making + sickness mash!

Oh my poor neglected blog, this last week has been a blur of family sickness + stresses and somehow I just couldn't find the words to write in the midst. So instead of summarizing, I will just begin this week with a few snapshots of the sweet, amid a bit of sour....

weekend wonder

[the last flower left...]

Sometimes the timing of things....if they have to happen, can be borne with more patience than, say, well...at most other times! I am talking of sickness, arriving in our household last week in a way that meant - stop! And with the fashion series over the line and running, I have had breathing space before the next lot of decisions need to be made. If I need to curl up on the couch with a 3yr old and read 'Courdory' over and over again I am able to exhale and roll with it!
In the spaces of these days, when sickness has threatened me also, I have slowed enough for creativity to meander and catch itself in a waiting lens...

:: favourate folage - spinning gum.

:: crochet alpaca bowls after their first felting...

:: with lots of wind + cold here this week, these doors are closed and I watch the wind in the tree's outside...

:: lines...

:: 'moments'

:: building bookshelves in the girls room

:: the children set up camp outside to enjoy the sunshine!

:: 'tumbled'

:: I find that when I create...it begets creating in my children - eldest making a birthday gift for a friend.

:: excusing the lack of tripod...our sweet 'toy' eco fireplace having its first run!

weekday weave

[introducing the new weave+wonder product range!]

A hive of business is going on behind the scenes at weave+wonder, spearheaded by an upcoming market stall & growing interest in a beautifully tactile range of handmade products.

Creativity is a spontaneous process for me, usually a response to visual inspiration, nature or texture. Most recently my making has taken on a practical edge & complements the story we are trying to tell through our weave+wonder aesthetic.

We have designed a range of beautifully tactile felted bowls and industrial felt storage boxes, iPad sleeves and wine bottle covers.
Today I visited a very talented photographer friend of mine and asked if she would photograph the small, but growing collection of products. We had a wonderful morning and the photography is sensational - moody + minimal - I can't wait to showcase here!
Here's just a small sneek-peek...more photo's and order details to come!

Many thanks to Jen +Emma for their gift and the beauty of a creative morning spent with them!

[If you are interested in Jen + Emma's photography work, please contact me and I will put you in touch with them - amazing aren't they!]

weekday weave

:: Remembering the magical creations our Saturday morning class made in 'kinetic sculpture' and 'wearable art' inspired by Alexander Calder and Maryann Talia Pau.

:: Taking time to celebrate an anniversary

:: Reminding my children how to treat one another and delighting that art is how they choose to be reminded.

:: planning a much anticipated splash-fest for a recently-turned-8yr-old!

:: Immersing ourselves in circle+oval shapes

:: Enjoying new designs

:: having these props arranged + re-arranged by my curious little helpers as we plan our two weeks of diorama's in the Saturday morning inspiration series!

:: Loving the feel of this wool between my fingers at any available moment!

the best kind of making

This week I finally had a window of time to do some making of the best kind, to give away! Two felt, hand stitched wine bottle holders and their delicious cargo a small offering of thanks delivered with deep gratitude to some very important people involved in our WEAVE+WONDER journey. I think it is a fitting way to launch into the new year, by offering a little thanks to those who have walked with us this far...I'll be off to deliver these next week!
While on the subject of thanks -
To all the sensational parents who believe in encouraging their children to use their imaginations, who believe in their own unique self-expression - thank you for the privilage of working with your amazingly tallented children!
Thank you for your support of the WEAVE+WONDER journey, an exploration of natural and unique materials to encourage 'creativity woven into life'!
This year, with the support of our wonderful venues, we hope to develop even more exciting, inspirational and sophisticated art+craft classes and products for your children!

:: I'm really loving working with this industrial felt and whipped up another ipad cover - I am exploring the possibility of developing a range of these felt products to sell - if you feel so inclined, tell me what you think??

the test lab!

A whole lot of experimental making and thinking is going on around here amid the business of life back at school and with houseguests!
New class ideas are coming together and expressions of interest will be called for very soon! We are excited about this 'windy season' of August, Fathers day and the sweet anticipation of spring!
Here is just a little taste of the making around here: