portrait of an artist
These photos are all taken by the little artist himself. I love the composition and viewpoints in these images.
He painted this one by squeezing the paint straight from the tube, and working it into shapes. He did this all on his own, while I was doing something else. He asked me to get the paints down, while the littest one was asleep, and set about doing some beautiful and textural paintings. Pieces that needed a few days drying time.
This one, the smaller one in the middle, was a collaboration between Sam and Ari. Done with those paint pen things, straight onto canvas. Many beautiful parts in this. I hadn't even got out of bed for the day, and these two artists had completed this mini masterpiece.
The red and black piece on the left is one of Sam's canvas lipstick palms, which he has hand drawn on top of. The beetle vase in the front is by Deb Cocks, I've mentioned her before (somewhere, I think).
And this is, of course, a fun and childish self portrait!
He painted this one by squeezing the paint straight from the tube, and working it into shapes. He did this all on his own, while I was doing something else. He asked me to get the paints down, while the littest one was asleep, and set about doing some beautiful and textural paintings. Pieces that needed a few days drying time.This one, the smaller one in the middle, was a collaboration between Sam and Ari. Done with those paint pen things, straight onto canvas. Many beautiful parts in this. I hadn't even got out of bed for the day, and these two artists had completed this mini masterpiece.The red and black piece on the left is one of Sam's canvas lipstick palms, which he has hand drawn on top of. The beetle vase in the front is by Deb Cocks, I've mentioned her before (somewhere, I think).
And this is, of course, a fun and childish self portrait!yesterday was....
the memory day for my family.
I've talked about this before
(here and here),
and now don't have many words that I want to say or express.
A softness and quietness;
not peace,
but
not anger.
An accepting, understanding.
Some tiny inner stillness
that I know she still exists in. But I feel
that I know she isn't in my daily life
the way she used to be.
I do see her in my daughter,
and in my siblings.
And stop and smile
when I look at photos
- above my sewing table, or in my bedroom.
And only a few weeks ago my aunt told me
that I looked so so much
like my mother.
A wonderful thing to hear,
to be told. A wonderful thing
to look in the mirror
and
look for her in my features.
So, on this anniversary
I cannot talk
about my feelings or thoughts
about
my
mother.
I cannot say words of deepness
to my family,
or express that
deepness
they may be needing to hear from me.
But when I sit,
I look up and see the smiling face
of my mother, and the way
she looks
at my father
in the photo
I love so much.
I delve
deeper
into my mind,
my head,
my soul.
And there, somewhere, is a sort of peace.
I've talked about this before
(here and here),
and now don't have many words that I want to say or express.
A softness and quietness;
not peace,
but
not anger.
An accepting, understanding.
Some tiny inner stillness
that I know she still exists in. But I feel
that I know she isn't in my daily life
the way she used to be.
I do see her in my daughter,
and in my siblings.
And stop and smile
when I look at photos
- above my sewing table, or in my bedroom.
And only a few weeks ago my aunt told me
that I looked so so much
like my mother.
A wonderful thing to hear,
to be told. A wonderful thing
to look in the mirror
and
look for her in my features.
So, on this anniversary
I cannot talk
about my feelings or thoughts
about
my
mother.
I cannot say words of deepness
to my family,
or express that
deepness
they may be needing to hear from me.
But when I sit,
I look up and see the smiling face
of my mother, and the way
she looks
at my father
in the photo
I love so much.
I delve
deeper
into my mind,
my head,
my soul.
And there, somewhere, is a sort of peace.
adventures of the underwater kind
While in Melbourne the one special touristy thing we did was visit the aquarium. Ari and I had planned this way before we left for our holiday, talking and talking about all the different fish and animals we would see. I always have loved aquariums. I remember when I went to Sydney on a school trip we visited, and I have amazing memories of standing under those big arched glass tunnels seeing sting rays glide over me.
And when I worked in Cairns, I would visit the aquarium (for free) each lunch break. And stand and stare at the giant blue reef fish. And of course the jellies are one of my favourites, for the way they move about in such a rhythmical and free motion.
Strangely, for some reason, I don't have the same thoughts about aquariums as I do about zoos. Though, of course, that is probably totally silly - I'm sure the fish, sharks, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, sea horses are as bored and caged as any zoo animal. 
(And in fact I felt deep sadness at seeing the tiny enclosure the penguins inhabit at the Melbourne Aquarium).
Despite this, we had a perfectly beautiful day. A lovely family outing, in cold Melbourne. To start we discovered that parking at the Casino was only $10AU for a whole day! Like wow. In Brisbane city you simply cannot park at any of the big parking stations for less than $40 a day, especially not the Casino. (Though, I have to say that Melbourne trams are more expensive than Brisbane buses / trains. Though we did hear many reports of people who "forget to pay the fare".)
And the penguins really were sweet and very happy, content looking creatures. They interacted with us, pecking at our fingers against the glass (perspex) wall. A pity that it was totally enclosed, and we couldn't hear them talking. But watching them swim was amazing, zooming with such precision through the water like flying through the sky.
I think the most special thing of all was having a little long necked turtle try to climb out of her water pond (it was the sort that you look down on, like a rock pool).
Sam had to pick her up and put her back in. She had such a friendly face. Really, it was a determined face. Trying to find somewhere to lay her eggs. And eventually she found the sandy spot in the middle of her pond. We were so lucky to watch her, for almost 20minutes, sitting in an almost trance laying her eggs. Surprisingly no-one else in the busy room noticed, even though we stood there taking photos and watching.
There will be about 20million photos from our trip loaded onto flickr soon. A lot of them shot from the moving car, while we drive through dry dry inland Australia. I'll keep you updated, as there were actually some very beautiful landscapes that we drove through.
If you love under sea creatures as much as me, check out this amazing deep sea photography.
PS - I realised yesterday that this has turned too much into a Red Seed Studio blog. And, hey, that's a bit boring. Even if it does seem to constitute more than half my life. So, I'm going to try and limit Studio posts here, and keep the other blog updated. Please do go and follow that one, to keep up on our Red Seed happenings.
Good night dear Friends. I thank each and every one of you for the kind, thoughtful, sweet, supportive comments I have been receiving.
Strangely, for some reason, I don't have the same thoughts about aquariums as I do about zoos. Though, of course, that is probably totally silly - I'm sure the fish, sharks, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, sea horses are as bored and caged as any zoo animal. (And in fact I felt deep sadness at seeing the tiny enclosure the penguins inhabit at the Melbourne Aquarium).Despite this, we had a perfectly beautiful day. A lovely family outing, in cold Melbourne. To start we discovered that parking at the Casino was only $10AU for a whole day! Like wow. In Brisbane city you simply cannot park at any of the big parking stations for less than $40 a day, especially not the Casino. (Though, I have to say that Melbourne trams are more expensive than Brisbane buses / trains. Though we did hear many reports of people who "forget to pay the fare".)And the penguins really were sweet and very happy, content looking creatures. They interacted with us, pecking at our fingers against the glass (perspex) wall. A pity that it was totally enclosed, and we couldn't hear them talking. But watching them swim was amazing, zooming with such precision through the water like flying through the sky.I think the most special thing of all was having a little long necked turtle try to climb out of her water pond (it was the sort that you look down on, like a rock pool). Sam had to pick her up and put her back in. She had such a friendly face. Really, it was a determined face. Trying to find somewhere to lay her eggs. And eventually she found the sandy spot in the middle of her pond. We were so lucky to watch her, for almost 20minutes, sitting in an almost trance laying her eggs. Surprisingly no-one else in the busy room noticed, even though we stood there taking photos and watching.There will be about 20million photos from our trip loaded onto flickr soon. A lot of them shot from the moving car, while we drive through dry dry inland Australia. I'll keep you updated, as there were actually some very beautiful landscapes that we drove through.If you love under sea creatures as much as me, check out this amazing deep sea photography.PS - I realised yesterday that this has turned too much into a Red Seed Studio blog. And, hey, that's a bit boring. Even if it does seem to constitute more than half my life. So, I'm going to try and limit Studio posts here, and keep the other blog updated. Please do go and follow that one, to keep up on our Red Seed happenings.
Good night dear Friends. I thank each and every one of you for the kind, thoughtful, sweet, supportive comments I have been receiving.
stocked at the Den
One of the other perks of being at the show, was seeing all the crafty designery people dressed beautifully and individually. Apart from the customers, the other stall holders were pretty groovy themselves. These ladies, particularly, looked pretty sweet each day. Dressed to the nines in their glamourous vintage clothing, complete with stockings, shoes and coats, every day.
Visiting their store is a pleasure and surprise. Each room leads onto another filled with treasures and trinkets. Little pieces handcrafted by locals, combined perfectly with vintage finds. And all displayed with such distinct style. I loved the old wardrobe with feature antique wall paper details.
So, I'm really excited to announce that Red Seed Studio are now stocked at Thread Den. If you happen to visit their sewing lounge, or pop in for a spot of vintage inspiration and crafty shopping, please check out our collection.
So, I'm really excited to announce that Red Seed Studio are now stocked at Thread Den. If you happen to visit their sewing lounge, or pop in for a spot of vintage inspiration and crafty shopping, please check out our collection.
finally a decent sleep-in...
So, with the Melbourne Show all over, I have finally managed a few sleep-ins over the past couple of days! Must catch up on sleep before we get back home, and continue the work for Brisbane Stitches & Craft Show. (and, no.. I am NOT counting down the weeks yet. Bit too stressful to think about that).
We had so much fun at the five day extravaganza that was Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show. Met so so so many fantastic, fabulous, funny, crafty, supportive, expressive people. I really had to restrain myself from purchasing something from everyone in the Incubator section, and a couple of other stalls. (So, if you're planning on coming to the Brisbane show, start saving your pocket money now. Don't spend it on mass produced; come along and support some fantastic crafters and artists).
Looking back at photos of our little stall, I'm really happy with what Sam and I achieved. I love the way it looks. Bright and expressive, and a good representation of us. Bold and graphic. We had so many lovely comments from other exhibitors, customers and many potential stockists and collaborators.
I'll be back soon, with some linking love for all the fantastic people I met, and the treats we got (I am so surprised at my restraint, as I wanted to have a little *lot* of everything!). Too tired now, to link you to all those crafty, chatty, fun ladies. But look at this great photo of Sam and me (thanks Cathy).
We were really lucky to spend the week between some cheeky monkeys and some felt doughnuts! Two (well four) people who we would normally have never met, but who we conversed with, laughed with, whinged with, giggled with, swapped small business tips with. Thanks for a super fun week Holly (and her mum) and Monique (and her mum).
(Most photos were actually taken by Sam. I did my silly thing of not remembering to actually go around and take photos of people. For some reason I prefer landscapes and details. Yet I didn't even manage any close ups of any of the texture of the crafty goods on display at the show, and the actual displays themselves. Next time....).
Tomorrow will be our last day in Melbourne, before we drive back home. (only 1700 or klms...). So many places we didn't make it to, Sam and I have already planned a weekend without the kids to explore the shops again.
Looking back at photos of our little stall, I'm really happy with what Sam and I achieved. I love the way it looks. Bright and expressive, and a good representation of us. Bold and graphic. We had so many lovely comments from other exhibitors, customers and many potential stockists and collaborators.I'll be back soon, with some linking love for all the fantastic people I met, and the treats we got (I am so surprised at my restraint, as I wanted to have a little *lot* of everything!). Too tired now, to link you to all those crafty, chatty, fun ladies. But look at this great photo of Sam and me (thanks Cathy).
We were really lucky to spend the week between some cheeky monkeys and some felt doughnuts! Two (well four) people who we would normally have never met, but who we conversed with, laughed with, whinged with, giggled with, swapped small business tips with. Thanks for a super fun week Holly (and her mum) and Monique (and her mum).(Most photos were actually taken by Sam. I did my silly thing of not remembering to actually go around and take photos of people. For some reason I prefer landscapes and details. Yet I didn't even manage any close ups of any of the texture of the crafty goods on display at the show, and the actual displays themselves. Next time....).
Tomorrow will be our last day in Melbourne, before we drive back home. (only 1700 or klms...). So many places we didn't make it to, Sam and I have already planned a weekend without the kids to explore the shops again.
flowers for ....
Today was Grandma's birthday (my mother-in-law), so we made her some beautiful big tissue paper flowers. Ari was looking through his 'activity' book a few days ago, and decided that he wanted to make some for his Grandma's birthday.
I originally saw this book here, and got it for Ari for his birthday. Has some lovely activities and sweet photos, with lots of inspiration for kids. It's good for girls or boys, and lots of different age groups.
These flowers are quite quick to make, though in reality I did most of the making, as Ari got a bit bored with the fragile job of having to gently tease out the tissue. Though, shall I admit, that I really enjoyed making them. And then going into our yard to find some sticks (and reminiscing about stick searching in the forest as a child*) to act as flower stems.
Anyway - the cute photo shoot had to happen on the front porch, with the afternoon light, and the clean-faced, party-clothed children. Before we went off to dinner at this delicious restaurant.
Good night - I'm back to the sewing. Trying to finish all the last bits before we head off to Melbourne on Saturday morning.
*We used to have to collect kindling for the fire, as kids, and would often spend more time making the wheelbarrow look full with intricate stick stacking, compared to actually collecting the teeny tiny little twigs.
I originally saw this book here, and got it for Ari for his birthday. Has some lovely activities and sweet photos, with lots of inspiration for kids. It's good for girls or boys, and lots of different age groups.
These flowers are quite quick to make, though in reality I did most of the making, as Ari got a bit bored with the fragile job of having to gently tease out the tissue. Though, shall I admit, that I really enjoyed making them. And then going into our yard to find some sticks (and reminiscing about stick searching in the forest as a child*) to act as flower stems.Anyway - the cute photo shoot had to happen on the front porch, with the afternoon light, and the clean-faced, party-clothed children. Before we went off to dinner at this delicious restaurant.Good night - I'm back to the sewing. Trying to finish all the last bits before we head off to Melbourne on Saturday morning.
*We used to have to collect kindling for the fire, as kids, and would often spend more time making the wheelbarrow look full with intricate stick stacking, compared to actually collecting the teeny tiny little twigs.
using the term loosely.....
I had a little look around our house last night, and now have photo proof that we really do need the 'studio' aspect of our name; Red Seed Studio. Currently, work is in the final day(s) before we pack everything off and deliver to the freight company to take to Melbourne for the Craft Show.On Friday a friend came to look at some of our pieces - our bedroom was the showroom (and scrap room). Lucky we bought a new doona* cover a few weeks ago (half price, replacing the eight+ year old one we had). 
Our front entrance room is my sewing, pinning, designing / thinking room. The little spot under my sewing desk always has copious amounts of stray threads, which drift throughout the house, requiring (though not getting!) daily vacuums.
Our dining table is the fabric pile + some laundry on it's way from the line outside to the pile inside (which one day in the distant future might make it into the draws and cupboards).
And the loungeroom.... Well, my sister visited today and asked where she could maybe sit down. This is the fabric / printed pieces sorting room, the ironing room, the rearranging room. The"kids don't touch the white fabric please" room.
Our backroom is the screenprinting and cutting and pinning and rolling fabric room. And the kid's play room.
And that's all the rooms, except the bathroom and the kid's bedroom - which is the 'can't bear to look in because of the mess' room!
So, I have tonight (until some crazy hour when I finally tumble into bed), and then tomorrow (where I will have to try and distract the kids with similar games to this one from last night - first photo above) to get the final sewing done. Anything that's not finished is simply not finished. We will be able to take a small amount of extra stuff with us in the car, but not a lot.
So, you get to see the mess tonight. Tomorrow (or Tuesday) I will show you the completed pieces. The collection of work that Sam and I have been pouring our hearts, souls, minds, energy, and a few pin-pricked fingers into.
*In Australia the word 'doona' is a general term for duvet or quilt covers. Really it is a brand name, which has made it's way into our vocabulary. Just like the ugg-boot story.
Our front entrance room is my sewing, pinning, designing / thinking room. The little spot under my sewing desk always has copious amounts of stray threads, which drift throughout the house, requiring (though not getting!) daily vacuums.Our dining table is the fabric pile + some laundry on it's way from the line outside to the pile inside (which one day in the distant future might make it into the draws and cupboards).And the loungeroom.... Well, my sister visited today and asked where she could maybe sit down. This is the fabric / printed pieces sorting room, the ironing room, the rearranging room. The"kids don't touch the white fabric please" room.
Our backroom is the screenprinting and cutting and pinning and rolling fabric room. And the kid's play room.And that's all the rooms, except the bathroom and the kid's bedroom - which is the 'can't bear to look in because of the mess' room!
So, I have tonight (until some crazy hour when I finally tumble into bed), and then tomorrow (where I will have to try and distract the kids with similar games to this one from last night - first photo above) to get the final sewing done. Anything that's not finished is simply not finished. We will be able to take a small amount of extra stuff with us in the car, but not a lot.
So, you get to see the mess tonight. Tomorrow (or Tuesday) I will show you the completed pieces. The collection of work that Sam and I have been pouring our hearts, souls, minds, energy, and a few pin-pricked fingers into.
*In Australia the word 'doona' is a general term for duvet or quilt covers. Really it is a brand name, which has made it's way into our vocabulary. Just like the ugg-boot story.
the perks and perils of work-at-home
These past few days I've been head down at my little sewing machine. I'm starting to feel a bit vibraty in my body, and the whir in my head matches that of the machine. I started to wonder if she was making strange noises and getting sick, but I think my mind was just rambling a bit.
Aside from making one tiny little mistake on my stack of 30 cushion covers (which actually equates to a whole lot of unpicking and re-ironing and sewing; 2 1/2 hours extra to be exact!), things are going quite well.
Getting through the list of things that I have to get done for Stitches & Craft, all the things that have to be dropped off at the courier in ..... ummm... less than a week. Yes - you read correctly. We have less than one week to do all the screenprinting and sewing and packing and making and ironing and pricing and......
I'm actually feeling quietly optimistic about it. Though I do have some good child-minding lined up for the next few days. And some late nights planned, and maybe even early mornings. And the back-up plan of taking extra stuff in the car with us down to Melbourne.
But I know that whatever we get done is all that we can get done. And it'll be amazing. And Sam and I will look at our work, and smile to ourselves and each other, knowing we've done a pretty fantastic job.
I'll let you know.
So, the little things that have been holding me up, and keeping me a tad bit behind schedule. Well, it's these little creatures.
Yesterday we stopped work to have a glorious morning tea picnic. Baby cinos and baby pancakes, served on the new birthday picnic/baby blanket* and the cutest little tea set (which matches the picnic rug quite well). 
The smallest of us in a ballerina tutu of course.*
These baby yoghurt pancakes are so easy to make, you should try them yourselves. We serve them with gloops of sugar free jam and yoghurt (because we rarely have cream in our fridge). To make them you need one cup of self raising flour, one cup of milk and about 3 tablespoons of natural yoghurt (you could use flavoured yoghurt or grated apple or blueberries, and add cinnamon or nutmeg or vanilla if you like - we do try to not add sugar, as the kids often want to smother them in maple syrup or golden syrup). Stir it all up, it will be like a thick slurry, with some small lumps. Add a tiny bit of melted butter - which means that you shouldn't need to grease the pan, and they shouldn't stick. Then dollop into pan, and cook for a few minutes before you turn. These won't bubble to let you know they're cooked the way that regular pancakes do. The yoghurt adds a lovely texture and flavour.
Best enjoyed with loved ones, or on your own for a few quiet moments.
*Related post to come very soon.
PS - thank you for your lovely comments on my skirt from my past post - I'm really loving wearing it, and have plans (wishful thinking) to make some more skirts for our Melbourne trip.
Aside from making one tiny little mistake on my stack of 30 cushion covers (which actually equates to a whole lot of unpicking and re-ironing and sewing; 2 1/2 hours extra to be exact!), things are going quite well.
Getting through the list of things that I have to get done for Stitches & Craft, all the things that have to be dropped off at the courier in ..... ummm... less than a week. Yes - you read correctly. We have less than one week to do all the screenprinting and sewing and packing and making and ironing and pricing and......I'm actually feeling quietly optimistic about it. Though I do have some good child-minding lined up for the next few days. And some late nights planned, and maybe even early mornings. And the back-up plan of taking extra stuff in the car with us down to Melbourne.
But I know that whatever we get done is all that we can get done. And it'll be amazing. And Sam and I will look at our work, and smile to ourselves and each other, knowing we've done a pretty fantastic job.I'll let you know.
So, the little things that have been holding me up, and keeping me a tad bit behind schedule. Well, it's these little creatures.
Yesterday we stopped work to have a glorious morning tea picnic. Baby cinos and baby pancakes, served on the new birthday picnic/baby blanket* and the cutest little tea set (which matches the picnic rug quite well). The smallest of us in a ballerina tutu of course.*These baby yoghurt pancakes are so easy to make, you should try them yourselves. We serve them with gloops of sugar free jam and yoghurt (because we rarely have cream in our fridge). To make them you need one cup of self raising flour, one cup of milk and about 3 tablespoons of natural yoghurt (you could use flavoured yoghurt or grated apple or blueberries, and add cinnamon or nutmeg or vanilla if you like - we do try to not add sugar, as the kids often want to smother them in maple syrup or golden syrup). Stir it all up, it will be like a thick slurry, with some small lumps. Add a tiny bit of melted butter - which means that you shouldn't need to grease the pan, and they shouldn't stick. Then dollop into pan, and cook for a few minutes before you turn. These won't bubble to let you know they're cooked the way that regular pancakes do. The yoghurt adds a lovely texture and flavour.Best enjoyed with loved ones, or on your own for a few quiet moments.*Related post to come very soon.PS - thank you for your lovely comments on my skirt from my past post - I'm really loving wearing it, and have plans (wishful thinking) to make some more skirts for our Melbourne trip.
list of things
Time is squashed up, in my head I can't see or think. I've got tunnel vision, and things are slipping off the edges of my earth / viewpoint. I have lots to tell you, so I'm going to try and condense into short points.
:: I have (finally) randomly chosen two winners for my magazine giveaway. Anna and Elizabeth, please send me your address details. (ellieabeck AT hotmail DOT com). We'll see how long it takes me to get to the post office.
:: Recently I joined in with this children's giveaway, sort of as a stand against the CPSIA that has been threatening the livelihood of a lot of handcrafters and small businesses. I think things have sorted out, for the meantime at least there's a bit of relief in the emergency of the issue. My swap partner is Bean.
I have until Tuesday to finish and post my item. I *think* I will get it finished tonight (okay... umm tomorrow), as all I have to do is iron and then top stitch the last little bit. Photos so far haven't proven to be too successful (hopefully tomorrow they'll work out better). It's a fairly biggish doll blanket / wrap thing. I knew straight away that I wouldn't be able to make a softie or anything similar that I'd be happy with. I'm really happy with the way this has turned out. Saccharine pinks and blues and lavenders, and very pretty, but hopefully something that will be loved for a long time.
I am also making one for Mishi's 2nd birthday, which is on Thursday. I just know that she'll love to have a special piece to wrap her babies, or picnic with them, or put them to bed.
:: A dear blogland friend has started a very special project called Craft Hope. The current project is to sew pillowcase dresses for some children who don't get to have pretty and handcrafted items in their lives. Children from the Pan de Vita shelter in Mexico.
:: This is a small stack of the first cards I've been sewing for the Stitches & Craft Show (S&C). Many many many more cards are needed to be cut and sewn, and then enveloped and packaged before the month is up. This is just the start.
:: This afternoon I really loved walking home from work, wearing my own skirt. Designed and sewn by me, in a rush on Christmas morning, a frantic stress that I wanted something new to wear. I had this fabric, which my sister found for me at the second hand shop - a structured cotton, but like an upholstery fabric in a way. Very textured and ornate. The first time I washed it to red ran onto the white, but upon the second wash it came out, and I soaked it in some pre-coloured water, which gave the white this glorious redish brown sheen.
This morning I was complimented for my skirt by my friend - magazine editor and her husband/stylist/designer. We were at a fashion shoot for the next issue. I wasn't modelling or anything, but .... you know, like, well my husband was! A skate board shoot - with my man showing off his board tricks. I'll show you when the issue has been published. Bit exciting, hey. (Think it's about time I got myself a full length mirror, this photo is taken from up on Ari's top bunk bed).
:: I want to write a whole post about this, but will mention it here (in case I run out of *time* to do the whole big thing). It's been almost two weeks now since Mishi has had any mummy milk. Yes, that means she's been weaned. I think I would possibly be sadder if I wasn't so pleased to have that extra bit of sleep it brings (occassionally). At the same time she's finished with nappies - though we still have some accidents with bed wetting.
:: I haven't had much time to check out all my regular bloggy reads as often as I would love. So, if any of you notice anything you think I really need to know in blogland please do tell me.
:: At work today I made a really long and quite unrealistic list of what I need to achieve in the next two weeks, at least, for getting ready for S & C. Tomorrow I think I'll rewrite it, and actually add things like have a shower, play with my kids, do the shopping, cook some dinner, wash the dinners, take the kids to the park, return the overdue library books, say hello/goodbye to my husband (as he races off to work, or I race off to work), talk to my family, plan a birthday party, make a birthday cake (or two), sew a new birthday dress, drink my tea even if it is cold, blog...... Busy month ahead.
Okay. That's enough for now, hey. Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this epic update (written on my very slow 10yr-old borrowed computer).
:: Recently I joined in with this children's giveaway, sort of as a stand against the CPSIA that has been threatening the livelihood of a lot of handcrafters and small businesses. I think things have sorted out, for the meantime at least there's a bit of relief in the emergency of the issue. My swap partner is Bean.
I have until Tuesday to finish and post my item. I *think* I will get it finished tonight (okay... umm tomorrow), as all I have to do is iron and then top stitch the last little bit. Photos so far haven't proven to be too successful (hopefully tomorrow they'll work out better). It's a fairly biggish doll blanket / wrap thing. I knew straight away that I wouldn't be able to make a softie or anything similar that I'd be happy with. I'm really happy with the way this has turned out. Saccharine pinks and blues and lavenders, and very pretty, but hopefully something that will be loved for a long time.I am also making one for Mishi's 2nd birthday, which is on Thursday. I just know that she'll love to have a special piece to wrap her babies, or picnic with them, or put them to bed.
:: A dear blogland friend has started a very special project called Craft Hope. The current project is to sew pillowcase dresses for some children who don't get to have pretty and handcrafted items in their lives. Children from the Pan de Vita shelter in Mexico.
:: This is a small stack of the first cards I've been sewing for the Stitches & Craft Show (S&C). Many many many more cards are needed to be cut and sewn, and then enveloped and packaged before the month is up. This is just the start.:: This afternoon I really loved walking home from work, wearing my own skirt. Designed and sewn by me, in a rush on Christmas morning, a frantic stress that I wanted something new to wear. I had this fabric, which my sister found for me at the second hand shop - a structured cotton, but like an upholstery fabric in a way. Very textured and ornate. The first time I washed it to red ran onto the white, but upon the second wash it came out, and I soaked it in some pre-coloured water, which gave the white this glorious redish brown sheen.This morning I was complimented for my skirt by my friend - magazine editor and her husband/stylist/designer. We were at a fashion shoot for the next issue. I wasn't modelling or anything, but .... you know, like, well my husband was! A skate board shoot - with my man showing off his board tricks. I'll show you when the issue has been published. Bit exciting, hey. (Think it's about time I got myself a full length mirror, this photo is taken from up on Ari's top bunk bed).:: I want to write a whole post about this, but will mention it here (in case I run out of *time* to do the whole big thing). It's been almost two weeks now since Mishi has had any mummy milk. Yes, that means she's been weaned. I think I would possibly be sadder if I wasn't so pleased to have that extra bit of sleep it brings (occassionally). At the same time she's finished with nappies - though we still have some accidents with bed wetting.
:: I haven't had much time to check out all my regular bloggy reads as often as I would love. So, if any of you notice anything you think I really need to know in blogland please do tell me.
:: At work today I made a really long and quite unrealistic list of what I need to achieve in the next two weeks, at least, for getting ready for S & C. Tomorrow I think I'll rewrite it, and actually add things like have a shower, play with my kids, do the shopping, cook some dinner, wash the dinners, take the kids to the park, return the overdue library books, say hello/goodbye to my husband (as he races off to work, or I race off to work), talk to my family, plan a birthday party, make a birthday cake (or two), sew a new birthday dress, drink my tea even if it is cold, blog...... Busy month ahead.
Okay. That's enough for now, hey. Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this epic update (written on my very slow 10yr-old borrowed computer).you may have noticed....
.....that little flashing green icon on the right sidebar. Well, check out the link, because we'll be there.
This is sure to be the best Stitches & Craft show ever, funked up and updated by the talented and oh-so friendly (and hard-working) team at Living Creatively. And by saying funked and updated, I actually mean keeping it down-to-earth and handcrafted and designed and local-Australian talent. All showcased in beautiful crafty inspiring surroundings.
We'll be part of the new (and totally fantastic + supportive) Incubator which showcases the best of Australian emerging and established independent crafters and designers.
There are going to be so many super-talented bloggy crafters there. I can't wait to meet them during the show. There will even be a special section for us to do our blogging, and keep you in the loop about the fun we are having. (When I told Sam that, he rolled his eyes and said 'weirdos' - non-bloggers just don't get it, do they!).
But, before the fun is that hard work. I'm going to try and pop in here and show you all the fantastic things we will be making.
If you'd like to see any more inspiration check the flick pages of Indie Crafters, Living Creatively and Stitches & Craft Show.
PS - Anna, this is the big news I talked about last week; I'm not sure if you had something different in mind...
We'll be part of the new (and totally fantastic + supportive) Incubator which showcases the best of Australian emerging and established independent crafters and designers.
There are going to be so many super-talented bloggy crafters there. I can't wait to meet them during the show. There will even be a special section for us to do our blogging, and keep you in the loop about the fun we are having. (When I told Sam that, he rolled his eyes and said 'weirdos' - non-bloggers just don't get it, do they!).But, before the fun is that hard work. I'm going to try and pop in here and show you all the fantastic things we will be making.
If you'd like to see any more inspiration check the flick pages of Indie Crafters, Living Creatively and Stitches & Craft Show.
PS - Anna, this is the big news I talked about last week; I'm not sure if you had something different in mind...
stone cold tea
This is a cold cup of tea. Lots of those happen in my day, my week, my life. I'm sure you have the same things. You pour yourself a cup of tea, thinking that you'll have possibly two minutes to sit and drink it, to possibly look at your new magazine or do a snippet of blogsurfing. You wait until the tea is not too hot, because you don't want to waste your two minutes burning your tongue. It's good, you taste it. Not too hot. Then... something happens.Someone needs you in the toilet to help them, and they cannot wait for two minutes they need you right now. Or two little somebodies have a bicker and one somebody hits another somebody, and one of them screams and cries and the other denies doing anything at all. Or you need to get someone something to eat, something sweet, no not fruit, something sweet - and you know that you only fed them lunch about 12 minutes ago.
And then, by the time you actually remember that you poured yourself a cup of tea.. well, you discover it sitting on the windowsill abandoned, stone cold.
A drink of tea or coffee is not just the taste or the quenching of a thirst, it's so much more. It's the possibility of a moment of peace and quiet, or flicking longingly through a style magazine, or curling up lingeringly with a good book, or simply sitting soaking up the sun.
It's the promise of two minutes peace.
And then, by the time you actually remember that you poured yourself a cup of tea.. well, you discover it sitting on the windowsill abandoned, stone cold.A drink of tea or coffee is not just the taste or the quenching of a thirst, it's so much more. It's the possibility of a moment of peace and quiet, or flicking longingly through a style magazine, or curling up lingeringly with a good book, or simply sitting soaking up the sun.
It's the promise of two minutes peace.
giveaway :: magazine
I bet you've been waiting and waiting for this giveaway.My sister told me yesterday that she's been checking and waiting for me to update my blog, and that it's been over a week since I last wrote here! I know, I know. Life just got in the way.
So, without further rambling (I'm pretty good at that, aren't I), here is the little giveaway I have.
Two different prizes for two different people. And they're all about magazines and zines.
First up:
The launch issue of Peppermint Magazine - Fresh, Green, Fashion. This is a locally Brisbane produced magazine all about eco fashion, and ethics in the fashion and homewares industries. This is a funky and fun read. Lots of fantastic snippets about Australian (and International) designers and crafters, linking you up to some great new loves for fashion, accessories and homewares. With a well written, easy to read and compelling article about the story of the cotton industry.
And the fashion shoot is really sweet - a 'real woman' modelling some beautiful and quirky outfits. Issue #2 is in the works as I write (well, around the life of a toddler!!). Go and become a Peppermint Fan on facebook, to find out the latest info (though I'll let you know here as well). And, of course, printed on 100% recycled paper. What more could you want in a magazine?
Two little zines that I bought off this great New Zealand site (similar to Etsy, but exchange rate so much nicer for us Aussies!) - Felt. It's called World Sweet World - how could you resist reading something with that title. Issue #2 and #3 in this little giveaway pack. These are full colour zines printed on paper from sustainably managed forests, using vegetable based inks. They are jam packed full of quirky NZ (and expat) designers, fun recycling projects (how to make a hoodie out of t-shirts, a hand bag out of some vinyl records), excellent reads about craftism and activism, even a story about eco-friendly coffins!
Second pack:
Includes the Peppermint Magazine along with the premier issue of Mix Tape Zine, which is now well into it's second year of production. This is a fun little Australian zine about craft and recycling and making and... well, you guessed it.... the environment. The cover alone is fun and so representative of what the zine is all about.
As you see, my magazines all have a few things in common.The zines I'm giving away as I am trying to declutter and really this is the best way of recycling. The two Peppermint Magazines are straight from the editor, and I wanted two of my lovely lovely readers to get to see this beautifully edited, refreshing magazine.
So, to enter all you need to do is leave a comment, telling me about your favourite magazine(s). I'll leave it open for maybe a week or so, to give you all a chance to enter.
And on the subject of magazines. I wanted to show you my newest one. - Stitch Magazine. The most I have ever ever ever paid for a tiny little magazine (due to the exchange rate and the postage rates this thing cost me $25AU!!!). But I have pored over each page many many times, and enjoyed it all so much. It includes patterns for three skirts - at least one of which I am hoping (hoping hoping) to make sometime this week. (I saw this one here, and it gave me more urge to make it). As well as directions to make many other crafty projects.
I'd seen this magazine all over blogland, and am so glad that I ignored the price as I have been really enjoying this. I hope they do another issue - this one is called "special issue", implying a one-off?
Lastly I want to thank all of you for your sweet, kind and generous words over the past week (about my friendship post). It means so much to me that you take the time to comment and give me love and friendship and strength. While I wish that I could reply to each comment, time is running away from me too quickly. I do always try and visit your blogs - and then I find wonderful inspiration and colours and life.
Thank you. Take care. xx
So, without further rambling (I'm pretty good at that, aren't I), here is the little giveaway I have.
Two different prizes for two different people. And they're all about magazines and zines.
First up:The launch issue of Peppermint Magazine - Fresh, Green, Fashion. This is a locally Brisbane produced magazine all about eco fashion, and ethics in the fashion and homewares industries. This is a funky and fun read. Lots of fantastic snippets about Australian (and International) designers and crafters, linking you up to some great new loves for fashion, accessories and homewares. With a well written, easy to read and compelling article about the story of the cotton industry.
And the fashion shoot is really sweet - a 'real woman' modelling some beautiful and quirky outfits. Issue #2 is in the works as I write (well, around the life of a toddler!!). Go and become a Peppermint Fan on facebook, to find out the latest info (though I'll let you know here as well). And, of course, printed on 100% recycled paper. What more could you want in a magazine?Two little zines that I bought off this great New Zealand site (similar to Etsy, but exchange rate so much nicer for us Aussies!) - Felt. It's called World Sweet World - how could you resist reading something with that title. Issue #2 and #3 in this little giveaway pack. These are full colour zines printed on paper from sustainably managed forests, using vegetable based inks. They are jam packed full of quirky NZ (and expat) designers, fun recycling projects (how to make a hoodie out of t-shirts, a hand bag out of some vinyl records), excellent reads about craftism and activism, even a story about eco-friendly coffins!Second pack:Includes the Peppermint Magazine along with the premier issue of Mix Tape Zine, which is now well into it's second year of production. This is a fun little Australian zine about craft and recycling and making and... well, you guessed it.... the environment. The cover alone is fun and so representative of what the zine is all about.
As you see, my magazines all have a few things in common.The zines I'm giving away as I am trying to declutter and really this is the best way of recycling. The two Peppermint Magazines are straight from the editor, and I wanted two of my lovely lovely readers to get to see this beautifully edited, refreshing magazine.So, to enter all you need to do is leave a comment, telling me about your favourite magazine(s). I'll leave it open for maybe a week or so, to give you all a chance to enter.
And on the subject of magazines. I wanted to show you my newest one. - Stitch Magazine. The most I have ever ever ever paid for a tiny little magazine (due to the exchange rate and the postage rates this thing cost me $25AU!!!). But I have pored over each page many many times, and enjoyed it all so much. It includes patterns for three skirts - at least one of which I am hoping (hoping hoping) to make sometime this week. (I saw this one here, and it gave me more urge to make it). As well as directions to make many other crafty projects.
I'd seen this magazine all over blogland, and am so glad that I ignored the price as I have been really enjoying this. I hope they do another issue - this one is called "special issue", implying a one-off?
Lastly I want to thank all of you for your sweet, kind and generous words over the past week (about my friendship post). It means so much to me that you take the time to comment and give me love and friendship and strength. While I wish that I could reply to each comment, time is running away from me too quickly. I do always try and visit your blogs - and then I find wonderful inspiration and colours and life.Thank you. Take care. xx
::
My head is stuffed up with too many emotional thoughts at the moment. I cannot quite get things into perspective. Hopefully a night of sleeping on it will put things back into a better peace. Or maybe I'll have to let go, and accept that some things are lost.
All is okay, don't worry. Just some more of those friendship things I've been feeling of late, come to a bit of head. Have to get over the hump of talking things out and see if we can still be friends. I hope so, but am not sure.
Other things are filling my head, squeezing things out of my eyes and ears. Giving me crazy headaches and hot heads. Ari tells me that I should just tell the headache to, well in his words "shoot itself away". He's quite into shooting things at the moment, only in words. He really doesn't have much idea what he's saying, but it gets reaction from us all!
This is Ari's daily to-do list. "clean house; play; visit grandma; robot machine music; aoolqaom ooimorinim ooaaiom" .
I wish I could take Lori's advice and increase my personal white space . Just not happening at the moment. This week particularly has been so busy with different things. Working more hours than usual (two days for me and two days for Sam), and a new small business course two days a week for me.
We did have a wonderful morning meeting some new friends at a lovely park. So so so good to meet someone and be able to chat and have so much in common, and your children get on well. A sweet little boy, with such lovely manners, who takes in so much around him and talks to us all. Ahhhh, I can see many many fun moments spent with this mama and little one. And also many mama only outings for us grown ups. Sounds fun, hey!
Talking about Mama only outings. I have been getting out a bit more without the kids dragging off me. Apart form working where I finish at 8pm, and then bus home to (hopefully) in bed kids, I went out for dinner with some friends last weekend. Just me and them. Glorious. I can't wait to do it again.
So, a few other things are: I have joined this little swap, on a newly discovered blog. Go and have a look, sure to be fun. Even though I have so much work to be doing over the next 2-3 months, this is something that I want to be part of. It's a kid focused swap - and I know my two little ones will love to receive something for themselves. They are always complaining that they don't get anything. And believe me, the junk mail catalogues aren't good enough for discerning Ari. Though Mishi is quite happy with them.
I am still trying to compose my New Year's thoughts/resolutions. Starting to think it won't quite happen, so not stressing too much. A few little things I'm wanting are to do some more writing. I found this the other day, while I was cleaning up some old papers. Written in my diary while I as on my backpacking trip on my own. So, I'll let you know when I add more writings to my other blog :: lines on a page.
I really like Jade's idea of authenticity. And Anna's word of change. Apart from stop-procrastination, I also would like to try and be more conscious, more in the moment. Not always planning and thinking the next thing. very hard for me, and this year especially when I know that I want to achieve so much professionally with Red Seed Studio, and personally especially working towards a new house.
What are your new year thoughts and resolutions and words??
I have some exciting news, but I'll leave that for a post all of it's own. It's the reason I have so much work ahead of me in the next many months.
Also, I have a giveaway planned, maybe this weekend or next week sometime. So check back.
Good night friends. Take care.
All is okay, don't worry. Just some more of those friendship things I've been feeling of late, come to a bit of head. Have to get over the hump of talking things out and see if we can still be friends. I hope so, but am not sure.
Other things are filling my head, squeezing things out of my eyes and ears. Giving me crazy headaches and hot heads. Ari tells me that I should just tell the headache to, well in his words "shoot itself away". He's quite into shooting things at the moment, only in words. He really doesn't have much idea what he's saying, but it gets reaction from us all!
This is Ari's daily to-do list. "clean house; play; visit grandma; robot machine music; aoolqaom ooimorinim ooaaiom" .
I wish I could take Lori's advice and increase my personal white space . Just not happening at the moment. This week particularly has been so busy with different things. Working more hours than usual (two days for me and two days for Sam), and a new small business course two days a week for me.We did have a wonderful morning meeting some new friends at a lovely park. So so so good to meet someone and be able to chat and have so much in common, and your children get on well. A sweet little boy, with such lovely manners, who takes in so much around him and talks to us all. Ahhhh, I can see many many fun moments spent with this mama and little one. And also many mama only outings for us grown ups. Sounds fun, hey!
Talking about Mama only outings. I have been getting out a bit more without the kids dragging off me. Apart form working where I finish at 8pm, and then bus home to (hopefully) in bed kids, I went out for dinner with some friends last weekend. Just me and them. Glorious. I can't wait to do it again.
So, a few other things are: I have joined this little swap, on a newly discovered blog. Go and have a look, sure to be fun. Even though I have so much work to be doing over the next 2-3 months, this is something that I want to be part of. It's a kid focused swap - and I know my two little ones will love to receive something for themselves. They are always complaining that they don't get anything. And believe me, the junk mail catalogues aren't good enough for discerning Ari. Though Mishi is quite happy with them.
I am still trying to compose my New Year's thoughts/resolutions. Starting to think it won't quite happen, so not stressing too much. A few little things I'm wanting are to do some more writing. I found this the other day, while I was cleaning up some old papers. Written in my diary while I as on my backpacking trip on my own. So, I'll let you know when I add more writings to my other blog :: lines on a page.
I really like Jade's idea of authenticity. And Anna's word of change. Apart from stop-procrastination, I also would like to try and be more conscious, more in the moment. Not always planning and thinking the next thing. very hard for me, and this year especially when I know that I want to achieve so much professionally with Red Seed Studio, and personally especially working towards a new house.
What are your new year thoughts and resolutions and words??
I have some exciting news, but I'll leave that for a post all of it's own. It's the reason I have so much work ahead of me in the next many months.
Also, I have a giveaway planned, maybe this weekend or next week sometime. So check back.
Good night friends. Take care.feed us
I've got some new little friends in my sidebar link. Please feed them. All you need to do is click with your cursor, and they'll come over for some food. Aren't they friendly. And the easiest fish I'll ever have, no bowl cleaning!
(edited to add) :: Thank you all for keeping my fishies well fed. For those of you interested in getting your own pets, this is where you can get them. You can choose your own colours and all!
(edited to add) :: Thank you all for keeping my fishies well fed. For those of you interested in getting your own pets, this is where you can get them. You can choose your own colours and all!
suburban afternoon
This afternoon, while I was sitting at my sewing table. In the quiet of a kid-free house. Sewing some little pencil cases for some long overdue parcels that needed to be posted off.Listening to the sounds of the street around me. The soft dull murmur of a city street, a suburban city street.
Our next door neighbours' visitor. A regular visitor who has the most everyday stories, told at loudest volume, with emphatic punchlines. Stories I think I should tape, so that if I ever wrote one of those everyday life novels, I would have some 'real life' fodder. After he leaves, the next door house is quiet. It seems still, as if our neighbours have to regain their energy from such an over-the-top exuberant guest.
At building site down the street, I hear a man call out "want to bring another wheel barrow". Such a mundane aspect of the work they are doing near the train tracks.
Only a moment after that a mother "right now", in the total irritated tone of talking to a disobedient child, yet in the hushed tones of being out in the street. And having the feeling that everyone is watching you reprimand your child. (Come on, you all know that feeling!).
I continue on, unpicking and then resewing. Changing thread colour, and zipper foot back to regular machine foot. Purse after purse after purse. With the still silence - a dull hum of distant traffic and life - of the street and the city.
And then everyone home again, and the noise back in my house. Shattering through the thickness of the silence I've been settled into. Back to regular life.
Plus more images of my inspiration board above my sewing table. This desk is in the front (entrance) room of our house, and I'm really enjoying having these snippets for myself, yet still having to be conscience that it's what people see when they walk in (hmmm... possibly a bit nicer than the regular mess we have from front to back of the whole house!).
Our next door neighbours' visitor. A regular visitor who has the most everyday stories, told at loudest volume, with emphatic punchlines. Stories I think I should tape, so that if I ever wrote one of those everyday life novels, I would have some 'real life' fodder. After he leaves, the next door house is quiet. It seems still, as if our neighbours have to regain their energy from such an over-the-top exuberant guest.
At building site down the street, I hear a man call out "want to bring another wheel barrow". Such a mundane aspect of the work they are doing near the train tracks.
Only a moment after that a mother "right now", in the total irritated tone of talking to a disobedient child, yet in the hushed tones of being out in the street. And having the feeling that everyone is watching you reprimand your child. (Come on, you all know that feeling!).
I continue on, unpicking and then resewing. Changing thread colour, and zipper foot back to regular machine foot. Purse after purse after purse. With the still silence - a dull hum of distant traffic and life - of the street and the city.
And then everyone home again, and the noise back in my house. Shattering through the thickness of the silence I've been settled into. Back to regular life.
Plus more images of my inspiration board above my sewing table. This desk is in the front (entrance) room of our house, and I'm really enjoying having these snippets for myself, yet still having to be conscience that it's what people see when they walk in (hmmm... possibly a bit nicer than the regular mess we have from front to back of the whole house!).
hello
hello new year, when did you get here.....
I've slipped into this new year a little too quickly, haven't we all? It's been a tumble-bumble these past few weeks and days, of doing nothing and everything.
I just wanted to check in and say hi to you all. It seems an age since last I was here. (Though I've been all over blog-land and enjoying everyone's last year wrap-ups, and new year beginnings).
Things are good here, and so many ventures planned for this year. A busy, yet exciting year. I'll tell you more soon. For now, a few photos of our past few days/weeks.
Our little tree, on Christmas day. We redecorated it - the simple handmade angels instead of the bright lights. (I'm still sad that we neglected last year's tree....).
Jumping on Christmas Day. Ari's new outfit is: pants I sewed from some fun Japanese mushroom fabric, and this oh-so-sweet t-shirt. Ash was wearing lovely new linen trousers and a little singlet (I think Sylve got them from Seed - which sometimes has some beautifully Australian-made pieces).
The glorious last sunlight of 2008. We went and sat up on the hill, with a picnic and waited (and waited and waited) for the 8.30pm fireworks. After which we put the kids to bed, and then fell asleep on the couch before the mid-night fireworks could be heard popping outside.
An exciting, entertaining and (could it be) educational time at the Sciencentre. I really enjoyed watching the boys - Ash especially - putting the coloured blocks into repeating patterns, and discovering what shapes could make up other shapes. And doing that broken-colour dance! As well as the giant table so that adults can experience what it's like being a little kid at the big table!
Then later we adults were treated to a fashion parade and a rock concert.
I just wanted to check in and say hi to you all. It seems an age since last I was here. (Though I've been all over blog-land and enjoying everyone's last year wrap-ups, and new year beginnings).
Things are good here, and so many ventures planned for this year. A busy, yet exciting year. I'll tell you more soon. For now, a few photos of our past few days/weeks.
Our little tree, on Christmas day. We redecorated it - the simple handmade angels instead of the bright lights. (I'm still sad that we neglected last year's tree....).Jumping on Christmas Day. Ari's new outfit is: pants I sewed from some fun Japanese mushroom fabric, and this oh-so-sweet t-shirt. Ash was wearing lovely new linen trousers and a little singlet (I think Sylve got them from Seed - which sometimes has some beautifully Australian-made pieces).The glorious last sunlight of 2008. We went and sat up on the hill, with a picnic and waited (and waited and waited) for the 8.30pm fireworks. After which we put the kids to bed, and then fell asleep on the couch before the mid-night fireworks could be heard popping outside.An exciting, entertaining and (could it be) educational time at the Sciencentre. I really enjoyed watching the boys - Ash especially - putting the coloured blocks into repeating patterns, and discovering what shapes could make up other shapes. And doing that broken-colour dance! As well as the giant table so that adults can experience what it's like being a little kid at the big table!Then later we adults were treated to a fashion parade and a rock concert.still life :: tea party
These are a few little still lives of our tea party. With the obligatory Lego, of course!Beautifully styled by my sister, Sylve. She should be a stylish, don't you think. I love her home (when it's tidy!). The little pieces that she has, the collections, the displays. I think one day I need to show you around her house, so you can see what I mean.
*************************
I want to say thank you so so so much to all of you who have been reading and commenting. I enjoy receiving your sweet comments, and your encouragement. I am sorry that I have been replying to comments lately; it seems that my days keep running away from me. I am trying to spend less time on the computer, yet still am scurrying to get everything done. I think we are all feeling the same at this time of year.I hope you all enjoy and relax and rest and remember that Christmas is about family, and love and friendship and warmth and laughter. Lots of laughter and memory making. And not at all about the best wrapped present or best set table, or tastiest food. It's about the people who give the present to, the people you share the meal with, the people you clink your glasses with. (Though having pretty presents sure is fun isn't it!).
Take care. xxx
a warmth in my heart
This little space is making me very happy at the moment.
My sewing desk has, of late, been in our dingy junky back room - with the roof-scratching brush/bush turkey next door making dreadful noise, and the sight of the laundry piling up at the other end of the room. Not very motivating to get any fun sewing projects done, let along work stuff.
My sewing desk has, of late, been in our dingy junky back room - with the roof-scratching brush/bush turkey next door making dreadful noise, and the sight of the laundry piling up at the other end of the room. Not very motivating to get any fun sewing projects done, let along work stuff.So, because we still haven't moved house (not good house-selling economy at the moment), I keep rearranging our furniture, so that I feel like we have changed something. My desk is now in our front room, light-filled, part of the whole house (I can see the tv from my desk, work and watch Project Runway), the kids can play in the lounge-room or on the front porch, and I can still be there with them.
Picked these flowers at the park yesterday. I think wisteria, but not a vine, a proper tree. Hmmmm tree wisteria? (Can't find anything by doing searches. Internet, how can you not find what I need!).And this beautiful laser-cut card arrived in the post yesterday from my dear dear friend. Thank you Stef, I love it so much. She always chooses beautiful cards. I'll have to get them out and show you, another day. Fabric cards, with texture. And of course, the words inside are always always the parts I cherish. Words written from my best friend, who knows me so well. And, who is a natural and talented and honest writer.
Something else that made me totally spark up this afternoon was :: being in the city and seeing one of my bags on the shoulder of a stranger! I remember that I sold it at a market stall I had in June. I almost put my hand out and talked to her, actually, I'm not quite sure why I didn't. But, the pleasure and joy of seeing something from me being enjoyed by someone was so so lovely.
So, hopefully I'll have some time over the next week for some of the sewing that is itching in my head. A stitch here and there is all the kids will allow me, but that's better than nothing.
I hope you are all enjoying your moments of peace and family time and preparation. Seven sleeps! I'm starting to get excited. Today I got out the CD that Tonya sent us last year for our Traditions Swap - lots of fun and dancing.
Picked these flowers at the park yesterday. I think wisteria, but not a vine, a proper tree. Hmmmm tree wisteria? (Can't find anything by doing searches. Internet, how can you not find what I need!).And this beautiful laser-cut card arrived in the post yesterday from my dear dear friend. Thank you Stef, I love it so much. She always chooses beautiful cards. I'll have to get them out and show you, another day. Fabric cards, with texture. And of course, the words inside are always always the parts I cherish. Words written from my best friend, who knows me so well. And, who is a natural and talented and honest writer.Something else that made me totally spark up this afternoon was :: being in the city and seeing one of my bags on the shoulder of a stranger! I remember that I sold it at a market stall I had in June. I almost put my hand out and talked to her, actually, I'm not quite sure why I didn't. But, the pleasure and joy of seeing something from me being enjoyed by someone was so so lovely.So, hopefully I'll have some time over the next week for some of the sewing that is itching in my head. A stitch here and there is all the kids will allow me, but that's better than nothing.I hope you are all enjoying your moments of peace and family time and preparation. Seven sleeps! I'm starting to get excited. Today I got out the CD that Tonya sent us last year for our Traditions Swap - lots of fun and dancing.
an artists interpretation + a day remembered
We are having a garden tea party on Friday, for the kids. Just for fun. And I'm so excited about it - the setting up of the garden, the food, the decorations... even the too too sweet invitation that we made. Don't you just love Ari's drawing of the tea pot, with tea cups and cupcakes - all up on little pedestals. (If any of you have ideas, photos, links or inspiration - or just some fun thoughts - on how to make our Garden Tea Party even more fun and magical and special, please be sure to let me know).
He got a whole tea set out of the cupboard, and set it up to draw it. I'm really loving his drawings at the moment. Every day they seem to have changed and evolved, only this week he has started putting little swirls on everything; wine glasses for elves, and his writing, and the machines he makes.
A plate machine, or a bubble machine, or a robot machine. Quite technical, with buttons and particular bits here and there that all have a purpose and do something. I often wonder if he'll be an inventor; I know he'll be an artist (oh, he is an artist - he tells us that!).
Today we went into town so the kids could go on the Christmas train. (They set it up each Christmas in "Santa Land" in Myer; the kids ride for free). We went in the other day, but Ari was too scared to go (not a good experience from last year, where he was the only one on the train) and Mishi too little for me to let her go on her own. So we came back today, with big cousin Ashey. Mishi spent all weekend saying "Ashey, Mishi train. Ari" (and shaking her head). So today the three of them sat in a row, Ari in front, Mishi in the middle and Ashey behind - with his hands resting and holding on to Mishi - being the wonderful big cousin, protecting her incase she got scared in the tunnel. So lovely to see them like this.
And then this afternoon both the boys drew a drawing of the train, and them on it. Ashey's is very techical - the part that the driver pushed to ring the bell, and thesmoke coming streaming out, and other children in front of them, and the section where the big Santa head was - the part where you go in to see the photos they take of you. And the train track - oh, I love that train track!
Ari's was so different. He still has the wheels and the carriages, but the main parts of the picture are him (in front), Mishi in the middle (with long hair), and tallest at the back is Ashey. Both boys now recently had their hair cut (shaved), as you can tell in Ari's drawing.
I so so so love this visual memory of their train ride - the things they remember about it, and the way they interpret it. And the difference between and six year old and a four year olds drawings.
(When I find one of the Special Gold Santa Express tickets I'll scan it and put it here, so we can all remember - the boys carried their's around all day with pride).
PS - petrol today was down to 85.9cents per litre. Has not been so so low for many years. It seems that now it has dropped below $1.00 it just keeps going. (No brain energy to do link-searching for you overseas readers, but we have not had petrol below $1.00 for many years, the past year it had been almost at $1.60 a litre. Even though we complain, Australians have cheaper petrol than most countries. Also, our interest rates have dropped over the past 6 months - our mortgage is finally starting to ease a bit. And, we just got a lovely little Christmas bonus from Kevin). Despite all this, Brisbane city didn't seem too busy today, only 9 days out from Christmas, though we did our part to help the economy. Especially at this lovely store (which fits into our handmade Christmas pledge). Okay, okay - I'm not so silly as to not know that we are having an economic depression worldwide.
A plate machine, or a bubble machine, or a robot machine. Quite technical, with buttons and particular bits here and there that all have a purpose and do something. I often wonder if he'll be an inventor; I know he'll be an artist (oh, he is an artist - he tells us that!).
Today we went into town so the kids could go on the Christmas train. (They set it up each Christmas in "Santa Land" in Myer; the kids ride for free). We went in the other day, but Ari was too scared to go (not a good experience from last year, where he was the only one on the train) and Mishi too little for me to let her go on her own. So we came back today, with big cousin Ashey. Mishi spent all weekend saying "Ashey, Mishi train. Ari" (and shaking her head). So today the three of them sat in a row, Ari in front, Mishi in the middle and Ashey behind - with his hands resting and holding on to Mishi - being the wonderful big cousin, protecting her incase she got scared in the tunnel. So lovely to see them like this.And then this afternoon both the boys drew a drawing of the train, and them on it. Ashey's is very techical - the part that the driver pushed to ring the bell, and thesmoke coming streaming out, and other children in front of them, and the section where the big Santa head was - the part where you go in to see the photos they take of you. And the train track - oh, I love that train track!
Ari's was so different. He still has the wheels and the carriages, but the main parts of the picture are him (in front), Mishi in the middle (with long hair), and tallest at the back is Ashey. Both boys now recently had their hair cut (shaved), as you can tell in Ari's drawing.I so so so love this visual memory of their train ride - the things they remember about it, and the way they interpret it. And the difference between and six year old and a four year olds drawings.(When I find one of the Special Gold Santa Express tickets I'll scan it and put it here, so we can all remember - the boys carried their's around all day with pride).
PS - petrol today was down to 85.9cents per litre. Has not been so so low for many years. It seems that now it has dropped below $1.00 it just keeps going. (No brain energy to do link-searching for you overseas readers, but we have not had petrol below $1.00 for many years, the past year it had been almost at $1.60 a litre. Even though we complain, Australians have cheaper petrol than most countries. Also, our interest rates have dropped over the past 6 months - our mortgage is finally starting to ease a bit. And, we just got a lovely little Christmas bonus from Kevin). Despite all this, Brisbane city didn't seem too busy today, only 9 days out from Christmas, though we did our part to help the economy. Especially at this lovely store (which fits into our handmade Christmas pledge). Okay, okay - I'm not so silly as to not know that we are having an economic depression worldwide.
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Okay, having photo loading issues - so this is all I can get for now. It's after mid-night, I really should go to bed, and not sit here fussing. Check again in a few days, hopefully Sam can sort it out for me (me, who doesn't know a lot about computers, tries to work it out myself, and doesn't listen too well when someone tries to help me....). ::fixed it::
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Good night.