ROA Creates A Giant Lanticular in London

Is this AWESOME or what!?!
Now that's the sort of graffiti I'd very happily have on any of my walls! (Via HERE)

The Guardians Q&A

What is your earliest memory?My third birthday party...probably because it was the last birthday where both my parents attended.

When were you happiest? Now!

Which living person do you most admire, and why? My Mum.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My effortlessly talented ability to criticize myself

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty or bad manners

What was your most embarrassing moment? Probably the first time I ever got really drunk. My Mum has never let me forget it!

Property aside, what's the most expensive thing you've bought? My guitar

What would your super power be? The ability to read minds! Coz I'm nosey & paranoid!

What makes you unhappy? Not being acknowledged. You don't need to have an entire conversation with me, just say hello.

What do you most dislike about your appearance? The genetically passed on nose!

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose? The dodo, just so we can be closer to Wonderland!

& they do look quite whimsical!

Who would play you in the film of your life? Megan Fox, or Lacey Turner just to make me look good.

What is your most unappealing habit? My shyness can be & has been seen as coldness or aloofness.

What is your favourite smell? Vanilla or Nina Riccis "Nina"

What is your favourite book? "Alice In Wonderland" as life always seems so much more simpler after reading it.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice? Probably a fairy tale character.

What is the worst thing anyone's said to you? "You're being a drama queen" or "I won't be there for you" about my Depression.

Cat or dog? Cat...they don't make me feel lazy!

What is your guiltiest pleasure? Watching Eastenders....shhhhh!

What do you owe your parents? Independence & individuality from my Mum & stubbornness from my father

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why? My Gran, for not visiting more before she passed away

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Marilyn Monroe, Stephen Fry, Henry Rollins & Jim Morrison.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "I have to admit...", "...know what I mean?"

What is the worst job you've done? Babysitting a girl that wouldn't stop crying until her parents came back home 4 hours later!

When did you last cry, and why? about 10months ago when I found out I was lied to by people I regarded as sisters!

What is the closest you've come to death? An overdose....intensive care for a week for monitoring, I was & am fine! :)

What song would you like played at your funeral? "Free Bird" by Lynard Skynard


or "Don't Fear (The Reaper)" by The Blue Oyster Cult

How would you like to be remembered? Fondly & with love

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Not to take it to seriously, it's not weakness to ask for help & the grass is always greener where I'm standing!

A Wooly Wonderland!

I've finally got round to redoing my crocheted Goddess Doll. I have to say I think this one is much better than the previous one.
I'm currently getting the pattern tested by a pair of angels on Flickr, so keep your eyes peeled, it maybe up soon.

I've left it really plain so it can be decorated & made however you wish. Make it really personal!

I've been over at WolfDreamers blog again. She has a ton of AWESOME free patterns,
Recently she's been offering her buy only patterns for free for a week & as soon as I saw her snowman, I knew I had to make him. Unfortunately he's no longer available for free, but it's still cheap!
I made a few changes (you know me, always having to put my on spin on things I make!). I left off the arms & added a cute little Christmas sign. Just a twig & a message from a Christmas card making kit.
I think he's SO cute!
I'm currently making Wolfdreamers The Angel and Devil Chubbies. Hurry it's only available free until tonight!
They are so sweet, you can't help but make a pair!

Dr Sketchy

I went to another local Dr Sketchy today featuring the amazing Leyla Rose & Missy Malone not only modelling but each putting on a performance. We were definitely spoiled!
If you go to their MySpace (I've linked for you), you'll be able to watch some of their performances.
*They are cabaret/burlesque performers so expect a certain level of nudity before going to their sites!

This one is my fave that I've done so far....

These ones below are from the previous Dr Sketchy's with singer/model/dancer Martini & illusionist Dee Christopher They were both great to draw too. Martini made some awesome poses & Dee put across a great feeling of moodiness. I rarely get to drew guys so it was great to sketch Dee Christopher.

3D Interactive Art

Another uni module over! Way-hey!

Hopefully I'll get a decent grade. I was planning on sharing my process with you all, but I never get round to it, so I'll do a quick summary!

I was at first inspired by Resurrection Ferns crochet covered stones, so had a play around with that (I did a few rough, uneven stones to make a contrast of textures, but lord knows where I've put them! I couldn't even find them to hand in for me final day!! Doh!)

I decided to make the pebbles out of air dry clay (I couldn't find any pebbles I wanted, I live in a town so it was difficult. I ended up going to a garden center & buy a sack full, I have one or two left... :/).

I came up with the idea of writing on the stones & leaving messages.....
That idea reminded me of cairns & standing stones, so decided to go down that route...

I don't know if you can see it very well in the photo , but I came up with the idea of having a spiral going over a cairn, to represent energy. Like a Cone of Power.

I went down to the workshop & spiralled a very long, thick piece of metal rod. As I carried it back to the classroom & though, "hey, this would be awesome hanging up, upside down!"

So I went with that. Thinking what a spiral of energy coming from above could represent I thought "Drawing Down The Moon"!

I was on a roll! I wrapped the metal rod with thinner wire & beading wire & some beads to represent energy I thought well there are 8 moons in a a cycle (full, waning, waxing etc etc) & I decided to add 8 crocheted covered stones to represent the moon, using silver thread to show lunar power grounding. A bit new age-y I know.....

& this was the outcome!

(There's a small stone, wire play piece in the background)

If I had, had more time I would of liked it to have turned & placed somewhere, where the viewer could stand underneath it....

Ginge is doing much better. Thanks to everyone who asked after him & sent their love.

There's nothing left to see of the abscess, only a bald spot. His fur is starting to grow back, but his face still looks a little uneven, not that it's effected his cockiness & pride!
As you can see he's still loving the camera....look at him trying to act like he doesn't know he's having his picture taken....I see those eyes! LOL!

Now uni is done for the year, hopefully I'll be a bit more active & you'll see me here a bit more.....well only if I survive Christmas shopping *shudder*

Herbs & Crystals

I came across this info at http://paganwiccan.about.com/ & thought it was really useful so thought i'd share it.

Magical Herbs
•Acacia: protects against psychic attack
•Agrimony: useful for returning harmful energy to its original source
•Basil: warns off negative magic
•Black thorn: reverses a spell
•Cayenne: returns negative energy to its source
•Coffee: neutralizes harmful magic
•Dragon's Blood resin: protection
•Hyssop: purification and defensive magic
•Mugwort: protects against astral attack, or psychic attack in dreams
•Patchouli: returns harmful magic
•Solomon's Seal: protects against negative energy
•St. John's Wort: purifies and protects against psychic attack
•Vetivert: use to break a hex or curse
•Wormwood: use in uncrossing rituals, to remove hexes or curses upon you
•Yarrow: psychic protection
•Yucca: prevents attack via sympathetic magic

Crystals and Gemstones
•Amber: protects against psychic attack
•Amethyst: protects from negative energy
•Black onyx: protects against harmful magic
•Fire agate: for protection of the aura
•Hematite: use for protection of home and property, as well as to fend off psychic attack
•Malachite: repels hostile magical attacks
•Obsidian: provides protective energies
•Quartz: use to protect yourself from hexes or curses
•Ruby: use to defend against magical attacks related to emotions
•Selenite: for shielding against negative outside influences

Samhain Chants

Samhain Chant

Lyrics by: Doreen Valiente

Source: "Witchcraft For Tomorrow"

Fire red, summer's dead
Yet it shall return.
Clear and bright, in the night,
Burn, fire, burn!

Chorus:

Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year's a-turning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallows-time,
When the fire's burning.

Fire glow, vision show
Of the heart's desire,
When the spell's chanted well
Of the witching fire.

Fire spark, when nights are dark
Makes our winter's mirth.
Red leaves fall, earth takes all,
Brings them to rebirth.

Fire fair, earth and air,
And the heaven's rain,
All blessed be, and so may we,
at Hallows-tide again.

Untitled - Anon
From far beyond this mortal plane
Mothers and fathers of old
We bid that you return again
Mothers and fathers of old
To share with us the mysteries and secrets long untold
Of the ancient ways we seek to regain
Mothers and fathers of old.

Samhain Chant for the Dead
by Wesley Lowe
Sunday, May 12, 2002

Magic of Samhain dreams,
Spirits of mystical north,
O’ guardian of earth, heed our prayers
Throughout this rite, come forth.
As the stars crown your brow,
This song of wicca ye hear,
Open the gates that our loved ones may pass
And our words draw them near.

Magic of Samhain dreams,
Spirits of mystical east,
O’ guardian of air, heed our prayers
At behest of wiccan priest.
As on wings of warding ye soar
This song of wicca ye hear,
Open the gates that our loved ones may pass
And our words draw them near.

Magic of Samhain dreams,
Spirits of mystical south,
O’ guardian of flame, heed our prayers
And spare us lengths of drouth.
As your touch warms our souls
This song of wicca ye hear,
Open the gates that our loved ones may pass
And our words draw them near.

Magic of Samhain dreams,
Spirits of mystical west,
O’ guardian of water, heed our prayers
And deem we sisters blessed.
As your rushing rivers flow
This song of wicca ye hear
Open the gates that our loved ones may pass
And our words draw them near.

Spooky Sewing

I came across the most awesome embroidery transfers at Q is for Quilter.

That's one sexy witch! Reminds me of Samantha from the series Bewitched.

This ADORABLE little fella I found at Bad Birds

These super cute bunnies are found at Craft Blog

& my fave of the bunch ...

which can be found at the always groovy Urban Threads.

I'm definitely going to be getting my needle & thread out!

Halloween Crafts

Crawling through the web looking for interesting tit bits I came across these & thought they were AWESOME!!!

Perfect for spooky Halloween!

These fantastic paper crafts can be printed out FREE at Ravens Blight. Check is site out as there's LOTS of groovy things to make. Just remember to buy some extra printer ink!

These I think are stunning & are made from maple leaves, yes....leaves! Awesome or what!
The instructions can be found HERE.

Urban Fairies

I was going through some of the blogs I read regularly when at Domestic Witch's blog she had posted about the fairy doors around Ann Arbor, Michigan.

I remember coming across this site a while back & LOVE it!

I adore the interaction...check out the droppings! Not only beautiful to look at but helping charity too!
& you've got to love how they really tickle the inner child in us. I'm disappointed that quite a few had be vandalised...some people have NO heart, but the fairies are tenacious, soon fixing and rebuilding their homes.....

Aren't they awesome!!

But you know it's not just America that have fairies, we have some in the UK too
I have 2 that have taken up residence in my flat. They don't seem to mind the cat or the badly painted walls

Creativity Breakthrough

On a much happier note, I finally got my work from an exhibition back today plus a cheque! With the center closing, reopened in another center without me being told, & just day to day life, I didn't get round to picking my work or poster up!

Doesn't it look great as a poster! :)

The cheque was from Breakthough, who used a piece of my work in their first issue of their magazine "Reflections". The letter attached to the cheque even says "keen to recieve more of your work....both magazine....coffee table book"!!!! *little happy dance*

Ok it's only £20, but it's a start & gets my name out there. Look at me a published artist!! LOL!

I'm SOOOOO freakin' proud of that little photocopy....I can see it keeping me going when I want to throw the brushes in!

Rose Garden Zills Pouch

A new crochet creation. I've been meaning to make this for AGES & finally got round to it today. I love it :)
The pattern can be found HERE at Crochet Kittens brillant site. She has some AWESOME free patterns available. I've made quite a few, just haven't gotten around to lining them. Once I do I'll upload some pics!

Magikal Loki

Loki has now been initiated into the Magikal Cats Coven!

List of Symptoms Leading to Relapse

This was posted at a forum I go on now & again for those with mental health problems called Journey Towards Freedom. (JTF)
I believe to stay healthy you have to be realistic & recognise any signs of becoming ill again. If you are able to spot them quickly you can nip it on the head before it gets too over whelming. It's something I do regularly....observing my actions & thoughts, ensuring that I'm ok & not getting ill.

List of Symptoms Leading to Relapse

1. Exhaustion - Allowing yourself to become overly tired. Not following through on self-care behaviours of adequate rest, good nutrition, and regular exercise. Good physical health is a good component of emotional health. How you feel will be reflected in your thinking and judgment.

2. Dishonesty - It begins with a pattern of small, unnecessary lies with those you interact with in family, socially, and at work. This is soon followed by lying to yourself or rationalizing and making excuses for avoiding working your program.

3. Impatience - Things are not happening fast enough for you. Or, others are not doing what you want them to do or think they should do.

4. Argumentative - Arguing small insignificant points which indicate a need to be right. This is sometimes seen as developing an excuse to drink.

5. Depression - Overwhelming and unaccountable despair may occur in cycle. If it does, talk about it and deal with it. You are responsible for taking care of yourself.

6. Frustration - With people and because things may not being going your way. Remind yourself intermittently that things are not always going to be the way you want them.

7. Self-Pity - Feeling like a victim, refusing knowledge that you have choices and are responsible for your own life and the quality of it.

8. Cockiness - "Got it made". Compulsive behaviour is no longer a problem. Start putting self in situations where there are temptations to prove to others that you don't have a problem.

9. Complacency - Not working your program with the commitment that you started with. Having a little fear is a good thing. More relapses occur when things are going well than when not.

10. Expecting Too Much From Others - "I've Changed, why hasn't everyone else changed too?" All that you control is yourself. It would be great if other people changed their self-destructive behaviours, but that is their problem. You have your own problems to monitor and deal with. You cannot expect others to change their lifestyle just because you have.

11. Letting Up On Discipline - Daily inventory, positive affirmations, 12-Step meetings, therapy, meditation, prayer. This can come from complacency and boredom. Because you cannot afford to be bored with your program, take responsibility to talk about it and problem solve it. The cost of relapse is too great. Sometimes you must accept that you have to do some things that are the routine for a clean and sober life.

12. The Use of Mood-Altering Chemicals - You may feels the need or desire to get away from things by drinking, popping a few pills, etc., and your physician may participate in thinking that will be responsible and not abuse the medication. This is about the most subtle way to enter relapse. Take responsibility for your life and the choices that you make.

I've also found that becoming paranoid & insecure is a red flag for me relapsing.

Crochet Roses

I make these whenever I have an amount of wool that isn't really enough for anything. They're really easy, super quick & I think quite cute. It could be used for a finishing touch for a hat, bag, scarf etc or like I have in the photograph, like real flowers in a vase. If you use wire, like I did, for the stem you can twist the stem to just about anything. Let your imagination play! :)
Gauge, wool etc not important.

UK / US Terminology Click Here

UK / US / Danish Terminology Click Here

In UK terms

ch- chain
tr- treble
Pattern
Rnd 1- tr into 4th ch from hook. (tr, ch, tr) in each ch across
Rnd 2- 3ch, tr, ch 2 tr into first ch space. (2tr, ch, 2tr) into each space across
Rnd 3- 3ch, 8tr into 1st ch space, 9tr into each space across
Fasten off
Starting at one end, roll the piece, stitching in place as you roll.

To make a wire stem
For a stem I used a length of green garden wireYou can buy this really cheaply in a roll at any garden or household shop
Cut a long length & fold in half. Push both ends through the flower so the bend is hidden in the flower. Twist the wire a few times to secure in place. Take one of the two pieces of wire & bend in half to make a leaf. Twist the remaining wire together
***This pattern cannot be sold. For personnal use only.***
If there are any problems or mistakes within the pattern please let me know & I'll change or help you out ASAP.
If you make this, please send me a link to a photo of your finished flower. It would be cool to see what you all come up with :)

Spring Amulet Pouch

1.      Stitches used, in British terminology.

2.      Picot: Make 3ch, sl st into 1sh ch.

3.      Dc: double crochet

4.      Sl st: slip stitch

5.      Htr: half treble

6.      Ttr: triple treble

7.      Dtr: double treble

8.      UK / US Terminology Click Here

9.      UK / US / Danish Terminology Click Here

10.  Flower

11.  In white (or colour of choice)

12.  Make 5ch, sl st into first ch to form ring.

13.  Rnd 1 1ch, work 10dc into ring, sl st, into first dc.

14.  Rnd 2 1ch, work 1dc into each dc, sl st into first dc.

15.  Rnd 3 2ch (count as 1htr), miss first dc, work 2htr into each of next 9dc, 1htr into first dc, sl st into 2nd of 2ch.

16.  Rnd 4 *2ch, working into front loop only of each htr work 2tr into each of next 3htr, 2ch, sl st into next htr; rep from * 4 times more placing last sl st into 2nd of 2ch at beg of previous rnd. 5 petals made.

17.  Leaf

18.  In green,

19.  *Make 15ch & work in a spiral around the ch.

20.  1dc into 2nd ch from hk, working 1st into each ch work 1htr, 3tr, 4dtr, 3tr, 1htr & 1dc, 3ch, then working 1 st into each ch on other side of starting ch, work 1dc, 1htr, 3tr, 4dtr, 3tr, 1htr, 1dc, 3ch, 1dc into beg. of spiral.*

21.  Fasten off.

22.  Make another leaf * to * Do not fasten off.

23.  Holding the 2 pieces together crochet through both leaves.

24.  1dc into next 1htr, 1 picot, (1dc into each of the next 2 sts, 1 picot) x6

25.  Into 3ch sp at point of leaf work (1dc, 4ch, sl st into 3rd ch from hk, 1ch, 1dc), (1 picot, 1dc into each of next 2 sts) x7, sl st into 3ch sp.

26.  There should be a gap left between the base of both leaves for inserting your chosen stone, charm etc.

27.  Ch to desired length (e.g. to fit over head), sl st to beg. of picot rnd.

28.  Turn. Dc in each ch, sl st into 1st ch.

29.  Fasten off.

30.  Sew flower to base of leaf.

31.  ***This pattern cannot be sold. For personnal use only.***

RIP Fin

MY fella came across a cat that had been very badly hit by a lorry near his house, & sadly he believes it to be Fin, as he, nor his parents, have seen Fin for the last couple of days.

He was an odd cat, could be very affectionate (but ONLY up stairs) & could very quicly turn vicious.
Luckily I was able to experiance him purr more than scratch......

It's extra sad as Tally, died just a month or so ago, so understandably he's pretty depressed :(

We'll see you on the other side little fella.

Headroom Video

I came across this & think it's really good......

Collographs

We made collographs at uni last Wednesday. I've never tried it before, but I really like the effect. Plus it was pretty messy & messy is always good!

First you need a firm base & then stick away.....I used masking tape, lace, fabric, pva glue etc

You then cover the whole piece with diluted pva glue & then a clear varnish.

Then the messy bit!

It needs to be completely covered in ink, (if you miss just the slightest bit the space will show as white on the actual print, so not good.).& then wiped off. It sounds pointless I know but you want a the ink to be in the spaces only. Some others at uni did some beautiful work but missed some space & so their prints were a disappointment.

Think of a potato print reversed. Instead of the surface holding the ink, you want the indent, the background, ink covered.

Once everything is dry you place it face down on a damp (so it doesn't rip & molds over the surface easier) piece of think paper & then put it through the press.
The press at uni is similar to a mangle, but keeps the paper flat, kinda like a printer....

The result is this!

I love the outcome, but feel the lace had too much ink, so I repressed it....


The lace is much better in this one, but I prefer the first print.

This is the stamp (can't remember what you call it) after it was pressed. It's quite pretty in its own right!


Plus I came up with a cunning plan.....my Mum has always suggested using my crochet in my paintings & while doing the prints I thought why couldn't I use my crochet it self as a stamp???

So over the past few days I've been hooking away, so watch this space!