Vanessa De Lacy

2010-10-30T14:56:00.000+11:00

Sentimental Heart - She and Him

2010-10-22T10:57:00.001+11:00

2010-10-18T19:17:00.002+11:00

Washington - The Hardest Part

2010-10-17T10:20:00.000+11:00

'An important message about the arts' - an animated video by artist Davi...

2010-09-15T10:35:00.000+10:00

2010-07-10T12:44:00.004+10:00

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.

Douglas Coupland

2010-04-17T12:07:00.003+10:00

Do you tumblr?
I do.
I've found it easier for bookmarking photos and images I find via the web that don't need a full blog post.
Come and visit here, vanessadelacy.tumblr.com

2010-04-16T21:47:00.004+10:00

Well I'm back but not really back, just a quick pop in to say:

My house is sold.......and I am one happy little lady.
(via flickr)

I still cannot do anything at the moment, my mind is still a mess and I haven't lifted a pencil or sewn a stitch in months but I can see light ahead.
I think I turned off my creative mind to concentrate on all the changes going on in my life but I think slowly I will start working and find myself again.
The lovely thing now is that my thoughts has changed from;
How will the girls and I cope?
To,
What an amazing life I can set up for my girls and me.
Finally to be feeling positive in the direction my life is heading.
And a big thank you to those who have left comments and emailed me in the last few months with your best wishes. I am very lucky to have lovely friends and readers of my blog and I hope to be back very soon with more art related reading and new work to show you.

But before I go off house hunting I did want to show you a recent purchase.
Frida
Isn't she gorgeous.
She is made by the lovely Lori from Run Lori Run and I was so excited when I unwrapped her. She is more beautiful than she looks in the photo, I was mighty impressed!

2010-03-09T21:06:00.006+11:00

This is where I have been the last month or so, tidying my house. The real estate agent came today and the photos were taken and it is on the market in a day or 2....
My house has never been so tidy and really, never been so not me. It is neat, ordered and cluttered-less. Usually I like things hanging from the roof and little drawings and cards placed everywhere and anywhere there is a space but I suppose people do want to see the house itself not what I put in it and decorate it with!
It's those little touches that make it your home and that is what I look forward to doing in my new house, and where would that new house be you ask?? Well I have absolutely no idea, I will keep looking for something with character (think old), something that is not too expensive (think renovators delight) and something that my girls and I will feel settled and secure in. That is what is really important.
Wish me luck xx

Inspirational artists - Morteza Zahedi

2010-02-18T23:46:00.009+11:00

Well hello, I haven't been blogging for a few weeks but I am still reading all of your blogs in the morning while having the first of many coffees! I found this artist Morteza Zahedi, while reading one of my favorites, dear ada. Lovely chickens busy scratching around with beautiful fresh line work and interesting shapes. (Found via dear ada via all the mountains)

Assignment 52 - week 3

2010-01-20T22:32:00.003+11:00

I made this little plushy, softie, tiny pillow (what ever it is) the other night while watching TV. I just wanted to embroider black onto white and this is the design that I came up with. It measures approx 25 cm x 12 cm.
'Falling asleep to the sound of rain' my favorite feeling in the world.

I haven't blogged lately, my mind is racing with so many jobs that need doing and decisions that need to be made that I can't relax at all to think about anything interesting to write, (actually is anything I write that interesting!)
I wish it would rain so I could relax my mind and sleep!
I was thinking of closing my store for a while but I am currently exhibiting on Paper n Stitch so that wouldn't be the cleverest idea.
But what I do want to do is a complete overall of my store, instead of just listing what ever I make I want a bit more planning to go into it, more continuity in my work, I feel it is a bit higgledy piggledy at the moment.
The other thing is photos, I will admit a hate taking photos of my work and I really don't put much time into it but I obviously need to, any advice would be welcome.
I will leave you with my 5 year olds favorite words at the moment;
To wit to woo!

Help the people of Haiti

2010-01-14T10:21:00.002+11:00

I will donate 50% off every sale in my store here to the Haiti relief fund via red cross.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. It is an impoverished country, one of the world's poorest and least developed. It really needs our help.

If you don't what to purchase anything please donate to the red cross anyway.

Assignment 52 - Week 2

2010-01-13T14:19:00.002+11:00

OK in all fairness I did start this doll a while ago but I only finished it this week so I'm counting it as my week 2 piece of art. She is completely hand sew with lots of sequins and tiny stitches and measure's roughly 9 inches x 14 inches.

My perfect house

2010-01-12T15:27:00.000+11:00

I will soon be looking for a new house so I thought I would share with you what I am after. I found these images via flickr and really I would be happy in any of them! The drawing at the bottom I drew probably about 25 years ago and my mind hasn't changed.
1. Can Clavell. Can Clavell farm´s house., 2. A Place to Stay for a While, 3. Mas Llorenç, 4. Front of old house, 5. Chene Entrance Les Limornieres, le Grand Pressigny, 6. HDR Montignac, 7. Happy 'French' Couple at our Farm House St Georges sur le Cher France Sept 2008, 8. French Farm house, 9. French Farm, 10. The French House, 11. French house with lots of flowers, 12. Beautiful French House, 13. French worker's house, 14. French town house, 15. Classic French town house Oh well, a girl can dream!
Whats your dream home?

2010, the year of the hats

2010-01-09T14:06:00.011+11:00

2010 is going to be the year of wearing hats! I used to wear hats all the time but got rather self conscious at some point and stopped. I'm not talking about practical hats like a beanie in winter or a sun hat in summer, I'm talking about hats as fashion. I've included some hats from etsy that I would definitely wear if I could afford them, click on the picture to be taken to the stores.
This is me at 1am.This would be worn when I was feeling sassyI would keep this for periods of madness.This would be my walking through fields of long wildflowers hat.I would wear this riding my bike around New York.This would be my Hercule Poirot crime solving hat.This would be my Miss Marple crime solving hat.

Assignment 52 - Week one

2010-01-06T11:23:00.014+11:00

I have set myself a project, to do one piece of art a week for 52 weeks.
Only one a week I hear you say, surely one a day would be more of a challenge! Well at the moment I'm lucky if I can do one a month so lets just start with one every week. OK.
2010 is going to be a huge year for me and my girls, big changes ahead and this project is my first step in getting my self organized (artistically anyway!) Finding a new house, adjusting to life as a single Mum and a complete change in lifestyle, well hopefully these things will become clearer as the year moves on, not going to rush the big stuff.
"Since I grew tired of the chase
and search, I learned to find;
And since the wind blows in my face,
I sail with every wind."

Friedrich Nietzsche

Mr Fox, the plush who hates the taste of chickens

2010-01-04T22:40:00.003+11:00

Do you like foxes? They're great aren't they....the way they sneak around and eat up all your chickens when you forget to lock them up for the night!
Hmmmm, OK, I like to look at them, beautiful tails and coats, not really a fan of their eating habits but you know circle of life and all that! (Foxes and chickens are in the circle of life aren't they?)

I think I will stop now and show you my new plush. Mr Fox, the vegetarian!Update: Mr fox measures approx 22cm x 18cm. I had him printed by Spoonflower onto cotton quilting fabric and he is hand sewn onto olive green felt.

2010-01-02T22:15:00.001+11:00

As you know I like to op shop and this week I think I may have out done myself. A 3 piece red velvet couch from my local salvos. Super! I have always wanted a couch similar to the one in the Toulouse Lautrec painting, 'The Salon in the Rue des Moulins' and I think this is as close as I will get. So my house will soon look like a 1890's Paris brothel, minus the courtesans but with more toys! Lovely.

2009-12-31T21:13:00.007+11:00

It's new years eve and I am sitting here listening to the beginnings of a thunder storm.
Must bring the dogs inside!
I haven't blogged over the Christmas period, busy is all.
I want to leave 2009 with two beautiful videos. Both songs are by Joe Hisaishi, taken from the Anime movies of Hayao Miyazaki, 'Howls moving castle' and 'Totoro'.
'Howls moving castle' is one of my favorite films ever and the girls were given 'Totoro' as a Christmas gift and I think it will also be in my favorite movie list.
They are children's films but they are so beautifully drawn and the stories so simple and sweet that I could watch them over and over without ever losing interest. I just adore them.
So in the new year I want you to pop off to the video store and look for some movies by Hayao Miyazaki. Let me know what you think!

A wall calendar

2009-12-13T23:56:00.004+11:00

This is my calendar, I made it for myself but I may put it in my shop.
All the best for the Christmas holidays.

Flickr favs

2009-12-08T23:26:00.002+11:00

1. 025, 2. Vintage Find: The Happy Owls by Celestino Piatti, 3. Zora Wee Pirouette, the Acrobat, 4. brown swirl beard, 5. no more fish, 6. Paris, 7. Untitled, 8. antonia, 9. Untitled, 10. my place, 11. you and me, 12. Untitled, 13. Untitled, 14. Untitled, 15. rest, 16. Untitled

2009-12-07T23:33:00.003+11:00

My mum lost her wedding ring a few days ago, she was very upset and searched everywhere for it, she contacted the police, put a notice in our local paper and asked every shop she has been in lately if anyone had handed it in. But no luck :) She said to us if anyone found it she would give them $100...

My 4 year old daughter found it in the vege garden!
So she has $100 and you know what she wants....a slinky! I said 'darling you could buy 100 slinkys with your money'. So she thought some more and then said she would like a big bag of lollies.
I think maybe a savings account would be a good idea!

My place and yours meme

2009-12-07T22:27:00.006+11:00

OK time for another my place and yours meme from meet me at mikes. (I have a feeling Pip doesn't sleep!) This weeks theme is 'where ever I lay my hat' chosen by Myrtle and Eunice. She asks,
What are the treasures in your house that signify ‘home’?

I actually have a list of items that I would take with me if I had to leave in a hurry, (the reason I have this list is because I live in a high bush fire risk area.)
So I suppose these are the things that obviously mean the most to me and therefore make my home my home!
So here are a few items from that list:
I made this quilt a couple of years ago. I have never made anything of the sort before so for my first attempt I thought I would start with a king sized quilt! As you do.
This a drawing of my dog Henry who died 2 years ago today. He was 17.I bought this light shade in a beautiful shop in Paris. Had to buy a new suitcase to bring it home in.
I made these ceramic lovelies in my early years at high school. Every time I move house a tiny piece breaks off. I thought I was very clever and talented when I made these and gosh darn it I was!
The drawing on the wall is one of my first paintings, it is called Judge Terry's wife. It was going to be Judge Terry but I thought his wig looked more like a lady's hair do so I added a bow and Judge Terry's wife was born. (Cannot remember who Judge Terry was, obviously someone very important to my younger self if I wanted to immortalize him in a painting.)
The womble I got when I was five and he is wearing my Grandpa Georges akubra, who died when I was 6. He wore this hat everyday.
This is a wooden jewelry box that my Grandpa Vern made. The number 11 is from the house that I grew up in. (And yes I know I should have dusted but that wouldn't really be revealing the real me now would it!)
These are the first drawings my daughters ever did for me.

Eric Carle

2009-12-06T22:42:00.005+11:00

I have just been informed while over at Amy's lovely blog sweet sweet life that Eric Carle has a blog. Not just a web site but a BLOG. Wow, I am really excited to have found this out, (thanks Amy.)
It is really lovely to read simple everyday posts about himself and his work such as this one. I feel really quite privileged to read about how he works and what he thinks. Brilliant!
Funny thing is, I have been working on a collage this weekend and I was thinking it was a bit Eric Carle like....
All these images are taken from his web page.

2009-12-04T23:30:00.003+11:00

Just realized all my postage prices on etsy are wrong! I priced them up instead of down, arhhhhhh. It took me so long to change each and everyone after my sales and now....well here I go again.
So,
I would like to announce that all postage prices in my etsy store will be drastically reduced. If you thought my postage prices were already low well now you are going to be over the moon!
Just give me a little time.

UPDATE: Batch shipping!! Hurrah, all done.

New print

2009-12-04T23:10:00.005+11:00

The owl and the pussycat is now available in my etsy and madeit store. So if you would like it, hurry on over....

Print giveaway

2009-12-03T17:21:00.007+11:00

The Madeit newsletter arrived in my email box today and I was surprised and happy that they are giving away one of my prints called 'Echo'. Yippee!
Also they are advertising a print that I love and soon will have 'Some trees' by inaluxe
and also fellow Udessi seller edward and lily with their Sausage Dog Brooch.

The owl & the pussycat, what really happened!

2009-12-02T11:03:00.005+11:00

So how did you go over the sale weekend? Well I didn't sell anything in my etsy store where I had free postage but I made some sales in my madeit store where I didn't have the sale!! People just want to give me money, excellent!
This is a picture I did over the weekend, it is about the owl and the pussycat. You know the poem, they went to sea and got married, danced and lived happily ever after....well not in my picture. It reads:

The owl & the
pussycat went
to sea & got
stranded on
a desert island.
The owl flew home
leaving the cat
cursing the day she ever
met the owl....

Cruel to be kind....

2009-12-01T23:20:00.002+11:00

No matter what is going on in my life good or bad, this song is just so fantastic that I have to smile :)

We have a winner

2009-12-01T23:08:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone, thank you all for stopping by and entering the comp. I used www.random.org to choose the winner, who is.....
Melissa Kaye. Yeahhh, my lovely owl poster is off to Austin Texas! For the rest of you crazy kids that didn't win....well you're all winners! If you would like to email me your addresses I will gladly send you an owl postcard, slightly smaller than the poster but very cute :)

Last day for competition

2009-11-30T15:48:00.003+11:00

Only one more day left in my poster giveaway. Details can be found here.

Cruel to be kind....

2009-11-28T21:01:00.005+11:00

No matter what is going on in my life good or bad, this song is just so fantastic that I have to smile :)

Sesame street memories

2009-11-28T20:41:00.004+11:00

My daughters favorite song, I remember watching this version as a wee girl.

Black Friday sales on etsy

2009-11-28T17:05:00.006+11:00

There are lots and lots of items for sale at etsy this weekend. It is the official Black Friday holiday sale. Just do a search for etsyfreeshipping or etsyholidaysale and who knows what gems you could find at bargain prices. I did a little looking around and found these lovely's in the art and vintage home decor sections. Hope you like.
Oh and by the way, all prints and cards in my store have WORLD WIDE free shipping all weekend (& probably longer because it will take me ages to change all my prices back!)
1. automne 4 by aliette
2. Frozen Charlotte by DearDodo
3. A limited edition archival print ...winter would just never go by corid
4. Urban Legends Fine Art Print-Golden Gate Park-San Francisco Edition by shopwhimsy
1. Large Working Gun Metal, Nickel Antique 1930's Big Ben Alarm Clock by birdie1
2. Cathrine holm Enamel Nesting Bowls...yellow lotus pattern, set of 3 by 2boredbunnies
3. Retro 1960 Mommies Book by amye123
4. Vintage Arabia Finland Hand Painted Big Yellow Sunflower Milk Pitcher by blueflowervintage
5. Wire Basket in Shiny Red Apple by moxiesisters
6. Retro Modern Vintage Fish Ashtray Red, Orange Ceramic and Wood by sellingvintage

A big hello and welcome to all my new followers.

Etsy gems

2009-11-26T11:26:00.005+11:00

Just a quick post to draw your attention to the prints and posters of Claudia Varosio. Do go and have a look at this shop.

Giveaways, sales and tempting offers.

2009-11-24T11:46:00.010+11:00

OK a few things to talk about today:

1. I have free shipping in my etsy store until next Tuesday 1st of December for all prints and cards. (International and domestic.)

2. I am giving away a poster as shown below. 'The owl in the rain', it measures 40.5 Cm's x 28.5 Cm's. All you have to do is leave a comment, follow this blog, follow my facebook group OR tweet about this offer to go into the draw, do 2 of these things and gain 2 entries, 3 things and you gain 3 entries and so on. I will randomly draw the winner next week.

3. With every print sold in my store you get 2 free postcards as shown in photo number 2.

4. Returning customers to my store get 15% off their next order.
'The owl in the rain' poster giveaway.
These 2 postcards are free with every print sold. They can be viewed here and here.My print packaging.
Busy, busy over the weekend sending some orders off....I could get used to it!

My daughters art

2009-11-23T17:24:00.000+11:00

Sometimes I look at the beautiful free drawings my daughters do and I think, why do I bother? Their works are as perfect to me as any art can be.

Etsy gems

2009-11-22T10:26:00.000+11:00

Simple lovely work from Milky Lane Killing time.
Keep it.
Balkan horse.

I like....to look

2009-11-20T11:44:00.001+11:00

Do you read or just like looking, I'm a looker if truth be told. (Oh & what a looker!)
OK so I'm talking about blogs, I really like visual blogs, lots of beautiful pictures, artworks and inspiring images. What about you?
Here are 2 blogs which even if I'd like to read I couldn't but they have beautiful images.
Flor de papel and Galet & Galette.
Image via Galet & Galette
Image via Flor de papel

Wrinkles

2009-11-18T17:31:00.002+11:00

What in the world is wrong with wrinkles? Please, I want someone to tell me why we must rid ourselves of them because I think they make us who we are, they give us character and show our history. I look in the mirror these days and I not only see myself, but my Daughters, my Mother, my Grandma and my Nana. I wouldn't change for the world.1. Wrinkled Elegance, 2. trevi, 3. Ubud, Bali - Portrait of an old grandma, 4. Vancouver. British Columbia, Canada., 5. Wrinkles, 6. Rising From Slumber, 7. The Old Woman with a sheep wool headgear, 8. "Market Worker", 9. Wrinkles

Andy Goldsworthy

2009-11-17T00:43:00.000+11:00

I've blogged about Andy Goldsworthy before but I can't help myself, I think he is wonderful. His work is so beautiful, silent and soothing, and then slowly (depending on the work), it falls apart and this in itself is an artistic movement. The crazy thing is, there are 2 permanent Goldsworthy sculptures on the Herring island environmental sculpture park in Melbourne and I've yet to make the trip to see them! What is my problem?

Christmas wish list

2009-11-15T17:04:00.006+11:00

I've gone for a vintage/Scandinavian/mid century Christmas wish list. If you require my address if case you would like to send me something well just email me and I will pass it on!
Pop over to Daydream Lily to see her wish list & links to others.1. Peacock Blue,Original Art by Ralf Berg $450usd from Avantgarage
2. R. Landerholm mid-century Swedish pendent $20usd from Cerritorose
3. 70's Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg ashtray or bowl $317usd from Tigerluxe
4. Bovano enamel serving bowl $44usd from Tigerluxe
5. Graphic fish coasters $16usd from Pupule
6. Signed Modernist mid century floral brooch pin $22usd from Ready Betty

A red day

2009-11-14T23:18:00.006+11:00

I wanted to put a few new prints in my store tonight but I just can't find the time or energy.
Actually quite pooped today, my little one turned three so we had a 'red' themed party, red drink, red food, red decorations!! What was I thinking? Red food and drinks? I'm surprised the girls are sleeping now and not hanging off the chandeliers (or ikea lampshades in my case.)
Anyway this picture is called 'the owl in the rain' and may or may not be in my store one day.

Are you going?

2009-11-14T15:54:00.001+11:00

If so I will see you there! I'm hoping for a weekend trip up to Canberra in January 2010. The Musee d'Orsay was so wonderful when I went to Paris 4 years ago and I'm so excited to have a piece of it in Australia.

I like....Birds on the wire

2009-11-12T01:02:00.002+11:00

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

Marise Maas

2009-11-10T11:42:00.000+11:00

One of my favorite Melbourne artists Marise Maas is having an exhibition at the Flinders lane Gallery in Melbourne from November 10 - 28.
I love how in her gallery blurb it says 'Maas refuses to quantify the meaning and purpose of her images. Rather, like the works themselves, the artist allows her examination of form and matter to filter into the structure of paint and line.'
Yes, yes, yes! This rings so true to me.
Oh, if only I had a few thousand dollars to spend on her beautiful artwork!!
Hope to see you there.
Beyond Black
oil on canvas
75 cm x 100 cm
Task 2008
oil on canvas
100 cm x 150 cm
Long Sleeved 2008
oil on canvas
150 x 200cm

Playing around with some new pieces.

2009-11-07T14:29:00.005+11:00

Fun, fun, fun! Playing around with a few of my pieces, really enjoying heading into more of a collage territory.

A little shop called lark

2009-11-06T15:35:00.002+11:00

Vintage ladybird greeting cards.
Birdie dress kit by Clothskits.
Fleur Tortoise.
I heart op shops tote.
Paris greeting cards.
Lisa Jones tea towels.
Crochet granny squares blanket.

I found this lovely little shop called Lark, quite a few things that I could definitely buy.
Lark aims to make products that are not only beautiful and well-made, but also socially and environmentally responsible. Recycled, handmade, organic, fairtrade and sweatshop free. So it's all good.

Flickr favorites

2009-11-05T22:31:00.002+11:00

1. Kenny Tooltail, 2. doe, 3. The Bookbinder's Daughters, 4. Ready To Fly, 5. custom horse, 6. 15, 7. 6, 8. 'living' mini gift card set, 9. Trees, 10. urban totem, 11. Untitled, 12. "The Odd Couple" Mounted and finished, 13. Golden Deer, 14. duet, 15. Scan0018aaa, 16. sleep ride deliver

I like....tattoos

2009-11-04T16:14:00.004+11:00

As you know I recently got a new tattoo, it was of my daughters drawings and was rather personal. I rarely see tattoos that really excite me, I'm not a fan of your typical tattoos, I rather prefer it to be a unique piece of interesting art which is why I was so excited to find this tattoo over at the Hello Tiger blog. It is amazing and represents exactly what a tattoo should be (to me). They are based on an image from the Swedish cups below. The original blog piece can be found here

Inspirational ceramicist

2009-11-02T14:51:00.004+11:00

Beautiful sculptures by Holly Anderson Jorde.
Scandinavian Clown Lotus,
stonewareYellow Lotus Throne,
stoneware
Autumnal Lotus
stoneware
Spotted Dragon Lotus,
Oxidation fired stoneware, wood (balls), acrylic paint, velvet flocking
Honey Sap Lotus,
Oxidation fired stoneware, wood (balls), gold leaf, acrylic paint

Etsy vintage finds

2009-11-01T14:26:00.005+11:00

'A day in Paris' from FromGraytoGold 'Salt and pepper shaker mini porcelain basset hound dog' from nuudee 'Woven Floral Multicolor Basket' from Hindsvik 'Mid century silver horse' from Pardon my vintage
Found these beauty's on Etsy, I especially love the mid century silver horse but can I justify buying it? Probably not!

Crayon cupcakes

2009-10-29T18:38:00.002+11:00

I found this 'recipe' via the web and it looked like a lot of fun, I thought it's a good way to use up all the little bits of used crayons that I don't use anymore. But do you think the girls liked them? NO they did not, they found them hard to hold on to and the novelty wore off pretty fast, (actually it didn't even start!). Anyway I did enjoy making them.

Inspirational artists

2009-10-28T21:13:00.008+11:00

Beautiful monotone illustrations from Toshiyuki Fukuda

Flickr favorites

2009-10-25T13:42:00.003+11:00

1. Small Brown Dog Stretching, Montmartre, Paris, France, 2. Old French Beggar Woman, Paris, France, 3. ql-view1, 4. Laville de la Plaigne on the Quai de la Megisserie - Paris in 1956, 5. 60s ad : Opéra, a Coryse Salomé perfume, 6. Frida Doll, 7. Mexican Angel - Study, 8. Paris, 1953 - Black Magic Woman, 9. tansturm dress, 10. Hand feeding, 11. Restaurant Le Moulin Joyeux - Montmartre, Paris France in 1958, 12. animal statue in Gramercy park, 13. St Mary's Church, Kempley, 14. this network is a safety net, 15. New York City June 2008, 16. tour eiffel from room 704

Op shops

2009-10-21T22:13:00.002+11:00

I love op shops, it is the unknown, what little treasure will I find. I think I prefer shopping in op shops to brand shops. I love a surprise. Anyway here are a few of my favorite recent purchases.

Meet me at Mikes meme

2009-10-18T14:52:00.011+11:00

This is a meme called 'My Place & Yours' suggested by Pip over at Meet me at mikes. This weeks theme is 'On the shelf'. All you do is go to Pips website, sign up then post your interpretation of the theme on your blog. Fun!
So here is my shelf, it was a photo I found on my camera taken a couple of weeks ago. My girls had fun decorating the pantry with all manner of things. I'm still finding little animals behind boxes and in boxes!

Etsy fashion finds

2009-10-16T14:19:00.021+11:00

'Romantic wanderer' by SeaOfTales (I bought this one!)
'Red petal top' by brightpirate

'Love is...Black M' by cocoricooo

'Rufflin tunic' by sohomode

'Simple French Red Loungers for Women sizes XS - XL' by gomonkeydesign

'Like a French Melody Capelet' by HandKnitsThatBlossom

'Red pocket long skirt in beige less is more' by idea2lifestyle

Would you like to completely revamp your wardrobe? I would lovvve it, and I would start with these beautiful handmade clothes from etsy sellers. Actually I have already started with the top dress!

Post your art

2009-10-08T19:03:00.003+11:00

I feel like such a star, 4 newspapers have done articles about my winning art piece 'Hold my hand, it will be alright collage'. So, what did I win, well my image will be reproduced on 5000 postcards and distributed all around the land (well Macedon ranges) to promote a local new arts blog site. This is fantastic in terms of exposure for my work as I'm sure you would agree that this is sometimes the hardest part of being an artist.
Details of the show and other winners can be found here.

Bye bye Bodgie

2009-10-06T17:09:00.010+11:00

Beautiful 'Bodgie', my Mums Australian terrier died on the weekend going up against a big brown snake. He was a really sweet dog, kept many a snake from Mum and Dads door but this one was just too big. The snake didn't survive so Bodg put up a good fight, Dad buried him in my old school blazer with Semper fidelis on the pocket, faithful always. Quite apt.

Flickr favorites

2009-09-29T23:25:00.010+10:00

1. every now is then, 2. the middleman, 3. temporary residence, 4. Jardin des Tuileries - Paris, 5. Rue de Rivoli, 6. Un couple / Un manège, 7. Ilulissat, Greenland, 8. narwhal, 9. Spring is coming to Paris, 10. flower market in Paris, 11. rainbowheads, 12. Fake Plastic Trees, 13. Woodland Creature by Astulabee, 14. elk 2, 15. Wild Bunch for Zuni, 16. Ciccio Garrone

Tattoos

2009-09-27T20:17:00.011+10:00

Well here are the new tatts. They are fully healed now and the itching has stopped thank goodness! I think my daughters did a great job on the design, the problem now is they want their own!! They keep asking for the tattoo pen, so we have had a lot of texta drawing on the body lately.

2009-09-25T11:01:00.014+10:00

This is a quick water color that I did when I was thinking about a recent discussion I had about wearing fur, it got me thinking about the absurdity of this fashion trend.
I plan on doing more pictures based on the theme of animal welfare so stay tuned!
Click on the top photo to get a better look at the picture.

Udessi art gallery

2009-09-03T11:37:00.009+10:00

Very excited that my work is now available on the Udessi online gallery. It is an Australian art gallery representing such artists as feed the dog, gretchenmist and tsk tsk, some of my favorites. Have a look around and discover some beautiful work from Aussie artists.

2009-08-26T17:40:00.020+10:00

This is an interesting little exercise that I found via meet me at mikes .Take the first word, making, cooking, drinking etc and add your own wording after it. Just copy and paste it onto your own blog. Let me know what you have written. The interpretation is up to you, I look forward to reading your responses.

Making: my new tattoo design.
Cooking: as little as possible.
Drinking: way too much coffee.
Reading: 'Through the looking glass', again!
Wanting: an apartment overlooking the Tuileries gardens.
Looking: rather messy.
Playing: Kate Miller-Heidke.
Wasting: my time cleaning.
Sewing: crazy felt costumed creatures.
Wishing: shyness hadn't consumed so much of my life.
Enjoying: watching Deadwood on DVD.
Waiting: for my daughter to grow out of Barbie.
Liking: the amazing questions my daughters ask.
Wondering: if Pip minds me copying her by saying "me thinks" a lot.
Loving: my girls.
Hoping: that one day I will understand the difference between to and too.
Marveling: at women who can juggle being a mum and having a career.
Needing: sleep.
Smelling: patchouli perfume, hmmm lovely.
Wearing: red shoes.
Following: the trail of mess spread around my house.
Noticing: the world moving very quickly around me.
Thinking: I've got it all figured out.
Knowing: that I really don't.
Feeling: happy that Spring is on it's way.
Bookmarking: french apartments.
Opening: another jar of nutella.
Giggling: at inappropriate moments.

Tree girl print

2009-08-22T17:14:00.010+10:00

A new oil pastel print which is available in my etsy and madeit shops. I also sent this one off to a competition in Peppermint magazine so fingers crossed.

Doggies

2009-08-18T23:22:00.007+10:00

I am just a tiny bit addicted to dog art, this is just a small example of some of my own dog art. If you have any pieces, drop me a line and I'd love to have a look.

2009-08-13T12:26:00.009+10:00

My new felt creature is off to a shop in South Yarra called Bebe to enter the retail trade competition. Good luck little Grey man!
My material has just arrived from Spoonflower, it was a quick design I whipped up amalgamating a few of my pastel people and I am really happy with it. They ship from America and actually the prices aren't that bad but I would love to know if there are any similar company's in Australia. Thinking about cushion covers!
I've a horrible cold at the moment, but it's raining outside so that makes me happy.

Childrens book

2009-08-08T10:12:00.008+10:00

Childrens book illustrations are hugely influential in my art and I found this marvelous one the other day. It is called 'The Grey Boy' and it is illustrated by Gusti and written by Lluis Farre.
Gusti combines paint, pencil and collage in beautiful fresh, free drawings.

Handmade bushfire help

2009-08-05T17:11:00.006+10:00

With the Victoria bush fires affecting so many of us at the beginning of the year I was very pleased to come across this web site called handmade help. I found it via Pip Lincolnes Meet me at Mikes blog. It is a way the handmade crafty community can contribute to raising money for those affected by the fires in a number of ways.
Do go and have a look, and if you can, add their widget to your blog, it directs more traffic to their site which all helps!

Originally uploaded by Raja Daja

Originally uploaded by Raja Daja

French Conchords

2009-08-03T22:16:00.004+10:00

There was some little cricket match on TV tonight so Flight of the conchords was not on. :(
So here is a little bit of French conchords to enjoy!

Ditte Isager photos

2009-07-31T22:23:00.001+10:00

As you may have guessed I love Paris and I have found an photographer called Ditte Isager who has taken some photos that capture my idea of Paris. I don't think there is a single cafe in Paris that doesn't have the chairs in the last photo! For more of his work click on the link.

The wonderful Julia Pott

2009-07-30T15:25:00.010+10:00

I have just received these wonderful Julia Pott prints in the mail along with some animation stills which was a fantastic and lovely surprise! I have always loved Julia's work and this is the second lot I have bought off her, the first being a set of cards but this time I went for the A3 and A4 prints and I'm so glad I did. They are going to look stunning once I go to ikea for some frames! On receiving the stills I you tubed Julia and was blown away by her work and have included my favorite animation for you to have a look at. Anything that includes the Eiffel tower wins me over but the rest of the video really affected me.
It is exciting to find an artist who is so inspirational to me, I am very impressed with what this young lady is doing and I am glad to have found her via etsy and own some of her amazing art.

Etsy plushies

2009-07-28T21:27:00.006+10:00

I haven't made any dolls for a while but I do like to have a look around etsy to see what people are coming up with. These 4 are wonderful examples of the diverse range of plushes that etsy artists are coming up with.
1. Mr. hare by mummysam
2. Giovanni by JSartist
3. Henry doll by marysgranddaughter
4. Baby Massimo Ghost Clown by JunkerJane

Book by it's cover gems

2009-07-26T11:30:00.001+10:00

If you have never gone to the website Book by it's cover you are in for a real treat. Julia Rothman has collected the most beautiful array of books that you could ever find. These 6 are a tiny example of what she has to show you. Do go and have a look!
Julia is also a wonderful illustrator and pattern designer.
1. A Come Rinoceronte/ A is for Rhinoceros by Harriet Russell
2. The Old Animals Forest Band by Sirish Rao and Durga Bai
3. The Utterly Useless Counting Book Harriet Russell (again)
4. Sketchbook Series by Ana Botezatu
5. The Little Flower King by Květa Pacovská
6. Love by Lowell A. Siff and Gian Berto Vanni

New pastel print, but what to call it?

2009-07-23T15:20:00.005+10:00

This is my latest drawing which will soon be available in my shop as a print. I'm not sure what to call it so I am open to suggestions. If you choose a title and I use it I will send you an A6 size print! So think away and leave your comments below.

Flight of the conchords

2009-07-22T13:18:00.008+10:00

Enjoy!

Sweet childrens book

2009-07-21T00:00:00.002+10:00

Written and illustrated by Ann Campbell. Beautiful, simple lino cut artworks.

New print

2009-07-14T14:04:00.007+10:00

This is one of my favorites, it's called friends. Available in my madeit and etsy stores.

One of these could be yours....

2009-07-07T15:18:00.008+10:00

Would you like a free print? Who wouldn't!
Well, all you have to do is put a comment on this post about why you would like a print and in a weeks time I will choose the best answer and a print of your choice from my store will be flying to your house.
So for example you could write: Darling Vanessa, I would like a print because you have always been my favorite artist and another print would be a great addition to my collection.
Love your number one fan.
Now if only one person comments they will get the print, if two people comment maybe I can stretch it to two free prints but if three or more people comment then games on! And if no one comments I will keep the print all to myself (evil laugh)
Good luck.

Well hello there

2009-07-07T12:41:00.008+10:00

It's been so long I forgot my blogger password, not good!
So
where
have
I
been.....
Physically in the same spot but mentally all over the place,
looking after the girls,
renovations,
new dog, Daisy (a basset which explains a lot),
looking after the girls,
kindergarten,
winter hibernation,
chook massacre (Daisy 1, fox 3),
looking after the girls,
new chooks,
and plan laziness!
But I am back and the plan (he he) is to work and expose myself to many and all. (Just to clarify, that's art exposure!!)
More news to come....

She has settled in very well!

2009-03-04T18:46:00.007+11:00

I had to laugh at this Leunig cartoon, what an awful few weeks it has been.

Some new oil pastel drawings

2008-12-09T23:41:00.010+11:00

Etsy finds

2008-11-16T23:04:00.024+11:00

I haven't made any dolls for ages but here are some interesting soft sculpture/dolls from etsy artists who are working.
'Wool houses in a row' by cocoondesigns'Mini Tristan' by mummysam
'Countryside travel (wreath)' by Rainbowbox'Andy' by simplijessi
'Monsters Finnigan and Toulouse' by JunkerJane

Diddly squat

2008-11-03T21:50:00.011+11:00

What have you been up to lately? Me, well diddly squat sums it up. Look at my desk, nothing! Now when I say nothing I mean nothing creative, I've done lots of other stuff, mostly Mum stuff and it's been quite nice.
Spent today clearing and tidying the back yard for summer, getting rid of the warm hiding places for those nasty joe blakes. I can handle red backs, found one under a rock while I was clearing, but snakes, urhhhhhhh, they fill me with total fear.
Anyway gotta go, Louis Theroux's on.

A lovely childrens book

2008-10-05T21:50:00.006+11:00

Here is a real gem in my favorite children s book selections; 'The Red Balloon' by Albert Lamorisse. The photos in the book are stills from the movie of the same name which is one of my favorite movies.
Oh, and also if you haven't seen the movie I thought I would include it as well, it only goes for about 30 minutes so enjoy!

My big helper

2008-09-30T12:03:00.011+10:00

"What are you doing?" I called to my daughter from the kitchen, "I'm helping" was the reply she yelled from my studio, "You forgot to put faces on one of your drawings"!!!Hmmmm, as they grow everything has to go higher!

Meet Vern, Ian and Little Lily

2008-09-27T00:28:00.006+10:00

Some new friends in my etsy shop.

A lovely Spring day in my garden

2008-09-25T21:07:00.010+10:00

Saleeeee

2008-09-18T22:49:00.006+10:00

As the sign says I am having a sale in my etsy shop. All postage has been halved which makes a big difference if you live outside Australia and would like to buy one of my costumed friends. So have a look while it lasts.

Damn you etsy and your talented artists!

2008-09-11T17:43:00.014+10:00

These are some of my recent purchases from etsy, every time I sell something I go and buy something else. Probably not a good business plan but I can't resist.''Girl Lost In a Daydream - ACEO' by artatelier
Isn't she lovely.
'I'm Right Behind You' by blackoutwell
I love this work, very simple line work with bold color.
'Pulling Strings -BRUCE' by blackoutwell
This was a gift in my package, thank you very much.
'The owl and the pussycat double portrait' by yellow monday
This was a fathers day present for my partner because we were born a year and a day apart!'Vintage Needlepoint Paris Scenes Handbag' by nicannmardee
I am addicted to the Eiffel tower and this bag is beautiful and in really good condition for its age.
'I am hating this', 'No', 'Will you marry me?' and 'I am not thinking about you', a selection of Julia Pott cards.
What can I say about Julia Pott, amazing comes to mind.

Some of my favorites

2008-08-30T23:01:00.003+10:00

In my side panel I have a list of some of my favorite artists and I thought I would show you some of their work just in case you haven't looked. I think they are wonderful, I hope you agree!Sara Fanelli, 'AGI Paris Poster'
Eduardo Recife, 'Out of honey' Hannah Barton
James Gulliver Hancock, 'Flock'

Patterns from the Olympics

2008-08-25T21:53:00.008+10:00

These images are taken from the Boston Globe website. Such beautiful patterns, I especially love the top one.

Meet no name

2008-08-25T13:40:00.010+10:00

My daughter helped make this on the weekend, she designed it and chose her favorite color, yellow and all I did was sew it. I love it, I think she has out designed me!

Ryantown skirt

2008-08-24T10:17:00.001+10:00

What a beautiful skirt, it is available from Ryantown. Maybe too nice to wear but I would hang it on my wall.

Meet Ben and Alfie

2008-08-22T12:29:00.008+10:00

Here is Ben and Alfie, they are both available in my etsy shop.

Meet Pascal

2008-08-18T16:32:00.007+10:00

'Pascal' is now available in my etsy store. He is my ode to 'The Red Balloon'.
UPDATE 20/8/08 'Pascals' been sold. He is off to sunny Queensland.

Meet George

2008-08-17T11:53:00.014+10:00

'George' is for sale in my etsy store, he is wearing his Christmas tree costume while he sits under a lovely hardenbergia plant in his garden.This is 'Wolfy' who isn't in my shop yet because he is still recovering from a bee related episode!

My new costumed friends

2008-08-12T21:40:00.009+10:00

Hurray, my eight new friends in their finest costumes are finished, I still have to photograph them individually and I think only three of them are ready to go in my etsy shop. When I make a few more I will spread them out over my other shops but at the moment all my sales are coming through etsy so that is the place to put them. Now, what are their names....

Craft Victoria Exhibition

2008-08-11T13:38:00.011+10:00

Craft Victoria has an exhibition on at the moment called, 'In the making: Members exhibition'. It runs from Friday 8 August - Saturday 6 September 2008. It is an exhibition component of 'A Month About Making' and my sister has a piece in it (below) that is quite beautiful. I have included a couple of other pieces that I also like. Yvette De Lacy, 'Enraptured'
Materials/techniques: Porcelain, oxide, hand built.
'Udder' Fliss Dodd, 'fabric-ation'.
Materials/techniques: Recycled fabrics, 100% wool scarf.
Marianne Huhn, 'ideas in the making'.
Materials/techniques: four paper sewn cups - watercolour paper and quilting thread.