Eclectic Visions of an Altered Journey

put the pencil down and step away from the drawing!

2012-01-14T02:04:00.000+11:00

I have loved working on the one-eyed-women canvases, they are amazingly relaxing and I will be teaching them at a retreat in August for Cindy at A Scrappe Angels Heaven in Victoria.
I got out my watercolour pad yesterday and my Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils...of course the beautiful glitzy blue and pink shimmer you can see is from Lindy's Stamp Gang

I was going to use my lovely white paint pen to highlight but opted for silver...I think it was the perfect choice as she has such a great shimmer

yes she has lots of detail but it was so hard to know when enough was enough...I still don't know if it is enough...all I know is that I really enjoyed it and it won't be my last one-eyed woman

who gives a hoot? I do :)

2012-01-14T01:42:00.000+11:00

as you may or may not know I am finally, after six years, moving back home to Western Australia in June. I am going to miss a lot of people here in Sydney, and so I thought I would create some arty goodbye gifts for a couple of my lovely friends...this piece is not quite finished but is for my owl crazy friend and uber talented scrapper Gillian Lester.

...as always my colours are thanks to Lindy's Stamp Gang products

my friend Julie Saxby has a great little online embellishment store called Jules Gems that sells some lovely charms such as these brass pieces sitting on top of WOW cogs...great eyes eh?

every long feather is hand cut and every short feather is hand punched...I didn't count how many I used so I will just say heaps...I used an entire 12x12 sheet of black cardstock

I love these brass leaves, also from Jules Gems

artist or crafter?

2012-01-14T00:10:00.001+11:00

From time to time I am asked if I am a crafter or an artist...why can't I be both? Why do I need to be one or the other? What is the difference? Why does it matter?
The answers are simple I am both...it all depends on you and how you view my art, there is no right or wrong. Some people claim that crafters are people who use glue to put things together...ummm yeah ok...I use glue, lots of glue! I use glue to stick things together, to form a seal, to create texture and to resist...glue is fun! Then there are those who say artists are those who hold degrees and exhibit in galleries...hmmm? I was working towards a double art degree because I wanted to teach art, I postponed it because a friend asked me why I needed a degree to do what I am already doing. I don't need a degree to be an artist...the few classes I completed I received distinction and high distinction grades because I already knew what I was doing.
Art is what ever you think it is and an artist and crafter are what you think they are. There is no right or wrong.
Now there is another arguement and that is the opinion that scrapbookers are not artists...you only have to look at the work of Gillian Lester, Louise Nelson, Louise Williams and sooooo many more to see that scrapbooking is so much than just a picture stuck on a page.
I admire many people in many genres, they inspire me to try different things, to explore, express and experiment.
I owe where I am as an artist to the scrapbookers who support me as an artist/crafter...or should I say artistic crafter or crafty artist?
What ever I am to you doesn't really matter as long as you enjoy what I make and perhaps you are inspired by it. I hope so because I sure do enjoy making stuff. Now let's get back to being creative.

ATC frames...WOW

2012-01-05T23:40:00.000+11:00

WOW Oval ATC frame

At first I just used my Helmar 450 to secure the old brooch to the center of this WOW ATC frame but then I decided I wanted some texture...so I filled the cut out with the gum glue and forced it dry...it bubbled and rose, then it settled and I smeared a little gilding wax over the surface...I love it!

WOW Rectangle ATC frame

Turning the canvas around...and then back again

2012-01-05T23:02:00.001+11:00

Green 12x12 canvas

Rainbow 12x12 canvas

Teal 12x12 canvas (Sold)

Red 12x12 canvas (Sold)

I loved playing with these canvases not only for what I was creating but the fact that I was actually using the front of the canvas...except 'Red' as she was a requested piece. I plan to create more of these because I loved playing with the detail...it really is hard to know when to stop though on each piece as they really come to life with every addition in colour and texture. I still prefer the style of the one eye...beauty is not perfection and perfection is not beauty.

Blue...inspired by the art of Pam Carriker

2011-12-16T01:33:00.000+11:00

one thing I am not confidant with is painting faces...I can sketch them ok but when it comes to actually using paint...scary! I was inspired by the art of Pam Carriker to just give it a go...if it turned out badly then I didn't have to tell anybody...I started with a reversed canvas and roughly coated with gesso before painting with black acrylic...so far so good...

I played with tones and shading, defining areas and adding the look of dimension...

she was coming together nicely...I used Helmar Tacky Glue to add my signiture swirls...

every motion of my brushes changed her...she was working with me...

I gave her just the one eye to see...it represents imperfection as beauty...after all who can really say what is beautiful...love is blind right?

I played with a floral stencil for both imagery and texture...

wow what a co-inky-dink that she has green eyes and a beauty spot...just like me...yup I had to throw myself in there as a symbol of imperfection...

I am so pleased with how well the faux lace turned out...

amazing how much the colour changes depending on the lighting

I got a bit carried away...or dedicated to her eye makeup...

The Words Or Whatever chipboard circle was exactly what was needed to finish the canvas...

depending where you stand to look at this, she can appear to be looking at the bird or straight ahead oh her...as if she is looking for something in the distance...

so here she is...Blue...not a mood but a feeling for colour.
The quote around the frame says "Look ahead to where your past has brought you"

Wedding Wishes Jar & Pedestal

2011-12-16T00:06:00.001+11:00

Simone from Fred The Needle likes to challenge me as an artist but I have to admit to scratching my head for a few days when she handed me an empty spaghetti sauce jar and a porcelain pedestal. Ballerina Barbie sacrificed her legs for the good of art

Spring Time in Paris ~ Flooded Canvas heading to CHA 2012

2011-12-15T22:30:00.000+11:00

Tracey from Lindy's Stamp Gang offered all of us on the Design Team, a chance to have our art shown off at CHA 2012, our given theme was spring Time in Paris, so of course I had to have the Eiffel Tower and do a Flooded Canvas...

What is spring without butterflies?

I added in some of my ever popular Circle Blooms to finish off my piece

A very Helmar Christmas ~ Design Team Blog Hop

2011-12-03T17:50:00.000+11:00

Helmar Holiday Hop - 2011

It’s that time of year where we all start thinking of the holidays so what better way to get your Holiday spirit than a great Helmar Holiday Hop? Filled with so much Holiday cheer and some amazing projects featuring all the different Helmar Adhesives.

Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the Helmar Holiday Hop. If you have been following along, you should have hopped here from Jennifer Evan’s blog. If not, you just have to stop at the Helmar Blog and start from the beginning. There are goodies along the way and we don’t want you to miss a thing.

I purchased some glass baubles from a craft store, plastic would work just as well

choose a couple of vibrant paints and pour in to the bauble...I am using metalic colours and have allowed one colour to flow before adding the next one

once you have coated the inside of the bauble you can pour out the excess to use in another or store in an air tight container for another project

the bauble to the left used alcohol ink inside instead of acrylic paint, once it was completely dried I squeezed in a fair amount of Helmar Premium Craft Glue, and a mix of fine glitter and chunky glitter/sequins. While the glue inside is still workable, put your thumb over the opening and shake to distribute the contents. As the glue thickens and dries you can continue to roll the bauble to move the glitter inside

I used the opening of the glitter pot to hold the first bauble as I dotted the surface with small blobs of Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots

I loved the faux ice look when I allowed the glue to trail down a little

faux ice

I covered all but a small section with the Scrap Dots...you can see in here...how cool is that?!?

it needed some sparkle, so I used glitter and my craft glue to coat the inside of the bauble

once it was dry I smeared a little gilding paste over the soft spikes to show their detail

this bauble was filled with alchohol ink, german glass glitter, sequins and Premium Craft Glue before being shaken and rolled...it reminds me of a planet

I hope you have enjoyed what I have created here and perhaps you will have a play and create your own unique and fun Christmas ornaments to adorn your tree

Make sure you leave a comment at every stop because the elves of Helmar will be giving away prizes to some lucky Helmar fans. Now hop on over to Beck Beattie’s blog to see another amazing Helmar Holiday project. The Holiday Hop will be open for comments until 11:59P.S.T December 4th , so take a look and enjoy a little holiday spirit from all of us on the Helmar Team. Thanks again for stopping by today and Happy Holidays.

improving thanks to the generosity of a friend

2011-11-17T15:55:00.001+11:00

brass faux clocks

Add caption

additional faux rusted chipboard cogs, brass stampings and acetate birds

I know how very lucky I am to have some people in my life, take for instance Rae Cooper...owner of Scrap Matrix. I had begun work on the hat a few months ago before the disruption of moving house and Rae had seen the pics I had posted on Facebook, she asked if she could send some things for the hat...I received more than I had expected and the pieces were all so interesting and ideal for the project which is now complete and perfect thanks to a lady who has never met me but just wanted to do something nice. I hope to one day meet her and say thanks in person...and hand the hat over to her as a gift of friendship.

a funny thing happened on the way to the show...

2011-11-07T21:47:00.001+11:00

Scrapware Poinsettia - liquid gold leaf

the nearly complete steampunk hat

Scrapware make n take

faux rusting

Team Scrapware...Penrith Papercrafts Festival 2011

no this isn't an old post, no it isn't my evil twin or crazy half sister in the group photo...the photos are all from November 2011...the weekend just past. I know that some people are scratching their heads, some are sitting there with their jaws locked open...others are wondering what the frickin chicken I'm talking about...soooo to save all the BS, gossip and rumours allow me to set things straight.
Yes I have just worked for Scrapware at the Penrith Papercrafts Festival, yes I did quit Scrapware amid a cloud of shite (thanks mostly to interfering gronks) a while back, yes I do still work for Words Or Whatever and yes those who needed to know do, and did know all that was going on.
I am 40 years old, I do what I want to do and I have nobody to fear or need to answer to but myself. I know there are people out there who don't like me but I don't care because I like me...I like that even though people treat me like dirt I get up and keep on going, I am a good person who at the end of the day can say I forgive but I don't forget and I help those who I know will appreciate it.

Early last week my friend Trizzy asked me if I would help to set up a booth at the show, I said yes.
By the end of the night I was set to do the full three show days as the make and take teacher for Scrapware, I even designed the project that I wanted to do.
I had a wonderful time and it was brilliant to catch up with students and friends...some of whom were a bit confused about where I was. I explained that life is too short to hold grudges and in this industry we all need to work as a happy family. Of course not every family member wants that and it's always funny watching them walk by, avoiding eye contact but obviously in need of some love from their disowned sibling ;)

classes and another animal art doll

2011-10-31T00:27:00.001+11:00

floral wedding canvas

shadowbox frame

Owlbert Owlingford

With moving house and a few other distractions I have been fairly quiet but I am happy to let you all know that I have some classes coming up if you are in Sydney.

On the 19th of November I'll be teaching the wedding art canvas, the class will be at

Fred The Needle in Penrith, from 10:30am to about 1pm.

On the 10th of December we will work on creating a vintage shadowbox frame. The kit comes with additional pieces to create wearable embellishments and time permitting I will demo the construction of some pieces to adorn cards or the frame we make.

For more information or to book in call or pop in: 2/29 York Road, Penrith 02 4721 8833

I thought I would also share a pic of the second owl art doll I made...it was made as a gift for a store owner...she loves owls! I am actually working on a third but am thinking I might make it female..."Owlizabeth"

Art Doll Swap #2...Professor Owlington

2011-10-21T00:19:00.002+11:00

looking rather dapper, Professor Owlington will be flying international tomorrow to his new home

he began as a simple form...a plain calico doll blank, from there he evolved

his eyes are metal buttons, swarovski crystals inbedded in hot glue and all backed with Prima printed flowers.

his colouring comes from Lumiere paint, Lindy's Stamp Gang Moonshadow Mist and a black Sharpie fabric marker

Swarovski bling on his spats...because all the most fashionable owls are wearing them like that

his cape is from a samples book of haberdashery fabrics that I found at a salvage yard

his replica eyeglass and silver plated chain add real charm. His texture comes from...PVA...yup woodwork glue!
The lovely little bow and pearl are from a chocolate Easter rabbit...I knew they would come in handy

I am currently hosting two swaps on Facebook...one is an apron swap and the other is art dolls. The art doll swap is now on to our second theme..."the animal in me", I chose an owl because I feel that I have had so many experiences the last few months that I have become so much more wiser than I was before. This doll is Professor Owlington...and I am so happy with how he has turned out, I really hope my swap buddy likes him.

Pretty Little Posies in my hair and a Christmas Star

2011-10-17T21:37:00.006+11:00

JD holds the multi layered posie to show the size...he didn't mind doing that as long as people couldn't see his face...because "...only girls hold flowers..."

torn and tattered soft tulle adds a touch of feminine whimsy to the project

I love over-sized hair accessories and the posy is easily placed in to my pony tail...methinks it would be divine in an up-do

with Christmas looming and the shops displaying decorations I thought this year I would create my own tree topper

it's all about glitz and bling right?!

The Posy:

Christmas Star:

Mixed Media Apron...my swap project

2011-10-16T13:25:00.002+11:00

finished apron

mixed media, repurposed half apron

mixed media flowers created from various surface materials

layered colour and effects

I really enjoy hosting arty swaps and one of them is an apron swap. I had so many ideas about this project and when we moved house and I was pulling weeds in the back yard and discovered an old black apron half buried in a garden bed, I decided it was destined for greater things. I washed it and hung it on the clothes line to study any holes or damage...I was really suprised to find that the only damage was some bleached areas from the sun and exposure to the elements. I used a 6x6 Crafters Workshop stencil (Cosmic Swirl TCW156), deColourant, Lumiere paints for the background, and a variety of experimental materials and varigated threads to create flowers. The Thread Studio has a great range of fun and fantastic products for projects like this.
Tomorrow I am off to the post office to send the apron to my swap buddy, I hope she enjoys it.

Wedded Bliss 12x12 mixed media canvas...it's NOT a layout

2011-10-15T13:59:00.002+11:00

the picture is a bit fuzzy because it's small and I can't be bothered retaking a photo right now because I want to finish my apron swap project

texture created through layering...PVA is my friend!

I can't give away too much detail because I am pushing it as a future class but I will tell you I used nearly 120 1.75cm flowers from Green Tara. My project is a 12x12 shallow back canvas...are you shocked I used the front?

Green Tara 1.75cm flowers:
black (CODE: FDV016BL), red (CODE: FDV016R) and white (CODE: FDV016Wh) 1.75cm paper...well worth it I think.

WOW/RW "Raspberry Whirl" flourish

Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Stains and Colorshots

catching up and a card

2011-10-14T23:46:00.002+11:00

I thought I'd share a pic of a class I'll be running next year...it's a card!

I know I have been pretty quiet of late but I am still unpacking from the move...I have so much stuff that I just can't find a place for, it is so frustrating to go from renting a large house to renting a small house. I don't have a studio any more, so it's back to the kitchen table for me and my crafty stash is in just about every room in the house...yup even the kids rooms have crates of my stuff. I am working on a few projects too! I finally had a play with my new Brother ns50 sewing machine yesterday while working on my apron for the international swap I am hosting through Facebook. I am really excited about 2012 because I have been asked to teach in New Zealand! I have a few friends over there and I really hope I will get to catch up with them.

Retreat to create

2011-09-18T21:42:00.001+10:00

#1 my pizza box

#2 red bird pizza box

#3 lavender bird pizza box...I have just returned from a four day retreat with a group of scrapbooking friends. I even a little scrapbooking. I got to hang out with my friends Gillian, Renee and Suzanne, and I created and played. We were given blank pizza boxes to store our projects in, I decided to decorate mine and a couple of my friends asked if I would do something with their blank pizza boxes, so I did...I decorated four in total and did a mini lesson with a couple of ladies so they could decorate their own.
I also made a couple of cards, a canvas and one or two other little things, all of which I will take pics of during the week and share with you.

yes I'm still here

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000+10:00

Circle Blooms demo flowers

Demo Diva at Western Australia Craft & Quilt Show

Boo! Have you missed me? yes I know a few of you have, and to those thank you for the emails concerned about my lack of posting here on my blog. I have been crazy busy. I went to Melbourne for a weekend workshop and had a great time with Cindy Porter and the lovely students and staff from A Scrappe Angels Heaven. The work the ladies did was beautiful and I loved teaching them. The store is amaaaaaaaazing!

So after my Melbourne trip I was off on another flight...Perth! It was so wonderful to get back to my home state to catch up with family and friends. Of course the trip was really a business trip and my first job was at the WA Craft and Quilt Show where I was hosted as "interstate guest". I did Circle Bloom and GT Dipper flowers using Lindy's Stamp Gang Colorshots and Magical Micas and Derwent Inktense pencils and colourblocks...all available from The Thread Studio. I was really lucky to be working at Dale's stand because The Thread Studio is stocked with some of my most favorite products. My next job was a workshop at Scrapbook Central where I taught a variety of techniques that went in to creating an original and GENUINE antique wood printer tray. So now my trip is behind me I am in the throes of moving house...again!!! The house that we are going to is actually the last house we rented...how funny is that!?! Anyhoo I promise I'll be a bit more active with my creations as soon as I'm settled in to my new work space.

the beauty of fiber

2011-07-03T17:33:00.000+10:00

using a mix of goodies from the Thread Studio I have created a funky cuff for myself...I love how warm and soft it is and I'm thinking that I really need a different colour for each day of the week

I began with some silkworm cocoon fiber which is hand dyed, I added some of the stained gauze and hand felted some little flowers

the lace was stained with my Starburst Stains and once dry a little Smooch Ink finished the look

I used the Smooch Ink on the cotton thread to blend it in slightly and I just had to use some beautiful crystal beads to add a bit of bling

mini crowns

2011-06-29T23:00:00.001+10:00

I'll be taking the little crowns that I have created (using a Collections mini crown kit) with me to the craft show in August as part of my display

I have used silk velvet from The Thread Studio

The kits come as a pack of three sets to put together and are easy to adapt and fun to play with

lovely fantasy film

this is a little stand I made for the crowns...they are made from chipboard and wooden plugs

My two "Collections" mini crowns sitting on their stands

the rosey scent of bullshit

2011-06-29T00:37:00.000+10:00

I pride myself on my ability to bounce back from stuff and the fact that I am as honest as I can be...I won't claim to be 100% truthful because that in itself would be a lie...nobody can claim it, so don't even try. Why do people lie? Because it makes them feel better about something. What a crock! How does looking somebody in the eye and lying to their face make you feel better?...Oh...hang on a minute...ahhhh...it makes the other person feel better!...?...??...??? Nope!...a lie is a lie, it may get you what you want but at what price? and lying about other people? What the hell is that crap all about? At the end of the day if you are spending your time and energy on telling tales of gossipy crud to people then you need to find a hobby that makes you a little more interesting. I have had nasty little bitches say shit about me...it used to upset me...which made them happy...then it made me angry and I quite happily posted their names on my facebook wall for all to see. Now I feel pitty for them as I listen to the interesting stories that I didn't even know about myself...such as having numerous affairs...I say to everybody "I'm off to see my boyfriend...", and then I am home ten minutes later...sooo either I was telling a porky pie or my lovers are in need of some staying power. Another fave rumour is that I have noooo unique ideas and that everything I do is stolen from somebody else...who? no answer? of course not because if I was an art nabber then I would totally expect to hear from the person I stole from. Oh and this is a great one...I use people to get what I want and then I toss them aside...again I ask who? I have always said to my friends that if ever I misused them in any way then they should tell me...and do you know how many have said "...hey Linda, you make me feel like shit..." none. Now I know I am far from perfect but that makes me me. I don't need to impress anybody but myself, I don't need friends, fans, followers...what I need is to do the right thing. I need to be as honest as I possibly can, I need to create art that I love and enjoy, I need to stay strong, keep smiling and enjoy life...and if by chance I am lucky enough to have people wanting to be a part of my life and creative path then they are there because I have earned their respect and trust...and maybe even admiration. You don't have to like me but please like yourself enough to stop patting and praising people who are nasty bitchy gossips. When you support a NBG you are becoming part of the problem, you are becoming a bully...you are destroying your good reputation, you are causing your own demise and destroying your life. Gossip is a virus that spreads and does horrendous damage. Promise yourself that if you are faced with negative people that you will say "stop, no more, I am better than this", and walk away. Because good souls support good whereas bad supports bad. One more thing to think about is meglamaniac...I love that word, I know a few...and not suprisingly at all it is the NBGs. Again I suggest that if you are faced by one of these creatures of self worship and gigantinormous egos that you deflate carefully so as not to be covered in their shit, then walk away and get on with your happy life. So in closing I would just like to say...thank you to those who remain a part of my life and fight a good fight for honesty and respect and if you don't like what I say then pucker up and kiss my fat white arse because I'm not going to change.

prepping for the show

2011-06-26T15:56:00.000+10:00

I love working at shows, the atmosphere, catching up with friends, shopping, exciting people with brilliant products and techniques...but before all that comes the prep work...the playing with product, the experimenting...the discoveries. I have loved and played with the pictured products for a very long time. I use what I love and love what I use. In August I get to share some of my favorite things with the people of Western Australia...my home state!...my Mum has even told me that she is going to drop in and see me at work! I think I'm nervous, I've never thought that she would be a face in the crowd, watching me, listening to me teaching and sharing my thoughts and ideas.

If by chance you are going to the WA Craft, Quilt and Stitch Show in August, make sure you come and visit me at The Thread Studio stand, we can have a chatter, I can share some of my favorite products, you can create a lovely little "Circle Bloom" to use on a card/LO/OTP or wearable project...and you can buy lots of the wonderful things that I quite often use in my projects.

"Circle Blooms"

cherry bomb necklace

2011-06-26T15:28:00.000+10:00

I love creating stuff...that's an understatement...but I really love having a goal in mind or a person to send the art to. This piece I have named "Cherry Bomb", it had to have a retro name because it's for a very retro lady by the name of Barbe Saint John...now if you don't know who she is then I suggest you click on her name and go take a looksee at her work.

Although the colour of this piece looks orange it is in fact red...that will teach me for taking photos in low light

I have used glass, crystal, rusted metal, silk velvet, brass wire and more

Inspired by Louise Nelson

2011-06-26T15:05:00.000+10:00

Before you all start scratching your heads and questioning the happenings of my blog and the appearance of scrapbook pages...relax! It's not my thing, it's not something I'll do a lot of because it's not something that interests me...I do however have quite a few friends who are really in to it, so from time to time I like to try and impress them with my take on scrapping. One of my friends is the founding artist of simplistic scrapbooking, her style is the complete opposite of mine. Louise Nelson likes minimal colour and technique with emphasise on the photo. When I talk to to other people about Lou, the easiest way for me to describe the look is "spit art"...now don't go looking horrified and running off to tell Louise that I am saying horrid things about her work because she knows I love, admire and respect her and her work and she knows exactly what I think because I am honest enough to say it to her. We have had chats about art/craft/scrapping styles and we both like each other. My work is dark and grungey...so what. Anyhoo...Aussie Scrap Source were running a little challenge comp, and Lou shared the link with me...soooo I tried my hand at the style...for me it was really very challenging...fun...but not something I would do again.

At first I found I used too much colour, so I layered crumpled tissue paper over it to fade it out

I used LSG's Starburst Stains to dab some "flowers", and then used a drop of distress re inker, sprinkled with salt, and while still wet I dragged some lines out using an awl...Why salt? because the salt stops the colour from running more than I want, it dries up some of the liquid and leaves a little texture...soooo why not?

a simple black and white photo stapled over a flourish and lace

End result...not too bad. It's good for the artistic soul to leap out of your comfort zone and try something new

A Crown for Jane Clark

2011-06-21T17:09:00.000+10:00

My friend Jane Clark is a big fan of scrapbook/craft icon Tim Holtz...and so I decided to create a crown for her using only his signature products. I have kept the piece quite simple...the next T.H crown will be for another friend...and it will be quite different

TH patterned papers

TH die cut flowers

TH grungeboard

TH stickles, distress inks and distress re inkers

East Coast Art Retreat...Art Is Sydney 2012

2011-06-21T00:29:00.000+10:00


Everybody knows how very excited I am about being asked to teach three of my top classes at Bondi next March. The classes I am running are 6 hours each which means you will be learning lots about product and the versatility of them. The classes won't be restricted to just what you see, we will be playing and experimenting and pushing things to the limit and beyond. I suggest you hop over to the official site Art Is...You -East Coast Retreats to check out the other amazing teachers I am going to me teaching with...the classes are amazing and a definate must for those die hard mixed media artists. If you go to just one mixed media event in Sydney 2012...then this should be it! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE ABOVE IMAGE ON YOUR BLOG/WEBSITE AND LINK BACK TO THE OFFICIAL SITE

Pretty Little Mongrel wearable art

2011-06-17T23:42:00.000+10:00

Every chain is unique and different


"Zombie Lou Protection Pendant" (UNAVAILABLE)

"Give and Take"

"Prim and Proper Purple"

"Green and Gold/Aussie"

"Blue Moon"

"Confusion"

"Lady Lie"

I enjoy playing and creating and quite often people ask where they can see a sample of my "Flooded" canvas art, so I decided what better way to show and share my work than to be able to wear it!?! So I have begun with these seven pieces, each so very different, each although grungey and eclectic they still appear very feminine. I am thrilled with how well they have turned out and I have plans for many more. Of course I can't keep them all, if you are interested in purchasing a piece please feel free to email me at atclindab@yahoo.com.au The pieces you see here are $45.00 (AUS$) each.

pretty little bloomers

2011-06-13T19:29:00.001+10:00

Words Or Whatever created this cute little 6x6 page stand and I took one with me on my get away and...

while I was at the WOW head quarters we sorted out some pretties...my lovely "Bloomers" are now available in mini and petite sizes. YAY!!! I have used the petites here on the page frame.

...and we needed small and lovely leaves...soooo yuppers my leaf designs have been shrunk to mini versions to complete the floral theme.

Contact your local scrapbook store about stocking Words Or Whatever chipboard and MDF designs

I'm a Steamy Punk...

2011-06-13T19:03:00.000+10:00

Last year a talented scrapbook artist by the name of Anne-Marie Cox saw a photo of me on my facebook page and asked if she could use it to create a steampunk page...the page got put on the backburner for AM but since then I had often thought about creating my own...and here it is.

I used an eclectic mix of buttons, cogs, nails, chipboard, charms and watch pieces

the framing cog pieces are from Words Or Whatever

the base I used is corrugated cardboard packing, additional things used are Green Tara lace, German Scrap, waterslide/rub on, impasto, gilding wax, acrylic paint, chain, stamped copper...oh and did I mention that the page is actually bolted onto thick mattboard for added strength due to the weight

simple layers...Green Tara gift card...mix it up!

2011-06-09T16:31:00.000+10:00


Green Tara Cobweb mesh (Olive) CODERB6772Ol

Green Tara 2 tone trim (15mm plum/olive) CODERB4249PLO

Green Tara 3 tone (10mm plum/olive/blackberry) CODERB4233PLO


Green Tara 6.5cm Aster Batik Vintage CODEFDS029BatV

flying to Melbourne

2011-06-07T23:51:00.000+10:00

I am off to Melbourne next month to teach at A Scrappe Angels Heaven to teach "Owly" and "The Seahorse Project"...I'll be there July 30-31, call the store for full details and to book in

it isn't easy being green

2011-06-07T23:40:00.000+10:00

green thumb?!...I was staining gauze for "The Seahorse Project"

lots of lovely green gauze

wearable art...flooded canvases around your neck

2011-06-06T19:06:00.000+10:00

I have been working on mini wearable art pieces...

I love the texture of things and so the art had to have some of that

...and resin...

...and just a couple had to be very different...so they are...

...more resin...

maximum resin pour for little 5cm canvases

once these are set I'll be attaching some of my "mongrel beads" and chain...then I will put them on Etsy

Adorning Crown Swap

2011-06-06T18:31:00.000+10:00

a crown with lots of personality

you know you love it!

It's like wearing a jumble sale on your head

I love how perfectly mismatched this is


I thought I would share my completed crown form the Adorning Crown Swap

Owly...my newest product design

2011-06-06T00:43:00.000+10:00

Petite ATC Owly

18cm Owly (this canvas is a class sample)

ATC, 18cm and 30cm Owlies

15cm Owly on a 12x12 inch canvas

Owly is one of my latest product designs, retailers can order through Words Or Whatever

Blog Pimp

2011-06-03T23:11:00.002+10:00

so this post is all about promoting friends...those with neat, cool, interesting, fun...and sometimes silly ideas...no bad ideas, I love them all...and no I'm not getting paid in cash or product...I am promoting these small hand made companies and businesses because they are people trying to share what they love with you...and with me.
Everybody who knows me knows I am all about supporting the bricks and mortar stores...and I do...but these businesses aren't selling mass produced papers, etc...they are selling things that are complete...things that made them smile because they were proud of what they did.
So here I am pimping out small businesses...support them and you are supporting their crafts..

Monkey Mayhem (UK)

Elocin Designs (Nicole Pomeroy)

Zombie Lou

Mary Vogel Lozinak

Fold Forming...AKA bashing the crap out of metal

2011-06-02T10:07:00.000+10:00

my very first attempt at fold forming...this is brass, I have it sitting on the sheet it was cut from...neat eh?

"Let anger flow"

brass leaves, crystals and small brass disks sway lightly

22 gauge copper wire...balled and bent...so very delicate

balled and bent copper wire, 22 and 18 gauge

balled, bent, annealed, forged...pretty!

brass wire

copper and brass jump rings...hand made, annealed and raw

big hook!

I know I have been a bit quiet...and rightly so, I am doing my best to get myself back to where I was...sometimes it is easier than other times, but I will get there. I have not felt creative, and this does not serve me well as I sit around and do nothing if I am not busy, this is unhealthy and I know that. So a few days ago I felt agressive, and what's a girl to do when she feels like that? Get out the hammer! So I got out my 16 hammers...I kid you not! and I got out my sheet of brass, copper wires, crystal beads and butane torch...and I tried fold forming and I balled brass and copper wire, and I forged and folded and it felt so good to be creating again. I have this beautiful piece hanging in my studio window now and I look at it every day and it reminds me that it's ok to be angry about bad things but it's great to take it out on metal and create something good. Thank you to everybody for your wonderful support and concerns for me, it will always be greatly appreciated.

Words Or Whatever DT call

2011-06-02T09:45:00.002+10:00

Do you love chipboard?
Do you enjoy creating with the newest products?
Do you like to be a part of a team?

then this is for you! Click on the hyperlink below to get all the details

WORDS OR WHATEVER DESIGN TEAM CALL

Life goes on...and I'll be fine

2011-05-22T17:58:00.001+10:00

I live a normal life...not extravagant or mysterious...I speak one language, I am short, chubby, pale skinned...green eyes, hair currently black with a peppering of grey...all in all...normal. Right now lots of my friends and family are worried about me...why? because on Friday I was robbed...at knife point. Not really much more can be said about that, a guy smelling of beer and urine approached me and asked for a dollar, I said I didn't have a dollar to spare but obviously he had just watched me withdraw money from the ATM. This bloke decided he needed my rent and bill money more than me, and so he took it. This weekend saw me cocoon myself, not wanting to talk to anybody, not wanting to go anywhere...I did try but lasted about twenty minutes. It's Sunday evening and I just got out of the bath...I lit a candle and searched my soul for understanding of why this happened to me...I'm a good person, honest, friendly, generous and reliable...I didn't
deserve such a terrifying event!!!...nobody does.

It happened...pure and simple. It wasn't because I deserved it, it wasn't because I needed to learn some unseen life lesson, it wasn't because I don't believe in god, it wasn't because as a child I stuck my tongue out while my teacher had her back to me...it is just something that happened. I don't hate the person who held the knife...he did what he wanted...maybe he was too stoned or drunk to really even know what he did...I don't know...it is just something that happened. I won't forget it but I will endevour to move on...it would be foolish and unproductive for me to do anything less. I just want everybody who emailed, phoned, texted, etc that I'll be fine and I'm thankful for the sincere thoughts from all.

Printer Tray...an adventure in ephemira

2011-05-17T23:05:00.001+10:00

I was very lucky to have received a blank 17"x22" printer tray as a Birthday present from my friend Ruth. It travelled with me from Perth to Sydney.

I had such a great time creating this ephemira display and each piece is symbolic. I love that it is a real printer tray and not one of the mass produced pieces that so many companies are creating. I used quite a few techniques and products to create this piece...and for those in Western Australia...this is going to be one of three classes that I will be teaching at a retreat in Perth...I'll post the full details as soon as I have them

Wowzer

2011-05-17T22:47:00.000+10:00


		I designed these shadow boxes for Words Or Whatever and of course had to have a play and create some samples. The chair is one of their older designs and has been given to a friend

Peacock Princess

2011-05-12T22:42:00.000+10:00

Barbie and her static hair style...well not static but it looks like she has had a fright...her hair could actually be used as a weapon...it's sharp!

the lace I have used here is from Green Tara, stained with Lindy's Stamp Gang "Colour Shots"

her hair now painted works really well as a support for feathers

This creation is the third and final doll I have made to send off as part of the international swap I am hosting...I considered giving her wings but I am now thinking I might just attach a shimmery cape and some more feathers

Queen Bee

2011-05-11T08:20:00.000+10:00

Queen Bee is just one of three artistic dolls I have created as part of the international swap I am hosting. For those in Western Australia...who are interested in learning how to make a doll similar to this...stay tuned!

anodising...aka electrocuting metal

2011-05-03T22:33:00.000+10:00

I went to an anodising class on the weekend...yup I was a student! we got to play with titanium and niobium.
I was so suprised at how simple it was to create these amazing colours on the metals.
Simply using an power source and a solution of dishwashing powder and water...I can't give away all the details because it's a class run through the Eclectic Studio in Marrickville.

this flower is made from titanium and the colours are very subtle because the solution we used was just Coke...yup you read that right!
The ring spins...in face all of the layers do...it's great for me because I love to fidget

the blur here is caused by the motion of the spinning ring

if you look at the picture with all of my pieces you will see a little dull disk...this is what has become of it. The black magnetic bead is imbeded in mortar

I tried shaping mortar...I like it!

Tara is a Brat(z)...Artistic Journey Doll swap

2011-04-26T17:58:00.000+10:00

no I didn't rip off her feet...she was in a toy bin at a thrift store...probably dumped because of a lack of feet!

my first step was to cover her legs with PVA and Green Tara fiber paper

I then applied some Green Tara lace and some of their lovely little paper flowers

using a sponge brush I coated the torso with black acrylic paint...I did it roughly and left some unblackened areas...

I spritzed the entire torso with Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Stains...I used a mix of soft pinks and medium pinks. Once the colour was right I dried it with a heat gun and then used gold Rub 'n' Buff lightly over all surfaces

time to bling it!

and then add some feathers

of course I just had to put some wings on her and used the fusible film over Words Or Whatever chipboard flourishes...I used a heatgun and soldering iron...I have a youtube tutorial that I did a few months back...super quick and easy!

one arm was left fairly plain...not sure why...I might change it yet

her head piece is created from a small plastic hair comb crown that I got from a $2 shop

I did this face last year and I'm going to send it along with the doll in case they don't like the other one.

I really like making stuff and I thought I would run an art doll swap...I am hosting it through facebook and I was so impressed that it picked up 80 ladies from all over the world...the dolls they are sharing in our gallery are just amazing, each and every one of them are so different. It is making me a bit sad though that when people share images of their creations there are always a few that decide to put themselves down as artists and claim they didn't join in because they felt their work wasn't "good enough"...BULL SHIT!!!

The doll I created today is something made beyond my comfort zone...I have always done the paper style you all have seen so many times on my blog. When I finished her I showed my Mum and my two sons...they all laughed...but it doesn't matter...art is what you make of it...art is about exploring and learning, taking chances and having fun. I had fun and regardless of it being a good or bad piece...I enjoyed myself.

I know there are lots of artists who do better work than me...but who friggin cares?

Respect yourself and take pride in your art.

Art is my voice...I don't intend to be silenced!

Queen Floriade...a humble beginning

2011-04-25T01:46:00.000+10:00

On my recent trip to Perth I found myself a polystyrene doll head...I had to wait for my Mum to come for a visit before working on her because my luggage had been full with other goodies. Anyhoo, here she is...created with Green Tara paper flowers...I used a whole "mixed 21" pack, and Lindy's Stamp Gang helped create the colours

Big Girls Bloomers

2011-04-21T00:16:00.000+10:00

original colour

final colour

I love designing products...it's so cool seeing my sketches and doodles turn into something that is sold/used all over the world...I still smile when I see my designs in stores and I wonder what they become once they are purchased by consumers.

Anyhoo...I love flowers and my work with them is always pretty well accepted, so I decided to take the good ol' chipboard designs that I made for Words Or Whatever and I suggested an "upsize"...going from 2.5" to a huge 5"

...and what to do with them? use your imagination...the possibilities are endless!

and of course all my colour is owed to the use of Lindy's Stamp Gang products

retreat!!!!! going the distance

2011-04-17T23:30:00.001+10:00

little felt bucket $3.99!!! I just had to have four!

(Scrapsidaisy)

hand made bunny buddy by Leisa Barwell (owner of Scrapsidaisy)

my bags packed to head to the retreat...five hours of driving!...well worth the trip!

Linelle Bird, me, Kim Solomon...online and now offline friends

me being me...silly...so what!

The last few weeks have been crazy busy...and it's just the way I like it, maybe not so much the crazy part but busy is good. My trip to Perth was great and my 40th birthday was the best birthday I ever remember...apart from one or two little things but bah! what ever!

Classes went well over there and I'll be back in August to work a show and quite possibly a retreat...love retreats!

Speaking of retreats that is where I was this weekend, I packed my scoobymobile and set off on a long drive to teach scrapbookers how to "wing it" and experiment with products.

I made a pit stop to speak to WOW about some new product designs...I am really excited about them...and nope it's not chipboard or even MDF...you will love it!

Anyhoo, I had a lovely visit with Suzanne and got her to "change" one of the current designs I had...I should have asked for her to cut dozens because when I showed it at the retreat...the ladies went crazy!

My final destination was a lovely little Aussie town called Wingham

I taught two classes over two days and met lots of wonderful ladies who made me feel very welcome.

All of the art that they created in my classes was beautiful and they seemed to have great fun playing with WOW chipboard flowers designed by me and my fave glitzy mica products from Lindy's Stamp Gang

I look forward to getting back there again.

Thank you Leisa, Linelle, Kim, Julie and everybody else for letting me "Wing It in Wingham"

flying with seahorse

2011-03-26T12:07:00.000+11:00

on my flight from Sydney to Perth I took along my sketch book and began to scribble, this is what I created...a seahorse of sorts...not a realistic or true image but instead it is what was in my head, I didn't use any photo or inspiration, and I know it's not what a real seahorse looks like but as I said it is what was in my head...so don't make a big song and dance about the tail being the wrong way or the fins being wrong or the species being non exsistant...because...it's just a drawing and I like it.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...WHAT AM I TEACHING???

2011-03-24T01:32:00.000+11:00

Flights of Fancy

for class details click HERE

Alchemy Blossoms...click HERE

and for Magic Beads?...both locations are hosting, so check out who is local for you...places are limited

Adorning Crown swap

2011-03-15T16:36:00.000+11:00

I thought I would share with you the pieces I am sending to the ladies who are joining me in the Adorning Crowns swap

transforming me...a little tweak here and a little tweak there...totally pain free

2011-03-04T23:39:00.000+11:00

original, untouched image...natural lighting, no flash, macro setting.

adjusted fill light settings via editing program

adjust shadows and highlight settings

add 25% glow

black and white setting from adjusted image

sepia setting from adjusted image

revert to original image and increase colour satuation

add glow to colour satuated image

decrease satuation

layered black and white setting

layered sepia setting

I like to take photos of myself because it's fun to tweak them. I use Picasa to edit.

let me give you a hand...and a hammer and a rabbit

2011-03-02T20:37:00.001+11:00

I got back in to uni this week...a step closer to my double degree in art. The unit I am currently studying meant I needed to draw a couple of things...such as the hammer, rabbit and hand...the first assignment looks at associations of objects.

I won't share details because I am still working on this but I wanted to share my sketches with you. The rabbit is based on an early century etch...very simplistic.

The hammer is just a fantasy tool...I totally need this one in my kit!

The hand...the hand was a huge challenge for me and this is my very first attempt at drawing a hand...my hand! I am really pleased at how well it actually turned out.

It's good to put your fears behind you when it comes to art and just try...if it's crap...then try again.

a funny thing happened on the way to the studio...reliving the past, leaping small children in a single bound & juggeling resin

2011-02-27T12:00:00.000+11:00

for those who read my article in issue #90 of the Artist Palette (Australia), you will remember this story from last year, and for those who have not read the magazine...this is what happens when you think you know what you are doing...

I like to get lots of things done at once where I can, so I decided to work on several flooded canvases all at once. The colouring went perfectly and I set all of the canvases on my table in two rows, all butted up against each other so I could work quickly.
I mixed the resin and began pouring into the canvas backs...all the while adding more pieces to my work...for those who don't know about resin I will explain to you that from the moment you mix in the catalyst/hardener it begins to set and the more time you take to pour it...the more trouble you are asking for!

About seven or eight minutes had passed from pouring the first fill, so when I now went to tip my jug, a huge gluggy blob of resin oozed on to the canvas...I watched for a moment to see if it would level out but it just sat there...grinning at me...don't try and tell me it wasn't laughing in defiance because I know it was!...I called it names "stupid sticky snot blob", this didn't help...I know it would have flipped me the bird if it could have moved.

I rolled my eyes and did that funny mouth thing that people do when they are trying to figure out what to do. I decided the only thing to do was to pick up the blob and discard it.
Now it's at this time that I need to point out to you that I was wearing my one and only perfectly clean and paint free black slacks, no apron and although I do wear gloves when mixing, I had discarded them for pouring.

Without a thought I picked up the blob...
and at that very moment my then six year old son came in to ask me something and the phone in the "sewing room" began ringing.

I swear...and yes I actually did...that the next 90 seconds happened in slow motion...
I slam dunked the blob into the bin, vaulted over my son, bolted down the passageway, grabbed the phone with the least sticky hand whilst wiping the other hand on my pant leg...all without thinking.
More swearing followed...wrong number!!!

It was now time to inspect the damage...
#1 phone has dried resin on the hand piece
#2 slacks ruined
#3 I had some how gotten resin on my son's forehead and in his hair
#4 resin blob had not gone in to the bin but had oozed down the side and on to the rug

and the moral of this story?...there isn't one.
I'm human, I'm not perfect...I bought new slacks, the phone still has my hand print in resin on it, I trimmed the resin from my son's hair and the rug. I can laugh at myself...can you?

donating to raise funds

2011-02-25T21:13:00.000+11:00

if this piece looks familiar, she is! I had donated this 20x40cm last year, to be auctioned for charity but she had been returned to me (surprisingly)...anyhoo she has been sitting under my table since then...waiting to go to a new home somewhere out in the world. Can you give her a new home?

I have donated her to Louise Williams who lives in New Zealand, she is organising an auction event to raise money for the people of New Zealand who have been affected by the recent earthquakes.

There are lots of things that will be up for grabs, so please consider bidding on one or more of the pieces.

click here to look at the items up for auction

the above link will take you to the sea nymph on the promotion site, the auction is run through a facebook page, if this causes any problems for you email Louise at info@eidou.com

A funny thing happened on the way to the studio...losing control, David Campbell and those darn fullstops!

2011-02-25T11:30:00.000+11:00

***I've decided that I need to share more of myself as a person, so I am going to. Of course if you are only here for the art and you want to skip the ramblings then avoid reading any of my posts that are titled "a funny thing happened on the way to the studio".

This morning I was typing on my laptop and noticed some of the keys were sticking...could this be because I type while I snack? Who knows? I have had the laptop for two years and have never cleaned it...so today I ripped the keys off and lined them up next to me so they wouldn't get jumbled.
There was enough blue and black hair to crotchet a small doilie...there were what appeared to be crumbs of corn ships...which makes me hungry for chicken enchiladas!...don't ask!...it's just the way my brain works. I also found fragments of paper, fibers, fusible film and what I believe to be the limbs of a gummy bear!...I envision some sort of gummy bear mafia stashing the body parts of some problem-causing gummy bear under my keys.

I cleaned the mess, and began replacing the keys when the phone rang *insert absence while on phone call for approx three minutes*

I return and sit down to continue...all the while listening to the crooning of David Campbell *insert dreamy eyes*
I picked up the right angle bracket key and swipe it with my cloth...damn...can't get that dot off!...it took me about five minutes to realise that the dot is in fact a full stop...my excuse is that I was distracted whilst listening to David Campbell!...back to the keys...I see one is missing...I try to think what it could be...not that it matters because it's friggin missing! *insert puzzled look and growing frustration as I rearrange the lounge room to find the missing key* twenty minutes later I find it sitting by the phone...and what had I lost?...I had lost CTRL (control).

Flights of Fancy and Magic Beads...teaching in Perth

2011-02-25T00:14:00.000+11:00

I am really excited about next month...I'm flying back to my home state of Western Australia!!! I'll be there to celebrate my 40th Birthday, catch up with friends and family, shop at some favorite place like The Thread Studio...and teach!

My Westie Besties Jenny Burns and Megan Black have asked me to share my art with them and anybody else who would like to get their hands dirty with me.

I'll be teaching "Flights of Fancy" artistic journal...the book is a brilliant way to keep track of your ideas, etc.

How often have you mixed paint to decorate something and then forgotten how you had done it...Flights of Fancy is filled with art papers that you can create your own paint chips and even write notes as a reminder.

You can even fill it with sketches or pictures of things that inspire you.

...and the beads?...magic! faux glass!...very simple and fun!...I dare you to stop at just one!

Interested? hop over to BLACKBURNS CREATIONS for all details.

more than meets the eye

2011-02-24T23:07:00.000+11:00

A simple chipboard bracket...nothing is as it seems when you have imagination.

Product Design Samplers...for WOW

2011-02-24T22:31:00.000+11:00

Today was spent playing with some of my product designs that I have created for Words Or Whatever

I love designing products for companies...it's wonderful to see a sketch turn into something that can be used in arts and crafts. It thrills me to see people use what I have created.

What have I created?...rubber stamps, chipboard products and paper flowers.

Retailers can order my designs directly from WOW

Alchemy Blossoms...five designs, two sets per pack

Mini Housie Hanging Shrine...although the piece looks flat, my Nan's photo is actually sitting in a recess and then coated with resin

Alchemy Circle Frame (large)

Alchemy Circle Frame (small)

Brash Bracket

Winners, Grinners, Voters and flutterbies, etc

2011-02-23T18:31:00.001+11:00

I created this hanging piece as a BIWT (Because I Want To) for a lady who deserves a smile...even if it's only brief.

this is a Birthday card for somebody who has brought colour into my world for a long while now

this is a 4x4 page for the Birthday girl

these are my hand made Jennifer Byrne Paganelli fabric flowers...Fred The Needle proudly stocks a great range of fabrics, including the Sis Boom pretties. I used my Itop to make the brad centers.

I'll be posting a project and step by step for these next week

in keeping with the butterfly theme here is a book I'm teaching in Perth next week...details very soon

OWOH prize "Kooky" is heading to the USA to live with the very talented Belinda Spiwak

OWOH prize "Baby Night Owl" was won by Sherry Edwards in the UK

Now what about the voting? Well Lindy's Stamp Gang is having a little comp. and you all need to run over to the LSG blog and vote!!! You can choose three...although it's a tough choice. I have to say that I totally love the Madame Butterfly art doll and the FloraDeco. Click here to vote

324 paper flowers

2011-02-08T18:47:00.000+11:00

yes that's how many paper flowers I used to create this 50x40 cm canvas. All the flowers started as white and off-white. I threw a variety in to a large plastic tub and sprayed using my LSG spritz and stains, I kept spraying and shaking the container to mix the colours...it reminds me of confetti that has gotten wet...the colours run and blend beautifully on the paper flowers. Once I was happy with the look of them I used my heat gun to force dry before sitting down and layering to create a variety of pretty blooms.

Crowns and Ned Kelly

2011-02-07T15:22:00.000+11:00

On the weekend I went to a class...AS A STUDENT!!!...I rarely sit as a student but I went to a class on the weekend to hone in on my soldering skills...only to discover that I really need better toys...I mean tools!

Anyhoo today I created this piece...ummm which has no soldering at all but plenty of annealing, so I did use my torch still. I really love this piece...not sure if I will have it as a brooch or a pendant...and not sure if it is finished or if "Ned" (squint and use your imaginations people!) needs some limbs. The whole piece is created from brass and copper.

Now onto the subject of crowns...my friend Marlene Haverone and I have decided to have a "Crown Embellishment" swap and are inviting anybody who would like to take part in this international swap to join up...the swap is for an element that will go to decorate a crown, so if you sign up please don't think you are getting entire crowns sent to you. I have created a blog as the swap home, so go check out the details at...

Adorning Crowns

hopping to catch up with Lindy's Blog Hop

2011-02-04T18:23:00.000+11:00

sorry I missed out on the fun of the hop, but as I stated in my previous post I had issues with heat, housework and technical problems. Anyhoo here is my mixed media mini canvas that I created using LSG's products...I'll be drawing a winner shortly who will receive this art work and a prize pack containing my three most favorite LSG products. I'll also add some additional strips of the technique papers I made.

Amazing what you can do with PVA and Starburst Stains.

update on prizes for OWOH giveaway...baby night owl and his kooky friend

2011-02-04T18:06:00.000+11:00

sorry for taking so long to get this up but between the heat, house work and technical issues it has been a trial! Anyhoo here is "Baby Night Owl"...I really really really love him so whoever wins him please know I may stand at the post office for a while before handing him over ;)

Originally I was going to make him as a wearable necklace but decided I wanted to add textures that could be touched and explored. "Kooky" is second prize and he will be travelling with some extra links and ribbon so you can turn him into a brooch/necklace/choker/hair accessory or a cool bracelet...he would even look cool on a hat.

Good Luck to those entering the One World One Heart give away.

One World One Heart Blog Give Away...PLEASE READ ENTIRE POST FOR UPDATED LINK TO PRIZES

2011-01-31T01:07:00.011+11:00

For those who follow the fun and exciting annual One World One Heart 2011 blog give away, I am happy to let you all know that I am getting involved in the event's final year. What am I giving away?

I am giving away a mini version of my chainmaille "Night Owl"...the piece won't be identical to the one you see here because I don't really like making identical things if I can avoid it. "Baby Night Owl" will be just as interesting and touchable.

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED IMAGE OF PRIZES.

So do you want to know how you can go about winning a prize from me?

Simply leave a comment on this post. Easy peasy!

You have until February 17 to comment and then a name will be picked by a number generator.

Please make sure I can contact you by having a current email. If by chance you win and I can't get in touch with you within 7 days, then I will redraw and you will miss out.

Good Luck!!!

fried marbles and a night owl

2011-01-27T19:31:00.000+11:00

A couple of weeks ago I came across an image on the internet of a beautiful glass sphere that turned out to be something called a "fried marble"...intrigued by the term I searched for instructions and discovered that since the 1950s people have been baking them to use in jewellery. They are really easy to make and quite addictive once you begin...I have about a thousand now.

Anyhoo I used polished annealed 22 gauge steel wire to cage and wrap a couple of my first marbles.

The owl is created using chainmaille and metal scales, his face is a rusty gasket that I found on one of my junkyard hunts. The eyes are fried marbles.

Lindy Hop with Lindy's Stamp Gang

2011-01-27T18:20:00.000+11:00

Hooroo all, I am jumping up and down with excitement as I announce that Lindy's Stamp Gang will be hosting their very first "Lovin Lindy" hop.

Monday, January 31st! All of the LSG Design Team members will be sharing a project on their blog using their favorite LSG products. Of course there are prizes to win on each DT member's blog...lucky hoppers can WIN a Design Team member's FAV products!! We have all 8 DT members participating in the hop, which means 8 divine giveaways to be won!!!

Be sure to spread the word, mark it on your calendar and check back on January 31st. I will have a post with my project and links to my fellow LSG Design Team member's blogs. All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment on our January 31st LSG blog posts. Names of winners will be chosen by the DT member of the blog you comment on.

*I will also be giving away the art that I create that day.

crowned

2011-01-24T01:43:00.000+11:00

I love crowns, I have several...a crown is great to wear when you want to feel special...it's nice to feel special.

The base of this piece is ultra thin cardstock...and all the beautiful flowers, lace, die cuts and crystal stems are all from Green Tara...I soooo love a product that I can use for everything.

I'm proud to be a part of the GT design team, they are a great company with lots of beautiful products and the best value. I think I might make some more crowns this week

Valentino art doll

2011-01-24T01:20:00.000+11:00

I'll tell you straight away...she isn't paverpol, she is one of the polystyrene foam dress forms that I got at Collin's Craft in Perth on my last visit.

She is totally dressed in the latest Green Tara fashion...I think I might paint on some ruby red lips though. She was created for Valentine's day

ribbons and zippers

2011-01-24T01:00:00.000+11:00

I'm sure you will remember the lovely Green Tara ribbons I got late last year and I pinned them together to create a log cabin patch...well today I stitched around the square to secure it and then decided to turn it in to a flat bag to store my ribbon scraps, and while I had my mini sewing machine out I began work on a zipper bag...at the moment it looks more like a funky pillow case but tomorrow I will finish it.

Linking to Art

2011-01-22T00:55:00.000+11:00

I love creating things I can wear, things that encourage people to ask lots of questions and to possibly get to creating interesting things of their own. I created this piece as wearable mojo for myself...the pages inside the mini book are decorated in a fun way to inspire...fun colours and patterns and images...things that make me smile.

I am proudly teaching this piece at Scraploot on February 26th, so if you are interested in joining in please call the girls and book in and preorder your kit (only available for this class). This piece is on display in store, so pop in and check it out.