December 2011 News

It has now been a couple of months since we updated the Blog. Sorry about that but it has been a bit all on. The garden has taken a lot of our time. As we get to the end of the Southern Hemisphere spring, everything grows at a tremendous rate which is fine for the things we have planted, but sadly weeds and grass are not exempt from the same spring characteristics. Jacque has been busy firstly with her entry into the first Australian Hoffman Quilt Challenge. Jacque’s quilt was on of 7 which were on display at the Tasmanian Art and Craft Fair at the beginning of November, and it has now winged its way across the ditch (Tasman Sea!) to Geraldine on South Island New Zealand where it is at the moment showing. 

It was great to meet the Kiwi Hoffman Challenge organisers at the Craft Fair.

For those who don’t know, the big annual craft fair in Deloraine is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 30, 000 people to the town for the weekend. Sadly, few of these people head away from the fair itself, to see what Deloraine has to offer. This year, to encourage people into town, each of the businesses in the High Street collaborated with an artist to exhibit work in their window or place of business. Jacque got together with the florist, Heather, and with the help of Jilli and Pauline who happened to be passing by, put together a very attractive display. 

We’re not really sure that the plan worked as numbers of visitors are really down anyway this year, but it didn’t matter anyway as it was a great opportunity for artists to gain some more exposure.

We have been going to the Tin Shed Pottery quite a bit more frequently, Jacque to do her clay work and me for music with Wal. We’ll show you some photos of Jacque’s latest works when we get them, but I’m afraid I can’t give you a sample of the music. You’ll just have to take my word that it is great stuff. If you don’t believe me come along to the Tin Shed one week and be amazed!

It has also been a couple of months of celebration. Jacque &  I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary, but we kept it a pretty low key affair, finishing off with fish & chips at Hawley Beach. It was tasty, quiet & romantic!

Finally for this instalment, Jacque has just got herself a proper job! Well it was her turn!!!

She is now a Family Advocate for the Association for Children with Disability, covering the whole of northern Tasmania including Flinders and Cape Barren Islands. She has only just started so we’ll let you know how she gets on down the track.

Well, that’s about it for this entry. I have put some December events onto the events page if you want to check them out. We really wouldn’t  want you to miss something good. Take care, and more again soon.

The added photos are of some orchids which Jacque has been growing in our greenhouse.

Up and running!

Well, we're just about settled into our new way of life, but as somebodies law states, our time is filling up fast, and will soon be overflowing, again! It is great working from home and we have been just as busy as when we were in the studio, but not committed to being tied to a place geographically or chronologically.

Jacque was busy as August closed, finishing a quilt for the Hoffman Challenge which is being run in Australia for the first time this year. It is being judged soon but winners won't be announced until the annual Tasmanian Craft Fair, at the end of October.

 As well as quilting and gardening, we have been busy setting up for our first market stall at the beginning of September. We had a great time (& busy time) at the market, and it was lovely to catch up with so many people we hadn't seen for months, and to meet so many new folk. We sold a lot of art materials and greetings cards which was great, but remember, we can order anything which anybody wants, just call us on
6369 5410 and we can get you what you want.

Jacque at the Deloraine market (first Saturday of the month)

The day after the market we went up the mountains to the opening of a new gallery. It is at River Willow Retreat on the Lakes Highway, Golden Valley, just up from the Tigerhill Cafe. Nick and Deb have done a wonderful job with the gallery, and all the very varied art works look superb. Well done you two!

River, Willow (aka Nick & Deb) & Jacque

It is a lovely spot for anything, let alone a gallery! It has beautiful views from the Great Western Tiers (the mountains for those outside of Tassie!) looking over  a valley, and Deloraine. In the near future Nick & Deb are going to be opening a tea rooms as well. What a trip out that would be. Jacque has a few of her paintings here, and clay works at Galendor Art & Essence in Sheffield . As I write this she is also putting some clay works (Anne & the Lava Lantern) into the Deloraine Creative Studios. They too are doing a great job, and it is fast becoming a great venue for art & craft and it also has excellent space for all sorts of workshops. Keep up the good work.

Well, that's about it for now. Thank you all for your continued support & warm encouragement. We really do appreciate it. Thank you too, for old mates who have got in touch through this Blogspot. It has been good to hear from you.

We will be at the Deloraine Market again on the first Saturday of October. If we don't see you before, see you there!