New Work

Only got time for a quick post tonight - it's Rob's birthday tomorrow and we're heading out for dinner soon. But I thought I'd give you a peek at my newest art quilt. I've just finished machining the facing on & still have to hand-stitch it down, but it's finished enough for a photo.

This one is a strange hybrid cross between a painting and a wholecloth quilt, and sort of qualifies as both. Not sure how it will be received, but I'm happy with it. Haven't settled on a name yet - any suggestions?

A box of dreams

Today's pic is of a special project I made over the past few days for my sis, who is going through some stuff at the moment. I wanted to make something special to let her know I understood, so I made this little box of dreams - it is a place to put her hopes and hide her fears, to keep her dreams and contain her heart (whole or broken).

It is constructed of Lutradur painted with shimmery pink & orange, hand stitched over bamboo structure with variegated perle thread and lined with watercolour paper (painted and printed with words of power). I made a tassle and added a bead closure, and embroidered rainbows, kisses and hearts.

My love affair with ink

Here are some of my drawings from the past couple of weeks. As you can see, we have been working with ink and wash. I've been having an absolute blast - I adore this medium. It is linear and fluid at the same time, and so much can be done with it. I've drawn lots of these bones and skulls in drawing classes over the years, but this one (above) is my favourite - never thought I'd enjoy it so much!

Briony, also in ink and wash.

Christine - a 10 minute study in ink with a stick instead of a pen or brush.

Another 10 minute study of Christine, with a stick again but also wash added (with my fingers!).

New Work

More of what I've been up to lately - this is the second quilt in my Touchstone series. I've used some precious fabrics which I purchased in Houston (almost 2 years ago, can you believe it?) - they've been waiting for the perfect design. This is a class sample for workshops planned for next year. I haven't quilted it yet, but I am absolutely in love with this quilt right now!! Do you like it?

A Good Day...

I know I've been slack & let the A-Z thing go - apologies for that, but life just did its usual thing & got in the way. So, to get back on the (blogging) horse I thought I should just bite the bullet & skip to today - which happened to be a pretty good day.

We got down & dirty in Sculpture class this morning, attacking our blocks of plaster with chisel & mallet - it was hard work, but fun.


And this afternoon, I finally finished an edition in printmaking that I'm really happy with. I love this screen print (wish I'd done more prints - bugger). And even better, I've now completed all the required components of the course, and can spend the remaining time working on whatever I wish.

I plan to revisit etching, as I was less than thrilled with the imagery I used in that part of the course. And I may even do another screenprint at the same time - printmaking class always has lots of waiting time, so there's scope to work on two projects at once.

More soon (I promise!!!).

L is for...

L is for lemons ... which I drew last week. Also one of my favourite foods/flavours.



L is for Limelight - one of my favourite quilts. This is a wholecloth using a coloured trapunto technique.

And of course (thanks Brenda - you know I'm a bit vague when snowed under) L is for my lovely friend Lisa, who is getting ready for her second solo exhibition this week. Make sure you check it out if you are in Sydney.

And L is for Lunar eclipse - which we have been watching tonight - an awesome display.

K is for...

K is for Kristen, who I drew today (I knew I'd eventually come up with something for K). This drawing was done with white gouache on black paper - an interesting and challenging technique. I really like how the wicker chair has come up in this one.

J is for...

J is for journals - I love making covered journals, and it's a fun class to teach too. I try hard to use my visual journals as frequently as I can, though I am a very poor diarist. And I'm fascinated by journals and sketchbooks belonging to other artists - they seem full of secrets and possibilities.


J is for Joshua - our nephew and god-son. Josh is just nine months older than Adam, and the two of them were inseparable friends when they were little. He's very athletic and intelligent, a great kid. Unfortunately he lives several hours drive away in Tamworth, so we don't get to see as much of him as we'd like.

I is for...

I is for Ink (& nib) which I employed in class today to do this self-portrait. It is my first attempt at this very confronting exercise, so I'm not unhappy with the result. Not quite right, but not too bad either.

H is for...

H is for HURRAY!!! Great news this morning from the UK - this quilt, which I did earlier this year for my friend and client Gay, won 2nd prize in its category at the Birmingham Quilt Festival plus 2nd prize in the longarm quilting category. It is very exciting to win prizes at such a prestigious quilt show.

H is for Hockey - everyone in my family but me plays field hockey. Pictured below (sorry about the blurry shot - she wouldn't stay still) is Emma suited up in her goalie gear, ready to play. Her team qualified for the semi-finals on Saturday - everybody wish her luck, won't you?