Mandela

Thank you for showing us the power of forgiveness.....go well Madeba!

Map bags

 

 I love maps in any shape or form....... prints, globes, paper art, fabric and especially bags.This one is made in South Africa by Rowdy Backpacks. You can find them at www.rowdy.co.za/‎

This one I found on e-bay. I like the leather trim and vintage map. Both of these were a bit too expensive so I improvised and made my own.

I bought this rucksack in Seoul many years ago and it became my favourite bag. It had a leopard print (forgot to take a 'before' pic) so I stopped using it but couldn't bring myself to throw it away. I found a small piece of fabric with a map printed on it and some matching striped canvas for the back. After a few hours of measuring, cutting, sewing by hand, raw fingertips, this was the result! New life for an old favourite.

Summer Beading

Although it was the end of summer when I was in Spain, the colours were still vibrant in the bright sunshine. Perfect inspiration for a beaded spring necklace!

Mundane Metal

What could be more ordinary than a drain cover, but still beautifully decorated!
The symbol of the shell, hidden beneath the sand or on a pathway, always noticed because it shows you the way of the Camino.

Metal Magic

I love the attention to detail in everything. Functional objects become works of art.

Open the door....

Doors to new and exciting places. It is wonderful to imagine how many people have passed through these doors over the centuries. Living in South Africa, which is a relatively 'young' country in terms of architechture, I find it amazing to see buildings that have stood,unchanged, for hundreds of years.There is such beautiful attention to detail, in the knockers,handles and hinges.The workmanship on the cathedrals (the one in the photo is at Astorga) is unbelievable and timeless in its design.This in great contrast to the simple rustic doorway in the photo above it.

Camino de Santiago continued

The essence of the Camino walk is to rid yourself of all unnecessary earthly posessions. I carried a backpack weighing only 7kg (including the pack and a sleeping bag) and by the end of the journey I felt as though I could have managed with even less 'stuff'. All along the way pilgrims leave things they feel they no longer need and place them on the 'scarecrows' alongside the path.

Camino De Santiago

I have just returned from Spain, having completed part of the Camino De Santiago or "Way of St. James" walk. This is a pilgrimage and can be started from almost anywhere in the world, as someone said "you can step out of your backdoor and start walking!" We, however were not so adventurous, due to work and family commitments, so we began our journey in Leon. The walk took us along dusty roads,through wheat and sunflower fields, up mountains and down valleys, in forests and finally down to the Santiago cathedral. I have hundreds of photos and many memories and thoughts which I will be sharing over the next few weeks. For the moment though I would like to leave you with this quote from Mother Teresa...."Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."

Vintage Yarn

 A friend of mine recently gave me a basket of vintage yarn from her Mothers collection. I decided to make into a blanket and give it back to her so that she would still be able to enjoy it. These are some of the lables, old and smelling of moth balls. What memories that envokes!

 My favourite is the mohair. I love the look of it but unfortunately can't bear the thought of it against my skin.

 This is the official definition of mohair Mohair /ˈmoʊhɛər/ usually refers to a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.[1] The word "mohair" was adopted into English before 1570 from the Arabic: مخير mukhayyar,[1] a type of haircloth, literally 'choice', from khayyara, 'he chose'.[2] Mohair fiber is approximately 25–45 microns in diameter.[3] It is one of the oldest textile fibers in use.[citation needed] It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen,[2] which has helped give it the nickname the "Diamond Fiber",[4] and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair takes dye exceptionally well. Mohair is warm in winter as it has great insulating properties, while remaining cool in summer due to its moisture wicking properties. It is durable, naturally elastic, flame resistant, crease resistant, and does not felt. It is considered to be a luxury fiber, like cashmere, angora and silk, and is usually more expensive than most wool that comes from sheep.

I can't agree that it is 'silk like' but have to admit that the texture and color is rather stunning.



Handemade paper

 Another beautifully made card from my friend Lidia

 Closeup of the illustration and paper.



Beading

This is the latest  necklace I have just listed in my shop. I like the colour combination of red, pink and orange.It looks so cheerful and different for me...I always seem to move towards the neutral colours. These are Guterman beads and have a real luminous or iridescent quality about them. One is always tempted to use cheaper beads but in the long run the more expensive ones really do look better. They are mare uniform in size which I like, although sometimes it id nice to have the texture created by the variation in size. I suppose it depends on what mood I'm in!



Talking of birds.........

Talking of birds.....I love birds because they have so many patterns and textures which make for easy design.This is a work in progress and will most likely end up as a card for a special Birthday.

A 'bird' quote ....

"Use the talents you possess...

The world would be silent

If no birds sang there, except

those that sang the best!"

Handmade paper

 I have a very talented friend who made me these beautiful cards.

 She uses a special technique to make designs on the paper. These are also shaped into birds, which I love.

 Not only does she make the paper but also does stunning illustrations. I can't bring myself to give these cards away, they are worthy of a frame I think!

The talented Lidia has also written and illustrated a book, which I will post as soon as it is published.

Purple Cellini Spiral

My latest cellini spiral. I'm trying to improve my tension so that the finished necklace is more flexible and not so tight. It is quite difficult because the tighter the tension the more even it looks but it doesn't curve around the neck or wrist so nicely. I love this colour combo with the lime and the purple.

I have progressed a bit further and added in some larger beads for the front of the necklace. Still not sure about how this looks and may revert to the same beads all the way around.

Walking the cliff path

Walking the cliff path in Hermanus, where I live,is an amazing experience. I suppose living in such a beautiful place you stop noticing the magnificent surroundings! This was about an 18km walk along the seafront, most of it on the path through the 'fynbos' (natural vegetation) and occasionally back onto the road. We walked at a leisurely pace and took about 5 hours, stopping for breakfast on the way. What a wonderfull way to spend a Saturday morning.