National Gallery Workshop

Sunday was the perfect day for a workshop afternoon. It was the coldest September day since some time in the 1960's so we didn't feel guilty about being inside at all. I was incredibly excited to be giving a workshop on making Paper Quilts at the National Gallery of Australia. This workshop was held in conjunction with an exhibition of 5 beautiful antique quilts which are not usually on display. It was a wonderful feeling being at the gallery as a teacher of the craft I practice.

I set up in a large room - the small theatre - so we had lots of room to spread out. We accomplished so much in the 2 hours and everyone who attended created beautiful work which you see in the picture here. A gift tag, aperture greeting card and a bookmark. I was very proud of everyone there and I hope they enjoyed the afternoon as much as I did.

Going, going - gone.

Here are a few pictures of the dust storm which came across Canberra and NSW last Tuesday. I went inside after the last shot so I could breath. There was red dust everywhere for the rest of the day. On Friday night we had a return visit by the red dust. This time it came down with rain to form red mud. It is sticky and hosing the car does not remove it. Looks a job for super brush!!! Then yesterday, while I was teaching in Canberra - we had a snow shower at home. Incredible.

On the way home from class, I popped in to see the Embroiderers Guild ACT Exhibition at Albert Hall. http://www.embroiderersact.org.au/ I loved so many pieces including Lorna Loveland's 'Foxgloves and Peas'. It was inspired by the work of Jane Nicolas http://www.janenicholas.com/ who creates stumpwork. There was absolutely beautiful work there. I also bought some lovely bags of vintage shell buttons from Needlewitch http://www.needlewitch.com.au/. I am going to make some white gardens with these lovelies.

Spring Morning

Spring time morning

Through the kitchen window

I'm up early this morning. One of my favourite times of the year - BEFORE daylight saving starts and I wake up very early with the rising sun and no alarm clock! I love this early morning time when I can get on top of the days little tasks. This morning it was computer and then - my most dreaded task - ironing. It was made better with Martha's new series back on to keep me company. This morning she took us on a tour of her beautiful home and garden 'Skylands'. Inspirational. Now I want to change all the furniture etc around, paint walls and generally clean things out. Must be springtime.

Handmade in Bloom

Handmade at Yarralumla Woolshed on Friday night and Saturday - was Blooming wonderful! So many people - thousands infact came to see the woolshed transformed into a shoppers paradise for handmade goods. The event was also a great opportunity for people to meet up with their friends and family over a glass of wine, tea, coffee or chai. It was almost like being on the set of a movie with the lighting, atmosphere and music. http://www.wrensneststudio.com/ - click on handmade top right for photo gallery.

Thanks so much to everyone who came by Wren's Nest Studio to say hello and to all the people who supported my craft of Paper Quilting. Your wonderful support makes it possible for me to keep working and exploring my love of paper and sewing.

Now its back to "the shed" to create new pictures and work on some new ideas. It's also time to start thinking about Christmas (yiks) and creating a new paper for cards and gift tags.

See you soon.

Spring Blossoms

A photo of a pear tree tree in the early morning sunlight in the back yard. Lovely rain yesterday has made everything sparkle.

Can you believe it?

Well I just couldn't stand my sluggish behaviour any more - not to mention my growing mid section. So - I have joined the local Curves gym. I've just come back from my second visit and feel great and its lots of fun too, which is a nice surprise. I think I've now got the hang of how all the pieces of equipment work so I'm looking forward to my session tomorrow. I have even splashed out on some gym gear which will be a relief to the staff and patrons who have had to put up with 1. my gardening pants, and 2. gardening sun flower T-shirt. I think all my other T-shirts etc are stored away with my summer clothes. Any way it will be a bright and cheerful sight from now on. I have promised myself a new pair of runners after a months work.

It will be good to have a break every day from "the shed" where I have been spending many hours getting ready for Handmade In Bloom next week-end. It is exciting to think that I will be at Yarralumla Woolshed this time next week for the Friday Night Shopping night. It should be a wonderful week-end.