2012 promises to be an eventful year for everyone with the Olympics being staged in London.  Many of our members have painted and quilted a pennant for the Quilts4London project thus contributing in a small way to the occasion.

There are many benefits gained by being a members of our Guild, participating in your local  GSOP Branch is probably the most rewarding.  The regular meetings are usually workshop based, imparting knowledge of  techniques and advice from more experienced members.  All our members, of whatever ability, gain skills to improve their silk painting from each other,  often by thinking laterally, and gain friends in the process.

There may not be a branch in your area so why not start one? Some of our branches are as small as 4 members meeting in each others homes.  A list of  members in your area can be obtained from our membership secretary they can be contacted and invited to help form the branch. All members of the GSOP Committee will happily provide help and advice, membership forms, leaflets and a couple of spare journals to get going.  Workshops for new members follow can be found on this website.  Books and DVDs are an invaluable resource.

Our planned 'Wear Silk Day ' on 29th June will give us all a great opportunity to exhibit our silk painting and contribute to Charity.  Members can wear their favourite garment, scarf or accessory  and button badges or corsages could be made to give in exchange for a contribution to the chosen charity. All ideas on how to wear silk can be shared through the website and journal, send them to us soon!

A New Year brings new opportunities for us all to share and improve skills.  Achievements, however small, are great for our self esteem.  Let this be a feel good year.

Any problem/query with the website? - please let me know! Have I got your details correct and in the right place? Would you like some new images? Is there anything you would like to see on the site?

Please keep sending me photos of your work - There are new photos in the Members' Gallery and in the Young People's Gallery.

Art to Wear Gallery:
In this gallery there can be all manner of clothing from hats to shoes! (as long as they are silk painted by one of you). Have a look and see if you can add to this fabulous fashion display.

Don't forget the Young People's Gallery: if you live or work with children who have done silk paintings then send in their pictures (if they would like to see them here) to me at elittaf@gmail.com

New members and beginners: don't forget to check out the workshops and archived galleries for great tips and inspiration.

D'Art et de Soie

L'association "D'Art et de Soie" est une association internationale regroupant des peintres sur soie passionnés par leur Art. En visitant notre site vous pourrez admirer leurs créations, prendre contact avec eux, échanger des idées et développer vos connaissances. Soyez inventifs et partagez avec nous des moments créatifs !

Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in France at www.dartetdesoie.com

Habotai

We are a Belgian society for silk painters promoting painting on silk founded 15 years or so ago, as a meeting place for 'silk freaks' wanting to share their enthusiasm and experiences in order to master the several techniques to paint on silk. Members come from all over Flanders and The Netherlands. During the monthly meetings in Antwerp, Belgian and foreign artists are invited to demonstrate their special methods of painting on silk. An exhibition is organised every year, presenting the works of the members on or with silk.

Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in Belgium at www.habotai.be

Our Association was founded on May 10th, 1997, in the course of the first silk art congress in Bad Honnef. Our members are active artists from Germany and other countries, as well as companies and supporting members. The Association's goal is the advancement of art and culture on and with silk. It offers a forum for silk art as well as opportunities for education in this area. (See the Events page for news of our competition). Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in Germany at www.kunstvereinseide.de

Silk Painters International

SPIN is an international organization of silk artists, painters, practitioners and educators. Our aim is to bring together the silk artists who feel isolated and who can benefit from our organization, to receive our regular Silkworm Newsletter, and to participate in our SPIN festival held every two years. Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in the United States of America at www.silkpainters.org