PuddleduckMusings

Moving Blogs

2010-09-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Please go to CanberraHandmade's blogspot for all the latest in Canberra art and craft.

I have also started work as a massage therapist at Yarralumla Bodyworks. Visit the website for more information about the services currently on offer.

On Holiday

2010-07-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

I have now decided to post to one blog regularly instead of trying to do two erratically. So please go to www.canberrahandmade.blogspot.com to see what is happening in Canberra.

I am off on holidays for a couple of weeks to learn KaHuna massage in the Noosa Hinterland and visit friends. So when I come back wonderfully relaxed I will be working on a whole new web design for my sites - www.canberrahandmade.com and www.puddleduckdesigns.com when I return. So look out for the new look!

Art and Design Market at the Belconnen Arts Centre

2010-06-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrating local environmentally-friendly design, arts and crafts

Saturday 12 June 12.00 - 5.00pm Belconnen Arts Centre 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen

Artists include: Dirk & Anne Bouma, Linda Davy, Jenni Martiniello, Barbara McGann, Maryann Mussared & Jo Hollier, Paperworks, Caroline Reid, Tamara Russell, Esmeee Smith, Diane G. West, Anne Willsford

Created by local artists and crafts people using environmentally-friendly materials and
processes. Jewellery; silk scarves; woven & felted goods – scarves, wraps, bags, cushions,
throws; raku fired ceramics; re-cycled books; baskets; paper products; contemporary
Aboriginal glass, silks and textiles & solar plate etchings.

Inner North Community Fair

2010-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

This Sunday 16 May 11am-3pm Come and celebrate community, autumn and green lifestyle choices at the Inner North Community Fair on Sunday 16 May from 11am – 3pm at Hawdon Oval, Hawdon Street site in Dickson

The Fair will include local local designers and artisans (including yours truely!), organic food, vibrant entertainers, children's activities, recycled clothes and wares, clothes swap, recycling station (corks, mobile phones, batteries and even old bikes), live music and plenty of eco stuff and advice.

A wide range of community based organisations will be on hand, including Molonglo and Ginninderra Catchment Groups, Inner North SEEchange and the North Side Community Council.

One of the highlights will be a display on the proposed Dickson and Lyneham wetland hosted by the Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water. The wetland has been designed to improve catchment water quality and to increase urban habitat. Staff will be on hand to discuss the proposal and the formation of a wetland carer group.

There will be plenty on offer for garden lovers. Seeds and Plants Australia and Provincial Landscapes will have a range of locally grown native plants for sale, including wetland species. Canberra Organic Growers will provide advice on producing fresh vegies. For the back garden chook keeper, Uncle Joe’s mobile chook runs demonstrate how breeds like bantams can be incorporated into small gardens. Organic waste generated on the day will be collected and composted using the ANU’s Hot Rot system. Once processed, the compost will be used as a natural soil improver on the shrub beds surrounding the wetland.

Event Details
Date: Sunday 16 May 2010
Where: Hawdon Oval, Hawdon St, Dickson
Time: 11am – 3 pm
Cost: Free Entry

A very busy month past

2010-03-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well this has certainly been a busy month. With an ill father, studying for my massage therapy course and being very busy in the day job there has not been a lot of time for any extras. But hopefully things will calm down over the next little while.

The Footprint Festival last Sunday was excellent. A lovely day to be out and about. The weather was perfect and the location superb right down to a little family of ducks wandering about. Lots of great people having a look around.

Next week end is shaping up to be another very busy one. There will be the Harvest Fesival from 12 - 5.00 pm on Saturday 27th March at the Canberra Environment and Sustainability Resource Centre, Cnr Lennox and Lawson Cres, Acton. See www.ecoaction.com.au for more information.

Then on Sunday 28th March is the next Handmade Market is on from 10 - 4.00 pm in it new location at Kamberra Wine Company, Cnr Northourne Ave & Flemington Rd, Lyneham. Visit www.handmademarket.com.au for more information.

I also have my First Aid course Sunday along with lots of other bits and bobs.

Footprint Environmen Festival at the Botanic Gardens

2010-02-20T17:18:00.001-08:00

Australian National Botanic Gardens are holding and enviro expo the "Footprint Environment Festival" on Saturday 14 March. The day will involve workshops, discussions, demonstrations, entertainment and activities for all ages, and they're interested in inviting some local artists, designers etc who's work involves any element of sustainability, who would like to show and sell their produce.

Come on along. I will be there showing my wares and promoting www.LivingGreener.gov.au.

If anyone is interested in joining in on the day there will be no charge, and they will enjoy making contact with around 500 local people.

They are welcome to contact Tanya by email or phone on the numbers below.

See http://www.anbg.gov.au/anbg/events/footprint-envirofest.html for more information.

Tanya Davies
Social Media Officer
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT
Tanya.Davies@environment.gov.au
02 6250 9538 0409070687

2010-02-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Belconnen Arts Centre presents

Valentine’s Eve Art Markets
Celebrating Environmentally-Friendly Design & Craft

On Saturday 13 February come and see a marvellous collection of
handmade art and design by local artists and crafts people using
environmentally-friendly materials and processes. Stallholders will be
showing paintings, prints and cards celebrating the joys of love and lovers
plus a range of delectable gifts lovingly handmade to delight your own very
special Valentine.

Project Remake will be running 1- and 2- hour workshops throughout the
afternoon. So bring 2-5 special items from your wardrobe to remodel
into something new and fabulous. Workshop fees are $10 and $20.
When: 12:00 – 5:00pm Saturday 13 February
Where: Belconnen Arts Centre
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT

To be opened by: Dr Maxine Cooper, ACT Commissioner
for the Environment and Sustainability
Belconnen Arts Centre is an ACT Government facility and is supported
by the ACT Government

Parking is available at Westfield Belconnen,
behind Nature Conservation House, Emu Bank,
or at Belconnen Arts Centre.

Valentine's Eve Art Markets

2010-02-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Belconnen Arts Centre 12:00–5:00pm Saturday 13 February

I will be at a great new artmarket showcasing contemporary environmentally-friendly art and design. Come along to see some brilliant artists work. See www.belconnenartscentre.com.au for more information.

Because I am a GIRL

2010-01-16T22:33:00.001-08:00

The Because I am a Girl campaign is not just about the unique inequalities and obstacles faced by girls in developing countries. It's about highlighting that the best way to break the intergenerational poverty cycle is through proper investment in girls' development.

The campaign isn't just focused on girls themselves. It also means working with fathers, brothrs, uncles, grandfathers and community leaders to make sure they are helping girls in their communities to realise their rights.

Research shows that educated girls grow into educated women who marry later, have healthier (and less) babies and are more likely to educate their own children.

Investing in girls has a large development impact on their families and future children, with long term benefits for poverty reduction and economic grouwth. Go to http://www.becauseiamagirl.com.au/

Back for 2010

2010-01-15T21:27:00.001-08:00

After a very busy December and January I am now hopefully back on board to start creating. December saw my father having a major medical episode which very nearly killed him. He is now slowly coming back to health but a lot of time has been spent making sure that he has all he needs to stay living at home.

The girls and I took a weekend out before Christmas to have a bit of a break down the south coast at a friends place which was absolutely lovely. Then we went off to Melbourne to catch up with loads of friends and relatives for the week after Christmas. Far too much shopping took place and the great shame was that many of the small galleries and handmade shops I was hoping to visit were closed for the break - oh well there is always next time.

So back into a very busy time in my paid job and hopefully a positive future for my studio work this year.

Young People Amassadors

2009-11-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Commission for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Maxine Cooper, is inviting expressions of interes for Young People Ambassadors to assist her on advocacy and awareness of sustainability and environmental issues, particularly in the youth sector (12 - 25 years). For more information go to www.envcomm.act.gov.au. Applications close 12 February 2010

Another Weekend

2009-11-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful weekend down the coast last weekend and gardening this weekend it is off to the Bus Depot Market tomorrow for me. If you are passing please pop by and say hello.

Re-Loved 2

2009-10-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

Fashion parade and display. Sounds like a lot of fun. Commences 6:30 Thursday 22 October Craft ACT Gallery 1 & 2

Highlighting the innovative concepts of recycling fabrics for fashion of which I am a true believer!.

New Spring/Summer 2009 collections:
Hayley Wandett-Smith (Hayley Caroline)
Polly Stokes (Polbymade)
Karen Lee (The Renlee Label)
Georgina Edwards (George)
Hanny Dewar (handmade by hanny)
Lee Dewar (Craftilee)

Cranleigh Art Show - Works for a cause

2009-10-13T02:23:00.000-07:00

Cranleigh School, Starke Street Holt

Over 60 artists from Canberra and the surrounding region have entered
Over 200 high quality works for sale including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewellery and textiles

A range of beautiful children's artwork also for sale

Opening Times

Opening Night - Friday October 16 - 7-9pm
Saturday 17th October 10am - 4pm
Sunday 18th October 10am – 1pm
Sunday 18th October 12 Noon - Raffle Draw, People’s Choice Award & Last Chance Auction

Standard Ticket Prices:
$12.50 per adult pre booked, $15 per adult at the door (children free)

Prices for families of Cranleigh students:
$10 per adult pre ordered, $12.50 per adult at the door

Yarralumla Body Works Exhibition

2009-10-10T22:11:00.001-07:00

Come and join me for the opening of 'Spring Landscapes' at the Yarralumla Body Works Studio, 25 Bentham Street, Yarralumla on Thursday 15th October from 5pm - 7pm.

Friday's Twilight Market

2009-10-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Excitement is building for the new Twilight market this Friday. Madly putting finishing touches on a few pieces. Now fingers crossed that the weather improves - Sunny and 25C would be brilliant!

Ginger Lane Markets start this Friday

2009-10-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

I will be at the the fabulous new Summer Twilight market starting this Friday 9th October at 5.00pm at the Old Parliament House.

It is not very often that you will get to see stunning stalls in such a stunning location. There will be lots of Handmade items up for grabs in time for Christmas!

The Market will be held at the same time as double happiness (happy hour) on a Friday evening once a month starting on Friday Oct 9th. 5pm - 9pm. Check it out

AND ANOTHER MARKET DUE TO COMMENCE

Starting 28 November is the City Walk Markets. These will be held every Saturday from 9.00 - 5.00. More information to come

Rotary Art Exhibition

2009-09-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

Rotary Queanbeyan West Club and Art Society Queanbeyan are holding an Outdoor Art and Photographic Outdoor competition, exhibition and sale 19th - 27th September. The event will be held opposite the National Portrait Gallery (same area as Canberra Times Outdoor Art Show). Come and see some of my pieces!

Inner North Community Fair

2009-09-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

I will be at the Community Fair this Sunday 20 Sept 11am-3pm with my upcycled product range.

Come and celebrate community, spring and green lifestyle choices at the first Inner North Community Fair on Sunday 20 September from 11am – 3pm at the Banksia St wetlands site in O’Connor (next to the tennis courts). Please see the attached flyers.

The Fair will be powered by solar panels whilst organic waste collected on the day will be composted at the ANU. There will be over a broad range of over 40 exhibits, products and activities on the day.

A wide range of community based organisations will be on hand, including Conservation Volunteers Australia, Molonglo and Ginninderra Catchment Groups, ACT Conservation Council, Inner North SEEchange and the North Side Community Council.

One of the highlights will be a display on the proposed Banksia St wetland hosted by the Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water. The wetland has been designed to improve catchment water quality and to increase urban habitat. It will be Canberra’s first retrofitted urban wetland to incorporate an ephemeral section, that dries out in summer. Staff will be on hand to discuss the proposal and the formation of a wetland carer group. The wetland presentation will be powered by Solartec’s solar panels.

There will be plenty on offer for garden lovers. Seeds and Plants Australia and Provincial Landscapes will have a range of locally grown native plants for sale, including wetland species. Canberra Organic Growers will provide advice on producing fresh vegies. For the back garden chook keeper, Uncle Joe’s mobile chook runs demonstrate how breeds like bantams can be incorporated into small gardens. Organic waste generated on the day will be collected and composted using the ANU’s Hot Rot system. Once processed, the compost will be used as a natural soil improver on the shrub beds surrounding the wetland.

Community group, ACTotherwise, will coordinate a clothes swap and encourage attendees to bring along their clean unwanted clothes.Other stalls of interest include a reptiles and electric car display.

Vicki Parsley will demonstrate indigenous weaving methods using dried reeds whilst local musicians will entertain the crowd. Children will be invited to take part in a community art project, run by a local artist and designer. They will decorate terracotta tiles with images relating to the environment. These tile will be fired and installed into the footpath adjacent to the pond.

There will be a variety of foods for sale including bush food, vegetarian curries and a sausage sizzle.

Event DetailsDate: Sunday 20 September 2009Where: Banksia St, O’ConnorTime: 11am – 3 pmCost: Free EntryOrganisers: Inner north SEE Change & Ginninderra Catchment Group

A Busy Weekend in Canberra

2009-09-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

First we have the Switch to Green Conference and Expo. Lots to see and do!Drop by the Expo on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th at the National Convention Centre to see the latest green technology and products.Join the sessions in the green loungefor practical advice and ideas and participate in discussions about how to make Canberra Carbon Neutral. Visit http://www.switchtogreen.unaa.org.au/ for all the details.

And then we have Handmade in Bloom Market

Support Cuppacumbalong

2009-08-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Recent discussion in the Canberra Times highlighted the threat to Cuppacumbalong as a community heritage asset.

Please support the petition to protect Cuppacumbalong's heritage and arts and craft purpose. Sent to all people who you think could support it too

http://www.gopetition.com/online/30387.html

Has Spring finally sprung?

2009-08-24T01:59:00.001-07:00

Weather has been lovely for the past few days. I so hope it will stay lovely and warm with enough rain to keep topping up the tank.

I launched my new sparkles jewellery range and the Bus Depot Market on Sunday and I am very happy to say that it went down very well.

Here is my lovely model (Natasha) showing a piece.

I'm so excited!

2009-08-13T01:22:00.001-07:00

I have just received an email from Craft ACT to say they would like to put some of my cushions and throws in their shop. Brilliant!

Hoorah! It is RAINING.

2009-08-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

After no rain for ages it is pouring. My water tank will be sooooo happy and so will all my plants. May it keep on falling down for hours yet.

Greeting Cards underway

2009-08-04T00:01:00.001-07:00

Greeting cards are now underway ready to be launched. Now the work commences in finding outlets. Lots of fun to make though.

The Bag Lady

2009-07-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

Have been busy creating bags of late. Here is the latest messengers with turquoise or glass bead closing and a pocket inside so you can easily find that phone! Made from upcycled upholstery samples and machine embroidery.

Bus Depot Markets This Sunday

2009-07-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

It is the fourth Sunday again so off to the Bus Depot Market this Sunday. Pop by and say hi!

Also there are quite a few competions in the area at the moment. Visit the CanberraHandmade.com blog for more information.

Warm work for cold days

2009-07-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

After some solid work in the studio the first range of 100% Australian wool throws and cushions are ready. Lovely and warm to work on with the cold weather we have been having.

Tranquility

2009-07-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

I have recently had some photos taken of our place for use on a website. This is our front path and garden - the hard work is paying off.

Bus Depot Markets This Sunday

2009-06-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

I have my monthly stall at the Bus Depot Market this Sunday so if you are in the area please pop by and say Hi!

2009-06-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend creating a new jewellery range which has been great fun. Lots of time pieces of fabric to create a very light weight range. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes at the Bus Depot Market next weekend. More buttons are will be made this weekend also to add to the range.

I am currently preparing for a remaking workshop I am conducting tomorrow. Hope all goes well and everyone has a great time.

2009-06-07T22:32:00.002-07:00

The joys of a four day weekend. I am having a fabulous time playing with silk, jewels, buttons and thread. I really do need to spend lots more time enjoying my studio!

2009-06-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is my stall from last weekend. Very quite venue. Grey, wet weather being blamed by all. But then had a good dry run of the stall setup so now I am ready for anything! I have spend today dying some doctors flannel and wool throws ready to embroider and designing new silk buttons. Have produced the first prototypes for photographing and am please with them thus far. Soon to be added to the website. The joys of a four day weekend ahead so hopefully will accomplish loads!

1 Million Women

2009-05-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

Who are 1 Million Women? Daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers inspiring climate action. Our goal is to collectively cut 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas pollutant triggering climate change.

Every woman who joins has a personal goal to cut 1 tonne of CO2 from their daily lives within a year of joining. You don't need to be an expert on climate change, we will guide you every step of the way.

YOUR NEXT STEPS
1. Jump onto the website - http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/
2. Join up
3. Start cutting your minimum 1 tonne of CO2
4. And engage a minimum of 10 others in your network to do the same – many more if you can!

This is all about getting on with reducing emissions. Not being delayed until targets are argued and hopefully set. Just getting on with it.

2009-05-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

I have had a lovely weekend working in the studio and visiting some great events. Firstly the handmade market was very busy when I visited with a lot of very talented people exhibiting some really lovely items. Then on to the CraftACT Shop opening - again some great items on display. Canberra really is a talented city!
I am now looking forward to visiting Rapt in Felt this weekend and will be at the Italian Cultural Winter Market on Sunday - drop by if you are near Forest and say hi!

2009-05-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

The new to me industrial sewing machine is now installed - boy can it sew quickly! I am now working on some bags and am looking forward to a wonderful finish.

2009-05-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of work later the chair is coming along brilliantly. I can now understand why upholsterers charge so much - there really is a lot of work to it. I now have many holes and blisters all over my hands but am feeling very self satisfied with the job achieved. The teacher is a bit of perfectionist so at least I am learning how to do this the proper way! Can't wait to actually sit on it!!

2009-05-17T20:08:00.001-07:00

I have just had a lovely weekend with mum visiting every fabric shop this side of Sydney Harbour! We both now have some lovely pieces so now I just need a load of time in the studio. I had hoped to get something nice for my chair but no such luck - will have to keep looking. We visited E&M Greenfields in Surry Hills - what an Alladin's Cave of haberdashery.

We also visited the Finders Keepers market in the Carriageworks - Eveleigh. The venue is fabulous and the place was really buzzing. There were a lot of people there - a real jam to get around the lovely stalls. Lots of jewellery, fashion, kids items, art and lovely home accessories. The market is held in the afternoon evening (Friday 6-midnight and Saturday 12 - 10pm) I image the stall holders must be totally shattered by the end if it stays as busy as it was when I was there.

I can now look forward to visiting the Handmade Market here in Canberra next weekend and the Craft ACT shop opening - both on Saturday.

The Chair is coming along well - more photos when I can get them off my phone - I need my girls for this process!

The Chair

2009-05-08T19:15:00.001-07:00

I have now had two classes at upholstery and the chair has gone from being a mess, to being very bare and slowly it is building up again. I have now sanded all the wood bits which will show and varnished them, re webbed and sprung the base and will now look forward to learning the next bit.

teenage song

2009-05-08T18:49:00.001-07:00

This is sooooo Rhiannon!

Welcome to my blog

2009-05-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have decided that my winter's resolution is to start blogging and see how I go. I have spent the autumn setting up CanberraHandmade and updating my website so now it is time to sort out blogging.

I am also starting an upholstery class this evening to fix up a wonderful old chair I have been given. I will have to post photos as I progress. Fingers crossed that it works out as I can see it in my mind.