Happy New Year’s Eve! A new year just around the corner. So much hope and promise. Don’t you just love the beginning of the year? It’s a time to think about fresh and new ideas for the year ahead. Instead of cooking our New Year’s Eve meal I am spending a few relaxing hours with… Read More
There are only 5 days left to Christmas. Working full time and running out of time to get ready for Christmas? I’m not ready either. I have left everything to the last minute and I am working too many hours at work {again}. Here are 10 things to do when you only have 5 days… Read More
Just finished another painting using Gouache paints. Gouache paints are different to watercolors but sort of similar to them as well. Here are some quick facts about Gouache paints that I have learnt along the way; Gouache paints are pronounced “gwash – rhymes with wash It is a heavier paint than traditional transparent watercolors It… Read More
It’s really hot today. First very warm day of early summer in Melbourne. Thought it was a good time to paint. Tried using guache paints and a very fine brush. Not sure I really like the result as the lines on the lace are not as fine as I would have liked. Still, the result… Read More
It’s Geranium season again. The bright pinks and whites coupled with the luscious lime greens makes this one of the most popular garden plants. They brighten up a garden and add instant color in those spring and summer months. Here are 5 reasons to plan Geraniums; Easy to Grow – Geraniums are easy to grow… Read More
Hello! Last night our gorgeous cat was very distracted. It was dusk and his attention was drawn to a tiny mouse scurrying outside. He was very excited and paced up and down scratching at the door trying to get out. Meanwhile the tiny mouse and I mean tiny was having a lovely time completely unaware… Read More
Red Cat This embroidered red and white cat was inspired by a watercolor painted one morning earlier this month. His name is “Harry the Cat”. Harry is a red and white Tabby and is stitched by hand on 100% cotton yellow and white Gingham. I used DMC cotton floss and backstitch to create him.… Read More
Hello! Embroidery has been an obsession lately. Ideas for new designs are everywhere. It’s then a matter of finding the right fabric, the threads and some stitching time. If you have not tried embroidery before then it’s a great way to express yourself creatively and make lovely things. There are plenty of good books and… Read More
Hello and happy Monday! Where do ideas for the embroideries I create come from? It’s not as straightforward as picking up a piece of embroidery fabric and stitching the design. Usually the design process involves first an idea. The idea is then transformed onto paper with pen or paints. Some designers use computer software to create… Read More