Hartsdown Christmas Carnival - Animate

Worked with this great bunch of designers at Hartsdown college to create illuminated costumes for their carnival through Margate town Centre on the 4th December 2009.

Christmas Tree Mural - Creative Foundation

Worked with the lovely art club of St Eanswythe primary school. I helped them design and make their own Christmas tree stamps which I then incorporated into this giant Christmas tree mural for Folkestone.

Pumpkin Carving - Animate

Spooookey Carvings! A mix of Maggie creations and 2 local youth groups.

Aylesham Family Learning

Showed this group of lovely people from Aylesham how to design and make willow lanterns. With fantastic results as you can see!

Milk Bottle Igloo - The Beat Project

I helped the Igloo pioneers of Snodland to build their first milk bottle igloo, with funding gained by The Beat Project. Great weekend, lovely people, the weather was on our side AND we saved 630ish milk bottle from landfill! YEAH!

Pebble Pictures 09 - Animate

Another Fantastic Pebble Picture Event by Animate that I helped to implement with this years theme being the Herne Bay pier. Which a local society is hoping to revamp and rebuild.

Fiesta! Fiesta! Herne Bay Festival 09 - Animate

Oh what a night! Lovely people, Awesome kids, families and some gggreat moves! Notting Hill's got Nuffin' on Herne Bay Parade - they don't even have a Giant!!

April Adventures

This months adventures include milk bottle igloo's, willow windmills, massaging, newspaper weaving, sock puppets galore and I'm only half way through April! Stay tuned for pictures and details............

ArtInTheHeart

Help school children of Folkestone make over 400 sock puppets in a week, I was defiantly ready to move on to tights! Some wonderful creations were made and enjoyed!

EllingtonInfants - The Story So Far......

The story so far..............Superhero's, Bags of Fun, Monster Feet......next we are going to Sock It!

Priory Fields - KCU

Another fantastic family day of fun in Dover for Kent Children's University.

Superheros - Ellington Infants

I helped the the next generation of Superheroes, get ready for flight!

KCU - Guston, Dover

Met a lovely group of people at this family learning session in Dover. Helped them to make badges and amazing masks as you can see!

Drapers Mill - KCU

Another fantastic Funny Foam session for Kent Children's University. I helped them to design and make things that jump-they even decorated both sides, badges & costumes

JANUARY SALE

Due to the success of Maggie's December sale, a January sale is on offer.
Please follow the link to Maggie's gallery and e-mail me with your offers.
Remember if you buy 5 items or more the least expensive is FREE!

KCU - Sandwich

Another fantastic session helping kids to explore their creativity for Kent Children's University.

Little Book Of Murston - Amicus

This is the front cover of the Little Book of Murston, assisted by me and created by children and residents of .....yep you guess it, Murston! Great project with this enthusiastic group working with Amicus.

Howfield Manor Hotel - Canterbury

Spent a wonderful sunny day teaching people willow sculptures at the beautifully refurbished Howfield Manor Hotel. Surrounded by cakes, local produce and lovely people - what more could a women want! This is a picture of Robyn, Monty and newly made willow heart.

Herne Bay Festival - Animate

YEAH! We helped Families to design and make costumes over three days for the Herne Bay Festival - We had glorious weather, enthusiastic people and met some lovely smiley faces!
Rob and I created a pebble picture with families too.

Beijing Challenge - Animate

Oh what an excellent project!

Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs

Just finishing a wonderful project on identity at Dane Court Grammar School. Met some amazing pupils on this ambitious Future Creative pilot project.
Here's part of a picture of our Identitree (!) or palm tree. I got lots of groans from year 8 from my overuse of the puns!

Grotter Day! 24th July 2008 - Whitstable Oyster Festival

Congratulations to all the families and friends that came together for this magical event, over 150 grotters made this year! This is our 3rd year running the event and every year more people get involved. It takes your breath away, you have to see it for yourself.

Whitstable Oyster Festival - Animate

5 days, 5 different costumes, 150 kids! Getting ready for the parade on the 19th July. Lovely to work with such enthusiastic kids and teachers. Stay tuned.......

Daphne - Margate Rocks

Meet Daphne! We created her for TDC as part of Margate Rocks 2008 - Amazing how many people can walk straight into a 10ft long dolphin! We also helped lots of kids (and some adults) to make a school of fish to swim with her.

Caravan Making for Animate/Amicus

Working with a young group to promote Romany culture - we're making willow caravans and talking about the essential things to have inside, like TV's, Gameboys etc! Oh yeah and maybe a cooker and a bed. The caravans will all be on display in an exhibition which takes place in Sittingbourne in April, so more pickies to follow.

Rangoli - Isle Of Thanet Arts / Margate Libary

Painted a rangoli style pattern outside Margate library as part of the celebrations of the newly refurbished building. It took us three hours and it was soooo cold!

Jan 2008

Well January seems to be zipping past. You find me updating my web site, collating last years images and feedback ready for this years proposals. Plotting and planning future projects There are a few exciting workshops in the pipeline already, I'll jot them down as soon as I know the details. I've got a feeling 2008 is going to be a good one!

Christmas Carol - Broadstairs

Been asked to decorate the hall for this wonderful 'must see' production in Broadstairs. Plus crowns for the Christmas past & present.

Tree Dressing Day, Ramsgate

March of the Dead Mask

Here's my contribution For Strange Works March of The Dead Parade

Snuff Puppets Thames Festival

Just spent an awesome couple of weeks with the Snuff Puppet team and a great bunch of people making giant puppets for the Thames Illuminated Carnival this year. George and I made the above pictured 'the man with London on his back' A bit of a grumpy geezer with obnoxious tendencies but with an occasional tender side.

The man with London on his back

Footprints - Marlowe Academy

Worked with the Marlowe summer school kids, about to take their first 'steps' into the academy. We made these two 8ft giant footprints to adorn the school walls.

Kinetica Workshop

Helped Kinetika make these giant wings for an event at the South Bank centre

Grotter Day - Whitstable

Build a grotter day was even more packed this year than last! We showed hundreds of people make how to make grotters on Reaves beach in Whistable for part of this years Oyster Festival. Beautiful event but sooo windy.

Tour du Mini Monde - Whitstable & Herne Bay

A cycling world tour for kids (and parents!) We were in Herne Bay on the 26th August

Kent Children's University - Maidstone

Another amazing funny foam workshop, the kids and parents designed and made some awesome things! The dinosaur being one of my favourite.

Tour du Mini Monde - Canterbury

We created a mini world for kids to cycle around for the Tour de France in Canterbury.
Brilliant day, the weather was on our side! Great meeting so many enthusiastic kids and parents, all winners of the tour du Mini Monde of course!

Tattoo workshop - Gulbenkian Theatre

Got to tattoo some future rock stars and the Gulbenkian's Regener8 festival!

Flying Fish Workshop - Estelle Jourd

Went to Estelle's Flying Fish workshop at the Horsebridge Centre and made a flying Fish with my friend, Emily. We named her Fiona! Who unfortunately was lost at sea due to extremely windy conditions

Herne Bay in Bloom Mural

Thanks to everyone who supported Veena and I during 3 days of hard painting. The weather provided everything from burnt noses and soggy socks! Big thanks to the lovely family who gave us drinks and encouragement.
My favourite public quote over the course of the 3 days was: 'cool, you should put that on ebay!'

Pirate Workshop - Gulbenkian

Ahoy me hearties! Twas a motley crew that I made costumes with! Inspiring group of kids.

Wingham Bird Park

Helped the kids and parents of 'Spots' make this mural after their inspiring trip to Wingham Bird Park. Their enlarged drawings were cut out of wood,painted and then are dotted around (forgive the punn!) the bird park. Lovely project and Great place, I highly recommend it! You gotta see those meercats!

AOA - Loop Dance Company Brook Theatre

Taken from kids drawings based on Madonna's book the Adventures of Abdi, this low budget theatre set brought a few squeals of delight!

Winners!

5 VERY HAPPY Treasure Hunt winners! They won a goat for a village in Africa.

Adventures of Abdi - Brook Theatre

Taught stage design workshops in 3 primary schools with designs based on Madonna's book The Adventures of Abdi - for a collaborative performance with Loop Dance Company at the Brook Theatre

Treasure Hunt! - Canterbury

Gather your wits and skills, all you need is an enthusiastic team of 5 to enter THE Treasure Hunt of the year! and the 10 squid goes to charity! See ya there! www.myrednoseday.com/animate

Gallery IOTA Wake

Decorated the Gallery IOTA for the wake - yep sadly the gallery is forced to close - but we went out in style, of course!

Kent Children's University

Helped people make hats and masks as part of another fun workshop for Kent Children's University

Planet one nine ninety nine - Animate

A week long residency in Castle Hill School with 4 other artists loosely based on the Little Prince book. We create an artistic environment to help with different issues that the kids have. Great fun was had by all as well as addressing sensitive subjects.

Under One Sky II

Installation at Birley's Pavillion, Canterbury. Worked with a great group of people including Lisa Payne, Rick Bollinger, Pablo and Jo Dyer

Wish Upon A Star - Gulbenkian Theatre

An installation that I was commissioned to do at the Gulbenkian. It showed alongside a production of 'Laura's Star' and kids and adults were invited to make a wish and hang it inside the installation. ## Available for Hire ##

Cinderella - Margate Theatre Royal

Made LED wigs for the pantomime!

St Nicholas Parade - Canterbury

Did school workshops of barrel costumes & coziers based on stories of St Nicholas ready for Saturdays parade. There was some brilliant dancing and lots of enthusiastic smiles.

Bizarre Bazaar - IOTA Gallery

A wee stall to try and shift my mounting collection of art works! My fish went to a happy new home in a private jacuzzi room in Dumpton Park.

Flaming Snowflakes! - IOTA

Made by Andrew Baldwin, decorated and lit by Berry, admired by all - awesome!

WestwoodX Lantern procession - IOTA

Did a beautiful lantern procession at Westwood X but forgot to take my camera! Such a lovely small event and the weather was on our side despite earlier mini hurricanes!

Make It Real Procession - Animate

The planets also took part in the parade on Saturday, Thanks to some very enthusiastic planet barers who spontaneously took part.

Under One Sky Installation - Orange Street, Canterbury

Working with Animate, I created 19 planets for this installation for a evening get together for delagates from around the UK involved in the 'Make It Real' projects. Awesome venue, great atmosphere and collaborated with some lovely people, from sound designers, actors, lighting engineers and artists.

Pea's!

Made two 8ft giant pea pods for Mr Johnson's Pet food, made mostly out of....yep you guessed it....PEA's!

Fun Day

I love face/body painting......skin is the best canvas

We're Strangers Here - Theatre Royal Margate

Painted this for Margate Theatre Royals 'We're Strangers Here' Summer '06

Game Plan - Margates Theatre Royal

Designed, painted and helped set up the set for this Alan Ayckbourn play, Game Plan, directed by Michael Friend, August '06 What an experience!

BeachArt -Botny Bay

Emily and I made a big fish along with kids and adults as part of the Thanet Coastal project - 3 hours of digging, meeting new people and climbing to get a good pickie!

Giant Sculptures - Swale Festival

Ryan made an awesome self portait from willow and clingfilm and a healthy amount of selotape, in a Maggie led workshop for Animate as part of the Swale Young Peoples festival

Ramsgate Carnival -ERA

Made fruit & flower costumes with Nina, Jax, Emily, Boo and what seemed like 200 kids - but I think it was about 80 just moving quickly! - A collaboration between IOTA & East Cliff Residents Association.

What a coool badge!

Grotter Day!

Make It Real autograph book

Made a HUGE book for the autographs of all the people involved in the the make it real project. Each page was marked with their gold handprint, signiature and message.

Whitstable Oyster Festival 06

Tribal Jim!

Skin is the BEST canvas!

Having Fun

Teaching kids how to knot nets for their costumes for WOF - was amazing to discover that many kids couldn't make knots, 'tis the age of velcro shoes!

Whats next?

Well June seems to have zipped past. I'm on to preparing for Whitstable Oyster Festival (affectionally known as WOF). Doing workshops in schools and then the parade. The mermaid costume will come out of the cupboard and be adorned by Lisa Payne, Matt will be sporting a seagull costume. and me? well I fancy being a seahorse but not sure time and money will allow it.....lets see. Oh its on the 22nd July in Whitstable.

Animate/Planet 8925

Just spent a week on planet 8925 as 'Corporal Maggie' part of a space crew that entertained and guided 20 'Space Cadets' on a journey through time, theatre, art workshops and personal voyages. Ggggrreat fun and quite sad to leave.

Kapow! Gulbenkian Superhero workshop

Costume designing workshop for 3-7 years olds - Meet Bat Fink & Fireman, preparing to save the planet!

Kent Children's University

What a great bunch of kids to work with, really open to creativity

Dover Beer Festival

Did spontaneous hair sculptures and face painting at Dover's beer festival with my partner in crime Emily Tull. Check out the other pictures of ordinary people being very EXTRAordinary: www.underourinfluence.blogspot.com

RTTFP - Robot Costume

I also designed and made this costume for 'Ariel' alias Frank for the Return to the forbidden planet at the Theatre Royal. His space helmet lights ups, illuminating his head, my costume came alive with his brilliant performance.

RTTFP - Tentacled Monster!

Its not everyday that one gets the opportunity to make a 10ft wide tentacled monster! Made for the 'Return to the Forbidden Planet' at the Theatre Royal in May.

Christchurch Mural

Spent the day in a toilet of a local primary school!

Bugs In Action

Bugs In Action

Making a mural with the Windmill Community Allotment Project, the kids named 'Bugs in Action'. There's rollerskating flowers, Dragon flys, Big ladybirds. Going up mid April on the container.

My Nursery, Margate

Been working for Animate/Learning Through Landscapes with My Nursery to help the nursery staff on a creative journey using their outdoor space. Here's the playhouse that's been transformed. Wait till you see the butterfly wellie cupboard!

Gulbenkien Theatre - Installation

Sensory installation for the theatre production of Tree Top Tales for children- Stories from around the world about trees

Kent Children's University

Two days, loads of plastazote, double sided, imagination and Fun!

New Years Eve

House full of people and watching fireworks from the bedroom window - a lovely way to see the New Year in!

Experimenting with new camera

Christmas tree lights and hanging mirror shots - had to wait ages for the mirror to turn and then get the right timing!

Margate's Wishing Lantern Parade

The 4th Margate wishing lantern parade I have been involved in. It was sooooo cold and windy, had to relight quite a few on route. Luckily I was armed with my superdooper lighter. Freezing but fun!

Animate for Friend Ship / Canterbury Fesitval

Made these costumes for Animate for the National Friend Ship Project part of Canterbury Festival and these great pickies were taken by photographer/artist Carol Fouton.

Gulbenkien Theatre - Christmas Decorations

Laminator madness with 30 kids & adults!

Kemsley Carnival

Spider Backpack, made of wire, plastic bags, pipe lagging and pizza base eyes!

Little Prince Project - Animate

Mandy Monroe and I with 'the pilot' alias Matt Spray wearing the amazing Memory Machine I made. I know I have a big grin on my face but honest I am pulling the string at the back that opens up the face!

Addington Street Fair

I didn't realise how COMPLETLEY ridiculous I looked until I saw the photo! Never mind it was a great advert as over 20 kids made some awesome crowns! Including a forgein student who took the photo.

Herne Bay Mural - Animate

Three days to paint a mural for the festival with Rob Turner - the design was made up of children's drawings from Briary School - we received/overheard lots of comments while working - really encouraging. Loved the mermaids hair and the circular saw mouth of one of the sharks!

Westwood X Opening

Three large human ships sailing from Ramsgate, Broadstairs & Margate to westwood X - a new shopping centre. 90 costumed kids, dancers, lotsof speed face painting & sunshine!

Eye Opener

'Listen' was part of the Eye Opener exhibition at Gallery IOTA 2004, Ramsgate
Nature is trying to communicate with her, encouraging her to trust herself, be at peace with herself, the answers are all inside encased in a ball of silence.

Ramsgate Seafront Mural

Started in October 2003 with a local youth group, finally got finished in the summer of '04. Now proudly adornes the seafront. This was one of the boards done with a group from the Ramsgate school. I loved the colours, I used the stamping & masking tape technique which looks great close up and far away.

Beautiful

Again this pickie was taken in my 'garden' in Whistable, I was mesmerised at the beauty of the shapes and colours of the whole flower...so much so that it adorned my screen saver for over a year, the icons curving round the middle section. The image is simply called 'Beautiful'

Pickies of Work over the last three years......

Yep, I'm going to try and put a comprehensive blog of work done over the last few years. So I can reasure myself of my talents! This pickie is named 'heart' and was taken in my extensive garden in Whistable (all of three window boxes!) The colours inside this flower were breathtaking......oh to be a bee!

Dane Valley/Sure Start Mural

Oh this was a great one, I really like taking kids drawings and making them bigger. I loved the legs on the sheep, they are just skipping along...as they do!

Dane Valley Sure Start Mural - Open workshops with kids to design and paint their own board around the building site of the new Sure Start Building to discourage graffiti and to brighten the place up. OK so on this particular day, there were no kids and three artists with paint......so what can you expect! Got sunstroke from painting in bright sunlight on white boards....had to use tarpaulin as a tent.