All the latest from Linda and Laura

Hello, Linda here - welcome to our weekly newsletter!

How about this for a lovely photo? No, not me - the landscape! Laura took it this morning when she went out for a breath of fresh air. The maize field is opposite her house and will soon be cut for bio fuel. All summer it's been lush, green and gorgeous but right now it's looking particularly threatening and the dry leaves rustle in a disturbing way. It's above head height as you walk through the field - we're expecting aliens to emerge like in that old sci-fi movie! Can't remember what it was called but I expect you know the one!

New video workshop on DesignMatters TV

Exploring Rubbings

We have a new workshop on DMTV for you this week. We've been trying our hand at designing rubbing plates to be printed on a 3D printer. In this video workshop I'll show you how I've been making good use of them, and more 'old school' plates like mylar stencils in my new sketchbook. I'm using them with graphite sticks and Derwent Inktense blocks to create frames and pattern. It's such a great technique, I think you'll love giving this one a try.

If 3D printing is new to you, or you'd just like to know more about what we've been up to, then head over to the blog where Laura's posted about making the rubbing plates. She's even shared the files she created so that you can print out our plates on a 3D printer near you!

The video workshop is for members only but if you haven't signed up already we'd love to have you join us now. Just choose 'Membership Videos' from the menu and you'll see 30+ titles in the current playlist. We hope there's something to tempt you there!

If you're already a Member you can login to watch the new video:

Watch Now!

What's on?

Cezanne Portraits

We may just have to up sticks and move to London, OK well at least get a season ticket for the train. There are so many exhibitions happening that we like the look of, including this one, Cezanne Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery. Here's their website for more info.

If nipping off to London is out of the question, then you might enjoy the National Portrait Gallery Facebook page. They post images of some of the most exquisite portraits, plus you'll find video tours of exhibitions and other news.

Small works for sale

Over recent months and let's face it, years, Laura and I have made a huge amount of work. For DTMV video demonstrations we often make brand new pieces and after taping the workshops, they usually get tucked away in danger of never being seen again!

We've decided to add a selection of pieces to the DesignMattersTV shop and hopefully you'll find these small works affordable and an inspiring addition to your art collection, or the start of one.

Browse the Shop

So far, we've just added a couple of pieces each and I think at the time of writing at least two have already sold, so if you do like what you see, do be quick. Everything in the shop is available with flat rate postage and we'll ship to anywhere in the world. We'll be adding more pieces to the shop as soon as we can find them from their hiding places!