amanda's musings

New Wordpress blog Address

2007-04-02T11:52:00.000+08:00

I've got a few things to blog about but I didn't want to do that until I've moved blogs and gotten it to a nice point that I'm happy with. So, with no further adeau (sp?) I give you:

MY NEW WORDPRESS BLOG

Please be sure to change your links so you go directly to the new blog otherwise it will appear that this is the last blog post ever and I've abandoned it (which I have but not altogether!!).

Thanks for reading!

Changing to Wordpress

2007-03-27T12:50:00.000+08:00

I thought I would warn my little readership that I will be switching to wordpress very soon. As you can see from the current state of my sidebar, blogger has once again messed up. I've had a fair bit of trouble with blogger this year so I've decided to take my hubby's advice and switch. Not sure how soon it will be but at least that strange sidebar will be better. By the way, I deleted those two links that are covering my photo but they are still there for some reason, even though they don't appear on the template! Weird.

Auction #2

2007-03-27T12:45:00.000+08:00

I've decided to run the same auction that I did in the post below, you can read about it here. The details are exactly the same except that the bidding goes for 7 days and starts at $4.00. Please take a look and see if theres something I can make for you.

Photo Friday - 'Sentimental'

2007-03-23T23:01:00.000+09:00

I most definately can be sentimental so here's my PF photo:

This is a photo of my Nanna, my Mum and I. I think I would be about 17 there. This photo holds a lot of sentiment for me because my Nanna passed away in 1998 and I miss her a lot. She was a hospitable, generous and caring person, all characteristics I would love to emulate. This is typical of us, sitting around her table drinking tea out of china cups, she also wore that colour a lot. Miss you Nanna.

Auction for Pendant and Bead Set

2007-03-21T13:52:00.000+09:00

Currently I am running an auction in my Wahmania shop and its a bargain! So far theres just one bid and bidding started at $5.00. If you think you might like to grad yourself a bargain custom set then pop over to this link and take a look.

Here's what the listing says:

This Auction is for a custom designed set including beads for earrings and a matching pendant.

You may use any of the designs in the pictures below to base your custom order on. I am very flexible so you are welcome to suggest other ideas and colours.

The maximum size will be for two matching beads for earrings no larger than 2cm square each and 1cm thick.

The pendant may be any shape you like within reason. It can be up to 1cm thick and up to 5cm square.

The pendant and earrings will come unstrung so you are able to make them into the jewellery of your choice. For an extra $5.00 I will happily make them up for you.

Postage will be added before reaching the checkout. If your total order exceeds 250g I will send you a revised invoice.

If you think you might like to bid, please take a look via the link above. There are more styles to choose from in the listing.

Kezi is 18 months old!

2007-03-20T22:16:00.000+09:00

I can't believe it. My daughter is 18 months old today. All of a sudden it seems she's more toddler than baby and she's running around, keeping us entertained. Shes a bubbly one our Kezi, giggly and smiley and very friendly. She has no fear. She really does have no fear. She's not afraid of dogs, the vaccum cleaner, loud noises, balloons popping or anything much else....yet.

Anyway, we can't belive how fast time goes. Happy half birthday Kezi! xxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALACHI!

2007-03-18T12:09:00.000+09:00

My little nephew is 2 today. Its so amazing how fast the time has gone! How can be two, thats not right, he's just a little bubby. To celebrate here's a few piccies of him:

Me and Malachi, he was 1 hour old here

Keziah and Malachi are 6 months and 2 days apart in age.
This is him at 6 months and her at 2 weeks

In Cairns last December. Malachi is 20 months and Kezi is 14 months here.

Kai (as we call him) on his birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALACHI!!!

Missing

2007-03-18T09:57:00.000+09:00

We have been on the quest for a new church for a few months now and I'm really missing the regular get together with people. In the meantime we've been visiting a few churches and catching up with people, Michael has also had opportunities to preach (in his role as SIM WA Ministry Director). Its been nice meeting new people and catching up with old friends but at the same time I'm looking foward to the regular catch up each week that comes with attending one place.

There is a possibility on the horizon of one church but we're waiting on that. What do I miss about regular church attendance?

- catching up with friends each week
- the opportunity to sing songs each week in a group
- the little bit of sermon I usually get to catch (inbetween keeping Keziah busy)
- morning tea!
- the chance for Kezi to play with other kids

I don't think finding a new church is too far off!

Photo Friday 'Heat'

2007-03-16T14:28:00.000+09:00

This week's PF theme is 'heat'. Living in Perth means that heat is a part of life. In summer itusually gets to around 42C (thats nearly 108F), sometimes a little higher and usually for a few days in a row. Sometimes we have a heat wave where this last for a week or more. This summer wasn't too bad. I'm not posting about Perth though because the hottest we ever experienced was in Niger, West Africa.

I'm fairly sure we had days where the temp got up to 50C (thats 122F). When we went to Papua New Guinea on our way home someone commented that we didn't look very 'brown' for people who'd lived in such temperatures. There's a reason for that. When its 50C outside you don't really go and bask in it and try to get a tan (well, we didn't anway). Besides, two words.....skin cancer.

Anyway, this photo is from the heat we experienced in Africa back in 2000-2001 (spot the giraffe by the way) and the second shot shows just how 'white' we really were afterwards!

Niger, West Africa

Papua New Guinea (notice the volcanic soil!)

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-15T13:10:00.000+09:00

Wordless Wednesday

Survey Results

2007-03-10T22:40:00.000+09:00

Last week I ran a survey about my shops (Polyclarific on Etsy and Wahmania) to find out whether people liked my items and if my prices were right. The results are very intersting and I thought I'd shar a few of the stats.

In total 25 people did the survey which I was encouraged by.

It seems that magnets are the most wished for item, seconded by pendants then earrings.

Most people think my prices are about right although some think they're a little high. Two people said I underpriced my items.

Most people said that my range is just right although, on person said its too bright and one said its too dull. Quite a few said I need more variation.

The most favoured items were Pendants followed closely by napkin rings and then nacklaces. Only one person needs a bookmark and only one needs earrings.

There were some great suggestions in the areas of style and colours and some interesting suggestions which I will take into consideration.

Thank you everyone who did the survey, you've been a big help to me in adjusting things in my stores.

Polyclarific Highlight Time

2007-03-09T13:52:00.000+09:00

Time to highlight some of the things for sale in my shops again. These have all been recently updated or listed.

Art-Stitch is back!

Photo 1: Funky Aqua Pear Gift Tag.
Photo 2: The selection that is available in my store

Last year I created 50 individual gift tags which were my own design. Each one was different and each one was hand stitched. I've been selling them one way or another for a few months and now there are only around 12 left. All profits from the sale of these goes towards SIM's work with HOPE for AIDS. These nifty little tags have a clear pocket on the reverse side in which you can put either a message for someone or your name and addres (and use it as a luggage tag). They can also be used a bookmarks. You can purchase these in my Etsy store here.

Sweet Heart Earrings

These little earrings are cute and sweet. They are about 1cm square, I have 5 pairs available. There are none like these anywhere as I made these including the millefiori beads. They are available in my Aussie store Polyclarific at Wahmania.

Heart Stitch Markers

These little stitch markers are great if you're a knitter (not much use I expect if you're not!). They come in the set of four you see and are for sale in my Etsy store.

I have recently listed funky paint tube earrings, rainbow earrings, rainbow stitch markers and a pretty millefiori beaded bracelet in purple and white. Just click the links if you'd like to take a look. Thanks for looking!

I also do custom orders so if you'd like something special, let me know.

SIM Stuff

2007-03-08T23:20:00.000+09:00

Each week I spend roughly 1-2 days attending to SIM admin type work. This of course involves the usual office work such as reports, emails, phone calls, arranging meetings and mail. Occasionally my artsy world and my SIM world cross paths which is exciting for me. It means I get the chance to use my artistic skills for missons.

That happened recently when Carol Wilson asked if anyone was able to put together a specific image for the March issue of SIM's International Magazine Mission Together. I was able to play around with an image using pastels and Carol liked it so....its now on the front cover of that magazine's current issue. You can see it here.

I'm quite honoured to have one of my paintings connected with our mission in this way.

PS Thats the painting there on the left

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-07T16:46:00.000+09:00

Who needs words?

One Day Left for my Survey and Auction

2007-03-04T13:37:00.000+09:00

For those of you who are still interested in filling out my short (8 question) survey, you have just one day left. The survey is all about the handmade items in my shop as well as some general feedback about pricing, shipping and favourites. I would appreciate all the feedback I can muster so if you are so inclined, please take a peek at my shops and then wander over to survey monkey for the survey.

My Etsy Store

My Wahmania Store

Click here to take survey

I am also having an Auction at my Wahmania store for one set of Hamburger Earrings. The bidding starts at $5.00 (Aussie) and the auction is open until tomorrow night (Aussie time). I normally have these earrings going for $10.00 so this is a bargain!

A Bit About Me......for the blog party

2007-03-02T22:44:00.000+09:00

Seeing as there will be quite a few newbies visiting my blog over the next week I thought it was about time I did a little list of things about me. So, pull up a chair, pop on your party hat, take a sip of your softie and grab a handful of nibbles......here we go...

1. I was born in New South Wales but have grown up in Western Australia. There is nothing NSW-ish about me, I'm a WAussie through and through.

2. Michael (hubby) and I have known each other since we were 13. We were boyfriend/girlfriend for four years and have been married for close to 11 years.

3. I am a Christian. I belive that I was born a sinner and that our Heavenly Father sent his own son to earth to take my payment for sin. I believe that he willingly went to the most cruel death in history and after three days, our Heavenly Father brought him back to life. I belive that without this act of grace I would be on a very different path.

4. I had very long hair in school which I had done in a very fashionable spiral perm twice - lesson learnt, don't get your fringe done. I was NOT popular in school at all, ever.

5. I have an urge to be creative every day. I also have an urge to tidy up everything I see every day! I can't help myself.

6. I have always been more creative than mathematical. I have tried to learn accounting, maths, how to read music and how to read patterns of all sorts many times over with very little success!

7. I have been to 13 countries - England, Scotland, USA, Singapore, Niger, Benin, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Papua New Guinea as well as sitting in Auckland (New Zealand) airport for an hour - does that count?

8. I have one brother and thats it. That's enough, he's great and I love him very much.

9. I have spent 7 years studying in total - 2 at NTM Bible College, 2 at TAFE and 3 doing a B.Arts at University.

10. I lived in Sydney for two years in 1993 and 1994 while at Bible College. I was 18 and it was the first time I moved out of home.

11. I did my major in painting and love to paint in oils and acrylics. Since I started playing with polymer clay I haven't lifted a brush except to varnish!

12. I have one daughter (so far) who is 17 months old. She's very cute, very funny and very bubbly (except for at the moment when there are teething moments but they are few and far between).

The Ultimate Blog Party

2007-03-02T15:29:00.000+09:00

Today the Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom has begun. If you want to know whats involved then click on the link below. Its meant to be a party mood sooooooo..... here's some party lollies to enjoy!

Congratulations!

2007-02-28T13:39:00.000+09:00

My husband graduated from Trinity Theological College with a B.Th this week. I thought I'd share some photos of the ceremony. Congratulations Michael, I know it was a lot of hard work.

Michael receiving his degree

The graduating class

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-28T13:31:00.000+09:00

Survey about my shops

2007-02-26T15:40:00.000+09:00

I have created a survey that you can take online about my products. You are welcome to take it here:

Click here to take survey

There's no need to fill in your name or details.

Fun Tools and A Product Highlight

2007-02-26T12:15:00.000+09:00

The other day Michael took me to Bunnings and we went into the tools section. He knew I would love a dremel but of course they cost a lot so we went for a little looksee. To my delight I found that there was a much much cheaper version of that tool which does a similar job. A dremel is a wonderful tool, does everything from engraving to buffing and sanding to removing grout! I really wanted to improve the quality of the items I'm making out of polymer clay so we bought the $12 version and it works a treat. Its great to buff up my little pieces and see them shine!

There are quite a few new items available in both of my shops. Here are some examples:

NAPKIN RINGS/SERVIETTE HOLDERS

Do you need some Napkin/Serviette holders? Would you like something a little different to put out when guests arrive? Here's something funky for your table:

Set of two very unique napkin rings. The base for these has been upcycled but the polymer clay is an original design by me. These are one of a kind napkin rings They are funcional but not dishwasher safe. A set of instructions will be sent with them when purchased. The rings measure 4cm in diameter and are decorated with beautiful slices of millefiori cane of my own design. Available here and here.

BOOKMARKS

Maybe you would love a new fancy bookmark or know someone who reads a lot. How about one of these?

This is my Greek Inspirations bookmark. Inspired by the patterns found amongst greek designs, this embelishment is 3.5 cm (1.5") long and close to 1" wide (or 2.5cm). It features swirls in blue,teal and copper. Strung on a 42cm (16.5") length piece of cord (from one end to the other). It can be found for sale here and here.

Funky Bubbles Orange and Green Bookmark. Inspired by the retro plastic era, this fun bookmark features bubbles in green and orange. Embelishment is 5mm thick, just over 1/2" wide (1.5cm) and just over 1" long (3cm). Also strung on a 42cm (16.5") length piece of cord (from one end to the other). You can find this for sale here.

Who likes bright colours? Inspired by the patterns found in the 1970's, this embelishment is 3.5 cm (1.5") long and close to 3/4" wide (or 2cm). It features beautiful bright colors - aqua, orange, fuschia and blue. Strung on a 35cm (14") length bright pink cord (from one end to the other). You can buy this one here.

Feel free to browse the rest of my shops and if you have any questions, contact me.

Charlie Has Been Found

2007-02-26T12:11:00.000+09:00

The 'find Charlie' competition is over for this month as he was found by one of my fellow wahmania shop owners. Sam from Sage and Banjo found him after looking for a bit. Congratulations Sam! Her prize is 20% off the total of her next purchase from my wahmania store.

IF - 'Communication'

2007-02-23T22:53:00.000+09:00

Haven't entered in Illustration Friday for a while but this week's topic is something I can enter so here's mine.

I did this for some literacy work in Niger for SIL while we were there with SIM. They are sitting and writing which is a big form of communication. I have had some of these illustrations made into cards which I painted with watercolours. All proceeds from the sale of the cards goes to SIM's work in Niger. Those are for sale on my Etsy site here.

Where's Charlie?

2007-02-23T18:33:00.000+09:00

I have a new competition going in my wahmania shop. Here's the competition text:

Somewhere in my shop is a teeny tiny version of Charlie (my avatar).
He could be anywhere and he could be a different colour. The first person to find Charlie will receive 20% off any item in my shop. Please PM me if you find him.
Happy Hunting!

In order to enter this competition, go to my Polyclarific wahmania store start Charlie Hunting amongst every photo I've got. He's very tiny and hidden there somewhere. Once you find him either email me or go to the Wahmania forums and register, then send me a private message.

So, what does Charlie look like? He's the guy up the top of this post!

5 Minutes for Mom Competition

2007-02-22T13:10:00.000+09:00

I'm entering another competition at 5 minutes for Mom so this is my link back to their site. I'm also involved in the up and coming Ultimate Blog Party in which I'm giving away a prize for the party which can be seen here (I'm prize #59). Should be a lot of fun and it starts in just over a weeks time (March 2).