Momigami.

I learnt how to do a very basic type of momigami here.
I prefer using oil rather than water, as it makes the paper soft and pliable. These pieces are made from the pages in a homeware advertising catalogue. The results are quite pretty - I may use it in a collage in my art journal, or maybe stitch it into a new fabric piece.

 Have a great weekend, dear friends. Go and knead some paper!

Flower.

Thought I'd show you what I made from my piece of flat felt (apart from the leftover bits I used in my collage.)
A lollipop flower brooch.

(In an attempt to aesthetically mirror life's little setbacks, the right-hand leaf has been specially formed to portray a leaf the morning after a snail chomped through it. Okay, no, I am lying. That is the only bit of felt I had left with some green in it.)
Have a flowery day, everyone. I have a battle to fight, so I think I will put on my brooch for some much-needed flower power.

Weave.

Since seeing this on Karin Barbe's blog, I have developed somewhat of an obsession. I made a round one to patch my jeans, and then I kept going ...

Handmade.

Finished this art journal page recently. I used my darning foot to sew on the pieces of flat felt. (I love you, Mr. Darning Foot!)

Embedded are three quotes about hands and/or  handmade stuff - by Rilke, God & Douglas Coupland. Now who could ask for a better combination?
(handmade: art journal page with magazine cutouts, tape, muslin, embroidery backing, handmade felt, paint, ink, stitching)

More presen(t)ce.

I have not yet abandoned my Word of the Year. In fact, I have been merrily buying myself presents - probably to dull the pain of work. Here are two, purchased from informal traders in Simonstown.

The creator of this little fellow sits near Boulders Beach, carving his animals. It is so cute, the head hangs from a small wire hook inside the body, and gently sways when you move it.

A mask from Cameroon. Don't you just love its ears and pout? Snous sometimes talks to it. She thinks it is a dog.

Snous Snoozing.

C'mon now, admit it. You sleep with your teddy too.

Have a relaxing weekend, dear friends!

Birthday Boy.

My most beloved and most beautiful boy turns 70 today.

Happy Birthday, L'Usband!