FaeryDi's Fibre Feats or "Fiascos"

MAIL RECEIVED AND MAIL TO SEND

2008-04-14T11:13:00.008+10:00

It's been such a long, long time!!!

A Phil update....... Well, at long last he's off his crutches and can now drive. Whoopee!!! We (me, me, me) are all so happy!! Phil is happy as now he's not so dependent on me, and I am even "more" happy - MORE TIME FOR ME!!!!! Yeah!! The boys are happy, as they aren't hearing Phil yelling out "Boys, can you get me? Boys can you help me????" So all in all life is going back to normal. Thankyou everyone SO MUCH for your thoughts and best wishes. They were very much appreciated.

Jackie, thanks so much for your comments on my last blog post. Hopefully I'll catch you again soon on FlickR. Now if this is the Jackie I think it is - in my next post I will post a link of her FlickR photos - she is just sooooo talented!!!!!

MAIL RECEIVED

This gorgeous ATC is from Ebony. She is only 10 (??), and such a talent already. Of course she takes after her Grandma, Doreen....... Thanks Ebony!!!

Another gorgeous ATC!!! From Domito in France..... It is so Spring like - flowers, colour and fun - I love it! Thanks Domito!!!

It's always a pleasure to receive mail from Annica in Sweden. The first photo is an ATC, the second a postcard. Such a gorgeous lime colour for the ATC, and just look at that magenta coloured postcard. Love them!!! The fabric on the ATC and the postcard below are hand made by Annica, with added stitching and beading. Wonderful!!!! Thanks Annica.....

MAIL TO SEND (SOON, I HOPE!)

All ATC's, apart from the bottom one, a postcard.... All made by various mediums and techniques. A bit of this and a bit of that!! (Yes, I know - I love that expression!!).

Painted and stamped pellon.....

Fabric paper, painted, layered with organza, zapped, rubbed with treasure gold.....
Fabric sandwich, zapped, painted and hand stitched.....
Fabric paper, painted, layered with organza, machine sewing and beading.....
Fabric paper, painted, machine appliqued and FME.....

VOILA!!~!! That's it for now...... ta tah!!~!!!!!

2008-03-19T19:37:00.004+11:00

MARCH CALENDAR GIRLS POSTCARD

This is my March Calendar Girls postcard. Firstly I needle felted the flower image onto hand-dyed felt, which I was quite happy with, but then when I tried to add some spiral stamp images to the background - they didn't take too well on the felt - so my card was ruined. So, I rescued the felted flower, and added some glitzy yarn around the edges..... I then used caran d'ache neocolour 11 water colour crayons, painted the blue vase onto water colour paper, and attached the felted flower. The edges of the card are painted with liquid gold. Hope CarolM likes it!!

ONLINE CLASS

I've joined an online class with Doll Street Dreamers, making a Sampler Book with Janet Clark. This is my front and back cover, which is made with crumpled tissue paper layered over felt and painted.

These are the inside of the front and back pages. The stamped letters on the inside front cover read "Open the Door".

JACK OF ALL TRADES

Now with Phil incapacitated, I am also the man of the house. Here I am on the roof (help!!), blowing the leaves from the gutters. You should've seen me on our little tractor too -Phil was having fits - but I was having such fun!!!! Who needs men - we can do it all!!!!!!!!!

A bit of this, a bit of that!!

2008-03-10T21:28:00.013+11:00

It's been a while since I've posted, and not sure when my next post will be - but I'm going to sneak this one in.

Thanks to the lovely ladies who have nominated me for the "Make My Day Award"- I'm rapt - and with spare time at a minimum at the moment I would just like to pass this award onto everyone whose blogs I read routinely as they all make my day!!!

Phil is doing well and doing just what the Doctor ordered - not much, and wanting to do much more. Nurse Dianne is also coping, but very tired!!!! Lots of driving, cooking, nursing, cleaning, working, etc, etc....... and not much creating. BUT - there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so I can't complain - Phil will heal and life will go back to normal.

I received some more lovely mail. An ATC from Anne (who doesn't have a blog). Thanks so much Anne, it's wonderful - I especially like the frayed and beaded edging.

My March Calendar Girl postcard was from Joanna. Joanna is so sweet!! She knows how much I love faeries, so her postcard to me is a "Flower Fairy" postcard. It's beautiful - I love it. Thanks Joanna!!!

Okay, I haven't been completely uncreative. I joined a Laurel Burch tile swap which is on the Surface Design Yahoo Group. We each make 9 tiles each - which should make up a lovely wall hanging consisiting of different parts of a Laurel Burch design.

Also, for the Take it Further Challenge for February I chose to portray something that I remember. My Mum knitting!! She was always knitting for her family - click, clack of the knitting needles - great memories!!!! I decided my challenge was to finish the rug I started knitting, and now I only have 2 blocks left to knit, plus putting it all together.......

Calendar Girls - February Postcards

2008-02-14T10:42:00.008+11:00

Calendar Girls - February Postcard

Received
This beautiful postcard is from Jenny from Calendar Girls. I really love it!! They are very much my colours, and all of the different fibres she has used look gorgeous together. Thanks Jenny!!

To Send

This is my Calendar Girls postcard for the month of February. I have used fabric which showed blurred images of flowers. I made this fabric by blotting the excess paint from the fabric collage in my previous post. The images of the lace flowers came out in a kind of blurry water colour effect, and I also added a few simple stamps to the background. The vase is appliqued and the rest is freemotion embroidery. This card is for Carol T!

Tome No. 4

2008-02-11T22:58:00.000+11:00

Tome No. 4

Further to the Patti Culea Tome workshops, here is Tome No. 4. I really loved creating this page - front and back. The front page (the mermaid) was to learn the technique of painting on fabric and the second page incorporated painting and fabric collage. These are my pages. I'll take a photo of the pages from the ladies in the workshop at our next monthly Tome group. They all did a wonderful job!!!!!

Thankyou!!!

2008-02-09T11:17:00.000+11:00

I just want to thank EVERYONE for your very kind wishes regarding Phil - I've passed them onto him and he said "thanks". He comes home from the hospital today or tomorrow, so that's when Nurse Dianne and Patient Phil will kick in. Let's hope it is a smooth "working relationship!" (LOL)

TIF Challenge/Lovely Post/Cyber Fyber/Dramas at Home

2008-02-08T20:16:00.000+11:00

TAKE IT FURTHER CHALLENGE

January Journal Quilt

(The Disorder of a Spring Garden)

Well, here's my finished journal quilt for the TIF challenge. I'm really happy with the end result, even though I really didn't do much more with it than mentioned in the last post. I added some artificial silk flowers, a golden spider's web in the corner, and zapped the organza back. For the binding I just zig zagged on some lovely yarn. This is also going to be my January journal quilt for the ANZ Art Quilters Group - "The Disorder of a Spring Garden".

LOVELY POST

I received this gorgeous Garden Fairy as a lovely surprise post from Elizabeth! I admire Elizabeth's work so much, and visit her blog regularly. Now I'm the lucky owner of this little fairy...... She certainly came at a time when I needed her most!! Thanks Elizabeth!!!!

CYBER FYBER

I swapped an ATC and Postcard with Susan who has started up a wonderful site CYBER FYBER, where you can swap an ATC or Postcard with Susan, and then receive the same back. Now, what an opportunity to be the lucky owner of some of Susan's wonderful art. She is a very talented artist!!!!! Thanks Susan...... Make sure you go and take a look at the blog where this is all happening - what a fantastic idea. (Sorry about the ATC photo! The ATC is just gorgeous, with beautiful hand stitching.)

DRAMAS AT HOME

Had some drama here at home, which explains why I haven't been around much. I also may not be able to post too much either - or visit many blogs - but I will certainly do my best!!!

My husband, Phil, was hit by a car whilst riding his push bike. He's in hopsital with lots of cuts and bruises (some worse than others), and a broken hip. The surgeons are happy with the hip operation and say Phil should get full use of his leg. So we're very happy!!! But now, I have my DH home and not able to put any weight on his leg for 12 weeks. 12 WEEKS!!!!!!!!! So, doing any creating will depend on how "Nurse Dianne" copes with Phil. Plus work, kids and all the other stuff...... Hopefully we'll catch up again soon!

Take It Further Challenge/January Journal Quilt

2008-01-27T22:03:00.001+11:00

It's about time I started with TIFC. I was soooo bad with Sharon's last challenge TAST, that this time, I'm determined to keep up. I decided to stick with the colour way option of the challenge. I started out with a piece of painted vilene, layered with painted organza strips, and then did lots of free motion embroidery to depict grass and flowers in a field. This first photo is up to that step.
The photo below has hand embroidery added, plus bits of roving couched on to look like a flower (don't ask me what flower!!) I haven't finished yet - lots more hand embroidery to be added, and then I need to decide if I'll zap back the organza. I do like to zap - so I probably will succumb!!
I think I will also make this into my January journal quilt for "seasons" and call it "The Disorder of a Spring Garden". Australia/New Zealand Art Quilters Group have a monthly journal quilt project happening, which I also have my name down to do. Don't know if it will be feasible to incorporate both of these challenges/projects each month, but I think it works well for this month.

Play Day

2008-01-15T18:26:00.000+11:00

I made this piece on the weekend. It's Christmas tinsel, and yarn between two layers of blue plastic, which I painted with red acrylic paint. I put it under the embellisher, then zapped with the heat gun. I did some FME on it and a little bit of hand embroidery.

Then I cut it up and now it's a postcard and an ATC.

These 2 postcards were made from a piece I made a while back. I have used the embellisher on a purple wool block I had knitted. I layered pieces of synthetic yarn and bits of wool roving over the knitting and needle punched them. Then I did some FME and zapped with the heat gun.

Lastly I made a couple of bookmarks out of some painted paper towel I had lying around. I really love the feel of the paper towels and have been using these a lot lately. They are great to sew and have a lovely soft feel to them.

Post from Doreen/Dinner tonight

2008-01-14T16:22:00.000+11:00

I received a lovely post from Doreen. This wonderful January postcard for our group Calendar Girls. It really is gorgeous, and one word I would describe for it is very "elegant". I love it - thanks Doreen!!

Also I was the lucky winner of 2 wonderful ATC's from Doreen. Thankyou Stephen (Doreen's hubby who picked my name out of the hat)...... They are both fantastic, and my photo of them doesn't do the colours justice.
And, to top it all off - a lovely handmade card also from Doreen. She is such a clever lady!!!!
THANKS DOREEN!!!!

This is what we're having for tea tonight! My lovely hubby (cough, cough) - made some big, beautiful vegetable pasties, and also made some tomato sauce from our very own tomatoes. Yum! Yum!! Don't they look delicious!!!!

Tome No. 2

2008-01-12T20:14:00.000+11:00

Today I had my 3rd workshop for Patti's Tome series at Textile Artistry. This week we started on Tome No. 2, and the technnique for this page was inkjet transfers and photo collage. I've posted the photos for my page (front and back) - but you will have to wait for photos of the class participants until next time - as they weren't completed enough for a photo. This series of workshops started out a bit scary, but the ladies coming each week are all so lovely, that now I'm feeling very at ease with the "teacher" bit.

*I made my Tome page a "Sea World" theme - where I worked in my early 20's *

* The little doll fits inside the pocket ***

Little book in Patti Culea style

2008-01-11T19:55:00.000+11:00

I made this little book in the style of Patti Culea's Tome series. It's a much smaller version, and I've added painted and stamped paper signatures. There is also a surprise here and there on some of the pages. Hanging on the flower on the inside cover is one of the little birds which I had previously made (blogged a while back)..... I made this for one of my "cyberspace buddies".

Postcards/Calendar Girls 2008

2008-01-11T00:31:00.000+11:00

I have received 3 x beautiful postcards recently - here they are:

This one is from Angela ( a late birthday postcard - but definitely worth the wait). I love the cutouts - it's really effective. Thanks Angela! Sorry Angela, but I can't find your blog - I know I had it.....duh, old age is creeping in........

Such a beautiful ethereal look to this one from Jacqueline. The leaves look like they're buried in the snow. I love it - thanks Jacqueline.

A lovely Christmas card from Waltraud!! It really is special - I think the gold heart in the middle is made from Tyvek. It's very festive and was a wonderful surprise in my letter box. Thanks so much Waltraud!! (Sorry, it's posted sideways .....)

CALENDAR GIRLS 2008

January

This last one I made for the Calendar Girls 2008 postcard swap. This is my interpretation of the January calendar image, which you can see on the Calendar Girls blog, and is going to Debbi. Hope you like it Debbi!!!. It's mainly been made with the embellisher - with the addition of hand and machine embroidery.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-25T18:23:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas to everyone !! Thankyou so much for visiting my blog and your continued support throughout the year. Wishing you all a safe, happy and creative New Year.
With Big Hugs and Kisses xxxxxxxxx

RECYCLE

2007-12-18T18:44:00.001+11:00

This piece is made with a scrunched up brown paper bag which was hand embroidered, with bits of muslin and lace added. It was painted with white gesso, then painted with brown umber acrylic paint and lots of treasure gold and shiva sticks rubbed over the top. I love how it's turned out!! This technique was from a book called Paper,Metal & Stitch by Maggie Grey and Jane Wild....... Great book!!!

PAINTED WITH GESSO

THE FINISHED PIECE

RECYCLING

So, then I grabbed a previously made piece of hand turned applique (which I'd already cut up), and I did the same to this. This turned out all leathery looking and what a difference to the original. I'm so happy with this piece too!!

I DID THIS YEARS AGO!!

AND THIS IS HOW IT LOOKS NOW......

Thanks Nathalia !

2007-12-16T17:39:00.000+11:00

LOOK, more goodies!!!! This is the box my goodies came in...... (A treat in itself) And here are my 2 gorgeous dolls. These photos don't do them justice. They are made from felt and embellished beautifully!! These gorgeous girls are handstitched, and I love them!!! You really do need to see them in person to realise how much work has gone into them. Thankyou so much Nathalia!!!

Also, this ATC!! I love the face and the way Nathalia embellished her hair. What great addition to my ATC collection.

Another Tome Page

2007-12-11T09:05:00.000+11:00

Tome Group

We have had our 2nd monthly Patti Culea Tome Group at Textile Artistry. We skipped the 2nd page of the Tome and will do that next time (as I wasn't organised for the photo transfers), and started on the 3rd page instead. The 3rd page concentrates on fabric collage - the front page being Summer oriented and the back, Winter.

These are my front and back pages. I loved the Winter page best, which incorporates tyvek, cellophane, burnt organza, angelina fibres and various other embellishments.

Summer Page

Winter Page

These are the Summer pages of the ladies at the group (1 lady left before I took the photo). It was a great day, and we all had a lot of fun.

Lovely mail and surprises/Concertina Book

2007-12-09T15:03:00.001+11:00

Mail Received

This is my last page for FibreArtFriends page swap. It's from Sarah, a beautiful Art Nouveau mermaid. She's a stunner, thanks Sarah.

I entered a little writing competition on Dijanne Cevaal's blog, and look what I received. This beatiful little art doll was made by Dijanne, and is gorgeous. I love her head scarf...... Dijanne is such a talented and amazing art quilter, and I now I own a piece of her art. Lucky me. Thanks so much Dijanne!!!

It was so exciting opening this package from Susan. How lucky am I to receive not one, but 3 Christmas presents . The book mark is made from handmade paper, with some embroidery on it. The postcard is embellished with such beautiful colours. And my favourite, is the little round Christmas decoration made with the embellisher (I think) with lots of beautiful yarn sewn on top. I can't wait to hang it on my tree. Susan is such a fantastic artist, and one of my very favourites. Thankyou so much Susan!!!

Concertina Book
The cover for this little concertina book was made from plywood, which I painted. The textile piece on the front cover was cut from an embroidered piece I recently made. I think I might add pictures of my 3 boys to the inside pages and use it as a little concertina photo frame.

Internet Dramas!!!!

2007-11-27T10:33:00.001+11:00

Having a fight with my internet provider at the moment! Can't do much over cyberspace until it's all settled. Hope to catch up with everyone SOOOOOON!!!

Thread Sandwich

2007-11-18T12:46:00.003+11:00

This is a piece I played with the other day. I layed snippets of thick wool between fusible web and chiffon, ironed it all to seal it. I then did lots of hand embroidery with different stitches and thread, then zapped it with the heat gun. In some places it needed toning down a bit so I added some treasure gold (of course!!!). I'm thinking of cutting it up to place on the front of some book covers.......not really sure yet.

I'm off to Bendigo for a few days to visit my Mum and Dad - catch you when I get back!!!!!

Lots of Mail!!!

2007-11-14T11:21:00.000+11:00

These ATC's are from a swap I did with Isle from Belgium. Ilse and a couple of others organised a huge ATC display with ATC's from all over the world. It looked fantastic.... I made 4 ATC's, which when put together looked like our Australian "Red Centre". This beautiful postcard is from my lovely friend Doreen! It really is gorgeous - wonderful colours - love it. Thanks Doreen!!
And look what I have here!!! Dot you are so generous. I received these 2 very beautiful dolls in the mail. Now I have my very own original Dotee Doll from the lady herself. THANKYOU!!
And take a look at this girl with attitude......I just love her face. There are so many wonderful embellishments on both of these dolls, and lots of work goes into each one. Love them!!!!

Also, I received a double whammy from Mags. A birthday postcard - a beautifully stitched fan with wonderful texture..... And, below a fabric page which was from the Fibre Art Friends group fabric page swap. It is just gorgeous, I love it!! Thanks Mags!!! As this is the last page for the swap, I now have to think about how to bind them all together. That might also have to wait for the New Year (like everything else!!). Boy, am I going to be busy in the New Year.

To my Wonderful Blog Buddies

2007-11-10T12:40:00.000+11:00

Thankyou so much for coming back, even though I've been such a "very bad" blogger lately..... I am determined to try and keep up more with my posts and your posts in the New Year - it will be my New Years Resolution. As well as being on time!!!!!! So thankyou for sticking by me!! At the moment I am a bit busy with work and making stuff for our school Country Carnival. My boys all have their birthdays at the end of the year - October, November, December - then there's Christmas.......etc, etc...... I know, excuses, excuses....... Anyway, I'm still here, and "I will be back!!!!"

Patti Culea's Tome/Postcards

2007-11-04T19:57:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Cath, the owner of my favourite shop Textile Artistry, and I ran a Patti Culea Tome group. The Tome is a fabric book, and each page of the book shows a different technique. The next two photos show the front and back cover of the Tome which I made - in fact this is the second one I've made. I wanted to be sure I got it just right before the group got together. I met Patti about a year or so ago, at a doll workshop in Bendigo. She is so lovely, with a wonderful, bubbly personality. Seeing as though I was heading back to Melbourne, I was lucky enough to spend some more time with Patti driving her to the airport. You should check out the Tome series, especially if you're interested in learning the different techniques with all of those amazing textile materials that are out there now......
These are from the ladies in the group (lacking hair, face and embellishments). Most of the ladies managed to do the front and back cover to near completion - only the final touches left....... Can't wait to see them all finished!!
Today I made a couple of postcards. These are made with paper towel, foil and some FME. I'm really happy with how they turned out.

Funky Art Journal/Birds of a Feather

2007-10-21T21:31:00.000+10:00

Funky Art Journal

I've had Traci Bautista's book "Collage Unleashed" for a while. Got it out for a bit of a read (as you do), and it actually motivated me to open up my paint cupboard. Out came the paints, papers and stamps and off I went. I made numerous painted papers, and what fun I had - and what a creative mess I ended up making...... Then out came my handpainted fabrics to make the fabric collage cover. I added strips of fabric and yarn to the spine. This was such a fun project - I intend to try my hand at a few more of these.......

Birds of a Feather

Coming up in November is our school Country Carnival. I used to be the co-ordinator, but it was just soooooo much work as only a couple of us tended to make ALL the items for the stall. So, no more co-ordinating - but I still make items for it. Here are some cute little birds - hope they sell. If anyone has some good ideas for quick and easy items for school fetes - please let me know!!!

HELP!!!!!!!!

2007-10-20T19:29:00.000+10:00

Help!!!!!!!! I have twelve extra 14 y/0 boys staying here tonight for Jack's birthday........right now they're outside with Phil who is lighting a bonfire. Peace for a short time!!!! But after that who knows???? I don't think there will be much sleep happening tonight. Stay tuned for my next post!!!

Also, I didn't realise, but my last post was number 100!!! I made it!

11 p.m. - Further to above......... The boys are all down the other end of the house watching a DVD, mattresses all over the floor - what a sight!! Boys are sooooo noisy. They don't even look like going to sleep yet. Here they are at the bonfire.........

Birthday Postcards/ATC's/Lovely Doreen

2007-10-19T15:56:00.000+10:00

I was so excited when I received Lynda's parcel, with the beautiful fabric book, that I completely forgot to post a pic of this beautifully textured postcard that was also enclosed. Thankyou Lynda!!

Take a look at this beauty! I love Kim's work - she is also one of my favourite textile artists. Kim's work is always stunning - I especially love her art quilts...... Thanks Kim!!
More ATC's. The first one is from Eva - it has Angelina fibres, dyed muslin and some beading. The one below is from a gorgeously textured piece of fabric that Val made, which I had drooled over on her blog. Well, it's even nicer in real life. Thanks Eva and Val!!!!
These ATC's are great!! Very different from my already growing collection, and will make a fantastic addition to my now growing paper ATC collection. The first one is from Marlies, and the one below is from her 12 y/o (I think) student, Eline. I really love them. Thank you!! One of my best cyberspace buddies is Doreen. She is a very talented and generous lady -more than willing to share her vast textile experience. Well, look what I received for my birthday. A beautiful handmade card......it is a gorgeous design which includes a great textured handmade piece as a focal point on the front. But, look at that luscious tassel!! It is gorgeous, with LOTS of yummy ribbons and fibres, a silk flower on the top, and a braided loop. Thankyou Doreen!xx

Tagged/Reunion

2007-10-12T10:10:00.000+10:00

TAGGED

I have been tagged by Susan to name 7 honest things about myself. Okay, here goes:

1. I have 3 sons and they mean the world to me - I love them sooooo much.......

2. I try so hard to not be late, but am nearly always late!!!! Why, I don't know.......

3. If my kitchen bench is untidy I can change from a calm person to a nightmare of a person in a second. I HATE having an untidy kitchen bench!!!! Anything or anywhere else in the house is okay - but NOT my kitchen bench........

4. I love Johnny Depp - he is my dream man. Nicholas Cage comes second..........

5. I exercise most days - okay I better be honest here - I TRY to exercise most days.......

6. When the weather is warm I am a much nicer person. I hate cold weather.........

7. I hate to do the ironing, and my ironing basket is full of clothes that I've forgotten I even have (that's how long they've been there). I iron only when I really have to......

Okay, now that's enough about me! Okay, I think I will tag:

Doreen
Jacqueline
Waltraud
Lynda
Gunnel
Vicki
Shashi

Your turn now ladies!!!!! Tell all.......

REUNION
On Saturday night I went to my secondary school reunion - Bendigo High School. You might remember from an older post, where we met after not seeing one another for about 25 years (or more). We now try and meet twice a year, and each time we arrange a dinner more and more people from the past turn up. It's great, and at times very emotional. This last reunion there were about 25 of us - but this photo is of myself with my 3 favourite school friends - still the best of friends even after 25 years apart. It was a great night!!!!

Dianne, Debbie, Julie and Karen (4 buddies from the past - still buddies in the present).........

Funky Journal - THANKYOU LYNDA!!!!!!!!

2007-10-11T15:05:00.000+10:00

FLUFFY LIME GREEN FUNKY JOURNAL

What can I say, but thankyou so much!!! A wonderful lime green funky journal from Lynda - am I just the luckiest birthday gal ever!!?? I picked my parcel up from the post office on the way to work, and opened it at work. It was the best surprise package. I had an audience as I opened the package, which comprised of quite a few layers, bubble wrap, tissue paper, cardboard - and there it was - my very own fluffy yarn lime green funky journal. It definitely received lots of ooohs an aaaaahs from my work colleagues. I LOVE IT!!!! The spine is just the fluffiest and I can't help touching it all the time. The cover is embellished dyed cheese cloths, the inside cover is covered with these great clock images, and to top it all off, it has many signatures of beautifully painted and stamped hand made papers and tags with a few surprise charms added in here and there. I really could go on, and on, and on about how much I love it - but I better not. Thanks again Lynda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a month!!!

2007-10-10T21:57:00.000+10:00

October is definitely my month!! Not only is it Spring, but I am receiving some wonderful cards in the mail...... Here are some more birthday postcards from my Fiber Art Friends.

Postcard from Terri.

Postcard from Micki.

Postcard from Elaine.

Postcard from Sue.

Thankyou so much - I love them all!!! They are all so individual and wonderful - and what a way to celebrate my birthday........

ATC's & Postcards Received / Sent

2007-09-27T23:07:00.000+10:00

Today I made a few ATC's. The butterfly is for a swap for ATCWDU group - the theme being Spring is in the Air. The other 3 are for Ans who is a very talented artist from Nederland.

These ATC's below I received from Ans. I really love them - and they are a wonderful addition to my growing collection. Thanks so much Ans!!!

I also received a surprise birthday postcard from Jacqueline - and it is really beautiful. It has a sheer layer over some lovely texture. I love it - thanks Jacqueline!!!

More Felting/Mag's Page

2007-09-25T11:31:00.000+10:00

I like wet felting - it's kinda therapeutic. Once you get into a rhythm, it's quite relaxing really. After Connie and I spent the day making our felted vessels I thought I would try some much quicker little vessels, so felted some mobile phone pouches. I added wrist straps to them, as I'm forever dropping my phone when I try to

carry way too many things at once.

This is the last month for the FAF fabric page swap. It's been fun, and I've received such beautiful pages - thankyou to everyone who was involved. It's hard to be in a swap like this, especially when the other participants are just so talented!!! There's always the worry "will my page be good enough"? But the ladies in the swap are just so lovely and generous with their comments that I was only a "little" overawed!!! Anyway, Mags was my lucky last in this swap. See what I mean by such talented ladies! Mags has a castle as her view from her studio window (lucky Mags), and she is also one of the most talented textile artists I know. Most of you probably know Mags work, but if not, do check it out. Anyway, this is my page for Mags - her theme was "curves". I firstly did a rough sketch of the curvy pattern, then cut the fabrics, lay them down and either hand or machined sewed the curves to highlight them. It's in the air as we speak, on its way to Mags.

It's about time!!!

2007-09-24T15:20:00.000+10:00

Well it's about time that I posted on my blog again!!! All I can say is that I have been very slack, and still not very motivated - but I'm trying to remedy the situation. How, is another matter!!?? Any suggestions welcome!!!!!!!!! We have 2 weeks school holidays here, so I've now found another excuse for not creating or posting - excuses are very easy to come by lately.......

Anyway, I've received a couple of lovely posts from Francoise. Firstly a gorgeous fabric page for our FAF Fabric Page Swap. I love the design. It was accompanied by some beautiful hand dyed fabric. Thankyou so much Francoise. Also, a gorgeous postcard for my October birthday. Thanks again Francoise! I admired these postcards on Francoise blog, and lo and behold, one was for me...... I have been waiting for October to come around all year - now it's my turn and I'm very excited!

This gorgeous woolly sheep ATC, is from Anne in France. I love it -thanks Anne!

Well I haven't been completely uncreative!! My wonderful friend Connie came over the other day and we spent a lovely afternoon making felted vessels. Mine is the purple/pink one (of course), and Connie's is the green one. We had a blast making these - chatting, rolling, chatting, rolling - took us about 4 hours, inbetween cups of tea, bickies and a quick drive to the bus stop to pick the kids up from school.

Postcards Sent/Received

2007-09-06T14:44:00.000+10:00

I made these 2 postcards with fabric paper. Both have machine and hand stitching. They were posted yesteday - one to Australia and one to the U.S.A.

I also received 2 beautiful postcards!! The first one is from Dy. I admired her stitched bicycle on FlickR as I love to cycle, and asked her if she would like to do a swap. So, aren't I the lucky one - this is the end result. Me riding my bike in the forest with the wind blowing in my hair. I love it Dy!!! Thankyou.

The next is a birthday postcard from Helen of FAF group - a month early - but heck I don't care, especially when the card is so lovely. The background is from fabric paper (I think)with lots of things to look at, and added charms. It was a wonderful birthday surprise! Thanks Helen.

Pocket Book

2007-09-04T16:42:00.000+10:00

Well, I finally got off my behind and made this Pocket Book, which was a Joggles online class by Janet Clark. The front cover is painted nappy liners, organza and chiffon with free motion embroidery - then zapped with the heat gun. I lined the cover with the paper towells that I had underneath the nappy liners when I painted them - which turned out this wonderful magenta with a mottled deep blue colour. The pockets inside are made from thick fusible pellon. The inside of the pellon is lined with coloured paper towell and the outside is painted vliesofix with snippets of fabric, covered with netting - which is then ironed and fused down. I'm really happy with how the book turned out - now just need to decide what treasures I'll store in the pockets.

Fabric ATC's

2007-08-15T12:10:00.000+10:00

I'm in a "Snowball" ATC swap for an Australian/New Zealand group. When you receive your "Snowball", you then send one to someone else on the list without telling who it's going to - just a message to the group saying "snowball is on it's way". It's fun, as you never know when you're going to receive your ATC, or who from. Anyway, I'm posting a pic of the ATC I made (as no-one in this group comes to my blog) - and when you make one ATC, you also have to make another......

THANKS to my Cyberspace Buddies!!

2007-08-14T10:33:00.000+10:00

Thankyou very much to my lovely cyberspace buddies who nominated me for this award - I feel very chuffed to be thought of!!! As for me nominating 7 people, I really can't, as everyone I would've nominated has already blogged about the award or already been nominated. But just in case there are some people who's blogs I read that haven't been nominated, then this award is for you!!!! Consider yourself nominated by me........ There are so many lovely, friendly, caring, sharing, thoughtful textile and mixed media artists and crafters out there and I think that they all deserve this. Congratulations to you all!!!!!

Not much of a blogger!!!

2007-08-13T19:09:00.000+10:00

Not much of a blogger lately, but haven't really had anything much to blog about. Went to Bendigo to visit my Mum and Dad for 5 days, so that accounts for part of the time. But creatively - zip - until today. I made birthday postcards for the 2 ladies in the FAF group who are having August birthdays. Happy birthday ladies!!!

Here is my fantastic Art Nouveau page from Kim. It is sooooo fantastic - I have been ooohhing and aaahhhing quite a bit since receiving it. Thanks Kim!!

Francoise Fabric Page

2007-08-03T15:18:00.000+10:00

How's this - I'm early for a change!! I've just finished Francoise page for our fabric book page swap on FAF. This is the Australian Aboriginal symbol depicting 2 people sitting around a campfire. I love our Australian Aboriginal art and the symbols so often found in their art work......

The Red Centre

2007-07-28T16:12:00.001+10:00

Ilse from Belgium sent an email to ask if I could participate in their wall of ATC's which has the theme "Travel around the World". I'm sending 4 cards, which make up a complete picture and named them after our Australian desert - "The Red Centre". The exposition is at the beginning of September. I hope they have a lot of success, and receive many cards from all over the world!! Good luck Ilse!!!!

Kim's Fabric Page

2007-07-25T15:18:00.000+10:00

My finger can't stop me!! Actually thankyou for all of your lovely comments - but I have a much better finger today. As long as I kept it out of the way (a bit difficult at times) I managed to get back into my messy workspace and make Kim's fabric page. This month I had Kim's page to do for the FAF page swap. Kim's theme is Celestial Bodies, and this is how I interpreted the galaxies. I have made the large spiral from a foil cover which was on a Milo tin. My kids go through Milo like it's going out of fashion, so I have plenty of these!! The background is hand painted and stamped with some FME. I'm running late this month with the page, but managed to sneak it in with a week to spare.... Phew!!!!!

My Poor Finger/Work in Progress

2007-07-24T19:16:00.000+10:00

Not much happening at the moment, as yesterday whilst trying to clean up the yard - I cut my finger on a broken light bulb. Ouch!! It was messy and deep, so drove myself to the Docs, and here I am 5 stitches later. So, I'll have to make do with reading my multitude of books for a couple of days - no creating........ Thought I'd post a couple of pics of my "already messy" art/craft room, and of a WIP. She's looking a little lost at the moment, but once I give her some hair, and and lots more embellishments - she'll cheer up immensely.

Note Book Covers

2007-07-22T00:28:00.000+10:00

I've moved back into my old art/craft room, and my muse has returned to me!! I really didn't like the part of the house I moved in to - there was just no inspiration coming from in there at all. But now "I'm back"! I've been dyeing, painting, stitching, and zapping and have come up with these 2 notebook covers. Now tell me how many note book covers/padfolio covers (thanks SueB) can a girl have? Well I reckon you can never have enough - I just love having them displayed on tables and benchtops all over the house.......

Got the new Harry Potter book today, but my son Jack has it in his room. While he's asleep, I might have to go in and steal it from him so I can start reading it!!!

It's been a long time!!!

2007-07-20T10:42:00.000+10:00

I haven't posted for a quite a while and I do have many, many excuses - would you like to hear them all. They're all pretty lame - BUT, I've had the kids on school holidays, my girlfriend and her 2 daughters from Hawaii visiting for a few days, work, etc., etc., etc........... While I've been slack with posting and creating - my cyberspace friends from all over the world haven't, and here are the wonderful goodies I have received.

A stunning, knitted piece of art from my FlickR friend Susan. This piece is all knitted and beaded and the photo definitely does not do it justice - it really is beautiful. Susan made it in my colours and it arrived framed and ready to hang. Thanks Susan!!!!

This absolutely gorgeous hand quilted quilt (above), made in the most divine fabrics is from a wonderful FlickR friend Isabelle fromSwitzerland. Isabelle makes beautiful quilts and takes the most fantastic photographs. Take a look at Isabelle's FlickR site, you won't be disappointed!!! Thankyou so much Isabelle!!!!

Thankyou Lynda for this gorgeous postcard!! Wonderful colours and textures on this postcard. The photo really doesn't do it justice at all. Take a look at all the postcards Lynda made and then shared them with so many people.....

An ATC from Elke. Thankyou so much Elke. The hand-dyed fabric is really beautiful, and love the hand stitching and beading.

AND, Emmy is at her old tricks again!!! I asked Emmy how she made such a beautiful texture on her work, and she then sent me an ATC made the same way, plus a little sample. Emmy is so generous - thanks so much.......

Sarah"s Fabric Book Page

2007-06-14T15:00:00.001+10:00

This is my page for Sarah's Fabric Book - a swap organised by FiberArtFriends Group. Her theme is a "Womans work is never done". I was thinking about the theme and it's so true, we are such a busy bunch of people, and there never seems to be enough time. So, that is what I based my page on "Never Enough Time". The glitter in the hour glass will pass through if you shake the page...........

Journal Cover

2007-06-13T16:51:00.000+10:00

For the last few days I've been busy making a journal cover. It was made by weaving strips of fabric through rug canvas, and heavily stitched with decorative machine stitching. I read about this method in a book called Fabric Leftovers by D'Arcy-Jean Milne. The piece of fabric I had woven wasn't quite large enough for me to add a pocket inside for the journal to fit into, so instead I plaited some of the leftover strips together, threaded them through the journal's spine attached the journal to the cover with the strip - knotting the end to keep the journal snug and secure inside the cover. The knot at the end of the plait can be undone if you want to remove the journal (not that I'll ever need to - I haven't even started a journal yet!!!)..... I wanted the closure to be quick and easy to open, so made a cord which wraps once around the cover and hooks around the button at the front. Also to give the cover more of an "arty" type of look - I rubbed purple and gold Treasure Gold over the top, and also ironed on a bit of painted vliesofix. All in all, I'm really happy with the end result!!!

Birthday Postcards/Atc

2007-06-07T18:53:00.001+10:00

Today I made 2 birthday postcards for the June birthday girls on FiberArtFriends group. They are made with foil on felt, embellished with the Xpression and then I sewed some decorative machine stitches on them. The ATC is made from leftover fabric from the Treasure Boxes, and this is going to Fabienne in France. Now my only commitment left for this month is the fabric page swap for the FiberArtFriends group.

Treasure Boxes/Fibre And Stitch

2007-06-04T00:44:00.000+10:00

I have most of the Quilting Arts Magazines, as when I read my first one a while back I loved it so much that I went and back ordered every issue (apart from a few that had completely sold out). So now I've decided I need to actually do some of the projects that have been featured in the magazine. I've seen many pictures of other Treasure Boxes made, and now it's my turn. I made the first one the size of the template in the magazine - it is soooo cute, as it's quite tiny. The second one I enlarged the template 200%. Both sizes are great. The teeny weeny size would be perfect for holding a gift of jewellery.

Sorry, I'm too lazy to go and get the magazine to see what issue it is - I'll add that in my next post.

FIBRE AND STITCH
Oh, and I should mention FibreandStitch, the new mixed media art zine which will be available in September. Check out this website: http://www.fibreandstitch.com/. I will be subscribing -with such talented ladies involved it's sure to be one not to miss!!

Mail Received/Sent - Up a Tree

2007-05-30T20:55:00.000+10:00

I received my page from Terri for the FiberArtFriend fabric page swap. It is really beautiful!! Also, with the page I received this wonderful beaded ATC - it's so much better for real - I love it. Thanks so much Terri!!

I made this ATC for a swap with Muriel in France - hope she likes it.

These ATC's were from Nadia in Norway, the wonderful black, white and red one, and from Muriel in France - the beautifully embroidered tree.

Here are my little darlings (little monkeys) - "up a gum tree" at the back of our house.

Little Stamped Books/ATC's Received/Possum on a Full Moon

2007-05-24T14:58:00.000+10:00

Here's what I made with some of my dyed fabric. They are only little - about 5" x 3 1/2", and I have sewn a signature inside with 3 sheets of pink paper. The fabric for the front and back cover was from my dyed fabric with an additional stamped piece added to the front cover. For the closure, I braided some yarn and wrapped it around a button. These were inspired by a DVD by Sandra McCall, called Fabricadabra.

More lovely ATC's received!! 1. Beautiful embellished ATC from Waltraud. 2. Gorgeously textured ATC from Peggy. 3. Soooo pretty and in my favourite colours, from Fabienne. Thankyou very much - they are all wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Possum on a Full Moon
Isn't this just beautiful?! My 11 y/o son made it for a 3D project for school. It is hanging up in our living room - he is soooo clever!!!!

Fabric Dyeing

2007-05-22T18:02:00.001+10:00

Today I tried fabric dyeing for the first time!! Not sure if I did it the "correct" way (if there is a correct way), as every book I read about dyeing was different, so I just sort of picked the easiest bits out of each book. Anyway, here are my results! I'm pretty happy with them. I used fuscia and turquoise MX dyes, and folded and tied the fabrics in different ways - and don't ask me which one is what - I can't remember!! Next time I'll have to write it all down.......

Making your own stamps

2007-05-21T00:26:00.000+10:00

I attended a stamp making workshop at Textile Artistry (one of my very favourite stores) with a very talented local artist, Pamela Farmer. We made stamps in a couple of different ways, but the one I was really happy with was carved out of a large piece of rubber (just like an eraser, but much larger). I stamped with it on light fabric with black paint, and then used bleach on black fabric. Both samples turned out really good!! The stamping on the light fabric is just calling out to be over dyed - so when I get out my dyes this week and learn how to dye, I might just add that as well. (oooohhh scary......).

Notebook Covers/ATC's

2007-05-19T00:54:00.000+10:00

I finally have my computer back from the Computer Dr. It was one sick computer!!! Turned itself on in the middle of the night - just like it had a mind of its own. Turned itself off ALL the time - until it decided it just didn't want to work at all. So sorry if I haven't replied to any messages or acknowledged comments - but now we're back, me and my computer!!! All fixed and raring to go!!!!!

I have made 2 more notebook covers as they're such fun to make and so easy to put together. Mum received one for Mothers Day, and the other one is for a special friend. I now need to learn how to dye my own fabric to make lots more with. I have the dye - just need a few days to myself to get started. Next week is looking okay at the moment - keep my fingers crossed!!

Remember this fabric? Maybe not - well now it is ATC's.

Terri's Page for FAF

2007-05-08T22:59:00.000+10:00

This month's FAF fabric page swap is for Terri, and the theme is Nature. I painted and stamped the background. I used diluted pant for the sky and stamped painted bubble wrap for the grass and flowers. I then did a lot of FME and appliqued the flowers and the butterflies. I know Terri LOVES flowers, so hope this fits into her fabric book okay.......

Tagged Again!!

2007-05-08T22:34:00.000+10:00

Waltraud tagged me again!!! Now, I'm meant to name 7 random things about myself, and then I tag 7 other people, and then they do the same.

1. I am a bit of an exercise fanatic! Not as bad as I used to be when I was younger, but I still get out and ride my bike, run and swim. I love triathlons, but haven't competed for about 5 years....just dream about it at the moment.

2. I LOVE to meet my friends for a cappucino. It would have to be one of my favourite things to do.

3. My 3 boys are very precious and I love them to bits!!!!

4. Fantasy novels - love them!!!! I just drift off into a world of Faeries, and I am happy.....

5. The beach is my favourite place to visit, and I dream of living right next to the beach so I can hear the waves crashing at night.

6. Johnny Depp is my dream man!!! (Sorry Phil) Well, a girl can dream can't she!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. My favourite food is the vanilla slice - I LOVE them. I am an expert on vanilla slices and seek out all the best places to buy them.

Now, I have to tag 7 people. Okay, here we go again - and this is going to be very random.
Mags, Doreen, SueB, Terri, Jacqueline, Lynda and CarolT. (Sorry ladies!!)

Felted Wallhanging

2007-05-04T16:39:00.000+10:00

I love wet felting!! Once you get started on it, there is a nice kind of rhythm involved and it has a sort of remedial effect. So, this piece was started while I was watching T.V. one night. I made the background felt first, which is merino wool, silk tops and silk throwsters waste. Then I made the flowers, and it all evolved from there. I added a few of the TAST stitches, so I can now tick a couple more off my list - couching and running stitch.

Queen Di/ATC's on their way to Europe!!

2007-04-28T16:24:00.000+10:00

Phil bought an antique chair for me - makes me feel like a queen when I sit in it. Just call me Queen Di. I think it belongs in Mag's castle......

These were sent yesterday (sorry ladies for being so late).

Hope they arrive safe and sound!!!!

ATC's Received

2007-04-23T12:36:00.000+10:00

I received two wonderful ATC's in the mail The first one is from Jacqueline. It's made with beautiful marbled fabric - which you have to see for real to appreciate. I love it Jacqueline - thanks so much! And, the 2nd ATC is from Barbara. I have been admiring these ATC's of Barbara's and now I have one. It has a painted background with writing and is embellished with hand embroidery and beading. It's beautiful. ... Thankyou Barbara! They are both such wonderful additions to my growing ATC collection.... I wonder - How many ATC's do you have? I now have exactly 40. I love sifting through them and looking at all the different techniques and styles from the artists I receive them from. There must be some people out there who have a HUGE collection. What does everyone do with their ATC collection? I would love to know, as mine are all in very old, very small suitcase at the moment. I think they need to be displayed!!!!! Ideas would be most appreciated........

Thinking Blogger Award

2007-04-21T20:20:00.000+10:00

There's nothing like an award to bring someone out of their artistic "slump". Waltraud has named me for the "Thinking Blogger Award". I can't believe it - I feel very honoured that Waltraud thinks that I deserve it - thankyou so much!! It is just what I need at this time - and pushed me back into my "little" art/craft room to do some creating (see my previous post)...... Now, I am meant to name 5 other blogs for this award - and that in itself is very hard!! I read so many wonderfully creative blogs from so many talented textile artists - so who do I pick - geez!!

Okay, here goes:

1. SueB - Sue is so talented and just creates, creates, creates - to the amazement of all of us. She is also such a generous artist and shares many of her wonderful projects with the rest of us.

2. Emmy - Emmy is one of my all time favourite textile artists. Just take a look at her blog and you will understand why.

3. Jacqueline - I love Jacqueline's blog!! She is an amazing textile artist from Nederland, and lucky for us - also writes her blog in English.

4. Lynda - Lynda does the most amazing textile experiments of all times - explaining as she goes along what she has done and used and posts pictures of the progress.

5. Terri - Terri's textile art is gorgeous. She has such a wonderful whimsical style, which includes such lovely colours and designs.

Now, I have HAD to chose ONLY 5, which was REALLY HARD!!! There are many others I would like to have added, including - DebH, Doreen, Mags, CarolM, VickiW , etc, etc, etc - I could go on, and on, and on..... There's also some others that have already been chosen for the award....... But that's it, I have to get up at 4.30 a.m. tomorrow, as I start work at 6, so I have to get to bed!!! Hope you all have a wonderful day/night - goodnight from Oz!!

Notebook Covers

2007-04-21T19:59:00.000+10:00

Ever since I have changed art/craft rooms, my motivation to create seems to have deserted me. I don't know how to explain it - it just went a wandering..... Anyway, I went into my little room and just sat there for a while, and these 3 little notebook covers are the product of my musings. They are much smaller than SueB's padfolios, and all created in one piece. The little notebook inside has written on the cover "To a Special Friend" or "To a Special Person" so they will make lovely birthday presents. I'm going to have to head back down to the shop and clean them out of these notebooks, as they're perfect!!!

"Go Girl" Bag/Parcel from Emmy

2007-04-13T19:48:00.000+10:00

"Go Girl" Bag
I purchased a "Go Girl" bag from Terri - when she said they were on sale, I just couldn't help myself. It is just adorable, and I have already received a number of compliments when I've worn
it shopping. I love it Terri!!!

Parcel from Emmy
This is my "Art Nouveau" page from Emmy (part of the Fiber Art Friends page swap). It is stunning - as is all Emmy's fibre art. I also received a beeooootiful mobile phone holder from Emmy. I can remember commenting on this a while back, and now IT IS MINE!!! Emmy and I have known one another over cyberspace for quite a while now, and I admire her talent and her
generosity in sharing her skills with others. Thankyou Emmy!!!!!!

Birthday Postcards

2007-04-11T19:15:00.001+10:00

My creation
Originally uploaded by FaeryDi.

These will be on their way soon!! My postcards for the Fiber Art Friends April Birthday girls. (I know there is one extra, but I had to add 6 photos to make the mosiac, so I duplicated)...... In fact, one is for a March girl - but it's just a little late.

Emmy's Page

2007-04-08T20:40:00.000+10:00

Today I started and finished (yeah!!) Emmy's page for the Fiber Art Friends fabric page swap. Emmy's theme is blue/green (I hope that's what it is). The middle panel is FME on synthetic felt, which I zapped with the heat gun, then more FME over the top. I then rubbed purple Treasure Gold over the top to emphasise the texture. I sewed the panel onto some needle punched silk fabric. Out of the silk fabric which was left over, I then made 2 flower shapes which I attached together with the Xpression, and added some silk chiffon in the middle. The label was also made from the silk fabric, and I added some yarns and beads/charms to it.

Emmy's Page

More Great Mail!

2007-04-08T20:21:00.000+10:00

I received a wonderful parcel from Carol!! The padfolio, which was from the Fiber Art Friends padfolio swap, is absolutely stunning!!! The colours and the texture on this are just fantastic - it is so much better for real than in a photo - thanks so much Carol!!! I also received a postcard on the inside pocket of the padfolio which is also lovely.....

Not only did I receive the padfolio from Carol, but it was our month for the Fiber Art Friends fabric page swap. The page is gorgeous, and I love how Carol has made a matching tag, with a photo of the page on it. Thanks again Carol!

I also received 2 x ATC's. The very pretty Spring Flower ATC is from Annica, and the lovely needle felted and beaded card is from Fabienne in France. Thanks so much ladies!!

I'm Back!!

2007-04-05T23:38:00.000+10:00

2 weeks school holidays - what fun!!!!??? We've just returned from a 5 day holiday at Waratah Bay - my favourite spot ever! We stay in a cabin which is situated right on the beach, and it's such a quiet, secluded area - I LOVE it!! I've posted a picture of my boys standing on the beach, and our cabin is right above them. At nights you can hear the waves crashing - it's fantastic. My dream is to live right on the beach like this!!! (Except the house would definitely have to be much larger - or else I'd go bonkers)..... The other picture is the view we receive from the cabin.......

Soldering Project

2007-03-30T20:20:00.000+10:00

I am doing SueB's online Easy Soldering Workshop through Joggles. Forever I've been wanting to make those wonderful little soldered pendants, and guess what - NOW I CAN!!! I'm so pleased with how they turned out. My hubby even asked me if I had bought them, and I said "nope, made these today"...... The images are cut from fabric - one being a "Klimt" inspired fabric, and the other of some lovely ladies. The cords are machine made cords made to match the images. Both sides of the pendant have lovely images on them - mine are the same theme as the front, just a little different.

Padfolio/ATC's

2007-03-25T20:48:00.000+10:00

I revamped the padfolio I had made earlier, and this is going to be sent to Carol for our Fiber Art Friends Padfolio Swap. The texture on it is created by painted vliesofix, and I've then rubbed LOTS of green and red treasure gold over the top. I added a favourite piece of fabric paper to the top of the padfolio and some rectangles down the side. Thought Carol might also like a book mark, so made one from the fabric paper - and added some fabric paper beads to the yarns. It looks so much better than before - and I really hope Carol likes it!!!

Today I made 4 x ATC's for swaps owed - one of them is for the theme "Green".

Postcard for SuZ and TAST (Chevron Stitch)

2007-03-18T20:20:00.000+11:00

Okay, SuZ, this is for you!! I sent it on Friday, so hopefully it's winging it's way over there right now. The background is silk paper, and the dancing girl is made from fabric paper. Hope you like your "Dancing Girl"..... For anyone else reading - we are doing a birthday card swap on Fiber Art Friends, and March is SuZ's birthday month.

Very late with this, but here is my Chevron sample for TAST. I've sewn it with DMC thread onto some painted stretch velvet.

March Technique - Tyvek

2007-03-17T20:32:00.000+11:00

Experimented with the FAF technique for March today - which is tyvek. I painted some curtain lace and some tyvek with ordinary acrylic paints. I then sewed the lace on to the tyvek with some FME - I mainly just followed the pattern on the lace. Then the fun part - out came the heat gun. The tyvek shrank, gathering the lace in with it, and the texture is really lovely. It really is much more textured than what it looks in the photo. I tried the iron first, but that wasn't doing what I wanted it to do, so went for the heat gun (my favourite tool)......

Painted Tyvek and Lace

Lace sewed to the Tyvek

The Zapped and Finished piece!!!

Wall Art for Earth Day Auction

2007-03-16T14:31:00.000+11:00

I sent this off today for the Earth Day Auction which Joanna is organising. It is free motion embroidery on netting, which has little treasures trapped inside the grids. It was sewn on dissolvable film to achieve the embroidered edges. I covered the wire hangings with felt wrapped with organza and then zapped with the heat gun.

FAF Fabric Page for Carol

2007-03-12T22:00:00.000+11:00

I finished Carol's fabric page for Fiber Art Friends page swap. Carol chose the theme of creamy/white. This was a great page to do, as I used a technique which I had read about in Stitch magazine and really wanted to try! Items are sandwiched between 2 layers of calico and stab stitched into place, which then creates a raised image. I used various buttons for the flowers, some paper string for the stems and stuffed some calico for the rocks. I then embellished the top with hand and machine stitching, and also added some flowers made from chiffon.

January and February Journal Quilts '07

2007-03-10T20:40:00.000+11:00

I finally managed to create something in my new art/craft room..... It felt really strange at first, and I just sat there!!!! Sitting, sitting....no inspiration, then I grabbed a piece of wool and sat at the embellisher and just went for it. So my first piece to be made in my "new room" was was my February Journal Quilt (a bit late, I know!!). The middle panel of the Feb journal quilt was made on the embellisher, then free motion embroidered. I hand stitched the panel onto painted muslin and then added some cross stitches around the muslin frame. So, not only have I finished my Feb quilt, but also managed to incorporate TAST cross stitch (also a bit late - I know!!)....

I've also added a pic of my January journal quilt. The middle panel is hand painted fabric, with a stencil added and lots of FME. I've also couched a piece of lovely yarn on the inside of the border. AND - I've started on Carol's fabric page for our Fiber Art Friends page swap - I'm really happy with the progress........

February Journal Quilt '07

January Journal Quilt '07

Catching up on swaps owed!!

2007-03-07T22:06:00.000+11:00

Slowly trying to catch up on EVERYTHING!! I had 125 new blog postings to look at, lots of new emails to read and then those swaps which I committed too!! Sorry ladies about being so late!! I have been working full on, and also swapping art/craft rooms. I was kicked out of the room I was in and have now moved to the spare bedroom. My husband wanted his reading room back!!, which has the open fire place and the lovely big windows (not that we need the fireplace now). Anyway, fair enough - so that's what I've been doing!! WHAT A JOB!! How much stuff can one girl accumulate???!! You name it, I had it....... But, I managed to make a tag doll, a few ATC's and a postcard..... Ladies, if I owe you something, then these are likely for you!!!!

THANKYOU DOREEN!!!

2007-03-04T15:22:00.000+11:00

During the week, I received a little packet of treasures from Doreen. Everytime I put my hand in, MORE treasures came out. Doreen is very generous with her knowledge and is so talented!! Doreen you are also a treasure!! Thankyou so much...

This is fabric paper, painted and distressed tyvek, plus some paper clay pieces made from various molds.

This is lots of really yummy fabric.

This is rust dyed fabric, some satin ribbon which has been embellished and some beautiful threads.

AND, what about this!! Isn't it just gorgeous!!! "Fireworks" is felt with mulberry bark, tyvek, tyvek beads, FME, machine whipped cords and beads. This photo doesn't do this justice - the textures and the colours are just beautiful!!! I'm going to frame this......

THANKYOU DOREEN!!!!!!!

Strip Felting Workshop

2007-03-01T17:44:00.000+11:00

Over the weekend I attended a "Strip Felting" workshop with Polly Stirling. What a great technique this is. It is kind of a nuno felting, but with strips of fabric incorporated with wool roving. What fun!! I made 2 samples - one being a cross hatch of strips, the other one I weaved strips of fabric together. I loved the end results - the textures of the fabric came out as such a surprise, and I learnt so much about what fabrics work well and what don't. A lot of the ladies, who were much more experienced at felting made wraps, vests and skirts. WOW! I know, I should've taken some photos - but they all turned out beautifully and different, with a variety of fabrics used - so the textures were so varied in each and every one. So, if any of you have a chance to do a workshop with Polly, take it - she is a lovely and talented lady!!! Now that I've experimented, I intend to make a wrapped shawl or a vest with the method.

So, because of the gorgeous texture produced by this method - I have incorporated it into Fiber Art Friends February Technique of the month, which is texture.

Received Lynda's Page!!!

2007-02-28T18:35:00.000+11:00

Here are the 2 wonderful pages I received from Lynda for our Fiber Art Friends fabric page swap. How lucky am I that Lynda made not 1, but 2 pages - and they are both so wonderful!!! My theme is Art Nouveau, and Lynda has portrayed this beautifully!! The black and gold page is gorgeous! A lovely art nouveau butterfly, with an image inlaid which really looks 3D, it's amazing!! I love it! And the other page - is sooo Lynda, and I'm so pleased to have this too. Lynda has made it with her famous slash technique, and the colours above and below are gorgeous. I LOVE both pages - thankyou so much Lynda!! Oh, and I'm not finished - apart from the extra tissue paper that it was all wrapped in, I received a monkey (which ALL of my boys want), and here he is holding the 2 tags for the pages. The tags were made to match the pages. This post was such a pleasure to open and really made my day.

Embroidered Box

2007-02-23T16:32:00.000+11:00

After looking at Emmy's, Kay's and Arlee's beautiful embroidered boxes - I decided it was time for me to make one too!! I know, I'm a copy cat - but I've had the book 'Embroidered Boxes" by Janet Edmonds for soooo long - thought it was time I actually made something out of it. I think I've found my forte'!! I absolutely loved making this box!! You know when you're making something, and then there's usually some parts of it which you just don't like doing - well, in this case that didn't happen!! The whole process was such fun, it went together easily, nothing went wrong - so looks like you might see a lot more boxes on my blog!!!!

What a day I've had at the AQC!!!

2007-02-22T23:22:00.000+11:00

Today my friend Samm and I went to the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne. We had a great day!! We caught the train in to save the hassle of parking, grabbed our first coffee of the day and followed all of the other ladies heading in the same direction as us. First place we headed was to Dale's stand "Thread Studio". Oh, we were in heaven!! We didn't really need to go to any other stand after Dale's!! Anyway, here is some of the stuff I bought. Yes, you can Ooooh and Aaaahhh - as it's all just so luscious!!!

Then we went and had a look at all of the 250 journal quilts made by the Australian/New Zealand art quilters group. What a magnificent sight - they looked fantastic - and mine were up there too - how exciting!!!

THEN it was time to go back to Dale's stand to grab my 5 x ATC's for the Make 5, Take 5 Challenge. All of the ATC's were fabulous - here are the ones I chose!! And, guess what, one of them was made by one of my wonderful blog friends, Doreen!!! It's gorgeous!! (It's the green one).....

Here comes the Postie!!

2007-02-22T22:49:00.000+11:00

Over the past few days I have received 3 lovely posts. Firstly was a wonderful ATC from Dotee, and also a little surprise goodie bag of beads and charms. Thanks so much Dot, the ATC is really lovely and love the extra little bag!!! Secondly was a gorgeous "Pickle" from Sammy. My Pickle is needle felted, with a painted clay face and some beautiful beading. She was also wrapped up in some lovely floral fabric. Thanks Sammy - she is beautiful and I have pinned her to my cloth mannequin for all to see. Lastly, was my 1" art squares from the group I was in - organised by Sara Lechner. Thankyou Sara for hosting this swap, I have enjoyed it immensely and it has been a wonderful challenge for me. I have yet to make 9 of my own red/pink squares, which will make up the total number of 63. Once done, I think I will mount all of my squares on a canvas so I can hang it up for all to see!!!

Dot's ATC and Bag of Goodies

Sammy's "Pickle"

My red/pink 1 " art squares

TAST - Algerian Eyelet Stitch

2007-02-15T22:52:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post before I catch up on some much needed sleep. I'm trying to catch up on TAST. Here is my sample for eyelet stitch. Stitched with a variety of DMC threads, on a scrap piece of fabric I had previously painted. I will probably make this into an ATC....

Journal from Carol S

2007-02-15T10:48:00.000+11:00

I received this absolutely magnificent journal cover (inc. book) from Carol Straus. This was so exciting, as I had been reading the blogs of others who had received a journal from Carol, and thinking to myself "oh, those lucky girls". I remember looking at all the pictures of the journals and thinking how talented Carol is, as they were all magnificient. Anyway, now I received one - and the photo doesn't do it justice - it is truly a work of art. Mine has so many textures in it, and different fibres and embellishments - even my DH (who is hard to please) had a close inspection and announced that it was "great"! Even tried to figure out what some of the materials used in it were, which caused a wonderful discussion - I'm sure I was right!! Thankyou Carol (if you read this) - I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Please take a look at Carol's website - she is a truly talented art quilter.

Phil's Wooden Bowl/Postcard from Emmy

2007-02-14T14:40:00.000+11:00

Phil's Wooden Bowl

I've been so busy at work for the past couple of days, that I haven't been too creative myself - but my DH has!! I thought I'd show off the bowl he made....I LOVE it!! It's made out of a knot from a huon pine tree, and if I could add this to the Fiber Art Friends texture challenge - I would. The texture on it is absolutely gorgeous. It has pride of place on my dining room table. Now wouldn't it be great if DH was so enthusiastic about the textile pieces that I make!!??

Emmy's Postcard
Also, lucky me!! I received a beautiful postcard from Emmy - why, because she is such a wonderful, generous lady. I admired it so much on FlickR, and next thing I know it arrived in my letter box. Thankyou Emmy, it is beautiful - a great Valentine's card with all of it's lovely red.

"Texture" - for FAF

2007-02-10T12:18:00.000+11:00

I decided to try a piece for this month's Fiber Art Friends technique. The technique for this month is "texture". I layed some silk throwsters waste over a piece of organza and then made it into a kind of silk paper. The yarns kinda stuck - not as much as I would've liked - probably should have added a bit more fabric medium?! Anyway, because a lot of the fibres were only "just" attached - it was a real pain to free motion embroider - in hindsight, I should've added a chiffon scarf over the top before I did the FME. After sitting at the machine FOREVER, I eventually finished all the FME, and I'm really happy with the result. It has puckered up a bit, but I like the way it's done that. Now I'm umming and ahhing about whether to give it a zap with the heat gun.......

Lynda's Fabric Page

2007-02-08T17:07:00.000+11:00

Since the boys went back to school I have been so busy! For the last couple of days I have been working on Lynda's page for Fiber Art Friends fabric page swap. I painted the black fabric with a patterned sponge roller, sprinkled it with black/silver embossing powder and zapped it with the heat gun. Then I free motioned some grids over the fabric. I then added a frame made out of 1" white squares, which were made out of tissue paper bonded to felt and rubbed some red treasure gold over the tissue paper. The flower in the centre was cut out of the tissue paper fabric and I satin stitched around the edges. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Hope you like it Lynda.

A Postcard Making Day

2007-02-07T17:06:00.000+11:00

Today I made 3 postcards - 2 of which are birthday postcards for members of Fiber Art Friends and the other one is for Gunnel. The top 2 are made with the fusible webbing and the muslin that I painted the other day. I ironed the fusible webbing onto some previously painted fabric, added some muslin and machine made cords - and a little bit of handstitching. I quite like the texture that the fusible web has made - and adding the muslin doesn't take away from it. The other card was made with the embellisher - lots of different yarns and other bits and pieces of fabric - then I did some free motion embroidery over the top.

A Great Day!!

2007-02-05T22:25:00.000+11:00

I had a great day today! It was a scorcher today, so I got up nice and early while the boys were still in bed and went for a run. It was a lovely mild morning and I ran like the wind (well, maybe like a slight breeze!). I found a lovely birds nest on my run, and it even had a bit of pink thread woven in it. A bird after my own heart!! Then I organised the boys, drove them to their respective school bus stops, and then had the WHOLE day to myself. After having the boys home for 6 weeks, this was bliss. I did only the housework that needed to be done, read for a while, painted some fusible webbing, and also some muslin. I also received a beautiful postcard from Gunnel. It has beautiful colours and texture and I love it. Thanks Gunnel!! All in all, I had a great day!!

Painted Fusible Web and Muslin

Gunnel's Postcard

TAST (Cretan Stitch) and New Post

2007-02-03T15:00:00.000+11:00

TAST (Cretan Stitch)

Well here is my last week's TAST sample. I used a scrap piece to sew on (which I had fabric painted) and the thread I used was Rajmahal Art Silks - they are just luscious - beautiful shine to them and the most wonderful colours!! My Mum and Dad live in Bendigo and that is where Rajmahal's shop outlet is.... I'll most likely make this into an ATC.

Postie's here!!!

And another great post!! I received 2 x fabric ATC's, which were a swap from the Textile Challenges Group. The first one is from Carol Clasper - so beautifully textured (I have to email her to see what she did). The second one is from CarolT, which is gorgeous - lovely texture, FME, and beading. Love them both - thanks to the 2 Carols!! PLUS, I also received this beautiful mermaid postcard as a RAK (random act of kindness) from Leslie. Thankyou Leslie, it is gorgeous - I love anything Fae!!

Embellished ATC's

2007-02-01T21:16:00.000+11:00

I have made 3 more ATC's for the make 5 take 5 challenge. Now they're ready to send off to Dale for display at the Australian Quilt Convention. I made these 3 on the Embellisher with different yarns and wool felt, plus I added some organza for a bit of pizzazz.

Practice Padfolio

2007-01-31T23:47:00.000+11:00

I am so happy with how this padfolio all went together. We are doing a "padfolio" swap on Fiber Art Friends group, and our lovely SueB provided the pattern for it (thanks Sue)! I thought I'd have a practice at making one using the fabric I had altered from a previous post - and now look at it! It has been transformed into a wonderful padfolio........

Thankyou Anna!!

2007-01-31T20:02:00.000+11:00

Today I received a wonderful surprise from a generous and talented textile artist. I had commented on Anna's blog about her terrific teabag postcards, and guess what I received in the mail - a sample piece of fabric made out of teabags - it looks GREAT close up. Oh, I am so lucky, plus a couple of teabags that Anna uses, and that's not all - a wonderful ATC, which has some beautiful texture on it. Thankyou Anna!!

Play Day Today

2007-01-27T22:41:00.000+11:00

I had a great day today! I played with melting felt first. I layered the felt with lots of bits and pieces, covered it with netting, did some FME, then zapped it with the heat gun. It came up quite nice, with lots of crunchy bits and lots of raised areas with some good colours popping out. I then rubbed some green and purple Treasure Gold on the raised areas. This was the challenge for the Textile Challenges Group.

Then I grabbed some fabric that has been sitting in my cupboard for a VERY long time!! I cut it into squares and sewed them together. The first photo is how it started out, the second photo is how it has finished up. It took forever!!!! But I'm really happy with the end results. (Looks better than it does in the photos).

Detached Chain Stitch - ATC

2007-01-24T11:57:00.000+11:00

2 posts today!! Boy, I'm on a roll.... Detached chain stitch was the TAST challenge for last week. I had a background already cut out from a piece I had made on the embellisher, so thought I would make an ATC out of all detached chain stitches. I used mainly DMC threads of different thicknesses, and added some fine gold highlights throughout.

Another Great Post Day!!

2007-01-24T11:27:00.000+11:00

Another wonderful day from the postie today. I received my charm from Kim - which is from a swap run by the Surface Designs Group. I love how the edges are done, and can't quite figure out how the fabric is made, but it's gorgeous - all sparkly, and both sides different colours. Thanks Kim!! Also, I received a wonderful green and pink ATC from Doreen. It has beautiful gold embellishments on it, and I really love it!! And how about the equally gorgeous card I received with the ATC!? Thanks Doreen!! Oh, and I didn't receive the "fairy postcard" today, but when I posted about it in a previous post, didn't put up a photo (don't know why - just a forgetful day I suppose) - so here is the beautiful postcard which I received from Anna - which I posted about here.

1" Squares Ready to Post

2007-01-23T20:49:00.000+11:00

They are all finished now!! (Apart from my own that is). I have made all my squares that need to posted off for our 1" Square Swap. My eyes are now square - I think I'm all squared out at the moment!! Give me some curves please!!!!!!

The Postie Made My Day!!

2007-01-22T12:26:00.000+11:00

Look what I received in the post today! My page from SueB (for our Fiber Art Friends page swap) arrived today, and I just LOVE it. The colour of the blue is gorgeous, the design and the fabric embellishment looks fantastic!!! (The photo doesn't do it justice). Thanks so much Sue - it really is beautiful. Sue also sent 2 x charms (for a swap on Surface Designs group), and I've posted a picture of them sitting on some magenta coloured cling wrap which was also included in Sue's post. The charms are fantastic, thankyou! The colour of the cling wrap is "MY" colour - thanks again..... Today was a wonderful post.

1" Art Squares - Blue

2007-01-21T23:26:00.000+11:00

Apart from my red/pink squares - this is the last of the bunch!! This makes 54 so far!! I made the base fabric on the embellisher with a mixture of wool roving and some beautiful yarn I have that is multicoloured. Then there was the fun part - adding the embellishments!! My 13 y/o helped me with these ones - he found everything in my room that was blue and gave it to me, and helped me piece them all on the squares. While he was doing that - the 8 y/o was playing with a bag of dragonfly charms. I didn't know that dragonflies played "army" too....... Oh, what fun we had in my art/craft room!!!????

1" Art Squares - White

2007-01-21T01:10:00.000+11:00

Another lot of 1" Art Squares!! Because the monthly technique on Fiber Art Friends is paper, I thought I would make the base using a paper technique. I crumpled up white tissue paper and fused it onto white felt. I then painted it with a metallic white fabric paint, sprinkled silver/white embossing powder over it and zapped it with the heat gun. You can't really see the texture it's made on the photo, but it looks quite nice (if I do say so myself). I zig zagged around the squares, and then added the embellishments. (Not a very good photo)....

ATC Swaps

2007-01-19T09:12:00.000+11:00

I am slowly fulfilling my swap obligations! Today I sent off 3 ATC's. 2 went to the U.K. These were made out of my "purple lace" fabric, with the addition of a couple of wrapped tyvek beads. The 3rd one is for ATC-WDU group, an Australian/New Zealand ATC swap group - and the theme this month was New Beginnings. My ATC represents the addition of handstitching in my work, as that is what my aim is. I love the combination of hand and machine stitching. Then I have 2 left over which will be added to some others I will be making for the ATC Challenge which will be on display at the Australian Quilt Convention.

Postcard for Anna

2007-01-17T22:49:00.000+11:00

Being one of the first four people who said "yes please I'll have one of your lovely fairy cards", I received an absolutely gorgeous fairy tale postcard from Anna. Please visit her site and see her beautiful work!! So, I have made her one in return and I will send it tomorrow. The background is my cling wrap fabric.

Green/Turqoise 1" Art Squares and Buttonhole Stitch

2007-01-14T10:39:00.000+11:00

No. 4 colour finished!! Here are the finished green/turqoise 1" Art Squares. These are also to be included in my TAST challenge for this week, as I've used buttonhole stitch around the edges of them all, and have also included a buttonhole pinwheel.

FaeryDi's Fibre Feats or "Fiascos"

MAIL RECEIVED AND MAIL TO SEND

A bit of this, a bit of that!!

Calendar Girls - February Postcards

Tome No. 4

Thankyou!!!

TIF Challenge/Lovely Post/Cyber Fyber/Dramas at Home

Take It Further Challenge/January Journal Quilt

Play Day

Post from Doreen/Dinner tonight

Tome No. 2

Little book in Patti Culea style

Postcards/Calendar Girls 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS

RECYCLE

Thanks Nathalia !

Another Tome Page

Lovely mail and surprises/Concertina Book

Internet Dramas!!!!

Thread Sandwich

Lots of Mail!!!

To my Wonderful Blog Buddies

Patti Culea's Tome/Postcards

More Postcards/Country Carnival Craft stuff

Funky Art Journal/Birds of a Feather

HELP!!!!!!!!

Birthday Postcards/ATC's/Lovely Doreen

Tagged/Reunion

Funky Journal - THANKYOU LYNDA!!!!!!!!

What a month!!!

ATC's & Postcards Received / Sent

More Felting/Mag's Page

It's about time!!!

Postcards Sent/Received

Pocket Book

Fabric ATC's

THANKS to my Cyberspace Buddies!!

Not much of a blogger!!!

Francoise Fabric Page

The Red Centre

Kim's Fabric Page

My Poor Finger/Work in Progress

Note Book Covers

It's been a long time!!!

Sarah"s Fabric Book Page

Journal Cover

Birthday Postcards/Atc

Treasure Boxes/Fibre And Stitch

Mail Received/Sent - Up a Tree

Little Stamped Books/ATC's Received/Possum on a Full Moon

Fabric Dyeing

Making your own stamps

Notebook Covers/ATC's

Terri's Page for FAF

Tagged Again!!

Felted Wallhanging

Queen Di/ATC's on their way to Europe!!

ATC's Received

Thinking Blogger Award

Notebook Covers

"Go Girl" Bag/Parcel from Emmy

Birthday Postcards

Emmy's Page

More Great Mail!

I'm Back!!

Soldering Project

Padfolio/ATC's

Postcard for SuZ and TAST (Chevron Stitch)

March Technique - Tyvek

Wall Art for Earth Day Auction

FAF Fabric Page for Carol

January and February Journal Quilts '07

Catching up on swaps owed!!

THANKYOU DOREEN!!!

Strip Felting Workshop

Received Lynda's Page!!!

Embroidered Box

What a day I've had at the AQC!!!

Here comes the Postie!!

TAST - Algerian Eyelet Stitch