Do you recall when I made these plates using clay that was dug up from the ground rather than purchased from a supplier...? (No, I didn't dig it up, but I want to get around to that someday)

Well, two smashed in the kiln leaving me with two wabi sabi looking plates!

For some reason, even though they had been bisque fired, the plates lost their shape resulting in two very flat plates. Regardless, I love the results and I love the surprises I get from pottery!

Digital Print

You may have noticed now that I'm on summer vacation (well, until Jan 4) my blog posts have increased. Before that time, I was usually too tired from work, or at the gym or doing something else rather than blogging, like pottery. Digital textile printing was one of those things I was busy doing.

Earlier this year, I was in Sydney and went crazy at many book stores purchasing everything I could on printing, textiles and fashion. Below is one of the books I purchased.

I wanted to use one of my collage pouches as a digital print, but I wasn't happy with the result when I put it into a repeat. So instead, I manipulated the print in photoshop and sent it off to Spoonflower to be printed. The results can be seen on the first photo of this post. I am going to use the fabric to make pouches to be sold at a market or store sometime in the future.

2009 Goals

At the beginning of each new year, I like to set myself goals for some reason. It's probably because I'm more of a "doer" than a "gonna".

These are the goals that I have left. Did I achieve any of these.... humm...maybe...

• Buy secondhand things rather than new
• Improve sewing skills
• Make more of my own clothes
• Study pottery and or fine arts

I have been trying to purchase secondhand whenever possible. However when Dox and I were traveling around Australia we did buy a lot of new things for camping purposes. Overall, I think I purchased less, rather than purchasing secondhand goods.



My sewing skills haven't improved at all and I never got around to making my own clothes. I was going to do a CAE sewing course, but changed my mind. You see, I have enrolled in a part-time pattern making and construction course at the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2010, so I thought it would be silly do a course in something that I am going to study anyway. The course doesn't begin till February but I was told I need to begin sewing NOW , so maybe I should have done that course after all...?



I have been studying pottery here since I returned, but it hasn't been consistent, however I have learned many skills from my teacher, Jenny. As for studying fine arts...well, that was an OR....anyway...isn't pottery a fine art...?

Overall, I have completed most of my goals, like returning back to Australia, taking time out to see my own country before I begin working and study pattern making on a short course basis. So what goals will I make for next year...? Well, I'll. think about that in the new year... which is tomorrow!

DId you guess...?

Well, if you couldn't guess I'll tell you. Yes folks, I'm making pouches again. This time, I had labels professionally made for me.

I wanted to get my pouches out before Christmas, but I had trouble finding nice zips. It also takes time to complete each pouch. When I have them in a store or on my etsy store, I'll post about it.

Oh and btw...I have changed the name of my pouches to "KOKESHI LOVE".

Warburton Trail - Carriage Cafe Seville

During our "little" bike trip, we came across a cafe that will be opening soon. Unfortunately, it's still under construction, as is the website. So we'll have to go there another day.

Warburton Trail - Weird, Wonderful and Wabi Sabi

Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Weird!...It was my first time to see an Ostrich.

Wonderful!

Wabi Sabi

Christmas 2009

Christmas Wrapping

This year, I wrapped presents using butcher paper, then decorated the paper myself.

Guess...?

Can you guess what I've been busy making...?

Christmas Cooking

(French Apple Pie)

I've been doing quite a lot of baking actually.

(Pumpkin Pie)

Christmas Presents

I've been doing some baking...

Melbourne Steet art

I took my students on an excursion around the laneways of Melbourne...



A few of them are into drawing, and were interested when I mentioned the word "Street Art"


I hope they take some time during their summer vacation to explore more laneways of Melbourne and discover new works of street art.

Machinarium

I was at the ACMI last week with another group of students. As we wandered around the center, I discovered ACMI had an Independant Games Festival on in gallery two.

The reason why I entered the gallery wasn't because of the games. In fact, to be honest, most the of games were pretty ordinary (plus my interest in gaming is well over!). What I now find attractive about games are the graphics. Machinarium was one of those games. See the youtube snippet below to see more...Oh, and btw...I had no idea how to play it!!!

Show and Tell

A few weeks back, I pulled a quilt that I made six years ago out of the cupboard.


I made it from kimono fabric that I had purchased in stores around Melbourne. I also used part of an old banner...As for the stitching the layers together...well, I got that done professionally.


It's not bad for my first quilt.

Happy Holidays