More Christmas cards



Today I am.......

Thankful:  for the coolish breeze blowing through my house. It is nice having all the windows open.

Thankful:  that my oldest son has had a wonderful transition into highschool this year. Going into Yr 8 can be tough but he has handled it well and can say he enjoys school.

Thankful:  that this same son has made some good friends this year. He had a sleep over last weekend which gave us the opportunity to meet and get to know these new friends. He has found people who he can be himself around which is wonderful.  The boy we see everyday is the same boy his friends see too. I love that our son found kids who like him for who he is.

Thankful:  for two beautiful women who I am blessed to call friends. Women who know me, love me, nuture me, and encourage me. Women who help me see when I can't see. Women who notice me and take an interest in my life. Women who are mature and wise and who can look past their own issues to see the issues of others.These are rare to find.

Thankful: for the opportunity to sell some of my creative products in a new little shop in my area.

Thankful:  that it is only 12 more days till school holidays. I am so looking forward to spending lazy days with the kids and not feeling rushed or pressured.

Thankful:  for my husband and all he does to nuture and encourage my creative soul. Giving me space to explore this hidden side of me. Also for how hard he works to provide for his family and our needs and wants.

Thankful:  that we are getting a drum kit for Christmas. My kids have asked for a drum kit for 2 years now and we kept putting it off. This year we are ready for the noise. The older boys will begin drumming lessons in the new year and we are all very excited about this. We really are.

Thankful:  that I will be visiting my Dad soon. It will be so good to spend some time chatting and catching up. Love my Dad.

Thankful:  for all the projects I am making in the studio. Loving my new jewellery line. Loving my new tags. Loving the ideas that often keep me up late at night.

Thankful:  for the opportunity to make a cassowary costume for my 7 yr old son.  Sounds weird to be thankful but I haven't made one of these before and I am enjoying the challenge. It will be so much fun to see him doing the 'cassowary' dance at school.

Thankful:  that I have 2 parents who love and support me.

Thankful:  for 4 healthy delightful children who surround me with so much love I could burst. And also for a husband whose love and grace know no bounds. I love you all.



It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I haven't put the tree or decorations up yet. I haven't finished the Christmas shopping either. But the studio is swimming in Christmasness. Cards, tags and canvas art are being worked on daily and here is a small sample.


Stamp by Technique Tuesday



Handpainted

 

Handpainted 



Stamp by Technique Tuesday



Stamp by Hero Arts




Stamp by Hero Arts



Stamp by Hero Arts



Stamps by Hero Arts

Thanks for stopping by.



What's been happening.

I have been taking part in a number of online classess this year. Learning lots of techniques and gaining experience with mixed media. Trying to find my niche. One class I particularly liked was Jennifer McQuire's Inspiration Showcase online class. You can find it here. This class was full of techniques and new ways to use the supplies I already have.

Here is my miniture version of the one created by Jennifer.



Just talking to myself

I am tired

I am worn out

I am spent

I am empty

I am withdrawn

I am restless

I am...  not sure

Life is ticking along nicely but these thoughts seem to be in my head a lot lately. Could it be that I just need a really good holiday? Not the 'sit by the beach and read a book' kind but the 'go somewhere I have never been before and have an adventure' kind.

We are planning one to Tasmania next year and possibly Canberra too. But that seems so long away.

We are going for a short trip soon to see some really good friends and my Dad but this isn't really an adventure type of holiday.

I feel selfish and ungrateful for wanting more. For wanting something very specific, right now. But I can't help it. I love adventures and I love having them with my family.

Maybe we could fit one in just after Christmas when the world is recovering from all the food and festivities.
I might look into that.

Looking and planning might be just the remedy for me right now.  Oh I hope so.



Cards



Inspiration

I have always loved my garden. It was one of the features that drew us to this house. The previous owner created the garden and we reap the rewards today. Not only is it beautiful to look at, sit in, and enjoy but it is inspirational. The colours, textures and perfumes inspire me in the studio.
Here are a few delights inspiring me this week.



Petrea



Bougainvillea



Day Lily



Rose



Hibiscus



Aster



Gerbera



Gazania



Bougainvillea



Rose



Decorative Lantana



Climbing Rose





Kalbar Country Day

I awoke to thundery rain and my first thought was 'well it was a nice idea but a day at home listening to the rain is a nice alternative'. It was Saturday 15th Oct and it was meant to be Kalbar Country Day. I had a stall planned and it looked like it was a wash out.
First things first though. Coffee then a quick look at the Bureau of Meteorology. The rain was clearing and Country Day was back on. I was fortunate to have an inside stall so there would be no setting up a gazebo on wet, soggy ground. Yay.

Sarah and I had a great day. We met lots of new people, had some interesting chats, received custom orders and of course sold a heap of lovely creations.
Now it is time to get back into the studio and create some more.