 Befitting to my scattered end of year pace, I am finally putting down my thoughts and reflections on my 52 weeks of creative rhythm and focus.
Though the rhythm escaped me about 3/4 of the way along, this has been an awesome project. I have, in my usual muddled way, been keeping the creativity flowing fairly consistently over the year and my productivity profited. I feel I’ve developed some good habits and learnt a lot about how I function. I’ve been frustrated at times, trying to keep up, get things finished and stick to my timeline but at the end of the day, I guess it’s ok if the structure adapts to me and vice versa, depending on how life is cruising. Setting goals has been helpful, whether they are monthly, weekly or daily. I don’t always always manage to get through them all but it keeps me on track. Overall, I enjoyed the process of creating the most. I made wonderful and original pieces, some with more loose edges than others and even made a few sales. I gave myself momentum, so though the rhythm and focus weren’t always spot on, I was still able to pace myself and continue.
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We created some pieces for Christmas market exhibitions in local galleries. Artemis had some jewellery and I made mini notebooks, hand bound journals and textile jewellery. We also included things we’d made previously.
If you are looking for unique gift ideas in the new year, some of these are still available in Pegboard Gallery at Freckles Coffee Spot. Otherwise, send us an email if you like to see more or make an order.  We spent a lovely day hanging out with Meg in her warm and inviting space, enjoying fresh from the garden home cooking, as well as chatting and brainstorming about paper making and bookbinding for future workshops. I walked her through Coptic stitch binding so she could get a feel for it. Once you have figured out the pattern, the process isn’t that complicated and, as they say, practice makes perfect.
I’m not sure when I made my first book, do simple childhood ones count? I’ve loved letter writing, stationery and creative writing for as long as I can remember. I experimented with paper making and bookbinding at uni, but it was during the time of our creative writing association Amotissé in France, that I became serious and began some bookbinding courses. Exposed stitch bindings are my favourites. I had long admired Coptic bound books, so learning the technique was exciting and I have made a few since. I am slowly teaching myself other bindings, scouring and collecting resources and playing around with textured mixed media covers. There will definitely be more to come.  Lemon tree very pretty...with a mischievous masked minette!
Bright, happy, fragrant Preserved lemons Lemon and mint water Morocan mint tea Refreshing, zesty, a bit of bite Bitter, sour, tart Old style lemon tree Gnarly skin, very thick Spindly, flourished Best so far Shredded paper Soak in water Blend to mulch with beaters or mixer into pulp Test for porridge like consistency Add pulp to water in basin Use mould and deckle to lay the paper Couch onto felts, (fabric, chux wipes or boards in kit) Sponge excess water Continue laying paper Put into press to squeeze out water Hang to dry Iron flat and/or press
Four poster bed canopy
Old lacy curtains Calico Ribbon Lace This time I’m going for fairy tale boho extravagance. Feminine and romantic, soft textures with plenty of reusing and reinventing. I’ve taken the necessary measurements and mapped out a plan. The hanging sides are all good, now I just need to add the top with ties and trims. Photos pending... Transforming something old into something new provides a certain satisfaction unlike any other.
Sometimes it only requires a few small tweaks, sometimes blood, sweat and tears are needed. Being able to see, to imagine things differently, to give new life and purpose is a real super power. Far from the realm of fairy tales, once upon a dry and dusty time in the Central West of NSW, people came from far and near to attend the Scubber’s Ball. And scrubup nicely they did! The old town hall was swarming with activity, the band was playing, people were dancing, drinking, eating and having a fun old time. Money was raised for the drought relief and everyone was able to shake off their worries for the evening. Creative fun was discovered by those who wandered over to my little photo booth corner, nothing like a few accessories to help people let their hair down. There were a few barefooted dancers by the end of the night but I don’t think anyone lost their shoes! (Can you see last weeks backdrop in the photos?)
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AuthorFor me, it seems there is not much difference between wondering and wandering. It has always helped me find inspiration. Creative dabbling is good for the soul, I couldn't imagine life without it and often surprise myself by what I come up with. Archives
February 2022
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