tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88081347088113923062024-03-15T18:10:02.364-07:00Imagine LovelyImagine Lovely by Tania VerdezTania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-40217468797446676722017-03-22T19:33:00.002-07:002017-03-22T23:20:59.069-07:00The Imagine Lovely Studio Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Its been three years between posts. True. Three years! Geez that time has seriously flown. </span><span style="text-align: center;">I've been so busy learning and making and trying to balance my passion and excitement about ceramics with my family and my home commitments... </span><span style="text-align: center;">I just didn't have time to write! Now my youngest child bless his beautiful heart has started school and I am beginning to enjoy a bit more spaciousness in my work life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I'm looking forward to doing more writing and journaling of my process. So I thought I would start with this series of beautiful photos shot by the lovely Ali of <a href="http://www.smithandarcher.com/">Smith & Archer</a>. Ali came to shoot me working in my home studio which was actually the 'guest mudroom' of our strawbale home. After exactly none of our friends used the proposed guest mudroom (they all came around the side and walked straight in the glass sliding door) it didn't take me long to take over this little cosy space. It has a beautiful view of the sky which is extremely important to me (a large chunk of my work day is spent staring at the sky) and its close to the action in the house which gives me a lot of freedom to work whilst multi-tasking home and family jobs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love the way family and my home has influenced my work. For instance I rarely throw as I don't often have the time to spend a full day at the wheel. By the time you get set up, throw enough pots to make it worth it and then clean up (and I am a <i>messy</i> thrower) you really need a full day, something as rare as hens teeth in my world. So I've built my practice around hand forming. This allows me to do as much or as little as I need in a session and come back to do touch ups in the middle of cooking dinner, or after reading books with my kids. The kitchen table is often covered with projects in various stages of completion and the kids love getting involved. the real beauty of this is the end product which i think is a true reflection of me, my life and my personal taste- everything is wonky, everything is one off and everything is obviously and unapologetically handmade!</span></span></div>
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-33511937505458079102014-11-09T03:13:00.001-08:002014-11-09T03:13:36.091-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So guess what? I had my first ever exhibition (not solo, of course, but part of a group) and I even SOLD STUFF! Amazing right? I'm seriously very completely and utterly stoked. I'm super stoked because the thing that I've found that I love, that makes my heart sing, that makes time irrelevant can be quantified. Not in terms of money, but in terms of love. People loved these things enough to give them a home, and that, is a beautiful thing. I am happy with that. Except that vase in the top right of the picture that my friend (ex friend?) said looks like a penis. No one loved that one enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yo, when I put that on instagram how come no one told me it looked like a penis? Anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to the exhibition. Oh yes, it was awesome. It was with those <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClayspaceDaylesfordRegionCeramicsCooperative">Clayspace</a> peeps who introduced me to wood firing, detailed in previous posts. They are such a stellar group of human beings and without them and their amazing desire to share their love of creating with clay I wouldn't have found this thing I'm digging ('scuse the pun) so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So to give something back I inspired and helped them to create this...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pozible.com/project/187632">The Clayspace Pozible Campaign</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you enjoy the video, please click the link and pledge to this great project :)</span></div>
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<br />Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-19974103750601687582014-06-25T18:10:00.001-07:002014-06-25T18:10:49.954-07:00Recently finished experiments...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqaCRqHAyePQ3L9SRXg93mAQopBXReZ14KO3aCKo8uzWEDhIQjQovC-FE0_OkMBTHMTcvBFMXS5VyfQ37KgRc7TNGwZ2GtZYGLmZE8yyTdwOAhHVhZqrLj3R6EeDu8oO5IYDrIe5o-mw/s640/blogger-image-388887684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqaCRqHAyePQ3L9SRXg93mAQopBXReZ14KO3aCKo8uzWEDhIQjQovC-FE0_OkMBTHMTcvBFMXS5VyfQ37KgRc7TNGwZ2GtZYGLmZE8yyTdwOAhHVhZqrLj3R6EeDu8oO5IYDrIe5o-mw/s640/blogger-image-388887684.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zbIVF0-33LhGPaZIQXXnY5iRf2XwBtYPzIeU7FuqbRZGhVM8Uum8hYP70E7pAxPcajywndQPhFjP28qk9zMKJ30dmQFc1v8aBjzyDCAWmbVAVJIGZLCED4JpmfMXG8g1WfFRF2_X4gQ/s640/blogger-image--1359357345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zbIVF0-33LhGPaZIQXXnY5iRf2XwBtYPzIeU7FuqbRZGhVM8Uum8hYP70E7pAxPcajywndQPhFjP28qk9zMKJ30dmQFc1v8aBjzyDCAWmbVAVJIGZLCED4JpmfMXG8g1WfFRF2_X4gQ/s640/blogger-image--1359357345.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAATdvzp1v4FUzo1Ihg1j6AEgeWMCaqauGlyHpd24kr5D1J67Re1mP9XReph2lUB0wt-DgTPkPR748o_TW8EOmY2eXQLZZiTEhZOMJaFkO2s_b48eRnKsuhmOaQG2klTdNITx6fUMNF-U/s640/blogger-image-903341890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAATdvzp1v4FUzo1Ihg1j6AEgeWMCaqauGlyHpd24kr5D1J67Re1mP9XReph2lUB0wt-DgTPkPR748o_TW8EOmY2eXQLZZiTEhZOMJaFkO2s_b48eRnKsuhmOaQG2klTdNITx6fUMNF-U/s640/blogger-image-903341890.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2y1b0ORWwEWWvIxC6OMwtM-7qrVA6GDjE0hcwWjQcFi3r1KJ34sZQLxdOw1ZCAMgadM-fCn-K9-HfphvFSfFlADDRgx1Ff-RQlTDv9Mru0zeIyG6SWTrgxTEYZY6WWPylTJOh-fjvQI/s640/blogger-image-761584382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2y1b0ORWwEWWvIxC6OMwtM-7qrVA6GDjE0hcwWjQcFi3r1KJ34sZQLxdOw1ZCAMgadM-fCn-K9-HfphvFSfFlADDRgx1Ff-RQlTDv9Mru0zeIyG6SWTrgxTEYZY6WWPylTJOh-fjvQI/s640/blogger-image-761584382.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYiA_IB28IKMewJbGiAo_cA4wqAtFBTaGtNKbrlcdGeTXTdYFS2dOE5W_ebE0o-t4P0NWRV0E5-MCjhq7cg-oBu3UXbFcHOBQkYPC3ZZd3sQXn2NZB57F1tVBm0rEkrolt_uqzXECNDE/s640/blogger-image-1447051607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYiA_IB28IKMewJbGiAo_cA4wqAtFBTaGtNKbrlcdGeTXTdYFS2dOE5W_ebE0o-t4P0NWRV0E5-MCjhq7cg-oBu3UXbFcHOBQkYPC3ZZd3sQXn2NZB57F1tVBm0rEkrolt_uqzXECNDE/s640/blogger-image-1447051607.jpg"></a></div><br></div>At the moment I am exploring different clays and how they behave. Trying to learn the ways of the clay is a mammoth task. <i>So </i>many different clays, and endless combinations and uses! Not to mention glazes. Wow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These are few things that I am happy with from the most recent firing. The jug up the top being my favourite. I'm really loving the combination of iron rich clay and porcelain left bare. I will definitely be continuing along that line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm also really loving using some porcelain to get back into some jewellery making. I forgot how much I loved putting pieces together to form a necklace, just the right combination, just the right balance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwMYLC_9cNXf6amELP9IPgrjqyt1ipjkloxm0q3A9Y71nCmSCtfIASYqwjpkO7S__Q8PGb7sKtbCAeTPc-Tql3DfscCIOJF6yX92A79EfG_VX_Pb2R91VqEiAXNJOjpsTjLSUuuRDw74/s640/blogger-image--610159290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwMYLC_9cNXf6amELP9IPgrjqyt1ipjkloxm0q3A9Y71nCmSCtfIASYqwjpkO7S__Q8PGb7sKtbCAeTPc-Tql3DfscCIOJF6yX92A79EfG_VX_Pb2R91VqEiAXNJOjpsTjLSUuuRDw74/s640/blogger-image--610159290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can find these guys up in my etsy shop. These necklaces are on chains which are 18ct gold plated over sterling silver, which makes them a bit more luxe. I will also make some up shortly on braided leather, if you prefer that option, stay tuned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The brooch is porcelain too and actually formed over the lid of a vintage Tupperware container. The I love the Tupperware lady brooch 😍. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGHWMC_xht70EYxZwseUmqx6WoYkOUKbc0Hnho2mFJaQ35fmvb1sIiJo0dxrDT-LQYZDEVuSGFsd7yMQskeGz8HXjbVGrU8n9yaPU-eo4-okuNnFdyRV7j96OBnlE9tT7quQZy_qoVTc/s640/blogger-image--1494146118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGHWMC_xht70EYxZwseUmqx6WoYkOUKbc0Hnho2mFJaQ35fmvb1sIiJo0dxrDT-LQYZDEVuSGFsd7yMQskeGz8HXjbVGrU8n9yaPU-eo4-okuNnFdyRV7j96OBnlE9tT7quQZy_qoVTc/s640/blogger-image--1494146118.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And lastly, here is the vase from the woodfiring in action. Bringing some colour to these bleak winters days, it's really doing quite a good job I think! Xx</div><br></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-23896198988411187802014-05-13T04:34:00.001-07:002014-05-13T04:34:26.382-07:00Clayspace Daylesford Community Wood-firing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over ANZAC weekend I had the great pleasure of being part of a community wood-firing here in Daylesford. To be included in such a wonderful group of potters (which included my amazing teacher,</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.minnagrahamceramics.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minna Graham</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the incredible </span><a href="http://petrusspronk.blogspot.com.au/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Petrus Spronk</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://kimhaughie.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kim Haughie</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kath-Wratten-wares-/255623597786829" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kath Wratten</a>,<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/georgiaharveyraku" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Georgia Harvey</a>)<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was really very special and I was just so excited about it. Having no idea about wood firing I knew it was an opportunity to learn a lot, by doing and by talking with the rest of the crew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood, a lot of wood, we had cut and stacked prior to the firing weekend. On Friday, with great excitement, we met to pack the kiln and seal her up.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sorted the work by size and discussed some of the possible effects of kiln placement. The throat of the kiln which is closest to the fire, can create some dramatic and sometimes wonderful effects, but its also a dangerous spot, and the work may get broken. Its a sort of high risk, high payoff sort of scenario, not for the faint hearted, like me. Perhaps I'll be more adventurous next time round?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the kiln was full, and looking beautiful I might add, we replaced the bricks in the opening and sealed her up. It was decided that Saturday would be a rest day and those on shift no.1 would fire her up very early in the morning (Petrus started at 3am!) on Sunday. The first part of the firing must be taken <i>very</i> slowly, literally one twig at a time, which is excruciatingly difficult, but this is crucial for the works survival. At this early stage moisture in the clay is heating up and expanding and if this is done too quickly will cause the work to explode. Once all the moisture has left the clay you can start to raise the temperature at a higher rate. Petrus was the zen master and showed great restraint, as a result, none of the work was lost in this way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived at 8am to a lovely festival like atmosphere. With so much work invested and ensconced in the kiln, excitement and anticipation was high. Lindy, Petrus and Kim were busy keeping the fire stoked whilst making pancakes and rising dough for naan bread to be eaten with a communal afternoon stew. I hadn't anticipated the amount of fun I would have just hanging out, talking and learning from these talented folk and stoking the fire. Here I am with my shift buddy Sue, who was involved with the set up of the kiln and was a wealth of information and knowledge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so the day progressed with much stoking eating talking and joking. I had to leave for a few hours, but returned around 7pm to find that we had not reached our projected temperature (1300), in fact we were a few hours behind schedule. What followed were a few intense hours of consternation and trial and error as we tried desperately push the temperature up. It got later and later and not a lot of movement was happening in the temperature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We were crowded around the pyrometer watching the numbers fluctuate wildly, at once enthralled, annoyed and hopeful. Time wore on, and as people lost the will to stay awake, our numbers dwindled. Kath, Petrus, Lindy and I refused to give up and agreed to stay until midnight (Petrus had been there since 3am!), and we adopted a new technique of filling the box with small wood every five minutes (this was the opposite of what the very confusing manual said to do) but it seemed to work- we shot up another 100 degrees. Our hopes were raised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we struggled to nudge the temperature at all after that and soon Kath and I found ourselves the only two left post midnight, we had to make some tough decisions about what to do. After checking the cones (the pointy things you can see in the pic above) and sadly acknowledging their lack of meltedness we agreed to call it a day. After so much effort, we felt a wee bit defeated. We crawled home to bed, leaving the fire to burn out slowly, and the kiln to cool over the next few days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long slow days where I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened inside the kiln, I couldn't <i>wait</i> to see inside!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg3FyNxd59CDcfICtt0nEdkURumwUokJt-rEKgbDn-80lEV8hgUNN38ExqEI58BxxJoxgm9A32VhNTlqU8p92HLnxbJ4OIGpa8P_FQRWt9SG60r-hGw6534fBxLMyS_6M7ly3Y3GYMHk/s1600/IMG_4582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg3FyNxd59CDcfICtt0nEdkURumwUokJt-rEKgbDn-80lEV8hgUNN38ExqEI58BxxJoxgm9A32VhNTlqU8p92HLnxbJ4OIGpa8P_FQRWt9SG60r-hGw6534fBxLMyS_6M7ly3Y3GYMHk/s1600/IMG_4582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so we took a look into the the throat first...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xiC1SvRI4dFgFyLHKqMNqOiDMwlvKP90CirFaNQLyn_0NHfyd_G2lcfjHbXxCBU2-bW_gyvYSAzlw6H2DJi_AIEF-cVg5D3L8fVRl_blgjhG_uiX4_ExFa-tcqqJqgNIGDmC2kBkBw/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xiC1SvRI4dFgFyLHKqMNqOiDMwlvKP90CirFaNQLyn_0NHfyd_G2lcfjHbXxCBU2-bW_gyvYSAzlw6H2DJi_AIEF-cVg5D3L8fVRl_blgjhG_uiX4_ExFa-tcqqJqgNIGDmC2kBkBw/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And unearthed some treasures! Check out the colour!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gNDTnmhMc1wlvAEKzaPexZ66ok41jH7fcbYSPtCSmHGZeYA900oTWaSgPMOd4rMrMqBqnt39mYjROqfNJY9O5Qk20J_dCJGudRloPJx3G-cQRrsOIkCJDZGvhNgSGtP7XWCMmls-Oo8/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gNDTnmhMc1wlvAEKzaPexZ66ok41jH7fcbYSPtCSmHGZeYA900oTWaSgPMOd4rMrMqBqnt39mYjROqfNJY9O5Qk20J_dCJGudRloPJx3G-cQRrsOIkCJDZGvhNgSGtP7XWCMmls-Oo8/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then with excitement I can only liken to kids tearing open Christmas presents, we removed the bricks in the main box.... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-bxtK4GT2d1oyaRYunguhV-mRBe7rzl88_q8-V6BD3cZbjV4QbOCgdD5wH6Z7MVysAbNoA62EDv9d_dRlHC3ooYpERaQEyNx3ek204YHJjjn1KTV-PO6qWD_70-yAByIHdP19-o0nOg/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-bxtK4GT2d1oyaRYunguhV-mRBe7rzl88_q8-V6BD3cZbjV4QbOCgdD5wH6Z7MVysAbNoA62EDv9d_dRlHC3ooYpERaQEyNx3ek204YHJjjn1KTV-PO6qWD_70-yAByIHdP19-o0nOg/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and wow, there were some winners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And some happy potters! Hooray! The majority of the work had come out cooked and beautiful. Some pieces needed re-firing but I'm pretty sure everyone went home with a few pieces that they loved. Not to mention having had a really great time in the process! It was truly a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19Z9eUDpsURzE-MoGFEuDQWOmlDU3ZJ76v5d6r6TePIJduZNeOtYIG5tB9VLKibgSL89VLXb39fDXewQPKoN71P9DGz-qBRvnx_V6eSUIHNHXqLWDpXPKRmm0z7DlqxV8vSaJ11DzO4I/s1600/woodfiringfinished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19Z9eUDpsURzE-MoGFEuDQWOmlDU3ZJ76v5d6r6TePIJduZNeOtYIG5tB9VLKibgSL89VLXb39fDXewQPKoN71P9DGz-qBRvnx_V6eSUIHNHXqLWDpXPKRmm0z7DlqxV8vSaJ11DzO4I/s1600/woodfiringfinished.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here are my favourite three. The vase I think is very special, and I shall keep it always as a reminder of what was hopefully the first of many successful wood-firings!</span><br />
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-24757727024308822522014-04-26T00:33:00.001-07:002014-04-26T00:37:00.116-07:00Young love.<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You know that feeling when you are SO seriously into something, so excited about it, so utterly enamoured with it that it's all you can think about, talk about, dream about? I hope you do know that feeling.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm having it right now, and I only have eyes for the clay. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Clay is my boyfriend.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima8k43ZLzPD1UTbO-s1eWR9Ib5F2wDoACa_aCLoCNaUoKTg76Qa-MAs5TId29dKDWxjDzh5AJppDXAWBOrBuTL8ybNBWzqlatEU2BycXD3FkAz51lqM3-JtqYOd2zqSx8YK6iKzHP3sgs/s640/blogger-image--2065443793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima8k43ZLzPD1UTbO-s1eWR9Ib5F2wDoACa_aCLoCNaUoKTg76Qa-MAs5TId29dKDWxjDzh5AJppDXAWBOrBuTL8ybNBWzqlatEU2BycXD3FkAz51lqM3-JtqYOd2zqSx8YK6iKzHP3sgs/s640/blogger-image--2065443793.jpg"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've spent the better part of the last year (and it's been almost a year since my last post!) immersing myself in a new medium- learning its ways and trying, sometimes with great difficulty to speak its language. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel creatively alive again- the way I did when I first began to experiment with metal, but clay is a far more seductive mistress. So sensual. So tactile. So transformative.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRkfLF8UGXR2q9WHYk0xvbQ7WUpG09MijUZHgNH-hK5o_OxR7a5T96PP88eiZ0X6fPHqTz4Z0qL0vLPYeT4LEKZOI3jom1lSZKc5QwUyCk6y9OfI1GsVvKMv1hrLFvp_sLR1G8zgry-5z/s640/blogger-image--1899477062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRkfLF8UGXR2q9WHYk0xvbQ7WUpG09MijUZHgNH-hK5o_OxR7a5T96PP88eiZ0X6fPHqTz4Z0qL0vLPYeT4LEKZOI3jom1lSZKc5QwUyCk6y9OfI1GsVvKMv1hrLFvp_sLR1G8zgry-5z/s640/blogger-image--1899477062.jpg"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And there is so much to learn. So many possibilities. Infinite combinations of techniques, materials & processes. A simply magical connection to history that I adore. Endless inspiration everywhere I look. I am indeed in love.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mHo73reOFZmvFCQP-U_3CoPmarS2l0UPHPXuSmwtQ6F3Tlj_a63qsJ2rLI5XPqCE9NQ1y_PhjtlGASt41I-sBlPVzN4Y8WCCagggHJYyyAjrPeHOXX4V2NQEwQ0a620Vv4F-FhhFBxPS/s640/blogger-image--1329241702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mHo73reOFZmvFCQP-U_3CoPmarS2l0UPHPXuSmwtQ6F3Tlj_a63qsJ2rLI5XPqCE9NQ1y_PhjtlGASt41I-sBlPVzN4Y8WCCagggHJYyyAjrPeHOXX4V2NQEwQ0a620Vv4F-FhhFBxPS/s640/blogger-image--1329241702.jpg"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And it feels like a love that will stand the test of time. Clay and I have much to do, much to see, much to learn. And Im pretty excited about documenting & sharing this new journey xxx</span></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-14378151143091777062013-05-22T18:19:00.001-07:002013-05-22T18:21:17.988-07:00We are in!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlbqB2i2rJhCdjub9EfsikCwwnfU7dJB0bn-5J-0VvxxSx9X0hS78GWA0FZOlACluXI5Mvkfhy2mGrFNPRCwUyCAEBhyphenhyphenyZhzz42IRx6AIeJsGLKy4nHY2rLorJCs441MXd5sFpF9dqko/s640/blogger-image--930908574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlbqB2i2rJhCdjub9EfsikCwwnfU7dJB0bn-5J-0VvxxSx9X0hS78GWA0FZOlACluXI5Mvkfhy2mGrFNPRCwUyCAEBhyphenhyphenyZhzz42IRx6AIeJsGLKy4nHY2rLorJCs441MXd5sFpF9dqko/s640/blogger-image--930908574.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>It's true! We are here finally, living in the strawhouse and it is just marvellous :) after a two week rest and recovery period I can truthfully say its been worth all the stress and hard work.<div>The journey from 1860 (when our last house was built) to 2013 has been a blast and holy moly what a difference insulation and passive solar design make! We've only had our fire on once and that was to dry our shoes! Believe me, where we live that is nothing short of a miracle!! We have seriously been mostly walking around in t-shirts! So many exclamation marks in this post, my apologies...</div><div>Anyway we are slowly unpacking and sorting and organising and playing around with some decor, it's so much fun and I'm sure there will be many more posts and pics to come. But here are a few of the parts that are un-unpacking land enough to photograph. Big love to you all xx</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qkVGsVm544-Sfs9bPTnGZfcgJXoGps-vsueV9MtJjMy38AWsNuSZfrI6trdpl7aiitcn6wzBp8wpDoVzDlWIqorYjdn5IYMWqCmscwlJGDv8-BiekWGeeKHCenHSo-KNydmfzmLQHOs/s640/blogger-image--1798683072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qkVGsVm544-Sfs9bPTnGZfcgJXoGps-vsueV9MtJjMy38AWsNuSZfrI6trdpl7aiitcn6wzBp8wpDoVzDlWIqorYjdn5IYMWqCmscwlJGDv8-BiekWGeeKHCenHSo-KNydmfzmLQHOs/s640/blogger-image--1798683072.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnby5p73b5OaV5ZaN6jlyTZkGD8oBPM_2-mVsz-RDrtC4AYyuGh8s85rnP9-o4le_k6QF9j7XnQ3GIMR7lgOJGtYr49JQqsopUgmOc-0Tboi7GU7Ca59vtZglcyx-4i07exCPvN1pNaEA/s640/blogger-image-261372181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnby5p73b5OaV5ZaN6jlyTZkGD8oBPM_2-mVsz-RDrtC4AYyuGh8s85rnP9-o4le_k6QF9j7XnQ3GIMR7lgOJGtYr49JQqsopUgmOc-0Tboi7GU7Ca59vtZglcyx-4i07exCPvN1pNaEA/s640/blogger-image-261372181.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeHjQ7cckn2jG3SWmNxW0_lCfL9jovgxlSOBD8Lj8V6JWT5stC7LsTXBrqKjCs3HyChGnm1r5vnRhWaR1kAUKisOYr7jWCkrLcYbmfV8KJ25Ve3IStzn3pbf3Q7SKkLaRNhAGoKIGuWY/s640/blogger-image-1929934493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeHjQ7cckn2jG3SWmNxW0_lCfL9jovgxlSOBD8Lj8V6JWT5stC7LsTXBrqKjCs3HyChGnm1r5vnRhWaR1kAUKisOYr7jWCkrLcYbmfV8KJ25Ve3IStzn3pbf3Q7SKkLaRNhAGoKIGuWY/s640/blogger-image-1929934493.jpg"></a></div></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-88149719198690629172013-03-07T18:08:00.001-08:002013-03-07T18:12:27.044-08:00Officially a crazy person...Hello interweb! Its been a while. Time has seriously evaded me lately and sadly dear blog, as so often happens, you have slid on down to the bottom of a huge list of priorities. Juggling everything and trying to stay afloat has become a 24 hr a day job. Either we are really bad at managing our life or, and i fully suspect this to be the case, we love it all crazy. <br />
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Our life is fairly bursting at the seams- running the final sprint to get the house finished- so many jobs to do, so many lists! And to top it all off I decide to add another thing into the mix- with my spunky friend Elle I have set up a mini shop at our local hugely awesome vintage megastore, The Mill Markets. It's been a flurry of sorting labelling & organising but we did it! Just in time for our wee towns busiest of weekends. Insert large sigh of relief. Come visit if you are from around these parts :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NGD-Dl9PzLkcSCunxwNjNQxjPgM2KC9klqOrR40Ba00_779dw3dXTpz_20GQHd3QvqRkiHUQU3xyihwiuy7ybmamOB1TWwONmSMMToiqk66Rznkq5iGIPvwJZOL8mBulXZ9T_WcuBQQ/s640/blogger-image--1726696642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NGD-Dl9PzLkcSCunxwNjNQxjPgM2KC9klqOrR40Ba00_779dw3dXTpz_20GQHd3QvqRkiHUQU3xyihwiuy7ybmamOB1TWwONmSMMToiqk66Rznkq5iGIPvwJZOL8mBulXZ9T_WcuBQQ/s640/blogger-image--1726696642.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsniT_KQ3-j1J_idHah3PCK6xeD_I0zTIhmHwkD5EQKvHHYUYXYBN1H-mRA8-K9pOT5QFbdgHVjLrm86sJe-7i4B2nXPzzd9RipI10Ub89KObh8DFaCdKLrT1npTLwZzYSA3xHTqlv_Xc/s640/blogger-image--544026038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsniT_KQ3-j1J_idHah3PCK6xeD_I0zTIhmHwkD5EQKvHHYUYXYBN1H-mRA8-K9pOT5QFbdgHVjLrm86sJe-7i4B2nXPzzd9RipI10Ub89KObh8DFaCdKLrT1npTLwZzYSA3xHTqlv_Xc/s640/blogger-image--544026038.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaJsIgOHU6K9UPABKaHaGam-TVtbXpu9YE5BRizuAseXDfBY2csCJdW0YjfiQJ5CAlT9gqjoTQy_ilF87OMv6dwngcu7-ulH9N9M84JyINpsloE1NUeZFKLliFFLfzz0VAmeMGz_GKCo/s640/blogger-image--1568152612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaJsIgOHU6K9UPABKaHaGam-TVtbXpu9YE5BRizuAseXDfBY2csCJdW0YjfiQJ5CAlT9gqjoTQy_ilF87OMv6dwngcu7-ulH9N9M84JyINpsloE1NUeZFKLliFFLfzz0VAmeMGz_GKCo/s640/blogger-image--1568152612.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu8lOABgEYx_FJ7N6gFBWI2IZk0RGyudJhgjPCs1Be9ExYJsQKeAIfyqJAv35wmAINk7pXa3wa8k83ktb9r2xS6b47lOMRh4l3kr22Gw6SqXN7hIZr89R_Gu4PXuvYjdI9noyn6PJt9A/s640/blogger-image--1778150898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu8lOABgEYx_FJ7N6gFBWI2IZk0RGyudJhgjPCs1Be9ExYJsQKeAIfyqJAv35wmAINk7pXa3wa8k83ktb9r2xS6b47lOMRh4l3kr22Gw6SqXN7hIZr89R_Gu4PXuvYjdI9noyn6PJt9A/s640/blogger-image--1778150898.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqMYOTgGAj-imehBMlRxh5Xhvb515XFszrppoezywDJzxgaACo3z-MCntjIecGCbDS7Sy1PUvT7ugOQZItBb9_aW6ouoXjLwdeAULF0SndG5cU7E_JfXps9hpG-0lxsmt3lWHtdCUR0Q/s640/blogger-image-1355433982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqMYOTgGAj-imehBMlRxh5Xhvb515XFszrppoezywDJzxgaACo3z-MCntjIecGCbDS7Sy1PUvT7ugOQZItBb9_aW6ouoXjLwdeAULF0SndG5cU7E_JfXps9hpG-0lxsmt3lWHtdCUR0Q/s640/blogger-image-1355433982.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-12574838054992074532013-02-12T17:52:00.001-08:002013-02-12T17:52:21.261-08:00Kitchen cabinetry sneak peek...So excited!!!! We are now at lock up and now the real fun begins! It's time for all hands on deck and a race to the finish line!! The kitchen cabinetry is done and looking pretty fab I've gotta say. Oh how I cannot wait to cook in there! I wonder what will be my first meal? What do you think? What would yours be? <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0frFJfDpEZb8OHBCcArZfEQIYJK5Ss2-LOFsqRWkRnDipX5cKsQ73gjyh5WaCGUX61RDWuIvds4axX44Mvy40aFcoVM2aFWci67V6XbeJUjSiMlpDCB-NCO3tIYoWZHHEY1mPQELbk4/s640/blogger-image--1309148180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0frFJfDpEZb8OHBCcArZfEQIYJK5Ss2-LOFsqRWkRnDipX5cKsQ73gjyh5WaCGUX61RDWuIvds4axX44Mvy40aFcoVM2aFWci67V6XbeJUjSiMlpDCB-NCO3tIYoWZHHEY1mPQELbk4/s640/blogger-image--1309148180.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RuUI675HpE8aobHUQidMEtuMxdAMMUFufZU8EP-43ZbbBJ8OkJ7_qU5IgdYOqHplBul3A2I6VkFOwBoNHZqPKaf5jHmyKvUs4_GX_LOuIefWTlA700mmNTbogQNbMVl7qljoO2bqIQ8/s640/blogger-image-1320997784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RuUI675HpE8aobHUQidMEtuMxdAMMUFufZU8EP-43ZbbBJ8OkJ7_qU5IgdYOqHplBul3A2I6VkFOwBoNHZqPKaf5jHmyKvUs4_GX_LOuIefWTlA700mmNTbogQNbMVl7qljoO2bqIQ8/s640/blogger-image-1320997784.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoAPuL5RqjNhaKhgmA7D6O31WixKUp0MK9FaM9BwSbl8qRpVL5pswXzmQ4JQ_kmXJU-3EqZxrBrEO5c3jTZ9BchAUegM0DtLIoSX3lR3jPyyPeFsssh5xuiDN6Q8ZX5hyphenhyphenKKdt7UiTQKw/s640/blogger-image-1642823574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoAPuL5RqjNhaKhgmA7D6O31WixKUp0MK9FaM9BwSbl8qRpVL5pswXzmQ4JQ_kmXJU-3EqZxrBrEO5c3jTZ9BchAUegM0DtLIoSX3lR3jPyyPeFsssh5xuiDN6Q8ZX5hyphenhyphenKKdt7UiTQKw/s640/blogger-image-1642823574.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsDmIO0KeTZop7-GuHj0_P24JbmWHoZzMML-Ll2g99TxxnG6gwPYN9VCUgaKV037gTs1NfJB5HZe67quFeWgL3RJ-H0WENb5puBE687q7n1E5VYDuadjOt1vF5DZUjQcjtx39K5VVtsg/s640/blogger-image-861341764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsDmIO0KeTZop7-GuHj0_P24JbmWHoZzMML-Ll2g99TxxnG6gwPYN9VCUgaKV037gTs1NfJB5HZe67quFeWgL3RJ-H0WENb5puBE687q7n1E5VYDuadjOt1vF5DZUjQcjtx39K5VVtsg/s640/blogger-image-861341764.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-38738052573783525322013-01-30T22:48:00.001-08:002013-01-30T22:48:19.416-08:00Yay for today!There is lots happening at the strawhouse, this makes me very happy. Very happy indeed. Today is the fist day that I can really see an end in sight. The windows arrived and the boys started fitting them today. Having a window in totally changes the feel of the place- without it it felt far from finished, with it, it feels Kinda complete. Amazing! The plumbers came to start fixing the cladding (where the smurf blue lining is) and I'm not feeling completely sure about our choice now that I'm seeing it in the flesh. Is it too dark? Is the proportion of render to cladding weird? Is it sitting to close to the window tops? Grr- it's so hard to conceptualise all these things and think of every aspect. But hey it's still progress! I'm feeling really excited about the next few months and the lovely visual and creative treats in store. This is the part of the build that I've been waiting for!<br />
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Also I had a whole day sans small people to attack some weeds, feed the natives and start mulching the windbreak with the mass of leftover straw. I worked in the garden for a full day! So good.<br />
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But possibly best of all, it's raining! Actually raining! First time in months. Hopefully it continues and fills up everyone's tanks and gives the whole town a much needed drink! I hope your day was a good one too ;)<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwAMUShL4fWBM-MuGkOWdxQjt0CqMyJiVBjrvlK5NR0ih2SY1HDnuQTKNGQPkiTjKIpgkVf3N66gaAXHbdkd10CK7vy_Pvuq0RqlhXVkD1VLCK1mzsjaaFXhcuzTfhA0RGly8sgmLE-Y/s640/blogger-image-247564862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwAMUShL4fWBM-MuGkOWdxQjt0CqMyJiVBjrvlK5NR0ih2SY1HDnuQTKNGQPkiTjKIpgkVf3N66gaAXHbdkd10CK7vy_Pvuq0RqlhXVkD1VLCK1mzsjaaFXhcuzTfhA0RGly8sgmLE-Y/s640/blogger-image-247564862.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMD9m86LTaAVKTfbYGxF16NEwctrHoCcrBEmDboMCRhraPrKPUff0Ss9FIPFUshq53OMk_hd_hAZrIE712lhNeN8W5-U32e7kG8_I77bpPExdsRxWTkfzcLN54EvpohvtPe7d39H620Y/s640/blogger-image--1867703315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMD9m86LTaAVKTfbYGxF16NEwctrHoCcrBEmDboMCRhraPrKPUff0Ss9FIPFUshq53OMk_hd_hAZrIE712lhNeN8W5-U32e7kG8_I77bpPExdsRxWTkfzcLN54EvpohvtPe7d39H620Y/s640/blogger-image--1867703315.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSjG9INDFx5pQCffw87LAwi5pxoaIlNxhvufOF6IgJOV_ddDPBXIicZpS_rGIdk_nQVdpBpFsFNuRvKtM-LmvE1-TU_s3KRTR9QR1oBBsWnnyOEkC5RFdD3VR_GBmREmycFp7N8krxPE/s640/blogger-image--1845623291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSjG9INDFx5pQCffw87LAwi5pxoaIlNxhvufOF6IgJOV_ddDPBXIicZpS_rGIdk_nQVdpBpFsFNuRvKtM-LmvE1-TU_s3KRTR9QR1oBBsWnnyOEkC5RFdD3VR_GBmREmycFp7N8krxPE/s640/blogger-image--1845623291.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w-9bkiBI4pVKeM-syeMsUGfdX7CNJfP24Li6IJwxxuLdHp3e3TXRFcQqExq11mImGZUqedaW-zzPrQONi8Wsoi15gvACykbQEOdgyDrZ19z6x0AudW861iErRuU869f1y5E5hVlmNE0/s640/blogger-image--1341391145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w-9bkiBI4pVKeM-syeMsUGfdX7CNJfP24Li6IJwxxuLdHp3e3TXRFcQqExq11mImGZUqedaW-zzPrQONi8Wsoi15gvACykbQEOdgyDrZ19z6x0AudW861iErRuU869f1y5E5hVlmNE0/s640/blogger-image--1341391145.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-73462179177756168972013-01-27T19:19:00.001-08:002013-01-27T19:27:23.054-08:00Holly CottageIf I could remove the stress and time pressures of our build, life at Holly Cottage would be sweet indeed. In fact even with those pressures life here so far has been a blessing. The forest, the birds, the butterflies, the textures and smells, the trees dripping with fruit, the visitors, the sweet little house with so much personality, the flowers and the bathtub that feels like its in the middle of the woods- I just adore it here. It's so peaceful, so picturesque, so harmonious. Such a completely perfect place to spend the summer. Even the things I anticipated being problematic (no mod-cons, no internet, dribbling shower, lack of space) paled in comparison to the surroundings thank you for having us Holly Cottage, when the time comes I will almost sad to leave. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGP9u2kPYZl8MiiAkdq638dZY3M1aeUl7tOydvplAHTTAWnnxP4Wj4KKC8WK-P1osqUc4jDN7SOPS9gDsqRKCg7-Fi1O-KhKDoTUkwpG4U9EZx0wdsj7lf67Wf-JW40s8f2iMOx5iuTA/s640/blogger-image-1166070951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGP9u2kPYZl8MiiAkdq638dZY3M1aeUl7tOydvplAHTTAWnnxP4Wj4KKC8WK-P1osqUc4jDN7SOPS9gDsqRKCg7-Fi1O-KhKDoTUkwpG4U9EZx0wdsj7lf67Wf-JW40s8f2iMOx5iuTA/s640/blogger-image-1166070951.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHsNOsgX-HeF7zwZKxyucwAx9KMA0P5lQVoajVUDza_260W2BcC1riLrXxlZKVUGEZ_ryiNCpjqT2xIbmyfSLs6bRhNZd8uBpjblrCYZUgvlgHQSvMwOb2j3tB-DqAX9xd89oAvXj1Zw/s640/blogger-image--144902013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHsNOsgX-HeF7zwZKxyucwAx9KMA0P5lQVoajVUDza_260W2BcC1riLrXxlZKVUGEZ_ryiNCpjqT2xIbmyfSLs6bRhNZd8uBpjblrCYZUgvlgHQSvMwOb2j3tB-DqAX9xd89oAvXj1Zw/s640/blogger-image--144902013.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GLdxhUF_QI78rM-VGaRdFlniaWk5WAGxdTV0YT5xBfGPiNySbcXZpAQ-2dxKc9_FLTfaRjN4SjNFohsla67rdwwpFsDe5vRrQthG3pkSQDn3nsPsgg5890DkrwXlOQtp3_DlXqd72p8/s640/blogger-image-1964132583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GLdxhUF_QI78rM-VGaRdFlniaWk5WAGxdTV0YT5xBfGPiNySbcXZpAQ-2dxKc9_FLTfaRjN4SjNFohsla67rdwwpFsDe5vRrQthG3pkSQDn3nsPsgg5890DkrwXlOQtp3_DlXqd72p8/s640/blogger-image-1964132583.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xPwJrJ5eoOrpX7zxgGWa6sU4sVcjdFGG0WDdJ48b2rlOZD1_4NDassBplCpy8VewCUMJNi7VDwN8RCGNqDjr3HKm7FtiNsx5uhHZcrY7HsFye9fzU5thZ_bpXC33V1CZRW8a6VPvrKM/s640/blogger-image-1060094020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xPwJrJ5eoOrpX7zxgGWa6sU4sVcjdFGG0WDdJ48b2rlOZD1_4NDassBplCpy8VewCUMJNi7VDwN8RCGNqDjr3HKm7FtiNsx5uhHZcrY7HsFye9fzU5thZ_bpXC33V1CZRW8a6VPvrKM/s640/blogger-image-1060094020.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUzgkcvwzTAwfxUZlAODAvuJ52pnqQIHeesDaOd_dHPAXcIFwIehNap52QH-t5AwU7BLTLmgAKhYD_iuiWP1ljZbqeQVpz8ldGc_dopLGrUr-tltSjfjZdd8N_1JDRZ0ws5chrS97Naw/s640/blogger-image-548957795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUzgkcvwzTAwfxUZlAODAvuJ52pnqQIHeesDaOd_dHPAXcIFwIehNap52QH-t5AwU7BLTLmgAKhYD_iuiWP1ljZbqeQVpz8ldGc_dopLGrUr-tltSjfjZdd8N_1JDRZ0ws5chrS97Naw/s640/blogger-image-548957795.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPm633q6yjDZWUFZihxBM_ayKymgbqB_g37zqqaQltL1sRdxV6F9cs9U5JiV2tLuoi_2xDVsBOZ_eBW_YwXnSZ7BJeb9IiocJx0KbHqddJ__03jbI7T0l_zIcbR4TWbvvy2-QnFGuDLrQ/s640/blogger-image--763492744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPm633q6yjDZWUFZihxBM_ayKymgbqB_g37zqqaQltL1sRdxV6F9cs9U5JiV2tLuoi_2xDVsBOZ_eBW_YwXnSZ7BJeb9IiocJx0KbHqddJ__03jbI7T0l_zIcbR4TWbvvy2-QnFGuDLrQ/s640/blogger-image--763492744.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-59651299446840797512013-01-23T17:22:00.001-08:002013-01-23T17:22:48.512-08:00Mud.The strawhouse is coming along in leaps and bounds now that we've finally moved on from Christmas- ugh let me tell you that holiday is no good for house building! I think it's set us back about a month, but it's all systems go now to try and get to lock up. The first coats of render are on and there's a lot of mud being slung about as corners and edges are sculpted. It's so beautiful to see the details coming to life!<br />
The windows have been another set back and as anyone who watches grand designs will tell you, it's always the windows! Hopefully they will arrive on Friday- only four weeks late. <br />
Water is proving to be our other issue right now. It's not rained for weeks and trying to keep my trees alive (and leave enough water to make mud) has become a daily battle. Has the drought returned after just a brief reprieve? I hope not. <br />
C 'mon rain, we need you! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDM-ZmOYHyv_YfiWNEoCU3UT6UGu9Ts6P5ONLys3jMHtvZDPU3fHfXcj3FsAe_L579Vk85ZaD6kz5eKCmgd_rJLbInxplknHlgxJa8nuNL-0a2_SsLOvx9OdDTRCK59boUzqPd4vVnJE/s640/blogger-image--550223443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDM-ZmOYHyv_YfiWNEoCU3UT6UGu9Ts6P5ONLys3jMHtvZDPU3fHfXcj3FsAe_L579Vk85ZaD6kz5eKCmgd_rJLbInxplknHlgxJa8nuNL-0a2_SsLOvx9OdDTRCK59boUzqPd4vVnJE/s640/blogger-image--550223443.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTYeEz_oQP2CfxotWq6IRveOOjI0RX2JXiIteYvIj4BNKjh8XE7rYXbx3Eh5T-SSy0v-l1GPRcZV3w5ADSqCVHaRY9oB1svo5xV9_xUan_PhGWqpE5peX1NBkij6zTUPNDY1Kg6PjHF4/s640/blogger-image--522862315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTYeEz_oQP2CfxotWq6IRveOOjI0RX2JXiIteYvIj4BNKjh8XE7rYXbx3Eh5T-SSy0v-l1GPRcZV3w5ADSqCVHaRY9oB1svo5xV9_xUan_PhGWqpE5peX1NBkij6zTUPNDY1Kg6PjHF4/s640/blogger-image--522862315.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dzgZ0zOeI-KpXNiY2BghUgKLjqtwZ7tROVJnF1YeBW6cP8aYPUax8y_gUZv_jJ78NmgbmC7zHPE1riRvN4l9oUHuUvcbZKTIifMntbyNfu4AUnGoyS9lY86Wis6ja13qQS66cpPAz64/s640/blogger-image-981267309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dzgZ0zOeI-KpXNiY2BghUgKLjqtwZ7tROVJnF1YeBW6cP8aYPUax8y_gUZv_jJ78NmgbmC7zHPE1riRvN4l9oUHuUvcbZKTIifMntbyNfu4AUnGoyS9lY86Wis6ja13qQS66cpPAz64/s640/blogger-image-981267309.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFSyF2Eu87oWkIC_hapsgsEHjJDoi3vKRDTBiDtzkrslH43_jAZfJY1Ez6XpEetRV9V-Hk4qX1baI9WngZS3B6rcM4NYMc5oghooXlg2SMtb71r0RgZxOEPXCH_Xbhdup-7EQvXQo6Sc/s640/blogger-image--1050860721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFSyF2Eu87oWkIC_hapsgsEHjJDoi3vKRDTBiDtzkrslH43_jAZfJY1Ez6XpEetRV9V-Hk4qX1baI9WngZS3B6rcM4NYMc5oghooXlg2SMtb71r0RgZxOEPXCH_Xbhdup-7EQvXQo6Sc/s640/blogger-image--1050860721.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-69394449982400869322012-12-02T17:35:00.001-08:002012-12-02T17:38:28.639-08:00Hello DecemberAs of this weekend we will no longer have the Internet. Or a dishwasher. Or a washing machine. Real first world problems! The he he. We are moving into a 150 year old miners cottage, with a rambling Beatrix Potteresque garden that meanders down to the forest. I feel like we're going on one of those reality tv shows where they go back to the 1800's and have to live like the pioneers would have.<br />
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I'm hoping it will be fun and interesting. The cottage is tiny, and Im hoping living in such close quarters will be bonding and special. We are only taking a box of stuff and a suitcase each and I'm hoping the lack of 'stuff' will make up for the lack of mod cons. I hope my chickens survive the move as their new enclosure is rather rustic and probably not entirely fox proof. I hope the kids don't find the move too unsettling and they embrace pioneer living with joy. I guess I'd better be sure to model exactly that! <br />
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And meanwhile the straw house keeps moving along. Heres a few recent pics and one of the half built fort / sandpit/ pirate ship. The bales are in and trimmed and straight and pinned in place. The finishing touches being applied ready for a couple of coats of render before Christmas. Next is the tricky nitty gritty of the detailing- the kitchen design, tiles, taps, doors, lights- decisions decisions! Night after night nutting out designs. Oh I really am very tired.<br />
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But a few more months and we should be living in our new home and it will all have been worth it! I imagine the contrast from old miners cottage to brand new strawbale should be quite astounding! <br />
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Wish us luck friends! I hope December is treating you well so far ;) do you have big plans for the final month of 2012? <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b2BoCgNcEIG47XwHW9BcsPXpIcjPVurvXexyEMwX1acNtkA576wv3RJ-aAIiWF4PE7hZhsQB8vd2FvFruI-emLkN7CTLac308OwSfz3th1FWfMSF2EJ1TcNlCGhhkHWgGd1ISFX8-rA/s640/blogger-image--776188582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b2BoCgNcEIG47XwHW9BcsPXpIcjPVurvXexyEMwX1acNtkA576wv3RJ-aAIiWF4PE7hZhsQB8vd2FvFruI-emLkN7CTLac308OwSfz3th1FWfMSF2EJ1TcNlCGhhkHWgGd1ISFX8-rA/s640/blogger-image--776188582.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xckyCvxYfaODWD3C1Kfa3cBvF3yFCwnzSJp6sqGrQFPLSeN26N9UsmVNXAfx5rjlWXUlHWd8LXHce8mQpJxWNDcrEudNKsHDddKzmbqtAX6AceP71zOltxf75zfN_diXaoQSTXUYWl0/s640/blogger-image--704974177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xckyCvxYfaODWD3C1Kfa3cBvF3yFCwnzSJp6sqGrQFPLSeN26N9UsmVNXAfx5rjlWXUlHWd8LXHce8mQpJxWNDcrEudNKsHDddKzmbqtAX6AceP71zOltxf75zfN_diXaoQSTXUYWl0/s640/blogger-image--704974177.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CqXlMS5JQeiGLOB8ugF_qBFpCuo89Gllc2FCoTzi-uoPFmT7jO3KE7Q07L_k9JKQkYfAgfWf_trZdbEjZxazeq7JMdyoPity1tCaoBHsWlwSL4iYalQ0Oi7ChKaMDtabe2z_N6liOsk/s640/blogger-image-919537697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CqXlMS5JQeiGLOB8ugF_qBFpCuo89Gllc2FCoTzi-uoPFmT7jO3KE7Q07L_k9JKQkYfAgfWf_trZdbEjZxazeq7JMdyoPity1tCaoBHsWlwSL4iYalQ0Oi7ChKaMDtabe2z_N6liOsk/s640/blogger-image-919537697.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUMCx03hgBauW4M0Xlo70l1lFdJ2H0msofchqNSFQpSzoEzFZw-v_SYkxw0Ji9ShGc5HHzLKYCE4992JmkaSrtVEbluIYM5dzwZCGfNGq54HKC5ELw2INXRZzxwq7UZCdyqR1xdsXK2g/s640/blogger-image-441537076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUMCx03hgBauW4M0Xlo70l1lFdJ2H0msofchqNSFQpSzoEzFZw-v_SYkxw0Ji9ShGc5HHzLKYCE4992JmkaSrtVEbluIYM5dzwZCGfNGq54HKC5ELw2INXRZzxwq7UZCdyqR1xdsXK2g/s640/blogger-image-441537076.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35B2q8b8w3iXtz6FbRd5yiA2RlKZb9aUeOhirptGx5NwIKCB37qjtvwydUegID72GJaBRMGrcC9AFqjkT66hwe0k5aHvIxyiBC9iwAlXwxG7z_KRVTKxfGcl2_SX2a9nbC6-Wjuvclqk/s640/blogger-image-418189678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35B2q8b8w3iXtz6FbRd5yiA2RlKZb9aUeOhirptGx5NwIKCB37qjtvwydUegID72GJaBRMGrcC9AFqjkT66hwe0k5aHvIxyiBC9iwAlXwxG7z_KRVTKxfGcl2_SX2a9nbC6-Wjuvclqk/s640/blogger-image-418189678.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMKQshBIs8SHW9BspkQhdreKs_NSrvPPOjLLd6hMabc6fpy71KEnF6RPk87_O8mshjPR9PCa8C25cgPp6MgAvxHN2JhHKfdMQ0eIa8aY8n5uXTQT97g2EMvIycr5REZJAeBsSc6sKEAc/s640/blogger-image-1976043545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMKQshBIs8SHW9BspkQhdreKs_NSrvPPOjLLd6hMabc6fpy71KEnF6RPk87_O8mshjPR9PCa8C25cgPp6MgAvxHN2JhHKfdMQ0eIa8aY8n5uXTQT97g2EMvIycr5REZJAeBsSc6sKEAc/s640/blogger-image-1976043545.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-50986429502367225962012-11-29T18:28:00.001-08:002012-11-29T18:28:22.076-08:0040 feet of heaven.For so long I've been crafting on the go. You know, 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there. On the lounge room floor, quick toddler is awake pack it all up. On the kitchen table, oh it's time for dinner, better move everything. I spend more time packing up and moving stuff than I do actual crafting! I'm sure there are many out there who share my pain! <br />
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Enter the shipping container studio!<br />
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We are not even in the straw house yet I know, but I have big plans to convert two shipping containers into a studio / guest quarters. Container #1 (my studio) has arrived! Oh and I love it already. It feels like my place already- I just want to hug it tight and whisper lovely things to it. My precious. <br />
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So if you like yourself a shipping container conversion, stay tuned! The journey has just begun ;) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil21a4QX5FN5Fs0vjwM-HlktJiM75jaLWQ675wm6-wdFDVWdZmIYq0B6XxF4LFtKbgHEcSdNQboMsQtAkqXdWC2MIRp9VK_TDTRruNqEb9sHfQU1dAshvXq_T6JEp0LsjUufp5Xpxqq5M/s640/blogger-image-1713262064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil21a4QX5FN5Fs0vjwM-HlktJiM75jaLWQ675wm6-wdFDVWdZmIYq0B6XxF4LFtKbgHEcSdNQboMsQtAkqXdWC2MIRp9VK_TDTRruNqEb9sHfQU1dAshvXq_T6JEp0LsjUufp5Xpxqq5M/s640/blogger-image-1713262064.jpg" /></a></div>Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-15040621594772445322012-11-14T19:24:00.002-08:002012-11-14T19:24:20.261-08:00I sew.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaSAv3x6DM7-wQD-RCy1MUggsk-O7IKP0OG3iHx-nYGj8GLryUsrcj6qZD1RMMD3KrGh171WhEKhnvJUh_4F0M-OYSY_NLlepaYsXE2aHJFfVfHsPnh6agipj1nF_l-75h8bhsaKRxaM/s1600/mayasme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaSAv3x6DM7-wQD-RCy1MUggsk-O7IKP0OG3iHx-nYGj8GLryUsrcj6qZD1RMMD3KrGh171WhEKhnvJUh_4F0M-OYSY_NLlepaYsXE2aHJFfVfHsPnh6agipj1nF_l-75h8bhsaKRxaM/s640/mayasme.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a portrait of me, drawn by one of my big boy's besties. She's 8. That's me doing some sewing. How awesome is that? Me doing what I love. Man, the children I have the pleasure of knowing constantly surprise and amaze me. Thank you Maya for the beautiful drawing :)</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-85398130126033851122012-11-13T23:20:00.001-08:002012-11-13T23:24:26.200-08:00The straw house progress....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSru1sP4FJ7T5AEoP95fClPzt2ZqdvmRgEvSt_4v0snW4uYiLG4SAKKkUrMEvkncuV8h9psuj7crkxxcfWNqeu4EIkZ9ebCztepuDiEJFw2XA4sa43cll_rQ-Uu_25UqtZitGlDzrkzhE/s1600/DSC_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSru1sP4FJ7T5AEoP95fClPzt2ZqdvmRgEvSt_4v0snW4uYiLG4SAKKkUrMEvkncuV8h9psuj7crkxxcfWNqeu4EIkZ9ebCztepuDiEJFw2XA4sa43cll_rQ-Uu_25UqtZitGlDzrkzhE/s640/DSC_0784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last weekend had a working be down at the straw house. The aim was to do as much as we could of the stacking of the bales for the external walls. We had 450 bales delivered to unload and stack. Lucky we had a few big strong men to help! Also fortunate was the fact that we had a roof, which was put on just two days before!</div>
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That's our living room full of bales. The truck that delivered the bales. The bottom plates full of scoria, and some of the aforementioned big strong men doing their thing.</div>
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There was measuring, squashing, tying, cutting and stacking of bales. That's me and the big boy taking care of the very important and highly skilled task of sweeping up the stray straw so that it didn't catch on fire.</div>
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There was a LOT of chainsawing. (very loud).</div>
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A tribe of children.</div>
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and of course a bbq at the end of it all to celebrate!</div>
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And this is how the walls looked when we finished!</div>
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Boy were we exhausted at the end of two full days of action. I think I actually passed out at about 7.30 on the Sunday night and told the big boy he'd have to put himself to bed! In fact I think I'm still recovering. Once again I am humbled and oh so grateful for our friends who came to help and this amazing community in which we live. I'm so very looking forward to spending the rest of my life here... :) </div>
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PS- I love you already straw house.</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-83160014159268204192012-10-23T20:04:00.001-07:002012-10-23T20:04:26.755-07:00Totes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzT3YAEwAerrNiFGN19ijNZAvAXwfcdpYpchV1zFSyPDgq1myCNwDKnAkzhZwmjszu_8ThnGxjKpZDV7DWDJIHqM3Xj_xJIhxXyTzkL_ugbZwTLMTMYxS-GTT_7huqGgQVdMlq7kBFbg/s1600/Tote3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzT3YAEwAerrNiFGN19ijNZAvAXwfcdpYpchV1zFSyPDgq1myCNwDKnAkzhZwmjszu_8ThnGxjKpZDV7DWDJIHqM3Xj_xJIhxXyTzkL_ugbZwTLMTMYxS-GTT_7huqGgQVdMlq7kBFbg/s400/Tote3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Look look! I designed a tote bag and gosh darn it I'm excited!!</div>
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Inspired by a good friends liberal use of the expression and something I've been working away at for a while now I'm pretty happy to finally have them in my shop. You can grab yours <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113010079/the-totes-tote-hand-printed-100-cotton">here</a> and for a limited time postage is free within Australia!</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-62216576828327874382012-10-21T20:13:00.003-07:002012-10-21T20:14:42.944-07:00Casa Dolce Casa is OPEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_he6NydCF3nw54pK4XkrkIFfRsUwwuEAw8LNAZZWF_3of0RxgGBskPVgZ5qhbKWOkeu5REQIncfLZGfyDYVjnIJRbBW0nowPfLTUtwc6hwxsZoopxzP8s3hScghyphenhyphengL9ZOEJgUeQmcGc/s1600/DSC_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_he6NydCF3nw54pK4XkrkIFfRsUwwuEAw8LNAZZWF_3of0RxgGBskPVgZ5qhbKWOkeu5REQIncfLZGfyDYVjnIJRbBW0nowPfLTUtwc6hwxsZoopxzP8s3hScghyphenhyphengL9ZOEJgUeQmcGc/s400/DSC_0755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well the exhibition was a great success! We had such a fun evening, a wonderful turn out and quite a few red stickers ;) The images just looked so amazing all together like a giant installation and it was so magical to see our gorgeous town and surrounds showcased like that. I'm so proud of the amazing women involved and I love you Daylesford. Thank you for supporting us.</div>
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Now remember it's on for a month and is part of the Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa programme, so you can pop in anytime and have a squizz :)</div>
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-4971795337069094502012-10-15T23:47:00.000-07:002012-10-15T23:49:28.861-07:00Four more sleeps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaaxww0mqLvMyZyHrldAGv8yI1CZOFf2csA6sgQ4AjnXSfpFG4jXr_5K__UYNkiBEI_iaI2WhzQRjz1fVzTmw-NizPaSVYKjzEaEtk5vZeJNdMARwChoohQIHX3tJZ3QTG_DT3LyDhA0/s1600/ame.PNG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaaxww0mqLvMyZyHrldAGv8yI1CZOFf2csA6sgQ4AjnXSfpFG4jXr_5K__UYNkiBEI_iaI2WhzQRjz1fVzTmw-NizPaSVYKjzEaEtk5vZeJNdMARwChoohQIHX3tJZ3QTG_DT3LyDhA0/s400/ame.PNG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep that's me- smiling politely on the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/10/16/3611461.htm#.UHzzOZDVSn0.email">ABC Ballarat</a> website to promote our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/152989394843095/">Instagram exhibition </a>which begins this weekend. I've gotta say I'm very excited, and I can't wait to get together with the other lovelies on Friday night to hang. I'm dying to see all the images in the flesh, and to see the overall effect which, I think, is going to be very special. </div>
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But also life has been very busy (no time to blog) and somewhat stressful (feeling to anxious to blog) of late and I can certainly do a with a good dose of social therapy (read too many glasses of wine and some very silly conversation). So bring on the weekend I say! Come visit if you can and if not have a fabulous weekend whatever you do :)</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-53427110927200032522012-10-07T18:50:00.001-07:002012-10-07T18:50:46.621-07:00Today.<div style="text-align: center;">
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It just might be.</div>
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This one's a one off.</div>
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The embroidery, not the day.</div>
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It's in the shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111108388/today-is-the-day-black-white-embroidered">here</a>.</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-11130038620597310732012-09-25T20:19:00.001-07:002012-09-25T20:43:30.454-07:00From little things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its coming along right?! </div>
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It has a frame! Today the boys have started on the internal walls. I can see it pop up over the little crest as I'm driving down there and it gives me a little thrill every time I see it :) It looks like an actual house know don't you think? Being able to stand inside it and walk through the rooms is amazing and the best part is, I can't find any faults with our plan! Yay! I'm so very glad now that we drew and redrew a million times to get it right. It was frustrating at the time, but so worth it.</div>
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Also we recently found out that the owners of our current home are returning in mid December. That means we'll be living in some sort of tent / caravan / shipping container arrangement behind the house until it is finished. That should be interesting. How will I live without the internets? Potentially without a shower! With builders there at 6am. How does a baby nap on a building site? Exactly how many different meals can you make on a bbq? Do you have experience with these types of problems? Gee I'd love some advice ;) I'm kinda worried but also pretty excited as it will just be so fabulous be living there, on our land, close to our house. We'll see, I'm sure there will be some ups and downs!</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-82428426950219043032012-09-23T17:27:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:27:13.522-07:00Fairy crowns.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAseUPYzcloV6d2T3z6bmXvBHTQivz14AWWcF_b37HQJFB-5BskpNBO1-oCSW6ul4Qy368f4uEt1Emjq71XINke7lALATa3K4vuM3_QNSqeXAi0BBmlRATYtLQjgBudvqd817Rv0zizLY/s1600/CharlieFC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAseUPYzcloV6d2T3z6bmXvBHTQivz14AWWcF_b37HQJFB-5BskpNBO1-oCSW6ul4Qy368f4uEt1Emjq71XINke7lALATa3K4vuM3_QNSqeXAi0BBmlRATYtLQjgBudvqd817Rv0zizLY/s640/CharlieFC3.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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Fridays Op-shopping uncovered a box <i>full</i> of pretty vintage silk flowers. Mind you, I could easily have missed these beauties, but little Otis started pulling them out of the box and Charlie's squeal of delight sealed the deal.</div>
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They were just perfect for fairy crowns! We twisted them around a wire form and voila! Pretty fairy princess crowns just perfect for dress ups or maybe even a flower girl outfit ;)</div>
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-33397371826638783082012-09-16T20:39:00.002-07:002012-09-16T20:39:35.789-07:00On Safari...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend was Mr Lovely's 40th Birthday & I threw him a surprise party!</div>
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He had decided to postpone his 40th celebration until he could have it in our house (which we thought we'd be in by now!) - so the surprise element worked perfectly as he wasn't feeling bad about 'nothing' happening for his big day. It was <i>so</i> cute to hear him explaining to his friends that no he wasn't doing anything, and knowing that they knew that he was doing something! The party was 'Safari' themed to pay homage to my mans love of a good safari suit and that there is the most amazing cake <u>ever</u>- created by my good friend Tara. My god, it was so lifelike! Absolutely amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAPVCeQe6MCmec3zLJGi4FhTD-lNbOM7mnFlauuICVaihZIa9s93FAQkhU8LAvBSre1ClSUH60oy5bffOPo31X5VswhVZ7fF8gogX6w2IiyT_52t8ukq4ceX2hxtPBACDyXiR-e0stqE/s1600/adam1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAPVCeQe6MCmec3zLJGi4FhTD-lNbOM7mnFlauuICVaihZIa9s93FAQkhU8LAvBSre1ClSUH60oy5bffOPo31X5VswhVZ7fF8gogX6w2IiyT_52t8ukq4ceX2hxtPBACDyXiR-e0stqE/s400/adam1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So for the past month I've been busy secretly and meticulously planning out every detail and trying to keep it all secret. I tell ya, it was SO hard.<i> Every day</i> I just wanted to tell him all about what I was doing, it almost killed me. I was so on edge by the final week and I was<i> sure</i> he knew what was going on. I'd almost put my foot in it so may times, surely he suspected something. I lured him out the designated location where 100 of his friends and relatives were waiting in a darkened room, all dressed to the nines in Safari gear and as this photo can attest, he had <i>no idea</i>!! That moment was absolute gold.</div>
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I cried. And I don't cry often.</div>
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The costumes were amazing! Everyone made such an effort and we were blown away by the awesomeness of our friends. We love you all. So many people helped to make it a night to remember and I am <i>so</i> grateful to all the wonderful peeps who put their creative mark on the evening. It was so beautiful to be able to dedicate this celebration to my dear husband 'cause he really is one hell of a bloke!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNHLK8dItIMqZpN-jGdWNu0Z7eIOPs2q4qCw1SMaUFoSCRwtAuEFGHi7hxxz7JV_lwniXnnQiEpCXez_n6t6_YQ_qB8nnVOy5jFO2q-DuMtWanbkF77giQ6c_ycbpCq-SyWJHTYWtxps/s1600/adam5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNHLK8dItIMqZpN-jGdWNu0Z7eIOPs2q4qCw1SMaUFoSCRwtAuEFGHi7hxxz7JV_lwniXnnQiEpCXez_n6t6_YQ_qB8nnVOy5jFO2q-DuMtWanbkF77giQ6c_ycbpCq-SyWJHTYWtxps/s400/adam5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Check out that mosquito costume! Amazing.</div>
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Thank you everyone who came, helped, created and partied to the break of dawn.</div>
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We may be getting older but we certainly still know how have a bloody good time!</div>
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xx t</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-64191215883491103662012-09-13T21:25:00.002-07:002012-09-14T02:51:58.169-07:00House of straw- phase 1.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPH08_j8GXhVHHEj1vzf7POqOM2M1x0-0dtxTyXAHUTU0aD0qjlDGyz3dulBhf0thVRRfB1kzf6ZPzPmac9vm8UzvQx8mEQCNn6MdFTYVLoQQQoxxsBIVbFfynZeJT-9RxGic7mrJwQE/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPH08_j8GXhVHHEj1vzf7POqOM2M1x0-0dtxTyXAHUTU0aD0qjlDGyz3dulBhf0thVRRfB1kzf6ZPzPmac9vm8UzvQx8mEQCNn6MdFTYVLoQQQoxxsBIVbFfynZeJT-9RxGic7mrJwQE/s640/DSC_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi2QoEKb80DL7YahHC1uxYSEetzObp2_196WCq4kTyrQHc8a1WLGZG2AVLUwQZojv7_rs1YSmZVIEJ1QJPZdTLbi205Ohs1xmxkbi2OmBue8-4DurXMqJaeyap5tpBicD79IeX0WEIeE/s1600/DSC_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi2QoEKb80DL7YahHC1uxYSEetzObp2_196WCq4kTyrQHc8a1WLGZG2AVLUwQZojv7_rs1YSmZVIEJ1QJPZdTLbi205Ohs1xmxkbi2OmBue8-4DurXMqJaeyap5tpBicD79IeX0WEIeE/s640/DSC_0577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My apologies for the over exposure- it was clearly too early on a monday morning (and after Mr Lovely's 40th, but that deserves a whole other post!) for me and I had the camera on the wrong setting! These were the only two I could rescue from the actual pour which happened early monday morning. Otis was beside himself with all the trucks and busy workmen. Mum & Dad pretty excited too actually...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyWoR0MKckh2GiV1E8IJH2YOsxV3_RT21gklo-76KfEKknDq6oH1OBzcmEGsPklgeZRhVQsklQkVzMjhTflTp8HPAgu2TDWygfW83hHjuTwfbwVYKZdmBqzuwDXeQd8_f_8o6NnIYWuQ/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyWoR0MKckh2GiV1E8IJH2YOsxV3_RT21gklo-76KfEKknDq6oH1OBzcmEGsPklgeZRhVQsklQkVzMjhTflTp8HPAgu2TDWygfW83hHjuTwfbwVYKZdmBqzuwDXeQd8_f_8o6NnIYWuQ/s640/DSC_0585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later that afternoon this is how it looked!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhThJ-P3duFXxVaTvIijKsKWDsVXOtrNfxCu3Z9OX2OUigcsr631iWTz0IDQ804EGxguYxQI2jWeFtfgOBH5nyZWNz_jkWR-b0xh5aoXlyNB91rxDmu2TRlih6hkHqQeqGi0x31IQpGo/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhThJ-P3duFXxVaTvIijKsKWDsVXOtrNfxCu3Z9OX2OUigcsr631iWTz0IDQ804EGxguYxQI2jWeFtfgOBH5nyZWNz_jkWR-b0xh5aoXlyNB91rxDmu2TRlih6hkHqQeqGi0x31IQpGo/s640/DSC_0581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And Escher and Charlie got to lie in their bedrooms!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEw0nxPjdbMp6DcdX8Csj4L1tfek4FkGq_G3apcwq3X2R0JEFY6M5N4pJSmrY9y992UwW_s8IujnNW5tr3m70W8PwlxrmV4CJQQvKTroDrrhU9v-KIjONC46SrsYFYgUtOM-qnek31JM/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEw0nxPjdbMp6DcdX8Csj4L1tfek4FkGq_G3apcwq3X2R0JEFY6M5N4pJSmrY9y992UwW_s8IujnNW5tr3m70W8PwlxrmV4CJQQvKTroDrrhU9v-KIjONC46SrsYFYgUtOM-qnek31JM/s640/DSC_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As our slab is going to be completely exposed we were originally going to grind and polish it- but in the end we decided to save ourselves $20k and just get it burnished instead, which, it actually turns out I like much better. The polishing looks a bit too corporate, like a foyer on Collins St. This finish is a lot more industrial looking, much more in keeping with the overall style of the straw house I think. Overall we are super happy with how it has turned out :)</div>
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Next week.... framing!</div>
Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-36036967548785247622012-09-04T22:57:00.000-07:002012-09-14T02:51:38.285-07:00Grand designs action!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLTnmHtcsdbcs1-t6ACiqRAqktzNSgZrQ6BgCzI2grBQrkAm3_yYN6HfgWeiYkmEqk60weGR1cxKZU_QLzsDxsmkSEqfzcd47m0z-sp2PKg_ReAKkab1ykvxlHv1_IOTU6KsBGSp4xNk/s1600/DSC_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLTnmHtcsdbcs1-t6ACiqRAqktzNSgZrQ6BgCzI2grBQrkAm3_yYN6HfgWeiYkmEqk60weGR1cxKZU_QLzsDxsmkSEqfzcd47m0z-sp2PKg_ReAKkab1ykvxlHv1_IOTU6KsBGSp4xNk/s640/DSC_0537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gloriously the first few days of spring here have been fabulously sunny and warm. The feeling of absolute elation that comes with the first kiss of sun on your bare skin makes the long cold winter months seem worthwhile. Absolute bliss I tell you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMkiSib-D1abm6VHRcjAF7YcG2jJb3C_B2uOFe7UlC0fmknC7sgXYIpm98tFprnWh9PUoodpaYD9DfqwMxZ4YwP4UUf02EWdwHux34ryrWTSH199AdPisvJ85AW5oOz52DrAHYuge_k0/s1600/DSC_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMkiSib-D1abm6VHRcjAF7YcG2jJb3C_B2uOFe7UlC0fmknC7sgXYIpm98tFprnWh9PUoodpaYD9DfqwMxZ4YwP4UUf02EWdwHux34ryrWTSH199AdPisvJ85AW5oOz52DrAHYuge_k0/s640/DSC_0556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And with the good weather comes tradesmen! I simply cannot convey the joy I felt at the sight of a bunch of utes parked on our block- it means it's finally happening! We've had the plumbers, electricians and concreters doing their thing, getting everything ready for the slab to be poured. This is slightly nerve wracking as its the single most expensive piece of the build- you wanna be sure its done right. Lucky I'm married to a surveyor who can check that everything is accurate down to a few millimeters! </div>
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So now we just need two clear days to pour the concrete and burnish the top- the weather charts say possibly Monday & Tuesday, so fingers crossed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8RuE7LDuNJ6Le0yM4dS02C6_F9AbcrkyNZwd8Fw81iG88tjs5aNI_V3qPkAhgQ6C_BdMm1ZIyMQJKdh6mgBUFXHu2TctwlZrPOhHrzOl4V_kB8P8M2OmjovZ_GW7gcxz8Yzq950lkHo/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8RuE7LDuNJ6Le0yM4dS02C6_F9AbcrkyNZwd8Fw81iG88tjs5aNI_V3qPkAhgQ6C_BdMm1ZIyMQJKdh6mgBUFXHu2TctwlZrPOhHrzOl4V_kB8P8M2OmjovZ_GW7gcxz8Yzq950lkHo/s640/DSC_0557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And while the boys took care of that I stuck to what I know, gardening!</div>
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I dug this lovely big bed and planted a row of silver birch to throw a touch of lovely dappled shade on the lawn, and dwarf cherry at each end to add some pretty spring colour.</div>
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In front of them I started the planting of a citrus grove with a ruby red grapefruit (for use with vodka) and two satsuma mandarins (good for cold climates). </div>
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Oh happy day, having my hands covered in that beautiful red soil, listening to the sweet sounds of a building site and imagining the loveliness to come.</div>
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I hope your spring (or autumn) so far has been just as lovely!</div>
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808134708811392306.post-57006896928283122732012-08-26T22:41:00.001-07:002012-08-26T22:48:01.742-07:00I'm very excited...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7x_kUk0F5ZEwmJPs5Ko29JZMev96PI07Hx105nM-WDKrUjoBTtB_LNWnYW52F1BZWb-7o9RKW3lYY-xd5dtl0SfPf36Hl6dmuQvpLiai72EBxzKMbX-UVP7JeKCkreHq-MEXRdP0Ho/s1600/IGexhibitionflyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7x_kUk0F5ZEwmJPs5Ko29JZMev96PI07Hx105nM-WDKrUjoBTtB_LNWnYW52F1BZWb-7o9RKW3lYY-xd5dtl0SfPf36Hl6dmuQvpLiai72EBxzKMbX-UVP7JeKCkreHq-MEXRdP0Ho/s640/IGexhibitionflyer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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about this exhibition of Instagram photography I've organised. I had been imagining the lovely of this for quite some time and on a day of particularly dreary winterness I decided to pep myself up with a wee project. It certainly lifts the spirits to have something cool to work on don't you think? My how winter inspires thee.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R3rqA_RDEv1bfyDXTgAd-3789Mb1SH7ueWnGp337A9IUemVOmbPry8FKjJkGbtSRHdgovvXcA8EKaxAyM8DNPZnuoeAr8Hneamx7vJAlsgk-m7_X4dhN9wPh_TdY5934RskVbbshVLE/s1600/stmel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R3rqA_RDEv1bfyDXTgAd-3789Mb1SH7ueWnGp337A9IUemVOmbPry8FKjJkGbtSRHdgovvXcA8EKaxAyM8DNPZnuoeAr8Hneamx7vJAlsgk-m7_X4dhN9wPh_TdY5934RskVbbshVLE/s640/stmel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Showing at the newly opened <a href="http://www.stmeldesign.com/">St Mel </a>store, which is just the coolest place to hang out now in our fair town. Great coffee, hot bikes, handmade awesomeness and of course, art.</div>
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And the artists include a couple of other fabulous bloggers- The lovely and very talented Kate of <a href="http://foxslane.blogspot.com.au/">Foxs Lane</a> and the equally awesome Beck of <a href="http://dandelion-beck.blogspot.com.au/">Dandelion Daylesford.</a> The image I used for the invite is by another of the contributing artists, Fi Tunnicliff. This is the original instagram image... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR2k-99a9M9XiBtt5qNi3jOUzy1743IngHH89HbV2ZJgRX4JPutTtkeclVAhY0CnB6lCRpqOAZtHgbJLM3fSyYGv5XRSufVwrcYMw8wHgj_wWmE7k9NAzz3kDMWQI54ahX_PZ2Q_remA/s1600/FI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR2k-99a9M9XiBtt5qNi3jOUzy1743IngHH89HbV2ZJgRX4JPutTtkeclVAhY0CnB6lCRpqOAZtHgbJLM3fSyYGv5XRSufVwrcYMw8wHgj_wWmE7k9NAzz3kDMWQI54ahX_PZ2Q_remA/s640/FI.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't that stunning? Seriously, it took my breath away. Here is another...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q0BXgSR-Rg7fqkhyk5SGGO-QSfgx9JK37KF2GWSxJCzjWZygalKGP3fLVYsa5U3DL8J1outVQ5qFWFhEAp5vz5GaDI3lu8JQJ7y22bluCKk6E3XOVgEy8kE7IdzxB6h1ni8qLw8e4WU/s1600/fi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Q0BXgSR-Rg7fqkhyk5SGGO-QSfgx9JK37KF2GWSxJCzjWZygalKGP3fLVYsa5U3DL8J1outVQ5qFWFhEAp5vz5GaDI3lu8JQJ7y22bluCKk6E3XOVgEy8kE7IdzxB6h1ni8qLw8e4WU/s640/fi2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous yes? Want to see more? Well, come to the exhibition. </div>
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You can have a framed limited edition print call your very own!</div>
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Tania Verdezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981092775236178182noreply@blogger.com0