Painted by mother nature

Melbourne is notorious for its weather: it is very changeable.

The last few days have been a great example.  Saturday was hot - 30 degrees and since then each day has been wet, windy, hailing, cold.

The garden is enjoying the water - although I am constantly having to deal with snails.

I picked these leaves up from under the orange tree.  They look amazing and I couldn't resist sharing them here.

The garden is a constant source of inspiration.

sketching

I have been really busy doing the Studio Journal course with Sharon B.  Apart from weekly exercises Sharon suggests we add anything that interests us or inspires us.  Photos or fabrics or even sketches for future use.  The journal is for reference not to be a piece of art in itself.

I am really enjoying this class although I am finding it difficult to find time to do the exercises.

The interesting thing is the fact that I am really enjoying sketching.  I am not very accomplished but I do like putting my ideas down on paper.

Art was a subject I failed at school (many years ago) so this is quite a revelation.

Painted leaves

Our weather has been very changeable lately and we have had lots of strong winds which have delivered heaps of gorgeous gum leaves on the lawn. I really am fascinated by the colours of the leaves. Apart from the green ones we have gold and brown and red. They really are amazing.

Speaking of deliveries;   I have joined the product of the month group here so today I received my second monthly parcel, comprised of some very interesting pencils.  Last month's product included the makings and directions for silk paper.  Although I have made silk paper before I will enjoy using the items in the pack.

This is a great idea if you want some inspiration and to try out new (or new to you) products.  The pencils are going to be very handy to use for my journal. 

adding colour

Thanks for the useful comments about my wall hanging.  It does help to "discuss" a piece if only to reinforce previously held thoughts. 

I have decided to go with my original idea and add some colour.  As I look out my kitchen window I see a lot of tree tops and the various branches, leaves, flowers and of course birds.

Although at first glance the eucalyptus
trees seem quite dull, in fact there is a lot of colour and texture within.  You just have to look for it.

Anyway I now have a clear picture in my mind of what this piece will be.  I want it to be something that reveals itself slowly.  I want it to be peaceful and calming.  Meditative.

HAPAZONE

I have had a bit of a try with the hapazome.  I did not prepare very well and the results are a bit hapharzard.  However I did enjoy it and will do it again.  I used the iron to heat set the fabric but wonder if I should use some textile medium as well.  Anyway I will attach some pics.

I found that some of the harder leaves worked better than the soft ones and some flowers didn't work at all.  However I will give it another go. 

EXPERIMENTATION & UFOs

Today I have made a framed picture using a piece of free machine made lace on silk tulle, over a mirror with shells, leaves and seaweed I collected at the beach before we came to live here.

 I started making the lace more than two years ago and couldn't decide what to do with it so I am thrilled to have used it at last.  My husband really likes this piece and it can hang on the wall in our lounge room.

I bought the mirror in the frame from an op shop months ago so it has been a great success all around.