ukstash

My name is Helen and I was born in the USA (Miami, Fla) 40ish years ago, but have lived in the UK since 1977. Hubbie and kiddos are British, so I guess I am here for good.

Once upon a time I was a scientist, then I did admin in an office. Now I am an at home mother to two girls (13 and 8) and much happier!

If I had to describe my craft in one word it would be "quirky". I don't like rules and might break them just because I feel like it.

My personal style embraces the boho, eclectic look, even if that is on the way out (lol). I love the slightly missmatched messy look.

I love green and all the colours of nature, so am happy with a bright pallet and a more muted one. I do like contrasts in tone, so lights and darks together. If pressed for colours I like pink and orange together, brown + blue, and gradations of cream to dark brown and of course green and anything.

I enjoy crystal jewlery. The different colours and patterns that can be found in rocks fascinate me.

I don't do cutesy, unless it is so overdone that you can call it kitch. So fluffy, feathers, bling and sparkle are just fine with me.

I like things to stay positive, so I don't like images with violence or weapons of any kind. I also dislike pin up girls or sexy images.

I don't watch much tv, so the private lives of the stars don't interest me, as I don't know who they are.

My favourite artists are in two camps. The abstract ones like Joan Miro, Kandinsky and Hunderwasser. And the romantic like the preraphaelite painters and Klimt.

click on the badge to see what I pledged.

I always rate as soon as I get a package, so if you don't have a rating from me then chances are I don't have your package yet. International post is very varied, I have had overseas swaps arrive in 4 days and some take two months.

I will rate a 1 if you flake on me. However I do understand that life happens. So if you are having a problem please contact me first and I will be much more understanding, than if I have to chase you. .

Love the Cure, Smiths, Joy Division, New Order and other 80's indie bands.

Killers, Coldplay, Radiohead, Kings of Leon are also my kind of thing

Recently discovered Terra Naomi. Like haunting female voices like Terra, Enya, Kate Bush.

I also like wordless music for meditation and relaxing.

This varies so much depending what my mood is. Now I need reading glasses, I tend to choose books with BIG letters!

I like films where not much happens but you learn about the people involved, like Sex lies and videotape, secrets and lies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Costume drama always go down well, but I do get too involved in the details of the costumes.

My first love has always been textiles but I am trying to move out of my comfort zone and try new crafts.

Recently I have been having fun with journals and mixed media. I am loving the freedom to splash paint around like I used to when I was a little girl.

I am trying to teach myself to draw and paint and am getting a little better every day.

I love trying new things, and seeing what others love to do. So I would be happy to see an example of what you do best.

I love all kinds of wonderful stuff and will happily take it off your hands. I save precious things to use in my art. ..

• tea, any strange flavours, my current fave is licorice tea.
• somerset studio mags, used are fine
• sparkly things
• beaded things, bead and things that I can use like beads. I am not a bead snob, I will use anything.
• black and white photos
• paper scraps for collage
• unusual magazine articles

• books with unlined paper for drawing, any size

• crystals, pretty rocks, tumble stones

• I love cooking so anything that will help is great .

• cutesy
• disney
• victorian images
• celebrity gossip
• cheese
• smelly cosmetics
• makeup
• scary images
• gory things
• pin up girls

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