A Piece of Jarrah

So this pretty little dressform piece was originally just a lump of wood, a piece of jarrah, an offcut from my friend, Amanda's new-ish decking.  She generously handed over a box of jarrah offcuts to me, thinking that they might come in handy one day... and about a year or so later, I pulled out a piece and played around with it over the weekend.

I'm not overly confident working with paint, but I want to be, so I used the slap it on and see what happens approach!  At the same time I painted the wood, I also slapped on the same colours on an old playing card - not thinking I'd use them together.  But in the end they worked so beautifully together and I'm not sure I would have known what to do with a painted piece of wood without the playing card.

Now I can't wait to have some more time to play some with more lumps of wood!

All these gorgeous stamped images are from Oxford Impressions Dress Forms and Corsetry rubber plate.

Life's Moment - PDCC105

'Life's Moment' ATC

Seeing this ATC, now complete, makes me want to sit with a lovely cup of tea (in a beautiful tea cup) and contemplate what is indeed 'Life's Moment'?  Is there one defining moment that surpasses all others?  We reflect upon many of life's special moments over a cuppa, don't we?  The special moments that have already occured and the ones we are looking forward to.  The moments that are life changing and impact upon us in significant ways...

The current colour challenge at The Play Date Cafe #105 has got me thinking...

Do you have a 'life defining moment'?  Or many?  One that stands out far above the rest?

Home and Family

'Art House'

It was a purely playful day in my 'art house' yesterday!  I've recently taken to calling my abode the 'art house' because my friend, Julie once commented to me that she often wonders what I'm up to in the 'art house' when she sees my car at home!  It's kinda stuck... and it's kinda true.  There isn't a designated 'art/craft space' at home and my supplies/creating do tend to creep into all corners of the place.  Okay, let's face it, they've taken over the house really!

I guess it doesn't matter too much, I live at home alone, except for the occasional spider that has to pretend to be interested in what I'm saying, if it wants to continue to stay where it is!  I mostly come unstuck on a Wednesday evening, when I've only got a couple of hours to make things look a little respectable for the Home Group ladies!!!  Yes, I whizz around trying to find places for everything and at least have somewhere for everyone to sit (oh and a pathway to walk to the couch)!  Nobody seems to be too bothered and they keep coming back, so I'm thankful they are a very understanding bunch, who are more interested in relationship building, rather than perfect housekeeping. 

'Cherish Your Family'

I grew up with fairytale dreams, like most young women at the time, naively thinking that I'd meet the man of my dreams in my mid twenties, get married, have children (I wanted at least 5 kids) and live happily ever after... well, that's not quite the plan God had for my life (and I often need to remind myself - His will, not mine).  It's been an extraordinary struggle for me over the years to not have this dream come true!  I still have my moments when I wallow in self pity, but I am also reminded that I am extraordinarily blessed.  My immediate family, next of kin are a great source of joy and love, as too are members of my extended family - Aunts/Uncles and cousins I love to spend time with.  And then there is the blessing of God's family... too many brothers and sisters in Christ to count... what a family tree I have been woven into.

Family, cherish them!  (Yes, even when they drive you crazy.)

On Turning Four...

Last month, my nephew Sean, celebrated his fourth birthday!  When asked what kind of cake he would like for his birthday, his simple request was that it would be green!  He had green cupcakes to share with his friend at the first party, but it was green and a few other colours for the family one.  A scrumptious, colourful Fredo Frog icecream cake.

The only problem to overcome with an icecream cake is in fact, 'brain freeze'!

I had a fun time shopping for the birthday boy and it was all things'Toy Story' from me.

Right down to the costuming...

and rocket... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0....... Blast Off!!!!

Sean (or should I say 'Woody') took Buzz on all kinds of adventures that day!

I 'Love' To Play

'I Love To Play'

I love to play... well actually it would be more accurate to say that I'm learning to love play.  I nearly gave up on this piece and had to keep reminding myself that if it came to nothing it didn't matter... it seems I put too much pressure on myself to produce something even when my intention is to simply 'play to my hearts content'.  How do I get to the point of just enjoying creating for the fun of it???  Any suggestions???  Hmmmm, thinking about this, I think I could get some great advice from the 6 & 7 year olds I work with everyday.  I think I'd better ask them about my dilemma tomorrow!

See I can't help myself... I seem to need to find purpose in what I've made.  The piece I showed you a few days ago (which scanned way brighter than it is in real life back then), has become the cover of a creative journal I'm currently using.  It's kinda nice to have it on the cover because it's reminding me to approach my creative time in a new, fresh way.... well at least that's what I'm attempting to do!

I wonder how long it will take for me to find something to do with my newest piece, 'I love to play'?  Only time will tell I suppose.

Are you taking time to play?  If so, let me know what you've been up to, as I'd love to know what you've been experimenting with!

On a very exciting note, today I had an email from Stampington and I am going to be a cover girl in a couple of months!  So happy :)

New Beginnings

'New Beginning'

Today begins with a new school term (without the students mind you!).  But I don't think that's what this piece is all about?!  Recently I've been reminded how important it is to play.  I was at a conference for early childhood teachers last month and they were emphasising the importance of play for children... which of course was nothing new to me... but isn't it important for all of us?  I know when it comes to creative time at home, I almost always have an agenda, a deadline and challenge that I want to complete. Usually there is a list of things 'to do'... never is there time to just play, experiment, explore... 

Well yesterday, being the last day of holidays, I thought it was time to give play a go!  I worked on this piece alongside making Secret Garden, whilst a layer was drying there, I'd mess around with this... no agenda, no plan, no purpose... just pure PLAY and let me tell you, it was PURE joy!!!!  I was even courageous enough to try free motion stitching without practicing, just did it (because there was nothing to lose).  That was a lesson in itself... but I'm pretty pleased with how that word 'begin' worked out!  It's a bit rough and in the middle of stitching it, I did wonder if it would legible...  I've learned some new things in this process of play and that is always a wonderful thing!

May I encourage you to PLAY to your Hearts Content today :)

Secret Garden

'Secret Garden' ATC

I've been struggling to get this ATC together for months and my co-swapee has been waiting VERY patiently for this... I just didn't know where to start.  Originally I wanted to do layers and layers of flowers/foliage, but  didn't quite know how to begin.  For some reason today felt like the day to just get on and do it.  There are a number of layers in this, starting with some hand written text (the contents of which will remain 'secret').  The bird and flowers were originally deep pink felt, so it was fun altering that!  The ARTchix image and key were never in my plan, but prior to adding them, it just looked like I'd designed a background.  The word is by Collections.

It feels good to complete this piece and it's taken hours to manage it, but I have learned a few new things in the process and that is always a bonus!

My holidays are nearly at an end and I would love to hide out a little while longer in this 'secret garden'!  Instead, I'm off to pick up a painting I purchased two weeks ago during the 'Great Southern Art Trail' and then spend time with an amazing friend before we sing our little hearts out at a singing rehersal.  Now isn't that a pretty wonderful way to end a holiday?!

Being There

'Being There' Postcard

September's theme for the postcard swap group was 'Home'.  As I was making this postcard for my friend Trish, I was influenced by thoughts of her recent move to a new country with her husband.  I know it's been a great adventure for them... culture shock, language barriers and a new home that isn't quite like their old one... new jobs, new friends, new discoveries.  It's been a challenge as they've adjusted to many changes.  I've loved seeing photos sharing how they are turning their new house into a home.  I'm especially glad, that as a couple, they truly know how to 'be there' for one another.

There's lots of gorgeous Paperbag Studios rubber stamp imagery here, a collections clock and I experimented a little with my new bottle of picket fence distress stain.    

Angelic Wings

'Angelic Wings' Postcard for Jan

Gosh it feels so good to get back here... it's been too long since I last posted... so many things have happened... Sean's 4th birthday, Fathers Day, two trips to Perth and a lovely creative weekend away with two very special friends, art swaps... hopefully some memories will be posted here very soon!

In the meantime, I've managed to catch up on some postcard making for a swap group.  The theme for August (yes August!) was Trees.  I dived into my wonderful collection of Paperbag Studios stamp images - some of my all time favourites actually!  Once I made the background I knew that this piece needed a little forest fairy - she is a transparency from ARTchix Studios - words are by Collections.  It was so nice to put my sewing machine to work to add some finishing touches.  There is a twig hand stitched near the top too!

Totally feel like going for a little meander through the bush to look for evidence of forest fairies and perhaps I will do just that, if I can get over my fear of coming face to face with a snake!