Artistic Play

This is an unplanned piece of artwork. Hmmm! This is actually pretty cool. I think I'll add it to my Red Bubble profile.

Archive Friday

It was 12th November 2004, and I had written a small poem inspired by a photo taken way back in 1983.

This is the photo…

This was the poem…

Tiny brown haired girl

Mighty brown skinned boy

Fight a battle, struggling

To have more of Auntie’s legs

Both wanted more

Both wanted all

Both wanted to

Bump the other off

Who will win the battle

For Auntie’s legs?

I actually remember when this photo was taken. My cousin, Peter, and I were fighting each other for more leg room on Aunty's lap. We were both strong willed baby kids and seemed to be constantly at loggerheads with each other. I think this photo just says it all.

Would you like to join in with my Archive Friday meme and share something old?

My Creative Space...

My creative space this week has involved scrap booking, crochet work and desktop publishing. More specifically…

I have been working on my baby's scrapbook. I have put this off for such a long time so now there is real lot to do. Roughly 11 months of scrap booking here.

After much silent cursing I have finally caught on to the crochet instructions, so that I can create a panda. Hooray! So far I have succeeded in making the head. Hooray-Hooray!!

On the weekend I finished crocheting (freeform) a Legend of Zelda coin purse for my enthusiastic husband, as you can see below.

As for the desktop publishing… I must say the zine I am working on currently is a source of discontentment at the moment. I do not have enough ideas circulating. And the ideas that I do have, I have doubts that other people will be interested enough to read. And so it continues. Oh well.

Well that's all from me for now. Why not wander over to Kootoyoo and take a gander at other interesting creative spaces.

New French Country

Recently I borrowed a fabulous book from the library — New French Country: A Style and Source Book by Linda Dannenberg.

I highly recommend this book to almost anyone as it can appeal and be a handy resource to a wide and varied spectrum of people. Such as crafters, historians, interior designers, gardeners, people simply wanting inspiration to redecorate their own home, francophiles. It also goes without saying (though I am going to anyway), New French Country is a wonderful choice as a coffee table book.

New French Country provides a cross section of current country style within Provence* (a region in France's South East). Let me say, as one who has been long seeking just the right inspiration for redesigning my home, and coming up short, finding this book in the library has provided me with the perfect solution.

The photos in New French Country portray a country style with an elegance which sometimes seems to be missing in the modern home. In today's world where so much of what we own is mass produced, a lot of intricate detail is missing. But back in the old days to have something made — a cabinet, a quilt, you name it — quite a bit of time and craftmanship went into the product.

To recap, coming across a book like New French Country truly is like finding Leprechaun's bucket of gold. I'll definitely add New French Country to my Christmas wish list, because I just know it'll be a difficult day when I return this book to the library.

* Did you know? When the Romans conquered Provence in the 2nd Century BC they named the area Provincia Nostra, which means ‘our province’. So the name in French then became Province. 

Mondo Notion

… as Michelangelo (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle)would say. Last week we had homemade pizza for dinner and it was good the first night, and simply awesome come the second time we made the pizza.

The goal my husband and I have over the coming months is to perfect the pizza process. A good pizza has lots of topping, without being sloppy. Has a light base that isn't dry and won't give you IBS*.

Check out last week's pizza in the above photo. It didn't take long to demolish the pizza. And just look at the lovely plate. This is my favourite plate and it is the only one of it's kind that we have in our collection. My husband knows to always let me use this plate.

*Irritable bowel syndrome.

Green Success

The other day I finished crocheting a coin bag for my husband. This bag is a Birthday treat, and he absolutely loves it. I am now attempting another crochet project. This time it is of a Panda.

Meme: My Place & Yours

The theme this week for Meet Me At Mike's Meme: My Place and Yours is… My Collection.

Ever since I was a child I have always been collecting something. I would go through phases, sometimes only for a few weeks, and other times for a few years.

Since the age of nine I have been a stamp collector. There are no rules or a limit to my collection. I am attracted to bright colours, antique, and even international stamps. I like stamps because they say a little something about our history — politics, economics, and especially culture.

As long as there are stamps my collection will be ongoing. And one day my collection will be passed on to my offspring.

My collection has never been valued, though I suspect there are some real treasures in the collection. Some of my stamps date back to WWII era. I especially love the modern Australian stamps as AustPost goes to a lot of effort to make our stamps so bright and cheerful.

Where I Am

I am busy juggling a few things at the moment.

• I am trying to crochet a panda at the moment — a hair pulling experience for a beginner who struggles with written instruction.
  
• Still working on my zine — this activity is moving at a slothful rate. Partly because I want it to be picture perfect when it is done.
• I am developing a character (The Gwendo) who likes to ride her skate board. Not fully certain where I'll go with this idea as I have only just begun fleshing out this one.

Ciao for now.

Archive Friday: The Beach

Here are some old photos I took way back in 2003. These photos were taken around the Bayside shores, very close to Mentone. A few years back I went through a stage of taking heaps of photos. I was obsessed with the beach scene and was a sometime photographer for a band then-called Dekker.

I think “Archive Friday” will become a new blogging theme for me. Each Friday as a wind down activity to the weekend, I will put out very old examples of past work, whether it be photography or art journal notes. And won't you join in?

If you wish to join in “Archive Friday” simply leave a link, or comment below, linking back to your blog entry.

The World At Your Feet

I took this photo way back in 2003 (I was 24 years of age). Don't ask me why, but for a time I loved the idea of taking photos of my feet in different settings.

Indeed I am…

… a lucky thing.

Just now in the mail I received the above book, Cupcakes and Muffins: Collectors Edition. This lovely book of scrumptious cake treats was a prize giveaway, recently hosted by the generous Jenaveve of August Street: Tales of a Seamstress.

It really is a fantastic book. The layout is very easy to follow, plus very pretty. Just by opening the book I feel like I have uncovered the secrets of the Mad Hatter. What a great excuse to have a tea party.

Thank you Jenaveve!

I am actually crocheting!

My husband's birthday is just around the corner. So for his Birthday I am crocheting a coin purse for him.

Since childhood, Michael has been a hardcore fan of The Legend of Zelda. So this will be the inspiration for the coin purse. The purse will be a drawstring pouch which will latch onto trousers.

I found just the right coloured yarn and have begun making the little coin purse.

This Is So Totally Lovely

Through reading one of my favourite blogs One Crafty Mama, I learnt about a lovely Japanese stationery store, which has in fact set up here in Australia. It is called Kyoto General Store, and if you are even a bit like me you will dote on the cuteness on offer.

So visit Kyoto General Store at www.kyotogeneralstore.com.

Meme: My Place & Yours

So, this week's theme for Meme: My Place & Yours (as hosted by the enchanting Pip of Meet Me At Mikes)is… “Through the Front Door”.

My family's inner sanctum is like a child. It displays an ecclectic collection of ‘things’, is constantly changing, will always have/need room for improvement, and has such enormous potential. I love it.

In the above photos, this is our actual front door. Is it not lovely, with it's decorative birds? One day hubby and I hope to paint the door  a TARDIS blue (British police box).

Don't Stop the Dance

I am pleased to announce that I have a new piece of art for sale over at Red Bubble. It is my The Dancer illustration which is available on a variety of backdrops, including:

• shirt
• card
• matted print
• laminated print
• mounted print
• canvas print
• framed print
• poster
  

If you are looking for wonderful, one of a kind gift ideas then look no further than my artwork over at Red Bubble. Simply follow this link to reach my Red Bubble profile and find out what other lovelies are for sale.

Artist Exchange

This week I participated in an Artist Exchange, and my recipient happens to be Evie of the Handmade Romance blog.

I gave Evie canvass art, 2 Emjie zines, plus a little zig-zag notebook.

Now for my embarrassing admittance: The canvass art should have been titled The Dancer. However at the time of writing at the bottom of the canvass I had another one of my art pieces on my brain. So Evie, if you are reading this, the artwork I gave you really is a one of a kind.

Yes! It Is A Giveaway

Guess what!?! I just learnt that Sweet Tidings blog is hosting a gorgeous giveaway which is sponsored by Christina's. To find out more about this lovely prize simply follow this link.

New Piece of Sweet Art

I have a new piece of art available for sale at Red Bubble. To find out more about it, simply follow this link.

My Creative Space...

This week has been about my zine. It of course has been slow progress, as there are so many things to think about at the moment. But I'll get there.

I just finished reading The Book of Tomorrow (written by Cecelia Ahern) which I had won through a giveaway hosted by Woolly Wotnots. It was a fantastic read, and highly recommend it to adults and mature teenagers.

I have been invited to take part in an artist swap, so that is something high on my agenda. Of course I will talk more about this at a later occasion once I have done my part in the swap.

To read other lovely creative spaces simply visit Kootoyoo.

Horoscope in Translation

Although there's a lot going on in your world today, you have the ability to narrow your field of perceptions and drown out much of the noise.
I highly doubt I'll be able to get rid of the tinnitus in my right side ear. I can only drown it out with another loud sound.

Others may be impressed by your apparent calmness amidst the chaotic confusion, and you can use this to your advantage.

It isn't really calmness. It is more like matters going over my head like a plane in stealth mode. If one is oblivious, how can you get upset.

Don't let anyone know if you are lacking in confidence, for everyone else's faith in you will help you perform your tasks even better.

So I just apply some red lipstick (for the confidence boost), teeter around in high heels (don't pester the woman with deadly weapons).Pretend I know what is going on, nod knowingly at everyone and pray that I am not called upon for my opinion.

Reference:

• Original horoscope provided by Rick Levine.
• Smart arse horoscope response by me.

Jolie Prix

Hey lovely readers! Do you love a giveaway? Of course you do. Who in their right mind wouldn't? Well let me word you up.

Head on over to the Histoire de Soie blog to find out how you can go into the draw to win a lovely brooch made by the talented Sandrine.

Not So Dull After All

Sometimes I feel that having brown hair is a dull colour. And when I feel that way I need to remind myself of all the dark haired beauties in the world who make it work. So following is a list of my favourite dark haired lovelies.

Nichelle Nichols

Anne Hathaway

Jennifer Connelly

Holly Marie Combs

Megan Fox

Marisa Tomei

Audrey Tautou

Monica Bellucci

Pam Grier

Sigourney Weaver

Barbara Feldon

Wow! That really is an inspiring list. Suddenly my brown hair doesn't see so ordinary anymore.

The Book of Tomorrow Arrived Today

I am such a lucky duck. Indeed I am. Recently I won a giveaway hosted by Katharine of Woolly Wotnots fame and the prize was The Book of Tomorrow written by Cecelia Ahern.

Thank you Katharine! The book has such a sparkly enticing cover and I cannot wait to start reading the story.

• Check out the Woolly Wotnots blog here at: woollywotnots.wordpress.com
  
• Also Woolly Wotnots has an official website at: www.woollywotnots.com
  
• Lest I forget, the Woolly Wotnots Book Club: www.woollywotnots.com/bookclub
  

Holy Crap!

Today, poor Gwen discovered what happens when she removes her own nappy and starts playing with the contents of that nappy. It really was a poo party.

The Beatles… To The Edge

Beatles RockBand PassionPictures Cinematic Intro from DarkDiamond.net on Vimeo.

Meme: My Place & Yours

My Secret Weapon:

What can I say! My secret weapon is Gwen Stefani and the band No Doubt. I keep a Gwen Stefani fact file and have a number of DVDs related to her solo and band work.

Whenever I watch the music videos or flick through my little-big fact file my brain kicks into overdrive and I have a whole bunch of new ideas flooding my system. I also love to work away and listen to No Doubt music.

Who else has a secret weapon? To find out, simply follow this link to Meet Me At Mike's.

My Creative Space...

Yesterday I designed and crafted a glow-in-the-dark Moon Rock Lamp for my daughter's bedroom (pictured below). If you click here you will find my DIY instructions on how to make this lamp.

• I have also been knitting, hopefully a pillow, if all goes well.
• I have begun re-reading Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. I am such a vampire story addict. I have also long been a fan of Buffy (both the film and the series), The Lost Boys, Bram Stoker's Dracula (both film and book), and I didn't mind Anne Rice's early vampire stories. I thought the film version of Queen of the Damned was complete rubbish, but is a worthy drool fest just gazing at Stuart Townsend.
  
• I am also considering making a crochet panda based on the pattern in Pip's craft book.

To see what other fab things people are doing in their creative space, head on over to Kootoyoo.

DIY: Moon Rock Lamp

Materials

• Recycled coffee jar
• Glow-in-the-dark fabric paint
• 2 packets, 25mm polyfoam balls
• Clear cellophane sheet
• Egg carton
• Dress makers pins
• Paint brush

Steps

1. Skewer each ball with dress makers pins. This helps to hold the ball whilst coating it in paint. Then using a paint brush coat each foam ball in paint. You can use any paint stroke that you feel comfortable with. For me I squirt some of the paint on to the ball, then dab at it with the brush to create a rough texture. 
   
2. With the pins still inserted, float the balls in an egg carton and allow 24 hours to dry. If however, you are the impatient type (like me), then wip out the hair dryer and use on each ball for about a minute. Be careful that you do not burn your fingers in the process, as the pins do get quite hot — perhaps try wrapping some scrap calico or tissue around one of the pins you are holding when you using the dryer. Remove the pins from each ball once these are dry.
   
3. Take the cellophane and cut into roughly 30 cm squares. Scrunch the squares individually and layer in the jar with the balls in between — just as you would when preparing lasagne. Altogether you will need no more than 4 or 5 squares to fill out the jar. Then place the lid on the jar.

Final Step: Let it glow…

Now all you need to do is place the jar beneath a bright light source for about 5 minutes. Then turn out the lights and watch those moon rocks glow.

Afterthought: If you are wanting a stronger glow effect, I suggest applying a second and possibly a third layer of paint after the first coat has dried on the balls.