Chrissy Foreman Cranitch Art

My racey, lacey revamp

2012-01-27T10:23:00.001+10:00

A lot has changed for me over the last 6 months. The person I was before, and even my art, has morphed into something new and more and I wanted to find new ways to reflect this transition.

I began with a website revamp and a few words that matched my new journey. The idea of frames came to me as I was pondering a way to make my web shop more attractive. With a lovely new black pen and paper in hand, I got to freestyle drawing a few pretty frames to fill with my artsy photos and tidbits.

It looked so effective I decided to try the framed idea on a few of my artworks, initially with the idea of printing some new greeting cards …

… But soon I thought, hey, I wonder how my art prints would look in this format too?

I’m still undecided so I’d love your opinion … Do you think I should save the framey-format just for my artsy greeting cards, and continue doing the prints as I normally would (below)?

Or give my customers the option of either?

New Artwork – Afternoon Strolls

2012-01-22T15:59:00.001+10:00

Every afternoon I pop my bubba in the sling or pram and we go for a walk along the winding creek behind our house.

As we walk we stop and look at all the natural beauty we’re surrounded by … Bubbling water over rocks, ducks, plants, flowers, butterflies. What started out as a way to settle my baby during his ‘witching hour’ in the afternoon has turned into one of my most cherished things to do each day. So, here’s an artwork inspired by these times …

‘Afternoon Strolls’. Acrylic, pen, marker and metallic pen on board. 20 x 20 cms. 2012 © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

I’ve been making a few prints to re-stock some of the shops I have my work in, and I think this one turned out particularly well. Here it is as the original and print beside it.

Prints are now available now in my etsy and madeit shops. I think I’ll keep the original :)

C xx

How to make a fine art print

2012-01-18T09:18:00.001+10:00

I often have artists contact me about how I turn my original artworks into fine art prints. When people contact me, they often say, ‘Only if you feel okay about sharing your tricks of the trade’ … well, my friends, I am, because making the world a prettier place with more art in people’s houses has gotta be a good thing! And competition is for wimps – we’re all in this together.

Anyhow, I can’t say I know everything there is to know, and there’s lots of ways to go about it, but here’s how I do it:

Step 1: Invest in some seriously good quality equipment

First thing’s first – To make your own prints, you have to be at least a little computer savvy. The outlay for setting up your own prints range isn’t cheap at first, but it gives you complete control over what you create and, in my experience, pays off in the long-run. You can print to demand, meaning you waste a lot less products and time. You can create different sizes. You can play with what works best. And it’s like creating a new artwork every time you hit the print button! Fun hey?! So, here’s what you might need …

YOUR PRINTER:

To make your own prints that are vibrant, beautiful and archival quality that will stand the test of time, you need to invest in yourself. Get yourself an amazing printer that takes ARCHIVAL INKS and up to 300GSM paper. I’m a canon girl through-and-through, and I use a Canon Pixma inkjet printer. But I’ve got friends who use Epson printers which also make awesome prints. It’s a personal choice, and most brands will stock a printer model that will suit.

So, here’s my tip: If you get a printer that is custom made to print photographs, you’ll pretty much be on a winner, as the quality will be fine and detailed. Let your supplier know it’s to make art prints and they can direct you to the higher-end of their printer selections.

** Another tip I’ve found really useful is to keep your eye out when shopping for a printer that takes individually coloured ink tanks, rather than an all-in-one. I find because a lot of my artworks are blue, my cyan runs out quickly. The individual ink tanks in my printer enable me to only replace the colour that’s run out – not the whole ink tank combined.

YOUR SCANNER:

Depending on the size of your artworks, a kick-arse, super high resolution scanner could be your very best friend. I have a CanoScan scanner which is specially made to scan photograph negatives and slides – thus, it has an exceptional ability to pick up the very fine detail in my artworks at mega resolution. So my tip here is to purchase a scanner with extremely high resolution capabilities and, once again, suitable for scanning photo slides/negatives.

If you do, you’ll be able to pick up intricate detail, such as the individual threads in lace, like this:

Most of my artworks are around 20-30 cms in size so I can get away with using an A4 sized scanner, but you can get bigger ones if your artworks are a little larger. The bigger you go, obviously the higher the price, but the more surface area you have to play with. With my larger artworks, I scan them in sections and stitch the image together in Photoshop. Once I’ve scanned my artworks in, I colour match it to the best of my ability by tweaking the scan levels, colours and vibrancy in Photoshop. I scan my prints at 400DPI. You can see the difference in detail below between scan (left) and camera (I’m really not that great with photography though!).

YOUR CAMERA:

Sometimes, especially if you make larger artworks, it’s worth investing in a digital SLR. I’ve recently bought a Canon EOS1100D and it’s very rad! They are pretty pricey, but it’ll last you for years, and not just for your artworks.

If you’re going to photograph your own artworks, I’d suggest enrolling in a little photography course to at least learn the basics. A crap photo will produce a crap print, so it’s important to know how to use the best lighting and conditions to take a photo. No one wants to buy a shadowy, ill-lit art print. I wasn't confident enough to photograph my own artworks to the quality I want to provide my customers, so I got them done professionally to ensure an excellent image quality for my customers. I still use my camera for photographing the dimensions of my artworks etc for my online shop.

Step 2: Find a suitable print surface

YOUR PRINT SURFACE:

Whether you’re wanting to make prints on paper or canvas, you’ll want to do your research to find an archival quality print surface that will suit your artwork style. Textured papers suit my artworks best because of the textured detail in my original artworks – I’ve tried printing mine onto smooth archival paper and it ‘flattens’ my works greatly. However, I have a friend who is a digital illustrator and her artworks suit a smooth surface perfectly.

There are plenty of archival papers on the market and I have to say, that from my experience, spending the extra money to get specialised artist’s fine art paper, such as Hahnemule paper, is well worth it. I use the Hahnemule ‘Sugar Cane’ paper – both for its thickness, texture and quality … and because it’s made using renewable materials, enabling me to be as eco-conscious as possible in the creation of my artsy merchandise.

Hahnemule does make a sample pack of art paper with a bunch of different sheets inside – smooth, textured, thin, thick, bright white, cream etc. This is a great investment for you to have a play with what suits your art style best. And make sure that the paper you purchase is compatible with the printer you choose. Some brands have their own specialised papers, so do your research and try some samples. I found this tip awesome when I first started out.

I haven’t printed my own canvas prints yet – I outsource to a supplier for this – but there are archival quality canvas sheets for home printers available. Just google it.

Step 3: Package & Post your works

Just a quick note on this – Whatever you choose to package and display/post your artworks in, must be acid free or it will affect the life of your prints. I package my paper prints in a acid-free cello sleeve, backed with a thick piece of card for durability. I also pop a little complimentary blurb about the artwork and my business card at the back for my customers to refer to later.

Prints on canvas sheets can be rolled in a tube and Framed canvas prints will need to be secured inside a durable, pierce-proof package such as core flute or thick cardboard. Whatever you choose, MAKE SURE IT’S WATER-TIGHT! No one wants to receive a soggy art print. I double wrap my prints in another layer of cello to ensure they arrive safe and sound. Ebay shops are great for packaging supplies.

With postage, make sure your prints won’t bend. I use thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a DO NOT BEND sign on the front, which I buy from Officeworks. The specific ones I use are here and they’re available in different sizes.

***

Anyhow, I think that’s about it for now, although I’m sure there’s loads of other stuff I haven't even mentioned, such as uploading suitable images for your prints in your web shop. But there’s heaps of tutorials out there to help you with that kind of thing! Lots to think about, but I truly think that doing a job properly with the best quality products will ensure you customers are happy, tell their friends, and come back for more. If you’re not confident, just outsource the work to a professional. You’ll only get repeat business if your customers are satisfied with the impeccable quality of your works.

So, that’s it! Please feel free to pop over to my website or etsy store to check out more ideas on how I display my artsy goodies.

I hope this has been helpful – if it has, let me know, I’d love to see what you make from it!

Love Chrissy x

Some art prints in the making …

2012-01-17T10:48:00.001+10:00

I've spent this rainy morning making a bunch of art prints to restock the shelves at Cultiver. I'm always excited when I first make prints of my latest artworks ... seeing them come out looking all lovely brings back the feeling of creating something new again! I love my job :)

New Artwork – Progress pics from start to finish

2012-01-15T10:38:00.001+10:00

I began this artwork with an intention in mind. Since giving birth I’ve experienced a whole of grief and reliving skeletons from the past as I’ve settled into parenthood. However, with this has brought with it some intensely amazing growth and personal insight, as I’ve learnt that sitting with the grief (instead of running from it like I always had) allows beautiful gifts to emerge from within it.

So I wanted to create an artwork about just this … It’s called ‘A Gift Within Grief’. Here’s how it began …

I added some vintage lace, which I’d carefully cut into interesting designs to compliment the flow in this piece and add texture.

As you can see, not everything I put on, stays on.

I replaced a lot of the lace with hand-drawn elements, and cut pieces down to ‘fit’ better as the artwork unfolded. I’ll often layer so intensely over something that it becomes hidden underneath, and lift other areas so new perspectives emerge.

I thought it was finished here … but then decided it needed a few more final touches … not just to make it ‘ping’, but to match the way the artwork intention ‘felt’ to me inside. That’s often my challenge – finding a way to make an artwork ‘feel’ the way I want it to. Otherwise to me, it’s empty, and can often be why I rework an artwork again and again until it feels right.

So, here it is, the finished piece. There’s a slight sense of discomfort for me as I reflect on this piece, because the idea of consciously experiencing grief as a positive thing is such a new concept to me. I’m sure this is only the beginning and there will be many more layers of learning unfold for me around this topic as I continue through life.

But for now, this moment, this is what I know. And I’m up for the challenge.

Love C xx

Check out my new Online Shop!

2012-01-08T20:03:00.001+10:00

I’m back for business baby! How exciting! My maternity leave finishes today and I’ve been itching to get back into the swing of things. So, without further ado, I’d love to launch my brand spankin’ new web shop!

It’s full of new items such as designer art fabrics, prints on canvas + paper, plus stationery and more!

Enough talk from me, just go have a looksy for yourself

www.chrissyforemanc.com

Hooraaay! :)

Sneaky peek of my new fabrics range

2012-01-05T09:00:00.001+10:00

With less than a week to go before I re-open shop, I thought I might show a quick sneak peek of the brand new designer art fabrics range I’ll be launching when I make my artsy come-back.

I do have a hand-full of fabrics printed here in my stash at home ready to sell, however to begin with, most of my fabrics will be custom printed to order by the yard exclusively via my website, and will be available in three fabric weights: Quilting weight, Organic Cotton Sateen and Upholstery weight.

At this stage I have fourteen different designs but I won’t spoil all the fun, so here’s just a few of my fave designs …

Aquatic Soul Dance Fabric (above)

Storms Bring Rainbows Fabric

Elements Fabric

Juanita Fabric

Making Peace With Birth Fabric

These designs, along with my art prints on paper, new prints on canvas, stationery goodies and much, much more will be available to view and order from Sunday evening, 8th January via my website, when I make my new shops live.

www.chrissyforemanc.com

I’m SO looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after four months maternity leave, thanks so much for hanging around while I’ve been on hiatus!

Luv Chrissy x

New Artwork – Making Peace with Birth

2012-01-01T21:18:00.001+10:00

My latest artwork to see in the New Year ~ ‘Making Peace with Birth’.

‘Making Peace with Birth’. Acrylic, marker, vintage lace, fabric and metallic pen on board. Jan 2012 © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

I created this artwork to work through some strong residual emotions I uncovered recently about giving birth to my baby boy. A little close-up of the lace detail shows the intricacy and delicateness of this artwork. It’s still a bit raw for me to articulate verbally, but I felt and still do feel some sense of movement and unfolding peace.

I have a feeling there will be a sequel to this artwork as I move further into owning and understanding my experience of birthing and how it continues to shape me.

I hope you had a wonderful New Year. To much peace and healing ahead for us all.

Love Chrissy x

New Artwork – ‘My Healing’ … and my story of post-natal depression

2011-12-20T20:34:00.001+10:00

Becoming a Mother has been a massive learning curve for me, as it is for most people … not just because of all the new experiences, but because I’ve been walloped with a hefty bout of post-natal depression.

The last few months have seen some of the highest highs of my life, watching my beautiful little man grow and develop, but also, I have to admit, some of the lowest and darkest moments of my life as well. If I’m going to be totally honest here, there’s been times where I have, sadly, been too overwhelmed to enjoy being a parent at all … bordering on hating it at times. I’ve felt like I’ve been living in a cloud of fatigue, guilt and anxiety; and by last week when I started having dark thoughts about ending my life as the only way to bring some relief, I knew I needed help.

So, I bit the bullet and went to see my psychologist (yes, I have one, his name is Dave and he’s wonderful!). We talked about how I’d been feeling and the common theme that kept coming up was that I was feeling most overwhelmed because I hadn’t had any time to myself to recuperate, teamed with my old inner tapes about ‘not wanting to put other people out’. And because I have a rather clingy little baby who gets rather upset being away from his Mummy, including refusing a bottle while I’m away, I’ve found a gazillion excuses why I can’t do this to my little boy and why I can’t let other people by ‘burdened’ by my little man’s protests. In short, I’ve been available to him 24/7 with no reprieve, and burning myself out as a result.

So in my counselling session we did some visualisation about this not-wanting-to-accept-help tendency o’ mine, and some absolutely, soul-filling, beautiful imagery came up. I saw in my minds eye I saw a high brick wall, with me on one side and crowds of people on the other side, just waiting to help me. Slowly, the brick wall turned into a floaty curtain, seamed at the centre, and for moments I just let my face brush against it, too afraid to allow myself to get too close to what waited on the other side.

Once at this spot, Dave coaxed me on … ‘What needs to happen now?’

Floods of tears teamed from my eyes as in that moment, one person came through the curtain and embrace me entirely, filling me with love and support. I cried and cried as I let this happen, finally accepting the help and support I needed, and soon I saw everyone from the other side, streaming through the curtain which had now pinned itself up and was now fully open, and were crowding around me in concentric circles, filling my previously empty place with absolute love, peace and integrity.

My heart full, I suddenly had a quaver of anxiety … how can my beautiful baby boy fit into this picture? Suddenly, still in the crowd’s embrace, I saw him in my arms, with my husband beside me, and my Maxie boy was beaming with a smile from ear to ear. Even his eyes were smiling and full of joy. My boy was so happy that I was allowing help in and he was surrounded with such love. It brings tears to my eyes as I write it now. He just wants his Mummy to be happy. And so do I, for him. And for me.

So, with such a beautiful visualisation and shift in my knowing, I wanted to capture this moment through my art. Here is that artwork I created in memory of this beautiful experience … I have called it, ‘My Healing’

‘My Healing’. Acrylic, marker, watercolour and metallic pen on board. 25 x 25cms. 2011 © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

The flower in the centre is me, surrounded by all the beautiful souls in my life, who want to share their love and support with me. The curtain is parted and pinned open with jewels, and there’s still growth to be had, reminding me to keep my curtains open to assistance as I recall this daily and begin to integrate my new-found healing into my life.

In a few weeks’ time, my official maternity leave time will be up, so this will become a new print I’ll be offering when I relaunch my shop. It is my hope that people can connect with this artwork in a soul-filling way, as we’ve all had painful times in our lives that are lit up by intense moments of healing and support from loved ones.

All the best to you, my friends, for a beautiful love-filled, healing and joyous Christmas ahead.

Love Chrissy xx

New Artwork – Rediscovering My Lightness

2011-12-11T13:28:00.001+10:00

Here’s my latest artwork, called ‘Rediscovering My Lightness’. It’s an artwork I created in response to how I’ve been coping as a new Mum – sometimes I easily find myself getting bogged down in ‘doing it right’ rather than trusting in my ability to find joy and solutions in the moment … so this artwork focuses on intentionally lightening up and enjoying some playtime!!

I’m really enjoying working on boards again – there’s such a strong, permanent feel to them and I think it’s pretty lovely to see the artwork extend down the sides.

I used some different techniques here – like layering the paint onto the board and then scratching into the surface

This is another artwork that will go into my new revamped webshop when I relaunch next year after my maternity hiatus … It feels good to have that emerging on the horizon.

Hope you’re having a lovely festive season so far xx

New Artwork - Sunrise

2011-11-24T14:55:00.001+10:00

This artwork represents the sheer joy and relief felt when darkness finally lifts after a long time of struggle and hard work. It’s the moments where life finally provides the dreams and hopes you’ve been working towards. It’s the sun rising on a new day, spreading its light to shine over everything we see.

I love this piece xx

Sunrise. Acrylic, watercolour, pen, ink and fabric on board. 20 x 20 cms. November 2011. © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

And here it is as a fabric design … I can see this making a beautiful cushion

Love C xx

New Artwork ~ Emerging From Darkness

2011-11-19T09:18:00.001+10:00

Here’s my latest artwork, ‘Emerging From Darkness’. For the first time I worked on a black primed board, which I thought might be super challenging for me as I predominantly work with light and colour. This is how it began …

I’d bought some lovely Japanese papers at a BrisStyle market over the weekend so was keen to chop them up and incorporate them into the artwork too.

So after a few hours work and a bit of nervousness that soon turned into the joy of creating, here’s what it became …

But I’m pretty happy with how it turned out and it was really enjoyable and not so scary after all to work this way. In fact, I might even try it again. It was interesting working from my ‘dark side’. Mwoah hoa hoa hoa hoa.

I had a little play with the image on my ‘puter this morning and I quite like it as a fabric design too.

Hope you have a great weekend x

The beginnings of a new painting on a black base

2011-11-14T09:35:00.001+10:00

I've started working on a new mixed-media painting. It's a new challenge for me, as I'm working on a black base and I have no idea how this one will turn out! Although it’s nice to step outside of my comfort zone, and I think, even important to do so, to extend my learning and development as an artist. Otherwise all my works will end up looking the same if I get too ‘comfortable’!

- So yeah, it could be crap, could be awesome, who knows?! Will have to wait and see :)

designer art fabrics coming soon

2011-11-11T17:17:00.001+10:00

Okay ... so I have a question for you and I'd love your feedback …

I’m looking at offering designer art fabrics next year when I re-open my art shop.

I'd like to offer them 'made to order' (you choose fabric, weight and length), but my supplier could take up to 6 weeks to get them printed. Would this be a problem for customers do you think, waiting that long? My other option would be to get, say only 10 metres of a couple of designs each season, and offering them limited edition.

I’m open to feedback and ideas if you have any?

Chrissy x

New Artwork ~ ‘Make Time For Yourself’

2011-11-10T19:55:00.001+10:00

So, here it is complete! After three days, ‘Make Time For Yourself’ came together and I cannot tell you how amazing it felt to be back creating art regularly again! Yeehaaa!

‘Make Time For Yourself’. Mixed media on board. 25 x 25 cms. Novemebr 2011 © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

Here’s a bit of the detail below – in real life it’s got loads of lovely texture to it, where I’ve used layers of tissue paper and left the crinkly bits showing. Darn it feels good to create!

I’ll be adding this artwork to my slowly growing bank of new artworks for my shop when I officially relaunch my art again in the New Year.

Hope you’re having a great week! C xx

Day Two – artwork in progress

2011-11-08T14:54:00.001+10:00

The beginnings of a new painting

2011-11-07T13:08:00.001+10:00

New Artwork - Motherhood

2011-10-28T19:42:00.001+10:00

Today I finished my first artwork since giving birth. it’s called ‘Motherhood’

‘Motherhood’. Acrylic, markers, pen, pencil and tissue paper on board. 25 x 25 cms. October 2011

You might remember my post a while back about this artwork feeling unresolved, and let me tell you over the last month-and-a-half of staring at it, I’ve had plenty of inspiration about how I’d like to complete it.

So today while Nanny looked after baby Maxie, I had the delicious luxury of unleashing all of those hours of musing onto the surface. Oh, it was bliss! YAY! It felt so wonderful to come back to making art after a break of full time Mummyhood. Those few hours today have invigorated me to no end!

I’m really happy with how this artwork has turned out. It feels lovely and soft yet also strong, energised and full of life. All the qualities of being a Mummy (and then some).

I’m really looking forward to seeing how these new life experiences influence my art from here-on-in. Lucky for me, Nanny’s day is now a weekly thing, so regular Friday-art-making-day, here I come baby!

C xx

emerging artist tips

2011-10-06T13:28:00.001+10:00

Every so often I’ll get an email from someone who has stumbled across my work and would like some tips about how to ‘make it’ as a professional artist. I often feel like writing back, ‘If you find the answer to that one, please keep me posted!’ I don’t though, because I’ve felt the same frustrations for many years (and still continue to from time to time) and I still turn to people I look up to all the time for creative support. It feels great to have an opportunity to give back!

Modesty aside, I’ve got to admit I’ve developed a few tricks of creative trade over the last ten years or so in the creative field, so here’s a few I’ve just put together for a recent email query …

~ *** ~

It can be a tough road and there’s no sure-fire way to go to ‘become a professional artist’. In fact, I don’t quite know what defines one! It takes lots of hard work and commitment, laced with a good dose of serendipity. So, my advice is to:

… fake it til you make it …!

This means, don’t wait til you think you’re good enough. Feeling ‘good enough’ comes with experience and confidence and you’ve got to start somewhere! If it’s what you really want to do and you’ve often had people tell you that your work is good, then you know you’re onto something. Just keep practicing and creating and after a while, you’ll find a style that ‘fits’ with you. Or it’ll find you!

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes … The richest compost is full of discarded scraps! Some of my best artworks began as mistakes, which in turn took me in a new creative direction and helped me solve problems in a new creative way.

Use your creative thinking with the process of ‘emerging’ as an artist and don’t be afraid to make things up as you go along. Put your feelers out as much as possible and step outside of your comfort zone. If you stay with what you’re comfortable with, you’ll stay where you are!

Some techniques I used (and still do) when I was ‘emerging’ as an artist include:

Volunteering with artists and creative organisations I admired, to get some experience and gain some confidence …
Doing some study in the creative areas I was interested in to build up a portfolio of work …
Approaching lots of cafes and small businesses to hang my art on their walls (with great success! It’s a win-win for you and the business) …
Connecting with as many people and organisations as possible to build new networks and links which could lead anywhere! (Around 80% of my creative work and commissions have come through connections I’ve made and consequent word-of-mouth referrals) …
I tried entering a few competitions at the start but found I got really discouraged and down on myself if I didn’t win anything. So I’ve left those aside and haven’t looked back!

Using these techniques meant that after only a few years I’d gotten a lot of experience, a large portfolio of work, been involved in both group and solo exhibitions and made friends in creative communities as a result.

… Not to mention, feeling fulfilled and thirsty for more!

Being a professional artist doesn’t have to be lonely work. In fact in my experience, it’s so much richer when shared with others.

I hope this is helpful! Have you got any tips you could share about your creative journey?!

Chrissy x

new artwork in (slow) progress

2011-09-29T12:38:00.001+10:00

I started this artwork about four weeks ago. It began as a doodle on paper, just mucking around with ideas and musings about my upcoming birth and labour. A week later I decided to mount the sketch onto board and use it as the beginning of a mixed media painting.

Usually I name my artworks after they’re complete, but this time was different. While I was creating it I named it ‘Meet Me Where I Am’, both as a way to connect with my unborn baby, and as a way to meet and accept myself with my fears, my excitement, and the unknown as I was feeling in that moment; using my art to work through my feelings and emotions consciously.

That night, I went into labour (the title must have worked!)

Since then I have only had time to work on it once, and these pics are where I’m up to at this moment. It feels almost finished – except for the bird – I can’t quite get it to ‘feel’ right.

The little bird represents Baby Max … and for the first time, I’m having trouble making the icon show the intensity of love and connection I feel for my little man. I’ve worked and reworked the birdie, but I still can’t get it ‘right’.

I think it’s because I can’t pin Maxie down. He’s changing so much at the moment, he’s fluid, he’s pure, he’s my little angel, he’s not a fixed ‘thing’ I can interpret. Maybe this birdie representation is right for now. Or it was right for then. Maybe each time I look at it, my feelings will change along with him. Maybe I’ll never again be able to quantify my feelings for my son, because they’re larger than that.

Maybe it will always be unfinished. Maybe, through Maxie, I’ve met the infinite. And that’s a little bit hard to paint.

C xx

my best masterpiece ever - our baby boy has arrived!!

2011-09-16T17:42:00.001+10:00

On Saturday 3rd September we welcomed our beautiful son, Max Bear Cranitch into our world.

He was born naturally and drug free after 17 and 1/2 hour labour, weighing in at 7 pounds neat.

I just love his full head of blonde hair …

… and the way his Daddy looks at him.

Back at home, he loves being coddled in his favourite fluffy blanket. Just like a precious little gumnut baby!

We bought a new fandangled camera to celebrate our new family – isn’t this photo above just precious? My favourite!

He loves his bath … but I’m not so sure he loves pink. This photo cracks me up!

And here we are today enjoying a beautiful day outside together.

I have to admit, this first couple of weeks has been EPIC!! We’re slowly getting into a partial routine and enjoying getting to know each other. It’s been hard at times and overwhelmingly wonderful at times too.

Above all, my beautiful boy – thank you for choosing me as your Mummy … I look forward to our journey together xox

are you selling (yourself short) too?

2011-08-31T11:59:00.001+10:00

I had a great conversation with Kate from dash robin yesterday about pricing hand-made/unique items. Both of us had just finished doing our tax returns, and were both pretty upset to work out how much profit (or lack of) we had made over the year, especially after taking into account how many gazillion hours of hard work we’d put in over the year.

We’d both love to make a living from our creative practice, but the number crunching brought home the truth … we’d really need to make some changes for that to actually happen.

We discussed how, like so many other people creating hand-made items out of a labour of love; we’ve been pricing our works according to what we think people like us could afford – and not taking into account any of the business savvy tips, like – err – having a profit margin at all or covering our own costs. I think that’s primarily because so many costs are hidden, as are our own personal goals … purely because we love what we do and we like to make our work accessible.

That’s fine if we were doing it just as a hobby, but like so many creative people, we actually rely on it and make it our JOB.

We realised that, for example, even if we wanted to make, say $20 000 a year from our hand-made ventures, how many $20 items would we really need to make and sell in that year? About 1000?! Surely there’s a better way?

So many things had come into pricing our items -- not just the costs of our materials -- but also the time we spend on making each unique item, packaging them, electricity, stationery costs, fees .. yada yada, the list goes on.

One of the seemingly small ‘hidden’ costs I hadn’t really taken into account was the fees I was paying just to sell my artworks. 20 cents + 3.5% to list an item on etsy might not seem like much, but if you take into account the additional Paypal fee that comes along with each sale, plus any item you relist more than once + your other overheads (or alternatively the high stall fees to sell work at markets), it’s so easy to think you’re making a profit when you’re actually not.

Minus these costs from your one thousand $20 items per year and you get the idea.

If you’re selling your work on etsy, I’ve just stumbled across a simple calculator for working out your fees for etsy and paypal combined. You can check it out here

There’s also a few great articles here about working out how to price your hand-made/unique items here

I don’t pretend to know what the answer is to all this, but surely it has something to do with valuing ourselves and our unique products individually. Or maybe being more realistic or creative with our products. I know that with a baby on the way, there’s no way I’ll have time to make a thousand unique items a year, so I’m rethinking how I’ll approach my work again after I come back from maternity leave next year.

All a bit of food for thought, I guess

C x

wisdom, snippets & trinkets of birth

2011-08-29T11:04:00.001+10:00

With just over a week to go before Max Bear is due to come into our world, I’ve been gathering all the items I’ll be taking with me into the birthing suite for our labour.

Some are items I’ve made myself, some are artworks, beads and tokens from friends and family. But above all, they’re all full of love and hope and support and love for our special little man, each other and our special day together.

***

I’ve been adding to a special drawing journal throughout my pregnancy … this artwork is called ‘My Journey and Landscape of Birth’. I’m taking this in with me to remind me of our journey together so far and my wishes, hopes and connection for our beautiful baby and birth.

After seeing this drawing, my gorgeous friend Mary wrote a beautiful story to accompany it. Here’s a snippet:

“… She did the only thing she could - she asked for help - she asked the grass and the stones and the sky and the birds and the water and the clouds and she asked the sun. ”

… I loved this sentence from the story so much that I made some special fabric bunting of the elements to hang in the birth room with me, to remind me to draw on my own strength with Mother Nature and the Feminine Wisdom of all other birthing women who have gone before me …

Below, our friends and family have each given me a hand-selected/made beautiful bead, infused with their wishes and love for our Baby Max, Hubby Jeffy and I as we begin our journey together. I’ll be wearing these like a loving manifestation of their wishes for us, when I give birth.

“ … I wish you a great birthing energy & I hope that your birth leads both you, your partner & your baby on a journey of wonder and love. ”

I’ve printed out and enlarged this drawing from my pregnancy and birthing journal to put up on the wall, reminding me of the love and connection we already have together, no matter what path the actual birth takes …

… And of course – My beautiful supportive husband and father of my baby will be there with me … as will our beautiful birthing doula Lucie Scott to support us …

… And last but not least, our beautiful baby boy, Max Bear Cranitch, will be there with us all the way.

I feel so, so blessed to be surrounded by such love, support and reminders of this very special time.

We’re loving that you’ve chosen us Baby Max and we look forward to meeting you xx

illustration rally feature

2011-08-25T08:46:00.001+10:00

Squeee! Thanks so much Illustration Rally for my feature artist interview (and super kind words about my art practice!)

… She describes her work as "a little bit tree hugging" but I think that her work is a statement of who she is and what she stands for, as much as a working artistic practice. Her art is full of colour and life and I for one wish her all the best and can imagine her making her dreams come true with her positive and friendly work …

Isn’t that lovely?! You can check out my feature here and the full blog of delicious Illustration Rally eye candy here

♥

pregnancy pics start to almost finish

2011-08-21T20:36:00.001+10:00

I find it hard to remember what it felt like NOT to be pregnant now. It’s not until I look back over the photo records Hubby has been taking of our pregnancy that I recall that yes, in fact, there was a time when I could see my own toes.

5 weeks

12 weeks

21 weeks

25 weeks

27 weeks

32 weeks

34 weeks

Now – 37.5 weeks

This is the view I see looking down these days … not a toe in sight!

I had a few contractions last night that turned out to be teasers … and I gotta admit, I’m starting to feel pretty ready for our little man to come along soon, ‘cause he aint feeling so little anymore! My Mum mused today that I’ll go into labour this Tuesday … Hubby reckons Maxie might sit tight and chill until he’s 41 weeks. Oh, who knows.

Do you have a prediction?

filming an arty TV segment with my kindy-kids

2011-08-19T12:47:00.001+10:00

Famousness amongst 5 year-olds … what more could one wish for?!

Published this week in the Redcliffe and Bayside Herald :)

new mixed media artwork – transforming my fear

2011-08-17T09:49:00.001+10:00

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down with the intention to create a mixed media artwork. It’s been nice to have a break and come back to creating with a different perspective and some new life learning under my belt.

This is the result – my latest artwork, ‘Transforming My Fear’.

‘Transforming My Fear’. Oil pastel, watercolour, acrylic paint, vintage lace, fabric, recycled stamps and metallic pen on paper. August 2011 © Chrissy Foreman Cranitch.

You might have read my recent freak-out post about giving birth, which helped me come to some resolutions and understanding about how I use art to process my feelings and emotions. I’ve still had some residual fears lurching in the background since then, so last night I decided to look them squarely in the face and deal with them before I go into labour sometime over the next few weeks.

I usually like my work to be uplifting and freeing, so going into an artwork with the intention of exploring my fears was a different kettle of fish. But as usual, I just let my intuition take over.

I began the artwork with oil pastels, (a material I haven’t used in years … the smell of them remind me of primary school!) and just kept layering over the top with shapes, lines, textures and art materials that matched the feelings I had going on inside me.

My Mum gave me a collection of stamps she’d saved off all the Christmas cards last year, many of which were repeats of an image of Jesus’ birth in the manger. It seemed fitting to use those in the artwork to depict the upcoming birth and it’s interesting that I chose to make them all into leaves … like new growth.

As I kept working along, layering, lightening and highlighting, I realised that stepping into the fear wasn’t as ugly or scary as I thought. In fact, it was transforming into something I felt was quite beautiful. Perhaps that’s what facing your fears always brings .. beautiful transformation.

When I woke up this morning I put on some last finishing touches and confirmed the title.

C xx

last day of my shop for 2011

2011-08-14T19:01:00.001+10:00

So, this is it ... the final night my art shops are open for business in 2011.
Thanks so much for your support this year - it's been truly amazing and humbling ♥
You can do any final shopping here this evening ... Thanks again xx
http://www.madeit.com.au/mynostalgicfeeling & http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyNostalgicFeeling

♥ Chrissy x

a womb with a view

2011-08-14T12:51:00.001+10:00

How I imagine our little Baby spends his time … Floating happily amongst his dreams of clouds and rainbows.

Here I can connect with Baby Max anytime … And when it comes time for us to meet, there’s a golden paved path for him to journey down to me.

It’s going to be such a wonderful union with our little man xx

my beautiful pregnancy portrait by Eliza

2011-08-14T11:21:00.001+10:00

I’m touched and awed beyond belief at the beautiful gift I received today from fellow Brisbane Artist, Eliza Leahy … a pregnancy portrait she’s created of me with my beautiful little Maxie inside my tummy.

I feel she’s really picked up my essence and the love between my growing baby and I. It’s something I will treasure for my entire life. It’s not very often I’m lost for words, but here, I am.

Do go and check out Eliza’s Art page on facebook – she’s such an amazing and generous artist and her work deserves to be shared.

Thank You Eliza from the very core of my being – this is a gift beyond words.

Love C xx

shop closure – only 4 shopping days left

2011-08-10T10:59:00.001+10:00

Yup, only a few days left ‘til I close my art shops until 2012!

If you’ve had your eye on anything special like a print, some art cards, stickers or an original artwork for yourself, a loved one, or some early Christmas shopping … there’s 4 days left to grab yourself some artsy goodies!

All orders come with a special freebie from me … and my original art sale is still on!

Once they’re gone, they’re gone and items won’t be relisted until new year, so make sure you get the ones you like before they’re snapped up. Visit my shop links below to check out what’s available.

My Nostalgic Feeling on Etsy

My Nostalgic Feeling on Madeit

My Nostalgic Feeling on Bluecaravan

C x

my personal birth art

2011-08-06T20:00:00.001+10:00

This afternoon I had a sudden spontaneous melt-down about my upcoming birth and labour. I was overcome with anxiety and fear about it being so close, so inevitable ... something I know I have to go through and that I feel petrified about; not knowing how, when or what will happen when I go into labour and how I’ll cope.

It was really overwhelming and I burst into tears about it and ran out to my husband Jeffy, who tried to do his best to logically talk me through it to ease my pain. Poor bugger … he’d only popped outside for two minutes and I’d been fine when he left!

As much as he was trying to help me, I actually felt like I needed to let myself FEEL my fears and be okay with it being there, rather than trying to think it away or ‘fix’ them. I didn’t want to run from it – it actually felt natural to be afraid – it’s my first time being here.

It was strangely cleansing facing this fear – diving into it like a wave. In the aftermath of all the tears, I feel in a way I’ve connected today with the millions of other mothers who have gotten to this stage in their pregnancy and felt the same way. I almost felt like it’s a rite of passage to do so.

I know this is very personal stuff, but I wanted to share what happened next on my blog, because I feel that being open with my heart and sharing my true self with others is what connects us together … and I know as a Mummy to be, that I would love to stumble across the birth art and feelings I’m about to share with you. It’s something raw and beautiful to be celebrated, not kept inside.

Before I do so, please be mindful the art you’ll see below may not be the refined, heavily embellished style I’d normally share with people – this is my raw, primitive feelings and self on paper. I’ve taken the topics from a wonderful birthing book lent to me by my wonderful doula Lucie. The book is called ‘Birthing From Within’, which I’ve found to be incredible … so here goes.

‘Drawing on my animal nature’.

For some reason, I felt strongly about drawing a kangaroo to explore and depict my animal nature in terms of birth. I was quite surprised by this, but now I can see why I chose her.

She’s reaching into her warm, soft, nurturing pouch to pull her healthy baby out. Her legs are wide, ready for birth and her long, strong tail is keeping her strong and balanced from behind.

She’s very primal in her motherly instinct and she just knows what needs to be done to bring her child to her. The sun is peaking through the clouds ... it’s brighter and lighter than what she thought it might be. She’s so full of wisdom.

After I finished this piece, I wrote a few words about what I’d noticed about the drawing; how I felt quite connected to her, the Mother kangaroo, for reaching for her baby herself. So I decided to do another birth art drawing, titled ‘My Fantasy of Labour and Birth’ to explore this idea further.

Although, once again, it’s very primitive compared to my usual ‘artwork’, it still feels so beautiful to me, possibly my most beautiful artwork yet.

This is how I see the moment just as I’ve given birth. We’re all gazing into each other’s eyes and are all bathed in the moment of pure joy and wonder. I’m all teary again now! What a beautiful moment.

Look at Baby Maxie – he’s all strong and pink and healthy and looking up at his Mummy and Daddy after a beautiful natural birth. We did it! Jeffy is holding me up from behind, like a big, strong tail, and I’ve caught my baby in my arms, like the Mother Kangaroo reaching into her pouch.

I feel so supported. The energy around us is amazing.

So I’ve decided to take this artwork into the room with me when I give birth. All I need to do is look at it to know that there’s so much love around us and that everything will be okay.

As much as I hope my birth fantasy comes true, even if it is different, I’ve already felt this birth outcome in my heart today and now, and that somewhere inside me, I’m capable of experiencing this in my life.

Funnily enough, I’ve spent the last couple of weeks putting together a very well thought-out birth plan to take into hospital with me on the day … but I’ve gotta say, by tapping into how I truly feel, this picture is the best birth plan I could’ve ever written.

Love C xx

my final artsy newsletter for the year

2011-08-05T18:29:00.001+10:00

The whole flippin’ thing just copied and pasted … so I guess that saves clicking on any links! … Here ‘tis … my final wind down artsy newsletter for the year. If you’d like to join my mailing list, visit my website and punch in your deets … you too could have such wisdom delivered straight to your inbox. Geez … hard to resist eh?

C xx

August Artsy News - Mega Sale and Mummy Leave

As my first pregnancy inches closer and closer to the finish line, I've been madly fluffing about to get everything sorted for the impending arrival of Baby Max.
Maxie's mis-matched nursery is all finished (see pics here), the house has been de-cluttered and all the while, I'm growing rather HUGE and waddling about like a duck!

I figure it's time to finally wind down, so this will be my final artsy newsletter for a few months while I get used to this 'being a new Mummy' shin-dig!!

So here's what's happening in my artsy world for the final two weeks before I go on maternity leave for the rest of this year ...

~ TEMPORARY SHOP CLOSURE ~

In order to prepare and get used to being a new Mummy in a few weeks time, I've decided to temporarily close my art shop from 14th August until the New Year.

This means there's not long left to visit my
My Nostalgic Feeling stores on Etsy and Madeit
while they're still open for business.

And why wouldn't you ... because from now until 14th, I'll be throwing a surprise little FREEBIE in with every online order from my store.
It might be an Art Card ... some Original Art Stickers or maybe even a Print ... who knows!?
I ♥ surprises!

So if you've had something special in mind for an upcoming special event, loved one, your lovely self, or you're just super organised for Christmas, I hope you'll pop over and take a looksy

Original Artwork Sale

~ MEGA ORIGINAL ARTWORK SALE ~

Before I temporarily close my arty shops for a few months in the coming weeks, I'm having a Super Dooper Sale on all my original artworks!

Until 14th August, all of my mixed media originals are now reduced, some by over 50%

Check out the full album of available artworks here and snap yourself up some unique and original bargains while they're going hot!

WHAT'S TO COME

While I'm on maternity leave I'll still be busily making new things and concocting new artsy treasures.

When I return in the New Year, it's gonna be bigger, brighter and prettier than ever, as I'll be launching my original art fabrics range and offering
large scale canvas enlargements! YAY!

I hope you'll continue to support my work when I relaunch everything down the track., as you have so wonderfully done up until now.

So for now, I wish you all the very best for the rest of the year ... and in the meantime, please feel free to follow my artsy endeavours & new Mummy inspired antics via my facebook page and my blog.

♥ Chrissy x

( ... and Baby Max )

pre-maternity leave massive original art sale

2011-08-02T15:52:00.001+10:00

I’m having a HUGE sale on all my available original artworks over on my facebook page.

Here’s a few examples of what’s up for grabs – most are between 25% to 50% off the original asking price. Like this one …

'Carnivale of Life' (2010)
Acrylic, pen and vintage lace on board.
14 x 17.5 cm
WAS $195 -
NOW $120 -

'And Gently Saturn Returns' (2010)
Acrylic paint, fabric and printed paper on board.
46 cm x 45 cm
WAS $450 -
NOW $345 -

***

'Flight De Fleur' (2005)
Acrylic paint, lace, charcoal, pastel, twine and ric-rak on canvas.
1.25 metres x 75 cms x 4 cms deep
WAS $2500
NOW $1000

*NOW SOLD*

***

'My Little Pretty' (2011)
Acrylic paint, gesso and iridescent medium on pinstripe textured fine art paper.
21 X 29.5 cms
WAS $135 -
NOW $115 -

***

The sale is on until 14th August – my last day of store trading before I take a few months off for maternity leave. If you’d like to pop over and check it out, you can find the sale here

Also, until 14th August, all purchases made over $10 via my Etsy and Madeit stores will come with a complimentary page of my original arty stickers.

YAY! Stick ‘em on your computer, your phone, pets, your kids.

Happy shopping xx

Maxie’s marvellous mis-matching, upcycled nursery

2011-08-01T16:11:00.001+10:00

Finally this week I’ve been able to pull together Maxie’s nursery to a point I’m pretty happy with. You might remember my blubbery hormonal post here where I was all upset that nothing matched, because much of what we have for our little man has been gifted to us or handed down from family and friends. Although I’m INCREDIBLY grateful, my anal artsy eye just couldn’t sit still until I could find a way to pull all the mismatched ‘parts’ together somehow. So, with encouragement from friends, I decided to take the mismatchedness into my my stride … kinda like I do with my art … and here’s what I’ve come up with.

Welcome to Maxie’s mis-matched nursery. It’s certainly bright and colourful! Please excuse the water stain on the floor – I’m not very elegant hopping up these days, nor can I be trusted with a bucket of soapy water.

So I thought it might be nice to share the stories behind the pieces in his room, because let’s face it – few people would actively choose to put these things together intentionally – bar me. It’s almost entirely gifted/upcycled.

So, here goes … This here rocking chair has a whooole lotta history. It was donated by my beautiful sister in law, who has used this as a feeding chair for all six of her beautiful children. I was worried it wasn’t going to be comfy, being wood and all, but oh my, it’s the bomb! The pillow on top is from my Poppy’s wife – a hand made tapestry which she’s created into a beautiful cushion, the perfect size for my bum. And the little cream side table is from a garage sale (perfect height for snacks and a drink), to which I’ve added a little curtain to made from an old pillow case, in my fave colours. The beautiful fresh flowers are from my work when I celebrated my last day … and the curtains were hand-made by Sis and never used (until now).

The change-table-come-bath stand was made by Hubby waaaay back when he was in high school, and since then it’d been used as a shelf for years in our garage. Not anymore! It’s cleaned up a treat and is study as a mountain, equipped with a huge second shelf underneath to hold all Maxie’s peeing, pooing and bathing mechanisms. I quickly whipped up the rosey curtains this morning using an old set I’d found at an op shop late last year and I gotta say, I reckon it looks pretty rad. I did it not just because it looks pretty, but ‘cause the cat decided the second shelf would be a nice sleeping spot. Nooo way. He was promptly chased out and barricaded with floral. Take that kitty!

Now I know floral is a bit pooncey for a boy, but seriously, Maxie’s too young to think roses are girly. Heck, he’s not even born yet.

The shelves on the left are a couple of $6 shoe racks I picked up from Crazy Clarke’s to use when I was doing loads of markets last year. Stacked together, they make pretty cool shelving for all Maxies’ toys, books, puzzles and knick knacks. Ask me in six months time when he’s crawling around pulling the house apart whether I’ll actually keep them there. Unlikely. But they look nice for now.

All in all, Maxie’s entire nursery has cost me less than $50. Literally. Thank God for my generous family and friends and second hand shops.

There’s a whole other side of Maxie’s room that is still my art room – which I’m still working on rearranging, decorating and painting. I’ll upload some pics when I’m finished that too. This little tyke’s gonna learn to share his space while he’s young.

Finally … for those of you who feel put out my by cat-scatting earlier, rest assured that our Monty is still very well loved and looked after. A little too much so … his new favourite sleeping spot features his very own kitty-sized day bed. It was an antique I prized with my life for some time, but hey, a kitt’s gotta feel special too.

C xx

quote love

2011-07-31T11:20:00.001+10:00

‘And the time came

when the risk to remain tight in a bud

was more painful

than the risk it took to blossom’

… beautiful words by Anais Nin, teamed with ‘My Fertile Garden’ artwork. 2010.

Just what I needed to remember today.

C xx

the countdown is on

2011-07-29T17:32:00.001+10:00

The last week or so has been pretty manic – lots of nesting, hormonal tears and fluffing about trying to get everything ready for the impending arrival of Max Bear. And then there’s the exhaustion. Crikey. No wonder though … check out that growing bump! 34 weeks this week :) The countdown is on!

He’s sitting down low … low .. low and making me take an excessive amount of trips to the loo … loo … loo.

I finished up work this week too – my final day was today which included some more filming of me doing some craft activities with the kiddly-winks for a kids TV show on channel ten. Way to go out with a bang! By the time it airs, little Max can sit and watch the show too from my arms. He’s already famous in-utero.

So in other news, our studio-come-nursery still looks like a bomb has hit it, but it’s slowly coming together. I had a huge bawl yesterday for the simple reason that I saw this beautiful nursery online here and loved it … but because we’re relying mostly on hand-me downs, Maxies’ room looks nothing like this. *Sigh* Isn’t it just beautiful?!

For some reason I have an insatiable need for everything to match. But it doesn’t. Oh the conundrums! If nothing else, he’ll be well loved, and that’s gotta be better than pretty stuff, right?! (But then again, matching turquoisey stuff is pretty awesome).

Finally, I updated my website this afternoon, as I’m slowly getting everything organised to take a few months off for maternity leave. I’ll still be making art and blogging – just closing down my shops for a few months while I get used to being a new Mummy.

My shops will be open until 15th August – only 2 more weeks, so if you’ve had your eye on any prints, artworks or sale items, now is the time to snap them up or get yourself some early Christmas prezzies. I’ll likely re-open in the new year

Anyhow, I’m off to put my feet up for a while, so wishing you a beautiful, relaxing and joy filled weekend ahead.

Love C x

amazing artworks and inspirational illustrations

2011-07-27T13:13:00.001+10:00

At risk of sounding completely up myself here, I just had to share this beautiful treasury I’ve put together, featuring some of the most amazing artists I’ve come across via etsy.

It’s called Amazing Artworks and Inspirational Illustrations. and you can check out the full feature here … and click away to see each of the artist’s delicious online stores.

C xx

hooping hooray with my fabrics

2011-07-23T09:01:00.001+10:00

Okay, so like a gazillion years ago now, I nearly peed myself with excitement over receiving my very first batch of custom-made art fabrics. It was such a dream come true at the time – I’d been imagining my art on fabrics for years.

However …

Since then (ahem - December last year), they’ve been tucked away in a little plastic bag in my studio, waiting oh-so-patiently for that perfect idea that is ‘worthy’ of their specialness to me. Roughly translated, this means I’ve been procrastinating all year about what to do with them.

Then this morning, my usual 4am pregnancy-induced insomniatic episode produced some wonderful results … I had a brain wave!

!!!

I can frame them in embroidery hoops! Yeah!!

That way I can just order a few custom fabric lengths at a time, make some limited edition fabric hoopy thingies with them, then move onto the next fabric design so I don’t get bored! And I can make them as seasonal prints (think Spring)! And they can be mixed and matched in clusters! And the financial outlay is kept at a minimum for me this way!

And … and … YAY!

Set aside the fact I’ve never used an embroidery hoop before – that’s okay, it’s time to do some research! Oh golly gosh I’m excited! This is gonna be cool. I’ll upload some pics once I get some together!

Yippee!!

C xx

arty displays

2011-07-22T09:37:00.001+10:00

You might remember me bangin’ on here about a rad new indie arts + design shop in Ipswich called Cultiver, run by my two lovely friends Bec and Kyla. They’ve been operating for a couple of weeks now and the space is looking fantastic! I love how they’ve displayed my artworks and fabric jewellery bits ‘n’ pieces …

Art Prints

Framed Prints and Fabric Rings

Fabric Jewellery and Art Cards

The way they’ve set up the shop is pretty awesome, particularly because almost all of the furniture and displays are recycled, reclaimed and/or revamped. You can check them out on facebook or over on their blog – there’s some seriously awesome and unique indie design goodies to be found in store!

C x

original art clean out

2011-07-19T10:59:00.001+10:00

The beginning of this week has heralded both an exciting, yet difficult milestone for me. It’s time to give up my art studio to make way for our baby’s room.

I admit I’ve been a bit spoilt over the last 8 years or so; always having a specific room in my home to spread my artsy things everywhere to create freely. Now, it’s all getting packed away and my beloved studio-come bedroom is looking like this in the meantime. (*shudders*)

The biggest job has been culling years of my accumulated art resources (you know, all those ‘just in case’ things you collect) and get a bit more creative with the space we have available in our two bedroom unit. It’s actually kind of empowering though – I’ve realised I need a lot less than I thought, and that I was hanging on to a lot of artworks and items that feels good to let go of now.

So as a result, I’ve created a massive SALE album over in my shop.

Loads of my large and small scale original mixed media artworks (and other artsy things) have been reduced, some by over $300, as I need to make space! As I uncover more artworks in the studio conversion, I’ll be adding them to the sale album, so keep checking back if you want to get yourself some massively discounted original artworks and take advantage of my obvious nesting period.

The sale is over here – share it with your friends if you feel so inclined.

Love C xx

slowing down, listening to self

2011-07-16T18:48:00.000+10:00

This week has been an interesting one. On Thursday at a routine scan at 32 weeks pregnant, we found out that there's been some changes in my body that indicate Bub could be coming along much sooner than expected. Like anytime from now on.

It's not definite - we may still go full term, but in the meantime I've been told to rest up as much as possible and put my feet up whenever I can as a prevention measure.

Although intuitively my body has been giving me some little signals to slow down for some weeks now, it seems that my old habits and old beliefs about 'getting things done' and 'not letting other people down' have meant that I've pushed through much of it and kept hard-at-it, even if I've felt utterly exhausted.

Now after finding out that this kind of behaviour could actually increase our chances of going into early labour, I've been confronted with the opportunity to reassess my priorities and actually say 'No' a lot more, purely so I can slow down instead.

And that means I'm gonna be letting some people down. And I'm going to have to pull out of things I said I could do. And I'm actually going to have time to tune in and listen to what truly feels right in my body, rather than in my mind of 'shoulds'.

It's funny, this evening we cancelled catching up with some friends of ours and although there was a glimmer of procrastinating on the decision and even old twinges of guilty shoulds, it actually also feels empowering to say, you know what, I just don't feel up to it tonight. I need to slow down. And that's okay.

So instead, I had a nice Nana nap this afternoon, a long, warm shower and now I sit here in my dressing gown, catching up on many of my favourite blogs and seeing that so many other people seem to be experiencing a similar need at the moment to slow down as well. Listen to self. Listen to their bodies. And remember that the world won't fall apart as a result.

It's a nice change.

C xx

32 weeks preggers

2011-07-15T11:01:00.001+10:00

He’s getting bigger!

Love you already my Maxie Bear xx

♥ Mummy

taking stock: sold artworks and private commissions

2011-07-13T17:09:00.001+10:00

Every now and again I think it’s always good to stand still for a moment to take stock of how far you’ve come. After selling a few more originals over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling that my artworks are finally starting to take off in a way that feels good to me, without as much effort as I’ve needed to put in previous years.

So to take stock of how far I’ve come, I put together a little folder today with all the original artworks I’ve sold, which now adorn people’s homes and businesses both within Australia and Internationally. Quite the self-indulgent exercise, I know. But it was a really good one for me to do, because it’s so easy to ‘go go go’ without taking the time to occasionally give yourself a little pat on the back.

If you’d like to take a little looksy, you can find them all in the album below …

Sold Artworks & Private Commissions

Unfortunately there’s quite a few artworks missing from before I had the sense/resources/time to properly photograph them before they sold. Now, they only exist for me as a vague memory, like little orphans artworks out yonder with their new loving new families, which I’ll never see or meet again. There’s also a few I’ve left out which I would have rathered I didn’t document, but I guess if they’ve brought people happiness at some stage, then that’s a good thing.

C xx

new beginnings

2011-07-09T17:33:00.001+10:00

I’ve just come back from a lovely day of antenatal classes and collecting my New Beginnings art exhibition from Urban Grind. Both experiences have left me with a feeling of freshness, renewed confidence and excitement about the possibilities of the future. This has been a wonderful change, ‘cause it’s actually been a shit-of-a-week at times.

As my pregnancy with Baby Max progresses, my body is starting to feel exhausted more easily these days, and it’s become apparent to me that I need to start prioritising what’s really important and how I can best utilise the energy I’ve got to get things done. I think this’ll be a great pre-cursor lesson to having children!

One of the main things I’ve been grappling with this week in terms of energy stores is how much time I waste on worrying about what everyone else thinks of me. With work, with friends, with family, with the pregnancy, I seem to do it with most people in one way or another – always worried about offending or hurting someone in order to do what feels right for me. Compound this worry on top of hormones, full time work and a baby who’s happily taking my lovingly donated energy reserves for his growth, I’ve realised the hard way that it’s time to let go of things that no longer serve me – or I’ll end up an exhausted mess! (Me by Friday evening = not a pretty sight)

So as best as I can, I’m turning a new leaf. I’ve taken the plunge and contacted people who I’ve been concerned about and just been open and honest about my feelings and insecurities, rather than wallowing in my own worrisome thoughts and guesstimating. That feels better and a lot more constructive.

And I’ve taken this timely advice from an article on worry that magically came my way on Friday evening - “Just as worry uses the imagination, so does the antidote to worry. Next time you find that you are worrying, imagine the best result instead of anticipating the worst outcome.” (from the Daily Om blog). I’ve known this all along but when I get myself all wound up and tired, it’s easy to forget sometimes. And also nice to remember.

So all in all, this week of struggle has taught me that inside I’m a good person, I’ve got a lot to be grateful for and I have the power and strength to do what’s truly right for me and my family. Because at the end of the day, that’s now become my number one priority, and if I can’t look after myself, I can’t be the Mummy and partner and friend I want to be.

To add to my newfound inner strength and optimism; when I collected my exhibition this afternoon from the Urban Grind, I found out these two original artworks had sold during my show, and that there was loads of fantastic feedback to the staff about my art and the meanings behind my works.

‘Let’s Make Dreams Together’ and ‘Where Unicorns Live’

Because my work is based so heavily on my feelings and being honest about my strengths and vulnerabilities, I feel so wonderful that in a way, it feels like even strangers accept me and appreciate me for who I am, warts and all, through my work.

The challenge I’m now ready to take on is to accept, honour and love myself unconditionally as much as I possibly can, when I can – and to know that sometimes, enough is good enough.

C xx

new artwork – do what feels right

2011-07-04T17:09:00.001+10:00

Here’s a newbie I’ve been working on for the last week or two. It’s called ‘Do What Feels Right’ and I just put the finishing touches on it last night. It’s an artwork inspired by feelings, pregnancy and making decisions based on my sense of ‘what feels right’ as I journey into Motherhood.

I began this artwork after I met my doula a couple of weeks ago. She’s agreed to swap me her baby-knowledge services for some of my art, so this is one of the designs I’ve come up with for her. Soooo soft and floaty!

If she doesn’t like it it’s absolutely okay with me too – you never know how someone is going to receive an artwork commission – whether it’s what they had in mind or not. Regardless, I’d be more than happy to hang on to this one, I feel strangely connected to it. It feels ‘truthful’ for lack of a better word.

Anyhow, before last night the canopy of the tree didn’t have much definition (see pic above), so I added in some scrummy metallic copper paint as well as a few metallic flicks here and there in the leafy area. I also slightly softened the top area of the aqua-ish doily looking object in the middle left area with some cream, so it sits a bit nicer in the overall composition now.

I’m not sure whether you can see in the pic above, but the coppery/purply/red tree tendrils are actually raised about 4mm off the surface ‘cause I’ve drawn it on with some of my trusty squeezy sealer and let it dry proud. Just like the old days, when I made this one below, called ‘Orienne’

As much as I’ve loved working with watercolour over the last 6 months or so, it’s been really really nice to come back to using my acrylics and textures again. It’s like coming back to an old friend with new tricks! In fact I feel like painting again now! Yippee!

If you like these textured artworks, you can find more about ‘Do What Feels Right’ and ‘Orienne’ in my shops here (etsy) and here (madeit).

custom crochet glove love

2011-06-28T15:53:00.001+10:00

Gosh I have some awesomely creative friends! The lovely Kate from dash robin custom-made me these delicious little fingerless gloves in my favourite colour. She even specially dyed the yarn just for me! God bless her. I collected them this morning and they are sooo comfy, I want to wear them everywhere.

Thanks so much Kate! xx

a little thank you

2011-06-27T15:43:00.001+10:00

Whenever I package up an order for my customers, I’m always sure to include a little hand-written note of some description along with their purchased arty goodies.

In the past I’d fold up some pretty paper from my ridiculously huge (and lovely) printed papers stash to make a card, but as time has gone on, I wanted to make them a little more personal – something a bit special from me.

So I came up with these little Thank You cards …

Aren’t they cute? I’m a bit of a sucker for cute/small things, so I admit I’m a little bit in love with these tiny tykes! In fact they’ve turned out so nicely I’m considering popping a few sets in my shop. I figure if there’s anyone else out there like me, these might come in handy for those last minute ‘Eek, I need a card!’ moments.

In other news, my little mini original art sticker sets are temporarily out of stock, so I’ll be ordering some more in soon.

♥ Chrissy

My Virtual Art Exhibition: ‘New Beginnings – Works on Paper’.

2011-06-25T19:35:00.001+10:00

Welcome to my ‘New Beginnings – Works on Paper’ Virtual Art Exhibition! It’s awesome to have you over here.

I’ll be taking you on a tour of my mixed media drawings, which are now on display at The Urban Grind, Paddington (next door to We Live Like This) until July 9th. These artworks are the culmination of the last 7 months of creating and are all heavily influenced by feelings, nature, love and motherhood.

I hope you enjoy your time here at my show! So without further ado, here we go …

***

‘Let’s Make Dreams Together’

'Let's Make Dreams Together' is a beautiful, heart-felt artwork about going after your dreams with a loved one; co-creating meaningful and vibrant lives together. It’s full of love, hope and possibilities.

Watercolour, pen, crayon, watercolour pencil and Japanese printed paper on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $235 –

***

‘Allow’ (left) & ‘Fern’s Unfolding Fronds’ (right) … {I’m not for sale. Tee hee!}

'Allow' is an artwork inspired by animals, plants and nature, who seamlessly cooperate with life and allow it to provide for them, one moment at a time. This reminds me to be willing to entertain and allow my desires to be realised as well, trusting, adjusting and making small changes as I go, allowing life to provide for me. I just need allow it.

Pen, watercolour, watercolour pencil, crayon, printed papers and oil marker on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $265 -

'Fern's Unfolding Fronds': The symbolic meaning of an unfolding fern frond signifies new beginnings, growing, and balance, which is exactly what I was living at the time of creating this piece. This artwork has a beautiful, vibrant energy to it, reminding me to stay open and flow freely.

Watercolour, pen, ink, crayon and printed specialty papers on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $235

***

‘You Make Me Happy’ (left), ‘Caretta Caretta’s Landing’ (middle), ‘The Meaning of Freedom’ (right)

'You Make Me Happy' is a fun and light-hearted artwork, guaranteed to brighten your day! It was inspired by my regular afternoon walks; when I take time to breathe in the fresh air and admire the little native flowers and plants growing along a winding creek behind my house in Brisbane, Australia.

Pen, watercolour + watercolour pencil on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $220 -

‘Caretta Caretta’s Landing’ is an artwork inspired by Loggerhead Turtles and the health of our natural waterways. I sat creating this artwork while watching a documentary on these beautiful beings, laying eggs, hatching babies and unfortunately, often getting caught in fishing nets in the open ocean. Loggerhead Turtles, or 'Caretta Caretta' as they are known in scientific terms, are officially an endangered species. **

Watercolour, pen and metallic pen on textured art paper. November 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $205 -

** 50% of the proceeds of this artwork will go to wildlifepledge.org.au to assist Loggerhead Turtle conservation.

‘The Meaning of Freedom’ is an artwork about inspiration, fresh ideas and expressing ourselves freely. I love the flow in this print – It reminds me to flow graciously and vibrantly with life;letting go of fears of the unknown.

Pen, ink, crayon and watercolour on textured art paper. November 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $220 -

***

‘Winds of Change’ (left), ‘Baby Treeses in the Breezes’ (middle), ‘Where Unicorns Live’ (right)

'Winds of Change' is an artwork about change, flexibility and the inner knowledge that as we take each step, we have everything we need. It reminds me how change rarely happens all at once; it happens slowly, one decision at a time, while we’re feeling our way through and making small adjustments as we go along in life.

Ink, watercolour and acrylic pen on textured art paper. April 2011.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $215

'Baby Treeses in the Breezes' is a fun, free-flowing artwork reminding me to enjoy life and embrace living in the vibrancy of this moment. It makes me feel happy, breezy, light and free!

Pen, watercolour, watercolour pencil, crayon and pencil on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $250 -

'Where Unicorns Live': Pssst! I've got a secret. Unicorns are real and I know where they live. It's a place you can only get to through your imagination, in a faraway land where all dreams and fairytales are made; in an ethereal, beautiful bounty-land way up in the sky. If you close your eyes and relax and imagine, you just might find it too.

Pen, watercolour, shimmer watercolours + crayon on textured art paper. May 2011.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $235

***

‘New Year’ (left), ‘Time’ (middle), 'Flourish From The Inside’ (right)

'New Year' is an artwork heralding abundance, prosperity and new possibilities. I created this artwork in late December 2010, when I felt overcome with a sense of amazing hope, vitality and possibility for the future. Days later I received news that I had fallen pregnant with our first child, something my husband and I had been praying for, for two years. May this artwork help bring you your greatest hopes, dreams and ultimate blessings.

Watercolour, pen, texta, watercolour pencil and crayon on textured art paper. December 2010.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $250 –

'Time' is an artwork about what makes up the moments of Life; a fusion of our dreams, feelings, aspirations, responsibilities, thoughts and ideas. Sometimes times are breezy, sometimes times seem tough – but no matter what's happening, there’s always an element of pure peace underneath it all, when we only take a moment to tap into it.

Paint pen, watercolour, shimmer watercolours, marker and metallic pen on textured art paper. May 2011.

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $215 -

'Flourish from the Inside' an artwork about abundance, inspiration and the commitment to live as my very best self. Whenever I look at this artwork, I’m reminded how wonderful it feels when I truly love and accept myself, warts and all. Feeling this way opens my heart like a bird in flight – I’m able to flourish from the inside out.

Markers, metallic pen and pastel on textured art paper. November 2010

32 cms x 32.5 cms x 3 cms deep {Framed}. $200 -

***

Well, that’s it?! What did you think? Of course in a virtual tour I can’t easily show you all the little textures and intricacies of each piece, but I hope I’ve made it enjoyable for you and you’ve come away feeling lovelier!

You’ll find all these artworks available at Urban Grind for the duration of my exhibition until July 9th … And by the way, they’re all currently available as fine art prints from $25 via my etsy or madeit shops, so pop on over there for a looksy if you so please!

I hope you can make it in person sometime during the show (details below).

Urban Grind Opening Times

131 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD (map)

6:30am – 4pm Monday to Friday
6:30am – 3pm Saturday
8:00am – 1pm Sunday

Thanks so much for visiting my online exhibition!

Love Chrissy x

it all comes down to this …

2011-06-25T08:46:00.001+10:00

Seven months of art making preparation for my ‘New Beginnings – Works on Paper’ exhibition, and this is what it all comes down to.

A bunch of frames and fluffy towels.

Hopefully the shots I take of the actual exhibition installation this afternoon will be a little more visually arresting!

So do keep your eyes peeled this evening – I’ll be uploading a full Blog Edition ‘Virtual Tour’ of my Exhibition right here for those of you who either can’t make it along in person or just want to have a looksy before you do!

I’m as excited as a pig in mud! Or a kid in a candy shop. Or payday in a stationery store. Now this is just getting silly …

C xx

quick – two original art giveaways

2011-06-23T19:53:00.001+10:00

Call it nesting, call it super-early-spring-cleaning …

I’ve been going through my original artworks and there’s a couple of play-arounds I’ve created that I’d love to go to good homes.

‘Flourishes’ – mixed media on canvas board (10 x 10 cms)

And ‘Life’s Possibilities are Infinite’ – mixed media on paper (21 x 29.5 cms)

So to ensure these little orphans will be well loved, I’ll be giving each of them away to the next two customers who purchase any items from my etsy store to the value of $25 or more. So if there’s a print or a bunch of art cards or anything else you’ve had your eye on, then, Yup, you’ll receive one of these original artworks for free!

Valid for my first two customers only, so get in quick if you’re interested!

Visit my shop HERE

Love C xx

**WOWZERS – that was quick! Both artworks are now spoken for. Thanks Misty and Jasmin, I hope you love your new artworks!**

my exhibition is this weekend! YAY!

2011-06-22T17:14:00.001+10:00

Jeepers, talk about baby brain! Lucky I checked my own exhibition details, I’m installing it THIS SATURDAY at The Urban Grind!

This means as of this Sunday morning 26th June (bright ‘n’ early!), you can sit on some of these …

while you sip on some of these …

and look at some of these!

I’ve just finished fixing all the frame hangers to the backs of the artworks (well, hubby did all the drilling, I just added the wire backings), so all there is left to do is to print out the little blurby things to go under each artwork, and actually turn up to install it all on the correct day! If you can make it down from Sunday onwards, do keep me posted and let me know what you think.

For those of you who can’t make it, I’m going to do a little online exhibition showcase once it’s all up and running, so come back for another visit now, won’t you!

Happy days :)

♥ C x

cultiver shop

2011-06-22T09:56:00.001+10:00

Talk about making dreams happen. A very good friend of mine, Bec, has embarked on an epic journey with her creative bud Kyla to open their very own artisan shop in the main street of Ipswich, Queensland.

Their new store, ‘Cultiver’ opens in the next couple of weeks, and will feature unique works by indie artists and designers dedicated to eco-ethical, handmade products. I’m pretty excited to be having my art there, they’re such an amazingly creative and down-to-earth pair of gals to work with, so I couldn't be happier!

Bec and I have done some pretty awesome op-shopping together in the past, so I know her eye for vintage furniture, upcycling and beautiful design will make their store look just grand. Here’s some pics of the shop before the fit-out … it looks like such a great space! Just look at those old-school rounded corners on the front window. Mmmmm mmmmm!

Bec and Kyla are still taking applications from indie designers/crafters before they open in a couple of weeks, so if you’re interested in applying or finding out more about stocking your wares, pop over to their Cultiver facebook page or brand new blog for contact details.

Congrats ladies!!

new artwork – ‘she trusts’

2011-06-21T11:54:00.001+10:00

Well, she’s finally finished! Wahooo! You’ll remember from the last post that I wasn’t quite sure if she felt complete, and I’m so glad I stuck with my instincts because I think these final changes have really made her feel ‘just right’ to me.

‘She Trusts’. Acrylic paint, copic marker, metallic pen, printed tape, paint pen, vintage lace, iridescent medium, gel medium & flow medium on heavyweight mixed media paper. 29.5 x 42 cms. June 2011

I knew that I wasn’t happy with the toning on her body and the wavy feature coming from her shoulder from my last painting session, so I pulled out my paints and fabric stash and found the perfect solutions! A bit of cream and pink on the body brought out the design/tattooey looking features on her skin and some vintage tatted lace was just PERFECT to dull down the line work, yet create some visual interest along the wavy section. It’s just an added bonus that the vintage tatting looks a bit like peacock feathers!

I must admit, it’s been really interesting working on ‘She Trusts’ over a longer period of time than usual. Quite often I’ll create my artworks in a single sitting, so to paint this one over four or five sessions was a really great way to slow down my own process and get a bit of a better understanding of how I ‘tick’ creatively.

I can see how the initial idea came together in the first artwork, and then it was really just a matter of fine tuning and adding/subtracting elements in the detail to make the feeling of the artwork ‘match’ what I was intending on the inside.

I’m really happy with how she’s turned out. In case you haven’t guessed, she’s me.

You can find ‘She Trusts’ prints and art cards in my My Nostalgic Feeling shop.

Love C xx

what a great weekend – so far!

2011-06-18T16:27:00.001+10:00

You know how every now and again you have one of those really lovely weekends? It’s been one of those for me – I feel like I’ve accomplished so much stuff, yet I’m still feeling refreshed. YAY!

Last night I finished framing all of my artworks for my upcoming ‘New Beginnings Works on Paper’ exhibition. With only a week to go, I thought I’d better get my butt into gear and start finishing everything off, and I’m really pleased with how they’ve all turned out. A yummo frame can really make all the difference to an artwork! I’ve obviously gone for the ‘white look’ – it breaks up the busy-ness of my artworks.

I’d actually created 16 artworks for the exhibition then only recently discovered there’s only space for twelve. The culling was difficult, but I managed okay. I’m only *twitch-twitching* a little bit .. bit .. bit.

It feels good to be done though!

Anyhoo, my official weekend morning began with an early acupuncture & massage treatment with the lovely Jodi over at Moxa Natural Therapies in West End. I have such a HUGE soft spot for Moxa – in particular Jodi, who is greatly responsible for my much-cherished pregnancy (she’s a fertility acupuncture specialist with a heart of gold!), and also because they’ve supported my art and stocked my work there for ages now without charging me a dime. Bless them. I always walk outta that place floating on clouds and feeling very loved.

Anyhow, rambling now & much more to share …

Later, after an AWESOME organic felafel wrap at Wrapture in West End (*go and eat there!!*), I headed around the corner to the Nook Shop garage sale and picked up a bunch of lovely little indie items including wrapping papers, a hand-stitched notebook, colour-in growth charts and a pastel polka dot aqua vintage dress (that actually fits my 28 week pregnant tummy) – all for the grand total of $7.50! Gosh I love a bargain!

I couldn’t resist throwing the dress on when I got home (my friend sold it to me, so I know it’s clean and un-festy) - isn’t it the cutest? There’s little buttons at the side,meaning after I pop Bubby out in September, I can just tighten it up and wear it as a regular dress again! YAY! Aqua + turquoise just make me feel fantastic whenever I wear them. And so do babies.

So this afternoon after uploading some original artworks in my madeit shop, I’ve attempted a bit more work on my ‘She Trusts’ artwork.

Sometimes it takes me a while to get used to an artwork I’ve just created, other times I love it instantly. Perhaps this one will grow on me more; because although I love elements of it, I’m still not 100% convinced it’s finished yet.

This often happens when I’ve worked and reworked an artwork – I lose the ability to see it as a whole, and I just look at all the elements and patch-ups.

Hubby reckons it’s finished and lovely … what do you think? I thought the bluey-purply wavey lines in the centre might be a bit busy, or there needs to be more cream on the girl’s body so she ‘pops’. Oh I don’t know. Step away from the artwork for a while Chrissy!

Anyhow, I’ll finish this lovely Saturday afternoon by extending an invite to you for my exhibition, as I suddenly just realised I haven’t actually shared the official invite with y’all yet. It’s so easy to get caught up doing all the little bits and pieces towards an exhibition then you suddenly remember – Errr – you might need to actually INVITE some people along, Yes?

People are good. Yes. And they are kind. Yes. And sometimes they even buy stuff. Yes. And they give you feedback. Yes. So share the damn invite! Yes.

Hope you’re having a great ol’ weekend as well, wherever you are!

Love C xx

artwork in progress - ‘She Trusts’

2011-06-15T15:53:00.001+10:00

Here’s the latest artwork I’m working on, called ‘She Trusts’.

I already had the title and vision in mind for this piece before I started it, which is unusual for me as I usually work organically.

I’m sitting on this one at the moment, still trying to get the ‘feeling’ of the artwork to match the feelings I have growing inside, so I’m taking my time with it (another new approach!) … cultivating and trusting it’ll unfold as it needs to. I mean hey, it’d kinda be hypocritical of me not to with a title and intention like this!

C xx

my saturday morning tear fests

2011-06-11T08:48:00.001+10:00

I don’t know what it is, but every Saturday morning lately I’ve ended up in tears. Not sad tears. Happy tears.

Hubby has been doing the night shift recently, which has meant that I’ve been starting every weekend all to myself in the peace and quiet, just pottering around, catching up on a little ‘Me’ time and having moments to reflect on the week just passed, and my life in general. I think when I actually give myself time – away from my work, appointments, art, business stuff and my ‘to-do’ list – I am in more of a lovely, calm and open space; where I can connect to my feelings and begin to be present with myself on my journey.

And that’s when the tears start.

My Saturday tear-filled mornings always inevitably end up circling around to all the things I’m so incredibly grateful for. Yes, there’s a lot of things I could be concerned about instead, but it all just gets washed away when I think about how much love there is in my life. It may be all just hormonal, I don’t know, but the fact that I have a loving husband, family, friends and this beautiful little baby growing inside me just overwhelms me entirely, and the tears start spilling out all over the place. Even as I write this.

They chose Me. Whoa!

It seems that deep down, it’s not just that I feel grateful, it’s that I feel surprised that I have managed to somehow draw so much love in my life, that it makes me want to bust. What did I do to deserve all this? How could it be that I’m so loved? I almost can’t comprehend it.

Whenever I look back over the trying times I’ve experienced in the past, sure that it was ‘proof’ somehow that I didn’t deserve good and dreams-come-true; it makes these precious current moments stand out in such bold relief, and I have to start reconsidering my old strongly held beliefs that there was ever a stage that I didn’t deserve this much love. It’s probably just that I never let it in at those times.

So Thank You to whoever, wherever and for whatever reason that I am able to experience these deep loving, raw, yet beautifully touching moments in my life. I don’t know if it’s all me or if I’m being helped by some benevolent life energy, but Life, whatever you’re about, I’m pretty grateful about it all right about now.

Love C xx

my tv film shoot as feature artist

2011-06-08T16:09:00.001+10:00

Freaken YAYSIES! Last week I was contacted by a Channel 10 children’s morning TV show called Wurrawhy, asking if I would like to be their feature artist for an upcoming episode on murals. Umm … “HECK YES!!!”

The film shoot was today and I gotta say, I think I’ve found my calling - it was SO much fun!

The shoot started by setting up a selection of my artworks and they had me follow a really fun script about how as an artist, I create little things like stickers, cards and canvasses, right up to really biiiig paintings on walls … Called murals!

We filmed the shoot at a community mural project I ran this time last year at the Bulimba Creek Sustainability Centre, which involved coordinating over 100 volunteers (mostly school kids) and lots and lots of colour! You can read more about it and see before and after shots here.

Today they had me do up a little sketch on camera like I normally would plan out a design before a mural, so that the kids watching the program could see how a mural concept comes together. Fiona, the script writer did an amazing job of breaking down the process and making it really accessible for preschool aged children to understand, and I had an absolute ball playing the part of the enthusiastic teacher-come-artist including all the fluffy arm movements and exaggerated storybook-reading-kind-of-language I could muster.

My God, I was in my element! For years {ever since I used to watch ‘Fat Cat’ as a 4 year old}, I’d wanted to work on a kids TV show, so today I made the most of a dream coming true!

It was also really nice as well to revisit the project one year on and see some lovely new additions at the mural space – including this beautiful sculpture and water feature and to see some old cupboard doors I’d painted up, which are now being used as information signage for around the centre.

Anyhow, in all the excitement I forgot to ask when the show would be airing, but I’ll see if I can get my mittens on a copy to share on my blog down the track when it comes out.

Squeeee!! I feel like a kid in a candy store! Thank You Universe for this awesome opportunity!!

Love C xx

new artwork – my little pretty

2011-06-07T14:31:00.001+10:00

I’ve really been itching lately to get out my acrylics again. Since about November last year I’ve transitioned from working on boards and canvasses to works on paper, purely because it’s so much easier in terms of size and preparation.

As a result, I’d been working predominantly with watercolour, pencil and pen, meaning my little old acrylics have been neglected for over 6 months … Until last night!

The feeling of inspiration got too strong last night, (especially after viewing the amazing artworks of Brooke Wandell) and I just had to succumb and whip the acrylics out. I didn’t have any boards primed or canvasses handy, so I used what I did have – some nice thick textured art paper to work on. Normally I wouldn’t use acrylic on paper in fear of warping, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and nice it was to work on.

So, without further ado, allow my to introduce my latest painting, ‘My Little Pretty’. I mean seriously, what else could I call it?! It’s such a delicate, free and light hearted piece. And it’s definitely a ‘She’.

‘My Little Pretty’. Acrylic, gesso and iridescent medium on paper. 21 x 29 cms. June 2011.

I’m constantly amazed at how strongly the materials I use are informing the direction of my works. Using pen and watercolour makes me work in a more intricate, designy kind of way, whereas acrylics tend to allow me to be more fluid, experimental and work a lot quicker.

I think I want to go and do another one! So much fun.

If you feel so inclined, feel free to check out the original artwork listing and prints in my etsy / madeit shops.

Love C x

melty puddle of gorgeous gooey love

2011-06-06T12:13:00.001+10:00

Check out this beauuuutiful photo of my Hubby when he was a little baby.
If our little Max comes along in September with these cheeky, adorable eyes and dimples, I dare say I will melt into a puddle of gorgeous, gooey love!

Awwww! Just SO adorable! I just giggle with love whenever I look at it.

I won’t post pics of myself when I was a baby. There are some very incriminating ones of me getting stuck in the pantry scouting for food. Seriously. Not much has changed.

C x

exhibition prep

2011-06-05T17:15:00.001+10:00

Got myself a few frames today – busy week of exhibition prep ahead!

Hope your weekend was fab!

C xx

my wishes

2011-06-01T08:35:00.001+10:00

This morning I chose one of my many beautiful card decks for some words of inspiration. My card of the day was ‘Explore Your Options’. It’s a beautiful card about taking another look at things you’ve mistaken thought, ‘This is just how it is’; and to imagine, just for a moment, you can have anything you want.

Well amazingly enough, it seems that when I take a few moments to actually write down or make an artwork about the things I’m working through, they become clearer and seem to enter into my life much more easily. So I’ve decided to extend my heart-felt wishes into the ethers, if for nothing else, than to remind me that things can be different and dreams can (and do!) come true. So here goes.

I wish that as much as I possibly can, that I live from a space of love rather than fear of the unknown. In this space, anything and everything feels possible.
I wish I could focus on - and believe - that a beautiful, loving new home will unfold in perfect timing within the the next two months, to house myself and my husband, my kitty cat, my beautiful baby boy on his way in September, and some space left over for chickens, an art space and a veggie patch. And it’s amazingly affordable.
I wish for my husband to gain employment in a job that fills his heart with joy and gratitude and intense personal satisfaction.
I wish to find an amazing doula to guide and support me along my pregnancy.
I wish that my art and arty products will touch the lives of many more people and that my business supports us with increasing financial security, both leading up to, during, and after Bub comes along.
Lastly, but not at all least, I wish for a beautiful, healthy pregnancy for the rest of the duration of my beautiful son’s growth inside me, and that when he comes out around September, that he is filled with absolute well-being, health and streams of absolute joy that he’s made the right decision to be our son here on Earth. *Tearing up here!*

These are the options I’m choosing to focus on for my life now. I almost feel guilty for wanting so much intense love in my life, like it’s more than my share, but the more I go on, the more I feel like it’s by birth right to be blessed so dearly. So listen here guilt, you can just piss off. I’m ready to shine and allow and enjoy!

Love C x

new artwork – 'home’

2011-05-31T13:31:00.001+10:00

Here’s my latest little illustration, called ‘Home’. If you read my recent post from Saturday, you would’ve heard me talk about how we are due to move out of the place we’ve been in for the last gazillion years, and into a new house by September – also when our first baby is due to arrive!

So, I created this artwork as a way to hone in on the special kind of heart-space I want to create and experience in our new family home.

‘Home’. Metallic pens, pen, permanent marker and watercolour on paper. May 2011

Over the last few days I’ve started to really think clearly about the kind of ‘home’ I want to create, live in and share with my family. To me, it doesn’t really matter what shape it takes on the outside (although a garden, wood, spaciousness and lots of nature would be lovely!); I just want to make sure that the space we create in our home is from the heart ♥.

As you can see, the front door is huge and open and there's love shining out in all directions. More than anything, it’s an artwork tapping into the felt sense of 'Home' beyond the physical dwelling, and into a place in my heart where I feel safe, secure, loved and able to provide and share joyous times with those I love. Once that’s sorted, everything else falls into place. And I’m happy :)

This is the part that is in my prayers and wishes and dreams for our future.

Now available as an archival print in my madeit and etsy stores

C xx

greeting cards are coming! yippeeee!

2011-05-29T12:02:00.001+10:00

For ages I’ve been wanting to do greeting cards using my artworks, but I just never got around to it for one reason or another.

This week I sent off a bunch of emails to eco-printing suppliers to get some prices … then suddenly this morning I realised – Ummm … can’t you just print them yourself?

Well, yes I can!

Here’s a few cards I mocked up this morning. I’ve printed them onto this delicious hammer textured archival art paper I bought recently, which is made using 100% wind power and post-consumer recycled paper waste. I think they’ve come up really beautifully, and the beauty of printing them myself is I’m only using the paper and ink I need, rather than printing a massive run that might sit in a box for months, unused. YAY! Print to order – works better in my books.

On the back of each card I’ve got a blurb of what the card artwork is about and what the inspiration was behind its creation. Once I receive some yummy natural brown recycled envelopes in the post this week, I’ll be popping some cards into my madeit and etsy stores for $4.50 a pop. We’ll see how they go!

Chrissy x

baby bump progress, life + we’ve got a name!

2011-05-28T08:15:00.001+10:00

Things are getting pretty exciting in my neck of the woods. The cooler weather has arrived, heralding my favourite part of the year, and I’ve been spending it with trips to the beach, visits to the ultrasound clinic, a blessed change in my work shifts, walks in the wilderness, banoffi pie, beautiful friends and family … and the gorgeous little baby growing steadily inside my tummy.

This week I’m 25 weeks along and by now, hubby and I have settled on a name we both LOVE for our little boy …

Max Bear Cranitch

It’s not for everyone - People either love it or think we’re a pair of hippy weirdos, but we don’t care. He’s our baby and we get to choose – so up ya bum prudes! Tee hee! Jeffy (hubby) was called ‘Smiley Bear’ as a kid, and we both love the symbolism of Bears – proud, strong, courageous – and enjoyers of sleep! So it’s got meaning to us and it already feels fitting.

As a result, our Max Bear has been receiving a gift or thousand from his loving family and friends …

A generous friend of mine from the UK sent me over this teddy bear wearing an ‘expect a miracle’ t-shirt before she even knew we were calling him Bear for his middle name (*insert twilight zone music here) … and once we’d decided on his name, I celebrated by trawling through etsy and finding this gorgeous little hand-stitched mini cream bear from HeArt Toys. Isn’t he gorgeous?!

He’s also received a special painting I created just for him when I found out he was a boy, called ‘Because I Love You This Much’, along with bear shirts, a fluffy bear one piece suit, bear booties and a whole lot more. I think he’s very well loved already!

It’s really getting exciting now, knowing that in 15 weeks time (or thereabouts) I’ll get to meet our little Maxie Bear. During our scan this week I got to see a close-up of his beautiful little face while he yaaaaawned away and moved about. It brought tears to my eyes – I’m just so proud and humbled by such a beautiful being, who chooses me as his Mummy. Can you make out his face below? He’s facing kind of 3/4 of the way to the front, with his right eye under the ‘e’ in the word ‘face’, and his little hands curled up under his chin. Awww!

I gotta admit though, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Due to a work accident last year, Hubby has been out of work for the whole pregnancy until only the last couple of weeks, where he’s started some casual work. It’s been pretty rough, as his injuries have meant that his prior training and experience have been made pretty much redundant, so it’s been a struggle finding work he can do now.

On top of that, the house we’ve been living in owned by Jeff’s generous Dad is going up for sale in September – when Maxie is due – so we’re going to have to move house within the close vicinity of me giving birth. Eek! Breathe, Chrissy, breathe and trust …

It’s not all bad though – we’ve got a huge amount of love between us and with our family and friends, and we’d never get thrown out in the cold. Jeffy has applied for a fantastic traineeship this week with a company that can train him up in computer-based drafting in the telecommunications field, so please do send your positive prayers and thoughts our way for this great job opportunity to come through for us. God knows we’re both ready to feel good and a bit more financially prepared with the circumstances our beautiful son is born into and we want to give him the best that we possibly can.

Anyway, I’m off to the farmers markets this morning to get some fresh food goodies, so I wish you a beautiful weekend ahead!

All my love,

Chrissy (+ Maxie Bear!)

my new artwork needs your opinion

2011-05-26T09:37:00.001+10:00

Last night I was sitting under the covers, trying to warm up while I watched Oprah’s third-last episode and attempted to draw while my cat constantly harangued me for warmth. Just before bed-time, I finished this new artwork which I’ve called, ‘To Me, You Shine’ … but I’m having a hard time deciding which way is up!

Can you help?

Option One Option Two

Which one do you think works better? I really like elements of both … maybe with this one I can give people the option of which way they’d like it to be hung when I offer it as a print?

Decisions, decisions! I’d love your feedback/ideas.

♥ Chrissy

a little note for you

2011-05-24T20:06:00.001+10:00

To all my new friends and old ...Thank You so much for supporting my work and for visiting me here on my lil’ old blog.
Making art for people who enjoy it really makes what I do feel so worthwhile. So thanks for being a part of my favourite things!

I wish you an awesome rest-of-your-week :)

C xx

poke 'em in the eye candy!

2011-05-23T20:49:00.000+10:00

Shazam! Kapow! Quite possibly my favourite treasury so far ... so much fun to curate!

Click on the pic to view x

mini milestones

2011-05-22T09:37:00.001+10:00

As much as I LOVE what I do, one of the hardest things as an artist is finding creative ways to get your art seen by the public. There’s such a fine line between proudly sharing your work and spamming! And it’s damn hard work promoting yourself (and at times, believing in yourself and the value of your work).

I often worry about how I come across when I promote my work, because let’s face it - someone could be the most amazing artist in the world, but if all their paintings are stacked behind the lounge in a box, or in an online shop they barely keep up to date, it’s pretty much guaranteed it’d be difficult to gain exposure. And I’ve been told soooo many times it’s about exposure. But to me, self promotion also needs to maintain integrity and honesty.

So this morning I woke up and found I’d reached a mini milestone. Every morning when I hop on the computer to check my emails, I have a flick through the daily ‘Etsy Finds’ email for pretty things that tickle my fancy, and this morning I gave a little (big) ‘SQUEEEE’ of delight to see one of my little artworks featured in today’s Treasury Curators section (top left pic).

Yes, I know it’s a little picture, but I’ve been musing for a while now about having my work featured somewhere on Etsy to help give my relatively new shop a little boost … especially now I’ve got a baby on the way and pretty soon, I won’t be able to devote as much time to my arty business as I’ve had in the past.

So thank you Etsy for finding my little needle in the haystack and gently poking people in the eye candy for me!!

To celebrate, for the rest of today until midnight EST tonight (22nd May 2011), I’m offering buy any A4 art print, get any open edition print free in my store. Just leave me a comment in the messages section when you check out, telling me which art print you’d like as your freebie.

Love C x

sneak peek - new arty product

2011-05-21T16:22:00.001+10:00

A sneaky peek of my new little arty product … will flaunt some better pics soon …

saturday morning visual feast

2011-05-21T09:07:00.001+10:00

I can’t think of a better way to start my weekend than by boggling over a beautiful collection of gorgeous, floaty, whimsical artworks that make my heart soar.
Click on the picture for a better look at these beautiful artworks + artists’ shops xx

new artwork – so far untitled

2011-05-14T12:21:00.001+10:00

Paint pen, watercolour, shimmer watercolours, marker and metallic pen on paper. May 2011

So I just finished this piece last night while vaguely watching the MasterChef master class on TV (I’m a little bit addicted to cooking shows, although I always feel hungry when I watch them!). Usually the names of my artworks come really easily to me, as if they have their own voice and practically name themselves, often teaching me something in the process.

But for the life of me, I can’t think of a name for this one, I can only connect to the feeling behind it. Maybe I’m not conscious of it's lesson yet.

The feeling I get from it is that the eight-looking feature in the middle is surrounded by a mixture of dreams, tasks, responsibilities, thoughts and ideas … while there’s also an undercurrent of harmony, vibrancy, capability and living from the heart vibrating amongst it all. It feels like life – sometimes things are busy, but there’s always an element of pure peace underneath it all when we only take a moment to tap into it. There’s undercurrents and overcurrents (not a word, I know), weaving in and out and there’s definitely flow and movement.

This is how this artwork feels to me. But I think a massive paragraph is a little too big for a title! I don’t like to name it until it feels right, because it doesn’t feel honest to title it as something it’s not. Maybe it’ll come to me later.

Just thought I’d share it in the meantime.

C xx

** May 16 amendment – Thanks to Erica over on my facebook page, this artwork now has a name. It’s ‘Time’. So simple, I love it! Prints now available in my online shop

MEGA FABRIC JEWELLERY SALE

2011-05-12T18:18:00.000+10:00

My MEGA FABRIC JEWELLERY SALE has just gone live over on my My Nostalgic Feeling store. Be quick to snap up a bargain – all reduced to at least 50% off. Loads of hand-made vintage fabric goodies are available from $4.

Have fun!

maaaassive closing down sale on handmade fabric jewellery

2011-05-11T12:32:00.001+10:00

This Thursday 12th May I’m having a MASSIVE CLOSING DOWN SALE on my fabric jewellery range. With a bub on the way, I’m feeling the need to make room in my life while I focus on my art and becoming a Mummy!

So come over to my fabric jewellery page on facebook tomorrow night at 6pm and snap yourself up some bargains. Everything will be priced $15 and under, some as low as $4!

All handmade. All unique. All beautiful quality. All cheap as chips! YAY!

C xx

market day

2011-05-07T09:12:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I attended my first market of the year out on the deck of the lovely Bleeding Heart Gallery. Since I’ve hit the second trimester of my pregnancy I’ve finally felt up to getting out and about again, but I needed to find new ways to set up my stall so I didn’t have to lug around my usual overflowing car-load of heavy market props etc.

Thanks to the help, generosity and muscles of the lovely Cathy from Angelwing Jewellery, and a bit of pre-planning and creative problem solving in the new props department, our shared stall ended up looking a treat … and I didn’t even have to lift or lug anything heavy. Bless you and your fit StairMaster legs Cathy!

In the weeks leading up to the markets, I managed to find a couple of lightweight, de-mountable pine shoe-racks which made the perfect little stand for my art prints, framed pieces and originals. I’d also been dying to try out my new little wooden clothes line to peg up and display my art prints, so I let out a little squee of delight yesterday to see it worked a treat!

Isn’t it beautiful?! Such an easy and effective way to showcase my arty pieces. And even better that it was donated to me by the lovely Michelle from Nook! Thanks Michelle – it was put to great use!

Everything I bought along fit into one of those granny trolleys you see old people walk around with – they may look out-dated, but darn they’re useful! I wish I’d taken a photo – you would’ve been so proud of me, seeing it all tightly packed up like a winning match of Tetris. It was even small enough to catch the bus to the markets! YAY!

Anyhow, here’s a pic of me (left) and the lovely, muscle-fatigued Cathy. She looks like she’s saying “I’m gonna kill yoooou for putting this photo up on your blog” … but no matter what she says, I think she still looks beautiful, so it’s staying here. Plus, it’s a great cleavage shot. Tee hee! (Now she’s really gonna kill me!)

Honestly though, Cathy makes the most beautiful, heart-felt sterling silver jewellery. When I first came across Cathy’s work I felt an overwhelming sense of purity and beauty emanating from her work. I’ve felt that kind of inner movement loads of times from art before, but never jewellery; so I contacted her to let her know, and low and behold, now we’re great friends! YAY!

So as you can imagine, like any obsessed groupie, by the end of the day I had my second pair of gorgeous fluffy sterling silver cloud earrings (bottom middle). It amazes me how she makes every single piece with a tiny-weeny hand saw, yet they turn out so soft, smooth and beautiful. And everyone needs two pairs of cloud earrings, right?

Gotta love having talented friends! I’m very blessed in that department.

Speaking of talented friends, I had some time to amble around to catch up with my new and old market peeps during the day yesterday. As usual, Mel’s Kimono Reincarnate stall looked stunning with her beautiful recycled kimono jewellery and resin pendants. Mel has helped me out loads of time in the past with photography tips and exhibitions and stuff, and her generosity is only surpassed by her meticulous jewellery making skills. You’ll find not one bubble is this resin jewellery, my friends!

Also, I finally got to put a face to a name when I met Jess from Epheriell designs / Bespoke Magazine. Jess’ work is rad. And so is she. That is all.

Ooh, ooh, … And Simmone from Your Organ Grinder – Oh how I love her work! She hand-makes organs and body parts from felt, which sounds gruesome in theory, but the way they are so lovingly made and her soft, gentle style just makes them oh-so-beautiful and endearing. And the colours?! Oh my! The jars up the top are full of brains!! So, so original and cool.

This woman I only met on the day – a poor unsuspecting customer I pounced on to take some photos of her amazing vintage top. Whoa, look at it! I love the colour combination of intense frog-green with cobalt- blue, off centred button features. And fabric under the side flaps?!?! (pretty sure that’s not the technical name, but it’ll have to do for now) … You had me at Hello!

(I’m almost finished now) … Here’s a lovely little hand-made plate I snapped up from Kim Aitken, ceramic artist. She stocks her work regularly at the Bleeding Heart Gallery Shop and at only $6 a pop, I knew this lovely granny-inspired little feature would look beautiful somewhere in my house. I just have no idea where yet, but I’m sure I’ll find a special spot for it.

Anyhoo, by the end of the day I was feeling pretty exhausted, but I’ll take any opportunity to get my growing baby bump into a picture, so I waddled over to Cathy for a shot together in front of our stall.

By the way, if you’re still here after all that rambling, I think we can officially call each other friends. Only a friend can listen to me waffle on for that long without walking off or losing consciousness.

Love C xx

freaken awesome things …

2011-05-05T20:27:00.001+10:00

Season print by Yellena

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Ceramic eco-friendly travel mug by Yevgenia

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Birdcage by Yann Pendaries

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Wood rabbit Figure by Remixed Vintage

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precipice no.2.2 by Crystall Jackson

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krumasca . print by madusawolf

***

Whoa Mumma! Yummo!

C xx

meet me at mark-ets

2011-05-03T13:50:00.001+10:00

Whatcha up to this Friday?

If you’re around Brissie City between 10am and 4pm THIS FRIDAY, pop over to the NEW Bleeding Heart City Markets to see me!

I’ll be there with a bunch of brand spankin’ new art prints and showing off my rad new art print display – a vintage wooden children's clothes line! Yippee!

This is my first market for the year, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and about and chatting with new and old peeps. I’ll be sharing a stall with the lovely and most-talented Cathy from Angelwing Jewellery and there'll be gazillion other local artisans with their unique wares, so come along for a great day!

Hope to see you there!

C xx

new artwork – where unicorns live

2011-05-03T13:29:00.001+10:00

‘Where Unicorns Live’. Pen, watercolour, shimmer watercolours + crayon on paper. 2011

Pssst! I've got a secret.

Unicorns are real and I know where they live.
It's a place you can only get to through your imagination, in a faraway land where all dreams and fairytales are made.
This is where all the elves and faeries and unicorns and amazing treasures exist - alive and well and thriving in an ethereal, beautiful bounty-land way up in the sky.
If you close your eyes and relax and imagine, you just might find it too.
***
Prints available here

competition winners

2011-05-01T07:35:00.001+10:00

I woke up at 5 am all excited about drawing my giveaway celebration this morning!

Before I share the winners, I’d like to extend a huge Thank You to all those who entered my giveaway and left such beautiful comments for us and our little growing baby boy! I am forever appreciative for the kindness and support offered by my trusty old peeps and lots of new friends I’ve met via the interwebs.

Anyway, as promised, there were three prize draws and from over 40 entries in the bowl …

1st prize goes to Alex from Luna Bloom! Alex, you’ve won your choice of any Open Edition Art Print from my Online Store, valued at $25. A double congratulations to Alex, who has a baby on the way too!

2nd prize goes to little Scarlett Lucadou-Wells and her Mummy Leah, who incidentally guessed that our baby would be a boy. Great, pipped at my own game by an under 5er – I thought bub was a girl! Children’s intuition hey?! Scarlett, you’ve won a 25% off voucher to use in my etsy store (valid for one year) PLUS one of my new original art sticker sets. Just don’t stick ‘em on your cat.

… (YAY! Feeling a bit like Santa here!) …

And lastly, 3rd prize goes to Lauren Snyder! Lauren is an artist as well and has an etsy store full of collagey awesomeness, so pop over for a looksy sometime. Lauren, you’ve won a copy of the newly released, beautiful EP by Preston Pierce, complete with original cover artwork by me!

Again, a huge Thank You to all those who entered! For those of you who missed out on a prize this time, I’m offering 20% off in my etsy store for the rest of this weekend … just quote YAYSALE20 upon check out.

C xox

P.s. Thanks for all your boy’s name suggestions too – Hubby and I think we’ve settled on one we love!

store makeover and sale

2011-04-30T09:31:00.001+10:00

Over the last year or so I’ve been juggling a couple of online stores for my art and I was finding it pretty tedious, not to mention scattered! After much deliberation, I’ve decided to streamline all my artworks and prints etc through my etsy store, My Nostalgic Feeling.

This may sound deep when I’m only talking about an online shop, but I really think both in life and in business, there comes a time when you have to prioritise your tasks and desires into what works best for you, rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades to accommodate everyone else. Running two stores and repeating the same tasks twice may have expanded my bases a little more, but it also meant that I was spreading myself thin and not really feeling the joy of channelling all my energy into one great product.

And with a littly on the way, I’m becoming increasingly aware of managing my time more effectively and putting some more healthy practices into my life in general.

Consequently, I’ve spent the last few days rolling everything over into the one store and although I’ve still got a few more listings to go and links back to my website, I’m almost there. And it feels good. Damn good actually!

You can now find all my arty goodies in my online shop here

My Nostalgic Feeling

To celebrate, I’m having a 20% off sale for THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Just quote the code YAYSALE20 at the checkout to take advantage of the discount. Ends midnight Sunday evening, Brisbane EST.

Chrissy x

can you help me decide?

2011-04-27T14:53:00.001+10:00

I’m mocking up a couple of invite designs for my upcoming exhibition at Urban Grind and I can’t decide which of these two are more effective. I’m calling the exhibition ‘New Beginnings’. Which one do you like best - top or bottom?

Let me know xx

arty interview with MiuAndUmi

2011-04-25T09:03:00.001+10:00

Last year I was ambling around the BrisStyle markets and I came across a totally quirky stall full of trinkets, treasures and a 50’s nostalgic ‘women-wearing-aprons’ kinda feel. Me being me, I just had to linger for a chat and I got to meeting the lovely Melanie Brady behind the counter. She turned out to be a super swell gal and I think you’ll agree, her work is pretty as a picture too. So, without further ado, here she is.

Who is the person behind ‘MiuAndUmi’?

Melanie Brady is a curious lady who is always asking questions, playing dress-ups, hiding away to write, painting or baking with her awesome kids, and pretending she’s a drummer in a band. She knows she’ll never be a rock star and she’s ok with that. Melanie says old-timey sayings like ‘I think you’re swell’ and ‘I’ll be jiggered’ and ‘peachy keen’ and reckons if her big handsome husband would take her swing dancing some time, she could die happy. She wanted to be Simone de Beauvoir for most of her twenties, has a collection of photos of abandoned shopping trolleys, and thinks you should read more poetry.

How would you sum up your work/style in a couple of sentences?

MiuAndUmi style is eclectic, brave and bold, girly and sweet, like the flippant gorgeousness of little girls playing dress-ups. It is for grown-up lassies who know it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it!

I like to focus on colour stories – does that sound wanky? What I mean is I’m intrigued by the way a group of colours can conjure up an era, or a style or even a place. Like red and yellow stripes make you think of the circus, or khaki, tan and beige make you think of camouflage, or red, white and navy evoke a nautical theme.

How did your practice begin?

In ‘96 I was working from 6am til 2pm as a lab technician, and in the afternoons I would hang around West End looking for trouble. I found it in an amazing bead shop called Beads and Trimmings Craft Co. I made friends with Sandra, the owner, and spent a ridiculous amount of time and money on gorgeous beads from around the world. Initially it was just to make jewellery for myself and friends, things I couldn’t found in shops, until the ladies at work took interest and started ordering custom designs for weddings or just because. It’s always been a low-key, word-of-mouth business for me. Not big on monetary rewards, but lots of happy customers!

Have you faced any challenges in your work to date?

Time and money constraints have been frustrating, but I think in a way they force me to zero in on the most important things I want to achieve. Self-doubt has been an obstacle for me, as I think it is for most women. And the double-edged sword of the internet, which can bring you all the information and inspiration you could ever dream of, but can dilute your goals and make you feel very inadequate.

What do you love most about being an artist?

I love beginning a new project, all ambitious and full of promise. I’m not so good at finishing things, which is a problem. The thing I love most of all is the moment – that pure moment when you are creating something, and you lose yourself inside it. You are not you anymore, in the moment you become the process. Like those rare moments during meditation or exercise or just standing on a busy street, when you take a breath and become a part of something much bigger.

Who have you learnt from?

Trial and error is a great teacher. I’m always stuffing things up, but mistakes are part of the process. Most of the jewellery-making techniques I’ve picked up through silver-smithing classes, observation and books. I taught myself to crochet by watching video tutorials on the internets.

My folks have always been creative. Dad used to be a traditional French polisher, and I learned a little patience from watching his measured and very particular methods, all done by hand and with the utmost care. Mum taught me to knit and sew. My husband is a trained painter. My siblings write, paint and play guitar (in order of age). I’ve always been surrounded by painters and sculptors, photographers, dancers and musicians, and I shamelessly soak up their influence and ask for more.

I tend to think art is one thing you can binge on without guilt!

Can you finish these sentences:

The first thing I do every morning is ……. Coffee. Or else.

In another life I would love to ……. Be a singer or a dancer. I’d like to experience being the medium. I had a small taste of life on stage when I was younger, and I loved creating through acting, but when a skilled dancer tells me something without using words, or a singer brings a lump to my throat with their nuance and tone, it’s almost transcendent.

My motto is ……. It’s not a motto as such, but I say ‘Thank you’ to the universe every day. There’s always something to be grateful for.

Mel! You make me wanna fix myself a malted milkshake and put rollers in my hair – oh and go shopping! Where can we find you?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/miuandumi

http://www.miuandumi.blogspot.com/

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Finally, do you have any advice you’d like to share?

If I could recommend one thing to everyone, it’s to give blood. Just do it! It’s not as scary as you think, you’ll glow with satisfaction at being a life-saver, and you get chocolate when it’s over! My beautiful sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis just before Christmas last year, and thanks to all the amazing people who donate blood for some of the treatments, she’s doing awesomely well.

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Thanks Mel xox

heartfelt musings – dreams for my home, life and career

2011-04-23T09:50:00.003+10:00

When it comes to ambition, I’ve never been short on energy. The problem for me has always been balancing my dreams with the commitment and strength to see them come to fruition … Well that, along with having to sift through the gazillion ‘Yes, that’s what I wanna do!’ ideas that run through my head in moments of inspiration, much like a sugared-up kid at a theme park.

Yet, I’ve realised that over my whole 31 years of unfolding wisdom (*cough cough*), there seems to be a few recurring creative desires that keep popping up which seem more than just an impulsive ‘wouldn’t it be nice if …’.

When this happens, I’m learning that these are actually the yearnings of my real-self; the gentle part of me that lovingly sits in the background, whispering to me and encouraging me in moments of silence to live the life I really want to live. And if there’s one thing I am good at (I’m sure there’s more too), it’s using my imagination. So, I’m bringing those dreams into focus today and making them more real. I’m sharing them here on my blog, making me more accountable, and open to, and understanding of the direction I’m ready to consciously steer my life in. So, here goes – I’m stepping into my future and imagining myself in it now …

My home

The home I now live in is wooden and beautiful. It has creamy wooden slatted walls and hardwood floors inside that probably would look lovely with a new lick of paint, but I just love the look and feel of the old, worn ones, so I keep them as is. There are colourful rugs, pillows, blankets and artworks sprinkled generously around the place, set-up to look both homely and bohemian, but also to blend in with the occasional mess left around the house by hubby, myself and the kids.

There’s plenty of light and air flow, with a balance of large, open areas along with small nooks and crannies, perfect for making a cubby-house or housing a book shelf.

Leading outside, there’s a long, thin deck with a permanent hammock, comfy chairs and five or six stairs leading down to the back garden, where a luscious veggie patch grows, along with plenty of shade and soft green grass. I live here with my husband, our two or three beautiful children, and occasional visitors who love to come over and have a good yarn, pat our cats and dog and help us collect eggs from the chooks running free in the yard.

My art

Because I’ve got kids I enjoy spending lots of time with them, so I’ve learnt new ways to get more creative with my time and artistic practice. Although I’m not making a gazillion new artworks a month like I used to, I’m now using my most favourite and popular designs in new ways. I love seeing my art made into notebook covers, greeting cards, inspirational card decks, organic fabrics and other homely items that people can use and love in their own lives and homes.

I’m no longer afraid or ashamed of letting my real self shine through in my work, and I love the feeling of knowing that I’m showing my customers and children that there’s strength in vulnerability and sharing ourselves openly in this way.

I’m proud that even though it would have been much easier to outsource my designs to the cheaper companies around town, that I’ve stuck to my commitment to only create a range of beautiful, ethical products that are kind to people and the environment. I love that the companies and customers I collaborate with on my work share the same values, and are willing to support both quality and conscience. I love that I feel fulfilled in a way that gives to myself and others in meaningful ways.

My life

I look back on my life so far and feel absolutely no regrets. I’m proud of all the stumbles and meanderings I’ve taken along the way because it’s brought me to where I am today. These days, I still occasionally worry about the future, but I don’t spend much time there, because I’ve got so much love and joy and appreciation in my life that I much prefer to live there almost permanently.

I’m incredibly proud of how far myself and my husband have come and how much love we share on our path together; through nurturing our own, each other’s individual, and our shared Life Dreams and Goals. I love watching our children grow and blossom and discover the world with open eyes and hearts. I love working together as a family and remembering that even in hard times, we’ve got love and each other and that always makes us feel rich and grateful.

I love that each night before dinner, the kids take turns to pick a vegetable or fruit or herb from the garden to include in tonight’s meal, which we cook together. I love that occasionally too, we allow ourselves to feel lazy and eat fish and chips straight from the paper wrapping, without worrying about poor nutrition or forgetting to wash our hands before eating. I love that we’ve learnt to be flexible with our lives and work and parenting, and I’m so grateful that we’ve financially set ourselves up to comfortably live a simple, yet rich life with extra to spare for holidays, goals and incidental occasions.

Most of all, I love knowing that I’ve created all this in my life because I’ve allowed myself the indulgent, yet necessary luxury to dream and go after my goals. And this makes me generous and able to openly share what I have with others.

And I love that you’re here, witnessing the words and whispers and dreams of my heart, which feel louder to me now than ever before.

With deep love, Chrissy xx

solo exhibition booked in!

2011-04-20T10:04:00.001+10:00

I’m really excited to say that after one whole year in passing since my Peacocks and Pinstripes exhibition, I’ve finally booked in another solo exhibition – this time at the Urban Grind in Paddington, Brisbane. The Urban Grind is owned by such a lovely couple who are committed to supporting the environment, community groups, artists and of course, serving seriously schmicko coffees.

It will be such a nice space to exhibit my work.

I’m feeling really great about this exhibition – over the last few months I’ve created a whole new body of works on paper and I’m looking forward to sharing them, rather than keeping them all in a plastic folder on my shelf! I’m actually really proud of the direction my work has taken recently, particularly because it feels, more than any other body of work I’ve created in the past; more honest and giving and open and real.

My exhibition is booked in from 26th June – 9th July.

C xx

new artwork – ‘because i love you this much’

2011-04-17T08:32:00.002+10:00

Since finding out on Friday that I’ll be having a baby boy, I wanted to put my feelings into creating an artwork especially for him.

I’ve titled this one ‘Because I Love You This Much’.

Metallic pen, watercolour, watercolour pencil, crayon, marker and paint pen on hammer textured art paper. 2011

As I’ve said before, making art is such a wonderful way for me to process my feelings, ideas and emotions at any given time. In this piece, I really wanted to find a way to document my feelings towards my first child so that one day after he’s born, he can look at it and hopefully be able to see my love infused inside :)

Although this is a very personal artwork for me, I’ve decided to make it available as a print so that other people wishing to express their love for another might find a way to do so through my work. You can find it available here

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p.s. on a little side note – I do apologise that my blog has been infiltrated with so much baby/pregnancy related stuff lately. I’ve never wanted to be obsessed about nothing but my kids and bore y’all to death, but it’s such a huge part of my life right now and it brings me such joy. I guess as an artist who works from the heart and my intuition, it’s inevitable that at any stage in my life, what I’m going through will filter into my art as well. Above all, being honest and loving through my work are the most important things to me, and I hope that shines through and connects with others regardless of their current lifestyles.

I really do appreciate feeling your support here on my journey as my life changes :)

C xx

giveaway celebration - our baby is a ….

2011-04-15T13:56:00.001+10:00

This morning hubby and I went along to our 19 week scan. We saw that all our growing baby’s bits and pieces were the right size and in the right places (YAY! Healthy Baby!) and we found out something else we’d been hoping for … bubby’s gender!

Without doc’s help I wouldn’t have known how to tell, but there it was, dangling away, with Doc ‘betting his house’ on the fact that we’re having …. A BOY! Holy wowzers, I was sure I was having a girl! So much for mothers intuition, lucky I love surprises :) Now Hubby and I can look forward to playing with lego and mud pies again!

So to celebrate, I’ll be hosting an arty giveaway. (It was going to involve a game of guessing baby’s gender, but obviously I’ve already blown that idea out of the water with my inability to contain my excitement and good news!) So without further ado, here’s what’s up for grabs …

…

Arty Giveaway Celebration

- 1st prize -

Your choice of any Open Edition Art Print from my Art Prints Store, valued at $25

(there are loads to choose from, not just these 3!)

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- 2nd prize -

A 25% off voucher to use in my etsy store (valid for one year) PLUS one of my new original art sticker sets (you’ll receive a pack of 30!)

…

- 3rd prize -

The newly released, beautiful EP by Brisbane’s own Preston Pierce, complete with an original cover artwork by me! It looks like a vinyl record – but it’s actually a CD! (‘The Healer’ is my favourite song on the album … so beautiful it makes me cry! You can listen to snippets here)

…

So, to enter, just leave a comment below to let me know you’d like to be in the draw. For an extra entry, share my giveaway or facebook page with your friends – the more the merrier! Just let me know if you’ve shared as well so I can pop in your second entry.

- Oh, and if you can think of any cool boys names, let me know!! :D

Entries close on the 30th of April, 2011.

Love C xx

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. Thanks for your entries! Winners announced here

arty interview with dash robin

2011-04-11T14:13:00.001+10:00

Who is the person behind ‘dash robin’?

The person behind dash robin is me, Kate Allan. I am a human being, female, tall and very tired as I am typing this. I have 2 kids, a cat and currently work as the Northey Street City Farm ‘Village Life’ markets coordinator, where I’m also studying permaculture (as well as creating all the dash robin pieces.)

How would you sum up your work/style in a couple of sentences?

My work style is nature inspired creativity. I tend to be very philosophical and serious; agonising over things and re working details when I am painting or drawing. I am more relaxed, playful and experimenting when I sew, photograph and crochet...but a common thing across whatever I am doing is the thought of the earth, of the piece’s life cycle. The origin of the pre-loved materials I use in my work particularly inspires me.

How did your practice begin?

My love for observing nature and arts and crafts was just always there. Its my earliest memories, I think its just inherent in everyone. I guess as soon as I could I was making marks in on one form or another and I have never wanted to stop creating art.

Have you faced any challenges in your work to date?

Challenges are often more the bits and pieces of life: issues cropping up, relationships, mundane stuff like money and work and study and raising children, etc, rather than the arts/crafts, which are like the antidotes.

Who have you learnt from?

Too many to list, however one of the greatest teachers for me has been Sogyal Rinpoche... One of the teachings he shared was to approach things and people with a beginners mind, as if there is always something, someone to learn from. And there’s no shame in not knowing things and going at your own pace.

What do you love most about being an artist?

I love the head space I am in when the creative juices are flowing. It’s a very hard-to-explain mixture of comfort, challenge and stimulation. I also love imagining and reflecting about where my 2nd hand items have come from, and I find special comfort using things I know the story of.

One example is my dads old jumper, which even had a name, ‘big green’. It was a hand spun and dyed knitted jumper created by my auntie with wool from her own sheep. It was much loved by my dad, and was worn for so long it eventually began to unravel, so he gave it to me to use. So I frogged it (knitters term for ripping a knitted item apart-rip it, rip it-sounds like ribbit, ribbit, which sounds like a frogs call!) and used it in my own crochet. This is the kind of thing I treasure; family, memory, nostalgia and history all in a ball of yarn … and using my imagination to make something.

Can you finish these sentences …

In another life I would like to … have been a gyspy, travelling the country side in hand painted caravans, singing around the fireplace with a large extended family, maybe as a circus performer, trained from an early age.

If I had all the power in the world … I think I'd try and seed the worlds’ minds with more empathy ... I guess its easy to think of lots of interventions you could make, however mostly what I'd want is 'less suffering, more joy, for all'

My motto is …'be gentle on yourself'

Do you have any events you’d like to share?

Upcoming events are village life weekly eco market at Northey street city farm, Windsor – on every Sunday morning from 8-12. I’ll be there with my dash robin goodies.

You can also find dash robin in these places online:

Blog

Etsy

Made it

Thanks so much for the wonderful and inspiring interview Kate!

C xx

exhibition pics – both fabric and baby belly!

2011-04-09T10:01:00.001+10:00

As I mentioned in my last post, the Reincarnated Kimono Project Exhibition opened this week. I popped by on Friday morning to check it out and snap a few pics to share with you. Keep in mind every artwork in the exhibition was created by artists using one of two recycled kimono fabric designs …

Here’s my framed artwork called ‘Elements’ alongside a beautiful Maiocchi dress (above)

Exhibition curator and fabric jewellery extraordinaire Kimono Reincarnate’s fabric cranes (left) and dash robin’s fabric and embroidery canvasses with Jettas Nest Recycled skateboard mixed media artwork (right)

Plus a whole lot more amazing artworks including kimono fabric hand bags, purses, stuffies, jewellery, children’s wear, quilting and so much more! The whole exhibition ties together so beautifully because we’ve all used the same two fabrics. Plus Hanasho, where it’s held, is just gorgeous. Check out the exhibition until April 30th here.

** JUST ADDED :- ONLINE BLOG TOUR OF FULL EXHIBITION HERE **

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In other exhibition news … here’s some recent pics of my growing baby bump! Baby is 18 weeks old and for the last three weeks, has been kicking up a storm in my belly! It’s such a beautiful and comforting feeling.

So far He/She seems to enjoy doing the fishbowl roll around my womb between 4:30 and 6:30 every evening, and having a boogie almost anytime I put on music; especially to the 80’s band, The Police! Tee hee!

I’ve been trying to catch Bub in action so that Hubby can have a feel of the kicks and fishbowl rolls, but as yet, all he can feel is my ever grumbling tummy, because Bubby plays ‘freeze’ every time he lays his hands on my belly!

Next Friday we go for our scan to hopefully show us whether we’re having a beautiful little boy or a girl. YAY!!! So exciting! Once I (hopefully) know what we’re having, I’ll be hosting a giveaway of some arty stuff to celebrate … but to win, you’ll have to be one of the people to guess Bubby’s gender correctly!

What a wonderful journey this is – I’m so happy :)

C xx

reincarnated kimono project – exhibition opens tonight

2011-04-07T14:37:00.001+10:00

The Reincarnated Kimono Project Exhibition officially opens tonight at the very beautiful Hanasho in West End, Brisbane.

There’s mixed media artworks, fashion, accessories, jewellery, hand-made toys, quilts and so much more … all made from these two recycled kimonos - and 12 local artists.

If you want a generous sneak peek of my exhibition artwork, check it out here. I won’t post too much more until opening night is over; I don’t want to spoil the surprise!

All the best to the other artists involved for a wonderful opening night xx