Faulke

I'm fascinated by the work of textile designer Lucy Faulke.

East End Café Life

If I wanted to I think I could go to a different local café every day of the week, and not run out of great choices. Most days I do start my day with a coffee at one of my local cafés, either in the company of a book, or a friend. Today I went with my book, I'm reading a collection of short stories by Dave Eggers, who is one of my favourite authors. Short stories are well suited for café reading, as I easily get distracted by conversations around me and even more often by all the lovely dogs.

As I was finishing I bumped into some friends who took me to a café their friend just recently opened. It's a really lovely space, filled with all his little finds and the walls are plastered with old record labels. I'll definitely add this place to my list of weekly cafés to visit.

The café is called Pacific Social Club, 8 Clarence Road, E5 8HB. They don't have a website yet but you can find them on Facebook.

The Danes are moving East

When I first moved to East London in 2000, I never ever came across any Danish people, there were lots of Norwegians and Swedes, but no Danes. Lately I hear Danish being spoken nearly every time I go out for a coffee, swim at the Lido or sit on the 55 bus. I wonder why they've suddenly started to discover East London? I can't blame them for moving here as it's a fantastic place to live.

Framed Screen Prints

My dad is a bit of handy man and loves making things - I am pretty good at utilising this, and when I was home he framed some of my prints. Very pleased with the result. These are off to hang on the walls of Café Konrad.

Railroad Café

On Saturday I went with my friend Caro, her husband Sheldon and her sister Joanne, to the lovely Railroad Café It's got such a nice feeling about it, it's a very calm and happy place.

Caro and her sister took the photos above. They are always so good at taking pictures wherever they go, I always forget or postpone it.

Luxembourg Crochet Class

Two weeks ago I taught my first beginners crochet class in Luxembourg. I really enjoyed it, the girls who took part were so lovely and fast learners too! They all managed to finish a flower brooch.

I held the workshop at Cafe Konrad in town and it was the perfect place for it, the staff were helpful, the music was nice and we had a big table all to ourselves. Their home made iced tea was much needed as it was one of the hottest days of the year - not exactly your typical crochet weather!

Mixed

Yesterday I had one of those days where everything went wrong. I spent the day at the screen printing studio, which I love, but yesterday just wasn't my day - it started off with the exposure going wrong, then I spilled paint, my photocopies were the wrong size and because of this I had to rush in order finish in time. Screen printing by hand is a lot of fun but there are so many small things that can go wrong if you're not careful. I managed to get a few prints out of it, but it tired me out and I went straight home, had a glass of wine and didn't leave the sofa all night. Next time will be better.