A dash of colour

Using basic watercolour supplies, this contemporary, warm artwork can be created. Layer colours using  short dabs with a flat brush, keeping one colour dominant. Finished sections can be photographed and enlarged, then displayed in a light box. Looks fantastic!

Mosaics in progress

My friend Jill began her first "mosaic in the round" project using a recycled placemat. Just perfect! I love the interesting circular pattern in the middle in blue. Beginning with a border always works well. I have continued with my colourful picture frame and am happy with the results so far. Will continue on my Side Deck Studio this afternoon.

Jill's mosaic

My friend Jill has finished this wonderful mosaic teapot stand. I love her choice of colours and fabulous design. Doesn't the vibrant blue look great! The pattern in the centre completes it beautifully.

Finished mosaic

With Gaudi and my visit to brilliant Barcelona recently as my inspiration, I just finished my mosaic. This is such a peaceful activity and one I will enjoy many times over on my Side Deck Studio. Forever one to by aware of occupational health and safely, PLEASE don't forget your safety specs and gloves. AND...clean up those glass splinters before the kids get home!!!!

My painting continues....

Layer upon layer my painting continues! You would hardly recognise it, but I love the way the vibrant red, blue and green can be seen deep within. Nearly done! Seriously...anyone can do this! All you need is a large canvas, acrylic paint, sponge/brush/ruler and away you go. Layer your initial colour and wait till dry. Apply second coat in the design you wish and leave or scratch back. Third colour and dry, then fourth. Easy!!!! Quite simply...when you are happy, it's finished. Or if you aren't happy....just paint over. I hope I have inspired you :)

Painting with ink

Try taking fine brush, black and red ink. Using upward strokes and undiluted black ink, paint the feature branch. Lift your brush upwards to create fine branch tips. Dilute the ink and paint branches in the background and shadows. Dilute the red ink to dab on the cherry blossoms and dilute further to paint distant blossoms. This technique is quick, easy and rewarding! I hope I have inspired you to be creative.

"For the love of children" blanket

Ready to sew latest squares my sister dropped in....to go to the orphanage "For the love of children" in Johannesburg. I'll stitch and then crochet around the edge...might have to utube "how to crochet" again to make sure I am doing it properly! Will post a picture when I am finished. Just realised I am using the word "utube" as a verb.... Sure I am not the first.

Favourite places provide inspiration

The stunning colours and textures at Little Bay and nearby rainforest (mid north NSW coast) are giving me lots of ideas.... Scroll through your own photos for inspiration. These images inspire me to think about my next project (while I still continue with all my current ones!)...possibly might work with mixed media, incorporating these images into the artwork....keep you posted!

A little inspiration in Portovenere

Took this at Portovenere near the Cinque Terre in Italy last month. Feeling inspired to try a new craft? Now I am home, I am taking a much closer look at the crafts in this wonderful roadside stand. A great place to find inspiration is often right before your eyes.

Capture the moment

Rainbow over Trial Bay near SW Rocks, NSW. A rainbow always brings a smile to my face...but also brings out an urgency as I grab my camera before it's too late..and an opportunity missed. This thought parallels my life...grab every opportunity before it's too late! Capture the moment....

Mosaic in progress

It is just so peaceful working on my mosaic on the side deck. I enjoy changing colours and shapes until I feel the design is perfect??? Lots of fun! Will continue today and keep you posted.

Take a snap

Eiffel Tower from half way up. What a magnificent structure, which looks simply stunning at night. Photography is an on-going passion of mine, made easier by having my iphone with me wherever I go! The more photos you take the greater the chance of having that special one worth framing. It's my excuse anyway :)

More than just a touch of colour!

This is one of my artworks from my last painting spree. Each colour was sponged and left to dry before the next application. Just love the vibrant blue. Anyone can do this....buy a canvas from discount store, set of sponges (with handles), newspaper palette and away you go!

A touch of colour

After a few days I felt inspired to continue my painting. I painted a silver background and printed with red, scratching back to create an interesting effect. This is a work in progress.....Love this colour! Keep you posted.

Creative cooking

I cooked the most delicious soup yesterday....needed comfort food. Firstly I fried some garlic then heated a pot of vegetable stock and two tins of chopped tomato. Then I added chopped pumpkin, sweet potato, beans, carrots and mushrooms. I added a dash of salt, a little more pepper and chilli flakes! Served with grated parmesan is ideal!! YUMMY!!! I just love the colours...very warm on a cool day :)

A little knitting

How cool (or warm) is this wrap! Thanks to all my teacher friends and family :)

Mosaic in progress!

I am certainly enjoying myself and making it up a bit as I go...Actually, I DO have a plan, but am flexible! Today I will continue and try to match colours to create more unity...all looking a little random at the moment. Happy with my progress on my (rather large) introductory mosaic project. Will keep you posted.

Slight diversion

I have been staring at a large canvas that I purchased a while ago and my son thinks I should just hang it on the wall....unpainted! Now that's a thought...BUT...my walls are already white. So, I decided to paint it silver, which I did, managing to keep the paint off the dining table. So....now the silver paint has dried, I need to choose my next colour. Think I might go burnt red and scratch back...will let you knowhow I go!!!! I like to think that I draw my inspiration from the wonderful Pompidou Centre I visited in Paris last month....WOW!!!!!

Mosaic Fun

I have so much time on my hands at the moment, so my sister-in-law inspired me to do a mosaic project. Never one to shy away from an artistic challenge, she bought over all the materials I would need. The backing board was huge! Nothing like aiming high. Next step was off to the second hand store to buy some colourful ceramic plates to use in my (rather large) project ! Armed with a hammer and protective eye wear, I smashed them into usable pieces. My inspiration came from my recent trip to Parc Guell in Barcelona...the home of Gaudi.

Experience counts

Many years in and out of the classroom and raising three wonderful children count so much. I would like to see these experiences valued by all.

Love the title of my blog

I really like the words combined to make the title to my blog....create...inspire...fly high...

Interesting times

The last few months have been very interesting for sure....but more of that later. Now I am planning the next chapter in my life, drawing strength from deep within, to create an exciting future.