CHRISTMAS TREE INSPIRATION

The Stamers 2009 Chrissy Tree

 handmade paper stars

Student collaboration from 2005

Jane Schouten's amazing xmas tree collage

I've been compiling my favorite Chrissy Tree images for ages! The hugest apologies to the clever folk and bloggers who originally posted these inspirational pics. I ashamedly archived the images and forgot to take note of who, what and where I found them. If you recognize any of the images please let me know and I'll credit all involved. How amazing is the found objects/collage tree above!!!? I secretly love the crocheted trees the most.

NEW PRINTS & GOOD THINGS

I know, I know I have been a little slack with the posts lately, I've been super busy trying to get things done before Christmas which I can't believe is next week!!! Ada turns *1* next Sunday (yes 2 days after Xmas), I keep thinking about the way things were this time a year ago. I had the very fugly bloated legs, aching ligaments and constant braxton hicks pains day and night. Ada arrived 1.5 weeks early, I didn't expect her so soon because Wilhelmina was 10 days overdue. Just shows you, you can never predict these things. Ada's been a little champion, she's now crawling everywhere, actually she's still sliding like a slug but beginning to pull herself up on things and being as bold as brass. Wilhelmina is completely fascinated by her little sister.

We've blinged up the Chrissy tree complete with new bright green growth at the tips. I stupidly insisted on mixing in some dynamic lifter when we repotted the prickly beast. Well, our back room now smells like Werribee (local sewage farm). Tomorrow I'll add some pics of our smelly Christmas tree complete with some of my favorite Chrissy tree images.

On the creative side of things, I added 8 new prints to my bigcartel shop today. They're all new images which I recently showed at the 'three of a kind' exhibition with Irene and Beci. I also have some prints for sale up at Bob Boutique in Bendigo. If you are local and feel like a long drive over the Chrissy break then I highly recommend visiting the lovely Sonia at Bob's for a visual treat!

P.S I went to the movies last night (first time in 2 years!!!) to see Jane Campions 'Bright Star', it is a visual treat and intensely romantic! Coincidently I noticed Lucy has some giveaway tix over at The Design Files today!!! Yay for freebies!

New Projects

                         converting our boring wall to a fun blackboard

The ultimate cubby via Miko Design

top3 by design

wove cubby

love this old barn which could be converted to a cubby house!

Sadly the 'three of a kind' show ended on Sunday, it came and went in a flash. Exhibiting with Irene and Beci was definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had! Firstly, I utterly admire their art so much, secondly I was blown away by their professionalism, organisation and super cool attitude, thirdly I am inspired by how they have created a perfect balance mixing their art and personal life. Those girls rock! The coolest thing is their energy and dedication to their family and kids (in Irene's case, bubba number 1 on the way) Both Irene and Beci have that special magical sparkle in their eyes! No wonder their work is so amazing.

On the home front I have been busy preparing some fun things for the kids. I eventually got round to painting one of the walls in our back room with blackboard paint. Wilhelmina loves it! Warning for anyone considering using blackboard paint... make sure you have plenty of ventilation/fresh air and wear dud clothes! The paint is a nightmare!!! It really stinks, actually I'd compare it to the stinky stench of possum pee and it stains like a bugger. I stupidly hammered the lid on not noticing that there was wet paint in the lip of the can and it splattered all over my face, I was too angry at the time to document my dotted complexion with a photo :( After much scrubbing and partial skin removal I was able to rub most of the paint off, it is still riddled throughout my hair though. Next DIY project is the long awaited cubby house royale. I've been hounding poor Karl for months to have a crack at building one. See above for cubby inspiration, one of my favorites is the super sweet gypsy style caravan via Miko Design, it's so very, very pretty!

The Chrissy tree is due to come out of hiding, it'll be my next domestic project. Wilhelmina is so excited. I'll also have to dust off our softie door angel too. A few years ago some young punks tagged it so I had to make a pretty dress to cover the scribbles! That's karma for you (see older post referring to 'kingsway'!)

LIFE GOES ON

* gentle reminder *

Two more sleeps to go until opening night! Things are relatively quiet on the home front, perhaps the calm before the storm... The girls have been little gems and having their regular daily sleeps which allows big mumma to get some work done and things organised for the show. Ada is literally days away from crawling, she has just started doing a rather clever sliding-forward-manoeuvre to get from A to B, we are all very impressed. Wilhelmina is getting taller by the day and bolder by the minute. We enjoyed yesterdays late arvo sunshine outside in the backyard, Ada is discovering grass and finds it very itchy and annoying, she preferred the sporadic dust spots. This morning while I was doing the dishes in the kitchen I busted Ada daydreaming in her 'fun pod', she was staring out the window and resting her head on little Miffy, I had to capture the moment. She was soon rescued for a kiss and a cuddle. I excitedly hanged/hung one of my 'bird cluster' mdf mobile samples above the toilet (pride of place!) I had them done specifically for the show, they are made of translucent acrylic and the colours are gorgeous! I'll share pics of installed work at our 'three of a kind' blog after opening night. Oooh exciting times!!!