My Journal's on Etsy

My latest journal is now finished and is listed in my Etsy shop. This one features quite a few of my original graphics, as well as lots of hand stitched fabric pages. I've used a slightly different way of stitching the signatures into the spine, which enables the journal to hold it's shape very well. I don't get attached to my journals but this one would be one of my favourites.Below are just a few of the pages as there are 172 pages in total, that includes both sides.

inside covers

water colour graphics

original graphics

hand painted bird and print of one of my paintings

more watercolour graphics

gelatin printed fabric and a print of my artwork

printed pages of my original work

sun printed fabric and hand dyed doilies, hand stitched lollipop tree

A BIG THANK YOU for all of your support and lovely comments

and for supporting me in the 21 Secrets on-line workshop.

To find out more or register, just go to the 21 Secrets button in my side bar.

Another journal

I've almost completed another large journal. I've had an enquiry about it so I'm not sure if it will end up in my Etsy shop, I'll know in the next few days. I still have to stitch the signatures into the covers.

I was commissioned late last year to make a journal that I would call an 'Art Journal'. It didn't have any blank pages. Every page told a story and related to a particular person's life. All the pages in that journal were fabric. Lots of people ask if my journals are for using or if they are just to be kept as keepsakes.

All of my journals in the past have had pages that you can add to or sketch, write or journal in, including my latest one. I've been thinking though that I will also make a few 'Art Journals' for sale. Every page will be a piece of my art either on paper or fabric and they will vary in size, not sure if there will be any interest in them but I'll see what happens.

the front cover

side view

the front and back of the first signature

just a few of the pages

these two fabric pages still have to be stitched into the journal.

I've also added two new pairs of earrings to my Etsy

these are etched copper circles, with cut out shapes from an old Nestle tin, riveted to them

vintage pearl buttons and honey calcite beads

Thanks again for visiting and your lovely comments, also for supporting me in the 21 Secrets on-line workshop.

To find out more or register, just go to the 21 Secrets button in my side bar, or in the previous blog post

Red earrings

I spent yesterday making earrings and working on my latest fabric journal, which I hope will be completed this week. I've added two pairs of red earrings to my Etsy shop these would be great for Valentine's day or just to cheer you up and add a little colour to your life.

red czech glass hearts and roundel beads

more red czech glass roundels and czech glass 'carved' beads

Thank you so much to those of you who joined the 21 Secrets workshops through my blog, I really appreciate your support.

For those who would like to join please click on the 21 Secrets logo above.

It's amazing value 21 workshops with 21 individual teachers all for the grand total of $59

Each artist is paid an affiliate fee for the registrations that are made via their blog, so a big thank you if you go through mine.

Sneak Peak

This is just a sneak peak of part of the workshop I will be teaching on-line for 

21 SECRETS

It's amazing value 21 workshops with 21 individual teachers all for the grand total of $59.

You can participate in the workshops at your leisure, no pressure to have things completed, go at your own pace.

It runs from April 1, 2013 through to January 1, 2014

Each artist is paid an affiliate fee for the registrations that are made via their blog, so thank you if you go through mine.

Here's the LINK

part of my workshop

but wait, there's more (the Aussies will understand that phrase)

just enough to hopefully wet the appetite.

Thank you to those of you who have joined so far, via my blog, it will be a great journey.

21 Secrets are out of the bag

21 Secrets is now on sale for $59

This is an on-line self guided, art journaling workshop where you will learn from 21 amazing teachers. Each workshop will include at least one video, a pdf file, downloadable, and a discussion section.

It runs from April 1, 2013 through to January 1, 2014
All classes are available any time of day, any day of the week, between the dates above.  

Here are the fabulous teachers

For more details click HERE

I would love to see you there. 

Heatwave = sun = sun printing

We've been having heatwave conditions across the southern states of Australia. Yesterday was 41deg c here. Lots of sun means sun printing takes place, although the high temperatures usually mean strong northerly winds, which aren't always helpful when trying to anchor stencils onto fabric. Hot winds also mean bush fires, the dreaded part of summer. I hope all of our friends in Tassie are staying safe.

I use my own hand cut stencils and masks as well as commercial stencils.

These fabrics will be used in my journals. I cut them up and free motion stitch around the shapes, then add them to fabric pages or covers.

Thanks again to everyone who takes the time to visit and comment and also for the great response I've had to my Facebook page and to all of the likes. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

I'll also be teaching an on-line glass with the fabulous 21 Secrets group in April.

Click HERE for details

Happy New Year

I can't believe how quickly Christmas came and went.

It's January already. I'd like to wish everyone a 

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND CREATIVE 2013

We spent a few days over the new year with friends in Daylesford, a lovely little arty town in central Victoria. The weather was glorious. We visited a beautiful lavender farm 'Lavendula' in Hepburn. I've been there many times and back in the days when I painted, mainly in pastels, Lavendula was one of my favourite subjects. It's a little like being in France or Italy.

This is the original stone house on the property

another building converted into a cafe-restaurant

this old stone building houses the shop and museum, when you enter, the heady fragrance of lavender delights the senses.

the veggie garden had a magnificent display of artichokes

the colour was so intense, I took this photo in the shade to try and show their true blue/purple

there are rows and rows of many types of lavenders, all alive with busy bees.

the property is on quite a few acres and is a great attraction for overseas visitors.

this is the completed journal that was going into my Etsy shop, it didn't quite make it, it's now on it's way to WA, thank you Kerry.

I have more of my work on my Facebook page HERE