Sharing some Love...

'I see Love in your Heart'

it feels like I've finally had the time + inspiration to create....nothing like having a date to create to, to get the motivational juju flowing. These thready hearts are for a Love Swap.Made from wire, wrapped vintage linen, gold thread, my eye images and shells from the beac.h Jacky has a pic of her stitched hearts if you'd like a peek. can't wait to receive the swap.....truly who can resist participating in a Heart/Love Swap?

I have to say that reading many Valentine posts over the lsat few days that there is alot of Love + gratitude in this mixed media community.Visually, emotionally, in thoughts + words + energetically. Truly I felt warm + fuzzy after much reading. I hope your heart vibrated with good energy throughout Valentines day. Even if you don't celebrate the day its a good reminder about feeling the Love!

Here's some Love Links I've been enjoying. you may have already discovered them, but I'm finding loads of great reading here...biznessy + soul probing!

• Olive Bites -the Will Smith clip is a MUST see...
• Notes on Paper- Tips for Twitter Curious. What can I say other than this is amazing info if you don't know much about tweeting
• The Joy of Marketing
• Scoutie Girl

happy reading...

making pressies are there own gift

a pressie for a special friend

I love to make presents for my friends birthdays. there is something special that happens when I create a gift to give. maybe its the unbridled emotion + affection, maybe its the freedom of allowing what ever to come up because I know they are going to love it regardless, or maybe its a sense of playfulness + unlimitedness. I always feel incredibly fulfilled after....its a great filling up of my soul.

this pressie is going to a very special arty friend who's having a special number birthday celebration. I got this in the post today for her. I know she won't be here to peek. She'll be busy planing + making for her fancy dress party, Cowboys + Indians (truly she is the events Queen. you should see what she does for her kids parties!) I'm sorry I won't be there, but I'm sure it will definitely be a blast!!

So my darling Anna, Happy Birthday for tomorrow....

see you on the flip side

we are off on a family adventure! This was a special request from my daughter, wanting a journal bag to carry all her goodies, pens and journal for the trip.whipped it up this week for her. A girl after my own heart! we have some fabulous house sitters staying, so its all good. see you on the flip side.

New Creative Goodies to share!

BuBu Blossom creative goodies

So here is the day I get to share my new goodies with you. My heat is beating with joy thinking about my new card designs, postcards and matted prints. I've also created some limited edition pieces that embrace my love of tactiliness. A lady at the Xmas fair described one of these pieces as an adult blankie....it makes you feel good on the inside and out.

Come and explore.BuBu's treasures are all about positive messages, beautiful images with a touch of unusualness in the mix.

And you can connect to BuBu as she has her own facebook page. Thats where I'll be showcasing new designs and availability of products..Hot of the press! Love to see you there.

Christmas in the Country

My table ( i changed the back board to all paintings

and it worked really well)

Christmas in the Country was great! Lots of great people organizing this function and wonderful numbers attending. Not to mention spending time with dear Jo. And I got to met some real gems of people, customers and creators.

Jo's table

Here we are at opening night. Flowers in our hair, ready to sell our creative goodies to the appreciative crowds.

Jo loving opened her home to me and whilst I was there I gravitated to her studio. Some show and tell conversations, browsing through Jo' books and magazines and pouring over her collection of dyed fabrics and laces....and lots of oooing over her buttons and treasured collections.

Conversation in Jo's Studio

some loving customers

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting some amazing women creating great products. Sally from Buttoney Boo (she entertained Jo and I the whole weekend with her humor!) She makes zippy bags and exhibits regularly at Eumundi Markets and Donna from Relax Me, with beautiful soy candles. LOVED Donna's range of Goddess candles.

It was a good time had by all...I'm feeling very grateful to have been part of this showing. Thanks to all who purchased my creative wares. May you enjoy....

gliding into the joy

'Glide' matted Print

soon to be available on www.bubuBlossom.com

Its coming together.Maybe I could take my own advice a glide a little more. The things I've ordered on line are turning up at my doorstep. Ideas are making their way into reality. And my overwhelm has been kept at bay.

Today is the time to start using my ice resin from dearest Jen. I'm finishing off some jewellery pieces. I'm not sure why I think I can make things I've never tried before, but there is nothing like a date to work towards to get this creative juju moving.

mini moo bubu cards

The next 11 days (who's counting?) shall see me with more creative goodies completed for the Christmas Art Show . I'm so looking forward to spending some time with Jo. She has kindly opened her heart and home to me.

I'm feeling good about this direction. Its taken its time to put all the puzzle pieces together but it feels like I am on the right track. and I'm happy. its nearly time for me to share this joy, not long now.

its a good stretch

Whispers in the Wind

Hanging affirmation cards

The truth is I feel I've been struggling a little of late, still wanting to fit everything in that I was doing before I started my couple-of-days-a-week-job, but not. Not getting to connect with my blog friends as often, not enjoying the luxury of extra time to paint and feeling like I haven't been present. BUT it is stretching me. Into a new place that I know is good for my soul and my family. And we are all rising to fufill our new roles.

My new challenge has helped me to value my creative skills and my time. Its helping me focus on whats really important to me creatively, I no longer have the time to wonder or ponder..or be indecisive. I need an action plan to make the most of the time I have. I'm learning new skills and working in an environment very different to my creative setting and that has taught me to appreciate and value my own space....both inside and out.

With a number of late nights and determination to still be working towards my creative dream, daily, I have made these 'Whispers in the Wind' hanging affirmation cards...for the Christmas art show in Nov. I'm intending to have these sorts of creative goodies for sale soon at bubu Blossom here's a sneak peek...

Close up

And my coathangers arrived, ready to take on a creative path for my weekend workshop. I have a great bunch of ladies coming along and I'm very much looking forward to spending some quality creative time teaching these workshops.

its all good!

Winged Heart with new individual messages

Last day of school holidays here....we have had a blast. The kids have enjoyed seeing movies, bowling, hanging out at home, enjoyed friends company and I have loved the ease off from the school routine. This morning we celebrated with spiders, cake and chai. The sun is out today and its all good.

Can you Feel the Love?

The Beauty of Today 30cm x30cm

available for purchase

I have a bundle full of creative goodies to share with you...I have 3 paintings in my Sweet Opportunity range ready to find new homes. All of them true to my recyling, repurposing ways. I've given these unwanted linen's new life, painted into them and embellished with treasures. Now they are delightfully beautiful.....they are available here and you can see more of the collection in my gallery.

A new space on my website is home to my 'just out of the sudio' paintings. LimeLight shall be featuring one painting, with the story of its 'conception' and evolution. Shall keep you updated!

There are mountains of positive goodness in my esty shop. Thready Fabric Tags, my signature Winged Hearts, Valued Rosettes and Bubu Boutique cards sets.

Enjoy all of this goodness....can you Feel the Love?

Happy Easter!

During Easter weekend, may you experience Love that gently glides on the breath of the breeze. A soft gentle whisper that glides into your heart and makes you feel full and happy.

May you feel truly Valued from within, knowing that you do make a difference to those around you.And you have the ability to unlock the door of unlimited possibilties anytime you chose...

And may you feel that your sense of Self is abundant in all that you do. For you are truly appreciated and amazing.Be the Star that you are. Celebrate all of this and more.....

creative goodies are chugging!

production has been chugging along in my studio. some ATC's for a swap at Creative Soul Retreat. 'Valued' rosettes made from hand dyed doilies, vintage fabrics and my signature greyscale drawings.

and some... cameo hearts on fabric tags.

I've loved how these pieces are all coming together. Its been great having a time frame to work in and it feels like 'my style' is definitely consolidating. That can only be a good thing!

Goddess Dolls

Last year I designed these Goddess Dolls Kits, and gifted them to my ladies who came to Fraser Island . I wanted a medium to embody the essence of how I felt about this special time away, the energy of the Island and to create a tangible memory. And now its time to share....

The kit is like a blank canvas....it enables your imagination to run crazy-wild and stretch. Paint, Stitch, Collage,Create, Embellish to create a beautiful, feminine doll...

pictured here are the Goddess Dolls I've made up to get your inspiration flowing. It was so much fun creating these girls and then I mucked around for a while giving them their own photo shoot.
The photos didn't quite make it off the editing floor, but loved playing around.

The kits are available on my etsy (in US dollars) of my website in AUS dollars.

My website has had a makeover too, drop by for a visual visit!

ps. I'll be bringing some of these kits to CSR 2010 to sell at my trading table on Market night.

affirming prints

I love being surrounded be positive messages. They remind me of where I'm heading and help to dispell that blabbing that goes on in my head at times. don't want to give that one anymore energy ! I've put together some prints of my most recent paintings with some affirming words, machine stitching and some recycled pages from books that relate to the energy of the painting. Cosmic girl has pages from a book called "The Heavens" and the Determined girl in "I Shall" has street directory names stitched to her back. Nothing like a bit of direction!

They have just been listed on etsy and come with an off-white matt board and foam core backing. Both fit beautifully into ready made frames of 11 x 14".

I'll be out scouting the stores for frames this week....want to get some white frames.When these original girls go to the artshow I shall still be reminded of their messages.

on your day

.........................

Dearest Mum,

thank you. as i look back now , being a mother myself I see you did so much for me. providing opportunities for me to do things, taking me places so I could learn and quench my thirst for involvement. you were the most patient teacher and I am so grateful for the skills and the knowledge you passed on to me. you taught me how to cook, crochet , knit, sew, collage and be resourceful with the things we had at hand ...and to love unconditionally.

those skills have served me well and I hope I am able to pass on this innate wisdom to my children.

you always encouraged my creativity and thankfully you could see my potential and valued my creative spirit and as a young girl who grew into a life loving woman, I now see these skills as sacred and heart thriving ....a bloodline to my creativity and my soul.

thank you for believing in me.

XOXO 4 U

an inspired gift for my sweet soul sister.....

Do you remember this lace top you gave me, not sure whether I was supposed to wear it or make art from it, but it is coming back to you. It has changed a little, but I believe as beautiful as ever.

My darling little girl took it to bed with her, to cuddle and smell because she missed you and it comforted her, for a number of nights.

Yes it is coming back to you, stretched on to a canvas frame, stitched with soft and lovingly uneven pink stitches and covered in hugs and kisses.

Thank you for being my sister, although we do not share the same blood we are sisters united by family connections and I am blessed we share the same name....my sister in love.

couldn't find one, so made my own

that's pretty much how i feel every year when the calender clicks over. i would love to be organized and have a diary before the end of the year, but i can never find one that fits the bill of practical, economical annnnnnnnndddd looks/feels good. after reading annas post where she covered her own diary, i figured i could paint and collage mine.

kelly rae talked about using the energy of one word for the year...which i love, but found that i had a few more words to include. courage and luck. seems like an unlikely combination, but the proof is always in the pudding.

i shall enjoy using my inspired diary, certainly a huge improvement on my boring black one from last year. here's to good ideas and being resourceful!!

in the meantime, a little distraction

I have been giving my artworks some solid time and thought I'd share some creative goodies. I've been involved with a couple of swaps lately, personal and group swaps and thoroughly loved being part of, on many levels. I found it such a loving and sharing way to gift some creativity to another. I'm sure you recognize the bird above from darling Dot...

A beautiful heart stuffed with love from Jacky. I have both of these hanging from some driftwood I collected.

Another 'creative distraction' I finished last week. I have a collection of 'important' bits and pieces, that have been sitting around for the longest time, waiting for their turn to be put together. The buckle in this one is from a pair of shoes I wore in the 80's and just knew I was meant to use them on something else. Loved the ornateness and shape. Somethings I just know, feel, they have specialness in them.

This is a combination of 'Grandmaness'. Some crystal beads from my grandmas collection and the brooch from Darryls grandma. A delicate sentimental piece.

I am making progress with my artworks and looking forward to sharing the photos of finished works with you. I'm pushing through the resistance, procrastination and leaving the mounting laundry.....

loose ends finished up

My contribution to Grrls project got finished a few days ago and I loved having a date to work to. It meant I got to take my knitting everywhere with me; in the car for school pick up, dance drop off, watching my daughters netball and sons hockey, school assembly and most of all I loved being occupied creatively during the evening. So much so I have been feeling a little lost the last few nights....my fingers and heart are itching to take up another project that is all consuming.

My knitting strip ended up being quite a 'collaboration' in itself. I cut strips of fabric from a textured tshirt my Grandma wore, one of my favourite tshirts of all time that I had completely worn out, some wool from a poncho that my mum knitted for me and both my children helped with stitches here and there. All embellished with shells. And one piece of coral that was heart shaped.It had the perfect hole in it already for attachment. It finished up a bit like a wild womans sampler!

'you are loved'

Finishing up this week also saw this mixed media collage on paper, go into the post for Debbi



Inspiration for this piece came from a beautiful piece of jewellery Grrl created in Stephaine Lees class at CSR09. I fell in love with the vintage pink crystals. It took me for ever to work out a pattern and threading material I was happy with. This time I was glad I was more patient than I usually am. I had enough materials left over to create a bracelet.

Now I'm earning for another consuming creation to pop up for me. I love being so immersed in creativity, although I find it not so easy to set my own deadlines.Its probably right there on my table already...just waiting for me to pick it and run with it. Maybe if I walk past often enough it might just yell out "Hey you, its my turn!"

My wish for you today is for you to be happy consumed in your creativity, always!

pushing it ouside the box

Sometimes I love to stretch whatever I'm doing and push it just that little bit further. I could see a single blossom on a canvas with bits running out from the flower and over the edge.The 'click' of what that was happened after a email from darling Ro and I got to creating with crocheting wire and beads. This creative vision has been with me for a while, its just taken a while for it to emerge and I'm so grateful that Ro gave me a 'prod' with a loving stick! Hey isn't that what its all about, sometimes I just need a good prod to get me out of my box and put it all together.



Then I recalled some other artworks that I created a couple of years ago that have a similar theme.

This was from a series of 4 canvas' from 2006, the flowers all different colours and different yarns entwined and crocheted with wire. The whole series sold together in an exhibition.

And these came a little later, a combination of paper flowers, crocheted wire/yarn and canvas flowers.(its current on a wall in a display home in Hervey Bay). The one below is all flowers glued to a canvas with the edges sitting up.

The realisation has just hit me that these blossoms have been within my art for a while, even transpiring into other forms. In Sept 2007 I had an article published in Belle Armoire Jewellery with this piece, based on crocheted wire, beads and buttons. Honestly I didn't see that it reached back that far and wide. Somethings are innate within our creating, a progression...and they unknowingly resurface, like a memory. sometimes I fog over what I have created before.....so a revisit is definitely worthwhile. Wonder where the blossom is off to next?

a bunch of blossoms

blossoms and more blossoms.....even though it is winter here, I so enjoy having flowers around me, adorning my artwork or myself. Maybe because it is winter and our little yard lacks any sort of garden I am making up for it in a bright mixed media, creative way. (Thank you Dot for the special buttons you sent me)

The blossoms are a combination of paper and fabric. I use an iron on technique with dress making pattern paper, canvas, paint and lace or tulle....and a treasure in the centre.I love the uniqueness of found objects. My children and I have been collecting squashed bottle tops for a while.The rustier the better. The excitement my kids and I feel when we find them is like finding money. And we have collected them from where ever we go.

I have blossoms around my home, this one is on my vintage mirror on top of the bedroom drawers.And they are great on pressies for a loving touch. They are flexible and more resilient than they look.

Can you see the weaving under the present? I rediscovered a pile of them in a box that is in storage. I kept them from a loom weaving assignment at uni. I remember it was an enormous loom , one that had a seat as part of it. Absolutely loved using a combination of different threads and we were encouraged to use unusual colour combinations. Although this one came through with many wonderful bright colours and glistening gold thread .my favourite

I have a couple of these blossoms for sale on my website.