My old high school has kindly accepted me as their ‘artist in residence’ — I use their facilities to process my silkscreens (I’m using the photo-emulsion method which requires a darkroom) and in exchange I chat to the Year 11 & 12 graphic students about their current projects. They’ve all been so welcoming, it has really been a lovely experience — and so very odd to be back at school after being gone for 12 years! For my first soiree into screen-printing in 12 years, I converted the illustration I made for my sister’s hens invitation (see the hen’s high tea entry) into a vector using Illustrator. I then added the floral pattern element (which I’m still not sure if it needs). I did the initial prints on calico (see pic above), with the next set I intend to test several different tea towel fabrics — a 100% linen, 100% cotton, and a 55% cotton / 45% linen blend. The linen looks beautiful, but I’m not sure how absorbent it will be to use as a tea towel.  Time will tell! I haven’t ever done any of my crafty pursuits with the intent to sell, but who knows? If these go well, then maybe…? Watch this space! On a side note, my old high school, Yarra Valley Grammar in Ringwood, is opening an exhibition this Thursday night. It’s called Faces of Yarra Valley Grammar, and it features portraits by teachers, past students, etc. The official opening starts at 7pm, so come along and show your support!