As you know, cabinets of curiosity (or Wunderkammer as they were originally known) are my latest craft obsession. Cabinets of curiosity originated in the Golden Age of Exploration (1400 - 1600s). Intrepid European explorers were discovering 'new' lands and bringing back all manner of curious specimens. Wealthy collectors displayed their... Read more →

My mum was visiting from Canberra and on Sunday I took her along with my two girls to visit one of the many artists' studios that were open over the weekend in the Dandenong ranges. Three generations of women off an an adventure to see fabulous art. We only had... Read more →

I flew out of Melbourne yesterday morning as the sun was coming up over a countryside hung with a shroud of low lying mist. Peering out of the tiny window I could see the headlights of cars streaming along highways and street lights marking the way. I flew into Adelaide... Read more →

There's nothing like leaving things to the last minute. Like going to the gallery on the last weekend (along with half of Melbourne) for a major art exhibition that only comes to town once every three years. The exhibition it turns out was brilliant, filled with all sorts of art... Read more →

I just spent the most amazing five days camping in the bush around Riddells Creek at the wonderul Wild By Nature Village camp run by Firekeepers. The last camp was in January 2020 and it's been a long fifteeen months, waiting to get back out in nature with all the... Read more →

I was in the city again yesterday for another worksop with Writers Victoria. This time it was Theme, Symbolism and Imagery with Emily Bitto (who I think I accidentally called Anna at one point -- sorry Emily! My mind has been playing weird tricks on me lately). It makes two... Read more →

Last Saturday as part of the Pscyhogeography and the Suburbs workshop I did with Nick Gadd at the Wheeler's Centre in Melbourne, we went on an hour long walk through the CBD to make observations, take notes and follow our senses. The brief was to notice the details, the small... Read more →

I'm in the middle of doing three writing classes at once. And organising a book launch for my second collection of poetry. Madness, I know! Two of my classes are online through Writing NSW. Online Poetry with Pip Smith is a 6 week course about writing poetry. Sense of Place... Read more →

Yesterday I went on a family outing. The first in a very long time. We all piled into the car and headed into town to visit the Melbourne Museum. My main reason for going was to buy their Museum Victoria fields guide to marine life and I figured we may... Read more →

I've just come back from a magical four day craft retreat in the gorgeous Golden Valley, Tasmania. I ate organic meals with eggs from happy farm chickens and strawberries picked straight from the bush. There was also fresh milk and cream from the cows for those who could eat dairy.... Read more →