Sketchbook - Limited Edition

I've been working on another Sketchbook for the Art House Co-op.  This one is for a Limited Edition Project. You can read all about The Limited Edition Project here.

My theme for this sketchbook is 'Thread and Surface'.  I've used heat transfer dyes and plants from my garden to create tiny little textile pieces with nature images, which I've then stitched into the journal.  It's plain, simple and gentle (well that's what I think) and I like it.........strange but true!

Every contributor to the Limited Edition will be included in a series of art books documenting the project, with at least one spread published!  This fact alone made me sooooo nervous that I couldn't sketch (big scary case of stage fright) and decided to do little textile pieces instead.  In fact the whole project got thrown into the rubbish bin, and pulled out again later......twice.  Why on earth I carry on so much is beyond me.  What a drama queen.

The finished project had to be postmarked by today.  So another little sketchbook has begun its journey across the Pacific Ocean to the United States, all snuggled up in brown paper, bits of string and warm cosy bubble wrap.......see I knew all that bubble wrap I've been collecting would come in handy.

Here are some of the pages................

Sketchbook Project 2012

I've received an email from The Art House Co-op.  My sketchbook has made it all the way to the Brooklyn Art Library, has been catalogued and has started it's world tour.  What a lucky little sketchbook!

It's exciting to imagine my sketchbook, nestled amongst all the others that have been created by hand, about to embark on a big worldwide adventure - unlike it's owner who only goes camping!

Here's another couple of shots which I didn't include in the first post I wrote about the Sketchbook Project.  

I probably thought they weren't good enough, but now I don't care.  The book is out there now, so it's a bit late to worry about whether or not it's good enough!

(My ever faithful fans like it.....thanks Megan and Chelsea!)   

Coral Bay sketches

One of the things I love about being on holidays is that I get to have some quiet time in nature.  Trying to capture it in a quick sketch helps me slow down, listen and live in the moment..............

and helps me remember the fun........

although some things I'd prefer not to re-live!

Home again from Coral Bay

Coral Bay is so restorative.  Each time I visit I seem to be endowed with the ability to see the world anew.  On the solitude of the beaches, especially at dawn and at dusk, I learn once again to listen and to live quietly and with peace.  I always come back home with an increased sense of 'connectedness' (or something!) and a renewed aim to tread more gently upon the earth.
Pretty deep for a Wednesday huh?

Trying to get a peaceful distance shot of the 'fam' having a game of volleyball at dusk.  I didn't notice until afterwards that this is probably also the only chance I'll ever have at long tall thin legs.

I got up before sunrise and traipsed all the way to 'dog hill', climbed to the top with my camera, tripod and all the associated crap to get a photo of the dog graves at dawn.  When I finally got to the top, there was a pommie tourist, wearing a cowboy hat, yakkedy-yakkedy-yak-yak-yak..........do you believe it?  I could have slept in!  
(I pretended I didn't speak English).

Ya reckon?  

You would feel renewed too if you went on holidays with this lot wouldn't you?  Go on, admit it!