unusual magic

finally finished - part 1

2012-02-13T21:01:00.001+10:30

a little look at the final result with the pieces from this post (well, part one anyway - more to come).

These five pendants have been finished with sterling silver bails & semi-precious beads. The patterns on the two rounded pieces, as well as the piece with the sodalite (blue) bead, were done free-hand while the clay was still soft.

also some earrings, all finished with handmade hooks...

This first pair were supposed to be quite different (they were going to have a cz in the centre), but it wasn't working, so I changed my plans & I'm really pleased with the result.

and these last ones also have a free-hand pattern, with a similar design to the pendants.

bridge { the teleidoscope }

2012-02-09T22:23:00.000+10:30

The light was just so gorgeous, I have heaps of out takes from week #6 of The Teleidoscope - Bridge.

I made the little bridge out of wire & with Amy & Kathryn's help, used the bird bath to create a setting for it. As usual, they provided ideas, encouragement & assistance. The end result is a cumulation of ideas & discussion between us three. Below are a couple of 'behind-the-scenes' shots.

Don't worry, I removed the rocks & dirt & left the birds with some clean water :)

on flickr

above my head { melbourne }

2012-02-06T21:04:00.000+10:30

looking up, both inside & out...

memory { the teleidoscope }

2012-02-02T22:34:00.001+10:30

Some out-takes from week #5 of The Teleidoscope - Memory.

the dress I'm wearing was my godmother's bridesmaid dress, when mum & dad got married. She was clearing out some things when she moved house & offered it to us.

I have way to many extras from this shoot, I may have to upload some more later.

on flickr

goodbye, sunshine...

2012-01-29T21:17:00.000+10:30

We lost our Archie-dog on Thursday & as you can imagine, we're all heartbroken.

He was only three - it was sudden & unexpected & almost unbelievable.

Neither of us felt up to posting about this until today, but Kathryn has written a post on his blog, and in the next month or so, we're going to post some of our memories over there too.

develop { the teleidoscope }

2012-01-28T21:34:00.001+10:30

Although I ended up going with a photo that better fit the original idea for week #4 of The Teleidoscope (Develop), the photo above is probably my favourite.

on flickr
the texture on the top photo is by les brumes

freshly fired...

2012-01-27T21:32:00.000+10:30

a little update on the pieces that were in my workspace in this post.

here they are, fresh from the kiln, not even brushed or tumbled yet. (& by fresh, I mean after cooling in the kiln overnight).

the last of them are in the tumbler now, getting all shiny.

in the next few days, some of them will be getting a patina & the hooks & such they need to become finished jewellery.

wishlist wednesday...

2012-01-25T19:44:00.000+10:30

a whisper of whimsy...

Laundry Day Print by atwhim

Two Trees Brooch by ShereDesign

Balloon Factory by PearsonMaron

The Heart tenor ukulele by celentanowoodworks

Needle Felted Pear Bowl by lauraleeburch

dreaming of rainy days { melbourne }

2012-01-24T15:05:00.001+10:30

I would so love a cool, rainy day right about now...

work in progress...

2012-01-18T17:25:00.000+10:30

I spent most of yesterday finishing off some silver clay pieces - sanding, refining, attaching bails...

Almost done - just a couple of pieces still to finish. Hopefully they'll all be ready to fire early next week.

& just in case you're wondering, that's the kitchen table, I'm working at - I generally do my clay work in the kitchen.

impact { the teleidoscope }

2012-01-15T21:50:00.003+10:30

I have a fair number of these, so here are some extras from week #2 of The Teleidoscope - Impact

on Flickr

new perspective { the teleidoscope }

2012-01-12T21:03:00.003+10:30

Some out-takes from my photo for week #1 of The Teleidoscope - New Perspective.

There is a theme for every week & while I don't know that I will have a photo every week, if I have a decent idea & time to attempt it, I will.

my upload to the group

brown sugar spice cake

2012-01-11T20:47:00.000+10:30

I baked a double batch of this cake yesterday - & they're already telling me to bake it again. The recipe is from Rachel's gorgeous blog elephantine.

It's really good - dense & moist, with a beautiful spicy taste. I haven't altered this recipe at all, just saved you the trouble of looking up how much butter a stick is. As I said, I made a double batch (adding an extra egg) & it worked really well.

I looked the recipe up on dad's ipad before I started. The photos on elephantine take you through the recipe step-by-step.
& I might have then used the ipad to play on pinterest while the cake was in the oven :)

Rachel baked her cake in mini-bundt pans, but as I (sadly) don't have any, I used our fluted (baba) tins. But you could use a plain round tin. I do want those mini-bundt pans though. & the nice light in her photos.

brown sugar spice cake

from elephantine

1 ½ sticks butter (6 ounces / 169.5 grams)
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar (well packed)
¼ tsp nutmeg
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
¾ cup orange juice

Preheat oven to 180C & grease your pan.

Put the butter in a large mixing bowl (it should be very soft, but not completely melted). Add sugar, spices, salt & baking powder & mix with a wooden spoon until well blended.

Add the eggs one at a time & mix until smooth. Add the flour, alternating with the juice, a little bit at a time, mix until well combined.

Pour into prepared tin & bake for 1hr*, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Remove from oven & turn onto a wire rack to cool.

* the suggestion in the original recipe is 20min for small cakes, or 30min for a single cake, but mine took 1hr (with two cakes in the oven) & I left them in there for an extra 10min once I had turned the oven off.
& I think 170g butter would work, no need to measure .5g!

enjoy :)

still to come...

2012-01-07T22:49:00.002+10:30

Somehow the new year seems like the perfect time to plot & plan & set goals.

I have a whole list of goals & ideas for this year, but this is sort of the general outline:

~ keep creating & pushing myself to try new techniques & materials
~ better promote my etsy store (which is why I've signed up for this)
~ use my time better
~ do some fun stuff, just for me (like trying some embroidery & attempting to sew a skirt)
~ stay fit & healthy
~ be open to new opportunities & challenges, even (especially) if they're not on my list

...& hopefully I'll have lots of good things to post here :)

another view of the butterfly here.

that which has been...

2012-01-04T21:07:00.000+10:30

2011 was a pretty good year, with lots of fun, happy times - getting featured in SA Life, seeing Wicked, finishing the City-to-Bay, taking photos, making some jewellery (including this necklace), spending nearly a week in Melbourne (still more posts to come!), attending Tim McCreight's workshop & catching up with some lovely fellow jewellers, getting some film developed (still have some other shots to share, too) - & some sadness too.

So, goodbye 2011 & hello 2012, I can't wait to see what this year brings.

just a few random photos...

2011-12-30T22:19:00.000+10:30

I was thinking that I should post some sort of grand 2011-year-that-was blog post. Or 2012-year-that-will-be. And who knows, that might still happen. But for tonight you get some photos from my archive - naturey macro shots that I had taken & processed at some point (this year) & never done anything with. Just a random selection that caught my eye as I was scrolling through my photo folders.

& why? you might ask. Well mostly because I couldn't quite work out what such a post would look like...favourite blog posts, images, creations? a list of things that have happened/I've done this year?...as I said it might still happen, but I figure there's no rule it has to be before the end of the year (if there is I'm breaking it. so there.)

Oops, that's a lot of words for a post that was going to be mostly photos, so I'll just be quiet now...

wishlist wednesday

2011-12-28T21:27:00.000+10:30

light & bright to welcome the new year...

Jewel Tone Bubble Necklace by TaylorsEclectic

dahlia top by zelaya

daydreamer print by geishaphotography

Red Bamboo Porcelain Earrings by MrsPetersonPottery

Organic denim wrap skirt by SimonesRoseBoutique

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T21:18:00.000+10:30

Just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, may yours be filled with wonderful

people, laughter, food, fun & memories.

silver & patina...

2011-12-22T21:28:00.000+10:30

Some fine silver (pmc) creations. Also playing a bit with patina.

this pendant with the orange cz was Amy's birthday present, I just borrowed it back to photograph.

the dark earrings & the pendant with gold on it are from the workshop I went to this year...a proper post to come on that, probably in the new year.

small beginnings...

2011-12-20T22:28:00.001+10:30

also here

beside the sea { melbourne }

2011-12-19T21:19:00.000+10:30

walking by the sea on a cold & blustery afternoon...

it's a sign...{ melbourne }

2011-12-16T23:22:00.000+10:30

or rather, many signs...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-12-13T21:33:00.000+10:30

getting ready for a celebration...

Dress, Cherry Red by outofline

Fossil Coral & Pearl Earrings by betsybensen

Lora - Fine Silver, Garnet Bracelet by sarahndippity

Manon, Womens headband by bethanylorelle

Purple Mountain Majesty by BandScapes

into the wildwood...

2011-12-12T21:31:00.000+10:30

newly listed on etsy: wildwood, fine silver pendant

simple pleasures...

2011-12-09T18:31:00.001+10:30

Some of my favourite simple pleasures...

Lying in a nice warm bed, listening to the rain

Sitting with my Babcia, on her front veranda, watching the little birds take on the bigger bird & win

Being greeted by Archie-dog with joy & excitement - whether I've been gone 5 minutes or 5 days

Watching the sun set

Laughing with my family

Inspired by Simple Pleasures Week on Epheriell Designs ... & I have to say, all the posts so far are of things I love too :)

images 1, 2 & 4 by me, 3 & 5 by Amy

through windows - fitzroy edition { melbourne }

2011-12-08T22:20:00.001+10:30

wandering & window shopping...

wishlist wedne...oops, thursday

2011-12-01T17:02:00.001+10:30

some lovelies that have caught my eye recently...

A Day of rain in Paris print by JessicaIllustration

Felt Headband by lovemaude

Flying South by boywonder

Flower Necklace by AhoyAhimsa

Plaid Balloon Wall Plate by ZuppaAtelier

perfectly pink { melbourne }

2011-11-29T20:56:00.001+10:30

at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

always...

2011-11-24T21:38:00.001+10:30

...in our memories.

My dziadziu passed away on Monday.

He was a wonderful grandfather - when I was very small he would carry me around for ages, until I fell asleep. As a small child, he let me comb his hair (he always had a comb in his pocket). Later I was always allowed to dip my biscuit in his coffee. He would find us the very first fruit (sometimes a little too early even).

& I shall miss him.

Babcia & Dziadziu, probably in the early 50's

wishlist wednesday...

2011-11-16T21:18:00.001+10:30

some-things to smile about...

Arctic Fox Figure by BonjourPoupette

Feathered Haircombs by catrabbitplush

4" Hoop Art - Whimsical Trees by MooBeeTees

Toby the Turtle by FiveSisterz

Sailing in a tea cup by PragyaK

sweet treats { melbourne }

2011-11-15T21:00:00.001+10:30

lemon berry tart, fruit toast, french toast with caramelised apple, fig cake, macarons (pistachio, hazelnut & dark chocolate)

I did eat some proper food too, honest ;)

city streets { melbourne }

2011-11-12T22:12:00.001+10:30

wandering city streets...

wishlist wedneday...

2011-11-09T18:02:00.000+10:30

whatever the weather...

sterling silver weather forecast studs by huiyitan

Coin Purse Rain Drops by SeventhSphere

Nature Photography by CarolynCochrane

Enamel Necklace - Pink Cloud by happyment

Foggy Morning 8x12 print by IsabelleLafrance

Silver bead necklace

2011-11-07T20:52:00.000+10:30

A while ago (well, way back in June) I posted about a batch of sliver (pmc) I had recently finished. One of the pieces was this cylindrical bead, which I had a plan for. Before I went to Melbourne, I finally managed to make it happen...

I wanted a long necklace, but didn't want to restrict myself, so I designed my chain with two (handmade) clasps, so that I can remove a section of chain, allowing me to wear it as a short necklace as well.

I used lost of different colours of bead, so it goes with almost anything...

...& altogether, I'm very pleased with the result :)

through windows - city edition { melbourne }

2011-11-05T21:53:00.000+10:30

looking into city windows...

Happy Birthday Amy!

2011-10-31T21:51:00.000+10:30

selected scenes from Amy's birthday...

Irish cream & dark chocolate mousse cake....& yes, just as delicious as it sounds

all these shots are taken with the 50mm lens - which was actually Amy's birthday present (which she got early). She wasn't expecting to get anything today, but we managed to surprise her :)

positively purple { melbourne }

2011-10-29T21:39:00.001+10:30

at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

all that jazz { melbourne }

2011-10-25T21:32:00.000+10:30

a few night-time photos, taken from my room...

on your bike { melbourne }

2011-10-20T21:51:00.000+10:30

I mostly used my own two feet, but I saw plenty of two-wheeled transportation...

*I know the last shot is of a sewing machine...but there is a bike too :)

hello, again :)

2011-10-18T21:29:00.000+10:30

home safe & sound from my travels, just a quick photo from Melbourne (waiting for the tram on my first morning there) & a promise of many Melbourne posts to come.
I had a lovely time, the workshop I attended was excellent & I took approximately a gazillion photos (well, 1,700-ish) & I'm looking forward to sharing them - once I finish sorting through them.

tomorrow I fly...

2011-10-04T21:43:00.000+10:30

...to Melbourne :)

I'm attending a PMC workshop & lecture over the weekend & decided to take few extra days & have a little holiday. So I'm planning to take lots of photos, eat some yummy food, browse some nice shops...& maybe even catch up with some DUST-ers.

So, I'll catch you all when I get back next week & until then, any fabulous suggestions of things to see/do?

presenting...

2011-09-30T21:39:00.000+09:30

Earlier this month was my birthday, & along with lots of love & yummy cake, my awesome family gave me a wonderful collection of handmade presents...

First up, another* awesome, hand drawn card - artwork by my lovely brothers...

then, a super cute kitty brooch, made by Kathryn...

a beautiful soft, swishy skirt, from Zoe Chen...

this lovely coin purse, by Seventh Sphere...

a gorgeous pendant from David Eris Loong (his shop is literally the first I ever favourited on etsy)...

& as if that wasn't enough, this gorgeous print by Yellena :)

*this is the third year they've made my card - 2010, 2009

Not-Banana Bread

2011-09-27T21:54:00.000+09:30

Recently I've started following some food blogs (I blame pinterest & all the gorgeous food photography) & rather than just looking at the pretty pictures, I want to actually try some of the recipes.

Not too long ago I came across this delicious sounding recipe for banana bread. Bananas are ridiculously expensive here at the moment (I think they're 'down' to $15/kg) so a little adaptation was necessary.

We had some cooked fruit stashed in the freezer, so the first batch was plum & apple, followed by plum & nectarine, plum & peach....you get the picture. This batch is a mix of peach & apple (tinned pie apple to be exact, cooked with a bit of cinnamon & mashed).

I made a single batch the first time....every one since has been a double mix though :)

So, this is super easy & delicious. Moist, fruity, full of cinnamon & spice....& if it lasts long enough it's rather nice toasted, with butter (under a grill though - I wouldn't put it in a toaster).

Not-Banana Bread

makes one 9×5-inch loaf

recipe adapted from Joy the Baker

1 cup stewed fruit – such as: apple, plum, nectarine, peach, apricot

1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1/4 cup vegetable oil, (I have used either olive or grapeseed)

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup unbleached spelt flour

1 cup wholemeal spelt flour

1 teaspoon baking soda (as in bi-carb)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon mixed spice

Generous pinch nutmeg

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup desiccated coconut

Preheat the oven to 180C. Lightly grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, place the stewed fruit, sugar, pineapple, and oil and whisk briskly to incorporate.

Sift in the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Fold in the coconut.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be lightly browned and a skewer inserted through the centre should come out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes before transferring out of a pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice generously to serve.

*I usually make a double batch, adding a couple of tablespoons extra fruit to help it stay moist. Also, the spices (except for the cinnamon) are approximate; I do them slightly differently each time.

S.I.S.T.E.R.

2011-09-25T20:47:00.000+09:30

This year we - Kathryn, Amy & I - tackled the whole (12km) City-to-Bay. We even made special t-shirts with our team name - S.I.S.T.E.R.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day - although it was a bit hot when the breeze disappeared - & we were amongst a crowd of nearly 35,000 people.

The run definitely wasn't easy, but it did feel good (especially at the end.....when I got to stop :P ). I was also pleased with my time of 1 hour 41 minutes.

take it or leaf it

2011-09-16T21:20:00.000+09:30

new listed on etsy: you're so vein, fine silver leaf pendant

post title is courtesy of Amy...she encouraged the pendant title too :)

wishlist wednesday...

2011-09-14T17:14:00.000+09:30

a selection of beautiful necklaces this week...

Truth & Beauty necklace by belindasaville

eastern holiday necklace by elephantine

Skeleton Key necklace by Vintette

Perlin necklace by nervoussystem

Ingrid Necklace by Osier

partly inspired by the fact that one of my birthday presents was a gorgeous pendant...a post on that - & my other presents - soon :)

earthsong...

2011-09-11T20:46:00.000+09:30

'earthsong'

a beautiful selection of earthy, autumnal beads - I just love the colours in this :)

blossoming...

2011-09-09T22:02:00.000+09:30

It's well & truly spring in our garden, the fruit trees are full of blossom & the weather has been beautiful (although, in keeping with it being spring, today was cold & windy).

...so here are some spring blossoms, & sunshine for you to enjoy.

serenity...

2011-09-05T22:22:00.000+09:30

or 'so-dalightful' as my sisters wanted me to call them :)

...fine silver, sodalite & sterling earrings.

wishlist wednesday...

2011-08-31T15:15:00.000+09:30

sweet bird-like things...

Songbird on Flower T-shirt by Uzura

Circle Bird Earrings by FigsAndGinger

rainbow bird vases by catherinereece

Bird brooch by tabidesigns

Blue Bird Messenger Bag by missymaomao

a bit of our garden...on film...

2011-08-27T21:03:00.000+09:30

some almost-springtime backyard nature-y goodness....on film!

these were all taken with Dziadziu's old Canon TLb camera (as were these, from back in January). Getting a little better with the focus (I think) but still working on the settings...

We are also waiting (im)patiently for our first Rolleicord photos to arrive, along with a roll of black & white (taken with the old film EOS).
The local place couldn't process those, so we took them to a place in Adelaide (not bad - a 6hr round trip to process film - although we didn't go specifically for that), but they only do the b&w on Wednesdays, so they're posting it back to us.

'cos cute puppy-dogs are always a good thing...

2011-08-25T21:41:00.000+09:30

a bit random today....just wanted to pop in & say hi, but my brain is too full of comparing hotels to think of a proper post. So I thought I'd update the pooch's blog & share a bit of cuteness here too.

Hope you've been getting & enjoying the spring like weather we've been having lately - I'm just hoping this doesn't mean that september will be freezing.

ahhh, hotel? you ask (I know you haven't, but lets pretend) - I'm off to Melbourne in October for a lecture, two day workshop & a few days holiday & trying to find a nice, not too expensive place to stay has been giving me a headache - any recommendations?

scarlet...

2011-08-21T20:08:00.000+09:30

a glorious scarlet tulip, flowering in our garden...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-08-17T15:56:00.000+09:30

a random collection from my favourites...

specimen necklace - mushroom by wildflowerdesigns

Natural soft green tunic by Minxshop

long branch earrings by SeedandSky

Set of three porcelain bowls by SuiteOneStudio

2 Iridescent Mosaic Bangles by LizardsJewelry

bright, beaded & beautiful...

2011-08-11T21:58:00.001+09:30

Just thought I'd add a little colour with a mosaic of some beaded jewellery I've made recently...

I won't have computer access this weekend, so I'll catch up on monday or tuesday. Hope you all have a fun weekend.

oh, & this is my 200th post on the blog, go me :)

Ellaina Boutique

2011-08-05T21:40:00.000+09:30

My gorgeous new top from Ellaina Boutique arrived this week (& Kathryn - who bought a dress - & I mucked about & got Amy to take our photo). I have admired Sue's clothes for ages & after we bought Kathryn a top for her birthday, I was super happy to get this gorgeous top.

I am sure our collection of clothes from ellaina boutique will grow, considering how lovely the pieces we have are. It will just be a matter of what to get first...here are a few of my faves...

citron...

2011-08-02T22:20:00.000+09:30

new: fine silver with a touch of yellow, citron...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-07-27T20:12:00.000+09:30

cute & colourful crochet jewellery...

Happy Tiny Buttons - necklace/bracelet by TomBjornDesigns

Frida Kahlo Floral Necklace by twoknit

Alice Ring by CuteSweetPretty

Royal Purple & Green Necklace by LavenderField

Poppy collection bracelet by byMarianneS

*just so you know: the lovelies in CuteSweetPretty are made by my awesome Mum :)

moss...

2011-07-24T21:11:00.000+09:30

another new listing - moss, long necklace...

some sketches...

2011-07-22T20:51:00.000+09:30

bit of a nature theme in this batch of sketches, I've been escaping outside while the sun is shining.

wishlist wednesday...

2011-07-20T21:33:00.000+09:30

some ceramic goodness...

GROW Little House Village by thelittlereddoor

Seascape - small carved bowl by peifferStudios

Handmade ceramic cat by NotJustCats

No 1 Dahlia Wall Sculpture by aschwer

Tall Poppy Mug by dahlhaus

trilogy

2011-07-15T22:04:00.000+09:30

just a quick post to go with my most recent listing - trilogy...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-07-13T15:46:00.000+09:30

some fabulous hats & headbands...

Eileen headband by TessaKim

beret 60 by tinytoadstool

Georgiana Cocktail Hat by HeadFullofFeathers

Woodland Owl Wing Headband by sleepyking

Bridal Cloche Hat by Tissage

day 7, other places...

2011-07-06T17:54:00.000+09:30

7/7

we went for a little drive today & I took my portrait (with Amy's help) by the side of the road. It was very windy & cold.

also

day 6, in disguise...

2011-07-05T22:13:00.000+09:30

6/7
also

the hat is borrowed from my dad - he's had a version of this hat for as long as I can remember - & the beard is borrowed from my younger brother - the girls made it for his last birthday. Actually I quite resemble him in some of the shots I took today XD

day 5, crochet beret...

2011-07-04T22:25:00.000+09:30

Beret handmade by my gorgeous Mum. She also makes sweet crochet accessories, which you can find here.

5/7
b&w

day 4, a little bit magic...& a lot windy...

2011-07-03T22:18:00.001+09:30

Taking self portraits can be kind of difficult, especially since we can't use our remote with the 50d. Add a wide brimmed hat which doesn't fit & lots of wind & doing it on your own becomes almost impossible.
Luckily I had Kathryn to help me today - she played my 'remote' & pressed the button for me.

I think the hat spent almost as much time off my head as on, in the shot below I only just caught it before it blew away completely.

& bonus shot of me looking really silly

4/7
also

& Happy Birthday Kathryn!

day 3, from before...

2011-07-02T22:20:00.000+09:30

3/7

Mum brought this hat back from the Tatry region of Poland many, many years ago (the hat is older than I am).
& I don't know if you can tell, but it's way too small.

also

day 2, bespoke, buttons...

2011-07-01T22:03:00.000+09:30

I subscribe to a gorgeous little magazine called *bespoke*. Each issue is full of articles about art, craft, vintage, creativity, inspiration...all the good stuff really. (& the cover art is awesome)

I was also lucky enough to win one of the subscriber's gifts & received this sweet headband from Sarsparilly.

2/7
also

day 1, mad as hatters...

2011-06-30T21:22:00.001+09:30

I've started a little photographic project - seven days of head-wear (hats, headbands etc)

day 1 features a striped hat, belonging to Kathryn. You can see my 'official' upload here

I'm going to be uploading a few out-takes as I go along. & yes, I've started my project on a thursday.

wandering in the city...

2011-06-25T22:31:00.001+09:30

a few photos from my last visit to Adelaide

We left the car & walked through Rymill Park & onto Rundle Street to get hot chocolate (which we needed to help us defrost - it was very cold out).

wishlist wednesday...

2011-06-22T17:11:00.000+09:30

embroidered goodness...

Embroidered Pendant Knitting by SeptemberHouse

Handmade Copper Turquoise Cuff by LoftFullOfGoodies

Ocean Swim Hand Embroidery by merriweathercouncil

Little Dusty Violet Felt Bird by SeaPinks

Hand Embroidered Tissue Cosy by edwardandlilly

better late than never...

2011-06-18T19:40:00.000+09:30

Ah, so it's been somewhat more than a week since my first sketching post.

& to be honest, I haven't actually done much sketching in the last fortnight. I have been away & then sick (on the mend now), so I'm not too disappointed.

These aren't quite all I've done, but I'm going with only posting the ones I like best. (they are in chronological order here, my favourite is the one below)

silver...

2011-06-11T16:40:00.000+09:30

just a few shots of my most recent batch of fine silver...

I'm rather pleased with my bead (although my seam isn't perfect) & I have a plan for it. The only problem is I don't think I'll be able to part with it...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-06-08T20:22:00.000+09:30

it's always time for a cup of tea...

Everybody's Cup of Tea by beargraphics

shell mug. mint by villarrealceramics

Spoon Necklace by TheAngryWeather

Blue Teapot by lawatson

custom tea dress by sohomode

recently...

2011-06-03T19:10:00.000+09:30

listed on etsy...

ebb & flow

copper sea

some sketches...

2011-06-02T21:11:00.000+09:30

early this year one of my brothers challenged me to sketch every day. I started, but didn't last very long.

I've decided to start again & as long as I manage most days, I'll be happy. & there will be days I miss.
like today.
& some days I might do something else creative instead...

I'm also going to try blogging them each week - I haven't decided if it will be all the sketches each week, or just my favourites.

The first two images here are from the beginning of the year & these next three are from the last few days

it takes a while to find...

2011-05-28T22:15:00.000+09:30

...that's the beauty of life...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-05-25T17:23:00.001+09:30

just a somewhat random selection of lovelies this week...

Alpine Meadow dress by tidabeads

Vila Queen OOAK pendant by stardust

prussian blue morning glory earrings by kobrienjewelry

Porcelain Tea light by wapa

frosty mint fox by RoyalMint

...in the light...

2011-05-20T19:31:00.000+09:30

b&w

rainbows...

2011-05-19T20:41:00.001+09:30

just though I'd share a few (relatively) recent creations. They are all fine silver (pmc) & set with lab created stones.

I've used a rainbow of colour, which also represents the seven chakras.

wishlist wednesday...

2011-05-11T18:09:00.000+09:30

some beautiful artwork...

Indian Bride 4 by silverridgestudio

Owl Feathers by studiotuesday

Land of Ampersand by thewheatfield

Autumn Fern by unitedthread

Storytellers by aussiepatches

Book Monster by marrael

in black & white...

2011-05-04T17:01:00.000+09:30

colour

a touch of magic (wishlist wednesday)...

2011-04-26T21:12:00.000+09:30

I'm a day early this week, as we're off to see the wizard tomorrow...

Samhain Witch by gorjuss

Fungus Set by TheOakLeaves

Pocket Mirror by meredithdillman

Ceramic Blue Moon by NewMoonStudio

Keep Calm and Carry a Wand by terbearco

...as in the wonderful wizard of oz - tomorrow night we'll be watching the Wicked musical at the Adelaide Festival Theatre - can't wait!

...softly, she breathes...

2011-04-19T21:32:00.000+09:30

again

wishlist...thursday?

2011-04-14T21:11:00.000+09:30

oops, a day late again...

Strawberry cup with ladybug by natalyasots

Autumn Butterfly by melaniehazen

Stoneware Yarn Bowl by Misspottery

Bee Hive Print by jellybeans

Flutterby Tank by ellembee

a bug's life...

2011-04-12T21:38:00.000+09:30

our garden is full of life...

1. moth (someone did tell me what they're called, but I can't remember) - there are hundreds of these about at the moment.
2. wasp
3. honey bee
4 & 5. butterfly - I spent ages chasing these around, waiting for them to land long enough to be photographed (they may get their own post later)
6. bee. this one has white stripes & is a different shape to the usual, we think it might be a native bee?

indulge, relax, enjoy....

2011-03-29T21:28:00.001+10:30

These are from January, we celebrated a friend's birthday with long lunch at Hickory's Run. Actually, we had such a good time that we went back again for another birthday lunch a fortnight after the first one.
The food was delicious, the atmosphere relaxed & the coffee wonderful (these photos are from our second visit - I forgot the camera first time round!)

Lunch...
potato spun prawns, pizza (not pictured), 'overseer's long lunch' - cheese, olives, fruit, crackers

Dessert...
cheesecake with quandong, muntrie mud cake, quandong tart, bush tucker icecream (not pictured)

& of course, coffee...

hopefully we'll find an excuse to visit again :)

bird life...

2011-03-27T19:45:00.000+10:30

a few more from the zoo...

the first & last photos were taken through cage wire, the second & third in a big aviary which we walked through & the flamingo just had a fence.

you can find other zoo posts here, here & here :)

& another shot of the little red bird here

wishlist wednesday...

2011-03-23T19:29:00.000+10:30

no particular theme this week, just some gorgeous things which somehow fit together...

Girl Reading 8x10 by belafontesbunsa

Porcelain Earrings in Teal by roundrabbit

Heart - Recycled Paper Garland by missisaau

Very Berry Felt Necklace by Crafts2Cherish

Prehnite Lily Pad Silver Ring by caroleaxium

up in smoke...

2011-03-21T19:57:00.001+10:30

...but don't worry, it's only the binder...

I took these last time I fired some pmc in my kiln, the light through the smoke was just lovely.

(This is as the binder burns off at about 260C)

a day at the zoo...

2011-03-17T22:00:00.000+10:30

a small selection of photos from our (boxing day) trip to Adelaide Zoo...

wishlist wednesday...

2011-03-09T15:30:00.000+10:30

a golden glow to welcome autumn...

Single Cream Colored Bud Vase by cynthiavardhan

A Bouquet of Tearoses by sophiapip

Dotted Gold Notebook by baileydoesntbark

Gold in the air of summer by InmostLight

Oxidised Hoop Earrings by LaFemmeJewels

pretty as a picture...

2011-03-03T21:00:00.000+10:30

just a few images I love (& wish I'd created)...

all these images are from my pinterest - click on the image to go to the pin, which links to the source.

old, but new...

2011-02-28T21:38:00.000+10:30

...to us...

we've even got some film, although we haven't tried using it yet :)

b&w
+ Archie

it's still wednesday somewhere, right?

2011-02-24T21:22:00.000+10:30

this week's wishlist, somewhat late, but fabulously floral...

silk petals, luxury clutch bag by redrubyrose

Orange blossom charm necklace by mignonnehandmade

Original Hand Drawn Illustration by michelemaule

Woodland moss mask by gardensofwhimsy

Deep purple & lilac shoe clips by Cultivar

Meerkats!

2011-02-17T21:38:00.000+10:30

More from our trip to the zoo. The meerkats are so cute and photogenic they get their own post :)

see more here, here & here

wishlist wednesday...

2011-02-16T16:48:00.000+10:30

gorgeously green...

Green Twirly Dress Print by laurenspaintpalette

Sole Print by yellena

A Little Rain in Green Brooch by HungryDesigns

Pillow Shaped treasure trinket box by Creativewithclay

Steampunk Jewelry - Ring by CatherinetteRings

Sorry for two wishlists in a row, something different coming a bit later in the week :)

wishlist wednesday...

2011-02-09T16:45:00.000+10:30

a bright & colourful collection...

Rainbow Bowl by owlcreekceramics

Butterfly Kisses by schin

Color's Swirl bracelet by beautyspot

Baby Goblin Nub by TangleWoodThicket

coloured rain - a butterfly comb by thehoneycomb

Magazine feature...

2011-02-03T21:20:00.000+10:30

I had some exciting news this week - I (& my jewellery) have been featured in SA Life magazine! I'm part of a feature called 'Designing Divas' about South Australian jewellery/accessory makers.

I was contacted last year & then had an email last week to tell me the story was happening. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I was the first 'diva' in the feature - & those are my earrings on the first page :)

the two jewellery photos are by me & my sister Amy took the ones of me working on some jewellery.

unusual magic

finally finished - part 1

bridge { the teleidoscope }

above my head { melbourne }

memory { the teleidoscope }

goodbye, sunshine...

develop { the teleidoscope }

freshly fired...

wishlist wednesday...

dreaming of rainy days { melbourne }

work in progress...

impact { the teleidoscope }

new perspective { the teleidoscope }

brown sugar spice cake

still to come...

that which has been...

just a few random photos...

wishlist wednesday

Merry Christmas!

silver & patina...

small beginnings...

beside the sea { melbourne }

it's a sign...{ melbourne }

wishlist wednesday...

into the wildwood...

simple pleasures...

through windows - fitzroy edition { melbourne }

wishlist wedne...oops, thursday

perfectly pink { melbourne }

always...

wishlist wednesday...

sweet treats { melbourne }

city streets { melbourne }

wishlist wedneday...

Silver bead necklace

through windows - city edition { melbourne }

Happy Birthday Amy!

positively purple { melbourne }

all that jazz { melbourne }

on your bike { melbourne }

hello, again :)

tomorrow I fly...

presenting...

Not-Banana Bread

S.I.S.T.E.R.

take it or leaf it

wishlist wednesday...

earthsong...

blossoming...

serenity...

wishlist wednesday...

a bit of our garden...on film...

'cos cute puppy-dogs are always a good thing...

scarlet...

wishlist wednesday...

bright, beaded & beautiful...

Ellaina Boutique

citron...

wishlist wednesday...

moss...

some sketches...

wishlist wednesday...

trilogy

wishlist wednesday...

day 7, other places...

day 6, in disguise...

day 5, crochet beret...

day 4, a little bit magic...& a lot windy...

day 3, from before...

day 2, *bespoke*, buttons...

day 1, mad as hatters...

wandering in the city...

wishlist wednesday...

better late than never...

silver...

wishlist wednesday...

recently...

some sketches...

it takes a while to find...

wishlist wednesday...

day 2, bespoke, buttons...