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Saturday 25 April 2015

A day of remembrance

ANZAC Gallipoli Remembrance: 25th April 1915

ANZAC poppy wrap
I found this beautiful ANZAC day poppy wrap online.  It was made for someone traveling to Gallipoli for the remembrance day celebrations; absolutely stunning!

As history unfolds: Gallipoli 100 commemorations at Chunuk Bair.

New Zealand and Australians join together in remembrance.




The poppy signifies so much to so many people.  I have a bunch of poppies as part of my blog header for a reason; not just because it signifies the gathering up of flowers. As a teenager I learnt so much about the First World War from my English teacher at high school. These lessons have stayed with me for life. Learning about the battles and the appalling conditions experienced by soldiers during that campaign were expressed in First World War poetry.
This poem is iconic.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, May 1915.

For me this is the poetry that I remember: 

The First World War poetry of Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and Rupert Brooke is what resonates most for me. 

Anthem For Doomed Youth - Poem by Wilfred Owen

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? 
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. 


I began writing poetry as a teenager and even now I still write. I don't get to share my writing with others, but prefer to write for myself.  My desire to record using an art journal or visual diary certainly makes more sense now I think about it.  



Friday 24 April 2015

Capsule Dressing 2

Fix it, Flip it, Frame it.


The Flipit wrap dress
The Flipit wrap dress: Capsule dressing at its best.  
Each version has a flip side, both are light and look delicious. This is a very interesting version of the wrap dress; with a twist. I have been a fan of Anna Stretton designs for some time and I'm sure that any travel wardrobe would be more adaptable with at least one wrap dress included.
The only wrap dress you’ll ever need and Annah's answer to the infinity dress! 

The idea is to begin with an undergarment: Fixit
Annah Stretton’s answer to the perfect foundation garment


Add the wrap dress: Flipit
Then add the light jacket: Frameit
This over garment can be worn either short or long in three colours.


So many variations!! 
Find the wrapping tutorials here.










Tuesday 21 April 2015

Capsule Dressing- The wrap dress


DVF Wrap Dress: 

The iconic wrap dress has always been a very flattering style for any size and shape. These original Vogue patterns would be great to have in anyone's pattern stash. I enjoyed reading about Diane Von Furstenberg original pattern releases at this Pattern Vault article.
Vogue 1548 by Diane Von Furstenberg (1976) Image via Etsy

Vogue 1549 by Diane Von Furstenberg (1976) Image via eBay.

Vogue 1610 by Diane Von Furstenberg (c. 1977)


.Vogue 1853 by Diane Von Furstenberg (c. 1978) Image via the Vintage Patterns Wiki.

Vogue 2517 by Diane Von Furstenberg (1980) Image via Rusty Zipper.

Vogue 1486 by Diane Von Furstenberg (1984) Image via Etsy.

 The 2015 versions of this iconic style can be seen on Elle.com.



10 rules to live by from an iconic person; Diane Von Furstenberg
1. Know yourself.“The secret to feeling attractive, and to being attractive, is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in.”
2. Learn to love life.“The older you get, the more you should learn to love life and appreciate the beauty that comes with age.”
3. Create a visual diary.
“Carry a camera and create an inspiring visual diary of your life.”
4. Live a simplified life.
“The best way to know a [wo]man is to open her [his] luggage. If [s]he knows how to pack well, it means she [he] understands, and cherishes, how to live a simplified life.”
5. Be authentic.
“Choose fashions that make you happy. Always choose styles that also accentuate your personality. Don’t use fashion to try and project a different persona. Authenticity is key.”
6. Keep moving.
“The best regimen is to keep moving! Never stop working, travelling and seeking adventure. Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and sugar and get to your yoga class!”
7. Be your own best friend.
“The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.”
8. Live a little.
“Sleep is easier to make up than a unique evening.”
9. Enjoy treats.
“Be proud of yourself. Try to eat well….and when you cheat, enjoy it!”
10. Discover yourself.
“That wonderful and terribly frightening journey of self-discovery. That process of growth, of being an independent person, of learning who you are and what you want from life, is the real secret of life, happiness and beauty.”


Wednesday 15 April 2015

Keeping a journal



Image of the world; iridescent, brilliant and fluid. 

My blogging has had to be sidelined recently for living life and all that entails. Family and work have taken centre stage for some time now.

I will be starting my journalling experience gradually.  This is my start!!
I have been researching various sites learning about visual diaries and art journals. There seems to be no workshops or courses available in our immediate area, but there are numerous online courses.  I've purchased the resources required and I intend to concentrate on the processes and techniques to develop and then from there.............who knows?  

 My plan is to start writing and documenting our recent trip to the USA and our side trip to Cancun in Mexico.  This was the first time we had traveled to either country.
It was so inspirational in so many ways.  Also, my best finds for a capsule travelling wardrobe, because I am notorious for over-packing.