SCREEN PLAY

I made a conscious decision early this summer to learn to do as many new things as possible.

So far, I have enjoyed wakeboarding, paddle boarding and scything, and last week, just to prove it’s not all adrenalin fuelled and physical, I thoroughly enjoyed a day with Rachel Cadman at her studio near Crickhowell, learning the art of screen printing.

Despite my garden design credentials, I have always considered myself to be in the non-arty group and was a little anxious about having to draw a design to print, let alone actually print it; what a waste of anxiety that was! When I courageously told Rachel that, ‘I would really like to screen print an image of Yogi (my Westie) – but should probably do a leaf,’ she was fab.

“You should do what you want to do – just be aware that fur is a lot of cutting out.” She smiled, knowingly.

So I did and it was. However, Rachel and my fellow screen printers were patient, encouraging and just brilliant.

My two “partners in print” both had some previous experience and created the most beautifully intricate designs.

One was printed onto a cushion cover and the other a bag, which was to be used to accommodate a wedding present – such a lovely personal touch.

And that was the thing that got me the most, the personal touch.

How lovely to create something from scratch (or sketch) and have it as a keepsake or gift it as a present.

With this in mind, Rachel also hosts hen party groups for the them and brides-to-be to create bunting, invitations or anything else wedding related.

And of course, it’s not just matrimonial material; how about creating your own greeting (and Christmas) cards, bunting, bags, T-shirts, cushion covers and just about anything you can think of?

Book as a group or just treat yourself, or even treat a friend to a gift voucher for that extra special present.

I got quite teary when I saw the completed Yogi cushion cover (see pic) – to think that I had created something so individual, personal and to be honest, bloody brilliant!

Thank you Rachel; to go from not being very comfortable with a craft knife to completing my canine cushion cover in one day is testament to a fabulous teacher.

■■ More details at www.rachelcadmanart.co.uk and please don’t hesitate to contact Rachel who is happy to tailor-make courses as necessary.