Stitched and Bound by themes...

So the 'quilt' is done, with much relief. I'm reasonably happy with it; in hindsight there are things I would perhaps do differently, but given that this is my first large scale attempt at making a quilted textile piece I'm pretty happy with the result. It has been a learning curve and has certainly fueled inspiration to produce more pieces like it.

I've been doing loads of research into quilts, tradional and contemporary. View the stunning online exhibition Australia Wide here. One artist I particularly admire is Pamela Fitzsimons from NSW. [I can't find a website, but there are a few images online if you care to google.] Also Wendy Lugg is very inspiring. Wendy is a WA artist so I have had the pleasure of viewing her work in the past.

Anyway, I digress. A HUGE thanks goes out to Clare Day for taking some

snapshots of my quilt and burning them to a disc for me, the images have been submitted to this years Stitched and Bound exhibition which will be held at the Mundaring Arts Centre in July. Fingers crossed!

There are a few other art awards and exhibitions coming up later in the year which brings me to a point that I'm struggling with: Working to a theme.
Some of these awards have designated themes to which the artist must adhere. Some are easier than others. This one in particular has me stumped! The theme is Gold.

I've never really worked to a theme before, usually I have my own direction or themes present in my work, so this is a challenge .

If anyone has any useful advice I'd be most appreciative!

sweet potato and ginger muffins

do you ever get an idea that sounds a little crazy, but you think it may just work?? Well that happened to me today as I was driving home from Bunbury. I'm not sure why I was thinking about sweet potatoes, but I was, and this idea for muffins kind of whalloped me on the head. So when I arrived home I set to work, and I have to say they were absolutely scrummy!

Sweet Potato and ginger muffins

I medium sweet potato or kumera (the orange sort)
1 3/4 c SR flour
3/4 c dark brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp vanilla
60g butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk

stick the sweet potato in the oven at 180 degrees, skin on, for about an hour or so, until really tender. Allow to cool, then split open the skin and scoop out the deliciously caramel flesh. Mash roughly with a fork or the back of a spoon. Combine with the melted butter, egg, fresh ginger, vanilla and buttermilk and whisk until combined.
In a mixing bowl sift together the flour, sugar and spices and make a well in the center. Pour in the sweet potato mix and fold together with a knife or spatula. It's really important not to over-mix, you want it to just come together in a thick batter with some small lumps. If it seems too dry add a splash of normal milk to loosen the mix.
Once combined, spoon into muffin cases and bake at 180 degrees for about 20-25 mins or until a skewer comes out clean. Serve warm with butter and honey if desired.

An option is to sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a mix of finely diced crystalised ginger and raw sugar before baking for a yummy crunchy top.

These were sooo yummy that the whole batch disappeared before I could take a photo! A great way to get veg into fussy kids!

Pixel Magix rock!!!

A BIG BIG thank you goes out to Kylie and Mike of Pixel Magix who brought fun and exuberant energy to Martin's and my wedding day. These guys were the most amazing photographers; they were super funny yet professional, brilliant with the hoards of kids and most of all, they helped us to relax and enjoy what will be a memorable day for the rest of our lives.

Check out some of the amazing shots taken here.

Yikes!!

okay okay...

I admit, I've been lazy in posting in the last month, but not without good reason.
Firstly let me just say that the 30 day thing was a pain in the ass and I'm not going to finish it...and honestly I never do finish things like that, so if you see me start one again, please pinch me! {But on that note, my waterymelon didn't make it...due to some rather greedy kangeroo's who felt the need to demolish anything remotely green in my garden!! Kangaroo Stew! That's all I'm saying.}

So the last month or so in a few happy snaps:

going back to early feb...this went off to Meet me at Mikes for the I Heart Mirabel challenge. I hope it got there in time!!

Valnetines Dinner: Slow roasted pork belly with seared scallops and chilli jam. Super dooper yummy!

The birthday girl. Absolutely thrilled with her coconut and strawberry cake.

Making fig jam with figs plucked from a sprawling roadside tree. With just a hint of ginger and scraped vanilla seeds.

the boys looking all handsome on the wedding day.

exchanging vows on the jetty...

the children being cute...

most gorgeous flower girl...doing an outstanding job!

work in progress...this is a 'quilt' to be entered into the 'Stitched and Bound' Competition. I have just 7 days to finish it and send off the images!!! eeeeeeek!more works in progress. I've been playing with paint again after many many years of having not. Some of my paints were so old I had to wrench the lids free with pliers!

These are unfinished works, but I'm really enjoying just playing around and finding a style that suits me.Something to do between bouts of stitching like a madwoman!

Now, since it's taken me about 3 hours to upload these photo's (dial-up!!!) I'm going to bed.

zzzzzzzzzzzz.