Counting down....

It is 4 sleeps until Kalbar Country Day. And still so much to do. However, I have come to the realisation that all the ideas swimming around in my head will not be produced just yet. Because country day falls just 3 days after my last uni exam there just hasn't been the time to create all that I am dreaming about. Those ideas are filed away for another day.

Below is a selection of what I have been creating whilst on a study break or late at night when I can't sleep.

I do love to create and feel blessed to have this avenue for soul restoration.



Cute cards

Sometimes a cute, simple card is all that is required.



Hand painted journals

I've been having some fun painting journal covers. I feel way out of my comfort zone but I am loving the chance to experiment with new mediums and develop new skills.

Sarah and I have been experimenting with canvas bags. We especially love the Donna Downey canvas tote bags. You can find them here and here. I am still in the process of making mine but Sarah has finished hers and she wanted to share.

Sarah simply cut the squares of co-ordinating fabric and glued them onto the bag with quick dry adhesive. She then choose a matching trim and attached that with the same glue. Sarah also attached a cute flower. Voila!  One cute, altered tote bag.





Today I am.....

Relived:  that my 2 week stint of nursing prac is finished. Full time work does not excite me at all. As much as I love nursing I love being a wife and mum much more.  I am much happier being able to do a 'little' outside the home work and 'lots' of inside the home loving.

Cold:  yes that's right. It is 1.30 pm,  October in southest QLD Australia and cold. The wind is blowing and cold. Not at all something that occurs here at this time of the year. Not that I am complaining. I actually love the cold and the longer summer holds off the better I think.

Agitated:  within my soul. Not sure why. Just agitated. Life is good and ticking along nicely but my soul is unsettled and agitated and arrgh..........

Frustrated:  that our dreams are on hold and not knowing why.

Peaceful:  knowing God is totally in control which cancels out the previously  forementioned frustrations when I let it.

Grateful:  for a husband who loves and cares way beyond my expectations and does so graciously and patiently.

Blessed:  to be a mother of 4 delightful children who bring so much joy to my life every single day. This is not a biased or exaggerated statement. I really do enjoy them and delight in them.

Wishing:  the school holidays were not over. I love lazy mornings with the kids having pyjama days,  playing board games and having adventures. 

Satisfied:  with my life and all that makes it what it is.



Cards and Journals

I am on a 2 week clinical placement at the moment and don't have a lot of time for creativity. Between spending time with the kids, keeping up with some housework amd washing, cuddling my husband and doing study and assessments there is practically zero time left for playing n the studio.

Before I started prac I had made these cards and altered some journals. They didn't take a lot of time so I think I will make some more for the markets (which are in 19 days).

Tomorrow I have a date with my daughter to spend the morning in the studio (before I go to work). I think a few more journals will be on my to-do list.



Our spring friend

Last year a spotted turtle dove made a nest in our petrea which is right underneath our front window. It is a fabulous spot for us to observe new life. Last year the bird had 2 eggs which she guarded until they hatched. We kept an eye on our bird and her eggs everyday and were delighted when the eggs hatched and 2 new spotted turtle doves were born. Fluffy, small and perfect.

Imagine our delight when we opened our front window the other day and a spotted turtle dove was back in the nest. We don't know if it is the same dove but we can assume it is.

Isn't she beautiful. We haven't seen what she is sitting on yet however we are waiting in anticipation for a look and to see new life birthed again.



Today I am....

Wishing:  I didn't have to do 2 weeks clinical placement whilst my children are on school holidays. I usually love the holidays and even though I will be around between shifts it just won't be quite the same.

Grateful:  that Steve supports me and my dreams and has re-arranged his life to be the at-home-Dad while I am off playing nurse.

Remembering:  the great fellowship we have had this weekend with William and Esther. So refreshing to hang out with like minded people sharing our collective dreams.  We can't wait for them to move closer.

Wondering:  how it could be half way through September already. I am sure it was only February last time I looked at the calender.

Frustrated:  about the ever growing to-do list that never seems to get shorter. Why is that??

Smiling:  as I see the new growth appearing in my garden and looking forward to what else is to come.

Reminiscing: about the delicious lemon-meringue pie I made on Saturday and wishing I had made two as it is now all gone.



Inspiration

I love it when the kids come into the studio to play. I am quite happy for them to use most of my supplies as long as they ask first, use it correctly and put it away again.
Sarah is usually in the studio the most, however the other day Timmy decided he wanted to make some items to sell at the markets.

Here is what he made

He says he was inspired by the card I had made. 

I think his creations are adorable just like he is.



Fabric and paint.

I had a lot of fun creating these cards. Working with 2 of my favourites:  fabric and paint.  I used muslin and acrylic paint. Mixing colours and sponging it onto the muslin. I love how the muslin frays so nicely. Once the paint was dry I stamped with black ink and attached the muslin to white card with some small brads.  I really enjoyed making these cards.