This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. - SouleMama 

Brisbane Pearl Threading Workshop!

My lovely Brisbane-ites, join me for a crafty morning, Saturday 21st February at Newstead, as I teach traditional pearl threading and you create your own knotted pearl strand.

If you love pearls, beads and jewellery, this workshop is a must. Perfect for beginners, makers wishing to learn a new skill, or those wanting to add a new service to their business. The workshop will equip you with pearls, thread, clasp, beading needles and gimp to create your first necklace, as well as a kit to take home in order to practice the new techniques. The workshop will provide you with step by step instructions, wholesale contacts and resource list, tips and tricks, as well as details on charging out re-threading to clients. 

I encourage you to bring along any pieces you would like advice on, whether it's Grandma's pearls or a broken strand of beads. After completing the workshop you will have your own strand of traditionally knotted pearls, and the know how to thread pearls and beads like a professional.

An additional selection of pearls and clasps will be available for purchase on the day.

Places are limited so Book Now!

I'm so excited! Can't wait to share my years of experience with you. xx

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?

A Fond Farewell - 30% Off all Laser Cut Jewellery

30% Off All Laser Cut Jewellery with the code GOODBYE

All laser cut jewellery will be reduced by 30%!

It's time to bid a fond farewell to the remaining pieces of laser cut jewellery in my collection. It was wonderful working with new techniques and materials and I'm very proud of these designs. I'm sad to see these pieces go, but I'm making room for the new collection I am working on.

Once these pieces are gone, they won't be coming back again. If you have had your eye on something. now is the time to grab it. There is no custom ordering available for these wooden pieces. The stock levels in the shop are up to date and once they are sold out, there will be no more.

This fantastic discount includes free worldwide shipping. 

Don't miss this opportunity to spoil your jewellery box with a unique piece of limited edition jewellery by using the code GOODBYE in the shop now.

Sale will run for one week, or until stocks last. (12 - 18/1/15)

Inspiration - Cressida Campbell

 

'Interior with Red Ginger' 1998

 'White Waratah' 2000 

 'Interior, Margaret Olley's house' 1992

'Kitchen Utensils' 1993

'Nasturtiums' 2002

I recently discovered the art work of Cressida Campbell, an Australian artist who depicts the grace and beauty of home, and everyday still lifes in order to create timeless works of art. Each piece is carefully crafted, first as a wood cut and then as a hand painted water colour print, of which she will only ever make one copy. The workmanship and skill involved is admirable, and I hope to view one of her works in person to see the effect upon the paper in greater detail.

I find myself repeatedly drawn to art work of this nature - intimate, beautiful, decorative, domestic - like the work of Margaret Olley (who was a friend and mentor to Campbell), and Vida Lahey - both Australian artists. I'm inspired by their talent, style and success of these women.

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While searching for these images I found a great interview with Cressida Campbell on Design Files from 2013.

There are many more images of her amazing work on Pinterest.

7 Months - Oscar

Oh my little bundle of joy! Look at those sparkling eyes and those chubby cheeks! My little Oscar is a darling seven month old now and he wants to move. He is inching further forwards on his tummy each day, after weeks of being able to wiggle backwards. He's quite vocal when the object of his desire is frustratingly out of reach. I snapped this photos in a hurry, before we went out for the day and he was just about ready for a nap.

As you can see from the photos, he's fascinated by the cats, who walk teasingly close to him. He does manage to grab a handful of fur occasionally. At this age Emerson was fascinated by our cat too. How different they are as babes. Oscar has been rolling for months, while Emerson was this age when she started rolling. Emerson had been sitting unassisted for a month or two by now, while Oscar is still wobbly and unable to find his balance while sitting independently. All in their own good time. I'm still in no hurry for them to grow up.

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Emerson at seven months.

Oscar at four months, five months, six months.

Create and Thrive: New Year Challenge, 1 - 5

I'm a naturally reflective person, looking back over an experience, lesson or time and processing the thoughts and wisdom gleaned from it. The New Year gives me greater reason for such reflection and encourages brain storming and planning activities. I love sitting with a notebook and diary in front of me, creating goals for each coming month, penciling in new collection releases, holidays, promotions. I have been working my way through Lisa Jacobs' excellent 'Your Best Year Yet' work book and creative planner, and have joined the Create and Thrive 30 Day New Year Challenge too. All of which I find extremely helpful as an independent maker, to really envision and set my goals, reconfirm my direction and enable me to keep going when times get tough.

What's your why? 
I believe in the beauty, meaning and skill of handmade objects over mass produced objects. I value working from home as a stay at home Mother, because my children are my first priority, while creativity is a close second. I am grateful for the freedom, flexibility and satisfaction of being an independent jeweller. But in one word, joy. Making with my hands, running a business, creating personal pieces with a story and connecting with my customers brings me joy.

What is your ultimate business goal for your business? 
This question reminds of another I've been pondering lately - if I knew I couldn't fail I would... Ultimately my business and creative goals include financial security, a shop front and International recognition as an exhibiting jewellery artist.

What is holding you back from reaching your ultimate goal?
I have over come many of my fears since committing myself to building a business. Fear of failing, fear of illegitimacy as an artist, fear of letting go. Now the only things standing between me and my ultimate goals are the time and money to do the work to reach my potential. This is an ongoing journey and I'm in no rush. I have learnt so much from allowing my business and ideas to evolve organically and will continue to do the work to realise my dreams.

What is one word that sums up your plans for your business in 2015?
Consolidate. Last year I focused on growth, branding and creating collections. I learnt much, which will be put in to practice this year. I'm back to work today after my twin sister @noniponyhappy flew home again. I feel refreshed by our holiday and ready to start crossing things off my to do list.

What will your business and life look like this time next year? 
In many ways the same as this year, with a focus on my family, their education, our home and keeping things simple. Growth and success in my business, several workshops taught and two new collections in my store. Feeling satisfied, content and joyful.

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Are you a maker and a planner? 

How do you prepare for the New Year? 

What resources are high on your list?

Are you joining in with the challenge?