He seems a bit warm

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Always a little strange after the Christmas rush has settled down & I change feet to think of other things....

However work continues to arrive for Christmas painting...

& 

I get to play with Christmas buttons & decorations all of the year...

This time I also needed to work on my small felt santa for a workshop in Christmas in July...

He turned out well..... 

maybe he needs some small plastic buttons down his coat ???

&

I also want to try him with a wool beard.

He was easy to sew 

& 

will be a fun guy for the workshop....

It is a bit hard to think of Christmas in anytime just after we have had the last one...

In my days working under The Woodcutter's Daughter label so many cloth Santas were designed into patterns  & I hear every so often that my craft friends have these santas still in their decorating stash.

I did love each Santa I designed 

&

After revisiting this again...

Maybe I will do another couple....

What I enjoyed when making santas ..putting a different trim on the coat...

a different beard...

different decorations on or holding on to 

recreate the santas.....

This came early in my craft days ... 

when patterns coming out of America where the craft industry was alive, strong & fascinating..but so rare in Australia.

(This was Pre internet times ..it is 20 years in pattern designs but I began what 5 years or so before in markets..
so 25 + years have now gone by LOL)

Lucky for me, I had Berrima Patchwork 2 hrs up the road & Lynne back then, would come back from America with spoils of different hair & beards for dolls, she also stocked  a few designers doll patterns that always called out...take me sew me  

Making a doll back then for my market stall ..having only one pattern..

I soon began to change the look by selecting different fabrics for the dress, different decor items to smother it in, a different hair 

all just changed it's appearance.

It was good to learn this way as now I can see through a design 

& 

look at other potentials for the one design to be made..or painted. 

 The wood when I painted back then was kind of limited too to one doll I would buy from a stall  so she was painted into so many ways... I cringe to think how that went now.....lol

But 

it was part of the creating process.....

to see beyond what is presented to you 

and to know,
 that 

these designers always see stuff in this way...
the disconcerting eye I think one called it once..

I am forever seeing the potential of my designs 
or 
I want to try it in these colours etc 
or perhaps moving a flower into a different base ..

Because we draw these things with pencils & place bits of fabric here & there..

 ...they begin from inside the mind ....

in that space others use for different stuff ( who knows )

Then they become a something...

It is a wonderful experience....to just create....not copy what someone else does or wants....

Just from within...a little village is always there..

but it takes a certain way of disassociating from all that surrounds us...
in this world of craft...

to begin this authentic process..

Just like the red flowers in the last post

They came first in pastels...then I added some brighter flowers...now of course the red & I could do a lemon colour etc pink would look ok  etc for certain projects.  

Well santa the day needs to begin so I will leave you sweltering in your red coat to wait for the winter...

RED FLOWERS

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In RED FLOWERS now are these pots, bags,baskets & cart...

They have been in pastels & brights for some time now

I thought these are really fun, happy bright & right for redwork.

copyright Barb Smith

Framed Book Samples

I was totally & easily distracted this morning...I have done a few odd things but nothing I measure with much of the detail that maybe it deserves.

I have ordered postcards & stickers in pretty colours... colour does it....

So after doing that & feeling very pleased with myself 

the ideas started to work at what else I can get printed

Oh use this frame for some of the samples from the book

Theodora's Studio 

( remember it has a pre releases special on until it is released around March 13th) 

Eventually I got to cut the linen off the roll

& set a few different designs on the frame

I am so drawn to that donkey and the elephant & the giraffe 

& 

rabbits got to me ages ago..

It is a while since all of these were born into the button stable...

but somehow stories are wandering into it now

Creative process & progress maybe...?

HOWEVER... they are looking very peaceful in the frame..maybe that is it an overwhelming peace descends  for me as I gaze at these....

***

These will be trotting along to the 

MONBULK QUILT SHOW 

on MARCH 14th 2015

 at MONBULK in the Dandenong Ranges

 money being raised for those firefighters in the area

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copyright Barb Smith

do not copy thank you

Change of Venue WORKSHOP in April 11th

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The workshop that was previously planned to be in Moonee Ponds has been relocated

to

EAST BURWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL

18 MANOOKA ST

BURWOOD EAST

MELBOURNE

on April 11th 2015

 mrsmquiltshop@internode.on.net

Bookings through Mrs Martins Quilt shop in Monbulk

***

Don't forget the 

MONBULK QUILT SHOW 

on March 14th 

Monbulk

Mrs Martin will be there too !!!

The workshop is easy painting, stamping & stencilling & using a button or 4  on 

mache box, tags, canvas frame, & fabric

These pieces are included in the workshop ...so really just bring lunch & your apron

If you want to stitch a little with fabric, buttons & whatever you create on the day bring your fabric & sewing needs... embroidery hoops can be amazing fun too..small ones..

And bring a few extra small mache boxes & frames if you wish to make use of the paints etc on the day.

It is a  creative fun time 

The picture is an example of what is achievable on the day.

I supply you with 4 painted buttons to add to the projects.

The little things

This weather.!!!!

We are hot, as usual inland..heat...

up in QLD & Northern NSW you have been nearly blown clear off course...& I was pondering a move up there what 6 months ago...

Not now though...

Anyway this heart is from one of my earlier BUTTON STORIES...as a border thingy.

I separated things out & this & some of the topiary tree images are also just sitting waiting .... to use again soon....

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Ginge the cat has arrived....

it has come via a shop's request from a customer who loves these buttons

& 

I said
I will try...

&

I liked him/her so much..

He/she  got to live in the webshop !!!  

*****

This week's newsletter from 

CREATIVE WOMEN'S CIRCLE

in Melbourne

has a pre lease chat on their new book

"Owning It, A Creative's Guide to copyright, contracts & the Law"

Written by Tess Mc Cabe & Sharon Givoni

In the newsletter was a little survey of knowledge ...

I think this book will be exactly what many who are creating & plying their works will find a manual of must have.

I for one will be ordering one....

Buttons for the BOOK LAUNCH in Early March

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The buttons for the Book Launch are done !!!

They are already on the web & priced at the home page or in Button Stories

You can order now for them to go out when the book is launched & this special is not available for issue until early March on the day the book is launched & that date is to be determined by the printer LOL

Order now to make good the special....

I packaged in several ways

This first one is the LOT

Which is normally $83.50

will be special for the book launch at $ 71.50

This is the animal & bird batch

Special $ 19.50

Normally will be $22.95

Christmas Lot

$22.00 will be the special price for the Book Launch

Normally will retail at $28.35

Giraffe & Co

$30.00 Special book Launch price 

&normally will be retailing at

 $35.65

PRE RELEASE BOOK SPECIAL

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Well...I cleared the graphics today for the book A6 size all colour to go on to the printing phase now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is called

THEODORA'S STUDIO

Simple ideas to place on your patterns to make the most gorgeous needle cases, pin cushions, stockings, tiny cones ...etc etc 

I have placed a pre issue special on the web just now so pop over to see what is on offer

There will be a pre issue button set on offer tomorrow too ....

Barb Smith Copyright

Little Peek

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Theodora's Studio

A small peek at the booklet to be released very soon..

Full of inspiration & simplicity

While a storm raged overhead

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A very spooky storm of lightening both sorts & cracks of thunder...

I wondered where to park myself

Finally I settled with a few scraps in a sewing tin & the hoop..

2 funny unfinished felt flower things from years ago, those felt flowers are so effective...

added buttons & finished stitching a stem

The angel was the simplest...

I had a brown paper painted circle I had cut once...

an painted large everyday angel

the red fabric was angling to stay or go pile

& the hoop.

All it needed....I was going to french knot around it but it stands tall by itself.

***

PS.......

I think the Mystery Quilt in Edi-Saxe magazine Country Quilts was on display this past week in Paris at a craft show...

I am looking forward to my copy in the post...might arrive today!!

Pop over & see what Shez has done on her blog with the class stuff..her blog is on side bar enjoying life etc... as she does !

Shez's is very creative

This is a gorgeous project that Shez has made using the design from my booklet

Travels With Millie

Isn't it a most gorgeous gift for someone who loves to cook... especially if they have a helpful cat !

Thanks Shez for sharing this ....

Shez has worked some of the Christmas designs from the booklet also....

check out her  amazing blog...

Alas  the booklet is currently sold out but if I have enough interest I will do a reprint sooner.....email me via the website ( www.theodoracleave.com) if you would like to purchase a copy on reprint.

A couple of shops have some...in limited stock. 

http://shez-enjoyinglife.blogspot.com.au/

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On the topic of small books filled with things to inspire

My new booklet will be okayed for preparing to print on Monday...

It is called 

THEODORA'S STUDIO

I will place a pre order special price on the web later today,

& 

a picture...

Might do a little newsletter too...
I have posted one small picture on my other studio blog now !!!
www.onabranchabirdsings.blogspot.com

*********

On other fronts.....

I have many rabbits in pastels romping about on the paint table...

why didn't I do pastels before ?????

I intend to colour up all the cats in the collection as well as the dogs...some are already done....

******

I recently visited an old as in years ago friend in hospital this week....

he is not at all well ..

but the spirit is strong & our conversations spanned several decades

I walked out from the time spent feeling quite different about myself....

I could leave, walking,  that was my first thoughts...

The sun was hot & I had parked a distance away ( I usually get confused in big things like this )

but it was a small inconvenience ..

the view changes.

Selfishly I was very grateful of being able to catch up....

now I hope his spirits are lifted also...

I cannot take all this reward from the meeting ...

Big Bunnies & couple of sheep

theodoracleave.com

The Bunny Family large is perfect to sit into a frame on some fabric & a little padding for soft sitting

These are about 97mm high...

& 

here is only this one left for $5 on the web.

 Big Bunny LOVES well Valentines they might just be...these are also suited to frames.

I have 9 of these at $5 each

 And one grey set !!!

 Then I found the sheep in the trees....

I had forgotten I had these ...painted & ready.

There are 3 & one extra that I have saved for a sheep farming friend.... 2 have writing around the edge & one is plain ...no apple orchard either in that one

So 3 only on the web @ $8.00 each

Now ..it has rained so softly & cooled me down...

and I should be painting most of today....

but..the wide open spaces are beckoning...

I'll see

Next WORKSHOP in April

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This is the theme samples for the workshop I am being hosted through

Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop

on APRIL 11th 2015

At Primary School Moonee Ponds Melbourne.

Book through Mrs Martins Quilt Shop

mrsmquiltshop@internode.on.net

The day will be similar to the other 2, I have held recently..

where I teach some simple but very effective painting & stencil techniques & I bring along the stamps, stencils, paints, brushes, inks & the things to play with ...'

these are mache box, canvas frame, tags, linen/cotton fabric& about 4 of my hand painted buttons...

Then I let you turn into creative spirits ..

This time there will also be a small button story that can be either stitched or worked in felt....

So bring some extra boxes ( small  mache things) frames & fabric to paint on if you wish...

it is great to have an extra one if one gets sooooo enthused to do more while the paints etc are there.

Ditto with felt & fabric to stitch with that needs one or the other to work with or buy from Karen's trading table.

What else can I say ????

If you are wanting to come in solo, both Karen & I are aware of this  & check everyone is welcomed & settled.

Want to come & play ?

Barb xx

Keyrings

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Aren't these the most darling of keyrings ???

Made by  Cheryll.....
UPDATE
and the pattern was a kit using one of my buttons by Designs by Fee....
I have just discovered this is a little sweet pattern to purchase & should have the details from Fee soon, so I will let you know.

I have just had these arrive in the post today & I feel very blessed.

I saw one keyring on one of my friend's blogs

&

took a chance & asked if Cheryll would consider sewing some for me..

& here they are...

One is going to Marie-Claude in France 

& 

the other 2 I will use as samples when I go out & about.

Thanks Cheryll

Details for the Monbulk Quilt Show

Overnight I experimented

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There they were new buttons..fingers twitching....

I needed to escape the TV political barrage...

So sunk into the most pleasant world of playing with craft stuff.

I ma reading more & more now that doing some craft keeps the stress levels in better shape.

Well we all knew that LOL !!!

Here are the 2 big buttons (retailing for $5.50 ) on needle case covers...

in felt.

These etched pieces are just lightly painted....

The rabbits I have done in pale blue also but have only loaded one lot onto the website..ask if you'd like another colour when ordering.

The lady & her cat stroll into a stitched garden on felt... ready to place anywhere, needlecase, journal cover, framed on some fabric....etc

We have a new car..well it was my old one with Millie cat in the back seat as we travelled like gypsies...

This button is so cute ...retails for $4

It is again so handy for many things....  

And the Threadkeepers

These 3 are from Travels with Millie

&

Lightly painted.

They retail for $6.30 each

Well time to parcel up orders & head out to PO

Millie's memories

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Look what came in today....

it is now a button...

Some of you will recognise this from Millie's Travels booklet stitcheries 

or the round etched circles I had...

Well here we are driving out of the picture .....as a button.

Been some years now since Millie & I departed ...

Button is 25mm cute as....

 This si also from this series...sometimes we walk....side  by side....it is a small button too plucked from the story...45mm tall.

Here they are ..in the jardin....as a new addition to the thread holders ....I am unsure if they need any paint...show you tomorrow 

But these are really neat to tuck away in your sewing tin or bag ....& great gifts for sewing folk..I have 5 designs.

Little Easter

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After painting all these pastel rabbits this afternoon...

I needed to play with some of the felt...

This is the Big Running Rabbit in Yellow..

Easter For the French Bunnies

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I have been enjoying the look see as I paint each rabbit in my collection as well as birdies & chooks & the small roosters...

I have painted 

pastel pink

pastel green

lemon

Pale blue

Some have white spots

All look so inspiring...

The felt & linen are in the wings as my fingers twitch..

I did some decorating for Easter some years ago now & I'll see if I can locate the pictures...

PS ..don't you love the thread keepers in these colours

&

they will be on special as soon as I do the individual scans & put them on the web for $ 4.50 

French magazine quilt joint project

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I rarely show these things, so sticking my neck out ( I do that on a regular basis LOL )

I have just seen the magazine in France with the stitching drawings I did for a joint effort with Marie-Claude in France..she did all the hard work of forming the quilt..I just sat at my table with pencil & paper....what I love to do.

http://www.edisaxe.com/quilt-country-42-retour-aux-sources.html

I am really pleased & a bit overwhelmed to see it on line ..it humbles me.

( and now have to wait for my magazine copy to fly in!!! )

It humbles me because I think who would have thought that I could come thus far...

when here..

 I sat on my Father's ( the woodcutter) knee in Cohuna.

A small country town where population then was ??? 2000....it grows sometimes & returns at others...

blissfully happy... & today..

well.... I am pleased with my own personal achievements...

thanks to the high school that for me gave me the beginnings of different wings 

when one particular teacher drummed into me....doing your best 

....so, I have always done what I could do as my best....

not always did I make the hockey team to travel away 

but I tried my best 

& others were better than me some of the time.....

So today I travel with that still 

& 

I find competing distasteful ....

I love to just do what I can & somethings I cannot do as well as the next person...& that is ok as there is room for us all...don't you think ?

and we get to share our talents 

Thank you Marie-Claude....Mouchette & Honey  XXX

On the web now

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I have just loaded these smaller painted linen fabric scenes on the web for sale.....they are one offs....as usual LOL

Small fabric paintings

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Some small paintings on the thicker linen /cotton fabric

I experimented with small sizes & love the look.....