My first exhibition

Finally I have some photos to share! In the end I popped back to the gallery to take some to show you, as it turns out the ones mum had taken from the opening evening were more a sea of heads rather than pieces! (You'll see what I mean later) I'm afraid these aren't the greatest of photos but I hope you'll get the idea...

I have shared the embroidery part of  the pieces you see above and below before..here they are finished with a pencil sketch added. These pieces are the ones I love the most as I put a mammoth amount of effort and time into each one (plus actual blood on occasion!)  But they also hold every element of what I love ...contrasts, layers, colour and texture..and magic too! Inspired by the saying "coming out of the woodwork" my active imagination wandered to animals stepping out of wallpaper....I have fantastic bamboo patterned wallpaper in the bathroom, and while brushing my teeth often smile at the thought of a panda just casually sauntering out from behind the foliage! ...

"Peering through the patchwork"

"A kingly stance"

"Seeing is believing"

I've been sharing parts of the beach scene over on facebook...I created them with the idea that they all sit together to create the scene but are individual pieces....they make me smile..and keep me dreaming of summer! 

It's the most amazing feeling walking past a window and seeing your work looking out at you :)

There are 40 individual pieces of mine exhibiting, including some books and soft sculpture birds. You've seen some of the pieces before and I've saved a couple to show you another time. I have to add I have never seen my home so clutter free! 

Here are the heads I was on about! :) 

Despite  nerves, the opening evening was incredible. Its hard to put into words how whole heart-FULLY blessed it feels to have people take time out of their own busy lives to come along and support little old me. Actually makes me get a wee lump in my throat at the thought. And still the support continues with visits from dear facebook connections and sweet emails enquiring. Just incredible, and amazingly humbling. So so grateful indeed.

                              
What I also take away from this whole amazing experience (apart from the dodgy photo! ) is the realisation and celebration that I have achieved something  I once thought was impossible...so watch this space for the next " impossible dream" to come true ..yipee!
Thankyou all for sharing this adventure with me too.

A comfortable place to be....

I'm quite used to getting the odd raised eye brow when I mention the full moon and the effects it's having.I'm no astrologer, but it makes perfect sense to me, the power of the moon pulling the tides..and the water/emotions within us. It's also been proven to me time and time again , by noticing the patterns of  my girls over the years ; their inability to sleep around a full moon and the behaviour that would suggest they've had the biggest injection of sugar! As a midwife I was always curious to see whether more babies would be born, or labours began.....still not so sure about that theory being true...

Anyhoos, this most recent full moon was no exception..and the feeling of overwhelm was S.T.R.O.N.G. To the point of near self combustion! The long list of things requiring attention, the very short space of time to achieve said things, not to mention the simple task of feeding the kids if nothing else ;)....overwhelm oh yes!
At least with the awareness that the moon was heightening this feeling, and that perhaps things weren't quite as overwhelming as they seemed (they never are!).....I took some comfort and waited it out, with as much calm as I could muster. I must add a big cuddly non ferocious bear at this point might have been a really nice place to seek refuge.

And like I knew it would..the moon is waning as are my panicky feelings that I have waaay too much going on. A little bit of balance is restored...till the next full moon :)

This piece "a comfortable place to be" I made quite a while ago now..but it seemed a fitting time to share. I also can't resist introducing this charming duo......"Betty Sue" and "Rita". Still loving those budgies :)

They offer no particular calming influences over the tugs and pulls of life (and moon) ,but they definitely bring a smile and a strong waft of spring!

So what do you all think? Have you noticed the effect of the moon in your life? Seasons ? Nature ? I'd be really interested to hear  :)x

Heaven! Creative Tuesday & AEDM #23

My idea of heaven is raining flowers :)

Words poorly describe my awe and love for yet again another miracle of nature....but flowers , flowers how they make my heart sing :) The shapes, the heady scents and my oh my..the colours! Some of the most vibrant that you can feel your eye balls ping, and some of the most delicate as if the smallest glimmer of a blush has appeared.

What my words fail to express the art below eloquently portrays.......

Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzlinger

Heaven!

I could quite happily live here forever :)

Go and see some more pictures of heaven here at Mr Toast's place where he hosts Creative Tuesday.....and go and visit some more creative every day people here!

Waiting for lift off...!

And on cue...it REALLY is a windy day here, perfect for kite flying!

However I'm in my preferred place, all rugged up inside watching the remaining leaves getting blown from the trees and the white clouds whirling by in the sky. I don't know what it is about the wind but I'm not its greatest fan at all.....messes with my chi or something like that :)

And so I am left pondering....while the kite needs a goods strong breeze to send it on its way does the same apply to having our dreams come true?! Do we need something that is beyond us that will provide the lift off and allow them to fly or is it a case of just throwing our dreams out there and seeing if they will take off...?

Well, all I can say is currently I'm glad I am inside and feeling warm and calm.... :)

PS. Finally I have relinquished my resistance and joined in the fun with the ART EVERY DAY CHALLENGE!!! Thankyou Nelly for posting the proverbial kick up the backside I needed! :)

JUMP...and join in!

Its probably safe to say from my recent painting that I am still hankering after spring and summer :) However as much as I drag my heels along with the fast approaching winter I am being reminded that autumn and winter is just as important and soul nourishing...

While I'm not keen to do it, this time of year does invite us to slooooooow down! The early dark nights beckon us to keep warm and together. Our focus becomes more introspective and for me thoughts of where have I come from (this past year) and where do I want to go? arise... the space to take time and dream is made...

So yes....just as vital as spring and summer :)

I always seem to embark on a project (or several!) at this time of year, and having been introduced to the extra-ordinary world of blogdom I have discovered quite a few projects to get my teeth stuck into!

The infectiously sweet and gorgeous Tam from Willowing and Friends is doing an "Art, Heart and Healing workshop" over the next 4 weeks. If you are at all interested in whimsy or just want to take part in something with a WHOLE lot of love then join in! Its free!! Yes FREE, I say!!! Amazing!

Another wonderfully radiant sun- shiny lady called Andrea Schroeder is running her "Creative adventure" course which runs for a whole YEAR and is also FREE! Woweee! Its full of positivity, encouragement and support to help you recognise what your dreams are and make them come true. I'm ALL for that!

Today is also the day that the "big stitched Postcard Swap" begins, run by the very lovely Beth Nicholls. I discovered the last one Beth held just as the swap had finished and everyone was sharing the postcards they received.....some amazing ickle works of art and stitch....such a brilliant idea...and so I vowed to join in next time!

So do any of these tickle your fancy? Come join in...... :)

Taking Flight

We all have wings, some of us only dream of taking flight.

I'm not sure when I first became aware of "wings" but there is an obvious introduction which dates back 16 years ago when I spread my wings and flew to the other side of the world on a quest for adventure. It was on this adventure I had the blessings of meeting Shelley-fairy, creator of Fairy love ,who so gracefully let me fly alongside her for a while, sharing her creativity and tips on actually making wings.

With this inspiration I leapt and spread my love of magic and wings far and wide, making all manner of things that can fly. I continued to take flights myself with my own wings but somehow, somewhere along the way these flights became less and less and eventually my wings got forgotten about. So much so that I only caught glimpses of flying through my dreams.

Until recently.........

It's impossible to say what triggered the memory of my wings, what spurred me on to finally set my wings a-fluttering again....a synchronicity of events which all combined to bring about their emergence...a visit from my dearest soul sister, a big change in my work life, Kelly Rae-Roberts e-course funnily enough called "taking flight" ! :) The list could go on... However, the single most important thing is that I am no longer dreaming of taking flight, I am actually USING my wings!

It's a small flutter at a time, I'm having to re-learn how to fly...but that feeling of expansion and freedom is enough to set the heart soaring and aiming for higher heights!

Aaaaah, such a wonder-FULL feeling :)

This weeks artwork has been inspired by Mr Toast's Creative Tuesday topic of taking flight. Thankyou Mr Toast for creating the opportunity to share my little story :)

(photos are of my good friend George and I as we frolicked in our fairy wings all those years ago on my magical adventure :) )