"My Favourite Spot" - Bird and Magnolia Painting

Today we had some sunlight briefly.. I was able to snap some better photos. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Another Painting!

I wasn't going to show you this painting until I finally had a nice sunny day to take photos - but I just can't help myself! I love hearing what you have to say, either here or on twitter.. all the comments are really inspiring! This painting is quite large put together, and I've made it so that it can either be split into two paintings or made into one like below. I really love this one, (I don't often fall in love with my own paintings!).. I'm not sure if I want it to leave! Now lets hope for sun and beautiful photos tomorrow (its raining as I type) - can it really stay dark for over two weeks?

Middleburg Sculptures

Hello! Just wanted to share another one of my 'hearts' today. These wonderful sculptures are by Middleburg and I think this tree full of birds has inspired me - I have been thinking about it for days, maybe this weekend I'll make some paper mache birds of my own. I have a sculpture technique of my own that I'd like to write a tutorial for - maybe this weekend I'll have some time out from painting and make something different!

And here it is..

Just listed - A special for my blog readers. Free shipping within Australia on this painting, just send me a convo through Etsy with your location and quote "Blog Special" for an adjusted listing.

New Painting Preview - "Keeping her company"

I can't believe the sun is still hiding! And not just that - the sky is so, so grey it is pretty much impossible to photograph artwork! So no listing today, but so you could get some idea.. here is the best pic I could get this afternoon. It is titled "Keeping her company" and this photo really does nothing for the painting!

A brand new week!

Good Monday morning to you! I hope you had a great weekend if you've had it- I know many of my blog readers are on the other side of the world and are still enjoying a lazy Sunday - and many have a holiday tomorrow also! I am about to finish off a painting, and hopefully will have enough sunlight this afternoon to photograph it. Visit back in a few hours if you're interested in a new painting listing! This morning, another one of my cushions has been included in another gorgeous treasury! Thankyou beadeliciousbaby! I'm off to create!

Rain and Red Umbrellas

Can you hear rain on your roof right at this moment? Many people in Australia have seen a lot of rain this week and are hoping the sun comes out again soon! I love the rain - I sit at my easel in front of a heater and listen to it on the roof, or watch the birds play in it out in my backyard. My biggest complaint with all this grey weather, is that I haven't been able to photograph my work for days which is a bit frustrating, because I do like to share! So while I have no real reason to complain now, I did live in the city just a year ago and remember some of the hassles that heavy rain would bring in the city, especially commuting to and from work. I used to walk to work from the train in Brisbane, and when it rained I was always amused by the sea of umbrellas that would seemingly appear out of nowhere. It would make me smile every time, like little lemmings they would pop up all around, sometimes there were so many, that if you happened to get caught in a shower without one of your own you could just duck from umbrella to umrella without really getting wet anyway! I'm not sure why, maybe because they were most readily available, but most of the umbrellas were black.. and I used to wish that there were some prettier colours to brighten up those dark, grey days. Enjoy these beautiful red umrella artworks, and have a happy weekend!

White Ocean by Naokosstoop

Red Umbrella by Carambatack

Girl in the Rain Print by TheLittleMushroom

VENTO by Dilkabear

Terrarium Ornaments!

I'm sure by now you have noticed the terrarium trend. The amazing little indoor gardens have been blogged about a lot, and you can find many of them complete and for sale on etsy. I have been thinking about making one, there are so many tutorials out there and you really don't need many supplies. I have a lovely round glass bowl picked out.. and the fun part is thinking about what I want to put in it! There are so many cute little ornaments, here are some of my favourites!

Spring Snails by JooJoo

Signature Red Mushroom Pair by Craftsty

Cactus and minature pots by JooJoo

Wee Gnome and Bird. Forest Friends by Humblebea

Little White Pear Fruit by Fanciful Form

Little Red White Ceramic Clay Mushroom - Tall Toadstool by TheLittleRedDoor

G. Sakowski Designs - WOW!

Sometimes when I see something very cute, or something I really, really love.. it hurts! Do you know the feeling? I am so fascinated by these amazing scarves at the moment. I love scarves, I wear one most days, sometimes I forget to take it off before crawling into bed. Just look at all the gorgeous things by G. Sakowski Designs. I think I will have to invest in one of these scarves sometime in the near future, I am in love. The only problem is.. I don't think I could choose just one! Wow!

I am reading..

I have one wonderful husband, who knows just how to keep me happy! I am now receiving three of these magazines in my mailbox. One a while ago, and a couple more this month.. and the fourth didn't turn up in my mailbox, but just happened to find its way into my groceries yesterday. But because my husband is so wonderful, I'm sure if he's reading this he won't mind that this did occur. Wonderful husbands understand that these things happen from time to time. xx

An Update

I'm back! I missed blogging and I have a bit of catching up to do! First I'd like to share some of my creations from the past week. The weather hasn't been so great for taking photos and I know its annoying that this photo is split in two, but I thought if I did that you might be able to see them a bit better. I have a few of these cushions/pillows listed, and maybe one more to list tonight. The others will have to wait until the sun gives me a few minutes to get some etsy worthy photos.

Then there was our anniversary weekend. We went exploring the beautiful coastline just a couple of hours from home. The weather was amazing and some of the places we found were incredible. I like to go where most people wouldn't go - not always the safest option - climbing around cliffs, and crawling through forests but it's always so worth it!

And finally tonight, I wanted to share a photo that I felt was a little milestone. A packaging/shipping table. It may not look that exciting, but the fact is that I had enough reasons to create one. I hope that things keep going well and it can become a more permanent fixture!

Warming Up With Red Treasury

Hello there! My internet connection is still very slow but I really wanted to share this treasury with you! There was another one I wanted to share as well, but I forgot to get a screen shot of it before it expired. But I managed to get this one, and thankyou Euphorian Chic for including my cushion in this wonderful treasury!

My absence

I currently have a paaaainfully slow internet connection as a result of a little too much downloading this month. It has taken too long just to get far enough to let you know that much, so I won't be trying to post any photos tonight, noway! At this rate, I won't be back blogging until next Tuesday, unless I manage to find my husbands work computer unattended for a few minutes sometime. It is out first wedding anniversary this weekend, and it is my turn to organise a weekend away. I haven't entirely suceeded in keeping everything to myself, but he doesn't know where we're going, or where we're staying yet. Thats about all from me right now, I hope this much makes it to my blog.. See you next week!

The weekend is here!

Today has been filled with cutting, lots and lots of cutting. I have a lot of cushions in creation. The one I made a couple of weeks ago has been commented about probably more than any of my other work. I can only assume it hasn't found a new home yet because we all like to have a choice - nobody wants to buy just one lonely cushion.. so I am busy creating the rest of the set that goes with it. Here are lots of birdie bits and pieces.

It has been a busy day, busy week - my most successful week as an artist yet. I am enjoying this journey and I hope it continues to be more and more successful! I am continually amazed at the connections I make daily with people on the other side of the world, and encouraged by all the support out there. I'm glad the weekend is here, I am going to force myself to step away from the art/craft that has become my life and spend some time well, stocking up on supplies! Seems there is no escape! Have a great weekend!

Flying Star Toys

I rather like these creations by Australian designer, Florence Forrest of Flying Star Toys! Go check out her etsy shop, and be sure to have a look at the links under her profile if you are like me and always check to see if an artist/crafter has a blog I can check out, and possibly get lost for hours in!

Please Take It Away!

Many painful hours later.. here it is. I have spent 2 days too long on this painting, I think there just comes a point when you have to step back and just say 'done'. Otherwise you just keep reworking bits that you should really just leave alone. Again, I left it too late to get good photos.. so I won't be adding it to Etsy tonight. I just have to say - I personally don't like it. There is always something about paintings that have caused me endless frustration, even if they come together in the end - often I just don't like them. This is one of them, and I really hope somebody out there loves it enough to buy it.. because I always suggest to people that they purchase art that makes them happy, and for that reason this piece won't be hanging it on my wall!

New Baby Birds

I thought I would have this painting completed today - in time for a photo and listing that is. I may still get it finished, its very close.. but this was the last photo I took in the daylight of a small section. I'm not sure if I like it, but I'll see what I think in a couple of hours. One thing I have learnt about my creative process, is that I get bored easily when I use the same medium over and over - pretty sure tomorrow I will be sewing just to break it up! So expect some cushions next!

Have you heard of the Toy Society?

The Toy Society is all about spreading the love, giving something for nothing.. Members of the Toy Society (anyone can become a member) create a soft toy of some sort, put it in a clear bag, with a pretty note attached, seal it up and leave it somewhere - in the street, at a park, at a hospital - just waiting for some lucky person to come along and find it. The Toy Society started in Australia, but has now spread throughout the world. Pretty amazing huh? I have recently become a member, and can't wait to make a little birdie to leave somebody in a special place. Why not make something to brighten somebody's day? If you don't know where to start - here are some links to free patterns, just click on any of the images below. For more information on what to include, visit the Toy Society here.

Bunny With a Toolbelt

One day, when I have some spare coins.. I will be purchasing one (or maybe many) of these amazing sculptures by Bunny With a Toolbelt. Aren't they just perfect?