Weekend in Nelson

I had a great weekend in Nelson. I spent some time with my family, and enjoyed the glorious sunshine the region is famous for. I didn't take many pictures during the trip, so thought I take this one of the view from the lawn of my childhood home on Monday morning. On Sunday I went to the Motueka Market, then to the Ngatimoti Festival to see the lovely Justine of redflax

Before I went I picked up my paintings from the framer for my art class exhibition. Here are the photos I promised. The exhibition is now on at Gallery O in the Arts Centre.

New Stockist at Waikuku

For the first time, rose among thorns candles are available in a retail store. My mini teardrop candles are now being stocked by Sanderson China and Pottery, at The Mill, 1573 Main North Road, Waikuku. There is a cafe next door, and it's only half an hour north of Christchurch. While you're there, pop in to see the Wee Room Gallery, where my friend Clare exhibits her paintings.

The Fabulous Harbour Kitchens of Lyttelton

I was privileged enough to be involved in the production of this fabulous book, Harbour Kitchens. It is a joint fundraising project for the two primary schools in Lyttelton. Thanks to all the wonderful people involved, it has become a cookbook to rival anything you might find in the bookstores. Fabulous photography, mouth watering recipes, and designed by the talented Kim Hickford. It is much more than a recipe book, it has been described as a snapshot of Lyttelton, it's people, it's food and what makes it special.

I can't wait to get my copy and try some of the delicious recipes. It would make a fantastic christmas gift, you can buy if from the Lyttelton Farmers Market, selected shops in Lyttelton and through either school.

Exhibition Time

It is time again for the annual exhibition for the art class I attend. It is also that time for the last minute rush/panic that always seems to accompany such events! This year there has been the inclusion of a black and white themed wall, with artists able to paint anything of their choosing onto a 40cm x 40cm canvas. I wanted to do one but unfortunately I didn't have time. This year I am fortunate enough to be able to include my candles in the exhibition, in addition to the two paintings I have done. So I've been replenishing my stocks and planning how it's all going to look.

So if you're in Christchurch between the 27th of October and the 2nd November, pop down to Gallery O in the Arts Centre to see a wide range of paintings, from beginners through to experienced artists. If you haven't seen my candles, or would like to see them again, this is a great chance to have a look at them, and smell the different fragrances.

Rolleston Craft Market this weekend

This Sunday I will be debuting at the Rolleston Craft Market. It will be my first outdoor market, so I have my fingers crossed that the weather improves! It will be on from 10am till 1pm at the Rolleston Community Centre. Find out more on the felt blog here, or click here for a map.

As usual I will be offering a 10% to anyone that brings along any old candles for recycling. I am planning to start production of recycled tealights soon, so used tealights will be very welcome.

Spring and Smart Snappers

Spring has well and truly arrived in Christchurch. I work quite close to the Botanic Gardens, which is a great place for a leisurely stroll in my lunch break. The daffodils are just starting to come out, along with the fragrant daphne by the river. The magnolias are out as well, so I took some photos to use as inspiration in my next painting for my art class's upcoming exhibition.

I also entered my recycled cassette card purse into the smarten your snapper competition. I road tested it with my metro card, the local equivalent, and it did a great job! It's also fantastic for keeping all those extra cards you seem to acquire, like loyalty and membership cards. It makes a great business card holder too!

We have a winner!

After a successful response to my survey, I held my first prize draw. The winner of three mini-teardrops and a plate is Prue McStay aka Citrus Daisy. Thanks to everyone who participated.

The most popular fragrance was Vanilla, with a clear margin. Second equal were Frangipani and Orange, which puts Orange first on the list as the next fragrance I'll introduce to my mini-teardrops range. Third equal were Chocolate, Christmas Spice and Ylang Ylang. There's christmas sorted!

I have also just got a shiny new facebook fanpage. When I reach 100 fans I get my own url, so encourage your friends to become fans as well.

This week I have also been featured in the Felt newsletter (thanks Lucy!) My mini-teardrop candles are in the winter warmers with a touch of spring section. Stuck for gift ideas for fathers day? Why not get him something handmade, have a look at felt's Fathers Day showcase for some ideas.