Colour options

I'm working on a series of paintings (yes, Kym, you know I love a good series!) called 'Collectables' to be submitted to the Toowoomba Grammar Art Show, inspired by the home of a friend who is a true 'Collector'. This small painting is from a pic I took of one of her "Mamie" Cookie Jars that she loves.

I'm spending far too much time on this for the price I put on the painting (once again I've entered with painting names and prices and haven't actually finished the paintings yet - one year it will be different, I'll actually have paintings done before I enter and I'll be VERY happy!) but I'm not happy with my first colour-way, with the purple table (it was done in the very middle of last night), so have photoshopped up a few more options...


I think whatever colour I need to add some 'weight' and shadows to the table, but right now I'm thinking the red version at the bottom left.

What do you think?

Angel becomes Tooth Fairy

Late last year, the lovely Kylie from 3 sheets volunteered to test out my Angel Screenprints kit.

And she made one of the little angels more angelic than I could ever have imagined.

Her embroidery is amazing, and then she decided to sew it into a tooth fairy pillow for her goddaughter in Chicago.

Thank you for putting so much time, effort and talent into this project, Kylie!

My sister (who will probably be mortified that I am also posting a pic of what she did with the kit too) used it to sew a delightful cushion for her little girl, coloured with fabric paints and appliqued to some gorgeous fabric. Yours is fantastic too, Lozzie!


I'm sure there are plenty of things you could do with this print, and I'd love to see it when you do - it's $11 and available from here. I've printed it in a couple of other colours too (maybe for t-shirt appliques or bunting?), so will load them to the shop very soon.

My Creative Space

I can't believe that I actually have something creative to share this week! The Toowoomba Grammar School Art Show entry form is due tomorrow (the show opens in 4 weeks) so things have had to kick into gear.

I was inspired to paint one of the antique 'flying ducks' that I'd seen at our local Cobb & Co museum (there on a playdate) so raced down and took some photos and raced back and went to the movies (saw "Valentines Day" - excellent!) and then raced home and painted this. (I did feed the kids in the middle there somewhere...)


That was last Friday, but seeing as I intend to finish it tonight (and also do my tax figures, Jeanette, if you're reading this I haven't forgotten!) I think it makes it as a Creative Space.

I'm also feeling inspired to paint other 'kitschy homewares' and recently took some pics at a friend's place (she's an avid collector of beautiful things) of some 'black lady lamps', mama's head cookie jars and more ducks, among other items. I'd appreciate any other input - Is there a particular 'retro or collectable' ceramic homeware that you remember fondly?

My mum has a set of cream and green canisters (flour, sugar, etc) which bring back memories for me, but I'm still figuring out how I could compose a painting with them...

Thanks! And for more creative spaces head over to Kootooyoo.

Paper Cuts

This is wonderful to watch. And something I'd really like to try one day.



I also love this papercut work by Rob Ryan (as seen on 3 sheets lovely blog). Definitely inspiring me right now.

Do you know any other fabulous papercutters that you'd like to share?

On Golden watch

As you know, I really enjoy using the amazing Golden range of paints, and that's why I sell it in my Shiny Happy Art online shop, but I have to say I still get a buzz when I'm browsing blogs and I spy a Golden stash in a photo - and it's from the studio of an artist I admire.

The above photo is of David Band's Golden paint collection. His work is symbolic and abstract but I particularly admire the textures and techniques used for his colour blocks. And you can see the influence of Matisse (my favourite artist) in some of his line works.


More info on David and his art and design, see the Real Living blog here.

Bad taste?

Is it bad taste to go to an Elvis & Abba Party as "Elvis' Last Meal*"? (Cue ethical debate here. And admire the accidental pun.)

Regardless, it was a great party, and I have to say, a sandwich costume is very appropriate for people with body issues, even though it's a little difficult to eat, drink, get through the door, sit down... I'll leave it at that.

I loved wearing the costume, which really is more of a two day project, rather than a 'think about it for a fortnight and make the thing in one afternoon' kind of project.

I followed most of the instructions from here, but have to add that I think foam core board makes the best sandwich front (and back, obviously) and I didn't have any spray adhesive (I did have an empty can though, which was an interesting surprise when realised at the 11th hour), so I made do with craft glue held together with sewing pins (removed when dry). It'd be good to use gap filler or even hot glue to attach the foam 'crusts' to the fascias.

And best to make it a little earlier so the spray paint fumes can subside prior to the actual event.

Now I just need to hope that I'm invited to a food themed party sometime in the future. I'd love to wear it again. And D certainly liked that Elvis wig too.

(Here's a pic of me at Elvis' grave, at Gracelands, in 1993. What can I say? I am a fan.)

*for those not in the know, Elvis regularly enjoyed fried banana and peanut butter sandwiches. And sometimes partook in valium. As discovered in his post mortem. RIP Elvis.

DIY Valentines Card

In the spirit of today, here is my contribution to the HUGE number of DIY Valentines projects out there.

I did mean to get this posted earlier, but I've been covered in children! I think the pics pretty much speak for themselves. It's simple, to the point, and you've got a useful costume for other occasions - honestly, the fake nose and moustache is worn by someone around here most days of the week...

Speaking of costumes, I wore the giant sandwich costume last night, and photographic evidence will be posted tomorrow. Now that's a cliffhanger if I ever wrote one...