My art on display at the Richard Randall Studio Gallery

Wearable art pendants and watercolours

On the second day of our exhibition, we did some artist demonstrations.  It was great to be able to spend a whole day painting without distractions.  I painted outside for a while watched over by a curious bearded dragon who seemed to be posting for a painting.

Working on a commission at the Richard Randall Gallery

As always, I was very inspired by the work of the other exhibiting artists, which I think is the best thing about exhibiting as a group.

Many thanks to those who stopped by to have a look at our paintings!

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It was a quiet market for me this month, but I really enjoyed meeting the new people who came along to have a look at my little stall, and of course enjoyed seeing my regular visitors.  Many thanks to all of you who stopped by and said hello!

I won’t be at the next Handmade Expo in October, but I’ll be there in November and December – perfect timing for those wanting to grab some Christmas presents!

Me with my newest painting at The Handmade Expo

I’m now enjoying a break from my day job (school holidays!) so I intend to get lots of painting done!  I’m working on a couple of commissioned paintings, so I’ll keep you up to date with the progress of them.

P.S. I’m wearing my brand new Kellie Christie necklace in this pic – I can never resist going and spending my profits at other people’s stalls when I’m at The Handmade Expo (even on days like yesterday when the profits are non-existent)!

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"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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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 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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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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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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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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