Bedraggled.....

I have had visitors staying with us since early December and my last visitors left today.....I loved having them stay, but I am sooooo looking forward to some family time and some me time again. Play with my paints, do some stitching and some knitting.....

Hidden Among Trees by Ton Schulten (Dutch artist).

Last year I ordered a book of the art of Ton Schulten. I saw some of his work when doing a class with Elizabeth Armstrong and was instantly drawn to it. The wonderful colours, the blocks of colour and that almost patchwork look (something I am always drawn too).

How exciting....it arrived in the post last week. I just love it!!!!

I have embarked on a slow quilt project this year. I am continually inspired by the work of Jude Hill at Spirit Cloth. Take a visit and see her wonderful story quilts and slow cloths....I love to visit, it really nourishes my creative soul. I think my quilt will be inspired by the art of Ton Schulten, Jude Hill and Lynne Hoppe. Throughout the year I will post some pictures of how it is 'slowly' progressing.

I am still enjoying my journalling (although I dont journal as regularly as I plan). I am also using the journal to record thoughts and ideas for my quilt as well as life in general. I love to record everyday life and try and include some of my doodles and drawings...usually done while visiting blogs or taking phone calls.

And this (below).... this is the 'beginning' on my slow cloth....the little nine patch is my start! I found it difficult to actually just start the quilt. I think maybe I overplan, overthink everything. I had been jotting down ideas etc. for the past year....

Sooo.... I just decided to grab some fabrics that I had in my sewing basket near my chair and just make a nine patch. At least then I had made a beginning. I know it will be a slow journey and I am looking forward to that, that there will be no pressure, just enjoy the stitching.

And.... look at the lovely new neo color crayons I bought last weekend... they are my absolute favourite art supply I think! I just love adding to my little collection of colours.

My sister Lee had given me a voucher to an art supply shop in Melbourne for Christmas and it was burning a whole in my pocket. So, Saturday we decided to have a girls day out.... a beautiful lunch and then off for art supplies. I came home with my beautiful crayons, some lovely Dutch gouache and some lovely water colour paper. I felt very spoilt and loved. Thank you Lee, we always have such a wonderful time together!

Anyways......I hope you have all had a wonderful January.

Inside the book

between the lines.

Was a place to rest

and absorb the magic.

-Sark-

Jacky xox

Bliss .....

While my mother in law was staying with us over Christmas, we took a week down at Lakes Entrance staying at a friends holiday house......BLISS. We had 180 degree views of the lakes and the ocean from our huge balcony and the most perfect weather. Not too hot, not too cold....25-30 celcius each day. We sat out on our balcony or at the big table sketching and painting. We dined out at local eateries on fresh seafood.....many visits to the co-op to pick up prawns, oysters, fish freshly caught that morning and we *shopped*. It was lovely to go to sleep each night listening to the sound of the ocean and watching the fishing boats coming and going. View from our balcony overlooking the golf course, lake entrance and the ocean.

View from another angle. The home is called "The Crows Nest" and the views were fantastic.

I have taken other photos of the lovely sunsets from our balcony in the evenings, but somehow messed up while downloading them....will try again soon and show you some more.

Eastern Beach entrance. Norma and I didnt get to walk along the beaches much as she has lung issues....but here's a glimpse. My husband and I are going to try and get back their in the next few weeks as I want to walk along the beaches and find sea glass, shells, pieces of driftwood and all of those lovely treasures that the sea brings forth.


Remember this little fellow? He has been named Grunchen by my little art friend Svea in Germany.

He has arrived.....the above photo, thanks to Lawendula , is of Grunchen in his new home. You must visit Lawendula's blog to see what her daughter Svea has made for Grunchen to keep him warm in his new abode....check out her flickr photos to see his sweet little sleeping bag. He is "loved", I am very happy!

I am hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I am looking forward to this bright New Year.....

Sing a song of surrender.

Leave your bags.

Lift your self up.

- Sark -

Enjoy your week.

Jacky xox

Full moon...New Year....

The New Year is upon us already.... how time seems to fly these days! I havent been very busy stitching over the Christmas and New Year ... too much socialising and preparations. I have had my MIL staying the past two weeks, and she will be with for another couple of weeks so we have been out and about too. The only thing I have done is this little owl which is now winging its way to Europe to a young artist that I know loves owls...hope she likes this little fellow.

I havent really made any New Years Resolutions as such. I will keep it simple, I am just going to try and be positive and happy.... I think good things happen when you are! I have made lists other years with such good intentions, but I get a bit overwhelmed and it goes by the wayside.


Thank you so much to the wonderful friends I have made through this blog and my art ... your visits, comments and friendship are so very much appreciated. I look forward to visiting your blogs throughout the New Year and look forward to the friendship and inspiration I always receive.

"And now let us believe in the New Year that is given us ...new, untouched, full of things that have never been."

-Rainer Maria Rilke -

Wishing you all a year filled with love, peace, happiness and joy!

Jacky xox