LOVE AT SOUL



SOUL Gallery held their "LOVE" exhibition last weekend, leading up to Valentine's Day. Most of the artists who exhibit there worked on new items with a theme of love, hearts etc.

 I showed you all the hearts etc I nad made in the previous posting. Because I had my dates wrong, I found I had time to produce a few more items, and gather together some old projects. I made a few brooches like these a few years ago, but tried a different colour scheme of black and gold.

 I made these little cupcake magnets a couple of months ago, but was not sure how to display them. In the end I sprayed an old "Weetbix" tin with white paint.

 I had already made  quite a few cards with heart shaped windows, but was able to add to them with some with red backgrounds and lace appliques.

 This is what my display looked like - just a few finishing touches to go! I decided to call it "Romantic Notions", naively thinking that no one would ever have thought of that name before!! Just a minute or two on Google proved me wrong!

 Here are some of the contributions of other artists - I am not altogether sure who made what, but they were all great.

 Tina made these wonderful rose necklaces, using twisted fabric and a hot glue gun. They look just fabulous.

 A great display of assorted items with hearts and other romantic themes.

 Lou and daughter Ada produced these yummy cupcakes.

 And Shari's little girl Nova painted this stunning picture. Nova must be all of six years old - what a talent! 

A delightful arrangement of shells.

 One of Tina's very creative photographs.

And Tina is not happy with a static exhibition. She has decided her car could do with some embellishment!

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!