making my own sunshine

Today I am looking at this picture and drinking orange juice in attempt to sunny things up. Yes, its gray and raining again. But it IS winter, so I don't know why I expect otherwise.

Lies took this picture about a year ago and I thought I would repost it since probably most of you weren't reading back then. (those were our armature days, and of course we are professionals now, wink ;) Little Lieveke has the sunniest wardrobe in all the land and it makes for very good mid winter viewing. Every time I see Lieve I get a dose of colour therapy.

Speaking of colour therapy; BAM!
This anemone clothes and fabric collage is part of a secret project I am working on at the moment. I had good fun putting this together and it also served as colour therapy. The unveiling of the secret project is scheduled for next week. so if you like knowing secrets, and are into a good give away now and then, STAY TUNED.

My cuddly wabbit prototype has developed a little bit further. He now has straight legs for better shape and added height and also sports a slightly smaller face patch. I can't quite remember but I think Victoria from Dear Megan gave me the ear fabric. Cheers tori!

*update, he's now in the shop


In the Studio:
I was quickly running out of desk space so what to do? I attempted to hang more stuff on the walls but just try and get a nail into stuccoed concrete, I triple dog dare you. Because in my experience, all you get is tiny nail head impressions in your wall and a host of bent nails on the ground. also nothing sticks to concrete stucco.

SO I used two existing nails (that must have been put in with a drill or a steal armed super hero) to string this washing line, a charming solution I think. If only I hadn't immediately filled the newly created desk.

I thought I would share this little drawing I made at the beginning of the year. Its hanging on my studio wall to remind me to work harder and meet my potential. or something like that. (The photo quality is a bit lacking but I hope you can still get the idea.)

Oh I almost forgot some very exciting news!
there is to be another craftwerk!
August 14th 6-9 pm in St. Kevins Arcade

but shhh, don't get too excited or you might frighten it away.

-k

when childrens books are devastating

We had a lovely weekend visiting Luke's family in the quiet countryside of Dairy Flat. Luke comes from a pretty large family (he is one of 6 kids, his mother is one of 6 kids, and 3 step kids) so their house is always full of activity. Sometimes it reminds me of an airport because people are constantly taking off or coming in for a landing.

On Friday night this was especially true because some of the family (16 of us) gathered to bid farewell to Luke's younger brother Dan, who is off to Canada for a year. There was a big dinner cooked by Luke's mum who doesn't even bat an eye until the guest list starts creeping into the mid twenties. still I did my part by contributing, you guessed it, pumpkin pies. (what can I say, I love me some pie).

One of the good things about getting out of Auckland and embarking into the sparsely populated sector, is the wonderful undiscovered 'op shops' you would never find in the city. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the dialect, 'op shop' is short for opportunity shop and is basically a very cheap thrift store. Finding these places is a mission because they are often hard to come by and close before I am ready to be in out public. This time I found most of my wares in a pocket-sized building hidden behind a church. Its only open 6 hours a week and closes at noon (noon!) on saturdays.

I scavenged these great children's books from the 70s. They were still in pretty good shape for being 30 years old and cost only 50 cents each, which is a bargain for this area. (I know all you more rural NZers are snickering at my 'cheap' price, but they are a $1 each in the city!)

Also some very pretty ribbons that I have already used on a wabbit.

"are you a dressmaker?" asked the sweet op shop lady. I nearly blushed as I stumbled over myself to corrected her. "oh me? no way... um I sew a little but a dressmaker? no I am not that good" Well she wasn't asking for my skill level, she just wanted to sell me this thingy. which I call the wheel of torture. (okay maybe just the wheel of discomfort because the spikes aren't that sharp). I don't really know what it does or how to use it. Any tips? I have gathered it has something to do with pattern tracing.

And inside the golden book: Bless. I should start a series of these because they pretty much melt my heart. Mothers, do not give away the books your children have carefully written their names in because it is precious. Unless you don't care about that kind of thing, in which case, give them to me.

I couldn't resist the Jesus book because of all the colour and pattern in the robes. Such good design and layout, and for a relatively realistic look, this illustrator still manages to put in a lot of style and charisma. It almost makes up for the fact that Jesus is looking pretty Swedish. Since he was Jewish, the whole blonde thing isn't very convincing.

anyway, I must warn you that this next section is not for the faint of heart.

watch as the tale of little turtle unfolds. This is his sweet little turtle life on the pond. Until wait, what's that off in the distance?

Hmmm I wonder what those guys are up to?

Good Lord no!

Run for you life guys!!!!!

At this point I had to shut the book because I was getting too worked up and having Watership Down flash backs. I was also embarrassing my 12 year old sister in law who happened to be in tiny op shop with me while I was gasping my way through Little Turtle. (And probably getting a little dramatic. )

This kind of thing would have really upset me as a kid. How do you parents handle telling your kids about life's cruel realities?

Good thing I had this sweet nursry rhyme book to zen out to afterward. (just look at the colourful fairies and everything will the okay). I'll have to pretend this story isn't based on the beheading of Mary Queen of Scotts.

Hope you all had a restful weekend too.

I've added a few more Kiwi blogs into our list. For your enjoyment: scent of water, show your workings, and so tread softly.

-k

updates and updates

we are trying to be more regular about this, but here it is, as promised, new stuff in the SHOP.

which is good because rumour has it there will not be another craftwerk for a wee while as the organisers are trying to sort out funding and issues with K'road business association. I only know this because I pester them periodically. And I promise to keep you local lovelies updated as best as I can. You hear it here first friends.

-k

an urban walk, I'll lead.

(my street: the St James building)

Lies is right, it has been ghastly here recently. The beautiful thunderstorms she spoke of must have passed right by my apartment because I all got was a wet, gray, cold week, and I don't know if I have already mentioned this before but our houses (in NZ) do not have heating. Yes folks, be shocked. When it's cold out there, its cold in here too.

But Glory Be, the sun broke through this week and we've been experiencing the most crisp blue skies and sunny days. I took my camera on my morning walk today, in celebration of the weather (and partially too because I needed proof, yes documentation to look upon when the weather turns to custard again).

With out meaning to, I returned home with a collection of trees.

The deep shadows of winter are still with us, but the clock tower on the Auckland Art Gallery has managed to find some rays. Yes this is still my street, I am so lucky!

elliot street

St Mathews Cathedral is on the way too ... did you know I have a destination?

Yoshi was watching these gulls very intently while trying to obey my order "leave it". We are still working on that command because my dog loves to chase (and kill ... yes, its true... R.I.P. chickens on the family farm).

in some places Autumn is still hanging on.

Anybody know what kind of tree this is? we did not have these in Minnesota, that is for sure. But I wish we did, something about them reminds me of Dr. Suess.

okay, not a tree but this sign gets me everytime. I love that its so simple and not advertising any product but instead a category of drink. There is probably a story behind this, does anybody know it? I think some kid just climbed up there and spraypainted, but it has been up for months now.
our destination! Victoria park is the only off lead dog park in the entire centre city so we come here a lot. I love imagining when these trees were first planted all in row; the person planting most likely never got to see the beautiful results. but thankyouthankyou, for I can see them.

bark of the tree looking like a water colour painting.

The skate park looking like a public sculpture. Is art not everywhere?

if only this guy hadn't ruined my shot.

Neon rectangles guide the way home. I hope you enjoyed my urban walk. Auckland has an abnormal amount of green space in comparision to most city centres which is smart. Nothing can replace a tree.


Back in the STUDIO:
a new wabbit creation, a much bigger and more cuddly version. The eyes are my new favourite thing, especially since they are internally fastened and thus very secure and safe.
You can see more of this guy (if you want to) on our etsy.

Also some new collages. Tomorrow we are going to have another little etsy update as I think Lies is putting in some pants and I will put in these new works.

history is scary
size A5
(who spies the terrified little boy?)

watch out wabbit

size A5

Das ist alles.
I hope everyone is well, and that all you s. hemisphere dwellers are staying warm.

-k

It's beastly, really

It is the heart of NZ winter - very very WET and WINDY with thunderstorms, though I quite like that kind of spectacle - we live in the bottom of an old riverbed, and we hear the roaring thunder reverberating powerfully over the valley, beautiful! And I think we're at the coldest of the season, I'm wearing 4 layers... So outside is grey and glum. We need a bit of color!


Woho it seems a good many additions to my fabric stash are rather beastly!

Hippo's

Birds

Zebra stripes ( I love these : old Kimono print would you believe)

And friends, hold on to your surfin'-seats, you won't believe, I've made a BOY garment!!! I used to think that sewing boy stuff was boring... Now many mums were cross with me... And really all I needed were some animals. So here you go, for toddler BOYS from 2 to 3 years old : ELE-PANTS! You can get some, in the Etsy, this thursday - in brown, orange or beige fine corduroy with some orange, green or natural elephant-accents.






How's your winter/summer?
Have a spiffing week!
-Lies

crafting again

new rabbits in the shop! As Lies said, we are at the 50 things sold benchmark in our etsy shop, And with that in mind, I put my new 'wabbits' in the shop to celebrate. Just a reminder that there are some freebees going in the orders 50-52, (order number 50 and 51 are already up but #52 is still there).

the runt of the litter

all together now

I was inspired to get sewing again when I saw this monster made by a soft toy artist from south america. She bases her work on her children's drawings and has a flickr collection of many, many more. If you like soft toys, do have a look! i wish I had more sewing skillz. yo.

wow! who feels awkward and doesn't know what to do with their hands? well I sacrifice my dignity in order to show off my new shirt. (if I didn't like it so much there would be some serious head cropping). This reworked vintage blouse was made by the very talented threads by elise and I think there are similar ones available. She can custom fit it to your measurements.

and to all you americans out there: Have a happy day celebrating your independence from the red coats.

-k

Now here's some craft

First of all : a big thank you for putting up with my grumpy 'got too much on my plate so gotta do my long snake moan' of the previous post. You are kind ones. Thanks dears for your encouraging comments. Even Lieveke was telling me 'relax ma'.

The lovely (promised!) news is that heh heh I did get a whole lot of craftiness done this week and that feels very very satistfying.

Because in our Etsy shop, we're about to have the 50th purchase, I want to throw a tiny party and so the purchasers of item #50, item #51 and item #52 will be gifted with a little handmade extra. I actually love sneeking little surprises in (those of you that had a new baby or bought more than one item know!) and thinking up little things that will make someone smile kinda is great fun. I'll also add a few new little girls-garments to the shop tonight, including these 'kimono-pinafores'. I'm very happy with the way these pinnies have turned out -I used some authentic Mameyakko kimono cottons.

For OUI boutique, I've made some flower-dresses for 2 to 3 year olds with Noami Ito's stunning Fuccra fabrics in black and yellow. I must admit - and I fall in love with all the textiles i use- I'm making a black one for Lieveke too, just too beautiful. If you want one (***I've enough for one more black one*** edit : last of the black on hold for Kirsten! - and not enough yellow sadly) let me know...

Ah, and Im currently also making leggings. I've finally gotten over my fobia for knits and stretchy fabric, found some yum stretchy cotton in turqouise/green and coral/red and well hello my stripy ones! Umph the sewing is 'technically' going well but it took me a few pattern-drafts (and reject-sews) to get the sizing right... At first I made a pair for a 6 month to 1 year old bub with way-too-wide-flapping legs. No good cause I want them nicely and sleekly hugging the leg. Then I made a 1 years to 2 years pair without a bum (yes i forgot to allow extra space for those 'sexy curves'...). I'm proud to report I now have the two sizes more or less 'drafted', and the test-driver Lieveke was pleasantly chuffed with her new 'legs' as she calls them.

I just love those little test-toes to bits. I want to nibble them right now.
Ok I'm sure you'll agree that I'm over my grump.

X Lies