Work in progress (part2)

Well actually it's another work in the same series. Like the rabbit work (see below) I decided I would try another one in the same feel. Collage based. After this I did actually encaustic both of them and add oil paint. So when they are dry I'll show you the final image. It was nice walking into a studio of oils in the air again. It has been so long. (I usually work in acrylics and at the mac as they suit my craft ADHD tendencies).
So I guess this maybe it for a few days. It is pretty hard to work full time, have a family (twins, 2 cats, husband and Japanese student) read everyone elses' blogs and post.
Oh and actually do or experience the stuff to blog. And lets not mention the idea of disappearing into the cyber vortex and whether that is a good thing. Afterall I'm only missing ALIAS. Vaughan sooo can't be dead.

Next month

So yes, at the markets I picked up a children's book from the 60's. Still in my full moon indecisive mode I couldn't be sure of necessity of purchase. "it's a dollar" the voice inside my head whispered. OK. It came home and it is wonderful. I had another project on the go today but couldn't resist doing this (using an image from the book which I scanned in, printed out then cut up and added my own background). For next weeks' calendar page. It would be nice to be able to sell a calendar one day - but the production is a bit daunting....

Look what I found

Saturday early, ventured out to Kirribilli markets. What is it with parking 'round there. So difficult. Anyway saw the 'maimo' stall which was gorgeous, but so chilly there in the shade of the bridge. I was intending to take some pics - but I suppose sometimes you just have to 'be' instead of always thinking about what you are going to do with it next.

Anyway I found this cute scarf for $10 (altho I guess that is bad - as it's not locally handmade. But the man selling them was amusing). I also picked up an old book .. see next post.

What is it about markets? I came home compelled to 'whip up' pancakes. Scratching around for a recipe I used Jamie Olivers' American style pancakes. I had to triple it along the way for Mr, Miss and Master Redhead - but they were fantastic, so light. I was amazed. Never will I shake and pour again.

Doodle of the week: Head spin

I don't know about you but I can just feel when there's a full moon. My thoughts don't quite function like usual. Any little thing seems to take on a little dance back and forth 'do I want to: go/eat/buy/do/yell?' I don't know.
IDEA: That's what I need - the answer dice! Each face can have an answer - yes, no, definitely not, do it tomorrow etc...
Should I make one in the morning ....
I dunno?

Work in progress

I know. (Another project?) But I already told you I'm a wee bit sad, and we had people over last weekend and I hardly got to do anything. Plus it's almost a full moon. So there's this. I did the sketch while Miss Redhead was having her clarinet lesson. I was sitting outside across from the oval where people were madly 'sporting' around. Now there's a gene I'm definitely missing. (In the do not have sense - not the longing one). Mr R says he like the collage - not the drawing.
My next step was going to be painting back into it to integrate and 'knockback' the collage a bit. To give it a more painterly surface. Any thoughts from the outside?

ps. I think I'm done for now - back to work in the morning. I must tell you about this book "Trust the process" an artist's guide to letting go. By Shaun Mcniff. I think it might be working...

The Laminator: part 2

In love with the idea of laminating tiny items I created these:Then I discovered that the superglue had stuck the brooch back shut. Der. Hence the facial.
Anyone know how to remove metal from plastic ? or do they go into the learning curve box?
Although we managed one out of 3. It may progress over to the Etsy shop - in between me perfecting my superglue skills.

Sew far so good ...part 2

Young Miss Readhead (daughter, age 9) was keen to see what projects lay in the plastic bags scattered all over the floor. We settled on her making a patchwork pencil case. (Because then if her sewing 'sucked' it didn't really matter, did it?). We were quite pleased with that (I did the zip part - but could do with some tips).

However - today we got out the laminater (woo hoo!) and made the piece der resistance (yeah - the extra special detail) zip pull. Which was Miss R's own computer illo, she provided the chain - I added the bead. Viola!
We think they may appear on Etsy soon.

Sew far so good...

I obviously am suffering from craft ADHD, (or am just a wee bit sad) I had an early night Friday night so I could be at Spotlight as the roller door lifted. After 30 mins and 3 trips to the counter the women who worked there were calling out 'there goes 1/2 metre lady'. Mind you, then I had to 'do' the other side: craft, beading and jewellery supplies. THEN downstairs: upholstery and furnishings. SO I came back with many projects to tackle.

First I had to make cushions (although have only completed one - plural is such a drag - going through that pain all over again). Here is how it turned out. After the Spotlight trip I remembered that I had a bit of Florence Broadhurst fabric (check out signature prints at http://www.signatureprints.com.au/frameset_art.html if you haven't heard of this AMAZING talent Aussie from the 1930's) off cut that I had stashed away from a sale years ago. I think I was waiting until I had the skills to do it justice - but then last night found myself 'hacking' into it a bit. I may need to nip and tuck later.
Oh - the bench seat is a door that Mr Redhead made out of a 2nd hand door - sanded back. Not bad for his first furniture effort....

'Pay it Forward' - who wants to play?

So there I am talking to myself - then I start to get comments. Excellent me thinks. So I go and do some feedback and visit their sites. I come across 'Pay it Forward'. .. and get sucked in. (well, loving the idea of the creative community of course). Basically it means I have agreed to make a handmade gift for the first 3 people who sign up below. (YaY! there goes the dilemma of what to do next..!)

Which means, I now get to promise this on my blog:
I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

SO, if you'd like to receive something from me and promise to Pay It Forward, (listing the promise on your blog and making 3 things) jump into my comments and sign up!

Did you know?

On the previous mentioned 'trip to Canberra' I decided it might be nice to check out their zoo. (Exactly - Canberra does have a zoo). It has fantastic big open spaces an amazing collection of zebras, cheetahs, bears, lions, tigers and monkeys. But I was really taken with the giraffes - to see them with the Australian landscape as a backdrop was quite surreal. Here's some visuals:


So then I found myself painting this (although I 'm not sure if it's what I wanted it to be).
I'll have to look at it again in a week... (the colour isn't this murky).

Creative struggle

So tofu head, the family and I all had a nice few days away in Canberra. I love leaving Sydney and driving through those big open spaces, the thought of discovering new sights and being somewhere else - doesn't really matter where - just somewhere different. Now I'm ready for a creative project - but deciding where to begin and what to choose can be so frustrating, then it's time to start the week again. Does anyone else feel like sharing how they make a start? How to choose between project x and y? I'd love to know...

Like Bees to Honey

Last weekend we had a few days in Canberra (which I think is great - plenty to do for all members of the family, includes indoor and outdoor activities). Always on the look out for the quirky I had to brave the rain and run into The Hive Gallery (25 Lonsdale Street, Braddon). In some ways it is a bit like walking into a 'live 3D Etsy world' a mix of wonderful handmade jewellery, cards, ceramics and just stuff - my daughter did eventually come to get me - but not before I snapped a few visuals for you (that's if you are indeed out there...)

Look what I found (no.2)

I popped into the quilt/craft fair at Darling Harbour last month, 'don't go into the bead area' said the voice inside my head. 'c'mon - you don't need another project', it continued. But, I just stepped up to the first stand (because surely that would be ok?). I came across these, 'Retro Circle' ceramic looking beads, from brianwilliamsdesign.com.

So I got talking - foolishly they let me 'go through' their box to choose this wonderful selection (like owls' eyes, I thought). But they suggested a cool idea for putting them together .. just space them apart with knots, 3 on one end, 2 on another - then voila! drop the two ends through the loop around ones' neck. Cool!

I had actually forgotten the extremely simple instructions and was very pleased to see them at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, Canberra.

Paper cuts

The other day I had to go to the medical centre (a nasty sinus infection). On leaving with medication I couldn't go pass the hardware store (which is next door). I selected a few paint charts and chips. This weekend after cleaning up my desk (time consuming but necessary) I cut them into even tinier pieces and collaged these. I kind of think of them as studies for other works - as they are only postcard size. I recommend cutting paper to free the mind!