The Importance of Little Things

Every now and then I remember to take some time out. After a tough couple of weeks I sat down on the porch in the sun with a cup of tea. As afternoon gradually became twilight I watched a couple of Kookaburras on the lawn in front of me having their dinner. As the shadows lengthened these two beautiful birds would sit in the tree branches waiting and then land on the ground and kill whatever it was they found. All was peaceful and quiet. I could hear their wings flap and their beaks snap. I brought me to a place of calm.

It's been ages since I've seen Kookaburras at home. When I was growing up they used to sit on the washing line and we'd see them almost every day, especially as mum would put out the scraps of meat from cooking dinner.

It really is the small things that make life worthwhile. Mum used to love the colours of the rain on the trees as the sun glittered through. She would have loved to sit and watch these two birds with me. And I thought of other small things that make life that much better. My friend Nifty spending ages finding just the right eyebrows for my mini-me on her Wii last night.

And then there are the beautiful illustrations and artworks of Gretchen of Chichiboulie. Earlier today, the childish fun and simplicity of her drawings made me smile. How can you not smile when faced with this?










Or this?

There is so much joy to be had on Gretchen's blog and in her shop. I can tell you, you'll enjoy the time you spend.

Using my Kumihimo

A couple of posts ago I showed some of the necklaces that I'd managed to incorporate my braids into. I have also made a couple of bracelets. The first one is incredibly simple but then the braid itself is so pretty it didn't warrant any other detail really. It was with this one that I made the coil that makes for a very simple end that makes the braid very usable and also keeps the attention on the braid rather than the link.


The second braid is not quite so successful. I love the look of it but the wire at the side needs a little adjusting as the plait comes out of it. I love the effect of the button but it is a little heavy for the braid. Looks great though. I also love my picture as, after lots of fussing I finally managed to make it look great and uncluttered.


I really must put more time into the photos so I can get myself some sort of portfolio to show people. That is for another day though.

Wonderful packaging ideas...

Packaging and presentation of your work to buyers is always important but not always thought through. Susy from Earth Expressions has given some very simple and practical ideas on her blog. You can read her suggestions here. Susy makes a whole range of things. Lots of paper is used, vintage findings and wire. Her work ranges from bookmarks to pendants and earring and decorating other objects. I especially love her simple tins. Susy presents her pendants and pendant necklaces in these.