Heart Garland
I heart hearts. Here are some new ones up in the Etsy shop. Perfect colours to brighten your winter’s (or summer’s – depending on the hemisphere) day.
Archive for June, 2010
Books.
Little Birds
Hello friends. Tonight (because it is 10.55pm as I write this) I will talk about books. Because I love them. It might be a paper thing. Or it could be the possibilities that lie inside one – an escape to an exotic place, a ramble through an old house or a new project to ponder making. I read before I go to sleep most nights.
When I actually buy a book it is usually the cover that gets me and I would buy this lovely little craft book of birdy sweetness JUST because of the cover. What great product photography, makes one want to open up and flick through. This little book is not yet released - but it will be on Thursday! It is brimming with 26 bird making projects from Etsy and Handmade sellers. It is exactly what I wish for for my birthday a) because I like birds b) I really need another small, sweet and inspiring craft book to ponder over and possibly make nothing from but still engage hours of enjoyment in the possibility c) my Mum asked me what I wished for my birthday and I think she would like to ponder over this book with me.
What is on your book wishlist at the moment? I would love to know.
Fresh lemons.
Lemons you ask? Well, I have much to tell you about. Around Christmas time I planted a lemon tree in my front yard. My Auntie Wendy had a huge lemon tree in her backyard and I loved collecting buckets full with my brother when I was little. She also had chickens, greyhounds, cats, birds – the whole menagerie; this all took place in a suburban Sydney backyard. Well, my lemon tree does not produce buckets full, but it currently has 13 lovely ripe lemons hanging. I picked one nervously and gave it to a friend. She said it was good. So I am lemon happy about that.
I feel it is almost to the point of embarassing that my debut as a teacher is still to come. Unfortunately the collage classes for June for Notebook have been re-scheduled to July. This time round they won’t co-incide with a long weekend (or the school holidays). I have many lovely supplies to break out and lots to share, so if you are interested in joining a class, stay tuned – I will let you know of the new dates.
Tomorrow night I am going to a party. Do you want to come? You can! It is an Etsy Craft Party organised by Notebook. It is to celebrate Etsy’s birthday. It will be fun. And crafty too. I am taking along some papercrafting to share, there will also be fabric yo-yo making and other fun things. You will meet some very crafty people. We are all taking a plate. There will be tea and coffee and a goodie bag to take home. It will be from 6.30 to 9.30pm at the Notebook Studios at 180 Bourke Road, Alexandria. You can get a ticket from here.
I have also been moonlighting. This vintage is taking me over. It is taking me over so much that I am working on a little side project to feed my cravings for ‘the vintage’. I can’t wait to show you. I’m hoping in about 2 weeks.
So, I have been a busy worker bee too. I am working on a wholesale order for THE English textile magazine Selvedge. You can buy the magaine at Artisan Books, Fitzroy, Vic in Australia. Selvedge have an online shop here called Dry Goods. I like that name a lot. I am working on a project with Fiona Kate. I have been watching Bright Star, at Amanda’s recommendation. I loved it too. I have been bidding on a copy of Bless this House at Pilgrim’s recommendation. I have been making garlands, drinking tea, talking to old friends and having a time of it.
What have you been busy with?
Notebook classes.
It is coming around fast. Next Saturday, 12 June, 2010 I will be debuting as a TEACHER. I am super pleased to be teaching a creative collage class for Notebook magazine at their brand new studios in Alexandria. You will learn some fun techniques using inks and crackle paints to get an aged effect to your work. You will be able to play around with punches and scissors and have lots of pretty new and vintage papers to choose from to create a pretty bird collage to take home and frame. If we have time left over you can use all of your scraps to make a vintage garland. You can sign up here. There are still a few spots left in the morning or afternoon class. I would love to meet you.
A little inspiration.
Image from Color Collective
Image from Color Collective
Sometimes it is easy to find inspiration, and sometimes not. Lots of things inspire me – my children’s art work, changing seasons, craft group and their fabulous projects. For those who need a little colour inspiration now and then there is a real trend of web sites and blogs dedicated to colour pallettes. I love these. They can give us a jolt, open our eyes to the beauty in simple things and help us to think about colour and its affect on us physically and emotionally. And they are so pretty. I have a couple of favourites. The latest on my radar is Color Collective. Lauren Willhite has an inspiring blog full of interesting and beautiful photos and she creates colour pallettes based on these photos. Definately worth a look. You won’t be dissapointed.
Up above I have used some of Lauren’s colour pallettes as an inspirational guide for a new garland. The brights in row 3 really spoke to me. Miss Viking liked the soft rainbow second from the bottom. Do you have a favourite? Leave a comment if you like and I will make the most favourited up for a giveaway.
