Lucky Dip

Just beachy...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Shells and other pretties for my daughters 16th and nieces 21st party last night.

To the markets I did go....

and the beach...

Wishing you all days that are 'just beachy'.

Missing my bloggy friends!

A burst of sunshine...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 00:59:00 +0000

A lovely friend of mine took me to lunch, check out the decor!

The tomato sauce bottle is a beautiful touch of Kiwiana.

Love!!

A step back in time, but doesn't it look cosy?

OMG, that wall paper!! Love it!

While I didn't like everything I love the way it went together. A mismatched orchestra playing together beautifully!

Linked to: Anything Blue Friday

Pinnochio

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 06:59:00 +0000

Look who arrived in the mail yesterday...

A vintage puppet by the name of Pinocchio!

Creating original collage images...DIY!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 01:10:00 +0000

Create your own collage imagery!

Many of us end up with photos we like but have no real purpose for. Take the one above. I like it, it reflects the sense of community and hierarchy often seen in birds. I like it because I took it and it reminds me of the enjoyment I get from watching birds, even in my own back yard. It has visual and emotion appeal..to me..but it's not an overly great photo!

So what to do with this photo? Do I hit delete and simply accept that I missed the opportunity to get some great pics? Or do I make something of it, just because I like it?

Enter technology!

I cropped it then used an antiquing filter from photo scape.

I love this photo, as is. I manually focused this photo, it' not quite perfect but it doesn't matter when you do this...

Coloured pencil filter (photo scape) above

Pencil filter (Picassa) below.

Cropped and colour boosted (photo scape) ...

I've used many of my own photos is collages, I enjoy creating the main image and not using an image that others already have. It makes it more 'mine' and that's something I enjoy.

These images are now ready to be used in collage work and all it took was a little extra time and faith that there was an image worth saving.

Obviously you will create according to your own style and patience when it comes to using filters.

I've shared a few of mine below.

Best wishes for happy creating and may your nest be blessed,

Lisa

This tutorial has been shared on home talk, Pinterest and Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground

4 pots and a bird, a blue tinted vignette!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:37:00 +0000

Isn't it funny how things coincide sometimes?

I've been thinking in shades of blue lately. Blue wool pompoms, blue candles, blue pottery, blue embroidery...and then by chance I happen upon "Anything Blue Friday" on Home Talk.

Perfect! I knew just what a wanted to share.

I got both the blue/brown pottery bowl and the water-drop like blue incense holder this week. From different second hand (thrift) shops for a grand total of $2. They belong together! I love them.

They were already placed together like this so I decided to take a few pics and play around with them. It's so cold here today, I love how the 60s filter and cross hatch filter make this look so warm. It also helped make the photo more forgiving of the slow shutter speed I had to use in the poor lighting!

One of the blogs I visited at the Anything Blue Friday party was sharing a Vignette Design Series, I didn't apply it to these photos as I'd already taken them but it's an interesting post. Go to Botanic Bleu for more information, it's worth reading if you like to create vignettes.

This will be shared at:

WOW us Wednesdays

Anything Blue Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Cheerful Hearts on a Winters Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 09:39:00 +0000

G Finger knitting, single crochet and pompoms...

Cheerful hearts on a Winters Day!

May your nest be blessed,

Lisa

Inspired times...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 19:18:00 +0000

Wow, we've been busy!

Baby, it's coooold outisde!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 04:24:00 +0000

I adore creating these happy spaces, this one is in my kitchen and it's my first winter themed 'mantel'.

(I don't actually have a mantel...anywhere.)

The family crest sits bold and bright in contrast to the wild daisies. The vase was my Grandma's and I love it...and the owl candle...and ceramic mice...and my up-cycled festive lights!

These lights broke, rather than throw them away I snipped them from the wire and WALAH! A bit of

glam to add sparkle to these cold winter days. I'm not letting the black dog in this winter!

(The daisy's help too...)

May your nest be blessed,

Lisa

Happy Spaces 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:02:00 +0000

As most of you know I LOVE nests and I am very fortunate to have a LOT of them. Big, little, real, man-made..I am fortunate indeed! Inevitably the nests start to break down. I was wondering what to do with some of the larger ones I have that were starting to resemble mounds of grass rather than nests....when it occurred to me to use them as planters!

Just as nature intended the nest blends right in and as it decomposes it will feed all around it.

Nest LOVE!

I recreated my front porch display too. Probably one of the most important of my happy spaces as it's the first thing I see when I get home. I do actually remember to stop and enjoy these happy spaces. My display was in need of a change though so I pulled an old mower around to the front of the house and placed some things around it.

I liked it...but I didn't LOVE it. Something was missing...

I literally picked up a vase of flowers I had inside and walked out with them...AMAZING what a difference colour can make! Check out those red berries!

Now I love it:)

May your nest be blessed as your visits and comments have blessed mine.

Lisa

Also posted at: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground - Be Inspired
Home Sweet Home
TGIF Link Party
Redoux

ICE 2014 Collages 1,2,3 and 4!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:14:00 +0000

Wow, when the artist blocks finally breaks it sure does so with gusto! I have made 4 collages in 4 days! That includes the research and drawing. It's become as natural to me as breathing and I am totally liberated from THE BLOCK!

In my ICE 2014 series I am exploring our relationship with 'pest' animals in NZ.

Pests are defined as 'A destructive insect or animal that destroys crops, food and livestock' or 'An annoying thing or person.'

My thoughts are still circling on this. It's our own fault that we have pests species. Most are introduced to our country and the damage that results from altering the environment is long lasting. We then seek to contain or destroy them and that action becomes entwined with our culture.

Welcome along on my latest collage journey...

ICE 2014- THE HUNTED

The Hunted: ICE #1.

Love Hate Relationship

We love their meat so we farm them, we set them free so we could love hunting them and now we hate them for destroying forest floors they had access too in the wild. We grew up with Bambi and Thumper. We loved them. So when did Bambi become prey?

The Hunted: ICE #2

"Separate the Men from The Boys"

Back in 'the days' it was a huge part of NZ culture to hunt deer. Out there in the rugged hill country you defined yourself...are you a man or just a boy?

I dislike the notion that you must be able to kill and survive camping in the cold, primitive deer huts in order to prove you manhood. The bigger the trophy you return with the more of a man you are...yeah right!

The Hunted: ICE # 3

"Just not cute enough"

The possum has made it all the way to number 1 on the list of major pests in NZ. The possum kills not only plants but enjoys a feast on birds eggs. If that wasn't enough to make conservationist hot under the collar they have even been known for pushing our native Kiwi out of the burrows and taking over the residence. Oh and they're scary. They hiss, have beady eyes and the claws on them are those of a predator.

Maybe, like the counter-part the deer they would be more loved were cute enough?

This notion in particular reminds me a lot of society in general, but lets not go there...

The possum...a bit raccoon like, a bit red panda but not enough of either to be 'cute enough.'

The Hunted: ICE #4

"Run Rabbit Run"

Most people of my generation who grew up Kiwi will know the song " Oma Rapeti" which translates to "Run Rabbit." If I recall correctly the song is a warning to the rabbit because the farmer has his gun. The rabbit, like the deer are both loved and hated. Despite the fact they are a pest we still celebrate them at Easter and immerse the cute ones into our culture. They destroy vegetation to the point where land erodes but for most of us all it seems to take as one look at there sweet bunny noses and tails and we love them all over again...

May your nest be blessed!

Lisa

A new collage!! Artist block BROKEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:36:00 +0000

This is the first collage I have created in around 2 years. I am pretty excited about that!

Finally that nasty artist block has been broken!!

How did I do that?

I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Sorry I can't give any information more useful than that for others who are experiencing the same thing. I had to wait it out and work on other aspects of my life. Apparently there's been a lot to work on!

Not only does it feel FANTASTIC to create art again it's also a great sign about where I am at now and it's so encouraging to me to actually feel like I am winning in the battle with the black dog. Whoop!!

Here's a close up of her. I made marks on paper in pencil then collage together the neck of the deer. It was the first time I have tried that technique and although I like the look I didn't enjoy working with the fiddly bits of tiny paper! I drew the head as one piece.

Below: A sneak preview of the next collage, this one is intended for ICE 2014. I am not sure about the other collage.

Of course, I have something to say in this one!

I struggle with drawing, I always have and it's very rear for me to include an image of something I drew in an artwork. I am so pleased with this deer I drew that I did 4 of them, all different but in the same pose. I find the grid helps immensely, not just for enlarging but also for seeing. I need to isolate a small part and stick to only what I can see in the square with no concern about any other part of the image. If it's not in the square it doesn't matter!

May your nest be blessed!

Lisa

She sees sea shells...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 08:42:00 +0000

How sweet are these little sea shell candles? I have been making for an upcoming coastal themed party.
I love how these look like rock pools and they came with a bonus outing to the beach to collect them.
I am making 100 for the party in different colours and shell types but I am also very tempted to make some extras for a summer 'happy space' when the season arrives.

Today is a smooth white seashell, hold it close and listen to the beauty of the hours. - unknown

May your nest be blessed!

L x

Creating moments

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:09:00 +0000

One of my new favorite things to do is create these happy places. I love to create places I love to look at.

There are 4 nests in this space plus some of my favorite op-shop scores and gifts.

The painting was done by my sister in law, lucky me to have gotten this one! I love it.

Photo Bombed!

May your nest be blessed,

Lisa

A moment...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:10:00 +0000

Night time. Misty Windows. Wild Flowers. Soft shadows fall against the wall. A moment enjoyed in the midst of it all.

You may remember my new year intention to enjoy a moment each day? Capturing, remembering and living in these moments are vital in my fight to stay afloat in the stormy seas I find myself being tossed about in.

The last month has particularly hard and I can't say I have lived a moment of each day. Sometimes I've just been lucky to wash to the shore!

BUT I"M STILL HERE.

My daughter has been in hospital nearly a month now, shes had a spinal fusion involving multiple bone grafts and 2 titanium rods screwed into her pelvis. They run the length of her spine and are attached to it by 23 screws. In our stay I have met many kids and parents who face trials and heart ache well above the norm but one boy in particular will stay with me. He was receiving treatment for cancer. His little head was bald and a tube snaked from his nose and down his shirt. All of a sudden there was a commotion, someone had changed the channel on the communal TV and boy was he unhappy about it! He comes tearing out of the lounge, tears streaming down his face and I looked him and thought..

...and THAT'S what you're worried about???

How awesome that in the midst of things he hadn't stopped been a child. How awesome that he didn't let his circumstance be what defined him. He was still a child wanting to watch cartoons like any other kid his age. He wasn't caught up in being sick or worried or feeling sad about his circumstance.

He was still him.

I could learn a lot from that child.

May your nest be blessed,

Lisa

I spy...Autumn Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:56:00 +0000

Beautiful yes?

Take walk with me....

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:33:00 +0000

Back to my favorite place to be...McLaren's Falls.

These toad stills were everywhere. They're so beautiful and charming that I think they deserve a post of there own...I certainly took enough photos for it! :)

Happy Autumn/Fall/Spring to you all!

In search of peace

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:12:00 +0000

My youngest bought us the bone covering for our recent wedding anniversary, 17 years...yay us!

My son has a gift for finding fallen bird egg shells. He's also found 4 of the 6 small nests I have (above and below.)

Who knew tobacco flowers were so pretty?

My eldest girl painted me the birds for Christmas.

The God's Eye is from Mardi Gras.

I find myself creating little scenes like these ones, my life is turbulent and I need peace.

Is it an oxymoron that in this time of darkness that I find myself making happy spots?

Self-medicating.

The black dog yaps, still, it never goes but so far I have it on it's leash.

My daughters surgery was due to be this coming Tuesday but it got postponed, leaving me in free fall.

At least I've realized now that I don't have to keep falling.

YES, My home IS my nest and so I create these areas that I love and that bring the calm and peace I search for.

This one greets me and all our visitors at the front door....

Be well, be blessed.

Lisa

Autumn-ish

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Autumn is still teasing us here in NZ. Characteristic cold, crisp mornings, clear sunny skies during the day and starry, starry nights but not a lot of wind-fall seeds and leaves yet!

I want to have an 'autumn love' table this year...way to go pinterest!...so I thought I would collect acorns from the local pond. What a bonus to come home with a thrush nest and red fruits too!

(The two other nests and the vintage cloths sit with it but it's not quite a table display yet!)

Happy Autumn/Fall or Spring to you all!

2 nests...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:33:00 +0000

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:21:00 +0000

Happy Easter my friends!

Here's a peak at my Easter Table. Next year I would love to do and EASTER TREE. As I've only just heard of them this year I will make do with a few scraps gathered and tied with beads, beautiful threads and a scrabble tile....

...and some cute little money tree seedling planted in egg shells.

There's calmness in the simplicity that I am enjoying and all the nests and birds help too of course!

Have a beautiful and blessed Easter!

Lisa

Where my creativitiy went!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 04:59:00 +0000

This is where it went! School science projects on the respiratory system and goblet cells and ice cream themed birthday party...

Hope you are still firmly in touch with your creative self regardless of what road you are on:)

Enjoying a moment...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 07:33:00 +0000

Bread baking in the oven with the frittata, and baked custard pudding.

Time for a moment with my camera...

Dissapearing...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:52:00 +0000

Usually when I dissapear from my blog it's for one of two reasons...family commitments or depression issues.
Thankfully this time is the first reason. Life has been busy with school and adapting to a tighter budget. I even make dog food from scratch these days. Lucky for me I enjoy a challenge to do something better, find another way and up my game. Espcecially when it comes to doing things for my family.
We are back at school now, my eldest is doing NCEA and my son first year of college. Both taught by me at home as I am sure I have mentioned before. I posted today's learning 'ta-dah' moment on my other blog if you're interested in taking a look!

Be well my friends and may your nest be blessed!

Gnome Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:38:00 +0000

Before ...

After....

These awesome gnomes are my Mothers. Before her they were my Grandmothers.

3 are original Walt Disney figures, concrete and technically dwarfs and 2 are modern ceramic.

For Christmas this year Mum asked us to repaint the Gnomes (we did them 5 years ago and they needed refreshing) so repainted Gnomes is what she got. I actually quite like them and it's nice to keep them in the family.

Love em or hate em these Gnomes are here to stay!

Share the JOY Thursday...

noreply@blogger.com (Lucky Dip Lisa) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:11:00 +0000

It's a little ironic that I am joining a meme called 'Share the Joy Thursday' isn't it? In the spirit of new years and new beginnings I am. Life is not all rain and no rainbows after all!

My daughter, Pearl taking a closer look at the lit up waterfall.

When the black dog was yapping recently she wrote me a card. In it she said "being happy doesn't mean life is perfect, it just means that your the type who looks beyond the imperfections...'

Sweet and wise at 11...that's my girl!

Recently we went to the Pukekura lights show in New Plymouth (NZ.) It was beautiful walking through this park again, it was at least 10 years ago when I went last! Photographically speaking it was a challenge. I didn't have my tripod so I did the best I could and tried not to breathe while clicking! These are a few of my favorite's. I hope you will enJOY them!

Happy days everyone, live the moment!

PS: I am endeavoring to reply to all comments in the comments section, please check back on them later.

PPS: I have started a new blog to post things that don't quite fit here. My first post is art related (an informal tutorial on making nest themed page keepers) but it won't always be like that. Visit me at http://olmotherhubbard.blogspot.co.nz

Looking forward to seeing you!

***Lucky Dip***

Just beachy...

A burst of sunshine...

Pinnochio

Creating original collage images...DIY!

4 pots and a bird, a blue tinted vignette!

Cheerful Hearts on a Winters Day...

Inspired times...

Baby, it's coooold outisde!

Happy Spaces 2

ICE 2014 Collages 1,2,3 and 4!!

A new collage!! Artist block BROKEN!

She sees sea shells...

Creating moments

A moment...

I spy...Autumn Treasures

Take walk with me....

In search of peace

Autumn-ish

2 nests...

Happy Easter

Where my creativitiy went!!

Enjoying a moment...

Dissapearing...

Gnome Love!

Share the JOY Thursday...

Lucky Dip