Celebrating Beauty

1. Andrea Williams, 2. Pamela Rawnsley, 3. Michelle Pujol,

4. Marian Hosking, 4. Judy Geib, 5. Helen Shirk,

6. Rebecca Fargher 7. Pamela Rawnsley, 9. Jacqueline Ryan

A cool over cast morning and a cup of tea and a sleeping babe make for a lovely moment too dive in to Pinterest and potter about from one page to another, absorbing the visual feast that is available and pinning those pieces that make my heart flutter. It's a wonderful way to discover new artists and click your way to their portfolio and explore their work. Each of these jewellers has such a strong and cohesive sense of style, so I like to call such internet wanderings 'research' rather than just 'play' or 'procrastination'.

I like to think of all the hours of work that went in to each piece, and all the hours before that learning and practicing. I like to think about the materials, how they were sourced, the techniques the maker employed on them, the value or lack of value in an item before they incorporated it in to their work. And I like to think about some one owning each piece, wearing it and loving it, like a visual extension of self - for don't we want the jewellery we wear to say something about ourselves? Perhaps that we have simple tastes? Perhaps that we have wealth? Perhaps that we support handmade? 

Or perhaps just that we celebrate beauty where ever we find it. 

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.

Last Days of School

My two little ones are asleep and I am savoring a cup of tea after running errands and grocery shopping, before hanging out the third load of laundry. There's three more days left of Prep and I am feeling a little sentimental. Only three more days, and my big boy has finished his first year of school. His first year away from me, given that he never attended childcare. On top of which, he turns six this week. Oh my. 

Time seems to speed up when you have children, because they are like yardsticks for time. How quickly they grow. How different he seems from the little boy who first put on that brand new uniform, to child dressed in the paint and play marked uniform he wears now.

I'm so proud of my boy. He has always been confident and social, and so accepting of anyone who is 'different'. 

And his Mona Lisa is pretty awesome too.

QCA Showcase - Jewellery and Small Objects

It had been quite a while since I walked the halls of Queensland College of Arts. I have fond memories of my University years, as I studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Visual Arts and immeresed myself in the art world. I hope to continue my studies by applying for my Masters in Jewellery and Small Objects once all my babes are all in school. As such, I visited QCA this past weekend to view their graduate exhibition, with particular in interested in the silver smithing display.

I was not disappointed. The work was of a high quality, the space was used effectively and I found the display cabinets elegant in their simplicity. I was particularly drawn to the work of Rebecca White and Rachel Matthews-Fredrick. Their pieces appealed to me aesthetically, conceptually and for their high standard of execution. I'm really excited about the work these artists shared in the exhibition and hope that we will all be seeing more of their designs in future.

30% Off All Pearl Jewellery

Cyber Monday is one of the biggest online sale days of the year. The perfect day to cross a few things off your Christmas list, or purchase that piece you have had your eye on! This year I am joining in with 30% off all pearl pieces. From classic studs to one of a kind handmade pendants, from darling drop earrings to an avant-garde Broome Pearl ring, all pearl pieces are reduced by 30% for one day only. Prices start at $31.50.

So pop over to the shop to view the sale items and decide which piece you want to make your own! 

Or make Christmas shopping that much easier with free gift wrapping and free worldwide shipping on all items.

Happy Cyber Monday! xx

New in the Shop - Something In The Way

'Something In The Way' is a set of three charming rings featuring the Diamond set 'Florence' band and two scalloped 'Edith' rings.

Feminine and lace like, this doily inspired set of rings features a unique drilled and punched design and is set with 6 = 0.06ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, G/H, SI. The perfect piece for everyday wear, the three rings create an eye-catching double lace edged look. 

They can also be worn separately and mixed and matched with your collection.

Available for order in the shop.

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