"Bird in a Gilded Cage"

I received this from friend Linda, whom I regularly swap ATCs with.

While not strictly one of those, it's nevertheless a little work of art!

 The flowers feel like suede, the centres are like tiny pearly bottle tops and obviously the lady within the cage is the bird.

Steampunk... maybe not!

A friend is running a Steampunk ATC swap, so to get started for the year, I thought I would join up.
 Mmmm.... had 3 goes and became frustrated that I could not seem to get it together.
Here are the two I did manage to complete...

Some inspiration for you!

I'm always amazed at the enthusiasm of this Aussie lass!
She's so generous with her time and knowledge and I'm sure she won't mind my sharing her blog with you direct, so to speak.
http://www.sparkletart.com/
When  you feel a bit stale or looking for a new direction, here's where to go!
Kate has some wonderful resources and even if not used by you, it's a great place to just look and say "Wow"

Enjoy the site and please leave a comment when you visit her blog :)

That time of year!

I must say I have enjoyed my 'rest' from arty endeavours, but am looking forward to January, when I can once again be creative.

I was pleased to hear that some of the cards I made during the year were sold and the proceeds went towards an under-priviledged child swimming with dolphins.

http://www.bayplay.com.au/dolphin-swims.html

Our 'new' Australian Cattle dog Missy, was spayed on Monday and there have been a few wakeful nights by us, as she recovers from surgery.
She's a delight to have as a family member and we are looking forward to a long life together :)

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for dropping in and wish one and all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012.


                                            

What I'm knitting..

These are little beanies for premature babies at the local Mater Mother's Hospital.
They only take about an hour to make and very little wool.
A friend crochets hers and about once a month a bundle are sent off to the hospital.
I've lost count of how many I've made, but am pleased to be doing something useful in the wider community.
PS - since I stopped knitting, my hands are fine! Point proven :)

I AM being crafty!

It's just that  my hand is giving me grief, and I can only think it's from the knitting I do at night in front of TV.
My Christmas cards are all made and waiting to be placed in envelopes.

Last year I was blessed with the gift of an embossing folder I really, really wanted, but was not able to buy here.
A sweet friend sent me one, from the UK, so i made a start there and then in mid December last year.
Consequently, I can sit back and be smug...lol
In saying that though, I did make a heap before I had surgery, so I have a variety.

Today I'm off to a crafty afternoon with a group of  friends and to catch up with another from the UK who is visiting and see what's new in the card-making world in her neck of the woods. 

New family member!

Oh dear, we finally succumbed and adopted an Australian Cattle Dog, which was found on the road side where our daughter walks her dog.
Read about the breed here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog

After a week of waiting for phone calls/visits from any former owner (details left with the area Council, RSPCA and local Vet) we brought her home with us last Saturday.

She's about 18 months old, very affectionate and  understands basic commands.
We had her to the local Vet for check-up and vaccinations on Monday and of course bought all the accoutrements for a dog, as you do!

                                      MISSY - short for Misua, a type of Chinese noodle

We are all adapting very well and she's been for walks on the beach and chases the birds, which we are trying to discourage.
After all, they do come from Siberia and earn a rest...lol

Yes, Blue is a bit wary of her, but she knows that he is off  limits - quick learner :)

PS daughter's dog is called Noodle, so they were tentatively looking for a name similar, in case they decided to keep her