Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Quietly progressing....

Slowly does it....this is a particulary slow cloth, but I have managed to add some more fabric and some more stitching (click for closer look)...it is starting to flow a bit now. More stitching planned for the weekend. I have even added a few little wonky houses, houses are on my mind lately. So much inspiration from Jude Hill...note the layering of the fabrics. I dont have any sheer silks (yet!!!!) but have been working with what I have in my stash. Jude is running some wonderful online classes and yes, I'm signed up!
What a lovely surprise this week to receive a swap package from Mary Stanley of ArtSpirit in the mail. I just loved her owls and we decided to do a swap.... and now have my own "Woolly Owl". He is very dapper dont you think? He sits quietly chatting to a wee owl who is soon to fly overseas to a friend. Mary sent more wonderful goodies for me, but my photography this morning was not too good....everything was blurry when I checked it out tonight and too dark tonight take another. Maybe another time I will photograph them again.


Woolly owl by Mary Stanley.

I just love the art of Magaly Ohika of the Itsy Bitsy Spill and a little while back purchased this little set of painting (acrylic with charcoal on watercolour paper). I love the whimsy of her art. You should check out her blog, she is now making the most quirky and gorgeous pouchies....yes, have one on my 'wishlist'. Click on photo for a closer look.
I hope you have all had a lovely week!
TEACH LOVE,
FOR THAT IS
WHAT YOU ARE.
- GEORGE ELIOT -
Jacky xox


Friday, April 9, 2010

slowing down.....

I hope you all had a lovely Easter.... mine was nice and quiet. A chance to slow down a bit and get a few things done around the house, catch up with friends and family.
My lovely sister Lee give me this beautiful bunny which she bought from Oxfam, filled with my favourites....turkish delight Easter Eggs. My mother used to give me little bunnies for Easter and now that she is gone, my sister is continuing the tradition. I LOVE this little fellow. Also knowing my addiction to fabric, and loving Indian designs, Lee also gave me a beautiful book...V&A Pattern Indian Florals and some lovely peppermint tea from T2 ...thank you Lee!

Look at the beautiful design on the bunny...I think I might have to sketch him for my journal. I will share some patterns from the book on my blog soon, they are beautiful. I have been sitting with a cup of peppermint tea and enjoying them.

Shibori Girl Fabrics.
I've also been adding to my stash of fabrics lately. I have a new obsession, indigo fabrics. I bought this Boro'd and Blue pack from Glennis Dolce of Shibori Girl. Beautiful hand dyed indigo fabrics...I just love the penny moon....so soft.


Orime fabrics.
And these beautiful japanese kimono fabrics came from an etsy shop called Orime. Such quality fabrics... cottons, wools and wonderful service. I feel a japanese inspired project coming up.



I've also done a little dyeing myself this week. These two pieces were dyed using the leaves/fronds from a wattle tree and a small amount of onion skins. The marks on either end of the piece on the right were made by the bull dog clip I used to hold it all together. I was really pleased with the colour saturation on the piece on the right (cotton). The fabric on the left is a silk, polyester blend, lovely subtle colouring.
Although I've been quiet, I have still managed a little journalling over Easter and found some lovely blogs with beautiful Easter posts to inspire me.




Oops... a spelling mistake...plumage.... oh well! One blog I found over Easter with some lovely prints was that of Kyoko Imazu which I have included some images on my journal pages. See the beautiful tree above and the rabbit print below. I love her work.




Live in the sunshine,
Swim in the sea,
Drink the wild air.
- Emmerson -
Enjoy your weekend.
Jacky xox