Roustabout Art

First there was one..

2012-01-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

Take one op-shop vintage 1970's dress...

Cut the bottom off..makes one cute mini dress or long top to wear with leggings...
and one potential a-line, elastic waisted skirt!!! Love it!!

I couldn't let this dress pass when I saw it. It's a tiny size and I don't know anyone who would fit into it, but now I have a funky skirt to wear and hopefully a little dress for someone of the right size when they come along! Cute!

The Fabric of Life!

2012-01-09T19:09:00.001-08:00

Take one crappy old suitcase with the guts ripped out of it, cover with fabric from you overcrowded cupboard full of vintage fabric and voila!! a funky vintage case to cart round all your stuff in. Or in my case, I have made this my special suitcase full of toys for when my nephew visits. Chock a block with hand crochet toys and wooden blocks. Fun, fun, fun!

The finished bike!

2012-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well done to the Craft Club ladeeez : Illy, Nunya, Brannie, Mel, Mozza and me!! for creating this fabulous bike as part of Bike Art SA. AWESOME work!!!

A HIT!!

2012-01-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

I made these softie owls for the little kids of the family for Christmas. I got this email and photo from Jasper's Mum which simply said "A Hit". This is Jasper in his relaxed pre going to bed routine holding the owl I made. It made me smile and gives me great joy when something I made is so well loved.

I have found that kids relate differently to toys that are hand made. I think they can sense the care and love that is infused in the object more that a store bought toy. I have seen it quite a few times and now I have photographic evidence!!
Happy New Year everyone!
XX SJ

Bike Art SA

2011-12-28T17:47:00.001-08:00

Hey there yarn bombers the world over, check this out. This is a project as part of Bike Art SA festival to take place in Adelaide in January 2012. Done by the lovely ladies of "Craft Club" thats Sarah-Jane Cook, Nunya Glazbrook, Ilianthe Kalloniatis, Branwen Davies, Maureeen Cook and Melissa Waters!! Looking good so far and nearly done!!

Update me baby!

2011-10-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Tea towel with quote from Hannah Gadsby, artwork by Sarah-Jane Cook
Teatowel screenprint by Sarah-Jane Cook
Crochet bike modelled by Scarlett Cook
Knit one Purl one apron modelled by Scarlett Cook
The Port, Art's Happening teatowel. The developers have pissed off and abandoned Port Adelaide AGAIN!! but the artists are still here making art!!

Hey bloggers, I'm back! Been absent for a while but here are some images of what I have been up too lately...SCREEN PRINTING!!! It's great fun!!

Studio REvamp

2011-06-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have a new home studio! Well, actually it's the same room as before just with a new lick of paint on every surface inlcuding the floor! After storm damage the ceiling went mouldy and there was lots of rigmoral with insurance companies, builders and workmen who had to remove, replace and repaint the ceiling. I now have a lovely and airy workspace.

The question is how much crap (read very important crafting materials) can one person fit into one room??? I love my space at the moment with my long computer table and pin board full of inspiration. I have just inserted my little table (found in hard rubbish) with sewing machine on top. But where oh where to put all the fabric?? I am looking for the perfect cupboard with shelves and doors on the front so I can open it and see my collection, but so far no luck.

I guard my fabric like jewels. It has to be safe, clean and out of the sun so it doesn't fade!! I bit obsessive compulsive maybe I hear you say! I have accumulated a whole lot more stuff from Mum and Dad's place too as they are emptying their house full of 30 years worth of stuff to move out. Among the gems though has been a bag full of ballet costumes from my childhood that my Mum lovingly sewed over the years. Any suggestions about my studio space gratefully received.

Love and happy making
SJ

Mixin' it up.

2011-05-22T01:59:00.001-07:00

Hello folks,
Here are some Mixed Media works done at the studio today. The technique is painting over photographs. Some of them reveal almost nothing of the finished photo others a lot more. This is ongoing work to be exhibited at some point. For more inspirational work in this vain go to http://www.hollyrobertsstudio.com
I love her work, she is awesome.

XX SJ

Wedding Fever

2011-05-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have had a big week with lots of life changing events taking place including the committment ceremony of the lovely Ilianthe and Ross. Above is a painting by Nunya Glazbrook of the lovely couple with their cat - Licorice. It's always nice to have a personally crafted wedding present along with the whipper snipper and the new coffee mugs! Nice work Nunya!
May Ilianthe and Ross live and long and very happy life together.
Love and Hugs
SJ

More crochet therapy

2011-05-15T01:51:00.001-07:00

Hey folks,

Here is my latest crochet hat, made in the last few days. I've made three since Tuesday!! Crochet is great therapy, almost as good as smashing plates for mosaics and I'm gonna do some of that soon too!!
This is my lovely cousin Fotini from Greece who will be taking her hat home with her as a memory of Australia's winter. Don't forget making art is great for the soul, at least I think so! Do some today.
SJ

Art, life and death.

2011-05-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Hello there folks,

You may have noticed that my catch phrase is "art is life" and it is. Making and creating new stuff is my passion and gets me through all sorts of things. Sometimes it even helps in times of grief and sorrow. This little hat pictured above was started last night after my dear Uncle George passed away and finished this morning. Sometimes repetitive crochet and medicinal ouzo and chocolate are just what are required to keep you going and such is my self healing treatment.
George was a total inspiration to all that new him and once when asked ' Do you ever have a bad day George?' his reply was "No, just good days and better days". So in memory of George live you life well and if you love making art and this is what keeps you going then do it, without regret.
For another inspirational crafter who quilted her way through grief go to Pam Hollands story here on the Heartache, Heritage and Happines quilt she made after the death of her daughter. Pam is now an internationally renowned quilter as a result of making this and other quilts.

Live well and be happy.

Sarah-Jane

Leaf Art

2011-05-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Leaf art, street art, an art 'happening'...whatever it is it's AWESOME!! On my recent Easter trip to Melbourne I came across this impromptu water and leaf work done by the general punters walking by. The leaves stick to the vertical water wall and people had been writing messages and creating images with the fallen Autumn leaves.
I love how this happens in a completely organic and unstructured way and is made by anyone and eveyone walking by. Good on you people. This is how art can reach everyone and I love it!

Drawing from Life!

2011-05-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Recent life drawings done at my studio www.activeartstudios.com.au Come and join the fun!

Melbourne!!

2011-04-30T01:39:00.001-07:00

I went to Melbourne and here is some of the art I saw!

Where I hear you ask?

2011-04-18T04:46:00.001-07:00

My sculpture prior to adding the shoulders.
Close up of the face
My sculpture at front with sculpture by Maria Tsounis on right.

These sculptures were finished in just 2DAYS! with this really simple and effective method. Now they just have to survive the firing process, so fingers crossed.
Where did we make these I hear you ask??? Well, at my studios where you too can do an art class like this. Go to www.activeartstudios.com.au to check them out! We also have a facebook page with more images of the process of creating these kind of sculptures and work from other classes. Click here: Active Art Studios on facebook.

My finished sculpture

2011-04-17T03:16:00.001-07:00

What did you do this weekend? I made this sculpture which I am very happy with. Now time to let it dry before firing. So much fun.

Sculpting the Head

2011-04-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Domestic duties inspire art

2011-04-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Changing the bedsheets inspired these photographs...or is that called procrastination??

Love and all that shit...

2011-04-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here's my current cross stitch art project. I've been quite O.C.D with this one (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) but am loving the heart shape that I can now make from all these little works. I might display them in the gallery on a heart shaped background. What do you reckon? Makes for some interesting reading and thought provoking questions. Ahhh, love...what can you do?
XXSJ

The Girls

2011-04-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,

As promised ( I know you were all waiting with baited breath) here are my finished marquettes! These two sculptures are about 30cm tall and will now be fired. The next part of the project is to make them life sized using the fibre reinforced cement material that I made "Billy" from in the previous post.
Now just so you know, there are actually women with this shape!!..and I am one of them. My sculpture may be a little exagerated, but not much. In our family we refer to this shape as 'the stumpy big bot'. (SBB) In the art world the term Rubenesque is used which sounds a bit nicer that Stumpy Big Bot! Named after the voluptuous figures in the work of Peter Paul Rubens.

Here's an example Venus at the Mirror and another The Judgement of Paris by Rubens.

I think I am going to call this work "The Conversation" What do you reckon? Any suggestions??

My newest love child

2011-04-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, this is my newest 'love child'...another boy! His name is Billy and he is made of fibre reinforced cement. He stands about 60cm tall and is very well behaved. He is the first of my love children made from fibre reinforced cement but I am in the process of making two life sized female sculptures from this medium. So far I am just in the planning stage and will finish making some marquettes of these tonight!! Then I will post an image so you can see what they will hopefully look like.. and start working on the life sized pieces to be shown late next year at Marion Gallery. YAY!!

Life Drawings

2011-04-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Famous!

2011-04-02T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hello People,

I sold another art work through my gallery in Sydney!! YAY!! Check It out here
Jeez, I must be famous...well, nearly!XX SJ

Text me baby

2011-03-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

More cross stitch text messages sent to me...if you're gonna do it make sure you spell in right! ...or it make take on another meaning out of context! I love it when it does.

XXSJ

love and lust in lesso land

2011-03-17T16:04:00.001-07:00

Hello folks,
Been a bit slack on the ol' blog recently but been flat our arting it up at the Adelaide Fringe, with my business Active Art Studios and with Port Adelaide Artists Forum. Somehow, I still have found time to do some art. Remember my ongoing 'Noted' series?? Check out Sonya Gee's article on it(unfortunately my website is down at the moment)

These cross stitch are from a new series with the working title "Love and lust in lesso land" and are taken from text messages I have received in relation to my very scant love life... but they make fun reading and fun making.
Love yas
SJ

New Year,New studio!

2011-02-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, Have been away from the blog for a while renovating my new studio for Active Arts. Here are some pictures of the progress...

Will give you a total update soon. It's looking heaps better than this now!!

Awesome!

When I was six..

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

More from the vault at Mum and Dad's place. Some drawings I did when I was 6 year old. I think the couple kissing is Mum and Dad. Mum had long black hair back in those days and for some reason there is a few drawings I did of my Dad in that very fetching red and yellow polka dot shirt. It must have been one of those 70's favourites. Mum's dress also has some retro 70's flowers on it!
I love the little story I wrote because now I do live in a cottage and pick flowers from my garden AND my cottage is painted bright colours (on the inside) and as soon as I can afford it I have already picked the bright colours for the outside. Amazing dont you think?

XXSJ

The Jealous Curator

2011-01-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you see amazing creations and wish you had made them yourself?? You write a blog about them. Totally Cool!
OMG!! This blog is so awesome!! Check it out at www.thejealouscurator.com

Contemporary Paper Cuts

2011-01-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Following on from my previous post check this link out for some fine examples of contemporary art using the technique of paper cutting...its totally amazing.
www.petercallesen.com/index/Largepapercutinstallations.htm

Chinese Paper Cuts

2011-01-09T00:33:00.000-08:00

Remember what I was saying about Babushka dolls in my previous blog?? (Macrame is the newBlack Jan, 2011)They were the height of ethnic bad taste at one point and now all the rage. It's the same story with papercuts.-all the rage for illustrations in magazines and in the visual art world but the Chinese have been doing them for centuries! These are awesome!!

New Years Resin-lution

2011-01-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

Well, here is my latest resin jewellery making...I've been doing a lot lately since the weather here has been absolutely stinking hot. Well, in the high 30's that is. We havn't had too many 40 plus days yet. So I thought I would take advantage of the weather and make some jewellery that in this weather will cure nice and fast. Speaking of the weather, it held up these moulds that I bought from the USA and UK because over there all the aiports were snowed in. Funny ol' thing mother nature isn't she??Anyway, these turned out even better than I expected and I can't wait to turn them into pendants, earring and bracelets. Market, market here we come...oh and I'd better get my etsy page back on deck too!!

Love yas'

SJ

Why am I lucky?

2011-01-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

And more from the parental vault...Why am i lucky?? At about 6 years old this is what I thought. Nothing like a bit of contemplation 35 years on to check that you are still grateful for what you have. I am still grateful we have schools, even though they are underfunded, I'm kind of grateful for cars when I need to go somewhere but not for the pollution they emit. I am also in two minds about wether to be grateful for tv since most of it is shit. But I guess I'm lucky I can choose to watch it or not. I am definately grateful I have shoes to wear, especially on a hot day when the soles of my feet get burnt on the cement pavement. I am lucky I can go to the doctors relatively straight away...although sometimes with a very, very, very long wait.

Ahhh, the lucky country.

Are you lucky??

XX SJ

Little gems

2011-01-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

Here are some little gems I have been making lateley. I have had the pendants for a while and finally have got around to making them into stunning neckpieces using found imagery and covering them with resin. I think a market is on the cards soon. I am not sure what to use to hang them from. Ribbon, chain, leather? Any ideas folks?
XX SJ

Art is life, work is not.

2011-01-04T03:51:00.000-08:00

My first and last effort at printmaking. Never, say never...but I'm never doing printmaking again. It's so tedious. I love the outcome but I can't be arsed with all the messing around. I don't know how all you printmakers do it!!

Today was my first day back at 'the day job'. Got up, found I had no milk so had to have black tea (not my favourite), boiled a couple of eggs for breakfast, the first one I opened was rotten...lovely. So threw that in the compost. Tried to brush my teeth but, no toothpaste..and i mean none. The tube had been cut open and scraped to within an inch of it's life. Opened the cupboard to take something for lunch-oops, out of canned tuna (my lunchtime staple), no bread of any description. Hmmmm, opened the fridge to make a coleslaw. Cabbage rotten, carrots slimy, perhaps not! Lunch consisted of a can of sardines, some lettuce, capsicum and one non slimy carrot with mayonaise. THANK GOD for the mayonaise. Even despite all this I somehow managed to turn up to work on time...not that anyone cared..there was only three people there anyway... working 9-5 what a way to make a living. Sigh!

XXSJ

New Year

2011-01-03T16:28:00.001-08:00

Well it's a new year, so time for a new look blog. Thought I'd start the year all new and fresh and a bit less 'goth' looking, so I've got rid of the black and gone with my favourite colour-blue.

And now for the New Years Affirmations (much better than resolutions):

In no particular order:

Excercise regularly ( I wonder how many millions of people have this one)

Lose weight (And this one!)

Quit the day job (please!)

Earn more than enough money from Art to live very comfortably

Go to New York and do a workshop by the artist Holly Roberts

Enjoy Life

Contribute to my community

Walk on the beach

Hang out with kids

Swim

Listen to music more

MAKE

Open a shop

Grown an Organic Veggie Garden

..and a couple of others that are too personal to make public!!

What do you rekcon?? Acheivable??

XXSJ

On an outing from the vault I found...

2011-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Look at these gems I found in the local Birdwood Second Hand Shop. The first is some 'scraps' once used for the Victorian era version of scrapbooking- how cute! (Great for a multitude of uses)

The second is an image of The Holy Grail of 1960's housewifery - a Lemair sewing Machine. This is from the front of the instruction booklet for the new owner. I love the hair do and the Jesus like hand gestures of this woman. I think I can have some fun with this image!!

How about these titles to go with the image:

"Praise the Lord, it just appeared before me!"
"Hallelujah, it's a sewing machine"
"Let all those who come before me, sew"
"And the lord said 'Sew' and you too could have this hair do"

Any more suggestions??

XX SJ

Macrame is the new black

2011-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Remember back in the 1970's when Macrame was all the rage? If you are too young to know what Macrame is just hit Google. If you are a child of the 70's you will know exactly what I am talking about. We have numerous pot holders made from macrame at Mum and Dad's that have stood the test of time. However, this owl was given to me on my 11th birthday by a friend and Mum was so enamoured with it I let her have it at her house. Now they are selling up and getting rid of excess it has come back to me. What a strange thing it is, this remnant from my childhood. It's funny how objects hold such an amazing amount of memory...even objects that maybe arn't that cool these days!!
Just on that note, can I say that we had a set of Babushka dolls at my Yia-yia's house for years and years and years and they were considered the worst in ethnic bad taste. Now you can't go bloody anywhere without tripping over a bloody Babushka. Shoes, fabric, clips and even bloody measuring cups. See us ethnics are the height of fashion and taste. Just you wait, cement lions and statues will be the next big thing, I guarantee it.

XXSJ

Retro Crochet Pattern-ama

2011-01-01T23:54:00.000-08:00

Dilemma! Do I actually use these patterns for crochet or just cut them up for the awesome retro images!! Either way, they are the best!

From the Vault

2010-12-31T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here's another gem from the archives at Mum and Dad's place. A card I made for my brother when we were kids. I'm not sure how old I was, maybe around 10 years old? Pretty sophisticated really. Multiple folds and everything. Both my brothers are not overly sentimental when it come to keeping these kind of things so I have ended up with it. I figure if I put it here in cyber space it will be kept forever, even if I end up throwing out the original.
Any thoughts on what to do with these things? We have 30 years worth of 5 kids stuff to go through at Mum and Dad's and so far it's barely a drop in the ocean. I understand why moving house is rated as the second most stressful thing after a death in the family.

XXSJ

Ex Libris

2010-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone out there that actually reads books anymore?? My Aunt and Uncle are shutting down their book shop as we speak due to a lack of patronage and massive rent costs and going on line. I must confess I am a book officianado and love to collect and read books. I particularly have a weakness for art and craft books funnily enough!! These days I don't seem to have enough time to actually read a proper novel unless it is so brilliant I can't put it down and leave everything else to rot for a while. The book Shantaram was like this, but then I had just come back from India and was suffering massive culture shock. It was my way of transporting myself back there. Anyway, here are some book plates I made a while ago to nicely state who the book belongs to. I love them! They are made from old picture books which were so tatty I had to cut them up and throw them in the recycling. Others are made from the front cover of old sewing patterns. All are altered and coloured enough to hopefully avoid any copyright issues!

I love my books!!

Oh and by the way, Happy New Year and Happy making art and craft.

XX SJ

I Like ME!!

2010-12-30T15:53:00.001-08:00

Here is one of my most gorgeous Christmas presents from my gorgeous friend Nunya. It's Me!! In crochet. Oh my God, I love myself. I have been taking myself on trips in the car, to the shops, to Mum and Dads, to work...everywhere. Nunya is such a talented crochet artist, that's why I call her Sensai of the Crochet!!

He, he, he

XX SJ

Things I like...

2010-12-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hi there all and Merry Christmas,

Hope you all had an enjoyable day. Today I am going up to my Mum and Dad's for a few days to try and help them sort out 30 years worth of collected stuff!! They are in the process of getting ready to sell their house and need to clean it out a bit. Among the gems my sister found in her last effort to help clear up was this book I made in Grade 2. So I was probably around 6 0r 7 years old. Some of my tastes have changed in regard to things I like, but here's a glimpse of my drawing efforts at a young age. Hopefully amongst all the dust and boxes up at Ma and Pa's will be some more gems from my creative childhood.

XX SJ

Awesome!

2010-12-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

Even MORE Resin Jewels

2010-12-14T13:42:00.001-08:00

Hello!! Here is some of the student work I have been keeping an eye on this week as it cures. I have resisted the urge to turn any of it out of its moulds but you can see how nice some of them will be.The first two images are of works by Janet and Maria. They have used a method where the shape that holds the image and has the resin poured into it will be the final piece. So all they have to do is clean up the back and sides if there is any spillage and glue on a brooch back.

The pieces in the next three images of work by Ilianthe, Chris and Nunya need the workto be turned out of the moulds and then finished with sanding, drilling and perhaps mounting onto another a backing. Either way I think they all look fantastic!

Cant wait for the weekend.

XXSJ

Fabulous Resin jewellery

2010-12-12T23:46:00.000-08:00

OMG!! Here are some of the examples I did for students in my Resin Jewellery classes on the weekend and i must say...they turned out awesome! I have managed to keep my hands off the students' work and have left them in their moulds to cure. Half the fun is popping them out to see how they have turned out. Especially since the feeling of satisfaction is akin to the sensation you get when you pop bubble wrap. Totally great. Can't wait to see how all the student work turned out when we have the second classes this weekend. Resin Rocks!!

Oh Gosh I'm so darn excited!!
XXSJ

Art @ Hart

2010-12-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some totally awesome images of sculptures by Jonathan Bowles and Branwen Davies for our stall at Art@Hart. That's me at the bottom with my crochet squid!!! If you came and saw us thanks a lot!! if you didn't you totally missed out. It was a great weekend. More images next time.
XXSJ

Experiments in resin

2010-11-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Some experiements in Resin Jewellery I tested for the class I am running in a couple of week. Turned out alright!!
Brannie's Lazy Susan's she has renamed Clever Charlottes. We covered them with resin for a clear finish but it was a pain in the backside to do. I think they look loverly. All will be on sale this weekend at Art@Hart Artists market. Check it out!! www.celticafestival.com.au/aathprogram

Champions!

2010-11-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks, The Cook girls are champions!!...as if you didn't know that already. Myself and my Auntie Mozza both entered the Feast Show...like the Royal Adelaide (or Melbourne) show but as part of the Feast Festival. There were some awesome things on display, from flowers, produce, cakes, plants and my particular area of interest CRAFT! Mozza entered the collections section and won a Feast Champion Rosette for her collection of Girls Own Annuals. I won third for the crochet tricycle in the "any other section" but everyone said it should have come first!! The embroideries came second in the embriodery section and the chook embroidery got the feast champion rosette. The toilet doll girls came second in the crochet section. Unfortunately, the boys in drag didn't win anything. They were most disapointed but there is always next year. I think my twisted sense of humour didnt really translate well to the judges with that one!! Oh Well! Had a blast though! So many talented people making fabulous things. I have so many more photos but thats all for this post.
XX SJ

True Blood Club

2010-11-26T15:57:00.001-08:00

Here is stage two of the cupie dolls. With the glitter dried I have crocheted them all little frocks and now they are waiting for wings! Ain't they SOOOO cute. Did I mention I love cupies!
Here is some crochet coral that I started last night. It grows fast and looks real pretty. Even as head wear! (see below)

Here's Brannie trying on her crochet coral to see what it would look like as a beanie!! Not bad, but maybe the tea cosy would be better.
Three of us got together last night to watch our latest TV show addiction True Blood. We are up to Season 2, Episode 3 and having a ball. We even have our own True blood names. Brannie (above) is Sooki, I am Maudette (even though she died in the first episode) and Illy is Arlene. We go around talking in a Southern Accent whilst making cups of tea, crafting and watching the DVD concurrently. God it's so much fun!!

XXSJ

Cupie mania

2010-11-25T18:19:00.001-08:00

This combination of cupie dolls and fluorescent glitter has made my day!! I'm going to crochet them little dresses and wings. They can then be added to the christmas tree or just used to' decorate the house for the' alternative' cupie officianado! I love cupies!!

Queer Craft

2010-11-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

Here are two of my entries in to the crochet section of Adelaide's FEAST festival. Feast is the festival for the GLBTI community in SA. The boys are going to the festival in drag. These are a modern take on the toilet doll my greek grandma used to have in the 1970's. Basically a pretty dress is made to cover the spare toilet roll and pretty up the loo whilst you are doing your business. I have croceheted their dresses and am in the process of giving them a glam makeover with wigs and glitter. Will post the final product at the end. I hope I win a lovely rosette!!

The girls are also coming to the party in their newly crocheted rainbow dresses. Don't they look a treat? This work is titled "Mary and Suzy come out at the formal".

PAAF Paraders

2010-11-25T16:05:00.001-08:00

Here I am painting the banner for the Port Adelaide Twighlight Christmas Parade with some other members of The Port Adelaide Artists Forum. It's looked great and was fun to do . It all put a few bucks in the coffers of the PAAF account. You can join PAAF which is a community organisation made up of artists living and working in the Port Adelaide Area. You don't have to live in the Port to be a member and lend your support. Email: portartistsforum@gmail.com and let them know you want to be a member. We will soon be moving into our new premises on the shores of the Port River so don't miss out!

New Love Child

2010-10-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Check out my new love child. The long labour of about 3 weeks is finished and here he is. He doesn't have a name yet but he is a very sweet and well behaved boy. Hand built from clay with a combination of slab and coil buidling he now must go into the kiln to be fired. Hope he survives alrlight. Aww, aint he cute.XXSJ

Community Crochet Bomb

2010-10-27T01:37:00.001-07:00

Check out the picture directly above! This is how I found my latest crochet bombing effort when I got home from work today. Someone had taken offence at the fact that I had covered up their (and my own) old and faded crochet that had been hanging around for a while. I thought this pole deserved a spruce up and covered the faded pieces with my new piece. However, not to be outdone my "pole sock" was dragged up the post and left hanging to show off this knotted piece..Point taken! You like your old faded work. Who am I to argue??? So, as a nice compromise I reinstated the sock pole and added the knotted work over the top. Now everyone is happy and I have had the joy of this interaction with another unknown crochet bomber. Nothing like a joint effort to spruce up the neighbourhood!!

XSJ

Resonate with Resin Jewellery

2010-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Here's some inspiration to attend my resin jewellery classes in December. These are pieces I made recently and I will be passing on my skills to those interested. You too can create your own individual jewellery to wear and give as gifts. Limited places are still available so if you would like to create some personal, funky jewels like those shown make sure to enrol soon. Places are filling fast! www.activeartstudios.com.au
lotsa love and creativity
SJ

The phantom bomber is back...

2010-10-25T18:47:00.001-07:00

The yarn bomber of Denman street, Exeter is back!! I wonder, who could it be??

XX SJ
A.K.A The phantom crochet bomber

Nanna Nylon Mania!

2010-10-09T15:14:00.001-07:00

Oh my blog! I havn't blogged for so long and it's a travesty. Of course I have been crafting, arting, teaching, coughing and garage saleing so I have been very busy...oh and op shopping! Ilianthe Gill my fabulous shoe maker friend and fellow crafter went halves in some op shop GOLD! a box of nylon thread. I guess you would call it that. Total Nanna craft and usually used for making those really kitch toilet paper cover dolls. The dress is crochet or knitted nylon and is used to disguise the spare toilet roll. I'm not sure but is this a peculiarly Australian thing?? I know we must have taken this toilet roll cover art to a new level if it isn't. Anyway, in the tradition of subverting craft practices Illy and I crocheted the nanna nylon into sections so we can Knit Bomb the local area. The nylon is SOOOO bright it is fantastic. More photos of what we did with our nylon next time.

XX SJ

The old man is alright

2010-09-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

I have been a bit quiet lately on my blog. Burning the midnight oil for the new business brought on a week of illness so I have just managed to get out of bed and off the couch for a bit to show you some images from my dad Bill Cook's recent exhibition. It was great. He's a pretty talented bloke- the old man. Go Bill.
XX SJ

Just one more thing...

2010-09-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Classes for Active Art start this Sunday...YAY! with the lovely Niki Sperou so if you are interested go to the website or contact me for last minute enrolment at www.activeartstudios.com.au

XXSJ

40 is the new 30

2010-09-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I just turned 40!!! And my little nephew Odin turned one on the same day. Odin celebrated by having a ride on the crochet bike that I made and my sister made him what we refer to as a "hippy cake". That is, healty and with sultanas for decoration. Ah, takes me back to the 70's. Just like Mum used to make. My cake was made by my lovely friend Nunya with help from Illy and presented at Craft club. Little cup cakes in the shape of the number 40. Sooooo, cute. Thanks everyone for a lovely crafty, cake filled, creative birthday. Forty aint that bad, no really, it's not!
XXSJ

More Bangladeshi Quilt Embroidery

2010-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Some more beautifual work from others in the Bangladeshi Quilt Workshop that I recently finished. So gorgeous and much neater than mine! I love it.
XXSJ

Bangladeshi Quilt Embroidery

2010-08-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

By the way, I don't think I mentioned that amongst all the chaos I have been doing a short series of workshops on Bangladeshi Quilt Embroidery!! These are part of a series of workshops put on yearly by Craft South in traditional crafts of different countries. The idea is to keep these traditional crafts going and not lose all the skills and techniques that quite often come to Australia from people that have migrated from their country of origin. Cool huh??

The photographs here are from the embroidery I have been doing. You can see the pencil in the first image of the bits I have yet to do. I'm pretty happy with it but our teachers Masuma and Tania have found plenty to comment on about it. The elephants for example are a simple running stitch with each row alternated so that if you view it horizontally is should be a stitch then a gap then a stitch. My stitching is a bit imperfect and every stitch is meant to be the same length. I think it's going to take a bit more practice before I reach that level. However, the group has done some stunning work and I will try and remember to take my camera next week so I can photograph it all for you. Enjoy!

Coasting through with coaster madness

2010-08-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hello there!! I have been frantic lately trying to get my new art business up and running and it's all going well. We are doing a massive corporate arts gig for a big alcohol company which shall remain nameless. Unfortunately this has left scant time for much else!! However, inspired by one of the latest Frankie magazines I started making coasters...and now i cant stop!!
If you ever need something to put your mug of hot coffee on that is oh, so funky and cute you should make some!! ...or just buy some of mine at the next market stall I have.
I have made so many coasters that I have bought two Spotlight stores out of all their wooden coaster bases..still a couple to go though. The ones pictured here are nearly finished but I reckon for a real professional look I am going to put a layer of clear resin over the top. SOooooo professional!! but this is also the tricky part and can't really be done til the weather is a bit hotter or the resin wont set. I'll keep you up to date with the progres though. In the mean time check out all the cute images.

XX SJ

Mosaics in the Mix

2010-07-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!!
Still pumping it big time trying to get my business up and running, complete a 'normal' office day job and do some art and craft, a commission, design a catalogue for my Dad's exhibition, fix the ceiling and the bathroom and paint the spare bedroom all whilst having just mortaged myself into oblivion. WOW!! 2010 is FULL ON and I'm going to be 40 in exactly 31 days!!
Anyway, I'm going to take a deep breath and a swig of ouzo and try and calm down. Here are some nice mosaics I managed to fit in making amongst all of the above!

...of course I will be running mosaics classes in my new art school so if you are interested add your name to the mailing list www.activeartstudios.com.au

SJ

Guerilla Craft Market

2010-07-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Guerilla Craft Market went off!! It was great!! If you missed it don't despair because the next one will be in a few months.

Guerilla craft- I love it!

XXSJ

O.M.G.!!!

2010-07-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! Sorry, I havn't blogged much lately folks but I have been very busy negotiating to BUY MY OWN ART SCHOOL!!!Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! And now it's finally happened. YAY!! It is still in it's infancy but new classes will start in September and I am aiming to teach all the different things you see here on the blog. There is also a team of teachers that teach a variety of different mediums so check out the site ..which is still in the process of being updated and go to http://www.activeartstudios.com.au/ and drop me a line on what you might be interested in learning and I'll try and run a class in it!!

Yay!!

XXSJ

HELP!!

2010-07-15T19:21:00.001-07:00

Hi there folks, Here are a few more of the ties I have been making. I am getting a bit frustrated as the thread on my machine keeps breaking every few stitches whilst I am trying to do the satin stitch around the edges of the applique fabric I am sewing on. Anyone got any ideas as to why this happens? It worked fine on the three ties on the right. The two on the left are unfinished because the thread keeps breaking. I have tried everything from adjusting tension and stitch length and width. It's DRIVING ME NUTS! Help if you can.
XXSJ

Parentals part 2

2010-07-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

More inspiration from Ma and Pa Cook's Hills hideaway. The kangaroos are loose in the bottom paddock!! He, he, he.

XX SJ

The parentals

2010-07-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

Like all parents, mine want all sorts of things for their children. Amongst them are security and money, but really how was I meant to grow up to be anything other than an artist and creative person surrounded by this sort of atmosphere at home???
Above are two paintings and a sculpture made by my dad Bill Cook. One hangs in the kitchen and displays my hippie childhood living on a farm with animals in the Adelaide Hills. That's my sister Scarlett in the little red car when she was about 2 years old. The other painting talks about the legacy of the British coming to Australia.The sculpture which is quite large is based on Greece (where my mum is from) and the combination of home and Greek myth.

Come on Mum and Dad. Was there really any hope of me becoming an accountant?? I don't think so!! And, I'm very glad. More of Mum's stuff next time.

XX SJ

Discoveries

2010-07-13T17:47:00.001-07:00

I cleaned up my bedroom and look what i found...

I think you all may have seen the pink tapestry before on my blog but I rediscovered it in the clean up. The owl is an orinigal 1970's hook rug design that I found half finished in an op shop in Sydney and bought. I love getting stuff that is half done and finishing it so it can be displayed or used to brighten up my day. The pillow I have had on my bed for ages, but again I rediscovered it in the clean up. It is part of my series called "Noted" which are embroideries based on found notes and lists. I love the sexual inuendo of this note. Very suitable for the bedroom!!

By the way, don't forget this Saturday is the Guerilla Craft market in Adelaide where heaps of kooky and original craft will be sold for 2 hours only!!! at a secret location. For more in formation go to http://guerrillacraftmarket.blogspot.com

It's gonna rock!! See you there.

XX SJ

Wrapped with love

2010-07-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hi there folks,

I have been flat out lately but amongst my latest crafting activities has been a visit to Ma and Pa Cooks place up in the Adelaide Hills. Mum and I went to Gawler for the Annual "Wraps with Love" get together in the Hills area. Wraps is an organisation that provides rugs (or wraps) for people that are homeless and/or in need. A lot of the wraps here have been going to South Africa to people that have been affected by the AIDS virus. Many children that are heads of households due to the death of both parents by HIV and AIDS receive some of these wraps.

At the wraps get together there were about 35 women mostly over the age of 60! except for me- that crochet, knit or sew the wraps. The tables were strewn with squares of varying sizes donated by many of the women and our task for the day was to join them all together to form a wrap 7 by 4 feet. This is about the size of a single bed quilt and can then also be worn around the shoulders in cold weather as many people don't have enough warm clothes. Great idea huh?

Pictured above is my Mum with a stack of squares to take home to finish the wrap she started and then my efforts for the day at joining. I picked the smallest squares so it took longer to get anywhere. I wish someone had told me that to start with!!.

Anyway, it was great to do craft and know that it was going to help someone directly in the future.

Craft can change the world, I'm sure of it.

X SJ

Tie one on

2010-07-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

Old ties now reborn. This is such fun!! More later...as I am currently in acounting and business land doing my taxes and going to see the accountant on Monday. Enough to make anyone like me scared, but stay tuned as soon.. fingers crossed I will have MY OWN art school, running classes in all you see here and more.

XXSJ

The big trike reveal

2010-07-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers,

Check out my trike!! I have been working on it for months whilst sitting next to the heater crocheting. I got three-quarters of the way through it and then got distracted by other craft, but made the final push through the crochet marathon wall last night. And I LURVE it. Of course it's not really ridable but it's not meant to be. In fact this bike is a family heirloom. As kids me and my four brothers and sisters would ride it up and down the driveway of our country home. Usually one riding and another standing on the back step hanging on . We also did all sorts of things like tieing other wheeled objects to the back step like a trailer and dragging them along full of all the things kids love. Recently, my Uncle and Aunt came by and said it was the bike they had as kids, so looks like it has done two generations proud. My next plan is to take a photo of my nephew Odin sitting on it in a totally crochet outfit. How cool would that look?? My plan is to also use the bike as an eye catching publicity tool whilst selling my art and craft wares and craft classes at markets. The little basket will hold my promotional material and business cards. I'm so excited.

Now for all you die hards out there who want to know how long it took to do. Let me say a bloody long time, but of course I didn't have the patience to add up all the hours. I am very happy that I used almost totally recycled wools that I bought from the thrift shop which were left overs from some vere dedicated knitters and crochet-ers hence the myriad of different colours. In some cases I had two or three different yarns together to get the thickness of ply that I wanted. I also love the sparkly gold yarn which was one of the few things I bought new. You gotta have a bit of sparkle though!!!

Love Ya

The latest adventures of Livingstone & friends

2010-07-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Oh my God! Have you seen what my little crochet mate Livingstone has been up to lately? He is running a muck in the USA. Such a tear away child...http://compleattraveller.blogspot.com/ to follow his adventures. Oh and while I'm on the subject another child of mine: The orange squid has been spied elsewhere too. Gee these kids grow up and move out of home and start their own lives so quickly these days don't they?...http://guerrillacraftmarket.blogspot.com/2010/06/crochet-squid.html

Enjoy!!
XX SJ

Art Love Art Love

2010-07-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hey art lovers,

I just burnt some very nice Greek cheese called 'Haloumi' whilst trying to write this blog, such is my dedication. Oh well. It is very nice cheese though when not burnt to a crisp. Speaking of Greek. Did you know that the Greeks and Romans have created some great mosaics? My Uncle Elia in Greece actually runs a marble factory and as well as doing sculptures and headstones they use the small marble pieces to do mosaic floors. It's amazing. Anyway, he was very impressed when he came to Australia and saw my mosaics.

Above we have the two extremes. The top picture is a slab of concrete I had laying around and mosaiced with Artloveartlove (my two favourite things in life) and the bottom is a table top. The little cafe table was given to me a while ago and I had tried to paint it many times but with no success. Just yesterday as I was scraping the latest layer of paint off it I decided mosaic was the way to go. It was not my plan to do such a geometric and very square design, but there is something to be said for it. That is, it only took me about half an hour to do and still looks very nice and also practical. The other piece, took of course many hours and also a lot of mucking around to grout and is totolly impractical. However, I like doing them both depending on my mood.

Enjoy the love of art, or the art love, or love art love, or the love art, or whatever way you want to read it.

XXSJ

Tie me kangaroo down sport

2010-07-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers,

How's it goin? Life has been full on lately and so I havn't done much blogging but that doesn't mean I havn't done any art or craft. Mostly, my activity has been centred around the heater trying to keep warm. I have started embroidering some vintage ties to sell at the markets. I love em! I think they would be great on funky boys or girls, but perhaps not actually used for the sport of tie-ing kangaroos down!

XX SJ

Livingston I presume..?

2010-06-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

Here's my little crochet mate Livingston with Uncle Jim. Both are going on a round the world trip TOMMOROW! Oh my, how exciting! There used to be a trend years ago that people would steal a garden gnome from a friend or neighbours yard and take it with them on round the world trips to be photographed with(or without)them in front of iconic objects from overseas, like the Eiffel tower for example. In this modern age Livingston is going with Jim to fulfil this obligation and we can all follow their adventures on the internet by following Jim's blog http://compleattraveller.blogspot.com/. Oh how times have changed. Thats if he doesn't get arrested or cavity searched for being some kind of weirdo sixty-plus year old with a soft toy! He does have a plan though when bringing Livingston out to photograph, he's going to say it's a photo for his neice.. so everyone will think that's cute!! Not knowing of course that I'm nearly 40! He, he, he. Life is fun when you have crochet toys in it, no matter what your age!
XXSJ

Beret bereft

2010-06-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post my sister Scarlett is visiting from Melbourne.Lovely to see her and all ...but last night I went to go out to the pub and couldn't fine my hand crocheted red beret that matches the scarf I also made. There could only be one culprit-Scarlett. She had been coveting that beret and wearing in around the neighbourhood while she was here. I was not amused!! It matches perfectly with my retro dress !

I sent her a text which read "Where is my !%&*& hat? I was going to wear that!
She replied " Sorry shum(my nickname) take it as a compliment" Sisters. What can you do??
XXSJ

Guerilla Craft!!

2010-06-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

YEAH!! The next Guerilla Craft Market is happening soon. If you want to know more about it and be in the know to find out when and where it's happening. Check out this blog http://guerrillacraftmarket.blogspot.com/It will be featuring yours truly and a lot of other wonderful craftiness by Adelaide makers.
XXSJ

Fame!

2010-06-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Today my sister Scarlett is visting from Melbourne and we both decided to do a bit of sisterly craft in front of my newly purchased Fame! dvd . We reminisced about her and our other sister Billie dancing in the lounge room to the LP soundtrack of Fame! and jumping off the stairs into the loungeroom in some sort of ballet leap as kids. Interestingly Billie did turn out to be a dancer and Scarlett is a musician so the Fame! movie must have had an impact. I also did dance and music but settled on the Visual Arts but that doesn't stop me from doing a long series of Grand Jete down an appropriately sized hallway like the one we had at home as kids

Above is Scarletts little artistic effort tonight. It's a purple martian soft toy that I made (seated next to her in the other photo)along with a sketch of a crazy crochet hat she started making and is not sure how to finish. It also includes a lovely image of my ball of wool and crochet hook and the bike and babushka doll that inhabit the lounge room. So lovely!

Also in the photos above is the next phase of my granny square crochet. I decided that all looked good with a uniform brown border and as I didn't have the patience to work out how to join them all together yet, this forms a lovely distraction.

XX SJ

Yet another craft birthday...

2010-06-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Brannie makes yet another spectacular beanie..

Nunya (birthday girl) inspired by my previous post "Poppa's Pink Pouffe" crochets her own pouffe cover!

Devilled eggs a favourite Craft Club snack...hey, we should write our own cook book! Speaking of which, check out the cake I made below. MMMMMmmmm. Lovely gluten free chocolate cake with giant Fruchocs for decoration and don't forget the plastic tree for good measure. YAY! and a good time was had by all. Oh, except poor Illy who was sick. Hope you are feeling better Illy.

Love and chocolate cake

SJ XX

PS. I tried to crochet these sqaures into a rug or at least a cushion but struggled all night. Maybe I'm not in the headspace to learn even with Nunya's expert tuition? Let you know how I go next time.

On Yer Bike Part one

2010-06-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry Roustabout fans,

Have been so busy looking after all my sick and infirm relatives that havn't had time to blog - Tragic!! Above is part one of my tricycle project that I have been working on for some time. Was going to save all the picutres for you to view at once but thought I'd give you this sneak peek. Thanks for the inspiration to my friend Nunya who sent me a fantastic image of a bicycle covered in knitting. Not sure where this was from but will find the link so you can check it out.
Hope you are all in good health.

Cheers

Birthday Craft

2010-06-16T07:09:00.001-07:00

Brannie's birthday Craft Club...
One of the great presents Brannie received was this glow in the dark crochet hook. How did we ever live without one of these?? Now we all want one!

Nunya crochet's up a storm with the traditional Non-glowing crochet hook!!

A slice of low calorie light and easy birthday cake!!
And next week there is another Craft Club Birthday. Wow ! 2 birthdays in 2 weeks. Oh the frivolity. Oh the craft!

XX SJ

Craft Club Outing

2010-06-14T02:53:00.000-07:00

Howdy! Today, me and the girls went on a Craft club outing to the Adelaide Hills to visit Pa and Ma Cook (my Mum and Dad). It was lovely! After and very scenic drive we arrived to the little hills paradise where we ate ourselves stupid on home cooked food like vegetable soup, pasta marinara and pumpkin pie and scones for desert plus numerous cups of madatory craft club cups of tea. After all the eating we went for a stroll around the grounds of the 13 hectare estate where I pointed out such lovely sites as the vineyard, the mostly empty dam, the rusted old pump and the half burnt out tree that is still living. There were also lots of lambs and Jersey cows on the neighbours property which we Baaa Baaad at appropriately. After that, Dad gave us a tour of his studio and the work for his next exhibition and Mum showed us all her latest crochet and recycled rugs. They are shown above covering the girls as they crafted away into the evening. Finally, we had a last cup of tea in front of the fire and played adoringly with my nephew before heading back down into society and traffic once more.
AAAhhh Bliss!! If only we didn't all have to get back to work and other necessities of life.
Until next time.
XXSJ

Poppa's Pink Pouffe

2010-06-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tuffet, pouffe or hassock are all terms for a piece of furniture used as a footstool or low seat.[1] It is distinguished from a stool by being completely covered in fabric so that no legs are visible. It is essentially a large hard cushion that may have an internal wooden frame to give it more rigidity. Wooden feet may be added to the base to give it stability. Pouffe is a nineteenth century French import for "something puffed out". Wikipedia

No I'm not being rude. This was my poppa's favourtie pouffe that I inherited from my aunt. As you can see from the last photo it wasn't in great shape- what with being about 60 years old the vinyl had deteriorated and there were a couple of holes in it which my nephew decided contained something tasty. He stuck his little fingers in there and dragged out some 60 year old newspaper stuffing to eat. I decided this just wouldn't do. I had planned to cover the pouffe in fabric but since my 12 step program to give up crochet isn't working I decided to crochet it a new cover.

No I'm not totally crazy! The pouffe is quite large and I decided the best mode of action was to use a thick wool so it wouldn't take too long. Part of my 12 step program involves not buying any more wool until I have used up the wool I have, so that left me with this thick pink acrylic.

Now people that know me, know that I have a bit of a problem with the colour pink. However, the rules are the rules and I really didn't want to go and buy more wool so I started crocheting. I got a bit bored with pink and added in some thinner green as I got to the edge and I really like the combination. Of course in the end I didn't have enough pink and had to go and buy some more matching green for the bottom side. I love how this is now a double sided pouffe and depending on your mood you can flip it over and have a mostly green pouffe or a pink one to put your feet on. We also use it here as an extra seat to sit at the coffee table in the lounge and do craft right next to the heater. Ahhh, lovely!

Thanks Pop for your inheritance. Every time I look at in now I remember my Poppa and how much he would have loved what I did with his little old footstool. He was a very lovely, creative and open minded man who would have LOVED the fact I crocheted his pouffe a pink cover. Craft is just great aint it?

XX SJ

O how cute...

2010-06-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

O is for Odin, my one and only nephew. He is O so cute and Only the most gorgeous Offspring in the world. Here he models three of my latest baby beanie creations complete with carrot on the face. O how cute...

XX SJ

Introducing my love children...

2010-06-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Art and Albert were finally born on Wednesday 9 June 2010 after a long gestation of many months. Albert was born first all self contained in his little pot and with his friend gertrude the bird. He was little bit surprised to see what the outside world really looked like and so he has a bit of a look on his face that reflects this. He is a lovely little chum and makes me very happy every time I see him.

Albert's brother Art was born after him and has that wide eyed look that children every where do. He is happy standing and looking around at the world in awe at all the things he didn't know existed. I love him dearly. They are both such awesome and well behaved boys that I might even have a few more of these love children in the future.

XX SJ

Bedazzled

2010-06-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

Remember the bedazzler?? Well if you've forgotten about it go to https://www.mybedazzler.com/ and Tana a single Mom who made thousands of dollars by just bedazzling bad denim with fake rhinestones will tell you all about it. She will also sell you a bedazzler machine for only $19.95 plus postage. Now, this is not an ad for the bedazzler but it did provide the inspiration for the above farewell present for one of our staff members at the office. I was delegated to create the above bedazzled tissue box cover as a funny farewell present for "Rusty" (not his real name) who was off to a new job dealing with victims of crime. No doubt heaps of tissues would be needed. No need to use the humble Kleenex box, something glam and outrageous suits Rusty's personality to a T as he's the kind of man that can really appreciate the true beauty of being bedazzled all day long. So here it is, bedazzlingly bad craft...and he loved it. You gotta love a man that loves glitter and rhinestones.Yes indeed.

XX SJ

Unfinished Business

2010-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people like me that has a million projects on the go and never finishes any of them? Well, I'm reformed. I have recently given myself rules to abide by to get over this issue. Currently, I have to finish certain projects before I start any new ones. Pictured are a few projects I finished in the last 24 hours. Aren't I good! I finished this tapestry that I bought from the Op Shop and then used the left over wool to knit the baby beanie. Then I used another ball of wool gleaned from the Op Shop for the other beanie. I've given all the children I know a beanie so these will make up part of the stock I need for my next art market. Now, on to the next half finished project.

XXSJ

The World Is My Ocean

2010-06-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

Just lately, I've been totally off my face - not on alcohol or anything else, just on the pure joy of life.... just happy. Who knows why? My life is by no means perfect and there are still many things I want to do and achieve. Nonetheless, there was a few weeks there-almost a month or more, where the love and joy was totally pumping like a massive torrent and I was riding the rapids and loving every minute of it. I was totally in love with everything and everyone in my little old life. Not bad huh?

Perhaps it's the thought of 40 looming. I'm due for a mid-life crisis really, but I think the last twenty years or so was probably traumatic enough! I think the twenties were very trying. You think you are having a great time going out and getting hammered every night, but really you are just trying to make your way in the world on your own. It is very daunting.

The thirties, hmmmn, well there is always that Saturn returns around 28 years old but me being a bit of a late bloomer on all fronts, postponed that until about 33.

Anyway, I'm not going to analyse it anymore, I'm just going to enjoy it.

The torrent of love and joy I have been feeling has calmed down a little bit now so it is just a smooth running stream that heads to a calm and tranquil pond until the next torrential downpour, but it's still there and that's the important thing.

What has this got to do with art and craft I hear you ask? EVERYTHING is the answer. Sometimes people think you only make good art when you are all angst ridden and depressed by life. When I feel that way art is my saviour, my therapy and my light at the end of the tunnel.

The question is Can I make art when I'm happy? The answer is also yes. In this case art is my friend, my joy, my love and it feels so great to make something new and original and enjoy the process.

Anyway, I was thinking about all this as I cleaned out the bookshelf the other night and found a handmade book I had made. I don't think I actually finished it as I was going to add some drawings, now I'm not sure if I should. It is very simple but I actually thought it was quite a cute little thing. The words echo my current thoughts at the moment. It's funny to sometimes find something you have made that you had forgotten about and also enjoy it. It's almost like someone else made it. It's like a part of yourself got catalogued and put away and you went back to the library and Googled yourself to find it! Funny huh?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

Here is the text:

The world is my ocean. It might be cold in the shallows

But I will immerse myself fully.

The world is my ocean And the waves may be rough,

But I will surf through them.

The world is my ocean and it is full of surprises,
I will dive into them.

The world is my ocean, where the waters can by murky

But I will find a clear patch.
The world is my ocean and like minded fish will swim in it,

I will swim with them.

The world is my ocean, where monsters may dwell,

But they can do their thing and I'll do mine.

The world is my ocean and sometimes I will be sick of it,

So, I will retreat to the shore.

The world is my ocean , and there will be strong currents,

I will swim against them.

The world is my ocean, where sometimes it will be calm,

So I will just float there.

The world is my ocean, and the water may be stagnant,

But I will stir up the shallows.

The world is my ocean and it is vast.

The world is my ocean.

XX SJ

Am I Cool Enough to be an artist?

2010-06-03T02:16:00.000-07:00

My mobile phone is so old it doesn't link to the internet or have Google anything.

I don't have an asymmetrical haircut

I'm not vegan or vegetarian anymore and my doctor has made me swear not to drink soy milk.