The Lace Works

Here are some pictures of the lace work Mum is exhibiting at the VAST Exhibition in Tapawera at Shedwood Hall. It runs until the 1st February 2010.

The best crafter I've ever met

I recently made my mum some business cards for an upcoming exhibition she is participating in. She will be exhibiting some of her pieces of hand-made lace. Lacemaking is one of the more recent acquisitions to her crafting reportoire, which includes knitting and spinning among many other things. Since then she has been learning various different techniques, so when I got married, I asked her to make a piece of lace for my dress. I couldn't find any patterns that would work for a dress, so she found a book with instructions on how to design lace patterns. I came up with a design, drew it all out in illustrator, and mum made the piece of lace. It looked beautiful, and I now have a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that will be treasured for years to come.

Mum has many other crafting skills, quite a few of which she taught me when I was young. She showed me how to knit, sew, spin, weave and crochet. I still have a collection of soft toys and other things I've made. I've have slowly been picking these skills back up again over the last few years, and am enjoying the renaissance craft is having. It's nice to have learnt all these things from my mum, rather than a book. The skills have gone from generation to generation without missing a step.

If you are in the Nelson area in the next week or two, pop over to Tapawera and have a look at the annual VAST Art Exhibition. It's on from January 23 until February 1 at the Shedwood Hall, Main Road, Tapawera.

Summer break and the New Year

This post is probably a bit late to be a proper 'Happy New Year Post', but hey, better late than never! I had a lovely break over Christmas. We went up to Nelson to catch up with family, then we went camping, and we took a day trip over to Golden Bay. We took the long and winding gravel road to Totoranui, as I had never been there before. I decided that next time I visit I might just take the water taxi from Kaiteriteri!

We stopped at Ligar Bay and had a look, as I had stayed here in a school trip, and remembered there was a nice beach. I wasn't disappointed, and decided it would be a great place for a bach. Unfortunately we didn't win that lotto draw!

I don't normally do New Year resolutions per se, but usually have something I'd like to achieve. This year I'd like to be a bit more organised – who doesn't! I have had a cleanout and sold some old things I no longer use on trademe. The extra space may be shortlived as I found it's a great source of yarn to add to my stash... There's some rather pretty yarn on my watchlist right now.

I'm hoping 2010 will be better than 2009. I didn't have a terrible year, but there is always room for improvement, and now that I have (hopefully) discovered the source of the health issues I was having last year, I think things can only get better. In a couple of months I will know for sure and will be able to move on, with or without gluten as part of my life.

Rolleston Market

Tomorrow I will be back at the Rolleston Christmas Market. Come down for crafts, fresh produce, food and coffee. It is held from 10am till 1pm on the grassy area next to the Rolleston Community Centre. If it's raining, it will be held indoors at the stadium. Click here for directions.

As usual I will be offering a 10% to anyone that brings along any old candles for recycling.

I <3 Felt Showcase

Now that market madness is behind me, I've had time to put together a showcase from Felt. I have no theme, just found things I liked!

Reversable Belt

thewardrobe

$12.50

Hanna Denim Dress

greenjean

$45.00

"lucie" Ceramic Tile

littleladies

$39.00

Original Redflax Hea...

redflax

$16.00

The Bone-knitter

sabine

$17.00

3 Pack - Unlined A5...

honeydesign

$20.00

Felt featured seller

I have been lucky enough to be profiled on the featured seller section of felt. In it I talk about what I make, and where I get my inspiration from. I also mention a couch which is part-way through it's second re-covering. It's had quite a life, and anyone who spent any time at my Hereford St flat will probably remember it. It's about to move to it's next, much more grown-up stage of life. I will post before, before and after pictures when I finally finish it. Watch this space!

The Night Market last night was a great success, thanks Lucy for yet again doing a fantastic job of organising it. If you weren't able to come along last night, and still want to do a spot of craft shopping, or maybe would like a piece of art for your wall or a gift, head along to Art Attack, held at Thorrington School from 11am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. My candles and paintings from the recent exhibition will be there, along with many other great paintings and handcrafts, delicious food, music and raffles. It is a fundraiser for two Cashmere High School students.

Upcoming Markets and Events

I've got a busy few weeks ahead, so I thought it would be a good time to list all the places you can find rose among thorns goodies. Firstly, no matter where you are in the world, you can buy them from felt. If you would like international shipping prices, send me a message and I will let you know the prices for where you live. You can also purchase my mini teardrops from Sanderson China and Pottery in Waikuku.

If you feel like an outing to a market or art and craft exhibition, you have the following to choose from:

29th November: Rolleston Community Market

A great community market featuring local crafts, food and produce. It is held from 10am till 1pm on the grassy area next to the Rolleston Community Centre. If it's raining, it will be held indoors at the stadium. Click here for directions.

3rd December: The Night Market

Hot on the heels of Craft2.0, Felt is proud to present The Night Market, a Christmas shopping event on Thursday 3 December from 6pm till 10pm, for those who like something different. Featuring some of the best and brightest of the Christchurch craft community, The Night Market is a treasure trove of beautiful handmade products, including jewellery, accessories, candles, books and all manner of gorgeous Christmas decorations and gift ideas. Head along after work or make a night of it!

5th-6th December: Art Attack

Art Attack is a new Art and Craft exhibition to be held in the Thorrington School Hall on the 5th & 6th of December 2009 as a fundraiser for two Cashmere High School students. Jasmine is to attend Space Camp at Nasa, USA and Hope to Shanghai, China with Cashmere High School Music Tour.

There will be a large variety of paintings sculptures and crafts for sale. Also featured are the finalists of the Art Attack Students Art Competition. There will be delicious food, music, raffles and much more.
As this is an exhibition I won't be there during the day. If you are interested in participating in this event, contact Maree through the event page, or email me and I will send you the details. It's a great opportunity to sell some of your wares and help raise funds for the girls. While it's on, you could be at home creating more crafts, or outside soaking up the sunshine. It's up to you!

13th December: Rolleston Community Christmas Market

A great community market featuring local crafts, food and produce. It is held from 10am till 1pm on the grassy area next to the Rolleston Community Centre. If it's raining, it will be held indoors at the stadium. Click here for directions.

If you come to either of the Rolleston Markets, or the Night Market, bring along your old candles for me to recycle, and receive a 10% off discount coupon for rose among thorns. If you have any old tealights, please bring them, as I have starting making recycled tealights and need some more.