purely decorative

Sketchbook project...done!

2012-01-30T19:50:00.001+11:00

Here are some images from my sketchbook now winging it's way to New York. It was a bit of a push at the end there, but I'm really pleased to have completed it. It's full of my usual combination of collages and photographs and although it won't set the world on fire it was fun to do.The Sketchbook Project was a nice positive way to start the new year- what do they say? Begin the way you mean to go on? Well hopefully the rest of the year will be full of creativity too!(Plus I have a new job so hopefully that'll help with some inspiration).

Beautiful bees...again

2012-01-09T17:56:00.000+11:00

Such a lovely drifty video spotted via The Spinx & the Milky Way.

honey harvest from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Glorious garlic!

2012-01-08T12:05:00.002+11:00

This is the most beautiful organic garlic grown and plaited by the fair hands of Nea and Carl and very happily being eaten by me and Ben. It was quite difficult to cut off that first head because it is such a work of art, but the joy of eating it has overcome that. It was hung outside for this shot only of course, and is currently taking pride of place in a nice dark, dry place inside the house- the dining room.It makes me very happy... as does the size of the Black Russian tomatoes I'm growing below.

Divine teacups

2012-01-03T14:02:00.003+11:00

Spotted Cecilia Levy's ridiculously beautiful paper teacups on Poppy's blog and instantly fell in love. I did once flirt with a similar idea myself, but as with so much in art - overcoming the space between having the intention to make something, and actually making it is really what it's all about.We just need time and energy....and lots of both.

New Year

2012-01-03T13:49:00.000+11:00

We saw 2012 arrive in our traditional way- champagne in the backyard and a climb onto the roof to see the fireworks.This time we actually had a really good view of them too- seemed like the finale was particularly spectacular, perhaps because the Arts Centre tower caught fire from a random exploding firework, terribly exciting I'm sure.Hmmm.I took the shot below just as Ben was climbing up the ladder- the golden orb spider was just beginning her night's work and she and the moon and Ben lined up nicely. Is that auspicious do you think?

Wilsons Prom

2011-12-22T11:43:00.001+11:00

Just got back from a couple of days camping at Wilsons Promontory - such a beautiful place. When we walked down to the beach just before taking this shot we thought we'd missed the sunset but the show was just about to start. A great place to be to celebrate the Mid-Summer Solstice- even if it wasn't precisely hot.Merry Christmas!

December Pin board- slightly wonky.

2011-12-13T18:01:00.000+11:00

This one is dominated by the most beautiful hand-made, printed Japanese paper, which I had to leave uncut for obvious reasons. Happy Mid-Summer Southern Hemisphereans!

Weezie's birthday spoon

2011-12-13T17:17:00.000+11:00

I experimented with my wood burning tool to decorate a wooden spoon for Louise's birthday and she sent me a beautiful photograph back showing the spoon in use...nice.

December...already!?

2011-12-04T10:34:00.001+11:00

I spotted this beautiful collage by Darrah Gooden at Tiny Fawn on Poppy's blog and it has just stuck with me. It's so sweet and simple but I know from personal experience that getting something so subtle and delicate like this to work using tissue paper is not as easy as it looks!I also love her birds...

More lovely Angie Lewin

2011-11-16T18:37:00.001+11:00

Beautiful tape designed by Angie Lewin, Mark Hearld and Emily Sutton at the St Jude's website.I have also succumbed to the most divine tote from St Judes's using Angie's "Skye Sun" fabric. I can't afford a print but I can afford a tote...sort of...well my credit card can anyway.

November Pin Board- Green!

2011-11-10T16:48:00.001+11:00

Birthday teatowel

2011-11-08T12:25:00.000+11:00

Just received this gorgeous Lush Designs teatowel in the mail from lovely Anna (...nearly PhD) -thanks Anna I love it!

Mark Hearld

2011-11-08T11:48:00.000+11:00

Although I admire Mark's art, it is not always to my taste, but everything Mark says in this video about art and creating is pretty much exactly how I feel - except perhaps the liking for stuffed animals...

Cover done...maybe..?

2011-10-31T14:27:00.000+11:00

After chopping up all those old envelopes (mostly bills) for their patterned interiors this is what I came up with for the cover of my sketchbook (can't tell I'm a pattern designer/addict can you?)- and while I was at it I chopped into the cover as well, which of course then meant I had to start something on the inside...I'm determined not to be too precious about this sketchbook but to just keep working on it as I am inspired- there are quite a few pages to fill and my interpretation of the theme "nothing new" will be fast and loose! But it's fun!

Sketchbook ruminations...

2011-10-25T10:19:00.000+11:00

Getting started on my ideas for the Sketchbook Project...the theme I chose is "Nothing New" which I have to admit was a spur of the moment, instinctive decision without an enormous amount of contemplation...but I like it. Lefty always wants to help by sitting on whatever I'm doing.

Beautiful bees

2011-10-18T11:53:00.000+11:00

My love affair with bees continues as we have recently been given this hive of bees at the Northcote Community Gardens by the lovely people at Melbourne Rooftop Honey. They are elegant little fellows and let me stick my camera into their faces with only a touch of annoyance. I intoduced myself and we had a chat and they seemed to tolerate me.To switch topics completely...on my way to the gardens I spotted this new bit of street art and it delighted me.

Happy Birthday Bec!

2011-10-11T15:17:00.000+11:00

This is a birthday post dedicated to my fabulous friend and textile artist Bec..she really is fabulous! Take a look at Bec's website...

Sketchbook Project 2012

2011-10-09T14:28:00.000+11:00

So excited to get my little sketchbook in the mail the other day for the Sketchbook Project 2012 run by the New York based Arthouse Co-op. Now I just need to fill it up and send it back to them before the end of January next year. I was really excited to find out that all the sketchbooks will be on display here in Melbourne at the NGV next year too as a part of their tour around the world. Once they've done their travelling they are then held at the Brooklyn Art Library- cool huh?It seemed like a nice opportunity to "get something out there" considering I haven't managed to get a show happening this year, and I have even coerced Ms Kerry-Ann into doing it too!

October pinboard

2011-10-09T14:17:00.000+11:00

Note the "October" in the corner which I stamped using my new fancy rolling stamper but I initially put the letters in the reverse order so under "October" it says "Rebotco" which I kind of like...

Inkodye joy!

2011-10-04T12:59:00.001+11:00

I hinted a little while ago that I would have further sun print experiments to show, and today with the cooperation of the sun I was able to play with my lovely light sensitive dye from Inkodye- a product I first spotted on How About Orange. I am delighted with the results even though I was a bit messy with the dye in my enthusiasm!I covered a stretched canvas that still had it's plastic wrap on with some kitchen paper then taped a cotton napkin to it, stretching it out as much as possible. Then I applied the Inkodye (Blue) with a large brush. The company recommends you use a foam brush and I was sure I had one but couldn't find it, so I just used a large bristle brush instead and I think a foam brush would have given a more even result.

Anyway, being a nature girl I then snipped some of my favourite daisies and placed them on top and popped it all out in the sun for 5 minutes. I could watch the whole process happening and was terribly excited to bring it back inside and wash out the dye in hot soapy water. I was grinning and rushed off to photograph it while it was still wet!I love the result with it's cyanotype feeling and am now bursting with ideas. It was so easy to use and so effective!

The lovely Inkodye people are based in America but are hoping to get their product into Deans Art stores here in Melbourne. I think I may be addicted to it!

More Cecilia

2011-09-21T12:42:00.003+10:00

Herbario from Cecilia A.E. on Vimeo.

Once again don't know what's being said on this little video from Cecilia at Una Flor de Papel but it's all lovely anyway...

Abstract art

2011-09-21T12:30:00.003+10:00

This is the piece of wood Ben uses as a substitute neck when he is re-finishing vintage electric guitars. Doesn't it have the most beautiful landscape of layers of paint on it?

Mysterious paper sculptures

2011-09-15T16:12:00.001+10:00

Loved this story spotted at All Things Paper about an anonymous artist leaving his/her sculptures around Edinburgh as a homage to literature and books.

September pin board

2011-09-12T13:56:00.001+10:00

Sunprints

2011-09-06T21:49:00.002+10:00

Recently we had some SUN and I finally got around to experimenting with this Sunprint paper I bought from the Melbourne Museum shop ages ago. I've always loved the look of cyanotypes and this was my first attempt to get something that looks a bit like them. I picked a few dandelions popped them on the paper and covered it in a piece of glass in the sun. The effect is not quite as clear as I'd hoped but they are still pretty.
I'm awfully excited about a light sensitive dye I bought online from America the other day, and am hoping I'll be able to do something similar to this on fabric with the dye...watch this spot.

Amy Rice and Spring

2011-09-05T17:54:00.007+10:00

Loved this poster for Amy Rice's new show- it feels very Spring-like to me. Despite being struck down again with a nasty cold/flu thing (I'm usually not such a sickie) I have had a nice day with the sun shining and a super early birthday pressie from my Mum because she couldn't wait. (It's a schmicko potato masher so I can make gnocchi-yay!)
Sorry I can't make the links work properly to Amy's blog (the blogger people insist on changing things that worked perfectly fine before and now they don't) but her blog is listed on my "blogs/sites I love" to the right.

summer in a dress

2011-08-31T12:58:00.002+10:00

Ashamed to say I can't remember where I snitched this image from...but it just looks like the ideal Summer frock to me. Spring is valiantly attempting to arrive, and the blossoms are out but it's still cold and cloudy...just longing to be hot now!

August Pin Board

2011-08-26T17:54:00.003+10:00

A mixture of mine and others' photos and bits and bobs that I've been looking at a lot this month.Thought it might be nice to change the pin board each month and record it here as a sort of ongoing collage.

Gingko tags

2011-08-23T16:00:00.002+10:00

These are some gift tags I made from my gingko stamp I carved- I was craving green!

Musings

2011-08-23T13:58:00.003+10:00

What on earth is it about Facebook? It's completely indecipherable to me- I have many beloved friends (in real life) who are avid facebookers and although I check up on them every now and then I really don't get the whole facebook experience. Why not just have a blog? Or send an email? I'm happy to just have my little blog that I can make look pretty and share certain things on, but I don't want a gazillion "friends" and I really don't think that every little thing I do or think is all that interesting to everyone I know! In fact most of the people who follow my blog are people I don't know but who are just like-minded souls who've happened upon something I've put up that they like. A bit of editing is always a good idea, and what's wrong with a bit of privacy as well?
Hmm- it's got me stumped.
C'est la vie.

Nolan illustrations ...Twinkle

2011-08-10T13:28:00.003+10:00

I spotted a story on Designsponge about Nolan's illustrations and then to my delight found this portrait of "Twinkle" on their web-site and she looks just like my Lefty. Can't help it if I'm a crazy cat lady.

Blue Mountains

2011-08-07T16:44:00.003+10:00

Just got back from a week spent here with my family in the Blue Mountains (2 hours from Sydney)- this view was literally a 10 minute walk from where we stayed. It was so divine to have sky and air again, and I had a lot of fun taking photos- this is a ttv shot that I really like. The weather was ridiculously good (a bit of scary global warming involved maybe) and I think my family, who all come from warmer climates, thought I was lying when I warned them it would be cold...it wasn't.
We managed to get a bush walk in amongst the eating and drinking and I was delighted to get to both The Carrington Hotel built in 1880 and the Paragon Cafe- a super duper deco landmark in Katoomba.

Edible buttons and ferns

2011-07-19T12:46:00.003+10:00

Spotted these amazing creations at Andie's Specialty Sweets on Etsy...just adore the buttons.

Vienna exhibition

2011-07-12T12:06:00.003+10:00

(If you live in Melbourne and haven't seen this yet- look away now!) Ben took me to see this amazing, lovely and delicious exhibition at the NGV yesterday and it made me very happy...very!
I've had a thing for Klimt (particularly his square landscapes)for a long time- and I have a very expensive book on the Wiener Werkstatte textile movement that has a regular place on my coffee table, so I was prepared to be delighted ...and I was.
It was much bigger than some of the international blockbuster shows are, and I was thrilled to little tiny bits by the reproduction of Klimt's frieze in the fabulous Secession building. Sigh.
The only problem is that now I need another very expensive book on the Weiner Werkstatte postcards...

Climb to the moon

2011-06-28T17:24:00.001+10:00

My latest little speedy cut construction with a touch of ink and embossing...sparkley.

Dead of Winter

2011-06-21T13:52:00.003+10:00

It's dark and cold and hailing outside, I have a rotten head cold and last week our mains power box exploded and left us without power for a couple of days...in the middle of Winter- sigh....not good. But today I saw and heard this on Poppy's blog and felt all the tension in my shoulders relax- the sound of the sea always does that for me...the sweet vocals don't hurt either.
Today is the Winter Solstice so from now on, the nights will be shorter and the days longer... the sun will return. Phew.

Young the Giant: "Islands" via Poppytalk.

Rob Ryan Every Night – St. Jude's Prints

2011-06-08T13:38:00.001+10:00

Rob Ryan Every Night – St. Jude's Prints

Deer plate

2011-06-07T12:07:00.005+10:00

Spotted this gorgeous plate by Shoko Teruyama via A Plate a Day.

Gingko

2011-05-17T17:22:00.002+10:00

I was delighted with the results of my latest speedy-cut experiments- a lovely gingko leaf- a sacred symbol of hope and love.

Flor de papel blog

2011-05-09T15:21:00.003+10:00

Beautiful illustration blog I've just discovered.I don't understand Spanish, but it doesn't matter really.

La Montaña de los Pájaros from Cecilia A.E. on Vimeo.

Julia's tablecloth

2011-05-09T13:44:00.006+10:00

My friend Julia recently had a birthday, and this is what I made for her. It all came about from a conversation about tablecloth designs we had one night while having dinner at Julia's place- she's a great cook and hostess and loves to entertain and we thought it'd be cute to have lots of eating words on a tablecloth.
So I bought a plain white tablecloth and painted a border around the edge with words about eating and enjoying food and personalised it by adding in Julia and Phill. It took me a bit longer than the day I had optimistically thought I might need to paint it, but I was happy with the results- I can't wait to see it on the table, but here it is on the clothesline. And the best thing is she loves it!

Autumn leaves and Samhain

2011-04-25T13:37:00.003+10:00

It's that time of year again and I can't resist collecting some of these beautiful leaves. How it can possibly be nearly May I don't know when I'm still reminding myself to write 2011 not 2010, but according to my diary it is.
Next Sunday will be Samhain for the southern hemisphere- time for the Day of the Dead and Halloween now... but we do hate to acknowledge we don't live in the Northern Hemisphere despite everything that nature is showing us. The brightly coloured leaves are a dead give away!
Ah well- I'll be lighting my candles and making a huge pot of home-grown pumpkin soup anyway...and remembering my loved ones who have gone.

Easter...egg..

2011-04-22T13:30:00.004+10:00

The very first egg laid by the new chickens my parents recently added to the family...and beside it a fake one they had put in their laying box in a subtle attempt to encourage them. Problem is they couldn't tell the fake egg from the brand new freshly laid one..hmmm.
Naturally the crack test was necessary and look at the beautiful egg those clever chooks produced!Go girls!
Were you right, was the real egg the pointy one Mum?

Mugs to hibernate with

2011-04-18T21:50:00.005+10:00

While I'm hibernating I may just need one of these divine mugs to sip my tea or hot chocolate from by Josie Jurczenia spotted on Poppy's blog.

More beautiful Raquel Marin

2011-04-18T17:19:00.003+10:00

With Autumn in full swing and Winter on the way, I find myself almost looking forward to some cosy hibernation like this beautiful illustration by Raquel Marin.
Yes- I've even shocked myself with that statement.
Ironically, Winter is also one of the best times of the year to grow veges in Melbourne, and I've got my garlic, broccoli, broadbeans, spinach and peas all popping up out of the ground right now so my hibernation will not be quite as white and snowy as Raquel's.

Speedy-cut

2011-04-12T11:44:00.006+10:00

Very excited about finally getting hold of some Speedball carving blocks! I couldn't find it, or the Staedtler version anywhere in Australia online, and then a supplier on Craftumi had some but it mysteriouly never arrived..mmmm.. so I got fed up. But miraculously Seniors Art Supplies in the city had some (thanks Shelley!)and I have now become addicted to the stuff! It's incredibly easy to carve and prints beautifully with just a stamp pad, the possibilities are endless!

I started with my drawing of a bee (my continuing obsession)on tracing paper- which I simply transferred by rubbing onto the block, then carved away with my trusty speedball carving tools...it really was terrifically speedy! So I also knocked out an R for good measure.

Now I'm stamping bees onto everything.

Skenes Creek rock pools

2011-03-31T17:27:00.006+11:00

Had a delightful week-end in Skenes Creek on the Great Ocean Road, and despite some not so nice weather had a lot of fun with my wonderful little Lumix and some rock pools.

February/March 2011

2011-03-31T17:09:00.003+11:00

I did this collage at the beginning of the year as a response to the floods in Queensland- before they actually swamped Brisbane. Since then I found it awfully relevant to the horrific events in Japan and New Zealand. I intended it as a message to my loved ones and friends in Queensland- both as my hope for them, as well as a description of what they already had shown, but it goes to Japan, and New Zealand as well.
The flower is borage- a herb drunk as a tea by medieval knights before going into battle... for courage.

Autumn

2011-03-25T18:45:00.005+11:00

I'm showing off my beautiful pumpkins harvested just recently- the orangey pink one is actually an Australian variety and is huge and delicious!

Couldn't believe it when my Canadian friend told me that over there they only grow big empty pumkins for carving and nobody grows then to eat! What a waste.

Been pretty busy lately and have quite a few things to share,so watch this space and eventually I'll load it all up.

Forming Words show

2011-03-01T17:08:00.003+11:00

Hoping to go to this on Thursday to see more of Mel's beautiful work...

Merimbula

2011-03-01T16:59:00.008+11:00

Just escaped for a couple of days to beautiful Merimbula. Neither of us had been there before and we are now officially hooked..and finally we had a bit of summer!

Buy Olympia

2011-02-13T12:12:00.005+11:00

I love Buy Olympia they always have so many excellent things in their shop but these made me laugh out loud.

Wearable plants

2011-02-07T19:57:00.002+11:00

This is a bit nutty but quite delightful, by Colleen Jordan... (found via poppytalk)

Camera Love

2011-01-29T13:33:00.004+11:00

A new tshirt design I've just put up on my Red Bubble site- I've ordered a hoodie with it on so cross fingers and toes I'll like how it looks printed!

Cushion couch- gorgeousness

2011-01-23T21:54:00.003+11:00

...by Christiane Hoegner spotted on
sfgirlbybay.

Lena Corwin

2011-01-21T11:36:00.004+11:00

I had a chance to look at this book about hand-printing by Lena Corwin the other day and it has gone straight to the top of my "must get" list. Lots of very simple but effective ideas with lots of potential.
It is available from Amazon(hence the above picture) but I saw it at Readers Feast, my favourite book shop, in Swanston St.
She has great style and a lovely blog too.

A bit late, but too beautiful not to share...from Rob Ryan

2011-01-18T12:53:00.002+11:00

Seasons Greetings from Rob Ryan from MR. ROBERT RYAN on Vimeo.

It got worse.

2011-01-13T12:10:00.004+11:00

Photo by Andy Norris of sculpture to commemorate the 1974 floods.

Click here to donate to the flood relief appeal.

Queensland floods

2011-01-11T17:09:00.006+11:00

I can't believe the devastation that's happening in poor Queensland right now. I hope everyone I know up there is safe and this ends as quickly as possible. It's incredible.
All of Australia will feel the effects of this but we in Victoria will definitely notice a hike in food prices as a lot of our produce comes from areas that are now totally underwater.
Click here to donate to the flood relief appeal.
Do you believe in climate change now?

These images were taken today but tomorrow it could be worse.

Customs House

West End

Eagle St Pier

here and now

2011-01-07T12:36:00.003+11:00

By Wendy McNaughton.
Yep- trying to keep this in mind after a bit of a rocky start to the year.
I'm feeling a bit battered and bruised by some misplaced trust in a friend, and it does hurt and make you feel a bit of a dope as well.
Ah well, that moment is now over and the next is about to be...so I'm going to focus on the here and now and the beautiful new Winsor and Newton watercolour set I bought to ease my pain and encourage me on my path to more art this year.

Everything will be alright

2011-01-01T13:54:00.005+11:00

While collapsed in my butterfly chair last night looking at this sky, and recovering from a soul destroying couple of weeks at my retail job in a nightmare of a shopping centre, I made some (familiar) decisions.
Every year I wish for more time to make things and less time spent doing stuff that seems pointless (apart from paying the rent)and this year is no different. But every year I also get a bit better and focusing on what makes my life worth living, i.e. art, gardening, travelling and spending time with my loved ones and eating great food, so this year I am getting even more fierce about making time for those things...even if the greedy landlord ups the rent!

So if anyone else out there feels the same way, take heart, you are not alone and somehow we will make it all happen.
Happy (and I really mean that) New Year!

Illustrations by Raquel Marin

2010-12-12T13:45:00.002+11:00

Love this lady's aesthetic, even if I don't understand Spanish.
If only I was doing this now..instead of contending with the consuming hordes...sigh.

Terribly clever teatowel..

2010-12-05T21:54:00.002+11:00

by Able and Game.
Anyone who travels on public transport in Melbourne understands the depth of love this journey requires...

Inaluxe

2010-12-05T21:43:00.004+11:00

Just spotted these beautiful images on a few of my favourite blogs and tracked them down to an Australian etsy store Inaluxe....Groovy.

Geninne's divine birds

2010-12-02T11:36:00.004+11:00

These heatbreakingly beautifully painted little birds were available at Geninne's etsy shop, but I think I missed out becuase she is now on holidays. Wise woman.

Mel Robson's latest..

2010-12-01T16:47:00.002+11:00

Mel is hopping off to Alice Springs for a while- can't wait to hear about her new life in the heart of Australia, and all the wonderful creative inspiration she'll find there.
Lots of luck to you and your family Mel!

Birdy fridge magnet...and garden.

2010-11-23T16:57:00.003+11:00

Having recently discovered a passion (if not a great skill) for embroidery, I have been playing with some new stitches and they sort of turned into this little bird and its rose garden.
I turned them all into fridge magnets with some self-adhesive magnetic canvas, and the bird has flown off to live on my friend Louise's fridge (Happy Birthday Weezie), but the 2 little rose gardens ended up with me due to their slightly weird shapes.
They do make me smile though whenever I go to get out the milk...

Good point.

2010-11-19T23:19:00.001+11:00

From Jen Bekman by Craig Damrauer.

Life etc

2010-11-19T22:58:00.004+11:00

This time of the year always seems to get a little crazy, but I must admit I'm feeling it a bit more than usual this year. Everyone seems more frantic and on edge, and I just want to jump off and disappear into my own little QUIET world. What is it with the approach of Christmas and the apparently synchronised increase in general noise? Sigh.
Anyhoo- one thing that always relaxes me is looking at all the beautiful clever things that people out there are making while sitting in my nice comfy quiet room with only the hum of the computer to damage my ear drums.
The above is another lovely piccie from a lovely blog I found earlier...Vintage Moth/Down Abbie's Road although it could have been taken in my own garden today!

Generally not a fan of things that are too cute...but

2010-11-15T21:27:00.006+11:00

...could not resist these ridiculously charming mice at Mouses Houses.
I mean really.
(Thanks for the link Marijka!)

Garden blackboard

2010-11-09T21:34:00.003+11:00

This is a cement chair in my backyard that I mosaiced the top of last year, but as we often sit in low-slung butterfly chairs just near it, I found myself unhappy looking at the exposed cement on the side.
I am also currently going through a phase of painting everything that stands still long enough with blackboard paint...so guess what happens next....

And a Japanese Zen Buddhist quote from Issa completes the picture.

Car free roads- if only...

2010-11-03T15:54:00.002+11:00

Loved this print by Tatsuro Kiuchi sent to my by Jen Bekman.

Bec Andersen

2010-10-27T21:05:00.005+11:00

My friend and terribly clever textile artist- click here to see her website.

Mini rant about Halloween

2010-10-25T20:46:00.005+11:00

O.K.- I'm pretty much a pagan and my birthday falls on the 31st October, so I'm all for celebrating the seasons, but hear me fellow inhabitants of the Southern Hemisphere! Now is NOT the time to celebrate Halloween- we are in a glorious Springtime- one of the best we've had in over a decade- with rain and daisies and butterflies and fruit trees in blossom and fertility-what on earth are you doing trying to celibrate Autumn and the harvest festival now?
Quite frankly- it's ridiculous, and more than a little embarassing..don't you know where you live?
Please don't do it.
We can do all of that in our Autumn when we can actually go and pick the pumpkins from our own backyards- not now when the only pumpkins you'll find are ancient and their seeds ready to be planted not harvested!!!!
Think about it...and revel in the sunshine and smell the jasmine...and go plant some pumpkin seeds.

Busy month

2010-10-23T11:54:00.006+11:00

I've had a bit of a busy spell with a show opening and a trip to Qld. I'm not someone who enjoys being busy, but in this case both were lots of fun. The Innerscapes show was wonderfully organised by Nahomi Yoshizawa, and the Opening was delightful with plenty of people and atmosphere. The Adrianakis Fitzroy Gallery is a super space too- very "old Fitzroy" according to Ben- usefully located opposite The Standard Hotel as well.
Woodgate was splendid as always, and we had a truly magnificent sunrise one morning.
Now suddenly it's the end of October, and I'm another year older...how can that be? It's Halloween for those in North America, but Spring Solstice for us here in the Southern Hemisphere- either way dancing under the moon is strongly recommended.

Sometimes it's a costume sometimes it's a disguise...by Amy Rice

2010-10-04T20:55:00.005+11:00

Just love this postcard design (and its title) from the marvellous Amy Rice.
I know just what she means.

Geninne's art blog..again

2010-09-29T15:17:00.004+10:00

Loving this blog- such beautiful images...and I want Geninne's house!

Innerscapes exhibition

2010-09-20T18:28:00.003+10:00

I have three prints in this upcoming group show- and I'm very keen to see the other artist's work too (a few are Red Bubblers too so you can see their work via Red Bubble.)

Primos by Robert Garcia

2010-09-16T16:59:00.003+10:00

This painting by Robert Garcia fascinated me for some reason I really like it. Sent to me as part of a regular newsletter from Jen Bekman.
And another of his, "We Are Who We Are":

Spring is here ...finally!

2010-09-14T16:35:00.005+10:00

Today was a perfect Spring day- bright sunshine, an intense blue sky and a very slight breeze to dry the washing. Oh my goodness- what a relief. I spent most of the day outside planting seeds and soaking up the sun- with no shoes on even!!!
And check out my fabulous cauliflowers- this is number 3 so far, each as perfect as the next with pretty much no help from me whatsoever. Ain't Mother Nature grand?
I also made a fabulous nettle soup from the nettles that grew on my plot at the Northcote Community Gardens, using Christine's super recipe- it's on the blog,you can see it here.

Violets for Ros

2010-09-12T18:10:00.004+10:00

Happy Birthday to the fabulous Ros!I had fun picking violets from my garden and making these sugared violets and cupcakes for Ros's little birthday party we had at the Northcote Community Gardens today. Hope you had a lovely day Ros!

Tom's Special Box

2010-09-11T11:57:00.004+10:00

Kerry-Ann (my mail-art buddy) has a very special little boy, Tom, who was wondering why I kept sending stuff to her, and he was worried I'd forgotten about him- so of course I had to reassure him that he was unforgettable with a little customised art box. I painted the top with blackboard paint and lined the inside with felt, and included some goodies like pencils and chalk- plus Ben made a superduper mini blackboard duster especially to fit. It was so much fun to make, I hope he has as much fun using it!

love is a place....

2010-08-31T14:32:00.005+10:00

love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places

yes is a world
and in the world of
yes live
(skillfully curled)
all worlds

ee cummings

Retail therapy

2010-08-25T17:12:00.005+10:00

O.K. what do you do when you've just spent a gazillion dollars on renewing your passport in the vague hope of actually using it one day, and have just had truly hideous and quite frankly- scary photographs taken of yourself to flash at future unsuspecting customs officers?
Well you go out and buy a heap of pretty papers you can't afford (and technically don't need) to make yourself feel better of course! Guess what? It works!!!

Endings and beginnings

2010-08-24T15:21:00.006+10:00

I was quite sad to read that one of my favourite art blogs Dear Ada may be ending- at least for a while, but I was very happy to read the reason for it too- good luck Birdie and thank-you for all the wonderful art you have shared.
Happily I have also just discovered another wonderful blog Geninne's Art blog and here are some delightful hand carved stamps made by Gennine. She also takes some truly beautiful photographs of her art,home and collections of things that inspire her.
Lovely.

Mail Art 2

2010-08-15T10:56:00.004+10:00

Here's my next sending to Kerry-Ann in our Mail Art project.We've often discussed our favourite seasons and so I decided to put that into this piece- especially as I am avidly watching for Spring blossom and leaf buds at the moment. (If you can't quite read the letters it says "I know you love Autumn the best but my favourite Season is Spring) We are certainly having a grey and wet Winter this year, but Spring is around the corner...hurrah!

Talented Friends

2010-08-03T12:15:00.006+10:00

Here are two beautiful little Mixtape zines made by my multi-talented friend Shelley. They are beautifully drawn and tell really enchanting little stories- I found myself sighing a little at the end...in a good way.
They have been sold at Polyester in Melbourne (even though Shelley is originally from Vancouver and now living here)and I can't wait to see what she produces next!

Mail Art No 1

2010-08-03T12:06:00.004+10:00

Here is my friend Kerry-Ann's first contribution to the mail art exchange she and I have set up. I think there's a great cubist feeling to this- and you can just make out the bag designs that it's woven out of. Such a delight to receive in the mail! Thank-you Ms Kerry-Ann!
(I forgot to photograph the first one I sent her- but will definitely pop up a piccie of the next one I do- this is fun!)

Snazzy little box

2010-07-20T16:08:00.007+10:00

Today is freezing cold- and I mean cold -like 8 degrees inside the house at midday cold- but I've had a lovely time making this box for Jemima's birthday.(Very belated-sorry Jemima!)
It also does contain something, but I can't show you that because Jemima hasn't received it yet.
I put the heater on high, shut the door to my little room and began painting and cutting and gluing happily away until suddenly I had this snazzy little box in front of me. The lid features a 60's or 70's style hankerchief I found the other day at a great little local collectibles shop. (It was probably printed much later than that, but who knows?)I'm really loving the colours with the ribbon trim and the little modelling clay heart I made and stamped with a J.
Sigh- such small things but they bring such a feeling of joy!
Happy Birthday lovely Jemima.

Playing with old designs

2010-07-13T13:14:00.003+10:00

The other day I recieved a big box of my old designs which didn't sell from Lewis, and have had fun sorting through the contents. Some are pretty horrifying, but some are actually quite lovely, and I decided to cut and paste some new designs from the old onto my Spoonflower site. Here's a very simple little blossom plopped onto a blue background that I may just have to order for myself. Might make a nice spring curtain/teatowel/bag or skirt?

Amy Rice

2010-07-13T13:11:00.004+10:00

As a continuation of my love of all things bee-esque, here is a new piece from the wonderful Amy Rice and another with puppies....irresistible, right?

Lori Nix Photography

2010-06-29T12:33:00.004+10:00

Lori Nix is a photographer who creates miniatures to shoot. I spotted Lori via the 500 Photographers blog and I just loved this one "The Library"- from a series of post apocolyptic scenes she created.

Just a little joy I felt like painting....

2010-06-27T14:37:00.002+10:00

I decided to warm things up a little with blogger's new designs- hence the new template and colours, but I also indulged myself in a little floral tribute to joy. Sometimes just squeezing the paint out of the tube and listening to the clinking sound of my brush in the water jar is enough to
give me a little thrill of joy.
A little bit of Spring in the middle of Winter. Happy Winter Solstice.

Australia's first female PM

2010-06-25T22:22:00.002+10:00

Well, I know she wasn't voted in by the people (yet) and I know it was a fairly unpleasant way to gain power, but by golly she's a real woman, not a pretend man, and Julia Gillard is our first female Prime Minister!
I also know a lot of younger women couldn't care less, (which saddens me) but I care...deeply, and I always have, and I'm very very excited that this day has finally come... and I'm alive to see it.
Women are finally finally being allowed to lead this country. Of course she may stuff up- but hey- no worse than the men huh?
Congratulations to all those women who have worked for this for generations. You are spectacular.
The young ones may not get it, but I suppose that in a way that's the point isn't it? We almost want them to just expect this to happen, and to see it as no big deal?
I just wish they could appreciate what has gone before a wee bit more.
Yay for us!

Beautiful Byron Bay

2010-06-13T12:39:00.004+10:00

My Lovely Ben whisked me away to Byron Bay for a few days so that we could take one last deep breath of sunshine and ocean goodness before plunging into what is shaping up to be a seriously old school Melbourne Winter...and it was divine.
Thank-you Ben.xoxo

I love bees

2010-05-29T12:50:00.004+10:00

Here are my new little bee earrings that I found at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens shop, and instantly had to have. Plus a very cute little bee- inspired purse from Emengee designs on Etsy.
Considering Australia is the last continent on Earth to not have that horrible deadly bee virus, I think we should all be treasuring these little pollinators.

Gorgeous cards from Beau Ideal

2010-05-25T18:12:00.006+10:00

More Spoonflower...

2010-05-16T13:22:00.005+10:00

I covered a little hard covered note book with some of my Spoonflower fabric- "deco flowers"- and I'm quite happy with the results.

New designs at Spoonflower- awaiting samples..

2010-05-02T12:13:00.001+10:00

New Work from Mel Robson

2010-04-25T14:07:00.004+10:00

My clever friend Mel has some new work on her blog- and it's beautiful as always!
Plus she's been featured on the glamorous and extremely famous designsponge blog...again...what a star.