WORKSHOP OF THE (next) WEEK

masterclass for beginners

Jeweller and artist Roseanne Bartley embodies the maker as thinker. She engages with the world in a very personal way but is often found inviting people into this sphere of thinking to share, collaborate and learn together (take her 'human necklace' above as a prime example).

As part of the incredible Unexpected Pleasures exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria  (in which Bartley is included) this talented and generous artist is giving a four hour workshop (July 22) exploring the possibilities of creating something beautiful out of humble materials. It's more than an environmental or social message that's on offer, it gives participants a way of connecting with their environment that will bring it into a new light.

Workshop is only $50 for non members, is designed for beginners and is filling up fast quick sticks call the NGV on 8662 1555 to nab a spot. RAMONA.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

in stitches 

I was hoping to show you my friend ms J's birthday present today (as today is her actual birthday!) but I had a french seam incident that I am yet to recover from or unpick so I thought I'd show you what she bought me for Christmas instead. 

'Hoopla: the art of unexpected embroidery' is an inspirational craft book that combines projects, artist profiles, cultural reflection and contemporary analysis that is rare in this age of jolly hockey sticks craft writing. I've been working my way through it for the past month and I absolutely love it. 

clockwise top left: Eliot M Henning, Jo Safferton
Alexandra Walters, Claire Platt

When I say I've been working through it, I haven't tried any of the projects. It's so well researched and written it works perfectly as a good read. Author Leanne Prain was the co-author of Yarn Bombing (another great craft culture tome) and really takes the time to paint what feels like a really detailed picture of the current state of play in embroidery land.

Jacque Lynn Davis

At 400 pages this is no small book but it still muscled its way onto my bedside table - where it still is! Thanks Ms J - your birthday present is going to be a couple of days late...RAMONA
PS dear reader, you can buy this book at READINGS and ARTISAN BOOKS

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

family portrait

I've always liked those industrial letters you can buy in fancy schmancy shops but they usually cost a bomb. I picked up these papier mache ones for $2 each and spent a very messy and pleasant evening decorating them. One for each member of the household.

I tried to pick papers that matched the personalities but really i didn't over think it. I just wanted an addition to our once gloomy hall. With no window and no power points on one side it makes for a very dark space. hence the 32 framed scrap-booked photographs you can glimpse in the photo below.

now I just have to work out how to mount these things on the wall. instant craft gratification! RAMONA

CRAFT BOOK CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK

Something borrowed something new

Firstly Zakka Style. I'm a big fan of Zakka Sewing so when I saw this in my Kindle recommendations I quickly grabbed it. Now I have to tell you that reading a craft book on an ipad is not easy and not fun. But it is a lot cheaper than ordering the hardcopy. So cheap in fact I have used it as a 'try before you buy service'. I'm definitely going to buy this one in its real (not just virtual) format. As for Simple Sewing, well Beck I know I promised to return it to you...and I will sooooooon

Zakka Style: I'm working on my first big patchwork project and its a little overwhelming so I wanted to make a couple of little things for myself to roadtest potential Christmas presents and to just have a bit of practice at quilting and piecing. I found the instructions for he little lined pencil holder incredibly difficult to follow.  I kept reading them out loud to make sure it would come together alright. I love love love this project and I'm thinking how nice giving one of these away would be with a nice pencil or two and a little notebook.

Simple Sewing: I was pretty happy with the way the potholder turned out. I increased the size a little because small potholders I find are completely useless for taking big hot trays out of the oven. I did both of these projects in about 40 minutes which was an ideal evening craft time. I've been buying remnants of beautiful fabric to plump up the stash, perfect for these little projects.  RAMONA

SHOWS OF THE WEEK

Colour Your World

The ladies of HML are sad. Or rather they have SAD - seasonal affective disorder. We are just so over it. The older we get the more we envision moving to Hervey Bay QLD or Carnarvon WA to swan around in wrap skirts and singlets for 9 months of the year. We may save that for old age. In the meantime our little busy bee lives are here in gloomy old Melbourne. If you are a fan on the chill wind you'll love the little drawings on show at Handheld Gallery by Paul Compton. A little bit Edward Gorey a little bit Victoria Roberts - I love them!

What we really want right now are rainbows, preferably double ones to really lighten the psychological load. We love Jessie Tucker's amazeballs macrame so we are pretty excited to see her pretty paisley watercolor explosion at C3 Gallery.  We'll be having a cup of hot chocolate at the convent cafe afterwards.

We'll be dressing up Friday night to go see the new group show Aesthetics Room at the lovely Mr Kitly gallery. Curated by the pocket rocket Kim Brockett this is gonna be super toasty. 

If I had the cash I would definitely buy one of these fantastic inkjet, vinyl, photograph,acrylic shiny shiny pieces by Richard Blackwell. If you get the chance to wander down Flinders Lane - or as we call it 'the freakin wind tunnel'  - to Flinders Lane Gallery this week I urge you to pop in because they are actually kind of breathtaking. Bask in their glow!

For a jewellery friends out there - have you enrolled in this masterclass at North City 4 yet? I'm so tempted to ask if I can just sit in the corner and observe because I am a HUGE Manon Van Kouswijk - I'm pretty sure she is a genius. Id have to bring a lap rug of course, and my knitting, and a beanie, and a scarf, and some fingerless gloves, and some explorer socks... and my sunny disposition! RAMONA