rockMYroll

Is Permaculture really just for the Hippies?

2012-05-19T11:07:00.000+10:00

First Chillies picked from my garden 2012

Fresh
Homegrown
Organic
Sustainable
Need I say more...

I found it super stressful to be working with (older) children this week at my Prac experience. I had to explain to them that anything that came in a packet had preservatives in it...really?? And these kids live on farms.!. I also had an argument with them over the organic nature of their crops, I asked them "does your dad spray his potato crop" - answer "yes" - "then its not organic". I always fought the notion that my local community was getting a bit more opened minded but take one step out of town and I see racism - closed mindedness - and generational fairy tales everywhere.

My family eats well - we eat as much of our own grown food as possible and the rest is filled with veggies sourced from the local fruit and veg store. I know what effect sugar and preservatives have on my little girl. The high and then the low that comes soon after...it is painfully obvious to watch - even at three and a half she knows the effect it has on her moods and behavior. I really am flabbergasted that other parents claim that it has no effect on their children. I knew BC (before child) that it had some sort of effect on kids but now AC (after children) the results are plain to see... it's simply so plain to see.

One of my worst child raring moments was going to a friend house and seeing some sort of red cordial (maybe blackcurrant) in a five month old's bottle - a bottle for goodness sake!! Miss G only has cordial perhaps once a month - if she is lucky - and only if she catches her Dad having a glass. She begs for water to quench her thirst - even with the cordial drink by its side.

Recently my Mexican friend was staying with me, we had a discussion about the word Permaculture. We worked together on Bill Mollison's farm. I expressed my issues with the word "Permaculture" and how it had been hi-jacked by the New Ageists, hi-jacked and enforced with its "spirituality". Indeed I am not happy about this - I do not believe in witches - fairies - or elves. I do not want to be associated with the thought patterns that the new-ageist apply to their everyday life. It does not go well with my intellectual side. I believe in karma and living life respectful to animals, earth and humans - Simplicity.

While I still will be enjoying my garden and its produce - working towards removing myself and my family off the grid I will start to choose my words more carefully. My Mexican friend suggested the words "Organic" and "Sustainability" - these are the words I will be using from now on. I will still be drawing on permaculture for some inspiring ideas but I will also be drawing from other sustainable practices to give myself a rounded education in care of our earth, planet and animals.

I know that Bill never went much on the mumbo-jumbo that was getting caught up in the word Permaculture - he detests it. If you read his books there is nothing about those things in there for a reason - he does not believe it either - he is a scientist and I believe perhaps too smart to buy into the new-agest rubbish.

I am not getting all "down on the hippies"... I love the hippies... I am a hippy... I just believe that because I enjoy living an alternative life I shouldn't have to worship alternative gods - the moon - or trees.

So from now on you will hear me talk less of Permaculture and more about organics and sustainability. I believe in its importance to our minds - body and souls. When it comes to spirituality I am still seeking and questioning. Recently there have been too many questions with out answers... in the meantime I will keep cleansing my home of junk and my personal associations from stress...its working on some level to cleanse my mind...and that has to be good right?

Mxo

Made with Love in May

2012-05-13T13:57:00.001+10:00

Yesterday was our May - Made with Love Market

It was freezing and we had so many stall holders pull out. As disappointing (and last minute frustrating{I don't mind cancellations but late notice is not really fun}) that this was for me I managed to pull all our outside stall holders inside - out of the weather.

We had a lovely time - we always do - my stall holders have to be the most beautiful women in Tasmania. I thought with the weather, as rainy and cold as it was, we would have a very poor turn out in regards to punters. I prepared myself to just have fun with all the girls rather than be run off my feet with customers. This was not the case - thankfully.

We had a reasonable sized crowd and they all seemed to be buying. I met people that had come down to Launceston to visit our market. Perhaps our advertising is working after all.

After careful consideration I have decided to keep managing the market for a few more months. Unlike my art centre retirement I don't feel that the market is self sustaining enough yet for me to step back. I am also afraid of the market being turned over to someone that will turn it into a "contemporary market" or a "baby market". I don't want this project to lose the unique Tasmanian designers feel we have created and enforce upon it a logo that includes a silhouette of a bird on stick...it would break my heart.

I love our vintage feel - I love our designers - we are a cosy community of amazing women.

We are working on some new branding - I feel we are really trying to capture our vibe through our logo and design image.

I want it to be Tasmanian - I want it to represent us.

Our first logo was completed in haste and I feel we are ready to become "grown up" and represent the maturity that we have grown into and earned by our achievements - I can't wait to revel it to you.

So thankyou again to all our supporters - thankyou to Naomi for yet more beautiful photography - thankyou to all our amazing designers and last but not least thankyou to Claire for all your help.

Please feel free to pop over to our facie page to view the complete set of images from this months market.
Mxo

Blah to you old wardrobe

2012-05-10T09:26:00.003+10:00

*Sorry about the pictures being a bit "Muddy" but late night sewing = poor picture quality.

When your going into winter sometimes you feel a bit BLAH so it's the perfect time to make up some new special things for your wardrobe. This weekend was very productive and I got two dresses made for everyday wear. I am not sure on the length of the first dress I made (top left) so it may be taken up in the future. The second one I put a heart cut out in the back (bottom pictures). I love this feature and contry to popular opinion it does not show your bra strap through the cut out.

Lastly I made a dress (top right) for a dress up party this weekend for my besties 30th Birthday. The dress up is themed "Icons from 1982 onwards".

I found a Danger Mouse sheet the other day and felt it was perfect to make a dress to wear to the party. I actually love it... I actually love danger mouse and have a feeling that I may have had one of those "squeal" moment in the op shop when I found it. Everyone should have a Danger Mouse Dress. I am going to style it with black tights - higher than high heels and a belt. Its going to be rock'n.

What did you do in your Creative Space this week?

Once upon a time...

2012-05-07T11:35:00.002+10:00

I stumbled along Once Upon a Time a while ago on blog land {no idea where or how} so when she asked to come to the market I was pretty chuffed.

I love her cute quirky work - her cute sense of style. She reminds me a lot of Cat-Rabbits work.

I had a great selling day at my last market so treated myself to one of her felt animals and a necklace. It was so hard to choose between them all and already have my next purchase picked out. My Mr Moose now resides in my Woman Cave...he seems quite happy....but defiantly lonely enough for me to HAVE to buy another.

The worst thing is for our next market she is bringing a friend that makes steam punk jewelry!! Ahhh how will I ever decide what to buy!!

Mxo

Paper Bunting and Wheat Packs

2012-05-05T11:12:00.001+10:00

This week I have been on my first teaching Prac - my first step to becoming an Art teacher. This is something I have wanted for so long and it just feels so right. I was born for that job.

The downside of Prac is that I haven't felt this tired since being pregnant with my little girl. My nightly making is starting to suffer but I have managed to churn out a few things. Early mornings - working all day and studying does not go well for my making...still worth it though.

Next week I have to supervise the schools cross country. The school I am working at lies on top of a hill and is renown to be FREEZING(!!) if there is snow about. I made these small wheat packs to go in my pockets should the day be dismal...I also made some extras for the market next weekend.

The second thing I have been working on are some hanging paper buntings - made from my lino prints, vintage music sheets, book pages and a bit of collage. Its been fun - they also will be at the market next week.

Now I have some market admin to get done so the other stall holders can stop freaking out about if they have a spot or not...sorry guys I've been busy...then hopefully I can get back in the sewing room this weekend.

Have a great one kiddies

Mxo

Cards

2012-05-02T22:43:00.000+10:00

Handmade Cards

Made tonight

For the May 12th Made with Love Market Bazaar

I heard it's Mothers day the next day

Should be fun

Mxo

Freshies

2012-05-01T22:56:00.001+10:00

Fresh off the sewing machine!

Wrap skirts - Lightening bolt features and cute pockets.

Will be going on my market stall this month and then into madeit shop for the left overs.

All I can think about is tights - skirts and jackets for this winter. Be prepared to see more skirts popping up

In L.O.V.E!!

Mxo

A little bit of a Plug..

2012-04-29T13:40:00.000+10:00

People that read my blog can tell that I don't do the advertising thing - That is unless I do actually agree/like with the product. My blog is after all just a personal account - a diary of what I make and other nonsense I choose to write about. Personal opinions only. I don't have a schedule of blog posts to stick to - I answer to no one - and I like it that way. However I am about to talk about a few commercial products - Garnier is not paying me or forcing me to write this - personal opinions only remember...

Not so long ago you may remember that The Art Centre received $1000 grant from Garnier and I got flown to Melbourne by Garnier for the most fabulous weekend. Well part of that treat I also received a lovely package from Garnier to treat myself!

Out of the pack I have found a few new favorites - it seems that everyone is raving about the BB Cream and I was also wrapped with it when I tried it. Since giving up hairdressing I don't tend to wear much foundation - preferring the natural look. If your the same then this product you MUST try this cream (reasonably priced from most supermarkets). The product is a skin perfecter - light foundation and sunscreen....a great all rounders especially for our Aussie sun. I think I may even start lecturing those gorgeous young ladies that pack their face full of thick, powdery foundation (one of my most hated beauty mistakes besides yellow/orange hair and drag queen eye shadow). If you have young skin - let it breath - let it glow and protect it from the damn sun!

My next favorite is the roll on concealer - its great for those darker areas just under your eyes - it blends easy and is light - yet again no powdery solid foundation look here.

I love getting in the shower first thing in the morning and washing your face - I have tried MANY different washes and never really settle on whether I like one with an exfoliate or not. The Clean Detox face scrub is great because it only has a light exfoliate and leaves your skin lovely and clean with out too much dryness. I will be buying this again when it runs out.

Lastly I love the Repair Night cream - it soaks in really well - not greasy afterwards but still gives your face a lovely moisturising. I am fussy with my face creams so it was with pleasure when I used this one. It comes with an indicator to measure your eye line improvement but since my eyes don't really have any yet (not bad for 32!!) I can't really do the test. However I have noticed an improvement in a little hole in my face left by a pimple..which is fantastic - lets hope it gets even better after the 28 day trial.

Really though these products are very reasonably priced and good value - trust me I have bought so many over the years and if I find something I like I will stick to it - and these four will be permanents in my home.

In my pack they did send me lots of other stuff but I thought it was best to only share those I was in love with. I was really hoping to find a hair product from Garnier that I loved but unfortunately I was sent only straightening products and since I don't straighten often they are a bit useless to me. Its not that I don't like them I just wont use them more than four times a year...my hair needs a more moisture and control product for a daily use. I did buy a Garnier wax (made for boys I think) and that's pretty good but not exactly what I'm looking for..the hunt continues. Now that I am getting to the end of my hairdressing product I need to find something that fits more into my budget these days...dang it.

As far as our grant money is concerned - we haven't spent it yet. The approval will be going through at the next meeting. We are looking at buying as many quick set up gazebos as we can squeeze out of it so that our paved space at the front of the centre can be be used more effectively especially for our designers market stall holders. We are also looking into a coffee machine (maybe out of our budget unfortunately) or some plants and mulch to pretty up the garden. It has been a positive experience for the art centre...so again, Thankyou Garnier - for looking after me and my grass roots project.

Mxo

Lino - More Lino - then some more lino....

2012-04-26T09:54:00.001+10:00

I am still in love with lino cutting - and still in love with the new silk lino's - they are amazing.

This week I finished three new cuts - "Steam Punk" - "Dragonfly" and "Teacup Stack". I printed them up at Stitch n Bitch this week..see we are not always about the sewing.

I put them in my madeit store two days ago and have already sold some! Yay! and Thankyou. I am putting them in the mail today. I also have had a job from announcing my graphic design services yesterday so things are looking up.

I tried a wash test on the fabric versions of the lino cuts with terrible results. It literally just flaked off without even staining the fabric. Unbelievable! I am going to try to add some fabric medium to my inks but I have a feeeling its going to make it all a bit runny. I do love that sticking sound as you roll out your ink on glass - nooooice!

Hope your week got creative...if not there is still time left.
Mxo

Buy My Time

2012-04-25T12:16:00.000+10:00

Have you ever wanted to start a blog and didn't know how? Are you computer skills a little lacking? Do you need a logo designed or a complete branding package?

Perhaps I can help you out...

I am now offering my services to you folk and I feel very confident we can work together.

I have worked in Desktop Publishing for two years along with my own arts practice and I live, eat and breath design. My main role at my previous job was laying out books...not booklets but whole books..it was a very big job.

If the idea of creating your own website or brand excites you then this is your opportunity to invest in yourself. I have done quite a few jobs already but felt it was time to offer my services to the wider public. For my starting price I have quoted my hours at a very reasonable rate so its a great time to jump on board and throw me your ideas. If this is ticking all the right boxes then please click on my Freelancing tab at the top of the page and let's work something out....

Mxo

Music For Your Eyes

2012-04-24T15:03:00.004+10:00

I have just uploaded into my Madeit store. Now available are my lino prints. Now anyone - and I mean ANYONE can purchase them.

I have put up a selection of options - buy one or buy in bulk its up to you. I've also put up the two canvas that I have (so far) completed.

I feel like I have been asked about these more than anything else I have created so fingers crossed I have enough luck with the sales of these to not go back to work - like ever - ha.

I have been Ummming and Ahhing over keeping my Madeit store open. The fees are actually quite high - especially with paypal fees included in a sale. I have adjusted the price of my items to help out a little but of course you can always purchase them cheaper from my stall at the Made with Love Market. If you would like to stock these in your shop then email me directly for a bulk price.

I have a few more cuts I have been working on - soon to be released into my madeit store. It's so much fun doing these, I don't think I will be stopping for a while.

Mxo

Woman Cave - Hear me ROOAARR!

2012-04-19T10:20:00.002+10:00

Once there was a room in my house that was my art studio, My poor little room started to get more neglected as I did more sewing. Eventually no art was done in there at all - due to the huge pile of crap being plonked on the floor. The sewing stuff and fabric never found a permanent home and was spread from here to kingdom come!!

The man of the house was hounded until a compromise was reached and a plan of action taken. The Woman Cave was BORN!! There was much swearing and weekends spent doubling the size of the old art room. Two unusable spaces were combined to make one adorable (yet hard to photograph due to the slightly weird shape) cave of womaness!! (yes that is a word, cause I said so)

There was so much sorting, folding, swearing and reconfiguring to be done. I am pretty sure the man is now hating his building work as he doesn't see his wife - like ever.

Might I suggest that every woman needs a Woman Cave and every sewer needs a WALL of fabric...just saying..

Mxo

Heart a Cardigan

2012-04-17T11:35:00.001+10:00

There was a girl who decided to knit for the first time since childhood... There was a wonky beginning, much learning (including learning to follow a graph), successful banding attempts and general elation.

Then there was too short sleeves, lots of unpicking, sad faces and finally putting the project aside till everyone calmed down a bit.

After the commotion had passed there was some blocking out, crochet of edges and Padington bear buttons.

The crowd went wild... Michelle bowed down to the audience and then snapped the knitting needles over her knee.

Mxo

Advance Australia Fair

2012-04-15T11:09:00.001+10:00

Ok so its not an "Australian" post at all but its most certainly not about the British either - lets get that clear from the beginning. I have already been told by two people that my chair is now a blight to Australian pride, but no un-patraotic intentions here ok- promise. I just like the colours...ok...

I did have a little heart flutter when I saw this material in spotlight and couldn't get it out of my head - nor did I buy any that day. Not till I have the perfect project was I going to buy any more new material (new rules dues to lack of space left).

My $5 chair rescued from the tip need some jazzing up so I spent 10 bucks on a section of the flag material. I did the project in my new Woman Cave, as a break from all the damn sorting and TA-DA!!

Chair - $5
Material - $15 with the calico extras
Upholstery studs - $7

All in all quite the bargain - and quite a bit better looking than the original - so I think anyway.
Mxo

Time

2012-04-08T10:55:00.002+10:00

Beware - Rant Ahead:

Why does my self confidence depend on what I do for a living. I am constantly frustrated by the lack of arts work in my area. I am totally over qualified for all the volunteer work I do but I have no choice if that's the field I want to work in. Recently I did not get an arts job that I am qualified for and feel that I had "done my time" in community arts work to prove my commitment to the arts. If all that I have done didn't get the me the only arts job in my area then what is the point in continuing? I cannot better myself anymore than I have already done.

I feel the time has come to be paid my worth - paid for all the study I have completed - all the hours I have spent slaving away around my regular jobs. I have worked hard for my qualifications - I have given up precious moments of rest and social occasions to get in the position I have.

But what the hell for? Not once have I ever worked in paid employment in my specialised field. Normal people with a degree at my level would be well into their upper limits of salary by now but yet the feeling that the arts are "just not that important" still prevail. I can show you multiple reasons why arts are important to a community - important to individuals and most especially important to the survival and growth of small towns. The proof is there yet year after year funding is cut to the arts - arts jobs are just not being created and we are all expected to work in a volunteer capacity and beg for funding though grants. A stable life this does not make. I have worked hard in study to turn a "hobby" into something serious yet still there is nothing in my area in which I can turn my hand to. In fact the closest thing that I have had to paid arts work is through my graphic work - qualifications completed through Tafe. I am grateful for those that have given me their design work/desktop publishing recently. It has made for good pocket money. I now feel that I must venture into this field to support my unemployment.

Regardless - why is that I feel I must work? To be active in employment give me more motivation and self worth - the guilt of not contributing to society and my home are hard to take. My confidence suffers without it. Yet in my own head I never judge those that don't work - it doesn't even cross my mind. People say they have children and are stay at home Mums, and that's the end of that - no judging here. I do however judge those that have never worked or sought out education. Uni is next to free - Tafe is cheap - there is no excuse for not bettering yourself. I also retain the right to whinge about the bludges because I have worked since I was sixteen - I have payed my taxes to support the roads - the pensions - the hospitals - the police/nurses/teachers...obviously all the components in which most on a permanent "dole" feel they have the right to whinge about. We are so lucky to live in a day and age in which women nearly have all the rights of a man - medical help is beyond advanced and we are not being killed by mindless crusaders or dictators. We are lucky - I am lucky, even without a job I have plenty to fill my time, the freedom go about my business - the freedom to create, it is time for me to stop feeling guilty and enjoy my time at home.

I have decided on a personal level to give up all outgoing community commitments and return to a "Normal Life". One that I have not experienced in 9 years of community work. I will be dropping my management role at the Made With Love Market and become a stall holder only, I will be dropping my committee commitments for the art centre but remain on as Garnier ambassador.

Time will be mine - to choose what I do - when I do it - if I want to spend time on freelance work I can. I have so many personal projects I want to get my teeth stuck into, Why would I be spending that time on projects for other people - for free. Time to get selfish - time to live a normal life. I will spend this last year home with my daughter before she goes to school - I will choose to be paid for my design work through freelancing - I will spend time studying my teaching degree and I will spend time creating in my new "Woman Cave" (post coming soon!).

Time for ME! After all time is something you can never get back - why not enjoy it. I found this article through another blog recently - it outlines the top 5 regrets of the dying. One of the main regrets when dying is working too hard - it sure does give you something to think about.

Mxo

End Rant - thanks for listening

More Than Kitchen Lino

2012-04-04T21:00:00.000+10:00

So I have returned back to my arts roots - I have had this project stored away for a long time - building up my supplies till I had the time to sit - and carve. I haven't done any lino cutting since high school, back in those days there was that traditional lino that took forever to carve and gave you blisters. This new fan-dangled type is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It carves like a hot knife in butter - no blisters here. It is darker on the top and as you carve the lighter inner revels itself. This has a two way benifit - you can see a lot easier of the future finished product as what you are leaving behind becomes the print {but backwards of course} and secondly it show how deep you are carving.

I love - love - LOVE! working with these. After my first few prints I got the hang of it and now I am itching to do some more designs and printing. I will be selling them at next weekends Made with Love but I have a feeling these will go further - perhaps in my madeit shop and perhaps further. I am really excited by these and have been collection old books and music sheets to print on - now that's one op shop item that we are not running short on around here. Below is some that I printed onto fabrics. I am yet to try their colour fastness for use in my sewing but they will defiantly be turned into art works fo sho....wooo!

Nannas Been Holding Out

2012-04-01T14:55:00.001+10:00

It really is true - Nannas have all the good stuff. They dont even realise they have all the good stuff - the stuff we scower the op shops for - the stuff we fight our friends to get too - the stuff that they find no value in, yet we praise and show it off on blog land.

Unfortunatly my Nanna is moving out of the only house that I have known her to live in. My Pa had a stroke on my birthday over a year ago. Nanna is finally over all the work the large house brings and being away from Pa has driven my Nanna to move closer - true love I'm sure. They make it seem so easy...sigh.

However this is a very sad event for me - I love that house - so many memories. I was preparing for it but yet I still don't want it to happen. My Mum warned me that Nanna was having a garage sale and with Mum being interstate suggested that I make sure Nanna wasn't flogging off family memories or things that I liked to complete strangers for two bucks.

I popped in the night before the sale and found so many goodies - I am pleased I made it there. Even my family doesn't seem to understand my collection - they are not interested in it themselves - which is fine by me as I get all the good stuff. I wish I had more space to bring more of it home but I was very happy to get the things I did. I forgot to photo the crockery and pinnies but most of what I took home is in this post. The portable record player (above) was my favorite item. It plugs in and plays beautifully, I have already started building my record collection. If anyone can suggest some funky records to invest in let me know. The rocker chair (also above) was made by my pa when he was 18 but unfortunately, pending a divorce, I do not have the room for more furniture.

Above is my Nannas beloved organ. I would not know what to do with it so it also stayed at the sale but I remember playing on this so many times as a youngster - I am sure I would have made a mighty racket. The beaded clown toy came home with me, It was my uncles when he was a baby. I can see a home for it in my nearly finished sewing/art room. That room needs a better name....

I also bought home this cute little cupboard that used to reside in our play house now destined for the crappy named room shortly. They two little green "sewing boxes" are apparently over 100 years old...well I never. Lastly I will show you my Grandmas suitcases. I gasped when I saw them there - Nanna looked at me a bit funny but there is no way in hell I was letting her flog those off. I am grateful to Nanna for generously letting me bring all this stuff home and loved that she told me the story behind each of the items - it means the world to me.

It seems that maybe I should stop op shopping and attend garage sales - thems is where all the bargains are at. Too bad they are so bloody early.

Playing along with Sophie again today.

Mxo

Garnier Ambassador LOVE

2012-03-31T16:12:00.001+11:00

I was extremely lucky to be surrounded by such inspirational women while attending the Garnier Ambassador day. I was also happy to find out that most of the lovely ladies blog and get right on board the whole social media experience.

Have you ever heard of seven degrees of separation? Well I was sitting next to one particular ambassador, in which, in the IG world we were pretty much sisters. We followed multiple of the same people and yet again I was blown away again about how small our world is with the introduction of the internet, blogging and now the iphone (Instagram).

I don't know a lot of other consistent bloggers in my real life and it was great to see the impact being part of the online social experience was making on them, their businesses and their thinking in general. Personally I don't think I would be in the same headspace creatively without blogging and IG, I cant express enough how un-isolated it makes me feel. I was also grateful to be in the presence of hard working and socially active women. Strong women also make me feel more included. I always feel so self conscious of how much I do. I always play down my "activities" and recently I have found myself completely ignoring parts of my "activities" just to stop scaring people away (plus it takes waaay to long to explain to someone you have just met). I think its useful to have a hand in every pie but there are always those days in which you 1. wish you got paid for it 2. could scale things back to live a less complicated life.

My head seems fuzzy lately - not working has me really unorganized me. I am used to doing all my other "work" around my paid work and now it seems I dabble in everything all through the day and this leaves me frazzled and plan-less.

However this post was not started to be about me or my head - it was meant to be about these lovely girls and their blogs. I think you should go and have a look at their positiveness and perhaps feel inspired, I know I was:

Working Women Australia - As it states, for working women in Australia, great resources and inspirational.
Leigh Morrison - Great blog for positive inspiration
Lisa Mini Ginger - A lovely blog about kindness and motherhood
Fizzle Out - Project about eating good food. Especially aimed at medical students

And some of the projects:
Precious Hearts
Icing Smiles
Family Get together (Closed group but great for the link)
Second Chance Horse Rescue
"P" Platers Alive

I feel like I have missed out some, I will add more links as I find them - sorry to any of the girls I may have missed but I will do another post shortly.
M xo

Winter Woolies

2012-03-29T10:31:00.000+11:00

What to do with a heap of vintage flannel? Where there's not much else to sew except for winter PJ's for the G myster and me.

I cut them all out and was preparing the pockets when I thought about mixing up all the combinations of colours. I was thrilled that I realised this before the sewing began.

We are preparing for the winter - and I'm not happy about it but at least we will look totes cool in our mis-matched PJ's and ugg boots.

More creative spaces here.

Mxo

Bread Making

2012-03-28T11:11:00.001+11:00

When I think Bread making i think "time consuming". Too much bother when life is so busy. Why on earth would you make your own bread - deal with the highs and lows of getting a good finished product - when you can nick down to the local high street and pick up a loaf.

I remember glimpses of my Mum cooking bread while she was at home with us - the smell - the taste. It was enough to create some profound memories and a love for home made bread. However I did understand that the process was indeed very time consuming. What I saw as time consuming was not quite correct. Yes indeed it does take along time to make bread but time consuming it is not. The process can take all day but the personal time spent with and on the bread would be no longer than 30mins in total. Unfortunately the practicality of the working person in making bread would make it difficult as some of that time spent on the needs to happen hours apart.

Being in my position of unemployment it seems sensible that I try my hand at bread making - PLUS I really wanted the calico bag the mix came in for a future project. To get to use that bag meant that I would need to use all 10 kg of that flour...so bread it must be.

My first attempt was amazing - great consistency - light & fluffy - amazing taste. It seems I was born for bread making. I used this recipe and I highly recommend using this one for first time makers. If I can do it - so can you. This is not my recipe but I feel there are some alterations that will make a difference, my alterations in italics. This recipe makes too much bread for our family so I now half the recipe and it makes a lovely loaf:

You will need:

Yeast - 2 Tbsp
Hot-ish* water - 2 cups (hot as you can from out of the tap)
Bread flour - 5 cups total, 2 for the sponge and 3 for later. (NOT regular flour)
Sugar - 2 Tbsp.
Salt - 2 tsp.
Oil - 2 Tbsp.
3 loaf pans (2 loaf pans)
Quick-read thermometer
Oven pre-heated to 375 (180 C)

This recipe uses what I call a "sponge." The sponge will activate the yeast and get things started; getting the yeast warm, happy, and ready to go.
Start by mixing the hot water and the flour. Then, add 2 Tbsp. sugar, 2 Tbsp. oil, 2 Tbsp. yeast, and 2 tsp. salt. Let this sit for about 8 or 10 minutes. Assuming your water was hot enough, it should be nice and bubbly.
Now you need to add about 3 more cups of flour. I added a little less this time, it really depends on the humidity and how exact your measurements were in the sponge step.
Once it gets too tough to stir, flip it onto a clean floured surface. Now, knead away, adding flour as you do so. Knead the dough for 8 or 9 minutes. As my Mother says, it should be the texture of your earlobe when it's done kneading.
When you finish this part put it back in the bowl and cover it with a slightly damp towel.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to an hour. the dough should be about doubled in size by the time it's finished.

Punch the dough down (Yes, punch it. Beat the heck out of it. Just don't make a mess), then divide it into 3 (2) parts. Spray the pans and put the dough in. Let it rise again in the pans (covered) until it (is doubled again).
Preheat your oven to 375 F (180 C in a fan forced oven) and put the loaves in.
Bake them for about 25 minutes. Your quick read thermometer should read between 180 and 190 degrees. Pull the loaves out and place them on their sides on a rack, after a few seconds slide them out of the pans and onto the rack. Let them cool.

I have also attempted to do my own sour dough starter. I got the recipe from here but found it hard to find a recipe in which you actually used the starter. I figured that because the starter is "catching" yeasts and performing the fermentation process then the starter should be added to a usual bread mix as the yeast component. My first sour dough was "fine" (picture below) - a bit heavy perhaps and took F.O.R.E.V.E.R to rise and therefore make. The next sour dough I added back a bit of bakers yeast to speed the process up, but it still took a long time. I am currently doing a loaf that has the sour dough starter added but put in the "normal" amount of yeast in it, this time it came out beautiful - like the first loaf but minus a lot of the extra yeasty taste. I think I have found my forever recipe.
They are right though - bread making is no exact science.
Mxo

Gum Your Boot

2012-03-27T10:12:00.003+11:00

One of the highlights of our year in Wynyard is the local agricultural show. I would have loved to be able to give my daughter the bragging rights of never missing one but unfortunately we had missed two years in a row due to our tripping around in the caravan.

This year we were home - unbelievably we had the most awesome blue sky day (a rarity for the show). We had a great day hanging out with friends and buy Lions Club raffle tickets (another must for the show - I scored the usual bags of potatoes/carrots/bulbs).

A new section to the shows craft display is a gumboot decorating competition. Community groups were encouraged to enter. I put one together for our Stitch'n'Bitch group. Because I knew that the boot would not be worn I wasn't that fussy with the lasting qualities of my materials.

To make it I painted in some white areas with a normal acrylic paint then covered the rest with fabric and glue mixed with water. It worked a treat and only had to glue gun one heavier thing that fell the top. When it dried it was solid as a rock however I don't think it would be resistant to dirt or sloshing out the milking shed.

I then painted in a Babushka doll and once that had dried topped it up with inks. I was pretty happy with the end result and wish I could get ones that looked like this to wear on our farm.

Imagine what the chickens would say............
Mxo

Adventures with Garnier

2012-03-26T13:16:00.002+11:00

A while ago I was begging for votes to support my grass roots project of the ArtsCape. I was hoping to win a grant from Garnier - which we did. I was so grateful to everyone that went out of their way to click on the link and throw their vote in the hat. The result was of course a much needed win for the Centre. This weekend was the official start to the the Ambassador program.

I was flown to Melbourne - taxied to my boutique hotel The Cullen - popped my bags down then was instantly invited out to tea with a couple for the other Ambassadors. I was thankful to meet some of the others on the first night - Debs and Peta were there for their own projects as well as being a fair bit of fun.

Then next day was an early start with a champagne breakfast at the Botanical - a surprise visit from Natalie Gruzlewski (farmer wants a wife host - who did our interview on film later in the day) - and then shipped to Garnier head quarters to begin some pampering, more food, presentations, interviews and more food.

I was super surprised how hospitable and non-lecturey the team was. When people tell you at the start of the day that the company is more like a family than colleges I tend to be all judgy-wudgy and not believe them. Honestly I could see all of the team working well together, down to earth and very respectful of our projects. I was super blown away by how they looked after us on the day and I am grateful to have had the experience.

I adored learning in more detail about the other ladies and their projects. All of them with so much merit. I am proud to be a apart of it and a little bit pleased the art center stood out as the only art project among them. I am now more excited to be a Garnier Ambassador after I had experience with the team, found out their intentions and learning about the other girls.

I am grateful to have been chosen, especially when it comes to my baby - ArtsCape. When I first started the centre all those years ago I really didn't know what would happen to it. Further into the project I realise that the centre is now as important to the art community as it is to keeping the town alive and continuing successful into the future. I never imagined that an art centre in a small town can contribute so greatly to its future. I am forever grateful that the project itself is greatly moving to become more self-sustaining, self starting, embraced wholly by the community and now shown enough merit to be support by projects such as the Garnier Ambassador program. Who would have thunk it in the beginning.

So thankyou Garnier for the weekend and supporting our projects - thankyou ladies for being lovely to hang out and play with - and thankyou Melbourne for having me once more. I am positive this will not be the last time I post about Garnier - I think we have some more excitement to come.

Mxo

How much is too much?

2012-03-22T11:01:00.001+11:00

When I first started all the shenanigans of my volunteer arts work I used to receive a lot of free press - I needed it to get the awareness happening about my projects. Community work generally do not have budgets for advertising.

I started to notice a trend - the more I was in the paper the less people gave me shit about it. I guess the fun of it all wore off. The straw that broke the camels back was when I appeared on the cover of the local phone book for a whole year.

The ignoring from my loved ones I don't mind - it makes it easier in a way. I am in the paper a lot and will continue to be because I needed to for the projects - fact of life and community work. I used to always get embarrassed when upon waking in the morning you had 50 comments on your facey wall and 20 messages all asking if you have shares in the media - whatever!

Well yes - I was in the paper again, along with lovely Sarah, for our Nanna Goes to Town shoppe - this time it was for personal reasons. The article is featuring a picture taken by Naomi but I was informed her name/acknowledgement was taken off by the sub-editor (poor Naomi!). You may remember me talking about the swapsies I did for some art work for my home - well the same Kirsty did this amazing article for us. She gets our market and our products. We are so grateful for her support.

With the airing of this article I did not get one message - not one bit of shit from my friends - not one facey wall post. I guess the glow really has gone - hee hee.

So I feel I must apologise for all my media hogging but also inform you all that I was on the ABC radio doing an interview for my New Nanna exhibit yesterday. Again I'm sorry - obviously you are all sick of it - I completely understand. I'll try to stay a little more low key for you - ok - HA yeah right you all say.

Mxo

Naughty but Nice

2012-03-21T11:59:00.000+11:00

I love buying handmade and even though I'm a maker myself I love supporting others that make...and who can resist when they come beautifully packaged like this one from Naughty Shorts, my second from her. There is nothing like getting someone else to sew for you. I originally went in to buy a yellow one she had up after I had some extra money from selling one of mine. Isn't it funny how quickly you can change your mind.

This post has been a while coming (sorry Bec) but I couldn't get a picture of myself in the dress. Since this picture was taken i have lost 20kg and had my hair cut off (well the bit about the hair is true...). Also please excuse the funny bugs bunny mouth as my husband is no photographer - I was probably telling him what to do. The picture was taken at MONA in Hobart (damn I love that place).

I love the new style she is using and I wear it often - its super comfy and I can wear it winter and summer depending on the undergarments. Thankyou Bec - you did it again.

Mxo

It's Simple Simon

2012-03-20T00:29:00.000+11:00

I have my head down and bum up {sorry for the silence}, who needs work to stay busy...right? Seriously I have had not one day off since I have stopped working. Not enough hours in the day I tell ya's. I have had a couple of commission jobs {thank goodness!} and sold a few dresses - so far I get to keep my car! Huzzah - but perhaps downsizing to a cool camping van may not be such a bad idea...

I have an admission: I am guilty of murder - murding those bloody zuchinnis plants. Enough was enough - they are dead, I enjoyed the massacre, lets move on. I love eating daily from my garden - the freshness - the chemical free - the tasty. I love making tea based on what we have in season. I love bottling for the goodies for the rest of the year. Our beets grow like crazy bastards - must be all the chook poo and mulch.

So far this year I have made : mint sauce, beetroot marmalade, beetroot relish, tomato relish, bread and butter pickles with zucchinis and squash and chilli jam. Nom- nom!! Thanks Tassie Summer - you did ok this year.

I also scored proper Fullers pickling jars {20 for $30 - woot!}. I'm damn excited for when our fruit trees start producing and I can fill their loveliness with home produce.

This is the reason I'm quiet - study bloody study. I'm all over the shiz and pretty handy with picking back up the study routine {brag. brag, do nothing, cram for assignments- yup all over it}. Seriously though I have been organised with my various activities so I can allow my head some time to study - that's the theory and I'm sticking to it. I also have an amazing job interview on Thursday, I'm excited but not sure where I can fit it in to my schedule - Ha jokes of course I can.

I'm also heading to Melbourne compliment of Garnier this weekend all by myself - FOR TWO NIGHTS!! What will I do in a boutique hotel all alone? Sleep most likely...

Take Care - Talk Soon
Mxo