It is two-thousand-and-heaven!

Let’s not debate about what happened between my last post at the beginning of 2009 and now....

It’s a new year, and I seem to be doing really well at blogging at the beginning of a year, so happy 2011! The blog had a facelift (thanks to my visit to Italy last year) and I’m ready to take on a few new challenges. Somebody I'm very fond of reminded me not to wish for "balance" again as part of my resolutions in 2011 as it turned out the complete opposite!

So I will take it one day at a time….

Wishes for 2009

I wish all of my friends and family a year filled with love and laughter. May we, in 365 days from now, look back at 2009 with great pride and satisfaction and the knowledge that we used our talents, we shared our love and we brought out the best in those who crossed our paths. May 2009 be long remembered...

Beaded cross

Margaret Ruxton's fabric crowns inspired me to start this 3D project. Unrelated you might think, but I wanted to create something that was not just a flat surface, made of fabric, beaded and that could be exhibited and displayed with ease.

I love crosses. Such a simple form yet a hidden meaning for everyone. I've got a few very unique pieces in carved sandstone, mosaic and beads, wire, plant materials, glass, sterling silver.....anything from jewellery to wall hangings. I unintentionally ended up with a lovely handmade collection.

This one a gift to my Mother.

It's been months!

I've just been really REALLY busy. I've finished a few art projects and is really proud to say I've made progress!

I can't keep smiling when I think about the fact that my quilt was chosen as one of 30 from South Africa to travel the World! (Tri-nations that is....) Have a look at all 90 My Place quilts. If you look back to my post of 19 January 2008, you will see my photo inspiration.

I needle felted most of the surface of this quilt. The detail was done by machine - thread painted and quilted and I added some beads by hand. The poles were wet-felted and the fence is made from real wire.

I've joined a few fabric postcard exhange groups and have been sending and receiving beautiful pieces from all over the world. I've recently exchanged bookmarks, have signed up to make my first Dotee Doll and even a small quiltie.

I'll keep the rest for another night.....there is more!

My first fabric postcard!

I'm very proud to present my first fabric postcard! I used my embellisher and felted on a piece of cotton batting. I used wool roving, ribbon, angelina fibres, a small piece of tulle and machine quilted the piece. The binding was made with crushed velvet ribbon.

My first compliment came from my 3-year old - "fancy!"

Artist Trading Cards

I spoilt myself with a Pfaff smart 350 p punching/needle-felting maching and it works like a bomb!

I've got about a fat quater size ready to be cut up for ATCs and loved every moment creating this piece! I've used anything from left over fabric to off-cut pieces of tulle and organza from my daughter's fairy dress, some wool roving, organza ribbon, and did this all on a piece of warm & natural cotton batting. Kaitlin even helped me lay out some of the wool roving and sat on my lap while we embellished. I had great fun!

Canola Fields

I've decided to enter the tri-nations quilt challenge. A 50 x 50 cm piece of art with the title "my place".

I've got a landscape in mind. In August 2000, on the way from Greyton, I photographed a canola field in full bloom. Only 2 photos, but it will be perfect as inspiration for this quilt!