Paper and paste play

It's the season of making cards and stuff - but I'm not quite Christmassy yet.

A few centuries ago, at the pub, they discussed if  women should write history.

"Fish will fall from the sky first!'

Blackseed

While most of Australia (according to the TV) drank bubbly wine and watched the Melbourne Cup, I read a good book, planted out the coriander and drank green tea.

I found this unusual leaf-shaped tea bowl at the Ballarat artisan market last Saturday.   I have a couple of more tradtionally shaped tea bowls, but this one is surprisingly pleasant to hold and easy to drink from.

I was impressed by Blackseed Ceramics which was one of the few stallholders at the market to offer well made and individual work.
The other pieces I saw on the Blackseed stall were of less traditional colouring than the bowl I chose. There were some beautiful turquiose-glazed bowls and some fine, white porcelain painted in delicate paisley patterns and gently textured on the outside to suggest traditional paisley textiles.

Summer changes

After hesitating between spring and summer, the seasons have finally changed.

Each day this week has been bright blue and biting hot and over the week I've completed a summer ritual. I've washed and packed away my winter clothes and aired and hung up my summer clothes, and my windows, too, are now wearing gauzy white cotton.

Fine white cotton reflects the heat away and lets a soft light fill the room, a light that is easy to read and work in.

I made these last year, handsewing leftover indigo fabric pieces along the tops and sides. It's really summer now and I'm ready for the heat and glare of the sun.