The Little Things

There is some joy I find in making little things, simple things.

I made these ten wooden buttons (with the intention of using them in a costume)

sawn from the branches of our SilverBirch trees after a long overdue trim a few years ago.

Thank you Mum for keeping a few branches back, hidden in the shed to dry out in the sure knowledge that "One day we'll make something from them."

I love the thin rich frame of bark, which peals away in silvery papery sections, leaving stripes down the branches of silver and the fresher darker grey/browns.

Two eyelike holes stare out from a sanded smooth and pale oiled face, hammered in with a nail (no electric drills here!)

Jo Quail

I have recently started working evenings at a local restaurant, which has the ironic perk of holding regular music nights and concerts, with a list of world renowned artists making appearances and local tassie artists regularly opening the shows. So how could I resist when Uk performer Jo Quail came to Mountain Mumma? Well, obviously I couldn't. 

The beautiful electric cello stood on the stage, (as though tempting one to touch) while we (My mother, visiting sister and partner Remo) indulged in the tasting platters and tassie made wines served by the wonderful staff.

Jo Quail took up her bow and stunned all attending with the haunting beauty, and elaborate layered pieces produced with the use of a loop deck and original percussion techniques!

Her music truly enabled me to envisage and imagine compelling and emotion scenes which I related to the piece being played.

I have a little "fetish" with instrument cases, and so took the opportunity after the dreamy show to snap a shot of the entertainers cello case, made of light and hardy "carbon fibre" as Remo pointed out. Every case has marks, stickers, tags and a history of traveling music which I am drawn to! 

Of course I jumped in line to purchase a Cd, (containing my favourite piece the Adder Stone) and gushed at the performer while posing for a snap, curtsy of my long suffering sister Monica. 

We all walked home amid my rambling and lustings after loop decks to slump onto the couch, mug of chai in hand and listen to the album Caldera. 

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Play Date

The newly arrived additions to the shop floor of Galendor called for me to spend an afternoon in the  "spiritual heart of Sheffield" listening, experimenting, and comparing them with my own harp, a much earlier creation by the same craftsman, Geoffrey Winder. 

My harp, made from a tree struck by lightning, with brass decorations salvaged from a derelict grand piano, and with the name of the previous owner, Mardi, fastened on the left side of the pillar, the name to which I now refer to as the harp itself, was the second harp Geoffrey Winder ever made and I was excited to play the new instruments, and curious to discover if they had similar intriguing background stories as mine. Perhaps also a little excited to introduce them to my own, much loved and well used  harp. It felt somewhat like taking a child on a play date!

Amidst the joyful, colourful bounty of charms, crystals, books and more, I played and rejoiced in the atmosphere, with Andrews incredibly intricate detailed artwork watching over our antics.

"Music elf"

Co-owner Carolyn and I posing for a fun shot.

Co-owner Andrew patiently adding to his regal stag art piece.

The woman behind the camera caught on camera for once!
Thanks for coming along mum.

Comparing curves and lines

The inspiring vision of eclectic wares availably at Galendor. 

An arsenal of colour 

Andrew playing for me, on a 65 year old mandolin!

Carolyn creating an enchanting ambience, masterfully playing the crystal bowls.

Andrews feather hat, recognised by all Sheffield locals.

A final tune and fond farewells.......

To view a clip of some fun had at Galendor with the new harps, 

follow the link to Galendors FaceBook page. 

Be sure to Like them while you're there.

Galendor Art and Essence FaceBook Page

Tulip Fest Costume Progress

Thought it about time to update the blog.

I've made much progress on the costume I've been creating for the Tulip Festival which is on the 12th of October! Very excited to finally be able to see it as a whole. Even though I had to make a few changes to my initial idea, it turned out pretty good. Not long to go until I'll be wearing it in public. 

As is my tradition, here's the sketch I quickly did before starting. Bet my teacher would be proud of me for keeping up this little habit! I find it helps to get the idea out of my head and on paper before starting, it focuses my mind and gives me a better understanding of the project and how it will come together.

Astoundingly mums old sewing machine cooperated during the project!

 We have had words before, which ended badly, with the machine chewing up my material. So it was nice to learn that we could both be mature, 

get over our misunderstandings and work together. 

I pray this truce continues.

Making the little head-dress was probably the most fun of all! 

hoping to get a few tulips on the day to add to it.

Loving the three shades of green I chose for the costume! 

 

The pin-cushion from the dawn of time! 

I have so many memories of this little character, it has been a fixture for as long as I can remember. I am unable to imagine it being out side of it's natural habitat, our workroom,  right next to the sewing machine. 

Where many a monster has been created with it's help.

Planning to do a photo shoot some time soon. 

I can't wait to share some themed pictures of the whole outfit with you.

So keep an eye out for my next post.

Spring is in the Harp strings

My first day home after a refreshing four day break on the mainland consisted of a drive to The Beach Forest, along the Tassie Trail. This beauty was accompanied by two other wedge tailed eagles, and circled above me for a few minutes! it was such an uplifting sight and I am so glad to have been able to capture one in motion.  

After a walk through the forest, I continued my Spring morning by picking roadside flowers!

Inspired by the perfect weather, I decided to take some pictures and give the blog a seasonal makeover. 

The buskers box among the daffodils.  

 Hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them today!

"Spring is in the Harp strings."

Snow Drops, Daffodils and Blossoms all twined through the harp, creating a fresh, Spring wedding look that I hope to recreate when next I am out street performing!

The left over flowers I used to brighten the lonely house! 

And after all the lovely sunshine and activities, I've become inspired to start a new costume for this years Tulip Festival, for which I have been booked to perform at!

Watch this space to see my progress and find out what I will be dressing up as! 

Also, jump on to my FaceBook page for regular updates on where I am playing,

videos of my performances, photos and stories!

Feel free to share, and comment with your thoughts and suggestions.

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New arrivals

My long time coming business cards have finally arrived! 

all two thousand of them! 

many thanks to Carolyn for designing this art nouveau marvel!

My logo and business name, Twisted Strings. So incredibly happy with how they turned out, and I can't wait to hand out the first one to an interested stranger. 

What do you think? does the name fit the service I am providing? Please leave a comment and let me know.