As a new year begins…

…. I wonder…. just where did the old one go? 2009 whizzed by but looking back I realise what full & productive a year it really was…

I started this website/blog with very little tech knowledge & bumbled though learning so much along the way – my aim to be informative & hopefully recruit more enthusiasts to the exciting world of Freeform can be gauged by the amount of hits, comments & emails I’ve received over the year  so I’m  certainly giving this goal the big tick of success…

‘Freeform Crochet & Beyond’, was published & wholeheartedly endorsed by those already immersed or just embarking on the Freeform journey. Many thanks for all the wonderful feedback I’ve received

Alice Springs Beanie Festival entry ~ ‘Australia in colour’ ~ won the Spirit of the Land Category  & I now have this fabulous ‘Camel Trophy’….. my best prize ever!

Joined Ravelry & found all the fibre, crochet & knitting nutters in one place – I’ve met some truly remarkable people & what a joy this has been….

Encouraged by family I’m now on Facebook & even have a Fan Page – good grief!!! what next?

I bit the bullet & opened an Etsy Shop… where I’ve met a great bunch of Aussie Girls in the Dust Team & would probably still be foundering about had it not been for their help & support- it’s been huge learning curve (that is still going on) but I’ve enjoyed every minute.

There has also been a lot of creative participation throughout the year -‘ The Four Seasons’ challenge  – National Gallery Pole knitSydney Hyperbolic Coral Reef Project – All great fun projects that wetted the creative juices….

Most importantly…  I’ve made some new & very special friendships (you know who you are) – thank you to all of you for your love, support & encouragement – as I look back on 2009… yep…. it’s been a fabulous year indeed….

So what’s in store for 2010?

At the moment I’m having a real fair dinkum  go at Knitting after discovering ‘Crazy Lace’ by Myra Wood – not really much of a knitter myself but this Crazy Lace has unleashed a whole new adventure – thanks Myra – I’m so enjoying it  & posting my first pics of one of many projects I’m working on…. Here’s hoping everyone has a wonderful creative 2010…..

Cotton Rainbow: Crazy Lace knit …. enjoy!

 

what a good idea…Freeform Crochet camera/phone case

 

I have been wracking my brain for ages trying to come up with something different  – a smallish item that is practical but still stylish & good to look at – I came up with this little Carry Safe – Freeform Crochet camera/phone case – it’s lined with a strong, dark grey commercial felt to withstand the hard knocks – the brain-wracking has been worth the effort, even if I do say so myself

Introducing Freeform Polymer Beads….

I created these polymer buttons/beads for my own use in conjunction with, & to be incorporated into, my freeform crochet work mainly because I couldn’t find what I wanted elsewhere.

I love making these buttons/beads… it’s a lovely change from fibre… but you will notice that I do not disguise the handmade nature of these pieces & there are some anomalies such as: fingerprints, brush strokes, distress scars & many a wonky edge & of course,  no two pieces are ever the same – & it’s these unique imperfections & differences that I love most, I never really know what I’m going to end up with – so very freeform… just wish the photos would do them justice – they look so much better in the flesh.

All my polymer buttons/beads are freeformed either by pinching the clay into shape or pressing it into one of my own handmade moulds. They are baked at the recommended temperature & roughly sanded. Depending on the effect I’m trying to achieve, each piece is hand-paint with a variety of acrylic/oil/metallic paints/powders then sealed with 2 coats of Polyurethane (indoor/outdoor) water based satin varnish & left to cure for at least 48 hours

 

 

 

One for the cowboy/girls & one for the Pink Princess

2 new additions to the shop – the colours in the glasses case simply remind me of cowboys – hence Rodeo & the cushion cover is just over-the-top for those Pink Princesses out there…..

Rodeo – Glasses Case