As another month comes to an end, a new cycles emerges before us and now I reflect on what a whirl wind July 2017 was! For me it was a month of going from feeling stuck and stagnant, (not inspired to make art, paint and explore creatively) to unforeseen and rapid change, which came with new inspiration and insight To art and painting as well as death and last minute travel.
 

So prepared and filled with a new drive and focus, I look forward to heading home to Dunedin, New Zealand and spending some quality and much overdue time with my friends and family. I pack my suitcase to adjust to the zero degree, snow storm forecast.  My luggage consists of furs, jumpers and mini dresses (to be worn with woollen pants of course), some travel art supplies, my camera and the trusty pack of winter/ beauty essentials 101.
 

And here are my tips to keep calm and welcome powerful new changes

-Save for a rainy day.
- Look and feel your most fabulous everyday no matter what the occasion.
-Set aside 2 hours daily to work on your own creative projects and practice doing what you love. I'm focusing on creative writing, painting and being outside.
.-Create a sacred space at home with candles, music and home cooked meals feels amazing and moving furniture and reorganizing can be as refreshing as renovating.
-The sun is the best medicine for everything.
-Catching up with friends over walks, lunch, doing a creative class together, exhibitions..?! Always feels so good.
-Plan a trip away, whether it's an idea board on Pinterest or 2 hours down south for a weekend with friends or a holiday to Japan. Changing spaces and location can make all the difference and is very exciting!

So with a handbag consisting of herbal tea bags, collaged note books and a selection of crayons and travel appropriate paints. I'm off to my mother land. 
 
Keep an eye on my online store for new artworks are coming..!
Bye for now!
Love Lily xo 

Entering a new environment, learning new skills and ticking a box off the 'haven't tried it yet' list is good for the brain, confidence and my gosh it feels good!!!

So I'm trying this new commitment to myself where every week I'm trying something new...something that challenges and gets me out of my comfort zone a little. 

This goes along the lines of...
Travel, visiting a new restaurant, checking out an exhibition/show, making plans to hang out with new people etc...sounds so simple but so often I get caught in the same routine!

So this week it happened...POTTERY... It's been something I've wanted to do for some time now and I'd already cancelled my booking once!

The Pottery Shed, in Surry Hills. Founder Joe Darling is a legend. The space is open and has an inviting feeling, you can breath, feel comfortable and relaxed. 

The investment was $45 for a 2 hour class of 8 people....pretty good I say! 

Ok so patience is key....the teachers are so nice and there is 2 of them helping out (both which are super cute might I add) and they make building this vessel seem as if it's the simplest thing in the world. 

My excitement as soon as I sat in front of this wheel was high and my visions of instantly becoming a Master Ceramicist over night was REAL (in my mind...however this was NOT the case... 6 fails and start overs later and some clay pots/ cups started to take form).

I did make some rookie mistakes, here are my suggestions...Tie up your hair. It will make focusing on what you're doing better.

Wear old clothes, AVOID Wearing fur/ Faux Fur, your favourite sneakers or rings...There is a good chance they will get covered in clay.

They're always super busy so I suggest when booking your first class book the other 2 classes to follow (first is throwing, second is trimming and third is glazing). Aim for a week apart in each, if that's possible with your schedule. 

As you enter the space there's a bunch of gorgeous ceramics they are selling for $5 each, which students have not collected. I suggest bringing along an extra $20 as there's some real treasures! 

If you head along good luck and enjoy!!! I know I certainly had a blast! 

Lily xo