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Maxine: Posted on Sunday, September 26, 2010 5:54 PM
It has been such a beautiful weekend. The weather has been great. I got into the mood to do some housework yesterday (not like me at all), but it does look good when its done. Today Barney and I went to a drive to some of the Nurserys around Perth getting things ready for planting this year in the vege garden etc. We will have to be a little careful of where things go due to the water restrictions, though I often do use a bowl to wash up in and then tip the cooled water onto the plants. It seems to get most of them through the heat. Next year we will have to look at getting a rainwater or grey water system set up. This year we spent our budget on putting more Solar panels on the roof. We have 10 now and the solar hot water system so hopefully that will help cut the electricity bills. We bought a blueberry plant today - next year we can be baking blueberry pie? - If we can keep the chooks away from it. With the cleaning and time in the garden and Nurserys my hayfever is in full bloom and my eyes are so gritty that I havent been able to concentrate for too long on any beading. Also head feels like it is full of cotton-wool. I have been dabbling with some vintage buttons I bought from a antique/retro store a couple of years ago. One necklace has worked out well, just needs the finishing touches and a button and chainmaille bracelet is on the right path - but I have run out of large jump rings so that will have to wait until later this week. Another piece I am working on is buttons linked with seedbeads and crystals. It is fiddly and Im not sure if it will work out in the end. But still - nothing ventured, nothing gained! I will put some pictures up of them as soon as they are finished. Love and best thoughts Maxine |
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Maxine: Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2010 4:33 PM
I have just returned from collecting items from the Exhibition in South Perth. At this stage it looks like this will be the last one held in Heritage House as South Perth Council is moving its collection to their Library and I believe the building will be used for other businesses (i.e. Real Estate). Next year it will possibly be an online competition and exhibition. Many of the current competitions are done this way and it makes it more accessible to a wider range of artisans. Tomorrow midday I will see how the “Ogiku” necklace went in the Wongan Arts Society Competition – Looking forward to receiving the judge’s feedback on it. My first major brick stitched item! Now I have started making some smaller and “kid” priced items for Christmas gifts to sell at the two Cockburn events. Today have been making key rings and book marks – trying to do unisex designs, but just can’t help it – I keep adding crystals and bits of bling.... I will have to look at doing a range of Men’s things – I have bought some lovely wood, gemstone and ceramic beads to use for this. Anyway – Such a beautiful day today so I’m off to crank up the BBQ for tea. |
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Maxine: Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2010 5:36 PM
I am pleased with the result, but it doesnt look like the original design. The componants do, but I was thinking of linking them together as one mass, but it just didnt work and I kept breaking beads and had to make some of the componants several times :o( A Kimono print was the inspiration of the colours and design of this piece. The smaller glass seedbeads are a combination of Japanese Mill Hills, Delicas, Toho with Miyuki fringe beads around the outside of each component. The larger glass beads consist of black Jablonex (Czech) rounds, Czech Ruby and White Opal Druk beads, glass pearls and faceted Chinese glass crystal. Some of the componants are flatter while others are more curved than others to give more texture and movement to the design. The necklace is finished with red Russian braid which ties allowing the length of the piece to be altered to fit either the wearer or the cut of the blouse being worn at the time. |
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Maxine: Posted on Monday, September 06, 2010 6:56 PM
Well another week has zoomed by. I hope all the Dads out there had a great Fathers Day. We went to AQUA. Nikkita loved the sharks and looking at Nemo through the magnifying glass.  I have had some lovely feedback from people who have visited the Exhibition in South Perth. Thank you for taking the time - both to go and look at the Exhibition and to ring or email me with your wonderful reviews. You made me feel on cloud 9. I am currently working on the piece I am entering into the Wongan Hills Show. I have made most of the components, but am having a blank with what to do now. It isnt sitting just how I want it to do with the original design so I have to tweek it a bit...... Im sure an idea will come to me soon. In the meantime I have been busy sewing new table clothes and display thingys for the two Cockburn events coming up in October. This week I received an order of some lovely creamy coloured seedbeads in various sizes, finishes and shapes to make a birthday gift. I had been looking in the local stores and not found much at all. Lots of whites, but not the pale yellowy cream I wanted to match some glass pearls. This will be the next project - once the above piece is sorted!!! Anyway - back to the sewing machine. Have a great week and I will catch up next time. Love and Light Maxine |
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