Meredith Woolnough

Typologies

 'Meredith Woolnough's elegant embroidered traceries capture the delicate beauty of nature in knotted embroidery threads. Through a delicate system of tiny stitches she creates intricate and complex openwork compositions that are then carefully pinned in shadowboxes, just like preserved specimens. 

The work maps the frameworks of the various veining systems found in nature to create work that explores the balance, harmony and connectivity of life on Earth. Inspired by the patterns, structures and shapes found in plants, coral, cells and shells Meredith's embroideries represent both the robust beauty and elegant fragility of life.'

- From Meredith's About page

Hunter Lifestyle

Meredith Woolnough's work appeared in my Facebook feed recently as I scrolled though the usual articles, photographs and updates. I followed the link and was first struck by awe at the stunning details and general beauty of her work, a feeling that was followed closely by a pang of jealousy. Not the green eyes monster variety of jealousy, but of the variety that enables you to recognise a successful maker and encourages and inspires you to keep going. Keep making. Keep expressing yourself. And who doesn't cherish such inspiration? Who doesn't wish to gaze at the tiny stitches that create such 'delicate beauty' and mirror those efforts in their own life.

So many more amazing stitches in Meredith's Gallery.

Australian Ceramics Open Studio

It's not very often you get to wander around an artist's workshop, peer in to their collections of tools, discuss their gallery of work, while also making and decorating your very own clay plate. But so was my day yesterday. In a picturesque Brisbane street, with trees yawning over the road, a cat languidly crossed from one side to another as I walked up to a tall Queenslander. One might not expect the hive of creative activity on it's ground floor. 

Five kilns line up at attention in Stephanie Outridge Field's Studio. A gallery ringed with white plinths supports work from learned hands. While the work space features work concerned with motifs of home, leaves and texture. Amid the blocks of clay, pots of colour and works of art, one is invited to try their hand at smoothing, cutting, soothing and decorating their very own plate, under the guidance of Rachel Cramer. And what a joy that was! The cold soft clay. The tips and techniques. The act of making. I was reminded that I am more at home working with metal than I am with clay! But I thoroughly enjoyed it.  

My lovely, wonky plate supported a painted and pricked out doily inspired design - of course - which I am so excited to see dried and fired. I could not resist Rachel's scallop textured cups and a faceted sculpture/bowl created by Stephanie. They will be well loved additions to my collection. Indeed, I hope one day to have a few more pieces of my own making fired in those very kilns...

Many thanks again to Stephanie and Rachel, and to Australian Ceramics for organising the Open Studio weekend. If you are local to Clayfield, Brisbane, pop in today (Sunday, 16/2/15), or else check out the other open studio's being hosted all around Australia today.

Damn Cute DIY's

L-R: Magical forest in jar, Miniature Pinata DIY, Dandelion Paperweight video,

Cat toe shoes, Wedding decoration, Mini string DIY's,

Whale, Modular gift bow, Arm knitting

A curated collection of cuteness I found while rambling around Pinterest. There are so many talented and creative people out there making such sweet and fun projects. That Dandelion paperweight has just gone straight to the top of my to-make list! I have resin and dandelions, time to find a vending machine for the 'mould'...

What's on your to-make list?

Weaving Tutorials for Beginners

L- R: Purl Bee, Branch Weaving, Matchbox weaving,
Stone weaving, How to weave, Facecloth,
Beginners, Learn how to weave, A Sampler.

Are you a bit fascinated by weaving? I am! I love all the different yarns and textiles, the patterns and textures and the decorative and practical applications of weaving. I've noticed a lot of weaving in the blog worlds recently and I feel that it is nearly time I tried my hand at it, having not attempted to do so since primary school. If you are after some weaving inspiration, Pippa from Ouchflower makes the most lovely weavings, and entering #weaving into Instgram reveals a myriad of beautiful yarny over-and-unders that will make your heart pitter patter a little faster, particularly if you are a knitter with a collection of left over bits and pieces... I have put together this little collection of simple weaving tutorials to get you (and me) started.

I think these would make a great school holiday craft. I will be sorting through my yarn ends and practicing a bit of weaving with my five year old one afternoon soon. I shall be sure to share our results. 

Will you join me?

'Designing Craft/ Crafting Design'

The Moon, 2012
Peter Walker

Midnight and Midday and Midnight Neckpieces, 2012
Midnight and Midday and Midnight brooches, 2013
Leslie Matthews

Flotsam and Jetsam, 2012
Lisa Farrant

Still Life with Bosc and Strange Fruit, 2012
Nick Mount

Every Cloud has a Silver Lining, 2012
Honor Freeman

Oil Can and Tea Can, 2012
Kirsten Coelho

De Qi - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, 2012
Belinda Newick

Holey light 1 and 2, 2012
Illumini

Gwyn Hanssen Pigott

Tools from the studio of Gwyn Hanssen Pigott

Still life with two cups, 2005
Gwyn Hanssen Pigott

'Still life with 2 cups, is an example of the style of work for which Hanssen Pigott has now been acclaimed for decades. Simple, but in a refined modernist rather than rustic sense, the beautifully executed wood-fired vessels pay homage to the sensory domestic pleasures offered by the perfect teapot or cup.'

Bright Shadow, 2011
Gwyn Hanssen Pigott

My little artists, pleased as can be to be playing with clay.

I've often heard mention of The Jam Factory in books and magazines, however yesterday was my first opportunity to see a collection of work from an institution which has spanned forty years. The Ipswich Art Gallery hosts a diverse array of exhibitions, events and children's workshops, and while I wandered slowly from plinth to plinth on the lower level, my dear husband took the children to Create with Clay on the upper level.

I am always drawn to exhibitions that delve in to the world and skill of craft, while crossing the divide usually noticeable between craft and art. Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, a renowned ceramicist, is known for bridging this gap with her work. But I felt the same could be said of any of the artists in the exhibition. I found the exhibitions title apt at addressing the dual nature of such skilled crafters and artists. From glass to metal, ceramics to wood, lighting to furniture, the diversity was as wide as it was inspiring; as you can see by the images I have shared above.

I was quite taken with the work of Gwyn Hanssen Pigott. Her elegant pieces, behind their glass boxes, made me want to touch them all the more. That last line from the didactic panel alongside Still life with two cups lingered with me all afternoon - 'pay homage to the sensory domestic pleasures offered by the perfect teapot or cup.' The sensory domestic pleasures offered by the perfect teapot or cup. So simple, so poetic, so profound. Do we not all have a tea cup that we always reach for first? Do we not appreciate the beauty in, say, a hand cut crystal candle holder as opposed to a variety store $2 version of the same. Do not beautiful objects bring beauty to our day and to our lives?

I took my musings with me as I joined my husband and watched my children so perfectly engaged with their own creative pursuits. A Picasso quote came back to me, 'Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.'

Each to Own & Ouchflower

The two crafty ladies I would like to introduce you to today are both doing their own thing, and doing it exceptionally well! Kirsten, from Each To Own, creates clever, colourful, afforable, laser cut jewellery which adds flair to any jewellery collection. While Pippa, from Ouchflower, is a master of knots and ceramic; with tassel making, macrame knotting and pottery just a few of her many talents. Her dip dyed tassels in particular may make you weak at the knees, and over come by a strange urge to redecorate your lounge room. Kirsten and Pippa have generously included a piece of their handiwork in the Handmade Christmas Giveaway for one lucky commentor. Pop over and enter if you haven't already, then please make these lovely ladies welcome!

Whether summer is on the way, or you are looking to remember it in the cooler moths, this fab brooch will make you smile. Evoking all the fun of the beach, tropical fun and all things bright and breezy, this little wood and paper inlay brooch measures 7cms high and features a great pineapple design set with a retro pattern. It would be perfect on your favourite cardigan, jacket or blouse as a little quirky feature, or a gift for someone special. It has been made from hand using Tasmanian Blackwood and hand inlayed paper covered birch.

Each to Own is a small, home based jewellery design company, in Brisbane, Australia, specialising in bright and bold pieces for everyday wear.

We incorporate fun patterns and colours with the familiar forms to produce both wooden and acrylic brooches, necklaces, rings and earrings that brighten up your day.

We enjoy our work and we hope you do to.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eachtoown

Shop: www.eachtoown.etsy.com

Instagram: @eachtoown

A small cotton twine tassel, dip dyed white with white leather wings.
The underside of each wing is painted gold. 
A perfect decoration for your tree this Xmas.
Overall drop 60-70 cm, tassel length 24-26 cm        

I'm a maker with a passion for craft, thrift, collecting and all things Mid Century and Retro. Over the past three years I have slowly decorated our 70's home with thrift finds, eBay purchases. I have a passion for Mid Century Danish and Australian furniture, West German Pottery and Midwinter Ceramics.

My love of traditional crafts such as pottery began in the art classroom, I then graduated with a B.A Craft-Ceramics honors in 1997, in Melbourne. 

Motherhood has been a catalyst for me to venture back into Contemporary Craft and my love of pottery, embroidery, macrame, illustration, crochet, and screen printing now have no bounds!

Blog: http://www.ouchflower.blogspot.com.au/

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ouchflower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ouch-Flower/158226207522174

Instagram: @ouchflower

Made By Hand

Custom order

It is the season to be crafty! And I am feeling particularly inspired after reading the lovely comments on the Handmade Christmas Giveaway post. I love hearing about the handmade touches you add to make your Christmas special. I'm also delighted to read about the thoughts and love that go in to your gifts and decorations. 

This past week there has been a start on the Christmas crafting, a finished custom ordered pendant, a new collection of beads in the shop, and work on a few pairs of earrings, which I hope to share with you soon. My advent calender supplies arrived in the post, (hooray!) so I believe that will be our next project. Though I am looking forward to a bit of card making, wrapping paper decorating and a touch of Christmas baking too. 

Only a couple more days until we put up the tree. Our tradition is to wait until the 1st of December. How I looked forward to that job as a child! The excitement has returned now, as a parent. Cohen usually starts out with much excitement and hangs several ornaments, before sitting back and supervising the rest of the proceedings. But secretly, I don't mind. I love decorating the tree.

Have you been crafting or making this week?

Will you have a Christmas tree?

When do you put it up?

Christmas Craft - Ornaments

In keeping with my decision to create a loving, memorable, handmade, but simple Christmas this year, while taking the pressure off my pregnant self, this ornament kit from the variety shop sneakily came home with us. Right under the children's noses. I had every intention of putting them away until after the first of December. I even hid them in the linen closet. But I can not be trusted with craft supplies. I make promises to myself about knitting, sewing and wool too, then quite often break them...

I revealed the little project to two delighted children, as a reward for good behavior. Cohen was especially impressed, while Emerson was just as happy to paint herself, as per usual. Why not? She seemed quite pleased with them when they were finished though, and kept dragging a chair over to the kitchen to look at them while they dried.

I think they are just beautiful, even if it felt like cheating to buy the whole project in one box. I'll be writing their names and the year on the back, and hope to be hanging them from the Christmas tree for many years to come. 

$3 well spent I think.

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Don't forget to enter the Handmade Christmas Giveaway!

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You might also like to check out -
DIY gifts for guys
Air-dry clay ornament tutorial
Embroidered Napkin Tutorial
Christmas Decoration Tutorials

Made By Hand - Link Up

Sweet Jane Ring - hand formed in wax and cast in Sterling Silver

I have a 'job box' on my bench. It's full of craft paper seed packets which contain sketches, notes, gemstones and/or metal for various projects and repairs. Like my knitting basket, some projects have been sitting in that job box for a long time. Sometimes there is a problem that needs solving before the piece can be finished. Sometimes something is missing. Sometimes the parts just need to be assembled and polished. Sometimes I'm just not happy, but only after letting the piece sit for awhile, and grieving the wasted hours, can I bring myself to melt it down (which is much like frogging in knitting). 

I've been rediscovering some hidden beauty in my job box lately. Such as the ring above, which sat patiently waiting to be cleaned up and polished for years. I had intended to bring it to the FK market with me, but it sold as soon as I posted a photo to Facebook. The new Springdrop and Starry Night Pendants I showed you yesterday were also sitting in my job box since before Emerson's birth. Both just needed assembling and for the stones to be set. Quite honestly, I had forgotten about both of them, and was rather excited to rediscover them.

This week there are pearl necklaces to thread, earrings to finish and tags to make. Then I am going to have another sift through my job box and see what else I have forgotten about.

What have you been making this week?

Do you have a stash of unfinished objects?

Made By Hand - Link Up

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

My aim is to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. 

So, what are you creating right now?
Join in by leaving a link below.

A gorgeous vintage cross stitched notebook cover made by greenbuttons

Giveaway goodies from Creative Chaos

I am still (still) working on my little sweater - the front and back are finished, and I have started on the sleeves. But, look at the loveliness that arrived in my letterbox! I spotted these beautiful covered notebooks made from re-purposed cross stitched linens on Louana's blog. A perfect little Christmas gift for a certain great-Aunt this Christmas. Though, of course, I am tempted to keep it for myself. Also in my letter box, these crafty goodies were a lucky win from Kimberley's blog, and will be put to good use. Thank you Louana and Kimberley!

So, what's been happening in your creative space lately?

Made By Hand - Link Up

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

My aim is to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. 

So, what are you creating right now?
Join in by leaving a link below.

I missed our creative show and tell last week. However, I was too ill to put together a coherent blog post and at times like that I know I need to listen to my body and rest. 

This week, my creative energy has been channeled in to knitting a small sweater. I uncovered the pattern in a thrifted, vintage Patons knitting book (Book 921) and was drawn to the texture of the fabric. I also found patterns in the book which are identical to a hand knit sweater and cardigan that I found at an op-shop. They were baby blue, beautifully knit and unworn. Both my children have since worn and outgrown them. I can't help but wonder if I brought the book and hand knits from the same op-shop? And if perhaps the notations in the book are the work of the same knitter? 

So, lovely readers, what have you been making of late?

Made By Hand - Link Up

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

My aim is to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. 

So, what are you creating right now? Join in by leaving a link below.

Progress is (s l o w l y) being made on my Larch cardigan.

Lately I've been pondering creativity, inspiration and ways of working. We all have different ways of working and I couldn't say I understand how anyone else works. I can only talk for myself, and even then I am still learning. This is what I know so far. I tend to have bursts of creativity, where I can't sleep at night for all the thoughts that are circling in my brain. At these times I keep pen and paper next to my bed so I can jot things down, so my brain can stop concentrating on them, and I can try to sleep. At these times I am utilising every chance I get to write or draw. I grab every idea I can, while I can. I'm constantly thinking over the ideas. Over-thinking the ideas in some cases. This flurry dies down and is replaced by the work. All the notes I've taken, all the sketches I've done, all the images in my mind are worked in to new projects. Sometimes another flurry of creativity is not far behind. Other times I am anxious less it never returns. But these times of busy inspiration, followed by lulls in which to create, are how I work. This pattern relates to everything from jewellery design to renovations, knitting to blogging, gardening to market preparations.

What I have learnt is that creativity needs nourishment and that nourishment can come from unexpected places, completely unrelated to your work. Taking the time to nourish your creativity might look like you aren't working, when really you are. It might take the form of reading classic literature or watching popular movies. It may be a holiday or having friends stay. It might be blog hopping or going for a walk. And more often than not in my case, the key to nourishing my creativity seems to be by having a second creative project, like knitting. A second project that I'm committed to forces me to step away from what I'm doing and give it some space. It gives me a chance to use my hands in a different way and achieve a different type of creative satisfaction. The repetition of knitting creates a mind space with room for creative flights of fancy which often lead to another flurry of creativity.

What worthwhile ways have you found to nourish your creativity?

Do you work in a similar way, or completely differently?

What have you been making this week?

Be sure to leave a link below.