Is there a shadow ?

My Heart's Journey

2011-04-21T20:28:00.016+08:00

Where have I been this last year? Following my heart – dancing on the wings of my calling; growing, giving and learning. Here I share a little of that dance.

M L Block, home to my Kimberley Family

Many years ago I taught in Kununurra in the far North of Western Australia; the Kimberley region. In recent years I have come to know, beautiful families in the most remote areas of the East Kimberley and in October last year I went visiting. From the moment my plane left Broome and begun to fly east I danced in my seat, wriggling and smiling like a mad woman – much to the amusement of the business man seated next to me.

By the end of the second day of being constantly warm and feasting my eyes on the country my face ached.

Why?

I wondered too, then I realised it was from constantly smiling. I realised this about the same time I realised the truth of ‘jaw dropping’ – mine dropped open regularly as I cruised open roads with Slim Dusty blasting. Slim’s another story …

The phone box with flour tin seat. In a community where there is no mobile reception and most don't have home phones this is a point of contact for anyone off community.

This isn’t the place to talk about my Kimberley family, I will simply say that I have Jija (sisters), and I am Jaja (Maternal Gran) and Mum to some wonderful young people. I have become theirs and they mine. Aside from my birth family I have been adopted by Djaru people as a Nakamurra woman, and it is a homecoming for this Kartiya (non-aboriginal) woman.
The 'Grandstand' and score board at the B Community football oval.

This trip was everything I didn’t dare dream it could be, and more. The country sings its own stories, red dirt and rocks, desert lakes, brumbies, boab, spinifex and people, special people.

Taken from a moving 4wd as over 100 brumbies circled around us.

My Jija E and Jija D have been to stay here, on my country. We have painted, prayed and laughed.

I have created a little recently. Soon I will share.

Hopefully soon I will return to my desert … it calls …

Post Script: the photo's are a hint of a vast beauty that can not be captured with a camera just in a heart open to all that is around her.

Good-bye Sweet Phantom

2011-03-28T17:30:00.006+08:00

It feels odd blogging for the saddest of reasons after so long away, and yet it seemed a disservice to do otherwise. My dear friend, Phantom, celebrated his eighth birthday last week, and celebrated in fine style with a choice of kangaroo, chicken or tuna. He ate them all. He was loved, and happy.`

Phantom passed to his forever home on Saturday morning, in his usual style - no fuss - no complaints, and yet it appears he was bitten by a snake or poisoned - his end was not nice.

I was Phantoms third mother, and he snurred (purred and snored) at my feet for five lovely years. Never flustered, never fussy he let me carry him around when I needed the comfort and never complained when I was busy or distracted.

This was the easiest of purr babies taking any medication with a noisy purr and an affectionate head butt.

I long to take this beautiful boy in my arms and give him a cuddle one more time, to bury my face in his fur or rub noses with him.

Phantom delighted in the existing family when he came to us, and welcomed Archer and Harvey as they joined the family.

I am inarticulate, it is hard to accept he is gone. We miss Phantom.

Playing Small

2010-07-25T19:21:00.004+08:00

I was supposed to be tidying THE CAVE; there were big plans including packing plastic crates with product I hadn't touched for months, even years. A cup of tea break and a browse through the blog of my friends, the girls at Destination Art, put paid to that. These are my vintage twinchie contributions.

How time flies..

2010-06-26T18:37:00.007+08:00

The last month has flown by, I have had fun etching various items and included a few pieces on this story bracelet.

I am still knitting scarves full of lace, ribbon, beads and pearls - and wearing them too as the cold weather settles around us.

Mr Phantom went missing for a day and a half, and returned with a 'mashed' shoulder and concussion, but seems to be on the mend now.

Archer continues his love affair with Harvey and enjoys keeping warm with Charles or Phantom if they are near by.

I continue to teach, to tutor and to nurture as best I can. Life continues; mostly it is good, very good.

Paverpol Workshop

2010-05-22T10:32:00.003+08:00

I spent a relaxing Saturday at a Paverpol workshop recently and Rachel is the result. A wispy woman with room for three rib cages, two stomachs and a womb or two.

I truly have no idea how I did not notice her long torso until I got home! None-the-less I am happy with her final form and my very first effort at this form of fabric sculpture.

Gallery 500 provided a warm and relaxing atmosphere for this class, and a totally blissful day out.

Charles does wonder why I am not taking pictures of him.

Feeling productive, and enjoying it.

2010-05-16T18:41:00.006+08:00

Nature's Evening available on Etsy

A friend recently encouraged me to share in a Mother's Day stall and I was so thrilled to sell some of my journals and jewellery. My goal is to be more proactive in this area as I really do need to get rid of my mortgage if am to have the freedom I want to move in other areas. Pray for wisdom as I make decisions for the future, please. (Update: Sorry to have confused some people, the 'other areas' are not art ones, but more voluntary work with some kids who need help - I love my art but not planning on going full-time w ith it).

A Thankful Heart available on Etsy

Another scarf, this one a Pink Girl's Dream for a good friend's birthday. Lace, chiffon and flannel are threaded though a soft wool acrylic blend. I am not a 'pink girl', but the end result is solf and romantic so hopefully it will be well received.
Sweet boy sitting with me as I photograph the bracelets, not so sweet to smell at the moment so I predict a bath coming up very soon.

A river of warmth ...

2010-05-06T23:04:00.004+08:00

A little frog, a seahorse or two, ribbons, sari silk, wool, beads and me; the ingredients for this scarf, winging its way to a new home now.

Are you enjoying rivers of life?

Oh and a confession, I wore it once, just because ....

A Beautiful Button

2010-05-02T12:03:00.002+08:00

This beautiful antique steel cut button was rusty and a bit bent when I purchased it, but some sanding and a light application of the hammer left it just right for this 'enchanted night' necklace. Vintage Japanese cotton pearls and hand made hematite beads combine with a modern chandelier drop.

I am back knitting and sewing for now, so who knows what will appear next, it is nice to never be bored.

Friends and Fibre

2010-04-19T20:51:00.005+08:00

Have you had your all-bran today? No, no not that type of fibre the one you wear, touch, stitch and even knit. Last week I was lucky enough to have my friend Dawn visit, a week of talking, creating, eating and even a little exercise followed.
We walked to the top of “my” rock which looks over town and took a few photos as Archer ran around beside us.

We ate picky platters of cheese, olives, cucumber and crackers, and ate only as we felt hungry, with very odd meal times.
We created, Dawnie made beautiful jewellery – I wish I took pictures – and my muse decided to knit. Three scarves, this one embellished with sari silk, ribbon and beads, another almost done.

The fur and purr babies delighted in Dawn’s attention and Charles, dear boy, even slept with our friend, loving her as I do.
This week it is back to work I go, and by the end of the week I will have found the rhythm, for now I am clinging to these sunshine filled play days.

Sweet Kitties

2010-04-03T19:02:00.005+08:00

Thank you so much for all the encouragement after my last post.
Since last I wrote here I have been given more work time to work with our wonderful, indigenous boys, a group I was giving a lot of my free time to. I have also had some positive feedback from my line managers and caught up on sleep, my world always seems to right itself when I don't have massive black rings under my eyes.
The world is not perfect, and I can't fix it all, but I can do, what I can do, well.
I have thought and prayed as I painted and stitched these little kitties, gained perspective and found peace, much as I do with my own purries - all without having to feed them non-stop! If only they were warm and snuffled in their sleep.

This Easter has been a quiet one so far, sleep, reading, poochie and purr cuddles and chocolate - why does it feel so good to bite into a hollow egg?

Have a blessed Easter everyone!

Hot Flushes, Heart Strings and Help

2010-03-20T09:18:00.007+08:00

What a week, constant hot flushes had me sure menopause had snuck up and grabbed me a tad early, but no, apparently stress has the same effect. What stress? You might ask.

The stress that comes to a teacher when she cares, perhaps too much and even after all these years retains her idealism, the stress that comes when you don't want any child to hurt and you see it happen. A hard week.

Help came in the form of moments at my desk putting this little lady together, in the time I spent photographing her in Autumn sunshine, and in wearing her to work one day.

Help came in the form of this beautiful art work from Gaye: the colours; the quote; the stillness; just what I needed.

Help came from friends and family, from cuddling the most beautiful woofy face in the world, and help came from above. Thank you Jesus. May the next week be one of peace and wisdom.

The Brotherhood in Action

2010-03-08T22:37:00.006+08:00

Scene
A warm summers day, and the teacher (me) sits at her desk working with one of her favourite classes. 22 boys, all about 15 years old are working fairly quietly and the male deputy (MD) appears at the door carrying a huge basket, full of flowers and chocolates, a bottle of pink bubbly tucked under his arm.

Boys: Who are they from Miss?
MD: Someone thinks you’re special
Me: A dog
Boys: (chorus) That’s not nice! He is trying hard to make up. That must have cost a lot. Maybe a hundred dollars. More than that. Give him a chance. No one is perfect Miss. You have to listen to him Miss..
Me: (Struggling to be heard) A real dog!
More chanting and calling out …
MD: (Catching on) It must be a very clever dog.
Silence descends, reluctantly
Me: I looked after my friends’ dog for a few weeks and they have sent me these in the dogs name: Pipepee.

Boys: Can we have a chocolate please?

The teacher shares.

Archer, with his dear friend Pipepee, hogging the couch and blissfully happy. They wear matching pearl collars (Archer's is blue) and influence each other to get up to all sorts of mischief.

February

2010-02-14T13:01:00.007+08:00

Hester's Yard

sold

I name all my jewellery, sometimes I share the names and sometimes I don't. This another bracelet which explores change and and contrast. I enjoyed forming this chain; chunky copper links with contrasting silver solder and lots of bits, Hester's Yard.
I have so enjoyed my little vege garden this summer, and keep forgetting to take pictures of ripe vegetables, this little capsicum will eventually be red and sweet, if the marigold does its job and keeps the insects away.

The tomatoes are sweet and full of flavour, these lovely round ones, cherry Roma's and full size Roma all gathered in one dense patch.
The dappled light on the lemon tree epitomises summer, the scents, the drinks and an age old sense of security. Summer feels safe, as the warmth wraps around me and the light touches all corners of my space. Bliss.
Not art, not a fruit, and a little bit grubby, but something, or rather someone, that I like to pick often, a quick cuddle, a loud purr and a snuggle hug then he is asking if there is more food. darling Phantom.

A bracelet and a winner...

2010-01-30T19:30:00.006+08:00

Congratulations to Linda on being closest with the list of items. The serrated strip was from my roll of cling film. The "washer" was actually the metal circle from an old bra strap. Linda please send me your address and post-it preference.
The bracelet above is a charm bracelet of sorts, and much as I love it, it is listed in my ETSY (SOLD).Can you imagine my joy when I found this amazing old wooden box full of rusty nails at my local tip-shop? A real holiday treat, and I am so proud of my friends for hiding their complete horror at my purchase choice.

And finally one of the joys of life is my darling nephew, we've spent hours playing with pegs (Archer was not so keen on that one - the dear boy had Archers ears pegged all over), drinking imaginary cups of tea, tickling and laughing. Joy.

Something for me and something for you...

2010-01-15T13:34:00.010+08:00

It is lovely to have time to create and nothing I “have to” make. This necklace has been in my head for months, an old wall hook; rusted and left, some washers, sari silk, an owl in resin, a bullet casing (thanks to one of my students for that), vintage beads and carved cinnabar all combined with copper, brass and steel.

I couldn't resist wandering around the garden and taking pictures of this piece in different lights, on different backgrounds, it has been so, so long since I made a feature piece of jewellery such as this.

I always enjoy the contrast between strong and delicate, old and new, salvaged and made. I think this one is for me.

The old water tank, above had been put out for roadside collection, I rang my brother and convinced him I needed it; is to become my herb garden, a job for next week.

I have cleaned up my garden a lot this past week and been amazed by the number of nests tucked in bushes, obviously my purr-babies don’t scare the birds away. This nest really made me smile, authentic twigs, insects, and leaves on the outside and green acrylic filler on the inside – another contrast.

The magnetic post it-note holders were an eye opener. I was attempting to make something using found objects for a possible class and bemoaned my attempts. Until I realised the only objects designed for art were the Collection images I have had for many years, and five split pins.

All of the other items are salvaged and re-purposed.

I will send one of these pieces (your choice) to the first person to identify all the non-paper elements. Good Luck!

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T17:17:00.003+08:00

One of the high lights of 2009 was my time at Creative Soul Retreat held in Melbourne earlier in the year, the house swap was a lot of fun. Finally I have about 2/3rd's of my houses mounted on this 12 x 12 canvas for my classroom wall. I am sure it will intrigue my students.

Another art high light was the 12 Days of Christmas Swap help on Aust Art Sisters. I had no idea I would be so excited by opening a gift every day. Pictures are some of the wonderful items I received. I took the photo a day early and some decorations were already in use.

Happy New Year everyone, may you be blessed with peace and health.

2009-12-22T22:54:00.012+08:00

I am so pleased with this picture and it took not an ounce of skill to take, there was the Mama cat resting in the shadows just waiting to be photographed for our pleasure.

But I am ahead of myself. Today was a day to relax and I headed up the highway to spend the afternoon chatting with dear friends, and admiring a lovely baby. The sky was blue, the heat dry and I drove with the windows down, singing badly. After a luscious lunch (I need the souffle recipe please) and lots of chat we set off to wander around the garden and to feed the pigs.

The pup rolled playfully under a fruit tree, as we wandered passed swatting flies and swapping stories.

The pigs, next years sausages for those with stronger stomachs than mine, were delighted with their afternoon feed, and seemed to enjoy the company too.

I enjoyed the texture and colour of old buildings such as this grain shed, and the old tin stalls below.

As I clicked off a few pictures, enjoying the contrast of rusty metal, green leaves and blue sky I did not realise the prettiest picture of all was just inside.

Between cobwebs and dust, one paw hanging down lazily, the other tucked under to lean on; a beautiful mother cat, at peace.

I drove home reflecting on friendship, the season and glorious sunshine and felt some of the year's tension ebb away; my body beginning to relax.

I am not sure these sheep appreciated my musical talents, or lack there of, as I belted out country tunes, window once again down, breeze in my air and a happier girl (when do I have to call myself a woman?) heading home.

This 200km stretch of road, which often frustrates and bores me, flew by without a single speed limit being challenged; a happy day.

Have you had a happy day? I hope so.

Animal Antics

2009-12-06T23:01:00.006+08:00

I was tempted to title this post animal cruelty, after all it is about the hideous hair cut I organised for my Archer and an abandoned kitten, but there is fun and light too. Last summer Archer was very hot so I had planned to ask my groomer to clip him this visit - perhaps not this short.

However, Archer scented a treat on my art table and helped himself, attaching the bezels, full of freshly poured resin in the process. Cutting them out left him looking like he had mange. Poor boy he now looks like a cross between a dalmatian and a beagle and not my cuddly boy at all.

About two weeks ago a local vet found some three week old kittens abandoned on their steps, they were to be euthanised so my friend Suzie and her family adopted one, little Prada, pictured here. I was so blessed to have my kitten fix when she came to stay for four days while her new family are away. Lots of kitten cuddles and play.

This adorable blue eyed bundle has the staying power of the Energiser Bunny and the spunk of Danny Green, my three big boys all moved when she directed an unladylike hiss in their direction. Only Archer had the staying power to get through the little person fear and make a friend. As I type they are playing chase across the bed (both) under it (Prada) and around it (Archer)! Oh and the big boys are here watching and purring content to leave them to it.

Poor Arch, perhaps it took his mind off THE haircut; I have a feeling there will be more than three weeks between a good one and a bad one in this instance!

Oh and in case you are wondering, my wonderful groomer did exactly what I asked and thought Arch' looked wonderful. the best I could manage was, "Oh, so that is what he looks like underneath."

DECEMBER ETSY SALE

2009-12-05T12:59:00.002+08:00

My annual Etsy sale has begun!

Thank you for your support all year - if you feel so inclined drop by my on-line store, or send your friends.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Fun photo's of Archer to follow.

A Beautiful Bargain ...

2009-12-02T19:56:00.003+08:00

Recently I hopefully placed some bids in an art auction to raise money for Bernie Berlin's A Place to Bark and Meow animal rescue. From the beginning I had my eye on this delightful Carla Sonheim original and was stunned when I won it for not much more than the cost of a couple of prints. The three dogs, the ginger cat and the bird all have a fish of their own but none will start to eat because they are focused on the other animals. Just beautiful, and such a life reflecting story.

These A7 collages are for a 2010 Calendar swap I am a part of, layers of red papers, gesso, paint washes, stamped images and finally some stitching and rub-ons. They make me smile now, I hope the other 11 artists like them too.

An Altered Book

2009-11-15T22:58:00.002+08:00

Lots of stitching and layers on this one for Debbi, as part of an altered book round robin.

Have a wonderful week!

Christmas Cards and Snippets of Life

2009-10-30T20:48:00.016+08:00

I needed to make a few Christmas cards to send home with an overseas guest, one led to another and now I am all done - yippee! These two pictures show Christmas cards which feature playing cards from a pack I purchased several years ago and did not do anything with until now.
My gift cards, ready to put on little end-of-year gifts at school.
Last year I bought cards for the first time in almost a decade, and regretted it, I am so pleased to have these all ready to give and send. Now to complete some swaps I have due, and have somehow left to the last minute again.

My Art-of-the-Month for September from Bevlea. A beautiful montage inside an equally beautifully decorated tin.

Beautiful bookmarks purchased from Carole in New Zealand.

Charles: The best excuse for not ironing.

Yum! The beginnings of a red marsala curry sweet on my tongue and then so hot the top of my head was sweating and my lips went numb.

My Art-of-the-Month from Debbi in August. A wonderful fabric collage now hanging in my entrance.

Today was wonderful I taught a jewellery class at school and the class were so interested in the art side of jewellery and the choice of found objects as a focus - bliss. I only teach on special occasionally as I find it takes the joy out of my personal creative time if it is also my work.

Moth and My Boys

2009-10-25T20:02:00.005+08:00

This is the underside of a fairly common white moth as viewed through the pale blue glass window in my bathroom, at night time. a thing of beauty, almost ethereal. What have I been busy with as the boys slumber and slink through the house? A little family, some sewing, planting a vegetable patch, and enjoying the sunshine which has finally come to this corner of the world.

I took photo's today of some wonderful art I received over the last month, and will post again soon. for now it is off to sleep, to enjoy the coolish night with my purr babies and woofy boy - all snoring at various volumes!

The vintage is out of my system, for now...

2009-09-28T23:45:00.002+08:00

A 1-4-1 swap on an Aussie art group I belong to. 4 x 4" canvas boards painted, inked and embellished for Lucy.

Take a couple of old hair scrunchies,

2009-09-20T13:27:00.009+08:00

.. some old files from the recycling bin, three ink pads and a handful of images. What do you have? A couple of weeks of relaxation, time to fiddle and arrange, without really thinking, after long, long days at work.
At the end I wondered what to do with my offerings, so thee ATC's became notebooks - I am so glad I bought the Zutter.

Cards and tags will be packaged together and, "Voila!", some of my Christmas preparations are made. Nice cards are so expensive here in Australia and packs of hand made tags will be appreciated too.

I have been soothed by my needle going in and out of paper, calmed by the rhythm of my brush as it dances between ink pads adding a little colour here and there and strengthened by the time to be inside my head.

Would you like an ATC? No need to trade, just ask. If you are one of the first three I will send you one.

Thank you Jesus, for the peace I feel today. Thank you friends for being there for me through the hours, days or years.

Have a wonderful week!

Just Sharing...

2009-09-05T17:59:00.007+08:00

Another crazy couple of weeks and yet I have still managed some creative time and a laugh or two (usually at myself) so all is well in life. Many thanks to all of you who commented on the earrings in my last post, I am often uncertain when I try new things, this weekend I am aiming to do some more in a similar style. However, for this past week or so it has been back to paper and pieces of history floating on my desk.

One of these giant pegs has gone to a new home as a result of a monthly 1-4-1 swap I am a part of, the others will reappear at Christmas.

A page from an Altered Book Round Robin with the theme Still Life.

A breath of spring; the print I was blessed to receive from Julia's blog give-away.

Tags made for no reason other than the fact I felt like playing wi th paper and thread.
A rare picture: Charles and Phantom keeping each other warm on a cold morning.

A season of giving and receiving.

2009-08-25T22:42:00.007+08:00

It was only after I photographed this pair that I realised they were not opposites - and had to rehang the roses :)

It has been too long since I blogged so I will load as many photo's as I can tonight.

My life is truly crazy at the moment, I am acting in a promotional position at work and loving the adrenalin that comes from stretching myself, learning new skills and conquering my emotional responses to high pressure situations. I am not even minding the looooonnnnnnggg hours or the cakes I cook to bribe, er encourage, my team to attend meetings.

At home, the heater died and a water pipe burst in the back yard so I have been co-ordinating tradesmen - aaaaaaagh, how is it they are never on time? Even, when I am the first one they come to in the morning. Is it part of tradesman school; How to Annoy the Client 101. I wish they could replace it with:
Putting the toilet seat down 101
Picking up your own Rubbish 102
and
Wiping your feet 103
That said it is nice to have some heating again, and time will tell if I made the right choice.

It was fun to draw balls on sterling silver wire to form the basis of these earrings - gifts

for three dear friends with birthdays in the same week, and another skill from Stephanie's class practiced.

My beautiful hand sewn owl and crocheted sari silk nest were my Art-of-the-Month

gift from Jacky. I was so excited when this little fellow arrived as I had 'lusted' after him on Jacky's blog - hoping he might wing this way.

The tin covers are another Etsy purchase and brighten my desk at school, the happy puppy is also a gift from Jacky - I just love his squishy nose!

Bright vintage style ATC's received from Gaby; I so enjoy swapping with this kind

overseas artist.

Cheerful ATC's from a swap with Doreen, very beautiful the felted card too. Thanks Doreen!

I'll try and get back later in the week to add links. oxo

I have been shopping on Etsy...

2009-08-10T19:43:00.004+08:00

This is Paprika a darling little cat with her own personality, from here. Is she a gift? Or am I spoiling me?

Hand knitted cotton dish cloths, no chemicals, no plastic, no middle man eating up the profits. So I got a practical and useful bargain from here.

Pot holders, do you see my sad, faded and frayed old one in the middle? I bought it 20 years ago! I went to grab a pretty one from a chain store shelf a few weeks ago and stopped myself. If something is going to be in my home another 20 years I like the idea that it is a one-off made with care and in fair trade conditions. I got these ones here.

Bracelet - At Last

2009-08-09T11:24:00.005+08:00

Yes, at last I have used the bezel making skills I learnt in Stephanie Lee's wonderful class back in march. This bracelet is a gift for a special person. Can't say who yet, as she may read my blog.

I was asked to make 200 "Gratefulness" tags for a wedding - all identical - so am surrounded by a sea of lavender card and lovely sage ink, while looking forward to doing something a bit more individual very soon.

More Steampunk Earrings

2009-08-02T13:09:00.003+08:00

As I post these I am chuckling to myself at the contrast between the grunge metal appearance and the Dancing Ladies a few posts back. I was over-the-moon when the two pairs of Dancing Ladies I listed sold fairly quickly - just love the thought of someone on the other side of the world wearing my art.

In case you are wondering the background here is a rusty old enamel tin I have sitting on my deck. It has holes in the bottom, and until now has been of no use other than holding the odd incense stick - and yet it is a favourite of mine.

Snippets from an Enchanted Wintery Week

2009-07-18T14:53:00.015+08:00

Beautiful metal and mother of pearl buttons selected from a huge basket, in a local op-shop; you would have laughed to see me cross-legged on the floor surrounded by mounds of little plastic bags, I laughed at myself. The precious friend I was with smiled to see me happy as she browsed among clothes. The cost of these little treasures, $2!

Of course we could not visit just one store, or select one treasure, somehow by the end of the day I had spent the princely sum of $12 and had ties, fabric scraps, tortoise shell knitting needles, a little set of drawers, coasters, books, toast racks and more. Why toast racks? they are the best for standing my board journal covers in when they need to dry and I don't want to spread throughout the entire house.

Sweet Harvey who played happily with the cord from a skirt carelessly thrown on the top part of his tower.

Charles, who seems to get prettier as he gets older was rolling in the sun, delighting in the rare rays coming though the glass doors.

Phantom asleep, apparently comfortable on top of the little garden shed, able to keep an eye on all of us, and claim he had been outside for some fresh air.

My darling niece calling, "Come and find me!" as I stood not two meters away folding washing. Of course I indulged her and searched the whole garden before finding her in among my dry washing.

The same niece delighting in the large tub of plastic beads we spent hours stringing. Butterfly bracelets came first (one for L and one for her best friend S), then a bracelet for Gran (Shhh, don't tell her, it's a 'prise), a key ring for Daddy, a necklace for L and then a necklace Mummy and S can share(?)!

A little happy creativity, some different brighter colours - Winter you won't make me grey!

See Mum, I told you I look best in the morning sunlight, I really am orange you know.

Do Pelicans flirt? I am sure this one was as Archer and I went for a bracing walk along the foreshore.

Why didn't you tell me it was cold? What do you mean I smell? It's the weed that smells not me, promise...

I am going to shelter under the jetty, perhaps you should go inside for yet another cup of steaming tea, or hot coffee, another chat with neglected friends, another play with a borrowed child, another quiet hour in the cave, another enchanted moment.

Harvey Here

2009-07-11T22:32:00.006+08:00

Harvey here, She says you have been asking about me so She needs photo's - yawn! Normally a yawn is a non-event, and I was more concerned about cooling down on the floorboards after too long in front of my heater, than discussing a yawn. But She says my teeth are looking good, and I guess she would know, it is just over a year since she paid a man to take the rest out and then didn't want to bring them home.

I have lived here a year and a half now and I am very healthy, She says I getting cuddly, I hope she's not getting any ideas about picking me up. That enormous black and white cat likes being picked up, so does Archer, must be a colour thing... The food's good here , I really like Indian bread with a little dal or curry spread on it, or vegemite and butter on toast, but I don't get those much. Dry bickies in the morning and chicken porridge or mince for tea, She has given up trying to figure out which one I want and just gives me both. Phantom will eat the one I leave behind.

Archer is still my best buddy, he protects me from the big sucking machine and keeps an eye out for me. I play chase with him during the day and when he is asleep at night I play with Charles, wouldn't want to hurt the young fellow's feelings. He worries so much. Look at him here, watching us both, she is chatting away to me and I am considering checking out those ridiculous socks she wears at night.

The socks were not tasty at all so I would really have liked a pre-supper nap . I like to sleep. And still she has that camera out flashing away, really, I am six and a half now, I need my sleep. Do you see how Archer is right here too. This post is all about me, so one face photo and one with the tip of his feet is more than enough.

It doesn't look like she is going to let stop, next she will want to check my ears and squirt the cold stinky stuff on my neck, gosh she may even want to take me back to the tooth man for a check up. I think there is some cheese in my bowl, perhaps I will get up. In a minute...

I look more handsome in the mornings with the sun shining on my freshly groomed hair, this lighting is not good for me, I'll pose a bit later in the week and see if She notices.

Time to Relax and to Play

2009-07-10T19:48:00.002+08:00

I have spent most of the first week of the school holidays at school, marking, tidying, filing preparing and cleaning. While the the job is never done I am now at peace with my work. School with children is wonderful, school without children is so much more productive! My faithful Archer joined me each day with snacks, his bed and a nice warm heater he was happy.

At night I have played, these ATC's are a mix of vintage charms, original photo's, cheap embellishments, ephemera and lots of paints. Five of them are promised. If you would like a swap please let me know.

What do you record...

2009-07-07T20:13:00.005+08:00

These are the waste paint covered journals I mentioned in the previous post. The picture of all four together is true to colour. I have given a couple of journals/notebooks away this week, the rest will appear for sale soon.

I give my little notebooks hoping they will be used, happy if they are full of shopping lists and shoe sizes, reminder notes or puzzle solving. Some friends tell me they are, 'Too good to use.' Please do, I can always make more. One of this weeks is going north on holidays, with a lady who has never travelled, another is being used to collect encouraging quotes. I heard this week an older one is being used to record things which make its owner grateful. What a blessing for be involved in people's lives through my little creations.

On my desk at the moment is a mess! But under that are two half finished necklaces, some ATC's and some earrings. I am so so looking forward to some chunks of creative time next week. Perhaps I will make a list ...

Repurposing the Repurposed

2009-07-05T01:05:00.004+08:00

I've mentioned before that I can't bring myself to waste even a drop of paint; these cards all use repurposed paint. The top cards have as their background some paint slapped on with the intention that it would be a base coat. Earlier in the week the colours appealed to me and I began to doodle trees and birds. Last night I layered them up.

I covered some journals with my multi-layered waste paint paper (and that is a mouthful) last weekend, the left over scraps became the cards below. the top two cards were very therapeutic as I lost myself in doodling designs on the patterned paper. As a child I wanted to design wall paper; I loved drawing up repetitive signs and relaxed just as I did while making these.

The irony in this card production is that I have missed more birthdays than I have remembered this year. I've resolved to send "just because..." cards instead, and hope you'll understand if you have been waiting for a while.

CIF Received and Elegant Ladies

2009-06-27T12:34:00.010+08:00

I recently took part in a Create it Forward (CIF) hosted by the wonderful Steph from Belgium. Last week (yes, I am running late to post) these wonderful items arrived. A pendant that made my heart sing - that spoke to where I am; and the most comfortable bracelet in the whole world.

I have worn both of these pieces almost all week.

These elegant ladies dancing in a row make me smile; tiny antique dolls heads, vintage swarovski crystals, pretty beads and perhaps a little lace.

I am enjoying creating.

Perhaps they will sell from my Etsy, never mind if they don't , I will let them dance in my cave...

NOT from a pet free home!

2009-06-13T15:33:00.008+08:00

Charles seemed to recognise a friend on this journal, or perhaps he just wanted some attention as I dashed outside to photograph my latest journals and notebooks. We had a wonderful few moments of tummy rubs, tickles, and chase the camera cord - a quality interlude.

As soon as I saw the felt ribbon stick-ons in scrapbooking stores I knew that I would use them for backgrounds. The one used above was a bright lime green. It is very absorbent and I should have sealed it before I began adding layers of paint - I think there is half a tube of my beloved Golden Quin' Nickel Azo Gold on the front cover alone. The picture is a favourite vintage postcard of a lovely ginger cat.

These two notebooks started out at ATC's but I added to many layers (pegs and paint brushes to name a few) that made them too thick to fit in any plastic sleeve. The one above features an original vintage photo and mother-of-pearl button.

Now that I have started using my old paint brushes in my art I can justify buying some new ones :). Aren't the leaves wonderful? I picked the last of them from my liquid amber before the rains last weekend and they grace my dining table, a huge bowl of them colourful, crisp and yet so very warming.

No reason for this picture, just the cutest little dog in the world looking at me as I do the blog post and some other work on the net. Hug your purr and bark babies for me!

Today's Silent Inspiration

2009-06-04T15:13:00.002+08:00

One child's reject's,

One artist's treasure.

More Pins and Some Help Please

2009-05-30T23:14:00.005+08:00

I have had a lot of fun putting together pins this week, soldering jump rings to pen nibs, pouring some resin, twisting wire and running my fingers through my button stash. I used some vintage fold-over connectors at the top of this pin, and a less ornate one on the pin below. Does anyone know what their correct name is? Or where I can get more? I really like these!

These owls have been a part of my stash for a long time too, but finally they have a home and nests of their own.

Another of my favourite components is the little fuses with brass ends, I pull them apart add vintage text (usually encouraging scripture) and then solder a jump ring to the top.

I wore this pin to work earlier in the week, some of my students (mostly boys) had a wonderful time passing it around and trying to identify all the components. Friends have been uncomfortable with the name I gave these pins; junk pins. A comment from a delightful, and almost illiterate, teenage boy that 'You tell a story with this Miss, unna?' has changed their name to 'Story Pins'.

Jewellery and Rain

2009-05-23T17:38:00.005+08:00

The rains have arrived very late here in Western Australia, but the heavens are making up for it now. We have had three freezing cold days with winds and flooding rain, days where my face feels cold each time I stick it outside and all four fur-babies jostle for places in front of the heater. Nights where I cannot turn over without disturbing at least one fur-baby snuggled as close as he can get. Normally I would whinge about the cold, and the wet, but our farmers have been so desperate and the season change so late I am joyful, grateful that we are not to have a drought.

An added bonus is the wild weather is just perfect for creating (and even doing school work). The last two junk pins sold quickly, the one above was started at the same time. I have been making earrings and hat pins too. I love hat pins, they are perfect for holding my scarves in place as I dash between classes - arms full of books, and the inevitable hot tea. I made some traditional ones with bright beads last week, and this week I have made the steam punk version below.

Craft it Forward and a Treat

2009-05-16T17:43:00.006+08:00

I made three of these 'junk' pins this week- so nice to have my fingers fiddling with little pieces again. I have listed two for sale on Etsy.

Steph is hosting a Craft-it-Forward on her blog, and I am in awe of the diversity and talent she demonstrates in her jewellery making. I could not help myself I had to participate.

The rules are quite simple.
The first five people to respond to this will get something handmade by me. There are some restrictions, though:

1. You must be willing to blog about Crafting it Forward
2. You need to make something for 5 people
3. Leave me a message with your intent to participate
4. Then leave me another message with the link to your blog post

I will take your color preferences into consideration and am also willing to make it for someone you love and send it to them in your honor as a gift from you.
Not so long ago I ordered something from here. I can't show you what because they have not gone to their final home yet - but they are beautiful! Wonderful! Perfect! And they were packaged in the little box to the bottom left of this picture. Their creator is a friend of mine and opening this order felt like a surprise birthday party for me - lots of wonderful treats. I am so looking forward to showing you what I bought, but for now I think I will indulge in cookies and hot chocolate....

Faces, Award and Love

2009-05-10T14:28:00.004+08:00

I think I have finished playing with faces now - until I need one. The colours in this top pic are about right for these four - all drawn while looking at magazine pictures. The centre bottom ATC took more than an hour, but at last I got the shading to blend rather than splodge. I was going to scrape the round canvas clean, but after an week or so on the floor, where the dog literally walked on it, the colours seemed to meld a little better and some of the lumps disappeared.

The lovely and talented Bevlea blessed me with a Kreativ Blogger Award; the teacher does so want to correct the spelling :).

The Rules:List 7 things that you LOVE. Link to the person who has tagged you. Choose 7 more bloggers to give the Kreativ Blogger Award to. Comment on those 7 blogs to let the recipients know you chose them.

7 THINGS THAT I LOVE

1. Jesus

2. Family (Furry and Two Legged)

3. Sandwiches (I could eat them three times a day, 15 salad veges, plain cheese and pickles, peanut butter, anything, toasted or not, just fresh).

4. Sunshine and blue skies

5. Reading ( I read EVERYTHING - contracts, books, cereal boxes, signs, the lot)

6. This little art world we belong to online

7. My friends, who are always 'there' - thank you.

I am a dud at passing these on and this is no exception, thank you to all the creative people who inspire me.

Little Bits

2009-05-02T19:00:00.004+08:00

I had accidentally squeezed out too much paint when doing my faces so painted some Collections Elements core board frames, then I wanted to make something to go with Mum's purchased Mother's Day gift; the first notepad/journal was born.

Somehow I kept going, painted backgrounds, fabric from the old peg bag, and delicious buttons, each one a source of delight as it was selected from my stash. The end result a handful of little books. I have kept a couple for friends, the rest are now for sale on my etsy.

WooHoo and BooHoo!

2009-04-28T23:27:00.003+08:00

Woo Hoo it is time to announce my blog winners, well actually that is the Boo Hoo - blogger is not letting me upload pictures this week and so my announcement is overdue. But with no further ado, congratulations too:

Doreen and Kelsey!

Faces, with apologies to some beautiful women!

2009-04-23T10:34:00.006+08:00

I got lost in the creative zone last night, and I am so grateful! For the first time in ages I lost track of time and played for five hours straight - the result two finished ATC's and two other pieces partially done. These are my first attempts at faces; which I was NEVER going to try, when will I learn not to make sweeping statements?
After creating backgrounds a la Kelly Rae I took some magazine pictures.. and here's the apology, these women WERE beautiful.
I traced over the main features, the first time in blue pen (you can see why that was not a great idea), the second with lead pencil, and then flipped the picture onto my background to transfer the pen/pencil. From there I used paint, Tombow, Distress Ink, water colour pencil, brushes and my trans dermal applicator (thanks Kelsey). I enjoyed 'modifying' the second face, and I guess the next stage would be to draw my own.

Please join my give-away from the previous post.

Stumbling Blocks and a Giveaway

2009-04-21T19:28:00.007+08:00

I have really struggled to create since the art retreat, a combination of too many other things to do and some hang-ups. Everything I started seemed to be a copy, I was lost in technique and have not been able to get my ideas to flow. Finally this week I sat down to play and the pendants above emerged, beautiful beads with simple sterling silver joins. They had no purpose other than play so I have given them one, a give-away. Just leave a comment and one of them may be yours - I will use a random selection method and do the draw on Sunday 26th April.

These memory wire bracelets were a lot of fun to make; I have such a lot of beautiful beads that don't work with my vintage/grunge/earthy styles, and spend way too long just looking at them. The bracelets will appear on my Etsy very soon. If you are in my Etsy store you will find some fantastic sale items as I am having a clean out.

I can't seem to capture the translucent nature of the paint on this canvas or the many layers, but never mind, it was a piece I enjoyed making, a piece where I learnt a lot about product and planning ahead.

Despite the fact we have a multitude of pet baskets and comfy chairs, for Charles to rest in, he has made some interesting choices this past week; the box I was dropping work into as I marked and then the shelf. I know, I should have scooped him off and growled, but it was too cute I ran for the camera instead. Don't you love how he is pretending not to see me?

A Class With Stephanie Lee

2009-04-05T09:51:00.005+08:00

I have put off blogging this class for ages because I wanted time to do something with my bits and pieces, but alas it was not meant to be.

I was lucky enough to spend two days with Stephanie, a blow torch and some other wonderful ladies. By lunch time of the first day I was in bliss, and said to my roomie, "If I go home now I will be happy with what I have learnt." Stephanie is an amazing teacher who shares of herself generously and has a wonderful positive attitude to life and learning. I appreciated her sharing about the properties of metals (a little science) and her reasons for both the ways she does things and her choice of supplies.

Just writing now takes me back to that lovely room with arched doorways looking out over grassy lawns and trees, with a river running below... all beautiful, but the buzz inside the room was even more amazing, thank you Stephanie.
I can't get enough of my babies at the moment, and photo's of them sleeping are so much easier than when they are playing chasey at full speed through the house or across the lawn!!

A Class with Bernie Berlin

2009-03-29T17:28:00.003+08:00

On the third day of retreat I was tired and a little emotional; I attended class glad to be there but not putting pressure on my self to complete the project. Bernie was such a wonderful teacher with stepped out instructions, a generous supply of resources to share and too my surprise I finished three projects (all except the final lot of gluing - which I did yesterday). It was a pleasure to meet someone who is as they are on their blog and Bernie is all that and more, sharing her heart with us as she taught.

The other wonderful thing about this class was that the focus was on using what many of us already have, stamps, paint, glue, images etc. I didn't leave with a purchasing wish list. Have to love that!

Images here are Michael deMeng and Lost Aussie.

Postcards from Melbourne #2

2009-03-23T20:12:00.008+09:00

Urban art, Melbourne style.

While the art is clean the aroma down some of these lanes is not so ...

The water seen through the knot hole in this jetty is part of a great big ocean, stretching right around to my side of Australia, and to the ocean closest to you - isn't that awesome?

Are the stencils, graffiti, art or vandalism? So many in the city and the suburbs..

Dotee on 'her' pier. The water was clear, the sky blue and the air fresh - perfect.

With the 'chatty' Miss Essie...

... and the handsome smoochalicious Mr Ronnie.

Postcards from Melbourne #1

2009-03-22T18:54:00.009+09:00

Dear friends, Jen and Dawnie, and just look at the view from our Retreat venue deck.

The super talented artist and teacher Stephanie Lee - more on classes in a day or so.
Sweet Charles would not let me pack my cases in peace, each time I lifted him out and turned for another garment he jumped right back in. After I closed the door (a rare event in this house) he melted my heart with his efforts to join in so I carried the image all around Melbourne with me.

A starling right inside a major shopping centre, there were so many inside buildings, including the airport. I felt so sorry for them living the urban life.

The iconic entrance to Luna Park, St Kilda. What a wonderful tram ride it is to this cosmopolitan and yet friendly suburb. I would stay here next time.

You may notice this one is taken from the inside, the coffee was fantastic too.

Part of the bakery strip in St Kilda.

A gorilla installation in the car park at our retreat, I wonder who put it there?

Mum I am confused, why are you packing your things and not mine.

Archer certainly looks happier now and had a lovely holiday at Aunty Nicky's.

"Sorry Dawn, I can't look now, Julie has the camera out".
Meredith, Dawn and Dot sharing art.

Trying to be still ...

2009-03-05T17:54:00.007+09:00

Have you seen the wonderful birds Leighanna makes? I feel so blessed to have this one, he makes me smile each time I walk passed.

I really do need to make time to be still, to find my center to be with God and know it, to breathe and relax. I am trying, and most days there are at least a few minutes, even if it is those in the shower, or the blissful few minutes on the deck, late night. I love that, when the stars are out, my neighbours in bed, I will go outside to hang washing and then pause - listening to the quiet, gazing at the stars and being awed for the 'nth time.

This assemblage was a surprise/RAK gift from Melissa a blog friend my heart knows. I came home after a blue day to find a box on my doorstep and nestled inside was this rusted art work and a very kind card. Thank you.

I am so very excited to be going to Creative Soul Retreat in a weeks time.

OK I just scared myself again. By this time next week I will have delivered Archer and his belongings to my friend Nikki, popped Charles and Phantom in the Willows (5* accommodation for purr babies) organised with the boy across the road to see Harvey twice a day, prepared lessons for approximately 150 students and so much more.

Luggage tags - the only thing close to art I have worked on in the last week.

One of the "much more's" is creating a bigger need than usual for being still. Three months ago I had a spot removed which turned out to be melanoma. I had my three monthly check last week and my wonderful doctor removed two more suspicious spots. One of those has turned out to be another melanoma. So on Monday I am having wider margins cut around where it was. This one has rocked me, made me think, it paralysed me for a couple of days. Slowly I am processing the fact this will now become a life-long journey. Checking, having others check me, needles, cutting, stitching... Finding my humour, my ability to use trials to entertain, my coping mechanisms.
Can you guess what happened when Archer finally gave in to temptation and reached for the tail? Yes. Yet another game of crazy chasey.

Always the furies are my non-judgemental, cuddlers, all quite sure that they are the most important thing in my life, and I in theirs. Again, I am astounded at the depth of friendships and the care of my human friends.

While Charles tried to sleep.

Charles may have regretted his commitment on the weekend. I dropped a glass as I dried the dishes, he dropped onto it and off to the vet we went. One little cat with a slit paw one sorry Mum, who was (despite her sorrow) heard to mutter, 'On the weekend again!'. I can't remember the last time my animals were hurt between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Saturday... Perhaps I should give up glasses and just drink straight from the bottle - less dishes, less to drop... but no, it is never the same injury twice. Such is life.

How is your week shaping up?

A Necklace, A Walk and Ronnie

2009-02-18T21:49:00.010+09:00

On Sunday afternoon I walked through “my” bush for the first time in over a week. The bush where almost every day for 13 years I have walked first with Maggie and now with little Archer. It was as if I had stepped onto another planet, strange black moon like surfaces with craters and blackened rocks, strands of trees, and silence. Absolute silence. An acrid smell.

Then a flock of pelicans swooped over, their wings beating rhythmically, I took a breath, and another step, to my left was the bush I know and love.

The fire has stopped at a main walking path and been contained to a central strip of the bush. As we wandered along I felt my spirits sink, and rise in time with my steps. My mind whirling with thoughts of loss, the blessing that no human lives were lost here, and a few of those pointless “Why? Questions”. Actually it appears some boys wanted to see if they could copy the fires on the other side of our great country.

Towards the end of our walk we met Ronnie, an old aboriginal man with a shock of white hair, and a welcoming smile. Ronnie’s mixed use of English, Aboriginal English and Noongar combined with his lack of teeth made communication interesting. But we chatted for more than hour. Ronnie often explaining his stories with drawings in the sand.

When I offered the comment that it was a ‘shame about the fire’ a torrent of positive results was released. First Ronnie cheekily informed me cooking had been made easy as his family had gathered all the animals killed in the fire and taken them home for the weeks meat, and the freezer was full.

Then Ronnie showed me a plant which a week after the fire was splitting and releasing seeds, seeds which are apparently the food of echidnas (the Australian spiny ant eater, similar to a porcupine). It is a long time since I last saw an echidna in that bush but Ronnie showed me a couple of echidna homes. He told me with many gestures and pictures drawn in the sand that by this time next year I will see them regularly - and cheekily added, I would have to keep my eyes open and walk at the right time. As I have seen them before I guess I will again.

This necklace was begun a long time ago and finally it has sung, I pulled the old version apart and now the birds fly above fire coloured beads and rocks. A song of renewal.

The animals need us too...

2009-02-11T16:25:00.004+09:00

Night after night our television screens are full of images of devastation as bushfires race across Australia, so many people have died, many more have lost their home and even their town. So much is needed to help survivors recover. And yet, my heart turns also to our animals.

There are homeless and injured dogs, horses and stock throughout Victoria. Wildlife of all types, kangaroos, lizards, birds and of course koalas, have lost their habitat and in many cases have been injured. Koalas eat leaves. Gum leaves. This is all most of them eat, for both moisture and nutrients, without gum leaves they can not survive in the wild.

A quick search of the web yielded many wonderful organisations for supporting our people and animals. If you have a few dollars to spare:

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/appeal_details.form?appealId=1115

are accepting donations to help wild animals, and

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/appeal_details.form?appealId=1702

are providing food and temporary homes for domestic pets.

http://www.jirrahlinga.com.au/Hospital.html

and here to sponsor and wild animal while it is being treated medically.

Practical Creativitity

2009-02-06T21:16:00.006+09:00

I needed a handful of thank you cards and was very tempted to go out an buy some, but common sense prevailed. On my desk was a stack of card, embossed on my friends' brand new Cuttlebug, and plenty of bits and pieces. I painted some of the card with verdigris paint, and activator, then lightly sanded it back.

These corrugated iron and number backgrounds are the result. I have a container of rusted and verdigrised shapes on my desk - just in case. The birds were once metallic red and the rectangle shaped piece a cheap plastic. So a few laps with the sewing machine, some scraps of fabric and the top four were complete.

Another few sheets of embossed card were painted with cream paint and sanded back, then a light wash of paint applied. It was good to finally use some of these pre-cut window cards (I am sure I had the small ones for a decade), even if I did decide to completely paint over most of them.

A lovely local salesman has organised a new car for me, it should arrive in the next week. It will be soooooooooo good to have my own wheels again, I had not realised how dependent I am on that freedom.

Harvey, and the Car - aaaghh!!!

2009-01-31T00:36:00.008+09:00

It is just over a year since the rather handsome Harvey joined out family so I was pleased to take this picture. It is just after midnight here, and Harvey likes to sleep in his basket from about midnight through until we get up in the morning. He was ready for bed, but his little mate Archer was 'borrowing' the space. How I laughed as Harvey first rubbed noses with Archer, then backed slowly up and wriggled into place, giving plenty of time for Archer to move over. I am not sure however, that either of them are completely happy with the end result...or perhaps they just did not want their photo taken.

On another note the car is still missing and I am looking for a replacement. I am completely, 100%, totally over car salesmen, it doesn't matter how nice they are they just can't stop the patter:

This one is exactly like your Viva (except it is 2 years older, has a 100,000 km on the clock and is a hatchback).

I have just what you are looking for (except that it is a three year old Astra and I am looking for a 12 month old Viva).

We can get you a new one, exactly the same - except the tinted windows (and the alloy wheels, floor mats, mud guards and cd player) for just an extra thousand dollars, and you will have a brand new one (with '08 compliance plates, and mine only had 18,500 on the clock anyway).

I'm looking after you, there's nothing in it for me.

Whinge over, there are a lot of people worse off than me and I will end up with a car soon. Have a good weekend.

A little whimsy

2009-01-25T23:28:00.002+09:00

For some reason I have managed to photograph the tassels on this piece true to colour and yet the canvas seems lighter, perhaps it is the layers of paint and gel letting in light. This was a fun piece which will turn up at a friend's house in the weeks to come.

Thank you for all your kind support, the car is still missing and if it remains so until Thursday then the insurance will come into play and I can begin to look for another one. I lost my mojo for a week there and was quite blue, but I am back focussing on the good, on the wonderful sunshine filled summer, my amazing friends and yes even my little 'not' guard dog.

I am living a soap opera...

2009-01-18T16:44:00.004+09:00

...and someone forgot to pay me, no really it feels that way.

It was 2.00am Wednesday night (that makes sense to night owls, for the rest of you 2.00am Thursday morning) I sat on my bed, laptop on, room lit up, Archer snoring, curtains open - enjoying a warm breeze. There were lights on in four other rooms (I figure after the story is told you won't grouch too much about my lack of environmental awareness) when I heard a "Ping!", just a little ping. It passed through my head, "Silly Charles, what are you doing now."

and then,

the lone footstep... imagined? ... Archer still snoring ...

the neighbours dog goes ballistic, I run to the dining room, see my car lights flash in the carport below, dash to the lounge ...

in time to see my car head off out the drive-way. My bag, purse and the biscuit tin (the illusive ping) with it. Next morning I find the biscuits in the drive-way, I wonder why they wanted my tin?

The collage/assemblage of four mini canvas is a gift for a kind friend, you can click on it for a close up. It is relevant because people have been so very kind. So many friends offering money, bringing wine, biccies and other treats. One car loaned already and another promised if need be. So many wonderful e-mails and phone calls, I wonder that everyone is not sick of the drama that seems to follow me...

If you are in WA my car is a burgundy Holden Viva, 2008 model (you will remember it is just six months since a careless driver ran into my other car and wrote it off), my number plate is PL764, and Archer would like his car bed back too.

On another note, don't the pegs look fantastic? They are just 1" long, I rusted some years ago and when they ran out I looked everywhere for them. Now I have five bags, and I am going to share, I rusted the whole lot and will pop some in my Etsy store soon.

A llittle bit of this and that...

2009-01-10T22:32:00.009+09:00

I made this notebook over the last few days, the background is lace and texture paste with one coat of shellac and several paint washes over it.

I like the back as much as the front because there you can see the detail in the background.

Two precious gifts a wet felted birdie from my friend Dawn and a needle felted needle case from Jane. Do you see my little Archer in the small frame?

The notepad below was made by covering core board with assorted postage stamps. I then over stamped them with one of my favourite Tim Holtz stamps, the quote is: "To those who can dream there is no such place as far away.

I then applied several layers of shellac and an image from a vintage Sunday School card in the postage frame. I think this one is for me!

What's in the pot?

2009-01-09T22:55:00.005+09:00

Apricots, apples, dates, ginger, sultanas, pepper and more, all set to bubble away into a thick fruity chutney, perfect for with Indian curries, or cheese and crackers. This was my first creation yesterday and I so loved the look of all the fresh ingredients I decided to stick with focusing on them rather than the finished products.

Apricots, onions, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cloves, spices and a second chutney, golden in its jars and delicious with everything! Can you tell I love chutney?

The last of the apricots lightly stewed ready for winter crumbles, and muffins. It is a long since I have enjoyed cooking as much as I am at the moment, for a long time pet food and quick curries were all my poor pots experienced.

Archer's dinner carrots, beans, garlic, oats, rice, and yes-a little meat under there.

Dark ale, date and barley bran muffins.

I went to bed feeling a special sense of achievement last night, lots of jars just waiting to cool and then be moved to the dark linen closet, containers stacked in the freezer, muffins in the tin. Sublime.

Grunge and Sweetness, or ...

2008-12-28T10:00:00.009+09:00

... rather sweetness and grunge. I think the sweetest gift of Christmas was some quality time with the newest little ‘H’, my nephew ‘A’. This photo was taken at lunch while he slept all snuggled in and I battled the brussels sprouts. Why do mother’s think those small green stinky vege are a traditional part of Christmas? I must say everything else was delicious and of course I ate too much.

I kept last years resolution, 12 months without hair dye (actually I lasted 13) umm, perhaps I should not mention hair when I have the frizz happening above :). So I will boldly state this years resolution - to drop three dress sizes. Other aspects of my health have been my focus for many years and medication took its toll, but I have stayed the same size all 2008 so I am sure that with a little work I can remove some of the excess.

I am not sure I will ever be able to sit like the sweet angel to the left (my niece) but I would like to be able to keep up with her as she plays her games and runs around the garden.

This was the third notebook I made and I experimented with some new colours - I like the green with my usual "grunge" and rust tones. I cut and covered all six covers, applied several paint washes and some stamping then worked on one book at a time.

This book was not meant to have webbing spray on it's corners, a certain ginger purr-baby decided to jump on my lap as I was spraying the back ground of the other two - luckily only the corner was effected and I decided it added to the texture. I can convince myself of almost anything.

After I made the note books I found one more of the tin signs I used as the focal point of each book. "spirit" started out red, the others were shades of cream and white to begin with.

A time of Peace and Good Will to all...

2008-12-25T09:15:00.002+09:00

If this is a time of peace and goodwill how come I have been dragged out of bed stuffed into this silly hat and been told not to blink. How is a boy not to blink with that glaring in his face?
Oh sorry, I have just been reminded this is not about me, it is about others. Jesus was born to save and heal others so Christmas is a time where we give to others and spread peace and goodwill in His name.

So, thank you for all the kindness and care you have shown Mum and I over the past year. I really do wish you all peace and safety for 2009 (and that every doggy should have unlimited bones).

Archer

>>> (licks)

Gorgeous Gifts

2008-12-21T15:28:00.008+09:00

It was my birthday earlier in the week and I have been blessed with gifts for seven days straight. I thought I would share the hand made ones here. The address book above has as much detail on the back and inside as it does on the front, layers of tecture and colour and images all blended perfectly. A stunning gift from my wonderful friend Dawn. I love it soooo much I am going to use it - and have already put all my addresses in.

More goodies from Dawn, including a DJ Petit postcard just to remind me we are going to Melbourne for a retreat in March! Don't you just love the clay dangle?

I was thrilled to receive a beautiful parcel from Dotee too, including my very own birdie with a little Dotee Chick to tuck in the pocket behind her wing. Beautiful, and I am in awe of the time and skill in placing so many tiny embellishments just to.

Despite the kitch 70's look to this photograph this is a very cute Dotee Christmas bug - love it.

Genevieve made me this little treasure with a diorama on the inside, a wonderful mystery muse gift.

Now I must be off to finish wrapping Christmas Presents, and tidy up a little, but first a nap...

Smiles, Joys and Gratefulness

2008-12-14T14:12:00.011+09:00

The 'view' as I leave my room and walk to any other area in my little house. Fish (yes,that is his name) in the bowl, art by Natalie, Misty and I, a lone kangaroo paw in my favourite vase (an old milk bottle) and a light shade I still love after five years of looking at it.

Homemade gifts ready to wrap.

Sunshine and sun scented sheets as summer finally arrives in Western Australia.
The sunlight filtered through the native garden, the rather intense looking Phantom as he enjoys the space and the leaves on the lawn.
The delicious fruit salad chilling as I type.
This knobbly native flower in my back yard.
No more stitches; I had a nasty little melanoma removed just over two weeks ago and my wonderful Doctor had to take WIDE margins. It is so good not to itch, and I am so blessed Geoff was on the ball and picked this up.

The geranium blooming behind washing drying in the sun.
Planning a birthday gift for a special seven year old, to be.

The faded roses against decking stump.
Knowing there are five more sleeps until the school year ends and I can catch up; house work, friends, garden, cleaning and -yes - school work.
Archer's delight when he managed to roll the treat out of his ball, the pile of mulch (a gift from my parents) and the hibiscus (a gift from a friend) in bloom.

Cuddles with my handsome nephew.

In a year where I have had more anti-biotics than in the last dozen combined, and faced more issues than in the last five. In a year where the fur-babies have all had their turn to be ill and the rain has fallen to the point where I wondered about buying a boat. In a year where I have never ever felt 'caught up' there has been much to be grateful for. Too much for one post, so today I am sharing just some of the things which have brought me smiles, moments of joy and made me grateful this very day...

Decisions and a Sale

2008-11-29T18:47:00.002+09:00

Earlier in the year I planned to sell my jewellery at some local markets before Christmas. Various health issues and time contraints mean that is not going to happen - and I almost feel a sense of relief, I don't think it was meant to be. I really did feel bound to create 'for the market' each time I sat in the cave.

And yet I am finding it hard to create with a bag full of trinkets sitting homeless beside me. Today I have begun listing items on my etsy - so far all are at the bargain price of $10US - and I can already feel the call to create returning. I now have the desk space and the motivation and with holidays just around the corner I will have time too -yippee!

Starting Christmas ...

2008-11-27T18:37:00.006+09:00

Some time ago I asked my friend Dotee if she could make me some faces for Dotee Dolls, very kindly she did so (If you want some pop to her Etsy where she has whole kits for sale). After spending quite some time picking fabrics I started to stitch, planning on making these as a mobile for a friend.

Somehow they began to get a festive feel and now these Christmas Dotees will be given as very special ornaments to brighten a tree at Christmas, and perhaps for the rest of the year too.

I recently bought a cat tunnel, thinking Harvey (who is indoors all day) would like it. Poor Harvey has hardly been allowed in, Charles has adopted the tunnel - complete with its catnip sprinkles and has even managed to move it with him from room to room.

Journey's end

2008-11-15T12:52:00.003+09:00

Just over 18 months ago (after attending the Artistic Journey art retreat in Fremantle) I was asked to join seven Australian and six American artists in a journey that was to take 18months; an altered book round robin. I can't say enough about the kindness and talent of this group of ladies - each month has brought a new set of pages to drool over, and a new challenge as I sought inspiration from themes I would never have considered.
The section above is a sneak peak (just under 1/8th) of the pages I did for Marie in her book Urban Debris. I was the last one to work in this amazing book and it is on its merry way to her now.

The village is....

2008-11-05T20:34:00.006+09:00

WooHoo! I finally finished the houses to swap at Creative Soul Retreat in March. I laughed at Janet's comment on an earlier posting - that by the end I would be a master builder; I am not sure about that, but by the end I was definitely on a roll and anything on my desk was fair game to become building materials.

And here is Archer smelling scrumptious (please tell me you did not just sniff the screen), after his visit to the Grooming Gallery on Monday.

Hello

2008-10-26T12:26:00.012+09:00

Antique bisque doll head earrings

Archer: Are you in there?

Hi everyone, time has flown since I last blogged and so much has happened good and bad.

I have been sick, and truly the list sounds like the Lament of Job, my foot continues to be an issue, a winter cold, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers and more - just when I though I had escaped winter without being sick. So there was not much art completed at all.

These earrings have been sitting waiting to be constructed for ages, it is nice to finally have them finished and dangling merrily.

I thought you might like these pictures I managed to capture during a game of hide and seek, often the pace is too fast as the game is combined with chasey in the furry world and I get pictures that are a blur.

Last week my new nephew was born - he is smoochalicious and i am besotted already! While he was arriving my Mum had my niece to stay and we had a giggle playing hide and seek -it was nice to be a participant.

Work has been difficult. I have to be careful what I say, but essentially for the first time in my life I had to raise a concern about some abuse I was experiencing. The decision about how to handle that was taken out of my hands and some interesting decisions were made which ultimately left me feeling unsafe at home as well.

More houses for the Creative Soul Retreat village.

Now I am feeling almost 100%, the dark cloud that has come as I battled situations and sickness is lifting and I can enjoy the outdoors as summer saunters in with the help of daylight savings! Long afternoons in the garden are coming, furries all coming to pester and chase the weeds as I pull them. Early evenings on the deck with a cup of tea or a glass of red and all while unconstrained by jumpers, jeans and joggers (OK, I couldn't resist the j's).

Harvey: At last she recognises my Indian roots - dahl on nahn bread.

I just checked I have well over 200 blog posts to catch up on so there will be a nice night or two browsing for inspiration and catching up as well.

Phantom: Can't a bloke have a bit of privacy while he cleans.

My friend got married and I got rust

2008-10-08T14:07:00.005+08:00

so we're both happy. K married a farmer with a shiny new tractor, clean new ute and lots of modern stuff (I had to put that in because F will probably read this). On the farm there is also lots of beautiful rust and F has quickly become an expert at bringing special pieces in and asking K if I would like them. I do. I hear the neighbours have joined the fun and are contributing as well. These two lots are the result of our last two visits - the shearing combs are for a design I have had in my head for almost a year, the rest could become anything, or I might just keep looking at the stash, enjoying the colours and textures.

The pin above has an old rusty lid as it's base and is my comment on landmines. If you would like to buy it drop by my Etsy store.

Art and more..

2008-10-05T17:58:00.005+08:00

These little houses are the first 7 of 45 I am making for a swap as part of Creative Soul Retreat in March next year. I think perhaps I am nuts, but they will look fantastic when we all have 45 in different styles, sizes and shapes. the backgrounds are all the same, torn vintage papers, and they will all be coated in shellac, as for the in between - whatever is on my desk.

This Tassel Secrets Doll is a step out for me - working in pinks and some purples. She will be available on my Etsy in the next day or so.

This needle felted ATC and the one below were so fun to make, and a great way to use the tiny fabric scraps on my desk. The 'River' tassel doll was a commission and is (I think) hanging in her new home.

Thank you

2008-09-26T19:12:00.008+08:00

I don't like those crutches I don't, what if my tail gets caught?

Thank you so much to everyone who sent mails and left comments over the past week. It has not been an easy time, however my foot is healing, and some work issues are being resolved. I have been so blessed by your kindness and checking in online has been a joy.

This beautiful ATC came from Genevieve, a West Aussie who surprised me by sending the ATC while generously sharing her stash of a fibre I particularly liked. Thanks Gen.

These three ATC's are all stunning, all different, and all one-of-a-kind they are the results of a swap with Debbi.

Debbi has her beautiful work published in almost every issue of Somerset Studio and I was so thrilled to be able to swap with her. Debbi is another West Aussie.

While my foot healed I stayed out of the art cave and read a stack of books, Harvey, however, maintained his rituals and spent part of each day watching the birds through the window, while keeping the arm of my chair warm.

One of these things is not like the other ...

2008-09-16T17:39:00.002+08:00

I am sitting here feeling very sad and sorry for myself so decided to blog and in doing so, knowing I tend to find the positive as I write, that perhaps I may lift my spirits.

Last night I intended to do a little work in garden and then walk Archer, I did not make it past the bottom step. Well actually I did, but I made with a CRASH as I turned my ankle and landed on my bottom. Positive note: I could have landed on Archer - his end would have been instant, my sorry long, like the piece of string.

Twine actually; as waves of nausea crashed over me I had the presence of mind to grab a piece of twine and tie it to Archer's collar. I lacked the presence of mind to tie the other end to anything. As I sat calling vainly for help (my neighbours were all walking their dogs) Archer ran up and down the road thinking he was being chased by Charles who was in fact chasing the end of the string....For anyone new here Archer is my little dog and Charles the cat. The string was about 20 meters long; blue and yellow stripes. It is good to have the full picture.

Eventually I crawled up the stairs and called Mum. Off to the hospital we went, the nurse said, "It's broken", the man in brown said, "I'm the cleaner". When I asked if he did feet as mine were rather dirty he confessed he was in fact the doctor, then he said, "It's broken". The x-ray technician was called in from home, and was happy about that?!?. She said, "It's not broken".

The Cleaner/Doctor said, "It still could be. See your doctor." Off we went for crutches - lots for people 5'2" and below or 5'10" and above. I am 5'7" and a quarter. Needing something for the night we took the small ones. It was not successful. I could write another chapter about that, but as I have now written rather a lot and have found a little smile I will leave you to deal with the rest of your day. Iam wondering if this deserves a mid week gin and tonic?

Bits and Pieces

2008-09-11T22:12:00.004+08:00

I made the notebooks above using some of my scrap paint backgrounds and my Zutter (current favourite tool) for the binding. Quick easy and satisfying.

The bag on my left is a "Just because ..." gift from my friend Ky and her Mum. It is a bag which folds down into a pocket on the front and is one of a collection they have made for the Animal Protection Society fundraiser. I am so blessed to have received this, and in a work week that has had some particularly difficult times it was especially nice to come home to. The dollies there will appear listed in my Etsy just as soon as I get time.

This wonderful copper (and you know how much I love copper) collage is my INKrediblyRt Mystery Muse gift from Vanessa. I keep running my fingers over that embossed background.

I couldn't resist this picture of Phantom and Harvey - but I get the impression Harvey wishes I had :)

I am hoping the shame of having a blog photo up revealing my dirty windows might also make me clean them...I will let you know how I go w ith that one.

Enjoy the weekend.

What a difference a day makes...

2008-09-07T14:12:00.010+08:00

Archer here, Mum has been a bit busy so I thought I would have a bit of a chat. especially since things have changed, I don't like change, I don't.
Every day I rush outside and have a munch on the special grass, Mum poured some old bird seed out and it has sprouted beautifully, I get lots of fresh veg (and no I don't have worms) but I really like this grass.

Sometime I get in trouble because I forget and leave by walking over the snowdrops, but that is OK... she does not stay cross long.
Today I trotted beside Mum eager to help hang out the washing, but thought I would have a little nibble of my grass first.

I was shocked! Bobby was in MY grass. I was not pleased to see him.

Some people were! They fussed and said how nice it was HE had come out of hibernation, and would HE like a strawberry? A strawberry? He already had MY grass.
I tried to be brave, I barked and growled, I sniffed and snorted, but he did not move.

We looked at each other out of the corner of our eyes.

Slowly, very slowly, Bobby turned his back on me, casually moved under the spiky plant, giving me one last look before the leaves rustled and he was gone.

I have my grass back, but it is not the same, I don't think it will be the same again.

Trading ATC's

2008-08-30T19:32:00.006+08:00

Just a few short weeks ago I left a comment for the amazing multi talented Gaby asking her if she would like to trade with me. I was blessed and a little surprised when Gaby instantly replied that she would like to. The ATC's above arrived today (with some wonderful ephemera) and I was blown away; so much wonderful detail and yet the cards are still almost flat. The flowers in the middle card are hand painted, there are tiny seed beads glued to Nadine's dress and the backgrounds are full of colourful layers of paint and stamps.

Some of these ATC's are winging their way to Gaby and Debbi. Did I mention how excited I was when Debbi, the Debbi Baker, asked if I would like to trade with her!

To do these I grabbed a handful of chipboard and paper frames and applied rusting paint, then dry brushed a little verdigris paint on top and let the oxidising solution do its thing on both paints at once. While they were drying I took a handful of green toned paper scraps and sprayed the whole lot with walnut ink. It was then the fun began, using little bits and pieces off my desk (and the floor), some Tombow water colour pens and distress inks I fiddled and arranged for, well a long time..

Off to check the bread pudding in the oven, YUM!

Out and About

2008-08-23T23:03:00.010+08:00

I am not sure the dairy cows fully appreciate their awesome views here, just 15 minutes from home, but I am so glad that I made the time to do so today.

When I awoke this morning the sun was shining, the sky was clear and blue and I knew I had to be out. I decided to take the car for its first run at full speed so Archer and I set off for a little town just over 50km's away.

There is something wonderful about collections of mailboxes all together. I chose spots for Archer to stretch his legs where I could snap a few.

I knew Arch' had found a really good smell here, his dear little tail was as still as it can be and his whole focus on the ground in front of him.

The cattle looked so content in the paddock - such a contrast to the steaks they will become.

It was however, a dreamy morning, do you see the wood smoke in the background?

This is a favourite, and much photographed mailbox on the road home. I wonder what the postie thought when it first arrived.

Tape Measure Journals

2008-08-19T18:12:00.006+08:00

I managed to catch a few last rays of sunshine tonight and snap pictures of these journals. I really like using old measuring tape in my art, an addiction that began after Leighanna sent me about 12" of dirty old tape in a parcel of treasured rust. I eked that piece of tape out until I had my own collection (the bottom picture shows just some of my tape).

I made all of the covers (the backs are just plain tape) for these journals back when Dawn visited in early July. Then bored with using rings to bind and not wanting to use one of the more time consuming binding methods for my humble note pads and journals I ordered a Zutter (the thingy you use to punch these fab' rectangular holes and bind with wire).

Then finally this week it was time to play. The top journal features a beautiful rusty drawer plate (thanks Dawn), the second was an experiment using copper tape and patina. The book above has a photo of Ernest Hubbard in 1868, I don't know him, but I did not like finding him at the tip shop - where he had been rescued from a recycling bin. The copper clover leaf folded over the clock bezel is not as bright in 'real life'. This bottom journal seems very 'neat' compared to others, I used all the same tape and an Making Memories frame on this one. The frame was a shiny pewter colour and the metal number two was a gold colour - so I am very grateful for the action of sandpaper and patina! It is also the only journal not to include one of myfavourite embellishments - screw brads. I rust them thirty or forty at a time and still never seem to have enough :)

I have some of this tape for sale in my Etsy, it funds the habit! I can't use the 20 or 30 meters in a roll and like to have a variety.

Back to the mundane, dishes and marking. Enjoy your week!

Tassel Dolls with Secrets

2008-08-16T16:10:00.004+08:00

I adore all the doll parts that are being rescued from the grounds of old doll factories in Germany, the idea of recycling and repurposing parts which have been under ground and long forgotten gives me pleasure.
These tassels feature heads which I bought direct from Germany. None of them are perfect, they would not pass the quality inspections of 2008, and yet they are beautiful. Their skirts are made of fibre, ribbon, fabric and trim from my collection and hidden within each are secrets. Secrets stamped on sterling silver charms or wrapped around hand rolled paper beads. Little jewels, glass beads and charms are stitched so as to be hidden from the casual viewer and yet visible to those who get to know the lady well.
The four above have all gone off to dear friends, and there are two more for sale on my Etsy. I have five more heads and another theme in mind, so perhaps I will play with them tomorrow.
I am off to my second birthday party for the day - male again, so no chance for pretties, but nice to relax with friends.

After Dawn left...

2008-08-10T13:41:00.004+08:00

I spied this beautiful little dolly she had worked on hanging on the doors into my lounge. Knowing that we had nattered until the early hours of the morning leaving Dawn to pack in a hurry I assumed he had been left behind. I sighed as I admired all the wonderful detail and delicious embellishments covering his body - Dawn gets it 'just right' every time.

I wrapped him gently in tissue paper, popped him in a bubble wrap bag and sent Dawn a mail to say this beautiful star doll was on the way. As you may have guessed I was told to unwrap him quickly - star dollies do not like bags - and he was made to stay.

How lucky am I?

It seems that August is the month of birthdays for my arty friends and I have been creating and wrapping almost every day. I am looking forward to sharing as in a strange way this doll inspired me towards some 'pretty' art. Of course there is grunge too.

I am so proud of myself, I cleaned my own gutters out yesterday, the storms we had a few weeks ago filled them with leaves and debris so up I went (in the rain) perched on the very top rung of the ladder (Whoops now I am sounding like an idiot - but I felt like a hero at the time) and scooped muck while holding the hose and pruning sheers. Archer ended up soaked as he wanted to help, my jumper kept growing longer and longer as it got full of water and the hippy pants seemed to grow too. I can't count the number of time I laughed as I squirted myself with the hose, accidentally, in the rain on a winters day. I guess it was just a 'good to be me' activity, and perhaps you had to be there...

Later the glass of red wine in the hot bath full of lavender bubbles was pretty good too.

Winter

2008-08-03T16:27:00.006+08:00

When all is cold
hard skies
wet
shiver
ache
then ...

through glass ...
golden light
thank you.

Earrings Galore

2008-07-27T18:17:00.004+08:00

I have quite a few projects 'on the go' at the moment but it seems the only thing I can finish is earrings. I love the teeny tiny ladies watch faces I have used for the five pairs above and the way their little hands swing lightly below. I have listed one set on Etsy, if you would like any of the others listed please let me know.

The cog and wheel trees were also fun to make and are surprisingly light weight. I wonder if the watchmakers of old would approve of the recycling that occurs with the creation of steampunk jewellery.

The bird earrings have so many 'almost too good to use' components, blue mother of pearl fetish beads, sterling silver hand made nests, and glass leaf beads.

It has been a totally relaxing weekend full of friends, sleep, creativity, sleep and did I mention I caught up on some sleep, LOL.

Enjoy the week!

Winter Friendships (and the Heater)

2008-07-26T19:55:00.004+08:00

Archer and Harvey

Harvey

Harvey, Phantom and Archer

Not feeling photogenic on photo day: Charles

Unravelling

2008-07-19T16:30:00.010+08:00

Unravelling? I am not sure why, it just seems to be the way I am, and it is a good thing, good to undo the knots and look at life a little bit at a time. These earrings all feature the parts of a pocket watch called the balance cock. A harsh name for pieces with such beautiful engraving. I have listed the first pair on my Etsy and will make time to do the others later in the week.

I have booked a stand at a little country show, held and hour or two up the road, in October and have enjoyed using some of the bits and pieces on my desk to make these bookmarks ready for the day.

My beautiful friend Dawn came to stay this week and aside from long chats (how easy it is to right the world while sewing, wrapping and gluing), we managed some time out to shop and to make a very brief visit to the Porongerups for a walk. This lovely little kookaburra is big in my mind, and yet he is such a tiny part of the forest made of tall, tall trees. How like life.

What a week!

2008-07-14T15:33:00.004+08:00

Thank you so much to everyone who left kind comments on the last post. Unofficially I have heard my car is a right off but still no paperwork, and it seems to have consumed a lot of time in the past week. I am so blessed to have Mum's car now for up to a month if I need it.
It seems that once again the only haven from the busyness of life has been my art room.
I stepped away from my usual colours for the top junk pin and enjoyed the experience.

This one is more muted, but oddly it wasn't until I named them for Etsy, 'fairytale' (or escape) and 'peace' that I realised they were actually therapy - constructed prayers for my life.

Such is life...

2008-07-08T13:12:00.002+08:00

on etsy

I have been particularly busy and decided to treat this first week of the school holidays like, well, a school week. Head off to work each morning and work away in the quiet of my office without distractions. Monday morning I set off, feeling a combination of resignation and perhaps a little righteousness (after all I am a grown up and I had found a coping strategy).

I was quite relaxed as I sat (STATIONARY) at the roundabout when BANG SHOCK I was in the middle of double lanes of traffic going around the round-about. Yep, I had been rear ended. I am stiff but no permanent damage.

My poor little car is another sad story...and the time to make police reports, call the insurance people etc etc etc

And yet by last night I was overwhelmed with love for those around me. I had been offered enough cars to drive a different one each day for weeks, had wine delivered, and friends drop in. So now, I am home, attempting to work - and being distracted, dribbling away to you, adding items to my etsy, working on this and that...and feeling fairly content.

My Gummy Babe and a Story

2008-07-04T22:04:00.004+08:00

Dear sweet Harvey has had a big week, On Saturday he went to the vet, the first time THE VET was to touch him, and was vaccinated among other things, boy was THAT an experience.
I planned carefully, put some catnip in his carrier, took Archer with us and arranged to go in just before usual hours so he could avoid crowds.
Oh the best laid plans of mice and men...
My lovely vet gave him a sedative to make checking his ears and teeth easier, and said, 'I will be back in ten minutes, he will be out to it then'.
Ten minutes later the vet walks in,
I scoop Harvey out and hold him loosely,
The door opens...
Out the door...through the now crowded waiting room...past reception...through the cages and kennels, then the operating theater... back through the waiting room....up the stairs....through the staff room...and the store room...into the office. All the while I am saying, 'please don't chase him' and " I am SOOOO sorry' about 50 times each. Eventually he jumps onto Jim's chair and sits waiting for me to scoop him up and take him back down the stairs.
We treated his ears on Saturday and he has been Mr Smoochy all week. His reward, I took him back today to have all but a handful of his teeth out. And again, the vet visit has made him really appreciate home and his Mum, it should, do you see that sludge in the background? Chicken breast, poached and blended with organic rolled oats and little sea salt.
It's hard to describe how much I love this little fellow, and the journey he has taken me on. I have grown as a person because I have him, because I have had to earn his trust.

Necklaces and Steampunk?

2008-06-25T18:36:00.006+08:00

These two necklaces were a lot of fun to put together, lovely old pocket watch and clock pieces with copper chain. I am told this makes them 'steampunk' I did some research and I am not sure I agree... but steampunk is fashionable and I rarely manage to be fashionable so I guess I will accept the label as a compliment.

The top and bottom necklaces are for swaps, the one in the middle a commission from a good friend.

This bottom necklace combines a delicate antique doll and shoe button with sturdy copper and a focal lava bead. There are other contrasts, the egg shaped bead and the calcified, umm.. poop.. from the ocean. There seems to be a focus in our art world at the moment on the symbology of eggs, this farm girl remembers where they come from... And holds that thought with the potential and new beginnings promised. The realistic logical side of my brain playing with the arty dream weaving side. Does it work? I hope so.

Tinkering to make trinkets...

2008-06-22T14:20:00.004+08:00

I have not made a junk pin for a while but enjoyed pulling together bits and pieces for this one, an antique shoe button, watch part, two resin bezels, scraps of chain, an old seed pod and more.

The two pairs of steampunk earrings I made last weekend sold quickly (as Harvey mentioned) so I made another pair while the bits and pieces were on my desk. I have a couple of necklaces to show you when they arrive at their destinations and these were the left overs just calling to be tinkered with.

Both of these items are listed for sale on my Etsy.

Harvey Here for a Chat

2008-06-21T13:41:00.004+08:00

Mum's busy today, she has to clean and make some more earrings - you should have seen the smile on her face when both the pairs she made last weekend sold. I don't like the cleaning much, lots of strange noises and that roaring monster that finds me every time I hide.
I have been here just over six months now and there is lots to tell you.
I LOVE my Archer most of all, if he has been away even for his afternoon walk, I forget I am shy and run straight up for a smooch. I really really like television, I wish it could be on all day, I do like watching it even if I am the only one in the room. I like the heater, we all do. Here I am with Archer and you can see Phantom's Paws in the bottom of the picture.
I like it when Mum talks to me and when she gives me little pieces of cheese or yoghurt off her finger.
I do not like it when new people come, and I don't like it when things change. I really, really don't like having drops on my neck or in my ear.
I HATE peas.
I am thinking about going outside, I have been looking at the cat door for a while now, it worries Mum, but she wants me to be happy. I haven't made up my mind yet ... I think I will go look for Archer ...

This and That.

2008-06-15T23:37:00.005+08:00

I seem to be drifting at the moment art wise, I have some tough decisions to make with work and some personal challenges and while art is my respite I just can't seem to focus long enough to complete a large project. This week yielded a couple more pairs of earrings, I like these the contrast between the mechanics of the watch and their delicate structure. I am can make my own ear wires now so am using up the sterling silver ones I bought last year. These will be for sale on my Etsy very soon.

It was time to boost my card stash too. The top ones feature lots of 'little bits' off my desk mounted on inchies, then on backgrounds made from the skeleton leaves I collected below the lemon tree. I then coated the whole lot in my beloved shellac.

I don't remember who the little boy on the chair is by, but the other stamps here are Lost Aussie by the very talented Marie.

The wind is blowing and rain hitting two sides of the house, I can hear the trees and it all seems to mirror life at the moment -and yet I am enjoying the storm outside.

Mail

2008-06-09T20:17:00.004+08:00

This amazing canvas is the return I received from Nat in our one-for-one swap through INKrediblyRT. I like that Nat used an image I gave her some time ago - a favourite cabinet card of mine - and all the tiny details and texture are amazing.

This collection of vintage text and ephemera (including a 1930's calendar) all feature animals and is a surprise gift from Judy, look at that cute bisque cat too.
After receiving my beautiful matryoshka from Dotee I commissioned these for a friends birthday. I am so glad I told S she was getting them, otherwise I may have kept them for myself. The little family were received with much joy by a busy Mum of four boys.
Nat very kindly sent me this canvas with the niche swap - looking at Tulips in the Rain makes me smile.

Wire Wrapping Excess

2008-06-02T19:44:00.003+08:00

I set off to make a few pieces of jewellery for friends this weekend, and just kept going. The zips have reappeared, I have wrapped quartz, fabric, lace, glass, string, thread and more. It was so soothing matching colours then simply wrapping wire around each piece, I like the feel of all the different textures beneath my fingers combined with the supple copper as it runs through my fingers. All of the pieces here are now for sale at my Etsy store. I will show you the others when they have arrived at their new homes.

The beautiful skeleton leaves I photographed these on were collected from below the lemon tree this morning; the snails and slugs were enjoying stripping them clean just for me. I think these ones (the leaves, not the snails) will become the background for some journals.

I hope all the West Australians have enjoyed this long weekend.

A touch of green

2008-06-01T17:42:00.004+08:00

Winter has arrived here in the South West of Australia, gale force winds and bucketing rain have alternated with just enough fine weather to get washing dry and little dogs exercised. There's a little whimsy in both of these journal covers and the green was a bit of a change for me.

Amid the storms and unpredictable weather one spider was very busy, and I am glad. What a joy it was to see the rain drops on this web by my mail box.

Spoons, Treats and Blogarithm

2008-05-25T00:17:00.009+08:00

Altered Teaspoons

I recently hosted an altered teaspoon swap on INKrediblyRt - look at the wonderful collection I have ended up with. The first two are my own, then their spoons by Peta, Nikki, Kim, Kylie, Carmel, Jane and Dawn. I do apologise for the quality of the photo - they dance and sparkle in real life.

This darling bird pin was purchased from Moorhouse Moorhouse on Etsy. I know I will wear it a lot with my winter jumpers. The wonderful wire necklace is from the very talented Carmel, a one-for-one swap.

I know I got e-mails saying blogarithm was changing owners, but despite my best attempts at searching my trash files and haunting my inbox I don't seem to have heard from the new people. Does anyone know if I was supposed to do anything? I like my daily digest of updated blogs and am hoping someone can tell me how to keep them coming.

Swaps

2008-05-20T17:33:00.007+08:00

Natalie B is hosting a canvas niche swap on INKrediblyRT. The canvas was supposed to feature an inchie - I am not sure what happened along the way. .. but this is the canvas I sent her. The inchie is in fact a framed photo of the face on the fist beaded doll I made (in Kelsey's class) and the focus is on a removable and wearable doll.

I was actually so pleased with this piece it spent a few days sitting on the shelf with some of my dolls (made by Dot) before it headed north.

These bracelets were fun to make - gifts for a VERY pink friend.

As far as stunning jewellery goes look at the necklace Kim made me! This style, inspired by Kim's friend, and sometime muse, Nina is simple perfection and so lovely to wear. Kim and I have swapped before but this one was because Kim was my Mystery Muse partner, also on INKrediblyRT.

The journal below is the gift I sent my MM, Genevieve, this month. I could not get a good photo but was pleased with the end result.

Art I am happy with, beautiful gifts and so many Earthly treasures, now I just need to banish the clouds.

Sleepy Morning at Home

2008-05-18T10:52:00.005+08:00

I reluctantly crawled out of bed this morning, knowing I had a friend' s six year old staying for the night, and that he had been up alone for at least an hour. What a peaceful home it is/was, B and the furries, separate and yet together and content. Charles curled in his basket on the table as B played with some craft items beside him.

Phantom asleep on his chair and snurring (a new word for that special cross between a snore and a purr).

Archer luxuriating in front of the heater - kindly turned on by B.

This shot is a few weeks old, Harvey was a little nervy with a visitor in the house and chose to sleep in the bottom of my wardrobe. I could have taken a picture, the door was half open, but he looked so peaceful and the flash disturbs him so I resisted. What a contented boy he is these days.

Jewellery Introduction

2008-05-07T19:38:00.003+08:00

This set was commissioned for a wedding this weekend, and the busy last few weeks meant it was only finished last night. I came home from work this afternoon and polished the copper then headed out into the garden to take some photographs.

There I was sitting cross legged on the lawn, Archer attempting to sit on my lap, as Phantom wound through my arms, hanging earrings in the leaves of a rather non-compliant plant when I heard, "Hellooooo". My new young neighbour's head popped over the fence. After a few minutes chat I apologised for not standing up, explaining I was in a hurry as 'it' was to be collected soon. A few minutes later I was introduced to the Grandfather and Mother. Happy that we would get on well I continued clicking away.
It was only later as I heard the family chatting I realised they had not seen the jewellery and thought I was taking goodbye photo's of my plant. I must explain next time we meet.

Meanwhile the copper and mother-of-pearl piece was well received. I was nervous as I find simplicity difficult to do, now I can look forward to seeing some happy wedding photographs.

Dots and Dashes

2008-05-06T19:26:00.005+08:00

on etsy

What a busy few weeks it has been. The space bar ceased functioning on my laptop and I attempted typing using.in.place.of.space. - it sent me crazy. So eventually I gave in and sent the computer off to be repaired. I felt like I had lost an arm and yet I thoroughly enjoyed the extra creative time.

These earrings feature Watsonia bulb bases and watch cogs. I was very pleased when I made my own ear wires for these ones and have given a couple of pairs as birthday presents this week.

On Friday morning Phantom walked in with his front leg sticking out at an odd angle. A quick call to work and off to the vet we went. Phantom is the easiest cat imaginable, as the vet manipulated and felt the leg he pressed his head deeper against my neck and purred loudly. It was dislocated and there was a puncture mark so it appears the poor little man (umm...8kg and verrrrry long) had been attacked. No scratch marks on his face this time which was a change. He is such a good cat and has happily taken his medication morning and night while rubbing his face against me.
I spent the weekend sharing this cosy one roomed cabin with three friends. We were at a Christian Women Communicating International camp held just half an hour away on the coast. The speaker was wonderful - funny, entertaining and yet she gave plenty of inspiration and encouragement to take away and mull over. We laughed a lot, ate too much amazing food and celebrated the birthdays of two of my room mates. Bliss.

Take one background....

2008-04-22T20:34:00.008+08:00

What a blissful day it has been, sunshine after four days of rain, coffee with friends, sleep and nothing, that is right,nothing I 'had to"... time to be...

sold

A couple of weeks ago I did the background for two address books, a set of Altered Book pages and five ATC's, I finally finished the projects this week. The first of the ATC's flew the nest this afternoon and the AB was posted weeks ago. If you need a new address book I put them both on my Etsy, along with some plain ones so you can make your own.

I do like Etsy and I must confess I am shopping there more and more. In a world full of packaging and a thousand items made the same - too often in sweatshop conditions - it is a pleasure to buy the handmade and home made. I like using the search by location function and finding other artists in my area and I like the personal contact with both sellers and buyers.

I didn't actually set off to do a promotion, but I have been reflecting on my appreciation of this site as I shopped and listed items today.Where do you shop for gifts?
Whatever you are doing today I wish you peace within and soul food to rest your eyes on.

How Much is that Mummy in the Window?

2008-04-21T19:31:00.016+08:00

This pretty dog wanted me to to take her home...

This fellow was so well behaved, and I am grateful because if that tongue had headed for me instead of cleaning his own face I would have needed a towel!

How much is that Mummy in the window? ...or at least that is what I imagine these dogs are saying as they turn themselves inside out trying to get the attention of each possible new home that walks by. The dogs at APS have individual kennels with indoor and outdoor areas; these are small when compared to a home or backyard but clean and safe. Whenever possible all the dogs are walked everyday and they are also let out into a couple of large grassy runs to play. Newer and less social dogs are let out alone, others in groups to play. These are wonderful conditions for a shelter, but they do not compare to the life my little Archer has, rides in the car, walks on the beach and through bush, a tiny piece of my apple as I sit typing this.

When I visited last Monday there was a shortage of volunteers but two students were sweeping the outdoor area, a volunteer had been in to help with the cleaning and walking and Clare was running from task to task, her grand daughters tell me Clare always runs at APS and is always at APS. While I was there Clare was organising the adoption of a little Westie who had found his forever home, phoning for donations of meat – needed by Wednesday, overseeing the students and more. There are many volunteers at APS giving anything from a couple of hours a fortnight to several days a week and more. Thank you so much to all the amazing ladies and man.

It takes a special person to work with these dogs, and volunteers are always needed. As soon as there is space dogs are rescued from the local pound and other sources then vet checked, sterilised (if needed) and hopefully rehomed. There is a lot of work involved in running a shelter and people are needed for all sorts of jobs.

Some dogs have been there a very long time, others like the Westie, had only stayed briefly. All are needy.

See this precious dog press against the fence, it was so very hard to walk away.

Please consider donating time, money or goods APS.