#cactus
Friday, November 27th, 2015
It is the day after Thanksgiving. My good friend Ian and I leave early in the morning and head Southeast for Alabama Hills, where the Mojave Desert meets the Eastern Sierra mountains.
When we arrive, we are both in awe of the landscape we have entered. The desert valley is sprinkled with boulders made from thousands, if not millions of years of weathered monzogranite and volcanic rock. The Sierra Mountains dramatically reach for the sky, Mount Whitney standing tallest among the spires. The wall of mountains is dusted with snow, storm clouds loom over them, but the valley is clear. We scout the boulders, looking for arches, finding a few along the way, and finally end up at Boot Arch to make camp.
The day temps. are in the mid 30′s, so we layer and glove up. As the sun sets, temps. drop to the lower 20′s to high teens. Ian and I wait for the sun to set, the stars to rise, and the Milky Way to align with our compositions, but the clouds move closer, hiding the night sky. It’s hard to be discouraged in such a beautiful place, and we didn’t experience the feeling in the slightest, even though our compositions weren’t as clear as hoped.
The night was windy and our tents in the valley didn’t fare terribly well. Sleeping hours were few and when I woke up at 5 am, my bladder was ready to explode. I slowly dug myself out from my sleeping bag, and when I exited through my tent, I was blown away at what I saw. The clouds had parted, the moon was in full force, and the mountains were full of fresh powder. The pain of the cold winter morning no longer had its hold on me as I emptied my bladder and rushed to get my camera gear. My excitement woke Ian and we went out to explore before sunrise.
We heard a great horned owl hooting in the rocks and saw the sun rise from the top of a boulder mound. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States was kissed with the pink light of the sun first, and the rest of the mountains were soon draped by the light. We spent the rest of the day exploring, finding a new campsite, and even drove up the mountains a bit and into the snow. That night we photographed Mobius Arch, then headed back to camp to make a much needed fire, dinner, and rest for the night.
Alabama Hills is the type of place where once you enter, your jaw hits the floor for the rest of your stay. I’m already planning for my next adventure Where the Mojave Desert meets the fantastic wall of the Eastern Sierra Mountains.
Post link
***Day 24- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Customers/ Feedback***
This is one of my favourite reviews I’ve had.
I love that people have my work in their lives it’s weird to think that something that I made at my kitchen table is now off out in the world but I love it :)
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #watercolour #illustration #workspace #embroidery #freemachineembroidery #advice #maker
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZz5sZnUtL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=93gnx8y8i7r5
Post link
***Day 23- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Tip/Advice***
Jump: before you overthink it
Thats my new advice for myself I spend so much time thinking about the thing I think myself out of it
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #watercolour #illustration #workspace #embroidery #freemachineembroidery #advice #maker
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWuooWn9Ji/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ubqhtf0ttr88
Post link
***Day 22 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Proud Of ***
This crazy thing that happened once…I thought it was just a little interview in Embroidery magazine I had no idea it was going to be on the cover until I received a photo from Julie from @craftevan of her and a friend from uni clutching copies.
I then rang every magazine shop on the Wirral to try and find a copy and then me and my mum freaked out in a carpark reading it ha
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #workspace #embroidery #freemachineembroidery #embroiderymagazine
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUOypIHBrC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18389c3834211
Post link
***Day 19- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Dream Collaboration ***
I’ve always wanted to illustrate childrens books or at least have a go at doing one.
I have no idea where to even start but I’ve been playing with an idea I’m not quite ready to show off yet that will potentially explore this avenue.
I’d also love to develop my floral brooches into some kind of wedding related button hole or hair piece so if anyone would like to take the plunge come at me ha
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #workspace #workroom #mess #messyworker #buttonhole #wedding #floral #flowers #illustration #childrensillustration
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMlbReHdsu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=146oobyzopase
Post link
***Day 18- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Mistake or Lesson***
I need this wrote on my scissors or hands or forehand!
I should have learnt my lesson from the amount of mistakes Ive caused by not following the golden rule…Measure twice cut once
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #workspace #workroom #mess #messyworker #measuretwicecutonce
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvJ4dWpnpX0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fpbqbm9chigs
Post link
***Day 17- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker What I’m Working On ***
Doing some painting today ready to be turned into notebooks tomorrow! I moved all of my stuff back to my workspace yesterday meaning I can get straight on with making after work…organised and prepared Holly is happening
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #workspace #workroom #mess #messyworker #watercolour #paint #illustration
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHT_xon2RB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8jobdu5hj4b9
Post link
***Day 16- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Workspace ***
As I mentioned last week I’m very lucky to have a space to use in my neighbours house. It means my mess and theres alot is contained behind a locked door and I can just pick up where I left off the next day. Then when they come back I just tidy up and move back home for a few weeks.
This afternoon I’m moving my stuff back over and trying to get it back to how I like it…this is the most tidy it will be until June ha
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #yorkshire #workspace #workroom #mess #messyworker
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEy64pHpFV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1iwzx75yue46x
Post link
***Day 15- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Motivation and Goals***
My mantra is just keep trying…
A few years ago I lost my way a little bit. Things happened in other aspects of my life and it totally knocked me off balance and for a long time all my juggling balls were on the floor and I had nothing to pick them up with.
Its taken time but with the help and support of my family and friends I’m in a way better place than I was before.
Im looking after myself I’ve lost 6 stone in the last 3 years which gave me way more self confidence than I’ve ever had and in turn I’ve found my guy who values me and makes my life brighter just by being there and we are currently saving for a house!
I’m getting back into making and I’m trying to be more organised. I have 2 goals for the year I’m going to create new work and from that new work update my etsy shop regularly and get new stockists #simple
One day in the future I want to own a craft retreat type place where people can come stay for a weekend and be inspired by workshops, cake, nature and being surrounded my creative people.
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #photo #motivation #inspiration #2019goals
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvCOm2uHZ3h/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m5792q4sxqyq
Post link
***Day 14- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Where I Learnt***
My degree was in Textile Crafts and I specialised in embroidery.
I already knew free machine embroidery before starting uni so my actual skills are self taught.
Practice and just trial and error and many many hours with my sketchbook and sewing machine just playing around with different ways of doing things.
(@laurajeanpaperandstyling
and me at our graduation)
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #photo #yorkshire #huddersfield #huddersfielduniversity
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_jcJ1nAer/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sfeq2gz0o0wh
Post link
***Day 13- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Photography ***
Instagram was not playing along yesterday so double posting today!
No fancy set up here, just my sketchbook by the kitchen window.
Nice to see its not just me that waves an extra piece of white card round to get more light into my photos though ha (Thanks @js_levell for this photo)
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #photo
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu–4hpn96N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3j1la3vanj22
Post link
***Day 13- of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Photography ***
No fancy set up here, just my sketchbook by the kitchen window.
Nice to see its not just me that waves an extra piece of white card round to get more light into my photos though ha
(Thanks @js_levell for this photo)
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #photography #photo
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu-j4dCHwh2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ipjrhl80dash
Post link
***Day 12 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Hands at work***
I had plans of doing a really cool boomerang of me sewing this afternoon however I had a PT session at the gym and everything hurts and I need a nap…
So heres a little Easter themed idea I’m working on
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #watercolour #painting #paint #illustration #drawing #doodle #sketchbook
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6puvCnJ5e/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gzuh8d3v46mx
Post link
***Day 11 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Reducing Waste ***
I try to save and use every scrap of fabric, my heart brooches are all from a tartan stash I found at a charity shop and I have a usable bits bag that I use for tiny details and total scrap bag which I use to stuff the pots of cactus pincushions.
All of my envelopes are saved by my boyfriend who saves all sorts from going in the skip where he works. Although they are bubble wrap filled I’m at least saving them from an early trip to landfill.
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #recycle #recycled #ecofriendly
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu34PFdndR5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bcerfwqyh37h
Post link
***Day 10 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker You***
I am a serious photo avoider the camera goes in front of me and all of a sudden I can no longer control my face…I’d love to post a lovely photo of me and my work looking wonderful but instead here is me colouring in at Wagamamas
5 facts:
⭐ My favourite colour is green
⭐ I love to bake and want to own some kind place where cake and art work together
⭐ I’m rapidly approaching 30 and it makes me a little bit sick
⭐ Rich teas and bourbon biscuits are my favourite
⭐ Pigs are my favourite animal
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade #colour #doodle #illustration
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu01BOBHPFK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15a70og6hiwba
Post link
***Day 9 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Story Behind Your Name***
All down to my parents they had a plan of if they had daughters they’d all be plant names…I’m the only girl with 3 brothers!
Featuring my flower bunting and noticeboard and @laurajeanpaperandstyling Happy Head cupcake toppers which I have dotted round my room and make me laugh when I see me poking out of plant pots #smallthings
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craft #flowers #floral #summer #spring #handmade
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuyIjQcHvmG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=i0xr2opdt7yr
Post link
***Day 8 - of @joannehawker #marchmeetthemaker Product Range***
All my work is currently packed in the box towers that I showed yesterday, so this is a little bit of a cheat photo from a craft fair I did at Christmas
I love embroidery and I love fabric so that is the main body of my product range everything is one of a kind so if you buy anything from me no-one else will ever have one the same
#marchmeetthemaker2019 #marchmeetthemaker #heytheremaker #etsy #etsyengland #indie #indieroller #handmade #textiles #stitch #sewing #cactus #liverpool #craftfair #handmade
https://www.instagram.com/p/Buv_tUxncsp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k5rn0c51tzb0
Post link
