Utopian World

 Sandwich Shop, Montmartre, Paris

Tablecloth Shop, Rue de Rennes, Paris

 Le Petit Mâchon, Rue Saint Honoré, Paris

 Picking out beads for a handmade necklace or two, 
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen 

My father always told me that I live in Utopia--this was a criticism of me--he desperately wanted me to exit my dream world. I never fully understood what he meant. I do now. I like to be immersed in beauty, art and creative pursuits. However, this was never encouraged. I eventually found myself within the four walls of a classroom. Kids are lovely but the environment isn't. It's very stifling and repetitive and menial. And, oh, the mundanity of conning kids into learning who aren't really interested...

I find myself dreaming about holidaying in Europe again. It's this kind of escapism that really irked my father. I always resort to it when I'm frustrated. I'm back in the classroom teaching again this term--that'll do it! You just feel trapped by the constant marking, assessing and rousing on kids. And, at this school, there is a bit more of that than usual. Am I motivated by the paycheck? No. But, I had to get back into it or I would have had to sign up for a 5-year reaccreditation process. No thanks. Already spent 6 years at uni taking the profession as seriously as a person could take it, and another decade teaching thereafter...

Please enjoy my small selection of photos taken in Paris last year. Thanks to my Uncle and Aunty, who invited us to their 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration in Holland, the trip came into being.

Unique Handmade Cards by Green Gifts

I arrived home this week to a very waterlogged hollow! It seems that the rain hasn't let up, which makes the markets scene quite challenging up here in the mountains (due to fewer tourists). Nevertheless, I have continued to push on and have made some lovely beaded necklaces and a few cards, ready for this weekend's markets. The card above is a one-of-kind, never-to-be-repeated design, made using reclaimed embroidered fabric. I would have liked to photograph it outside but it was just too misty, wet and dark (like something out of LOTR--quite beautiful, actually).

This type of card is my area of specialty because it does get a little monotonous remaking my popular designs from week-to-week. When I come across an interesting piece of paper or fabric, my creativity kicks in a little and these often become the tactile cards I truly love. This card also incoportates some hand drawn elements to give it that rustic touch. Because this card is extra special in terms of materials and design, I will be pricing it at $5.00. My handmade cards range from $1.50 to $6.00 and roughly reflect the effort and materials that go into them. My more expensive cards often take up to an hour to make, and are geared towards the most discerning of handmade card buyers.

Beaded Bracelets

I haven't posted as frequently as usual--it seems like I'm just getting busier and busier! I really don't know where all my time is going these days although I have built up a lot of stock over the past few weeks. There are still HEAPS of things I plan to make which I already have the materials for--it will take time to gradually create these products in 2011. Lately, I have been getting a bit carried away with jewellery making and neglecting my cards. Sadly, jewellery has been selling more successfully at the markets I have been attending. Before I priced the bracelets above, I thought I'd take a couple of quick shots. The picture on the left features bracelets designed for girls, whilst the picture on the right features bracelets for young women and adults. Prices range from $4 to $8. Click on the image for a closer look.
 

My Market Stall

Each market I go to has a different space and layout, and I am constantly trying to make the best of the given space. My stall last weekend was quite small and so many people just walked past without even noticing it because it was adjacent to the entrance of the hall. Encouragingly, one fellow remarked on how beautifully my stall was presented. If given this space again, I will need to make the effort of greeting everyone that walks by! It was not a good day for sales, even though countless people did come to the market. Here are a few photos, taken as the sun was going down...