Treasured finds

These handcrafted treasures from Kim's home remind me that someone sat for hours crafting with love items for their home or as gifts. These were all found in second hand shops and given a new home and it is a good reminder that the only true and lasting treasure is found through faith in Jesus Christ.....

Vignette workshop

It was fun to share a workshop with Kim Monday night in Brisbane. On arrival the giant banner was eyecatching as well as a vintage caravan parked outside the studio.....

The table was laden with great finger food - shame we had eaten so much before arriving.....

Inside the van.....

Inside the workshop being given great advice on how to arrange small vignette's. We broke into small groups,  given a table of props to choose from and arrange our own small grouping - harder than it sounds.....

Our final offering.....

We left the school all fired up to try out what we had learnt - plus it gave another good reason to go treasure hunting and gathering.....

Bogged

Cleaning up the felled mango tree led to one serious bog of car and trailer plus two good dings as the car sailed off into the trees - after much trying, cutting down of a few trees, our neighbour helped free them both.....

Much to John's relief as it was just on dark with rain about to fall once again.....

It was nice to come inside to a warm supper on toast and remember some past bogs that were much more impressive.....

Goodbye mango tree

One of our 13 mongo trees has been felled to allow light onto a garden bed to grow more vegetables.....

Once the sun came out we could see the vast improvement and I am hoping for a few mango stools to be crafted by John.....

Meanwhile I was busy with my first attempt at cable stitch and produced this picnic tea caddy cover - enjoyed this stitch and am hope to knit some drink covers.....

At the artist's table

After removing a large piece of old canvas from its frame and roughly stitching the rips with waxed linen thread, I have thought of a few different uses.....

So Italian vegetables were prepared for the oven, along with some butterflied quail.....

Canvas hung over the table, written on with chalk, beeswax candle lit in the dull overcast rainy evening to await the evening meal - gentle simplicity.....

Winter knitting

Being inspired to try chevron stitch, I looked up a few patterns and found the Dummies guide for this stitch - simple, easy or so it said. This dummie spent a day pulling out and was ready to start pulling out my hair before finding another pattern that did seem simple.....

With a pair of giant needles and ball of wool, it progressed.....

To be finished as a very thick table mat.....

The wool had come from the op shop along with these 2 early Japanese coffee mugs.....

I really like the harbour and boats depicted on the mugs also the pale colours.....

Medieval cooking

Grinding grain to bake bread.....

Roasting on an open fire.....

And never ever to be tried again - medieval chutney - this was really revolting, so just had to have some pancakes, jam and cream to get over the experience.....

Medieval Arts

A wonderful display of book binding.....

It is so good to see the old arts still being practiced and shown to the visiting public.....

Medieval Festival family fun

The day started with a touch of medieval ironing, Kim was sure she would turn out scorched......

A visit to Gran John's stall.....

Kim adding to the fantastic wool embroidery, on display for all to have a try.....

The Knight suggested I should have sold Kim to the gypsies a long time ago.....

Lochlan and William getting ready to draw their weapons.....

Attack.....

Dadda.....

Craig lost to his sons - payment - medieval cordial.....

William put his savings towards THE FOX.....

Even the goats kept their distance from THE FOX.....

While Sophie entertained the passing crowds with her fantastic medieval string weaving.....

Holiday hazards and holiday fun

After a walk in the paddock the kids had an unexpected encounter with a very big black snake that saw them all retreat to the safety of the workshop verandah.....

It was time for a treat.....

Lochlan got the fire going.....

Jack watched from a safe distance.....

Sophie started preparing the treats under Martine's guiding hand.....

William and Noah with melting chocolate and sticky marshmellows.....

And at the end of the day a home made Aussie meat pie with the simple reminder of always having God's guiding hand upon us.....