DO YOU LOVE TO DRAW?

From 'The Little Book of Mountain Magic'

I've been drawing all my life, and in the beginning, not terribly well. But I couldn't stop, and for some reason it was always the otherworldly realms that inspired me most, and animals because they are so appealing in all their grace and beauty. Time led me to pursue a career in graphic design and although I did well there was always something missing and a little less than satisfying about advertising. so one day I gave it all up and decided to draw the images in my head, to create beautiful pictures that made me, and hopefully others too, happy.

Sometimes I don't get to draw or paint as often as I'd like to but when I do it is such a rewarding pastime, it feeds my soul.

I'd love to hear what motivates you to create, be it art or craft or music

please share your thoughts with me.

ABRACADABRA


 

 

Experimenting with new techniques and materials always gives me a buzz. Today I completed three headpieces when I expected to do just one.



End of Summer Headpiece



The first used twisted paper, ribbon and some unusual beaded agapanthus heads.



Moonglow Tiara



The second used anodized wire in different gauges (so easy to work with as it is soft), and some beautiful moonglow beads salvaged from an old necklace. I'm happy with the result but contemplating adding a

little something extra.






Tawny Blossom Headpiece

The third was the most satisfying, starting with a simple head band with a silk flower I added stemmed beads and a variety of feathers for that plush look.



All in all, a day well spent and more pretty things for lovely ladies.











KIND OF HOW I FEEL

'Quill' from 'The Little Book of Mountain Magic'

The sun is shining but I feel a little wistful and blue. things are quiet in my little shop. BUT ... the hot glue gun is on and I have a bag full of goodies to play with. After having a browse on Etsy I am inspired to create something different. I have some gorgeous anodised wire and unique beads to make a OOAK headpiece. I'll post some pics when its done.

Creativity is MY spice of life.

WHEN IT'S ONE OF THOSE DAYS

You wake up with a groan, and think 'do i have to?' Do the usual - trip over the cat on the way to the bathroom, drop the shampoo bottle which promptly splits and plasters the glass with goo, find the empty toilet roll someone else left (grrr), trip over the cat in the kitchen, feed it, feed self...oops no have run out of bread for toast, eat a stale bun from yesterday, pack bag, head for the door, trip over the cat (consider throttling cat) let her and self out.

Get to work realise have forgotten to put face on, also have forgotten half of makings for the marvelous creation you were going to make, dig out some other bits and pieces, start crafting.

Feeling better, hey that looks cool, mmmm should have tried that before, wow, I love it.

Another creation comes to life.

That's what I love about crafting, it makes me feel good, it brushes away the cobwebs of frustration and gloom and lights up my day.

So to all you crafters out there - if you're feeling blue - get stuck into it, creativity is food for the soul.

HANDCRAFTED WINGS

Twilight Rose Wings 

I make many things but keep coming back to wings as the possibilities are endless. Whatever mood I'm in I can express it with colour, texture and a little bit of whimsy.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO



'BLIP'

I have loved drawing since I was old enough to grab a pencil. When my mother would call me to see what I was up to it would always be 'drawing' or 'reading'. And, as you can see I've stayed true to my first love. The little bat guy, affectionately known as 'Blip' I drew for a youth club as their mascot for their hangout 'The Cave'. I have been dying to do him in a 3-D medium ever since, something I've yet to find the time to do. He's a happy fellow and patient too, I know he'll wait.


This illustration was the cover for a book I helped illustrate for writer Nadine Bates. This amazing lady just wandered into my shop one day and as we chatted about our love of all things fey a friendship was born and I was thrilled to be a part of this wonderful creation. I would love to work with her again as she sparks my creative flame and is a very, special person.

Another of the things I love to do is sculpt with wire and fabric. As well as fairy wings (of which I have made around 4000 at last count...frightening) occasionally I'm driven to do something completely out of the box like this headpiece. I named it 'Gilded Lily' as it looked like some big exotic bloom when I was finished. Getting to do these is a rare treat because I'm usually so caught up with the regular orders from my shop 'Flights of Fancy'

There just never seem to be enough hours in the day to get all these projects done, but with any luck I'll die with a pair of scissors, a paintbrush or the trusty hot glue gun in my hand.

GREAT SITE FOR FANTASY ARTS & CRAFTS

I just found a site where fantasy artists and crafters can list classified or auction their items for free.
http://www.faebae.com/
I haven't tried it yet but a site dedicated to all things fae must be a good thing.

ETSY TEAMS

Today I joined a team on Etsy. What a great idea! I found like minded people doing their thing in what I thought was quite a niche craft. It's great to know that others out there struggle with the same things and help is just a discussion away.
You can start your own team if one doesn't already exist.
To all the fairy wings makers out there ... keep the magic alive. A little fairy dust makes everything look better.

FLYING HIGH

Wow, I did the most amazing thing today. Piloted an A320 jet in a flight simulator and we had a walk away landing, ie. I didn't crash the damn thing. It was fun. Made me wish I could afford lessons in the real thing. This was a brilliant xmas present from my darling little Mummy Bear.
Also found free tutorials that are going to send my wing making skills off in a whole new direction using fantasy film. I will post pics when I've mastered it .... hopefully soon.
Just a little snigger aside ... did heaps better at landing than the other half who does love to critizise my driving. Mind you I truly sucked at steering once we'd landed and probably took out a few hangers and trucks on the way in to the parking bay ... but it was all good fun. I should have got a certificate.
For those who'd like to try;
youbethepilot.com
will give you all the info.