WIW: Eid al-Fitr

August 22, 2012/ Chloe

On Sunday we celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid is comparable to most other holidays, in that it is celebrated by spending time with friends and family and sharing food together.

I went out for breakfast with my husband in the morning, to my favourite breakfast cafe (he had eggs benedict and I had french toast with grilled bananas, yoghurt and a whole lot of maple syrup). After that I spent the afternoon with friends, and then we headed off to dinner at a family friends' home. We got home after midnight - very happy, relaxed and full of food :)

It's an important tradition of Eid to wear your best clothes. Often people will purchase new outfits just for this occasions, but I decided this year to wear a dress that I already owned. I'd bought it at the start of the year and only worn it once for a friend's wedding. I figured it was time to bring it out of the wardrobe!

The scarf is from Cambodia (my sister-in-law brought it back for me). As a bracelet I wore a bracelet and necklace that my mum gave me a few years ago, and the shoes are from Kmart. Last week it was raining heaps and I was nervous that it was going to rain on Eid day - those shoes are clearly not suitable for rain! But it worked out well in the end :)

I hope you all had a good weekend, and Eid Mubarak! (Have a blessed Eid)

Love List #1

August 13, 2012/ Chloe

I try to make a gratitude list often - whether I write it all down, photograph things, or just do it in my head. My mum encouraged me to do it when I was younger - at the end of each day, write down three things that made you happy. It's an instant mood-booster!

To start the new week off on a happy note, I thought I'd share my gratitude list for today :)

+ a table runner crocheted by my Great-Grandmother
+ my current favourite outfit - a floral blouse paired with a long green cardigan. The pretty colours help me fight off the winter blues!
+ a new pink notebook for planning and dreaming
+ lit candles always help me relax

+ my cosy pjs. The pattern is trippy, but I love them!
+ rainy days (good for staying in aforementioned cosy pjs for a bit longer)
+ breaking my fast with dates and peanut butter chocolate!
+ snuggling up against these cushions and reading

What are some things that made you happy today?

Studio Peek: The Shoebox

August 08, 2012/ Chloe

I decided at the start of this year that if I was to continue my career as an artist, then I needed to let the space I had dictate my work. Meaning that if I had heaps of space, I could feel free to create giant art works, and if I had space the size of a shoebox to work with, then I have to create teeny tiny work (and if the only space I have is to work is on my bed, then I'm not allowed to use paint).

I realised that my art was never going to happen if I kept waiting for my 'perfect' studio. In fact, I don't see myself having my own lovely space for my art for at least the next four years (we plan on doing a lot of traveling, and I plan on keeping my art up!).

So today I thought I would share my studio space - it's nothing fancy, and I am working out of a shoebox (literally! It actually works quite well for me). It's because of my limited space that I decided to create a line of jewellery (more about that later!)

The shoebox is where I keep all my tools and materials that I'm currently using. Only the necessary things are in here. It's a handy little system - I just take the shoebox over to the little round dining table and bring out what I need. When I'm done, I pack the box up.

Here's a little overview of my shoebox:

1. Nail polish for painting

2. A container of painted pull tabs - underneath is a little of washers and a little box of plastic bread tags

3. Threads

4. Fabric scraps

5. Fabric scissors, pliers, double-sided sticky tape, wire.

6. A small pouch with all my findings - chain, jump rings in various sizes, earring hooks, parrot clasps.

I also have a box of fabric scraps (leftover from my graduate art collection) which is stored under my husband's desk. It is packed to the brim, to the point where the lid JUST fits on. Whenever I want some fabric I just open the lid a teeny bit, shove my hand in and quickly pull something out. Seriously, it's like a lucky dip for hoarders.

To be honest, I'd love more space. But I'm choosing to focus on what I do have, rather than what I don't have. I'm limited to this space at least until December - so instead of being all, 'oh woe is me, I have no space to do my art,' I'm figuring out what I can do with what I've got.

I think that's a life mantra or something. Be content with what you have!

How do you make do with the space you have?

Handmade/Heartmade - Gorgeous Geometry

August 06, 2012/ Chloe

Happy Monday! I actually love Mondays - I know, that's weird. I might be the only person that does. But I find the start of a new week motivating, kind of like the start of a new year. I'm always excited on Mondays to get started on new projects, and smash through my to-do list.

Here's a bit of visual inspiration to start the week off - geometry! I liked geometry when I was at school, but this is just a billion times better. Colourful geometry that you can wear? Swoon.