Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

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Hand printing

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I’ve been wanting to try screen printing for an awfully long time but haven’t due to the cost of setting up. Last year I was really inspired after reading Lena Corwin’s Printing by Hand and decided to give freezer paper a try. I didn’t get far. I think my designs were to intricate for a beginner and my head wasn’t in the right place.
Enter the new year and my new sense of trying to fulfill my creative inspirations! I’ve been very busy drawing designs, cutting (love you Xacto knife!) and experimenting with printing. I’ve been collecting a lot of folliage from the garden and various trees to take impressions from.
I bought some linen and will see what I can come up with!
There is something so special about hand printed fabric, don’t you think?
And I completed my first ever cross stitch! It has now joined the pile of other stitcheries that live in hope of being framed one day.
Happy, sunshiney, creative day to you all!

Few or many?

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I’m so grateful for my children, all 4 of them. I would be grateful for more too – there is simply nothing more important, challenging, joyful and priveleged as raising children.

You know there’s a but coming. Sometimes when I see what other parents of smaller families are able to provide for their children it leaves me wondering. Would my children be happier with their own playroom? Their own bedrooms? Brand new clothes instead of second hand or op shopped? Fancier foods? The list could go on.

But then I remember what my children have taught me about life and about them. That they need love. Lots of it. Attention, lots of that too. Positive interaction. And God takes care of the rest, so that we always have what we need but not always what we want.

The fact that the children are constantly asking me when their next sibling might appear and that they are all each other’s best friends confirms that a large family is a good thing for us and that our children do not want for anything.

Thanks be to God.

My Creative Space

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Almost finished embroidering this table cloth, just can’t decide on the border colour.

Re – hemming this dress I made for my sister when I was 14 – she was 5. It has been worn by my sister and 2 of my daughters (and will be worn by the 3rd) and has only ever needed the hem fixed.
I’m enjoying these books that Nell sent to me along with some soap and chocolates. Thanks so much Nell.
Speaking of my sister… she gave me this tapestry approximately 10 years ago! I have pulled out my original stitching that was done when I was clueless and am having another go at it. I’ll update you in another year (it’s very large!) and hopefully not in another 10.
Check out other creative spaces at Kootoyoo and have a very crafty day!

Autumn afternoon

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We went for a drive to the forest yesterday. It was a perfect autumn afternoon. My favourite time of year.
 The fly agarics were pushing up through the forest floor everywhere we looked.
Husband fished while the children and I explored and played games.
Some things must look so huge to little ones.
We stayed until after sunset, which was beautiful on the water.
We drove home with heavy hearts – there is no way the suburbs can compare with fresh, wide open spaces. One day.

Stumpwork!

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I had a marvelous day yesterday with the Embroiderer’s Guild doing a beginner’s stumpwork class with the talented Cecily Dow. This class is in preparation for the intermediate certificate I intend to do later in the year with Alison Cole (very excited about this!)
To give an indication of size, this is in a 4 inch hoop. Even though it’s very small it took many hours to complete, it is very fine and detailed work.
This is a really dynamic form of embroidery and I can’t wait to do more. I’m pretty pleased with my first attempt!

My Creative Space

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You’ll have to excuse my less than perfect photography, I just didn’t have time to pretty it up today.
The girls are happily playing with their new extra large silks.
G wanted a bright mandala so that’s what she got! As you can see, it is already well loved and in need of an iron.
M requested a blue and pink silk, so I dyed a pink butterfly on a turquoise background. Hers is long enough to “fly” with.
2 things I said I’d never try – scrapbooking and cross stitch. Well, what does this look like? Yep, I’m hooked. It’s a sickness, this stitching thing.
Yet another embroidery I’ve started. 
For other crafty obsessives and creative wonders visit here.

Abortion grief

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One thing that abortion centres don’t advise women of prior to the surgery is that having an abortion may end up being traumatic. You may regret the decision that the “counsellors” help you make. You may wish you could turn back time and undo what has been done.
Thankfully there are caring organisations who can help and won’t be more concerned about your fee payment than your emotional well being. Here are some Australian resources.

Rachel’s Vineyard

Open Doors

ProLife Victoria

3 biggest money wasters

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File:Australian banknotes in wallet.jpg

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People often ask me about our finances as we have a mortgage, 4 children and one main income. If someone is telling me they don’t have enough money I start with a checklist similar to this one.

1. Do you have a credit card/s?
If you really want to save money – get rid of it! If you have credit card debt make it your no. 1 financial priority to pay it off (and cut the card up immediately!)

2. Do you have pay T.V?
Not only a waste of time, a waste of money. With the money and time you would save by not having it you can invest in other things, the main one being yourself.

3. Do you smoke?
Not much to be said here. Do whatever you can to quit. Tobacco is an ongoing expense in every way – you become addicted to it, so repeat buying, your health will suffer whether you admit it or not and end up costing you not only money but quality of life. (For those who think I’m simplifying the problem – I’m an ex – smoker of 6 years. Quitting is one of the very best things I’ve ever done!)

If you change even one of these money wasters you will notice a big difference in your budget.
Happy saving!