Purple Berry Design

Patience

2012-01-12T15:01:00.000+11:00

Patience - Mixed media on cardboard

I wanted to try something I haven't done before and here it is. This piece is a layered mixed media piece with perhaps a tad too much glitter. This piece started out life with gel medium and the heart shapes embedded within this medium. And there it stayed hanging around my messy workspace waiting for me to play with it a little bit, it waited and waited and waited - it was very patient.

I'd been wanted to try something different as a background so I pulled out some old little square ink pads and literally dragged them across the cardboard. It was a lot of fun and very, very messy. Some of these ink pads are now only sponges, but hey that's okay they served their purpose. The thing with ink is that it takes a long time to dry so there was more waiting.

Next using a square-edged brush I wrote the word joy (you can see my calligraphy training in this, because it's italic script). Still I wasn't happy and the piece once again had to wait while I thought about what I wanted to do. Some music was added with stazon ink and a stamp roller, then I pulled out some letter stickers and added them (I think they belonged to an Ali Edwards kit that I purchased about 6 years ago!).And then came the glitter, and more glitter, and more glitter and just a bit more. I was completely covered in glitter when I finished. Still an oft-quoted mantra of mine is - everything looks better with a little glitter!

And the piece once again waited until I was sure I wanted to take a photo, and then waited again until I was sure I wanted to share it. It's so different to what I really do, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. But finally the wait was over and here we are. So, you can see why I have called my little piece Patience. And isn't having patience as part of your repertoire a joy!

What's your signature style?

2012-01-11T14:29:00.001+11:00

Ruling pen and shellac ink

A week or so ago I was reading aninterview with Brian Ritchie the bass player from the Violent Femmes. I nonothing about the Femmes music but was interested in what Ritchie had to say onartists who repeat themselves, in other words giving the fans what they wantrather than trying something artistically different. As the curator of the MONA FOMA inHobart, Ritchie states that ‘I don’t want to give [people] what they want. Iwant to give them what they don’t know they want yet. '

Last year I completed an online workshop tohelp me identify and decide if I wanted to pursue an artistic business.Interestingly once completing the workshop I found my desire to not only createart, but also sell it and create a business out of it diminished significantly.I suspect that was information overload in action. One of the key messages Igot from this workshop is that successful artists have a signature style; it isa message that is repeated in subsequent art books I have read. It is somethingthat has worried me because I’m not sure I do have a signature style. Yet whatdoes a signature style actually mean? Is it important? Can you have asuccessful career as an artist without developing a signature style?

Fineliner on cartridge

My interpretation of signature style, atleast initially, is that artists repeat the same type of art: same media, samecolour palette, same substrate and same images. It’s something I’ve noticedin a number of artists whose blogs I follow, almost every new artworks seems tobe a variation on the last new artwork, there is very little actually new aboutthe artwork. I’ve also noticed it in successful calligraphers that consistentlydo the same lettering style. In fact, it’s common in all forms of artisticexpression. You become comfortable in doing a specific thing and it becomessuccessful and then you just keep doing it. Look at all the ‘80s bands, theyare reforming and performing all of their old hits because the ‘80s is popularagain.

Is the variations on a theme signaturestyle enough for artistic fulfillment? I suspect not. Personally I’d find itvery boring indeed to continually paint or draw the same kinds of images. Ilike to do new things, learn new techniques and try something different — can’tthat by my signature style. I could call myself an experimental artist!

Rotring radiograph on watercolour paper

Now I've looked at it at a deeper level, I thinkthat a signature style is something that signifies something about you. For meit’s specific media; pen and ink, watercolour, graphite, coloured pencils andsimilar themes and images; freedom, flowers, women and text. While I like toexperiment and see what happens with specific techniques, these are done withina similar theme. I like to think that each new artwork is different to the last, and that it tells some kind of story. So, I guess I do have a signature style, just not in theobvious sense.

What's your signature style?

Hello 2012

2012-01-02T18:11:00.000+11:00

Hello to 2012. This is my word for the year - BOLD in 2012!

I haven't blogged for 4 months, and I'm sure that anyone actually looking at my blog may have thought I'd decided not to blog. No, just been busy trying to finish up a paid writing project (very important to pay the bills!) and also running in a new computer. I decided to get an iMac and I love it. The only problem is that I haven't worked out everything on it, and most particularly, I haven't worked out how to use my new version of Photoshop Elements, which means I haven't worked out how to edit a photo! This photo was taken on my iPad, uploaded to fb and then I saved the image in my downloads. There has to be a better process!

I have just signed up for a Jessica Sprague workshop - up and running with Photoshop. I used to be able to use a very, very old version of PS, but this new PSE has me stumped. So starting as a beginner, I'll soon be able to edit and upload and then there will be now excuse for me not to post.

Bold was a word I chose at a recent session I had with some friends - we call ourselves the Champagne Consultants! We all work for ourselves in similar fields, so the chance to talk about our plans for 2012 was a great opportunity. I decided that there are quite a few things holding me back from what I want to achieve and being BOLD seemed to be the way to move through some of these scary things. I did consider doing Ali Edwards' One Little Word workshop at Big Picture Classes, and I might still enrol because sustaining something like being BOLD could do with some prompting.

Well, my goal for blogging this year is for it to be more regular and maybe opening up on more about what I think on things. Til my next post. Enjoy the start of 2012.

Simplicity

2011-08-24T14:45:00.000+10:00

Lately my creative brain has been bouncing off the walls, exploding with ideas. Yet whenever I have tried to translate those ideas onto paper it just hasn't worked, the image in my head and the image on the paper are disconnected. I thought it was perhaps that the technical abilities of my head far outweigh those of my hands, but in fact I think it's been my tendency to overthink things.

I picked up a fantastic lettering book recently by Michael Clark (an amazing lettering artist) and one of the first quotes I read was:

If we lose simplicity, we lose drama. Wyeth

Or course it was beautifully lettered!

When I simplify my artistic process and allow it to happen rather than having elaborately planned out ideas, not only am I happier with the process, I'm happier with the outcome.

This piece came about after I was looking a some artwork on Donna Downey's site and although her artwork is vastly different to mine, it was the words that spoke to me: 'It's all going to be okay.' and 'You are exactly where you should be.' specifically spoke to me. And this is the artwork that followed. I love flowers and I love pencil. In this case soluable graphite pencils mixed with a bit of windsor and newton watercolour blocks. I toyed with adding words but feel that in this case less is more.

The joy I experienced doing this artwork was fantastic. I was completely in the moment and it just flowed. This is, I feel, how art is supposed to be.

It is a truly gorgeous day in Melbourne today and as my son, Bailey, said to me this morning, the sun is shining and that makes me smile.

Going with the flow

2011-08-18T14:28:00.000+10:00

I have this sticky note stuck to my computer to remind me to stop fighting life. I must admit it's been both a struggle and a battle at times over the last eight weeks. There's certainly a lot going on in this life. My mother would most probably offer her pearl of wisdom - you're trying to do to much!

It's true I am trying to accomplish a lot, work is at a peak at the moment with the programme I am writing needing to be ready by the end of August. My thesis is hotting up with my supervisor actually expecting me to write it *lol*, there's the time commitment with Bailey's speech pathology as well as the daily life of looking after twin 6-year old boys (I wish I had half their energy!) and spending quality time with Andrew . . . and oh yeah I'd like to create something sometime!

With that in mind I've been re-assessing the way I do things. If this is how my life is there seems little point wingeing about it. So I've been thinking about single-tasking. I've always been a multi-tasker but lately my brain is suggesting that needs to stop. I've been trying to take in a process soooooo much information lately that my head's felt like it's been about to explode. Seriously I've been waiting for the 'This brain will self-destruct in five minutes' and then splat brain mush on the computer screen. Ewwww.

I found this blog when researching single-tasking and I must say just doing one thing at a time seems to have it's benefits, stress-relieve just one of them. So far this week it's been an up and down try, I think I've been multi-tasking for so long it's going to take some time to unlearn it. But I like the idea of being truly present in whatever I'm doing, be it family, art, work or study, to be present and attentive in the moment is a treasure so I'm going to focus on that.

Til next time. I hope you are having a great day.

Time

2011-08-07T20:05:00.000+10:00

This is another composition piece that I did for the Claudine Hellmuth collage workshop at Big Picture Classes. Am I allow to actually say that I love this piece, so much in fact that I'm actually thinking of framing it!

This is the first piece that I've done that included objects rather than just layers of paper. When I set out to do the piece I really wanted to make a piece about time and really it started with the clock stamp that I'd been itching to use. Then it was a matter of having fun deciding what I could use from my stash to create the piece. In fact that's one of the things I love about collage, you can actually use stuff from your stash rather than hoarding it.

I honestly think that the key to creating is just having an idea and allow it to grow and see what happens at the end of it.

Well that's all for now, I'm using the time between MasterChef finales to catch up on some blogging and computer work and I'm hoping that Kate wins.

Karen

Stress Relief

2011-07-18T14:57:00.000+10:00

It's been a stressful couple of days culminating in back to school mayhem this morning. Bailey is currently doing an intensive program to help his language disorder and this is 2 hours a day for 8 weeks. The logistics of not being able to be in the same place at once gets to me sometimes. So does the enormity of the challenges that Bailey faces in the future and the flow on effects to our family. Some days are harder than others and today was one of the hard ones!

I haven't actually drawn anything in ages. But I found this image in my Oprah magazine that spoke to me. I like the essence of freedom in standing next to a fountain drinking in the water and not worrying about getting wet. Drawing feels good to me and makes me happy. In fact I often wonder why I don't draw more often since it makes me so happy. I look at my images and think they look okay (am I allowed to say that?) of course my skills could always been improved. I'd like to be able to translate some of my pencil drawings into fully fledged artwork, but often I just can't decide on a medium! But then again maybe that's just an excuse to protect me against failure!

I'm trying to work out how I can make a living from being creative and I'm planning on doing an ecourse by one of my favourite mixed media artists Kelly Rae Roberts. I'm hoping that this course will focus my attention on what it is that I actually want to achieve. While I'm not strictly goal oriented, I do like to have a vision of where I'm heading so that I can work toward achieving it. Lately I've been feeling that I'm treading water in quicksand so anything that can help with clarity is a goer.

I hope your day has been restful.

Karen

Bubble Lady

2011-06-24T12:18:00.000+10:00

Remember I mentioned the bubble lady, as I like to call her. Well here is the collage I created using that particular piece of artwork. I printed the artwork onto canvas paper and then did some fussy cutting to get a good outline of her.

I've used the script to create the horizon. This script is based on a 1929 font by Jan Tschichold a very famous font designer. I've been reading a book on Edward Johnston for my MA and this font was discussed. I love that it's modern and rounded sans serif and a bit funky. I'd like to play around with it a bit more and really develop a script from it - oh to have the time!

I haven't had a chance to look at the last week of the collage workshop notes because I'm trying feverishly to get some work finished before the school holiday onslaught. I'll hopefully get to it soon, and I've gotta say that I'm going to miss the workshop and the interaction with other class members. But I have a plan! Ali Edwards has been mentioning doing her Week in a Life project again and this time I think I might just go along. I've been a bit slack taking photos of the family and I'm finding I'm much more productive when I have a project to complete.

Till next time I hope you are enjoying your day.

Karen xx

Composition and Collage

2011-06-14T13:25:00.002+10:00

I'm into my second week of a four week Composition for Collage online workshop at Big Picture Classes. The class is being run by Claudine Helmuth, who is a seriously cool illustrator and collage artist and an excellent teacher. I love to learn and I must say that this class has really challenged me, mostly because I often don't think of composition before I do something and also because I normally draw or paint rather than collage. It's been fun though and has inspired me to think about different ways of putting art together.

The first composition I did I used lettering as my starting point. It's an asymetrical composition.This was fun because I haven't done lettering for ages! This lettering is actually a copy of some brush lettering in one of my calligraphy books, except I've done this with a chalk pastel pencil. I've done the lettering on some leftover Basic Grey scrapping paper, and have added depth with a brown Conte Crayon. The embellishments and letters are from my scrapping stash - collage is a great way to use things.

My second collage is a horizon composition using a low horizon. I seriously struggled with this because every time I thought of something it included a real horizon like grass, sky, etc. In the class we are given downloads that we can print and use or use digitally. Many of them are black and white and have a 1920s feel. Now while I love Vienna Design in the 1920s, I don't immediately love photographic images. So, instead of deliberating for too long I scanned in one of my own drawings and re-sized and printed and used it for the basis of my collage. It was fun because I'm still using my own stuff. Everything I do seems to have to have a story and I think by using my own images I'm able to relate the story better, maybe because I feel connected to the artwork I've previously created.

I have two more ideas for horizon composition, one using Bubble Lady shown in this post and one using lettering. The problem at the moment is time. I'm trying to organise my Masters stuff - how is it I accumulated so many random pieces of paper! I also have work I'm trying to churn out before school holiday. So we'll see how it goes. I also have another book to show, this time a Baby Book. So until next time. Happy creating.

Wedding Album and Card

2011-05-08T18:16:00.000+10:00

Hello, yes it's been a VERY long time! I've been deciding if I wanted to blog, what I wanted to make, where I see my creativity sending me - lots of questions but not many real answers.

Anyway, below is a wedding album I made for a recent wedding we attended. I'm into books of all kind at the moment and I'm working out how to make some mini-albums and waiting on a book showing me some new ways of binding.

This is the card I made for the same couple. I liked the tone on tone of this card and the simplicity of the images.

Well I'm hoping it won't be toooooooooo long between now and my next post!

A Sparkly Card

2011-02-08T16:54:00.000+11:00

A quick post to show you a card I made for my in-laws' 50th Wedding Anniversary. I love glitter so try to incorporate it in a lot of the cards I make. This technique uses a VersaMark pad stamped around the edges, then add heat set powder and then add the glitter. The glitter I used is a light champagne colour, however because it's done on a black card it deepens the colour slightly.

I've been absent mostly because of holidays. Bailey and Nathan started prep on Friday so I'm hoping to have a little bit more time for crafting and some actual art work. I have sooooooo many ideas, but also want to de-clutter my house and give it a damn good clean, I'd also like to de-toy the house a little bit, especially as the boys have a birthday coming up. Add to that my thesis and some potential work, I'm sure those kidlet free hours will go by in a flash.

Till next time, hope your day is a good one.

Karen

Been awhile!

2010-11-14T16:57:00.001+11:00

Yes, it's been quite awhile since I last posted. I've been focused on other stuff and have sadly been neglectful of my blog. I have been doing some stuff though and thought I'd share some Christmas goodies I made for Bailey and Nathan's kinder.

Here's a closer look at the card. I've used some heat set powder to adhere the glitter, but next time I think I'd stamp in versamark ink, then red so that I get more depth of colour.

I also tried my hand at some boxes. the first one can be used as a gift card holder and with some yummy choccies added is a nice gift to give someone.

This last box I was planning on putting some lollies in but it was just too small, so instead I stamped some gift tags and used it for to hold these. I plan to make it again but I'll re-sized it so it's bigger.

Well that's it. I'm hoping to post a bit more often. I'm just putting the finishing touches to an Advent Calendar and I've been playing around with some glass baubles, which is lots of fun.

Till then. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Scrapbooking Party Page

2010-09-23T11:36:00.000+10:00

A quick post today. This is a scrapbook page I did for a workshop recently. Just playing around with some stamps to see what would happen. I've got a whole wish list of stuff I want to get, including a DSI xl, which of course is a high priority!!! Still I'll keep plugging away and you never know what will happen.

Hope yours is a good day.

Nature's Delight

2010-09-15T10:28:00.000+10:00

A quick post today. Last Friday we had a stormy day and Bailey was hiding under the couch (he's not a fan of rain, or dark clouds) he kept looking out the back windows and was super excited to see this rainbow. When we wento out to the backyard to take a photo I realised that there were actually two rainbows, one almost gone and one brand new. Rainbow's to me are nature's special gift. I hope you enjoy and should be back soon with some cards.

Father's Day

2010-09-13T12:25:00.000+10:00

Hello, today I thought I'd share with you the frame I did for Andrew for his Father's Day present. I've use Boho Backgrounds stamp to stamp the small stars and then used a scrapbooking kit for the rest.

Bailey and Nathan also did their own cards for Father's Day at kinder, and here they are:

This one is Bailiey's card.

This one is Nathan's card.

I haven't actually done much cardmaking recently, I've been focusing on de-cluttering, which I never seem to win with, and spending money on more stuff! I also recently started an online course with Kal Barteski on nurturing creativity, and I'll share some stuff I do with that course as well.

Butterflies

2010-08-25T11:04:00.000+10:00

Hello. Another month between posts. I've been busy trying to declutter the room I use to make stuff in. I'm a little overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that I actually own! So I've started a box for the don't need but not sure what to do with stuff, and in the mean time I try to use up the stuff I want. Still the new Stampin' Up catalogue starts September 1 and I want soooooo much more stuff out ot that. Onto some cards.

This first one I did awhile ago and I don't think I've posted it before. I've created the butterfly with a mask using a buttlerfly punch. It's quite effective, although difficult to see in the crappy photo I've taken!

The next card is also butterfly themed. I love butterflies, they are a gentle and beautiful gift from nature and on a sunny day to see them floating in your garden is amazing. This card is based on a design by another of my favourite cardmakers Andrea Walford. My sister, who's birthday it is today (happy birthday Jenni, and Mum!), suggested it looked very much like a birthday card for her, so I guess it is! Again my crappy photo doesn't show up all of the glittering goodness found on the butterfly's wings.

I've been working on a Father's day craft project for Andrew, but can't post that, so my next post might include some Christmas cards designs I've been working. Until then happy thoughts.

Some busy cards

2010-07-26T16:48:00.000+10:00

I have decided, at least for the moment, to continue blogging even if it means I'm unlikely to get any comments - sigh! - I admit I'm jealous of people who have lots of comments.

Although the info on the side-bar says I'm a calligrapher and mixed media artist, but at the moment I don't seem to have the capacity to do much. Twin boys who at the moment are seriously pushing the boundaries leave me tired and with very little capacity for creativity. Add to this a 40,000 word thesis that is going along at a snail's pace and I'm thankful for stamping and card making. I can finish a card in 30 minutes and feel like I have achieved something creative and that makes me very happy. So to some cards.

This first one is a bit of a departure from my normal style, but that's okay. The style is a case from Kristina Werner (one of my fav cardmakers) and although I'm not unhappy with it, it's a bit busier than I normally like.

The second one is also a case from an SU demonstrator Sue Rowe, although she used ovals and circle and I have used a sizzix tag-die. Either way it's a cute card.

I hope you like these cards and I hope that I get at least one comment. Till next time . . .

Okay . . .

2010-07-17T15:03:00.000+10:00

. . . so after posting about the comments from porn spammers, the only comments I received were fromt the said spammers - I think this is trying to send me a message!! So after doing some research on blogger help I have decided to make comments available only to members of this blog. What that probably means is that I won't get any comments at all, but hey at least I won't have to constantly delete Tawainese/Chinese porn links from my blog. If that doesn't work then I'll be shutting my blog down and rethinking what I do.

blog hijacked

2010-07-13T10:16:00.000+10:00

Yes I know I haven't blogged for a while, but at the moment I'm trying to decide whether to keep blogging or start a new one. Currently my blog has been hijacked by Tawainese porn sites that leave me comments linking to their porn sites. I have moderated my comments, but I see no way of getting rid of them other than this. It got me thinking that what does it say about my blog if the only people who can be bothered to leave a comment are porn sites!! So at the moment I'm not sure what to do. I like blogging, but I also like to believe that someone out there reads it. I could I suppose start a new one and hope that the porn sites leave me alone.

If anyone does read this blog and does know how to get rid of these sites I'd be grateful if you leave a real comment!

Karen

Some artwork . . .

2010-05-26T12:21:00.000+10:00

Today I decided that instead of cleaning the toilet I would do some drawing. I've been looking at this image for a while and thought it would look nice. I decided to use soluable graphic pencil, which are really cool, except when you don't use watercolour paper (doh!), so I might have to have another go!!

This is another drawing I've done recently, I love working in pencil, although I have visions of her ending up in another media! Forgive the quality of the photos, I really need to work out a better place for taking photos.

Sadly, the toilets are still there to clean, so off I go . . .

Can't think of a title!

2010-05-10T17:48:00.000+10:00

If you're a regular blog addict like me you've probably seen something similar around.

I love the new Vintage Vogue stamp set, it's so versatile (and pretty!). I like the simplicity of this type of card, but didn't realise how bad I am at drawing squares (lol!). Had the chance to make a few different cards this weekend, some new techniques that I have been wanting to try. I just need to take photos and you'll be able to see them.

I hope all of you lovely mothers out there had a great Mother's Day. We did; train to Camberwell, brunch with both sets of grandparents at Georges and then a browse at The Well and Borders; back home to a quiet afternoon; hubbie made tea!

Clean v Detailed

2010-05-06T14:45:00.000+10:00

At the moment I either like to make clean cards with little embellishment, the stamping really speaks for itself or I like to use the stamps to build a scene.

This card is based on a clean & simple fall-to-layout but I can't remember which one. I like the clean lines on this type of card. It is simple but effective. I also love Kraft CS at the moment and find myself reaching for it in preference to coloured CS.

This one is, of course, much more cluttered, but the scene lends it self to lots of layers and shapes. I made this for a friend's 3-year old and I repeated it again for one of my Nathan one of my twins who loves trains. For Bailey I built a space theme, but can't find the card to take a photo (doh!).

I've managed to do a few cards this week and have found going back to basics in my stamping and keeping it simple has helped me to get things going again. I have work next week so I may not be able to make as many cards. I also have several calligraphy projects planned, but just can't find the right time to sit down and do them. Oh, well I'll get there eventually!! Till then . . .

Layered Emboss

2010-05-05T09:52:00.001+10:00

Hello again. Last time I spoke about spilling all my embossing powder (doh!). One of the techniques I've been trying is a layered emboss technique that Jennifer McGuire shows on her website. She does it with distress ink and I wanted to see if it worked with SU ink, which it does.

I started by applying ink direct to paper with the Stampin' spots. I just picked whatever came into my hand with a mix of dark and light. Then I clear embossed my flowers, I overstamped and embossed some of the black leaves in this card.

I then sponged Bravo Burgundy over the whole of my image (I did this quite hard to get a good colour). Once that was dry I wiped the image with a tissue to wipe of any excess in. I quite like the result and the different colours it achieved. Especially in the 'a note for you card' above, the effect is quite striking.

I think it will be a technique I'll play around with again when the mood strikes.

Not gone, just gone mad!!

2010-05-02T17:29:00.000+10:00

Yes, I know it's been a long time since I blogged, but haven't really had the motivation. Today typifies my efforts of late, I've been trying to play with an emboss layer resist technique and just dropped my clear embossing powder all over the carpet! After swearing heaps I tried to save some of it, but think I've managed to pick up carpet fibres - seriously bummed.

I hope to have some cards posted soon, but given this type of effort it might not happen.

Happy Day

2010-03-01T15:55:00.000+11:00

It's been too long since I last posted, time gets away from me sometimes. I have two passions at the moment in cardmaking, either I do a scene like in this card or it's clean and simple, a stamp, an embellishment. I had no idea how to use this SS when I first got it, but I'm happy with this one.

It's a quick post today as Bailey is trying to cut something out, Nathan is running around outside and I have a roast to cook for my birthday - there's something not quite right about that lol!!

Hopefully it won't be as long between posts.

Die cuts part two . . .

2010-02-03T12:25:00.002+11:00

Another play with diecuts. I really wanted to try something different with this one and I'm quite happy with the result.

I have stamped and embossed love from the love you stamp using white embossing powder. I've also white embossed the hearts and then filled with crystal effects and glitter. (my current fav technique). The circle in the middle I white embossed, which was very tricky and then I've done the same as the hears, and used a foam dot to make it sit up a bit. A bit of ribbon, some dots and we're done. If I did another one of these I'd white emboss the cherish sentiment to make it stand out a bit.

I've decided to enter this one in the Just Add Ink challenge.

I'm in TV heaven this week. Monday was Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters my two favourite tv shows - happy they are back. Scrapbooking with the girls on Friday night and then the weekend with my family, it's good, good, good.

Die cuts with a twist . . .

2010-01-28T18:01:00.002+11:00

I decided to challenge myself to use some of the diecuts that were taking up space and this one of those cards that just worked.

Here's what I did:

used the boho backgrounds stamp and clear embossed
adhered the scallop cut out of DSP (left over chrissie paper)
cut out the circle
covered the small die cut with dsp and cut it out, embossed with cuttlebug and edged in ink
traced the small die cut onto the larger one and then added glitter
white embossed baroqe motifs onto the DSP and then cut out a strip
stamped happy birthday on whisper white cut it out stuck it to DSP.

Here's a close up of the embossed DSP - I quite like this effect, I've also added some Night of Navy ink over the embossing to give it some dimension.

All in all quite happy with this card and some of the techniques I tried out. I'm thoroughly enjoying playing around with stamps, it's great stress relief while Bailey and Nathan are home full-time. I have some grand plans for some artwork, but need some time and headspace to be able to produce it. Bring on kinder next week!

My first challenge . . . what do you think?

2010-01-24T18:36:00.001+11:00

This is my first go at doing any kid of challenge. It was fun, I got inspiration while making the salad for last night's tea. Having said that what I sketched out and what I produced were a little different, but that's okay creativity is an exploratory process. I must say I had some difficulty finding some very vanilla, but managed to find a scrap. I'm trying my hardest to use what I have - this also means that I'm almost out of adhesive (gasp!!). Needless to say I'm ordering some tomorrow.

While I'm not really a Valentine's Day celebrator, I'm really into hearts at the moment and I love the little hearts from the short and sweet set. I use them a lot and one of my fav things to do is to fill them with Kristal Effects and then put the Dazzling Diamonds over that. It takes a little while to dry but the effect is great, at least in my opinion.

I'd love to know what you think so please leave me some comment love . . . Karen

Some cards . . .

2010-01-12T13:39:00.000+11:00

Okay so, finally some cards. This first one uses a Die Cut (currently on special) as well as the For Everything set from the Summer Mini.

The next one was inspired by Kirsty's easel card, although I made up the measurements as best I could. Now that I look at it I think it needs something in the top corners, maybe a small flower stamp or brads.

Here's another view. This card uses the Enjoy Every Moment and Hostess gift stamp.

I have sooooooooo much stuff in scraps that the next few cards I plan will be using those scraps. I also have some ideas on using the die cuts. Till then xx

New Year New Look

2010-01-10T15:26:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year!

I've been trying to update my blog into the 21st century and this has taken up valuable stamping and artwork time! My computer belongs in another age and is starting to protest and take a long, long, long time to do anything . . . computer rage is becoming regular ! lol! I still can't get the buttons up the top of my blog to work, but have run out of time to play so will have a go at that next time. Hopefully my next post will be a card or some artwork.

It's almost Christmas!!

2009-11-26T10:31:00.007+11:00

I just realised it's been almost a month since I posted. Oh well the best laid plans of mice and in this case woman!! I do intend to post more often, it's just that life gets in the way.

Anyway here are some cards. I've finally perfected the VersaMark resist using a brayer. You need to let the VersaMark dry before you use the brayer to ink the glossy paper. It took me a while to work out what I was doing wrong, but I got there in the end.

This idea I cased from someone, but can't remember who (sorry!). It uses the masking technique and the sponge daubers - my new fav tool! It's actually a very effective technique that I'm sure I'm going to use again, when I get time.

This is a sneak peak on a calligraphic work-in-progress. This year rather than create a design for a christmas card I thought I would complete a finished piece. This is half-uncial and a celtic greeting. I think I picked the most elaborate celtic decoration I could find, but I'm sure it will look cool when it's finished - hopefully by next weeek. I'll post a photo of the finished piece.

I feel like I'm always rushing at the moment and it's about time to rush to kinder, rush home, rush to swimming, rush home and rush some work in this afternoon. Then it's collapse time for a double episode of the Amazing Race - if I can stay awake that long!! Have a good one and hopefully it won't be too long before I post again.

Three things

2009-10-29T10:18:00.003+11:00

The first thing - a card box I made on Sunday to hold the cards I've been making. I had a bit of fun making this box because the measurements I had were in inches and I don't compute inches, I'm a cm and mm girl!! Still trial and error rarely hurts anyone!!

The second thing - a photo board that I did for our niece Ella. I've done a number of these and this time I thought I would construct an overall image, hence the garden. It also gave me the opportunity to use the die-cuts that I bought and thought I would use, but haven't. Lots of fun to make and I think she liked it.

The third thing - this is a fantastic photo (I took it!). It's so hard to get good photos of Bailey and Nathan together, lots of them apart, but mostly they muck around when I try to take them together. This was taken at the park in Healesville on a very beautiful Spring morning. Aren't they cute!

Well that's it, almost time to go and pick up munchkins from kinder - man that time flies!! I'm halfway through embellishing my tri-shutter album (I'm sure this photo will make it into the album), it's a bit fiddly and I think when I work out the embellishments for the other one I'm making I'll make it a bit less fiddly. Enjoy your day. K

A quickie

2009-10-21T09:20:00.005+11:00

A very quick post before Bailey and Nathan go feral on me. It's been over a month since my last post - sorry about that - life just seems to be sooooo busy at the moment, I'm sure you can relate.

This is a frame that my coz Jane embellished for me. It is a quote that she wanted to have in her bathroom to get her started each morning. I did the quote in word and printed it on cardstock. The layout is not perfect and if I did it again I'd do it in calligraphy. Jane did one for herself and then with her spare frame used some of my scrapbooking paper, stamps and inks and embellished one for me.

This is a preliminary sketch for a piece that I want to finish (this seems to be a problem for me at the moment - lots of ideas, little time to implement!!). My plan is to calligraphy words relating to freedom, liberation, etc and have them behind the figure. Still working out how I'm going to do that and when I'll get the time.

Must run boys are getting feral. I promise to post again soon. K

Workshop

2009-09-14T14:11:00.003+10:00

I've been preparing for my second Stampin' Up workshop today. We are doing Christmas cards and this is the card I've prepared (it's based on a Dawn's Stampin Design)

This is a cool card that opens up to reveal it's message. And my thank you gift and door prize are also courtesy of Dawn's Stampin' (thank you Dawn)

These treat bags are holding some yummy M&Ms. I'm thankful to experienced stampers like Dawn who share their knowledge and expertise. It's a short post today, but hopefully you enjoy it!

Lots of Cards

2009-08-30T15:38:00.006+10:00

Finally a blog post, and finally some cards to share. It's been awhile between posts for no other reason than I had nothing really to say. I've been having a lot of fun playing with my Stampin' Up purchases and stock and trying to move outside the square a bit with some of the cards that I've been making. So here goes. This first one was made for my niece Kristen who had her 21st birthday celebrations last night. She turns 21 in September - now this makes me feel really old!!

This card was cased from someone on the net, but I forgot to note down the name

This card was cased from the lovely other Karen Thomas

I must say I love Kaisercraft self-adhesive bling, it's not expensive and brightens up those cards that just need something else.

Another thing I'm loving at the moment is Ali's new class, which I'm seriously thinking of doing and Donna's latest canvasses - she inspires me to put paint to canvas!

What's inspiring you at the moment? I know by the clustermaps that someone out there reads my blog, even if you only found me accidently, leave me a message and share your inspiration.

Surrounded by stuff

2009-07-16T09:41:00.003+10:00

Pencil on cartridge

I did this last Friday while the boys where being batman - both of them! It's been awhile since I did any drawing and this started out as something very different. I'm thinking of transferring this to a watercolour, but for the moment I'm happy to just sit with it.

I'm trying frantically to push myself to organise and declutter, which is not natural for me. I am literally surrounded by stuff and since my addiction to Stampin' Up began that means more stuff! I also attended a workshop recently and that meant I 'had' to buy some more paper. I think that stuff is taking over my life, but I am trying to control it.

It felt good to draw again and just let the pencil flit across the paper and see what happens. I've felt in a creative rut for quite awhile now, lots of ideas but no motivation to follow through on them, it's been frustrating and I've spent a lot of time looking at other peoples' art, which can be both inspiring and frustrating. On top of this I've been working, which if I had my way I wouldn't, but reality bites! I've been loving the research aspect of my MA, it's been cool finding new information, translating stuff from German, but now the reality of that has sunk in, I must do some actual writing on my thesis. The words sound fantastic in my brain, but not so good when added to paper - if only there was a way of plugging a USB into my brain and downloading my thoughts!

Not lost, just busy . . .

2009-06-24T14:36:00.004+10:00

I honestly haven't had time to think since about Monday. Work has invaded my life in a big way, it's an urgent job so hopefully that won't always be the case. It's been a bit of a struggle balancing everything that I need to to and want to do, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

Here are some cards I made last week.

Supplies: Stampin' Up - Paper: Choc Chip, Really Rust, Urban Garden.

Stamp Sets: Boho Backgrounds, Enjoy Every Moment, Inks: Really Rust, Old Olive.

Brad - Making Memories, Bling - Kazzaz, Ribbon - Sullivans Bow & Tie.

Supplies: Stampin up: Paper - Night of Navy, Stamp Sets: Pun Fun, Enjoy Every Moment,

Inks: Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, Pastels. Glitter - Kindyglitz

Work has slowed for a day while my storyboard is examined. Today it's still been busy, I've been into Fitzroy to buy some paper supplies for an upcoming workshop - always fun. Tonight I have my first Stampin' Up workshop, which will hopefully go as planned. We are making Post-It note holders.

My Dad is here this afternoon making some shelves for our very small European laundry (i.e. cupboard!!). Space is of a premium in out tiny abode and these shelves are going to hopefully free up some badly needed space in our tiny kitchen. Bailey and Nathan are having so much fun 'helping'. Each has a hammer and is banging happily away on a scrap piece of wood - they are in Bob the Builder heaven. I'm not too sure about Dad though.

Hope you are all having an excellent day.

Some things I love

2009-06-09T09:38:00.005+10:00

All supplies Stampin' Up except eyelets, which are Making Memories

I love this stamp and this technique. This stamp is from the stamp set Heartfelt Thanks. The techniques is pastel chalks blended using the blender pen. (Thanks Yvonne for showing me this technique!!). It is subtle and delicate, like the flower.

Image from Susan Skarsgard

I also love abstract calligraphy; the ability to manipulate script and to push the boundaries of what is image and what is text (the crux of my Masters thesis!). I am lucky enough to be attending a workshop (ConText: letters/language/meaning - an exploration of calligraphy in the 21st century, as a modern and relevant form) with Susan Skarsgard in early July and I am very excited about what I might learn. Other abstract calligraphers that I love are Brody Neuenschwander and Yves Leterme, both of whom live in Bruges, Belgium.

Why not share what you love with me, I'd love to know.

A good day is one where I get to do calligraphy for two hours, so you know today is going to be a good one. Hope it is good for you too!

Cards

2009-06-01T17:16:00.005+10:00

Finally, some cards. These are a couple that I have been playing around with. Simple designs, which is what I like.

Supplies: Stampin' Up: Chocolate chip cardstock; Enjoy the moment stamp set; Boho backgrounds stamp set . Other: White cardstock; white embossing powder, clear embossing powder, Versamark stamp pad; brads, Allison Ellis Glitter; Kindyglitz; corner rounder - creative memories.

I was actually playing around mixing some glitter into some clear embossing powder, unfortunately the embossing powder I have is about 15 years old and not quite what it was! Needless to say I have ordered some more!

Supplies: Stampin' Up: Bravo burgundy, kraft cardstock; Upsey Daisy stamp set; Stampin' Write. Other: Striped paper, brad, corner rounder - creative memories.

This is actually my first card using stamps, hard as though that is to believe. I've always hand drawn my own images, which is fun but can be cumbersome. I am absolutely in love with the Upsey Daisy stamp set used in this image. You can bet you'll be seeing it a bit more!

Oopsie!

2009-05-28T10:16:00.004+10:00

Brush calligraphy: gouache on cartridge paper

I got really excited about this piece in calligraphy class yesterday . . . and then I looked a bit closer and realised that there are a few typo's in there!!! Unfortunately no amount of editing can fix this. Still it was a practice for a layout that I'm working on, which will be done on cold-pressed watercolour paper. I must say that I am loving brush lettering, it has endless possibilities.

I'm working on some cards to post, just to prove that I can stamp! Time and balance are two things I'm working on at the moment. The best time for me to do anything is when the twin munchkins crash and burn at about 7:15pm each night. From about 5 pm onwards it is seriously out of control in this house, trying to get tea made, everyone fed, boys bathed and ready for bed and trying really hard to get some quiet time before bed. Andrew and I have almost given up on this, the boys just go crazy, sumo wrestling, pretending to be dogs - you've got to see Nathan say to Bailey, sit, stay, good boy!! Bailey does it all with his tongue hanging out. It's hard not to laugh, but at the same time by the time they are tucked in bed, Andrew and I literally collapse on the couch in a heap and just the thought of being creative is too much to bear.

I'll work it out, just as I'll work out how to get rid of the sh*t that's currently everywhere in this room I'm typing in. I will win the clutter war!!

Have good day!

Settling in

2009-05-19T10:34:00.003+10:00

Watercolour on canvas

This is a work-in-progress. I'm still undecided if I want to add anymore text to the spirals and the heart needs some more definition, I'm just not sure what kind. This is something I've learned recently about the creative process, sometimes you just need to be with the art work before moving on. You need to let it go, come back to it and then decide if it needs anything more. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither should my art work!!

Life is changing around here. I'm now back in paid employment, initially casually for 12 weeks and then hopefully on a permanent contract. I've done my first copy-edit in about four years and I love it. Yes, I know you thinking What The! I love having my dictionery and my style guide next to me, using the correct copy-editing marks, and I lurrrrrrvvvvveeee my red pen!!! In fact I love copy-editing much, much more than Instructional Design, but sometimes to pay the bills you've gotta do both.

I've also recently become a Stampin' Up demonstrator and I'm trying to get my head around that, playing with the stamps and thinking about running some workshops. I'll start posting cards and layouts as well as artwork as I progress. So, if you are interested I'd be happy to take an online order.

Bailey and Nathan are growing up. We have now moved onto Lego, which I think is very exciting. At this stage they are using Lego that belonged to Andrew, so that makes it VERY VERY OLD. I'm sure that no doubt we will continue to grow this stash and make more clutter in our house.

Time to pick kidlets up from kinder, have a fantastic day!

Worth holding on . . .

2009-05-07T10:27:00.003+10:00

Acrylic paint and ink on canvas paper. Words: Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes it's worth holding onto things that you are not happy with when you have finished. This piece is part of a larger piece that I didn't like. Yesterday while searching for some canvas paper for a new project I found it and thought actually I like this little bit, let's cut it out. So I did and this is the result, which I quite like.

With any type of creative endeavour sometimes you need to leave it awhile and come back to. Working on something for so long can skew your perspective.

The collage project that I was working on went in the bin - sometimes you just have to admit defeat!!! But it brought about a host of other ideas, one of which I'm exploring now. That's one of the things I love about the creative process, it's all about experimenting and exploring. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but our failures and mistakes can sometimes blossom into opportunities.

Life has been incredibly hectic around here. Today is the first day I think I've come up for breath! That of course will stop in about ten minutes when I leave to pick up Bailey and Nathan from kinder, then it's come home, get ready for swimming, go swimming, come home, have some lunch, then off to the doctor for four-year-old vaccinations - oh the joy!!!

It's important to realign your perspective, dust yourself off when something doesn't work, and to keep trying, or as Andrew says, 'Keep hanging in there!'

Back again

2009-04-23T09:44:00.008+10:00

Walnut ink and ruling pen with watercolour on Canson Mi Tientes

Okay so I haven't blogged for quite a while! I've just been out of control, overwhelmed and generally struggling a bit. So, sometimes something has to go, and it this case it was blogging, and art. But I'm starting to get a handle on it again and thought I would post this piece. I scanned it in a while ago and wasn't sure if I liked it or not, but now that I look at it it is quite interesting.

Currently working on a collage of words, paint and found items so will be interesting to see how that works given I haven't done anything like that before. Really what I'm trying to do is combine all of the things that I love and to express how I've been feeling and some of the things that have been floating through my brain.

Also been trying to get up-to-date with my MA thesis, which as of the moment has no words!! Still I have almost finished re-working my plan and hopefully will be cooking with gas from there.

If you have some time today and you're interesting in stamping I recommend that you head over to Jennifer McGuire's blog and check out the videos using Ranger Distress Ink. I found these to be really interesting since I have some of this ink and I've not been sure how to use it effectively. Jennifer is a fantastically creative stamper and card maker and I love checking out here blog on a regular basis. Enjoy!

Losin' it!

2009-02-24T09:39:00.004+11:00

- - - Going! Going! Gone - - -
- - -WANT IT BACK NOW!!! - - -

I think there's a fair chance that I have lost my creative mojo. The boys are in kinder I have spare time, cards to make, no inspiration - nothin, nada. I'm hoping this is only a temporary affliction, because I am usually full to the brim and overflowing with ideas for stuff to make, stuff to draw, stuff to calligraphy. I USUALLY HAVE LOTS OF STUFF IN MY BRAIN - where, oh where has it gone.

Any ideas on how I can get my creative mojo back?

Sadly . .

2009-02-09T12:41:00.003+11:00

. . . the death toll has now reached 108. May something good come out of this tragedy.

Hope: Prisma colour pencils on black cartridge paper

My heart goes out . . .

2009-02-08T16:39:00.004+11:00

. . . to all of those families who have lost loved ones, pets and houses in these most devastating fires. It's almost as if our whole State is on fire. Yesterday was the most horrendous day, almost 47 degrees Celsius (thats 117 F for those reading overseas).

Most of my immediate family lives in high fire risk areas and my sister-in-law had a fire rip past her property in Devon North within 50 metres of the backdoor! Very scary!!! My sister and family are stranded in Eildon as there are fires in Alexandra and most of the roads have been closed. She tells me it's very black and if you go outside you breath smoke. A close friend of hers literally had to run for their lives as the fire came out of nowhere, they have lost everything but thankfully have their lives. DeBortoli Winery where Andrew and I got married has also been wiped out as it was in the same road.

36 lives lost (with it expected to rise) and over 650 homes burnt out. I can't comprehend that someone deliberately lit some of these fires, it's an abominable act.

Temperatures are much cooler now, although strong winds are still feeding the fires that yesterday were separate and have now joined up. Hopefully nature will have mercy on us and bring our CFA firefighters some relief.

Fly me to the moon . . .

2009-01-22T19:19:00.003+11:00

This is my latest piece of artwork, acrylic on canvas. It was done for my friend Lisa's son Cooper who is obsessed with rocketships. I enjoyed painting this and am quite happy with the end result. I'm starting to become more confident in blending with acrylic and playing with the brush to produce different effects. I may not be a master, but Cooper certainly liked it!

Have my knee op tomorrow morning. I'm first on the list, which means Mum has to drive me to the hospital by 6.30am! It's only a small procedure so I should be home early afternoon, hopefully hobbling, but not on crutches.

My next project is a calligraphy piece that has been floating around in my brain. I'm trying to finish each project before starting another one (which means scrapbooking and cardmaking inbetweend). I'm also trying to create just for me, allowing myself to just go with the flow of what I feel like creating. As long as I'm creating something I'm happy.

Digi-scrapping

2009-01-15T19:21:00.004+11:00

Since the start of 09 I've been downloading some freebie digital scrapbooking kits so that I could have a play with digital scrapbooking. This page is the first of my plan to document Bailey and Nathan's 10 week journey from hospital to home. I've used most of the papers and embellishments for the Echo's of Asia kit downloaded from Jessica Sprague's website [she is one cool digital scrapbooker!]

My plan is to do one page each for Bailey and Nathan, but I'm trying to work out now how to duplicate this as a right-hand album page. I think it's a matter of hiding some of the images and then playing around with them until it mirrors this page. I did try the obvious flip horizontal but that achieved nothing!

Overall I'm happy with the result. My first try was very boxy and I wanted to try and do the type of layout that I haven't done before. I can always add or delete elements as I wish.

Onto more mundane matters, my knee operation has been postponed a week - apparently the receptionist booking it forgot the Dr was still on holidays - my sister thinks that perhaps he extended his stay once the weather started to improve! Whatever the reason it's another week of sleeping on the couch, which at the moment is the only place where I can get some sort of sleep - otherwise it's a lot of pain and very little sleep, which makes for a very cranky Mummy the next day!!

Now, if a three-year-old calls you fat what do you say?

2009 is moving too fast!

2009-01-12T19:11:00.005+11:00

I can't believe that it's already close to the middle of January - where does the time go and why does it only drag when I am doing something I don't want to do? This is my first blog for 09 and it's a recap of Christmas morning mayhem and laughter with the boys opening their presents.

The next recap are two canvasses I did for my goddaughter Taylah and her sister Casey. My girlfrient Michelle said they needed new name plaques for their doors and this is the result. I decided to construct the canvasses like I would a card and using the favourite colours of each girs this is what I came up with. Judging by the screams I heard when they opened their pressies I think they liked them!

I'm still not sure about the whole canvas thing. So far this year I have focussed on scrapbooking and have had lots of fun downloading stuff from Creating Keepsakes and Jessica Sprague to use with digital scrapbooking. One of the [many] projects I'm working on at the moment is a mini-album of Bailey and Nathan's first 10 weeks, which was spent in the special care nurseries of the Mercy hospital (6 weeks) and Mitcham hospital (4 weeks).

This was a very full on time for Andrew and I - new parents, teeny weeny babies, watching them in the humidicribs all hooked up to a myriad of machines. I want the album to be fairly simple focussing on pictures rather than words. While the mini-album will be paper I plan to do all the pages digitally and print them out and store them in 6 x 6 pockets. I've almost finished the template I'll be using, I just wanted to let it sit for a few days to see if it needed tweaking. I'll be using the American Crafts album and designing the cover myself, so when that's done I post it as well.

Until then I'm enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet while Andrew takes Bailey and Nathan to the ice-cream shop - gotta love slow summer evenings!!

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-18T21:19:00.003+11:00

Christmas cards are fun for calligraphers. Every year in my calligraphy class we try to come up with a new and innovative card. This year I'd seen a Rudolph stamp and thought I would try and draw it, which worked and the rest of the card just evolved (such is the creative process. It's printed on tracing paper (or as the scrapbooking industry insists on calling it - vellum!) I hope all who received one enjoyed it, because it was fun to make.

This is to appease certain people (Margaret) who think I don't put enough photos on my blog. Admitedly I take lots, so it's not like I don't have plenty to choose from. This one was taken about 6 weeks ago at playgroup. Unfortunately I must have had a very senior moment and haven't downloaded the files from my camera to my computer. Luckily, I had printed some and was able to scan this in. We even got this printed on a 12x12 canvas, which looks excellent.

I think that I am almost ready for Christmas, all presents have been bought, Christmas cards sent, almost finished making Christmas tags and some of the pressies have been wrapped. I haven't made any gourmet goodies this year. I really want to try turkish delight, but I've been really unsuccessful in finding rosewater (any ideas?)

Well, it's time for the Amazing Race finale and for me to sit down with some chocky and a milor and relax. Will hopefully be able to post some pics from the Wiggles concert last Sunday, which was loads of fun! Enjoy your weekend.

Movember Update

2008-12-04T16:15:00.004+11:00

This is Andrew attempt (some may say sad attempt) at growing a Mo for Movemeber. I must admit I'm glad that it has been shaved off, not very nice in the kissing stakes and I think it does nothing for his face. Still a good effort and he has raised over $500 for Prostate Cancer research and that can only be a good thing.

Been meaning to post for a while, but to be honest I'm so tired by the time Bailey and Nathan go to bed that I fall asleep in the chair in front of the TV. Blogging during the day is difficult because they are firmly attached to me.

Now I know that someone must read this blog besides me and my family because I have a growing number of dots on my clustermaps. Please someone leave me a comment so I know where you are from and what you do and so that I can check out your blog.

Must go, munchkins are back from the park and peace has ended!!

Tarra Bulga National Park

2008-11-10T11:35:00.003+11:00

Over Cup Weekend we visited Andrew's sister Fiona and her family, who live in Yarram. This is always lots of fun as Bailey and Nathan love to run around with their cousins and Jess the dog!! The dirt mound is also another favourite hideout.

While we were there this time we visited the Tarra Bulga National Park, which is temperate rain forest about 15 minutes from where Fiona and Trevor live. These are some of the random shots I took on our walk to the waterfall - which because of the drought is much more like a trickle!

Andrew is doing Movember this month, which means he is growing a moustache. Movember helps to raise money for Prostate cancer research and if you would like to donate. Andrew had started when I took these picks but it's a bit difficult to find any real undergrowth under his nose! I promise to post a recent look at this Mo but he's away for a couple of days so you'll have to wait!

We've had some momentous changes since I last blogged (yes, I know I've been a bit slack!). Bailey is now toilet trained, he still needs help going to the toilet, but generally remembers to tell me when he needs to go, we've only had a few accidents. Nathan is not really showing any signs of being ready, but often he has been a little behind Bailey in some of his milestones so we'll get there eventually. He certainly wants to sit on the toilet, but as yet nothing is happening!! It's funny that once you become a parent all decorum about bodily functions seems to be removed as we happily talk with other parents about wees and poos!

We had a great weekend this weekend. I spent some time on Saturday afternoon with a friend Lisa scrapbooking, which was a real treat. Andrew wasn't playing tennis so I really too advantage of that! Yesterday we finally sold some of Bailey and Nathan's baby stuff (car seats, rockers), which really frees up some room in our tiny but messy front room. Sunday afternoon we had tea at Lisa's place and Bailey and Nathan played so very well with her sons Cooper and Baxter it was nice to be able to relax and watch and not worry about who was going to get hurt!

Today Bailey and Nathan are in occasional care until 3pm. I'm trying to take advantage of this time to finally clear the mess in this room I'm sitting in. I've been trying all year!!! But I can see the floor for the first time in ages so that's a bonus. Tomorrow I'm finishing off my Christmas card design in calligraphy and having some x-rays done on my knees, which at this point appear to be cactus!

What's that smell?

2008-10-08T07:53:00.003+11:00

Had to quickly share this story while Bailey and Nathan are safely eating brekkie and watching Shaun the Sheep.

Last night we put the boys to bed as normal, Nathan fell asleep almost immediately, Bailey however, having had a catnap at around 5pm decided not to go to sleep. That's okay, Andrew was on duty and just kept putting him into bed. Around 9pm when all was quiet I said to Andrew - Can you smell something? So we decided to check to make sure that Bailey hadn't got into anything . . . . yes . . . you guessed it . . . this is a real toddler/preschooler moment!

Bailey had found the Curash Nappy Rash cream, which is like thick zinc cream. Now not only had he decided to smear it all over his bed and the spare bed, he had also decided to completely cover a few toys, to try to feed Nathan some while he was sleeping . . . oh and to eat some himself! Andrew and I went into complete recovery mode, we rang Nurse-on-call who then passed us onto Poison's Australia, who advised us that this stuff was non-toxic and the worst case scenario was some diahorrea. So we cleaned out Bailey's mouth, cleaned his teeth, gave him lots of water to drink stripped the beds, washed the sheets, chucked the toys, tried to explain to Bailey why it's important not to eat things that are in strange tubes . . . and all the while Nathan kept sleeping.

I'm sure that this won't be the first time the boys eat something they are not supposed to, but hopefully it will all turn out okay like last night.

Next post will be some photos of Andrew's 40th, just need to find the time to post them!!!

Go Sainters!!

2008-09-13T22:14:00.003+10:00

17.4.106 to 9.18.72

Andrew is in bed trying to sleep off the fact that Collingwood got beaten in another final. I'm not being cocky because we play Hawthorn next week and they are in fine form. Still it's one step closer to that elusive Grand Final berth.

Mini-books

2008-09-11T14:45:00.003+10:00

I think I've told you that I'm really into making mini-books at the moment. I think it's because I can combine my love of paper, scrapbooking and calligraphy. I also get to play with some new techniques to see if they work or not. I'm sure that I'll probably get over the current passion, but at the moment they are my current favourite thing to make.

Okay, here's the first one, I made this for my Mum for her birthday.

Box-board covered in Mulberry paper.

Scapwares flower stamped in multi-coloures and heat embossed with clear holographic powder

Scrapbooking tag with calligraphy done in burnt sienna.

This one I made for my sister Jenni (who happens to share a birthday with Mum!!). This is to hold some of her photos - she is a fantastic photographer and you can find her stuff here and here.

Box board covered in mulberry paper

Chipboard frame from some scrapbooking kit I've had for ages

'My Photos' calligraphy done in burnt sienna and then heat embossed with
clear holographic powder.

Photos is one of Jenni's printed on archival inkjet canvas paper

These books are really easy to construct, especially since the box board goes through my guillotine, I really hate having to cut board with a craft knife. I've been using the Crop-o-Dile Big Bite for the holes and the eyelets and I must admit that I'm trying to use up some of my supplies so sometime I have absolutely no idea who made the embellishment that I have used. Still if I'm going to post them with details I might have to start taking some notice.

Jenni and I attended a workshop on making mini-books on Sunday and I'll post those in another post. Similar in construction although I learnt some new techniques for folding paper and adding a spine and the bling that we used to decorate them was quite different and not what I'd used before. I love it when I can incorporate new techniques into what I'm already doing. I'm currently making another book for a friend of Andrew's and need to finish that.

I usually have an idea in mind when I start but just allow the creative process to take over and the book evolves of it's own accord. These books are for sale if you are interested.

Broomecam

2008-09-09T10:54:00.004+10:00

This is Andrew on Broomecam last week. He was in Broome for work and as you can see he was working really, really, really hard!!

How cool is this!!

2008-09-04T15:23:00.003+10:00

How cool is this layout? I was reading my latest issue of Creating Keepsakes and this is in the computer tricks article from Jessica Sprague (only the coolest of digital scrappers!!). The scalloped edged circle was a download from the CK site, also another cool thing! I was amazed at how easy it was to clip the photo's to the cirle mask. You don't actually crop the photo either it's just sitting out of sight in the background. I love that I can save this as a .psd file and play around with it at anytime. I've done this with a canvas size of 8 x 10 so it means I can get if printed if I save it as a JPEG. I have been toying with the idea of doing an album in this way, all done on the computer then printed as a photo and pasted to cardstock. I especially want to do an album of Bailey and Nathan's 10 weeks in hospital and I think that this could be the way to go. I have some more mini-albums to post, but as I'm maximising the time that Grandma and Grandpa are here it will have to be another post! Till then, enjoy.

Kinder time!

2008-08-29T08:05:00.003+10:00

A quick not to let you know that Bailey and Nathan made it into the Dr. Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten (isn't that a great name!) for 2009. This is no mean feat in our council where kinder places are highly prized, we are very very excited to get a first round offer. I can't believer that the boys will be going to kinder next year, wow time flies. I'll have to post a now and then photo, just to see how much hey have grown.

Playgroup today and meeting up with my sister Jenni and my niece Kristen for Maccas - a very special treat for Bailey and Nathan.

Nathan has escaped, which means it's time to go.

Welcome to feral'o'clock . . .

2008-08-22T17:53:00.002+10:00

Been a while . . .

2008-08-19T08:24:00.005+10:00

It's been a while since I posted. I must admit the last month has been a bit of a struggle, just getting through the day has been a bonus. I'm into making mini-books at the moment and this is one I made for our friends Megan and Steve for the birth of their new little boy, Riley. I'm absolutely loving my new toy the Big Bite Crop-o-dile, it's fantastic to punch holes in anything. I'm doing a workshop in September with the Calligraphy Society making a keepsake book. I love learning new techniques and improving the way I do things.

Here's one of my little munchkins, aren't they cute. The floor puzzle is a big hit at the moment, they both like to do it together and get very excited when it's all finished. We've had some challenging behaviour recently but it all seems to have calmed down at the moment. The new table has helped with table manners and getting them to eat tea. Andrew and I are making a point of sitting down to tea as a family. I think this is an important part of family life.

The Wiggles are still popular, which is why I can type this post uninterrupted - Wiggle and Learn is on ABC!!! Another favourite is Lazy Town, which is from Iceland of all places. It's all about friends, teamwork, exercise and eating well, all good messages at this age.

I was very excited yesterday when my supervisor delayed our meeting because she's happy with how I'm tracking - means I'm on the right path. I have finally written my first words in my pursuit of 40,000. Having lots of fun tracking down books, manuscripts and scripts on the net. I found a rare book seller that has some fantastic examples of Nineteenth Century Illuminated manuscripts, these are not only rare, I actually thought they didn't exist! I love research and researching information about something like calligraphy just doesn't seem like study at all.

It's going to be a good day, Nanna's coming, she's got a surprise and I'm heading off to calligraphy!

All in a day . . .

2008-07-15T08:32:00.003+10:00

In many ways Bailey and Nathan are extremes. While being normal boys they love to run around, jump of anything (although Bailey has more height fear) and do rough play. But when all is said and done they and it's time to focus they like different things.

Bailey loves to do puzzles and he is a whiz at them.

Nathan loves to fly through the air!!! A superman in the making.

Today is Tuesday and that means Nanna is coming - yippee!! Calligraphy doesn't start for another week, but today I need to head over to Monash library in Clayton so that I can borrow some more books - the problems seems to be reading them not finding them!! I have to get some words to my MA supervisor and I'm sure she wants something other than, 'I have no idea what to write!' Currently my focus is on the nineteenth century revival of calligraphy, and more specifically broad nibbed calligraphy. But getting the words out of my brain at the moment is a challenge. Still that was one of my reasons for doing my Masters, to challenge myself intellectually.

Nathan is now helping Mummy to type mkhgfcfdc8ki he love s to be helpul.

Possum Magic

2008-06-18T10:43:00.004+10:00

This morning when Andrew was leaving for work there were two ring tail possums on the electrical wire across our driveway. The light was amazing because it was an awesome sunrise. I snapped away happily while Bailey and Nathan were eating brekkie in the high chairs.

This was taken using my 100-300mm lens, which when added to a digital camera increases the zoom x 4. I played around with the apeture to get the blurred background, just don't ask me what I did.

I love this one because you can see how close the possums were curled up together.

Yes, we do still exist!!

2008-05-07T08:12:00.002+10:00

Eating Nana's cake at Pa's 70th birthday.

Buzzzzzzzzzzzz

2008-04-01T22:56:00.003+11:00

New work done for my friend Sar's little girl Charlotte. This is the first of this kind of thing that I've done, and although the fairy looks like she's got something stuck up her nose, I'm not unhappy with the result.

My head is buzzing at the moment from too much information, it honestly feels like it is going to explode. I met with my supervisor yesterday to get my MA moving into reality. Starting with the resurgence of calligraphy in the late 19C early 20C, specifically around Edward Johnston, the focus on letterforms and legibilty. Looking forward to seeing some early 20C calligraphic pieces so that I can compare with 21C contemporary/abstract stuff.

The buzz includes a series of wants that are burning into my brain. It's a matter of working out what I want more. There's a new workshop I'm thinking of doing on colour in calligraphy. Colour theory is not something that I can seem to stick in my brain. Any work I do in colour is purely intuitive. My Dad has explained the difference between warm and cool colours so many times he's given up trying! This is a five month workshop done one Sunday a month. It would be good to use calligraphy within a workshop, without focusing purely on the letters, in fact I think it would free up my lettering. Often when I attend workshops I swear I forget everything I've ever learned. It would also be a way of practising without taking up too much more of the limited time I have.

Time is also buzzing around my brain, hence why I'm blogging at 11pm at night. Hubbie and boys are asleep and this sometimes seems like it's the only time I can actually hear myself think. You have no idea how much I crave the silence of the night. I've been trying to finish PS for the past week and it's taking an interminable time, so much fiddling between Word, PhotoShop and InDesign. Unfortunately I'm going to have to let it go, with the start of my Masters I can't spend that much time focusing on something that is purely voluntary, no matter how much I enjoy it and how much it keeps my skills up. If it doesn't go, there's a good chance I'll go mad!

Trying to simplify my artistic life, to get back to what I enjoy doing rather than trying to work out if something is potentially sellable. Time to give myself the opportunity to call myself a calligrapher and an artist, rather than someone who does calligraphy and draws a bit! Incorporating calligraphy into my art seems the most logical step, although sometimes I struggle with where to start. I spend so much time in my head that sometimes I forget to have a go in the real world.

Remember this year is the year of doing more and thinking less . . . .

Ethereal

2008-03-19T13:27:00.004+11:00

Back from two lovely weeks holidaying in Merimbula. Fantastic weather, lots of time spent on the beach and in the pool!

Had some time to play around in PhotoShop and this is what happened!

Finished some work - finally!

2008-02-22T07:57:00.003+11:00

Calligraphy done on an A3 watercolour background. Ink mixed to my own colours. Script is Italic in the blue and Roman capitals in the pink.

Flower Fairy - A3 watercolour background distressed with table salt. Coloured pencil and pen and ink drawing. Still deciding if I want to do some calligraphy on the original.

Getting up-to-date

2008-02-13T10:05:00.001+11:00

Aren't these two of the most gorgeous boys you've ever seen!! Nuf said.

I did this for my cousin-in-law Jane and I understand it's now hanging in the bathroom. I have an order to do another frangipani tryptych similar to this and I'm also working on a vertical tryptych of a lotus flower. I like the smallness of the canvasses and giving them to my family and friends helps me practise my painting skills. Eventually if I can get a few done in reserve I'd like to try and sell them on ebay or at a market.

Went away recently for a girly weekend with the girls from my playgroup. Two kid-free nights, lots of champagne and food and a good cry!!! A luxurious pedicure ended with some pink toes, that still look good. I love being pampered.

Progressing on PS

2008-02-10T12:21:00.001+11:00

I've been trying to work out for ages how to extract my lettering that I have scanned in from it's background. With a little help from my sister and Victoria Pittman I have finally worked out a way of doing it. This is my first try, using stuff I had already done. I'm excited about how this process can be used, especially for my cardmaking. Add to this that my bestest Dad has recently bought me some Chinese pointed brushes and black ink so that I can practise my brush lettering, the possibilities are endless. I'll post when I get something worth posting!

Haven't blogged for awhile and have a heap of photos that need to be downloaded from my camera. Once this is done will post a presis of my last couple of weeks. Have some excellent photos of Bailey and Nathan, been trying to take photos by stealth because everytime I get the camera out they want to look at the LCD screen at the back. They learn very quickly!

Sums up my life at the moment

2008-01-15T12:53:00.000+11:00

Seaside Daisy

2008-01-13T16:40:00.000+11:00

This is the Seaside Daisy I've been working on since the

new year began.

Dimensions: 20cm x 20cm

Details: Coloured pencil on 220gsm card

Sunny days

2008-01-12T15:15:00.001+11:00

Although they received trikes for Christmas Bailey and Nathan still prefer to hoon around on their ride-on BMWs. It never ceases to amaze me how much they like to be right next to each other. This is especially true now the our resident escapologist aka Nathan can get out of his cot. Where does he go, into Bailey's cot. Sounds cute, looks cute, but it's getting a bit dangerous so the the cots are being dismantle this weekend. Until their new beds arrive Bailey and Nathan will be 'sleeping' in Daddy's old king-single bed.

'Sleeping' because not much of that has been happening. After two days of no afternoon nap, and not getting to sleep until 9:30pm, Bailey felt the effect and fell asleep over his fish fingers last night. Nathan, well he's like the energiser bunny, he just never slows down.

My goal each day is to tire them out, but with these extreme weather days we've been spending a lot of time inside with the evaporative cooling. This tests my patience, especially since I no longer seem to have the sleep time to recover my energy. Consequently I've been a bit testy (if you as Andrew he might suggest I've been A LOT TESTY, or even downright CRANKY). Still I'm getting used to the new routine and I'm trying to let the boys have some independence. Still that meant Nathan climbing onto the bathroom vanity with Daddy's shaver while I was changing Bailey's nappy, and Nathan (notice the theme), climbing onto the mantlepiece to get the photo frames for Bailey while I was in the loo! Ahhh the life of a mother of a climber.

Still I just have to remember to put it all in perspective. At least I don't have triplets!!!! While my sense of humour sometimes takes a leave pass, I try my best to not let it all get to me.

PS sorry about the lack of spacing, blogger doesn't want to include the spacing I've put in and the editor in me hates it.

A rose by any other name . . .

2008-01-04T14:57:00.000+11:00

smells just as sweet . . . .

Xmas Wrap Up

2007-12-31T11:56:00.000+11:00

Christmas Day built up and then passed, pressies were excellent, food was excellent, company was excellent, feral moments were intense but passable.

Family

2007-12-24T13:56:00.000+11:00

Wow, it's been a hectic two weeks since I last blogged. Too busy to blog, that's been me. Almost everything is in readiness for Santa's visit tonight, some shortbread biscuits to be iced and still a few pressies to be wrapped. But all Christmas cards were sent out, now that was a production line. Next year I'm thinking that printing them on my own printer is the G.O. My dream of course is to have a laser printer, in fact I think if I had one of these my cards would look soooooo much better, still you can't have everything that you want and still have food and so forth, it's all about priorities.

Speaking of priorities, the other night I watched a really bad, corny movie version of Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol' (the book is so much better). Badly overacted though it was, the message was clear, family is one of the most important things in our lives. Without family all the money and power in the world mean nothing. So as we head into the festive season tomorrow, spare a thought for those without family, or those who have lost family and find the cheery nature of Christmas a drain.

Merry Christmas and I hope Santa is nice to you all!

Lotsastuf

2007-12-09T16:21:00.000+11:00

My goal is to blog a bit more often, but usually it's when I have the time and something to say. Can't be banal now can we!! Here is a second scary tiger, the Nathan 'raaaaar' tiger. Nathan was happy to sit for the face painter at our recent playgroup Christmas party. Bailey this time wasn't interested.

Bailey was very funny with Santa. He tells me often that 'Santa's coming', but he wouldn't sit on Santa's knee for anyone. But, he kept coming back to check out if Santas was still there, every couple of minutes or so, just to be sure.

Nathan was more than happy to sit on Santa's knee and get a lolly bag. Although neither Bailey or Nathan show any interest in lollies, Bailey refusing them and Nathan spitting them out. Let's hope that continues!!

Decluttering continues, and every time I think I've won the war more clutter appears. Having such a small house with not much storage means that things just seem to sit around until I can find a home. Then I want to use them again and so the process continues.

I did this canvas on Friday night at my friend Lisa's place. Scrapbooking of any variety is soooooo much better when you do it with friends. You can bounce ideas of them, copy their ideas, and generally talk the house down. And as a bonus it's kidfree!!!!

I'm hoping to do more scrapbooking next year than this year, but what with editing Postscript, trying to sell some of my cards, exercising three days a week . . . oh and looking after two almost three year olds, I'm not sure I'll have the time. Add to this my Masters, which I have been accepted into and all in all 2008 is looking crazier than 2007. Still it's better to be excessively busy than excessively bored.

Aren't these cute, I found them at a stall at Berwick market weeks ago. They are our Christmas tags for all kidlets receiving pressies this year. They are made of balsa wood and I've coloured the red in using texta and then added some Kindyglitz for some Christmas sparkle.

Time to make tea.

Choo Choo

2007-11-29T08:01:00.000+11:00

A quick post before heading off to swimming. This is Bailey and Nathan playing with their new wooden train set. This type of play usually lasts for about 15minutes and then the train tracks are split apart, spread over the house and sometime used to hit Grandma over the head!!

Question: What happens if three of your favourite bloggers haven't posted a blog for a week - blogging withdrawal symptions, similar to lack of Diet Coke!

I have a to-do-list the size of Mt. whatever and unfortunately can usually find some other reason for not doing what is on the list. I am the Queen of avoidance behaviour . . . something that I'm working hard on to fix, but old habits die hard.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY DARLING HUSBAND ANDREW - FOUR YEARS TODAY . . . WOO HOO! ! !

Sleepy tiger and boys on the run

2007-11-15T22:06:00.001+11:00

This is our scary sleepy tiger. Last Saturday while shopping there was a face painter at the chemist. Nathan would not have a bar of the poor lady, she only managed to put some glitter paint on his forearms. He wouldn't even be up for twinkle twinkle! To be fair he wasn't very well and had a runny nose, so it was probably a good thing. Bailey was definitely up for being a scary tiger and Andrew had sooooooooo much fun teaching him to 'raaaarrrrrr' and bare his teeth. By the time we got home (where the camera was) Bailey had become a sleepy tiger. He could barely keep his eyes open for this picture and then it was straight into bed, sheets to be washed later.

Later the same day . . . . . .

Sometimes the skills your children learn aren't necessarily the ones that you want. Bailey was determined to go for a walk Saturday afternoon, and decided to open the gate himself, with Nathan not too far behind. Now while I can applaud the skills and determination needed to get the gate open, I'm not too thrilled about the potential for escapades near the road. Time for some Bailey-proof locks I think.

Its' been a hectic week and I've barely had time to think. Andrew and I are off to Daylesford this weekend, staying in an 1860's townhouse B&B, with a spa bath and huge shower. Saturday night will be a relaxing and child free dinner and Sunday a sleep in past 7am!!!! Can't wait. Have charged the batteries on the camera and I'm raring to go. Hope yours is as enjoyable.

Cool Flower

2007-11-09T19:46:00.000+11:00

How cool is this photo. I can't take any credit, my sister Jenni took it with her new wizbang macro tube thingy. Can you believe this is a seaside daisy - that's a seriously small flower.

I've been thinking about how I can do this photo justice in some delicate watercolour, the translucent quality would be a challenge to capture, but given how I've been feeling lately that kind of challenge would be good.

Haven't blogged for awhile, been feeling uninspired and seriously bummed. I'm trying to implement some solutions that should hopefully send me in an upward motion rather than a downward spiral.

Photos like these make me really happy, I could stare at it for ages and not get bored by it's contours, shapes, and sheer beauty.

Aaahhhh!!!

2007-10-24T17:45:00.000+10:00

It's all getting a bit to scary at the moment. I met with the Snr Lecturer at the Theory of Art and Design faculty at Monash today to discuss my Masters proposal and she's ready, willing and excited about supporting it . . . . at this point, I did think about doing a runner (or in my case a slow jog) from her office . . . but then I told the little voice in my head to bugger off and thought how cool. I still have a slight deer-stuck-in-headlights look about me, but in reality fear isn't a big enough motivator to stop me.

Currently working on my Christmas card design in Marg's class and thought about doing Merry Christmas in Latin until I translated it - Hilaris Sarcologos - just doesn't have the same ring does it. Because Gothicised Italic is so formal I thought a formal look would be appropriate, maybe I need to study some Gothic or Blackletter work to get inspiration. I also thought that watercolour holly and berries with gold lettering was a possibility, but I can't find any decent pictures of holly leaves on Google to use as inspiration.

Twins are currently chucking a feral so this means I'll have to cut this post short.

Fully Sick

2007-10-16T12:03:00.001+10:00

Yes, we are a fully sick family. My three babies, Bailey, Nathan and Andrew are currently sleeping of a pretty yucky bout of gastro. Last night I took Nathan to the Emergency department because he was having some pretty severe stomach cramps, and by the time we arrived he was very dehydrated as well.

Bailey was sick on Saturday, but appears fine, and Andrew unfortunately succumbed in the early hours of this morning, not long after we arrived home from hospital.

Mummy (me) thinks she may have started it all as I had very severe stomach cramps Friday before last . . . or I'm yet to get it - definitely something to look forward to.

On a brighter note this pudding is one I did for the Lilydale show last year. I scanned in some pretty funky paper to use as a backdrop. Just started calligraphy lessons that will include this year's Christmas masterpiece, currently uninspired by this but it will happen. We're doing Gothicised Italic and all that practice I've done making my Italic less pointy and more rounded just get thrown out of the window!

Scarily, Monash Uni think my idea for a Master's thesis has potential and I now need to work on a 2-3 page proposal outlining my arguments, summarising my points and discussing potential reading and research that will need to be done. At no stage did I consider what it would take to write 30-40,000 words on 'Parallels between medieval calligraphy and contemporary abstrast/experimental calligraphy' . Still I love an intellectual challenge. And I still need to find my transcripts from my three other degrees before applying . . . you can see how I value my testamurs can't you, do I have any idea where they might be? You guessed it - none whatsoever. I do the study for the enjoyment not the piece of paper!!!!

Well while all is still silent here I'm going to make myself a hot cup'o'char and find a quote to go with this fairy drawing I have almost finished. Then if time permits I'll play with the ruling pen working out how to do the gestural writing style of Yves Leterme. Wish me luck . . .

Sold!

2007-10-09T22:26:00.000+10:00

Wow, I sold some work on Redbubble today. Someone bought ten of these Christmas Cards, I am just so totally blown away and feeling how fantastic it is that someone likes my work enough to buy it. You can check out other work I've loaded to Redbubble here.

I'm on a design blitz at the moment, totally loving that buzz that comes with being in the zone. I've been playing around with making brushes of my own calligraphy in PhotoShop, which is how I did this card. Once I can work out how to save them as an .abr extension I may even consider selling the brushes. I think though that I need a newer version of PhotoShop and that will have to wait until I'm rolling in it.

I've also been playing about with salt, yes salt. I did a wash of watered-down gouche on some hot-pressed Arches and then used the salt grinder to sprinkle salt over the paper. The salt soaks up some of the liquid and creates a really cool texture. I'm currently working on a fairy on this type of background so will post once it has progressed beyond the sketched in stage - which is where it's at now.

Doing Gothizied Italic in calligraphy class this semester, which should flow in really nicely into Christmas as it's a very Christmasy looking script. I've also sussed out Monash for a potential MA in Art & Design - Something related to calligraphy of course. The application needs to be in by the end of October, but haven't had any feedback yet, so let's just wait and see. If it happens that's great, if not there's always something else I can do.

Time for bed.

Frustration!!!!!

2007-10-07T12:34:00.000+10:00

Totally frustrated with Photoshop again. It is the least intuitive program I have ever used. I finally worked out how to manipulate the colour of a black and white image that I have scanned. Now I'm trying to add a background colour via a new layer - the problem? Everytime I select a colour and hit okay I can only get the Grayscale slider up on the colour swatch palette, which means I can't play around with the colour as much as I'd like, can I work out how to change it . . . no . . . can I find anything in help that would actually help me . . . . no . . . am I ready to throw the computer out in the rubbish bin . . . yes . . .

So, I'm going to do what any insane Photoshop user is going to do . . . turn the bloody computer off and go and draw using real pencils and real colours, until I calm down enough to nut out how to change it . . . .

So . . . bye, bye . . .

Raaaaaarrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-01T14:05:00.000+10:00

This is Daddy 'raaarrrring' the boys Saturday afternoon over the back gate.

Everything is looking green and the clematis is starting to look like a live plant again instead of the dead twig its been looking like for the winter months.

A good weekend was had by all - for those living in a vacuum Geelong thrashed Port Adelaide bt 119 points; Melbourne Storm did the equivalent to Manly in the NRL and Germany beat Brazil in the Fifa Women's World Cup.

Lunch was yummy at Georges in Camberwell and Bailey and Nathan were so very well behaved, which makes it so much easier.

This morning we've had visitors - Jane, Jordan and Mitchell and Lisa, Cooper and Baxter. Lots of fun was had running around the newly mown back lawn, sand has been put everywhere, especially in Bailey's hair, and Nathan's pockets. The boys are now sleeping soundly before wreaking havoc in the backyard again this afternoon.

This picture was taken last Wednesday at De Bortoli Winery in the Yarra Valley for Andrew's birthday, where we had the yummiest lunch. I can certainly recommend the Emeri Sparkling Wine, very yummy. Andrew and I have now discovered this marinated goat's cheese, which is to die for.

I have finally set up a profile on RedBubble, which is something. I haven't uploaded any artwork or worked out any of the details yet, but at least it's a step forward. Baby steps . . . . .

Finals Fever

2007-09-25T14:13:00.000+10:00

Well finals fever has hit Melbourne-town. The Brownlow last night and the parade on Friday through the city and then the big day on Saturday, then it'll be cricket and tennis getting us through the weekend.

Sadly (or not) Collingwood could not find that one extra goal needed to beat Geelong. I ended up going to the footy (thanks Mum for twinsitting) and meeting Andrew in the city. As you can see by the pics the seats were excellent, very close to the boundary line on the ground level. 98,002 people saw this epic struggle and I must say it was a great and well fought out match. There's always next year for Collingwood . . . although I'm sure it's St. Kilda's turn!!

This is my finished frangipani, signed and delivered to a very happy almost 12-year-old. Her pink party is all planned and this just fits right in. I was not unhappy with the end result and may consider doing acyrlics on canvas into the future. I find I'm a bit more willing to experiment with my painting and am really only trying to please myself, instead of that mythical person yelling instructions over my shoulder.

Well I have about 30 more minutes of twin silence and need to make Daddy a birthday card for his big day tomorrow. Not an '0' birthday yet . . . that's for next year!

Go Sainters!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-21T14:48:00.001+10:00

Yes, it's sad, but true, I am actually displaying something in Black and White colours relating to Collingwood instead of Black, White and Red and relating to St. Kilda. I have the sad misfortune to be married to a Collingwood supporter who as luck would have it scored himself tickets for tonights Preliminary Final. Now in reality I think Geelong will continue their crushing ways and beat the Wobbles, but you can never discount the appearance of a handbag or two.

Sadly, due to a lack of twinsitter availability lucky Mummy will have to watch the game on the box instead of with the other expected 100,000 maniacs at the G, now if this doesn't tell the AFL something then nothing well, because as it stands tonight's game will most likely have more people attending than at the Grand Final - unless by some miracle CWFC wins.

While we're having a sporting blog, well done to the Matildas in drawing 2-2 with Canada and advancing to the Quarter Finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup - they'll now probably play Brazil.

Full Steam Ahead

2007-09-20T14:02:00.001+10:00

On Sunday 16th September Andrew and I and the boys and my parents headed to our local train station where a steam train was travelling between Mitcham and Camberwell for the day. I don't know who was more excited, Bailey and Nathan or Andrew! Into Camberwell the train was chockers - much like peak hour - but on the way back to Mitcham it was less crowded meaning we could wander around, look out the windows and enjoy sitting in an old-time cabin. By the end of the trip Andrew had more soot in his hair than the train was giving out, Bailey and Nathan came home and slept for over three hours and a great time was had by all of us. Mum and Dad were so impressed they're off next Thursday from Southern Cross Station to Bacchus Marsh.

This week hasn't been my most favourite of weeks. Nathan has been sick and unable to chew or swallow. Understandably he's been very irritable, unhappy and crying a lot (and I mean a lot!). Today we seem to have turned the corner and he's been happier, eating and drinking without pain so hopefully we'll have a better next few days than the last few were.

My frangipani for Taylah's birthday next week is coming along nicely. It's been sitting on the mantle for the last week so that I could try and work out what I didn't like about it. Yesterday Dad and I discussed it and decided that two of the petals were too big and dominated the rest of the flower. So I'm in the process of tweaking these naughty petals and will hopefully have it finished ready for next will. Will photograph and post so you can tell me what you think.

I've had lots of time to think while I've been nursing Nathan on my knee this week and my mind is buzzing about possibilities. I plan to attend some information nights at Monash Uni to look at the possibility of doing a Post Grad in Art & Design. There are two I'm interested in finding out 'Theory of Art and Design' and 'Design/Multimedia and Digital Arts'. Not sure where this will take me but I'm no hurry to find out.

I'm also thinking about moving Purple Berry Design from the blog to the world and start it as a business. My heart wants to sell my cards, my artwork and my head says that Desk Top Publishing will most likely make more money. So I think I'll just do both and that way I'm more likely to satisfy my conflicting desires. We'll be seeing the accountant next week to discuss implications for tax, etc. This is my chance I think to do what I love doing rather than what I had been doing (Instructional Design) prior to having munchkins. It's starting to take shape in my mind now and I just need a little bit of confidence and a little kick along to move it along further.

Will hopefully post a bit more often now that Nathan is looking better.

Ponderings . . .

2007-09-10T14:46:00.000+10:00

poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

lavender blue

2007-09-07T13:53:00.001+10:00

I'm really just a point and shoot photographer who plays with the settings on the slick new camera I just bought. Having said that I'm very happy about how this one turned out.

Have a serious case of the CBFs (can't be . . . .) today when I have loads that I should or could be doing. Who knows what causes it, but I've got a really bad case. I couldn't even be bothered surfing the net, now that's saying something!!

All is silent in this wonderful house and I'm loving it while I can get it.

give thanks

2007-09-06T13:54:00.000+10:00

Sometimes in the hurry and dash of everyday life, in the effort to get through what needs to be done and in our effort to make sure we are doing the right thing (whatever that is) we forget to give thanks for what we have been given. Often I have to remind myself that I am blessed to have two gorgeous boys, that they are only two and a half and that there is plenty of time for them to become big boys. When I see photos like this, playing peek-a-book through the easel, I am reminded big time and so I give thanks for the blessings you see.

In my last post I gave the wrong url for redbubble so I'm having another go. Amazing how one little typo can bring things undone. There's some seriously cool stuff on this website and it's worth taking a look. Another one I got off Kal's blog is Andrea Waines jewellery design, I'm trying to find out if they ship to the land of Oz because I've got my eye on one that says 'Color outside the lines', love it! love it! love it! . . . . Andrew are you taking any notice of this???

Until next time remember to give thanks.

Happy Father's Day

2007-09-03T15:32:00.001+10:00

Yesterday was Father's day and to celebrate I created the scrapbook page on canvas, with a great photo of Andrew with Bailey and Nathan. This will have pride of place at Andrew's desk. The decorated sayings were created by Bailey and Nathan with mummy's help.

It was a good weekend all around. Saturday we caught up with our friend Sonja and saw Die Hard 4. I love Bruce Willis in Die Hard mode. It was soooooo funny, I love that that don't take themselves seriously, and that John McLean has rubber bones and teflon skin!!

Sunday as well as being Father's Day was Lachlan's (son of our friend Megan and Steve) first birthday. A very important birthday to attend. Two hours up to Ballarat, lots of fun for a couple of hours and then two hours back. Bailey and Nathan had lots of fun and lots of cake!! It was a glorious day yesterday and everywhere we looked it was a sea of blue meeting green rolling hills. Ballarat was true to form . . . cold!! But definitely worth the visit.

Been checking out my sister Jenni's photos on this really cool website - Photo of the Day, you can check out her photos here if you like. Another really cool website is redbubble, which is an online gallery of work for sale. I've been thinking of creating an account and uploading some artwork there just to see what happens. Trying to break though some fear barriers that I think are holding me back. Every day I push just a little bit more.

Fantastic week ahead, got the new Oprah mag on Friday and the new CK mag today. That's lots of reading fun to be had in the next few days. The last few issues of Oprah have been tying in with thoughts that have been bouncing around my brain, it's definitely worth subscribing from the US, love it and think Oprah is fanatastic.

I have a tip for all bloggers - don't cook rice while updating your blog! Luckily I remember the rice just in time to save the saucepan and the rice - doh!

The return of feral Friday

2007-08-31T15:06:00.000+10:00

Maybe it was the lunar eclipse, maybe it's the god-awful wind that's whipping around us at the moment, whatever the reason, today saw the return of feral Friday. If you get eight two and a half year olds together you're bound to get some feral-ness, but today was impressive; with hitting, pushing and biting all appearing. My two weren't so bad, Nathan was a clingon, meaning he was attached to my leg almost permanently and Bailey was in what I call 'watching and waiting mode', just happy to watch what the other kids were doing.

This is my work-in-progress pink frangipani. It's my first foray into acrylic on canvas and I'm not unhappy with what's happened so far. It needs a bit more definition and fine tuning, but with this one, being done for my goddaughter's twelfth birthday, I'm in no hurray, just happy to see how it evolves. Thanks to Kal again for inspiring me to move my art in different and untried directions. She's good like that!

Apart from that trying to do a Father's day card and a 1st birthday card and lacking inspiration for both, the more you push the less it works, so I've stepped back for awhile and will let my brain unfold a design for each.

Off to a lingerie party tonight and there will be champagne - it's all good!

Where's the week gone?

2007-08-26T11:26:00.001+10:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I last blogged. It's been a very full on week, lots of things to do, lots of visitors, not a lot of time for me to do anything on the PC front. This pic was taken last Sunday on a walk around the block. Bailey and Nathan love to sit on every fence we come to. This one is on a busy road so there were lots of cars zooming past.

Have finally bought a digital SLR, the new Pentax 100D Super - very cool, especially since all of my existing Pentax lenses work. Still working on how to get the best photos and playing with some of the automatic scene settings. It has one for taking close ups of text, how cool is that for a calligrapher that loves to take photos of text - it was meant to be!!!

Had a very profitable night last night at a Trivia Night for the kindergarten in our playgroup centre. Shrek 2 DVD, pass to Hedgend Maze, $45 haircut! Didn't win but had lots of fun.

Today has been a lazy kind of day, Daddy is on twin duty, which means Mummy gets a bit of time to herself. Planning some painting of some sort this afternoon. Need to finish my calligraphied fan for calligraphy class on Tuesday (this week we start Copperplate - (very scared!).

Learned how to make a brush in PhotoShop this week, and was able to make a brush from my calligraphy, which means I can then 'paint' directly onto one of my pictures when I'm making a card. I'm sure there are hundreds of other uses as well. I'm still working on cropping to size, not exactly sure that I'm doing it right. But I love learning new stuff, it makes my world go round.

If anyone is out there, please let me know you're reading me.

Here's the thanks!

2007-08-17T15:07:00.001+10:00

Here's the thanks card I talked about in my previous post. I've just spent half an hour trying to upload this and the formatting on the text kept going haywire, very very frustrating!!!

BBE

2007-08-17T14:37:00.000+10:00

One look into these beautiful (and very different) big blue eyes and nothing else seems to matter. Playgroup was a godsend this morning and the girls in my group are amazingly supportive and loving. It's just the best when you know you have a shoulder to cry on and that shoulder is going through pretty much what you are.

This has really been my only artwork this week, unless you count practising Pointed Italic in Calligraphy class this week. Specs for this card: ruling pen in Sennelier purple ink, scanned and printed on mulberry paper, which has then been 'artistically' ripped and stuck to a metallic bronze card, which has been glammed up with holographic gold glitter - I love my glitter.

Think I have finally decided on an DSLR to buy - Pentax 100D Super - mainly because I already have a number of compatible lenses and filters, which reduces costs. My existing MZ-5N is fantastic and I've read some great reviews on the 100D Super. Now just need to lay by and pay it off.

Weekend looks good with Andrew playing off in the section final on Saturday and Sunday heading into the city with my parents to look at the Pixar exhibition at ACMI, which looks really good. Also thinking of brekkie in Camberwell, a treat that I haven't had for ages. So although sometimes it can be crappy, it's really all okay and looking good!

Direction

2007-08-09T14:27:00.000+10:00

Saw this quote from 'Alice in Wonderland' in a mag I was reading and it inspired me to do this. (If you click on the picture you get a better view of the words) Pretty much sums up my ability to make decisions at the moment . . . not sure where I want to go . . . but I'm sure I'm gonna get there!!!!

Must share gross toddler story - Bailey stuck a pea up his nose the other night, hey why not it fits. Today at swimming he sneezed and a piece of corn came out his nose - question is has it been there for two days - ugh!!! I really don't think you can appreciate grossness until you've experienced toddlers.

Postscript has been finished and sent to the printers - yippeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Of course there's still lots of de-cluttering to do, but drawing for some reason always wins.

Daddy Naught!

2007-08-06T13:08:00.001+10:00

Last week Bailey started telling me 'Nathan naught', meaning that Nathan was being naughty, whether he was or not was another matter. By Friday Nathan had started telling me that 'Bailey naught', 'Daddy naught', 'Nani naught' & 'Pa naught' (notice no mummy naught!!). Daddy certainly lived up to his name on Saturday night by deciding that icecream with chocolate frogs was a goer - Daddy very naught!!!! As you can see lots of fun and mess was had - and Daddy was made to clean it all up. We'll forgive him because he's in Perth for four days and not back until Wednesday and we miss him lots.

Today has been a 'go' day, toilets and floors are sparkling, tomorrow I'll do the basins and I have to work up to the showers!! I've almost finished Postscript, which means a huge sigh of relief. Next job is to finish tidying this room so that I can get some serious creating done. I'll post photos when I've finished.

Finally getting a handle on the photo collage in PS. Next job is to learn how to use brushes and maybe even some digi-scrapping kits. Any learning is good learning . . . I love learning!

Lily

2007-08-01T23:25:00.000+10:00

I drew this lily while having my hair done today at the hairdressers. My sister asked me to do a sympathy card for her and sent me a photo of a lily that she wanted me to draw. It goes with these words . . .

"The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down but leaves its warmth upon the land.

The music stops but lives on in sweet refrain.

For everything that passes something beautiful remains." - Anon

It says it all . . .

Saturday Fun

2007-07-29T14:02:00.000+10:00

Saturday we travelled to Geelong (about 1 1/2 hours away) so that Andrew could play tennis. I know it seems like a long way to go, but as Andrew plays pennant we could end up anywhere in Victoria. Luckily Geelong Lawn Tennis Club had a spare synthenic grass court that Bailey and Nathan could run around on. They chased the tennis ball and some other balls we brought for about 45 minutes before becoming bored. Lots of fun was had.

How cool is this negative layout thingy that I did in Photoshop. I'm making it my life's mission at the moment to skill myself up to being a passable PS user. This wasn't actually that hard to do and I'm thinking that it would be a good way to display all of the photos I need to in the next issue of Postscript that I'm working on. Running across the bottom part of each page. I just need to remember to make the image size a bit larger - this is only about 1cm wide! I'm happy with the effect though.

Today we are heading to Kew Traffic School where Bailey and Nathan and the rest of our playgroup can scoot around on their ride-ons and trikes. Should be fun and plan to take lots of photos. I even bought some really cool patterned paper in readiness for scrapbooking.

Still working on the decluttering and plan to have it all passable by next weekend. This week will be busy as I put together Postscript, start learning Copperplate in Calligraphy class (ah!) and make a sympathy card for my sister. In between the normal demands of a household dominated by twin terrors. Wouldn't have it any other way!

I love my hubbie!!

2007-07-25T14:58:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to share this photo with you. Andrew organised all of Bailey and Nathan's cot toys this morning before he went to work. His organisational skills are just amazing aren't they! I should mention that Andrew heads off to work around 7:15am and the reason Bailey and Nathan weren't in their cots is because they were snuggled up to Mummy in our bed - it was very cosy in there this morning.

It's been a fantastic day weatherwise, which means boys outside burning up energy rather than sending me mad inside. Bring on Spring.

Not a lot of calligraphy or artwork being created here at the moment, starting to crank up the next issue of Postscript, the Calligraphy Society's bi-monthly magazine. I'm the Editor, which means lots of work on Photoshop changing images to grayscale and .tif format, and lots of work in InDesign doing the layout of words and images. Now that I've worked out that Cntl-T can be used to scale images in Photoshop, I'm going to try some photo collages. This means not much else will be done until next week. But then given my tendency to practise avoidance behaviour, you just never can tell. It's all good at the moment.

What I said

2007-07-23T13:06:00.000+10:00

The good and bad sit side-by-side, but it is the positive that makes the difference

Wow, I can't believe I wrote that in an email to someone six months ago . It was sent back to me today with a note of thanks. Sometimes when we write/paint/do things we see only what it is now, not what it will become with the passage of time.

Like these cards, made for birthdays over the weekend. I do them, I'm critical of them, wish I'd done something else. But, with time and space, I see them for what they are - art created to celebrate. And surely that's enough.

I had a bit Harry Potter weekend, seeing the new movie and finishing the new book. I'm a bit shell-shocked, happy that I know what happens and a bit sad that it's all over. I truly love the power of words, their ability to transport; to convey emotion.