Vivian Bonder

yes.. it has been quiet

 

I have needed it. I have really needed this quiet time away from my blog. Sometimes I think we all get caught up a bit in this online world and even though I have made some wonderful friends through the online network I still think sometimes it is all a bit much to sit behind the computer sharing stuff I do other than just simply BE me, if that makes sense. 

 

Today I am just sharing some of the stuff I have been creating, which hasn't really been all that much. 

Oh yeah, came across this link somewhere.. There are some sweet paper projects on her site The Toymaker, which you can print out and then fold into boxes or whatever. Sweet.

I have been doing quite a bit of drawing with my 'non-dominant' hand which has been wonderful. Nothing I'd like to share at this point in time, but wonderful nonetheless. Definitely worth trying if you're interested. My other hand seems to want to take over and when I really keep my mind out of it all it works beautifully. As soon as my mind starts interfering it gets tricky!

Ok, time to go. Summer is here! Have a wonderful weekend!

closing down!

Ok.. I have thought about this for a little while now but I am going to do it. For real. All in the mindset of creating time and space to be me. Here we go:

My Etsy shop will close down on Saturday, which will be Sunday for people here in Australia.  

I'll offer a 20% discount on all stock showing and will send this straight back to you through Paypal. Of course Australian buyers when paying by direct deposit, just let me know and I'll work out the cost for you.

That's it. 

today..

I feel like I am doing too much of Some and not enough of Other things.. Of course the Other things being far more important and largely for 'me' or my wellbeing ;) stay piled up along the sideline because they can wait a little while longer. Not so much longer anymore because I am about to BURST!! 

I am actually thinking of teaching some more classes soon. I must admit, after being not very active in this area of my life and neglecting this blog most of the time I am slightly worried if anyone would still do a workshop with me?! A dear friend of mine and I are putting our heads together and are brainstorming a collaborative workshop, incorporating various materials, including ceramics. Let me know if you are interested and I can put your name down on our list. It will probably run late February and will be 2 or 3 days.

Today will be filled with creating a large A4 size journal/handmade book for a lady who never ceases to make me giggle. Her wishlist only gets longer and longer and I comply ;) She asked for some journal pages to be included which is fun. I better make a start, it may take a whole week to finish!  

Don't you just love gum nuts? 

Over the weekend I worked on a banner for a friends' daughter from school, let me see if I can find a picture.. Phew.. took a while but got it!

I enjoy the therapeutic aspect of stitching and sewing.. even if little people sit right next to me (could they possible get any closer you think??) and need me to thread their needle and start their stitching and keep chatting.. 

Enough visuals.. oh no, let's leave one more that I really like.

Am I the only person who totally adores sticky rice and could eat it every day, with some steamed vegies and fresh coriander?

Alright, off to work on this handbound book. Will keep you posted. And please let me know regards the workshop idea. We don't want to go through all the trouble if no one is interested right!?

playing with felt!

Getting into some crafty things for around the house! 

Up for sale in my Etsy, I will make more and in case they won't sell this weekend at the Spring Fair, they will be up on etsy next week sometime. Yay for soft fabrics!

the joy of creating!

I have finally spent some much needed time in my space. My mental space. My creative space. My Art space. My messy space. You get it right?

Towards the end of the school holidays my system seems to go in some sort of meltdown mode and is screaming, intensely yearning for silence and space. Without continuous questions, having a few hours to just occupy myself with my own questions. Philosophize. Be. 

So...  created! First I did some left-handed-ness in my journal which was great, although very slow.. Then I painted with my left hand (not using brushes either) on canvas.. which was even better! Loved it! Not saying the outcome is particularly nice or aesthetically pleasing BUT it felt good and that is what I am going for. Every time again.

And then I had some more fun with the above project, sorry I can't show full images and only sneak peaks but that is for a very (very) good reason.

Stuff is definitely brewing. I feel like a witch in her cottage with a huge, gigantic couldron on the fire, throwing magic potions, leaves and bits of this and that in and stirring it around. Am so loving the ingredients! Every single bit.

Oh and before I forget.. (which I actually did and then added this in ..) I would love to give a little shout out to Rae from Blue Element Photography. Please go on.. have a look at her website, the way this girl is able to capture the earth with all her beauty is stunning. She is a local WA girl and I believe she has a special on at the moment for portrait sessions..

Have an absolutely fabulous *magical* day lovely people!

ah! how i love surprises!

A little while ago I won a blog give-away from the lovely Lisa Blackwell and what a surprise, it came in this gorgeous stitched purse (which I will very likely use for holding art supplies when traveling..) So much beautiful stuff and some of it I have already used in my art pages.. I met Lisa when she did one of my online classes last year and I am so very grateful for this parcel! Thank you for your generosity Lisa! Please visit her Etsy shop and find out what more her and Tony have created..

And then this absolutely gorgeous pendant arrived in my mailbox this morning from sweet Anke from Anart Island Studios in Germany. She also has an Etsy shop and I will add the link later as Etsy is down for maintenance at the moment. Thanks so much Anke, for thinking of me, love it!

Hope your day is filled with happiness and positivity. I will be back soon!

can i get you a cuppa tea?

Lately I have been somewhat absent on my own blog. I know. My thoughts are elsewhere and in all honesty, I don't often feel like updating, am wondering about the why especially. I know most people who read (or used to read) this blog would come here for the art shared or to find inspiration. I seriously have got no idea how many people still come back. Anyway..

For those loyal lovely readers (as well as myself!) I thought we could get together for a cup of tea and I could show you some of my inspiration points around the spot where I live. Good?

 

First off a very (VERY) blurry picture of my stash of journals and no, they are not all full. I have started a couple and some more and don't seem to 'finish' any at all. Who knows, maybe one day?

I love creating little spots around which have the tendency to uplift, make me think, or make me giggle, whenever I glance that way. I am so not into organized religion at all, although the existence of organized religion has always fascinated me. However, this lovely collection of tiny psalm books is here to stay because of the memories they carry.

 

I've got this 'thing' when I have clay in my hands (which is not often) my hands want to mold a face. Crazy face. Weird face. I'd love to play with clay more often and have always (as long as I can remember) wanted to do a pottery course. With a wheel and all. On my to-do list. 

A small collections of the little crystals around... 

Another one of my happy spots around the house. Piles of books from the library I am reading (or flipping through) at the moment include these: 1000 new eco designs and where to find them and the power of your other hand. Both great books for inspiration and to try something new, like drawing and/or writing with your other hand to get in contact with another part of your creative self.

 

That's my project for the collaboration I am in with Seth and Steph. Or at least a small part of it, I can't show you all because something exciting might be happening with it in the near future. Working on the second round now and loving it. :)

These last two pictures are bits of paintings I have been working on for a while now. I find it quite a challenge to keep going, because there are distractions all around and with little kids time is sparse. I do appreciate the time I get and try and utilize all of it. Sometimes.. ;)

That was it. Maybe more another day. I also updated my etsy shop with lots of thick felt and silk yarn and ribbon. Last time they all went pretty quick, however this time there is more to choose from!

Have you finished your cuppa? 

journal cover and watercolour papers... yum....

For sale in my etsy shop :)

if only i could eat colour..

New silks arrived a couple of days ago.. Some have sold already so if you would like any of these be quick, because these ones is all I have for now in my Etsy.. The usual silk strips are back as well, wonderful vibrant colours and I am in the midst of separating other skeins into similar colours, so keep checking ;)

These thick woolen felt sheets might find their way into my little Etsy shop as well although I am not quite sure yet.. I am just contemplating for now. Let me know if you're keen ;)

I want to give a little shout-out to Audrey and Max for starting their own online kit-and shopping store Wednesday Wishes. Congratulations! You'll do great girls!

Loved seeing Seth's part of our collaboration on his blog. I have mentioned it before, but it's such a fabulous project to be part of! 

I am also majorly inspired by Lynne's work, what fabulous journals she creates! Love her drawings and love visiting her blog.

Oh and as I was searching for apple cake recipes a few weeks ago I came across this fabulous looking blog, in love with the way she photographs her food! Even better, her Apple Cake Recipe worked out great! It is quite hard to find a good apple cake recipe without dairy so I was very very happy. In our house we rate cakes on their looks and taste, and overall average. This one deserved a 9 out of 10 (I know!!) and so I decided to bake it for my birthday last Sunday.

Celebrated with a cup of freshly brewed chai.. yum. 

Ok, back to cutting silk. 

Enjoy every moment of this day ok? I know I will.

randomness..

The house next door has been sold. For some reason the perfectly looking house is considered not so perfect and the New Owner decides to build another house instead. Larger of course and double storey. Plus shed. Now, he feels the need to destroy these beautiful large gumtrees because there is obviously no room for them. Or because they are 'dangerous' so close to their new roof. Maybe they are simply in his way. I realise I am in the suburbs and not in the hills or out bush and I realize people live here because they want to live in the city with all it's conveniences. However being the nature lover that I am, it hurts. It hurts deeply to hear the trees crack as the bulldozer smashes them. It fills my heart with horror and I feel like apologizing for being human. I know, I know, I use paper, I use trees. I might sound like a hypocrite. For my sake too, trees are being cut down. But to hear this tree this morning has made me even more conscious about the choices I make. 

The rest of the week has been truly wonderful, spent a lovely day with Em and while she made my girl a beautiful skirt/pants combo I crocheted a lovely headband for her girl. Good to hang out together and have lunch in a most amazing little organic cafe.. 

At the start of the week we went for a hike in John Forrest NP and what was meant to be only a 5 or 10 minute walk to our waterfall/picknick spot turned out to be slighly ;) longer. Which was fine too although we never really found the waterfall. Yet another reason to go back. 

These boys were busy throwing rocks onto a wishing rock along the way..

Also had a great day in Fremantle with my Buddy, celebrating my Birthday somewhat early. Didn't bring my camera that day so nothing to show for it! Alright, I'm on my way to make some apple cake as well as dinner. Have a wonderful weekend!

Oh.. yes! Next week hopefully there will be some Etsy updates! Some more silk as well as silk packs sorted per colour! Nice..