Susannah Tucker Photography

Addicted to blue

2012-02-24T09:53:00.000+11:00

I am finally going to admit it. I am addicted to the colour blue.

Over the years, as my work has evolved,

I have realised that my favourite photos are those with a blue background - the sky, or the blue table.

I have known since an early age that I feel most alive when the sky is blue,

when I am at the beach with the blue ocean,

or in a vivid aqua blue swimming pool.

There is something uplifting, and calming, and exhilarating {to me}, about those things.

{The Secret Garden - taken on the blue table in my studio}

When we first moved into our house, I envisaged white everywhere,

but after painting my studio white (photos to come when I have a good tidy up!),

I realised that it doesn't actually inspire me.

So this summer, when choosing colours for the kitchen, kids room, and our room,

we chose shades of blue.

And wow, we love those rooms now!

Our bedroom - we ripped up the grey carpet to discover these gorgeous floors,

and painted the skirting boards white.

What a difference it has made!

Art work still needs to be hung.

Our house seems to always be a work in progress!

This is the kids bright blue feature wall.

Photos of Annabel with apples in her lap and the black and white photo of Otis

with the cart are by the AMAZING Barb: JinkyArt.

Print in centre by the talented Kat Hannah.

Hot air balloon on left from an old children's book.

Other framed photos and photo blocks by moi.

And this little guy, who once again wanted to be part of the action!

Taken in our bedroom, also shown in top photo, painted an antique shade of blue.

We are now a bit stuck, as we want to paint the dining and living rooms,

don't want the whole house to be shades of blue,

but don't know what other colours to introduce.

Hmmm, any suggestions?

This little guy

2012-02-15T11:48:00.000+11:00

I have had so many blog posts planned...

so many photo shoots planned...

so many before and afters to share of little corners of our home....

so many new projects to start {and finish}, but this little guy....

this little guy really doesn't want me to do any of that.

He wants me to play trains, to play cars, to go for a walk,

to watch his tricks on the trampoline,

to be in my photo if I manage to get so far as to have the camera in my hands.

And really, could you say no to a little guy like this?

I can't.

So I play, and we walk, and I watch,

and I savour it all because soon he will be at kindy

and I will have time to do my work,

and no doubt miss this adorable little guy.

On a hot summers night

2012-02-02T11:04:00.000+11:00

I try to get out for an evening walk each night, and each night that I do

I admire the wild flowers that grow all along the country roads,

and think I must bring my camera.

Heading out the other night, it dawned on me that soon summer will be over,

and these beautiful flowers will all be gone.

So I went back inside and grabbed my camera.

And this is what I saw.

February

2012-02-01T16:27:00.000+11:00

I feel like I had all of January off. With school holidays, it is pretty much impossible to get anything work related done, except the bare necessity (answering queries, packaging up orders). I hardly took any photos! It was lovely though to spend so much time with the kids, and have a more relaxed pace of life for a month.

Now that it is February though, and school has started again, I feel like we have routine back in our lives and I am so ready to get back into work mode.

So February, I welcome you!

the smocked dress

2012-01-27T11:33:00.000+11:00

Another polaroid taken at my friends house on the tea cup photo shoot.

There is something so adorable about little girls smocked dresses, isn't there?

In the midst of summer

2012-01-25T19:21:00.000+11:00

Summer....this year you have been the perfect mix of long hot sun drenched days, and cold snaps to remind us not to take you for granted. The best days have been those spent out at the beach, and fingers crossed we get some more fantastic weekends when we load up the car and head out on an adventure....those are the days that both kids exclaim it was the best day of their lives, and make the car sicknesses, the sandy mess, the tiredness at the end of the day all worth it.

A tribute to the Hot Air Balloon tragedy

2012-01-11T13:32:00.000+11:00

Words fail me.

This is my tribute to the Hot Air Balloon tragedy that happened here in our small town of Carterton on Saturday.

It is so unbelievable that something so beautiful can cause such sadness.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 11 onboard who died.

We are all thinking of you, and will be for a very long time.

New Series - The Little Birds

2012-01-09T16:09:00.000+11:00

{on top of the world}

I am really loving these new little birds.

And how great does it feel to be inspired and creative again!

I have been lacking a bit lately in inspiration,

so these new little props are a welcome addition to my world.

{theirs was a love story}

{soul mates}

And of course, because I am still so iPhone mad (and still so iPhone envious!),

I had to make these, available as covers & skins on Society6

Wishing you all a creative, fresh start to your January!

Serendipity

2012-01-02T21:45:00.000+11:00

I believe.

Do you?

2012

2011-12-31T16:36:00.000+11:00

It is New Years Eve.

One of my favourite days.

The anticipation of the first day of the New Year,

a fresh start, a clean start.

Today I get to reminisce about what has been,

to ponder on experiences I can learn from,

and to celebrate successes.

Next year, 2012,

I am daring to dream bigger than I have ever dreamt before.....

2012, I am so ready for you.....

Happy New Year to you all, I hope you celebrate what has been,

and dream big for the future...

Love. Peace. Joy.

2011-12-24T12:32:00.000+11:00

This past week we said good bye to my Granny.

These sweet peas are for all of you who remember loved ones over the holidays.

May you find

Love. Peace. Joy.

An Interview for the Wairarapa Times Age

2011-12-09T13:54:00.001+11:00

Earlier in the week, I was emailed asking if I would like to be interviewed for the Arts Section of the Wairarapa Times Age. Quite nervously, I said yes. It was lovely, chatting to reporter Sarah Hardie over a cup of tea felt like chatting to a friend, it wasn't at all as scary as I had thought. I am thrilled to have been asked, and thank you to Sarah for writing such a lovely article! If you are in the Wairarapa, the article is in today's paper (Friday December 9th, and there is a little photo of me on the front of the paper as well!)

First day of summer

2011-12-01T19:54:00.000+11:00

Today marks the first day of summer.

And it was a spectacular day, one of those perfect days when you wake

and can see the sunshine and blue sky before you even open the curtains.

I love this time of year - there is a real energy to December,

with the excitement of the holidays coming, and the promise of all that is summer....

long evenings, running through the sprinkler, barefeet, picnics,

driving with the windows open and the music up.......summer, hello you.

she liked to collect things

2011-11-17T19:14:00.000+11:00

'fleur'

'papillon'

'coquillage'

I have started working on a new series,

titled 'she liked to collect things'.

Inspired by

~ Annabel, who loves to collect and create

~ my granny's vintage French English dictionary

~ old speciman labels.

There will be more to add as spring rolls into lazy summer days...

my little guy

2011-11-16T18:38:00.001+11:00

Playing along with Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love for Wordless Wednesday.

My little guy, and some very old expired Polaroid film.

Collaboration with Eden Ripley - new photo jewellery

2011-11-14T11:35:00.000+11:00

{You and Me}

{Believe in the Magic}

{Pale Simplicity}

{The Resting Place}

{she floats in a cotton candy daydream}

{Wish}

For the past few years I have licensed photos to a wonderful New Zealand company, Eden Ripley, run by Susie Ripley. If you see any of my work on photo blocks, or as fine art prints and note cards in shops here in New Zealand, they are there thanks to Susie. And now I am so pleased with this range, a line of jewellery that is so divine I want to keep it all. Using my photos, Susie has created earrings and necklaces that are stunning. When I first saw them, it brought tears to my eyes. Tears! I am still in disbelief that I am at a point where photos I have created are being sold throughout stores as beautiful jewellery pieces...am I daydreaming?

{she dreamt she could fly}

The range is available now in my Etsy store, on the Eden Ripley wesbite, and in a range of stores throughout New Zealand. I hope you enjoy the pieces as much as I am!

because sometimes...

2011-11-10T19:23:00.000+11:00

because sometimes...a daydream is what you need.

I Love Carterton - The Simple Things

2011-11-09T19:02:00.000+11:00

A year ago (really, a year???) I started to post about why I love where we live so much. I have a whole list of reasons in my head, but I only got to #2 here on the blog. I am not the world's best blogger am I?

Here in this blog, this is where I like to share little tidbits about my days, but this space is also my reminder of steps in my journey. And in amidst the busy-ness that is life at this time of the year, I am all about enjoying the simple things.

So #3 on the list of 'why I love where we live' is The Vegie Garden. Back in our rentals in Melbourne we would daydream endlessly about what our backyard would be like when we moved and had our own home. All daydreams involved a vegie garden. I want to learn how to garden ~ how to not only grow pretty flowers that I can bring in and put in old milk bottle vases on the windowsills, but together with the kids how to grow our own vegies. And finally, this past week, we have our vegie garden. Nothing extravagent, just a few lettuces, tomatoes, peas, strawberries and marigolds to start with. I am in love with this garden. It represents so much to me, for our family. Every time I look at it out the kitchen window, I smile.

What simple things are you enjoying right now, as life gets busier?

a place to daydream....

2011-10-24T08:26:00.000+11:00

Photo Shoot - Madison Reece Designs

2011-10-10T19:29:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Annabel and I packed up some props,

and headed out of town to take some product photos for the talented Melissa,

of Madison Reece Designs.

The skirts and accessories are adorable, and it was a lot of fun setting up these shots.

I haven't taken photos of little miss Annabel in quite some time,

and so a few of these might end up on our walls.

Wishing you a wonderful start to your week!

Free worldwide shipping!

2011-10-01T08:54:00.000+10:00

This weekend, I am having free worldwide shipping in my Etsy shop. I don't know about you, but I have started cruising my favourite Etsy shops thinking about holiday shopping. So this is a great time to get organised with holiday gifts! Does not apply to jewellery, but everything else, even the photo blocks, ship for nothing. Not a cent! This deal will finish end of day Sunday.

What are you plans this weekend? We are starting to paint walls, skirting...which will take us a step closer to painting the wooden floors white. Oh happy happy Spring!

I just can't get enough....

2011-09-29T16:43:00.000+10:00

...of the Spring blossoms.

2012 Calendars

2011-09-28T19:05:00.000+10:00

2012 Calendars are available now!

I have 2 for you to choose from, the first is titled 'Whimsical Daydreams'

featuring a collection of favourite whimsical themed photos...as pictured above.

The second is 'The Daydreamers Tea Party',

featuring my favourites from the Polaroid Tea Cup shoot.

This calendar is perfect for those of us who love to daydream over a cup of tea....

in a vintage cup of course...

I must admit I love them both, they are very different but both based on a dreamy whimsical theme.....

The beauty about these calendars, is they are printed on 5x7" matt photographic paper,

so when the month is over, trim the dates off and

you have a 5x5" photo to frame, pin up on your inspiration board, your fridge...

It will arrive packaged in a divine vellum envelope,

wrapped in brown paper,

tied with string

decorated with a mini print

and a lovely paper doily.

Go on....spoil yourself or someone you love!

The tea cups

2011-09-22T19:17:00.000+10:00

On Sunday I spent a few hours with one of my oldest and dearest friends,

photographing her most divine vintage tea cup collection.

I had 2 packs of Polaroid film waiting patiently in the fridge for our afternoon,

and I cannot tell you how much these photos mean to me...for 2 reasons.

Because I know how much the tea cups mean to my lovely friend,

and well, because after being so uninspired for what feels like months and months, and doubting myself,

these little tea cups set up on her adorable kitchen table, have given me that feeling again.

You know, the one where all you can think about is the photos,

when you just want to hold them in your hands and look at them again and again.

When your heart feels alive and you feel the passion for it again.

Thank you, my wonderful friend,

for letting me come and take these photos,

and for bringing the inspiration back.

A daydreaming kind of a weekend

2011-09-17T13:29:00.000+10:00

Just when I think I have created the last balloon photo, I feel inspired again.

This one, is for my little boy, who loves the hot air balloons,

and when they fly over our house on still, crisp mornings,

tries so hard to reach them.

Wishing you all a wonderful, daydreaming kind of a weekend.

~xo

A Trip down Melbourne Memory Lane

2011-09-16T11:53:00.000+10:00

Do you ever feel like your heart belongs in two places?

That you have two homes?

That you belong here....but you also belong there?

Today, my heart is here in our home in Carterton.

Yet my heart is also wandering the city streets of Melbourne.....

Cupcake of the Day

2011-09-14T09:37:00.000+10:00

I am playing along again today with Sarah over at Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love for Wordless Wednesday. And with a birthday coming up, have cupcakes on my mind.

The Start of the Garden

2011-09-11T12:45:00.000+10:00

When we made the move last year, we couldn't wait to start on the garden.

However waiting is what we did, as we seemed to be busy every weekend with other things.

Now that spring has rolled around, and we have had time to think about each garden space,

we have started planting. Roses, ranunculus, sweet peas...I have plans for many more.

A little bit of colour in the garden is so lovely. As is expired 600 Polaroid film.

What is planted in your garden? Happy weekending to you!

Oh how I do love you Spring....

2011-09-06T12:25:00.000+10:00

I love wandering the streets in the spring, with the warmth of the sun slowly erasing the cold of winter,

with every sense tuned into spring....the blossoms, the birds, the blue sky.

It really does feel like an awakening, doesn't it?

It's here!

2011-09-01T17:44:00.000+10:00

Happy Spring!

Spring, you make me smile.

A note to Winter.

2011-08-31T14:04:00.000+10:00

Dear Winter,

Thank you for being so mild, for letting the sun shine through on crisp blue sky days,

for keeping a lot of rain and wind away.

Thank you for delivering just enough cold weather to make me really appreciate spring.

Thank you for bringing us snow - SNOW!

The winter illnesses we will forget, but the magical snowflakes that fell from the sky for 2 days,

the snowman we built on the front lawn, that we will remember.

Winter, thank you......for being over.

A winter wonderland

2011-08-17T12:09:00.002+10:00

Last week I was busy celebrating the blue sky and blossoms, knowing that spring was well on its way. This week, we have had a 'once in a lifetime' storm, straight from Antarctica, bringing snow to most of the country - and most of those places have never seen snow like it. Not in our backyards.

Not so much snow that we get to throw snowballs, make snowman, and marvel at the white winter wonderland all around us. Schools closed, roads closed ~ moving from card games by the fire, to window snow watching, to playing outside in it and then back to the fire to warm up. It has been amazing. Cold, yes, but oh so beautiful.

I know come summer we will have days when it is so hot we won't believe that in August it snowed, that we had 6 inches of snow covering everything. But to remind us, I have 2 containers of snow in the freezer. I think there will be a snowball fight on a hot summers afternoon.....

Wordless Wednesday - Do you see what I see?

2011-08-10T07:27:00.000+10:00

{Morning Blossoms}

{Afternoon Blossoms}

{Evening Blossoms}

Do you see them? Here comes Spring....

Playing along for Wordless Wednesday (they roll around so quickly!) with Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love.

My studio space and a sale

2011-08-08T12:34:00.003+10:00

I love seeing where other people work, so thought I would share a few shots of my space.

I am so grateful that after working on the kitchen table for years I have a room all to myself.

Well, the daybed is in there too, so when we have guests to stay it is the spare room, which works nicely for us.

I am starting to plan out the 'white out'......painting the floors and walls white, so am having a clean up. You can find photos here of how it looked months ago when we ripped up the carpet. With spring well on its way it's time to get organised! All items currently in stock are on sale over in my Etsy shop. Once they have sold out the prices will be back to normal, so it's a great time to get them at a reduced price.

Can you tell I like I am a fan of blue?

I am always changing things around, so no doubt it won't stay like this for long.

So there you have it. My studio space.

{I have quite a few Etsy/web purchases you can see in the photos - calendar by Gretchenmist hanging on the wall on the far left, another calendar from fieryeyed above my desk, Japanese Washi tape used on the inspiration board from NZ shop Kozo. The divine 'French Bird' and 'French Emblem' burlap cushions on the daybed are from Jolie Marche, I am planning another purchase I just can't decide which as they are all so gorgeous....!}

Wordless {Whimsical} Wednesday

2011-08-03T11:09:00.001+10:00

Playing along with my lovely friend Sarah

over at Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love today,

for Wordless {Whimsical} Wednesday

August

2011-08-01T10:39:00.000+10:00

Already? Really?

My little darlings

2011-07-29T12:09:00.001+10:00

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

my little helper

2011-07-24T17:47:00.000+10:00

It's school holidays here, and that means I have a little helper. While Otis sleeps, I work away at my desk, and this little girl works in her favourite spot in the warm winter sun, using all the 'scraps' to make her own creations. It makes for a lovely afternoon.

High Tea

2011-07-19T12:59:00.001+10:00

{The Tea Pot}

{The Creamer}

{The Tea Cups}

High tea, anyone?

five...

2011-07-06T12:03:00.001+10:00

We reached a milestone this week. Annabel turned 5.

And with that came the first day of school...

and so many emotions I wasn't expecting.

As we walked away from school,

I left another little piece of my heart with her...

and cried all the way home.

together we will touch the sky...

2011-06-17T19:50:00.001+10:00

Everytime we see something up in the sky -

a plane...a cloud...the moon...a star...the sun...a bird.....

my little Otis reaches up as far as he can stretch his little arms,

looks at me with such hope, and asks 'touch'?

He wants to touch the sky.

And the birds, the sun, the moon, the stars, the planes.
The hot air balloons...they are his favourite of all.

The Winter Trees

2011-06-16T12:09:00.000+10:00

There isn't a lot I like about winter, it's no secret.

One thing I do love though is the winter trees,

the way the evening sky changes colour

behind the silhouette of bare branches...

what do you love about winter?

A catch up post - Photographers Gallery Hawkes Bay

2011-06-07T13:26:00.001+10:00

I have been meaning to post these photos since March/April...seems time gets away too quickly these days. I had a little exhibition of the 'Nostalgia' series in the Photographers Gallery Hawkes Bay a couple of months ago, which is the most divine gallery space with a very cool cafe - The Kitchen Table. The space is in the art deco Red Cross building on Tennyson Street in Napier, and is, well, just so cool!! Mum and I drove up to Napier on a day adventure to check it out, and I must admit I felt very shy about seeing my work on the walls.

While we were living in Melbourne I started to daydream about having an exhibition somewhere one day in the distant future, but I hadn't thought seriously about it (as I had no idea how it would come about). So when I was contacted by the newly opened gallery to hang some work, my first reaction was to say no, I'm not ready, I'm not worthy....but I pushed the fear aside and did it.

I snapped a few photos on my little point and shoot, but felt very odd about it as there were people at the cafe tables and in the gallery (I had permission from the wonderful owner Shayne, but I felt too shy!).

If you are in Napier I recommend you visit, they have great coffee, really good food, and the walls are full of wonderful artists. Thank you to Shayne and Cath for the opportunity, it is great to be part of your gallery!

Hello June.

2011-06-01T09:53:00.000+10:00

Hello June.

Winter, please be kind.

New! iPhone and laptop skins (and other products) available!

2011-05-25T14:46:00.000+10:00

I am so excited about this I can hardly sit still.

I am now offering selected prints through the very cool site Society6 available as prints, stretched canvases, and skins (and cases) for your iPhone, iPod, iPad and laptop.

I already have serious iPhone envy, but now i REALLY want one as I want to 'dress it up' with a skin! And a case, as with a little one in the house I would need it protected from little hands. Aren't the skins just so darn cool? I am in LOVE. I think I will have to choose a laptop skin, the plain black now just looks so boring.

If you would like to see what a photo would look like as a skin for your groovy gadget, just let me know and I can load it to the site for you. Society6 is an amazing site, so easy - just select the photo/art you like, select the model of your gadget, order and it will be delivered to your door! I am in love with it!

Wordless Wednesday - we are family

2011-05-18T13:11:00.000+10:00

Playing along today with the lovely Sarah,

pop over to Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love

to see other gorgeous photos!

Butterfly Kisses...

2011-05-17T14:54:00.000+10:00

Today I was feeling totally overwhelmed with the busy-ness

that is a 2 year old boy.

And in amongst the chaos he raced over and gave me a huge hug and his version of a butterfly kiss.

And it melted my heart.

Just popping in...

2011-05-15T11:45:00.000+10:00

...to say hello!

I thought I'd share a snap taken on Mothers Day last weekend,

of me and Annabel.

Otis was too busy being an aeroplane to stop for a photo.

And as you can see Annabel is a dress lover.

The frillier and prettier the better for her.

It doesn't matter if the dress is a size 2

and doesn't do up at the back, she will make it work.

I really am embracing this, even if it means washing

her favourite pink dress every night

so she can wear it to kindy the next day...

and get it covered in paint and dirt again!

Happy Sunday!

Today....

2011-05-06T11:04:00.000+10:00

Today....I am dreaming about Melbourne....daydreaming that I am walking along the Yarra, watching the rowers on the river, stopping for a coffee outside the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road to soak up the wonderful Melbourne vibe....

oh Melbourne, when will I see you again?

3am whispers

2011-05-03T13:46:00.002+10:00

I have so much to catch up on with blogging, so much I want to share here in my journey about the exhibition in Napier, the Craft 2.0 market and general goings-on. But catch up posts can wait. I had to put everything aside today to create this new photo, with words whispered to me at 3am this morning as I tip-toed out of Annabel's room....

i love you to the moon & stars & fairies & flowers...

& back....

Falling in love again...

2011-04-15T09:52:00.000+10:00

{we were destined to be friends}

I am in love with the Butterflies again.

It's funny to think that way back in 2009,

on a beautiful early summers day,

whilst out walking with Annabel (then aged 3)

a conversation we had as we watched the butterflies

floating from one flower to the next,

provided the inspiration for this series.

Annabel has been an endless source of inspiration for me -

she is My Muse.

So anyway,

a few weeks ago I had a request for new work

in the Butterfly Series from a client,

and to be honest, I wasn't sure if I could revive them.

But it turns out I fell in love again....

and have some ideas for more to add to the range.

Happy Friday to you all, cheers to falling in love all over again!

She floats in a daydream...

2011-04-13T13:29:00.001+10:00

{she floats in a daydream}

Letting the photo do the talking,

and playing along in Wordless Wednesday today with Sarah

over at Faith, Hope and a whole lotta Love.

Daydreaming....

2011-04-08T14:40:00.000+10:00

Daydreaming today....about swimming at dusk....

with the warmth of the evening summer sun upon my shoulders....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T12:23:00.000+10:00

Playing along today with my lovely friend Sarah,

over at Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love

Sometimes I wonder...

2011-04-05T14:39:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I wonder where my day goes....

All I wanted was to take some product photos....

yet this little cheeky monkey insisted on playing....

and so I think, with a 2 year old in the house,

I should never wonder where my days go....

{and as I type this post I have a 4 year old sitting on my knee, keeping me nice and warm...}

whimsical walls....

2011-03-28T13:12:00.000+11:00

I have made the hot air balloon series into photo blocks. The kids love them, so I think they will be going up in their room. They are all listed on Etsy, and a couple are on Felt, the rest will be added over the next few days.

Happy sunny Monday.

I do love waking to a brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine
after days and days of grey and rain...
long may it last!

to the stars....

2011-03-23T12:48:00.000+11:00

what do you say....shall we?

whimsical skies...

2011-03-20T20:19:00.001+11:00

does it get any more whimsical

than hot air balloons in the pale

early morning autumn skies?

To Help Japan

2011-03-18T13:43:00.000+11:00

{Sweet Spring}

{Spring Sunshine}

I have been struggling to comprehend what is going on in the world at the moment. I have come to the conclusion that we have to do what we can to help, and we also owe it to all those that lost their lives in Christchurch and Japan to live our lives to the fullest, every single moment of every single day.

{Hello You}

While all proceeds from all sales for the month of March from both my Etsy and Felt shops are being donated to Christchurch, I have decided that all proceeds from the spring blossom photos and photo blocks in Etsy will be donated to the Japan Red Cross appeal. Listings can be viewed in my Etsy shop by searching 'Japan'.

What is going on in the world?

2011-03-14T13:43:00.000+11:00

Why can we not live in peace...
with no wars, no natural disasters...
safe with the knowledge that tonight the sun will go down...
and tomorrow the sun will rise again...
and we will all still be here, unharmed, hearts not broken?

Thursday flowers

2011-03-10T13:57:00.000+11:00

Over the last little while I have been re-visiting old photo folders, seeing what I filed away and forgot about...and stumbled across these ranunculus, taken with the old box cameras while we were living in Melbourne. I think I would like a garden full of ranunculus, they are just so lovely.

Happy Thursday, I hope wherever you are the sky is blue and the sun, no matter how strong, is shining for you!

six point three -let's show Christchurch some love

2011-03-03T09:14:00.000+11:00

Just over a week ago, Christchurch was hit with yet another earthquake, this one devastating - a shallow 6.3 magnitude, causing unbelievable destruction, and claiming so many lives. So many people are still missing. I don't need to go into the details, I am sure you have all seen it on your news. I am not good with words at the best of times, and so now I sit here and have no idea how to say what I want to say. I was born in Christchurch, my parents grew up in the South Island, we have family and friends down in Christchurch, and my mother was in Christchurch on holiday last Tuesday. It has been an emotional time - from Shannon calling to say there had just been a massive quake, and then quickly texting back and forth with Mum, - yes she is ok, they just won't stop, house a mess, etc etc etc. You could sense the panic and it was so horrible. When she finally got home on last Thursday evening, well, I have never been so pleased to see her, and my Dad who drove down to get her. Yet we are lucky, everyone we know is safe. So many people lost their loved ones, so many are still waiting to hear news. Everywhere we go, everyone has been, and will be for a very long time, talking about it - trying to make arrangements to get relatives out of the city, telling their stories, spreading the word on ways to help. At times like this you just feel so powerless, it doesn't feel enough to make a donation, to make a meal for family affected, to bake bread for another family, to give cans of food to be sent down to help feed so many displaced people. And yet at the same time, it is those small actions that help us to feel a sense of community. New Zealand is like one big community, and we are all affected, and we all want to help. The response too from the rest of the world has been amazing, it gives me goosebumps reading about the help pouring in from around the world.

It doesn't seem right that I have a shower, I drink a cup of tea, I cook for my family and wash our dishes - and at the moment so many have no clean water, can't have a shower and turn the tap on to get a drink or brush their teeth, can't flush the toilet, and many don't even have a safe roof over their heads any more. It doesn't seem right, and yet it makes me so incredibly grateful for all that we are blessed with, and makes me realise how fragile life is, and how we must make each and every day count, and we can't let things go unsaid, and we must cherish those that we love.

If you would like to do something to help. you can donate to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal here. I will be donating all proceeds from both Etsy and Felt shops for the month of March to the appeal. If we all help out a little bit, it will make the difference.

So how ever you chose to help, let's show Christchurch some love.

The Summer Garden

2011-02-17T14:38:00.000+11:00

I have a confession.

I have hardly had the camera out this summer.

It's been nice to just enjoy what is going on in our daily lives.

Or it could also be because I have only 2 polaroids left and I am saving it for something special

(I don't know what that is, it will have to be something really special to be worthy of my last 2 polaroids).

Or it could be that I have been lulled into a sense of 'we have ages to go before the end of summer'...and now I have realised that all these pretty summer flowers will soon be gone...

whatever the reason behind it,

I am now back with camera in hand....

capturing moments of summer while I can....

Hello

2011-02-12T19:00:00.001+11:00

I'm popping in to say hello...so...."Hello!"

I have been a bit absent from this space recently, I am trying to soak up every bit of summer while it is here, before the..well, the opposite of hot blue sky summer days arrive. (I dislike them so much I can't even bring myself to say them.) So, while the sun shines I am spending more time with the kids outside, and less time on the computer.

I hope you are enjoying the season you are in!

Nostalgic | Barcelona Photo Store

2011-02-01T12:59:00.000+11:00

Isn't this store divine?

It is brand new, it opened a couple of weeks ago, in Barcelona -
called Nostalgic | Barcelona Photo Store. It looks seriously charming, and I am so delighted that they stock a large range of my photo blocks and note cards in amongst the other goodies - isn't that shelf of Polaroids to die for? Now if only a trip to Barcelona was on the cards sometime soon so I could pop in to say hello!

{Images supplied by Miguel, from Nostalgic}

sweet evening light

2011-01-24T07:51:00.000+11:00

in the sweet evening light
we spent a few short moments together.....

it was just her and I,

my camera, and Granny's chair....

the farm animals looked on with curiosity,

the grasses swayed in the gentle breeze...

and then she asked if we were finished,

and ran off to find her Poppa.....

thinking about hearts

2011-01-18T19:25:00.000+11:00

I've started to think about Valentine's Day.

But really, shouldn't we go the extra mile for those we love

every day?

fields of wild flowers

2011-01-15T06:51:00.000+11:00

one of my favourite things about living in the country....

so many fields of wild flowers to play in.....

The Queensland Floods

2011-01-14T07:13:00.000+11:00

Queensland....what to say.
My heart goes out to all of you, not just in Queensland, but all around Australia. Half of me calls Australia home after spending such a long time there, (and with Shannon being an Aussie), so we find ourselves glued to the news, and reading every web page we can. Reading the stories of rescues, well, it just makes you cry.

It is just astounding to see the photos. How can a country suffering from such great drought receive so much rain?

Devastating.

It is going to take a long long time for Australia to recover from this (but recover they will, the aussie spirit is strong!). Donations can be made to the Queensland Government (for those not in Australia details on how to donate internationally are halfway down the page) , and for those in NZ, donations can be made via Red Cross NZ.

All procceds from my Etsy and Felt shops this weekend will be donated to the Queensland Government flood appeal.

This article did make me smile, and feel proud - for all the trans tasman rivalry between Australia and NZ, when it comes down to it, we are neighbours with a strong bond.

For all of you affected - there are many of us out there thinking of you, and trying to help in whatever way we can.

Goodbye grey...hello wood!

2011-01-08T11:49:00.000+11:00

Say hello to the new love of my life....wooden floorboards.
When we moved in to our new home 3 months ago, we could not wait to rip up the grey carpet and see what was underneath. We suspected there would be beautiful wooden floorboards, as most 1920's houses have them, but we made ourselves wait until we had insulation sorted (because as much as I'd like wooden floors, I like to be warm more!). Just before Christmas we ripped up a corner piece of carpet in one of the bedroom carpets, and had our hopes confirmed - divine wood lived underneath the grey! Still we made ourselves wait.....and then.....just after Christmas, on a cold and windy holiday day that had us all pottering around inside, I had a mini tantrum. I didn't enjoy being in my own studio/office space, there was just too much grey, and it was becoming a dumping room for unpacked boxes and general stuff. And for everyone who works on a kitchen table will agree I am sure, that to have ones very own room after years of being on the kitchen table, is a dream come true. So not to enjoy being in there? Well, maybe the tantrum wasn't so mini. :)

Not usually one to give in to tantrums (he he he) half an hour later Shannon had pulled it all up, having decided we'd just do this one room for now.

Oh my, can you imagine how much I love being in there now? I have dreamt of white painted wooden floors since I can't remember when, but for now, I am loving the fact that there is no more grey.

I am still playing with the set up, rearranging things, so there will be more photos to come when I stop moving everything around!

The year of 2010

2011-01-04T10:08:00.000+11:00

2010 will be remembered as the year we swapped a townhouse rental in our beloved beloved city Melbourne.....

....for our very own divine 1920's weatherboard in gorgeous small town New Zealand.

and now here we are, living a much more relaxed life...surrounded by beauty, and I am ready for whatever opportunities the wind blows our way. I have goals and dreams for sure, but this year, I have no desire to write them down. 2010 taught me that whatever will be will be, when the time is ready, all will fall into place. So this year, no stress about the what's and when's, more of the enjoying today...celebrating the moment, and being ready for the opportunities that present themselves.

Happy New Year to you all!

lately

2010-12-18T17:59:00.000+11:00

Lately I have been taking fewer photos of Annabel and Otis....I find that instead of wanting to be behind the camera, I want to be joining in...being in the moment instead of capturing it. It has, I must admit, been quite lovely. Not so lovely when trying to send photos to family in Australia, realising we don't actually have that many! It is such a cliche, but they grow and change so quickly, and I find I just love watching them, and savouring this time.

I love that they play together and make each other laugh without talking.....I love that even without using words Annabel will tell me what it is that Otis wants....I love that he can ask her why? why? why? over and over and she doesn't grow impatient, but answers each 'why' with an explanation....I love hearing them giggle and play when they are supposed to be going to sleep....I am really loving life and everything we are blessed with.

While we're on the subject...

2010-12-16T13:13:00.000+11:00

...of vintage goodies, I've turned the latest vintage inspired polaroids into photo blocks,

available individually (on both Etsy and Felt)

or as this set titled 'Nostalgia'-

It is my new favourite set, now hanging in my 'still to be finished' studio.

But that's a project for another day. :)

Dear Santa...

2010-12-11T13:13:00.000+11:00

please may I have some more Polaroid? I am down to my last pack of film.....

it's all about the music...

2010-12-06T10:29:00.000+11:00

{the blue ukelele}

I've been waiting all year for December to roll around so we can start playing the Christmas Carol music. It seems to get us all in the festive spirit, and I love how Annabel requests her favourite songs all day long. We never get sick of them, and oh how her face lights up if we are out and she hears one she knows. Even Otis is getting in on it, following Annabel around copying her dance moves.

{it's all about the music}

It's no wonder with all this music and dancing in the house all day long, I was inspired to take some more polaroids...

Oh, and if you pop over to Much Love, the wonderful Anna is hosting a 2011 Polaroid Daydream Calendar giveaway...

The music

2010-12-05T20:09:00.000+11:00

'can you hear the music.....'

'the strummer'

'the listener'

If a man does not keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to the music which he hears,

however measured or far away.

~ Henry David Thoreau

Photo Jewelry

2010-12-03T09:47:00.001+11:00

{You and Me Photo Locket - $40USD}

I am so thrilled to be working with Lori of Heart Works by Lori, together we have created the most divine jewelry. Lori's pieces are stunning, brass lockets, rings, pendants...in which she mounts my (printed on metallic paper) photographs, and covers with a protective layer to give them an incredible shine.

{The Ikonette Ring - $32USD}

{The Minolta Ring - $32USD}

{The Minolta Photo Locket - $40USD}

I received my first order a couple of weeks ago, and most sold before I even had a chance to list them.

{She Wore Butterflies in her Hair Photo Ring - $32USD}

At the moment I have only one locket in stock, You and Me, a silver Minolta pendant, and these three rings. I am so lucky, as Lori has just sent another order my way - even though she is flat out with her own orders, she made up more lockets for me. Thanks Lori!

{The Minolta Photo Pendant -$35 USD}

{Pale Simplicity Photo Locket - $40USD}

I think Santa will be giving me another one for Christmas! I love them.

{Today would be a lovely day to be a Butterfly Photo Locket - $40USD}

{The Resting Place Photo Locket - $40USD}

If you see one here in this post you would like listed in either the Etsy (USD and international shipping) or Felt (NZD and shipping within NZ) shop, please contact me to reserve it as they will sell quickly!

{I Wish for a Blue Sky - - $40USD}

You can also purchase this locket from Lori's shop, featuring my 'I Wish for a Blue Sky' photo.

I am shipping orders (all gift wrapped!) as fast as I can, most within 24 hours, and for all you lovely kiwis, I will be shipping right up until the post office closes on the 23rd - with courier delivery available to guarantee a delivery on the 24th. Happy Holiday shopping!

December

2010-12-01T09:12:00.001+11:00

I'm not quite sure how it is here, but it is! I love December, the busy-ness, the full calendars, the excitement and anticipation, the Christmas Tree, fairy lights, stockings, hiding presents where little (and big) people can't find them, letters to Santa, parties and catch ups with friends and family, Christmas carols.....it is such a festive month. Not to mention the first official day of summer for us in this part of the world.

Cheers to a wonderful month of celebrations!

The Simple Things

2010-11-28T07:32:00.000+11:00

The simple things in life are the best, hey. Like country Christmas parades followed by fresh fruit frozen yoghurt on a hot day....little boys who would rather eat bananas.....but love watching their big sister enjoying the cold treat.....

What simple things make you smile?

what's around the corner

2010-11-25T07:04:00.000+11:00

Savour every moment....
because we never know what is around the corner....

The holidays are coming....

2010-11-19T09:45:00.002+11:00

I love this time of year. We're starting to think about the holidays...decorating the house, putting up a tree, finding the Christmas Carol CD....it's a few weeks away, but holiday shopping is in full swing, (mine included, I love sites like Felt, Madeit, and Etsy for buying unique presents, and supporting handmade) and so is my holiday packaging. All orders are now going out with my polaroid holiday star thank you note, and a little doily. Yes I know doilies are everywhere, but it's because they are so cute. And if you come to my house for afternoon tea, you will have a little treat served on a doily covered plate with your tea in a vintage tea cup. Even Annabel sets the table with them - for our dinner, and for her little tea parties. Which pleases me no end.

Happy Friday!

Barb "JinkyArt", and corners of our home

2010-11-17T10:12:00.002+11:00

There are little corners of our home I'd like to share over a few posts, it is definitely a work in progress....we would like to paint the walls a paler shade of white, replace some of the carpet, lift up other areas and expose the floorboards, hang vintage chandeliers, wallpaper....plus we are still hunting through second hand shops and garage sales for furniture to fill the corners that are a bit sparse....it will take time, and is oh so much fun.

I thought I'd start in the lounge. We've recently had a couple of the JinkyArt photos framed - and I wanted to share them with Barb. If you haven't already come across Barb's website, you must take a look - this lady is amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I still cannot believe we have photos of our little ones taken by Barb (more can be seen here) - I have been a fan for years and when we planned a trip to Canberra at the start of the year, at the top of the list was to book a JinkyArt session. When we pulled up to the location, my heart skipped a beat, and I wouldn't be surprised if Shannon told you I actually squealed. A divine rocking chair, apples strung from the trees, vintage little horse and cart...seriously, heaven. And the kids had a ball.

This photo hangs above the main couch. It is my favourite. I had taken the butterflies with me in their little birdcage as a possible prop, and Barb's wonderful assistant Megan hung them in the branches. The session was just for the kids, but Barb snuck this photo in, and I cannot express how much it means to me. I am the one always behind the camera, so have only a small handful of photos with me and the kids. I think maybe Barb knew that. Thank you Barb!

Head over to the website to have a look at more of Barb's divine work, but be warned, you will be there for hours.....oh, and make sure you watch the video at the start, it is....well...go see for yourself....

A stranger on the ledge

2010-11-16T19:20:00.000+11:00

In sorting out my new studio space, I flicked through the (very full) 'to scan' box of polaroids. And found this. It was taken on one of my final weekends in Melbourne, down a graffiti laneway. There was a couple taking photos of each other, and as the girl sat in the ledge, the sun came out. Normally I wouldn't take the photo - I am rather a shy person. Maybe the thought of leaving made me brave - I asked if I could take a photo - the light looked so lovely, if a bit harsh, and I just really liked the way she was sitting. My first 'stranger portrait'. Although, not really a portrait, but you know what I mean.

I love Carterton

2010-11-05T13:31:00.000+11:00

and so the 'why I love where I live' list continues...

#2. I love that most places we need to go to are within walking distance - kindy, family, friends, supermarket, train (Shannon commutes - more on that another time), post office, parks, swimming pool - you get the idea. And if we do need to drive, then within 5 minutes of leaving home, we are surrounded by country and quaint little towns. So every drive feels like we are taking a 'Sunday country drive'. And I do love a country drive....all the farm animals, the sky, the clouds, the hills, the trees, the fields...in every season it is beautiful...

I Love Carterton.

2010-11-02T10:16:00.000+11:00

I really love where we live. When people hear we've just moved from Melbourne, the reaction is always - wow, from Melbourne to Carterton, why?? And you know, it is a huge change, from big city to small town. But we are LOVING it. I honestly believe we live in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
So I am going to do a few posts to share with you why we love it so much.

#1. The wide open sky.

No tall buildings. No concrete. No bus and tram lines overhead.

No jungle of power lines. Just sky.

And in the distance, rugged mountain ranges to the west, gently rolling hills to the east,

coast to the south, and country to the north.

In between, all this sky.

Sky sky sky.

I do love the sky.

I need a wall dedicated to polaroid

2010-10-28T20:03:00.000+11:00

Afternoon sunshine....a pretty dress that was an early Christmas present from my best friend...

vintage cameras...polaroid...Annabel's curls...we had about 4 minutes of this shoot.

And then Miss Annabel decided she'd had enough.

And ran away.

And asked me to stop following her.

I need new subjects.

Any volunteers?

my thoughts led me to the Show

2010-10-27T08:52:00.000+11:00

Do you ever have random trains of thought? This is how my thoughts went this morning -
it's a perfect blue sky day...another great day for the clothes line....we can have a picnic lunch again...I hope it's sunny in the weekend...oh, we have the A&P show this weekend...ohhhhhhhhhhhh, carnival rides and a vintage carousal...I wonder if it will be like the carousal at Luna Park...or the Melbourne Show...I loved the show....Oh! I still have a folder of photos to go through from last years show....

And then instead of doing the jobs I had listed to get through this morning, I have spent the last hour editing photos! And reminiscing about how great the show was....it was such a brilliant blue day, so sunny that most of these ttv's have sun flare and are washed out...but that's how I remember it, blinding sun, blue sky, and the sound of laughter...and after looking at these photos, I am even more excited about the show this weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

Collaboration - The Minolta Messenger

2010-10-26T10:36:00.000+11:00

I am so thrilled to be collaborating with Simone, the talented lady behind the brand 'nomuu', and the AMMIKI gallery.

Together we have just launched 'The Minolta Messenger'. It is groovy. I know, I have one. ;)

Under the pale grey blue sky

2010-10-22T05:36:00.000+11:00

I don't recall blossoms lasting so long, didn't the trees all used to bloom in about 2 weeks and we'd enjoy colour after so many months of grey and then all the trees would be green and ready for summer?

It is amazing with all this random weather we have been having - a few days of sun followed by days of cold rain and wind - the blossoms are hanging on fiercely......I see what looks like snow flakes dancing and swirling across the road, and realise they are blossom petals.....I see a tree that blossomed in August full of fresh green leaves...and then right beside it a tree with new pink, purple and white blossoms.....whatever is making these trees bloom so randomly I don't know but I am loving it as it means I am still enjoying so much spring - even with a pale blue grey sky background......

His Curls

2010-10-21T05:54:00.000+11:00

and so my obsession with curls continues.....

Her story

2010-10-19T12:20:00.000+11:00

She has a story to tell......

Setting Up Home

2010-10-18T08:21:00.000+11:00

{If we could talk}

So it seems I have disappeared into the 'setting up home' abyss......we have unpacked (mostly), and are now enjoying setting up home....moving furniture around, wandering second hand shops and websites for the perfect items needed to fill the space and make each room more feel just right....it is so much fun!!

{The Telephone}

This telephone, found at a local second hand shop (which I am told will work if we get a new cord) sits in the most adorable little 'telephone box' in the hallway.

{Butterfly Stories}

And of course with the blue table and butterflies unpacked...well.....I had to have a little play didn't I......

Happy Monday

2010-10-04T14:20:00.000+11:00

We had the most divine weekend - sugarsoaping walls, polishing brass door handles, washing windows and curtains....all the things you love to do to get a home ready for moving in.....it was hard work, my arm aches, but we are grinning. This week our container of 'stuff' is going to be unpacked, and we get to play the set up house game. I LOVE the set up house game, watching it all come together to make a house a home. And to top it all off, the weather has been brilliant....nothing but blue sky and sunshine...

I wish you all a wonderful week in your corner of the world!
x

the sweetest of sweet spring days

2010-10-01T09:57:00.001+10:00

today, on this sweetest of sweet spring days, with the sky so blue, the sun so warm, the breeze so crisp, we become home owners. Our very first family home. A beautiful weatherboard, with charming ceilings, wood features throughout, a backyard for the kids....a backyard! Living in Melbourne we went from renting an apartment in the heart of the city with a balcony with a view.....to renting a house in the suburbs with a gravel area out the back that saw no real sun....to renting a unit with a courtyard where we could enjoy bbq's and meals outside in the gorgeous Australian sun......but never a real backyard, with grass and space to run and play. Oh my, you have no idea how excited we all are. In a few hours....a few HOURS!......what we have been dreaming of for so long, talking about, imagining, is about to happen. We will pick up the keys, and head over to have fish & chips and wine (champagne!) on the floor of our new home. home. home. And do you know what secretly is my favourite thing about it? I will have my own studio. A room, a whole room where I can work, that I can decorate with everything that inspires me.....oh boy, am I dreaming???

The Ladybird

2010-09-29T13:44:00.001+10:00

...can you remember a time when the most magical thing was finding a ladybird?

the sun

2010-09-27T15:14:00.000+10:00

...and just like that, the sun came out,
and we basked in the rays all day.....

i had a dream last night...

2010-09-26T11:13:00.000+10:00

I had a dream last night

I dreamt that I was swimming

And the stars up above

Directionless and drifting

Somewhere in the dark

Were the sirens and the thunder

Time Love...

It's only a change of time...

I was thirsty so I drank
And though it was salt water
There was something 'bout the way
It tasted so familiar...

~Lyrics Josh Ritter(Time Love)

The Letter Writer

2010-09-22T13:19:00.001+10:00

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Herman.

I don't know Herman's story, but he looks like he was a traveller, like he has seen the world, and if he could, he'd tell a great story.

He looks as if he were a letter writer.

I like to imagine that Herman wrote love letters to a very lucky lady.

The world is waiting...

2010-09-16T17:28:00.000+10:00

...and the world is your oyster.

The Storyteller

2010-09-14T08:05:00.002+10:00

Meet Olive.
Olive is my Granny's typewriter - a vintage Italian Olivetti Lettera.
My Granny is 92. She still uses her typewriter to write her letters.
Olive is more than 50 years old.
Actually, you've already met Olive - in my last post.
I have borrowed Olive for my next series - The Storyteller....
based around Polaroid, vintage typewriters and daydreams.
I have another typewriter to introduce to you soon....