The Ugly Stage

I've heard a lot of artists say that all paintings go through an ugly stage. Apparently you just have to work through it and you'll arrive at the other side with a wonderful new piece.


I don't know about this one. It seems like it has a long way to go to get to the other side.

Abundance

For a while now I've been feeling like my words are dwindling. I want to be writing more but I feel like I've got nothing to say. When I do feel like I've got something to say I can't seem to get it out of my head and onto the page or the computer. It's extremely frustrating. Not to mention worrying. Whenever my mojo takes a dive I become convinced that it's all over. That my quota of words is finished, my well has dried up.

If there's one thing I need to keep practicing it's knowing that it's never finished, there's always more. I'm not going to run out of ideas, words, creativity, collages or any of the other things that are in my heart and my soul. It's just that life, and all things in it, move in cycles.

The rhythm of life is a fascinating beast. The way that energy ebbs and flows. I'm know that the key to my success is learning to trust that rhythm and to let it guide me through life.

So for this moment I am not going to worry. I'm going to keep sitting on the couch and crocheting pretty colours. I'm going to play with beautiful fabrics. I'm going to experiment with watercolour pencils, and read magazines, and dream about making new collages. I'm going to keep brewing other ideas for new mixed-media pieces.

I'm going to dream about the life of creativity, that if I'm honest with myself, I'm already living. I don't have to keep waiting for it to happen.

Plans, Part II

Sometimes, just sometimes, things work out exactly as you planned. It's just the lurgy that won't obey instructions and get on its way.

Plans

Today. Me. The couch. One basket of brightly coloured wool.


It's a date!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend. I know that these girls are.

A Long Time Coming

I've just put my first group of original collages in the shop. It's taken me 18 months to take the final step from a lifetime of heartfelt desire to truly putting myself out there. What a journey it's been. So many steps forward and many back. Hope, doubt, discovery, fear, belief, tears and more. This little group of collages contains them all.


Each collage is numbered, signed and dated as part of a series of 8. If you want to own one of the first pieces of artwork I've sold pop over to the shop.

Happy, happy day.

A Bit of this, a bit of that

There hasn't been much going on around here these past few days. As well as receiving some beautiful gifts and treats for my birthday I also, unfortunately, received a nasty lurgy that arrived on the very day. After 2 days in bed I'm feeling completely nuts and desperate to get back into the world. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Have you seen the amazing birthday present that Cam made me. I'm stealing her photo because it's perfect and besides, I have no energy for photos or anything much at all.


I can't wait for a chance to wear my new scarf and brooch. They are so divine. The scarf is incredibly soft and so delicate, and just incredible. As soon as I get out of the house they'll be coming with me.

On my birthday an order I placed with Mellimoomoo arrived as well. Megan is an amazingly talented writer, photographer and creative soul. She makes beautiful journals and I ordered a few but was so pleasantly surprised to find an extra one in my package.


Then today another surprise. A completely unexpected package arrived from Juddie of Flightless Boyds fame. An autumn package just because. Such a lovely gesture. And in it this print that I blogged about along with some pressed leaves and some vintage fabric. Thank you so much Juddie. I am so touched by your truly random act of kindness.


So apart from the lurgy I've been completely spoiled this week. C'mon lurgy, on your way. I've got plans you know, plans.

You Say It's Your Birthday

Well, whatdaya know? It's my birthday too!

Thanks Ms L for making me feel like the most important person in the world.
You always know exactly what to do.

Thanks for the birthday loving CurlyPops.
You're the best crafty partner-in-crime a girl could ask for.

Have a gorgeous day peeps.

Burrito Brothers For Your Entertainment

According to the Artist's Way this week I'm due to have a week off reading, computers and other distractions. I think I might give it a go.

While I'm away here's some Flying Burrito Brothers to keep you entertained with their amazing acrobatics.

Burritos by Tinniegirl. Fabulous Burrito pattern by Dear Fii. Styling by Ms L.

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 7

THIS

PLUS

• A $200 VISIT TO THE LOCAL NURSERY
• 2 CUBIC METRES OF MULCH
• and 2 DAYS OF HARD LABOUR

EQUALS

HAPPY

Thanks for reading along and playing along with 7 days of... It was fun. I might do it again sometime.

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 6

The biggest, heartiest chuckle that I've had in a long time delivered by a scene in Marley and Me.

A wonderful day of crafting, chatting and snacking with the girls. For those of you who were wondering what the Thornbury Craft Bonanza is all about, it started here. These days it's like getting together with a bunch of girlfriends I've known for years. I love the comfortable space that we inhabit. You know what I'm talking about don't you? That wonderful connection that women share.

Loot comes in all shapes and sizes.

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 5

Today's loot brought to you thanks to the creative sewing skills of a couple of fab women.


Firstly, the fab project bag courtesy of Taccolina. This bag is so great. It's the perfect size to carry quite a large project, say a blanket or a whole lot of sketching implements. It hasn't made its debut appearance yet but it won't be long.


I also received this amazing selvage apron from Annie at Flowergarden. Jodie and Annie were sporting them at the Stitches and Craft Show, and through a series of fortunate conversations and introductions I ended up swapping a Tinnie for an apron. This crafty wonder also hasn't had its debut yet. I can't wait to wear it.

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The Thornbury Craft Bonanza hits town tomorrow. I didn't think I was going to be able to make it but now I am. Yippee!!!

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 4

Today is the beginning of a four day weekend for me. I am so excited. 4 glorious days of time to catch up on things around the house, be creative, cook nice meals, and hopefully, maybe, if I'm extra good, get the shop updated for the first time in months. So in fitting with where my head is at I have an extra special swap to show you today.

At the Stitches and Craft Show in March I was so excited to finally meet Jodie at Ric-Rac. I've had a blog crush on her for ages, even more so after the dress. I was feeling pretty shy about meeting blog royalty but Jodie is an incredibly warm and welcoming woman. She's one of those people that you instantly feel comfortable around.

During the 5 days of the show I often sidled past her stall, eying off the monsters, picking them up and fondling them and thinking about making a purchase. I didn't and I regretted my decision. So I plucked up my courage, asked her if she'd like to do a swap and this monster is now mine.


At the start of a four day weekend I think my monster says it all. Thanks Jodie for the wonderful studio friend.

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 3

Those who know me will attest to my penchant for jewelry and accessories. I tend to keep my clothes simple and use accessories to really express my style. In fact if you want to know how I'm feeling about myself have a look at what jewelry I'm wearing. I notice that at times when I'm struggling or feeling really flat I tend not to pay much mind to adorning myself. When I'm feeling good I pay a lot of attention to accessorising.

My tastes move through different types of jewelry. For a while I was all about necklaces. Years ago I was a bracelet girl. It chops and changes but for the moment it's earring and brooches all the way.

Pearly Whites by Handmaiden

I received the most lovely gifts from my friend Sharon at Handmaiden a few weeks back. Technically we did a swap but I think that the balance was tipped in my favour. 2 pairs of gorgeous earrings for a small softie hardly seems equal so I feel like I was gifted these goodies.

Individual design by Handmaiden

Sophie Isobel and I organised a swap recently too and I was so lucky to have a custom set of brooches made. Everything Sophie creates is so delightful, whimsical and sweet. If you haven't discovered her yet go and visit.

The Tinniegirl Collection by Sophie Isobel Designs

Ms L and I had an amazing holiday in Hawaii a few years back and we have both loved Hawaii ever since. It was one of those holidays that leaves you with a wonderful and romantic nostalgia for a place. Via Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming I came across Sherry Truitt and decided to purchase a treat for Ms L.

Blue Hawaii by Sherry Truitt

If I was feeling totally cashed up at the moment and not trying to save my pennies for a major purchase I'd splash out on this amazing peice of textile goodness.

Pembroke Cowl in Fig by Yokoo

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 2

I was just saying to Ms L the other night how much I love that fact that we share a passion for art and for surrounding ourselves with beautiful things. Whenever we travel we always seem to invest holiday money on original works of art, and consequently have a fantastic collection of art work on our walls.

Wind by flossy-p

A most fortuitous swap occurred a couple of weeks ago when the fabulous flossy-p sent me a message that she wanted one of my Tinnies. She suggested that if I was interested we could do a swap. When I told her that I really loved two of her pieces she told me that I could have both. Isn't that amazingly generous? I absolutely love these incredible artworks on both an aesthetic and emotional level.

Sacrifice by flossy-p

One of the great things that has happened to me recently is that I've connected even more strongly with the idea of filling my walls with art that inspires and make me happy. As I've acknowledged my own desire to create art I've recognised the need to completely surround myself with it. Here's a few other pieces on my wishlist that I hope to purchase at some stage.

birds and their houses by Sarah Ahearn

red writer by linocreative

If you want to see what I've been working at over the past few weeks pop over to CurlyPops and see what I made her for her birthday.

If you want to join in with 7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot sign up here.

7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot - Day 1

I thought I'd start 7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot with all the goodies that I purchased at the Made n' Thornbury Market on Saturday. This is such a fabulous market. It has a great atmosphere and lots of wonderful handmade goodies. I highly recommend a visit if you haven't made it yet. The next one is Sept 5th.

Gorgeous fridge magnets by Buttons By Lou Lou. I bought a couple of sets of magnets and I plan to pick up a few more.

Cushion by flickettysplits aka All Toile and No Reward. I tried to resist this purchase but I simply couldn't. It's stylish and every bit as comfy as it looks.


I heart brooches. The gorgeous birds are from Finki and the lovely Golden Book badges are from Cheeky Little Monsters. I wear a brooch most days so its nice to have a good variety to style up my life. I can't wait to give these ones an outing this week. I love all my market purchases but this next one has a special place in my heart. It's made by Craving Frocks and it's a little pack of fancy scraps for little girls to make outfits for their Barbies. This little inexpensive pack of creativity filled my heart with joy. It reached in and connected with the little girl in me and I had to take one home. I've already been playing with it and planning to use it in some collages.

I feel like I've found a kindred spirit too because it's similar thinking to my Tinnies. A pack of goodies to inspire your creativity.

That's all I took photos of. However there were other goodies. A cupcake and other tasty treats from m.e. Another cupcake from another provodore - I had to share the love around of course. Coffee, of course. More of Buttons By Lou Lou's magnets, a wrist lanyard from CurlyPops for my keys and I think that's it. For today anyway.

Don't forget that you're welcome to play along. Details and sign up are in this post.

Serendipity and 7 Days of Loot, Glorious Loot

Don't you love it? I won the monthly giveaway at Sophism Press and today I got Ms L to pick a winner for my affirmation giveaway and guess who won. Yep, Sophism Press. How cool is that?

Chrisy's affirmation is "I am valued". I'll show you the collage when I get it made. It's in brewing stage at the moment.

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I spent the day at the Made n' Thornbury Market yesterday which was lots of fun. I hung out, chatted to lots of friendly faces, crocheted and generally enjoyed a lovely day out. CurlyPops has the wrap on the day so pop over there if you want all the goss. Of course no day out at a market would be complete without shopping. I have lots to show.

In fact I have a bunch of stuff from swaps, Etsy and the market to play show and tell with. So I've decided to spend the week doing just that. I'll be back tomorrow to start 7 days of Loot, Glorious Loot where I'll show you all the crafty goodness that's come into my life.

I thought you might like to join me. If you haven't been swapping or purchasing, perhaps you've been making. Or perhaps you've got loads of things in your Etsy favourites like I do that you'd like to show off.

I've been hanging out to test out Mister Linky's Widgets so I'm popping one in here and if you'd like to play along you can sign up.

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I've been feeling like my blogging mojo had up and went, but I think it might be on its way back. Good news indeed.