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!

Keep doing what you are doing

"One thing's for sure:  If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting."

                                                - Stephen R Covey -

Something to think about

"You may find you're living with subconscious dreams that are not in harmony with your values.  You may dream of living the life of Indiana Jones, but you don't really value the idea of crawling through cobwebs and sleeping with scorpions.  If you don't get your dreams out in the open and look at them in the cool light of day, you may spend years living with illusions and the subconscious feeling that you're somehow settling for second best"

                                                        - Stephen R Covey -

Make it REAL

"Me-time" will include some time spent at the gym from Wednesday onwards.  Thanks to Eda, I've joined the gym (again).  With some inspiration, I might not waste this money every month.  Can't actually wait to get back into the pool.  A pity that I had to join the gym for this! 

 

I have a little SARK sign on my desk saying "BREATHE" and another "your real vision is immeasurably valuable and I dare you to let it out!  Let us all see what you have made real from your dreams and imagination.  We are waiting to see".

 

So take that!  Week 2 of the new year and I've managed to start on my tax return for 2007, joined the gym, and managed not to gain any weight after I've started to wean baby Mika. 

 

All baby steps in my journey.

Clear blue skies

I'm in the studio, but at the computer. Everybody is asleep...

I can spot a few pieces of roving wool waiting to be felted, an entire collection of sketchbooks waiting for that watercolour landscape to be painted. I must start planning my first landscape art quilt. I got the most wonderful book on landscape quilts from a friend for Christmas, thanks Robin! I'll remember to move it closer to the computer so I can add the title to my reading list...

The Hottentots Holland mountain range in all colours of lilac and mauve against clear blue skies seemed to be the most perfect landscape this afternoon. Not a cloud in sight....Its great to come back home every day to such a view. For the moment, remembering the moment is good enough. To be amongst my fabric, not doing anything but knowing its there, is good enough.

About me

My first blog entry and I seem to have writer's block! The "about me" section of my blog page took a while, and almost kept me from this first entry! I gave up after a few attempts, as it will never be perfect.

I'm not a keen blogger, facebooker, flickr, sms-er and find it difficult to understand where people find time for all of this?!

I'll file this under "rubbish", which I'm sure will attract more attention that deserved.

I must say I'm a bit intimidated by all of this, hence the ramblings....