31st july, 2012

Penny Evans

I had the great pleasure of meeting and befriending Penny Evans, when I amongst many others volunteered to assist on a local Indigenous art exhibition called 'Art of the Bundjalung'   Of course I could not resist buying one of her pieces and have subsequently purchased more over the years.

Ceramics is one of many mediums Penny uses to create her signature style art.  Her colour sensibility has a retro inspired feel, and layered in meaning.  There is so much passion and fire within Penny's work and reflects her strong political views not only on current issues, but also pays homage to her own ancestors.  

There are so many more images and a detailed profile on Penny Evans over at her website, it would be well worth a visit to her website listed below, and definitely recommend collecting Penny's gorgeous work!

Each time we visit one another's homes, we not only go into visual overload - looking through what the other is currently working on, but we are fortunate enough that her boys and my girls play beautifully together.  

As Penny looks forward to her next toy from me, I too am planning which bowl is next on the list!

Currently, the school my children attend have the privilege of being involved with an Artists in School Project - which co-incidently Penny along side Luke are 'Exploring our Local Indigenous Culture'.  With Penny and Luke's guidance the children have made things such as:- bush dolls, dot painting fish (mullet) templets cut from plywood and a built a Gunyah shelter just to name a few.  Collecting sticks, seed pods, leaves and recycled materials and incorporating these into their work..  

I highly recommend you visit:-  http://pennyevansart.com/

22nd july, 2012

New Mini Betty Range

from left to right we have mini betty (blue), mini frida and mini ginger

from left to right we have philippe and pierre

this wee lassie is mini milly

thought I best re-cap the past couple of weeks!  Have two gorgeous girls I will realease tomorrow!

9th july, 2012

Owlet Sequence

this is my interpretation of an image I came across on Inspire's facebook page which I recently shared on my Eclectic Critters facebook page!  It seems to have attracted much attention, and some of you ask for instructions.  so whilst I put craft together for kiddies over school holidays, I have photographed the process, as there was no source or instructions with the original image.

as you can see there are quite a few pieces to cut, and as I mentioned above I made template from scratch, using some japanese print paper and coloured cardboard for owlet.  recycled wrapping paper and old tissue boxes would suffice.  with one set of eyes we cut the black circle using crinkle cut scissors, just to give some variation.

with rectangular piece of card, create a fold line - starting at centre and tapering out to corners. repeat this process top and bottom.   this creates the owls peaks on top of head and base.  then open this out flat for next process.

next glue the smaller black circles inside the larger white circle for eyes.  

on the rectangular card, position and glue the feet first.  I found when attaching cardboard to cardboard, double sided tape holds much better.

attaching wings at this stage optional, or if preferable leave till last.  be creative with eyes and wings, give owlet individual expression.

next the scolloped pieces are attached, starting from the base and working upwards. I worked with four rows.  glue thin strip across top only.  if you prefer stiffer look, use patterned cardboard instead of paper

next attach eyes using double sided tape

double side beak into position

we created a tiny owlet out of scraps, so varying size an option.  remember to be creative and add your own personal stamp.

rather than googly eyes we opted for small round stickers, try different placement with eyes.  and so as the feathers stick out, slightly bend out bottom of scollop on each piece.  this create a 3D effect.   

I do hope this helps, feel free to share this blog (would appreciate it when sharing, if you can credit my page).  if you feel you need more help, let me know and maybe when I have a moment between playdates, sewing, printing and trying to make my keep, I can put together a template and scan it in.


I have also put together my own owlet softie kit & robot kit, which includes everything you need to sew a soft toy including instructions.  there is an image of an owlet which has been handprinted, backing, toy fill, embroidery yarn and trimmings.  If interested in ordering one of these just email me at eclecticcritters@gmail.com

Enjoy!

26th june, 2012

Winter Solstice Lantern Parade

here are some highlights from the annual lismore lantern parade in the northern rivers.  there were many more floats and community groups, but for me, these were my favourites.

 

have a lovely winter solstice!

Article by Style My Child

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Introducing Eclectic Critters!

Posted on June 18, 2012

How adorable are these gorgeous soft toys by Australian label, Eclectic Critters!

Owner and Mum, Mary, has an extensive background in textile design so when her children were born, it seemed only natural that she would throw herself whole-heartedly into creating the most amazing range of toys and clothing.

Her soft toys are comprised of cotton, felt, wool, lace and braiding with recycled vintage buttons making an appearance whenever possible. All buttons and seams, where necessary, have been re-enforced and double stitched and as you can see, the most fabulous ranges of retro and modern textiles have been used (some of these limited edition).

Eclectic Critters not only creates vibrant, colourful and fun toys, they also have a range of distinctive and equally cool clothing as well. There are pieces for newborns, organic singlets, long and short-sleeved tees in various prints (some of which are pictured below) plus a range that comes in Mum and Dad sizes as well.

Eclectic Critters products can be purchased from their online store or from various stockists throughout Australia. We highly recommend taking a look at the whole range of products…we just love them!

25th may, 2011

Orange & Coconut Cake Recipe

just thought I would share this recipe with you today, as cooking is another of my creative passions!

Ingredients: 125 grams butter, three quarters cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 cups self raising flour, half cup coconut, two thirds cup orange juice, grated rind of one orange, pinch of salt

Method: cream butter, sugar and orange rind, add egg yolks and beat well. fold in flour sifted with pinch of salt alternating with orange juice and coconut. lastly fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. bake in a moderate over 50-60 minutes. allow to stand in tin 10 minutes before turning out.


Icing: 2 cups sifted icing sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, quarter cup orange juice. Rub butter into icing sugar, grate 1 teaspoon orange and lemon rind, soaked in orange juice for 10 minutes, drain off liquid add juice slowly and beat well until mixture is creamy.


I suggest under-cooking cake slightly, for a moist finish. Guarantee it won't last the day! Enjoy