Tissue Fabric Paper

I am doing my first online workshop/classes with Joggles and enjoying it immensely. Here is a sample of some tissue fabric paper I recently made.

The Dalai Lama of Tibet

Where do I start, this is the highlight of 2007. Yesterday I went to the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet's teaching in Melbourne on Universal responsibility. There were well over 10,000 people there, listening intently to each word spoken. A truly remarkable man with a wonderful sense of humour! A man devoted to the wellbeing of all, a compassionate man.

I left a few minutes early and started to walk out when another lady and myself were told to stand aside for a minute and then the Dalai Lama, a passenger in a car, drove right past us (3' away), clasped his hands and bowed to us individually whilst he was leave the venue. The girl next to me told me we were blessed and I certainly felt that.

It has been approximately ten years since I last saw the Dalai Lama and I will probably not see him again. You are truly an inspiration.

Namaste

"The basic source of happiness are a good heart, compassion and love" The Dalai Lama

Surface Tension

I just purchased this fantastic book called "Surface Tension - Embellish and Stitch for the Creative Textile Artist" by Dale Rollerson from The Thread Studio (www.thethreadstudio.com).

Whilst I don't know Dale I am a very happy customer (love her shop and customer service provided) and this book is full of wonderfully creative ideas and techniques. "Do yourself a favour" and have a look at her website.

Goodies in the Mail

Today I received the beautiful Celtic Goddess Brighid from Gemma. Unfortunately the scan doesn't do her justice - she is amazing and has the most lovely red hair and beautiful beads. Gemma, she's just gorgeous - thank you very much. xo.

I also received this gorgeous notebook, decorated by Claire - you are extremely talented, it is wonderful. And as an extra bonus, Claire sent me some of her felted beads - I love them too Claire. Thanks again, xo.

I really have been spoilt today.

Here are two jumpers I knitted for African AIDS babies. I actually felt quite proud making these jumpers as I am contributing to something worthwhile in this universe, until I heard the organisation had received 20,000 jumpers already - and the two jumpers I knitted took around one month (yes I do have other projects on the go simultaneously).

Babe jumpers

I finally completed two jumpers for AIDS babies in Africa - I felt quite proud of my accomplishment until I heard the organisation has received around 20,000! To think it took me one month to make these jumpers (mind you, I have lots of other projects on the go).

I've been Tagged

I've just been tagged by Lila http://indigopears.blogspot.com/- here are 7 random things about me.

1. My favourite colour is Purple, followed by silver and red.
2. I am a twin (supposedly younger by 5 minutes but my sister and I argue about this all the time).
3. I have twins just turned 9 (plus two other children 14 yo and 7 yo).
4. I can read tarot cards.
5. I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama and can't wait to see him next month.
6. I LOVE Melbourne Storm and have followed them since they joined Rugby League.
7. I have had many jobs in my life including Practice Manager, my own beauty business, Medical Secretary, and am currently a Human Resources Manager.

I am now tagging Shelly - check out her great blog at http://shellsblogspot.blogspot.com

Charms

Some lovely goodies I received in the mail yesterday, I felt like a child opening a birthday present! These charms are all so lovely, yet individual. A big thank you to Julie H for organising this wonderful charm swap. Now I must find a chain to attach the charms.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GIRL?

Madeleine McCann is an English girl abducted from where she was sleeping over one week ago (holidaying in Portugal). If you do see her, please notify authorities immediately.

Can all bloggers please put a photo on their blog to help find this poor little girl. As a community we should all work together. She is somewhere, and every little bit helps.

Name Tag

My weekend piece of craft - a nametag I made with an Ancient Echoes kit. I think it's very cute.

Fabric Postcards

Here are two postcards I made for the AllthingsFabric group. We are sending the cards to US families and friends of those massacred in the university tragedy.

Fibre bowl

Here is an Angelina fibre bowl I made. The more interesting the bowl shape, the more interesting the final product. I had so much fun doing this and it was so simple. I'm off the Opp-shop now to find some more interestingly shaped bowls to use with my fibres.

Angelina Fibres

Had a chance to play with my Angelina fibres today, which I received from truly wonderful "The Thread Studio". Now, even an absolute beginner like me managed to fuse the fibres to make this interesting piece which will eventually become a fabric postcard. I think I can easily get addicted to this stuff (not to mention The Thread Studio!)

Healing Doll

Here is my beautiful Kiin, goddess of Souls doll, I received from Ang. Isn't she just adorable, and I love the colours. Thanks very much Ang, she will be muchly treasured. xo

Moo Cards

I received my Moo-Cards today and think they are fabulous and I can't believe how quick they were to receive! I will use them when I participate in swaps as a "calling card" and may even trade some if others are interested.

Here is a few of them.

Shelly's ATCs

Also in today's mail I received three ATCs from Shelly - what a talented artist. Thanks for the swap Shelly, hopefully you should receive mine shortly.

Gemma's holiday

I received a lovely postcard today from Gemma who is in Disneyland. Thanks heap Gemma for taking the time out and thinking about me. Can't wait to hear of your wonderful adventures.

xo

Summer Art Doll

I wasn't going to do this challenge as I have too much on my plate, but what the heck. I just can't say no.

Textured scarf

Here is a photo of a textured scarf I finished knitting. It used three different types of Sean Sheep wool (I am totally ADDICTED to this wool) and was very quick to knit up.

Goodies in the mail

I received some delicious items in the mail today from Dot's ATC/Dotee doll swap. Some gorgeous cards and dolls. Thanks to dear Dot for organising this swap and to the wonderful partipants, thank you.

Sea Glass

Had a wonderful day yesterday at Black Rock beach. I collected some gorgeous sea glass, my favourite being the aqua.

My imagination went wild. What if these pieces are centuries old, what tales do they tell, are they from the HMVS Cerberus at Black Rock or from some sunken ship from many years ago. What stories do these contain, being tumbled by the sea for many years.

Or (more realistically) are they pieces of glass left by careless beach-goers, glass shaped by one of nature's best, the ocean.

I have a few collections of sea glass, one from Liverpool UK, California USA and now Black Rock Australia.

Lines

Here is a fibre canvas I put together recently. I was once told by a wise woman (hi Mary!) to always put a bit of yellow into work to give it "omph". I agree.

Gift received

Thanks to anna-world blog for the wonderful gifts I received for - are you ready for it - a wrong guess!!! Claire these are gorgeous, thank you very much.

Altered tin

Here is a really cute little tin I made in a two-hour workshop. I love this tin and the gorgeous sayings on it such as "Shopping Queen", "If the shoe fits, buy it". It is so ME!

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

On the weekend the family went to see WALKING WITH DINOSAURS, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE. WOW!!!! Talk about surreal. I wasn't sure what to expect but I learnt a hell of a lot. These creatures were gigantic (and some even lovable). A must do adventure.

Charm Swap

A photo of some beads I have put together as a little "extra" in a couple of charm swaps I am in. Now I would finish the remainder of the charms if I didn't keep running out of supplies.

Getting to Know You: You, Me and Creativity

Jana has asked some thought-provoking questions this month, thanks Jana for the opportunity to answer them.

List 3 random facts about you, that we will be entertained by:
I go nuts when I see a spider, panic attacks, screaming etc. etc. Once I refused to get out of a parked car because there was a spider on the outside and my friend literally shoved me out the door!
Whilst I love meeting new people I do get a bit embarrassed at first when there’s silence.
I’m really a neat freak.

List 2 things about you, that are important for us to know:
You want to be my friend, I will be a loyal friend providing you do nothing wrong by my children or me (my husband can defend for himself LOL).
I love animals and will do anything for them (except for spiders!)

Do you like board games? What are some favorites?
I have to be in the mood to play there, there are too many other things to do. If I do play, it’s usually two fab UK games “Only Fools and Horses” or “Countdown” (not the Oz musical)

What are your non-artistic hobbies?
All my hobbies/interests are artistic, painting, photography, scrapping, patchwork, altering, lacemaking, sewing etc. etc. Although I do like fishing and love aerobics (just don’t have the time)

Do you collect anything?
Are you kidding? Carlton ware, carnival glass, Swarovski crystal figurines, colour pencils, Melbourne Storm swap cards, sea glass, anything really.

What types of art do you enjoy creating the most?
Lace, painting and altered work

Do you have a type of art that you've always wanted to try, but never done? What is it?
Would love to try anything textural orientated or perhaps stained glass.

Do you have any art "how to" sites that you would recommend to us? What are they?
Just look at lots of art blogs.

Freeform jumper

Here are some freeform knitted/crocheted pieces I am working on. It actually looks a bit like a jumbled mess but eventually, when I have enough pieces, the object is to join them all together and perhaps make a jumper, vest whatever. I started this project about two years ago, put it away and dug it out again.

Another gift for me

I received a GORGEOUS parcel from Mary Ann, my CaC partner. Two boxes filled to the brim with lovely arty stuff arrived. In the box was stamps, stamp pads, embellishments, tags, paraphernalia, photos, buttons, an ATC, ribbon, glitter glues, crocheted bag and lots of other goodies. I am truly spoilt. Thank you very much Mary Ann for your generosity.

A gift to me

Here is some beautiful artwork received from a lovely friend, Lila - I love your style Lila. Thank you very much.

Victorian Lady

A pencil drawing

Kai's Dolly

I received a wonderful Art Doll today from kai. My doll is beautiful, I can't begin to describe her; from her flowing hair and gown, to the gorgeous crystal and other jewellry, stunning face. Thank you very mcuh Kai - I love her!

Wizard

This Wizard is painted with acrylics.

My Town

A sculptured clock.......

An old homestead.....

Melton is a rapidly expanding area (the Council services over 85,000 residents). It is a 40-50 minute drive to Melbourne.

ATCs

A couple of ATCs I've been working on for a swap this month.

Altered washers

These are some altered washers I made as part of a challenge on Violette's forum. The cat washer I will be making into a necklace.

Bra Bag

This is my bag made from a recycled bra. I first saw one of these bags on Violette's wonderful forum and thought I must make it. What you can't see is the frog enclosure and the diamente "E" on the bag.

ATC received

I am in a wonderful ATC swap at the moment and the cards keep rolling in and they are all very creative and gorgeous. This one however knocked me over - I have never seen anything quite so exquisite before, it's stunning. I'm not sure what to do with it, if I place it in my ATC album I won't be able to admire it, I think I may have to buy a small frame for it.

Thank you to Slaterza for knowing I am a cat-lover and allowing me to have this card - I am standing, applauding your talent.

Book swap

I received this lovely book as part of the Create the Connection book swap. Thanks to my book partner Catherine for the great choice. I'm making my way through the story now.

"E"

Altered art - an embellished initial.

Friend

I made this for a very dear friend of mine. Whilst the design is not my original idea (I'm sorry but I can't remember where I saw it, thus can't give credit at the moment) I have modified it a little and made it for my friend.

I am worried she may not like it or it may not be her "thing". Like me, she is a perfectionist, and this is not perfect, and she is extremely fussy. However I wanted to give her something special to let her know I do think of her and value our friendship.

Getting to Know You: Snap Decision Making

This meme is a chance to practice snap decision making.

1. You run into a friend who has just chopped off all her long hair (or suddenly has an Afro). What do you say?
OMG, it looks totally different but suits you.

2. You walk by a well dressed man with manicured hands who smells like a gin martini. He asks you for money. What do you do?
Ignore him.

3. Your brother or sister or best friend falls madly in love with someone you think is a jerk. What do you do?
Tell them so, but hey it’s only my opinion.

4. You get a terrible present from your husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend. Do you let it show?
No way, I appreciate any gift. I would never intentionally say or hurt anyone.

5. Who's your favorite Beatle?
Peace loving, John Lennon.

6. You walk by a disheveled man wearing soiled & tattered clothes. He politely asks you for money. What do you do?
If I don’t ignore him (through fright) and, if I could afford it, I would probably buy him something to eat, to ensure he does and not spend the money on “incidentals”.

7. Skinny Elvis or Fat Elvis?
Neither, not a real Elvis fan, before my time so to speak.

Next, go find an outrageous picture of your Elvis on the net

(Sorry, no velvet)

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=9337837&img=http://kijiji.ebayimg.com/i21/06/i/000/86/95/63a4_18.JPG)

Nine

Unfortunately the picture isn't too clear. However this is a set of nine canvases in two shades with textured string attached.

Getting to Know You: Senses

We're going to explore our reactions to the world around us, as experienced through the five senses.
A Feast for the Senses

1. What are some of your favorite smells? What's a smell that many other people seem to like, but you don't?
I love the smell of home cooking, browning onions, and particularly garlic and I love freshly brewed coffee (throw away that instant rubbish).
I hate, detest, am violated by the smell of chewing gum, it makes me nauseous and I cannot think of a good thing to say about gum.

2. What are some of your favorite tastes? What's a taste many other people seem to like, but you don't?
Love Vietnamese foods and well, one just can’t go past any type of dessert (isn’t it the most important meal?).
I do not like the taste of steaks, chops etc. - I guess it relates to the concept of where it comes from!

3. What are some of your favorite textures? What's a texture that many other people seem to like, but you don't?
Love textures, I’m a tactile, feely-touchy person. I cannot think of a texture I do not like at this stage.

4. What are some of your favorite sounds? What's a sound that many other people seem to like, but you don't?
Love the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Just can’t beat the tranquility of the ocean.
I don’t like loud noise because of the distortion of voices. Also my skin crawls when someone scraps their fingernails down the blackboard (either this is almost eliminated now with whiteboards)

5. What are some of your favorite sights? What's a sight that many other people seem to like but you don't?
Anything natural, close to nature, scenic - very hypnotic. Once again anything aquatic.
I do not like viewing anything from heights, I like the safety of the ground or near ground viewing.

Bonus: If you could greatly enhance just one sense - say for instance see as many colors as a bird, or smell as many distinct scents as a dog - which sense would it be and why?
I think if I could see more colours I would be more frustrated by my art. I think I would like to enhance my overall vision, to take in more and see longer distance (I imagine that would be a bit of information overload from a visionary point of view).