Shweshwe

http://www.dagama.co.za/ I have not blogged for so long... Now that the weather is changing, and it is no longer so hot, I feel like gardening and sewing. This made me bring out the fabric and a lovely piece of Shweshwe with Nelson Mandela's image on the border. I have not decided what i want to use it for, but I am sure something will come to mind. i have been Googling some sites on Shweshwe and the DaGama one is the best so far. http://ideasmag.co.za/craft-decor/shwe-shwe-pumps

New Ideas

Pierre and I have been busy, busy lately. Strange how one's creative energy seems to come in waves and then subside for a while. i have learned to accept this as the natural way of things - so instead of fighting it and forcing the issue, I go with the flow - so to speak.

The weather is still really extreme - 30degrees (C) forecast for tomorrow and the humidity to go with it! At least it is cooler at home.

I have had this urge to paint a lot of canvases deep red .
After thinking about it, Rothko's Colour-field Pianting comes to mind.
red seems an odd colour to choose in this heat, but I just did it. 

I learned this trick from Rob Wareing at one of his painting workshops years ago. To avoid the stress of a white canvas, cover it with a colour wash and then work onto it. You can leave as much of the wash visible as you wish or cover it completely.

WATCH THIS SPACE>

A new year with much promise

It has been a particularly wonderful time at home - this Christmas holiday. A real Indian Summer with lazy, sunny days at home.

David and Michelle became engaged which made it extra special. We also have a new grand-daughter, Abigail, and a new grandson due in two days' time. The family is growing and there are just more and more to love.

Ansa, my friend since 1985, paid us a surprise visit today too, and we chatted for hours. it was great to catch up. We also made lots of plans for the new year.

Another gorgeous Etsy find

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78445275/organic-cotton-canvas-box-bin-organizer?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F78445275%2Forganic-cotton-canvas-box-bin-organizer&utm_content=etsy_finds_121511&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_121511

Beautiful

Browsing through Etsy this morning i came across this beautiful LeMuse shop. (even though it is the middle of summer here - and really hot! - it caught my eye.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeMuse?ref=seller_info

Springcleaning

I am so relieved not to be going away for the December holidays this year. I have had time to slow down with dignity this year, instead of the frantic rush to get things done in record time.

The trick, of, course, is not to swap one kind of business for another.

I am forcing myself to slow down and spend time - with family, pets and to just soak up my surroundings.

Christmas is upon us and in this time of Advent, I am approaching "cleaning house" from a different perspective. It has become a time of spiritual cleansing and dusting out of cobwebs, preparing for the celebration of Christ's coming.

To all of you out there - may you have a Christmas filled with blessings, grace and joy.

Pierre and Ryno decorating the tree.

even the rat had to be included.

Living on the coast tends to make one forget about the beautiful valleys and scenery a ston'e trow away.

My husband took this shot a while ago.