Love Art

❤ One Day

2011-11-19T14:51:00.001+02:00

Have you ever said to yourself "one day I'm going to be in a magazine or be a famous artist or be a mom" Well one of my "one day's" has arrived! I'm absolutely mad about interior/living/home design idea magazines and Sarie WOON, which I've been collecting, is my "one day"! I got to feature in a magazine and a truly fabulous South African one at that! Check it out over here and if you can't get to the shop to buy a hard copy you can always go online and buy it from Zinio.

The magazine is in Afrikaans, which is part of my home language. My dad is Afrikaans but I rarely speak it as most of my Afrikaans family & friends always chat to me in English including my dad! So I love reading the magazine as I get to practice!

Anita and Lounette from Sarie suprised me completely by giving me a mention and thank you on page 5! Thank you ladies and thank you so much for featuring my village!

My friend Lisa and I where browsing and get to where her home is featured and it was a WOW my home looks like homes to in a magazine!!! :)

What you think?

Lisa's & Dave's dining room

Their beautiful kitchen

The view of the lounge from the dining room!

The outside view.

When I visited the Sarie website and hit the translate button to read part of the article in English, it didn't translate well at all! The editorial in the front of the magazine that features me (2nd paragraph of "Hoe ons"), when translated, reads as follows; "One day we received a phone call from a reader that was looking for the first edition of Woon. She also wanted to know when the next edition was due. We were actually busy planning the next edition and she happily invited us to visit her village. And with this we want to say Thank you, Li Nepgen (pg 70). You definitely spoke the truth. There is a wealth of beautiful homes, interesting, talented and friendly people in the Riebeek Valley. And boy can you enjoy eating in that town!

❤

❤ Articles club

2011-11-19T14:43:00.001+02:00

One of the blogs I follow and love reading is A CUP OF JO by Joanna Goddard and one of her recent posts titled Articles club is brilliant. Fabulous idea and just love the first article she chose which you definitely need to go and read over here

❤

❤ Suspend Time

2011-11-19T14:03:00.000+02:00

TAKE ME UP by Lauren Withrow

Cannot believe how time has just fast forwarded to today!!! Had Miss Nooh's 7th birthday, completed RV Tourism's second newsletter and arranging the last country fair for the year which will be held in Riebeek Kasteel on the village square the 26th November from 3pm - 7pm which will include a small opening of the holiday season by switching on the christmas lights!

❤

Klassik Music

2011-09-20T16:26:00.000+02:00

A great shout out to Marius who will open the 24 hour art marathon on Friday 30 September with his awesome, what I call Afrikaans Blues music!

♥

7th Shiraz and Art Weekend

2011-09-20T16:21:00.001+02:00

I have been merrily catching up on posting and didn't notice that I had pasted the 100 post mark! Fabulous! Anyhoo! Back to business! I am the treasurer for Riebeek Valley Tourism and next week Friday 30 September is the start to the 24 hour art marathon fundraiser, which is one of the events taking place that weekend!

Thanks to my friend Lisa, I (pictured below) got to join her at the Darling Voorkamerfest to promote the up coming Shiraz and Art Weekend.

We are doing everything possible to put it out there to the yoUNIVERSE!

♥

New Studio

2011-09-20T16:08:00.000+02:00

Moved Love Art home which is absolutely fabulous as I don't have to worry about whether or not I've sold enough art and ceramics to pay the rent!

I love my new studio! Will definitely post some more photos once I get to plugging in my camera!

♥

Fast Forward No 4

2011-09-16T16:28:00.000+02:00

This year I'm the class representative for Miss Nooh's Grade 1 class and each year the class gets to do the food for (as a fundraiser for the school) 250+ canoeists in the Swartland Canoe Marathon. Pick n Pay Malmesbury gave the school a donation of R800,00 worth of ingredients for the lasagna which Bertus from Allesverloren made for 250 canoeists. I made the vegetarian lasagna and what turned out to be the best ever butternut soup! Wicked Treats made the most fabulous little bread rolls! Desert was good old Bar One!

♥

Fast Forward No 3

2011-09-16T16:12:00.001+02:00

Next up was the 11th Annual Olive Festival which takes place the first weekend of May. RVT had the first country fair during the olive festival weekend which was OK! There was loads of drama about illegal stall holders that come from all over Cape Town and set up during the night and being the fun, loving village we are, nobody had the nerve to chase them away! Unfortunately they are taking away much needed income from the locals! Hopefully next year will be more organised with illegal traders!

♥

Fast Forward No 2

2011-09-16T16:11:00.001+02:00

Next on the list was the MedFest, which takes place the last weekend in March, which is also Earth Hour. Creates the most amazing ambiance in the village. The MedFest is a festival of food and wine! Most of the restaurants in the village take part by having a Mediterranean country inspired menu and next year they hoping to create our own country for the event which will be the Swartland Country which represents Riebeek Valley, Malmesbury, Darling, Moorreesburg, Yzerfontein, fabulous traditional South African food!

Painting by Louisa Gerryts

♥

Fast Forward No 1

2011-09-16T15:59:00.003+02:00

Grrrrrr..... just deleted all that I had spent the last hour posting about! Lets see if I can recap? I'm fast forwarding and giving a brief description of what I would have and should have blogged about over the last 8 months! Started with the Riebeek Valley Country Fair, which I'm doing for Riebeek Valley Tourism, to raise funds for our Valley!

The country fair takes place the last Saturday of every month, except for the when we have events, and it's also a platform for locals to show off their wares and hopefully increase their income!

Visit Riebeek Valley website for updated info and join our facebook!

♥

Birth & Marraige

2011-09-13T18:24:00.001+02:00

The usual happened during the month of November i.e. MOM, wife, pottery classes and ME! December was a busy month! My birthday the 2nd, Dad the 4th, my sister-in-law had her first little angel on the 7th and my first baby turned 27 on the 9th! Fast forward to the big day! My first baby got married on the 17th at a stunning historic church in Franschhoek and the reception was at Le Franschhoek

My beautiful daughter & hubby to be!

All the family and friends clubbed in to purchase THE SHOES! Christian Louboutin's for the big day!

Showing them off! Her bridesman bought it all the way from London! I have no idea how anyone can walk in those heals!

The beautiful bridal troupe!

Mr and Mrs!!!

Mom (Me) & Daughter share a moment!

Taken at Le Franschhoek ... stunning venue!

And of course I have just spent the last hour looking in every nook and cranny of my laptop and pc for the photos that I took at my daughter's wedding and they have disappeared into thin air!!! I want to cry!!!

♥

Time

2011-09-06T21:06:00.001+02:00

Goes by way to fast! Filled you in on the first 9 months of the 18 months of blogging I didn't get round to doing! Another 9 to go! This has been amazing to look back on what I was up to! Sure is a fabulous way to jog the memory!

♥

Breath

2011-09-06T21:02:00.000+02:00

I was asked by Anne to be the auctioneer at a Party for Pooches, held at Ed's Diner to raise much needed funding for our local SPCA. Me an auctioneer! Ha! Maybe after a glass or two! My two pooches hoping that Miss Nooh would share her biltong with them!

Spent most of the month preparing for the first Riebeek Valley Country Market to be held on the square in Riebeek Kasteel and dealing with small town politics!!!

♥

Journey of Taste

2011-09-06T20:20:00.000+02:00

The Shiraz and Art Weekend was ok! Don't think people are spending much money on art these days! Anyhoo! The most amazing, fantastical, fabulous etc etc etc event of the month was the birth of this little chap - Cole Andrew Gardner arrived 19 October 2010!

Next up was Miss Nooh's birthday, 21 October, 6 years old and a aunt! Next year she's going to big school, Grade 1. Loves the Nintendo!

Miss Nooh (pronounced like Pooh) loves Tinkerbell. We have had Tinkerbell themed parties since her 3rd birthday. Not easy trying to give the birthday cake a different angle 4th time in a row! Don't think I did to badly!

On the 26th October 2010, Love Art, which is basically me, got to be on TV!!! The program was called Journey of Taste which translated for me was basically ones taste in art, food, accommodation etc! Unfortunately I didn't receive any of the footage! I have sent them an email request - So I suppose it's hurry up and wait!

♥

Hello Spring

2011-09-06T19:50:00.001+02:00

Spring has sprung and the grass has riz who knows where the little birdies iz! Something like that! What a busy month!

Had the 2010 Shiraz and Art Weekend the first weekend of October. So loads of stock was needed!

Sent 3 paintings to this exhibition: Pity the gallery closed down the beginning of this year.

♥

♥ Happy Birthday ♥

2011-09-06T19:26:00.001+02:00

Meesta had his 39th birthday on the 7th August.
We celebrated Women's Day on the 9th August!

My eldest, Lia, was preparing for her wedding day, 17th December 2010 and we attended a phenomenal bridal, beauty and styling workshop. We had so much fun, got to fool around in a photo booth! I think it's such a fun idea for any event! The best part is looking back on the photos!

♥

Winter

2011-09-06T16:56:00.001+02:00

Did the fan walk in Cape Town and damn was it cold! Luckily the vibe made up for it! Miss Nooh (my beautiful baby girl in case you where wondering) won R600.00 thanks to Spain winning the 2010 FIFA world cup! She drew their name out a hat and it cost her R20.00 to play. Happy little girl!

My sister-in-law also mailed me that the 6th July 2010 was the day that Marty Mcfly (Michael J. Fox in"Back to the Future") arrives at in the future after hitting 88 mphin his Delorean from 1985 . Time-dial attached for authenticity. Just a friendly reminder of how 'young' we getting!

To escape the Cape cold winter we visited Meesta's dad and Grandpa Richard for a few days, in Durban. The highlight was for Miss Nooh, a visit to Ushaka Marine World.

♥

Life

2011-09-06T16:41:00.001+02:00

Another addition to the family! Meesta's sister is having a baby girl! They havent decided on a name for her. We celebrated Fathers Day! South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup Football. Had a few birthdays, the most important being my son, 23 years old and going to be a dad soon. Crazy! Helped my mom with her trip to Australia to visit her sister Jean in January 2011. My friend, Charlene, sent me this little quote which I absolutely agree with!!!

"Calories are the little suckers (you can change the first letter to "f') that get intoyour wardrobe at night and sew your clothes tighter!"

A shot from my studio.

♥

May Day

2011-09-06T16:21:00.001+02:00

Wedding Anniversary no 6 came and went! The 10th Annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival came and went! Miss Nooh had her 1st badge testing for gymnastics and she did fabulously! I joined Riebeek Valley Tourism as a committee member as treasurer! Can't think of anything else therefore it couldn't have been important! Made this little postcard/business card for Love Art.

♥

Fools Month

2011-09-06T16:14:00.000+02:00

Loads happened in April 2010! Got the first scan of the new addition to our family! I'm going to be a Nan! It's a boy! His names will be Cole Andrew.

Organizing the first workshop to be held at the Studio. A photography workshop by Tracey Derrick. This is my all time favourite photograph of Tracey's, Eye Inside - Inmates at Malmesbury Women's Prison.

The biggest even in the Riebeek Valley is the Olive Festival which takes place the first weekend in May! May the 1st is my wedding anniversary which Meesta & I celebrate with the Olive Festival and it's also a public holiday called Workers Day! SO! I was pottering away to have a decent amount of stock to sell!

♥

Wall Mural

2011-09-06T15:15:00.001+02:00

Had to go back and check my emails to see what I was doing the month of March 2010! I was painting a few murals at De la Pleine Square in Riebeek Kasteel!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to complete the mural as the roof above this wall sprung a major leak and the water was running down the wall! Not cool! They have fixed the leak so I will be going back to complete and seal the paint!

♥

Studio

2011-09-06T14:55:00.000+02:00

My second last post was about moving into the new studio! I spent most of the month of March 2010, in between teaching ceramics, giving this little cottage the Love Art touch! Unfortunately I didn't have the cash to paint a contractor so with a little help of the "elbow grease", some paint and voila ...

♥

A year in the life of not blogging

2011-09-06T14:15:00.000+02:00

I spent everyday of the last year with the idea of attempting to see how many posts I could do in 1 day! Everyday came and gone! It's now 18 months later and just maybe I will actually get it right! So here goes!

New space

2010-02-20T16:48:00.001+02:00

Hey there,

Love Art is moving!!! I'm so excited ... have a new space to decorate!!! Have until Sunday 28th Feb to move everything! Got this coming week to get the new space ready!

This has got to be the quaintest little cottage in Riebeek kasteel.

Needs a bit of TLC but nothing major! Fresh coat of paint & a good clean should do the trick!

This is an interior layout of the cottage and what the rooms look like - totally empty! Blank canvas to start from! The kiln is going in the shed out back and unfortunately for me it doesn't fit through the doorway but luckily have a brother who is a brilliant builder, carpenter etc guy so he will be removing the frame and replace it once the kiln is in! No plan on moving it ever!

The idea is to keep it plain and simple. Will leave the wooden floor in the painting studio but paint the gallery and shop floor white gloss! The walls in the gallery painted a charcoal kinda colour & everywhere else white with a feature wall in the shop painted with black board paint. The ceramic studio is totally "iffy"!

Do you have any ideas for me? Would love to see your workspace!

...to be continued

xoxo

♥ & Love Art

2010-02-20T11:28:00.002+02:00

... hope your last weekend was fabulous & this one even better! Went to a fund raiser Valentine's masked ball last Friday night and we had a fabulous evening! Saturday was feet up and watching movies kinda day!

Amazing how chatting to people or networking as my friend calls it, can lead to someone knowing someone that can help you out! Hopefully I will have fabulous news on Monday about moving Love Art to the quaintist little cottage in our village and the best part is it won't cost a fortune! Its appears that I'm a "well known" in the Valley! Had a few "So you Li"! Makes you feel really special!

♥

2010-02-10T08:30:00.002+02:00

It's raining here at the mo which is a blessing! Garden needs loads of water! but definitely not a fan of the humidity factor that's come along with it! Did this painting 2 years ago and the green colour reminds me of colour grass goes when you have a mixture of rain, sunshine and rainbow. It's titled "A Moment".

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo

Life

2010-02-08T11:21:00.001+02:00

Hey there! Just get into to the groove of been a regular blogger & viola LIFE happens! My dad (he is 73) was in hospital in a small town called Klerksdorp which is a 14 hour drive from our home! He had a growth removed from his colon which wasn't that bad but he didnt sleep & with no sleep his body didnt heal! 10 days later still in ICU he was put on a ventilator & a sleep. induced coma! We got told of the situation Friday morning (28th Jan) & after a few telephone calls to family etc was told that it would be a good idea for us to visit! All 3 kids arrive at the hospital Sat morning for visiting hour - only two family members at a time are allowed in - my 2 brothers went in then my husband & I then stepmom & aunt etc! Amazing how frail life actually is! Anyhoo! Dad is recovering, colon is working, he is still in ICU but off the ventilator and has started eating solids! Yipee!

Didn't think one would get "jet lagged" from driving! I had plans to start giving ceramic classes Tuesday 2nd, which I postponed. Was not ready! Had an eventful week! I've been having hassles trying to organize the electricity at the space I rent but not much joy there! Then a friend called to say she was moving & would I be interested in renting the place! Of course - it's this quaint little cottage next door to one of my favourite places in our little village Cafe Felix, has ample parking, cute little garden, pay-as-you-go electricity, hot water & a roof that doesn't leak!

Now I have to hold thumb that I don't need to apply for business rights to operate from the cottage that's actually zoned residential! The cost is way to much & that would mean not moving & having to put up with a roof that leaks, no hot water & an electricity bill from hell!

Will keep smiling & holding thumb! How can you not have a smile on your face with something as cute as this ...

Keep smiling!

xoxo

Sun is shining, weather is good

2010-01-28T08:52:00.000+02:00

Makes you want to move your dancing feet... Up early now that Nooh (pronounced Pooh - she was bugaloo but it no longer seems appropriate for a 5 year old) is going to "big" school! It's been great for me - get my butt into gear - walking her to school. Going is easy - it's all down hill - coming home is the "bitch"!

Catching up in google reader while eating leftover bolognaise sauce on toast for breakfast then off to our local coffee shop "Clumzy Carrot" for my morning fix of "proper" coffee & not the bottled or tin stuff!

Thank you Decorolgy for the intro to Designers Block blog, can totally understand why its one of your favourites! Love the paper vases

Have a super fabulous day!

xoxo

How's the start of your week?

2010-01-27T08:14:00.002+02:00

Oh! It's a dogs life! The pug (Lulubelle) is the newest addition to our family & we have one very happy lab who now has a playmate!

My week? So far so good on this side of the planet! Slowly getting things together in the "MESSY" space. Starting the ceramic classes on Tuesday 2nd February, so I don't have a choice in the matter, I have to have the space ready!

Hope all your weeks are going along fabulously!

xoxo

Lazy Sunday

2010-01-25T08:53:00.000+02:00

Another beautiful day in Africa! Spent a couple of hours working at the space, ceramic classes start 2nd Febuary & WAY to much to do but tomorrow's another day! Hubby did roast chicken & potatoes on the weber & I did the roast veg (butternut, courgettes, red peppers & onion with rosemary & garlic flavoured olive oil) in the oven! Lunch was fab!

I've spent the afternoon catching up on google reader with all the fabulous blogs I follow & got to add a couple more to the list thanks to Poppytalk & their Poppies virtual awards event. Thank you Jan & Earl.

From the Favourite Handmade Artists Blog Im ♥ Lillyella, Lisa Evans, Star of the East, The Long Thread.

From the Favourite Handmade Crafter I ♥ Carina's Craftblog.

From the Favourite Handmade Ceramics I ♥ Artmind Element Clay Studio KimWestad Ninainvorm Stepanka Yasha Butler. I just love these (3 baby pears - Element Clay studio, "Only you know" undies - Stepanka, Love plate - Ninainvorm & Small curvy vase - Kim Westad)

From the Favoutire Affordable Artist list I ♥ Yumi Yumi

Next on my reader list is Poppytalk Handmade Artists blogspot & I love the valentines cards from Humunuku Shoppe or you can download from the blog.

Unfortunately I've run out of time. I've had so much fun doing this, will have to think of an easier way to do a Lazy Sunday on a regular basis!

Have a fabulous week!

xoxo

What U wearing today?

2010-01-21T17:18:00.000+02:00

I'm not "a go with the fashion" type of girl! 70% of the clothing in my cupboard is black! Not keen on dresses, don't wear jeans or shorts! Love black & layering. Unfortunately it's 37 degrees outside, so the less clothes I can wear the better!

I have to find new ways to invent a look with the clothes I have - no spending on new! The skirt in this pic I bought last year & have always worn it as a skirt! For some unknown reason i decided to pull the skirt over my head (iso stepping into it & pulling it up) & thought hmmm I should try this as a dress & I did!

Yip that's me & that's the skirt!

& now it's a dress!

what U think?

New layout

2010-01-19T19:57:00.002+02:00

Going to attempt to change the layout of this blog! Hopefully you wouldn't notice that it disappeared for awhile!

xoxo

A Family Affair

2010-01-19T17:18:00.001+02:00

Ok so I am aware that xmas has long since come and gone but only managed to download pics from my camera yesterday! Most of the decorations come from years of collecting. The only things bought this year where the beaded christmas trees! Got them on the side of the road in Cape Town. The guy's name is Philip and I will be asking him to make me xmas trees with clear beads.

Because we have summer xmas's here I prefer to have xmas eve dinner, its alot cooler and candles make it more cosier (way to hot to have a rouring fire) and I think the rich warm colours of gold, red and green seem out of place on a hot summers day! This year the plans where changed and we had xmas lunch so I went for white, silver and light blue. The placemats are homemade from wrapping paper cut to size and then laminated (thanks to the help of my son, daughter and daughter-in-law). My eldest daughter (26) laid the table and I think she did a fabulous job! I wish I had taken photos of all the helping hands in their bathing suits laying the xmas table and doing the decor work as alot of family and friends where overseas freezing their "bottoms off"!

Where have I been?

2010-01-18T14:59:00.000+02:00

No idea! There & back to see how far it is? Time has definitely run away from me! At the moment I am busy getting my pottery studio off the ground & what a mess! Was fortunate enough to get an entire studio at a really good price! All I have to do is fit it into my space, get the clay, sort out the electricity & hopefully by the 2nd of February be ready for classes.

This is what the studio looked like as of Friday 15th January! The plan is to divide the space into a shop/gallery area, painting area & ceramic area! My mind boggles at the mo! What to put where without it looking cluttered & loosing valuable natural light!

The only part of the studio that isn't messy is the shop/gallery area!

All neat & tidy! Now I have to get the rest looking the same!

Love Being You ...

2009-08-27T13:18:00.000+02:00

Which I do ... but anyhoo! ... is the title of this image which is the cover of a magazine called Renaissance and of course the minute I saw it I was totally gobsmacked! I absolutely love the arum lily and am always trying to find new ways to paint it etc. I have these sketches where i use the female form with the lily but never had the confidence to paint it as i am not comfortable painting the human form in any way because for me it has to be perfect and i will spend forever trying to make it so! Silly but thats moi! The artist of this image is Christo Wolmarans but not 100% sure if it's his totally as the inscription on the inside of the magazine says "Concept by Christo Wolmarans"! Don't you just love it!

Have a super fabulous week!

LOL

Today & everyday I'm loving ...

2009-08-18T17:13:00.017+02:00

Weylandts! Got a catalogue of their Spring 2009 collection & just wished I had this delightful bank balance tucked away! But anyhoo! Can dream! The words below each pic is just such beautiful poetry (unfortunately I couldn't find who wrote the beautiful words)!

"All beauty has a common melody;

a collection of notes that dance from room to room in tints of light

before collapsing with laughter into the over-stuffed comfort of shaded spaces.

In every single piece of beauty there is the echo of another,

a connection across form and function that reminds us that if music had colour,

we would paint our lives with song.

You can visit Weylandts online here or Chris Weylandts "My journeys of discovery" below!

Display for Kids Art

2009-08-10T11:46:00.000+02:00

I came across this via The Style Files (Thank you), which is available at IKEA! I think that this is an absolutely fabulous way to display kids art at home! I currently have Bugaloo's art attached with 2 bulldog clips, one on top of the other, hanging in the garage & I am so getting out the drill to put up this neat contraption! Unfortunately! NO IKEA in South Africa! @#$%^!!!! AND of course the current state of the SA Rand doesn't help matters much either! Will have to see if I can find something similar or maybe figure out a modification using cable etc!

Mixed Plate & Golly Bard

2009-08-01T16:03:00.002+02:00

The great thing about having the option to follow a blog is you get to see all the amazing & interesting new discoveries! Anything "heart" gets me going! Got to see these amazing artworks of Golly Bard via Liana from Mixed Plate's Friday Favorites. Thanx Liana & a "shout out" to Holly aka Golly for such beautiful artworks!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-07-13T17:31:00.005+02:00

OK So I know that water is top of the list for priorities in the world but this weekend in the Western Cape was "beyond" as far as water goes!

Thing is Meesta is away & Missy here had to sort out the swimming pool, stop the "Kreepy Krauly" from washing away etc & if it was a beautiful hot day I wouldn't have a problem with sticking my hand in the freezing cold water to sort it out! Get it sorted & viola there comes the rain & more rain & more rain! If only there was a way to contain all this water!

Sunrise Art

2009-07-12T17:04:00.000+02:00

Yesterday was about sunset! Today, didn't get to see the sun rise, it's cold & very wet & no sunrise or sunset to be seen! These photo's of the sun rising have all been taken from different parts of my home over the past few years. I love photo's of the sunrise & sunset but as an artist I don't have any desire to paint them! I have photo's that do them far more justice than painting them would, well for me anyway!

Sunset Art

2009-07-11T17:15:00.000+02:00

I took these photo's on route to my son's wedding! I don't have a fancy camera (wish i did) but don't think they are half bad considering they were taken from the inside of a moving car!

Chocolate Art

2009-07-09T11:41:00.002+02:00

I have this amazing collection of books! This is one of many! Was thinking that I would start a weekly "thing" were I would put the cover of the book & invite you to have a look inside, sharing a recipe, a how to, art etc. Still not quite sure what to call it, thought of Pandora's Box but still playing around with a few ideas! These images come from The Australians Women's Weekly book called "Chocolate" and I think the images are works of "chocolate" art! Will post one of the recipes soon. Have a fabulous day!

Squinting Bugaloo!

2009-07-06T15:08:00.000+02:00

Shew! can't believe I haven't posted for 3 weeks! My little angel "Bugaloo", who will be 5 years old in October, suddenly started squinting in her left eye! She has been to see an Ophthalmologist and will be visiting the next one on Friday 17 July for a second opinion. Looks like she will have to wear glasses, which she is rather "cool" about but having to wear them 24/7 is going to be really challenging!

She loves the jungle gym, her bicycle, the trampoline and generally being a "monkey"! Will have to invest in a really sturdy "goody" to keep them on her face/head!

So we will know the total outcome of the squint next Friday around 1pm! Will keep you posted!

Autumn Wedding

2009-06-09T21:46:00.004+02:00

A few weeks ago I did a post re my son's wedding! Well the photos finally arrived & these are my favourites! I'm so chuffed that I can share them you!

Elle Decoration South Africa

2009-06-04T19:21:00.007+02:00

Yippee! Latest edition ELLE collected from my post box today! So much yummy stuff & these are a few of my favourites. Love the titles!

Titled "WISHLIST" Bring a street beat into your home with urban-inspired fabrics! From left to right "Urban Creep" , "Jump the Fence", "Sprayground" - Fabrics from LIV, Home Fabrics, Nucleus of Kraft, Fabric Nation (email F.Nation@gmail.com), The Silk & Cotton Co, Hertex Fabrics.

The caption at the bottom reads "SOMETIMES UNCOVERING BEAUTY IS JUST A MATTER OF CHANGING YOUR PERSPECTIVE." Gotta love Weylandts

Home Cape Town titled "Garage Party". A garage may seem an uninspiring space to most but this spot is testament to the fact that with a little clever thinking, it can form a utility canvas for some serious street-savvy styling.

Home Pretoria titled "Concrete Dream". "This house is all about basic form, simple spaces and clean lines. It's a conceptually driven collection of walls closed up with planes of timber and glass."

We sure do have some really stunning & inspiring homes & spaces in SA. Thanks ELLE for sharing!

coral icing

2009-06-03T11:39:00.000+02:00

So proud to be the owner of this delicious painting "Coral Icing". Purchased the triptych on auction last night at the VEO Gallery, ANI-MAL opening exhibit. The artist is Leonie vd Westhuizen who donated the painting to VEO Gallery to raise funds for P.E.T.S.

Inspiring Iris

2009-06-02T17:34:00.000+02:00

This has to be my favourite pastime, taking close-up shots of flowers especially the lily variety and then painting them. Thinking, maybe, iso painting the arum should try my hand at the Iris!

I ♥ ME

2009-06-01T12:55:00.003+02:00

These are a handful of images of heart shapes that I have collected over the past few years. I'm in pink, brown, red heart mode & with the helpful use of Picasa put together this collage. Some are from magazines, some from wrapping paper, birthday cards or from the net! As to which came from where, I cannot remember, if you do recognize an image as your artwork, thank you so much for such a beautiful image and do let me have your details so that I can thank you.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Coffee & koeksisters

2009-05-29T09:35:00.000+02:00

A photo from SA Magazine "Rooi Rose"

Yummy! Not the healthiest of breakfasts but definitely the yummiest! Not sure if there is a English name for a "koeksister". You would pronounce "koek" the same as the word "look" just replace the "l" with "k" & then add "sister" to the end! Got this definition from Wikipedia, there is a recipe too!

A koeksister or koesister comes from the Dutch word koekje, the diminutive of koek meaning "cake". It is a South African syrup-coated doughnut in a twisted or braided shape (like a plait). It is prepared by deep-frying dough in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold sugar syrup. Best eaten cold, koeksisters are very sticky and sweet and taste like honey.

There is a little shop down the road called "Aitsa" (a Afrikaans word that does not really mean anything in itself its more a word of exclamation of surpise & praise put together) which sells the most yummiest cakes, gifts, handmade goodies etc. & "little" packets of yummy koeksisters!

French pink

2009-05-28T21:17:00.004+02:00

It's cold & raining here! Real winters day! These pics from a Rooi Rose , South African Afrikaans magazine, remind me of spring & shades of pink, blue, lavender, french interior, soft cotton, yummy cakes, I can almost feel & touch it! Winter has only started & although I love the rain, well more the fact that our dams are getting filled with water, I function better in spring!

The weather man says the rain is here until Sunday! Oh boy that does not go down well with "Bugaloo" (my beautiful baby girl who is nearly 5 as she puts it) who absolutely loves being outside & for me who could spend the weekend on the couch watching movies, reading & having a snooze in between!

Whats your plans for the weekend?

Inspiration ...

2009-05-28T17:38:00.005+02:00

Came across this photo in the Visi magazine & my reaction was "oh wow" how crazy is this! I did 2 paintings a while back with my favourite arum lily & thought I would paint them with a thorn bush/branch! Something new & different for me as I have only, well 90% of the time, just painted the lilies. I titled the paintings "Thornbirds". The arrangement of the close-up of the rose, thorn branch & reversing the same image is not a bad idea!

VEO Gallery Exhibition

2009-05-27T17:16:00.006+02:00

"RAM"

My darling friend & fellow artist Sol Smook has done this beautiful painting (& more) for the ANI-MAL exhibition opening Tuesday 2 June in Cape Town & I can't wait to go! Thought I would give you all a little taste! Have pics of the other paintings but will show after the opening!

Something Beautiful

2009-05-26T21:58:00.017+02:00

I started a folder in my documents titled "Blog stuff " and every time i see something i love, enjoy, that's beautiful, i put it into the "Blog stuff" folder with all intentions of blogging about it! Whats happening is my "Blog stuff" folder is getting bigger & bigger but the posting to my blog scarce! I sit down with all the enthusiasm of posting but then the connection is way too slow or i loose the post etc and end up switching off the computer with the thought of trying in the morning! Absolutely terrible! So here are a few goodies from the "Blog stuff" folder! This is what I wrote last night & yet again couldn't get the photos to download from the "Blog stuff" folder. So I will try again! Here goes!

Would love this open lounge space from Weylandts to watch the sunrise below!

Already have this beautiful sunrise from my balcony!

If only to have this beautiful open space & bed from Weylandts to watch the sunset!

This sunset was taken from my bedroom window! So now all i dream of is the bed & open space as above to go with the sunset & sunrise!

Used the zoom to take this photo from my balcony! Dont you think it looks like a painting? Stunning!

Girl Lost

2009-05-26T21:39:00.000+02:00

I want this one! After spending 3 days in New York last year September, I can relate!

At first glance this is so fun & colourful but after close inspection and reading the title "Bad Bunny" I had a good giggle!

This one titled "Relax I'm here" I am so here! Just absolutely love these new paintings by Victoria Verbaan which are from her latest exhibition title "Girl Lost".

Roxanne Pandora Warder

2009-05-16T11:09:00.000+02:00

I love these paintings! The artist is Roxanne Pandora Warder . I came across her via MadeByGirl blogspot which you absolutely have to visit! Thanks Jennifer.

ANI-MAL

2009-05-15T10:06:00.000+02:00

VEO gallery invites you to participate in their first group exhibition, titled ANI-MAL, of 2009. A percentage from the exhibition & charity art auction will be donated to P.E.T.S.

A jpeg image of each work in an email of no more than 1mb must be e-mailed to thalea@veo.co.za with the subject marked as "ani-mal" to reach us by no later than the 25th of may 2009. VEO will be the sole and final judge of all artworks submitted, and may accept or reject such artwork in it's sole discretion successful participants will be contacted via e-mail by the 27th of may 2009. For further information click on the ANI-MAL poster shown on the right of this blog.

My friend and fellow artist Sol Smook donated this painting to the VEO Gallery for the charity auction. And for those of you who watched Pasella on Tuesday 13 May would have got to see more of his fabulous art works & our lovely village. My opinion is that for South Africans Pasella is a great show & website to visit but unfortunately both are in Afrikaans & I couldn't find a translation button for international visitors to the site! Which is a pity as they would only be targeting the local people & those South Africans who live abroad that can speak Afrikaans! I make this comment under correction!

You will have to visit VEO Gallery opening exhibition to see the other paintings that Sol has done! They are absolutely amazing!

Art SOLD!

2009-05-13T14:59:00.000+02:00

Yippee!!! Finally NO MORE SAND! & I do apologize to you all for taking forever to blog!!! So whats new? Any interesting art things on the go? I am so chuffed I got to sell 3 paintings the weekend of the Olive Festival! This one I could have sold 4 times! I don't do copies!

These 2 small ones titled "Thornbirds" was sold to the same couple that bought the one above.

The only sad thing for me is that I never get to see my paintings new home!

Enough

2009-05-12T19:56:00.003+02:00

This was the title that my beautiful & only "baby" boy (that's what I call him & of course I always get a "Aah Ma"!!!) titled his vows that he wrote to his beautiful bride & wife to be. Once he is back from honeymoon I will get a copy of what he wrote to show you all. What I can remember is he used to word as follows "I Love you. enough to want to spend the rest of my life with you! etc and it took me up to the moment that he read his vows to be convinced that at the age of 22 it was OK to be getting married & of course he is absolutely, totally & utterly in LOVE! The minute he saw her he got tearful and looked at me & mouthed "isn't she beautiful". The tears didn't stop and my camera didn't leave the bag once! I have not a single photo! Will have to wait for copies from the photographer.

Bloggers Block

2009-05-12T19:08:00.004+02:00

... and ... no idea ... where to start ... OK so I have been a "bad" blogger!!! Haven't been here for what seems an eternity! After my sister-in-law's wedding I spent 90% of my "spare" time preparing for the 9th Annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival! It was the first weekend of May. The 1st was a public holiday & my 5th wedding anniversary. Had sups at Bar Bar Blacksheep. The Festival was fabulous! SOLD 3 of my paintings, which, if you ever get to attend an Riebeek Valley Olive Festival, is an absolute bonus.

What a beautiful wedding ...

2009-04-19T22:18:00.021+02:00

Bugaloo getting her hair done ... wasn't interested in having the beautiful flowers in her hair!

Pauline ready to go ...
Matt waiting patiently ...

and here comes the beautiful bride ...

what an amazing setting ...

Mr & Mrs ...

and now to relax ...

the view ...

Bugaloo asks Pauline " Are you married now?" Yes says Pauline ...

So where's the baby says Bugaloo ... Sunset ...

Absolutely breath taking ...

Didn't think of taking photos of the food until the dessert arrived!

...in the sand

2009-04-19T21:20:00.000+02:00

My camera is definitely my new best friend. A stroll along a beach and ...

... sand flames

... flowing flowers?

Belated Happy Weekend

2009-04-11T16:41:00.008+02:00

Unbelievable, a whole week has passed since I last blogged! My sister in law and her future hubby to be arrived Thursday 2nd April. Saturday was spent with the "new" family. Tuesday was the bachelorette. Thursday we fetched my father in law Richard, his wife Dee and Ouma from the airport and drove to Franschhoek for the wedding which took place at La Petite Ferme on Friday.

Friday morning at 4.00am Bugaloo (Bug-a-loo. What I call my 4½ year old) woke up getting sick! Ate something that did not agree with her and she was to be the flower girl but wasn't giving up her role as flower girl to anyone! She walked the isle trying very hard to put a smile on her face! Angel!

We were supposed to join the family today at Moyo but Bugaloo is still not 100% so we came home! Best idea - Bugaloo is in her element, has her bedroom and toys and I get to blog! Well not as much as I would like to but just enough to give you this short little message!

HAVE A SUPER FABULOUS WEEKEND! Will be back on Tuesday with wedding photo's and links to all the beautiful places in the Western Cape!

Sanctuary

2009-04-03T11:23:00.013+02:00

Where has the week gone? I can't believe it's Friday already! I haven't blogged since Tuesday! Terrible! Have all this stuff to put on! Will start with the opening of Sanctuary Interiors! and the mood is definitely "sanctuary" when you walk into the space, all I wanted to do was climb into the beautiful bed, curl up and rest! The snacks where absolutely delicious and the champers went down very well!

The above image is the gift that I put together for Eugene to wish him huge amounts of success with the opening of Sanctuary Interiors shop in Malmesbury. The image is an abstraction of a photograph that I took of Arum Lilies which I then laminated, the metal heart stand I purchased a while back (& do u think I can remember from where?) and a small terracotta pot (which I have loads of) filled with small white stones! The terracotta pots are great for baking small breads or even muffins in the oven.

Internet

2009-03-31T11:18:00.003+02:00

I was happily sorting out my blog last night, editing posts etc when my PC started playing up! I was in the middle of writing a really fun post when I get a message to say that the post could not be saved! You kidding me! I had no Internet access! Switched the computer off, unplugged all, plugged it back in again, switched it on and still nothing! Damn! Eventually gave up and went to bed.

This morning still no Internet! Do you think I can remember all that I wrote in the Post? Nope! Telephoned the computer guy & what does he say well maybe you've been capped! What? Capped! OK so whats capped? You have no more memory to use via the net!

Our Internet usage is all under one umbrella! That's my husband, myself & 4 other people that work for him. So! Who has been surfing & downloading from the net overtime?

Our account runs for the month & with just one more day to go we've had to buy more net time, which I am happy about, so I get to blog!

Yummilicious

2009-03-30T22:05:00.006+02:00

I would absolutely drink or eat this if I could! It's an artistic irresistible photograph! The drink is chilled cranberry, apple and cinnamon tea with ginger and apple jelly! Yummy and you can go and have a look at more of these photographs and credits over HERE!

Yummilicious "Art"

2009-03-30T21:15:00.000+02:00

I absolutely love these photographs! Woolworths TASTE magazine is one of my favourites and I have every single edition & there is a total of 40 to date! The recipes are amazing, the photo's of the food is really "yummilicious"

The above phrase on the left goes as follows" Warm days cometh with a gentle breeze, chilled jelly and cool iced teas. A painted face, a butterfly wing... drift in colour, illuminate spring."

The drink is Rooibos-Honeybush iced tea with gooseberry jelly!

This drink is iced rooibos tea with cardamom and spicy guava jelly!

This drink is iced green tea with sweet green-pepper jelly!

The photographs are by Gerda Genis and production and recipes by Maranda Engelbrecht who is the contributing food editor for Woolworths TASTE Magazine.

EARTH HOUR

2009-03-30T16:58:00.005+02:00

This is the Motse Camp in the Tswalu Kalahari game reserve and I would love to have been there for earth hour on Saturday. Guarantee no electricity here! I got this photograph from the latest edition of my favourite TASTE magazine! Anyoo!

For those of you who don't or didn't know this year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming. For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Got to spend an amazing evening with friends at Platanna. Around 8:20pm Vicky came outside with candles so that by 8:30pm we would be ready for "lights out"! The ambiance was amazing! We were having such a fab time that we forgot about not having lights on and this was around 11:00pm! But not all joined in the earth hour!

We had the Med Feast in the village this past weekend. Each restaurant had a Mediterranean country! We had Greece, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Morocco & France so most of the restaurants were full. Bar Bar switched their lights off except for the kitchen which is cool because they needed to see what they were cooking! Most of, if not all, the restaurants in the valley use gas to cook on so one small light on in the kitchen wouldn't have made a huge dent in earth hour! I telephoned one of the restaurants, which was lite up like a Christmas tree, around 8:40 to ask if they knew about it, which they did but made excuses about candle power not being strong enough, the restaurant was full & blah blah blah! Candle lite dinners are so romantic especially if you think you are in France but the place was so lite up you would have thought you were in Las Vegas!

SA Blog of the Year Awards

2009-03-25T20:34:00.006+02:00

Oh WOW! Can't believe Love Art Blog is a finalist in Best Design Blog for 2009! A big major huge thank u! thank u! to all of you who nominated my blog!

& now I would give you an even BIGGER THANK YOU if you would be so kind as to VOTE so that this blog actually wins Best Design Blog! It's really easy - all you have to do is click on the BIG GOLD TAG to your left which takes you to SA Blog of the Year webpage, it will tell you that you have selected this blog and you can either page down to the bottom of the page to type in your email address or you can vote for other blogs as well then do the email and security code thingy and VOILA you done!

Thanx a mil luv u lots!

P.S. While you about it please visit Salmagundi and give them your vote too!(Best Original Writing on a South African Blog) It wouldn't surprise me if you bookmarked their blog! You will "LOVE" it!

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

2009-03-24T20:15:00.024+02:00

Am slowly getting the hang of blogging! Posting, settings, layout etc. The first day of this blog was March 2008, a year ago, 101 excuses later I started posting 31 Jan 2009. Crazy that I waited a whole year before I actually got this blog going! And now I am absolutely loving it! It's my online diary/journal! Stuff that I would fill books with (I still do) I am "blogging" except for anything political and religious. Politics because I don't know enough to voice my opinion (& also because I would definitely get my nickers in a knot) The professionals say it better! For example the National Post's Full Comment, and religion ... the mind boggles!

But one thing I do want to scribble about is the Dalai Lama. He is a man of peace. We should be honoured to have him attend a conference for peace in our country. Still trying to figure out what a sport i.e soccer has to do with the Dalai Lama? I can understand connecting the two especially considering that South Africa is going to have people from all over the world visiting for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and what better way to let the world know that they will be visiting a peace loving country!

You hear on a regular basis how badly Africa has suffered under European and British Colonialism, yet China is welcome to dictate. Has the South African government forgotten how this country fought for human rights?

Where is the heart of this world? What happened to the love and respect and interest in changing life for the better of mankind? All we need is LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Sound familiar! If only!

The English Muse has a post labeled "The Writing is on the Wall"! This is where I first saw the picture below and thought appropriate!

(Photo credit: Here.)

Bar Bar Black Sheep

2009-03-24T19:14:00.006+02:00

For now, this is my favourite restaurant! Fabulous vibe and great music. It's such a peaceful space early (9.00am) on a Sunday morning. Had the "Its a wrap" without the CHILLI'S for breakfast on the weekend. I think I have got the most sensitive tongue ever, just the chilli flavour turns my entire mouth on fire! But the "Its a wrap" tastes amazing to me without them! And breakfast is not complete without a great "cuppa joe". Great in summer because I can have a cigarette with my morning cuppa. No smoking allowed inside the restaurant and it does get so cold here in winter! OK I know it doesn't snow here on a regular basis, maybe once in every 20 years, but I am used to South African weather and for me winter in the valley is cold!

Bar Bar Black Sheep Breakfast Menu

Bar Bar Black Sheep

Sexy in Vogue

2009-03-24T17:31:00.000+02:00

This is the latest addition to my list of "Divine Inspiration" artists! Absolutely love Victoria Verbaan's artwork. I recently purchased her "Fairy" range of goodies at Woolworths for my beautiful angel Jade and was thinking of claiming the pencil case for myself but unfortunately I will have to buy my own because as far as Jade is concerned "it's mine"! This is also the only time I wish I lived in Durban because I would love to see her exhibition "Girl Lost" but anyhoo! maybe next time (should the bank balance improve) I can "fly" up to "Durbs"!

"Sexy in Vogue" by Victoria Verbaan

"Castle in the Sky" by Victoria Verbaan

"Fairy" - Victoria Verbaan

(Collection for Woolworths)

Up Close & Beautiful

2009-03-18T23:27:00.003+02:00

Hey there! This is something new that I am busy with. Would love you to visit Love Art Studio & read all about it.

Have a fabulous evening!

New Idea

2009-03-18T23:13:00.000+02:00

It is 11:06pm & way past my bedtime! but I just can't seem to drag myself away from what Im busy with! This is my all time love & I never seem to have enough of painting the Arum/Calla Lily. The image in the top left hand corner is the original painting.

I have a few paintings at Steeg Gallery in Wellington and recently she got an enquiry from an Interior Decorator who likes my work but wants something a bit more abstract & in autumn colours i.e oranges & maroon/red. So it got me thinking what to do & then "light bulb" moment remembered what I could do with PhotoImpression!

I have this amazing tool on my computer which came with the HP printer we got about 3 years ago, its called PhotoImpression and "OMG" what fun I have had with it today! I have given a pile of my old work new life! First I gave it a stained glass effect, then enhanced the colour and then got the smudge tool and smudge to my hearts content! & Voila new art! The best part is going to be painting it onto canvas!

Don't think it's abstract enough! I rather fancy the bottom right & think I will paint it! Still playing with others will keep you posted!

Good night & sleep tight!

Beautiful Riebeek Valley

2009-03-17T15:07:00.008+02:00

This morning I went for my "latest" new thing I have to do, a morning walk. My friend Lisa joined me and hopefully will be every morning! My new inspiration is to get fit, healthy and not forgetting, absolutely gorgeous! My son is getting married on the 9th May 2009! He is only 21! Of course it's his choice and life to live but I would have loved it if he travelled the world and just explore life before but anyhoo! All I ask is that he wait until I am at least 50 before making me a "GRANNY"! I am still a mommy to a 4 year old!

Went for coffee (and ciggy, working on the "healthy" part) at Oppie Square! Leanne & Sue joined (mommies club as Sue put it) Great to have "time-out"! Got chatting about our little village and what fun things will be happening in the next couple of months! The Barn dance this weekend, the Medfest and the best ever Olive Festival. You can "check" it out at the Riebeek Valley website and if you up to the hour drive from Cape Town, then join us.

Food and Mood

2009-03-15T16:58:00.005+02:00

How weird is this! The English Muse did a post on Macaroons, which I had no idea even existed! Thought they looked rather devilish, as Tina put it, and forgot about it! Out of sight out of mind! Any how get my latest edition of Taste and there, looking like beautiful art work is the above photographs and article on macaroons, even a recipe. The photographer is Robbert Koene who takes the most amazing photographs. You absolutely have to have a peek! Well if this isn't a sign to get tasting! Going to attempt the recipe! Will keep u posted!

Footprints

2009-03-09T10:32:00.005+02:00

"Little feet"

Followed Bugaloo's footprints all over the beach! Didn't think I would have so much fun taking photos of little footprints!

Camping @ the Beach

2009-03-09T10:30:00.008+02:00

Went camping to Elands Bay for the weekend. We set up camp at the caravan park which is practically on the beach but only stayed for 1 night. The wind became to much and I was convinced our tent was going to blow away. The idea of home & the comfy couch was way more convincing! Bugaloo absolutely loves the beach! I took these photos of Daddy & Bugaloo having fun in the sand, collecting shells and making her mark (writing her name in the sand).

Kim Black

2009-03-05T22:48:00.000+02:00

I absolutely love Kim Black's work and also the proud owner of one of her Ballerina paintings! She is a South African artists which has recently settled in Nottingham in the UK. I created this collage (with her permission - Thanx Kim!) from her 2008 Life Inspired calendar. Each month has a different painting and at the bottom of each calendar month was the above sketches, which, to me, are art works in themselves. (Just click on Kim's name and "hopefully" that should take you to her website! Enjoy!)

"Barbie" goes GREEN

2009-03-05T22:42:00.005+02:00

"Organic Fashion"

Oh boy was she so "chuffed" with herself after making this skirt for "Barbie". Its not the real Barbie, she has a collection of Barbie's and Ken's and as far as she's concerned they are all "Barbies". She made the skirt out of a "elephant ear" leaf, folded and glued it in place! Rather clever for a 4 year old I thought! Future fashion designer in the making! Even got the green top out Barbies clothing box to match and, of course, mom had to take a photo!

Tintown

2009-03-05T22:34:00.000+02:00

"Lovebird Wallclock"

I have this "thing/love" for anything heart/LOVE shaped. This clock is from TinTown Design -which I absolutely have to have (at some time when the bank balance allows). As they put it on their website "Whether seriously sophisticated or wildly whimsical, our focus is on stylish creations with a subtle African influence. These custom-designed and intricately detailed décor pieces are available in a variety of vibrant colours and sizes which can be altered according to individual specifications. We hope you take as much pleasure in our designs as we did when creating them."

Definitely, absolutely love your designs Tintown.

Giraffe Teddy

2009-03-05T22:31:00.007+02:00

"Carmen"

This is Bugaloo's favourite teddy! She goes everywhere with "Carmen"! My eldest daughter (who's 25) has a friend called Carmen and Bugaloo met Carmen when she was about a year old and was fascinated by her and her name and decided that this teddy's name would be Carmen! I think "Carmen" is too cute!

Hotcakes

2009-03-05T22:23:00.000+02:00

"Hotcakes"

I am so "chuffed" to be a proud owner of the above 2 paintings done by South African artist Annette Dannhauser. Their home is in my kitchen and are really a great inspiration for starting the day off with a smiley face!

Stylish Oven Mittens

2009-03-05T22:21:00.005+02:00

"Vinger Vatlappies"

Transladed "Finger grab cloths". I bought these at the 2008 Kamersvol Geskenke (translated, "Rooms full of Gifts"). Definitely one of my best buys & I think they are rather "funky" to display! They fit so snuggly on my hands & I definitely don't feel like an Orangutan as I would when using the huge oven gloves! They are available online at Kardoes.

Adorable!

2009-03-03T14:43:00.008+02:00

Bought this on Saturday at the Design Indaba. First thought that came to mind was "how adorable"! Thought my 4 year old, Bugaloo (Bug a loo thats my nickname for my darling angle), would love it but she's only interested in her Giraffe teddy "Carmen". Had coffee with friends on Monday showed them the Woo-men and the response was "oh how cute". I keep it with me now, its become my "feel-good-button".

Give-it-Bag

2009-03-02T23:35:00.000+02:00

This is another of my favourites that exhibited at the Design Indaba. The bags are made from re-used transport bags i.e. rice, sugar, coffee, tea, salt etc. Not just the bags, but also the labels, stickers and packaging are made here.

Every GIVE IT BAG is marked by an indiviual number which makes the bags unique and offers the customers an opportunity to report their good deeds by their individual bag numbers.

"The play of universal creativity"

2009-03-02T23:26:00.000+02:00

This is one of many beautiful items made by "Lila". The title to this post is from the words written on the ad I got at the Design Indaba. To complete the sentence... "Lila creative products are handcrafted by women of the land most beautiful, South Africa..." Absolutely!

Design Indaba Expo 2009

2009-03-02T22:32:00.014+02:00

"Design Indaba is committed to the vision that a better future can be designed, and firmly believes that creativity can expand South Africa's economy. Since its inception, the Design Indaba Expo has established itself as the premiere platform for South African designers to showcase creative goods and services to the global market, wowing local consumers as well as stimulating export further afield.

CREATIVITY THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS. THAT'S WHAT DESIGN INDABA EXPO IS ALL ABOUT.

(The above quote and writing is from the 2nd page of the Design Indaba's Visitors Guide 2009)

Design Indaba Expo 2009

2009-03-02T21:47:00.000+02:00

WOW!!! It was absolutely, totally and utterly awe inspiring! As an artist I am always looking at new ways to showcase my talents and after seeing what I did at the Design Indaba, I definitely walked away inspired and totally gob smacked at the amazing South African talent and just wished I could have spent more time there.

We had tickets to take our beautiful little 4 year old angel Jade to see Beauty & the Beast stage production at Artscape and that was just as amazing as the expo! Just wished I was sitting in front of her so that I could see the expressions on her face during the play! She sat quietly glued to the stage for 2½ hours!

It definitely was one of the best Saturday's I have experienced.

Rainbow

2009-03-02T20:55:00.010+02:00

Oh my gosh! This was so absolutely breath taking! Its not very often that we get rain in February! Normally it's the hottest month of the year! Everything had this amazing orange glaze all over it! The photos where taken @ 7:20pm! Same time as the sunset photo. I think the photos 'pretty' much tell it all!

Beautiful Mountains

2009-03-02T20:49:00.005+02:00

& this is the view from our balcony or "stoep" (pronounced as soup with a "t") as we call here in SA. Taken @ 7:15pm! Sunset!

"Love"

2009-02-20T12:11:00.000+02:00

I had so much fun doing this! It started as the frame from a canvas that was removed to be shipped! The Love sign was a gift from my daughter, Lia, the stick came from my garden which I painted and the hearts I made with plaster of Paris put into a heart shaped ice tray and before the plaster dried I took string and embedded it into the hearts so that I could string it up! The small metal heart with "chicken" wire I bought from somewhere and its attached to the wall and "voila" a work of art!

"Funky" little kitchen

2009-02-20T12:07:00.000+02:00

This is my "funky" little kitchen! The aprons where made by my mother-in-law, Charmaine and I hand painted the Love Art logo onto calico which also serves as a pocket for cigarettes (bad, bad bad), cell phone etc...

Love Art Shop

2009-02-20T11:47:00.000+02:00

and this is Love Art "shop"! The shelving was made by my darling brother. Rather innovative I thought, its supawood with holes drilled front and back and rope strung through and knotted underneath each shelf. I painted the shelves with blackboard paint so that I can write the prices down on them which saves on paper, printing costs etc.

A fabulous view

2009-02-17T15:13:00.008+02:00

This has to be the best part of our home! This was added to our home in December! Can't believe we waited 4 years to do this! It gets so hot here in summer, up to 40 degrees on average especially now! You can just see the mountains in the background. Will have to post some photos of the beautiful view!

A few treasures

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All the goodies in my dining room area. The porcelain jacket I made about 16 years ago! Working towards getting back into doing ceramics again.

The Kitchen

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This is a view from the kitchen to the dining room and lounge. The painting was done by my friend Erika who lives across the road! The cupboard was bought from my favourite shop in our village called The Living Room but most of us call it "the Bali shop"

Happy "cooking"

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and this is a view of my kitchen from the dining room. The table is actually a workbench that was first used as a changing table for my now 4 year old. It's her favourite spot to have breakfast. The barstool closest is her spot and no one else is allowed to sit there!

Lets EAT!

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This is my dining room. The lily painting I did last year - which is not an original Li idea! The furniture was from Coricraft.

You're Welcome

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My entrance hall. The statue I made years ago! The reflection in the mirror is probably the 2nd lily painting that I did.

Valentines Day

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Using my hubby's laptop to add this post as my computer decided that it had had enough and has taken time out! Hopefully not for too long! Just getting the hang of blogging and this happens!

Well, I had the most divine evening out for Valentine's! Totally surprised! Was taken to Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse! Absolutely stunning! Had no idea how beautiful and green it is! Live around the corner and its rather dry this time of year! Did take a few pics but unfortunately cannot download to hubby's laptop! Will have to wait until I get me PC back!