amanda's musings

New Wordpress blog Address

2007-04-02T11:52:00.000+08:00

I've got a few things to blog about but I didn't want to do that until I've moved blogs and gotten it to a nice point that I'm happy with. So, with no further adeau (sp?) I give you:

MY NEW WORDPRESS BLOG

Please be sure to change your links so you go directly to the new blog otherwise it will appear that this is the last blog post ever and I've abandoned it (which I have but not altogether!!).

Thanks for reading!

Changing to Wordpress

2007-03-27T12:50:00.000+08:00

I thought I would warn my little readership that I will be switching to wordpress very soon. As you can see from the current state of my sidebar, blogger has once again messed up. I've had a fair bit of trouble with blogger this year so I've decided to take my hubby's advice and switch. Not sure how soon it will be but at least that strange sidebar will be better. By the way, I deleted those two links that are covering my photo but they are still there for some reason, even though they don't appear on the template! Weird.

Auction #2

2007-03-27T12:45:00.000+08:00

I've decided to run the same auction that I did in the post below, you can read about it here. The details are exactly the same except that the bidding goes for 7 days and starts at $4.00. Please take a look and see if theres something I can make for you.

Photo Friday - 'Sentimental'

2007-03-23T23:01:00.000+09:00

I most definately can be sentimental so here's my PF photo:

This is a photo of my Nanna, my Mum and I. I think I would be about 17 there. This photo holds a lot of sentiment for me because my Nanna passed away in 1998 and I miss her a lot. She was a hospitable, generous and caring person, all characteristics I would love to emulate. This is typical of us, sitting around her table drinking tea out of china cups, she also wore that colour a lot. Miss you Nanna.

Auction for Pendant and Bead Set

2007-03-21T13:52:00.000+09:00

Currently I am running an auction in my Wahmania shop and its a bargain! So far theres just one bid and bidding started at $5.00. If you think you might like to grad yourself a bargain custom set then pop over to this link and take a look.

Here's what the listing says:

This Auction is for a custom designed set including beads for earrings and a matching pendant.

You may use any of the designs in the pictures below to base your custom order on. I am very flexible so you are welcome to suggest other ideas and colours.

The maximum size will be for two matching beads for earrings no larger than 2cm square each and 1cm thick.

The pendant may be any shape you like within reason. It can be up to 1cm thick and up to 5cm square.

The pendant and earrings will come unstrung so you are able to make them into the jewellery of your choice. For an extra $5.00 I will happily make them up for you.

Postage will be added before reaching the checkout. If your total order exceeds 250g I will send you a revised invoice.

If you think you might like to bid, please take a look via the link above. There are more styles to choose from in the listing.

Kezi is 18 months old!

2007-03-20T22:16:00.000+09:00

I can't believe it. My daughter is 18 months old today. All of a sudden it seems she's more toddler than baby and she's running around, keeping us entertained. Shes a bubbly one our Kezi, giggly and smiley and very friendly. She has no fear. She really does have no fear. She's not afraid of dogs, the vaccum cleaner, loud noises, balloons popping or anything much else....yet.

Anyway, we can't belive how fast time goes. Happy half birthday Kezi! xxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALACHI!

2007-03-18T12:09:00.000+09:00

My little nephew is 2 today. Its so amazing how fast the time has gone! How can be two, thats not right, he's just a little bubby. To celebrate here's a few piccies of him:

Me and Malachi, he was 1 hour old here

Keziah and Malachi are 6 months and 2 days apart in age.
This is him at 6 months and her at 2 weeks

In Cairns last December. Malachi is 20 months and Kezi is 14 months here.

Kai (as we call him) on his birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALACHI!!!

Missing

2007-03-18T09:57:00.000+09:00

We have been on the quest for a new church for a few months now and I'm really missing the regular get together with people. In the meantime we've been visiting a few churches and catching up with people, Michael has also had opportunities to preach (in his role as SIM WA Ministry Director). Its been nice meeting new people and catching up with old friends but at the same time I'm looking foward to the regular catch up each week that comes with attending one place.

There is a possibility on the horizon of one church but we're waiting on that. What do I miss about regular church attendance?

- catching up with friends each week
- the opportunity to sing songs each week in a group
- the little bit of sermon I usually get to catch (inbetween keeping Keziah busy)
- morning tea!
- the chance for Kezi to play with other kids

I don't think finding a new church is too far off!

Photo Friday 'Heat'

2007-03-16T14:28:00.000+09:00

This week's PF theme is 'heat'. Living in Perth means that heat is a part of life. In summer itusually gets to around 42C (thats nearly 108F), sometimes a little higher and usually for a few days in a row. Sometimes we have a heat wave where this last for a week or more. This summer wasn't too bad. I'm not posting about Perth though because the hottest we ever experienced was in Niger, West Africa.

I'm fairly sure we had days where the temp got up to 50C (thats 122F). When we went to Papua New Guinea on our way home someone commented that we didn't look very 'brown' for people who'd lived in such temperatures. There's a reason for that. When its 50C outside you don't really go and bask in it and try to get a tan (well, we didn't anway). Besides, two words.....skin cancer.

Anyway, this photo is from the heat we experienced in Africa back in 2000-2001 (spot the giraffe by the way) and the second shot shows just how 'white' we really were afterwards!

Niger, West Africa

Papua New Guinea (notice the volcanic soil!)

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-15T13:10:00.000+09:00

Wordless Wednesday

Survey Results

2007-03-10T22:40:00.000+09:00

Last week I ran a survey about my shops (Polyclarific on Etsy and Wahmania) to find out whether people liked my items and if my prices were right. The results are very intersting and I thought I'd shar a few of the stats.

In total 25 people did the survey which I was encouraged by.

It seems that magnets are the most wished for item, seconded by pendants then earrings.

Most people think my prices are about right although some think they're a little high. Two people said I underpriced my items.

Most people said that my range is just right although, on person said its too bright and one said its too dull. Quite a few said I need more variation.

The most favoured items were Pendants followed closely by napkin rings and then nacklaces. Only one person needs a bookmark and only one needs earrings.

There were some great suggestions in the areas of style and colours and some interesting suggestions which I will take into consideration.

Thank you everyone who did the survey, you've been a big help to me in adjusting things in my stores.

Polyclarific Highlight Time

2007-03-09T13:52:00.000+09:00

Time to highlight some of the things for sale in my shops again. These have all been recently updated or listed.

Art-Stitch is back!

Photo 1: Funky Aqua Pear Gift Tag.
Photo 2: The selection that is available in my store

Last year I created 50 individual gift tags which were my own design. Each one was different and each one was hand stitched. I've been selling them one way or another for a few months and now there are only around 12 left. All profits from the sale of these goes towards SIM's work with HOPE for AIDS. These nifty little tags have a clear pocket on the reverse side in which you can put either a message for someone or your name and addres (and use it as a luggage tag). They can also be used a bookmarks. You can purchase these in my Etsy store here.

Sweet Heart Earrings

These little earrings are cute and sweet. They are about 1cm square, I have 5 pairs available. There are none like these anywhere as I made these including the millefiori beads. They are available in my Aussie store Polyclarific at Wahmania.

Heart Stitch Markers

These little stitch markers are great if you're a knitter (not much use I expect if you're not!). They come in the set of four you see and are for sale in my Etsy store.

I have recently listed funky paint tube earrings, rainbow earrings, rainbow stitch markers and a pretty millefiori beaded bracelet in purple and white. Just click the links if you'd like to take a look. Thanks for looking!

I also do custom orders so if you'd like something special, let me know.

SIM Stuff

2007-03-08T23:20:00.000+09:00

Each week I spend roughly 1-2 days attending to SIM admin type work. This of course involves the usual office work such as reports, emails, phone calls, arranging meetings and mail. Occasionally my artsy world and my SIM world cross paths which is exciting for me. It means I get the chance to use my artistic skills for missons.

That happened recently when Carol Wilson asked if anyone was able to put together a specific image for the March issue of SIM's International Magazine Mission Together. I was able to play around with an image using pastels and Carol liked it so....its now on the front cover of that magazine's current issue. You can see it here.

I'm quite honoured to have one of my paintings connected with our mission in this way.

PS Thats the painting there on the left

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-07T16:46:00.000+09:00

Who needs words?

One Day Left for my Survey and Auction

2007-03-04T13:37:00.000+09:00

For those of you who are still interested in filling out my short (8 question) survey, you have just one day left. The survey is all about the handmade items in my shop as well as some general feedback about pricing, shipping and favourites. I would appreciate all the feedback I can muster so if you are so inclined, please take a peek at my shops and then wander over to survey monkey for the survey.

My Etsy Store

My Wahmania Store

Click here to take survey

I am also having an Auction at my Wahmania store for one set of Hamburger Earrings. The bidding starts at $5.00 (Aussie) and the auction is open until tomorrow night (Aussie time). I normally have these earrings going for $10.00 so this is a bargain!

A Bit About Me......for the blog party

2007-03-02T22:44:00.000+09:00

Seeing as there will be quite a few newbies visiting my blog over the next week I thought it was about time I did a little list of things about me. So, pull up a chair, pop on your party hat, take a sip of your softie and grab a handful of nibbles......here we go...

1. I was born in New South Wales but have grown up in Western Australia. There is nothing NSW-ish about me, I'm a WAussie through and through.

2. Michael (hubby) and I have known each other since we were 13. We were boyfriend/girlfriend for four years and have been married for close to 11 years.

3. I am a Christian. I belive that I was born a sinner and that our Heavenly Father sent his own son to earth to take my payment for sin. I believe that he willingly went to the most cruel death in history and after three days, our Heavenly Father brought him back to life. I belive that without this act of grace I would be on a very different path.

4. I had very long hair in school which I had done in a very fashionable spiral perm twice - lesson learnt, don't get your fringe done. I was NOT popular in school at all, ever.

5. I have an urge to be creative every day. I also have an urge to tidy up everything I see every day! I can't help myself.

6. I have always been more creative than mathematical. I have tried to learn accounting, maths, how to read music and how to read patterns of all sorts many times over with very little success!

7. I have been to 13 countries - England, Scotland, USA, Singapore, Niger, Benin, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Papua New Guinea as well as sitting in Auckland (New Zealand) airport for an hour - does that count?

8. I have one brother and thats it. That's enough, he's great and I love him very much.

9. I have spent 7 years studying in total - 2 at NTM Bible College, 2 at TAFE and 3 doing a B.Arts at University.

10. I lived in Sydney for two years in 1993 and 1994 while at Bible College. I was 18 and it was the first time I moved out of home.

11. I did my major in painting and love to paint in oils and acrylics. Since I started playing with polymer clay I haven't lifted a brush except to varnish!

12. I have one daughter (so far) who is 17 months old. She's very cute, very funny and very bubbly (except for at the moment when there are teething moments but they are few and far between).

The Ultimate Blog Party

2007-03-02T15:29:00.000+09:00

Today the Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom has begun. If you want to know whats involved then click on the link below. Its meant to be a party mood sooooooo..... here's some party lollies to enjoy!

Congratulations!

2007-02-28T13:39:00.000+09:00

My husband graduated from Trinity Theological College with a B.Th this week. I thought I'd share some photos of the ceremony. Congratulations Michael, I know it was a lot of hard work.

Michael receiving his degree

The graduating class

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-28T13:31:00.000+09:00

Survey about my shops

2007-02-26T15:40:00.000+09:00

I have created a survey that you can take online about my products. You are welcome to take it here:

Click here to take survey

There's no need to fill in your name or details.

Fun Tools and A Product Highlight

2007-02-26T12:15:00.000+09:00

The other day Michael took me to Bunnings and we went into the tools section. He knew I would love a dremel but of course they cost a lot so we went for a little looksee. To my delight I found that there was a much much cheaper version of that tool which does a similar job. A dremel is a wonderful tool, does everything from engraving to buffing and sanding to removing grout! I really wanted to improve the quality of the items I'm making out of polymer clay so we bought the $12 version and it works a treat. Its great to buff up my little pieces and see them shine!

There are quite a few new items available in both of my shops. Here are some examples:

NAPKIN RINGS/SERVIETTE HOLDERS

Do you need some Napkin/Serviette holders? Would you like something a little different to put out when guests arrive? Here's something funky for your table:

Set of two very unique napkin rings. The base for these has been upcycled but the polymer clay is an original design by me. These are one of a kind napkin rings They are funcional but not dishwasher safe. A set of instructions will be sent with them when purchased. The rings measure 4cm in diameter and are decorated with beautiful slices of millefiori cane of my own design. Available here and here.

BOOKMARKS

Maybe you would love a new fancy bookmark or know someone who reads a lot. How about one of these?

This is my Greek Inspirations bookmark. Inspired by the patterns found amongst greek designs, this embelishment is 3.5 cm (1.5") long and close to 1" wide (or 2.5cm). It features swirls in blue,teal and copper. Strung on a 42cm (16.5") length piece of cord (from one end to the other). It can be found for sale here and here.

Funky Bubbles Orange and Green Bookmark. Inspired by the retro plastic era, this fun bookmark features bubbles in green and orange. Embelishment is 5mm thick, just over 1/2" wide (1.5cm) and just over 1" long (3cm). Also strung on a 42cm (16.5") length piece of cord (from one end to the other). You can find this for sale here.

Who likes bright colours? Inspired by the patterns found in the 1970's, this embelishment is 3.5 cm (1.5") long and close to 3/4" wide (or 2cm). It features beautiful bright colors - aqua, orange, fuschia and blue. Strung on a 35cm (14") length bright pink cord (from one end to the other). You can buy this one here.

Feel free to browse the rest of my shops and if you have any questions, contact me.

Charlie Has Been Found

2007-02-26T12:11:00.000+09:00

The 'find Charlie' competition is over for this month as he was found by one of my fellow wahmania shop owners. Sam from Sage and Banjo found him after looking for a bit. Congratulations Sam! Her prize is 20% off the total of her next purchase from my wahmania store.

IF - 'Communication'

2007-02-23T22:53:00.000+09:00

Haven't entered in Illustration Friday for a while but this week's topic is something I can enter so here's mine.

I did this for some literacy work in Niger for SIL while we were there with SIM. They are sitting and writing which is a big form of communication. I have had some of these illustrations made into cards which I painted with watercolours. All proceeds from the sale of the cards goes to SIM's work in Niger. Those are for sale on my Etsy site here.

Where's Charlie?

2007-02-23T18:33:00.000+09:00

I have a new competition going in my wahmania shop. Here's the competition text:

Somewhere in my shop is a teeny tiny version of Charlie (my avatar).
He could be anywhere and he could be a different colour. The first person to find Charlie will receive 20% off any item in my shop. Please PM me if you find him.
Happy Hunting!

In order to enter this competition, go to my Polyclarific wahmania store start Charlie Hunting amongst every photo I've got. He's very tiny and hidden there somewhere. Once you find him either email me or go to the Wahmania forums and register, then send me a private message.

So, what does Charlie look like? He's the guy up the top of this post!

5 Minutes for Mom Competition

2007-02-22T13:10:00.000+09:00

I'm entering another competition at 5 minutes for Mom so this is my link back to their site. I'm also involved in the up and coming Ultimate Blog Party in which I'm giving away a prize for the party which can be seen here (I'm prize #59). Should be a lot of fun and it starts in just over a weeks time (March 2).

I have been featured

2007-02-22T09:34:00.000+09:00

I've been featured on a brand new forum as their first spotlight on a seller. The forum is called 'diy divas' and the feature can be found here. If you want to take a peek then go ahead! If you are a person who makes things by hand, not just for selling but for yourself then this forum might be for you. It has categories including home decor, cooking, art, craft and more. Kristin is the owner of this new forum and she is an Etsy seller just like me. Her shop can be found here. She sells all sorts of jewelery supplies including beads so take a peek if this is your forte.

SIM Focus

2007-02-18T23:21:00.000+09:00

SIM around the world has many opportunities for ministry. If you are a Christian who has a heart for overseas ministry then read on. If not, maybe you know someone who would find this interesting.

I'm amazed at the range of 'jobs' and opportunities SIM has listed on their site and it seems that theres something for everyone. For example, did you know that currently, SIM Ethipia is in need of a radio coordinator? Did you know that SIM Peru is seeking a Camp Ministries Developer? Currently SIM South Africa is in need of a dentist. SIM Botswana is after an IT Assistant. There are so many examples of needs around the world, here are some more:

SIM Angola - Mechanics Trainer
SIM Senegal - Literacy Specialist
SIM Ecuador - Veterinarian
SIM Bangladesh - assistance in the Arsenic Allieviation Program
SIM Mongolia - an Addiction Recovery Counsellor
SIM Bolivia - High School Science Teacher
SIM Malawi - Home School Teacher (German Speaking)
SIM Kenya - Orphanage Worker

I could go on as there are thousands of needs around the world within SIM. If you are interested in any of the listed opportunities you can click directly on them but if you would like to search for a ministry that suits your current skills and abilities then go here.

Fireworks at 6am

2007-02-18T12:44:00.000+09:00

This morning we woke with a bang - literally. Someone, about three streets away decided that 6am on a Sunday morning was a good time to let off some fireworks. I'm guessing it was to mark Chinese New Year. It woke both of us up and then I waited to hear Keziah but nothing...she slept throught the lot!

Photo Friday - 'Self Portrait 2007'

2007-02-16T22:51:00.000+09:00

Interesting theme for PF this week. This is me:

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-14T13:09:00.000+09:00

About time I did another one of these. Here it is:

My Alphabet

2007-02-11T14:38:00.000+09:00

I got this from Craig (Craggles) over at Musings. 'You post a category with the letter of the alphabet, then put your favorite from that category in the next space.'

Artist - hard to choose but I have admired the work of Yukinori Yanagi for quite a while .
Blog - current favourite is....its a tie between Carol Wilson Update and ilBloggo
Colour - Green like this
Dog Breed - I'm a bit of a sucker for Sausage Dogs after having one for 15 years (she died a year and a half ago now) but I really love Dalmations too.
Elevator - A tie between the one in the Sears Tower in Chicago that went very very fast and the lift at Perth station which is made of glass and always makes Keziah get excited.
Flavour - spearmint.
Global Location I'd like to live in - apart from right here it would be a tie between Tasmania and Canada (not that I've been there but I have friends there)
Holiday - Tie between our trip around the world in 1998 and our trip to Tassie in 2004
Internet Activity - blog and forum browsing!
Job - working as secretary at Dale Christian School in Armadale, WA
Kiss - my daughter gave me her first real kiss this afternoon, made my day!
Lollies - Chico Babies and bullets.
Medium - as in paint, clay etc...Would have to currently be polymer clay but wool, felt and paint are a tie for second place.
Niger Memory - We spend just one year in Niger, West Africa but my favourite memory was when we spent a night in a village with Kris and Shelley Riggs.
Organisation - the mission we work with - SIM
Perfume - Used to be Paris but now I quite like Sunflowers
Queensland Destination - Cairns
Relative's Blog - tie between my parents and my brother and sister-in-law's blogs
Store - I have two online stores both called Polyclarific - Aussie store - USA based store
Treat - White chocolate!
Universal language - art
Verse - as in Bible. Would have to be this one - Jeremiah 29:11
Website - currently its Polymer Clay Central
Xanthippe - the one found here
Yiddish Word - shlep
Zoo Animal - A tie between the Giraffe and the Meerkats

Today's Baking Session

2007-02-10T19:32:00.000+09:00

Today Keziah's grandparents came and got her and she spent most of the day with them. They had a great time. This meant that I had time DURING THE DAY to do whatever I wanted. I'm pretty up to date with most things around the house and seeing as it's a Saturday I did two things I enjoyed. Firstly, I had a long phone call with my brother and sister-in-law who live in Geelong, Victoria (temporarily). Secondly, I spent time DURING THE DAY making polymer clay beads to sell. I've had interest from a shop up in Pioneer Village in Armadale for pendants and hopefully beads so I've been busy making them.

You can see some of today's efforst here (hearts are shown above):

Today's Baking Session

These are fresh from the oven (except the hearts, they are unbaked here) so they still need finishing. Anyway, I've got some time tonight to put some jewellery together so I'll be sitting down to do that shortly.

Photo Friday - 'Sky'

2007-02-09T15:54:00.000+09:00

I haven't done PF for quite a while so I thought it was about time. Sky, hmmm, interesting theme. I'm sure most of us have taken photos of the sky from time to time so here's my entry:

Green Island Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Perfect sky, perfect beach!

Carins, Queensland again.

Quiz Competition

2007-02-07T13:51:00.000+09:00

I'm running a quiz competition on my Etsy site.

All who enter will be put in a random draw for the prize of free shipping on their order. PLEASE SEND ME THE ANSWERS THROUGH THE CONTACT ME BUTTON on the site or email me at polyclarific@oddsocks.net. Please don't put the answers here or it will spoil it for everyone else. If this happens, I will accept the entries from all those up to that point and then change the quiz questions. Drop a note here when you enter. : ) Have fun!

Here's the quiz:

1. What is the length of the last item in my shop?
2. Which state of Australia am I from?
3. What is my birthdate?
4. What color is the other piggy bank(not the pink)?
5. What does PCAGOE stand for?
6. Exactly what part of nature inspired the necklace that was 'inspired by nature'?
7. What is the word spelt wrong in the retro stripes pendant description?
8. What is the 9th tag on the third item listed?
9. How many beads are shown in the 5th picture on the first listing?
10. What inspired the creation of the Funky Bubbles Pendant?

SIM in Western Australia

2007-02-06T23:53:00.000+09:00

As my regular readers know, Michael and I are part of SIM (Serving In Mission). Michael is the Ministry Director for Western Australia and I am the Representative. It's been a busy few months since Michael completed his studies at Trinity Theo College in November with setting up for the coming year, planning, meeting with people and sharing. We have some interesting hopes and plans for 2007, if you are intersted in receiving the WA SIM quarterly Newsletter (called SWAT - SIM WA Team - first mail out is pictured to the left), please let me know.

There are several ways you can find out information about SIM in Australia and around the world. Firstly, through the Australian Website which can be found here: SIM Australia.

Secondly, through the International Website which can be found here: SIM International.

If you are from any of the following countries and are interested in SIM, please click the link:

SIM Canada
SIM East Asia (Singapore)
SIM France
SIM New Zealand
SIM Northern Europe (UK)
SIM South Korea
SIM Southern Africa
SIM Switzerland
SIM USA

There are a couple of other sites worth visiting.

HOPE for Aids website
SIM Kids website
SIM Niger website

and a few SIM related blogs besides my own:

Nancy's Blog - Hannatu's Happenings
Richelle's Blog - Corazon Latino
Carol's Blog - Carol Wilson Update
Jeremy's Blog - Jeremy In Africa
Suzanne's Blog - Barefoot Bushkid
Anna's Blog - La Vita e Bella

It's a great feeling to know you're a part of something bigger than yourself. WA is a very isolated place so we're glad to connected to the rest of Australia and the world in this way.

Google Base Ad

2007-02-06T23:51:00.000+09:00

For 30 days I have an ad up on the Google Base. It can be found here. Feel free to point anyone in that direction or better still, send them along to one of my stores!!

Around world around the House

2007-02-05T22:34:00.000+09:00

I was looking around my house today and thinking about the variety of things from around the world that we have. Most are things we have bought ourselves but some, particularly anything from Asia were bought in a shop in Australia. I have a real love for other cultures and love the variety of styles that can be found. For example, I have this (we bought this in Austria):

hung right next to this (which was bought for me for Christmas by my parents from a little Japanese shop in Cairns):

We returned from Niger (with our mission SIM) over 5 and a half years ago now and there are still a lot of Niger things around our house with no plans of putting them away any time soon. Such as these:

and these (they are actually small cards with batiks on the front that I've framed):

How could I forget this (if you are from Niger or live there you will know what it is!):

To top it all off (there's much more than the above but the post would be too big if I kept going) we have some lovley little items from our visit to the USA (bought in the town of Galena, Illinois) in 1998 such as these:

How could I complete this post without mentioning Papua New Guinea. We spent 7 weeks there in 2001 visiting my parents and we bought back quite a few nice things (they also have given us a lot!), including this pig:

Anyway, thought I'd share my love of culture. It's much more interesting to me if the item has some sort of direct connection with a culture I visit so I hope that one day we can visit Asia and south America (only been to Singapore and that was just for one day!). I've got more (deep!) to say on this subject but for now I'll let you enjoy the pretty pictures!

Some New Additions

2007-02-03T23:32:00.000+09:00

I have added some new things for sale on my Etsy and WAHMania stores and thought I'd review them here. I will most likely try to do a review of this sort once a week. My polymer clay-ing is taking over my blog so I need to find a way to limit it. Anyway, there are more new items than those listed here but these are some of my favourites.

Thong/Flip Flop Pendant

First up is this thong, ok I've had to call it a flip flop seeing as many of the Etsy customers are from the USA.This OOAK (one of a kind) flip flop pendant is made from polymer clay. There is no other like it. The flip flop is 1.5" or 4cm long and 1/2" or 1.5cm long. The realistic look comes from the use of transparent clay and there is even a tread imprint on the bottom. If you look closely you will see little toe and heel imprints. This pendant comes unstrung and has a 2mm hole on through the side of the heel. The top is finished off with a coat of varnish.
For sale here.

Spoons

Set of four very unique spoons created using polymer clay and finished off with a varnish. These are OOAK although similar spoons can be ordered. These are stainless steel teaspoons, meant to be treated as you would any decorative spoon. They are funcional but not dishwasher safe. A set of instructions will be sent with them when purchased. For sale here .

Elegant Candy Earrings

Lovely set of earrings, created using polymer clay. The beads on this set were handmade by myself. Each earring is 2" long (5cm)and have been created using gold plated stems and gold coloured french hooks. These are one of a kind, never to be repeated. For sale here.

Blue, White & Silver Leaf Earrings

Lovely set of earrings, created using polymer clay. The beads on this set were handmade by myself and include silver leaf. Each earring is 2" long (5cm)and have been created using gold plated stems and gold coloured french hooks. These are one of a kind, never to be repeated. For Sale here.

If you are in Australia and would like to buy something off the Etsy site, please contact me if you would like the currency conversion done.

Contest

2007-02-03T23:26:00.000+09:00

5 Minutes for Mom is having a contest. I'm quite new to reading this site but so far its very interesting (to someone like myself). In order to enter I need to link back to the blog so here's my link. Anyone is invited to sign up for the draw. The prize is a lovely handmade necklace (or similar) from Alli's Originals. Take a peek, you might like to enter too.

Slide Night

2007-02-01T23:10:00.000+09:00

A little while ago I volunteered to take all of my Nanna's slides off her hands. She didn't want them anymore and didn't care what I did with them. There's a lot. There are 16 round slide wheels and four little straight ones. Each round one has 120 slides in it and each straight one has around 40 slides.

Why did I want them? Mainly because I didn't want her to throw them away. These slides are the record of my grandparents travels around Australia. From the amount of slides (someone can calculate how many that equals) you can see that they travelled a lot!

Tonight we all sat down and went through four wheels and two straight ones. It was amazing to see where they went, what they discovered, how they got there etc... We had a few laughs as we discovered a whole pile of photos of my parents and my brother and I years ago. There were shots from Mum and Dad's wedding, from when I was a newborn and then when my brother was newborn. The best part was being able to compare myself with Keziah at a similar age. Now I can see where she gets that frown from and that smirk!

The strangest part is that there were photos of myself that I'd never seen before, for some reason thats a strange feeling. It was fun anyway to turn off the teli and have a laugh. Just 14 boxes of slides to go!

PS. I've got big plans for the slides that are just scenery - look out for that appearing on here one day.

My First Sale - on Etsy

2007-01-31T07:54:00.000+09:00

This morning I woke to find two orders on my Etsy account! Yay! That means I've made 2 sales on Etsy and 5 on the Aussie site Wahmania.

Ok, I happen to believe that God is in control of all things, including technology. I happen to believe that God is much 'smarter' than our most complex technology. Last week I was extrememly frustrated that I couldn't get into my blog and post. It had been two weeks of battling with blogger to find out the problem. I had done a fair bit of 'shoot to heaven' type praying through that time but the night before the blog probs were sorted I prayed 'Ok Lord, you know how this technology works and you understand how frustrated I am, please sort it out for me' (as opposed to 'C'mon Lord, why isn't it fixed yet?). The next day it was sorted.

A similar thing happened with Etsy. I've been asking the Lord to make it very transparent as to whether I'm doing the right thing with these little shops. I was feeling that no sales was his way of saying 'No' and then poof, a sale. So, I'm going to say thank you God for making me wait. I'm sure I'll have to wait a whole lot longer for the next one but thats ok.

I sold two pairs of earrings if anyone is interested (pictured).

Late Night Rant - Need a Pout

2007-01-29T23:48:00.000+09:00

I have been working very hard over these last few weeks to promote my little online shops. To date, I've had 5 sales in the Aussie shop and a big fat zero in the US based one. It can get very discouraging. I've looked at how many great handmade things there are out there and I think 'why do I bother?'. I know I can create things but so can lots of people! I have this urge to be creative, I have to create something or do something creative every day or I feel like something is missing. I suppose some people get the same thing from sports or exercise.

Anyway, feeling a bit discouraged about it all. I keep getting comments like 'don't worry, you'll get a sale soon' and 'be patient, it could take months'. Great. Like anyone, I WANT A SALE NOW!!! Ok, maybe I'm just learning a lesson in patience and perseverance. Like the person who excercises every day, it may take months of hard work before I see any results. I hope I can keep it going that long!!

PS. That happy chappy on the left if Charlie - one of my miniature dolls. He stands at 5cm tall.

Polyclarific @ Etsy and WAHMania

2007-01-27T11:00:00.000+09:00

As I've mentioned before, I have started a little store at Etsy called Polyclarific. This is a store based in US prices and items can be paid for using paypal or credit card. Over the last two weeks I've been working hard to improve the general look of the shop, the banner, shipping prices and photos. So, take a little peek at my store and tell me what you think.

At the moment my store is based around things made from polymer clay but I hope to add other things one day too. I've been making miniatures, fancy sewing pins, beads and pendants. Spoons and hair clips are coming soon. (pic - some of my groovy sewing pins)

I have a second store, also called Polyclarific over at a site called WAHMania, this time in Aussie dollars and with Aussie shipping prices. The items in this store are similar although there are some items in this store that aren't in the other and vice versa.

WAHM - stands for Working At Home Mums and eveyone on the site is one of these. To find my store here, click on the link above and go to 'stores'. You will see Polyclarific listed down the left side amongst the other shops.

Thanks for looking. I'll be advertising any specials I run in these stores here too so keep an eye out!

Been Locked Out for Two Weeks!!!

2007-01-26T21:33:00.000+09:00

Not sure if anyone would have noticed but I've not been posting on here lately. I have been locked out for the last two weeks (too much to go into but I'm very excited that I'm finally in!!).

During that time I've been very hard at work in my two new online shops. Going to do a whole separate post about those in a bit but at least they kept me very busy.

Photo Friday - 'Peaceful'

2007-01-12T19:41:00.000+09:00

PF this week is 'peaceful' so here's my shot:

Continuing with the theme of my brother and sister-in-law (see previous post), this is them at a place special to them. I love this shot!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-11T17:49:00.000+09:00

Thirteen Things about my brother and sister-in-law!!

1…Three years ago today they were married in Geelong, Victoria.

2…They went through New Tribes Mission's Missionary Training course together which is where they met.

3…They have a gorgeous little boy (my nephew) called Malachi.

4…Johnathan is passionate about missions and gardening, particularly orchids. He is also a Stargate fan.

The start of his orchid garden in PNG

5…They are missionaries in Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission.

6…They have a blog - Burns Abroad.

7…Johnathan will celbrate a milestone birthday this year!

8…As Candy writes on her blog, they've lived in three states of Australia and two countries since they were married.

9…They both love Gloria Jean's Coffee

10…Johnathan particularly likes coffee, Candy is more into the hot chocolate.

11…They could do with some nice encouraging comments on their blog.

12…Candy loves to cook and is very good at desserts!

13…Johnathan is a brilliant photographer.

Some of his great photos!

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Wordless Wednesday - 3 years ago yesterday

2007-01-10T16:02:00.000+09:00

Photo Friday - on Sunday

2007-01-07T19:14:00.000+09:00

The PF theme this week is 'sister'. Yep, it's very very late but I've decided to do this one anyway. I don't have a sister but I do have a sister-in-law so here's a photo of us together (Candy and Malachi to the left, me and Keziah to the right) in Cairns recently. We went to a place called Kuranda which is up in the hilly area surrounding Cairns. It was a really nice day with a lot of lovely memories. Oh, and hi Candy (I know you drop by here!). : )

19 Items for Sale

2007-01-07T17:28:00.000+09:00

I have been busy listing on my Etsy Shop and there are now 19 items for sale. These range from necklaces to pins to miniatures. The prices on the shop page are in US dollars. If you are a local and would like to buy anything there, please contact me as I am happy to negotiate!

I am starting to wonder if I will sell anything as I've had things listed on there for a few weeks and no takers. Perhaps my prices are too high or perhaps it's just because of the busy Christmas/NY time (or maybe people just don't like what they see!!). If you think my prices are too high, please leave a comment as this is one area I'm not the best at. I know people are looking though as some items have had over 50 views!!!

Pic: Miniature train listed in my Etsy shop.

Schapelle Corby - My Story Review

2007-01-05T11:10:00.000+09:00

While we were away over east I read Schapelle's book 'My Story'. As a person who sees her as innocent and who writes to her every now and then I felt it was important that I read it. It only took me a few days as it was one of those books you just can't put down once you start.

What did I think? It's very honest. It's very compelling . It's very graphic. If you are planning on reading Schapelle's story I would recommend that you sit down and expect some very descriptive and graphic images to be painted as you read. There are some horrific stories about life in Kerobokan Prison and it's slum conditions. To be honest, I had to skip a story about infant murder that she was told about by another prisoner as I found it too disturbing after having had a baby recently. At the same time I feel that it was vital that Schapelle included these parts of her story so we can understand what she's living through.

It's looking more and more likely that she will be transferred to another prison which is a long way away from her family and supporters in Bali. If you are a person of prayer, please remember her. She needs support and people to believe in her and she needs people to read her book.

You can purchase her book online at the QBD Bookshop or Amazon but it is also available to buy in most book stores.

You can read all about her case and situation here and don't forget, you can still write to her and send her parcels. The address for this is:

Schapelle Corby C/- LPM Kerobokan Jl.
Tangkuban Perahu Kerobokan,
Denpasar 80117 Bali, INDONESIA

Thursday Thirteen - Blogs to Browse

2007-01-04T22:38:00.000+09:00

Thirteen Blogs I recommend
1…Burns Abroad - my brother Johnathan and my sister in law Candy's blog. They are new missionaries with New Tribes Mission to Papua New Guinea.

2…Burning Isles - my parents, Trevor and Estelle Burns' blog. They are missionaries also with New Tribes Mission in Papua New Guinea.

3…Carol Wilson Update - Carol is a wonderful lady who is involved in SIM's International ministry team in the USA. She is also battling cancer and you can read all about the trials of this experience on her blog.

4…Kazza of the West - Karen is my best friend from high school. She's a mother of four, read all about her busy life here.

5…Jeremy In Africa - Jeremy is Carol's grandson. He is serving as a short-term missionary in Niger with SIM. He has some fantastic photos on his blog.

6…Calvin's Urban-Reform - Dave is a Trinity Theological Graduate with my hubby Michael. Read his theological poderings on his blog.

7…Hannatu's Happenings - Nancy is a missionary in the back blocks of Niger (in a place called Tera). She has some fascinating stories about life there with her family.

8…The Journey - Rodney Olsen is a radio announcer with Perth's Sonshine FM. He always has some intersting thoughts, take a peek.

9…Peregrine Sojo - Kitty's Chronicle - Kitty is the creative arts coordinator of CCBC and the mission mobilizer of World Team in Victoria, Australia. She's got some deep thoughts to share that are worth a read.

10…Corazon Latino - Richelle Webb has just returned to New Zealand after many years working in Guayaquil, Equador. Her husband Nigel will be commissioned into the role of SIM NZ Director in February.

11…Texas Lass - Andie lives in......you guessed it, Texas. She is recently married and is the 'bonus Mom' to two boys. Always a fun read.

12…Between Diapers and Dishes - Michelle is a missionary to the deaf of Mexico and her blog is a wonderful mix of ministry and family life.

13…In Plein Air - Robin is a painter and regularly puts up paintings for us to comment on. He's pretty good so take a peek at his blog.

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Wordless Wednesday

2007-01-03T22:38:00.000+09:00

Our Quilt

2007-01-02T21:00:00.000+09:00

My Mum gave us a special gift for Christmas, a quilt that she had been working on while up in PNG over this last year. She brought it down with her in her suitcase and because of it's size it didn't leave much room for much else!

It's a really beautiful quilt with many squares in all the colours of the rainbow. She put a lot of thought into it and each part represents something special in our lives. Africa is there, our time we spend in Dunsborough is there, Michael's love of cycling is there and much more. When I have some close up shots of it I'll add them here but for now you can see a great shot of it over at my Dad's blog. He's also written a great post about what the quilt reminds him of which you can read here.

These photos are of us unwrapping our gift on Christmas day. Thanks Mum! xxx

15 Years Ago Today....

2007-01-01T10:57:00.000+09:00

Michael and I were spending our first day as an offical couple. On New Year's Eve 1991/92 we went to the local theme park Adventure World with a big group who had hired the place out. It was a Christian event and the rides were all open till 9pm with the rest of the night including bands and a big countdown.

At around 11.45pm we went for a walk and ended up on the children's playground area chatting away. We'd known each other for at least 3 years and in that time we had been a couple once (very short lived) but apart from that just friends.

Where we started 'going out' at Adventure world (taken a year later)

At 2 mins to midnight Michael asked me if I would 'go out with him' (be his girlfriend) and I said yes. We were 16 and 17 at the time. Within 3 years we were engaged (1994) and got married in 1996.

Us at the 6 month mark in 1992

So, altogether we have been married for close to 11 years (this April), a couple for 15 years and known each other now for about 18 years. That's not bad seeing as we both only just turned the '30 something' corner in the last couple of years!

365 Kezi Pics

2006-12-29T22:34:00.000+09:00

In two days time I would have achieved one of my goals for 2006. At the start of the year, about this time last year in fact my parents flew off to Papua New Guinea where they live as missionaries. So they wouldn't miss out on my darling daughter growing up over this first year I promised to send a photo to them every single night. I did this until they had to return to Australia for family reasons in October.

I also planned on taking at least one photo of Keziah every day to keep as a record of the year. I had visions of a photography exhibit where 365 photos were displayed alongside each other in date order (maybe one day I'll just do that). I have managed to achieve this goal so far and I'm looking forward to putting together a really long power point presentation with these photos in, maybe as a gift for family. Here is Keziah exactly one year apart, amazing the difference a year makes!

Keziah, 29 December 2005

Keziah, 29 December 2006

Now I need a new project. I was wondering if any of you out there have a suggestion or two for me. I was thinking that I could continue to record something each day, either written, drawn or photographed. I've got a few ideas tucked away in my head but I'm really interested in any you may suggest. Go ahead and fill up the ol' comments box below!

Michael's Blog

2006-12-29T09:51:00.000+09:00

Just thought I'd mention that my hubby Michael now has a blog. He's likely to talk about sport, theology and probably computer geek type stuff BUT he's pretty good at putting words to 'paper' so have a peek even if these aren't your types of topics. Michael's blog

Thursday Thirteen

2006-12-28T20:20:00.000+09:00

Thirteen Photos from our recent trip away
1…. Manly Beach (Sydney) - this is the bench where we got engaged in 1994
2…Merry Go Round - Kezi and her Nanna at Darling Harbour, Sydney

3….Near Paddy's Markets, Sydney - it was cold!
4….Icecream at Manly Beach
5….Chinese Meal with fellow State Ministry Directors for SIM in Australia
6….The plaque says it all! Found in Cairns (Queensland) Botanical Gardens
7….Two sleeping bubbies - cousins.
8…Me on Green Island
9…Michael and our nephew Malachi in the pool at Green Island
10…Looks like it's been painted! Found in the Botanical Gardens in Cairns
11….Cousins.
12….Family Tradition - playing hand and foot (card game)
13…My brother Johnathan, sister in law Candy and nephew Malachi on the beach at Green Island off Cairns, Queensland.

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Wordless Wednesday - Christmas

2006-12-27T11:09:00.000+09:00

Busy Busy Busy

2006-12-24T10:50:00.000+09:00

On return from our trip to Cairns and Sydney we have been flat out (like a lizard drinking - sorry couldn't resist putting in the Aussie-ism there). No, not with Christmas shopping although there has been some of that but in diving into our work with SIM in WA.

Michael has graduated from Trinity Theological College with a BA Theology - CONGRATULATIONS HONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This of course means that we can focus more of our joint time on mobilsing for mission as is our role with SIM. We have been spending a lot of time planning and catching up with the pile of work that always manages to creep up on you when you go away for a few weeks but we are enjoying it. The more we do it the more enthusiastic we get but at the same time the task is quite overwhelming.

If you are interested in talking about missions and how you can become involved either here in Perth (or Australia wide) or overseas, please contact us, we'd love to journey with you.

Etsy Listing

2006-12-23T11:40:00.000+09:00

I have finally had the chance to start listing some of my hand made items on Etsy.

So far there are just 7 items available which is all I can handle for the moment but there will be more to come as I plan for a properly stocked shop in the future.

The items for sale so far are all pins but look out for my beads, pendants and miniatures in the near future. One day I might even get brave enough to list some knitted items or paintings!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-12-20T19:04:00.000+09:00

Home Again

2006-12-17T10:07:00.000+09:00

Michael and I on Green Island, just off the coast of Queensland near Cairns

Yesterday morning at 2.30am Perth time we arrived home after 3 weeks away over east. What a busy three weeks we had. The first thing I noticed when we got out of the terminal was that there was no humidity. It was quite refreshing after living with low humidity in Sydney and then quite full on humidity in Cairns. Good ol' Perth, it was 36C yesterday (that's almost 99F) but with no humidity!!

This has been the first 'real' holdiay we've had in quite a long time (probably years). We go down south of Perth a few times each year but usually it involves an aspect of our ministry. SIM flew the three of us over to NSW for the training week and then they flew us back to Perth but we were able to use frequent flyer points mostly for the rest of the flights. Most of the activities we did were free which was wonderful, didn't take much to enjoy the tropics, just drive to a rainforets, gardens or beach. We do feel refreshed and ready to go into 2007 which will bring new challenges and changes.

Got to hold a croc on Green Island - felt like a handbag.

Anyway, Cairns was really lovely. I tried to do a post the other day about our trip to the botanical gardens but I lost the whole post due to a computer freeze! Don't you hate that. Here's some of the shots I was going to share with you. I've discovered two things about God while at those gardens - he's an abstract artist and I reckon he had a ball of a time creating those tropical plants!!

Keziah got to have a great time too. She got to experience a lot of new things including meeting her cousin Malachi who is 6 months older than her. They've only met once before, when she was 2 weeks old. She also went in the pool for the first time ever and was able to run around on a beach for the first time. She absolutely loved both as you can see from the photos below!

We also got to see my brother and my sister-in-law Candy as well as our little Nephew Malchi for the first time since October 2005 which was so exciting. Here's a shot of us all:

Me, Michael and my brother Johnathan

Candy, myself, Malchi and Keziah

Now that we're back we've got a lot of SIM work to get onto as well as Christmas so we'll be busy. Michael's already preaching this morning at a church here in Perth so he's right back into it. So, here's some photos, thank you to everyone for my birthday greetings in the comments below too, I appreciated them.

Happy Birthday to Me

2006-12-09T20:15:00.000+09:00

Today I turned 32. It's nice to be celebrating my special day in Cairns with my family, nice to be in a different place. I had a nice day, enjoyed a nice meal together at a restaurant in town, a walk around the shops, a movie with Michael and Johnathan and Candy, some great prezzies and a cake! I found a great shop too today with fantastic items made in India, Egypt and South America. Michael gave me some money and said to get whatever I liked so that was fun. Anyway, we're a little bit crazy so this is what happened to the chocolate writing plate they brought out to me at the restaurant today:

Hippy bathday to me. : )

Photo Friday - Fresh

2006-12-08T18:52:00.000+09:00

Photo Friday this week is 'Fresh'. Here's my entry, taken here in Cairns this week:

The Crazy Things We Do

2006-12-05T10:37:00.000+09:00

I am writing this entry from Cairns in Queensland where we are currently enjoying a couple of weeks at Wycliffe's Treetops Lodge with our family. Before we left on Sunday from Sydney to come here my Mum and I did a crazy thing.

Saturday we only had a half day of SIM meetings to wrap up the whole week and then we had the rest of the day and night to ourselves. Mum, Dad, Michael, I and Kezi decided (well Kez didn't really have a choice!!) to go into Sydney and spend some time as tourists (all of us - except Kez have lived in NSW before so we were pretending!). We spent much of our time at Darling Harbour which is a really nice part of the city. Actually, if you want to see a photo of us there you can by going to this link as Darling Harbour staff were wandering around taking snapshots of everyone. We are the photo in row six, picture 5 (with the pusher).

Ok, haven't got to the crazy thing yet. Michael and Dad took Kezi home around 6pm and Mum and I decided to stay as there was a free concert on the harbour. We sat there keeping our very good spot for an hour and 20 mins, in the rain before Guy Sebastian and the Young Divas (for anyone not Aussie - they are our Aussie Idol winners etc) came on stage. The concert went for 2 hours but the rain was only for the time we were waiting so that was good. We did rush and buy a couple of poncho's and an umbrella so we weren't wet or uncomfy.

Anyway, it was a lot of fun. Considering that I live in Perth and Mum lives in Papua New Guinea we had to laugh at ourselves sitting there in Sydney watching a concert in the rain. We walked through the city afterwards to the train station and took a detour through a three storey Woollies store (supermarket) which was a buzz because it was open so late (that was around 10pm I think) and in Perth all shops shut by 6pm. Got home late but had a blast! I've put in some photos so you can see what we saw!

World Aids Day

2006-12-01T20:36:00.000+08:00

I just wanted to point out that today - December 1st is World Aids Day. The mission we represent - SIM works alongside people with HIV and Aids every day. If you would like to know how you can contribute to their work, please click here - SIM HOPE for Aids.

The direct HOPE for Aids website is here.

Photo Friday - 'Stillness'

2006-12-01T15:50:00.000+08:00

PF is 'stillness'. I took this shot at Manly Beach this week:

Manly - or should I say Womanly

2006-12-01T07:29:00.000+08:00

A couple of days ago, ourselves and the group of people we are meeting with went to Manly beach here in New South Wales. It was quite a nice day with lots of sunshine and I managed to avoid getting burnt which is always a bonus. We didn't go in the water but we walked all the way around to Shelley Beach from Manly. Along the way we saw quite a few things which are typically Aussie. These are all things which we do find in Western Australia but not usually all in one afternoon.

Surf Lifesaving Club

For example, we saw a surf lifesaving club at work, surfers on their boards catching real waves out in the deep, wildlife, a bikini photo shoot, divers and snorkelers. We saw all this in one walk there and back!

The bench

There is a reason why I've given this post the above title. In 1994 our family had a day out to Manly beach. This included Michael also and so when we got there he said that he and I were going off for a walk. Everyone plonked themselves on the beach and we took off. Around the bend of the footpath along the beach front was a nice spot with a bench seat so we sat there. Before long Michael got down on one knee and proposed to me. I said yes, I knew he was going to ask (and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too). When we got back to tell the family my brother shot off to the water's edge and my Mum went after him. We thought it was something to do with our engagement. Turns out that there were a couple of topless sun baking women next to us not far away and he was very embarrassed (good on him) about it. Hence the name Womanly, which is what he calls Manly beach now!

Anyway, we got some photos of the bench seat and us on it as well as some other things we saw so enjoy!

Eastern Dragon that we saw

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-29T18:05:00.000+08:00

Fun Around Sydney

2006-11-24T17:52:00.000+08:00

We had today to adjust to the time difference here before our meetings start tomorrow and it was no problem (Perth is three hours behind Sydney, at least for another week when we get a trial of daylight savings over in the west, then we'll be only 2 hours behind). We went for what we were told was a 15 minute walk to the big shopping centre, was about a half an hour walk with the pusher. We all got our exercise which is good because we'll be spending a lot of time sitting over the next week.

Saw a couple of funny signs and sights as we walked to the shops so I've posted the photos here.

That's a letterbox and junk mail that's been there so long it's melted onto the fence.

Outside a house we walked past. There were about 6 signs like this outside their house.

This is outside where we're staying - not sure if it's a warning to shopping centres or people!

The very welcoming sign that greeted us at the door.

Sydney

2006-11-24T08:04:00.000+08:00

At the moment we're in Sydney for SIM meetings. We flew here yesterday and the trip took most of the day. Kez was so good on the plane, she slept for the first hour and a half and for the rest of the flight she just sat in the seat between us and watched the tv screen or played with toys/Qantas magazines. The flight from Perth-Sydney was just over four hours. She was a good girl and several people commented that she'd been so good as we left the plane. For fun, here's a pic of Kez on the plane.

We're here for just over a week before we go to Cairns for a break. I should mention that Michael has now finished his Theology degree after four years of hard slog. Well done honey!! Now we are able to concentrate on our SIM work together.

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-22T19:41:00.000+08:00

Schapelle Article

2006-11-22T08:52:00.000+08:00

I thought I would just put a link to an article in The Bulletin about Schapelle's book which I thought was worth a read. You can find it here.

Generosity

2006-11-21T18:30:00.000+08:00

There are some very giving people in this world. I met a lady named Roz through the Schapelle Corby supporters site. Roz generously put together an albumn of supporters and has sent it to Schapelle this year. We have a page in there too and you can view it here. We are on pages 8 and 9.

I mentioned on the supporters site that I was hoping to receive Schapelle's new book 'Schapelle Corby, My Story' as a Christmas or Birthday gift this year and Roz offered to send her copy over to me as she'd read it already. What a lovely lady. Roz has an online scrapbooking shop so pop in and have a look! Thanks Roz!!

I'll be writing about my impressions of the book sometime in the future, it was written by Schapelle herself so it should be an interesting read.

Massive Flickr Update

2006-11-20T16:27:00.000+08:00

I've just spent a bit of time adding to my flickr collection. There are new pics of Keziah, art-stitch stuff, polymer clay stuff and other bits n pieces so you're invited to click on the link on my sidebar and have a gander (sorry - Aussie for have a look).

More Miniatures and Beads

2006-11-19T10:55:00.000+08:00

I seem to be posting a bit about these beads that I've been making out of polyclay but that's because it's my latest fad. I'm really enjoying it and it's fun to work in a new medium. I have a long list of things I want to do within the realms of creativity and I have to improve on using a visual diary to record them.

These include:

1. Doing something with the slides I've recently been given by my grandmother. (any artsy suggestions). I do want to use them to create a large backlit image.
2. More felt creations.
3. Knit a blanket for Keziah - make it up as I go, no patterns as usual. 4. Paint another African swirl painting. (left)
5. Do more scratchboard drawings (or scraperboard depending where you're from)
6. Play with air dry clay.
7. Knit little people to sell.
8. Get back into oil painting, watercolours and pastels.
9. When Kez is old enough we're making a dolls house together - I'm getting a head start with all the miniatures.
10. Collage. I really want to have a go at this. A bit like Hanna's work over at il Bloggo
11. Learn how to use my computer better for creativity - especially in the area of photography.
12. Have a go at felting (using wool).
13. Other ideas I've got that I can't recall because I'm so bad at using a visual diary.

I did take some more photos of the beads and miniatures I've made over the last few nights. For now I'll just put this one up to tempt you:

Coin is an Australian 5c coin

Illustration Friday - 'Thanksgiving'

2006-11-18T15:07:00.000+08:00

The IF theme this week is 'Thanksgiving' which I'm sure is meant to be associated with the American tradition. Seeing as I'm not American or Canadian and we don't have Thanksgiving here I won't be leaning towards that theme. I can however put up this painting of a lady we met in Niger called Hadiza. She appears to be bowing her head here. This is small - A5 Pastel on pastel paper.

Thursday Thirteen - Interesting Places

2006-11-16T15:57:00.000+08:00

Thirteen Interesting Places I've Been To
1…. Perth in Tasmania (we live in Perth Western Australia)

2….Perth in Scotland

3….Venice, Italy

4….The set of the movie 'Field of Dreams', Ohio, USA.

5….Chicago Navy Pier, USA

6….Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

7….EuroDisney, France

8….Galmi, Niger, West Africa

9….Say, Niger,West Africa

10….Hoskins, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea

11….Debenham, Suffolk, United Kingdom

12….Heidleburg Castle, Germany

13….Ramsay Street (set of Neighbours)/Pin Oak Crt, Melbourne, Australia

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Miniatures and Beads for Sale

2006-11-15T23:02:00.000+08:00

I have for sale polymer clay beads that I've hand made. I will be opening an online store at Etsy sometime in December at which I intend to sell my art-stitch tags as well.

The prices on these are Australian Dollars. If you need to work out a conversion rate go here. All prices quoted below are not including postage. Postage will be worked out with each order according to weight and distance. We have a paypal account with which you can pay online or, if you are in Australia I'm happy to accept direct deposit. If you would like to buy anything, please drop me a note in the comments and I'll get in touch with you.

Anyway, that's all the businessy things out of the way. Oh one more thing - the money from the art-stitch tags will go to SIM's HOPE for Aids but the money for the polymer clay beads will go towards our support.

For now here's a sample of what's for sale:

2cm wide, hole through the middle for stringing.
Unvarnished
$AU3.00 for 6 beads.

Pins - four standard sewing pins. Varnished.
$AU4.00 per set of four - 1 set only of this design.

Turtle beads - hole through the centre for stringing.
3cm long. 10 Available. Unvarnished
$AU1.00 each.

Miniature Lemon Meringue Pie slices.
Each slice measures around 1.5cm - 2cm long. Unvarnished. 7 Available.
AU80c per slice.

Heart pendants. 2cm long.
Varnished. 5 Available.
$AU1.00 each.

Miniature slices of toast with lemon butter.
1.5cm long. Unvarnished. 5 Available.
AU80c each.

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-15T10:19:00.000+08:00

Goodbye Niamey, Hello Paris, London, Hoskins

2006-11-12T21:56:00.000+08:00

Janella, jay, me and Michael being silly

At the end of our time in Niger we had formed some wonderful bonds with our co-workers, especially our friends from Canada and the USA, Janella and Jay. When flying out of Niger the most common route is on an Air France plane via Paris and the four of us managed to get a flight together into Paris. It was so exciting to be on the plane with our great friends and share that experience with them before spending the last few hours in Paris together.

We had been awake for almost 24 hrs I think by the time Jay left

Before we got to the Paris part of our trip though we had to get through the Niamey airport. Now, anyone reading this who's been to Niger (thinking of you Nancy) will smile at the way you exit this airport. We had to check our luggage in during the afternoon, pay for extra weight and then come back for our flight late at night. To get to our plane we went through at least 5 check points that I can remember. At each one they checked our passport and ticket. At the last stop the Air France steward/security person got out a little torch and checked inside our hand luggage as we stood on the tarmac waiting to board our plane.

At the airport (that bag I'm holding weighs 18kg)

Once in Paris, the four of us knew we only had a matter of hours to do anything so we all gathered our luggage (very very very heavy) and found a train. We spent about 40 mins on the train (I think) to the Eiffel Tower, sat there and had lunch and then got back on the train. We had to be back at the airport in time for Janella to catch the first of our flights. It was hard to say goodbye as we knew we probably wouldn't see her again for a long time (still haven't!). This was followed a little while later by us waving off Jay as he caught a bus to the right terminal for his flight (he looked so sad!).

The first junk food we'd seen in a year

Janella and Jay in Paris

Michael eating a baguette at the Eiffel Tower

We are grateful that God allowed us that extra special time with our friends and we can't wait for the day when we can be reunited.

Now, so this post isn't too much longer let me just say that we had a detour through the UK on our way to our next stop - Papua New Guinea. We spent three weeks in Debenham, Suffolk staying with some wonderful supporters (hi Ruth and Myles) and visiting our church in England. They also picked us up from the airport which was very generous of them. I remember being freezing cold after coming from Niger to the UK. I also remember reverse culture shock starting to set in. The cats in the area looked enormous to me (the ones in Niger are scrawny). Those few weeks with our friends in the UK were as precious as those few last moments with our friends in Paris.

Framsden Baptist - our church in the UK

Our time in the UK ended and we said goodbye to our friends. We had come full circle. UK - Paris - Niger - Paris - UK. As a short-termer you will meet people who become friends for life. People who share strange experiences. People who share the same memories as you do but aren't family (and yet become your family). It's been 5 years now since we left Niger and the UK and we can't wait for the day when we can visit these people again.

We got on our Qantas flight and said goodbye to a cold London and headed towards saying hello to yet another cultural experience in Hoskins, Papua New Guinea.

In part 17 of this epic I will tell you all about the next big part of our adventure - our trip to see my parents in Papua New Guinea and our arrival back in Australia.

Part 1 - Position Available
Part 2 - The Year was 1999
Part 3 - Red Dirt or Green Grass
Part 4 - Preparations and Going the UK
Part 5 - But I's Dark and it's only 4.30pm!
Part 6 - Laying Out the Fleece
Part 7 - Oh, That's Why We're Here!
Part 8 - Shakin in my long skirt and sandals
Part 9 - You won't mind teaching history will you?
Part 10 - Gas Canisters on the Roof
Part 11 - The Tree Attack
Part 12 - Galmi and the Toebiters
Part 13 - Say (sigh)
Part 14 - Three Showers a Day and Nems
Part 15 - My Name is One Kilo of Beef

Illustration Friday - 'Clear'

2006-11-10T22:43:00.000+08:00

IF theme this week is Clear and when I did this painting it was controversial, mainly because it was meant to be. I think the message of this one is clear. This was from a series of etchings I did in my printmedia class. There were other words I used as well (but can't remember what they were right now). Do you think the message is clear in this one or perhaps each person will get a slight variation on the theme? It's not meant to be offensive, my aim was to make reference to the way that the children of the world are often thought of (slave labour, childhood prostitution or other less obvious ways).

Photo Friday - 'Gross'

2006-11-10T18:31:00.000+08:00

PF this week = 'gross'. This is by no means a reference to Keziah but the mess she has on her face, she's enjoying herself though so that's the main thing! She got a lot 'grosser' than this of course but this shot is very cute and funny so I couldn't resist.

Thursday Thirteen on Friday Morning

2006-11-10T10:08:00.000+08:00

Whoops! I'm still getting used to this list thingy so its a bit late.

Thirteen Things about SIM

Our recent display

1…. Michael and I represent SIM in Western Australia - we're missionaries with them. Our job is to promote and mobilize, to share experiences and assist those who want to go overseas.

2…. SIM stands for Serving In Mission, it was known for a long time as Sudan Interior Mission.

3….Is a global, interdenominational mission agency.

4….Works in Africa, Asia and South America.

5….Works in over 40 countries.

6….The purpose of SIM is...
To glorify God by planting, strengthening,
and partnering with churches around the world as we:

evangelise the unreached,
minister to human need,

disciple believers into churches

equip churches to fulfil Christ’s Commission.

7….Lists their statement of faith here.

8….Have around 1600 missionaries worldwide.

9….Have sending offices in;

10…Has an international website.

11…Have opportunities for missionary service in the following areas:

Short Term Assignment (STA)

Business and Administration

Children and Youth

Education

Evangelism & Church Growth

Health

Human Need/AIDS

Literacy & Translation

Media & Arts

Short Term Assignment & Internship

Teams

Technical Services

Theological Education

12….Have online magazines in pdf. format for free.

13….Has been around since 1893.

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Polyclarific

2006-11-10T00:15:00.000+08:00

I've been busy, busy, busy lately with experimenting with Polyclay and I'm about ready to start a sellin'. I've not priced anything yet but very soon I will be posting with prices on here. Most of the money raised from the polyclay beads and pendants will go towards our support with the exception of the little people beads which will send funds to SIM's HOPE for Aids projects.

Here's a few more examples of what I've been up to:

Pins...

Letting the glaze dry by pinning them into a tissue box!

Pendants...Beads....More Beads....and my new experiment.....miniatures....

Toast with Lemon Butter

Lemon Meringue Pie

List of 9 weird tid-bits about myself

2006-11-08T23:56:00.000+08:00

A meme I found at Michelle's blog Between Diapers and Dishes

1. When sitting in a restaurant I have to have my back towards the wall.

2. I love to eat tinned spaghetti cold and straight from the tin.

3. I have a hard time buying anything at full price, I always search in bargain bins, op shops and marked down broken piles in any shop!

4. I HAVE to be creative every day or I go crazy.

5. I still get a buzz out of flying.

6. I'm obsessed with the news. At one stage I would watch every single news bulletin that was on in a day as well as read it on the internet.

7. I hate fake things. I can't stand fake plastic flowers or plants, hate plastic curling ribbon, not a fan of trinkets or dust collectors, can't stand plastic cheese and tend to shy away using colours that look 'fake' or unnatural to me.

8. I have a hard time making art for no purpose. I cannot just sit and paint for hours if the painting has no reason for being. This probably has something to do with the cost of supplies!

9. I am a bit of a hoarder. I don't waste anything. I have kept every single formula tin, formula scoop and washing powder scoop from the last year. I just have a feeling that these will be useful somehow.

Feel free to do this meme and let me know in the comments if you do.

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-08T23:31:00.000+08:00

Photo Friday - 'Light'

2006-11-03T14:38:00.000+08:00

PF this week is 'Light' so here it is:

This is my hubby Michael playing cricket during our road trip in 2004. I think we're in Ceduna or something like that here. Anyway, the light was pretty strong behind him (or it's a bad shot!) so it came out like this.

Thursday Thirteen - Things I love to Paint

2006-11-03T08:28:00.000+08:00

This is my first official Thursday Thirteen and for the benefit of those on the TT list I'm summing myself up in a nutshell of thirteen things I love to paint.

Thirteen Things that I love to paint

1….People in Pastel

2…Whacky Patterns

3….Beautiful Patterns based on Rock

4….Rocks in General

5….Bigger Backdrops

6….sketches
7….My Beans

8….With Humour

9….Some Scenery

10….Using Printmedia

11….In Polyclay

12….In Art-Stitch

13….Using Felt

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-01T23:25:00.000+08:00

Another Meme

2006-11-01T13:14:00.000+08:00

Borrowed from corazon-latino's blog:

1. What is your occupation? Missionary - SIM WA's co-Ministry Director

2. What color are you socks right now? Black

3. What are you listening to right now? the whirr of the server and my daughter breathing

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Cornflakes

5. Can you drive a manual? Yeah

6. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Turquoise - just like that colour

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? A market research guy

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I copied it!

9. How old are you today? 31

10. Favorite drinks? Tea, Lemon Lime and Bitters

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Tennis or cricket

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep

13. Pets? Rabbit - Alphie, Unnamed Weird Budgie (pictured) and 3 Weiros

14. Favorite food? Corn, Bananas, Spring rolls, white chocolate

15. What was the last movie you watched? Bits of 50 First Dates

16. Favourite holiday? I know this is American for Seasonal Celebration Day but here in Australia it means 'favourite trip' - so my fav trip was Tasmania in 2003/4 (pic: Perth, Tasmania)

17. What do you do to vent anger? Mumble

18. What were your favorite toys as a kid? Sadly my Barbies but also Strawberry Shortcake dolls

19. What are is your favorite, Autumn or spring? Spring

20. Hugs or kisses? Depends who it is

21. Cherry or blueberry? Neither

22. Do you want your friends to copy this? If they want

23. Who is the most likely to respond? Maybe Texas Lass

24. Who is least likely to respond? My Dad

25. Living arrangements? Renting my parents house (pic right)

26. When was the last time you cried? Not sure - maybe when my daughter pulled herself up using my hair - brought tears to my eyes

27. What is on the floor of your wardrobe? Shoes, dust

28. What did you do last night? Made yet MORE millefiori beads (see my last post), watched 20 to 1

More Polyclay Fun

2006-10-31T14:43:00.000+08:00

I've been making Polyclay beads now for a couple of weeks and having a great time. Thought I'd post some more of the recent ones. All of these (except for the glass one) are going to be for sale. Let me know if you're interested.

Illustration Friday too! - 'Wind'

2006-10-28T10:00:00.000+08:00

IF theme is wind:

Going for something a little abstract this week to illustrate the topic. This was originally entitled 'Third Space' demonstrating the gap between one culture and another (its very deep - I was in uni at the time!), The gap is meant to be invisible so if you look very closely you can see the fishing line down the centre. Anyway, paintings are always open to individual interpretation so I thought this actually demonstrated Wind quite well.

50cm x 40cm, mixed media (glue, acrylic, fishing line, tumeric and cummin - I think - correct me if you think I'm wrong - can't remember which spices are those colours!!) on canvas.

Photo Friday Already!! - 'Accidental'

2006-10-27T14:17:00.000+08:00

The theme for PF this week is accidental and how could I go past this photo that we took in the UK. The guy in this was fine by the way, he crawled out of the window a minute or two later. We found him to be surrounded by mcdonalds wrappers (from the back seat)with the radio blaring.

Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-25T22:53:00.000+08:00

I'm going to try doing this new post each week called Wordless Wednesday. I like the idea of just putting up a photo and not explaining anything. So, this should be the only time I put words to a photo on a Wednesday (in theory anyway)! I'm guessing that if you want an explaination of the photo each week you just ask in the comments section.

Polyclay and Millefiori

2006-10-21T09:24:00.000+08:00

I mentioned a few posts down that I've been trying a new art form - millefiori using polyclay (it was originally done in glass). If you've ever stood and watched the lolly (candy) makers at one of those lolly shops like Roc Candy or similar (you probably have something like this in other countries), then you will know a bit of how millefiori is done.

I'm really having a great time discovering this new medium and have sat for 3 hours each night for the last week playing and making the beads. Like usual I'm not using a pattern and I've spent a lot of time on the web searching for techniques to make my own. For those who don't know about why that's important, I'm a bit anti-pattern, or at least anti using someone elses patter, the artist in me hates doing things that are not unique!

For those who aren not Aussies, that's a 5c coin which is similar to the smallest American coin and British coin (can't remember what they are!).

I tried to make these ones look like little groups of people. These are to be sold to raise awareness for HOPE for AIDS.

There is a point to this. I am planning on setting all the beads out on a tray at the next possible place I can (a fair, sale or display) and selling them off to raise money for SIM.

You can contact me if you are intersted in buying any of them by the way.

IF - 'Ghost'

2006-10-21T00:14:00.000+08:00

The IF theme this week is 'Ghost' and I thought this was appropriate. This is a practice piece which is a part of a much larger work. Done in oils using the rubbing out method.

PF - 'Innocence'

2006-10-20T16:25:00.000+08:00

PF this week is 'Innocence' and how could I go past posting a photo of my daughter Keziah. The hardest part was choosing and seeing as I don't like to show her whole face this one fitted perfectly! She was very excited a few weeks ago when she had these balloons to play with while I was pushing her pram around Perth city.

Two's

2006-10-18T16:35:00.000+08:00

Got this one from Texas Lass (who bought my art-stitch tags a while ago!):

Two Names You Go By:
1. Amanda
2. Molly

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. socks
2. cargo pants

Two Things You Would Want/HAVE in a Relationship:
1. Genuine care and thoughfulness
2. Understanding

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Create - paint, stitch, knit, design, and the latest thing - polymer clay canes/millefiori (see pic - my first attempt, much better at it now!).
2. Travel

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. To see my Mum
2. A bar of white chocolate!

Two pets you had/have:
1. A sausage dog called Shana (see my last photo friday and illustration friday posts)
2. A rabbit called Alphie

Two people who will fill this out:
1. Probably
2. No One

Two things you did last night:
1. Made polymer clay beads
2. Was up half the night with Keziah who is teething

Two things you ate today:
1. Salad
2. Weet Bix

Two people you Last Talked To:
1. My Dad
2. My daughter

Two Things You’re doing tomorrow:
1. Getting up
2. Looking after Kezi

Two longest car rides:
1. Perth to Sydney (around 3000km)
2. Sydney to Perth

Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Easter

Two favorite beverages:
1. Lipton Tea
2. White Chocolate Hot Chocolate from the Margaret River Chocolate Company

Two Favorite Cities:
1. Perth, Australia
2. London, UK

List of Things I've Done

2006-10-14T08:58:00.000+08:00

I got this list from Adventures of An Ordinary Christian and thought it was interesting so I've also put in bold the things I've done on the list, there are 44 out of the hundred so that's not bad I suppose:

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins (no, but I was in a boat in Papua New Guinea with about 50)
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula (this will NEVER happen)
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you’ and meant it!
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s nappy
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse (I think - or else it was partial - probably partial)
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Visited all 7 states and territories in Australia (ok, I changed that to make it more Aussie!)
40. Taken care of someone who was drunk
41. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
42. Watched wild whales
43. Stolen a sign
44. Backpacked in Europe
45. Taken a road-trip
46. Gone rock climbing (sort-of - climbed over rocks!)
48. Midnight walk on the beach
49. Gone sky diving
50. Taken a train through Europe
51. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
52. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table, and had a meal with them
53. Milked a cow
54. Alphabetized your CDs
55. Sung karaoke
56. Lounged around in bed all day
57. Gone scuba diving
58. Kissed in the rain
59. Gone to a drive-in theater
60. Started a business
61. Taken a martial arts class
62. Been in a movie
63. Crashed a party
64. Gone without food for 5 days
65. Gotten a tattoo
66. Got flowers for no reason
67. Performed on stage
68. Been to Las Vegas
69. Recorded music
70. Eaten shark
71. Buried one/both of your parents (my dad)
72. Been on a cruise ship
73. Spoken more than one language fluently
74. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
75 Walked the Sydney Harbour Bridge
76. Had plastic surgery
77. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
78. Wrote articles for a large publication (well, I wrote an article which was published in a mission newsletter! I will have a painting of mine on the front cover for SIM International's magazine this year!)
77. Lost over 50 kilo's
79. Piloted an airplane
80. Petted a stingray
81. Broken someone’s heart
82. Broken a bone
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Parasailed
86. Skipped all your school reunions
87. Shaved your head
88. Caused a car accident
89. Pretended to be "sick"
90. Surfed in the ocean
91. Saved someone's life
92. Fainted
93. Been in the room while someone is giving birth (yes, me!!!, oh and I was standing at the open door while my nephew was being born)
94. Hitchhiked
95. Adopted a child
96. Been caught daydreaming
97. Been to Ayer's Rock
98. Called off a wedding engagement
99. Donated your blood
100. Accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour