The desk that saved my back!

I highly recommend a standing desk if your back is sore from too much sitting in front of the computer. Shelves which my father kindly made for my Finders Keepers debut now have a new dual role -- card stock storage + computer desk.  I love my laptop.  However, I cannot hunch over it for more than 15 minutes without severe back pain setting in.

I will forever remain a distant admirer of those who can do a day's work while sitting languidly in a cafe.  Oh well.

Overwhelmed!

I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response to the five portraits that I painted as part of The Design Files Open House in Melbourne.  Thank you so much to everyone who left lovely comments on Instagram, tagged, followed and even BOUGHT one!!!  Meanwhile, the five ladies above are destined for Open House in Sydney in two weeks' time.  (You can see each in more detail if you scroll down this blog or look here.) If you would like to put first dibs on one, I don't think that Lisa from The Design Files would mind.  These paintings are acrylic on wood, measure just over 30 x 40 cm not including the lovely blonde wood frame, vital statistics exactly as the Melbourne ladies in the previous post.

Thank you so much everyone!

The Design Files Open House is OPEN!

I have stolen some of Brooke Holm's fantastic shots of The Design Files Open House party, as I was too excited to take my i-phone out to snap any myself.  Typical!  That's me on the left with the delightful Mrs Emily Green.  To my right is my portrait of my dear sister in law, who kept us company even though she is actually interstate and won't get to see the house.  :-(

The incredibly talented and hard working Lucy and her team have outdone themselves.  Sydney will be in for a treat in a couple of weeks too.  DO NOT MISS IT!

Instagram beginner.

Good morning!  I am now posting on Instagram, though I am yet to understand how hashtags work.  I must admit that I already have a love-hate relationship with this addictive social medium.  I love its spontaneity but hate the glamourous, sanitised culture it seems to encourage, reminding me of why I fled big brother Facebook.

YEAH, it's my collaboration with mattt!

I am really happy to announce my collaboration with Matt Thomson of mattt fame.  A series of Matt's beautifully designed and hand made bags featuring a digital print of my Yeah No knit design is now available for a limited time from the mattt Etsy shop.  Thank you very much Matt for supporting my work and improving on my mediocre Photoshop skills......
Now I just have to decide which one I'll get for myself!

Yay, it's Esme!!!

My very sweet and brave sister in law agreed to sit for the final of my ten Open House portraits.  Yesterday my darling baby niece became the toast of the town (OK, lounge room) when she pointed to this portrait and said "MAMA!"  It's the greatest compliment I have ever received for my work.

Stitching class at Northcity4!

It's almost time.......my Hand Stitched Linen Scarf class at Northcity4 is in a couple of weeks!  Learn how to make your own variation on the above scarves, and use your new knowledge to knock over a few Christmas presents too.  Your friends and family will be impressed, and we won't tell them how easy they are to make.  Book here.

Two MORE lasses for The Design Files Open House

Good morning! Here are two more portraits for The Design Files Open House.  This one is my favourite.  I like the aqua vs. burgundy palette, and her hairstyle reminds me of my mother in the mid 1970's.  Meanwhile the budgie was inspired by all of the time I have been spending behind the counter at Cottage Industry lately.

 Above: helmet hair!  I enjoy painting hair as I can be sweepy and quick about it.

Above: the fat budgie came last.  I did not have a good reference and was actually tempted to run up the road from the studio to said Cottage Industry to grab a stuffed one to use as a model.  Instead, mine is a kind of giant obese version of a budgie, but the dear lass loves him just the same.

Above: another young lady, who was directly inspired by Lucy Feagins' lovely palette for Open House.  

More ladies for Open House

A few more ladies for The Design Files Open House, Melbourne and Sydney.  Acrylic on wood.