Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

It's Christmas ... it's summer here in Australia. Usually it is really hot, but today it's cold, rainy and grey. Most years I wonder what a white Christmas is like....  When I dream of Christmas, I dream of wondrous things, of mistletoe and holly, and joy the season brings, Of snowy fields, and rosy cheeks, sleds careening fast and sleek, houses lighted, festive, gay, preparing for that special day When family gathers ‘round the tree, anticipating what will be in Christmas boxes tied up tight, colorful wrappings shining bright Merry Christmas to all ... may you enjoy the festive season with those who are special to you in the spirit of love, peace, and hope.  PS The images in this post are of our Christmas tree, scenes from a beautiful tin of gingerbread, sent to us by our German exchange daughter, and Grandma Gnome, one of my art dolls made for this special time of the year. 

The tourist brochure claims that "Magic Happens ..." in the Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains (180 km from Sydney, NSW).  It was truly Christmas Magic last weekend at the annual  Carols in the Caves concert.  We started from Newcastle at 6am, but it was worth the long bus trip there. It was a cool invigorating day, and we enjoyed the amazing vistas on the way, having lunch in the courtyard of the iconic Caves House as well as the beautiful carol singing. It brought out the "child" in everyone... Angels and bright stars appeared from nowhere in cave grottoes...  Shepherds watched their flocks under the cave canopies... Like any show, there were times when the drama is backstage ... how many men does it take to organise a star's wardrobe when the costumes fall from the back of a truck inside the Grand Archway of the Jenolan Caves?  Yes, this is my husband Jim helping ... he just happened to be there!  Ably compered by Peter Vickery of Mas

One of my "new" pieces... see below  Blog post #6 in the series of Arty Places 2011....   Newcastle Civic Park became an arty place yesterday for the annual Art Bazaar where over 100 artists including sculptors, painters, embroiderers,potters, jewellers, print makers, photographers come together with about 8000 people looking  learning and buying. Yesterday the weather was perfect.  Here are a few of  the images that for me captured the colour, energy and excitement of the day. During week, I finished a few pieces I started at the Canberra Retreat. I have slightly modified a technique taught by a talented friend, Kathy Geurts from Studio Amara . These cuffs have a focal piece made of stamped and painted plastic. Thanks to Kathy who showed me her technique, I finished six of these for Christmas gifts.  Another busy week leading into Christmas, and December birthdays....  Happy Birthday to our granddaughter who will be two years old on Tuesday.