Who's idea was this anyway!

2012-01-12T12:29:00.004+08:00

About time I updated - seriously. Lots of things have happened - too many really to list here - Amanda is now driving and on her Green P's, she has also finished her schooling and waiting to see where her future lies - WA Police is her goal but she can't "go there" till she turns 18 in May.

David has had one job and now another, closer to home - he comes home each day looking like he has rolled in charcoal (not far from the truth either) but seems to like it. Nicky and Callum - still at school and me, I am going back to school. University to be precise. I am just waiting for the official letter to arrive next week - I have been informally offered a position on the course by the course Director (Dec 13th). So I start a 4 year journey to become an Art Teacher (secondary focus but at the end I will be able to do primary and secondary school). Bach. of Ed (Visual Arts) is the official title at Edith Cowan, Mt Lawley.

I stressed for weeks before the interview - I was worried I didn't have enough or appropriate art work to show - she didn't even look at a quarter of the stuff I took with me before saying I had a place (dependant on paperwork being up to scratch), no worries there as I aced my STAT test - didn't think I did but that is worry for you! Talking of art, the image is of Blodwedd (pronounced Blod-weth) she was the second dragon that I made (have made 3 now and have a red one for me) this one is now living in Devon, UK. The first one (green) is in Pembrokeshire, UK. She is a shoulder Dragon - for obvious reasons. I also have a Dragon Tattoo now, designed by Jackie Morris I am very thankful for her friendship and her generosity in doing some designs especially for me. I need to get a better picture of that before I post - all the ones I have are from when it was freshly done, it has mellowed now and looks stunning, it makes me joyful each time I catch it out the corner of my eye.

Have been moving on with my life, friendships etc too, finding who fits with my life and who doesn't - it has been sad making the move away but some have naturally drifted off. I haven't felt as sad about it as I thought I would. I also found that I have probably been used more than friended by some. I release their friendship with love and move on. Last year was one of transition and transmutation, I have read some books that have affected me deeply on a spiritual level. On the spiritual theme I have grown so much in the last 12 months I can hardly recognise my own thoughts at times - I understand things on a much deeper level now, cause and effect and the harm that can be done on an energetic level by thoughts and words. I have also found some wonderful people out there in the WWW who I really connect with. I have also connected on a deeper level with someone I have known for years but was never really that friendly with her - I am glad she is in my life now (she knows who she is). My connection to spirit is also stronger, and my intuitive abilities has soared, this is good progress.

On a side note - make sure you let those who you love know it - it can be weird letting others know that you do appreciate their friendship and love them for it but it brings such joy to just put that out into the universe - what you give you will get back in abundance. It is all about energy and vibration, you need to be it to receive it.

OK that is it for now - not sure when I will be back, I have lots and lots of stuff to share.

The most amazing weekend of my life so far

2010-10-22T13:23:00.002+08:00

I am not a church person and never have been but was brought up going to church and Sunday School, Youth Group and Brownies/Guides all connected to the Church of Scotland. I have always had a spiritual side but mainstream religion has never sat well with me - I don't have a belief in God in that form and never have, I have questioned this since I was about 12 years old from memory - it may have been earlier but this is when I became aware of the need to seek out a better answer for me. I am quite well informed now on different religions (none of which ever appealed). We all have different "Gods" but in the end it is the same collective spirit - we just call it by different names.

Spiritual mediumship has interested me from those early days, I believed totally in the endurance of spirit and that they come to us and look after us in love. Since my fathers passing almost 20 years ago there have been certain things that happen round me. The smell of tobacco, the water "bubbler" suddenly releasing massive amounts of air into the water bottle making a huge noise (at the same time every day even when it hasn't been used for ages) communication with them has always seemed to be a bit of a one way street where I will have a chat either out loud or internally. This past weekend all this changed for me. I have been learning to stretch my mind to touch the untouchable. I have a long long way to go but this is a post of the here and now so this is simply what happened and how I feel.

On a Friday in May I dropped the kids off at school and had to pop back home to pick up my bags. This was a residential weekend (though as it is in town some also just come as day students - I think they missed some of the more interesting aspects of this course). The course is held at the a very spiritual place (a surprising place for this kind of thing) and it is a beautiful place to be, the building is old but where we were it probably dates from the 1970's. We were given a key to our cell and shown where to go - I took my bags, pillow etc up to my room which was furnished with a single bed (all bedding supplied) a sink, a flip out table, chair and some shelves and a hanging rack for clothes. Shared toilets and showers. We met up in the Lounge and went through to the chapel for meditaion. It was lovely it felt right. After we went to the room for our first excercises/intro. Christine Morgan is an amazing Spiritual Medium very much the traditional medium - nothing new age there. I had seen her once before when she performed a Spirit Naming Ceremony for some babies in the church. She talked a bit about her philosophy and what we should expect from th weekend. The energy in the room was pretty electic. There was a couple of us newbies but I was the only one from the Sanctuary/Intuitive. I was picked to go up front and sit for everyone to "tap" into my auric field and have impressions of me...little snippets of my life/feelings etc read by everyone in the room (thankfully I know most of the girls there but if I didn't by the end of the weekend we all knew each other pretty well)

So I was sitting up front just feeling really uncomfortablely scrutinised and Christine went round the group - one by one I was getting spot on hits with what was being said - even the new girls were pretty right - you can often read a person intuitively by using psychic energies (everyone can do this on a certain level and it is referred to as intuition) or spiritual content and it is hard at times to work out what is or what isn't. So then they had to push it a bit further - go deeper into my life. First up was Jane (a beautiiful soul) who got an old house - I was a bit confused as my house isn't old - we built it 12 years ago. Then other things were cropping out...kids, chaotic, overstuffed...some of these were not making sense till it got to Marianne and she said red brick - my house is light coloured with red accent then it clicked..my parents home in Scotland - old (tick) chaotic (tick) overstuffed (tick) red brick (double tick). I had it .... I had dreamed about walking up the road chatting with my father a few nights before hand, it had been a vivid dream, I had felt the wind and the pavement underfoot, it was very much real to me when I was dreaming. At that I cried! and it was a theme of the weekend... me sniffling into tissues - I had to have them to hand all weekend LOL. When we got to Jackie and Margaret two of our more experienced mediums who were there they had a spirit...I don't think either realised it at the time (and they had different information anyway) that it was my father so I was asked to go sit in my seat and the weekend began for me in ernest. He had a message for me at that point (and it matched a lot of what the other girls were getting through) that I had to let something go - to just forget it, it would cause too many problems to make waves that would turn into a tsunami of hurt and accusations. Things will sort themselves out and what was taken will be returned as it will do the holder no good whatsoever, so if you are reading this you may as well return it as I know who and why, I hold no grudges just heartfelt sadness that it happened, but we all make mistakes at some point in our lives.

Throughout the weekend and the various exercises we had to do - each of us on our own level but guided gently by Christine we worked our way through different methods some psychic and others through spirit communication (wish I could do this but it will take its time to learn to work at the level required). Each day and exercise my father came through, he also brought my Great Aunt Eleanor. She was like a Grandmother to me and came through with that energy, I was also visited by a friend who died when we were in our late teens - actually I think it was when we were 20 as she didn't want to live past 21 - this is something she always used to say to me and it used to upset me, but I now know that maybe she had this on her spirits "blueprint" and for some reason was aware of it. It did take me a bit to place her at first as she came through with a sister energy - at the time she was as close as a sister, she too brought love. The real kicker was my father coming through on the Sunday (by now I was a bit of a soggy mess and the girls were getting to know him quite well) but this was a bit special as he brought my Grandmother on his side. His mother had died when he was 16 years old and I have always always felt a strong affinity with her, I believe she is round me a lot and I have been told I am a bit like her. Our last prayer we did at the end of the weekend was to totally break down any barriers I may have had on life continuing on after we pass, as we were sitting there quietly listening to Christine (who was channelling a small spirit - something that she doesn't usually do) I felt the presence of my father behind me, next thing I was aware that I was being hugged, and I could smell him - he spoke to me - what he said I have no idea, but I do know I felt so peaceful at that point. To have gone from never having any communication (or obvious stuff) to this whole weekend was amazing and life changing - I am a different person today. I am continuing on my spiritual path, have found I also have an affinity with healing using and being a conduit for the universal power. That was another weekend and another post.

I really don't care if you think I have gone mad, or am strange, weird or just plain nuts. I am a different person, I am a better person than before, I have found my purpose and my journey has just begun.

Back to normal programming soon ;O)

As some of you will know I have been attending the Spiritualist
Sanctuary Church now since just before Christmas, and going to Intuitive
since the start of the year (Feb).

and not before time.....

2010-10-21T17:01:00.001+08:00

Ok, slack, slack, slack....I will take my time with this so we could end up with a HUGE post or we could end up with a titchy tiny one.

I set this blog up to share my crafting endeavours - they have been few and far between lately. The summer was just too darn hot and long for me this past season. Autumn eventually arrived and not before time too. I am feeling happier, colder and more able to think - though saying that I have my second cold for this month and feel like poop, the last one started as a head cold and travelled to my lungs - unable to get an appointment with the Dr (as when this happens infection sets in and I usually need a dose of antibiotics to help me to breathe without feeling like I am drowning) I had to rummage around in the medicine cupboard to see what I could find - I found some from last year but had no idea what they were for so had to do a bit of research before taking them (they were mine and were fine to use). That took care of that little problem. Unfortunately David brought home another cold last week and I succumbed to this two days ago...still a head cold and it doesn't seem to be travelling downwards but is making me a bit fuzzy round the edges with concentrating etc.

We have had a busy year a few weeks ago Amanda my eldest turned 16, that in itself seems strange as it was only a week or so ago that she was a tiny babe in my arms - well maybe a slight exaggeration. What do you get your first born on such a milestone birthday - what else but....
she was surprised/delighted and on a natural high all day. Not so sure David thinks it is a good idea any more, he has been the one taking her out in it - last time he came back with whiplash from all the bunny hopping that was taking place.

Been so long since I started writing this I have forgotten what I wanted to say in addition - so here it is almost 6 months later...she has been driving at the weekends, she is getting a bit better but needs to have some "proper" lessons, she is able to sit a test soon - she isn't ready!

Celebrating Stephen's blogoversary

2010-09-08T10:31:00.001+08:00

Celebration of Bearcrazyman (or Stephen's) 1st blogoversary. He is having a massive giveaway - you have got to be in it to win it....

Oh Look what I can do

2009-07-21T16:55:00.001+08:00

Oh my, I think my blogging may have jumped into this century, I just need to put my photos I want to blog about elsewhere for it to work properly now. So this is a bit of an experiment for now. If it works I will have a further play tomorrow and post something while I procrastinate about working on the BAS (Business Activity Statement) and end of year finances.

trying something...it may not work

2009-06-28T17:54:00.001+08:00

Well no it didn't work, I was trying to post a video of a series of shots taken in sports mode on my new camera...will sit and ponder this for a bit longer....

In a Dragon's Den

2009-06-08T10:24:00.002+08:00

I mentioned earlier that I have been in a House Book swap and have posted some of the pages I completed for others. I will share the remaining later. For now here are the pages that have been done for me by these ladies.

This first page is what will eventually be the cover of the book (done by me) I have several ideas for it but for now it sits and waits.

This page was done by Lucy Leatham, she actually did two for me which was totally unexpected. I love this one and the feelings it evokes. The mirror is actually shiny but doesn't show well in the photo (which were taken with my new flash camera that I have waited for patiently for quite a while now). This is also a favourite of my two girls. This next one was also by Lucy and again is just wonderful and very tactile.

Page number four was made by Kaeren Sutherland and is made using a napkin bonded to the card, the gold lace is lovely but doesn't show in the photo, neither does the gold sheen over the entire piece.

I have more to share but they wouldn't attach to this post...once I have picked up the kids from school I will work on the others.

Comprehensive and Practical advice on how to help

2009-02-12T11:38:00.000+09:00

FLOOD and FIRE

2009-02-09T10:00:00.005+09:00

What a terrible terrible week the Eastern side of Australia is having -
Fire and flood, if it isn't too much rain which is happening in
Queensland it is fire in Victoria. I am at a loss of what to think or
say, I have cried a lot at the human tragedy at the last count I heard
it was 108 dead and we have to "brace ourselves for more".

What can we do? Here's something that may help in a small way:

1. Give the Red Cross a call and donate, their number is 1800 811 700.

2. Kathy from Remember When is offering to donate all the money from selling her Laser Cuts to aid the Victorian Bushfire Brigade.

I will be doing both I think. Can you imagine, whole communities wiped out - all that history, all those lives touched. I even watched Kevin
Rudd our Prime Minister struggle to keep control of his emotions this
morning.

I hope this can be brought to an end soon, that those
that set those fires burn in hell for what they have done (this is in
effect mass murder in some cases) I sincerely hope that those that I know over there are safe and well.

A Book, A House

2008-12-16T11:30:00.001+09:00

I am in a "house book" swap with some other ladies and have been taking some time out to create on a monthly basis (though we are only in our 3rd round). Each month (or two to give time to fit in art in our busy schedules this holiday season) we are give the names of two participants to create pages for. These images are not in order of sending but are the following themes:

Vintage Gentlemen - this proved to be quite hard for me to get my head around but once I started it all became quite easy and I am fairly pleased with what I have done - truly is anyone ever really happy with their own work. I have found that I really like to do gel transfers of images on all sorts of surfaces and if I am careful it works out well - and it helps that we have our own colour laser printer.

Glass House. I had all sorts of ideas for this but ended up with an idea for a green house, I couldn't find small enough leaves so we ended up with "african violets" encased inside the page - 2 layers of card with windows cut on both sides, acetate over the holes and the leaves and flowers sandwiched. You can only just see through it on the side, the card was painted with Tim Holtz crackle paint to give an aged look and then stamped. The flower centres are kindy glitz (similar to stickles in the US) black opal.

Next we have Architectural House, you wouldn't know it to look at it really,though the back of it reflects the theme more. I interpreted the theme more as the back is plans of a kitchen and I have given it a goddess theme (though no pictures for some reason I forgot to take it). The front has been embossed using my cuttlebug and inked, the image of my goddess is behind fly screen mesh and the key is a 7Gypsies one with German Scrap wings.

French House is next, I used a colour of blue I associate with France for some reason, it is one of my favourite colours, again gel medium transfer which proved to be hard as I had cuttlebug embossed the cardstock - I need to plan more, but that is how I work - instinctual, planning never seems to work for me that well. I usually get a vague idea and run with it. The flowers are rub ons I had to hand and the theme called for something like them, I am not sure what came first though the flowers or the title. Can you guess I love my script dymo!

Finally for this entry is Cream House Book, what to do what to do was the only thing that came to mind for me when I saw this theme. I decided to have a play with some stuff and if I wasn't happy then I could keep playing around till I was - I cut out several house shapes so I could just keep going with my muse - in the end it was scrim and gel medium background, painted cream, I had a frame which I again painted cream and then rubbed back, an architectural element (Krafty Lady mould) and a heart with some scrim. I needed something to add a bit of life so I added the pink velvet in the frame. The back of this is more distressed scrim (flat this time) painted cream and it actually looks really good - I prefer it to the front and wish I had tried that first. It is very textural and tactile as far as pages go. The words Smooth and Classic are a play on the fact that the cream colour as far as builders etc go has changed from smooth to classic in the last 10 years - same colour just different name.

Okay so that is me for now - I have about 3 other entries in draft mode just now, one is awaiting photos - hopefully I can get these done before christmas!

How Could They Do It!

2008-12-12T20:12:00.001+09:00

Go have a look at the following link, Dale a very generous and talented lady who owns and runs The Thread Studio from her home here in Perth has had a number of her art pieces stolen by a "customer". Dale has always been very free in showing her work and letting us handle and look at these items closer and in our own time. Someone is going to get a rather nice piece of artwork for Christmas I would say. I hope they can't live with themselves - truly a sad day. Dale and Ian are two of the most trusting people. I am truly sad about this.

downunderdale: thieves or desperate artist?

Pass the word around - you never know who might see it (or the artwork)

Time for a Change

2008-10-21T09:27:00.002+08:00

In the spirit of All Hallows Eve I thought it about time I made a little change to my blog. If you want to find out where to get this template and other assorted Halloween ones for free there is a little clickable box up there on the left. I have chosen my next one already. More blogging as soon as I have downloaded some images of my latest work. No point in blabbing about it and not showing you what I mean.

Handbags for Free???

2008-10-10T08:58:00.001+08:00

I was sent this link by a friend to win a free handbag, it is from a new website that opens in a few days, you register your name and email address and go in the draw to win one of 24 handbags that are up for grabs in the first 24 hours of trading. Go on give it a go, what's the harm it will only take a moment of your time. I don't know about you but I have a collection of bags and am ever eager to add to it LOL

a little about me

2008-09-18T13:10:00.000+08:00

You are Strength

Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.

This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Ning

2008-09-16T09:52:00.001+08:00

After I did the Embellish Stitch and Enrich online workshop with Dale I joined a Ning group set up by Dale, some of the ladies from the course joined too (this group is open to anyone) and a swap was organised by Maureen in England. I received a beautiful ATC from her, unfortunately the glass petals didn't survive the journey and I am reluctant to remove the ATC from its protective sleeve for fear of causing more damage. I have to send my ATC to Jean in Devon, I have been remiss as I found it all packaged and ready to go on my desk, where it has sat for well over a month! Jean if you read this I truly am sorry and close your eyes I don't want to ruin the surprise when the envelope arrives. This was made with my embellisher the felt background was made by me and the hand stitching was done with silk embroidery thread (the first time I have ever used it and I just love the look and feel of it).

This weekend I am doing another couple of Catalyst workshops - Friday I have a Doodling with the Domestic Sewing Machine with Annie Rawle and on Sunday Felt Magic with Tanya Peters, I am looking forward to both these. Dawn is doing the felting one too so it will be good to catch up with her - though I have feeling we will be extremely busy in that one.

I have a few things to get organised before this weekend so better "jump to it". David has come down with a very heavy cold - though it didn't stop him from going to work this morning, I do hope he keeps it to himself! I don't have the time to feel sick.

I'll start with a joke

2008-08-23T16:15:00.002+08:00

No really! I will.....

A man went to a Chinese restaurant and ordered a serve of lemon chicken with rice. The waiter brought over a covered dish and placed it in front of the man, he was about to lift the lid when it moved and two little eyes looked out, looking left then right and bobbing back down again, this happened several times and the man started to get quite alarmed.

He called the waiter over and asked him to watch for a bit. The lid opened a crack and the two little eyes peered out, looking left and right before bobbing back down again. At this the waiter quickly lifted the dish apologising profusely and said I will bring your order straight back to you sir, the man feeling rather confused asked the waiter what was in the dish he had been given, to which the waiter replied, "Oh that was Peking duck....."I seem to be on a bit of a (Blog) roll here...you can thank scribefire for that, makes blogging so simple with my Mozilla Firefox. I've had it for a while - just not used it to its full extent.

Cats life!

2008-08-23T11:59:00.006+08:00

I received this in an email and have to share - I think it about says it all

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary.

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into
their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. B@st@rds.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was
due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.........

When is it not appropriate

2008-08-21T16:01:00.001+08:00

I have thought about not putting this here but I find it so funny it has to be "out there", I do hope certain people (who I will not name) don't read this blog, though I can't see how they could find me, but you never know...I certainly saw a new aspect of someone which did surprise me this week.

Okay, here goes. I am not sure if I have mentioned it but Callum has been playing soccer this past season (2 games to go YAHOOO) It has always been traditional to get a gift for the coach so as no one else had stepped up to the plate it looks like it will be me again this year. I got little notes all typed up to hand out at training this week as the coach was supposed to be away and had arranged for one of the dads to take over. Our coach turned up so we will have to wait till Saturday and game day to get these out...bugger. Anyway it was fortunate that the coach did turn up as his wife did too (I haven't seen her for a while and I wasn't expecting to see her again before wind-up). We had a wee talk to find out what the coach liked and it was agreed that Bourbon or similar would do as he doesn't drink beer or wine and she couldn't think of anything else apart from chocolates. Cool, no problem I thought, nice and easy. Training continued and I chatted to someone for the hour(ish) that the kids were on the oval.

After training Nicky had joined me from hanging out with her friends and I was finishing up my conversation when the friend of the coaches wife approached me and said that Mary *not her real name* had been thinking about it and that a years subscription to Zoo Weekly would be the perfect gift.................warning! no responsibility taken for content on the link I don't want to know!

I think my jaw hit the ground, rebounded and ended up somewhere half way down my torso - either that or I had suddenly grown a spectacular set of antlers as she looked at me as if I had done something really strange. I couldn't speak...truly this has to be the first time ever I have been at a loss of what to say. She stuttered something like - it was Mary's idea, she thought it would be good - I just looked at her trying to summon the power of speech or thought. Eventually I managed to mutter "Oh, how do I do that" at which point several suggestions were made, I replied that I didn't think that I should do it - I didn't have the details required, she has offered to check out a copy of the magazine that she has at home to find out. By this point my mind had started to work again and I was able to say "do you think it an appropriate gift?" to which she said, oh yes he will really appreciate it, it would be perfect for him.

I then pointed out that this was coming from kids in Years 2 and 3 of primary school, aged between 7 and 9, what would you tell them if they asked what they were giving him -

Sweet little child - Mummy what are we giving John *not his real name* to thank him for all his hard work this past season?

Mummy - Oh sweetheart, we are giving John a subscription to Zoo Weekly magazine, he really enjoys this and it would help to relax him.

Sweet little child - Oh that is nice, what is Zoo Weekly?

Mummy - its just a scud magazine my sweet, full of semi clothes women and a couple of stories aimed at the late teen and early to mid 20 year old male.

Sweet little child - But Mummy John is an old man of at least 40 years old

Mummy - What can I say, enough talk go play with your trains!

I think this female must consider me to be so much of a prude - if only she knew the truth, but some things are just so inappropriate. This man coaches our kids, he is a big influence on them, he is an upholder of the law (policeman - need I say more - and before anyone says anything to that comment, I have worked with police officers for years and know exactly what the culture is like). What he does in his own time is his own business but I won't be getting him a sub to that publication - not from a bunch of kids of that age.

I have laughed about this so much it has made my belly ache, last night I just kept giggling in bursts when I thought about it and the look on the woman's face looking at my reaction to her suggestion. Have told a couple of people and we have laughed till we have cried....David suggested doing it and maybe I should, getting a big gift card a bit like those gift cheques made out for him to let him know he has a sub to Zoo Weekly (not to be confused with a Zoo membership)....to give to him in front of the whole club - would that be funny....oh yes, maybe I should then .......

you have got to visit here

2008-08-15T17:21:00.001+08:00

I have just gone to visit this blog, go visit she is giving the most beautiful give away on her blog, go here to see what it is. Thank you to Debbie for pointing me in this direction, I will be exploring her blog more. It was fun reading some of the French and trying to work out what it said before reading the English translation.

Friday chatter

2008-08-15T11:50:00.004+08:00

Don't know where the time goes!

I have not been doing a huge amount of crafting (I have some of those images promised to resize before posting, I will share what I have worked on so far) I have done a little hand embroidery in some spare time, one such occasion is when I take Amanda to netball training at 4pm to 6pm and Callum at 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the same location. I used to stand and watch everything going on but it is cold and there are cliques that won't talk to others so I decided to sit in the car and do something relaxing and warm. I actually get quite a bit done then. The other time is when Nicky and Callum go to the tutor they are in for 1 hour so I will take either sewing or knitting - I am currently knitting squares - might become a little blanket - I haven't decided yet it is in pure wool so I can felt them too. They are a lovely turquoise and pink.

I still owe someone a swap - it is in process but I keep hitting a blank wall...just when I think I have it all planned out and make the next move it just doesn't gel, I want this to be special. I did dream of the perfect design right from the start but didn't find the time to sketch it...I had it in my brain all day till I picked up the sketch book and for the life of me I can't remember any of it - not the quote - nothing. If I could remember the quote I think the rest would just come.

This is one of the sitting in the car keeping warm tasks I completed, I think it may end up in a journal for my embellisher course, it is far more vibrant in the "flesh" it has foil under the rovings and my threads are far more colourful, playing with the image on photoshop just doesn't do anything for it either. Strange really as my scanner is usually pretty good with colours.

Ideally I would have liked to have done some stitching on this red one but unfortunately in the process of burning the felt back it becomes a bit too stiff I might just have to do another and try that. This one is not just felt but layered red felt, red chiffon (quite stiff though so I was wondering if it really was chiffon like it was labelled - I did get an extra bit for free as the person serving me had a few issues with ripping it LOL, she knew I would do something with it regardless. That was embellished on the felt then the circles on top of that. I am thinking that a bit of forward planning wouldn't go astray next time, and maybe working with larger pieces as I am finding I am working on stuff about size A5. Whatever that machine has been packed away for a bit and my sewing machine is about to come out, I have a pencil case to make for Callum and a few other misc items to work on.

Well I have been on here long enough, I have all the non fridge/freezer items to be put away from my weekly grocery shop...I would put this off for as long as I can as I truly dislike shopping and the associated tasks it entails, the only bright spark is my friendly local checkout "chick" who I always have a natter to.

Embellishing again

2008-07-31T13:27:00.008+08:00

Most of the work I have done with my embellisher only covers lessons 1 - 3, I have done a bit of 4 but will get back to it later - I have other things which have had to take a back seat but need to be worked on NOW. I have enjoyed the intro back into hand stitching, a pleasure I had forgotten about, this is more freeing in the way it works though, good for sitting in front of the TV and just letting the stitches go where they will. Most of the images here I have already put up in the Yahoo group (which will close soon for the new intake) which means they have been resized, the newest stuff is waiting on my resizing so I can share. It would have been done much sooner but I have a tendency to go wandering about in blogland and can lose hours of time - letting one link lead me to another at random (I enjoy these journeys and have found many a gem, saving them to my ever growing favourites list on my computer). The above image was done with wool roving on a felt background, it was a challenge from the lessons to copy a picture, the one we were given was nice but I wanted to do something else - stubborn as always. This is a copy of an image from the Edinburgh Evening News site that shows Granton Harbour

This one looks like it may be upside down, it isn't it is a copy of one of Monet's pictures and was foil on felt then rovings worked for the water/lillies and flowers and fibres (knitting wool) used for the weeping branches of the tree framing the image. The foil gives it a different look which isn't easily seen in photographs or scans.
The next one was a foil on felt, bits and pieces of roving and fibres covered with a chiffon scarf and embellished, heat gun melted back the chiffon lightly, then hand stitched. I have broken countless needles on these pieces and the others I have worked on, I am not sure if it is me being careless or just working them too hard over too solid an object, I have thicker needles now so hopefully that will stop it (though I have gone through 2 of the new batch of needles). Will be back later with more shares - and if I can get round to it not just my embellishing stuff

the picture from previous post

2008-07-31T13:05:00.000+08:00

Embellish this!

2008-07-30T15:57:00.002+08:00

I have been doing an online course run by Dale from The Thread Studio recently (I still haven't finished but will keep on going with it in my own time, the lessons are easy to follow). The course is called Embellish Stitch and Enrich and she is running another one in August. Go here if you are interested in it. Along with the lessons you get to join a yahoo group where you can go and ask questions, post pictures etc. I have enjoyed in immensely. I have a heap of images to share but haven't resized them yet so you will have to make do with this. For now my embellisher is put back in my craft room and not driving David nuts on the meals area table. My fibres and fabric is all packed neatly (just need another room I think to keep everything in! and my stash will only expand tomorrow when I go to the craft fair and visit Dale's stall she has there. Be back soon - promise, I want to share some of my art.

edit - where did my picture go!! BRB.

OMG - how funny

2008-05-06T19:22:00.001+08:00

I was looking at my sitemeter as sometimes it is nice to see where people come from, which websites etc, well the first few I have seen so far have been google searches:

1. What should you do if you find bruises on a childs butt?

2. busty ladies at work

3. swollen butt cheek

There are a couple of image searches on miscellaneous items too. Though most are about butt cheeks, some are about busty ladies LOL...maybe I need to be a bit extra careful on what I post here in future. Promise I will post something arty soon, I haven't downloaded my camera software yet and I can't find my scanner software, I have a driver from the net but I liked working with the smart scanner software I had - scanners confuse me enough as it is LOL.

Welcome to Holland!

2008-05-03T21:37:00.001+08:00

I found this on a blog, I think this must sum up nicely the feelings of a parent with a child with disabilities, its not confrontational, it just is.........

WELCOME TO HOLLAND (By Emily Perl Kingsley)….
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this:
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans: the Coliseum, Michelangelo's David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills – and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy ... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very, very significant loss.
But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you many never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

Do I have to be a W?

2008-05-01T12:35:00.001+08:00

What is it with the letter W, we are always last (or nearly) in mass mail outs. I recently received my Quilting Arts magazine and the Studios magazine by the same publisher a couple of weeks after online stores that stock these magazines. They have had them both for a while. Its not as if it has took ages to get here from the US...oh no, they were posted on the 11th April, but still I didn't get them till 15th. The post is usually quicker from overseas than receiving mail from the other side of Australia. It seems to be the "Watt" factor.

Saying that I was originally a T, and I chose to become a W, so my fault I suppose, maybe I didn't look hard enough for that ellusive A, B or C LOL. Though maybe if I make my name a double barrel that would work.

In all seriousness I am happy enough with how it is, I wouldn't have any other partner, I think I would be hard pushed to find one who is so tolerant of me. It is just quite frustrating. Its like being on a long haul flight (of which I have done quite a few in my time) and if I sit at the back the food distribution starts at the front so there are no real choices when they get to you. Or you sit at the front of cattle class and the food starts at the back, I have even been sitting in the middle - fair chance you would think of being fed exactly what I want from the menu....no such luck, they started at both the front and the back and worked their way to the middle, where I got no choice. I keep making mental notes to say I have special dietarty needs next time I fly so I get served first, but keep forgetting till I am sitting on that plane.

Cloth Paper Scissors has just arrived in the online stores this week...wonder how long till mine arrives?

Uber cool puppy

2008-03-31T13:48:00.001+08:00

As promised a picture of my super cool pup, and his tag-along play thing. Do you think he enjoys the attention....damned right he does. In this household where one trouble maker is you will usually find the other. Noisy, smelly, dirty - your pick but I am sure I wouldn't have it any other way. Chester is improving slowly. It's his first birthday soon, and only now do I feel he is ready for doing some formal training. It takes a long time for a labrador to grow up, he isn't anywhere near that yet.

One big catch up

2008-03-27T19:43:00.011+09:00

Life gets busy, I get bored of the computer, too many neat blogs to go hopping round. Blog hopping must be the biggest time sink for me going, I can lose hours - usually hours that I am supposed to be cleaning up, then I feel guilty that I haven't done the work, so I don't do any creating. Its a bit like a punishment that I don't really mean to do to myself, it just kind of happens. I haven't updated for ages, one of the reasons is I haven't been creating till lately, the other is it has been too damned hot and humid. We are seriously looking at reverse cycle air conditioning now after this year - it has never been much of a problem in the 10 years we have lived in this house, not till this year.

We have as yet to properly celebrate our 10 years with our neighbours who moved into their house 1 week before us - we were the first residents of the street and have seen some comings and goings and had a few ups and downs along the way. Only one house in our little stretch of the street has ever been sold (it is on to its 4th set of owners and maybe 5 if interest rates keep rising). I hope they don't have to sell, I like her, he is a bit strange. Well I say a bit, maybe I should amend that - they don't know I have a blog and wouldn't be able to find it even if they did - I hope LOL.

Anyway, I went to a crop recently and managed to churn out 5 layouts (one a double! so would that count as two). They haven't photographed too well and one still needs a quote which I need to print out as soon as I get something to go through my new laser printer - Big Bertha - she couldn't be named as anything else, she is huge for a printer but the quality of the prints are out of this world, almost the same if not better quality than my photo printer.

These are supposed to be side by side, I can't be bothered trying to work out how to stitch them together just now, I need to play with my PSE6 a bit more, I used plain bazzil and a Heidi Swapp mask with the Tattered Angel Glimmer Mist with some bling. Taken in Edinburgh in my SIL's conservatory 2004.

I have loved this photo forever, I can't even remember when it was taken (though I am sure the details are on the digital image on my computer somewhere), it has no title yet, I am not sure if it will get one. The photo was a very poor quality but looks much better changed to B&W, in colour it wouldn't allow for being made bigger than the standard 6X4.

Taken on Busselton Jetty, I had to remove a few people who were cluttering up the photo. It needs its quote which is "take the road less travelled" but till I get something that won't melt in Bertha I will have to wait.

Again from Scotland, this time featuring David, Phillipa the kids and Dad. Hand cut elements and a bit more bling.

York Minster, these photos have been travelling with me to crops for years - literally, they were altered in photoshop or similar software and printed in negative. The actual picture is quite ordinary, blue skies, clouds, the magnificent York Minster, but it takes on a Goth look this way. I am happy now they are done and scrapped. I tried to get rid of the shine from the flash on the bottom photo but the paper I printed on (semi matte) just kept kicking back the flare.

Here's my little paper bunny, I made him on the eve of Easter, while watching the abysmal tv that is on just now (even with Foxtel the telly programming is shocking at the moment). I printed him out from the Epson site, I am going to try the Macaws next, it was pretty easy, you just need to be a little patient when cutting out. For some reason his feet turn upwards, not sure why but it doesn't distract too much. He came with a carrot which I haven't got round to making yet. The scarf he is sitting on is a Target bargain I got for 85c, along with a few other colours - to be altered soon.

Here is my last share, a bracelet I made for a friend who I often bounce ideas of, she keeps me grounded at times. I think she was surprised to get it but I thank her for being there for me. I am not the best person for keeping in touch as some of you will know, but I do appreciate all of you and would be a mess without you all.

Well that is it for now. I am working on a fabric book at the moment, this has been in my head for a while, I have just finished gesso'ing all the pages so I can start to add images etc. Now I have it here with me I have no clear idea what to do with it so I will just let my muse take me where she wants. I also bought myself an embellisher (a bit like a sewing machine that felts stuff) it was a bit of an investment and with that I have now waved goodbye to getting my digi SLR for quite a while, but I think I will have more fun with this machine for now.

Next time I post I will try to include some of the whirlwind we call Chester. I have some nice photos of him to share if I can find Amanda's cable for her camera (the only camera to hand at the time)

watch this space

2008-03-18T14:24:00.001+09:00

Yes I know it has been so long. I have stuff to share so will go take some photos and will be back within the next few days to update. I know that this is a bit lame Kathy, but I have updated ROFLOL.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T10:17:00.000+09:00

He thought he may have got away with pretending to be a reindeer...it was an almost!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day - ours has been great so far, the prawns are shelled as are the lobster, the salad is made, the crabs are cooling down and the mussels are waiting to be cooked. I just need to go for a swim first - what else is there to do when the temperature reaches 38?

Oh my Gosh

2007-12-19T15:18:00.000+09:00

I am not usually someone who wins at things, raffles (even with small odds), Lotto - which we have played for 17 years and every six months we might be lucky to win $20 so it was a complete surprise to get an email from XYZnetworks (Lifestyle channel - Foxtel) to say I had won one of their limited edition leather bound Chefs Christmas Recipe Journals. I am over the moon and am looking forward to its arrival, then to top it all of this week Lissy emailed to say that I had also won one of her home made christmas stockings simply by guessing the day and time (missing the actual time by 51 minutes) of her baby's arrival. I have pinched the picture from Lissy's blog (I hope you don't mind). So welcome to this world Morganne, you have a very clever and generous mummy, I am looking forward to seeing this little ones pictures - there is something special about newborns, my favourite age for children!

Pay It Forward

2007-12-14T13:55:00.000+09:00

This is the beautiful canvas I received from a gorgeous and generous friend, thanks Nat. This is one of two she has posted on her blog recently and the photo and scan really don't do it any justice at all. It even has a lovely smell to it that the kids seem to like too.

So to fulfill my committment to the Pay It Forward I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF (Pay it forward) exchange.I'm not sure what that gift will be, so if you have any preferences, let me know.The only thing you have to do in return is to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.So basically, if you’re one of the first 3 comments, I’ll send you something crafty that I’ll make!Once you sign up, copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog, and three other lucky people will be recipients of your handmade work.

Pay it Forward!

Kids will always surprise us

2007-12-14T13:30:00.000+09:00

Amanda has never ever shown an interest in art, she has been made to take it for a whole two terms this year and has consistently complained about it, she mentioned a canvas she was proud of but not much more till about a week before a school art show. This is her main entry into the show, I am rather proud of her she has shown a level of understanding shade and light that quite frankly surprises me. If you had heard the arguments we had on her course choices for 2008 and how hard she argued against doing any art subjects it is laughable (she lost I won and she is doing clothing and textile). She is more sports orientated but needs this kind of stuff to ground her I think. At least her end of year report has come back with a favorable result, she will never be a great academic but at least she does her best most of the time. That is all we can really ask of our kids - and especially so during the very trying and confusing transition to adulthood that we are all going through just now, whether we want to or not!! Someone want to adopt a 13 year old for about 2 years? LOL..

Gosh has it been that long!

2007-12-06T13:42:00.000+09:00

I can't believe it has been so long - I blog hop most days to a select few (some days I go through my whole list) each day I fully intend to update, by which time Martha Stewart is on TV - Foxtels How to channel have this showing in Australia. I don't know what it is about that show - I enjoy the crafts she stumbles through, the way she copes is pretty good but you can tell she has probably not seen the item before the days meeting for the order of the show. I can't be bothered with some parts of the show and will disappear into other parts of the house to do a quick tidy or dump of stuff the kids have left lying about or will go and do a tidy up in the kitchen listening but not watching - I hang out for the craft section though. You know the feeling of watching a car crash in slow motion....I think that may be the type of attraction I have to her LOL.

What with kids and other distractions this has sat in the edit list...I have some stuff to share - check the above LOL

2007-10-24T11:39:00.000+08:00

Your Brain's Pattern

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy.

You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts.

People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused.

But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Plenty of Fibre

2007-10-19T14:18:00.000+08:00

Go check out the How Dare You blog, the theme this week is Fibre, lots of lovely inspiration there. This piece is a bit of a collage of images taken of my part of my entry. This originally started out as a cover to be glued to an Art Sketch book but it didn't ever make it there - instead it got itself framed. I loved doing this and especially loved the beading and embellishing with the fibres. All fibres bought from The Thread Studio, the beads have been with me for a long time and are some of my favourite. There is silk crunchies, dyed merino and sari silk fibres in there. All in all a bit of a mishmash of texture and colour.

This is all done using needle felting, I have small hand held tool that I use but I am currently coveting the machines that do this so quickly - I have been shopping around and am still undecided on which machine but seem to be more inclined to get the Husky Star just now. I am pretty sure it would be quieter than my little hand tool. As an added incentive to go to the How Dare You blog you will also see an Art Journal cover and a needle case which I made, along with some other rather nifty stuff by some talented girls. The needle case was given as a gift to one of Amanda's teachers who left recently, just as well that I had it because I was only asked for something on the morning of the day the teacher was leaving...my kids organised - not a chance! I also made an Art Journal cover for my mothers birthday (which I forgot to photograph but she has promised to that for me), that was done on a white background so looks quite a bit different. On those I used some teeny tiny sequins bought from here I just love the selection that they have and will no doubt be back shopping there before long. I will post pics of my other work - currently I am making another needle case for myself - again - and this is on turquoise felt, just got to finish up beading it.

Where did my baby go?

2007-10-16T14:26:00.000+08:00

Photos taken yesterday of my Chester boy. What a sloppy sitter he is, he is very rarely down and always seems to be smiling. He is so strong and quite a handful - I really must get him booked in to some proper training. He is still the Labrador Evader, but is with the persuasion of lots of treats becoming a bit of a retriever. No sitting on my lap snuggling me under my chin...oh no all he needs to do now is flop on me standing on his back legs and he gets just the right amount of cuddles.

Layout Share part 2

2007-09-27T18:33:00.000+08:00

Well I finally got round to getting these on. I have taken one child to the school disco and back and am waiting to take the other one so have jumped on the computer while I can. This layout I started years ago (nope no exaggeration there either) I decided to just finish it - I can't remember what I was originally planning but this is what transpired. Jennie McA offered the use of her Fancy Pants stamps (they are just beautiful but a bit expensive for me) Luckily I still had some MM deco brads in my bottomless pit of a bag so could finish it of in an appropriate way. The photo was taken on a property in Banjup (West Australia) and the photographers are fantastic, the whole 5 acres is set up as one giant photo opportunity. The dog in it is my old boy Jason, he would have been roughly 10 years old there and loved the time we spent as he mostly got to have a snuffle about the undergrowth. That was also before he got hard of hearing and his eyesight was still A1, though that doesn't mean he wasn't selectively deaf of course.

This picture was taken at the soccer carnival last year (2006) only Nicky got her face painted this year but that was washed off with 15 minutes by a huge rain storm that went through, I didn't manage to take any photos of anything this year sadly. I think this face painting has to be one of the more innovative interpretations of spiderman, I just love the redback spiders in this picture very folk artsy. What about that cool paper though, I am most impressed with the range, it is a fairly new company as far as I know and has some really cool papers for boys and girls. I will edit this later to let you know who by. I used more of those Thickers letters, just love the flock feel to them.

Thats it for my updating for now...see I never do anything and next thing you know there is heaps and heaps of blethering.

Layout Share

2007-09-27T14:33:00.000+08:00

Here is the first of the layout share, this picture is the same as I have posted before, the paper came from either a kit by Tarisota or from Lime Tart they both do some beautifully coordinated kits, I didn't ever think I could use this kit but it appears here and on the Diva layout. The letters are Lil Davis. Very simple but I am rather pleased with the way it looks - it is straighter IRL it is just the way I photographed it. I really need to update Chester's photos, he is such a big woofer now still with big clomping feet! I think even at six months he still has a bit to grow.

Sorry that there is a bit of refection from the window in this one, I did try to get rid of it and moved about all over the room but it was too dark elsewhere and the flash was going off. I have been waiting to do this picture for a while (this is one of the ones I finished off on Saturday) I know flowers aren't really a boy thing but it seemed to cry out for them. I loved the Scrap FX title and thanks to Kathy B I got the colour to match in by borrowing from her mobile "scrapping library" LOL. I am sure this is from another of the Lime Tart kits - and yes I am trying to use them as much as I can as they are no good to me sitting in their little boxes now are they?

Diva - well what can I say really, I think the pictures speak for themselves ROFLOL. These are the products of a "bored" thirteen year old and a new camera. They were taken shortly after her birthday in May and I downloaded them to my computer, she didn't know but I think she sees the funny side now - or did until I posted them here!!! I believe these are called MySpace photos, or so I have been told. The title was another Scrap FX and the paint again from Kathy - I don't know how she can be so organised for these crops. It has crystal kindy glitz over it to give the bit of bling required, this I think was from a Tarisota kit, but it could have been from a Lime Tart, I have too many sitting in my craft room to remember what is from whom these days. This is one of the reasons I am making the concerted effort to use them.

Fungi, yes those were the colours of these strange little mushies that grew in two of my indoor pot plants, I didn't dare touch them though, they grew from brown lumps in the potting mix to those huge umbrellas in about a week, it was facinating watching them change on a daily basis, though no one was allowed near. If you know what they are I would love to know. Very simple layout, two sheets of bazzil, some bling and some thickers letters - how cool are they? journalling is round the outside of the layout - which seems to be my favourite place to hide it these days.

Edited: I have found out a bit about that Fungi too...it took quite a bit of trawling through Google hits till I typed in yellow mushroom, it is a common houseplant fungus and it isn't harmful, though they don't recommend eating it, its official name is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as Lepiota lutea. If you want to know more about it or just to read up on interesting fungi then I would recommend that you visit this persons site. Most of the hits I was getting for yellow fungi was for some weird tropical infections in bearded dragons or human nail fungus - yeuch!!

Art Dolly Love

2007-09-27T14:07:00.000+08:00

Was having a wee trawl through my files and I came across my art dolly's, not sure if I have shared them before so I thought I would post this one. It is promised to Dawnie (yes I haven't forgotten, I just keep misplacing it every time I am likely to see you). I haven't made any more of these for ages, but may get back to making some as they are quite theraputic. I have some layouts which I will try to photograph with my dodgy camera and will share them - I got 3 finished off and 3 made from scratch at a crop I was at on Saturday - not something that is common for me, I am usually lucky to walk away with 2 done (even at a 12 hour crop).

2007-08-31T11:47:00.000+08:00

Your Theme Song is Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf

"I like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder
Racin' with the wind
And the feelin' that I'm under"

A total independent spirit, you can't be held down or fenced in.
You crave the feeling of wind on your face... and totally freedom.

What's Your Theme Song?

Okay I am addicted to these things, ...Mandy who I have known for years has done these and is getting the same anwers, I think this just highlights the reason that we are friends and "get" where we each come from and not just through our art.

Come join me in a chorus...Born to be Wiiii,i,i,i,ild.......

sharing some art at last

2007-08-29T13:31:00.001+08:00

This is something I made for Nicky's bedroom, the turquoise is actually the colour of all the other walls in the room. I do like the combo she chose. I added the bright pink buttons just to balance things out a bit and add a bit more interest. Unfortunately the system I used to stick it to the wall has failed so I will have to get some picture wire etc now. Those scotch sticky velcro things are useless, despite what they show on TV. The canvas is actually quite big and is all fabric and buttons. The canvas was from where else but The Art Shed. What I should also add was even the background was fabric, a shot silk from Textile traders as were the beads and oriental fabric.

Consider the lillies.....

2007-08-29T13:20:00.000+08:00

I promised to share a photo of my flowers from Amanda, I am so slack at downloading them from the camera, and resizing too. It is done now. Considering my birthday was the 16th and we are now at the 29th I still have 2 of the flowers freshly blooming, though they are the last. The others flowers I received lasted only a week, these have just kept giving and giving of themselves. I did walk about with yellow stained hands for a day or so after touching the stamen.

What number are You?

2007-08-29T13:14:00.000+08:00

You Are 4: The Individualist

You are sensitive and intuitive, with others and yourself.
You are creative and dreamy... plus dramatic and unpredictable.

You're emotionally honest, real, and easily hurt.
Totally expressive, others always know exactly how you feel.

At Your Best: You are inspired, artistic, and introspective. You know what you're thinking, and you can communicate it well.

At Your Worst: You are melancholy, alienated, and withdrawn.

Your Fixation: Envy

Your Primary Fear: To have no identity

Your Primary Desire: To find yourself

Other Number 4's: Alanis Morisette, Johnny Depp, J.D. Salinger, Jim Morrison, and Anne Rice.

What Number Are You?

Sometimes these things can be surprisingly accurate, at other times way off mark - like to guess what this one is for me! I am in amazing company with this result. All these people (well except Alanis) I find to be quite significant in my life and who have affected me in one way or another somewhere in the last 30 years.

All Teeth and Flowers

2007-08-20T13:41:00.001+08:00

the title kind of sums up my Thursday last week. I had to take Amanda to the orthodentist for her last of 4 in a row (each week) appointments for her new braces. We have been going down the orthodentic path for a while and she now has the fixed ones in (and hopefully the last set she will need) for anyone who has had these they will know just how long everything takes - we are committed to this for approx 3 years - probably more, by the time you take into account the retainers that have to be worn for a couple of years. We did the quick dash to HBF to get a claim cheque so the bill was reduced, but it is still a hefty amount. She was given the choice to have them now or do them later, she chose now as she could see that it will save HER money ROFLOL...no flies on that girl! I must try to get a picture of her teeth, even though she doesn't need them she is wearing elastics on her front teeth - kind of like a decoration. They are pink and turquoise and look like little jewels. After her appointment we went to the shopping centre (Garden City) and had a coffee - well I had a coffee, she had a banana Smoo....it was a hot banana smoothie, and completely yum, from Aroma Cafe if anyone is interested.

I wouldn't normally do this on a school day but as it was my birthday I decided to treat us both. Amanda "borrowed" some money and bought me a bunch of lillies. I in turn signed myself up for a mobile phone for her, she now has a rather nice lilac flip phone which she better take care of. She has 50 free text messages a month as part of the deal so that should work out well. When I got home I had another bunch of flowers delivered to the door this time - a beautiful bunch of rununculas wrapped in some sort of HUGE leaf, if anyone can tell what this is please let me know, it smells kind of like it might be a tobacco plant of some sort (it is dried out). These were from my mother, I didn't realise till now I haven't taken any pictures of the lillies so will do that and post them shortly. (Note I still haven't downloaded these yet so will do it in my next post).

I have been playing with beading the last few nights so will scan or photograph these for tomorrow. I have to shower and get ready, we are going to see Cirque du Soleil's Varekai this afternoon so I have to go pick the kids up about lunch time I am looking forward to this as we got the tickets in November last year. We went to see them perform Quidam last time they were here and I was totally blown away by it all...I have never been to a "proper" circus - maybe I should make that my next thing to aim for.

Chester Baby (sung to the tune of Santa Baby)

2007-08-13T14:54:00.000+08:00

This is Chester, he will watch T.V. with the kids and is especially keen when there are dogs appearing on screen. I have now decided to ban him from T.V. as I think he is watching too much. This must have been a while ago as there is still the bucket and mop outside the bathroom door for the early morning clean ups - I was still being cautious for a couple of weeks after he was house trained at night. I had gone outside to hang some washing out and came in to find the kids laughing.

The dog had managed to get up the hallway and into the toilet where he proceeded to grab the end of the toilet roll and happily take it through to the family room. He has a bit of a fetish for ripping paper - which can prove extremely messy as you can see from the photos. He was so proud of himself, but had let go the end of the roll by the time I had my camera. He does look guilty though doesn't he? The next photo is of a very relaxed boy, this was taken two weeks ago, but he has grown heaps more since then. I really need to take more photos but he gets very much "in your face" if the camera comes out, he wants to be behind the lens not the subject

We are now on to his third collar as he is growing out of them as fast as you can blink. I had forgotten how fast they grow. He is a much more pleasant dog to be around now since he has stopped nipping and biting anything that goes near him. I know it was just in fun and it was all play but boy those sharp little teeth can do some damage. I think that all three kids now have holes in at least one of their school uniforms. I am still not game enough to let him off the lead when we are out and about - but his proper training has started seriously now. This has been a shock to him and he is very reluctant to walk nicely on the lead. One things for sure we need a dog who knows how to behave well as he is a strong boy already and has pulled Callum off his feet at least once.

Where did the time go

2007-08-13T11:07:00.000+08:00

Over a month!! yikes, I didn't plan to blog too often, but at least once a week. I have stuff to share. I do create something most days, or at least try to work on things most days, but have a bad habit of not taking pictures or scans - then the objects get given as gifts and I have no lasting image. I am trying to get into the habit of taking photos of things and have two to share with you. The first image is a bracelet I have made for a girl who I was a secret Santa to. She is on one of the yahoo groups I am in. I enjoyed making this as it was very relaxing, I love the colours of this and it just came together quickly. For most of the beads I wired them with an aged copper wire that I found in the shed (originally meant for garden purposes). The chain came from Target as did the charms. I also made my own jumprings. Now I know how to make them it means I have exactly the colour and size I want. I don't think she has received this yet and do hope she loves it as it is in the colour range she loves.

I have my own bracelet which is similar, though I made the chain for that myself, I will have to take a picture and post here as it is the one which I have shown the workings of in a previous post.

Last week I attended two wonderful workshops by the marvelous Beryl Taylor I have loved her work she has done in Cloth Paper Scissors and also her book Mixed Media Exploration she has had published (I knew I had to have the book when I saw the cover - didn't care what was inside it LOL). This book is all the more special to me as she has signed it and I have also handled some of the beautiful art work that is in this book - I have looked through the books and felt the texture of these items. The first workshop was making fabric paper. I have as yet to finish this piece as I want to embellish it so will post once finished.

The other class was The Heart of the Book. The colour washes I put on the cover were a bit of trial and error as I had a scheme in mind and it took a while to get there. I don't think the photo shows the book colours as they are IRL but are close enough. I also added some glitz spritz so it has a coppery sparkle, which doesn't show up. The ridges on the paste (it is supposed to be a crackle paste but the crackles didn't work for me for some reason) have krylon gold pen added.

This is one of the few workshops that I have attended that I actually finished a whole piece in the time allotted. It was also a very relaxed class with only about seven of us attending. This is a real shame as Beryl has so much to share and to come all the way from the USA for such small classes must be strange. These workshops were not well advertised and two of the ladies who attended this one only found out about the class on the day of the craft fair. Perth businesses seem to lack the necessary media skills to get the news out there. These workshops were being handled by Tru Blue Exhibitions and were so totally disorganised, even the Craft fair wasn't well advertised. How can they expect to get good business working in that manner.

The little heart was fun to make in this project and I am sure I will do many more of these, I love the beading and sequins, the sequins are tiny - really tiny and can be bought from here I just love this shop and Dale is a blast. Her service to her customers is second to none. I have called my piece A Novel Fantasy, which leads me to my next thing to blog about.

I have been asked to be on one of the teams at How Dare You, there are themes with a wonderful donated prize. The latest theme is Fantasy, and the prize has been donated by Cocoa Daisy go check it out, you won't be disappointed. The above book was going to be my entry but I didn't get it in on time, it may still appear there though.

Okay that is about it for me today...housework is calling, I have had to shut Chester outside as I just can't vacuum up with him attached to the head of the machine growling and barking as I push it and him about the house....it is funny for a while but I get a bit "over" it after a while. Oh and I need to update a photo of him for you all, I will see what I can find and do it after I have done the bathrooms.

2007-07-08T17:14:00.000+08:00

I am 69% Addicted to Coffee

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

I love my coffee - thought my rating would be higher though. Nothing beats a double shot long black - no sugar just the coffee, drunk straight you get to tell the good from the bad or the downright awful, no milk or sugar to hide the taste. I won't drink instant (though I do have it in the house for visitors just in case) I would much rather have a cup of tea that instant coffee....

I have a tag to do later from Natty B...will try to get to it soon. I also have some art to share - not much but enough but need to photograph it too...if I am really organised I will share a puppy update too.

2007-06-26T14:47:00.000+08:00

Okay it has been ages since I have updated...I have been spending a lot of my time chasing a puppy dog tail....and cleaning and mopping LOL. He is getting much better and we only have the occasional accident (usually when someone else is in charge of the watch patrol). Night times are getting better, though he hates being shut in the bathroom...labrador evader is the name that comes to mind when I talk about putting him to bed, never mind labrador retriever!!

I went to Alli P's Autism Crop Day on Saturday. I was initially just going on my own then found out Sharon A was going too so we went together and had a great day - I haven't spent much time with Sharon so this was a good chance to get to know her and swap stories etc, we both got a bit of scrapping done. Once I have titled them I will share - though Amanda may not be too keen on that ROFLOL...I will tell the tale when I do share.

Tomorrow is our 20th wedding anniversary - not sure if we are going to do anything about it as we have never really celebrated it before though this is a fairly big one! Seems a lifetime ago - well for some it is really isn't it. I should really go make a card at the very least. Got the kids to collect now so will update probably tomorrow now.

How cool is this

2007-06-26T14:36:00.000+08:00

I do these puzzles on a daily basis and have done so for years, I never realised you could create your own...anyone else a puzzle addict?

Those big baby blues?

2007-06-11T22:14:00.000+08:00

I have managed to jump on here for a bit - David is keeping an eye on the widdle machine. Here is a picture of Chester on a sheepskin mat that I usually take to crops etc to sit on...guess I won't be doing that again.

I do have heaps of photos and once I get some computer time will post more. This was taken yesterday. I did attempt to remove the blue eye (as opposed to the human red eye) but there are no shortcuts in any of the programs that I have that will do the blue so it is the long way round for me and I wanted to get this on the blog tonight.

He seems to be getting better at night - at least we are all sleeping for a couple of hours at a stretch. He would have gone all night I think last night if the neighbourhood cats hadn't decided to have a spat somewhere close at 3am...he settled after about 10 minutes so that was good.

The bathroom has been the site of some shocking devastation lately. This morning was good as there was only a small amount of poop and a fraction of that ended up on the wall and door....believe me I have been shocked at what I have found each morning...at the weekend every possible surface had poop smeared on it - brings to mind the "dirty" protests that were held in Scottish prisons years ago (and probably others too but I only remember the Scottish ones) I have one set of picture of a not so bad morning..but won't show it here. I only ever open the bathroom door with a damp cloth in hand to wipe down his feet before taking him outside.

Thank you everyone for your comments...it has been 17 years since we last had a puppy and you forget so much. He has his clock which is situated in the bath to magnify the ticking. I dare not do the waterbottle trick, or use a wheat pack as he will chew and drag almost anything about the place. He has the radio tuned to one of the local radio stations (like they had at the breeders) and he has a nicely washed blanket every night...goodness what more could a little boy want LOL. I am still not getting much done during the day...piddle spotting is the order of the day, we have had a few slip ups in the house but I usually catch him before he does, or in the middle of the act. It is when others are supposed to look after him that I have problems.

Okay gotta go check the blanket is dry and get things ready for tomorrow....... by that I mean soak the dog biscuits he gets, make sure the meat is cut up and most important of all that the mop and bucket are ready and waiting outside the bathroom door for the morning ritual of scrubbing the bathroom floor and anywhere else in there that may like done - yes this kills as I hate housework with a passion and will give the house a good once over no more than two times a week on a good week....my bathroom hasn't had so much in the way of cleaning fluids chucked at it ever....wonder what happened to my resolve for an outside dog!!!

Shhhh Puppy Sleeping

2007-06-06T20:01:00.000+08:00

Welcome the newest addition to the Watt household, 8 weeks old and wanting ready for anything. Today is his first day away from his fur family so he has been a bit unsettled, I haven't had much chance to do anything but look after him, cuddle him and play with him, though looking at these photos you wouldn't think so. Think the kids got him all tuckered out when we picked them up from school. He is the most handsome little fellow and should be easy enough to train - heres hoping the toilet training doesn't take too long to get down pat!!

He is from extemely good stock and is from the same linage as my much loved and grieved for boy Jason, so with this one we have a pretty good idea of temperment, build etc. We thought we were going to have to wait for months for a dog that was suitable but for some reason the person who had this one on hold changed their minds - more fool them I say. I will attempt some awake shots tomorrow, today my camera battery was in the craft room with my camera in my bedroom and I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without the little man howling in "agony" at losing me through doors LOL. I didn't want him wandering too much in the house due to accidents and the dangers that lurk in my craft room for little inquisitive puppies who will taste and nibble at anything.

We think we may call him Chester but will give it a few days to make up our minds for certain - I like to see where his personality lies and if he fits this name or another. He does have a grown up official name which I can't remember off hand so will put in later, I don't want to disturb the peace while I can get a few minutes typing. It's going to break my heart to leave him for an hour or so tomorrow but I have to get stuff done. One thing that isn't causing problems is his typical labrador appetite...I couldn't believe how fast his food was put away tonight...even for a lab!!! and he was the smallest in weight of his litter....I have a feeling that won't last LOL. At the moment is nice to have another animal in the house after such a long time...thought I may not be saying that tomorrow morning as I can see a very restless night (and noisey one at that) ahead.

two in a row - unheard of!!

2007-05-29T08:47:00.000+08:00

Okay I feel guilty as I realised it was a month between posting...

It is a cold morning - or fresh is more like it....cold isn't something that can really be applied to Australia, or these parts anyway, though at times we have got to the minus numbers. I love this time of year...you can accomplish much more as it isn't too hot and sticky and we still have the nice clear days (thought today is overcast it is bright). I thought in honour of the up and coming winter I would share an image I just love.

I didn't really realise till fairly recently how much I miss Scotland, I won't ever consider moving back there as Australia is my home in more ways that Scotland ever was but visually it is poles apart, I miss Autumn with the leaves turning multi coloured (yes I know it happens here but not on such a scale), the naked branches of trees in winter on a cold crisp day with clear blue skies. The like of which you hardly ever get in summer. The purity of the new snow on the ground and over these naked branches (though just the thought of having to catch a bus in the cold dark slippery mornings and the return home through the slush on work days still in the dark just makes me want to cringe). This beautiful picture was taken by Rachel Greig, check out her shop, she designs a lot of stamps and papers for Stamp It. I have bought a couple of her limited edition numbered prints recently (she has some going for a wonderful price). The Snow Lake image was on a card that I was sent as a thank you. It is a mini photo, which I have plans to mount and frame in my craft room. I just need the right frame. All the marks on the photo are from my dirty scanner bed...that'll teach me for scanning beeswax images!!

Okay housework procrastination is over...I have a weeks worth of housework to do - Callum has trailed sand into the house the last few days as David is paving an area at the side of the house so we can store our trailer and have both cars undercover. Callum has jumped on the chance to play with sand (and bring it into the house despite my efforts to stop him). We found him sitting in the sand in the wheelbarrow pretending it was a race car - nope no photos unfortunately - I walk barefoot in the house so it feels awful underfoot and I cringe when walking on it as I can "see" the damage it does to my polished boards!!

2007-05-17T12:49:00.000+08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I am feeling much better now though my ankle is still swelling up alarmingly - called to get another appointment with my doctor and have had to wait 3 weeks to see her. Thank you to everyone who emailed or left comments it was much appreciated.

On to better news I got my charm swap back, the effort that has gone into this is wonderful and I have some beautiful charms now to use in either a necklace or bangle I have still to decide. Thank you Julie for coordinating this swap. I will post a picture later as I discovered I have got no battery charge in my camera (update I will add to a bracelet I am planning on making so will wait till that is finished). My craft room is looking a bit better too - not so cluttered but still extremely messy but I will probably take some photos of that too and post them. David helped me to tidy up, I think it had all gotten too overwhelming for me and I went into a kind of denial about it LOL. I still need to sort my storage out more but that can be refined as I go along.

I had a really fun day two weeks ago, I got to go to my LSS and spend my $100 free product from their loyalty program. Unfortunately the L'il Davis stamps I wanted weren't in yet or the Autumn leaves ones but I got a heap of cool stuff to play with all the same. This has all been packed away already, if I keep on top of it the room will work well - well theres the theory anyway.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers day too...I had a nice quiet one, well after having 8 13 year olds in the house from 2:30pm till 10:30pm the day before and having one sleep over anything would have been quiet ROFLOL. That is one bonus in being half way round the world to family - there is no running about on days like that, but there are some very distinct disadvantages too, after 17 years here we are used to that now though. I got some beautiful bits and pieces from the kids. Callum made me a teapot card and a 3D paper cup and saucer (another thing to be photographed) along with some stuff from the stall at school Amanda bought me a bunch of flowers and Nicky got me some stuff from the stall too. As my big pressie I was the very happy recipient of an iPod Nano 4Gb. I have uploaded a couple of albums already but still have heaps of music to go on it. It is a beautiful green colour. This will also take care of the music in my room problem as I will try to get a speaker set for my birthday LOL. I think anyone else listening to my selection might think I am a bit mixed up, I am a bit eclectic in my music taste. I have registered for iTunes but that could prove to be either expensive or dangerous if I don't show some restraint LOL.

I have resistered with HP for some classes. I have done the first two modules on making digital pages (scrapping) as I have always been confused with this - I can't believe how easy it is so far and have pulled one page together for the class, though I won't share yet as it is very very basic and I did it in a hurry. I will post when I have something more acceptable. These classes are well worth checking out though and are free to join. Check out the link, there are some good ones in there. Two weeks later and I still haven't done any more of the classes. I have fumbled my way through using brushes and had a bit of a fiddle with that...just got to work out how to change the size of things and keep them in perspective...I can't seem to lock the height and width (any suggestions most welcome I am using PSE 4).

I haven't been creating much with paper at all, when I was at Bunnings on Saturday I found some fantastic copper (bright) wire - 20 gauge - in the area where they have the picture hooks and hangers. I am planning on getting some Liver of Sulphar so I can age this wire. While watching TV - gotta watch Greys Anatomy and tonight it is Desperate Housewives - I have been playing around and have nearly got a piece of jewellary made. I have been working on the beads for this. You will see the start of the chain in the picture between the handle of the red round nosed pliers.

David found me the most wonderfully aged copper wiring (the same gauge as in the picture) in the shed yesterday. I have wired up a couple of beads so far with it but won't use it on the shiny one as it is too much of a change. I will just have to create another aged one, or make a necklace. I just need to keep a bit more occupied at night until I get round to just going into my craft room to work.

I am sure I have lots more to catch up with (I have had this sitting in my drafts folder for ages...) check the date out at the top because it is really the 28th May now. My foot is much better, saw the Dr and she is happy enough with it but now have eye drops for what can only be described as "devil eye". I think I may be allergic to the chemicals in the spa and have permanent red irritated eyes just now, not conjunctivitis as I don't have any other symptom...just sore red eyes that look shocking especially in the mornings...give myself quite a fright if I look in the mirror LOL.

Big bruises and sore butt cheek

2007-04-28T20:06:00.000+08:00

Its been a while since my last post I know, kids went back to school on Monday last week, so after drop off I went to visit a friend I hadn't seen for a while. She isn't feeling too good just now so I am sending her big hugs. She noticed something about my ankle (I have had swollen ankles since my sister was here in Feb) I didn't think too much of it till I got home and it had become even more swollen and angry and hot. I have had this before - twice to be precise - so called the guard dogs on reception at the Docs surgery. I forced them into giving me an emergency appointment and by the time I got there the redness had got worse. I knew it was cellulitis but had to make sure. I wasn't wrong so that set of my whole week. It kind of went like this - intra muscular injection in my butt - ouch! not sure what was worse, my ankle or injection site - not allowed to do anything and keep my feet UP. Tues, Dr first thing, yet another injection in the same side of butt (it gave me a dead leg so at least getting it in the left side meant I could drive as both vehicles are automatics) back home and do nothing - keep my feet UP - getting bored by this stage. Wednesday was ANZAC day so did little and kept an eye on my foot - if it got worse I was to go straight to the hospital. Thursday first thing see another Dr as mine doesn't work the end of the week...another injection - suggestion was my thigh so did that...it hurt really bad this time and I got a jelly leg by the time I got home - guess what - do nothing feet UP....bored bored bored. Friday yet another Dr first thing.....and yep you guessed it another injection - oh you should see the bruise this time (I might still take a photo as it is incredible) so I had a sore butt still a sore thigh and my ankle still hurts. Saturday netball starts - I had to leave early as another Dr's appointment was called for...I didn't need an injection but I still hurt - it is clearing but not as fast as it has in the past (I have had it 2 times before - same place and these only occurred after a single redback spider bite on the sole of my foot ) This week, well, I am bored with keeping my feet up, though I hurt so will be going and doing just that after this post. As a consequence I haven't felt very creative.

As a wee treat David took me to Ikea this morning and I got a "bookcase" to go in front of the window to hold more of my stuff. It will lay on its side and I got 4 cubes to hold stuff, the other openings will hold more interesting stuff which is a bit more photogenic LOL. That should be the end for my purchases just now but David did see a set of drawers which he said would be ideal for my stamps....and it would go nicely under my sewing table. I surprisingly didn't prompt him with this, I had been eyeing them off in the catalogue so was quite pleased when he saw the potential LOL.

2007-04-13T15:07:00.000+08:00

Okay as promised my big busty ladies....these are for a charm swap I am doing. The swap was organised by Julie H and I am looking forward to seeing the results. These are a completely different thing to what I had originally planned to do, but I am happy with them - I used a De Meng style of painting then gave them a gentle rub down with my treasure gold. The photo really doesn't do them much justice as the gold looks too bright with the flash. Wire wrapping is my take on Nina's knots. I have a couple extra (2) so if anyone wishes to do a swap I am happy to oblige.

Last night I didn't actually go to bed till after 2am and couldn't get to sleep for ages, as it is the school holidays and the kids are more than happy to watch one of the kids channels on Foxtel I thought it would be fine for a sleep in. Yeah right!! the universe had some other plan obviously as the door bell went at 8:15am and it was a "man" as I was loudly informed as I struggled out of bed. It was the insulation guy come to fix up an area he had forgotten to do during the building work. I don't think he was transfixed by my beauty as he gave me a "look" LOL there was me all bed hair and pj's. After he left I thought it would be safe to sit and have my cup of tea and toast, but oh no...the door bell went again...kids did the whacky races to answer the door and it was "another man" being announced in a trio of voices, this time it was the roofing guy come to count the ridge tiles as now we have had the extension build the rest of the ridge tiles need done (we did know this before but were taking the blind approach LOL). So he went up on the roof - I think he thinks I am some kind of nutter too..never mind I did mutter to him about 2am and no sleep....I won't get a sleep in tomorrow either as the roofing boys arrive in the morning to do the work - hows that for service! and they start pretty early. I also have the grocery shopping to do as i wasn't willing to take my lot who have been totally feral today to the shops - I would have gone into meltdown - I hate shopping by myself never mind with a bunch of hoons. I should have done it yesterday when they were behaving better, when will I ever learn.

2007-04-12T22:34:00.000+08:00

I have been busy with busty naked ladies today LOL...okay I will share a photo but not till tomorrow as I need the daylight for these ladies - well when I say ladies I don't mean "LADIES" ROFLOL.

David is up in Port Hedland today/tonight but comes back tomorrow...I always feel at a loss when he is away - it is as if I am missing a limb or something. I should be tidying my seating area up after my "play" tonight....maybe later I need to surf for a bit longer and catch up with everyones blogs. I am trying to avoid online shopping though as I did a bit of that this last week, though I am now the proud owner of some GreenPepper Press stamps I am most impressed with the service from Michelle as these arrived in less than a week from the US - funny that it takes longer for Interstate mail to arrive, international is alway quicker, unless my mother sends it as that always takes longer and we are never sure why unless customs like to have a good go at it (and it wouldn't be the first time either). I can't wait to have a play with these but have some other stuff I have to do first - a couple of circle journals to finish off and move on, a Flat Annie travel journal to finish and something that had to do with those naked busty ladies LOL.

Watch the Birdy

2007-04-09T21:08:00.000+08:00

Wonders will never cease, I actually got back here and have scanned Nicky's (DD#2) little piece of art work. I was beginning to dispair of either of my girls becoming even slightly arty, I have tried encouraging them from an early age but neither have shown any interest till now. A couple of weeks ago when sorting through a large wood chest I came across some felt fabric, Nicky expressed an interest in having it so I allowed her to take it, thinking it would become dolls blankets or similar, much to my surprise she made me a phone cosy for my mobile with a little decorated heart out of a contrast felt. Her efforts were good and I am now gently guiding her to the correct type of thread to use etc - I have bought her a heap more colours and she has them stashed in her room. I did suggest that she make something for Easter and she got a bit "huffy" which is very like her when she is unsure of what is needed to do. We sat and discussed it and she eventually decided on a bird - I gave her basic instructions and gave her a rough drawing of what she needed to cut out, this I didn't expect her to do as I honestly thought she would go away for a bit and think on it then come back for a less rough pattern - instead what I got was a semi sewn bird body and lots of questions - the rest of the supplies were brought out and we discussed what was needed next - this is what we got - minus legs but with a plan for a better more streamlined approach to the construction for next time. We are planning on showing DD#1 who is 12 and DS age 6 how to do them and maybe have a bird making day (or hour in Callum's case LOL).

You can see her markings round the body - a lesson in hiding these marks will be part of the new plan, there is a certain way this has to be handled to avoid upsetting Nicky but that is okay, she also has embroidery floss which I need her to use to sew with and I think it will enhance the bird, but you know what - it doesn't matter because my little girl has now shown me that maybe she has picked up at least one of my obsessions. I was also pleasantly surprised at Amanda as she wanted a set of bunny ears for yesterday, we didn't see any in the shops and I had thrown out the ones from last year so I told her to make them - I explained what they needed to do to make the basic (pre primary) style of ears and to go for it - not only did she do these by herself she also helped her siblings to make some of their own and used the stuffing to create the fluffy bits on the ears. I even got a pair for me too.....there are no pictures of me but there are some of the kids. Don't the ears look great, I know they were proud of them and I was proud of my little bunnies for doing such a good job.

Watch this space for more arty dollies and birds - maybe even a whole zoo if the kids get into this. It will keep them busy thats for sure, and the busier they are the less mess they make to the whole house LOL.

2007-04-08T15:36:00.000+08:00

Better get blogging again. I have a few things to share but haven't taken photos of everything yet. I received a lovely ATC in the mail on Thursday, this was from Julie H the colours are wonderful and I am not so sure my scanner has done it justice. The title of this miniture art work is "wish me..." the image is on fabric with the background made by Julie at the Artistic Journey retreat recently.

I will try to update again either today or tomorrow...my friends kids are round here while she spends some time with her father who is gravely ill so I will go keep an eye on things as there is rather a lot of noise coming from the area of the bedrooms!!! YIKES

2007-03-22T12:24:00.000+09:00

Okay so here is the layout, thought I would get this done while she is at school. She is my serious child, not one to make a fool of herself or be seen to be just a little off centre (we often wonder where she came from as she can be very serious). But every so often her genetics will out and she will just do something so out of character it takes you by surprise and makes us laugh. This day she was just sitting watching television, nothing special, just taking an easy lazy day during the school holidays. She made me laugh out loud when I saw her sitting with her micro bean bag pillow on her head. Surprisingly she allowed me to take a photo - though looking at her expression I may have sneaked the photo!

I used some of the Rouge de Garance papers, these are beautiful and easy to work with...yet more cutting out of the patterns, one bonus with doing that is you do have more of the yummy paper to work with elsewhere LOL. Those stamps are fantastic and I think I need a set but I believe they are discontinued sadly. I just used folk art paint on them. Journaling is required but that comes later. I will have to try to take photos of these straight on as the layout looks wonky and despite my best efforts has maintained its "slant" it isn't like that IRL.

The weather has been nice today, not as humid or as hot as it has been lately. I do like summer but for some reason this has been a difficult one for me and my body has had difficulty regulating my temperature. Though a quick dip in the pool helps that out, last night the water was lovely, just the right temp to relax in (shame I had the chatterbox in with me) and there is nothing nicer than floating in the dark and looking up at the stars.

2007-03-21T20:16:00.000+09:00

Been meaning to get back here and post again. Thank you for all your nice comments, it has been a bit of a boost as I really wasn't sure about blogging...I do have a tendency to talk a bit and being the fairly private person I am I don't want to be too "out there".

Anyway on to other things, I was at a crop (ssshh....don't tell anyone I was scrapping LOL) at the weekend and did a couple of layouts, I will share the rest later but need to rephotograph them as I am not happy with the way they turned out - I think I need to find another method of taking photos of them than laying them on the kitchen bench. Someone suggested blu tacking them to the wall so I might try that tomorrow. I used to scan and stitch but that is hard and time consuming as I keep forgetting the best way to do it LOL.

This photo has to be one of my favourites, it started out as a bit of a blurry one so I had a play in Paintshop (I now have Photoshop) and desaturated the colour then enhanced the dummy and his eyes. I was happy with the results and this is the second time I have scrapped this photo - though in a completely different manner. I just love the Basic Grey ranges of paper, I think these were from Scarlets Letter. I seem to be addicted to cutting out patterns too....something I discussed with the other girls at my table, it is time consuming but I love the results, funny how these things come and go in trends. I need to journal on the pages I have done but will do so after I have photographed them as I don't feel right sharing my thoughts - well at the moment anyway. Even when I was on the Scrapbooks from the Heart design team I used to wait till I got my layouts back before journalling them unless it was entirely necessary for the layout.

So keep your eyes peeled in the next few days for more, I have one of DD#1 which is funny but she doesn't want me to post it on here...we'll see!!

A little more art

2007-03-16T09:28:00.000+09:00

These weren't done at the retreat, they mainly were the product of a bit of a play I was having with the gorgeous Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks and my Krafty Lady moulds. In fact the main focus of my shrines were cast from the KL moulds using Delight clay, a wonderful light paperclay which is so easy to use.

I love those torso moulds but have never got round to doing much with them, I found these picture frames going out cheap at a local supermarket and the idea just popped into my head. I removed the backing sheet that you get with these commercial frames and replaced it with a white sheet of paper. I removed the glass and cleaned it well then applied the alcohol inks to the back of the glass, these are fun to use, very versatile and highly addictive. I replaced the glass once they were dry (in no time at all really) with the inks to the inside and then glued the torsos to the front of the glass. This was probably the hardest thing to do in all of this as it took a long long time for the glue to set - in the future I think I would try my glue gun for this but I wasn't sure how the glass would react. These now sit in my formal dining area though may eventually be moved through to my craft room.

Free Hugs Campaign. Inspiring Story! (music by sick puppies)

2007-03-16T09:15:00.001+09:00

Found it and got blogger to talk to youtube. I love this clip and watch it when I need a bit of a happy boost (though it always always makes me cry)

a new day a new plan

2007-03-15T16:08:00.000+09:00

Okay after much pressure and everyone asking if I had a blog (turns out I have 3 on blogger alone!!) I have decided to get this up and running - not sure how often I will post but as often as I can or to remember to anyway. I have some pictures of my art to share so what better way to get started.

The two shrines were done under the gentle guiding hand of Michael deMeng, what a wonderful wonderful man he is. I am sure I had all sorts of preconceived ideas about what he would be like (oh and I knew he wasn't gay as I knew he was dating one of our Aussie girls Judy ) but I didn't expect such an inspiration, I love the work I have done with him and will do more at home, I think even my DH was impressed as he even went out and got me a dremel when I said I had to get one for my birthday or something. I could go on all day how utterly fantastically inspirational I found this workshop, but ....well okay maybe in another post LOL.

I also completed a class with Nina Bagley the copper booklace, which I have yet to finish and with Lesley Riley, again I have yet to finish these projects but I will get there eventually as I am feeling inspired to create, my muse has woken from the very deep slumber she has been in for the last couple of months. Okay better try uploading some photos to this now!!! So will sign off, I also have groceries to put away still LOL.

2006-11-28T16:15:00.001+08:00

oh bugga...my video has gone...will go find it and repost!

2006-11-20T09:52:00.001+08:00

Your Power Color is Green

You feel most at home in a world of ideas.You're curious and logical - and enjoy a good intellectual challenge.You're super cool, calm, and collected. Very little tries your patience.Your only fear? People not realizing how smart and able you are!

What's" Your Power Color?

I may as well start this thing up, so here I am!!