The Postcard Collaboration

postcards from JacQ

2009-08-31T18:04:00.001+10:00

Thankyou JacQ for posting back my 2 postcards. Was very surprised in a good way to see them. Cheers, Donna

Jude Roberts Exhibits @ QCA ~ Congratulations

2009-07-06T22:15:00.004+10:00

"Breath & Distraction"

Lithographs & Drawing
By
Jude Roberts And Clare Cowley
QCA ~ The Project Gallery
02 - 11 July, 2009
Opening Night - Wednesday, 8th July @ 6pm.

Click On Image for Larger Text.

2009-06-28T20:29:00.001+10:00

Autumn Introspective Original Concept by R Jekot

Second Concept by Jude Roberts

This concept made me think of Autumn colours and vegetables.

2009-06-28T20:26:00.002+10:00

Original Concept 'Recycled art' by Olga Bath

Second Concept by Jude Roberts

This theme opened many ideas. I used a collagraph made from a netting bag and old squashed pie tin found on the road.

2009-06-28T20:21:00.003+10:00

Original Concept by Olga Bath

Second Concept by Jude Roberts

This postcard by Olley was beautifully presented and one felt the need to give it time to add.

2009-06-28T20:16:00.003+10:00

Whats in the Box

Original concept by Gwen Evetts

Second concept by Jude Roberts

This postcard gave lots of room for the imagination.

Olley's Round 1 Continued

2009-06-27T16:40:00.003+10:00

My interpretation of "Autumn Introspective" - but now I am a little scared by the middle gum leaf!

Rochelle's theme was "Autumn Introspective".

My interpretation of"Daily News".

Judes theme was "Daily News"

Here are Judes & Rochelles, Judes theme was "Daily News" & Rochelles was "Autumn Introspective". I had fun with both but the more I look at Rochelles finished card the more disturbed I become about the placement of one of the leaves. SORRY ROCHELLE! I hope you like, Olley.

Olleys Round 1 Returned

2009-06-27T15:55:00.003+10:00

My story of a Knight, a Dragon & a Princess.

The front of Fairy Tales.

The back of "PabloPicasso" - Olley's vision.

The front of "Pablo Picasso" - Olleys vision.

Kym's original card - "Pablo Picasso"

Hi Everyone, I thought you might like to see the round 1 cards I completed & returned to their original artists. These ones are from Gwen & Kym. Gwen's theme was Fairy Tales - my theme was about a Knight, a Dragon & a Princess. I wrote my own fairytale about me on vellum & glued it over a picture of a princess, knight & a dragon. It can't be seen that well in the photo though I'm sorry. Kym's theme was Pablo Picasso & I collaged pictures of his art work & a photo of the artist. The next lot will be from Jude & Rochelle. Happy Creating, Olley.

Jude ~ "Daily News"

2009-06-26T10:56:00.002+10:00

Daily News is constant on the computer, when I'm there-
I read through the news of the day, it can become quite puzzling some days,
"WHAT" they call news!

This is a Local Newspaper - "The Central Telegraph"
Sandra's Battle is local Monto Artist Sandra Clarke's battle to recover after her horrific car accident earlier this year. Good to have her home recovering with family & friends.
The Central Telegraph is our contact with all the local and surrounding news of the day/week/year.

Rochelle's Little Lovely's :)

2009-06-11T21:15:00.003+10:00

CONTROL or Lack Of.............Say No More... "Chocolate".............
And all the other circles, lines & dashes are my brain. hehehehe

Autumn Introspective.................?
This just happened, one day the postcard turns up and the next day you send it back. The young girl's face was in the the lovely artwork from Rochelle. She just happened and the Autumn wonder spread it's canopy of light around her. I then went onto the dictionary for Introspective - examining your own thoughts and feelings
....that I went on to add to the postcard.
I'm sure Rochelle is wondering what goes on in my head sometimes.
Thanks Rochelle, look forward to the next one :)

Can anyone help

2009-06-03T17:34:00.001+10:00

One of the postcard contributers asked me for a postCard back! The one with "God Save the Queen song on it that they then altered! I Habe lost the email and am not sure who sent it! I have it ready to post back so can someone let me know who it was....sorry! xx

everything but the kitchen sink!

2009-05-29T20:10:00.000+10:00

It's the style of hat that everyperson should have!

2009-05-29T20:06:00.001+10:00

This is the last postcard I sent out in the collaboration

2009-05-29T19:59:00.002+10:00

Hi postcard collaborators! thought I would just 'pop in' and say 'hi'......I love to see all the great work you're all doing....I miss the postcards! However I am enjoying the Altered Book Collaboration, please pop in to the blog and say 'hello' sometime!

the photos are of the final postcard I did for Lindesay.

Peta

2009-05-29T19:54:00.000+10:00

Hello from Peta

2009-04-25T22:51:00.002+10:00

Hi!

I just thought you may be interested in knowing what I've been up to in my studio these past months!

Bruce and I will be at the opening! It will be very exciting to explore the books which will be exhibited.

You are of course all invited to the opening!

:-))

I do hope you are all well and that life is what you want it to be!

Take care,

Peta

Exhibition Invitation from Peta :)

2009-04-25T22:49:00.003+10:00

Good Afternoon

During the month of May Maleny Artworks Gallery is presenting a very exciting exhibition of artists' books. Artists' books (also called bookworks) are works of art realized in the form of a book.

This is the second year I have run this exhibition and this time around I have invited 20 local and not-so-local artists to submit works based on a theme … without boundaries.

Featured artists are …

Nanette Balchin, Judy Barrass, Susan Bowers, Victoria Cooper, Fiona Dempster, Wim De Vos, Glenda Hennig, Lisa Hepburn, Peta Lloyd, Amanda Lowjen, Noela Mills, Ken Munsie, Katharine Nix, Adele Outteridge, Elizabeth Poole, Barry Smith, Doug Spowart, Di Tait, Joanne Taylor, Desley Wain, Corrie Wright
The artists have been invited to explore the genre without any pre-set concepts. My feeling is that when we set boundaries – within our minds and within our arts practice – we are beholden to what has gone before, and we are held back by the barriers of conformity – when we approach the artists' book without the burden of definition, our minds are open to create exciting and unique works of art.

The gallery will be bursting at the seams with this exhibition of wonderful creations of all different shapes and sizes, and I hope you can join me for drinks, and to meet the artists on …

Saturday 02 May from 5pm at upstairs 50 Maple Street

I look forward to welcoming you to the Gallery to view this exhibition, however If you are unable to attend the opening night, the exhibition will run from 29 April to 24 May.

Cheers - Ken

Ken Munsie
Maleny Artworks
upstairs 50 Maple Street
MALENY 4552
t. 07 5429 6566
m. 0488 364 476
www.malenyartworks.com and http://malenyart.blogspot.com
Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
( closed Monday and Tuesday )

"Longing" ~ My Creative Passport :) for Tracey

2009-04-25T22:41:00.001+10:00

"Flowers for your Soul" Rochelle :)

2009-04-25T22:39:00.001+10:00

"Music" for Kristin :)"

2009-04-25T22:37:00.001+10:00

SURPRISE!!!

2009-04-25T22:35:00.002+10:00

Exploring, Time and I'd Like to Be....

2009-03-17T12:12:00.002+10:00

At last, I've finished off these last few Postcards!

This one is mine "Time" ...is there ever enough???

These little guys are Peta's - her theme was "Exploring". Their conversation goes like this:

"What do you think it is, Tex?"

"Dunno, Buddy."

"Be trouble if we climb it, Tex?"

"I reckon."

I had a lot of fun doing this one! I was really happy with the background, but took a while to find the explorers for the feature...

And the address side.

This is Kristen's "I'd like to be" - That critter refused to tell me what he'd like to be...so, he remains a mystery!

The address side...Where I'd like to be!

I thought I may have to say my fond goodbyes with these, but, Lindesay sent me another card in the mail yesterday...so I have at least one more to share before we're done. I've so enjoyed this! Thanks to all of you for your participation...See you in a while with one last one....

Our sad hearts...

2009-03-04T19:29:00.004+10:00

I've been quiet here for a little while...My precious husband Alan's sister was suddenly taken from this life on the 21st Feb. Rae (short for Raelene...she much preferred Rae!) was working in her garden - which, next to her family, was her greatest passion - cleaning out her slasher, when it fell on her.
I'm not sure if writing about it here is the thing to do - but it seems impossible to continue any story here without some acknowledgement.She left a most wonderful legacy - a beautiful, adult family, countless youngsters she taught over an entire lifetime as a primary school teacher, and a glorious home and garden...to mention just a few. We feel determined to make every day we are blessed with count...enjoy all the little delights in our paths, express our love and appreciation for the numerous precious people in our lives...and enjoy a wine as the sun slips away at the end of another day...Rae did that especially well!!
She lived fully, vibrantly and well...we will try to do the same.

The post on the Postcard Col. Blog had an error, I fixed it on your behalf if it is OK with you Tracey.

Thinking of you & your family at this time.

Good to be back!

2009-02-23T21:36:00.004+10:00

Olley's second version of Nanette's "Fragments". Hopefully this one arrived intact! I "teabagged" & painted over a real feather, butterfly wing, leaf skeleton & a found, deceased lizard - I swear I didn't harm it! Sounds gross I know but it turned out great.

This is obviously the rained damaged card - I said a few choice words as it had taken me a little longer than any other card to complete.

This is the first attempt at Nanette's "Fragments" before I got an email saying it had been destroyed by rain!

Hi Everyone, It's good to be back into it again - although I have only finished 2 more cards. Mine from round 1 (Blue Monochrome - photo yet to come) & I had to redo Nanette's from round 1 as it was damaged beyond recognition by the rain after I sent it back last year - I've been in denial about it up until now. I hope everyone is well & looking forward to continuing the postcards. I have a friend who will be joining my group - Gwen Evetts & she's looking forward to being involved in our creativity. Take Care, Happy Creating, Olley.

Don't forget to email me!!

2009-02-22T20:21:00.001+10:00

Hi collaborators,

Hope things are going well for each and every one of you.....this email is a reminder about the end of February deadline to let me know whether you are:
continuing with the postcard collab,
or wanting to finish the postcards and start an altered book collaboration
or wanting a complete break from any collaboration at this time.

I have heard from about a dozen of you, -thankyou for your replies, thoughts and feedback :-) At this point most of you are keen to continue with some kind of collaboration, a few people would like to change to the altered books, with most happy to do either.
It would be great to hear back from each and everyone of you, I'm looking forward to hearing what you want to do and perhaps some feedback about your experience of the postcard collaboration.......If I don't hear back from you I will assume that you are not wanting to continue with the postcards or any other collaboration at this point.
Looking forward to your emails....

Cheers,
Peta

my altered front and back of shellys uk change

2009-02-13T19:14:00.000+10:00

my altered postcards of shellys...

2009-02-13T19:03:00.002+10:00

more from me...

2009-02-13T18:56:00.003+10:00

shelleys original front and back "change!"

bird on the wire

2009-02-12T21:02:00.002+10:00

"Bird on the Wire"

new drawings by donna malone

inspired by the lyrics of Leonard Cohen

this is the signature image for my exhibition 'bird on the wire'

opening on the 20th feburary 2009

at lorraine pilgrim + nyst gallery, 16 nerang rd, southport.

please see www.lorrainepilgrim.com for more info.

cheers, donna

margaret olley

2009-02-11T09:41:00.004+10:00

Pam's "bloomin'" back and front...

i got the opportunity of seeing and listening to margaret olley last saturday at QU.

what struck me most was her aliveness and realness. her most potent piece of advice for me was to just draw what you love. i feel blessed to of had the opportunity of hearing this from the master. there were around 700 people there and the love in there was palpable. love donna

below is the back here is the front (before and after)hopefully

2009-02-11T09:32:00.002+10:00

terris 'i am' front and back before and after.

2009-02-11T09:28:00.002+10:00

please bear with me while i get the hang of this. love donna

Catching up

2009-02-08T11:28:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone!! Now that there's some activity again, and we're finally settling back into some kind of routine after the "silly season", I thought I'd post a couple of photos of postcards I finished in that time...they've been with their 'owners' for a little while now...but these two have been among my favorites. Kym's Ladybeetles...which I felt compelled to add a little rhyme to from AA Milne..."We went to all the places which a beetle might be near, and we made the sort of noises which a beetle likes to hear"

And Rochelle's "Flowers for your Soul" - which probably isn't any work of art - but I used pastels, which I've never really used 'properly' before and I was very excited with the result, given my lack of exoerience with such things ie: Faces!!! I had a ball with that one!

I have a couple here to finish off, and look forward to continuing with some or all of you, in some format or other...I'm not really ready for this to end just yet!

end of the road?

2009-02-06T19:15:00.004+10:00

Hi All, well, have completed and sent back all postcards in my possesssion.
was GREAT fun.
thankyou to everyone in my group who contributed.
Am unsure on where to go from here...
Would like to keep going with willing participants.
Peta, maybe we could consolidate to one group of keen collaborators?
anyway, all the best for 2009!
love donna

Welcome to February 2009

2009-02-03T17:30:00.002+10:00

Greetings one and all! I hope everyone has had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year...for those who have school aged children, I trust that they are all back at school, and well and truely into the routine of their new classes......I am certainly experiencing the "hitting the ground running" type of feeling so far this year!

So, now we are into the second month of 2009...... it's time to review the directions each of you would like to take in terms of this collaboration. I think there are a possible four options, please consider each option and reply by the last day in February, to your group leader or myself your intentions.
Option One: Continue with the postcards as per our original vision

Option Two: Finish with the postcard collaboration and change to a book collaboration

Option three: Finish with the postcard collaboration and at this point decide not to be a part of a book collaboration

Option Four: Maybe someone has a burning desire to present another idea for a collaboration to the existing group, which of course may involve artists not presently collaborating with this group. - I love new ideas!!

Whatever option we each choose I believe it would be great if we could each complete the postcards we are currently in possession of. If artists have fallen behind with sending out their originating postcard themes then perhaps the option of these being completed could be discussed and negotiated within their own group.

I will also send out individual emails to each of you, this may not be until the weekend as I am awaiting a new computer to be put together - (your addresses are on this computer!)

I have just posted off completed postcards to Kym, Rochelle x 2, Kristin and Tracey! I will put some photos up when my new computer is up and running!! I had a lot of fun putting these postcards together!

I am looking forward to hearing from each of you!!

Peta

Happy New Year Everyone!!

2009-01-02T20:44:00.000+10:00

Wishing everyone ~

""The Postcard Collaboration""

Happy & Healthy 2009

Looking forward to Posting again soon :)

Letter from the Group Leaders.....

2009-01-02T20:41:00.000+10:00

Hello fellow collaborators!!

I hope this email finds you well, happy and creative! I am aware,(as are Donna and Olley), that some of you are struggling with keeping up with the timelines for the collaboration, and that this is for a range of reasons....so Donna, Olley and I have put our heads together and worked out a plan which we think may assist all of you....as you may already be aware we are fast approaching the end of round three.... we know that not too many of you have sent out your round three postcards and also that some of you are finding it difficult to complete the round two or even round one cards that you have received from the others in your respective group.....so our proposal is that we call a temporary halt to sending out any further rounds, and that we all just concentrate on completing the postcards we already have in our possession.....and we also make an effort to catch up with sending out our themes for rounds one, two and three.......(remembering that these originating postcards can be a blank slate with the name of the person you are sending to on the front and the theme,(words only), somewhere on the front or back, also don't forget to have your own name somewhere on the postcard!)....we will review how everyone is progressing early in February, it may be that some of you will want to finish at this time and some may want to continue with the postcards or another kind of collaboration, (altered book?).

If you are finding the whole collaboration an up hill battle at the moment please let your coordinator know....it may be that you don't feel you can continue at all, or that you don't feel you will have the time in the next few months to complete what you have.....just let us know and together we will work out what can happen :-)

If anyone has any questions please email or phone myself or your own coordinator....

cheers,

Peta, Donna and Olley

2008-11-12T09:00:00.003+10:00

As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you. --Wendy Garrett

2008-11-10T22:44:00.001+10:00

An artist worthy of the name should express all the truth of nature, not only the exterior truth, but also, and above all, the inner truth. --Auguste Rodin

Peta's Postcards

2008-11-08T18:03:00.008+10:00

These were a shared effort with my daughter Monique

drawing them & myself colouring them in.

Round 2 - Nightmares & Round 3 - Exploring.

Enjoy them Peta -this was a one of,

with Monique quite happily drawing away one night here at the table together watching TV.

Round 2 - "Nightmares"

Round 3 - "Exploring"

Using felt pens is a medium I haven't used for a long time.
Since the colouring in days of Wiggles & Thomas the Tank Engine in my house.
I really enjoyed sending them off to you Peta.
Monique is very excited having them on our blog:)

My contribution to the November Challenge...

2008-11-07T14:08:00.004+10:00

I decided that a photo of the 21 year old, whose party and celebrations have put my postcards on the back burner might be in order...It certainly feels like quite an accomplishment to have gotten him to 21 years! Definitely cause for celebration!

That terribly special party hat was a gift from his mates Grandmother - I've never seen anything like it! Not sure if I'm terribly isolated or she has unique shopping opportunities! Whichever, it was a lovely thought, and his adopted Granny thinks he's wonderful - don't we all need someone in our lives who think we're wonderful (whom we're not

related to)?!

I also have a photo of Rochelle's Completed Postcard: "Moving into stillness". I attached a piece of hand dyed scrim with Gel medium, dropped some seed beads into the wet gel and added a little glue gun squiggle which had been rubbed with gilding wax.

I'm liking the idea of a daily post (can we take it in turns?!) I'll be watching with interest what comes next!

A quote I like

2008-10-26T19:41:00.002+10:00

"Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found" - James Russell Lowell (1819 - 1891)

This quote really resonates with me as I love finding 'things', I love old stuff and used stuff, I love ephemeral stuff....I really enjoy putting the 'things' I have found together and creating all sorts of 'things'....this way something that is old or discarded can be reborn into a new 'thing'....

I'm looking forward to reading others favourite quotes....and also seeing everyone's postcards as they are finished off....
take care, Peta

November Challenge for Collaborators !!!!!

2008-10-25T17:43:00.005+10:00

A Post a Day - Be it a Quote, Photo's of Postcards or a Story to tell........

Themes......tell me your themes for Round 2 & 3 to update the Blog.

Any interesting websites or blogs you know about- even your wishlist for Christmas :)

Exciting Stuff. Oh.... 8 weeks and 3 days till Christmas.

Australia Post will tell you how many days :) hehehehe

Having Fun with ART

Kym :)

This is a Lagotto........

2008-10-10T21:07:00.002+10:00

For Donna and other collaborators who may have read my post from last week about my daughter's breed of dog, this is 'Guiseppi' (Seppi, for short), he is much bigger than this now, he was under 6 months old when this photo was taken. Lagotto's originate from Italy and were bred to sniff out and dig up truffles, which are apparently quite a delicacy and very expensive......Seppi has a wool coat so he is a great dog to have indoors as he doesn't shed any hair, he does however need to be 'shorn' or be groomed very regularily!! Seppi is a dog with a lovely nature, he is fun and can be lazy, he loves his food, (what Italian doesn't!!) Seppi seems to think he is a person, he loves swimming and is very intelligent.

Enough about the dogs in my family....how are you all??? How is your progress with your postcards....hopefully now with the school holidays over we can all get back into the swing of things and get on with our art!

Peta

Snapshots from Toad Hall

2008-10-03T19:54:00.004+10:00

My two absolutely adorable grandchildren....Campbell and Scarlett. We had lots of fun, drawing chalk towns, making pirate maps, reading stories, having breakfast on the deck, catching grasshoppers and taking the dogs for lots of walks.....oh for those carefree days of childhood....it's simply delightful reliving them again through my grandchildren's eyes!

At Toad Hall we are up pretty early talking Sirius for a walk, so we often get to see some pretty spectacular sunrises over the Pacific Ocean. Over the past week we have also been looking after my mums Hungarian Pulli, 'Zelle', and my daughter Brooke's Italian Lagotto 'Guiseppi'...it has been a whole lot of fun walking 3 dogs on our 98 acres, 'seppi' loves water so he dives in for an early morning swim, with sirius on his heals, Zelle enjoys running after the two boys, but does not like to get wet!

hi there from donna

2008-10-01T19:40:00.006+10:00

wishing everyone has their wishes come true!

i took this photo at the place where i used to play when i was a preschooler... north palm beach, sydney

this is 8 yr old Eli, my nephew and uncle to the little guy below.

which maks Koby my great nephew. isnt he gorgeous?! he is having a stretch. tomorrow i am hoping for a hold! he is 1 week old.

this is 'peter' who has been sitting here in mona vale sydney since the 1930's. today i went and talked to his carer maurie who was full of info about this beloved landmark. i remember my parents threatening my big brother and me with being left with him if we fought in the car! sadly he is now caged to protect him from vandals.

hi all, am writing from sydney! came down to visit family and house and pet sit holly (beagle)and jasper(cat) for my sister in law avril.

am staying near mona vale beach and it has been a lovely visit so far.

saw the dobell drawing prize and the newly discovered chinese buddahs at the AGNSW.

went and visited places to do with my first 5 years as it is closeby to where i am staying. things seem to have changed so much and am feeling a bit melancholy tonight.

thanks for taking the time to read. love donna

Share my weeks of excitement.

2008-10-01T15:13:00.006+10:00

Camp parent last week of Term 3.

The week away was wonderful with whales just off Hervey Bay, dolphins & turtles all over the place. I got to feed "Greg the Groper" at Reefworld in Hervey Bay, one huge fish.

When we saw the whales in Hervey Bay, there was about 7 pods & there was 3 babies in those groups. Huge days & packed with lots of adventures for everyone. Went out in a glass bottom boat & had lunch on a island off Hervey Bay.
Went to Bundaberg and cruised down the Burnett River on the Ruby Belle...lots of history there.

Then went to the Bundy Ginger Beer Barrel. The ladies there were really friendly and the taste testing was really good too. (There are lots of different flavours). Lots of interactive resources for the kids to have a history lesson at the same time have fun. Game of Ten Pin bowling, I fell over playing (flat on my back) & got a strike at the same time. No one gave me CPR -just laughed at me.

Friday we were at Lady Musgrave Island,this place was excellent.
Just beautiful... So blue....blue....blue the colour and the weather was awesome.
Kids were great, I really enjoyed the sites & experiencing it all with my daughter Monique:)

Exciting News - Tuesday Ladies Tennis (23rd September. Breakup & Presentation)
I was presented the Norma Simms Memorial trophy @

Tennis for the Players Player for B Grade. What a surprise, I was so excited to be chosen by the players at Tuesday Ladies Tennis. We organised the trophy after Greg's Mum~ Norma, who passed away in 2000 from cancer. Norma loved her tennis & played for years with her children also when they were growing up. A Grade was presented to Barbara Wilson - long time friend of Norma's also, had to hold back the tears when the presenting was going on. Greg's sister Wendy was there also to do the presenting. The trophy has a special place at home on the the bookcase.

"Funtastic Acrylics" in Biloela last weekend with Jenni Kelly.
You may see some familiar faces in the photo's.

The 3 day workshop introduced fellow artists to some very creative ideas with acrylics. Artists were prepared to scrape, spray, fling,throw, roll and glaze PAINT, in other words "PLAY WITH ACRYLICS”, and leave the workshop with a greater understanding of acrylics and a new found confidence .
The work was very impressionistic to abstract - fun & exciting.
I'm creatively burnt-out now.

This is my abstract with sunflowers,(not finished)it was fun to produce this piece. We went on to do a lillypad & poppy scene and other artists worked on their favourite reference. Huge 3 days. Jenni was a great tutor and worked with the participants really well.

Throw in 2 weeks of school holidays and I think I've had a great month. Going off to the movies on Saturday with the family & put my parents on the plane for Perth.... 2 weeks tripping around the coast of WA. Gee what a hard life.
Our last BAVA workshop is on the 11th & 12th Oct, COLOUR with Sharon Muir & then Brigalow Arts Festival for that week. News on the postcards, well I hope to start on them when everyone goes but to school next week.Pull up for 3 or 4 months and chill with them. Take Care & have fun with your Art girls. Kym :)

Hello from Peta

2008-09-30T20:42:00.004+10:00

Hello fellow collaborators......is there anyone out there????

Just thought I would post up this 'hello' to you all, I have noticed that there has been no movement on the blog since my last post ....so, how are you all??? for those of you that have school age children are you enjoying the holidays? are you surviving? is anyone away? has anyone been away and have now returned? I have had a few extra visitors, (two dogs, two children and one adult...) so have not got a lot done in my studio....however I will have a couple of days to 'play' at the end of this week....hooray!!!.....currently I'm working on a couple of Artist's Books about the Fitzroy River and it's plant and bird life, also a little about it's history....the book is mostly visual image (gelatine printing, collage and some machine sewing), there is also some text. I haven't started on the round three postcards that I have in my possession...... yet.

What has everyone been up to??? Has anyone had any time to do art work?

Have you noticed that Australia Post has put postage up to 55 cents for an ordinary letter or postcard, we'll all need to make sure we put this amount onto our postcards.........I do hope they are putting out some new stamps.......

I would love to hear from you all.......someone.......anyone there????........

Take Care, stay happy and keep creating!!!

Peta

Just thought I would say hi.....

2008-09-14T20:57:00.006+10:00

I recently created this little 'matchbox' book to send to Adele Outteridge and her studio partner, Wim, in celebration of the 10th Birthday of their studio.....I used 3 matchboxes as well as pieces of my own prints, other papers and text....

The three little windows represent "The Studio Westend" (this is used on Adele and Wim's business cards). The two smaller matchboxes have small cutouts of clothing on top of vintage ledger papers.

I chose text from an old book to fit with the theme of 'celebration' and glued these onto each matchstick to create a story.

This was a lot of fun to create. From time to time I use a matchbox from my collection as a card or within a card, I just love their size and the interactivity they can provide to a viewer.

I have received some round three postcards! So am looking forward to getting stuck into creating again! I'd also love to see some more collaborators putting images of their completed cards up on the blog. Till next time I blog.....

Peta

Oops...

2008-09-07T18:24:00.002+10:00

I really don't know what happened with that last post - it's all over the shop and not anything like it looked when I wrote it up - sorry about the odd looking nature of it.....I am quite ready to admit that it's probably user error...but I don't know what!!!!

Looking forward to the next installment from my fellow 'posties'!

I'm finally caught up!

2008-09-07T14:52:00.013+10:00

"Control...or lack of it?" - Rochelle's card, began with a little picture of a very 'controlled' looking woman...with a definition of self control printed across her front, she has this "I'm smiling, but my teeth are gritted" look about her...made me think how much we simmer when we have to 'control' our tempers etc...when inside we rage...the photo of the burning hay shed seemed to fit perfectly! a bit of 'unravelled' scrim to represent the unravelling I often feel when things are slipping 'out of control'...and a little charm thingie that says 'Help Me!'

Here is Kristen's "Music" which was lots of fun, with a copy of a ticket and picture I took at a concert earlier in the year. The free machine stitched treble clefts are my favourite part!

My apologies for the back posting sideways...This is my third attempt and I've run out of patience!!! It's right way up and saved in the file...can't figure it out!! Hope everyone is having fun with their altering...Look forward to seeing what you've all been up to!

Tracey.

Round Two Postcards

2008-08-31T20:05:00.002+10:00

Here is Lindesay's postcard - "Surprise!?" I went looking for a photo of this child (my middle son - now almsot 21) when he made me an unexpected cake on the kitchen floor with the entire contents of my pantry...but I found this photo in my search - figured I couldn't go past it!...The mermaid sticker in the top corner, I figured looked a bit surprising, and on the odd occasion that little boy behaved behaved like an angel, it was a complete shock!!! That was lots of fun (so was the little boy!!)

Kym's "Dragonflies"...The colours and texture of the card she sent were delicious...just needed to insect it up a bit, and we were away....

Finally, Peta's "Nightmares"...I couldn't resist those eyes again (the eyes of a child), some fabric that looks like matress ticking (to have the nightmares on), pages from an old book with a very scary looking cat and bear tearing one another to bits, and some nasty text...the whole thing really unsettles me, so I think it worked!

The address side of Kym's postcard....

And the same for Lindesay's....

Sorry Peta - your address side is still under construction.....

I've had lots of fun with these, now I just need to come up with a round three theme and some cards quick smart!

Looking forward to seeing what everyone else is up to!

Have fun!

Tracey.

And still more.......

2008-08-30T21:01:00.005+10:00

The photos below are of Kristin's round two postcard - Theme "Music" I decided to 'extend' this one by making an envelope type postcard and placing another postcard on the inside!

One side of the 'inside' card. A scrap from the cover of an old music sheet.

The other side of the inside card, I used Kristin's line drawing of a guitar, painted it and partially covered it with another record album cover. I wrote some words from a Josh Pyke song over everything.

The back of Kristin's postcard. Note the record and record player arm.

Kristin's theme was "Music" - this is the address side of her postcard, I cut down a record cover and made it into an envelope, embelishing it with scraps from the cover of very old sheet music. The light?? 'Electric Guitar or Electric Music' A brad keeps the envelope closed.

More Pics!

2008-08-28T20:52:00.004+10:00

The address side of Rochelle's postcard.

This is the front of Rochelle's card for round two, her theme is "Control ...or lack of.." For this card I created a background by collaging parts of an old book, (which was about a ship during a war) onto one side, then I picked out pieces of text that indicated some form of control or not having control and drew lines around these. I continued the theme of ships in some form of peril with some watercolour waves, stormy clouds and a face which has a shocked look to it. Finally I used a tape transfer of a small picture of the huge propellors of the Titanic, (In the middle bottom of this image are some of the ships engine crew.) I guess I was thinking that the sinking of the Titanic was the ultimate lack of control... of a ship that was meant to have it all!

Lots of Collaborators have been busy

2008-08-27T21:32:00.004+10:00

This is the front of Lindesay's postcard round two "Surprise"

Checking out the blog over the past week has been very exciting....it's great to see photos of what artists have been producing. So I thought to keep everything moving I'd put up a couple more pics myself. Above is Lindesay's round two postcard, his theme "surprise", the red double decker bus idea came to me before it occured at the closing ceremony of the olympics, this image is actually from a chocolate wrapper that Shelly sent to me, (by the way the chocolate was yummy!!) And the dogs are from a very old book that I have, it all seemed to work with the theme!

Looking forward to seeing some more images from other artists, so don't be shy, give it a go and upload some of your photos!

Peta

M.I.A. Round 1 Postcards.

2008-08-24T21:17:00.004+10:00

Lindesay's Theme for Round 1 was NEWS - Dreaming of a Home.

We bought our home 15 years ago and set goals then that we would do reno's as we grew older with our home. The trees out the front were put in a month before our son was born. He will be 14 in November. Enjoy receiving your theme ~ Lindesay :)

Kristin's Theme for Round 1 was "Inspiration"

I got a bit carried away with this one -papers, pens, & glitter. Maybe over inspired Kristin.

Tracey's Theme for Round 1 ~ "HOME"

One of my favourite places, being at home. Especially now I have a new kitchen. But I also understand Cabin fever sometimes....hehehe

With "Longing" being your next theme.... Is to travel more with my family

& to Have Fun with ART :)

Shooting Star

2008-08-24T19:39:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone, I recieved one of my round 1 cards back last week from Nanette Balchin. When I glued the star on it reminded me of a shooting star - make a wish!

Happy Creating, Olley.

I'm Off to the Post Office tomorrow

2008-08-24T19:19:00.003+10:00

I've found some great stamps for all my round two postcards, so I'll take them into the post office and have them hand stamped and send them on their merry ways...I can't resist showing Kym what she can expect in the mail soon, so here is a preview of the address side of Kym's round postcard......Hope you like what I've done Kym! I'm wondering what your round three theme will be????

Peta

2008-08-22T17:50:00.002+10:00

This is the address side of Tracey's postcard: "Longing Longing Longing" In the top left hand corner is a photo of one of the views from my home, on the bottom is a tape transfer of the roof of my home.

Hope you like it Tracey - I'll post it off to you next week! Peta

I've had a very productive day!

2008-08-22T17:12:00.002+10:00

This is the front side of Tracey's completed postcard, her theme for round two was "Longing Longing Longing". I wasn't sure what I was 'longing' for, but as I was sorting through the many scraps of papers and photos that I have saved, (my motto is "Never Ever Throw Anything Away"), I came across this photocopy of four women, it could be a mother and her three daughters, (I also have three daughters!). Then I found the meaning of 'Homebody" from an old dictionary in another pile, it all seemed to be fitting together....I am longing to spend more time at home, in the garden, in the studio,(and yes even catching up with the ironing and doing some home baking!) The title of the piece "A Womans Work is Never Done" completed it nicely!

I Thought I'd Also Join in the Rush to Post a Blog!

2008-08-21T21:11:00.003+10:00

I've been at home with the flu or a very bad cold for most of this week, however I have managed to do a little bit on the round two postcards in my studio, after taking lots of cold and flu tablets! I am working on several at once, Kristin's, Lindesay's, Kym's and Rochelle's, I will photograph them when they are completed....meanwhile I thought you might like to take a peek at the piece of 'found object' jewellery I produced while recently doing a class with Keith Lo Bue. If you look closely into the lense of the bottom photo you'll see a blue eye!!!

Yippeee!!!

2008-08-21T16:39:00.003+10:00

I have finally finished all my round one postcards!! And I even have a week to go until the round two ones are due! The postcards in their 'unadorned' state in the photo above (Peta's isn't there - I got carried away and altered it before I had a chance to take the before photo), eventually became what follows (sorry, the photos are not great - I dropped the camera and think I killed it!)
This is Rochelle's "Faces"...her original card was so beautiful, I had trouble bringing myself to touch it!

This one is Lindesay's...Kisses for a Toad. (see what I mean about the camera?) It says "The Long Awaited Woman"..."I expected a handsome Prince, not a handsome horse named Prince!"

The flip side of Rochelle's...

And Kristin's "inspiration"....

I have received most of mine back - and they're all great! I've been thinking I might make books with them - the back sides are as interesting as the fronts, and each theme can have it's own adornments and embellishments....

I love checking the blog...as Olga mentined, not a lot of activity, but it's great to check out everyone's work when there is a fresh post!

Off to celebrate with a wine, and start to think about round 2!

Hello from Olley

2008-08-19T22:36:00.005+10:00

Nanette Balchin sent this one for round 2 themed 'Threads'.
I used lace & threads under teabags & acrylic - really enjoyed doing this one. (front)
(Back) Again I teabagged over the top of ribbon & thread & added metallic acrylics on top.

Melanie Gower's round 2 theme was "Flora & Fauna". This one arrived while Nanette & Peta were in Biloela for the Teabag & Gelatin Printing workshop. We all Oooohed & Aaaahed over it - isn't it gorgeous?
I love peacock feathers & just had to add one in with the original red feather. Unfortunately the photo doesn't do the colours justice. This is my effort before returning it to Melanie. (front)
(back) I used a bit of teabag art on the back as I have found a new love of the texture you can create (Thanks Nanette!)

Hello everyone, I check the blog every day & there hasn't been anything new for a few weeks, so I decided that was incentive enough to get a couple of cards completed this week. Hope you like, take care & Happy Creating, Olley.

A Delightful Weekend of Art!

2008-07-30T20:00:00.004+10:00

This is my interpretation of Jenelle's theme: "Innocence - 40 and counting"

The weather was crisp and clear in Biloela over last weekend, however there was also much warmth being generated by an enthusiastic group of artists working with tea bag art and gelatine printing! Nanette and I very much enjoyed being a part of the warmth, learning and enthusiasm. We are looking forward to seeing some of the gelatine printing in round three of the postcard collab. and maybe some teabag art as well?!

Today I received another completed round one postcard from Tracey, it's gorgeous...thank you Tracey...the two little rabbits and the story are beautiful....I also love the muted colours and your 'tag' on the address side!

I have also received a few new round two postcards; one from Tracey - "Longing...Longing...Longing", one from Kristin - "Music", one from Lindesay - "Surprise?!", from Kym - "Dragonflies" and also from Rochelle - "Control or Lack of...?" and my own which is "Nightmares".

How are other collaborators going? I hope everyone will be able to complete their round one postcards and have them sent back to their respective originating artists in the next couple of weeks. I know some artists have been swamped over the last month or so...but hopefully everyone is now able to put the time they want into working on and completing round one of the postcards. Help!!! August is almost upon us, the 31st of August is the date for the completion and posting back round two postcards.....please talk to your group facilitator, (that's a big title for Olley, Donna and myself!!), if you are experiencing difficulties with getting postcards out within the timelines or if you have any questions or concerns about the collaboration.

I had the pleasure of seeing some completed postcards from Olley's group on the weekend, I am amazed with the imagination that artists are showing and the wide variety of techniques being used are very interesting to see.... I'm itching to get into the studio and do some work on the round two postcards that I have......

Take care and enjoy making art!

Peta

Peta & Nanette In Biloela for Gelatine Printing & Tea Bag Art Workshop.

2008-07-27T19:44:00.006+10:00

Tea Bag Art & Printed Muslin & Papers By Kym :)

Learnt from the workshop this weekend in Biloela.

Had a great weekend.

My Weekend Shrine/Keepsake to Gelatine Printing & Tea Bag Art.This was really enjoyable way to finish off the weekend. A mixture of different techniques learnt over the weekend.

Olley did some beautiful work over the weekend, I'll ask her to post her amazing works also. Look out fellow collaborators in Round 3, Olley is ready with her postcards - very creative:)

A successful weekend was had @ Biloela with Peta & Nanette showcasing their talents with Gelatine Printing & Tea Bag Art.

Meeting with workshop participants & fellow collaborators Olga Bath & Kym Simms from the Art Group~ BAVA. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the weekend & found the new techniques very additive.

Pictured are some of the creations from the 2 day workshop @ Biloela. Biloela Area Visual Artists ~ http://biloelaareavisualartists.blogspot.com/

Peta's creation ~ a personal keepsake/shrine card made @ the workshop over the weekend to share with workshop participants.

Peta & Nanette's Artworks ~ Sample of their works with Gelatine Printing & Tea Bag Art.

Round 1 Complete - Almost!!!

2008-07-21T00:01:00.003+10:00

Melanies round 1 "What Makes Your Heart Dance?
Olleys front side "What Makes Your Heart Dance.
And the back.
Here are all 7, round 2 cards that Olley sent out - "Rust & Autumn Leaves".

Hello everyone, I have finally finished Melanies round 1 card. Round 1 complete - almost - I still have mine to do but it can wait a little longer. Hope everyone is as excited about round 2 as I am. Hopefully will recieve some this week. I sent mine out 2 weeks ago "Rust & Autumn Leaves". Nanette & Peta are coming to Biloela this weekend (fingers crossed) for the much awaited Gelatin Printing & Teabag Art workshop that I have organised through BAVA. Very Exciting!!!I hope you're all well, Happy Creating, Olley.

It's very special.....

2008-07-14T20:26:00.004+10:00

Below is Lindesay's finished round one postcard, the theme is "Art Lovers Flock to Show"

.......to receive postcards in the mailbox from round one! I don't look at them until I have time to sit and explore every little wonderous and important detail! I've also received some new round two postcards! It seems that almost everyone has had a busy couple of months and are therefore still completing their round one postcards as well as getting their round two set ready. It's to be expected that there will be times when other things in life take over from arty pursuits! Just go with the flow and keep enjoying what you are doing, from the finished postcards I have seen you are all a very talented lot with creativity in abundance! Each and every postcard is a little unique piece of art!

Shelly from England expressed some concerns about whether any of her first set of postcards have gone astray in the mail between GB and Oz. To keep each other up to date, I strongly suggest that we keep in email contact with each of the members in our group to let people know when we send or receive postcards. It could also be a good idea to put your return address on any postcard you send out, even if it is written quite small.

I've included a couple of pics of the postcards that I did for round one, hope all the receiving artists liked them as much as I enjoyed doing them!

Happy creating, Peta Here is the front of Lindesay's postcard, I just loved the movement in this picture of a woman running. I placed an OHT of some grafitti on a train I photographed in Rocky last year, underneath the running woman and tucked a peacock feather under her coat. If youlook closely you can see the reflection of my camera in the shiny surface of the OHT!

Kym's Butterflies

2008-07-12T17:18:00.014+10:00

Hi Everyone,
Round 1 has come to an end and I have got some photo's to share with my theme ~ "Butterflies"

I haven't yet created my postcard, so I will post it later in the month in the same post.

I received Jenelle's, Peta's & Rochelle's, all very different I'm pleased they have all come in one at a time so you can enjoy the excitement of getting mail from the group. Thank you ladies, I have already shared these with my family & friends and they're all eager to see the rest come in, especially me.

Rochelle's Butterfly.

This is lovely, Rochelle. Really takes you in, gives you a feeling of fairies & fantasy also :)

(Above & Below)

Jenelle's Butterfly.

I've posted this one earlier, the way Jenelle has the butterfly being painted from the pouring bottle. Very effective :) (Above)

Peta's Butterfly.

The photo doesn't do it justice because of the techniques Peta put into this piece. The butterfly is made up of pieces of leather/vinyl to make the shape of the butterfly. Then the other side is created to show butterfly stamps with the net.

Peta has since let me know that the butterfly is made up of pieces of canvas from a pre-loved painting & has been painted over by shellac. Great piece of work :) (Above & Below)

Very creative Peta :)

Kristin's Butterfly.

Received Kristin postcard, it's great to have them all together. Thank you Kristin.

The watercolour looks lovely with the 3 smaller butterflies at the bottom have been cut from creative paper and collaged on the postcard. Well Done :)

Tracey's Butterfly.

Thanks Tracey, I love the purple and the pinks. They all look great together.

Kym's Postcards :)

2008-07-10T21:47:00.010+10:00

Hi Everyone,

I have worked on my postcards over the past couple of days. My apologies with the Round 1 postcards running late.
I have been celebrating my 40th Birthday for the last week with Family & Friends, coming and going from home. I got very spoilt :)
School holidays are on with kids having late nights & sleep in's with the cool mornings.
Good times~ sleeping in and no lunch boxes.

The longer you have the postcards on the table, the theme seems to grow more & more to be created. This postcard's theme sent by Rochelle ~"The faces we show (or don't) the world." Where do you start, I'm really pleased with the outcome and Peta finishing earlier on the blog, inspired me to go with the face of the past & present with future goals in my life.

Round 2 Postcards have been sent out also with Dragonflies as my next theme. My Butterflies are flying home from the collaborators in my group & are so beautifully created. I'll post them as they fly in. I have Jenelle's, Peta's & Rochelle's. Well Done Ladies. Look out for the Dragonflies collaborators, Australia Post is on their way to you soon.

Through A Childs Eyes - Imagination

2008-07-09T19:33:00.004+10:00

The image I used on the front of my own postcard for round one, is actually a photo I printed of my grandchildren playing 'dress ups', it was printed on the wrong side of photo printing paper, it took a few days to dry! However I liked the effect so thought I would use it here.

This is the address side of the postcard,the little boy looking up at the shapes that clouds become was just perfect!

Back to the Studio!!

2008-07-09T19:05:00.003+10:00

Rochelle has written a lovely story about a mermaid for my "Imagination" postcard - Thank you so much Rochelle, it's a lovely story which explains why we only 'see' mermaids in the water!

hello fellow collaborators! Well what a week! Wrapt in Rocky was FANTASTIC!!! The Keith Lo Bue workshop was so much fun, Keith was amazing! as were the other artists who attended his workshop, I learnt so much and now just want to try it all out! I caught up with some other postcard collaborators at wrapt in Rocky: Tracey, Jane, Tamara, Amanda and of course Nanette....by the way, WELL DONE NANETTE !!!!!! you did an extraordinary job with organsing the whole show!!!! Next stop Biloela for the Gelatine Printing and Tea Bag Collage...

Thank you to Rochelle for your lovely work on my postcard, I love the mermaid story...also thanks to Lindesay for your next theme: "Surprise", I hope you liked your postcard for round one. How is everyone travelling along at this point? Hopefully you have all posted back the first round of postcards to the originating artists (I'm looking forward to seeing some more posted up on the blog). Have you got your next theme organised? Is anyone having trouble in meeting the timelines? Are the postcards reaching their destinations without any hiccups?

Happy creating till next time we meet on the 'blog'!!

Peta

Better late than never!!!

2008-07-03T22:52:00.004+10:00

A sample of Olley's round 2 cards - "Rust and Autumn Leaves".

And another "Rust and Autumn Leaves".

"Water Under the Bridge" sent to Olley by Jude Roberts.

Olley's interpretation of "Water Under the Bridge".

Hi Everyone, I have just completed Jude Roberts "Water Under the Bridge". Five down, two to go! I have Melanie's & mine left to do for the first round. I'll be out in my room again tomorrow night to finish Melanie's & then on Monday I will post away round 2's cards (Rust & Autumn Leaves) as I got them ready last weekend. To all those ladies who went to Wrapt in Rocky - I want to see pictures on the blog real quick please! I'm jealous that I couldn't go - my husband banned me from attending any forum/workshop that co-incides with the end of financial year - the shop just has to go!!! Hope you had fun. Happy Creating, Olley.

I'm off to 'Wrapt in Rocky' tomorrow!!

2008-06-28T19:41:00.003+10:00

Phew...I have a lot of stuff to take to my workshop with Keith Lo Bue tomorrow.......I just couldn't leave stuff behind, I've been adding to a growing pile of 'found objects' for the past month or so...I hope it all fits into my car! and I also hope that others have as much as I do!

For all those collaborators who are attending 'Wrapt in Rocky' it will be lovely to catch up and in some cases get to know each other, I really like Tracey's suggestion to have a collaborators lunch on one of our days next week......perhaps we could invite others who are interested in the concept of a collaboration using postcards or altered books......

Above is Tracey's postcard that I did for her, the theme is 'Home', I enjoyed putting this postcard together as home is a passion of mine....it is a place of great pride, (Bruce& I built it ourselves, we made and laid every mud brick, and handled every piece of timber, hardware, steel and recycled item that makes it up), it is also a place where we can create and relax as well as spend happy hours with our grown children, their partners and our grandies!

Happy creating!!!

Peta

Barriers to Postcard Creativity!

2008-06-27T14:30:00.002+10:00

Hi Everyone! I have received a couple of postcards back - one from Jenelle and one from Peta - they're great! I have the biggest mess spread everywhere as I try to get a heap of paperwork in hand before the end of the financial year...THAT's the barrier to Postcard Creativity...I have a couple finished - Peta and Kym's are done...Lindesay's is almost there, and the rest are all in various stages of working on. Like Peta, I'm off to the Wrapt in Rocky forum on Sunday...running out of time to get it all together! With a few of us heading that way maybe we could plan a postcard collaborators lunch one day or something?
It's great to see what everyone is doing...I've never 'blogged' before, but this is a terrific way to see what's happening.
Have a great weekend - and I look forward to meeting some of you next week....
Tracey.

2008-06-26T20:55:00.002+10:00

The front view of Rochelle's "the faces we show,(or don't show), the world...", before I found the perfect stamp!

2008-06-26T20:45:00.003+10:00

I've just realised that the 'after' postcard would have been better to be below the original! Oh well hopefully I'll get it right next time!

Above is one side of the completed postcard for Rochelle.

2008-06-26T20:38:00.002+10:00

"The Faces we Show, (or don't show), the World....

Rochelle's original postcard as sent to me, it already looked wonderful! However I took a deep breath and 'altered' it!

I've Posted Them!!

2008-06-26T19:52:00.003+10:00

This beautiful vibrant artwork is by Janelle, I love it! Can you see the bear?

I hope by now all artists in my group have found their postcard in their letterbox sent by me! I had a wonderful half an hour in my local post office (thank you Allenstown post office!!) on Monday choosing the 'right' stamp to place on each postcard...it was so much fun to find an image that suited my artwork and the theme or if not this then a colour that worked with the artwork on the postcard.

How are you all travelling along? Has anyone else returned all of their round one postcards?

I wanted to be organised with the postcards as next week I'll be enjoying some assemblage art with Keith Lo Bue at the long awaited "Wrapt in Rocky" Textile Forum. I'm looking forward to catching up with a few other "postcard collaborators" there, I think at least 6 of us will be in attendance...... I seem to have a lot of stuff to take to Keith's workshop, but there is still plenty in the studio...

I'm looking forward to receiving some more completed postcards back soon, as well as round two's postcards!

Keep on creating!!

Peta

Olley & Jane

2008-06-21T00:09:00.004+10:00

Jane returned this to me & I added the star after sewing down the edges of the arrows - green is my favourite colour & Jane has added green highlights in her water colour. Very cool, soothing colours. Thanks Jane.

'Hands' was sent to me by Jane Gray to alter. Again another pretty card.

'Hands - Can You See Them?' Wow this was fiddly & it took me 2 nights to complete. (The front)

The back - my sons thought it was fun to photocopy their hands & my daughter photocopied her face! Before any 'stern' words came out of my mouth I decided I could use them in my art work.

Oh My God!!! This postcard thing & the blog site sure does keep you from going to bed at night. As you can see I have posted this after midnight, after I finished Janes card, after I had dinner with Kym to celebrate her 40th birthday (Happy Birthday Kym for the 30th) , after I worked all day putting a sale together in my shop. And to tell the truth I could go back out to my room, put Sade, Dido or Norah Jones on & get started on the next one. Hope you're all enthused like me 'cause round 2 starts in 10 days time!!!! Happy Creating, Olley.

Hello From Peta

2008-06-20T19:54:00.001+10:00

Hello to each and everyone of you!

Well, it's almost the end of June, which is also the completion of Round One in this collaboration! How are you all going? I've been watching the blog with much interest, it's always very exciting to check in on the blog after work each day, and even more exciting to read about what others are doing...I love the photos of the postcards, both completed and not! that others are putting up...keep up the great work!!

I have almost completed all my set of cards for this round, I have a couple of finishing touches to add, then I intend to personally take them to the post office to choose stamps and to have them hand cancelled. I have found working in this small format both challenging and satisfying. I am finding that I am taking more notice of small details and using layering as part of my approach, adding depth and meaning at the same time. I have chosen to work on both sides of the postcards, altering and adding and at times completely covering the original states. I think I have made the address and name of the person I am sending to quite clear. I have also added my name and return address in small but clear writing on the postcard, just in case! We have experienced a couple of postcards from Shelly not making it to their address, Could any artist in Donna's group who has not received a postcard from Shelly let me know and I will post one out to you. Shelly's postcard is a photograph of a cute little dog wearing a jumper, its on a pink background - you can't miss it!

I am feeling very excited at the prospect of receiving my original postcards back and await with baited breath to be able to explore each and every one of them.

Please email your group co coordinator or myself if you are experiencing any problems with any part of the collaboration so far, we will do our best to assist you. Also as a courtesy if you are expecting to run overtime with sending back postcards or sending out postcards for Round Two, could you please inform the appropriate artists in your group? This way everyone will not be left guessing or worrying about lost postcards!

I think that's about all from me for now...looking forward to seeing more activity on the blog as you all complete your postcards.

Keep on creating,

Peta

Bird House Shrine - inside

2008-06-11T20:37:00.002+10:00

Bird House Shrine - detail

2008-06-11T20:33:00.001+10:00

More from Peta!

2008-06-11T20:10:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone! A couple of collaborators have shown an interest in my 'box cards' - thanks for your comments!! So thought I would put another few photos up showing a 'personal shrine' that I recently made for a friends mother. The box cards and shrines have the commonality of being made for a particular person, incorporating their interests, personalities, personal icons, colours, photos etc. I use found objects, (natural and manufactured), new materials (my husband, Bruce, made the timber shrine for the one pictured), gelatin prints, ephemera etc.

These personal shrines and box cards are both a challenge and a joy to create!

I'd love to see photos of others art works, (as well as the postcards of course!) This is a site for sharing our passion for art! I'm also enjoying the useful links to other artists sites - thanks for this Kym!

It's nearly the weekend again...I'm looking forward to working on the postcards again!

Peta

Here is the front view of the Box Card

2008-06-09T21:37:00.004+10:00

I love making these "Box Cards", they have become a bit of a trademark for me!

I've Been Busy with Art this weekend!!!

2008-06-09T21:09:00.003+10:00

After a wonderful time in Melbourne last weekend, eating out, shopping and drinking coffee...I really enjoyed being in the studio this weekend..I have started all of my postcards...yay!! have finished four, it was a bit too late to photograph them, (I like to photograph in the daylight where possible), so will do that as soon as I can and post them up here ...so watch this space!

I did however finish off a 'box card' for a lovely friend of mine who is moving to Brisbane.....she loves green, natural things, the beach and bike riding, here are a few pics!

I am really enjoying the posts collaborators are putting up...and the pics...you are all so clever, I can hardly wait to be able to see these beautiful artworks in the flesh....we'll have to put our thinking caps on for exhibition venues!

Peta

Wow! have started!

2008-06-06T16:24:00.003+10:00

Well, I cant quite believe it but i have nearly completed one and have 3 others that i am on track, so to say, with! The creative process is an amazing one and seems to have its own time and depth...
I saw some of susans completed cards before she sent them off and they looked amazing.
she said she laughed and laughed doing them.
its been said before and i'll say it again, its great seeing what everyone else is doing here.
did you use a sewing machine on yours olley?
will try and post a couple of photos when done.
peta,
susan and i have received shelleys card, havent heard from the others, will write to them...
all the best, donna
p.s. just quit my new job, cause it was taking too much of my creative time!!
now feeling rather naughty!

Olley's latest efforts

2008-06-05T22:32:00.005+10:00

Nanette Balchin's theme was "Fragments". The finished card is quite similar to the original but I have added two extra layers to alter it.

This is Natalie Johnson's postcard that she sent me with the theme - "Sun, Oceans & Sand" - I love the eyes. She wrote - "holding on to times that made me happy - perhaps one needs to let go".

I had no idea what I was going to do to this card! I sat down & created blindly although I wanted to show sky, water & sand. I'm really happy with the result & I still love the eyes.

I'm having so much fun & wait with baited breath for the small window of opportunity to open so I can duck out to my room to complete another card. What are we going to do after 12 months when no more cards arrive to alter?!?! Get your thinking caps on for the next project 'cause I'm in! Here's the latest finished products before posting off to their rightful owners. "Fragments" was Nanette Balchin's theme & "Sky, Oceans & Sand was Natalie Johnson's. Hope you like. Olley.

I'm Loving this Way of keeping in Touch!

2008-06-04T21:04:00.003+10:00

Wow, this blogging is such a great way of keeping in contact, sharing what's happening and seeing the amazing stuff that everyone is doing...I love it!!
I have been lucky enough to see some sneak peeks at some of the postcards from Olley and Donna's groups, (my sister JacQ and fellow artist in Rockhampton, Tamarais in Donna's group, and fellow artists Amanda and Nanette, are in Olley's group) I am amazed that the themes are all so different, everyone has put a lot of thought into the development of their postcards. The comments I am receiving about participating in the collaboration are very postive so far......

The biggest hiccup is that a couple of people have experienced the problem of having a postcard they are sending out come back to themselves, I guess all we can do is to be as clear as we can with names and addresses, maybe drawing a box or other shape around the "TO" address and if putting your sender address making this a bit smaller and less noticable.

I intend to begin altering the postcards I have this long weekend (hooray for long weekends!!)
Don't forget to either put your name on your work (small is fine), or to put your name as the "Return to Sender" to enable artists receiving your postcard to identify who it is from.

Happy altering!
Peta

Hello

2008-06-04T06:24:00.002+10:00

Hello al, i am just checking in as i have only got 5 postcards so far..garden shapes, reflection, human impact, abstract and chance encounters. I am guessing i cover over the address and return to sender once altered? x who's am i missing?

Blog News :)

2008-06-03T23:27:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone,

Great to see more participants of the collaboration posting on the blog.
I like to change the template every now & then.
Just to give it a new look, to inspire and surprise the viewers.

The comments box is great also, (check out the comments to your post),so everyone can leave a message of encouragement for each other.

Photo's are a fantastic asset on the blog, everyone can view and see what changes are happening to the postcards & what the person/group is up to.

If anyone would like some help with posting on the blog, please email me for my home phone number.
I am very happy to talk you through this part.
If the blog is scary, and it is starting out - you can send me your information or photo's and I can post it on your behalf.

I was also thinking that with every post, we can email info out to everyone also.
So we are all communicating and having updates throughout the year ahead of us.

Friends of our BAVA group are checking out our progress and keen to see some of the finished postcards.
Some are hoping to see this continue after we finish our 6 rounds & come on board with the next one.

Keep up the great work,
Having Fun with ART,
Kym :)

Hi from Kym ~ Butterfly Theme

2008-06-03T23:04:00.005+10:00

Well I received my first postcard back from my group member, Jenelle.

The interesting part to this postcard... is that Jenelle sent it to me and she got it back the next day in her mailbox, sooooooooooo the joy of living in the same town is that Jenelle gave it to my son to bring home from school. Our postcards are going to have fun with Australia Post over the next 12 months.

I was quite excited to receive it, the feeling of excitement for a little postcard is so weird.
With all the everyday family, work, husband etc., a postcard turns up & the world has to stop for a few minutes.
Just to enjoy the pleasure of the artwork involved connected to your choice of theme.

Thanks Jenelle, I keen to see my other butterflies fly into my PO Box throughout June :)

Having a Crack at Some Photos

2008-06-02T15:42:00.008+10:00

Here is Peta's postcard...I really had a lot of fun with this, but took a long time to decide whether or not it was 'finished'.

There's also a quick pic (not the greatest image) of a few of the things I've been doing that have kept me away from altering postcards!

I'm feeling much like Pam...it's more difficult to work over someone else's work than I expected, too! Especially Rochelle's beautiful face!

First cards posted finally

2008-05-29T21:03:00.008+10:00

Finally sent my first round today. As you can see from the photo they are pretty colourful (Garden theme). I have recieved 5 and have only been able to change one so far. It is more difficult than I thought to change someone else's work.

Quick Tune In

2008-05-27T20:41:00.003+10:00

It's been a while since I visited the blog, and it all looks different! I really love the look of it though! Good work, whoever is responsible!

I have seven patient postcards waiting for me...when I signed up, I told Peta I may be stretched getting this first lot done - I have an exhibition opening on 19th June. So my plan is to have a really busy few postcard days after that! Great to see some photos trickling in - I will get to put some up - maybe not in the next few days though!

I have finished Peta's postcard - can't quite bring myself to mail it back yet - I really did have fun with it! I guess that rules out one in your sleuthing, Peta! And I need to photograph all the finished ones together...at least that's what I'm telling myself!

Nice to 'meet' Olley and Donna - I must try to visit more often to keep up with things!

Have fun everyone!

Tracey.

Olley's photos

2008-05-26T21:31:00.006+10:00

Amanda Lowjen sent me this card & I love the paint work; it's too pretty to alter.

Amanda's theme was "Moths". Mmm - interesting - this is what I came up with for the front....

....And for the back. I really wanted to keep this first postcard that I completed.

This is my original postcard that I sent to myself; everybody got one with a different shaped star - can't wait to get them all back.

Jude Roberts was the first to return my postcard; I added the teabag folded star & it looks great! Well done & thanks to Jude.

Hi everyone, I'm going to attempt to add photos!!! And I'm hoping that I don't accidently post all 120 photos that I just put into my computer program!!! I have posted a photo of the original state of my postcards that I sent out. They were sent out blank except for a star drawn on the surface which I asked the other postcarders not to put any artwork in as I would be putting a "tea bag folded" star on when they were returned to me. I also asked that they do a monochromatic theme in blues. Judy was the first to return hers completed & even though it wasn't in blues I think the contrasting abstract work sets off the star beautifully & I love the tea bag string that Judy also added. Next is the card I received from Amanda, & I love the paint work she has done. With the theme of "Moths" I was keen to get this one completed just to prove to myself that I can do this project. I had to send it back sraight away as this is the one that I wanted to keep just for the paint work - probably as my favourite colour is green. I hope you enjoy looking as much as I have enjoyed doing & receiving. Happy Creating, Olley.

my first post

2008-05-22T12:36:00.004+10:00

hi all, firstly want to thank kym for helping me post.
i am loving the site here and appreciate the work the other collabs are posting up.
so far, i have received a postcard from Susan, Terri, Shelley, and Tamara.
still yet to receive from JacQ and Pam.
Shelley hasnt revealed her theme as yet...
i am pretty excited looking at these gorgeous cards and havent started altering as yet.
hoping inspiration will come soon!
some of the themes are:
chance encounters
reflections
how will the future remember us?
unlimited imagination
will post some photos soon,
all the best - donna

2008-05-21T20:16:00.001+10:00

2008-05-21T20:08:00.001+10:00

This is what I've been working on over the past weekend

2008-05-21T20:00:00.002+10:00

As promised here are a couple of pics of the 'box card' for my dads birthday and the collage from 'Layering the Landscape' workshop - I had a lot of fun being creative and learning from Helen (Sanderson - a Brisbane based artist).

I'll be making a start on the postcards this weekend! Have others started yet? My group has their full suite of first round postcards, how is everyone else going?

Peta

I've been having fun in my studio

2008-05-20T21:20:00.002+10:00

Alas the seven postcards are still waiting for my creative artwork to adorn them ! I've been pre occupied with working on a 'box card' for my dads birthday (he turned 80 on May the 16th), I want to finish it so I can take it with me when I go down to Melbourne next week. I want to present it to him in person! I'm almost finished.....will post a photo up when it's completed. Meanwhile I'm still tossing ideas and images around in my head about the postcards.......

Olley, I want to congratulate you on being successful with putting up your post yesterday! Your story of the late morning gave me a little chuckle, what family hasn't had this experience! I am looking forward to you mastering uploading photos - your finished postcard sounds fascinating, especially the 'teabag star'! I have a small collection of teabags (used of course!), they are great for all sorts of applications, sewing other 'bits' onto them, collaging - great for creating an aged looking surface, I used this technique in the Helen Sanderson workshop a couple of weekends ago - I'll post a photo of what I produced - soon! I've also seen teabags bound together to create a book form, then of course there is the technique that Nanette uses with layering teabags and other interesting stuff together...I'm looking forward to learning more about this......

Take care all.... stay happy and be creative!!
Peta