Good, Good Things

A four leaf clover I found on the walk home from school today - I am planning on pressing it between the pages of a library book, so that someone else may find it by chance.

The Australian Ceramics Open Studio program runs this weekend (15 & 16th August 2015). Potters all over Australia are opening their workshop doors and inviting the public in to see them at work, join in workshops or buy handmade table and home wares. I love ceramics and pottery, and am slowly replacing my mass produced store brought kitchen and table ware with beautiful handmade pieces! I am hoping to visit Rachel and Stephanie in Clayfield. 

A wonderful read for expectant Mothers, new Mothers and even Grandmothers - The Kindred Collective has released their first e-magazine with the theme of Birth. A beautiful and moving collection of pieces written by writers you will recognise. If there are two things I love, it is hearing others birth stories and talking about my own. Find a comfy chair, a patch of sun, a cup of tea and perhaps some tissues, then settle in to read these heart felt words. (A percentage of the profits go to the Hamlin Fistula Hospital.)

A scrap book of images of Composition books owned by famous artists. I write in Composition books on a daily basis - I write my Morning Notes in them and I have another one for jotting down ideas for photo shoots, collections, market displays etc. (I buy mine here.) They are cheap, classic, lined journals without that pressure you can feel when putting pen to paper in a 'nice' journal. 

Ten Good Things

Poincianas in bloom, flaunting their red blossoms and scattering them like rich carpet.

The imagination and honesty of a two year old.

Baby wearing - I can't think of a better place for my six month old to be than in my arms or in his sling, his head close enough to kiss. This third child is missing out on none of the cuddles.

A five year old's joy at taking a found nest and tiny blue egg shell to school for show and tell.

Parcel delivery drivers who are funny and kind.

Handmade ornaments with hand prints, glitter or drawings.

Old ladies who stop to tell me how beautiful my children are.

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and Kewpie mayonnaise. Nom nom nom...

Lightning storms that thrash and pour throughout a yoga class, and remind you how small you are in the universe, in a good way.

Family Christmas traditions.

Good things

Interested in getting published in an Australian Craft Zine? Bespoke has put a call out for submissions for their Spring edition. The theme is Adornment + Embellishment.

An Online Masterclass for bloggers on working with PR companies (with the lovely Pottymouthmama), getting comfortable with video (with Milk Please Mum) and working with brands - Voices of 2014 - Online Masterclass

The Etsy blog's - 7 Tips for Hiring and Managing Assistants

Looking for a new read? Lit Lovers review books each month based on a theme. This month it's The Bawdy Politic.

Creative Bug - A collection of video workshops covering everything from quilting to jeweller, yarn to paper. (Cath has been doing Lisa Congdon's Line Drawing Class, which looks great.)

gather :: create - a workshop being held next weekend in Northern NSW, which sounds like a wonderful celebration of creativity and making

Foodies rejoice - The upcoming exhibition at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Harvest, celebrates food in art, and will feature a new range of menu options inspired by the exhibition.

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What good things have you found lately?

Feel free to leave a link or two in the comments.

Happy Sunday!

Good Things

L-R: Collections, Did, Purl Bee Advent Calender,
Pretty Flowers, elephantine, Andre Derain, 
The Embroiderer, Crafty Blossom Quilt, blogdelanine

A shot of talent, beauty and inspiration this lovely Tuesday. These good things were gathered from my Pinterest feed. I quite like Pinterest, though I do find it a bit of a visual over load at times. I like to just dip in to it every now and then, resurfacing with gems like these.

What has been inspiring you lately?
What good things have you found?
Are you on Pinterest?

9 good things

9 good things snapped on Instagram lately 

(My user name is littlebirdlowry)

National Year of Reading 2012, at our local library

Lemon Butter, found browsing at the Pimpama Strawberry Farm

A rainbow that appeared while watering the veggie patch

A wall of yarn at Threads & More, sigh

And an honest sign

Beautiful branches overhead in South Brisbane

Looking up at landmarks

Capturing my two boys in the setting sun

Wearing my andODesign ceramic cloud brooch

I wondered if the novelty of Instagram would wear off after I had used it for awhile. As yet, the answer is no. I quite enjoy the ease and speed of snapping photos on my iphone. Especially in situations where I would be too shy, or not have enough time, to pull out my normal camera. My three current favourite Instagramers are littlebuckles, hellokateberry and foxslane. 

If you are on Instagram, who are your favourites? What good things have you been taking happy snaps of lately?

A few things in Autumn

The charms of Autumn are appearing. The change in the light, the cool change of evening and soon, the change in the leaves. There are a few other things I am looking forward to this Autumn.

Knitting my first cardigan for myself

Reading one classic book to each modern one

Seeing the Drawings from the Musee d'Orsay 

Collecting leaves with Cohen

Making more soup - this was a nice start (made minus the celery)

Trying our hands at toffee apples

Having an Autumn picnic

Snuggling under blankets with my three favourite people

Is Autumn working it's charms on you? What are you looking forward to this season?