My Latest Quilt

Twelve months later and this little quilt is so close to being finished but I've still got some work to do, namely squaring it and binding.  Anyway I just have to post it here and now, the other will happen later. [I hope]

I learnt how to make this spread by enrolling in  Craftsy Block of the Month 2012.   All up I made twenty blocks and I love the final result.

There is no way I could do the machine stitching, I had to call in the experts for that.

Loving the quilting stitch, it's super cool.  For a quilt made out of scraps it sure did turn out to be expensive. I had the machine stitching done by the professionals and  it was worth every last dollar.  I'd like to give a shout out to ladies at The Sewing Bee Cafe for the beautiful heart machine quilting.

Hearty Arty Inspiration

Life Book 2013 with Tamara Laporte is my favourite place to be at the moment.  I'm getting so much inspiration watching all the videos and 'having a go' using all kinds of mixed media.  This piece was inspired by Effy Wild's tutorial in Life Book 2013.

But there's more, Joanne Sharpe of Whimspirations is amazing and her art work inspires me just as much and it's such a great way to unwind after a tough day or two.

I've taken several of Joanne's on-line classes last year and recently I came across these wonderful prints which Joanne created and here's my spin on her work.  I just love using Nicholson's Peerless Transparent Watercolors ~ Joanne Palette.  I discovered these when taking a class with Joanne.  I'm also enrolled in a class which Joanne is featuring in with Strathmore Art which starts next week.  Looking forward to getting heaps more inspiration from Joanne Sharpe and of course the Life Book 2013 is a whole year course with lots of great artists showcasing their many skills.  

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

 

By The Seaside With Pride

Finally I'm able to indulge my love of art by taking some wonderful on-line oil painting lessons with Rod Moore from Moore Arts School.  Rod's an Australian artist who is a wonderful teacher, very patient and fun to work with.  I'm having a great time watching him paint and learning some of the basic beginners painting techniques ~ this past month is the first time I've ever used oil paints [except for two face-to-face classes I've taken with Rod this year].

I love the ocean so what better way to celebrate my new found freedom and yearning for art, than learning to paint seascapes.  I'm totally over the moon with some of my work yet and others will not see the light of day.  Here's one of four efforts that I'm comfortable to put on show.  Who would have thought 'waves' could be so challenging?  Not me, until now that is.

As for 'people in the distant' dare I show my efforts there?

Well, yes I must because I'm learning and I have to be brave and show the good and the bad.  The figure in the front of this painting below looks like she's going to the Melbourne Cup races not frolicking on the beach, but that's how it turned out.  Oh well, I've still got a ways to go with 'figures in the distant'.  There's a couple more painting completed but only my teacher is going to see them.

So; four paintings completed and I'm guessing maybe ninety-six to go before I have something to hang on the wall.  That's a lot of canvas.  Thank goodness I discovered Gesso the great cover-up.

Thanks for visiting my humble blog.

Something Crooked

Joining in today with Deb at Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole for a photographic scavenger hunt. 

Crooked pier and very wobbly - this is in a place called Au Nang near Krabi  in Thailand

Crooked rice terraces in Sapa North Vietnam

Crooked smile - taken in a local market place in North Vietnam

A View Down My Road

Joining in today with Deb at Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole for a photographic scavenger hunt. 

View number one - My driveway is my street

This tree is home to two very noisy and robust kookaburra's and it's a mighty long walk from the house to the letterbox

View number two - Retirement

This is where I plan to retire in about four years time.  This is the view standing directly in front of our beach shack.  Wish I could get rid of those power lines!!

View number three - The Beach

This beach is a two minute walk from our shack which is closer than my current letter box

Scavenger Hunt - A Solitary Tree

Linking up to Deb's weekly photographic challenge at Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole

These glorious trees are within a short walk from my home. With trusty camera in hand when I come across something so beautiful I just have to capture it.  Not always easy with two hyper-active dogs on a lead.  These photos were taken last year in Autumn. 

The dying Gum tree still stands grandly.  I wish I could see the same view from this tree that the Rainbow Parrots were enjoying the other day.

Scavenger Hunt ~ On My Shelf

Well, I've lost my dinky camera so I've had to resort to my iphone for the photo challenge today.  Maybe my camera is somewhere on one of these shelves.  Hopefully it will show up when it's good and ready, I know it's in the house somewhere.

My Bear and Book collection 

The shelf in the Loo

The only orderly shelf in my Craft Room

My softies resting on a shelf guarding one of my very amateur paintings

A messy corner shelf displaying creations by me, the 'Wanna Bee Artist'

Linking up to Deb's weekly photographic challenge at Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole

Scavenger Hunt ~ What Happened At 6 O'clock

The evening sky puts on a beautiful display after a lovely Spring day.  The cold seeps in and it's time to close the windows and doors, draw the curtains and turn on the heater for the day is coming to an end.

The 6 pm view from my backyard

It's time for the little ones to come in from the cold and rest up after the exhausting events of the day.  

Goldie and Lilly say goodnight dear visitors.

Linking up to Deb's weekly photographic challenge at Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole

View from my kitchen window

Photographic Scavenger Hunt - linking up to Ramblings of a Square Peg in a Round Hole.

I'm no photographer but I never go anywhere without my little camera.  She's an Olympus digital baby camera and does a good job for the very amateur Miss Snap Happy. So drum roll please ~ we have here view from my kitchen windows taken on a very cold, wet and windy day.

Below is a bougainvillea plant not far off flowering and home to a pair of spotted doves whom I call Romeo and Juliet.

Yes, the sun did shine randomly throughout the day when I took these photos and this pool is very popular during summer.

Here's the happy couple enjoying some special time in the sun, they are always snuggling up to each other beside the pool when the sun comes out.  They've been living here for two seasons now but I'm yet to see any off-spring.

Thanks Deb for hosting this fantastic photo challenge, see you next week.

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.

Sukeshi Doll and other fun stuff

Sukeshi Doll - She's as light as a feather and she's my little treasure

Last month I attended a workshop in Tasmania as part of a trip to visit my in-laws.  It was hosted by Susie McMahon and this little treasure below is what I made.  If you go here and here you will see more of Susie's Sukeshi dolls and just how clever she truly is.

I had a lovely creative day at Susie's place snuggled in her warm and cosy studio on a very cold, wet and wintry day.  I went with my special friend Di who creates and makes the most wonderful art dolls. Quite a few ladies attended the workshop with everyone working on different projects and generally having a nice time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.  I courageously showed Susie a couple of drawings I was working on and she helped me with the shading of the face which I have no clue how to do.  Basically it was a show and tell day and Susie was there to lend a helping hand and share her expertise in all things arty.

                         
She's a cloth doll, firmly stuffed with wadding then painted with a coat of Gesso.  Then she got a coat of favourite acrylic paint and then when the inspiration took hold I painted her with a whimsy design.

Percy Pig is other fun stuff

The evening before Susie's workshop, I stayed with Di and her husband Gerald who live in Westbury and we had a wonderful evening by the wood fire eating chocolate biscuits and watching videos.  It was here that Di introduced me to dry felting using the wool from her beautiful and precious sheep which she rescued as abandoned babes.  They've grown into miniature horses now and their home in Westbury, Tasmania should be called 'Sheep Heaven', really those sheep are so spoilt and Duke the cat, well let's just say he's the Boss, you know what I mean.........

Percy Pig

Dry felting is as close as I will ever get to sculpting and what I like about it is that you make it up as you go so every project will be a 'one of a kind' that's for sure. My first attempt was a very bad rabbit [too embarrassed to show rabbit here], but then later I  successfully made a pig called Percy [not too embarrassed to put Percy on display] and now I'm having a go at making a bear which will be another post for another day when said bear is finished.

Dry felting can be painful if you're not watching what you're doing.  The needle is super sharp and you can imagine the wake up call you get when one is dreamingly felting by a wood fire, drinking tea and eating chocolate biscuits.  It's always going to be tricky to keep chocolate off fingers whilst felting and making sure sticky fingers avoid the terrible pain from a sharp needle, but it's worth the pain because I can get my crafty self into a very nice reclining position on the couch with wool, needle, chocolate and video all happening at once.

Thanks Di and Susie for a wonderful weekend 

Photo taken at Evandale Tasmania - Sculpture of an artist

All It Takes Is Practice

I'm doing the Fabulous Faces course with  Tamara Laporte from Willowing Arts and after many hours of practice I think the work is paying off.  If I never get any better than this I don't care.  It's been so long since I've been able to post something that is me ~ all mine ~ yes siree she's fabulous.

And ......................... I've finally learnt how to put a watermark on my photos.  Double bonus.

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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?

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.