Barefoot Wanderings

The Reveal.....

About midway through last year I started to feel that my studio needed a reshuffle and make over. This was highlighted even more when I returned from the UK after a month of not being in my studio, and instead of feeling like 'wow, I missed this space' I had the 'oohhh' sigh. So, seven months later, after a major furniture shuffle, creating further chaos of mountains of stuff as I sorted, I now have a happy space.....It is not perfect, I don't think it will ever be but it is my space.
Before I create more chaos I thought I'd take photos as this is, and will be, the tidiest it will ever be!!!!

.....and the 'Golden Tower' now has a more fitting shrine!

GPP Crusade No 17 - Pandora's Box

I know it has been a while since I participated in one of these and as they are fun, and this month is easy, I thought I'd start again.
This month, Michelle is asking for crusader's to make a journal kit so they can be ready to go at a moments notice.
Why this crusade is easy is because I already have one of these together .....AND I already did a post here....and have posted Journal pages here...and here...

So instead of doing the same thing again, and as that may not be considered to be in the spirit of things I thought I would also share this one......

I now have another more recent 'kit'.
Can a pencil and book be called a kit?

Nothing beats the simple basics.

Anyway, this one fits inside my handbag and is always in there. (I have to admit that I am really not a handbag kinda gal, but whenever I do take it at least I know I have this kit with me.)

When I saw this book I couldn't resist it, as it has a different quote on every page all related to the 'explore' theme, there were other themes but I liked this the best, and better still is the fact that the pages are not ruled.

Here is a recent page in this journal......OK, I'll admit that it is the first and only, but it's a start!

I did this when I was a little early for an appointment last Friday and the leaves caught my attention. It was then that I thought it was a good time to start using my new georgeous book. I had some fun doing some rubbings, (I even  kept the leaf). I am really trying to take time in noticing more of what is around me, and being in the moment.

As I was limited by time I thought that I would also capture the scene with a few photos. I only had my phone

With all of these together I thought I might create a piece in the studio....now wouldn't it be great if I had a finished piece to show.....that would just be too good! Especially since I have been busy doing a studio overhaul, I'll post "The Reveal" soon.

Assemblooks....

.....a workshop by Michael de Meng .

Last weekend I attended another fabulous workshop with Michael de Meng, this time the whole weekend was on one project....well, you could do more than one if you wanted....and as the title suggests it was assemblages using books.

It was great, it reinforced some of the things I had learnt in Perth last year and of course I learnt some new things.....even if it meant leaving with an overwhelming desire to buy another tool or dremel attachment! As always Michael is so generous with his knowledge and time, and ever present is his ability to help guide individuals when required and in doing so bringing out everyone's indidvidual style. It is amazing to see the diversity at the end.

Another added bonus was the great group of people who attended. There were thirteen artists in this workshop who were all talented, generous and supportive. It made the weekend even more amazing. There were a lot of laughs which is always an essential component for me. I had the same fabulous roomie as I had in Perth and can truly say that it makes for a more enjoyable and relaxing weekend when you share it with some one who gets you, and likes to share in the laughs and good food, all that was missing were the caprisokas!

Thanks to the lovely and talented Janine for organising this great event, the hard work is much appreciated....and a big THANK YOU for being so generous, the goody bag everyone received was unbelieveable, so many yummy goodies - both edible and non!!

Below are a couple of images of my unfinished book. The colour in these photos really didn't come out very well at all, I will take better photos once I have finished the piece. The book when closed measures approx. 22 x 29 cm.

Joy

" Joy is inside you.
  Not in attainment of things desired,
  nor in the achievement of goals made, but
  in the simple feeling that lies within you.
  Know that this joy is unaffected by outer
  circumstances, and joy will be yours forever.  "
                                                             Unknown