Saturday, March 31, 2018

Sad ....

There in the centre is a decomposing kangaroo....
the stench for last few days has been almost unbearable.....
I also look onto this ..windows are all closed....hopefully tomorrow ...
This is the second roo that has decomposed over in the paddock in last 2 1/2 weeks ...you know when we had a quick 34 degress heat spell.
My air conditioner is about in line with this.

So you could say I am annoyed.....to be kept in.
No I do not live on a farm !
I love the roos & in between these 2 deaths was one hit on the road last week ....when police needed to come out & shoot it...
I am not so sure about the 2 in the paddock as I have never seen this happen before, on the side of road yes..it is odd & raises more ? than it answers for me.

The street lighting has been changed here recently & speed limit by law is 60 km but much is done at 80km or more.....
But it is dry & the roos come over each night to find green grass....
Land is up for sale 
Buy it someone & look after it all please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111






Thursday, March 29, 2018

Like Nectar to my Soul


Was it only Monday when I announced to the wholesale folk that I was closing that arm of my business????

The First 2 emails to arrive that I read around 7:30am
Before a shower
Before Food
But sipping a cup of brewed tea
Were
The first from my darling brother 
This compliment was wonderful
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OF PROUD OF YOUR DESIGNS 
OF YOU AS A DESIGNER 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The next email was from Anni Downes...
You are Awesome 
the note said and went on to say.....
LOVE YOUR WORK.......
I AM REALLY GOING TO MISS YOUR PRESENCE IN MY SHOP....
YOU ARE AN INSTITUTION....!!!
MELANCHOLY IS TAKING OVER NOW....

Oh this was one business I was so so sad to say farewell too...
Suddenly there was a crack in the fence that let light in..
I can keep Anni selling my buttons...
That then went to NSW Anni Downes at Bathurst...

Off I went to have a shower....then fix some breakfast...
In the shower I am thinking....foaming shampoo into my hair, water everywhere....
Well I can do this for Vic & QLD....
As I was emailing Anni back after breakfast...
I was lamenting my international connections & soon I had invited one store in FRANCE, another in Germany...onto NZ x 2 & Spain & there are 2 more I need to write to...
&&&&
I have energy, a sense of exhilaration as I package QLD store ADVENT Calendar in a box...my mind is creative & it was having a party with out me....

I now have more admin work to follow thru......


I read the beginnings of WHILE SHE NAPS.com newsletter this morning & got so excited again before breakfast.
RJR & Cotton & Steel story is about risk & about changing the patterns of what is being done...
This si about fabric & collaboration & one sweet young lady with an idea & the boldness to ask....BRAVO I say !!! 

The Newsletters are usually in the blog & the heading of this newsletter says... go seek it.....







Mini Cats & Quilt

© design Barb Smith MINI CATS/QUILTS ILLUSTRATION STITCHING 
$3 to buy the Illustration so you can stitch this too.
Stitched by Val
Thanks Val !!!
We are all so very grateful 

Val emailed me last night to ask which one I preferred ....
I loved both... 
I was thrilled to see that kitten on tippy toes staring back at me....
Val has stitched the first with 2 threads in varigated colours

This one is in single thread.....

Val told me she was stitching these for cards she will create...
Isn't that a beautiful thing to do....
Personalised ..
unique...
thoughtful...


I have some more news but I need to go get flashed up to meet up with some of my old tai chi class & that amazing teacher who did perservere with us...who has gone on to do far more amazing things than to teach me some vital steps in tai chi..
He will be amazed as I am gate crashing via a chance ( or was it ) meeting with Ros in the supermarket on Monday !  She invited me along.  It is always great to touch base again ...  

Sunday, March 25, 2018

I attended a mini class on bed making today

theodoracleave.com

Well I always figure I can learn new stuff.
Provincial Decor Living's email sounded so interesting...
Which little show & tell would I attend ???
The shop is just down the road from me in a Home Wares shopping centre...
so lovely to have close by !!!!!
Which ??? Bed Dressing their way or table setting.
The bed & pillows I thought I wanted the most
A free little interesting session....
I have tips now...
&
Watching the bed being made with their divine bed linen ....you know what my wish list has on it now ????
 Take 2 European pillows, 4 pillows & 2 cushions.... 
Quilt, that divine softest doona tucked into blue /grey linen cover...
wooly throw


Ever so inspiring session & love the shop ....


There is some news


©


Apart from experimenting in the graphics program & discovering things I can do....& may never find again..
💓💓💓
I Have other news..
From 1st of April 2018
I will only be selling my designs from my retail website.
I close the wholesale arm of the business on the 31 March 2018...

Of no consequence to many of you who I see in "my store"  ie is the website...
I will cease to supply to stores...that is what wholesale is...

I will continue arrangements with 3 designers who use my designs in their designs..in Australia, Italy & Germany.
*****

This is a business decision as I am seeing a different road approaching...
I click over to 70 in April arghhhhhhhhhhhh
However my creativity is that of a 35 year old so there is much to come...
This so excites me & invigorates me ...
You know... the Woodcutter's Daughter's journey still continues into the 22nd year...

Saturday, March 24, 2018

DEER DEER

I know you have seen them before but I had accidently slipped them from view on my web along with a couple of santas & co... off having  a little rest they were!
These are back where they belong today rest to follow

I am waiting for a storm the sky is a layer of black long clouds with another layer..an odd sky & it has got dark.
Hope for the tent folk they will miss the storm...
*

Last night I heard a loud noise around 8.30, thought best go see what fellover...
then I hear bang !
Was that a gun or a fire cracker
Bang !
Well both are illegal I
l'll report in  to law...
When I explained where I lived & that a dead kangaroo had been left rotting in vacant land over the road all week...he was relieved it was the police shooting an injured roo

So this morning I wander out to see ..well I saw the dead roo in front of my neighbour's house
Just waiting now for the council to remove this one....
Yes I rang to report that today.
But
Poor roo it is the 3rd one this week....not many left of that mob now.


Friday, March 23, 2018

Look what I found

©
I found some strays which I painted up ....
The tags are on the website but I will upload the sewing machine thread keeper & the bunny thread keeper & that Moggy in the garden decoration
^^^^
Just heard post delay to QLD & Email not got thru what the #$%^&** is going on...
)))))))


I am slightly pre occupied this morning with the plight of a family who were made homeless & were camping on ground no mattresses by a river for 5 weeks......

One of my brother's along with some of their own friends has now been trying to get assistance 
That plight is not an easy or one they wanted to be homeless
No one wants that !!!!
Man's basic needs are shelter & security & boy are we failing as a society

All I can think & afford to do right now is bundle up some personal care stuff...
As I got out of the WARM not cold shower it was 
Soap makes me feel good
I shampoo & condition my hair each day
I put cream on my face
Bandaids
toothpaste
sanitary GST taxed personal necessity
tea tree oil for cuts etc
The things if I need I reach for
____________
I can but help one family
^^^^^^^^^^^

I find it all so distressing..
saw some of thing growing up when my Dad suffered from gout before the drugs were available to keep it at bay
He was in bed for 6 months not being able to stand up because of the pain.
There were no government sickness benefits or dole in that time..
Women were not looked on to work...
My Dad was a woodcutter .... he had outstanding accounts which never came without asking for payment several times by my brother.

So I guess we had nothing 
except Dad had paid the house off some years before 
Mum preserved fruit & veges  & there were chooks...eggs

It was a cafe owner who offered my Mum a job & we as children of the family took up the reins of a split meal time shift sole bread winner. between school.


My Dad had taught us that generosity of spirit as young children..
He would come in from the bush & say to Mum 
"I am going to so & so's with a load of wood, they are doing it tough  ..."
This was in the days where wood was for the wood stove for cooking & to heat the cold houses..basic essential service.

I have realised it is like indelible ink ..
that experience growing up is written on our souls 
&
the story is different for each of us who experienced it....
Other's plights bring the deep sadness to the surface 
often that hopeless feeling of what can 
I DO  ????
to build a stronger society or to help this plight that is such a blight on each soul
****



I suppose is a great beginning....I join these wonderful people who go out to bat as one 
Because this is larger & hidden problem.
I saw the swaggies after WW2 tramping the country roads looking for work or food & sleeping in our school shelter shed one day...profound & ever so sad
^^^^^^^^^^^
So right now I need to go see what I can do for helping these folk 
who are I am so happy to tell are getting one foot in front of the other with just a small amount of assistance & connection.
They need more warmth for cooler nights in their tent and they need some of those daily things we take for granted ...



Thursday, March 22, 2018

On the Table


©

Yesterday the paint table produced these pieces that will go on the website later today...
I need to post some thread keepers & Easter Tags..first.
The mornings just seem to wander off at times...

I have one of each of the pink things here...
Other Temptations will have the 2 bird thread keepers & maybe the other pink angel ...house will be in houses categories

I found a Marilyn brooch shape..well there are 2 but I have only painted this one thus far..
Love the red spots  

These decorations are all ready to go at the new price of $5.00 each
The snowman & co are 65cm only 3 & one has star etched border...
The Cheery Santa & PLum Pud are 6cm  there are 6 puddings & 9 Cheery santas to go !!!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

EASTER BUNNY TAGS


©

EASTER BUNNY TAGS
These tags are wood...with little bunny buttons glued on them.
I love painting these pretty soft things ....
I have painted 4 each is $8 
They can be tags to hang about all year ..or add one or perhaps 3 to a frame & add to a child's room or for yourself to just feel happy when you see them


Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Love These Thread Keepers etc

theodoracleave.com
©
Barb Smith

There are 5 of these Heart Thread Keepers going for $5 each....
I have yet to paint the last 2 ...so probably pink & Blue

Travels with Millie is always so close to my heart...she was an amazing cat & companion..
These are thread keepers ... some designs are only one & one has 9 available
All for $5 each

Houses... the centre one is a Thread keeper & the other 2 houses are decorations 7cm  circles..
for projects or hanging about or as a gift tag....These are all $5 too...
Clearing this collection to make way for new designs later....
You know when I am ready.
Which are my favourites ??? they all are !!!

Monday, March 19, 2018

More NEW ILLUSTRATIONS for Stitching


© copyright Barb Smith
These are painted illustrations now on the website & available for stitching...applique ..painting..
2 separate designs each $6 & Post stuff
Pre order now !!


The first is designed as a B&B for quilters, stitchers ...
gorgeous 2 story home  
in a slightly green country setting...

Right next door is the Quilt Shop..
Where all the fabrics, threads...are
So stay a while....
____________
QUILT Shop ...Maybe this is a close up of the quilt shop in my story above or a quilt shop anywhere in the world..
where friends gather to shop & to be inspired  
with the individual store owner's world of selections in 
fabrics, 
patterns , 
threads 
 buttons
samples


Sunday, March 18, 2018

Easter Eggs !!!

©
I have had a delightful time painting these 2 wooden tags ..my Easter Eggs
&
The Bunny Jardins illustration stitchery due out very soon...
There are only these 2....at the moment & time & inspiration will see if I do anymore ..
They are so soft, sweet little Easter friends ...each are $8.00 + postage



STITCH'N'PATCH Closing Sale

💗💙💚💛💜💗
Stitch N Patch Lilydale Victoria 3140
Closing Sale – 30% off All Stock
Sale in store only – no online sales

After 15 years, Stitch N Patch, 8/1 Maroondah Highway Lilydale Victoria 3140, will be closing at the end of April 2018.
Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase some unique, top quality patchwork, needlework, gifts and hand craft supplies at reduced prices. All trading stock is discounted and must go.

Some store samples (Quilts, Wall Hangings, Handbags, Toys etc.) will be available to purchase for prices as marked. 

Fixtures and fittings are also available to purchase.

💛💜💛💜💛 


Doreen is going... retiring ... off to live life at a beach somewhere ......
The shop will close at the end of April...
Which isn't that long now ....
so get in there for lots of specials..
I know what I saw last week.....
Guaranteed to have fun....Japanese fabric... Fabric !!!  Patterns ...Books...Threads.... Buttons ...
****
The building will be a Hair & Beauty Salon so get your skates on ...
LILYDALE can be easily accessed by the ring roads ( tolls in some cases ....) in Melbourne ....


Saturday, March 17, 2018

Cannot stop now !!

©
I have some more Illustrations for stitchings to do this weekend...
They are done but need all the pen work etc...
I am finding this just the best fun & a change....
Going backwards to my stitchery designing days..
The stories take me wandering through some rather lovely favourite things...
To come are some Quilt Shop / Houses  
A 5 series of gardens...with houses or ???
A set of Birds & a set of cats...
You know those handy styles that can be appliqued, stitched, coloured in, painted 
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

These below are 2 of those ladies out in the garden....
I am so happy to say the series is selling very well !!!.
Do I need encouragement to do more ...
but of course ....!!!!

Friday, March 16, 2018

The Flower Shop

©
The Flower Shop
When I finish this post I will go & add the Flower shop Illustrated pattern to the website !
I sent off the postcard production last night...so it will be here soon...
I love this shop.... full of the most beautiful flowers...
Abundance of happiness !!!
Again these will be limited numbers quite a few.... but I can keep track easier.
There are another little series going to be available very soon too...
(when the printer sees sense ) GRRR
I sort out the way to sell ...probably like the Lavender series...
Anyway here is the cottage in painted ....
On the postcard there is a picture of both...
This is also  $6.00  

Oh yes something else is a Quilt Shop illustration ready to go soon as well..
Now I am off to buy more ink for the printer....


Thursday, March 15, 2018

Painted Ladies

The Lavender Folk are painted today...
Yesterday I came to print a copy to trace onto fabric....on a whim I decided to try 
"Ink Printable Fabrics" I'd bought ages ago made by Matilda's Own
Well the print worked beautifully
2 to an A4 fabric page..& there were 5 sheets in the pack that had price tag of $20 ...
I came to paint them...& finished them off this morning...
These are the ILLUSTRATED stitcheries I am selling for a wonderful price of $6 each or the set of 5 for $25
& there is a limited production...
so I can keep track of where they are... ! 
You see these are copyright & need to be purchased...

©

 ©
©

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Lavender Ladies

©
The 5 Illustrations of the LAVENDER LADIES are ready to go....
These are copyright, and are on limited release from today...
The illustrations are in A5 sizing, & you may increase from the purchased patterns for your personal use only.

There is a little saying that comes with each that can be stitched with the design or as perhaps an added quilt block....
I may add more words to the set of 5 .....

.........
I just love the sense of pure serenity & peace these 5 illustrations bring....
Cutting/ harvesting the lavender to bring inside to dry or just indulge one's senses for a week...
Maybe you make soap & add dried lavender ..or cook with  the dried lavender...
Either way I know it calms the cat... 
& there is a fabulous flea powder made at Lavendula in Victoria AU
all natural lavender on their farm mixed with penny royal & ? if my memory serves me well 
............
Back to the lavender.... bunched in your apron ...or you have taken a basket into the garden for just this purpose...
....
Watering on a summer's evening as the shade comes over....the oils are  sending off some delightful perfumes & what pleasure it is when the little birds come down for a fresh drink & a bath....
...
Wandering along a country garden with many lavenders ....spilling over the paths & the geese coming along for the stroll...wonderful company !
..
Finally the trimming of the lavender.... to keep it neat & tidy...
.....
Stitching :
Each is set for back stitching & maybe a French knots for your lavender.....
Soft or varigated threads...in mauves..perhaps a little purple to make the scene pop ...sages and what shall you wear to do the lavender "chores" ????
Then my goodness what fabric will you choose to stitch on & what backing will you place behind each stitching....what you love to use...

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Individually priced at $6.00 each 
or
buy in the set of 5 is $25.00
All will have postage of  a large letter added...
💛💜💚💛💜💜



Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Bunny Tags

Bunny Tags...in blue with stamping & bright happy bunnies & 3 have parasols for the weather..
sunny or rainy

Onto the web today have come these bright Christmas coloured batch of cats..there is only one..
The Bright Umbrellas are there too
The Cow..she is there on a small farm of 11 milkers
Santa... he is always popular but a chore for me to paint so you see him now & then !
Egret in white with a red scalloped border 
Most are very slim in stock

Red paint on the palette & a few spare buttons on the table can be a really bright affair
One pair of red bunnies & I cannot recall if the white set have made it onto the web today...but will be soon.....
What about the red kissing birds only 2 left...no other colours now....

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Bunnies in Hoops & More on Tags

Rabbits.... decorate using small hoops ... add a little Happy Easter writing around the hoop perimeter
The rabbits are some 6cm & many are 4 to 5 cm
There are alos the flowers in basket with the cut away flower on the basket.... bunnies like gardens where flowers grow .....so a wonderful small framed scene could be the go....
Go see what they are on the website !!!


Tags are also added to the website...
This one is blues with one token chook & rest are Bunnies

This one is white painted & stamped & has 2 different bunny designs in colours too !

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

EASTER TAGS


This little effort began after breakfast this morning & somehow I have only got back to the photographs now
EASTER each has more a soft blue paint background on the tag...some stamping & the letteres to spell EASTER....each with a faded blue French Bunny on the tag & a white twine tie..

I love collecting old cut glass plates & bowls & some uses are displays...
Pop the tags with the bonus rabbits ( we know they are a family & need to go with the tag bunnies) into a bowl with this shredded paper one buys at the craft stores...
OR
Tie the tags onto a wire basket with some tissue bunched up & scrunched...add loads of yummy chocolate Easter eggs

The Heart has a stitched version of my Button design BUNNY LOVE....
Isn't it the sweetest ?

The Easter Tags on display on this glass sandwich plate...
Fits as a display also....
maybe try a white bowl & just pop the tags in....casual style.
****
Now I have done some tidying up on the website....discovered some "lost" things on the side bars & some other bits after a discussion with one of my brother's tonight, which was really helpful.
I love listening to him describe the perfumers websites & descriptions & always we learn.....
My now that is a super magical world... I can listen to the stories for ages & be inspired & also envious LOL
Back to paper tags  & painted buttons Barb LOL

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Tags NOEL & JOY


The tags were painted last week...then other distractions came along.
Yesterday... I thought I'll finish these tags..
Not sure what my intention was now when I painted them
But....it's Christmas in ..... soon enough
I have 2 sets of Noel Tags each with different buttons & newest additions to my collections
A JOY was also done
& a mix of words on one set of tags which I forgot to pop on the website 


Tags sit beautifully in frames & hoops

The Single word tags look so awesome in a frame .....


You see I am always reluctant to leave Christmas 

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Short Lived was this normality LOL

I need to be quick as the battery that is overheating the computer still is running low of charge
Here Is the cover of Max & Louise's Book 
Produced by Quilt Mania 


Lisa & Louise have really lovely  boi's in the front of the book & photos !!!

This si the French page & look at last paragraph .....you will read me in French

And here on the other page Read most of It's about me ( LOL) 

One of the quilts & patterns in the book...
I have always loved the way they use their quilting skills to make other quilt related things... see the hoop at the back of the cabinet...