Arts and Crafts in Adelaide

This month, I bit the bullet, and finally decided to start 'doing' all of the things I've 'always wanted to do'. In 2 weeks, I've attended 3 workshops. I am fast discovering that Adelaide is quite the hub for Art and Craft activities. There are underground communities emerging everywhere. Here is my workshop diary...

Working with plant dyes (Part 1)

with Textile Artist Lizzy Emery at Pepper Street Arts Centre

In this workshop we learnt how to prepare natural dyes. The whole process was beautiful - very tactile and aromatic! We broke up plant matter with our hands, and created the dye bath in great big op-shop pots. We learned how to set the dye, and got to sample the colours, by dying small amounts of fabric in each bath.

[1] Samples of Lizzy's work on recycled fabrics. [2] I got to work with Bracken Fern - it was rough and prickly. [3] Lizzy shared her home-made muffins!

Working with plant dyes (Part 2)
with Textile Artist Lizzy Emery at Pepper Street Arts Centre

This workshop focused on 'shibori' (tie-dye) techniques. We masked certain areas of the fabric to create different effects. The most enjoyable part for me was experimenting, [crossing my fingers...] then seeing the results.

[4] Rinsing out the excess dye before hanging our work in the sun. [5] Dramatic results when using several different resist dying techniques.
For more information visit Lizzy's Blog

Nanna Nights - crochet class

with E for Ethel

This was E for Ethel's very first crochet class... and what a turn out! (About 50 people attended). The atmosphere was buzzing as we all eagerly waited for our tea and cake. We were given a kit with "granny square" instructions enclosed. Once all the orders were out, the crocheting commenced.

[6] Lovely Vintage teapots, saucers and napkins shared table space with 

crochet kits [7] my very first row of crochet - a chain stitch.

I have to admit, I found it difficult being a beginner as there was only 1 instructor, for all 5 tables. I did learn how to crochet; mastering the basic chain stitch. Then followed that up with a youtube tutorial at home.

Overall, it was a great way to meet new people, and bond over cake and crochet!

My Week in The Advertiser

Mother's Day Liftout

Looking for something different for Mum this Mother's Day?...

Sit down and create your own hand-made gift together!

Find my step-by-step instructions
on page 34 of today's Advertiser

Thankyou Vanessa for allowing me to use this gorgeous photo of your girls from our "Wrap-around Bracelt Workshop" at Clarence Park Community Centre.

"I have a new online stockist"

You can now purchase Melanie-Joy Creations
Jewellery Artworks at jewellery4sale.com.au

jewellery4sale.com.au are now the exclusive online stockist of my jewellery - yes, the only place you will find it online!  They also sell some other jewellery-making bits and pieces which will come in handy if you have participated in my workshops and want to continue to create your own jewellery at home. 

 Burnside Autumn Village Fete

It was lovely to be at the very first Autumn Village Fete on Kensington Oval. I was one of a hand full of artists selected to do 'Artist Demonstrations' for Pepper Street Art Centre. The aim was to show the diversity of the Pepper Street Arts Community : viewers were introduced to different Art mediums, and enticed with workshops and goods for sale.

I met Textile Artist Lizzy Emery who also teaches workshops for Pepper Street...

Lizzy was brewing natural onion dye to demonstrate how it works on fabric. You might be able to see a small scrap of tie-dyed fabric in the bottom left corner of photo [1]. The smell was amazingly aromatic!

I was pleasantly surprised to discover Lizzy dyes recycled fabrics & doilies [2] ... something I've always wanted to learn to do! I'll have to book into one of her Pepper Street workshops.

[3] Last but not least, she creates woven vessels using newspaper, reeds, feathers and string. I think the whole 'recycled' element of her work really appealed to me, being a bit of a bower bird and collector/re-user of 'stuff' myself.

 C L O U D B A S E 

THE geoffrey stapleton GALLERY

Although I had no new work in this exhibition, I simply had to attend opening night when I heard the gorgeous Kally Doyle would be exhibiting.

I've brushed shoulders with Kally on many occasions. When we first met, she very humbly told me that she paints. She is so unassuming - I had no idea how skilled she really was!

I urge you to see this exhibition - The detail in Kally's work has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Each artwork really draws you in - some like a parallel universe.

Here are a few teaser photos from opening night...

[1] I managed to get a photo with the illusive artist! / "What They Don't Know" can be seen in the background. On another note: this week I began to sew again - my skirt is made from vintage cotton & linen. I plan to make a few more, and start taking orders - *excitement* [2] Full image of one of Kally's dinosaurs emerging from wallpaper / "Lost in Appropriation"  [3] Kally doesn't just paint dinosaurs - can you tell which one is the real person in this photo? / "Grandma Bridie"

The Burnside Library

Easter Holiday Program

It was a pleasure to conduct workshops for The Burnside Library last Friday. I was asked to cater to a 'History' theme for two groups ~ we talked about the history of buttons, before making our own wrap-around bracelets with buttons charms.

The workshops were a hit! I certainly hope this will open the way for me to write and teach more workshops with varying themes. 

A special thankyou to my 'little helpers' who took photos when my hands
were full of beads and buttons! (I've included some of your picts below...)