Shells come home.

I still don't have access to a working metal studio but I have been reconnecting with work created in what seems a life time ago!

These shell necklaces were created when I was living in New York - far away from the east coast of Australia where their inspiration came from. They were part of a satellite exhibition during a Metalsmith conference in Denver Colorado - a land-locked state.  So you can imagine they were quite happy to be reunited with the beach - back to their origins!

Bead Explosion

So my bead stash exploded a few days ago!

Out of the confusion and chaos a few beauties came into existence

Also made a some sparkleys for the beach-babes and then headed off down to the weekly Baazar market at the Community Centre.

I haven't really had a lot of market experience in the past but Byron has such a strong market culture it wasn't so scary. Turned out to be a great way to spend the day, meet people and chatter away. Oh, and a little grocery money never goes astray!

Benches have moved to the Beach!

One day you're living in the city and the next you're living at the beach - it's a crazy old world, that's for sure!

Byron Bay is my new home and I'm starting to wonder at the B's in my life. Might have to expand on this project

Brooklyn to Brisbane

Yet another bench!

I'm starting to think I should rename this blog "The Bench Blog" and that I should seek help for compulsive bench collectors, as it appears I've overlooked yet another bench in my life!

This bench is tucked away in the Museum of Brisbane's Workspace for jewellers. In the past I had a residency there but, due to time restraints caused by bench number two and paid work, I only get to visit this bench two Thursday's out of the month.

As the museum is soon closing for renovations my time at this bench is quite precious and not taken for granted. I'm stocking up on the nuts and bolts that make up my bits and bobs. They don't look like much but they make connections possible and interesting (sounds like a dating service ad!).

Inspiration for the third bench

I have overlooked mentioning the third bench in my life - the kitchen bench! Loads of time is spent at this bench and although I only have a few original creations I get a lot of pleasure being inspired by other people's recipes.

My friend, Toni is a perfect example. In addition to being a food stylist extraordinaire, she is a truly inspirational blogger. This recent posting of hers provided me with some roasting-tomato entertainment today.

 I used these beauties in one of my favourite salads that comes from another friend and so is named...

Mia's Lennox Salad

220 gr baby bocconcini

8 roma tomatoes (in this case, grape tomatoes roasted a la Toni)

baby spinach leaves

2 Tbsp pine nuts

Dressing

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp dijon mustard

small garlic clove, crushed

salt and pepper

roast the tomatoes as on Toni's blog

grill the pine nuts

mix it all up and toss with dressing

Thanks very much, Toni and Mia!!

love is.....orange

In honour of my friend Mia's impending nuptuals to Cam, I dusted off bench number one and set about bringing this into the world.....

Then there were some earrings to match -

And voila! A wedding was had!!

Couldn't keep my mitts of the precious tho...
     besides, I had to show the post-wedding casual look!

Happy ever-after

Mia and Cam!!

Two Benches

This past year has seen the addition of a second bench into my life. My original bench is still here but has to share time with the new bench now and the new bench can be a bit greedy at times.

The purpose of bench number two is to create great works towards a degree (yet another!) in Social Welfare and Community Development. I'm studying by distance education so it's effectively my classroom.


Bench number one is still dear to my heart and although I don't spend as much time there I still get a lot of enjoyment when I do. Following postings will show what's been happening on bench number one.....