Weekend wonderland

It has been a simply lovely weekend!

The week that has just past had its moments - both my fella and I went to funerals, some of my clients at work were quite sick. I felt that I was not getting enough sleep. We also had a house inspection so there was mad cleaning to be done. All we have to do is clean the fans though, so we passed the inspection with flying colours. But all told, there was too much going on in the week for me to take time to smell the roses (and coffee and freshly baked cakes...).

So for the weekend, we took it easy. Friends from down south came to visit. They are in a band, and had two gigs in Darwin. It has been a while since I've done anything out on the town, and seeing friends play some energetic live shows was great. It was also a joy to hang out and encourage each other. Plus, lots of swimming in the pool - there is nothing like a dip at 1 a.m. Check out what they are doing here http://www.skippinggirlvinegar.com/ They too have a thing for owls, much to my delight. My plan is to craft them a stuffie to arrive in owlie post this week.

I also enjoyed the local Saturday morning markets - a local busking, lots of organic bananas, hot laksa, tropical flowers such as these. My favourite snack would have to be a veggie samosa, thin pastry, hot potato and curry powder filling, a little bit of grease. Washed down with a fresh juice, perhaps mango, lime and honey. At this time of year, there are three local markets over two days. The famous local markets will start again in the next two weeks as the dry season hits. There is little better than sitting on Mindil beach eating a steamy dinner with friends as the sun sets over the ocean. Wow, Darwin is amazing!

Now it's off to church. Then SYTYCD and some sewing. I've found a great blog which has tips for fabric Easter eggs. http://www.retro-mama.blogspot.com/ This will be my project for tonight while cheering for some amazing dancers. The plan I have is to send off boxes of these eggs as substitutes for chocolate this week. It is perhaps a little too ambitious, but you never know.

Owlie, owlie, owlie, owl

Lots of sewing, lots of owls. I've just finished the third owl stuffie and am becoming more confident in my stuffie abilities. I love the character that their faces have, and that a very different owl can result from a combination of fabric prints and colours. Two of them are headed overseas. Another will find it's home in the Parkes's place (as mentioned previously). I'm contemplating making a few more, perhaps a gifties for siblings. I have a sister or two who may appreciate an owl for a stuffie.

What is it about owls that is so appealing? That they tend to be reclusive and evasive? That they command power and respect? They they feature in Harry Potter? Owls are generally loved by many craftsters and artists. They appear on many prints and fabric items. I have the most loveliest teeshirt with a wise owl on it, and I wear it with pride.

Collaging until my fingers stick together...

I have been under the pump creating two postcards tonight. Both of which were swaps and need to be sent today. Unfortunately there are late, but only just. I don't like sending things out late though...

The scope was to create two handmade, collage postcards that are okay to send envelop free in the mail. I find this is a challenge with collages due to their tacky nature and the tiny pieces. None the less, they may survive. I've also printed off a copy of each to have following just in case all the bits get caught in other mail and ruin the post.

My first swap recipient is a woman from the US who just happens to like owls! So thrilled by this. I have created another image similar to the blog header, although this owl is less bashful and more a dancing owl. His skinny little legs make him look like he could be taking off to a chicken dance. The background is from a catalogue of northern Australian aboriginal art. I've been contemplating putting the Rudd bonus towards some art. Thus I've been visiting a few galleries to get ideas of what art is available and what interests me. Art could be a good investment in these hard financial times...

The second postcard is more of a wistful girl. She is quite young, loving hearts and horses (I think all girls go through these phases). Her hair is quite chic though. I've not collaged people for a long time. When I was in year 10 at school I collaged a self-portrait but have not done one since. I feel collaging wistful, whimsical girls could become my newest favourite collage subject.

Enjoy the images. Get out the glue. Scatter minuscule pieces of paper all over the floor (if only I had a cleaner...). Put on a movie in the background. Collage, craft and create.