My Sunday

Well as they say, 'The best laid plans...'
I had planned on having a look at the Bead and Gem show, got all the way out there and there was only car racing on? So we decided to head on out to the Midland Markets and after speaking to the lady with the beading stall, found out that the show is on NEXT weekend! Duh!
Anyway, I picked up some lovely chain from the markets and we trotted over to the Rustic Gallery next door which has some amazing stuff, but alot that is too big for what I was looking for. I did pick up a few rusty pieces that I am sure I can find a use for.
Mum and I then went to a lovely ice-creamery before heading home. Not really how I intended to spend the day but highly enjoyably none the less!
Today all the kids are at school, husband is at work and I have a glorious day all to myself. Have been looking through Bernie Berlins ATC book and think I might have a play with some of the techniques that are in it. Some very cool background techniques. If I do manage to make anything I will post pics later.
Oh I forgot to add that there is rain in the air, makes me feel all creative and inspired! Love this time of year so much.

The lovely Lesley

I have been badly remiss in not posting about the lovely Lesley Riley. Unfortunately I was unable to sit in on any of Lesleys classes but all the girls who did were overwhelmed and extremely inspired. I have since been shown some amazing transfer techniques that I am itching to try out.
Lesley is a very professional, organized tutor and a kind, friendly person with incredible energy.
She had just organised and attended her daughters wedding before jetting over the ocaens to teach here in West Australia! We also had alot in common being Mum to large families!
Above are pics from Lesleys Fragment Doll class. The finished dolls were all very different and very beautiful. I can see lots of Artistic possibilities for these gorgeous dolls.....

An extra hour today

Well daylight savings officially ended at 3am, so I have gained an extra hour today, and what better day to gain it than on a lazy Sunday!!
I woke this morning to hoots and cheers as the 3 youngest played 'Deal or no Deal' and my eldest tried (in vain) to keep them quiet so I could have a sleep in. But, it is a beautiful Autumn day here in Perth and who wants to be lying around in bed??
Thankyou all who have left the lovely comments, that is another blessing, all the beautiful people I have met from the Retreat. I still have to pinch myself that we actually DID it!! In spite of all the hard work, stress and late nights, it was sooo worthwhile. The tutors were amazing, the classes inspiring and the delegates were an incredible bunch of women. Bring on 2008!! Not to mention Michael in December, I hope you are coming over too Judy!
Am going to try and get out to the Bead and Gem show today, I saw this fantastic stone frame charm that I desperately want to get my hands on, it's very Nina! Also want to get more beads and chain so I can start playing. Have a great Sunday!

Busy days ahead

It seems that each day is flying past in a blur and though I am so busy, I don't feel I am truly accomplishing anything. I guess because alot of my time has been involved in planning all the upcoming events and I am consumed with working in the future rather than enjoying the present.
So, this weekend I am going to step back and enjoy the moment. I am going to enjoy my wonderful husband who works so hard to keep us all going, my awesome, beautiful daughters... I love them all so much, my Dad... who has scared me with his illness, I want to show him how much I appreciate everything he does. And last but not least, my beautiful Mum. I could not ask for a more supportive, encouraging and loving Mum who has so much talent and inspires me every day.
These are all things that I am so grateful for.
How blessed am I?

The beautiful Nina Bagley!!

Where do I start to describe what an impact Nina has had on myself, Jacky and my daughter Samara? Maybe it is the similar personalities and sense of humour or maybe it is because Nina is just such an amazingly warm, kind and caring person that everyone is at total ease in her company? Who knows but all I can say is we miss her terribly now that she has gone back to America and we are counting down the days when we can get her back here!!
Unfortunately the photos of Nina are on the other computer so I will load those tomorrow but the pics above are from one of her workshops. I so wish I had been able to sit in on one of her classes, definately next time!
Nina has inspired me to delve in to the wonderful world of jewellery and I have started collecting all my bits and pieces to get started. More playing! WooHoo!
If you read this Nina.... fingers crossed we will see you sooner than expected!

Time to work and time to play!

Whilst I am busily planning the 2008 Retreat, Michaels workshops in December and plans to have Nina nad Michael back in Perth in 2008, I still managed to find a little time to play. Okay, Jacky insists that Thursdays are 'play days' now and I love it. The pics are of a series of 3 masks I am doing entitled 'The Good, the bad and the ugly' So far I have only started the good and the bad and they are still works in progress. Just waiting until I find the right bits to finish them off.
The first 2 masks are the 'Bad' and I had so much fun making thoses horns, you will never guess what they are made of! I then just had to paint the face in 'Serial Killer Red', a colour mix I learnt in Michaels class.
The last 2 pics are of the 'good', not quite sure what else I will add to that one.
The last mask, 'the ugly' is to be made from a full face mask but I haven;t started that one yet.
It felt so good to get messy again and away from the computer for a while. The next few weeks, months, years are going to be so busy!
Will post some more pics from the retreat now!

All about Michael

Michael deMeng is an incredibly talented artist, with a natural flair for teaching. He makes everyone in his class feel comfortable and above all, creative! Not to mention he is just a real nice guy!!
The thing I found interesting while sitting in on his classes was that every single student created a completely different piece of art work. Even though they may have all started out with similar base materials, ie, altoid tins, pez etc... the finished products were all incredibly varied. The pics show several pieces of completed work and a class in progress.
I have come away from these classes with a new appreciation for the humble liquid nails and so many new ways to use the beautiful Golden paints. Hoping to do some experimenting on my mask today.... Oh and finally I can justify my ever growing hordes of 'junk' and I shall never again throw the kids toys away without careful inspection of their artistic possibilites!
And Michael, if you happen to look here, I have put in a photo of my dearest husband so you can see he is not a mythical character!! You will get to meet him in December.

Finally some FREEEEE time

It has been a seriously busy hectic time but I finally have a little free time to chat!
ART JOURNEY RETREAT 2007
Okay, where do I start? It was absolutely AWESOME!!!! For all those who couldn't make it,I have to tell you that you really missed an unforgettable experience. All four tutors are amazingly talented, kind and refreshingly down to earth. We couldn't have asked for a better bunch for our Retreat debut!
Right now I am still coming down to earth from it all and gather my thoughts, all the while planning the next Retreat for Melbourne next year. I have loads of photos to edit and put on here so will try to get this done this afternoon. I am also revamping the website, particularly the retreat section. Will have all the photos put up for you to enjoy.
What a stinker of a week we have had in Perth! Three days of 42, yuck. WE finally had our airconditioner installed and have had lovely mild weather since!? Oh well, I am sure we will get plenty of use out of it NEXT Summer.
Jacky and I had a 'play day' on Thursday, which was fun. I finally completed my spread for a colour journal RR and Jacky finished her 2 Nina necklaces. I must admit to a growing fascination with jewellery and an itch to start making some of my own. Sort of a found art/Michael/Nina mix of sorts. Sounds confusing I know but the picture is very clear in my head. We are having another play day making shoe shrines and I also have plans of a mask in 'deMeng' style. Think I will start on that tomorrow whilst Michaels workshops are relatively fresh in my head.
Oh, heres some fantastic news..... Michael is coming back to Perth in December for book signings and more workshops, even a 2 day workshop that will include a trip to a salvage yard to pick up goodies to work with. How awesome is that?! We will also be having Nina back to Perth for a 5 day workshop. More info on both those events and the 2008 retreat as it comes to hand!
Well I better get those photos on to the computer so you can all have a sticky at them!
Have a relaxing 'arty' day all!