Twelve Months In The Making

It's been a year since we moved out of suburbia to a more quiet area and can I admit I've never felt better.  Moving houses every year or two since I left my maternal nest has been physically and emotionally taxing, so much so the residual feeling of being displaced and not belonging has been a hard one to shift.  It's almost like we're waiting for that moment we'll need to move again making only very short-term plans.  Knowing that I don't need to start the process of planning the next move just as we're settling in has been one that is hard to put into words, but I'm so excited to continue with our plans as we head towards Spring.  I feel my own roots are settling and I can exhale.  

As I said in my last post, I've been enjoying weaving by the fire in my down time and I find it so poignant that this piece of fabric is my last project completed in my first year living here.  

See, I started weaving these straps whilst we waited for settlement, sitting in our lounge room surrounded by boxes.  It kept my mind balanced through the mountain of to dos.  And once we settled in, I made a conscious decision to make a note of my completed projects, at the same time giving a voice to my pieces by writing about them here.  This has enabled me to track my progress as an artist whilst remembering each piece's inspiration whilst the project is fresh.

Here's a small collage I made for myself of the last 12 months of creating.  

I'm so thrilled with what I've achieved and learnt during this time and proud of myself that I've let go and created freely.  I'm almost through my WIP pile and have new ideas flowing for the next 12 months of projects.  There's so much I would like to learn and projects I'd like to do, but half the fun is the planning and stealing snippets of time just for me.  

Hope you have a great weekend!

New Singular OOAK Piece

I love this time of year where the ground is covered in a smattering of autumnal hues after the leaves have danced from their limbs and the morning dew so prominent, everything around us appears to twinkle.  The garden is slowing down as we head into the early part of winter and the brisk mornings make getting out of bed that little bit harder.  We're having to start a fire as soon as we get home as the daylight promptly turns to night with the chill seeping in through the large amount of glass windows.  This time of year, my most favourite part of the evening is when all around us quietens and all is finally done for the night.  We sit down for a brief time before bed in front of the fire, winding down with our cat at my feet whilst I weave.  I've slowly been working on some weaving - a project I had started before we moved house which will be a year ago in a couple of weeks.  I look forward to sharing it with you once the fabric is complete.  I find weaving to be something which allows me to shut off my busy mind once the loom has been warped and each thread is deliberately pulled and beaten in place to create straps, which are then hand sewn together, emitting the true essence of handmade.  It's an enormous task, but one which I enjoy immensely all cosy mosy in front of the fire.  

Studio time has been quite limited as we've been getting home quite late over the past few weeks.  I've very slowly been able to work on a piece, again embodying my love of nature in my artistic statement type style.  I made the callistemon flower bead awhile back.  Creating the cup part where the stamens normally grow from was a lesson of supreme patience as I would tend to squish a few.  It was inspired by the Australian native callistemon for its silky stamens in deep, rich and vibrant colours, for its nectar-filled cups attracting Wattle birds and New Hollands to feed upon, for the beauty of its seed pods and ever changing foliage.  This bead in turn inspired this piece "Nature's Way - 2".  

I used my handpainted focal bead to represent the Callistemon flower pod; handmade beaded leaves to represent the ever changing leaf colour in Autumn; a Tagua nut, wood and ceramics as earth elements; and Dupioni silk to represent the fact that the plant looks rough from afar, but the foliage and flowers are silken to the touch.  All components are bound together by my favourite vintage bronze wire and measures 52cms around the neck, with the pendant being a further 15cms.  

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Knowing Your Worth

If you have been following along my creative journey, you will know how much I love creating.  The exciting part for me is not only the end result but the entire process, which begins with a sketch.  Wracking my brain how each piece will be made, what materials best represent each line for the overall story of the piece excites me.  Yet, the most wondrous part of all is seeing the finished piece that works aesthetically and practically.  There are some times where my ideas don't quite come together in this way when taking the design and transposing it into something tangible and so trying to keep within the same theme, I correct my mistakes.  And so the story evolves.

As this entire process for me comes when it's ready, the completion of each piece has no timeframe.  Components are sketched, made, rested, painted in multiple layers with resting in-between, sealed, rested and each part is pieced together with intention as the sketch becomes alive.  And once the piece is complete, it sits and waits.  I pause and observe making sure each piece is just right and I smile to myself with that internal warmth of joy.

Then I begin the online process - taking numerous photographs trying to capture the piece in such a detailed way so the intended market can virtually feel the essence and intention the piece has.  I do this as my life is such where I'm still unable to attend markets.  And so inlays my problem.  My dream of being a successful jewellery designer is still that - just a dream.  I'm so grateful to have a few pieces bought online as well as in person but for some reason, online selling continues not to be for me and I'm unsure as to why my pieces are lost in translation as the feedback I've received has been wonderful.  So yesterday I decided to close my Facebook page and let it go.  

Today I finally knew my worth.  This is something I've been working on for many, many years.  Being and feeling confident and aligned in my own skin.  Today, I realised I'm more than just likes, comments and shares.  I'm someone who expresses themselves emotionally, meaningfully and mindfully through art.  I love what I do.  I love what I make.  And that's all I need to be.

On that note, I finished a piece that's been in progress since mid-March.  I shared the intended pendant dangles in my last blog post and now, its story was complete.  Intended for my "Findings of Nature" series, this one features a found piece of driftwood, recycled sari silk and handmade polymer clay components inspired by my love for nature.  It's certainly a statement piece, bold and armouresque representing my love for the forest - the strength and wiseness of the old trees, the whispers amongst the leaves, the life that lives deep beneath the earth amongst the roots or on the branches of the trees, finding comfort in the stillness, new life protected in tiny cups bursting free into the wind and the smell of deeply rich earth laying in wait for the cycle of life.

Here is a close up of the pendant:

And a full view:

Enjoy your week :)

Gardening, Beadmaking and Painting

It's been a little while since I last stopped by my blog, mostly as my time has been spent in the garden tending the patch when not working.  We had such an abundance over Summer which was quite surprising as we started late in the season getting ourselves sorted and secondly, as we were just seeing what would thrive or fail not knowing what the summer temperatures and the amount of rainfall would be like impacting production.  Ummm .... all I can say is we haven't needed to shop for fresh fruit and veggies since early January.  We've only needed to purchase the staples - onions, garlic and avocado - but that is it, which is massive as three-quarters of all our meals use fresh vegetables.  Am remedying the onions and the garlic with seedlings growing already for next season and will attempt a test run on avocados by building a suitable environment, so keeping fingers crossed for next year.

Since early March, I've only had a chance to work on two projects.  I recently completed the design and made the dangles for my next "Findings of Nature" necklace:

And over the last few weeks, I finally plucked up the courage to paint a painting in colour.  Now I've painted before in my dot-like style, however, I've never actually painted something 100% with a brush.  So dealing with serious handshakes, constant confidence questioning and concerns of stuffing it all up was uncomfortable, but fulfilling as I finished it by pushing my boundaries way out.  It is a bang of colour ... perhaps too bright for some, but I wanted something seriously vibrant and weirdly interesting to adorn our plain, stark walls with dark brick in places.  I've named this piece "Woodland Faerie", acrylic on canvas, 40x30cm.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead :)

The Bowl That Inspired The Necklace

Back in January, I blogged about an offering bowl which inspired my new "Dream Weaver" necklace series.  In the throws of creative energy, I had stopped working on the offering bowl and jumped straight into making the pendant for the necklace.  Here it is below:

I was terribly unsure if it was too outside of the box, however, reassurance came in the way of a tremendous amount of positive feedback and the above piece sold straight away, which totally floored me!  

So after what feels like yet another week from hell, where absolutely everything that could go wrong does go wrong, I needed to calm my mind with some meditative creating and ended up finishing the offering bowl last night.  I love the way it sits in the hand, tightly coiled with splashes of colour, with its warmth permeating the fibre.  The only downside to it being a bowl is the fact it's so difficult to photograph hahah so here it is top down:

It's almost the weekend (yayyyyy) so enjoy every minute whatever you choose to do :)

New Wall Art Piece - 2

My favourite colour palette acts as a safety net when it comes to my creations as my designs come freely and I know the finished piece is going to be as I imagined.  So, excited to create another wall hanging in a similar style to the one I made for myself, I decided to use a colour palette I wouldn't normally choose.  I had used it once when creating my handpainted bookmarks (middle bookmark in the below pic) and I loved the outcome.  Wondering how it would look on a much larger scale was what piqued my muse:

One good thing about painting the discs is as each piece consists of multiple layers which require dry time in-between each layer, I can work on them in short bursts which suits my schedule wonderfully!

I finished painting the discs earlier this week and pondered on what selection of beads to use and how it was going to hang:

And this morning, I finished linking it altogether using an array of Indian glass, semiprecious gemstones, Mykonos ceramics and Czech glass:

And it's all complete!

Have a wonderful week ahead :)

New Wall Art Piece

Today has been an awesome day!  You know those days where everything works out and there's sunshine and rainbows? Hehe. Yep, today is THAT day for me.

I started the day waking from a wonderful sleep-in with no alarm!  And I spent most of my morning having such a soul-filled conversation with a dear friend of mine which left me in such a great space.  I had planned to spend the whole day creating but it was such fantastic weather that I did some garden tending until lunch and spent the afternoon finishing off a piece of wall art which makes me tingle all over :)

See, I continue on the bandwagon of finishing my unfinished projects.  As each one gets completed in its due time, I'm buzzing to see ideas from recently or from years ago form afore my eyes.  Sometimes these materialisations are stonewalled as I get stuck not knowing how to continue and for some ideas, they just wait patiently.  So is the case for this one.  I designed this on 21 August 2003 carefully cutting out photocopies of my drawing to create the bigger picture:

So over our recent Christmas short break, I brought out my wooden discs again, painting each one.  Then I started the construction:

And last night, I finished the construction:

Then today was the fun part of figuring out how to hang it.  I wanted it to sit flat on the wall so after fiddling about for sometime, I ended up by dressing one of my canvases with Dupioni silk in the most magical sage green and affixed the piece to the canvas.  It is marvellous.  Well I think so anyway hahahha. So introducing "Sun of Yang":

Enjoy your weekend ahead :)

 

Working Through The Pile of Unfinished Projects - 5

Following on from my last post, I've continued to work on part 2 of my "Spirit Beings" paintings and finished this one yesterday.  Wahoo!!!  As mentioned before, it's taken me 16 years to finish these and all I need to do now is work out how to hang them.  I'm thinking of using some handmade hooks where the paintings will sit in the hooks.

And here are the two of them together:

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

Working Through The Pile of Unfinished Projects - 4

So am back to finishing up half-done pieces after recently completing my new wall hanging.  I can't believe I have finished 12 pieces since July!  It's so satisfying as I really enjoy finishing things (despite how long it takes), but more importantly, I've been having so much fun!

I don't think I should include the below piece in the count.  Why?  Well I have a confession.....  this piece has been a long time in the making <eek>.  Sixteen years to be exact! 

So in 2000, when I worked in chambers, both of my bosses were taking a long lunch break and I didn't have much to do.  I'd been doing some personal research on alternative therapies and the night before, I had envisaged what I call my "spirit beings".  So I sketched out two designs for some soon to be drawings.

Two years later, I completed those drawings in my black and white bubble style with the hope of transferring them into a painting.

Thirteen years later, in August 2015, I was working through my pile of unfinished projects (as I seem to do haha) and decided to continue on this project and off I went.  The background of the canvas board came up beautifully and the depiction of the spirit beings was exactly was I was hoping.  And then I became stumped.  I didn't know how to finish it.  So I commenced the second in the series (still yet to be completed) whilst I contemplated how to finish them.  Then at the same point as the first, I hit the brick wall.  And so they sat. Until now.

This painting comes up rather ordinary and muted in its vibrancy in the pic as the many dots seem to distort the lens.  However, these paintings are the most meaningful to me out of all of my work I've completed since that day in chambers. And there is quite a collection hahaha!!!  Their meaning is deeply personal and to see the first one finally completed brings me heart-warming joy. I'm hoping to work on the second soon so will post a pic once it's done.

Enjoy your weekend!

For My Studio

For quite some time I've wanted to make a wall hanging for my studio.  We've lived in rental properties for quite awhile, and as you're only allowed to use already existing picture hooks, I've held off making something for me as writing letters to real estate agents for permission to knock a hole in a wall is a bit of a headache.  So in the process of brightening my studio, and now being able to do whatever we like, I thought why not!

Earlier this week, I shared on Instagram the main components for the wall hanging using acrylic on wood:

By midnight last night/this morning, it was done and I couldn't be happier!!  I'm unsure if it requires a fifth strand - what do you think?

Using a selection of wood, Irish waxed linen, gemstones, recycled glass, bone and natural seed pods, it's exactly what I had envisaged.  

Hope you have a marvellous weekend!

New Singular OOAK Piece

Wow, what a wonderfully productive weekend!  I love the weekends where stuff gets done, with time to play and socialise, and great quality sleep thrown into the mix.  It gives me that energised jumpstart to the new week ahead.

On Saturday, after getting all the household and business to-dos out of the way, I spent the afternoon cleaning the studio whilst figuring out what to work on next.  I was feeling spritely so I put on the Bob Marley "One Love" tour and an hour and a half later, this is what happened:

New swing tags for pieces I've recently completed using my handcarved stamps ...

... unpacked and hung all my pieces ....

... and finished this new lovely - yet to be named:

This piece features my handpainted polymer clay stick and wire pendant, my cocoon connector using a gorgeous Vintage Rose coloured lace, Czech Glass, Mykonos ceramics, silk ribbon, The Spacer Queen lampwork and a beautifully flashy labradorite.  

Am not sure what I'm going to work on next.  I'm itching to get my paints out and also finish off a piece of wall art I've been working on so I may have something different to share in my next post.  I hope you're enjoying seeing what I'm working on, as much as I am creating them.

Have a wonderful week!

New Singular OOAK Piece

You know Murphy's Law when you don't have time to create but the muse decides to go bananas and throw a bunch of ideas at you?  Well such is the case with this new piece.  Last year, during our busiest time for work, my muse decided that enough was enough and send me into a tail spin.  I sketched furiously out my designs and set it aside. Then I pulled out beads I wished to use, made notes and bagged it all up for a "free" day.  

Um ... so 11 months later, whilst in the process of forcing myself to work through my piles of unfinished projects, I set about working on this new piece.  Let me tell you ... I have ummed and ahhed my way through the whole 9 days it took me to complete it.  It certainly didn't come together as easily as my last two :(

Here's a snapshot of the pendant:

Top to bottom - altered brass bullet casing, my own enamelled round, my handmade faux wooden polymer clay connector and a delicious array of dangles including Scorched Earth's intoxicating "Galaxy" porcelain drop, fibre, brass, stone, bone, wood, and kyanite. 

I was loving the vibe and I knew what it meant for me, but I was stumped as to what to call it.  It didn't fit within my other series and I knew it was to be a stand alone piece.  So I put out a post on my Instagram and Facebook pages asking for some help.  I had a few wonderful responses that sounded like they would suit, but still didn't fit with my initial "vibe" of the piece.  I'm so grateful for those comments as they steered me in the right direction.

After chatting with a friend about my stumpedness, and putting the suggested names passed him, he asked me what the piece meant for me, specifically the bullet casing as I've never used this type of material before.  I couldn't answer him directly as I was unsure why I was drawn to it as guns and bullets make me terribly uncomfortable.  Through our conversation, I discussed with him my longing for how it used to be.  Meaning the importance of handmade and how we, as a society, these days, have a "right now" mindset.  Let me explain ...

Whatever we want is at our fingertips.  For example, you've plans on a Saturday night and, as life is so busy, you only decide Friday night what to wear.  You don't have that piece of jewellery that's just right so you go down to the likes of Diva and pick yourself up a cheap, mass produced piece that suits ... for right now. Our need is satisfied instantly.  Now there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  It's convenient.  And often gets you out of a spot.  But ... for me ... I find this sad.  My old soul yearns for times where the jeweller would spend many months making a piece using his/her own hands and simple tools and that piece would be handed down through generations and still hold meaning. And still be important.  Not just junk.

So ... we arrived at "The Death of Handmade".  It sounds depressing but the intention isn't so but to just raise the awareness of how important it is to support handmade.  It's more than just the tangible item you're buying.  You're also getting the love the artist has for what they do; their energy and something of meaning which, in my opinion, is priceless.

Here she is hanging:

... and a completed view:

Enjoy your week :)

The Birth of a New Necklace Series - Update

So admittedly, I "ummed" and "ahhed" over how to connect these components together for a little longer than normal.  We've encountered rained out days so far this week meaning more days at home (last week, our work vehicle was in for repairs for almost a week!), but the upside to that was time to work in the garden, rest and ponder on these components some more.

I was nervous as I didn't want to marr the driftwood by wirework mistakes (as more often than not, the wire has a mind of its own - ha!).  I wanted to create a pendant that was structurally sound, asthetically pleasing and retained the vibe I was hoping for.  This is what I came up with (it only needed a redo once - yayyyy!).

The next step was to go through copious amounts of beads to find the perfect ones - the ones that spoke to me.  Ever since I was young, whenever I created, when I found the perfect "thing" to use, it would almost feel as though it was thrumming.  To this day, I still choose my materials this way and such is the case with each and every bead, paint or fibre used in my work.  What'cha think?  I'm excited!

Next was to make the necklace portion incorporating the clasp -

- and tahdah, after connecting it altogether .... introducing the first piece from my "Findings of Nature" series ...

This piece consists of a found piece of driftwood, a tree limb disc, a handmade polymer clay nature-inspired seed stick and a found stone handpainted by me and brought together by an eclectic mix of stone, seed, wood, glass, bone and Irish waxed linen in a macrame style.  All wood, stone and polymer clay has been baked, sanded and sealed for wear and tear.  All natural beads have been ethically sourced.

My heart is full!  I am completely stoked with the outcome, so much so I think I skipped in to show Heath hahaha. I'm so looking forward to start the process over for number two but more percolating is to be had. Am thinking a different colourway ... Stay tuned!

The Birth of a New Necklace Series

When out in nature - whether it be in my day job, working in the garden or venturing out with Heath - there is always something that makes me catch my breath, and stop to take a closer look.  From time to time, a small trinket from nature comes home with me to be added to my collection as a source of inspiration.  It might be a leaf where the texture or shape or colour catches my eye or a perfectly smooth rock that almost vibrates with energy when held in the hand.  My most favourite pieces are displayed in the corner of my workspace as being surrounded by meaningful and/or inspirational bits'n'bobs imbues for me the most perfect ambience to create.  

Here is one of my offering bowls - a leaf that fell at my feet when we first moved here which has the most glorious colourings; a stone so smooth and energy-filled; a cap from a gumnut I found in our garden which sat in a circle of dirt with nothing surrounding it; a succulent flower from my "Lavender Scallops" which blows my mind how perfect the colour and structure is; and finally, a gift of labradorite and crystal from one of the most soulful and kindred spirits I've met online - Julie of Uglibeads - all nestled in a handmade ceramic dish from Thailand which I bought on our honeymoon. 

Recently, whilst arranging a collection of items, my muse screamed at me "yessssss" and after a lot of percolating, my "Findings of Nature" series was born.  I've three one of a kind pieces planned thus far, the first of which will contain a found piece of driftwood, a tree limb disc from another project I'm working on, one of my polymer clay nature-inspired sticks and an interestingly shaped stone which I've handpainted.  Here is a sneaky peek:

I'm currently trying to nut out the best way to connect it altogether so it's structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing so am letting that stew for a bit longer as sometimes the drawing doesn't always work out hahaha.  But can't wait to share the finished result :)

Enjoy your week ahead!

Making a Connection

I'm not sure why, or if others experience this, but whenever I move houses, it takes an awfully long time for me to connect with my new art space.  It's especially frustrating and quite laughable as I skirt around the perimeters of the room but avoid going in as if I'm about to go on a first date.  I'm so nervous, I hate it.  I can't help it. And I laugh at myself for doing it.  I don't know why it happens but when the time is right, we connect and it's wonderful!  

So after two months since I've set up my space, I took a deep breath and finally took the plunge.  I pumped the music, danced about for a bit, removed the curtain to let more light in as crappy weather continues then sat down at my table to stare out the window for about 20 minutes hahaha. And this is my view ...

Keeping in mind my recently finished concept piece I loved doing, I thought I'd start working on the planned A3 size.    And after a few nights, I completed it.  I have grave difficulty naming any of my pieces so I've arrived at the aptly named "Eucalyptus - Leaves and Gumnuts" as being my source of inspiration.  And also why I can now I feel connected and can comfortably work in my space :)

Here it is:

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Shifting Focus

There is something seriously special about this place.  The wide expanse of the skyline with nothing but giant gums swaying delicately in the breeze envelopes you and subconsciously thrums at you to relax.  And when night comes, just a sea of blackness highlighted by wisps of wood smoke, the twinkling of stars and the magic nature of galaxies.  The last time I recall seeing a galaxy was when I was a child.  Now as an adult, my eyes still widen with the same wonder and amazement as they did back then.

We've spotted at least 14 different species of bird so far and hearing them welcome the day and bid us goodnight is an element that I find so special.  I've found myself smiling at the sky as I watch them play, clapping their wings and darting through and around the garden.  Or when they land in the garden foraging at what food nature provides with a few treats from me added into the mix. Today, there was a loud "meowing" coming from what sounded near the front door.  Thinking our cat had somehow escaped outside, I rushed to let him back in.  But low and behold, there were six wild ducks "chatting" with each other as they delved into the lush green in search of food.  I've only ever seen two on the property down the back of the right-hand side paddock so today was extra special to see them so close.  In time, these quiet observations may become that of the norm but for now, I'm savouring these special sensory memories and holding onto them tight.  

 

I've been doing a great deal of soul searching since I've been here as to what direction I should take when it comes to my art.  Online selling isn't working for me, no matter what platform I try.  So after a tonne of deliberation and plenty of chats with Heath (poor thing!  I'm blessed he's so patient), I've decided to step away from online selling or advertising.  Just focusing on the reason why I create to begin with - the love of it.  I've somehow lost a bit of focus along the way, and being here, amongst the simple things that Mother Nature has to offer, has made me realise I need to start at the grassroots level again. No audience, no timeframes, no chunks of time spent on "paperwork".

So starting small, I've started to work on finishing items in my box of WIPs.  Last evening, I finished this adorable gum nut pot with leaf motifs.  It's quite aptly named as it reminds me so much of the bulbous seeds that scatter our gardens.  It's not the best photo as had to take inside as it's been raining non-stop here but it has two different shades of purple for the trim and main bulb of the pot.

Tonight, I plan to continue weaving straps for a new woven fabric which will in turn become  a boho bag.  I had so much fun making the last one that I can't wait to make another.  

Have a great week!

New Beginnings

It's been some time since I last came up for air and all for good reason.  For what feels like an eternity, we've been "heads down, bums up" working towards our dream - moving from the city to the country.  And it's finally here!!! As of today - after a very tough slog, including a two-week delay, then five solid moving days, 1,500 kilometres and a body full of bruises - we're in.  Despite the laborious and stressful nature of moving, unpacking is my favourite part - having the opportunity to put life back in its place does wonders for my slightly obsessive organisational mind.  And my, do I have a lot of unpacking to do hahaha

We've only been here a week but already, my mind and soul feels more free.  Simple things like being woken by the chortle of magpies; viewing an alpaca grazing from my kitchen window or like tonight, the neighbours having a roaring bonfire in their back paddock sings true to my soul.  I certainly don't miss the blaring sirens dozens of times a day or the hustle and bustle.  We will, however, be continuing to run our business in the area we've moved from, but being able to "escape" at the end of the day is so liberating.

We have so many plans to get underway once we're all settled in that I feel like a child on Christmas morning.  I'm super excited to set up my studio and finish a few of my WIPs (which is actually a large box full <eek>), so stay tuned.  But for now, I can stop ... and ... just breathe.  And honestly, it's bloody fantastic!

Enjoy your week :)

Coming Up For Air

Woooh, life is still hectic ... nothing much has changed since my last post.  I am, however, feeling very blessed to be as busy as we've been since Christmas.  We started 2016 with a bang and we haven't stopped since 😊.  The downside is my lack of spare time continues.  And I'm finally cool with that.  

I finally finished my colour vase ....

... and immediately started another. So it took a month to complete but I was so pleased when I finished my second pot.  I get this wave of excitement when I find a craft that just "fits"... it just feels right.  One aspect I love so much about being creative is the freestyling stage, as I call it.  The opportunity to just create with no pre-planning, I find, is creatively freeing.  All I knew is I wanted to use paper raffia and inlay an embroidered design on the front.  The design is supposed to be an abstract flower of sorts as the top of the pot looks like it has petals.  It's wonky and not quite right (pre-planning certainly has its upsides) but it's quirky and gives me a visual lesson to improve on for next time. 

So here she is  ....

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Nothing Much To Share

(Flickr: Martin Turner)

My mind is full, bursting at the seams with creative flow which has been subconsciously blockaded, bubbling away waiting for some commitments to clear. It disappeared for what felt like an eternity and now it's back with fury.  And now, I don't know where to begin. I haven't had time to touch my vase this past week as I've been too physically fatigued from the day job that most nights, I've ended up falling asleep in the chair....yep, feeling old!  And the bowls of beads, weaving and drawings are cascading in piles in my art room where the door continues to remain closed.

There's so much going on in my day to day life at the moment and for the next couple of months, I think I'll just have to scribble furiously down my plans until such time I have to create openly with a free mind.  Today, I continued working on my vase which has grown to become a form of meditation for me, winding round and round.  I'm sure there's a much quicker way of getting the same result, however, the slow, pensive movements all carried out by hand is what sings to my spirit and that is when I feel "it".  I just can't wait until the weather starts to cool and my work days get shorter allowing me a snippet of time to be creatively free. And my, do I have some amazingly awesome ideas using many different types of medium that I can't wait to get out of my head!

So for the next couple of months I may be quiet on the creative front but I am continuing to share pics on Instagram and Facebook of pieces that I have available for purchase. I'm not sure if many stop by my social pages but I'm currently trialling Indiemade as an online store.  If you have any questions, drop me a line as I'd be more than happy to assist.

Have a great week ahead!