SHADOW BOX TREASURES

 From Around the World

What do you do when your mother-in-law hands you a dusty, dirty cardboard box and says, ‘Here, do what you want with them.’ 

Well, I gingerly opened the box and carefully removed the old newspaper packing and behold I found an interesting treasure trove of assorted items. 

I think these two might be Greek.  They are so well made with heaps of attention to detail and they are in perfect condition only slightly browning on the costumes which just adds to the character.  They are close to fifty years old.  They make me jump with joy they are so beautiful.

Hand painted miniature wooden jugs from Peniscola in Spain and tiny dolls from somewhere around Germany [I’m guessing].

Sweet little birds made from felt with hand painted tails and felted bodies, just so cute.  I have no clue where they may have originated but I’m guessing France because they were originally gifted from an aunt from France.

Miniature hand carved and painted wooden clogs from Holland.

Finally an old cow bell from Tirol deep in the Austrian Alps.

There was no way I going to put them back in the cardboard box so for the time being they are mounted on the wall in my front entrance. 

I used 12 inch canvases turn wrong way out and decorated them with paint, paper, stamps and washi tape, keeping to the colour scheme from the dolls clothes.  

Four Little Elephants Sitting On A Wall

Meet the recent addition to my family. 

From left to right

Henry, Etta, Kit and Caboodle

The pattern for these cuties was designed by Jodie Charlton from RicRac and you can find her and her patterns here.

Not sure what destiny has in store for these guys yet but it sure will be sad to say goodbye.

Red Nose Day Dolls

 

 

My friend Jodie from Ric Rac is a pattern maker of many things, in particular soft toys and even more particularly she makes very small things.  I have made two of her tiny teapot pin cushions, (as well as heaps of her other stuff) they make perfect gifts for friends, pins included.  I think I'll blog about that effort and give Jodie another shout out, another day.  There's a pattern here (pardon the pun) but I am repeating myself.

 

Well, it really is best to visit Jodie's blog to see all that she is doing for the Red Nose Day Doll project.  You won't believe the things she gets up to unless you take a peek yourself at Ric Rac, never a dull post, that's for sure.

 

I love the idea Jodie's gal friends have come up with, Emma Mitchell and Ros Badger and you can see and read all about their fundraising project here at Red Nose Day Dolls FB page.

 

Another lovely blog to read is the  Red Nose Day Dolls Blog, really cute and full of fun and happiness. 

 

Below is an amazing YouTube video you just have to watch and if you like it, why not click the 'Like' button there too.

 

 

 

How clever is this video?

Karen Boatwright must be one of the most patient souls on this planet. 

I love it so much and keep watching it over and over.

 

Cheers from me here

 

Beachcombing and a Dragon

 Last week when I was out walking along this peaceful stretch of beach I came across this dragon. 

Isn't she a beauty?

She sleeps in a gorgeous coastal bay in Victoria, Australia.  She's my new BF.  I can sit beside her and take in the beauty of the ocean, the cliffs and amazing bird life and feel at peace with my life.  She let's me talk with interrupting, keeps me warm and asks no questions.

This is her long and awesome body. See her short legs at the front?  Her beautiful snoozy face is hidden and she just lies there protecting the ocean and yes, letting every living soul walk all over her!!



Such is life - she is my beauty.

Do you see what I see?  Or do you think I've been in the sun too long?

My Little Empathy Monster

This strange creature is a result of an on-line class I did with Tamara Laporte over at Willowing Love.  I'm enrolled in several of her classes and the Empathy Monster is part of her Art, Heart and Healing course which is free.  I gave little guy to a special friend and she named him Maximilian.  Max has lots of hugs to give and I'm sure he's happy in his new home.

Whilst sewing is not a new craft for me, drawing is and I love the challenges I face every time I pick up a pencil or paintbrush.  I just wish drawing and painting was as easy for me as pushing material through a sewing machine.

See what I mean ~ there's always room for improvement.  Whoever said that was very wise.

Just Loving Learning

Happiness can be painted in any colour, shape or form

If you can live your imagination, your life will be a dream come true

I'm having a great time learning to draw, paint, collage, art journal and create artful letters.  All online courses with a bunch of wonderful people. 

"With love in my heart I bid thee farewell"

I Love Whimsical Letters

I've been taking Joanne Sharpe's Letter Love 101 Art Journal classes [29 lessons all up] of which I've been working at for close to a month now [!!!] and this humble attempt below is from lesson 14 and all my very own work, I might say.  I even signed it.  I can't believe I did that but well I did.

There's quite a few hours work in this lovely [get it] drawing.

 For this lesson we were asked to create a 'love' themed illustration with words and quotes [I forgot the quotes] using our new lettering techniques. [My techniques are scratchy 'cause I've skipped a few lessons ~ apologies Joanne.]

We had to keep the colour palette exclusive to reds, pinks and purple.  Well, I slipped in some orange too and not much purple.  In fact, I stayed away from purple because I tend to go overboard and I really wanted this effort to work out well ~ not end up in a crumpled ball on the floor.  My mantra should be "Keep it simple Christine", but I don't know how to do that. 

The tree of love ~ by Christine Kemp 2012

I've been struggling with drawing and painting for months because it's not something I do well ~ but it's something I so desperately want to be able to do!  I'm really clueless even after having had some face to face painting lessons [won't say how many] and participated in a couple of on-line art journal classes.

If you could glance in my craft room [one day I might call it a studio] you'd think I was a world class artist, when in fact I usually sit most days and stare at my stash of paints and stuff because I don't know what to do with them.  Yep, even with all the lessons I've attempted I still can't make a real start unless I have someone holding my hand and telling me 'it will be okay, Chris really'.  I can be a real basket case [or attention seeker] ~ depends how you look at it!!!!

Now it's not all doom and gloom.  I've found the courage to post my most recent artistic endeavours into the 'WORDS OF LOVE' on my blog and I give myself a big fat C+ for effort.

I'm off to find out what lesson 15 has install for me and see how much paper I can destroy and paint I can waste before I once again come back to this humble blog with something to share.

'With love in my heart I bid thee farewell'

Easter Swap Surprise

Patrick from Cre8ors Touch invited fellow Hive artisans to choose a Vintage Easter card of their preference, replicate it into a 3-D form either 3 dimensional painting, sculpture, doll, dream scape, dia-rama.  The challenge was to translate the feeling of the card chosen into a 3 dimensional piece.  At the conclusion of the challenge participant names were swapped using the random.org number generator and then we shipped our creations off to new homes.

This is what I received:

This beautiful paper clay sculpture was designed and created by Gloriann who has an amazing blog and shop called Little Garden Crafts.  Her precious gift to me has pride and place in my family room, I just have to make sure when someone takes a look at my gorgeous bunnies they don't touch.  These bunnies have travelled all the way from New York to Australia without harm, so I intend that they will live a happy and carefree life without any mishaps.  

Gloriann's design was based on this Vintage Easter Card

This is what I made for the challenge:

My creation is made from felt and hand sewn.  Each bunny has moving arms and legs and the basket was made from felt and hand sewn into shape.  Each bunny has different characteristics ~ I designed a different pattern and shape to try and give each a unique pose in an endeavour to replicate the card more accurately.

My design was based on this Vintage Easter Card 

Sincere thanks to Patrick who hosted a fun Easter Swap Challenge for 2012.

Letter Art ~ My First Lesson

I'm loving Letter Art.  It's fun, relaxing, creative ~ just a wonderful play time.  The best part is I don't need a desk, nor do I need expensive paper, pens or paints.  In fact, I coloured this delicious piece with chalk and then later gave it a luscious and generous spray of hairspray.  My masterpiece is now adorably perfumed.

Naturally I didn't think of this myself, the mastermind behind my learning experience is Joanne Sharpe from Letter Love 101 and this is the coolest of classes.  What's so good about it for me is that I can chill out on the couch, pillow behind my back, wrapped up in a snuggly doona, dogs by my side and just get creative.

There's nothing special about these doodles but it makes me feel good, time wasted is not time wasted if you're having heaps of fun.  This is lesson number one only twenty-eight to go.  Just having too much fun.

March Spending Spree ~ Giving Back ~ Awesomeness

Since I needed time out from blogging and all things internetty, I pretty much chilled by working in the garden. 

 Then I had a birthday, just a plain old run of the mill birthday.  Oh well, life is not perfect and a birthday ~ unavoidable.  One positive aspect of said birthday was that I received a spot of cash to soften the blow and I decided that my wondrous return to the blogging world would commence with a spending spree, or better yet, a "giving back" spending spree.  

You see, whilst sewing, quilting, photography, doll and soft toy making, mosaics and crochet and all that do dar are my 'thing man' I really want to dabble in other mediums.  Since I can't draw a stick figure without laughable embarrassment I decided to see what was available on the internet thus enabling this inhibited soul to acquire new skills.  

This is what I purchased:-

Access to a video by Donna Downey for the March Create Canvas series.  This is so awesome, just wait until you see my finished project.  Donna is way more awesome BTW.

Subscription to Premium membership to Effy Wild  Book of Days.  This is Art Journalling at the OMG level.  Having too much fun here I have to say.  Effy is full of unique awesomeness.

Some wonderful music by Kyrstyn Pixton to art and relax with.  This is so amazing, I can't get enough of the music, the words and it makes me so unbelievable arty.  I almost love myself too much.

But wait, there's more!!!!!!!

One full day oil painting class with Rod Moore.  Yea, an Aussie at last gets some of my support.  This was a totally fun day and I can't wait to share my artistic efforts on my humble blog.  I made new friends and Rod is a wonderful teacher.  I plan to go to more of his classes. This makes me tingle with happiness.

As if this wasn't enough, I needed to learn the basics of simple drawing for my Art Journal with Effy, so I purchased Instructions on How to Draw.   Perfect for me ~ she of little talent.

Last but SO not the least, in fact, this course is like chocolate, I just can't stop myself. Drum roll please, I'm running out of control here:-
Life time access to videos and other great stuff on Letter Writing by Joanne Sharpe.  Joanne rocks my socks, I'm almost lost for words.  Joanne is teaching me [and heaps of others] the skills of letter art.  It is totally awesome.

All my March activity is courtesy of  a whole bunch of creative, innovative, entrepreneurial souls who undoubtedly have reinvigorated my creative juices just a bit more than a tad.  I’ve found some new friends too which is pretty cool.

For play time:-

A Napkin Swap with other keen members of 52 Play Dates.  Jan Fox is another Aussie I am so very proud of and she is one super duper artist.  Sharing her magic free as well, totally over the top.  So Jan is number one on my list of "people to give back the love" when I get some more cash 'a moola.

I sent and am still sending Happy Mail to sisters in the Book of Days premium group.  So much happens in this forum that it rocks big time.  Friendship pours out of the space at a wild pace.

I made a 3D version of a Vintage Easter Card and then swapped with a member from The Hive.  This is another interactive social creative community I'm connected with.  Creative, artistic and hobbyist type people keen to share their wares.  Plan to share my humble effort on my humble blog soon as.

So how I see it!  Spending my birthday cash is supporting my crafty and artistic blogging community and giving back to a bunch of creative souls, saying thanks for sharing your skills with me.  


I've spread the dollars around and whilst cash poor now I am filthy rich with motivation, inspiration and happiness.  New friends, new ideas, new season ~ what more could I ask for.


Um, well!!!:  Prayer Flags ~ I need to learn more but I can see a swag of flags in my garden swaying peacefully in the autumn breeze.  

I’m a happy little vegemite. What about you?

Any suggestions on my next "giving back" spending spree?

Ouch ~ Gotta get out of here

Early morning jog...................................

Australia has it's own special day

Happy Australia Day - follow this link if you'd like to learn more about why we celebrate this day.

It's a sunny 18 degrees Celsius where I live in the good old state of Victoria and we have a day off to celebrate and yep, there are promises of the day getting even warmer and sunnier

                                                              Source: immigration2australia.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Can you see the Kangaroo in the picture above has a joey in her pouch.  Just beautiful is it not?

                                                       Source: travel.nationalgeographic.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

See above, this beautiful piece of land is only a few hours by car from where I live.  Just magic isn't it?  It's the Twelve Apostles part of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria

                                                                

                                                                           Source: google.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

I love to travel but I can't think of anywhere I would rather live than Australia.

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Have a wonderful, beautiful, fantastic, gorgeous day where ever you might live, because home will always be where your heart is.

Beautiful One Day ~ Perfect The Next

So much going on, getting nowhere fast.  Too many things on the go, nothing finished and so much still to start. Constantly dealing with one crazy off it's face computer that I can say at last is finally fixed. Yippee!!!   So I give myself permission to take time to catch my breath and listen to the sun, sea and sky as they call out to me  ~ "come and play".

                                                                        Source: art.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

It's a beautiful day today, a day not to be ignored but a day to treasure and worship and soak up.  So for now I'm putting my frustrations aside, so I can go and play.  Happy that I am doing my best and working on restoring my health.   I wish you could join me.  

          

  ~ Ciao Baby ~

                                                                     Source: Uploaded by user via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

A Blog Award - Who Me?

 

Liebster is German for dearest, beloved or favourite

Fellow blogger Diane awarded my blog the Liebster Blog Award, I was surprised to receive this award and humbled by her kindness.  I hope you will all check out Diane's blog - Always Cravecute.  A really pretty blog with lots of wonderful photographs and interesting posts. Diane also has an Etsy shop where she sells vintage children's books and handmade items. I so love the books she finds,steeped in character.

This award is from fellow bloggers and must be given to blogs that have fewer than 200 followers.

Here are the requirements that come with this award:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them
2. Reveal your top 5 picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
3. Post the award on your blog
4. This is a great way for the blogging community to connect and share blogs that others have enjoyed. I have the privilege of sharing five of my favorite blogs with you.  

Go Green With Red - Red makes the most amazing bags, big, beautiful and colourful.  All kinds of bags, diaper bags, hand bags, cheque book covers and heaps more.  She has a crazy sense of humour which just makes her a delightful person to know.  I always look forward to seeing her latest bag design or funny post.  Red is a very sharing and caring person whom I've come to know well over the last 10 months or so and I enjoy our little chats.

GingerBread Snowflakes - Pam's blog has got it all, she has the most amazing crafting skills and happily shares fabulous crafts for different seasons with detailed tutorials.  Everything on her blog is outstanding and worth a visit.  I have spent many hours in awe of Pam's work.  I often sit down with my morning cup of coffee and pretend I'm sitting in her kitchen just watching Pam going about the business of crafting.  Pam is a very special blogging friend who never fails to share her time with me and she is personally responsible for keeping me motivated enough to continue with my blog which I have come close to walking away from many times over.

Of Buttercups and Bees - Andrea shares recipes, crafts, photos and family life.  She has a large family which are an enormous part of her life and Andrea shares family moments as well.  I love visiting her blog mostly because Andrea is just such a sweet person and one of my dear blogging friends.

Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole - Deb lives in the Northern part of Tasmania and whilst she has many strings to her bow, she is developing into a mighty fine photographer.   Deb has an amazing gallery of photos, many depicting Tasmania in all its beautiful glory.  In my mind Deb has a unique way of taking photos and I get plenty of ideas when I visit her blog.  Deb and I are both Piscean and we call each other kindred spirits as we seem to have many things in common.

Susie McMahon Dolls - Susie is an outstanding artist and lives in Tasmania.  She is a doll maker and also teaches doll making.  I so wish I could be a Susie McMahon student.  Even though my in-laws lives in Tasmania the opportunity to sign up for a class has not been forthcoming.  I have made one of Susie's dolls "Lou Lou' and I had a great time constructing her.  I'm keen to do another doll, if I can find the confidence.  A visit to Susie's blog is a treat not a chore, she has amazing talent and you can view scores of beautifully crafted dolls all made by Susie.

This post was supposed to go out last week but I've had so many problems with connecting to the internet that I'm ready to throw this computer out the window. Better late than never.

Cheers

The Winner Is

Congratulations Jodilee from Smple Perfect Life.  You are the winner of my Christmas Stocking Giveaway.

This is the stocking filled to the brim

The draw went something like this - very basic but fair.

List of entries - 71 all up

Neatly cut then folded

Into the bowl they go and precious son picks the winner

Jodilee's name comes up

Thanks to everyone who entered and visited my blog.  Heartfelt thanks for the lovely comments and sincere thanks to the dear people who decided they would like to follow my blog.  Now I have to make sure I provide content that makes you want to visit again and again.

Hope you have a beautiful day.

It's A Beautiful Day - Singing and Pinning on the Weekend

                     Start the video, scroll down nice and slow and enjoy

Source:  http://youtu.be/OBfqABtOoxI

                                                       

                                                                 Source: feelgoodsongs.info via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Pinning & Singing on the Weekend Pinterest Party

Link back to Natasha to join in the party

Heart is a bloom

                                                            Source: digital-photography-school.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                                                         Source: chicy-creations.blogspot.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Up through the stony ground

                                                                       Source: media.fukung.net via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                              Out of luck

                                                                       Source: pubsub.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                                   No space to rent in this town

                                                                   Source: flickr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                                                                   Traffic’s stuck

                                                        Source: highgatedreams.tumblr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

My friend

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Don’t let it get away

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                                                                   Source: flickr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                                                              Source: Uploaded by user via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Take me to that other place

                                                      Source: employscoop.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

On the road, no destination

                                       Source: myshutterspace.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Love this town

                                                    Source: skimmmmmilk.tumblr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Don’t let it get away

                                                        Source: weheartit.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Take me to that other place

                                                   Source: Uploaded by user via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

It’s a beautiful day, teach me

                                                  Source: helloiamaliveandlovely.tumblr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                            See the world in Green and blue

                                                              Source: i53.tinypic.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

China is here

                                                                          Source: google.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Canyons

                                                                   Source: xpandapplex.tumblr.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Bedouin Fires at night

                                             Source: photography.nationalgeographic.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Oil fields at first light

                                                                     

                                            Source: decapitateanimals.taokitamoto.dk via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

See the bird

                                                                      Source: imgur.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

                                                                             Source: lyrics2liveby.com via Golden Lilly Crafts on Pinterest

Don’t let it get away

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I hope you have a beautiful day