Judy's Fabrications

More inspiration from Joanne/ More journalling

2012-02-11T10:50:00.000+10:30

Playing with patterns and words

This is my latest journal page.There are several themes/ ideas here that I could explore..

I embellished this envelope.Inside there are two e-mails I received recently
which really touched me.They were lovely.

A bit more patterning and embellishing.This is in my "good" journal.The next photos will show more experimental stuff in the 50 cent "jobs".

Here is the lovely Joanne who is running the Love Lettering Course. Here is a great tip on covering a page in a colourful, and easy way.

I have just bought myself some inks to have a go at this.More next week when I've practised a bit.
New Tags

I make lots of these small bits which are handy to add to projects needing a little bit extra.

Love Lettering Book

2012-02-10T13:13:00.001+10:30

This week I found some inexpensive journal books at my local Thrift Shop for 50 cents each.I have several beautiful journal books ready to use, and one started, but somehow, I'm afraid of "messing them up"- which is ridiculous as I used to teach art to children for many years, and always chose the best paper we could afford for them to work on.
Anyway, here is a page I worked on and adapted from a poster we were given to inspire us in my Love Lettering on-line course

This week I also found a new physio who has helped me greatly already. He is much more "hands-on" than any other physio I have been to, and there is a Pilates Studio at the back of the premises.The Rooms are lovely and modern, and there is an emphasis on whole health. My physio also has acupuncture and chiropractic qualifications! I feel so much better.Perhaps nagging back pain has had an affect on my creativity. My physio also leant me a book on self managing back pain. No physio has ever done that before!!

Hope your week was a good one!Have a lovely weekend.See you soon.
This video by Julie is going to be my inspiration this week to just "go-for-it" with paint , stencils etc. and see what happens in my 50 cent journals!!!

A bit of journalling/ Fabulous Cape from spider silk!!

2012-02-06T11:38:00.000+10:30

Early Pages in Journal

These first two pages are a bit bland I know, but I'm gradually warming to the challenge of daily Art Journalling.

Inside the envelopes are birthday cards, notes, fabric postcards that mean a lot to me, and other little keepsakes.

Later pages in journal- warming up!!

This is more like it!!Doing Zentangles definitely gets me going in a more creative direction. I am fitting in
some journalling each day- even just a few minutes!
One of my art teachers at college, said that drawing can/will open your eyes to a different way of seeing. There is nothing like it to foster seeing the world in a richer, more detailed, more appreciative way. He was/is a drawing enthusiast. I'm grateful for the lessons I was able to attend with him.

I found some delightful videos on You Tube recently.I hope you enjoy them.
Delightful use of Tim Holtz Rickety House die.Wait until you see what she does with those die cuts!!!

This is absolutely astounding!!!!!This cloth is so beautiful...

Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley discuss Golden Spider Silk from Victoria and Albert Museum on Vimeo.

Ideas for Creative Lettering- this has inspired me in my Art Journalling. I had got a bit stuck there for a while!

New Work

2012-02-04T14:24:00.004+10:30

This is a page piece for my Art Journal.I'll be writing around this card.
The idea behind this piece is Taking Flight...there'll be more on this this
theme before too long.

This is another tag for Tag Tuesday.The theme is "Lace". I made this and
called it "Lace Wings".

New Journal

I'm making these for Mother's Day-hoping to sell some

Little pockets and cards to write special notes not, and pop photos into.

http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com for details of courses

I Love making these little Mini Books!!!I have just signed up for an on-line Creative lettering course as a stimulus for my journalling. I am so excited!!

Art Journeling

2012-02-01T18:47:00.000+10:30

It's been an exciting/creative week this week! More about that later..

I have begun to do some Journaling.My pages don't look as creative as this page in the video, but as I'm new to Scrapbooking/paper arts etc. that's ok.It's the writing that's important. Doing just a few sentences is fine. I also found an excellent book at the local library. I'll share that later when I've done a bit more on/in my journal.

Hope you enjoy this video, and that it might inspire you to do some journaling too.

We live in an amazing world of CREATIVITY- see Julie's comments on video

2012-01-28T17:39:00.000+10:30

Little Mini Book workshop- 6" high

A few weeks ago, before I knew much about book making, Scrapbook techniques etc. I booked in for a workshop to make this little book. Although it is a fairly simple book, I'm glad I did this workshop as I picked up quite a few useful tips.I also added quite a few extra details which has made it different from our tutor's book. There is an "A" on the front cover, as I'm giving this to my mother.I'll give it to her when we see her on Sunday.
New Tag

I photocopied a dress form shape, then enlarged it.I made several copies, and have tried to see how many different versions I can make.These will be put away to attach to a gift later.I also want to make some notebook covers...There is a lot you can do with these dress form tags.They're fun!!
All these tags will get extra" bling" with beads later!
Video
Julie makes an observation about the interconnectedness of modern arts today.There are no hard lines between the various arts now, and this is very exciting I think! Hope you enjoy this snippet from the dvd.

Dress Form Tags

2012-01-27T08:00:00.002+10:30

Not every project goes right first time- and that's ok.
This tag has had many incarnations.It just wouldn't go right! First, I made it as a leopard skin patterned frock made from a piece of scarf. The leopard background, I made by sponging Black Soot Distress Ink over a hand made stencil. It looked ok, but I kept fiddling!!Then the lace looked wrong on the leopard skin, so I added more lace, and made some added flouncey bits to the bottom. I thought I might make this into a notebook cover.Other than that, I don't know what to do with it, as it is now way too big for Mum's book. I think I sort-of rescued it.

I've altered it again since this photo...

This video shows how to use some of the Scrapbooking tools you can buy which make scoring, measuring etc easier.

Now I wish I'd found this video before I started on Mum's Book.... This lady's explanation is excellent. I love the fact that she just leapt into it like me, and learned how to do things better as she went along!!

A bit more added to this page-pearl buttons and trim.

Bargain braid- all this for $4.00.

Bits and pieces

2012-01-24T16:03:00.000+10:30

I've been making up some surprise parcels this week, and thought some little Valentine inspired heart tags might be a nice touch too.

More tags and "bits" for Mum's book.I will put in this leopard skin bag, on her special leopard skin inspired page!

I love making all the small fiddly things to go in this book!

I made a start on an altered picture frame.

It has been "blisteringly " hot here.37C is very close to 100 degrees F.

Very sweet Dressform Tag Swaps (not mine).

This week I've been experimenting with paint, ink, stamping and collage on paper.I'll show some of my experiments next time. In the mean time here's Beryl Taylor...

P.S. I've been looking around at dress forms and found another video for you to enjoy.I just HAVE to make some of these so stay tuned!!

Busy Fingers- album nearly done!!

2012-01-22T20:43:00.005+10:30

Album Pages

Love this candid photo of Mum blowing out her candles.

Most of the album pages have something one them now. All they need is extra embellishing, text, and the odd charm etc.

Mum is the second from your right.Her good friend Daphne is still her buddy!!Daphne is on your right.

Mum loves fashion even now. The bag on the left has shopping lists etc on tags inside.Can you read Mum's shopping list?

This is the envelope for the tags Mum's friends will write for her.

This page and the next has lots of holiday pics, brochures etc in the pockets.
This was taken on their trip to Japan to see EXPO.

Mum always had a keen sense of fun.She is riding her nephew's bike at Christmas time.

I found these small bags for next lot of journalling..?

Thrift shop finds. Chopsticks for book, beads for charms...

These gorgeous flowers were in a jewellery shop that had hair bits and pieces too.

These shoes are going to be attached to Mum's book. I also found another shoe!!

2012-01-20T13:15:00.003+10:30

Journaling Mum's Momentos Book.

Newest page

I have since found a shoes key ring, and other charms to add to this page.

Next new page. I have other little bits to add to the envelope on this page.

Another page.More things to be added around the envelope, and in it.The background was sponged lightly over a Martha Stewart cut out border pattern,then vintage photo distress ink.This photo makes it look a bit "blobby", so I might add to it/change it a bit?

This is the second page.

This behind the front cover.More things to go in later!!

Birthday

I had such a lovely day on my birthday.

Lovely goodies from Lorraine.I collected the mail on our way out, and opened my packages in the car.
I kept on reopening this one to take in all the little details.Just my colours too. Soft greens.

I LOVE this wonderfully quirky "Talking point" purse, sent to me by dear Sherry.
It willl be going along with me on Wednesday, as I am doing a craft workshop at Paper Flourish.
Then I'm taking it to Creative Cards group , plus the workshop on mini book making on Friday.I
love this chooky bag from a very Creative Chick.

Sherry also included some lovely lace which will be going into Mum's book.

I hope you are having a good week wherever you are. I am having a ball with this album, and am loving hunting all over the place for little extras to pop into it!!

Judy xx
I just have to find a space for this photo.

P.S. One of the special things I'll be adding to Mum's book, is a number of tags, cards etc. on which has been written a positive thing that her friends like about her. Over the years in school, I have had the lovely experience of having a sheet on my back(along with the other staff members), and allowing people to write something positive about your character. Over the years these have become treasured bits of paper.We all need a boost every now and then, so I thought I'd go to the Home and see Mum's friends, and ask them to write a comment on the tags I leave with them.

2012-01-18T17:41:00.002+10:30

A little bit more on" The Album"- Mum's book is taking shape.

Front Cover- almost done.Think I went a bit OTT with some of the embellishing- a bit "busy".
Still, it's my first one, so I'll watch this next time.

Third page ready for tags, and on right more envelopes with photos etc.
The right hand page was sponged with Vintage photo Distress ink, over a Martha Steward edging cutout.

I have had a LOVELY Day!! It was my birthday today. Photos soon.

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!!

2012-01-16T14:35:00.000+10:30

Mum's book pieces ready for assembly later

For Dolores...Shoes fascination!!

Shoe sticky tape Christmas gift

The following shoes were either made or purchased this past week!!

Purchased shoe at Thrift Shop for Mum

A Leopard skin patterned shoe to go with Mum's book- you'll see why later!

Purchased decoration for Mum.

Another shoe from Thrift Shop-for Mum

Last week Dolores sent me a link to a site which had some really cute hand made decorative shoes on it. Dolores had noticed that I often post photos of shoes I've made. I hadn't realised how often I either make shoes, or buy decorative ones.Perhaps because I can only wear Very Boring ones now.
It's warming up fast here. Oh give me Winter any day!!! 37 degrees C. tomorrow. I am just making easy things at the moment.

Isn't Chloe cute!

I'm making these flowers in front of t.v.Hope you are having a good week.

Birthday Tags/ Latest tags

2012-01-08T18:41:00.001+10:30

This is Mum's Birthday tag. I am making her some other things as well, which I'll show when I've made them- hopefully soon.

I have until June to complete things, so hopefully that's enough time, as I want to make a couple of dolls as well.

This is Mum as a young woman.A friend altered this photo, and one image I made into a card for Mum's Fabric Memories book.

This one is going to Newcastle(Australia).

This one has been sent this week

This one has been given to one of Mum's Carers who does Scrapbooking/cards

I'll be taking these tags and other things to the monthly card making group. I hope to learn lots of new skills before then. It's been really enjoyable making these tags.

More Cards.
Next week I'll be working on something different!!

This has gone to Canada

2012-01-07T18:23:00.000+10:30

First Tag made

A friend has just sent me a link to a Tag Group.....
www.tagtuesday.blogspot.com/
Card Makers Challenge Group
This week I went to my first Card makers monthly Challenge meeting.The Friday Morning group meet once a month, and at each meeting, they bring along what they made from the previous Challenge.Last month's challenge was to use a colour that isn't generally one that people use.The colour chosen was mustard. They also had to layer their card(s). I wish I'd remembered to take by camera!!

What a lovely group they are!! Tracey the shop manager has two of these classes on a Friday, and she teaches a new skill at each one.This time she taught us to make envelopes.I have made a few now, so I won't forget how to do it. The classes are free, and what a sharing group they are!! I am excited (and a bit daunted), to be the only Beginner, but that's a great way to learn I think.jump in at the deep end and see what happens!!

Challenge card

We were also given a piece of card to draw inspiration from. I already have some ideas, but my skill levels being Zilch, I have to ask how to do some things, before I can go ahead and do them. They have a come and try at any time offer (except when classes are running), where you can make things (cost $5.00), and use the Shop's equipment. I think this is a great concept. I always think that shops (and people)< who are Generous, reap the rewards in Prosperity. The come and try offer brings people in, and the couch, toys etc means people can browse and their children can be occupied.

I have been wishing to find a group to work with, and share ideas with, and I think I have found it. The ladies all seem to have a great sense of humour too. There is much giggling and laughter during the sessions.

First Envelopes made

Karen's fabulous Zentangle card

When I go next week to ask some questions, I am going to take my piece of art that Karen made me. I love it, but don't know how I could use it to best effect. I'll also take it to the next group as well.
This month's Challenge is...
"Think outside the square or rectangle". We will also be using the card Tracey gave us.
In the meantime,
I've been looking on the Net for inspiration, and I used my die cutter to cut the shapes from card.They are about 6": long- so they are quite large. I've never made tags before, but hope to do a swap soon, when I've practised a bit.

What a happy week.!!I hope yours has been good too!

The Mermaid's Dream fabric book/Charlie's baby

2012-01-02T15:56:00.003+10:30

It's been a lovely start to the year. I have loads of ideas for future projects, and I am finding resources I'd either forgotten I had, or haven't looked at in a long while, and they seem fresh and inspiring. I just can't understand in our world with so many Resources, that people can say they aren't Creative, or don't know how to develop it. I sometimes feel there is so much stimulation available now, that being focussed can be a challenge.
Until something takes me off track again, I thought I'd try and finish some projects I started last year, but left them half way through. It does feel good to finish things.I have always though that is important.
It's been so Jolly Hot here, that working with cool blues and greens has been a nice change.
A bit more to my Sea-themed book

Previous page

This fabric book project has been languishing on my UFO shelf for about a year now, and I thought it was time to finish it.I was going to be in a swap with pages for this book, but my partner got busy etc. so the book idea languished ,and I got terribly distracted-until now.

Until I began this book, I hardly ever worked in blue, but I have grown to like it a whole lot more.I seem to work in a different way too.

This flap(dark blue) opens forward to reveal a page beneath.There'll be a top flap overlapping as well

A mermaid waiting.You can see there was a lot less on the background page, and on the flap.

There's been a bit more work done on the seaweed flap and page beneath.I machine stitched over top of a silk scarf, and used watercolour pencils to accent some areas.

This is what the mermaid looked like on the silk scarf background with very little added.

She sank into the background a bit.What to do?

I used a tip from an early Quilting Arts dvd. and placed her on black felt to outline the figure and make it
stand out.Maybe the line in black is too thick, or perhaps dark blue or green felt might have been better?
Hmmm...decisions,decisions

Drawing Inspiration from Ocean Videos.

Here is the wonderful Ellen Ann Eddy and her new book.

Her magical Art Quilts are thrillingly inspirational!!
I have just ordered Ellen's new book.

Charlie has had a baby!

The other day we had a new little one visit along with Charlie and her mate.It's Charlie's new baby!! We were hoping she would bring it to us, and she did!!Charlie was the baby from last year's old regular visiting pair.She is the only baby to have stayed around.When the parents tried to chase Charlie off, she just wouldn't go!!Her little one is quite tame already, and Charlie's mate is tame now too.He used to be quite timid.

New baby bird

Mother and baby

Mum, Dad, and baby!!

Something New for the New Year

2011-12-30T22:38:00.000+10:30

Adelaide Zoo Favourite has gone

Adelaide Zoo has just lost(died of old age), a very popular bird at the zoo.Lyre birds have the ability to mimic an amazing number of sounds and calls.They can even mimic the sound of building works, like hammers, drills etc.Hope you enjoy this video!

Scrapbooking/Cards/ Craft supplies shop

Christmas decorations/cards

Things to entertain the children

Little seating area with coffee facilities, toys for children, mags etc.

Isn't this shop lovely!!And to think I had passed it on the way to Mum's for nearly a year before I noticed it!!It used to be a big video store, but a year ago was made into two shops with the Scrapbooking Shop on the outside, nearest the road.I couldn't wait to see inside, so the other day, I had my first look. Oh my goodness!!What a pretty, and inspiring shop. They have two groups once a month on a Friday, so I'm off this Friday to find out if I'd like to do some paper craft. I'm also booked in to a class at the end of the month.

My Current Inspiration is coming from.....

This dvd is terrific.Well worth getting just for generating enthusiasm if for nothing else. However, I have got loads of project ideas from this dvd.

In the meantime....some bowl making for gifts

Zigzag strips to make a coil

Turn coiled piece on side to begin bowl sides

completed bowl- already has a use!

I have been watching a dvd by Colouricious called Inspired-Recycled Reborn. One of the segments showed how to make bowls using old tight/pantyhose cut into strips, and zigzagged with decorative yarns, then the strips zigzagged together to make coasters, bowls etc.I already had a big bag of "cords" (zigzagged yarns), so I began with those.Here is the first bowl I made.
Here are the next lot

Here are three that I've nearly finished.

Well, that's it for now. There is just so much on this video it will keep me busy for quite some tiime exploring all the techniques. I love the Colouricious dvd's.The women all get on so well together, and make the projects seem very "do-able".

My(hot) darlings

Our New Year's Day was the hottest in 112 years.We have felt a bit dazed, and I think so have our little bird visitors. They have loved our bird baths and often fly into the bowls and flutter about a bit to get cool.I am amazed how few people have a bird bath especially in such hot weather.We made two more for them as they were lining up to use the one in the back garden at one stage.

Busy, busy, but in a Very Relaxed way!!

2011-12-28T08:39:00.002+10:30

The time since Christnmas Day has whizzed by, but in a nice way.I've spent loads of time in the garden, and it's beginning to look much more colourful. Gee gardening just has to be my very best way to regain balance, and enthusiasm for life.I adore flowers, and have been planting lots of seedlings.I've also been enriching the soil, and increasing our vegie patch. I love seeing healthy plants, just bursting with vigor, and health-giving energies.

We've also been catching up with friends and family. It's just too hectic to see everyone before Christmas, and it's nice not to have to rush around.You can give your guests your full attention, and spoil them.I've also been learning about my E-book Reader, and I also had to get a new dvd player for my sewing room. The old one lasted 5 years.

There's been nothing on the radio except(grrrr!!!**##) CRICKET, so Kev's been taping Martha Stewart prog's for Mum, which I've been watcching, as well as watching Crazy Quilt/quilting, applique....dvd's. I'd also run out of Audio Books, but a recent trip to the local library, means I'm stocked up with books to listen to now. I'd have to say that sewing/crafting away to dvd's and Audio books is heavenly!!! After all my morning exertions in the garden, I like to spend the afternoons stitching.

Scissor Keepers

Some friends are having birthdays soon, so I thought I'd make some small things to add to their parcels.They like soft, pretty things, so I thought these would suit. The idea for the scissor keepers(or glasses holder), came from Lisa (http://lisasfibercreations.blogspot.com/ )

Wonderful yarn bargains

Wonderful textural yarns

These yarns were on sale at our local Spotlight.They had been reduced from $7.00 to $4.00, but with the sale, they were only $2.50 each.Anyone who has worked with these yarns, knows the possibilities.I felt like working in blue this week(so much blue sky here and it's been warm!).Here are the fabric postcards I made with the yarns as embellishments- as well as stitchery, and beading.

Fabric Postcards

Heartfelt cards

Celebratory Angel

I love detail in my work.I like to have little things to catch the eye.

Felt Shapes

I found a tray of felt shapes in my UFO shelves. Some projects are on-going, and I find many uses for these embellishments.I've made many more since this photo, and the later ones are in pastels and whites. Not colours I work with very often. I'm a bright colour girl- mostly!!

I hope NOBODY got a vacuum cleaner for Christmas!!!
The Dog House

Hell, Hello!!

2011-12-25T09:45:00.000+10:30

Remember the Bad Jokes on the last post.The answers are below!!

Christmas Lunch at the Tea Tree Gully Hotel

We had a really lovely lunch on Christmas Day. Mum really enjoyed herself, and the staff at the hotel, looked relaxed and happy too.The food was beautiful, and prepared with every attention to detail. I don't eat much meat, but the presentation of the fish, ham and turkey was exceptional!Those who love seafood had an abundance to choose from.

The hotel is built over a small creek with mature trees as the view from every window.

There is quite a history to the hotel

http://www.paranormalfieldinvestigators.com/teatreegullyhotel.html

http://www.pubsadelaide.com/pubs/tea-tree-gully-hotel.1796

Kev sharing a toast with Mum

tree-top views from every window

This fish looked spectacular

The chef was so cheerful, and helpful to everyone.

The chef was a really pleasant man, and he had his eye on every detail.New dishes added as soon as they were empty, and he was on hand to help any elderly people who were having difficulties helping themselves at the tables.

Wonderful ham

Wishing you Every Happiness at Christmas on this Christmas Eve!!

2011-12-21T08:10:00.002+10:30

An Elfie wish for you for Christmas. This elf is 4" tall.

This will be my last Blog entry until after Christmas.Wishing you every happiness over the Christmas Season.

Click on the text below for a cute Christmas Video
http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/pdShell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3173
936/graphic1v

The Perfect Card for Kev!!

More little Christmas dolls

Dinner with our dear neighbour and friend

David was enchanted by the birds- so tame!

David is a dear friend, and joins us every year for Christmas dinner

Sleeping Dove Babies

These little darlings were sleeping. I took the photo from my sewing room.It was 39 degrees C. when I took this photo.Whew that's hot.Feels very unreal to read about snow falling across the oceans!Christmas Day is going to be relatively pleasant 27 degrees C. - thank goodness!!

A pair of doves cooling off on my urn, which had just been watered.

Daft Christmas

This Hills Hoist clothes line(purely an ornament), is meant to
enhance the "amenities at the Home where Mum is!!!!

Silly Christmas- Spare no expense Christmas tree!!

.We spotted this tree on the way out the other day!!

This week...

2011-12-17T12:57:00.000+10:30

Things I've been making this week

I've been making some hearts to put away in my big Gifts Box for next year

Baskets to place on the tables at the Home for those staying for lunch on Christmas Day.

More baskets for the tables

Decorative hanger for the Home

Another decorative hanger

I bought this little hexagonal decoration, but added bits to it.

Something gorgeous to feast the eyes upon!!The needle turned applique technique is stunning, as is the pattern making process!! Boy can those men stitch fast!!

Tent makers of Cairo

The colours...designs.....breathtaking!!!
I found some more about the tent makers- a traditionally male art.

Ribbon, bows, and beads

2011-12-12T18:22:00.001+10:30

I was lucky enough to find this really useful book in a Thrift Shop for $1.00( don't you just LOVE bargains!!). The page below showed some very simple, but effective decorations which I am going to string onto tinsel or wire(or some-such) for the Home.I'm having fun rummaging through my bead collection for all those odd shaped ones that will go quite well in this project.

Of course by now (if you're anything like me) , you are starting to feel a bit " Christmassed Out", and so any time we have a spare Crafty Moment, we don't want to do anything hard.........right? These are the perfect little project!!I have been making a few of these, and can be added to a card as a little something extra, or just look nice on the Christmas Tree as some extra sparkle.

These are the ones I've made so far.

This is a lovely rendition of this popular carol. Gives me goosebumps!!

P.S. thought you might like to see Karen's "Judy Tree"!!!It's been lovely swapping with Karen this year.I'm quite touched that she's made up this tree!! How lovely. Karen's large stocking is at the Home where many people can see it.It's had loads of positive comments.!!

Linda got her Giveaway gifts

Happy Christmas Times

2011-12-12T13:59:00.001+10:30

This is my favourite Christmas song.Many of the schools I taught in had a children's choir, and when they sang this song with a simple guitar accompaniment, it would always make me get teary .

Christmas Fabric is on special!!

I'm going to use some of this fabric for more decorations for the Home.The rest I'll put away for next year.

new Christmas Baking Book- don't you just love finding a new cookcook!!!

These are the biscuits that I am making tomorrow to take to Mum's Home. Some will be for the staff. They aren't allowed to accept large gifts, so we are going to give certain ones that Mum has a special affection for, lots of smaller things over the next few weeks! One lass has quite a few cats, and lives in a rented home.She has just been given Notice to leave in 90 days.She might have to have the cats "Put Down" if the landlord won't allow her to have pets. So sad for this to happen at this time of year.Sharon is so kind to Mum. I am making up a lovely basket for her. We are going to give her the items separately and she can fill the basket over the next week or so!!!

The recipes in this book are So straightforward!!I'll be making lots!!

Last Scissor Keepers

Little gift Scissor Keeper

Scissor Keeper in greens for a friend who loves green.

Time to move on from these now!!!

I found some good information on ribbon bows etc.I am having the loveliest time catching up with friends, lunching exchanging Gifts...Hope you're having a lovely time too!!!

Bows can make things look Very Classy!!demo shows soft double folding-easy!!

Kangaroo Island.

2011-12-11T07:03:00.001+10:30

The top centre of map shows Adelaide.Travelling south shows Cape Jervis from where the ferry embarks to Kangaroo Island

Our ferry arriving

Walking to board the ferry

Birds of Prey - slideshow dvd

This must be the highlight of the trip. It was just wonderful to see Wedge Tailed eagles up close, and Barn Owls hopping onto people's laps...We learned about the amazing aspects of birds' eyes- how they can see with ten times the clarity of human vision.When they look up to the sky with one eye they alter the depth of field of their eyes, and double the depth they can see something in the sky. Dave, who runs the Attraction, gets the birds as injured adults, or orphaned fledglings.The love that Dave has for these birds shows in the gentle way he handles them, and that he can actually stroke the wedge tailed eagle as if it was a dog. The bird actually nestled into him, and we all "melted"!! amid "ooh' s" and "aah's"!
There are more than 1,000 Wedge Tailed eagles on the island, and they have a quite small 1km territory, as there is so much prey for them to eat.With no rabbits or foxes on the island, lots of birds have bred up in the past two good seasons.Prior to that we have had 10 years of drought, and much wildlife died, or failed to breed.

Babushka Scissor Keepers so far..

Just a small snapshot of the diverse scenery available to see on Kangaroo Island.

Duck Lagoon- a very "spiritual" place

More of Duck Lagoon- on the way to Kingscote

Seal Bay is a protected part of the island.This is where the pups are born, and the seals love to rest here too.

The long walk to Seal Bay

Giveaway Winners/ Holidays /Parcel

2011-12-09T13:04:00.001+10:30

Giveaway Winners- Christmas Goodies

The winner of this Giveaway is Dian

The winner of this Giveaway is Linda

Babushka Doll Scissor Keepers
These little Babushka Dolls morphed into some scissor keepers after I received a Marvellous parcel from Lisa this week, in which she sent me a sweet scissor holder. !!Can you see the embroidery scissors peeking out from the top of the first keeper"? I am wearing Lisa's gift round my neck whenever I'm at the sewing machine. Sure beats having to rummage through piles of lace and braids to find a pair of scissors.

Rudolph Tarts

Little Rudolph tartlets.We had these with lunch recently

Fabulous Parcel arrived!

I love looking through the mail when we've been away on hols. Lisa's fabulous parcel, was waiting for me.Our neighbours held the mail for us. I was really taken a-back by the generosity of this most lovely of parcels. There were so many things to look at.What a thoughtful array of items.Lisa knows my taste, and it must have taken quite a while to assemble it.I got the idea for making some Scissor keepers from the Babushka dolls after seeing Lisa's keeper.

Book, calendar,pouch with charms,and scissor keeper.

Oh the laces...cute pins....

More gorgeous lace- very old (1800's).Lovely of Lisa to share such treasures.

So many charms!!

Beautiful Laurel Burch silk scarf

Another book, and magnifier.

I'm more of a "cat person"- can't you tell? !!!

We had a fabulous time on holiday.We did loads of things in that short space of time.I am preparing a slide show for the next post.Just had to include a photo of a little dog we met at a Lavendar Farm.I could easily have tucked her under my arm, and stolen her!!What a little honey pie!!

I soon learned she was a "lap dog"

Little Matroyska Dolls

2011-12-02T18:56:00.001+10:30

Gosh, I'm up to my old tricks again!! I'm doing several things at once, and moving between them as my mood dictates.The first thing I started this week, was an angel doll with a sweet patchwork dress for my mother to put on her bed. The front takes 66 , 5cm squares while the back takes the same!! I have sewn up the front first half.

Then, I got out my fish Fabric Book with three pages started, and thought I'd like to finish it soon.I have drafted a mermaid, rocks etc, and hope to get to it when we get back from a few days hols.I have the pages on my display tree on my table where I can think about what could come next.

Later, I decided to make some little Matroyska dolls. I've started small, then gradually getting bigger.I thought I'd make a series for Mum's walls as she needs a change, and these will be fun to make.The ones below are quite small, and I'll give these to Mum to put with the other things she has to give her friends at Christmas time.These little dolls are very "holdable".

Fish themed Fabric Book (WIP)in spired by Nicki Lee

Christmas Surprises in the mail

http://karensdollsandstuff.blogspot.com/

A while back Karen and I swapped "ribbon fabric", and we decided to make a stocking with this technique.
This is Karen's gift for me.

Karen made a Paper Doll- gorgeous, and a pretty angel doll for me to hang on my tree.

Isn't this fabulous paper.!! Karen used fabric and pen to create this unique paper. I am going to have to have a think about how I might use this great piece!!
I got Karen's lovely package on the day our Evaporative Air Conditioner decided to leak in the roof, and all over the laundry floor, during the night.
!!It's fixed now(the leak), but the ceiling and insulation are going to need replacing.The company are paying for the damage through their insurance. That might take a while!

Luckily it happened while we were at home, not away on holidays!!It was a nice surprise to get Karen's package after a less than enthralling morning.

See you in a week's time bursting with renewed energy !!!
Love Judy xx

Christmas Giveaway Time.

2011-11-24T13:48:00.001+10:30

Two GIVEAWAYS

Please indicate your preference
Please indicate in the Comments Box if you'd like to be in the draw.

1) Angel Hanging/ package

Included in this pack is a diary for your purse, Christmas fabric.c.d. Lace, braids.......plus a surprise !! I'll probably add more in the next few days.
2) Holly Dolly- this pattern is by Sherry Goshon
It is a free pattern on Dollmakers Journey site

I'll be adding laces, braids etc to the packages.
We are preparing for a few days' holidays, so things are a bit rushed at the moment!

Shoes,shoes,glorious shoes and flowers to decorate

2011-11-19T17:39:00.001+10:30

Paper Shoes

Earlier this year, I made some of these shoes (see above). The first video below shows where I got the idea from. Now I look back on these, they seem pretty plain.After viewing the video on my last post, I just HAD to make some of the high heeled variety. Now these really lend themselves to some extravagant decoration.
I am making one for Sylvia at Mum's Home, who was standing on a chair to put up some Christmas decorations in her room, and slipped and broke her wrist.Falls are so bad for older people!I can understand not always wanting to ask for help, but standing on a chair....oh dear.!! I'm going to fill the shoe with chocolates, and put the shoe at her place at her table in the dining room where she has her meals.We are going on Tuesday.I'm also going to decorate the dining room for Christmas.It's a bit early, but am hoping the decorations will give her a much needed lift in spirits.
Latest Shoes

I've been having trouble making a link to the pattern. Google "Free Shoe Template by Ellen Hutson" you should find it(fingers crossed).

These are wonderfully "Frou Frou"!!!

I found a pattern on the web, and traced it onto patterned card.I haven't quite finished all I could do with these first two, but the photos give an idea of what can be done.
Elfie Shoes
I'll have to find this link!Will post when I find it!!

I went a bit crazy with this one, and used some fabric I'd made. I used a felt fringe on the top, and yo yos as well as beads and thin braid.I just have to make more of these. I m,ade this into a Christmas pincushion.
The other videos show some examples of fabric flower ornaments to add.

Tutorials

http://lariscrap.blogspot.com/2009/12/bo-bunnys-shoes.html
http://nostalgiccollage.blogspot.com/2010/03/elegant-marie-antoinette-paper-shoe-4.html

More Angels / Some cute things in video

2011-11-16T20:46:00.007+10:30

Some really sweet paper crafts

Mum goes shopping!!

We had a lovely moring at the Tea Tree Plaza the other day. Mum had a small amounmt of Christmas shopping to do, cards to buy etc., and she had such a good time!Here's Mum with all her "goodies".Mum is 86!

"Hmmm...what's in here?"

Charlie is Charlene!!

All new feathers!!

Chloe is not amused by our attention on the birds.

Do you remember a few posts back, that one of last year's baby doves came back to us, but minus a few feathers!!We thought it had been hurt at first, but found it was only moulting, and now all the feathers have grown back.We also discovered that Charlie (from obvious "Spring" behaviours with another dove),is a girl.We have renamed her Charlene. We really hope she has a young one this year, but it may be too late as most of the other bird species have fledglings already.

It is amazing when you look at birds closely, how each one is different in some small way.We can tell most of our "regulars" apart.

Making more time in the day- for those who commented on my last post, wanting like me more time each day here's an excerpt from the article I mentioned.

1) Give up multi tasking it's more efficient to focus on one thing at a time! (Boy, I like doing several things at once- isn't it what we are praised for doing as women!!!) .

2) Make a Not to do list - distractions eat into our time.

3)Don't check e-mails until 11 am when all the "chores" have been taken care of.Or most urgent things finished. Hmm...this is a good one!!!

4) Clear more, clean less.....clutter has to be cleaned, dusted etc.Less clutter= less cleaning. Oh so true. I have begun to do this.having a place for everything is important.

5)Give up PERFECTIONISM - this one's a "biggie".....

There's more but that's enough for now. I'm going to work on the clutter, looking at e-mails at 11 am, and not multi-tasking.

I will e-mail anyone who wants a copy iof the article. Gee it was good, and just what I needed to read. I actually feel a bit better already!!!

First Angel Ornament- for this year!

2011-11-15T07:40:00.001+10:30

First in a series of angel ornaments
More Very soon!!!

A few tutorials

2011-11-04T07:49:00.005+10:30

http://appliquetoday.blogspot.com/2008/04/needleturn-applique-stitching-tutorial.html

I hope you enjoy these tutorials

It's not been a good week this week I'm afraid. A woman who owes me nearly $200.00 for bags she has taken to sell for me, has, I now realise, no intention of paying me the money.She has left the Home where she was employed, so reaching her other than by phone is impossible.

The ladies at Craft Group also want me to teach sewing (for free). I give quite a lot to Charities already, and feel even a modest payment would be acceptable. The people who attend the classes in the various groups, pay just $2.00 for cost of coffee.I have found through experience teaching at another Craft group, that if people don't pay, they don't respect what they get. And.....
I know what I'm like, - before too long , I'd be working" full time" preparing classes.While out with a lady from the group yesterday, I realised that 5 ladies had already organised for a separate table to be set up for me to teach sewing at the next gathering- without consulting me!!
It might sound mean, but after 30 years having to organise others,work to Timetables, motivate people, find resources etc. ...I just want a break from all that, and would like someonne to do that for me for a change!!!. I have already said I don't want to teach Craft classes, but I realise they'll keep pressuring me until I give in. Sewing isn't a strong point for me either, and I'd find it stressful, and have to do lots of research to be able to teach sewing in a structured way! I think I'm getting bullied, and resent it!!
I've decided to withdraw from the group, and find something else .Perhaps I'm just not a GROUP person!!!

However, today I'm off to visit my Favourite Craft Fair.The items they sell are Christmas Themed, and they have wonderful sandwiches and cakes for sale as well!!!It will be a nice way to end a not-so-good week!!
P.S. I did finish the tops of 6 Crazy Patch stockings- but just couldn't get up the "steam" to finish them.

A few more baubles / Crazy Patch stockings

2011-11-01T17:02:00.004+10:30

The shelf above my sewing machine table looks like this now- with even more baubles on the way. They're a nice "no-thinking" project for tv etc.On the right is yet another Crazy Patch stocking. These are nice to make as well. I'm using plenty of buttons and beads on these.I have an order for a couple too.

Crazy Patch stocking

Decorating my house for Christmas takes me back to the days when I taught young children in a classroom setting.I would ask parents for help with Christmas Craft classes, and we'd have a whole afternoon making things.By the end of the 4th Term, the classroom looked like a Wonderland!!Such happy times we had. Having so many parents to help meant that we could have small groups, and the things we made!!!

Another Colouricious video to enjoy

Hope you're having a good week.

Dancing dolls!! Charlie One (Tail) Feather

2011-10-24T12:25:00.006+10:30

This week...
It was a dull, rainy morning, and I'd finished all my "chores", and at last headed to my sewing room.I'd tidied up the night before, and my bead tray was on the table all ready for a morning's beading on the latest stockings. But..then I spied a doll shape I'd been looking at a few days ago, and thought I had to make a doll that was dancing.The pattern is one of Patti Culea's( a freebie), and is called Joyful Angel.
I wasn't in the mood to make Angels, but I was in the mood to make some Gypsy girls...here is the first of several.She's a hanging doll.
Charley One Feather....

Poor Charlie has only one tail feather at the moment

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that Kev and I are visited every day by some (now), very tame doves.One day, this little bird came to us. I was quite upset, as I thought it had been attacked. However, when we looked closely we could see that it was only moulting, and the new feathers were just starting to show.

Tail Feathers Growing!

We think this little bird is last year's baby, as it flew straight to Kev's hands when it first appeared. It even steps onto your finger if you rub its tummy!!

Charlie likes to have a little rest between pecking at the seeds.

Craft Fete Finds
Stacks of craft mags, Christmas mags...

Lace motifs

I couldn't believe my luck with these.......$3.00 for this much .The individual flower motifs are perfect for embroidery pieces!! They could be used on Christmas decorations, doll costumes......

Look how wonderfully CONFIDENT this child is!!

At this time last year

2011-10-22T08:23:00.008+10:30

Last year at about this time, I started making these beaded ornaments.I started fairly late in the year, so I only got this many made.I was going to decorate my whole tree with this type of decoration.When I went to my Christmas making shelf in my sewing room, I discovered this bag of half made decorations. Hmmm..I was wondering what to stitch at night over the weekend!!!
I have now completed 12 stockings!! Why make just one when you can make 12 is my motto!!(yeah, Crazy Woman!!!).
Have a lovely weekend.
We are off to two lovely church fetes!!!

Beaded felt Christmas shapes.Some red birds too.

Bag of bits and pieces from last year.

New stocking

I was listening to a gripping audio book while beading this stocking!I added more beads than I'd intended.

Late November...I'm having a little Caption competition..I was going to use a cartoon I drew last year, but have decided to do something different this year.i just have to decide on a suitable photo.

Karen's Fabric's ready- recycled Reborn Fabrics

2011-09-26T11:49:00.009+09:30

First fabric using ribbon and fancy stitches.These fabrics are swaps with Karen.

Second Fabric.Karen wanted "brights".I hope these will be ok.Many more things could be added to these pieces.
It depends on what Karen wants to make with them.

The Colouricious dvd is terrific!!I love it.So many great ideas, and all "doable". I'll be sharing my projects inspired by the dvd over the next few weeks!
Remember this video?

I will be keen to see what Karen makes for me. I have no idea what I'll be making from the fabric she sends me.We'll have to wait and see.

Next week..Fabric Beads
later this week, I'll be making some fabric beads. I'm using these tutorials as a starting point.

This video was made by Lorraine Stobie click to see her blog for more tutorials!

Posable Wooden Bead dolls

2011-09-23T14:36:00.010+09:30

Little Dolls this week

Once the dolls are done, they go on the little shelf above my table. I really enjoy seeing them there, until they go off to their new homes!.
P.S. Can you see the little girl has her bloomers!People always look to see if the girls have theirs!

Christmas Elves

In the making

Pipe cleaners are wrapped with crochet cotton.
Wooden bead sanded, then painted with three coats of flesh coloured acrylic paint

Once the bodies are wrapped, I try out some clothes to see what the character requires.
Sometimes I put hats etc on first.

My Colouricious DVD has just arrived.I'm off to make a lovely pot of tea, and relax and watch it!!Whee....I can't wait to make myself one of those fancy teacosies!

Have a great weekend.Take care of yourself if times are tough for you at the moment!Give yourself a hug, buy some flowers.Be KIND to yourself!

Inchies Madness/ Felting Embellishing

2011-09-11T18:58:00.003+09:30

So nice to be able to go to Craft Group again.The room full of friendly faces was so lovely.It is such awelcoming group.
This week I tried....(photos coming!)
Good hint putting fusable webbing on back to stabilize.I have made flowers...I'm excited!!!

Next Pixie Dust
This is the next little Pixie Doll I've made.Both dolls have found new homes, which is nice. Last week at Craft Group, a couple of ladies asked me about the Inchies I'd shown them before.So, I have begun to make a few.Some will be for gifts later in the year, and some for a swap, and some to sell. These are the perfect small project for me to get involved with at the moment.

This is a small sample of the dozen or so I've finished.

More Inchies boxes

2011-08-25T08:09:00.007+09:30

Getting bigger , 4" Inchies now.

Lisa at.... http://lisasfibercreations.blogspot.com/ sent me this pretty flower, plus other gorgeous goodies.I was wondering what it would look like on top of the box.The lid is just placed on top for now.The sides of the box took me three nights' t.v. viewing to finish!(embroidery, and beading, buttons). I saw the African Queen, The Marriage of Figaro( set in South Australia!!), and a Rebus dvd.I always like to have something to stitch in fron of t.v. I decided to make another box around a flower thme, and put Lisa's flower on that one.

Without the flower..

I actually have several more "on-the-go", and feel thrilled with this project. I was all set to begin the bags from my new bag book, until I saw the Inchies book at the local Public library. I just had to make some inchies, then there were photos of little boxes made from Inchies....sigh!!Still, it's definitely ok to get distracted!

Have a laugh with this one!! Thanks Mary Ann (see link).

click mouse twice to enlarge screen.

A snippet from The Marriage of Figaro

It was fun looking for, and trying to recognise all the little scenes in this movie.Most of it is filmed in Adelaide (South Australia).Another great find at the library.What would we do without our wonderful libraries! I think I'll probably buy this one for Mum for Christmas. Very quirky film.

Latest Inchies

2011-08-18T08:07:00.004+09:30

This week, I've been making Inchies(2" Inchies). I'm making some for a swap with Karen soon.We'll be making Christmas themed 2" Inchies. I know, it's only August, but I thought I'd start now.I love making Christmas themed things.

I have added some to Mum's Journal.I have put them into little pockets inside the folder.There will be all sorts of little Treasures tucked away inside. It is so much fun working out what is to go in there. Mum was a Doll Maker too, so she loves the same things I do.

I have just started making little boxes from the inchies. Gee...if I thought I loved making the Inchies, the boxes are positively addictive. When I've mad a few more next week, I'll post photos.

This book has given me loads of ideas.

Nadine has approached the inchies from a Quilter's view. She has many techniques, and I think I might have to buy this one!It's a book you could refer to over and over again.

The above photo shows a little pocket in Mum's Folder with Inchies poking out!

Hope you have a great weekend, with LOTS of Creating time!

More work on folder

2011-08-13T08:28:00.014+09:30

Front Cover

Next Page-

Pocket inside front cover has fabric postcards inside.Next page on right has a little window that can be seen through.

Other side of next page.Very old hand dyed lace, plus other laces, and flower corsage.

Then Mum's photo page.This is the only one completed so far.The rest all need loads more beading,and embroidery.

This next page has a pocket above the blue rose.It opens to the left.

The page behind opens to the right, with more pockets front and back.I am making all sorts of Treasures to go in those pockets.So much fun!!

I was going to put this purse in one of the pockets, but sewed it on the outside of one of the pages instead.. The purse has a lot more beading on it now.The beading really makes things sparkle.I wish the photos showed how sparkly this Journal is.

Hope you're having FUN this weekend.I'm off to a Craft Fair, then I'll be making more background pieces for book projects, purses etc. I have fabric everywhere in my sewing room. I love making base pieces with layers of tulle, sheers etc. I am practising my vermicelli stitch as I quilt the backgrounds. I am getting better at this now.

My Influences at the moment - Salley Mavor

http://vimeo.com/danielcojanu/rabbitat

http://weefolk.wordpress.com/about

Here are some examples of Salley's work.

I'm making some small dolls etc inspired by Salley's work. I have just ordered two more of Salley's books. If you have time take a look at the video of Salley.A very sweet and talented woman.I want to live in her studio!!!

Isn't this just the sweetest work!!!

Momentos Folder- inspired by shrines

2011-07-29T09:46:00.003+09:30

Top of Folder

I used lace at the top.I painted it with "Stiffy", but woodwork glue works just as well(probably the same stuff). When dry, I used a dry brush with just a "smidge" of rich gold Jo Sonja paint on the lace.Gives it a nice sort- of Persian look I think.

This is what the front looks like with the flaps closed.I have added lots more embellishing since this pictutre was taken.

I'll be putting lots of momentos in the "folder's pockets, and they'll be based on photos of Mum in her youth, and later.My mother has always liked dressing up and looking good, so she should LOVE this latest piece. All the little bits and pieces will take quite a while, but no matter, I am having lots of fun with this project.I'll be making her look like a princess, queen etc...

The lace on the front covers are motifs that have been given to me, and the other lacey bits are very old.Some of the inherited stock from my favourite bead shop.

One heck of a messy sewing room!I love making a mess!!!

I bought a lovely fabric sample book amongst other great curtain fabrics this week.The remnants warehouse is a great resource!

Fabrics piled on the floor!I have 8 totes "on-the-go" at the moment.They're almost done.They just need handles.Then I will have cleared ALL of those UFO Crazy Patch pieces on the UFO shelf!!I feel REALLY good about that!! I don't like the Guilt that comes with half completed pieces.I know I shouldn't care if they get done or not, but know from long experience, that completeing things is Just The Best thing you can do for your own feelings of self worth.

Pictured atound my table are things I've received over the years from blogging pals. Latest being Mousie(Mary Ann), pincushions(Suzy),and many other sewing treasures that I use every day.

Painting with Embroidery-Victoria Crowder Payne

This video shows some interesting work with painting and hand embroidery. Embroidery has always been popular, but lately there has been a huge resurgence of interest in and practise of embroidery, both traditionsal, and contemporary. (the "sinister" aspect refers to poisonous plants).

Worth a look if you have time-last part shows actual works...

Other You Tube videos show Victoria's amazingly organised studio- all threads neatly arranged!

Fabric Art Journal

2011-05-27T15:33:00.000+09:30

Journal covers open to reveal a little pocket for a notebook, or use as a needle book etc. This is the first one, and I have three more "on the go", as they're fun to make. The cover is made from fabrics collaged and free mach.embroidered with sheers or bridal tulle on top. The next ones are quite different..and bigger (and bolder).

Cushion Cover

It's been a cool, wet week, which is good for working indoors , so I have cut out 16 muslin squares ready for my lap quilt.I have pieced 5 blocks, and just need to add a few laces before the Real embellishing begins. I hope I live until I am 91..I might finish it by then!!!Aaah....

I worked on the cushion top a bit this week.

Crazy Quilt Gatherings #2 has arrived!!

OOOh The Magazine has arrived!! Off to make a cuppa, and sit in my favourite chair for a good read!!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be in it!!!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Afternoon Tea at Newman's Nursery Teashop.

Newman's Nursery - Free Slideshow Maker

We had the loveliest visit this week.We went midweek, so hardly anyone was there. Lovely...sigh!!

Paper Shoes

2011-05-06T16:54:00.000+09:30

Today...

I had a break from making flowers, and completed three little paper shoes Mary Ann

told us about a little tutorial on

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/2010/01/elegant-shoe-tutorial.html

The second I saw these lovelies I just had to make some!I have one ready to hold a few Lottery tickets for Mum, but they would be lovely as holders for lace, braids...etc for special Swap Buddies.My swap buddies are all going to get one of these.

Flowers Giveaway- add your nameon prev post

Drawn Monday 16 th May

Some Right Royal Fun

Hmmm... BLUE...?

2011-02-27T15:30:00.000+10:30

Some Blue works
A friend has been trying the "centrepiece" piecing system as outlined by Judith Baker Montano.She had a pretty blue peacock motif, so I designed this sample for her around the colours in the motif. My friend can add to this piece, and embroider and bead to her taste.She hasn't seen it yet.
I must admit that blue is a colour I seldom work with. I'd been having a colour chat with a Blogging Buddy, and we both admitted that we have very few blue fabrics.

Boldly Blue

So , after completing the blue sample,just to see what would happen, I made up two more blue pieces, and have begun to embellish them. The blue is still a colour I am getting used to, but the two pieces sitting on my table in the sewing room, look very cool on this hot day. I had to do some dyeing of lacey bits, braids etc in order to have enough to embellish with, as I have so few blue "bits". I'm not sure what I'll do with these pieces, but guess they'll be wallhangings eventually. Tomorrow I'll be off to buy blue beads....etc. I am getting excited to see how these pieces will turn out.I also found some nice blue buttons.
New Crazy Quilting Magazine

I have just received my copy of Crazy Quilt Gatherings http://gatherings100.blogspot.com/

mag. I just had a feeling that this year I'd be doing a lot more embroidery, and have found so many helpful resources, that all I have to do is Pratise!! I'm amazed at the variety of styles, so many gorgeous examples.I have been carrying my mag. around for a few days now, "drooling" over the pics.

Hope your weekend has been restful and happy.

The photo shows the blue as much more intense than it is in reality.

Some of my dolls a bit of this and that.

2011-02-17T11:10:00.000+10:30

Don't forget Giveaway - 2-3 posts back Does anyone know how to link back to own earlier post.I know it can be done, but haven't figured it out yet.?I'd love an e-mail. Many thanks. Karen taught me how to link which is great. I felt pretty chuffed being able to do that!!

This week I have needed some photos of my dolls.I have been playing around with various shots.I still think I need to redo this one.I hadn't realised how hard it is to get "just the right shot"!!

Heart Chain

Last weekend, Kev and I went off to a local small market which operates once a month.There was a new lady there who had a stall with Furnishing Fabrics!! Oh what sumptuousness...my heart skipped a beat when I saw all those lovely fabrics. The lady wanted very little for them (as she is reducing her stash), and I filled several bags for $10.00- treasure indeed. I needed to use them straight away, so I made up some little hearts, and strung them together .I love the rich rust and green colours as well as the creams...these are going to form the basis of the lap quilt I am working on. It should(could??) be ready by Winter.I am not exactly "rapid" in the area of embroidery!!I won't be able to do much beading on it , so it will possibly take less time than I think.

Old Sample found(from '90's)no..not 1890's!!

Many years ago I went along with my mother and aunty to some machine embroidery classes held on Saturdays for several months. While looking through my old notes I came across a sample fabric that I had made back then. I added an image, a little stitchery, and it developed into a little pouch.I think I will probably add a beaded handle later, but I have got excited by my lap quilt(I have never made a quilt before, ), as well as the other heart that turned into a wall-hanging. I feel very encouraged by the kind things people said about the last one, so this one will have a lot more stitches, as I have learned more since I made the last one.I can't recommend highly enough the Tutorials I have posted on my sidebar. What a boon having the videos able to be replayed until I "get it"!! Thos leafy bits are some very old lace I picked up from "Need 4 Bead" recently. Some of the finer lacey bits were disintegrating, but that doesn't put off a machine embroiderer!I bought several metres, and dyed them different colours. The leafy bits are perfect for framing images.

I also received my Cat Kit Giveaway Prize from Amanda as well. Can't wait to make it up. A little heart will be winging its way to her soon.http://amanda-lotshappening.blogspot.com/ Amanda got her heart.

Wallhanging finished/Kev's photos/Little Dot animation

2011-02-12T13:39:00.000+10:30

I love this little vieo. I hope you enjoy this little clip.I heard about this little video from Ellen's site http://ellenanneeddy.blogspot.com/ Ellen has a story-telling, story sharing heritage, and you can see this in her wonderful art. Treat yourself and have a look at her site.

Sand Art-
This morning I found a link from my bloglist http://Judymccarthysdrawings.blogspot.com/
It was such a lovely video, I wanted to rush to the beach ,grab a stick and draw big shapes!!Sand is a wonderful, gritty, satisfying substance to play with.Go to my Blog and look for Enthusiastic Artist on my Bloglist. This lady has fascinating posts and insights into the world of a Graphic Artist.

Finished

Well, I am pleased to say that this wall piece is complete except for the binding strip.I am getting this one stretched onto canvas.Con is going to show me how to do it.I might do the next ones myself if it doesn't look too hard.I am going to change the decor in our bedroom, and this hanging will be going on our bedroom wall.

Man of the moment- surprise Morning Tea

Kev really was surprised. I had a big bag of gear for decorating the table, but I told Kev the bag contained projects that I'd made that Mum hadn't seen yet.It was a very big bag, but Kev didn't suspect anything. Then I got him to go ahead to Mum's room while I put the gear at a table in the cafe.

We had a lovely Morning Tea.Our friends Marlene and Barrie joined us.We had a lovely time.

Marlene has a great sense of fun.She looked fabulous in red. She made her necklace.

Gift Shop- at a Nursing Home

Some of my dolls are now displayed in the Gift Shop where Marlene does some volunteer work.The lady (above)is her friend Helen, who is a fantastic Manager of the shop. Since she took over the shop has increased profits more than ten-fold, and they have used the funds for several flat screened t.v's, beautiful outdoor furniture....The profits are used to improve the Residents quality of life.

A few of my dolls have sold which is nice. Later, when we have settled into more of a routine, I may do some voluntary work in the shop. It's a beautiful shop, and I now know how the invoice system etc works...(after my visit to bring in my dolls).

Now I am going to order Pat Winter's latest mag.It's an online one, and all about Crazy Patch. I have seen the preview.Some scrumptious works in there.

Don't forget Giveaway 2 posts back

Draw will be Feb 25th.

Keeping busy/ Kev's Big Day

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000+10:30

A couple of posts ago, I showed a photo of two new hearts This was going to be a heart, but I added more crazy patch to it, and now it's grown into a wall hanging. I have several more days' work until it's finished, but it has kept me busy during Kev's last week at work.I've been absorbed in my needlework, so I won't dwell on the fact that after years of Retirement being something in the far distant future , suddenly it's here.It's happening!!Seventy other people in Kev's department(originally 120 employees),
will be joining Kev in being made redundant.They are having a Big Morning Tea for all those leaving, but Kev thought it might be a bit impersonal, so he's not going to the official one tomorrow. That's why I have planned a small surprise one!

We are now both officially "retired". We have tried to ease into Retirement by both working part time for a few years, and I think this has helped.It hasn't been a sudden event.Still, is is still a big Change- no matter how well prepared you are!!

.Tonight we're going out to dinner, and this afternoon. I'll set up the table in the Home's cafe for Kev's surprise Morning Tea.Kev thinks we're just going to change the quilt on Mum's bed...he,he.
P.S. How are we feeling?/What are our plans?
Some people have been asking how we are feeling about Retiring. Gosh it's hard to explain! To be honest there are so many emotions floating around, and each emotion is being quickly replaced by another(excitement, fear, sadness, expectancy,joyful anticipation...), so there isn't one clear feeling. Change does this to people. There is a Life Change/ Stress Index that's used by Counsellors, which places Retirement right up near the top of the list.Even positive events can be stressful. When I can figure our how to retrieve it I'll post the index checklist.
In March we are going to start with a close place- Kangaroo Island off the South Australian Coast.The wildlife is lovely.Tourists from all over the world come to see it!We will take our car on the ferry......more coming.
New Swap Birthday cards

Don,t forget the Giveaway (last blog post).

Giveaway time!! I also won a cat kit!

2011-02-05T13:37:00.000+10:30

This week I thought it was time to have a little Giveaway.3 separate prizes

1.Small Crazy Patch heart

2. Fabric collage Card

3.Notebook,Bookmark,lace etc.i'll make up a nice little parcel of goodies.

Please leave a comment if you'd like to be in the draw for these gifts. Cheers .Judy

Last Day - prizes drawn February 25th

Good Luck!!Hope you are having /had a good weekend.

A lucky week

Isn't this cute? I won this on Amanda's site http://amanda-lotshappening.blogspot.com/

Crazy Patch Hearts

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These little hearts are so lovely to make.The one in the top photo is a birthday gift for a friend.

The images in the centre were professionally printed onto photographic canvas. It is fairly expensive to do the images this way,so I only had a few small ones done, and a couple of postcard sized images for larger works later. I had them done at an Art Store, where the manager used to be a graphic artist, and had worked for a newspaper, so knows how to get clear images.I am really pleased with these motifs.

Puss joins the other pincushions

This puss is the latest to join my other pincushions. This one is tall- so quite handy.I have loads of pincushions and use most of them except for the very decorative ones.
I'm a Birthday Girl tomorrow, so we are off to lunch, and a nice glass of "bubbles" to celebrate!

New work / Giveaway winner

2011-01-15T14:35:00.000+10:30

This Heart is finished

Elfie for Marlene

Just one of the finished elves I made this week. He is posing with one of the many interesting driftwood pieces I have about the house and garden. This one is a gift for Marlene to keep or sell on her Craft Stall. I also made up some small hearts for her in neutral tones.

Giveaway prize goes to....

"Creative Dawn"

Birds, birds, birds!!

2011-01-11T18:26:00.000+10:30

Bird of Paradise -finished.

This one was so much fun!! I have made more than one elf as I just had to make more than one!!I am going to give some away, and keep some to pose on some of the wonderful pieces of driftwood that we have collected over the years. Friends give us pieces too, and I still have some of Mum's pieces which she collected from all over Australia. I'll take photos and post them on the next post.

Some local Sculptures

In a park near to us there are some really appealing sculptures, made from machinery parts.This is a life sized pelican. We, often see them at the lakes,which are about 100 yards from home.

Here are some more bird sculptures near where the pelican is perched. It's fascinating to see what the swans are made from! From a distance they look like they are standing in a quiet pool.

Pelican Visitors to Oakden Lakes

Pelicans have been known to fly many hundreds of kilometres to find water and suitable nesting places. Before the flood waters came to the inland of Australia in the past few months, we had many pelican visitors to the lakes near our house. Some have flown away, but a few have stayed, and they are so wonderful to watch.The lake is stocked with small fish (to eat mosquito larvae), but which the birds love !

Thousands of birds falling from the skies!! It has been horrifying to hear about the many thousands of different bird species falling down dead from the skies all over Europe! How awful. It is still not really known why they have died.There is some speculation that they got whisked into high thermal currents , and died from lack of oxygen.

Wild Weather-Meanwhile South Australia is bracing itself for some wild weather approaching from the Eastern states of Queensland and New South Wales. The worst of the weather will be north and south of us, but promises to bring very heavy rain. The heating of the Pacific Ocean is said to be causing some of this wild weather, but other experts say it is just cyclic. Toowoomba in Queensland has had shocking flooding. The Great Dividing Range runs along parallel to the coast over much of NSW and Queensland, and Toowoomba is perched on top of the range. It is a beautiful, cultured city which has just emerged from 10 years of drought, and now this! The people living at the foot of the mountains are the ones who received most of the flooding, but two people were washed away in their car right in the heart of the city. It must have been an extraordinary rain storm!

Long time residents at the lakes

These sacred ibis have made themselves quite at home on the reeds at the lakes!I love them!!They make me smile every time we drive past in the car, or walk round the lakes. They are breeding well- perhaps too well, as they have drive off some of the smaller birds.

Our babies are moulting!Ringnecked Doves

This little love is one of this year's babies. Poor little thing looks awful!!!
It has only just got its feathers , and now is starting to lose them, as the birds go into moult for the Summer.