tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195758242024-03-24T03:56:45.750+10:00a shoebox of photographsloretta graysonRetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-54446181237841640492021-09-06T18:50:00.003+10:002021-09-06T18:52:04.066+10:00New WebsiteHello!
I'm very excited to announce the launch of my new website. You can find it here:</p><p><a href="https://lorettagrayson.art">lorettagrayson.art</a></p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGEKLxkl5g372ct_IHwhv1p98DwJPcRm4y2t39IbDVS5kM1yIbYaeAaI74N3ihgo1FF3IzxmIAqRUfwUYZW9PhGzNP4lIzPpKBV1-IWWfaorRkRx6wBGDm_XszIP9l0HPVmYNJg/s2000/ACS_0047.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGEKLxkl5g372ct_IHwhv1p98DwJPcRm4y2t39IbDVS5kM1yIbYaeAaI74N3ihgo1FF3IzxmIAqRUfwUYZW9PhGzNP4lIzPpKBV1-IWWfaorRkRx6wBGDm_XszIP9l0HPVmYNJg/s320/ACS_0047.jpg"/></a></div>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-15721871825193063432018-03-02T14:51:00.001+10:002018-03-02T20:50:16.892+10:00Rett's Flower Square cushion<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's the finished cushion I made with my Rett's Flower Square pattern. I have made this pattern available for free, and you can find a tutorial <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/retts-flower-square-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZedyWvo-SUmKucljh7o2zaW4_-exC6s9ngWjeobuCsqPLXciVsey9nETIM0mppzoS8gbAKYy0e-sXAmuDImN1qlwVgFGce5ZrycCaXzgSOzzQ4dZaL2CE-i9S3kSl2bnTdAPPPQ/s1600/final+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZedyWvo-SUmKucljh7o2zaW4_-exC6s9ngWjeobuCsqPLXciVsey9nETIM0mppzoS8gbAKYy0e-sXAmuDImN1qlwVgFGce5ZrycCaXzgSOzzQ4dZaL2CE-i9S3kSl2bnTdAPPPQ/s400/final+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3H2ki3B-qUVUp2CC6GB4PTLc5G8sz3msKqNZTCzViLI2L85oAhgSKvk3PWO7svIngszsuG2RIo5l6j2MISA37EQ44NTHwmt7XzfcYD1u5maS1790i0wmqSDwYPK1x8R8U5Kbzg/s1600/final+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3H2ki3B-qUVUp2CC6GB4PTLc5G8sz3msKqNZTCzViLI2L85oAhgSKvk3PWO7svIngszsuG2RIo5l6j2MISA37EQ44NTHwmt7XzfcYD1u5maS1790i0wmqSDwYPK1x8R8U5Kbzg/s400/final+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl91o6ZfUIOKw2IaF8HPIyNk2fjs8AASJTYwsOQEhi-v671F_yaqEjnodYhLu3Uz38C5EG6eGWJjPy6N87IwrmUZuejAQaZV57ZGF0cTjItuJSWpkmK8RcAp7Y7dksieurZpTUFA/s1600/final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl91o6ZfUIOKw2IaF8HPIyNk2fjs8AASJTYwsOQEhi-v671F_yaqEjnodYhLu3Uz38C5EG6eGWJjPy6N87IwrmUZuejAQaZV57ZGF0cTjItuJSWpkmK8RcAp7Y7dksieurZpTUFA/s400/final.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-10997108590957527102018-02-19T13:58:00.001+10:002018-02-19T13:58:06.477+10:00Ebb and Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>“Emerson, I am trying to live, as you said we must, the examined life. But there are days I wish there was less in my head to examine, not to speak of the busy heart.”</i></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23988.Mary_Oliver" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;">Mary Oliver</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_2282485" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2288681" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Red Bird</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I completed a painting, and I'm trying to not be hard on myself about it. I'm just not in the right head space or heart space right now. I have plenty of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rettgrayson/" target="_blank">crochet projects on the go</a>, another exciting collaborative yarnbombing project with the <a href="http://www.warwickartgallery.com.au/home/2-uncategorised/56-yarnbombing-team.html" target="_blank">Yarntopians</a>, and an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stellaviolet" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> to look after, so I'm not short of things to put my creative energy into at the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of this creative busy-ness isn't enough to quiet my inner critic, though. She wants me to be painting, and she values new ideas over comfort zone projects.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx12hCCDQ3pHVDcLpuolu4VU1iJUlEA4noCd5nQ33efWCGyS7gN_gkeaAOFGSjhEgCdu-h9BVj8qig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know many other over-thinking creative souls will relate to this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in my studio, hand-embellishing prints for Etsy orders. It's a task I love, so I'm feeling happy and relaxed. Music is playing, and I am enjoying the satisfaction of providing myself with some self-employment. I'm grateful that my customers still love and continue to buy my older pieces. I take a break for a minute to share this contented feeling on social media.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The inner critic interrupts. She rolls her eyes and points out that I've shared those pieces, that process, those thoughts or similar ones before. She asks me what I'm doing to challenge myself lately. What have I got that's new?<br /><br />I turn the music up, and tell her to be quiet. I get back to my work, but the contentment has been interrupted and it's not quite the same. I make a few sketches and notes in my art journal, ideas that might turn into a painting on a day in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later, when I return to my social media, I read that I have just shared the same artwork that is hanging on a customer's wall, and that this particular piece always makes them happy. I get an email from a school teacher who is using a tutorial I created several years ago to help plan a class for her children. All is fine in my creative world again. For now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you, my arty, crafty readers? I need some ideas. How do you quiet your inner critic, and allow the creative process to experience its natural ebb and flow? </span>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-42355064794225194852016-10-10T16:35:00.001+10:002018-04-26T17:30:01.441+10:00Rett's Flower Square Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ3uLsOqm9e2i67Q2oH-r3zrzlO9UrT51kdhhsIAn0vsONddHZtKvMCqdIJe91vYOMFoix4T1YtBnb2XIg22eOy3trL5ayjwl1qkOWsEFwRV-xF2Nl4vqIyQagnXRMMYDmGHpQw/s1600/10-flower+square+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ3uLsOqm9e2i67Q2oH-r3zrzlO9UrT51kdhhsIAn0vsONddHZtKvMCqdIJe91vYOMFoix4T1YtBnb2XIg22eOy3trL5ayjwl1qkOWsEFwRV-xF2Nl4vqIyQagnXRMMYDmGHpQw/s400/10-flower+square+tutorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's another pattern I have been working on. I'm making a granny square sampler blanket at the moment, making up my own designs as I go. This sunny flower has been one of my favourite squares so far, so I experimented with it a bit more, made some improvements, and ended up with this pattern.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's a picture of my blanket so far. I'm having so much fun with this project!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiFneZeOQVbNFNfvY1BleWZr8_t7Mb71nmY5HFCJItOd165KMtfONKGxK3ECFpgNMCpmuT485avdCTxC0qelm1JO8_crplPlI13fKosBKaKiKWW-ZmbqF-UawWOdpCBmdILHPQA/s1600/granny+sampler+blanket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiFneZeOQVbNFNfvY1BleWZr8_t7Mb71nmY5HFCJItOd165KMtfONKGxK3ECFpgNMCpmuT485avdCTxC0qelm1JO8_crplPlI13fKosBKaKiKWW-ZmbqF-UawWOdpCBmdILHPQA/s400/granny+sampler+blanket.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyway, back to the pattern. This is a similar design to my <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/retts-flower-bunting-pattern.html" target="_blank">Flower Bunting Pattern</a>. As I explained in that post, I'm very much a beginner at this pattern writing thing, so if you try it I would love your feedback.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 20.286px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Rett's Flower Square</span><span style="color: #444444;"> (UK terms)</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">I used 8ply (DK) yarn, a 4mm hook and 6 colours.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My finished square measured 15cm (6 inch).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px; text-align: start;"><strong style="line-height: 20.286px;">This pattern uses UK terms</strong><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">, and the following stitches:</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">(US terms are in brackets)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">sl st - slip stitch</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">dtr4tog - double treble 4 together (tr4tog)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">htr - half treble (hdc)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;">hdtr - half double treble (htr)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't explained how to do these stitches, or join colours, as there are plenty of tutorials already out there for these things!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20.286px;"><strong style="line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="color: #e06666;">FOUNDATION RING</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 1, ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.286px;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 1</span></strong></span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 11 tr into the ring, join with sl st into 3rd ch of ch 3. Fasten off. You should have 12tr altogether.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUoGvK_ShTnbgRc7arXT1wHWuukUXjc7l15vY6yE5SXUV7A0bIA7mOUYY_UK5kwTa917XvKjtR3jz4vBg8cggv8BCUZSGw7tBDdUlYSpEXtU4Bpw0hxFavyzh5MTw5N-3OkbbsA/s1600/02-_MG_9975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmTd_RzyQy7PPbwr03_DmB-elWiSyUkC2rwcUoiIrvUVd1_IHExXBhNJ0cbJ2iTlB06COdeU03oOctZ07Ofy5P75jlsiuRL3j6L1XG5Xf0wOaJhmDPmb-sIzfhAg_lRJTi2x51w/s1600/IMG_8716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmTd_RzyQy7PPbwr03_DmB-elWiSyUkC2rwcUoiIrvUVd1_IHExXBhNJ0cbJ2iTlB06COdeU03oOctZ07Ofy5P75jlsiuRL3j6L1XG5Xf0wOaJhmDPmb-sIzfhAg_lRJTi2x51w/s400/IMG_8716.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">foundation ring and round 1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 2</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 2, ch 4 into any tr from round 1, 1 dtr into same stitch. 2 dtr into each stitch to end, join with sl st into 4th of ch 4. Fasten off. You should have 12 pairs (24 dtr altogether).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><i>Depending on your yarn and tension, this round may curl up a little. Mine "cups" a bit, but flattens out with the next round. If you find your circle curling too much, try using hdtr instead of dtr.</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLraVGmr0A8Cj3g3HJjI2GwYUHib522ZBejJ3HSgWNJhUUk2uvkBa1SD96JnmR-RwYboK0ZldFJshRMADjM8RqM2_GRGknQ6s6nK-ca_XAj1F95xaRJv4aBKMU9OWeODllrr1kg/s400/03-_MG_9977.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="398" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 2</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLraVGmr0A8Cj3g3HJjI2GwYUHib522ZBejJ3HSgWNJhUUk2uvkBa1SD96JnmR-RwYboK0ZldFJshRMADjM8RqM2_GRGknQ6s6nK-ca_XAj1F95xaRJv4aBKMU9OWeODllrr1kg/s1600/03-_MG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 3</span></strong></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 3, ch 3 in the space between any two of the dtr pairs, 1 tr in the same space. 2 tr in space between each dtr to end. Join with a sl st into 4th ch of ch 4. Fasten off. You should have 48 tr altogether.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFONYj_fWGAa_Qbapn5s0U9zNbaXMiy4teIuLHzUZpj71_qixttVajX5UWVOyHcnutvEUOHS3P8Szwj_-Hd33KdO3EbSr4H6EgUsbcsVy7_wgFX2JTjMCOfOIFEG1i2tuywF-I7g/s400/04-_MG_9982.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="398" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 3</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFONYj_fWGAa_Qbapn5s0U9zNbaXMiy4teIuLHzUZpj71_qixttVajX5UWVOyHcnutvEUOHS3P8Szwj_-Hd33KdO3EbSr4H6EgUsbcsVy7_wgFX2JTjMCOfOIFEG1i2tuywF-I7g/s1600/04-_MG_9982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 4</span></strong></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 4, dc in the space between any two of the tr from round 3 (I make a dc standing stitch to start this round), chain 3, *skip the next two spaces, dc in the third space, ch 3, continue from * to end. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. Fasten off. You should have 16 dc.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG47YyxCJ5eahV7fM381X2y6i85jtrtSPPiiY1rDg0yZCPqhKxpCjrm390k7rVxwvYS6K0BsG2tmoq8Dkf52LExuj7uyLOJFrSzc41ngJIgyEAH3azI0mPVfthiE1qQIoU4sxUw/s400/05-_MG_9983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 4</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG47YyxCJ5eahV7fM381X2y6i85jtrtSPPiiY1rDg0yZCPqhKxpCjrm390k7rVxwvYS6K0BsG2tmoq8Dkf52LExuj7uyLOJFrSzc41ngJIgyEAH3azI0mPVfthiE1qQIoU4sxUw/s1600/05-_MG_9983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 5</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using the same colour as the last round, starting in any 3 chain space, ch 3 or 4 (to form first dtr of the cluster - <i>usually ch 4 is used with dtr, but for these petals I find ch 3 fits the shape better</i>), dtr3tog in the same space (this forms your first dtr4tog), ch 3, *dtr4tog, ch 3, repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in the top of the first cluster. Fasten off. You should have 16 petals.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKpfXwfLAZVrYjuP2Nff1hSFQHOKWfiygwRlBMmtNbIGWaK-nuXNLisAkwTZZ3zUeTS3TYf2MMD5Um_2EyHJg1i0l-sqG79Kf1BXG_Rb_S002j8lgj_3gQTD7zbTsBmab9XkFxg/s400/06-_MG_9989.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 5</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKpfXwfLAZVrYjuP2Nff1hSFQHOKWfiygwRlBMmtNbIGWaK-nuXNLisAkwTZZ3zUeTS3TYf2MMD5Um_2EyHJg1i0l-sqG79Kf1BXG_Rb_S002j8lgj_3gQTD7zbTsBmab9XkFxg/s1600/06-_MG_9989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 6</span></strong></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 5, *4 dc in any chain space (I use a standing dc for the first stitch here too), 2 htr and 2 tr in next chain space, 2 hdtr, 2 dtr, ch 3, 2 dtr, 2 hdtr in next chain space (this forms a corner), 2 tr and 2 htr in next chain space. Repeat from * three times to form the rest of the square. Join with sl st to the top of the first dc, fasten off.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This part of the pattern is similar to Round 5 of the <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/retts-flower-bunting-pattern.html" target="_blank">Flower Bunting pattern</a>, so the diagram there might help, but <b>please note that there is no ch 1 in between the sets of four stitches in this pattern.</b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X0FJPc7JuvzSNOwCmCRGlCfxKcnbzxggiKaQ4caSXHCzLg-ew7-0mGq7E-sWkpeTEZDLPV5dWqfpzUCcuQnpl2cyzXI8TU3BRf7kL75ImIliHv88bCL58bdtZzokeegD3EdZLA/s400/07-_MG_9991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="398" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 6</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X0FJPc7JuvzSNOwCmCRGlCfxKcnbzxggiKaQ4caSXHCzLg-ew7-0mGq7E-sWkpeTEZDLPV5dWqfpzUCcuQnpl2cyzXI8TU3BRf7kL75ImIliHv88bCL58bdtZzokeegD3EdZLA/s1600/07-_MG_9991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.286px;"><span style="color: #e06666;">ROUND 7</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.286px;">: Using colour number 6 and working in any corner space, ch 6 (to form one tr and ch 3 corner space), 2 tr in same space, 1 tr in top of each stitch to next corner space. *2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr in corner space, 1 tr in top of each stitch to next corner. Repeat from * to form next three sides. Finish with 1 tr in the first corner space beside the starting chain. Join with a sl st in the 3 ch of ch6 (this becomes the 2nd tr of that set). Fasten off. You should have 24 tr along each side.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sX928r3lKwhOTokhttbit_ajSypreCFWw_t-yGACz15kEjiH5kHvzgL2gFAGX03sJuyD2aVrb9C7u2-yKeWRmFgvniy2BSxZs9T_f_zyDVIc-kDJ2AzaA-WZjvuOB7DasesmpQ/s400/08-_MG_9996.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 7</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sX928r3lKwhOTokhttbit_ajSypreCFWw_t-yGACz15kEjiH5kHvzgL2gFAGX03sJuyD2aVrb9C7u2-yKeWRmFgvniy2BSxZs9T_f_zyDVIc-kDJ2AzaA-WZjvuOB7DasesmpQ/s1600/08-_MG_9996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And that's it! I have made several of these now, so I think I'll make a cushion out of them. I'll share a photo of it when it's finished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">UPDATE: you can see the finished cushion <a href="https://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/retts-flower-square-cushion.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I used <a href="https://biggandesign.com/yarns.php?ply_count=8" target="_blank">Biggan Design</a> 8 ply wool for my square, in the following colours:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scarlet, Coral Red, Bright Orange, Saffron, Turquoise and Deep Turquoise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqdstZDowuxFSsvKIB3Fe5MKUzQv7Rhb4itRIGEcyTs7FJncyp-VtEAU4iIld_yLeFsKzBNRzdB4C2gOnCw35IoiFdqLv1JHzN5Bh28ZF0gDbSHWNVF9g8bRXSnXkNlA6IrevRA/s1600/01-_MG_9969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqdstZDowuxFSsvKIB3Fe5MKUzQv7Rhb4itRIGEcyTs7FJncyp-VtEAU4iIld_yLeFsKzBNRzdB4C2gOnCw35IoiFdqLv1JHzN5Bh28ZF0gDbSHWNVF9g8bRXSnXkNlA6IrevRA/s400/01-_MG_9969.jpg" width="398" /></a></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">I would love to see what you do with your squares!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Share them with me at:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rettgrayson/" style="color: #45818e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Instagram: @rettgrayson</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/rettgrayson" style="color: #45818e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ravelry: rettgrayson</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LorettaGraysonArt/"><span style="text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial;">Facebook: @L</span>orettaGraysonArt</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong>Please tag your pics <span style="color: #e06666;">#rettsflowersquare </span>so I can find them :)</strong></div>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-50633407688498979342016-10-07T16:12:00.001+10:002018-04-26T17:28:34.911+10:00Rett's Flower Bunting patternI've been playing around with new designs for my Hippie Granny Bunting, and was pretty happy with this cute flower one, so I thought I'd share it with you!<br />
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<em>CONFESSION TIME: </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>This is actually my first "published" pattern! I have been procrastinating about writing patterns for a couple of years, and have lots of almost-finished ones that I need to get tested and out there.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>A big part of my problem is perfectionism, but if we wait until we are experts at doing something before we do it, when will it ever get done? So I'm setting this one free, as is, untested (except by me)! </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Please try it out and let me know how it goes. I usually make up my own designs and don't actually read a lot of patterns, so my crochet language is a bit awkward. I'll keep working on it, but in the meantime I'd love your feedback and suggestions. It will be very helpful to me in getting my other designs out there :)</em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Rett's Flower Bunting</span> (UK terms)</span></strong><br />
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I used 8ply (DK) yarn, a 4mm hook and 6 colours.<br />
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<strong>This pattern uses UK terms</strong>, and the following stitches:<br />
(US terms are in brackets)<br />
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sl st - slip stitch<br />
ch - chain<br />
dc - double crochet (sc)<br />
tr - treble (dc)<br />
dtr - double treble (tr)<br />
dtr3tog - double treble 3 together (tr3tog)<br />
htr - half treble (hdc)<br />
hdtr - half double treble (htr)<br />
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I haven't explained how to do these stitches, or join colours, as there are plenty of tutorials already out there for these things!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">FOUNDATION RING</span></strong>: Using colour number 1, ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>ROUND 1</strong></span>: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 11 tr into the ring, join with sl st into 3rd ch of ch 3. Fasten off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOwtC4S8nPWnMsSLhr6vzy0bX7sXm1XZu5Q5PaiSLCaHQJxOdbtDQWuf1i85bsbcvV2AbfuSmSfbfWL3FCNRIi2gitBev32uapRBUTioJB_54AE8y76vpGHdeWXLY35x69yT9ig/s1600/1-IMG_8580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOwtC4S8nPWnMsSLhr6vzy0bX7sXm1XZu5Q5PaiSLCaHQJxOdbtDQWuf1i85bsbcvV2AbfuSmSfbfWL3FCNRIi2gitBev32uapRBUTioJB_54AE8y76vpGHdeWXLY35x69yT9ig/s400/1-IMG_8580.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">foundation chain and round 1</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ROUND 2</span></strong>: Using colour number 2, ch 3 into any tr from round 1, 1 tr into same stitch. 2 tr into each stitch to end, join with sl st into 3rd of ch 3. Fasten off. You should have 12 pairs (24 tr altogether).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kRmYd4gBALPaoK8vOOjTMeg-tqLfgbdlwr0e-eVzEQkgnpkq8W3m_2C-bqde6VWt8ha6umCd_GuaTW9mRpbiNl93zH3-vWIWesR0-CKRbflAKo0FP1-5t7Wzdmd_qSzGSnm07Q/s400/1-IMG_8581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kRmYd4gBALPaoK8vOOjTMeg-tqLfgbdlwr0e-eVzEQkgnpkq8W3m_2C-bqde6VWt8ha6umCd_GuaTW9mRpbiNl93zH3-vWIWesR0-CKRbflAKo0FP1-5t7Wzdmd_qSzGSnm07Q/s1600/1-IMG_8581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong></a><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>ROUND 3</strong></span>: Using colour number 3, dc in the space between two of the tr pairs (I make a dc standing stitch to start this round), chain 3, *dc in the next space between two tr pairs, ch 3, continue from * to end. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc. Fasten off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI60l3tUF7WzyCD9N8aR-gOtWxaYU82uciLrySvdQvXpPO2A0iS0bUmrtylqHHKAmS2OXqKhqs078MKt897Zi_uqcxpZNym0fbPoBa8V6EW76wOo99hBZUZ2sV48g42C9EodlEpQ/s1600/1-IMG_8582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI60l3tUF7WzyCD9N8aR-gOtWxaYU82uciLrySvdQvXpPO2A0iS0bUmrtylqHHKAmS2OXqKhqs078MKt897Zi_uqcxpZNym0fbPoBa8V6EW76wOo99hBZUZ2sV48g42C9EodlEpQ/s400/1-IMG_8582.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ROUND 4</span></strong>: Using the same colour as the last round, starting in any 3 chain space, ch 3 (to form first dtr of the cluster), dtr2tog in the same space (this forms your first dtr3tog), ch 3, *dtr3tog, ch 3, repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in the top of the first cluster. Fasten off.<br />
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<em>If you look carefully at my photo below, you can see how the first petal at the top is actually made up of 3 chain and a dtr2tog, but the rest of the petals are dtr3tog. If you know a better way to do this or explain it, please let me know :)</em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrDv91mJ8qkdIsCroVz2NFRczQw7Pu9lLDE1WaFho-yLZSD84Ra2qU6Jsx39dIr0U55lP2bOAgHMyne42zwYtJAgRL6Uy0KwMQ1qRSeUMJnpctvsKyZW3cgpbNOgmuLMLdgIDUA/s1600/1-IMG_8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrDv91mJ8qkdIsCroVz2NFRczQw7Pu9lLDE1WaFho-yLZSD84Ra2qU6Jsx39dIr0U55lP2bOAgHMyne42zwYtJAgRL6Uy0KwMQ1qRSeUMJnpctvsKyZW3cgpbNOgmuLMLdgIDUA/s400/1-IMG_8584.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>ROUND 5</strong></span>: Using colour number 4, *4 dc in any chain space (I use a standing dc for the first stitch here too), ch 1. Work 2 htr and 2 tr in next chain space, ch 1. In next chain space work 2 hdtr, 2 dtr, ch 3, 2 dtr, 2 hdtr (all in the same chain space, as this forms a corner), ch 1. Work 2 tr, 2 htr in next chain space, ch 1. Repeat from * twice to form the rest of the triangle. Join with sl st to the top of the first dc, fasten off.<br />
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<em>PHEW, there must be an easier way to say that! Does it make any sense at all? This is where we turn the circle into a triangle, and I promise it's much easier to do than to explain! If you're a visual person like me, the picture might help.</em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1aHlfQNlgubW0-UgRTmuphAL4pAy6S_4aABmHmDzCdOykps1OSlgaTabYiea5Ryw4_NtbkHNSxYbbn-6u_bfnR6aAEmaAjCkJ2VY79kxItekV65Qn_9aIoHqyav1rkN0sqQK_Q/s1600/1-IMG_8585+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1aHlfQNlgubW0-UgRTmuphAL4pAy6S_4aABmHmDzCdOykps1OSlgaTabYiea5Ryw4_NtbkHNSxYbbn-6u_bfnR6aAEmaAjCkJ2VY79kxItekV65Qn_9aIoHqyav1rkN0sqQK_Q/s400/1-IMG_8585+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ROUND 6</span></strong>: Using colour number 5 and working in any corner space, ch 6 (to form one tr and ch 3 corner space), 4 tr, ch 1,* 4 tr in next chain space, ch 1, continue from * to next corner space. **4 tr, ch 3, 4 tr in corner space, ch 1, 4 tr in next 4 chain spaces, with ch 1 between each set of 4 tr. Repeat from **. Finish with 3 tr in the first corner space, join with a sl st in the 3 ch of ch6 (this forms the 4th tr of that set). Fasten off.<br />
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<em>I start this round in a corner as it looks neater to me, but you can start in any chain space, and adjust the pattern accordingly. This round is pretty much a basic granny triangle pattern.</em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5EZYPdIm4lBPRxhJ0FQoz_BhPC8vYjKpUrcG-CNtKUTMTg_Qo3EJnZdpBJFWlOXbrbt84SuFzPYka_-U0WPJrzkyyO5GLej26g0WVedGSkcM_yVIFROZ4dIVbMc27lBumnCe9w/s1600/1-IMG_8586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5EZYPdIm4lBPRxhJ0FQoz_BhPC8vYjKpUrcG-CNtKUTMTg_Qo3EJnZdpBJFWlOXbrbt84SuFzPYka_-U0WPJrzkyyO5GLej26g0WVedGSkcM_yVIFROZ4dIVbMc27lBumnCe9w/s400/1-IMG_8586.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ROUND 7</span></strong>: Using colour number 6, 1 dc in every stitch and ch space from round 6 to form border. (I use a standing dc for the first stitch here too). 3 dc in each corner space. Join with sl st to the top of the first dc. Fasten off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgMlrX0SGa8LNlDanMyy0fEhW-MggMqSKsEpFa-Svnx61oUE_GwNhQug9j9kHlX04WHOMtc5C90WyFRZ737y4uAfNNvm-5xFp2Bs3fG5t1f7cHAJwL5Uk2X3Q6imwDvTwXKdF3w/s1600/1-IMG_8588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgMlrX0SGa8LNlDanMyy0fEhW-MggMqSKsEpFa-Svnx61oUE_GwNhQug9j9kHlX04WHOMtc5C90WyFRZ737y4uAfNNvm-5xFp2Bs3fG5t1f7cHAJwL5Uk2X3Q6imwDvTwXKdF3w/s400/1-IMG_8588.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round 7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And you're done! The finished triangle might be a little wavy along the edges, so you can block it into a neater triangle if you like. <br />
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My crocheting is quite tight, but if you are a loose crocheter, you might be able to skip the ch 1 between your granny clusters to make a neater triangle. Experiment, and let me know how you go!<br />
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When I have enough triangles to make a garland (mine are usually between 9 and 11 triangles long, but that is totally up to you), join them with dc along the top. I use two to three rows of dc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANNkSMtF3Mkt_sNhTAlxk1gZpdVMjwJvByVLvB3be0V2-ih-_SraMXrtJ9ORWIQ4jOcdOselMJLhTtKgoRUO-udJpGSKoyDSZhsKkqdNiPcpwM74wmpiZCPI56j5q1Ilyfwn0xg/s1600/1-IMG_8590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANNkSMtF3Mkt_sNhTAlxk1gZpdVMjwJvByVLvB3be0V2-ih-_SraMXrtJ9ORWIQ4jOcdOselMJLhTtKgoRUO-udJpGSKoyDSZhsKkqdNiPcpwM74wmpiZCPI56j5q1Ilyfwn0xg/s400/1-IMG_8590.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">joining the triangles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you want to add tassels to your bunting, I have a <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/perfect-tassels-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tassels tutorial</a> that might help.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">I would love to see pictures of your finished triangles! </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Share them with me at:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rettgrayson/" target="_blank">Instagram: @rettgrayson</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/rettgrayson" target="_blank">Ravelry: rettgrayson</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LorettaGraysonArt/">Facebook: @LorettaGraysonArt</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Please tag your pics <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">#rettsflowerbunting</span> so I can find them :)</span></strong></div>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-4939455613508163292015-05-06T21:12:00.001+10:002015-05-08T20:01:30.460+10:00time and light<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><i>Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.</i> </i></div>
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As Winter approaches and the days get shorter that uncomfortable feeling of never having enough time can infiltrate my thinking if I'm not careful. I find myself trying to make up for it by attempting to work on too many things at once. I end up feeling scattered and overwhelmed and struggle to actually finish anything. </div>
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Vladimir Nabokov had a wonderful concept he referred to as <em>unreal estate</em> - an inheritance from his mother of an appreciation for the beauty of intangible property.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">'Vot zapomni [now remember],' she would say in conspiratorial tones as she drew my attention to this or that loved thing in Vyra - a lark ascending the curds-and-whey sky of a dull spring day, heat lightning taking pictures of a distant line of trees in the night, the palette of maple leaves on brown sand, a small bird's cuneate footprints on new snow.</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vladimir Nabokov, <em>Speak, Memory</em></span></span></div>
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When I think about the unreal estate I have inherited, I remember all the unscheduled time I enjoyed as a child - playing in the backyard, swimming, reading, drawing, cloud-gazing, making wishes on dandelions and sitting in the grass looking for four leaf clovers. As an adult, when I allow myself to "waste" a little bit of my own time, suddenly it feels like it's not such a scarce commodity. I'm reminded of the days of my childhood that somehow always seemed longer.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Sweet childish days, that were as long<br /> As twenty days are now.</span></em></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;">William Wordsworth,<em> To a Butterfly</em></span></span></span></div>
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<!--Part II, stanza 2; BMC-->So this morning I rearranged my priorities; putting time and sunlight at the top of my to-do list, and enjoyed the ephemeral beauty of the Autumn leaves in our garden. The result was a little bit of <a href="http://www.morning-earth.org/ARTISTNATURALISTS/AN_Goldsworthy.html" target="_blank">Andy Goldsworthy</a> inspired art. I cheated a bit by utilising the holes in an old garden chair to position the leaves, but it still wasn't long before the breeze took them away.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></span></em>
<em><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Word</span> </strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Tony Hoagland</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Down near the bottom<br /> of the crossed-out list<br /> of things you have to do today,<br /><br /> between "green thread"<br /> and "broccoli," you find<br /> that you have pencilled "sunlight."<br /><br /> Resting on the page, the word<br /> is beautiful. It touches you<br /> as if you had a friend<br /><br /> and sunlight were a present<br /> he had sent from someplace distant<br /> as this morning—to cheer you up,<br /><br /> and to remind you that,<br /> among your duties, pleasure<br /> is a thing<br /><br /> that also needs accomplishing.<br /> Do you remember?<br /> that time and light are kinds<br /><br /> of love, and love<br /> is no less practical<br /> than a coffee grinder<br /><br /> or a safe spare tire?<br /> Tomorrow you may be utterly<br /> without a clue,<br /><br /> but today you get a telegram<br /> from the heart in exile,<br /> proclaiming that the kingdom<br /><br /> still exists,<br /> the king and queen alive, <br /> still speaking to their children,<br /><br />—to any one among them<br /> who can find the time<br /> to sit out in the sun and listen.</em> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">"The Word" by Tony Hoagland, from <em>Sweet Ruin</em>. © University of Wisconsin Press, 1992.</span></div>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-7175355441183025432015-05-04T07:44:00.000+10:002015-05-04T07:44:06.157+10:00It scattered the night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>It scattered the night</em> is a companion piece to <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/liner-notes.html" target="_blank">Still I Rise</a>, and has been on my desk for a month or maybe more. I've been collecting ideas and bits of imagery about sunrises, sparkling skies and warm light, and this is what came out of them. Rather than try to gather my scattered thoughts today, I thought I would show its progress from start to finish, along with the quotes I've collected in my journal while working on it.</div>
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<em><span style="color: #45818e;">The sun - the bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">and freshness to man - burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. </span></em><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Through costly-coloured glass and paper-mended window, through cathedral dome and rotten crevice, it shed its equal ray.</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;">Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e;"><em>Daylight, full of small dancing particles<br />and the one great turning, our souls<br />are dancing with you, without feet, they dance.<br />Can you see them when I whisper in your ear?</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;">Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows</span></div>
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I love the colour legends in old atlases, and often use them for inspiration in my paintings.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>It is not down on any map; true places never are.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;">Herman Melville, Moby-Dick</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It scattered the night</i>, Loretta Grayson 2015<br />
Gouache on cotton rag paper, 23cm x 28cm</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em>It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-small;">F. Scott Fitzgerald</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-90537645284533777702015-03-30T13:06:00.000+10:002015-03-30T18:34:04.056+10:00liner notes<span style="font-family: inherit;">To add to the inspiration I find in poetry, literature and song lyrics, I've recently been rediscovering liner notes - a treasure trove of beautiful writing I had almost forgotten about. Most of the music I buy these days is digital, and it occurred to me that I was missing very much the experience of listening to a new album while reading the thoughts of the songwriter from the CD booklet or album sleeve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fortunately, these thoughts can be often found online. Glenn Richards of </span><a href="http://www.augiemarch.com.au/#national-tour-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Augie March</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> wrote </span><a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/538690bce4b049f01ff00ee3/t/542e2534e4b037619e86f5df/1412310324192/Havens+Dumb+Track+by+Track.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">eloquent notes</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to accompany the poetic, melodramatic lyrics of his latest album. I enjoyed reading his thoughts on finding your own, hard to express feelings echoed in another's writing:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em>"It shouldn’t have surprised me, my favourite writers become my favourite because in a seemingly tossed off sentence they will communicate in simple, elegant terms one or another of the big "feelings" I’ve had hovering over me in my waking hours and mocking my honey-slow reasoning. Incapable as I so often am or afraid even to try to reach up and grasp in the aether for a solid - it’s not just that it requires an intellectual flex I can’t make but there’s that songwriterly fear that if you tangle too directly with the nebulous and look to strip it back to what is almost always just a common idea you also strip it of its mystical song birthing power."</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I discovered the music and writing of </span><a href="http://joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joe Henry</span></a></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> via a very interesting </span><a href="http://onbeing.org/program/joe-henry-the-mystery-and-adventure-of-life-and-songwriting/7313" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On Being conversation</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. He has some wonderful music, but I've been appreciating his liner notes even more. Sometimes I feel self-conscious about the recurring themes in my work, and he helped me realise that it was ok to continue to use my own faithful imagery; to have a thread that connects individual pieces, just as a great album may be </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">"...singularly of a piece: ranging, though all cut from a single bolt of coarse cloth."</span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Joe Henry, from his <a href="http://joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/discography/invisible-hour/#notes" target="_blank">Invisible Hour liner notes</a>) </span></span>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which leads me to this painting. It could have been included in my last blog post, as it is most certainly cut from the same cloth. That persistent breeze is passing through again. I posted it, nearly finished, on my Facebook page recently, and asked for help to come up with a name. Its companion piece had the unwieldy title of </span><a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-have-set-sail-on-fast-mountain.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have set sail on a fast mountain</span></em></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, from a favourite W.S. Merwin poem, but naming this one <em>I have set sail on a fast mountain II</em> just seemed silly. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">My dear friend Ngaire suggested <em>Still I Rise</em>, and as soon as I read the Maya Angelou poem she shared, I realised it was the perfect title. I spend time living in each small landscape as I am painting it, and this one had felt like a joyous place... a celebration of the human spirit. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">May we all keep rising, just like the moons and the suns.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em>You may write me down in history<br />With your bitter, twisted lies,<br />You may tread me in the very dirt<br />But still, like dust, I'll rise.<br /><br />Does my sassiness upset you? <br />Why are you beset with gloom? <br />'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells<br />Pumping in my living room.<br /><br />Just like moons and like suns,<br />With the certainty of tides,<br />Just like hopes springing high,<br />Still I'll rise.<br /><br />Did you want to see me broken? <br />Bowed head and lowered eyes? <br />Shoulders falling down like teardrops.<br />Weakened by my soulful cries.<br /><br />Does my haughtiness offend you? <br />Don't you take it awful hard<br />'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines<br />Diggin' in my own back yard.<br /><br />You may shoot me with your words,<br />You may cut me with your eyes,<br />You may kill me with your hatefulness,<br />But still, like air, I'll rise.<br /><br />Does my sexiness upset you? <br />Does it come as a surprise<br />That I dance like I've got diamonds<br />At the meeting of my thighs? <br /><br />Out of the huts of history's shame<br />I rise<br />Up from a past that's rooted in pain<br />I rise<br />I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,<br />Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.<br />Leaving behind nights of terror and fear<br />I rise<br />Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear<br />I rise<br />Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,<br />I am the dream and the hope of the slave.<br />I rise<br />I rise<br />I rise.</em></span> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Still I Rise</em>, gouache on cotton rag paper, 73cm x 53cm framed</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Still I Rise</em> will be hanging in the Southern Downs Regional Artists Exhibition at </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Warwick-Art-Gallery/135349042074?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Warwick Art Gallery</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">, from 2 April - 3 May, 2015.</span></div>
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"></span></em> </span>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-37068936321196175872015-03-25T09:20:00.001+10:002015-03-25T09:34:35.018+10:00like something is brewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There seems to be a lot of weather in my paintings again lately. It's not uncommon for a weather system to move in while I'm working, bringing clouds and wind and rain, and completely changing my original plans for the artwork. I wonder what changes are in store for me when it passes through?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRTdqZkGKeotpGynqXo0mg7xg1NqV3q4gB5Riv31PM3lFMrpXvFYx1GaOqVdAv7Smi4oLQc5IkiWAbVz_zArFR3ZY2EQYpE3BprkKq02PNP9VX8E9tyHdMFQ5RjCjg78eIavehw/s1600/Sweet+Unrest+II+small+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRTdqZkGKeotpGynqXo0mg7xg1NqV3q4gB5Riv31PM3lFMrpXvFYx1GaOqVdAv7Smi4oLQc5IkiWAbVz_zArFR3ZY2EQYpE3BprkKq02PNP9VX8E9tyHdMFQ5RjCjg78eIavehw/s1600/Sweet+Unrest+II+small+copy.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sweet Unrest II</em>, gouache on cotton rag paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClObOfzdfAy0uP0ceySBduZ_qaoCFslLwP-md8ZCiaNsle-bhkZr9eXjdq53zgHkDGWBXFta-gbtDlEB4wGlVAMw0XWJWs1PCs27XGoa2UI918hxibN1l9CwZrDJs_1d_w-VRBA/s1600/December+listing+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClObOfzdfAy0uP0ceySBduZ_qaoCFslLwP-md8ZCiaNsle-bhkZr9eXjdq53zgHkDGWBXFta-gbtDlEB4wGlVAMw0XWJWs1PCs27XGoa2UI918hxibN1l9CwZrDJs_1d_w-VRBA/s1600/December+listing+image+2.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>December</em>, gouache on cotton rag paper</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgeAUQTQFJ9ZFK1L1rDzdDRjBdwrSlKVQsBZtFeWQu5aA0otgE8X6Y3zyXYoqwI1PhJWsRqi2s8d1ncwfGvpEdM90UIq4V3ry1l5AZkSSJhFn3g9jlKOmTGHNB6LhjZ3M8wwh8Q/s1600/Festival+II+listing+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgeAUQTQFJ9ZFK1L1rDzdDRjBdwrSlKVQsBZtFeWQu5aA0otgE8X6Y3zyXYoqwI1PhJWsRqi2s8d1ncwfGvpEdM90UIq4V3ry1l5AZkSSJhFn3g9jlKOmTGHNB6LhjZ3M8wwh8Q/s1600/Festival+II+listing+image.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Festival II</em>, gouache on cotton rag paper<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKh-4v-AaOO0UlgKHXSU2Xf-EJczwJhKhJrMWVECkGHoIKQw5S2nCaTay3UL1EkDJRvXcwfllgeiZ55gzU42jlFqYF7YV3folXLk5GWYEjRb3QELtl-jJhINRt2UM7NZBLBpFA/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqKh-4v-AaOO0UlgKHXSU2Xf-EJczwJhKhJrMWVECkGHoIKQw5S2nCaTay3UL1EkDJRvXcwfllgeiZ55gzU42jlFqYF7YV3folXLk5GWYEjRb3QELtl-jJhINRt2UM7NZBLBpFA/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" height="396" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Oh My Stars,</em> gouache on cotton rag paper</td></tr>
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As usual I've been finding inspiration in other people's beautiful words, and I have gathered quite a collection of weather quotes and poems in my art journal. Every book I have enjoyed lately has provided a new one... here are a few of my favourites at the moment.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>I could tell the season was changing because in daylight the air moved, moved ceaselessly, not what you would call a wind, but restlessness and unease which we</em><span class="text_exposed_show"><em>re delicious to the bones and skin.</em></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Helen Garner, <strong>Monkey Grip</strong></span></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>Ah, not to be cut off,<br /> not through the slightest partition<br /> shut out from the law of the stars.<br /> The inner - what is it?<br /> if not intensified sky,<br /> hurled through with birds and deep<br /> with the winds of homecoming.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Rainer Maria Rilke</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">This memory moved like a weather system through my body.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-small;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Karen Joy Fowler,<strong> We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>It was dark outside, and spring chill was in the evening air. He breathed deeply and felt his body tingle in the coolness. Beyond the jagged outline of the apartment houses the town lights glowed upon a thin mist that hung in the air. At the corner a street light pushed feebly against the darkness that closed around it; from the darkness beyond it the sound of laughter broke abruptly into silence, lingered and died. The smell of smoke from trash burning in back yards was held by the mist; and as he walked slowly through the evening, breathing the fragrance and tasting upon his tongue the sharp night-time air, it seemed to him that the moment he walked in was enough and the might not need a great deal more.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">John Williams, <strong>Stoner</strong></span></span><strong> </strong></span><br />
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<br />Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-24913053608296087852015-02-06T08:58:00.001+10:002015-02-06T09:13:11.456+10:00Little Trees Growing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little "test pattern" trees have been digitally remastered and re-released!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIdzDfYMrqgSgMcvUEMt3Y5DaEQY2WOY-Xsns3JGiBU5i5OD3va5HMZHiR7_Soxf83Us2GB6Olr8WhoE_B7w_F01gt02kuhTPRYwMOLSTCIh0xsL0Yq5SUGN7cdARqHP7CKZB7w/s1600/listing+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIdzDfYMrqgSgMcvUEMt3Y5DaEQY2WOY-Xsns3JGiBU5i5OD3va5HMZHiR7_Soxf83Us2GB6Olr8WhoE_B7w_F01gt02kuhTPRYwMOLSTCIh0xsL0Yq5SUGN7cdARqHP7CKZB7w/s1600/listing+image+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Way back when I first created these paintings (<a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/growing.html" target="_blank">click here for the original blog post</a>), I had a small edition of prints made. These prints have all but sold out, so it was time this week to create a new edition of 8x8 inch prints. I adjusted the colours to be as true to the originals as possible, and I'm so happy with them - they're very vibrant and pretty, and each print has handpainted gold touches that sparkle in the light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG1w1AjQ7Mbv1zBbFP_Ji1Jl9o74IFGctReog-CJGXoyjVQgih2bFzeH2DKBZKrfTzdFDDnT8Ue28fN9ZqgDoE6E4EUNyNz9OLh8HJ3NZK9NPtttzGuxpT1K7m7hLEYzbqMSDPw/s1600/listing+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG1w1AjQ7Mbv1zBbFP_Ji1Jl9o74IFGctReog-CJGXoyjVQgih2bFzeH2DKBZKrfTzdFDDnT8Ue28fN9ZqgDoE6E4EUNyNz9OLh8HJ3NZK9NPtttzGuxpT1K7m7hLEYzbqMSDPw/s1600/listing+image+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD1_XPtv1T3VhWZmGoHTjCYaKQUA2cwvdBHD_uXMOeWVLuxCEI3yNx_iEnlwmUxeSy53DjH0Lk1Vr2uuaxWf2IixflyBAa0gz2IyBe6L803Uk1H1VEvYmQdGmrVDWwCyoPkyS9g/s1600/listing+image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD1_XPtv1T3VhWZmGoHTjCYaKQUA2cwvdBHD_uXMOeWVLuxCEI3yNx_iEnlwmUxeSy53DjH0Lk1Vr2uuaxWf2IixflyBAa0gz2IyBe6L803Uk1H1VEvYmQdGmrVDWwCyoPkyS9g/s1600/listing+image+3.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySzEkBoRoXeoHtmhsM8y4sW6iald5fwgLJN94dr_lci7qc1w2gmtj3XW_gQ_A09xlOGceSqgDwdfKmpNvcNBqQcl77nrrTL6sPAikq3mJlxR1VjwRuJZstxcsIbKkRYIJ9gMpNQ/s1600/listing+image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySzEkBoRoXeoHtmhsM8y4sW6iald5fwgLJN94dr_lci7qc1w2gmtj3XW_gQ_A09xlOGceSqgDwdfKmpNvcNBqQcl77nrrTL6sPAikq3mJlxR1VjwRuJZstxcsIbKkRYIJ9gMpNQ/s1600/listing+image+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/221300129/little-trees-growing-a-set-of-five" target="_blank">You can find these new prints as a set of five in my Etsy shop.</a><br />
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-23622348217794699742015-01-23T08:18:00.001+10:002015-01-23T09:39:02.449+10:00DreamcatcherI have been seeing lovely examples of crochet dreamcatchers everywhere lately, so I decided to try making one as a gift for a friend. It was fun and quite easy to make, so I thought I would share it here. I used free patterns found online (I have included links within the text), and items from my craft cupboard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFMSbG5D3UEUp3IwsKAf06OYyKzZtXLPBPx7ox8fVhShYTihephQYDykhqnsGW3Y_vFE40HUwkbVjw8bdE4_q__Dk1Ux87sdFgMWbC_JfiocFjHUdRbkzV4QATLYzcAOSz0WZQw/s1600/dreamcatcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFMSbG5D3UEUp3IwsKAf06OYyKzZtXLPBPx7ox8fVhShYTihephQYDykhqnsGW3Y_vFE40HUwkbVjw8bdE4_q__Dk1Ux87sdFgMWbC_JfiocFjHUdRbkzV4QATLYzcAOSz0WZQw/s1600/dreamcatcher.JPG" height="640" width="398" /></a></div>
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I found a <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/craft/a/5830348/light-as-a-feather-snowflakes/" target="_blank">crochet pattern for a Snowflake ornament</a> to use for the centrepiece of the dreamcatcher.<br />
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I crocheted Snowflake B, using <a href="http://tahkistacycharles.com/t/yarn_single?products_id=184" target="_blank">Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic</a>, which is an 8 ply (DK) yarn, and a 3mm hook, so my snowflake turned out quite a lot larger than the ones in the pattern. I ended up attaching it to the inside ring of a 12 inch embroidery hoop. <br />
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I found an easy to follow free <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crocheted-feather-necklace" target="_blank">feather pattern on Ravelry</a>. This creator of the pattern was inspired by <a href="http://reginarioux.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/crocheted-feather-pendants.html" target="_blank">these lovely feather pendants</a>. Using the same yarn and hook, I followed the pattern for the larger feather, although as I was using quite a firm yarn my feather developed some interesting curves. I adapted the pattern a little to create two smaller feathers (the feather on the left wouldn't behave for the photo, so you'll have to imagine that it looks similar to the one on the right!).<br />
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Other additions were some hand-dyed silk ribbons I had in my craft cupboard, and some <a href="http://www.colourstreams.com.au/store/felting-supplies-fibers-10/wool-felt-products-63/" target="_blank">felt balls from Colour Streams</a>.<br />
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Many other items could be used to decorate these dreamcatchers... vintage buttons, interesting fibres, ric rac, beads... it's only limited by your imagination.<br />
<br />Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-41425845449651203312014-09-19T15:52:00.000+10:002014-11-22T18:31:18.033+10:00Perfect Tassels Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8xyVzapxImBr0NwunVzuc9I5_zxkICrBkbhHpLmNWgKKWKLajFLXPcHUK6Di46sjapltVq8q-YHH7s84FxlyT5Dop8IrlHGbgtGff_CBNJfdrVbC7qIaCEPswwnPlHmJqB1yzQ/s1600/crochet-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8xyVzapxImBr0NwunVzuc9I5_zxkICrBkbhHpLmNWgKKWKLajFLXPcHUK6Di46sjapltVq8q-YHH7s84FxlyT5Dop8IrlHGbgtGff_CBNJfdrVbC7qIaCEPswwnPlHmJqB1yzQ/s1600/crochet-001.jpg" height="370" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I love adding tassels to my crochet projects, and the best ones are plump and luxurious. </span><span style="color: #45818e;">Here's the technique I use to make mine... it's very easy.</span></h3>
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1. Decide on the length you want your tassels to be, and cut a piece of card a little longer than the desired finished size. Around 12cm - 15cm is usually pretty good. I sometimes use a small book to make tassels, or a piece of strong card that won't bend easily. Wrap the yarn around the card about 40 times. You can vary this, depending on the thickness of the yarn and how plump you like your tassels. The yarn I am using in this tutorial is 8ply (DK).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG72uoX3d3isYrCjZHUdyt6R7d4tdbInseJLLOrV_u8tyT7Jz0CEu5UuhtjoiD5nl7cTc_G7kge8ugdUTPA4tjvU6tu1hnIYRa7KW3TClpYApjjC_P770taogzFs-sCSWXWt9VFw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG72uoX3d3isYrCjZHUdyt6R7d4tdbInseJLLOrV_u8tyT7Jz0CEu5UuhtjoiD5nl7cTc_G7kge8ugdUTPA4tjvU6tu1hnIYRa7KW3TClpYApjjC_P770taogzFs-sCSWXWt9VFw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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2. Cut a piece of yarn a little longer than twice the length of the card. Thread it through the top of the tassel twice as shown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5NqpJnWTKF97DVFfgo7O2jPTtGsMcyQMcdnSOWCHe_g7GhQP80gPhIawsa4UQCFtrSTRs9fHKXztXmJlnZ-_VHDkwLQnQWGxIKZU5lgYy284vVqaC-0dq25eP45qG3TvdLOoJw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5NqpJnWTKF97DVFfgo7O2jPTtGsMcyQMcdnSOWCHe_g7GhQP80gPhIawsa4UQCFtrSTRs9fHKXztXmJlnZ-_VHDkwLQnQWGxIKZU5lgYy284vVqaC-0dq25eP45qG3TvdLOoJw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="186" /></a></div>
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3. Tie the piece of yarn in a tight and strong knot.</div>
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4. Carefully remove the yarn from the card, and cut through the looped ends at the bottom of the tassel.</div>
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5. Take another length of yarn around twice the length of the tassel. Wrap it tightly around the tassel as shown (I usually wrap it twice), to form a ball at the top. Tie a secure knot.</div>
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6. Using a yarn needle, thread the ends into the centre of the tassel.</div>
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7. Tidy up the tassel by trimming the ends, and you're finished! The two yarn ends at the top are used to tie the tassel to your project. After attaching, these ends can be threaded down through the middle of the tassel as in step 6.<br />
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Here are some ideas for using your tassels. I always attach them to my bunting, and love adding them to the corners of cushions. You can create a luxurious fringe by attaching an entire row of tassels.<br />
The more you make the easier and faster the process becomes. Have fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROTBSRtyAW0_NbuwkET9zBL-6HKS5uJL_CGjuebfX1uTwP373yLYpficreZl0dNf9bqibgGwL9l0xQsticZuPmeuUjxlaAiw9jyxuhoPbVKOfGGwe_plaLwVOyZpvuYhBM9WuoQ/s1600/the+rivers+know+A4-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROTBSRtyAW0_NbuwkET9zBL-6HKS5uJL_CGjuebfX1uTwP373yLYpficreZl0dNf9bqibgGwL9l0xQsticZuPmeuUjxlaAiw9jyxuhoPbVKOfGGwe_plaLwVOyZpvuYhBM9WuoQ/s1600/the+rivers+know+A4-001.jpg" height="640" width="419" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loretta Grayson <em> The Rivers Know </em> Vintage maps, gouache on cotton rag paper, 2014 </td></tr>
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It's a funny thing, the creative process. I had this sketch in my journal for quite a long time before I finally got around to doing something with it. It was inspired by reading Michael Ondaatje's <em>The English Patient</em> last year, and this quote in particular.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>“We die containing a richness of lovers and tribes, tastes we have swallowed, bodies we have plunged into and swum up as if rivers of wisdom, characters we have climbed into as if trees, fears we have hidden in as if caves. <br /><br />I wish for all this to be marked on by body when I am dead. I believe in such cartography - to be marked by nature, not just to label ourselves on a map like the names of rich men and women on buildings. We are communal histories, communal books. We are not owned or monogamous in our taste or experience.”</em> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"> <br />― </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4030.Michael_Ondaatje"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;">Michael Ondaatje</span></a><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3009869"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;">The English Patient</span></a><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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The image in my head was all bright greens and blues, clouds and water... but when it came to actually getting it onto paper, this is what happened... something a little quieter, softer and darker. <br />
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The title comes from <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/for-those-wings-to-mean-everything.html" target="_blank">a poem by Anis Mojgani</a> that I have written about before, and seemed very appropriate as I was once again finishing work for the same show at the last minute... just as I wrote about then.<br />
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I finally finished it in the early hours of the morning it was due to be delivered to the exhibition, and went to bed at around 2am hating this little artwork with a passion. But somehow, in the few hours sleep I managed before looking at it again, it grew on me. <br />
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I could see that although the idea I was trying to pin down originally had eluded me, another one had appeared in its place. If rivers can know to find their way to the sea, I can learn to let go of control and let ideas flow in the direction they need to go.<br />
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... and hopefully one day learn to stop procrastinating :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/185577321/the-rivers-know-print?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">(Prints of The Rivers Know are available here)</a></div>
Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-60820461371821480962014-02-10T11:30:00.000+10:002014-02-10T11:30:05.034+10:00sweet unrest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail of <em>Sweet Unrest</em> by Loretta Grayson Gouache on cotton rag paper, 200mm x 300mm</td></tr>
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I posted about this painting last month, and it's finally finished. It came together slowly, but I don't mind... working on these small, detailed pieces is the closest thing to meditation for me, so I don't count the hours. </div>
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The title comes from <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/wayfarer.html" target="_blank">one of my favourite Wind in the Willows quotes</a>, but the imagery started coming together after finding this line in Gabriel Garcia Marquez' <em>Love in the Time of Cholera.</em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">"... ideas that had often fluttered around her head like nocturnal birds but dissolved into a trickle of feathers when she tried to catch hold of them."</span></em></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPFrla-saRN7EO_ZKNnOj64mOoYbI2u8YUd-4lMTFY_2KSdfUGJXK5vJ2EiEzaTh9mIw1RJF_n6EpSJZZSX3ubfzQhzRscKY2dpK-0VJqT0MyKw6SebCo2Q-MOaM1UUsbSYMxLA/s1600/IMG_8176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPFrla-saRN7EO_ZKNnOj64mOoYbI2u8YUd-4lMTFY_2KSdfUGJXK5vJ2EiEzaTh9mIw1RJF_n6EpSJZZSX3ubfzQhzRscKY2dpK-0VJqT0MyKw6SebCo2Q-MOaM1UUsbSYMxLA/s1600/IMG_8176.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sweet Unrest</em> by Loretta Grayson Gouache on cotton rag paper, 200mm x 300mm</td></tr>
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They're tricky things, those ideas. I have some of my best ones when I can't sleep in the middle of night, but capturing them again in the morning can prove to be challenging. </div>
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I posted about <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/bird-tracks.html" target="_blank">bird tracks in my artwork</a> a little while ago, so I was excited to discover the work of Dennis Hlynsky recently. He creates the most beautiful and fascinating films of bird flight paths.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/81624972" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></div>
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More videos and information about his creative process can be found here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/dennis-hlynsky-time-lapse-bird-path-videos">http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/dennis-hlynsky-time-lapse-bird-path-videos</a></div>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-52260346202607339922014-01-13T18:17:00.001+10:002014-01-13T18:22:16.688+10:00to begin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-zaXLrKsTailn_56u25fRTfg3eujxQW3HcJUoOAyI3yIgC8UzCdozaedBwFM2fkWmZtowexjwuTJ47cAyB8wq23ruO-IRsI9evgKa-0R6RNya69G_nrVmpHq8o93RS_Dj-Bqcw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-zaXLrKsTailn_56u25fRTfg3eujxQW3HcJUoOAyI3yIgC8UzCdozaedBwFM2fkWmZtowexjwuTJ47cAyB8wq23ruO-IRsI9evgKa-0R6RNya69G_nrVmpHq8o93RS_Dj-Bqcw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wasn't sure how to begin the new year, so I decided to start by finishing a few things.</div>
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A new painting... my first since July last year. It seems I prioritised pretty much everything else over my artwork last year. I'm determined to not do the same in 2014, but I'm being gentle on myself and beginning again by working on some ideas from last year. Here's the sketch I'm working from at the moment, and you can see a little of the progress in the photo above. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkTuKI2zNPT5KL-bEgYZoPD6e4eM6AgEfgmFMd8kOckPLJBOBbCsFfGsmIUM-HKoJIe2jVnjPGT381gZ9gNeCEMhkWsFsQA6q8ClKVN4DrzTaKxOx0ID7wvwpGfSR7O0DjWekvQ/s1600/photo+1-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkTuKI2zNPT5KL-bEgYZoPD6e4eM6AgEfgmFMd8kOckPLJBOBbCsFfGsmIUM-HKoJIe2jVnjPGT381gZ9gNeCEMhkWsFsQA6q8ClKVN4DrzTaKxOx0ID7wvwpGfSR7O0DjWekvQ/s1600/photo+1-001.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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... and this blanket... finally finished!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxwVJzLBH6jl0PV4qsgWxsYO0QZohA3JHz-ZGoHI_34kvwYUVbi8aWrAzvUUEajysVrOVIQc5aFV-HZKoVpqrL7Lgas10xijKoB5loyuuaRmT-e2o-xe1xY99Q3_d54gPnCtFOg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxwVJzLBH6jl0PV4qsgWxsYO0QZohA3JHz-ZGoHI_34kvwYUVbi8aWrAzvUUEajysVrOVIQc5aFV-HZKoVpqrL7Lgas10xijKoB5loyuuaRmT-e2o-xe1xY99Q3_d54gPnCtFOg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="351" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhVtw4RE1ScNfWN2rdQYdsSKwN5mVEKiOdWpp7MVRd6R528z_-3l-DyhxDOVLHjYcoBlWJ368RarIYOJl2vstpxdK_bRx2_mM2fOknHtEHkkBjoOQJ3snpfAJJiJC0vntoS3vNA/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhVtw4RE1ScNfWN2rdQYdsSKwN5mVEKiOdWpp7MVRd6R528z_-3l-DyhxDOVLHjYcoBlWJ368RarIYOJl2vstpxdK_bRx2_mM2fOknHtEHkkBjoOQJ3snpfAJJiJC0vntoS3vNA/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS9pyMWwsKxIu0KzmSMukJqQwLnt7aP_4lVzf9o3O9iSydgueZX4E8VjIlaLOeqVfvuEg8zLIREg3h3Vn4LtiJHmuUhD1UPQi3-JFuEYkujAy72jubsCwrjZXayw7ZzwntW_f6A/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS9pyMWwsKxIu0KzmSMukJqQwLnt7aP_4lVzf9o3O9iSydgueZX4E8VjIlaLOeqVfvuEg8zLIREg3h3Vn4LtiJHmuUhD1UPQi3-JFuEYkujAy72jubsCwrjZXayw7ZzwntW_f6A/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" height="328" width="400" /></a></div>
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My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rettgrayson/hexagonal-throw" target="_blank">original post on Ravelry</a> tells me that I started it over three and a half years ago. I picked it up again last year, and finally finished it last week. </div>
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The pattern comes from a lovely Japanese crochet book (more details at the Ravelry link above). I adapted it a little by adding a join-as-you-go border in off white. I also added a pom pom edging, from a pattern I found <a href="http://onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/pom-pom-edge.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNtxsacno9sIHqtbzAVT79Kpe1dxGIDC_Y3qsTulfwNwMrFYRPXjsrnU1y3GrCA4ry6mWA0fFaGreSaEmwTgGAH3Mqfg6ME0VeE4hWogrntOf_9cSC_m51ggPZkHkwHiDBj_NiQ/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNtxsacno9sIHqtbzAVT79Kpe1dxGIDC_Y3qsTulfwNwMrFYRPXjsrnU1y3GrCA4ry6mWA0fFaGreSaEmwTgGAH3Mqfg6ME0VeE4hWogrntOf_9cSC_m51ggPZkHkwHiDBj_NiQ/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMu84hplU9nr7oxAYS3t4raP9QNumQhJbnOqlzQlXe9WCsFk3yMc-sy6jRjhbDXB3gUHyUS_KFUts96WymSzV-FU9CJNzh9c7zBCP6tqfXElOAQ7CmYSyKbJrBK27N3f_x5b3yg/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMu84hplU9nr7oxAYS3t4raP9QNumQhJbnOqlzQlXe9WCsFk3yMc-sy6jRjhbDXB3gUHyUS_KFUts96WymSzV-FU9CJNzh9c7zBCP6tqfXElOAQ7CmYSyKbJrBK27N3f_x5b3yg/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wishing you all a very happy new year... hope it's a creative one!</div>
<br />Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-58729718395672684862013-11-09T18:40:00.001+10:002013-11-09T18:40:53.089+10:00sunset and blue sky cushion front<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/10754896716/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/10754896716_8cd8d703f9.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/10754896716/">sunset and blue sky cushion front</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/">rettgrayson</a>.</span></div><p>Another experiment in tapestry crochet. More pictures soon!</p>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-86047382847413509172013-10-30T10:02:00.001+10:002013-10-30T23:28:41.419+10:00bird tracks<div style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
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I'm not great at keeping an artist journal, but I thought it might be interesting to share a few pages.</div>
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When I studied art many years ago, it was mandatory to keep a visual journal. Part of our assessment, actually. I struggled with it a bit and always felt that my journal was a bit under par, as it wasn't brimming with sketches. I loved the romantic idea of the artist who carries a journal everywhere with them, stopping as inspiration strikes to furiously sketch ideas.</div>
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But the reality is, that just isn't the way I work. Mostly, I find that it is words and sounds that inspire me. The very early stages of an idea rarely involve a drawing, but I always have a phrase or a poem or a line from a song in my head. It's the images that go with these words that eventually become the artwork. My journal isn't particularly pretty, or colourful, and not even necessarily full of my own work... it's just as likely to contain words and thoughts that I have stolen from my favourite writers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEJMbpY0cqKLkzTAVhfEVSJOspQWJ2OmMSflAVtbYjXtNHiTbTx6ecRgh0jTJRJCroAlePAspHbWJhNwphJdFdXu86RrxVXN0oU1jfyzjPMwZtwIpthUgKgHVYLO6NDunl1Yi1Q/s1600/IMG_7842-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEJMbpY0cqKLkzTAVhfEVSJOspQWJ2OmMSflAVtbYjXtNHiTbTx6ecRgh0jTJRJCroAlePAspHbWJhNwphJdFdXu86RrxVXN0oU1jfyzjPMwZtwIpthUgKgHVYLO6NDunl1Yi1Q/s400/IMG_7842-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This page started with a quote that has been written in nearly every journal I have kept for the last 20 years.<br />
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<em>There are bird tracks and nothing in the sky;</em></div>
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<em>something lived, left, and left something.</em></div>
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It's from William Wharton's <em>Birdy</em>. It's been many years since I read that book, and to be honest I don't remember much about it except that particular phrase which has never left me.<br />
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Earlier this year those bird tracks started wanting to appear in my work, and it made me wonder about the significance of that phrase to me. As serendipity would have it, I bought a book of <a href="http://thepianofarm.com/" target="_blank">Anis Mojgani</a> poems and fell in love with this one:<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Diction</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">The people in town seemed surprised. Like they had never seen a flock</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">of bees come out of someone's mouth before. It wasn't even so much</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">the bees. Or the wasps. Or the tiny tiny rainstorms. It wasn't the shining</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">rings or the swans of amber that any of them seemed to be surprised by.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">It wasn't even my mouth. They told me: <em>It's just, that's not how we talk.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">I said something back. Some... some word. I don't know if it was</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">an emerald or a tugboat or some yellow yellow petal. But after it fell</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">I turned to walk back through the scarves, leaving footprints in the</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">flowers, hoping someone would use them to follow me home. Afraid of </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">whom it might be, somebody who knew what I was trying to say.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-small;">Anis Mojgani, from <em>The Feather Room</em>, Write Bloody Publishing, 2011</span><br />
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The idea of those footprints in the flowers, and the bird tracks in the sky just went together so nicely for me... not only because I love exploring the concept of navigation in my work, but it also made me think about art as communication, one side of a conversation.<br />
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There is an awfully vulnerable place we go to when we share a part of ourselves through our art, whether it is visual art, poetry, music or writing. Why would we do it, except in an effort to leave our own subtle tracks - bird tracks in the sky or footprints in the flowers - personal thoughts and ideas that might be lost on many, but may just find a home in a vulnerable place in someone else?<br />
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Or, as Neil Gaiman puts it in <a href="http://youtu.be/ikAb-NYkseI" target="_blank">this wonderful speech</a>, we send out messages in bottles, and occasionally they return to us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtErQn4R70MZeQMZOLiBiW3RoEFMhmN7_qJlrUdPd1OXDekn9qZySTxdEPl9PUz-DSP_zNaY6kMgximDu5CMQ1tGWnKVx1GBwg2RhSasJWDZYQlCBWNru4C5Iea3P5YbWpcActg/s1600/IMG_7112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtErQn4R70MZeQMZOLiBiW3RoEFMhmN7_qJlrUdPd1OXDekn9qZySTxdEPl9PUz-DSP_zNaY6kMgximDu5CMQ1tGWnKVx1GBwg2RhSasJWDZYQlCBWNru4C5Iea3P5YbWpcActg/s400/IMG_7112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So now, a question for my readers... do you keep a journal? What does your journal look like?Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-84070858283721189692013-10-27T17:59:00.000+10:002015-05-20T20:48:59.462+10:00I might have a crochet cushion addiction (and some FAQs)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
More finished cushions... I'm having so much fun making these, and seem to be developing quite a collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fhrFzq89WTEGsWTMTaLYHXxqTO2MqAc9dPQf9uP9dI54zLW2-iiYWTlWVXwfq9yu8UjWqgU-s4tatzNtrgBGQlG18BDtzZ3lECAXyh_VFsMK5vBkCxPG-jRsBzxQ6s6lpjd-pw/s1600/IMG_7935-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fhrFzq89WTEGsWTMTaLYHXxqTO2MqAc9dPQf9uP9dI54zLW2-iiYWTlWVXwfq9yu8UjWqgU-s4tatzNtrgBGQlG18BDtzZ3lECAXyh_VFsMK5vBkCxPG-jRsBzxQ6s6lpjd-pw/s400/IMG_7935-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A zigzag cushion in 8 ply yarn...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBejWKG9lyOD7RWkA48_wm_9vEesG1muoADWdB2K3-uByoDkRwaiUKj2W-eHPCQj3roZiEZxKCwo7CVNt9xdrubaLHZWVFdSWCBravkYoenIpLxN9KZ8q6X94JR6TMSk9YtbEwaQ/s1600/IMG_7952-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBejWKG9lyOD7RWkA48_wm_9vEesG1muoADWdB2K3-uByoDkRwaiUKj2W-eHPCQj3roZiEZxKCwo7CVNt9xdrubaLHZWVFdSWCBravkYoenIpLxN9KZ8q6X94JR6TMSk9YtbEwaQ/s400/IMG_7952-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And a smaller one in 4 ply.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObrO3KUc9OtB4K7fq3r8oVDtCNBFfnHHdj9mtxk23r1PqX_fpoRGe3NsJoGVn3eqetrbcOvQ0U8Wl55bAkWWxg1l183dBePIk3BMEwJZeife2npSFo0wMVPARy5nYHNY0woOjVw/s1600/IMG_7948-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObrO3KUc9OtB4K7fq3r8oVDtCNBFfnHHdj9mtxk23r1PqX_fpoRGe3NsJoGVn3eqetrbcOvQ0U8Wl55bAkWWxg1l183dBePIk3BMEwJZeife2npSFo0wMVPARy5nYHNY0woOjVw/s400/IMG_7948-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the cushion below I used <a href="http://littlewoollie.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/tapestry-crochet-harlequin-pattern.html" target="_blank"> a wonderful harlequin tapestry crochet tutorial at Little Woollie</a>, and it was surprisingly easy once I got used to it. I had never tried tapestry crochet, and now I have lots of ideas percolating in my head for using this technique.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1fgOwS-Q2LIFsO9uEyED7CdWHtm38eJeB4wGRrb7ECyhiGS1HuyMnciZ7X9WMY3sz4gm-WbK8gHIcDqj-sE2ZAs7nL4LsnO8ZH3kEF3M46mvAnUteXKgjPSmBM4xTtLv5kupBg/s1600/IMG_7945-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1fgOwS-Q2LIFsO9uEyED7CdWHtm38eJeB4wGRrb7ECyhiGS1HuyMnciZ7X9WMY3sz4gm-WbK8gHIcDqj-sE2ZAs7nL4LsnO8ZH3kEF3M46mvAnUteXKgjPSmBM4xTtLv5kupBg/s400/IMG_7945-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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More pictures, just for fun. I was quite enjoying this little photo shoot, and got a bit carried away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8Vq6gbpbpFcgUhKGCAdNyZzuuMGS6bBKTZ5eatPOaEVfiaZcFiAChjWceT9DHEeVRQ0EuTB0MMMaR9qF2v4wuZtsmFdl2opiajxcb7dBrDb-e6eri1VkihB6nrn-B7qUvOL18g/s1600/IMG_7953-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8Vq6gbpbpFcgUhKGCAdNyZzuuMGS6bBKTZ5eatPOaEVfiaZcFiAChjWceT9DHEeVRQ0EuTB0MMMaR9qF2v4wuZtsmFdl2opiajxcb7dBrDb-e6eri1VkihB6nrn-B7qUvOL18g/s400/IMG_7953-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUKS7N1S_-yc3JffNuiJErdzFCDtYXteOvlzwp6OHxk5SeZmkGiWV5PVtr7_eB2OjAWIu4DLnyaXbzM5XzP0lLKx6lKE917ZnRAQ8sCFVjjPVS5iVJ8rKDj7RRkVxqJTDLU9cvg/s1600/IMG_7965-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUKS7N1S_-yc3JffNuiJErdzFCDtYXteOvlzwp6OHxk5SeZmkGiWV5PVtr7_eB2OjAWIu4DLnyaXbzM5XzP0lLKx6lKE917ZnRAQ8sCFVjjPVS5iVJ8rKDj7RRkVxqJTDLU9cvg/s400/IMG_7965-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGipWfCcmMH105cRbLxd6z2mtBEDjDzfiKSf7BSldF_vL7C8uwyjTawPln6sjxMj8xpmxYh2bCOKo1lYWfMTo_yCZlwHO0bLPSJ2_NxkDATHbgy9jZcmGW8ur3S2-Z-zIoN7m6A/s1600/IMG_7939-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGipWfCcmMH105cRbLxd6z2mtBEDjDzfiKSf7BSldF_vL7C8uwyjTawPln6sjxMj8xpmxYh2bCOKo1lYWfMTo_yCZlwHO0bLPSJ2_NxkDATHbgy9jZcmGW8ur3S2-Z-zIoN7m6A/s400/IMG_7939-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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... and now for some answers to a few frequently asked questions. This can be a work in progress, so if you have any questions I haven't addressed, please feel free to ask and I'll can add them.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Q. Do you have/sell crochet patterns?</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span></strong><br />
A. None of these projects has a written pattern as my usual method of operation is to find a technique that I like and play around with it, creating my own pattern in the process. I try to put helpful information about each project on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rettgrayson" target="_blank">my Ravelry page</a>. I'm not really a pattern follower myself, preferring to just experiment and see what I can come up with... but having said that... I'm currently teaching myself to write patterns and hope to have some available in the future. Watch this space!<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Q. What kind of yarn do you use?</span><br />
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A. Most of my projects (and all of the ones pictured here) are made with Merino yarn from an Australian company, <a href="http://www.biggandesign.com/" target="_blank">Biggan Design</a>. I'm sure that crocheters all over the world have their own favourite yarns to work with, but this particular one is the perfect fit for me. They have an amazing colour range that never changes, and the yarn is really lovely to work with, machine washable and hardwearing. It's important for me to be able to make things for my home that can be used every day and will still look great after many years. Some of my early crochet projects that were made with lesser quality yarn haven't worn very well, and I found that very disappointing when so much time and love had gone into making them.<br />
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One exception to the quality yarn rule: I find that <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/finished.html" target="_blank">bunting</a> can be made from cheaper yarns, as it doesn't get handled or washed as much.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Q. Why do the pillows have only one crochet side?</span><br />
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A. This is just a personal preference for me. I usually sew a plain cushion, with a button or zip opening, and hand stitch the crochet piece to it. All of the cushions above have a black corduroy back, and I sometimes use pompom trim, rather than make my own tassels or fringing. I guess I have a couple of reasons for doing this:<br />
<ul>
<li>It's economical. I save on yarn, because I only have to crochet one side. </li>
<li>It's faster, and that's always a good thing.</li>
<li>I like the neatness of the cushions... they have crisp edges and corners. </li>
<li>A contrasting colour or black on the back of the cushion makes the colours stand out more.</li>
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<br />Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-37380347159889482312013-09-13T17:38:00.000+10:002013-09-16T09:11:15.807+10:00small neat worlds in crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A while ago, I posted about crocheting tiny hexagons in an effort to execute this painting in yarn. The original artwork was an <a href="http://www.rettg.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/small-neat-worlds.html" target="_blank">effort to execute crochet in oil pastel</a>, so it made sense (to me, anyway) to do it the other way around as well.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY97Wu94qQ4lXJnMLW3BwcuqBKDf1LeEp11OwkkDBfa-x7BAXNgY1AQDBOA8iyN4XiU2hDxOhUb4Qz8yLAozueTwASgvqmvU2-DqzOrZHPHwMm5cWdo2mQF9gLsmjtJ8mEEFSTCg/s1600/Small+Neat+Worlds+II+6x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY97Wu94qQ4lXJnMLW3BwcuqBKDf1LeEp11OwkkDBfa-x7BAXNgY1AQDBOA8iyN4XiU2hDxOhUb4Qz8yLAozueTwASgvqmvU2-DqzOrZHPHwMm5cWdo2mQF9gLsmjtJ8mEEFSTCg/s400/Small+Neat+Worlds+II+6x8.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Small Neat Worlds II</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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Just found the <a href="http://rettg.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/another-tree-grows-and-some-crochet.html" target="_blank">old blog post</a>... it was <em>quite </em>a while ago! About a year and a half... where does the time go? I haven't been doing a lot of crochet in that time, but every now and then I would pick up a hook and make a few more little hexagons. </div>
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<img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPOhmrdqDQEUFjqxU0ZcaewQfeeKVzXqsKgaJEDOA9TUR8bnwydaNz2UL6m7_irUzUpSWujBzABiDJeJoW0MHWm3MJb8ZkphecxAazL5ssKTzv7kXKYnqT3WZ8J6J_6-hmdXNhA/s400/hexagons.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time to actually do something with them, </div>
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and ta-daaa... it's finished! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXQfr6SD7vndJdmcHWO7XQ8nETzzkbmWS-je6MaUWB3_ahiSFzjnSd3r7Nig-un56GP1VpP0npLUja2XOczgYBJC8JXXmp3ODfaFhXTAT0usmH7yFxTkX2SC02rVoyvGfKQ8d9w/s1600/IMG_7802-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXQfr6SD7vndJdmcHWO7XQ8nETzzkbmWS-je6MaUWB3_ahiSFzjnSd3r7Nig-un56GP1VpP0npLUja2XOczgYBJC8JXXmp3ODfaFhXTAT0usmH7yFxTkX2SC02rVoyvGfKQ8d9w/s400/IMG_7802-001.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Hexagon Pixel Cushion front</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3bwtSwgJKA0eFAkzMYvABM-xfjbWsC2APdlVRSagk9hIdvC5sHjgqGOoZr4UfdYizHaLPxjNBf19qcGDXHXT-HHboEB2ZZioxJbkT0BW5_IhTCf217qAKd5DtnygZ59zMf1ANg/s1600/IMG_7811-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3bwtSwgJKA0eFAkzMYvABM-xfjbWsC2APdlVRSagk9hIdvC5sHjgqGOoZr4UfdYizHaLPxjNBf19qcGDXHXT-HHboEB2ZZioxJbkT0BW5_IhTCf217qAKd5DtnygZ59zMf1ANg/s400/IMG_7811-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Hexagon Pixel Cushion</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincCkgTrQcxjeMRmF8mKCwQ4KZbVfrhk8IzTYguH0NvhARDqc8eK0KG7Mkg44DxnpMKBFeK-1hOnKJzrlIgUq6ePij3R2YgGIenAFkSqQNz4FTDnjhF48rMQl-eOdH81Zt79Lu5Q/s1600/IMG_7815-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincCkgTrQcxjeMRmF8mKCwQ4KZbVfrhk8IzTYguH0NvhARDqc8eK0KG7Mkg44DxnpMKBFeK-1hOnKJzrlIgUq6ePij3R2YgGIenAFkSqQNz4FTDnjhF48rMQl-eOdH81Zt79Lu5Q/s640/IMG_7815-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Hexagon Pixel Cushion</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I also finished my CMYK cushion...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2ATWTPyetdb6OKGTDszv5sGuTnPUW5xRex0OtcfzvdbIScqlqaIGpCiDV4h_ZYV257JuhGXHWjEdZu-rMvfcd9AACBy2n7Q2dKAcK-2PFIZnjjjuTy-B9suwta6Facr0i7IfJw/s1600/IMG_7808-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2ATWTPyetdb6OKGTDszv5sGuTnPUW5xRex0OtcfzvdbIScqlqaIGpCiDV4h_ZYV257JuhGXHWjEdZu-rMvfcd9AACBy2n7Q2dKAcK-2PFIZnjjjuTy-B9suwta6Facr0i7IfJw/s400/IMG_7808-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>CMYK Cushion</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRwqfw0hJulajW7KdWHQsNcXlVp6dkvAUgnx1s6bCBHgIADkVuRDFdIZVea5S6biLD7DxqX4OJwa0gPt6DcCzOuKXr450f-Utqc-b2_xZ9XFrkyLHRQiyghTUxcr2Wlh1GtkRSw/s1600/IMG_7819-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRwqfw0hJulajW7KdWHQsNcXlVp6dkvAUgnx1s6bCBHgIADkVuRDFdIZVea5S6biLD7DxqX4OJwa0gPt6DcCzOuKXr450f-Utqc-b2_xZ9XFrkyLHRQiyghTUxcr2Wlh1GtkRSw/s400/IMG_7819-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>CMYK Cushion</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe0NzdFG89K2wLzOTkoHNyfadVDxCYoMlEvI4jGBpbc1Rjg_ojU2DL3Qury18e2hDgh6eeSEJL6IYr08oaNAX86I-p4Dm-esVCaHPlbnXnJzFW0Zy1C1kFxZPGNeGp6NzPR7yzw/s1600/IMG_7830-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe0NzdFG89K2wLzOTkoHNyfadVDxCYoMlEvI4jGBpbc1Rjg_ojU2DL3Qury18e2hDgh6eeSEJL6IYr08oaNAX86I-p4Dm-esVCaHPlbnXnJzFW0Zy1C1kFxZPGNeGp6NzPR7yzw/s400/IMG_7830-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Hexagon Pixel and CMYK cushions</em> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loretta Grayson</span></td></tr>
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Now to finish the blanket I started... um... maybe two years ago?</div>
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I used <a href="http://www.biggandesign.com/" target="_blank">Biggan Design</a> yarn for both projects... 4 ply for the hexagon cushion and 8 ply for the squares cushion. For the crocheters who are interested in more info about the exact colours, hook sizes, etc., I'll update my Ravelry page soon (there's a link at the top right of this page).<br />
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-66834620934137430532013-08-10T12:23:00.000+10:002013-08-10T12:23:28.105+10:00granny bunting giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9FE3e0itUQF9YtIJr8m4osCH8EXa8hHyALunG8AnofGyuIvIZUi8x1rzoMsJr4Km458IyJDAClq_bDQDzB6P_5cTIDD6gTe6BlRuYeP60-sLp-14ucumqBEcNCAmquUT_F3-FA/s1600/IMG_7713-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9FE3e0itUQF9YtIJr8m4osCH8EXa8hHyALunG8AnofGyuIvIZUi8x1rzoMsJr4Km458IyJDAClq_bDQDzB6P_5cTIDD6gTe6BlRuYeP60-sLp-14ucumqBEcNCAmquUT_F3-FA/s640/IMG_7713-001.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
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My favourite picture from yesterday's crochet photoshoot. This north-facing verandah is such a nice spot to read in the winter sun. I think I have at least part of my weekend planned already.</div>
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The reason for all these pretty crochet pictures is a little giveaway I am having on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stellaviolet" target="_blank">facebook</a> page. I'm excited to be celebrating reaching over 1000 page likers. </div>
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It's been a couple of years since I had any granny bunting available in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stellaviolet" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>, and I'm planning to re-introduce it soon. As I get a few sets made, I'll post here and on facebook to let you know when they're about to be listed. </div>
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In the meantime, I made one very special, luxury garland with some beautiful <span id="goog_1885445485"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Biggan<span id="goog_1885445486"></span></a> yarn left over from other crochet projects, and I would like to give it away to one of my lovely page likers. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stellaviolet" target="_blank">Pop on over there and put your name in the draw!</a></div>
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A few more photos, just because...<br />
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I'll also be giving away a few sets of greeting cards as runner-up prizes. Watch out for these in the shop soon, too!</div>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-76800381935019225612013-07-21T19:17:00.000+10:002013-07-21T19:37:19.239+10:00Memory of the loss of wings<span style="color: #134f5c;">An hour comes </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">to close a door behind me</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">the whole of night opens before me</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;">- W.S. Merwin</span><br />
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A new artwork to share - finally! I created this tree for a very special exhibition titled <em>Ten Years, Ten Trees, Ten Artists</em> for the <a href="http://www.jumpersandjazz.com/" target="_blank">Jumpers and Jazz in July</a> festival in Warwick. Ten artists have each taken one of the festival's well-known silhouette trees and turned it into their own unique artwork. You can see the exhibition at the Warwick Town Hall until July 28.<br />
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It hasn't been a great year for me in terms of productivity in my art practice, so it was a good thing to have a deadline for this piece. 2013 has been an interesting year so far... lots of family things to focus on, a little unwellness that got in the way, a few epiphanies and some changes in the wind - all the usual stuff, really. It's all gone too fast, and has been a bit confusing and unsatisfactory... so to mark the middle of the year, I'm beginning again, and thinking of new adventures, of making changes, of focussing my time on the people and pastimes that nurture my spirit... and looking forward to a much better second half of the year.<br />
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<em>Murmuration</em> is the title of my tree, as it includes starlings created from vintage star maps and astronomy books, and was very much inspired by <a href="http://youtu.be/iRNqhi2ka9k" target="_blank">this video</a> and this poem.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Starlings in Winter</span></strong></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chunky and noisy,<br /> but with stars in their black feathers, <br />they spring from the telephone wire<br />and instantly<br /><br />they are acrobats<br />in the freezing wind.<br />And now, in the theater of air,<br />they swing over buildings,<br /><br />dipping and rising;<br />they float like one stippled star<br />that opens,<br />becomes for a moment fragmented,<br /><br />then closes again;<br />and you watch<br />and you try<br />but you simply can't imagine<br /><br />how they do it<br />with no articulated instruction, no pause,<br />only the silent confirmation<br />that they are this notable thing,<br /><br />this wheel of many parts, that can rise and spin<br />over and over again,<br />full of gorgeous life.<br />Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,<br /><br />even in the leafless winter,<br /> even in the ashy city.<br />I am thinking now<br />of grief, and of getting past it;</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">I feel my boots <br />trying to leave the ground,<br />I feel my heart<br />pumping hard, I want<br /><br />to think again of dangerous and noble things.<br />I want to be light and frolicsome.<br />I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,<br />as though I had wings.</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Starlings in Winter" by Mary Oliver, from <em>Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays</em>. © Beacon Press, 2003.</span> </span></div>
Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-32432620537812959032013-04-05T13:40:00.001+10:002013-04-05T13:40:43.860+10:00CMYK cushion front<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/8616107754/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8616107754_fdfa0a175e.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/8616107754/">CMYK cushion front</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rettg/">rettgrayson</a>.</span></div><p>A new crochet project, finally! Will share more photos soon.</p>Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-43785879828694076132013-03-17T17:30:00.000+10:002021-09-11T07:30:57.365+10:00...for those wings to mean everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The greatest challenge I have when I am working on a new painting seems to be finishing it. I set myself the unattainable task of creating an image that will somehow, magically, say exactly what I am imagining... and of course that's impossible.</div>
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Thank goodness for deadlines... without them, my desk would be littered with unfinished pieces waiting for those perfect last touches. Right now I'm getting ready for the <a href="http://www.twgs.qld.edu.au/community/art-show-2013/welcome/" target="_blank">Toowoomba Grammar Art Show</a> next weekend. Titles and prices were sent away while the work was still imaginary. I have a wonderful framer, but I don't want to be always expecting them to do my jobs at the last minute, so the half-finished paintings were taken to the shop for a day visit, to be measured for their frame fitting, then collected again so I could keep working on them.<br />
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While I've been procrastinating over paintings, I've been reading of course... and it was wonderful to find comfort in the fact that great writers and poets sometimes struggle to find just the right combinations of words, just as I struggle with colours, lines and shapes.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">"I want to think to make real this that I know and can't hold."</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">William Wharton, <em>Birdy</em></span></span></span><br />
(this quote is the first thing I have written in several art journals since I was about 18!)<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">"Words are cold, muddy toads trying to understand sprites dancing in a field - but they're all we have." </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- Yann Martel, <em>Beatrice and Virgil</em></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">"Writers end up writing stories - or rather, stories shadows - and they're grateful if they can, but it is not enough. Nothing the writer can do is ever enough."</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">- Joy Williams</span><br />
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...and my favourite - this beautiful poem by Anis Mojgani. I kept going back and reading this...<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>his coat o how it does shine</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">he doesn't always know where to go</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">or what to do</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">there are fishhooks in his skin</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">and an accordion from somewhere</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">that he swears could be moonlight in a white mustache</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">sometimes he feels like a phony</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">that he laughs out of clumsiness</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">that his skeleton doesn't like the sound his heart makes at night</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">and wishes</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">to run away</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">out over the ridges</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">falling into place amongst the silhouetted woods</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">the trees all know to grow in the same direction</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">the rivers</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">they know these same things</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">he wants to write something soft and meaningful</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">he wants to make birds that like the feel of their feathers in the wind</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">for those wings to mean everything</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">and to give them to you</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">from <em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4776753-over-the-anvil-we-stretch?auto_login_attempted=true" target="_blank">Over the Anvil we Stretch</a></em>, <span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">published by Write Bloody Publishing. Copyright 2008 by Anis Mojgani.</span></span></span><br />
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Anyway, for better or worse here they are, finished (I think).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Flight Path II</em>, gouache on Arches 100% cotton rag paper, 200mm x 300mm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Flight Path II</em> (detail)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Festival</em>, gouache on Arches 100% cotton rag paper, 200mm x 300mm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Festival</em> (detail)</td></tr>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-84406800269190528362013-02-06T19:21:00.000+10:002015-06-03T18:07:18.303+10:00I have set sail on a fast mountain<br />
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<span class="yiv357869654quote"><span class="yiv357869654quote"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">The Calling Under the Breath</span></strong></span></span><span class="yiv357869654quote"><span class="yiv357869654quote"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">Through the evening</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">the mountains approach over the desert</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">sails from a windless kingdom</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">silence runs through the birds</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">their shadows freeze</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">where are you</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">where are you where are you</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">I have set sail on a fast mountain</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">whose shadow is everywhere</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;"><em>W.S. Merwin</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-size: x-small;">(published in The Carrier of Ladders, 1971)</span></div>
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Poetry and painting again... </div>
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<em>I have set sail on a fast mountain... </em>I was in love with this line from the first time I read that beautiful W.S. Merwin poem late last year. It became firmly embedded in my imagination, where it started transforming itself into a painting. </div>
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Soon after reading it, I was driving one morning and looked in the rear-view mirror to see a most magical sight... low lying cloud was breaking over the mountain range behind me like a huge foamy wave. By the time I could safely pull over, I had missed my opportunity to take a photo, but I came home and googled pictures of these kinds of clouds. How magnificent is <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2248985/Pictured-Incredible-tsunami-clouds-roll-mountain-engulf-city.html#axzz2Jt00hpa1" target="_blank">this image</a>?</div>
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Isn't it wonderful how nature gives those of us with over-active imaginations so much material to work with? I imagined constellations of paper boats sailing on those waves of clouds, and this was the result...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjwEnH9RgDyo6ZrVN8QlClGnfY1yQcn1Ko3_MlEe-fIFzhlgxJu5Z_kQff41b7Rs1NEg2xuXoYw9mssUSC6ezBJfzCdeOxG5Xk6HGQarFV2SpWPr1M3dYQSYTVMntWrpjEiiH9A/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjwEnH9RgDyo6ZrVN8QlClGnfY1yQcn1Ko3_MlEe-fIFzhlgxJu5Z_kQff41b7Rs1NEg2xuXoYw9mssUSC6ezBJfzCdeOxG5Xk6HGQarFV2SpWPr1M3dYQSYTVMntWrpjEiiH9A/s400/IMG_6964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>I have set sail on a fast mountain</em>, Loretta Grayson<br />
Gouache on Arches 100% cotton paper, 300mm x 500mm</td></tr>
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Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19575824.post-21113769290238898882013-01-04T15:20:00.001+10:002013-01-04T15:20:45.201+10:00New Found Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl3yfC4M_rrLefGMg0LdWkJpNVd29YcSWyLJIetODQtIWlFTD1O17kUq6WEmJVPaKoSC8RRuosQ7mMxZY-6jFm3Iu_QhJYCO4SrflM99Y1My-M5-5cFp_5XAVtWuIhc6qrxdVbg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl3yfC4M_rrLefGMg0LdWkJpNVd29YcSWyLJIetODQtIWlFTD1O17kUq6WEmJVPaKoSC8RRuosQ7mMxZY-6jFm3Iu_QhJYCO4SrflM99Y1My-M5-5cFp_5XAVtWuIhc6qrxdVbg/s640/photo.JPG" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
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new year, new art journal</div>
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It's my favourite time of year again... I love the new year. So full of ideas, adventures and possibilities waiting to happen.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lighting candles at the closing ceremony, Woodford Folk Festival</td></tr>
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This is my favourite way to start the year, and has been for a long time - a week at <a href="http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/" target="_blank">Woodford Folk Festival</a>. There is such a beautiful energy there. Following the busy Christmas season, time at the festival with family and friends recharges me, and allows me to launch into the new year with love and enthusiasm... as soon as I manage to catch up on a week of sleep deprivation!</div>
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In other news - I'm not sure if I posted about this, but last year one of my artworks was accepted to appear on an <a href="http://www.avantcard.com.au/" target="_blank">Avant Card</a> free artcard. So right now, 10 000 - 15 000 of these cards will be appearing on free postcard stands around the country - I'm pretty excited about this! I love Avant Card, and often pick up their artcards when I see them. If you are an emerging artist and would like to see your work on a postcard, you can find <a href="http://www.avantcard.com.au/index.php/resources/art/" target="_blank">more information here</a>.</div>
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Another exciting thing - I arrived home to find that the number of likers on my facebook page had reached the next hundred - over 700 now! At every new hundred I have a giveaway, usually one of my prints. Just for something different this time I have decided to give away one of my vintage map covered coptic-bound journals. Here are some images of it, and you can find out how to enter the giveaway on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stellaviolet" target="_blank">my facebook page</a>.</div>
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While I was making this little book, I was listening to a beautiful new song from Paul Kelly... so it ended up with maps of India and Newfoundland on the covers. Seems like the perfect giveaway for a brand new year.</div>
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Love this video with artwork by <a href="http://lucydyson.com/" target="_blank">Lucy Dyson.</a></div>
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Hope your new found year is a wonderful and creative one :) </div>
Retthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04414426914108445098noreply@blogger.com