Anna Rosa Designs

Naughty blogger

2012-02-16T15:07:00.000+11:00

Oh dear, look how long since I've posted. Such a naughty blogger and very unlike me to be naughty...
I could go on and on about my personal life and how busy I've been but I'm sure you don't want to hear it.\

I have joined Effy Wild's "Book of Days" which is thoroughly enjoyable and just what I needed to kick start the new year.
I know we are in February, however the first month of 2012 I had very little creative time for ME!
Effy is free, easy to follow journaling and shows video's on all sorts of multi media ways to journal and throwing glitter around as she goes!

Here are a couple of pages I've created inspired by Effy.

Need more practice with writing...

I probably haven't done justice, so please go take a peek for yourself-AND it's all free

I've also been following Jan Fox Designs, 52 Playdates!

http://janfoxdesigns-52playdates.blogspot.com.au/

Jan puts a new video every week about Mixed Media.

So fun and easy to follow!

Take care until next time, Anna

2012-01-06T16:31:00.000+11:00

Hi, Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

I've been missing from blogland recently with lots going on at my place, spring cleaning, polishing, and organising my son's 21st Birthday party.

Ohh, so much to do and not much creating time.

When I'm not organising, I seem to be in a bit of a slump. Not sure if its the warmer weather or I really needed a break from day to day stuff.

Anyway, I've posting about Kerryanne's latest 'Creative Planner' This should really help kick me into first gear and get the creative idea's flowing.

You can read all about it here at the below link-
http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/

Creative hugs, Anna

From 2011 to 2012

2011-12-31T08:10:00.001+11:00

Hello to my Family and Friends,
What a year 2011 has been with many ups and downs, Happiness and sadness.
I've met, made and kept some wonderful friends through blogging and I appreciate you all!

My Mum was here for a few months getting her health back into gear!
The past few weeks have been very hectic here with gift making and presents to buy and give.
My Dad falling and breaking a few ribs the week leading up to Christmas then this week we lost a friend to a massive heart attack. He was only 47 years old without any medical condition or complaints of pain.
I'm feeling very emotional at the moment because myself, family and friends are very close to that age and he was such a caring, genuine, family orientated bloke! My sympathy goes out to Kellie and their four children.
Rest in Peace Adam

Roll on 2012!
My oldest son is turning 21 years old.
We are having a small party on 21.1.2012
He says 'small party' Yeah right-He's list has blown out to 120 guests.

I'm also the lucky winner of Vikki's gorgeous vintage stocking. http://www.sewusefuldesigns.com/2011/12/simply-christmas-guest-post-and.html
Click on the link to check it out.
Thank you Vikki!

I wish all my friends love, happiness, health, fun filled, creative year in 2012
Big hugs,
Anna

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-10T07:45:00.002+11:00

Hello, thank you stopping by! I've been busy making Christmas Gifts for family and friends.

I've made a new centre piece for our table this year using Air Dry clay. I rolled out the clay, cut out heart shapes and stamped Joy, Peace, Love & Hope in Red and Green. While the clay pieces were drying, I picked a branch of a small tree and painted it gold.

I set the branch in the pot with Plaster of Paris and sprinkled the top with Gold glitter.

If you pop on over to Kerryanne's blogspot she has a tutorial on clay tags. I'll be linking to Shabby Art Boutique link party.

Every year I make my guys a personalized gift tag. This year I've decided to add pictures of their cars.

Yes, they are mad about their cars!

My son's girlfriend has been around for nearly two years, so I thought she deserves one as well.

These are the back of the tags which I used Opals embossing enamel and pressed the stamp into the last coat to emboss the tags.

These are some other tags I've also made up for Christmas.

WARNING~If you are family or a friend, you may want to turn it off now or you won't be getting any surprises.

This is for a male friend of ours. Do you know how hard Men are to buy for? well as I'm trying to make a lot of gifts this year my task is even harder.

This is what I've come up with! Using Lesley Riley's Transfer Artist Paper and a new cushion

This is his truck that I sneaked down and took a photo of, printed it onto TAP and ironed it onto the new cushion cover.

My sister and brother in law have just moved into a new house and they're going to have a french theme in their lounge.
Graphics Fairy kindly gives a lot of fabulous designs each day and I copied these pictures from Karen's blogspot. Thank you Karen for being so generous!

This is for another sister and her hubby for their Christmas gift. It's 90 x 60 cm Canvas. I used all Jo Sonja paints and Texture paste for this design.

I also made a Journal for my niece, however I forgot to take photo's and I probably wouldn't show you anyway because that sister is a snoop. lol

Yesterday, I caught up with a couple of good mates for brunch. My clever friend Lee made us a gorgeous, creatively, painted bag. Pop on over to Lee's blogspot and have a look at the photos!

Lee also gave me a new Papermania stamp set called Urban Stamps and made me a lovely handmade card.

Thank you Lee, Much appreciated.

We must do it again Soon!

I'm still working in my studio making gifts, so I hope to be back soon to show you more.

Are you making any Christmas gifts? I'd love to hear about them.

Creative hugs, Anna

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

2011-11-17T16:31:00.007+11:00

Hi blogging friends, Thank you for stopping by and visiting me.
Are you getting into the Christmas Spirit?
Do you like making gifts and cards?
I like to make gifts and this year I'm starting early!

I have a very easy step by step tutorial on a Christmas card design to show you.

Here are the basic materials. Heavy cotton or linen fabric and a plain 210gsm card.I'll show and explain the other materials as I go along.

I pulled some threads out of the edges of the fabric because I like the frayed look.

I basecoated the card in All Purpose Sealer.

Then using a large flat basecoating brush I applied a couple of coats of Soft White or Warm White acrylic paint.

I used a stiff hog hair brush and painted the fabric with Napthol Crimson. The hog hair is easier to push paint into the weave of the fabric.

When the Soft White was dry I applied a thick coat of Decor Crackle Medium using a hog hair brush.

When the fabric dried, I used a Kaisercraft Christmas Stamp and patted into the VersaMark stamp pad.
While the stamp is still wet, I gently shook White Embossing Powder over the top. Shook off the excess powder and heated the stamped area with a heat gun until I had the shiny, embossed look.

When the Decor Crackle Medium dried I used a dry sea sponge and heavily sponged Pine Green paint all over the card.

Using a dry sea sponge loaded heavily with paint, will give you larger more defined cracks. Make sure your sponge is loaded with paint and start in one corner and work your way across the card. Try not to go over wet paint as this will lift paint off rather than make it heavier.

To add a bit of lust, I used Rich Gold and a dry brush technique over the crackled green surface.

I sewed the fabric to the card using a swirly pattern with a mixture of gold through a coloured cotton.

This is a close up photo of the finished card. I hope you have fun making your Christmas gifts.

All the paints and mediums used were
Chroma, Jo Sonja brand I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding these paints or mediums.

Please feel free to share this tutorial with your friends.

I'm linking this blogpost to Kerryanne's 'Simply Christmas' at Shabby Art Boutique.

Creative Hugs, Anna

Giveaway at Lynn's place

2011-11-10T21:04:00.000+11:00

Lynn at Trash to Treasure
http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway with some gorgeous, creative pieces on offer as well as BONUS stamps!

This is just one of the gorgeous pieces on offer!

I've been a follower of Trash to Treasure for some years now and Lynn always amazes me with her artistic talent. Pop on over and check out Lynn's blogspot.

Creative hugs,

Anna

Commision Painting, Simply Christmas

2011-11-09T16:28:00.001+11:00

Hey blogging friends, Hope you are well and Thank you for popping in to visit.

This is a commissioned piece I've just finished.

It's a 45 x 45 cm Canvas painted using Jo Sonja acrylic paints.

I'm waiting for the humid weather to disappear so I can Varnish the Canvas.

Have you ever varnished on a humid day?

The design gets a cloudy look and that cloudy look never disappears.

Here is a close up photo of the butterfly.

Have you been to visit Kerryanne at Shabby Art Boutique?

Kerryanne is having 'Simply Christmas' with lots of Christmas gift ideas to make like the one in the picture above. It's a Gift Card Holder that I had to whip up as soon as I saw it.

Thank you for the tutorial Kerryanne.

It's getting harder to buy for all my nephews and nieces and I give Gift Vouchers from stores they like~this just makes it a touch more special.

Take care, Creative Hugs,

Anna

Craft & Stitches Show

2011-10-30T08:28:00.000+11:00

Hello blogging friends, Please excuse the quality of these photos. They were taken on my phone as I forgot to take my camera.

I had a wonderful time at the Craft & Stitches show held at the Caulfield Race Course this year.

I was on the Society of Folk & Decorative Artists stand with a bunch of other happy painters!

It was great to see and hear the wonderful comments about being at the show with a lot of interest in our stall. The amount of people coming through was amazing. We have a lot of very talented Artists in our Society and they got to show off their great talents.

We sold Paints, brushes, Woodwork, painted items that our members had painted and held three workshops a day that were full with ladies and children interested in learning Painting.

Some of our wares for sale. I couldn't take photos of our members display because "no photos were allowed".

These Christmas decorations were a big seller. We sold around 50 per day and all the money will be donated to Alzheimer's Australia and Royal District Nursing Service. The ladies could hardly keep up with the demand and I think some left our stall still wet.
Creative hugs,
Anna

Craft & Sewing Show, New technique in my Journal

2011-10-26T17:05:00.000+11:00

Hello friends, Thanks for stopping by and visiting.
I appreciate all visitors and comments.
I have a couple of things to talk about and show you today.
Are you going to the 'Craft & Sewing Show' at Caulfield racecourse this weekend. I'll be on the Society of Folk & Decorative Artists stand, demonstrating.
Please stop by, I'd love to meet you face to face.

Here are some of the decorations I'll be painting and demonstrating on. I've base coated these in Island Sand and created a faux marble look using Rich Gold.

I've then got out my Christmas stamps and stamped on some designs using Staz On stamp pad. I know the ink will stay on when I use paint and water on them.

How cute are some of these Papermania designs?

Here is a new technique I've been playing with in my journal. I applied two coats of Gesso.
Then painted a wash of Brilliant Magenta, while wet I sprayed a fine mist of Glass & Tile Medium Primer (Part A) over the top.

I dried this and thought to myself, I'd like bigger drops and a deeper colour. I made three different puddles of watery Green. Jade, Green Light and Pine Green. Sponged these on my page then sprayed again with Glass & Tile Medium Primer. Oh yuk, that looked terrible I forgot to take a photo. I was looking at my paints and wondering which colour will fix this.

I then painted a wash of Pthalo Green over the top and dropped big droplets of Glass & Tile Medium on the paint.

Taa Dah, I was much happier with this effect.

I decided this would make a great background and used The Crafters Workshop stencil called 'Birds of a Feather' and Texture Paste over the top. I like how the birds stand out in white.

I then used my Versa Mark pad and embossing powders over the top to add a bit of colour.

The colours in this photo do not really do justice to the embossing powders.

Here I've played with different colours for the background, The Crafters Workshop stencil called 'Flower Frenzy' and embossed over the top in Silver.

I'm not sure if I'll do anything over this, maybe some doodling as the page is quite heavy with the Texture Paste.
What do you think?
I hope you've enjoyed this play session as much as I did creating it.
Creative hugs,
Anna

I'm a lucky Winner, Simply Christmas

2011-10-25T15:54:00.002+11:00

Hello and Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blogspot.

I appreciate all my visitors and comments.

I'm the lucky winner of Kerryanne's giveaway.

My giveaway was wrapped in this pretty fabric-(I'll have to think of way to use it in my journal) wrapped in a pink satin ribbon with some Cath Kidston, Rose hand cream and matching nail file.

Kerryanne also made a feminine lavender bag~that's going straight into my knickers draw.

I also received this cute little purse pad in my parcel of goodies. Gosh, I laughed when I read the cover.

Kerryanne is having another 'Simply Christmas' big event this year.

I joined in last year and had heaps of fun and gifts made before Christmas.

Kerryanne and other creative special guests put on a great show for bloggers and it's all about Christmas.

Please mark this in your diaries to start on 1st November.

Creative hugs,

Anna

The Creative Mumpreneur

2011-10-20T15:08:00.000+11:00

Hello friends,
I want to share with you some knowledge about a dear friend of mine~Kerryanne from http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ who has just published a book on how to start up a business from our hobbies.
Kerryanne is celebrating twenty years of running a creative business so has heaps of fabulous idea, and knows all the lurks and perks of being in business with this new e-book.

I can vouch for Kerryanne who I've known on a professional and personal level for about twelve years.

Kerryanne covers everything in this book from business ideas to setting up and running a business as well as coping with running a household and still look after our children & Hubby's.

You can also check out Kerryanne's website at http://woodberrydesigns.com.au/ for other patterns and gorgeous gifts that she makes.

Please take the time to pop on over and say G'day~you won't be dissapointed.

Take care,

Creative hugs,

Anna

I'm back with some journaling pages

2011-10-06T21:48:00.000+11:00

Hi blogging buddies,

I'm back to show you some journal pages I've been working on.

I've had lots going on in my life at the moment and journaling has helped heal the pain and pressure of life at the moment.

I've tried to bring lots of colour into my life with bright pages.

And some Positives

Take care, Creative hugs,
Anna

Life, Live, Love, Learn.

2011-09-25T15:10:00.000+10:00

Hey blogging buddies,
I know I've been a very slack blogging buddy lately.
Life is just whooshing by with lots of hiccups and not much ART happening.

My dear friend of forty years finally gave up her fight last Saturday after twenty long months of terminal cancer. She was way too young to pass away at the age of 61yrs. May she rest in peace.

Then just a couple of days later my Best friend lost her Mum. We have her funeral to attend tomorrow.
With all this sadness around it tends to zap the creative side of me.
I've had some really angry moments and its definitely helped to journal about it all however most of it's scribbled words about my feelings.

I've also had an x-ray and Ultrasound of my arm and to my surprise I have Tennis elbow and Golfers elbow.
Hm, no wonder my arm is very sore. Some times worse than others and even flushing the toilet gives me pain that radiates from my elbow.
Anyway I'm not in a hurry to have that injection so I'll continue with the other holistic medications for the time being.

Opps, sorry to complain~I intend to get my back into the swing of things real soon and pop on by.
Creative hugs,
Anna

Just me

2011-09-09T07:42:00.001+10:00

Hello friends,
Life is just rolling along here for me.
I don't know whats happened to my time management skills, they flew out the window some time ago.
Not much time to CREATE, make ART or blogging these days.

I have a dear friend of 40 years in her final days of life. She has been strongly battling terminal cancer for 20 months, trying all the treatments without success.
Such very sad times for her dear hubby, family and friends.
It's very hard to function normally with my friend constantly on my mind from the time my eyes open until sleep comes at night.

I've also had a niggly, painful left elbow (yes, I'm a lefty) for a few months.
I decided I'd better see the Dr about three weeks ago who diagnosed 'Medial Epicondylitis' (Golfers Elbow)
No, I don't play golf~ha ha, It's a bit like Tennis elbow but on the inside of your arm.
The Dr suggested rest and to come back in six weeks for an injection of Anesthetic and Cortisone. Hm, That's scary. He told me of the dangers if the injection is inserted in the wrong place.
Well the rest is a bit hard when I live in a house full of men and my stupid elbow is getting worse.
Small things like wiping the bench, cutting vegetables and using the mouse on my computer gives me pain.
I've tried TENS machine and physio exercises with not much help. Next week I'm seeing a remedial masseur and trying essentials oils. Any suggestions please let me know...

Take care and let the ones you love know how deeply you love them and what they mean to you!
Hugs,
Anna

2011-08-23T15:21:00.000+10:00

Hello friends, Where do my days go?

Just a little bit of what I've been up to!

Journal pages

2011-08-13T09:30:00.000+10:00

Hey blogging friends, I know it's been a while since I've posted and I haven't been around to visit you all.

I've been busy with my Mum here from interstate. We've been catching up, seeing Doctors, Specialists and Dentist.

I thought I'd show you a few Journal pages that I've achieved recently. Not much time for anything else.

That's one thing I love about Journaling, I'm still creating and can come and go into my studio as I please without fussing too much!

This journal is made by me with scrap postcards, chipboard and other junk mail that I've painted in Gesso then covered with whatever I please.

This page has stamping, washes of colour and the flower is a napkin.

You know how napkins come in three ply~well the 2nd and 3rd ply can be stuck onto an A4 page with removable tape, cut down to size and put through your printer. Great idea for larger pieces of writing.

I'm a messy writer, so I love this idea.

For this piece I painted the background in Jo Sonja-Blackberry, Used a Stencil and Smoked Pearl and cut creative words from Kaisercraft, Chapter One Collection.

Have you done a tortoiseshell background using Isocol~rubbing Alcohol Antiseptic?

I started with a wash of Jo Sonja Pacific Blue, while still wet I splattered the Isocol over the paint which leaves the lighter circles. Dry and continue in the same manner with Colbolt Blue Hue then Pthalo Blue letting dry between colours. I then splattered Silver using a damp tooth brush and added my writing with a Silver Sharpie.

This background effect can be done in any colour combination.

Creative Hugs, Anna

Welcome, Donation paintings for Good Cause

2011-07-13T20:16:00.000+10:00

Hello, I'd like to welcome all the new & older followers and I hope you enjoy your visit at my blogspot.

Have you heard of FGM, Female Genital Mutilation?

I'll tell you a bit about it at the end of this post but firstly enjoy these paintings that I've painted for the cause.

This was the first steps on this canvas. Lots of different texture paste techniques and blocking in colour.

Then I added some warm colours of Gold Oxide, Cadmium Scarlett and Rich Gold over the Dry texture paste.

I changed the Gold Oxide colour because it just blended into the painting. I also added Gold Leafing for her head band and top of her dress.

Here is a close up picture of the right hand side of the painting. I added a real earing for added dimension.

The finished Canvas is 16 X 20 inches

Here is the first step of another canvas with a bright sky and grass land. The sky is painted with Cadmium Yellow Mid, Cadmium Orange and Cadmium Scarlet.

The tree trunk, branches and roof's of huts are in Burnt Umber. I then used Texture Paste in a down ward motion for the roofs and horizontal motion for the walls of the huts.

Here is a close up of the finished hut with shading and highlights painted on it.

Final photo of finished piece!

Over the past few years we have had quite a few new Australians move into our area and neighbourhood.
I recently read an editorial in our local newspaper about an Afrcian community worker who is raising funds and fighting to stop FGM. This lady is from Somaliland and was circumcised at the age of seven years. She is now 49 yrs old and still has horrific memories of the torture.
Some key facts from WHO(World Health Organization)
An estimated 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with these consequences.
In Africa an estimated 92 million girls from the age of 10 and above have undergone FGM.
FGM comprises procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genetalia or other injury to the female organs for non medical reasons.
Some people are so poor and circumcision is killing a lot of young people. They think if a girl is not curcumcised she'll stay unmarried and become a prostitute.
This lady from Somaliland is raising funds to distribute hospital goods, health news and teach men and woman why they should not practise female genital mutilation.
So, you can see I've painted this pictures to donate for a good cause!
Until next post-take care,
Creative hugs,
Anna

Giveaway Winners

2011-07-05T08:30:00.000+10:00

Hello Blogging buddies,

Ohh, what a lot of fun it is to have a Giveaway and share my passions!

Thank you everyone that entered and played along with me.

I used True Random Number Generator - Congratulations, second prize goes to Suzy from http://suziqusthreadworks.blogspot.com/

And first prize goes to Lee at http://artfulleedesigned.blogspot.com/

Ladies, please let me know your snail mail address and I'll pop these in the post straight away.
Now back to the studio to finish a couple of pieces I'm donating to a good cause.
More about that in my next post.
Creative hugs,
Anna

Pisa and 100 Post Giveaway

2011-06-20T14:29:00.001+10:00

Hey Blogging buddies, Thanks for visiting!

Here is my latest painting "Leaning Tower of Pisa" I've painted this piece from a photo I took nearly six years ago while in Italy. I used Jo Sonja acrylic paints and glazed over in Archival Oil paints.

Someday I hope to get back to Italy.

The Italian paper on the background is compliments of http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

If you're not a follower of Karen's, do yourself a favour and join in with over 11,000 other followers.

In my last post I was telling you how my 100 th post is coming up, well here it is!
So I'm having a Giveaway, actually I've decided to have a 1st and 2nd prize giveaway.
I also asked 'what would you like as a giveaway' and three bloggers responded with an answer of something fabric.

I've incorporated Fabric and Art with a Journal.
This is second prize.

Inside the journal.
The pages are 4.5 x 6 inches.

Inside the front and back cover there are pockets for collected bits and pieces.

This little fabric bag 4.5 " X 6" also goes with second prize.

This 1st prize bag would be suitable for a make-up bag or pencil case. It's 9" X 6" in size.

This larger journal is also for the first prize giveaway.
It's still in the making, however I'm sure it will be finished in plenty of time to post to the winner of my giveaway.

Some of the inside pages. Oops, I've forgotten which generous blogger I got these gorgeous pictures from.

Do you know Suzy like I know Suzy oh, oh, oh

Suzy from http://suziqusthreadworks.blogspot.com/

is very talented, creative and generous.

It's because I was in Awe of Suzy's work that I made these Journals. Suzy has been very patient and helpful with advice while I attempted to make my first fabric journals.

If you need some inspiration, pop on over to visit Suzy.

There are just a couple of things to do if you want to participate to win one of these giveaways~

1. Leave a comment and contact details if you are

(non-reply blogger)

2. Make sure you are a follower

3. Share this Giveaway post with friends and let me know.

I'll do the 'Random number' draw on 5th July 2011

Creative hugs, Anna

Latest Journal Pages

2011-06-10T15:25:00.000+10:00

Hello blogging buddies,

Lovely to be here and post again.

It seems further apart each time I'm here posting.

Wow, I just noticed I'm nearly at 100 posts!

I'll have to celebrate some how (maybe a giveaway) what do you think?

Would you like a painting or something hand sewn by me? Please feel free to leave me a comment and consider each one.

I thought I'd show you my latest journal pages.

Not all have writing on them yet.

Some textured background rolled on using Jo Sonja Kleister Medium and Texture Paste. While wet I pressed clear stamps into it. Then I gathered some leaves from my backyard, sponged them with paint and pressed onto my page.

This page is actually left over paint on a stencil from the next page.

I love this saying~it was sent to me during the week by dear friend.

This page is quite Mish Mash. Reading back, that's exactly how I was feeling at the time.

The background on this page was Gesso, then water colour pencils, washed out with a paint brush.
Then stencilled with paint over the top. Oh, I'm terrible at taking step by step photo's.

This has textured rice paper for the background then some napkins over the top. Both of these were applied using Artelier Impasto Gel.

I've then stamped and painted on some details.

This page was painted with Jade and Warm White then has coloured Texture Paste and lots of different stencils (some have a touch of sand), then dry brushed over the top using Jo Sonja Pearl White.

This was left over paint on stencils and a Minnie Mister used with water and Rich Gold around the stencil.
Just playing around.
Have a fabulously creative weekend,
Hugs,
Anna

What's happening in my studio!

2011-05-27T19:04:00.000+10:00

Hey there blogging buddies,

Thanks for popping over for a visit.

I always appreciate visitors and comments.

My baby sister recently moved into a new big house with lots of large blank white walls. I thought she needed a bit of colour and she jumped at the chance of having a canvas painted by her big sis.

I'll show you the steps I went through to achieve this piece.
This canvas is 120 x 40 cm. I base coated the canvas with a mix of Primrose, White Gesso and Texture Paste and applied it with a palette knife thickly.

I then painted Jo Sonja Pale Gold, Rich Gold and Burnished Copper in a semi circle motion.
The Burnished Copper was way to bright on the first coat so I made a mix of Rich Gold and Burnished Copper for the second coat on the outside edges of the canvas.

I then used Burnt Umber and dry brush technique and worked from the outside of the canvas in towards the centre.

Here I've painted the tree trunk and branches in Burnt Umber.

I added the blossoms using a large filbert brush and Warm White.

Some small centres using a deer foot brush and Burnt Umber.

A close up of the piece.

This was a plain green shopping bag that I've painted using Jo Sonja Iridescent colours on the background. Applied Butterfly's from Napkins using Impasto Gel then added more stamps, paint and Kindy Glitz for added oomph.

This is what my backyard looks like today after lots of the leaves have fallen off my beautiful Oak tree.

And another plain calico bag. I used Parisian Essence for a stain coloured bag then used Stencils and Jo Sonja Burnt Umber, Warm White, Pacific Blue, Olive Green for the tree and finished off with Burnished Copper here and there for highlights.

I hope to get around and visit my favourite bloggers over this weekend, so chat soon,

Ciao~Hugs Anna

Credit where credit is deserved

2011-05-06T07:33:00.000+10:00

Hello to my dear blogging buddies,

Thank you for taking the time to visit me and leaving comments. I can always count on my blogging buddies to give me a boost when needed!

Here is a photo of 'Le Journal' my very own personalised journal that my dear friend Kerryanne made for me some time ago.

Kerryanne has recently started an on-line journaling class, which made me get into second gear and back into journaling.

Here are a couple of pages I've finished in my Journal. Oops, I forgot to take step by step photos however if you see something you like I'd be happy to explain it to you.

All paints and mediums are Jo Sonja products.

Zentangles are not really my forte, but I enjoy doodling and playing around.

My Mum returned last week and is going hung ho at painting up a storm in my studio!
This Buddha design is by Lee at ArtfulLee designed.

OK, onto a bit of sewing now~I have to thank Vicki at
The Pickledish Patch and
Val at http://val-laird.blogspot.com/ for the cute designs I've made this quilt out of. Thank you ladies for being so generous and offering these free designs on your blogs.

This is a lap quilt for my Mum. I'll be giving it to her on Mother's day. Just the hand sewn binding to finish now.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone on Sunday xo

This is my latest painting project~ Oops, not finished but I wanted to share the talent of others here. Another of Kerryanne's designs called 'Village Shops'.

I did finish these cute bunnies in time for Easter but haven't had the time to blog. These are also Kerryanne's design called 'Some Bunny Loves You'.

Have a wonderful, creative week. Hugs, Anna

Painting, finished cushion

2011-04-19T06:27:00.000+10:00

Hello, I know it's been a while since my last post~Life has been very busy lately.

Do you remember I showed you some sneak peaks from this cushion, yeah it's finished.

I used Pastel pencils to colour in the elements of design, then brushed Jo Sonja's Textile Medium over the coloured areas. When dry and set with iron, I stitched around the designs with coloured cottons for added oomph.

The designs are from 'A Gardener's Journal by Annie Downs'

While my Mum was visiting recently she wanted to learn to paint. Mum has recently retired and feeling a bit lost at home. As a lover of gardening and nature here are two pieces she completed while she stayed with me.

Can you tell my Mum loves Green?

The tree was blocked in using Burnt Umber then Jo Sonja's Decor Crackle medium. Let dry and a heavy coat of Smoked Pearl over the top. A touch of floating and dry brushing to finish of the trunk and branches.

Oh, My Mum was very proud to take home these two completed pieces.
I think these are great results for a beginner and I'm very proud of my Mum.
Hugs, Anna

Friends, Published

2011-03-10T19:32:00.001+11:00

Hey blogging buddies and friends,
It's been a while. I have my Mum here for a few weeks and I just get tied up with chatting, drinking coffee, visiting and doing like minded things. Oh, She's also painting! I'm so proud of my Mum. Raising five daughters on her own most of the time and a darn good job if I say so myself!

I'm feeling quite special today~I received a lovely personalised hand made journal, card and gift wrapped in the prettiest way possible by one of my bestest friends Kerryanne.
Kerryanne has taken fabulous photo's so you can pop over here http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ and have a good look.
I know Kerryanne has been very busy painting and sewing up a new range/collection so pop on over to her website and check out her latest designs as well.

I've recently had this piece published in the Fine Art & Decorative Painting magazine.

I've used a few different techniques~Jo Sonja paints and mediums in this 'Rose through my Window'.

Take care, I hope to get around blog hopping soon.

Hugs, Anna

Been soo busy

2011-02-15T16:10:00.001+11:00

Hello blogging buddies,

I know it's been ages but my private life has been very busy with personal stuff taking over my 'ME' time including blogging time.

Wow, was I surprised to see dear hubby walk in the door with this beautiful bunch of red roses yesterday for Valentines Day. We've been together for nearly twenty nines years and we hadn't celebrated Valentines day ever!

This is a cushion cover I've just finished for my Mum.
Oops, I can't remember the designer, naughty me. It came out of an older magazine.

This is the piece I'm working on at the moment.
The designs are from 'A Gardeners Journal by Anni Downs'
I decided to colour the design in using pencils then stitch the design.

I need a new pencil sharpener!

I hope to get around and visit you soon.
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Tutorial on photo placemats & award

2011-01-15T09:26:00.000+11:00

Hello blogging buddies,

I know, it's been way too long since I've posted. I've been busy creating and finishing off some projects.

Oh, I've also started a new painting~however it's a go slow piece!

Anyway, I've had a few buddies ask about the tutorial for the photo place mats, so I've going to show you how I achieved them.

Using my computer and my photo program I've cropped, cut and pasted my photo's into a Word document. I found this easy, so I could see how it was going to look on the A4 cotton sheet.

These fabulous sheets of printable cotton I purchased at the last Stitches and Craft show. The lady from Australian Country Quilts was very helpful. You can also buy these online at http://www.australiancountryquilts.com/ at a very reasonable price.

Following the directions on the packet, I printed my photo's, left it over night, peeled off the backing paper, rinsed in a cold bucket of water, dried and ironed my fabric photo sheet. Oh, sooo easy!

I sewed on my border fabrics. I sewed on 1.5 inch strips to the sides of the place mats and 2.5inch strips to the top and bottom of each place mat.

I used padded cotton for the backing. I needed something heat resistant for my timber table as well as a backing. This suited me just fine.

I sewed in between each picture to attach the backing to the top piece.

Then comes the 2.5 inch binding. Ironed in half and attached to the outside on the front of each place mat.

Trim off the excess backing fabric and hand sew the binding over to the back with hidden stitches.
Oh dear, I did take a photo of the finished place mats but blogger didn't like it. LOL I really don't know why it didn't want to load.

Yesterday I received an award from my friend June at http://unwrappingmyheart.blogspot.com/ Thank you June. June is a great blogger, always sharing images and leaving kind comments!
Part of the deal with this award is to share 8 things about yourself, So here I go~
1~I'm a wife to one, Mother to two, Sister to four.

2~I grew up with my Mum and four sisters, then seven years ago I met my Dad~now I have six Aunts and Uncle's and twenty four cousins.

3~I'm left handed, have messy writing but I love using my hands to paint and sew.

4~My husband and I have been in business for twenty four years {makes me sound really old, but I'm not} previous to that I was a medical receptionist.

5~I don't like shopping unless it's for Art & Craft supplies and I love a bargain.

6~If I could do anything is this world, it would be find a cure for cancer.

7~If I had a never ending supply of money, I would open up a family orientated motor bike track for pee wee's, teenagers and adults with camping facilities and a hugh workshop for artists.

8~I'd like to have a big party and meet all my blogging buddies one day.
Well that's my eight things. Now I have to pass this award on to 8 other stylish bloggers. This is a difficult task as I have soo many stylish blogging buddies!

Kerryanne @ http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/
Kris @ http://www.tagalongteddies.blogspot.com/
Sharon @ http://allnorahsart.blogspot.com/
Peg @ http://happyinquilting.blogspot.com/
Martha @ http://marthalever.blogspot.com/
Diane @ http://dianesalter.blogspot.com/
Lynn @ http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/
Mariondee @ http://mariondee-designs.blogspot.com/
Hugs to you all,
Anna

Merry Christmas

2010-12-18T08:19:00.004+11:00

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, healthy, fun filled, creative year in 2011!

I received a lovely gift in the mail this week from

Vicki at Tozz's Corner an, oh so sweet purse and a hand stitched with love Christmas decoration for my tree. Thank you Vicki.

Here is one of the reasons I've been a bit quiet in blogland-I'm trying to finish personalised place mats for my dining table. Quite a bit of playing around with my photos on the computer and then printing the photos onto fabric. Let dry for one hour {depends on the brand of print fabric} then wash, dry, iron and sew on borders, add batting and backing or cheat and use padded calico, 'stitch in the ditch' around each photo and hand sew the binding on. I have an eight seater dining table and I'm up to number 5 place mat.
This is just a brief run down. I was going to do a small tutorial but time is running out... If you're interested in making some for yourself, I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Here is something else I've recently stitched for a special friend's 40 th birthday. There was a 'no gift' rule, however I know how much Kaz appreciates hand made gifts and I couldn't resist making this special cushion with a photo of her children.

Yeah, that's a couple to add to my OPAM challenge this month.

Now, I'm going to have a bit of a gripe~I heard a statement the other day that

"blogging is just bragging about your achievements"

I was a bit upset by this statement as I blog quite a bit, love sharing my works and receiving comments I also make lots of comments when visiting other bloggers and l Love the way we share information, tutorials and advice.

A few good examples are:

Kerryanne from Shabby Art Boutique and all her special guest artists that have been so giving in tutorials, hints, tips and expert advice.

There are also lots of artists

Purple Palette,

Violette's CreativeJuices,

Lee at http://artfulleedesigned.blogspot.com/

and fabric queens that share BOM and tutorials like

Jenny from Elefantz,

http://tozzscorner.blogspot.com/,

Clare from Clare's Craftroom and

Vikki from Sew Useful Designs

then for the paper crafter's there's

Tim Holtz and

Creative Carmelina who does a bit of everything,

June @ http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/

and Karen @ Graphic Fairy

These are just to name a few of sharing, caring bloggers {there are plenty more}~I could go on and on and on.

My point is please use kind words, you don't have to join in with our fun, creative world!

Buon Natale,
Baci e Abbracci,
Hugs~Anna

Published again

2010-12-02T07:24:00.000+11:00

Hello blogging buddies,
I know two posts in one week. I've just received a copy of 'Fine Art & Decorative Painting' magazine and I've had a piece published in this months edition of Vol 18 No 4

If you click on this link, you can check out a few pages of this latest edition;http://craftlovers.com/magazines/621-essential-fine-arts-decorative-painting/11453-essential-fine-arts-decorative-painting

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank 'Chroma Australia' for supporting me as an artist and teacher.
Check out the link to see the latest in products, artists and the lots of other interesting information on these great quality paints.

Only 23 days until Christmas, I hope you're nearly organised. I still have some important gifts to buy and pull out the Christmas tree and decorations.
Enjoy the countdown,
Hugs,
Anna

In touch with nature

2010-11-29T21:41:00.000+11:00

Painting for Christmas pressies

2010-11-14T08:36:00.000+11:00

Hello friends, I know its been a while. I've had my wonderful Mum here for the past three weeks, spending some quality time together shopping, gardening and painting. Oh, my Mum's not normally a painter but as she loves her garden and knick knacks in her garden I purchased a couple of metal ornaments that we painted. This butterfly was sanded back, prepped with All Purpose Sealer, painted Black and then painted with Iridescent colours over the top.

The sparkle is Kindy Glitz in Crystalina colour.

While Mum was here she was admiring my latest sewing pieces. I offered to make her a cushion that ended up being a small pillow.

{Argh, so hard to find small rectangle cushion inserts}

Can you guess my Mum's favourite colour is Green!

That's one OPAM for November, another one in the works.

In the mood to make Christmas gifts?

Here is a simple and bright idea to decorate a Glass Candle holder~I'm sharing with you!

Please note~the decorative petal paper under these pictures is compliments of Jenny's blogspot. Pop on over to see her easy tutorial.

Take a piece of lace {soft lace is better} slightly larger than the candle holder. Apply a generous coat of Atelier Impasto Gel over the glass. Smooth fabric over this and add another generous coat of Impasto Gel {you can trim excess lace while you go, just make sure you have enough to overlap} so all the fabric is smooth and wet. Turn up side down over a thin bottle to dry overnight.

When dry, trim excess lace. Apply a coat of Carbon Black. Iridescent paint is brighter over black. Allow to dry.

Then paint with whatever Iridescent colour you prefer. Above is Jo Sonja Violet, the below candle holder is painted with Gold Iridescent. Jo Sonja Iridescent colours also come in Red, Green, Blue & Turquoise.

You can use this method to apply lace and embellishments to almost anything.

This was a plain evening bag purchased from the op shop.

I'll be back soon to show you my latest sewing project!

Hugs, Anna

Christmas, OPAM, Salt dough

2010-10-31T19:48:00.001+11:00

Hi, I'm very late with my OPAM this month!

I've been busy with my Mum here from interstate and finishing off a few projects, sorry for not getting around and visiting everyone in blog land.

This sweet "Brooch Cushion" is Kathryn's design from http://ourshabbycottage.blogspot.com/

who was a guest artist over at Kerryanne's from http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ who is conducting "Simply Christmas" There are fabulous, inspiring projects and guest artists to get you into the Christmas spirit and lots of ideas for hand made gifts.

Have you seen this gorgeous Purple Iris? Oops, probably not the best background to take this photo.

You may have been to visit Lee at http://artfulleedesigned.blogspot.com/

Lee kindly gave up her Sunday to give her expert advice for us to finish painting the design.

What do you think of these tags?

They are made of Salt dough, easy enough for children to make.

*2 cups plain flour

*1 cup salt

*3/4 to 1 cup warm water

Knead for ten minutes~you may add touch more water or flour if necessary!

Then you can start rolling, cutting, shaping and colouring your salt dough tags.

*Wrap unused portion in Cling Wrap so it doesn't dry out.

Roll out to about 2-3 mm thickness, use cookie cutters or glass for your shape and push {permanent inked stamp} into dough and let dry on baking paper on cake rack turning every few hours.

For the hole at the top of the tags, I pushed a straw into the dough.

Now, if you're inpatient like myself, you can quicken up the speed of drying your salt dough tags using your oven.

After a few burnt, puffy, tried and tested ways-The best way I found was heating moderate oven {170 degrees for twenty minutes} turn the over off, place cake rack with decorations flat in the oven and leave over night to dry.

I prefer to make my tags and when dry paint them using Jo Sonja acrylic paints to decorate and varnish.
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Latest Art

2010-10-11T17:14:00.000+11:00

Hello friends,

Last week Lee and I had a art play day. This is one of the backgrounds I achieved while playing.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Lee, we have heaps in common!

I was also lucky enough to receive a bunch of flowers, there were Jonquils and Gerbera's.
One of the Gerbera flowers was so perfect, I had the urge to paint it. I did this background with watery Jo Sonja acrylic paints in Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Scarlet and Burnt Umber. While wet a poured Rock Salt over the top. When this was nearly dry-I put Pale Gold into a small mist spray bottle and sprayed over the top of the Rock Salt and this is what I ended up with as a background for my Gerbera!

I had started the background of this canvas board using Copic pens. I knew what verse I wanted and I had ideas of what I wanted the final piece to look like.
Lee helped me along with her collection of stamps, flourishes and ideas. This is for a special friend!

So nice to get together with like minded people and let the creativeness flow!
Do you have someone that has the same "PASSION" as you, that you can get together with and play?
Thank you for visiting, I'd love to hear about your Passion and play days!
Hugs,
Anna

Creative Artist, Simply Christmas

2010-10-04T12:19:00.000+11:00

Hello my blogging friends,
Thanks for popping in and visiting* I have a bit of exciting news~recently through Blogging, I've got to know Suzana from Creative Therapies @ http://creativetherapies.wordpress.com/author/creativetherapies/
Suzana has done a profile on ME this week.
Please pop over for a visit and check out my latest painting there as well as lots of other creative artists!

I also need to tell you about Kerryanne's latest news*

Shabby Art Boutique is running this great event with handmade Christmas goodies, treats, guest bloggers and giveaways. Come along and join in the fun!
Hugs,
Anna

Facelift

2010-09-27T14:45:00.000+10:00

Hello, Thank you for popping in*

FACELIFT~Ah, not me, my kitchen has had a face lift!

From this-

To this-

And this-

To this-

Roy from Superior Kitchens did a fantastic job and I'd highly recommend him for any Kitchen or Bathroom renovation! Roy doesn't have an website, however I'd be happy to pass on his information if you'd like to email me.

Yesterday I attended a workshop at the Society of Folk & Decorative Artists. The workshop was conducted by Robyn Sherer~A fabulous teacher, very creative and giving.

The background and base coating was painted using Jo Sonja acrylics. We then had fun mixing Papier Mache for the body of the Echidna. Placed that on the canvas and start molding and Painted over the papier mache. We were lucky, most of the spikes were already painted.{Thanks for Robyn's parents} These were pushed into the papier mache body. We then glazed over the background, face, feet and foliage using Archival Oils and pencils.

I've taken this photo on an angle so you can see the height and depth of the "Echidna".

If you are free on 17th October and live in or around Melbourne/Geelong you may want to attend the "Portarlington Art & Garden Trail"

This will be 19 Studio's, Gallery's and Gardens open to the public from 11 am to 4pm

There isn't a website however I do have a phone number if anyone is interested, I'd be happy to email it to you!

Live Joyfully,

Hugs,

Anna

Pink Magnolia, OPAM

2010-09-21T07:09:00.000+10:00

Hi, Thanks for popping in* I hope you're having a great, creative week!

This is my latest painting. The background and under painting is painted in Jo Sonja, acrylics and then I've used Archival Oils to glaze over the top.

My blogging friend Anne from http://elmilagrostudio.blogspot.com/ kindly gave me permission to paint her photo.

Anne is a great photographer and artist, always running around her property taking photos and painting up a storm in her studio.

What a great view from Anne's window!

Creative Carmelina has different themes for the days of the week. Tuesday is "Tag Tuesday".

Carmelina recently gave me inspiration/idea to create these Tea tags for my Mum who loves a great cuppa tea.

My latest OPAM is this pretty vintage style cushion for my bed.

Yippee, I'm getting better at inserting Zips.

As I continue to Journal and need more "stuff" my pencil case is overflowing, so I decided to make myself a new bright one. Ah, another zip.

Jenny from http://elefantz.blogspot.com/ recently did a post or two on zippers. Very informative if you want to check it out.

Hugs, Anna

My baby sister can Paint!

2010-09-10T17:31:00.000+10:00

Hello and thanks for popping in*

My sister "Eddy" wanted a similar painting to fill a blank wall and couldn't find one anywhere. I suggested she paint one.

Ah, I have evidence that Eddy is creative!

This was Eddy's canvas that was purchased a few years ago and she wanted something similar. Eddy adapted the design and came up with this!

Ah, Isn't my baby sister clever and she had soo much fun, she will paint all her art work for the new home!

Have a fabulous spring weekend,

Hugs, Anna

Weekend away

2010-09-03T06:31:00.003+10:00

Hi Friends, thanks for popping in*

Last weekend I went on a painting conference held by True Blue Decorative Artists.

On the Friday afternoon I attended Vicky Phelps workshop "Beads, Bangles and Baubles". We painted our piece onto Canvas using Atelier Interactive Paints then sewed on the beads. Applied the canvas to the tin and used Glue and lots of coloured Textured Paste to finish off the edges.

On Saturday I attended Lee Clements workshop painting the "Purple Iris" also using Atelier Interactive Paints. I haven't taken a photo as my piece isn't finished but you can pop over to Lee's blogspot and look at her gorgeous painting.

On Saturday night we great meal and danced the rest of the night away.

Up bright and early on Sunday to attend another great workshop with Robyn Sherer

"By The Old Dead Tree"

This was is a Multi Media piece using a tree branch. We extended the branch with wire, clay and texture paste. The painting is done using Acrylic and Oil paints. Some used pencils over the top.

I recently participated in a ATC swap host by Janet and Lee. My swap partner was Sophie and silly me forgot to take photo's before posting them. You can pop over to Sophie's blogspot to check out our ATC'S.

Live Joyfully,

Hugs, Anna

Farm & Painting

2010-08-25T13:46:00.002+10:00

Hello friends, Thanks for stopping by*

Hubby and I have been spending a bit of time on our friends farm helping erect post and rail fencing.

I was lucky enough to have my camera and take this photo a few days after this foal was born. Isn't he just gorgeous giving Mummy kisses.

This was the beautiful sunset over the back hill on Saturday evening as we were packing up for the day.

Last week I participated in a workshop run by True Blue Decorative Artists. The teacher was Rachel Baker who instructed us on watercolour techniques and added some bling to our mermaid. Thank you Rachel, great relaxing workshop.

This weekend I'm taking off for a painting conference held by True Blue Decorative Artists. You can check out the workshops on offer here: http://www.tbda.org/conference.html

I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun at the "Baubles, bangles and beads" conference.

Happy creating! Hugs, Anna

Paint, OPAM

2010-08-11T15:05:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends, Thanks for popping in*
Remember a few posts ago I was telling you about demonstrating at the Craft Fair, Chroma Australia have added a post and pictures to their News page regarding the event! Oh, what a buzz!

I've probably broken the rules here with Zentangles,{being on a purple background} so lets just call it doodling if your an expert!

Hm, can you tell I like the colour Purple? This pencil case/make up bag is for a special friend of mine, who also likes Purple!

OK, another OPAM for this month, that makes three. Oh, I think I'm ahead except if you look at Peg and Kris's blogspot. They are the two lovely ladies running OPAM.

Here is my first handmade Christmas decoration for this year.This design is one of Kerryanne's new designs from her Christmas range.
You can check out Woodberry Design website.
http://woodberrydesigns.com.au/
See you around blogland,
Hugs,
Anna

Art, Art and a touch a sewing

2010-08-04T06:46:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends,

OK, I'm late! This is a pencil case I made for my July's OPAM.

I finally decided I should decorate the front cover of art journal {it's nearly full} I've used Texture Paste, Lace, Impasto Gel, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf and Opal Dust.

This is a Multi media piece using Texture paste, Opal dust, fabric and a piece of Paper towel.

This is the opposite page using different colours but similar techniques.

I'm happy to share any of these tips and techniques with you. Just leave a comment or email me.

The next two pieces are designs by my creative, friend Lee. This piece was published in the latest Australian Fine Art, decorative painting magazine.

Lee's original piece is painted on three large canvas's and looks absolutely fantastic.

They were very relaxing, stunning pieces to paint.

If you have a chance, pop over and visit Lee @ http://artfulleedesigned.blogspot.com/

Lee has a post {Revitalized Paper Craft} on the Chroma website on how she has decorated three gorgeous pieces which you can get step by step instructions for.

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Creating,

Hugs Anna

Craft Fair in Melbourne

2010-07-24T18:19:00.000+10:00

Hi, Thanks for popping in!

I was at the Melbourne Craft Fair yesterday. WOW-sooo many like minded people to see and chat with.

I demonstrated techniques using Chroma Products on the BFDA stand. I don't think I've ever spoken non-stop for that long about something I'm so passionate about!

Here's a picture of Rachel and I demonstrating in front of the BFDA stand.

Rachel conducted the Make and Take workshop in Craft Circle, while I continued to demonstrate and she came back with this lovely gift tag for me!

Thanks Rachel.

After a quick break I did the run around from stall to stall. I say run around because I normally spend all day at the Craft shows and go back and purchase what I really need after checking out all the stalls. Hm, yesterday, I only had a couple of hours and it was dangerous! No running back to get anything, not enough time {I just had to buy it then and there}.

Here's a picture of my goodies I purchased yesterday. A quick stop by Giggle Buttons and met Kez & Elisa. I also found a few art supply stalls.
One lovely helpful lady was Ange at http://www.scrapware.com.au/ I also stopped and introduced myself to Pam from Cottage Garden threads. Oh yummy, I could stitch almost anything using these threads and of course some pretty lace was purchased from Lace Cottage for sewing and in my art journals. Oops, Being on the run, I forget to take pictures. Not very good blogging.
Happy Painting,
Hugs,
Anna

Craft & Quilt Fair

2010-07-16T07:44:00.000+10:00

Hi, thanks for stopping in for a visit.

This is one of my latest pieces. Lots of Faux Backgrounds using a variety of different Jo Sonja Mediums, on a large canvas.

Are you going to the Craft & Quilt Fair.

Its on in Melbourne starting Thursday, 22nd July.

I'll be there on Friday morning demonstrating at the BFDA stand, E18 then helping my friend Rachel conduct a Make and Take workshop in Craft Circle 3 at 12.30pm

If you are at the show on Friday, please stop by and say Hello. I'd love to meet some more blogging friends!

I'm really getting into the spirit here. My good friend Robyn suggested I paint a pair of shoes.

So here they are-Crackled Iridescent paints over my old black shoes. I wore them yesterday and all my students think they're "So Cool" my family of three guys think "I'm nuts".

What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by* Hugs, Anna

Short break on the Sunshine Coast of Australia

2010-07-10T08:58:00.000+10:00

Here are a few photo's from our short break on the Sunshine Coast.

We stayed at The Waves in Maroochydore.

This was the view from the balcony over looking the Maroochy River.

Early morning sunrise over Maroochy River. I love the reflections on the water in this photo and I would never get sick of this view! Ah, the serenity!

We went four wheel driving along Teewah Beach.

I just got a glimpse of the camel riders before they took off for a ride along the beach.

The highway here is forty miles of road along the shore. The road is speed limited to 40, 60 and 80 kilometres an hour. The road ends at Rainbow Beach.

One morning was spent at the Eumandi Markets. This must be the biggest market I've ever been to!

We visited a small town called Montrose with lots of unusual shops and beautiful tree lined streets.

We went on the Catalina, Noosa cruise boat along the Noosa River. There was a Jazz band playing while we were cruising along, drinking and dancing. OK, now I know I'll dance to anything. Now I'm back to reality in cold, windy Melbourne today.
Looking forward to retiring, becoming a grey nomad and moving to the warmer climate during winter. lol

Self portrait, OPAM

2010-06-26T09:49:00.000+10:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted. I've been very busy in my studio creating.

I've been attending Kerryanne's online class(Embracing the Passion) in Art Journaling.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend participating in one of Kerryanne's online courses.

After a lot of inspiration and confidence, I started this self portrait last night. Of course it's not finished. I think with something like a portrait, I'll be going back looking, and making changes for weeks to come!

Ah, now that I've posted it, I can see there are changes to be made.

Phew, I've been soooo busy in my studio, I nearly didn't get a OPAM done this month.
These jeans were kindly donated by my nephew AJ, (Thanks AJ) that I've turned into a bag. I added some simple embellishments.
Happy creating,
Hugs*Anna

Series of birds, ME page

2010-06-09T16:49:00.000+10:00

Thank you for visiting my blog spot. I appreciate every one's visits and comments!

Brrhh- Its very cold, wet, and windy here in Melbourne today, so I cranked up the heater and spent the day in my studio playing.

This is my second bird in the series I'm painting at the moment.

I am now into my second week of "Art Journaling" with Kerryanne from Shabby Art Boutique and I'm loving it.

This page is a little bit about "ME" and my visit to Italy.

Pink Roses

2010-06-03T06:58:00.001+10:00

I've been busy this week prepping pages in my Art Journal, doodling, and reading notes for the new course I'm doing on-line with Kerryanne.
I did manage to varnish this piece that I painted last week.
Do you have free (ME) time these days?
I feel life rushing by and one day rolling into another now!

There is one thing that has slowed me down this week-a Soft tissue injury to my left hand. (Yes, I'm a lefty)I can't sew, knit and my art work has been limited. I hope nothing serious ever happens to my left hand, I would be one very frustrated, cranky, artist and Mum.
Hugs,
Anna

"Embracing the Passion", Mother's Day

2010-05-24T10:31:00.000+10:00

Kerryanne is starting a new and exciting on-line course called "Embracing the Passion" http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/

As this is her 200th post Kerryanne has a great offer going on. You would do yourself a favour by checking out this talented, creative blogspot.

My Mum came down for a few days of pampering over the weekend (late Mother's Day gift) My three sisters, Mum and I went to Burnbank Estate for a Day Spa retreat. We had a wonderful day consisting of eating, drinking, facials, massages, pedicures and manicures.

I feel like a new woman!

Have a great week, Hugs,

Anna

Heaps going on!

2010-05-20T16:37:00.002+10:00

Hi Ladies,
You may want to grab a cuppa, I have quite a bit of show and tell.

There have been a few new baby's arriving in this world. I've painted some personal gifts with their birth details on them.

The carriage I designed with a boy in mind and the bassinets for the girls.

Congratulations to all the new parents!

Do you remember the stubborn little purse I couldn't turn out(last post), well that's the one in the front. I decided to make a couple more.

The one on the left is for a dear friend who LOVES animal print and she's going to Bali on the 1st June-I thought a make up bag would be the perfect little pressie.

I finished off these tea towels that have been waiting for button holes and buttons.

Ah, now that I know how to line a bag and I'm a little bit better at sewing-I had a go at making this little girly bag.

Do you remember the generous Vikki from Sew Useful Designs offered this free pattern for Mother's Day. I did change the design a bit.

Oh, I even had a go at using Parisian Essence and dyed the fabric. (not very clear in the photo).

Yesterday I had a beautiful day out with a couple of close friends. We went up to the Dandenong Ranges and visited Sassafras and Olinda. While in Sassafras we had to visit the famous Miss Marples Tea Room and enjoy a scrummy lunch!

Shh, I won't be telling you all how naughty I was, I just about had to be rolled back to the car.

Here are two of my dear friends Heather and Syndi.

We went into every shop in this quaint little town and I purchased a few goodies.

This shop is absolutely gorgeous. Tea Leaves I purchased a tea pot, cups and of course some China Rose Tea leaves that I shared with my students this morning. I've now decided I should collect these cute little tea pots!

While I was sitting down having a rest nearing the end of the day, I noticed these Buddha's. Of course I took this photo thinking of a couple of blogging buddies of mine-Serena and Lee.

Lee "ArtfulLee Designed" has just recently got back into blogging. She's a very talented artist. If you have a moment pop in and say hello to Lee. I know she'll appreciate your comments on her beautiful art work.

Ah, Phew, that was a long post. A couple of new pieces for OPAM as well.

Happy Painting, Stitching, Creating until next time. Hugs, Anna

Latest Painting and Sewing

2010-05-07T06:54:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies, Thank you for popping over to my blogspot and leaving your kind comments!

I've just started painting a series of Australian birds. This is my first piece/design a Kingfisher!

Here is cute little purse I've made after visiting Vicki's at Tozz's Corner blogspot. Vicki inspired my good, crafty friend, Michelle and I to have a go at this. If you pop over to Janet from Quiltsalott blogspot, you'll find a fantastic tutorial there. Thank you Janet.

At least once a week Michelle and I get together and sew and/or paint. You see, Michelle is a very talented patchwork/sewer and I'm the Artist. We share ideas and help each other out.

Another cute patchwork purse, that I can't turn out the right way (the zipper is stuck) My 19 year old son (mechanic) couldn't get the zip to work either.

Grrhh, Do you know how impatient I am with things like this?

When I figure it out, I'll pop up a picture.

Here is another piece Michelle and I worked on together. Oh, Michelle made her own bag. This design was found in the Handmade magazine. This is my first bag with lining, handles and all. I'm absolutely thrilled with the outcome.

I must add these to my OPAM list now.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Hugs, Anna

Frangipani's & Shabby Roses

2010-04-24T06:55:00.000+10:00

Hello, Thank you for coming over and seeing my latest pieces!

I've finally finished painting these frangipani's. There were a bit flat until I added Atelier Oils over the top of the Acrylics, now to wait until the oils dry to Varnish the canvas(that may take a while, it's just turned to nasty cold weather here in Melbourne)

I've been working on this Shabby Roses Quilt on and off for about six months now. Phew, I finally got it finished and I'm very happy with the results. My OPAM for April-Yeah!

I did choose my own colours, and added Scolloped borders (that's a first for me, I had to learn to cut bias a different way) This pretty design is compliments of Jenny of Elefantz Jenny very generously offered this design as a Free Block of Month last year. I'm know you can still purchase the design from her.

I was given this "One lovely Blog award" by Anne at http://elmilagrostudio.blogspot.com/ Thank you Anne.

Anne is a great photographer, artist and comedian. Hm, I'm not sure she means to be a comedian but I quite often laugh at her posts.

Happy Painting, Creating, Stitching or designing,

Hugs, Anna

Another bag, Faux Cakes

2010-04-17T08:37:00.001+10:00

Here is another bag I've just finished painting. I'm going to send the bags to my Mum to sell. She lives in a small coastal town called Eden.

Have you heard the news?

Kerryanne of Shabby Art Boutique is selling her "Secret Recipe" for faux cakes. I have the recipe and I've had soo much fun making cakes this week.

My guys are really dissapointed because they aren't REAL and can't be eaten.

What do you give your son's female friend for her birthday?

I'm giving Donna a Faux cake and a wooden birthday card (Yes, also one of Kerryanne's designs).

Can you tell how much I like Kerryanne's designs?

Oh, maybe I should have called this Kerryanne's post! lol
I hope to post early next week with my latest OPAM.
I'm just adding the finishing touches to my latest quilt.
Hugs, Anna

Latest paintings

2010-04-06T16:50:00.001+10:00

Here are a couple of my latest designs painted onto Calico Bags.

Ah, Holidays are great for anyone that needs inspiration. I have another beach babe in mind, I just wanted to show you what I've been painting.

Now, What will I do with all these bags? I could give them away as gifts or I could sell them.
How much do you think I could sell them for??
Your comments and advice are always great appreciated.
Hugs,
Anna

South Coast-Eden

2010-03-29T07:52:00.013+11:00

Gosh, lots going on while I was away. I came home to Handmade magazine and so many of my friends are in the latest issue.

Kerryanne from Shabby Art Boutique has a feminine Rose design painted on a picket.
Kris from Tag Along Teddies has the most adorable Teddy named Annie Rose.
Vicki from Tozz's Corner has made a cloth doll named Miss Mipsy, (I didn't know Vicki made dolls)
Jenny from Jenny of Elefantz has made Shabby Roses Cushion.
Vikki from Sew Useful Design has designed a stitchery called "A Mother's Love".
Val from Val Laird has designed a cute bird house pin cushion. Heaps of thing to add to my "TO DO" list.

While I'm on the subject of crafty friends and blogspots I'd I've a friend that's just started blogging. Her name is Michelle from Crafty Chookie. Pop on over and check out her blogspot when you get a chance.My family and I have just come back from the South Coast. We stayed at a place called Eden and visited a lot of the towns near by Pambula, Tilba Tilba, Bermagui, Merrimbula, and I took over 400 photo's(sunrises, sunsets and lots of ideas to paint)I walked along the beach everyday.

I just couldn't believe the price of fuel!

This place was so tranquil,(Quarantine Bay) I could have stayed there for hours watching the Pelicans and the fishermen coming in from out at sea.

Dutch Pressie, OPAM, Mr Rooster

2010-03-09T16:02:00.009+11:00

How lucky am I to have received this fantastic surprise "Dutch Pressie" in the mail today! There was five pieces of "dutch fabric", a card, two different ribbons, a mini pair of decorated clogs and a plain wooden pair for me to paint.
The lovely, creative, talented sender was Cindy http://www.uttemetut.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much Cindy, for sending me a gift in the mail!
You can also check out her sisters blogspot at http://moncherrycraft.blogspot.com/

This is my piece for OPAM this month. The design for this bag came from Vicki at http://tozzscorner.blogspot.com/ Vicki is offering this "Bliss bag" with a dainty stitchery on the front. I used pretty oriental print fabric instead.

OK, this piece I've called "Mr Rooster" however I feel there is something missing from this piece.

Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated!

Have a great week, Hugs, Anna

Latest Art

2010-03-01T15:50:00.008+11:00

Thank you for dropping by and leaving encouraging comments.
It's always great to hear from followers and positive feedback!
This Feng Shui Canvas was a spur of the moment decision. I wanted something peaceful to go on the blank brick wall above our spa. For those wondering-No, this has not been hung yet, I just sat it there for the photograph!

I divided the canvas into three equal sections and painted the background colours.
Then I added Texture Paste using a palette knife (like icing a cake) and let that dry overnight. I painted each section with Retarder and while wet painted Burnt Umber over the sections, wiping off with a lint free towel while still wet. The symbols and writing are painted after all the previous steps dried completely.

Do you remember this piece?

I sent in a couple of photos to the Editor of a painting magazine and I've been commissioned to have them both submitted. I'm in the long, hard process of achieving "step by step" boards and the written instructions.

Scrappy Embellished Quilt

2010-02-24T06:31:00.011+11:00

Thank you for taking the time to pop over to my blogspot and leaving comments. I really appreciate your support, thoughts and encouragement.
Another OPAM for the month of February! I've been working on this for some time now and the binding took ages to hand sew. (That's just how much I enjoy sewing binding). It is very encouraging doing OPAM, it makes me want to get pieces finished.

I'm not sure why they call this scrappy because I start with 6" strips!

All the embellished pieces and motifs are hand sewn.

Hm, Maybe I should have ironed the quilt before taking the photo's.

Have you noticed how long some pictures take to upload? I think it depends on the time of day you are uploading!

My Mum was here

2010-02-21T09:36:00.009+11:00

My Mum came to stay for the week. It's been one year since she was here last, so I made the most of her being here. On Tuesday, we went for a Pedicure, out to lunch and shopping.

My Mum let me add some colour to her hair after having it cut! She was a bit concerned about what Aunty Beryl may think, but Aunty Beryl thought she was a "Groovy Granny", I think my guys were more shocked.

Aunty Beryl was a Pastry Chef in her younger years, (She owned "Coronation Cake Shop" in Preston) and boy can she still cook up a storm.

We had a feast of home made pasties, sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches, little cup cakes, home made pavlova, lamingingtons and scones, using the finest china. Actually we couldn't eat the Pavlova so I brang it home for my guys.

This is a picture of Aunty Beryl aged 87 now- holding a photo of herself at the age of 22. Wasn't she beautiful and she still is!

OPAM, Perth

2010-02-07T14:48:00.017+11:00

I know I've been a bit quiet in blogland-Hubby and I went to Perth to visit relatives and chill out.

It was wonderful over there catching up with everyone, meeting and cuddling the new babies in the family and taking some reference photo's for painting. I have started painting these Frangipani's!

Here are a few of my OPAM pieces for this month.

I adapted this design by painting in the elements and adding glass beads.(Handmade Magazine)

I made these hanging tea towels. I'm lucky enough to have a dish washer, so only hand towels are needed. Living with three guys who like to throw the tea towel where ever it lands, I decided I needed some hanging towels.

I also made a couple of pin cushions.

I know I showed you a sneak peak on my last post of my latest quilt,

Um, I'm still working on it, well just the binding but it seems to take me for ever. Hugs, Anna

1991 and now

2010-01-12T19:07:00.016+11:00

My oldest baby will turn 19 years old this week. Oh my goodness, where has that time gone!
This was a photo of Cam taken recently. We are very proud parents of our guys.
Cam is way above his years in maturity, Very passionate, caring, generous, great mate and lovable. Cam will complete his third year in Automotive Mechanics in March.

OK, here is picture of me now-don't look to closely-oh, they're laughter lines.

I decided to have red streaks put in my hair for Christmas.

Of course I must keep applying the red or it turns pink, goodness knows what will happen after the Pink-I don't let it go that far.

I have had some very small amount of "ME TIME" recently and painted this powder bowl.

I decided to paint a sweet, small design on the lid, so not to distract from the lace.

I've also had some time for stitching because its been way to hot to get into my studio, so I've just sat in front of the air conditioner and finished this Lavender stitchery. Lucky- because I've signed up for OPAM (one project a month) which could be bit tricky but also keeps me motivated.

This is just a sneak peak of my next sewing project. Hopefully I can finish it before the end of February, oh soo much hand sewing.

Big Ooppsie

2010-01-07T09:32:00.008+11:00

Oh dear me, I made a big Ooppsie-I forgot to mention the talented Vicki from Tozz's Corner also has a free BOM design.Vicki is also a generous, talented, creative lady.

Now if only I was bright enough to learn how to upload and add a free pattern, I too would offer some painting designs, No, not sewing designs.

Hugs, Anna

BOM-Bouquet, New Camera

2010-01-05T16:58:00.009+11:00

Hi Ladies,(I don't think any blokes visit here)

Hubby and I decided to go into the city for lunch last Saturday. I tucked my new camera into my handbag and took a couple of photos. This photo was taken over Southbank, oh, what a miserable day-lucky the company was great!

We drove home along the beach, so we stopped to take this photo at Black Rock.

If you are interested in a fantastic offer then you must go check out Jenny's of Elefantz blogspot.

http://elefantz.blogspot.com/ Jenny is offering a feminine, pretty pattern-Block of the Month design for free. Jenny is one very talented, generous lady who always has encouraging and kind words to offer.

Thank you for popping in and leaving comments. Hugs, Anna

1st Painting for 2010

2010-01-02T12:49:00.005+11:00

This is my first painting for 2010.

Every year I paint my Mother in Law a diary for one of her Christmas presents, however these past few months I've been so busy that I actually forgot-how naughty of me.

Last week she handed me a blank diary to paint, so wasting no time I got stuck in my studio and this is what I come up! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe and creative year in 2010

Hugs, Anna

It's Christmas time

2009-12-29T06:12:00.005+11:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas.

On Christmas Eve my sons came to me asking "who's been eating the cookies and drinking the milk on Christmas Eve" and "who's teeth marks were left on the carrot stalk"

Oh dear, I couldn't believe what I was hearing-my guys are now 16 and 18yrs old. If they thought I was going to fess up, forget it!

All I could say was "if you don't believe, you won't receive".

We had a wonderful time over the Christmas period. Ate way too much and we caught up with our loved ones. I'm now the proud owner of a new camera-hopefully some great pictures will be on there way.

Our friends loved the handmade quilt. My girlfriend cried. Ah, all that hard work was worth it.

Wishing you all a healthy, safe and happy year in 2010

Thank you for visiting and leaving comments.

Just a quicky

2009-12-27T12:30:00.005+11:00

Hello my blogging buddies,
I've just hopped on the computer for a quick look at what everyone is up to and came across Val Zdero's blogspot.
This blogging buddy of mine makes fantastic jewellery pieces. Pop on over and check out Val's blog. You won't be disappointed.
I'll be back shortly to tell you about our Christmas.
Hugs,
Anna

Finished just in time

2009-12-15T07:20:00.004+11:00

Ah, Finished just in time to put under the Christmas tree for a special gift to friends of ours.
This quilt has been appliqued and hand stitched in each block. Its taken me nearly twelve months to achieve (part time).
I hope you're all going well with your gift making and shopping for Christmas presents. I still need to hit the shops for some last minute gifts and my teenage guys. Hm, what to buy for my guys???
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy, Fun year for 2010
Hugs,
Anna

Honest Award

2009-11-25T14:52:00.019+11:00

I'm honoured to have received this award from Audrey at Magicmiraclesjoy.blogspot.com

I'm to mention and add the linky thing to Audrey, Thank you Audrey.

I have recently received two awards but I'll start with this one because I received it first.
I'm suppose to tell you ten things about myself-

1. I'm the oldest of Five girls and I always wanted an older sibling

2. I love sharing my knowledge of painting, sewing, whatever you need help with

3. I met my Dad for the first time at the age of 37 years, hey- it wasn't that long ago

4. I broke my ankle in the main street(on the service road) of our town and now I have plates and screws, yukky

5. I've been to Italy and can't wait to go back again-hoping next year

6. I've been with my husband for more than quarter century, that makes me sound very old but we were young

7. My favourite dessert is Lemon Meringue Pie-especially when I share it with my Mum and sisters

8. I have six nephews, two nieces and three God children

9. I despise Lies and copyright thief's

10. My favourite alcoholic drink is Moscato or Scotch on the Rocks-less carbs

PHEW, that was hard.

Now, I'm to pass this onto ten bloggers that I feel have honest blogs (I'm sure you all have)

Kerryanne http://www.shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/

Sue http://sue-niven.blogspot.com/

Val http://valzderoart.blogspot.com/

Vikki http://sewusefuldesigns.blogspot.com/

Karen http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

Serena http://artbyserena.blogspot.com/

Gail http://www.gailmccormack.blogspot.com/

Sharon http://purplepaletteartists.blogspot.com/

Jenny http://elefantz.blogspot.com/

Andrea http://thepink-poodle.blogspot.com/

There are a few others I would have passed this onto (Anne, Julie,) but I'm a bit late, they've received this award already.

Christmas Giveaway

2009-11-24T19:28:00.007+11:00

I'd like to give everyone that visits my blog spot a gift for Christmas, however that could be a hard task, so I'm offering one giveaway.

Here are the gifts- 5x7" wide canvas with my design of a painted Christmas tree with some added multi media decorations, and rhinestones, A necklace with Peace Symbol and a nice smelly lavender bag. All these pieces are handmade by me!

All you need to do is leave a comment, sign so I know who you are and if you don't have a blog spot now maybe the time to join in.

I'll draw the winner on 5th December. That should be enough time to post this Christmas Giveaway so the recipient will recieve my gift just in time for Christmas. Hugs, * Anna

Thank you, Val

2009-11-17T15:39:00.003+11:00

Remember my last post (scroll down the page) I am the lucky gal who won Val's beautiful pendant. What service our postage is, I received it this afternoon.
It's even more beautiful in real life. It has come at a good time, I needed a pick me up today.
I put it on straight away and can feel the good vibes.
It's just the perfect colour to be wearing over the Christmas period as well.
Thank you Val from Valzdero Art.
Hugs,
Anna

Val's giveaway

2009-11-15T07:26:00.004+11:00

Val Zdero Art makes beautiful jewellery and she's having a giveaway.
Go check out her blogspot. You'll be impressed with her artistic ways.
Hugs,
Anna

Holiday in Vanuatu

2009-11-12T13:09:00.014+11:00

At the last minute I decided to paint this good luck charm for the bride.
Arriving at Port Vila, Vanuatu airport. Warm, Balmy, friendly place.

The chief was waiting out the front to greet us at Le Meridian Resort, blowing his large shell.

While we were waiting for the celebrant to arrive the Groom was looking a bit nervous and agitated. I suggested I go back to the Resort and fetch him a drink. Just as we arrive at the bar, we got a call to say the Celebrant has finally arrived one and half hours late, so off we high tail it back to the wedding on the beach in this golf buggy.

When we got back to the beach there were two policemen with the city mayor.

Apparently they couldn't find the celebrant and the Mayor of Port Vila was found by the police walking down the main street, so they picked him up and he came and preformed the ceremony. I hope its all legitimate!

The chief of the village is calling to the bride letting her know the groom, celebrant and guests are awaiting her.

The happy couple-Naomi and Mark saying their wedding vowels on the beach. Such a beautiful, peaceful setting to get married.

This photo was taken of all the wedding party and guests. All of us flew to Vanuatu for this special occasion. Lucky we had plenty of warning to plan our holiday.

If you don't know where the restaurant is for breakfast-just follow the music. These musicians are here every morning in the open air restaurant playing their sweet music while you eat breakfast.

This guy is here to make whatever you'd like in your omelette's every morning. He was a bit concerned that I wanted to take his photo.

I took over 300 photos but I won't bore you with all of them. I would be sitting here for hours trying to publish them on my post.

We saw some wonderful and sad sites and heard some funny and weird traditions.

One of the traditions that really bothered me was-the young guys had to buy their wives, it cost at least 80,000 Vat converted to Australian dollars that's over 11,000 Oh, he does get to dance and celebrate after buying her, then the new wife has her two front teeth knocked out or taken out to say she is married-hands off!

Woodberry Designs giveaway

2009-11-12T07:31:00.004+11:00

Hey, do you want a chance to win this great piece of art by Kerryanne at Woodberry Designs?

Click on the link, and see her new range of patterns, paintings and faux cakes.

Kerryanne is a great mate, creative and artistic artist and a wonderful wife and mother.

Hugs, Anna

Roses for you

2009-10-28T08:53:00.016+11:00

These roses are for my followers and the lovely visitors to my blogspot.

I've called this piece "Rose through my window"

Since painting the piece and looking at it for a few days I decided to apply two part "Craft Smart, Liquid Gloss" to the insert of the frame. It has a real shine and glow to it now, It does look like glass.

I've also been working on this piece. I can only give you a sneak peak. I can't tell you what it is at the moment because its for my sisters birthday present and she just may pop in here to see what I've been up to.

I'll fill you in and show you more photo's after her birthday.Hugs, Anna

Published again

2009-10-23T06:55:00.007+11:00

The latest Handmade magazine has some very talented artists published. I noticed there are a few blogger names that I recognise. Well done ladies.

This piece was painted using Chroma, Jo Sonja's Artists' Colours and Mediums.

The editor has written "Anna Martin knows how much boys love trucks" oh, if she only knew how much trucks are involved in our lives.
Short post this time.
Thank you for popping over to my blogspot and leaving your comments.
Cheers, Anna

Latest workshop & Kinder Quilt

2009-10-18T06:34:00.007+11:00

Yesterday I attended a workshop run by True Blue Decorative Artists. The lovely, talented teacher was Tracey Sims who came down from Queensland to teach a couple of workshops this weekend.
This piece (Boy with Chickens) was painted using Atelier, Interactive Artists' Acrylics.

Tracey is teaching a Still Life piece today, however we are off to celebrate a Great Aunties 80th Birthday. Happy Birthday Aunty Lil.

I have a dear friend-Michelle who recently made this Scrappy Little Fingers quilt for her daughters Kindergarten. The Kindergarten is having a Trivia night to help raise funds to improve the Kinder. All the parents were asked to contribute in some way.

Michelle came up with the idea to make this gorgeous quilt to be auctioned.

With the help from the teachers and children at the Kinder they used paints to apply their hand prints and free hand drawings.

Michelle also added some pizazz and sparkle with Stars, Gemstones and buttons. A lot of fun and effort was put into this quilt to make it one of kind. It took Michelle approximately one month with lots of hours to achieve this quilt.
Well done Michelle.

Thank you for taking the time to pop over to my blogspot and leaving your comments.

Craft Expo-2

2009-10-14T06:16:00.004+11:00

You Hoo, I'm back to show you the apron.

Ah, I told you nothing exciting!

Oh, If you think I've grown maybe its because I'm wearing two shirts and two aprons. You can't see all of the design, the paint brush is hiding on the other side.The other winner was the young lady on the far left of this photo. She whipped up this very creative design in one hour.

Over the four days of the show, there were nearly 600 men, woman and children that helped to paint this canvas and over $2400 raised for the "Humour Foundation".

Thanks for popping in and leaving your lovely comments.
Anna

Craft Expo

2009-10-12T07:02:00.017+11:00

Hello blogging friends,

On Friday I went to the Craft Expo-Craft fest and assisted the FDAA and SFDAV paint a Hugh canvas(25 metres long by 10 metres high) for the "Humour Foundation" for the Clown Doctors.

The public donated a gold coin to paint a piece of the canvas. We had all ages join in from a one year old to a 90 something year old.

The donations will go to the Clown Doctors, the canvas will be donated to a Children's hospital. There was approximately $500 raised each day.

I did have a lunch hour and went shopping. Oh, not enough time to see all the stalls. I popped in to see Sonja from Giggle Buttons and yes I did buy a couple of buttons and stitchery. I also bought a rhinestone applicator with a few rhinestones and some bits of lace and motifs to add to my next scrappy quilt for embellishments. It's amazing how much money you can spend in one hour. Now I just need more hours per day to achieve all the things I want to make.

As the school pick up hour came the stalls became quiet. I heard over the speaker the first five participants to the Bernina stand could enter the competition for free. As this was just across the way i was encouraged by my painting friends to join in. I approached the lady running the show and asked if I could paint the apron that was part of the competition. "No, you have to sew" was her answer. Oh dear, what could I sew in one hour on an apron? I rummaged through the pieces of material, bits and pieces and sat down and started designing in a big hurry.

I sewed a palette with coloured fabric for paint and a paint brush. I turned this into a pocket. There were some very talented ladies in this bunch.

After the hour we paraded down the cat walk in our decorated aprons.The winner was chosen by the loudest applaud.

A lovely young, creative lady from Williamstown and I both won first. Of course I had my own cheer squad because the catwalk was very close to the painting stand. I decided this wasn't really fair to the young talented lady, so I pulled out.

The winning apron was going onto Sydney to be judged to win a Bernina sewing machine. Good luck young lady, I hope you win.

Thank you for popping over to my blog and leaving comments. Hugs, Anna