Skechbook challenge: Last few days of July

Entry for July 27th

Elements: Of the butterfly house

Entry for July 28th

Elements: My niece Katie an element of my life

Entry for July 29th

Elelements: of design

Entry for July 30th

Elements: Of sashiko patterns

Entry for July 31st

Elements: The element of suprise

Entry for August 1st

Elements: Of design

Quilting-entry for Leah Day's transformation challenge

I have entered Leah Day's transformation challenge.  (to find out more about her go to) http://www.daystyledesigns.com/index.htm 

I spent a long time writing lists of ideas and drawing sketches on this topic.  It could be a literal take on the challenge theme or more abstract.  I started down one path and ended up miles in the other direction.  A real transformation.  I love how the creative process works as an organic thought process.  I am always surprised at where it takes me.   I started off thinking about and abstract piece of work and ended up doing a pictorial piece. 

Transformation is such a great word,  so many possibilities are brought to mind........a makeover, changes in insects,  children blossoming into adults,  a flower blooming, a changeof heart,  restoration,  birth of an idea.....the list is endless.  I think it was a great idea for a challenge.  In the end I decided on the transformation of a woman's body while experiencing pregnancy and being a twin I placed two babies in her belly.  I think this has to be one of the most magical transformations that happens in anyones life.  I find the birth process a wonderful experience (apart from the pain:) it isamazing how a little one can grow inside a mum over a relatively short period of 9 months.  What an amazing miracle. 

This is my finished work

The piece is hand painted, stamped and machine quilted.

I used netting over the belly and chest.

A close up of the bodice detail.

Photography this week

I thought I would share with you over the next couple of weeks photographs form my trip to Dunedin.  It was a wonderful opportunity to take photographs of snow which was a really new experience for me.

A close up of a catus in the hot houses.  The only places they could grow in Dunedin

The snow falling outside my motel.

The hot houses

Local church

Skechbook challenge: 7 days of drawing

Entry for July 20th

Elements: Line, shap and colour

Entry for July 21st

Elements: Line, shape and colour

Entry for July 22nd

Elements: Line, colour and shape

Entry for July 23rd

Elements: Line clour and shape

Entry for July 24th

Elements: Phone

Entry for July 25th

Elements: Shape and colour

Entry for July 26th

Elements: of patterning

Wonderful break

I have had a wonderful break in Dunedin (bottom of the south island of NZ)  It was very cold with many temperature records broken in many parts of the country.  I spent 3 glorious days on my own sightseeing,  sketching, walking and taking photographs.  Then I was joined by my daughter (a little later than expected due to snowfall blocking the roads) for a tour and trek around the university campus to check out the degree she wants to take and finding accommodation options for next year.  We had a wonderful time.  It made me want to pick up some university papers again  (in my dreams)  It was so nice to only cook and clean for one and to spend time in quiet thought which is a rare commodity in my home.  It is nice to be home though.  Seeing the children and my hubby and doing those family things again.  I have really missed them all.

Going away

I am going away to Dunedin (bottom of NZ) for a few days so I won't be posting anything till next Thursday as I have no acess to the internet.  Hopefully I will have some wonderful photos and some art work completed.   I am all packed, with all my winter woolies as snow is forcasted for Sunday.  (bbrrrrrrr)  My daughter and I will be checking out the university down there as she wants to go and study science research down there next year. Hopefully I can get a little R & R at the same time.

So see you all next week.

Photography this week

This week I have photographs of fire for you.  ENJOY!!