tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41062765685706641822024-03-12T19:51:56.946-07:00The DoilyDoilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-13388548556671982772011-05-17T22:03:00.000-07:002011-05-17T22:04:23.738-07:00The Ballarat Small Works Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This week Marcia and I have a very exciting announcement to make, after plotting and planning for several months we are now very proud to be able to announce </span>the inaugural Ballarat Small Works Prize!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJK6xerIPnk/TdNHSmz9ySI/AAAAAAAAANI/0nteZVf-Pkk/s1600/poster-+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJK6xerIPnk/TdNHSmz9ySI/AAAAAAAAANI/0nteZVf-Pkk/s640/poster-+small.jpg" border="0" height="640" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The concept is an oldie but a goodie, works submitted are to be no more than 30 x 30cm, in any medium but ready to hang on the wall. A panel of judges will pick the winner of a $500 value voucher for services at <a href="http://www.ruadvertising.com.au/">RU Advertising</a>, Ballarat. (Thanks RU!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are accepting submissions now, visit the <a href="http://redbrickgallery.com.au/smallworks">website</a> for a downloadable application form. Submissions are only $15 per artwork, max of 5 works per artist. All entries will be displayed in the show which will be opening on the 9th of July. You gotta be in it to win it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Horray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Steph</div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-1271122341529629812011-05-10T21:59:00.001-07:002011-05-10T21:59:43.458-07:00Hints and tips from Marce<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> Tips Part 1. Successful Art Openings. </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Hello, </span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin-top: 3.75pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Every day is a school day, and this week we are sharing some of the things we have learnt since we have been artists and more recently gallery owners.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin-top: 3.75pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN"> </span><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Marcia is an experienced artist with a whole gamut of shows under her belt and shares some tips on exhibiting!</span><b><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin-top: 3.75pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Tips for Successful Art Openings</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">"I’ve written some of my thoughts in regards to Exhibition openings. Some of it relates directly to Red Brick and how you can make a Red Brick exhibition work best, but I think most of it can be applied to all exhibitions. For some of you what I have written will be obvious, for others it will be the information you have been waiting for. Some of you will disagree with what I have written and that’s OK. I certainly don’t claim my thoughts to be the only way to approach exhibiting and there is much more to think about and do for a successful opening than what I’ve included here. However, now I’m an owner of a gallery I want to help break down the barriers between the gallery owner and the artist. I want to pass on the information to help artists exhibit and have a successful exhibition and I figured this was a good place to start.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U61nUgPutW0/TcoLfa36IZI/AAAAAAAAAMo/nVVklXe1COk/s1600/robyn%252C+noirin+and+alison.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U61nUgPutW0/TcoLfa36IZI/AAAAAAAAAMo/nVVklXe1COk/s400/robyn%252C+noirin+and+alison.JPG" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">An art opening at an art gallery is always a momentous occasion. The atmosphere is festive; the art is fresh and new. Everyone from the artist to the gallery owner is optimistic about the prospects for healthy sales and favorable reviews. In a sense, the art will never look as good as it does during its opening, and as such, this particular circumstance always represents an opportunity for significant advancement in an artist's career. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">A successful art opening creates a buzz in the art community, not only about the art and the artist, but also about the gallery. The better the opening, the more people talk; word spreads and subsequent attendance at the show increases. And we all know that the more people who see the art, the greater the chances of making sales. With these facts in mind, the following pointers are designed to make your openings successful in terms of publicity, attendance, and sales. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">The best way to make your art opening work for you is to create, in advance, a level of anticipation that encourages as many people to come and see your art as possible. Craft a compelling announcement or press release, disseminate it as widely within the art and general community as possible-- typically at online art and event websites-- and make sure that everyone sees it in plenty of time to make plans to attend your show. This announcement should be clearly written (so that ordinary people can understand it) and contain two to three paragraphs of two to three sentences each-- nothing more-- keep it simple. In addition to events websites, email it to relevant local arts organizations, newspapers that list local events, and any local radio or TV stations or shows that regularly cover on local arts and culture happenings (including community access channels). </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wDR6lYn56w/TcoM3OsiXNI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Nfzf5ZGVQXY/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wDR6lYn56w/TcoM3OsiXNI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Nfzf5ZGVQXY/s640/IMG_0009.jpg" border="0" height="219" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Red Brick will send press releases to local newspapers, register your events on community event pages and publicize your show on face book, blogs, through newsletters and the website. But follow up all these avenues personally as well. Submit your own press releases to the local paper, they sometimes respond much better to an artist than the gallery itself. Send your CV and artist statement to Red Brick as early as you can. The sooner we have this information the sooner we can promote you. We send information weeks in advance to some places in the hope that your show might fit into a special event planned or it suits a topic they are exploring within their publication. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAo-KcDSqo/TcoMhvjfRCI/AAAAAAAAAMw/PmJDtp6abzA/s1600/Frankie-Jess+Bellman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAo-KcDSqo/TcoMhvjfRCI/AAAAAAAAAMw/PmJDtp6abzA/s640/Frankie-Jess+Bellman.jpg" border="0" height="523" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">People love pictures, being an artist myself and one who does a lot of work right near the deadline I can understand you may not have a lot of images to send, but as soon as you have them even 2 or 3, send them to the gallery, include them with the press releases you send out. People may love a picture we post of your work and this may encourage them to come to the opening or even purchase your work. Press publications also like to put a face to a story, provide images of yourself also! The more of the work you do, the more likely it is that your exhibition will grab the attention of the media and potential guests for your opening!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Tell us about your accomplishments, this is your time to dig deep and find some inner courage and talk about yourself or write about yourself which is what I find easier. The more we know about you leading up to and during your exhibition the better we can help sell your work and promote you as an artist. I have been caught out a few times where customers have asked me questions about exhibiting artists but I don’t know the answers, this is because Artists can be shy and a bit aloof. We understand you are shy and may have trouble discussing your work but try and at least share your ideas and thoughts with the gallery owners, if they know the answers they may be able to do the hard work for you. But share and share openly, don’t make it hard and don’t wait for lots of questions from the gallery.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Also get to know and schmooze media people like critics or art writers, no matter how small or insignificant their publications or websites or how much you disagree with their views. You want your shows to be reviewed, so make sure you know your local reviewers and chat them up at your opening. Publicity is always good, no matter where it appears or what it says. When someone writes about you, that means you're worth writing about. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Make sure all art is priced and the gallery has your price list early. Make sure you consider the galleries commission before pricing and include that in your price. During your exhibition make sure your resume and prices are visible and within easy reach of anyone who wants to learn more about you and your art. Always include the title, size, medium and price on your price list. Some people want to know if it’s going to fit their walls. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MPFmcuiDjw/TcoLdJ4BILI/AAAAAAAAAMk/xYggpg8Hohg/s1600/krystle%252C+jac%252C+abbey+and+phil.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MPFmcuiDjw/TcoLdJ4BILI/AAAAAAAAAMk/xYggpg8Hohg/s400/krystle%252C+jac%252C+abbey+and+phil.JPG" border="0" height="400" width="318" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Some more tips.... </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">ALWAYS sign your work, it shows a level of pride, ownership but also adds value to your work. </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Label your work accurately. If you are exhibiting prints, that’s fine but include 'digital print' for example in the description. The buyer is less likely to want your piece if you say it’s pencil in the description but it’s really a digital print. People will lean more commonly to original one off pieces when buying but will often buy prints if it’s clearly stated and that print is editioned</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Take pride in the presentation of your work. That doesn’t mean always professionally framing work etc, it just means really look at it before putting it on the wall. Make sure there’s no hair under the glass (been there lol)... make sure the image sits in the frame nicely. Make sure it’s ready to hang, not just for the galleries sake but for the purchaser sake. Wire on the back through two eyelet’s on either side of the frame is the best way to prepare your work for hanging. Even if you are using cute little ‘found’ frames... put wire on the back. Those tiny little clips on the back just don’t really work and make it hard to hang.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8lR5cfBb7g/TcoIg01e2dI/AAAAAAAAAMY/4s1J-gEdUCo/s1600/CIMG4180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8lR5cfBb7g/TcoIg01e2dI/AAAAAAAAAMY/4s1J-gEdUCo/s400/CIMG4180.JPG" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Art buyers who see an artist's work for the first time and who like it would rather review prices and career accomplishments in private than ask about them. First, they want to decide whether they can afford the art. Those who can afford it and who are impressed by your resume will then speak with you, your agent or the gallery owners. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Be on time to your opening.Your visitors are your customers, you are hosting this party so be there to welcome your guests. Create atmosphere, complimentary drinks and nibbles need not be expensive but can make the difference between securing a sale or not. Also think about how you wish your guests to feel about your work, would a musician or playlist help create that?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxrnD-cP8DE/TcoLbkEdEwI/AAAAAAAAAMg/7VcS3wy0dsg/s1600/josh-opening.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxrnD-cP8DE/TcoLbkEdEwI/AAAAAAAAAMg/7VcS3wy0dsg/s320/josh-opening.JPG" border="0" height="320" width="253" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Be available to speak with anyone who shows any level of interest in your art. Don't make yourself difficult to access by surrounding yourself with friends and acquaintances; you can see them anytime. The new people-- the first timers-- these are the ones who you should be talking to. The better people understand your art and the deeper the connection they feel to you, the more inclined they are to buy. So get out there and mingle. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmpq27uSEyw/TcoLiM-hlqI/AAAAAAAAAMs/pcIg43HPFhw/s1600/terence+and+noirin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmpq27uSEyw/TcoLiM-hlqI/AAAAAAAAAMs/pcIg43HPFhw/s400/terence+and+noirin.JPG" border="0" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">By the way, walking up and introducing yourself to someone who's seriously studying your prices or looking at your art is perfectly acceptable, but be sensitive to the viewers and be careful not to overstay your welcome. Also make sure that everyone selling your art has been briefed on your career, has access to your resume, can speak knowledgeably about your selling prices, and can refer to your past sales, successful shows, names of people or institutions that already own your art, and similar hard art market facts. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Now get out there and make a name for yourself!"</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 15.6pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;" lang="EN">-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";" lang="EN">Marce</span></span></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-80959733796232401852011-05-02T21:44:00.000-07:002011-05-02T21:45:06.320-07:00I love my MumAnd I'm telling the world!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9kAOpuhqrU/Tb-EgNsgy-I/AAAAAAAAAMM/i_eMIzbToMU/s1600/201763_2050822712192_1293232241_32524103_4175394_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9kAOpuhqrU/Tb-EgNsgy-I/AAAAAAAAAMM/i_eMIzbToMU/s400/201763_2050822712192_1293232241_32524103_4175394_o.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImHHo86SLJ0/Tb-FbsydaiI/AAAAAAAAAMU/5rIGIaKv_xE/s1600/tattoo+window.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImHHo86SLJ0/Tb-FbsydaiI/AAAAAAAAAMU/5rIGIaKv_xE/s640/tattoo+window.jpg" border="0" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>I also think your Mum is pretty rad too! To prove it we are offering 10% off your purchase this weekend if you bring your Mum! Alternatively, purchase a gift for your Mum and the discount still applies!Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-60289905892486686652011-04-20T21:19:00.001-07:002011-04-20T21:22:51.122-07:00Bottled Magic!<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have pink hair. Very pink hair. My hair is so pink that people often ask if Im wearing a wig. Thats pretty damn pink.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597886861243341890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkxLy7Ri_Nw/Ta-wcQE8XEI/AAAAAAAABVg/lie6hnCj2G8/s400/Steph%2B-Courier%2Bimage.jpg" />Those in the hair-dying-know often ask how I get it so.... pink! They also ask how long it lasts. Thats because if you have ever entered the world of uber-bright hair dying you will know that it's tricky getting a vibrant colour, but its even trickier getting it to last beyond a couple of washes! Not me. My neon pink stays shockingly bright for about 5 weeks, and thats including lots of shampoo-ing, swimming in dams, and other hair-colour abusive behaviours! After those 5 weeks are up its time to colour the re-growth and refresh the rest with a new sploge of dye.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597887152340045922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YP7sBieA8A/Ta-wtMfzkGI/AAAAAAAABVo/H51vO9pU8HA/s400/hair%2Bdye.jpg" />So I have decided to share the bright-colour love and we are now stocking a very limited range of Special Effects hair colours. This brand is the BOMB! I use 'Atomic Pink' and one bottle of this will last me 2 dying sessions it's so strong (AND it glows in UV light, how cool is that!?) Usually I buy my colour in from the USA as its not readily available in Australia, but now we are stocking a small range of colour instore.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597887400551600514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vc9OS_8Id0g/Ta-w7pKDUYI/AAAAAAAABVw/teVidhgAhvo/s400/dyeswatches.jpg" />We currently have in stock Wildflower, Blue Haired Freak, Purple Smoke, Sonic Green, Limelight and Hot Lava. Get it while it's hot! Seriously, this stuff is magic in a bottle!<br />Have a great Easter weekend!<br />Steph xxx </div></div></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-52992961627771913002011-04-14T19:29:00.000-07:002011-04-14T19:30:40.930-07:00A Fluro love affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifEtxHgeDeQ/TaEpk_EHVrI/AAAAAAAAALQ/TTaVry0iTKE/s1600/CIMG4215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifEtxHgeDeQ/TaEpk_EHVrI/AAAAAAAAALQ/TTaVry0iTKE/s320/CIMG4215.JPG" border="0" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It feels so wrong, but oh so right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yvU9dctcG8/TaEph9sx2DI/AAAAAAAAALI/Lk_D3SlMoig/s1600/CIMG4211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yvU9dctcG8/TaEph9sx2DI/AAAAAAAAALI/Lk_D3SlMoig/s400/CIMG4211.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I can't help myself. There is something about the way the colours make my eyes tingle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6pFLGkU-B8/TaEpjm6MCEI/AAAAAAAAALM/qJvETcGjzUQ/s1600/CIMG4214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6pFLGkU-B8/TaEpjm6MCEI/AAAAAAAAALM/qJvETcGjzUQ/s640/CIMG4214.JPG" border="0" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 of my favourite things, garden gnomes, fluro paint and making window displays! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are an artist and think you might be interested in designing a window at Red Brick you should get in touch. Today our Gnomes are witnessing the opening of Jessica Bellmans show 'Mememto' from 6pm tonight. This morning the lovely Margie from the ABC online popped in to interview Jess and I can't wait for her to upload the interview so I can check it out! I shall update with the link as soon as I can!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy Friday!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Steph</span>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-7420882585892090872011-04-13T18:55:00.000-07:002011-04-13T18:57:05.997-07:00Lady Bellman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGf-BE6rSP4/TaZNHvJDk8I/AAAAAAAAALw/PzP8jIUfRDk/s1600/197964_160513910673412_149116438479826_353864_408321_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGf-BE6rSP4/TaZNHvJDk8I/AAAAAAAAALw/PzP8jIUfRDk/s640/197964_160513910673412_149116438479826_353864_408321_n.jpg" border="0" width="452" height="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have said it before, and I will say it again,one of the best bits of being part of Red Brick is the amazing and talented people I meet on a daily basis and Jess Bellman has to be one of my faves!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Favouritism may be wrong</span>, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but this girl really doesn't give me an option, and I am extremely excited about her exhibition beginning tomorrow and have been taking a sneak-peek at her work in progress shots on her <a href="http://jessica-bellman.com/">website</a>.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDeSqC0Aekg/TaZLHRw7g6I/AAAAAAAAALk/pyrJfT1t9g4/s1600/181546_151937981531005_149116438479826_301402_8210203_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDeSqC0Aekg/TaZLHRw7g6I/AAAAAAAAALk/pyrJfT1t9g4/s640/181546_151937981531005_149116438479826_301402_8210203_n.jpg" border="0" width="640" height="394" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Her paintings are seriously beautiful, but boy, they are a little thrillingly creepy too! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you seen our <a href="http://redbrickgallery.com.au/">website</a>? I LOVE it! I will fess-up that some of it is still a little clunky as we are still learning how to use it! I do however, feel seriously indebted to the very talented Jess Bellman and her wonderful hubby Glenn who designed it for us. Its not very often that you get to work with someone who gets your vision in an instant and turns that vision into something a thousand times better! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">As well as exhibiting with us, Jess also has some design action going on with her equally talented hubby Glen, they do graphic design, websites n other great stuff and you can find them <a href="http://redbrickgallery.com.au/">here</a>.</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To top it all off, Jess will be giving away one of her original oil paintings on her opening night tomorrow! Wow! To win, find Jess at her opening and quote "Great googly woogly!". How ace is that!?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofi4ezYhpTM/TaZSaOmhzHI/AAAAAAAAAL0/rE2SYGKfzxQ/s1600/215386_165470330177770_149116438479826_383252_6280955_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofi4ezYhpTM/TaZSaOmhzHI/AAAAAAAAAL0/rE2SYGKfzxQ/s640/215386_165470330177770_149116438479826_383252_6280955_n.jpg" border="0" width="276" height="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here is the piece entitled 'I'm with you' that's up for grabs!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jess's show opens this Friday the 15th at 6pm and runs until the 28th of April. See you there!<br /><br />Steph<br /></span>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-56952392418459958222011-04-09T21:19:00.000-07:002011-04-09T21:20:12.687-07:00Handmade love<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> Handmade love </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I seriously can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than hanging out watching a movie. Actually. I can. An afternoon watching a movie about craft, feminism and political activism, with creative people, in a beautiful building, with an opportunity to meet the film maker, who is lovely, and friendly and answered lots of interesting questions!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmAkf-Dl9cU/TaEr36OYBAI/AAAAAAAAALg/Y84gCVhJ81g/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmAkf-Dl9cU/TaEr36OYBAI/AAAAAAAAALg/Y84gCVhJ81g/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" width="320" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IV2hcZ8BVHY/TaErbFGqthI/AAAAAAAAALY/zBWhZoaxPiA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seriously, it doesn't get better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSB4BhoAPk0/TaErbqdAzmI/AAAAAAAAALc/MMZ_n3JIeKA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSB4BhoAPk0/TaErbqdAzmI/AAAAAAAAALc/MMZ_n3JIeKA/s320/photo+3.JPG" border="0" width="320" height="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you, thank you, thank you Anna for an amazing, inspiring and stimulating day! You can buy Anna's film 'Making it Handmade' on DVD </span><a href="http://poisonappleproductions.bigcartel.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. Do DVD players have a 'repeat' button?!</span>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-90070449311026493412011-03-29T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-29T19:56:39.624-07:00Super-special fim showing!<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdAamqKwfSI/TZKZvh3RN-I/AAAAAAAAALE/okDJjk_WRUw/s1600/Making+it+Handmade+Poster+copy.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdAamqKwfSI/TZKZvh3RN-I/AAAAAAAAALE/okDJjk_WRUw/s640/Making+it+Handmade+Poster+copy.jpg" style="" border="0" width="462" height="640" /></a></div><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am very excited! </p><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am helping to host a film showing of a documentary on the rise of Contemporary Crafting and all those rad Melbourne chicks that have been movin' and a shakin' the nanna crafts!</p><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </p><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The showing will feature a Q and A session with the film maker Anna Brownfield herself!<br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </p><p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, without further ado, here are some words about the film by Anna...<br /></p> <div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" class="info"> <p> </p><p>After a sell our screening at Melbourne International Film Festival, "Making it Handmade" will be screening in Ballarat!</p><p> </p> <p>A seditious and subversive subculture is gaining momentum in Melbourne. But rather than wielding megaphones and placards, they’re cross-stitching slogans on hurricane wire and constructing plush female genitalia from craft supplies.</p> <p> </p><p>Following four Melbourne women who’ve taken a seemingly staid past-time and injected it with a youthful, modern aesthetic, filmmaker Anna Brownfield shows a side of craft more closely aligned with punk DIY culture than with Martha Stewart and ‘home sweet home’ tapestries.</p> <p> </p><p>“I wanted to show that craft was no longer daggy but had moved into a new era and was being reclaimed by women who had been brought up as feminists.” – filmmaker Anna Brownfield</p> <p>Filmmaker Anna Brownfield, who was born and breed in Ballarat will be on hand to introduce the film and answer all your questions afterward.</p> <p> </p><p>Where: 14 Camp St, Ballarat (the old masonic hall)</p> <p>When: Saturday 9th April 2011</p> <p>Time: 3pm, doors open at 2:30pm</p> <p>Don't miss out, book your ticket today.</p> </div> <p style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can get your ticket </span><a style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" href="http://poisonappleproductions.bigcartel.com/product/making-it-handmade-ballarat-screening">here</a><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. And I will see you there for an afternoon of mingling with crafty types! </span>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-26073549617683937502010-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:002010-11-16T21:31:42.016-08:00My New Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TONofNEo1lI/AAAAAAAABVI/hbmbNLfvz3g/s1600/cassette-tape%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TONofNEo1lI/AAAAAAAABVI/hbmbNLfvz3g/s400/cassette-tape%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540386851890189906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have some exciting news.<br />The voice that is Doily is re-locating due to some exciting changes, you will now find me at <a href="http://theredbrick.blogspot.com/">theredbrick.blogspot.com</a> where I will be nattering on about the latest developments at my new gallery and shop!<br />Yes, I did say gallery and shop! Red Brick gallery and emporium will be opening in Ballarat in December and will be showing the best emerging artists and featuring super-duper independent design-wares and other great stuff!<br /><br />I know, its a long way removed form a skating rink but life brings challenges and along with them come opportunities too exciting to miss out on! I will be working with the ever-clever and talented Marcia King and our new blog will be bringing you up-dates on our progress.<br /><br />Rennovations on our 2 story space begin on Dec 1st and we are currently seeking submissions from artists as well as products to stock so if you are, or know someone who may be, interested get in touch with us at hello@redbrickgallery.com.au and lets have a chinwag!<br /><br />Oh golly... really, the excitement! See you at the <a href="http://theredbrick.blogspot.com/">Red Brick</a>!Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-40701011262565953512010-10-06T13:54:00.000-07:002010-10-06T15:47:16.377-07:00InconsistentThe time I used to spend pottering in blogland have been replaced with living. With becoming Prez of my roller derby league, falling in love, plotting and planning for the future and hibernating over winter, I have had very little inclination to blog. Sometimes there is just too little, or too much to say.<br />My ex partner and friend Simon died recently from a head injury he received in a brawl. That morning my world got a whole lot emptier. The next day I sat with and his family in the hospital and said goodbye, he was warm, and machines made him breath, but everything that made him Simon was gone. I spent a long time that day trying to memorise everything about him, the dirt under his nails, his one grey chest hair, the feel of his skin, the hairs on his arm. I dreamed of him last night and even in my dream I was sad because I knew he was gone.<br />But this week, the sun has been shining, the garlic has been shooting up in my new veggie patch and I am regaining my equilibrium. I'm still all kinds of ups and downs but I'm able to cope with normal everyday things like showering and washing dishes. I think it's important to see the best in even crappy events so today I see I am lucky.<br />I am lucky to never have lost someone so close to me before. I am lucky that after several years with him, I am not going through the trauma of losing a partner, just losing a loved friend. I am lucky to have someone to support me through this time with love and affection. I am lucky I got to say goodbye, in a way. I am lucky to be able to forgive.<br />So today I will try not to be sad, a little less sad anyway, and look at the best in life. Here are some things that are cheering me up today.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKzwKOUTxxI/AAAAAAAABUY/Rcu7LSLClgU/s1600/hair.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKzwKOUTxxI/AAAAAAAABUY/Rcu7LSLClgU/s400/hair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525054901309392658" border="0" /></a>My pink, pink hair. (Note to self, pink+orange=not good)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz33oWeHzI/AAAAAAAABUg/PTmCbZJqBHg/s1600/095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz33oWeHzI/AAAAAAAABUg/PTmCbZJqBHg/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525063377973288754" border="0" /></a>The garden in bloom, for pretty things to wake up to.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz34cXURnI/AAAAAAAABUo/K4JYtPSaLco/s1600/101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz34cXURnI/AAAAAAAABUo/K4JYtPSaLco/s400/101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525063391935481458" border="0" /></a>New to me op-shop eiderdown bought for me, by him.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz344mAYCI/AAAAAAAABUw/hXk6x0tUnNA/s1600/102.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TKz344mAYCI/AAAAAAAABUw/hXk6x0tUnNA/s400/102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525063399513284642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My latest project, derby inspired embroidery<br /></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-51707890756760988862010-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:002010-09-21T04:45:09.505-07:00Simon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TJial2S4GfI/AAAAAAAABUQ/c1KgNJ8oi6g/s1600/xmas+08+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TJial2S4GfI/AAAAAAAABUQ/c1KgNJ8oi6g/s400/xmas+08+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519331318363068914" /></a><br />You were my best friend, I loved you. I refuse to say nice things about you because you are gone. But I will say things that are true.<br /><br />You pissed me off, you drove me mad, you were grumpy and short tempered and selfish when you wanted to be. If someone asked for your help you begrudged it.<br />But if someone NEEDED your help you were there, you would travel oceans for the people you cared about, and sometimes even those you didn't. I once told you you wouldn't do anything for nothing, but you proved me wrong over and again.<br /><br />But I do know that's what you wanted us all to think. You said you were a rock. you said you didn't care about anything or anyone. You were also a terrible liar. You were a rock, you were MY rock, you were my constant. But you were also my stormy ocean.<br /><br />I hated how you would ring because you were bored, I heard about every bite of food, every breath inhaled, every conversation you had. You NEVER asked how I was going. It drove me mad. When I woke up today I wondered when you would call because you did every day. And then I remembered. Today I am looking forward to that moment tomorrow, those split seconds of semi-consciousness before I remember you are gone.<br /><br />I miss you, I miss your smell, I miss crosswords, I miss your constant talking, I miss your grumpyness, I miss your food, I miss stealing hugs from you, I miss you making excuses to come see me. I wish you were here to take control of this crisis. When things are at their worst, you are at your best.<br /><br />I know you would be shitty at me for caring. You would be scowling at me sobbing over my keyboard and telling me to harden up, that life goes on, that you don't care. You would be organising things, making deals and preparing for the future.<br /><br />But you are not here. And I want you back.<br /><br />I want you to message me crossword clues. I want you to tell me to be good. I want you to boss me around. I want you to to be a pain so I can tell you off. I want to correct your spelling and grammar. I want you to bag out my relationship, and call me fat, and be an obnoxious drunk. I want you to say Roller Derby is for fat ugly lesbians. I want to make you things that you don't like. I want you to be embarrassed by my clothes, my hair. I want you to make politically incorrect comments just to shit me.<br /><br />You were my friend, you were my family, and now I don't really know what to do without you.Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-41819582345357167302010-07-22T18:47:00.000-07:002010-07-22T21:06:03.151-07:00feathering my nest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TEkLCVvgDiI/AAAAAAAABUA/4AMz6IUfShc/s1600/stephs+camera+266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TEkLCVvgDiI/AAAAAAAABUA/4AMz6IUfShc/s400/stephs+camera+266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496936955006422562" border="0" /></a><br />I'm seriously nesting. It must be the weather, this chillness is making me into a homebody and that's just fine by me!<br />This week I painted a kitchen and hallway in Melbourne and it has me wanting to reach for the roller at home, I want freshness and whiteness and a clean canvas . I want to repaint kitchen cupboards, rip down the worlds ugliest Venetian blinds that make me feel like I am living in an 80's bank. I want to paint furniture, sew curtains, bake, be cozy.<br />But I'm still integrating myself into the Mr's home, because this is HIS house, that he has owned and lived in without me for a number of years. I'm still feeling a need to be respectful of that despite the fact that is taste in home decor is an abomination!<br />What to do? It's odd how quickly one can become accustomed to naff artwork and expensive, but ugly furniture but its just not moi at the end of the day. So today I am starting with a little project and painting some draws, then I will pull out the vintage wallpaper stash and start thinking.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Realistically it won't be long until I am a very busy bunny indeed. It seems that RetroRink has a home, all 1,400 square meters of a home, construction on the cafe and shop begin soon and in a couple of months we will begin turning what is now an enormous, empty warehouse into a skating rink. Then, it will be all hands on deck to get stock in, floors painted, kitchen fitted, shop fitted and barriers built. A daunting task but I really can't wait!<br /></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-36584557584551303202010-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:002010-07-05T18:02:44.938-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TDJ8DkKxDyI/AAAAAAAABT4/AiGL4RXLTOg/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490587296408342306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TDJ8DkKxDyI/AAAAAAAABT4/AiGL4RXLTOg/s400/016.JPG" /></a>I lost my making mojo there for a while.<br /><div><div><div><div>I have been busy skating, moving, organising and keeping warm.</div><div>But I think the mojo is back. I made this skirt for the hell of it this weekend. It's a bit small for me but I have in mind a little person who might like it.</div><div>When I first met my beau I made him this and it is still probably my mostest favouritest thing I have ever completed.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490584895522214434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TDJ530K6EiI/AAAAAAAABTo/sxpNNl53el0/s400/023.JPG" />In replacement of embroidery floss I used strands of my hair.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490584874215262402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TDJ52ky7yMI/AAAAAAAABTg/r0j7HYrcSiA/s400/024.JPG" /></div><br /><div>The technique is a bit tricky, you need to use about 6 individual strands to form one 'floss' otherwise you can't see it properly.</div><div>I have been inspired by <a href="http://letsgototo.blogspot.com/2009/10/human-hair-sampler.html">this</a> blog post shown to me by a friend and have been fairly obsessed with the idea since.</div><div>I love that this piece of work contains literally a piece of my body, each strand holds the genetic information that makes me individually me. Yes, it's a little grotesque, but I think that's what I find so compellingly beautiful.</div><div>When I was a little girl I remember seeing a very, very old sewing kit in a stately home. The curator told me that the tiny little silver scoop it contained was for scooping out ear wax to wax the thread! </div><div>Don't worry, I didn't use my ear wax, but a little bees wax helps tame the 6 strands enough to make them easier to work with. Lucky my hair is very long right now!</div><div>Continuing the theme of inappropriate embroidery I am working on a series of re-loved doilies, adorning them with profanities. </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490584925627352658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TDJ55kUiBlI/AAAAAAAABTw/gPBZm3MgbQ0/s400/025.JPG" />I like the contrast between their prettiness and naughtiness!</div><div>I have never really played with embroidery before so my skills are a little shoddy, but I'm loving its portability. I can do it anywhere and even whilst I am engaged in other tasks, it even got whipped out this weekend at at training session on the updates to the roller derby rules! </div><div>Hopefully your are staying warm and cozy? Brrr... it's chilly outside!</div></div></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-13607085116228411332010-06-29T18:03:00.000-07:002010-06-29T18:47:42.040-07:00Goodbye house<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488368432303412882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCqaArPplpI/AAAAAAAABTA/noFDVStz22c/s400/I+heart+Mollongghip+010.JPG" /><br />Goodbye barn,<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488369699964247762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCqbKdpi3tI/AAAAAAAABTI/XnH7RW7pa_s/s400/CIMG0223.JPG" /><br />Goodbye outside loo.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCqbKzaTNbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/pIc3atJnEMs/s1600/CIMG0226.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488369705805886898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCqbKzaTNbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/pIc3atJnEMs/s400/CIMG0226.JPG" /></a>All my moving has been done. I have cleaned and left my old house to its wintry-ness and I am snug and warm in my ugly double-brick abode in town.<br />But I have a confession to make... now that the 'work' of shifting trailer-loads, cursing at the generator because I got the power off too early, and cleaning up mountains of rat poo is over.....<br />I just can't be stuffed unpacking!<br />I still have a car-load I have been carting around since the weekend, there are boxes unpacked loitering in every corner and I have no motivation whatsoever to deal with it.<br />Sigh.<br />Last night I sat on the toilet seat and it broke in half. To be fair it was a wooden one that popped at the joins. I whipped out my wood glue and hammer and had it clamped back together in a jiffy.<br />This morning I browsed facebook to discover that whilst I was jimmying back together the loo seat, D was very helpfully posting about it on facebook, prompting a healthy debate on his usage of the phrase "she sat on it with her big fat arse and is fixing it all by her self!"<br />Sigh again.<br />Anyone got a trained man-about-the-house they would like to donate?Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-2110326654382350012010-06-27T20:19:00.000-07:002010-06-27T23:40:32.238-07:00What the...?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680676808316738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCgogCXvV0I/AAAAAAAABSw/AxsNA-VSPgU/s400/010.JPG" /> Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dearie me...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680688810446610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCgogvFRTxI/AAAAAAAABS4/3w16WRl9ZBQ/s400/005.JPG" />Look what turned up again? I removed this delightful picture to make room for my cupboard of vintage fabrics, and lo! here it is again, perched loftily atop. I'm sure it's not bloke-stuff retaliation, I'm sure he actually thinks it looks GOOD up there! <div><div>Sigh, in this whole 'bloke stuff' debacle, the advice from all sides is that his gear must make way. The nicest advice has been to gradually replace things one by one and if defiance is met to give him a 'pool room' for all his blokey gear.</div><div>Interestingly, not one person has suggested allowing his stuff to stay, or that his interior expression is just as important as mine!</div><div>Oh well, I think that I'm gonna have to call in the big guns and (*gasp with horror*) actually have a CONVERSATION about this!</div></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-33737011247267203292010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:002010-06-24T15:48:53.278-07:00My Creative SpaceEnough already! I'm so well and truly over this moving house thingamy that I have gone on strike!<br />It was a disgruntled little Doily that sat down at her sewing machine but now she is much more content...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCLImsJkRnI/AAAAAAAABSg/FR6SvkVvwHM/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCLImsJkRnI/AAAAAAAABSg/FR6SvkVvwHM/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486167863102555762" border="0" /></a>Inspired by my fabby friend <a href="http://foxslane.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-creative-space_17.html">Kate</a>, I have been hewing into my vintage blanket stash and whipped up my very own reversible woolen blanky pinafore dress!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCLInZMPNxI/AAAAAAAABSo/ALInM3nw8sU/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TCLInZMPNxI/AAAAAAAABSo/ALInM3nw8sU/s400/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486167875193354002" border="0" /></a>No, it isn't scratchy at all, and I LOVE the vintage sheet lining, and super chunky buttons.... mmm... cozy winter woolen goodness!<br /><br />Phew, now doesn't that feel better!<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2010/06/my-creative-space_24.html">Kirsty's</a> place for more creative spaces.Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-14794024184874512142010-06-20T18:03:00.000-07:002010-06-20T18:46:25.314-07:00I'm moving house......and hating every moment of it!<br />I have moved house 14 times over 3 continents and I'm well and truely OVER IT.<br />Pack boxes, move boxes, unpack boxes, pack boxes, move boxes, unpack boxes. I'm sensing a very boring pattern.<br />This time I'm moving in with my beau. Logically I am hesitant to give up my 'plan B'. Plan B is a pesimistic sod and says that "this is too good to be true and therefore can't last so it's best to have a back-up."<br />Plan 'Reality' says "you haven't been home in 3 months and all your stuff is being eaten by rodents including your beautiful vintage fabrics... boo hoo, and can you really justify a pretty cottage holiday home in the country right now?".<br />Plan Reality has won and I am on the move.<br />My next dilemma has been that my lovely man has lived alone for a looong time. He, like me, has a house FULL of stuff.<br />Except his is BOY STUFF. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67lWID6jI/AAAAAAAABRw/UE9eYB-OHRI/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67lWID6jI/AAAAAAAABRw/UE9eYB-OHRI/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027646452787762" border="0" /></a>And mine is NANNA STUFF.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB7BH_V-KVI/AAAAAAAABSQ/YQmQK0MSln8/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB7BH_V-KVI/AAAAAAAABSQ/YQmQK0MSln8/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033739190675794" border="0" /></a>And therfore overwhelmingly, well, overwhelming!<br />How do I do this? Subtly remove the pictures of him racing motorbikes... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67nhoYNjI/AAAAAAAABSA/A7WGt219xT8/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67nhoYNjI/AAAAAAAABSA/A7WGt219xT8/s400/024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027683900864050" border="0" /></a>...or blatently let him know his stuff is hideous as all hell?<br />I think we have achieved a compromise, in this 3 bedroomed and 2 loungroomed house there should be room for us both, so the 10thousand motorbike parts have been shifted and the crochet is movin' on in! He can have his ugly boy-room, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67moTASWI/AAAAAAAABR4/hYlyFMTj-58/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB67moTASWI/AAAAAAAABR4/hYlyFMTj-58/s400/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027668510394722" border="0" /></a>and I will have my cozy craft room and all are happy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB7EEELTy0I/AAAAAAAABSY/Fpw9q6vHu6U/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TB7EEELTy0I/AAAAAAAABSY/Fpw9q6vHu6U/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485036970303540034" border="0" /></a><br />Craft night anyone?Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-2545402835800606122010-06-06T21:26:00.000-07:002010-06-06T21:55:22.484-07:00Curriculum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx1rDxjkrI/AAAAAAAABRQ/LMCjc08njI8/s1600/Extra+curricular.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 124px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx1rDxjkrI/AAAAAAAABRQ/LMCjc08njI8/s400/Extra+curricular.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479884229211034290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx1rjslEbI/AAAAAAAABRY/17aNS79XGH4/s1600/extra+curricular+content.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx1rjslEbI/AAAAAAAABRY/17aNS79XGH4/s400/extra+curricular+content.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479884237780095410" border="0" /></a>Have you read <a href="http://extracurricularmag.blogspot.com/">Extra Curricular</a> magazine?<br /><br />In their own words...<br />"Extra Curricular is a publication dedicated to showcasing people who do interesting creative projects in their spare time as well as encouraging those who wish they did."<br /><br />I am very excited about a conversation I had today with Ellie the Editor (ooh, that has a lovely ring to it!) and hope to be submitting some words on this weekends <a href="http://greatsouthernslam.com.au/">Great Southern Slam</a>!<br /><br />Yup, I'm heading to Radelaide (AKA Adelaide) to the inaugural Australian Roller Derby nationals! I am the founding member of The D-Team (dedicated to crappy D-League Derby girls everywhere!) and will be skating against the New Kids On The Block.<br /><br />My first proper derby bruise is fading after an impressive 'superman' over Fireblades head last week at training,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx7ULCaX8I/AAAAAAAABRo/b8Ww01a-9FE/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx7ULCaX8I/AAAAAAAABRo/b8Ww01a-9FE/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479890433093558210" border="0" /></a><br />and although I made the poster...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx6b89by8I/AAAAAAAABRg/Rpc2Trps5Fg/s1600/gormposterfinallrwebsite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAx6b89by8I/AAAAAAAABRg/Rpc2Trps5Fg/s400/gormposterfinallrwebsite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479889467241909186" border="0" /></a><br />(can you spot me?) I didn't make The Rat Pack team, so this will be my very first official foray onto the track and I'm nervous as all hell. This is going to hurt!Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-16513239984798877942010-06-05T00:37:00.000-07:002010-06-04T18:15:36.394-07:00Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmi-OtPfgI/AAAAAAAABRA/tuCOCM4rD64/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmi-OtPfgI/AAAAAAAABRA/tuCOCM4rD64/s400/062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479089611656363522" border="0" /></a>My dreams have been very vivid this week.<br />I have dreamt about helping a friend move house (giant soft-toys and all), my teeth crumbling, and my (dead) grandfather dying.<br />Dreams are funny things and in the wonderfully quirky way of the English language, I love the way we use the same word for waking as well as sleeping fantasies.<br /><br />The things I have dreamt of doing in my waking life have sometimes grown with me. When I was 6 I dreamt of being a ballerina, then an artist. Then of travel and adventure and now of domestic bliss.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmgqAzsz3I/AAAAAAAABQY/kWpb5iAwIMI/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmgqAzsz3I/AAAAAAAABQY/kWpb5iAwIMI/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479087065304715122" border="0" /></a><br />Last year my friend and wisest sage Kate, told me this would be my year. Thanks for the positive thinking darl, because although I don't want to speak too soon, this year has been full of really great surprises.<br /><br />Domestic bliss has come my way, I'm happy as Larry and now I know that nothing is perfect, but this one is as close to perfect as it could be.... and funnily enough, so far from what I thought perfect was... does that make sense?<br /><br />Some dreams creep up on us slowly, like drifting off to sleep. And some land on us suddenly, like jumping awake to the alarm.<br /><br />Right now another dream is blossoming, one I didn't even know I had. It's landed on me, taken on a life of it's own and is becoming very, very real, very very quickly!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmjSYWsM_I/AAAAAAAABRI/X2r05RmdZSw/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/TAmjSYWsM_I/AAAAAAAABRI/X2r05RmdZSw/s400/060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479089957843514354" border="0" /></a><br />It's still oh-so soon, and there are so many things that could still prevent this from happening, I'm nervous, I'm excited, and I'm having to hold my hands behind my back to prevent my from spending money before the lease is signed, renovations are complete and permits are in hand.<br /><br />So, no. I'm not preggers and I haven't bought a house...it's bigger than that... much bigger! And you will never in a hundred-gazillion-billion years guess what it is, it's not crafty in the least!<br /><br />As some of you do already know from my nervous chats in 'real life', I may as well let the cat out of the proverbial bag... I'm opening a skating rink.<br /><br />Yup. You heard correctly, an enormous, 1,350m2 skating rink, cozy coffee shop and retail store.<br /><br />Crazy? Yes. I know.Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-67028597094485697802010-05-20T16:09:00.000-07:002010-05-20T16:45:11.459-07:00Good bye Becky Bloodnut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S_XJd7hy6-I/AAAAAAAABQQ/PYXfYWTFzkM/s1600/bloodnut.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S_XJd7hy6-I/AAAAAAAABQQ/PYXfYWTFzkM/s400/bloodnut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473502438171536354" border="0" /></a><br />In case you hadn't noticed the blog has taken a back-burner for me of late. Generally when that happens it's because my 'real life' is going too well to make time for my usual blog-land whinging and now is generally no exception... I'm too busy enjoying life to yack about it.<br /><br />Today though, I have been inspired to post. Yesterday morning, due to complications with her injury, our friend and team-mate Claire Smith (aka Becky Bloodnut) passed away.<br /><br />I can't really put the way I feel about this into words, I know I say this so often it's probably so tedious to hear it again, but community is everything to me and my community of Derby girls have been rocked, shaken and bowled over by losing our friend.<br /><br />Yesterday we gathered together in shock, weepy and dis-believing. I am so proud of my friends for supporting each other during such a horrible time. For turning tears into good memories and for celebrating Bloodnuts' life and all she gave us, together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S_XEzi4VDlI/AAAAAAAABQI/xOGdq1llnI8/s1600/libertines.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S_XEzi4VDlI/AAAAAAAABQI/xOGdq1llnI8/s400/libertines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473497311954144850" border="0" /></a><br />Today I am still a rather weepy mess, and I know that on the 6th of June, the next time the team skates together against Geelong without her, I will be again. But this mornings hangover is with every moment.<br />Goodbye Becky Bloodnut, and thank you. My thoughts are with your family,Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-74359412849968566082010-04-21T21:11:00.000-07:002010-04-21T21:23:16.295-07:00New friend, new blogI would like to introduce you to a friend of mine <a href="http://scream-stress.blogspot.com/2010/04/goodbye-dad.html#comment-form">Screamstress</a>. Like all of us whom unite through blogland Emily is stepping out into this new world and I can't wait for those moments us bloggers share.<br />I'm so looking forward to exclaim "Blog it baby!" next time something awesome happens, and learn more about her through her pages. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462812116867737858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8_OrVSZ6QI/AAAAAAAABP4/sqfFiPwVOpM/s400/IMG_4358.JPG" />Plus, what an awesome jumpsuit!Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-6685490027934358602010-04-17T03:27:00.000-07:002010-04-17T04:06:34.528-07:00Under the hammerTonight I played auctioneer at the opening of a new ceramics collective in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daylesford</span>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461054435471882802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8mQEz1fejI/AAAAAAAABPY/Fgr8FpMVqdI/s400/020.JPG" />This is a new game for me as not only have I never taken the podium before, but I have actually never even been to an auction! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461057049954133026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8mSc_iopCI/AAAAAAAABPw/rM68jIBM1L0/s400/004.JPG" />EEK! Well... you can imagine how nervous I was, but, as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> sure how anyone who knows me would guess, once I was up there, gavel in hand I really quite enjoyed myself.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461054427532409362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8mQEWQkuhI/AAAAAAAABPQ/koCfcSZJIAc/s400/011.JPG" /><br /><br /><br />There were some really amazing works going under the hammer and it made me feel proud to be a fellow 'muddy'. I suppose my background in ceramics is why I ended up there on stage under those lights, fumbling for numbers and missing waved bids and thumping down that great big hammer.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461054453278902514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8mQF2LBCPI/AAAAAAAABPo/7-UjXum5B94/s400/005.JPG" /> This amazing space is so inspiring and I'm so proud of Sue, Kath and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">colleagues</span> for making this dream happen.<br />But, as I stood up there, gazing vapidly around, trying to remember if i had said 190 or 180 dollars, I thought to myself "wouldn't it be nice if there were someone here who came to support ME".<br />But never fear Doily-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ateers</span>, as they say in the Homeland, 'you wait ages for one bus then 2 come along at once!' .. indeedy , indeed they do.<br />Well no news as yet to report on the bus timetable but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">taking</span> it easy, eyeing off the timetable, no need to rush.<br />But today was the most fun I've had on skates in a carpark. And thats all I'm saying.Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-1378911887022113902010-04-16T01:58:00.000-07:002010-04-16T02:18:24.796-07:00My Creative Space<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460658566396656402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goCMnEOxI/AAAAAAAABPI/0GZbU-VAVIg/s400/025.JPG" /><br />I have been super lucky to have been the recipient of some awesome op-shopped pressies lately. How amazing is this Smurfs sheet? Hmm... shame summer has waned as this would make a wonderfully sweet summer frock. If I continue on the same progress schedule as my Humfrey dress I may have something complete by then!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goBYYu2tI/AAAAAAAABPA/HGlnqUfWKKs/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460658552377891538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goBYYu2tI/AAAAAAAABPA/HGlnqUfWKKs/s400/021.JPG" /></a> I have been working on a gift for a crafty gal (or her bubba anyway!), well done Kirsten, great procreation guys!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goA3PQQkI/AAAAAAAABO4/HWBkRp2kTLY/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460658543479767618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goA3PQQkI/AAAAAAAABO4/HWBkRp2kTLY/s400/017.JPG" /></a> I have also been drafting up some new toy patterns, I've been thinking of ways to use these snuggly wool blankets and I think I may have solved el problemo with Une elephant and wee Scotty dog.<br /><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goAMRpYGI/AAAAAAAABOw/cYtmwY1aMmM/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460658531947077730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8goAMRpYGI/AAAAAAAABOw/cYtmwY1aMmM/s400/015.JPG" /></a> As you can see in the background The blankie is still growing. Slowly.<br />Whats the longest-running project you've ever worked on?<br /><br />For more Creative Spaces clickety,click to see Kootoyoo <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2010/04/my-creative-space_15.html">here</a>.</div></div></div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-669582559077267222010-04-16T01:32:00.000-07:002010-04-16T01:58:01.129-07:00Admitting defeat..... is never easy.<br />Sometimes things just don't work out the way you may have wished.<br />My high hopes have been dashed. I spoke too soon and now <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> regurgitating a bitter pill I had to swallow last week. What should have been a romantic <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sojourn</span> to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">le</span> beach resulted in loosing the war.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460653098919230098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8gjD8q3epI/AAAAAAAABOg/jtxU4Q3NMdY/s400/Duane+on+rocks+copy.jpg" /><br />I have admitted defeat. Somethings are just too hard so what can I do but shrug my shoulders and square them again once more to enter the battlefield.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8gkCMVPtsI/AAAAAAAABOo/Sd1zyiuZHcc/s1600/346.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460654168275400386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__QLtRuvs7i4/S8gkCMVPtsI/AAAAAAAABOo/Sd1zyiuZHcc/s400/346.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Sigh. Oh well, tonight <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> gonna cozy up with my dog, fortify myself in my studio and give my neglected sewing machine some overdue love. </div><div>In a way, it's nice to have my single life back. Oh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fee</span> oh fie. Whats a gal to do but keep on sewing! :)</div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106276568570664182.post-58975445338811117662010-04-06T23:19:00.000-07:002010-04-06T23:29:28.978-07:00Hello. My name is...?<br />So some assistance here please.<br />I have to select a Roller Derby name, I thought I was all set with Demolition Doily. That was until I checked it on the international derby name <a href="http://www.twoevils.org/rollergirls/">register</a>. Unfortunately there is a 'very high' match with Demolition Dolly. Darn that Rose City Rollergirl!<br /><br />So now I need a second choice as a back-up. The problem is that has opened a whole new can-o-worms! I just can't decide!!!<br />Here's my shortlist:<br /><div align="center">Doily Dread</div><div align="center">Oops-a-doily</div><div align="center">Granny Squared (or G2... get it!?)</div><div align="center">Poppin'Pom</div><div align="center">Purl-Hurl</div><div align="center">Pommie Brasco</div><div align="center">Atomic Pom</div><div align="center">Chuckle-buster</div><div align="center">Knit-Brit</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Help!</div>Doilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09404462284622559634noreply@blogger.com15