My daughter took a friend and her children to the Mansfield Zoo and to stay with her at her holiday van for the weekend and their friend returned during the week with this beautiful gift of a lamp with an a silk and Peacocks feather  shade. It looked exquisite in my daughter’s home. What a beautiful thank you gift.

I am posting the photo here as an idea for those who might be interested in making crafts made with peacock feathers .
 

I find on line study to be a great way to learn. I love learning from experts in the fields I am interested in and have no time for and little patience for hobby classes.

I have never totally stopped educating myself and last year I studied on line, for my certificate in Bone Health, as an addition to my current health science degrees I originally graduated with in 1967. I have continued to keep my health science degree up to date, until recently when I have begun to extend my interest outward, towards, Creative Arts Therapy, Eco Therapy, Fitness and Aging Well.

This year I have begun a new field of on line study and I love it.

I am, being challenged in a way I find will encourage me to do the work I need to do, to learn the information that will help me achieve my future goals and be able to use the information to help others. Education is rewarding in so many ways.  While I am educating myself on line, I can do all my study in my own time; this fits in easily with my current carer duties.

I am totally convinced, having experience it for myself, that online degree courses are a great way to achieve the credentials I am seeking. I know there are online universities that offer a wide range of degree options that are well worth investigating further by anyone interested in obtaining a degree qualification.

I mention Western Governors University, because it is a non-profit online university, and certainly, for me, cost is a considerable consideration, (though not as important as quality of tuition), when weighing up where I chose to do my studies.  Anyhow, ‘take a look’ if you are interested in obtaining a degree on line.

The two artists, who visited me today, asked me, ‘what advice I would give a starting out artist’. I said, ‘get a qualification, preferably in an essential service. My reasoning is that if you have a profession to fall back on should times be tough, you will be able to respect your art, enough to not fall into the financial crisis trap of painting trashy bread and butter paintings.

Art needs to be, kept free, of financial pressure to be ‘art’.  Work done under financial pressure to produce income becomes craft, skilled craft at best, manufactured product, at its, worst.

Artist integrity is easiest to maintain when the basic essentials of life, are secure, due to having professional qualifications. Even if you become financially successful artist, and never use the qualifications you earn, professionally, an education, is never, wasted.

 

I am promoting a charity auction of scrap booking supplies for the creative person. I use scpbooking supplies to make art cards and art bookmarks.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Scrap-Booking-Papers-and-Artists-materials_W0QQitemZ300392610903QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Scrapbooking?hash=item45f0cb7c57

This auction is for a worth cause so I hope my readers take a look and bid. :-).

Scrap Booking Papers and Artists materials , all proceeds go to the Hope From Ashes charity to assist those rebuilding their lives after the Toodyay Fires of December 2009


Scrap Booking Papers and Artists materials from "Artistic Journey" This package valued at over $100 includes kits to make journals. Items include a range of papers in textures and colours, ribbon, card, charms and ideas/instructions on things to create to preserve your memories


 

Hope from Ashes
The Hope From Ashes auction will run online starting on the date of the benefit concert with new items being put up daily over the next week.  This online auction will raise awareness and funds and give people the opportunity to contribute and help Toodyay people who are rebuilding after the fire.

We have tried to gather together a range of diverse and high quality items and services that in some way reflect the diversity and creativity of the Toodyay community. In finding a gift for yourself you will be giving to the Toodyay community and we hope the excitement and high energy of the auction will be uplifting and inspiring in its way.

The auction has the Hope From Ashes flavour celebrating and demonstrating the generosity, positivity and support that has flowed so readily for and within the Toodyay community.

As well as people from Perth many local Toodyay businesses and individuals have also contributed to the auction, some although deeply affected by the fires through loss of home or workplace. Artworks, craft items, trips away, fantastic meals and even life coaching sessions, massages, motoring items, clothing and collectors plates are just a few of the amazing items we can offer you. The list grows every day so “no napping” or you may miss a fabulous item…which is just what you need!

We hope you will enjoy the items on offer and we hope you have fun whilst you bid big as we pull together to raise much needed funds for the survivors of the Toodyay Bushfires.

If you would like more information about the auction or have a donation for us to consider please contact Bruce or Linda Sharman by completing the website contact and writing DONATION at the beginning of your message.

If you wish to make a donation in person, please use the following Bendigo Bank details. Thank you.
Hope from Ashes
BSB: 633 000
Account: 139 064 364

Seymour is the home of a well-established railway museum and art Galleries - Old Courthouse and Old Post Office Seymour.

I love the creations of the public artwork and the clean amenities block provided for passing tourists. Seymour is a great place to take a rest break and even stay and look around, view an art gallery, and enjoy  a meal and stay overnight and enjoy a little of the surrounding countryside.

Seymour is the main town that services the nearby military base of Puckapunyal  which is an important training centre for the Australian Army.

Seymour is the main base for agriculture in the Mitchell Shire, it’s main industries are equine, cattle, sheep and wine). I have been an exhibitor of my art and pottery sculpture, three times at the Seymour  Alternative Farming Exposition which is held in February  each year. 

Seymour Craft and Produce Market

Featuring over 80 Stalls offering the very best of quality arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants and garden supplies, specialty food, and our famous regional wines. A great day out for the family, with wine tastings, gourmet foods, music, entertainment and much, much more.

LOCATION: Kings Park, Seymour
CONTACT NAME: Carol and Richard Hiscock   PHONE: 5794 1419
EMAIL: stylevent@bigpond.com