Everyday at Wren's Nest

Watch and learn.

2011-06-30T17:23:00.003+10:00

Have fun with fashion - no matter what your age is. LOVE IT!!!!!!!
http://www.nowness.com/day/2011/3/23/advanced-style-fashion-film

Back at Work

2011-06-06T07:08:00.003+10:00

Two weeks have passed since ‘Party Central’ and life is gradually slipping back into order. My dual role as nurse maid (to my son with the broken arm) and craft artist are becoming easier to combine and I am beginning to feel more like my old self.

Because I was near breaking point the week after the party, I made a very difficult decision to cancel the workshop I was giving and my stall at Handmade Market. I just didn’t have the strength or time to do them properly and something had to give – and it wasn’t going to be my soul.

So, after some gardening – and more cleaning up after the party, I got back to my desk and started work on my patterns again.

So, this week I will be at last releasing, at last, ‘Pretty Corset’ and ‘I want That Shoe’ www.paperquiltcreations.com/shop/latest_patterns.html

– and soon to follow ‘Fashionable Greeting Cards’ and ‘Tab Pocket’ Scrapbook Page.
I hope you enjoy them.

Party Central

2011-05-23T07:55:00.000+10:00

Paper Quilt Creations is back at work today after a week of cooking, cooking,cooking, making decorations, cleaning and generally running around like a chook with its head cut off. Preparing for our daughter’s 21^st birthday was a huge but wonderful and fun time. I was worried about how many people to cook for, where many people would sleep, as we live in the country and how the whole party area would look.

As the week progressed things fell into place and once we had collected the mirror ball, bar tables with lights, hung the curtains to hide all the shed ‘stuff”, hung the purple tissue pom poms and tested the music it started to look as though a party really was about to happen.

My dear friend Anne arrived from Sydney to help and Saturday rolled along as the things on the To Do list were crossed off one by one. We had a lovely lunch sitting outside eating lovely tarts Anne bought from our favourite patisserie ‘Silo”. Then a shift in the cosmic universe happened at about 3pm and someone upstairs decided to throw us a few tests of strength.

My husband went to collect our son, who was helping build a down- hill bike track at Mt Stromlo. No response from his phone. Nowhere to be seen. At last he phoned and we heard that he thought he had broken his arm! OMG!!!!!!!!

So for my Husband and Son the day changed. Queanbeyan hospital – yes, he had broken his arm. Then Canberra Hospital – he needed to be operated on. Waiting, waiting and lots of pain.

Back at party central we had many people about to arrive so it was build fire pit, set large fire, move the big bath tub for bottles and ice, buy ice, set up all the glasses for the bar, receive 2 strange phone calls which nearly made me flip, find out why the gas has not arrived when they promised to come as we had only 2% left and a tribe to cook for, help gas man as night began to fall, set out all the lumiere candle bags and jars, light all the candles and in between keep the ham cooking and being basted, turn on the slow cookers and start heating up all the casseroles, decorate all the canapé trays and assemble the canapés etc. etc. etc.

THANK GOD for two fairy godmothers. Dear Anne and Pauline. My saviours who just got in there and just started work. Keith and Nicolas who guided traffic and helped set up the slide projector. Keith for carving and carrying the enormous ham. Collin who worked out how to get into my husband’s laptop working and start the slide show – along with taking control of the fire and sweeping up broken bottles. And Jo for her delicious sausage rolls – they really were delicious.

7pm came and beautiful girls and boys began to arrive dressed for a cocktail party. The music began and the buzz began to increase.

9pm came along and the operation on my son’s arm was cancelled for the night so my husband came home to our daughter’s delight and after a little sit down to catch his breath he was able to make a lovely and wonderful speech.

11.30pm came along and Anne drove me through the night to the hospital to see our mountain biker, give him a hug and kiss and deliver chicken casserole, ham and cake. Then it was back home to the party which stretched way into the night.

As I sit here Monday morning, I look outside on a very wet, windy and cold morning. Last night – Sunday, we had a huge rain storm. So I am so grateful for wonderful friends, that my son is safe and it was his arm not something worse, for my husband who looked after him and then gave a beautiful speech and stayed up to look after things when I couldn’t stay awake any longer, to the fact that the party looked very beautiful and everyone seemed to have a great time and our daughter was so happy. AND, that it was a beautiful night where people could sit around a fire and watch the moon rise and NOT last night when it absolutely poured with rain.

As I said to our daughter on Saturday afternoon, when our little world seemed to spinning out of control, just pretend that we are in some crazy funny beautiful Diane Keaton, Jack Nicolson, Woody Allen film. And it really was like that.

Country Garden Heart

2011-05-18T06:44:00.000+10:00

What I've up to

2011-05-14T07:29:00.000+10:00

Customized wedding card and gift tag/bookmarks

Happy Birthday Possom

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000+10:00

It's my little girls birthday today. Happy 21st my lovely girl. Have a wonderful year.

Last Month

2011-04-09T22:00:00.001+10:00

What incredible fun I had last month taking part in Craft Expo for Bernina in Sydney then Brisbane. Almost every workshop was full - it was wonderful to see that so many people wanted to learn about Paper Quilting. And everyone who took part went away with a new new craft and a couple of projects that I'm pretty sure they were very proud of.
Here are some pictures of the two events.

Getting ready for Craft Expo

2011-03-03T08:19:00.001+11:00

Next week in Sydney, Craft Expo arrives at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse for the first time. So, this week I am preparing all the kits for the workshops I am running with Bernina. The one hour hands-on workshops run three times daily at 10.30, 12noon and 2pm. (please book at the Bernina stand #E13). Each person will be able to experience working on a Bernina 'Black Beauty' H46 and go home with 2 Paper Quilt projects. See you next week for all the fun of the fair.

Craft Expo
Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Rosehill, Sydney
March 10 - 13
Thursday-Sunday 10am to 4.30pm daily

A Colourful Day Workshop with Kaffe Fassett

2011-02-20T07:32:00.000+11:00

On Wednesday I was so fortunate to spend the day at Addicted to Fabric at a workshop run by Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Mably – colour in a Diamond Quilt. I learnt so much about working on a much larger scale than I am used to. In some ways it is much easier because, like painting on a large canvas, you can stand back from your work and see just how it is going. The challenge is to see what’s wrong and know how to fix it! So the masters were very active in the class giving us wonderful advice about colour and print and taking us shopping for fabrics which would bring our work to life. It was so interesting and inspiring to see how each of us handled the same design in so many different ways by the end of the workshop. Truly a lovely day.

Students hard at work

Kaffe and Bradon taking about my quilt

two more beautiful quilts

Kaffe and Bradon with a beautiful quilt which will be in their next book

My quilt at the end of the day

My visit to Eileen Fisher

2011-02-11T06:58:00.000+11:00

Well the show came to an end at 2pm on the Tuesday. At the beginning of the show you have all these days stretching out before you – and then it’s all over and everyone packs up and goes home. The sounds of packing tape and fork lift trucks and the buzz of everyone just wanting to get out fills the air. All the people in neighbouring booths, who have become like friends in a little village, disappear and you know that you will probably never see them again. It is quite sad. Packing up never takes as long as set up and we were soon on our way back in the bus with our big suitcases and boxes. We were very tired but happy.

Our last day in LA was spent trying to fit everything back into out suitcases for the trip back home. WHAT A JOB!!!!. Luckily Bill is the packing expert. So apart from a few pieces of random advice, I sat on the bed watching news footage of the huge snow and ice storm making its way across the US and then satellite images of cyclone Yazi in Australia.

At last we were finished. So after a very late breakfast we set off to find the one shop I wanted to visit while we were in USA. Eileen Fisher. I have only seen her range of clothes in magazines and on the web - and I love her style. A long bus ride then a taxi and we found ourselves at a very glamorous shopping centre called Century City. It was incredible. So here are some pictures of one of the loveliest hours I have spent shopping – ever. I hope even one Eileen Fisher store comes to Australia very soon. After a wonder around, a Wetzels Pretzel and a great cup of coffee, it was back to the hotel to squeeze my new clothes into the bulging bags. Then off to the airport for the long flight home.

I love Eileen Fisher

The Show

2011-02-09T07:04:00.003+11:00

The 3 ½ days of the Craft and Hobby Show flew by in an exciting whirl. So many wonderful people from all over the world popped by to see the gallery of Paper Quilts and to ask questions about what we sold. I had several brief looks around at the booths up stairs. In some ways it was like climbing up the Magic Far Away Tree and visiting a land full of amazing rooms. Each room was decorated with all the beautiful new products they were bringing to the market place this season. Papers, embellishments, books, pens, brushes, ribbons – so many wonderful things. When you think that most buyers visiting the show take the full 3 ½ days to view the show, I know that I only skimmed the surface. I Loved the Anna Griffin store with its beautiful carpet, pale grass green lounge chairs, glass table and chairs and all the most gorgeous new papers and fabrics. 7 Gypsies, Japanese papers, EK Success with the Martha Stewart Range – it was incredible.

I was interviewed by lovely Terri O http://www.terriocraftprojects.com/ for web TV and then delightful Joe Rotella - http://www.createncraft.com/ . Joe runs and organizes a Caribbean craft cruise amongst many other things - Hands up for jumping on board in September. I'll put up those links when they are published.

We also met several Aussie comapnies making a big impression OS which was fantastic. http://aussiescrapsource.typepad.com/aussie_scrap_source/
http://www.fynmark.blogspot.com/
http://www.kaisercraft.com.au/

Paper Quilt Creations gallery

A raffle at Eccho Park Papers just down from my booth

Being Interviewed by fabulous Joe Rotella http://www.createncraft.com/

This is where I spent most of my time - with my Bernina from AAA Sewing & Vacumme

The Innovations Showcase

Even Shop Handmade & Handmade Market made an appearance at the show via postcards

What a Day

2011-02-05T16:08:00.000+11:00

Doing a some sewing to make sure everything ran smoothly

Other Innovations Crafters setting up

My Bernina from AAA Sewing and Vacumme

Media and Buyers at the Innovations Event

Day 3 was a very busy day. Bill had a couple of seminars to attend. There was a run through for the media event which was taking place that afternoon for the Innovations top 20. Setting up my space in the Innovations Showcase. Then it was back to the hotel to collect the Bernina sewing machine AAA Sewing Centre and Bernina had very generously arranged for me to use. Finalizing my presentation. Setting up my table for the media demonstration. Getting ready and trying to keep my nerves under control and my mouth from being like a dry paper bag. Making my 1 minute speech. Doing the Paper Quilting demo and then – the welcome reception. What – a – day!!!

Off to the Show

2011-02-05T15:48:00.002+11:00

Day two was set up day. It was incredibly exciting hopping on the CHA bus with our suitcases of quilts at the hotel for our short trip to the huge convention centre in Downtown LA. And it really is HUGE. The foyer is quite beautiful with a soaring glass ceiling. We signed in and got our badges and tickets for events and then it was down stairs to the Kentia Hall for setting up. There were not many exhibitors there but fork lift trucks and workers were busy constructing booths and delivering furniture. When you arrive it is always quite daunting knowing that you have to convert 3 walls into something that will make visitors stop and have a look at what you are all about.

We spent many hours arranging and re-arranging.

A view throught the front window of the bus

Bill getting ready for a big day

First view of the LA Convention Centre

First view of our booth - the table had to be changed

Kentia Hall being set up

The work begins

After we had set up as much as we could we headed back to the hotel for a rest and then a bite to eat at The Octopus - a wonderful Japanese restaurant. The lunch box we each had was delicious and HUGE.

Then it was back to the hotel to find a shop - any shop near by which sold lighting. This is not an easy thing to do in LA without a car. Staples Office supply came to the rescue.

Day One - our journey to Los Angeles for the CHA Winter Show 2011

2011-02-05T15:27:00.000+11:00

It seemed as though we had been planning and working towards our trip to the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Show for ages and then – we were there. In LA. Taking Paper Quilting a very long way from home.

The week before we set off was emotional to say the least. Thursday I received an email to let me know that I was in the top 20 Innovative products at the show. (tears of joy) The day before we set off our wonderful Pepper dog collapsed and was rushed to the vet where he was searched for paralysis ticks and then x-rayed. He had torn ligaments in both his back legs. (tears of sadness). So he had to stay at the vet to be operated on. Then, saying good bye is not one of my talents, so leaving home and the kids (tears of mixed emotion).

But there we were in downtown LA after a long all night flight and re-living January 26th, as we had gained a day. We spent day one looking for things to decorate my booth. We had time to walk around the streets near the hotel and then catch a bus to Rodeo Drive to look at all the beautiful shops and cars and gorgeous people strolling by. Fantastic fun.

LA Library

Gardens outside LA Libray

Valentines Day Window Tiffany's Rodeo Drive

Down Town LA

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T07:23:00.001+11:00

Heavens! It is over a month since I last wrote. And what a month.

Handmade Market. Creating orders. Preparing for Christmas. Yet more rain – this time in the form of a flood which has destroyed fences and flood gates. It was a terrible shock to see what a night of rain can result in. Our Christmas wish list quickly changed from fanciful extravagances to probably the most original item Santa has ever seen – Fences. Sometime this year 2011 we will see the destruction repaired.

Googong Dam spillway

The newest fencing style - thatched fencing!!!

thousands of meters of fences knocked down

flattened grass by the creek

this poor tree looks as though it is blowing in the wind

Christmas was a very quiet but very happy day. Boxing Day we hit the shops early for a wander around – sheets and discount calendars. Then back to work in preparation for our big trip to LA. There is so much to do and so much to think about. So much to create and so many words to write, think about and then re-write. But this time next month, it will be almost over and we will almost be on our way back home again after our very big adventure.

So here we are on the second day of 2011. I wish you a very happy, healthy and adventure filled 2011.

Ohh - by the way, I have some pretty exciting news.

2010-11-25T07:22:00.001+11:00

Friends and family have patiently followed and supported my wonky creative progress over - now many years. Seven years ago they saw me jump the art fence over to the Craft side and start all over again. They must have thought I had really lost the plot when I started sewing bits of paper together. Paper Quilting has been an incredible journey for me with many highs and a few lows along the way. The development of the craft. Then going to the markets, craft shows, demonstrations, talks, teaching, the book and then tools, materials and patterns. It has become something I think about constantly.

Well I have news.

I am taking Paper Quilting across the Pacific to be part of the Craft and Hobby Association winter trade show in Los Angeles. I am going to put my big toe in the very, very big craft pond and see what happens. I am finding it hard to believe that I am actually doing this and I am full of butterflies as I write. Stay tuned in for the next chapter.

11 Days

2010-11-22T06:27:00.000+11:00

It's only 11 days until the next Handmade Market so there will be papers and gold thread flying all over the place for the next 7 days while I try to get everything ready. I have been trying to think of (yet) another way of setting up my space and I think I have something which will work well. You never know exactly though until you arrive on site and set up.

I will be off to Bunnings, the hardware store, in search of a few things to turn my easles into picture christmas trees - yes I know it sounds a bit weird but in my mind I can see it all very clearly. Then off for some tinsel. I have been creating some new signs for my new business name - Paper Quilt Creations. So we will be all linen, pink and white this time around - and into the future. Please let me not change my mind or get bored of this colour scheme.

Today I will be sending off my project to Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine for the March/April fashion inspired issue - part by post, part over cyber space. I hope that the team there are pleased with it and that it photographs well. Fingers crossed.

November & Freezing

2010-11-05T07:33:00.000+11:00

A new iris in the new garden

The lavender garden with iris and Seduction roses about to bloom

Peony in bud

Iris on parade at the house gate.

A white delphinium in the new white garden

It must be about 2 degrees this morning - I think the weather man forcast snow showers on the mountains!! I braved the cold to take a few (more) garden photos. The roses are still in bud but the iris are putting on a pretty amazing show this year.

Apple Blossoms

2010-10-19T16:10:00.000+11:00

Pictures of the big rain - just the beginning

2010-10-15T13:05:00.000+11:00

Our little creek, which this time last year was dry, is now a river for the 3rd time in as many months. But this is the biggest river we have seen yet - the roar from the back and front doors is incredible. The rain is blowing at right angles and looks like a moving curtain in the breeze. Thankgoodness we have a house on a hill. Nature is putting on a spectacular show once again. I'm not sure how we are going to get out to meet the school bus.

One of the waterfalls on the back hill.

the two dams have now turned into a raging river

The pump station about to be flooded too

Poor trees trying to stay upright in the torrent

beyond the dry stone wall - water rising

And a swarm of bees in a pear tree

2010-10-12T19:26:00.002+11:00

We are very lucky at Wren's Nest to have a variety of ornamental and fruiting pear trees. This is the last pear tree to flower each year- the fruiting variety. This year it is an absolute picture of beauty - and the bees from up the road agree. I hope they are making lovely honey - and pollinating the flowers to make lovely pears in 2011. Thank goodness for bees. It is a shame about the pears perfume - well it's not exactly a perfume - more a pong - but the incredible show makes up for this.

Canberra Times Feature

2010-10-10T12:19:00.001+11:00

Thank you to the Canberra Times who asked me to write a piece for their Designer Talk feature for Homelife in the Relax section which was published today. Picking up the paper from the front gate has never been quite so excitting.

Hand Made in Bloom Review

2010-09-12T19:22:00.002+10:00

I ask myself the night before each Handmade, “Will there be as many people visiting as the last one?” I don’t know why I ask this because the Handmade Market never disappoints. It is Canberra’s - if not Australia’s - premier market for all the beautiful things which are handmade. So much talent from so many parts of Australia join together to create an event which people mark in their diaries as THE event which they just can’t wait to attend every quarter. It is busy from before opening till after closing time with visitors enjoying the Handmade experience – buy handmade with pride and joy.

As the afternoon came along and lunch called the many hungry shoppers to the variety of tempting eateries, the feeling of the market changed to one of a festival. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the springtime sunshine with family and friends in the beautiful surrounds of Kanberra Wine Company. I’m pretty sure that the rock feature, bridge and pools were not built as a children’s adventure play ground but this area fulfilled this task perfectly. One of my favourite views was a Dad holding hands with his little boy, tightrope walking along the rock wall. It reminded me of ABC Catalyst show in Thursday evening about the type of play Dad’s do with their children. The play that Mum’s (no matter how old) find hard to watch but which is so incredibly fantastic. Just plain old fashioned pure fun.

Here is a link to some fantastic photos of the day by Tania McCartney http://canberrahandmademarket.blogspot.com/2010/09/handmade-market-blooming-fabulous.html Thank you so much to everyone who popped by to say hi and say they enjoyed looking at the new work I have been creating. I had a fabulous day.

Handmade in Bloom - 2010

2010-09-07T20:17:00.001+10:00

Well - apart from at least half a dozen ice cream buckets scattered all around my studio to catch drips of water from the torrential rain over the week-end, I am on track for “Handmade in Bloom” on Saturday at Kanberra Wine Company. What a week-end!! Lovely, lovely rain – even blowing sideways. The result is overflowing dams and a raging torrent turning the creek into a wild stretch of rapids and water falls. You can still hear it from the house. Awe inspiring.

Handmade - this time in Bloom, coincides with the first day of Canberra’s famous Floriade. Spring is here and cherry blossoms are everywhere making a gorgeous and very pretty show. It’s a bit colder than the same time last year, but Spring is here none the less.

I’m really looking forward to setting up my little shop at Handmade. I will have new work, including some little owls, along with a larger section for visitors wishing to try Paper Quilting for themselves. I will have my 4 new patterns for cards which I launched in Melbourne – Cinderella Shoe, Afternoon Tea Dress, Handbag and Christmas tree along with the beginners Gift Tag Kit. These are great as presents for crafty friends and family. I will also have my sample packs of the most beautiful Anna Griffin papers. I decided while I was in Melbourne that I would stock Anna’s papers. They are very hard to source in Australia and they are very hard to beat for quality and colour. They are perfect for Paper Quilting, card projects, scrap booking and for people who love paper. To say I adore them is an understatement.

I'm also looking forward to wearing my new apron. (what on earth you may say). Well I love aprons by Nell Design. http://www.nelldesign.net/ . This is my second apron by Nell which I found at ArteForge a lovely shop in Fyshwick http://www.arteforge.com.au/ - and they have become my uniform for work. Fantastic.

I look forward to seeing you at lovely Handmade in Bloom this Saturday, 11th September, 10am – 4pm - Kanberra Wine Company, Northbourne Avenue, Epic, Canberra.

Paperific Expo 2010

2010-08-31T09:55:00.002+10:00

What an incredible time I had at the 3 day Paperific Expo in Melbourne last week. It’s hard to believe that this time last week I was packing up my car and organising the last minute bits and pieces for the show. Now here I am, back home once more with lots of great memories.

I stayed in the city of Melbourne this time – and oh dear, what a shame – David Jones and Myer were just outside the door!! So a bit of retail therapy was just what I needed after my 8 hour drive from Canberra. Lots of lovely things to look at. One day I will own a Chloe handbag. Dreams!!!

Next day it was a little bit of shoe shopping then off to the National Gallery of Victoria to see the European Masters Exhibition. There were some magnificent works on show and I loved it. Two of my favourites were Fritz von Uhde “At the Window” and Pierre Auguste Renoir “After the Luncheon”. Absolutely beautiful. Then upstairs for a look around the beautiful Asian Ceramics - a very serene area of any art gallery. And to finish off my visit, a stop at The Tea Rooms on the first floor for coffee and the most delicious and beautifully presented sandwiches. Playing ladies for the morning has never been such fun.

Then back to business. Off to the Melbourne Showgrounds for set up. This is the first big craft show that I have attended when I have set up on the ground floor. WHAT A RELIEF. No lifts and waiting around. There were even flat bed trolleys to unload your car so I had only 4 -5 trips back to the car instead of the usual 15-20. At last I was set up with no more to do so the butterflies set in just ready for the start of the show.

Flemminton Racecourse where the famous Melbourne Cup is held each November. These beautiful gates were on the way to the melbourne Showgrounds.

Setting up day

The 3 days were busy all day - every day. I released the 4 new Paper Quilt card patterns which everyone seemed to like and sold out of the Cinderella Shoe - so I think I'm on the right track. I managed to have a quick look around each morning at all the fascinating products for sale during the show. Fabulous new papers, embellishments, computerized cutting machines, pens, sparkles and kits. Then it was head down and almost non stop talk about Paper Quilts. I received a wonderful response and I hope as always that I have inspired people to have a go at this craft I love.

Thanks to Naomi Swan and her team of wonderful and cheerful helpers for making the Paperific Show such a great experience for me and everyone who attended. I look forward to my next trip to Paperific and beautiful Melbourne.

Paperific Expo Countdown

2010-08-21T05:38:00.003+10:00

Wren’s Nest Studio has been asked to demonstrate Paper Quilting at the up and coming Paperific Expo in Melbourne - Friday 27th to Sunday 28th August at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascotvale. I am so excited to be travelling to wonderful Melbourne for the second time this year. This time I will be staying in the city so I can do some window shopping, walk the beautiful streets and soak up the buzzy, sophisticated atmosphere of the city at the end of each day.

Paperific – as its name implies, is all about Papercraft so it is wonderful to be involved. I can’t wait to see the other Papercraft stores at the show which I’m sure will have some inspirational goodies. Here is a piece I have been working on to celebrate the 10th birthday of the show. She was inspired by the Paperific logo and was created using a combination of techniques. She is being framed today and will be travelling with me to the show.

I have been busy preparing for the show. Creating more Paper Quilts, organising my gallery of Paper Quilts, working on some card making patterns which I will release at the show, packaging and working on the set up of my space. It always takes a lot more time than I think it will and I end up in a hell of a mess up the shed. Maybe today I can get it all organized. Dream on dear!!!

Last week I became a Bernina Friend. This is incredibly exciting news as it means I may be doing some work with them in the future. So yesterday I picked my very pretty new Bernina 46 to use for demonstrations and in my classes. It is a great looking machine - combining a retro feel with modern design. It is just perfect for Papercraft and general sewing as it’s not heavy and it is not expensive. Today (if I can tear myself from tidying the shed) I will be learning to use my new beauty so I will be up to speed for Paperific. I think I will call her Nettey Blossom - as every sewing machine as pretty as this deserves a name.

Christmas in July

2010-07-27T06:04:00.000+10:00

It's hard to believe that a year has past since this event last year. We set up shop at the Queanbeyan Conference centre this year which gave us lots more room. This market conjures up the picture of a traditional market – all locals, fruit and vegetables, the Country Women’s Association with tea, delicious scones with masses of cream and sandwiches, stalls of handmade goods run by groups of women along with antiques and vintage wares. We had Christmas carols playing and then Counterfeit Cash singing Jonny Cash songs. He was great. It was a VERY busy day. Here are a few images of the day.

Gardening at Wren's Nest

2010-07-19T07:03:00.001+10:00

The garden at Wren’s Nest has caused us much grief over the years.

At the moment, we are at last, tackling the front garden – properly. We have played around with paths and curved garden beds in the past but I think we have a design which will work this time. Some curves, a lot of straight lines, a lot of symmetry and 2 garden rooms.

We have several major concerns.
• a very long stretch of ground along the front of the house which, because of its length, looks really narrow – but isn’t really. You look at this from the southern end.
• It is so dry where we live – well up until this year. But I know the dry will return.
• Wind.
• And even after living here for 8 ½ years, we still find it difficult to think on a large scale – mass plantings, big everything. Small delicate just doesn’t seem to work in the Australian countryside with it’s huge vistas and skies.
• And lastly, creating a garden which will not take night and day to maintain.

Our Aim. (We'r not expecting too much are we???)
• To create a garden which enhances the house inside and out.
• Is beautiful to look at and be in.
• Has flowers for looking at and cutting for inside.
• A garden which encourages bird life.

We are basing our ideas on 3 great Australian and 1 UK landscape architects/ designers/gardeners . The ideas of Paul Bangay (symmetry – defined hedged areas) www.paulbangay.com. We love picture # 5 in the town Garden photos. David Glenn (sustainable drought resistant plants and gardens) www.lambley.com.au . The photos of the dry garden are beautiful. Michael Bligh – who we received some advise from a long time ago. www.michaelbligh.com.au . Dan Pearson from the UK. I loved his TV shows. www.danpearsonstudio.com

So – we will see what happens and I will document the progress here. If we can pull together even half these ideas we will be a very happy couple.

Magic in the sky - the sun rainbow

2010-05-21T18:14:00.000+10:00

When I arrived home yesterday after picking our son up from the bus stop, we were met with the most incredible late afternoon sky. The sun was wrapped in a bubble. I'm not sure what this is called technically as a "corona" is when there is an eclipse of the sun. This is something different. Fortunately I had my camera close by to capture what I will call a sun rainbow.

Baa lambs and Alpas Unite

2010-05-20T09:48:00.001+10:00

Early Morning At The Bus Depot Market

Flower Growers Stall

"Celebration of Wool"

The Old Bus Depot Market was full of colour last week end when the annual “Celebration of Wool” took place. There were growers, spinners and knitters from many country areas of ACT, NSW and Victoria. The result was a warm rainbow of colour along with many beautiful natural tones of cream, brown and charcoal. So many people visit the “Celebration of Wool” Day and the Old Bus Depot was really alive with everyone looking and buying wool or beautiful knitted creations.

It is always on inspiring day and I didn’t escape without buying some beautiful wool to continue my learning to knit adventure. Anyone who has known me for a VERY long time will remember my pathetic attempts at knitting when I was at school. A more crooked and holey square you would not find. I was truly challenged in the knitting department. Well things have changed. After my time in Melbourne where I knitted a scarf on large needles in one night, I have the knitting bug. I have obviously grown up because so far I neither drop, not pick up stitches. What a relief. Not perfect by any means but a start. I an knitting a rug of squares for our family room.

I was lucky to be next to the protea growers from Albury

Whirlwind

2010-05-18T05:54:00.002+10:00

Well I’m back in the “small smoke” after my whirlwind week in Melbourne for the Stitches and Craft Show. Did that really happen – or was it a dream?

We took Monday to drive down the Hume Highway for the start of the big adventure. It was a very pretty drive with the beautiful country scenery all green and full of autumn colour. It is years – no decades since I have driven this road. I loved seeing all the names of towns that I have heard of many times like – Gundagai, Rutherglen, Wagga Wagga, Jugiong, Albury, Wodonga, Tarcutta, Wangaratta, Cootamundra and Holbrook.

Then we hit Melbourne and the tall buildings rose out of the flat plain ahead. Cities in the distance are always a thrill for me. It is a city of opposites. Cutting edge architecture and city sculpture combined with old classic elegance which only old world money could build. I love the beautiful trees and garden parks and the romantic bridges with chandelier light posts crossing the Yarra River which winds its way through the city. The city is full of the most wonderful shops and arcades and everywhere you go, whether in the city or suburbs, there are wonderful cafes and restaurants. It is a foodies paradise.

BUT, most of the time I was at Caulfield Racecourse for Stitches and Craft. I was on the 1st level surrounded by the most incredibly talented group of craft creators. It was just bursting with the most gorgeous handmade products. It was a joy to come to work everyday.

My trusty sewing machine came along for the journey and I received such a positive response to my Paper Quilting. The days flew by – each with its own rhythm, and before I knew it, it was 5 o’clock on Sunday afternoon and time to dismantle my space and lug it all down to the car again. It is always a sad time. All over – until the next time. Is this what being a gypsy feels like?

This week, after the drive back and then the unpack I started work on “Celebration of Wool” this week-end at the Old Bus Depot Markets. What has this got to do with you - you may ask. Well it’s a fun day and I love seeing the people who grow, spin and dye the wool into an infinite variety of colour and texture. It will be a fun day.

Here are some pictures of the journey.

Empty shell

Almost Finished - after how many hours!!!!!?

Day One - Let the fun begin

Let the countdown begin - NOW!!!!

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000+10:00

Well –Shop Handmade is up and running and it looks just gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. It is fresh, beautifully decorated and full of the most incredible talent. Have a look at http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com (Tania McCartney’s Blog) for some lovely photos of the media opening night so you can get just a little feel. And, if you can, visit Shop Handmade at Shop 20, Allara Street, City Walk, Canberra.

Now, I am in countdown mode for Stitches and Craft at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. Two weeks! I am incredibly excited that I will be travelling to Melbourne for the 5 day show to set up my space in the Independent Craft Area. I have sold many pieces of Paper Quilting to Victorian’s visiting Canberra and Sydney, but this is the first opportunity I have had to travel to exhibit my work and to demonstrate Paper Quilting.

I am putting the final touches on my exhibition pieces which will be displayed at the back of my space. Today I bought some beautiful new table cloths (thank you Freedom Furniture for putting beautiful shell button on your curtains – they are perfect for what I am using them for). I have bought my satellite navigation thingamegig so I can find my way in this big city. I have booked my accommodation for a good nights sleep while I’m there. Over the next two weeks I will be working hard to make sure that my space will look lovely.

Watch the Five Book Video

2010-04-17T07:15:00.001+10:00

Click on the Five Book Video at the top on the u-tube bar - it's great.

I found this on the Pepies Paperie site.

2010-04-15T07:13:00.000+10:00

It’s a pretty exciting day today. It’s a beautiful misty morning with the sun just peeking through to shine on the autumn coloured leaves and on the still green grass. It is a beautiful time of the year. At lunch time I will be giving a small talk to the “Day View” Club at Queanbeyan as the stand in speaker. So I hope that will run OK – I hope my voice lasts as it is a bit husky from a cold. Nervous as always though.

Tonight, Shop Handmade is having a media event opening so the shop will be on proper show for the first time. I am going to try to sneak in to take some photos after lunch today to put up on my blog. Tomorrow is the first day of trading – so that will be incredibly exciting for the Handmade Team who have spent so many long hours waving their magic wands to make this all happen for us. Bill walked by the shop on Tuesday night after a photographic meeting and they were still at work at 10.30pm. They must be exhausted. Looking at their blog it looks and sounds fantastic.

This afternoon, if I get everything ready, I am sending off my samples and a short article to a craft magazine. It would be great to be accepted – but like all things in this craft/arts industry – we will be waiting, waiting, waiting – and probably waiting some more to see what happens. If this crafting life has taught me but one thing – it is patience. And that is a virtue – isn’t it??? I’m not sure that what happens when we don’t get accepted is a virtue though. But we just keep going ala Forrest Gump style.

SURPRISE behind window #10

2010-04-06T20:33:00.002+10:00

Easter Sunday at The Old Bus Depot Market was another fabulous day. Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies keeping my little blue wren decorations company, made for a very happy day. My favourite memories are 2 little girl’s faces after eating Easter eggs. The most beautiful smiles – decorated with chocolate smudges.

After quite a few week-ends setting up my tables, tablecloths, props and creations, I have decided to try to have a quieter week. Well- sort of. I just need a bit of a breather to take stock, think of some new designs and take time over a few special creations. And today has been a great day of creating. I sometimes think I have thought of all the things I can create out of Paper Quilting. Then, right out of left field come some new ideas. So – it’s back to “The Shed” for some more playing around. There must be some creative energy floating around at the moment because there are ideas just EVERYWHERE.

Shop Handmade in Canberra http://www.shophandmadecanberra.blogspot.com/ is opening its doors next week Friday 16th April and I am delivering my creations this Thursday. So I am in final tweeking mode. What a lovely surprise this evening to find that the Wren’s Nest Studio web site is behind lovely window #10. Thank you Handmade – this has really made my day.

2010-04-01T21:30:00.000+11:00

Well, it’s almost Easter. One of my very favourite times of the year. A time for reflection on what has gone on before – and a time to move forward. For us, here in Australia, it sees Autumn approaching. The leaves are turning yellow and red and the temperature is, at last, dropping. The days are beautiful. We have 2 more sleeps until day light saving is turned off so we gain an hour in the morning. Being a morning person – this is good news.

I am so busy with work, it will be a working time for me this Easter. I can’t complain though as I love what I do more and more. I just wish I had more hours. There is much to look forward to. This Sunday is the Old Bus Depot. It is Portobello Road Day so the vintage and antique dealers will be there which is always fun. Some people think it is a bit morbid – but I find all the beautiful old wares fascinating for their craftsmanship, history and beauty. There are always treasures there.

The Stitches and Craft Shows in Sydney and Canberra for April have been postponed which has brought forward some other creative things which must be done. I am still working on kits and patterns along with the example pieces for shows and an article I am writing. And the markets always require new work to replenish the sold pieces. There is always something new to work on.

Shop Handmade http://shophandmadecanberra.blogspot.com which opens in Canberra on Friday 16th April, also needs work to be created for framing. It is an incredibly exciting venture and I am so proud to be able to be part of it.
Shop Handmade is a place to browse beautiful handmade goods.
Our gorgeous shop is full of handmade designs.
Come in and say hello!

I am creating some very special pieces which will be displayed in my space within the shop. Framed Butterflies Dancing, Butterfly Button Gardens, Glam Handbags, Party Dresses and Ooh La La Corsets Paper Quilt pictures will all be making an appearance.

This week I received my order of Swarovski crystals in the most beautiful colours. I opened the parcel and it was like opening a treasure chest of jewels. Simply gorgeous!!! They are so wonderful to use.

Till next time - Happy Easter.

What a week-end!!

2010-03-31T07:17:00.018+11:00

It was a weekend of Paper Quilting for me this last week-end.

Saturday morning I taught at A White Paper Dragon Papercraft at Phillip ACT. www.awhitedragonpapercraft.com I had 2 students – Kaye a beginner who made a beautiful teal gift tag, ruby coloured fan greeting card and violet crazy quilt. All lovely work.

Denise created the most beautiful golden handbag with diamante clasp. It really was the most gorgeous creation and I hope she enjoys having it in her home. She is a very talented student.

Fiona was also at the shop for a class and she created her first commission piece. A most beautiful rose card. Fiona was taught by Anne, who runs classes on many different craft techniques and owns A White Dragon. It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

I visited Addicted to Fabric www.a2f.com.au after the class to look at all the lovely patchwork fabrics as I am experimenting with some paper and fabric creations. Allways an inspiration. Then it was home to finish off framing and matting, making cards, attaching sparkles and generally finishing off pieces for my stall the next day.

I was up bright and early on to Sunday. Handmade Market was at a beautiful new location at the Kanberra Wine Company. It is very silly but every time I know I have to set up in a new location I get all nervous and wonder if anyone will turn up. Well. I couldn’t have been more wrong if I tried. The place was swamped with lovers of beautiful handmade products. Handmade creations are winning in the retail stakes – hands down!!!! I started off the day by buying the most beautiful little bag for taking to my market stalls from www.formosadesign.com.au How could I resist a little money bag with 2 little wrens hopping about on eucalypt leaves.

I set up next to lovely Prim and Pretty’s Rachelle who is a very talented designer of fabric broaches, gorgeous scarves, little neck wraps and beautiful pendants. Her shop looked wonderful with all her lovely creations and beautiful props including a new season white cyclamen.

So- I had a fantastic day. Fortunately I was joined with my partner in craft, my husband Bill who was great writing out dockets and helping customers. Thank you to everyone who came to say hello and to support Paper Quilting. I am still on a happy high of joy after such a lovely day.

Well - now it is back to work in “the Shed” to replenish and fill orders. I had a sort of day off. House work has to be done sometime and just sometimes it is quite satisfying. Am I turning crazy!!! Well maybe it’s the full moon.

The day became busier and busier

Outside under the beautiful trees

Fun in Sydney

2010-03-18T07:19:00.001+11:00

I’m back home after my quick trip to Sydney for the Kirribilli Art & Design Markets and to catch up with family and friends.

The Thursday Sewing group were in Canberra for the Masterpieces from Paris Exhibition on Friday so we had dinner at Ginseng that evening. It was wonderful to see them and I couldn’t believe my bad luck that I was driving up to Sydney the next day while they were in Canberra. Saturday morning I had four new Paper Quilt students and one experienced student for a class at a White Dragon Papercraft - then it was off to Sydney.

I had a very early start on Sunday morning so I was able to drive my car into the tunnel to unload all my tables and boxes. I couldn’t believe that it was over a year since I had set up my stall there. It was great to be back at this venue so close to Sydney Harbour that you can smell the sea and hear the sea gulls and ferries – not to mention the freshly brewed coffee from the little coffee shops which spill out onto the pavements. It was lovely to see many of the stall holders from the past.

Everyone is almost set up ready for 9am

Getting busier

A stylish shopper

Accordian musician, Philip Wittwer inspiring a French atmosphere

The Market was busy all day and had a real buzz to it. The musician for the morning session, Philip Wittwer, expertly played an accordion. It was as though we had been transported to Paris. It was truly magical. In the afternoon we listened to some great jazz. It was a very successful and happy day and I am sad that I won’t be able to get back there till June or July.

Driving back, I couldn’t resist popping into Berrima. Many of the shops were closed, being a Tuesday which was unfortunate but it is always a lovely spot full of old world charm. It is the first time that I have driven back with green country side as a view the whole way. Our little valley was brilliant green and the trees looked fresh and healthy after the rain of the last month. With the softer Autumn light it seemed almost unreal.

The Magpie Cafe at Berrima - ready for the lunch trade

Through the window into the new room at The Magpie

Berrima Cottage next door - full of treasures

Back home again - next morning sunrise on the back hill

Rain rain rain rain - beauitiful rain.

2010-03-11T18:52:00.001+11:00

Life is pretty good in Canberra and surrounds this week. We have had even more rain and the grass and trees look beautifully green and lush . The dams and streams are full and sparkling. On Monday morning, after a night of heavy rain, I woke early to the sound of our usually little or even non existant creek. It was bubbling and roaring along, fed by numerous waterfalls coming off the steep hill. In the seven years we have lived here - this was a first and it was incredible.

My son had 5 friends over for a down hill mountain bike day as it was Canberra Day and therefore a public holiday. They had a wonderful time scaling the flood gate to get over the creek, then climbing the slippery mountain to build tracks in the soft soil. They returned several times, as boys do for food and drink, each time a little more encrusted with splattered mud. The sun came out in the afternoon to create the most perfect clear sky. I think it will be a day they will all remember.

Jerrabomberra Creek

Scaling the flood gate

Lovely dragonfly

An Autumn Wedding

2010-03-11T18:39:00.000+11:00

I was recently asked to create the wedding invitations for a March wedding – which is in Autumn in my part of the world. I was absolutely thrilled and honoured to be asked to do this for a couple I met through my stall at the Old Bus Depot Markets. What a special treat. We decided to create the place setting cards with the same theme. Here are the results. My thought process throughout was – the season of mists and fruitfulness – one of my absolute favourite lines of poetry by Keats. Also, with the venue in mind – a lovely farm/restaurant on the outskirts of Canberra. The final handover of place cards was at the Old Bus Depot on the week-end. I wish the lovely couple all the very best wishes and I’m sure it will be a really wonderful day.

Late Afternoon at The Old Bus Depot Markets Kingston

Invitations to an Auumn Wedding

Wedding Place Cards

What a busy Sunday

2010-03-02T18:53:00.005+11:00

The Hyatt Canberra Ballroom is a beautiful venue for any event and it really came alive on Sunday for Mathilda’s 2nd Canberra market event. The two rooms looked so beautiful with all the different stall holder’s wares. Everyone there put in so much effort to make their spaces look just gorgeous. The 9 o’clock opening time rolled around and in streamed strollers, Mum’s, Dad’s, grandmothers and friends. The crowds kept up the pace till the 1 o’clock close (very civilized) – just in time for a wonderful shower of rain. I always love the rain after living for so many years here with so little of it.

After a pretty quick pack up and load, off I went to the Royal Canberra Show out at Exhibition Park. After just dodging another storm, I walked through the mud to the Arts and Crafts Pavilion, stopping on the way to watch the dogs racing through hoops and jumping over hurdles, barking excitedly. I’m not sure who was the most excited – the dogs or their owners. I looked through the exhibits in the craft and ended up at the Paper Craft exhibit where I had entered 4 pieces. I was very pleased to win two seconds for a Paper Quilt card and a Paper Quilt of Gum Leaves for the Australian Flora theme and a 1st place ribbon for card making. Then a 3rd place ribbon for miscellaneous craft. Very very exciting.

On the way back to the car I spent quite a while patting the donkeys. There was one little fellow of only 6 weeks old. They were absolutely adorable and I could have taken every one of them home with me.

Autumn in the air

2010-02-26T07:37:00.001+11:00

I think one of my New Year’s resolutions should have been – update my blog every Friday. Never too late to have a resolution though is it? I’ll start today.

I have been hard at work making Paper Quilt pictures for Mathilda’s Market which takes place this week end in the Ballroom of the Canberra Hyatt – 9am till 1pm. What a lovely way to spend part of Sunday. Taking part in a new market always gives me a few butterfly questions – how will I set up my stall in the space allocated, have I made enough stock, will my stall look pretty, will people come along – to name a few. These butterfly questions have started their flying this morning in my chest which is pretty ridiculous because I’ve set up for markets quite a few times now. It is a tiny bit like a stage show though and the show must be great.

So today will be a day of finishing off quilts and cards and then framing and packaging till I have paper, cellophane, stickers and tape coming out of my ears. Then, down to the computer to printout WNS info, laminate my new signs and printout other bits and pieces.

I will try to make it to the Royal Canberra Show to see the craft display over the week-end. I have five entries in various sections. It is always interesting to see all the talent on show and what the judges picked to win a ribbon. So many collective hours and hours of work under the roof of the craft pavillion. I also love to see the cakes, the animals, side show alley and the country wares for sale.

Autumn is in the air this morning. The sky is blue, the grass is green after the wonderful rain two weeks ago, the dams are full and there is that beautiful cool clear sparkle in the air.

What I've been doing in 'The Shed"

2010-01-24T18:58:00.002+11:00

It has been a busy week up in the shed. It looks spick and span after the delivery of the shelving and cupboards and I am working more efficiently as a consequence. I decided mid week to take a spot at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sunday as it is a sort of long week-end with Australia Day falling on Tuesday.

So it was finishing orders and starting new projects.

Too long

2010-01-13T07:14:00.001+11:00

Is it already the 13th January!!

I had a good break away from "The Shed" between lovely Christmas and New Year after a mad scramble before Christmas. But now it is back to work. I missed my shed and had many good ideas which I am longing to try out. And this is not easy because we are sweltering under a heat wave which seems to just go on day after day after day. Looks as though we are in for another scorcher today. The house has all the curtains closed to keep out the heat and it reminds me of summers when I was growing up. Endless days of blue sky, that time after Christmas when everything seemed to slow down and relax, swimming in the pool, lying under the shade of trees, staying up late and being as brown as a berry so that I had a white skin swimming costume when I was naked.

Since New Year, it has been a very busy time again with wedding invitations and place cards to complete and orders to fill. Inbetween all this, I thought it would be a good idea to tidy up my studio. Well - I have had one trip to the tip so far - the car filled to the brim with stuff. It needed to be done but maybe the timing could have been better. Some shelves and cupboards were delivered yesterday so I can get organized - and more importantly STAY organized. So I will continue today.

I have almost finished the first two Paper Quilt picture patterns which will be on my web site next week. This has been a long time coming but we are here at last. I decided not to go to any markets in January so I could concentrate and focus on this side of Wren's Nest Studio - I just wish it wasn't so hot!!

It's that time of year again

2009-12-20T07:22:00.000+11:00

While summer is a time for relaxing and having fun on long and lazy days, there are a number of things I don't like about it. Heat when the house heats up, flies, reptiles, dry, brown land and fire. Yesterday we were reminded that fire is part of Australian life when the Tea Tree Creek fire broke out about 40 kilometers south of us near Michelago. It was one of those stinking hot days and in the afternoon a gusty wind sprung up. Driving back from Queanbeyan we saw the sight we always dread. A huge billowing column of smoke rising up and forming a huge ominous cloud. As night fell there was a red glow to our south. We had a cool change this morning but this afternoon it is heating up once more so we hope there will be rain and we are thinking of the families who live close to the fire and who have already been affected.

Old Bus Depot Christmas Week-end Market

2009-12-14T16:11:00.001+11:00

I was back at the Old Bus Depot Markets for the Saturday and Sunday Market this week. This makes for a tired girl today - but happy. It was a great week-end and I was next to some lovely stall holders. Cambows Heirloom Sewing and Melanie Swan Designs. I worked very hard to make sure I had enough stock - even Saturday night/Sunday morning. My Butterfly Dancing pictures made from my range of Collective Memories papers were the big stars of the stall along with Paper Quilt Pictures. So the hours in The Shed and at the dinning table (where I retreat when it just gets way too hot in the shed) paid off. I'm off to to do it all again next week.

Handmade Market Christmas

2009-11-22T14:20:00.007+11:00

Yet another incredible event was organised by Julie Nichols and her band of Christmas fairies and elves over the weekend. The Wool Shed at Yarralumla in Canberra, looked every bit the part of the great Australian image. The rustic wooden shearing shed with its iron roof, rose out of a field of golden grass turned to straw by the recent hot and dry weather. Talcum powder dust was all that was left of the approaching drive and car park. All we needed was a host of sparrows under the eaves to complete an image of one of my favourite Australian Christmas carols -

CHRISTMAS DAY

The North Wind is tossing the leaves,

The red dust is over the town,

The sparrows are under the eaves,

And the grass in the paddock is brown;

As we lift up our voices and sing

To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King.

The tree-ferns in green gullies sway;

The cool stream flows silently by;

The joy bells are greeting the day,

And the chimes are adrift in the sky,

As we lift up our voices and sing

To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit my stall and support my work and to learn about making Paper Quilts. There are some more photos up on my website http://www.wrensneststudio.com/ (just click on Handmade Christmas near the top of the page) which Bill took. I took a few photos too. We had a great time - now it is a day of rest - except for tidying my shed and unpacking the car. Oh dear!!! No rest for the wickedly untidy.

Spring Fling

2009-11-22T08:35:00.001+11:00

It's hard to think Spring Fling when it has been so hot - but it is still November so it must be springtime. Our roses are just starting to put on a beautiful show but very quickly because of the hot sun. They are so beautiful and I must get up and outside early morning to take some photos.

Last Saturday was the Q Theatre Spring Fling Markets and it was another lovely day there. I was set up next to Bennedict House with Kates lovely jewellry, scarves and fresh produce (including the most delicious tiny apple pies - how could I resist).

What a lovely week-end

2009-11-09T14:06:00.004+11:00

Saturday began with a one on one class at a White Dragon Papercraft where my talented student made The most beautiful harleguin Handbag embellished with crystals. I wish I had taken a photo. It was elegant and spectacular all at the same time.

The afternoon saw us driving over the big hill to Burra to visit 'Tijara Iris Garden' the beautiful garden belonging to wonderful Len and Shirley Pain. This incredible garden is nestled under the brow of Warri Hill and has commanding views over the Burra Valley and over to the Tinderry Mountains. The 23 year old garden is a mixture of cottage garden perennials, annuals and over 700 varieties of tall bearded iris which frame the specacular view. There are also some beautiful speciman trees and shrubs. This garden relies almost totally on natural watering from rain. The steep paddocks are kept under control by heards of cheeky goats and apart from the abundant bird life singing away, the only other sounds are from the ducks and chooks. It is always a wonderful experience and I look forward to returning in August next year to collect my iris order.

Sunday we got up early to buy our weekly vegetables and fruit from Fyshwick Markets and have our morning coffee at Deli Planet. Then after a long session of weeding the drive area, I set off to St Paul's Angican Church Burra just down the road, for a discussion about Landscape Architecture, Heritage and Gardens. St Pauls is a tiny church which was built in 1868. Unfortunately, the lecturer must have lost his way but it was delightful to just sit under the huge elm and robinnia trees in the church yard and talk about the future of the church garden with Rev.James Wood and the other visitors. I then watched a demonstration on building a mud pizza oven - it looked like fun but I don't think I will be doing it any time soon. Back home to do some sewing.

Countdown

2009-11-06T06:44:00.000+11:00

The next two weeks is going to be very hectic in 'The Shed' for Wren's Nest Studio. Hopefully there will be no feathers flying and no birds squawking.
Tuesday I am demonstrating Paper Quilting with a Christmas theme at Spotlight in Queanbeyan 6 - 9pm.
Next Saturday it is the Spring Fling Market at the Q Theatre in Queanbeyan 10 - 3.
The the following Friday and Saturday it is A Handmade Christmas at Yarralumla Wool Shed 5-9 then 10 - 4.

Inbetween there are a few commissions to finish and a particular package I have to finish to send off OS to a very particular lady. I'm not sure why I wrote this all down - now I just feel even more nervous! I can only do what I can do in a day.

But, this weekend I have to make time to visit the iris garden in Burra. It has been a wonderful year for iris and I'm sure the Payne's garden will be looking incredible. I will take photos to show you just how incredible it is.

More Springtime

2009-10-21T09:01:00.000+11:00

The first Lupins.

Apple Tree by the old chook shed.

Yellow Iris

Apple tree over the archway

Last week we had the best rain for years. A little bit every day. It was heaven. The grass in our valley is now beautifully green and the garden is beginning to pop with spring. I'm looking forward to visiting the gardens around Burra on the first week-end of November. I particularly enjoy the Paines Iris Garden, perched high on a hill overlooking the Burra Valley. It is spectacular and well worth the drive if you live around the Canberra Area.

Article in the Queensland Messenger

2009-10-18T07:55:00.002+11:00

I met journalist Trish Goodfield at the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show and she asked if I would be interested in taking part in an interview for the Messenger - the local paper for the North Lakes area just north of Brisbane. Here is a link to the article. Thanks Trish for spreading the Paper Quilting word to a beautiful part of Queensland.

www.trishalandesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/crafters-way-114-paper-quilts.html

Christmas Cards & Tags + Button Beauties

2009-10-17T08:51:00.001+11:00

2009 Christmas Cards and Tags from Wren's Nest Studio

As promised - pictures of my Button Beaty Brooch Creations so far.

Christmas in October at Bredbo

2009-10-17T06:56:00.001+11:00

Yesterday we drove to Bredbo, a little town on the way to the ski fields in Southern NSW. I was on a mission to find flat gold and silver Christmas decorations for a project I had in mind and The Christmas Barn was the place to go. After a delicious Devonshire Tea I hit the barn. It is a magical place. It is like walking through the Christmas caves which department stores used to set up when I was a child. Packed to the ceiling with every beautiful, sparkly ornament you could imagine. I wasn't so lucky finding flat ornaments BUT how could I leave empty handed. I left with a whole flock of gold, silver and aqua Christmas birds which will be perfect for decorating my Wren's Nest Studio stall in the lead up to Christmas.
http://www.bredbochristmasbarn.com.au/

Sunday at The Old Bus Depot Markets

2009-10-12T19:54:00.007+11:00

Last Sunday I packed up my caravan of Paper Quilt wares and headed off to the Old Bus Depot Market at Kingston in Canberra. I was very pleased with the new colour scheme and less cluttered look (not easy still for me). I had a very busy morning but the afternoon turned very cold and windy which kept visitors away.

I was thrilled when one of my student s came to tell me that she had been making Paper Quilt cards to raise money for the Fistular Hospitals in Africa and had an order to fill. This just made my day and I was so proud of her.

This week I have been up in the shed making cards, cats in gardens, handbags and dancing butterfly pictures. I have also been experimenting with making some button brooches. I started out wanting to make a flower and embellished the centre with beads and buttons. The centre proved to be so lovely that I discarded the petals completely. I have worked on circles, hearts and ovals. They are turning out to be more and more lavish - how is that not a surprise. I love them but we'll see what the others think when they go on show. Just as well I have thousands of buttons and a growing collection of beads and embellishments. I hope that I can exhibit them at the Christmas Handmade Market in November at Yarralumla Wool Shed. Some pictures of these will follow when I take them.

At last I went to see The September Issue again and it was just as wonderful the second time around. I went with my daughter and she loved it too.

Let it Snow

2009-10-09T08:14:00.004+11:00

I was dancing in the snow on Wednesday - which would have made a very funny photo but I was here by myself. It wasn't cold enough for the snow to settle in piles by the back door but it continued to float down in big flakes for a good hour which was lovely. All this loveliness has gone some way to make up for our miserable situation of NO RUNNING WATER. We had our old concrete water tank cleaned last week and the cracks repaired. Since that day the weather changed from beautiful spring days to very cold and wet days. The material used to repair the cracks is still setting so now one week on, we are still without running water. It is a reality check and makes us all realise how lucky we are that water usually runs from a tap and is not collected in buckets from far off places and lugged back. Hopefully the heaters will arrive over the weekend and we can have a delivery of water.

This week I have been getting ready for going to the Old Bus Depot Market on Sunday so I have been trying to spend as much time as possible up in the shed. I have gone back to printing my papers in 1 inch squares and stitching them for greeting cards. Today I will be working on an Australia paper and making some Paper Quilts cats. I taught a class yesterday and have another tomorrow.

Shock of the week was receiving the DVD of the workshop I gave at the National Gallery. Seeing and hearing the real you is always a bit of a nightmare - is that really me. Is that really how I look and sound!!!!!! I gradually looked from behind hands over my eyes to be slightly relieved to hear not to many um's and not to much waving arms and hands in the body movement department. It was still very hard to watch.

National Gallery Workshop

2009-09-29T06:27:00.005+10:00

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.

2009-09-27T06:17:00.005+10:00

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

2009-09-18T06:45:00.006+10:00

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

2009-09-17T06:58:00.004+10:00

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

2009-09-08T07:25:00.003+10:00

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?

2009-09-04T18:41:00.004+10:00

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.

September Issue

2009-08-30T07:17:00.005+10:00

If you love the world of fashion and the extraordinary range of talent which comes together in magazines, this film about the preparations for the September 2007 issue of American Vogue is for you. I have been a magazine lover for as long as I can remember so I had to see this film. The September Issue was fabulous!!! Fashion (of course), city scapes, beautiful photographs, parades and wonderful characters. I loved every second from beginning to end. Watch a sneak peek in the video bar on the side.

Back Home

2009-08-27T07:01:00.007+10:00

The Stitches and Craft Show in Sydney really was an amazing experience. I think I am still recovering – I’m just not used to talking quite that much. I met many people who had never seen Paper Quilting before so it was a great opportunity to spread the word. People can’t believe that I am sewing paper and watch me sewing for quite a while just to see that the paper is not tearing. It was very exciting all up and I had a really successful show. The one stop Paper Quilt shop did great business and sold out of punches and thread. It was great to meet Lara of ‘La Rara’ and Kate of ‘Please Eloise’ who had spaces on either side of me. There are more pictures of the show on my Web page – just a click away on the left.

I drove home on huge gusts of wind from warm and sunny Sydney to freezing southern NSW where there was snow on the Brindabella Mountains. Hard to believe it is only a 3 hour drive. Pink and white blossoms are out everywhere and it is so beautiful. We actually had some rain while I was away so there is a tinge of green in the paddocks.

Now it’s on to the next adventure. It’s just over two weeks until ‘Handmade in Bloom’ at Yarralumla Wool Shed. So I am back in my own little shed with my head down creating Paper Quilt pictures, new papers and new cards.

Sydney Stitches and Craft Show

2009-08-13T07:26:00.005+10:00

Almost finished. My 2 large pieces which will hang at the back of my studio space at Stitches and Craft on the 2 panels which form the back wall. If you are coming along to the show, I will be on level 4, in space #165. Please pop by to say hi and have a look at these two Paper Quilt Creations. I will also have other finished work, my greeting cards created from the paper I have designed, tools for creating Paper Quilts AND my new book, "Paper Quilts".

I will have my sewing machine with me and I will be making Paper Quilts at the show for the full 5 days in my mobile Studio.

Butterflies

2009-08-11T07:12:00.005+10:00

This time next week I will be in Sydney for the Stitches and Craft Show at Rosehill. Hopefully I will have my little studio space all set up and ready to go and I will be a happy girl - but I will be very nervous I suspect. Just thinking about it gives me butterflies. 5 days at the show and during that time, my little girl is flying off overseas. I always wanted her to grow up and get her own wings to fly - but now I'm not so sure I like it at all. In fact - it is very distressing.

So, today I sat down and made a list of what I need to before then. I became little side tracked and made a flower broach from fabric which I had printed - and then began work on a VERY large handbag which will hang on the back wall of my space. Tomorrow I will make another large work to hang beside it as a pair. I'm not sure if I will make another bag - or a beautiful tree with a bird resting on top. I think the tree wins as I love the saying "grown old like a tree". Reach up to the sky, stretch open your arms, bare flowers and fruit, be a home and safe place for birds, animals and insects of all kinds and be happy with your beautiful bark which becomes more lovely with age. Pictures of work in progress will follow tomorrow.

No time for photos today

2009-08-08T20:40:00.002+10:00

We all knew that Saturday would be a busy day - but today was non stop. We were all busy and I couldn't believe that when I looked at my watch it was 12.45 and time for a break. So -we are all tired and ready for a good nights sleep. Ready for day 4 and the last day of the show and then packing up. What a whirl wind of a time we have had.

Day two at the Canberra Craft & Quilt Show.

2009-08-07T20:21:00.013+10:00

After an early night, I awoke to this lovely scene in our back yard - a full moon setting over Beatty Hill with Venus just to the left. Quite beautiful. It was then off to a very busy day at A White Dragon Paper Craft stall as the buses pulled in and the car park filled to “No More Room” status. It was action almost all day long for all of us and there was a real buzz in the air. I did manage to squeeze in a trip to the stall I was hoping to visit and above is picture of some treasure. I couldn’t spend too much time there, so I’m afraid I will have to return tomorrow. (what a shame!!!). These lovely pieces will become part of Paper Quilt Creations such as Cinderella Shoes and Honestly Darling Handbags. Here is a photo of Shirley, an incredibly talented teacher at A White Dragon Papercraft. She is working on the most beautiful parchment umbrella with boarder and flowers. Fine and really beautiful work taking skill and patience. This craft is called Pergamano and the tools and materials are made in The Netherlands.

Craft and Quilt Fair Canberra

2009-08-06T18:44:00.006+10:00

My first day at the Craft & Quilt Fair has just finished as a demonstrator at A White Paper Dragon Papercraft. The time just flew by and it was a great day with lots of interest in Paper Quilting and my new book. It is always a bit nerve wracking starting off, but I gradually became more relaxed and I am really looking forward to tomorrow which should be busier. The Saturday – full on craziness.

It was great to catch up with Susan Filer from The Pattern Place, www.patternplace.com.au/shop/index.php who I first met almost a year ago at the Stitches and Craft Show in Sydney. She is going to the Quilt Fair in Houston, USA which is FANTASTIC. How incredible is that.

I found one particular stall late in the afternoon that I was hoping would be there. So I will be arriving early to make more than just a few purchases. I will have a photo tomorrow of my package of new treasures. I can’t wait!!!

In a classical mood - again

2009-07-29T06:55:00.005+10:00

Driving along through the country side yesterday, Piano Concerto # 2 in F Minor by Chopin came across the radio. I was off to the post office and had to sit in the car until it finished - with sunglasses on. Is this the ultimate in drama and passion? If I could play this I would be transported - but I would have so many tears rolling down my face that I would find it hard to see the music. It is a truely beautiful piano concerto and fills me with joy. I better download it onto my ipod for some sublime time working in the shed. The U-tube on the side bar shows master Arthur Rubinstein and Ingrid Fliter at the keyboard. Both wonderful. Oh well - back to the real world now - off to the ironing board with a school shirt.

Christmas in July - "Q" Theatre Queanbeyan

2009-07-26T16:28:00.016+10:00

The "Q" Theatre was once again the place to be on Sunday. It was bustling from the time the market opened at 11am until closing at 3pm. There were visits from 3 performers including Santa Claus, Elvis and then the highlight - The Ukulele Soceity of Canberra (they were incredible). It all added to the really festive atmosphere and kept us tapping our toes. I received a great response from my book 'Paper Quilts' which made my day. And of course I couldn't make it through the day without a purchase. Ortensia Sewing Supplies, www.ortensia.com.au was just around the corner, so it was more lovely buttons. More button gardens are definitely on the way.

Today I am teaching the lovely young Mums at the Brindabella Womens Group. 15-20 women this time, so it is a large group and I am hoping we can finish our project in 2 hours. Then off to deliver my piece for the Queanbeyan Art Prize. I wonder how a Paper Quilt will be received in the judging! We'll see.

Winter Morning - Jerrabomberra Creek

2009-07-26T06:57:00.005+10:00

Here is a picture of the finished piece which I started earlier in the week. Corners completed and inner crazy quilt section embellished. The piece is 49cm square. Now it is even framed, thanks to Michael at Framing Master Fyshwick. He did a beautiful job - and it really looks finished now. Always incredible what matt boards and a frame will do.

I'm off to the Christmas in July Market in Queanbeyan today. I've dressed up my papier-mache reindeer in her finest red and green jewels for the occassion. It should be a wonderful day.

Treasure

2009-07-25T08:12:00.010+10:00

After delivering my four miniatures to the selection day for our next exhibition, I began my journey back home. I didn't get too far before my car mysteriously parked itself outside 'Pymble Antiques' - a shop specilaizing in Linen and Retro. 1003 Pacific Highway, Pymble. A tiny shop frontage with a black and white awning - usually the sign of good things inside. Well, I'll just pop in for a quick look I thought. I almost got away empty handed - until I spied a whole collection of shell buttons, then bundles of lace, small silver dishes (always good for my display) cotton reals - well I was lost. Here is my collection. And in the words of Arnie Schwarzenegger "I'll be Back!!!!"

Prince Domino, one of my cats, is, as always, most impressed with this new treasure.

Frosty Morning

2009-07-25T07:32:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I was in sunny Sydney where the Michelia Magnolia was in full and beautiful bloom in my parents beautiful garden. This morning, frosty freezing country NSW. Beautiful in a different way. It is so cold this morning that taking a deep breath in hurts. I have just been up to my shed to turn on the heater so I will be able to work there in about an hour.

Work in progress

2009-07-23T07:54:00.000+10:00

A larger Paper Quilt on the way. Traditional pattern but with a twist. I would love to keep working on it but I'm off to Sydney to deliver my Miniatures.

2009-07-21T19:19:00.000+10:00

It is now less than a month till the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show at Rosehill Race Course. It is hard to believe that it is almost a year since I was there last as an Independent Crafter. I have been drawing little diagrams on how to lay out my stall. I have a 2 x 2 meter square space located on a corner. A need a place for my sewing machine and a place to work. Then a place for display of finished work – a gallery, a spot to display my book and some cards etc to sell as well. I will set up my tables in the big shed next week and see how that goes. In the end, I know it will just be a matter of seeing how things look on site and having a play around. But next - what to pack and what to leave behind. This week: Tidying my shed (will I ever be a tidy person?). Preparing for the Christmas in July Art & Craft Market at Queanbeyan’s ‘Q’ Theatre & working on a piece for the Queanbeyan Art Prize. Friday is the intake and selection day for the Miniature Society of Australia Awards Exhibition so it will be a quick trip up to Sydney then back. I am entering 3 mixed media pieces and a fantasy drawing. Photos this week are the wind turbines near Lake George, which have now been turned on. Remarkable, enormous and quite awe inspiring when you get a bit closer to them. More rainbows - its that time of year. Then, some photos from around our creek.

Isn't music the most wonderful thing

2009-07-18T21:37:00.000+10:00

Click on the seaweed bubbles on the video bar on the left. Turn up the volume. Close your eyes and travel somewhere lovely for a couple of minutes.

I first heard this music years ago at the Sydney Aquarium in a dark room which has a wall of glass looking into the Aquarium. I could have sat there for ages. This morning, while packing my car for a class, this beautiful piece of music by Saint-Saens came over the radio. It took me right back to the wall of glass, the beauiful fish and a lovely time. And now, here it is again.

Honestly Darling Handbag

2009-07-11T20:51:00.001+10:00

These are just a couple of the new 'Honestly Darling Handbag' series I've been working on this week. This design is called The Alessandra Bag. Each bag created is totally unique in the papers and embellishments used. I love them and I hope you will too.

A Rainbow in my Backyard

2009-07-09T08:25:00.000+10:00

A sun shower this morning brought us a rainbow.

Not Everyday at Wren's Nest Studio

2009-07-08T17:38:00.000+10:00

Did you hear a pop fizz sound on the breeze late this afternoon? It was the beautiful sound of champagne - chilled to perfection, being ceremoniously popped to herald the arrival of 'Paper Quilt's' - my long awaited book. We drove in to collect the boxes from Arthur and Marilyn of MBE late this afternoon. We even got the 2 car spots right outside - so it was meant to be.

More later - I'm off for another glass of bubbly.

Your copy is in the mail my dear Mrs Tucker. xoxo

Waiting, waiting, waiting!!!

2009-07-06T17:08:00.000+10:00

That’s what I have been doing. ‘Paper Quilt’s’ has at least been printed now. It was any easy trip down to Victoria to the printing factory via the wonders of computers, but its’ trip back will be by truck I guess. That champagne bottle in the fridge which will get popped on its arrival is getting very very cold. This book is getting to be more like a third child every day – very overdue, all consuming and much anticipated. This Sunday the 12th July, is Fibre Day at the Old Bus Depot Markets. I might just have a little tantrum if it is not here by then.

Late last week I began work on a new set of larger images which will appear in the gallery of my website: http://www.wrensneststudio.com/. (later this week). They fall into 3 categories. Ginger Jars, Vases and Handbags. Because the images are larger, I have much more room to play. I decided to let the silhouette images stand alone without quilted boarders because each image is quite lavish in its use of papers and embellishments. I began sewing them onto black card stock but I have decided that the soft cream of watercolour paper is all that is needed for these. They will be released at the Fibre Day on Sunday.

I am creating some very large Paper Quilts for my stall at the Sydney ‘Stitches and Craft Show’ in August 19 – 12. http://www.livingcreatively.com.au. I will have a wall at the back of my space which I will use as a gallery. This time will also be a wonderful opportunity to launch my book in Sydney. Much work to do.

Coco avant Chanel

2009-06-25T22:25:00.000+10:00

We have just come back home after watching the film Coc avant Chanel. Beautiful, fascinating and passionate. What a huge influence this woman had on fashion and how women see themselves. Audrey Tautou is, as always, a joy to watch on the big screen - a lovely and very talented actor. Alessandro Nivola - sissling.

All over the place

2009-06-24T08:54:00.000+10:00

It was a busy week for Wren’s Nest Studio. The most important event was the launch of the Website http://www.wrensneststudio.com/. Bill has been working very hard behind the scenes as it was a very big job. Especially organising me to write and review pages. But it’s up and running now. If you come across any problems while navigating around it, please let us know so we can fix them.

‘Paper Quilts’ a handbook, is being printed now and should be with me – maybe Friday this week. I’m crossing my fingers and toes!! I guess I should be happy with next week. Next problem = Where to store the boxes. A nice problem to have really.

I have a new product line based on the crazy Paper Quilts I design. These are now available as a gift card pack with 4 cards per pack and each card with a different image. Embellished with crystals and tied together with a satin ribbon. They are printed onto fine art paper with pigment inks which have a beautiful richness of colour and long lasting quality. Creating these crazy Paper Quilts is one of my very favourite things to do. They remind me of the mixed media collages I used create. These will be available at my market stalls and at Made It www.madeit.com.au/storecatelog.asp?userid=3725

I had 3 star students during the week at a White Dragon Papercraft. Emma, Denise and Ann all created wonderful pieces. Our Dragon Princess Anne Stewart wasn’t well during the week and we are all wishing her our best for feeling 100% again very soon.

Buttons Galore

2009-06-17T00:55:00.000+10:00

What do Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, Ewan MacGregor in Star Wars, and Bananas in Pyjamas have in common? They all wear buttons from All Buttons Great And Small!!
And that's just where I visited and went shopping last week. I have been wanting to go back for several years but somehow just never got there when I was in Sydney. It is a really magical place with floor to ceiling buttons – a lolly shop for a bower bird like me. I used to visit quite often when we lived in Newtown many years ago. I can see in my head the buttons I bought there in the past. Special buttons full of character - they stand alone.

The buttons I bought will be part of a special quilt I am making to show at the Stitches and Craft Show in Sydney in August.

Then I went on to Elizabeth Rosa Fine Stationery Shop at Double Bay. Another favourite haunt where I always find some gorgeous new piece of wrapping paper or stationary.

Albert Hall - Winter Warmers

2009-06-04T17:07:00.000+10:00

The third Handmade Market at Albert Hall was another great day – full of atmosphere, happy noise and crowds of people. The first market was freezing, the second roasting – the third , it was just right.

I set up my stall in a lovely spot near one of the huge arched doorways. I have tried very hard to tidy up the look of my stall and I was happy with the result. It’s much easier to pack and unpack the car too which is probably the most tiring part of any market day. I’m always on the look out for ways to make my space look new and fresh though. I’m in search of folding ladder display unit now. More height and a couple of areas for pretty arrangements of pictures and other products.

Albert Hall was busy from before the opening time of 10 am till closing at 4pm so I didn’t get a chance to pop around to have a look at all the wonderful handmade goods at the market. And so, for the first time, didn’t buy anything either!! Except coffee of course. I met lots of great people and there were many people interested in taking a class. There was also interest in the book which is very exciting.

So, it’s back to “the shed” to replenish stock. fill orders and make some new papers. Time to start thinking about the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show and Christmas too. It is really wonderful.

Cooking and Teaching

2009-05-28T14:22:00.000+10:00

This morning I taught a Paper Quilting class at White Dragon Papercraft in Phillip, ACT. I bought along some biscuits to have with our morning tea break. They are a family recipe which has been passed along from my Mum, Judith and originally from a neighbour and friend Margaret Davey. They have always been popular. They are easy to make too – which makes them even more popular. I have never converted it to metric measurements so it will appear here as it is written. I mix up a batch in the evening, let them rest overnight, then cut them up and bake them the next day. I'm sure the uncooked mix would freeze well.

Walnut Crescents

8oz margarine 2 cups plain flour
1/3 cup sugar ½ cup chopped walnuts
2 tsps water icing sugar mixture
2 tsps vanilla essence

Cream the margarine and sugar. Mix in the water and vanilla. Stir in the flour.

Shape into a long log shape about 30 cm long or any shape you wish and chill for 3-4 hours. Slice about ¼ inch thick.

Bake on a greased tray or lined with baking paper for about 15 minutes at 325 degrees F. Do not brown. Remove from oven and cool. Dip in icing sugar.

Enjoy.

My work today

2009-04-21T17:09:00.001+10:00

I have been sewing today. I have a paper quilted name to complete by tomorrow so I can send it on its way to Western Australia for a little girl who is turning one next month. All I need to do now is the embellishing and I will be finished. I'll tackle that this evening. The photo here is a little dull because I took it at 5pm outside but it gives some idea of the piece.

I never get sick of looking at the sky at this time of day - beautiful.

Easter Sunday at the Old Bus Depot Market

2009-04-12T17:53:00.000+10:00

After an absolute down pour last night (at last) it was a clear sunday for the Easter Sunday market. It was incredibly busy this morning and I had a terrific day with lots of sales and several orders for Paper Quilt pictures, alphabet letters and names. Which means of course, lots of work up at "The Shed" this week. Lucky I tidied it up and -of course changed things around (nothing new in that department!!). I bought two rolls of beautiful antique handmade lace for the quilted Pret-a-Porter dresses and a gorgeous bag from Sonia Burke of "Silk n' Things". Impossible to resist.

Nature Watching Again - Moon rising

2009-04-10T18:18:00.000+10:00

Watching the sunset over Beaty Hill

2009-04-07T18:11:00.000+10:00

My view this morning

2009-03-18T09:00:00.001+11:00

Some people have birds, bears or squirrels in their back yard, I have kangaroos -

and sheep

and Crimson Rosellas - having a nice breakfast of peaches.

Another busy day

2009-03-16T21:59:00.000+11:00

I spent quite a few hours over at “A White Paper Dragon” today packing up the many very generous donations of craft supplies from the people of Canberra – and even overseas – for the people who have been affected by the tragic and terrible bushfires in Victoria. It was incredible to see all the craft supplies appear from bags and boxes. Six women worked at separating the supplies into “like” items and then packaged up bags in the form of kits. We all marvelled at some of the very special things which people had parted with. By about 1.30pm we had packaged up many bags and packed them into boxes ready for collection. I hope the crafters of Victoria who have lost so much will have some things to get them going again. Maybe creating will help the healing process begin.

Later in the day I was able to see the beautiful exhibition of painting, pastels, prints, drawings and photographs in the Degas Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. I have always loved Degas’ work – the layering of mediums, colour and subject matter. Quite extraordinary. The bronze of the little dancer with tutu and ribbon in her hair was really lovely. I could sit and look at her for hours. The gallery is undergoing quite extensive renovations at the moment so I entered from the side of the gallery overlooking the lake. This area includes the sculpture garden, so I was able to practice photographing some of the lovely pieces which live there amongst the trees and water features.

Misty Autumn Morning

2009-03-14T20:50:00.002+11:00

We woke up to our first mist of the Autumn this morning. Always a beautiful sight. By the end of the day the rain gauge read wait for it - a whole 3ml. So, no end to the brown grass yet - but better than nothing.

Later this afternoon we went to see"Last Chance Harvey" which we enjoyed so much. I'm glad I had my hankie ready in my lap. What would a romance film be without tears together with laughs. So - I have put a video link in the boarder.

Then it was off to dinner a delicious meal at "Three Mothers" Thai. Fantastic.

Just a regular Saturday

2009-03-07T18:07:00.000+11:00

Another fun morning. We have our neighbour’s Marco and Zena’s cattle on our front paddocks this week. As it is so dry, these paddocks need eating down in case of fire. Cows are never satisfied with the paddock they have been placed in however, so they decided to break into the house garden. They had a delicious breakfast of lupins and photinias before being herded away by an angry woman in nightie and slippers running all over the place. Fortunately (or not) I do not have a picture for you this time. By the time I have arrived home this afternoon, they had broken into the dam paddock. Hope they enjoy the bull rushes this time, as I am not going to try to get them out of there until tomorrow.

Today I took part in the Queanbeyan Bazaar at the Q Theatre. It was a celebration of some of the craft artists who live in the Queanbeyan region so I got to meet many of the locals who live in and around Burra and Michelago and in Queanbeyan itself. There was a huge range of talent including embroiderers, quilters, jewellers, wood and metal workers, sculptors and sewers. The theatre is a really wonderful venue and has a very warm atmosphere. Added to this is the luxury of air conditioning, lovely clean loos and a really good café. Georgina Perri organises these events and you couldn’t find a nicer and more organised person.

I had two tables – one for a display and selling area and the other for demonstrating my craft of Paper Quilting. I had a lot of interest and many people were interested in taking a class in the future.

It is not surprising that I bought something from one of the other stalls and I have included a picture of my new mobile phone bag. I just couldn’t resist it – those gorgeous little strawberries. Absolutely beautiful work.

A day with the media

2009-03-05T13:17:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I gave my first radio interview. I was rung by Fiona Wylie from ABC radio Port Macquarie – and to say I was surprised would be an understatement. The segment was on people who have interesting and out of the ordinary jobs – and I guess I do fall into that category. It was an interesting and nerve wracking experience being on the other side of the radio – as I listen to ABC Canberra almost the whole day while I am working. I hope it went well – the 10 minutes seemed to go by quickly and I before I knew it I was putting down the phone and there I was, sitting in silence again. Very strange. Talking about myself and what I do certainly made the day very out of the ordinary. My usual work pals, Pepper the wonder dog and my cats, Coco Channel and Prince Domino don’t have much to say about what I do.

I continued along the multi media path later by picking up the latest issue #64 of Scrapbook Creations which had just arrived at the newsagent. My project, “The Two of Us” – How to master the art of Paper Quilting appears on page 108. It details a scrapbook page showing a heart and photograph which is also a pocket containing another little heart with a pull tab. I’ll tell you now that the lovely French manicured nails which are shown punching squares and drawing – do not belong to me. I only wish. Maybe I should treat myself.

So the excitement continues. Never a dull moment at “Wren’s Nest Studio”.

2009-03-03T13:19:00.000+11:00

Ripening grapes on the front terrace & a view down to the creek.

It is only three days into Autumn yet it is all around us already. We saw our second rugby game of the Super 14 Series – a sign autumn is here for sure. The trees are beginning to turn from a combination of the shorter days and the very harsh weather we have had over the past couple of months – dry, dry and more dry. I have spent several nights lately, lying awake wondering if we will ever see a rain again. It is quite depressing and I feel pretty desperate about the whole climate changing around us.

Saturday I gave a beginners Paper Quilting class at “A White Paper Dragon”. It always amazes me how different each persons work is – a real joy to see. The ladies all did wonderful work. Sunday we had some time by Lake Burley Griffin, a long walk and then lunch at one of my favourite restaurants “The Book Plate” at the National Library of Australia.

Yesterday and today it was back to work in "the shed". I've had a wonderful time experimenting with my new selection of papers. This morning I continued to prepare for the Bazaar at the "Q" Theatre this coming Saturday by making gift tags which I will package up.

A Rest Day

2009-02-26T09:34:00.000+11:00

Well, Wren's Nest Studio had a bit of a holiday yesterday. I left our parched brown landscape and headed north to the Southern Highlands and the beautiful little town of Berrima to meet up with my Mum and Dad and Mum's cousin Janet, who is visiting from Auckland New Zealand.

I went via Goulbourn to see if I could find the craft shop there - I will go back as I didn't leave enough time I'm afraid. I had forgotten what an interesting and beautiful town Goulbourn is. Full of the most incredible and interesting architecture. Here is a photo of a building in one of the side streets.

It was then on to Berrima, a town which, like Goulbourn, was by-passed when the expressway was built some years ago. It was green and luscious and out of another world and time. I began by looking in a wonderful shop - The Art of Bookbinding. http://www.artofbookbinding.com.au/din g .com.au/. It is hard to take a complete day off work when I enter a shop like this one. It is an absolute joy to go into a shop where you can find unique and beautiful objects. It is virtual lolly shop of wonderful papers which I never see anywhere else but here. I found some real treasures. So you know I'll be making up for my day off today when I head up to "the shed" to make some more paper quilt creations.

We had a delicious lunch at the famous Magpie Cafe http://www.magpiecafe.com.au/af e .com.au/ where you feel as

though you are in a lovely home surrounded by cakes on pretty cake stands covered by glass domes. With drawings and paintings on the walls and ornaments and displays of white coral and shells on the side boards. Next door you will find The Cottage full of beautiful clothing, antiques, fabric, ribbon and surprises. This is a picture of one of the locals ready to serve me at the front counter.

On the way home, after a hour of looking around more shops and galleries, I stopped at one of the rest areas on the side of Lake George - still empty of any water. It is hard to believe that it was possible to sail on the lake once. Now the only white caps are those of the grazing sheep. The controversial wind farm looks as though it is nearing completion now. There will be 63 wind turbines in all and I just can't wait to see them turning in the wind.

The Handmade Market at Albert Hall

2009-02-13T08:13:00.000+11:00

It may have been the hottest day of the year, but that didn’t stop the 2nd Handmade Market at Albert Hall in Canberra being a huge success. We had a wonderful day beginning set up at 8am before literally hundreds of people poured into the hall looking for beautiful handmade products just before 10am.

I have put a link in the side bar to show you a fabulous photo/video montage put together by photographer, Andrew Taylor who did a great job capturing the day. I am looking a bit weary in the shot he took of me but – that’s the heat for you. I felt like a melting red ice cream a couple of times.

New Address

2008-08-26T14:48:00.000+10:00

Thank you so much to every one who visited my demonstration table on level 3 at the Stitches and Craft Show at Rosehill in Sydney last week. It was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic craft creators and I hope you have had a chance to try Paper Quilting at home.

Please note: I am back home, south of Canberra now and due to the long name of this blog, I have transferred the information on this site to one which has a shorter title. Please click on the link in the side bar for Wrens Nest Studio. This newer site will include a list of materials which you can purchase to begin your Paper Quilt journey.