Quilt & Craft Fair

Woah, what a weekend. I spent seven hours and ? money at the Quilt and Craft Fair.

My Friend, Michelle and I arrived at 9am on Saturday and I couldn't believe how many other ladies had the same idea of getting there early.

I just had to buy this gorgeous quilt pattern packet from Helen Dafter. It's called The Quote Garden and is along the same idea of scrappy quilting, however I needed to buy new fabrics for this one.

As you probably know I still have learner plates on when it comes to sewing! I've read through the pattern and I'm still a bit hazy about how to achieve scrap quilting. If you have any advice, please come forward!

I had to take a picture of this beautiful quilt. You know I'm into the scrappy thing at the moment. Um, sorry I'm not sure who achieved this beautiful piece of work, I only had room in my bag for my phone/camera and purse.

I stopped by Giggle Buttons and met the lovely Sonja. Oh dear, was this stall packed to the rafters, although I did manage to be served and just had to have a few stitcheries and buttons.

These were my favourite quilts at the show. Both quilts were hand painted then intricately quilted over the whole design. Wow, my mind boggles. Some very talented ladies.

I may have to visit my clever friend Cherrie for another sewing session to learn the scrappy thing, then I'll show you.

Hugs, Anna

Thank you ladies!

Thank you ladies for all the kind words and comments on my last post.

Looks like a need to make a date and book The Yarra Valley Grange for a painting weekend some time soon. It won't be a convention and the weekend will be available for all painters.
You don't need to be a member of any artist group.
Please let me know if you're interested and I'll start making my list.

Thank you Sue from http://sue-niven.blogspot.com/ for my very cute Thumb cushions.
There is a lovely story behind these thumb cushions and a tutorial on how to make them.

I'm off to the Craft and Quilt Fair in Melbourne tomorrow. I hear there is no paint, brushes or anything paint related, however I may find some inspiration or happy faces I know.

I may see you there at the Fair. Have a great weekend, Hugs, Anna

Whimsical Whiskers at The Grange

Hey, you may want to grab a cuppa. This is the longest post I've written.Phew, I think I've recovered from a hectic, wonderful weekend. A great time had by everyone that attended.

The Grange was lovely warm, cozy and had great food over the weekend.

The SFDAV held their convention at The Yarra Valley Grange in Warburton.
We had some lovely interstate teachers come along, they were Wendy Ness and Janet Klepatzki.

Oh dear, so many things to take, think about and organise, I forgot to pack one of the main raffle prizes. I quilted this panel about six months ago for us to raffle on the weekend. I was sooo excited about the convention finally being here I forgot to pack it in the car, Oooops. The lucky lady, Toni was one of the first tickets pulled out and she chose this quilt as her prize.

Hm, I think I need to ask Santa for a new Camera, all my pictures seem blurry!

Up bright and early on Saturday morning for my first workshop.

I painted the Baby Leopard with Robyn Sherer.

If you ever have a chance to paint with this very talented teacher, then don't hesitate. This was a multi media piece using Jo Sonja acrylic paints, pencils and then glazed over with Archival oil paints.

As my title reads the theme for the weekend was "Christmas in July". Here is everyone dressed up for the Saturday night party, games, dancing and fun. I'm the silly snowman front right of the photo.

Sunday morning was my turn to teach. This piece is called "Oriental Theme" I used Jo Sonja Artists Acrylics. Over the top we've used Iridescent paints and Pearl White, then each petal, flower, butterfly is outlined in Rich Gold.

A photo of the class nearly finished. Oh, excuse the light coming off my varnished piece.

Sunday afternoon I attended Effie Carayannis "Santa's Sleigh" workshop. This is an Oil Rouging technique on a ceramic plate using Archival oil paints. As you can see I haven't quite finished. I need to add paint to the baubles and some more shading.

Ok, Everyone that attended had such a great time, I've already been already been asked when is the next weekend. Soooo, I thought I will organise a weekend at the same place for around Spring time without workshops being organised. Just bring along any UFO's or other projects you would like to paint. Of course the cost would be cheaper and this weekend will be open to anyone. Drop me a line if your interested and I'll let you know the details. Email Anna

Ok, now on to some other news; I've been tagged with my first Lovely Blog Award from Shabby Raggy Roses. Actually its my second tag, but I was the new kid on the block then and didn't know what or how to use it.

So now I have to pass on this Lovely Blog Award onto another ten blogs.......................

Hm, this is a hard one. There are lots of lovely, talented, genorous ladies out there, but here goes

1 Shabby Art Boutique

2 Country Wishes

3 Gail & Tony Mc Cormack

4 Tozz's Corner

5 Jenny of Elefantz

6 Sew Useful Designs

7 Tuppence Crafts

8 Mon Cherry

9 Art by Serena Lewis

10 Artistic Acents by Darla

Here are the rules of this award:

*Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

*Pass the award onto 10 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Happy Painting, sewing or crafting until next time.

Hugs,

Anna

Whimsical Whiskers at The Grange

I've been working on a committee for a Convention to be held this weekend at The Grange in Warburton.
Its been in the makings for a long time with so much to organise for The Society of Folk & Decorative Artists of Victoria.
The theme is "Whimsical Whiskers at The Grange".
We have heaps of lovely workshops organised, lots of fun, games, and even a fancy dress on Saturday night.
I can't tell you too much because that may spoil the surprise for anyone coming.
I'll be sure to take heaps of photo's and fill you in when I get back.

Hugs,
Anna

Doe a Deer

My latest design was painted for a dear friend of my Mum's.

I used Jo Sonja's Artists acrylic paints and added some Texture Paste medium on parts of the Deer's horns.

Here is a close up photo of the deer. Oh, sorry about the blurry picture.

Do you think my son is feeling better? This is what I woke to find on the bench a few days ago. I had a little chuckle to myself and thought I'd share it with you.

The note reads "Big Hole in this, due to poor sewing, nothing to do with being thrown. Thanks" Very cheeky boys!

This is a wheat bag that didn't have a hole in it before I went to bed.

Now, I must teach my son to sew this up.

Hugs,

Anna

Pelican Waters

This is my design that was published in the Australian Folk Art magazine in 2005. I've just finished painting it again for my Mum, however this time I've used different paints.

I used Atelier, Impasto Gel Medium for the water by applying the Gel Medium with a wide flat palette knife. When dried, I painted the rest of the design using Atelier, Interactive Artists' Acrylics.

If you would like any information on these paints or others, you could check out Chroma's website.

Oh dear, what to do with a sicky in the house. My baby woke up looking very grey, shivering, sore throat and headache. I haven't seen him look this bad since he broke his leg.

I should probably tell you my baby is 18 yrs old, but it doesn't seem like that when I look at him this morning. Hm, Panadol, fluids and cuddles sounds like the right treatment to me. Any other suggestions? Hugs, Anna

Thanks for your comments

I'd like to Thank everyone for commenting on their favourite craft/crafts. I know I'm in the right place at blog land here with all you crafty, talented, artistic ladies. (I don't think there are any blokes here?)

Very interesting to see which arts and crafts are alive!

We have a new edition to our family:

I'm pleased to announce the birth of Holly Matilda born on 18th June, weighting 7lb 11oz

Ciao Anna

What's your favourite craft

There has been some talk amongst my friends about arts & crafts and what's new in the craft world.
Do you have a favourite?
Do you only do one craft or several?
What are members of your family and friends doing?
Hm, I'd be really interested to receive every ones feedback.
Please drop me a line.
Thanks,
Ciao,
Anna

Wow, what a Wednesday

Wow, what a Wednesday! Wednesday's is normally my free day to attend housework, shopping, any chores needed and visiting my dear friends that don't live close by.


Today I travelled about 45 minutes to be guest speaker at the China Painting Guild. What did I talk about I hear you ask: Folk & Decorative Painting! Yes, my passion.


I decided at very late notice that I needed a clip board to hold all my notes, so off I went to my studio and whipped this up.


A quick and easy faux background. If you are interested to know how to paint this or for any other painting advice, drop me an email. I'd be more than happy to help you out.

Then onto Bulleen to meet the lovely Vicki from Tozz's Corner to pick up some painting magazines that Vicki has kindly donated to our painting society.
Don't forget the generous Vicki has been doing "On my heart BOM", go check out her blogspot.

Thanks to my DH I had my trusty GPS in the car, because I'm sure I'd still be out turning the melways every which way trying to get home. LOL
I use to have a fear of getting lost, can you tell?

Ciao for now, Anna

Sewing Angel

Ah, don't you wish you had Sewing Angels or Painting Fairies to fix and finish things while you are sleeping. Oh, I do! Then I might not soo many UFO'S.
I just couldn't resist painting this cute Sewing Angel. This is Kerryanne's design that was published in last months Handmade magazine.
Thank you for visiting and leaving comments.
Ciao,
Anna