cloudburst beauty

Laters : Tears of a clown

2009-11-09T19:13:00.002+11:00

Just a quickie to say I've decided to finish this blog. Art, illustration, photography, etc, are a much-loved hobby, but in the end another blog called my name. I'm focusing my energy on a wellness blog that ties in with my job. So although I'll miss meeting incredibly talented peeps here, I know the move is right.

Thanks to everyone who read this blog, and big hugs to the amazing crafty people who took the time to answer my questions and let me plaster their works all over the cloudburst. Follow your dreams amigos!

See you here: cravingsandinspiration.blogspot.com

xxx

Sketchy : Give good

2009-10-01T09:59:00.006+10:00

I'm the happiest aunt ever. I spent Sunday to Tuesday at my bro's place in the Hunter Valley playing with my little niece and gardening with my sis-in-law. Sunshine and mulberries, she's so cute! My sis-in-law and niece stayed with us last night and I'm about to have morning tea with them. Perhaps later when they head back to the country I might get some work done. In the mean time, I wanted to share these divine pics with you.

I love Shelli's - aka Studio Mela - work. Her illustrations are fresh, spunky and a whole lotta beautiful. I wish I had the innate ability to work with colour, but alas, I don't know much. I just work with what I love and hope it all goes together. I also wish I had the ability to not procrastinate, but that's another kettle altogether.

Back to Shelli... you should head here if you want to see more of her illos, here to check out her blog and here to see some cute and colourful mini cards.

Pics from top down: Hello Sunshine, So Very Happy, Curiosity and Give Good

Snapshot : Hey doll face

2009-09-24T14:29:00.010+10:00

I was in a crowded cafe today having lunch with a friend. My beautiful friend was chatting away about numerology and the planets and the girl behind her looked over at me a few times, uncomfortable with our proximity. It would have been the usual case of person goes to delicious cafe, person forgets how popular cafe is, person sits unsure of self listening in on others wondering why they're so open and chatty, person sips coffee and makes a run for it. Except the girl behind my friend had loads of make-up on, really nicely done, but not suitable for anything outside a Friday night or fashion shoot. Glancing around the cafe she just looked at odds. With herself mostly.

It's amazing what we communicate with just our eyes, and often don't realize it. A glance can convey all the love or hurt in the world... make-up doesn't hide any of it, it only illuminates how you feel.

And here we have a coupla dolls, gazing down a Polaroid's lens, conveying a novel full of sassy story lines. Hilarous! I'm a sucker for a beautifully shot flower, but flowers and doll faces together? Heaven. Meet the super sweet lady behind these pics... Nancy of Futurowoman Fotographie

What do you love about Texas?

I am a native Californian, so Texas is an adopted home. One of the things I really love about Texas is that people here have a "live and let live" attitude about life. There is a strong streak of "don't tell me what to do, and I won't tell you what to do" in the Texas identity, and I love that. People are very friendly, and Texas is so diverse! You meet people from everywhere, everyday--there is something for everyone. Although I miss my home state, Texas is a great place to live!

What makes you laugh?

I love dry, sarcastic humor, and I also laugh at the weird antics of my dogs, a terrier mix named Orson and a whippet named Laika. They are hilarious!

Any hidden talents?

I'm not sure if these are "hidden" talents, but I love to cook, and in the past couple of years, I've gotten into making preserves. I love to pick fresh fruit and make jams! This summer, I've also gotten into making homemade ice creams! My favorite so far has been Absinthe Ice Cream.

Favorite subject to photograph?

I love to take photos of my dogs, both artistically and as personal family heirlooks. I also adore old vintage signs, botanical subjects, and the sky. Basically, I just love to take photographs! :)

Polaroids from top down: Blythe / Gentle River "Who, me?", Peony, Blythe "Hello Bitches" and Purple Artichoke.

More: futurowoman.etsy.com

Sketchalot : Fun-loving bohemians

2009-09-22T11:37:00.009+10:00

I've been watching seeds sprout and I can't even explain how exciting it is to have a vegie garden in its early stages... in our backyard! We've got parsley, capsicum, chilli, tomatoes, snow peas, butter beans, green beans, rocket, cucumber, baby carrots and spring onion so far. Thrilling! One day I'll make a salad from it all and that'll be super delicious.

Speaking of fresh, how ace are these illos by Vanessa, aka Inkblot? I like Vanessa from sunny Brighton. It appears we have a few things in common: jogging, red nail polish, pistachio ice cream, polar bears, math... but enough about the sisterhood, here's Vanessa in her own words...

What's to love about Brighton?
Brighton is the kind of place where 'anything goes', it is truly bohemian and has a thriving creative culture. The combination of the multicultural, fun-loving, friendly inhabitants, the huge community of artists and the sea and fresh air is extremely inspiring indeed. I have grown up here and love it. Also all the museums and shops in London are only a short train journey away.

Who inspires you?
My family inspires me. My siblings are all ambitious and hard-working and very encouraging and supportive of my achievements, talents and goals. I particularly admire people who have become successful from having nothing and coming from poor backgrounds and working their way up by sheer hard work and determination.

There are also many Etsy artist/designers that inspire me. I think the work of Betsy Walton is incredible, it makes me feel like I am dreaming, it is so weird and beautiful. I came across Art and Ghosts recently, which is also amazing, dark and beautiful. I love the work of Brandi Strickland for her unusual and vibrant collages.
(PS Brandi was featured on Cloudburst Beauty back in April... for the interview go here).

Any hidden talents?
I do not have many 'exciting' hidden talents... I think I must put all my energy into my art and design! If I had to find some things, I would say that I think I can run quite fast, have an A-Level in Maths, am an experienced skier and am extremely good (read competitive:-)) at Pictionary and usually on the winning team!

Favourite blogs?
I absolutely love printpattern.blogspot.com and also designspongeonline.com (especially the 'Sneak Peeks'), I have only recently got into reading blogs and have spent more time reading through the archives of these than finding new ones but I know there are loads of cool blogs just waiting to be found! I love yours for a start, so I will have to add it to my list! (Thanks so much V!).

Illos from top down: Teacup, Bloom, Lovebird and Leaf.
More: inkblot.etsy.com

Multitalent : Sweet 'n' whimsical

2009-09-15T13:43:00.010+10:00

Well hello again sweet things, sorry I disappeared for a week. Tre busy here at chez frankie, lots to do and so little time to indulge. (Missed you too.)

There's something so sweet and whimsical about these photographs and drawings. They're soft and fun and I like 'em a lot. They're by Blake at elle.bee in sunny South Florida. Here's the low-down on Blake...

How did you come up with the name of your shop?
The name of the store is elle.bee because some of the artwork is my twin sisters and her name is Lauren and mine is Blake so we took the first letters of our name.

What & who inspires you?
I am inspired by everything around me. I take inspiration from my family and friends. They are usually the ones to encourage me on what to paint next. Painting is probably my favorite of all the arts. I find it very peaceful and a release from the world. I prefer to use acrylic paint, you can never make a mistake, but this goes for all art... I guess. I am going to dabble in more watercolor i think.

What music do you listen to?
I love old music!!!! I grew up listening to classic rock! I'm a huge Beatles fan. Okay a little obsessed! Not like posters, pins, and pens kind of obsessed. More like the music and lyrics and life of them.
Lately I have been listening to and digging people like Etta James, Al Green, and Billy Holiday. AND from our time I have really been enjoying Adele. Her music is so smooth, (listening to her as I type this).

Pics from top down: I want to ride my Bicycle, Pastel 3, Enter and Pastel 1.
More: blakemichaelene.etsy.com

Stilllife : Absolute heaven to me

2009-09-07T11:07:00.010+10:00

It's been a random and mostly awesome weekend. I caught up with friends for a chai in the sun, saw Inglourious Basterds, trecked through the markets, discovered a most excellent crocodile-patterned old suitcase (for $15... will post pics soon), had a father's day picnic on the central coast and to finish it all off gave myself food poisoning. Brilliant!

Speaking of randomly awesome... I'm crazy about these here kitchy cool 70s style prints and iron-on transfers. They're by Mandy in Adelaide: she can be found at her withwallpaper madeit shop (check out the cool gift tags and calendars), etsy store, flickr stream and blog. Buseee! Here is the lovely lady with the inside info...

Has drawing always been a hobby?
A hobby, a compulsion and a vocation. I used to entertain the idea of other occupations, but when I finished high school the idea of just drawing and painting all day was absolute heaven to me. I went to art school and then studied graphic design at university, so I guess it was never going to be anything else.

In what other ways are you creative?
I like to have a nice environment around me at home and you definitely need to be creative on an artist's income. I also try to be creative in my cooking (with mixed results).

What are your fave blogs?
I look at lots of different blogs and websites on a regular basis like theselby & sfgirlbybay. I absolutely love ffffound for inspiration.

What else are you reading?
I like reading autobiographies more than anything else (real life is so much more interesting than fiction!), but lately I have been reading novels set in the 1930s by writers like Evelyn Waugh & Nancy Mitford -I think they are quite semi-biographical anyway.

More: withwallpaper.etsy.com

Dreamvisions : Oddly romantic

2009-09-04T14:05:00.010+10:00

Award-winning, Brooklyn-based photographer Gary Heller captures beauty in the strangest ways. He makes sad and abandoned scenes look oddly romantic and beautiful subjects look fragile and a little gloomy. Either way, I think it creates more depth, a bigger story. If these were in a gallery I'd stop and ponder a while. Here's Gary...

What's your favourite subject to photograph?
Some of my fave things to shoot are things that portray abandonment, isolation and mystery. The specific subjects can vary.

When did you first pick up a camera?
I first picked up the camera seriously at end of 2003.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by many and cannot name anyone specifically. I loved album art and comic/fantasy book art as a kid growing up. I get inspired by things and visions in my dreams as well.

Favourite blogs/books?
I don't get to read nearly as often as I would like but I love mystery, science fiction and thrillers. There are so many great bloggers out there and so many talented artists and photographers that it's hard to keep up with it all. It can get overwhelming.

More (including toilets, barns and bridges): garyhellerphotograph.etsy.com
Pics from top down: The little things in life, Broken promises and Bonsai.

Silverlining : Colour me happy

2009-09-03T14:36:00.010+10:00

There's a beautiful quote by author and artist Kahlil Gibran... Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Like most peeps, I don't like being around anything to do with pain, it's so so hard to experience it or see it in a friend.

When I was retrenched in April, I didn't see the silver lining for a little while. But now I'm living the dream... exceptionally happy writing from home. I can shop on eBay, write my blog, walk my dog, make a smoothie any time I want. So long as I meet my deadlines, I'm free to make my own schedule and that's just the way I like it. Pain is temporary, knowledge is forever.

Now here's a happy artist with a great story to tell... meet Melissa Moss...

The story...
I used to take the slow lane into work. I didn’t care if I was inhaling the fumes of a semi if it meant I would get to work later. Each day my soul seemed a little heavier.

In 2002, my amazing husband helped me realize that not only was I miserable at work, I was miserable just thinking about going back. So after a few freak outs, I left the publishing world to study color psychology and during my course work, discovered my true passion…painting.

Color is my primary artistic element. I’ve studied the meanings and associations of colors and their subtle shades and tones and use this knowledge to convey the mood of each painting.

Who inspires you?
I'm inspired by so many artists and by nature but mostly I'm inspired by my 2 year old son. He just makes it easy (most of the time) to get up in the morning.

How do you indulge?
I love to go to movies by myself. So when I'm feeling like escaping that's what I do. But I've also been reading the Twilight books. Definitely a guilty pleasure.

Favourite blogs?
I usually just look at my friends blogs...Cathy Nichols, Marisa Haedike (Creative Thursday) and Outi Harma. That's about all I have time for.

More more more: melissamoss.etsy.com
Pics from top down: too happy, nice to me, the arrival & baby mine.

Snapshot : Beautiful decay

2009-09-02T11:17:00.010+10:00

You know a movie is something special when it sits with you for a while. Last night we saw such a movie: Beautiful Kate, directed by Rachel Ward, and it was amazing. Shot in Adelaide and the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, starring Ben Mendelsohn, Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths, as well as a few newcomers that will light up the screen again and again, it was quietly romantic, unusual and simply stunning. Ben blew me away, as did newbie Sophie Lowe, and the breathtaking mountainous surrounds, wildlife soundtrack and languid pace.

These amazing pics by Carrie Becker remind me of the set of the film. Cracked, old, weary, mysterious and full of stories. Here's Carrie...

What inspires you?
It's the natural, subtle colour palettes that I see everyday that inspires me.

When did you start playing with cameras?
I began photography as a freshman in college in 1996.

What's your favourite subject to photograph?
I really enjoy documenting "beautiful decay", and/or desolate, isolated spaces.

More: carriembecker.etsy.com
Pics from top down: Two Chairs in Blue Room, Drawer Fronts with Crackled Paint, Haven Modern Motel - Living Room and Storage Shed Interior.

Fryup : Compulsive behaviour

2009-08-31T10:08:00.008+10:00

Let's start this new week with a big high five for me. I've made it a month without alcohol or coffee! I've also eliminated sugar in most of its guises (save for wee nibbles of dark chocolate, occasional scoop of gelato or a touch of maple syrup on my porridge) and a whole bunch of other processed garbage.

And don't I feel good. I've been waking early and jogging most morning with the dog. Energy levels are awesome, thanks for asking. Jeans aren't so snug. Eyes are clear. I can skip past a pub at 5 on a Friday and not cry, order a chai latte at a cafe without eyeballing the coffee beans and I can even get to 3:30 on a Monday without thinking about a block and a half of milk chocolate. It's a little virtuous and a whole lotta fab. Let's see if I can make it to three months.

Now if I had come across Canadian dude Neil, aka Beepart, and his bacon bits a few weeks ago, I would not have looked on his work so favourably. But now I'm able to withstand the sight and smell of bacon without turning into a craving, dribbling mess, I love it. All of it. I love the reclaimed wood, rounded edges and randomness of it all. Go Neil.

Have you always been creative?
I think I started drawing as soon as I could pick up a crayon, it's something I've always done. It's a type of compulsive behaviour. I've always been drawn to the aesthetics of things and wanted to recreate stuff I saw on paper.

What are you most proud of?
What I'm most proud of professionally would be just being able to make a living as a freelance illustrator...when I first started out I wasn't sure it was going to be possible. I'm sure my family wondered too...

What makes you laugh?
Witty, intelligent humour... and South Park too.

Fave blogs?
I have to sheepishly admit that I'm not a big reader of blogs, but I do get email updates from Cupcakes Take the Cake so I can look at tasty cupcakes throughout the day.

FYI I still eat ham... the urges must be cared for somehow.

More: beepart.etsy.com
Pics from top down: bacon, yellow vespa, love sucks and yellow ham

Amateurhour : Frankie says snap

2009-08-28T14:07:00.016+10:00

These roses have been sitting in a little square tealight candle holder all this week, opening slowly. Funny how one little branch with two perfectly imperfect flowers are just so incredible to watch. Ah, it's the little things, innit?

I heard that epsom salts absorb radiation from puter screens and phones. So I prettified some noodle boxes with floral paper, filled them with epsom salts and put one behind each puter in the house. They turn to powder when they've absorbed all they can so you know when to refill. Luckily I found 50kg for a bargain here. I also have a bath with 1kg of epsoms in it every week. And apparently a dip in the ocean is the best way to rid the radiation from your body. Hooray!

Last weekend we were hanging out with puppy (below) at a park. On the way back to the car I saw this diving board that wouldn't look out of place in a 60s motel in Florida. Love the colours. Spring away...

Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are. Successful people are not superhuman. Success does not require a super-intellect. Nor is there anything mystical about success. And success isn't based on luck. Successful people are just ordinary folks who have developed belief in themselves and what they do. Never sell yourself short.
David J. Schwartz

Multitalent : Overwhelming joy

2009-08-26T08:17:00.009+10:00

I haven't discussed my issues with Being a Gemini in a while, but today is the perfect day to do so. Why? you ask. What's wrong? you enquire. Well, let me tell you. It makes me eternally fidgety. Some peeps feel a bit restless here and there, but mine sits with me most of the time. Which means a bunch of good stuff, like I'm flexible, spontaneous, laugh a minute, all that. But it also means that every day has to be different. You'll rarely see me in the same outfit, eat the same meal (certain exceptions exist, namely roast chicken with leek and potato) or watch the same movie twice (alas, Pretty Woman, American Beauty, Pulp Fiction, you can light up my screen any day).

However, I'm right on the Cusp of Taurus. Stubborn, unchanging, persistent, self-indulgent little bulls. So although fleeting, when I find something I like, nay, something I LOVE, I stick to it. Like house-building glue. Until I change my mind of course, but that's another therapy session right there.

Which brings me today's illustration by Kai at KootiesCloset. It's called Modern Love and I'm so in love with it I had to feature it in all three colours. (And look, twin birds, such Gemini appeal). Kai has a treasure trove of an etsy shop, containing bespoke stationery, gift tags and cards, stickers, pocket mirrors and jewellery. So enough of me, here's Kai... (such a sweet name)...

What do you love about art?
The overwhelming joy that manifests in my solar plexus as a result of appreciating or producing it.

What makes you laugh?
The Mighty Boosh!!! Nighty Night, Bill Hicks, Ricky Gervais, Larry David, Russel Brand's Ponderland, anything Douglas Adams, Metalocalypse, Home Movies, David Sedaris, This American Life, Conchords, Zack Galifinakis, silly animal bloopers and 80s pop videos.

Any hidden talents?
Let's see...I can wiggle my ears, write with my toes, sniff out a lie... do these count?
(Absolutement!)

Fave Etsy Shops?
Well, I love my friends, of course - GypsyDreamcrafters and sickboyvintage, and my mom - Enzedr (she's from New Zealand). I also LOVE lakeillustration, matteart, PressaRussa, 12fifteen, FourcrowsArt and too many others to mention, so browse my favourites already!

More: kootiescloset.etsy.com

Inspired : Seeing new things

2009-08-24T09:50:00.009+10:00

I'm a little excited about featuring these magical pics by Dave, aka ©Komatoes. I've started to imagine what I'd do with them if they were mine. I think I'd put Less than perfect, above, on a massive canvas on the wall in my study and Perrrple, below, in a black frame in the living room. Pyramidal Orchid (third) would look dreamy in a limewash/white frame above the bed and Blue grass (bottom) could go on an eco tote I'd take shopping. Deevine. Here's Dave on his talent... (and a couple of my fave quotes to kick off your week).

What do you love about photography?
I love photography because it makes me notice the world around me in a way that makes me appreciate it more. You start to see things that you just wouldn't have seen before.

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a month, get married. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.
Chinese Proverb

When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.
Greg Anderson

Yes, I understand, you need more more more Komatoes. Here you go... flickr.com/photos/dsambells

Curiosity : Meet me at Frankie's

2009-08-20T15:49:00.005+10:00

Among the many gorgeous blogs I check daily, Meet Me At Mikes is a favourite crafty one. It's clever and nice and funny and everything I look for in a friend. The other day they had a post called Here's Where I'm Up To and they encouraged other bloggers to steal their idea (like only a good friend would). So I did. And here's what I'm up to...

Making : A silly card for hubby's birthday tomorrow... drawn with crayon
Cooking : A whole chook with preserved lemon and Herbie's Jamaican Jerk seasoning in the slow roaster
Drinking : Dandelion tea with manuka honey
Reading: Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Wanting: A roomy (massive), dreamy (old yet structurally perfect) three-story terrace on Bourke St to decorate
Looking: For new ways to decorate our current terrace home!
Playing: Little Voice by Sara Bareilles
Wasting: Less and less the older I get
Sewing: Not so much, really
Wishing: These early spring days would go on forever
Enjoying: The sun rising a little earlier each day
Waiting: For an excuse to wear my new Miss Selfridge maxi
Liking: Green & Black's organic dark chocolate with cherries (if by 'liking' you mean 'addicted to and cannot live a day without')
Wondering: What new words my niece is trying out this week
Loving: Stewed apple and rhubard with fresh ginger on my morning porridge
Hoping: I can find a good, local upholsterer for my bargain chairs that won't rip me off
Marvelling: At the nasty sting a paper cut can deliver
Needing: A bandaid
Smelling: The divine Sohum Apple Fig & Vanilla candle on my desk
Wearing: MNG peachy pink cardi, FCUK jeans & ugg boots
Following: The creative lives of angry chickens, pretty things, constant gatherers & funny cats
Noticing: How much happier I am with a kitchen full of organic whole foods
Knowing: Enough about pesticides and hormones... ewww... to stay well away
Thinking: About how much I'll enjoy devouring my new Mindfood mag tonight
Feeling: Good
Bookmarking: Etsy Etsy Etsy, Oi, Oi, Oi
Opening: The glossy black door to No. 9 this morning to meet a friend for brunch was the nicest surprise
Giggling: At the sigh of a sheep toy being tossed about by my staffie

Steal away! Write your own somewhere and let me know so I can check out whatcha doin' xxx
Pic above by me at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

Snappies: Leaving it all behind

2009-08-17T09:33:00.006+10:00

I love a good party. I also love a good surprise, though no-one's ever surprised me (I honestly don't blame them), I've thrown plenty of 'em. Two days ago my dad, bro and I surprised mum for her 60th. It was such a gorgeous lunch in the sunshine. Mum almost fell over when she saw friends who had flown in from Melbourne and Canada (they were our neighbours back in Toronto where I was born). There was a vast amount of wine, smoked trout, roasted meat, baked winter vegies and flourless choc cake consumed. Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops and The Supremes accompanied conversation and laughter ruled the day.

Now don't you just adore these pics by Rebecca of lovely Cornwall? I chose the pastelly party-ish pics to keep me in a fun mood (it's hubby's birthday on Friday). I can only dream of capturing such simple moments so beautifully. Here's a few sweet facts about Rebecca...
What gets you in a creative mood?
Good lighting, sunshine and feeling the wind on my face.

What makes you laugh?
My friends. At the moment Flight of the Conchords and The Chasers War on Everything on BBC4 have been brightening my Tuesday nights.

What's been the highlight of your career?
Leaving it all behind and moving to the seaside.

More fabulousness: flickr.com/photos/rpepperell

Snaplock : Rare 'n' precious

2009-08-13T13:43:00.007+10:00

I've never been more drawn to pastels in my life than in the last six months. Normally I would read quite substantially into such a fact, but not today. No, today is not for introspection. It's a day of sunshine and scrambled eggs and dandelion tea and lovely books (currently devouring Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger). It's also a day for perfectly romantic and sophisticated pics... such as these here by lovely Lynda, aka, Among the Hedgerows

When did you pick up your first camera?
It was while I was studying interior design. I took a photography elective because it looked like fun. I had to borrow a camera for the course but absolutely loved every minute I was there. When it was over I promised myself that someday I'd get back to photography.

It took several years before I picked up a camera again but about 3 years ago I grabbed a point and shoot camera my husband had bought but wasn't using. I haven't stopped taking pictures since. I received my first DSLR a couple of months ago and now there's no stopping me! Other than that one course in college, I'm completely self-taught.

Fave magazines?
My favourite magazines are Somerset Life, Romantic Homes, Victoria and English Home.

Daily blogs you can't miss out on?
My daily blog reads consist of Creature Comforts, Decor8, Heather Bullard and Modish.

Pics from top down: Peonies, Hydrangeas, Columbine and Lilacs in a Vintage Watering Can.
More: amongthehedgerows.etsy.com & flickr.com/photos/amongthehedgerows

Clickfest : Isn't she lovely

2009-08-11T09:55:00.009+10:00

Morning peeps. The heater is cranking, Stevie Wonder is soothing my soul and it's my staffie's 7th birthday. My lovely, crazy (and currently snoring) Scout is 47 in human years. Hence the grey hairs creeping onto her chin (join the club dawg). Although I must hand it to her, she still runs like the clappers and tries to sniff cat's butts at every given opportunity.

In unrelated, but equally exciting, news, I'm in love with these pics by Bree, aka Citrus Hearts. Typewriters and flowers.... LOVE. Here's a few things you need to know about Bree...

What makes you laugh?
My husband teaching my kids dance moves.

What are you reading?
I started reading the Harry Potter series and I'm in love with them I'm almost done with the first one.

What is your favourite subject to shoot?
I really love shooting anything and everything but what I would love to shoot, (but never do because I'm shy), is people candid on the streets.

Favourite time of day to shoot?
When the sun is setting.

Pics from top down: It's the little things, Lonely, Long way from home, Love Letters and Dreaming of fall.
More: citrushearts.etsy.com & flickr.com/photos/breewalk

Snapoff : Sunny sippin' and flickin'

2009-08-07T17:34:00.006+10:00

Frankie says: Take time to sip tea in the winter sun while waiting for a prosciutto sandwich on organic wholemeal rye... *satisfied sigh*

Frankie also says: Take time to chat and laugh and eat with the nicest of friends

Chill 09: Next time it gets a bit warm in your hood, throw some ruby red grapefruit juice, mango juice, kaffir lime leaves and ice in a blender. Slurp it like it's 2009.

Hubby captured the bizarrely beautiful light that flooded our backyard tonight. Crazy dark clouds, rich golden light and a neighbour's palm tree. Love this shot!

Super weekend y'all xxx

Snaphappy : Love and light

2009-08-05T09:15:00.007+10:00

Some say that love's a little boy,
And some say it's a bird,
Some say it makes the world go round,
And some say that's absurd,
And when I asked the man next-door,
Who looked as if he knew,
His wife got very cross indeed,
And said it wouldn't do.

Does it look like a pair of pajamas,
Or the ham in a temperance hotel?
Does its odour remind one of llamas,
Or has it a comforting smell?
Is it prickly to touch as a hedge is,
Or soft as eiderdown fluff?
Is it sharp or quite smooth at the edges?
O tell me the truth about love.

Our history books refer to it
In cryptic little notes,
It's quite a common topic on
The Transatlantic boats;
I've found the subject mentioned in
Accounts of suicides,
And even seen it scribbled on
The backs of railway-guides.

Does it howl like a hungry Alsatian,
Or boom like a military band?
Could one give a first-rate imitation
On a saw or a Steinway Grand?
Is its singing at parties a riot?
Does it only like Classical stuff?
Will it stop when one wants to be quiet?
O tell me the truth about love.

I looked inside the summer-house;
it wasn't ever there:
I tried the Thames at Maidenhead,
And Brighton's bracing air.
I don't know what the blackbird sang,
Or what the tulip said;
But it wasn't in the chicken-run,
Or underneath the bed.

Can it pull extraordinary faces?
Is it usually sick on a swing?
Does it spend all it's time at the races,
Or fiddling with pieces of string?
Has it views of its own about money?
Does it think Patriotism enough?
Are its stories vulgar but funny?
O tell me the truth about love.

When it comes, will it come without warning
Just as I'm picking my nose?
Will it knock on my door in the morning,
Or tread in the bus on my shoes?
Will it come like a change in the weather?
Will its greeting be courteous or rough?
Will it alter my life altogether?
O tell me the truth about love.

O Tell Me The Truth About Love
W.H. Auden

My favourite poem in the world,
accompanied by a few deliciously light and breezy polaroid pics by Maco

Talentcomp : If you love something

2009-08-03T11:05:00.011+10:00

The fam got together last night at a Malaysian restaurant to celebrate my sis-in-law's birthday. After we gorged ourselves on curries and delicious things I was playing with my niece on my lap, she was trying to put my hair up my nose. After a while she cackled and said "Aunty Kris is funny." Made my night. What a little gem.

I think laughing at yourself is so important. Last week I spilled tea on my laptop. All over it. Ruined it. I was devastated, really down on myself and terribly annoyed. After I took it into Apple and realised repair costs for this would be too expensive, so I'll have to buy a new one, I let myself feel sad for a minute and then realised - hey, I'm healthy, hubby's healthy, puppy's healthy, the fam is healthy, I have a magical life and this isn't going to bring me down! So I laughed at myself for being a dork and moved on.

Happily, Am, the self-taught graphic artist behind 3LambsGraphics chuckles at her own flaws too. Her prints here have really brightened my day... as have her answers. Here she is...

What makes you laugh?

Ironies and idiosyncrasies - the little things you notice about people and situations that make you laugh, but also endear them to you and make them memorable. And I laugh at myself - a lot! I'm not the most coordinated person...

What other creative outlets do you have?

Photography is my other love. I always have a camera on me! I collect old film cameras as well, most of which are sadly neglected at the moment. It's finally warmer here, though, so I'm hoping to use quite a few of them before the summer is over.

I'd really like to learn how to use metal clay, just for fun. It seems so versatile, but I'm a bit intimidated by the firing and polishing aspects!

What are you reading?

I always love Martha Stewart, especially for color palette ideas. HOW Magazine and Print are great as well. Flipping through their design annuals always helps me get over artist's block.

What are your fave blogs?

For blogs, I can't help checking out Just Something I Made on a daily basis. She's always coming up with original and creative projects, and she posts wonderful freebies (many of them vintage!). Design*Sponge, Modish, Housemartin, The Dieline, and Green Island Studios are other favorites. I also read quite a few cooking and baking blogs - messing around in the kitchen always de-stresses me! Smitten Kitchen, Orangette, Dorie Greenspan, Chocolate & Zucchini, and Creampuffs in Venice all have delicious recipes and great stories to go along with them.

Pics from top:
If You Love Something, Set it Free; The Feathered Family; Dandelion Wishes; Blossoming Dogwood and Yield to Love.
3lambsgraphics.etsy.com

Illohaven : Some kinda wonderful

2009-07-29T11:28:00.012+10:00

I'm in awe of these illustrations by Mari Katogi. The illo above is the sweetest Little Red Riding Hood ever. It's so fresh and modern in a definite Japanese style.

And here we have the cheekiest Alice in Wonderland... I'd murder that pile of macaroons in a split second. Oops. Sometimes I confuse what's not real with cravings. Ahem. Next?

Hansel & Gretel on their way to nom their way through a candy house... Mmmm candy...

Alice through the looking glass...

This one is such a fave, I've saved it as my desktop background.What a talented artist, these are absolutely divine. Go here for more: mari.lomo.jp

Now I'm off to the beach!! I'm stopping only to pick up my friend C and her dog Ferris. Fish n chips here we come... xxx

Layerlove : A beautiful mix

2009-07-27T15:27:00.009+10:00

Happy is a Monday afternoon full of dandelion tea, Hershey's Kisses and winning eBay bids. Cue satisfied sigh. Speaking of winning, how ace are these mixed media prints? Super lovely Mindy Wilson from Montana cleverly throws together her pics, textiles, illos and digital influences to create these goodies. Cute and sweet and rustic and fabulously original...

Who inspires you?
I'm inspired by my friends and family and all creative people, really. I love when others share what they make with me, point me to their blog or bring something to show me. When someone is making, making, making I'm inspired to do the same. I'm also inspired by nature though that's not really a 'who' unless I'd said Mother Nature.

Birds, beautiful and funny looking, sound pretty and simply crazy little creatures, I love that I can draw them in so many different styles and they still get the chance to be called birds. Corny little birds like this one are most normal for my illustration style. I really haven't shared many images with this style of these on Etsy.
Fave blogs?
I love finding blogs with step by step images of various project that artists are working on. I love to find a beautiful mix of family images and projects too. Here is one example: Anna Maria Horner

I love this artist's creations... Feltcafe... the felting is amazing. I don't felt but, I am totally engrossed in her projects. Like these.

The Small Object is another fave.

The Farm Chicks (I was a vendor at one of their shows this spring) I'd also found a K I L L E R chocolate cake recipe in February and I think it made me gain 20 pounds, which I am just beginning to shed. whew.

Pics from top down: Morphee, Largo Nice Rack Distressed Large Lion Print, Striking Large Morphans, Jelly Bean Soup Funky Print and Vintage Wallpaper Inspiration Print.

Funflicks : Coming alive during winter

2009-07-25T16:30:00.012+10:00

Today was sunsational. Warmish and so clear, full of good things. It started with a trip to Officeworks (hello stationery) and Bunnings (I wore my jacket with house paint all over it so I looked semi-pro). We then partook of a most delicious sausage BBQ at home and a crack at a few jobbies around the house.

Unable to resist such beautiful afternoon sunshine, and in possession of a dog in need of a long walk, we headed down to Bicentennial Park for an easy stroll along Rozelle Bay.

Scout's insane energy had her racing along the water at full throttle, chasing balls and sticks and barking orders at other dogs to stay away from her bum.

It's funny how native flowers come alive during winter. When all the fancy flowers are taking a break for a few months, wattle and other overlooked blossoms flourish.

I should have something interesting to say here about the flowers above but I've no idea what they are. I just like the shot. How do such delicate flowers belong to such a robust native?

I've seen loads of feet shots on Flickr and I love the randomness of it. Peach havaianas, ripped jeans and nice paving. 'Tis moi. Have a fab/random weekend wherever you are xxx

Sketchalot : Bird, bike, boom and belonging

2009-07-22T16:04:00.008+10:00

Today, my peeps, was delightful. It was so busy, but busy when you're freelancing has an underlying feeling of gratitude instead of stressiness. It was also warm. Real warm for mid-winter. I stopped by Bronte beach this morning - where I used to live... sigh - on the way to a shoot for a story I'm writing. I also ate burnt fig jam, honeycomb and caramel ice cream this afternoon in the sun. In between I was crazy busy dancing on this laptop, but tis all good.

Today's post, therefore, is all good and should make you feel like you've got a smile full of sunshine and a belly full of yum. Meet John W. Golden (you're already smiling at the name, aren't you?), a digital artist with a love of vintage and a handy knowledge of fun. Here's a couple fast facts about Mr John...
What's your earliest creative memory?
My earliest memory of drawing was a game a friend of mine and I used to play. We would draw tanks and airplanes and other military type stuff on pieces of paper. Then we would place a pencil point on one of our drawings. Using one finger on top of the pencil's eraser (to hold the pencil upright), you would flick the pencil point toward your opponent's drawings, resulting in a pencil mark "fired" from your drawing. If the pencil mark hit your opponent's drawing, they had to draw a scribble-y explosion on top of that drawing. The loser of the game was the first to run out of drawings.

Did you get in trouble for it?
I definitely got in trouble for it, as it was usually during school that we played the game.

What's your favourite magazine, book and blog?
I read Juxtapoz (mag), The Business of Holidays (book), and blog-wise, I follow AshleyG, The Black Apple and a dude named Matt Logelin.

Pics from top down: Belongs to You, Band Legged Blue Green Striped Bird Collage, Cycles per Second and Boom.
You know you want more: johnwgolden.etsy.com; jwgdesign.blogspot.com

Talentcomp : Slightly twisted does it for me

2009-07-20T09:27:00.008+10:00

I've just had the most unexpected weekend. Hubby was away Friday night and working like crazy until Saturday night, so I made the whimsical (and somewhat mad) decision to paint his office. At 4pm I was in a cab picking up the perfect blue-grey (Porter's Explorer Blue), by 6:30 I had moved out as much as I could from his very full room and by 10:30pm I had finished the base coat. 7am on Sat I started on the blue and I was amazed at how serene the colour was. By 5pm I was done. And very, very sore. See I'm not good on ladders, especially not when they're sitting precariously against a wall (I didn't have much room to move around - his desks and one bookcase were too heavy to shift very far. Where the ladder wouldn't fit I was standing on my bedside table!)

Anyhoo he loves it. He put up his wooden blinds, we moved things back in and it looks twice as big (the original colour was dark orangey-red). I'm so thrilled! I only wanted to do it as a surprise because he's been working so hard, but what I didn't expect was to learn so much from the experience. I really pushed myself way past my limits to get it done (when I said precarious ladder angles I meant it! Plus horrible dizziness at the thought of falling off, a super tired body... you get the idea). So as my body recovers I feel mentally stronger... kinda hard to explain but I feel brilliant today! Bruised and tired and absolutely wonderful!

Speaking of some kind of wonderful, photographer Sherri Wilson Conley has shared some extremely pretty pics here on the blog. I'll let the rest of the post come from her...

Do you have any hidden talents?
Like tying a knot in a cherry stem with your tongue? Patting your head while rubbing your tummy? No, can't do any of that stuff. How about this... I think I could be a real good carpenter. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and I love working with wood and even own my own band saw! The smell of sawdust takes me back to the days when my Dad was working downstairs in his workshop when I was young. He was always making something with his hands. Of course, he taught me everything I know about woodworking.

Who are your favourite authors?
I really don't have any favourite authors. I read all kinds of books, fiction and non-fiction, on a variety of subjects. Sometimes I read two at a time. I just finished reading John by Cynthia Lennon, before that a book by Dr. Wayne Dyer and a few by Eckhart Tolle. The next in line to read is Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks, Your Erroneous Zones by Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Healing Words by Larry Dossey.

What makes you laugh?
Quick, dry wit and slightly-twisted humour does it for me. Dave Barry and Garrison Keillor are two of my favorite humorists and are great to read if you want a lift! I love to hear friends tell stories on themselves, you know, the embarrassing kind where they just wanted to crawl under a rock...but they share it with you and it's so darn funny you both laugh until you cry? They're the best! And my two daughters can quickly bring me to tears from laughing fits and it happens frequently...usually in public!

Pics from top down: Soft, Flying into the Night, A Hint of Pink, Laughter is the Best Medicine and X's and O's.

More: sherriconley.etsy.com

Plaything : Ordinary absurdities

2009-07-16T12:42:00.007+10:00

I think I've learned to accept Stuff. Like how many greys I have at such a young(ish) age. Or that my dog favours my hubby. It's true. (Perhaps I need to move on from 'acceptance girl' to 'crazy lady with pockets full of liver treats'). And how I can cook just about anything in the world... except rice. That I can't carry off bright clothes. Like perhaps my singing voice isn't as magical as it was when I was 20. (Ok it seems there needs to be a bit more work on this Issue). But I really, honestly have come to embrace winter. See, there are two kinds of people I know. The cold-weather peeps who would rather camp in July and hibernate in January, and the sun-worshippers who complain at the first drop of rain, are fully stocked with fake-tan (in case it gets banned or other such disaster) and are generally better off ignoring from early May to mid Sep. I have always been a sun bunny and would watch in horror as my husband (yes, kiwi-born snow bunny) revelled in the thought of roasts and crisp mornings.

But this year was different. Cold was fun. Maybe it's the early greys turning my brain fudgy. And don't worry, I'll still be loving summers forever... but check out these pics. Aren't they mid-winter perfection? Glass of red anyone?

They're by Sydney-based photographer Linda Kruger. Must be why I feel so at home and snuggly when I look at them. I'm in awe of Linda's techniques - the extra painting and layering - that's still subtle enough to let the original snapshot shine through. Here's some interesting stuff about Linda...

What inspires you?
Inspiration usually takes me by surprise, and I often think it's as much to do with being in a mood to be receptive. When I'm in the right mind-set, almost everything is inspiring. I also go through stages where I don't feel inspired at all (and consequently get no work done). Artist friends of mine have said it's the same for them too, but we all agree that those times are usually followed by more energetic productive periods. It's almost like the down time is an important part of the process, where the ideas are percolating away in the background. Having said all that, I'm really enjoying the work of Arthur Dove at the moment.

What makes you laugh?
I think there's so much to laugh about. The funniest things are just to do with the ordinary absurdities of life. Dogs are always good for a laugh. But not clowns.

What music are you listening to?
I don't listen to music much while I work, because I get distracted by it. I prefer to just listen to the sounds of my neighbourhood. When I'm not working, my current winter playlist includes Mike Andrews, The High Llamas, Kurt Vile, Hank Williams, Modern Lovers, Meg Baird, Muslimgauze.

Pics from top down: fresco 1, Collector Bird, Autumn and Lindisfarne.
More pics, interesting info about the pics and curious things: elfine.etsy.com & olivedear.com

Pictureperfect : Sometimes I get the giggles

2009-07-14T08:53:00.009+10:00

I had a super busy day yesterday, so busy that I slept brilliantly, but still woke exhausted. Being so out of it isn't fun, but this morning I rather enjoyed it. Out for a walk with my pooch, the air smelt fresher, the leaves looked crunchier and the flowers - what's left of them - looked sensational. I almost wish I had that kind of warped clarity every morning... but perhaps next time I'll take my camera and see if I can capture some of the lovliness.

Someone who most certainly knows how to capture a delightfully perfect moment is Amy of ara133photography... (Peeps please note the mention of shafts of light on a stormy day in the first answer, that's pro speak for cloudburst beauty)...

What's your fave subject to photograph?
I love trying to photograph sunlight, back lit flowers and weeds, and high contrast scenes (such as bright sunlight shining into the deep woods, or shafts of light on a really dark, stormy day). Those are subjects that just amaze me to the point that sometimes I just stand and stare at them... they're also the most difficult for me to photograph effectively! But I keep trying :)

What are you reading?
Usually I have more than one book that I'm reading at a time, especially if I'm rereading books (which I do frequently). And, sometimes I need an adventure to read at breakfast or lunch but something calmer for before bed! Right now I'm rereading 3 books - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Susan Cooper's the Dark is Rising (I have a penchant for children's books!), and Melissa Nathan's the Nanny. I'm also rereading Plant Physiology for my big PhD comprehensive exam coming up!

What makes you laugh?
My husband, The Office, the Shopaholic book series, and bedtime (sometimes I get the giggles before bed, everything seems funnier late at night somehow!)

Pics: Willow, Flourish, Sea Flower and On the Way to the Picnic.

More: ara133photography.etsy.com

Snapshot : Keep on going

2009-07-10T10:48:00.007+10:00

It's been a while troopers... but nice to be back. I just visited Kuala Lumpur for a work thing and it was magic. The best part about Asia is always the people - they're such a genuinely happy lot. Many of us westerners are endlessly concerned with the unimportant and insubstantial... and for what? Joy comes from friends and family, if we put as much effort into our relationships as our hair we'd be deeply appreciative. (Or is that just me?) Anyhoo, enough preaching from the laptop, let's get on with the show...

I think these pictures alone could make me very happy. They're windows into nature, another source of endless bliss and comfort. The artist behind the beauty is Kim, a self-taught photographer from San Diego...

What makes you laugh? I love laughing, so I laugh quite a bit... but my favorite things that make me laugh are my boyfriend telling me a joke that only the 2 of us would get, my dog playfully bumping his nose into me & when I finally laugh he gets so excited (I swear he's cracking up!), and of course laughing with friends on a night out that you never want to end.

Who has been the biggest influence on your photography? I would have to say boyfriend, Kevin... he is always behind me 100% in whatever I do, and always keeps me going when I feel I'm just not getting anywhere. He pushes me to try ideas and is always trying to get me "out there" so people can see my work.

What's your favourite subject? I love shooting landscapes, nature, pretty much anything & everything... but my all time favorite subject would have to be wildlife! I love animals, so I could spend all my time photographing them if I could. However, since I don't have that opportunity as often as I like, my dog must suffer the consequences! I don't think he minds though... he now is so used to a camera in his face, he associates it with treats :)

Thanks Kim, I might just lie back and stare at the trees all afternoon, pretend I'm in Monterey or Santa Barbara again with nothing to do and nowhere to go.

More from Kim: kimberleyrose.etsy.com
Pics from top down: Dreaming Daisies, Tranquility and Always Look Up.

Snapshot : Everyday beauty

2009-07-02T08:26:00.012+10:00

Ok, so up to this point of my blog I have sung out constantly about my obsession with birds, cherry blossoms and laughter. Want more? Well it's not so astounding, but I'm also helplessly in love with tea and cheese. I drink about five cups of tea a day (Mariage Freres green, T2 chai and white and Ovvio herbal blends) and once upon a manic time I managed Simon Johnson stores - each has their own cheese room. I would get into work early and talk to the baby cheeses, tasting them to see how ripe they were and chopping of the nasty bits so they looked super delish. I would research how each one was made and how to extend it's delicate little fatty life. I still adore cheeses, five years after leaving the food scene, and enjoy throwing together a cheese platter more than I should. Sigh.

When I was on Etsy the other day, I saw this beautiful shot of berries (above), and daydreamed about covering an entire wall of my living room with it. To my lovely surprise, it's a photo by a super sweet woman called Meg, who has a shop called Tea & Brie Photography, named after her girls Thaya and Aubrie. Beautiful names, stunning photos and a craving for triple cream brie... ah it's a nice way to start a Thursday. Here's a few interesting things about Meg...

When did it start?
I remember taking pictures when I was little, and in high school/college I took it a bit more seriously, but at that time I wouldn't have considered it a passion. Like so many women photographers out there, I became much more serious about photography with the birth of my first daughter. 16 months later, with the birth of my second, I became officially obsessed with photography!

Who and what inspires you?
I think that "being present" in your life provides endless inspiration. By practicing the art of awareness, you are really able to see the beauty in every day things. Of course other photographers are a constant source of inspiration, and I spend a lot of time every day looking at photos on the web. But really, my inspiration comes from my every day life and those seemingly ordinary moments that I spend with my girls on a daily basis.

What gets you in a creative mood?
This is a tough one to answer! I think it is so easy to get wrapped up in our every day lives, and the "go go go" of having two little ones is almost inevitable. Sometimes just slowing down is a simple way to spark some inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. When I'm not photographing my girls or out on a shoot for business, the "constant change" of nature and the weather is enough to get me in a groove. It is amazing how different a flower can look over the span of a couple of hours!

Pics from top down: Beauty Berries, Tulip, Cherry Blossoms, Spring Lace and Raspberries on Turquoise.
More: Teaandbrie.etsy.com

Funflicks : Everything's funny

2009-06-29T12:12:00.010+10:00

I am so in the mood for fun. Yes I know it's Monday and it's illegal and whatever... but I've just had such a great weekend and MJ is still cranking from my laptop and the sun's out. I spent the day yesterday with my hubby, bro, sis-in-law and niece. Holy cartwheels it's fun to hang out with a two year-old. Everything's funny. High fives are fun. Dogs are hilarious (especially our staffie, naturally). Bumpy, bumpy bridges are a giggle-fest. So I had to post something that'll make you smile...

Meet Bob, aka, bomobob, a Montreal-based photographer with an eye for happy.

What do you do for fun?
Fun, huh? Well, since I do this for a living, every day is kind of fun. As far as other things go, I love to travel, hike, design and build furniture, garden, cook, did I mention travel?

Who and what inspires you?
I can't say any person in particular inspires me, but more the collective of people, particularly on Etsy, who are taking the chance and following their passions, finding an outlet and an audience for their creativity. I'm also inspired by all the various arts and cultures in the world. Creativity and an eye for beauty are passions that are to be found everywhere in the world.

Pics from top: Crazy Legs, Krazy Klowns, Falcon Motel and Quack.

CharliesAngel : Mary Farrah Leni Fawcett

2009-06-26T09:02:00.008+10:00

Such a stunning, sexy woman with real intelligence, talent and great hair. Her life and her battle with cancer were an inspiration to women everywhere. RIP Farrah x

Plaything : Crush me happy

2009-06-25T15:15:00.009+10:00

I've decided there are two types of celebrities I'm fascinated by. First, there are the phenomenally talented, über charismatic, compellingly good looking people who you can't help but want to get to know. I'm nowhere near obsessed, just curiously curious. I have a few celebrity crushes in this arena, like Clive Owen and Simon Baker. Mmmm they're special. Twiggy Lawson (above) had her own quiet way of captivating the world... so ethereal.

The other type is the person who makes a difference in the world and you come to get to know them through celebrity channels. Like Harvey Milk (above) or Princess Diana. The world is enriched by their lives... yes that's totally different from making blockbusters but you see my point. It's in there somewhere.

Now let me introduce you to Christian & Hallie, aka, Autumn&Eve, the Pittsburgh-based, super fabulous creators of the designs on this page. Here's a line from their Etsy profile page: "We're in the business of good looks and illustration." Do you love it? It made me smile. As did the pic of the deliriously lovely Isabella Rossellini (above) and Audrey Tautou (below). Sigh.

Here's a bit about Christian & Hallie:

What makes you laugh?
So many things. We have the weirdest sense of humor. Most people think we're crazy.

Who inspires you?
Pretty much everyone that we do a portrait of inspires us one way or another.

What's the best feedback you've had on your work? We love all of the positive feedback that we get, but our favorite was when someone said this about us, "This is the best seller I have ever had a transaction with on Etsy... All [their] responses were very quick and helpful... the prints were not damaged during transport. Thanks so much!"

Need more good looks and smiles? Want a custom-made order of your grandma? Go here: autumnandeve.etsy.com

Designtreat : Following threads

2009-06-24T10:45:00.008+10:00

I've inherited quite a lot from my mum, including a way of never really knowing where I'm going with a conversation. I'll get half way through a story and think "whoa four people are listening... what the hell was my point?" It gets even worse with jokes. I used to pay mum out all the time about forgetting the punch line, but guess what? Jokes on me.

When I saw the elegant, typewriter-chic Flocked Ampersand Cushion above, by Shannon Lamden, aka Aunty Cookie, I laughed. Not at it, mind you. At moi. It made me think of the way my friends say the same thing when I've finished waffling... "AND?" Ha. Perhaps I should scatter some around to remind myself to stick to the point. Not sure I'm capable (after all, it's genetic), but anyhoo, I could get cool and get shopping at the Cookie shop...

Shannon is a freelance designer based in Melbourne, specialising in fabric design and illustration. All fabrics are professionally heatset and are a superlush linen/cotton blend. The gorgeous wintery fabric above is Home Sweet Home linen in Raspberry on Birch. Sweet.

Look... they're holding hands: In the Garden in Pink, Lime and White.

auntycookie.com

Artcomp : Expressing an impression

2009-06-22T07:47:00.008+10:00

I was chatting to a friend yesterday, who has just returned from a whirlwind holiday throughout America with his family, and I was reminded of how long it's been since I mooched quietly through an art gallery. He had seen some of the greatest paintings ever created and I felt an instant longing for the feeling you get standing before a precious work of art.

So although my usual obsession here in the cloudburst is illustrations and digital art, I thought I'd hail a cab to pure, paint-on-canvasville. Not that it's better or purer than any other form, but it makes a nice change.

The works here are by Linda Monfort, a California-based painter. Forgive me for describing her works in such layman's terms, but there's something so sumptuous about the colours and flow. Linda... over to you:

My style of painting has evolved through many years of exploration. Today I paint original contemporary abstract expressionist paintings, original contemporary abstract and impressionist landscape and floral paintings and original contemporary figurative paintings in acrylics on stretched canvas.

Some of my pieces have an oriental influence due to a period of time spent living in Japan during my impressionable childhood years.

I grew up loving to draw and design dresses for my dolls and paper dolls. I was always the best artist in my class and knew I would be an artist when I grew up.

The thing I love the most about painting is that the end result is always a surprise to me, usually a very pleasant one. It's also great that I can earn a living using this great gift from God.

Other creative outlets?... I recently designed my daughter's wedding gown.

So timeless, so so divine. So right here: lindamonfort.etsy.com

Talentcomp : Always in the mood

2009-06-18T08:44:00.009+10:00

Oh joy joy joy... lookie what I found! All my favourites in one: birds, owls, cherry blossoms and magnolias. And a heron just for fun. It's pure serendipity. I clearly adore these prints by Hadley Hutton. She hails from Portland, Oregon, and somehow combines a real sweetness with subtle textures and magic details in her pieces. I do appreciate her long, detailed answers... I feel like I'm in her kitchen with a slice of her mum's apple pie and a mug of strong coffee while she spills her secrets...

Who inspires you?
Inspiration is such is an interesting topic for an artist because often we are not even cognizant of inspirations as we work. Artists are often sponges absorbing all kinds of influences, be it a feeling, a word, an image and then regurgitating it into a piece of art. So I find it fascinating to try to name and place these influences. One influence that seems to be a constant is traditional Asian art, for as long as I can remember, I have been influenced by Asian motifs. The first book I purchased for my mother at age 8 was a large  Asian pattern book, called "The Grammar of Chinese Ornaments" by Owen Jones. I have spent countless hours poring over the gorgeous  pages of this book. Somehow the book managed to make it into my library :) My love affair with Asian design is still going strong. I  recently took a trip to Japan where I had the opportunity to see  incredible woodblock prints by artist such as Hokusai Katsushola and Ando Hiroshigi. As a printmaker, the craftsmanship, beauty and style inherent in Japanese prints has had a profound influence in my work.

Who are your favourite artists?
I have many favorite contemporary artists who are a source of inspiration. I love to visit their sites, and see their latest masterpieces. Here are a few faves: Brian Cronin, Lisa Congdon , Christopher Silas Neal, Jill Bliss and Gina & Matt.

What gets you in a creative mood?
Creating is like breathing to me. So this question is kind of like asking, "What gets you in the mood to breath?". The obvious answer, I'm always in the mood to breathe and create. It would be a rare day when I'm not in a creative mood. Even in some of my darker hours like when I was bed bound for a year due to debilitating back problem from a sports injury, I found a way to create. During this difficult time, when I couldn't paint I discovered a secondary love - writing. (I primarily write children's books, which I hope to one day have published - that is if I can ever find the time to seek out a literary agent.) I have so many projects skipping through my brain, it is not a question of what gets me in a creative mood, rather how can I get more hours in a day to finish the multitude of projects I'm juggling.

What other creative outlets do you have?
I love to cook and bake. My mom is a force of nature in the kitchen. (I'm not just saying that because she is my mom.) Food is to my Mom what painting is to me. We love to make meals together, and share recipes. One day I would love to produce a cookbook with her. I would do the illo's, and mom the tasty recipes. Another project in the back burner is to complete an agave cookbook; I love agave. My daughter and I can't have sugar. Initially his was a real hardship because I love to bake, but now we are discovering all kinds of lovely substitutes, such as agave.

Prints from top down: In the Tree, Two Barn Owls, Between Bird Print, Bird Rising, Heron Shadow and Dripping Bouquet.

hadleyhutton.etsy.com

Funpark : Get giddy with it

2009-06-15T09:46:00.015+10:00

Giddy: Frivolous and lighthearted; flighty.

Fun: A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure. Playful, often noisy, activity.

Free: Not fixed in position; capable of relatively unrestricted motion. Liberal or lavish. Given, made, or done of one's own accord; voluntary or spontaneous.

Soar: To rise, fly, or glide high and with little apparent effort.

Merriment: High-spirited fun and enjoyment; hilarity.

Live as though you're at a fun park. Be free, soar, smile, laugh. Let the wind dive through your hair and your cheeks turn pink; eat fairy floss with abandonment; see others as a source of joy and companionship. In short, live as though the world will support any and every one of your dreams in full.

The whimsical, gorgeous prints above are by Washington, DC-based Linda Plaisted, Many Muses Studio. Each piece of artwork she creates is layered by hand with images she has captured in her photographs, drawings, paintings and collected ephemera to create collage pieces with depth and detail.

What do you love about mixed media? As a painter and photographer and lover of all things art supply, I enjoy the pure play of different media and juxtaposition of interesting textures, layers and forms.

What's your favourite subject to photograph? Nature, hands down.

What makes you laugh? My exquisitely wonderful children, ages 2 and 5. They're magic.

Pics from top down: Roulette, Carousel, Up Up, Luna Park, Send in the Clowns and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. All from the Luna Park series.

lindaplaisted.com

Frankiestyle : The world according to moi

2009-06-13T11:43:00.014+10:00

Ahhh, Saturday morning. They used to be so rushed, especially if the sun was out. Get up early, go for a jog avec dog, make a big breaky, wash dishes, clean kitchen & bathroom, wash seven loads of laundry, shop for groceries, put on a slow roast for dinner, play on computer, call Mum... by the time I relaxed the sun had set.

These days I have the leisure of cleaning the house during the week, so Saturdays are much freer. Today I went for a stroll through Newtown, sipping a flat white, listening to Lenka on my iPod, shopping for fisherman's pants and padlocks. Upon returning to my (clean) terrace, I decided to flip through my favourite sites and blogs and soon I'm going to chill with my new Vanity Fair. We're out for dinner somewhere local tonight, so I don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning and it's so LOVELY.

Now it has occurred to me how much I ADORE learning about other people's fave blogs and sites, so today's post is about me and my faves. Here are my daily hits of inspiration and smiles:

Firstly, who can go past The Sartorialist. I'm no fashionista, but I so love looking at the most fashionable people in the world. It serves me much better than fashion mag as it's real people (ok most of them could be models, but they're not they're just super fab) wearing their most elegant/quirky/divine outfit of the day. I'm always inspired by their colour combos or even a cute hairdo.

Pic above: Style Profile... Sofia Hedstrom, NYC
Pic below: On the Street......Blue & White, Governor's Island
thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Next I head to another extreme of fashion: the hilarious girls at Go Fug Yourself. Honestly, they are beyond incredible. They deconstruct outfits and celeb insanity without overdosing on nasty gossip, and often leave me in tears. And craving twinkies. You just have to go there.

This is Jenna Jameson, former adult film star/entrepreneur extraordinaire. Ha. Tragedy. Need more? gofugyourself.celebuzz.com

Following the fashion frenzy, I check out what's happening in New York. Joseph O. Holmes started joe's nyc in 2004. His daily shots of NYC are so perfect and stunning and unique, I feel like I'm there for just a second. This shot is delightful. The colours, the light... joesnyc.com

For a hit of interiors, I pop into The Selby. These aren't just any homes, these are how the cooler half live. Some are slightly extravagant, some rock n roll and other messy chic. Together, they're raw and fun. All shots are by Todd Selby, I dig his style. theselby.com

The latest post is Jon Liu and Laura Rule at home in London, and these are two shots by Todd at their place.

When I'm done there, I skip through a few other blogs you see on the right here... lots of faves, so much inspiration, an abundance of creative people living their dreams and sharing it with the world.

Hope you're all having an amazing Saturday wherever you are. Soak it up any way you can x

Screenprincess : Take it with you

2009-06-11T15:53:00.009+10:00

Cute. Seriously cute. I love me some cuteness. I love these colours! The randomness really appeals to me - the gun, key and bike seem, like many designs I've found, to come from nowhere. While the tree, tour eiffel and birdie branch are just clever and lovely and homey. I'm not a gun fan, could never have them in my home in any shape or form, but something about this one makes me smile. Like a bad Western on a Sunday afternoon.

Meet Sissy, creator of Two Poodle Press. She's created these marvellous prints from sunny San Diego, California... a place I'd love to visit again. Soon. Here she is...

I first started in design in high school, laying out the school paper and designing zines and stuff.
Travel is the number-one source of inspiration for me, I get so many ideas when I see new places!

How incredible is this quote (from the movie It's A Wonderful Life). Too true.

Prints in top pic, clockwise from top left: Vintage Bicycle, Vintage Key Welcome Sign, Bang Bang Vintage Pistol, Vintage Inspired Mod-Bird and Flowers, Vintage Paris Eiffel Tower and Peachy.
Pic above: Inspirational Vintage Film Quote in Greige.

twopoodlepress.etsy.com

Pageturner : Shady ladies

2009-06-10T08:25:00.012+10:00

I'm listening to The Pretenders, feeling a bit rock n rollish today. So I've gone for some fittingly sexy prints for my post du jour. These black and white prints are by John Clark... here's a bit about him:

What gets you in a creative mood?
Drawing is very relaxing for me, almost meditative. I get in the mood to draw when I want to chill out.

What makes you laugh?
There's a few TV shows I can watch again and again and laugh every time. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Little Britain, Flight of the Concords, The Office, etc.
My girlfriend is pretty hilarious too.

What other creative outlets do you have?
I've been on again off again working on a graphic novel since I was fifteen. It will be epic if I ever finish it.

Brilliant, thanks John.

johnclark.etsy.com

Prints, left to right, top to bottom: The Only Way, No Need for Gratitude, Without a Sound, That Divine Love, A Story of Your Own and A Thing So Simple.

Woodworks : Distressfully nice

2009-06-09T09:21:00.006+10:00

Simple, cute, fun. Welcome to Tuesday peeps! Apologies if I'm getting predictable, but here's another beautiful example of wood meets art meets birds meets trees. These are a few of my favourite things...

Erin, aka Knotty by Nature, has a nice original touch that I likey very much. Her painted wood blocks, above, have a soft, raw feeling and quirky creativeness that I'm drawn to instantly. Imagine a whole bunch of them in a long line along an outside fence or kids play room.

What do you love about birds? I don't know, really. Birds and trees have been objects I have drawn and doodled for a very long time, it's a comfort for me.

What do you love about wood? I love how durable it is, it has a nice weight to it compared to a canvas. And when I distress pieces I love how I can manipulate the paint to get the look I want.

What other creative outlets do you have? I also sew, knit and make resin jewellery using original artwork.

Check out knottybynature.etsy.com for Erin's one-of-a-kind resin pendants and other stuff.

Wood blocks clockwise from top left: Purple Hummingbird Block B24, Black Bird Block B38, Pink Squirrel Wood Block B31 and Turquoise Swallow Block B35. (Bingo!)

Barkingmad : Trees and dogs

2009-06-08T10:57:00.008+10:00

I'm a tree-hugger. Call me insane, hippy or lame, but I think trees are far more intelligent than we give them credit for - they've been around for about a hundred times longer than we have. Sometimes after a jog around the park with my dog I'll sit down under a tree and just be. It makes me feel better. Stronger.

I love the rawness of these pen and ink drawings by Tamara Garvey. They're a bit delicate, but they're still very definite. Like a tree.

What's your favourite subject? -- I love drawing trees and animals mainly, but recently have developed a crush on old-timey burglars wearing masks.

Tell me about your dog. -- Benny, a black lab/Australian Cattle Dog mix, the CUTEST dog in the world, if I do say so myself. He loves following us around the house (he's like velcro!), food, fetching, running, marshes, food, rough-housing with his best dog pals, sleeping in odd positions, watching the neighbours from the balcony, having his legs scratched, giving high-fives, and eating food.

Sweet. I'm off to do some painting in the sun. Under a tree and with my dog next to me. Perfection.

Prints from top: Chartreuse Sky with Birch Forest, Sapphire Sky with Birch Forest and Birch Forest.

tamaragarvey.etsy.com

Snapshot : The flower whisperer

2009-06-06T11:49:00.009+10:00

'A life without dreams is like a garden without flowers' (author unknown). I must be dreaming in full 3D colour... how beautiful is this bunch flowers? Amazing! This morning when I jumped onto Donna Geissler's Etsy page to collect a few pics for this post, I felt like a Supermarket Sweep contestant with 20 seconds on the clock in front of the candy aisle. I had to grab most of the flower pics and then I noticed how fabulous all her other shots were. That's right fans, Donna is no one-trick pony. Scroll with me as we learn about this talented photographer... Donna, over to you.

I first discovered that I loved photography in my last semester in college. I took an intro class in black and white photography and darkroom procedures. It became an immediate obsession. I used an old 35mm Nikon film camera with only manual settings and developed my film and prints in a wet darkroom. Although everything of mine is digital now, this beginning gave me true appreciation for art ... capturing a moment with your camera and watching it come to life right in front of your eyes... on paper. In this class, they taught much about composition. I realized that I might have some talent in photography as I received compliments on my images and questions on how I achieved or decided on certain composition. For me this came naturally - I would just keep changing positions of my camera until I saw it - then Click!

For years, I photographed my two dogs and son and got some great shots. But I have to say that my favorite subject is flowers. They don't run away or cry... and they stay very very still when you bring them indoors. They are perfectly behaved and beautiful subjects. Still finding the right angle can take some time. I have a black and white image of a Dahlia. I spent two full days trying to capture the best possible angle of this one flower. But I got it! This is the process that I love with floral photography - searching for the perfect angle and capturing it - forever.

I get bored with the same type of photography, so I use this creative energy to develop something new with my art. Right now, I'm having a wonderful time digitally mixing metallic paint with my photos. I love the texture and feel it gives. My sister took a look at this art and said, "Hmmm. That's kind of interesting." So maybe this look isn't for everyone. But that's what I love about art... Though I'm somewhat conservative...I can do whatever I wish. You hope that others may like it, but if they don't... I know that I got what I wanted - creating something!

Thanks Donna, love your work.

Top shot: 12 flowers from here
Other pics from top to bottom: Waiting, Summer Vacation and Waldo's Vacation
donnageissler.etsy.com

Screenprincess : Fun is fun

2009-06-04T13:01:00.007+10:00

I hope you're having a fun week. Honestly. If you are, then you're already smiling at these fabulous screenprints. If you're not, go get another coffee - you deserve it - and come back and take a closer look at them. Hilarious, non? It drives me nuts how talented people are. I love the wacky quirkiness of these prints.

Now that you're warm and caffeinated and similarly affected by the uber talented Kate / Alyoisius Spyker, stay a minute more and read a few fun things about her:

These screenprints are ones I do for fun, as I'm an illustrator, so its good to have no brief and just print and see what happens, mixing odd colour combinations with nattily dressed gentlemen is always amusing!

This week we are all laughing at The Mighty Boosh which everyone in our household loves, and also at each other which keeps us all on our toes.

I'm reading 'Saturday' by Ian McEwan which is one of my favourite books and an old school maths text book (reference for an upcoming exhibition I'm doing).

Now go here: madeit.com.au/alyoisiusspyker

Left to right, top to bottom: Skint, Sunscreen, New Ectoplasm, Budgie and Gentlemen.

Birdsong : Sonic resonance

2009-05-29T08:23:00.005+10:00

There are a few things we may never know. Like why there are 17,928 baristas in Sydney, and only 4 of them can make a good coffee. Or why the French got 99% of the world's cool genes. And while you're there, you can riddle me this: why are there so many illustrations about birds? Is it just because they're cute? Kittens are cute. Is there something universal about them? Ah, hello, dogs have that crown. Or is there a fluidity of movement (such a special phrase) that captures the eye of artists and art lovers alike? Who knows. All I know is I love birds. Not the ones that crap on the newspaper after at lunch, splashing black onto my new jumper (yes, black. I didn't ask). But the ones like the dudes above and below by Shuxin / Sound Revolution.

Here's a bit of interestingness about the lovely Shuxin...

I am a graphic designer and illustrator from southern of China, but now I am living in Melbourne as a freelance artist. Before I came to Australia, I finished my master course of graphic design in Edinburgh, UK. Those different experiences of study and life, that make my mind open to different world visions, and nourishes itself with the richness of different people and ways of life.

Materials and textures intrigue me and I have an almost obsessive need to create... I started my own project in 2005 while in the UK. It's called “Sound Revolution” which was inspired by the conflicting and harmonious relationships the urban environment has with the natural world.

I love nature, I like birds and their songs, so I want to use my art work to express to my audience not only a sonic experience but also my own self-identity as a channel by which to encode this sonic resonance.

I think visual communication is the most direct method to deliver a message and communicate with people. To express the meaning of sound through the designer’s perception is to let people use their eyes to feel how the sound influences their emotions directly. I really hope my clients are able to feel a natural and unique beauty and serenity from my artworks.

And who doesn't like a reindeer on a Friday? (Do you think it's lost?)
Check: madeit.com.au/sooooound

Stationhairy : Fish kissin' fun

2009-05-28T13:04:00.008+10:00

I've been known to mooch about in a shop for half an hour trying to find the perfect card for someones birthday. It drives my companions into a twist (which is why I prefer to shop alone. I also drink alone, but let's save that for another time).

These cards are perfection. They're crazy beautiful, really a bit funny (sometimes I laugh alone too) and altogether unique. They're by Kata and Maz, the peeps behind Raven & Lamb. They're cool. They have fun doing what they love, print using vegetable-based inks and hail from sunny, wonderful Sydney.

Feeling lonely? Send someone a card for no reason whatsoever (don't leave it blank) and you'll feel all loved up before you can say "I hate walking to the post office in the rain, why can't posties collect mail when they deliver it..." ravenandlamb.com.au

Snapshot : Good times ahead

2009-05-26T09:00:00.007+10:00

Let me start today's proceedings with a few incredible words from my horoscope. You may feel blissful today as you come to recognize that your future possibilities are entirely limitless. Blissful and busy, the perfect combination! One of the main reasons I want to become a life coach is to encourage other people to follow their dreams - big, brilliant, bold dreams. Life's worth it, yes?

My horoscope goes on to say: When we banish self-imposed and entirely arbitrary borders, we come to understand that there is nothing we cannot do. We thus begin to expand our ambition to correspond to our newfound awareness of the legitimate limitlessness of our lives. We feel a real sense of freedom, knowing as we do that we now have the potential to truly grow into ourselves to the full extent of our wonder and imagination.

As you look at these photos you can almost feel the talent behind the lens - this photographer is definitely fulfilling his limitless ambition. Stefano hails from Cesena, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. This region is home to some of the world's greatest cheeses, the tastiest cured meat and Sangiovese. In other words, this man comes from heaven and has a divine talent.

Check out Stefano's range of pics at flickr.com/ste_bo

Glazedware : Alive with age

2009-05-25T09:38:00.015+10:00

How much fun would an architect have had a couple thousand years ago. They'd spend their time outdoing every other elaborate designer in town with baroque touches in every corner, crazy gargoyles and stunning, stunning, tiles. Fun times my friends.

Zavisa has a gorgeous range of photos on his flickr photostream. The Portuguese tiles (above and below) caught my eye straight away. These painted, tin-glazed tiles are called Azulejo; they're found on the walls, floors and ceilings of churches, palaces, houses and train stations. I think they're beautiful.

I asked Zavisa why he likes them so much...

First they are imperfect. If you check carefully, even if they were built in an industrial process, they never seem 100% equal.

Secondly, their surface and glazing shows signs of time - they've been consumed by years and probably sun and rain. They are simply alive. Old and alive.

Finally, they are always different. You will never see two equal patterns in a street. To be honest, after walking and riding a scooter for days, I never saw two identical patterns in the whole time I was in Lisbon.

What are you reading? Psychology and Alchemy, a fascinating book by Jung. Symbols and numbers. And then I start seeing the beauty of these patterns in a completely different way...

flickr.com/elkabong

Snapshot : Mooching moments

2009-05-21T07:43:00.008+10:00

The reason I call my blog Cloudburst Beauty is because I love the way sun bursts through dark clouds so brightly - in big, fat, stunning golden rays - that all you can do is stare. And stare. And smile. Whether I'm on a plane or in the country or just looking out the window from home, it'll get me every time.

That's what it's like when I see a photograph or doodle or notecard that I love. I kind of connect with it, though I can't explain what I mean by that. When you see art that you love, you just get it. Right?

But nothing can replace being in nature. Sitting under a wise, old tree. Feeling alive in the wind and rain. Watching a snail mooch around its 'hood, listening to crazy birds and staring into the wonder that is a flower.

Which is why I'm so excited... I'm minutes away from jumping in the car with the hubby and dog and going bush! We're heading to a friend's cabin for a few nights. Bring on the log fire, the impossibly slow roasts and the books. Oh the books.

The pics I'm featuring today are by Ioana. Her entire collection is so relaxing to flick through, I had trouble choosing only a few to post. In the end, I fell for the rounded corners. They 'feel' nice. Here's a few words from Ioana:

I love to photograph people, mostly in the street, trying not to get invasive. And my sister.

I photograph because, as I don't have any other talent, it's the only way to express what i constantly observe. I'm a visual third-person narrator. Even when I shoot self-portraits. Sometimes I try to create memories I don't have.

Well, I won't be posting again until next week, so don't miss me too much.
Thanks Ioana for sharing your incredible photos.
And happy birthday to me.

flickr.com/aliteratia

Snapshot : An introverted breakfast

2009-05-20T08:42:00.007+10:00

Today is cold and wet and I have far too much to do. I would rather be making soup and watching a few Clooney DVDs. It seems setting up a business where you tap on a keyboard from home in your velour takes a lot of organisation, which I've been putting off for weeks but have decided to attack all at once. When, oh when, will I learn? Happily I discovered these wonderfully elaborate answers by Photoslinger this morning in my inbox. He's made my day and it's hardly begun...

How did you become a photographer?
My parents have always been artistic in some kind of way. My father is the photographer (mostly landscape and family shots, but always trying to get the perfect picture), my mother the painter/writer. Both amateur. It probably runs in the family. We are all kind of introverted people with a lot going on in our minds, I guess it's a way to get people interested in you without using the verbal language. Nothing unusual I guess.

I did quite a lot of painting as a kid, but quit when I got older. I tried to write some poetry but it showed more of me than I would like to. I have been doing some instrumental music production, but I am not patient enough to make entire songs. Anyway, I ended up buying a digital SLR camera last year. Since then, I haven't really stopped taking pictures and trying to improve my skills (composition-wise but also my post-processing skills, it somehow stimulates the same part of the brain that I used for painting). I am not always patient, I guess digital photography is the perfect medium for me since it's so fast (and with flickr it's very easy to let many people see what you do). I usually see something that I want to remember or that evokes an imaginary scene, I quickly take a picture and post-process it later when I have time.

I am deeply influenced by movies, I have seen so many of them. It looks more real than painting, but still isn't reality. Right now I am on a learning curve, I am not really trying to have a definite style. There is a lot of night/dark stuff in my photostream but I want more colours. I don't really like the idea that all my shots are dark, I do like colours! That's where I am at.

What subjects do you like to photograph?
- Landscapes, although I have been living in the Netherlands for a few years and can't seem to know how to capture what I'd usually call a landscape (it's more of a flat manscape).
- Architecture, whether it's modern or falling apart.
- Moody atmospheric scenes, although I am not sure whether that's a proper category.

What would you like to photograph?
I'd like to do some street photography. There are no people in my shots but I am not very happy with that (I have some good ones of my girlfriend but am not allowed to post them!). I am also very interested in studio lighting because of the control you get but I don't see that happening anytime soon. It would be a good way to get some of the cinematic shots I am aspiring to though!

flickr.com/photoslinger

Pics from top to bottom: Before breakfast, Le petit dej' and This way up.

Plaything : Sweet tweet

2009-05-19T09:10:00.004+10:00

I've been feeling so inspired and energized lately and a lot of it has to do with this blog. So last night I made two illustrations from the huge folder I have of scans of scrap paper and fabric. The illo on the left is strips of stationery, ribbon, wool, wood and digitally painted; while the illo on the right is cork, fabric, a Tiffany jewellery box and digitally painted. Mixed media delights. They were more fun than a buffet in Vegas...

Have a beautiful day!

Illohaven : Jump like you mean it

2009-05-18T14:48:00.011+10:00

I've never felt such satisfaction as I do when I see my features published in a magazine. It's an affirmation that's hard to describe. Writing is so personal and strange and public but I love it so so much. I don't think I'll ever stop. The other day I was going through my old high school books one last time before finally throwing them out (hoarding days are so over) and I noticed a few short stories and english essays. Sitting back I re-read my words, trying to remember if I had the pull way back at 14. I think due in part to my sheer craziness, the fact that my Pop wanted me to be a pianist and my slightly confused careers adviser, I had no idea what I was supposed to do. None. Thank goodness the pen found me again five years ago.

Last year I discovered the unbelievable joy of illustrating. I asked the art director of Real Living mag (where I worked for three years until a few weeks ago) if I could have a crack at an illo for the mag. I had never done one before, only painted and sketched, but I did two for them (completely in photoshop) that were both published. Happy days I tell you! I haven't done much since, but now that I'm freelancing I have more time to paint and draw and illo, as well as write features and everything else I love. It's paddle pop perfection.

I big-time heart Melanie's illos. I was so excited after I read her answers, I love reading about other people making their passions their jobs. Here she is in her own words...

The highlight of my career was the end of one and the beginning of another... I had a job that looked so good on paper but was so bad for the soul. After returning from my honeymoon while on a lunch break it was all so clear – I needed to quit immediately. Luckily, my husband was so excited to live vicariously through my quitting that he said, "just do it!' and since we planned to start a family asap we figured it would show us what it would be like with only one of us working... so I jumped ship! Later that night we both realized how crazy and scary of a move that was and how I needed to figure out something to add to the income pretty quickly. I wanted to support myself by being creative and even try breaking into the world of illustration and textile design but I needed to figure out how to make money in the interim. Having worked as a jewelry designer for a national brand (previous soul killer) combined with my degree in graphic design I decided to blend the best parts of them together – and voila – super extravagant wedding invitations! And thus, by the seat of my pants – Love Your Invite was born: loveyourinvite.com. Plus – extra bonus – along with running the invite business I now had time for crafting and illustration like what you can find in my Etsy shop: spreadthelove.etsy.com

My favourite subjects are whimsical ideas with lots of fine and delicate details...
I love to relax with great documentaries, snuggling with my husband and dog, gardening and oddly enough – trapshooting! (I've been doing it since I was 12 – it's a family thing.)

Top, left to right: You fly me like a kite and Forgotten
Above: Modern Cameo Print, Red Rose

Snapshot : Desolate beauties

2009-05-15T09:32:00.007+10:00

Soon, dear readers, Gemini season starts. Next Thursday in fact. How do I know? Because I was born right on the Taurus-Gemini cusp. What does that make me? Weird.

Geminis like opposites. We're twins after all (though some of us have waaaay more than two personalities to deal with). We like dark and light, pink and brown, marshmallow and toffee, bert and ernie... We're a bit childish, but lively and smart. A little inconsistent, but completely versatile and the best laugh ever. And we're sensitive. Which means yes, we can get cranky easily, but we also notice subtleties like no-one else.

Flowers bloom in desolate places (Mandalay's words, not mine), and I think flowers that bloom in between cracks of cement look the prettiest. Sure, fields of tulips are amazing, but one flower amongst a sea of grey adds a fragility to an already tiny life. How did I get onto all of this? Check out the orange playground horse above. It's the most fun a four year old could have without chocolate chips, but look how sad it looks. It has no friends, it's stuck there and it doesn't even have anything pretty to look at.

I love these pics by Ze (aka zenog). They're beautiful and sad and a little tragic. Here's a bit about him...

Where is your favourite place to take photos? I take most of my photos in the Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro. I walk almost every day, finding treasures as I go...

What gets you in a creative mood? I'm excited when I see a special light or I find something very interesting on the ground of the garden.

flickr.com/zenog

Cheers y'all. Thanks Ze. And happy Friday.

Posterjoy : Sharing the love

2009-05-14T09:01:00.013+10:00

Things I learned from my Mum: I can do anything and be anyone I want to without exception, to laugh often and loudly, a love of writing, a instinct for cooking... and a glass of wine solves just about anything.

Things I learned from my Pop: do your best in whatever you do, a love of maths, an instinct for gardening, to stand up for myself, to appreciate the details... and to know when to hit the beach after a day of hard work.

Some things just run in the family. Like curly hair (thanks Pop) and long fingers (cheers Mum), some things are just in us. I think once we accept and embrace these (talents, freckles and all), life becomes easier and more fulfilling. (Which means any day now I'll stop straightening my hair. Soon. Really. However, if I may point out I have taken a trip to brunette-ville for the first time in a while. Yes, yes, no more bleach. I'm proud of me too.) Where were we?

I was thinking about heirlooms after I read all about the gorgeous JJ, a Melbourne-based designer. I was drawn to her work instantly, it was like a bright beacon lit up the room. Then I found out her father was the illustrator of many portraits on Aussie currency and her 10 year-old daughter has just finished her first novel. Crikey. Here's a few words from the designer herself...

What makes you laugh? Hands down, my 10 year-old daughter Angel. She is the funniest, wittiest person I've ever known. She always making me laugh with her quick comments and insightful mind.

What music do you listen to as you create? When I'm drawing I nearly always listen to music, anything from Debussy, French music, Sigur Ros, Coldplay, Radiohead, Motown, Bob Dylan or the Beatles. When I'm designing, I rarely play music. I usually am so engrossed in what I'm doing that I don't even think about putting music on, and I also like the creativity to be pure if you know what I mean. I am so profoundly moved by music that I find it a distraction.

What are you reading? Currently I'm reading 'The Passion Test' by Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood, and 'City of Bones' by Michael Connelly :)

theloveshop.etsy.com

Top set, left to right: Je Taime, Never Give Up and Do What You Love.
Set above, left to right: Laugh Love Dream, Love in Manhattan and Carpe Diem.

Snapshot : Stories in mono

2009-05-13T08:25:00.006+10:00

Simple can be perfect. Sad can be beautiful. I love how black and white tells a story. It tells a whole lot more than colour sometimes, because magical details come to life that would otherwise be shadowed by a sea of distracting brights. Isn't that what life is about? Some days the colour fades a little, or a lot, and our perspective shifts with it, bringing in a whole new outlook we'd never tried before.

Meet Ken, a Boston-based photographer I discovered in the interwebs last week (an amateur believe it or not)...

I like photography because I can obtain visual and spiritual satisfaction through pictures. The black and white, as well as the coloured photos can provide dissimilar images and memories unable to be seen with the naked eye. Also, I and many other photographic amateurs are the same, we enjoy using the camera and the process of turning films into hard copies of images.

I mostly photograph at home and around my neighbourhood. I frequently browse through outstanding photos in bookstores and on the internet, whatever that captures my eyes will give me inspiration and imagination.

flickr.com/kentoku

Pics clockwise from top left: *, Running in Raining, * and Bicycle.
(That may have been more confusing than informative, however that's how it is peeps. You'll just have to check out Kentoku's pics at flickr to see the other cute titles he gives pics.)

Kidsplay : A rush of colour

2009-05-12T09:27:00.008+10:00

You've caught me in a good mood. I have a new laptop (my first mac, so excitement), the sun is out, Madeleine Peyroux is singing sweetly (through the speakers of said new laptop, of course), I've just devoured a pack of peanut butter m&m's and the art prints I've found for today's post are so brilliantly citrus-bright and fun... there really is nothing else to feel but delight.

The lovely Helen (aka zukzuk, originally from NZ, currently residing in Canada), has an etsy shop full of beautiful children's prints that would brighten up any home. I especially love the masked bear above, it reminds me of the look my dog gives me when trying to sneak off somewhere she shouldn't. Anyhoo, here's a bit about Helen...

What and who inspires your designs?
I keep my eyes open and when I see something I like I try to make a mental note. I have ideas coming to me when I'm lying in bed and I enjoy checking out blogs and being inspired by artists who are way more accomplished than I am. I love being surrounded by nature - this time of year (spring in Canada) is a wondrous and very inspirational season. The uncontrolled vitality of life rushing forth is mesmerizing.

What makes you laugh?
Lately, Flight of the Conchords.

What are you reading?
Heidegger's "Being and Time." I'm just kidding, I can't remember the title, it's "101 nature activities for your child" or something like that.

What are you listening to as you create?
I have been enjoying revisiting the Sesame Street classics! I have a 4 year old son... so that means... 5 grey hairs per year x 4 years = 20 grey hairs, at least!!

Check out zukzuk.etsy.com for the whole shop. Want to win stuff? Helen's giving away goodies right here: hellozukzuk.blogspot.com

Pics above: (clockwise from top left) Birdabies, Masked Bear, Sugardrop Baby and Love Train

Dreamweaver : Novel ideas

2009-05-11T08:57:00.008+10:00

From a small town in Norway comes these stunning and fragile mini works of art. They're original mixed media illustrations using acrylic paint, ink and marker drawing on a vintage book pages from 1892, by the lovely Annette. Here's a bit about her:

How did you become an artist?
I've been drawing and painting all my life. I loved my colouring books when I was a little girl and I started my Art education when I was 16, I went to Art school for 7 years.
Art is my life really, it's like therapy . A way to get my feelings out . People that know me can tell from my work what kind of mood I am in.

When I was 18 I went to Tasmania, Australia for 6 months and took art classes and life drawing classes at Adult education, Hobart. At the age of 19 I was accepted into a private Art school for Fine Art, Sculpture and Photography in Stavanger, Norway. I graduated 2 years later and have been a freelance designer and illustrator since then. I've also worked in an Art gallery.
In 2007 I started to sell my art online at carambatack.etsy.com.

Whats been the highlight of your career?
All the positive and wonderful feedback from customers, bloggers, friends and others when I started to sell my art online. That gives me such joy and makes me want to create more art.

What are your favourite creative website?
Flickr.com - so much creativity and inspiration in one place....WOW. I love flickr and have been posting photos of my work and life since 2006. My flickr site: www.flickr.com/photos/carambatack

Pictured top (clockwise from top left): Fantasy tree, Girl on Swing, Red Bird, My red umbrella, Under my wing and Red dress. Below: Peacock in blue and red, inspired by Norwegian retro paper cut from the 70`s.

Frenchlove : Blowing in the wind

2009-05-09T17:17:00.004+10:00

If you had a room full of vanilla and pear candles, and shoved inside my hubby, the dog, a roast chicken, a bottle of Champagne (ok let's be fair, try three), scrabble and a mix of Miles Davis and Elle Fitzgerald tunes... you might have just created my favourite place to be in the world.

When it comes to the lush land of creativity, Fabienne from France fulfills my artistic cravings quite nicely. She takes the most exquisite photos of petite French scenes, digitally mixes them with painting, and prints on Hahnemuhle fine art paper (imagine velvet as paper). Has a poppy ever looked so perfect? A tussle of wheat so romantic? Non. Until now.

Fabienne... What gets you in a creative mood? Harmony and simplicity!
Favourite artist and author? Mark Rothko and Jiro Taniguchi

labokoff.etsy.com

Clockwise from top left: piquant blanc, souvenirs, papillo, ble, abricotier, monnaie du pap, seul dans le froid, coquelicot and ballons

Snapshot : Funny fridays I like

2009-05-08T07:45:00.010+10:00

You know what I love about my blog? It gives me the chance to discover pics, people, art, stationery, cities, countries, ideas and so much more that I would never have found otherwise. It's so energising and satisfying. Initially I thought I'd just be putting up a pretty picture here and there, I had no idea there would be such a beautiful human connection in the whole process. Or that I would become obsessed. Hmm that too.

As you may have noticed, I get a bit excited when humour and creativity collide. Take Mike - aka Balakov - and his pics. Now these are some brilliantly styled, perfectly lit, insanely funny pics. So good, in fact, that each mask seems to take on a different emotion. Amazing.

Meet Mike...

What makes you laugh?
Well that's a tricky one, my grasp of neurophysiology is pretty weak, but I understand supranuclear pathways come into synaptic relation in the reticular core of the brain stem which activates the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Terry Pratchett's books generally cause this response in me.

What is it about toys & troopers?
Compared to people and places, toys are easy. They don't move, they take less room, I can control the light, and I can put them in all sorts of compromising positions without them complaining or phoning lawyers. Why troopers in particular? Well that's easy, I'm a total Star Wars geek.

What's your favourite website?
I spend a lot of time on Flickr and DeviantART, and of course, I spy on my friends through Facebook.

http://www.flickr.com/people/balakov/

First group, clockwise from top left:
Cold. Standard Imperial issue Twinings English Breakfast Tea, always a favourite with the troopers.
A piece of me you seek, yes?
I wish I was a snowtrooper... Good Christ it's cold outside. Probably not so bad if you're dressed for it.

Second group, clockwise from top left:
Imperial Gardening Commander. TK-764 : Head of the covert gardening unit deployed on Endor. Someone has to keep it looking nice for when the Emperor visits.
Heat. "You'll love the weather on Tatooine" they said. At least on Hoth your ice cream doesn't melt.
After the war. Not all Stormtroopers did so badly after the fall of the Empire. TK-754 now owns a moderately successful washing machine spares supply business on Coruscant.
Down the pub. After a hard day hunting droids, TK-107 spends the evening watching the suns go down while relaxing in a traditional Tatooine pub.
North by Northwest.

Cardtherapy : Chillin' up north

2009-05-07T08:48:00.008+10:00

Anyone who hails from Canada, lives in Canada or has been there and raves about it is an instant friend. I was born in Toronto a few years back and although I've been in Sydney most of my life, (with a bit of Melbourne and Detroit thrown in for fun), I still know how to throw an 'eh' into any conversation. The only thing is I can't ski and I'm no good in the cold. And by no good I mean completely useless. I know, I know, it's really letting the team down, but I love snow and watching people skate on outdoor rinks and the flamboyant way they cover anything stationary with lights at Christmas. So I obsess from a distance. This is my fate.

Happy was the day I discovered the cards above by Katie Muth, a Toronto-based artist, illustrator and print maker. Ain't they too cute? She also makes pencil cups, journals and greeting cards inspired by the Victorian wrought iron fences of Sydney - in the most stunning colours. I love her originality. Here's a bit more about her...

What gets you in a creative mood? Unfortunately: deadlines! But I've learned to accept this fact, and enjoy being creative in these frantic spurts.

What's your favourite subject to draw? Lots of subjects catch my attention: Nature is a huge inspiration; patterns, human connection, fun things to do... but what I am most satisfied by is when I'm able to really capture a moment, and take the viewer to that place in time.

What's your biggest craving? Well, I've been on a crazy diet recently that doesn't allow booze or sweets, so that's the first thing that comes to mind! But long term I'd say to be surrounded by beauty ~ flowers, colour, nice art.

Cards above clockwise from top left: mix tape, baby foot, girl with skates and wedding birds.
katiemuth.com

Canvasworks : Behind the feather

2009-05-06T09:23:00.011+10:00

I saw these beautiful birds on my interwebz travels the other day and thought they were just so quietly striking. I love the colours, the peacefulness, the cleverness. And then I read the titles of each and nearly dropped my mug of earl grey (see below). You know, if you can somehow bring Wal-Mart into the title of a painting of a bird, you have my vote.

Meet Matt, aka mincingmockingbird, the L.A-based artist behind the brush behind the feathers. Here's a bit about him..

What gets you in a creative mood? Silence and Diet Coke.
What makes you laugh? Nothing makes me laugh more than my fiancee, The Frantic Meerkat.
Why birds? No other animal lends itself so readily to painting.

Clockwise from top left: In This Poignant Moment Of Finality, The Vibration Of Atoms Sounds Like Singing; Listen, If We Could Be Serious For A Moment, I Think I Have Been Shot; I Have Seen The Interiors Of Cloud Formations That Make Your Cathedrals Look Like Wal-Marts and He Thinks My Sudden And Terrifying Mood Swings Are Kinda Cute.

mincingmockingbird.blogspot.com

Snapshot : Moody frames

2009-05-05T09:49:00.008+10:00

My outlook has taken on a slight shade of grey this morning. It's raining, cold, I have the flu and I just found out a friend's dog had to be put down last night. As the mum of a divine staffie X myself, this brings me too close to tears. So I've put Alicia Keys on, wrapped up a big scarf and decided to go the moody route with my choice of pics.

Christie Lyon is an artist who works with all sorts of materials to create the perfect piece. But it's her photos I'm drawn to. The shots above somehow look mysterious, cheeky and thought provoking at the same time. Love 'em. Here's a bit more about Christie...

What gets you in a creative mood? It's inexplicable! I'll see something, maybe just a combination of two colours, and it inspires me. I never know when it's going to occur, but I know that I am happiest when it is happening!

What's been your biggest highlight so far? The highlights are any time a customer tells me that my art touched them in some way. Customers have told me stories of childhood memories, love, children, friendships and more. I think I remember every single one of those stories. I like knowing that my art has meaning for them.

Who is your favourite artist? Giuseppe Arcimboldo. His portraits are beyond amazing!

What are you reading? I enjoy reading about various sciences and philosophy. I'm currently reading a wonderful book written by a friend of mine: "Peace: A World History" by Antony Adolf.

Clockwise from top left: Sunset Palm, The Guardian, Powerful and Pining Away.

studiolyon.etsy.com
flickr.com/photos/studiolyon/

Snaphot : Best monday ever

2009-05-04T08:14:00.006+10:00

Happy monday lovlies! I hope you're enjoying your morning as much as I am. First monday freelancing, and I'm beyond busy... and busting with excitement! My home office is coming along rather nicely, thanks for asking. It's feeling comfy and looking pretty and organised. Almost.

What better way to kick of a week than a whole bunch of cherry blossoms delivered to your door. You can almost smell their sweet beauty. Ahhh. I was so excited when I discovered Lauri's pics. What a beautiful talent. Here's a bit more about her.

What gets you in a creative mood? Browsing Flickr or reading other blogs always seems to get my ideas coming. A rainy day does too.
What do you play in the background while you work? I play re-runs of shows, like Lost or Survivor, or sometimes I'll just play a movie.
Favourite artist? James Tissot. I love his paintings of fashionable women.
Favorite author? Charlotte Bronte. I just love Jane Eyre and read it over and over.

Above: Ranch Exit
Top: Collection of blossom pics from here

Plaything : Note to self

2009-05-02T19:27:00.005+10:00

Edward Monkton makes the most brilliant and funny cards. Some are completely random, while others are so perfectly and simply insightful, like the one above (I added the stripes, couldn't help myself). It reminds me to have faith in myself and others and to believe that I'm being looked after every minute of the day. And sometimes, that's all that really matters.

Snapshot : Road to nowhere

2009-05-01T13:25:00.005+10:00

I have this insatiable urge to jump in the car and drive for hours. I just want to be in the country where there's plenty of sky and no mobile reception. It's the best time of year to fall asleep in front of a log fire, to roast lamb for nine hours, play chess, read a book without checking the time and stare at an owl as though seeing one for the first time.

So when I saw Peter Polter's pics I started looking for the car keys. They're so divine, I can almost feel the morning chill and hear the horses. Hot cocoa anyone?

Clockwise from top left: Birds, Old Railway, The Creek and Forest Walk.

Snapshot : New beginnings

2009-04-29T19:02:00.003+10:00

Today is a new beginning for me. A really big, wonderful fresh start. It's my first day as a freelance journalist and I can't wait to see where this road takes me. If I could arrange the flowers and scenes surrounding my new road, I'd like them to look like like the ones above. Pretty please. Yeah, ok, I'm thinking of a perfect world where tulips bow like ballerinas and hydrangeas imitate butterflies... but why not dream a perfect dream? Why not aim to create or capture the incredible?

The photos above go a bit beyond beautiful for me. They're subtly, quietly, breathtaking. The steady hand behind these perfect scenes is Tracey - [ r ♥ c e y t ♥ y ] {I br♥ke for bokeh}'s. She's a Canadian photographer with an awesome sense of humour (comes with the territory) and a quirky philosophy I love. Here's a bit about her:

What gets you in a creative mood? The urge is always there to make something, to show everyone what I see when I see it. I have not taken a photo in two days and I can feel it there, growing, 'do something' 'make something'. It's like an itch that needs scratching!

My favourite flower is probably the tulip. I find them very challenging to photograph and when I get something I like I feel very rewarded.

What are you reading? I am 3/4 of the way through "A Clash of Kings" by George R. R. Martin.

Pics clockwise from top left: Perfect Purplebells; And across her face dancing, the first shadows fly to kiss the pussy willow; Not only is another world possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing; The umpossible; It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are; and The second age.

Birdinhand : Tears of joy

2009-04-28T22:13:00.004+10:00

I get excited easily about lamb roasts, good wine, funny friends, warm autumn days, really nice tea, vanity fair arriving in the mail and impromptu dinners in newtown. I also get really excited about art and I never knew how fun it could be to blog about it. I love finding pieces with common threads that are - at a glance at least - so incredibly different. Like the works above, they appear worlds apart to everything else I've found, but they have so much in common. Hello birds! Hello originality! Hello gorgeousness!

The uber-talented and sweet Madeleine Stamer - creator of Little Circus Design - has a new exhibition in Melbourne beginning May 2nd that I'm really excited about. Here's a bit about her:

When do you feel most creative?

With a very active two and a half year old and an 18 week old baby it’s more like ‘when can I be creative!’ and the answer to that is when I should be sleeping… Like most artists I have sporadic bursts of creativity during unusual moments such as in the deep of the night, while I’m feeding baby, driving the car and I’m constantly daydreaming about what I could be making but I have trained myself to resist the urge and wait until the coast is clear of little tackers. When the little girls are sleeping during the day that’s when I knuckle down and get busy with my art.

What is it about birds?

Since I can remember I have always been fond of feathered creatures.

It goes right back to associating sights and sounds of birds with a particular experience or a pleasant memory. More often than not these memories are fond recollections of the past. I recall precious moments walking with my dad in magical bushland listening with him to the dreamy call of the bellbirds.

My dad taught me how to listen properly to the different bird calls and to appreciate the different breeds and all their little idiosyncrasies. When I was young I watched birds, I drew birds, I pretended to be them and I listened to them, I could distinguish a warning from a pleasant morning greeting. We were blessed to live in a special pocket of town. We had a natural creek flowing at the end of our street with beautiful native plants and sweet smelling gums. It attracted many breeds of native birds. For many years my best friend was my pet duck Fergus who often ventured down to the creek with me waddling by my side with our two loyal dogs always on the look out for cats who were ready to pounce.

Who’s your favourite artist?

Such a hard question to answer… Here are my top 10 influences: Children’s author Dick Bruna, Gaudi, Chagall, Lady Pink, Mirka Mora, José Guadalupe Posada, Hieronymus Bosch, Vaughn Bode, Stig Lindberg and Niki de Saint Phalle.

Talentcomp : Colour me calm

2009-04-27T20:29:00.006+10:00

Phew. Today was busy. Busier than most days in the wonderful world of magazine making. So I'm having a calm evening with the hubby. Roast chicken, lemon and honey tea and pastels. I tried the bold thing around our house a few years back and realised (before it extended to the big items thankfully) that bold is not for me. Oh no. Colour and I now have a perfect understanding - it's pastels all the way. I breathe deeper that way. It's a good thing.

Check out the fabulous work above by Mara at Printspace. She's a Melbourne-based illustrator and graphic designer who has a clear obsession with birds and love (snap!... plus we share the same fave colour, olive green, and she's *gasp* addicted to home magazines). Anyway, enough about soul-sisters, this woman is talented. The works above are hand drawn in ink, coloured digitally and printed by an epson on soft white art paper. You can also find her new stationery shop here and her cute blog here. So much love!

Giclee prints clockwise from top left: Sweet Too, Hoot. Hoot. Little Owl, Love is Bigger Than All Of Us and Hello Coco.

Plaything : The perfect weekend

2009-04-26T17:24:00.004+10:00

How to have the perfect weekend in Sydney.
Take a call from a gorgeous friend asking if you're bored and feel like popping on another friends' boat for the afternoon. That's really the best start, and the wise answer is 'absolutely yes.' Next, pack an amazing bottle of rose, a bucket of stuffed olives and your camera. Finally, let magic happen.

Paperthin : A life in colour

2009-04-24T19:16:00.006+10:00

Oh the colour, the serenity, the butterflies... aren't these pieces just BEAUTIFUL? They're from Chris Chun's current exhibition 'Chinoiserie,' all works on paper. "I generally paint things that make me feel happy, I am inspired by and they are beautiful to look at," he says.

I'm going to stare at these for days. And days. They make me very happy. Thanks Chris.

Canvasworks : Well spotted

2009-04-22T21:05:00.010+10:00

We have a Jacaranda tree in our backyard. It's right at the back, standing protectively as the guardian of our 'estate'. During the summer when it's in full bloom, there's nothing nicer than sipping a cup of tea under its gentle giantness.

TR Mack Studio has painted these poppy bright acrylics on canvas, above, which are inspired by the colours of Italy. Perhaps that's why I crave olives when I look at them too much. I love the deconstructed colours of the leaves and scenery against the gentle giantness of the delicate trunks. Bravo Tom.

Clockwise from top left: Topiary Olivo di Fonituna, Jardin Des Sinfonias, Sinfonia nel Prato Pieno di Sole and La Primavera nel Frutteto

Talentcomp : Life's like that

2009-04-21T20:24:00.008+10:00

I think happiness can only ever exist when you're in this moment. You can be surrounded by all your friends on a Mauritian beach, but still not be happy because you're wondering when it will end or why your hair's so curly. But on the other hand, you can catch yourself laughing in the middle of a storm, stopped in traffic on a Monday. Life's funny like that.

I guess that's why I love art so much, in all its guises. It stops me in my tracks and brings me back to the present. It makes me think, makes me appreciate and makes me happy.

Fields of Green, above, is by Charlene, a US-based artist who's been painting for over 30 years. It's such a sweet digital collage that reminds me of what bliss looks like.

Snapshot : Cotton picking

2009-04-20T18:50:00.004+10:00

Exquisite, aren't they? Shanon, a photographer from Minneapolis, is the woman with the talent behind these captured moments. You'd hardly be surprised to hear that she's happiest in her garden, but isn't it amazing how we can perfectly capture that which we have a real affinity for? Whether it's in a sketch, a collage, a photo... our favourite subjects are the ones that come to life so fluently.

I just adore these.

Clockwise from top left: Blush, Into the Clover, Black Hollyhocks, Fill the Jar, Pink Willows and Snow White Lace.

Talentcomp : An ideal world

2009-04-18T15:00:00.007+10:00

I'm no bunny whisperer, nor am I gifted with any kind of special understanding of the animal kingdom, but I'm pretty sure foxes and bunnies shouldn't be together in the same box. It's like inviting an Italian friend to a French restaurant, or wearing white velour trackies around your emo friends. It's dangerous. You just don't do it.

Estonian-born, Brooklyn-based artist Kristiana Pärn may come close to artistic carnage - innocently painting floppy ears and red pointy tails with the same brush - but thankfully she never puts them in the same frame. The understated and gorgeous prints above (clockwise from top left: Skinny-Dipping, Solitude, Where Are You Fox and Follow Your Heart) are all made from original acrylic illustrations. Kristiana made the originals to "study different techniques for making an impression of light and air," she says. "The background was created by applying colored pigment on damp board, then objects were drawn with sharp outlines and bright colors to create depth of field." Just beautiful.

Shopfind : Rockin' robin

2009-04-17T14:09:00.011+10:00

Last year I stumbled across these divine collages by Bird Nerd on Etsy. I was so in love with Chelsea's designs that I bought a set of her Sakura Collection to use as thank-you cards. Six months has passed and no-one has received a Bird Nerd card from me because they're just so beautiful. I can't bear to give them away. Sorry peeps. (Get your own).

"My collages aren't traditional, I call them painting with paper," says Chelsea. "I paint the majority of my background with acrylic paint, then cut out paper leaves individually to create foliage. I then compose a bird from carefully trimmed layers of paper and accent it with ink and paint details. I like using paper in my work for many reasons: it adds texture and depth, I like vibrant pattern and crisp edges, and often papers have small flaws which add character to a piece." Nice!

If flaws add character, I must be one heck of a bird.

Chelsea also makes and sells glass pendants, pins, stickers, ornaments, tea towels and prints (above). Clockwise from top left: Swallow Nouveau, Fat Chat, Escape III and Mod Nuthatch

Snapshot : The quiet american

2009-04-14T15:42:00.006+10:00

I've just had the most serene weekend away in the country with friends: lashings of good conversation, delish food and fresh air; no mobile phones, computers or stress allowed. Back in the city, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. The sun seems harsher, traffic is hideous and the neighbours have started yelling at each other. The strangest bit? I don't have any music on.

Today's post, therefore, is a quiet one. The lovely Valeria from Florida, a 21 year old design student and photographer, has some super sweet pics on her Etsy and Flickr pages that I love. She prints on lustre paper (in between matte and glossy), chooses simple scenes and uses sunlight to light each photo. They couldn't suit my mood any better. Sigh.

Clockwise from top left: Dress in Water, White, Flowers and Glass Cup.

Snapshot : Spectacle merveilleux

2009-04-10T17:31:00.010+10:00

The sun is setting here in Sydney a lot earlier since daylight savings kicked in, so when I walk along Hyde Park on my way to the train station after work, the sky casts a magical glow behind the dominating, leafless trees. I look like a child some days, walking slowly, gazing through the branches, listening to the birds, taking in the eerily romantic scene.

At about the same time, talented photographer Marc is up at the crack of dawn to catch trees, new blossoms and the fresh light the sky brings first thing in the morning in Rennes, France. I love his photos, digitally enhanced as they may be. I love their melancholic energy, simplicity and their universal understanding.

Clockwise from top left: Les Arbres Bleus (The Blue Trees), Floraison Blanche #1 (White Blossom #1), Fleurs Blanches (White Flowers) and Un Peu du Printemps #3 (a Bit of Spring #3).

Sloganjoy : Sir laughalot

2009-04-08T22:35:00.004+10:00

I'm naturally quite a funny person. Sometimes it comes out a pinch too sarcastic, other times it's so straight it flies over everyone's heads, but most of the time it's in-yo-face funny. Can't help it.

Still, I like to be reminded to laugh. And most of all, I like it when the reminders are cute and clever and creative. Like these screenprints by Nick from London, aka Linocutboy. They're hilarious in a hand-crafted subtle way. Love it.

Bring it: linocutboy.etsy.com

Talentcomp : Hey petal

2009-04-07T18:46:00.004+10:00

I've started to paint again recently, something I haven't done for years. I'm painting big, lush flowers on a small canvas and enjoying it so much. Isn't it funny, as soon as you start to work on something in so much detail, everywhere you look there are flowers waving at you in the breeze, begging you to drink in their colours and quirks.

pollyjarman is a Perth-based photographer and artist who loves the flowers and their quirks too. Her Cream Magnolias painting above (bottom left) is such an understated flourish, while her Flower on a Fence pic is so random and vintagie, I love it! Swings at the Beach is something I'd love to cover my fridge with, to make me smile every time I pass by and Hey little birdy is too cute for words.

Check it: pollyjarman.etsy.com

Snapshot : Sunday, lovely sunday

2009-04-05T18:45:00.008+10:00

I love perching at my backyard table in the sun on a Sunday, I love plums, and I love my new love by William Dohman. He cuts them by hand from recycled plywood, dry-brushes them white and sands them for that uber rustic look. It's a bit rough love.

He also makes breathe, think and read, and will paint them any colour you like. Plum anyone?
williamdohman.etsy.com

Talentcomp : Four seasons

2009-04-04T10:12:00.008+11:00

As any creative type will tell you, inspiration can come from anywhere. But the biggest source for most - including me - is nature. There you'll find all the colours, textures and serendipity imaginable.

Check out Erin McNulty's lovely seasonal pieces above. Autumn Tree, Winter Night, Spring Fever and Sunrays, illustrations narrating the beauty of a tree's annual ebb and flow. Stunning! Youll find more leafy greens here: etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6889181

Talentcomp : Boldly go

2009-04-02T22:34:00.011+11:00

Stranded in a cafe the other day, waiting for the rain to pass, I became mesmerised by a flannel shirt in front of me. It was buttoned to a very hippish young lady with ray bans and uber skinny jeans. Now normally I would dismiss such a material straight away, but somehow (was there a sharp blow to the head I can't remember?) I got to thinking about art. This chicken was so confident in her style, anything would have worked. She could have worn a rainbow muppet poncho and I wouldn't have blinked.

There I was scrolling through these bold works by Brandi Strickland on etsy. And I'm thinking, they're bright, personal, fun, story-telling pieces of art. They stop you in your tracks. They're beyond confident in what they are, and they get you thinking, like a belted flannel in the city.

Brandi has a large net she throws to the world. And the reason she's an artist is because "it's the only thing broad enough to hold all my interests under one roof. I can explore nature, science, literature, psychology, communication, and spirituality, all in a days work."

Her work "explores the connection between nature and technology; the universe’s beauty and mystery, coupled with man’s desire to explain and understand it." You can see this playing out in the collage/paintings featured above, (clockwise from top left) Intuition, Parachute, Mountain Brothers and Red Mountain.

Mesmerised by the whiplash of colour? Find more at her paper whistle shop: paperwhistle.com

Shopfind : Garden fresh

2009-04-01T21:43:00.008+11:00

Yarraville, VIC, is a favourite little spot to visit when I drop into Melbourne. And it just so happens that two of my favourite people live there too! They took me for a local adventure the last time I was there, and one of the shops we mooched about in was Sedonia (in Seddon). It's so full of amazing little pieces you never knew you needed, yet it doesn't feel junky like some other bustling shops do.

As I was buying my stranger-than-fiction woollen necklace (lots of circles joined by bits of wool, I love it, but do I think I'm a cat?), I spied these gift cards on the counter. So divine, I had to have three of them. And I only just rediscovered them digging for a thank-you card. Isn't that nice. Head to Sedonia on Gamon Street and peruse the quirky chic within.

Institches : Pretty free things

2009-03-31T22:13:00.006+11:00

Free furniture is something special. But just like buying a dress for a tenner that's a size too big, you have to ask yourself, "am I really gonna fix this mess?"

Well I'm here to tell a happy story. I stumbled across free furniture, picked it up with my bare hands (and a husband... and a ute kinda helped too) and I am in definite plans to reupholster the lot. I have two chairs and a two-seater in shiny, solid timber, just as gorgeous as my nan's old rocker. And I now have four cuttings from Warwick Fabrics that I'm flipping coins over to see what I likey the best.

Meet the girls (clockwise from top left): Cha Cha in magenta, Hanami in blossom, Istanbul in rose and Angelina in magenta. Pics of chairs coming soon!

Shopfind : Birdsongs and cherry spies

2009-03-29T18:38:00.008+11:00

Wendy Paula Patterson is a Sydney-based freelance designer. To say she has a good eye would be a laughable understatement! She's worked as a Packaging Designer and Illustrator for over 25 years, and recently she's been getting inside Photoshop to collage original work with vintage images. I love prints and cards in this style, there's such a fun paradox when eras, styles and designs are mixed up... especially a crowned blackbird perched on a typewriter!

An avid collector of vintage packaging, Wendy often starts new ranges just by tripping over tiny details, like a button card or music sheet. Her inspiration comes from books, magazines, blogs, wonderful textile designers such as Florence Broadhurst, packaging, old master paintings and nature.

Want more? Check out at her Cafe Baudelaire shop at Etsy.
Clockwise from top left: The Tea Party, Ouvre tes yeux bleus petite (Open your blue eyes), The Etiquette of Letter Writing, Handle with Care, Cherry Jam and Love who you are

Youbeauté : Rainbow songs

2009-03-26T21:42:00.005+11:00

The way I see it, there are two reasons to use, abuse, love, try, play and create with beauty. First, to make you look hotter than you are when you wake up. Second, to have fun. Now, to have fun you need colour. And there ain't no point having colour at the end of your brush if it's cheap and nasty and goes on like a poor imitation. You want professional colour that slides on like a dream, feels weightless and looks like an oil painting. Rock solid, glam colour.

So when Bobbi Brown says "colour", you say "yes m'am". Then you go to her counter and get yourself the Bobbi Brights Palette - 35 shades of heaven. Now don't get upset over the $150 price tag... fun has a ticket too people. And if you want the colour to go BANG all over your lid like it's singing some kind of anthem, mix with a drop of water on the back of your hand, and glide.

Then you'll know why there are so many songs about rainbows.

Talentcomp : Urban inspiration

2009-03-24T21:03:00.008+11:00

I've always wanted to sing jazz in a smoky club, cook pork to perfection and have some kind of knack with photography. And it's the camera, not the pig, that annoys me the most. I just don't know what I'm doing. Even if all my fish were in one barrel, I still wouldn't get the shot.

I recently stumbled across Lucia Fischer on etsy.com, a fellow Sydney girl who sells exceptionally cute recycled cards (luciandesigns). Apparently, these "bits and bobs" started when she discovered her late uncle's secret library of collage work. And she casually mentions she's a photographer. Well. Curiosity gets this cat every time.

So I leg it to luciddream.com.au, flip through her flicks, and come across the holga diaries. It's a relaxed tribute to the Holga camera, love it or hate it, that lives in Lucia's handbag. I vote for the dodgy plastic lens every time, especially when you get moments like the ones above. Music for the eyes. Thanks Lucia.

Beautyspot : Nouveau parfum

2009-03-23T20:03:00.006+11:00

I discovered the joy of perfume in my early teens when my Pop discovered the joy of Duty Free shopping as a way of spoiling Mum and I on his return home. Early faves were Lou Lou by Cacharel (crikey I liked 'em sweet), Envy by Gucci (too strong for me now, but I wore it for years and years) and White Linen by Estee Lauder (fresh, fresh, fresh).
Hooked for life, I now have about 17 on my shelf, even though I only wear half of them. So really, I don't need any more perfumes for at least 35 years, but who can resist a newbie? Especially when it's by Sisley, especially when they're launching three perfumes at once, especially when they all smell fresh, modern and crisper than a martini, and ESPECIALLY when the labels have such phenomenal designs (as above).
Allow me to introduce you... 1 is lush like a mandarin, grapefruit, green tea, juniper and sunshine cocktail. 2 smells like the swiss alps would if they were home to iris, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and cedar. 3 is like a big hug from a friend who's been experimenting in her overgrown backyard with bergamot, lemon, purple ginger, patchouli, vanilla and musk.
Sisley Eau de Sisley 1, 2 and 3 100 ml Eau de Toilette are $165 each, available April 09.
Eeni, meeni, miney...

Shopfind : Cleverness

2009-03-22T18:23:00.005+11:00

I'm a fairly obsessed with birds, but I only came across this fact accidentally. I was looking at a large mood board at work (which took me the best part of a year to complete) when I realised most pics had some kind of bird, butterfly or dragonfly on them. And it seems I'm not the only one - everywhere you look birds are forever making an appearance on fabrics, gift cards, paper and art.

The print above is called Celebrate with bird song by Lovely Sweet William. I found it on madeit.com.au, a favourite shopping site. It's from an original pen and ink drawing, inspired by the wonderfully consistent way birds celebrate each new day. The girls behind the label have a beautiful blog here: lovelysweetwilliam.blogspot.com Dare I say, it's lovely!

Plaything : Calendar girl

2009-03-21T14:13:00.007+11:00

Considering it's almost time to wax on about chocolate-coated easter bunnies, I shouldn't be harking back to the new year. But there's something about my small tradition each January when I buy myself a Cavallini & Co. calendar (cavallini.com) to put up over my desk. This year it's a collection of vintage posters from Italy. Last year it was engravings of butterflies from the 19th century.
Some of the butterflies were so beautiful I'm going to put them in frames (which makes me feel better than trapping real b-flies in an Ikea moment). Last night I scanned my favourites to keep on file, then all I wanted to do was play with each delicate image. And play I did! I'm thinking of printing this particular illo and making gift tags with them. Setting them free, so to speak.

Shopfind : Vintage

2009-03-19T17:56:00.005+11:00

I love love vintage... I have a collection of beautiful coloured vintage glassware which I sit under a window in my living room. Each one catches the sun and together they throw a rainbow around the room. I also love vintage posters, but hubby and I have never agreed on the same one, so there is still a distinct lack of them on our walls. The closest I get is cards, like this one I bought for my friend Bella's 30th birthday (visoni.com). I discovered it in one of those divine chocolate truffle meets incredible stationery shops on brunswick street, fitroy, on a trip to melbourne a few days ago. They sure don't make 'em how they used to.

Plaything : Illustration

2009-03-18T22:37:00.006+11:00

I just stumbled upon a bunch of wrapping paper sheets I picked up last year in Kuala Lumpur. They cost me about AU 50 cents each, and they're all so whimsical and cute. This heart pattern by a.e.i.o.u studio (aeiou.com.my) is a real fave. The bottom pic is a straight scan of the paper, the top is an illustration I made with my Warhol glasses on, with a sunburst yellow star smack bang in the middle. So fresh and shiny!

Plaything : Ducks on rocks

2009-03-11T21:27:00.008+11:00

I love the unexpected, but what I really love is the completely random. Like a collection of rubber ducks outside a general store on a recent visit to the Central Coast, NSW. The ducklings and friends looked dull and depressed because of the asphalt stretch they called home, so I spent some time on it in photoshop, throwing colour here and there, and voila here is my latest plaything. Don't they kinda rock?

Plaything : Sunny days

2009-03-10T21:59:00.007+11:00

Hello... I'm Kris and this is my new blog. I hope you love.
This is a little illustration I made from a photo of my niece, Audrey. It's not going to win any awards, just a nice bright one to kick off the show.
I snapped her like a mad paparazzi on the weekend... we headed north to a beautiful beach house for a perfect Autumn weekend escape. You bet there were bad carbs and cheezels all round, but I didn't mind lounging around in a super-sized lagoon and hanging out with my hubby and the fam either.