Clapping the Loudest

It's nearly 2013, and I might not see you 'til then, so

here's the frippery I am clapping the loudest about in 2012.

The workers at the chalkface.

And their stellar efforts.

And how they dream their own dreams.

Well done, A+++.

The Embroiderers' Guild and its associations.

Listening to Jenny Adin-Christie.

Her hands embroidered Princess Kate's wedding gown!

Along with the team from Valentino and the London School of Needlework.

Here's lovely Jenny.

 

The lovely G and her generosity.

Boxes of divine lace and tulle.

 

The fabulous Tricia Smout and her Artist-in-Residency at Brisbane's Botanical Gardens.

The Mt Coot-tha Orchid Species Society, too.

Mr Fascinata's heirloom tomato crops.

The appearance of Karl's Brisbane specific ocean coloured Chanel flap,

and a sequined jacked at one of Flora's dinner parties.

A Chanel scarf gift for the hostess, too.

And my ten year old Princess Mary Vogue got the attention it deserved.

 

 

My e-friendship with the lovely, Bea.

And new obsession with German glitter,

from Paulette at PaperNosh.

 

House models, E.L

and J.

My fringe.

And natural hair colour.

That has saved me a fortune.

To spend!

Thank you, Jean Brown.

Attendance at Boot Camp, back a while, but diligent when enrolled.

The diamante Puma got me through.

 

Regular walking and the artificial turf.

Do it, you won't be sorry.

For those Spambots, that honestly write the loveliest comments,

'Your writing is wonderful. I have learnt so much.'

'Can I share this with my Twitter group?'

This is vital information and so well-produced.'

Thank you, Spam, you make my day.

Clapping too, for all those bods who knocked themselves out

for the Arts in 2012.

 

You know who you are.

Clapping for friends who you catch up with where you once were, without effort.

For looking forward to something, always.

Being hopeful.

Have a sweet New Year's Eve.

Whatever you do, noisy or nothing.

All works.

Don't forget to clap the loudest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Happy Birthday and Ossie Clark Inspired

We had a birthday house party this weekend, just the four of us (including the two canines). I whipped up a cake in between dropping the birthday recipient to a Rugby game, doing a inordinate amount of housework and receiving three visitors. A colleague at the daily grind said to me late Friday, 'How are you going to find the time to make a birthday cake?'. Usually, I do bake 'from scratch'.

 Well, here's my secret, I fortified existing ingredients, two good quality packet mixes, white cooking chocolate, raspberries, two dog adornments and a can of gasp! genetically modified, corn syrup loaded petal pink pressurised icing.

Heinous, I realise. The icing also had 'soy' in it, also on the GM list on imported foods.

Before

After

The dog, after eating the cake.

One a more sensible note, I took the advice of my lovely e-friend from the gorgeous Etsy store and the Dangerous Liaisons blog, Barbara Lowe, that I should post my new pure wool, felted 70s style floppy hat from

Upittee Boutique, Brisbane, Australia. Barbara used to work as a personal assistant and stylist for

fashion icon Ossie Clark. She was also a stunning model, herself. She wore an amazing Ossie Clark number on her Wedding day, and I'm sure more frocks on many other occasions!
She also finished the bridal look with a light coloured soft, floppy hat.

Now, she makes this amazing vintage style accessory range.

Let's face it,  I've over-accessorised myself to the hilt, to get a bit of a romantic nostalgia vibe alla Ossie Clark.

Make sure you check out Ossie's amazing designs, including the fabrics' prints.

And let's face it, a hat is essential for sun-protection in these harsh climes; it's amazing we don't see more of them.

If you are reading this and you are one of the 'workers', try to do some research into Ossie Clark's career, to help you ideate for our Creative Caftans project. You know who you are!