A stumble into STILL-ness

A snowstorm of sorts

You know when things just happen at the "right time"? My introduction to Mary Jo Hoffman, her blog and these beautiful photos was one of those moments.

Recycled, re circled

Right slap bang in the  middle of a crapstick week I got transported to a place of serenity and peace.....where all thoughts temporarily switched off  leaving nothing but simple visual stimuli and the ensuing response.

Maple seed fractals

The compulsion of the Bowerbird

Utter bliss!

And rather handy as I have very little to share this week other than the grumpy ramblings of having no  heating or hot water for the last 2 weeks (and forseeable future)...

So back to the photos! 

On the edge of winter

Mary Jo began taking and sharing these photos in Jan 2012 hoping to "enjoy the discipline" of taking a photo a day", and perhaps share it with "a few kindred wanderers". She set up with basic tools; a "not very fancy camera",her kitchen counter and make shift tripod. Turns out thousands of wandering fellows (including Martha Stewart and Design Sponge) have joined her in her daily practice of Still-ness and photographed beauty.

An Avian collage

STILL in its sublimely understated but hugely powerful way, is the perfect antidote for this time of year , when we tend to overlook the tiny details and miracles that surround.
If you need a reminder I urge you to visit x

Swooning over Kathe Fraga

Have you seen the work of Kathe Fraga before?....if not, you are in for a treat!
I came across her beautiful  paintings at the start of the year along with my introduction to the term "chinoserie" and instantly fell in love with them....its the colours and dreamy qualities..the simplicity but yet the detail and depth and layers. Swoonaroo!...Or as The Jealous Curator would say..."Dammmmm"!

A rustle of feathers



Pink silk and white roses

She "aims to capture the hand painted, timeworn walls of a grand old Parisian mansion, and each piece resembles an aged decorative fresco panel"

Yep...I'm feeling that! .

Springtime in the afternoon.

Aren't they so deliciously sublime.....It's hard not to share each and every piece she has created......which is rather a lot!

Dans le jardin

Les chansons de le jardin

I urge you to check out her website and blog..and be inspired, uplifted and transported off to a timeless serene sanctuary!

swooning over Michelle Morin

Gilded nest

I wanted to share the incredible work of Michelle Morin. If you haven't had the fortune of stumbling upon her work..you are in for a treat! It's the detail and patterns within the detail that draws me in the most..like painted pieces of fabric all glued together to form a stunning and intricate mosaic. Oh yes I'm a gonner..hook, line and sinker!

Exotic moth

Dove diamond

peacock platter

Five whales stacked

I'm really being drawn to whales at the moment, and this piece fuels that urge to create something whale-like..the charm and character of each beauty just jumps out at you!

You can see more of her beautiful work on her website, own a piece of art from her shop, or catch up with what she's upto on her blog.

Amazing right?! :)x                                                                                                                                                     

Trade Fair love!

I'm back to share some linky love with some of the lovely and talented exhibitors I met in Glasgow.
It was definitely easier going to a Trade Fair the second time around as you have a slight idea as to what's required and what happens. But it's the fellow exhibitors that make any Trade Fair experience the easiest by far....sharing experiences, passing on info and knowledge...and good old "blethering" that pleasantly passes the quiet moments of the day.
I need to apologise first for the not so great quality photos...I hope the loveliness still shines through!

Catriona Archibald was the star of the show for me. (well apart from my mum who was the queen,of course!) Our stands were side by side and many a moment was stood chatting and admiring. Her ceramic pieces are as lovely as she is ..and I now have a beautiful cup to treasure and drink tea from! 

She is currently updating her website, but I'm sure she'd love a visit!

I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay Kilpatrick at Harrogate last year, and it was so great to see her friendly familiar face in Glasgow..and of course her stunning jewellery. Lyndsay's beautiful work is inspired by east coast Scottish fishing villages, which is close to my heart having grown up just a hop and skip away.

Here is one of Lindsay's own photos which captures the quality of her pieces in the way they deserve!

Go and check out her website and stunning  portfolio on flickr.

I also have to introduce you to Fiona (Stable Card designs) . If you visit my blog often you'll know I'm partial to a bit of colour as well as the occasional sottish colloquialism injection!......so these cards of hers I LOVE!...a bright and "in yer face" joy-full card range! 

Fiona also happens to be one of the most open, welcoming and encouraging people I have had the pleasure to meet, and has been an amazing "brain to pick". If you ever need a boombastic colourful injection into your life and a card a little different from the norm, go check her website out!

I can't end without mentioning Flossy Teacake and EmilyNotman too. They both were at Harrogate last year, where I drooled over both of their work,and have secretly stalked them since (in the nicest way of course!) They were sharing a stand, which lucky for them I never got a photo of ,instead I have to rely on their own photography...

flossy teacake

emily notman

such gorgeous work..both of them! So much talent...and so young too!.....which makes me realise how OLD I must sound! :)

So there you have it...a little linky love....I hope you go check them out....and say hello from me :)x

Music = Magic

Its not very often I enjoy an album in its totality (there's always a few songs that get forwarded instantly!), but Of Monsters and Men has been getting played back to back..without interruption. I'm enjoying the little journeys it takes me on...through imaginary worlds featuring vikings and mythical beasts ...jaunty and a little quirky all at the same time.

Just to indulge this little journey further I thought I would share some lovely images of other artists work that invokes a similar magical feel.....

Libby McMullin creates beautifully detailed illustrations that oooze with whimsy!

                     Lilymoon 's exquisite drawings inspired  by imaginary stories.....

                                  

oh so pretty!

Tulip Hill by Liz Tran

As for this sumptuous tumbly land of swirls and colour..forget a visit to Liz Tran's world..I want to LIVE there!!

I'll end with some incredible and intricate ceramic brooches created by a group of Lithuanian artists called Baubukas.....they fit very comfortably into my magical musical world! Amazing!

Hope you enjoyed the little trip  :)x

Stuff Christmas :)

Kidding!

I've made a wee promise to myself this year NOT to leave Christmas shopping until December...granted I do make that promise every year and I do ignore it entirely but this year I am determined....so much so that I have already started .... I hope you are suitably impressed :)

I'm going for handmade as much as I can and just want to share a few little stuffed textile beauties I have stumbled upon...maybe even tempt you if you are like me and put the whole affair off for as long as possible :)

A Moose from Israel by Manafka Mina

Otto the Russian Deer made by Wassupbrothers

El Bandido by Little things I make

Mr Lion heart by Jipi Jipi

A naughty cat called Nina by Materialised

I've got lots of nieces and 2 daughters which gives me the perfect excuse for eyeing up all these goodies...just how many gifts will actually make it to their designated owners may be questionable however!  

Swooning over Elsa Mora

I love it how a click on a link followed by another one, then another few after that, can  lead you to a beautiful world where you're positively drooling in awe over someone's creative expression.
That's how I stumbled upon Elsa Mora, and ever since the clickety linky forage I've paid countless trips back to her website to soak up the beautiful intricate creations in their many forms.

                                                            Elsa paints....

has mastered the art of paper cutting....

she sews...

And even makes teen tiny books

Just incredible.... 

Consider my mind well and truly boggled! 

And the most wonderful part of it all is the beautifully humble,transparent and true lady that reveals herself to you as you read her words. 

Swoonaroo  :)