Kirsten Bailey: Art

"Spring Trees"

Because, seriously?  I’ve had enough of winter.  I’ve always been more of a warm weather girl.  I love the way everything seems to come alive in the warmer months.  The sun is up longer, people are out longer, and I get to wear nicer clothes (I get heartily sick of covering up everything in a big coat in the winter time).

So, even though it’s not *quite* spring yet, and the winter westerlies are still blowing strongly and sending the kids at school crazy (what is it with kids and wind?), I though I’d share with you some Spring Etsy favourites:

From left to right and top to bottom:

1.  Inspired by the new green leaves and fresh buds of Spring, this pretty necklace is called “Spring Talk“.  It’s one of the many beautiful jewellery designs from KuroNeko - I couldn’t resist adding several things to my favourites list!

2.  These pretty pink and green earrings from Treasured Lily Designs are called “Spring Kissed Me Bang” – the name is inspired by the following quote: “I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face.”  I’m definitely looking forward to a big old smooch from Spring!

3.  I have a thing for little tins and boxes.  I have more of them than I have stuff to put in them, but I find them hard to resist!  These 3 Mini Tins in “Spring Field” paper from Annie Howes Keepsakes are just gorgeous!

4.  Who says stubbie coolers are just for the boys?  I would love to bring out these Preppy Pink and Green Can Koozies by Pink Gasoline at our next BBQ!

5.  This Poppies Pleated Bag by A Touch of Stardust would be the perfect accessory for that spring outfit!

6.  I’ve discovered a new favourite artist with Bit O’ Whimsey.  This gorgeous print of an original mixed media painting is called “Springtime Meadows” – be sure to click on the link because I couldn’t fit the entire picture into my little collage!  Like me, Kandy from Bit O’ Whimsey makes wearable art pendants from her work, so if you can’t afford an original or a print (or like me you are running out of wall space!), a pendant might just be the way to go.

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One of the many things I love about creating art is the opportunity it provides me to support more charities. You may remember earlier this year I donated a painting to the Young Variety’s ‘Heart Art Show’.

This year I’ve also been given the opportunity to participate in the Cerebral Palsy League‘s ‘Art for Art’s Sake’ exhibition.  The Cerebral Palsy League is the largest non-government disability services provider for people with a physical disability in Queensland.  Having taught a student with Cerebral Palsy I’ve seen first hand the necessity of an organisation like this, and so I’m very happy to be able to support them.

This year’s exhibition theme is ‘The Joy of Living’, and I am donating the following painting, titled Sunset Joy:

The painting will be auctioned at the Gala Opening and Cocktail Reception on Wednesday 12 May 2010 from 6:30pm, at Waterfront Place, Eagle St, Brisbane.  For more details, please see the Art for Art’s Sake website.

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Me with my keepsake boxes, pendants and cards

Yesterday I spent my morning at The Handmade Expo, at the Ipswich Turf Club.

After a bit of a shaky start (I am prone to stressing out at the best of times, and a mix-up over where to set up had me freaking out just a bit) – I had a great day!

It was definitely a better venue to sell than the Suitcase Rummage was – people were expecting higher quality items.  I sold quite a lot of pendants, some cards and a couple of keepsake boxes.

Keepsake boxes, pendants and cards

The best thing about the Handmade Expo was all the lovely people I met.  I really enjoyed being able to meet the people buying my work and hearing their comments.  It also gave me a good idea of which styles were popular.  One lovely lady who purchased two of my paintings at The Coffee Club Springfield popped in to meet me, which was wonderful.  A huge thank you to all those who stopped by and said hello

Original Artwork

The Handmade Expo is held every month at the Ipswich Turf Club.  While I won’t be able to make the May market (I will be participating in Padua College’s Artscape Exhibition), I will be at the June Market on Saturday 26th June.  I’m hoping to make it a regular event!

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I recently wrote about participating in this month’s colour challenge at Two Happy Stampers, which involves creating something using the following colours:

I wanted to have another go at creating a painting using these colours, and this is what I came up with:

It reminds me of the shrubs they have around my school which drop white flowers in a carpet all over the ground.  The branch of the tree is actually painted in navy watercolour paint although it looks pretty close to black.

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Today I spent my time at King George Square for the Suitcase Rummage – basically, people were allowed to bring a suitcase full of whatever they wanted to sell, and it was all free!

I was there to sell some unframed paintings, my keepsake boxes, pendants and cards.

I wish I could say it was a really successful day, and I was busy the whole time, but it was not to be.  I was surrounded by people selling pre-loved clothing for 5o cents or $1 a piece, so I guess in contrast my stuff seemed expensive to people.

I did get lots of lovely comments though, and I’m hoping I’ll have more success at the Handmade Expo next Saturday.

If you live in the area, I’d love to see you there!

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This Sunday I will be selling some of my unframed art, wearable art pendants and keepsake boxes at the Suitcase Rummage in King George Square, Brisbane.

I’m looking forward to selling an an easy, casual atmosphere – it’s a good way to dip my toe into the water before the big Handmade Expo market next Saturday!

I hope to see you there

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I love holidays!  I get so much painting done

Here’s what I’ve been working on:

“Sunset Joy”

I’m hoping to donate this painting to the Cerebal Palsy League’s ‘Art for Arts Sake‘ charity auction next month (it has to be accepted first so fingers crossed!)

“Evening Song”

This one is going to be sent to someone special

I’ve also been working on some new canvas works – I’ll post details here soon.  I hope everyone had a lovely Easter long weekend!

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It’s Easter time again already.  Easter means three things to me – family, holidays and CHOCOLATE!

I am notorious for having pretty much no willpower when it comes to chocolate.  But it’s not just the edible kind I love!  I love warm and inviting chocolate brown as a colour, too.

Here are some of my favourite chocolate brown items from Etsy:

From left to right and top to bottom:

1.  The chotto tote/messenger in chocolate brown by Christy studio.  It’s practical, stylish and comfortable to carry, and the chocolate brown colour would go with so many outfits!

2. Small chocolate flower hair pin by Princess Allure.  Add a little feminine style to your outfit with this pretty hair pin!  Each petal has been handcrafted using chocolate coloured satin, and it features three Swarovski crystals in the centre.

3.  Chocolate rose necklace by Heather Berry.  Chocolate brown faux pearls have been hand linked together and decorated with a creamy rose and filigree medallion. This pretty feminine necklace would go beautifully with the cardigan I’ve featured!

4.  Chocolate Jar by TC Art.  This doesn’t quite fit in to the rest of my theme which are all wearable items, but it is so cute I couldn’t resist including it!  I’m a sucker for little jars and knick-knacks.  How cute would this be filled with a few little chocolates?

5.  Upcycled Cardigan – Chocolate Cookie by Caroline Joy.  I just love the idea of upcycled vintage – it’s great for the environment and means you will have a completely unique item for your wardrobe.  This cardigan is a great example of that – its a modern look using a rescued sweater.

6.  Walk Tall vintage chocolate brown high heeled boots by Planet Claire Vintage.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE these boots!  I would definitely have snapped them up myself already if I didn’t have the feet of a giantess (they’re a size 5).

I hope you’ve enjoyed my selection of chocolate goodness this weekend!  Please let me know what you think of the new format, too (i.e. putting all the pictures at the top together instead of spacing them out).

Have a safe and happy Easter!

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Well, sort of.  You may remember I donated one of my paintings, a watercolour entitled “Reach” to the Young Variety Heart Art Show.  While I wasn’t able to attend on the night, I was pleased to be able to support the charity with my donation.

Yesterday, a friend of mine mentioned she had seen a painting that looked very much like one of mine in the free newspaper given out on trains, MX.  She gave me a copy, and Lo and Behold, it was my painting:

I’m not mentioned by name, but that is definitely my painting “Reach”.  Even though it’s only a free newspaper, I was thrilled to see my painting there!  I’m also really happy that my style is distinctive enough for someone to be able to tell it’s one of my paintings even though my name isn’t on it.

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It was a hectic week at work.  To say the least.  So, I’ve tried to pick some of my favourites from Etsy that put me into a calm mood this week.

First, I’ve chosen this beautiful cushion by Norajane.  It features soothing creams, pinks and blues, with pretty little flowers and cute little birds.  I fell in love with it the first moment I saw it.

I love the soft and pretty colours in this romantic necklace from Nostalgic Studio‘s “Edwardian Collection”.  Its delicate design features a beautiful antique hand painted porcelain pendant:

With its soft blue thread, this framed embroidery titled “Flight Pattern” by Jennifer’s Gift would be a beautifully calming influence on any wall:

Finally, I just love this print by Paper Moth.  It’s called “Perennial Moment“, which I think is a lovely title!  I love the soft background colours and the image of the dandilion blowing in the breeze.  A beautifully calming picture.

These items, a cup of tea and a weekend sleep-in are just what the doctor ordered for stress relief!

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