Terracotta Tree's of Life

We've been out selling again, thanks to the fabulous variety of products i buy from Central America there is always something new to sell. These Tree's of Life are for sale at Ballyhoo Art, Ryrie st, Geelong. 03 5222 4532
The Tree of Life depicts Adam and Eve and their connection to Creation and the Earth by the representation of them on a growing tree, surrounded by a Serpent, Flowers and Doves. They are candle holders. Lovely for any home.

Which town are you from?

In a lot of the countries i buy from there is a code, its between the women and men of a village, i think its also unwritten, its like a trend but becomes a fashion.  I am pretty sure there are no rules, just colours, designs and your own interpretation.

It's the clothing the people wear and it marks them, it identifies them, often people express themselves by embroidering larger, more colourful designs and embellish themselves with the most beautiful belts, beads, head-dress's its what we lllooovvveee!!! about our job, interpreting the towns, appreciating the garments and watching a proud wearer be a representative of their village.
Walking Art, a feast for anyones eyesxxxxxxxx
This couple have for decades been the distributors and custodians of this towns art, they have a museum and sweat lodge, and are keen to nurture their culture for as long as they can, they are from Ochuc. Chiapas, Mexico.

What Beautiful Finger Nails You Have!

This weekend I had a visitor on my favourite Featherstone chair, the comfy chair that gets loaded with all my folded fabrics, my divine wares, maybe its because its dry inside? away from all the Tropical Rain?
At first i was scared............then i got my nerve and decided it was time to relocate without too much fuss, an esky and a piece of cardboard had this fella off my Guatemalan Bead Spread in no time, I'm still not sure what type of Lizard he was, beautiful for sure with the longest finger nails i have ever seen!!

New Delivery of Printed Plastic Table Cloth fabric!

Yesterday the Delivery man, brought us a beautiful new selection of Printed Plastic Table Cloth fabrics to cut and deliver to our stores. Byron and Bangalow Red Ginger, Brunswick Second Hand Rose, Seddon Sedonia, Williamstown The Assembly Hall.
Which one do you like best?

A place to pray.

Here is one of my favourite shrines, i pass when i'm away.

Really to say FAVOURITE is a big ask as i see so many Churches, Shrines, Memorials, Ruins, but as you know i love PINK! how bright and cheery is this sweet Churchita, stop for a mo, say a prayer and wander on. +Amen+

Carnival (Carnevale)

No we are not in Rio, there are no Feathered clad Samba dancing Women and Men, although some year we would love to be! The sight of all those semi naked bodies dancing can make anyones hips wiggle, even the staunchest  anglo.
Carnival is a Catholic ritual, a time to give up something (the latin word carnevale means to put away the meat) normally a luxury in order to prepare yourself for the holy week, usually 46 days later, as with most customs each country has its interpretation.

I am in Bolivia, with some of my weavers and their friends i am being offered chicha, and beer and for the days i am here have been covered in shaving cream, sprayed with all manner of water pistols, water and flour bombs have been hurled at my passing transport, it is such a pleasure to see the normally sombre Bolivians, playful like children, there are parades in the main street of La Paz and for a whole day you can watch the passing parade of "Carnival Bolivian style!"

Have you ever stopped to think, were the garment you are wearing has come from?

This morning on Radio National ABC Australia, I heard a very inspiring women speak about the origins of your clothing.
Alice Payne has created this site http://www.thinklifecycle.com.
Great for producers and consumers, I heard that old chestnut,"the T.Shirt i bought this year hasn't lasted the season". !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have ever thought this please take a moment to see her website.

Australia's Fashion Industry has caved in over the last 30 years due to easy cheap production overseas, the workers who still produce here are inundated with local production and have very little ability to network, the authorities have tidied things up to an extent there is no competition, there are few sewing machine repairers, haberdashery suppliers, dye houses, laundry's, pleaters, many designers produce their stock alone and have to juggle running business's, sourcing fabrics, trims, making patterns, leaving very little time to be a designer.
Whilst sitting next to so called Fashion Retailers, with full overseas production and teams of "designers" working for them. The public happy to buy a cheap, disposable, garment never thinking of were it came from and how it came to them.
This thinking can be transposed to all elements of your life, especially food!!