CHRISTMAS AT SOUL GALLERY

Soul Gallery is a co-operative venture showcasing and selling a wide range of beautiful arts and crafts, all designed, created and produced right here on Norfolk Island. "Soul" opened a few months ago, and since that time, the range of creations has increased considerably. It is a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to obtain items that have a distinct and authentic Norfolk flavour.

Here, standing outside Soul Gallery, are Louise and my niece Tina, who are two of the original members of the co-operative, and who both work very hard to ensure that things run smoothly and successfully.

There is a large range of items available - paintings, prints and photos, cards, weaving, textiles, jewellery, clothing, toys, carvings... and much more. Tina does some beautiful decorative painting, and her marine studies are really striking.

 Lou produces stunning photos which are put onto cards or canvas.

Although I am not a member of the co-operative, I was invited to put items into the Gallery. I have really enjoyed the feedback, as well as the "pocket money" which enables me to purchase more supplies for my creative endeavours. The low table below holds some of my creations - felted apples, eyeglass cases, market bags,and hanging above-amulet purses. Draped over the chair are knitted shawls made by my sister in Sydney. Who would have thought we would both have things on display in the same place at this stage of our lives???

 I managed to produce a number of special items just for Christmas, including Christmas stockings in a range of sizes and fabric gift tags.

 Many of the things I made were hung on a Christmas tree, including little decorative bags, felt hearts, mini-stockings and doves, and more Victorian-style Christmas tags.

Unfortunately I did not seem to have my camera on the right setting when I took these pictures - it refuses to do ALL my thinking for me - and these pictures are a bit fuzzy.

The small stockings, in a more classic and romantic style, proved very popular, but most of the more modern and funky ones remained unsold. I must remember next year that there is no need to depart from my instinctive and natural choice of materials and style.

 These are the amulet purses, hanging among Tina's floral swags.They are made of silk, with silk ribbon embroidery. I loved making these.

 A basket of my  felted wool apple pincushions. These are a steady seller, and I try to keep a good supply on hand.

Some of my other Crazy Patchwork bags and spectacle cases.

Suzanne, another member of the Co-operative, makes these lovely little peg doll angels, Polynesian style.

 There was a little Norfolk Pine Christmas tree decorated with Suzanne's creations and ornaments.

 If you are on Norfolk, do visit Soul Gallery. You will be delighted by what you discover there!



CHRISTMAS ...LOOKING BACK

They say there is nothing as "past" as Christmas.......but the memories of a happy relaxed family time always stay with you.
Here are a few candid shots of our Christmas this year.
Here is Ed, recovering perhaps from early celebrations, and wishing he could have slept in longer! Ruby is there in his arms. The two of them have quite fallen in love with each other!

 Peter is equally laid back, happy to have the girls wait on him!

 The family has learned that Bernie is quite happy and contented with a bottle or two of red wine for a gift.

 We usually give the girls beach gear for their extended Christmas holiday with us. They live a fair way from the sea at home, and love the proximity of the beach here on Norfolk Island.

 Sarah models hers, along with the beads that Peter brought back from his trip to Delhi in October!

 Mitti gets in on the act.

 Sarah has a call from her Dad, while Digby watches on.

 And Ruby has a cuddle with Emily...

 The table is set for a late Christmas lunch. I kept looking for a suitable centrepiece, but they all looked too tacky. Finally I remembered the frosted fruits that I made for sale...and they are perfect. (I have withdrawn them from the market!!!)

 We enjoyed traditional foods, including frozen peas! We have had so many fresh veges this year, I realised I had not eaten peas for ages, so they were an unusual treat!

 The next day we had another gift opening session with Miriam and Rob, who had arrived that morning. Also with the McRitchies, who joined us in a relaxed Boxing Day "potluck and leftovers".
This was Jasper's first Christmas.

 Sienna displays the little fairy cushion and button doll I made for her.

 Jasper models his ladybird suit, and holds the little matching ladybird toy.

 And Teddy models his new Billabong hat - which, unfortunately, is a little tight!

With all the celebrations over, it is now reward time. The pace is relaxed, and we have not yet resumed normal routines. I am itching to get at some creative activities, but that can wait...it is so lovely to have the family here, enjoying informal meals and picnics, watching the cricket on TV (without feeling guilty), bumping into and catching up with other Norfolkers home for the holidays....I can't wait till next Christmas! (It will roll round soon enough)