Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

The Gentle Arts book  While I am always reluctant to make New Year’s resolutions, I openly declared that 2013 was going to be a “gentler” year. Coincidentally, while sorting books I came across “The Gentle Arts – 200 Years of Australian Women’s Domestic & Decorative Arts”. It is full of  amazing textile work – from hand coloured photos to filet crochet,  delicate embroidery to  weaving – fine and gentle work.   … which motivated me to learn shuttle tatting.   A friend gave me a shuttle and lent me a basic instruction book – first attempt not so successful! I hate to say I failed, but the results were certainly an alternate version of tatting! I just could not get the right thread knotting around the other!   History of tatting in  Australia in "The Gentle Arts"  Tatting instructions  While on holidays, my mother taught me to needle tat and that seemed quite easy, so back to working with the shuttle with even more determination.  Fortunately my aunt visite

Polymer clay head by Bobbi Oliver Happy New Year - cheery fellow isn't he? What a creative beginning to 2013 I 've had. A visit to my friend's studio always motivates me. This week, I was there for only a few hours and came home with new knowledge and ideas.  Bobbi Oliver, from Lamboart   is a talented  figurative sculptor and art doll maker. Her partner, Jane Lambert ( hence the name, Lamboart) is also a talented paper artist. Their studio is alive with creativity, fun, laughter and joy.  Bobbi and some of her works in progress  Bobbi demonstrating clay techniques.  Bobbi has also helped me with the beginning of the "Spreading Wings" project for International Women's Day. Here is the link to the fantastic event, with a new sponsor -  the City of Newcastle , Making your Place program. Read more about this by following the link  ... in summary, " Spreading Wings " is a series of textile art skills workshops where small swatch